Processor Utilization Bounds for Real-Time Systems With Precedence Constraints

This paper presents a novel approach to computing tight upper bounds on the processor utilization for general real-time systems where tasks are composed of subtasks and precedence constraints may exist among subtasks of the same task. By careful analysis of preemption effects among tasks, the problem is formulated as a set of linear programming (LP) problems. Observations are made to reduce the number of LP problem instances required to be solved, which greatly improves the computation time of the utilization bounds. Furthermore, additional constraints are allowed to be included under certain circumstances to improve the quality of the bounds.     

Reducing retroactive interference: An interference analysis.

In 4 experiments on retroactive interference (RI), the authors varied paired-associate learning lists that produced either appreciable or negligible forgetting. When the category of the stimulus word predicted its response word category, and the response was relatively unique within its category, learning was extremely rapid, and negative transfer and RI were negligible. The more the competing primed items in the predicted response category, the slower the learning and the greater the RI. If cues and responses were unrelated, learning was very slow, and RI was appreciable. Thus, predictive relations that help stimuli retrieve unique responses greatly alter forgetting in RI paradigms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Improved decoding of LDPC coded modulations

A coded modulation belief propagation (CMBP) decoder is proposed for decoding LDPC codes with multilevel modulations. The decoder takes into account statistical dependencies among bits originating in the same symbol, providing better performance than the marginal BP (MBP) decoder. Asymptotically it converges to MAP decoding. The CMBP decoder is based on a single-level coding (SLC) scheme and does not suffer from practical disadvantages of multi-level coding (MLC) schemes. Furthermore, the CMBP decoder can close the capacity gap of the bit interleaved coded modulation (BICM) SLC scheme. The BICM capacity gap increases when the modulation size increases and in scenarios where gray mapping is not possible.     

Interpolation with function space representation of membership functions

This paper generalizes a previous Cartesian approach for interpolating fuzzy rules comprised of membership functions with finite number of characteristic points. Instead of representing membership functions as points in Cartesian spaces, they now become elements in the space of square, integrable function. Interpolation is thus conducted between the antecedent and consequent function spaces. The generalized representation allows an extended class of membership functions satisfying two monotonicity conditions to be accommodated in the interpolation process. They include the popular bell-shaped membership functions, which were not possible before with the Cartesian representation. The work also extends the similarity triangle-based interpolation technique from the previous Cartesian representation to the new representation. Ensuing issues on computational complexity and nonunique conclusion are discussed. Other concepts such as spanning set and extensibility functions are also presented under the generalized framework. Examples to illustrate the extended approach and to compare with the Cartesian approach are given.     

An automated, parallel processing approach to biomolecular sample preparation

Sample preparation for DNA and RNA assays is a prime candidate for laboratory automation. A novel, parallel processing device that performs the three separate liquid-handling functions necessary for such sample preparation-dispensing, pipetting, and pressurizing-is presented. The device comprises an array of fine nozzles connected by fluidic channels to automatically and precisely distribute flow between one source and an array of points. The design principles, as well as the experimental and computational methods used to develop the device, are described. Test results, including accuracy, uniformity, volume range, and timing, are presented. The functionality of the device is demonstrated by performing a solid-phase extraction of DNA with two types of microcolumns.     

Model for drying during fluidized-bed combustion of wet low-rank coals

An unsteady state heat conduction model with a convective boundary condition is proposed for the drying of low-rank, high-porosity coals, such as lignites, during fluidized-bed combustion. The drying front is assumed to be the receding surface of a wet core. The solution technique for this moving boundary problem is based on the heat balance integral approach with immobilization of the moving boundary by a change in space variable. The governing cubic equation describing the drying curve in dimensionless form may be solved easily by the Newton—Raphson method. The model predictions are compared with experimental data for Mississippi lignite with excellent agreement. A correlation for estimation of total drying time is proposed. The temperature profiles obtained may be used for the study of the coupled drying and devolatilization in fluidized-bed combustors. The profiles could also be of importance in the study of formation of fissures/cracks in lignites subjected to intense heating conditions encountered during fluidized-bed combustion.     

Allelochemical resistance of bald cypress,Taxodium distichum,heartwood to the subterranean termite,Coptotermes formosanus

The heartwood of bald cypress,Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich., resisted feeding attack by the Formosan subterranean termite,Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Hexane-extracted heartwood, however, was consumed at > 12 times the amount of sound heartwood eaten. A bioassay usingT. distichum sapwood as a feeding substrate was employed to assess the antitermitic activity of successive hexane, acetone, and methanol extracts of heartwood shavings and isolates derived from the active hexane extract. Two fractions, eluted from the crude hexane extract by liquid chromatography, significantly reduced termite feeding compared to the parent extract, while a third fraction was less active than the original hexane extract. Each fraction contained one major component. All three components were structurally related diterpenes. The two most active heartwood constituents were identified by GC-MS and NMR as ferruginol and manool, while the third and least active, but most prevalent, compound in heartwood was identified as nezukol. Results of bioassays suggest that these allelochemicals act principally as feeding deterrents with accompanying termite mortality due to starvation.