Concurrent Applications Research Articles

Towards Exogenous Coordination of Concurrent Cloud Applications

Cloud computing offers opportunities to increase productivity and reduce costs. Quickly adapting to changing needs is key to maintaining cloud applications. In traditional development, coordination is implemented in computational code. Although change impact analyses are studied, adjusting the implementation is time-consuming and error-prone when the coordination strategy changes. Exogenous coordination separates the implemented coordination and computational code to cope with this problem. This separation improves the reusability of components. Additionally, other applications with similar interaction patterns can reuse the coordination specification. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a methodology to develop and maintain cloud applications following the exogenous approach. To illustrate the idea, we introduce a new framework named OCCIwareBIP, which integrates JavaBIP — a framework for the exogenous coordination of concurrent Java components into OCCIware — a framework for designing cloud applications. We also leverage the coordination model to verify the deadlock-freedom of the cloud application. Finally, we present an application to show the ability of our approach to guarantee the safety and benefits of modularization in developing concurrent cloud applications.

The Influence of Undercooling and Sector Zoning on Clinopyroxene–Melt Equilibrium and Thermobarometry

Abstract Thermobarometry provides a critical means of assessing locations of magma storage and dynamics in the lead-up to volcanic eruptions and crustal growth. A common approach is to utilise minerals that have compositions sensitive to changes in pressure and/or temperature, such as clinopyroxene, which is ubiquitous in mafic to intermediate magmas. However, clinopyroxene thermobarometry may carry significant uncertainty and require an appropriate equilibrium melt composition. In addition, the degree of magma undercooling (ΔT) affects clinopyroxene composition and zoning, with common sector zoning potentially obfuscating thermobarometry results. Here, we use a set of crystallisation experiments on a primitive trachybasalt from Mt. Etna (Italy) at ΔT = 25–233 °C, P = 400–800 MPa, H2O = 0–4 wt % and fO2 = NNO + 2, with clinopyroxene crystals defined by Al-rich zones (prisms and skeletons) and Al-poor zones (hourglass and overgrowths) to assess common equilibrium models and thermobarometric approaches. Under the studied conditions, our data suggest that the commonly applied Fe–Mg exchange (cpx-meltKdFe–Mg) is insensitive to increasing ΔT and may not be a reliable indicator of equilibrium. The combined use of DiHd (CaMgSi2O6 + CaFeSi2O6) and EnFs (Mg2Si2O6 + Fe2Si2O6) models indicate the attainment of equilibrium in both Al-rich and Al-poor zones for almost all investigated ΔT. In contrast, CaTs (CaAl2SiO6) and CaTi (CaTiAl2O6) models reveal substantial deviations from equilibrium with increasing ΔT, particularly in Al-rich zones. We postulate that this reflects slower diffusion of Al and Ti in the melt compared with Ca and Mg and recommend the concurrent application of these four models to evaluate equilibrium between clinopyroxene and melt, particularly for sector-zoned crystals. Thermobarometers calibrated with only isothermal–isobaric experiments closely reproduce experimental P–T at low ΔT, equivalent to natural phenocrysts cores and sector-zoned mantles. Models that also consider decompression experiments are most accurate at high ΔT and are therefore suitable for outermost phenocryst rims and groundmass microlites. Recent machine learning approaches reproduce P–T conditions across all ΔT conditions. Applying our experimental constraints to sector-zoned microphenocrysts and groundmass microlites erupted during the 1974 eccentric eruption at Mt. Etna, we highlight that both hourglass and prism sectors are suitable for thermobarometry, given that equilibrium is sufficiently tested for. The combination of DiHd, EnFs, CaTs and CaTi models identifies compositions closest to equilibrium with the bulk melt composition, and results in smaller differences in P–T calculated for hourglass and prism sectors compared with applying only DiHd and EnFs equilibrium models. This provides a framework to assess crystallisation conditions recorded by sector-zoned clinopyroxene crystals in mafic alkaline settings.

