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The Budget, Fiscal Year 2008-2009, Tennessee. Department Of Finance And Administration

Budget Volume 1

This document is the final budget for the coming fiscal year.

Libermann's Spirituality: A Spirituality Of Presence, David Smith

François-Marie-Paul Libermann Collection

No abstract provided.

Functional Characterization Of Alternatively Spliced Human Secisbp2 Transcript Variants, Laura V. Papp, Junning Wang, Derek Kennedy, Didier Boucher, Yan Zhang, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Ravindra N. Singh, Kum Kum Khanna

Vadim Gladyshev Publications

Synthesis of selenoproteins depends on decoding of the UGA stop codon as the amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). This process requires the presence of a Sec insertion sequence element (SECIS) in the 3’-untranslated region of selenoprotein mRNAs and its interaction with the SECIS binding protein 2 (SBP2). In humans, mutations in the SBP2-encoding gene Sec insertion sequence binding protein 2 (SECISBP2) that alter the amino acid sequence or cause splicing defects lead to abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism. Herein, we present the first in silico and in vivo functional characterization of alternative splicing of SECISBP2. We report a complex splicing …

Selenoproteinless Animals: Selenophosphate Synthetase Sps1 Functions In A Pathway Unrelated To Selenocysteine Biosynthesis, Alexey V. Lobanov, Dolph Hatfield, Vadim N. Gladyshev

Vadim Gladyshev Publications

Proteins containing the 21st amino acid, selenocysteine (Sec), have been described in all three domains of life, but the composition of selenoproteomes in organisms varies significantly. Here, we report that aquatic arthropods possess many selenoproteins also detected in other animals and unicellular eukaryotes, and that most of these proteins were either lost or replaced with cysteine-containing homologs in insects. As a result of this selective selenoproteome reduction, fruit flies and mosquitoes have three known selenoproteins, and the honeybee, Apis mellifera, a single detected candidate selenoprotein. Moreover, we identified the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, and the silkworm, Bombyx …

Selenodb 1.0 : A Database Of Selenoprotein Genes, Proteins And Secis Elements, Sergi Castellano, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Roderic Guigo, Marla J. Berry

Vadim Gladyshev Publications

Selenoproteins are a diverse group of proteins usually misidentified and misannotated in sequence databases. The presence of an in-frame UGA (stop) codon in the coding sequence of selenoprotein genes precludes their identification and correct annotation. The in-frame UGA codons are recoded to cotranslationally incorporate selenocysteine, a rare selenium-containing amino acid. The development of ad hoc experimental and, more recently, computational approaches have allowed the efficient identification and characterization of the selenoproteomes of a growing number of species. Today, dozens of selenoprotein families have been described and more are being discovered in recently sequenced species, but the correct genomic annotation is …

Extra-Pair Paternity In Sandhill Cranes, Matthew A. Hayes, Hugh B. Britten, Jeb A. Barzen

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Although cranes are known for “life-long” pair bonds, exceptions to this rule have been observed (i.e. divorcing pairs and individuals re-pairing following the death of a mate). With advancements in genetic techniques, another form of infidelity has been observed: extra-pair paternity (EPP; producing young with a bird while being socially paired to another mate) has been documented in many avian species. Is this true for cranes as well? Sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) from a dense breeding population in southcentral Wisconsin were tested for EPP using 6 microsatellite DNA markers. The frequency of EPP ranged between 4.4% (2 of 45 chicks) …

Mate Fidelity In A Dense Breeding Population Of Sandhill Cranes, Matthew A. Hayes, Jeb A. Barzen, Hugh B. Britten

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The objective of this study was to investigate mate switches observed in a dense breeding population of banded Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis). Over a 14-year period, 50 of 70 breeding pairs switched mates (71%), with 45 pairs switching permanently (64%). Mean mate retention between years was 83%, with an average pair bond lasting 5.7 years (range 1-13 years). Most permanent switches occurred following the death or disappearance of a mate, and overall permanent divorce (19%; 13 of 70 pairs) and annual divorce rates (6%) were low. Territory retention following mate switches was high. Males and females did not …

The Whooping Crane In Mexico: Past, Present, And Future?, Michael S. Putnam, Ruth Partida Lara, Suix Diaz Gomez, Anne E. Lacy

