Cast Models Research Articles

Experimental studies on the interaction between vehicles and floodplain flows

Floodwater flows through urban floodplains with storm water systems are often inadequate during extreme storm events and/ or when the river flood inundation extent becomes extreme. Such flows may cause potential hazard risks to humans and their properties along the floodplains. Recently, flood hazards relating to vehicles have become more noticeable and it is vital to investigate the hydraulic behaviour of vehicles on urban floodplains. Therefore, this paper outlines a study of the theoretical and experimental aspects of the hydrodynamics of floodwater flows over urban floodplains with vehicles. A theoretical background study is discussed to establish an understanding of the hydrodynamics of floodwater flows over urban floodplains with vehicles; a condition which can be very important for extreme storm events, or even moderate storm events, when the storm water system is insufficient to drain away the surface runoff. Extensive investigations have been undertaken on stationary scaled die cast model vehicles in laboratory hydraulics flumes by conducting a series of physical experimental studies on: (i) the threshold of vehicle instability, (ii) the effects of vehicle orientation, (iii) the effects of ground surface gradient, (iv) the vehicle stability on urban floodplains, and (v) the influence of vehicles on floodwater flows. The results for all the test cases have been analysed to investigate the effects of vehicles on floodwater flow propagation over urban floodplains and, on the other hand, the influence of the floodwater flows on the stability of model vehicles. The two principal factors of hazards (i.e. the floodwater depth and flow velocity) that affect the stability of model vehicles in urban floodplains have been identified to confirm the significant impact of hydrodynamic processes in urban floodplains with vehicles. All experiments undertaken so far have only looked into the conditions under which the model vehicles begin to be moved. Observations have been made from the theory studied and experiments conducted to systematically look into the hydraulic behaviour of vehicles in urban floodplains. The main findings have highlighted that: (i) the model vehicles had a significant impact on the floodwater flow propagation and the hydrodynamic processes in the flooded area, (ii) if the incoming flow depth was less than the vehicle height, then the threshold velocity increased for a decease in the depth of flow; (iii) if the incoming flow depth was greater than the vehicle height, then the threshold velocity would rise with an increase in the depth of flow, and (iv) a flooded vehicle was more likely to move if the incoming depth just approached the vehicle chassis height due to the buoyancy effects. Based on these findings, an innovative approach of a straightforward three colour zone envelope curve has been developed, and first introduced herein, which has been defined as the Traffic Light of Hydraulic Stability (TLHS) system. This novel approach can be readily used to evaluate the degree of hydraulic stability for model vehicles, and it is also invaluable for assessing the vehicle hazard conditions in urban floodplains.

Maximizing modern distribution of complex anatomical spatial information: 3D reconstruction and rapid prototype production of anatomical corrosion casts of human specimens

Anatomical corrosion casts of human specimens are useful teaching aids. However, their use is limited due to ethical dilemmas associated with their production, their lack of perfect reproducibility, and their consumption of original specimens in the process of casting. In this study, new approaches with modern distribution of complex anatomical spatial information were explored to overcome these limitations through the digitalization of anatomical casts of human specimens through three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, rapid prototype production, and Web-based 3D atlas construction. The corrosion cast of a lung, along with its associated arteries, veins, trachea, and bronchial tree was CT-scanned, and the data was then processed by Mimics software. Data from the lung casts were then reconstructed into 3D models using a hybrid method, utilizing both "image threshold" and "region growing." The fine structures of the bronchial tree, arterial, and venous network of the lung were clearly displayed and demonstrated their distinct relationships. The multiple divisions of bronchi and bronchopulmonary segments were identified. The 3D models were then uploaded into a rapid prototype 3D printer to physically duplicate the cast. The physically duplicated model of the lung was rescanned by CT and reconstructed to detect its production accuracy. Gross observation and accuracy detection were used to evaluate the duplication and few differences were found. Finally, Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) was used to edit the 3D casting models to construct a Web-based 3D atlas accessible through Internet Explorer with 3D display and annotation functions.

