GO-DEVS: Storage and Retrieval System for DEVS Models Using Graph and Ontology Representation.

DEVS is a powerful formal language to describe discrete event systems in modeling and simulation areas and useful for component-based design. One of the advantages of component-based design is reusability. To reuse or share DEVS models developed by many other modelers, a system to systematically store and retrieve many DEVS models should be supported. However, to the best of our knowledge, there does not exist such a system. In this paper, we propose GO-DEVS (Graph/Ontology-represented DEVS storage and retrieval system) to store and retrieve DEVS models using graph and ontology representation. For effective model sharing, an ontology is introduced when a DEVS model is developed. To search for DEVS models in an effective and efficient way, we propose two types of queries, IO query and structure query, and provide a method to store and query DEVS models on an RDBMS. Finally, we experimentally show GO-DEVS can process the queries efficiently.

A Micro-Level Data-Calibrated Agent-Based Model: The Synergy between Microsimulation and Agent-Based Modeling.

Artificial life (ALife) examines systems related to natural life, its processes, and its evolution, using simulations with computer models, robotics, and biochemistry. In this article, we focus on the computer modeling, or "soft," aspects of ALife and prepare a framework for scientists and modelers to be able to support such experiments. The framework is designed and built to be a parallel as well as distributed agent-based modeling environment, and does not require end users to have expertise in parallel or distributed computing. Furthermore, we use this framework to implement a hybrid model using microsimulation and agent-based modeling techniques to generate an artificial society. We leverage this artificial society to simulate and analyze population dynamics using Korean population census data. The agents in this model derive their decisional behaviors from real data (microsimulation feature) and interact among themselves (agent-based modeling feature) to proceed in the simulation. The behaviors, interactions, and social scenarios of the agents are varied to perform an analysis of population dynamics. We also estimate the future cost of pension policies based on the future population structure of the artificial society. The proposed framework and model demonstrates how ALife techniques can be used by researchers in relation to social issues and policies.

Inhibitory Effect of the Ethanol Extract of a Rice Bran Mixture Comprising Angelica gigas, Cnidium officinale, Artemisia princeps, and Camellia sinensis on Brucella abortus Uptake by Professional and Nonprofessional Phagocytes.

In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of a rice bran mixture extract (RBE) on Brucella abortus pathogenesis in professional (RAW 264.7) and nonprofessional (HeLa) phagocytes. We fermented the rice bran mixture and then extracted it with 50% ethanol followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the components in RBE. Our results clearly showed that RBE caused a significant reduction in the adherence of B. abortus in both cell lines. Furthermore, analysis of phagocytic signaling proteins by western blot assay revealed that RBE pretreatment resulted in inhibition of phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38, leading to decline of internalization compared with the controls. Additionally, the intensity of F-actin observed by fluorescence microscopy and FACS was remarkably reduced in RBE-pretreated cells compared with control cells. However, the intracellular replication of B. abortus within phagocytes was not affected by RBE. Taken together, these findings suggest that the phagocytic receptor blocking and suppressive effects of RBE on the MAPK-linked phagocytic signaling pathway could negatively affect the invasion of B. abortus into phagocytes.

Fermented rice bran prevents atopic dermatitis in DNCB-treated NC/Nga mice.

The fermentation of natural plants has a favorable effect on the functional and biological activities of living systems. These include anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet aggregation activities. This is attributed to the chemical conversion of the parent plants to functional constituents, which show more potent biological activity. In our study, rice bran along with oriental medicinal plants (Angelicae gigantis, Cnidium officinale, Artemisia princeps, and Camellia sinensis) was fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Pichia deserticola (FRBE). We evaluated the effects of oral administration of FRBE on atopic dermatitis in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice. FRBE significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of skin lesions in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis and reduced levels of serum immunoglobulin E and the differential white blood cell count. In addition, it reduced skin thickness compared to that of atopic dermatitis-affected skin. FRBE treatment also reduced mast cell incorporation in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis. The total cell number in dorsal skin tissue and the axillary lymph node increased following DNCB application, and this was normalized by FRBE treatment. Moreover, it decreased the levels of CD8(+) helper T cells and Gr-1(+)/CD11b(+) B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and skin lesions in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, we demonstrated that FRBE significantly inhibited mRNA expression of cytokines (e.g., interleukin-5 and interleukin-13) and cyclooxygenase-2 in AD skin lesions. These results suggest that FRBE could be a valuable herbal remedy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

[Pain relieving effect of yakson therapy for infants].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Yakson therapy as a pain management tool on the physiologic and behavioral responses of infants with a painful heelstick procedure. METHOD: Infants were randomly assigned to a group that underwent a series of Yakson therapy and a control that received nothing before a heelstick. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and NIPS were compared between the experimental (n=16) and control (n=16) infants during an undisturbed baseline and after a standard heelstick procedure. Yakson therapy consisted of laying a hand on the back, and caressing the abdomen by hand for 5 minutes. RESULT: The pain scores of the Yakson group were lower than the control group. For oxygen saturation, there were statistically significant differences between groups. For heart rate, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: This data suggests that Yakson therapy had a pain relief effect in behavior responses and SaO2. Accordingly, Yakson therapy should be used as a nursing intervention for simple pain management for a heel prick.

[Effects of Logotherapy with Exercise on meaning of life, ego integrity and IADL in the elderly].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 'Logotherapy with Exercise' on the meaning of life, ego integrity and IADL's in the Elderly. METHOD: This quasi-experimental study was designed for a nonequivalent control group repeated measurement study. This study was done from Oct. 13. 2004 to Dec. 18. 2004. The subjects were between the ages of 65 to 75, who were literate in Korean and able to communicate and participate in physical exercise without any discomfort. The experimental group was 25 subjects and the control group was 26. The 5-week 'Logotherapy with Exercise' program was given to the experimental group. Data was analyzed by Chi2, t-test, ANCOVA, ANOVA, and post-hoc comparison by Bonferroni correction with the SPSS/WIN 12.0. RESULTS: The experimental group had a greater difference in meaning of life, ego integrity and IADL's than the control group. The experimental group had differences in changes in meaning of life, ego integrity and IADL's during time period. CONCLUSION: 'Logotherapy with Exercise' can be recommended as an effective nursing intervention for the elderly.