Health consultation : Sub-Slab Gas and Air Sampling Data Alcoa – Davenport Works CERCLIS No. IAD005270160 Riverdale, Scott County, Iowa (2005)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Alcoa – Davenport Works Facility (Alcoa), and concerned citizens and community leaders of Riverdale, Iowa requested the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Hazardous Waste Site Health Assessment Program to evaluate the health impacts of exposures to volatile organic vapors detected within residences located immediately to the west of the Alcoa property. This health consultation addresses inhalation exposure to individuals that may have occupied the currently vacant residences in which the air sampling was completed.

Phenotypic and functional analysis of human fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells in culture.

Steady-state hematopoiesis and hematopoietic transplantation rely on the unique potential of stem cells to undergo both self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. Fetal liver (FL) represents a promising alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), but limited by the total cell number obtained in a typical harvest. We reported that human FL nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) repopulating cells (SRCs) could be expanded under simple stroma-free culture conditions. Here, we sought to further characterize FL HSC/SRCs phenotypically and functionally before and following culture. Unexpanded or cultured FL cell suspensions were separated into various subpopulations. These were tested for long-term culture potential and for in vivo repopulating function following transplantation into NOD/SCID mice. We found that upon culture of human FL cells, a tight association between classical stem cell phenotypes, such as CD34(+) /CD38(-) and/or side population, and NOD/SCID repopulating function was lost, as observed with other sources. Although SRC activity before and following culture consistently correlated with the presence of a CD34(+) cell population, we provide evidence that, contrary to umbilical cord blood and adult sources, stem cells present in both CD34(+) and CD34(-) FL populations can sustain long-term hematopoietic cultures. Furthermore, upon additional culture, CD34-depleted cell suspensions, devoid of SRCs, regenerated a population of CD34(+) cells possessing SRC function. Our studies suggest that compared to neonatal and adult sources, the phenotypical characteristics of putative human FL HSCs may be less strictly defined, and reinforce the accumulated evidence that human FL represents a unique, valuable alternative and highly proliferative source of HSCs for clinical applications.

Ideal culture conditions for Dicyma pulvinata conidia mass production

The objective of this work was to set up ideal conditions for conidia mass production of Dicyma pulvinata. Four isolates were compared in terms of their growth and conidia production on various substrates (grains of parboiled rice, common rice, maize and wheat, besides chipped maize and rice husk), temperatures (19, 22, 25, 28 and 31ºC), growth containers (aluminum trays, polypropylene bags and Erlenmeyers) and light regimes (continuous darkness, 6 and 12 hours of light/darkness, and continuous light). Temperature effects on conidia germination capacity were also evaluated. The experiments were done in randomized complete block designs, in factorial arrangements (isolates x treatments - substrates, containers, temperatures and light regimes), with four replicates. In general, parboiled rice and polypropylene bags provided the best development of the fungus. Complete darkness and 6 hours of light increased mycelial growth, whereas continuous light favored sporulation. All tested temperatures favored the cultures of the fungus, except 31ºC. Temperatures between 19 and 25ºC ensure spore germination of more than 76%.

A prospective observational safety study on MF59(®) adjuvanted cell culture-derived vaccine, Celtura(®) during the A/H1N1 (2009) influenza pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The present study was a prospective observational study to evaluate the safety profile of Celtura(®), a monovalent, cell culture-derived, inactivated subunit influenza vaccine prepared from A/California/07/2009(H1N1) with the adjuvant MF59(®). Subjects were enrolled prospectively during the H1N1 2009 influenza pandemic at medical centres in Colombia, Chile, Switzerland, and Germany during the period December 2009 to June 2010. METHODS: Subjects ages 18 and older were followed for the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) for six months after vaccination. Adverse events of special interest (AESIs) were neuritis, convulsion (seizure), anaphylaxis, encephalitis, vasculitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, demyelinating conditions, Bell's palsy, and laboratory-confirmed vaccination failure. RESULTS: Overall, 7348 AEs were reported in 2296 of 3989 enrolled subjects (57.6%). Only two AEs were considered related to injection site reactions. No laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza were reported. There were 108 medically confirmed serious adverse events (SAEs) reported among 73 subjects with 6 such SAEs described as possibly or probably related to vaccination. Three fatal cases were reported and assessed as not related to vaccination. Two AESIs classified as convulsion were reported and assessed as not related to vaccination. Both AESIs occurred well outside the pre-specified 7 day risk window representing the likely timeframe of the occurrence of seizure following vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the overall good safety profile of MF59 adjuvanted cell culture-derived influenza vaccine as administered in adults during the 2009-2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic. No concern is raised regarding the occurrence of AESIs.

