Draft genome of the red harvester ant Pogonomyrmex barbatus.

We report the draft genome sequence of the red harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus. The genome was sequenced using 454 pyrosequencing, and the current assembly and annotation were completed in less than 1 y. Analyses of conserved gene groups (more than 1,200 manually annotated genes to date) suggest a high-quality assembly and annotation comparable to recently sequenced insect genomes using Sanger sequencing. The red harvester ant is a model for studying reproductive division of labor, phenotypic plasticity, and sociogenomics. Although the genome of P. barbatus is similar to other sequenced hymenopterans (Apis mellifera and Nasonia vitripennis) in GC content and compositional organization, and possesses a complete CpG methylation toolkit, its predicted genomic CpG content differs markedly from the other hymenopterans. Gene networks involved in generating key differences between the queen and worker castes (e.g., wings and ovaries) show signatures of increased methylation and suggest that ants and bees may have independently co-opted the same gene regulatory mechanisms for reproductive division of labor. Gene family expansions (e.g., 344 functional odorant receptors) and pseudogene accumulation in chemoreception and P450 genes compared with A. mellifera and N. vitripennis are consistent with major life-history changes during the adaptive radiation of Pogonomyrmex spp., perhaps in parallel with the development of the North American deserts.

Draft environmental report on Cape Verde

Faced with recurrent drought and famine during five centuries of human occupation, the small and densely populated Cape Verde Islands have a history of severe environmental problems. The arid climate and steep, rocky terrain provide scant resources for traditional subsistance farming under the best conditions, and in years of low rainfall the failure of rainfed crops causes massive food shortages. Agricultural use of steep slopes where rainfall is highest has led to soil erosion, as has removal of the island's vegetation for fuel and livestock. Pressure on the vegetation is particularly severe in dry years. International aid can provide relief from famine, and the introduction of modern agricultural and conservation techniques can improve the land and increase yield, but it is unlikely that Cape Verde can ever be entirely self -sufficient in food. Ultimately, the solution of Cape Verde's economic and environmental problems will probably require the development of productive urban jobs so the population can shift away from the intensive and destructive use of land for subsistance farming. In the meantime, the people of Cape Verde can best be served by instituting fundamental measures to conserve and restore the land so that it can be used to its fullest potential. The primary environmental problems in Cape Verde today are: 1. Soil degradation. Encouraged by brief but heavy rains and steep slopes, soil erosion is made worse by lack of vegetation. Soils are also low in organic matter due to the practice of completely removing crop plants and natural vegetation for food, fuel or livestock feed. 2. Water shortage. Brief and erratic rainfall in combination with rapid runoff makes surface water scarce and difficult to use. Groundwater supplies can be better developed but capabilities are poorly known and the complex nature of the geological substrate makes estimation difficult. Water is the critical limiting factor to the agricultural capability of the islands. 3. Fuel shortage. Demand for fuel is intense and has resulted in the virtual elimination of native vegetation. Fuelwood supplies are becoming more and more scarce and costly. Development of managed fuelwood plantations and alternate energy sources is required. 4. Inappropriate land use. Much of the land now used for raising crops or livestock is too steep or too arid for these purposes, causing erosion and destruction of vegetation. Improving yield in more appropriate areas and encouraging less damaging uses of the remaining marginal lands can help to alleviate this problem.

Requirement of glucose metabolism for regulation of glucose transporter type 2 (GLUT2) gene expression in liver.

Previous studies have shown that glucose increases the glucose transporter (GLUT2) mRNA expression in the liver in vivo and in vitro. Here we report an analysis of the effects of glucose metabolism on GLUT2 gene expression. GLUT2 mRNA accumulation by glucose was not due to stabilization of its transcript but rather was a direct effect on gene transcription. A proximal fragment of the 5' regulatory region of the mouse GLUT2 gene linked to a reporter gene was transiently transfected into liver GLUT2-expressing cells. Glucose stimulated reporter gene expression in these cells, suggesting that glucose-responsive elements were included within the proximal region of the promoter. A dose-dependent effect of glucose on GLUT2 expression was observed over 10 mM glucose irrespective of the hexokinase isozyme (glucokinase K(m) 16 mM; hexokinase I K(m) 0.01 mM) present in the cell type used. This suggests that the correlation between extracellular glucose and GLUT2 mRNA concentrations is simply a reflection of an activation of glucose metabolism. The mediators and the mechanism responsible for this response remain to be determined. In conclusion, glucose metabolism is required for the proper induction of the GLUT2 gene in the liver and this effect is transcriptionally regulated.

Selective requirement for c-Myc at an early stage of V(alpha)14i NKT cell development.

