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|Resident Computer Consultant (RCC)
|Part-time; 8 hours/week (average)
More hours in Fall quarter especially during the first few weeks of the quarter. Fewer hours in Winter & Spring quarters.
|Academic Year; Summer Quarter (for experienced RCCs)
|See Salary and Compensation
Resident Computer Consultants (RCCs) educate residents on all aspects of computing at Stanford, consult with residents on computer related problems, and support residential network connections and residence computer clusters. Most importantly, RCCs are expected to be available to residents. RCCs work primarily with the residence staff, Networking Systems, and the Residential Computing central support staff to accomplish their goals.
The RCC in undergraduate houses promotes computer awareness and proficiency:
- Introduces new students to Stanford's computing resources and assists them in acquiring basic computer literacy. In undergraduate residences with freshmen, this role requires a heavy time commitment Fall Quarter.
- In houses with new students, leads introductory sessions during New Student Orientation.
- In houses with new students, teaches a CS1C section in the residence Autumn Quarter and a CS2C section in the residence Winter Quarter. RCCs may team up to teach these courses if their individual section size is small.
- Develops applied-skills workshops to increase computer literacy. Possible workshop topics include web page development, UNIX tricks, graphic design, multimedia.
- Strives to develop an atmosphere conducive to the discussion of the computer's role in residential and academic life. We encourage the RCC to expose students to the political and ethical questions surrounding the increasing use of computers in society.
- In consultation with house staff, RCCs in undergraduate residences organize at least one community program each quarter, which may or may not be related to technology per se.
- RCCs are expected to be mentors to future undergraduate RCC applicants completing CS 196 - Computer Consulting, a prerequisite to be an RCC.
The RCC serves as a primary consulting resource for Stanford's residential community. The RCC:
- Is available to provide consulting for cluster users as well as for students who own their own computer.
- May hold seminars as a preventative consulting measure and to alleviate crisis consulting.
- Is familiar with other campus computing resources. The RCC is not expected to be able to answer every question. The RCC may direct students to other campus computer consultants, but is expected to follow issues after such referrals.
The RCC is responsible for supporting residential network connections. The RCC:
- Helps residents register for residential network connections.
- Helps maintain the residence computer network. Notifies the campus networking group of any problems.
- Helps users with basic hardware and software installations. (However, RCCs do not physically touch internal hardware for liability reasons.)
- Assists students having trouble connecting their computers to the network.
The computer cluster is the public face of ResComp in the residences and are valuable learning spaces for Stanford students. As such, a high standard of functionality needs to be maintained at all times. RCCs are an important part of keeping our computer clusters clean and functioning and should feel a sense of ownership towards their clusters. The RCC:
- Replenishes printer paper and toner, and ensures there are adequate supplies.
- Proactively maintains cluster software, updating as directed by Rescomp Staff.
- Provides proactive, first-tier support for cluster hardware and furnishings.
- Promptly reports any damage or theft of any cluster equipment, including furniture and furnishings, to ResComp central staff
- Helps residents in the computer cluster. Is strongly encouraged to hold regular, unstructured "office hours" in the cluster.
- Sets policies for the functioning and security of the cluster. Publicizes and enforces these policies.
- Holds computer-related residence programs in the computer cluster (undergraduate dorms only).
- Submits and follows up on trouble tickets for all cluster software, hardware, and other problems that she/he is unable to solve.
- The RCC encourages residents to use the cluster for a wide-range of purposes.
- The RCC ensures that residents keep the cluster free of trash and un-related items.
Some undergraduate RCCs who share areas and graduate RCCs who do not have clusters within their support zones are expected to assist RCCs who are responsible for such clusters.
- Works with the residence staff and students to help develop and implement various projects. Possible projects include the creation of residence databases and video yearbooks, the preparation of flyers and newsletters, and the creation and promotion of residence electronic mailing lists.
- Other duties as assigned.
While we expect RCCs to assume several roles and fulfill many responsibilities throughout the year, we do not expect the RCC to:
- Create the dorm newsletter, create all residence fliers, or maintain the website for their residence. Rather, the RCC may teach the other residents how to use the various cluster software programs to create a newsletter and/or fliers.
- Know the answer to every computer question. Rather, the RCC should help their residents become more self-sufficient. The RCC should introduce their residents to the various resources available to them.
- Invite residents to wake them up at all hours. Rather, the RCC may set reasonable guidelines for their residents on when it's OK and when it's not OK to awaken them.
- Handle crisis situations with residents and instead, contact the resident's RA or RF immediately.
Additional Expectations
- Undergraduate RCCs must arrive on campus about two weeks before classes begin in Fall quarter to attend RCC training. Training dates are listed on the RCC application. Row RCCs and RCCs without freshmen will be expected to assist freshmen Dorm RCCs during Freshman Arrival Day as part of the training program. RCCs must be able to attend all training to be eligible for the RCC position. No exceptions.
- Graduate RCCs must arrive about one week before Law School classes begin, typically at the end of August, for an abbreviated training before beginning work a few days later. Grad RCCs may also be required to attend the more detailed undergraduate RCC training in mid-September.
- Throughout the academic year RCCs are required to attend all RCC group meetings; undergraduate residence staff meetings to which they are invited by RFs or (on the Row) student manager staff, usually weekly; and staff retreats if invited. Row RCCs are expected to attend meetings to which they're invited by the Row Office.
- RCCs are expected to participate in the larger RCC community in various ways, for example by helping and collaborating with fellow RCCs when needed or requested, participating in the RCC newsgroup, and leading or attending small group RCC meetings.
- RCCs are expected to acknowledge requests for assistance as soon as possible but in any case within 24 hours, and to fulfill the request within 48 hours. If this isn't possible, they should inform residents promptly about how soon the problem can be resolved and be proactive about making arrangements with other RCCs to provide coverage for their residents during such times.
- RCCs are expected to submit a weekly report about their work done.
- RCCs are expected to work an average of 8 hours per week throughout the academic year. Fall quarter is usually a heavier work load; Winter and Spring quarters are usually lighter work loads. RCCs should plan their course load and other commitments with this in mind.
- Dorm and Row undergraduate RCCs are expected to organize a program which brings their residents together. The program may not necessarily pertain to computers, but must involve meeting with a group of their residents.
- RCCs in graduate houses are highly encouraged to conduct educational programs.
- Students planning to study abroad for one or more quarters during the academic year, are ineligible for the RCC position.
- Undergraduate students must have a guaranteed year of housing for the Dorm or the Row residences; Graduate and coterminal students must have an eligible year of housing for the graduate residences (coterminal students are not eligible for the Row); It is the applicants' responsibility to confirm this status with Housing Assignment Services. Grad student applicants and returning Grad RCCs should be aware that there is a maximum number of years they can live in University housing. International students (F-1 status) also have certain restrictions.
- Must be a registered student at Stanford during all three quarters in the academic year and may register at a reduced level if applicable registration requirements are met. (More information on registration options are available from the Registrar's Office.) Like other students, but mainly for Graduate students, if the degree is conferred at the end of Winter Quarter, RCCs may petition with Stanford Housing to remain in housing unregistered for Spring Quarter.
- In good academic standing. Candidates who are on probation or provisional registration may not be considered for an RCC position.
- Live in the residence to which they are assigned for the full academic year. In houses where board is required, RCCs must purchase at least the minimum board plan.
- Row RCCs must meet all requirements for any house that they live in (e.g., academic theme requirement).
- Willingness to learn and apply new knowledge and techniques.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Familiarity with Windows and/or Macintosh Operation System applications.
- Familiarity with computing resources on campus as well as internet resources such as email and the web.
- Undergraduates must take CS196 (Computer Consulting) before beginning the position. To request to be waived out of this requirement, a placement assessment is only available on the first day of CS196 class each quarter it is offered.
Preferred Traits
- Experience helping and teaching others.
- Experience organizing projects and working on a team.
- Demonstrated interest in contributing to life in the residences.
- Experience consulting, teaching or tutoring especially formally in a university environment within the last academic year.
- Relevant business or work experience.
How to Apply
See the RCC Hiring Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).


text:
Aigo tablet rivals iPad with dual-core Tegra, Android
updated 05:05 pm EDT, Mon May 3, 2010
Aigo 7-inch tablet due this year with Android 2.1
Specs have been leaked of an Aigo tablet that could challenge the iPad in at least China. The N700 would be smaller, with a 7-inch, 800x480 display, and would run Android 2.1. The device can reportedly play back 1080p video thanks to an HDMI output, and supports Flash 10.1 on the web.
Other features of the Chinese company's device include Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi and a 3G data radio. Stereo speakers, a microphone, USB ports and a microSD memory card slot are also built in, as is an accelerometer, ambient light sensor and a digital compass.
