A highly optimized vectorized code for Monte Carlo simulations of SU(3) lattice gauge theories

New methods are introduced for improving the performance of the vectorized Monte Carlo SU(3) lattice gauge theory algorithm using the CDC CYBER 205. Structure, algorithm and programming considerations are discussed. The performance achieved for a 16(4) lattice on a 2-pipe system may be phrased in terms of the link update time or overall MFLOPS rates. For 32-bit arithmetic, it is 36.3 microsecond/link for 8 hits per iteration (40.9 microsecond for 10 hits) or 101.5 MFLOPS

Two-electron bond-orbital model, 2

The two-electron bond-orbital model of tetrahedrally-coordinated solids is generalized and its application extended. All intrabond matrix elements entering the formalism are explicitly retained, including the direct overlap S between the anion and cation sp3 hybrid wavefunctions. Complete analytic results are obtained for the six two-electron eigenvalues and eigenstates of the anion-cation bond in terms of S, one-electron parameters V2 and V3, and two-electron correlation parameters V4, V5 and V6. Refined formulas for the dielectric constant and the nuclear exchange and pseudodipolar coefficients, as well as new expressions for the valence electron density, polarity of the bond and the cohesive energy, are then derived. The theory gives a good account of the experimentally observed trends in all properties considered and approximate quantitative agreement is achieved for the pseudodipolar coefficient

Evolutionary Algorithms for Reinforcement Learning

There are two distinct approaches to solving reinforcement learning problems, namely, searching in value function space and searching in policy space. Temporal difference methods and evolutionary algorithms are well-known examples of these approaches. Kaelbling, Littman and Moore recently provided an informative survey of temporal difference methods. This article focuses on the application of evolutionary algorithms to the reinforcement learning problem, emphasizing alternative policy representations, credit assignment methods, and problem-specific genetic operators. Strengths and weaknesses of the evolutionary approach to reinforcement learning are presented, along with a survey of representative applications

Local Volume Effects in the Generalized Pseudopotential Theory

The generalized pseudopotential theory (GPT) is a powerful method for deriving real-space transferable interatomic potentials. Using a coarse-grained electronic structure, one can explicitly calculate the pair ion-ion and multi-ion interactions in simple and transition metals. Whilst successful in determining bulk properties, in central force metals the GPT fails to describe crystal defects for which there is a significant local volume change. A previous paper [PhysRevLett.66.3036 (1991)] found that by allowing the GPT total energy to depend upon some spatially-averaged local electron density, the energetics of vacancies and surfaces could be calculated within experimental ranges. In this paper, we develop the formalism further by explicitly calculating the forces and stress tensor associated with this total energy. We call this scheme the adaptive GPT (aGPT) and it is capable of both molecular dynamics and molecular statics. We apply the aGPT to vacancy formation and divacancy binding in hcp Mg and also calculate the local electron density corrections to the bulk elastic constants and phonon dispersion for which there is refinement over the baseline GPT treatment.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figure

Little League Baseball World Series

This research reflected an examination of the history and current trends of the Little League Baseball World Series and its parent organization Little League. The tournament, held in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania each August draws hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe, and creates a multi-million dollar revenue stream. Little League is one of a handful of international non-profit entities, which introduces a unique set of business management techniques. Several of these facets were explored, including financial data, marketing initiatives, employee, and risk management as well as ethical practices in regards to the League as a whole, and more specifically the two-week competition for 11 and 12 year old boys. The author also reflected on her aspirations in regards to this capstone and the completion of her Master\u27s Degree in Sport Management from Concordia University, St. Paul

Two-electron bond-orbital model, 1

Harrison's one-electron bond-orbital model of tetrahedrally coordinated solids was generalized to a two-electron model, using an extension of the method of Falicov and Harris for treating the hydrogen molecule. The six eigenvalues and eigenstates of the two-electron anion-cation Hamiltonian entering this theory can be found exactly general. The two-electron formalism is shown to provide a useful basis for calculating both non-magnetic and magnetic properties of semiconductors in perturbation theory. As an example of the former, expressions for the electric susceptibility and the dielectric constant were calculated. As an example of the latter, new expressions for the nuclear exchanges and pseudo-dipolar coefficients were calculated. A simple theoretical relationship between the dielectric constant and the exchange coefficient was also found in the limit of no correlation. These expressions were quantitatively evaluated in the limit of no correlation for twenty semiconductors

Global Carbon Budget: Ocean carbon sink.

CO2 emissions from human activities, the main contributor to global climate change, are set to rise again in 2014 reaching 40 billion tonnes CO2 The natural carbon ‘sinks’ on land and in the ocean absorb on average 55% of the total CO2 emissions, thus slowing the rate of global climate change Increasing CO2 in the oceans is causing ocean acidificatio

Mitochondrial DNA and temperature tolerance in lager yeasts

A growing body of research suggests that the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is important for temperature adaptation. In the yeast genus Saccharomyces, species have diverged in temperature tolerance, driving their use in high- or low-temperature fermentations. Here, we experimentally test the role of mtDNA in temperature tolerance in synthetic and industrial hybrids (Saccharomyces cerevisiae × Saccharomyces eubayanus or Saccharomyces pastorianus), which cold-brew lager beer. We find that the relative temperature tolerances of hybrids correspond to the parent donating mtDNA, allowing us to modulate lager strain temperature preferences. The strong influence of mitotype on the temperature tolerance of otherwise identical hybrid strains provides support for the mitochondrial climactic adaptation hypothesis in yeasts and demonstrates how mitotype has influenced the world’s most commonly fermented beverage.This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Hatch project no. 1003258), the NSF (grant no. DEB-1253634), and in part by the DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (DOE BER Office of Science; nos. DE-SC0018409 and DE-FC02-07ER64494). E.P.B. was supported by a Louis and Elsa Thomsen Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellowship. C.T.H. is a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences and a Vilas Faculty Early Career Investigator, supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Vilas Trust Estate. D.P. is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 747775). J.C.F. was supported by the NIH (no. GM080669)Peer Reviewe

Anisotropic Assembly of Colloidal Nanoparticles: Exploiting Substrate Crystallinity

We show that the crystal structure of a substrate can be exploited to drive the anisotropic assembly of colloidal nanoparticles. Pentanethiol-passivated Au particles of approximately 2 nm diameter deposited from toluene onto hydrogen-passivated Si(111) surfaces form linear assemblies (rods) with a narrow width distribution. The rod orientations mirror the substrate symmetry, with a high degree of alignment along principal crystallographic axes of the Si(111) surface. There is a strong preference for anisotropic growth with rod widths substantially more tightly distributed than lengths. Entropic trapping of nanoparticles provides a plausible explanation for the formation of the anisotropic assemblies we observe

STRENGTH, BALANCE, AND FLEXIBILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF GOLFERS OF A VARIETY OF HANDICAPS

This research aimed to examine golf drive performance measures and physical performance variables of balance, strength and flexibility, for a wide range of golfing handicap levels. A total of 26 healthy right-handed golfers volunteered to participate in this study (M=17, F=9, 18-50 years, 0-36 handicap). Testing included an assessment of strength (hand grip strength test), balance (3 point star balance test), flexibility (sit and reach and shoulder reach flexibility), and indoor drive shot ball launch characteristics (high speed ball launch monitor). Golfers in the low handicap group had significantly (p?0.05) greater balance, strength, left shoulder flexibility, and better shot performnce than high handicap golfers. This research presents a rationale for the inclusion of strength, balance and flexibility conditioning in golf training programs