Three-dimensional Determination of Dental Occlusion and Facial Structures using Soft Tissue Cephalometric Analysis

A high accuracy 3D structured-light scanning system and method for integration of 3D digital dental cast models and human face model is proposed. The original two cameras and DLP projector system for surface 3D reconstruction is designed. The techniques for alignment of 3D human face model with the 3D dental cast models according their location and orientation in a mouth is presented. This technique allows evaluation of morphological parameters used for treatment planning and gives to a dentist new effective and convenient means for teeth occlusion study and documenting. This system is useful objective tool for medical tasks solution and further investigations are required in order to confirm effectiveness in orthodontic patients care. Ill. 5, bibl. 8 (in English; abstracts in English and Lithuanian).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.121.5.1658

Correlation between maxillary central incisor crown morphology and mandibular dental arch form in normal occlusion subjects

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the morphology of the mandibular dental arch and the maxillary central incisor crown. Cast models from 51 Caucasian individuals, older than 15 years, with optimal occlusion, no previous orthodontic treatment, featuring 4 of the 6 keys to normal occlusion by Andrews (the first being mandatory) were observed. The models were digitalized using a 3D scanner, and images of the maxillary central incisor and mandibular dental arch were obtained. These were printed and placed in an album below pre-set models of arches and dental crowns, and distributed to 12 dental surgeons, who were asked to choose which shape was most in accordance with the models and crown presented. The Kappa test was performed to evaluate the concordance among evaluators while the chi-square test was used to verify the association between the dental arch and central incisor morphology, at a 5% significance level. The Kappa test showed moderate agreement among evaluators for both variables of this study, and the chi-square test showed no significant association between tooth shape and mandibular dental arch morphology. It may be concluded that the use of arch morphology as a diagnostic method to determine the shape of the maxillary central incisor is not appropriate. Further research is necessary to assess tooth shape using a stricter scientific basis.

Influence of palatoplasty on occlusion of patients with isolated cleft palate

Methods: Cast models of 77 patients, 30 males and 47 females, with an average age of 21 years and no syndromes were taken. They were in the permanent dentition and had not undergone orthodontic treatment. The sample was divided into non-operated and operated patients, the latter having been submitted to palatoplasty at a mean age of 2.2 years. Results: Almost 80% of the sample exhibited sagittal discrepancies in the inter-arch relationship, with a Class II malocclusion prevailing (59.74%) followed by Class III (20,78%), regardless of palatoplasty. Transverse analysis showed a 23% incidence of posterior crossbite also not influenced by palatoplasty. Intra-arch relationship indicated that constriction and crowding on the upper arch were more frequent in the operated group (p=0.0238 and p=0.0002, respectively), showing an influence of palatoplasty on its morphology. The predominant morphological characteristics in patients with isolated cleft palate were a Class II malocclusion, upper dental arch constriction and upper and lower anterior crowding. Conclusion: The influence of palatoplasty was restricted to constriction and crowding of the upper dental arch, with no interference from the extension of the cleft, except for the upper crowding, which occurred more in patients with complete cleft palates.

Outcomes in Computer-Assisted Surgical Simulation for Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is a powerful tool to address skeletal discrepancies of the jaws; however, the model surgery and splint fabrication necessary to successfully complete this surgery are laborious and time consuming. Previous studies have described the utility of computer-assisted surgical simulation (CASS) to eliminate the need for plaster cast model surgery. This article evaluates the implementation of a CASS system for treatment planning and splint fabrication in a series of 11 orthognathic surgery patients. All patients were treatment planned using a CASS system for computer-simulated osteotomies and splint fabrication. As a safety measure, traditional model surgery and splint fabrication were also performed on all cases. Each case was evaluated for accuracy of cephalometric analysis, splint accuracy, splint durability, and ease of treatment planning. All splints fit as well, or better, than those fabricated using traditional methods. In 2 cases, occlusal cants were detected by the CASS system that were undetected by traditional cephalometric analysis and physical examination. In 1 case, the skeletal midline identified on the computed tomographic scan was incongruent with the soft tissue clinical midline of the face, and this discrepancy was recognized and compensated for by correlation of the physical examination and preoperative clinical photos.In this series of 11 patients, the CASS system proved to be an effective mechanism to treatment plan cases and prepare surgical splints for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

Evaluation of accuracy and reproducibility of the optical measuring system in cast machine tool body assessment

