Parallel Techniques Research Articles

Descriptive analysis of protein expression variations during pupal development of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) using label-free proteomic techniques

Abstract Age estimation is a critical aspect of forensic entomology, especially in the examination of pupae. The use of proteins as a means for age identification shows great promise. In this study, proteomic techniques were employed to investigate differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) during the intrapuparial stage of Chrysomya megacephala. Specimens were sampled at four distinct time points: 0 h (Group A), 24 h (Group B), 48 h (Group C), and 72 h (Group D). Our analysis uncovered 56 DEPs between Groups B and A, 116 DEPs between Groups C and A, and a total of 152 DEPs between Groups D and A. These DEPs were categorized into nine clusters based on their expression patterns. Cluster 1 exhibited an increasing trend in protein expression, while Cluster 4 displayed the opposite pattern. Clusters 2, 6, and 9 showed an initial rise followed by a decline, whereas Cluster 3 demonstrated the reverse trend. Cluster 8 indicated an initial rise, a subsequent drop, and another rise, while Cluster 7 showed an initial decrease, followed by an increase and a minor decrease. Notably, the C-type lectin domain-containing (CTLD) protein and Failed axon connections (Fax) protein consistently displayed an upward trend. These two DEPs were selected for validation using the parallel reaction monitoring technique (PRM)-targeted proteomics, confirming the trends observed in the initial analysis. In summary, this study highlights the potential of using proteins as reliable biomarkers for estimating pupal age.

RL-MUL 2.0: Multiplier Design Optimization with Parallel Deep Reinforcement Learning and Space Reduction

Multiplication is a fundamental operation in many applications, and multipliers are widely adopted in various circuits. However, optimizing multipliers is challenging due to the extensive design space. In this paper, we propose a multiplier design optimization framework based on reinforcement learning. We utilize matrix and tensor representations for the compressor tree of a multiplier, enabling seamless integration of convolutional neural networks as the agent network. The agent optimizes the multiplier structure using a Pareto-driven reward customized to balance area and delay. Furthermore, we enhance the original framework with parallel reinforcement learning and design space pruning techniques and extend its capability to optimize fused multiply-accumulate (MAC) designs. Experiments conducted on different bit widths of multipliers demonstrate that multipliers produced by our approach outperform all baseline designs in terms of area, power, and delay. The performance gain is further validated by comparing the area, power, and delay of processing element arrays using multipliers from our approach and baseline approaches.

Challenges in detecting various peri-implant bone defects on modified intraoral oblique radiographic projections: evaluation of an artificial mandibular model.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oblique radiographic projection using the intraoral paralleling technique in detecting various peri-implant bone defects. Artificial mandibular models with appropriate radiopacity were created. An alveolar bone model without bone defects and models with 12 types of peri-implant bone defects (buccal, circumferential, and mixed types with different widths and depths) were created. A total of 273 images were obtained with orthoradial projections and 10-, 20-, and 30-degree oblique projections using a modified receptor holder. Two observers independently evaluated the images to detect bone defects. The grayscale values (GVs) of the peri-implant region and the adjacent area were measured and compared. The relationship between the GV and the observers' results was examined. The area under the curve (AUC) and inter-observer agreement were calculated. Circumferential and mixed bone defects were detected on the orthoradial projections, while buccal defects were not detected. However, the detection of buccal defects was markedly improved using the oblique projections. In particular, the highest detection rates were obtained using the 20-degree oblique projection. There were no significant correlations between the GV and the bone defect detection rate. The AUCs for the two observers were 0.712 and 0.669. The inter-observer agreement was 0.502. Compared with orthoradial projections, the use of oblique projection images greatly improved the ability of observers to detect peri-implant bone defects on the buccal side. The results provide new evidence for the selection of radiographic images in the follow-up of implant treatment.

Parallel wire technique as a bailout for chronic total occlusion recanalization due to microcatheter over-torquing and entrapment.

