Digital Commons Network^™

Structural Definition Of A Conserved Neutralization Epitope On Hiv-1 Gp120, Tongqing Zhou, Ling Xu, Barna Dey, Ann J. Hessell, Donald Van Ryk, Shi-Hua Xiang, Xinzhen Yang, Mei-Yun Zhang, Michael B. Zwick, James Arthos, Dennis R. Burton, Dimiter S. Dimitrov, Joseph Sodroski, Richard Wyatt, Gary J. Nabel, Peter D. Kwong

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The remarkable diversity, glycosylation and conformational flexibility of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env), including substantial rearrangement of the gp120 glycoprotein upon binding the CD4 receptor, allow it to evade antibody-mediated neutralization. Despite this complexity, the HIV-1 Env must retain conserved determinants that mediate CD4 binding. To evaluate how these determinants might provide opportunities for antibody recognition, we created variants of gp120 stabilized in the CD4-bound state, assessed binding of CD4 and of receptor-binding-site antibodies, and determined the structure at 2.3Å resolution of the broadly neutralizing antibody b12 in complex with gp120. b12 binds to a conformationally …

Structures Of The Ccr5 N Terminus And Of A Tyrosine-Sulfated Antibody With Hiv-1 Gp120 And Cd4, Chih-Chin Huang, Son N. Lam, Priyamvada Acharya, Min Tang, Shi-Hua Xiang, Syed Shahzad-Ul Hussan, Robyn L. Stanfield, James Robinson, Ian A. Wilson, Richard Wyatt, Carole A. Bewley, Peter D. Kwong

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The CCR5 co-receptor binds to the HIV-l gp120 envelope glycoprotein and facilitates HIV-l entry into cells. Its N terminus is tyrosine-sulfated, as are many antibodies that react with the co-receptor binding site on gp120. We applied nuclear magnetic resonance and crystallographic techniques to analyze the structure of the CCR5 N terminus and that of the tyrosine-sulfated antibody 412d in complex with gp120 and CD4. The conformations of tyrosine-sulfated regions of CCR5 (α-helix) and 412d (extendedloop) are surprisingly different. Nonetheless, a critical sulfotyrosine on CCR5 and on 412d induces similar structural rearrangements in gp120. These results now provide a framework for …

Functional Interplay Between The B-Box 2 And The B30.2(Spry) Domains Of Trim5Α, Xi Ling, Byeongwoon Song, Shi-Hua Xiang, Joseph Sodroski

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The retroviral restriction factors, TRIM5α and TRIMCyp, consist of RING and B-box 2 domains separated by a coiled coil from carboxy-terminal domains. These carboxy-terminal domains (the B30.2(SPRY) domain in TRIM5α and the cyclophilin A domain in TRIMCyp) recognize the retroviral capsid. Here we show that some B-box 2 changes in TRIM5α, but not in TRIMCyp, resulted in decreased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) capsid binding. The phenotypic effects of these B-box 2 changes on the restriction of retroviral infection depended on the potency of restriction and the affinity of the TRIM5α interaction with the viral capsid, two properties specified by the …

Characterization Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Monomeric And Trimeric Gp120 Glycoproteins Stabilized In The Cd4-Bound State: Antigenicity, Biophysics, And Immunogenicity, Barna Dey, Marie Pancera, Krisha Svehla, Yuuei Shu, Shi-Hua Xiang, Jeffrey Vainshtein, Yuxing Li, Joseph Sodroski, Peter D. Kwong, John R. Mascola, Richard Wyatt

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 exterior gp120 envelope glycoprotein is highly flexible, and this flexibility may contribute to the inability of monomeric gp120 immunogens to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. We previously showed that an S375W modification of a critical interfacial cavity central to the primary receptor binding site, the Phe43 cavity, stabilizes gp120 into the CD4-bound state. However, the immunological effects of this cavity-altering replacement were never tested. Subsequently, we screened other mutations that, along with the S375W alteration, might further stabilize the CD4-bound state. Here, we define a selected second cavity-altering replacement, T257S, and analyze the double mutations …

Georgeoral Immunization Of Rhesus Macaques With Adenoviral Hiv Vaccines Using Enteric-Coated Capsules, George T. Mercier, Pramod N. Nehete, Marco F. Passeri, Bharti N. Nehete, Eric A. Weaver, Nancy Smyth Templeton, Kimberly Schluns, Stephanie S. Buchl, K. Jagannadha Sastry, Michael A. Barry

