Network-aware heuristics for inter-domain meta-scheduling in Grids

Grid computing generally involves the aggregation of geographically distributed resources in the context of a particular application. As such resources can exist within different administrative domains, requirements on the communication network must also be taken into account when performing meta-scheduling, migration or monitoring of jobs. Similarly, coordinating efficient interaction between different domains should also be considered when performing such meta-scheduling of jobs. A strategy to perform peer-to-peer-inspired meta-scheduling in Grids is presented. This strategy has three main goals: (1) it takes the network characteristics into account when performing meta-scheduling; (2) communication and query referral between domains is considered, so that efficient meta-scheduling can be performed; and (3) the strategy demonstrates scalability, making it suitable for many scientific applications that require resources on a large scale. Simulation results are presented that demonstrate the usefulness of this approach, and it is compared with other proposals from literature.     

Morphology and surface properties of some siloxane–organic copolymers

BACKGROUND: It is well known that, due to their extremely low polarity, polysiloxanes are incompatible with almost any organic system. This incompatibility leads to phase separation in mixed siloxane–organic systems. RESULTS: Three siloxane–organic copolymers, poly[(5,5′‐methylene‐bis‐salicylaldehyde)‐imine‐(1,3‐bis(propylene)tetramethyldisiloxane)] (Paz1), poly[(2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone)‐imine‐(1,3‐bis(propylene)tetramethyldisiloxane)] (Paz2) and poly[1,3‐bis(propylene)tetramethyldisiloxane diamide] (Pam), were prepared by the reaction of 1,3‐bis(3‐aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane with appropriate organic partners (5,5′‐methylene‐bis‐salicylaldehyde, 2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone and oxalyl chloride, respectively). The morphologies dictated by the incompatibility between siloxane and polar organic moieties were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The surface activity of the copolymers and water vapour sorption capacity were also measured. CONCLUSION: Even though the polar sequences are very short ones, the highly flexible siloxane‐containing sequence permits the self‐assembly of these into more or less polar domains. Such an organization influences the properties of the resulting materials, an important place being occupied by the surface properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Stability during storage of LC-PUFA-supplemented infant formula containing single cell oil or egg yolk

The medical community recommends that infant formulae should mimic human milk as far as possible, particularly in regards to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). These include arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both of which provide biochemical and functional benefits to neonates. However, LC-PUFAs are highly susceptible to oxidation and the composition of formulae must be carefully controlled. In this study, the stability of two types of LC-PUFA-supplemented milk-based powdered infant formula was evaluated over the course of 18 months storage at 25 °C and 40 °C. One contained egg yolk phospholipids (IF-EPL) and the other contained triacylglycerides (DHA and AA) synthesized by single cell oils (IF-SCO). The following parameters were monitored: peroxide values, volatile content (propanal, pentanal and hexanal), fatty acid profiles, and potential and free furfural content (5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde and 2-furaldehyde). In addition, these formulae were subjected to sensory evaluations by a panel of experts. The parameters studied revealed acceptable lipid stability in both types of formula, with better results for IF-EPL. At the end of the study period, significant deficits (p < 0.05) in linoleic acid were noted in both formulae. However, no significant decreases were observed in the other fatty acids, including AA and DHA. In regards to furfural content, both formulae exhibited a similar increase, indicative of the typical Maillard reaction characteristic of products stored for long periods.     

Cellular and Molecular Targets for Non-Invasive,Non-Pharmacological Therapeutic/Rehabilitative Interventions in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND: Cerebral circulation delivers the blood flow to the brain through a dedicated network of sanguine vessels. A healthy human brain can regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF) according to any physiological or pathological challenges. The brain is protected by its self-regulatory mechanisms, which are dependent on neuronal and support cellular populations, including endothelial ones, as well as metabolic, and even myogenic factors. OBJECTIVES: Accumulating data suggest that “non-pharmacological” approaches might provide new opportunities for stroke therapy, such as electro-/acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, hypothermia/cooling, photobiomodulation, therapeutic gases, transcranial direct current stimulations, or transcranial magnetic stimulations. We reviewed the recent data on the mechanisms and clinical implications of these non-pharmaceutical treatments. METHODS: To present the state-of-the-art for currently available non-invasive, non-pharmacological-related interventions in acute ischemic stroke, we accomplished this synthetic and systematic literature review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Principles Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). RESULTS: The initial number of obtained articles was 313. After fulfilling the five steps in the filtering/selection methodology, 54 fully eligible papers were selected for synthetic review. We enhanced our documentation with other bibliographic resources connected to our subject, identified in the literature within a non-standardized search, to fill the knowledge gaps. Fifteen clinical trials were also identified. DISCUSSION: Non-invasive, non-pharmacological therapeutic/rehabilitative interventions for acute ischemic stroke are mainly holistic therapies. Therefore, most of them are not yet routinely used in clinical practice, despite some possible beneficial effects, which have yet to be supplementarily proven in more related studies. Moreover, few of the identified clinical trials are already completed and most do not have final results. CONCLUSIONS: This review synthesizes the current findings on acute ischemic stroke therapeutic/rehabilitative interventions, described as non-invasive and non-pharmacological.     

