Douglas B. Craig

Bio: Douglas B. Craig is an academic researcher from Wayne State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cancer & Prostate cancer. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 15 publications receiving 511 citations. Previous affiliations of Douglas B. Craig include General Motors & University of Rochester.

Disulfide by Design 2.0: a web-based tool for disulfide engineering in proteins

Abstract: Disulfide engineering is an important biotechnological tool that has advanced a wide range of research. The introduction of novel disulfide bonds into proteins has been used extensively to improve protein stability, modify functional characteristics, and to assist in the study of protein dynamics. Successful use of this technology is greatly enhanced by software that can predict pairs of residues that will likely form a disulfide bond if mutated to cysteines. We had previously developed and distributed software for this purpose: Disulfide by Design (DbD). The original DbD program has been widely used; however, it has a number of limitations including a Windows platform dependency. Here, we introduce Disulfide by Design 2.0 (DbD2), a web-based, platform-independent application that significantly extends functionality, visualization, and analysis capabilities beyond the original program. Among the enhancements to the software is the ability to analyze the B-factor of protein regions involved in predicted disulfide bonds. Importantly, this feature facilitates the identification of potential disulfides that are not only likely to form but are also expected to provide improved thermal stability to the protein. DbD2 provides platform-independent access and significantly extends the original functionality of DbD. A web server hosting DbD2 is provided at http://cptweb.cpt.wayne.edu/DbD2/ .

Estimator and controller design for LaneTrak, a vision-based automatic vehicle steering system

Abstract: This work focuses on the underlying theory used in the design of a lane estimator and a lane controller to achieve automatic roadway tracking by a vehicle. In concert with a lane sensing algorithm, a comprehensive simulation assesses the roadway tracking performance of a Pontiac 6000 STE. The roadway curvature and the relative positioning of the vehicle within its lane are estimated using Kalman filtering. Inputs to the estimator are vehicle kinematical variables provided by a vehicle directional control (DIRCON) model, and lane boundary information provided by a video camera model. The design of the steering autopilot is formulated as a preview, path tracking and regulation problem. The steering autopilot uses the estimator outputs and the vehicle DIRCON model. The estimator and controller designs were tested, improved, and validated using a comprehensive simulation program which included models for the lane sensing system and the steering actuator. The credibility of the simulation has been further established through successful lane control of a Pontiac 6000 STE car on an unopened section of a limited-access freeway at highway speeds. >

A study of circulating microRNAs identifies a new potential biomarker panel to distinguish aggressive prostate cancer.

Abstract: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide. Currently available diagnostic and prognostic tools for this disease, such as prostate specific antigen, suffer from lack of specificity and sensitivity, resulting in over- and misdiagnosis. Hence, there is an urgent need for clinically relevant biomarkers capable of distinguishing between aggressive and nonaggressive forms of prostate cancer to aid in stratification, management and therapeutic decisions. To address this unmet need, we investigated the patterns of expression of a panel of 68 plasma-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) in a cohort of African American (AA) and European American (EA) prostate cancer patients (n = 114). miRNA qPCR results were analyzed using in-depth statistical methods, and a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify potential targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs. Our data demonstrate that a new previously unreported circulating miRNA signature consisting of a combination of interacting miRNAs (miR-17/miR-192) and an independent miRNA (miR-181a) are capable of segregating aggressive and nonaggressive prostate cancer in both AA and EA patients. The interacting miRNAs outperformed independent miRNAs in identifying aggressiveness. Our results suggest that these circulating miRNAs may constitute novel biomarkers of prostate cancer aggressiveness in both races and warrant further investigation.

Augmented annotation and orthologue analysis for Oryctolagus cuniculus : Better Bunny

Abstract: Background The rabbit is an important model organism used in a wide range of biomedical research. However, the rabbit genome is still sparsely annotated, thus prohibiting extensive functional analysis of gene sets derived from whole-genome experiments. We developed a web-based application that provides augmented annotation and orthologue analysis for rabbit genes. Importantly, the application allows comprehensive functional analysis through the use of orthologous relationships.

Vision system for vehicle

Abstract: A forward-facing vision system for a vehicle includes a forward-facing camera disposed in a windshield electronics module attached at a windshield of the vehicle and viewing through the windshield. A control includes a processor that, responsive to processing of captured image data, detects taillights of leading vehicles during nighttime conditions and, responsive to processing of captured image data, detects lane markers on a road being traveled by the vehicle. The control, responsive to lane marker detection and a determination that the vehicle is drifting out of a traffic lane, may control a steering system of the vehicle to mitigate such drifting, with the steering system manually controllable by a driver of the vehicle irrespective of control by the control. The processor, based at least in part on detection of lane markers via processing of captured image data, determines curvature of the road being traveled by the vehicle.

Vehicular vision system

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera having a lens and a CMOS photosensor array having a plurality of photosensor elements. The camera is disposed at an interior portion of a vehicle equipped with the vehicular vision system. The camera one of (i) views exterior of the equipped vehicle through the windshield of the equipped vehicle and forward of the equipped vehicle and (ii) views from the windshield of the equipped vehicle into the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the photosensor array. The image processor processes captured image data to detect an object viewed by the camera. The photosensor array is operable at a plurality of exposure periods and at least one exposure period of the plurality of exposure periods is dynamically variable.