Integrated ECC and Blowfish for Smartphone Security

AbstractMobile Cloud Computing is the hottest research area in the IT world. Security and privacy are key issues in MCC. Hence, framework required to provide the security with minimum computational overhead. We develop the scheme to secure the mobile data in cloud using cryptography, in which Elliptic Curve Cryptography and Blowfish algorithm are integrated to provide authentication and confidentiality. To transmit the data more securely, random number is used to increase computational complexity for an adversary. We also randomize the number of rounds of Blowfish for performance improvement. Our approach is implemented and tested with different platforms like personal computer, android emulator, smartphone and aakash tablet

Prognostic and pathophysiological features of uraemic cardiomyopathy using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Premature cardiovascular (CV) death is the commonest cause of death in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), which includes those receiving or close to requiring renal replacement therapy. In ESRD patients, CV deaths are most commonly caused by cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death compared to the general population where myocardial ischaemia and infarction predominate. Higher CV disease burden is due to accumulation of “conventional” risk factors (e.g. hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking) and “novel” risk factors (e.g. oxidative stress, proteinuria, anaemia, inflammation) in ESRD patients. In addition, risk factors specific to patients with renal disease have been identified including alteration in left ventricular (LV) structure, called uraemic cardiomyopathy. These structural abnormalities are common in patients with ESRD (between 60-80% of subjects upon initiation of dialysis) and include left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and dilatation. These changes in LV structure confer adverse CV outcome in ESRD patients and have proven difficult to reverse. Detection of these abnormalities is usually performed using echocardiography, however this technique is inaccurate in ESRD patients due to significant alterations in LV shape and geometric assumptions made during calculation of myocardial mass. Cardiovascular MRI (CMR) negates these assumptions and is the most accurate, reproducible and reliable method of assessing LV dimensions independent of intravascular volume, particularly in patients with altered myocardial architecture. Furthermore, maximal left atrial volume can be measured using CMR. The principle aims of the studies presented in this thesis were to elucidate prognostic and pathophysiological features of uraemic cardiomyopathy using CMR. In a large study (n=246) of haemodialysis patients, the determinants of each LV abnormality of uraemic cardiomyopathy were identified from past clinical history, haemodialysis and blood parameters and other LV measurements. For LV changes, major determinants were clinical features associated with advanced renal disease, namely expansion of intravascular/ extracellular fluid compartment, abnormal bone mineral biochemistry and hypertension. Furthermore, presence of one LV abnormality was one of the strongest predictors of presence of another, perhaps indicating differing stages of uraemic cardiomyopathy development. In a subsequent prognostic study including these patients (n=446), presence of LVSD and LV dilatation on CMR were significantly associated with poorer all cause and CV mortality. Presence of LVH, which is by far the most common structural change, was associated with poorer cardiovascular survival only. In addition, presence of two or three abnormalities (commonly LVH with another abnormality) had a significantly poorer prognosis and independently predicted CV and all cause mortality. This has implications for therapeutic strategies which should aim to slow or reverse cardiac changes of ESRD and prevent progression from one cardiac abnormality to 2 or more. In a further study (n=201) investigating additional prognostic features of ESRD patients with LVH, maximal left atrial volume (LAV) was measured using the bi-plane area length method at end LV systole. Elevated LAV and presence of LVSD were significantly associated with poorer all cause survival and were independent predictors of death. The most likely causes of elevated LAV in ESRD patients are LV diastolic dysfunction and expanded extracellular compartment and may provide a target for therapeutic intervention. The electrophysiological features of uraemic cardiomyopathy were assessed using microvolt T wave alternans (MTWA) which is a novel, non-invasive method of measuring small variations in surface electrocardiogram (ECG) T wave morphology and thus ventricular repolarisation. This technique has been used to stratify other cohorts at elevated risk of sudden cardiac death (such as ischaemic and non ischaemic cardiomyopathy, hypertensive LVH). A study presented in this thesis, compared MTWA results between ESRD (n=200) and hypertensive patients with LVH on echocardiography (n=30). Abnormal MTWA result was significantly more common in ESRD patients compared to hypertensive patients with LVH. Furthermore, abnormal MTWA result was significantly associated with myocardial abnormalities of uraemic cardiomyopathy and a history of macrovascular atheromatous disease in ESRD patients. Despite preservation of LV function on CMR, the frequency of abnormal MTWA result in ESRD patients was similar to previous studies in subjects with heart failure. 31Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a novel, non-invasive technique of estimating cardiac energetic status and high energy phosphate (HEP) metabolism in a myocardial area of interest and has previously been used to assess patients with global myocardial disease (dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertensive LVH). High energy phosphate metabolism was compared between patients with ESRD (n=53) and hypertensive LVH (n=30) and despite similar LV mass between both groups, PCr: ATP (an indicator of HEP metabolism) was significantly reduced in ESRD patients. These findings are most likely due to cardiac interstitial fibrosis and the alteration of tissue composition within the area of interest, and changes in metabolic function within cardiomyocytes of uraemic hearts. Finally, a small study (n=50) investigated the effect of successful renal transplantation on LV mass measured by CMR. On comparison of patients who remained on the renal transplant waiting list, there was no significant difference in LV mass in patients who received a renal transplant. It is likely that previous echocardiography studies that demonstrated significant regression of LVH, measured improvement in fluid control rather that actual reduction in myocardial mass. Future studies investigating benefit of therapeutic intervention may require identification of individuals at higher CV risk and the results of studies presented in this thesis aim to provide information for selecting such ESRD patients. With these results in mind, further prospective studies will be able to carefully select groups of ESRD patients with differing left ventricular, left atrial, electrophysiological and biochemical properties to demonstrate survival benefit with interventional agents. In this way, future therapies for ESRD patients can be tailored to improve cardiovascular survival

