Computational performance comparison of wavefront reconstruction algorithms for the European Extremely Large Telescope on multi-CPU architecture

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is studying the next generation giant telescope, called the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). With a 42?m diameter primary mirror, it is a significant step from currently existing telescopes. Therefore, the E-ELT with its instruments poses new challenges in terms of cost and computational complexity for the control system, including its adaptive optics (AO). Since the conventional matrix-vector multiplication (MVM) method successfully used so far for AO wavefront reconstruction cannot be efficiently scaled to the size of the AO systems on the E-ELT, faster algorithms are needed. Among those recently developed wavefront reconstruction algorithms, three are studied in this paper from the point of view of design, implementation, and absolute speed on three multicore multi-CPU platforms. We focus on a single-conjugate AO system for the E-ELT. The algorithms are the MVM, the Fourier transform reconstructor (FTR), and the fractal iterative method (FRiM). This study enhances the scaling of these algorithms with an increasing number of CPUs involved in the computation. We discuss implementation strategies, depending on various CPU architecture constraints, and we present the first quantitative execution times so far at the E-ELT scale. MVM suffers from a large computational burden, making the current computing platform undersized to reach timings short enough for AO wavefront reconstruction. In our study, the FTR provides currently the fastest reconstruction. FRiM is a recently developed algorithm, and several strategies are investigated and presented here in order to implement it for real-time AO wavefront reconstruction, and to optimize its execution time. The difficulty to parallelize the algorithm in such architecture is enhanced. We also show that FRiM can provide interesting scalability using a sparse matrix approach.     

Establishment and preliminary characterization of human malignant mesothelioma cell lines

In this retrospective study, 47 patients with clinical diagnosis of central nervous system metastases of breast cancer were evaluated by computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. The patients were divided in 2 groups: 1, without leptomeningeal neoplasm and 2, with leptomeningeal neoplasm. In the group 2, the time interval between the primary disease and the central nervous system metastasis as well as the survival time were shorter than in group 1 (40 and 4.3 months in group 2 versus 57 and 10 months respectively, in group 1). In both groups the most common neurological symptoms and signs were intracranial hypertension and motor deficits. The most sensitive diagnostic methods were CT and MRI in group 1, and the CSF examination in group 2. The use of the tumor markers CEA and CA-15.3 in the routine examination of CSF showed promising results, mainly in leptomeningeal forms.     

Simple formulas for jitter accumulation in a chain of regenerative repeaters in optical-fibre transmission systems

Simple formulas are derived for evaluating the timing-jitter accumulation in a chain of regenerative repeaters for optical-fibre transmissions. The timing circuit in each repeater is modelled as a phase-locked loop. An example of the use of these formulas is reported with reference to a 140 Mbit/s transmission system.     

SBR on-line monitoring by set-point titration.

The applicability of set-point titration for monitoring biological processes has been widely demonstrated in the literature. Based on published and on-going experiences, some operating procedures have been specifically developed to be applied to SBRs, so that real-time information about the process and/or the influent can be obtained. This, in turn, would allow plant operators to select the most appropriate actions properly and timely. Five operating modes are described for the monitoring of (1) influent toxicity, (2) influent N-content, (3) nitrification capacity, (4) end of the nitrification reaction, and (5) nitrate effluent concentration, and are currently tested on the on-line titrator TITAAN (TITrimetric Automated ANalyser) which is in operation on a pilot scale SBR.     

Preparation and characterization of electrospun PLA/nanocrystalline cellulose‐based composites

Biodegradable nanocomposites of Nanocrystalline Cellulose (NCC) and electrospun poly‐(lactic acid) were prepared via a new mixing technique. Dispersion of hydrophilic NCC in hydrophobic PLA was improved through aqueous mixing and freeze drying of perfectly suspended NCC with PLA nanofibers. Freeze drying produced aerogels with good mechanical integrity. The aerogels were further processed via hot pressing. Resulting composites displayed an improvement in mechanical properties, which was greatest at temperatures below the glass transition temperature of PLA. The optimum compositions were found to be in the 0.5–3% NCC (by weight) range. Experiments performed also showed that due to electrospinning, the crystallinity of the PLA slightly increased and this is accompanied by a decrease in its glass transition temperature. Furthermore, adding NCC to the electrospun PLA matrix did not alter the crystallinity of the final composite. The composites investigated proved their potential to be used in packaging and tissue engineering applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3345–3354, 2013     

A new signalling format for optical communications

A combined pulse-amplitude/pulse-position modulation tachnique is proposed for digital optical communication systems. Evaluations of its behaviour in terms of coding efficiency, spectral density, timing information content, and error probability are summarised. Alternative receiving schemes are devised to improve system performance.     

Magnetic Analysis of Supersonic Beams of Atomic Oxygen,Nitrogen, and Chlorine Generated from a Radio-Frequency Discharge

Supersonic beams of oxygen, nitrogen, and chlorine atoms and of metastable oxygen and nitrogen molecules produced from a high-pressure radio-frequency discharge beam source have been characterized by coupling velocity selection with magnetic analysis in the transmission mode. The present work leads to the determination of the relative populations of the electronic states of the species in the produced beams, showing that estimates of the populations from plasma temperatures or final translational temperatures could bring on incorrect conclusions.     

Adopting a modern ecological view of the metropolitan landscape: the case of a greenspace system for the New York City region

Concern about environmental quality and the long-term livability of urban areas is now a driving paradigm for planning professionals. Although a modern ecological framework exists, inappropriate or outdated concepts continue to be used in the context of land-use decision making. These classical concepts emphasize a static view of the landscape and focus on short term planing of single sites. The modern framework emphasizes a dynamic view of a biologically rich urban environment with a focus on interactions among multiple sites across temporal scales. We summarize this framework by presenting five key ecological principles—content, context, dynamics, heterogeneity and hierarchy—and use the New York City Metropolitan Area as a case study to illustrate how these principles might be applied to achieve specific planning goals. We additionally use the case study as reference in providing some guidelines to more effectively incorporate the modern ecological framework in future planning.