Compressed Natural Gas in Iowa State of Iowa Requirements and Procedures For Commercialization and Sale, June 2015

This document is specific to the state of Iowa and outlines the requirements and procedures necessary to use, distribute, and service compressed natural gas (CNG) and the equipment associated with it. Four state agencies’ requirements for CNG are covered in this document: The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)/ Weights and Measures Bureau, Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) and Iowa Department of Public Safety (IDPS) / Division of the State Fire Marshal.

Simultaneous determination of human plasma levels of citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, and their metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method is presented which allows the simultaneous determination of the plasma concentrations of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, and their pharmacologically active N-demethylated metabolites (desmethylcitalopram, didesmethylcitalopram, and desmethylsertraline) after derivatization with the reagent N-methyl-bis(trifluoroacetamide). No interferences from endogenous compounds are observed following the extraction of plasma samples from six different human subjects. The standard curves are linear over a working range of 10-500 ng/mL for citalopram, 10-300 ng/mL for desmethylcitalopram, 5-60 ng/mL for didesmethylcitalopram, 20-400 ng/mL for sertraline and desmethylsertraline, and 10-200 ng/mL for paroxetine. Recoveries measured at three concentrations range from 81 to 118% for the tertiary amines (citalopram and the internal standard methylmaprotiline), 73 to 95% for the secondary amines (desmethylcitalopram, paroxetine and sertraline), and 39 to 66% for the primary amines (didesmethylcitalopram and desmethylsertraline). Intra- and interday coefficients of variation determined at three concentrations range from 3 to 11% for citalopram and its metabolites, 4 to 15% for paroxetine, and 5 to 13% for sertraline and desmethylsertraline. The limits of quantitation of the method are 2 ng/mL for citalopram and paroxetine, 1 ng/mL for sertraline, and 0.5 ng/mL for desmethylcitalopram, didesmethylcitalopram, and desmethylsertraline. No interferences are noted from 20 other psychotropic drugs. This sensitive and specific method can be used for single-dose pharmacokinetics. It is also useful for therapeutic drug monitoring of these three drugs and could possibly be adapted for the quantitation of the two other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on the market, namely fluoxetine and fluvoxamine.

Health consultation : Review of on-site air monitoring data during the removal action at Le Mars coal gas site, Le Mars coal gas plant Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa EPA facility ID: IA0001032556 (2005)

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Hazardous Waste Site Health Assessment Program was asked by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review a round of air sampling data. The air data was collected and analyzed during a removal action at the Le Mars Coal Gas Site in Le Mars, Iowa. EPA asked IDPH to determine from the air data if additional monitoring is necessary throughout the removal action to protect nearby residents from exposure.

Health consultation : jet gas spill site, Lowell, Henry County, Iowa (2004)

An attorney representing seven property owners in Lowell, Iowa, requested the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Hazardous Waste Site Health Assessment Program to perform a health consultation for the Jet Gas Spill Site. The attorney asked the IDPH to provide comments concerning the potential and likely health effects to her clients due to exposure from the spill. The specific issues to be addressed are listed in this health consultation. The information in this health consultation was current at the time of writing. Data that emerges later could alter this document’s conclusions and recommendations.

Accuracy profile validation of a new analytical method for butane measurement using headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The aim of our study was to provide an innovative HS-GC/MS method applicable to the routine determination of butane concentration in forensic toxicology laboratories. The main drawback of the GC/MS methods discussed in literature concerning butane measurement was the absence of a specific butane internal standard necessary to perform quantification. Because no stable isotope of butane is commercially available, it is essential to develop a new approach by an in situ generation of standards. To avoid the manipulation of a stable isotope-labelled gas, we have chosen to generate in situ an internal labelled standard gas (C(4)H(9)D) following the basis of the stoichiometric formation of butane by the reaction of deuterated water (D(2)O) with Grignard reagent butylmagnesium chloride (C(4)H(9)MgCl). This method allows a precise measurement of butane concentration and therefore, a full validation by accuracy profile was presented.

GLUT8 subcellular localization and absence of translocation to the plasma membrane in PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons.

