bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving consistency in large laboratory courses: a design for a standardized practical exam
Authors: Chen Xinnian , Graesser Donnasue , Sah Megha
Published: June 2015

Laboratory courses serve as important gateways to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. One of the challenges in assessing laboratory learning is to conduct meaningful and standardized practical exams, especially for large multisection laboratory courses. Laboratory practical exams in life sciences courses are frequently administered by asking students to move from station to station to answer questions, apply knowledge gained during laboratory experiments, interpret data, and identify various tissues and organs using various microscopic and gross specimens. This approach puts a stringent time limit on all questions regardless of the level of difficulty and also invariably increases the potential risk of cheating. To avoid potential cheating in laboratory courses with multiple sections, the setup for practical exams is often changed in some way between sections. In laboratory courses with multiple instructors or teaching assistants, practical exams may be handled inconsistently among different laboratory sections, due to differences in background knowledge, perceptions of the laboratory goals, or prior teaching experience. In this article, we describe a design for a laboratory practical exam that aims to align the assessment questions with well-defined laboratory learning objectives and improve the consistency among all laboratory sections.
Are your students ready for anatomy and physiology? Developing tools to identify students at risk for failure
Authors: Gultice Amy , Witham Ann , Kallmeyer Robert
Published: June 2015

High failure rates in introductory college science courses, including anatomy and physiology, are common at institutions across the country, and determining the specific factors that contribute to this problem is challenging. To identify students at risk for failure in introductory physiology courses at our open-enrollment institution, an online pilot survey was administered to 200 biology students. The survey results revealed several predictive factors related to academic preparation and prompted a comprehensive analysis of college records of >2,000 biology students over a 5-yr period. Using these historical data, a model that was 91% successful in predicting student success in these courses was developed. The results of the present study support the use of surveys and similar models to identify at-risk students and to provide guidance in the development of evidence-based advising programs and pedagogies. This comprehensive approach may be a tangible step in improving student success for students from a wide variety of backgrounds in anatomy and physiology courses.
Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in an undergraduate exercise physiology course
Authors: Nybo Lars , May Michael
Published: June 2015

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of changing a laboratory physiology course for undergraduate students from a traditional step-by-step guided structure to an inquiry-based approach. With this aim in mind, quantitative and qualitative evaluations of learning outcomes (individual subject-specific tests and group interviews) were performed for a laboratory course in cardiorespiratory exercise physiology that was conducted in one year with a traditional step-by-step guided manual (traditional course) and the next year completed with an inquiry-based structure (I-based course). The I-based course was a guided inquiry course where students had to design the experimental protocol and conduct their own study on the basis of certain predefined criteria (i.e., they should evaluate respiratory responses to submaximal and maximal exercise and provide indirect and direct measures of aerobic exercise capacity). The results indicated that the overall time spent on the experimental course as well as self-evaluated learning outcomes were similar across groups. However, students in the I-based course used more time in preparation (102 ± 5 min) than students in the traditional course (42 ± 3 min, P < 0.05), and 65 ± 5% students in the I-based course searched for additional literature before experimentation compared with only 2 ± 1% students in the traditional course. Furthermore, students in the I-based course achieved a higher ( P < 0.05) average score on the quantitative test (45 ± 3%) compared with students in the traditional course (31 ± 4%). Although students were unfamiliar with cardiorespiratory exercise physiology and the experimental methods before the course, it appears that an inquiry-based approach rather than one that provides students with step-by-step instructions may benefit learning outcomes in a laboratory physiology course.
Various Techniques to Increase Keratinized Tissue for Implant Supported Overdentures: Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Elkhaweldi Ahmed , Rincon Soler Carmen , Cayarga Rodrigo , Suzuki Takanori , Kaufman Zev
Published: June 2015

Purpose. The purpose of this retrospective case series is to describe and compare different surgical techniques that can be utilized to augment the keratinized soft tissue around implant-supported overdentures.Materials and Methods. The data set was extracted as deidentified information from the routine treatment of patients at the Ashman Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. Eight edentulous patients were selected to be included in this study. Patients were treated for lack of keratinized tissue prior to implant placement, during the second stage surgery, and after delivery of the final prosthesis.Results. All 8 patients in this study were wearing a complete maxillary and/or mandibular denture for at least a year before the time of the surgery. One of the following surgical techniques was utilized to increase the amount of keratinized tissue: apically positioned flap (APF), pedicle graft (PG), connective tissue graft (CTG), or free gingival graft (FGG).Conclusions. The amount of keratinized tissue should be taken into consideration when planning for implant-supported overdentures. The apical repositioning flap is an effective approach to increase the width of keratinized tissue prior to the implant placement.
Quality of Root Canals Performed by the Inaugural Class of Dental Students at Libyan International Medical University
Authors: Elemam Ranya F. , Abdul Majid Ziad Salim , Groesbeck Matt , Azevedo Álvaro F.
Published: June 2015