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Targeted delivery of vaccine candidates to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract holds potential for mucosal immunization, particularly against mucosal pathogens like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among the different strategies for achieving targeted release in the GI tract, namely the small intestine, pH sensitive enteric coating polymers have been shown to protect solid oral dosage forms from the harsh digestive environment of the stomach and dissolve relatively rapidly in the small intestine by taking advantage of the luminal pH gradient. We developed an enteric polymethacrylate formulation for coating hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose (HPMC) capsules containing lyophilized Adenoviral type 5 (Ad5) vectors expressing HIV-1 gag …

Biological Opinion On The Operation Of The Missouri River Main Stem System, Operation And Maintenance Of The Missouri River Bank Stabilization And Navigation Project, And Operation Of The Kansas River Reservoir System

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has prepared this annual report for interested parties in accordance with reporting requirements of the Biological Opinion (BiOp) on the Operation of the Missouri River Main Stem System (System), Operation and Maintenance of the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project and Operation of the Kansas River Reservoir System, prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) dated November 30, 2000, and the Amendment thereto, dated December 16, 2003. This annual report also documents the Corps activities implemented under the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project, Iowa, …

Survey Of Selected Pathogens And Blood Parameters Of Northern Yellowstone Elk: Wolf Sanitation Effect Implications, Shannon M. Barber-Meyer, P. J. White, L. David Mech

United States Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Publications

The restoration or conservation of predators could reduce seroprevalences of certain diseases in prey if predation selectively removes animals exhibiting clinical signs. We assessed disease seroprevalences and blood parameters of 115 adult female elk (Cervus elaphus) wintering on the northern range of Yellowstone National Park [YNP] during 2000– 2005 and compared them to data collected prior to wolf (Canis lupus) restoration (WR) in 1995 and to two other herds in Montana to assess this prediction. Blood parameters were generally within two standard deviations of the means observed in other Montana herds (Gravelly-Snowcrest [GS] and Garnet Mountain …

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Omaha District Monthly Drought Report, August 2007

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

Current Conditions

Drought Outlook

Missouri River Region Mountain Snowpack Report

Ft. Peck, Montana

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Garrison, North Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Boat Ramp Information

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Other Areas of Interest/Concern

Oahe, South Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Mainstem Reservoir Information, Weekly Elevation Comparison 2 JULY 2007 through 30 JULY 2007

Mainstem Reservoir Storage Comparison Water Years 2004, 2005, 2006

Ft. Peck, MT

Garrison, ND

Oahe, SD

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Omaha District Monthly Drought Report, February 2007

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

Current Conditions

Drought Outlook

Missouri River Region Mountain Snowpack Report

Ft. Peck, Montana

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Garrison, North Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Boat Ramp Information

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Other Areas of Interest/Concern

Oahe, South Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Mainstem Reservoir Information, Weekly Elevation Comparison 1 JAN 2006 through 29 JAN 2006

Mainstem Reservoir Storage Comparison Water Years 2004, 2005, 2006

Ft. Peck, MT

Garrison, ND

Oahe, SD

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Omaha District Monthly Drought Report, June 2007

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

Current Conditions

Drought Outlook

Missouri River Region Mountain Snowpack Report

Ft. Peck, Montana

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Garrison, North Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Boat Ramp Information

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Other Areas of Interest/Concern

Oahe, South Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Mainstem Reservoir Information, Weekly Elevation Comparison 7 MAY 2007 through 28 MAY 2007

Mainstem Reservoir Storage Comparison Water Years 2004, 2005, 2006

Ft. Peck, MT

Garrison, ND

Oahe, SD

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Omaha District Monthly Drought Report, November 2007

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

Current Conditions

Drought Outlook

Ft. Peck, Montana

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Garrison, North Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Boat Ramp Information

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Other Areas of Interest/Concern

Oahe, South Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Mainstem Reservoir Information, Weekly Elevation Comparison 3 SEPT 2007 through 24 SEPT 2007

Mainstem Reservoir Storage Comparison Water Years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Ft. Peck, MT

Garrison, ND

Oahe, SD

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Omaha District Monthly Drought Report, October 2007

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

Current Conditions

Drought Outlook

Ft. Peck, Montana

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Garrison, North Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Boat Ramp Information

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Other Areas of Interest/Concern

Oahe, South Dakota

Reservoir Elevation Overview

Water Intake Overview

Access Overview

Noxious Weeds Overview

Cultural Resources Overview

Mainstem Reservoir Information, Weekly Elevation Comparison 3 SEPT 2007 through 24 SEPT 2007

Mainstem Reservoir Storage Comparison Water Years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Ft. Peck, MT

