cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Debugging the ENIAC [Scanning Our Past]

Unveiled to the public in February 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer (ENIAC) was a major milestone in the history of computing. It served as a national computing resource from its completion in late 1945s until its retirement in 1955. During that time, it was used for a wide variety of applications, including number theory, supersonic air flow, ballistic trajectories, and nuclear weapon simulations [1] . The ENIAC was built at the University of Pennsylvania for the U.S. Army under the leadership of John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, beginning in 1943. Although it was used for a wide variety of applications, the original motivation for its construction and justification for the cost of the project was computing artillery trajectories for World War II. Between being a training ground for many early computing pioneers and being a testbed for techniques, such as sequential instruction execution [2] , [3] , the ENIAC’s influence went beyond even its utilitarian contributions.
Symmetry-Breaking Charge Separation in a Nanoscale Terrylenediimide Guanine-Quadruplex Assembly.

Guanine-quadruplex (G-quadruplex) assemblies provide a useful platform for studying the spatial, structural, and photophysical effects of intermolecular interactions. Coupling a single guanine moiety to terrylenediimide (TDI)—a chromophore with a large extended π-surface—produces a structure (GTDI) that assembles in plate-like tetramers, with the potential of undergoing tunable π-stacking. At high concentrations (3 × 10–3 M), GTDI self-assembles into a nearly monodisperse G-quadruplex structure of 16 layers, with strong π-overlap between TDI moieties, observed by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering. Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that excitation of TDI in the G-quadruplex results in symmetry-breaking charge separation to form ion pairs within the structure, owing to the strong π-overlap enforced by the hydrogen-bonding. These assemblies yield important insights into the interplay of noncovalent interactions in the assembly of ordered chromophoric arrays.
Upregulation of HOXB4 Message in Human CD34+ Cells Transduced with TAT-NF-YA Fusion Protein.

Abstract We have recently found that the trimeric transcription factor NF-Y is a direct stimulator of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) renewal, activating the transcription of several genes involved in HSC self-renewal and differentiation including the Hox4 paralogs HoxB4, HoxC4, HoxD4 as well as LEF1, Notch1, p27 and telomerase (Zhu J. et al. PNAS , 102:11728–11733; 2005). HIV-TAT peptide transduction offers a distinct therapeutic advantage over viral vectors due to the temporary and regulatable nature of the induction. We have previously modeled the delivery of NF-YA protein fused with the protein transduction domain of the HIV-1 TAT protein to K562 cells, demonstrating upregulated HOXB4 to levels similar to that achieved by retroviral overexpression (Domashenko A. et al. Blood , 104:964a; 2004). We have now asked whether TAT-NF-YA protein induction can be modified for direct application to normal human CD34+ cells. Recombinant protein was designed by fusion of the human NF-YA sequence with the TAT protein transduction domain and a GST-tag at the N-terminus, and purified under native conditions. Binding activity of fusion protein to HOXB4 promoter probe was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Human peripheral blood CD34+ cells were cultured with GST-TAT-NF-YA for 1.5h and displayed bright fluorescence in the cytoplasm and nucleus after staining with anti-GST-Alexa Fluor 488 Ab. To evaluate the effect of TAT-NF-YA fusion protein on HOXB4 promoter activity in primary hematopoietic cells, the level of HOXB4 mRNA was measured by real-time PCR with normalization to GAPDH. It was found that delivered NF-YA was able to increase endogenous HOXB4 message up to 3.5-fold in 2h after incubation with the protein. To minimize the recombinant protein toxicity and maximize the efficiency of delivery we investigated the possibility of having the same functional effect at low protein concentration using lysosomotropic agents (chloroquine and sucrose), to facilitate fusion protein nuclear uptake. The effect of varying concentrations of each agent on protein delivery and cell survival was analyzed by determination of endogenous HOXB4 message using quantitative PCR and trypan blue staining. Both chloroquine and sucrose increased the effect of upregulation of the HOXB4 message by GST-TAT-NF-YA 1.5 – 2.5 fold. Chloroquine exhibited substantial toxicity to the cells whereas sucrose was improving cell survival; therefore we have used sucrose in subsequent experiments. A sustained several fold activation of HOXB4 expression in CD34+ cells exposed to GST-TAT-NF-YA (40 nM) and sucrose (250 mM) has been observed for at least 24 h following exposure to the protein. In conclusion, our results showed the ability to transduce functionally active NF-YA protein into human primary hematopoietic cells. These findings support the further employment of protein transduction techniques for development of new therapeutic strategies.
Dynamic Response of Highway Bridges

Dynamic response of single span and 3 span continuous highway bridges to transient loads; results of more than 1000 specific cases are analyzed to evaluate effect of load characteristics and bridge geometry on highway bridge impact; it is concluded that springing of vehicles is important factor affecting dynamic response to highway bridge and that present specifications do not adequately provide for dynamic response of bridges to design loads.
Machine-learning models to map pH and redox conditions in groundwater in a layered aquifer system, Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain, eastern USA

