High-density SNP association study of the 17q21 chromosomal region linked to autism identifies CACNA1G as a novel candidate gene.

Chromosome 17q11-q21 is a region of the genome likely to harbor susceptibility to autism (MIM(209850)) based on earlier evidence of linkage to the disorder. This linkage is specific to multiplex pedigrees containing only male probands (MO) within the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE). Earlier, Stone et al.(1) completed a high-density single nucleotide polymorphism association study of 13.7 Mb within this interval, but common variant association was not sufficient to account for the linkage signal. Here, we extend this single nucleotide polymorphism-based association study to complete the coverage of the two-LOD support interval around the chromosome 17q linkage peak by testing the majority of common alleles in 284 MO trios. Markers within an interval containing the gene, CACNA1G, were found to be associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder at a locally significant level (P=1.9 × 10(-5)). While establishing CACNA1G as a novel candidate gene for autism, these alleles do not contribute a sufficient genetic effect to explain the observed linkage, indicating that there is substantial genetic heterogeneity despite the clear linkage signal. The region thus likely harbors a combination of multiple common and rare alleles contributing to the genetic risk. These data, along with earlier studies of chromosomes 5 and 7q3, suggest few if any major common risk alleles account for Autism Spectrum Disorder risk under major linkage peaks in the AGRE sample. This provides important evidence for strategies to identify Autism Spectrum Disorder genes, suggesting that they should focus on identifying rare variants and common variants of small effect

NASA research in supersonic propulsion: A decade of progress

A second generation, economically viable, and environmentally acceptable supersonic aircraft is reviewed. Engine selection, testbed experiments, and noise reduction research are described

Supersonic aerodynamic characteristics associated with variations in the geometry of the forward portion of irregular planform wings

The experimental longitudinal and lateral-directional stability characteristics of a Langley conceptual space shuttle orbiter design have been obtained for a series of inboard planform fillets in a unitary plan wind tunnel. Fillet sweep angles up to 78 deg were investigated while holding the spanwise intersection of the fillet and wing constant. The data were obtained at Mach numbers of 2.36 to 4.63 and at Reynolds numbers (depending on Mach number) of 1.5 million to 2.5 million per foot. The angle of attack was varied from about minus 2 deg to 44 deg at 0 deg and 3 deg of sideslip

SYSTEMIC DELAY IN DEFENSE CONTRACTING: A CASE STUDY OF THE DEFENSE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AGENCY’S CONTRACT CLOSEOUT BACKLOG FROM FY2015 TO FY2020

In this study, we analyze the Defense Contract Management Agency’s (DCMA) actions, from FY2015 to FY2020, to reduce a backlog of more than 72,000 overage flexibly priced contracts (FPC) that awaited administrative closeout. By working directly with the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) to align organizational priorities and deconflict internal procedures, the DCMA identified systemic delays in its closeout process and reduced the FPC backlog. Using historical data generated during the DCMA’s Material Weakness Initiative (MWI), our analysis focuses on the DCMA’s overall effectiveness in closing FPCs. The goal of our research is to provide defense contracting activities a roadmap to prevent future backlogs and reduce current backlogs. One main takeaway is the importance of aligning organizational priorities and deconflicting internal procedures between interconnected contract administration participants to close FPCs on time and efficiently. Three primary recommendations that stem from our findings are that defense contracting organizations should: (1) set organizational FPC closeout goals and use metrics to track closeout progress, (2) when multiple entities are involved, establish a process to track queued FPCs awaiting administrative action by all organizations, and (3) consider adding contract clauses that enable administrative contracting officers to efficiently close FPCs during the post-award phase. Additional recommendations for further research are also provided.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant Commander, United States NavyLieutenant Commander, United States NavyLieutenant Commander, United States Nav

Note and Comment

The Execution of the Insured for Crime as a Defense to the Insurer, the Policy Being Silent as to This Contingency; The Power of a Corporation to Hold and Vote Stock of Another Corporation; Effect of an Agreement Not to Compromise Without consent of Attorney Upon Contract for Contingent Fees; The Pennsylvania Supreme Court and The Pennsylvania Railroad Compan

Transonic aerodynamic characteristics associated with variations in the geometry of the forward portion of irregular planform wings

The experimental aerodynamic characteristics of three basic wing planforms on a conceptual orbiter fuselage (designated the LO-100) have been obtained in the 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel. The study included variations in the forward portion (fillet) of each basic wing. Fillet sweeps to 78 deg were investigated while holding the spanwise intersection of the fillet and wing constant. The data were obtained at Mach numbers of 0.35 to 1.2 and at Reynolds number (depending on Mach number) of 1.9 million to 2.11 million per foot. The angle of attack was varied from about minus 2 deg to 22 deg at 0 deg of sideslip

Emerging technologies for sustainable irrigation: Selected papers from the 2015 ASABE and IA irrigation symposium

Citation: Lamm, F. R., Stone, K. C., Dukes, M. D., Howell, T. A., Sr., Robbins, J. W. D., Jr., & Mecham, B. Q. (2016). Emerging technologies for sustainable irrigation: Selected papers from the 2015 ASABE and IA irrigation symposium. Transactions of the Asabe, 59(1), 155-161. doi:10.13031/trans.59.11706This article is an introduction to the "Emerging Technologies in Sustainable Irrigation: A Tribute to the Career of Terry Howell, Sr." Special Collection in this issue of Transactions of the ASABE and the next issue of Applied Engineering in Agriculture, consisting of 16 articles selected from 62 papers and presentations at the joint irrigation symposium of ASABE and the Irrigation Association (IA), which was held in November 2015 in Long Beach, California. The joint cooperation on irrigation symposia between ASABE and IA can be traced back to 1970, and this time period roughly coincides with the career of Dr. Howell. The cooperative symposia have offered an important venue for discussion of emerging technologies that can lead to sustainable irrigation. This most recent symposium is another point on the continuum. The articles in this Special Collection address three major topic areas: evapotranspiration measurement and determination, irrigation systems and their associated technologies, and irrigation scheduling and water management. While these 16 articles are not inclusive of all the important advances in irrigation since 1970, they illustrate that continued progress occurs by combining a recognition of the current status with the postulation of new ideas to advance our understanding of irrigation engineering and science. The global food and water challenges will require continued progress from our portion of the scientific community. This article serves to introduce and provide a brief summary of the Special Collection. © 2016 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers

Stress in nurses : stress-related affect and its determinants examined over the nursing day

Peer reviewedPostprin