Digital Commons Network^™

Influence Of Heterocyclic And Oxime-Containing Farnesol Analogs On Quorum Sensing And Pathogenicity In Candida Albicans, Roman Shchepin, Dhammika H.M.L.P. Navarathna, Raluca Dumitru, Shane Lippold, Kenneth W. Nickerson, Patrick Dussault

Patrick Dussault Publications

A series of synthetic molecules combining a geranyl backbone with a heterocyclic or oxime head group are quorum-sensing molecules that block the yeast to mycelium transition in the dimorphic fungus Candida albicans. A number of the analogs have an IC₅₀ ≤ 10 μM, a level of potency essentially identical to the natural quorum sensing signal, the sesquiterpene farnesol. Two of the most potent analogs, neither toxic toward healthy mice, display remarkably different effects when co-administered with C. albicans. While neither offers protection from candidiasis, one analog mimics farnesol in acting as a virulence factor, whereas the other …

Fumonisin Level In Corn-Based Food And Feed From Linxian County, A High-Risk Area For Esophageal Cancer In China, Jiansheng Wang, Ying Zhou, Wanbo Liu, Xiangcheng Zhu, Liangcheng Du, Qiaomei Wang

Liangcheng Du Publications

The level of mycotoxin fumonisins in corn-based food and feed collected from Linxian County, a high-risk area for esophageal cancer in China, has been analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatographic coupled with evaporative laser scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD). A total of 104 corn kernel samples were obtained from local households, granaries, wholesale markets (central markets), and retail markets (stores and supermarkets). Fumonisin B1 (FB1) was detected in the samples from households, granaries, central markets, and stores, with a positive rate of 61.5%, 50%, 33.3%, and 17%, respectively. No fumonisin was detected in samples from the supermarket. The highest FB1 levels (0.30–3.20 μg/ …

Estimating Protein-Ligand Binding Affinity Using High- Throughput Screening By Nmr, Matthew D. Shortridge Phd, David S. Hage, Gerard S. Harbison, Robert Powers

David Hage Publications

Many of today’s drug discovery programs utilize high-throughput screening methods that rely on quick evaluations of protein activity to rank potential chemical leads. By monitoring biologically relevant protein-ligand interactions, NMR can provide a means to validate these discovery leads and to optimize the drug discovery process. NMR-based screens typically use a change in chemical shift or linewidth to detect a protein-ligand interaction. However, the relatively low throughput of current NMR screens and their high demand on sample requirements generally makes it impractical to collect complete binding curves to measure the affinity for each compound in a large and diverse chemical …

Mechanisms Of Hemoglobin Adaptation To High Altitude Hypoxia, Jay F. Storz, Hideaki Moriyama

Hideaki Moriyama Publications

Evidence from a number of vertebrate taxa suggests that modifications of hemoglobin (Hb) function may often play a key role in mediating an adaptive response to high altitude hypoxia. The respiratory functions of Hb are a product of the protein’s intrinsic O₂-binding affinity and its interactions with allosteric effectors such as protons, chloride ions, CO₂, and organic phosphates. Here we review several case studies involving high altitude vertebrates where it has been possible to identify specific mechanisms of Hb adaptation to hypoxia. In addition to comparative studies of Hbs from diverse animal species, functional studies of …

Mechanisms Of Hemoglobin Adaptation To High Altitude Hypoxia, Jay F. Storz, Hideaki Moriyama

Hideaki Moriyama Publications

Evidence from a number of vertebrate taxa suggests that modifications of hemoglobin (Hb) function may often play a key role in mediating an adaptive response to high altitude hypoxia. The respiratory functions of Hb are a product of the protein’s intrinsic O₂-binding affinity and its interactions with allosteric effectors such as protons, chloride ions, CO₂, and organic phosphates. Here we review several case studies involving high altitude vertebrates where it has been possible to identify specific mechanisms of Hb adaptation to hypoxia. In addition to comparative studies of Hbs from diverse animal species, functional studies of …

Endogenous And Exogenous Control Of Ecosystem Function: N Cycling In Headwater Streams, H. M. Valett, S. A. Thomas, P. J. Mulholland, J. R. Webster, C. N. Dahm, C. S. Fellows, C. L. Crenshaw, C. G. Peterson

