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Eukaryotic Selenoproteins And Selenoproteomes, Alexey V. Lobanov, Dolph L. Hatfield, Vadim N. Gladyshev

Vadim Gladyshev Publications

Selenium is an essential trace element for which both beneficial and toxic effects in human health have been described. It is now clear that the importance of having adequate amounts of this micronutrient in the diet is primarily due to the fact that selenium is required for biosynthesis of selenocysteine, the twenty first naturally occurring amino acid in protein. In this review, we provide an overview of eukaryotic selenoproteins and selenoproteomes, which are sets of selenoproteins in these organisms. In eukaryotes, selenoproteins show a mosaic occurrence, with some organisms, such as vertebrates and algae, having dozens of these proteins, while …

Copper Transport Into The Secretory Pathway Is Regulated By Oxygen In Macrophages, Carine White, Taiho Kambe, Yan G. Fulcher, Sherri W. Sachdev, Ashley I. Bush, Kevin Fritsche, Jaekwon Lee, Thomas P. Quinn, Michael J. Petris

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Copper is an essential nutrient for a variety of biochemical processes; however, the redox properties of copper also make it potentially toxic in the free form. Consequently, the uptake and intracellular distribution of this metal is strictly regulated. This raises the issue of whether specific pathophysiological conditions can promote adaptive changes in intracellular copper distribution. In this study, we demonstrate that oxygen limitation promotes a series of striking alterations in copper homeostasis in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Hypoxia was found to stimulate copper uptake and to increase the expression of the copper importer, CTR1. This resulted in increased copper delivery to …

Targeting The Fatty Acid Transport Proteins (Fatp) To Understand The Mechanisms Linking Fatty Acid Transport To Metabolism, Paul N. Black, Angel Sandoval, Elsa Arias-Barrau, Concetta C. Dirusso

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

One principal process driving fatty acid transport is vectorial acylation, where fatty acids traverse the membrane concomitant with activation to CoA thioesters. Current evidence is consistent with the proposal that specific fatty acid transport (FATP) isoforms alone or in concert with specific long chain acyl CoA synthetase (Acsl) isoforms function to drive this energy-dependent process. Understanding the details of vectorial acylation is of particular importance as disturbances in lipid metabolism many times leads to elevated levels of circulating free fatty acids, which in turn increases fatty acid internalization and ectopic accumulation of triglycerides. This is associated with changes in fatty …

A Role For The Atp7a Copper-Transporting Atpase In Macrophage Bactericidal Activity, Carine White, Jaekwon Lee, Taiho Kambe, Kevin Fritsche, Michael J. Petris

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Copper is an essential micronutrient that is necessary for healthy immune function. This requirement is underscored by an increased susceptibility to bacterial infection in copper-deficient animals; however, a molecular understanding of its importance in immune defense is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of proinflammatory agents on copper homeostasis in RAW264.7 macrophages. Interferon-γ was found to increase expression of the high affinity copper importer, CTR1, and stimulate copper uptake. This was accompanied by copper-stimulated trafficking of the ATP7A copper exporter from the Golgi to vesicles that partially overlapped with phagosomal compartments. Silencing of ATP7A expression attenuated bacterial killing, …

Copper Transport Activity Of Yeast Ctr1 Is Down-Regulated Via Its C Terminus In Response To Excess Copper, Xiaobin Wu, Devis Sinani, Heejeong Kim, Jaekwon Lee

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Copper is an essential yet toxic trace element. The Ctr1 family of proteins plays a critical role for copper uptake in eukaryotes. However, the mechanisms of action of Ctr1 are largely unknown. Our previous data demonstrated that copper transport induces conformational changes in the cytosolic C terminus of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ctr1. To define the physiological significance of this molecular event and gain better insights into the mechanism of Ctr1-mediated copper uptake, we have characterized the functional roles of the Ctr1 C terminus.ACtr1 mutant lacking the entire C-terminal cytosolic tail is functional in high affinity copper uptake; however, yeast …

Ulk-Atg13-Fip200 Complexes Mediate Mtor Signaling To The Autophagy Machinery, Chang Hwa Jung, Chang Bong Jun, Seung-Hyun Ro, Young-Mi Kim, Neil Michael Otto, Jing Cao, Mondira Kundu, Do-Hyung Kim

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

Autophagy, the starvation-induced degradation of bulky cytosolic components, is up-regulated in mammalian cells when nutrient supplies are limited. Although mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is known as the key regulator of autophagy induction, the mechanism by which mTOR regulates autophagy has remained elusive. Here, we identify that mTOR phosphorylates a mammalian homologue of Atg13 and the mammalian Atg1 homologues ULK1 and ULK2. The mammalian Atg13 binds both ULK1 and ULK2 and mediates the interaction of the ULK proteins with FIP200. The binding of Atg13 stabilizes and activates ULK and facilitates the phosphorylation of FIP200 by ULK, whereas knockdown of Atg13 …

