Findings of Research Misconduct, 80729-80733 [2023-25603]
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[FR Doc. 2023–25500 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
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Findings of Research Misconduct
AGENCY:
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ACTION:
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 222 / Monday, November 20, 2023 / Notices
Notice.
Findings of research
misconduct have been made against
Sarah Elizabeth Martin (Respondent),
who was formerly a Graduate Teaching
Assistant, Department of Biological
Sciences, Auburn University (AU).
Respondent engaged in research
misconduct in research included in a
grant application submitted for U.S.
Public Health Service (PHS) funds,
specifically R21 AI159361–01 submitted
to the National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Disease (NIAID), National
Institutes of Health (NIH), and in
research supported by NIAID, NIH,
grant R21 AI159361–01. The
administrative actions, including
debarment for a period of three (3) years
followed by supervision for a period of
two (2) years, were implemented
beginning on November 3, 2023, and are
detailed below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sheila Garrity, JD, MPH, MBA, Director,
Office of Research Integrity, 1101
Wootton Parkway, Suite 240, Rockville,
MD 20852, (240) 453–8200.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is
hereby given that the Office of Research
Integrity (ORI) has taken final action in
the following case:
Sarah Elizabeth Martin, Auburn
University: Based on the report of an
investigation conducted by AU and
additional analysis conducted by ORI in
its oversight review, ORI found that
Sarah Elizabeth Martin, who was
formerly a Graduate Teaching Assistant,
Department of Biological Sciences, AU,
engaged in research misconduct in
research included in a grant application
submitted for PHS funds, specifically
R21 AI159361–01 submitted to NIAID,
NIH, and in research supported by
NIAID, NIH, grant R21 AI159361–01.
ORI found that Respondent engaged
in research misconduct by intentionally
or knowingly falsifying and/or
fabricating experimental data and
results obtained under different
experimental conditions that were
included in one (1) grant application,
one (1) published paper, one (1)
submitted manuscript, and six (6)
presentations as follows:
• R21 AI159361–01, ‘‘The interplay
between m6A and viral lncRNA during
KSHV replication,’’ submitted to NIAID,
NIH, on July 15, 2020, Funded Period:
March 4, 2021–February 28, 2023.
• The m6A landscape of
polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA and
its related methylome in the context of
KSHV replication. RNA. 2021
Sep;27(9):1102–1125. doi: 10.1261/
rna.078777.121 (hereafter referred to as
‘‘RNA 2021’’). Retraction in RNA. 2022
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SUMMARY:
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Feb;28(2):274. doi: 10.1261/
rna.079042.121.
• Determination of m6A frequency
utilizing 4SedTTP–RT Ligation Assisted
PCR (SLAP) in viral and cellular long
non-coding RNAs. Manuscript
submitted to RNA in 2021 (hereafter
referred to as ‘‘RNA ms’’).
• The dynamic status of N6methyladenosine modifications of
polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA
lncRNA and its methylome throughout
KSHV replication. Presented at The
RNA Institute Mini Symposium,
Albany, NY, March 3, 2021 (hereafter
referred to as ‘‘RNA Mini 2021’’).
• Elucidating the N6Methyladenosine Landscape of Viral
LncRNA in the Context of Kaposi’s
Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Replication. Poster presented at the
NIH/NCI 2021 RNA Biology
Symposium, Frederick, MD, April 14,
2021 (hereafter referred to as ‘‘NCI
Poster 2021’’).
• The m6A epitranscriptomic
landscape of polyadenylated nuclear
(PAN) RNA.’’ Presented at The KSHV
2021 Virtual Meeting, June 21, 2021
(hereafter referred to as ‘‘KSHV Virtual
2021’’).
• The epitranscriptomic landscape of
viral long non-coding RNA. Presented at
the Noncoding RNA World: From
Mechanism to Therapy, Virtual, July 21,
2021 (hereafter referred to as ‘‘RNA
World 2021’’).
• The m6A landscape of
polyadenylated nuclear RNA and its
related methylome in the context of
KSHV replication. Presented at the
American Society for Virology Annual
Meeting, Virtual, July 19, 2021
(hereafter referred to as ‘‘Virology
Virtual 2021’’).
• The Dynamics of N6methladenosine Landscape of PAN RNA
during the KSHV Replication. Presented
at the 45th Annual International
Herpesviruses Workshop, Virtual,
August 2, 2021 (hereafter referred to as
‘‘IHW Virtual 2021’’).
Additionally, data falsification and/or
fabrication were identified in four (4)
research records sequestered from
Respondent’s laboratory files,
specifically:
• A_response.pptx
• B_response.pptx
• Response_B_clarified.pptx
• Intermediate.pptx
Specifically, ORI finds that
Respondent intentionally or knowingly
falsified and/or fabricated:
• Native PAGE blots representing
4SedTTP–RT Ligation Assisted PCR
(SLAP) analysis for m6A detection on
PAN RNA and MALAT1 RNA standards
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in Figure 2a and 2d, respectively, of
RNA ms by relabeling and reusing the
Native PAGE blot representing SLAP
analysis for m6A detection limit on PAN
RNA standard in Figure 3A of RNA
2021.
• calibration curve for detection of
m6A modification at nt position 54 on
PAN RNA by SLAP analysis in Figure
2b of RNA ms by relabeling and reusing
the calibration curve for detection of
m6A modification at nt position 63 on
PAN RNA by SLAP analysis in Figure
3B of RNA 2021.
• Native PAGE blot representing
SLAP analysis of PAN RNA at
unmodified adenosine position 366nt in
Figure 3a of RNA ms by relabeling the
amplicon size from 103nt in Figure 3C
of RNA 2021 to 106nt in Figure 3a of
RNA ms.
• Figure 3a and Figure 4a of RNA ms
and Figure 3C of RNA 2021 by
relabeling and reusing the bands and
Native PAGE blots to represent SLAP
analysis at unmodified adenosine on
RNA molecule, specifically:
—in Figure 3a of RNA ms and Figure 3C
of RNA 2021, the same band is used
in lanes 1 and 5, from the left, of
410nt sample Native PAGE blot to
represent SLAP analysis of PAN RNA
at unmodified adenosine position
under different experimental
conditions. Relabeling and reuse of
the same band also occurred in lanes
3 and 7, from the left, of Figure 4a of
RNA ms to represent SLAP analysis of
MALAT1 RNA under different
experimental conditions.
