Tips for Using Photovoice in Evaluation of Extension Programs

Photovoice is a technique in which a facilitator guides a participant to produce a photograph and accompanying caption that reflects the participant\u27s unique views regarding a topic. The photovoice process is designed to be used with a wide range of audiences. This article describes ways Extension educators can incorporate photovoice into the evaluation of Extension programs and identifies issues they should consider when doing so

Genetics and Molecular Biology of the Electron Flow for Sulfate Respiration in Desulfovibrio

Progress in the genetic manipulation of the Desulfovibrio strains has provided an opportunity to explore electron flow pathways during sulfate respiration. Most bacteria in this genus couple the oxidation of organic acids or ethanol with the reduction of sulfate, sulfite, or thiosulfate. Both fermentation of pyruvate in the absence of an alternative terminal electron acceptor, disproportionation of fumarate and growth on H2 with CO2 during sulfate reduction are exhibited by some strains. The ability to produce or consume H2 provides Desulfovibrio strains the capacity to participate as either partner in interspecies H2 transfer. Interestingly the mechanisms of energy conversion, pathways of electron flow and the parameters determining the pathways used remain to be elucidated. Recent application of molecular genetic tools for the exploration of the metabolism of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough has provided several new datasets that might provide insights and constraints to the electron flow pathways. These datasets include (1) gene expression changes measured in microarrays for cells cultured with different electron donors and acceptors, (2) relative mRNA abundances for cells growing exponentially in defined medium with lactate as carbon source and electron donor plus sulfate as terminal electron acceptor, and (3) a random transposon mutant library selected on medium containing lactate plus sulfate supplemented with yeast extract. Studies of directed mutations eliminating apparent key components, the quinone-interacting membrane-bound oxidoreductase (Qmo) complex, the Type 1 tetraheme cytochrome c3 (Tp1-c3), or the Type 1 cytochrome c3:menaquinone oxidoreductase (Qrc) complex, suggest a greater flexibility in electron flow than previously considered. The new datasets revealed the absence of random transposons in the genes encoding an enzyme with homology to Coo membrane-bound hydrogenase. From this result, we infer that Coo hydrogenase plays an important role in D. vulgaris growth on lactate plus sulfate. These observations along with those reported previously have been combined in a model showing dual pathways of electrons from the oxidation of both lactate and pyruvate during sulfate respiration. Continuing genetic and biochemical analyses of key genes in Desulfovibrio strains will allow further clarification of a general model for sulfate respiration

Solid-Phase Organic Matter Reduction Regulates Anaerobic Decomposition in Bog Soil

Peatlands store globally significant amounts of carbon and are important sources of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) to the atmosphere. However, for reasons which are not well understood, many peatland soils produce smaller amounts of CH4 than theoretically predicted, and carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during anaerobic decomposition in peatland soils cannot be accounted for by commonly measured microbial processes. Here we show that the reduction of solid-phase organic matter (i.e., humic substances) suppresses CH4 production in a bog soil and can be responsible for 33–61% of the total carbon mineralization in this soil. These results demonstrate that the reduction of organic matter is a key component of anaerobic decomposition in peatlands, and is at least partially responsible for their low CH4 production. Thus, organic matter reduction may be a key regulator of how peatlands respond to ongoing global change

The Membrane QmoABC Complex Interacts Directly with the Dissimilatory Adenosine 5′-Phosphosulfate Reductase in Sulfate Reducing Bacteria

The adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate reductase (AprAB) is the enzyme responsible for the reduction of adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS) to sulfite in the biological process of dissimilatory sulfate reduction, which is carried out by a ubiquitous group of sulfate reducing prokaryotes. The electron donor for AprAB has not been clearly identified, but was proposed to be the QmoABC membrane complex, since an aprBA–qmoABC gene cluster is found in many sulfate reducing and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. The QmoABC complex is essential for sulfate reduction, but electron transfer between QmoABC and AprAB has not been reported. In this work we provide the first direct evidence that QmoABC and AprAB interact in Desulfovibrio spp., using co-immunoprecipitation, cross-linking Far-Western blot, tag-affinity purification, and surface plasmon resonance studies. This showed that the QmoABC–AprAB complex has a strong steady-state affinity (KD = 90 ± 3 nM), but has a transient character due to a fast dissociation rate. Far-Western blot identified QmoA as the Qmo subunit most involved in the interaction. Nevertheless, electron transfer from menaquinol analogs to APS through anaerobically purified QmoABC and AprAB could not be detected. We propose that this reaction requires the involvement of a third partner to allow electron flow driven by a reverse electron bifurcation process, i.e., electron confurcation. This process is deemed essential to allow coupling of APS reduction to chemiosmotic energy conservation

Bridging the Analytical Gap: The Gammill Alternative to Overcoming Robinson & (and) Havner Challenges to Expert Testimony.

Abstract Forthcoming

From Little Acorns Great Oaks Grow: The Constitutionality of Protecting Minors from Harmful Internet Material in Public Libraries Comment.

Congress should focus on the receiver\u27s end of Internet transmissions to overcome the anonymity and transmogrification elements of the Internet to protect minors from harmful material. Throughout the years, librarians have struggled with monitoring minors’ access to the accumulating number of controversial texts in the library. The Internet’s unique infrastructure affords librarians virtually no opportunity for the pre-shelf review available with books and videos. Congress enacted the Communications Decency Act (CDA) in 1996 in an attempt to protect minors from the underbelly of the internet. The United States Supreme Court, in Reno v. ACLU, struck down the CDA ruling that the “sender’s end” method of regulation was too vague. In particular, the Supreme Court found that Congress’ attempt to balance the speech rights of adults and the protection of minors went too far and infringed upon First Amendment guarantees. Congress has again enacted a blanket sender’s end Internet regulation, the CDA II, which penalizes the knowing communication of “harmful” materials to minors. Likely, CDA II will be short lived due to its vagueness. A combination of Supreme Court precedent and Internet technology can surpass the weaknesses of CDA and can reconcile adults’ First Amendment rights with the vulnerability of exposing minors to harmful Internet material. Three components must be added to the proposed statute: (1) precise definitions; (2) a single computer library provision’ and (3) a safety valve provision. Addition of these components will correct the likely deficiencies of the legislation and is a technologically advanced solution to the challenges that the Internet poses in light of the First Amendment

Privacy Lost: Comparing the Attenuation of Texas\u27s Article 1, Section 9 and the Fourth Amendment.

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution requires that all searches and seizures be reasonable. Article I, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution mirrors its federal counterpart, requiring reasonableness in regard to intrusive governmental action. In examining these texts, both the federal and state provisions are comprised of two independent clauses: (1) the Reasonableness Clause, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures; and (2) the warrant clause, which provides that warrants may issue only upon a showing of probable cause. Both the federal and Texas constitutions include explicit language regulating the government’s right to intrude on a person’s privacy. This demonstrates that at the heart of these governing documents is a specific intent to protect privacy rights. This Article examines how the focus on Texas and federal courts on the Reasonableness Clause of the privacy protections has affected a loss of overall privacy rights. Part II discusses the language of the Fourth Amendment and Article I, Section 9 in detail, noting the Supreme Court’s historical interpretation of the Fourth Amendment requiring a warrant to ensure reasonableness. Part III examines Heitman v. State, which formally rejected the “harmonious interpretation” rule and transitioned Texas courts from lock-step analysis to independent interpretation of Article I, Section 9. Part IV critically analyzes Hulit v. State, which officially dispensed with the need for a warrant to ensure constitutionality. Part V discusses the Supreme Court’s continued movement away from the warrant requirement toward a focus on reasonableness. An analysis of the precedent established by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the United States Supreme Court finds the parallels in judicial rationale result in an attenuation of privacy rights

Jury Erosion: The Effects of Robinson, Havner, & (and) Gammill on the Role of Texas Juries.

Abstract Forthcoming