Digital Commons Network^™

Accomplishments 1997 - 2000, Nebraska Network 21

Nebraska Network 21: Publications

NN21 wants to help education in Nebraska not only survive, but thrive in the changes ahead.
Nebraska Network 21's accomplishments are the result of partnerships between Nebraska higher education institutions and their constituents. This report gives us a chance to share a few of our success stories.
Now we are ready to take the next step. We're working to build on our successes and continue influencing the lives of Nebraskans across the state.

January 2001 - Staff Meeting Minutes

ALEC Committee Minutes

No abstract provided.

Genetic And Phenotypic Parameters For Dietary Selection Of Mountain Big Sagebrush (Artemisia Tridentata Nutt. Ssp. Vaseyana [Rydb] Beetle) In Rambouillet Sheep, G. D. Snowder, J. W. Walker, K. L. Launchbaugh, L. Dale Van Vleck

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The heritability of diet selection for mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana [Rydb] Beetle) by grazing sheep was estimated from fecal samples collected from 549 Rambouillet ewes. Fecal samples were collected in September and October during 1996 and 1997 from free-grazing ewes on intermountain sagebrush-bunchgrass rangelands at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Idaho. The total number of fecal samples was 1,949. Fecal samples were evaluated for composition of big sagebrush by near-infrared spectroscopy. Percentage of sagebrush in the diet was less in September than in October (21.6 vs 31.7%, respectively). Single-trait and bivariate derivative-free REML analyses …

Abrogation Of Disease Development In Plants Expressing Animal Antiapoptotic Genes, M. B. Dickman, Y. K. Park, T. Oltersdorf, W. Li, T. Clemente, Roy C. French

Department of Plant Pathology: Faculty Publications

An emerging topic in plant biology is whether plants display analogous elements of mammalian programmed cell death during development and defense against pathogen attack. In many plant– pathogen interactions, plant cell death occurs in both susceptible and resistant host responses. For example, specific recognition responses in plants trigger formation of the hypersensitive response and activation of host defense mechanisms, resulting in restriction of pathogen growth and disease development. Several studies indicate that cell death during hypersensitive response involves activation of a plant-encoded pathway for cell death. Many susceptible interactions also result in host cell death, although it is not clear …

Intsormil 2001 Annual Report, John M. Yohe, Thomas Crawford Jr., Joan Frederick, Dorothy Stoner

INTSORMIL Impacts and Bulletins

Presently, worldwide, more than 800 million people are hungry and over one billion are desperately poor, and food demand is increasing rapidly. The majority of poor live in rural areas in developing countries and agricultural and food systems development is vital to economic growth; improving environmental quality; strengthening nutrition, health and child survival; improving the status of women; and promoting democratization. It is estimated that, between 1980 and 2030, the population ofow- and middle-income countries will more than double-to seven billion, compared with one billion for high-income countries. In the next 35 years, 2.5 billion people will be added to …

Fluxnet: A New Tool To Study The Temporal And Spatial Variability Of Ecosystem-Scale Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, And Energy Flux Densities, Dennis Baldocchi, Eva Falge, Lianhong Gu, Richard Olson, David Hollinger, Steve Running, Peter Anthoni, Ch. Bernhofer, Kenneth Davis, Robert Evans, Jose Fuente, Allen Goldstein, Gabriel Katul, Beverly Law, Xuhui Lee, Yadvinder Malhi, Tilden Meyers, William Munge, Walt Oechel, K.T. Paw U, Kim Pilegaard, H.P. Schmid, Riccardo Valentini, Shashi Verma, Timo Vesala, Kell Wilson, Steve Wofsy

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

FLUXNET is a global network of micrometeorological flux measurement sites that measure the exchanges of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and energy between the biosphere and atmosphere. At present over 140 sites are operating on a long-term and continuous basis. Vegetation under study includes temperate conifer and broadleaved (deciduous and evergreen) forests, tropical and boreal forests, crops, grasslands, chaparral, wetlands, and tundra. Sites exist on five continents and their latitudinal distribution ranges from 70°N to 30°S.

