Design of Geometric Molecular Bonds

An example of a nonspecific molecular bond is the affinity of any positive charge for any negative charge (like-unlike), or of nonpolar material for itself when in aqueous solution (like-like). This contrasts specific bonds such as the affinity of the DNA base A for T, but not for C, G, or another A. Recent experimental breakthroughs in DNA nanotechnology demonstrate that a particular nonspecific like-like bond ("blunt-end DNA stacking" that occurs between the ends of any pair of DNA double-helices) can be used to create specific "macrobonds" by careful geometric arrangement of many nonspecific blunt ends, motivating the need for sets of macrobonds that are orthogonal: two macrobonds not intended to bind should have relatively low binding strength, even when misaligned. To address this need, we introduce geometric orthogonal codes that abstractly model the engineered DNA macrobonds as two-dimensional binary codewords. While motivated by completely different applications, geometric orthogonal codes share similar features to the optical orthogonal codes studied by Chung, Salehi, and Wei. The main technical difference is the importance of 2D geometry in defining codeword orthogonality.Comment: Accepted to appear in IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological, and Multi-Scale Communication

The dairy cattle replacement markets of Tennessee and Florida

The specific objectives of this study are to answer the following questions about the Grade A milk production areas in Tennessee and Florida: 1. What is the present total market for all dairy replacements? 2. What are the breeds and ages of these replacements? 3. What are the present sources of replacements by breed and age? 4. What are the market trends with respect to total numbers, breed and age of replacements? 5. Are present marketing organizations and practices satisfactory for present and future needs

Demonstrating Experiential Learning at the Graduate Level Using Portfolio Development and Reflection

Problem. Various guidelines for assessment have been developed in an effort to promote academic quality and integrity for educational programs that recognize experiential learning. The purpose of this present study was to determine the extent to which experiential learning and assessment, through portfolio development, help adult students in a graduate-degree program demonstrate graduate-level learning and competency. Method. This qualitative single-case study used the assessment processes and outcomes elements of the Jackson and Maclsaac process model to analyze the use of reflective practice and the use of portfolios in a graduate education program. Data were triangulated using individual interviews and the analysis of portfolio artifacts, attestations, and documents including reflective and synthesis papers. Results. The participants’ perspectives of the portfolio as an experiential learning and development tool changed during the portfolio-development process. Each participant shifted from a belief that a portfolio represents experiences, to a belief that a portfolio coupled with reflection represents experiential learning. The process of theoretically informed written reflection allowed the participants to move beyond descriptive accounts of experiences to analyze, assess, interrelate, and synthesize their experiences in relation to their graduate-level learning and competency. Conclusions. Successful demonstration of graduate-level experiential learning when using a portfolio requires reflection that includes a description of the experience, linkage to the relevant theoretical constructs, and the application of the learning

Network Analysis of Counter-strike and Starcraft

Network games are becoming increasingly popular, but their traffic patterns have received little attention from the academic community. The network traffic patterns of the multiplayer games Counter-strike and Starcraft were examined and documented. Analysis focused on bandwidth usage and packet size. The games were found to have small packets and typically low bandwidth usage, but traffic patterns varied widely between games

Examining Instructional Supervision in a Leadership Preparation Program: A Comparison of Supervision Experiences in Different Internship Structures

Instructional leadership is an essential role for school leaders. School leaders must be equipped with the skills to directly improve instruction. This study focused on how a leadership preparation program can prepare aspiring school leaders in instructional supervision skills during an internship. The study compared different instructional supervision structures with interns in the same program. One group of interns practiced instructional supervision skills with pre-service teachers and the other group practiced instructional supervision skills with teachers in their respective schools. Interns were assessed on the quality of supervision, beliefs about supervision, and the knowledge of the supervision process. The results showed that the internship structure affected the experience of interns, but not their beliefs about supervision. The structure also affected knowledge of the supervision process. These results suggest that internship structure may be an important factor influencing the effectiveness of a preparation program, and point to the benefits of exploring new approaches of teaching in leadership programs

Segmented trapped vortex cavity

An annular trapped vortex cavity assembly segment comprising includes a cavity forward wall, a cavity aft wall, and a cavity radially outer wall there between defining a cavity segment therein. A cavity opening extends between the forward and aft walls at a radially inner end of the assembly segment. Radially spaced apart pluralities of air injection first and second holes extend through the forward and aft walls respectively. The segment may include first and second expansion joint features at distal first and second ends respectively of the segment. The segment may include a forward subcomponent including the cavity forward wall attached to an aft subcomponent including the cavity aft wall. The forward and aft subcomponents include forward and aft portions of the cavity radially outer wall respectively. A ring of the segments may be circumferentially disposed about an axis to form an annular segmented vortex cavity assembly

Combining EEG and Eye Tracking: Using Fixation-Locked Potentials in Visual Search

Visual search is a complex task that involves many neural pathways to identify relevant areas of interest within a scene. Humans remain a critical component in visual search tasks, as they can effectively perceive anomalies within complex scenes. However, this task can be challenging, particularly under time pressure. In order to improve visual search training and performance, an objective, process-based measure is needed. Eye tracking technology can be used to drive real-time parsing of EEG recordings, providing an indication of the analysis process. In the current study, eye fixations were used to generate ERPs during a visual search task. Clear differences were observed following performance, suggesting that neurophysiological signatures could be developed to prevent errors in visual search tasks

Ungrading Across the Disciplines: Reflections of a Professional Learning Community

A group of interdisciplinary scholars formed a Professional Learning Community (PLC) in the spring 2020 semester. Their topic of consideration was “ungrading,” defined by the group as any pedagogical practice that moves a student’s focus away from grades and toward learning and growth. This essay provides an account of each instructor’s experience as a member of the PLC, highlighting both practical and theoretical considerations for instructors interested in incorporating ungrading in their courses. It also provides perspectives of students who experienced ungraded approaches first-hand