Objective. The purpose of this study was to radiographically evaluate technical quality of root canal fillings performed by dental undergraduates at Libyan International Medical University in Libya.Methods. Root canal cases were treated at university dental clinic from the fall of 2012 to the fall of 2013 by the fourth and fifth year dental students. Students used step-back preparation and cold lateral compaction in the treatment. Radiographs were reviewed over a two-year period from initial procedure to final restoration. Radiographs were evaluated for adequacy or inadequacy by length, density, and taper. Length inadequacy was classified as short or overextended. Overall quality was considered “adequate” based on all three variables. Chi-square tested differences between teeth groupings and adequacy classification. Significantpvalue results were adjusted by Bonferroni correction.Results. Adequate length of root canal fillings were observed in roughly half of all samples (48.6%). Density was adequate in 75.8% of the samples. Taper was observed as adequate in 68.8%. Higher quality was evident in anterior teeth (plus premolars) versus molars (65.6% versus 43.3%, resp.;p<0.04).Conclusion. Overall quality of endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate dental students was adequate in 53.9% of the cases. Significant opportunity exists to improve the quality of root canals provided by dental students.
Metal-Based Nanoparticles and the Immune System: Activation, Inflammation, and Potential Applications
Authors: Luo Yueh-Hsia , Chang Louis W. , Lin Pinpin
Published: June 2015

Nanomaterials, including metal-based nanoparticles, are used for various biological and medical applications. However, metals affect immune functions in many animal species including humans. Different physical and chemical properties induce different cellular responses, such as cellular uptake and intracellular biodistribution, leading to the different immune responses. The goals of this review are to summarize and discuss the innate and adaptive immune responses triggered by metal-based nanoparticles in a variety of immune system models.
Heterogeneous Node Deployment Model Based on Area Topology Control in WSNs
Authors: Xie Yong , Wu Li-Bing , Fan Jing , Nie Lei
Published: June 2015

Balanced energy consumption in WSNs is the key to maximize network lifetime. After analyzing laws of energy consumption of WSNs, a heterogeneous node deployment model based on area topology control is proposed in this paper. It utilizes predetermined heterogeneous node deployment to balance area energy consumption ratio and the topology control algorithm based on area energy consumption ratio to maintain dynamic equilibrium energy consumption. Simulation results show that our model takes a superior performance on maintaining network coverage, balancing energy consumption, and maximizing network lifetime. Compared with similar WSNs deployment models, our model can be more efficient to prolong network lifetime and has advantages in reducing dependence on deployment accuracy, balancing dynamic energy consumption, and improving lifetime in poor network environment.
Enhancing the Cognitive and Learning Skills of Children with Intellectual Disability through Physical Activity and Edutainment Games
Authors: Dandashi Amal , Karkar Abdel Ghani , Saad Sawsan , Barhoumi Zaara , Al-Jaam Jihad , El Saddik Abdulmotaleb
Published: June 2015

This work introduces an edutainment system specifically designed to help children with intellectual disability (ID) in order to allow them to have an enhanced and enjoyable learning process and addresses the need for integrating physical activity into their daily lives. The proposed system consists of a multimedia technology based games with a tangible user interface. The edutainment system was tested on 77 children with different intellectual disabilities (IDs). The mildly disabled groups achieved best results in terms of scores and coordination, but all the observed groups exhibited high motivation levels. The results proved that the system had very positive effects on the children, in terms of cognition and motivational levels, especially as the children became more physically active in the classrooms. Instructors also expressed willingness to incorporate the edutainment system into the classroom on a daily basis, as a complementary tool to conventional learning.
A Novel Interest Detection-Based Video Dissemination Algorithm under Flash Crowd in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Jia Shijie , Jiang Shengli , Li Yuanchen , Zhi Xihu , Wang Mu
Published: June 2015

The peer-to-peer-based video resource dissemination is important for handling extreme conditions such as flash crowds which severely break the balance between supply and demand of video content and bring negative effects for quality of service (QoS). In this paper, we propose a novel interest detection-based video dissemination algorithm under flash crowd in mobile ad hoc networks (IDVD). IDVD classifies the user behavior of requesting video content in terms of the popularities and playback time of video and considers the demand of popular video as the cause of flash crowd. IDVD makes use of the prediction of necessary bandwidth and period time of intensive request to be aware of period time and scale of flash crowd. IDVD employs a resource dissemination algorithm which can fast discover interested nodes and achieve the on-demand dissemination of video resources in neighboring geographical area, in order to handle imbalance between supply and demand. IDVD uses the epidemic model to describe the state transition of nodes and define the convergence condition of resource dissemination algorithm. Extensive tests show how IDVD achieves much better performance results in comparison with other state of the art solutions.
An Optimal Decision Model of Production-Inventory with MTS and ATO Hybrid Model Considering Uncertain Demand
Authors: Zhang Dezhi , Li Xialian , Li Xiamiao , Li Shuangyan , Qian Qi
Published: June 2015

