bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parallel dynamic programming and ship voyage management
Authors: Barber Christine , Sen Pratyush , Downie Martin 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe paper is concerned with the design and implementation of a parallel dynamic programming algorithm for use in ship voyage management The basic concepts are presented in terms of a simple model for weather routing. Other factors involved in voyage management, and their inclusion in a more comprehensive algorithm, are also discussed. The algorithms have been developed and implemented using a transputer‐based distributed‐memory parallel machine using the high‐level communication harness CS Tools. Trial calculations over grids of up to 282 nodes have been carried out and the results are presented. Good speed‐ups for the calculations have been attained, and the factors affecting the efficiency of the parallel computations are reviewed. These trial calculations indicate that a ship voyage management system based on parallel dynamic programming is likely to be beneficial.
Fault tolerance in the execution of remote jobs on idling workstations
Authors: Yang Cul‐Qing , Qu Yaoshuang 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMany workstation‐based distributed systems allow programs to be executed on remote idling machines for effective utilization of system resources. Usually, the control policies in these systems force a remote job be discontinued by the arrival of local jobs to guarantee the autonomy of individual workstations. Therefore, one special concern in the design of such systems is the fault‐tolerant aspects for the execution of remote jobs. In the paper we discuss two control policies of workstation‐based distributed systems, checkpointing and non‐checkpointing policy, which support fault‐tolerant execution of remote jobs on idling workstations. An analytical analysis on the reliability and mean turnaround time of the execution of remote jobs are conducted for both control policies. The optimal time interval between checkpoints in the checkpointing policy is formulated based on the given reliability and overhead of the system. In addition, several sample results derived from these analyses are compared with the outcome of corresponding simulation programs. Some observations of fault‐tolerant features of each control policy are thereupon presented as guidelines for the future development of such workstation‐based distributed systems.
Processing recursive queries on transputers
Authors: Shao J. , Bell D. A. , Hull M. E. C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThere is a perceived need within the database community to extend the traditional relational database systems so as to accommodate applications which are deductive in nature. One major problem involved in such an extension is the efficient processing of recursive queries. To this end, parallel processing is expected to play an important role. While substantial work has been done in devising strategies for processing recursive queries in parallel, it is perhaps surprising that little has been reported on the implementation and the run‐time performance of these strategies. In the paper we report our experience of implementing a pipelined evaluation strategy on transputers. A wide range of queries, database structures and architectural configurations are considered as benchmarks in this study. The performance is studied in terms of both speed‐up factors and communication costs. The experimental results show the potential of processing recursive queries in parallel, and provide insight into the usefulness of using transputers for such applications.
Compile‐time scheduling of multithread data localities on multiple vector processors
Authors: Chang Chih‐Yung , Sheu Jang‐Ping 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA large class of loop programs applied in solving differential equations, Fourier transforms, image processing and neural processing can be translated or rewritten into a vector execution form with a π‐block dependence graph. In the paper we propose a multithreading strategy to partition such vectorized loops into multithread execution form. Each partitioned thread consists of instances of statements with localities in vector registers. The multithreading scheme gives a novel combination of loop unrolling, statement instances reordering, index shifting, vector register reuse exploiting and multithreading. For some cases of loop program with π‐block dependence graph, experimental results show that our scheme assists vector compilers of the Convex C38 series to reduce the number of memory accesses and synchronizations among CPUs.
Run‐time issues in program partitioning on distributed memory systems
Authors: Pande Santosh , Agrawal Dharma P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractOur earlier work reported a Threshold Scheduling Method for compile‐time mapping of functional parallism on distributed‐memory systems. The work reported in this paper discusses run‐time issues in efficiently supporting the functional parallism with minimal overheads, through a combination of compile‐time and run‐time ownership analysis.At compile time, the code generation phase determines whether a local copy of a live definition of a variable needed by a task is available on a given processor, through an ownership analysis. In case ownership cannot be resolved at compile time, an appropriate code is generated to perform analysis at run time. The code generation is carried out so that all the processors carry the same copy of the compiled program with the individual processor's code being isolated and the universally owned code being replicated on all processors to minimize run‐time overheads. The run‐time system maintains the static and dynamic ownerships at every processor to avoid communication overhead on ownership information.We demonstrate the approach by incorporating it in the compiler for targeting a parallel functional language, Sisal (streams and iterations in single assignment language), to Intel Touchstone i860 systems. Several benchmarks demonstrate the viability of the approach.