—Native PAGE blot representing SLAP
analysis of PAN RNA at nt position
410 in Figure 3a of RNA ms and
Figure 3C of RNA 2021 is identical to
lanes 3–9 portion of the Native PAGE
blot representing SLAP analysis of
MALAT1 RNA at nt position 2674 in
Figure 4a of RNA ms.
• Native PAGE panels in Figure 3b of
RNA ms by relabeling and reusing lanes
1, 4, 6 and 9 of 18nt panel in Figure 3C
of RNA 2021 representing amplicon
sizes of 183nt for m6A and 106nt for A
as lanes 1–4, respectively, for 18nt
Replicate 1 panel in Figure 3b of RNA
ms representing amplification sizes
202nt for m6A and 160nt for A
• Native PAGE panels in Figure 3b of
RNA ms by relabeling and reusing bands
under different experimental
conditions, specifically:
—Replicate 1 18nt 48 hpi +4SedTTP
group ‘‘202nt, m6A’’ band is identical
to Replicate 2 18nt 48 hpi +4SedTTP
group ‘‘202nt, m6A’’ band
—Replicate 2 18nt 0 hpi –4SedTTP
group ‘‘160nt, A’’ band is identical to
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Replicate 2 203nt 0 hpi –4SedTTP
group ‘‘103nt, A’’ band
—Replicate 2 203nt 0 hpi +4SedTTP
group ‘‘103nt, A’’ band is identical to
Replicate 2 1041nt 48 hpi +4SedTTP
group ‘‘75nt, m6A’’ band
• Figure 4a of RNA ms by using
identical bands in lanes 3 and 7, from
the left, of the Native PAGE blot
representing two different experimental
conditions
• Figure 4b of RNA ms by using
identical bands to represent the m6A
modifications on different samples,
specifically:
—lanes presented for replicate 1 of nt
position 2515 are identical to lanes for
replicate 1 at nt position 2698
—lanes presented in 0¥, 48¥ and 48+
samples in replicate 2 of nt position
2515 are identical to lanes for 0¥,
48¥ and 48+ samples, respectively,
in replicate 2 of nt position 2698
—lane for 0¥ sample in replicate 3 of
nt position 2515 is identical to lane
for 0¥ sample in replicate 3 of nt
position 2698
—lane for 0¥ sample in replicate 1 of
nt position 2515 is identical to lane
for 48¥ sample in replicate 3 of nt
position 2698
—lanes for 0+ sample in replicate 1 of
nt position 2515, 48+ sample in
replicate 3 of nt position 2515, and 0+
samples in replicate 1 of nt position
2698 are identical
—lanes for 48+ sample in replicate 1 of
nt position 2515, 0+ sample in
replicate 2 of nt position 2515, 48+
sample in replicate 1 of nt position
2698, and 0+ and 48+ samples in
replicate 3 of nt position 2698 are
identical
—lanes for 0¥ sample in replicate 2 of
nt position 2515, 48¥ sample in
replicate 3 of nt position 2515, and
0¥ sample in replicate 2 of nt
position 2698 are identical
—lanes for 48¥ sample in replicate 2 of
nt position 2515, 0¥ sample in
replicate 3 of nt position 2515, 48¥
sample in replicate 2 of nt position
2698, and 0¥ samples in replicate 3
of nt position 2698 are identical
—lane for 0+ sample in replicate 3 of nt
position 2515 is identical to lane for
0+ sample in replicate 2 of nt position
2698
• two original gel images on slides 7–
8 of A_response.pptx provided in
support of nt position 2515 panels in
Figure 4b of RNA ms
• two original gel images on slides 9–
10 of A_response.pptx provided in
support of nt position 2698 panels in
Figure 4b of RNA ms
• Native PAGE panels in Figure 3C of
RNA 2021 by relabeling and reusing
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bands under different experimental
conditions, specifically:
—18nt 48–72 hpi +4SedTTP ‘‘183nt
m6A’’ bands share a same source
image with 203nt 48–72 hpi
+4SedTTP ‘‘61nt m6A’’ bands,
respectively
—672nt ‘‘98nt A’’ sample share a same
source bands panel with 1048nt ‘‘95nt
A’’ sample, except for bands in two
lanes corresponding to 8–24 hpi
¥4SedTTP samples
—In 1041nt panel, ‘‘101nt A’’ 72 hpi
¥4SedTTP and 0 hpi +4SedTTP
bands share a same source image with
+4SedTTP 8 hpi and +4SedTTP 24
hpi bands, respectively
• Western blot panels for Total Lysate
group in Figure 5A of R21 AI159361–01,
Figure 4D in RNA 2021, Figure [B] on
slide 2 in RNA Mini 2021, Figure 4D in
NCI Poster 2021, Figure d on slide 10 in
KSHV Virtual 2021, Figure d on slide 10
in RNA World 2021, and Figure 4D in
IHW Virtual 2021, specifically:
—bands for METTL3 0hr, FTO 0hr, and
HNRNPC 0hr share a same source
image
—bands for METTL3 8hr, FTO 8hr and
72hr, HNRNPC 8hr, 48hr and 72hr,
and b-actin 72hr share a same source
image
—24hr time point bands for METTL3,
FTO, SND1, and HNRNPC share a
same source image
—bands for METTL3 48hr, FTO 48hr,
SND1 48hr, b-actin 8hr and 48hr
share a same source image
—bands for METTL3 72hr, SND1 72hr,
and b-actin 0 and 24hr share a same
source image
• Western blot panels for PAN
Proteins (FA) (also named as RAP–FA
Crosslink) group in Figure 5A in R21
AI159361–01, Figure 4D in RNA 2021,
Figure [B] on slide 2 in RNA Mini 2021,
Figure 4D in NCI Poster 2021, Figure d
on slide 10 in KSHV Virtual 2021,
Figure d on slide 10 in RNA World
2021, and Figure 4D in IHW Virtual
2021, specifically:
—bands for 8–72hr time points in SND1
and FTO panels share a same source
image
—0–24hr panel areas for HNRNPC and
YTHDF2 share a same source image
—blank panel for METTL3 and b-actin
panels share a same source image
• original Western blot images
provided in B_response.pptx to support
the Western blot panels presented in
Figure 4D in RNA 2021, Figure 5A in
R21 AI159361–01, Figure [B] on slide 2
in RNA Mini 2021, Figure 4D in NCI
Poster 2021, Figure d on slide 10 in
KSHV Virtual 2021, Figure d on slide 10
in RNA World 2021, and Figure 4D in
IHW Virtual 2021, specifically:
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—RMB15 Western blot images for bio
reps 1 and 2 share a same source
image, with areas pasted over to make
the two images appear different from
each other. RBM15 bands for Total
Lysate and RAP–FA Crosslink sample
groups have been pasted over the base
image on both the gels. The Total
Lysate group bands between the two
gel images share a same source image.