This paper presents an optimization decision model for a production system that comprises the hybrid make-to-stock/assemble-to-order (MTS/ATO) organization mode with demand uncertainty, which can be described as a two-stage decision model. In the first decision stage (i.e., before acquiring the actual demand information of the customer), we have studied the optimal quantities of the finished products and components, while in the second stage (i.e., after acquiring the actual demand information of the customer), we have made the optimal decision on the assignment of components to satisfy the remaining demand. The optimal conditions on production and inventory decision are deduced, as well as the bounds of the total procurement quantity of the components in the ATO phase and final products generated in the MTS phase. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the above optimal model. The findings are shown as follows: the hybrid MTS and ATO production system reduces uncertain demand risk by arranging MTS phase and ATO phase reasonably and improves the expected profit of manufacturer; applying the strategy of component commonality can reduce the total inventory level, as well as the risk induced by the lower accurate demand forecasting.
Derivation Method for the Foundation Boundaries of Hydraulic Numerical Simulation Models Based on the Elastic Boussinesq Solution
Authors: Song Jintao , Gu Chongshi , Gu Hao , Wang Shaowei
Published: June 2015

The foundation boundaries of numerical simulation models of hydraulic structures dominated by a vertical load are investigated. The method used is based on the stress formula for fundamental solutions to semi-infinite space body elastic mechanics under a vertical concentrated force. The limit method is introduced into the original formula, which is then partitioned and analyzed according to the direction of the depth extension of the foundation. The point load will be changed to a linear load with a length of2a. Inverse proportion function assumptions are proposed at parameteraand depthlof the calculation points to solve the singularity questions of elastic stress in a semi-infinite space near the ground. Compared with the original formula, changing the point load to a linear load with a length of2ais more reasonable. Finally, the boundary depth criterion of a hydraulic numerical simulation model is derived and applied to determine the depth boundary formula for gravity dam numerical simulations.
Actinomyces meyeriEmpyema: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jung Hae Won , Cho Chong Rae , Ryoo Ji Yoon , Lee Hyun Kyo , Ha So Young , Choi Ji Hoon , Kwak Yee Gyung
Published: June 2015

Actinomyces meyeriis an uncommon cause of human actinomycosis. Here, we report a rare case of empyema caused byA. meyeri. A 49-year-old male presented with a history of 10 days of dyspnea and chest pain. A large amount of loculated pleural effusion was present on the right side and multiple lung nodules were documented on radiological studies. A chest tube was inserted and purulent pleural fluid was drained.A. meyeriwas isolated in anaerobic cultures of the pleural fluid. The infection was alleviated in response to treatment with intravenous penicillin G (20 million IU daily) and oral amoxicillin (500 mg every 8 hours) for 4 months, demonstrating that short-term antibiotic treatment was effective.
Therapeutic Potential of Inorganic Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Turner Christopher T. , McInnes Steven J. P. , Voelcker Nicolas H. , Cowin Allison J.
Published: June 2015

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), available for a range of diseases, including tumours, leukemia, and multiple sclerosis, are emerging as the fastest growing area of therapeutic drug development. The greatest advantage of therapeutic mAbs is their ability to bind with a high degree of specificity to target proteins involved in disease pathophysiology. In response, effector functions are triggered and these ameliorate the disease cascade. As an alternative to this reliance on effector functions, drugs can be conjugated to mAbs. The ability to target compounds to the site of pathology minimises the nonspecific side effects associated with systemic administration. In both instances, optimising the delivery, absorption, and distribution of the mAbs, whilst minimising potential side effects, remain the key hurdles to improved clinical outcomes. Novel delivery strategies are being investigated with more vigour in recent years, and nanoparticles are being identified as suitable vehicles. In conjunction with permitting a controlled release profile, nanoparticles protect the drug from degradation, reducing both the dose and frequency of administration. Moreover, these particles shield the patient from the immune complications associated with high dose mAb infusions or drug cytotoxicity. This review outlines recent advances in nanoparticle technology and how they may be of benefit as therapeutic mAb delivery/targeting vehicles.
Prevalence of Out-of-Hospital Sudden Cardiac Death in Moscow in 2005–2009
Authors: Makarov Leonid , Komoliatova Vera , Fedina Natalia , Solokhin Yuri
Published: June 2015