Performance of Imidacloprid or Phorate Co-Applied In-Furrow with Superabsorbent Polymer and Evaluation of Aldicarb

Management decisions mitigating thrips injury and tomato spotted wilt infection are primarily limited to being enacted at the beginning of the growing season. Previous work explored corresponding potential management contribution of concurrent insecticide application with a superabsorbent polymer in-furrow but reported effects to be marginal or variable across experiments. To more thoroughly probe this potential, data from a collection of 40 experiments conducted from 2009 through 2022 was analyzed to examine the efficacy of insecticides (aldicarb, imidacloprid, imidacloprid plus fluopyram, and phorate, in addition to a nontreated check) applied in-furrow at planting for peanut production. In addition to treatments applied individually, experiments included imidacloprid (n = 11) or phorate (n = 18) applied in the presence of 2.2 kg/ha superabsorbent polymer. Results indicated that neither imidacloprid nor phorate alone significantly varied with regard to stand count (P > 0.35), thrips injury (P > 0.27), tomato spotted wilt incidence (P > 0.08), or yield (P > 0.37) when compared to their co-application with the polymer. These results were consistent across variety susceptibility levels to tomato spotted wilt. The fitted models were determined to be robust to the treatment composition of screened studies (P > 0.089). Where there were differences in projected returns above the nontreated check, phorate or aldicarb were the most consistently profitable treatments.

Does Multisession Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Prime the Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Fear of Pain, Fear of Movement, and Disability in Patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain? A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Many studies have shown that low back pain (LBP) is associated with psychosomatic symptoms which may lead to brain changes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the concurrent application of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and transcranial direct electrical stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability in patients with nonspecific LBP. This study was performed on 45 LBP patients (23 women, 22 men; mean age 33.00 ± 1.77 years) in three groups: experimental (2 mA cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS)), sham (c-tDCS turned off after 30 s), and control (only received CBT). In all groups, CBT was conducted for 20 min per session, with two sessions per week for four weeks. Fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability were evaluated using questionnaires at baseline, immediately after, and one month after completion of interventions. Results indicated that all three different types of intervention could significantly reduce fear and disability immediately after intervention (p > 0.05). However, improvement in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the other groups immediately after and at the one-month follow-up after interventions (p < 0.05). DLPFC c-tDCS can prime the immediate effects of CBT and also the lasting effects on the reduction in the fear of pain, fear of movement, and disability in LBP patients.

Investigating the technical feasibility of magnetoencephalography during transcranial direct current stimulation.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) can measure weak magnetic fields produced by electrical brain activity. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can affect such brain activities. The concurrent application of both, however, is challenging because tDCS presents artifacts on the MEG signal. If brain activity during tDCS can be elucidated by MEG, mechanisms of plasticity-inducing and other effects of tDCS would be more comprehensively understood. We tested the technical feasibility of MEG during tDCS using a phantom that produces an artificial current dipole simulating focal brain activity. An earlier study investigated estimation of a single oscillating phantom dipole during tDCS, and we systematically tested multiple dipole locations with a different MEG device. A phantom provided by the manufacturer was used to produce current dipoles from 32 locations. For the 32 dipoles, MEG was recorded with and without tDCS. Temporally extended signal space separation (tSSS) was applied for artifact rejection. Current dipole sources were estimated as equivalent current dipoles (ECDs). The ECD modeling quality was assessed using localization error, amplitude error, and goodness of fit (GOF). The ECD modeling performance with and without tDCS, and with and without tSSS was assessed. Mean localization errors of the 32 dipoles were 1.70 ± 0.72 mm (tDCS off, tSSS off, mean ± standard deviation), 6.13 ± 3.32 mm (tDCS on, tSSS off), 1.78 ± 0.83 mm (tDCS off, tSSS on), and 5.73 ± 1.60 mm (tDCS on, tSSS on). Mean GOF findings were, respectively, 92.3, 87.4, 97.5, and 96.7%. Modeling was affected by tDCS and restored by tSSS, but improvement of the localization error was marginal, even with tSSS. Also, the quality was dependent on the dipole location. Concurrent tDCS-MEG recording is feasible, especially when tSSS is applied for artifact rejection and when the assumed location of the source of activity is favorable for modeling. More technical studies must be conducted to confirm its feasibility with different source modeling methods and stimulation protocols. Recovery of single-trial activity under tDCS warrants further research.

