Phylogenetic scanning: a computer-assisted algorithm for mapping gene conversions and other recombinational events

An algorithm, 'phylogenetic scanning', is described for mapping gene conversion events where comparative DNA sequence data are available from different species. In this algorithm, sets of hypothetical phylogenetic trees are constructed that describe possible sequence relationships due to gene conversions in different species lineages; these trees are then evaluated by the principle of parsimony at intervals in the sequence alignment. When used to map gene conversion events that occurred between the pair of gamma-globin genes of higher primates, the algorithm gives results nearly identical to those obtained using a tedious manual approach. Suggestions are also provided for adaptation of this procedure to the analysis of other recombination events.     

Quality-Assurance Technology in Japan

A survey of the state of SQA in Japan finds that the situation is much like, but slightly different than, that in the US.     

Materials technology for aerospace applications

Modern helicopter design depends on the successful combination of materials to fulfil a very wide range of critical functions. In the past few years demands from the aerospace industry have caused considerable enhancement in the favourable properties of both polymer based materials and metals. These are discussed in connection with the progressive technical evolution of helicopters and other advanced technological products from the Westland Group.     

Optical imaging of anatomical maps derived from magnetic resonanceimages using time-independent optical sources

Presents a model suitable for computing images of absorption cross sections of thick tissue structures illuminated at near infrared (NIR) wavelengths from tomographic projection data. Image reconstruction is accomplished by solving a system of linear equations derived from transport theory. Reconstruction results using different algebraic solvers are shown for anatomical maps of the breast, derived from magnetic resonance imaging data, containing two simulated pathologies, in which case qualitatively good reconstructions were obtained. Evaluation of magnetic resonance (MR) data to optimize NIR optical tomographic imaging methods and to assess the feasibility of a combined MR-optical measurement scheme is discussed     

Knowledge, data, and models

The object-oriented approach to integrating knowledge data, and models is examined. Under the object-oriented paradigm, everything is an object, which is itself an encapsulation of data and methods to manipulate and access the data within the object. Thus knowledge, data, and models can be defined as special kinds of objects. Active knowledge/data language (KDL), a functional object-oriented database system is considered, covering the active-KDL-type system and functions, and query-driven simulation     

The influence of trigger configurations and laminate lay-up on the failure mode of composite crush cylinders

In this paper the results are presented of a test program on the energy absorption of composite cylinders loaded in compression. The influence of the laminate lay-up and of the trigger configuration were determined. Two different failure modes for the different laminates and triggers were observed: a splaying mode and a fragmentation mode. The splaying mode is more efficient in absorbing energy. The failure mode did not change during the crushing process.     

Influence of aminophylline and 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline on the anticonvulsive action of diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital, and valproate against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice

Time variation of drinking is substantial and has an effect on aggregate estimates of consumption. In this article it is shown that because of a considerable seasonal variation in consumption (+/- 20%) a serious bias in annual consumption estimates can be expected in surveys with a limited time frame. The present study analyzes drinking data collected in the general population of the Netherlands from March 1985 through December 1985 (including Christmas and New Year's Eve). Since it was expected that sensitivity to temporal fluctuations might not be equal for different methods of measurement, several indices of consumption were compared. Although the assessed seasonal effect varies indeed across types of measurement, across male and female subsample and across types of alcoholic beverage, the general tendency is for consumption to be highest in the spring season and lowest in the autumn. Sales figures fluctuate accordingly. It is evident that the risk of biased estimates is larger the shorter the time frame of the survey. Seasonal variation was highest in the frequency domain. Furthermore, exclusion from the time frame of collective holidays, during which people drink more often and more per occasion (viz., Christmas), increases the risk of biased estimates. Even estimates of abstention, but also regular heavy drinking among women, appear to vary considerably over the three seasons in this study. The main conclusion is that results of comparisons of survey data on drinking, particularly those over time, are more or less invalid if the respective time frames of the surveys do not correspond.