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.     

Reoperations after operation on the thoracic aorta: etiology, surgical techniques, and prevention

Recurrent aortic aneurysms, persistent or new dissection, new onset of valvular and coronary artery disease, graft infection, and prosthetic endocarditis are not rare after thoracic aortic operations; they can be difficult to diagnose and represent a formidable surgical challenge. Between 1977 and 1991, 876 operations were performed on the thoracic aorta in our institution: 340 in dissections, 299 in true aneurysms, 150 for aortic remodeling and external wall support during aortic valve replacement, and 87 for miscellaneous causes. During the same period, there were 193 additional reoperations. Vascular reoperations on abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries accounted for 73 cases and are not further discussed in this study. The reasons for reoperation (n = 130) in 120 patients were: failure of biologic valves (n = 23); aneurysm recurrence in a proximal or distal aortic segment (n = 21); pseudoaneurysm formation at suture lines (n = 13); new dissection or dilatation involving ascending aorta (n = 11), aortic arch (n = 13), and descending aorta (n = 10); aneurysm after aortic remodeling (n = 13); new onset of valvular disease (n = 5); and new onset of coronary disease (n = 5). Infected aortic graft and prosthetic endocarditis accounted for 10 reoperations, and a planned two-staged procedure was performed in 6 patients. Omitting the failed biologic valves, reoperations were performed on the aortic segment previously operated on in 69.3% of the cases and on other thoracic segments in 30.7%. Overall hospital mortality rate after reoperation was 5.8%. A significant decrease in operative mortality was observed in the most recent period (3.0% between 1989 and 1991). Reoperations are technically demanding, and some of them are preventable; therefore (1) graft inclusion technique should be abandoned in ascending aortic operation due to formation of false aneurysms; (2) in patients with Marfan syndrome, complete repair of the diseased aorta should be attempted during the initial operation; (3) aortic arch dissection should be repaired definitively during the first operation in low-risk patients; (4) biological valves should be avoided in aneurysm operations; and (5) homograft replacement is the treatment of choice in prosthetic endocarditis or in infected composite graft after an aortic valve or ascending aortic operation.     

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。     

A new method for evaluating the subjective image quality of photographs: dynamic reference

The Dynamic Reference (DR) method has been developed for subjective image quality experiments in which original or undistorted images are unavailable. The DR method creates reference image series from test images. Reference images are presented to observers as a slide show prior to evaluating their quality. As the observers view the set of reference images, they determine the overall variation in quality within the set of test images. This study compared the performance of the DR method to that of the standardized absolute category rating (ACR) and paired comparison (PC) methods. We measured the performance of each method in terms of time effort and discriminability. The results showed that the DR method is faster than the PC method and more accurate than the ACR method. The DR method is especially suitable for experiments that require highly accurate results in a short time.     

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.