Predetermined Length Research Articles

A Wavelet-Based Multisensor Data Fusion Algorithm

This paper presents a wavelet transform-based data fusion algorithm for multisensor systems. With this algorithm, the optimum estimate of a measurand can be obtained in terms of minimum mean square error (MMSE). The variance of the optimum estimate is not only smaller than that of each observation sequence but also smaller than the arithmetic average estimate. To implement this algorithm, the variance of each observation sequence is estimated using the wavelet transform, and the optimum weighting factor to each observation is obtained accordingly. Since the variance of each observation sequence is estimated only from its most recent data of a predetermined length, the algorithm is self-adaptive. This algorithm is applicable to both static and dynamic systems including time-invariant and time-varying processes. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated using a piecewise-smooth signal and an actual time-varying flow signal.

Regulation of flagellar assembly by glycogen synthase kinase 3 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii controls flagellar assembly such that flagella are of an equal and predetermined length. Previous studies demonstrated that lithium, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), induced flagellar elongation, suggesting that a lithium-sensitive signal transduction pathway regulated flagellar length (S. Nakamura, H. Takino, and M. K. Kojima, Cell Struct. Funct. 12:369-374, 1987). Here, we demonstrate that lithium treatment depletes the pool of flagellar proteins from the cell body and that the heterotrimeric kinesin Fla10p accumulates in flagella. We identify GSK3 in Chlamydomonas and demonstrate that its kinase activity is inhibited by lithium in vitro. The tyrosine-phosphorylated, active form of GSK3 was enriched in flagella and GSK3 associated with the axoneme in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. The level of active GSK3 correlated with flagellar length; early during flagellar regeneration, active GSK3 increased over basal levels. This increase in active GSK3 was rapidly lost within 30 min of regeneration as the level of active GSK3 decreased relative to the predeflagellation level. Taken together, these results suggest a possible role for GSK3 in regulating the assembly and length of flagella.

Length regulation and dynamics of individual telomere tracts in wild-type Arabidopsis.

Although length of the telomeric DNA tract varies widely across evolution, a species-specific set point is established and maintained by unknown mechanisms. To investigate how telomere length is controlled in Arabidopsis thaliana, we analyzed bulk telomere length in 14 wild-type accessions. We found that telomere tracts in Arabidopsis are fairly uniformly distributed throughout a size range of 2 to 9 kb. Unexpectedly, telomeres in plants of the Wassilewskija ecotype displayed a bimodal size distribution, with some individuals harboring telomeres of 2 to 5 kb and others telomeres of 4 to 9 kb. F1 and F2 progeny of a cross between long and short telomere parents had intermediate telomeres, implying that telomere length in Arabidopsis is not controlled by a single genetic factor. We provide evidence that although global telomere length is strictly regulated within an ecotype-specific range, telomere tracts on individual chromosome ends do not occupy a predetermined length territory. We also demonstrate that individual telomere tracts on homologous chromosomes are coordinately regulated throughout development and that telomerase acts preferentially on the shortest telomeres. We propose that an optimal size for telomere tracts is established and maintained for each Arabidopsis ecotype.

Selective Activation of Two Sites in RNA by Acridine-Bearing Oligonucleotides for Clipping of Designated RNA Fragments

Artificial enzymes for selective scission of RNA at two designated sites, which are valuable for advanced RNA science, have been prepared by combining lanthanide(III) ion with an oligonucleotide bearing two acridine groups. When these modified oligonucleotides form heteroduplexes with substrate RNA, the two phosphodiester linkages in front of the acridines are selectively activated and preferentially hydrolyzed by lanthanide ion. This two-site RNA scission does not require any specific RNA sequence at the scission sites, and the length of clipped RNA fragment is easily and precisely controllable by changing the distance between two acridine groups in the modified oligonucleotide. The two-site scission is also successful even when the substrate RNA has higher-order structures. By using these two-site RNA cutters, RNA fragments of predetermined length were obtained from long RNA substrates and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in homozygous and heterozygous samples were accurately and easily detected in terms of the difference in mass number. Multiplex analyses of in vitro transcripts from human genome were also successful.

Continuous Speech Recognition without End-point Detection

A new continuous speech recognition method that does not need the explicit speech end-point detection is proposed. A one-pass decoding algorithm is modified to decode the input speech of infinite length so that, with appropriate non-speech models for silence and ambient noises, continuous speech recognition can be executed without the explicit end-point detection. The basic algorithm 1) decodes a processing block of the predetermined length, 2) tracebacks and finds the boundaries of the processing blocks where the word history in the preceding processing block is merged into one, and 3) restarts decoding from the boundary frame with the merged word history. The effectiveness of the method is verified by the spoken dialogue transcription experiments. With a 5-minute dialogue in a moving car, the proposed method gives better results in word accuracy than the results using the explicit end-point detection method and the conventional one-pass decoder.

Effects upon interfacial reactions by electric currents of reversing directions

Sandwich-type reaction couples, Sn/Ni/Sn and Sn/Ag/Sn, were prepared. Two kinds of experiments were conducted: with and without the passage of a direct electric current through the couple. The specimens were placed in a furnace for pre-determined lengths of time at 180 and 200 °C for the Sn/Ni/Sn system and 160 °C for Sn/Ag/Sn. The current density was 500 A cm −2. The direction of the electric current through the couple was reversed during the reaction. Ni 3Sn 4 and Ag 3Sn phases were formed in the Sn/Ni/Sn and Sn/Ag/Sn couples, respectively. The passage of electric current changes the elemental mass fluxes, but not the phases formed in the couples. A mathematical model was proposed to calculate the thickness of the reaction layers. It has been found that the relative magnitudes of the reaction layer thickness at the two interfaces of the couples obtained from the two kinds of experiments are different. A net enhancement in the layer growth was experimentally observed even though the direction of electric current was reversed to neutralize the effect of electromigration. It is concluded that besides producing electromigration effects, the passage of electric currents through the couples affects the diffusion properties.

Berth scheduling by simulated annealing

The objective of the berth-scheduling problem is to determine the berthing times and positions of containerships in port container terminals. Every vessel requires a specific amount of space in a wharf for a predetermined length of time to unload and load containers. In this study, a mixed-integer-linear-programming (MIP) model was formulated for the berth-scheduling problem. The simulated annealing algorithm was applied to the berth-scheduling problem to find near-optimal solutions. Experimental results showed that the simulated annealing algorithm obtains solutions that are similar to the optimal solutions found by the MIP model.

Ultrasound inspection apparatus detachably connected to endoscope

An ultrasound inspection apparatus detachably connected to an endoscope comprises an ultrasonic scanning portion in the front-end side having an ultrasound transducer for performing ultrasonic scanning by arranging a number of transducer chips in a rectangular arrangement. The ultrasonic scanning portion is detachably attached to a distal end portion of an insertion unit in the endoscope so as to protrude ahead the distal end portion by a predetermined length. In order to hold the ultrasonic scanning portion in a fixed state, an endoscope-placing portion for placing the distal end portion is connected to the base end of the ultrasonic scanning portion, and an endoscope-fixing portion for detachably fixing the distal end portion thereto is arranged with the endoscope-placing portion. A predetermined number of wires connected to each transducer chip is inserted into a signal cable from a base end position of the endoscope-placing portion so as to bundle the wires.

The use of distraction osteogenesis to treat hemifacial microsomia: A clinical report

Distraction osteogenesis is a method of forming bone through osteotomy and sequential stretching of the healing callus. This process is accomplished with the aid of a distraction device, which is secured with screws placed directly into bone for a predetermined length of time. This clinical report describes the use of distraction osteogenesis to treat mandibular asymmetry in a patient with Goldenhar's syndrome, a form of hemifacial microsomia. After treatment, the patient had a more rounded facial contour and corrected occlusal plane. (J Prosthet Dent 2003;89:11-4.)

Berth scheduling for container terminals by using a sub-gradient optimization technique

A method for establishing a berth schedule consisting of berthing times and berthing positions of containerships in port container terminals is addressed in this paper. Each vessel requires a specific amount of space on the berth during a predetermined length of time for unloading and loading containers. The berth schedule must be constructed in a way to satisfy requests from carriers on berthing times and minimize handling efforts during ship operation. A mixed integer program is formulated for the berth-scheduling problem, which can be solved using a commercial package. In order to overcome the computational load of the mixed integer program, the formulation is converted into another integer linear program in which the solution space of the berth and the time is discretized. A Lagrangean relaxation model of the discretized model is solved using a sub-gradient optimization technique. Results of a numerical experiment are provided and discussed.

Heat inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium DT104 in beef as affected by fat content.

