Issue review : projected impact of elimination of the Federal Family Education Loan Program.

The federal Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 ended the Federal Family Education Loan Program, or FFELP, and no new FFELP loans will be issued after June 30, 2010. The Iowa College Student Aid Commission received approximately 14 million dollars of its 14.7 million dollar fiscal year 2010 administrative budget from the various fees associated with the FFELP program and services. With the cessation of FFELP loans, the commission project's revenues will decline, as the currently existing FFELP loans are paid off, beginning with a 2.7 million dollar decline in fiscal year 2011. This issue review examines the prison system fiscal year 2010 budget, including receipts and expenditures, average annual costs, personnel and inmate assaults.

Regulation of frizzled receptor activity at the plasma membrane : an interplay of the receptor, the trimeric G protein Go, and RGS protein and a scaffolding protein Kermit

G-protein-signaling pathways convey extracellular signals inside the cells and regulate distinct physiological responses. This type of signaling pathways consists of three major components: G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), heterotrimeric G proteins (G-proteins) and downstream effectors. Upon ligand binding, GPCRs activate heterotrimeric G proteins to initiate the signaling cascade. Dysfunction of GPCR signaling correlates with numerous diseases such as diabetes, nervous and immune system deficiency, and cancer. As the signaling switcher, G-proteins (Gs, Gq/11, G12/13, and Gi/o) have been an appealing topic of research for decades. A heterotrimeric G-protein is composed of three subunits, the guanine nucleotide associated a-subunit, ß and y subunits. In general, the duration of signaling is determined by the lifetime of activated (GTP bound) Ga subunits. Identification of novel communication partners of Ga subunits appears to be an attractive way to understand the machinery of GPCR signaling. In our lab, we mainly focus on Gao, which is abundantly expressed in the nervous system. Here we present two novel interacting partners of Drosophila Gao: Dhit and Kermit, identified through yeast two-hybrid screening and genetic screening respectively. Dhit is characterized by a small size with a conserved RGS domain and an N-terminal cysteine rich motif. The RGS domain possesses the GAP (GTPase activating protein) activity towards G proteins. However, we found that Dhit exerts not only the GAP activity but also the GDI (guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor) activity towards Gao. The unexpected GDI activity is preserved in GAIP/RGS19 - a mammalian homologue of Dhit. Further experiments confirmed the GDI activity of Dhit and GAIP/RGS19 in Drosophila and mammalian cell models. Therefore, we propose that Dhit and its mammalian homologues modulate GPCR signaling by a double suppression of Ga subunits - suppression of their nucleotide exchange with GTP and acceleration of their hydrolysis of GTP. Kermit/GEPC was first identified as a binding partner of GAIP/RGS19 in a yeast two- hybrid screen. Instead of interacting with the Drosophila homologue of GAIP/RGS19 (Dhit), Kermit binds to Gao in vivo and in vitro. The functional consequence of Kermit/Gao interaction is the regulation of localization of Vang (one of the planar cell polarity core components) at the apical membrane. Overall, my work elaborated the action of Gao with its two interaction partners in Gao- mediated signaling pathway. Conceivably, the understanding of GPCR signaling including Gao and its regulators or effectors will ultimately shed light on future pharmaceutical research. - Les voies de signalisation médiées par les protéines G transmettent des signaux extracellulaires à l'intérieur des cellules pour réguler des réponses physiologiques distinctes. Cette voie de signalisation consiste en trois composants majeurs : les récepteurs couplés aux protéines G (GPCRs), les protéines G hétérotrimériques (G-proteins) et les effecteurs en aval. Suite à la liaison du ligand, les GPCRs activent les protéines G hétérotrimériques qui initient la cascade de signalisation. Des dysfonctions dans la signalisation médiée par les GPCRs sont corrélées avec de nombreuses maladies comme le diabète, des déficiences immunes et nerveuses, ainsi que le cancer. Puisque la voie de signalisation s'active et se désactive, les protéines G (Gs, Gq/11, G12/13 et Gi/o) ont été un sujet de recherche attrayant pendant des décennies. Une protéine G hétérotrimérique est composée de trois sous-unités, la sous-unité a associée au nucléotide guanine, ainsi que les sous-unités ß et y. En général, la durée du signal est déterminée par le temps de demi-vie des sous-unités Ga activées (Ga liées au GTP). Identifier de nouveaux partenaires de communication des sous-unités Ga se révèle être un moyen attractif de comprendre la machinerie de la signalisation par les GPCRs. Dans notre laboratoire nous nous sommes concentrés principalement sur Gao qui est exprimée de manière abondante dans le système nerveux. Nous présentons ici deux nouveaux partenaires qui interagissent avec Gao chez la drosophile: Dhit et Kermit, qui ont été identifiés respectivement par la méthode du yeast two-hybrid et par criblage génétique. Dhit est caractérisé par une petite taille, avec un domaine RGS conservé et un motif N- terminal riche en cystéines. Le domaine RGS contient une activité GAP (GTPase activating protein) pour les protéines G. Toutefois, nous avons découvert que Dhit exerce non seulement une activité GAP mais aussi une activité GDI (guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor) à l'égard de Gao. Cette activité GDI inattendue est préservée dans RGS19 - un homologue de Dhit chez les mammifères. Des expériences supplémentaires ont confirmé l'activité GDI de Dhit et de RGS19 chez Drosophila melanogaster et les modèles cellulaires mammifères. Par conséquent, nous proposons que Dhit et ses homologues mammifères modulent la signalisation GPCR par une double suppression des sous-unités Ga - suppression de leur nucléotide d'échange avec le GTP et une accélération dans leur hydrolyse du GTP. Kermit/GIPC a été premièrement identifié comme un partenaire de liaison de RGS19 dans le criblage par yeast two-hybrid. Au lieu d'interagir avec l'homologue chez la drosophile de RGS19 (Dhit), Kermit se lie à Gao in vivo et in vitro. La conséquence fonctionnelle de l'interaction Kermit/Gao est la régulation de la localisation de Vang, un des composants essentiel de la polarité planaire cellulaire, à la membrane apicale. Globalement, mon travail a démontré l'action de Gao avec ses deux partenaires d'interaction dans la voie de signalisation médiée par Gao. La compréhension de la signalisation par les GPCRs incluant Gao et ses régulateurs ou effecteurs aboutira à mettre en lumière de futurs axes dans la recherche pharmacologique.

