Monthly Archives: June 2012

Alaska Aerospace board to mull replacement of CEO

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A top official with the Alaska Aerospace Corp. says a special meeting will be held to discuss replacement of the corporation's departing CEO Dale Nash.

Alaska Aerospace president and chief operating officer Craig Campbell says options for the corporation's board of directors include appointing a new CEO directly or launching an executive search. The board could decide to name an interim chief until Nash's replacement steps in.

Campbell says no date for the board meeting has been set.

Nash, who is leaving his present post July 27, has been named executive director of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority. He begins July 31.

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Alaska Aerospace board to mull replacement of CEO

Canada's Aerospace Industry Set to Stall Without Strengthened Federal Government Action, CAW says

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TORONTO, June 28, 2012 /CNW/ - The CAW is warning that without renewed federal government leadership Canada's aerospace industry is heading for a stall and a vastly diminished role in this high-tech, global industry.

"This technology-intensive, export-oriented industry makes a unique contribution to a better role for Canada in the world economy," said CAW President Ken Lewenza in a submission released today to the federal government's Aerospace Review. "We can't take this sector for granted," Lewenza said.

Canada's successful aerospace industry is a living example of the wisdom of pro-active industrial policy efforts by government, Lewenza said. But the future is uncertain: Canada has lost 13,000 aerospace manufacturing jobs in the last decade, or one out of four. And our international trade performance has deteriorated: as recently as 2003 Canada had a $4.9 billion aerospace trade surplus - by 2011 that had been cut by 60%.

As other leading aerospace manufacturing jurisdictions including the EU, Japan and Brazil continue to strengthen investments in the industry, and governments in emerging aerospace nations such as Mexico and China work to aggressively capture a greater share of the global market, Canada needs to do more, the submission highlights.

The global commercial aerospace industry is expected to grow strongly in the decades ahead, but Canada needs to take action now to ensure it remains part of this growth, states the CAW submission called Pulling Out of a Stall: Plotting a Renewed Course for Canada's Aerospace Industry.

"This is a long-term business and we need to act now to make sure Canada stays in the game and that we continue to create high-tech, good jobs," said Dawn Cartwright, CAW aerospace director.

The 10-page CAW submission highlights six areas for strengthening government involvement in aerospace manufacturing. These recommendations include:

Other recommendations outlined in the CAW submission include enhancing skills development in the aerospace sector and the establishment of a sustained aerospace development council.

Jerry Dias, assistant to the CAW President, said the final report of the Aerospace Review to be completed later this year must be made public when reported to government. He urged the federal government to respond quickly and take steps to strengthen the industry as soon as possible.

"The ongoing support and leadership role of the federal government in building a stronger Canadian aerospace industry is crucial," Dias said.

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Canada's Aerospace Industry Set to Stall Without Strengthened Federal Government Action, CAW says

Dinosaurs were warm-blooded reptiles

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Public release date: 28-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Maria Jesus Delgado MariaJesus.Delgado@uab.cat 34-935-814-049 Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

The journal Nature has published a study analysing the lines of arrested growth (LAG) in the bones of around a hundred ruminants, representative of the specific and ecological diversity of that group of mammals. The results show that the presence of these lines is not an indicator of an ectothermic physiology (does not generate internal heat), as had previously been thought, since all warm-blooded mammals have them. The study therefore dismantles the key argument of the hypothesis that dinosaurs could have been cold-blooded reptiles. The work was carried out by researchers from the Institut Catal de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP), in collaboration with a researcher from the Norwegian Polar Institute.

LAGs are seen in bone sections as dark rings, similar to those seen in tree trunks. The rings are formed, both in the studied mammals and in trees, during the unfavourable seasons (winter or dry season) when the growth of the organism is arrested as a result of a lack of resources. The presence of LAGs in bones was, until now, considered to be the clearest indicator of ectothermy since the seasonal arrest of growth was related to the animal's inability to maintain a more or less constant body temperature (endothermy) during the season of scarce resources.

As the ICREA researcher and ICP palaeontologist Meike Khler explains: The study we have carried out is very powerful, both in terms of the amount of material and the diversity of species with which we worked, but we did not design it to find a response to the thermophysiology of dinosaurs. We sought to better understand the physiology of extant mammals and how the environment affects them how their growth changes as a result of external temperatures, rain and the availability of food and water".

Understanding this was the first step to establishing discussions in paleontological research about the physiology of animals that lived several million years ago.

But the researchers realised that what they observed in the bones of different ruminants refutes the main argument for an ectothermic physiology in dinosaurs. Many hypotheses set out from the premise that large mammals endothermic par excellence do not have LAGs in their hard tissues since they do not need to arrest their growth responding to external temperature conditions. In fact, since LAGs have been observed in almost all species of dinosaur, many scientists considered that they were cold-blooded reptiles.

