UPC++ v1.0 Programmer’s Guide, Revision 2020.3.0

UPC++ is a C++11 library that provides Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming. It is designed for writing parallel programs that run efficiently and scale well on distributed-memory parallel computers. The PGAS model is single program, multiple-data (SPMD), with each separate constituent process having access to local memory as it would in C++. However, PGAS also provides access to a global address space, which is allocated in shared segments that are distributed over the processes. UPC++ provides numerous methods for accessing and using global memory. In UPC++, all operations that access remote memory are explicit, which encourages programmers to be aware of the cost of communication and data movement. Moreover, all remote-memory access operations are by default asynchronous, to enable programmers to write code that scales well even on hundreds of thousands of cores

Reliability and Interpretability of Sonographic Measurements of Palmar Dupuytren Nodules

Purpose: In the future, it is expected that treatment of Dupuytren disease (DD) may shift toward control of early disease. Ultrasound might be an accurate method to measure the outcome of such treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of sonographic measurement of palmar nodules. Methods: Fifty patients with nodules characteristic for early disease were assessed with ultrasound by 2 observers. Four different aspects of DD nodules were measured in the transversal and sagittal planes, width, depth, circumference, and area. The intra- and interobserver reliabilities were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest detectable change (SDC) were also calculated for each aspect. Results: The intraobserver reliability was good (ICC, 0.724 [0.562–0.833] to 0.886 [0.808–0.934]), except for width in the sagittal direction (ICC, 0.671 [0.484–0.799]). The interobserver reliability was moderate (ICC, 0.385 [0.126–0.596] to 0.757 [0.538–0.869]). The intraobserver ICCs of area were highest (transverse, 0.847 [0.744–0.893]; sagittal, 0.886 [0.808–0.934]). The SEM and SDC of area were 6.1 and 16.9 mm2 in the transverse and 8.0 and 22.2 mm2 in the sagittal plane. Conclusions: The intraobserver reliability of sonographic assessment of DD nodules is good. The measurement of area is the most reliable and is, therefore, recommended for future studies. However, even single-observer measurements have a clear dispersion, and a change beyond 16.9 (61%) and 22.2 mm2 (79%) has to be observed in the transverse and sagittal planes, respectively, before it can be considered as regression or progression. Clinical relevance: Repeated ultrasonographic measurements in DD should ideally be done by a single observer, using area of the nodule in the sagittal plane. Change beyond 16.9 (transverse) and 22.2 (sagittal) mm2 can be considered as a real change in nodule size

Recombinational micro-evolution of functionally different metallothionein promoter alleles from Orchesella cincta

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metallothionein (<it>mt</it>) transcription is elevated in heavy metal tolerant field populations of <it>Orchesella cincta </it>(Collembola). This suggests that natural selection acts on transcriptional regulation of <it>mt </it>in springtails at sites where cadmium (Cd) levels in soil reach toxic values This study investigates the nature and the evolutionary origin of polymorphisms in the metallothionein promoter (<it>pmt</it>) and their functional significance for <it>mt </it>expression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We sequenced approximately 1600 bp upstream the <it>mt </it>coding region by genome walking. Nine <it>pmt </it>alleles were discovered in NW-European populations. They differ in the number of some indels, consensus transcription factor binding sites and core promoter elements. Extensive recombination events between some of the alleles can be inferred from the alignment. A deviation from neutral expectations was detected in a cadmium tolerant population, pointing towards balancing selection on some promoter stretches. Luciferase constructs were made from the most abundant alleles, and responses to Cd, paraquat (oxidative stress inducer) and moulting hormone were studied in cell lines. By using paraquat we were able to dissect the effect of oxidative stress from the Cd specific effect, and extensive differences in <it>mt </it>induction levels between these two stressors were observed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The <it>pmt </it>alleles evolved by a number of recombination events, and exhibited differential inducibilities by Cd, paraquat and molting hormone. In a tolerant population from a metal contaminated site, promoter allele frequencies differed significantly from a reference site and nucleotide polymorphisms in some promoter stretches deviated from neutral expectations, revealing a signature of balancing selection. Our results suggest that the structural differences in the <it>Orchesella cincta </it>metallothionein promoter alleles contribute to the metallothionein -over-expresser phenotype in cadmium tolerant populations.</p

UPC++ v1.0 Programmer’s Guide, Revision 2019.9.0

UPC++ is a C++11 library that provides Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming. It is designed for writing parallel programs that run efficiently and scale well on distributed-memory parallel computers. The PGAS model is single program, multiple-data (SPMD), with each separate constituent process having access to local memory as it would in C++. However, PGAS also provides access to a global address space, which is allocated in shared segments that are distributed over the processes. UPC++ provides numerous methods for accessing and using global memory. In UPC++, all operations that access remote memory are explicit, which encourages programmers to be aware of the cost of communication and data movement. Moreover, all remote-memory access operations are by default asynchronous, to enable programmers to write code that scales well even on hundreds of thousands of cores