—The two METTL3 Western blot images
share a same source image, with areas
pasted over to make the two images
appear different from one another.
METTL3 bands for the Total Lysate
and empty areas corresponding to
RAP–FA crosslink sample groups
have been pasted over the base image.
The Total Lysate group bands in two
Western blot images share a same
source image, although vertical
positioning of T2 and T3 with respect
to T0 and T1 is changed to make the
panels appear different from one
another. T0 and T1 bands share same
source image with T2 and T3 bands,
respectively, on the two Western blot
images.
—SND1 Western blot images for bio
reps 1 and 2 share a same source
image, with areas pasted over to make
the two images appear different from
one another. RAP–FA Crosslink T1–
T4 bands share a same source image
between the two gels. Bands are
shifted vertically to give the
impression that the two gels are
different from each other. The Total
Lysate T0–T3 main darker bands
share a same source image between
the two Western blot images. The
bands are merged with background
and additional band patterns to make
the two images appear different from
one another.
—HNRNPC Western blot images for bio
reps 1 and 2 share a same source
image, with areas pasted over to make
the two images appear different from
one another. The Total Lysate bands
on the two images share the same
source image. Further, Total Lysate T0
and T1 bands share same source
image with T2 and T3 bands,
respectively. The HNPNRC bio rep 2
Western blot share a same source
image with RMB15 bio rep 2 Western
blot. In the HNPNRC bio rep 2 image,
the 26 kDa bands have been pasted
over to make the gel image appear
different from the RMB15 bio rep 2
image. Further, the same ladder image
has been modified to appear different
between the two gels.
—YTHDF2 Western blot images for all
the three replicate gels share the same
background image, with areas pasted
over to make the three images appear
different from one another. The Total
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Lysate group bands on the Western
blot 1 and 3 share a same source
image. The Total Lysate bands on
Western blot 2 share a same source
image with METTL3 Total Lysate bio
rep 1 (∼53kDa) bands, HNRNPC Total
Lysate bio rep 2 (26kDa) bands, and
SND1 bio rep 2 RAP–FA crosslink
(between 125 and 82 kDa) bands.
—FTO Western blot images for all the
three replicate gels share the same
background image, with areas pasted
over to make the three images appear
different from one another. On the
FTO bio rep 3 Western blot image,
RFA–FA Crosslink T3–T4 bands,
Total Lysate T0–T1 bands, and Total
Lysate T2–T3 band, respectively, are
identical.
—b-actin Western blot image for the two
replicate gels share the same source
image, with areas pasted over to make
the blot images appear different from
one another. On the second replicate
blot image, the Total Lysate T0–T1
bands are identical to Total Lysate
T2–T3 bands, respectively. The Total
Lysate T0–T3 bands on b-Actin
Western blot replicate 2 image are
identical to FTO Western blot
replicate 3 Total Lysate T0–T3 bands,
respectively.
—all the original unedited Western blot
images for RMB15, METTL3, SND1,
HNRNPC, YTHDF2, FTO and b-actin
share the same source background
image that have been modified to
appear different from one another
• Native PAGE data by relabeling and
reusing several identical bands to
represent m6A modifications at different
nt positions on the PAN RNA samples
in Figure 5E in RNA 2021, Figure [D] in
RNA Mini 2021, Figure 5B in NCI Poster
2021, slide 12 in KSHV Virtual 2021,
slide 6 in Virology Virtual 2021, slide 12
in RNA World 2021, and Figure 5B in
IHW Virtual 2021, specifically:
—band in lane 1 corresponding to 0 hpi
¥4Sed sample of RBM15 KD 18nt
panel, after flipping horizontally,
share a same source image with band
in lane 1 of METTL3 KD 1041nt,
RBM15KD 1041nt and FTO KD 18nt
samples
—bands for 0 hpi ¥4Sed, 48 hpi
¥4Sed, 0 hpi +4Sed and 48 hpi
+4Sed samples in RBM15 KD 1041nt,
METTL3 KD 1041nt and FTO KD 18nt
blots are identical
—RBM15 KD 18nt 0 hpi +4Sed and 48
hpi +4Sed bands are identical to
METTL3 KD 1048nt 0 hpi ¥4Sed and
48 hpi ¥4Sed bands, respectively,
and to horizontally flipped FTO KD
203nt 48 hpi ¥4Sed and 0 hpi +4Sed
bands, respectively
—FTO KD 1041nt 0 hpi ¥4Sed and 48
hpi ¥4Sed bands share a same source
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image with RBM15 KD 203nt 0 hpi
¥4Sed and 48 hpi ¥4Sed bands,
respectively
—RBM15 KD 1048nt 0 hpi ¥4Sed and
48 hpi ¥4Sed bands are identical to
RMB15 0 hpi +4Sed and 48 hpi +4Sed
bands, respectively, and to the copy
pasted bands on the lanes 10–11 (from
the left) and 5–6 (from the left) of gel
images on slides 11 and 12 of the
intermediate.pptx
• confocal micrographs by using
identical images either with or without
modifications to present PAN RNA
colocalization experiments in Figure 7
of RNA 2021, slide 11 of KSHV Virtual
2021, slide 6 of Virology Virtual 2021,
and slide 11 of RNA World 2021,
specifically:
—Replicate 2 and Enlarged-2 of RBM15
at 72 hpi are identical to Replicate 2
and Enlarged-2 of METTL3 72 hpi,
respectively
—Replicate 1 of RBM15 48 hpi is
rotated 90 degrees clockwise to
present Replicate 2 of RBM15 24 hpi
—RBM15 24 hpi Enlarged 2 image is a
further zoomed area of RBM15 48 hpi
Enlarged 1 image
• confocal micrographs by using
identical images to present PAN RNA
colocalization experiments under
different experimental conditions in
Supplementary Figures 10a–b of RNA
2021, specifically:
—T3 panel representing staining for
RBM15, DAPI, PAN and Combined
samples in Supplementary Figure 10a
is identical to T2 panel representing
staining for METTL3, DAPI, PAN, and
Combined samples, respectively. The
same images also appear in 48 hpi
panel in Figure 7A of RNA 2021, slide
11 of KSHV Virtual 2021, slide 6 of
Virology Virtual 2021, and slide 11 of
RNA World 2021, representing
staining for RBM15, DAPI, PAN and
Combined samples, respectively
—T4 replicate 2 (Rep 2) in RMB15
staining composite in Supplementary
Figure 10a is identical to T4 replicate
2 (Rep 2) in METTL3 staining
composite in Supplementary Figure
10b. The same image appeared as
RMB15 T4(2) image in Figure 9B of
R21 AI159361–01
• images of Native PAGE gel images
in intermediate.pptx by adding
transparency adjusted images of
individual bands, empty areas, and/or
ladders, to make the gel images appear
different from the baseline images.
