A Comprehensive Survey of Recent Routing Protocols for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks.

Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSN) have attracted huge attention due to their significance in oceanic observation and exploration. They offer a vast number of applications, many of which require routing the sensed data to a centralized location. This makes routing an important part of the design of such applications. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of recently proposed routing protocols for UWSNs. We evaluate the proposed schemes through an extensive set of parameters that define the core characteristics of a routing protocol. Moreover, we present a summary of the methods used by each scheme to familiarize readers with the basic operations of the schemes. We also present our view of the strengths and weakness of each scheme. For ease of description, the addressed routing protocols are divided into two categories: localization-based, and localization-free routing schemes. Each of the two categories is further divided into the protocols that consider node mobility, and those that do not. Lastly, we present our view on open research topics.

A Two-Stage Localization Scheme with Partition Handling for Data Tagging in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks.

Knowledge about the geographic coordinates of underwater sensor nodes is of primary importance for many applications and protocols of under water sensor networks (UWSNs) thus making localization of sensor nodes a crucial part of underwater network design. In case of mobile underwater sensor network, location estimation becomes challenging not only due to the need for periodic tracking of nodes, but also due to network partitioning caused by the pseudo-random mobility of nodes. Our proposed technique accomplishes the task of localization in two stages: (1) relative localization of sensor nodes with respect to a reference node at regular intervals during sensing operation. (2) Offline absolute localization of sensor nodes using absolute coordinates of the reference node and relative locations estimated during stage 1. As our protocol deals with mobile underwater sensor networks that may introduce network partitioning, we also propose a partition handling routine to deal with network partitions to achieve high localization coverage. The major design goal of our work is to maximize localization coverage while keeping communication overhead minimum, thus achieving better energy efficiency. Major contributions of this paper are: (1) Two energy efficient relative localization techniques, and (2) A partition handling strategy that ensures localization of partitioned nodes.

A Cluster Based Localization Scheme with Partition Handling for Mobile Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks.

Many applications of underwater sensor networks (UWSNs), such as target tracking, reconnaissance and surveillance, and marine life monitoring require information about the geographic locations of the sensed data. This makes the localization of sensor nodes a crucial part of such underwater sensing missions. In the case of mobile UWSNs, the problem becomes challenging, not only due to a need for the periodic tracking of nodes, but also due to network partitioning as a result of the pseudo-random mobility of nodes. In this work, we propose an energy efficient solution for localizing nodes in partitioned networks. Energy consumption is minimized by clustering unlocalized partitioned nodes and allowing only clusterheads to carry out a major part of the localization procedure on behalf of the whole cluster. Moreover, we introduce a retransmission control scheme that reduces energy consumption by controlling unnecessary transmission. The major design goal of our work is to maximize localization coverage while keeping communication overheads at a minimum, thus achieving better energy efficiency. The major contributions of this paper include a clustering technique for localizing partitioned nodes and a retransmission control strategy that reduces unnecessary transmissions.

Symptom-triggered benzodiazepine therapy for alcohol withdrawal syndrome in the emergency department: a comparison with the standard fixed dose benzodiazepine regimen.

The aim of the study was to compare symptom-triggered and standard benzodiazepine regimens for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in an emergency department clinical decision unit. The authors found that the symptom-triggered approach reduced cumulative benzodiazepine dose and length of stay.

Vitamin D: Lessons from the veterans population.

Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) is likely to be present in about 40% of veterans and is associated with much higher health care costs and service use. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is likely to be higher in certain subgroups such as ethnic minorities, those who are chronically ill, and nursing home residents. The lack of adequate sunlight exposure and poor dietary intake are common contributors to this deficient state. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency has also been noted in individuals taking vitamin D supplements within the recommended daily intake. To achieve a 25(OH)D value in the normal range (30-100 ng/mL), many studies indicate a much higher daily oral intake than currently recommended is needed. Inadequate vitamin D dosing may account for failure of some studies to show a benefit. Testing for vitamin D insufficiency levels remains suboptimal and serial monitoring in veterans to assess if a vitamin D-replete state has been achieved also remains less than adequate. The lack of evidence-based guidelines for testing and monitoring has hampered optimal management of this very common condition. The cardiovascular, immunologic, anti-infective, and oncologic benefits of a vitamin D-replete state are becoming recognized. Achieving a vitamin D-replete state may prolong longevity. Achieving adequate vitamin D status in US veterans is an important health measure that should be undertaken.

Long-term survival with allogeneic stem cell transplant and donor lymphocyte infusion following salvage therapy with anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody (Campath) in a patient with alpha/beta hepatosplenic T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Hepatosplenic T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare, aggressive form of NHL, with a median survival of approximately 8 months. We were able to successfully induce complete remission in a patient with alpha/beta HSTCL who was refractory to multiple prior chemotherapy regimens, using the humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab (Campath). Once disease was controlled, the patient was able to undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), which resulted in complete remission. Furthermore, upon relapse, we were able to re-induce complete clinical and molecular remission with donor lymphocyte infusions. At Day 655 (post-SCT), the patient remains in complete remission. These data suggest a potential role for alemtuzumab and allogeneic SCT in the treatment of T-cell NHL.