Concurrent Convention and Non-Convention Cases: Child Abduction in England and Wales

The courts of England and Wales permit applicants in 1980 Hague Convention child abduction proceedings also to bring concurrent applications for the return of the child to their state of habitual residence based on a summary welfare assessment, which can be issued and heard alongside the Hague application. Given the different nature of these two applications, having them heard concurrently raises a number of challenges for the parties in terms of the evidence required and for the court in terms of the analytical process being undertaken. This article explores the nature of the two applications, the reasons why they might be brought concurrently, and the challenges that can arise in such cases.

Simultaneous implantation and tooth preparation technology guided by 3D-printed guide.

Using digital technologies in concurrently performing missing tooth implantation and preparation of remaining teeth is a solution to reduce the number of visits and improve efficiency. This paper proposes a digital process for simultaneously implanting and preparing teeth. It integrates implant surgical guide and 3D-printed tooth preparation guide into a single guide and completes guided implant placement and precise tooth preparation. Based on "repair-oriented" virtual implant planning, the implant surgical guide can improve the efficiency and predictability of implant placement, and its linear accuracy is about 1 mm. The tooth preparation guide precisely guides tooth preparation and restoration space visualization, ensuring the quality of the tooth preparation. The two guides have different design accuracy requirements, and thus their combination improves the overall guiding accuracy requirements. The concurrent application of the two guides minimizes the clinical operation time, number of visits, and economic burden of patients.

Concept design of military and civilian interoperability based on sensing technology to support defense systems in the Malacca Strait region

The Malacca Strait region is of strategic importance in terms of global maritime security between Asia and the Middle East, and between Europe and North America, making it a frequent area of cross-border criminal activity, illegal trade and, most importantly, ship piracy. However, piracy in the Straits of Malacca has increased significantly. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen security activities against piracy in the sea area through military-civilian joint operations using sensor technology. This study aims to develop a military-civilian interoperability concept based on sensor technology to support defense systems in the Straits of Malacca region. The research methodology used is a literature review of military and civilian interoperability with concurrent embedded applications in relation to LISI and OIM interoperability standards. Generation of wave and wind climate maps from 2013 to 2022 using Ina-Waves modeling of wave information and Ina-Flows of current, salinity, and sea temperature information at each depth. Literature study on HAPS sensor technology. The results showed that interoperability between TNI AL and Bakamla RI and between TNI AL and TNI AU is still at ad-hoc level, and interoperability between Bakamla RI and TNI AU is still at isolated level. This situation can be overcome by developing interoperability concepts that may be applied when planning a HAPS deployment. Sensor technology can be used to map area features to narrow down the monitored area. In addition, HAPS (High Altitude Platform System) can be used to perform real-time maritime surveillance, and in the future, strengthen the defense of the maritime sector, whose main mission is surveillance and object detection.

Concurrent application of interferon-gamma and vincristine inhibits tumor growth in an orthotopic neuroblastoma mouse model.