Background. The sudden out-of-hospital cardiac death (SOHCD) in Russia is poorly investigated. The aim of study was to determine structure of SOHCD in Moscow. Methods. SOHCD were analyzed according to data for 2005–2009 from the 2nd Thanatology Department of Forensic Medicine of Moscow that serves 2502836 citizens in Moscow. Results. Prevalence of SOHCD was 49.1% of autopsies for all age groups and in 8.9% in the group aged 1–45 (22.3 cases per 100000 population/year). The frequency of SOHCD progressively increased with age. Most SOHCD victims (82%) were males. The diagnosis of cardiomyopathy was prevalent (80–96%) in the age 1–45 group; in 11–15 more 30% had normal heart; after 35 years of age, the role of ischaemic heart disease increased. In 67% of the people aged 19–25 SOHCD was associated with traces of alcohol (0.3–3.0 promile). Conclusion. The proportion of SOHCD in the Moscow population over all age groups has reached 123.2 per 100000 citizens annually. In the age group 1–45, the prevalence of SOHCD was 22.3 cases per 100000 citizens per year. The risk of SOHCD was greater in males. Possibly the role of alcohol in SOHCD in people older than 20 increased.
Coronary Microvascular Function and Beyond: The Crosstalk between Hormones, Cytokines, and Neurotransmitters
Authors: Dal Lin Carlo , Tona Francesco , Osto Elena
Published: June 2015

Beyond its hemodynamic function, the heart also acts as a neuroendocrine and immunoregulatory organ. A dynamic communication between the heart and other organs takes place constantly to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. The current understanding highlights the importance of the endocrine, immune, and nervous factors to fine-tune the crosstalk of the cardiovascular system with the entire body. Once disrupted, this complex interorgan communication may promote the onset and the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, expanding our knowledge on how these factors influence the cardiovascular system can lead to novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient care. In the present paper, we review novel concepts on the role of endocrine, immune, and nervous factors in the modulation of microvascular coronary function.
Naringin Attenuates Autophagic Stress and Neuroinflammation in Kainic Acid-Treated HippocampusIn Vivo
Authors: Jeong Kyoung Hoon , Jung Un Ju , Kim Sang Ryong
Published: June 2015

Kainic acid (KA) is well known as a chemical compound to study epileptic seizures and neuronal excitotoxicity. KA-induced excitotoxicity causes neuronal death by induction of autophagic stress and microglia-derived neuroinflammation, suggesting that the control of KA-induced effects may be important to inhibit epileptic seizures with neuroprotection. Naringin, a flavonoid in grapefruit and citrus fruits, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities, resulting in neuroprotection in animal models from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, we examined its beneficial effects involved in antiautophagic stress and antineuroinflammation in the KA-treated hippocampus. Our results showed that naringin treatment delayed the onset of KA-induced seizures and decreased the occurrence of chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) in KA-treated mice. Moreover, naringin treatment protected hippocampal CA1 neurons in the KA-treated hippocampus, ameliorated KA-induced autophagic stress, confirmed by the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), and attenuated an increase in tumor necrosis factor-α(TNFα) in activated microglia. These results suggest that naringin may have beneficial effects of preventing epileptic events and neuronal death through antiautophagic stress and antineuroinflammation in the hippocampusin vivo.
POSOP Routing Algorithm: A DTN Routing Scheme for Information Connectivity of Health Centres in Hilly State of North India
Authors: Johari Rahul , Gupta Neelima , Aneja Sandhya
Published: June 2015

We explore the application of partitioned network for providing health services in difficult terrain where fixed communication infrastructure is not cost-effective due to low population density and very high cost of setting up a permanent infrastructure. We propose a hybrid routing which is persistent, on-demand, scheduled, opportunistic, and predicted (POSOP) routing algorithm, that exploits various types of contacts existing in a partitioned, hybrid, and sparse network. Such networks may be used to provide guidance from specialist doctors to junior doctors working in primary health centres. We present a scenario from Uttarakhand (a state in hilly region of North India), where POSOP routing algorithm may be used to provide improved health services. Using simulations, we evaluate the performance of POSOP routing algorithm on three metrics, messages delivered, average delay suffered by the delivered messages, and average message traffic. We compare the performance of POSOP routing algorithm with two routing schemes, namely, epidemic and spray and wait on the three metrics. Our approach outperforms both the routing schemes.
Energy-Efficient Collaborative Communication for Optimization Cluster Heads Selection Based on Genetic Algorithms in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ma Wei-gang , Cao Yuan , Wei Wei , Hei Xin-hong , Ma Jian-feng
Published: June 2015

To solve the energy constraint problem caused by the neighborhood of the sink, which is burdened with heavy relay traffic via multihop communication and tends to die earlier, a new energy-efficient collaborative communication model is proposed based on genetic algorithms in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). By setting the threshold value for a new generation judgment function, the proposed algorithm would be capable of judging whether the sensor nodes can be a cluster head. Then, the genetic algorithms will filter out some nodes from these temporary cluster heads to get the final cluster heads. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can allocate energy to each node of WSNs and postpone the death of the first node. In this manner, the lifetime of WSNs is effectively prolonged.
A New Countermeasure against Brute-Force Attacks That Use High Performance Computers for Big Data Analysis
Authors: Jo Hyun-Ju , Yoon Ji Won
Published: June 2015

