A rapid protocol for generating arthropod DNA barcodes suitable for use with undergraduate students

We provide a protocol for rapid DNA extraction from spiders suitable for undergraduate practical sessions. Students who were previously naïve to the theory and laboratory technique of DNA barcoding were successfully able to extract and recover 29 DNA sequences from 16 species of small spiders in the family Linyphiidae. We anticipate that with careful selection of specimens, undergraduate students could participate in sessions which both benefit their professional development and further taxonomic understanding across a variety of organisms.PostprintPostprintPeer reviewe

Becoming a Reading Specialist: Surveying the Possibilities

The terrain of graduate programs is changing, especially in light of preparing highly qualified teachers (NCLB, 2001) and standards-based accreditation (IRA, 2004a, NCATE, 2008). This changing terrain is noticed as many institutions of higher learning undergo program reviews through self-studies required by the institution, by state departments of education, by specialized professional associations, or by national accreditation entities. This project sought to explore the nature of reading specialists master’s programs by examining their websites in light of the shift towards standards-based accreditation of programs and the influence of federal legislation. Specific objectives for this descriptive study included: (a) reviewing master’s programs that lead to reading specialist certification at institutions of varying purpose, size, and location; (b) examining program configurations, including but not limited to programs of study, requirements, and special features; and (c) exploring features of institutions’ websites offering information about becoming a certified reading specialist

Somatic Variants in SVIL in Cerebral Aneurysms

Publisher Copyright: © American Academy of Neurology.Background and ObjectivesWhile somatic mutations have been well-studied in cancer, their roles in other complex traits are much less understood. Our goal is to identify somatic variants that may contribute to the formation of saccular cerebral aneurysms.MethodsWe performed whole-exome sequencing on aneurysm tissues and paired peripheral blood. RNA sequencing and the CRISPR/Cas9 system were then used to perform functional validation of our results.ResultsSomatic variants involved in supervillin (SVIL) or its regulation were found in 17% of aneurysm tissues. In the presence of a mutation in the SVIL gene, the expression level of SVIL was downregulated in the aneurysm tissue compared with normal control vessels. Downstream signaling pathways that were induced by knockdown of SVIL via the CRISPR/Cas9 system in vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) were determined by evaluating changes in gene expression and protein kinase phosphorylation. We found that SVIL regulated the phenotypic modulation of vSMCs to the synthetic phenotype via Krüppel-like factor 4 and platelet-derived growth factor and affected cell migration of vSMCs via the RhoA/ROCK pathway.DiscussionWe propose that somatic variants form a novel mechanism for the development of cerebral aneurysms. Specifically, somatic variants in SVIL result in the phenotypic modulation of vSMCs, which increases the susceptibility to aneurysm formation. This finding suggests a new avenue for the therapeutic intervention and prevention of cerebral aneurysms.Peer reviewe

Fontenelle, Bernard le Bovier de

International audienc

Focused Cardiac Ultrasound Diagnosis of Cor Triatriatum Sinistrum in Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest in the adolescent population secondary to congenital heart disease (CHD) is rare. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) in the emergency department (ED) can yield important clinical information, aid in resuscitative efforts during cardiac arrest and is commonly integrated into the evaluation of patients with pulseless electrical activity (PEA). We report a case of pediatric cardiac arrest in which FoCUS was used to diagnose a critical CHD known as cor triatriatum sinistrum as the likely cause for PEA cardiac arrest and help direct ED resuscitation

Investigation into the formation of hydrogen and methane during the irradiation of V45 bitumen and mixtures of V45 bitumen with solids

Translated from Russian (Proc. 4. Scientific and Technical Conf. of SEV Moscow (SU) 22-23 Dec 1976 p. 41-47)SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:9091.9F(RISLEY-Trans--5226)T / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Design and principles of operation of an experimental plant for bitumenising radioactive waste

Translated from Russian (Proc. 4. Scientific and Technical Conf. of the SEV Moscow (SU) 22-23 Dec 1976 p. 34-40)SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:9091.9F(RISLEY-Trans--5225)T / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo