Mutant HbpR transcription activator isolation for 2-chlorobiphenyl via green fluorescent protein-based flow cytometry and cell sorting.

Mutants were produced in the A-domain of HbpR, a protein belonging to the XylR family of σ(54)-dependent transcription activators, with the purpose of changing its effector recognition specificity from 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP, the cognate effector) to 2-chlorobiphenyl (2-CBP). Mutations were introduced in the hbpR gene part for the A-domain via error-prone polymerase chain reaction, and assembled on a gene circuitry plasmid in Escherichia coli, permitting HbpR-dependent induction of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (egfp). Cells with mutant HbpR proteins responsive to 2-CBP were enriched and separated in a flow cytometry-assisted cell-sorting procedure. Some 70 mutants were isolated and the A-domain mutations mapped. One of these had acquired true 2-CBP recognition but reacted hypersensitively to 2-HBP (20-fold more than the wild type), whereas others had reduced sensitivity to 2-HBP but a gain of 2-CBP recognition. Sequencing showed that most mutants carried double or triple mutations in the A-domain gene part, and were not located in previously recognized conserved residues within the XylR family members. Further selection from a new mutant pool prepared of the hypersensitive mutant did not result in increased 2-CBP or reduced 2-HBP recognition. Our data thus demonstrate that a one-step in vitro 'evolutionary' adaptation of the HbpR protein can result in both enhancement and reduction of the native effector recognition.

Audit report on the Iowa Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Board (UST Board) for the year ended June 30, 2008

Audit report on the Iowa Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Board (UST Board) for the year ended June 30, 2008

Increase of grain and green matter of corn by liming

Despite the fact that aluminum toxicity to crops is eliminated near soil water pH of 5.5, lime recommendation in many regions aims to increase soil pH up to 6.0 or even higher. For highly buffered soils, high rates of limestone are required to raise the pH from 5.5 to 6.0, resulting in additional, sometimes unnecessary, costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil pH on corn yield in a very acid Hapludox. The experiment was carried out in Lages, Southern Brazil, from 1992 to 1996. The soil had water pH of 4.7, Al3+ of 33 mmol c kg-1, O.M. of 45 g kg-1 and lime requirement to pH 6.0 of 9.0 t ha-1. Dolomitic limestone at rates of 0, 4.5, 9.0, 13.5 and 18.0 t ha-1 (equivalent to pure CaCO3) was incorporated into the soil down to 17 cm depth, in 1992. Liming increased linearly the values of soil pH (from 4.7 to 6.6) and Ca and Mg, eliminated Al3+ with rates of 9.0 t ha-1 or higher, decreased slightly Al-CuCl2, Fe and Cu, and did not affect Zn and Mn. Maximum average corn yield for grain (7.9 t ha-1) and for green matter for silage (GM) (59 t ha-1) was obtained, respectively, at soil pH of 6.0 (12 t ha-1 of limestone) and of 6.1 (14 t ha-1 of limestone); maximum economic efficiency for grain was obtained at pH 5.6 (7.5 t ha-1 of limestone). Maximum yield increments due to liming were 17% for grain and 20% for GM.

Fluorescein and indocyanine-green angiography in ocular syphilis: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine-green angiography (ICGA) may offer valuable information concerning disease severity and prognosis in ocular syphilis. The aim of the present study is to describe angiographic patterns encountered in the context of ocular syphilis, and to explore the associations between specific angiographic manifestations and severity of disease presentation, as well as disease evolution after treatment. METHODS: We performed a retrospective institutional study with the inclusion of 23 patients with ocular syphilis presenting to the uveitis clinic of the Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital in a 10-year period. FA and ICGA were performed following a standard protocol for posterior uveitis. Patterns of fluorescence were noted, and statistical associations between each angiographic pattern and any demographic, clinical, or laboratory parameter at baseline and after treatment were sought. RESULTS: The presence of any dark dots in ICGA was significantly associated with anterior uveitis (p = 0.031). The presence of hot spots in ICGA was significantly associated with longer duration of symptoms prior to initial visit (p = 0.032) and with male gender (p = 0.012). Weak non-significant trends were found associating vascular staining in FA with anterior uveitis (p = 0.066), vitritis (p = 0.069), and younger age (p = 0.061), as well as disc hyperfluorescence in FA with seropositivity for HIV (p = 0.089) and macular edema in FA with longer disease duration (p = 0.061). The presence of any dark dots in ICGA exhibited a weak trend of association with anterior uveitis and/or vitritis (p = 0.079). CONCLUSIONS: Out of the several associations identified implicating specific angiographic features, we underline the possible role of the presence of dark dots in ICGA for identifying active inflammation, and the role of hot spots in ICGA as markers of long-standing disease. Vascular staining in FA appears to be more common in patients with severe ocular inflammation with presence of anterior uveitis and/or vitritis.