Parallel wire technique as a bailout for chronic total occlusion recanalization due to microcatheter over-torquing and entrapment.

Accelerated MR cell size imaging through parallel acquisition technique (PAT) and simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) with local principal component analysis (LPCA) enhancement.

Microstructural parameters are essential in tumor research, aiding in the understanding tumor pathogenesis, grading, and therapeutic efficacy. The imaging microstructural parameters using limited spectrally edited diffusion (IMPULSED) model is the most widely used MR cell size imaging technique, demonstrating success in measuring microstructural parameters of solid tumors in vivo. However, its clinical application is limited by the longer scan times required for both pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) and multiple oscillating gradient spin-echo (OGSE) acquisitions across a range of b-values, which can be burdensome for patients and disrupt clinical workflows. In this work, we propose and evaluate an accelerating method that integrates parallel acquisition technique (PAT) and simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) with local principal component analysis (LPCA) denoising to reduce scan times while maintaining image quality in MR cell size imaging. PGSE and OGSE (25Hz, 50Hz) images were acquired using P2S2 (PAT2-SMS2), P2S3 (PAT2-SMS3), and P3S3 (PAT3-SMS3) configurations, incorporating LPCA denoising, and compared to standard P2 (PAT2-SMS1) in healthy volunteers and brain tumor patients at 3T. Additionally, clinical feasibility was further assessed through qualitative and quantitative evaluations. Qualitative assessment, conducted by two radiologists using a 5-point Likert scale, and quantitative analysis, including noise estimation, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculation, and estimation of microstructural parameters-cell diameter (Dmean), intracellular volume fraction (Vin), and extracellular diffusivity (Dex), were performed. Overall, the integration of PAT and SMS techniques reduces acquisition time by approximately 60% compared to standard P2 acceleration, while maintaining comparable image quality and structural fidelity with LPCA denoising.

Using Parallel Techniques to Accelerate PCFG-based Password Cracking Attacks

Using Parallel Techniques to Accelerate PCFG-based Password Cracking Attacks

Innovations in mathematical modeling, AI, and optimization techniques

This special issue is dedicated to examining the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling, and optimization, with particular emphasis on their growing importance in computational science. It features the most notable papers from the "Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving" workshop at PDPTA'24, the 30th International Conference on Parallel and Distributed Processing Techniques and Applications. The issue showcases pioneering research in areas such as natural language processing, system optimization, and high-performance computing. The nine selected studies include novel AI-driven methods for chemical compound generation, historical text recognition, and music recommendation, along with advancements in hardware optimization through reconfigurable accelerators and vector register sharing. Additionally, evolutionary and hyper-heuristic algorithms are explored for sophisticated problem-solving in engineering design, and innovative techniques are introduced for high-speed numerical methods in large-scale systems. Collectively, these contributions demonstrate the significance of AI, supercomputing, and advanced algorithms in driving the next generation of scientific discovery.

Computational Analysis of Parallel Techniques for Nonlinear Biomedical Engineering Problems

In this study, we develop new efficient parallel techniques for solving both distinct and multiple roots of nonlinear problems at the same time. The parallel techniques represent an innovative contribution to the discipline, with local convergence of the ninth order. Theoretical research shows the rapid convergence and effectiveness of the proposed parallel schemes. To assess the suggested scheme’s stability and consistency, we look at certain biomedical engineering applications, such as osteoporosis in Chinese women, blood rheology, and differential equations. Overall, detailed analyses of convergence behavior, memory utilization, computational time, and percentage computational efficiency show that the novel parallel techniques outperform the traditional methods. The proposed methods would be more suitable for large-scale computational problems in biomedical applications due to their advantages in memory efficiency, CPU time, and error reduction.

Efficacy of Collagen Matrix for Establishing Keratinized Mucosa at Dental Implants: A 5-Year Randomized Controlled Trial.

