Linear network design for AC shipboard distribution systems

We apply relaxation procedures for polynomial optimization problems to shipboard distribution system design, and obtain new convex formulations for the AC case.United States. Office of Naval Research (Grant N00014-02-1-0623

Circadian Disruption with Constant Light Exposure Exacerbates Atherosclerosis in Male \u3cem\u3eApolipoproteinE\u3c/em\u3e-Deficient Mice

Disruption of the circadian system caused by disordered exposure to light is pervasive in modern society and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms by which this happens are largely unknown. ApolipoproteinE-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice are studied commonly to elucidate mechanisms of atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the effects of light-induced circadian disruption on atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice. We first characterized circadian rhythms of behavior, light responsiveness, and molecular timekeeping in tissues from ApoE−/− mice that were indistinguishable from rhythms in ApoE+/+ mice. These data showed that ApoE−/− mice had no inherent circadian disruption and therefore were an appropriate model for our study. We next induced severe disruption of circadian rhythms by exposing ApoE−/− mice to constant light for 12 weeks. Constant light exposure exacerbated atherosclerosis in male, but not female, ApoE−/− mice. Male ApoE−/− mice exposed to constant light had increased serum cholesterol concentrations due to increased VLDL/LDL fractions. Taken together, these data suggest that ApoE−/− mice are an appropriate model for studying light-induced circadian disruption and that exacerbated dyslipidemia may mediate atherosclerotic lesion formation caused by constant light exposure

Three-Dimensional Object Registration Using Wavelet Features

Recent developments in shape-based modeling and data acquisition have brought three-dimensional models to the forefront of computer graphics and visualization research. New data acquisition methods are producing large numbers of models in a variety of fields. Three-dimensional registration (alignment) is key to the useful application of such models in areas from automated surface inspection to cancer detection and surgery. The algorithms developed in this research accomplish automatic registration of three-dimensional voxelized models. We employ features in a wavelet transform domain to accomplish registration. The features are extracted in a multi-resolutional format, thus delineating features at various scales for robust and rapid matching. Registration is achieved by using a voting scheme to select peaks in sets of rotation quaternions, then separately identifying translation. The method is robust to occlusion, clutter, and noise. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated through examples from solid modeling and medical imaging applications

Expanding the Design Space Explored by S3D

Modern design processes such as set-based design and TIES (Technology Identification, Evaluation and Selection) depend on the ability to explore a large design space rather than attempting to optimize a single design. In this paper, we investigate methods for expanding the design space that can be explored using the S3D (Smart Ship System Design) software environment. We then detail the most recent advancements in the templating process, with the goal of automated system assembly and evaluation using pre-designed system segments called templates.United States. Office of Naval Research (Award N00014-16-1-2945)United States. Office of Naval Research (Award N00014-16-1-2956)United States. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Grant NA14OAR4170077