Optimizing Memory Efficiency for Convolution Kernels on Kepler GPUs

Convolution is a fundamental operation in many applications, such as computer vision, natural language processing, image processing, etc. Recent successes of convolutional neural networks in various deep learning applications put even higher demand on fast convolution. The high computation throughput and memory bandwidth of graphics processing units (GPUs) make GPUs a natural choice for accelerating convolution operations. However, maximally exploiting the available memory bandwidth of GPUs for convolution is a challenging task. This paper introduces a general model to address the mismatch between the memory bank width of GPUs and computation data width of threads. Based on this model, we develop two convolution kernels, one for the general case and the other for a special case with one input channel. By carefully optimizing memory access patterns and computation patterns, we design a communication-optimized kernel for the special case and a communication-reduced kernel for the general case. Experimental data based on implementations on Kepler GPUs show that our kernels achieve 5.16X and 35.5% average performance improvement over the latest cuDNN library, for the special case and the general case, respectively

The Role of Sirtuin 6 in Maintaining Vascular Integrity

Oxidative stress is an underlying cause for vascular pathologies including inflammation, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of NAD+ dependent deacetylases with pronounced roles in cellular metabolism and aging. SIRT6 is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and may offer protection from oxidative stress-induced damage. To study the role of SIRT6 in SMCs, we created a novel strain of SMC-specific SIRT6-deficient (SIRT6KO) mice with Cre-lox technology. Because no defects were observed in the aortas of SIRT6KO mice, they were then infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) to induce oxidative stress. Compared with vehicle controls, SIRT6KO mice developed aortitis, aortic hemorrhage, and aneurysms in response to Ang II. Therefore, we propose that SIRT6 has an anti-inflammatory role in aortic SMCs that is necessary for maintaining vessel wall integrity in the presence of oxidative stress

Sandwich Generation Caregivers: Ethical Legacies Throughout Generations

Research Topic This critical hermeneutic research study explores ethical meanings during a time of dual-generation care and how these interpretations may affect one\u27s view of family life across generations. The research participants in this study were adults situated between young children and dependent elders, who are also termed the sandwich generation (Brody 1981; Soldo 1996). By reexamining notions of self and others through narrative, one may see life anew from an ontological perspective not considered beforehand. Through narrative about moments of familial care, new understandings about personal meanings emerge which may or may not have changed over time. From this study\u27s conversations, participants came to see how carrying out an ethical life may be seen as part of a broader family legacy, influenced by their ethnic background, culture, faith tradition, or entirely new personal interpretations. Theory and Protocol Critical hermeneutic theory of Paul Ricoeur (1984; 1988; 1992; 2005) formed the basis of the theory applied to this study with emphasis upon areas related to temporality, ethics, and recognition. This field research followed an interpretive anthropological approach outlined by Herda (1999) that includes protocol for the study\u27s data analysis using three theoretical categories used to bring forth findings and implications. Research Categories In this study, guiding questions related to three critical hermeneutic categories brought forth data for analysis. The mimesis category fostered remembrances of the family from the past, as well as present actions, and future hopes. The theory area of ethical aim drew data about how one\u27s key ethics may influence actions of care, whether with children or elders. The final category, recognition, created or renewed the caregivers respect for their role, and that of others in society with a similar plight. Findings Caregivers recounted stories and were often unaware of the underlying ethics that informed their actions. The telling of their story with distance and proximity of their lived experience enabled the caregivers to reinterpret their own notion of a good life. The following findings came forth from participant conversations: (1) Caregiving often means retracing the past in the present; actions of care are part of a larger pattern a family passes on; (2) Caregivers may be able to move from overwhelmed to seeing new capabilities; and (3) Recognition and support for caregivers helps multi-generational families. Moments of dual-generation care may be challenging, yet may also render new interpretations of ethics that offer resilience in difficult times

When Software Meets the Road: Responsibility for Defective Smart Cars in the MVP Era

