The Intelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE), which is one of the major strategic technologies under development at NASA centers and the University of Virginia, is described. One of the major objectives of ISE is to significantly enhance the rapid creation of innovative affordable products and missions. ISE uses a synergistic combination of leading-edge technologies, including high performance computing, high capacity communications and networking, human-centered computing, knowledge-based engineering, computational intelligence, virtual product development, and product information management. The environment will link scientists, design teams, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants who participate in the mission synthesis as well as in the creation and operation of the aerospace system. It will radically advance the process by which complex science missions are synthesized, and high-tech engineering Systems are designed, manufactured and operated. The five major components critical to ISE are human-centered computing, infrastructure for distributed collaboration, rapid synthesis and simulation tools, life cycle integration and validation, and cultural change in both the engineering and science creative process. The five components and their subelements are described. Related U.S. government programs are outlined and the future impact of ISE on engineering research and education is discussed.

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Rheumatoid subcutaneous bursitis.

We reviewed 11 patients with rheumatoid subcutaneous bursitis involving the olecranon bursa in 10 and an adventitious bursa in 1. All patients had a positive latex fixation test for rheumatoid factors. The mean bursal fluid white blood count (WBC) was 2,924/mm3 compared with a mean joint fluid WBC of 15,608/mm3 in 32 consecutive cases of classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis (p less than 0.001). Bursal fluid glucose and complement concentrations were low. Cholesterol crystals were present in 5 of 6 nodular bursae, and in none of the 5 non-nodular bursae (p less than 0.05). Two patients had acicular cholesterol crystals that had previously led to an erroneous diagnosis of gout.

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