bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Androgen‐induced norepinephrine release mediating guinea pig seminal vesicle smooth muscle proliferation: Potential role of pre‐synaptic α2‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Kim Julie M. , Cole Dennis J. , Franklin Grant L. , Mawhinney Michael G. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecent studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that androgen‐induced basal norepinephrine (NE) release is responsible for the onset of proliferation in seminal vesicle smooth muscle (SVM) cells during early puberty. With subsequent sexual maturation, SVM was irreversibly differentiated to an androgen‐resistant‐amitotic state in which basal NE release remained elevated and resistant to androgen withdrawal or repletion. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that this irreversible elevation of basal NE release during pubertal development is caused, at least in part, by the down‐regulation of pre‐synaptic NE feedback inhibition, secondary to irreversible reduction in the expression of neuronal (pre‐synaptic) α2‐adrenoceptors. Functional α2‐adrenoceptors are selectively localized to pre‐synaptic sites in SVM.METHODSTo test this hypothesis, we employed ligand binding techniques with [3H]RX821002, an antagonist which labeled all α2‐adrenoceptor sub‐types. Initial experiments focused on analysis of competitor specificity to identify the predominant α2‐adrenoceptor sub‐type in SVM. Subsequently, we quantified the changes in the receptor concentration (Bmax) for [3H]RX821002 at the point of maximal dihydrotestosterone (DHT)‐induced change in basal NE release.RESULTSBased on competitor specificity for [3H]RX821002, the α2D‐adrenoceptor sub‐type predominated in SVM. We treated pre‐pubertal castrate animals with DHT for 7 days, which was previously demonstrated to maximally induce basal NE release. This treatment reduced the pre‐synaptic α2‐adrenoceptor Bmax 4‐fold. In animals which had been castrated as adults, the Bmax for [3H]RX821002 remained irreversibly suppressed.CONCLUSIONSThe DHT‐dependent reduction in the α2‐adrenoceptor concentration is consistent with the developmental pattern of increased basal NE release. These findings support the hypothesis that the down‐regulation of pre‐synaptic NE feedback is mechanistically involved in the irreversible elevation of basal NE release. NE mediates proliferation in SVM in early pubertal development. Thus, the androgen‐dependent pubertal growth of smooth muscle cells may be indirectly controlled at the level of neurotransmission. Prostate 57: 51–56, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Special metals for seismic retrofitting of steel buildings
Authors: Sarno L Di , Elnashai A S 
Published: July 2003

AbstractNovel metals such as aluminium alloys, stainless steels and shape memory alloys can be used for the retrofitting of steel buildings in seismic areas. Therefore, it is useful to investigate their mechanical and physical properties along with the key issues of the material modelling. The present paper focuses on the mechanical response of such metals which are inherent to the seismic design. Furthermore, it compares their mechanical characteristics in order to assess (i) the relative merits; and (ii) the cost‐effectiveness in practical applications. Analytical formulations employed for either refined or simplified modelling are critically reviewed; advantages and disadvantages of each scheme are highlighted. Finally, several examples of practical applications of these novel metals in seismic retrofitting are discussed and further developments outlined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance dowel‐type joints for timber structures
Authors: Rodd P D , Leijten A J M 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis paper identifies the fundamental factors that affect the performance of dowel‐type joints between structural timber members. It considers methods that have been used to enhance joint performance and illustrates how these have been brought together in two alternative high‐performance joints. The paper concludes with examples of structures built with one of these alternative joints. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural assessment of existing concrete buildings
Authors: Laranja Roberto , de Brito Jorge 
Published: July 2003