Abstract Study region The study was conducted in the Northern Atlantic Coastal Plain aquifer system, in the eastern USA. Study focus Groundwater pH and redox conditions are fundamental chemical characteristics controlling the distribution of many contaminants of concern for drinking water or the ecological health of receiving waters. In this study, pH and redox conditions were modeled and mapped in a complex, layered aquifer system. Machine-learning methods (boosted regression trees) were applied to data from 3000 to 5000 wells. Predicted pH and the probability of anoxic conditions, defined by three thresholds of dissolved oxygen (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/L), were mapped at the 1-km2 scale for each of 10 regional aquifer layers. New Hydrological Insights for the Region Maps depict the extent of acidic groundwater and oxic conditions in the shallow, unconfined surficial aquifer and in unconfined, recharge-proximal areas of underlying aquifers, in contrast to alkaline and anoxic groundwater elsewhere. Geographic patterns and influential predictors–including elevation, overlying confining-units thickness, and simulated groundwater age and flux–are consistent with prior understanding of the processes controlling pH and redox in the aquifer system. The model-based maps support robust estimates of aquifer proportions, either areal or volumetric, likely to contain groundwater of a specified quality or be vulnerable to specific pH- or redox-sensitive contaminants. The machine-learning methods were an effective tool to map groundwater quality at the regional scale.
Adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics of Advanced Green Environmental Media (AGEM) for nutrient removal and recovery in agricultural discharge and stormwater runoff.

Abstract Recycled materials were used in three types of green sorption media for nutrient removal and possible recovery in high nutrient-laden agricultural discharge and stormwater runoff. The three types of green sorption media included in this comparative study were two new aluminum-based green environmental media (AGEM) and one existing iron-filings based green environmental media (IFGEM). The corresponding adsorption isotherm, thermodynamics, and kinetics models were simulated based on isotherm studies to determine their removal efficiency and potential for recovery of nitrate, phosphate, and ammonia when used as a soil amendment in crop fields or in a filter for water treatment. AGEM-2 exhibited the shortest contact time required to achieve nutrient removal above 80% with an average of 7 h, followed by AGEM-1 and IFGEM with 10.6 and 28 h, respectively. Natural soil was included as a control and exhibited minimal nutrient removal. Ammonia, which may be recovered as fertilizer for drop fields in a soil-water-waste nexus, was generated by all three green sorption media mixes, therefore indicating their potential for use as soil amendments in agricultural and forested land after engineering filter applications. The kinetics analysis indicated that nitrate adsorption follows pseudo-first-order kinetics, while phosphate adsorption follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. The Gibbs free energy indicated that most of the adsorption reactions proceeded as exothermic. Lastly, a few equilibrium models, including the Langmuir, Freundlich, First Modified Langmuir, Temkin, Jovanovic, and Elovich models, were ranked and three were selected for use with IFGEM, AGEM-1, and AGEM-2, respectively, as below: (1) Langmuir, (2) Freundlich, and (3) First Modified Langmuir, according to three indices.
As Maine Goes, So Goes the Nation? Ranked Choice Voting and STV as Antidotes to Tribal Populism

Could Maine’s current experiment replacing single round plurality elections with Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) serve as a template for a similar system nationally, achieved through individual state action as a response to right-wing populist excesses (or similar excesses on the left, were they to develop down the road)? Could RCV eventually motivate adopting Single Transferable Vote (STV) election systems for both federal and state legislative offices, thereby eliminating single member districts in addition to introducing ranked-choice voting? Maine’s 2010–2018 governor Paul LePage, an extreme populist exhibiting polarizing rhetoric, election performance, and governance style similar to Donald Trump’s, provoked Maine’s RCV citizens’ initiative. The parallels raise comparable questions for potential application on the national stage. As Maine’s case illustrates, political, statutory, and constitutional hurdles to effective electoral reform movements can be quite serious, but perhaps not insurmountable.
Analysis of Racetrack-Coupled Mach Zehnder Interferometer for High-Speed Communication

We present a special design and the characterization of racetrack-coupled Mach_Zehnder interferometer for high speed and high linearity E/O modulation. The static extinction ratio, and full-widthhalf-maximum are analyzed and the photon-life-time-limited bandwidth are evaluated for more than 50 GHz.
Effective neoantigen vaccination correlates with cDC1-dependent generation of antigen-specific CX3CR1+CD8+ T cells in mice

Abstract The use of tumor mutation-derived neoantigen represents a promising approach for cancer vaccines. Preclinical and early-phase human clinical studies have shown the successful induction of tumor neoepitope-directed responses; however, overall clinical efficacy of neoantigen vaccines has been limited. One major obstacle of this strategy is the lack of a reliable blood-based surrogate marker for clinical response. Here, we report a correlation between antitumor efficacy of neoantigen/toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)/CD40 vaccination and the frequency of circulating antigen-specific CD8+ T cells expressing CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) in a preclinical model. Mechanistic studies using mixed bone marrow chimeras identified critical roles of CD40 and CD80/86, but not CD70 signaling in Batf3-dependent conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) in antitumor efficacy of neoantigen vaccine and generation of neoantigen-specific CX3CR1+CD8+ T cells. Despite robust effector function in vitro; however, depletion of CX3CR1+ CD8+ T cells did not alter antitumor efficacy of neoantigen/TLR3/CD40 agonists vaccination, suggesting that CX3CR1 expression is purely a biomarker rather than functionally relevant to the established tumors. Taken together, our results underscore a critical role of cDC1s in neoantigen-based therapeutic vaccines, and the potential utility of CX3CR1 as a circulating surrogate marker for vaccine efficacy in clinical studies.
Study on energy-saving operation technology of environmental protection facilities of ultra-low emission coal-fired unit

