Data Lifetime Estimation in a Multicast-Based CoAP Proxy

In this work we consider kernel-based record lifetime estimation in a proactive Internet of Things (IoT) proxy with multicast based cache management. Multicast refreshment requests were based on lifetime expiration for a predefined number of records. To reduce the traffic volume in the IoT domain, we assume that only nodes where the observed physical variable has changed its value will respond to the multicast request. For estimating the data lifetime at the proxy, we use Gaussian kernels, assuming that the intrinsic data lifetime probability distribution was taken from Erlang-k family of sub-exponential distributions. In this setup, we consider that the proxy connects to the IoT domain using an IEEE 802.15.4-compatible wireless network. Results indicate that narrow and symmetrical lifetime probability distributions require more frequent multicasting refreshments compared to wider and asymmetric ones. This increases traffic intensity and energy consumption in IoT domain. We quantify finding with numerical results

Three-dimensional reconstruction of medical images based on 3D slicer

The development of imaging has always been the top priority of modern medical advancement. There are also many methods for image processing in brain. 3D Slicer is an open source medical software that can reconstruct and visualize various medical image data in three dimensions. Three-dimensional reconstruction of blood vessels, hematomas, and nerve fiber tissue in brain can better assist doctors in planning operation and surgical implementation

Modeling and analysis of high availability techniques in a virtualized system

Availability evaluation of a virtualized system is critical to the wide deployment of cloud computing services. Time-based, prediction-based rejuvenation of virtual machines (VM) and virtual machine monitors, VM failover and live VM migration are common high-availability (HA) techniques in a virtualized system. This paper investigates the effect of combination of these availability techniques on VM availability in a virtualized system where various software and hardware failures may occur. For each combination, we construct analytic models rejuvenation mechanisms to improve VM availability; (2) prediction-based rejuvenation enhances VM availability much more than time-based VM rejuvenation when prediction successful probability is above 70%, regardless failover and/or live VM migration is also deployed; (3) failover mechanism outperforms live VM migration, although they can work together for higher availability of VM. In addition, they can combine with software rejuvenation mechanisms for even higher availability; (4) and time interval setting is critical to a time-based rejuvenation mechanism. These analytic results provide guidelines for deploying and parameter setting of HA techniques in a virtualized system

Investigations of urethral sphincter activity in mice with bladder hyperalgesia before and after drug administration of gabapentin.

PurposeThis study investigated the effect of gabapentin on lower urinary tract dysfunction focusing on urethral activities and cystitis-induced hyperalgesia in a mouse model of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC). The electromyography (EMG) of external urethral sphincter (EUS) was difficult to obtain, but contained useful information to examine the drug effect in mice.MethodsFemale C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally (ip) administration with either saline or 200 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide (CYP) 48 h before experimental evaluation. Cystitis mice were treated with administration of gabapentin (25 or 50 mg/kg, ip). Cystometry and EUS EMG were obtained and analyzed during continuous bladder infusion. The visceral pain-related visceromotor reflex (VMR) was recorded in response to isotonic bladder distension.ResultsCystitis mice showed shorter inter-contraction intervals and increased occurrence of non-voiding contractions during bladder infusion, with increased VMR during isotonic bladder distension, indicating cystitis-induced bladder hyperalgesia. Gabapentin (50 mg/kg) suppressed effects of CYP on cystometry, but not on EUS EMG activity, during bladder infusion. The effect on urodynamic recordings lasted 4 h. VMR was significantly reduced by gabapentin.ConclusionsThe present study showed that CYP-induced cystitis in mice is a model of visceral hyperalgesia affecting detrusor contractions, not urethral activations. The technique of using EUS EMG to evaluate the drug effects on urethral activities is novel and useful for future investigations. Gabapentin can be as a potential treatment for detrusor overactivity and PBS/IC