Additionally:
—baseline gel image on slide 6 of
intermediate.pptx was used to falsify
and/or fabricate original gel-2 image
for 2698nt sample on slides 9–10 of
A-response.pptx
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—baseline gel image on slide 7 of
intermediate.pptx was used to falsify
and/or fabricate one of the two
original gel images on slide 7 of Aresponse.pptx
—part of falsified and/or fabricated
bands on slide 12 of
intermediate.pptx were incorporated
in RBM15 KD original bottom gel
image on slide 15 of B-response.pptx
• original gel images and Western
blot images in A_response.pptx, B_
response.pptx and Response_B_
clarified.pptx provided to the RNA
journal, specifically:
—the right-side gel image for SLAP
analysis at nt position 2698 on slide
9 of A-response.pptx is a fabricated
and/or falsified gel image that shares
an identical baseline image with the
gel image on slide 1 of
intermediate.pptx
—bands in lanes 6–8 of the bottom
METTL3 KD gel image on slide 14 of
B_response.pptx and bands in lanes
9–7 of the bottom RBM15 KD gel
image on slide 15 of B_response.pptx
are, respectively, identical
—bands in lanes 9–11 of the bottom
METTL3 KD gel image on slide 14 of
B_response.pptx and bands in lanes
5–3 of the bottom RBM15 KD gel
image on slide 15 of B_response.pptx
are, respectively, identical
—bands in lanes 7–9 of the left-side
FTO KD gel image on slide 13 of B_
response.pptx and bands in lanes 9–
7 of the bottom RBM15 KD gel image
on slide 15 of B_response.pptx are,
respectively, identical
—bands in lanes 10–13 of the left-side
FTO KD gel image on slide 13 of B_
response.pptx and bands in lanes 5–
2 of the bottom RBM15 KD original
gel image on slide 15 of B_
response.pptx are, respectively,
identical
—overall, one replicate gel for each of
the three experimental groups (FTO
KD, RBM15 KD, and METTL3 KD)
provided as original unaltered image
in support of Figure 5E of RNA 2021
share two panels containing a total of
7 bands from a same source image.
Respondent entered into a Voluntary
Exclusion Agreement (Agreement) and
voluntarily agreed to the following:
(1) Respondent will exclude herself
voluntarily for a period of three (3)
years, beginning on November 3, 2023
(the ‘‘Exclusion Period’’), from any
contracting or subcontracting with any
agency of the United States Government
and from eligibility for or involvement
in nonprocurement or procurement
transactions referred to as ‘‘covered
transactions’’ in 2 CFR parts 180 and
376 (collectively the ‘‘Debarment
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 222 / Monday, November 20, 2023 / Notices
Regulations’’). At the conclusion of the
Exclusion Period, Respondent agrees to
have her research supervised for a
period of two (2) years (the
‘‘Supervision Period’’). During the
Supervision Period, prior to the
submission of an application for PHS
support for a research project on which
Respondent’s participation is proposed
and prior to Respondent’s participation
in any capacity in PHS-supported
research, Respondent will submit a plan
for supervision of Respondent’s duties
to ORI for approval. The supervision
plan must be designed to ensure the
integrity of Respondent’s research.
Respondent will not participate in any
PHS-supported research until such a
supervision plan is approved by ORI.
Respondent will comply with the
agreed-upon supervision plan.
(2) During the Exclusion Period,
Respondent will not apply for, permit
her name to be used on an application
for, receive, or be supported by funds of
the United States Government and its
agencies made available through
contracts, subcontracts, or covered
transactions.
(3) During the Supervision Period, the
requirements for Respondent’s
supervision plan are as follows:
i. A committee of 2–3 senior faculty
members at the institution including
Respondent’s supervisor or
collaborators will provide oversight and
guidance. The committee will review
primary data from Respondent’s
laboratory on a quarterly basis and
submit a report to ORI at six (6) month
intervals setting forth the committee
meeting dates and Respondent’s
compliance with appropriate research
standards and confirming the integrity
of Respondent’s research.
ii. The committee will conduct an
advance review of each application for
PHS funds, or report, manuscript, or
abstract involving PHS-supported
research in which Respondent is
involved. The review will include a
discussion with Respondent of the
primary data represented in those
documents and will include a
certification to ORI that the data
presented in the proposed application,
report, manuscript, or abstract are
supported by the research record.
(4) During the Supervision Period,
Respondent will ensure that any
institution employing her submits, in
conjunction with each application for
PHS funds, or report, manuscript, or
abstract involving PHS-supported
research in which Respondent is
involved, a certification to ORI that the
data provided by Respondent are based
on actual experiments or are otherwise
legitimately derived and that the data,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:42 Nov 17, 2023
Jkt 262001
procedures, and methodology are
accurately reported and not plagiarized
in the application, report, manuscript,
or abstract.
(5) If no supervision plan is provided
to ORI, Respondent will provide
certification to ORI at the conclusion of
the Supervision Period that her
participation was not proposed on a
research project for which an
application for PHS support was
submitted and that she has not
participated in any capacity in PHSsupported research.
(6) During the Exclusion and
Supervision Periods, Respondent will
exclude herself voluntarily from serving
in any advisory or consultant capacity
to PHS including, but not limited to,
service on any PHS advisory committee,
board, and/or peer review committee.
Dated: November 15, 2023.
Sheila Garrity,
Director, Office of Research Integrity, Office
of the Assistant Secretary for Health.
[FR Doc. 2023–25603 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150–31–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institute; Notice of
Closed Meeting
Pursuant to section 1009 of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended, notice is hereby given of the
following meeting.
The meeting will be closed to the
public in accordance with the
provisions set forth in sections
552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), title 5 U.S.C.,
as amended. The grant applications and
the discussions could disclose
confidential trade secrets or commercial
property such as patentable material,
and personal information concerning
individuals associated with the grant
applications, the disclosure of which
would constitute a clearly unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy.
Name of Committee: National Cancer
Institute Special Emphasis Panel; SEP–3: NCI
Clinical and Translational Cancer Research.
Date: February 21–22, 2024.