Tumor-associated macrophages are present within neuroblastoma, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) can polarize macrophages into cancer-inhibiting M1 type. We hypothesize that treating neuroblastoma with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) can suppress tumor growth, and the concurrent treatment with IFN-γ and vincristine can lead to enhanced tumor killing as compared to vincristine alone. We loaded IFN-γ or vincristine into silk biomaterials and recorded the amount released over time. Orthotopic, syngeneic neuroblastoma xenografts were generated by injecting 9464D cells into adrenal gland of C57BL/6 mice, and IFN-γ-loaded and/or vincristine-loaded silk biomaterials were implanted into the tumor once the tumors reached 100mm3. Drug release at different timepoints was measured and tumor growth after different treatments were compared. 1-2% of IFN-γ and 70% of vincristine were released from the biomaterials by the fifth day. Combining IFN-γ and vincristine significantly slowed tumor growth as compared to the controls (12.2 ± 2.7days to reach 800mm3 versus 5.7 ± 1.2days, p = 0.01), and IFN-γ alone also delayed tumor growth as compared to the controls (10.9 ± 1.5days versus 5.7 ± 1.2days, p = 0.001). Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated tumor necrosis adjacent to the drug-loaded silk biomaterials. Local delivery of sustained release IFN-γ can inhibit neuroblastoma tumor growth by itself and in combination with vincristine.

Kinetic Barriers to Disproportionation of Salts of Weakly Basic Drugs.

Disproportionation is a major issue in formulations containing salts of weakly basic drugs. Despite considerable interest in risk assessment approaches for disproportionation, the prediction of salt-to-base conversion remains challenging. Recent studies have highlighted several confounding factors other than pHmax that appear to play an important role in salt disproportionation and have suggested that kinetic barriers need to be considered in addition to the thermodynamic driving force when assessing the risk of a salt to undergo conversion to parent free base. Herein, we describe the concurrent application of in situ Raman spectroscopy and pH monitoring to investigate the disproportionation kinetics of three model salts, pioglitazone hydrochloride, sorafenib tosylate, and atazanavir sulfate, in aqueous slurries. We found that even for favorable thermodynamic conditions (i.e., pH ≫ pHmax), disproportionation kinetics of the salts were very different despite each system having a similar pHmax. The importance of free base nucleation kinetics was highlighted by the observation that the disproportionation conversion time in the slurries showed the same trend as the free base nucleation induction time. Pioglitazone hydrochloride, with a free base induction time of <1 min, rapidly converted to the free base in slurry experiments. In contrast, atazanavir sulfate, where the free base induction time was much longer, took several hours to undergo disproportionation in the slurry for pH ≫ pHmax. Additionally, we altered an established thermodynamically based modeling framework to account for kinetic effects (representing the nucleation kinetic barrier) to estimate the solid-state stability of salt formulations. In conclusion, a solution-based thermodynamic model is mechanistically appropriate to predict salt disproportionation in a solid-state formulation, when kinetic barriers are also taken into consideration.

A Novel Memory Concurrent Editing Model for Large-Scale Video Streams in Edge Computing

Efficient management and utilization of edge server memory buffers are crucial for improving the efficiency of concurrent editing in the concurrent editing application scenario of large-scale video in edge computing. In order to elevate the efficiency of concurrent editing and the satisfaction of service users under the constraint of limited memory buffer resources, the allocation of memory buffers of concurrent editing servers is transformed into the bin-packing problem, which is solved using an ant colony algorithm to achieve the least loaded utilization batch. Meanwhile, a new distributed online concurrent editing algorithm for video streams is designed for the conflict problem of large-scale video editing in an edge computing environment. It incorporates dual-buffer read-and-write technology to solve the difficult problem of concurrent inefficiency of editing and writing disks. The experimental results of the simulation show that the scheme not only achieves a good performance in the scheduling of concurrent editing but also implements the editing resource allocation function in an efficient and reasonable way. Compared with the benchmark traditional single-exclusive editing scheme, the proposed optimized scheme can simultaneously enhance editing efficiency and user satisfaction under the restriction of providing the same memory buffer computing resources. The proposed model has a wide application to video real-time processing application scenarios in edge computing.