Editorial: Dietary Lipid Absorption, Concetta Dirusso, Paul N. Black

Department of Biochemistry: Faculty Publications

The composition of dietary fat influences tissue fatty acid composition, which in turn impacts cellular function through a number of different processes. This includes changes in signaling, lipid metabolism, and transcriptional activities that normally function to maintain intracellular fatty acid homeostasis. The consumption of high levels of dietary fat in excess of caloric expenditure is linked with obesity and the disruption of normal homeostatic mechanisms governing lipid metabolism. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that obesity (defined as a BMI≥30) represents a considerable health concern in the United States. Of particular note is that for adult …

Caenorhabditis Elegans Genomic Response To Soil Bacteria Predicts Environment-Specific Genetic Effects On Life History Traits, Joseph D. Coolon, Kenneth L. Jones, Timothy C. Todd, Bryanua C. Carr, Michael A. Herman

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

With the post-genomic era came a dramatic increase in high-throughput technologies, of which transcriptional profiling by microarrays was one of the most popular. One application of this technology is to identify genes that are differentially expressed in response to different environmental conditions. These experiments are constructed under the assumption that the differentially expressed genes are functionally important in the environment where they are induced. However, whether differential expression is predictive of functional importance has yet to be tested. Here we have addressed this expectation by employing Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for the interaction of native soil nematode taxa and …

Switchgrass For Bioethanol And Other Value-Added Applications: A Review, Deepak R. Keshwani, Jay J. Cheng

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Switchgrass is a promising feedstock for value-added applications due to its high productivity, potentially low requirements for agricultural inputs and positive environmental impacts. The objective of this paper is to review published research on the conversion of switchgrass into bioethanol and other value-added products. Environmental benefits associated with switchgrass include the potential for carbon sequestration, nutrient recovery from runoff, soil remediation and provision of habitats for grassland birds. Pretreatment of switchgrass is required to improve the yields of fermentable sugars. Based on the type of pretreatment, glucose yields range from 70% to 90%, and xylose yields range from 70% to …

Plant Sterol And Policosanol Characterization Of Hexane Extracts From Grain Sorghum, Corn, And Their Ddgs, Caolina Leguizamón, Curtis L. Weller, Vicki L. Schlegel, Timothy P. Carr

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Plant sterols (PS) and policosanols (PC) have been attributed with plasma cholesterol-lowering properties in humans. Hexane extracts from grain sorghum, corn and their distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS), an important co-product of ethanol production, contain these health promoting compounds, which could be used to develop health promoting dietary products. However, limited information is currently available regarding optimal methods of extraction and their influence on plant sterol or PC levels and compositions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify lipids, particularly PS and PC extracted from grain sorghum and its DDGS using reflux and Soxtec methods. Corn and …

Sorghum Distillers Dried Grain Lipid Extract Increases Cholesterol Excretion And Decreases Plasma And Liver Cholesterol Concentration In Hamsters, Jia Tse Hoi, Curtis L. Weller, Vicki Schlegel, Susan L. Cuppett, Ji-Young Lee, Timothy P. Carr

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Grain sorghum is a rich source of phytochemicals. In this study, male hamsters were fed AIN-93M diets supplemented with a hexane-extractable lipid fraction from sorghum distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Diets contained 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 5.0% (w/w) DDGS lipid extract. After 4 wk, the 5.0% DDGS lipids group had significantly lower plasma non-HDL cholesterol and liver esterified cholesterol concentration. Fecal neutral sterol (i.e., cholesterol) excretion was significantly higher in the 5.0% DDGS lipids group compared to the other treatments (66% higher compared to controls). Bile acid excretion was not affected by DDGS lipid intake. Fecal cholesterol excretion was …

Antiproliferation Properties Of Grain Sorghum Dry Distiller’S Grain Lipids In Caco-2 Cells, Richard Zbasnik, Timothy P. Carr, Curtis L. Weller, Keum Taek Hwang, Lijun Wang, Susan L. Cuppett, Vicki Schlegel