GLUT8 is a high-affinity glucose transporter present mostly in testes and a subset of brain neurons. At the cellular level, it is found in a poorly defined intracellular compartment in which it is retained by an N-terminal dileucine motif. Here we assessed GLUT8 colocalization with markers for different cellular compartments and searched for signals, which could trigger its cell surface expression. We showed that when expressed in PC12 cells, GLUT8 was located in a perinuclear compartment in which it showed partial colocalization with markers for the endoplasmic reticulum but not with markers for the trans-Golgi network, early endosomes, lysosomes, and synaptic-like vesicles. To evaluate its presence at the plasma membrane, we generated a recombinant adenovirus for the expression of GLUT8 containing an extracellular myc epitope. Cell surface expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy of transduced PC12 cells or primary hippocampal neurons exposed to different stimuli. Those included substances inducing depolarization, activation of protein kinase A and C, activation or inhibition of tyrosine kinase-linked signaling pathways, glucose deprivation, AMP-activated protein kinase stimulation, and osmotic shock. None of these stimuli-induced GLUT8 cell surface translocation. Furthermore, when GLUT8myc was cotransduced with a dominant-negative form of dynamin or GLUT8myc-expressing PC-12 cells or neurons were incubated with an anti-myc antibody, no evidence for constitutive recycling of the transporter through the cell surface could be obtained. Thus, in cells normally expressing it, GLUT8 was associated with a specific intracellular compartment in which it may play an as-yet-uncharacterized role.

Dissection of hormone-responsive plasma membrane to nucleus signaling of Bravis Radix : its role in vascular differentiation and root meristem growth

AbstractPlants continuously grow during their complete life span and understanding the mechanisms that qualitatively regulate their traits remains a challenging topic in biology. The hormone auxin has been identified as a crucial molecule for shaping plant growth, as it has a role in most developmental processes. In the root, the directional, so-called polar transport of auxin generates a peak of concentration that specifies and maintains the stem cell niche and a subsequent gradient of decreasing concentration that also regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. For these reasons, auxin is considered the main morphogen of the root, as it is fundamental for its organization and maintenance. Recently, in Arabidopsis thaliana, a natural variation screen allowed the discovery of BREVIS RADIX (BRX) gene as a limiting factor for auxin responsive gene expression and thus for root growth.In this study, we discovered that BRX is a direct target of auxin that positively feeds back on auxin signaling, as a transcriptional co-regulator, through interaction with the Auxin Response Factor (ARF) MONOPTEROS (MP), modulating the auxin gene response magnitude during the transition between division and differentiation in the root meristem. Moreover, we provide evidence that BRX is activated at the plasma membrane level as an associated protein before moving into the nucleus to modulate cellular growth.To investigate the discrepancy between the auxin concentration and the expression pattern of its downstream targets, we combined experimental and computational approaches. Expression profiles deviating from the auxin gradient could only be modeled after intersection of auxin activity with the observed differential endocytosis pattern and with positive auto- regulatory feedback through plasma- membrane-to-nucleus transfer of BRX. Because BRX is required for expression of certain auxin response factor targets, our data suggest a cell-type-specific endocytosis-dependent input into transcriptional auxin perception. This input sustains expression of a subset of auxin-responsive genes across the root meristem's division and transition zones and is essential for meristem growth. Thus, the endocytosis pattern provides specific positional information to modulate auxin response. RésuméLes plantes croissent continuellement tout au long de leur cycle de vie. Comprendre et expliquer les mécanismes impliqués dans ce phénomène reste à l'heure actuelle, un défi. L'hormone auxine a été identifiée comme une molécule essentielle à la régulation de la croissance des plantes, car impliquée dans la plupart des processus développementaux. Dans la racine, le transport polaire de l'auxine, par la génération d'un pic de concentration, spécifie et maintient la niche de cellules souches, et par la génération d'un gradient de concentration, contrôle la prolifération et la différentiation cellulaire. Puisque l'auxine est essentielle pour l'organisation et la maintenance du système racinaire, il est considéré comme son principal morphogène. Récemment, dans la plante modèle, Arabidopsis thalinana, un criblage des variations génétique a permis d'identifier le gène Brevis radix (BRX) comme facteur limitant l'expression des gènes de réponse à l'auxine et par là même, la croissance de la racine.Dans ce travail, nous avons découvert que BRX est une cible direct de l'auxine qui rétroactive positivement le signalement de l'hormone, agissant ainsi comme un régulateur transcriptionnel à travers l'interaction avec la protéine Monopteros (MP) de la famille des facteurs de réponse à l'auxine (Auxin Responsive Factor, ARF), et modulant ainsi la magnitude de la réponse des gènes reliés à l'auxine durant la division et la différentiation cellulaire dans le méristème de la racine. De plus, nous fournissons des preuves que BRX est activées au niveau de la membrane plasmique, tel une protéine associée se déplaçant à l'intérieur du noyau et modulant la croissance cellulaire.Pour mener à bien l'investigation des divergences entre la concentration de l'auxine et les schémas d'expression de ses propres gènes cibles, nous avons combiné les approches expérimentales et computationnelles. Les profiles d'expressions déviant du gradient d'auxine pourraient seulement être modéliser après intersection de l'activité de l'auxine avec les schémas différentiels d'endocytose observés et les boucles de rétroaction positives et autorégulatrices par le transfert de BRX de la membrane plasmique au noyau. Puisque BRX est requis pour l'expression de certains gènes cibles des facteurs de réponse à l'auxine, nos données suggèrent une contribution dépendante d'une endocytose spécifique au type de cellule dans la perception transcriptionnelle à l'auxine Cette contribution soutient l'expression d'un sous-set de gène de réponse à l'auxine dans la division du méristème racinaire et la zone de transition, et par conséquent, est essentielle pour la croissance méristematique. Ainsi, le schéma d'endocytose fournit des informations positionnelles spécifiques à la modulation de la réponse à l'auxine.