Teriflunomide Preserves Neuronal Activity and Protects Mitochondria in Brain Slices Exposed to Oxidative Stress

Teriflunomide (TFN) limits relapses in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by reducing lymphocytic proliferation through the inhibition of the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) and the subsequent modulation of de novo pyrimidine synthesis. Alterations of mitochondrial function as a consequence of oxidative stress have been reported during neuroinflammation. Previously, we showed that TFN prevents alterations of mitochondrial motility caused by oxidative stress in peripheral axons. Here, we aimed to validate TFN effects on mitochondria and neuronal activity in hippocampal brain slices, in which cellular distribution and synaptic circuits are largely preserved. TFN effects on metabolism and neuronal activity were investigated by assessing oxygen partial pressure and local field potential in acute slices. Additionally, we imaged mitochondria in brain slices from the transgenic Thy1-CFP/COX8A)S2Lich/J (mitoCFP) mice using two-photon microscopy. Although TFN could not prevent oxidative stress-related depletion of ATP, it preserved oxygen consumption and neuronal activity in CNS tissue during oxidative stress. Furthermore, TFN prevented mitochondrial shortening and fragmentation of puncta-shaped and network mitochondria during oxidative stress. Regarding motility, TFN accentuated the decrease in mitochondrial displacement and increase in speed observed during oxidative stress. Importantly, these effects were not associated with neuronal viability and did not lead to axonal damage. In conclusion, during conditions of oxidative stress, TFN preserves the functionality of neurons and prevents morphological and motility alterations of mitochondria.     

Fetal Undernutrition Modifies Vascular RAS Balance Enhancing Oxidative Damage and Contributing to Remodeling

Fetal stress is known to increase susceptibility to cardiometabolic diseases and hypertension in adult age in a process known as fetal programming. This study investigated the relationship between vascular RAS, oxidative damage and remodeling in fetal programming. Six-month old Sprague-Dawley offspring from mothers that were fed ad libitum (CONTROL) or with 50% intake during the second half of gestation (maternal undernutrition, MUN) were used. qPCR or immunohistochemistry were used to obtain the expression of receptors and enzymes. Plasma levels of carbonyls were measured by spectrophotometry. In mesenteric arteries from MUN rats we detected an upregulation of ACE, ACE2, AT₁ receptors and NADPH oxidase, and lower expression of AT₂, Mas and MrgD receptors compared to CONTROL. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and plasma levels of carbonyls were higher in MUN than in CONTROL. Vascular morphology evidenced an increased media/lumen ratio and adventitia/lumen ratio, and more connective tissue in MUN compared to CONTROL. In conclusion, fetal undernutrition indices RAS alterations and oxidative damage which may contribute to the remodeling of mesenteric arteries, and increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and hypertension.     

Medicated Scaffolds Prepared with Hydroxyapatite/Streptomycin Nanoparticles Encapsulated into Polylactide Microfibers