AbstractAn approach to the general issue of existing concrete structures safety analysis is presented, referring to the most relevant uncertainties in the process of structural assessment and the various ways of characterizing them. The structural reliability and reliability index concepts and a procedure to measure them probabilistically are presented, as well as the basic problem of structural reliability and a semi‐probabilistic approach to safety compliance.The importance of characterizing the strength properties of structural materials is discussed, and the main related aspects are pointed out. Methods prescribed in some standards and recommendations are presented, emphasizing those suitable for safety analysis of existing structures. The importance of a priori data, the sources normally used in data acquisition and of
the inspection and tests planning stages is stressed. The number of tests (sample dimension) needed to infer and statistically validate results is discussed.The importance of characterizing probabilistically actions and effects is stressed. The code criteria for their quantification are presented and the types of probabilistic distribution and variability inherent to each action type are briefly described. Some methods for their quantification in existing structures are pointed out. Special importance is given to the quantification of variable actions, owing to the high associated uncertainties, especially seismic action, in the process of structural safety assessment. Ways of reducing their nominal values or the respective safety factors, depending on the degree of uncertainty involved, namely due to the reduction of the existing structure's expected service life, are pointed out.The probabilistic methodologies developed for structures safety analysis, based on the reliability classical techniques, namely the second moment methods, of First and second order, and those based on the numerical simulation (Monte Carlo) techniques, are discussed, emphasizing the difficulty in its application to case studies of the assessment of existing structures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NDE techniques for concrete and masonry structures
Authors: Popovics J S 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe paper describes non‐destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques that have been applied to existing concrete and masonry structures. NDE techniques for detection of induced damage and characterization of retrofit and strengthening schemes are included. The theoretical basis and experimental requirements of each technique are first described. Then case studies of application of the described techniques to specific cases on concrete and masonry structures are described. Conclusions about the suitability of each technique are drawn. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in the application of FRP for repairing corrosion damage
Authors: Sen Rajan 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis paper presents an overview of the application of fibre‐reinforced polymers (FRP) for repairing corrosion‐damaged structures by external wrapping. The rationale, design and durability for such repairs are addressed and significant research findings highlighted. Several field applications are described and new and innovative practices identified. Recommendations are made to improve future performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and Analysis of Remote Center of Compliance Structures
Authors: Ciblak Namik , Lipkin Harvey 
Published: July 2003

AbstractRemote center‐of‐compliance devices were developed to facilitate insertion for assembly operations. An analysis using screw theory yields a more accurate model to better characterize the interesting properties of remote compliance. For design purposes, the remote center location and stiffnesses are presented as nondimensional ratios that are only functions of geometrical properties and Poisson's ratio. Important design results are (i) the high sensitivity of the center location and (ii) the inverse relationship between linear and angular lateral stiffnesses. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introducing Radius of Torsure and Cylindroid of Torsure
Authors: Dooner David B. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractRobotic path planning can involve the specification of the position and orientation of an end‐effector to achieve a desired task (e.g., deburring, welding, or surface metrology). Under such scenarios the end‐effector is instantaneously rotating and translating about a unique axis; the ISA. Alternately, the performance of direct contact mechanisms (viz., cam systems and gear pairs) are dependent on the surface geometry between two surfaces in direct contact. Determination of this geometry can entail the parametrization of a family of geodesics curves embedded within each surface. This parametrization is tantamount to an end‐effector rotating and translating about an ISA. In both scenarios there is a unique ISA for each geodesic embedded in a surface. Here, curvature and torsion of a spatial curve are coupled together to define an alternative definition for the radius‐of‐curvature of a spatial curve. This new definition is identified as radius of torsure to distinguish it from the classical definition for radius‐of‐curvature. Further, it is shown that the family of twists that corresponds to the pencil of geodesics coincident with a point on a surface defines a cylindroid: the cylindroid of torsure. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate this difference. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Nut in Screw Theory
Authors: Griffis Michael , Rico José María 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis study in projective geometry reveals that the principle of duality applies to the screw. Here, the screw is demonstrated to be an element of a projective three‐dimensional space (P3), right alongside the line. Dual elements for the screw and line are also revealed (the nut and spline). Reciprocity is demonstrated for a pair of screws, and incidence is demonstrated for screw and its dual element. Reciprocity and incidence are invariant for projective transformations of P3, but only incidence is invariant for the more general linear transformations of screws. This latter transformation is analogous to a projective transformation of a projective five‐dimensional space (P5), which is shown to induce a contact transformation of the original P3, where some points lying on a Kummer surface are directly mapped. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lie Algebra and the Mobility of Kinematic Chains
Authors: Rico J. M. , Gallardo J. , Ravani B. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis paper deals with the application of Lie Algebra to the mobility analysis of kinematic chains. It develops an algebraic formulation of a group‐theoretic mobility criterion developed recently by two of the authors of this publication. The instantaneous form of the mobility criterion presented here is based on the theory of subspaces and subalgebras of the Lie Algebra of the Euclidean group and their possible intersections. It is shown using this theory that certain results on mobility of over‐constraint linkages derived previously using screw theory are not complete and accurate. The theory presented provides for a computational approach that would allow efficient automation of the new group‐theoretic mobility criterion. The theory is illustrated using several examples. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic Analysis of Closed Loop Mechanisms on the Basis Vectors of Passive Joint Axes
Authors: Sugimoto Koichi 
Published: July 2003