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Allochthonous inputs act as resource subsidies to many ecosystems, where they exert strong influences on metabolism and material cycling. At the same time, metabolic theory proposes endogenous thermal control independent of resource supply. To address the relative importance of exogenous and endogenous influences, we quantified spatial and temporal variation in ecosystem metabolism and nitrogen (N) uptake using seasonal releases of ¹⁵N as nitrate in six streams differing in riparian–stream interaction and metabolic character. Nitrate removal was quantified using a nutrient spiraling approach based on measurements of downstream decline in ¹⁵N flux. Respiration (R) and gross primary production (GPP) …

Eimeriid Oocysts From Archaeological Samples In Patagonia, Argentina, Martín Horacio Fugassa, N. H. Sardella, V. Taglioretti, Karl J. Reinhard, Adauto Araujo

Karl Reinhard Publications

Oocysts attributable to Eimeria macusaniensis Guerrero et al. 1971, were found in coprolites and in archaeological sediments dating to the Holocene of Patagonia, Argentina. By means of a nonparametric regression using a generalized additive model, a significant relationship was found between the size of the oocysts and their antiquity. Specifically, a reduction in oocyst size over time was discovered, probably due to a parasite response to host replacement, to an extinct eimeriid species common during the Pliestocene–Holocene transition, or to environmental changes known for the Holocene. Explanations regarding coevolution between parasites, hosts, and paleoenvironmental conditions are discussed herein.

Parasite Pathoecology Of Salmon Pueblo And Other Chacoan Great Houses: The Healthiest And Wormiest Ancestral Puebloans, Karl Reinhard

Karl Reinhard Publications

Two fields of paleopathological investigation originated in the Southwest. Archaeoparasitology is the study of ancient parasite infection (Reinhard 1990, 1992b). It includes comparisons between time periods of single societies as well as comparisons of parasitism between different, contemporaneous cultures. For example, Fry (1980) compared Fremont and Anasazi parasitism, and also Archaic hunter-gatherer and ancestral Pueblo parasitism. All of these studies fall into the definition of archaeoparasitology.

By contrast, pathoecology is the reconstruction of relationships among behavior, environment, and disease organisms in the development of illness (Martinson et al. 2003; ReinhardandBuikstra2003; Reinhardet al. 2003; Santoro et al. 2003).1his field developed from …

Cranial Deformation As The Cause Of Death For A Child From The Chillon River Valley, Peru, Shelia M.F. Medoncade Souza, Karl J. Reinhard, Andrea Lessa

Karl Reinhard Publications

Two small mummy bundles, found in a tomb at the Chillon River Valley, Lima Plains, Peru exist in the collections of the Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They were donated to the collections at the beginning of the 20th century. A multidisciplinary team is now curating and studying them. CT scans confirmed both skeletons were of individuals less than one year old at death. One of the bundles is intact and will be preserved and displayed. The other one was partly decomposed and the authors received permission to unwrap it to analyze the bones in details. Mites and pollen …

A Child And His Fate: Tuberculosis, Perimortem Trauma And Mummification, Sheila M. M.De Souza, Karl J. Reinhard, Bernardo Tessarollo, Jose Fernando Cardona Zannier, Adauto Araujo

Karl Reinhard Publications

A male child, sitting, 7 years, circumferential deformation, skin marked by coiled fibers, nostril plugs, consistent with Aymara practices was CT scanned. Puppae in the skin suggest exposition of the body previous to the funeral. Dark brown color at the skin suggest blood perfusion. A broken area at the right frontal with the skin partially inside is suggestive of perimorten trauma. There were no bone debris inside the skull and the CT images show two confluent fractures defined by radiating lines extending beyond the missing bone surface. The right eyeball is projected out, the tongue is outside the mouth, the …

Pathoecology And The Future Of Coprolite Studies In Bioarchaeology, Karl J. Reinhard, Vaughn M. Bryant Jr.