The article published today in Nature offers the first systematic study, based on an extensive sample of mammals representative of a large variety of ecosystems, which shows that LAGs do not indicate an ectothermic physiology but give us information about how the physiology (metabolism) of an animal changes according to seasonal endocrinal changes, both in cold- and warm-blooded animals. These changes represent a common heritage in all vertebrates and are a kind of internal clock that regulates the animals' needs according to the seasonal availability of resources. Despite the fact that these physiological changes have a strong genetic component, they are also functional and their intensity depends on the ecological conditions in which the animals live. The main ecological factors are more rain and limited supply of food and water, rather than external temperature. This discovery opens up a major line of research into the conservation of biodiversity on our planet today.

Researcher Meike Khler says:

It may seem surprising that until now there has not been a similar systematic study to prove or disprove whether it is only ectotherms that leave these marks in their bones during growth. In fact, there are so many things we do not know that science does not always advance in a linear way. The ideas somehow had long been wandering among the scientific community, but the work we have published organizes them and bases them on data.

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Dinosaurs were warm-blooded reptiles

Moss receives Frontiers in Physiology Fellowship

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Joseph Moss from D.H. Conley High School is among 28 middle and high school science teachers in 21 states to receive 2010 Frontiers in Physiology Online Professional Development Fellowships from the American Physiological Society (APS).

The new online professional development course allows the Frontiers teacher fellows to explore effective teaching strategies, understand the research process, and strategically enhance classroom lessons. From April 2010 to April 2011, teachers are engaged in course assignments, hands-on activities and online experiments, and discussions with one another across the nation. The lessons are structured in the APS Six Star Science framework for promoting excellence in science education. The research-based Six Star Science principles address student-centered learning, equity and diversity, technology in the classroom, authentic assessment on content and pedagogy, updated content, and reflection on the practice of teaching and learning.

Frontiers teacher fellows are mentored through the course by two former Frontiers teacher fellows who have undertaken roles as teacher mentors and APS Education Office staff.

For the complete article, please pick up a copy of The Daily Reflector. Current home delivery and electronic edition subscribers may log in to access this article at no charge. To become a subscriber, please click here or contact Customer Service at (252) 329-9505.

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Moss receives Frontiers in Physiology Fellowship

Dinosaurs were warm-blooded reptiles: Mammal bone study sheds light on dinosaur physiology

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ScienceDaily (June 28, 2012) A study with extant mammals refutes the hypothesis on which the assumption that dinosaurs were ectotherms was based.

The work was carried out by researchers from Institut Catal de Paleontologia (ICP) and Universitat Autnoma de Barcelona (UAB). It has been published in Nature.

The study analysing the lines of arrested growth (LAG) in the bones of around a hundred ruminants, representative of the specific and ecological diversity of that group of mammals. The results show that the presence of these lines is not an indicator of an ectothermic physiology (does not generate internal heat), as had previously been thought, since all warm-blooded mammals have them. The study therefore dismantles the key argument of the hypothesis that dinosaurs could have been cold-blooded reptiles.

The work was carried out by Meike Khler, ICREA researcher and ICP palaeontologist; Ronny Aanes, researcher from the Norwegian Polar Institute; Nekane Marn, PhD student at the UAB and Xavier Jordana, lecturer of postgraduate studies at same university.

LAGs are seen in bone sections as dark rings, similar to those seen in tree trunks. The rings are formed, both in the studied mammals and in trees, during the unfavourable seasons (winter or dry season) when the growth of the organism is arrested as a result of a lack of resources. The presence of LAGs in bones was, until now, considered to be the clearest indicator of ectothermy since the seasonal arrest of growth was related to the animal's inability to maintain a more or less constant body temperature (endothermy) during the season of scarce resources.

Meike Khler explains: "the study we have carried out is very powerful, both in terms of the amount of material and the diversity of species with which we worked, but we did not design it to find a response to the thermophysiology of dinosaurs. We sought to better understand the physiology of extant mammals and how the environment affects them -- how their growth changes as a result of external temperatures, rain and the availability of food and water."

Understanding this was the first step to establishing discussions in paleontological research about the physiology of animals that lived several million years ago.

But the researchers realised that what they observed in the bones of different ruminants refutes the main argument for an ectothermic physiology in dinosaurs. Many hypotheses set out from the premise that large mammals -- endothermic par excellence -- do not have LAGs in their hard tissues since they do not need to arrest their growth responding to external temperature conditions. In fact, since LAGs have been observed in almost all species of dinosaur, many scientists considered that they were cold-blooded reptiles.

