Distributed allocation and scheduling of applications on HPC platforms

High Performance Computing e una tecnologia usata dai cluster computazionali per creare sistemi di elaborazione che sono in grado di fornire servizi molto piu potenti rispetto ai computer tradizionali. Di conseguenza la tecnologia HPC e diventata un fattore determinante nella competizione industriale e nella ricerca. I sistemi HPC continuano a crescere in termini di nodi e core. Le previsioni indicano che il numero dei nodi arrivera a un milione a breve. Questo tipo di architettura presenta anche dei costi molto alti in termini del consumo delle risorse, che diventano insostenibili per il mercato industriale. Un scheduler centralizzato non e in grado di gestire un numero di risorse cosi alto, mantenendo un tempo di risposta ragionevole. In questa tesi viene presentato un modello di scheduling distribuito che si basa sulla programmazione a vincoli e che modella il problema dello scheduling grazie a una serie di vincoli temporali e vincoli sulle risorse che devono essere soddisfatti. Lo scheduler cerca di ottimizzare le performance delle risorse e tende ad avvicinarsi a un profilo di consumo desiderato, considerato ottimale. Vengono analizzati vari modelli diversi e ognuno di questi viene testato in vari ambienti.

Intravaginal practices, bacterial vaginosis, and HIV infection in women: individual participant data meta-analysis

Background Identifying modifiable factors that increase women's vulnerability to HIV is a critical step in developing effective female-initiated prevention interventions. The primary objective of this study was to pool individual participant data from prospective longitudinal studies to investigate the association between intravaginal practices and acquisition of HIV infection among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Secondary objectives were to investigate associations between intravaginal practices and disrupted vaginal flora; and between disrupted vaginal flora and HIV acquisition. Methods and Findings We conducted a meta-analysis of individual participant data from 13 prospective cohort studies involving 14,874 women, of whom 791 acquired HIV infection during 21,218 woman years of follow-up. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. The level of between-study heterogeneity was low in all analyses (I2 values 0.0%–16.1%). Intravaginal use of cloth or paper (pooled adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–1.83), insertion of products to dry or tighten the vagina (aHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.00–1.71), and intravaginal cleaning with soap (aHR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.53) remained associated with HIV acquisition after controlling for age, marital status, and number of sex partners in the past 3 months. Intravaginal cleaning with soap was also associated with the development of intermediate vaginal flora and bacterial vaginosis in women with normal vaginal flora at baseline (pooled adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.24, 95% CI 1.04–1.47). Use of cloth or paper was not associated with the development of disrupted vaginal flora. Intermediate vaginal flora and bacterial vaginosis were each associated with HIV acquisition in multivariable models when measured at baseline (aHR 1.54 and 1.69, p<0.001) or at the visit before the estimated date of HIV infection (aHR 1.41 and 1.53, p<0.001), respectively. Conclusions This study provides evidence to suggest that some intravaginal practices increase the risk of HIV acquisition but a direct causal pathway linking intravaginal cleaning with soap, disruption of vaginal flora, and HIV acquisition has not yet been demonstrated. More consistency in the definition and measurement of specific intravaginal practices is warranted so that the effects of specific intravaginal practices and products can be further elucidated.

Antagonistic effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein and alpha-tocopherol on CD36 scavenger receptor expression in monocytes: involvement of protein kinase B and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma

Vitamin E deficiency increases expression of the CD36 scavenger receptor, suggesting specific molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways modulated by alpha-tocopherol. We show here that alpha-tocopherol down-regulated CD36 expression (mRNA and protein) in oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-stimulated THP-1 monocytes, but not in unstimulated cells. Furthermore, alpha-tocopherol treatment of monocytes led to reduction of fluorescent oxLDL-3,3'-dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine perchlorate binding and uptake. Protein kinase C (PKC) appears not to be involved because neither activation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate nor inhibition by PKC412 was affected by alpha-tocopherol. However, alpha-tocopherol could partially prevent CD36 induction after stimulation with a specific agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma; troglitazone), indicating that this pathway is susceptible to alpha-tocopherol action. Phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB) at Ser473 was increased by oxLDL, and alpha-tocopherol could prevent this event. Expression of PKB stimulated the CD36 promoter as well as a PPARgamma element-driven reporter gene, whereas an inactive PKB mutant had no effect. Moreover, coexpression of PPARgamma and PKB led to additive induction of CD36 expression. Altogether, our results support the existence of PKB/PPARgamma signaling pathways that mediate CD36 expression in response to oxLDL. The activation of CD36 expression by PKB suggests that both lipid biosynthesis and fatty acid uptake are stimulated by PKB.

