GLB: Lifeline-based Global Load Balancing library in X10

We present GLB, a programming model and an associated implementation that can handle a wide range of irregular paral- lel programming problems running over large-scale distributed systems. GLB is applicable both to problems that are easily load-balanced via static scheduling and to problems that are hard to statically load balance. GLB hides the intricate syn- chronizations (e.g., inter-node communication, initialization and startup, load balancing, termination and result collection) from the users. GLB internally uses a version of the lifeline graph based work-stealing algorithm proposed by Saraswat et al. Users of GLB are simply required to write several pieces of sequential code that comply with the GLB interface. GLB then schedules and orchestrates the parallel execution of the code correctly and efficiently at scale. We have applied GLB to two representative benchmarks: Betweenness Centrality (BC) and Unbalanced Tree Search (UTS). Among them, BC can be statically load-balanced whereas UTS cannot. In either case, GLB scales well-- achieving nearly linear speedup on different computer architectures (Power, Blue Gene/Q, and K) -- up to 16K cores

Energy consumption characterization in precision hard machining using CBN cutting tools

In this paper, the contribution of tool wear to the energy balance was determined for precision hard turning using chamfered CBN cutting tools. The tool nose wear VBC and the corresponding changes of component forces Fc, Ff and Fp resulting from tool wear evolution were continuously measured during wear tests. Based on the cutting mechanics, specific cutting and ploughing energies were calculated for a number of tool wear states. In particular, changes of energy balance due to tool wear under variable feed rate, depth of cut and tool nose radius were discussed. A distinction between material removal conditions resulting from precision cutting and grinding at a very low uncut chip thickness is considered. © 2015, The Author(s)

Long term cognitive outcomes of early term (37-38 weeks) and late preterm (34-36 weeks) births: a systematic review

Background: There is a paucity of evidence regarding long-term outcomes of late preterm (34-36 weeks) and early term (37-38 weeks) delivery.  The objective of this systematic review was to assess long-term cognitive outcomes of children born at these gestations. Methods: Four electronic databases (Medline, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov and PsycINFO) were searched.  Last search was 5 th August 2016.  Studies were included if they reported gestational age, IQ measure and the ages assessed.  The protocol was registered with the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO Record CRD42015015472).  Two independent reviewers assessed the studies.  Data were abstracted and critical appraisal performed of eligible papers. Results: Of 11,905 potential articles, seven studies reporting on 41,344 children were included.  For early term births, four studies (n = 35,711) consistently showed an increase in cognitive scores for infants born at full term (39-41 weeks) compared to those born at early term (37-38 weeks) with increases for each week of term (difference between 37 and 40 weeks of around 3 IQ points), despite differences in age of testing and method of IQ/cognitive testing.  Four studies (n = 5644) reporting childhood cognitive outcomes of late preterm births (34 - 36 weeks) also differed in study design (cohort and case control); age of testing; and method of IQ testing, and found no differences in outcomes between late preterm and term births, although risk of bias was high in included studies. Conclusion:  Children born at 39-41 weeks have higher cognitive outcome scores compared to those born at early term (37-38 weeks).  This should be considered when discussing timing of delivery.  For children born late preterm, the data is scarce and when compared to full term (37-42 weeks) did not show any difference in IQ scores

Thermally Activated Magnetization and Resistance Decay during Near Ambient Temperature Aging of Co Nanoflakes in a Confining Semi-metallic Environment

We report the observation of magnetic and resistive aging in a self assembled nanoparticle system produced in a multilayer Co/Sb sandwich. The aging decays are characterized by an initial slow decay followed by a more rapid decay in both the magnetization and resistance. The decays are large accounting for almost 70% of the magnetization and almost 40% of the resistance for samples deposited at 35 $^oC$. For samples deposited at 50 $^oC$ the magnetization decay accounts for $\sim 50$ of the magnetization and 50% of the resistance. During the more rapid part of the decay, the concavity of the slope of the decay changes sign and this inflection point can be used to provide a characteristic time. The characteristic time is strongly and systematically temperature dependent, ranging from $\sim1$x$10^2 s$ at 400K to $\sim3$x$10^5 s$ at 320K in samples deposited at $35 ^oC$. Samples deposited at 50 $^oC$ displayed a 7-8 fold increase in the characteristic time (compared to the $35 ^oC$ samples) for a given aging temperature, indicating that this timescale may be tunable. Both the temperature scale and time scales are in potentially useful regimes. Pre-Aging, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) reveals that the Co forms in nanoscale flakes. During aging the nanoflakes melt and migrate into each other in an anisotropic fashion forming elongated Co nanowires. This aging behavior occurs within a confined environment of the enveloping Sb layers. The relationship between the characteristic time and aging temperature fits an Arrhenius law indicating activated dynamics