FLUXNET has several primary functions. First, it provides infrastructure for compiling, archiving, and distributing carbon, water, and energy flux measurement, and meteorological, plant, and soil …

What's Missing In Honors Education: A Theory-Driven Approach, Cheryl L. Achterberg

Innovations in Undergraduate Research and Honors Education: Proceedings of the Second Schreyer National Conference 2001

If honors education is to thrive and mature in the future, better informed and more systematic thinking should be used to design and implement honors programs. The purpose of this paper is to establish a case for theory-driven research and practice as a means to improve honors education. It identifies the goals of honors education and then reasons that honors education should incorporate theory in order to advance the field. Theory is identified as a set of inter-related concepts, definitions, and propositions that specify how and why a phenomenon occurs. The most important function of a theory in honors education.is …

Community Action Research: A Three-Part Servicelearning Course Model, Joann C. Vender

Innovations in Undergraduate Research and Honors Education: Proceedings of the Second Schreyer National Conference 2001

This paper discusses a model for a three-part service-learning course developed by the Schreyer Honors College and Department of Geography at Penn State. Piloted during the spring, summer, and fall semesters of 2001, "Geography 298H--Experiences in International Service Learning: Juarez, Mexico" was designed to engage participants in a meaningful community development project while learning about the conditions, challenges, and prospects of a specific world region. After a semester of background preparation that included discussions with faculty members across many disciplines and team research resulting in a l48-page field guide, participating students traveled to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where they constructed a …

The Potential For Spread Of Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Via Commercial Sweet Cherry Fruit: A Critical Review And Risk Assessment, C. H. Wearing, J. D. Hansen, C. Whyte, C. E. Miller, J. Brown

USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory

The identity, geographical distribution, and host range of codling moth is reviewed, and the evidence for sweet cherry being a host is critically analyzed. A model is described which assesses the risk of codling moth being spread through international trade in sweet cherries, as exemplified by exports from, respectively, New Zealand and USA to Japan in winter and summer. The model is based on the recorded incidence of codling moth in cherries and its estimated probability of survival during storage, transport to, and arrival in Japan, using data from specific studies and from wider knowledge of the phenology, life history, …

Enhancing Rural Sustainability Project Status Report

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

For the past year, the PPC has been working to identify a small list of key issues related to enhancing rural sustainability that would benefit from University research, with special attention paid to research activities already underway or in the planning process at the University. We also have been considering procedural options to determine the best way to facilitate the research to be conducted.

Cd-Rom Nutrient Analysis Database Assists Self-Monitering Behavior Of Active Duty Air Force Personnel Receiving Nutrient Counseling For Weight Loss, Jane E. Heetderks-Cox, Betty B. Alford, Carolyn M. Bednar, Cynthia J. Heiss, Lisa A. Tauai, Kimberly K. Edgren

United States Air Force: Publications

This study observed the effect of using a computerized vs. a manual method of self-monitoring among Air Force personnel receiving nutrition counseling for weight loss.

Ec01-219 2001 Nebraska Swine Report, Duane Reese

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The 2001 Nebraska Swine Report was prepared by the staff in Animal Science and cooperating Departments for use in Extension, Teaching and Research programs. This publications deals with research on swine reproduction, breeding, health, nutrition, economics, and housing.

Use Of Heart Girth To Predict Body Weight Of Working Oxen In The Ethiopian Highlands, M. R. Goe, J. R. Alldredge, D. Light

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Few studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa where multiple recordings of heart girth and body weight were made for the same cattle population. In this study, monthly measurements were taken of working oxen on 24 smallholder farms in the Ethiopian highlands for 1 year. The overall yearly mean body weight of oxen across working and nonworking periods was 281 ± 37 kg. No significant differences in mean monthly body weights were observed, except for December and January compared to August (297 ± 36 and 296 ± 37, and 271 ± 35 kg, respectively, P2values for the monthly equations ranged …