07033-013 Dry Run Creek Sub-watershed Final Report

This watershed project will provide technical and financial assistance to improve surface and groundwater quality. This will be accomplished by installing an alternative tile outlet for 3 agricultural drainage wells (ADWs) and providing incentives to implement nutrient and pest management.

War and National Renewal: Civil Religion and Blood Sacrifice in American Culture

Wars are often associated with a rhetoric of renewal or new beginnings. This essay explores this claim through the lens of civil religion and a recent book by Carolyn Marvin and David Ingle, Blood Sacrifice and the Nation, which combines Emile Durkheim with Réné Girard in proposing that modern national cohesion depends on blood sacrifice. I unpack some of the paradoxes raised by this theory of national renewal in the context of 9/11, with a special focus on the sacred status of the flag and the special attention given to uniformed serviceman in the American body politic.

Growth regulators, culture media and antibiotics in the in vitro shoot regeneration from mature tissue of citrus cultivars

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) combinations, basal media and beta-lactam antibiotics on in vitro organogenesis from mature stem segments of 'Pêra', 'Valência' and 'Bahia' sweet oranges and 'Cravo' rangpur lime. For induction of shoot regeneration, the segments of the four cultivars were placed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing the following BAP/NAA concentrations: 0.0/0.0; 0.25/0.0; 0.25/0.25; 0.5/0.0; 0.5/0.5; 1.0/0.0; 2.0/0.0; 2.0/0.25; 2.0/0.5; and 2.0/1.0 mg L-1. In order to test the influence of the culture media on shoot-bud induction, (MS), Murashige and Tucker (MT), and woody plant medium (WPM) formulations were evaluated, associated with the best combination of plant growth regulators obtained in the previous experiment. The influence of four beta-lactam antibiotics (timentin, cefotaxime sodium salt, meropenem trihydrate and augmentin) on shoot regeneration was determined. Better regeneration responses were achieved when internodal segments were cultured onto MS-based medium with 500 mg L-1 cefotaxime with the following BAP/NAA concentrations: 0.5 + 0.25 mg L-1 for 'Cravo', 1.0 + 0.25 mg L-1 for 'Valência' and 'Bahia', and 1.0 + 0.5 mg L-1 for 'Pêra'. Genotype, growth regulators, basal media and beta-lactam antibiotics affect the morphogenetic response in mature tissues of citrus.

Culture in infancy : an account of a way the object "sculpts" early development.

The
 aim
 of
 this
 paper
 is
 to
 bring
 into
 consideration
 a
 way
 of
 studying
 culture
 in
 infancy.
 An
 emphasis 
is 
put 
on
 the
 role 
that 
the 
material 
object 
plays 
in 
early 
interactive
 processes. 
Accounted
 as
 a
 cultural
 artefact,
 the
 object
 is
 seen
 as
 a
 fundamental
 element
 within
 triadic
 mother‐object‐ infant
 interactions
 and
 is
 believed
 to
 be
 a
 driving
 force
 both
 for
 communicative
 and
 cognitive
 development.
 In
 order
 to
 reconsider
 the
 importance
 of
 the
 object
 in
 child
 development
 and
 to
 present
 an 
approach
 of 
studying
object
 construction,
accounts 
in 
literature 
on 
early 
communication
 development
 and
 the
 importance
 of
 the
 object
 are
 reviewed
 and
 discussed
 under
 the
 light
 of
 the
 cultural 
specificity 
of 
the 
material 
object.


Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs; Culture Connects Iowa, FY13-FY15

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs’ FY13-FY15 Annual Report. The department recently developed a new mission and vision to focus our efforts and ensure everything we do is in the best interest of Iowans. As we move forward, we will empower Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department will accomplish this mission through the collective efforts of the various entities under our umbrella, including the Iowa Arts Council, State Historical Society of Iowa and Produce Iowa: State Office of Media Production. The impact of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs on our state can be measured through quality of life initiatives that are catalysts for attracting, recruiting and retaining jobs, companies, and talent to Iowa.

Placental growth factor-1 and epithelial haemato-retinal barrier breakdown: potential implication in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Disruption of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) barrier contributes to sub-retinal fluid and retinal oedema as observed in diabetic retinopathy. High placental growth factor (PLGF) vitreous levels have been found in diabetic patients. This work aimed to elucidate the influence of PLGF-1 on a human RPE cell line (ARPE-19) barrier in vitro and on normal rat eyes in vivo. METHODS: ARPE-19 permeability was measured using transepithelial resistance and inulin flux under stimulation of PLGF-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-E and VEGF 165. Using RT-PCR, we evaluated the effect of hypoxic conditions or insulin on transepithelial resistance and on PLGF-1 and VEGF receptors. The involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK, also known as MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK, also known as EPHB2) signalling pathways under PLGF-1 stimulation was evaluated by western blot analysis and specific inhibitors. The effect of PLGF-1 on the external haemato-retinal barrier was evaluated after intravitreous injection of PLGF-1 in the rat eye; evaluation was by semi-thin analysis and zonula occludens-1 immunolocalisation on flat-mounted RPE. RESULTS: In vitro, PLGF-1 induced a reversible decrease of transepithelial resistance and enhanced tritiated inulin flux. These effects were specifically abolished by an antisense oligonucleotide directed at VEGF receptor 1. Exposure of ARPE-19 cells to hypoxic conditions or to insulin induced an upregulation of PLGF-1 expression along with increased transcellular permeability. The PLGF-1-induced RPE cell permeability involved the MEK signalling pathway. Injection of PLGF-1 in the rat eye vitreous induced an opening of the RPE tight junctions with subsequent sub-retinal fluid accumulation, retinal oedema and cytoplasm translocation of junction proteins. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our results indicate that PLGF-1 may be a potential regulation target for the control of diabetic retinal and macular oedema.

The Gothic in Contemporary Literature and Popular Culture : Pop Goth

This interdisciplinary collection brings together world leaders in Gothic Studies, offering new readings on popular Gothic cultural productions from the last decade. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: contemporary High Street Goth/ic fashion, Gothic performance and art festivals, Gothic popular fiction from Twilight to Shadow of the Wind, Goth/ic popular music, Goth/ic on TV and film, new trends like Steampunk, well-known icons Batman and Lady Gaga, and theorizations of popular Gothic monsters (from zombies and vampires to werewolves and ghosts) in an age of terror/ism.

Production technology for entomopathogenic fungus using a biphasic culture system

The objective of this research was to evaluate combinations of liquid media obtained from agro-industrial residues and by-products, with solid media prepared with mixtures of grains and their derivatives, aiming to increase the production of JAB 02 and JAB 45 isolates of Lecanicillium lecanii. Sporulation, conidial viability and process yield were evaluated as well as the production costs using the JAB 45 isolate as a model system were analyzed. The production of JAB 02 was not increased using the biphasic culture. For JAB 45, some combinations provided an increase in yield, especially cheese whey with wheat bran and wheat grain, with lower production costs. Viability was not influenced by the production method, and the combinations showed no differences in the process yield. The biphasic method is suitable for the production of L. lecanii, and proves to be an appropriate technology to use in mass production by biofactories.

Arrêté portant règlement général pour la culture du tabac en 1860. (12 décembre 1859.)

[Acte. 1859-12-12]

Arrêté portant règlement général pour la culture du tabac en 1861. (21 décembre 1860.)

[Acte. 1860-12-21]