The tablet is powered by a two-cell, 3,120mAh battery. A docking station is likely to become an accessory in the future. The device is likely to arrive sometime in 2010, but this has not been confirmed. Both 4- and 5-inch versions may also be in the plans, though no prices for any of the versions have been revealed. [via SlashGear]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Power Tracks Pro Audio Power Pak (Windows)Item #: TW.PGMPP1
List Price: $69.00
Unrated ( Be the first to review this item )
by PG Music
Home Recording Software. Made by PG Music. (TW.PGMPP1)
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Found in: Audio Editing Software, Home Studio & Audio Recording Software, Music Notation Software, Music & MIDI Sequencers
PowerTracks Pro Audio 7.0 now harnesses the power of the popular DirectX audio plugin format with DirectX support. With 48K sample rate support, improved resolution in the audio edit window, and a new CD-R burning feature you can easily make edits and overdubs of any audio track...and when you're ready to let others hear your composition, you can "burn" it directly to an Audio-CD with your CDR or CDRW drive. You can even save your composition in Windows Media Format, leaving you with a file all ready to be uploaded to your Website and played over the Internet - with great fidelity over a wide selection of streaming rates


text:
AGEGR 096V - Work Experience: Agriculture Engineering - Units 1-8
Limitations on Enrollment: The student must enroll in a course that is directly related to the agricultural engineering work experience. The student must enroll in a minimum of 7 units during the semester including work experience units. For summer session, the students must enroll in one related course in addition to work experience. The combined total number of units a student may take in internship, work experience, and occupational practice may not exceed a maximum of 16 units. Participation requires submission and approval of work experience program objectives and an employer work experience agreement.
Advisories: GUID 30, 31, 32, 33.
This course is designed for the student employed in agricultural engineering. The course objectives are developed by the students in consultation with their his or her supervisor. The student is engaged in a specific research project or on-the-job learning activities under the supervision of a worksite supervisor and a college work experience instructor. To register, complete an application form available at the Applied Science and Technology Division office, Holt 140.


text:
November 29, 2015
Folks gathered Saturday morning to remember the victims of the CTA Acoustics Plant explosion, seven years ago.
The explosion, in Corbin, killed 7 employees and injured 37 others.
Federal regulators ruled combustible dust caused the explosion.
The company that made the dust was ordered to pay CTA Acoustics more than $120,000,000 after it was found liable for the 2003 explosion.
Saturday's ceremony was private.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or email@example.com.


text:
European Distribution Warehousing 2006
Product Price
Download brochure with detailed table of content for this report (Pdf format).
The transition from warehouse to European Logistics Centre
Over the last fifteen years the European warehousing and distribution market has been profoundly affected by macro-economic and political considerations. The fundamental changes which began with the creation of the Single European Market have now received fresh impetus from the accession of the economies in the Central & European Europe and an increasingly globalised distribution market.
Alongside changes in the geographic distribution of warehousing facilities, the function of distribution centres has also evolved. This has stimulated demand for high quality, purpose built logistics facilities able not only to store goods but also undertake a range of value adding logistics activities, including postponed manufacturing and cross-docking.
What does the report contain?
The European Distribution Warehousing report provides a detailed look at the main trends affecting the European warehouse market. In depth analysis shows the influence manufacturers, logistics providers and property developers have in shaping the structure of the industry. It contains information on some of the leading property developers – such as ProLogis – as well as information on the key European distribution centre locations.
What will European Distribution Warehousing tell you?
European Distribution Warehousing 2006 report provides answers to the following questions
- Where are Europe's property hotspots?
- What are the benefits of dedicated versus shared user facilities?
- What are the cost implications?
- Where and why are the strategic locations across Europe situated?
- What is the market structure of the industry?
- What changes have affected the networks?
- Who are the main players and what is there reach?
Trends, Developments & Structure
ProLogis distribution space by country
European Distribution Warehousing 2006 details the main trends affecting the development of national and regional distribution warehouses. The report also contains information on the impact of shared versus dedicated ownership and details case studies on specific European distribution centres. In addition it provides profiles of some of the leading property development companies as well as a ranking of the largest warehouse operators.
Strategic Locations
Key distributionlocations
The European logistics and warehousing market is drivenby many factors, including availability of staff, cost of land, cost of leasesand most importantly, location. The report contains almost 100 pages of detailon the significant impact 10 countries and 25 key geographical areas have on thedistribution warehousing sector. It lists some of the key industrial parks whichhave been developed, and which are attracting the most attention. It alsodetails recent leasing activity providing an insight into the localmarket.
How to buy European Distribution Warehousing 2006
European Distribution Warehousing 2006, price £495/€745/$945, can be purchased online. Please click on add to cart button above.
Alternatively contact Mike Nordmann on +44 (0)1793 850025, email: firstname.lastname@example.com or Sarah Smith on +44 (0)1666 511872, email: firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Some years ago we established an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea screen for modifiers of transgene variegation in the mouse and a preliminary description of the first six mutant lines, named MommeD1-D6, has been published. We have reported the underlying genes in three cases: MommeD1 is a mutation in SMC hinge domain containing 1 (Smchd1), a novel modifier of epigenetic gene silencing; MommeD2 is a mutation in DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1); and MommeD4 is a mutation in Smarca 5 (Snf2h), a known chromatin remodeler. The identification of Dnmt1 and Smarca5 attest to the effectiveness of the screen design.
We have now extended the screen and have identified four new modifiers, MommeD7-D10. Here we show that all ten MommeDs link to unique sites in the genome, that homozygosity for the mutations is associated with severe developmental abnormalities and that heterozygosity results in phenotypic abnormalities and reduced reproductive fitness in some cases. In addition, we have now identified the underlying genes for MommeD5 and MommeD10. MommeD5 is a mutation in Hdac1, which encodes histone deacetylase 1, and MommeD10 is a mutation in Baz1b (also known as Williams syndrome transcription factor), which encodes a transcription factor containing a PHD-type zinc finger and a bromodomain. We show that reduction in the level of Baz1b in the mouse results in craniofacial features reminiscent of Williams syndrome.
These results demonstrate the importance of dosage-dependent epigenetic reprogramming in the development of the embryo and the power of the screen to provide mouse models to study this process.
Random mutagenesis screens for modifiers of position effect variegation were initiated in Drosophila in the 1960s [1,2]. The screens used a fly strain, called wv, that displays variegated expression of the white (w) locus resulting in red and white patches in the eye. Variegation refers to the 'salt and pepper' expression of some genes due to the stochastic establishment of an epigenetic state at their promoters. The best characterized example of variegation in mammals is the coat color of mice carrying the Avy allele [3,4]. In this case there is a correlation between DNA methylation at the promoter and silencing of the gene [5,6]. Alleles of this type provide us with an opportunity to study epigenetic gene silencing at a molecular level in a whole organism.
The extent of the variegation at the wv locus, that is, the ratio of red to white patches in the eye, was known to be sensitive to strain background, suggesting the existence of genetic modifiers. Offspring of mutagenized flies were screened for changes in the degree of variegation. These screens have been continued to saturation and the results suggest that there are between 100 and 150 such genes [7,8]. Approximately one-third of these have been identified and, as expected, most turn out to play critical roles in epigenetic gene silencing [1,9]. These include genes encoding proteins involved in heterochromatin formation, for example, HP1 and histone methyltransferases [8].
Recently, we established a similar screen in the mouse using a transgenic line that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in a variegated manner in erythrocytes [10]. We anticipated that the screen would produce mutant lines that would help clarify the role of epigenetic gene silencing in mammals. Offspring of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) treated males were screened for changes in the percentage of erythrocytes expressing GFP (measured by flow cytometry). In those individuals in which the percentage of expressing cells was higher or lower than the wild-type mean by more than two standard deviations, heritability was tested. A preliminary description of the first six heritable mutations, which we refer to as Modifiers of murine metastable epialleles or Mommes, following the screening of 608 G1 offspring, has been published [10]. We reported that all six were dosage-effect genes and five of the six were homozygous lethal, with loss of homozygotes apparent at weaning, but no knowledge of when death occurred. At the time of publication in 2005, none of the underlying genes had been identified. Since then we have identified the underlying mutation in three cases, MommeD1, MommeD2 and MommeD4. MommeD1 is a mutation in SMC hinge domain containing 1 (SmcHD1), encoding a previously uncharacterized protein containing a domain normally found in SMC proteins and we have gone on to show that this protein has a critical role in X inactivation [11]. MommeD2 is a mutation in DNA methyltransferase 1, Dnmt1, encoding a DNA methyltransferase, and MommeD4 is a mutation in Smarca5, encoding Snf2h, a chromatin-remodeling enzyme [12]. The finding of Dnmt1 and Smarca5, both known to be involved in epigenetic reprogramming, validates the screen. Here we report an update of the screen, adding four new MommeDs, identifying the underlying point mutation in two more cases, and further characterizing the phenotypes associated with hetero- and homozygosity.
Results and discussion
Integration site of the GFP transgene
We have previously reported that the GFP transgene used in this screen has integrated as an approximately 11 copy array on chromosome 1 [10]. We were keen to further characterize the integration site. PCR using primers specific to the 3' end of the transgene construct in combination with degenerate random tagging primers (genome walking) revealed that the transgene had integrated into chromosome 1 at 47,747,486 bp (UCSC web browser, July 2007 assembly). This site of integration is neither centromeric nor telomeric, and so presumably the silencing is related to the multicopy nature of the transgene array [13,14]. The integration site does not disrupt any annotated genes, and is approximately 1 Mb from the closest annotated transcript.
