Executing algorithms with hypercube topology on torusmulticomputers

Many parallel algorithms use hypercubes as the communication topology among their processes. When such algorithms are executed on hypercube multicomputers the communication cost is kept minimum since processes can be allocated to processors in such a way that only communication between neighbor processors is required. However, the scalability of hypercube multicomputers is constrained by the fact that the interconnection cost-per-node increases with the total number of nodes. From scalability point of view, meshes and toruses are more interesting classes of interconnection topologies. This paper focuses on the execution of algorithms with hypercube communication topology on multicomputers with mesh or torus interconnection topologies. The proposed approach is based on looking at different embeddings of hypercube graphs onto mesh or torus graphs. The paper concentrates on toruses since an already known embedding, which is called standard embedding, is optimal for meshes. In this paper, an embedding of hypercubes onto toruses of any given dimension is proposed. This novel embedding is called xor embedding. The paper presents a set of performance figures for both the standard and the xor embeddings and shows that the latter outperforms the former for any torus. In addition, it is proven that for a one-dimensional torus (a ring) the xor embedding is optimal in the sense that it minimizes the execution time of a class of parallel algorithms with hypercube topology. This class of algorithms is frequently found in real applications, such as FFT and some class of sorting algorithms     

Compile-time copy elimination

Single-assignment and functional languages have value semantics that do not permit side-effects. This lack of side-effects makes automatic detection of parallelism and optimization for data locality in programs much easier. However, the same property poses a challenge in implementing these languages efficiently. This paper describes an optimizing compiler system that solves the key problem of aggregate copy elimination. The methods developed rely exclusively on compile-time algorithms, including interprocedural analysis, that are applied to an intermediate data flow representation. By dividing the problem into update-in-place and build-in-place analysis, a small set of relatively simple techniques—edge substitution, graph pattern matching, substructure sharing and substructure targeting—was found to be very powerful. If combined properly and implemented carefully, the algorithms eliminate unnecessary copy operations to a very high degree. No run-time overhead is imposed on the compiled programs.     

Maintaining global coherence during reading.

Previous research demonstrated a contradiction effect: Although text currently being processed was locally coherent, readers were aware of inconsistencies between a protagonist's actions and characteristics of the protagonists that were described earlier in the text and subsequently backgrounded. In the present experiments, not only the critical characteristics but also the protagonist were backgrounded. When the protagonist was reintroduced into the narrative in the context of carrying out an inconsistent action, the contradiction effect again occurred. In Exps 1–3, we examined the effects of several variables on the onset of the effect. In Exp 4, we presented probes at various points in the passage with results that supported the conclusion that the critical characteristics had been backgrounded before the sentence that contradicted them. Results are discussed in terms of several recent models in which currently active representational elements serve as retrieval cues for other inactive, but highly related, elements. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Determining elasticity and strength characteristics of powder coating

Methods are described for forming coating specimens and testing them in pure bending. The proposed tester gives adequate accuracy in determining the elastic characteristics and strength for thin specimens (up to 0.1 mm) of brittle materials of powder-coating type.Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 3, pp. 94–97, March, 1993.     

Achieving synergy in collaborative education

Professional software engineering continues to face problems that involve large-scale (complex) software systems development. Such efforts typically require team collaboration over months, possibly years. Once implemented, the system must be maintained for sometimes decades. This development and maintenance life cycle requires not only technical knowledge and skills in software development, but also the knowledge and skills associated with software process. We believe the traditional computer science curriculum fails to consider this spectrum of needs. We also believe, however, that software engineering must use certain elements of the core knowledge and skills taught by computer scientists as its foundation. We describe lessons learned from the 10-year collaboration between Monmouth University and the Software Engineering Center of the US Army's CECOM (Communications Electronics Command). The center recruits electrical engineering and computer science graduates from academic institutions in the geographic regions surrounding its various installations to be part of its intern program; Monmouth University, in turn, incorporates the demands of the intern program in its Master of Science in software engineering curriculum     

Heuristic lipophilicity potential for computer-aided rational drug design

In this contribution we suggest a heuristic molecular lipophilicity potential (HMLP), which is a structure-based technique requiring no empirical indices of atomic lipophilicity. The input data used in this approach are molecular geometries and molecular surfaces. The HMLP is a modified electrostatic potential, combined with the averaged influences from the molecular environment. Quantum mechanics is used to calculate the electron density function rho(r) and the electrostatic potential V(r), and from this information a lipophilicity potential L(r) is generated. The HMLP is a unified lipophilicity and hydrophilicity potential. The interactions of dipole and multipole moments, hydrogen bonds, and charged atoms in a molecule are included in the hydrophilic interactions in this model. The HMLP is used to study hydrogen bonds and water-octanol partition coefficients in several examples. The calculated results show that the HMLP gives qualitatively and quantitatively correct, as well as chemically reasonable, results in cases where comparisons are available. These comparisons indicate that the HMLP has advantages over the empirical lipophilicity potential in many aspects. The HMLP is a three-dimensional and easily visualizable representation of molecular lipophilicity, suggested as a potential tool in computer-aided three-dimensional drug design.     

The "pedrada" ("coup-de-fouet") syndrome. A possibility to be considered in acute leg pain

The authors report the case of a woman admitted to hospital for minor trauma of the left hip and who presented major ST segment elevation on the second day suggesting an acute anterior wall myocardial infarction at the same time as a cerebrovascular accident. Complementary investigations and follow-up excluded the diagnosis of myocardial infarction with normalisation of the ECG on the 5th day. ECG changes during cerebrovascular accidents may be very variable ranging from extrasystoles to ST elevation mimicking myocardial infarction. They carry a poor prognosis with an increased risk of sudden death necessitating continuous ECG monitoring until the ECG reverts to normal. The cardiac involvement is not ischaemic but due to disease of the insular cortex of the brain which induces myocytolysis (centered around the intra-cardiac nerve endings) due to the sudden liberation of catecholamines. These lesions may be treated by propranolol or phentolamine.     

Effects of combined topical metronidazole and mechanical treatment on the subgingival flora in deep periodontal pockets in cuspids and bicuspids

The Effect on the subgingival microflora of a single topical administration of a 95% collagen and 5% metronidazole device in combination with debridement was investigated in 30 adult periodontitis patients in comparison with mechanical treatment alone. For each patient, plaque samples from test and control sites in cuspids and bicuspids were collected for culture and enumeration of total anaerobically cultivable bacteria (TA), black-pigmented anaerobes (BPA), and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). Spirochetes and fusiforms were quantified by direct microscopic examination after Giemsa staining. A decrease was observed for all parameters, and a significant difference in comparison with the control group was found for fusiforms. After treatment, a lower number of Aa positive sites were observed in the test group (13/25). These results show that a single application of topical metronidazole seems to be effective as adjunctive antimicrobial treatment in adult periodontitis.