Magnetism of a very young lunar glass

Recent paleomagnetic studies of Apollo samples have established that a core dynamo existed on the Moon from at least 4.2 to 3.56 billion years (Ga). Because there is no lunar dynamo today, a longstanding mystery has been the origin of magnetization in very young lunar samples (10 μT) core dynamo field nor impact-generated fields

A functional type I topoisomerase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>encodes a putative topoisomerase with sequence similarity to the eukaryotic type IB topoisomerase from Vaccinia virus. Residues in the active site are conserved, notably Tyr292 which would be predicted to form the transient covalent bond to DNA.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The gene encoding the <it>P. aeruginosa </it>topoisomerase I was cloned and expressed in <it>E. coli</it>. The enzyme relaxes supercoiled DNA, while a mutant containing a Tyr292 to Phe substitution at the active site was found to be catalytically inert. This is consistent with the role of Tyr in forming the covalent intermediate. Like Vaccinia topoisomerase, the <it>P. aeruginosa topoisomerase </it>relaxes DNA in the absence of ATP, but unlike Vaccinia topoisomerase, <it>P. aeruginosa </it>topoisomerase does not relax supercoiled DNA without MgCl₂present. In addition, high concentration of NaCl is not able to substitute for MgCl₂as seen for Vaccinia topoisomerase. A truncated derivative of the topoisomerase lacking residues 1–98 relaxes DNA, with both full length and truncated enzyme exhibiting equivalent requirements for divalent cations and the ability to relax DNA to completion, suggesting a shared domain organization. DNA-binding assays suggest an only modest preference for the CCCTT pentameric sequence required for transesterification by Vaccinia topoisomerase IB.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>P. aeruginosa </it>encodes a functional topoisomerase with significant similarity to the type IB enzyme encoded by poxviruses. In contrast to the Vaccinia-encoded homolog, the <it>P. aeruginosa</it>-encoded enzyme requires divalent cations for catalytic activity, relaxes DNA to completion, and does not exhibit a strong preference for the pentameric sequence stringently required by the Vaccinia-encoded homolog. A comparison with the structure of poxviral topoisomerase in complex with DNA suggests that bacterial homologs of the eukaryotic type IB topoisomerase may exhibit a relaxed sequence preference due to the lack of conservation of certain residues involved in sequence-specific DNA contacts, and that interaction with an only modestly preferred sequence may result in suboptimal positioning of catalytic residues.</p

Controlled-atmosphere thermal demagnetization and paleointensity analyses of extraterrestrial rocks

We describe a system for conducting thermal demagnetization of extraterrestrial rocks in a controlled atmosphere appropriate for a wide range of oxygen fugacities within the stability domain of iron. Thermal demagnetization and Thellier-Thellier paleointensity experiments on lunar basalt synthetic analogs show that the controlled atmosphere prevents oxidation of magnetic carriers. When combined with multidomain paleointensity techniques, this opens the possibility of highly accurate thermal demagnetization and paleointensity measurements on rocks from the Moon and asteroids.United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Grant NNX12AH80G)