The identification of MommeD7-D10
We have now screened an additional 400 G1 offspring and recovered four more Mommes, MommeD7-D10 (Figure 1, Table 1). The fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS)-based screening is carried out on a drop of blood taken at weaning, using a gate set to exclude 99.9% of autofluorescing cells. Under these conditions, wild-type mice homozygous for the transgene express GFP in 55% of erythrocytes. MommeD7 is a suppressor of variegation, that is, the percentage of cells expressing the transgene was significantly higher than it was in wild-type individuals (Table 1). MommeD8, D9 and D10 are enhancers of variegation, that is, the percentages of expressing cells were significantly lower than they were in wild-type individuals (Table 1). The mean fluorescence level in expressing cells also changed. We have reported previously that as the percentage of expressing cells increases, the mean fluorescence of the expressing cells increases [10]. We presume that since the mice are homozygous for the GFP transgene, this is mainly due to an increase in the proportion of expressing cells with two active GFP alleles. However, in the case of MommeD7 the level was more than double that seen in the wild-type littermates. We hypothesized that this was likely to be the consequence of an increase in the percentage of reticulocytes in the peripheral blood of this mutant, as mature red cells, with no ability to produce new proteins, would have, on average, less GFP than reticulocytes (see below). In the cases of MommeD8, D9 and D10 the mean fluorescence levels were slightly lower than that seen in the wild-type littermates, consistent with a presumed reduction in the proportion of cells with two active GFP alleles.
Figure 1. GFP expression profiles in MommeD7-D10. Erythrocytes from 3-week-old mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. In each case, the expression profiles from one litter of a heterozygous intercross are displayed. The phenotypically wild-type mice are shown in black, heterozygotes in dark grey, and homozygotes (MommeD8 and D10 only) in light grey. The x-axis represents the erythrocyte fluorescence on a logarithmic scale, and the y-axis is the number of cells detected at each fluorescence level. For quantitative and statistical significance, see Table 1.
Table 1. Quantitative analysis of GFP expression following heterozygous intercrosses
For each MommeD, the heritability of the mutation has been tested and confirmed over at least 5 generations by using at least 30 litters. During the breeding of each mutant line, the expression profiles remained constant, consistent with the idea that we were following a single mutation in each case. The frequency with which we found these mutations, 1 in 100 G1 offspring, was similar to our previous results [10].
Homozygous lethality
Following heterozygous intercrosses, the proportion of expression types observed in the offspring at weaning was consistent with a semidominant homozygous lethal mutation in the cases of MommeD7 and MommeD9, since only two GFP expression profiles were observed (Figure 1, Tables 1 and 2) and there was a significant litter size reduction in both cases (Figure 2). In the cases of MommeD8 and MommeD10, three expression profiles were observed, suggesting viability of some homozygotes (Figure 1, Tables 1 and 2) and in the case of MommeD10 this was later confirmed by genotyping for the point mutation. In both cases, fewer individuals with the severe phenotypes were observed than predicted by Mendelian inheritance, suggesting reduced viability of the homozygotes (Table 2). This conclusion is supported by significant litter size reductions in both cases (Figure 2). There is also a suggestion of some heterozygous death in the case of MommeD8 and, to a lesser extent, MommeD10 but this is not statistically significant.
Figure 2. Litter size at weaning following heterozygous intercrosses. Litter size at weaning in all of MommeD7-D10 is significantly lower than that found in a wild-type (WT) cross. n represents the number of litters. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.001.
Table 2. Genotype ratios of offspring at weaning following heterozygous intercrosses
Homozygous lethality occurs at different stages of development
Litter size reductions following heterozygous intercrosses have already been reported for MommeD1-D6 at weaning [10], but the timing of the losses has only been reported for MommeD1, D2 and D4. MommeD1 is homozygous lethal in females only, with death occurring around mid-gestation [10,11]. MommeD2 and MommeD4 are homozygous lethal at 8.5 days post-coitus (dpc) and 17.5 dpc, respectively [10,12]. Here we describe the timing of the losses for MommeD3, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9 and D10.
Following intercrosses between MommeD3-/+ (genotypes determined by GFP fluorescence and progeny testing), dissections at 14.5 dpc suggested that death of homozygotes had already occurred (Table 3). This was confirmed following a FVB/C57 F1 MommeD3-/+ intercross, where embryos could be genotyped using microsatellite markers across the linked interval (Table 3). These data suggest MommeD3-/- mice were dying at or before 14.5 dpc. Similar results were obtained for MommeD5 at 14.5 dpc (Table 3). Once the MommeD5 point mutation had been found (see below), these crosses were repeated and dissections were performed at 10.5 dpc. Again, a significantly higher than expected proportion of developmentally delayed embryos were detected (Table 3). These embryos were genotyped and found to be MommeD5-/- in all cases, indicating developmental arrest at around 8-9 dpc. Results obtained for MommeD6 (genotypes determined by GFP fluorescence and progeny testing) were similar (Table 3), suggesting MommeD6-/- embryos arrest around 8-9 dpc.
Table 3. Embryo dissections to determine time of death of homozygotes
Following MommeD7-/+ intercrosses (genotypes determined by GFP fluorescence and progeny testing), a small but significant increase in abnormal embryos was detected at 14.5 dpc (Table 3). This increase is not enough to account for all expected MommeD7-/- mice. At 17.5 dpc, approximately one-quarter of the embryos were pale (Table 3, Figure 3a), suggesting a red cell defect in the homozygotes. Homozygous MommeD7 mutants were never seen at weaning (Table 2), and preliminary observations suggest that they die in the first few days after birth. Further analysis of adult heterozygous individuals revealed severe splenomegaly (Figure 3b) and a marked increase in reticulocytes in peripheral blood (Figure 3c).
Figure 3. Hematopoietic abnormalities in MommeD7 mice. (a) Examples of phenotypically normal and abnormal (pale) embryos at 17.5 dpc. Abnormal embryos are assumed to be homozygous for MommeD7. Scale bar = 5 mm. (b) Spleen weights from MommeD7+/+ and MommeD7-/+ adult mice. Error bars represent SEM. ***p < 0.0001. (c) Blood smears from MommeD7+/+ (left) and MommeD7-/+ (right) mice stained for reticulocytes (shown with arrowheads). (d) Representative histograms showing propidium iodide fluorescence in MommeD7+/+ (left) and MommeD7-/+ (right) mice. In each case 10,000 reticulocytes were counted. Red blood cells (RBC), reticulocytes (RET) and nucleated cells (NC) are shown. (e) Histogram showing relative levels of GFP fluorescence in red blood cells and reticulocytes. Averages were calculated from three wild-type and three heterozygous mice. **p < 0.005; error bars represent SEM.
We hypothesized that this increase in reticulocytes was responsible for the larger than expected increase in the average fluorescence level of the GFP transgene in expressing cells observed in this line (Table 1). We performed FACS analysis on whole blood after staining for reticulocytes with propidium iodide. As expected, MommeD7-/+ mice had a threefold increase in the percentage of reticulocytes compared to MommeD7+/+ mice (Figure 3d), and the percentage of GFP fluorescence in both MommeD7-/+ and MommeD7+/+ was higher in reticulocytes than mature red cells (Figure 3e). Although this is only significant for MommeD7-/+ (p < 0.005), the trend is there for MommeD7+/+ mice (p = 0.07). This is consistent with the idea that a change in the erythroid cell populations contributes to the dramatic increase in the average fluorescence level of the GFP transgene in MommeD7-/+ mice.
Some MommeD8-/- mice (classified by their GFP expression profile and progeny testing) were viable at weaning but they were rare (Figure 1, Table 2). Following MommeD8-/+ intercrosses, dissections at 14.5 dpc showed no increase in the number of abnormal or resorbed embryos (Table 3). Litter size at birth was not significantly different from that seen in wild-type litters (data not shown), suggesting that the death of most MommeD8-/- individuals occurred after birth and before weaning. The only obvious phenotypic abnormality seen in MommeD8-/- mice that survived to weaning was reduced size. MommeD8 homozygotes were significantly smaller (6.60 g ± 0.25 standard error of the mean (SEM)) than their wild-type (8.54 g ± 0.33 SEM, p < 0.001) and heterozygous (8.65 g ± 0.29 SEM, p < 0.0001) littermates.
Dissections following MommeD9-/+ (determined by GFP fluorescence and progeny testing) intercrosses revealed a pattern similar to that seen for MommeD5 and MommeD6, suggesting MommeD9-/- embryos arrest before 9.5 dpc (Table 3). In the case of MommeD10 the data suggest that death of homozygotes occurred after birth (Table 3), and preliminary data collected at P7 indicated death in the first week of life (data not shown). Some MommeD10-/- individuals survived to weaning but they were extremely rare. This was confirmed by genotyping once the point mutation was identified.
So in all ten MommeDs produced so far, homozygosity for the mutation is associated with embryonic or perinatal lethality (Tables 3 and 4).
