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Consecutive Phases (consecutive + phase)
Selected AbstractsAn adaptive extension library for improving collective communication operationsCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 10 2008O. Hartmann Abstract In this paper, we present an adaptive extension library that combines the advantage of using a portable MPI library with the ability to optimize the performance of specific collective communication operations. The extension library is built on top of MPI and can be used with any MPI library. Using the extension library, performance improvements can be achieved by an orthogonal organization of the processors in 2D or 3D meshes and by decomposing the collective communication operations into several consecutive phases of MPI communication. Additional point-to-point-based algorithms are also provided. The extension library works in two steps, an a priori configuration phase detecting possible improvements for implementing collective communication for the MPI library used and an execution phase selecting a better implementation during execution time. This allows an adaptation of the performance of MPI programs to a specific execution platform and communication situation. The experimental evaluation shows that significant performance improvements can be obtained for different MPI libraries by using the library extension for collective MPI communication operations in isolation as well as in the context of application programs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Building and Contesting Neoliberalism at the Local Level: Reflections on the Symposium and on Recent Experience in BoliviaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF URBAN AND REGIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 1 2010MIKE GEDDES Abstract This final article first reflects on the previous articles in the symposium, positioning the diverse trajectories of local governance which they exhibit in relation to two contrasting ideal types , the one neoliberal, the other contesting neoliberalism from a progressive, left perspective. Differences between these ideal types, and among the actually existing patterns of local governance discussed in the symposium (in relation to their economic and social objectives and governance institutions and practices) are highlighted. The second part of the article offers a consideration of local governance in Bolivia, a country which encapsulates some of the key issues at stake in the ongoing struggles to either build, or contest, neoliberalism at the local level. Here a distinction is advanced between ,expansive' and ,consolidatory' moments of neoliberal local governance, which may take the form of consecutive phases, but may have different, overlapping temporalities. In conclusion, it is suggested the challenges which the impact of the financial crisis and global recession pose both to neoliberal forms of local governance and to contestatory forces should be a primary concern for future research. Résumé Ce dernier article revient d'abord sur les articles précédents du symposium, pour replacer les diverses voies de gouvernance locale présentées par rapport à deux idéaltypes mis en opposition: l'un néolibéral, l'autre contestant le néolibéralisme d'un point de vue progressiste de gauche. Il met en évidence les différences entre ces idéaltypes, et entre les modèles actuels de gouvernance locale débattus dans le symposium (en lien avec leurs objectifs économiques et sociaux et avec les institutions et pratiques de gouvernance). La seconde partie s'intéresse à la gouvernance locale en Bolivie, un pays qui incarne certains des principaux enjeux dans les luttes en cours visant à bâtir ou à contester un néolibéralisme au niveau local. Une distinction est proposée entre les moments d',expansion' et de ,consolidation' de la gouvernance locale néolibérale, lesquels peuvent se présenter de manière consécutive, mais aussi sur des plages temporelles différentes en chevauchement. Pour conclure, les défis que les conséquences de la crise financière et la récession mondiale posent aux formes néolibérales de gouvernance locale ainsi qu'aux forces contestataires devraient constituer une priorité dans les recherches à venir. [source] Efficacy and safety of dirlotapide in the management of obese dogs evaluated in two placebo-controlled, masked clinical studies in North AmericaJOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2007J. A. WREN Dirlotapide was evaluated in the management of obesity in dogs in two multicenter, clinical studies in North America. A total of 335 obese dogs of various breeds were randomized to dirlotapide or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. Dirlotapide was administered orally once daily to dogs at an initial dose of 0.05 mg/kg, increased after 14 days to 0.1 (study B, label dose) or 0.2 mg/kg (study A) and then adjusted according to individual weight loss at 28-day intervals. Dogs were examined and weighed, and body condition scores (BCSs) were recorded every 28 days. Study A had