Concurrent application of bacterial-mediated and mycosynthesized ZnO nanofungicides to maintain high ascorbic acid and delay postharvest decay of apricot

Quality of apricot fruit is affected by different biotic stresses during growth, harvesting and storage. Due to fungal attack, huge losses of its quality and quantity are observed. The present research was designed for the diagnoses and management of postharvest rot disease of apricot. Infected apricot fruit were collected, and the causative agent was identified as A. tubingensis. To control this disease, both bacterial-mediated nanoparticles (b-ZnO NPs) and mycosynthesized nanoparticles (f-ZnO NPs) were used. Herein, biomass filtrates of one selected fungus (Trichoderma harzianum) and one bacterium (Bacillus safensis) were used to reduce zinc acetate into ZnO NPs. The physiochemical and morphological characters of both types of NPs were determined. UV–vis spectroscopy displayed absorption peaks of f-ZnO NPs and b-ZnO NPs at 310–380 nm, respectively, indicating successful reduction of Zinc acetate by the metabolites of both fungus and bacteria. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) determined the presence of organic compounds like amines, aromatics, alkenes and alkyl halides, on both types of NPs, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed nano-size of f-ZnO NPs (30 nm) and b-ZnO NPs (35 nm). Scanning electron microscopy showed flower-crystalline shape for b-ZnO NPs and spherical-crystalline shape for f-ZnO NPs. Both NPs showed variable antifungal activities at four different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mg/ml). Diseases control and postharvest changes in apricot fruit were analyzed for 15 days. Among all treatments, 0.50 mg/ml concentration of f-ZnO NPs and 0.75 mg/ml concentration of b-ZnO NPs exhibited the strongest antifungal activity. Comparatively, f-ZnO NPs performed slightly better than b-ZnO NPs. Application of both NPs reduced fruit decay and weight, maintained higher ascorbic acid contents, sustained titratable acidity, and preserved firmness of diseased fruit. Our results suggest that microbial synthesized ZnO NPs can efficiently control fruit rot, extend shelf life, and preserve the quality of apricot.

Restraint stress potentiates sensitivity to the antinociceptive effect of morphine through orexin receptors in the ventral tegmental area

Orexin signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a critical role in stress and addictive behaviors. On the other hand, exposure to stress potentiates behavioral sensitization to drugs of abuse such as morphine. This study aimed to elucidate the role of orexin receptors within the VTA in restraint stress (RS)-induced morphine sensitization. Adult male albino Wistar rats underwent stereotaxic surgery, and two stainless steel guide cannulae were bilaterally implanted into the VTA. Different doses of SB334867 or TCS OX2 29 as orexin-1 (OX1) and orexin-2 (OX2) receptor antagonists were microinjected into the VTA five min before exposure to RS, respectively. A duration of three hours was considered for applying the RS, and 10 min after RS exposure, animals received a subcutaneous injection of an ineffective dose of morphine (1 mg/kg) for three consecutive days followed by a five-day drug/stress-free period. On the ninth day, the tail-flick test evaluated the sensitivity to the antinociceptive effects of morphine. The results demonstrated that the sole application of RS or morphine (1 mg/kg) could not induce morphine sensitization; however, concurrent application of RS and morphine could induce morphine sensitization. Besides, intra-VTA administration of OX1 R or OX2 R antagonists before paired administration of morphine and RS blocked morphine sensitization. The role of OX1 R and OX2 R in the induction of stress-induced morphine sensitization was almost identical. This study provides new insight into the role of orexin signaling in the VTA in the potentiation of morphine sensitization induced by RS and morphine co-administration.

