Linear programming based approximation algorithms for feedback set problems in bipartite tournaments

We consider the feedback vertex set and feedback arc set problems on bipartite tournaments. We improve on recent results by giving a 2-approximation algorithm for the feedback vertex set problem. We show that this result is the best that we can attain when using optimal solutions to a certain linear program as a lower bound on the optimal value. For the feedback arc set problem on bipartite tournaments, we show that a recent 4-approximation algorithm proposed by Gupta (2008) [8] is incorrect. We give an alternative 4-approximation algorithm based on an algorithm for the feedback arc set on (non-bipartite) tournaments given by van Zuylen and Williamson (2009) [14].     

UML在流程工业优化调度工艺描述系统中的应用

结合建模工具Rational Rosc说明如何在系统开发过程中运用UML建模。通过流程工业优化调度工艺描述系统的实际建模，对UML建模应用作了进一步说明。     

Robust exponential stability conditions for retarded systems with Lipschitz nonlinear stochastic perturbations

This paper investigates robust mean‐square exponential stability of a class of uncertain stochastic state‐delayed systems with Lipschitz nonlinear stochastic perturbation. Based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) method and free‐weighting matrix technique, some new delay‐dependent stability conditions are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). In order to reduce the conservatism, (1) the delay is divided into several segments, i.e. the delay decomposition method is applied; (2) cross terms estimation is avoided; (3) some information of the cross terms relationships which has not been involved in Reference (IET Control Theory Appl. 2008; 2(11):966–973) is considered. Moreover, from the mathematical point of view, the results obtained by free‐weighting matrix technique can be equivalently re‐formulated by simpler ones without involving any additional free matrix variables. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by numerical examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Guaranteed cost inequalities for robust stability and performance analysis

In this paper, we formulate robust stability and performance bounds in terms of guaranteed cost inequalities. We derive new guaranteed cost bounds for plants with real structured uncertainty, and we reformulate them as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). In particular, we obtain a shifted linear bound and a shifted inverse bound, and give LMI forms for a shifted bounded real bound, a shifted Popov bound, a shifted linear bound and a shifted inverse bound. Several examples are used to compare the shifted bounds with their unshifted counterparts and to make comparisons among these new bounds and vertex LMI bounds. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transaction decomposition using transaction semantics

Serializability has been widely accepted as the correctness criterion for databases subject to concurrent access. However, in a number of the newer and most challenging application areas, serializable execution may not be feasible.

? Serializable execution is generally implemented using a two-phase locking algorithm that locks items in the database to delay transactions that are in danger of performing in a non-serializable fashion. Such delays are unacceptable in high performance database systems that must process hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of transactions per second and in systems supporting long-running transactions.

? In systems in which data is distributed across a federated database, a global transaction is decomposed into a set of local subtransactions executed at a subset of the sites. Serializable execution in such systems not only incurs a performance penalty, but also requires the component systems to cooperate (for example in a two phase commit protocol), with a resulting loss of site autonomy. In many applications, the component systems either can not or will not agree to the required cooperation.

A number of models have recently been proposed in which transactions are decomposed into smaller, atomic, interleavable steps. These models have the potential for improving performance since locks are released at the end of each step. Models of distributed transactions have also been proposed with the similarity that subtransactions correspond to steps. In most of this work serializability is no longer guaranteed. In this paper we propose a new, application-oriented, correctness criterion that utilizes transaction semantics. We treat transactions as programs whose semantics can be analyzed at design time. The effect of each transaction is specified using pre- and postconditions, and any schedule that preserves these conditions is permissible. Such schedules can produce database states that could not be reached by any serial execution. In addressing the issue of performance, we use transaction semantics to decompose transactions into steps and describe a concurrency control that controls step interleaving in such a way that assertions are preserved. The same model can be used to study the interleaving of subtransactions of concurrent distributed transactions.     

The induction of c-Fos in the NTS after taste aversion learning is not correlated with measures of conditioned fear.

The induction of c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (c-FLI) in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) has been shown to be correlated with behavioral expression of a conditioned taste aversion (CTA). However, because this cellular response is also dependent on an intact amygdala, it may represent the activation of a stress-related autonomic response. The present experiments addressed this possibility by evaluating the correlation between c-FLI in the intermediate division of the NTS (iNTS) and 2 measures of conditioned fear: freezing and changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Exposure to the taste conditioned stimulus (CS) resulted in a marked induction of c-FLI in the iNTS, whereas exposure to a fear CS did not. Further, exposure to a taste CS did not selectively lead to increases in MAP or HR. Results suggest that induction of c-FLI in the iNTS may reflect the activation of a cell population whose function is unique to the CTA paradigm. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A phase I study of recombinant human soluble interleukin-1 receptor (rhu IL-1R) in patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia

PURPOSE: The recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor (rhu IL-1R) is a soluble truncated form of the type 1 full-length membrane-bound receptor that binds IL-1 with identical affinity to that of the membrane form. As such, it may have clinical potential by sequestering IL-1, thereby preventing it from binding to its membrane-bound receptor and eliciting a biological effect. As IL-1 has been shown to regulate leukemic cell proliferation in an autocrine fashion, a phase I trial of rhu IL-1R was conducted in patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: The study group comprised 11 patients who were sequentially treated on one of three dose levels, receiving a single intravenous (i.v.) bolus dose on day 1 followed by 13 days of daily subcutaneous (s.c.) injections with the option of an additional 14 days of treatment if a response of stable disease or better was achieved. Dose level 1 i.v. bolus 500 microg/m2, s.c. dose 250 microg/m2 per day (five patients); dose level 2 i.v. bolus 1000 microg/m2, s.c. dose 500 microg/m2 per day (three patients); dose level 3 i.v. bolus 2000 microg/m2, s.c. dose 1000 microg/m2 per day (three patients). Owing to limited drug availability, the study was designed to only examine these three dose levels. RESULTS: rhu IL-IR was well tolerated. There was no grade 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicity related to the study drug and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. No IL-1R-blocking antibodies developed during the course of the study. Serum levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF were undetectable before, during and after rhu IL-IR administration. The terminal half-life after i.v. dosing was at least 7-12 h, and after s.c. dosing 2-4 days. Serum levels of rhu IL-1R up to 360- and 25-fold those of pretreatment levels were achieved after i.v. and s.c. dosing respectively. No patient had a complete, partial or minor response to treatment; four had stable disease and seven had progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS: rhu IL-1R therapy was safe but did not have any apparent antileukemic effect at the doses administered.