OCI-Based Group Communication Support in CORBA

Group communication is a useful mechanism guaranteeing consistency among replicated objects. The existing approaches do not allow transparent plug-in of group communication protocols into CORBA. They either require modification of CORBA or OS, or provide no room for incorporating group communication transport protocols into CORBA. We thus propose a generic group communication framework that allows transparent plug-in of various group communication protocols with no modification of existing CORBA. We extend the open communications interface (OCI) to support interoperability, reusability of existing group communication, and independency on ORB and OS. We also define the group communication inter-ORB protocol (GCIOP) as a group communication instantiation of the general inter-ORB protocol (GIOP) that encapsulates underlying group communication protocols. The proposed scheme can be exploited for fault-tolerant CORBA (FT CORBA)

OCI-Based Group Communication Support in CORBA

Group communication is a useful mechanism guaranteeing consistency among replicated objects. The existing approaches do not allow transparent plug-in of group communication protocols into CORBA. They either require modification of CORBA or OS, or provide no room for incorporating group communication transport protocols into CORBA. We thus propose a generic group communication framework that allows transparent plug-in of various group communication protocols with no modification of existing CORBA. We extend the open communications interface (OCI) to support interoperability, reusability of existing group communication, and independency on ORB and OS. We also define the group communication inter-ORB protocol (GCIOP) as a group communication instantiation of the general inter-ORB protocol (GIOP) that encapsulates underlying group communication protocols. The proposed scheme can be exploited for fault-tolerant CORBA (FT CORBA)

Isomorphic Strategy for Processor Allocation in k-Ary n-Cube Systems

Due to its topological generality and flexibility, the k-ary n-cube architecture has been actively researched for various applications. However, the processor allocation problem has not been adequately addressed for the k-ary n-cube architecture, even though it has been studied extensively for hypercubes and meshes. The earlier k-ary n-cube allocation schemes based on conventional slice partitioning suffer from internal fragmentation of processors. In contrast, algorithms based on job-based partitioning alleviate the fragmentation problem but require higher time complexity. This paper proposes a new allocation scheme based on isomorphic partitioning, where the processor space is partitioned into higher dimensional isomorphic subcubes. The proposed scheme minimizes the fragmentation problem and is general in the sense that any size request can be supported and the host architecture need not be isomorphic. Extensive simulation study reveals that the proposed scheme significantly outperforms earlier schemes in terms of mean response time for practical size k-ary and n-cube architectures. The simulation results also show that reduction of external fragmentation is more substantial than internal fragmentation with the proposed scheme

Isomorphic Strategy for Processor Allocation in k-Ary n-Cube Systems

Due to its topological generality and flexibility, the k-ary n-cube architecture has been actively researched for various applications. However, the processor allocation problem has not been adequately addressed for the k-ary n-cube architecture, even though it has been studied extensively for hypercubes and meshes. The earlier k-ary n-cube allocation schemes based on conventional slice partitioning suffer from internal fragmentation of processors. In contrast, algorithms based on job-based partitioning alleviate the fragmentation problem but require higher time complexity. This paper proposes a new allocation scheme based on isomorphic partitioning, where the processor space is partitioned into higher dimensional isomorphic subcubes. The proposed scheme minimizes the fragmentation problem and is general in the sense that any size request can be supported and the host architecture need not be isomorphic. Extensive simulation study reveals that the proposed scheme significantly outperforms earlier schemes in terms of mean response time for practical size k-ary and n-cube architectures. The simulation results also show that reduction of external fragmentation is more substantial than internal fragmentation with the proposed scheme

Non-specific physiological background effects of acupuncture revealed by proteomic analysis in normal rats

BACKGROUND: The total effects of adequate real acupuncture treatment consist of pathologic-specific and non-specific physiological effects. The latter may be the fundamental component of the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. This study investigated the physiological background effects of acupuncture in normal rats treated with acupuncture. METHODS: Manual acupuncture was performed on normal rats at experienced acupoints, GV14 (Dazhui), BL12 (Fengmen) and BL13 (Feishu), once every other day for two weeks. The proteomic profile of rat lung tissue was examined using 2-DE/MS-based proteomic techniques. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were analyzed for differentially expressed proteins using the WebGestalt toolkit. RESULTS: In total, 25 differentially expressed protein spots were detected in the 2-DE gels. Among these spots, 24 corresponded to 20 unique proteins that were successfully identified using mass spectrometry. Subsequent GO and KEGG pathway analyses demonstrated that these altered proteins were mainly involved in biological processes, such as ‘protein stabilization’, ‘glycolysis/gluconeogenesis’ and ‘response to stimulus’. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated the non-specific background effects of acupuncture at acupoints GV14, BL12 and BL13 likely maintained internal homeostasis via regulation of the local stimulus response, energy metabolism, and biomolecule function balance, which may be important contributors to the therapeutic effects of acupuncture

Nanodiamond-Gutta Percha Composite Biomaterials for Root Canal Therapy.

Root canal therapy (RCT) represents a standard of treatment that addresses infected pulp tissue in teeth and protects against future infection. RCT involves removing dental pulp comprising blood vessels and nerve tissue, decontaminating residually infected tissue through biomechanical instrumentation, and root canal obturation using a filler material to replace the space that was previously composed of dental pulp. Gutta percha (GP) is typically used as the filler material, as it is malleable, inert, and biocompatible. While filling the root canal space with GP is the standard of care for endodontic therapies, it has exhibited limitations including leakage, root canal reinfection, and poor mechanical properties. To address these challenges, clinicians have explored the use of alternative root filling materials other than GP. Among the classes of materials that are being explored as novel endodontic therapy platforms, nanodiamonds (NDs) may offer unique advantages due to their favorable properties, particularly for dental applications. These include versatile faceted surface chemistry, biocompatibility, and their role in improving mechanical properties, among others. This study developed a ND-embedded GP (NDGP) that was functionalized with amoxicillin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used for endodontic infection. Comprehensive materials characterization confirmed improved mechanical properties of NDGP over unmodified GP. In addition, digital radiography and microcomputed tomography imaging demonstrated that obturation of root canals with NDGP could be achieved using clinically relevant techniques. Furthermore, bacterial growth inhibition assays confirmed drug functionality of NDGP functionalized with amoxicillin. This study demonstrates a promising path toward NDGP implementation in future endodontic therapy for improved treatment outcomes