Managing crisis in the cruise industry: using internal communications to foster workforce resilience

Purpose This paper aims to investigates the use of internal communications to foster workforce resilience in the cruise industry during a crisis. Drawing on the regulatory focus theory, this study explores how internal communication strategies can build employee resilience particularly at a time of difficulty. The regulatory focus theory explores the employee’s rationale for goal pursuit. Prevention-focused individuals are concerned with safety and responsibility while promotion-focused individuals focus on goal advancement. The authors seek to broaden the existing understanding of the application of the regulatory focus theory as a lens to inform internal communications crisis strategies. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research using 15-semi structured interviews with cruise industry experts was undertaken during the pandemic. Applying a sensemaking and sense giving approach the researchers thematically analyzed the data in three stages, allowing for new theoretical insights to be uncovered. Findings The findings suggest that internal communication strategies should include prevention-focused messages emphasizing the cruise companies’ responsibility to employees, and promotion-focused communications, to include social interaction and individual growth opportunities. Originality/value This study’s contribution is three-fold. First, the authors extend the theoretical application of the regulatory focus theory to internal communication and identify a novel concurrent application of both prevention- and promotion-focused messages for developing a resilient workforce. Second, the authors introduce a preliminary conceptualization of an internal crisis communication strategy, emphasizing the concurrent application of prevention- and promotion-focused messages. Finally, the author offer practical suggestions for managing crisis communication strategies.

Influence of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on walking kinematics and standing balance of older adults who differ in walking speed.

The purpose was to determine the impact of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on measures of walking kinematics and standing balance of healthy older adults who were stratified into two groups based on differences in the distance walked during the 6-min test of walking endurance. Regression models were developed to explain the variance in the 6-min distance and to assess the predictive power of balance metrics to categorize the 26 older adults (72 ± 5.4 yrs) as either slow or fast walkers. Walking kinematics were measured during 6- and 2-min walk tests that were performed with and without the concurrent application of TENS to the hip flexor and ankle dorsiflexor muscles. Participants walked briskly during the 6-min test and at a preferred pace during the 2-min test. The supplementary sensory stimulation provided by TENS did not alter the power of the models to explain the variance in the Baseline 6-min distance: Baseline, R2 = 0.85; TENS, R2 = 0.83. In contrast, TENS improved the explanatory power of the data obtained during the 2-min walk to account for the variance in the Baseline 6-min distance: no TENS, R2 = 0.40; TENS, R2 = 0.64. Logistic regression models based on force-plate and kinematic data obtained during the balance tasks were able to discriminate between the two groups with excellent certainty. The impact of TENS was greatest when older adults walked at a preferred speed but not when they walked at a brisk pace or performed tests of standing balance.

Rethinking solutions for protracted refugee situation: A case study of the Buduburam refugee camp closure in Ghana

Despite the passage of three decades since their forced migration, many former Liberian refugees remain confined within the Buduburam refugee camp in Ghana. Recent tensions between the former refugees and the Ghanaian government have arisen due to the proposed closure of the camp. In light of these circumstances, this paper reexamines the preferred durable solution sought by the former refugees and demonstrates its relevance within their current protracted situation in Ghana. The study adopts a comprehensive approach that combines data from past interviews, a survey conducted amongst former refugees, and insights derived from a rapid scoping review of the existing literature. By synthesising these various sources of information, this paper sheds light on the nuanced perspectives and ideas expressed by the former refugees. Furthermore, it explores how the findings from these data sources have shaped the present state of affairs within the Buduburam refugee camp. The study reveals that a significant majority (∼77%) of the former refugees expressed a strong preference for resettlement in a third advanced country, driven not only by security concerns but also by their aspirations for improved economic wellbeing. This preference for resettlement stands in contrast to the available solutions offered by governing institutions, which have contributed to the protracted nature of their situation. Nonetheless, there were marginal discrepancies in the inclination towards durable solutions among individuals, contingent upon their educational attainment (x2 = 30.452; p = 0.002) and marital status (x2 = 23.746; p = 0.022). Drawing on the available evidence and insights gained from the former refugees, this paper advocates for a more comprehensive bottom-up, multifactorial approach to the implementation of durable solutions for refugees. It emphasises the need for a more holistic and concurrent application of all viable solutions, right from the beginning of refugee settlement in host countries, to break the cycle of protracted displacement. By taking into account the persistent preferences and needs of the affected individuals, policymakers and governing institutions can work towards implementing durable solutions that address both the immediate and long-term aspirations of refugees, aiming to bring an end to the protracted refugee cycle once and for all.