Membrane insertion and antibody recognition of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein: an optical study.

The kinetics of binding of a glycolipid-anchored protein (the promastigote surface protease, PSP) to planar lecithin bilayers is studied by an integrated optics technique, in which the bilayer membrane is supported on an optical wave guide and the phase velocities of guided light modes in the wave guide are measured. From these velocities, the optical parameters of the membrane and PSP layers deposited on the waveguide are determined, yielding in particular the mass of PSP bound to the membrane, which is followed in real time. From a comparison of the binding rates of PSP and PSP from which the lipid moiety has been removed, it is shown that the lipid moiety plays a key role in anchoring the protein to the membrane. Specific and nonspecific binding of antibodies to membrane-anchored PSP is also investigated. As little as a fifth of a monolayer of PSP is sufficient to suppress the appreciable nonspecific binding of antibodies to the membrane.

Reaction-diffusion lattice gas: Theory and computer results

We report on the study of nonequilibrium ordering in the reaction-diffusion lattice gas. It is a kinetic model that relaxes towards steady states under the simultaneous competition of a thermally activated creation-annihilation $(reaction$) process at temperature T, and a diffusion process driven by a heat bath at temperature T?T. The phase diagram as one varies T and T, the system dimension d, the relative priori probabilities for the two processes, and their dynamical rates is investigated. We compare mean-field theory, new Monte Carlo data, and known exact results for some limiting cases. In particular, no evidence of Landau critical behavior is found numerically when d=2 for Metropolis rates but Onsager critical points and a variety of first-order phase transitions.

Chemical and isotopic equilibrium between CO2 and CH4 in fumarolic gas discharges: Generation of CH4 in arc magmatic-hydrothermal systems

The chemical and isotopic composition of fumarolic gases emitted from Nisyros Volcano, Greece, and of a single gas sample from Vesuvio, Italy, was investigated in order to determine the origin of methane (CH,) within two subduction-related magmatic-hydrothermal environments. Apparent temperatures derived from carbon isotope partitioning between CH4 and CO2 of around 340degreesC for Nisyros and 470degreesC for Vesuvio correlate well with aquifer temperatures as measured directly and/or inferred from compositional data using the H2O-H-2-CO2-CO-CH4 geothermometer. Thermodynamic modeling reveals chemical equilibrium between CH4, CO2 and H2O implying that carbon isotope partitioning between CO2 and CH, in both systems is controlled by aquifer temperature. N-2/(3) He and CH4/(3) He ratios of Nisyros fumarolic gases are unusually low for subduction zone gases and correspond to those of midoceanic ridge environments. Accordingly, CH4 may have been primarily generated through the reduction of CO, by H, in the absence of any organic matter following a Fischer-Tropsch-type reaction. However, primary occurrence of minor amounts of thermogenic CH4 and subsequent re-equilibration with co-existing CO2 cannot be ruled out entirely- CO2/He-3 ratios and delta(13)C(CO2) values imply that the evolved CO2 either derives from a metasomatized mantle or is a mixture between two components, one outgassing from an unaltered mantle and the other released by thermal breakdown of marine carbonates. The latter may contain traces of organic matter possibly decomposing to CH4 during thermometamorphism. Copyright (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd.

Gas exchange rates, plant height, yield components, and productivity of upland rice as affected by plant regulators

The objective of this work was to evaluate gas exchange rates, plant height, yield components, and productivity of upland rice, as affected by type and application time of plant growth regulators. A randomized block design, in a 4x2 factorial arrangement, with four replicates was used. Treatments consisted of three growth regulators (mepiquat chloride, trinexapac-ethyl, and paclobutrazol), besides a control treatment applied at two different phenological stages: early tillering or panicle primordial differentiation. The experiment was performed under sprinkler-irrigated field conditions. Net CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, plant transpiration, and water-use efficiency were measured four times in Primavera upland rice cultivar, between booting and milky grain phenophases. Gas exchange rates were neither influenced by growth regulators nor by application time. There was, however, interaction between these factors on the other variables. Application of trinexapac-ethyl at both tillering and differentiation stages reduced plant height and negatively affected yield components and rice productivity. However, paclobutrazol and mepiquat chloride applied at tillering, reduced plant height without affecting rice yield. Mepiquat chloride acted as a growth stimulator when applied at the differentiation stage, and significantly increased plant height, panicle number, and grain yield of upland rice.