Table 4. Summary of MommeD screen for epigenetic modifiers
Abnormal phenotypes associated with heterozygosity for MommeD7-D10
Extensive phenotyping of the heterozygous MommeD mutant lines has not been carried out. However, in some cases heterozygous effects were obvious, for example, the haematopoietic defect in MommeD7-/+ mice described above. We have also noticed some litter size reduction during the breeding of these strains. The data for the breeding of MommeD7, D8, D9 and D10 are shown in Figure 4. Following crosses between heterozygous males and wild-type females in the FVB strain, we found significant litter size reductions in the cases of MommeD9 and MommeD10, but not in the cases of MommeD7 and MommeD8. A breakdown of the offspring by sex and genotype revealed that for MommeD9 and MommeD10, the litter size reduction was associated with a deviation from Mendelian patterns of inheritance (p < 0.05 in both cases) and a reduction in the number of mutants (Figure 4). These two cases of transmission ratio distortion have not been investigated further but they do suggest that heterozygosity for the MommeD mutations is associated with some level of disadvantage. There also appears to be a skewed sex ratio in the wild-type offspring of MommeD9 sires, suggesting the phenotype of the father can affect his wild-type offspring. While we have not characterized this in any more detail, the idea of a paternal effect is not new. We have previously published examples of paternal effects resulting from haploinsufficiency of modifiers of epigenetic gene silencing in the mouse [12].
Figure 4. Genotypes and sex of offspring, and litter size following paternal transmission of MommeD7-D10. (a) MommeD7, (b) MommeD8, (c) MommeD9, and (d) MommeD10 show the numbers of male and female offspring of wild-type (WT; black) and heterozygous (grey) genotype produced following a cross between a male heterozygous Momme and a wild-type female. MommeD9 and MommeD10 both show a trend towards transmission ratio distortion and a significant reduction in litter size compared to wild-type crosses. n represents the number of litters produced.
We have mapped the mutations in all ten cases to relatively small regions of the genome (Table 4). The mapping of MommeD1-D6 has been documented [10]. Here we report the mapping of MommeD7-10. MommeD7 maps to a 0.25 Mb region on chromosome 7 between markers D7Mit220 and rs13479441 (using 134 phenotypically mutant and 135 phenotypically wild-type mice). This region contains 10 genes. MommeD8 maps to a 4 Mb region on chromosome 4 between markers rs6337795 and D4Mit279 (using 234 phenotypically mutant and 177 phenotypically wild-type mice). This region contains 54 genes. MommeD9 maps to a 3 Mb region on chromosome 7 between markers rs31712695 and rs6193818 (using 103 phenotypically mutant and 127 phenotypically wild-type mice). This region contains 80 genes. MommeD10 maps to a 4 Mb region between markers D5Mit165 and rs13478547 on chromosome 5. Twenty-four phenotypically homozygous and 312 phenotypically non-homozygous (heterozygous and wild-type mice combined) were used (see Materials and methods). These data show that each of the ten MommeD mutations maps to a unique region of the genome.
MommeD5 has a mutation in Histone deacetylase 1
MommeD5 was localized to a 1.42 Mb region on chromosome 4 flanked by the markers rs27486641 and rs27541967 [10] (Table 4). This interval contains 46 genes and Hdac1 was chosen as the best candidate because of its known role in chromatin modification. Sequencing of all exons, including exon/intron boundaries, from two heterozygous and two wild-type individuals revealed a 7 bp deletion (GAAGCCA) in exon 13 in the mutants (Figure 5a). This mutation was subsequently verified in over 100 mice classified as mutants by GFP expression profiling. The chance of a second point mutation occurring in a functional region in a linked interval of this size is extremely small. Using the estimated mutation rate following ENU mutagenesis of 1 in 1.82 Mb [15,16], the probability of such an event can be calculated [15,17]. This website takes into account the amount of coding sequence in a given linked interval. In this case, the probability of a second point mutation occurring in the coding region is p < 0.0005.
Figure 5. A mutation in Hdac1 correlates with the MommeD5-/- phenotype. (a) A 7 bp deletion was detected in exon 13 of Hdac1. Representative chromatograms from the wild-type (WT) allele, the mutant allele, and one heterozygote are shown. This deletion alters the reading frame, changing the last 12 amino acids and adding 25 extra amino acids. (b) Whole-cell lysates from six individual 10.5 dpc MommeD5+/+ and MommeD5-/+ embryos, and six pooled MommeD5-/- embryos were probed with antibodies to the Hdac1 carboxyl terminus (top panel), Hdac2 (top panel) and Hdac1 amino terminus (bottom panel). Anti-γ-tubulin was used as a loading control in each case. Quantification of the Hdac1 carboxyl terminus relative to γ-tubulin shows negligible binding in MommeD5-/- mice. Quantification of Hdac2 levels relative to γ-tubulin shows increased Hdac2 in MommeD5-/+ and MommeD5-/- embryos. Quantification of Hdac1 amino terminus relative to γ-tubulin shows equal levels of Hdac1 in all mice. A peptide blocking experiment was performed to confirm band identity. A representative western blot is shown. Error bars represent SEM. (c) A representative litter from a MommeD5-/+ intercross at 10.5 dpc. MommeD5-/- embryos (bottom right) are always dramatically smaller than MommeD5+/+ and MommeD5-/+ littermates.
The mutation produces a frameshift, resulting in changes to the last 12 amino acids, and an additional 25 amino acids. Protein modeling predictions based on human HDAC8, for which the crystal structure has been solved [18,19], suggest that the carboxyl terminus of Hdac1 is relatively unstructured and so the mutation is unlikely to affect the stability of the protein (J Matthews, personal communication). An antibody that recognizes the carboxyl terminus of Hdac1 showed a 50% reduction of binding in 10.5 dpc MommeD5-/+ embryos, and negligible binding in MommeD5-/- embryos (Figure 5b), confirming that this region of the protein has been altered in the MommeD5 line. An antibody that recognizes the amino terminus of Hdac1 showed that the levels of the protein are not altered between mutant and wild-type mice (Figure 5b). Lysine 476 at the carboxyl terminus has been shown to be sumoylated and important for enzymatic function of the wild-type protein [20] and the absence of this amino acid in the MommeD5 mutant protein is likely to impair function. A knockout of Hdac1 has been reported and the homozygous embryos died around 9.5 dpc [21], similar to the time of death observed in MommeD5-/- embryos (Figure 5c). Together, these results argue that the mutation in Hdac1 is causative of the MommeD5 phenotype. Consistent with this, the level of Hdac2 increased in both MommeD5-/+ and MommeD5-/- embryos, as predicted from the reports of compensatory upregulation of Hdac2 in embryonic stem cells null for Hdac1 [21]. Indeed, this upregulation may explain why MommeD5 was identified as an enhancer, rather than a suppressor, of variegation. Loss of histone deacetylase function is generally associated with transcriptional activation, but exceptions to this have been reported and the upregulation of Hdac2 could explain these results [22].
MommeD10 has a mutation in Baz1b
MommeD10 was localized to a 4 Mb region on chromosome 5 flanked by the markers D5Mit165 and rs32250347 (Table 4). Interestingly, this interval encompasses the region syntenic with the Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) critical region in humans. WBS, also known as Williams syndrome, is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals. The classic presentation of WBS includes a characteristic craniofacial dysmorphology (elfin face), supravalvular aortic stenosis, multiple peripheral pulmonary arterial stenoses, statural deficiency, infantile hypocalcaemia and a distinct cognitive profile with mild mental retardation. The linked interval for MommeD10 contains 52 genes and Baz1b was chosen as the best candidate because it contains a bromodomain (a domain commonly associated with chromatin remodelers) and has recently been shown to form at least two chromatin remodeling complexes and associate with replication foci and promoters [23-25]. Sequencing of all exons, including exon/intron boundaries, from two homozygous, one heterozygous and one wild-type individual revealed one point mutation (T → G transversion) in exon 7 in the mutants (Figure 6a). This mutation was subsequently verified in over 100 mice classified as mutants by GFP expression profile. The mutation results in a non-conservative amino acid change, L733R, in a highly conserved region of the protein (Figure 6b). Western blot analysis showed reduced levels of Baz1b protein in both embryonic and adult MommeD10-/- tissue, with MommeD10-/+ tissue showing intermediate levels (Figure 6c and data not shown), suggesting that the mutant protein is much less stable than its wild-type counterpart. Quantitative real-time PCR performed on cDNA from 14.5 dpc embryos showed all three genotypes have similar levels of mRNA (Figure 6d).
Figure 6. A point mutation in Baz1b correlates with the MommeD10-/- phenotype. (a) A single base-pair mutation was detected in exon 7 of Baz1b. Representative chromatograms from one wild type, one heterozygote and one homozygote are shown. This results in a non-conservative amino acid change, L733R. (b) The MommeD10 point mutation (arrow) modifies an amino acid highly conserved across species (Hs, Homo sapiens; Mm, Mus musculus; Xl, Xenopus laevis; Gg, Gallus gallus; Dr, Danio rerio). (c) Whole-cell lysates from four 14.5 dpc heads of each genotype were probed with anti-Baz1b. Anti-γ-tubulin was used as a loading control. Quantification of Baz1b relative to γ-tubulin shows negligible levels of Baz1b in MommeD10-/- mice. A representative western blot is shown. (d) Expression analysis by quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed on mRNA prepared from 14.5 dpc heads. Levels of Baz1b mRNA were not affected by the mutation. Analysis was performed on three individuals of each genotype and normalized to two house-keeping genes. Error bars in all graphs represent SEM.