The heat resistance of an eight-strain cocktail of Salmonella typhimurium DT104 was determined at 58-65 degrees C in beef containing 7, 12, 18 or 24% fat. Inoculated beef was packaged in bags completely immersed in a circulating water bath and held at 58, 60, 62.5 and 65 degrees C for a predetermined length of time. The surviving cell population was enumerated by spiral plating heat-treated samples onto tryptic soy agar supplemented with 0.6% yeast extract and 1% sodium pyruvate. Preliminary studies on thermal inactivation of the Salmonellae isolates in chicken broth indicated no correlation between heat resistance and origin of the isolates. While linear survival curves were observed in chicken broth, inactivation kinetics in beef showed deviations from the first order kinetics, represented by an initial lag period or shoulder before any death occurred with time. Overall, increased fat levels in beef resulted in longer lag periods and lower D-values, suggesting that the lag periods must be taken into account and added to the D-values for calculating the time required at a specific temperature for achieving a specific lethality for Salm. typhimurium DT104 in beef. Thermal death times from this study will assist the retail food industry to design cooking regimes that ensure safety of beef contaminated with Salm. typhimurium DT104.

Radially expanding multiple flat-surfaced waveguide device

The present invention is a waveguide for an acoustic speaker having a predetermined cone weight. The waveguide body has a speaker end and an open end and an even number of segments with a flat surface in a plane parallel to the speaker end. The segments have inside wall surfaces which flare increasingly outwardly from the speaker, and these inside wall surfaces have a speaker end length, L 1 , determined by the following formulas, L 1 minimum=0.7×w s /0.0012 g/cm 3 ×1/A SE , and L 1 maximum=1.2×w s /0.0012 g/cm 3 ×1/A SE , wherein L 1 is a straight line length of the lower portion of the segment wall surface, w s is the weight of a speaker cone in grams/cm 3 , and A SE is the cross-sectional area of the speaker end in square centimeters. Each of the segment inside wall surfaces has an outer end length L 2 which has a predetermined length related to L 1 . There is an angle between the straight line length of the lower portion of the segment wall surface and a center line running down the center of the length of the waveguide, referred to as ∠A, which is no greater than 15°.

Sandwiched‐Beam Procedure for Precracking Brittle Materials

A technique for precracking brittle materials is presented. This procedure, which is called the sandwiched‐beam (SB) technique, allows the production of sharp through‐thickness cracks with predetermined length in specimens with a rectangular section. A bar, in which an initial notch is produced by using a conventional saw, is inserted between two supporting beams and the sandwich assembly is loaded in three‐point bending. Conditions can be defined that allow the stable propagation of a sharp flaw from the notch as the applied load is increased. Then, the cracked bar can be used to determine the fracture toughness. The SB technique is applied to different brittle materials, including soda‐lime‐silica glass, alumina, Si3N4, a SiCw‐Si3N4 composite, graphite, a Ti‐Al intermetallic, and Carrara marble.

Mechanical properties of long-fibre thermoplastic composites with laser drilled microperforations: 1. Effect of perforations in consolidated material

A study is presented concerning a novel technique for enhancing the formability of long-fibre thermoplastic composites. A laser beam has been used to drill arrays of holes into PEEK/AS-4 and PPS/AS-4 carbon-fibre composite pre-preg. These arrays were designed to cut all the fibres to pre-determined lengths. Holes were of the order of 150 μm in diameter, with average fibre length reduced to either 20, 50 or 100 mm. Once perforated, the pre-preg material was consolidated into laminates in an autoclave. Tensile testing has been used to evaluate the effects of the laser drilling. Experimental data show that the perforation process does not affect the stiffness, but strength is reduced somewhat. This reduction is dependent on the distribution of holes and the nature of the laminate. The strength of notched laminates was found to be unaffected by perforation. Off-axis testing has been used to evaluate the transverse and shear strength of both PEEK- and PPS-based composites, and this has been linked to observed failure mechanisms. Finite element modelling has been used to confirm that shear failure parallel to the fibres is initiated by the stress concentrating effect of the perforations.

Speech coding system and method using voicing probability determination

A modular system and method is provided for encoding and decoding of speech signals using voicing probability determination. The continuous input speech is divided into time segments of a predetermined length. For each segment the encoder of the system computes the signal pitch and a parameter which is related to the relative content of voiced and unvoiced portions in the spectrum of the signal, which is expressed as a ratio Pv, defined as a voicing probability. The voiced portion of the signal spectrum, as determined by the parameter Pv, is encoded using a set of harmonically related amplitudes corresponding to the estimated pitch. The unvoiced portion of the signal is processed in a separate processing branch which uses a modified linear predictive coding algorithm. Parameters representing both the voiced and the unvoiced portions of a speech segment are combined in data packets for transmission. In the decoder, speech is synthesized from the transmitted parameters representing voiced and unvoiced portions of the speech in a reverse order. Boundary conditions between voiced and unvoiced segments are established to ensure amplitude and phase continuity for improved output speech quality. Perceptually smooth transition between frames is ensured by using an overlap and add method of synthesis. Also disclosed is the use of the system in the generation of a variety of voice effects.