Using high performance parallel and distributed computing systems, we can collect, generate, handle, and transmit ever-increasing amounts of data. However, these technical advancements also allow malicious individuals to obtain high computational power to attack cryptosystems. Traditional cryptosystem countermeasures have been somewhat passive in response to this change, because they simply increase computational costs by increasing key lengths. Cryptosystems that use the conventional countermeasures cannot preserve secrecy against various cryptanalysis approaches, including side channel analysis and brute-force attacks. Therefore, two new countermeasures have recently been introduced to address this problem: honey encryption and the structural code scheme. Both methods look different; however, they have similar security goals and they both feature distribution transforming encoders based on statistical schemes. We unify them into a statistical code scheme in this study. After explaining the statistical code scheme, we describe the structural code scheme, which has not been adopted as widely as the honey encryption.
GTDM: A DTN Routing on Noncooperative Game Theory in a City Environment
Authors: Li Wenzao , Lin Feng , Zhou Jiliu , Wang Yan
Published: June 2015

The performance of delay tolerant networks (DTNs) can be influenced by movement model in different application environments. The existing routing algorithms of DTNs do not meet the current city environments due to the large differences in node densities, social characteristics, and limited energy. The key indicators of DTNs such as success delivery ratio, average delivery latency, network lifetime, and network overhead ratio can influence the performances of civil DTNs applications. Aiming to improve the key indicators of DTNs in city environments, this paper presents a fixed sink station based structure and a more proper routing algorithm named Game Theory Based Decision Making (GTDM). GTDM shows decision-making process for neighborhood selection and packet delivering strategy which is based on the noncooperative game theory method and city environment characteristics. GTDM performance is evaluated using numerical simulations under Working Day Movement (WDM) model and the results suggested that GTDM outperforms other traditional DTNs routing approaches, such as Epidemic and Prophet algorithms.
SolarCastalia: Solar Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Network Simulator
Authors: Yi Jun Min , Kang Min Jae , Noh Dong Kun
Published: June 2015

Most existing simulators for WSNs (wireless sensor networks) model battery-powered sensors and provide MAC and routing protocols designed for battery-powered WSNs. Recently, however, increasingly extensive studies of energy harvesting sensor systems require the development of appropriate simulators, but there are few related studies on such simulators. Unlike existing simulators, simulators for energy harvesting WSNs require a new energy model that is integrated with the energy harvesting, rechargeable battery, and energy consuming models. Additionally, the new model must enable applications of the well-known MAC and routing protocols designed for energy harvesting WSNs and have a convenient user-friendly interface. In this work, we design and implement a user-friendly simulator for solar energy harvesting WSNs.
Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment with Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapies
Authors: Xu Jian , Peng Qinghua
Published: June 2015

Current management of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) includes an attempt at slowing down the degenerative process through therapies that use either Western or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Novel therapies in Western medicine (WM) include use of tailor-made gene therapy, transplantation of stem cells, or neuroprotection treatment. TCM treatment includes two major approaches. These are orally applied herbal decoctions and acupuncture. In fact, all TCM treatments are based on the differentiation of a symptom-complex, which is the characteristic essence of TCM. Thus, diagnosed RP may be treated via the liver, the kidney, and the spleen. The principle behind these treatments is to invigorate the blood and brighten the eyes by toning up the liver and the kidney. Also treatments to cope with deficiencies in the two concepts that are unique and fundamental to TCM are considered: Qi or “vital energy” and Yin and Yang or the harmony of all the opposite elements and forces that make up existence. In particular, the Qi deficiency that results from blood stasis is addressed in these treatments. This paper also puts forward the existing problems and the prospect of the future development on integrating TCM with WM.
Shared MPR Sets for Moderately Dense Wireless Multihop Networks
Authors: Kitasuka Teruaki , Tagashira Shigeaki
Published: June 2015

Multipoint relays (MPRs) are used for flooding topology control messages and finding the shortest paths for unicast communications in the optimized link state routing protocol (OLSR). In this paper, we propose a method for achieving more efficient MPR selection in moderately dense wireless multihop networks (including sensor networks) than the conventional MPR selection. First, we analyze moderately dense networks to show that a node close to the two-hop border has little probability of being a two-hop neighbor. Second, we explain that there is a chance of the node's MPRs being shared with its neighbors.

