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At least 271 records · Page 15

Distributed computing feasibility in a non-dedicated homogeneous distributed system

The low cost and availability of clusters of workstations have lead researchers to re-explore distributed computing using independent workstations. This approach may provide better cost/performance than tightly coupled multiprocessors. In practice, this approach often utilizes wasted cycles to run parallel jobs. The feasibility of such a non-dedicated parallel processing environment assuming workstation processes have preemptive priority over parallel tasks is addressed. An analytical model is developed to predict parallel job response times. Our model provides insight into how significantly workstation owner interference degrades parallel program performance. A new term task ratio, which relates the parallel task demand to the mean service demand of nonparallel workstation processes, is introduced. It was proposed that task ratio is a useful metric for determining how large the demand of a parallel applications must be in order to make efficient use of a non-dedicated distributed system.

Leutenegger, Scott T.↗

Approximation Of Multi-Valued Inverse Functions Using Clustering And Sugeno Fuzzy Inference

Finding the inverse of a continuous function can be challenging and computationally expensive when the inverse function is multi-valued. Difficulties may be compounded when the function itself is difficult to evaluate. We show that we can use fuzzy-logic approximators such as Sugeno inference systems to compute the inverse on-line. To do so, a fuzzy clustering algorithm can be used in conjunction with a discriminating function to split the function data into branches for the different values of the forward function. These data sets are then fed into a recursive least-squares learning algorithm that finds the proper coefficients of the Sugeno approximators; each Sugeno approximator finds one value of the inverse function. Discussions about the accuracy of the approximation will be included.

Walden, Maria A.↗

Unsupervised spatial clustering with spectral discrimination

The development of a computer program is reported for extracting features from remotely sensed data presented in digital image form. This computer program requires no human supervision or prejudgment and operates unassisted on the raw digital data. A condensed general background is included on remote sensing of earth features and a short synopsis on some of the most commonly used types of feature extraction techniques. Results obtained from the unsupervised feature extraction computer program along with a description and listing of the computer program are presented.

Jayroe, R. R., Jr.↗

An X-ray method for detecting substructure in galaxy clusters - Application to Perseus, A2256, Centaurus, Coma, and Sersic 40/6

We use the moments of the X-ray surface brightness distribution to constrain the dynamical state of a galaxy cluster. Using X-ray observations from the Einstein Observatory IPC, we measure the first moment FM, the ellipsoidal orientation angle, and the axial ratio at a sequence of radii in the cluster. We argue that a significant variation in the image centroid FM as a function of radius is evidence for a nonequilibrium feature in the intracluster medium (ICM) density distribution. In simple terms, centroid shifts indicate that the center of mass of the ICM varies with radius. This variation is a tracer of continuing dynamical evolution. For each cluster, we evaluate the significance of variations in the centroid of the IPC image by computing the same statistics on an ensemble of simulated cluster images. In producing these simulated images we include X-ray point source emission, telescope vignetting, Poisson noise, and characteristics of the IPC. Application of this new method to five Abell clusters reveals that the core of each one has significant substructure. In addition, we find significant variations in the orientation angle and the axial ratio for several of the clusters.

Mohr, Joseph J.↗

An analytical transformation technique for generating uniformly spaced computational mesh

An analytical transformation method which can map arbitrary physical coordinate grid distribution into desired computational coordinate with uniform grid distribution is derived. The transformation function and its higher derivatives are differentiable. Salient features include; (1) precise control of grid sizes; (2) more than one location of clustered grids; (3) exact positioning of particular computational nodes in the physical plane; and (4) ensuring several patches of uniformly spaced grids in the physical plane for the higher accuracies (such as at the boundaries), etc., while keeping the variation of grid spacing continuous to avoid numerical instability.

