High Performance Techniques Applied in Partial Differential Equations Library

This thesis explores various Trilinos packages to determine a method for updating the deal.ii library, which specializes in solving partial differential equations by finite element methods. It begins with introducing related concepts and general goals, followed by exploring computational and mathematical methods which are analytical solutions of one-dimensional Boussinesq equations and developing newer prototypes for solvers in deal.ii based on Trilinos packages. After demonstrating the methods, it indicates the reducing solving time in newer prototypes. Based on results from the prototype, similar methods are applied to update the deal.ii library. In the end, a testing program is exploited to demonstrate the improvement in performance for deal.ii

Localizing by Describing: Attribute-Guided Attention Localization for Fine-Grained Recognition

A key challenge in fine-grained recognition is how to find and represent discriminative local regions. Recent attention models are capable of learning discriminative region localizers only from category labels with reinforcement learning. However, not utilizing any explicit part information, they are not able to accurately find multiple distinctive regions. In this work, we introduce an attribute-guided attention localization scheme where the local region localizers are learned under the guidance of part attribute descriptions. By designing a novel reward strategy, we are able to learn to locate regions that are spatially and semantically distinctive with reinforcement learning algorithm. The attribute labeling requirement of the scheme is more amenable than the accurate part location annotation required by traditional part-based fine-grained recognition methods. Experimental results on the CUB-200-2011 dataset demonstrate the superiority of the proposed scheme on both fine-grained recognition and attribute recognition

CARMA3: Scaffold Protein Involved in NF-κB Signaling

Scaffold proteins are defined as pivotal molecules that connect upstream receptors to specific effector molecules. Caspase recruitment domain protein 10 (CARD10) gene encodes a scaffold protein CARMA3, belongs to the family of CARD and membrane-associated guanylate kinase-like protein (CARMA). During the past decade, investigating the function of CARMA3 has revealed that it forms a complex with BCL10 and MALT1 to mediate different receptors-dependent signaling, including GPCR and EGFR, leading to activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. More recently, CARMA3 and its partners are also reported to be involved in antiviral innate immune response and DNA damage response. In this review, we summarize the biology of CARMA3 in multiple receptor-induced NF-κB signaling. Especially, we focus on discussing the function of CARMA3 in regulating NF-κB activation and antiviral IFN signaling in the context of recent progress in the field

Nanoelectrode design from microminiaturized honeycomb monolith with ultrathin and stiff nanoscaffold for high-energy micro-supercapacitors

Downsizing the cell size of honeycomb monoliths to nanoscale would offer high freedom of nanostructure design beyond their capability for broad applications in different fields. However, the microminiaturization of honeycomb monoliths remains a challenge. Here, we report the fabrication of microminiaturized honeycomb monoliths-honeycomb alumina nanoscaffold- and thus as a robust nanostructuring platform to assemble active materials for microsupercapacitors. The representative honeycomb alumina nanoscaffold with hexagonal cell arrangement and 400 nm inter-cell spacing has an ultrathin but stiff nanoscaffold with only 16 ± 2 nm cell-wall-thickness, resulting in a cell density of 4.65 × 109 cells per square inch, a surface area enhancement factor of 240, and a relative density of 0.0784. These features allow nanoelectrodes based on honeycomb alumina nanoscaffold synergizing both effective ion migration and ample electroactive surface area within limited footprint. A microsupercapacitor is finally constructed and exhibits record high performance, suggesting the feasibility of the current design for energy storage devices

Influence of the type of phase change materials microcapsules on the properties of lime-gypsum thermal mortars

In a society with a high growth rate and increased standards of comfort arises the need to minimize the currently high energy consumption by taking advantage of renewable energy sources. The mortars with incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) have the ability to regulate the temperature inside buildings, contributing to the thermal comfort and reduction of the use of heating and cooling equipment, using only the energy supplied by the sun. However, the incorporation of phase change materials in mortars modifies its characteristics. The main purpose of this study was the production and characterization of mortars with incorporation of two different phase change materials. Specific properties of two phase change materials, such as particle size, shape and enthalpy, were determined, as well as the properties of the fresh and hardened state of the mortars. The proportion of PCM was 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of the total mass of the solid particles. In order to minimize some problems associated with shrinkage and consequent cracking of the mortars, the incorporation of polyamide fibers and superplasticizer was tested. It was possible to observe that the incorporation of phase change materials in mortars caused differences in properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength and shrinkage. Even though the incorporation of PCM microcapsules resulted in an increase in the shrinkage, it was possible observe a significant improvement in mechanical properties.The authors wish to express their thanks to the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, for funding the project PTDC/ECM/102154/2008, Contribution of Thermal Active Mortars for Building Energy Efficiency

Osteogenic differentiation of 3D-printed porous tantalum with nano-topographic modification for repairing craniofacial bone defects

Introduction: Congenital or acquired bone defects in the oral and cranio-maxillofacial (OCMF) regions can seriously affect the normal function and facial appearance of patients, and cause great harm to their physical and mental health. To achieve good bone defect repair results, the prosthesis requires good osteogenic ability, appropriate porosity, and precise three-dimensional shape. Tantalum (Ta) has better mechanical properties, osteogenic ability, and microstructure compared to Ti6Al4V, and has become a potential alternative material for bone repair. The bones in the OCMF region have unique shapes, and 3D printing technology is the preferred method for manufacturing personalized prosthesis with complex shapes and structures. The surface characteristics of materials, such as surface morphology, can affect the biological behavior of cells. Among them, nano-topographic surface modification can endow materials with unique surface properties such as wettability and large surface area, enhancing the adhesion of osteoblasts and thereby enhancing their osteogenic ability.Methods: This study used 3D-printed porous tantalum scaffolds, and constructed nano-topographic surface through hydrothermal treatment. Its osteogenic ability was verified through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments.Results: The porous tantalum modified by nano-topographic surface can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and accelerate the formation of new bone in the Angle of the mandible bone defect of rabbits.Discussion: It can be seen that 3D-printed nano-topographic surface modified porous tantalum has broad application prospects in the repair of OCMF bone defects