Percolation scheduling for non-VLIW machines

Percolation Scheduling, a technique for compile-time code parallelization, has proven very successful for exploiting fine-grain irregular parallelism in ordinary programs. Currently, this technology is targeted only to VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word) machines, which have the advantages of 'free' synchronization and communication. Shared memory multi-processors can simulate the execution characteristics of VLIW machines with the use of static barriers. Preliminary results show that Percolation Scheduling can be used with good results on this type of architecture by increasing the granularity from operation level to source statement level, removing any redundant synchronization, and providing an efficient implementation of multi-way jumps

Fine-grain loop scheduling for MIMD machines

Previous algorithms for parallelizing loops on MIMD machines have been based on assigning one or more loop iterations to each processor, introducing synchronization as required. These methods exploit only iteration level parallelism, and ignore the parallelism that may exist at a lower level.In order to exploit parallelism both within and across iterations, our algorithm analyzes and schedules the loop at the statement level. The loop schedule reflects the expected communication and synchronization costs of the target machine. We provide test results that show that this algorithm can produce good speedup of loops on an MIMD machine

'Distance travelled versus the ‘distance’ travelled': Enhancing the student learning experience using a creative and innovative approach to tutorial organisation

In an effort to remain both competitive and attractive to prospective and established students, higher education institutions, both at a national and international level, are actively seeking innovative ways of improving the experience, progression and retention of students (Jones, 2008). This paper reports on an original approach to tutorial organisation to enhance the learning experience of undergraduate students on a practice-based foundation degree at a university in the UK. Students’ perceptions of tutorials prior to and post their active engagement with a classroom-based Tutorial Stations System (TSS) will be shared and discussed. Whilst there is a positive calling from students to sustain usage of the system as part of other taught modules on the programme, further research is needed to evaluate the impact of the system on helping to improve student attainment

The question of free will in James Joyce\u27s Exiles and William Faulkner\u27s Requiem for a nun

Joyce\u27s Exiles and Faulkner\u27s Requiem for a Nun are both unsuccessful naturalistic dramas written by novelists. This study compares the two texts, applying the question, Is free will possible? to four common themes within each work: the past, religion, marriage and politics. Within these four contexts, the two plays exhibit similarities of language and content; however, they consistently distinguish themselves on the question of free will. Joyce\u27s work shows a protagonist who frees himself, through sacrifice, from the bonds of tradition. Faulkner\u27s work shows a protagonist doomed and damned to suffer endlessly for her past. Despite their opposing presentations of free will, both dramas produce a similar disquiet and ambiguity in their audiences, leaving them free to interpret the endings. Thus, the works both depict morality as a complex issue in the modern world

Generation of an arrayed CRISPR-Cas9 library targeting epigenetic regulators: from high-content screens to in vivo assays

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized genome engineering, allowing precise modification of DNA in various organisms. The most popular method for conducting CRISPR-based functional screens involves the use of pooled lentiviral libraries in selection screens coupled with next-generation sequencing. Screens employing genome-scale pooled small guide RNA (sgRNA) libraries are demanding, particularly when complex assays are used. Furthermore, pooled libraries are not suitable for microscopy-based high-content screens or for systematic interrogation of protein function. To overcome these limitations and exploit CRISPR-based technologies to comprehensively investigate epigenetic mechanisms, we have generated a focused sgRNA library targeting 450 epigenetic regulators with multiple sgRNAs in human cells. The lentiviral library is available both in an arrayed and pooled format and allows temporally-controlled induction of gene knock-out. Characterization of the library showed high editing activity of most sgRNAs and efficient knock-out at the protein level in polyclonal populations. The sgRNA library can be used for both selection and high-content screens, as well as for targeted investigation of selected proteins without requiring isolation of knock-out clones. Using a variety of functional assays we show that the library is suitable for both in vitro and in vivo applications, representing a unique resource to study epigenetic mechanisms in physiological and pathological conditions

Non contact surface metrology in a hazardous environment

The EFDA-JET tokamak is an experimental fusion device researching fusion as a means of energy production. Inside the toroidal vessel, plasma with temperature in excess of 100 million degrees Celsius is generated and constrained by high power magnetic fields. Additional protection is provided by tiles which clad the inside of the machine. As part of a major upgrade existing heat protective tiles are to be replaced with an advanced design, and renewed interest has been shown in dimensional measurement of the surface. Measurement must occur during shutdown periods where temperature and pressure are at ambient levels. Manned entry is not permissible and all work should be performed remotely. To avoid contamination which could affect the fusion reaction and experimental results, contact with the measurement surface is not permitted. This work assesses non-contact surface measurement technologies, along with standards and guidelines for dimensional surface measurement. Existing measurement test artefacts do not offer the required surface finish and features, so specific test artefacts have been designed and produced. These artefacts are traceable to the national length standard, as traceability is a pre-requisite to evaluate accuracy. Exploratory tests highlighted two technologies for further investigation, laser triangulation and white light fringe projection. Two commercially available, state-ofthe- art examples of each technology have been evaluated using a processing method developed to highlight performance in key areas relevant to EFDA-JET. These areas include quantitative assessments of the effect of surface angle on measurement quality, the effect of depth of field for fringe projection systems and the ability of technologies to record gap and flush from tens of micrometres to millimetres. Tests enable a user to begin to assess the impact the measurement system has on the measurement result, how different technologies and systems used alone or in combination may resolve or compound erroneous results, clarifying or disrupting the meaning of results

The personal and professional relationships between Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford and his closest advisors.

Thomas Wentworth, first Earl of Strafford has usually been portrayed as an isolated figure working in Ireland for the good of the Crown, single-handedly tackling issues of policy and authority. However, the support systems behind his regime have not been examined in detail, in particular the role played by Sir George Radcliffe and Christopher Wandesford. This thesis aims to redress the balance concerning relationships between important and powerful members of the gentry and nobility and the support systems they surrounded themselves with. The extent of the involvement of Wentworth's closest advisors in his political career is tracked throughout the English Parliaments of the 1620s before following them into courtly careers in the North and in Ireland. Any study of Wentworth's career cannot disregard these important figures and their relationship with Wentworth. In their capacity as Wentworth's deputies, Wandesford and Sir Edward Osborne, Wentworth's Vice President of the Council in the North, were unable to exert the same influence as Wentworth as they were, in effect, the 'representative 's representative ' and therefore were unable to wield similar levels of authority. The downfall of Wentworth 's regime in Ireland will be examined, focusing upon the English and Irish Parliament's attempt to impeach Radcliffe. The epilogue reveals that Wentworth was the lynchpin in the cabal, and once he was executed in May 1642, the strong tie between these men disintegrated. Radcliffe was the only prominent figure of the cabal during the Interregnum, becoming attached to the Court of the Duke of York in exile. This thesis demonstrates that secretariats and cabals could play an integral and essential role within the political life of a prominent politician and cannot simply be dismissed as clients and men-of-business