AbstractBy determining a basis of s linear space of twists of a loop in amechanism
by passive joint axes in the loop, the concise expressions among active joint
torques and wrenches acting on links of a mechanism can be obtained. For the
reason that the expressions are based on the basis vectors of joint axes of
a mechanism, the algorithm is independent on types of mechanisms such as planar,
spherical, spatial, etc. Also, the constraint conditions in loops can be dealt
with separately for each loop. It makes the algorithm simple and can reduce
the computational cost. By modifying the algorithm, simple expressions for
parallel mechanisms can also be obtained. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mobile 6‐SPS Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Wohlhart Karl 
Published: July 2003

AbstractIn this paper some special constructions of 6‐SPS parallel manipulators are presented whose platforms, with fixed actuators, are shaky in all possible positions and consequently mobile within their prospective workspace—a behavior which has been called “architectural mobility.” Constructions of such manipulators should be known to the designer of working platform mechanisms in order to avoid them beforehand in the design process. Although “closeness to a singularity position” can hardly be defined reliably, it certainly seems better to abstain even from platform constructions which geometrically resemble any one of the architecturally mobile platforms which we are going to describe. As we assume the points of attachments of the actuators (the S‐joints) in the basis as well as in the platform as located in planes, we can apply the method of synthesizing recently published in Advances in Robotic Kinematics (Kluwer, Netherlands, 2002); simultaneously we take the opportunity to reformulate a proposition made in that work which cannot be maintained in the generality stated there. Four examples of architecturally mobile 6‐SPS platforms are described: no special relation between the coordinates of the points of attachement in the two planes are assumed in the first example while in the following examples it is assumed that the S‐joints in their planes form specific polygons: triangles, quadrangles and trapezia. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of environmental impacts of active smelter operations and abandoned mines in Karabash, Ural Mountains of Russia
Authors: Udachin V. , Williamson B. J. , Purvis O. W. , Spiro B. , Dubbin W. , Brooks S. , Coste B. , Herrington R. J. , Mikhailova I. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractIndustrialization in the former USSR caused widespread environmental damage, which is graphically illustrated in the South Urals mining region of west‐central Russia. One of the most heavily polluted areas is the town of Karabash and its surrounding area, which has abandoned mines and a large active copper smelter close to its centre. The area is affected by effluents and gaseous and particulate emissions from the smelter, acid drainage from abandoned mines and leachates and dusts from waste dumps and tailings dams. This article outlines the methodologies employed under a 3 year instrumental‐ and bio‐monitoring assessment of mining‐related impacts in Karabash, designed to be sensitive to the natural setting and specific political, sociological and economic situation in the Ural mountains. The results of the preliminary, planning stage of the project are presented and discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Material and energy flows of a local forest industry system in Finland
Authors: Korhonen Jouni , Niutanen Ville 
Published: July 2003

AbstractForestry, forest, pulp and paper industries provide important cases for environmental and ecological economics and for corporate environmental management, because of the large quantities of flows of material and energy that are derived from the natural ecosystem. Because of the natural capital intensive nature of its activity, the forest industry also offers a fruitful case study for industrial ecology (IE), the practical concern of which is the comparison of material and energy flows of nature to these same flows in economic and industrial systems. In this paper, the concept of an industrial ecosystem is reflected in a typical local forest industry system in Finland, known as ‘a local forest industry integrate’. We present a material and energy flow model that can be used to study forest industry environmental management and for the planning of environmental policies directed to forest industry. Flows of matter (biomass), nutrients, energy and carbon are described, and the waste utilization possibilities are considered. A local forest industry system can be a fruitful case for IE development as the cuttings of forests in Finland are below the renewal rate, material cycles, nutrient cycles and energy cascades are developed and the carbon dioxide (CO2) binding capacity of the forest ecosystem is maintained. The difficulties and barriers in light of the industrial ecosystem vision of a materially closed local system include the high export rates of paper, energy intensive production and problem displacement in waste utilization efforts. The presented material and energy flow model of forest industry environmental management is compared with a case of a local agricultural and food industry system. For agro‐food sector applications, a different emphasis on the flows may have to be adopted than in a forest industry application. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Industrial ecology: shedding more light on its perspective of understanding nature as model
Authors: Isenmann Ralf 
Published: July 2003