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Antiproliferative properties of lipids extracted from grain sorghum (GS) dry distiller’s grain (DDG) were analyzed to determine the feasibility of developing GS coproducts as a source for human health dietary ingredients. The lipid extract of GSDDG was delivered to human colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cells by solubilizing 0−1000 μg/mL of GS-DDG lipids in 100 μg/mL increments with micelles. A significant reduction in cell viability (25−50%) resulted at treatment levels of 400−1000 μg/mL GS-DDG lipids (p < 0.05). Alternatively, total protein levels of cells treated with 400, 500, and 600 μg/mL of GS-DDG lipid were not significantly different from the control, indicating cell growth during the treatment period. Total cell counts for the control were not significantly different from the GS-DDG lipid treated cells, but dead cell counts increased by 10% for the latter sample with a concomitant increase of the intercellular protein lactate dehydrogenase leakage (30−40%) in the medium. Preliminary analysis by the fluorescence-activated cell method (FACs) demonstrated that nonviable cells were in either the early apoptotic, late apoptotic, or necrotic stage post-treatment with 400, 500, and 600 μg/mL GS-DDG lipids. Physiochemical characterization of the GS-DDG lipids used for the antiproliferation study showed the presence of vitamin E (predominantly γ-tocopherol), triacylglycerides (predominantly linoleic acid), policosanols, aldehydes, and sterols (predominantly campesterol and stigmasterol), each of which or as synergistic/additive group of constituents may be responsible for the antiproliferative effect.

Impact Of Body Condition Score On Reproductive Performance In Young Postpartum Range Cows Grazing Native Range, J. T. Mulliniks, S. H. Cox, M. E. Kemp, R. L. Endecott, R. C. Waterman, D. M. Vanleeuwen, M. K. Petersen

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Body condition score (BCS) is used as a management tool to predict reproduction of young beef cows. The objective was to determine the effects of BCS at calving on pregnancy rates, days to first estrus (DTFE), nutrient status (assessed by blood metabolites), and calf BW change in 315, 2- and 3-yr-old cows grazing native range over 5 yr at the Corona Range and Livestock Research Center, NM. Palpable BCS (1 to 9) were determined by experienced technicians prior to calving. Cows were assigned to 1 of 4 BCS groups: Thin (T; BCS = 3.5 …

Corrected Species Identification Of The Predator Orius Pumilio (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) In A Research Colony, Jeffrey P. Shapiro, Stephen M. Ferkovich

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Our laboratories have reported on the predatory minute pirate bugs (Family Anthocoridae) in a research colony that was obtained in Dec 2002. The species was originally thought to be Orius insidiosus (Say) (Ferkovich & Shapiro 2004a, 2004b, 2007; Ferkovich & Shapiro 2005a, 2005b, 2005c; Ferkovich et al. 2007). However, specimens from the colony were identified as O. pumilio (Champion) by T. Lewis (USDA, ARS, Wapato, WA) in Apr 2008, not O. insidiosus as previously reported in the publications listed above.

2009 Beef Cattle Report

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Table of Contents 2009 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Cow/Calf
Effect of Winter Grazing System and Supplementation on Beef Cow and Progeny Performance
Effect of Estrus Synchronization with a Single Injection of Prostaglandin During Natural Service Mating
Limit Feeding Beef Cows with Bunkered Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles or Distillers Solubles
Estimating Livestock Forage Demand: Defining the Animal Unit
Moving Beyond Weight as the Only Predictor of Breeding Readiness: Using a Breeding Maturity Index
The Effects of Breeding Maturity on Dystocia and Rebreeding of the Primiparous Beef Female
An Economic Budget for Determining Co-Product Storage Costs

Growing
Replacing Fertilizer Nitrogen with …

Effect Of Winter Grazing System And Supplementation On Beef Cow And Progeny Performance, Richard N. Funston, Jeremy Martin, Don C. Adams, Daniel Larson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cows grazed winter range (WR) or corn residue (CR) during late gestation and received protein supplement (PS) of 1 lb/day 28% CP cubes or no supplement (NS). Pre-calving and pre-breeding body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were greater for PS and CR cows. Pregnancy rate was not affected by treatments. Calf weaning BW was greater for PS cows that grazed WR. Final BW and 12th rib fat tended to be greater for steers from cows on CR. Steers from PS cows graded a higher proportion USDA Choice or greater. More heifers were pubertal before breed¬ing from dams receiving …

Fatty Acid Profile Of Three Beef Muscles From Yearlings And Calf-Fed Steers Fed Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles, Amilton S. De Mello Jr., Chris R. Calkins, Blaine E. Jenschke, Lasika S. Senaratne, Timothy P. Carr, Galen E. Erickson, Mike E. R. Dugan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) finishing diets on the fatty acid profile of beef. Ribeye slices (m. Longissimus thoracis), tenderloins (m. Psoas major), and top blades (m. Infraspinatus) were analyzed. Calf-fed (Experiment 1) and yearling steers (Experiment 2) (n = 96 each) were allocated into three treatments of 0%, 15% or 30% WDGS (DM basis) for each experiment. For all muscles, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels were higher in beef from animals fed 30% WDGS. Except in tenderloins in Experiment 1, trans fatty acids increased linearly with …

