A formal description of open distributed processing (ODP) trading based on guidelines for the definition of managed objects (GDMO)

New requirements of growing computer networks and information systems have an influence on extended client/server models with increased functionality. This forms the basis for service management in distributed systems which is realized by a service trading concept. This paper studies the requirements derived from the Open Distributed Processing (ODP) Reference Model in order to consider an open service market. Furthermore, it examines management possibilities for describing the service trading scenario. Because of similar architectures and properties ODP services, service offers, types, exporters and traders are mapped onto management components and modeled as managed objects. Therefore, the Guidelines for the Definition of Managed Objects (GDMO) are used. The final concept allows a precise and unambiguous study of the service trading scenario and provides means for exporting and importing of service offers in a distributed environment.     

Identification of photoluminescence features of an epoxy resin based on components features and curing effects

Photoluminescence features in a commercial grade cured DGEBA-based epoxy resin have been investigated with as objective to determine which of the material compounds are responsible for cured resin emissions. The origin of the bands has been approached by considering photoluminescence of base resin and hardener taken separately, of their mixture, and in the course of curing. Most of the bands observed in the cured resin could be interpreted based on those found in the components taken separately. Fluorescence of the cured resin appears dominated by two broad bands that are characteristic of the hardener and exhibits a blue shift by up to 30 nm in the course of curing which could be used for cure monitoring purpose of the investigated system. Fluorescence of the base resin is clearly detected in the resin cured with tertiary amine as catalyser. However, it is very weak if the catalyser is not added. Two phosphorescence processes have been isolated in the cured resin, one of them being related to the base resin. Finally, a chemiluminescence spectrum has been recorded in the course of curing, which has been related to either curing-related reactions or to an oxidation process.     

Induction in the Timed Interval Calculus

The Timed Interval Calculus, a timed-trace formalism based on set theory, is introduced. It is extended with an induction law and a unit for concatenation, which facilitates the proof of properties over trace histories. The effectiveness of the extended Timed Interval Calculus is demonstrated via a benchmark case study, the mine pump. Specifically, a safety property relating to the operation of a mine shaft is proved, based on an implementation of the mine pump and assumptions about the environment of the mine.     

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) induces the expression of kinin B1 receptor in human lung fibroblasts

Near-haploidy is a rare cytogenetic finding in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is associated with a poor prognosis. A second hyperdiploid line, occurring presumably by endoreduplication of the near-haploid stemline, is often observed. We present a case of common ALL in relapse characterized morphologically by a dual population of small and large lymphoblasts. Cytogenetic analysis supplemented with fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) studies localized near-haploidy and hyperdiploidy to the small and large blast population respectively. DNA ploidy determination confirmed two abnormal clones with near-haploidy as the predominant one. A novel t(9;12)(q11;q13) was present in the near-haploid clone and was duplicated in the hyperdiploid clone. This finding identified cells bearing near-haploidy to be the clonogenic population following malignant transformation and confirmed endoreduplication as the mechanism for the presence of associated hyperdiploidy.     

An expert system with temporal reasoning for alarm processing inpower system control centers

The alarm lists presented to control center operators are usually difficult to interpret. The authors present an expert system that processes the alarm lists in Portuguese control centers. This system makes an intelligent synthesis of the available information and presents it in a flexible and structured way. It uses an original approach to deal with temporal reasoning and real-time constraints. The system incorporates an explanation module that enables its use as a tutor for novice operators     

Elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients on steroid treatment tolerate physical training without an increase in disease activity

The effects of physical training on elderly, fragile patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are on low-dose steroids were investigated. The controlled study included 24 patients who had been treated with low-dose steroids for 2 years. Each patient was assigned either to a treatment group receiving training or to an untrained control group. The training took place over a 3-month period and was based on a protocol using progressive interval training consisting of bicycle exercises, heel lifts, and step-climbing. The exercises were performed twice weekly for 45 minutes. Comparison of the two groups showed that disease activity did not increase in the trained group and that fewer, but not significantly fewer, swollen joints were observed in this group (p = 0.06). No significant changes were noticed in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, tender joints, or morning stiffness. The work capacity of the trained patients were doubled and the numbers of repetitions increased 76%. Individually adapted exercise programs can therefore be recommended for elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients on steroid treatment.     

Effects of retinoic acid (all-trans and 9-cis) on tumor progression in small-cell lung carcinoma

ON direction-selective (DS) ganglion cells were identified by electrophysiological recordings in DAPI labeled, isolated rabbit retinas. Their responses to a flashing spot were sustained. Their responses to moving stimuli were strong in the preferred direction and weak in the null direction. Injection of the recorded cells with Lucifer yellow revealed that the cells had a distinct dendritic morphology, consistent with that described previously (Buhl & Peichl, 1986; Amthor et al., 1989; Famiglietti, 1992a). When neighboring cells were injected, an extensive dendritic co-fasciculation was observed. The pattern of fasciculation restricts the possible synaptic connections of the ON DS cell.