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: National Cancer Institute Shady
Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room
7W612, Rockville, Maryland 20850, (Virtual
Meeting).
Contact Person: Prashant Sharma, Ph.D.,
Scientific Review Officer, Special Review
Branch, Division of Extramural Activities,
National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical
Center Drive, Room 7W612, Rockville,
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4703
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80733
Maryland 20850, 240–275–6351,
prashant.sharma@nih.gov.
(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance
Program Nos. 93.392, Cancer Construction;
93.393, Cancer Cause and Prevention
Research; 93.394, Cancer Detection and
Diagnosis Research; 93.395, Cancer
Treatment Research; 93.396, Cancer Biology
Research; 93.397, Cancer Centers Support;
93.398, Cancer Research Manpower; 93.399,
Cancer Control, National Institutes of Health,
HHS)
Dated: November 15, 2023.
Melanie J. Pantoja,
Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory
Committee Policy.
[FR Doc. 2023–25619 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
[Docket No. USCG–2023–0830]
National Merchant Mariner Medical
Advisory Committee; December 2023
Virtual Meeting
United States Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Notice of open Federal advisory
committee virtual meeting.
AGENCY:
The National Merchant
Mariner Medical Advisory Committee
(Committee) will conduct a virtual
meeting to discuss matters relating to
medical certification determinations for
issuance of licenses, certificates of
registry, and merchant mariners’
documents, medical standards, and
guidelines for the physical
qualifications of operators of
commercial vessels, medical examiner
education, and medical research. The
virtual meeting will be open to the
public.
SUMMARY:
Meeting: The Committee will
meet virtually on Tuesday, December
19, 2023, from noon until 3:00 p.m.
Eastern Standard Time, (EST). The
virtual meeting may adjourn early if the
Committee has completed its business.
Comments and supporting
documentation: To ensure your
comments are received by Committee
members before the virtual meeting,
submit your written comments no later
than December 12, 2023.
ADDRESSES: To join the virtual meeting
or to request special accommodations,
contact the individual listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section
no later than 1 p.m. EST on December
12, 2023, to obtain the needed
information.
DATES:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80729-80733]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25603]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary
Findings of Research Misconduct
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HHS.
[[Page 80730]]
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Findings of research misconduct have been made against Sarah
Elizabeth Martin (Respondent), who was formerly a Graduate Teaching
Assistant, Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University (AU).
Respondent engaged in research misconduct in research included in a
grant application submitted for U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) funds,
specifically R21 AI159361-01 submitted to the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), National Institutes of Health
(NIH), and in research supported by NIAID, NIH, grant R21 AI159361-01.
The administrative actions, including debarment for a period of three
(3) years followed by supervision for a period of two (2) years, were
implemented beginning on November 3, 2023, and are detailed below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila Garrity, JD, MPH, MBA,
Director, Office of Research Integrity, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite
240, Rockville, MD 20852, (240) 453-8200.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that the Office of
Research Integrity (ORI) has taken final action in the following case:
Sarah Elizabeth Martin, Auburn University: Based on the report of
an investigation conducted by AU and additional analysis conducted by
ORI in its oversight review, ORI found that Sarah Elizabeth Martin, who
was formerly a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Biological
Sciences, AU, engaged in research misconduct in research included in a
grant application submitted for PHS funds, specifically R21 AI159361-01
submitted to NIAID, NIH, and in research supported by NIAID, NIH, grant
R21 AI159361-01.
ORI found that Respondent engaged in research misconduct by
intentionally or knowingly falsifying and/or fabricating experimental
data and results obtained under different experimental conditions that
were included in one (1) grant application, one (1) published paper,
one (1) submitted manuscript, and six (6) presentations as follows:
R21 AI159361-01, ``The interplay between m\6\A and viral
lncRNA during KSHV replication,'' submitted to NIAID, NIH, on July 15,
2020, Funded Period: March 4, 2021-February 28, 2023.
The m\6\A landscape of polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA
and its related methylome in the context of KSHV replication. RNA. 2021
Sep;27(9):1102-1125. doi: 10.1261/rna.078777.121 (hereafter referred to
as ``RNA 2021''). Retraction in RNA. 2022 Feb;28(2):274. doi: 10.1261/
rna.079042.121.
Determination of m\6\A frequency utilizing 4SedTTP-RT
Ligation Assisted PCR (SLAP) in viral and cellular long non-coding
RNAs. Manuscript submitted to RNA in 2021 (hereafter referred to as
``RNA ms'').
The dynamic status of N6-methyladenosine modifications of
polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA lncRNA and its methylome throughout
KSHV replication. Presented at The RNA Institute Mini Symposium,
Albany, NY, March 3, 2021 (hereafter referred to as ``RNA Mini 2021'').
Elucidating the N6-Methyladenosine Landscape of Viral
LncRNA in the Context of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Replication. Poster presented at the NIH/NCI 2021 RNA Biology
Symposium, Frederick, MD, April 14, 2021 (hereafter referred to as
``NCI Poster 2021'').
The m\6\A epitranscriptomic landscape of polyadenylated
nuclear (PAN) RNA.'' Presented at The KSHV 2021 Virtual Meeting, June
21, 2021 (hereafter referred to as ``KSHV Virtual 2021'').
The epitranscriptomic landscape of viral long non-coding
RNA. Presented at the Noncoding RNA World: From Mechanism to Therapy,
Virtual, July 21, 2021 (hereafter referred to as ``RNA World 2021'').
The m\6\A landscape of polyadenylated nuclear RNA and its
related methylome in the context of KSHV replication. Presented at the
American Society for Virology Annual Meeting, Virtual, July 19, 2021
(hereafter referred to as ``Virology Virtual 2021'').
The Dynamics of N6-methladenosine Landscape of PAN RNA
during the KSHV Replication. Presented at the 45th Annual International
Herpesviruses Workshop, Virtual, August 2, 2021 (hereafter referred to
as ``IHW Virtual 2021'').
Additionally, data falsification and/or fabrication were identified
in four (4) research records sequestered from Respondent's laboratory
files, specifically:
A_response.pptx
B_response.pptx
Response_B_clarified.pptx
Intermediate.pptx
Specifically, ORI finds that Respondent intentionally or knowingly
falsified and/or fabricated:
Native PAGE blots representing 4SedTTP-RT Ligation
Assisted PCR (SLAP) analysis for m\6\A detection on PAN RNA and MALAT1
RNA standards in Figure 2a and 2d, respectively, of RNA ms by
relabeling and reusing the Native PAGE blot representing SLAP analysis
for m\6\A detection limit on PAN RNA standard in Figure 3A of RNA 2021.
calibration curve for detection of m\6\A modification at
nt position 54 on PAN RNA by SLAP analysis in Figure 2b of RNA ms by
relabeling and reusing the calibration curve for detection of m\6\A
modification at nt position 63 on PAN RNA by SLAP analysis in Figure 3B
of RNA 2021.
