Synteny mapping of four genes from the short arm of human chromosome 19 to bovine chromosome 7

Four genes on the short arm of human chromosome 19 (HSA 19p) were assigned to bovine chromosome 7 (BTA 7) using a bovine x rodent somatic hybrid cell panel. These four genes were cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), lymphoblastic leukemia derived sequence 1 (LYL1), lysosomal alpha-mannosidase (MANB), and RAS oncogene family member RAB3A. Bovine sequence tagged sites were developed for the four genes and used for screening a bovine x rodent somatic cell panel. All four genes were mapped to bovine synteny group U22 (BTA 7) with a correlation coefficient of 0.901-1.000. This study confirms that the centromeric region of BTA 7 is conserved with HSA 19p.     

Syntenic assignment of dopamine tautomerase (DCT) to bovine chromosome 12

Heterologous primers were used to amplify an exon and intron-containing segment of the bovine homologue of the human dopachrome tautomerase gene. After confirmation of homology by sequence analysis (exon sequence similarity greater than 90%), bovine-specific primers were developed for synteny mapping purposes. The dopachrome tautomerase gene was assigned to bovine chromosome 12 (BTA12) with 97% concordance to the coagulation factor 10 locus. Together with previous synteny mapping of bovine chromosome 12 genes, fms-related tyrosine kinase, esterase D and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2, this assignment further indicates conservation between human chromosome 13q and bovine chromosome 12.     

Minimum-state realizations of linear time-varying systems

An algorithm for removing uncontrollable (unobservable) state variables from time-varying systems is presented. The algorithm makes use of the time-variable controllability (observability) matrix which is augmented with the identity matrix and transformed into Hermite normal form. In this new set of coordinates, the uncontrollable (unobservable) state variables are easily identified and removed. An example is given.     

Relationship between free-living daily physical activity and ambulatory measures in older claudicants

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between free-living daily physical activity and ambulatory measurements in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) patients with intermittent claudication. Thirty-four older, nonsmoking PAOD patients with intermittent claudication (age=69.0 +/- 6.0 years, ankle/brachial index [ABI] =0.63 +/- 0.18) were recruited from the Vascular Clinic at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center and from radio and newspaper advertisements. Energy expenditure of physical activity (EEPA) was determined by using doubly labeled water and indirect calorimetry techniques. Patients were also characterized on claudication distances and peak oxygen uptake during a graded treadmill test, 6-minute walking distance, weight, body mass index, and percent body fat. The claudication patients were sedentary, as EEPA was 362 +/- 266 kcal/day. EEPA was related to the 6-minute walk distance (369 +/- 68 meters; r=0.629, P<0.001), to the number of steps taken during 6 minutes (605 +/- 99 steps; r=0.485, P=0.008), to the treadmill distance to maximal claudication (313 +/- 131 meters; r=0.470, P=0.010), and to the time to relief of pain (6:21 +/- 3:57 min:sec; r=-0.417, P=0.017). None of the other ambulatory and body composition measurements were correlated with EEPA. In conclusion, a reduction in free-living daily physical activity was associated with a decrease in ambulatory ability and with more severe intermittent claudication in older PAOD patients.     

On the controllability of a class of nonlinear systems

Sufficient conditions are given which assure that the systemfrac{dx}{dt}= A(t)x + B(t)u + f(x,u,t)is globally or locally controllable.     

A two-parameter adaptive system using a sinusoidal test signal

A linear control system with two variable parameters is considered in this paper. Identification of the state of the basic system is achieved by a high frequency sinusoidal test signal. The magnitude and phase angle of the perturbed output signal are used in two adaptive loops to detect changes in system gain and the location of a nondominant pole. A simple approach to the prediction of interloop coupling is presented. The results of simulating this adaptive system on an analog computer are given.     

An experimental 512-bit nonvolatile memory with ferroelectricstorage cell

An experimental 512-b random-access memory based on ferroelectric-capacitor storage cells has been successfully fabricated and tested. The device was designed solely for use in process development and electrical characterization and includes onboard test circuitry for that purpose. The internal timing of the memory is controlled externally to allow experimentation with timing algorithms, hence the name 512 externally controlled device, or 512 ECD. The authors discuss the properties of the ferroelectric ceramics used in integrated circuit memories, the operation of a destructively read ferroelectric memory cell, and the organization of the 512 ECD die, including its onboard test circuitry. Finally, retention and wear-out properties of ferroelectric capacitors are discussed as they relate to design requirements     

New control algorithms via brain theory.

New concepts and viewpoints are needed to develop control algorithms for large scale systems. It is hypothesized that brain functions in human beings clearly demonstrates the existence of superior techniques for controlling complex systems with multiple objectives. The theory of compacta is investigated as a basis for learning, memory, and perception.