A constant FPT approximation algorithm for hard-capacitated k-means

Optimization and Engineering - Hard-capacitated k-means (HCKM) is one of the fundamental problems remaining open in combinatorial optimization and engineering. In HCKM, one is required to partition...     

Lack of Contribution of p66shc to Pressure Overload-Induced Right Heart Hypertrophy

The leading cause of death in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is right ventricular (RV) failure (RVF). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been suggested to play a role in the development of RV hypertrophy (RVH) and the transition to RVF. The hydrogen peroxide-generating protein p66shc has been associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy but its role in RVH is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic deletion of p66shc affects the development and/or progression of RVH and RVF in the pulmonary artery banding (PAB) model of RV pressure overload. The impact of p66shc on mitochondrial ROS formation, RV cardiomyocyte function, as well as on RV morphology and function were studied three weeks after PAB or sham operation. PAB in wild type mice did not affect mitochondrial ROS production or RV cardiomyocyte function, but induced RVH and impaired cardiac function. Genetic deletion of p66shc did also not alter basal mitochondrial ROS production or RV cardiomyocyte function, but impaired RV cardiomyocyte shortening was observed following PAB. The development of RVH and RVF following PAB was not affected by p66shc deletion. Thus, our data suggest that p66shc-derived ROS are not involved in the development and progression of RVH or RVF in PAH.     

Detection of high-temperature water vapor at 940 nm with vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

A vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser was used to study the absorption of water vapor in the 940 nm region. Measurements for several absorption lines within the 2 v1 + V3 vibrational band were performed. Line strengths at room temperature and in a heated absorption cell over the temperature range of 420-970 K were obtained. The line strength values were in good agreement with simulations based on the values of the HITRAN 2004 database. The measurements also showed that water vapor transitions near 940 nm are suitable for sensitive temperature determination.     

Data security is a management responsibility

Computer security is simply the protection of data and processing services, their integrity and continuity. It is a management control function which requires business-case justification for the commitment of personnel and financial resources to protect assets. Developing and maintaining an effective computer security program must be done in a formal manner to ensure that required control policies and procedures are defined, developed, implemented and maintained. Assigning responsibilities for security as a part-time duty for a data processing technician is not the answer to achieving effective security. Applying the proven systems development life cycle methodology to computer security is an effective way for management to achieve and retain control of its information systems assets. This paper will provide the management guidance necessary to plan and implement an effective security program.     

Parameter adaptive control algorithms—A tutorial

An introduction is given to adaptive (self-tuning) control algorithms with recursive parameter estimation, which have obtained increasing attention in recent years. These algorithms result from combinations of recursive parameter estimation algorithms and easy to design control algorithms. Firstly a short review is given on proper recursive parameter estimation methods, including their application in a closed loop. This is followed by the design equations for various control algorithms and ways for d.c.-value estimation and for offset compensation. Various explicit and implicit combinations can be designed with different properties of the resulting adaptive control algorithms for both deterministic and stochastic disturbances. Their convergence properties are discussed. Simulation examples are presented and examples for the adaptive control of an air conditioner and a pH-process are shown. The introduction of a third feedback level for coordination and supervision is considered. Finally further problems are discussed.