Oh, Y. H.↗

The evolution of X-ray clusters in a cold plus hot dark matter universe

We present the first self-consistently computed results on the evolution of X-ray properties of galaxy clusters in a cold + hot dark matter (CHDM) model. We have performed a hydrodynamic plus N-body simulation for the COBE-compatible CHDM model with standard mass components: Omega(sub hot) = 0.3, Omega (sub cold) = 0.6 and Omega(sub baryon) = 0.1 (h = 0.5). In contrast with the CDM model, which fails to reproduce the observed temperature distribution function dN/dT (Bryan et al. 1994b), the CHDM model fits the observational dN/dT quite well. Our results on X-ray luminosity are less firm but even more intriguing. We find that the resulting X-ray luminosity functions at redshifts z = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.7 are well fit by observations, where they overlap. The fact that both temperatures and luminosities provide a reasonable fit to the available observational data indicates that, unless we are missing some essential physics, there is neither room nor need for a large fraction of gas in rich clusters: 10% (or less) in baryons is sufficient to explain their X-ray properties. We also see a tight correlation between X-ray luminosity and gas temperature.

Bryan, Greg L.↗

Accessing and Visualizing scientific spatiotemporal data

This paper discusses work done by JPL 's Parallel Applications Technologies Group in helping scientists access and visualize very large data sets through the use of multiple computing resources, such as parallel supercomputers, clusters, and grids These tools do one or more of the following tasks visualize local data sets for local users, visualize local data sets for remote users, and access and visualize remote data sets The tools are used for various types of data, including remotely sensed image data, digital elevation models, astronomical surveys, etc The paper attempts to pull some common elements out of these tools that may be useful for others who have to work with similarly large data sets.

data sets↗

Reducing the Volume of NASA Earth-Science Data

A computer program reduces data generated by NASA Earth-science missions into representative clusters characterized by centroids and membership information, thereby reducing the large volume of data to a level more amenable to analysis. The program effects an autonomous data-reduction/clustering process to produce a representative distribution and joint relationships of the data, without assuming a specific type of distribution and relationship and without resorting to domain-specific knowledge about the data. The program implements a combination of a data-reduction algorithm known as the entropy-constrained vector quantization (ECVQ) and an optimization algorithm known as the differential evolution (DE). The combination of algorithms generates the Pareto front of clustering solutions that presents the compromise between the quality of the reduced data and the degree of reduction. Similar prior data-reduction computer programs utilize only a clustering algorithm, the parameters of which are tuned manually by users. In the present program, autonomous optimization of the parameters by means of the DE supplants the manual tuning of the parameters. Thus, the program determines the best set of clustering solutions without human intervention.

Lee, Seungwon↗

MEDUSA - An overset grid flow solver for network-based parallel computer systems

Continuing improvement in processing speed has made it feasible to solve the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations for simple three-dimensional flows on advanced workstations. Combining multiple workstations into a network-based heterogeneous parallel computer allows the application of programming principles learned on MIMD (Multiple Instruction Multiple Data) distributed memory parallel computers to the solution of larger problems. An overset-grid flow solution code has been developed which uses a cluster of workstations as a network-based parallel computer. Inter-process communication is provided by the Parallel Virtual Machine (PVM) software. Solution speed equivalent to one-third of a Cray-YMP processor has been achieved from a cluster of nine commonly used engineering workstation processors. Load imbalance and communication overhead are the principal impediments to parallel efficiency in this application.

Smith, Merritt H.↗

Parallel Navier-Stokes computations on shared and distributed memory architectures

We study a high order finite difference scheme to solve the time accurate flow field of a jet using the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. As part of our ongoing efforts, we have implemented our numerical model on three parallel computing platforms to study the computational, communication, and scalability characteristics. The platforms chosen for this study are a cluster of workstations connected through fast networks (the LACE experimental testbed at NASA Lewis), a shared memory multiprocessor (the Cray YMP), and a distributed memory multiprocessor (the IBM SPI). Our focus in this study is on the LACE testbed. We present some results for the Cray YMP and the IBM SP1 mainly for comparison purposes. On the LACE testbed, we study: (1) the communication characteristics of Ethernet, FDDI, and the ALLNODE networks and (2) the overheads induced by the PVM message passing library used for parallelizing the application. We demonstrate that clustering of workstations is effective and has the potential to be computationally competitive with supercomputers at a fraction of the cost.