Garrison, ND

Oahe, SD

Radical Change Accidentally: The Emergence And Amplification Of Small Change, Donde Ashmos Plowman, Lakami T. Baker, Tammy E. Beck, Mukta Kulkarni, Stephanie Thomas Solansky, Deandra Villarreal Travis

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

A decision to offer breakfast to homeless people led to radical change in a church and its environment. Existing theories of change do not fully explain observations from our qualitative study; however, complexity theory constructs suggest how and why such change emerged. We offer four key findings. First, the radical change was unintended, emergent, and slow. Second, destabilizing conditions helped small changes to emerge and become radical. Third, subsequent actions amplified an initial small change and, though not intended to do so, promoted radical change. Finally, the dynamic interaction of amplifying actions, contextual conditions, and small changes led to continuous …

Evolutionary Theory And Political Leadership: Why Certain People Do Not Trust Decision Makers, Kevin Smith, Christopher W. Larimer, Levente Littvay, John Hibbing

Department of Political Science: Faculty Publications

Central to social systems are the attitudes of the rank and file toward those who make political decisions (leaders), and attitudes toward leaders are known to be characterized by two fundamental features. First, the modal attitude is acceptance of the necessity of leaders coupled with acute aversion to leaders who are believed to be motivated by ambition and avarice; second, people are highly variable with some being markedly more sensitive than others to the traits of leaders. But the theoretical basis for these empirical facts has yet to be fully elucidated. In this article, we offer such a theory by …

Expression Analysis Of Rice Defense-Related Genes In Turfgrass In Response To Magnaporthe Grisea, Young-Ki Jo, Guo-Liang Wang, Michael J. Boehm

Department of Plant Pathology: Faculty Publications

Magnaporthe grisea (anamorph = Pyricularia grisea) causes blast on rice (Oryza sativa) and gray leaf spot on turfgrass. Gray leaf spot is a serious disease on St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Virulence assays performed in this study revealed that M. grisea collected from rice could also cause disease on St. Augustinegrass and tall fescue. One rice isolate, Che86061, caused similar disease reactions on susceptible cultivars of rice and St. Augustinegrass and an incompatible interaction on resistant cultivars of both species. To explore whether …

Differential Engagement Of Tim-1 During Activation Can Positively Or Negatively Costimulate T Cell Expansion And Effector Function, Vijay K. Kuchroo, Sheng Xiao, Nader Najafian, Jay Reddy, Monica Albin, Chen Zhu, Eric Jensen, Jaimie Imitola, Thomas Korn, Ana C. Anderson, Zheng Zhang, Cristina Gutierrez, Thomas Moll, Raymond A. Sobel, Dale T. Umetsu, Hideo Yagita, Hisaya Akiba, Terry Strom, Mohamed H. Sayegh, Rosemarie H. Dekruyff, Samia J. Khoury

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

It has been suggested that T cell immunoglobulin mucin (Tim)-1 expressed on T cells serves to positively costimulate T cell responses. However, crosslinking of Tim-1 by its ligand Tim-4 resulted in either activation or inhibition of T cell responses, thus raising the issue of whether Tim-1 can have a dual function as a costimulator. To resolve this issue, we tested a series of monoclonal antibodies specifi c for Tim-1 and identifi ed two antibodies that showed opposite functional effects. One anti–Tim-1 antibody increased the frequency of antigen-specifi c T cells, the production of the proinfl ammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17, …

A Protein Encoded By The Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Latency-Related Gene Interacts With Specific Cellular Regulatory Proteins, Including Ccaat Enhancer Binding Protein Alpha, Florencia Meyer, Sandra Perez, Vicki Geiser, Mark Sintek, Melissa Inman, Clinton J. Jones

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Following acute infection, bovine herpesvirus 1 establishes latency in sensory neurons of trigeminal ganglia (TG). Reactivation from latency occurs periodically, resulting in the shedding of infectious virus. The latency-related (LR) RNA is abundantly expressed in TG of latently infected calves, and the expression of LR proteins is necessary for dexamethasone-induced reactivation from latency. Previously published studies also identified an alternatively spliced LR transcript which is abundantly expressed in TG at 7 days after infection and has the potential to encode a novel LR fusion protein. Seven days after infection is when extensive viral gene expression is extinguished in TG and …

Modulation Of Cd4 Co-Receptor Limits Spontaneous Autoimmunity When High-Affinity Transgenic Tcr Specific For Self-Antigen Is Expressed On A Genetically Resistant Background, Zsolt Illés, Hanspeter Waldner, Jay Reddy, Ana C. Anderson, Raymond A. Sobel, Vijay K. Kuchroo