Valpha14 invariant (Valpha14i) NKT cells are a subset of regulatory T cells that utilize a semi-invariant TCR to recognize glycolipids associated with monomorphic CD1d molecules. During development in the thymus, CD4(+)CD8(+) Valpha14i NKT precursors recognizing endogenous CD1d-associated glycolipids on other CD4(+)CD8(+) thymocytes are selected to undergo a maturation program involving sequential expression of CD44 and NK-related markers such as NK1.1. The molecular requirements for Valpha14i NKT cell maturation, particularly at early developmental stages, remain poorly understood. In this study, we show that CD4-Cre-mediated T cell-specific inactivation of c-Myc, a broadly expressed transcription factor with a wide range of biological activities, selectively impairs Valpha14i NKT cell development without perturbing the development of conventional T cells. In the absence of c-Myc, Valpha14i NKT cell precursors are blocked at an immature CD44(low)NK1.1(-) stage in a cell autonomous fashion. Residual c-Myc-deficient immature Valpha14i NKT cells appear to proliferate normally, cannot be rescued by transgenic expression of BCL-2, and exhibit characteristic features of immature Valpha14i NKT cells such as high levels of preformed IL-4 mRNA and the transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger. Collectively our data identify c-Myc as a critical transcription factor that selectively acts early in Valpha14i NKT cell development to promote progression beyond the CD44(low)NK1.1(-) precursor stage.

Department of Human Services Proposal for State Mental Health Institute Closure and Consolidation, December 15, 2009

The Department’s recommendation for closure and consolidation is based on an analysis of the existing programs, persons served, physical plant costs, expenses and renovation/infrastructure costs for relocation, and review of the draft report from the MHI Task Force. Further detail surrounding the analysis used to drive the recommendation is found under the Recommendations section, beginning on page 12 of this report. In response to the legislative requirement to recommend closure and consolidation of an MHI, the Department recommends the closure of the Mount Pleasant Mental Health Institute with consolidation of its programs and operational beds at the Independence Mental Health Institute. With this recommendation, Independence MHI will add beds to accommodate the 15 adult psychiatric beds, 14 dual diagnosis beds, and 50 substance abuse treatment beds now located at the Mount Pleasant MHI. This relocation will take an estimated six months from the time statutory authority and corresponding appropriations are received.

Iowa Wetland Management District: Environmental Assessment and Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

This Environmental Assessment documents the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Iowa Wetland Management District (WMD, district). In general, scoping reveals issues that drive alternative ways of managing the district. Implementation of each of those alternative management styles (including the No Action Alternative) may have different effects on the physical, biological, and socio-economic environment. Analysis of these effects reveals the “preferred” alternative, which constitutes the CCP. The CCP includes goals, objectives, and strategies for the district to guide overall management for the next 15 years. The Iowa WMD consists of scattered tracts of habitat (both wetland and upland grassland) known as Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). As of 2011, there are 75 WPAs in 18 counties in north-central Iowa totaling 24,712 acres in fee title primarily managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Even though district acquisition has only occurred in 18 counties to date, a larger 35-county boundary is approved. This boundary follows the historic range of the poorly drained Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) in Iowa, an area known for its waterfowl production. The district also includes 575 WPA acres and approximately 434 Farm Service Agency acres in conservation easements on private land. This plan was prepared with the intent that the strong partnership with the Iowa DNR will continue over the next 15 years.

The total material requirement -concept applied to agriculture : a case study from Finland

Selostus: Luonnonvarojen kokonaiskäyttö sovellettuna maatalouteen: esimerkki Suomesta

CYP3A7, CYP3A5, CYP3A4, and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms, cyclosporine concentration, and dose requirement in transplant recipients.

Cyclosporine is a substrate of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A and of the transporter ABCB1, for which polymorphisms have been described. In particular, CYP3A5 *3/*3 genotype results in the absence of CYP3A5 activity, whereas CYP3A7 *1/*1C genotype results in high CYP3A7 expression in adults. Log-transformed dose-adjusted cyclosporine trough concentration and daily dose per weight were compared 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation between CYP3A and ABCB1 genotypes in 73 renal (n = 64) or lung (n = 9) transplant recipients. CYP3A5 expressors (*1/*3 genotype; n = 8-10) presented significantly lower dose-adjusted cyclosporine trough concentrations (P < 0.05) and required significantly higher daily doses per weight (P < 0.01) than the nonexpressors (*3/*3 genotype; n = 55-59) 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. In addition, 7 days after transplantation, more CYP3A5 expressors had uncorrected trough cyclosporine concentration below the target concentration of 200 ng/mL than the nonexpressors (odds ratio = 7.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.4-37.3; P = 0.009). CYP3A4 rs4646437C>T influenced cyclosporine kinetics, the T carriers requiring higher cyclosporine dose. CYP3A7*1C carriers required a 1.4-fold to 1.6-fold higher cyclosporine daily dose during the first year after transplantation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7 polymorphisms affect cyclosporine metabolism, and therefore, their genotyping could be useful, in association with therapeutic drug monitoring, to prospectively optimize cyclosporine prescription in transplant recipients. The administration of a CYP3A genotype-dependent cyclosporine starting dose should therefore be tested prospectively in a randomized controlled clinical trial to assess whether it leads to an improvement of the patients outcome after transplantation, with adequate immunosuppression and decreased toxicity.

