Multi-threaded Output in CMS using ROOT

CMS has worked aggressively to make use of multi-core architectures, routinely running 4- to 8-core production jobs in 2017. The primary impediment to efficiently scaling beyond 8 cores has been our ROOT-based output module, which has been necessarily single threaded. In this paper we explore the changes made to the CMS framework and our ROOT output module to overcome the previous scaling limits, using two new ROOT features: the \texttt{TBufferMerger} asynchronous file merger, and Implicit Multi-Threading. We examine the architecture of the new parallel output module, the specific accommodations and modifications that were made to ensure compatibility with the CMS framework scheduler, and the performance characteristics of the new output module.Comment: Submitted to CHEP 2018 - 23rd International Conference on Computing in High Energy and Nuclear Physics; 6 pages, 4 figures, uses webofc clas

A new connection between the opening angle and the large-scale morphology of extragalactic radio sources

In the case of an initially conical jet, we study the relation between jet collimation by the external pressure and large-scale morphology. We first consider the important length-scales in the problem, and then carry out axisymmetric hydrodynamic simulations that include, for certain parameters, all these length-scales. We find three important scales related to the collimation region: (i) where the sideways ram-pressure equals the external pressure, (ii) where the jet density equals the ambient density, and (iii) where the forward ram-pressure falls below the ambient pressure. These scales are set by the external Mach-number and opening angle of the jet. We demonstrate that the relative magnitudes of these scales determine the collimation, Mach-number, density and morphology of the large scale jet. Based on analysis of the shock structure, we reproduce successfully the morphology of Fanaroff-Riley (FR) class I and II radio sources. Within the framework of the model, an FR I radio source must have a large intrinsic opening angle. Entrainment of ambient gas might also be important. We also show that all FR I sources with radio lobes or similar features must have had an earlier FR II phase.Comment: 14 pages, 10 figures, accepted by MNRAS, same as previous versio

A Causal-Comparative Study of Christian School Special Needs Student Test Scores Based on Teacher Degree

Special education is a field that is expanding at a rapid pace. A second field of education that has been in existence for only a few decades is the modern Christian K-12 day school. The merging of the two of these phenomena in education creates a research platform that few have studied in unison. There is little research when pairing these two fields, but the need to study them is great. This study will focus on the academic achievement of students with special needs, based upon standardized math and reading test scores, using the Stanford 10 (SAT 10) standardized assessment utilized by many Christian schools nationwide. The study will analyze standardized stanine scores of these students based on the formal college degree field of their classroom teacher. Using data from reading and math sub-tests of the SAT 10, the data determined whether there was a significant difference in reading and math stanine scores of high school students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The study compared scores of students whose teachers have one of the following degrees: a special education degree, a general or other education degree, or a non-education degree. A non-experimental, causal-comparative design was used to collect and analyze data. Test scores from the Spring 2019 SAT 10 were collected, matching those students’ scores to the credentials of the reading and math teachers. Data were collected from the administrator of each participating school via a data collection form using student numbers. The students’ SAT 10 reading and math stanine test score data from the 2019 school year was analyzed, using an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) significance test for math scores and an independent samples t-test for the reading scores. Results of the study showed that there is not a significant difference in reading and math test scores based on teacher degree

Contributions to the theory of functions of a bicomplex variable

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--University of Kansas, Mathematics, 1952

TB179: Oxygen Supplementation for Aquaculture Biofilters

There is conflicting evidence concerning the negative effects of high concentrations of dissolved oxygen on nitrifying bacteria. This project was developed to determine what happens to an established slime layer in a fixed-film, flow-through bio-filter, exposed to oxygen supersaturation. Specific objectives were to determine qualitatively and quantitatively whether the treatment is actually beneficial after acclimation, and whether rapid fluctuations in DO are detrimental to an acclimated culture.https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/aes_techbulletin/1029/thumbnail.jp

Genomic delineation of zoonotic origins of Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile is toxin-producing antimicrobial resistant (AMR) enteropathogen historically associated with diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis in hospitalized patients. In recent years, there have been dramatic increases in the incidence and severity of C. difficile infection (CDI), and associated morbidity and mortality, in both healthcare and community settings. C. difficile is an ancient and diverse species that displays a sympatric lifestyle, establishing itself in a range of ecological niches external to the healthcare system. These sources/reservoirs include food, water, soil, and over a dozen animal species, in particular, livestock such as pigs and cattle. In a manner analogous to human infection, excessive antimicrobial exposure, particularly to cephalosporins, is driving the expansion of C. difficile in livestock populations worldwide. Subsequent spore contamination of meat, vegetables grown in soil containing animal feces, agricultural by-products such as compost and manure, and the environment in general (households, lawns, and public spaces) is contributing to a persistent community source/reservoir of C. difficile and the insidious rise of CDI in the community. The whole-genome sequencing era continues to redefine our view of this complex pathogen. The application of high-resolution microbial genomics in a One Health framework (encompassing clinical, veterinary, and environment derived datasets) is the optimal paradigm for advancing our understanding of CDI in humans and animals. This approach has begun to yield critical insights into the genetic diversity, evolution, AMR, and zoonotic potential of C. difficile. In Europe, North America, and Australia, microevolutionary analysis of the C. difficile core genome shows strains common to humans and animals (livestock or companion animals) do not form distinct populations but share a recent evolutionary history. Moreover, for C. difficile sequence type 11 and PCR ribotypes 078 and 014, major lineages of One Health importance, this approach has substantiated inter-species clonal transmission between animals and humans. These findings indicate either a zoonosis or anthroponosis. Moreover, they challenge the existing paradigm and the long-held misconception that CDI is primarily a healthcare-associated infection. In this article, evolutionary, and zoonotic aspects of CDI are discussed, including the anthropomorphic factors that contribute to the spread of C. difficile from the farm to the community