Intrigue and potential of space exploration

A brief history of astronomy is presented. A chronology of events in the space program is summarized. The possibilities of interplanetary exploration are postulated. The accomplishments of astronomy in pointing the way to manned spaceflight and improved understanding of the solar system are examined

Simulating spatial and temporal evolution of multiple wing cracks around faults in crystalline basement rocks

Fault zones are structurally highly spatially heterogeneous and hence extremely complex. Observations of fluid flow through fault zones over several scales show that this structural complexity is reflected in the hydrogeological properties of faults. Information on faults at depth is scarce, hence, it is highly valuable to understand the controls on spatial and temporal fault zone development. In this paper we increase our understanding of fault damage zone development in crystalline rocks by dynamically simulating the growth of single and multiple splay fractures produced from failure on a pre-existing fault. We present a new simulation model, MOPEDZ (Modeling Of Permeability Evolution in the Damage Zone surrounding faults), that simulates fault evolution through solution of Navier's equation with a combined Mohr-Coulomb and tensile failure criteria. Simulations suggest that location, frequency, mode of failure and orientation of splay fractures are significantly affected both by the orientation of the fault with respect to the maximum principal compressive stress and the conditions of differential stress. Model predictions compare well with published field outcrop data, confirming that this model produces realistic damage zone geometries

Neuropsychological Profile of Autism and the Broad Autism Phenotype

Context: Multiple articles describe a constellation of language, personality, and social-behavioral features present in relatives that mirror the symptom domains of autism, but are much milder in expression. Studies of this broad autism phenotype (BAP) may provide a potentially important complementary approach for detecting the genes causing autism and defining associated neural circuitry by identifying more refined phenotypes that can be measured quantitatively in both affected and unaffected individuals and that are tied to functioning in particular regions of the brain. Objective: To gain insight into neuropsychological features that index genetic liability to autism. Design: Case-control study. Setting: The general community. Participants: Thirty-eight high-functioning individuals with autism and parents of autistic individuals, both with and without the BAP (n = 83), as well as control individuals. Main Outcome Measures: A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tasks assessing social cognition, executive function, and global vs local processing strategies (central coherence). Results: Both individuals with autism and parents with the BAP differed from controls on measures of social cognition, with performance in the other 2 domains being more similar to controls. Conclusions: Data suggest that the social cognitive domain may be an important target for linking phenotype to cognitive process to brain structure in autism and may ultimately provide insight into the genes involved in autism

Identifying Subunit Organization and Function of the Nuclear RNA Exosome Machinery

IDENTIFYING SUBUNIT ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION OF THE NUCLEAR RNA EXOSOME MACHINERY Jillian Strother Losh, A.S., B.S. The eukaryotic RNA exosome processes and degrades many classes of RNA. It is present in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, highly evolutionarily conserved, and essential for viability. Since the RNA exosome is such a significant component of the RNA degradation machinery, it is unsurprising that even single point mutations in a few of its subunits have been linked to human disease. For example, at least eight point mutations in a single subunit of the RNA exosome have been linked to pontocerebellar hypoplasia subtype 1b (PCH1b). My work has included the development of a laboratory model system to assess the specific effects of these mutations on the structure and function of the RNA exosome. My collaborators and I have employed the common model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae for this work since both the RNA exosome and other components of RNA degradation machinery are conserved throughout eukaryotes. Our research has shown that at least one PCH1b-associated mutation negatively affects the stability of the RNA exosome, although it remains functional. The effect of this mutation is conserved between yeast and mouse cells. The RNA exosome requires various cofactors in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm for substrate delivery. The other half of my work focuses on a nuclear cofactor of the RNA exosome, the TRAMP complex. This complex is comprised of an RNA helicase and a poly(A) polymerase, as well as an RNA-binding subunit. However, it is currently unclear how the TRAMP complex is specifically assembled and moreover, if it is essential for life. The poly(A) polymerase subunit consists of a catalytic domain, as well as disordered regions that are required for protein interactions. My work has shown that the catalytic core of the TRAMP complex is necessary and sufficient for its essential functions, although a specific interaction between the two enzymatic subunits is required for snoRNA biogenesis and possibly other cellular functions. These and future studies will help define the role of the TRAMP complex in the RNA degradation process and determine its importance for cellular viability

Revisiting IMTFI Researchers: Introducing the 2015 India Field Report

In March of 2015 IMTFI arranged for a comprehensive visit to India to gather updates on four sponsored research projects with the following fellows and researchers: Mani Nandhi, Deepti KC, Nithya Joseph and Janaki Srinivasan.This synthesis brings together the series—7 blogposts (10/2/2015-10/21/2015) featuring the four case studies—written up by IMTFI conference blogger Liz Losh. It examines a broad range of financial inclusion issues for specific targeted populations that differed by region, gender, and occupation. These studies included in-depth long-term field work with Delhi rickshaw pullers, rural women in Bihar, fishermen in Kerala, and silk workers in Karnakata