Karl Reinhard Publications

Human coprolites currently provide an expanding array of information about the diet, health, and ecology of prehistoric people in the Southwest, but for many years coprolites were not recognized or preserved, or they were not considered important and thus were not saved (Bryant and Dean 2006). With the expansion of archaeological field work during the last half of the twentieth century archaeologists have increasingly explored the "complete" potentials of sites, including the collection and analysis of geomorphologic, botanical, and faunal data. In some ideal habitats (e.g., very dry or frozen) this includes exploring the scientific potential of human coprolite studies. …

Pathoecology Of Two Ancestral Pueblo Villages, Karl Reinhard

Karl Reinhard Publications

Pathoecology is the study of the biotic, abiotic, and cultural environments of disease (Martinson et al. 2003). A parasitic infection is the result of the pathoecological interaction of host behavior, parasite life cycle, the environment in which both life forms live, the nutritional status of the host, and host physiological responses to all of these factors. Parasites contribute to anemia in many ways. Some, such as hookworm, actually consume blood and cause iron loss through their activities. For other parasites, symptoms such as profuse diarrhea reduce intestinal absorption of nutrients. Others, such as certain fish tapeworms, actually compete for absorption …

Paleoparasitology: Perspectives With New Techniques, Adauto Araújo, Karl Reinhard, Otilio M. Bastos, Ligia C. Costa, Claude Pirmez, Alena Iñighez, Ana Carolina Vicente, Carlos M. Morel, Luiz Fernando Ferreira

Karl Reinhard Publications

Paleoparasitology is the study of parasites found in archaeological material. The development of this field of research began with histological identification of helminth eggs in mummy tissues, analysis of coprolites, and recently through molecular biology. An approach to the history of paleoparasitology is reviewed in this paper, with special reference to the studies of ancient DNA identified in archaeological material.

Paleoparasitologia: perspectivas com novas técnicas
Paleoparasitologia é o estudo de parasitos encontrados em material arqueológico. O desenvolvimento deste campo da pesquisa teve início com a identificação de ovos de helmintos em tecidos mumificados, análise de coprólitos e, recentemente, através da …

Power Laws, Discontinuities And Regional City Size Distributions, Ahjond S. Garmestan, Craig R. Allen, Colin M. Gallagher

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Urban systems are manifestations of human adaptation to the natural environment. City size distributions are the expression of hierarchical processes acting upon urban systems. In this paper, we test the entire city size distributions for the southeastern and southwestern United States (1990), as well as the size classes in these regions for power law behavior. We interpret the differences in the size of the regional city size distributions as the manifestation of variable growth dynamics dependent upon city size. Size classics in the city size distributions are snapshots of stable states within urban systems in flux.

Preface [To Identification Keys To Strongylid Nematode Parasites Of Equids], J. Ralph Lichtenfels

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Preface to a special issue of Veterinary Parasitology (v. 156, nos. 1-2, 2008), titled Identification Keys to Strongylid Nematode Parasites of Equids.

Illustrated Identification Keys To Strongylid Parasites Strongyllidae Nematoda Of Horses Zebras And Asses Equidae, J. Ralph Lichtenfels, Vitaliy A. Kharchenko, Grigory M. Dvojnos

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

The Equidae (the horse, Equus caballus, the ass, Equus asinus, zebras and their hybrids) are hosts to a great variety of nematode parasites, some of which can cause significant morbidity or mortality if individual hosts are untreated. Worldwide the nematode parasites of horses belong to 7 suborders, 12 families, 29 genera and 83 species. The great majority (19 of 29 genera and 64 of 83 species) are members of the family Strongylidae, which includes the most common and pathogenic nematode parasites of horses. Only the Strongylidae are included in this treatise.

The Strongylidae (common name strongylids) of horses …

An Exploration Of Diversity Among The Ostertagiinae (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) In Ungulates From Sub-Saharan Africa With A Proposal For A New Genus, Eric P. Hoberg, Arthur Abrams, Vanessa O. Ezenwa

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Abomasal nematodes (Ostertagiine: Trichostrongyloidea) representing a previously unrecognized genus and species are reported in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) from Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. Africanastrongylus buceros gen. nov. et sp. nov. is characterized by a symmetrical tapering synlophe in the cervical region and a maximum of 60 ridges in males and females. Bursal structure is 2–2–1, with subequal Rays 4/5, massive Rays 8, and Rays 9/10, and a massive dorsal lobe that is reduced in length, laterally and dorsally inflated, and positioned ventral to externodorsal rays. Spicules are tripartite, and the gubernaculum is broadly alate in the …

Beyond Liberals And Conservatives To Political Genotypes And Phenotypes, John R. Alford, Carolyn L. Funk, John R. Hibbing