Dynamic changes of cardiac conduction during rapid pacing

Slow conduction and unidirectional conduction block (UCB) are key mechanisms of reentry. Following abrupt changes in heart rate, dynamic changes of conduction velocity (CV) and structurally determined UCB may critically influence arrhythmogenesis. Using patterned cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes grown on microelectrode arrays, we investigated the dynamics of CV in linear strands and the behavior of UCB in tissue expansions following an abrupt decrease in pacing cycle length (CL). Ionic mechanisms underlying rate-dependent conduction changes were investigated using the Pandit-Clark-Giles-Demir model. In linear strands, CV gradually decreased upon a reduction of CL from 500 ms to 230-300 ms. In contrast, at very short CLs (110-220 ms), CV first decreased before increasing again. The simulations suggested that the initial conduction slowing resulted from gradually increasing action potential duration (APD), decreasing diastolic intervals, and increasing postrepolarization refractoriness, which impaired Na(+) current (I(Na)) recovery. Only at very short CLs did APD subsequently shorten again due to increasing Na(+)/K(+) pump current secondary to intracellular Na(+) accumulation, which caused recovery of CV. Across tissue expansions, the degree of UCB gradually increased at CLs of 250-390 ms, whereas at CLs of 180-240 ms, it first increased and subsequently decreased. In the simulations, reduction of inward currents caused by increasing intracellular Na(+) and Ca(2+) concentrations contributed to UCB progression, which was reversed by increasing Na(+)/K(+) pump activity. In conclusion, CV and UCB follow intricate dynamics upon an abrupt decrease in CL that are determined by the interplay among I(Na) recovery, postrepolarization refractoriness, APD changes, ion accumulation, and Na(+)/K(+) pump function.

Characterization of three human sec14p-like proteins: alpha-tocopherol transport activity and expression pattern in tissues

Three closely related human sec14p-like proteins (hTAP1, 2, and 3, or SEC14L2, 3, and 4, respectively) have been described. These proteins may participate in intracellular lipid transport (phospholipids, squalene, tocopherol analogues and derivatives) or influence regulatory lipid-dependent events. Here, we show that the three recombinant hTAP proteins associate with the Golgi apparatus and mitochondria, and enhance the in vitro transport of radioactively labeled alpha-tocopherol to mitochondria in the same order of magnitude as the human alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (alpha-TTP). hTAP1 and hTAP2 are expressed in several cell lines, whereas the expression level of hTAP3 is low. Expression of hTAP1 is induced in human umbilical cord blood-derived mast cells upon differentiation by interleukin 4. In tissues, the three hTAPs are detectable ubiquitously at low level; pronounced and localized expression is found for hTAP2 and hTAP3 in the perinuclear region in cerebellum, lung, liver and adrenal gland. hTAP3 is well expressed in the epithelial duct cells of several glands, in ovary in endothelial cells of small arteries as well as in granulosa and thecal cells, and in testis in Leydig cells. Thus, the three hTAPs may mediate lipid uptake, secretion, presentation, and sub-cellular localization in a tissue-specific manner, possibly using organelle- and enzyme-specific docking sites.

Hormonal Contraception and the Risk of HIV Acquisition: An Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Observational studies of a putative association between hormonal contraception (HC) and HIV acquisition have produced conflicting results. We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of studies from sub-Saharan Africa to compare the incidence of HIV infection in women using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) or the injectable progestins depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) with women not using HC. METHODS AND FINDINGS Eligible studies measured HC exposure and incident HIV infection prospectively using standardized measures, enrolled women aged 15-49 y, recorded ≥15 incident HIV infections, and measured prespecified covariates. Our primary analysis estimated the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) using two-stage random effects meta-analysis, controlling for region, marital status, age, number of sex partners, and condom use. We included 18 studies, including 37,124 women (43,613 woman-years) and 1,830 incident HIV infections. Relative to no HC use, the aHR for HIV acquisition was 1.50 (95% CI 1.24-1.83) for DMPA use, 1.24 (95% CI 0.84-1.82) for NET-EN use, and 1.03 (95% CI 0.88-1.20) for COC use. Between-study heterogeneity was mild (I2 < 50%). DMPA use was associated with increased HIV acquisition compared with COC use (aHR 1.43, 95% CI 1.23-1.67) and NET-EN use (aHR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08-1.61). Effect estimates were attenuated for studies at lower risk of methodological bias (compared with no HC use, aHR for DMPA use 1.22, 95% CI 0.99-1.50; for NET-EN use 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.96; and for COC use 0.91, 95% CI 0.73-1.41) compared to those at higher risk of bias (pinteraction = 0.003). Neither age nor herpes simplex virus type 2 infection status modified the HC-HIV relationship. CONCLUSIONS This IPD meta-analysis found no evidence that COC or NET-EN use increases women's risk of HIV but adds to the evidence that DMPA may increase HIV risk, underscoring the need for additional safe and effective contraceptive options for women at high HIV risk. A randomized controlled trial would provide more definitive evidence about the effects of hormonal contraception, particularly DMPA, on HIV risk.