UPC++ v1.0 Specification, Revision 2019.9.0

UPC++ is a C++11 library providing classes and functions that support Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming. We are revising the library under the auspices of the DOE’s Exascale Computing Project, to meet the needs of applications requiring PGAS support. UPC++ is intended for implementing elaborate distributed data structures where communication is irregular or fine-grained. The UPC++ interfaces for moving non-contiguous data and handling memories with different optimal access methods are composable and similar to those used in conventional C++. The UPC++ programmer can expect communication to run at close to hardware speeds. The key facilities in UPC++ are global pointers, that enable the programmer to express ownership information for improving locality, one-sided communication, both put/get and RPC, futures and continuations. Futures capture data readiness state, which is useful in making scheduling decisions, and continuations provide for completion handling via callbacks. Together, these enable the programmer to chain together a DAG of operations to execute asynchronously as high-latency dependencies become satisfied

New treatments and new assessment instruments for hidradenitis suppurativa

Research interest in Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) has grown exponentially over the past decades. Several groups have worked to develop novel scores that address the drawbacks of existing investigator assessed and patient reported outcome measures currently used in HS trials, clinical practice and research. In clinical trial settings, the drawbacks of the HiSCR have become apparent; mainly it’s lack of a dynamic measurement of draining tunnels. The newly developed (dichotomous) IHS4 and HASI-R are backed up by adequate validation data and are good contenders to become the new primary outcome measure in HS clinical trials. Patient reported outcomes, as well as physician reported measures, are being developed by the HIdradenitis SuppuraTiva cORe outcomes set International Collaboration (HISTORIC). For example, the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life (HiSQOL) score is a validated measure of HS-specific quality of life and is already being used in many HS trials. Magnitude of pain measurement via a 0-10 numerical rating scale is well-established, however consensus is still required to ensure consistent administration and interpretation of the instrument. A longitudinal measurement over multiple days rather than at one time point, such as for example the Pain Index could provide increased reliability and reduced recall bias

Van de grond : verkenning mogelijkheden voor het inzetten van publieke grond voor maatschappelijke doelen in Eemland

Eemland is één van de beste weidevogelgebieden van Nederland. Veel boeren doen al aan agrarisch natuurbeheer, maar de groei is eruit. Agrarische natuur- en landschapsvereniging Ark & Eemlandschap zou graag meer in handen hebben dan de subsidieregeling SNL om boeren te stimuleren om mee te doen. Zij ziet in grondgebruiksrecht een potentiële extra beloning, juist omdat grond schaars is. Hoge grondprijzen en een lage grondmobiliteit zijn typische problemen van stadsrandgebieden zoals Eemland. Ark & Eemlandschap zou grond in bezit bij overheden en maatschappelijke organisaties graag inzetten om extra groenblauwe diensten te stimuleren. Voor het verdelen van de publieke grond kan worden gedacht aan een grondbank als organisatievorm. Ark & Eemlandschap wil namelijk met de grondbank publieke grond in pacht uitgeven, in ruil voor extra agrarisch natuurbeheer (of klompenpaden) op grond die de boer al in gebruik of in bezit heeft. Op deze manier wil Ark & Eemlandschap boeren verleiden om bijvoorbeeld op voor de weidevogel gunstige plekken agrarisch natuurbeheer te gaan doen

Imaging for Dupuytren disease:a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND: As treatment of Dupuytren disease (DD) is expected to shift towards prevention of progression, the use of imaging in patients with DD becomes more important. In this systematic review an overview is given of the different methods for and applications of imaging for DD that have been described. METHODS: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for articles reporting the use of imaging in patients with DD, published before May 17, 2018. Studies were systematically examined in two rounds by two observers according to the PRISMA systematic. All studies containing original data on imaging for DD were considered for inclusion. RESULTS: Three hundred and seven unique studies were identified, of which 23 were included in the study. Only studies on the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were identified. Broadly, articles could be divided into 5 categories. Seven studies were found on diagnosis, two on measurement of disease extent, four on measurement of disease activity, seven on guidance of minimally invasive procedures and five studies on evaluation of treatment. According to the Oxford CEBM, the levels of evidence were low, ranging from level 3 to 5. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of applications for US and MRI for patients with DD has been described. Based on the results of this review, the largest value for imaging lies in the measurement of disease activity and the follow-up of treatment of patients with early stage disease. Unfortunately, the overall level of evidence of the available literature was low. Future research is necessary to define the exact value of US and MRI in the management of patients with DD

Single-cell analysis of peptide expression and electrophysiology of right parietal neurons involved in male copulation behavior of a simultaneous hermaphrodite

Male copulation is a complex behavior that requires coordinated communication between the nervous system and the peripheral reproductive organs involved in mating. In hermaphroditic animals, such as the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis, this complexity increases since the animal can behave both as male and female. The performance of the sexual role as a male is coordinated via a neuronal communication regulated by many peptidergic neurons, clustered in the cerebral and pedal ganglia and dispersed in the pleural and parietal ganglia. By combining single-cell matrix-assisted laser mass spectrometry with retrograde staining and electrophysiology, we analyzed neuropeptide expression of single neurons of the right parietal ganglion and their axonal projections into the penial nerve. Based on the neuropeptide profile of these neurons, we were able to reconstruct a chemical map of the right parietal ganglion revealing a striking correlation with the earlier electrophysiological and neuroanatomical studies. Neurons can be divided into two main groups: (i) neurons that express heptapeptides and (ii) neurons that do not. The neuronal projection of the different neurons into the penial nerve reveals a pattern where (spontaneous) activity is related to branching pattern. This heterogeneity in both neurochemical anatomy and branching pattern of the parietal neurons reflects the complexity of the peptidergic neurotransmission involved in the regulation of male mating behavior in this simultaneous hermaphrodite