Effects of MommeD5 and MommeD10 on DNA methylation at the transgene locus
Transgene silencing can be associated with changes in both DNA methylation [26,27] and chromatin accessibility [28]. This particular transgene promoter consists of a GC-rich segment of the human alpha-globin promoter, which we were unable to analyze by bisulfite sequencing because the cloned bisulfite converted fragment was refractory to growth in bacteria. The transgene also contains the HS-40 enhancer, which is known to regulate the locus in humans [29]. We analyzed the methylation state at this region by bisulfite sequencing. As predicted from the variegated nature of the transgene expression, the methylation pattern differed from clone to clone in all cases (data not shown). The percentage of methylated CpGs in the HS-40 element was approximately 55% (averaged across all clones) in spleen from 4-week-old wild-type FVB/NJ mice (Figure 7a). Samples from MommeD5-/+, MommeD10-/+, and MommeD10-/- mice showed similar levels of CpG methylation (52%, 47%, 59% respectively; Figure 7a). Mice heterozygous for a null allele of Dnmt3b, which showed an increase in expression of the GFP transgene from 37 ± 3% in the wild-type mice to 55.5 ± 2.5% in the Dnmt3b+/- mice (in both cases mice were hemizygous for the transgene; see Materials and methods), showed a decrease in CpG methylation at the HS-40 element (31%; Figure 7b) compared to that seen in the wild-type C57BL/6J mouse strain (60%; Figure 7b). These data suggest that MommeD5 and MommeD10 mutants alter the expression of the transgene by changing the chromatin state rather than by altering DNA methylation levels. This is consistent with the fact that both genes encode proteins involved in histone modification and chromatin remodeling [21,23-25,30-33]. Modifiers identified in this screen include DNA methyltransferases, chromatin remodelers and genes involved in histone modification, all of which have wide-ranging effects in the genome, making it difficult to unravel direct and indirect effects at any particular locus.
Figure 7. Bisulfite analysis of the HS-40 enhancer element. (a) DNA was extracted from the spleen of 4-week-old wild-type (FVB/NJ; three mice), MommeD5-/+ (three mice), MommeD10-/+ (three mice) mice and from the tail of MommeD10-/- mice (two mice). After bisulfite sequencing, the percentage of CpG methylation at each CpG site in the cloned region was analyzed, and averaged across individuals of the same genotype. None are significantly different from the wild-type mouse. Error bars represent SEM. (b) DNA was extracted from the tail of 4-week-old wild-type (C57BL/6; four mice) and Dnmt3b+/- (four mice) mice. After bisulfite sequencing, the percentage of CpG methylation at each CpG site in the cloned region was analyzed, and averaged across individuals of the same genotype. The Dnmt3b+/- mice have significantly (p < 0.001) less methylation than the wild-type mice. Error bars represent SEM.
Craniofacial analysis of MommeD10 mice
Surviving MommeD10 homozygotes were significantly smaller than littermates at weaning (Student's t-test, p < 0.0001; Figure 8a). A similar size differential was evident in utero at 18.5dpc (Student's t-test, p < 0.01), indicating that this is not simply due to poor post-natal feeding (Figure 8a). MommeD10 homozygotes also appeared to have widened, bulbous foreheads and shortened snouts (Figure 8b). To examine the craniofacial phenotype more accurately, three heads from 4-week-old male mice of each genotype (MommeD10-/-, MommeD10-/+ and MommeD10+/+) were subjected to micro-computed tomography. Heads from one 4-week-old female of each genotype were also examined at this level. They followed the same trend as males. Visual inspection of the three-dimensional reconstructions confirmed the original observation that homozygote's skulls were more bulbous and showed a flattening of the nasal bone and upward curvature of the nasal tip (Figure 8c).
Figure 8. MommeD10-/- mice are smaller than their littermates and display craniofacial abnormalities. (a) Body weight was measured for 46 MommeD10+/+, 102 MommeD10-/+ and 10 MommeD10-/- weaners (3 weeks), and 11 MommeD10+/+, 22 MommeD10-/+ and 5 MommeD10-/- embryos (18.5 dpc). Histograms show mean and SEM. (b) Craniofacial abnormalities in adult MommeD10-/- mice. MommeD10-/- mice display shorter snouts than age and sex-matched wild-type littermates. (c) Three-dimensional reconstruction of skull microCT data from 4-week-old male mice reveals distinct anomalies in homozygous Baz1B mice. Left side: lateral views show the overall size and shape of heterozygous skulls is similar to that of wild-type skulls, whereas skulls of homozygotes were around 20% shorter. Homozygous skulls showed variable anomalies, but consistently had a bulbous appearance, and a short, flattened, or upwardly angulated nasal bone (yellow arrowhead). Slight angulation of the nasal bones was also noted in one heterozygote. Right side: dorsal view of the homozygote skull shown on the left side showing the abnormal shape and more rostral connection of the zygomatic process with the squamosal bone (yellow arrow), skewing of the midline frontal bone suture (black arrow) and minor bilateral anomalies of the frontal:parietal suture (black arrowheads). (d) Twenty cranial landmarks and nine mandibular landmarks (based on those of Richtsmeier [49]) were located on each of nine skulls and inter-landmark measurements recorded. The mean value of each measurement, including analysis of cranium height:width and cranium length:height ratios, was compared between homozygous, heterozygous and wild-type animals.
Twenty cranial landmarks and nine mandibular landmarks were located on each skull using approximately 70 micron resolution datasets and inter-landmark measurements were compared (Figure 8d and Additional data file 1). Statistical analyses were carried out using the data collected from males only. Homozygote skulls were significantly different to wild type (Student's t-test, length:height ratio, p < 0.01; width:height ratio, p < 0.01; length:width ratio, p < 0.05), confirming the bulbous appearance of the skulls on the reconstructed images. Much of this difference could be attributed to reduction of the parietal and nasal bones (both > 12.5% shorter in homozygotes compared to an overall mean length and width reduction of approximately 9%). The reduced parietal bone length and the reduction and upward angulation of the nasal bones in these mice (Figure 8c, d) are reminiscent of the decrease in the volume of the parieto-occipital region and the appearance of the nose in WBS patients [34,35]. Heterozygotes also had a decreased cranium width:height ratio (Student's t-test, p < 0.05) and decreased length:height ratio (Student's t-test, p < 0.05) compared to wild-type skulls. Of note, heterozygotes showed a reduction in palatine bone width of similar magnitude to that seen in homozygotes, suggesting a greater sensitivity of some parts of the skull to decreased Baz1b protein levels. Measurements of the lower jaw revealed relative mandibular hypoplasia in homozygotes that was most pronounced in the posterior region (approximately 20% reduction), encompassing the condyle, angle and coronoid processes (Figure 8d and Additional data file 1). The posterior aspects of the mandibles of heterozygotes were also reduced in size when compared to wild-type mandibles, albeit to a lesser degree than in the homozygotes.
Expression of Baz1b during mouse embryogenesis
It has previously been shown that Baz1b is expressed in the mouse embryo from around 9.5 dpc and whole mount in situ at 11.5 dpc showed expression in limb buds, tail and brain [24]. We have gone on to characterize the expression of Baz1b in more detail, and show that at 8.25 dpc Baz1b is expressed in the headfolds, the caudal tail bud region and the presumptive hindbrain in a pattern reminiscent of rhombomere staining (Figure 9a, f). From 9.5 dpc expression is evident in the somites and in the forelimb bud as it emerges from the lateral plate mesoderm (Figure 9b). Diffuse mesenchymal expression in both the forelimb and hindlimb continues until 12.5 dpc when it is restricted to the interdigital mesenchyme (data not shown).
Figure 9. Whole mount in situ hybridization analysis in mouse embryos shows expression in the developing facial prominences. Embryos at a range of mid-gestational stages were hybridized with an antisense ribroprobe to the 3' untranslated region of Baz1b. (a-e) Views of whole embryos from 8.25-11.5 dpc reveal strong expression in the mesenchyme of the maxillary and mandibular prominences, branchial arch 2 and the nasal processes. Other sites of Baz1b expression include the presumptive hindbrain, headfolds and tailbud at 8.5 dpc, and the limb mesenchyme and somites at later stages. (f) Higher magnification dorsal view of presumptive hindbrain staining at 8.25 dpc. Close up images of facial prominence staining are shown at (g) 8.75 dpc, (h) 10.5 dpc, and (i) 11.5 dpc. Images shown in (h, i) are ventral views following dissection of the head from the body of the embryo. BA1, branchial arch 1; BA2, branchial arch 2; Fl, forelimb; Fnp, frontonasal process; Hb, hindbrain; Hf, headfold; Hl, hindlimb; Lnp, lateral nasal prominence; Md, mandibular prominence; Mnp, medial nasal prominence; Mx, maxillary prominence; R, rhombomere; S, somite; Tb, tailbud.