Double-Antiprism Central Configurations of the 3n-Body Problem

Abstract In this paper we study numerically a new type of central configurations of the 3n-body problem with equal masses which consist of three n-gons contained in three planes z = 0 and z = ±β = 0. The n-gon on z = 0 is scaled by a factor α and it is rotated by an angle of π/n with respect to the ones on z = ±β. In this kind of configurations, the masses on the planes z = 0 and z = β are at the vertices of an antiprism with bases of different size. The same occurs with the masses on z = 0 and z = −β. We call this kind of central configurations double-antiprism central configurations. We will show the existence of central configurations of this type.

Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin system in hypertensive patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

Renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers are generally considered as contraindicated when an atheromatous renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is diagnosed. The main reason is the fear of inducing renal ischemia and, hence, accelerating renal fibrosis and the progression towards end stage renal disease, albeit RAS blocker have been shown to be highly effective in controlling blood pressure. Part of the solution came by the development of the revascularization. There is now growing evidence showing no superiority of angioplasty over medical treatment on cardiovascular events and mortality, renal function and blood pressure control. Hence, RAS blockers resurfaced based on their proven beneficial effects on blood pressure control and cardiovascular prevention in high risk atherosclerotic patients. Thus, RAS blockers belong today to the standard treatment of hypertensive patients with ARAS. However they were not systematically prescribed in trials focusing on ARAS. The ongoing CORAL trial will give us further information on the place of this class of antihypertensive drugs in patients with ARAS.

How Millennials are changing the way of learning: the state of the art of ICT integration in education

Millennials generation is changing the way of learning, prompting educational institutions to attempt to better adapt to young needs by incorporating technologies into education. Based on this premise, we have reviewed the prominent reports of the integration of ICT into education with the aim of evidencing how education is changing, and will change, to meet the needs ofMillennials with ICT support. We conclude that most of the investments have simply resulted in an increase of computers and access to the Internet, with teachers reproducing traditional approaches to education and e-learning being seen as complementary to face-to-face education. While it would seem that the use of ICT is not revolutionizing learning, it is facilitating the personalization, collaboration and ubiquity of learning.

Concrete Pavement Mixture Design and Analysis (MDA): Evaluation of the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Concrete Mixtures Containing Permeability-Reducing Admixtures to Develop Standard Test Protocol, 2014