Native PAGE blot representing SLAP analysis of PAN RNA at
unmodified adenosine position 366nt in Figure 3a of RNA ms by
relabeling the amplicon size from 103nt in Figure 3C of RNA 2021 to
106nt in Figure 3a of RNA ms.
Figure 3a and Figure 4a of RNA ms and Figure 3C of RNA
2021 by relabeling and reusing the bands and Native PAGE blots to
represent SLAP analysis at unmodified adenosine on RNA molecule,
specifically:
--in Figure 3a of RNA ms and Figure 3C of RNA 2021, the same band is
used in lanes 1 and 5, from the left, of 410nt sample Native PAGE blot
to represent SLAP analysis of PAN RNA at unmodified adenosine position
under different experimental conditions. Relabeling and reuse of the
same band also occurred in lanes 3 and 7, from the left, of Figure 4a
of RNA ms to represent SLAP analysis of MALAT1 RNA under different
experimental conditions.
--Native PAGE blot representing SLAP analysis of PAN RNA at nt position
410 in Figure 3a of RNA ms and Figure 3C of RNA 2021 is identical to
lanes 3-9 portion of the Native PAGE blot representing SLAP analysis of
MALAT1 RNA at nt position 2674 in Figure 4a of RNA ms.
Native PAGE panels in Figure 3b of RNA ms by relabeling
and reusing lanes 1, 4, 6 and 9 of 18nt panel in Figure 3C of RNA 2021
representing amplicon sizes of 183nt for m\6\A and 106nt for A as lanes
1-4, respectively, for 18nt Replicate 1 panel in Figure 3b of RNA ms
representing amplification sizes 202nt for m6A and 160nt for A
Native PAGE panels in Figure 3b of RNA ms by relabeling
and reusing bands under different experimental conditions,
specifically:
--Replicate 1 18nt 48 hpi +4SedTTP group ``202nt, m\6\A'' band is
identical to Replicate 2 18nt 48 hpi +4SedTTP group ``202nt, m6A'' band
--Replicate 2 18nt 0 hpi -4SedTTP group ``160nt, A'' band is identical
to
[[Page 80731]]
Replicate 2 203nt 0 hpi -4SedTTP group ``103nt, A'' band
--Replicate 2 203nt 0 hpi +4SedTTP group ``103nt, A'' band is identical
to Replicate 2 1041nt 48 hpi +4SedTTP group ``75nt, m6A'' band
Figure 4a of RNA ms by using identical bands in lanes 3
and 7, from the left, of the Native PAGE blot representing two
different experimental conditions
Figure 4b of RNA ms by using identical bands to represent
the m\6\A modifications on different samples, specifically:
--lanes presented for replicate 1 of nt position 2515 are identical to
lanes for replicate 1 at nt position 2698
--lanes presented in 0-, 48- and 48+ samples in replicate 2 of nt
position 2515 are identical to lanes for 0-, 48- and 48+ samples,
respectively, in replicate 2 of nt position 2698
--lane for 0- sample in replicate 3 of nt position 2515 is identical to
lane for 0- sample in replicate 3 of nt position 2698
--lane for 0- sample in replicate 1 of nt position 2515 is identical to
lane for 48- sample in replicate 3 of nt position 2698
--lanes for 0+ sample in replicate 1 of nt position 2515, 48+ sample in
replicate 3 of nt position 2515, and 0+ samples in replicate 1 of nt
position 2698 are identical
--lanes for 48+ sample in replicate 1 of nt position 2515, 0+ sample in
replicate 2 of nt position 2515, 48+ sample in replicate 1 of nt
position 2698, and 0+ and 48+ samples in replicate 3 of nt position
2698 are identical
--lanes for 0- sample in replicate 2 of nt position 2515, 48- sample in
replicate 3 of nt position 2515, and 0- sample in replicate 2 of nt
position 2698 are identical
--lanes for 48- sample in replicate 2 of nt position 2515, 0- sample in
replicate 3 of nt position 2515, 48- sample in replicate 2 of nt
position 2698, and 0- samples in replicate 3 of nt position 2698 are
identical
--lane for 0+ sample in replicate 3 of nt position 2515 is identical to
lane for 0+ sample in replicate 2 of nt position 2698
two original gel images on slides 7-8 of A_response.pptx
provided in support of nt position 2515 panels in Figure 4b of RNA ms
two original gel images on slides 9-10 of A_response.pptx
provided in support of nt position 2698 panels in Figure 4b of RNA ms
Native PAGE panels in Figure 3C of RNA 2021 by relabeling
and reusing bands under different experimental conditions,
specifically:
--18nt 48-72 hpi +4SedTTP ``183nt m\6\A'' bands share a same source
image with 203nt 48-72 hpi +4SedTTP ``61nt m\6\A'' bands, respectively
--672nt ``98nt A'' sample share a same source bands panel with 1048nt
``95nt A'' sample, except for bands in two lanes corresponding to 8-24
hpi -4SedTTP samples
--In 1041nt panel, ``101nt A'' 72 hpi -4SedTTP and 0 hpi +4SedTTP bands
share a same source image with +4SedTTP 8 hpi and +4SedTTP 24 hpi
bands, respectively
Western blot panels for Total Lysate group in Figure 5A of
R21 AI159361-01, Figure 4D in RNA 2021, Figure [B] on slide 2 in RNA
Mini 2021, Figure 4D in NCI Poster 2021, Figure d on slide 10 in KSHV
Virtual 2021, Figure d on slide 10 in RNA World 2021, and Figure 4D in
IHW Virtual 2021, specifically:
--bands for METTL3 0hr, FTO 0hr, and HNRNPC 0hr share a same source
image
--bands for METTL3 8hr, FTO 8hr and 72hr, HNRNPC 8hr, 48hr and 72hr,
and [beta]-actin 72hr share a same source image
--24hr time point bands for METTL3, FTO, SND1, and HNRNPC share a same
source image
--bands for METTL3 48hr, FTO 48hr, SND1 48hr, [beta]-actin 8hr and 48hr
share a same source image
--bands for METTL3 72hr, SND1 72hr, and [beta]-actin 0 and 24hr share a
same source image
Western blot panels for PAN Proteins (FA) (also named as
RAP-FA Crosslink) group in Figure 5A in R21 AI159361-01, Figure 4D in
RNA 2021, Figure [B] on slide 2 in RNA Mini 2021, Figure 4D in NCI
Poster 2021, Figure d on slide 10 in KSHV Virtual 2021, Figure d on
slide 10 in RNA World 2021, and Figure 4D in IHW Virtual 2021,
specifically:
--bands for 8-72hr time points in SND1 and FTO panels share a same
source image
--0-24hr panel areas for HNRNPC and YTHDF2 share a same source image
--blank panel for METTL3 and [beta]-actin panels share a same source
image
original Western blot images provided in B_response.pptx
to support the Western blot panels presented in Figure 4D in RNA 2021,
Figure 5A in R21 AI159361-01, Figure [B] on slide 2 in RNA Mini 2021,
Figure 4D in NCI Poster 2021, Figure d on slide 10 in KSHV Virtual
2021, Figure d on slide 10 in RNA World 2021, and Figure 4D in IHW
Virtual 2021, specifically:
--RMB15 Western blot images for bio reps 1 and 2 share a same source
image, with areas pasted over to make the two images appear different
from each other. RBM15 bands for Total Lysate and RAP-FA Crosslink
sample groups have been pasted over the base image on both the gels.