Green Collar Jobs Initiative Committee, January 8, 2010

A team representing Iowa Workforce Development, the Office of Energy Independence, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Public Safety, the Iowa Utilities Board, the Department of Economic Development and Iowa Community Colleges reviewed many reports on green jobs published by states, associations and private research companies with the purpose of determining whether the number of “green collar” jobs in Iowa’s economy can be quantified. The team found that there was no standard on definition, identifying jobs or occupations, or level of inclusion for counting green collar jobs. All reports were tailored to their own audiences, without regard to the ability to measure their results against findings made by other states or organizations. Green collar jobs can be found in construction, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, agriculture and many other sectors of the economy. While some of the green collar jobs are in new occupations and industries, most are existing jobs that demand new green collar skills.

Apport de l'angiographie au vert d'indocyanine (ICG) dans la localisation des néovascularisations chororoidiennes occultes [Value of indocyanine green angiography in localization of occult choroid neovascularization]

PURPOSE: To determine the role of Indocyanin Green (ICG) angiography in localizing occult new vessels associated with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and assess the possibilities of ICG guided laser photocoagulations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fluorescein and ICG angiographies (IMAGEnet system) of 62 patients with occult new vessels (ONV), serous (SPED) or vascular (VPED) pigment epithelium detachment have been studied. RESULTS: Based on fondoscopic examination and fluorescein angiography, 43 eyes (69%) disclosed ONV, 8 (13%) SPED and 11 (18%) VPED. Choroidal neovascularisation was confirmed by ICG angiography in 37 ONV cases (86%), in 8 (72%) VPED cases, but in no SPED. Conversion of ONV in classical neovascular membranes was possible in 19 ONV cases (44%) and in 6 (54%) VPED cases, making a laser photocoagulation possible in 9 eyes (36%). CONCLUSION: ICG angiography plays an important role in the evaluation, classification and laser treatment of patients with ONV secondary to ARMD.

Audit report on the Disaster Grants – Public Assistance program of the Green Bay Levee and Drainage District in Lee County, Iowa for the year ended June 30, 2009

Audit report on the Disaster Grants – Public Assistance program of the Green Bay Levee and Drainage District in Lee County, Iowa for the year ended June 30, 2009

Audit report on the Iowa Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Board (UST Board) for the year ended June 30, 2009

Audit report on the Iowa Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Board (UST Board) for the year ended June 30, 2009

Fate of nickel ion in (II-III) hydroxysulphate green rust synthesized by precipitation and coprecipitation

In order to investigate the efficiency of sulfate green rust (GR2) to remove Ni from solution, GR2 samples were synthesized under controlled laboratory conditions. Some GR2 samples were synthesized from Fe(II) and Fe(III) sulfate salts by precipitation. Other samples were prepared by coprecipitation, of Ni(II), Fe(II) and Fe(III) sulfate salts, i.e., in the presence of Ni. In another sample, Ni(II) sulfate salt was added to pre-formed GR2. After an initial X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization all samples were exposed to ambient air in order to understand the role of Ni in the transformation of the GR2 samples. XRD was repeated after 45 days. The results showed that Nious GR2 prepared by coprecipitation is isomorphous to Ni-free GR2, i.e. Ni is incorporated into the crystalline structure. Fe(II) was not replaced by Ni(II) in the crystalline structure of GR2 formed prior to exposure to solution-phase Ni. This suggests Ni was adsorbed to the GR2 surface. Sulfate green rust is more efficient in removing Ni from the environment by coprecipitation.

Substituição dos parâmetros do modelo de Green-Ampt-Mein-Larson para estimativa da infiltração em alguns solos do Brasil

A partir de uma análise detalhada do processo de infiltração de água no solo, foram propostas alternativas para adequação dos parâmetros de entrada do modelo de Green-Ampt-Mein-Larson (GAML), na tentativa de melhorar a eficiência da estimativa da infiltração em alguns solos brasileiros. As adequações consistiram em substituir a condutividade hidráulica do solo saturado (K0) pela taxa de infiltração estável (Tie) e o teor de água do solo saturado (q s) pelo teor de água na zona de transmissão (q w), além de estabelecer uma equação para estimativa do potencial matricial na frente de umedecimento (y f) com base nos parâmetros do modelo de curva de retenção de água de Brooks & Corey. Avaliou-se o desempenho do conjunto de adequações propostas (GAML-t) para estimativa da infiltração de água em três solos: Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo, Latossolo Vermelho e Argissolo Vermelho. O desempenho do GAML-t foi comparado com o obtido pelo GAML aplicado em sua forma original e adequado segundo cinco diferentes formas, evidenciando-se que o primeiro obteve melhor desempenho nos três solos estudados.

Green manure in coffee systems in the region of Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais: characteristics and kinetics of carbon and nitrogen mineralization

The use of green manure may contribute to reduce soil erosion and increase the soil organic matter content and N availability in coffee plantations in the Zona da Mata, State of Minas Gerais, in Southeastern Brazil. The potential of four legumes (A. pintoi, C. mucunoides, S. aterrimum and S. guianensis) to produce above-ground biomass, accumulate nutrients and mineralize N was studied in two coffee plantations of subsistence farmers under different climate conditions. The biomass production of C. mucunoides was influenced by the shade of the coffee plantation. C. mucunoides tended to mineralize more N than the other legumes due to the low polyphenol content and polyphenol/N ratio. In the first year, the crop establishment of A. pintoi in the area took longer than of the other legumes, resulting in lower biomass production and N2 fixation. In the long term, cellulose was the main factor controlling N mineralization. The biochemical characteristics, nutrient accumulation and biomass production of the legumes were greatly influenced by the altitude and position of the area relative to the sun.

Intense green-yellow electroluminescence from Tb+-implanted silicon-rich silicon nitride/oxide light emitting devices

High optical power density of 0.5 mW/cm2, external quantum efficiency of 0.1%, and population inversion of 7% are reported from Tb+-implanted silicon-rich silicon nitride/oxide light emitting devices. Electrical and electroluminescence mechanisms in these devices were investigated. The excitation cross section for the 543 nm Tb3+ emission was estimated under electrical pumping, resulting in a value of 8.2 × 10−14 cm2, which is one order of magnitude larger than one reported for Tb3+:SiO2 light emitting devices. These results demonstrate the potentiality of Tb+-implanted silicon nitride material for the development of integrated light sources compatible with Si technology.

Nickel incorporation in Fe(II, III) hydroxysulfate Green Rust: effect on crystal lattice spacing and oxidation products

Ni(II)-Fe(II)-Fe(III) layered double hydroxides (LDH) or Ni-containing sulfate green rust (GR2) samples were prepared from Ni(II), Fe(II) and Fe(III) sulfate salts and analyzed with X ray diffraction. Nickel is readily incorporated in the GR2 structure and forms a solid solution between GR2 and a Ni(II)-Fe(III) LDH. There is a correlation between the unit cell a-value and the fraction of Ni(II) incorporated into the Ni(II)-GR2 structure. Since there is strong evidence that the divalent/trivalent cation ratio in GR2 is fixed at 2, it is possible in principle to determine the extent of divalent cation substitution for Fe(II) in GR2 from the unit cell a-value. Oxidation forms a mixture of minerals but the LDH structure is retained if at least 20 % of the divalent cations in the initial solution are Ni(II). It appears that Ni(II) is incorporated in a stable LDH structure. This may be important for two reasons, first for understanding the formation of LDHs, which are anion exchangers, in the natural environment. Secondly, this is important for understanding the fate of transition metals in the environment, particularly in the presence of reduced Fe compounds.