To maximize this chance, we propose using shared MPR sets. These sets minimize the MPR ratio, which is defined as the number of nodes selected as MPRs by at least one neighbor divided by the total number of nodes in the network. Simulations are used to confirm the efficiency of using shared MPR sets. A centralized heuristic algorithm shows an MPR ratio redundancy in moderately dense networks that is about 10% of that obtained through conventional MPR selection.
A Clustering Algorithm Based on Mobility Properties in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Oh Young-jun , Lee Kang-whan
Published: June 2015

We propose a context-awareness routing algorithm—the DDV- (Dynamic Direction Vector-) hop algorithm—in mobile ad hoc networks. The existing algorithm in MANET has the limitations of the dynamic network topology and the absence of network expandability of the mobility of nodes. The proposed algorithm performs cluster formation for the base station using the range of direction and threshold of velocity. We calculate the exchange of the cluster head node probability using the direction and velocity for maintaining cluster formation. The DDV-hop algorithm, a probabilistic routing protocol for such networks, is proposed and then compared to the earlier presented algorithms through simulations. The simulations are conducted on a number of clusters, network areas, transmission ranges, and velocity of nodes in mobile networks. Our results suggest that the DDV-hop algorithm demonstrates efficiency of eventual delivery and maintains the proper number of clusters and cluster members regardless of topology changes with a lower communication overhead in several interesting environments.
Technologies and Research Trends in Wireless Body Area Networks for Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ha Ilkyu
Published: June 2015

Owing to the increasing interest in the integration of the medical technology and the information and communications technology, research on wireless body area networks (WBANs), which apply a sensor network to the human body, is being actively conducted. Existing sensor network technology has the potential to be used in a WBAN; however, it has some limitations. In particular, a WBAN has a very different network environment compared to a sensor network that uses free space, because wireless sensors in a BAN transmit through parts of the human body. Therefore, research on WBANs involves a variety of research areas that differ slightly from those of conventional sensor networks and take into account the characteristics of the human body. This study investigates the environmental characteristics of a WBAN that differ from conventional sensor networks and examines the areas that have been studied in academia to realize more efficient WBANs. From studies published since 2001, when the concept of the WBAN was introduced, research trends in WBANs were investigated using the systematic literature review (SLR) technique. The investigation in this study includes the classification of research and research fields in line with research content. Further, survey results are presented and the outlook for further study is summarized.
Cludoop: An Efficient Distributed Density-Based Clustering for Big Data Using Hadoop
Authors: Yu Yanwei , Zhao Jindong , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Qin , Zhang Yonggang
Published: June 2015

Density-based clustering for big data is critical for many modern applications ranging from Internet data processing to massive-scale moving object management. This paper proposes Cludoop algorithm, an efficient distributed density-based clustering for big data using Hadoop. First, we propose a serial clustering algorithm CluC by leveraging cell partition optimization and c-cluster to fast find clusters. CluC completes classification of the points using the relationships of connected cells around points instead of expensive completed neighbor query, which significantly reduce the number of distance calculations. Second, we propose the Cludoop, which can efficiently cluster very-large-scale data in parallel using already existing data partition on Map/Reduce platform. It employs the proposed serial clustering CluC as a plugged-in clustering on parallel mapper, along with a cell description instead of completed cell in transmission to reduce both network and I/O costs. Guided by proposed cell-based principles, we also design a Merging-Refinement-Merging 3-step framework to merge c-clusters on the overlay of assigned preclustering result on reducer. Finally, our comprehensive experimental evaluation on 10 network-connected commercial PCs, using both huge-volume real and synthetic data, demonstrates (1) the effectiveness of our algorithm in finding correct clusters with arbitrary shape and (2) the fact that our proposed algorithm exhibits better scalability and efficiency than state-of-the-art method.
Local Good-λEstimate for the Sharp Maximal Function and Weighted Morrey Space
Authors: Komori-Furuya Yasuo
Published: June 2015

We give a characterization of weighted Morrey space by using Fefferman and Stein’s sharp maximal function. For this purpose, we consider a local good-λinequality.
A New Approach to Global Stability of Discrete Lotka-Volterra Predator-Prey Models
Authors: Kim Young-Hee , Choo Sangmok
Published: June 2015

An Euler difference scheme for a three-dimensional predator-prey model is considered and we introduce a new approach to show the global stability of the scheme. For this purpose, we partition the three-dimensional space and calculate the sign of the rate change of population of species in each partitioned region. Our method is independent of dimension and then can be applicable to other dimensional discrete models. Numerical examples are presented to verify the results in this paper.
Adrenergic System Activation Mediates Changes in Cardiovascular and Psychomotoric Reactions in Young Individuals after Red Bull©Energy Drink Consumption
Authors: Cavka Ana , Stupin Marko , Panduric Ana , Plazibat Ana , Cosic Anita , Rasic Lidija , Debeljak Zeljko , Martinovic Goran , Drenjancevic Ines
Published: June 2015