In the facial primordia, Baz1b is expressed in branchial arch 1 as it first emerges (Figure 9g), and continues later in development in both the maxillary and mandibular components of branchial arch 1 and branchial arch 2 (Figure 9c-e, h, i). Expression in the branchial arches is primarily mesenchymal, and is enriched in the rostral distal margin of the mandible, and the caudal distal margin of branchial arch 2 (Figure 9c-e, h). Baz1b is also expressed in the frontonasal process (Figure 9b) and later in the mesenchyme of both the medial and lateral nasal prominences as they elevate to surround the nasal pits (Figure 9c, d, h, i). Baz1b is expressed strongly in all the major facial primordia from early in embryogenesis.
A possible role for Baz1b in Williams syndrome
Overall, the skull shape in mutant animals is reminiscent of the head shape seen in WBS, including a small upturned nose with flat nasal bridge, micrognathia (or mandibular hypoplasia), malocclusion, bi-temporal narrowing and prominent forehead [34]. WBS is known to be associated with a hemizygous deletion of approximately 28 genes in humans, but which of these genes are responsible for the craniofacial phenotype remains controversial. People with atypical deletions, and varying degrees of craniofacial abnormalities, implicate both proximal and distal ends of the deletion, suggesting that more than one gene is responsible [36-41]. Tassabehji and colleagues [42] reported craniofacial defects in a transgenic (c-myc; Tgf-α) mouse line that harbored a chromosomal translocation fortuitously disrupting the Gtf2ird1 gene, the human orthologue of which resides in the WBS critical interval [43]. Mice homozygous for this transgene produced little Gtf2ird1 mRNA and exhibited craniofacial dysmorphism, suggesting a role for Gtf2ird1 in the craniofacial phenotype. Mice hemizygous for the transgene were indistinguishable from wild-type animals. Disruption of Gtf2ird1 in this mouse was associated with a 40 kb deletion at the site of integration, the addition of 5-10 tandem copies of a c-myc transgene, and translocation of the entire segment to chromosome 6 [43], providing opportunity for disruption to the expression of other genes, such as Baz1b, in the region. A targeted knockout of Gtf2ird1, produced by others, failed to find craniofacial dysmorphology or dental abnormalities [44]. We checked the sequence and expression of Gtf2ird1 in MommeD10 mutants and found no abnormalities (data not shown). The chance of a second point mutation occurring in a coding region in this linked interval is extremely small (p = 0.0008, based on a mutation rate of 1 in 1.82 Mb) [15-17].
Our studies show that the chromatin remodeler Baz1b is expressed strongly in cranial neural crest-derived mesenchyme that drives facial morphogenesis and that homozygosity for a missense mutation in Baz1b produces an array of craniofacial features that are similar to those that characterize the typical WBS face. Significantly, some craniofacial features are also apparent in heterozygotes. These results suggest that reduction in Baz1b protein levels contributes to the elfin facies characteristic of WBS and that WBS is, at least in part, a chromatin-remodeling factor disease.
Extension of the screen has produced four new MommeDs, MommeD7-D10, all of which behave in a semidominant fashion, as do the six previously reported [10]. We have now identified the underlying genes in five of the ten cases, two of which, Hdac1 and Baz1b, we report here. Both are already known to be involved in epigenetic processes, further validating the screen design. In the case of Baz1b this is the first report of a mouse carrying a disrupted allele at this locus and we have shown a role for the protein in craniofacial development.
The screen, designed primarily to identify genes involved in the epigenetic gene silencing of foreign DNA, such as transgenes, has revealed the critical role that such genes play in embryonic and fetal development. It is interesting that at least half of the MommeDs are important during gastrulation. Furthermore, the identification of heterozygous effects suggests that a reduction in the amount of protein product of less than 50% has effects on the health of the mouse. One of the hallmarks of epigenetic gene silencing across all multicellular organisms from plants to humans is the stochastic nature by which they operate [45] and these studies re-emphasize the importance of probabilistic events during embryogenesis. We believe that this screen will provide new tools with which to study these processes.
Materials and methods
Mouse strains
Wild-type inbred C57BL/6J and FVB/NJ mice were purchased from ARC Perth. Procedures were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney and the Animal Ethics Committee of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. The ENU screen was carried out in the FVB/NJ inbred transgenic line as described previously [10]. All MommeD lines were maintained in this strain unless stated otherwise. Most crosses between MommeD individuals were performed on individuals three generations or more removed from the MommeD progenitor. A total of 1,000 G1 offspring were screened at 3 weeks of age, from which ten heritable dominant mutations were identified.
The Dnmt3b null mice were a kind gift from En Li. They have been subsequently backcrossed for more than ten generations to the C57BL/6J strain. GFP fluorescence in Dnmt3b+/- mice was analyzed in the F1 offspring of crosses between Dnmt3b+/- mice and the FVB/NJ transgenic line, and as such each mouse was hemizygous for the transgene.
Flow cytometry
GFP fluorescence in erythrocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry at weaning. A drop of blood was collected in Osmosol buffer (Lab Aids Pty Ltd, Narrabeen, NSW, Australia) and analyzed on a FACScan (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) with excitation at 488 and 550 nm. The 488 nm channel predominantly measures GFP fluorescence and the 550 nm channel measures autofluoresence. The data were analyzed using CELL QUEST software with a GFP-positive gate set to exclude 99.9% of wild-type erythrocytes. Mean fluorescence was calculated using cells within the positive gate. Histograms depict only the GFP fluorescence channel.
Genome walking
Genome walking was performed using the APAgene™ GOLD Genome Walking Kit (Bio S&T Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada) following the manufacturer's instructions. Gene specific primers used were (5'-3'): WalkA CCATATTTTCACCATACACGACA; WalkB GAGACTTTCTCATCCCCAAAACT; WalkC CCCCAAAACTTGTACCCAAA.
Linkage analysis
For MommeD7, D8 and D9, FVB/C57 F1 heterozygous individuals were backcrossed to C57, and linkage analysis performed on their offspring. Phenotype was assigned based on GFP fluorescence profile. A panel of microsatellite markers that differ in size between FVB and C57 were used to localize the mutation to a small area of the genome. Mice wild type for the mutation should only have C57 chromosomes at the linked interval, while mice heterozygous for the mutation should carry both FVB and C57 chromosomes.
Linkage analysis in MommeD10 was carried out using an FVB/C57 F1 MommeD10-/+ intercross to produce 337 F2 individuals. MommeD10-/- mice were distinguished from their littermates by their dramatically reduced size at weaning and their reduced GFP expression profile. Recombination events allowed the linked region to be localized to a small genomic interval. MommeD10-/- mice should only carry FVB chromosomes at the MommeD10 linked region, while the remaining mice should be either FVB/C57 or C57/C57.
Reticulocyte counts
Blood smears were made from blood taken from the tail tip of MommeD7-/+ and MommeD7+/+ mice, and stained with New methylene blue. Full blood analyses were done on the automated haematology analyzer Sysmex Xe-2100 (Sysmex Corporation, Woodlands Spectrum, Singapore).
Reticulocyte analysis by FACS
Nucleated cells and reticulocytes were separated from mature erythrocytes based on propidium iodide fluorescence levels. An RNase control was performed and the presumptive reticulocyte cell population could no longer be detected. Mean GFP fluorescence was determined for reticulocyte and mature erythrocyte cell populations. This was done essentially as described in [46]. Three adult MommeD7-/+ and three wild-type littermate controls were used. Approximately 25 μl of whole blood was collected from the tail in cold Osmosol buffer (Lab Aids Pty Ltd). Cells were fixed for 1 h at 4°C in 1% paraformaldehyde in Osmosol and then washed once in cold Osmosol. Cells were then permeabilized by adding -20°C ethanol to a cell pellet whilst vortexing, and incubated with rotation for 2.5 h at 4°C. A 40 μg/ml solution of propidium iodide was added to pelleted cells and the cells were incubated at 37°C for 30 minutes. Analysis was performed on a FACScan (Becton Dickinson). The data were analyzed using CELL QUEST software.
Genotyping assay
Following identification of the MommeD10 point mutation, genotyping was carried out by AciI digestion of a PCR product of exon 7 of Baz1b (primers available on request). The AciI site is created by the MommeD10 point mutation. Following identification of the MommeD5 mutation, genotyping was carried out by PCR amplification across the deleted region, and gel electrophoresis using Ultra low-range agarose (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA).
Protein analysis
We prepared whole-cell lysates of 10.5 dpc embryos (MommeD5) and 14.5 dpc heads and adult spleen (MommeD10) in 2-3× volume lysis buffer (0.05 M Tris, 7 M urea, 150 mM NaCl). Samples were incubated on ice for 20 minutes, sonicated, centrifuged, and the supernatant collected. Approximately 5 μg (MommeD5) or 10 μg (MommeD10) of protein was separated by SDS-PAGE on a 4-12% gradient gel (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) and was analyzed with antibodies to the Hdac1 amino terminus (sc-6299, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA, USA), Hdac1 carboxyl terminus (05-100, Millipore, Billerica, MA, USA), Hdac2 (05-814, Millipore), Baz1B (BL2067, Bethyl Laboratories, Montgomery, TX, USA) or γ-tubulin (T5192, Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO, USA). Blots were quantified by normalizing the levels of Hdac1, Hdac2 or Baz1B in each lane to that of γ-tubulin. The normalized levels were then averaged across genotypes and the ratio to wild-type levels calculated. A peptide blocking experiment was carried out for the Hdac1 amino terminus using sc-6299P (Santa Cruz Biotechnology).