Development of a digital transformation roadmap for urban water supply utilities

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The fourth industrial revolution is transforming industries on a global front. Therefore, industry leaders agree that digital transformation has shifted from an optional strategy that supports marginal improvements to an imperative that drives radical change. Recently, the significance of digital transformation within water supply utilities has gained prominence, particularly in response to a range of mounting challenges such as non‑revenue water, complex asset management demands, urbanisation, climate change, and regulatory compliance. However, despite these mounting challenges and a strong digital transformation value case, water supply utilities have not yet fully capitalised on its potential beneits. Literature attributes this to an overall lack of scientific studies in the domain of water innovation, including digital transformation, along with the high complexity, and disruptive nature often associated with digital transformation. This study aims to help bridge this knowledge gap through the development of a digital transformation roadmap to assist water supply utilities in adopting digital solutions and navigating the complex organisational process of change. To guide the development of the roadmap, this study employs a multimodal data collection strategy. In particular, a descriptive literature review is utilised to contextualise available information on the topics of digital transformation and the water sector. Furthermore, an empirical investigation is conducted through semi‑structured interviews, to gain insights not readily available within literature. Based on the research objectives and research fi, a set of design requirements is established to guide the roadmap development process. The design process is further supplemented by synthesising a set of commonalities through the systematised review of existing literature on digital transformation roadmaps. By consolidating the research fi, a holistic digital transformation roadmap is developed providing water supply utilities with a structured and systematic approach to navigate the complex landscape of digital transformation. The validation of the developed artefact is executed through semi‑structured interviews with subject matter experts. This research study concludes by elucidating the main research contributions and future research opportunities are identified.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die vierde industriële rewolusie transformeer industrieëop ’n globale front. Industrieleiers stem saam dat digitale transformasie van ’n opsionele strategie wat marginale verbeterings ondersteun na ’n noodsaaklikheid wat radikale verandering dryf, geskuif het. Onlangs het die belangrikheid van digitale transformasie binne watervoorsieningsnutswerke aandag getrek, veral as ’n reaksie op ’n verskeidenheid toenemende uitdagings soos nie‑inkomste‑water, komplekse batebestuureise, verstedeliking, klimaatsverandering, en regulatoriese nakoming. Tog het watervoorsieningsnutswerke, ten spyte van hierdie toenemende uitdagings en ’n sterk digitale transformasiewaardegeval, nog nie ten volle van die potensiële voordele gebruik gemaak nie. Die literatuur skryf dit toe aan ’n algemene gebrek aan wetenskaplike studies binne die gebied van waterinnovasie, insluitend digitale transformasie, sowel as die hoë kompleksiteit en ontwrigtende aard wat dikwels met digitale transformasie geassosieer word. Hierdie studie het ten doel om die kennisgaping te oorbrug deur die ontwikkeling van ’n digitale transformasiepadkaart om watervoorsieningsnutswerke te help om digitale oplossings aan te neem en die komplekse organisatoriese veranderingsproses te bestuur. Om die ontwikkeling van die padkaart te bewerkstellig, gebruik hierdie studie ’n multimodale data‑insamelingsstrategie. Eerstens word ’n beskrywende literatuurstudie gebruik om beskikbare inligting oor die onderwerpe van digitale transformasie en die watersektor te kontekstualiseer. Verder word ’n empiriese ondersoek deur semi‑gestruktureerde onderhoude uitgevoer om insigte te bekom wat nie geredelik in die literatuur beskikbaar is nie. Gebaseer op die navorsingsdoelwitte en bevindinge word ’n stel ontwerpeise gevestig om die ontwikkelingsproses van die padkaart te bestuur. Die ontwerpsproses word verder aangevul deur ’n groep gemeenskaplikhede te identiiseer deur middel van ’n gesistematiseerde literatuurstudie oor bestaande digitale transformasiepadkaarte. Deur die navorsingsbevindinge te konsolideer, word ’n holistiese digitale transformasiepadkaart ontwikkel wat watervoorsieningsnutswerke ’n gestruktureerde en sistematiese benadering bied om die komplekse landskap van digitale transformasie te help navigeer. Die validasie van die ontwikkelde artefak word deur semi‑gestruktureerde onderhoude met onderwerpsdeskundiges bepaal. Hierdie navorsingsstudie sluit af deur die belangrikste bydraes te verduidelik en toekomstige navorsingsgeleenthede te identifiseer.MastersMaster

A Scoping Review of International Experiences by U.S. Extension Professionals: Lessons and Opportunities

The U.S. Cooperative Extension System (CES) faculty and administrators have contemplated internationalization for decades. A proposed way to support internationalization of CES is international extension experiences. This scoping review assessed the literature from 1980-2020 on direct international extension experiences of Extension professionals. Nineteen articles were included in the study after careful screening. We coded for the benefits that resulted from each article: (a) global/international perspectives, (b) personal belief in the value of international experiences, (c) learning/knowledge gains/skills building, (d) appreciation for diversity, (e) increased perceived value of Extension, (f) self-esteem/reinvigoration, and (g) benefits to domestic clientele. Emergent themes were found from coding the results of included papers, including: (h) networking, (i) opening markets, (j) improved policy, (k) conservation of resources, (l) personal openness to change, (m) problem solving; and, (n) technology. Gaps remain in empirical results that explain the benefits of direct international experiences by U.S. Extension professionals, contributions of such experiences to Extension internationalization, and programmatic elements required for program effectiveness

Identification of rare-disease genes using blood transcriptome sequencing and large control cohorts.

It is estimated that 350 million individuals worldwide suffer from rare diseases, which are predominantly caused by mutation in a single gene1. The current molecular diagnostic rate is estimated at 50%, with whole-exome sequencing (WES) among the most successful approaches2-5. For patients in whom WES is uninformative, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has shown diagnostic utility in specific tissues and diseases6-8. This includes muscle biopsies from patients with undiagnosed rare muscle disorders6,9, and cultured fibroblasts from patients with mitochondrial disorders7. However, for many individuals, biopsies are not performed for clinical care, and tissues are difficult to access. We sought to assess the utility of RNA-seq from blood as a diagnostic tool for rare diseases of different pathophysiologies. We generated whole-blood RNA-seq from 94 individuals with undiagnosed rare diseases spanning 16 diverse disease categories. We developed a robust approach to compare data from these individuals with large sets of RNA-seq data for controls (n = 1,594 unrelated controls and n = 49 family members) and demonstrated the impacts of expression, splicing, gene and variant filtering strategies on disease gene identification. Across our cohort, we observed that RNA-seq yields a 7.5% diagnostic rate, and an additional 16.7% with improved candidate gene resolution