Formerly entitled 'CO2 Fixation and Metabolism in Green Plants', this long-standing Gordon Research Conference has been held on a triennial basis since 1976. In 1990 the participants decided to alternate between sites in the U.S. and outside the U.S. The 2005 conference was held in Europe at the Centre Paul Langevin in Aussois, France, so the 2008 conference returns to a U.S. site - the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. The 2008 conference covers basic plant research related to photosynthesis and the subsequent regulation and engineering of carbon assimilation. Approaches that range from post-genomic technologies and systems biology, through to fundamental biochemistry, physiology and molecular biology are integrated within ecological and agronomic contexts. As such, the meeting provides the rare opportunity of a single venue for discussing all aspects of the 'carbon-side' of photosynthesis - from genome to biome. The 2008 conference will include an emphasis on the central role of carbon assimilation by plants for developing new sources of bioenergy and for achieving a carbon-neutral planet. A special characteristic of this conference is its 'intimacy' with approximately 110 conferees, ranging from beginning graduate students and postdoctoral associates to leading senior plant scientists, engaged in open and forward-thinking …

This report first provides a synopsis of key events, actions taken, and authorities invoked by WHO, the U.S. federal government, and state and local governments. It then discusses the WHO process to determine the phase of a flu pandemic, and selected actions taken by the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, and by state and local authorities. Next, it lists congressional hearings held to date, and provides information about appropriations and funding for pandemic flu activities. Finally, it summarizes U.S. government pandemic flu planning documents and lists sources for additional information about the situation as it unfolds.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to the board of directors of the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to authorizing the Texas Board of Criminal Justice to sell certain real property for municipal airport expansion.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate relating to in memory of Texas game warden Teyran "Ty" Patterson of Seguin.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate relating to honoring the Commemorative Air Force, based in Midland, for its inspiring educational programs and for its crucial efforts to preserve the military aviation history of the United States.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate relating to congratulating Colonel Thomas A. Davis, Jr., on his retirement from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate relating to congratulating Lieutenant Colonel David McEathron on his retirement from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to designation of Midwestern State University as a public liberal arts university.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the date for electing directors of the Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the use of certain professional titles by interior designers.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to plans by local governments in coastal areas for reducing public expenditures for erosion and storm damage losses to public and private property.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the designation by the commissioner of the General Land Office of critical coastal erosion areas for purposes of the coastal erosion response plan.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the supervision by the Texas Department of Transportation of money appropriated by the federal government for the construction and maintenance of rail facilities.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the authority of the Lower Neches Valley Authority to acquire, own, operate, maintain, and improve the Devers Canal System, its water rights, and associated property.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to a right to vacate and avoid residential lease liability following the occurrence of certain sex offenses or domestic violence; providing a penalty.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to the use of personal leave by a public school employee.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to the North Texas Municipal Water District.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to jurisdiction over a wage claim filed after the deadline.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to meetings of the Coastal Coordination Council.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to practices and professions regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to the abolishment of the Lower Concho River Water and Soil Conservation Authority.

Bill introduced by the Texas Senate relating to plans by local governments in coastal areas for reducing public expenditures for erosion and storm damage losses to public and private property.

Concurrent resolution introduced by the Texas Senate and House of Representatives relating to in memory of Raul "Rudy" Acosta.