To compare the 5-year outcomes of collagen matrix (CM) and free gingival graft (FGG) used to augment the keratinized mucosa (KM) around posterior dental implants. Thirty patients (44 implants) with inadequate KM (< 2 mm) on posterior dental implants were randomized into two groups that received KM augmentation with CM or FGG. Clinical measurements comprising the KM width (KMW), buccal mucosal thickness (MT), and clinical parameters were examined in a 5-year follow-up. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was evaluated with standardized radiographs using the paralleling technique. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) during the first week post-surgery and at the 5-year follow-up were evaluated. KMW increased significantly during the follow-up period in both groups. The FGG group had a significantly greater KMW than the CM group at the 1, 2-month follow-up and after the 6-month follow-up. KM shrinkage was observed, and was greatest within the first 2 months post-surgery in both groups. At the 5-year follow-up, the KM shrinkage was significantly different between the groups (FGG: 47%; CM: 70%) (p < 0.01). The MT increased significantly in the FGG group. The clinical parameters and MBL were similar between the groups. The bleeding score in the FGG group was higher than that in the CM group (p < 0.05) within the first 2 days post-surgery, while other PROs scores were similar between groups in the first week post-surgery. At 5-year follow-up, all patients were highly satisfied with the treatments. FGG was superior to CM in terms of the KM augmentation and MT increase. Except for a slight difference in self-reported bleeding during the first two post-operative days, CM didn't demonstrate other significant advantages in PROMs. ChiCTR1800018285 (date of registration: 9/9/2018, retrospectively registered. URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=24156).

Parallel Wire Approach for Recanalisation of Chronic Total Coronary Occlusions in a Large Contemporary Multi-Center Registry.

The parallel wire technique (PW) is a classic part of the antegrade strategy to open chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO). With modern wires and dual-lumen catheters (DLC) the approach has evolved, but this progress had not been evaluated in a contemporary registry of CTO interventions. This analysis is based on 26,589 CTO procedures performed by 36 operators with > 50 procedures annually between 2015 and 2022. The different strategies and techniques were analyzed with respect to clinical and lesion characteristics, procedural resource use and periprocedural complications. Within the antegrade approach, PW was compared to antegrade wire escalation (AWE) and antegrade-dissection re-entry (ADR). The primary antegrade approach was used in 65.9%, primary retrograde in 16.9% and a strategy change in 17.2% with a wide inter-operator variability. In primary antegrade approach, PW was applied in 10.8% and ADR in 5.3%. Lesion complexity was higher in AWE and PW than with single wire, and highest in ADR procedures, leading to more complex procedures with higher contrast and radiation usage. Complications increased with ADR, while they were similar with PW and AWE. Through the observation period PW adoption increased steadily from 6.7% to 10.7%, as the DLC use facilitating PW increased from 8.3% to 17.0% over the observation period. In this largest database of contemporary CTO PCI from Europe, PW adoption increased over time but remained low at about 10%. While there was a wide individual variety among the operators, it was a safe and successful technique.

How to Implement Clinical 7T MRI-Practical Considerations and Experience with Ultra-High-Field MRI.

The implementation of clinical 7T MRI presents both opportunities and challenges for advanced medical imaging. This tutorial provides practical considerations and experiences with 7T MRI in clinical settings. We first explore the history and evolution of MRI technology, highlighting the benefits of increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and susceptibility at 7T. Technical challenges such as increased susceptibility artifacts and RF inhomogeneity are also discussed, along with innovative adaptations. This review also discusses hardware and software considerations, including new parallel transmission head coils and advanced image processing techniques to optimize image quality. Safety considerations, such as managing tissue heating and susceptibility to artifacts, are also discussed. Additionally, clinical applications of 7T MRI are examined, focusing on neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and vascular imaging. Emerging trends in the use of 7T MRI for spectroscopy, perfusion imaging, and multinuclear imaging are explored, with insights into the future of ultra-high-field MRI in clinical practice. This review aims to provide clinicians, technologists, and researchers with a roadmap for successfully implementing 7T MRI in both research and clinical environments.