The article published in Nature offers the first systematic study, based on an extensive sample of mammals representative of a large variety of ecosystems, which shows that LAGs do not indicate an ectothermic physiology but give us information about how the physiology (metabolism) of an animal changes according to seasonal endocrinal changes, both in cold- and warm-blooded animals. These changes represent a common heritage in all vertebrates and are a kind of internal clock that regulates the animals' needs according to the seasonal availability of resources. Despite the fact that these physiological changes have a strong genetic component, they are also functional and their intensity depends on the ecological conditions in which the animals live. The main ecological factors are more rain and limited supply of food and water, rather than external temperature. This discovery opens up a major line of research into the conservation of biodiversity on our planet today.

"It may seem surprising that until now there has not been a similar systematic study to prove or disprove whether it is only ectotherms that leave these marks in their bones during growth. In fact, there are so many things we do not know that science does not always advance in a linear way. The ideas somehow had long been wandering among the scientific community, but the work we have published organizes them and bases them on data," says researcher Meike Khler.

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Dinosaurs were warm-blooded reptiles: Mammal bone study sheds light on dinosaur physiology

ARAMARK Expands Access to Nutrition and Wellness Programs For Lowell's Underserved Families

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LOWELL, Mass., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --It's been more than two years since children at CTI's James Houlares Early Learning Center have been able to enjoy their playground, which includes an old wooden structure that is no longer safe. Yet more than a third of the children enrolled in CTI's early learning programs are overweight, and in need of access to safe recreational areas where they can increase their physical activity.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110907/PH63208LOGO )

Today more than 100 volunteers from ARAMARK, the global professional services company, will celebrate their partnership with Community Teamwork, Inc. and establish an ARAMARK Building Community (ABC) Opportunity Zone at the Early Learning Center, which will be a hub of ongoing nutrition and wellness education and programs for the community. In addition, they will announce an educational campaign to address obesity and health challenges in Lowell, where more than 18 percent of the population is living below the poverty level and does not have access to adequate nutrition information and fresh, healthy food.

"Obesity and chronic disease are some of the major barriers to the health and prosperity of our community," said Karen Frederick, CTI Executive Director. "Our partnership with ARAMARK, and the nutrition expertise they will provide to our families is key to overcoming these barriers."

This effort is part of ARAMARK Building Community (ABC), the company's global volunteer and philanthropic program focused on strengthening local community centers and helping struggling families in 50 cities. Through ABC, employees use their culinary, hospitality, food and nutrition, facilities management and human resources talents to create strong and vital communities.

The ABC Opportunity Zone will include a completely refurbished outdoor recreation space for children. The underutilized space currently includes old playground equipment that will be removed and a new, safe play area will be installed. In addition, volunteers will expand the vegetable garden to provide more fresh vegetables for the community.

"ARAMARK employees are here today to demonstrate how deeply we care about the vitality of this community," said Frank Mendicino, ARAMARK President and Chief Strategy Officer. "Through ARAMARK Building Community, today and year-round, we are making a meaningful difference, whether it's a chef teaching a healthy cooking class, a human resources professional delivering a workshop on how to get a job, or a facilities expert creating a vibrant environment. We help people succeed, and build strong communities."

Volunteers will also install a permanent ABC Eat Smart Zone which will provide nutritious menus and nutrition education materials, and will also be for the center of ongoing cooking and nutrition education and awareness workshops. Throughout the year, ARAMARK culinary experts will participate in CTI's Cooking Matters program on the local cable television station, which teaches families how to eat healthy meals on a budget.

ARAMARK is the food service partner for the Lowell public schools, where the majority of children served by CTI are students. ARAMARK's relationship with CTI started a year ago when employees participated in a CTI fundraiser, and since then, volunteers have worked with CTI to identify ways to help address health and wellness issues in the community. Volunteers recently led a series of nutritional presentations for families living in motel rooms who were struggling to prepare nutritious meals with limited kitchen facilities, often only a microwave oven.

About Community Teamwork, Inc.Community Teamwork, Inc.'s mission is to assist low-income people in becoming self sufficient, to assist them with decisions that impact their lives, and to alleviate the effects of poverty. CTI is an advocate and catalyst for systemic change on issues that affect low-income families, such as education, workforce training, housing, economic development and civic engagement. CTI provides a range of services, including employment and job training, shelter for the homeless, child care, after-school programs, and other educational programs, at 12 locations that serve 42 communities in Middlesex and Essex counties.

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ARAMARK Expands Access to Nutrition and Wellness Programs For Lowell's Underserved Families

Court: State can't analyze DNA samples of juveniles not convicted

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Analyzing the DNA samples of youngsters who have not been found guilty of any crime is an unconstitutional warrantless search, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.

In a unanimous decision, the justices said the state is free to force juveniles accused of certain serious offenses to provide a DNA sample. Justice Andrew Hurwitz, writing for the court, said that is little different than fingerprints or mug shots.