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We reviewed ornithological, historic, anthropological, and archaeological records for evidence of whooping cranes (Grus americana) in Mexico. Records of whooping cranes in Mexico span 88 years (1863-1951) and cluster in 3 areas. Wintering records come from the northern highlands (Durango, and possibly Chihuahua), the central highlands (Guanajuato, Jalisco), and northeastern Tamaulipas, where the bird was also found in summer and might have bred. Later records (1970’s and 1980’s) of whooping cranes in the northern highlands are from individual birds released into the experimental migratory population that formerly migrated from Idaho to New Mexico, USA. Many of the wetlands …

Active Military Sonar And Marine Mammals: Events And References, Eugene H. Buck, Kori Clavert

Congressional Research Service Reports

The deployment of active sonar by the U.S. Navy and its potential impacts on marine mammals has been an ongoing issue of intense debate; regulatory, legislative, and judicial activity; and international concern. Some peacetime use of military sonar has been regulated under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and other statutes due to concerns that active military sonars are operated at frequencies used by some cetaceans (i.e., whales, porpoises, and dolphins), and their highintensity sound pulses may travel long distances in the ocean. There is also concern that sonar transmissions of sufficiently high intensity might physically damage the hearing in …

Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (Stem) Education: Background, Federal Policy, And Legislative Action, Jeffrey J. Kuenzi

Congressional Research Service Reports

There is growing concern that the United States is not preparing a sufficient number of students, teachers, and practitioners in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A large majority of secondary school students fail to reach proficiency in math and science, and many are taught by teachers lacking adequate subject matter knowledge.

When compared to other nations, the math and science achievement of U.S. pupils and the rate of STEM degree attainment appear inconsistent with a nation considered the world leader in scientific innovation. In a recent international assessment of 15-year-old students, the U.S. ranked 28th in …

Alternative Fuels And Advanced Technology Vehicles: Issues In Congress, Brent D. Yacobucci

Congressional Research Service Reports

Alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles are seen by proponents as integral to improving urban air quality, decreasing dependence on foreign oil, and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. However, major barriers — especially economics — currently prevent the widespread use of these fuels and technologies. Because of these barriers, and the potential benefits, there is continued congressional interest in providing incentives and other support for their development and commercialization.

In the 110th Congress, alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles have received a good deal of attention, especially in discussions over U.S. energy security. In his January 24, 2007, State of …

Soil And Water Conservation: An Overview, Tadlock Cowan, Renée Johnson

Congressional Research Service Reports

Soil and water conservation topics are prominent in discussions of policy options for the next farm bill, which the 110th Congress is considering. Major conservation topics include where to set overall funding levels and levels for each program; what should be the priorities for the conservation effort; and deciding whether any existing programs or activities should be modified or eliminated and whether new programs or activities should be added to the effort. Addressing these topics often pits supporters of commodity programs and the traditional farm program benefits against those who would like to see an expanded conservation effort.

The House …

Science And Technology Policymaking: A Primer, Deborah D. Stine

Congressional Research Service Reports

Scientific and technical knowledge and guidance influences not just policy related to science and technology, but also many of today’s public policies as policymakers seek knowledge to enhance the quality of their decisions. Science and technology policy is concerned with the allocation of resources for and encouragement of scientific and engineering research and development, the use of scientific and technical knowledge to enhance the nation’s response to societal challenges, and the education of Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Science and engineering research and innovations are intricately linked to societal needs and the nation’s economy in areas such as …

Grazing Fees: An Overview And Current Issues, Carol Hardy Vincent

Congressional Research Service Reports

Charging fees for grazing private livestock on federal lands is a long-standing but contentious practice. Generally, livestock producers who use federal lands want to keep fees low, while conservation groups and others believe fees should be increased. The formula for determining the grazing fee for lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service uses a base value adjusted annually by the lease rates for grazing on private lands, beef cattle prices, and the cost of livestock production. The collected fees are divided among the Treasury, states, and federal agencies. Fee reform was attempted but not adopted …

Yul Annual Report; 2007-2008, Yale University Library

Yale University Library Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

From Debate To Design: Issues In Clean Energy And Climate Change Law And Policy, Leslie Parker, Jennifer Ronk, Rachel Maxwell, Bradford Gentry, Marijn Wilder, James Cameron

Yale School of the Environment Publications Series

A report on the work of the REIL Network 2007-2008

Association Of Copper To Riboflavin Binding Protein; Characterization By Epr And Xas, Shelia R. Smith, Krisztina Z. Bencze, Kristen Wasiukanis, Timothy L. Stemmler, Marilee Benore-Parsons

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Publications

The association of copper to Riboflavin Binding Protein (RBP) from egg white has been studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray absorption (XAS) spectroscopies. The type II site contains a mix of copper I and II in an oxygen rich environment.

