Digital Commons Network^™

House Cats As Predators In The Australian Environment: Impacts And Management, Christopher R. Dickman

Human–Wildlife Interactions

This paper provides an overview of the predatory activities of the house cat (Felis catus) in Australia, focusing principally on the interactions of domestic and stray cats with native species of prey. Like their free-living, or feral, counterparts, domestic cats take a broad range of prey, with small mammals, birds, and human-derived foods forming the bulk of the diet. Domestic and stray cats have contributed to declines of suburban populations of eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) and superb lyrebirds (Menura novaehollandiae) in Victoria, Australia. The effects of cats on prey communities remain speculative. In …

Sociality And Reconciliation In Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta Monachus), Lynnsey Lee Morrison

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

For animals living within socially complex groups, it is beneficial for all individuals to maintain group cohesion. Conflicts often arise in groups, which could potentially have high costs both to the subordinate and dominant members, and could lead to group instability. It has been shown numerous times that highly social group members participate in affiliative relationships with other group members discriminately. They also perform related behavior patterns such as reconciliation at a high rate, which could strengthen group stability. Reconciliation occurs when an affiliative interaction takes place between two individuals following an agonistic encounter. The rate of affiliation is higher …

N- And C-Terminal Domains In Human Holocarboxylase Synthetase Participate In Substrate Recognition, Yousef I. Hassan, Hideaki Moriyama, Lars J. Olsen, Xin Bi, Janos Zempleni

Hideaki Moriyama Publications

Holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) catalyzes the binding of the vitamin biotin to carboxylases and histones. Carboxylases mediate essential steps in macronutrient metabolism. For example, propionyl- CoA carboxylase (PCC) catalyzes the carboxylation of propionyl-CoA in the metabolism of oddchain fatty acids. HCS comprises four putative domains, i.e., the N-terminus, the biotin transfer/ATP binding domain, a putative linker domain, and the C-terminus. Both N- and C-termini are essential for biotinylation of carboxylases by HCS, but the exact functions of these two domains in enzyme catalysis are unknown. Here we tested the hypothesis that N- and C-termini play roles in substrate recognition by HCS. …

2008 Ksu Insortmil/Usaid Poultry Experiment In West Africa, S. Issa, J. D. Hancock

INTSORMIL Presentations

INTSORMIL (funded by USAID) promotes the use and marketability of sorghum and millet in developing nations around the world.

A key objective is to provide technology transfer that will improve production, storage, marketing, and utilization of sorghum and millet.

An additional objective is to build human capital via student training and collaboration with colleagues in targeted regions of the world.

Justification: We were approached by potential collaborators from the National Institute for Agronomic Research in Niger (INRAN).

Sorghum is the second most produced cereal (after millet) in Niger.

Locally produced sorghum is generally less expensive than imported corn, yet imported …

Natural Genetic Variation In Transcriptome Reflects Network Structure Inferred With Major Effect Mutations: Insulin/Tor And Associated Phenotypes In Drosophila Melanogaster, Sergey V. Nuzhdin, Jennifer A. Brisson, Andrew Pickering, Marta L. Wayne, Lawrence G. Harshman, Lauren M. Mcintyre

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Background: A molecular process based genotype-to-phenotype map will ultimately enable us to predict how genetic variation among individuals results in phenotypic alterations. Building such a map is, however, far from straightforward. It requires understanding how molecular variation reshapes developmental and metabolic networks, and how the functional state of these networks modifies phenotypes in genotype specific way. We focus on the latter problem by describing genetic variation in transcript levels of genes in the InR/TOR pathway among 72 Drosophila melanogaster genotypes. Results: We observe tight co-variance in transcript levels of genes not known to influence each other through direct transcriptional control. …

Process Of Extracting High Quality Proteins From Cereal Grans And Ther Byproducts Using Acdic Mediumand A Reducingagent, Yiqi Yang, Weijie Xu, Narenda Reddy

Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design: Faculty Publications

The present invention is directed to a method for processing a plant-based protein source, the method comprising an acidic extracting solution comprising a reducing agent is useful for extracting and isolating proteins from plant-based protein SOUCS.

Transfer Of Sorghum, Millet Production, Processing And Marketing Technologies In Mali Quarterly Report January 1 – March 31, 2009, Intsormil

USAID Mali Mission Awards

Introduction

This report details the recent progress achieved under the Cooperative Agreement # 688-A- 00-007-00043-00. The report covers progress in the Production-Marketing, Food Processing and Décrue Sorghum components from January1 to March 31, 2009.

