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Influence Of Reproductive And Environmental Factors On Population Size .. Of Wild Hyacinth [Camassia Angusta (Engelm.· And A. Gray) Blank. (Liliaceae)], An Illinois Endangered Species, Kevin Franken, Janice Coons, Henry Owen, Eric Smith, John Ebinger Jun 2009

Influence Of Reproductive And Environmental Factors On Population Size .. Of Wild Hyacinth [Camassia Angusta (Engelm.· And A. Gray) Blank. (Liliaceae)], An Illinois Endangered Species, Kevin Franken, Janice Coons, Henry Owen, Eric Smith, John Ebinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Wild hyacinth (Camassia angusta) is a perennial species native to mesic prairies of the midwestern and south-central United States. In Illinois, the only extant population of this state-endangered species is in a small section of degraded black-soil prairie along a railroad track right-of-way south of Elwin, Macon County. The objectives of this study were to determine the population status, seed production, and effects of scarification and stratification on germination of C. angusta. The population was surveyed from 1990 to 2007. A survey of other plant species present was conducted in 1999. The site consisted of approximately 75% native and 25% …


Influence Of Reproductive And Environmental Factors On Population Size .. Of Wild Hyacinth [Camassia Angusta (Engelm.· And A. Gray) Blank. (Liliaceae)], An Illinois Endangered Species, Kevin M. Franken, Janice M. Coons, Henry R. Owen, Eric L. Smith, John E. Ebinger Jun 2009

Influence Of Reproductive And Environmental Factors On Population Size .. Of Wild Hyacinth [Camassia Angusta (Engelm.· And A. Gray) Blank. (Liliaceae)], An Illinois Endangered Species, Kevin M. Franken, Janice M. Coons, Henry R. Owen, Eric L. Smith, John E. Ebinger

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Wild hyacinth (Camassia angusta) is a perennial species native to mesic prairies of the midwestern and south-central United States. In Illinois, the only extant population of this state-endangered species is in a small section of degraded black-soil prairie along a railroad track right-of-way south of Elwin, Macon County. The objectives of this study were to determine the population status, seed production, and effects of scarification and stratification on germination of C. angusta. The population was surveyed from 1990 to 2007. A survey of other plant species present was conducted in 1999. The site consisted of approximately 75% native and 25% …


Comparative Vegetative Anatomy And Systematics Of Laeliinae (Orchidaceae), William Louis Stern, Barbara S. Carlsward May 2009

Comparative Vegetative Anatomy And Systematics Of Laeliinae (Orchidaceae), William Louis Stern, Barbara S. Carlsward

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Laeliinae are one of the most prominent orchid subtribes, with c. 40 genera and nearly 1500 species, and contain a disparate group of taxa with widely varying morphological features. There does not appear to be a complex of characters to which one can refer in order to delineate the subtribe as a whole. Thus, it was thought that vegetative anatomy might provide clues to the monophyly of the group. The microscopic structure of the leaves, stems and roots of representatives of most of the genera was studied. It was concluded that the anatomy lacks overall uniformity and that vegetative characters …


Comparative Vegetative Anatomy And Systematics Of Laeliinae (Orchidaceae), William Stern, Barbara Carlsward May 2009

Comparative Vegetative Anatomy And Systematics Of Laeliinae (Orchidaceae), William Stern, Barbara Carlsward

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Laeliinae are one of the most prominent orchid subtribes, with c. 40 genera and nearly 1500 species, and contain a disparate group of taxa with widely varying morphological features. There does not appear to be a complex of characters to which one can refer in order to delineate the subtribe as a whole. Thus, it was thought that vegetative anatomy might provide clues to the monophyly of the group. The microscopic structure of the leaves, stems and roots of representatives of most of the genera was studied. It was concluded that the anatomy lacks overall uniformity and that vegetative characters …


Thermodynamics Of Effector Binding To Hemocyanin: Influence Of Temperature, Ariane Pott, Michael A. Menze, Manfred K. Grieshaber Mar 2009

Thermodynamics Of Effector Binding To Hemocyanin: Influence Of Temperature, Ariane Pott, Michael A. Menze, Manfred K. Grieshaber

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Hemocyanins are allosterically regulated oxygen carriers freely dissolved in the blood of many crustaceans. The natural modulator urate accumulates under hypoxic conditions in the hemolymph of Homarus vulgaris, and increases the oxygen affinity of the respiratory pigment. Other non-physiological effectors such as caffeine, dimethylxanthines and methylxanthines are also known to modulate the oxygen-binding properties of hemocyanin. In order to gain insight into the thermodynamic driving forces of these interactions we analyzed the binding of several urate analogs to dodecameric hemocyanin at different temperatures by employing isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). All investigated non-physiological effectors including caffeine, dimethylxanthines and methylxanthines bind exothermically …