Department of Political Science: Faculty Publications

In the past, most political scientists have been oblivious to the growing empirical evidence challenging environmental determinism. Professor Charney, apparently as a result of the fact that genes and the environment interact in a complex fashion, advocates that this passive unawareness be replaced by active denial. Science, however, does not advance by avoiding important relationships merely because they are complicated and, fortunately, science is not heeding Charney’s ideologically-based fears. Molecular geneticists, often working in tandem with political scientists, are quickly moving beyond twin studies to identify the specific suites of genes and biological systems that predict variation in core political …

Twin Studies, Molecular Genetics, Politics, And Tolerance: A Response To Beckwith And Morris, John R. Alford, Carolyn L. Funk, John R. Hibbing

Department of Political Science: Faculty Publications

Beckwith and Morris raise concerns about the value of twin studies for understanding the role of genetics in complex human behavior, but virtually all of their concerns have been raised and rebutted before. When it comes to the equal environments assumption (EEA), the best approach is to test for and control possible violations of the EEA on heritability estimates rather than merely rejecting all empirical evidence because of the possibility of EEA violations. In many respects, since the study of the genetic basis of complex human behaviors now includes many methods in addition to twin studies, Beckwith and Morris’s critique …

The New Empirical Biopolitics, John R. Alford, John R. Hibbing

Department of Political Science: Faculty Publications

Political science traditionally has either ignored biology in favor of purely environmental explanations for political phenomena or merely ruminated about the likely role of biology, leaving data-based research on biopolitics in dangerously short supply. Currently, attention to the apparent genetic basis for political and social orientations holds the greatest promise of advancing empirical biopolitics. Thus, in this essay, we orient behavior genetics research in the larger framework of biology and politics, confront its normative implications, describe the techniques involved, assess the strengths and weaknesses of commonly employed data and procedures, and describe the next steps in this research stream. Because …

Affective Flexibility: Evaluative Processing Goals Shape Amygdala Activity, William A. Cunningham, Jay J. Van Bavel, Ingrid Johnsen Haas

Department of Political Science: Faculty Publications

Although early research implicated the amygdala in automatic processing of negative information, more recent research suggests that it plays a more general role in processing the motivational relevance of various stimuli, suggesting that the relation between valence and amygdala activation may depend on contextual goals. This study provides experimental evidence that the relation between valence and amygdala activity is dynamically modulated by evaluative goals. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, participants evaluated the positive, negative, or overall (positive plus negative) aspects of famous people. When participants were providing overall evaluations, both positive and negative names were associated with amygdala activation. When …

Geographic Patterns Of At-Risk Species, Curtis H. Flather, Michael S. Knowles, Jason Mcnees

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

This technical document supports the Forest Service’s requirement to assess the status of renewable natural resources as mandated by the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. It updates past reports on the trends and geographic patterns of species formally listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. We compare the geographic occupancy of threatened and endangered species at the county-level against the geographic occupancy of a broader set of species thought to be at risk of extinction. This is done to determine if new areas where species rarity may be concentrated emerge. Here …

Conservation Buffers: Design Guidelines For Buffers, Corridors, And Greenways (Spanish Version), Gary Bentrup

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Conservation Buffers: Design Guidelines for Buffers, Corridors, and Greenways (Spanish version)

Over 80 illustrated design guidelines for conservation buffers are synthesized and developed from a review of over 1,400 research publications. Each guideline describes a specific way that a vegetative buffer can be applied to protect soil, improve air and water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, produce economic products, provide recreation opportunities, or beautify the landscape. These science-based guidelines are presented as easy-to-understand rules-of-thumb for facilitating the planning and designing of conservation buffers in rural and urban landscapes.