Dislocability of localization devices for nonpalpable breast lesions: experimental results

Purpose. For accurate resection of nonpalpable malignant breast lesions with a tumor-free resection rim, an exact and stable wire localization is essential. We tested the resistance towards traction force of different localization devices used in our clinic for breast lesions in two types of tissue. Materials and Methods. Eight different commercially available hook-wire devices were examined for resistance towards traction force using an analogue spring scale. Results. Most systems showed a high level of movement already under small traction force. Retractable systems with round hooks such as the Bard DuaLok , the Fil d'Ariane, and the RPLN Breast Localization Device withstood less traction force than the other systems. However, the Bard DuaLok system was very resistant towards a small traction force of 50 g when compared to the other systems. The Ultrawire Breast Localization Device withstood the most traction force in softer tissue and Kopans Breast Lesion Localization Needle withstood the most force in harder tissue. Conclusion. The Ultrawire Breast Localization Device and Kopans Breast Lesion Localization Needle withstood the most traction force. In general retractable systems withstand less traction force than nonretractable systems.

Comparison of Somatostatin Receptor Agonist and Antagonist for Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy: A Pilot Study

Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that somatostatin receptor (sst)-expressing tumors demonstrate higher uptake of radiolabeled sst antagonists than of sst agonists. In 4 consecutive patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors, we evaluated whether treatment with (177)Lu-labeled sst antagonists is feasible. METHODS After injection of approximately 1 GBq of (177)Lu-DOTA-[Cpa-c(DCys-Aph(Hor)-DAph(Cbm)-Lys-Thr-Cys)-DTyr-NH2] ((177)Lu-DOTA-JR11) and (177)Lu-DOTATATE, 3-dimensional voxel dosimetry analysis based on SPECT/CT was performed. A higher tumor-to-organ dose ratio for (177)Lu-DOTA-JR11 than for (177)Lu-DOTATATE was the prerequisite for treatment with (177)Lu-DOTA-JR11. RESULTS Reversible minor adverse effects of (177)Lu-DOTA-JR11 were observed. (177)Lu-DOTA-JR11 showed a 1.7-10.6 times higher tumor dose than (177)Lu-DOTATATE. At the same time, the tumor-to-kidney and tumor-to-bone marrow dose ratio was 1.1-7.2 times higher. All 4 patients were treated with (177)Lu-DOTA-JR11, resulting in partial remission in 2 patients, stable disease in 1 patient, and mixed response in the other patient. CONCLUSION Treatment of neuroendocrine tumors with radiolabeled sst antagonists is clinically feasible and may have a significant impact on peptide receptor radionuclide therapy.

Impact of weight loss on survival after chemoradiation for locally advanced head and neck cancer: secondary results of a randomized phase III trial (SAKK 10/94).

BACKGROUND To analyze the impact of weight loss before and during chemoradiation on survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. METHODS From 07/1994-07/2000 a total of 224 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were randomized to either hyperfractionated radiation therapy alone or the same radiation therapy combined with two cycles of concomitant cisplatin. The primary endpoint was time to any treatment failure (TTF); secondary endpoints were locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS). Patient weight was measured 6 months before treatment, at treatment start and treatment end. RESULTS The proportion of patients with >5% weight loss was 32% before, and 51% during treatment, and the proportion of patients with >10% weight loss was 12% before, and 17% during treatment. After a median follow-up of 9.5 years (range, 0.1 - 15.4 years) weight loss before treatment was associated with decreased TTF, LRRFS, DMFS, cancer specific survival and OS in a multivariable analysis. However, weight loss during treatment was not associated with survival outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Weight loss before and during chemoradiation was commonly observed. Weight loss before but not during treatment was associated with worse survival.