Objectives.To assess the effect of Red Bull©on (1) blood glucose and catecholamine levels, (2) cardiovascular and respiratory function changes before, during, and after exercise, (3) reaction time, (4) cognitive functions, and (5) response to mental stress test and emotions in young healthy individuals (N=38).Methods.Heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (ABP), blood glucose, adrenaline, and noradrenalin plasma levels were measured before and after Red Bull©intake. Participants were subjected to 4 different study protocols by randomized order, before and 30 minutes after consumption of 500 mL of Red Bull©.Results.Mean ABP and HR were significantly increased at rest after Red Bull©intake. Blood glucose level and plasma catecholamine levels significantly increased after Red Bull©consumption. Heart rate, respiration rate, and respiratory flow rate were significantly increased during exercise after Red Bull©consumption compared to control condition. Intake of Red Bull©significantly improved reaction time, performance in immediate memory test, verbal fluency, and subject’s attention as well as performance in mental stress test.Conclusion.This study demonstrated that Red Bull©has beneficial effect on some cognitive functions and effect on cardiovascular and respiratory system at rest and during exercise by increasing activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
An Efficient Cluster Head Selection Approach for Collaborative Data Processing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Qiang Yan , Pei Bo , Wei Wei , Li Yue
Published: June 2015

Since wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of nodes with limited battery power, collaborative data processing and balanced energy consumption should be considered as the key issue. This paper proposes an efficient cluster head selection approach for collaborative data processing in WSNs. The proposed algorithm designs an effective energy-efficient model to select the optimal cluster heads among all nodes fairly, which helps to reduce the impact of the monitoring scheme on the lifetime of network. Experimental results show that the proposed protocol is able to reduce energy consumption and obtain higher efficiency as well as effectively prolonging the lifetime of network more than a few existing cluster-based routing protocols.
Large Bowel Obstruction Due to a Big Gallstone Successfully Treated with Endoscopic Mechanical Lithotripsy
Authors: Balzarini Marco , Broglia Laura , Comi Giovanni , Calcara Calcedonio
Published: June 2015

Colonic gallstone ileus in an uncommon mechanical bowel obstruction caused by intraluminal impaction of one or more gallstones. The surgical management of gallstone ileus is complex and is potentially of high risk. There have been reports of gallstone extractions using various endoscopic modalities to relieve the obstruction. In this report we present the technique employed to successfully perform a mechanical lithotripsy and extraction of a large gallstone embedded in a sigmoid colon affected by diverticular stenosis. We passed through the stenosis with a 11.3 mm videoscope with 3.7 mm channel. A large lithotripsy extraction basket was used to catch and break up the stone and fragments were removed using the same basket. The patient was discharged asymptomatic three days after the procedure. Using appropriate devices mechanical lithotripsy is a safe and effective method to treat colonic obstruction and avoid surgery in the setting of gallstone ileus even in case of big stones.
Graphene: A Versatile Carbon-Based Material for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Dubey Nileshkumar , Bentini Ricardo , Islam Intekhab , Cao Tong , Castro Neto Antonio Helio , Rosa Vinicius
Published: June 2015

The development of materials and strategies that can influence stem cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation towards osteoblasts is of high interest to promote faster healing and reconstructions of large bone defects. Graphene and its derivatives (graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide) have received increasing attention for biomedical applications as they present remarkable properties such as high surface area, high mechanical strength, and ease of functionalization. These biocompatible carbon-based materials can induce and sustain stem cell growth and differentiation into various lineages. Furthermore, graphene has the ability to promote and enhance osteogenic differentiation making it an interesting material for bone regeneration research. This paper will review the important advances in the ability of graphene and its related forms to induce stem cells differentiation into osteogenic lineages.
Discrimination in a General Algebraic Setting
Authors: Fine Benjamin , Gaglione Anthony , Lipschutz Seymour , Spellman Dennis
Published: June 2015

Discriminating groups were introduced by G. Baumslag, A. Myasnikov, and V. Remeslennikov as an outgrowth of their theory of algebraic geometry over groups. Algebraic geometry over groups became the main method of attack on the solution of the celebrated Tarski conjectures. In this paper we explore the notion of discrimination in a general universal algebra context. As an application we provide a different proof of a theorem of Malcev on axiomatic classes of Ω‐algebras.
Trends in IT Innovation to Build a Next Generation Bioinformatics Solution to Manage and Analyse Biological Big Data Produced by NGS Technologies
Authors: de Brevern Alexandre G. , Meyniel Jean-Philippe , Fairhead Cécile , Neuvéglise Cécile , Malpertuy Alain
Published: June 2015

