A Fast Serial Algorithm for the Finite Temperature Quenched Potts Model

An efficient serial algorithm for finite temperature, quenched Potts model simulations of domain evolution has been developed. This \u27\u27n‐fold way\u27\u27 algorithm eliminates unsuccessful spin flip attempts a priori by flipping sites with a frequency proportional to their site activity, defined as the sum of the probability of success for every possible spin flip at that site. Finite temperature efficiency for high‐spin degeneracy systems is achieved by utilizing a new, analytical expression for the portion of the site activity due to flips to non-neighbor spin values. Hence, to determine the activity of a site, only flips to the nearest neighbor spin values need be considered individually; all other flips are evaluated in a single expression. A complexity analysis of this algorithm gives the dependence of computing time on system parameters and on simulation progress. While a conventional Potts model algorithm has a constant computing time per simulation timestep, the n-fold way algorithm increases in efficiency as domain coarsening progresses. Computer experiments confirm the complexity analysis results and indicate that the n-fold way algorithm is much more efficient than the conventional algorithm even at high fractions of the critical temperature

A Simple Electric Field Probe in a Gauss\u27s Law Laboratory

Early in our calculus-based introductory course, students are introduced to electric fields and sometimes struggle with the abstraction of a vector field. They have less familiarity with the phenomena associated with electric fields, and the connection between phenomena and mathematical formalism is weaker. Our very next topic is Gauss\u27s law

Supporting an Introductory EM Lab Redesign with the E-CLASS and AAPT Lab Guidelines

This poster presents the preliminary results of attitude surveys (E-CLASS - U. Colorado) given to students taking the current PHYS-225 - Electricity & Magnetism Laboratory at Kettering University as well as the beginnings of work done in redesigning the course around a set of skills-based learning outcomes and design activities to progress students toward achieving these goals. These outcomes will encourage students to: ask and answer scientific questions through experimental design and implementation; develop technical and practical laboratory skills; generate, analyze, and interpret data; incorporate uncertainty in measured values, calculated values, and graphical representations; and write effective technical reports that articulate the reasoning that connects theoretical models to laboratory activities and use appropriate style and voice. Our goals are to produce a more authentic laboratory experience through the use of open-ended activities, building reflection into assignments, and allowing students to have more of a say in what they are investigating. *The presenters would like to thank the authors of the E-CLASS surve

Effects of particle size on inhibited grain growth

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/28802/1/0000636.pd

SNP microarray-based 24 chromosome aneuploidy screening is significantly more consistent than FISH

Many studies estimate that chromosomal mosaicism within the cleavage-stage human embryo is high. However, comparison of two unique methods of aneuploidy screening of blastomeres within the same embryo has not been conducted and may indicate whether mosaicism has been overestimated due to technical inconsistency rather than the biological phenomena. The present study investigates the prevalence of chromosomal abnormality and mosaicism found with two different single cell aneuploidy screening techniques. Thirteen arrested cleavage-stage embryos were studied. Each was biopsied into individual cells (n = 160). The cells from each embryo were randomized into two groups. Those destined for FISH-based aneuploidy screening (n = 75) were fixed, one cell per slide. Cells for SNP microarray-based aneuploidy screening (n = 85) were put into individual tubes. Microarray was significantly more reliable (96%) than FISH (83%) for providing an interpretable result (P = 0.004). Markedly different results were obtained when comparing microarray and FISH results from individual embryos. Mosaicism was significantly less commonly observed by microarray (31%) than by FISH (100%) (P = 0.0005). Although FISH evaluated fewer chromosomes per cell and fewer cells per embryo, FISH still displayed significantly more unique genetic diagnoses per embryo (3.2 ± 0.2) than microarray (1.3 ± 0.2) (P < 0.0001). This is the first prospective, randomized, blinded and paired comparison between microarray and FISH-based aneuploidy screening. SNP microarray-based 24 chromosome aneuploidy screening provides more complete and consistent results than FISH. These results also suggest that FISH technology may overestimate the contribution of mitotic error to the origin of aneuploidy at the cleavage stage of human embryogenesis

Chromosomal disorders:estimating baseline birth prevalence and pregnancy outcomes worldwide

Chromosomal disorders, of which Down syndrome is the most common, can cause multi-domain disability. In addition, compared to the general population, there is a higher frequency of death before the age of five. In many settings, large gaps in data availability have hampered policy-making, programme priorities and resource allocation for these important conditions. We have developed methods, which overcome this lack of data and allow estimation of the burden of affected pregnancies and their outcomes in different settings worldwide. For example, the methods include a simple equation relating the percentage of mothers 35 and over to Down syndrome birth prevalence. The results obtained provide a starting point for consideration of services that can be implemented for the care and prevention of these disorders

Down syndrome-recent progress and future prospects

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and is associated with a number of deleterious phenotypes, including learning disability, heart defects, early-onset Alzheimer's disease and childhood leukaemia. Individuals with DS are affected by these phenotypes to a variable extent; understanding the cause of this variation is a key challenge. Here, we review recent research progress in DS, both in patients and relevant animal models. In particular, we highlight exciting advances in therapy to improve cognitive function in people with DS and the significant developments in understanding the gene content of Hsa21. Moreover, we discuss future research directions in light of new technologies. In particular, the use of chromosome engineering to generate new trisomic mouse models and large-scale studies of genotype-phenotype relationships in patients are likely to significantly contribute to the future understanding of DS

Nondisjunction and transmission ratio distortion ofChromosome 2 in a (2.8) Robertsonian translocation mouse strain

Aneuploidy results from nondisjunction of chromosomes in meiosis and is the leading cause of developmental disabilities and mental retardation in humans. Therefore, understanding aspects of chromosome segregation in a genetic model is of value. Mice heterozygous for a (2.8) Robertsonian translocation were intercrossed with chromosomally normal mice and Chromosome 2 was genotyped for number and parental origin in 836 individuals at 8.5 dpc. The frequency of nondisjunction of this Robertsonian chromosome is 1.58%. Trisomy of Chromosome 2 with two maternally derived chromosomes is the most developmentally successful aneuploid karyotype at 8.5 dpc. Trisomy of Chromosome 2 with two paternally derived chromosomes is developmentally delayed and less frequent than the converse. Individuals with maternal or paternal uniparental disomy of Chromosome 2 were not detected at 8.5 dpc. Nondisjunction events were distributed randomly across litters, i.e., no evidence for clustering was found. Transmission ratio distortion is frequently observed in Robertsonian chromosomes and a bias against the transmission of the (2.8) Chromosome was detected. Interestingly, this was observed for female and male transmitting parents