Hayder, M. Ehtesham↗

Time-shared Cathode Ray Tube

Time-shared cathode tube provides high quality display at low cost display stations which utilize television moniters. It updates a cluster of graphic displays from a computer and is useful in systems not equipped for graphics time-sharing.

Herndon, E. S.↗

Mars: Definition and characterization of global surface units with emphasis on composition

Viking 2 approach maps of red and violet normal albedo are used to define units of similar optical properties for a large area of the Martian surface. Computer processing of these data reveals clusters of albedo values relating to specific, contiguous regions of the planet, with some unit boundaries being of a gradational nature while others are more discrete. A study of the albedo properties of analog materials measured in the laboratory, and of telescopic spectrophotometry of Mars, indicates that both hydroxylated and hematitic oxidized materials exist on the surface. The most probable surface expression of global dust and/or high albedo soils is in the classical bright region, Arabia. Most low albedo features in the region studied have red and violet albedos that are consistent with a dark substrate, such as basalt, coated by, or mixed with, a fine grained alteration product.

Mccord, T. B.↗

Hot gas in evolving galaxy clusters and groups - Implications for the microwave and X-ray backgrounds

A phenomenological model for the luminosity function of galaxy groups and clusters allows its evolution to be described in terms of the two-point galaxy correlation function. The observable properties of hot gas in virialized groups and clusters at high redshift have been computed. These include the spectral distortion by Comptonization of the cosmic blackbody spectrum, fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background arising by this same process, and the diffuse X-ray background and fluctuations therein arising from thermal emission by the intracluster gas.

Schaeffer, Richard↗

Numerical analysis of base flowfield at high altitude for a four-engine clustered nozzle configuration

The objective of this study is to benchmark a four-engine clustered nozzle base flowfield with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The CFD model is a pressure based, viscous flow formulation. An adaptive upwind scheme is employed for the spatial discretization. The upwind scheme is based on second and fourth order central differencing with adaptive artificial dissipation. Qualitative base flow features such as the reverse jet, wall jet, recompression shock, and plume-plume impingement have been captured. The computed quantitative flow properties such as the radial base pressure distribution, model centerline Mach number and static pressure variation, and base pressure characteristic curve agreed reasonably well with those of the measurement. Parametric study on the effect of grid resolution, turbulence model, inlet boundary condition and difference scheme on convective terms has been performed. The results showed that grid resolution and turbulence model are two primary factors that influence the accuracy of the base flowfield prediction.

Wang, Ten-See↗

Numerical study of base pressure characteristic curve for a four-engine clustered nozzle configuration

The objective of this study is to benchmark a four-engine clustered nozzle base flowfield with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The CFD model is a three-dimensional pressure-based, viscous flow formulation. An adaptive upwind scheme is employed for the spatial discretization. The upwind scheme is based on second and fourth order central differencing with adaptive artificial dissipation. Qualitative base flow features such as the reverse jet, wall jet, recompression shock, and plume-plume impingement have been captured. The computed quantitative flow properties such as the radial base pressure distribution, model centerline Mach number and static pressure variation, and base pressure characteristic curve agreed reasonably well with those of the measurement. Parametric study on the effect of grid resolution, turbulence model, inlet boundary condition and difference scheme on convective terms has been performed. The results showed that grid resolution had a strong influence on the accuracy of the base flowfield prediction.

Wang, Ten-See↗

Accessing and visualizing scientific spatiotemporal data

This paper discusses work done by JPL's Parallel Applications Technologies Group in helping scientists access and visualize very large data sets through the use of multiple computing resources, such as parallel supercomputers, clusters, and grids.