This Article reveals and analyzes the rising dominance of the Minimal Viable Product (MVP) dynamic in the car industry and its legal and policy implications, especially given the growing automation trends in the driving experience. The MVP concept refers to releasing products as soon as possible and gathering feedback from early adopters to improve the product on the fly, based on users’ inputs. Many software-related products we use today were introduced at such an unripe stage and were developed into their current versions, given business trends originating from Silicon Valley. As the use of software in cars has grown, the MVP concept has migrated into the vehicle industry. The experimental nature of software development may require a different legal approach when dealing with vehicles, given the substantial negative impact of traffic accidents. While banning unripe products from the roads seems to be a trivial reaction, different reasons deem this to be an unpractical response. The domination of AI-based technologies prevents a thorough examination of user-computer responses until they hit the road. The shortage of current legal remedies to adequately solve the challenges of the MVP concept requires an immediate rethinking of the regulatory environment to address vehicles with various forms of automation while accounting for both deontological and utilitarian challenges. The Article starts by describing the software industry’s “Agile” methods and introduces the MVP concept, while providing examples of its success and failure. Next, it demonstrates and provides examples as to how this concept migrated into the car industry. Thereafter, it turns to address the deontological challenges involved with applying the MVP method and argues that not only does the use of technologies in such an early stage require meaningful consent, but also approval of an ethics board in an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-like process. Next, the Article focuses on a utilitarian analysis, after first establishing that the current measures to limit risky vehicles on the road are insufficient. To do so it addresses reliance on recalls, ex-ante supervision, and regulation of software distribution. It points to the complexities of the driving experience which might only be properly addressed through substantial usage and thus ex post regulation. It further indicates that resolving the noted regulatory tensions by relying on stricter ex post measures premised on the law as it stands today might fail to achieve an optimal outcome. This is due to information asymmetries which might substantially hinder effective litigation by plaintiffs. The Article concludes by providing some initial proposals to mitigate these latter concerns and enable ex post measures. At the end of the day, because MVP products are likely to stay, the Article concludes that some reforms to liability doctrines might be of the essence. These should include mandating manufacturers to record and report their cars’ behavior and rethinking evidentiary burdens

Overcoming Administrative, Procedural and Evidentiary Hurdles in Ponzi Scheme Litigation

The unfortunate reality that comes with a Ponzi scheme case in bankruptcy is a mass of deceived unsecured creditors clamoring for their money back, and few, if any, present assets within the bankruptcy estate with which to pay them. The sheer size of most Ponzi schemes cases necessarily presents unique evidentiary, procedural and administrative challenges to professionals seeking to sort out the failed Ponzi enterprise. Ponzi scheme cases are riddled with litigation, which generally falls into four categories: (1) litigation against the Ponzi scheme operator(s), (2) litigation against parties who enabled the scheme to continue (such as professionals), (3) litigation to recover assets (such as legitimate accounts receivable or proceeds from the sale of property), and (4) avoidance actions against those who received property from the Ponzi scheme. This fourth category (and sometimes the third) may involve hundreds of defendants, who may be located throughout the country (or even the world). This Article provides strategic suggestions and practical applications for Ponzi scheme litigation, including filing a procedures motion, seeking substantive or administrative consolidation, and utilizing and overcoming evidentiary hurdles. Cite as 42 Golden Gate U. L. Rev. 641 (2012)

Efektivitas Pelaksanaan Penertiban Prostitusi di Kota Pekanbaru

Among the many social problems that occur in Indonesian society is the activity of prostitution. The problem of prostitution is a complicated matter, many things are related there, therefore this issue really needs special attention from the government. Dikota Pekanbaru prostitution problem has existed since a long time, since there are many places of entertainment, be it cafe-cafe, dim store, massage parlor and some are hung on the sidewalks or shops that are considered safe to conduct transactions Their sex. Efforts of Pekanbaru municipal government and security apparatus and related institutions in dealing with the practice of prostitution is continuously conducted in efforts to suppress and overcome the number of women who work as commercial sex workers in the city of Pekanbaru. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Procedure Control Procedures in Pekanbaru City. The theory used in this study is the theory according to Gibson about measuring the effectiveness of an activity. Informant in this research is Satuan Polisi Pamong Praja Pekanbaru. The research method used is qualitative research. In the data collection, the researcher uses interview, observation, and documentation techniques based on Snowball Sampling. The results of this study indicate that the effectiveness of the implementation of prostitution control in the city of Pekanbaru has not been implemented properly and optimally. In other words there are still many problems that arise in the implementation. Such as lack of facilities, careful planning, special programs are not written, and supervision system. This causes the control does not go as expected. The factors that influence the implementation of prostitution control are, among others, lack of human resources, budget, facilities, and community participation. It has a very important influence on the effectiveness of the implementation of prostitution control in the city of Pekanbaru

Simulation study of cyclic-tethered nanocube self-assemblies: effect of tethered nanocube architectures

Self-assembly of functionalized nano building blocks (NBBs) is a promising avenue for ‘bottom-up’ nanomaterials design. Experimental studies on functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocubes have revealed a wide variety of nanostructures from their assemblies. Our previous simulation studies have reproduced some of these nanostructures and predicted unusual phase behaviours imparted by the unique geometry of the nanocubes and their close packing patterns. Recent experiments further inspire us to explore the effects of tether topologies on functionalized nanocube self-assemblies. We use a simplified model and perform stochastic molecular dynamics simulations to map the morphological phase diagrams of cyclic tethered nanocubes with varying tether topology, tether number, and tether placement. Our results illustrate that the steric influence of the tethers can be manipulated to confer precise control over the self-assembled nanostructures and the phase behaviour. The novel controlling factors investigated in our study suggest new opportunities in controlling functionalized NBB self-assemblies.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/58133/2/nano7_11_115706.pd