Concrete durability may be considered as the ability to maintain serviceability over the design life without significant deterioration, and is generally a direct function of the mixture permeability. Therefore, reducing permeability will improve the potential durability of a given mixture and, in turn, improve the serviceability and longevity of the structure. Given the importance of this property, engineers often look for methods that can decrease permeability. One approach is to add chemical compounds known as integral waterproofing admixtures or permeability-reducing admixtures, which help fill and block capillary pores in the paste. Currently, there are no standard approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of permeability-reducing admixtures or to compare different products in the US. A review of manufacturers’ data sheets shows that a wide range of test methods have been used, and rarely are the same tests used on more than one product. This study investigated the fresh and hardened properties of mixtures containing commercially available hydrophilic and hydrophobic types of permeability-reducing admixtures. The aim was to develop a standard test protocol that would help owners, engineers, and specifiers compare different products and to evaluate their effects on concrete mixtures that may be exposed to hydrostatic or non-hydrostatic pressure. In this experimental program, 11 concrete mixtures were prepared with a fixed water-to-cement ratio and cement content. One plain mixture was prepared as a reference, 5 mixtures were prepared using the recommended dosage of the different permeability-reducing admixtures, and 5 mixtures were prepared using double the recommended dosage. Slump, air content, setting time, compressive and flexural strength, shrinkage, and durability indicating tests including electrical resistivity, rapid chloride penetration, air permeability, permeable voids, and sorptivity tests were conducted at various ages. The data are presented and recommendations for a testing protocol are provided.

The birth of the Rheic Ocean - Early Palaeozoic subsidence patterns and subsequent tectonic plate scenarios

New plate-tectonic reconstructions of the Gondwana margin suggest that the location of Gondwana-derived terranes should not only be guided by the models, but should also consider the possible detrital input from some Asian blocks (Hunia), supposed to have been located along the Cambrian Gondwana margin, and accreted in the Silurian to the North-Chinese block. Consequently, the Gondwana margin has to be subdivided into a more western domain, where the future Avalonian blocks will be separated from Gondwana by the opening Rheic Ocean, whereas in its eastern continuation, hosting the future basement areas of Central Europe, different periods of crustal extension should be distinguished. Instead of applying a rather cylindrical model, it is supposed that crustal extension follows a much more complex pattern, where local back-arcs or intra-continental rifts are involved. Guided by the age data of magmatic rocks and the pattern of subsidence curves, the following extensional events can be distinguished: During the early to middle Cambrian, a back-arc setting guided the evolution at the Gondwana margin. Contemporaneous intra-continental rift basins developed at other places related to a general post-PanAfrican extensional phase affecting Africa Upper Cambrian formation of oceanic crust is manifested in the Chamrousse area, and may have lateral cryptic relics preserved in other places. This is regarded as the oceanisation of some marginal basins in a context of back-arc rifting. These basins were closed in a mid-Ordovician tectonic phase, related to the subduction of buoyant material (mid-ocean ridge?) Since the Early Ordovician, a new phase of extension is observed, accompanied by a large-scale volcanic activity, erosion of the rift shoulders generated detritus (Armorican Quartzite) and the rift basins collected detrital zircons from a wide hinterland. This phase heralded the opening of Palaeotethys, but it failed due to the Silurian collision (Eo-Variscan phase) of an intra-oceanic arc with the Gondwana margin. During this time period, at the eastern wing of the Gondwana margin begins the drift of the future Hunia microcontinents, through the opening of an eastern prolongation of the already existing Rheic Ocean. The passive margin of the remaining Gondwana was composed of the Galatian superterranes, constituents of the future Variscan basement areas. Remaining under the influence of crustal extension, they will start their drift to Laurussia since the earliest Devonian during the opening of the Palaeotethys Ocean. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of the Effect of Reheating Asphalts on the Test Results, MLR-84-09, 1984

All noncomplying penetration and absolute viscosity results must be verified before being reported. This verification of test results is done by reheating and retesting the identical sample that is suspect. The District Laboratories are required to submit penetration and absolute viscosity correlation samples to the Central Laboratory. These samples are the identical ones tested by the District Laboratories. When the Central laboratory tests these correlation samples they are also considered to be reheated and retested. Reheating a sample will harden the asphalt to some degree and possibly cause a change in the test results. This investigation was conducted to determine how much change in penetration and absolute viscosity could be expected by reheating and retesting asphalt samples.

The fate and persistence of Leishmania major in mice of different genetic backgrounds: an example of exploitation of the immune system by intracellular parasites.

Leishmania spp. are intracellular protozoan parasites that are delivered within the dermis of their vertebrate hosts. Within this peripheral tissue and the draining lymph node, they find and/or rapidly create dynamic microenvironments that determine their ultimate fate, namely their more or less successful expansion, and favour their transmission to another vertebrate host though a blood-feeding vector. Depending on their genetic characteristics as well as the genetic make-up of their hosts, once within the dermis Leishmania spp. very rapidly drive and maintain sustained T cell-dependent immune responses that arbitrate their ultimate fate within their hosts. The analysis of the parasitism exerted by Leishmania major in mice of different genetic backgrounds has allowed us to recognize some of the early and late mechanisms driven by this parasite that lead to either uncontrolled or restricted parasitism. Uncontrolled parasitism by Leishmania major characterizing mice from a few inbred strains (e.g. BALB/c) is associated with the expansion of parasite reactive Th2 CD4 lymphocytes and results from their rapid and sustained activity. In contrast, restricted parasitism characteristic of mice from the majority of inbred strains results from the development of a polarized parasite-specific Th1 CD4 response. This murine model of infection has already been and will continue to be particularly instrumental in dissecting the rules controlling the pathway of differentiation of T cells in vivo. In the long run, the understanding of these rules should contribute to the rational development of novel immunotherapeutic interventions against severe infectious diseases.