Abstract The operation optimization of low nitrogen combustion, denitrification and desulfurization facility of a 335 MW coal-fired unit met ultra-low requirements has been conducted in order to lower energy and material consumption. The operation mode of low nitrogen combustion with consideration of boiler efficiency and furnace exit nitrogen oxides concentration is determined. The boiler efficiency is 0.4% higher and the power supply coal consumption is reduced by 1.4 g/(kW h). The furnace exit nitrogen oxides concentration is reduced by 16 mg/m3. The SCR outlet nitrogen oxides concentration distribution uniformity is improved by ammonia spraying optimization, and the response speed and control quality of denitrification automatic control is improved by control logic optimization, therefore the liquid ammonia consumption is decreased by 0.13 kg/(104 kW h). The combination methods of absorber slurry pumps have been improved and the total mean running current of the pumps is lowered 33 amperes. The effect of limestone slurry feed automatic control is improved. The limestone slurry flow is reduced by 18.7 kg/(104 kW h).
Interleukin-10 Reduces Neurogenic Inflammation and Pain Behavior in a Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose Neurogenic inflammation is a major component of chronic neuropathic pain. Previously, we established the db/db mouse as an animal model of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) of type 2 diabetes. In the current study, we investigate the roles of interleukin (IL)-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, in the development of neurogenic inflammation and pain behavior in db/db mouse. Materials and Methods We first studied IL-10 expression in lumbar dorsal root ganglion (LDRG) neurons of db/db mice using immunohistochemistry, immunoblots, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction during the period of pain behavior (from 8 to 16 wk of age). To determine if the reduced IL-10 expression mediates the mechanical allodynia in db/db mice, we administered recombinant mouse IL-10 or saline (control) intraperitoneally to control db/+ and db/db mice starting at 8 wk of age. IL-10 treatment was repeated every other day for 2 wk until the mice reached 10 wk of age. Results During the period of pain behavior, reduction of IL-10 protein and gene expression was detected in LDRG of db/db mice. Treatment with recombinant IL-10, from 8 to 10 wk of age, alleviates pain behaviors in db/db mice without affecting other diabetic parameters. In parallel, IL-10 treatment reduced the upregulation of nerve growth factor (NGF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and high-affinity NGF receptor (Trk A) in LDRG, as well as the numbers of iNOS-positive Langerhans cells and CD-68-positive dermal dendritic cells in the hind-foot-pad skin in db/db mice. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the reduction in neuronal IL-10 increases inflammatory phenomena, ultimately contributing to PDN. These results suggest that the dysregulation of cytokine-mediated inflammation contributes to the development of PDN in db/db mice. Targeting this pathophysiologic mechanism could be an effective approach for treating PDN in type 2 diabetes.
Revisited Harmonic Balance Trim Solution Method for Periodically-Forced Aerospace Vehicles

In this paper, a numerical method is proposed for determining the periodic state and control solutions of nonlinear time-periodic systems. Starting from an initial guess at the solution, the algori...
ODONTOGENIC FIBROMYXOMA: CASE REPORT AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

BACKGROUND Fibromyxoma is a rare benign ectomesenchymal intraosseous tumor and is essentially a form of myxoma. The abundant collagen content in the lesion characterizes it as fibromyxoma. Myxomas can be found in many parts of the skeleton such as the extremities; however, this tumor is classified as odontogenic because of the existence of odontogenic epithelium. Histopathologically, fibromyxoma contains collagen with stellate and spindled-shaped cells floating in a mucoid intercellular matrix. This myxomatous matrix gives the lesion the ability to infiltrate marrow spaces. CASE REPORT A 63-year-old African American male patient presented for routine dental treatment. A panoramic radiograph revealed a unilateral, partially well-defined, multilocular radiolucent lesion with straight thin septa and scalloped and corticated borders, extending antero-posteriorly from the distal root of tooth 19 to the left ramus, causing expansion and thinning of cortical boundaries. The mandibular canal was displaced inferiorly. Cone beam computed tomography revealed faint septa most consistent with an odontogenic myxoma. Histopathologic examination was consistent with an odontogenic fibromyxoma. The management was a left mandibular resection and placement of a reconstruction plate with condylar prosthesis. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS Odontogenic fibromyxomas are benign but locally aggressive, with a 25% recurrence rate due to its ability to infiltrate adjacent marrow spaces. As a consequence, management of this tumor is more aggressive. The radiographic features are similar to benign multilocular lesions such as ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). Contrast magnetic resonance imaging maybe useful in differentiating among these lesions because fibromyxomas show homogenous high signal intensity owing to the collagenous content. The presentation of this lesion in our current case has clinical and statistical relevance for its rare nature.
Adverse Outcomes with Eccentric Hypertrophy in a Community Based University Cohort with Aortic Stenosis

