The application of parallel processing in the selection of spectral variables in beer quality control.

Parallel data analysis was investigated to improve performance in variable selection and to develop predictive models for beer quality control. A set of spectral near infrared (NIR) data from 60 beer samples and its primitive extracts as the original concentration was used. The dataset was distributed to Raspberry Pi 3 Model B devices connected to a network that was running a Machine Learning service. With more than 4 devices acting in parallel, it was possible to reduce time in 57% to find the best linear regression coefficient (0.999) with the lower RMSECV (0.216) if compared to a singular desktop computer. Thus, parallel processing can significantly reduce the time to indicate the best model fitted during the variable's selection.

Increased urinary TGF-beta1 and cortical renal GLUT1 and GLUT2 levels: additive effects of hypertension and diabetes.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Diabetes and mesangial stretch caused by hypertension increase mesangial matrix deposition which is induced by local production of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1). Both conditions are associated with cortical GLUT1 overexpression. We evaluated the effect of genetically determined hypertension and its association with diabetes on urinary TGF-beta1 and cortical GLUT1 and GLUT2 expression. METHODS: We studied Wistar-Kyoto rats (controls, C) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), weighing approximately 210 g, 30 days after the injection of streptozotocin (diabetic, D) or citrate buffer (10 C, 9 SHR, 12 C-D and 15 SHR-D). Twenty-four-hour urine was collected for glucose, albumin, and TGF-beta1 determinations. Catheters were implanted into the femoral artery to measure the arterial blood pressure in conscious animals 1 day later. Then GLUT1 and GLUT2 protein levels (Western blotting) in renal cortex and medulla were evaluated. RESULTS: The cortical GLUT1 levels were 5, 2, and 7 times higher in SHR, C-D, and SHR-D groups versus C group (p < 0.05); the GLUT2 contents were 1.5, 1.8, and 2.3 times higher in SHR, C-D and SHR-D groups versus C group (p < 0.05). The urinary TGF-beta1 level was elevated by diabetes and diabetes and hypertension, but not by hypertension alone: 1.39 +/- 0.2, 2.34 +/- 0.6, 18.2 +/- 3.2, and 28.8 +/- 7.6 ng/24 h, respectively, in C, SHR, C-D, and SHR-D groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes, hypertension, and especially their association increase the renal cortical GLUT1 and GLUT2 levels. The magnitude of GLUT1 overexpression caused by hypertension is higher than that induced by diabetes alone. The impact on urinary TGF-beta1 occurs when diabetes and hypertension are associated, suggesting an effect that is triggered in the presence of GLUT1 overexpression and hyperglycemia.