Requirement for CARMA1 in antigen receptor-induced NF-kappa B activation and lymphocyte proliferation.

Ligation of antigen receptors (TCR, BCR) on T and B lymphocytes leads to the activation of new transcriptional programs and cell cycle progression. Antigen receptor-mediated activation of NF-kappa B, required for proliferation of B and T cells, is disrupted in T cells lacking PKC theta and in B and T cells lacking Bcl10, a caspase recruitment domain (CARD)-containing adaptor protein. CARMA1 (also called CARD11 and Bimp3), the only lymphocyte-specific member in a family of membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) scaffolding proteins that interact with Bcl10 by way of CARD-CARD interactions, is required for TCR-induced NF-kappa B activation in Jurkat T lymphoma cells. Here we show that T cells from mice lacking CARMA1 expression were defective in recruitment of Bcl10 to clustered TCR complexes and lipid rafts, in activation of NF-kappa B, and in induction of IL-2 production. Development of CD5(+) peritoneal B cells was disrupted in these mice, as was B cell proliferation in response to both BCR and CD40 ligation. Serum immunoglobulin levels were also markedly reduced in the mutant mice. Together, these results show that CARMA1 has a central role in antigen receptor signaling that results in activation and proliferation of both B and T lymphocytes.

Training Aids to Reduce Potential County Liability, HR-289, Draft, 1987

Iowans who travel secondary roads regard these roads as a very important part of their lives. These highways provide a means of transporting products to market and children to school. They are also links to nearby cities and towns. Nearly 3.8 billion vehicle miles of travel occur each year on Iowa's nearly 90,000 mile secondary road system. Accidents do happen. However, improvements in highways, in vehicles, in driver education, in legislation, and in enforcement have combined to make driving in Iowa very safe. If our highways are to remain safe, these efforts need to be continued. This presentation was developed to help county highway department personnel in their effort to maintain and improve highway safety. The presentation is not a standard, specification or regulation.

Effect of Delay in Testing Asphalt Concrete Specimens for Marshall Stability, MLR-86-08, Draft, 1986

The Central Laboratory has been delaying the mix design testing of 2 1/2" X 4" Marshall specimens for stability, until the next day after molding. For example, if the mixes are made and samples molded on Friday a man would have to come in and work on Saturday to test these specimens. The reason for this is that the ASTM-01559 "Resistance to Plastic Flow of Bituminous Mixes Using Marshall Apparatus," states that "the specimens after being molded shall be carefully transferred to a smooth, flat surface and allowed to stand overnight at room temperature, before being weighed, measured and tested." The AASHTO procedure, AASHTO Designation T-245-82 "Resistance to Plastic Flow of Bituminous Mixtures using Marshall Apparatus," does not say when the specimens shall be tested for stability. The IDOT Lab. Specifications, Test Method No. Iowa 502-8 and test method No. Iowa 506-C "compacting asphaltic concrete by the Marshall Method" and "Resistance to Plastic Flow of Bituminous Mixtures Using the Marshall Apparatus," respectively, only state that the specimens shall be cooled before testing. Due to the above conflict in specifications, a number of mix samples were tested, in the Central Lab, for stability on different days. This should furnish enough information to allow us to change the procedure and to test for stability the same day molded, or be able to delay the testing for 3 days or more.

Iowa Department of Public Health School Dental Screening Requirement - State Compliance 2012 - 2013 School Year, August 20, 2013

School dental screening of all high schools in Iowa that have participated. A state summary.

Iowa Department of Public Health School Dental Screening Requirement - State Compliance 2011 - 2012 School Year, November 20, 2012

School dental screening of all high schools in Iowa that have participated. A state summary.

Iowa Department of Public Health School Dental Screening Requirement - State Compliance 2013-2014 School Year, August 15, 2014

School dental screening of all high schools in Iowa that have participated. A state summary.