Itraconazole loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles for improved antifungal activity

PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles containing the hydrophobic antifungal Itraconazole (ITZ) were developed to address the need for more efficient means of treating fungal infections. PLGA-ITZ nanoparticles were synthesized using an oil-in-water emulsion evaporation method. The nanoparticles morphology (TEM), size and size distribution, zeta potential (DLS), encapsulation efficiency (UV-VIS), release profile, and antifungal activity were characterized. The blank NPs and loaded PLGA-ITZ NPs were spherical with diameters of 201±5 nm, 232±1 nm and 223±36 nm at 0%, 12.5% and 25% loadings, respectively. All synthesized particles measured a negative zeta potential ranging from -28 to -33 mV. The maximum encapsulation efficiency of ITZ was ~96% at 12.5% w/w theoretical loading. ITZ release showed an initial burst followed by a gradual release profile, with 75% ITZ released over 5 days. PLGA-ITZ nanoparticles inhibited Aspergillus flavus fungal growth more efficiently than free and emulsified ITZ. Quantitative fluorescence experiments performed with a GFP-expressing A. flavus verified that the PLGA-ITZ NPs had superior inhibitory activity at lower ITZ concentrations compared to free and emulsified ITZ drug formulations. PLGA-ITZ nanoparticles (232 nm) completely inhibited Aspergillus flavus growth over 11 days at 0.3 mg/ml ITZ, a concentration 100x less than free and emulsified ITZ. In nanoparticle uptake studies, 203 nm fluorescent PLGA nanoparticles containing coumarin-6 were seen associating with fungal cell surfaces and internalizing efficiently, while 1206 nm particle uptake was sporadic. Quantitative fluorescence experiments of PLGA-ITZ NPs of 232 nm, 630 nm, and 1060 nm showed inhibitory differences at the lowest ITZ concentration of 0.003 mg/ml, and no differences at higher concentrations. The PLGA-ITZ nanoparticle system is envisioned to increase bioavailability of ITZ by improving its aqueous solubility, controlling its release over time and especially increasing antifungal penetration at the cellular level by efficient nanoparticle uptake by cells, thereby elevating antifungal efficacy

The role of pulmonary mast cells in neurotrophin 4 mediated cholinergic neuroplasticity in neonatal asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent wheezing, coughing and difficulties in breathing. Asthma affects 25.7 million people in the USA including 8 million children. Asthma is often associated with early-life exposure to environmental insults. However, mechanisms that link early-life insults to persistent airway dysfunction are unknown. Our previous studies in mice showed that early-life allergen exposure increases the levels of neurotrophin 4 (NT4) causing airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyper innervation and persistent airway hyper reactivity (AHR). I show that early-life allergen exposure selectively increases cholinergic innervation. Notably, cholinergic nerves release acetylcholine, a potent airway constrictor that signals through the M3 receptor in ASM. Building upon these findings, my thesis encompasses two components. Firstly, how is NT4 expression aberrantly up regulated following early-life allergen exposure? Secondly, what is the effect of enhanced cholinergic innervation on the neonatal ASM? I find that NT4 is selectively expressed by ASM and mast cells in mice, nonhuman primates and humans. We show in mice that while NT4 expression in ASM remains unchanged upon allergen exposure, mast cells expand in number and degranulate to release NT4 thereby increasing NT4 levels in the lung. Adoptive transfer of wild-type mast cells, but not NT4-/- mast cells restores ASM innervation and AHR in KitW-sh/W-sh mice following early-life insults. In an infant primate model of asthma, the increased ASM innervation is also associated with the expansion and degranulation of mast cells. Therefore, pulmonary mast cells are a key source of aberrant NT4 expression following early-life insults in both mice and possibly primates. Next, I speculated that an increased cholinergic output in the neonatal lung might lead to persistent AHR. Using recurrent methacholine exposure and M3 receptor blocker, 4-DAMP, I show that enhanced cholinergic signaling in neonatal mice leads to persistent AHR without inflammation. In contrast, methacholine exposure in adult mice has no prolonged effects on airway reactivity. Together, my findings support a model in which deregulated neural activities following early-life insults cause persistent ASM hyper contractility. Thus, early-life interventions to block mast cell degranulation and the cholinergic pathway may benefit children with recurrent wheezing.2016-12-15T00:00:00

Characterizing 51 Eri b from 1 to 5 μm: A Partly Cloudy Exoplanet

We present spectrophotometry spanning 1–5 μm of 51 Eridani b, a 2–10 M_(Jup) planet discovered by the Gemini Planet Imager Exoplanet Survey. In this study, we present new K1 (1.90–2.19 μm) and K2 (2.10–2.40 μm) spectra taken with the Gemini Planet Imager as well as an updated L_P (3.76 μm) and new M_S (4.67 μm) photometry from the NIRC2 Narrow camera. The new data were combined with J (1.13–1.35 μm) and H (1.50–1.80 μm) spectra from the discovery epoch with the goal of better characterizing the planet properties. The 51 Eri b photometry is redder than field brown dwarfs as well as known young T-dwarfs with similar spectral type (between T4 and T8), and we propose that 51 Eri b might be in the process of undergoing the transition from L-type to T-type. We used two complementary atmosphere model grids including either deep iron/silicate clouds or sulfide/salt clouds in the photosphere, spanning a range of cloud properties, including fully cloudy, cloud-free, and patchy/intermediate-opacity clouds. The model fits suggest that 51 Eri b has an effective temperature ranging between 605 and 737 K, a solar metallicity, and a surface gravity of log(g) = 3.5–4.0 dex, and the atmosphere requires a patchy cloud atmosphere to model the spectral energy distribution (SED). From the model atmospheres, we infer a luminosity for the planet of −5.83 to −5.93 (log L/L_⊙), leaving 51 Eri b in the unique position of being one of the only directly imaged planets consistent with having formed via a cold-start scenario. Comparisons of the planet SED against warm-start models indicate that the planet luminosity is best reproduced by a planet formed via core accretion with a core mass between 15 and 127 M_⊕

Teaching percutaneous renal biopsy using unfixed human cadavers

Background: Percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) is an important diagnostic procedure. Despite advances in its safety profile there remains a small but significant risk of bleeding complications. Traditionally, operators train to perform PRB through tutor instruction and directly supervised PRB attempts on real patients. We describe an approach to teaching operators to perform PRB using cadaveric simulation. Methods: We devised a full day course hosted in the Clinical Anatomy Skills Centre, with places for nine candidates. Course faculty consisted of two Consultant Nephrologists, two Nephrology trainees experienced in PRB, and one Radiologist. Classroom instruction included discussion of PRB indications, risk minimisation, and management of complications. Two faculty members acted as models for the demonstration of kidney localisation using real-time ultrasound scanning. PRB was demonstrated using a cadaveric model, and candidates then practised PRB using each cadaver model. Results: Written candidate feedback was universally positive. Faculty considered the cadaveric model a realistic representation of live patients, while the use of multiple cadavers introduced anatomical variation. Conclusions: Our model facilitates safe simulation of a high risk procedure. This might reduce serious harm associated with PRB and improve patient safety, benefiting trainee operators and patients alike

Intelligent Green Communication Network for Internet of Things

The text covers the advanced and innovative concept of green communication networks using the Internet of Things in different fields including cloud technology, agriculture, the automobile sector, and robotics. It will also help readers in learning the efficient use of sensors and devices in the Internet of Things networks. The text covers 5G communication and its application for intelligent and green network-enabled Internet of Things. This book • Discusses intelligent and green networking-enabled Internet of Things • Covers architectures and models for intelligent and green communication networks-enabled Internet of Things • Discusses designing Internet of Things devices that help in reducing the emissions of CO2 in the environment and energy consumption • Highlights green computing approach and green communication network designs and implementations for Internet of Things ecosystem • Includes studies on energy-aware systems, technologies, and green communication This book comprehensively discusses recent advances and applications in the area of green Internet of Things communication in a single volume. It will serve as an ideal reference text for senior undergraduate and graduate students, and academic researchers in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, computer engineering, and information technology

Analysis of the pathogenic factors and management of dry eye in ocular surface disorders

The tear film represents the interface between the eye and the environment. The alteration of the delicate balance that regulates the secretion and distribution of the tear film determines the dry eye (DE) syndrome. Despite having a multifactorial origin, the main risk factors are female gender and advanced age. Likewise, morphological changes in several glands and in the chemical composition of their secretions, such as proteins, mucins, lipidics, aqueous tears, and salinity, are highly relevant factors that maintain a steady ocular surface. Another key factor of recurrence and onset of the disease is the presence of local and/or systemic inflammation that involves the ocular surface. DE syndrome is one of the most commonly encountered diseases in clinical practice, and many other causes related to daily life and the increase in average life expectancy will contribute to its onset. This review will consider the disorders of the ocular surface that give rise to such a widespread pathology. At the end, the most recent therapeutic options for the management of DE will be briefly discussed according to the specific underlying pathology