The mating game

A proposed engineering project may be regarded as a sequence of predetermined tasks, with each task being of predetermined length. Alternatively, a proposed engineering project may be regarded as being similar to a game of chess, in which there are an unknown number of unknown moves, with each move being an attempt to make some progress from whatever mess exists as a result of previous moves. The author discusses an imaginary scenario between an engineer wishing to enter a chess tournament who asks management to fund the venture. An imaginary conversation between the engineer and two managers regarding the proposed venture is given.

Speech pitch lag coding apparatus and method

A pitch lag is extracted for each of a predetermined number of sub-frames. A predicted pitch lag for a pertinent sub-frame in the predetermined number of sub-frames is calculated on the basis of at least two pitch lags extracted for sub-frames other than the pertinent sub-frame or at least one pitch lag extracted for sub-frame other than the pertinent sub-frame and the preceding sub-frame by one sub-frame. A difference between the predicted pitch lag and the extracted pitch lag is then coded. Thus, an input speech signal pitch lag is coded for each sub-frame having a predetermined length.

Sound processing apparatus capable of correct and efficient extraction of significant section data

Input sound information is converted to digital sound data, and characteristic parameter values are extracted from the digital sound data. Based on the characteristic parameter values, a judging unit produces a judgement result indicating whether the current section is a significant or insignificant section and its continuation length. If the continuation length is shorter than the predetermined length, a correcting unit reverses the judgment of whether the current section is a significant or insignificant section and sums up the continuation length of the current section and continuation lengths of the adjacent sections, to thereby produce a single section data.

A sensitive method for the assay of 5‐hydroxytryptamine

Think of any part of the body and you can be sure that the pharmacologist has cut it out, put into an isolated organ bath, or perfused its vessels in order to study the effects of drugs. For bioassay, segments of the gastrointestinal tract or spirally-cut strips of vascular tissue have mainly been used. Such procedures are the backbone not only of bioassay but also of classical pharmacology. I returned from a two-year postdoc with Arnold Welch at Yale University to become senior lecturer in pharmacology at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, where Bill (later Sir William) Paton was Professor. In surveying the effects of drugs on the isolated stomachs of several laboratory species, I noticed that the white translucent part (as opposed to the thicker, pink, pyloric antrum) of the rat stomach was singularly sensitive to the contractor effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In the paper I described this part as the fundus, but Brendan Whittle tells me it is the corpus. Happily, the preparation became known as the rat stomach strip (RSS). I decided to record from the more sensitive longitudinal muscle. The bag was opened down one side, the muscle cut in a zigzag fashion as if making a paper streamer and then pulled out, trimmed and its length recorded on a kymograph with a spring lever. The rat stomach strip was useful, not only for the assay of 5-HT, but also to compare the activities of many analogues of tryptamine (Vane, 1959; Handschumacher & Vane 1967). At this time, I had not been converted to Gaddum's superfusion technique and so I hung the RSS (which was usually 10–12 cm long) in a 5ml bath with rapid bubbling to ensure good mixing. Because the RSS had no rhythmic tone, a lever giving 16:1 magnification could be used. In order to shorten the time of relaxation in between contractions, the tissue was stretched by an extra weight to a predetermined length during the washing period. Later, my interests turned to the bioassay of other vasoactive substances and we found that the same tissue, now contracted by a constant concentration of 5HT in the bathing fluid, could be used to assay catecholamines by their relaxant effects (Armitage and Vane, 1964). We also demonstrated the sensitivity of the RSS to prostaglandins and showed the release of a prostaglandin (wrongly identified as PGE1) from the same tissue (Bennett, Friedman and Vane, 1967). The rat stomach strip has stood me in good stead over 40 years, contributing to several discoveries, such as the mode of action of aspirin (inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins) and the discovery of prostacyclin. It is continuing to do so in the William Harvey Research Institute (now 10 years old), where we are studying with renewed intensity the vasoactive hormones released by endothelial cells such as prostacyclin, endothelium-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide) and endothelin.

System for acoustically measuring the length of a pipe

A calibration pipe having a predetermined length is connected to an end of a pipe to be measured. A sound emitter and a sound receiver are connected to a base end of the calibration pipe. The sound emitter emits a sound into the calibration pipe and the pipe to be measured, and the sound receiver receives a sound reflected from a discontinuous portion of the pipe. A calculator is provided for calculating a period of time from emitting of the sound to receiving of the reflected sound. The length of the pipe is calculated based on speed of the sound in the calibration pipe.