More on Descriptive Complexity of Second-Order HORN Logics

This paper concerns Gradel's question asked in 1992: whether all problems which are in PTIME and closed under substructures are definable in second-order HORN logic SO-HORN. We introduce revisions of SO-HORN and DATALOG by adding first-order universal quantifiers over the second-order atoms in the bodies of HORN clauses and DATALOG rules. We show that both logics are as expressive as FO(LFP), the least fixed point logic. We also prove that FO(LFP) can not define all of the problems that are in PTIME and closed under substructures. As a corollary, we answer Gradel's question negatively

Capturing the polynomial hierarchy by second-order revised Krom logic

We study the expressive power and complexity of second-order revised Krom logic (SO-KROM$^{r}$). On ordered finite structures, we show that its existential fragment $\Sigma^1_1$-KROM$^r$ equals $\Sigma^1_1$-KROM, and captures NL. On all finite structures, for $k\geq 1$, we show that $\Sigma^1_{k}$ equals $\Sigma^1_{k+1}$-KROM$^r$ if $k$ is even, and $\Pi^1_{k}$ equals $\Pi^1_{k+1}$-KROM$^r$ if $k$ is odd. The result gives an alternative logic to capture the polynomial hierarchy. We also introduce an extended version of second-order Krom logic (SO-EKROM). On ordered finite structures, we prove that SO-EKROM collapses to $\Pi^{1}_{2}$-EKROM and equals $\Pi^1_1$. Both of SO-EKROM and $\Pi^{1}_{2}$-EKROM capture co-NP on ordered finite structures

Capturing the polynomial hierarchy by second-order revised Krom logic

We study the expressive power and complexity of second-order revised Krom logic (SO-KROM$^{r}$). On ordered finite structures, we show that its existential fragment $\Sigma^1_1$-KROM$^r$ equals $\Sigma^1_1$-KROM, and captures NL. On all finite structures, for $k\geq 1$, we show that $\Sigma^1_{k}$ equals $\Sigma^1_{k+1}$-KROM$^r$ if $k$ is even, and $\Pi^1_{k}$ equals $\Pi^1_{k+1}$-KROM$^r$ if $k$ is odd. The result gives an alternative logic to capture the polynomial hierarchy. We also introduce an extended version of second-order Krom logic (SO-EKROM). On ordered finite structures, we prove that SO-EKROM collapses to $\Pi^{1}_{2}$-EKROM and equals $\Pi^1_1$. Both SO-EKROM and $\Pi^{1}_{2}$-EKROM capture co-NP on ordered finite structures

A Generalized Packing Server for Scheduling Task Graphs on Multiple Resources

This paper presents the generalized packing server. It reduces the problem of scheduling tasks with precedence constraints on multiple processing units to the problem of scheduling independent tasks. The work generalizes our previous contribution made in the specific context of scheduling Map/Reduce workflows. The results apply to the generalized parallel task model, introduced in recent literature to denote tasks described by workflow graphs, where some subtasks may be executed in parallel subject to precedence constraints. Recent literature developed schedulability bounds for the generalized parallel tasks on multiprocessors. The generalized packing server, described in this paper, is a run-time mechanism that packs tasks into server budgets (in a manner that respects precedence constraints) allowing the budgets to be viewed as independent tasks by the underlying scheduler. Consequently, any schedulability results derived for the independent task model on multiprocessors become applicable to generalized parallel tasks. The catch is that the sum of capacities of server budgets exceeds by a certain ratio the sum of execution times of the original generalized parallel tasks. Hence, a scaling factor is derived that converts bounds for independent tasks into corresponding bounds for generalized parallel tasks. The factor applies to any work-conserving scheduling policy in both the global and partitioned multiprocessor scheduling models. We show that the new schedulability bounds obtained for the generalized parallel task model, using the aforementioned conversion, improve in several cases upon the best known bounds in current literature. Hence, the packing server is shown to improve the schedulability of generalized parallel tasks. Evaluation results confirm this observation.Ope

Диагностика и терапия аденом гипофиза

Pituitary adenomas are among the most common primary intracranial tumours. They are predominantly benign and account for 10–15 % of all intracranial neoplasms. These tumours are divided into two subgroups: macroadenomas (> 1 cm) and microadenomas (<1 cm). About 30% of pituitary adenomas do not produce hormones. In other cases tumours can produce any of the hormones of the anterior pituitary gland and thus cause endocrine disorders. Compression of the pituitary gland, adjacent cranial nerves and brain structures can lead to gland failure, cranial nerve deficit and other neurological disorders. Visual impairment, usually with bitemporal hemianopia, is one of the most common primary symptoms. Diagnosis of the disease requires an interdisciplinary approach. Transnasal transsphenoidal resection is indicated for all patients with symptomatic pituitary adenomas except prolactinomas. Prolactinomas respond very well to treatment with dopamine agonists. In cases of pituitary insufficiency a timely start of adequate hormone replacement therapy is important. Long-term follow-up is an integral part of the treatment concept. In this review we examine the current diagnostic criteria and treatment methods for various forms of pituitary adenomas.Аденомы гипофиза являются одними из наиболее распространенных первичных внутричерепных опухолей.Обычно доброкачественные, на их долю приходится 10–15 % всех внутричерепных новообразований. Подразделяются на 2 подгруппы: макроаденомы (>1 см) и микроаденомы (<1 см). Около 30 % аденом гипофиза не продуцируют гормоны. В остальных случаях опухоли могут продуцировать все гормоны передней доли гипофиза и тем самым вызывать эндокринные заболевания. Сжатие гипофиза, смежных черепных нервов и структур головного мозга может привести к недостаточности самой железы, недостаточности черепных нервов и другим неврологическим расстройствам. Нарушения зрения, как правило, с битемпоральной гемианопсией, являются одним из наиболее распространенных первичных симптомов. Диагностика заболевания требует междисциплинарного подхода. За исключением пролактином, трансназальная транссфеноидальная резекция требуется при всех симптоматических аденомах гипофиза. Пролактиномы очень хорошо поддаются лечению агонистами дофамина. В случае недостаточности гипофиза начало адекватной замены гормонов имеет большое значение. Долгосрочное наблюдение является неотъемлемой частью концепции терапии. В данном обзоре мы рассмотрим диагностические критерии выявления различных форм аденом гипофиза и современные методы их терапии

Mast Cells Modulate Acute Toxoplasmosis in Murine Models

The role of mast cells (MCs) in Toxoplasma gondii infection is poorly known. Kunming outbred mice were infected intraperitoneally with RH strain T. gondii, either treated with compound 48/80 (C48/80, MC activator) or disodium cromoglycate (DSCG, MC inhibitor). Compared with infected controls, infected mice treated with C48/80 exhibited significantly increased inflammation in the liver (P \u3c 0.01), spleen (P \u3c 0.05), and mesentery (P \u3c 0.05) tissues, higher parasite burden in the peritoneal lavage fluids (P \u3c 0.01), and increased levels of mRNA transcripts of T. gondii tachyzoite surface antigen 1 (SAG1) gene in the spleen and liver tissues (P \u3c 0.01), accompanied with significantly increased Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-12p40, and TNF-α) (P \u3c 0.01) and decreased IL-10 (P \u3c 0.01) mRNA expressions in the liver, and increased IFN-γ (P \u3c 0.01) and IL-12p40 (P \u3c 0.01) but decreased TNF-α (P \u3c 0.01) and IL-4 (P \u3c 0.01) in the spleens of infected mice treated with C48/80 at day 9-10 p.i. Whereas mice treated with DSCG had significantly decreased tissue lesions (P \u3c 0.01), lower parasite burden in the peritoneal lavage fluids (P \u3c 0.01) and decreased SAG1 expressions in the spleen and liver tissues (P \u3c 0.01), accompanied with significantly increased IFN-γ (P \u3c 0.01) and IL-12p40 (P \u3c 0.05) in the liver, and decreased IFN-γ (P \u3c 0.05) and TNF-α (P \u3c 0.01) in the spleens; IL-4 and IL-10 expressions in both the spleen and liver were significantly increased (P \u3c 0.01) in the infected mice treated with DSCG. These findings suggest that mediators associated with the MC activation may play an important role in modulating acute inflammatory pathogenesis and parasite clearance during T. gondii infection in this strain of mice. Thus, MC activation/inhibition mechanisms are potential novel targets for the prevention and control of T. gondii infection

