Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acids and proteins that are new and distinct members of the bHLH-PAS superfamily of transcription regulators. These “MOPs” (members of PAS) are useful in a variety of research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Several of the MOPs of the present invention are ?-class hypoxia-inducible factors. Several other of the MOPs of the invention are involved in circadian signal transduction.

Abstract: Vibration dummy apparatus adapted to sit on and be supported by a vehicle seat to accurately simulate human vibration response at an interface between the apparatus and seat cushions of the vehicle seat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a relatively hard and stiff skeletal frame structure having a pelvic girdle, a pair of femurs, and a pair of ball-and-socket joints for connecting their respective femurs to the pelvic girdle. Elastomeric plastic is formed over the skeletal frame structure. The elastomeric plastic has a substantially anatomically-correct, surface geometry. The elastomeric plastic formed over the pelvic girdle and the pair of femurs has mechanical properties including human-like, soft tissue spring and damping characteristics. A mass-spring system is connected to the pelvic girdle to at least partially simulate vibration response of an upper section of a human.