AbstractIndustrial ecology represents an emerging interdisciplinary field of studying industrial systems in combination with their fundamental linkage with nature. An eye‐catching characteristic at the basis of industrial ecology's scientific profile is its refreshingly unorthodox perspective of understanding nature as model, compared with other disciplines of understanding nature, e.g. in terms of ‘sack of resources’ or ‘biophysical limit’ as opposed to industrial systems. The idea of industrial ecology's appealing perspective is to balance the development of industrial systems with the constraints of natural ecosystems, analogous to an ‘industrial symbiosis’. On the basis of initial efforts to conceptualize industrial ecology's underlying assumptions concerning nature, a philosophically focused approach of its characteristic perspective of understanding nature as model is presented. The contribution may provide industrial ecologists as well as other economists, engineers, scientists and policy‐makers involved in the field of sustainability with an opportunity for accessible philosophical reflection, perhaps bringing to the surface their tacit frames regarding nature. Consequently, the goal is to gain greater conceptual clarity and to contribute to laying a solid foundation for industrial ecology's stimulating role when initiating change towards sustainability at large. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Let the desert bloom: an overview of an attempt to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in the Jordanian Badia region
Authors: Baban Serwan M. J. , Al‐Oun Salem , Shahbaz Mohammed 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe Bedu have lived for centuries in harmony with the environment in the Middle Eastern desert known as the Badia region. However, during the 20th century their environment was fragmented and divided to form parts of Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. This process restricted their movements and increased the pressure on the environment. In addition, economic growth and urbanization have also had an impact on their way of life. As a consequence, the Jordan Badia Research and Development Programme (BRDP) was established, during 1992, to improve the Bedu's quality of life and to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection in the Badia. This paper reviews the BRDP strategy as well as the deliverables thus far in terms of benefits to local communities, facilities, pioneered projects, main research outcomes and current research priorities. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Incorporating sustainable development into redevelopment
Authors: Alker Sandra , McDonald Adrian 
Published: July 2003

AbstractRecent UK Government strategies and planning policies have embraced the principle of sustainable development, presenting this as a framework for future planning and land‐use decisions. This paper will review those policies that emphasize the need to re‐use previously developed land. Resulting from these policies is a need for local authorities, in particular, to adopt a sequential testing approach in terms of land‐use decisions. We evaluated the sequential testing approaches advocated, examining how they equate with the assessment of indicators of sustainable development. Current sequential testing approaches tend to evaluate over‐arching considerations within the planning framework and do not necessarily assess site‐specific characteristics.This paper argues that if optimum adherence to the principle of sustainable development in land‐use decisions is desired, the pre‐determination of end‐use should be ended or at least minimized since it does not facilitate sustainable development. It is suggested that in order to achieve sustainable development in land‐use decisions, a sequential approach to determine end‐use, based on those characteristics exhibited by the site is necessary. Therefore, there is also a need for a mechanism that can assess whether the development decision has reached an optimum choice concerning sustainable development.The paper concludes by proposing that a framework for expressing site characteristics as elements of sustainable development is needed to enable best possible sustainable land‐use decisions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Influence of sex hormones on the periodontium
Authors: Mascarenhas Paulo , Gapski Ricardo , Al‐Shammari Khalaf , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: July 2003

AbstractObjectives: Sex hormones have long been considered to play an influential role on periodontal tissues, bone turnover rate, wound healing and periodontal disease progression. The objectives of this review article are to (1) address the link between sex hormones and the periodontium, (2) analyse how these hormones influence the periodontium at different life times and (3) discuss the effects of hormone supplements/replacement on the periodontium.Materials and Methods: Two autonomous searches were performed in English language utilizing Medline, Premedline and Pubmed as the online databases. Publications up to 2002 were selected and further reviewed. In addition, a manual search was also performed including specific related journals and books.Results: It is certain that sexual hormones play a key role in periodontal disease progression and wound healing. More specifically, these effects seem to differentiate by gender as well as lifetime period. In addition, the influence of sex hormones can be minimized with good plaque control and with hormone replacement.Conclusion: Despite profound research linking periodontal condition with sex hormones kinetics, more definitive molecular mechanisms and therapy still remain to be determined.