But Hurwitz said that legal parallel ceases to exist once the state submits that sample for processing by the Department of Public Safety crime laboratory. He said that processing results in the state obtaining "uniquely identifying information about individual genetics."

What it also means, Hurwitz said, is that DNA profile is placed into both state and national databases so police agencies can use it to see if a youngster is linked to any unsolved crimes. The justices said that, absent a juvenile actually being adjudicated delinquent, there is no reason for the government to have that information.

"Having a DNA profile before adjudication may conceivably speed such investigations," he wrote.

"But one accused of a crime, although having diminished expectations of privacy in some respects, does not forfeit Fourth Amendment protections with respect to other offenses not charged absent either probable cause or reasonable suspicion," Hurwitz continued. "An arrest for vehicular homicide, for example, cannot alone justify a warrantless search of an arrestee's financial records to see if he is also an embezzler."

Wednesday's ruling could have broader implications.

Christina Phillis, director of Maricopa County's Office of Public Advocate, noted that other Arizona laws require similar testing of DNA samples taken from adults at the time of arrest. To date, though, Phillis said no adult who has not yet been convicted has mounted a similar challenge to this one.

This case -- and the logic behind it espoused by Hurwitz -- could provide the framework for the court to consider the issue.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, whose office had defended the DNA testing, said in a prepared statement he was pleased the court will allow samples to still be taken. But he disagreed with the conclusion that actually processing the sample amounted to any sort of invasion of privacy.

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Court: State can't analyze DNA samples of juveniles not convicted

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Programmable DNA scissors found for bacterial immune system

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Programmable DNA scissors: A double-RNA structure in the bacterial immune system has been discovered that directs Cas9 enzymes to cleave and destroy invading DNA at specific nucleotide sequences. This same dual RNA structure should be programmable for genome editing. Credit: (Image by H. Adam Steinberg, artforscience.com)

(Phys.org) -- Genetic engineers and genomics researchers should welcome the news from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) where an international team of scientists has discovered a new and possibly more effective means of editing genomes. This discovery holds potentially big implications for advanced biofuels and therapeutic drugs, as genetically modified microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are expected to play a key role in the green chemistry production of these and other valuable chemical products.

Jennifer Doudna, a biochemist with Berkeley Lab's Physical Biosciences Division and professor at the University of California (UC) Berkeley, helped lead the team that identified a double-RNA structure responsible for directing a bacterial protein to cleave foreign DNA at specific nucleotide sequences. Furthermore, the research team found that it is possible to program the protein with a single RNA to enable cleavage of essentially any DNA sequence.

"We've discovered the mechanism behind the RNA-guided cleavage of double-stranded DNA that is central to the bacterial acquired immunity system," says Doudna, who holds appointments with UC Berkeley's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Department of Chemistry, and is an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). "Our results could provide genetic engineers with a new and promising alternative to artificial enzymes for gene targeting and genome editing in bacteria and other cell types."

Doudna is one of two corresponding authors of a paper in the journal Science describing this work titled "A programmable dual RNA-guided DNA endonuclease in adaptive bacterial immunity." The second corresponding author is Emmanuelle Charpentier of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine at Sweden's Ume University. Other co-authors of the paper were Martin Jinek, Krzysztof Chylinski, Ines Fonfara and Michael Hauer.

Bacterial and archaeon microbes face a never-ending onslaught from viruses and invading circles of nucleic acid known as plasmids. To survive, the microbes deploy an adaptive-type nucleic acid-based immune system that revolves around a genetic element known as CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. Through the combination of CRISPRs and associated endonucleases, called CRISPR-associated "Cas" proteins, bacteria and archaeons are able to utilize small customized crRNA molecules (for CRISPR-derived RNA) to target and destroy the DNA of invading viruses and plasmids.

There are three distinct types of CRISPR/Cas immunity systems. Doudna and her colleagues studied the Type II system which relies exclusively upon one family of endonucleases for the targeting and cleaving of foreign DNA, the Cas9 proteins.

"For the Type II CRISPR/Cas system, we found that crRNA connects via base-pairs with a trans-activating RNA (tracrRNA), to form a two-RNA structure," Doudna says. "These dual RNA molecules (tracrRNA:crRNA) direct Cas9 proteins to introduce double-stranded DNA breaks at specific sites targeted by the crRNA-guide sequence."

Doudna and her colleagues demonstrated that the dual tracrRNA:crRNA molecules can be engineered as a single RNA chimera for site-specific DNA cleavage, opening the door to RNA-programmable genome editing.

"Cas9 binds to the tracrRNA:crRNA complex which in turn directs it to a specific DNA sequence through base-pairing between the crRNA and the target DNA," Doudna says. "Microbes use this elegant mechanism to cleave and destroy viruses and plasmids, but for genome editing, the system could be used to introduce targeted DNA changes into the genome.

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Programmable DNA scissors found for bacterial immune system

Posted in DNA

Explore Leading-Edge Forensic DNA Technologies and Techniques at the 2012 International Symposium on Human …

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MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The rapid expansion of DNA technologies has both technical and ethical implications. Forensic professionals interested in learning about developing forensic DNA technologies and exploring the potential impact are invited to join scientists, law enforcement professionals and forensic experts at the 23rd International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI), October 15-18 in Nashville, Tennessee.

WHAT:

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WEB:

This symposium for forensic experts and suppliers is offered through Promega Corporation, a leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to the life sciences industry. The companys 2,000 products enable scientists worldwide to advance their knowledge in genomics, proteomics, cellular analysis, molecular diagnostics and human identification. Founded in 1978, the company is headquartered in Madison, WI, USA with branches in 15 countries and over 50 global distributors. For more information about Promega, visit http://www.promega.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50325859&lang=en

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Explore Leading-Edge Forensic DNA Technologies and Techniques at the 2012 International Symposium on Human ...

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MIT names Kaiser as new provost

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology Prof. Chris A. Kaiser, who headed the universitys biology department for eight years, has been selected as its new provost, according to president-elect L. Rafael Reif.

Kaiser succeeds Reif, who has served as MITs provost since 2005. Both will assume their new positions on July 2. Reif takes over the campus presidency from Susan Hockfield who announced earlier this year she was stepping down from the position.

Kaiser, 55, a cell biologist and biology professor, has been a member of the MIT faculty since 1991. He chaired the Department of Biology from 2004 until earlier this year.

A distinguished scholar and a master teacher in his field, he has also played a key role on a number of Institute-wide committees, advancing the broader mission of MIT with curiosity, creativity, empathy and a marvelous sense of humor, Reif said. I have no doubt that he will thrive as provost.

The provost is MITs senior academic and budget officer, responsible for the Institutes educational programs, and the recruitment, promotion and tenuring of faculty.

The campus said Kaiser managed the appointment of 14 new junior faculty in the biology department and in affiliated research institutions, including the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, the Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research, and the Broad Institute, while as biology department head.

Kaiser earned a bachelors degree in biochemistry from Harvard University in 1980, and a PhD in biology from MIT in 1987. He did postdoctoral research as a Helen Hay Whitney Fellow at the University of California at Berkeley before joining MIT as an assistant professor of biology in 1991.

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MIT names Kaiser as new provost

Kap girl published

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Kap girl published

Chequed.com Announces Latest Version of Automated Reference Checking Software

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SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY--(Marketwire -06/28/12)- Chequed.com, Inc., an online reference checking and pre-employment testing provider used by HR professionals, today announced the general availability of Version 3.0 of ChequedReference. ChequedReference is a cloud-based reference checking system that utilizes assessment-based logic to provide unparalleled insight into a candidate's fit for a job and company.

Designed to replace or augment the traditional phone-based reference-checking process, ChequedReference automates the gathering of information from references and uses proprietary behavioral science to predict whether a candidate is suitable. In addition to providing hiring employers with unprecedented visibility into past performance and insight into whether a candidate will flourish within their organization, ChequedReference delivers an exceptional employment branding experience to candidates and their references.

Greg Moran, Chairman and President of Chequed.com, commented, "ChequedReference makes reference checking relevant again because its ease of use drives high completion rates. It is unique in the reference checking category because it has its basis in behavioral assessments. We've designed a solution that reliably asks meaningful questions, automatically interprets the responses and makes the reference checking step of the recruiting continuum scientific rather than subjective."

Version 3.0 of ChequedReference features more than 1,000 pre-loaded validated benchmarks for easy implementation and gives users the ability to create custom reference check questions per job. Candidate liability release forms are standard, alleviating concerns related to the reference checking process, and the look and feel can be customized to deliver the optimal employment branding experience. Version 3.0 features a number of other options, including optional candidate self-assessments to compare candidate self-reported information versus reference-reported and the ability to ensure full confidentiality to safeguard candor and honesty.

Other industry-leading features include:

ChequedReference is designed to integrate with any applicant tracking system through a set of open APIs. The solution is used by a variety of name-brand companies that report satisfaction with its ease-of-use and comprehensive functionality.

More information about ChequedReference can be accessed at: http://www.chequed.com.

About Chequed.comFounded in 2008 by some of the foremost experts in employee selection and development, Chequed.com is an emerging leader in the rapidly growing market for Predictive Talent Selection technology.

Using its revolutionary Performance Engine, Chequed delivers rapid, accurate pre-dictions of a new hire's performance. The technology's ability to track and measure relevant results contributes to HR organizations' ability to better demonstrate a clear tie to business results.