Evaluation of accuracy and reproducibility of the optical measuring system in cast machine tool body assessment The hereby presented study puts forth the fundamentals of an innovative technology enabling rapid assessment of machine tool cast shape by elimination of manual marking out requirement and machining surplus minimization. The new technique is based on optical measuring system utilization for the design of virtual cast models and their comparative analysis with structural models. Two small scale machine tool body casts were selected for the investigation. The measurements were conducted in triplicate series for each cast labeled with reference markers, by means of Atos GOM II optical scanner. For further comparison, one of the casts was additionally scanned without labeling. Flatness parameters of selected cast surfaces were determined for geometric accuracy evaluation and the scanned cast shapes were compared with reference models. The comparison results were recorded as multicolored maps projected upon the experimental cast and reference model surfaces. Practical map interpretation was further elucidated and the surplus sizes on the machined surfaces were assessed accordingly. Comparative analyses of individual models were demonstrated for all measurement series of both casts, affording reproducibility evaluation of optical scanning system measurements. Economic viability of the proposed technology market implementation was unequivocally established, as it provides for considerable reduction in the cast machining scale as well as the quality control of 100%.

Thermal simulation of a pin on a rotating cylinder jacket system

In this paper specimen level measurements and finite element simulations are introduced in order to study the thermal behaviour of a pin and wheel sliding contact configuration. The pin-like specimen is processed from cast iron and models the local contact of a railway brake block and wheel tire. The sliding contact is treated in the framework of a 3 dimensional problem in order to achieve reliable results. The paper also treats with the heat partition problem by distributed heat source and moving heat source models. The results are compared to measured datas and show that the classical heat partition approach is not valid for the friction pair examined i.e. the contact. However authors determine the exact heat partition ratio by an iterative approach and give explanations on the experienced temperature differences.

3D assisted morphological analysis of lingual upper central and lateral incisor surfaces

To determine the lingual surface morphology of central and lateral upper incisors evaluating constant morphological regions for better adhesion of industrial prefabricated lingual brackets. A total of 102 randomly selected patients at the end of the first phase of second dentition with intact central and lateral upper incisors participated in this study. After impression taking and cast model preparation, 3D laser scans of the lingual surface of the upper central and lateral incisors were taken (Laserscan 3D®, Willytec, Munich, Germany), digitalised, and transferred into CAD software to analyse the surface morphology by superimposition. For better comparison of morphological variations and determination of the most constant lingual regions, the surface was divided into five parts: incisal edge, mesial ridge, lateral ridge, cingulum, and medial sector. Statistical analysis was performed by the paired t-test. Statistically significant differences were found in all surfaces, with cingulum as the most inconstant region. The most constant region was the medial sector and the mesial ridge. As expected, the lingual surface underlies a high intra-individual variation complicating industrial prefabricated lingual brackets adhesion. However, the mesial ridge and the medial sector seem to be the most constant regions within intra-individual morphological variations.

Advantages and limits of 3-segment (paramedian) versus 2-segment (median) surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME)

A novel maxillary 3-segment osteotomy (3SO) was evaluated versus the conventional 2-segment-osteotomy (2SO) for surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. 3SO was performed bilaterally between the lateral incisors and canines at the former junction of the lateral alveolar processes with the premaxilla. Of 98 included patients (n = 53 retrospectively and n = 45 prospectively; 68 complete datasets), 47 patients' preoperative and postexpansion cast models were evaluated for transverse maxillary dental and skeletal expansion, dental tipping, attachment loss, and front teeth angulation, and on photographs the pink esthetic score (PES) was assessed preoperatively versus postoperatively. Three-SO expanded to a larger extent with more symmetry than 2SO, at the price of more dental tipping and front teeth angulation (independent t test). The PES showed better esthetic outcomes for 3SO (Mann-Whitney U test). Disadvantages of 2SO, such as median diastema, midline shift, median papilla infringement, asymmetric expansion, septum and columella dislocation, high forces on the periodontal apparatus, and subsequent attachment loss were overcome with 3SO. Bilateral double osteotomies appeared to promote higher volumes of callus formation, thus preventing relapses.

Le Fort–Based Maxillofacial Transplantation

Following encouraging results from the first 6 maxillofacial allotransplants, there has been a dramatic rise in interest worldwide. Numerous groups are now devoting resources to increase the frequency of these complex procedures, and with this, the craniomaxillofacial surgeon should become familiar with the emerging state of the art. This article reviews the evolution of Le Fort-based cadaveric studies pertaining to maxillofacial allotransplantation, briefly describes the clinical reports through 2010, and introduces a refined technique applying orthognathic applications. Preliminary studies over the last 5 years have highlighted the challenges associated with transplanting skeletal components, and clinical results presented thus far have been extremely promising. However, a notable area for improvement is suboptimal facial-skeletal harmony and profile in the context of sagittal skeletal projection and maxillomandibular relation. To our knowledge, orthognathic planning as applied to osteocutaneous face transplantation has not been described. Many recipients seen thus far demonstrate some degree of malocclusion and suboptimal harmony, as expected, given the donor-to-recipient skeletal/jaw discrepancies. Given that the goal is to improve function as well as form, the importance of orthognathic planning cannot be overstated with respect to optimizing harmony, profile, and occlusion. Preoperative planning, including generation of donor/recipient dental cast models, as described herein for the first time, is essential.

Análise quantitativa do palato duro em diferentes tipologias faciais de respiradores nasais e orais

OBJETIVO: comparar as dimensões do palato duro em diferentes tipologias faciais de crianças respiradoras nasais e orais. MÉTODO: a amostra foi constituída por 54 crianças, na faixa etária entre sete e 11 anos, distribuídas em grupos conforme o tipo facial e o modo respiratório. O tipo facial foi obtido por meio da análise cefalométrica de Ricketts, e o modo respiratório foi determinado a partir da avaliação fonoaudiológica e do diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico. Para realização de medidas transversais, verticais e do comprimento anteroposterior do palato duro, foram obtidos modelos em gesso do arco dental maxilar. Para comparação das dimensões do palato duro entre os grupos, foram utilizados testes paramétricos e não paramétricos, ao nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: não foi verificada diferença estatisticamente significante nas medidas do palato duro entre as crianças braquifaciais, mesofaciais e dolicofaciais. Verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significante na distância entre os segundos pré-molares nos diferentes tipos faciais das crianças respiradoras nasais e orais, sendo que esta diferença não foi detectada nas comparações múltiplas. CONCLUSÃO: as dimensões do palato duro não diferiram quando analisadas em diferentes tipos faciais independente do modo respiratório. Porém, evidenciou-se diferença na distância entre os segundos pré-molares quando o tipo facial foi analisado nos respiradores nasais e orais.

Mechanism of Dendritic Branching

Theories of dendritic growth currently ascribe pattern details to extrinsic perturbations or other stochastic causalities, such as selective amplification of noise and marginal stability. These theories apply capillarity physics as a boundary condition on the transport fields in the melt that conduct the latent heat and/or move solute rejected during solidification. Predictions based on these theories conflict with the best quantitative experiments on model solidification systems. Moreover, neither the observed branching patterns nor other characteristics of dendrites formed in different molten materials are distinguished by these approaches, making their integration with casting and microstructure models of limited value. The case of solidification from a pure melt is reexamined, allowing instead the capillary temperature distribution along a prescribed sharp interface to act as a weak energy field. As such, the Gibbs-Thomson equilibrium temperature is shown to be much more than a boundary condition on the transport field; it acts, in fact, as an independent energy field during crystal growth and produces profound effects not recognized heretofore. Specifically, one may determine by energy conservation that weak normal fluxes are released along the interface, which either increase or decrease slightly the local rate of freezing. Those responses initiate rotation of the interface at specific locations determined by the surface energy and the shape. Interface rotations with proper chirality, or rotation sense, couple to the external transport field and amplify locally as side branches. A precision integral equation solver confirms through dynamic simulations that interface rotation occurs at the predicted locations. Rotations points repeat episodically as a pattern evolves until the dendrite assumes a dynamic shape allowing a synchronous limit cycle, from which the classic repeating dendritic pattern develops. Interface rotation is the fundamental mechanism responsible for dendritic branching.

Mechanism of Dendritic Branching

Theories of dendritic growth currently ascribe pattern details to extrinsic perturbations or other stochastic causalities, such as selective amplification of noise and marginal stability. These theories apply capillarity physics as a boundary condition on the transport fields in the melt that conduct the latent heat and/or move solute rejected during solidification. Predictions based on these theories conflict with the best quantitative experiments on model solidification systems. Moreover, neither the observed branching patterns nor other characteristics of dendrites formed in different molten materials are distinguished by these approaches, making their integration with casting and microstructure models of limited value. The case of solidification from a pure melt is reexamined, allowing instead the capillary temperature distribution along a prescribed sharp interface to act as a weak energy field. As such, the Gibbs-Thomson equilibrium temperature is shown to be much more than a boundary condition on the transport field; it acts, in fact, as an independent energy field during crystal growth and produces profound effects not recognized heretofore. Specifically, one may determine by energy conservation that weak normal fluxes are released along the interface, which either increase or decrease slightly the local rate of freezing. Those responses initiate rotation of the interface at specific locations determined by the surface energy and the shape. Interface rotations with proper chirality, or rotation sense, couple to the external transport field and amplify locally as side branches. A precision integral equation solver confirms through dynamic simulations that interface rotation occurs at the predicted locations. Rotations points repeat episodically as a pattern evolves until the dendrite assumes a dynamic shape allowing a synchronous limit cycle, from which the classic repeating dendritic pattern develops. Interface rotation is the fundamental mechanism responsible for dendritic branching.

Dimensões do palato duro de respiradores nasais e orais por diferentes etiologias

To compare the hard palate dimensions of nasal-breathing children, mouth breathers from obstructive etiology, and habitual mouth breathers. The sample comprised 76 children, 37 boys and 39 girls, with mean age of 9.32±1.16 years, distributed according to the diagnosis of breathing mode and to the etiology of mouth breathing. Plaster cast models of the subjects' superior dental arch were obtained in order to measure the hard palate with a digital caliper. Measurements of transverse, vertical and anteroposterior palatal length were taken. The hard palate measures were compared among the groups through statistical analysis. The comparison of hard palate dimensions observed in nasal and mouth breathers showed differences regarding the distance and depth of second premolars, and the distance of first molars. Differences were also found between the groups of mouth breathers regarding the hard palate depth at the level of canines. Mouth breathers showed narrower hard palate at the level of second premolars and first molars, and deeper palate in the level of second premolars, when compared to nasal breathers. It is evidenced that habitual mouth breathers presented deeper hard palate at the level of canines, when compared to mouth breathers from obstructive etiology.

Patterns of third-molar agenesis and associated dental anomalies in an orthodontic population

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of dental anomalies in orthodontic patients with different patterns of third-molar agenesis, comparing them with patients without third-molar agenesis. A sample of 374 patients with agenesis of at least 1 third molar was divided into 4 groups according to the third-molar agenesis pattern, and a control group of 98 patients without third-molar agenesis was randomly selected from the patient archives. Panoramic radiographs and cast models were used to determine the associated dental anomalies, such as hypodontia, hyperdontia, impaction, dilaceration, microdontia, ectopic eruption, transposition, and transmigration. The Pearson chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to determine the differences in the distribution of the associated dental anomalies among the groups. The prevalence of agenesis of other teeth (11.2%, n = 42) was significantly greater in our study sample (groups 1-4) than in the control group (group 5) (4.1%, n = 4; P <0.05). When we compared the groups according to the various third-molar agenesis patterns, we found that agenesis of other teeth was more common in patients with agenesis of 3 and 4 third molars. In addition, the patients with agenesis of 4 third molars exhibited maxillary lateral-incisor microdontia more frequently. Another important finding was a higher prevalence of total dental anomalies in patients with agenesis of 3 and 4 third molars compared with the control group. Permanent tooth agenesis, microdontia of maxillary lateral incisors, and total dental anomalies are more frequently associated with agenesis of 4 third molars than with the presence of third molars.

Comparison of Stochastic Lung Deposition Fractions with Experimental Data

Deposition fractions of inhaled particles predicted by different computational models vary with respect to physical and biological factors and mathematical modeling techniques. These models must be validated by comparison with available experimental data. Experimental data supplied by different deposition studies with surrogate airway models or lung casts were used in this study to evaluate the stochastic deposition model Inhalation, Deposition and Exhalation of Aerosols in the Lung at the airway generation level. Furthermore, different analytical equations derived for the three major deposition mechanisms, diffusion, impaction, and sedimentation, were applied to different cast or airway models to quantify their effect on calculated particle deposition fractions. The experimental results for ultrafine particles (0.00175 and 0.01) were found to be in close agreement with the stochastic model predictions; however, for coarse particles (3 and 8 μm), experimental deposition fractions became higher with increasing flow rate. An overall fair agreement among the calculated deposition fractions for the different cast geometries was found. However, alternative deposition equations resulted in up to 300% variation in predicted deposition fractions, although all equations predicted the same trends as functions of particle diameter and breathing conditions. From this comparative study, it can be concluded that structural differences in lung morphologies among different individuals are responsible for the apparent variability in particle deposition in each generation. The use of different deposition equations yields varying deposition results caused primarily by (i) different lung morphometries employed in their derivation and the choice of the central bifurcation zone geometry, (ii) the assumption of specific flow profiles, and (iii) different methods used in the derivation of these equations.

Alveolar process preservation at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets using deproteinized bovine bone mineral – an experimental study in dogs

To evaluate the soft tissue and the dimensional changes of the alveolar bony crest at sites where deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles, concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane, were used at implants installed into sockets immediately after tooth extraction. The pulp tissue of the mesial roots of (3) P(3) was removed in six Labrador dogs, and the root canals were filled. Flaps were elevated bilaterally, the premolars hemi-sectioned, and the distal roots removed. Recipient sites were prepared in the distal alveolus, and implants were placed. At the test sites, DBBM particles were placed in the residual marginal defects concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane. No treatment augmentation was performed at the control sites. A non-submerged healing was allowed. Impressions were obtained at baseline and at the time of sacrifice performed 4 months after surgery. The cast models obtained were analyzed using an optical system to evaluate dimensional variations. Block sections of the implant sites were obtained for histological processing and soft tissue assessments. After 4 months of healing, no differences in soft tissue dimensions were found between the test and control sites based on the histological assessments. The location of the soft tissue at the buccal aspect was, however, more coronal at the test compared with the control sites (1.8 ± 0.8 and 0.9 ± 0.8 mm, respectively). At the three-dimensional evaluation, the margin of the soft tissues at the buccal aspect appeared to be located more apically and lingually. The vertical dislocation was 1 ± 0.6 and 2.7 ± 0.5 mm at the test and control sites, respectively. The area of the buccal shrinkage of the alveolar crest was significantly smaller at the test sites (5.9 ± 2.4 mm(2) ) compared with the control sites (11.5 ± 1.7 mm(2) ). The use of DBBM particles concomitantly with the application of a collagen membrane used at implants placed into sockets immediately after tooth extraction contributed to the preservation of the alveolar process.

Over-expression of Slit2 induces vessel formation and changes blood vessel permeability in mouse brain

To investigate the effect of the axon guidance cue Slit2 on the density of blood vessels and permeability of the blood-brain barrier in mouse brain. hSlit2 transgenic mouse line was constructed, and the phenotypes of the mice were compared with wild-type mice in respect to the lateral ventricle (LV), ventricle pressure, and the choroids plexus. An in vivo Miles permeability assay and an amyloid-β permeability assay were used to assess the permeability of brain blood vessels. Brain vessel casting and intracerebral hemorrhage models were built to investigate vessel density in the transgenic mice. An in vitro permeability assay was used to test whether Slit2 could change the permeability and tight junctions of blood vessel endothelial cells. Hydrocephalus occurred in some transgenic mice, and a significantly larger lateral ventricle area and significantly higher ventricle pressure were observed in the transgenic mice. The transgenic mice displayed changed construction of the choroids plexus, which had more micro vessels, dilated vessels, gaps between epithelial cells and endothelial cells than wild-type mice. Slit2 significantly increased brain vessel density and the permeability of brain vessels to large molecules. These blood vessels were more sensitive to cues that induce brain hemorrhage. At the cellular level, Slit2 disturbed the integrity of tight junctions in blood vessel endothelial cells and improved the permeability of the endothelial cell layer. Thus, it promoted the entry of amyloid-β peptides from the serum into the central nervous system, where they bound to neurons. Slit2 increases vessel density and permeability in the brains of transgenic mice. Thus, Slit2 induces numerous changes in brain vessels and the barrier system.

On the (n, m, k)-cast capacity of wireless ad hoc networks

The capacity of wireless ad-hoc networks is analyzed for all kinds of information dissemination based on single and multiple packet reception schemes under the physical model. To represent the general information dissemination scheme, we use (n, m, k)-cast model [1] where n, to, and k (k ≤ m) are the number of nodes, destinations and closest destinations that actually receive packets from the source in each (n, m, k)-cast group, respectively. We first consider point-to-point communication, which implies single packet reception between transmitter-receiver pairs and compute the (n, m, k)-cast communications. Next, the achievable throughput capacity is computed when receiver nodes are endowed with multipacket reception (MPR) capability. We adopt maximum likelihood decoding (MLD) and successive interference cancellation as optimal and suboptimal decoding schemes for MPR. We also demonstrate that physical and protocol models for MPR render the same capacity when we utilize MLD for decoding.