Beyond Electronics

Amundson traces the histories of electronic technologies, video, and electronic art, examining the shift from art about the technology itself to work that uses it as an expressive tool or addresses its social dimension. Lists exhibitions related to art and technology. Statements by 11 artists. Biographical notes. 14 bibl. ref

Translational pharmacology of an inhaled small molecule αvβ6 integrin inhibitor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The αvβ6 integrin plays a key role in the activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), a pro-fibrotic mediator that is pivotal to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We identified a selective small molecule αvβ6 RGD-mimetic, GSK3008348, and profiled it in a range of disease relevant pre-clinical systems. To understand the relationship between target engagement and inhibition of fibrosis, we measured pharmacodynamic and diseaserelated end points. Here we report, GSK3008348 binds to αvβ6 with high affinity in human IPF lung and reduces downstream pro-fibrotic TGFβ signaling to normal levels. In human lung epithelial cells, GSK3008348 induces rapid internalization and lysosomal degradation of the αvβ6 integrin. In the murine bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model, GSK3008348 engages αvβ6, induces prolonged inhibition of TGFβ signaling and reduces lung collagen deposition and serum C3M, a marker of IPF disease progression. These studies highlight the potential of inhaled GSK3008348 as an anti-fibrotic therapy

HSP70-binding protein HSPBP1 regulates chaperone expression at a posttranslational level and is essential for spermatogenesis

Molecular chaperones play key roles during growth, development, and stress survival. The ability to induce chaperone expression enables cells to cope with the accumulation of nonnative proteins under stress and complete developmental processes with an increased requirement for chaperone assistance. Here we generate and analyze transgenic mice that lack the cochaperone HSPBP1, a nucleotide-exchange factor of HSP70 proteins and inhibitor of chaperone-assisted protein degradation. Male HSPBP1(−/−) mice are sterile because of impaired meiosis and massive apoptosis of spermatocytes. HSPBP1 deficiency in testes strongly reduces the expression of the inducible, antiapoptotic HSP70 family members HSPA1L and HSPA2, the latter of which is essential for synaptonemal complex disassembly during meiosis. We demonstrate that HSPBP1 affects chaperone expression at a posttranslational level by inhibiting the ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of inducible HSP70 proteins. We further provide evidence that the cochaperone BAG2 contributes to HSP70 stabilization in tissues other than testes. Our findings reveal that chaperone expression is determined not only by regulated transcription, but also by controlled degradation, with degradation-inhibiting cochaperones exerting essential prosurvival functions

Transforming Tensions in Learning Technology Design: Operationalising Activity Theory

Abstract: A brief review shows several suggested ways in which cultural historical activity theory has proved valuable to technology supported learning environments. Three of our own design cases are then described (evaluating a peer to peer interface for learning objects, designing an on-line school, and rethinking a public science centre). These are discussed to illustrate the approach and finally this is reviewed for potential re-use

Subverting Nature : Doug Buis, Diana Burgoyne, Kevin Kelly

Davison examines the relationship between technology and nature in the work of the three Canadian artists, highlighting the work's capacity to seduce the viewer aesthetically and/or through its entertainment value. Artist's statements. Biographical notes

Siting Technology

Technologically-implicated work by seven artists supported by four texts by various critics. Sherman's essay "Primary Devices" deals specifically with the relation between visual art and communications technologies (video, holography, computers). Biographical notes. 10 bibl. ref

Beyond Electronics

Amundson examines changes in artists' relation to technology, going from an interest in the possibilities of the medium itself to an examination of its social consequences. The history of electronically-based art, as well as ten artists' use of the medium, are commented upon. Includes a diskette with a bibliography and texts, transcripts of a panel discussion, and an extensive bibliography comprising nearly 300 references. Biographical notes

Inversions : Interventions

This unbound issue of Inversions contains eight artists' projects related to the theme of intervention. Includes participatory works by Burgoyne and Marketou, a Lesbian Ranger's badge by Dempsey and Millan, and a fold-out curatorial project by Sommerman. Biographical notes. 1 bibl. ref

Le son dans l'art contemporain canadien = Sound in Contemporary Canadian Art

Stemming from a research residency at Artexte Information Centre, Gingras has assembled this anthology of texts by 18 artists and authors, creating a forum for a discussion of sound in the visual and media arts in Canada from 1980 to the present. Focusing on a specific work or artist, or while discussing their own practice through writing or in interview, the authors reflect on different experiences of listening and hearing, on sound objects and acoustic bodies, broadcasting devices, interdisciplinarity, and the role of silence. Gingras’ essays encompass the artists who inspired this project, as well as issues involved in the creating, dissemination, reception and documentation of works of sound. The accompanying audio CD contains various sound recordings by 16 artists. Gingras’ texts in French and English; other texts in the language of the author. Biographical notes on the authors and on the artists represented on the CD. Circa 75 bibl. ref