Jay Reddy Publications

Myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) 139–151 is an immunodominant peptide that induces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in H-2^s SJL/J mice. While PLP 139–151-specific TCR transgenic (tg) 4E3 mice develop fulminant spontaneous disease on the susceptible SJL/J background, spontaneous EAE is dramatically reduced on the H-2^s congenic B10.S background. On this resistant background, we observed a high frequency of positively selected tg CD42CD82 (DN) thymocytes and peripheral DN tg T cells. Splenic DN tg T cells responded to anti-CD3 stimulation similarly to CD41 cells, but proliferative and cytokine responses to PLP 139–151 were blunted, implying that CD4 coreceptor down-regulation modulated …

Su.32. Myelin-Specific Regulatory T Cells Accumulate In The Central Nervous System, But Fail To Suppress Pathogenic Effector T Cells At The Peak Of Autoimmune Inflammation [Abstract Only], Thomas Korn, Mohamed Oukka, Jay Reddy, Estelle Betelli, Amit Awasthi, Raymond Sobel, Kai Wucherpfennig, Vijay K. Kuchroo

Jay Reddy Publications

Treatment with ex vivo generated regulatory T cells (Treg) has been regarded as highly attractive therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases. However, the dynamics and function of T-reg in autoimmunity are not well understood. Thus, we developed Foxp3gfp “knock-in” mice and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55/IAb tetramers to track autoantigen-specific effector T cells (T-eff) and T-reg in vivo during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model for multiple sclerosis. Following immunization with the encephalitogenic peptide MOG35–55 emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant, MOG35–55-tetramer-reactive, Foxp3+ T-reg expanded in the peripheral lymphoid compartment and readily accumulated in the central nervous system (CNS), but did not prevent …

Species-Specific Visitation And Removal Of Baits For Delivery Of Pharmaceuticals To Feral Swine, Tyler A. Campbell, David B. Long

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Within the domestic swine industry there is growing trepidation about the role feral swine (Sus scrofa) play in the maintenance and transmission of important swine diseases. Innovative disease management tools for feral swine are needed. We used field trials conducted in southern Texas from February to March 2006 to compare species-specific visitation and removal rates of fish-flavored and vegetable-flavored baits with and without commercially available raccoon (Procyon lotor) repellent (trial 1) and removal rates of baits deployed in a systematic and cluster arrangement (trial 2). During trial 1, 1) cumulative bait removal rates after four nights …

Review Of Infectious Diseases Of Wild Rodents By Dennis Padovan, Robert G. Mclean

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Infectious Diseases of Wild Rodents is a collection of reference material on a wide variety of infectious diseases documented in rodent species throughout the world. Editorially, this was a massive undertaking to provide a comprehensive and systematic coverage of the information on so many rodent species and infectious diseases in one volume. Although the information is not presented in much detail, the breadth of coverage makes this a good reference book for those interested in rodent diseases throughout the world. The information is presented in two different formats: disease information in the first part of the book is arranged by …

Nbs1 Mediates Atr-Dependent Rpa Hyperphosphorylation Following Replication-Fork Stall And Collapse, Karoline C. Manthey, Stephen Opiyo, Jason G. Glanzer, Diana Dimitrova, James Elliott, Gregory G. Oakley

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Post-translational phosphorylation of proteins provides a mechanism for cells to switch on or off many diverse processes, including responses to replication stress. Replication-stress-induced phosphorylation enables the rapid activation of numerous proteins involved in DNA replication, DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoints, including replication protein A (RPA). Here, we report that hydroxyurea (HU)-induced RPA phosphorylation requires both NBS1 (NBN) and NBS1 phosphorylation. Transfection of both phosphospecific and nonphosphospecific anti-NBS1 antibodies blocked hyperphosphorylation of RPA in HeLa cells. Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) cells stably transfected with an empty vector or with S343A-NBS1 or S278A/S343A phospho-mutants were unable to hyperphosphorylate RPA in DNA-damage-associated …

The End Of Poverty: Economic Possibilities For Our Time [Book Review], Charles A. Francis

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

In what is likely to be a highly controversial book in global economic circles, macro-economist Jeffrey Sachs provides a critical analysis of current failed development aid policies of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the eastern block and the Third World. Based on extensive travel, consulting with governments, and practical experience with both successes and failures, the author provides convincing evidence that a major shift in assistance policy is needed to alleviate poverty in our time. Yet contrary to many who see the challenges in Asia and especially Africa as impossible to solve, Sachs provides an impressive …

