Sequence-Based Mapping and Genome Editing Reveal Mutations in Stickleback Hps5 Cause Oculocutaneous Albinism and the casper Phenotype.

Here, we present and characterize the spontaneous X-linked recessive mutation casper, which causes oculocutaneous albinism in threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In humans, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome results in pigmentation defects due to disrupted formation of the melanin-containing lysosomal-related organelle (LRO), the melanosome. casper mutants display not only reduced pigmentation of melanosomes in melanophores, but also reductions in the iridescent silver color from iridophores, while the yellow pigmentation from xanthophores appears unaffected. We mapped casper using high-throughput sequencing of genomic DNA from bulked casper mutants to a region of the stickleback X chromosome (chromosome 19) near the stickleback ortholog of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome 5 (Hps5). casper mutants have an insertion of a single nucleotide in the sixth exon of Hps5, predicted to generate an early frameshift. Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 induced lesions in Hps5 and phenocopied the casper mutation. Injecting single or paired Hps5 guide RNAs revealed higher incidences of genomic deletions from paired guide RNAs compared to single gRNAs. Stickleback Hps5 provides a genetic system where a hemizygous locus in XY males and a diploid locus in XX females can be used to generate an easily scored visible phenotype, facilitating quantitative studies of different genome editing approaches. Lastly, we show the ability to better visualize patterns of fluorescent transgenic reporters in Hps5 mutant fish. Thus, Hps5 mutations present an opportunity to study pigmented LROs in the emerging stickleback model system, as well as a tool to aid in assaying genome editing and visualizing enhancer activity in transgenic fish

The Medium is the Message: Standards of review in Criminal Constitutional Cases in Florida

When a court considers constitutional challenges to a criminal law, it should logically begin its task with the selection of the appropriate standard of review

A Preliminary Study on the Separation of Bovine Plasma Albumin-Copper Ion Dimer and Trimer Reaction Products by Ion-Exchange Chromatography

When bovine plasma albumin is in the presence of copper metal ions at pH values below the isoelectric point, a dimerization reaction takes place between the protein molecules. The kinetics of this reaction have been previously studied by using light scattering techniques. These techniques involve monitoring the amount of light scattered as the dimerization reaction proceeds. As the amount of dimer present increases, more light is scattered due to increased molecular size in the solution. Accurate calculations of the rate of this reaction depend upon knowing the ratio of dimer to monomer concentrations at any given time. Unfortunately, evidence has indicated that a small amount of trimer is also formed towards the end of this reaction. This complicates determination of the dimer concentration to the extent that definite conclusions cannot be drawn concerning reaction rates. This study addresses the possibility of using ion exchange chromatography as a means of separating the BPA monomer, dimer, and trimer products so that their respective amounts can be more accurately determined. Hence, the data obtained will be a better reflection of the kinetics actually involved in this reaction

Oxandrolone Treatment in Adults with Severe Thermal Injury

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90285/1/phco.29.2.213.pd

What Is The Impact Of Collaborative Exams On Learning And Attitudes In Introductory Astronomy Classes?

We present results of a two-semester study to gauge the impact of collaborative two-stage exams on student learning and attitudes in university-level introductory astronomy classes for non-science majors. In the collaborative two-stage exam setting, students first completed an exam individually, and then they reconsidered a subset of exam questions within their previously established groups, discussing the questions with their peers to arrive at a common answer.Students took three to four exams during the semester using this format. At mid-semester, we surveyed the students to gauge their attitudes about collaborative work and its perceived influence on their exam preparation and performance. At the end of the semester, students sat an individual-only final exam, which contained all previous collaborative-phase questions, as well as a subset of questions seen only on the individual portions of the exams. When we compare the normalized gain on final exam questions that were included in the collaborative portions to that on questions found in only the individual portions, we find higher normalized gains in general for questions encountered on the collaborative portions of the exams. These gains are accompanied by a statistically significant effect size (Cohen’s d). We note, however, that this improved performance appears to be dependent upon several factors. Those factors might include diminished retention over time, the assessment of overly complex concepts, and concept saturation. Our mid-semester survey indicates that the collaborative experience appears have a positive influence on their overall attitudes and their study habits

Poster 194: Biomechanical Analysis of a Novel Clinical Measure of Reaction Time

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147091/1/pmr2s188a.pd

EC06-187 Pea Production in the High Plains

Extension Circular 06-187 discusses Pea production in the high plains

Modeling kicks from the merger of generic black-hole binaries

Recent numerical relativistic results demonstrate that the merger of comparable-mass spinning black holes has a maximum ``recoil kick'' of up to \sim 4000 \kms. However the scaling of these recoil velocities with mass ratio is poorly understood. We present new runs showing that the maximum possible kick perpendicular to the orbital plane does not scale as $\sim\eta^2$ (where $\eta$ is the symmetric mass ratio), as previously proposed, but is more consistent with $\sim\eta^3$, at least for systems with low orbital precession. We discuss the effect of this dependence on galactic ejection scenarios and retention of intermediate-mass black holes in globular clusters.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, 3 tables. Version published in Astrophys. J. Let

Big mice die young: early life body weight predicts longevity in genetically heterogeneous mice

Small body size has been associated with long life span in four stocks of mutant dwarf mice, and in two varieties of dietary restriction in rodents. In this study, small body size at ages 2–24 months was shown to be a significant predictor of life span in a genetically heterogeneous mouse population derived from four common inbred mouse strains. The association was strongest for weights measured early in adult life, and somewhat weaker, though still statistically significant, at later ages. The effect was seen both in males and females, and was replicated in an independent population of the same genetic background. Body size at ages 2–4 months was correlated with levels of serum leptin in both males and females, and with levels of IGF-I and thyroid hormone in females only. A genome scan showed the presence of polymorphic alleles on chromosomes 2, 6, 7 and 15 with significant effects on body weight at 2–4 months, at 10–12 months, or at both age ranges, showing that weight gain trajectory in this stock is under complex genetic control. Because it provides the earliest known predictor of life span, body weight may be usefully included in screens for induced mutations that alter aging. The evidence that weight in 2-month-old mice is a significant predictor of life span suggests that at least some of the lethal diseases of old age can be timed by factors that influence growth rate in juvenile rodents.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75162/1/j.1474-9728.2002.00006.x.pd