The noted scientist Carl Sagan has stated that “Advances in medicine and agriculture have saved vastly more lives than have been lost in all the wars in history (see box below). This project promotes advances in agriculture by moving sorghum and millet production technologies onto farmers’ fields, linking farmers’ organizations to food and feed processors and by commercializing processing technologies so as to enhance markets. To …

Agricultural Research Division News – February/March 2009, Volume 41, Number 7

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

Contents:
Comments from Dean Gary Cunningham
USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI)
NIH Equipment Grants
ARD Funding Opportunities
ARD Summary of Graduate Student Enrollment - Fall 2008
New or Revised Projects (November and December 2008)
Proposals Submitted for Federal Grants (November and December 2008)
Grants and Contracts Received (November and December 2008)

Nebline, March 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

4-H Embryology: More Than Just a Science Project!
How to Account for Differences in Moisture Content in Commodities
Controlling Winter Annual Brome with Herbicides
Canada Geese Populations are Increasing
Managing Pocket Gophers
Do a “Don’t Do” List!
5 More Main Dishes—Each Using Only 5 Ingredients
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Removing Soot from Carpet
Tips to Help Parents Talk to Their Kids About Sex and Technology
Local Bagworm Control Initiative
2009 Great Plants Selections
Early Detection is Key to Minimizing Insecticide Use in Home Gardens
Bird House Care Is Important …

Birth Weight, Math And Reading Achievement Growth: A Multilevel Between-Sibling, Between-Families Approach, Bridget J. Goosby, Jacob Cheadle

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

We used multilevel covariance structure analysis to study the relationship between birth weight, family context and youth math and reading comprehension growth from approximately ages 5 through 14 within and between families. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth Child Sample, we examined the relationship between birth weight and subsequent academic achievement growth disparities, distinguishing between birth weight and other contextual social confounders. We found that smaller birth weight is associated with lower math and reading scores at age 5. Additional findings indicated that the home environment has important developmental consequences from early childhood and into adolescence. Overall, …

The Outcome Of Selenium And Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (Select) Reveals The Need For Better Understanding Of Selenium Biology, Dolph Hatfield, Vadim N. Gladyshev

Vadim Gladyshev Publications

The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) was one of the largest human cancer prevention trials ever undertaken. Designed to examine the role of selenium and vitamin E in preventing prostate cancer (I) as a double-blind study, SELECT administered daily 200 micrograms of selenium in the form of pure _L-selenomethionine, 400 IU of synthetic _D,L-α-tocopherol (vitamin E), a combination of these two components, or a placebo to four approximately equally divided groups. SELECT enrollment was undertaken between August 22, 2001 and June 24, 2004, and involved 35.533 healthy males from more than 425 participating locations in …

Indiana Wildlife Disease News, Volume 4, Issue 1 – February 2009

Indiana Wildlife Disease News

Inside this issue:
• Starvation and malnutrition in deer
• New test at ADDL can test for starvation and/or malnutrition in wildlife
• Avian Influenza symposium at the University of Georgia
• White-nose syndrome update
• WBII Information Node
• New Test at ADDL
• Int. Symposium on AI
• Steve Hooser Bio
• Upcoming Wildlife Disease Conf.
• NBII Information Node
• Midwest Wildlife Disease Update

Nebline, February 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

13 Fun Ways to Eat More Fruites and Vegetables!
Farmland Leasing Workshop, Feb. 11
Soil Fertility and Phosphorus
Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Opportunities
The Value of Landscaping
Are You Winning the “Fruit & Vegetable Bowl Game”?
5 Main Dishes—Each Using Only 5 Ingredients
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Beltline FCE Club: 1931–2008
Household Hints: How to Keep Red Clothes from Turning Pink
Small Steps to Health and Wealth
2009 All-America Selections
Starting Tender Perennials Indoors
Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month
Tree Squirrels and Rabbits are Active in Winter
Beginning Beekeeping …

2009 Nebraska Swine Report

Nebraska Swine Reports

Contents:

Nutrition

Effect of Corn Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Growing-Finishing Gilts with Previous Exposure to DDGS in the Nursery

Feeding Value of Diets for Growing-Finishing Pigs with Varying Concentrations of Corn Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS)

Effects of Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) and Paylean® Supplementation on Growth Performance of Growing-Finishing Pigs

Economy of Adding Fibrous Feedstuffs to Sow Gestation Diets

Nutrition During Gilt Development and Genetic Line Affect Reproductive Rate Through Parity 1

In Vivo and In Vitro Expression of Porcine Zinc Transporter (ZnT) 1 mRNA

Health

Effect …

Healing The Planet And Its People: The Need To Create A Global Vision Of Leadership For The Planet, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Presentations and White Papers

No abstract provided.

Improvements In Life Cycle Energy Efficiency And Greenhouse Gas Emissions Of Corn-Ethanol, Adam J. Liska, Haishun S. Yang, Virgil R. Bremer, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Daniel T. Walters, Galen Erickson, Kenneth G. Cassman

Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research: Publications

Abstract
Corn-ethanol production is expanding rapidly with the adoption of improved technologies to increase energy efficiency and profitability in crop production, ethanol conversion, and coproduct use. Life cycle assessment can evaluate the impact of these changes on environmental performance metrics. To this end, we analyzed the life cycles of corn-ethanol systems accounting for the majority of U.S. capacity to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy efficiencies on the basis of updated values for crop management and yields, biorefinery operation, and coproduct utilization. Direct-effect GHG emissions were estimated to be equivalent to a 48% to 59% reduction compared to gasoline, …

Intsormil 2009 Annual Report, John M. Yohe, Kimberly Christiansen, Joan Frederick

INTSORMIL Impacts and Bulletins

The 2009 INTSORMIL Annual Report presents the progress and notable achievements by the Sorghum, Millet and Other Grains CRSP during the period of September 30, 2008 through September 29, 2009. These results are an outcome of partnerships between scientists at six U.S. Land Grant Universities (Kansas State University, University of Nebraska, The Ohio State University, Purdue University, Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University), scientists of the Agricultural Research Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture at Tifton, Georgia and the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) and National Universities in sixteen countries in Central America, West Africa, East …

Revision Of The Genus Chalcasthenes Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Oryctoderini) From The Solomon Islands, Mary Liz Jameson, Brett C. Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Abstract The genus Chalcasthenes Arrow (Dynastinae: Oryctoderini), a scarab beetle genus endemic to the Solomon Islands, is reviewed. Based on examination of type specimens, the genus Strehlia Frey (Rutelinae: Rutelini: Parastasiina) is a new junior synonym of Chalcasthenes. The historical classification of these genera (either in the subfamily Dynastinae or Rutelinae) and character-based criteria for assigning the taxa to the Dynastinae are provided. We discuss character states that support the monophyly of members of the genus Chalcasthenes, comment on the distribution and biogeography of species in the genus and provide a key to species. The genus includes four …

The Leading Object: February 2009, John C. Owens

Leading Object

Perspectives;Students see diverse agricultural climate during visit to Tasmania;Josiah receives prestigious partnership award;College years convince Stone to work in agriculture;New doctor of plant health program is for practitioners; Skipton, Clemente honored with Omtvedt Innovation Awards;Omega Eggs in ‘Shape’ magazine;Gibson receives March Kudo award;Exemplary Service Award goes to Wit;Weiss in India on Fulbright

Nutrient Uptake And Mineralization During Leaf Decay In Streams – A Model Simulation, J. R. Webster, J. D. Newbold, Steven A. Thomas, P. J. Mulholland

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

We developed a stoichiometrically explicit computer model to examine how heterotrophic uptake of nutrients and microbial mineralization occurring during the decay of leaves in streams may be important in modifying nutrient concentrations. The simulations showed that microbial uptake can substantially decrease stream nutrient concentrations during the initial phases of decomposition, while mineralization may produce increases in concentrations during later stages of decomposition. The simulations also showed that initial nutrient content of the leaves can affect the stream nutrient concentration dynamics and determine whether nitrogen or phosphorus is the limiting nutrient. Finally, the simulations suggest a net retention (uptake > mineralization) of …

Nondestructive Estimation Of Anthocyanin Content In Grapevine Leaves, Mark R. Steele, Anatoly A. Gitelson, Donald C. Rundquist, Mark N. Merzlyak

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

The anthocyanin (Anth) content in leaves provides valuable information about the physiological status of plants. Thus, there is a need for accurate, efficient, practical methodologies to estimate this biochemical parameter. Reflectance measurement is a means of quickly and nondestructively assessing leaf Anth content in situ. The objective of this study was to test the overall performance and accuracy of nondestructive techniques for estimating Anth content in grapevine leaves. Relationships were established between Anth content and four vegetation indices: NIR (near-infrared)/green, red/green, anthocyanin reflectance index (ARI, based on reflectances in bands within the green and the red-edge regions), and a modified …

Variability Of Anaerobic Animal Waste Lagoon Delta15N Source Signatures, Sadayappan Mariappan, Mary Exner Spalding, Glen E. Martin, Roy F. Spalding

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

High ammonium-N concentrations derived from animal wastes stored and partially treated in earthen anaerobic lagoons at confined feeding facilities can seep to groundwater. δ¹⁵N-NH₄⁺ values from +2.0 to +59.1‰ in 13 lagoons complicate identification of lagoon seepage as well as land-applied lagoon effluent in ground and surface waters. The spectrum of δ¹⁵N values requires site-specific isotope characterization of the potential source. Feed and fresh manure and urine δ¹⁵N values indicate that most N isotopic fractionation occurs after excretion. Lagoon management clearly affects enrichment. δ¹⁵N-total Kjeldahl N (TKN) and δ^{15 …}

2009 Interior Least Tern And Piping Plover Monitoring, Research, Management, And Outreach Report For The Lower Platte River, Nebraska, Mary Bomberger Brown, Joel G. Jorgensen

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

This document reports on our monitoring, research, management, and outreach activities during the past 12 months (2009). We prepared it to inform our partners, cooperating agencies, funding sources, and other interested parties of our activities and to provide a preliminary summary of our results.

The Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership (TPCP), based at the University of Nebraska–School of Natural Resources, and the Nongame Bird Program (NBP), based at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) work cooperatively on Interior Least Tern and Piping Plover monitoring, research, management, and education-outreach activities. While the proximate focus of our work is the Lower …

Feedyard Assessment: Assessor's Guide

Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Program

The BQA Feedyard Assessment is an on-site educational tool that allows for assessing and benchmarking key indicators of animal care and well-being as well as feedyard conditions. The Feedyard Assessment focuses on three main areas – Animals, Records and Best Management Practices (BMP), and Facilities and Equipment.

Stocker And Backgrounding Self Assessment

Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Program

Cattlemen in stocker operations have long recognized the need to properly care for livestock. Sound animal husbandry practices, based on decades of practical experience and research, are known to impact the well-being of stocker cattle, individual animal health and herd productivity. Stocker cattle operations are located in many diverse environments and geographic locations in the United States. A universal set of production practices can not be recommended for all stocker cattle producers in light of the divergent climate and geographic variations of the stocker and backgrounding segment. Personal experience, training and professional judgment can serve as a valuable resource for …

Atlas Of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench): Production In Eastern And Southern Africa, Charles S. Wortmann, Martha Mamo, Christopher Mburu, Elias Letayo, Girma Abebe, Kaizzi C. Kayuki, Medson Chisi, Munyaradzi Mativavarira, Soares Xerinda, Theophile Ndacyayisenga

INTSORMIL Scientific Publications

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a major crop in many parts of Africa and is noted for its versatility and diversity. It is adapted over a wide range of precipitation and temperature levels and is produced at sea level to above 2000 m altitude. In eastern and southern Africa, it is primarily a crop of resource-poor, small-scale farmers and is typically produced under adverse conditions such as low input use and marginal lands. There are numerous biotic and abiotic constraints to production. The grain and stover are used in many different ways with localized preferences. Much information …

Biotechnology In Animal Agriculture: Status And Current Issues, Geoffrey S. Becker, Tadlock Cowan

Congressional Research Service Reports

Animal agriculture is being transformed by rapid advances in biotechnology—a term that encompasses a variety of technologies, including genetic engineering (GE), genetic modification, transgenics, recombinant DNA techniques, and cloning, among others. Producers are interested in the application of biotechnology to improve productivity, consistency, and quality; to introduce new food, fiber, and medical products; and to protect the environment. Potential human health applications of transgenic animals include producing biopharmaceuticals and generating organs, tissues, and cells for xenotransplantation. Criticisms of such applications involve issues ranging from food safety and social resistance to potential negative impacts on animal welfare and on ecosystems. Questions …

The National Bio- And Agro-Defense Facility: Issues For Congress, Dana A. Shea, Jim Monke, Frank Gottron

Congressional Research Service Reports

The agricultural and food infrastructure of the United States may be susceptible to terrorist attack using biological pathogens. In addition to the economic effects of such an attack, some animal pathogens could cause illness in humans. Diseases that can spread from animals to people are known as zoonotic diseases. Scientific and medical research on plant and animal diseases may lead to the discovery and development of new diagnostics and countermeasures, reducing the risk and effects of a successful terrorist attack.

To safeguard the United States against the introduction of non-native animal disease, Congress has appropriated funds to the U.S. Department …

Drought In The United States: Causes And Issues For Congress, Peter Folger, Betsy A. Cody, Nicole T. Carter

Congressional Research Service Reports

Drought is commonly defined as a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time, usually a season or more, relative to some long-term average condition. Droughts have affected the United States, particularly the American West, for centuries. Drought affects societies because of the combination of reduced supply (e.g., less precipitation, reduced reservoir levels, a lower groundwater table) and competing demand (e.g., for irrigation, municipal and industrial supply, energy production, species protection). This report focuses on the physical causes of drought, its history in the United States, and what may be expected in the near future. Although currently drought can …

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln Center For Grassland Studies Newsletter Articles Vols. 1 – 15, 1995–2009

Center for Grassland Studies: Newsletters

Article list