three consecutive phases: weight loss (16 weeks, day 0,112); weight management (12 weeks); and post-treatment (8 weeks). Study B had a weight loss phase only. For dirlotapide-treated dogs, mean weight loss by day 112 was 11.8,14.0% compared with 3.0,3.9% for placebo (P = 0.0001). In study A, weight losses for dirlotapide were 19.3% after 12 weeks of weight management and 16.7% (regain of 3.4%) by 8 weeks after dirlotapide was discontinued. In both studies, dogs in both treatments had emesis, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and mildly elevated hepatic transaminase activity, that resolved spontaneously with time. These were experienced more frequently with dirlotapide. Improved activity levels and BCS for >50% dogs were reported with dirlotapide. Dirlotapide was safe and effective in the reduction and management of body weight in obese dogs. [source] Monitoring pollution by proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry during paediatric anaesthesia with positive pressure ventilation via the laryngeal mask airway or uncuffed tracheal tubeANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2002J. Rieder Summary Twenty children aged 2,66 months were randomly allocated for airway management with either the laryngeal mask airway or uncuffed tracheal tube using intermittent positive pressure ventilation with a tidal volume of 8 ml.kg,1 and a respiratory rate adjusted to maintain end-expiratory carbon dioxide concentration at 5.3 kPa. Induction was with fentanyl/propofol and maintenance was with sevoflurane 2.5% in oxygen/air. The airway device was removed when the patients were awake and the patients were transferred to the postanaesthesia care unit 10 min later. Air was sampled from a point 1.5 m above the floor at a location remote from the ventilation outlet and analysed using a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer capable of continuous trace gas analysis at the parts per billion volume (ppbv) level. The concentration of sevoflurane was recorded every minute during three consecutive phases: for 5 min before the introduction of sevoflurane (background); after introduction of sevoflurane until removal of the airway device (intra-operative); and every minute after removal until the concentration returned to background levels. Median (interquartile range [range]) intra-operative sevoflurane concentrations were 200,400 times higher than background values for the laryngeal mask airway 1 (1,2 [0,3]) ppbv vs. 404 (278,523 [83,983]) ppbv, respectively, and the tracheal tube 2 (1,3 [0,5]) ppbv vs. 396 (204,589 [107,1735]) ppbv (both p <,0.0001), and returned to background values within 5 min of removal. There were no differences in sevoflurane concentration between devices intra-operatively or after removal. The performance of the proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer was identical at the start and end of the 30-day study. We conclude that peri-operative sevoflurane concentration in a modern operating theatre is similar for the laryngeal mask airway and the uncuffed tracheal tube in paediatric patients receiving intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Intra-operative sevoflurane concentrations are five times lower than occupational safety limit requirements, and 1000 times lower 5 min after removal of the airway device with the patient awake. The proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer has potential for monitoring air quality in the operating theatre. [source] Individualized developmental care for a large sample of very preterm infants: health, neurobehaviour and neurophysiologyACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2009G McAnulty Abstract Aim:, To assess medical and neurodevelopmental effects of Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) for a large sample of very early-born infants. Methods:, One hundred and seven singleton inborn preterm infants, <29 weeks gestational age (GA), <1250 g birth weight, enrolled in three consecutive phases, were randomized within phase to NIDCAP (treatment, E) or standard care (C). Treatment extended from admission to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit to 2 weeks corrected age (wCA). Outcome included medical, neurobehavioural and neurophysiological status at 2 wCA, and growth and neurobehavioural status at 9 months (m) CA. Results:, The C- and E-group within each of the three consecutive phases and across the three phases were comparable in terms of all background measures; they therefore were treated as one sample. The results indicated for the E-group significant reduction in major medical morbidities of prematurity as well as significantly improved neurodevelopmental (behaviour and electrophysiology) functioning at 2 wCA; significantly better neurobehavioural functioning was also found at 9 mCA. Conclusion:, The NIDCAP is an effective treatment for very early-born infants. It reduces health morbidities and enhances neurodevelopment, functional competence and life quality for preterm infants at 2 w and 9 mCA. [source] | ||||||||||