A framework for partitioning parallel computations in heterogeneous environments
Authors: Weissman Jon B. , Grimshaw Andrew S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn the paper we present a framework for partitioning data parallel computations across a heterogeneous metasystem at runtime. The framework is guided by program and resource information which is made available to the system. Three difficult problems are handled by the framework: processor selection, task placement and heterogeneous data domain decomposition. Solving each of these problems contributes to reduced elapsed time. In particular, processor selection determines the best grain size at which to run the computation, task placement reduces communication cost, and data domain decomposition achieves processor load balance. We present results which indicate that excellent performance is achievable using the framework. The paper extends our earlier work on partitioning data parallel computations across a single‐level network of heterogeneous workstations.
A compendium of processor allocation strategies for two‐dimensional mesh connected systems
Authors: Melhart Bonnie E. , Morgenstern Craig A. , Nute Tom 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMultiple processor systems are an integral part of today's high‐performance computing environment. Such systems are often configured as a two‐dimensional grid of processors called a mesh. Tasks compete for rectangular submeshes of this mesh. The choice of submesh allocation strategy can significantly affect the level of processor utilization and a task's waiting time. In addition, the execution speed of various allocation algorithms varies widely, which can further affect system performance. This paper describes and categorizes several submesh allocation strategies, including a previously unreported method that is superior to other methods in terms of execution speed. The paper includes results of simulation studies used to compare the performance characteristics of the most efficient allocation strategies in each category.
Enhancement of Photocurrent Generation by Honeycomb Structures in Organic Thin Films
Authors: Heng Liping , Zhai Jin , Zhao Yong , Xu Jinjie , Sheng Xianliang , Jiang Lei 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA light‐emitting poly (distyryldimethylbenzene‐co‐triethylene glycol) rod–coil block copolymer was used to fabricate films with three‐dimensionally ordered honeycomb structures by the breath‐figure method. Photocurrent generation and photovoltaic performance are studied, and the dependence of photocurrent on applied electric field is investigated. Introducing the ordered porous structure significantly improves the photoelectric conversion behavior, because porous structures not only enhance the light‐harvesting efficiency but also benefit charge separation and charge transfer. This phenomenon may have great prospects for enhancing the photovoltaic behavior of organic thin‐film devices.
Release from Silica SBA‐3‐like Mesoporous Fibers: Cross‐Wall Transport and External Diffusion Barrier
Authors: Stempniewicz Magdalena , Rohwerder Michael , Marlow Frank 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe transport of guest molecules between adjacent pore channels (cross‐wall transport) is the limiting factor in the release of guest molecules from SBA‐3‐like fibers. This specific mode of diffusion is identified by microscopic observation and studied quantitatively in a UV/Vis‐monitored release experiment. Analysis of release curves reveals that the external particle surface offers resistance to the guest molecules passing through it (external diffusion barrier). This barrier is native to as‐synthesized fibers and can be effectively modified to slow down the release. Extremely effective slowdown is achieved by deposition of a nanometer‐thick layer of sodium silicate, that is, the guest molecules are then safely stored in the particles.
The apoptosis of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes in sickle cell disease
Authors: Ozdogu Hakan , Boga Can , Sozer Oktay , Sezgin Nurzen , Kizilkilic Ebru , Maytalman Erkan , Yalcintas Defne 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:The apoptosis of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is not well understood. The goal of this study was to examine the apoptosis of PMNs in patients with SCD and in controls.Methods:Flow cytometric quantitation of PMN apoptosis was performed in 17 patients during and after sickle cell vasoocclusive crisis and in 17 healthy volunteers. Plasma nitric oxide concentrations were also measured in patients with SCD.Results:The mean of annexin‐V and annexin‐V/PI staining (early and late apoptotic cells) increased to a greater degree in patients with SCD than in healthy controls for patients with SCD during and after vasoocclusive crisis. The mean of PI staining showing dead cells was higher only in patients after SCD crisis than in healthy controls. In the SCD groups during and after vasoocclusive crisis, there was no difference between PMN apoptosis levels. Furthermore, plasma nitric oxide concentrations were not correlated with PMN apoptosis.Conclusions:There was an evidence that the alteration of blood PMN apoptosis could contribute to the pathogenetic mechanisms of vasoocclusion in patients with SCD. This can be attributed to the effects of numerous inflammatory mediators rather than simply the effects of nitric oxide. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Metabolic syndrome: a wake‐up call
Authors: Rendell Marc , Gurwitz David 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMetabolic Syndrome, already affecting over 40% of the US population over the age of 60, is fast becoming “the plague of the 21st century” in developed nations. The time has come for health system policymakers to prioritize the fight against Metabolic Syndrome and its associated morbidity. We need an aggressive effort and funding for better early diagnosis, educational programs and assistance for lifestyle changes, basic research, as well as novel drug development programs. Failing in this effort, we are doomed to witness further increases in morbidity from associated diseases, ranging from type 2 diabetes to coronary heart disease and stroke, with these events taking place at younger ages. The cost to society is projected to be so high that it justifies an effort at least similar in magnitude to past and current drives for fighting cancer, drug abuse, and AIDS. Sadly, it seems that so far we have fallen behind in our battle against Metabolic Syndrome. We call upon government and industry leaders to wake up and engage the fight against Metabolic Syndrome and its associated diseases. The clock is ticking and the cost to society is escalating. Drug Dev. Res. 67:535–538, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends and opportunities in the metabolic syndrome
Authors: “Wick” Johnson John H. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMetabolic Syndrome consists of a multifactoral set of indications and, unfortunately, definitions. There is, at present, no consensus definition for Metabolic Syndrome and physicians who recognize the syndrome use different definitions. Some of the major stakeholder associations do not believe that Metabolic Syndrome is an approvable indication and no regulatory agency has weighed in on the matter. This has been the cause of confusion among many physicians resulting in different emphasis on intervention. However, there is close agreement between physicians surveyed in major markets as to the top three indications. The largest unmet medical need among these indications is obesity and obesity represents the largest opportunity. However, any single NCE or combination of existing drugs that can treat 3 indications will be a major advance. Any therapy will be an intervention and will have to have a very clean safety profile. Morbidity and mortality studies with existing therapies and combinations will be needed to establish outcomes. Drug Dev. Res. 67:539–544, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of type 2 diabetes: the role of incretin mimetics
Authors: Holcombe John H. , Kim Dennis D. , Stonehouse Anthony H. , Kendall David M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCurrent strategies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes target deficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance, but have not been shown to correct the progressive β–cell dysfunction characteristic of the disease. Traditionally, type 2 diabetes is treated in a stepwise manner with medical nutrition therapy, oral anti–diabetes therapies, and ultimately exogenous insulin. These therapies improve glycemic control, but are unable to prevent or delay either deterioration in glucose control or the decline of β–cell function. Despite the use of current anti–diabetes therapies, patients with type 2 diabetes are likely to experience deteriorating glycemic control and substantial weight gain. In addition to these issues, patients treated with insulin secretogogues such as sulfonylureas and exogenous insulin are subject to an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Moreover, insulin–based therapies do not fully address the complex hormonal irregularities, such as glucagon hypersecretion, that characterize type 2 diabetes. In view of the drawbacks associated with current treatment strategies, new therapies are being developed that may provide more durable glycemic control with associated reductions in body weight. These new therapies include the incretin mimetics, agents that share many of the glucoregulatory effects of the incretin hormones such as glucagon–like peptide–1 (GLP–1). Leveraging the physiological functions of incretin hormones such as GLP–1 may potentially benefit the ever growing number of patients with type 2 diabetes. Drug Dev. Res. 67:545–552, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tissue‐specific glucocorticoid excess in the metabolic syndrome: 11β‐HSD1 as a therapeutic target
Authors: Wang Minghan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSystemic glucocorticoid excess is linked to the development of the metabolic syndrome, a group of metabolic disorders including central obesity and insulin resistance. 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) converts the inert cortisone to the active cortisol in target tissues. The increased expression of 11β‐HSD1 in the adipose tissue of obese subjects suggests that there could be glucocorticoid excess at the tissue level, which is likely to be involved in the development of the metabolic syndrome. 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors have been under development as a potential therapy for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. With the current progress, the future prospects of 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors are encouraging for providing beneficial metabolic effects. Drug Dev. Res. 67:567–569, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glucocorticoids in type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Welles Bernice 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWhile glucocorticoids were originally named for their role in glucose metabolism, their role in many aspects of resting and stress‐related homeostasis has been elucidated. An accumulation of evidence linking abnormal glucocorticoid metabolism to both type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome has led to a search for therapeutic agents that lower levels of cortisol, the principal active glucocorticoid in humans, and/or that block the effects of cortisol excess. Several promising approaches are currently under investigation and some compounds have reached early stage clinical development. A popular approach is the inhibition of the enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1), which regenerates the active cortisol from cortisone, its inactive form. This approach still awaits clinical proof of concept. Other therapeutic approaches include blockade at the level of the glucocorticoid receptor and inhibition of adrenal cortisol synthesis. Ketoconazole and metyrapone, inhibitors of 11β hydroxylase, the terminal step in adrenal cortisol synthesis, are frequently used to effect pharmacologic adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's syndrome, a disorder caused by a marked elevation in levels of cortisol. The 2S,4R enantiomer of ketoconazole, which may be safer than racemic ketoconazole, is currently being tested in a phase‐2 clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes, many of whom have one or more co‐morbidities frequently associated with the metabolic syndrome. Given the central role that cortisol appears to play in the development of the metabolic syndrome, it is likely that a single agent may treat multiple components of this syndrome. Drug Dev. Res. 67:570–573, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities: ligands to peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors as therapies for type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Miller Anne Reifel 
