Challenges in computer architecture evaluation

We focus on problems suited to the current evaluation infrastructure. The current limitation and trends in evaluation techniques are troublesome and could noticeably slow the rate of computer system innovation. New research has been recommended to help and make quantitative evaluations of computer systems manageable. We support research in the areas of simulation frameworks, benchmarking methodologies, analytic methods, and validation techniques.     

From sequential programs to concurrent threads

Chip multiprocessors are of increasing importance due to difficulties in achieving higher clock frequencies in uniprocessors, but their success depends on finding useful work for the processor cores. This paper addresses this challenge by presenting a simple compiler approach that extracts non-speculative thread-level parallelism from sequential codes. We present initial results from this technique targeting a validated dual-core processor model, achieving speedups ranging from 9-48% with an average of 25% for important benchmark loops over their single-threaded versions. We also identify important next steps found during our pursuit of higher degrees of automatic threading.     

RELATIONS BETWEEN FAILURE BEHAVIOUR AND MICROSTRUCTURE IN TEMPERING STRUCTURE STEELS

用透射电镜研究了两种结构钢的断裂行为与显微组织的关系。结果表明,回火后准解理断口的出现和消失与Fe_3C的析出和聚集密切相关:经250℃回火时析出ε碳化物,呈现单一韧窝断口,回火温度超过350℃时,有Fe_3C析出,这时出现准解理断口,而于450℃回火后达最大比例。在550℃回火后,60Si2Mn钢因Fe_3C聚集,准解理断口消失,又变成单一韧窝断口,37SiMnCrNiMoV钢Fe_3C聚集的倾向小,经550℃回火后仍有少量准解理断口保留下来。观察试样上由负荷产生的残留显微裂纹发现,它们常沿孪晶马氏体的内孪晶界及板条马氏体的条界发展,因此认为这两种脆化了的界面是准解理的解理面,而Fe_3C沿这类界面析出并呈连续分布是导致界面脆化的原因。     

Study on the replication quality of micro-structures in the injection molding process with dynamical tool tempering systems

The injection molding of micro-structures is a promising mass-production method for a broad range of materials. However, the replication quality of these structures depends significantly on the heat flow during the filling stage. In this paper, the filling and heat transfer of v-groove and random structures below 5 μm is investigated with the help of an AFM (atomic force microscope) and thermo couples. A numerical model is developed to predict the filling of surface structures during the filling and packing stage. The model implies the use of simple fully developed flow models taking the power-law material model into account. This permits investigation into which ways several processing parameters affect the polymer flow in the surface structures. The mold wall temperature, which has significant effects on the polymer flow, is varied by using a variothermal mold temperature control system to validate the model proposed.     

Proteomics of brain synapses and molecular dissection of synaptic subdomains

Synapses form the nuts and bolts of the brain. Synaptic transmission involves an intricate network of synaptic proteins that forms the molecular machinery underlying transmitter release, activation of transmitter receptors, and signal transduction cascades. It is generally believed that neuronal activity-dependent change of synaptic efficacy is at the basis of learning and memory and is encoded by sequential molecular events at the synapse. In the past 2-3?years, a number of proteomics studies have been performed on synaptic subdomains, including synaptic vesicles, postsynaptic density, synaptic lipid raft, synapse protein complexes, as well as on synaptic protein PTMs, notably phosphorylation. The activity-dependent dynamics of protein constituents of the synapse are starting to be examined by quantitative proteomics. It is anticipated that these analyses will yield novel insights into the organization of the synapse, and will generate testable hypotheses of synapse function and regulation both in health and disease.     

Operation, system architectures, and physical Layer design considerations of distributed MAC protocols for UWB

Impulse-based ultra wideband (I-UWB) is an attractive radio technology for large ad hoc and sensor networks due to its robustness to harmful multipath effects, sub-centimeter ranging ability, simple hardware, and low radiated power. To scale to large sizes, networks often implement distributed medium access control (MAC) protocols. However, most MAC protocols for I-UWB are centralized, and they target small wireless personal area networks and cellular networks. We propose three distributed MAC protocols suitable for I-UWB. Two multichannel protocols, called multichannel pulse sense multiple access (M-PSMA) and multichannel ALOHA achieve high aggregate throughput. A busy-signal protocol, called busy-signal multiple access (BSMA), reduces the energy wasted from re-transmitted packets. This paper describes the three protocols in terms of the protocol's operation, the supporting system architecture, and the I-UWB physical layer. Physical layer simulations confirm the feasibility of implementing the proposed systems and also provide parameters for network simulations. Network simulations show that the throughput of M-PSMA exceeds that of a centralized time-division multiple-access protocol and that the energy efficiency of BSMA far surpasses that of other distributed protocols.     

Proximity Detection – Schutzeinrichtung für Gefahrenzonen im Untertageberg- und Tunnelbau: Stand der Technik und Notwendigkeiten der Weiterentwicklung

The restricted space in underground work sites in mining and tunnelling always entails the potential of collisions between men and machinery. Despite work rules and safety training, accidents of this category are still too frequent and therefore technical safety systems to avoid such collisions have been asked for and developed. In the United States of America and South Africa a rising number of such proximity detection systems are in operation and allow a first review of the impact on safety of miners. This article presents the state of the art and based on the existing operational experience some of the necessary further developments in this field.