Parallel Pattern-Based Systems for Computational Biology: A Case Study

Computational biology research is now faced with the burgeoning number of genome data. The rigorous postprocessing of this data requires an increased role for high-performance computing (HPC). Because the development of HPC applications for computational biology problems is much more complex than the corresponding sequential applications, existing traditional programming techniques have demonstrated their inadequacy. Many high level programming techniques, such as skeleton and pattern-based programming, have therefore been designed to provide users new ways to get HPC applications without much effort. However, most of them remain absent from the mainstream practice for computational biology. In this paper, we present a new parallel pattern-based system prototype for computational biology. The underlying programming techniques are based on generic programming, a programming technique suited for the generic representation of abstract concepts. This allows the system to be built in a generic way at application level and, thus, provides good extensibility and flexibility. We show how this system can be used to develop HPC applications for popular computational biology algorithms and lead to significant runtime savings on distributed memory architectures.     

Influence of Al and Ni concentration on the Martensitic transformation in Cu-Al-Ni shape-memory alloys

The martensitic transformation temperatures and the types of martensitic phases have been determined in a wide concentration range of technological interest for Cu-Al-Ni shape-memory alloys (SMAs) A stability diagram of martensitic phases as a function of alloy concentration has been determined. It is found that when the aluminum content increases, the transformation changes from β ₃ ⇒ β′₃ to β ₃ ⇒ γ′₃, with an intermediate concentration range where both martensites coexist due to a β ₃ ⇒ γ′₃+β′₃ transformation. On the other hand, an increase of nickel content stabilizes the martensite β′₃, changing from a mixed β ₃ ⇒ γ′₃ + β′₃ to a single β ₃ ⇒ β′₃ transformation. Furthermore, linear relationships between M _s and Al and Ni concentrations have been obtained for all types of martensitic phases.     

Analysis of a TEM Cell with Septum on a Dielectric Slab

A quasi-TEM approach based on conformal transformation is used for the determination of the characteristic impedance of a rectangular coaxial line (TEM cell) having a symmetrically located inner conductor (septum) supported on a dielectric slab of equal width. The method of determination of the capacitance of the dielectric-filled portion is discussed. The results on characteristic impedance for two values of dielectric constant are presented.     

Crystallization and agglomeration kinetics of nickel ammonium sulphate in an MSMPR crystallizer

Precipitation of nickel ammonium sulphate achieved by mixing solutions of nickel sulphate and ammonium sulphate in a 5 1 MSMPR crystallizer is used to investigate both crystallization and agglomeration kinetics from the steady-state crystal size distribution. An iterative non-linear parameter estimation procedure is used to deduce the kinetic rate parameters in the solution of the agglomeration model suggested by Liao and Hulburt from the data-set obtained by size analysis of the product crystals. The results obtained are correlated in terms of conventional power law kinetic expressions.     

Acoustic emission technique for leak detection in an end shield of a pressurised heavy water reactor

This paper discusses the successful application of the Acoustic Emission Technique (AET) for detection and location of leak paths present on the inaccessible side of an end shield of a Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). The methodology was based on the fact that air and water leak AE signals have different characteristic features. Baseline data was generated from a sound end-shield of a PHWR for characterizing the background noise. A mock up end-shield system with saw cut leak paths was used to verify the validity of the methodology. It was found that air leak signals under pressurisation (as low as 3 psi) could be detected by frequency domain analysis. Signals due to air leaks from various locations of a defective end-shield were acquired and analysed. It was possible to detect and locate leak paths. Presence of detected leak paths were further confirmed by alternate test.     

On liquid motion in a circular cylinder with horizontal axis

Summary The flow pattern of the slosh motion of a homogeneous, nonviscous (inviscid) and incompressible fluid with a free surface, contained in a rigid circular canal, has been dealt with analytically and experimentally. The axis of the canal is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Considered are transverse (lateral to axis) oscillations of the liquid. The shape of the free liquid surface is determined numerically by means of a simple procedure. Theoretically calculated streamlines (path lines) are found to be in good qualitative agreement with experimentally observed trajectories of small spheres, made of plastic material and immersed in the liquid. The plastic particles and the liquid (water with a solution of salt added) have the same density.     

De nouveaux stannures ternaires de rhodium et d'elements des terres rares: TR1+xRh2Sn4−x, 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0,5, TR = La - SmNew ternary stannides: TR1+xRh2Sn4−x, 0≦x≦0.5, TR = La - Sm

New ternary stannides are reported: RE_1+xRh₂Sn_4?x, 0 ? x ? 0,5 (RE = La ? Sm). NdRh₂Sn₄ has been characterized by single - crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Its structure is of a new type with space group Pnma and Z = 4: a = 18,535(3), b = 4,463(1), $\text{c}\text{= 7,229(1)}\text{A}\text{?}$, D_x = 9,16 g.cm^?1, μ(AgKα) = 13,6 mm^?1, F(000) = 1300, R = 0,040 for 496 independent reflexions (R_w = 0,047). One of the tin sites can be partly occupied by rare earths atoms. The structure types of NdRh₂Sn₄ and Y₂Rh₃Sn₅ are closely related. LaRh₂Sn₄ does not exhibit superconductivity above 1.4 K.