The preparation, characterization, and controlled release of hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles loaded with streptomycin (STR) was studied. These nanoparticles are highly appropriate for the treatment of bacterial infections and are also promising for the treatment of cancer cells. The analyses involved scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Z-potential measurements, as well as infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Both amorphous (ACP) and crystalline (cHAp) hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were considered since they differ in their release behavior (faster and slower for amorphous and crystalline particles, respectively). The encapsulated nanoparticles were finally incorporated into biodegradable and biocompatible polylactide (PLA) scaffolds. The STR load was carried out following different pathways during the synthesis/precipitation of the nanoparticles (i.e., nucleation steps) and also by simple adsorption once the nanoparticles were formed. The loaded nanoparticles were biocompatible according to the study of the cytotoxicity of extracts using different cell lines. FTIR microspectroscopy was also employed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect on cancer cell lines of nanoparticles internalized by endocytosis. The results were promising when amorphous nanoparticles were employed. The nanoparticles loaded with STR increased their size and changed their superficial negative charge to positive. The nanoparticles’ crystallinity decreased, with the consequence that their crystal sizes reduced, when STR was incorporated into their structure. STR maintained its antibacterial activity, although it was reduced during the adsorption into the nanoparticles formed. The STR release was faster from the amorphous ACP nanoparticles and slower from the crystalline cHAp nanoparticles. However, in both cases, the STR release was slower when incorporated in calcium and phosphate during the synthesis. The biocompatibility of these nanoparticles was assayed by two approximations. When extracts from the nanoparticles were evaluated in cultures of cell lines, no cytotoxic damage was observed at concentrations of less than 10 mg/mL. This demonstrated their biocompatibility. Another experiment using FTIR microspectroscopy evaluated the cytotoxic effect of nanoparticles internalized by endocytosis in cancer cells. The results demonstrated slight damage to the biomacromolecules when the cells were treated with ACP nanoparticles. Both ACP and cHAp nanoparticles were efficiently encapsulated in PLA electrospun matrices, providing functionality and bioactive properties.     

Acylierung von Heterocyclen mit Kohlensäurederivaten. I. Kinetik und Mechanismus der Reaktion von 2-Aminobenzimidazolen mit Arylcyanaten

Acylation of Heterocycles with Carbonic Acid Derivatives. I. Kinetics and Mechanism of the Reaction of 2-Aminobenzimidazoles with Aryl Cyanates The second order rate constants for the reaction of 2-amino-benzimidazoles (2-ABI) with aryl cyanates forming 2-amino-benzimidazole aryl ester imide 3 have been determined in dependence on substituent effects by u. v. measurements. The results are interpreted by a six-membered cyclic transition state in which the electrophilic attack of the cyanate on the endocyclic N atom is catalyzed by an H bridge interaction of the exocyclic amino group of 2-ABI with the OCN group.     

High-performance-liquid-chromatographic determination of carbohydrates in soft drinks

Summary The sugar content of fourteen soft drinks amply consumed in Spain has been determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The method, fast and reliable requires a minimum of sample preparation. For the total sugar content, a comparison is made with the classical column chromatography.

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Bestimmung von Kohlenhydraten in Erfrischungsgetränken durch Hochdruckflüssigkeitschromatographie

Zusammenfassung Der Zuckergehalt von vierzehn Erfrischungsgetränken, deren Verbrauch in Spanien sehr groß ist, wurde durch die Hochdruckflüssigkeitschromatographie (HPLC) festgestellt. Diese schnelle und zuverlässige Methode erfordert ein Minimum an Vorbereitungen. Für den gesamten Zuckergehalt wird ein Vergleich mit der klassischen Säulenchromatographie durchgeführt.

     

An Experimental Model of Neuro–Immune Interactions in the Eye: Corneal Sensory Nerves and Resident Dendritic Cells

The cornea is an avascular connective tissue that is crucial, not only as the primary barrier of the eye but also as a proper transparent refractive structure. Corneal transparency is necessary for vision and is the result of several factors, including its highly organized structure, the physiology of its few cellular components, the lack of myelinated nerves (although it is extremely innervated), the tightly controlled hydration state, and the absence of blood and lymphatic vessels in healthy conditions, among others. The avascular, immune-privileged tissue of the cornea is an ideal model to study the interactions between its well-characterized and dense sensory nerves (easily accessible for both focal electrophysiological recording and morphological studies) and the low number of resident immune cell types, distinguished from those cells migrating from blood vessels. This paper presents an overview of the corneal structure and innervation, the resident dendritic cell (DC) subpopulations present in the cornea, their distribution in relation to corneal nerves, and their role in ocular inflammatory diseases. A mouse model in which sensory axons are constitutively labeled with tdTomato and DCs with green fluorescent protein (GFP) allows further analysis of the neuro-immune crosstalk under inflammatory and steady-state conditions of the eye.