Scalable Parallel Algorithms for Geometric Pattern Recognition

This paper considers a variety of geometric pattern recognition problems on input sets of size n using a coarse grained multicomputer model consisting of p processors with Ω(n/p) local memory each (i.e., Ω(n/p) memory cells of Θ(log n) bits apiece), where the processors are connected to an arbitrary interconnection network. It introduces efficient scalable parallel algorithms for a number of geometric problems including the rectangle finding problem, the maximal equally spaced collinear points problem, and the point set pattern matching problem. All of the algorithms presented are scalable in that they are applicable and efficient over a very wide range of ratios of problem size to number of processors. In addition to the practicality imparted by scalability, these algorithms are easy to implement in that all required communications can be achieved by a small number of calls to standard global routing operations.     

Increased Systemic Antioxidant Power Ameliorates the Aging-Related Reduction in Oocyte Competence in Mice

Ovarian aging is associated with elevated oxidative stress and diminished oocyte developmental competence. We aimed to determine the impact of systemic antioxidant treatment in aged mice. Female outbred CF-1 mice were aged for 9 months prior to an 8-week 45 mg Euterpe oleracea (açaí) daily supplement. The açaí treatment induced a threefold increase in serum antioxidant power (FRAP) compared to both young and aged mice (p < 0.0001). Compared to young mice, aged mice had fewer oocytes and reduced blastocyst development (p < 0.0001); açaí did not affect the oocyte numbers, but improved blastocyst formation (p < 0.05). Additionally, açaí alleviated the aging-related decrease in implantation potential (p < 0.01). The aged mice showed evidence of elevated ovarian ER stress (increased whole-ovary PDIA4 expression, granulosa cell and oocyte GRP78 expression, and oocyte PDIA4 protein), reduced oocyte mitochondrial quality (higher PRKN activation and mitochondrial DNA oxidative damage), and dysregulated uterine glandular epithelium. Antioxidant intervention was sufficient to lessen these effects of ovarian aging, likely in part by the upregulation of NRF2. We conclude that açaí treatment is a promising strategy to improve ER and mitochondrial function in the ovaries, thereby ameliorating the decreased oocyte competence that occurs with ovarian aging.     

Short communication: Genomic prediction using imputed whole-genome sequence variants in Brown Swiss Cattle

The accuracy of genomic prediction determines response to selection. It has been hypothesized that accuracy of genomic breeding values can be increased by a higher density of variants. We used imputed whole-genome sequence data and various single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selection criteria to estimate genomic breeding values in Brown Swiss cattle. The extreme scenarios were 50K SNP chip data and whole-genome sequence data with intermediate scenarios using linkage disequilibrium-pruned whole-genome sequence variants, only variants predicted to be missense, or the top 50K variants from genome-wide association studies. We estimated genomic breeding values for 3 traits (somatic cell score, nonreturn rate in heifers, and stature) and found differences in accuracy levels between traits. However, among different SNP sets, accuracy was very similar. In our analyses, sequence data led to a marginal increase in accuracy for 1 trait and was lower than 50K for the other traits. We concluded that the inclusion of imputed whole-genome sequence data does not lead to increased accuracy of genomic prediction with the methods.     

使用6通道增量型编码器进行精确的轮椅电机控制

阿尔伯(Alber)公司为德国轮椅推动和刹车辅助的市场领先者,在推出新的Viamobil V25型轮椅时进行了多方面的改善,包括:·性能·使用的友善性·易于安装·使用锂离子电池和高效率驱动提高耐久性为了达成这个目标,需要使用高效率电机来降低功耗并减轻电池重量。     

CPR meeting survey finds mediation is top ADR choice

Details on a CPR member's survey that found mediation to be the top ADR process choice. Also, CPR's National Task Force on Diversity in ADR releases its first product, an audit tool that companies can use to gauges law firms' ability to deploy ADR processes     

Chartered institute joint training returns; program set for Eastern Europe

Joint training, and an event in Zagreb, Croatia, with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, as well as a rundown of CPR trainings and committee activity     

CPR euro meetings produce plans for new initiatives

A rundown of recent activities by the CPR European Insurance Committee and the European Advisory Committee; a DVD of a negotiation exercise from last January's Annual Meeting, suitable for training use, is now available; more from Philadelphia's Stradley Ronon on winning the first CPR Law Firm Award for Excellence in ADR, and highlights from the first day of CPR's 2007 Fall Meeting in Boston     

Florida Supreme Court: Mediating senior judges must be retrained

Russ Bleemer and Philip Sutter, of New York, analyze the effects of new mediation training and disclosure rules in Florida targeted at state judges on senior status. Also, the Federal Interagency ADR Working Group releases for comment three new practice guides, with implications for anyone doing business with the government, and a followup item discussing the latest on California's arbitrator ethics standards, which are about to be revised.