Background Objective Aortic stenosis (AS) patients with eccentric hypertrophy (Ecc-LVH) have increased left ventricular (LV) size and possibly reduced ejection fraction (EF). However, previous studies suggest worse outcomes with concentric remodeling and hypertrophy. We hypothesized that Ecc-LVH pattern in AS patients will also be associated with greater heart failure (HF) and all-cause mortality (ACM). Methods We queried the electronic medical record from a community-based university practice for all AS patients. We included patients with >60 days follow-up and interpretable Doppler echocardiograms. We recorded demographics, Doppler-echo parameters, laboratories, HF readmission and ACM with follow-up to 2083 days. There were 329 patients divided into 4 groups based on the presence of LV hypertrophy (LVH) and relative wall thickness (RWT) by echocardiography. Ecc-LVH had RWT Results Patients with severe AS were older, had greater coronary disease prevalence, lower hemoglobin, greater LV mass index, more abnormal diastolic function, greater HF and ACM. Multivariate Cox proportional analysis revealed that valvulo-arterial impedance (p=0.017) and Ecc-LVH (p=0.033) were HF predictors. Brain natriuretic peptide>100 pg/ml (p Conclusions Patients with AS and Ecc-LVH have greater ACM than other LV geometries with both moderate and severe AS and greater HF in moderate AS.
Quantum Hall Effect

This book is a compilation of reprint articles on one of the most intriguing phenomena in modern physics, the Quantum Hall Effect. Together with a detailed introduction by the editor, this volume is intended as a reference for students and research workers in condensed matter physics and for those with a particle physics background. The papers have been chosen with the intention of emphasizing the topological aspects of the Quantum Hall Effect and its connections with other branches of theoretical physics such as topological quantum field theories and string theory. The contents include sections on integer effect, fractional effect, effect of global topology, effective theories, edge states and non-Abelian statistics.
Dual Raman-Brillouin Microscope for Chemical and Mechanical Characterization and Imaging

We present a unique confocal microscope capable of measuring the Raman and Brillouin spectra simultaneously from a single spatial location. Raman and Brillouin scattering offer complementary information about a material’s chemical and mechanical structure, respectively, and concurrent monitoring of both of these spectra would set a new standard for material characterization. We achieve this by applying recent innovations in Brillouin spectroscopy that reduce the necessary acquisition times to durations comparable to conventional Raman spectroscopy while attaining a high level of spectral accuracy. To demonstrate the potential of the system, we map the Raman and Brillouin spectra of a molded poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel sample in cyclohexane to create two-dimensional images with high contrast at microscale resolutions. This powerful tool has the potential for very diverse analytical applications in basic science, industry, and medicine.
The New North Carolinians: The Economic Impact of the Hispanic and Immigrant Population in North Carolina

Over the last several decades, the movement of people into North Carolina has been so large and so pervasive that we call them, collectively, the “new” North Carolinians. Some of the new North Carolinians are immigrants, but most are “domestic imports.” The new North Carolinians are changing the character of the state’s population but even as they do so, the new North Carolinians often reaffirm and strengthen traditional North Carolina ways of life. This paper reviews the context in which the migration has taken place, describes the new North Carolinians, assesses their impact on the state’s economy, and explores policy options for long-term labor supply.
Towards Scalable Parallelism in Monte Carlo Particle Transport Codes Using Remote Memory Access

One forthcoming challenge in the area of high-performance computing is having the ability to run large-scale problems while coping with less memory per compute node. In this work, we investigate a novel data decomposition method that would allow Monte Carlo transport calculations to be performed on systems with limited memory per compute node. In this method, each compute node remotely retrieves a small set of geometry and cross-section data as needed and remotely accumulates local tallies when crossing the boundary of the local spatial domain. Initial results demonstrate that while the method does allow large problems to be run in a memory-limited environment, achieving scalability may be difficult due to inefficiencies in the current implementation of RMA operations.
Diagnostic accuracy of clinical data, quantitative electromyography and histochemistry in neuromuscular disease. A study of 105 cases.

Abstract One hundred and five (105) cases of muscle weakness were reviewed in order to evaluate the reliability of clinical diagnosis, quantitative EMG, and muscle histochemistry in neuromuscular disorders. Patients were grouped into 3 categories: group I, disorders which could be diagnosed by clinical observation alone (38 patients); group II, disorders in which the EMG and biopsy were necessary for delineation (63 patients); disorders in which it was not possible to make a diagnosis because the clinical and laboratory studies were contradictory (4 patients). In group I, only one patient showed an inconsistency between clinical and laboratory data. In group II, the EMG and biopsy were concordant in all but 4 cases of Kugelberg-Welander syndrome with neuropathic EMG and myopathic biopsy. In group III, 4 patients had a myopathic EMG and neuropathic biopsy. The overall concordance of EMG and histochemistry was greater than 90%. The laboratory studies also discerned 2 different categories of disease, “neuropathic” and “myopathic”. The consistency in EMG and histochemistry correlation suggests that a true division between neuropathic and myopathic disorders exists.
Theory and design of a bio-inspired multistable oscillator

We propose a semi-autonomous low-dimensional dynamical system that possess numerous coexisting stable oscillatory solutions. Unlike previous multistable systems, our system does not explicitly depend on delayed feedback. This system is inspired by earlier work studying the multistable dynamics in biological models of electrical activity in bursting neurons. The model consists of a second-order underdamped linear system that receives pulsatile input over a subregion of the state space. Simulation results illustrate numerous stable coexisting periodic solutions that are both robust and easy to switch between. We demonstrated the feasibility of this system by building and testing an analog circuit implementation of this model system. The analog circuit possess four or more coexisting solutions. Read out of the current state of the system is trivial due to the nature of the circuits dynamics, and the state of the system may be switched by appropriately timed inputs.
Regulation of the immune system by synthetic polynucleotides. IV. Amplification of proliferation of thymus-influenced lymphocytes.

Abstract The role of thymus-influenced antigen reactive cells (ARC) in the immune response was studied with the aid of a potent adjuvant to both antibody formation and cell-mediated immunity, polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid complexes (poly A:U). The polynucleotide complex increased the anti-sheep erythrocyte rosette forming cell response of irradiated mice after thymus cells were exposed to poly A:U in vivo or in vitro prior to injection of bone marrow cells. This direct stimulatory action resulted in an enhancement of the rate of proliferation of ARC in response to antigen and a shortening of the interval between antigenic challenge and the initiation of division in immunocompetent cells. No stimulatory effect of poly A:U on bone marrow derived antibody forming precursor cells was observed. It is suggested that ARC play an important role in the regulation of the length of the induction period, as well as the rate of increase of antibody forming cells in response to some antigenic stimuli.
A smartwatch-based medication adherence system

Poor adherence to prescription medication can compromise treatment effectiveness and cost the billions of dollars in unnecessary health care expenses. Though various interventions have been proposed for estimating adherence rates, few have been shown to be effective. Digital systems are capable of estimating adherence without extensive user involvement and can potentially provide higher accuracy with lower user burden than manual methods. In this paper, we propose a smartwatch-based system for detecting adherence to prescription medication based the identification of several motions using the built-in tri-axial accelerometers and gyroscopes. The efficacy of the proposed technique is confirmed through a survey of medication ingestion habits and experimental results on movement classification.
On the sensitivity of solutions of hyperbolic equations to the coefficients

The goal of this work is to determine appropriate domain and range of the map from the coefficients to the solutions of the wave equation for which its linearization or formal derivative is bounded and the properties of the coefficients on which the bound depends.Such information is indispensable in the study of the inverse (coefficient identification) problem vio smooth optimization methods. The main result of this paper is an explicit microlocal Sobolev estimate for the linearized forward map. In view of results of Rakesh [19] for the smooth coefficient case, the order of our regularity result is optimal. Our proof is based on the method of nonsmooth microlocal analysis, in particular various results on propagation of singularities, the method of progressing wave expansions, microlocal study of solutions of the transport equations, study of conormal properties of the fundamental solution, and a duality technique.
Structural Analysis of Novel [60]Fullerene Bisadduct Regioisomers by DFT Calculation

The structural analysis of the first [60]fullerenyl 1,38-bisadduct having the almost perpendicular angle between two addends was performed based on the simulation of 13C-NMR spectral line patterns using the DFT calculation at the B3LYP/6-31G∗ level of the theory. Among seven closely related model regioisomers of C60(CH3)2 applied in the calculation, we confirmed that the 1,38-bisadduct and 1,4-bisadduct, being the most plausible regioisomers in a structure showing an approximate consistency of spectral line profiles, match with that of the experimentally obtained spectrum.
Direct determination of uracil in [32P,uracil-3H]poly(dA·dT) and bisulfite-treated phage PM2 DNA

Abstract A simple but effective technique for determining the presence of uracil existing as either A:U base pairs or G:U base pairs in DNA was developed. DNA is degraded to deoxynucleoside 3′-monophosphates by a combination of micrococcal nuclease and spleen phosphodiesterase. The monophosphates are converted to 5′-end-labeled 32 P-labeled diphosphates in a reaction catalyzed by T4 polynucleotide kinase. The resultant product is then converted to 5′-end-labeled deoxynucleoside monophosphates by P1 nuclease digestion, which specifically removes 3′-phosphates. Successful separation of labeled dUMP from conventional bases in DNA is achieved by two-dimensional polyethyleneimine chromatography, with its detection determined by autoradiography and liquid scintillation counting. The sensitivity of the technique described can detect a minimum 1 × 10 −16 mol of dUMP in DNA. Additionally, the detection of 5-methylcytosine in placental DNA demonstrates the flexibility of the technique for the analysis of modified bases in DNA.
MINIMIZING MATERIALS HANDLING WITH A FLEXIBLE PLANT LAYOUT

