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We propose a blocked version of Floyd's all-pairs shortest-paths algorithm. The blocked algorithm makes better utilization of cache than does Floyd's original algorithm. Experiments indicate that the blocked algorithm delivers a speedup (relative to the unblocked Floyd's algorithm) between 1.6 and 1.9 on a Sun Ultra Enterprise 4000/5000 for graphs that have between 480 and 3200 vertices. The measured speedup on an SGI O2 for graphs with between 240 and 1200 vertices is between 1.6 and 2.

Abstract

Studies using whole genome sequencing, computational and gene expression, targeted genome engineering techniques for generating site-specific sequence alterations through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) by genomic double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway with high precision, resulting in gene inactivation have elucidated the complexity of gene expression, and metabolic pathways in fungi. These tools and the data generated are crucial for precise generation of fungal products such as enzymes, secondary metabolites, antibiotics etc. Artificially engineered molecular scissors, zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), Transcriptional activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs; that use protein motifs for DNA sequence recognition in the genome) and CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9;CRISPR/Cas9) system (RNA-DNA recognition) are being used in achieving targeted genome modifications for modifying traits in free-living fungal systems. Here, we discuss the recent research breakthroughs and developments which utilize CRISPR/Cas9 in the metabolic engineering of free-living fungi for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, enzyme production, antibiotics and to develop resistance against post-harvest browning of edible mushrooms and fungal pathogenesis. We also discuss the potential and advantages of using targeted genome engineering in lichenized fungal (mycobiont) cultures to enhance their growth and secondary metabolite production in vitro can be complemented by other molecular approaches.

Geopolymer-based sustainable red mud bricks (SRMBs) were cast using industrial by-products under ambient curing. The ingredients used were red mud, fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag and alccofine, along with quarry dust and alkali activators as binders. This paper briefly presents the characterization, strength and durability studies conducted on SRMBs. The optimization techniques were used to fix the right mix proportions. The optimized mix proportion was identified as R45F40G10A05: 45% red mud, 40% fly ash, 10% ground granulated blast furnace slag and 5% alccofine. The compressive, flexural and split tensile strength of the ambient-cured specimens after 28 days were observed as 35.38 MPa, 6.4 MPa and 1.67 MPa, respectively. The results were analysed and validated by the finite element method using Analysis of Systems (ANSYS) software. The percentage of water absorption in the SRMBs was less than 6%, and it was an entirely efflorescence-free product with a pleasing appearance and colour. Fifty percent of the targeted compressive strength was acquired after three days of ambient curing. SRMBs are a green product casted by encapsulating industrial by-products into a functional building element. Thus, SRMBs are a suitable and alternative product to conventional clay burnt bricks.

Do anther arrangements in buzz-pollinated species have a functional significance? In this article, Vallejo-Marin et al. investigated this question by comparing pollen release rates in anther cones and free anther conformations in three species of the genusSolanum. The authors found that vibration transmission among anthers is greater for anther cones than among freely held conformations, resulting in higher rates of pollen release.

Laboratory tests were conducted to study the effect of waste plastic chips derived from used PET bottles on the strength and swelling potential of silt. The content of plastic waste was varied from 0, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 % by dry weight of silt. The size of waste plastic chips was 15 mm x 5 mm in the study. The results of this study reveal that there is significant improvement in the strength silt and considerable reduction in swell pressure with the inclusion of small quantity of waste plastic chips. Mitigation of expansive soils using waste plastic chips can be a good solution to reduce the swell potential of silt on which buildings and roads are going to be constructed

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