rendering↗

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2009

Topics covered include: Valve-"Health"-Monitoring System; Microstrip Antenna for Remote Sensing of Soil Moisture and Sea Surface Salinity; Biomedical Wireless Ambulatory Crew Monitor; Wireless Avionics Packet to Support Fault Tolerance for Flight Applications; Aerobot Autonomy Architecture; Submillimeter Confocal Imaging Active Module; Traveling-Wave Maser for 32 GHz; System Synchronizes Recordings from Separated Video Cameras; Piecewise-Planar Parabolic Reflectarray Antenna; Reducing Interference in ATC Voice Communication; EOS MLS Level 1B Data Processing, Version 2.2; Auto-Generated Semantic Processing Services; Geospatial Authentication; Maneuver Automation Software; Event Driven Messaging with Role-Based Subscriptions; Estimating Relative Positions of Outer-Space Structures; Fabricating PFPE Membranes for Capillary Electrophoresis; Linear Actuator Has Long Stroke and High Resolution; Installing a Test Tap on a Metal Battery Case; Fabricating PFPE Membranes for Microfluidic Valves and Pumps; Room-Temperature-Cured Copolymers for Lithium Battery Gel Electrolytes; Catalysts for Efficient Production of Carbon Nanotubes; Amorphous Silk Fibroin Membranes for Separation of CO2; "Zero-Mass" Noninvasive Pressure Transducers; Radial-Electric-Field Piezoelectric Diaphragm Pumps; Ejector-Enhanced, Pulsed, Pressure-Gain Combustor; Suppressing Ghost Diffraction in E-Beam-Written Gratings; Target-Tracking Camera for a Metrology System; Polarimetric Imaging using Two Photoelastic Modulators; Miniature Wide-Angle Lens for Small-Pixel Electronic Camera; Modal Filters for Infrared Interferometry; Mo(3)Sb(7-x)Te(x) for Thermoelectric Power Generation; Two-Dimensional Quantum Model of a Nanotransistor; Scanning Miniature Microscopes without Lenses; Manipulating Neutral Atoms in Chip-Based Magnetic Traps; Expansion Compression Contacts for Thermoelectric Legs; Processing Electromyographic Signals to Recognize Words; Physical Principle for Generation of Randomness; DSN Beowulf Cluster-Based VLBI Correlator; Hybrid NN/SVM Computational System for Optimizing Designs; Criteria for Modeling in LES of Multicomponent Fuel Flow; Computerized Machine for Cutting Space Shuttle Thermal Tiles; Orbiting Depot and Reusable Lander for Lunar Transportation; FPGA-Based Networked Phasemeter for a Heterodyne Interferometer; Aquarius Digital Processing Unit; Three-Dimensional Optical Coherence Tomography; Benchtop Antigen Detection Technique using Nanofiltration and Fluorescent Dyes; Isolation of Precursor Cells from Waste Solid Fat Tissue; Identification of Bacteria and Determination of Biological Indicators; Further Development of Scaffolds for Regeneration of Nerves; Chemically Assisted Photocatalytic Oxidation System; Use of Atomic Oxygen for Increased Water Contact Angles of Various Polymers for Biomedical Applications; Crashworthy Seats Would Afford Superior Protection; Open-Access, Low-Magnetic-Field MRI System for Lung Research; Microfluidic Mixing Technology for a Universal Health Sensor; Microfluidic Extraction of Biomarkers using Water as Solvent; Microwell Arrays for Studying Many Individual Cells; Droplet-Based Production of Liposomes; and Identifying and Inactivating Bacterial Spores

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Incorporating ADAPT-VQE with a Sparse Wavefunction Circuit Simulator to Find Compact Quantum Circuits for Chemical Applications

We implemented the ADAPT-VQE algorithm into our recent classical sparse wavefunction circuit simulator to demonstrate that classical resources can (1) efficiently find a physically motivated compact wavefunction ansatz for further refinement on near-term quantum hardware and (2) benchmark expected results of VQE-based algorithms once the quantum hardware is available to study large-scale applications. In particular, we study the role of the ADAPT-VQE operator pool, molecular basis set selection, and variations such as TETRIS-ADAPT-VQE on the performance of our classical circuit simulator. This work demonstrates the promise of using classical resources to generate highly accurate wavefunctions that can be prepared on quantum hardware to initiate other quantum algorithms such as phase estimation. Our approach harnesses the power of high-performance computing resources with the more limited available quantum computers to map a path toward quantum advantage for electronic structure calculations in chemistry and materials science.

Quantum Computing↗