Chequed.com's experienced management team, board of directors and advisory committee have helped hundreds of startups and growing companies hire talent that made them industry leaders. Their extensive expertise has fortified the Chequed software to meet the day-to-day challenges of human resource managers facing competitive markets for human capital.

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Chequed.com Announces Latest Version of Automated Reference Checking Software

'Grey's Anatomy' star Sarah Drew: 'I'll miss Chyler Leigh, Kim Raver'

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Grey's Anatomy star Sarah Drew has admitted that she will miss her co-stars Chyler Leigh and Kim Raver.

Leigh's character Lexie Grey was killed off in the show's eighth-season finale, while Raver's Teddy Altman also departed the series.

PA Images / Tony DiMaio

"Chyler is a very dear friend - she and I have always been such good buddies," Drew told TVLine.

"And Kim has been an unbelievable support as I went through pregnancy and early parenthood. She went out of her way to care for me and give advice, so I was tragically sad to see her go."

Drew admitted that the loss of Leigh and Raver makes her feel "trepidation" that her own character April Kepner could also be written out.

"Anybody can go at any time, especially on Grey's," she said. "But I'm really glad I didn't get killed off."

Grey's Anatomy will return to CBS with new episodes in late 2012. The series airs on Sky Living in the UK.

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'Grey's Anatomy' star Sarah Drew: 'I'll miss Chyler Leigh, Kim Raver'

Anatomy of an upset: How Jim Bridenstine beat Rep. John Sullivan

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Read all the election coverage.

Sullivan, according to aides, had returned to Washington, D.C.

Bridenstine was reporting for duty in the Navy Reserve, said campaign manager Erik Zoellner.

Zoellner said the Bridenstine camp went into election day thinking their candidate would probably win. If so, they were about the only ones who saw the eight-point victory coming.

"We all missed this," said University of Oklahoma political science professor Keith Gaddie.

"You could see something like this happening to Sullivan eventually, but nobody saw this time. If they say they did, they're lying."

Any loss by a congressional incumbent is rare. It last happened in Oklahoma in 1994, when retired school administrator Virgil Cooper defeated 2nd District U.S. Rep. Mike Synar in the Democratic primary and in so doing helped launch the political career of Tom Coburn.

Cooper, a protest candidate, did not really contest the general election and even encouraged people to vote for Coburn, who became the first Republican in 70 years to represent the 2nd District.

In that instance, voters had become discontented with what was perceived, at least, as Synar's increasingly liberal voting record at a time when conservatives were seizing control of Congress.

Long-time state political observer Bill Shapard said Sullivan had no similar ideological break with the electorate.

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Anatomy of an upset: How Jim Bridenstine beat Rep. John Sullivan

Qoos.com Launches Qoos Travel: Featuring Great Hotel Rates, Trip Bookings and Travel Forums

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New partnership with Macau.com and Expedia Affiliate Network makes Qoos Travel a great choice for booking outbound trips around the world!

MACAU, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Qoos.com (http://www.qoos.com), Macau's number one online social community has launched a brand new travel channel, Qoos Travel (http://travel.qoos.com). Qoos Travel combines travel-related forums, listings and news with the global online hotel booking platforms used by Macau.com and Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN). Qoos.com users can now book hotel packages leveraging Expedia's great rates and inventory at more than 149,000 hotels worldwide.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2012/06/27/20120627182025990311.html )

(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2011/08/18/20110818788901-l.jpg )

(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2012/03/13/20120313092734689531-l.jpg )

Qoos Travel also delivers all-round travel information from the popular Qoos.com travel forums to listings and news. Visitors can check out user-generated travel tips and articles on their dream destinations. Qoos Travel aims to offer a genuinely comprehensive online travel experience to users in Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

When Qoos.com users search for a hotel on the website, they can find out best deals on hotel rooms, industry leading availability and rates - so they can have a full picture of hotel profile and customer reviews.

Mark Hammons, Managing Director of Qoos.com' parent company, Ignite Media Group, is pleased to be offering these services to Qoos.com's growing user community. "As the most popular Macau-based website and one of the most active online communities in Greater China, we are excited to announce Qoos Travel and its destination tips and booking services to our vibrant user community," he says. "Qoos Travel will bring you all the best offers and getaway experiences."

Qoos is the number one site visited by global internet users in Macau, according to Alexa Traffic Rank, with over 1.33 million unique visitors per month (according to Google Analytics).

ABOUT QOOS.COM

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Qoos.com Launches Qoos Travel: Featuring Great Hotel Rates, Trip Bookings and Travel Forums

Airbnb Transforms Social-Travel Discovery With Wish Lists

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire -06/27/12)- Airbnb, the world's leading marketplace to list, discover, and book unique accommodations, today unveiled a major new product: Wish Lists. Wish Lists transform the Airbnb platform from one that simply enables search and booking to one that empowers its members to explore an array of remarkable spaces, discover their friends' favorite listings, and plan their own dream trips. Wish Lists give users a deeply visual way to browse Airbnb listings while allowing them to seamlessly create their own fully customized lists.