Preliminary Findings On The Experimental Transmission Of Chronic Wasting Disease Agent Of Mule Deer To Cattle, Amir N. Hamir, Randall C. Cutlip, Janice M. Miller, Elizabeth S. Williams, Mick J. Stack, Michael W. Miller, Katherine I. O'Rourke, Melanie J. Chaplin

Zoonotics and Wildlife Disease: Publications

To determine the transmissibility of chronic wasting disease (CWD) to cattle and to provide information about clinical course, lesions, and suitability of currently used diagnostic procedures for detection of CWD in cattle, 13 calves were inoculated intracerebrally with brain suspension from mule deer naturally affected with CWD. Between 24 and 27 months postinoculation, 3 animals became recumbent and were euthanized. Gross necropsies revealed emaciation in 2 animals and a large pulmonary abscess in the third. Brains were examined for protease-resistant prion protein (PrP^res) by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting and for scrapie-associated fibrils (SAFs) by negative-stain electron microscopy. Microscopic …

Highlights Of Drought Policy And Related Science In Australia And The U.S.A., David H. White, Donald A. Wilhite, Bruce O’Meagher, Graeme L. Hammer

National Drought Mitigation Center: Faculty Publications

Patterns of water supply and use in Australia and the U.S.A. differ in many ways. This results in different perceptions concerning the nature of drought and policy approaches to its management. This paper discusses the differences and similarities and explores lessons that policy makers in both countries can learn from one another. A key difference between the two countries is that whereas drought is perceived in Australia essentially in terms of its impact on agriculture, in the U.S. both perceptions and policy are also heavily influenced by the impact of drought on urban communities. This has led to different policy …

Hematological And Serum Chemistry Norms For Sandhill And Whooping Cranes, Glenn H. Olsen, Melina M. Hendricks, Lindsay E. Dressler

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The nonnal values used as a diagnostic tool and for comparison of cranes were established in the early 1970's. In that early study, no effort was made to look at factors such as age, sex, or subspecies. In addition, during the early study disease problems (primarily disseminated visceral coccidiosis) and nutritional problems were undiagnosed and uncontrolled. For 2 years during the annual health examinations of cranes at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (patuxent), we collected blood from healthy cranes for analysis. We found significant differences between the values reported from the 1970's and the values seen in this study …

Benchmarking In Heatlh Care Foodservice Operations, J.J. Reagon, C.M. Bedmar, M. Worley

United States Army: Publications

A questionnaire focusing on benchmarking measures and practices was developed and pilot tested with 22 foodservice directors at healthcare facilities. A revised questionnaire was mailed nationwide to 200 members of the American Society of Healthcare Foodservice Administrators and 200 members of the American Dietetic Association Practice Group, Management in Food and Nutrition Systems. The 111 respondents (28% response rate) included mostly self-operating foodservice directors using conventional production systems at facilities with an average of 300 patient beds. Nearly all used some type of benchmarking; however, only 28 facilities were benchmarking clinical productivity. Eighty-eight directors had used a benchmarking partner. Most …

Lab Fattening And Non-Invasive Estimates Of Body Composition In Deer Mice, Edward T. Unangst, Michael J. Blair, Matthew W. Granger, David W. Hale

United States Air Force: Publications

Total body electrical conductivity measurements and lipid composition were determined for the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) to derive species specific calibration equations for use with EM-SCAN estimates of lean and fat tissue. For each individual, total body electrical conductivity was measured by EM-SCAN, and actual lipid content was determined by chemical extraction. Then, using estimated and actual lipid values, separate calibration equations were generated for freshly captured (lean) and laboratory maintained (fat) individuals, and a combined equation was derived for all individuals. These equations were variable in the accuracy of lipid estimates; the lowest relative error estimate (percent …

Impact 2001, Jim Peterson, David J. Goeller, Keith Glewen, David R. Smith, James E. Specht, Kenneth Vogel, Mark Svoboda, Blair D. Siegfried, Terry L. Mader, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Richard Perrin

Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources: News Releases

Index

Competitive Agricultural Systems in a Global Economy ............................................................. 1

Safe and Secure Food and Fiber Systems ............................................................. 20

Healthy, Well-Nourished Population ............................................................. 28