From caging to rouse dynamics in polymer melts with intramolecular barriers: a critical test of the mode coupling theory

By means of computer simulations and solution of the equations of the mode coupling theory (MCT),we investigate the role of the intramolecular barriers on several dynamic aspects of nonentangled polymers. The investigated dynamic range extends from the caging regime characteristic of glass-formers to the relaxation of the chain Rouse modes. We review our recent work on this question,provide new results, and critically discuss the limitations of the theory. Solutions of the MCT for the structural relaxation reproduce qualitative trends of simulations for weak and moderate barriers. However, a progressive discrepancy is revealed as the limit of stiff chains is approached. This dis-agreement does not seem related with dynamic heterogeneities, which indeed are not enhanced by increasing barrier strength. It is not connected either with the breakdown of the convolution approximation for three-point static correlations, which retains its validity for stiff chains. These findings suggest the need of an improvement of the MCT equations for polymer melts. Concerning the relaxation of the chain degrees of freedom, MCT provides a microscopic basis for time scales from chain reorientation down to the caging regime. It rationalizes, from first principles, the observed deviations from the Rouse model on increasing the barrier strength. These include anomalous scaling of relaxation times, long-time plateaux, and nonmonotonous wavelength dependence of the mode correlators.

Neuroarthropathy of the foot revealing primary systemic amyloidosis: case report and literature review.

The aims of this review were to describe the case of a patient with debilitating neuroarthropathy of the ankles and feet and reveal a primary systemic (amyloid light chain, AL) amyloidosis and to review the relevant literature concerning the peripheral neuropathy and neuroarthropathy due to amyloidosis. We will emphasize the diagnostic pitfalls and discuss prognosis and treatments of both the peripheral neuropathy and the arthropathy related to AL amyloidosis. This is a descriptive case report of a patient with neuroarthropathy of the lower limbs due to AL amyloidosis. A review and discussion of relevant literature were conducted, based on a PubMed search from 1973 to December 2013. A 51-year-old female was diagnosed with AL amyloidosis after 20 months of investigation of small painful deformities of the feet. Chronic peripheral neuropathy occurs as a manifestation of AL amyloidosis in 25 % of cases. It may exceptionally be complicated by neuroarthropathy. In this case, the paucity of clinical and electrophysiological signs of the neuropathy delayed the diagnosis, leading to a severe arthropathy. The massive destruction of the joints dominated the clinical and the poor functional outcome. Diagnosis of AL amyloidosis should be considered in the presence of a mild peripheral neuropathy and a distal destructive and painless arthropathy. The two key diagnostic procedures are serum protein electrophoresis and nerve biopsy. Delay in treatment worsens the prognosis.

Alternative genotyping method for the single nucleotide polymorphism A2959G (AF159246) of the bovine CAST gene

The objective of this work was to genotype the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) A2959G (AF159246) of bovine CAST gene by PCR-RFLP technique, and to report its use for the first time. For this, 147 Bos indicus and Bos taurus x Bos indicus animals were genotyped. The accuracy of the method was confirmed through the direct sequencing of PCR products of nine individuals. The lowest frequency of the meat tenderness favorable allele (A) in Bos indicus was confirmed. The use of PCR-RFLP for the genotyping of the bovine CAST gene SNP was shown to be robust and inexpensive, which will greatly facilitate its analysis by laboratories with basic structure.

2004 Annual Report of the Superintendent, April 11, 2005

To facilitate equity and maximize the use of available human resources, all policies, practices, and procedures of the Division of Banking are designed to ensure that recruitment, hiring selection, promotions, transfers, compensation, benefits, and training will be administered in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner.

2005 Annual Report of the Superintendent, March 11, 2006

To facilitate equity and maximize the use of available human resources, all policies, practices, and procedures of the Division of Banking are designed to ensure that recruitment, hiring selection, promotions, transfers, compensation, benefits, and training will be administered in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner.

2006 Annual Report of the Superintendent, May 25, 2007

To facilitate equity and maximize the use of available human resources, all policies, practices, and procedures of the Division of Banking are designed to ensure that recruitment, hiring selection, promotions, transfers, compensation, benefits, and training will be administered in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner.