Evolutionary origin and functions of retrogene introns.

Retroposed genes (retrogenes) originate via the reverse transcription of mature messenger RNAs from parental source genes and are therefore usually devoid of introns. Here, we characterize a particular set of mammalian retrogenes that acquired introns upon their emergence and thus represent rare cases of intron gain in mammals. We find that although a few retrogenes evolved introns in their coding or 3' untranslated regions (untranslated region, UTR), most introns originated together with untranslated exons in the 5' flanking regions of the retrogene insertion site. They emerged either de novo or through fusions with 5' UTR exons of host genes into which the retrogenes inserted. Generally, retrogenes with introns display high transcription levels and show broader spatial expression patterns than other retrogenes. Our experimental expression analyses of individual intron-containing retrogenes show that 5' UTR introns may indeed promote higher expression levels, at least in part through encoded regulatory elements. By contrast, 3' UTR introns may lead to downregulation of expression levels via nonsense-mediated decay mechanisms. Notably, the majority of retrogenes with introns in their 5' flanks depend on distant, sometimes bidirectional CpG dinucleotide-enriched promoters for their expression that may be recruited from other genes in the genomic vicinity. We thus propose a scenario where the acquisition of new 5' exon-intron structures was directly linked to the recruitment of distant promoters by these retrogenes, a process potentially facilitated by the presence of proto-splice sites in the genomic vicinity of retrogene insertion sites. Thus, the primary role and selective benefit of new 5' introns (and UTR exons) was probably initially to span the often substantial distances to potent CpG promoters driving retrogene transcription. Later in evolution, these introns then obtained additional regulatory roles in fine tuning retrogene expression levels. Our study provides novel insights regarding mechanisms underlying the origin of new introns, the evolutionary relevance of intron gain, and the origin of new gene promoters.

State Library of Iowa Library Services and Technology Act Five-Year Plan, 2002

The Iowa Commission of Libraries, the State Library’s governing board, convened the Library Services Task Force in August 2000. This group consisted of 46 Iowans from across the state, including librarians from all types of libraries, library trustees, legislators, members of Iowa Regional Library system (now called Library Service Areas) and Area Education Agencies, and citizens. Their mission was to make recommendations to the Commission on positioning libraries to effectively and efficiently meet the future needs of Iowans. Needs and expectations of Iowa Library customers and funding authorities were identified and examined by the Task Force, and are reflected in its recommendations. The Commission received the Task Force recommendations in December 2000, carefully studied them, solicited input from the Iowa library community, and with a few changes, forwarded the recommendations to the Governor and the Iowa General Assembly. These recommendations are now known as Iowa Commission of Libraries priorities and serve as a blueprint for future development of the Iowa library system.

State Library of Iowa Library Services and Technology Act Five-Year Plan, 2002

The Iowa Commission of Libraries, the State Library’s governing board, convened the Library Services Task Force in August 2000. This group consisted of 46 Iowans from across the state, including librarians from all types of libraries, library trustees, legislators, members of Iowa Regional Library system (now called Library Service Areas) and Area Education Agencies, and citizens. Their mission was to make recommendations to the Commission on positioning libraries to effectively and efficiently meet the future needs of Iowans. Needs and expectations of Iowa Library customers and funding authorities were identified and examined by the Task Force, and are reflected in its recommendations. The Commission received the Task Force recommendations in December 2000, carefully studied them, solicited input from the Iowa library community, and with a few changes, forwarded the recommendations to the Governor and the Iowa General Assembly. These recommendations are now known as Iowa Commission of Libraries priorities and serve as a blueprint for future development of the Iowa library system.

Library Services System for Iowa Library Services Task Force Report, December 2000

As a guide for librarians, library policy makers and the local level, community leaders, local and state policy makers, and library customers across the state, these recommendations create a vision of libraries as friendly, welcoming places where Iowans can access inform ation in person or on-lin e, ob tain, an d use ideas and truste d info rmatio n tha t will enhance their quality of life. This report specifies the steps to achieving this vision and creates an environment of opportunity to m ove s teadily toward the new system.

Pocket Digest Iowa Public Library Statistics, 1999

The pocket digest for public library statistics highlights pertinent information about public libraries in Iowa.

Pocket Digest Iowa Public Library Statistics, 1999

The pocket digest for public library statistics highlights pertinent information about public libraries in Iowa.

Pocket Digest Iowa Public Library Statistics, 2000

The pocket digest for public library statistics highlights pertinent information about public libraries in Iowa.

State Library of Iowa Performance Report, FY 2004

Agency Performance Report

An integrated genomic and expression analysis of 7q deletion in splenic marginal zone lymphoma.

Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is an indolent B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by 7q32 deletion, but the target genes of this deletion remain unknown. In order to elucidate the genetic target of this deletion, we performed an integrative analysis of the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and miRNomic data. High resolution array comparative genomic hybridization of 56 cases of SMZL delineated a minimally deleted region (2.8 Mb) at 7q32, but showed no evidence of any cryptic homozygous deletion or recurrent breakpoint in this region. Integrated transcriptomic analysis confirmed significant under-expression of a number of genes in this region in cases of SMZL with deletion, several of which showed hypermethylation. In addition, a cluster of 8 miRNA in this region showed under-expression in cases with the deletion, and three (miR-182/96/183) were also significantly under-expressed (P<0.05) in SMZL relative to other lymphomas. Genomic sequencing of these miRNA and IRF5, a strong candidate gene, did not show any evidence of somatic mutation in SMZL. These observations provide valuable guidance for further characterisation of 7q deletion.

In Service to Iowa : Public Library Measures of Quality, 4th edition

"In Service to Iowa : Public Library Measures of Quality, 4th edition" is the manual for the Accreditation and Standards program of the State Library of Iowa.

Iowa Public Library Statistics, 2004-2005

Public library statistics are taken from the annual survey. The statistics are used at the local, regional, state, and national levels to compare library performance, justify budget requests, track library data over time, assist in planning and evaluation, and provide valuable information for grants and other library programs. The annual survey collects current information from 543 public libraries about public service outlets, holdings, staffing, income, expenditures, circulation, services, and hours open. Furthermore, it helps provide a total picture of libraries on a state and nationwide basis. This report is authorized by law (Iowa Code 256.51 (H)). Each of the 50 states collects public library information according to guidelines established by the Federal State Cooperative System for public library data (FSCS). The information contained in the Iowa Public Library Statistics is based on definitions approved by FSCS. For additional information, contact Gerry Rowland, State Library, gerry.rowland@lib.state.ia.us; 1-800-248-4483.

Iowa Public Library Statistics, 2003-2004

Public library statistics are taken from the annual survey. The statistics are used at the local, regional, state, and national levels to compare library performance, justify budget requests, track library data over time, assist in planning and evaluation, and provide valuable information for grants and other library programs. The annual survey collects current information from 543 public libraries about public service outlets, holdings, staffing, income, expenditures, circulation, services, and hours open. Furthermore, it helps provide a total picture of libraries on a state and nationwide basis. This report is authorized by law (Iowa Code 256.51 (H)). Each of the 50 states collects public library information according to guidelines established by the Federal State Cooperative System for public library data (FSCS). The information contained in the Iowa Public Library Statistics is based on definitions approved by FSCS. For additional information, contact Gerry Rowland, State Library, gerry.rowland@lib.state.ia.us; 1-800-248-4483.

State Library Update, March 2006

Quarterly State Library Update for patrons.

State Library Update, November 2005

Quarterly State Library Update for patrons.

State Library Update, September 2004

Quarterly State Library Update for patrons.