"When we created Airbnb, we never dreamed that one day we would be offering everything from treehouses to entire private islands," says Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder. "Airbnb photographers have now taken over 1,000,000 images of these unique listings, creating one of the largest collections of interior design photos in the world. Combined with the functionality of our reservation system, Wish Lists allow our community to discover some of the planet's most inspiring destinations."

With the introduction of Wish Lists, Airbnb is breaking new ground in the field of social travel discovery. For the first time, potential travelers can not only share and discover experiences recommended by friends and trusted experts, but also turn their dreams into reality via an integrated booking experience.

"We thought deeply about how sharing not only empowers trips, but also fuels discovery and inspiration. Where else can users build their own aspirational lists that contain Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, the iconic Tower of London and castles owned by the Borges family?" said Joe Gebbia, co-founder and CPO. "With Wish Lists, we've not only transformed Airbnb to illustrate our passion for design, we've woven social into this product from the ground up, so discovering, creating, and sharing Wish Lists is a simple, sleek experience for users."

Airbnb has teamed with thought leaders from industries ranging from technology through entertainment to fashion in order to surface truly inspirational properties. Featured Wish Lists will include contributions from luminaries such as world-famous designer Yves Bhar, actor and entrepreneur Ashton Kutcher, and several others. They will also showcase the best of Airbnb's offerings around the world, including Wish Lists of igloos, castles, boats, and airplanes.

How Wish Lists workFrom any listing page on Airbnb.com, people can save a listing to any of their Wish Lists.

About AirbnbFounded in August of 2008 and based in San Francisco, California, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world -- online or from a mobile phone. Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 19,000 cities and 192 countries. And with world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.

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Airbnb Transforms Social-Travel Discovery With Wish Lists

The Most Bang for Your Travel Buck: Expedia.com Releases 2012 Insiders' Select List of the World's Best-Reviewed Hotels

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BELLEVUE, WA--(Marketwire -06/27/12)- Expedia.com (EXPE), the world's leading online travel agency, today announced the Expedia 2012 Insiders' Select rankings, an annual crowd-sourced list of the world's best-reviewed hotels. Celebrating its 6th year, Insiders' Select rankings are largely determined by the more than 500,000 Expedia customer reviews received during the course of 2011. Hotels that consistently deliver value, in the form of competitive pricing, pristine amenities and superior customer service, will see that commitment rewarded in their ranking.

Only 650 hotels from among the more than 150,000 properties available on Expedia sites are designated as Insiders' Select hotels. Marrol's Boutique Hotel, a five-star property in Bratislava, Slovakia, topped the 2012 Insiders' Select list, edging Hotel Al Codega of Venice, Italy. The top American hotel was the Four Seasons Miami, listed at number five. The top ten hotels in this year's ranking include:

1. Marrol's Boutique Hotel (5 stars, Bratislava, Slovakia) 2. Hotel Al Codega (4 stars, Venice, Italy) 3. Hotel Royal Corin (4 stars, Costa Rica) 4. Hilton Garden Inn Aberdeen (4 stars, Aberdeen, Scotland) 5. Four Seasons Miami (5 stars, Miami, Florida) 6. Madison Hotel Hamburg (4.5 stars, Hamburg/Hanover, Germany) 7. Element Omaha Midtown Crossing (3 stars, Omaha, Nebraska) 8. Sonnenalp Resort of Vail (4.5 stars, Vail-Beaver Creek, Colorado) 9. Taj Lands End (5 stars, Mumbai, India) 10. Mr. C Beverly Hills (5 stars, Los Angeles, California)

"Expedia is excited to release our 2012 list of the World's Best-Reviewed hotels. We call this list Expedia Insiders' Select. The rankings are crowd-sourced, largely determined by the more than a half a million Expedia customer reviews received during the course of 2011. Which means real travelers have collectively found the hotels that offer the best value and quality," said Joe Megibow, vice president and general manager, Expedia.com. "Expedia Insiders' Select list gives customers options and confidence to feel like they are booking the right hotel for them. Whether they want a five star experience, a beach hotel or something that's family friendly, our customers will find the best we have to offer."

Only 35% of the 650 hotels are categorized as "luxury," leaving numerous options for travelers of every style and budget. In particular, "green/sustainable" hotels had an outsized presence in the final rankings, with nearly 17% of properties (108) meeting that definition. Included on the list are:

The 2012 Insiders' Select list reflects a cross-section of properties in different regions, representing various accommodation types and star ratings. The 650 hotels in the 2012 rankings are found in 295 cities in 74 countries. 28 percent of Insiders' Select hotels are in America, 25% in Europe, 3% in South America, 19% in Asia and 25% elsewhere.