Henri Bergson und der Baal Schem

Camilla Kaul

Strike-slip faults mediate the rise of crustal-derived fluids and mud volcanism in the deep sea

We report on newly discovered mud volcanoes located at about 4500 m water depth 90 km west of the deformation front of the accretionary wedge of the Gulf of Cadiz, and thus outside of their typical geotectonic environment. Seismic data suggest that fluid flow is mediated by a >400-km-long strike-slip fault marking the transcurrent plate boundary between Africa and Eurasia. Geochemical data (Cl, B, Sr, 87Sr/86Sr, Delta18O, DeltaD) reveal that fluids originate in oceanic crust older than 140 Ma. On their rise to the surface, these fluids receive strong geochemical signals from recrystallization of Upper Jurassic carbonates and clay-mineral dehydration in younger terrigeneous units. At present, reports of mud volcanoes in similar deep-sea settings are rare, but given that the large area of transform-type plate boundaries has been barely investigated, such pathways of fluid discharge may provide an important, yet unappreciated link between the deeply buried oceanic crust and the deep ocean.

El impacto de las políticas educativas nacionales para la formación docente en las carreras de profesorado de la UNaM (1996-2006). 16H319

1) Relevamiento, análisis y selección de material bibliográfico referido a teoría y metodología de investigación educativa, especialmente lo relacionado a la Sociología de las Reformas Educativas, de la Educación y del Curriculum, Instituciones y proceso de cambio, Formación Docente Universitaria. 2) Relevamiento en los Archivos de las Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales de documentación referida a la instrumentación de la reforma de la Formación Docente Universitaria, especialmente en todo lo atinente a los cambios en los planes de Estudio de las carreras de Profesorado, en el período comprendido entre los años 1996 y 2006. 3) Identificación y selección de los testimonios de los responsables de la conducción político–institucional y pedagógico – curricular, y del proceso de reforma de la Formación Docente en cada una de las Unidades Académicas y de la conducción académica de la Universidad Nacional de Misiones. En el proceso de instrumentación de las entrevistas se plantearon dificultades de localizar a docentes que se acogieron al beneficio de la jubilación y que tuvieron un rol relevante en la conducción de estos procesos de reforma. Asimismo las entrevistas a los responsables de la conducción político institucional fue prorrogada para finales del 2012, dado que el equipo de investigación en sus roles de integrantes del Área Pedagógica participaron en la organización de una serie de eventos destinados a la discusión sobre las políticas de Formación Docente, como los seminarios pre – foro y el Foro de Formación Docente Superior, durante fines del 2011 y a lo largo del 2012. 4) Relevamiento, análisis, selección y ordenamiento de parte de la documentación producida en el período y vinculadas la reforma de la Formación Docente en las Carreras de Profesorado en: Historia con Orientación en Ciencias Sociales, Letras, Portugués y Ciencias Económicas, de la Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, a saber: proyectos académicos, diseños curriculares y otro tipo de normativa de carácter técnico - administrativo que regularon este proceso. Quedando pendiente la sistematización de la información relevada y la realización del relevamiento en las Facultades de Artes de Oberá, de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales y Ciencias Forestales de Eldorado.

El impacto de la reforma educativa del nivel medio en la Provincia de Misiones: Nuevamente “La Secundaria” (2006 – 2010). 16H269

Actividades desarrolladas durante el período: Elaboración de instrumentos de colecta de datos (cuestionarios, entrevistas, encuestas, etc.); Aplicación de los cuestionarios y entrevistas a docentes, directivos, equipo técnico y autoridades de Nivel Medio del Sistema Educativo Provincial, en la ciudad de Posadas y localidades del Interior Provincial; Relevamiento de documentaciones producidas en el ámbito nacional ( Lineamientos Estratégicos para la Nueva Secundaria, Resoluciones del Consejo Federal de Educación y Ministerio de Educación de la Nación), en otras jurisdicciones ( Estructura Curricular de la Educación Secundaria, Diseños curriculares del Ciclo Básico y Orientado, Estructura de la Planta Funcional Docente, etc.) y en la Jurisdicción Provincial ( Estructura Curricular del Ciclo Básico y Orientado de la Nueva Secundaria, Diseño Curricular del Ciclo Básico, Debate y Conclusiones del Primer Congreso Pedagógico organizado por UDPM); Selección y Análisis de los debates y conclusiones de Congresos, Jornadas y Debates de Profesores del Nivel Medio, organizados por el Ministerio de Educación y por la Unión de Docentes de la Provincia de Misiones (UDPM); Selección de las referencias bibliográficas según los objetivos planteados para el Proyecto de Investigación; Selección y Análisis del marco normativo que regula la instrumentación de la Nueva Secundaria, teniendo en cuenta su impacto en la práctica profesional docente; Sistematización, análisis, interpretación de la información obtenida en la aplicación de cuestionarios y entrevistas a docentes, directivos y equipo técnico del Nivel Medio.