RNA preparation and quantitative RT-PCR
Total RNA was extracted from 14.5 dpc embryo heads using TRI reagent (Sigma-Aldrich). cDNA was synthesized from total RNA using SuperScriptII reverse transcriptase (Invitrogen) and random hexamer primers. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed with the Platinum SYBR Green qPCR SuperMix-UDG with primers designed to span exon/intron boundaries (available on request). All reactions were performed in triplicate and normalized to both GAPDH and ribosomal highly basic 23-kDa protein (Rpl13A) [47]. The reaction was run on a Corbett Research Rotor-Gene (Qiagen, Doncaster, Vic, Australia).
Bisulfite sequencing of the transgene HS-40 enhancer
Bisulfite sequencing was carried out as described in [48]. Oligonucleotides to the bisulfite converted HS-40 enhancer were as follows (5'-3'): GFPbisF1 AAAATAAAATTTTTGGATTGTTATTATTATAA; GFPbisF2 ATATTTGTAATTTTAGTATTTTGGGAGGTT; and GFPbisR AATCTCTACTCACTACAAACTCCATCTC. Cycling conditions were as follows: 94°C for 2 minutes for 1 cycle; 94°C for 30 s, 60°C for 30 s, 72°C for 45 s for 35 cycles; and 72°C for 6 minutes for 1 cycle.
Micro-CT analysis
Three heads of 4-week-old male mice of each genotype, and one head of female mice of each genotype (MommeD10-/-, MommeD10-/+ and MommeD10+/+) were scanned at 8.7 micron resolution using a SkyScan 1076 micro-computed tomography unit and the data set reduced to approximately 17 microns for three-dimensional reconstruction of the serial slices (CT Analyser software V.220.127.116.11; SkyScan, Kontich, Belgium). Twenty cranial landmarks and nine mandibular landmarks (based on those of Richtsmeier [49]) were located on each of nine skulls and inter-landmark measurements recorded using DataViewer software (V.18.104.22.168; SkyScan). To verify accuracy of the measurements, any landmarks showing marked differences between genotype groups were re-located on a separate day and the measurement repeated. The mean value of each measurement was compared between homozygotes, heterozygotes and wild-type animals.
RNA probes and whole-mount in situ hybridization
DIG-labeled RNA probes were transcribed from linearized DNA templates and used in whole mount in situ hybridization analysis of wild-type FVB/NJ mouse embryos at a range of gestational stages. The probe was directed to 1.1 kb of the 3' untranslated region of Baz1b. A sense probe was used in earlier experiments to confirm specificity of the antisense probe. Whole mount in situ hybridization was performed as previously described [50]. Embryo images were captured digitally using an Olympus SZX12 microscope with DP Controller software (Olympus Corporation).
dpc: days post-coitus; ENU: N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea; FACS: fluorescence activated cell sorting; GFP: green fluorescent protein; Momme: Modifier of murine metastable epialle; SEM: standard error of the mean; WBS: Williams Beuren syndrome.
Authors' contributions
AA carried out the genetic and molecular studies for MommeD2 and MommeD10, the FACS analysis on whole blood for MommeD7 and co-wrote the manuscript. DKM carried out the genetic and molecular studies for MommeD5. NCW carried out the genetic analysis on MommeD7, MommeD8, and MommeD9 and determined the transgene integration site. TJB carried out genetic studies on MommeD6 and initial analysis on MommeD9. NKV performed ENU mutagenesis and carried out genetic studies on MommeD4 and initial analysis on MommeD7. LLC carried out the craniofacial analysis. NCB and CW performed and interpreted the whole mount in situ hybridizations. MEB performed ENU mutagenesis and carried out genetic studies on MommeD1 and MommeD3. SJW and GJA performed the reticulocyte staining. TCC carried out the craniofacial analysis and interpretation. EW conceived the study, and project design, coordinated the project and together with other co-authors interpreted results and wrote the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Additional data files
The following additional data file is available with the online version of this paper. Additional data file 1 shows more craniofacial measurements between MommeD10+/+, MommeD10-/+ and MommeD10-/- mice.
Additional data file 1. Craniofacial measurements between MommeD10+/+, MommeD10-/+ and MommeD10-/- mice.
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The authors would like to thank Belinda Washbourne and Dr Peter Self at Adelaide Microscopy for assistance with the microcomputed tomography scans and logistics, and Dr J Matthews at The University of Sydney for assistance with protein modeling. This study was supported by NHMRC grants to EW. AA, DKM, NCW, TB and NCB were supported by Australian Postgraduate Awards. NV was supported by an International Postgraduate Award (University of Sydney). CW and GJA are NHMRC Senior Research Fellows. EW was supported by a fellowship from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.
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As of Saturday, February 9, 2013
© Copyright 2015 Albany Herald
Talk is cheap and lies are expensive.
— Green Day
I'll reserve passing judgment on the elected officials who serve this city and county, leave that to the paying customers who seem to have a firmer grasp of the supposed ineptitude.
But I will say that I don't envy them as they meet each week to "do the people's business" when they don't seem to have the capacity to come close to satisfying those people. If ever any group personified the damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't ethos, it's these gluttons for punishment who somewhere along the way decided it would be a cool thing to run for this board or that.
What they found once the bright lights from the camera flashes dissipated and the welcome-aboard backslaps ended was a weary public — tired of an economy that was now reaching their pocketbooks, angry that their paved path to easy street somehow became marred with potholes — looking for someone to blame.
Who better, then, than the "bozos" who were getting paid "all that money" (if they only knew) to render decisions that determined how their hard-earned tax dollars were spent?
The rally cry of this disaffected group, which grows angrier with each presumed governmental misstep, is, "Quit throwing away my money!"
Heeding that cry, elected officials here have lately taken it to heart, looking for ways to at least try and save money and/or generate more of it. Here's some of what they've done:
- OK'd a plan to close two underused library branches that were eating up dwindling system funds;
- Tentatively agreed to close two schools whose student population doesn't warrant their continued independent operation;
- Come up with a plan to allow a taxpaying personal care home to set up shop in a city neighborhood under strict guidelines designed to protect the integrity of the neighborhood;
- Made the tough decision to stop footing a multimillion-dollar Medicare bill for senior retirees.
- For their efforts, here's the blowback from each cost-cutting or -enhancing measure:
- Indignant citizens who live near the two library branches — but obviously didn't care enough about them to use them that often — have accused appointed Library Board members of racial insensitivity, leading to the resignation of two members and convincing some elected county officials they should take a closer look at the decision.
- Dozens of citizens have voiced outrage over the plan to close the two schools, saying school officials should randomly close other schools in the system rather than ones that impact their neighborhoods.
- Come under the attack of a group of citizens that at first was worried about the integrity of the "only decent neighborhood left in Albany" but later demanded more time so officials could consider "zoning overlays" — there are probably two or three people around here who know what that actually means, but whatever — and study ways to make that decent neighborhood even more amazing.
- Been called out as heartless for even considering ending the costly practice of making Medicare payments for some of the city's oldest citizens who gave years of service to the community.
For the most part, it must be noted, elected officials have cracked under the pressure of the different complaining groups, pretty much given in to demands any time an unpopular decision has confronted them. What these officials obviously haven't been able to grasp is that the citizens they represent do want them to stop spending their tax money, to make decisions based on the greater good of the whole community ... except when it impacts them personally.
Find somewhere else to close schools and close libraries and stop payments and to allow legitimate businesses to locate. It's OK, but — all together now — NOT IN MY BACKYARD!
Now that we've cleared that up, let's talk about the stinking federal Postal Service having the temerity to suggest closing an underperforming post office branch — That we use! — as a cost-cutting measure ...
Email Metro Editor Carlton Fletcher at firstname.lastname@example.com.
oldster 2 years, 9 months ago
Unfortunately being in a public leadership roll tends to make enemies.
FryarTuk 2 years, 9 months ago
Politician no. Public service (servant) yes. People who have gone into public service to serve the people rather than themselve have earned the respect of their constituents. Examples with which we are relatively familiar: Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Sen. Paul Coverdell, Sam Nunn, Carl Vinson, Sam Ervin, Carol Fullerton, Justice Herbert Phipps, Sherif Jamil Saba, Jon Howard, Sherif Earlie Posey, and Rep. John Lewis. To name a few and you know some. We all like them. Perhaps not agree with everything they say but they enjoy(ed) our trust that they were about the good of the people. I wouldn't let 90% of the national or state level politicians write a will or say a prayer for my wife's cat because they all would be thinking what's in it for themselves.
Tough decisions always have reverberations and it's like HST said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." It's called character.
