Patterson Irrigation District

Presented at the 2002 USCID/EWRI conference, Energy, climate, environment and water - issues and opportunities for irrigation and drainage on July 9-12 in San Luis Obispo, California.Includes bibliographical references.Making accurate, informed operational decisions in water and energy management can have significant resource and fiscal impacts on irrigation districts. The need for accurate and reliable real-time and historical data is key in making these vital decisions. The use of every acre-foot of water and every kilowatt-hour of energy, resource management, has become the topic of scrutiny in today's world. The protection of these valuable water and energy resources, held in trust and managed by the irrigation district, on behalf of its' landowner constituents, is one of the vital functions of the Patterson Irrigation District (PIO). Plant Control and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems can provide the link between data and effective District operations and management. This case study will outline the initial development, expansion and subsequent upgrade of the Patterson Irrigation District's Plant Control and SCADA systems, the role in data acquisition and daily district operations, the benefits the district and its water users have accrued from accurate real-time and historical data and finally, the lessons learned in the development, implementation and evolution of a state-of-the-art Plant Control and SCADA system for irrigation district use. In its first full year of operation, 1999, historical data verified an increase of 23% in total Station #1 pumping plant efficiency on a kW-hr per acre-foot basis

The molecular details of a novel phosphorylation-dependent interaction between MRN and the SOSS complex

The repair of double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination is crucial in the maintenance of genome integrity. While the key role of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex in repair is well known, hSSB1 (SOSSB and OBFC2B), one of the main components of the sensor of single-stranded DNA (SOSS) protein complex, has also been shown to rapidly localize to DSB breaks and promote repair. We have previously demonstrated that hSSB1 binds directly to Nbs1, a component of the MRN complex, in a DNA damage-independent manner. However, recruitment of the MRN complex has also been demonstrated by an interaction between Integrator Complex Subunit 3 (INTS3; also known as SOSSA), another member of the SOSS complex, and Nbs1. In this study, we utilize a combined approach of in silico, biochemical, and functional experiments to uncover the molecular details of INTS3 binding to Nbs1. We demonstrate that the forkhead-associated domain of Nbs1 interacts with INTS3 via phosphorylation-dependent binding to INTS3 at Threonine 592, with contributions from Serine 590. Based on these data, we propose a model of MRN recruitment to a DSB via INTS3

Effects of coastal urbanization on salt-marsh faunal assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Author Posting. © American Fisheries Society, 2014. This article is posted here by permission of American Fisheries Society for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science 6 (2014): 89-107, doi:10.1080/19425120.2014.893467.Coastal landscapes in the northern Gulf of Mexico, specifically the Mississippi coast, have undergone rapid urbanization that may impact the suitability of salt-marsh ecosystems for maintaining and regulating estuarine faunal communities. We used a landscape ecology approach to quantify the composition and configuration of salt-marsh habitats and developed surfaces at multiple spatial scales surrounding three small, first-order salt-marsh tidal creeks arrayed along a gradient of urbanization in two river-dominated estuaries. From May 3 to June 4, 2010, nekton and macroinfauna were collected weekly at all six sites. Due to the greater abundance of grass shrimp Palaemonetes spp., brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus, blue crab Callinectes sapidus, Gulf Menhaden Brevoortia patronus, and Spot Leiostomus xanthurus, tidal creeks in intact natural (IN) salt-marsh landscapes supported a nekton assemblage that was significantly different from those in partially urbanized (PU) or completely urbanized (CU) salt-marsh landscapes. However, PU landscapes still supported an abundant nekton assemblage. In addition, the results illustrated a linkage between life history traits and landscape characteristics. Resident and transient nekton species that have specific habitat requirements are more likely to be impacted in urbanized landscapes than more mobile species that are able to exploit multiple habitats. Patterns were less clear for macroinfaunal assemblages, although they were comparatively less abundant in CU salt-marsh landscapes than in either IN or PU landscapes. The low abundance or absence of several macroinfaunal taxa in CU landscapes may be viewed as an additional indicator of poor habitat quality for nekton. The observed patterns also suggested that benthic sediments in the CU salt-marsh landscapes were altered in comparison with IN or PU landscapes. The amount of developed shoreline and various metrics related to salt marsh fragmentation were important drivers of observed patterns in nekton and macroinfaunal assemblages

Protecting a Patellar Ligament Reconstruction after Proximal Tibial Resection: A Simplified Approach

Limb salvage in tumor surgery has encouraged the development of megaprostheses. However, reattaching the ligamentum patellae poses a particular problem: avulsion and/or extensor lag may lead to poor function. We describe a new technique of patellar ligament reconstruction. The technique involves reattachment of the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity of the proximal tibial megaprosthesis, which has a porous surface created, and the repair is protected with a cerclage wire through the patella and the prosthesis. In 10 consecutive patients, the range of motion averaged 95° (median, 90°; range, 70°–120°), and the mean extension lag averaged 4° (median, 0°; range, 0°–20°). We had one case of patellar ligament avulsion. This technique resulted in good quadriceps function and a low incidence of complications

Raccoon Predation as a Potential Limiting Factor in the Success of the Green Iguana in Southern Florida

The Green Iguana, Iguana iguana, is a well established, large-bodied, exotic species in Florida (Meshaka et al. 2004a. The Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida, Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. 155 pp.; Meshaka et al. 2004b. Iguana 11:154-161). Limiting factors of populations and causes of Green Iguana mortality in Florida are poorly understood and the only documented predators are the domestic dog (Canus familiaris) (Meshaka et al. 2004a), Yellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) (Engeman et al. 2005. Herpetol. Rev. 36:320), Florida Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia floridana) (McKie et al. 2005. Florida Field Nat. 33:125-127), and an unidentified species of hawk (HTS pers. obs.). Here, we report the first documented predation of a juvenile Green Iguana by a Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in a southern Florida state park. Additionally, we provide strong evidence of Green Iguana population density and recruitment suppression by Raccoons

The nuclear proteome and DNA-binding fraction of human Raji lymphoma cells

Purification of organelles and analysis of their proteins is an important initial step for biological proteomics, simplifying the proteome prior to analysis by established techniques such as two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2-DLC) or two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Nuclear proteins play a central role in regulating gene expression, but are often under-represented in proteomic studies due to their lower abundance in comparison to cellular 'housekeeping' metabolic enzymes and structural proteins. A reliable procedure for separation and proteomic analysis of nuclear proteins would be useful for investigations of cell proliferation and differentiation during disease processes (e.g., human cancer). In this study, we have purified nuclei from the human Burkitt's lymphoma B-cell line, Raji, using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The integrity and purity of the nuclei were assessed by light microscopy and proteins from the nuclear fractions were separated by 2-DE and identified using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). A total of 124 unique proteins were identified, of which 91% (n = 110) were predicted to be nuclear using PSORT. Proteins from the nuclear fraction were subjected to affinity chromatography on DNA-agarose to isolate DNA-binding proteins. From this purified fraction, 131 unique proteins were identified, of which 69% (n = 90) were known or predicted DNA-binding proteins. Purification of nuclei and subsequent enrichment of DNA-binding proteins allowed identification of a total of 209 unique proteins, many involved in transcription and/or correlated with lymphoma, leukemia or cancer in general. The data obtained should be valuable for identification of biomarkers and targets for cancer therapy, and for furthering our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying lymphoma development and progression.20 page(s

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae surface proteins Mhp385 and Mhp384 bind host cilia and glycosaminoglycans and are endoproteolytically processed by proteases that recognize different cleavage motifs

P97 and P102 paralogues occur as endoproteolytic cleavage fragments on the surface of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae that bind glycosaminoglycans, plasminogen, and fibronectin and perform essential roles in colonization of ciliated epithelia. We show that the P102 paralogue Mhp384 is efficiently cleaved at an S/T-X-F down arrow X-D/E-like site, creating P60(384) and P50(384). The P97 paralogue Mhp385 is inefficiently cleaved, with tryptic peptides from a 115 kDa protein (P115(385)) and 88 kDa (P88(385)) and 27 kDa (P27(385)) cleavage fragments identified by LC-MS/MS. This is the first time a preprotein belonging to the P97 and P102 paralogue families has been identified by mass spectrometry. The semitryptic peptide (752)IQFELEPISLNV(763) denotes the C-terminus of P88(385) and defines the novel cleavage site L-761-N-V down arrow A-V-S-766 in Mhp385. P115(385), P88(385), P27(385), P60(384), and P50(384) were shown to reside extracellularly, though it is unknown how the fragments remain attached to the cell surface. Heparin- and cilium-binding sites were identified within P60(384), P50(384), and P88(385). No primary function was attributed to P27(385); however, this molecule contains four tandem R1 repeats with similarity to porcine collagen type VI (alpha 3 chain). P97 and P102 paralogue families are adhesins targeted by several proteases with different cleavage efficiencies, and this process generates combinatorial complexity on the surface of M. hyopneumoniae

<i>Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae</i> Surface Proteins Mhp385 and Mhp384 Bind Host Cilia and Glycosaminoglycans and Are Endoproteolytically Processed by Proteases That Recognize Different Cleavage Motifs

P97 and P102 paralogues occur as endoproteolytic cleavage fragments on the surface of <i>Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae</i> that bind glycosaminoglycans, plasminogen, and fibronectin and perform essential roles in colonization of ciliated epithelia. We show that the P102 paralogue Mhp384 is efficiently cleaved at an S/T-X-F↓X-D/E-like site, creating P60₃₈₄ and P50₃₈₄. The P97 paralogue Mhp385 is inefficiently cleaved, with tryptic peptides from a 115 kDa protein (P115₃₈₅) and 88 kDa (P88₃₈₅) and 27 kDa (P27₃₈₅) cleavage fragments identified by LC–MS/MS. This is the first time a preprotein belonging to the P97 and P102 paralogue families has been identified by mass spectrometry. The semitryptic peptide ⁷⁵²IQFELEPISLNV⁷⁶³ denotes the C-terminus of P88₃₈₅ and defines the novel cleavage site ⁷⁶¹L-N-V↓A-V-S⁷⁶⁶ in Mhp385. P115₃₈₅, P88₃₈₅, P27₃₈₅, P60₃₈₄, and P50₃₈₄ were shown to reside extracellularly, though it is unknown how the fragments remain attached to the cell surface. Heparin- and cilium-binding sites were identified within P60₃₈₄, P50₃₈₄, and P88₃₈₅. No primary function was attributed to P27₃₈₅; however, this molecule contains four tandem R1 repeats with similarity to porcine collagen type VI (α3 chain). P97 and P102 paralogue families are adhesins targeted by several proteases with different cleavage efficiencies, and this process generates combinatorial complexity on the surface of <i>M. hyopneumoniae</i>