Published: November 2006

AbstractFor over a decade, scientists have been investigating the sub‐family of nuclear hormone receptors known as the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) as potential targets for improved therapies for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Initial efforts focused on compounds with the thiazolidinedione (TZD) structure, synthesizing compounds based on structural differences followed by testing in rodent models without knowing the molecular target. Once the receptor for the TZDs was identified as PPARγ, more extensive efforts began to identify and develop improved versions of the TZDs. Many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies using this information established assays that were used in high through‐put screening efforts to identify compounds with greater affinity and selectivity to the receptor. Surprising, these extensive efforts have not led to improved therapies but, in fact, have identified molecules with improved efficacy but with more severe and diverse liabilities. Today, scientists continue to pursue the PPAR subfamily as a target for advanced treatments for T2D and the metabolic syndrome. New approaches include selective PPAR modulators, expansion into the PPARα and PPARδ subtypes, and partial agonists with dual or pan PPAR properties. These drug discovery efforts will continue, as T2D and the associated metabolic diseases become severe medical problems in nations worldwide. Eventually, new and improved therapies will emerge based on the extensive preclinical and clinical knowledge that has accumulated from research and discovery on PPARs by dedicated and thoughtful scientists in search of improved therapies for people with T2D. Drug Dev. Res. 67:574–578, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of PPARγ by Sartans
Authors: Erbe David V. , Gartrell Katherine , Will Sarah , Perreault Mylene , Wang Suyue , Tobin James F. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe physiological links between abnormalities in glucose regulation and blood pressure provide novel means to treat patients with the Metabolic Syndrome. In fact, recent data indicate that ATR1 antagonists may also improve insulin resistance. We explored one proposed explanation for these effects, namely activation of the PPARγ nuclear hormone receptor. These studies should guide further efforts to develop agents to treat hypertension and insulin resistance. Drug Dev. Res. 67:579–581, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postprandial hyperglycemia: Why do we care about it? What should we do?
Authors: Rendell Marc S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that elevated postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) exerts a more deleterious effect on the vascular system than elevation of fasting plasma glucose (FPG). In particular, individuals with normal FPG but impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events. With the recognition of the importance of PPG and the availability of new pharmacologic options, management of diabetes will shift to greater attention to PPG levels. There are many approaches to reduction of PPG; dietary management and promotion of exercise are very effective. Sulfonylureas, meglitinides, metformin, thiazolidinediones, and disaccharidase inhibitors all counteract PPG elevation. The development of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists such as exendin and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors offers a new approach to suppression of PPG elevation. New semisynthetic insulin analogues permit a more aggressive response to post‐prandial glucose elevation, with lower risk of hypoglycemia, than with regular insulin. The advent of accurate continuous glucose monitoring will facilitate the treatment of post‐prandial hyperglycemia. Drug Dev. Res. 67:582–586, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The importance of postprandial glucose concentration: lessons learned from diabetes and pregnancy
Authors: Jovanovic Lois 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPregnancy may be considered as a model for the importance of postprandial hyperglycemia on the risk of complications in diabetic subjects in the non‐pregnant state. Although pregnancy is only 9 months, the accelerated growth of the fetus is very sensitive to glucose variability and may be similar to a “life time” of struggle for survival. The toxicity due to hyperglycemia during pregnancy manifests itself by fetal overgrowth secondary to maternal overnourishment to the fetus. Glucose is the main nutrient that passes to the fetus by facilitated diffusion. Thus, maternal hyperglycemia results in a big baby who is also sick secondary to fetal hyperinsulinemia and the resultant metabolic aberrancy. In addition, if the fetus has inherited the type 2 diabetes gene or genes, then the fetal adiposity tends to be accrual of visceral fat, an abnormal distribution of fat in utero that increases the risk of subsequent type 2 diabetes in the child if the baby survives the insult. Studies have shown that the maternal postprandial glucose concentration is the most important variable associated with fetal overgrowth. The studies that support the importance of maternal postprandial glucose concentrations as the primary risk factor in fetopathy and this discussion suggests that these observations may extrapolate to the non‐pregnant person with diabetes and are presented in this review. Drug Dev. Res. 67:591–594, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.