Sequencing the human genome began in 1994, and 10 years of work were necessary in order to provide a nearly complete sequence. Nowadays, NGS technologies allow sequencing of a whole human genome in a few days. This deluge of data challenges scientists in many ways, as they are faced with data management issues and analysis and visualization drawbacks due to the limitations of current bioinformatics tools. In this paper, we describe how the NGS Big Data revolution changes the way of managing and analysing data. We present how biologists are confronted with abundance of methods, tools, and data formats. To overcome these problems, focus on Big Data Information Technology innovations from web and business intelligence. We underline the interest of NoSQL databases, which are much more efficient than relational databases. Since Big Data leads to the loss of interactivity with data during analysis due to high processing time, we describe solutions from the Business Intelligence that allow one to regain interactivity whatever the volume of data is. We illustrate this point with a focus on the Amadea platform. Finally, we discuss visualization challenges posed by Big Data and present the latest innovations with JavaScript graphic libraries.
Security Trade-Off and Energy Efficiency Analysis in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rusinek Damian , Ksiezopolski Bogdan , Wierzbicki Adam
Published: June 2015

With a rapid progress of numerous applications in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), performance evaluation and analysis techniques face new challenges in energy efficiency area in WSN applications. One of the key issues is to perform the security trade-off and energy efficiency analysis. In this paper, the energy analysis module for the QoP-ML (quality of protection modeling language) is proposed by means of which one can analyze the influence of various security levels on the energy consumption of a protocol. Moreover, an advanced communication module is proposed as an extension of the QoP-ML language, which enhances the abilities to analyze complex wireless sensor networks. The case study of WSN deployed on the Jindo Bridge in South Korea was carried out and the lifetime of protocols with various security levels was simulated. The results show that the introduction of various security levels can entail large differences in performance and energy consumption, and hence result in different lifetime. Therefore, the designers of WSN protocols should search for balance between the required lifetime and security level. The introduced QoP-ML extension, along with the AQoPA (automated quality of protection analysis) tool, has been developed to meet the above requirements.
Hydrogels and Cell Based Therapies in Spinal Cord Injury Regeneration
Authors: Assunção-Silva Rita C. , Gomes Eduardo D. , Sousa Nuno , Silva Nuno A. , Salgado António J.
Published: June 2015

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a central nervous system- (CNS-) related disorder for which there is yet no successful treatment. Within the past several years, cell-based therapies have been explored for SCI repair, including the use of pluripotent human stem cells, and a number of adult-derived stem and mature cells such as mesenchymal stem cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, and Schwann cells. Although promising, cell transplantation is often overturned by the poor cell survival in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. Alternatively, the therapeutic role of different cells has been used in tissue engineering approaches by engrafting cells with biomaterials. The latter have the advantages of physically mimicking the CNS tissue, while promoting a more permissive environment for cell survival, growth, and differentiation. The roles of both cell- and biomaterial-based therapies as single therapeutic approaches for SCI repair will be discussed in this review. Moreover, as the multifactorial inhibitory environment of a SCI suggests that combinatorial approaches would be more effective, the importance of using biomaterials as cell carriers will be herein highlighted, as well as the recent advances and achievements of these promising tools for neural tissue regeneration.
Preliminary Investigation of Microdosimetric Track Structure Physics Models in Geant4-DNA and RITRACKS
Authors: Douglass Michael , Penfold Scott , Bezak Eva
Published: June 2015

The major differences between the physics models in Geant4-DNA and RITRACKS Monte Carlo packages are investigated. Proton and electron ionisation interactions and electron excitation interactions in water are investigated in the current work. While these packages use similar semiempirical physics models for inelastic cross-sections, the implementation of these models is demonstrated to be significantly different. This is demonstrated in a simple Monte Carlo simulation designed to identify differences in interaction cross-sections.
Synthesis of Thermal Polymerizable Alginate‐GMA Hydrogel for Cell Encapsulation
Authors: Wang Xiaokun , Hao Tong , Qu Jing , Wang Changyong , Chen Haifeng
Published: June 2015

Alginate is a negative ionic polysaccharide that is found abundantly in nature. Calcium is usually used as a cross‐linker for alginate. However, calcium cross‐linked alginate is used only for in vitro culture. In the present work, alginate was modified with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) to produce a thermal polymerizable alginate‐GMA (AA‐GMA) macromonomer. The molecular structure and methacrylation (%DM) of the macromonomer were determined by 1H NMR. After mixing with the correct amount of initiator, the AA‐GMA aqueous solution can be polymerized at physiological temperature. The AA‐GMA hydrogels exhibited a three‐dimensional porous structure with an average pore size ranging from 50 to 200 μm, directly depending on the macromonomer concentration. Biocompatibility of the AA‐GMA hydrogel was determined by in vivo muscle injection and cell encapsulation. Muscle injection in vivo showed that the AA‐GMA solution mixed with initiator could form a hydrogel in situ and had a mild inflammatory effect. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were encapsulated in the AA‐GMA hydrogels in situ at 37°C. Cell viability and proliferation were unaffected by macromonomer concentrations, which suggests that AA‐GMA has a potential application in the field of tissue engineering, especially for myocardial repair.