Atlas.txt : Linking Geo-referenced Data to Text for NLG

Peer reviewedPreprin

Acquiring and Using Limited User Models in NLG

It is a truism of NLG that good knowledge of the reader can improve the quality of generated texts, and many NLG systems have been developed that exploit detailed user models when generating texts. Unfortunately, it is very difficult in practice to obtain detailed information about users. In this paper we describe our experiences in acquiring and using limited user models for NLG in four different systems, each of which took a different approach to this issue. One general conclusion is that it is useful if imperfect user models are understandable to users or domain experts, and indeed perhaps can be directly edited by them; this agrees with recent thinking about user models in other applications such as intelligent tutoring systems (Kay, 2001)

Steady-State Voltage Security Assessment Using Symmetric Eigenvalue Analysis for Weak Area Identification in Large Power Transmission Network

The central focus of this thesis is on long-term static voltage stability analysis of large power transmission grid. This thesis work is a product of an attempt to comprehend the numerous researches that has been done over the years on voltage security assessment. Voltage stability is one of the essential components influencing the reliability of a power network. There are several Transmission planning and operation compliance standards pertaining to voltage criterion from NERC and Independent System Operators (ISO) directed toward the utilities to operate their grid within tight voltage limits. This requires the utility to perform comprehensive planning studies of the power system frequently for different load profiles like summer and winter - peak load and light load conditions taking into account several contingency scenarios. The humongous number of nodes and branches in a typical preset-day power network has increased the complexity of conventional voltage stability analysis methods like PV / QV curves. Initially, this study discusses various linear algebraic techniques used in steady-state power system analysis and presents the results on the simulations of IEEE test systems - 14 bus, 30 bus and 118 bus system. Later, it introduces an idea of performing a spectral (Symmetric Eigenvalue) analysis of the power system Jacobian and a rigorous testing of the same IEEE bus test systems was performed. Finally, it concludes by presenting a comparative result against other eigenvalue-based methods. The entire analysis has been performed by a combination of custom-written MATLAB programs, Python scripts and Siemens PTI PSS/E software for its one-line diagram capabilities

Role of mitochondria in neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress: Neuroprotection by coenzyme Q(10).

In past research, oxidative stress has been implicated in aging and age related disorders. Cell death caused by oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in neuro-degenerative diseases. We used differentiated Human Neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and Teratocarcinoma (NT2N) cells as models to study the mechanism of cell death induced by oxidative stress. We observed that differentiated NT2N AND SH-SY5Y cells underwent apoptosis following oxidative stress induced by direct hydrogen peroxide treatment. Morphological, apoptotic features including nuclear condensation and membrane blebbing and biochemical changes including DNA fragmentation and caspase and proteasome activation were evident following oxidative stress. We further investigated the production of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction in the cell under oxidative stress. There was an increase in total ROS produced by the cells after H2O2 treatment. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in mitochondrial ROS generation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2004 .S66. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-01, page: 0216. Adviser: S. Pandey. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2004

A Model of Sporadic Parkinson\u27s Disease: Herbicide Induced Parkinson\u27s Disease in Rat and Neuroprotection by Water Soluble CoQ10

Parkinson\u27s disease is caused due to the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Less than 10% of cases have a strict familial etiology while more than 90% are sporadic. The mechanisms underlying neuronal cell death in Parkinson\u27s disease have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, there is currently no therapy available to prevent the progressive loss of neurons in Parkinson\u27s disease. The objective of my research was to establish a sporadic model of Parkinson\u27s disease and evaluate the neuroprotective effects of water soluble Coenzyme Q10. In this study, a model of paraquat-induced neurodegeneration in rats was used to evaluate the efficacy of water soluble Coenzyme Q10 as a neuroprotectant. The results revealed a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the brain in paraquat-injected rats. Increased levels of oxidative stress and activated astrocytes were also observed in rats treated with paraquat. Furthermore, the behavioural tests uncovered deficiencies in fine motor skills in these rats. In parallel, rats that received water soluble Coenzyme Q10 in their drinking water showed significant neuroprotection against paraquat toxicity including behavioral improvements, reduced loss of dopaminergic neurons and lowered levels of oxidative stress. Interestingly, this neuroprotection was accompanied by an increased numbers of activated astroglia in the midbrain. The ability of this formulation of Coenzyme Q10 as a therapeutic agent was also studied; preliminary results indicate that it offers neuroprotection. Pilot studies revealed that paraquat-induced dopaminergic loss increases with age. Altogether, this study confirmed the neurotoxicity of paraquat, especially wards dopaminergic neurons, and provided a rat model of Parkinson\u27s disease suitable mechanistic and neuroprotective studies. This is the first preclinical evaluation of water soluble Coenzyme Q10 as a neuroprotectant for Parkinson\u27s disease at clinically relevant doses

Effect of volcanic debris on stratospheric ion conductivity

The reduction is reported of stratospheric ion conductivities in the altitude range of 20 to 27 km attributable to the aerosols injected into the stratosphere by the eruption of volcano Nevado Del Ruiz on November 13, 1985. Three balloon experiments were conducted from Hyderabad, India (17.5 N, 78.6 E) carrying a Langmuir probe payload for measuring stratospheric ion conductivities. The first flight took place about 9 months before the volcanic eruption, the second 3 weeks after the eruption and the third about a year later. Lidar observations from Japan, Hawaii and Europe reported detection of aerosol layers in the 18 to 25 km altitude range attributable to the Nevado Del Ruiz volcanic eruption. A comparison of the conductivity profiles shows that the reduction of ion conductivities is: 57.3 percent at 20 km and 31 percent at 25 km. A year after the eruption, conductivities at all heights tended to recover

Fishery and stock assessment of the blood clam Anadara granosa (Linnaeus) from Kakinada Bay

Landing and effort data of Anadara granosa (Linnaeus) from Kakinada Bay were collected for the years 1988 to 1991. The landings during 1988 were 802 tonnes compared to 1600 tonnes in 1991. The effort in 1988 was estimated at 32,458 man-days, which has increased by 1.7 times in 1991. However, catch rates showed a declining trend. There has been some change in the exploitation pattern. Younger size groups (<30 mm) are being exploited more, due to their higher price realization. Stock assessment attempted by Jones’ Cohort analysis and Thomson and Bell analysis showed that the current level of exploitation has already reached MSY level. There is scope to increase the yields by following 1990 pattern of exploitation. However, selective exploitation of A. granosa of > 30 mm, if continued may lead to declining yields over the years