The Total Lysate group bands between the two gel images share a same
source image.
--The two METTL3 Western blot images share a same source image, with
areas pasted over to make the two images appear different from one
another. METTL3 bands for the Total Lysate and empty areas
corresponding to RAP-FA crosslink sample groups have been pasted over
the base image. The Total Lysate group bands in two Western blot images
share a same source image, although vertical positioning of T2 and T3
with respect to T0 and T1 is changed to make the panels appear
different from one another. T0 and T1 bands share same source image
with T2 and T3 bands, respectively, on the two Western blot images.
--SND1 Western blot images for bio reps 1 and 2 share a same source
image, with areas pasted over to make the two images appear different
from one another. RAP-FA Crosslink T1-T4 bands share a same source
image between the two gels. Bands are shifted vertically to give the
impression that the two gels are different from each other. The Total
Lysate T0-T3 main darker bands share a same source image between the
two Western blot images. The bands are merged with background and
additional band patterns to make the two images appear different from
one another.
--HNRNPC Western blot images for bio reps 1 and 2 share a same source
image, with areas pasted over to make the two images appear different
from one another. The Total Lysate bands on the two images share the
same source image. Further, Total Lysate T0 and T1 bands share same
source image with T2 and T3 bands, respectively. The HNPNRC bio rep 2
Western blot share a same source image with RMB15 bio rep 2 Western
blot. In the HNPNRC bio rep 2 image, the 26 kDa bands have been pasted
over to make the gel image appear different from the RMB15 bio rep 2
image. Further, the same ladder image has been modified to appear
different between the two gels.
--YTHDF2 Western blot images for all the three replicate gels share the
same background image, with areas pasted over to make the three images
appear different from one another. The Total
[[Page 80732]]
Lysate group bands on the Western blot 1 and 3 share a same source
image. The Total Lysate bands on Western blot 2 share a same source
image with METTL3 Total Lysate bio rep 1 (~53kDa) bands, HNRNPC Total
Lysate bio rep 2 (26kDa) bands, and SND1 bio rep 2 RAP-FA crosslink
(between 125 and 82 kDa) bands.
--FTO Western blot images for all the three replicate gels share the
same background image, with areas pasted over to make the three images
appear different from one another. On the FTO bio rep 3 Western blot
image, RFA-FA Crosslink T3-T4 bands, Total Lysate T0-T1 bands, and
Total Lysate T2-T3 band, respectively, are identical.
--[beta]-actin Western blot image for the two replicate gels share the
same source image, with areas pasted over to make the blot images
appear different from one another. On the second replicate blot image,
the Total Lysate T0-T1 bands are identical to Total Lysate T2-T3 bands,
respectively. The Total Lysate T0-T3 bands on [beta]-Actin Western blot
replicate 2 image are identical to FTO Western blot replicate 3 Total
Lysate T0-T3 bands, respectively.
--all the original unedited Western blot images for RMB15, METTL3,
SND1, HNRNPC, YTHDF2, FTO and [beta]-actin share the same source
background image that have been modified to appear different from one
another
Native PAGE data by relabeling and reusing several
identical bands to represent m\6\A modifications at different nt
positions on the PAN RNA samples in Figure 5E in RNA 2021, Figure [D]
in RNA Mini 2021, Figure 5B in NCI Poster 2021, slide 12 in KSHV
Virtual 2021, slide 6 in Virology Virtual 2021, slide 12 in RNA World
2021, and Figure 5B in IHW Virtual 2021, specifically:
--band in lane 1 corresponding to 0 hpi -4Sed sample of RBM15 KD 18nt
panel, after flipping horizontally, share a same source image with band
in lane 1 of METTL3 KD 1041nt, RBM15KD 1041nt and FTO KD 18nt samples
--bands for 0 hpi -4Sed, 48 hpi -4Sed, 0 hpi +4Sed and 48 hpi +4Sed
samples in RBM15 KD 1041nt, METTL3 KD 1041nt and FTO KD 18nt blots are
identical
--RBM15 KD 18nt 0 hpi +4Sed and 48 hpi +4Sed bands are identical to
METTL3 KD 1048nt 0 hpi -4Sed and 48 hpi -4Sed bands, respectively, and
to horizontally flipped FTO KD 203nt 48 hpi -4Sed and 0 hpi +4Sed
bands, respectively
--FTO KD 1041nt 0 hpi -4Sed and 48 hpi -4Sed bands share a same source
image with RBM15 KD 203nt 0 hpi -4Sed and 48 hpi -4Sed bands,
respectively
--RBM15 KD 1048nt 0 hpi -4Sed and 48 hpi -4Sed bands are identical to
RMB15 0 hpi +4Sed and 48 hpi +4Sed bands, respectively, and to the copy
pasted bands on the lanes 10-11 (from the left) and 5-6 (from the left)
of gel images on slides 11 and 12 of the intermediate.pptx
confocal micrographs by using identical images either with
or without modifications to present PAN RNA colocalization experiments
in Figure 7 of RNA 2021, slide 11 of KSHV Virtual 2021, slide 6 of
Virology Virtual 2021, and slide 11 of RNA World 2021, specifically:
--Replicate 2 and Enlarged-2 of RBM15 at 72 hpi are identical to
Replicate 2 and Enlarged-2 of METTL3 72 hpi, respectively
--Replicate 1 of RBM15 48 hpi is rotated 90 degrees clockwise to
present Replicate 2 of RBM15 24 hpi
--RBM15 24 hpi Enlarged 2 image is a further zoomed area of RBM15 48
hpi Enlarged 1 image
confocal micrographs by using identical images to present
PAN RNA colocalization experiments under different experimental
conditions in Supplementary Figures 10a-b of RNA 2021, specifically:
--T3 panel representing staining for RBM15, DAPI, PAN and Combined
samples in Supplementary Figure 10a is identical to T2 panel
representing staining for METTL3, DAPI, PAN, and Combined samples,
respectively. The same images also appear in 48 hpi panel in Figure 7A
of RNA 2021, slide 11 of KSHV Virtual 2021, slide 6 of Virology Virtual
2021, and slide 11 of RNA World 2021, representing staining for RBM15,
DAPI, PAN and Combined samples, respectively
--T4 replicate 2 (Rep 2) in RMB15 staining composite in Supplementary
Figure 10a is identical to T4 replicate 2 (Rep 2) in METTL3 staining