Synthesis and Comparison of a Family of Three-Winding Coupled Inductor High Step-Up DC–DC Converters Using Stacked, Parallel, and Cascade Association Techniques

Synthesis and Comparison of a Family of Three-Winding Coupled Inductor High Step-Up DC–DC Converters Using Stacked, Parallel, and Cascade Association Techniques

Massive parallel sequencing of head and neck conventional squamous cell carcinomas: A comprehensive review.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and is a cause of significant mortality and morbidity. The epidemiology of this cancer varies worldwide due to either genetic differences in populations or differences in carcinogen exposure. The application of massive parallel sequencing-based techniques in HNSCC should provide a helpful understanding of the genetic alterations that eventually lead to HNSCC development and progression, and ideally, could be used for personalized therapy. In this review, the reader will find an overview of the mutational profile of conventional HNSCC according to published results on massive parallel sequencing data that confirm the pivotal role of TP53 and the frequent involvement of CDKN2A and PIK3CA. The reader will also find a more detailed description of the genes, such as NOTCH1 and FBXW7, that were not identified in HNSCCs before the development of these techniques, the differences that can be site-specific, such as the different mutational signatures that indicate specific carcinogens for various subsites of the head and neck, and finally, the actionability of these findings that should allow more personalized therapy for patients.

Untargeted Profiling of Shenfu Qiangxin Pills Based on High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Absolute Quantitation of Multiple Components Using Parallel Reaction Monitoring.

Shenfu Qiangxin (SFQX) pills are proprietary traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of chronic heart failure with significant clinical effects. However, the systematic identification and quantification of complexed components in SFQX have not been reported yet. In this work, a reliable and comprehensive method for a rapid identification of chemical components was developed by data dependent acquisition using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q Exactive-Orbitrap-MS). A total of 104 compounds mainly including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, and phenolic acids were identified through database searching. The identified compounds were further ascribed to herb species in SFQX pills, such as Ginseng Radis et Rhizoma, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (processed), Mori Cortex, Lepidii Semen, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and Polyporus. Thirty-two representative compounds were elaborated with cleavage pathways and characteristic fragments in MS/MS spectrum of commercially available standards. A quantification method based on parallel reaction monitoring technique was established, and absolute quantification of 28 components in SFQX pills was then carried out. This work constitutes a basis and methodological reference for the quality control, consistency evaluation, and standardization of similar proprietary Chinese medicines.

Comparison of periapical parallel radiography with cbct with different field of views (FOV) for the detection of periapical lesions.

Chronic apical periodontitis (AP) may influence the outcome of root canal treatment. Thus, it is important to diagnose AP using the best method available. This research was done to compare the diagnostic accuracy of parallel periapical radiography (PR) and different field of views (FOVs) of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This ex vivo study was done on six human mandibles. After extraction of the teeth, periapical lesions with different sizes were prepared randomly by drilling a hole at the base of the socket using a bur. From among 67 sockets, 21 sockets had no lesion (control); then, all mandibles were scanned by CBCT with different FOVs and paralleling periapical technique radiography. The images were assessed by two examiners. The quantitative data were analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the qualitative data were analyzed by McNemar's test (α = 0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using kappa statistics for qualitative data and ICC for quantitative data. The quantitative scores were compared with the gold standard using ICC, which showed maximum agreement for the dental FOV of CBCT (93.3) and minimum agreement for PR (62.5) (P < 0.001). For qualitative data, maximum agreement was found for the dental FOV of CBCT (97.1%), and minimum agreement was reported for PR (59.7%). Kappa values were variable between 0.271 and 0.924 (P < 0.001). Maximum sensitivity was found for the dental FOV of CBCT (96%) and minimum sensitivity was observed for PR (51%). The inter-observer agreement was 0.922 for qualitative data and 0.90 for quantitative data (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between CBCT with different FOVs and defect sizes (gold standard) while we found significant differences for periapical by defect sizes. CBCT with dental FOV presents the highest sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for detection and characterization of simulated AP.

Endovascular Management of Aortic Rupture Secondary to Thoracolumbar Spine Fracture From a Domestic Fall: A Case Report and Clinical Challenges.

Instances of aortic lesions combined with thoracolumbar spine fractures have been rarely described, primarily occurring in high-speed motor vehicle collisions and falls from heights. We present a unique case of a 71-year-old woman with a thoracic aortic rupture caused by a thoracolumbar spine fracture during an accidental domestic fall. She experienced an injury at the level of the celiac trunk on the posterior aspect of the aorta. Hemorrhagic shock and profound hemodynamic instability prompted the swift initiation of a percutaneous endovascular approach, involving the use of REBOA (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta) followed by the parallel graft technique in a sandwich configuration. Subsequently, thoracolumbar spinal fixation was carefully scheduled and performed 20 days after achieving clinical stabilization. This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex aortic and spinal injuries. The combined use of REBOA and the sandwich graft technique can be life-saving in managing acute thoracic aortic injuries, allowing for the staged stabilization and repair of associated spinal fractures. This case highlights a novel approach to managing a rare thoracic aortic rupture caused by an accidental domestic fall. The application of REBOA for immediate hemodynamic stabilization, combined with the use of a sandwich graft configuration, underscores the adaptability of advanced endovascular techniques in complex, life-threatening situations. These interventions demonstrate the importance of tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient needs, especially in cases involving atypical mechanisms of injury. The findings emphasize the value of early multidisciplinary collaboration and dynamic procedural planning, paving the way for improved outcomes and the refinement of clinical protocols in the management of similar trauma cases.

An emerging instructional materials design model for English as a second language (ESL) and English as a foreign language (EFL) senior high school contexts

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to develop and validate one instructional materials design model anchored on students' needs for English Language Teaching (ELT) materials. Design/methodology/approach: It made use of a three-pronged approach, specifically the descriptive developmental-evaluative research. The first phase used the parallel mixed-methods technique to identify the features of the model that address the specific needs of ESL and EFL students for ELT materials. The second phase was the model development. From the factorial and thematic analyses, nine major features emerged to compose the SFC model. The features are under sociocultural, functional, and constructivist language learning tenets. The third phase was the validation-and-refinement phase through a modified web-based Delphi method. Findings and Originality/value: This study resulted in the development of Bulusan's Socio-Functional Constructivist (SFC) instructional materials design model. It is apt for both English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. This study also concludes that students' needs for ELT materials may vary from one context to another, but converging needs can be identified to create an instructional materials design model. Moreover, Bulusan's SFC model proves that pedagogical theories and concepts could be mixed without necessarily refuting one another and disparaging other time-tested ELT frameworks. Ramifications to 21st Century material developers, curriculum evaluators, and ELT practitioners were exhaustively discussed in this paper.

Stress shadow effects in multistage horizontal hydrofracturing of tight reservoirs: a numerical analysis considering perforation cluster spacings and fracturing sequences