Modified Wet Distillers Grains Finishing Diets May Increase The Levels Of Polyunsaturated And Trans Fatty Acids Of Beef, Amilton S. De Mello Jr., Chris R. Calkins, Lasika S. Senaratne, Timothy P. Carr, Galen E. Erickson, Mike E. R. Dugan, Blaine E. Jenschke

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Yearling steers (n=268) were fed 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50 % modified wet distillers grains with solubles (MWDGS; DM basis). Marbling attributes, intramuscular fat content and fatty acid profile of beef were analyzed. Treatments did not alter marbling score, marbling distribution or fat content. Slight differences were identified for marbling texture of Choice carcasses. Values of polyunsaturated, Omega 6 and trans fatty acids linearly increased as levels of modified wet distillers grains increased. Feeding this byproduct increases polyunsaturated, trans and Omega 6 fatty acids in beef.

Fatty Acid Composition Of Beef From Cattle Fed Wet Distillers Grains Diets Supplemented With Vitamin E, Lasika S. Senaratne, Chris R. Calkins, Amilton S. De Mello Jr., Timothy P. Carr, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Crossbred yearlings (n = 90) were allotted to one of ten diets containing 0%, 20% and 40% wet distillers grains (WDG) with or without vitamin E supplementation and distillers solubles. Strip loin and tenderloin steaks were obtained and tested for their fatty acid profiles using gas chromatography. WDG diets increased linearly (P < 0.05) the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) containing 18 or more carbons and trans fatty acids in both muscles. No significant differences were found for total saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Dietary inclusion of neither vitamin E nor distiller solubles significantly changed PUFA, trans, omega-6 or omega-3 fats in strip loins and tenderloins. Therefore, changes in the fat¬ty acid profile of beef are a consequence of WDG, not the solubles or vitamin E.

A Rapid Method To Evaluate Oxidation Capacity Of Fresh Beef, Lasika S. Senaratne, Chris R. Calkins, Amilton S. De Mello Jr., Timothy P. Carr

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A method to determine the capacity of beef to oxidize was developed by spectrophotometrically measuring the formation of conjugated dienes after inducing oxidation. The assay was tested by comparing the oxidation capacity and oxidation products (2-thiobabutaric acid reactive substances) of beef stored in a cooler with various packaging types. There was an inverse relationship between oxidation capacity and oxidation products. As oxidation increases, the oxidation capacity of samples declines. This method of measuring oxidation capacity provides useful information without having to wait for oxidation to occur.

Impact Of A New Direct-Fed Microbial On Intake And Ruminal Ph, Kelsey Rolfe, Nathan Meyer, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Ryan Mass

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Nine ruminally fistulated steers were used in a metabolism experiment to evaluate the effect of a new direct-fed microbial (DFM) on acidosis. No statistical differences were observed in dry matter intake (DMI). Minimum pH was significantly lower in steers fed the DFM during grain adaptation, resulting in a greater change in ruminal pH and pH variance for steers fed DFM during grain adaptation. However, once steers were on the finishing diet, no differences were detected due to treatment.

Feeding Distillers Grains And E. Coli O157:H7, Terry J. Klopfenstein, David R. Smith, Galen E. Erickson, Rodney A. Moxley

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The diet of feedlot cattle may affect the bacterial population in the hindgut, includingE. coli O157:H7. Some research studies have shown a relationship between feeding of distillers grains and E. coli O157:H7 shedding. However, other studies do not show the same relationship. Our evaluation of research indicates feeding distillers grains is not related to 2007 ground beef recalls. Furthermore, interventions such as vaccination are more important than identifying various feedstuffs that may influence shedding.

Moving Beyond Weight As The Only Predictor Of Breeding Readiness: Using A Breeding Maturity Index, Matthew Stockton, Roger K. Wilson, Richard N. Funston, Leslie Aaron Stalker, Dillon Feuz

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A maturity index (MI) was developed using data from Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory to predict a heifer’s optimal size for breeding. It was developed from observable information such as age, feeding regime, pre-breeding, birth and dam weights. The MI was the most precise predictor of actual percentage of mature weight versus using estimates developed from the herd’s estimated average weight or the dam’s mature weight. The MI also was a more accurate predictor of first pregnancy than the typically applied measure.