Comparison Of Nitrogen Fertilization Methods And Rates For Subsurface Drip Irrigated Corn In The Semi-Arid Great Plains, D. D. Tarkalson, J. O. Payero

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

In semi‐arid areas such as western Nebraska, interest in subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for corn is increasing due to restricted irrigation allocations. However, crop response quantification to nitrogen (N) applications with SDI and the environmental benefits of multiple in‐season (IS) SDI N applications instead of a single early‐season (ES) surface application are lacking. The study was conducted in 2004, 2005, and 2006 at the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte, Nebraska, comparing two N application methods (IS and ES) and three N rates (128, 186, and 278 kg N ha^-1) using a …

Mammalian Visitation To Candidate Feral Swine Attractants, Tyler A. Campbell, David B. Long

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Few data exist regarding suitable feral swine (Sus scrofa) attractants in the United States. We compared species-specific visitation and contact rates of mammals to 11 candidate feral swine attractants at scent stations using motion-sensing digital photography to identify promising attractants. We found feral swine had greater visitation rates to apple and strawberry stations than to control stations. We recommend managers consider using strawberry attractants for feral swine-specific applications. If, however, a general feral swine attractant is needed, then apple, berry, or caramel attractants may perform well.

Avoidance Of Hydrolyzed Casein By Mice, Kristin L. Field, Bruce A. Kimball, Julie A. Mennella, Gary K. Beauchamp, Alexander A. Bachmanov

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

When casein, a milk protein, is hydrolyzed, it renders human foods that contain it (e.g., hypoallergenic infant formula, cheeses) distasteful to many people. This rejection of hydrolyzed casein (HC)-containing foods has recently been found to also occur in a non-human species (deer, Odocoileus spp.). Identifying other animals that avoid HC would facilitate understanding how and why HC-containing food is often rejected. This study determined whether HC-containing food is avoided by Mus musculus and whether consumption patterns were sensitive to testing conditions, specifically food form (powder, pellet or dough) and food access (ad libitum or 1.5 h/day following 6 h …

A Grower’S Guide For Planting Wildlife Conservation Sunflower Plots, George M. Linz, H. Jeffrey Homan, Heath M. Hagy, Jon M. Raetzman, Linda B. Penry, William J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Wildlife conservation sunflower plots (lure plots) are used to protect high value oil and confectionery sunflower. Lure plots are used to draw blackbirds away from commercial fields to reduce sunflower damage. From 2004-2007, USDA Wildlife Services funded a pilot program for growers to plant 20-acre lure plots to test their effectiveness for reducing damage to nearby commercial fields. Damage in the plots ranged from 0% to 100%. We describe here the characteristics of the lure plots that received extensive bird damage. These characteristics provide examples for the proper use of lure plots.

Breeding Red-Winged Blackbird Response To Conspecific Models Placed In Pre-Copulatory Position: Implications For Reproductive Control, Laurel L. Moulton, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Sunflower producers in the northern Great Plains are annually plagued by feeding flocks of blackbirds, especially red-winged blackbirds (RWBL). Increased sunflower production and concomitant human-blackbird conflicts have prompted sunflower producers to demand that management strategies be developed to reduce the annual crop losses estimated at ≥ $10 million (Linz et al. 1996). Past techniques aimed at reducing blackbird damage have had varying degrees of success and the annual loss of sunflower remains the same (Peer et al. 2002). Thus, there is a need for new innovative approaches to managing blackbird damage.

One approach is to find non-lethal species-specific methods of …

Evaluation Of Stop-Level Vs. Route-Level Breeding Bird Survey Counts For Modeling The Influence Of Land Use And Climate On Breeding Blackbird Abundance In North Dakota, Michelle L. Petersen, George M. Linz, Greg Forcey, Wayne Thogmartin, William J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), and Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) are the three most abundant blackbird species (Icteridae) found in North Dakota and comprise almost 10% of its avian population (Stewart and Kantrud 1972). Blackbird abundance combined with their food habitats make them significant agricultural pests on sunflower. Cost estimates for blackbird damage to sunflower in the North Dakota are likely over $10 million dollars annually (Kleingartner, pers. comm). Because of this economic impact blackbirds have on agriculture, it is important to understand land use and climatic factors influencing blackbird …

Development Of Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci For The Common Vampire Bat, Desmodus Rotundus (Chiroptera: Phylostomidae), Antoinette J. Piaggio, John J. Johnston, Susan L. Perkins

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) is one of three haematophagous species of bats and the only species in this genus. These New World bats prey on mammals and create significant economic impacts through transmission of rabies in areas where livestock are prevalent. Furthermore, in some portions of their range, it is not uncommon for them to prey upon humans. It is critical to the management of this species and for understanding the spread of bat rabies that detailed studies of D. rotundus population structure be conducted. To further such studies, we have characterized 12 microsatellite loci for …