composite in Supplementary Figure 10b. The same image appeared as RMB15
T4(2) image in Figure 9B of R21 AI159361-01
images of Native PAGE gel images in intermediate.pptx by
adding transparency adjusted images of individual bands, empty areas,
and/or ladders, to make the gel images appear different from the
baseline images. Additionally:
--baseline gel image on slide 6 of intermediate.pptx was used to
falsify and/or fabricate original gel-2 image for 2698nt sample on
slides 9-10 of A-response.pptx
--baseline gel image on slide 7 of intermediate.pptx was used to
falsify and/or fabricate one of the two original gel images on slide 7
of A-response.pptx
--part of falsified and/or fabricated bands on slide 12 of
intermediate.pptx were incorporated in RBM15 KD original bottom gel
image on slide 15 of B-response.pptx
original gel images and Western blot images in
A_response.pptx, B_response.pptx and Response_B_clarified.pptx provided
to the RNA journal, specifically:
--the right-side gel image for SLAP analysis at nt position 2698 on
slide 9 of A-response.pptx is a fabricated and/or falsified gel image
that shares an identical baseline image with the gel image on slide 1
of intermediate.pptx
--bands in lanes 6-8 of the bottom METTL3 KD gel image on slide 14 of
B_response.pptx and bands in lanes 9-7 of the bottom RBM15 KD gel image
on slide 15 of B_response.pptx are, respectively, identical
--bands in lanes 9-11 of the bottom METTL3 KD gel image on slide 14 of
B_response.pptx and bands in lanes 5-3 of the bottom RBM15 KD gel image
on slide 15 of B_response.pptx are, respectively, identical
--bands in lanes 7-9 of the left-side FTO KD gel image on slide 13 of
B_response.pptx and bands in lanes 9-7 of the bottom RBM15 KD gel image
on slide 15 of B_response.pptx are, respectively, identical
--bands in lanes 10-13 of the left-side FTO KD gel image on slide 13 of
B_response.pptx and bands in lanes 5-2 of the bottom RBM15 KD original
gel image on slide 15 of B_response.pptx are, respectively, identical
--overall, one replicate gel for each of the three experimental groups
(FTO KD, RBM15 KD, and METTL3 KD) provided as original unaltered image
in support of Figure 5E of RNA 2021 share two panels containing a total
of 7 bands from a same source image.
Respondent entered into a Voluntary Exclusion Agreement (Agreement)
and voluntarily agreed to the following:
(1) Respondent will exclude herself voluntarily for a period of
three (3) years, beginning on November 3, 2023 (the ``Exclusion
Period''), from any contracting or subcontracting with any agency of
the United States Government and from eligibility for or involvement in
nonprocurement or procurement transactions referred to as ``covered
transactions'' in 2 CFR parts 180 and 376 (collectively the ``Debarment
[[Page 80733]]
Regulations''). At the conclusion of the Exclusion Period, Respondent
agrees to have her research supervised for a period of two (2) years
(the ``Supervision Period''). During the Supervision Period, prior to
the submission of an application for PHS support for a research project
on which Respondent's participation is proposed and prior to
Respondent's participation in any capacity in PHS-supported research,
Respondent will submit a plan for supervision of Respondent's duties to
ORI for approval. The supervision plan must be designed to ensure the
integrity of Respondent's research. Respondent will not participate in
any PHS-supported research until such a supervision plan is approved by
ORI. Respondent will comply with the agreed-upon supervision plan.
(2) During the Exclusion Period, Respondent will not apply for,
permit her name to be used on an application for, receive, or be
supported by funds of the United States Government and its agencies
made available through contracts, subcontracts, or covered
transactions.
(3) During the Supervision Period, the requirements for
Respondent's supervision plan are as follows:
i. A committee of 2-3 senior faculty members at the institution
including Respondent's supervisor or collaborators will provide
oversight and guidance. The committee will review primary data from
Respondent's laboratory on a quarterly basis and submit a report to ORI
at six (6) month intervals setting forth the committee meeting dates
and Respondent's compliance with appropriate research standards and
confirming the integrity of Respondent's research.
ii. The committee will conduct an advance review of each
application for PHS funds, or report, manuscript, or abstract involving
PHS-supported research in which Respondent is involved. The review will
include a discussion with Respondent of the primary data represented in
those documents and will include a certification to ORI that the data
presented in the proposed application, report, manuscript, or abstract
are supported by the research record.
(4) During the Supervision Period, Respondent will ensure that any
institution employing her submits, in conjunction with each application
for PHS funds, or report, manuscript, or abstract involving PHS-
supported research in which Respondent is involved, a certification to
ORI that the data provided by Respondent are based on actual
experiments or are otherwise legitimately derived and that the data,
procedures, and methodology are accurately reported and not plagiarized
in the application, report, manuscript, or abstract.
(5) If no supervision plan is provided to ORI, Respondent will
provide certification to ORI at the conclusion of the Supervision
Period that her participation was not proposed on a research project
for which an application for PHS support was submitted and that she has
not participated in any capacity in PHS-supported research.
(6) During the Exclusion and Supervision Periods, Respondent will
exclude herself voluntarily from serving in any advisory or consultant
capacity to PHS including, but not limited to, service on any PHS
advisory committee, board, and/or peer review committee.
Dated: November 15, 2023.
Sheila Garrity,
Director, Office of Research Integrity, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Health.
[FR Doc. 2023-25603 Filed 11-17-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-31-P
