Parallel sparse linear solver with GMRES method using minimization techniques of communications for GPU clusters

In this paper, we aim at exploiting the power computing of a graphics processing unit (GPU) cluster for solving large sparse linear systems. We implement the parallel algorithm of the generalized minimal residual iterative method using the Compute Unified Device Architecture programming language and the MPI parallel environment. The experiments show that a GPU cluster is more efficient than a CPU cluster. In order to optimize the performances, we use a compressed storage format for the sparse vectors and the hypergraph partitioning. These solutions improve the spatial and temporal localization of the shared data between the computing nodes of the GPU cluster.     

Sequential environmental stresses tests qualification for automotive components

The purpose is to create a new qualification methodology for plastic encapsulated electronic components used in an automotive environment at high temperature. It is based on the acceleration of failure mechanisms like ball bond lift (due to intermetallic Au–Al thickness growth), by combination of environmental stresses. The delamination measurement was used as an indicator of potential assembly weaknesses. An optimized package sequential qualification test flow is proposed.     

A decentralized convergence detection algorithm for asynchronous parallel iterative algorithms

We introduce a theoretical algorithm and its practical version to perform a decentralized detection of the global convergence of parallel asynchronous iterative algorithms. We prove that, even if the algorithm is completely decentralized, the detection of global convergence is achieved on one processor under the classical conditions. The proposed algorithm is very useful in the context of grid computing in which the processors are distributed and in which detecting the convergence on a master processor may be penalizing or even impossible as in peer to peer computation frameworks. Finally, the efficiency of the practical algorithm is illustrated in a typical experiment.     

Gold versus Palladium: A Regioselective Cycloisomerization of Aromatic Enynes

Aromatic enynes can be transformed into arylnaphthalenes or benzofulvenes depending on the reaction conditions. Under gold(I) catalysis, exclusive or major 6‐endo‐dig cyclization took place leading to arylnaphthalenes. However, a catalytic system based on palladium iodide/1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, in the presence of cesium carbonate as a base was necessary to furnish exclusively 5‐exo‐dig cyclization pattern, regardless of the electronic effects of the substituents. In the latter transformation, a mechanistic study (kinetic isotopic effect, density functional theory) involving a C H activation is suggested for the exclusive formation of benzofulvenes.

     

Synthesis of 3,4‐Disubstituted Quinolin‐2‐(1H)‐ones via Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Arylation Reactions

The Pd‐catalyzed decarboxylative cross‐coupling reaction of 4‐substituted quinolin‐2(1H)‐one‐3‐carboxylic acids with (hetero)aryl halides is described. With palladium(II) bromide and triphenylarsine ligand as the catalyst system, a variety of 4‐substituted 3‐(hetero)aryl quinolin‐2(1 H)‐ones and related heterocycles, such as 4‐substituted 3‐arylcoumarins can be prepared in good to excellent yields.     

PV-battery energy storage system operating of asynchronous motor driven by using fuzzy sliding mode control

This article tends on the designing of renewable-storage electrical system for asynchronous machine application. The machine requires a photovoltaic energy as a primary source of renewable energy. Such as the major drawback of solar sources are neither continuous nor regular in the time. To overcome this problem, a battery energy storage system will be added to make sure the continuity of the operation machine. Generally, electrical machine is driven by using sliding mode control where the major problem in this control technique design is chattering phenomenon which can be defeated using a sliding surface based on fuzzy logic. The proposed technique is performed with the proposed control system. A simulation test of the system for varied load motor conditions proved that the system is preferment. When, the generated power from PV is superior that the demands, the rest is stored in the battery. In the opposite condition, PV and battery required load. Moreover, the system which consists of machine and its control is enabling to produce electrical energy when it is functioning in the other sense of rotation. Four quadrant machine operations guarantee many possibilities of charging and discharging of the battery that assure the continuity of operating system.     

Priming of Cardiopulmonary Bypass with Human Albumin Decreases Endothelial Dysfunction after Pulmonary Ischemia–Reperfusion in an Animal Model

The routine use of mechanical circulatory support during lung transplantation (LTx) is still controversial. The use of prophylactic human albumin (HA) or hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) prime in mechanical circulatory support during LTx could prevent ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injuries and pulmonary endothelial dysfunction and thus prevent the development of pulmonary graft dysfunction. The objective was to investigate the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) priming with HA and HSL compared to a CPB prime with Gelofusine (GF) on pulmonary endothelial dysfunction in a lung IR rat model. Rats were assigned to four groups: IR-CPB-GF group, IR-CPB-HA group, IR-CPB-HSL group and a sham group. The study of pulmonary vascular reactivity by wire myograph was the primary outcome. Glycocalyx degradation (syndecan-1 and heparan) was also assessed by ELISA and electron microscopy, systemic and pulmonary inflammation by ELISA (IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α) and immunohistochemistry. Clinical parameters were evaluated. We employed a CPB model with three different primings, permitting femoral–femoral assistance with left pulmonary hilum ischemia for IR. Pulmonary endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was significantly decreased in the IR-CPB-GF group (11.9 ± 6.2%) compared to the IR-CPB-HA group (52.8 ± 5.2%, p < 0.0001), the IR-CPB-HSL group (57.7 ± 6.3%, p < 0.0001) and the sham group (80.8 ± 6.5%, p < 0.0001). We did not observe any difference between the groups concerning glycocalyx degradation, and systemic or tissular inflammation. The IR-CPB-HSL group needed more vascular filling and developed significantly more pulmonary edema than the IR-CPB-GF group and the IR-CPB-HA group. Using HA as a prime in CPB during Ltx could decrease pulmonary endothelial dysfunction’s IR-mediated effects. No effects of HA were found on inflammation.     

Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β: A True Foe in Pancreatic Cancer

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in multiple normal and pathological cell functions, including cell signalling and metabolism. GSK-3β is highly expressed in the onset and progression of multiple cancers with strong involvement in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Multiple studies showed pro- and anti-cancer roles of GSK-3β creating confusion about the benefit of targeting GSK-3β for treating cancer. In this mini-review, we focus on the role of GSK-3β in pancreatic cancer. We demonstrate that the proposed anti-cancer roles of GSK-3β are not relevant to pancreatic cancer, and we argue why GSK-3β is, indeed, a very promising therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.