Insiders' Select ranks hotels using three sets of data:

Hotels that are named to the Insiders' Select list stand to benefit from substantial exposure to the millions of consumers who visit Expedia sites to shop for and book travel every month. Recognition programs like Insiders' Select also underscore the significance of traveler opinions on the reputation and future success of a hotel.

Expedia.com travelers can find Insiders' Select hotels in the Hotel Preferences amenity drop-down menu. For more information on Insiders' Select, visit http://www.expedia.com/insidersselect.

B-roll and soundbites from Expedia will be available via satellite feed and download on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012.

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The Most Bang for Your Travel Buck: Expedia.com Releases 2012 Insiders' Select List of the World's Best-Reviewed Hotels

Travora Media Announces MANGO, the World's First Travel-Style Mobile Marketing Platform That Makes Mobile Moments Matter

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NEW YORK, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Travora Media announces MANGO, the first travel-style mobile marketing platform. MANGO, which stands for Mobile Ad Network on-the-GO, represents top travel and lifestyle publishers, providing advertisers with unparalleled scale for reaching travelers at all stages of their travel plans.

At launch, MANGO provides access to over 350MM monthly mobile pageviews from best-in-class travel and lifestyle brands, spanning pre-trip planning to in-destination research and post-trip sharing. Content providers and brands include FlightView, MyWeather, GuidePal, Trazzler, Let's Go, Matador Network and more.

"MANGO gives brands marketing power at these new mobile moments that matter," says Nan-Kirsten Forte, Travora CEO. "We represent an elite selection of leading edge publishers and bring our expert sales & marketing team to the technically complex mobile marketplace, offering the latest in 'lat-long' targeting, geo-fencing and augmented reality for mobile branding solutions. MANGO extends our ability to deliver highly targeted, relevant messaging to travelers at scale."

MANGO provides today's always-connected traveler with reliable, real-time and inspired content. For consumers who are in a destination looking for activities, needing directions, accessing local weather or checking their flight status, MANGO publishers deliver easily accessible solutions for the mobile device, with a consumer experience tailored to the mobile format.

"The Travora MANGO Platform is a win for brands, consumers and content providers alike: our carefully selected publishing partners receive support, access to advertisers, and increased monetization opportunities," notes Josh Steinitz, Travora Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President of Business Development.

The platform is growing toward a goal of one billion mobile webpage views of travel-style content and information. "These are the metrics that matter in mobile," says Travora CEO Nan-Kirsten Forte. This follows growth in Travora's desktop inventory, as noted by hotelmarketing.com on April 25: Travel Sites Grow 10% in March, with Trip Advisor and Travora in the lead. Where Trip Advisor's focus is on public reviews, Travora's publishers provide custom curated content and solutions for the entire travel lifecycle. "MANGO is ready to go for brands seeking relevance in the palms of consumers' hands. Combine that with a multi-platform solution across our existing Web audience, and brands get a powerful new way to make an impact."

ABOUT TRAVORA MEDIA

Travora Media Inc. (www.travoramedia.com) is a media company representing the next generation of Travel + Lifestyle content, with hundreds of travel publishers delivering desktop and mobile solutions to 26 million qualified travelers worldwide. Travora offers exclusive publisher solutions across all stages of the travel lifecycle and exclusively represents travel brands including 10Best, Matador, TripWolf, Let's Go, Wanderfly, GuidePal and more. Travora delivers turnkey revenue solutions for travel publishers, and total access to a Travel + Lifestyle audience across local, social and mobile platforms for brands. Travora Media is headquartered in New York City, and has received funding from Rho Ventures, Village Ventures and StarVest Partners.

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Travora Media Announces MANGO, the World's First Travel-Style Mobile Marketing Platform That Makes Mobile Moments Matter

Super WiFi may bring faster Internet

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Super WiFi might bring faster Internet service to rural areas.

Developed by Edward Knightly, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice University, super WiFi uses unused TV channels in the radio spectrum to send Internet signals.

Knightly says the benefits of his super WiFi system is it lowers the costs of high-speed Internet service because TV channels can travel farther and stronger than other WiFi technologies.

He says the development of Super WiFi came from a Federal Communications Commission decision that unused TV channels can be used for wireless Internet.

Knightly says there are more unused TV channels in rural areas than there are in urban settings that can be used for wireless Internet.

Some of the Internet speeds in his Super WiFi are 10-100 mps (megabytes per second), he notes.

However, speeds can vary based on amount of distance the signal travels and the number of users.

Knightly says there are strict rules about using the TV channels.

Those rules include checking a database to make sure no TV signals are being transmitted on that channel, and there are limits on interference into other areas.

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Super WiFi may bring faster Internet