AbstractMultistage horizontal fracturing technology of reservoirs has been widely used to enhance tight hydrocarbon resource recovery. Determining the proper perforation cluster spacing is crucial to developing a complex fracture network that connects natural rock fractures and facilitates gas flow in reservoirs. The stress shadow effect that occurs between multiple clusters has a significant effect on the development of the fracture network in reservoirs. The quantification of the stress shadow effect and its influences on the development of fracture networks has not been resolved satisfactorily due to experimental and numerical difficulties with detecting and identifying crack propagation and intersection in deep reservoirs. In this study, we used an adaptive finite element-discrete element method to analyze crack propagation and intersection in tight shale reservoirs by altering perforation spacings and fracture sequences. The effects of five perforation cluster spacings using sequential, simultaneous and parallel fracturing techniques were compared. The non-linear properties of shales, hydromechanical coupling and fluid leak-off effects, proppant transport, dual-rupture criteria of strength and energy, and intersection of hydraulic fractures were taken into account in the simulation. The areas affected by the stress shadow and the optimum perforation cluster spacing in terms of hydraulic fracture propagation lengths, volumes, and microseismic magnitudes were evaluated when adopting different fracturing methods. This study extends the understanding of the impact of the different independent factors that contribute to the stress shadow effect and, therefore, provides new information to help guide wellbore completion design in horizontal fracturing wells.

One-step electrospun ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO/CuO composite photo-Fenton nanofibers for efficient degradation of organic dyes

The ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO/CuO composite photo-Fenton nanofibers were successfully synthesized via the parallel electrospinning technique, exhibiting a morphology composed of nanofibers intertwined with nanospheres, with a diameter predominantly ranging from 150.5±39.98 nm. During the photo-Fenton reaction, Fe³⁺ ions in ZnFe₂O₄ served as electron traps, facilitating their reduction to Fe²⁺ upon capturing electrons from the conduction band, and Fe²⁺ interacted with H₂O₂ to generate additional ·OH radicals, which were then reoxidized to Fe³⁺, sustaining the catalytic cycle. When illuminated for 150 min, the degradation efficiencies of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO/CuO composite photo-Fenton nanofiber systems, with varying volumes of H₂O₂ (0.05 mL, 0.1 mL and 0.2 mL) added, were 83.02 %, 93.33 %, and 90.34 %, respectively. The optimal photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 93.33 % was achieved with the addition of 0.1 mL of H₂O₂. In this photo-Fenton process, both photogenerated holes (h⁺) and ·OH radicals played pivotal roles under light irradiation. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the application of photocatalysis for the treatment of industrial dye wastewater. The ZnFe₂O₄/ZnO/CuO composite photo-Fenton nanofibers present a promising alternative to traditional treatment methods, demonstrating high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and significant potential for industrial-scale application. This research significantly contributes to the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development.

Symmetric Tridiagonal Eigenvalue Solver Across CPU Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Nodes

In this work, an improved and scalable implementation of Cuppen’s algorithm for diagonalizing symmetric tridiagonal matrices is presented. This approach uses a hybrid-heterogeneous parallelization technique, taking advantage of GPU and CPU in a distributed hardware architecture. Cuppen’s algorithm is a theoretical concept and a powerful tool in various scientific and engineering applications. It is a key player in matrix diagonalization, finding its use in Functional Density Theory (FDT) and Spectral Clustering. This highly efficient and numerically stable algorithm computes eigenvalues and eigenvectors of symmetric tridiagonal matrices, making it a crucial component in many computational methods. One of the challenges in parallelizing algorithms for GPUs is their limited memory capacity. However, we overcome this limitation by utilizing multiple nodes with both CPUs and GPUs. This enables us to solve subproblems that fit within the memory of each device in parallel and subsequently combine these subproblems to obtain the complete solution. The hybrid-heterogeneous approach proposed in this work outperforms the state-of-the-art libraries and also maintains a high degree of accuracy in terms of orthogonality and quality of eigenvectors. Furthermore, the sequential version of the algorithm with our approach in this work demonstrates superior performance and potential for practical use. In the experiments carried out, it was possible to verify that the performance of the implementation that was carried out scales by 2× using two graphic cards in the same node. Notably, Symmetric Tridiagonal Eigenvalue Solvers are fundamental to solving more general eigenvalue problems. Additionally, the divide-and-conquer approach employed in this implementation can be extended to singular value solvers. Given the wide range of eigenvalue problems encountered in scientific and engineering domains, this work is essential in advancing computational methods for efficient and accurate matrix diagonalization.