Greater Harmony Between Agriculture and the Environment ............................................................. 38

Economic Development and Quality of Life for People and Communities ............................................................. 46

Society-Ready Graduates ............................................................. 55

Zebra Mussel (Dreissena Polymorpha) Selective Filtration Promoted Toxic Microcystis Blooms In Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) And Lake Erie, Henry A. Vanderploeg, James R. Liebig, Wayne W. Carmichael, Megan A. Agy, Thomas H. Johengen, Gary L. Fahnenstiel, Thomas F. Nalepa

United States Department of Commerce: Staff Publications

Microcystis aeruginosa, a planktonic colonial cyanobacterium, was not abundant in the 2-year period before zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) establishment in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) but became abundant in three of five summers subsequent of mussel establishment. Using novel methods, we determined clearance, capture, and assimilation rates for zebra mussels feeding on natural and laboratory M. aeruginosa strains offered alone or in combination with other algae. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that zebra mussels promoted blooms of toxic M. aeruginosa in Saginaw Bay, western Lake Erie, and other lakes through selective rejection in pseudofeces. Mussels exhibited high …

Public Beliefs About The Preventability Of Unintentional Injury Deaths, Deborah C. Girasek

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

This report is based upon the results of a national random digit dialed telephone survey in which 943 adults were queried. Subjects reported the proportion of deaths due to motor vehicle crashes, falls, fires/burns, drowning and poisoning that they felt were preventable. On average, respondents believed that 56% of ‘fatal accidents’ were preventable; as were 62% of motor vehicle crash deaths, 53% of fall deaths, 67% of drownings, 62% of fire/burn fatalities and 70% of accidental poisonings. Logistic regression models predicting preventability beliefs differed according to the type of injury event in question, but socio-economic status and perceived alcohol involvement …

Center For Grassland Studies Newsletter, Winter 2001, Volume 7, No. 1

Center for Grassland Studies: Newsletters

Contents

Using the Nutritional Balance Analyzer (NUTBAL) Program to Track Crude Protein Values for Rangeland and CRP under Drought Conditions by Mary Schrader, Natural Resources Conservation Service

UNL Research Towards Biological Control of Turfgrass Diseases - Part II by Gary Yuen, Department of Plant Pathology, UNL

Nebraska Grazing Conference August 13-14

Natural Landscaping at City Library

2001-2002 Nebraska Ranch Practicum

USDA "PLANTS" Web Site

Ec01-158 Integrating Management Objectives And Grazing Strategies On Semi-Arid Rangeland, Patrick E. Reece, Jerry D. Volesky, Walter H. Schacht

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Rangelands account for about half of Nebraska's total land area or about 24 million acres. Much of these expansive natural resource areas are in the semi-arid climatic region of Nebraska where grazing management decisions have a profound effect on ranch survival.

The educational object of this circular is to explain management practices that optimize the sustainability of rangeland-based enterprises. Additionally a decision-support tool is provided for selecting grazing systems best suited to livestock production and natural resource management objectives.

Dietary Manipulation To Reduce Ammonia Concentration In Nursery Pig Facilities, Janeth J. Colina, Austin Lewis, Phillip S. Miller, Robert L. Fischer

Nebraska Swine Reports

Five trials were conducted to determine the effects of Yucca schidigera extract or calcium chloride addition to the diet on aerial ammonia concentration and growth performance in nursery pigs. Trials were divided into two groups: preliminary studies (two trials) and major study (three trials). Pigs were fed one of three diets in separate, environmentally regulated rooms: 1) Control, containing 23% CP; 2) Control diet plus 125 ppm of Yucca schidigera extract; and 3) Control plus 1.95% calcium chloride. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and ADG/ADFI were recorded weekly. Aerial ammonia concentration was measured daily using aspiration …

Plasma Urea Concentrations Of Pigs On Commercial Operations, Robert Fischer, Phillip S. Miller, Austin Lewis