Avian Use Of Harvested Crop Fields In North Dakota During Spring Migration, Alegra M. Galle, George M. Linz, H. Jeffrey Homan, William J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Broad-spectrum herbicide applications and improved harvesting efficiency of crops have reduced the availability of weed seeds and waste grains for game and nongame wildlife. Over the last decade, corn and soybean plantings have steadily increased in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North Dakota, while sunflower plantings have declined. The PPR is an important corridor for migratory birds, and changes in food availabilities at stopover habitats may affect how food resources are used. In early spring 2003 and 2004, we compared bird use of harvested fields of sunflower, soybeans, small grains, and corn in the PPR of North Dakota. Across …

Journal Of The National Collegiate Honors Council, Vol. 10, No. 1, Spring/Summer 2009

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

CONTENTS

Call for Papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Submission Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Dedication to Mitch Pruitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Editor’s Introduction (Ada Long) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

FORUM ON “SOCIAL CLASS AND HONORS” …

Editorial Matter

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

Front Cover

EDITORIAL POLICY

DEADLINES

JOURNAL EDITORS

EDITORIAL BOARD

CONTENTS

CALL FOR PAPERS

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Journal Of The National Collegiate Honors Council - Volume 10, No. 2 - Complete Issue, Kate Briggs

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

Honors in the Electronic Age George Mariz 17

Postmodern Prometheans: Academic Libraries, Information Technologies, and the Cut-and-Paste Aesthetic Emily Walshe 23

Immigrant Song: A Cautionary Note about Technology and Honors Richard Badenhausen 29

Digital Deliberations Stephen A. Yoder 35

It’s the Pedagogy, Stupid Richard Ira Scott and Donna Bowman 41

Building a Better Honors Learning Community through Technology Melissa L. Johnson 45

Action, Connection, Communication: The Honors Classroom in the Digital Age Frances A. Kelleher and Susan Swartzlander 49

Implementing Wikis in Honors Courses Philip L. Frana 53

Using Flickr to Connect a Multi-Campus Honors Community Laura A. Guertin and …

Journal Of The National Collegiate Honors Council - Volume 10, No. 2 - Editorial Matter

Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council Online Archive

Honors in the Electronic Age George Mariz 17

Postmodern Prometheans: Academic Libraries, Information Technologies, and the Cut-and-Paste Aesthetic Emily Walshe 23

Immigrant Song: A Cautionary Note about Technology and Honors Richard Badenhausen 29

Digital Deliberations Stephen A. Yoder 35

It’s the Pedagogy, Stupid Richard Ira Scott and Donna Bowman 41

Building a Better Honors Learning Community through Technology Melissa L. Johnson 45

Action, Connection, Communication: The Honors Classroom in the Digital Age Frances A. Kelleher and Susan Swartzlander 49

Implementing Wikis in Honors Courses Philip L. Frana 53

Using Flickr to Connect a Multi-Campus Honors Community Laura A. Guertin and …

Animal Science Alumni News, Winter/Spring 2008-2009

Department of Animal Science: Departmental News

Faculty Activities: From the Interim Department Head’s Desk
Current Faculty: Ivan Rush Retires
New Faculty: Daniel C. Ciobanu
American Society of Animal Science Celebrates Its Centennial
Emeriti Faculty: Bob Fritschen, Irv Omtvedt
Block and Bridle Annual Steak Fry
Block & Bridle Kids’ Day
SEECA Activities Update
Changes in Dissemination of News to our Supporters
Judging: 2008 Livestock Judging Team
Meat Judging Team
Equestrian Team: New Season, New Region
Alumni News Updates: Elizabeth (Beth) Maricle, B.S. ’06 , Dr. Steven Pollmann, Ph.D. ’79 , Dennis L. Nun, B.S. ‘74, M.S. ’75
Successful Swine Business Highlights Jim Pillen’s Career
Early Experience with …

Effects Of Chemical Composition Variation On The Dynamics Of Ruminal Fermentation And Biological Value Of Corn Milling (Co)Products, L. O. Tedeschi, Paul J. Kononoff, K. Karges, M. L. Gibson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the dynamics of gas production of several corn (co)products, to develop equations to predict the rate of ruminal fiber digestion, to estimate total digestible nutrients (TDN) and net energy for lactation (NE_L), and to assess the stochasticity of chemical composition and nutritive value variability. Four corn milling (co)products were evaluated in this study: high protein dried distillers grains (HP-DDG), corn bran (BRAN) and dehydrated germ (GERM), and a dried distillers grains plus soluble produced with a low-heat drying process (BPX). Alfalfa hay was used as an internal standard feed in …