RedEric 2 years, 9 months ago
I believe Carlton measures his value by the number of comments he gets for his columns. He intends to offend a maximum number with this one. He really should stay current with his medication. Presenting yourself as the outlaw is a juvenile thing. When your hair turns white and your belly hangs over your belt it is time to grow up.
MisterEd 2 years, 9 months ago
I'm just surprised that Carlton had the sack to actually call out his liberal friends of the African American variety with his comments about the libraries and schools. Miracles never cease.
agirl_25 2 years, 9 months ago
He has African American friends in Albany? I had no idea any were living in Albany. I know many blacks or those of the Negro population in Albany use the term African American behind their names but in fact they are not born in Africa, nor do they have a parent who is born in Africa therefore it puzzles me as to why they always say they are African American. It is as crazy as me saying I am European American everytime someone mentions my name. Anyway, was curious as to where his African American friends came from in Africa. Maybe he can enlighten us in a future column and call it..."my African American friends and their homelands"....has a nice ring to it,....doncha think? I think that until this is made clear, this use of the term, African American that henceforth all ethnic tagging should be mandatory behind everyone's name that is used in this publication, ie. Euro-American, Hispanic-American, Turkish-American, etc. My opinion and I am sticking to it......Oh yeah and Fryer, on your list up there...you cudda left out John Lewis, a mumbling piece of do nothing and put in Barbara Jordon, congresswoman from the Watergate era....fantastic woman, honest and fair.
FryarTuk 2 years, 9 months ago
I do agree Rep. Jordan belongs on the list. You know John Lewis was beaten pretty severely on the head in Selma marches leaving permanent damage. It used to be that if you called a Negro or person of color an African it was an insult. Listen to MLK's speeches (e.g. I have a Dream) he used the term Negro and people of color exclusively. My impression is he would be horrified with the defining use of the separating prefix of "African-" I just don't use the term.
agirl_25 2 years, 9 months ago
According to what I have read it isn't MLK's speech but something he borrowed, as he was known to do a lot of. Much of the speech was borrowed from a sermon given by Archibald Carey in 1952 at the Republican National Convention. And I quote ."That's actually par for the course, with Michael "Martin Luther" King Jr. He was a notorious plagiarist and scholastic fraud. His very first sermon, given in 1947 at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, was stolen from a sermon by Protestant clergyman Harry Emerson Fosdick. And nearly everything of significance that he said or wrote afterward was likewise stolen from better and brighter men -- from men who never had a chance at the kind of honors that King got." He reminded me of the school bullies I used to bully. With James Farmer of C.O.R.E..he came along and pushed him out of the way and took over when James had set he groundwork and made it look like he (MLK) was the hero. With Rosa, he jumped on the bus and pushed her off the seat and took over....and so it goes...... Sorry, but I do not worship men lightly....they have to prove themselves to be worthy. He may be a hero to many but just because a person is black does not mean they have to worship a plagaristic liar. The only reason his PhD was not recinded by Boston College was because by the time all the plagarizing of others work was discovered he had been killed and thought to be a hero when in fact even his "loyal" lieutenants said he was a moral hypocrite. Remember, my opinion and I am entitled to it.
FryarTuk 2 years, 9 months ago
Well, preachers are notorious for borrowing each other's sermons. Most of them just keep plagiarizing out of the Bible time and time again. You know if you look at the first three books of the Bible they are all about the same. So much so somebody has dubbed them the synoptic gospels. Those three saints Mathew, Luke and Mark just plagiarized the hell out of one another. Then who ever wrote the gospel of St. John got in on it as well just added a little gnosticism. You'd think Doris Kearns Goodwin and Fareed Zakaria taught 'em how its done. Don't worship any thing or anyone but I believe Martin Luther King was a cultural phenomenon and became a significant change agent for American Society for the better.
agirl_25 2 years, 9 months ago
Excellent!!!!!!!!! Your opinion an you are entitled to it and I admire you for stating it and for allowing me to state mine and for not attacking my opinion. Nice to know there is a gentleman among the crowd. Many thanks to you.
Sister_Ruby 2 years, 9 months ago
Fletcher......I'd rather be a smartass editorial writer who thinks that people give a FLYING FIRETRUCK what I think.
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The Replacement Killers (1998)
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Reviews: 162 user | 102 critic | 22 from Metacritic.com
Failing to kill anymore because of his conscience, a troubled hit-man seeks aid from a forger to help him get papers to China. However, the drug-lord has hired replacements to finish the job and kill the hit-man.
Director:Antoine Fuqua
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Sobriety Checkpoint Results - Seabrook
On July 19, 2013 , the New Hampshire State Police Troop-A, in conjunction with the Seabrook Police, the Hampton Police, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department and NH Liquor Enforcement conducted a Sobriety Checkpoint on Route 1A in the town of Seabrook. A total of 688 vehicles were stopped and screened at the checkpoint.
Twenty-four (24) arrests were made; charges included DWI, DWI Subsequent Offense, Aggravated DWI, Open Container and Possession of Controlled Drug.


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Welcome Folder
Below are links that make up our On-Line Welcome Folder and you may find it very useful to print these documents. You are required to fill out the first two forms and bring them with you when you Check-In with the Office of International Student Services.
- International Student Check-In Form
- Pledge of Compliance form (pdf)
- Orientation Schedule Spring 2014
- Campus Maps
- Host Family Student Application form (pdf)


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Freethought Summer Reading List
This list was compiled by SSA Campus Organizer
Now that you're not reading piles of literature and textbooks for school, how about a little reading you've chosen for yourself? All of these books are available at Amazon.com (all have used and less expensive copies for sale), and many are available in public libraries across the country. You can also use the links at the bottom of each description to purchase the books through Amazon.com with a portion of the price going to help support the SSA!
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
Discover magazine recently called Richard Dawkins "Darwin's Rottweiler" for his fierce and effective defense of evolution. Prospect magazine voted him among the top three public intellectuals in the world (along with Umberto Eco and Noam Chomsky). Now Dawkins turns his considerable intellect to religion, denouncing its faulty logic and the suffering it causes. He critiques God in all his forms, from the sex-obsessed tyrant of the Old Testament to the more benign (but still illogical) Celestial Watchmaker favored by some Enlightenment thinkers. He eviscerates the major arguments for religion and demonstrates the supreme improbability of a supreme being. He shows how religion fuels war, foments bigotry, and abuses children, buttressing his points with historical and contemporary evidence. In so doing, he makes a compelling case that belief in God is not just irrational, but potentially deadly. Dawkins has fashioned an impassioned, rigorous rebuttal to religion, to be embraced by anyone who sputters at the inconsistencies and cruelties that riddle the Bible, bristles at the inanity of "intelligent design," or agonizes over fundamentalism in the Middle East or Middle America.
To buy it now through Amazon.com and support the SSA:
Breaking the Spell : Religion as a Natural Phenomenon by Daniel C. Dennett
In his characteristically provocative fashion, Dennett, author of Darwin's Dangerous Idea and director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University, calls for a scientific, rational examination of religion that will lead us to understand what purpose religion serves in our culture. Much like E.O. Wilson (In Search of Nature), Robert Wright (The Moral Animal), and Richard Dawkins (The Selfish Gene), Dennett explores religion as a cultural phenomenon governed by the processes of evolution and natural selection. Religion survives because it has some kind of beneficial role in human life, yet Dennett argues that it has also played a maleficent role. He elegantly pleads for religions to engage in empirical self-examination to protect future generations from the ignorance so often fostered by religion hiding behind doctrinal smoke screens. Because Dennett offers a tentative proposal for exploring religion as a natural phenomenon, his book is sometimes plagued by generalizations that leave us wanting more ("Only when we can frame a comprehensive view of the many aspects of religion can we formulate defensible policies for how to respond to religions in the future"). Although much of the ground he covers has already been well trod, he clearly throws down a gauntlet to religion.
To buy it now through Amazon.com and support the SSA:
How the Mind Works by Steven Pinker
Why do fools fall in love? Why does a man's annual salary, on average, increase $600 with each inch of his height? When a crack dealer guns down a rival, how is he just like Alexander Hamilton, whose face is on the ten-dollar bill? How do optical illusions function as windows on the human soul? Cheerful, cheeky, occasionally outrageous MIT psychologist Steven Pinker answers all of the above and more in his marvelously fun, awesomely informative survey of modern brain science. Pinker argues that Darwin plus canny computer programs are the key to understanding ourselves--but he also throws in apt references to Star Trek, Star Wars, The Far Side, history, literature, W. C. Fields, Mozart, Marilyn Monroe, surrealism, experimental psychology, and Moulay Ismail the Bloodthirsty and his 888 children. If How the Mind Works were a rock show, tickets would be scalped for $100. This book deserved its spot as Number One on bestseller lists.
To buy it now through Amazon.com and support the SSA:


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- Filed Under
Everything old is new again at this movies this year. And we're not just talking about sequels.
Hollywood has taken its "rely on established 'brand' names" thing to the next level.
So we have a new "Hercules" and a new Jack Ryan. Aaron Eckhart is a new Frankenstein ("I, Frankenstein," Jan. 24). ...