Nebraska Swine Reports

Research was conducted on commercial swine operations to determine whether plasma urea concentrations could be used as an indicator of the protein requirement of growing-finishing pigs. The research consisted of a 30-question survey and an on-farm visit to collect blood and feed samples. The survey included questions about genetics, nutrition, housing and health. Results showed that when plasma urea concentrations were analyzed across all phases of production, barrows had greater plasma urea concentrations than gilts. Plasma urea concentrations varied between the different phases of production, with nursery pigs having the lowest plasma urea concentrations, followed by growing and finishing pigs, …

Review: Factors Affecting Decisions On When To Calve Beef Females, L. R. Sprott, Pas G. E. Selk, D. C. Adams

West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

The decision of when to calve beef females is critical to production efficiency and profitability in a cow and calf enterprise. Calf production and associated costs are affected by calving season because environmental conditions, stage of production, and season of the year interact to affect nutritional status and reproductive performance. Cow and calf producers typically choose to commence calving and breeding at times of the year when weather is least stressful and forage conditions are optimal. Choosing to do so can reduce the amount of supplemental feed needed to ensure acceptable pregnancy rates, resulting in reduced annual feed costs. However, …

2000-2001 Annual Report

Lancaster County, Nebraska Extension: Reports

Your Local Experts
Greetings
How Much is Expert Advice Worth?
The Buzz on Controlling Insects and Other Pests
Extension Helps Food Bank Pinpoint Source of Moths
Head Lice Video Gains Attention
Horticulture Programs Growing in Depth and Outreach
Composting Demonstrations Teach Community to Recycle Yard Waste
Volunteers Tend to Master Gardener Program
Salt Valley Clean Lakes Project
Lancaster County 2000-01 Honors and Awards
Agricultural Programs Remain Essential Part of Extension
Pesticide Container Recycling
Biosolids Program Merges Precision Ag With Waste Recycling
Helping People Put Knowledge to Work
2,000+ Pages of Web Content!
An "Omnimedia" Presence
Training the Trainers
Volunteers
Partnerships …

Agricultural Research Division Annual Report 2001

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

Table of Contents:

Our Mission ...................................................................................................... 2
Foreword.......................................................................................................... 3
Research Highlights........................................................................................... 4
Faculty Awards and Recognitions ........................................................................ 12
Graduate Student Awards and Recognitions ......................................................... 15
Undergraduate Honors Student Research Program ............................................... 18
Variety and Germplasm Releases ........................................................................ 19
Copyrights and Patents ...................................................................................... 25
Administration .................................................................................................. 26
Administrative Personnel .............................................................................. 26
Organizational Chart..................................................................................... 27
Administrative Units ..................................................................................... 28
IANR Research Facilities .............................................................................. 29
Faculty ............................................................................................................. 30
Agricultural/Natural Resources Units ............................................................. 31
Human Resources and Family Sciences Departments ...................................... 39
Off-Campus Research Centers ....................................................................... 40
Interdisciplinary Activities ............................................................................. 41
Visiting Scientists/Research Associates ................................................................. 42
Research Projects .............................................................................................. 47
Agricultural/Natural Resources Units ............................................................. …

Animal Science Alumni Newsletter, Winter 2001

Department of Animal Science: Departmental News

Contents:

From the Department Head’s Desk
Faculty Resignation
New Faculty
Faculty Recognition
Graduate Program
Research News
Block and Bridle Honoree of the Year

Ec01-156 Sugarbeet Production Guide, Jürg M. Blumenthal, Paul A. Burgener, K. James Fornstrom, Gary D. Franc, Robert M. Harveson, Gary L. Hein, Barry J. Jacobsen, Greg Johnson, Eric D. Kerr, Susan S. Martin, Steve Miller, Scott Nissen, Karen L. Palm, Lee Panella, John A. Smith, Robert G. Wilson, C. Dean Yonts

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sugarbeet and sugarcane are the major sources of sucrose, a sweetener in a vast range of foods. Total world production of sucrose was estimated at 126,500 metric tons in 1998-1999 of which 37 percent was from sugarbeet and 63 percent was from sugarcane. This Extension Circular discusses the importance of growing sugarbeets and sugarcane in the states of Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming.