Detection of attacker and location in wireless sensor network as an application for border surveillance

Border surveillance is one of the high priority in the security of countries around the world. Typical and traditional border observations involve troops and checkpoints at borders, but these do not provide complete security. One effective solution is the addition of smart fencing to enhance surveillance in a Border Patrol system. More specifically, effective border security can be achieved through the introduction of autonomous surveillance and the utilization of wireless sensor networks. Collectively, these wireless sensor networks will create a virtual fencing system comprising a large number of heterogeneous sensor devices. These devices are embedded with cameras and other sensors that provide a continuous monitor. However, to achieve an efficient wireless sensor network, its own security must be assured. This article focuses on the detection of attacks by unknown trespassers (perpetrators) on border surveillance sensor networks. We use both the Dempster–Shafer theory and the time difference of arrival method to identify and locate an attacked node. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is both plausible and effective

Comprehensive driving behavior model for intelligent transportation systems

This paper presents a novel approach of modeling human driving behavior in a more realistic way that can be effectively utilized in realizing intelligent transportation systems to ensure efficient, safe, secure and human-friendly vehicle control and transportations. A number of supporting systems based on individual driving behavior are identified. The proposed comprehensive driving model approximates complete behavior of individual drivers focusing not only the ideal steady and transient driving styles but also their natural variations. Simulation results and observations from real driving scenario illustrate the significance of the proposed model and its scopes

Application of the rainbow trout derived intestinal cell line (RTgutGC) for ecotoxicological studies: molecular and cellular responses following exposure to copper.

There is an acknowledged need for in vitro fish intestinal model to help understand dietary exposure to chemicals in the aquatic environment. The presence and use of such models is however largely restrictive due to technical difficulties in the culturing of enterocytes in general and the availability of appropriate established cell lines in particular. In this study, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestinal derived cell line (RTgutGC) was used as a surrogate for the "gut sac" method. To facilitate comparison, RTgutGC cells were grown as monolayers (double-seeded) on permeable Transwell supports leading to a two-compartment intestinal model consisting of polarised epithelium. This two-compartment model divides the system into an upper apical (lumen) and a lower basolateral (portal blood) compartment. In our studies, these cells stained weakly for mucosubstances, expressed the tight junction protein ZO-1 in addition to E-cadherin and revealed the presence of polarised epithelium in addition to microvilli protrusions. The cells also revealed a comparable transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) to the in vivo situation. Importantly, the cell line tolerated apical saline (1:1 ratio) thus mimicking the intact organ to allow assessment of uptake of compounds across the intestine. Following an exposure over 72 h, our study demonstrated that the RTgutGC cell line under sub-lethal concentrations of copper sulphate (Cu) and modified saline solutions demonstrated uptake of the metal with saturation levels comparable to short term ex situ gut sac preparations. Gene expression analysis revealed no significant influence of pH or time on mRNA expression levels of key stress related genes (i.e. CYP3A, GST, mtA, Pgp and SOD) in the Transwell model. However, significant positive correlations were found between all genes investigated suggesting a co-operative relationship amongst the genes studied. When the outlined characteristics of the cell line are combined with the division of compartments, the RTgutGC double seeded model represents a potential animal replacement model for ecotoxicological studies. Overall, this model could be used to study the effects and predict aquatic gastrointestinal permeability of metals and other environmentally relevant contaminants in a cost effective and high throughput manner

Population genomics of marine zooplankton

Author Posting. © The Author(s), 2017. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Bucklin, Ann et al. "Population Genomics of Marine Zooplankton." Population Genomics: Marine Organisms. Ed. Om P. Rajora and Marjorie Oleksiak. Springer, 2018. doi:10.1007/13836_2017_9.The exceptionally large population size and cosmopolitan biogeographic distribution that distinguish many – but not all – marine zooplankton species generate similarly exceptional patterns of population genetic and genomic diversity and structure. The phylogenetic diversity of zooplankton has slowed the application of population genomic approaches, due to lack of genomic resources for closelyrelated species and diversity of genomic architecture, including highly-replicated genomes of many crustaceans. Use of numerous genomic markers, especially single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), is transforming our ability to analyze population genetics and connectivity of marine zooplankton, and providing new understanding and different answers than earlier analyses, which typically used mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers. Population genomic approaches have confirmed that, despite high dispersal potential, many zooplankton species exhibit genetic structuring among geographic populations, especially at large ocean-basin scales, and have revealed patterns and pathways of population connectivity that do not always track ocean circulation. Genomic and transcriptomic resources are critically needed to allow further examination of micro-evolution and local adaptation, including identification of genes that show evidence of selection. These new tools will also enable further examination of the significance of small-scale genetic heterogeneity of marine zooplankton, to discriminate genetic “noise” in large and patchy populations from local adaptation to environmental conditions and change.Support was provided by the US National Science Foundation to AB and RJO (PLR-1044982) and to RJO (MCB-1613856); support to IS and MC was provided by Nord University (Norway)

Identifying the gene(s) that allow tigriopus californicus to survive under thermal stress

The copepod species, Tigriopus californicus, is one of the most thermally adaptable species in the biosphere. They have been found in tide pools from the coast of Alaska down to the coast of Southern California. However, as all other organisms have limits, the T. californicus are only able to tolerate temperatures up to 34ºC. By comparing gene expression between specimens exposed to high temperatures and those expressed to optimal temperatures, we identified the genes responsible for conferring tolerance to increasing temperatures. After testing gene expression between copepods at 20ºC and at 34ºC, we have determined that both the hsp70 gene and the toll-like receptors of the T. californicus play a role in tolerance to temperature variance.L’espèce copépode, Tigriopus californicus, est une des espèces les plus thermiquement adaptables de la biosphère. On les trouve dans les bâches depuis la côte de l’Alaska jusqu’à la côte sud de la Californie. Toutefois, comme tous les autres organ¬ismes, les Tigriopus californicus ont des limites et ne peuvent pas tolérer des températures supérieures à 34oC. En comparant l’expression génétique entre les spécimens exposés à des températures élevées et ceux exposés à des températures optimales, nous avons identifié les gènes responsables de la tolérance à des températures en hausse. Après avoir testé l’expression génétique entre les copépodes à 20oC et à 34oC, nous avons déterminé que le gène hsp70 et les récepteurs de type Toll du T. californicus jouent tous deux un rôle dans la tolérance aux variations de température