Structure of the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol membrane anchor of the Leishmania major promastigote surface protease.

In common with many other plasma membrane glycoproteins of eukaryotic origin, the promastigote surface protease (PSP) of the protozoan parasite Leishmania contains a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchor. The GPI anchor of Leishmania major PSP was purified following proteolysis of the PSP and analyzed by two-dimensional 1H-1H NMR, compositional and methylation linkage analyses, chemical and enzymatic modifications, and amino acid sequencing. From these results, the structure of the GPI-containing peptide was found to be Asp-Gly-Gly-Asn-ethanolamine-PO4-6Man alpha 1-6Man alpha 1-4GlcN alpha 1-6myo-inositol-1-PO4-(1-alkyl-2-acyl-glycerol). The glycan structure is identical to the conserved glycan core regions of the GPI anchor of Trypanosoma brucei variant surface glycoprotein and rat brain Thy-1 antigen, supporting the notion that this portion of GPIs are highly conserved. The phosphatidylinositol moiety of the PSP anchor is unusual, containing a fully saturated, unbranched 1-O-alkyl chain (mainly C24:0) and a mixture of fully saturated unbranched 2-O-acyl chains (C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0). This lipid composition differs significantly from those of the GPIs of T. brucei variant surface glycoprotein and mammalian erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase but is similar to that of a family of glycosylated phosphoinositides found uniquely in Leishmania.

Salt tolerance and regulation of gas exchange and hormonal homeostasis by auxin-priming in wheat

The objective of this work was to assess the regulatory effects of auxin-priming on gas exchange and hormonal homeostasis in spring wheat subjected to saline conditions. Seeds of MH-97 (salt-intolerant) and Inqlab-91 (salt-tolerant) cultivars were subjected to 11 priming treatments (three hormones x three concentrations + two controls) and evaluated under saline (15 dS m-1) and nonsaline (2.84 dS m-1) conditions. The priming treatments consisted of: 5.71, 8.56, and 11.42 × 10-4 mol L-1 indoleacetic acid; 4.92, 7.38, and 9.84 × 10-4 mol L-1 indolebutyric acid; 4.89, 7.34, and 9.79 × 10-4 mol L-1 tryptophan; and a control with hydroprimed seeds. A negative control with nonprimed seeds was also evaluated. All priming agents diminished the effects of salinity on endogenous abscisic acid concentration in the salt-intolerant cultivar. Grain yield was positively correlated with net CO2 assimilation rate and endogenous indoleacetic acid concentration, and it was negatively correlated with abscisic acid and free polyamine concentrations. In general, the priming treatment with tryptophan at 4.89 × 10-4 mol L-1 was the most effective in minimizing yield losses and reductions in net CO2 assimilation rate, under salt stress conditions. Hormonal homeostasis increases net CO2 assimilation rate and confers tolerance to salinity on spring wheat.

Trichophyton rubrum secreted and membrane-associated carboxypeptidases

Dermatophytes are the most common agents of superficial mycoses, and exclusively infect stratum corneum, nails or hair. Therefore, secreted proteolytic activity is considered a virulence trait of these fungi. In a medium containing protein as a sole nitrogen and carbon source Trichophyton rubrum secretes a metallocarboxypeptidase (TruMcpA) of the M14 family according to the MEROPS proteolytic enzyme database. TruMcpA is homologous to human pancreatic carboxypeptidase A, and is synthesized as a precursor in a preproprotein form. The propeptide is removed to generate the mature active enzyme alternatively by either one of two subtilisins which are concomitantly secreted by the fungus. In addition, T. rubrum was shown to possess two genes (TruSCPA and TruSCPB) encoding serine carboxypeptidases of the S10 family which are homologues of the previously characterized Aspergillus and Penicillium secreted acid carboxypeptidases. However, in contrast to the Aspergillus and Penicillium homologues, TruScpA and TruScpB enzymes are not secreted into the environment, but are membrane-associated with a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. During infection, T. rubrum secreted and GPI-anchored carboxypeptidases may contribute to fungal virulence by cooperating with previously characterized endoproteases and aminopeptidases in the degradation of compact keratinized tissues into assimilable amino acids and short peptides.