Macroinvertebrate Communities And Their Responses To Regional Sediment Loads In Two Habitat Type Of Oak Lake, A Prairie Pothole In Eastern South Dakota, Kristopher G. Dozark, N. H. Troelstrup Jr.

Oak Lake Field Station Research Publications

The Clean Water Act aims to maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. Sedimentation is a major pollutant to South Dakota lakes and sources of sedimentation will likely increase as more rangeland is converted toward production of corn and soybeans in South Dakota. This study examined the influence of experimental sediment loads on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in a prairie pothole lake. Ten emergent macrophyte beds and ten rocky shoreline plots were treated with soil to simulate an annual sediment load of 25 kg/m2. Plots were treated and sampled during the summers of 2005 and 2006. Invertebrates …

Water Quality, Stream Habitat And Macroinvertebrates Of Sage Creek, Badlands National Park, Nels H. Troelstrup Jr., Jill D. Rust

Oak Lake Field Station Research Publications

The Badlands of the Dakotas are rugged landscapes with unique biota, habitats and water quality characteristics. Sage Creek is a Badlands stream, flowing through Badlands National Park and into the Cheyenne River. The objectives of our study were to characterize water quality, stream habitat and aquatic macroinvertebrate communities of Sage Creek. Three reaches, 40x channel width, were sampled using Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (EMAP) protocols alongside other streams and rivers of the National Park Service (NPS) Northern Great Plains Network (NGPN) during the summers of 2004 and 2005. Sage Creek flows displayed intermittency during our project period (0.000 – 0.015 …

The Jackrabbit Dairy Review, Vikram Mistry

The Jackrabbit Dairy & Food Review

No abstract provided.

Wildlifer's Log, Dave Willis, Jon Jenks, Chuck Scalet, Katie Bertrand

NRM Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Biocontrol Insects Of Canada Thistle In The Northern Great Plains, Paul J. Johnson, Darrell L. Deneke

SDSU Extension Special Series

This publication provides an easy-to-use identification guide to the primary biological control agents for Canada thistle in South Dakota and the northern plains. Only four of these agents are approved by both state and federal agencies for release in South Dakota. Photographs are provided for the identification of the adult, pupa, and larva of most species. Specialized terminology is limited to that deemed essential for identification and education.

Critical Turbulence Revisited: The Impact Of Submesoscale Vertical Mixing On Plankton Patchiness, A. W. Omta, S. A. L. M. Kooijman, H. A. Dijkstra

Journal of Marine Research

By supplying nutrients to the ocean surface, submesoscale vertical motions can have a strong impact on phytoplankton growth and phytoplankton distributions. To study this impact, we model a phytoplankton population in a baroclinically unstable submesoscale eddy using a phytoplankton model coupled to a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. In the eddy, strong vertical transports are generated as a consequence of baroclinic instability. The resulting plankton distributions turn out to depend strongly on the light intensity and local vertical transport. To analyze these distributions in detail, we use more idealized coupled hydrodynamic-biological models and we extend the critical turbulence concept to three dimensions.

Death Of Three Loop Current Rings, B. L. Lipphardt Jr., A. C. Poje, A. D. Kirwan Jr., L. Kantha, M. Zweng

Journal of Marine Research

The life cycle of large anticyclonic rings in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is widely described by pinch off from the Loop Current, migration across the Gulf and eventual spin down along the western slope. Extensive observational and modeling efforts provide a relatively consistent picture of rings pinching off from the Loop Current and of complex interaction between anticyclones and cyclones driven by bathymetry along the western and northwestern shelf. The observational record for Loop Current rings (LCRs) during the intermediate period of westward translation is less clear. A number of studies recognize distinct anomalies in LCR characteristics in deep …

Porewater Advection By Hydraulic Activities Of Lugworms, Arenicola Marina: A Field, Laboratory And Modeling Study, David S. Wethey, Sarah A. Woodin, Nils Volkenborn, Karsten Reise

Journal of Marine Research

Porewater pressure gradients generated by activities of the lugworm Arenicola marina were measured in the laboratory and in unrestrained field situations to determine the spatial extent of influence of individuals on porewater advection. These subsurface deposit-feeders live head-down in sediments in J-shaped burrows and defecate on the surface. Individual animals generated pressures of up to 18 cm H₂O in the region of the feeding pocket, and the pressures decayed radially from the source with an exponent of -1.3. Pressure transients from defecation are detectable 50 cm from the source in unrestrained field populations. The porewater flows resulting from …

Hydrography And Flow In The Lucky Strike Segment Of The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, A. M. Thurnherr, G. Reverdin, P. Bouruet-Aubertot, L. C. St. Laurent, A. Vangriesheim, V. Ballu

Journal of Marine Research

The Lucky Strike segment between 37 and 38N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the focus of the international MoMAR program to monitor seafloor-spreading processes. During the GRAVILUCK cruise in August 2006, hydrographic, velocity and light-scattering data were collected in the rift valley at Lucky Strike in order to investigate the regional dynamics and to provide background information for the monitoring effort. The survey observations reveal a remarkably simple dynamical setting dominated by persistent northward flow transporting ≈0.2 Sv of water along the rift valley. Approximately half of this transport must upwell within a deep basin that occupies the northern half …

Larval Settlement In Flocculated Particulates, Cheryl Ann Zimmer, Victoria R. Starczak, Victoria C. Arch, Richard K. Zimmer

Journal of Marine Research

Planktonic larval settlement can be a major determinant of population and community dynamics. Settlement templates of benthic invertebrates have been attributed to biological, chemical, and hydrodynamic mechanisms. Completely unexplored, however, is the role of patchy, but widespread, flocculated particulates (“floc”) that intermittently rest on substrate surfaces. Motivated by observations of very high (of order 10⁶ m^-3) larval/postlarval densities in floc from a coastal embayment, this study experimentally identified physical and behavioral mechanisms responsible for these associations. In annular-flume studies, sediment cores were mounted flush with the channel bottom, serving as the floc source. Larval (Capitella sp. …

Modeling Effects Of Patchiness And Biological Variability On Transport Rates Within Bioturbated Sediments, Sebastien Delmotte, Magali Gerino, Jean Marc Thebault, Filip J. R. Meysman

Journal of Marine Research

Bioturbation models are typically one-dimensional, with the underlying assumption that tracer gradients are predominantly vertical, and that sediment reworking is laterally homogeneous. These models implicitly assume that bioturbation activity does not vary with horizontal location on the sediment surface. Benthic organisms, however, are often patchily distributed. Moreover, due to natural variability, bioturbation activity varies among individuals within a population, and hence, among bioturbated patches. Here we analyze a 1D model formulation that explicitly includes patchiness, exemplified by conveyor-belt transport. The patchiness is represented with one coefficient α_b, as the fraction of bioturbated areas of the total area. First, …

Interannual Variability In The Seasonal Cycle Of Chlorophyll In The Leeuwin Current Off The Southwest Western Australian Coast, Jim E. Greenwood, Karline Soetaert

Journal of Marine Research

The seasonal cycle of surface chlorophyll in the Leeuwin Current off the southwest Western Australian coast is characterized by low austral summer concentrations that increase during the austral autumn and winter. Results from a one-dimensional numerical model show that a combination of solar heating and nutrient poor surface waters during the summer can restrict plankton growth to the base of the euphotic zone resulting in low surface chlorophyll concentrations that are consistent with observations. The model also suggests that increased vertical mixing caused by surface cooling can explain some of the observed increases in surface chlorophyll that occur during the …

Continuously Stratified Nonlinear Low-Mode Internal Tides, Karl R. Helfrich

Journal of Marine Research

A model for hydrostatic, fully nonlinear, low-mode internal tides is extended to continuously stratified conditions. Periodic inertia-gravity solutions of permanent form are shown to exist only for a limited range of amplitudes for a given stratification and frequency. As found in an earlier two-layer model, the solutions fall into two classes. In one, the waves take on a corner-shape as the limiting amplitude is approached. In the other, the waves remain continuous at the limiting amplitude, but have a lobate shape. Numerical investigation using the Euler equations shows that both classes of nonlinear solutions are robust to weak nonhydrostatic effects …