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I WAS VERY gripped by Kerri Christopher's essay, 'Three Christmas Dinners' (February 2023). I've not suffered such a thing myself, but just reading about the fractured family affairs of this [...]

ABSTRACT Discovery tools are emerging in libraries. These tools offer library patrons the ability to concurrently search the library catalog and journal articles. While vendors rush to provide feature-rich interfaces [...]

Arterial smooth muscle (ASM) contraction plays a critical role in regulating blood distribution and blood pressure. Vasoconstrictors activate cell surface receptors to initiate signaling cascades involving increased intracellular [Ca.sup.2+] concentration ([[[Ca.sup.2+].sub.i]]) and recruitment of protein kinase C (PKC), leading to ASM contraction, though the PKC isoenzymes involved vary between different vasoconstrictors and their actions. Here, we have used confocal microscopy of enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP)-labeled PKC isoenzymes to visualize PKC translocation in primary rat mesenteric ASM cells in response to physiological vasoconstrictors, with simultaneous imaging of [Ca.sup.2+] signaling. Endothelin-1, angiotensin II, and uridine triphosphate all caused translocation of each of the PKC isoenzymes [alpha], [delta], and [epsilon]; however, the kinetics of translocation varied between agonists and PKC isoenzymes. Translocation of eGFP-PKC[alpha] mirrored the rise in [[[Ca.sup.2+].sub.i]], while that of eGFP-PKC[delta] or -[epsilon] occurred more slowly. Endothelin-induced translocation of eGFP-PKC[epsilon] was often sustained for several minutes, while responses to angiotensin II were always transient. In addition, preventing [[[Ca.sup.2+].sub.i]] increases using 1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra-(acetoxymethyl) ester prevented eGFP-PKC[alpha] translocation, while eGFP-PKC[delta] translocated more rapidly. Our results suggest that PKC isoenzyme specificity of vasoconstrictor actions occurs downstream of PKC recruitment and demonstrate the varied kinetics and complex interplay between [Ca.sup.2+] and PKC responses to different vasoconstrictors in ASM. protein kinase C; arterial smooth muscle; fluorescence imaging; intracellular [Ca.sup.2+] concentration; diacylglycerol

ABSTRACT During any extended mission to an extreme environment (i.e. the International Space Station, a lunar base or a manned mission to Mars) the chances of an otherwise minor injury [...]

A study is conducted on Turkish textile and automotive industries to examine the efficacy of elearning-by-exportingE method in improving productivity and economic growth.

A kinematic analysis technique is introduced to find the angular velocities of all links in bevel epicyclic gear trains. The method relies on previous work in graph theory. It improves on existing techniques used for analysis of planar geared mechanisms in its ability to accurately solve the kinematics of spatial geared mechanisms, particularly bevel gear trains, in a simpler manner. Usefulness of the method is demonstrated through its application to power-flow and efficiency analyses as well as its implementation in computer software. This discussion is limited to gear trains whose input and output axes are collinear, such as automotive automatic transmissions. [DOI: 10.1115/1.814392] Keywords: Bevel Gear Trains, Kinematic Analysis, Graph Notation, Spatial Kinematics, Epicyclic Gear Trains, Planetary Gear Trains

This paper addresses similarities between various nutating or wobbling mechanisms, in particular kinematic similarities. A case is made for the generalization of these mechanisms into a mechanism 'class' having common kinematic characteristics, which is typified by bevel epicyclic gear trains. A similarity index is proposed to describe the quality of kinematic similarity, with the best degree of similarity termed 'equivalence.' It is proposed that kinematic analysis of mechanisms belonging to this 'class' can be simplified by modeling them as bevel-gear trains, and that static-force, power-flow, and efficiency analyses can also be greatly simplified in the case of 'equivalent' mechanisms. Simplified kinematic, force, and efficiency analyses are demonstrated for a unique wobbling speed reducer using this new concept of equivalent geared mechanisms. [DOI: 10.1115/1.1829068] Keywords: Equivalent Mechanisms, Bevel Gear Trains, Epicyclic Gear Trains, Nutating Mechanisms, Wobbling Mechanisms, Kinematic Analysis, Power-Flow Analysis, Static-Force Analysis, Efficiency Analysis

This research evaluated five case studies of patients with psoriasis following a dietary regimen. There is no cure for psoriasis and the multiple treatments currently available only attempt to reduce the severity of symptoms. Treatments range from topical applications, systemic therapies, and phototherapy; while some are effective, many are associated with significant adverse effects. There is a need for effective, affordable therapies with fewer side effects that address the causes of the disorder. Evaluation consisted of a study group of five patients diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis (two men and three women, average age 52 years; range 40-68 years) attending a 10-day, live-in program during which a physician assessed psoriasis symptoms and bowel permeability. Subjects were then instructed on continuing the therapy protocol at home for six months. The dietary protocol, based on Edgar Cayce readings, included a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, small amounts of protein from fish and fowl, fiber supplements, olive oil, and avoidance of red meat, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates. Saffron tea and slippery elm bark water were consumed daily. The five psoriasis cases, ranging from mild to severe at the study onset, improved on all measured outcomes over a six-month period when measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (average pre- and post-test scores were 18.2 and 8.7, respectively), the Psoriasis Severity Scale (PSS) (average pre- and post-test scores were 14.6 and 5.4, respectively), and the lactulose/mannitol test of intestinal permeability (average pre- and post-test scores were 0.066 and 0.026, respectively). These results suggest a dietary regimen based on Edgar Cayce's readings may be an effective medical nutrition therapy for the complementary treatment of psoriasis; however, further research is warranted to confirm these results. (Altern Med Rev 2004;9(3):297-307), Introduction Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by thickened, silvery-scaled patches. (1) Its cause is not yet known, but numerous studies link it with inflammatory and immune mechanisms [...]

A new set of equations for linear elastic analysis of tall rigid-jointed frames loaded at the joints is derived. These are simultaneous difference equations involving four local kinematic quantities, with story level as the single independent variable. They may be solved explicitly for certain classes of frames of practical interest. The solution is nontrivial and employs techniques that are of general interest in the kinematic and static analysis of periodic elastic structures. Application to an eight-bay, 40-story frame under lateral loading yields topmost story drift within 6% of the exact finite-element solution. The solution represents a vertex of the subspace of kinematically admissible states. Thus, it may be used in the hypercircle formulas of Prager and Synge to obtain bounds on displacement and stress, or as a stand-alone analysis and design tool for tall planar frames. The current solution may be implemented easily in commercial spreadsheet software, offering a significant advantage to the structural analyst.

Love and Buccola (1991) presented an econometric methodology of complicated estimation procedures for the joint estimation of a set of first-order conditions under risk-aversion. They claim that separating preference from technology estimation potentially introduces both inconsistency and inefficiency. However, it is argued that consistency is not an issue in the estimation and that such estimation may be possible only with severe restrictions on the modeling of preferences or technology.

Annualized estimates of welfare changes in the US hog industry resulting from the eradication of pseudorabies virus infection indicated aggregate net gains for the scenarios considered. Producer surplus change in states with an annual production of 5 million hogs or greater was positive, but those producing less than this could lose producer surplus. The methodology used accounted for market equilibrium changes caused by the eradication program and allowed calculation of changes in producer and consumer surplus.

Local governments have been prevented by certain structural barriers from developing efficient service delivery systems. Measuring efficiency should furnish local officials with data they can include in policy and operational decision making to overcome such barriers. Examined is the case of managerial efficiency of small rural Midwestern township officials concerning the delivery of rural road services. An objective measure of rural government efficiency is developed revealing that managerial inefficiencies should be methodically dealt with.

Byline: Carl W. Nelson Biotechnology is entering a phase in which production can be as crucial to a firm's success as its laboratory research breakthroughs, financial strength, ability to win US FDA approval, and marketing prowess. Biomanufacturing processes follow a progression of molecular isolation and manipulation, inoculation into a suitable growth medium, gradual scale-up, recovery, and purification. This paper outlines some of the unique and crucial aspects in the production of biotech products and the place of various manufacturing strategies in the face of the scientific, technological and market uncertainties.

Optimal hedge changes considerably upon the adoption of a one-sided risk measure and the relaxation of standard hedging assumptions. There is little or no incentive for hedging in a downside risk framework with realistic hedging assumptions.

A portable, wide bandwidth, time-domain electromagnetic sensor system has been developed and used extensively to measure the eddy current time-decay response of a wide variety of metal targets. The sensor has demonstrated the ability to measure metal target decay times starting approximately 3 to 5 [micro]s after the transmitter current is turned off and target decay time constants as short as 1.4 [micro]s. The sensor has demonstrated the potential for detecting very low-metal content mines due to the void they create in some types of electrically lossy soils. The development of the sensor is described in detail, and time-decay data are shown for a variety of metal targets, including low metal antitank and antipersonnel mines. Index Terms--Clutter reduction, electromagnetic induction, identification, landmine, magnetic transducers, metal detection, object detection, time-domain measurements.

Public debate about the acceptability of genetically modified organisms in the production of food and feed has included controversy about risks of harming human health and/or the natural environment. Consumer and public response to the risks can be volatile, as manifested in some of the extreme protest actions in Europe. These reactions are due, in part, to strong judgments formed from memorable events. Such judgments are common when individuals do not have a good understanding of risks. Economic and psychological theories of decision making provide understanding of how these judgments are formed, how they might evolve, and what can be done to influence them. Public dialogue and action must account for cognitive difficulties assessing risks to stimulate public evaluation that gives full consideration to the benefits and cost of genetically modified organisms.

Monitoring change over time is an important aspect of results-oriented management. Social indicators provide information on trends in the conditions of children, families, and communities. In Delaware, the social indicator program known as Families Count is a building block in the state's development of a managing for results system. This article describes the development, use, and institutionalization of the Families Count program in Delaware. Then, the Families Count indicators are discussed in the context of Delaware's current and planned alignments and linkages of strategic plans, performance measures, and program evaluations. The article concludes by identifying the lessons learned, considering the implications of the Delaware experience for the role of social indicators in a results-oriented system, and stating remaining challenges for the success of this system.

In 'Reworking the Federal Role in Small Business Research' (Issues, Summer 1999) George E. Brown, Jr. and James Turner do the academic and policy community an important service by clearly […]