Protein quality and physico-functionality of Australian sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius cv. Gungurru) protein concentrates prepared by isoelectric precipitation or ultrafiltration

The protein quality and physico-functional properties of Australian sweet lupin protein concentrates, prepared by isoelectric precipitation or ultrafiltration, were assessed. The ultrafiltration process resulted in a higher yield of protein than did the isoelectric precipitation process. The lupin kernel and the two lupin protein concentrates had similar essential amino acid compositions that were inferior to ideal human requirements. True digestibilities of the isoelectrically precipitated (ISO) and the ultrafiltered (UF) lupin protein concentrates were similar but significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of casein. Net protein utilisations (NPU) of the ISO and UF protein concentrates were similar but significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of casein. The UF protein concentrate had higher protein solubility than did the ISO protein concentrate (P<0.05). Low foaming capacity, low viscosity, but high emulsification capacity (particularly at low pH) were observed for lupin protein concentrates.

In situ localization associates biologically active plant natriuretic peptide immuno-analogues with conductive tissue and stomata

Plant natriuretic peptide immuno-analogues (irPNP) have previously been shown to affect a number of biological processes including stomatal guard cell movements, ion fluxes and osmoticum-dependent water transport. Tissue printing and immunofluorescent labelling techniques have been used here to study the tissue and cellular localization of irPNP in ivy (Hedera helix L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Polyclonal antibodies active against human atrial natriuretic peptide (anti-hANP) and antibodies against irPNP from potato (anti-StPNP) were used for immunolabelling. Tissue prints revealed that immunoreactants are concentrated in vascular tissues of leaves, petioles and stems. Phloem-associated cells, xylem cells and parenchymatic xylem cells showed the strongest immunoreaction. Immunofluorescent microscopy with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG supported this finding and, furthermore, revealed strong labelling to stomatal guard cells and the adjacent apoplastic space as well. Biologically active immunoreactants were also detected in xylem exudates of a soft South African perennial forest sage (Plectranthus ciliatus E. Mey ex Benth.) thus strengthening the evidence for a systemic role of the protein. In summary, in situ cellular localization is consistent with physiological responses elicited by irPNPs reported previously and is indicative of a systemic role in plant homeostasis.

A simulation model for video traffic performance via ATM over TCP/IP

Although TCP has emerged as the standard in data communication, the introduction of ATM technology has raised numerous problems regarding the effectiveness of using TCP over A TM networks, especially when video traffic performance is considered. This paper presents a simulation model for transmission performance of video traffic via ATM over TCP/IP. The interactivity between TCP/IP and ATM, generation of MPEG traffic and evaluation of traffic performance are implemented in the model. The design and implementation details of the model are carefully described. The experiments conducted using the model and experimental results are briefly introduced, revealing the capability of our model in simulating network events and in evaluating potential solutions to performance issues.

IP spoofing attack and its countermeasures

IP spoofing is a technique used to gain unauthorized access to computers, whereby the intruder sends messages to a computer with an IP address indicating that the message is coming from a trusted host. It causes serious security problem in the cyber world, and is currently exploited widely in the information warfare. This paper at first introduces the IP spoofing attack through examples, technical issues and attacking types. Later its countermeasures are analysed in detail, which include authentication and encription, filtering and IP traceback. In particular, an IP traceback mechanism, Flexible Deterministic Packet Marking (FDPM) is presented. Since the IP spoofing problem can not be solved only by technology, but it also needs social regulation, the legal issues and economic impact are discussed in the later part.

A defense system against DDoS attacks by large-scale IP traceback

In this paper, we present a new approach, called Flexible Deterministic Packet Marking (FDPM), to perform a large-scale IP traceback to defend against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. In a DDoS attack the victim host or network is usually attacked by a large number of spoofed IP packets coming from multiple sources. IP traceback is the ability to trace the IP packets to their sources without relying on the source address field of the IP header. FDPM provides many flexible features to trace the IP packets and can obtain better tracing capability than current IP traceback mechanisms, such as Probabilistic Packet Marking (PPM), and Deterministic Packet Marking (DPM). The flexibilities of FDPM are in two ways, one is that it can adjust the length of marking field according to the network protocols deployed; the other is that it can adjust the marking rate according to the load of participating routers. The implementation and evaluation demonstrates that the FDPM needs moderately only a small number of packets to complete the traceback process; and can successfully perform a large-scale IP traceback, for example, trace up to 110,000 sources in a single incident response. It has a built-in overload prevention mechanism, therefore this scheme can perform a good traceback process even it is heavily loaded.

Topology based packet marking for IP traceback

IP source address spoofing exploits a fundamental weakness in the Internet Protocol. It is exploited in many types of network-based attacks such as session hijacking and Denial of Service (DoS). Ingress and egress filtering is aimed at preventing IP spoofing. Techniques such as History based filtering are being used during DoS attacks to filter out attack packets. Packet marking techniques are being used to trace IP packets to a point that is close as possible to their actual source. Present IP spoofing  countermeasures are hindered by compatibility issues between IPv4 and IPv6, implementation issues and their effectiveness under different types of attacks. We propose a topology based packet marking method that builds on the flexibility of packet marking as an IP trace back method while overcoming most of the shortcomings of present packet marking techniques.

Iterative variable aggregation and disaggregation in IP : an application

This paper, using the Unconstrained Shape Matrix Optimization Problem as a test bed, we investigate various aspects of variable aggregation and disaggregation for a class of integer programs that contains binary expansion. We present theoretical and numerical results, and propose an iterative algorithm for exact solutions.

Monitoring of immune responses to a herbal immuno-modulator in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Many herbal medicines are widely used as immuno-modulators in Asian countries. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) is one of the most commonly used herbs in Asia and preclinical studies have established that the polysaccharide fractions of G. lucidum have potent immuno-modulating effects. However, clinical evidence for this is scanty. The present open-labeled study aimed to evaluate the effects of G. lucidum polysaccharides on selected immune functions in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Forty-seven patients were enrolled and treated with oral G. lucidum at 5.4 g/day for 12 weeks. Selected immune parameters were monitored using various immunological methods throughout the study. In 41 assessable cancer patients, treatment with G. lucidum tended to increase mitogenic reactivity to phytohemagglutinin, counts of CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD56 lymphocytes, plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ, and NK activity, whereas plasma concentrations of IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were decreased. For all of these parameters, no statistical significance was observed when a comparison was conducted between baseline and those values after a 12-week treatment with G. lucidum. The changes of IL-1 were correlated with those for IL-6, IFN-γ, CD3, CD4, CD8 and NK activity (p < 0.05) and IL-2 changes were correlated with those for IL-6, CD8 and NK activity. The results indicate that G. lucidum may have potential immuno-modulating effect in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to explore the benefits and safety of G. lucidum in cancer patients.

Effect of surface roughness of Ti, Zr, and TiZr on apatite precipitation from simulated body fluid

Some of the critical properties for a successful orthopedic or dental implant material are its biocompatibility and bioactivity. Pure titanium (Ti) and zirconium (Zr) are widely accepted as biocompatible metals, due to their non-toxicity. While the bioactivity of Ti and some Ti alloys has been extensively investigated, there is still insufficient data for Zr and titanium-zirconium (TiZr) alloys. In the present study, the bioactivity, that is, the apatite forming ability on the alkali and heat treated surfaces of Ti, Zr, and TiZr alloy in simulated body fluid (SBF), was studied. In particular, the effect of the surface roughness characteristics on the bioactivity was evaluated for the first time. The results indicate that the pretreated Ti, Zr and TiZr alloy could form apatite coating on their surfaces. It should be noted that the surface roughness also critically affected the bioactivity of these pretreated metallic samples. A surface morphology with an average roughness of approximately 0.6 microm led to the fastest apatite formation on the metal surfaces. This apatite layer on the metal surface is expected to bond to the surrounding bones directly after implantation.

Re-examination of the effect of NbC precipitation on shape memory in Fe-Mn-Si-based alloys

Current literature pertaining to the shape memory effect in the Fe–Mn–Si-based system is critically discussed. It is argued that the
enhanced shape memory previously attributed to NbC precipitation is mainly due to the associated thermo-mechanical treatments.
It is concluded that the thermo-mechanical processing of the alloy is the dominant factor that determines the shape memory effect in
this alloy system.

Vitamin D: status, supplementation and immuno-modulation

Numerous studies have shown suboptimal vitamin D status in populations at high geographical latitudes, owing to a reduced capacity to synthesise vitamin D, especially during wintertime. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to be effective at maintaining adequate vitamin D status throughout the year in these countries. Classically reported to play a central role in bone health, vitamin D has more recently been shown to modulate immune function by promoting an anti-inflammatory response, which may be related to onset or progression of autoimmune inflammatory disorders. One such condition is multiple sclerosis (MS). There is an increasing incidence of MS with increasing latitude, with higher prevalence reported in countries further away from the equator, where vitamin D synthesis is inadequate. Vitamin D has been shown to have positive effects on the animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. However, there have been few human intervention studies to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of MS or indeed of other autoimmune disorders. Further research is required to examine the potential beneficial role of vitamin D in MS to ultimately determine the optimal vitamin D status required to alleviate symptoms and possibly prevent this and other chronic diseases.

Effect of NbC and TiC precipitation on shape memory in an iron-based alloy

This paper examines the effects of TiC and NbC precipitation and prior cold rolling on the shape memory behaviour of an iron-based alloy. A precipitate-free alloy was used as a reference to investigate the relative contributions of prior-deformation and precipitation on shape memory. Heat treatment of the Nb- and Ti-containing alloys at 700 °C and 800 °C resulted in carbide precipitates between 120 nm and 220 nm in diameter. Bend testing of these samples showed a marginal increase in shape memory compared to the precipitate-free alloy. Under these conditions TiC precipitation exhibited slightly better shape memory than for NbC. However, this small increase was over-shadowed by the marked increase in shape memory that can be produced by subjecting the alloys to cold rolling followed by recovery annealing. When processed in this way, fine carbides are formed in the Ti- and Nb-containing alloys during the heat treatment. For particles >25 nm in diameter the shape memory is unaffected, but, it was found that small <5 nm particles have a detrimental effect on shape memory due to pinning of the martensite plates, thereby inhibiting their reversion to austenite. The optimum shape memory was observed in the precipitate-free alloy after cold rolling and recovery annealing.

Simultaneous removal of ammonia and phosphate from wastewater by precipitation of struvite using magnesia

A thorough investigation of conditions required for the precipitation of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate using magnesia as the source of magnesium was carried out and two computer models were used to make predictions as to optimum conditions for production of suitable crystal size and structure for a successful process. A process was developed and a bench scale model operated for a number of high ammonia wastes. Removal of ammonia was affected to levels of up to 97% with 94% ammonia removal being achievable consistently.

Flexible deterministic packet marking: an IP traceback system to find the real source of attacks

Internet Protocol (IP) traceback is the enabling technology to control Internet crime. In this paper, we present a novel and practical IP traceback system called Flexible Deterministic Packet Marking (FDPM) which provides a defense system with the ability to find out the real sources of attacking packets that traverse through the network. While a number of other traceback schemes exist, FDPM provides innovative features to trace the source of IP packets and can obtain better tracing capability than others. In particular, FDPM adopts a flexible mark length strategy to make it compatible to different network environments; it also adaptively changes its marking rate according to the load of the participating router by a flexible flow-based marking scheme. Evaluations on both simulation and real system implementation demonstrate that FDPM requires a moderately small number of packets to complete the traceback process; add little additional load to routers and can trace a large number of sources in one traceback process with low false positive rates. The built-in overload prevention mechanism makes this system capable of achieving a satisfactory traceback result even when the router is heavily loaded. The motivation of this traceback system is from DDoS defense. It has been used to not only trace DDoS attacking packets but also enhance filtering attacking traffic. It has a wide array of applications for other security systems.