Virtual Machine and Integrated Developer Environment for Sleptsov Net Computing

Modern computing is a path of violations and transformations coming from an intrinsically concurrent application domain into a sequence of instructions and then back to concurrency with OpenMP, MPI and CUDA/OpenCL. Why we create so many difficulties? Sleptsov Net Computing (SNC) maps a task into an appropriate computing structure implemented as a re-configurable multidimensional sparse matrix of computing memory. It has entirely graphical mass parallel language for concurrent programming and a framework of techniques for concurrent program verification to develop reliable software. Estimated efficiency of SNC is higher than 50% compared to actual less that 1% efficiency of the most powerful supercomputers. It yields hyper-performance capable of efficient control of hyper-sonic objects, colliders, thermonuclear reaction. This paper presents an open source prototype VM and IDE for SNC with a view on upcoming hardware implementation of the corresponding computer.

Selective nuclear export inhibitor KPT‑330 enhances the radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma cells.

Although the concurrent application of definitive chemoradiation has improved the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer, resistance to therapy poses a major threat to treatment. The present study aimed to investigate whether the use of KPT-330, a selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE), enhances the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells. Immunohistochemical staining assays were employed to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of chromosome maintenance protein-1 (CRM1) in 111 esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) tissues collected from patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The data showed that the expression of CRM1 in the ESCA tissues was significantly upregulated compared with that in the normal adjacent tissues. Furthermore, patients with higher CRM1 expression had significantly decreased overall survival compared with those with lower CRM1 expression. The effects of KPT-330 and/or radiation on ECA109 human ESCA cells were also evaluated. KPT-330 suppressed the viability of the ECA109 cells. A colony formation assay demonstrated that a combination of KPT-330 and radiation significantly decreased ECA109 cell proliferation. Flow cytometric analysis showed that KPT-330 increased the arrest of the ECA109 cells at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis. In addition, western blotting revealed that the inhibitory effect of KPT-330 on cell viability was associated with the increased expression of p53 and promotion of the nuclear accumulation of the p53 protein. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that CRM1 expression is associated with the prognosis of patients with ESCA following radiotherapy. The inhibition of CRM1 expression by the SINE inhibitor KPT-330 increases radiosensitivity and is potentially useful in a combination treatment strategy for esophageal cancers.

IO-aware Job-Scheduling: Exploiting the Impacts of Workload Characterizations to select the Mapping Strategy

In high performance, computing concurrent applications are sharing the same file system. However, the bandwidth which provides access to the storage is limited. Therefore, too many I/O operations performed at the same time lead to conflicts and performance loss due to contention. This scenario will become more common as applications become more data intensive. To avoid congestion, job-schedulers have to play an important role in selecting which application run concurrently. However I/O-aware mapping strategies need to be simple, robust and fast. Hence, in this article, we discuss two plain and practical strategies to mitigate I/O congestion. They are based on the idea of scheduling I/O access so as not to exceed some prescribed I/O bandwidth. More precisely, we compare two approaches: one grouping applications into packs that will be run independently (i.e., pack-scheduling), the other one scheduling greedily applications using a predefined order (i.e. list-scheduling). Results show that performances depend heavily on the I/O load and the homogeneity of the underlying workload. Finally, we introduce the notion of characteristic time that represents information on the average time between consecutive I/O transfers. We show that it could be important to the design of schedulers and that we expect it to be easily obtained by analysis tools.

Concurrent Application of Indole Acetic Acid and Crude Fungal Extract from Rhizopus oryzae Synergistically Improved Vegetative and Physiochemical Attributes in Spinach

Concurrent Application of Indole Acetic Acid and Crude Fungal Extract from Rhizopus oryzae Synergistically Improved Vegetative and Physiochemical Attributes in Spinach