Abstract. While cluster computing is well established, it is not clear how to coordinate clusters consisting of many database components in order to process high workloads. In this paper, we focus on Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) queries, i.e., relatively complex queries whose evaluation tends to be time-consuming, and we report on some observations and preliminary results of our PowerDB project in this context. We investigate how many cluster nodes should be used to evaluate an OLAP query in parallel. Moreover, we provide a classification of OLAP queries, which is used to decide, whether and how a query should be parallelized. We run extensive experiments to evaluate these query classes in quantitative terms. Our results are an important step towards a two-phase query optimizer. In the first phase, the coordination infrastructure decomposes a query into subqueries and ships them to appropriate cluster nodes. In the second phase, each cluster node optimizes and evaluates its subquery locally.

This paper demonstrates B-Fabric, an all-in-one solution for two major purposes in life sciences. On the one hand, it is a system for the integrated management of experimental data and scientific annotations. On the other hand, it is a system infrastructure supporting on-the fly coupling of user applications, and thus serving as extensible platform for fast-paced, cutting-edge, collaborative research.

Objectives FMF is a prototype of autoinflammatory diseases associated with excess IL1 production. Anti-IL1 treatments are the first-line alternatives in colchicine-resistant/intolerant FMF patients. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of anti-IL1 treatment in paediatric FMF patients in our local [Hacettepe univErsity eLectronIc research fOrmS (HELIOS)] registry. Methods HELIOS is a web-based biologic drug registry for paediatric rheumatology patients. We have analysed the clinical features, disease activity parameters, treatment responses and safety outcomes in FMF patients treated with anti-IL1 agents. Results Forty paediatric FMF patients (34 continuous and six on-demand use) were included. Among the continuously treated group (61.7% female), the mean age at the start of colchicine was 5.55 (3.87) years. Age at onset of the anti-IL1 treatment was 11.47 (5.41) years with a mean follow-up duration of 3.87 (1.96) years. Apart from two, all patients had biallelic exon-10 mutations. We also gave anti-IL1 treatment on an on-demand basis in six patients. Anakinra was used as the first-line anti-IL1 treatment. During the last visit, six patients were treated with anakinra and 28 patients with canakinumab. Anti-IL1 treatment decreased the CRP levels and number and severity of the attacks. There were three hospitalizations reported due to mild infections. Eleven patients had local skin reactions, two patients had leucopenia with anakinra and one patient had thrombocytopenia with canakinumab. There was no malignancy or other severe adverse reactions. Conclusion Anakinra and canakinumab are efficient and safe alternatives in colchicine-resistant or -intolerant paediatric FMF patients. We also, for the first time, report on-demand use of anti-IL1 in paediatric FMF patients.

SUMMARYBuilding digital libraries (DLs) on top of data grids while facilitating data access and minimizing access overheads is challenging. To achieve this, replication in a Grid has to provide dedicated features that are only partly supported by existing Grid environments. First, it must provide transparent and consistent access to distributed data. Second, it must dynamically control the creation and maintenance of replicas. Third, it should allow higher replication granularities, i.e. beyond individual files. Fourth, users should be able to specify their freshness demands, i.e. whether they need most recent data or are satisfied with slightly outdated data. Finally, all these tasks must be performed efficiently. This paper presents an approach that will finally allow one to build a fully integrated and self-managing replication subsystem for data grids that will provide all the above features. Our approach is to start with an accepted replication protocol for database clusters, namely PDBREP, and to adapt it to the grid.

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In this demo paper, we sketch B-Fabric, an all-in-one solution for management of life sciences data. B-Fabric has two major purposes. First, it is a system for the integrated management of experimental data and scientific annotations. Second, it is a system infrastructure supporting on-the fly coupling of user applications, and thus serving as extensible platform for fast-paced, cutting-edge, collaborative research. SummaryIn this demo paper, we sketch B-Fabric, an all-in-one solution for management of life sciences data. B-Fabric has two major purposes. First, it is a system for the integrated management of experimental data and scientific annotations. Second, it is a system infrastructure supporting on-the fly coupling of user applications, and thus serving as extensible platform for fast-paced, cutting-edge, collaborative research.

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