Investigation Of Insect Visits To Flowers Of Stylisma Pickeringii (Patterson Bindweed), An Endangered Plant Of Illinois Sand Prairies, A. E. Claerbout, H. R. Owen, Janice M. Coons, B. L. Todd Jan 2009

Investigation Of Insect Visits To Flowers Of Stylisma Pickeringii (Patterson Bindweed), An Endangered Plant Of Illinois Sand Prairies, A. E. Claerbout, H. R. Owen, Janice M. Coons, B. L. Todd

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Little is known about the reproductive biology of Stylisma pickeringii var. pattersonii, an endangered plant in Illinois occurring in only three counties (Cass, Henderson, and Mason). The objective of this study was to estimate flower densities and temporal (time of day and seasonal) differences in insect visitation to flowers of S. pickeringii in 2002 for native populations in Henderson and Mason Counties. A 50 m transect was located where S. pickeringii was most abundant and quadrats (0.25 m2) were placed on alternate sides of the tape measure at every meter at random distances from the transect. The number of flowers …


Vegetative Anatomy And Systematics Of Triphorinae (Orchidaceae), Barbara S. Carlsward, William Louis Stern Jan 2009

Vegetative Anatomy And Systematics Of Triphorinae (Orchidaceae), Barbara S. Carlsward, William Louis Stern

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Triphorinae represents a group of three anatomically simple genera, the structural features of which are unspecialized. The anomocytic stomatal pattern occurs in all genera; it predominates in Triphora . A foliar hypodermis, sclerenchyma, fibre bundles and stegmata are absent. The mesophyll is homogeneous. The exodermal and endodermal cells in the roots are entirely thin-walled and tilosomes are absent. However, there are anatomical modifications that appear to be unique: root hairs in Monophyllorchis are borne on velamenal buttresses and, in Psilochilus , they arise endogenously. In the root vascular system of Psilochilus , the metaxylem occurs as a circumferential band. The …


Thermoregulation Of Male Elaphe Spiloides In An Agriculturally-Fragmented Forest In Illinois, C. Drew Foster, Sarabeth Kleuh, Stephen J. Mullin Jan 2009

Thermoregulation Of Male Elaphe Spiloides In An Agriculturally-Fragmented Forest In Illinois, C. Drew Foster, Sarabeth Kleuh, Stephen J. Mullin

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Anthropogenic forest fragmentation increases the amount of edge habitat. Although edges are harsh environments for many native species, ratsnakes often prefer this habitat. We examined thermoregulatory effectiveness of Central Ratsnakes (Elaphe spiloides) using forest edges preferentially to determine if edge preference is driven by increased thermoregulatory efficiencies. Six male subjects were located every 1-2 days using radio-telemetry and temperature sensitive transmitters. Subjects did not thermoregulate more efficiently in edges than in forest. Snakes were thermoconformers in both habitat types suggesting edge preference might be driven by other factors.


Botany At Eastern Illinois University, Marissa Jernegan, Nancy Coutant, Janice Coons Jan 2009

Botany At Eastern Illinois University, Marissa Jernegan, Nancy Coutant, Janice Coons

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Eastern Illinois University was established in 1899, and from its beginning the importance of the botanical sciences was recognized. Two terms of botany were required for the four year program. Dr. Otis W. Caldwell, a botanist, was one of the original faculty members. He taught all of the biology courses and initiated the acquisition of a greenhouse. Caldwell was the first in a series of talented and dedicated botany professors including Edgar N. Transeau, Ernest L. Stover, Hiram F. Thut and John E. Ebinger. These and many other professors incorporated a field component into almost all classes. This dedication to …


How Do Animal Mitochondria Tolerate Water Stress?, Michael A. Menze, Steven C. Hand Jan 2009

How Do Animal Mitochondria Tolerate Water Stress?, Michael A. Menze, Steven C. Hand

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The vast majority of animal species do not tolerate severe water stress, but the encysted embryo of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana is an exceptionally useful organism to investigate physiological mechanisms for enduring extreme environmental insults. Any substantial reduction in cellular water poses a threat to survival. Nevertheless anhydrobiotic animals survive virtually complete loss of cellular water. The mechanisms that govern “life without water” (anhydrobiosis) are still not well understood. With certain exceptions, it seems that a recurring strategy for tolerating severe water loss involves the accumulation of both low molecular weight solutes (e.g. trehalose or other polyol) and highly …


Sucrose Phosphate Synthase Expression Influences Poplar Phenology, Thomas Canam, Ji-Young Park, Kyu-Young Kang, Faride Unda, Shawn D. Mansfield Jan 2009

Sucrose Phosphate Synthase Expression Influences Poplar Phenology, Thomas Canam, Ji-Young Park, Kyu-Young Kang, Faride Unda, Shawn D. Mansfield

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The objective of this study was to manipulate the intracellular pools of sucrose, and investigate its role in regulating plant growth, phenology (leaf senescence and bud break) and fibre development. This objective was achieved by differentially expressing an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L. Heynh.) sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene in hybrid poplar (Populus alba · Populus grandidentata Michx.), a model system for tree biology with substantial industrial relevance in the context of short rotation forestry and a target bioenergy crop. Phenotypic differences were evident in the transgenic trees, as both the timing of bud flush and leaf senescence were altered compared …


Demographics Of A Geographically-Isolated Population Of Threatened Salamander (Caudata: Ambystomatidae) In Central Illinois, Stephen J. Mullin, Sarabeth Klueh Jan 2009

Demographics Of A Geographically-Isolated Population Of Threatened Salamander (Caudata: Ambystomatidae) In Central Illinois, Stephen J. Mullin, Sarabeth Klueh

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Amphibian populations that use small isolated wetlands are often small in size, susceptible to stochastic extinction processes, and have little to no contact with other populations. One can ascertain the persistence of such populations only by obtaining data that allow the prediction of future changes in population’s size, and propensity to achieve a sustainable number of individuals. The number of metamorphosing larvae leaving a pond predicts the viability of a salamander population, and thus, the number recruited into the terrestrial adult population. The Jefferson Salamander, Ambystoma jeffersonianum, is a listed threatened species in Illinois, occurring at fewer than 15 ponds …


Botany At Eastern Illinois University, Marissa C. Jernegan, Nancy E. Coutant, Janice M. Coons Jan 2009

Botany At Eastern Illinois University, Marissa C. Jernegan, Nancy E. Coutant, Janice M. Coons

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Eastern Illinois University was established in 1899, and from its beginning the importance of the botanical sciences was recognized. Two terms of botany were required for the four year program. Dr. Otis W. Caldwell, a botanist, was one of the original faculty members. He taught all of the biology courses and initiated the acquisition of a greenhouse. Caldwell was the first in a series of talented and dedicated botany professors including Edgar N. Transeau, Ernest L. Stover, Hiram F. Thut and John E. Ebinger. These and many other professors incorporated a field component into almost all classes. This dedication to …


Vegetative Anatomy And Systematics Of Triphorinae (Orchidaceae), Barbara Carlsward, William Stern Jan 2009

Vegetative Anatomy And Systematics Of Triphorinae (Orchidaceae), Barbara Carlsward, William Stern

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Triphorinae represents a group of three anatomically simple genera, the structural features of which are unspecialized. The anomocytic stomatal pattern occurs in all genera; it predominates in Triphora . A foliar hypodermis, sclerenchyma, fibre bundles and stegmata are absent. The mesophyll is homogeneous. The exodermal and endodermal cells in the roots are entirely thin-walled and tilosomes are absent. However, there are anatomical modifications that appear to be unique: root hairs in Monophyllorchis are borne on velamenal buttresses and, in Psilochilus , they arise endogenously. In the root vascular system of Psilochilus , the metaxylem occurs as a circumferential band. The …


Natural History Notes: Rhinocheilus Lecontei Tesselatus (Longevity), Stephen J. Mullin Jan 2009

Natural History Notes: Rhinocheilus Lecontei Tesselatus (Longevity), Stephen J. Mullin

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

No abstract provided.


Investigation Of Insect Visits To Flowers Of Stylisma Pickeringii (Patterson Bindweed), An Endangered Plant Of Illinois Sand Prairies, A. Claerbout, H. Owen, Janice Coons, B. Todd Jan 2009

Investigation Of Insect Visits To Flowers Of Stylisma Pickeringii (Patterson Bindweed), An Endangered Plant Of Illinois Sand Prairies, A. Claerbout, H. Owen, Janice Coons, B. Todd

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Little is known about the reproductive biology of Stylisma pickeringii var. pattersonii, an endangered plant in Illinois occurring in only three counties (Cass, Henderson, and Mason). The objective of this study was to estimate flower densities and temporal (time of day and seasonal) differences in insect visitation to flowers of S. pickeringii in 2002 for native populations in Henderson and Mason Counties. A 50 m transect was located where S. pickeringii was most abundant and quadrats (0.25 m2) were placed on alternate sides of the tape measure at every meter at random distances from the transect. The number of flowers …


Sucrose Phosphate Synthase Expression Influences Poplar Phenology, Thomas Canam, Ji-Young Park, Kyu-Young Kang, Faride Unda, Shawn Mansfield Jan 2009

Sucrose Phosphate Synthase Expression Influences Poplar Phenology, Thomas Canam, Ji-Young Park, Kyu-Young Kang, Faride Unda, Shawn Mansfield

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The objective of this study was to manipulate the intracellular pools of sucrose, and investigate its role in regulating plant growth, phenology (leaf senescence and bud break) and fibre development. This objective was achieved by differentially expressing an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L. Heynh.) sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) gene in hybrid poplar (Populus alba · Populus grandidentata Michx.), a model system for tree biology with substantial industrial relevance in the context of short rotation forestry and a target bioenergy crop. Phenotypic differences were evident in the transgenic trees, as both the timing of bud flush and leaf senescence were altered compared …