Salt And Ph Tunable Resist Patterns On Polyelectrolyte Multilayers, Christina Chan, Ilsoon Lee, Srivatsan Kidambi

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

A method for selectively removing a resist material from the polycationic surface of a polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) ?lm, Without disturbing adhering interactions between the cationic ?lm surface and bound biomaterials such as cells, proteins, and nucleic acids. The resist material is one that that inhibits or prevents the further deposition of cells or other biomaterial; it thus masks the cationic surface from application of biomaterials. In one embodiment the resist material is a carboxy functional oxyalkylene oligomer. It is removed by exposing the ?lm containing the bound biomaterial and the bound resist material to a pH below 4.5, and/or to …

Cell Adhesion On Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Coated Polydimethylsiloxane Surfaces With Varying Topographies, Srivatsan Kidambi, Natasha Udpa, Stacey A. Schroeder, Robert Findlan, Ilsoon Lee, Christina Chan

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

This article demonstrates that the micro-topography of the surface with respect to the pattern size and pitch influences cell adhesion and proliferation. Extensive research has shown the dependence of cell proliferation on substrate chemistry, but the influence of substrate topography on cell attachment has only recently been appreciated. To evaluate the effect of substrate physical properties (i.e., periodic microstructures) on cell attachment and morphology, we compared the response of several cell types (fibroblasts, HeLa, and primary hepatocytes) cultured on various polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) patterns. PDMS has been used as an artificial construct to mimic biological structures. Although PDMS is widely used …

Oral Treatment Of Hemophilia, Oral Alpan, Tirumalai Kamala, Polly Matzinger, William Hugold Velander

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

Disclosed herein is a simple method for the treatment of antigen-deficiency diseases, by orally administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of the deficient antigen, wherein the antigen is not present in a liposome. In one embodiment, the method increases hemostasis in a subject having hemophilia A or B, by orally administering to the hemophiliac a therapeutically effective amount of the appropriate clotting factor other than in a liposome, sufficient to induce oral tolerance and supply exogenous clotting factor to the subject.

Map Location Of The Rpp1 Locus That Confers Resistance To Soybean Rust In Soybean, D. L. Hyten, G. L. Hartman, R. L. Nelson, R. D. Frederick, V. C. Concibido, J. M. Narvel, P. B. Cregan

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, was first discovered in North America in 2004 and has the potential to become a major soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] disease in the USA. Currently, four SBR resistance genes have been identifi ed but not mapped on the soybean genetic linkage map. One of these resistance genes is the Rpp1 gene, which is present in the soybean accession PI 200492. The availability of molecular markers associated with Rpp1 will permit marker-assisted selection and expedite the incorporation of this gene into U.S. cultivars. We compared simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers between …

Sharing Distance Education Courses Among Universities, Leon Schmacher, Thomas Brumm, John Slocombe, Jack L. Schinstock

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Four universities collaborated to develop mechanized systems management (agricultural systems management, agricultural systems technology, etc.) courses to be shared via distance education. Funded by a USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant, these undergraduate and graduate courses were initially offered to students at Iowa State University, Kansas State University, the University of Missouri, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This effort is affiliated with the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA).

The objectives of this cooperative effort were to: (1) develop a collaborative, multi-state educational effort to add depth and breadth to each university’s instructional program in mechanized systems management; …

Discrimination Of Bacteria And Bacteriophages By Raman Spectroscopy And Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, Lindsay J. Goeller, Mark R. Riley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Detection of pathogenic organisms in the environment presents several challenges due to the high cost and long times typically required for identification and quantification. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based methods are often hindered by the presence of polymerase inhibiting compounds and so direct methods of quantification that do not require enrichment or amplification are being sought. This work presents an analysis of pathogen detection using Raman spectroscopy to identify and quantify microorganisms without drying. Confocal Raman measurements of the bacterium Escherichia coli and of two bacteriophages, MS2 and PRD1, were analyzed for characteristic peaks and to estimate detection limits using …

Introducing Journal Of Biological Engineering, Mark R. Riley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Welcome to Journal of Biological Engineering (JBE), the flagship publication of the Institute of Biological Engineering. Biological Engineering is a new and unique discipline that encompasses a wide range of engineering theory and practice connected to and derived from biology. This emerging science-based engineering discipline and related applications are experiencing rapid growth. Prior to publication of JBE there is no refereed publication that encompasses the breadth and depth of biological engineering as a science- based discipline, rather than a collection of applications. Our goal in publishing JBE is to provide a forum for topics that address the foundational …