SUMMARY SUMMARY It has long been known that a product-type plant layout produces maximum economy both in production time and materials handling provided there is sufficient volume to justify tying up equipment in special-purpose functions. Acceptance of the idea of continual relocation of production machinery as required by the changes in products appears to offer a means of extending the economies of the “production line” into situations previously considered only for “job” shop operations. Mounting machinery on special bases enables their being moved by fork lift, crane or air cushions at proper times and to proper location to minimize materials handling and in effect create transitory production lines. A computer program called Flex Flow has been devised to schedule such operations using the input from planning of new jobs plus feedback of actual operations from the mill.
Mapping Resting-State Brain Networks in Conscious Animals

In the present study we mapped brain functional connectivity in the conscious rat at the “resting state” based on intrinsic blood-oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) fluctuations. The conscious condition eliminated potential confounding effects of anesthetic agents on the connectivity between brain regions. Indeed, using correlational analysis we identified multiple cortical and subcortical regions that demonstrated temporally synchronous variation with anatomically well-defined regions that are crucial to cognitive and emotional information processing including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), thalamus and retrosplenial cortex. The functional connectivity maps created were stringently validated by controlling for false positive detection of correlation, the physiologic basis of the signal source, as well as quantitatively evaluating the reproducibility of maps. Taken together, the present study has demonstrated the feasibility of assessing functional connectivity in conscious animals using fMRI and thus provided a convenient and non-invasive tool to systematically investigate the connectional architecture of selected brain networks in multiple animal models.
Dragonfly preying on flying insects, rendezvous search games, and rendezvous and docking in space explorations

Dragonfly adults are predatory, and they demonstrate extraordinary capability to prey on flying insects. Significant understanding of this dragonfly behavior has been achieved in last 3 decades. Some species of dragonflies are the so-called “perchers” because they sit-and-wait for preys. Some other species of dragonflies are the so-called “hawkers” who forage in flight by swooping up to grab prey insects passing overhead (Olberg et al. 1980, 2007). According to Olberg et al (2000, 2005), this exceptional feat in intercepting and capturing prey insects (with as high as 97% success) are guided by their large compound eyes (each eye may consists of as many as 28000 facets). This amazingly versatile behavior can be abstracted as three interdependent processes: (1) decision to take off and initiate the pursuit; (2) navigating to intercept the prey; (3) coordinating leg movements in space and time to grab the prey. Although the exact mechanisms is still not well understood, it is clear that dragonflies are able to accurately estimate the distance from the passing object, over surprising long ranges, to make take-off decision in pursuit of a flying prey. In this paper, I first review the state-of-theart research on this extraordinary feat of the dragonfly and then explore the potential to harness it for precise Rendezvous and docking in space explorations. To achieve the objective, the first necessary step is to capture the behavior process with realistic and ideally precise mathematical models. However, it appears that the existing object tracking algorithms alone may be insufficient for the modeling task. I suggest that the Search Game (SG), Rendezvous Search Game (RSG), and Rendezvous Search Game with Evasion are applied to capture the behavior process, particularly, the cognitive decision-making process. Finally, I propose a two-layer modeling architecture in which SG/RSG are used at the strategic level and the traditional object tracking algorithms at the tactical level.
Topology-preserving mappings in a self-imaging photorefractively pumped ring resonator

Abstract We present a photorefractively pumped ring resonator for the formation of self-organized. topology-preserving mappings. The self-imaging ring resonator with saturable gain and loss supports localized cavity modes at arbitrary transverse locations. When the resonator is pumped by two uncorrelated signals, two spatially well separated modes form. Each mode is correlated temporally with one of the input signals. When the resonator is pumped by partially correlated inputs, modes with a partial spatial overlap form. The spatial distribution of the modes preserves the spatial topology of the input signals. An experimental demonstration and numerical simulations are presented.
Efficient algorithms for calculating small-angle scattering from large model structures

This paper compares Monte Carlo approaches and fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods to efficiently calculate small-angle scattering (SAS) profiles from large morphological models. These methods enable calculation of SAS from complex nanoscale morphologies commonly encountered in modern polymeric and nanoparticle-based systems which have no exact analytical representation and are instead represented digitally using many millions of subunits, so that algorithms with linear or near-linear scaling are essential. The Monte Carlo method, referred to as the Monte Carlo distribution function method (MC-DFM), is presented and its accuracy validated using a number of simple morphologies, while the FFT calculations are based on the fastest implementations available. The efficiency, usefulness and inherent limits of DFM and FFT approaches are explored using a series of complex morphological models, including Gaussian chain ensembles and two-phase three-dimensional interpenetrating nanostructures.
An extremal characterization of regular simplices via the addition theorem for Gegenbauer polynomials

Let p 1, ..., p N+2 be unit vectors in E N+1. Then the sum of the squares of all the (N+2, 2) inner products which they determine is minimal if and only if ± signs can be chosen so that the ±p i are the vertices of a regular simplex. The proof involves a special case of the addition theorem for Gegenbauer polynomials.
Effect of blank samples on absolute odor threshold determinations

Absolute odor thresholds for methyl isobutyl ketone were estimated under five conditions: odor sample-to-air blank ratios of 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, and 9:1. Each of the five ratios was presented in two replicated balanced Latin square sequences to five adult human Ss. The results showed that significantly lower estimates of the threshold were obtained when the ratio of odor samples to air blanks was 1:1. These results are discussed in terms of possible adaptation effects, maintenance of an internal frame of reference as a basis for decisions, and response matching to pay-off expectancy.
Etiology of the sexual dimorphism in renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor response to stress in rats.

Abstract A sexual dimorphism in stress-induced alterations in renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBR) was recently reported. The present paper includes five experiments examining the etiology of this sex difference. Surgical removal of ovaries and testes was ineffective in altering the renal PBR stress response in both male and female rats. A diurnal variation in the sexual dimorphism was observed; the difference was seen in the early part of the light cycle, while the two sexes were indistinguishable at the end of the light cycle. Finally, based on recent data indicating the importance of the renin-angiotensin system in the stress-induced decrease in renal PBR, we examined both stress-induced plasma renin activity and renal PBR reactivity to exogenous angiotensin II (All) administration in both sexes. Female rats show both an attenuated elevation of plasma renin levels in response to inescapable shock stress and a reduced PBR response to All administration in comparison to males. The present data indicate that the renin-angiotensin system may be a critical factor in the sexual dimorphism in the renal PBR response to stress. The possibility of this difference in the renin-angiotensin system contributing to sex differences in susceptibility to escape deficits following inescapable shock is entertained. The implications for these findings regarding the physiological function of the PBR are also discussed.
Extraversion and preferred level of sensory stimulation

Based on the work of Eysenck (1967), the present study hypothesizes a positive correlation between extraversion scores and the amount of ambient illumination and sound necessary to provide optimum hedonic tone and to create a slightly unpleasant level of hedonic tone. The subjects were 120 male undergraduates at Michigan State University. The results support the existence of a positive correlation between extraversion and sensory-seeking behaviour hypothesized by Eysenck (1967), but suggest that the relationship between the variables is due to differences between introverts and extraverts as to what constitutes an excessive level of stimulation.
Model-based analysis and design of a microchannel reactor for tissue engineering

Recently developed perfusion micro-bioreac- torsofferthepromiseofmorephysiologicinvitrosystems for tissue engineering. Successful application of such bioreactors will require a method to characterize the bioreactor environment required to elicit desired cell function. We present a mathematical model to describe nutrient/growth factor transport and cell growth inside a microchannel bioreactor. Using the model, we first show that the nature of spatial gradients in nutrient concentra- tion can be controlled by both design and operating conditions and are a strong function of cell uptake rates. Next, we extend our model to investigate the spatial distributions of cell-secreted soluble autocrine/paracrine growth factors in the bioreactor. We show that the convective transport associated with the continuous cell culture and possible media recirculation can significantly alter the concentration distribution of the soluble signal- ing molecules as compared to static culture experiments and hence needs special attention when adapting static culture protocols for the bioreactor. Further, using an unsteady state model, we find that spatial gradients in nutrient/growth factor concentrations can bring about spatial variations in the cell density distribution inside the bioreactor,whichcanresultinloweredworkingvolumeof the bioreactor. Finally, we show that the nutrient and spatiallimitationscandramaticallyaffectthecomposition ofaco-culturedcellpopulation.Ourresultsaresignificant for the development, design, and optimization of novel micro-channel systems for tissue engineering. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mining for computing skills

This research utilizes web content mining to retrieve job ads for graduates of Computing degree programs, extract the skills listed in those job ads, and analyze the data to determine which skills are most prevalent in the job market and which combinations of skills are most in demand.
Effects of Ba loading and calcination temperature on BaAl2O4 formation for BaO/Al2O3 NOx storage and reduction catalysts

Abstract The effect of thermal treatment on the structure and chemical properties of Ba-oxide-based NO x storage/reduction catalysts with different Ba loadings was investigated using BET, TEM, EDS, TPD and FT-IR techniques. On the basis of the present and previously reported results, we propose that moderate ( 8 wt.% BaO), small (∼5 nm) particles of ‘bulk’ BaO are present on top of the one ML BaO/Al 2 O 3 surface. We did not observe any detectable morphological changes upon higher temperature thermal treatment of 2 and 8 wt.% BaO/Al 2 O 3 samples, while dramatic changes occurred for the 20 wt.% sample. In this latter case, the transformations included BaAl 2 O 4 formation at the expense of the bulk BaO phase. In particular, we conclude that the surface (ML) BaO phase is quite stable against thermal treatment, while the bulk phase provides the source of Ba for BaAl 2 O 4 formation.
Operations research analysis of a stock market problem

Abstract This paper deals with a situation that was initially conceived as a pure financial-economic problem. As the investiagation progressed, it became apparent that the expertise of an operations researcher was needed to complete the study. The presentation shows how linear programming is used to assist in the solution of a financial entanglement.
Congenital and genetic disorders of hyperpigmentation

Pigmented skin lesions are often the initial clue to the presence of an underlying disorder or syndrome. In evaluating such conditions, it is helpful to categorize the lesions according to their morphology and distribution. A diagnostic approach is provided, with the general topics consisting of melanocytic nevi, widespread or localized “spotty” pigmentation such as simple lentigines, cafe-au-lait macules, hyper-pigmentation along the lines of Blaschko, reticulate pigmentation, dermal melanocytosis, dyschromatosis, and other unique pigmentary patterns. Within this framework, we outline and review a variety of congenital and genetic disorders of hyperpigmentation, including giant congenital nevi and neurocutaneous melanosis, the multiple lentigines syndrome, Carney syndrome, and Peutz-Jehgers sywdrome, the neurofibromatoses, the McCune-Albright syndrome, incontinentia pigmenti and other conditions due to genetic mosaicism, dyskeratosis congenita and Fanconi's anemia, nevus of Ota, and many other conditions in which cutaneous pigmentation signals an underlying disorder. Diagnostic criteria and suggested clinical evaluation are provided when applicable.
Virtual Tutee System: a potential tool for enhancing academic reading engagement

This article reports on evaluation studies of the Virtual Tutee System (VTS) designed to enhance students’ engagement in academic reading. The VTS is a web-based peer-tutoring environment in which students teach a virtual tutee about the content in course readings that students have been assigned to learn. With the VTS, students interact with virtual tutees by providing lecture notes and answering questions from these tutees. The initial prototype of the VTS was implemented and evaluated through two field trials in a college classroom. The purposes of the two field trials were to assess the efficacy of the VTS and improve its design. In the first field trial, students successfully completed the VTS and showed a deeper engagement in reading with the use of the VTS, but reported several design issues. Based on findings from the first trial, two modifications in the VTS design were made. In the second field trial, students used the revised VTS. They expressed enjoyment in teaching their virtual tutees and appreciated the value of the VTS. They also demonstrated a significant increase in their reading strategy use. The article concludes with design considerations for the VTS and implications for future research and development.
Restriction of Copper Export in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to a Late Golgi or Post-Golgi Compartment in the Secretory Pathway

The CCC2 gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a P-type ATPase (Ccc2p) required for the export of cytosolic copper to the extracytosolic domain of a copper-dependent oxidase, Fet3p. Ccc2p appears to be both a structural and functional homolog of ATPases impaired in two human disorders of intracellular copper transport, Menkes disease and Wilson disease. In the present work, three approaches were used to determine the locus of Ccc2p-dependent copper export within the secretory pathway. First, like ccc2 mutants, sec mutants blocked in the secretory pathway at steps prior to and including the Golgi complex failed to deliver radioactive copper to Fet3p. Second, also like ccc2 mutants, vps33 and certain other mutants with defects in post-Golgi sorting exhibited phenotypes traceable to deficient copper delivery to Fet3p. These findings were sufficient to explain the respiratory deficiency of these mutants. Third, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that Ccc2p was distributed among several punctate foci within wild-type cells, consistent with late Golgi or post-Golgi localization. Thus, copper export by Ccc2p appears to be restricted to a late or post-Golgi compartment in the secretory pathway.
What makes technological transfer successful

It is widely recognized that increasing the use of cleaner and more efficient energy technologies allows nations to reduce their GHG emissions. Investing in and creating policy for innovation in cl...
Finite difference analysis of 2-D photonic crystals

In this paper, a finite difference method is developed to analyze the guided-wave properties of a class of two-dimensional photonic crystals (irregular dielectric rods). An efficient numerical scheme is developed to deal with the deterministic equations resulting from a set of finite difference equations for inhomogeneous periodic structures. Photonic band structures within an irreducible Brillouin zone are investigated for both in-plane and out-of-plane propagation. For out-of-plane propagation, the guided waves are hybrid modes; while for in-plane propagation, the guided waves are either TE or TM modes, and there exist photonic bandgaps within which wave propagation is prohibited. Photonic bandgap maps for squares, veins, and crosses are investigated to determine the effects of the filling factor, the dielectric contrast, and lattice constants, on the band-gap width and location. Possible applications of photonic bandgap materials are discussed.
The cryogenic dark matter search (CDMS-II) experiment - first results from the Soudan Mine

The CDMS collaboration has completed its first WIMP search run at the Soudan Underground Laboratory. This run consisted of operating 4 Ge and 2 Si ZIP detectors for 52.6 live days and yields a post-analysis WIMP exposure of 19.4 kg-d for recoil energies between 10-100 keV. Analysis of this data sets the world's lowest exclusion limits on the coherent WIMP-nucleon scalar cross-section for all WIMP masses above 15 GeV/c2.