The explicit token store

This paper presents an unusually simple approach to dynamic dataflow execution, called the Explicit Token Store (ETS) architecture, and its current realization in Monsoon. The essence of dynamic dataflow execution is captured by a simple transition on state bits associated with storage local to a processor. Low-level storage management is performed by the compiler in assigning nodes to slots in an activation frame, rather than dynamically in hardware. The processor is simple, highly pipelined, and quite general. There is exactly one instruction executed for each action on the dataflow graph. Thus, the machine-oriented ETS model provides new insight into the real cost of direct execution of dataflow graphs.     

Fast parallel sorting under LogP: experience with the CM-5

In this paper, we analyze four parallel sorting algorithms (bitonic, column, radix, and sample sort) with the LogP model. LogP characterizes the performance of modern parallel machines with a small set of parameters: the communication latency (L), overhead (o), bandwidth (g), and the number of processors (P). We develop implementations of these algorithms in Split-C, a parallel extension to C, and compare the performance predicted by LogP to actual performance on a CM-5 of 32 to 512 processors for a range of problem sizes. We evaluate the robustness of the algorithms by varying the distribution and ordering of the key values. We also briefly examine the sensitivity of the algorithms to the communication parameters. We show that the LogP model is a valuable guide in the development of parallel algorithms and a good predictor of implementation performance. The model encourages the use of data layouts which minimize communication and balanced communication schedules which avoid contention. With an empirical model of local processor performance, LogP predictions closely match observed execution times on uniformly distributed keys across a broad range of problem and machine sizes. We find that communication performance is oblivious to the distribution of the key values, whereas the local processor performance is not; some communication phases are sensitive to the ordering of keys due to contention. Finally, our analysis shows that overhead is the most critical communication parameter in the sorting algorithms     

A case for NOW (Networks of Workstations)

Networks of workstations are poised to become the primary computing infrastructure for science and engineering. NOWs may dramatically improve virtual memory and file system performance; achieve cheap, highly available, and scalable file storage: and provide multiple CPUs for parallel computing. Hurdles that remain include efficient communication hardware and software, global coordination of multiple workstation operating systems, and enterprise-scale network file systems. Our 100-node NOW prototype aims to demonstrate practical solutions to these challenges     

Mastitis: I. In vitro antimicrobial activity of alkyl amines against mastitic bacteria.

The activities of branched and straight chain amines (10 to 18 carbons chain length) were compared in inhibiting the growth of five microorganisms that cause about 95% of bovine mastitis. Three gram-positive (Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Staphylococcus aureus) and two gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria were used in a trypticase soy broth tube culture growth assay. Sixty-two compounds were screened at concentrations of 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 ppm in broth culture to determine the effective minimum inhibitory concentration. Alkyl secondary N-substituted monoethyl [CH3(CH2)nNHCH2CH3] and tertiary N,N-substituted dimethyl [CH3(CH2) nN(CH3)2] amines with chain lengths of 11 to 14 carbon atoms were active against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Antimicrobial activity against gram-positive organisms increased with increasing chain length and carbon-14 to 18 amines were active at 1 to 5 ppm. The carbon-11 to 13 alkyl amines were most active against gram-positive organisms; longer chain amines (more than 14 carbons) were inactive. Branching of the alkyl chain caused a loss of activity against gram-negative but not against gram-positive bacteria. Antimicrobial testing of monoamines, polyamines, and the influence of order substituents were investigated to correlate structure-acitivity relationships.     

Mica: a wireless platform for deeply embedded networks

Low-power integration of sensing, communication, and computation requires a new approach to wireless design. Flexible interfaces and primitive accelerators enable aggressive system-level optimizations. Mica's flexible design serves as a building block for creating efficient application-specific protocols. Instead of defining narrow, standardized application interfaces, Mica provides a set of richly interconnected primitives (such as data serializers and timing extractors) to facilitate cross-layer optimizations. To explore novel systems approaches, researchers can develop customized protocols tailored to their application; Mica does not require use of predefined protocols.     

Assessing fast network interfaces

Assessing the performance of emerging high-speed networks is difficult. Our communication microbenchmark evaluates design changes in a communications system. Our microbenchmark generates a graphical signature from which we extract communication performance parameters for the hardware-software tandem. We use the LogP conceptual model for communication systems. (LogP stands for the parameters latency, overhead, gap, and processors). We study three important platforms that represent diverse points in the network interface design space: the Intel Paragon, Meiko CS-2, and a cluster of Sparcstation-20s connected by Myrinet switches using LANai SBus cards. Our study views each machine as a gray box supporting Active Messages and conforming to the LogP framework. We devise a simple set of communication microbenchmarks and measure the performance on each platform to obtain the LogP parameters     

Adamantyl ethanone pyridyl derivatives: potent and selective inhibitors of human 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1

Elevated levels of active glucocorticoids have been implicated in the development of several phenotypes of metabolic syndrome, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) catalyses the intracellular conversion of inactive cortisone to cortisol. Selective 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors have shown beneficial effects in various conditions, including diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. A series of adamantyl ethanone pyridyl derivatives has been identified, providing potent and selective inhibitors of human 11β‐HSD1. Lead compounds display low nanomolar inhibition against human and mouse 11β‐HSD1 and are selective for this isoform, with no activity against 11β‐HSD2 and 17β‐HSD1. Structure–activity relationship studies reveal that an unsubstituted pyridine tethered to an adamantyl ethanone motif through an ether or sulfoxide linker provides a suitable pharmacophore for activity. The most potent inhibitors have IC₅₀ values around 34–48 nM against human 11β‐HSD1, display reasonable metabolic stability in human liver microsomes, and weak inhibition of key human CYP450 enzymes.     

The effect of additives on the corrosion of tin in alkaline solution

In order to study the effect of potassium chloride, sodium nitrite and sodium chloride on the corrosion of tin, in solutions of sodium hydroxide, the method of galvanic couples has been used. Cathodic and anodic potentials and the limiting current densities of the tin-platinum couple have been measured in order to determine the corrosion rate and type of control exerted by additives. The results indicate that the nature and concentration of additives exert an influence on the dissolution process of tin. Weight loss experiments have been also performed; data obtained are compared with electrochemical results. The significance of such additives on the corrosion of tin is discussed.