Экзосомальные длинные некодирующие РНК как биомаркеры и терапевтические мишени при раке

Extensive study of extracellular vesicles began about ten years ago. Exosomes are extracellular membrane vesicles 30–100 nm in diameter secreted by various types of cells and present in most biological fluids. For a long time they were considered non-functional cellular components. However, it has been proven that they serve as a means of intercellular exchange of information. They can move bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA. Several studies have shown that their contents, including proteins and non-coding nucleic acids, may be of particular interest as biomarkers of diseases. The most promising of all these molecules are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs are a large group of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) longer than 200 nucleotides. As regulatory factors lncRNAs play an important role in complex cellular processes, such as apoptosis, growth, differentiation, proliferation, etc. Despite many advances in diagnosis and treatment (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy), cancer remains one of the most important public healthcare problems worldwide. Every day brings a better understanding of the role of exosomes in the development of cancer and metastases. Liquid biopsy has been developed as a method for the detection of cancer at an early stage. This is a series of minimally invasive tests of bodily fluids offering the advantage of real-time tracking of the tumour development. In fact, circulating exosomal lncRNAs have been found to be closely linked to processes of oncogenesis, metastasis and treatment. In this paper we review current studies into the functional role of exosomal lncRNAs in cancer and discuss their potential clinical use as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer.Обширное изучение внеклеточных везикул началось примерно десять лет назад. Экзосомы — это внеклеточные мембранные везикулы диаметром 30–100 нм, которые секретируются различными типами клеток и присутствуют в большинстве биологических жидкостей. Долгое время считались нефункциональными клеточными компонентами, а на сегодняшний день уже доказано, что являются средством межклеточного обмена информацией. Они могут перемещать биоактивные молекулы, такие как белки, липиды, РНК и ДНК. Несколько исследований показали, что их содержимое, включая белки и некодирующие нуклеиновые кислоты, могут представлять особый интерес в качестве биомаркеров заболеваний. Из этих молекул наиболее привлекательными являются некодирующие РНК (нкРНК), включая микроРНК и длинные некодирующие РНК (lncRNA). LncRNAs являются большой группой некодирующих РНК (ncRNAs) длиной более 200 нуклеотидов. LncRNAs как факторы регуляции играют важную роль в сложных клеточных процессах, таких как апоптоз, рост, дифференцировка, пролиферация и т. д. Несмотря на многие достижения в области диагностики и терапии (хирургия, лучевая терапия, химиотерапия), рак по-прежнему остается одной из наиболее важных проблем общественного здравоохранения во всем мире. С каждым днем все лучше описывается роль экзосом в развитии рака и метастазировании. Жидкостная биопсия была разработана для выявления рака на ранней стадии на основе минимально инвазивных и серийных исследований жидкости организма с преимуществом отслеживания развития опухоли в режиме реального времени. Фактически были обнаружены циркулирующие lncRNAs в экзосомах, которые подтвердили, что они тесно связаны с онкогенезом, метастазированием и терапией. В этом материале мы представляем обзор текущих исследований функциональной роли экзосомальных lncRNAs при раке и обсуждаем их потенциальное клиническое применение в качестве диагностических биомаркеров и терапевтических мишеней для рака