Development of FTK architecture: a fast hardware track trigger for the ATLAS detector

The Fast Tracker (FTK) is a proposed upgrade to the ATLAS trigger system that will operate at full Level-1 output rates and provide high quality tracks reconstructed over the entire detector by the start of processing in Level-2. FTK solves the combinatorial challenge inherent to tracking by exploiting the massive parallelism of Associative Memories (AM) that can compare inner detector hits to millions of pre-calculated patterns simultaneously. The tracking problem within matched patterns is further simplified by using pre-computed linearized fitting constants and leveraging fast DSP's in modern commercial FPGA's. Overall, FTK is able to compute the helix parameters for all tracks in an event and apply quality cuts in approximately one millisecond. By employing a pipelined architecture, FTK is able to continuously operate at Level-1 rates without deadtime. The system design is defined and studied using ATLAS full simulation. Reconstruction quality is evaluated for single muon events with zero pileup, as well as WH events at the LHC design luminosity. FTK results are compared with the tracking capability of an offline algorithm.Comment: To be published in the proceedings of DPF-2009, Detroit, MI, July 2009, eConf C09072

The Evolution of FTK, a Real-Time Tracker for Hadron Collider Experiments

We describe the architecture evolution of the highly-parallel dedicated processor FTK, which is driven by the simulation of LHC events at high luminosity (1034 cm-2 s-1). FTK is able to provide precise on-line track reconstruction for future hadronic collider experiments. The processor, organized in a two-tiered pipelined architecture, execute very fast algorithms based on the use of a large bank of pre-stored patterns of trajectory points (first tier) in combination with full resolution track fitting to refine pattern recognition and to determine off-line quality track parameters. We describe here how the high luminosity simulation results have produced a new organization of the hardware inside the FTK processor core.Comment: 11th ICATPP conferenc

The Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI): creating a shared vision across crop and livestock research communities

Predicting phenotype from genotype is a central challenge in biology. By understanding genomic information to predict and improve traits, scientists can address the challenges and opportunities of achieving sustainable genetic improvement of complex, economically important traits in agriculturally relevant species. Converting the enormous, recent technical advances in all areas of genomics and phenomics into sustained and ecologically responsible improvements in food and fuel production is complex. It will require engaging agricultural genome to phenome (G2P) experts, drawing from a broad community, including crop and livestock scientists and essential integrative disciplines (e.g., engineers, economists, data and social scientists). To achieve this vision, the USDA NIFA-funded project inaugurating the Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI) is working to: Develop a cohesive vision for agricultural G2P research by identifying research gaps and opportunities; advancing community solutions to these challenges and gaps; and rapidly disseminating findings to the broader community. Towards these ends, this AG2PI project is organizing virtual field days, conferences, training workshops, and awarding seed grants to conceive new insights (details at www.ag2pi.org). Since October 2020, more than 10,000 unique participants from every inhabited continent have engaged in these activities. To illustrate AG2PI’s scope, we present survey results on agricultural G2P research needs and opportunities, highlighting opinions and suggestions for the future. We invite stakeholders interested in this complex but critical effort to help create an optimal, sustainable food supply for society and challenge the community to add to our vision for future accomplishments by a fully actualized AG2PI enterprise

Development of New Placental and Fetal Expressed Sequence Tags (EST) for Gene Discovery in Pig Reproduction

One major problem that has high economic impact on pig reproduction is the unexplained loss of potential porcine conceptuses during the first month of gestation. To better understand when and how these losses occur, it is imperative to investigate the underlying genetic regulatory mechanisms. We have recently initiated a large-scale cDNA sequencing project to provide molecular information regarding the genes expressed in female reproductive tissues. cDNA libraries are planned for ovary, hypothalamus, pituitary, placenta, uterus, and several stages of embryonic development. Sequence information will also be highly useful in developing sequence-tagged sites for physical mapping and developing comparative links between the human, mouse, and pig genome maps. We have previously reported the creation of two cDNA libraries, porcine fetal (day 20), and conceptus (day 17). Sequencing of these libraries produced 220 Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs), with 180 sequences analyzed by clustering algorithms, and 139 clusters identified within these sequences. We now report the creation of two more libraries from porcine fetal (day 45) and placental tissues. The day 45 fetal library has 971,150 independent clones (average insert: 1.4 kb), whereas the placental library has 1,320,000 independent clones. Initial sequencing of the fetal library has produced 119 ESTs (81 clusters), whereas we have obtained 1411 ESTs (1056 clusters) from the placental library. After clustering all sequences thus far obtained, we have identified 1,233 unique clusters. Sequences obtained in this project will be deposited into Genbank dbEST, and all comparative homolog

The transcriptional response to Salmonella infection in swine

The porcine response to infection with Salmonella is the result of differential expression of host-specific genes. To characterize these alterations in gene expression, functional genomic analyses were performed on swine tissues following experimental inoculation of the pigs with Salmonella enterica serovars Choleraesuis and Typhimurium. Suppression subtractive hybridization and quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed that the transcriptional profiles of the porcine response to the swine-adapted strain (Choleraesuis) and the non-host-adapted strain (Typhimurium) exhibit unique differences

Value-creating boards: diversity and evolved processes

This qualitative study is based on 47 interviews with board members of UK listed companies and reveals that value-creating boards have two main characteristics: a diversity of perspective and evolved board processes. The findings of the study show that the critical attributes of boardroom diversity are members’ culture/nationality, functional background, and gender diversity. Value-creating boards also have evolved processes, such as an objective nomination process, periodic evaluations of the board and its members, and their ability to work as a team. The paper contributes to the Strategic Leadership theory, and other role-effectiveness theories. It makes a significant contribution to existing literature on board diversity and value creation by suggesting that board diversity needs a broader definition – more than mere demographic attributes of directors, and board processes, – to improve boards’ ability to create value for organizations. The paper also contributes to praxis by presenting evidence of the impact of board diversity on value creations and suggesting the most critical aspects of value-creating boards. The findings may also guide the formulation of legislation for improving corporate governance by defining diversity more broadly