Digital Commons Network^™

Overexpression Of Galnac-Transferase Galnac-T3 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth, Keisuke Taniuchi, Ronald Cerny, Aki Tanouchi, Kimitoshi Kohno, Norihiro Kotani, Koichi Honke, Toshiji Saibara, Michael A. Hollingsworth

Ronald Cerny Publications

O-linked glycans of secreted and membrane bound proteins play an important role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer by modulating immune responses, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. A critical aspect of O-glycosylation, the position at which proteins are glycosylated with N-acetyl-galactosamine on serine and threonine residues, is regulated by the substrate specificity of UDP-GalNAc: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferases (GalNAc-Ts). Thus, GalNAc-Ts regulate the first committed step in O-glycosylated protein biosynthesis, determine sites of O-glycosylation on proteins, and are important for understanding normal and carcinoma-associated O-glycosylation. We have found that one of these enzymes, GalNAc-T3, is overexpressed in …

Identification And Characterization Of The Anti-Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Wap-8294a2 Biosynthetic Gene Cluster From Lysobacter Enzymogenes Oh11, Wei Zhang, Yaoyao Li, Guoliang Qian, Yan Wang, Haotong Chen, Yue-Zhong Li, Fengquan Liu, Yuemao Shen, Liangcheng Du

Department of Chemistry: Faculty Publications

Lysobactor enzymogenes strain OH11 is an emerging biological control agent of fungal and bacterial diseases. We recently completed its genome sequence and found it contains a large number of gene clusters putatively responsible for the biosynthesis of nonribosomal peptides and polyketides, including the previously identified antifungal dihydromaltophilin (HSAF). One of the gene clusters contains two huge open reading frames, together encoding 12 modules of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS). Gene disruption of one of the NRPS led to the disappearance of a metabolite produced in the wild type and the elimination of its antibacterial activity. The metabolite and antibacterial activity were …

Energy And Climate Implications For Agricultural Nutrient Use Efficiency, Adam J. Liska, Richard K. Perrin

Adam Liska Papers

Energy and climate change are beginning to dominate the global political agenda and will drive policy formation that will shape the future of agriculture. Energy issues threaten national security and economic stability, as well as access to low-cost nutrient inputs for agriculture. Climate change has the potential to cause serious disruption to agricultural productivity. Paradoxically, nutrient use in agriculture to increase crop yields has the potential to negatively impact climate. This chapter will discuss recent and future energy and climate trends, the relationships between agricultural nutrient use efficiency and biofuels, and how global land limitations will shape agriculture in the …

Chromatographic Analysis Of Drug Interactions In The Serum Proteome, David S. Hage, Jeanethe A. Anguizola, Abby J. Jackson, Ryan Matsuda, Efthimia Papastavros, Erika Pfaunmiller, Zenghan Tong, John Vargas-Badilla, Michelle J. Yoo, Xiwei Zheng

David Hage Publications

The binding of drugs with serum proteins and binding agents such as human serum albumin, a1-acid glycoprotein, and lipoproteins is an important process in determining the activity and fate of many pharmaceuticals in the body. A variety of techniques have been used to study drug interactions with serum proteins, but there is still a need for faster or better methods for such work. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is one tool that has been utilized in many formats for these types of measurements. Advantages of using HPLC for this application include its speed and precision, its ability to be automated, its …

3-Alkoxy-1,2-Dioxolanes: Synthesis And Evaluation As Potential Antimalarial Agents, Charles E. Schiaffo, Matthias Rottman, Sergio Wittlin, Patrick Dussault

Patrick Dussault Publications

A number of 3-alkoxy-1,2-dioxolanes exhibit promising levels of antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. A new route to the 1,2-dioxolane core is reported based on tandem peroxidation/cyclization of enones.

Characterization Of A Dipartite Iron Uptake System From Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli Strain, Doreen Koch, Anson C. K. Chan, Michael E.P. Murphy, Hauke Lilie, Gregor Grass, Dietrich H. Nies

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

In the uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain F11, in silico genome analysis revealed the dicistronic iron uptake operon fetMP, which is under iron-regulated control mediated by the Fur regulator. The expression of fetMP in a mutant strain lacking known iron uptake systems improved growth under iron depletion and increased cellular iron accumulation. FetM is a member of the iron/lead transporter superfamily and is essential for iron uptake by the Fet system. FetP is a periplasmic protein that enhanced iron uptake by FetM. Recombinant FetP bound Cu(II) and the iron analog Mn(II) at distinct sites. The crystal structure of the …

Fus Transgenic Rats Develop The Phenotypes Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis And Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration, Cao Huang, Hongxia Zhou, Jianbin Tong, Han Chen, Yong-Jian Liu, Dian Wang, Xiaotao Wei, Xugang Xia

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) proteinopathy is a feature of frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD), and mutation of the fus gene segregates with FTLD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To study the consequences of mutation in the fus gene, we created transgenic rats expressing the human fus gene with or without mutation. Overexpression of a mutant (R521C substitution), but not normal, human FUS induced progressive paralysis resembling ALS. Mutant FUS transgenic rats developed progressive paralysis secondary to degeneration of motor axons and displayed a substantial loss of neurons in the cortex and hippocampus. This neuronal loss was accompanied by ubiquitin aggregation and …

Comparative Manufacture And Cell-Based Delivery Of Antiretroviral Nanoformulations, Shantanu Balkundi, Ari S. Nowacek, Ram S. Veerubhotla, Han Chen, Andrea Martinez-Skinner, Upal Roy, R. Lee Mosley, Georgette Kanmogne, Xinming Liu, Alexander V. Kabanov, Tatiana Bronich, Joellyn Mcmillan, Howard E. Gendelman

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Nanoformulations of crystalline indinavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, and efavirenz were manufactured by wet milling, homogenization or sonication with a variety of excipients. The chemical, biological, immune, virological, and toxicological properties of these formulations were compared using an established monocyte-derived macrophage scoring indicator system. Measurements of drug uptake, retention, release, and antiretroviral activity demonstrated differences amongst preparation methods. Interestingly, for drug cell targeting and antiretroviral responses the most significant difference among the particles was the drug itself. We posit that the choice of drug and formulation composition may ultimately affect clinical utility.

Aphids: A Model For Polyphenism And Epigenetics, Dayalan G. Srinivasan, Jennifer A. Brisson

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Environmental conditions can alter the form, function, and behavior of organisms over short and long timescales, and even over generations. Aphid females respond to specific environmental cues by transmitting signals that have the effect of altering the development of their offspring. These epigenetic phenomena have positioned aphids as a model for the study of phenotypic plasticity. The molecular basis for this epigenetic inheritance in aphids and how this type of inheritance system could have evolved are still unanswered questions. With the availability of the pea aphid genome sequence, new genomics technologies, and ongoing genomics projects in aphids, these questions can …

Experimentally Analyzing The Impact Of Leader Positivity On Follower Positivity And Performance, James Avey, Bruce J. Avolio, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

This field experimental study examined the role that positive leadership plays in producing effective leader and follower outcomes. Specifically, a sample of engineers (N = 106) from a very large aerospace firm were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions. Two conditions involved assigning these engineers to a low and high problem complexity condition. The other two conditions represented high versus low conveyed leader positivity. The results indicated a positive relationship between the leaders’ positivity and the followers’ positivity and performance, as well as a negative relationship between problem complexity and follower positivity. The study limitations, needed future research, and practical …

Where Have All The Plant Foods Gone? The Search For Refined Dietary Reconstruction From Chinchorro Mummies, Karl J. Reinhard, Sara Le-Roy-Toren, Bernardo Arriaza

Karl Reinhard Publications

The Chinchorro cemeteries of northern Chile are the first graveyards of the Andes (Arriaza 1995, Schiappacasse & Niemeyer 1984). The excavation and analysis of Chinchorro mummies reveals the 'true character of the people'. The burials themselves are optimal for preservation of corpses, burial furniture, and aspects of ceremonies associated with the dead. The analysis of corporeal remains gradually clarifies the details of daily activities and status. Therefore, we feel that a holistic approach to mummy studies provides enormously fruitful paths to understanding the character of the ancient Chinchorro society.

Paleoepidemiology Of Intestinal Parasites And Lice In Pre-Columbian South America, Adauto Araujo, Karl Reinhard, Daniela Leles, Luciana Sianto, Alena M. Iñiguez, Martin Fugassa, Bernardo Arriaza, Nancy Orellana, Luis Fernando Ferreira

Karl Reinhard Publications

Some human parasites originated in prehominid ancestors in Africa. Nematode species, such as Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), hookworms and Trichuris trichiura are shared by humans and other close phylogenetic primates (Pan and Gorilla), showing that they infected a common ancestor to this group. When humans migrated from Africa to other continents they carried these parasites wherever climate conditions allowed parasite transmission from host to host. Other parasites, however, were acquired throughout human biological and social evolutive history when new territories were occupied. Paleoparasitology data is a valuable source to recover emergence and disappearance of parasite infections through analysis of …

Orbitofrontal Cortex Provides Cross-Modal Valuation Of Self-Generated Stimuli, William A. Cunningham, Ingrid J. Haas, Ashley S. Waggoner

Department of Political Science: Faculty Publications

Prior research has shown that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays an important role in the representation of the evaluation of stimuli, regardless of stimulus modality. Based on these findings, researchers have proposed that the OFC serves a common currency function, allowing for the direct comparison of different types of perceptual stimuli (e.g. food, drink, money). The present study was designed to extend this research and investigate whether these same regions of OFC that have been identified in previous research are involved in evaluating imagined stimuli. Specifically, we asked participants to draw on prior attitudinal knowledge to generate internal representations of …

Socio-Economic Impacts Of Climate Change On Rural United States, Pankaj Lal, Janaki R. R. Alavalapati, Evan D. Mercer

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

Directly or indirectly, positively or negatively, climate change will affect all sectors and regions of the United States. The impacts, however, will not be homogenous across regions, sectors, population groups or time. The literature specifically related to how climate change will affect rural communities, their resilience, and adaptive capacity in the United States (U.S.) is scarce. This article bridges this knowledge gap through an extensive review of the current state of knowledge to make inferences about the rural communities vulnerability to climate change based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios. Our analysis shows that rural communities tend to …

Invasive Sweetclover (Melilotus Alba) Impacts Native Seedling Recruitment Along Floodplains Of Interior Alaska, Blaine T. Spellman, Tricia L. Wurtz

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

Sweetclover (Melilotus alba) is a nonnative legume that has formed dense and extensive patches along several rivers in Alaska. Our research objective was to determine if sweetclover impacts recruitment of native seedlings in floodplain habitats. To determine if sweetclover impacted recruitment, we conducted a removal experiment along two rivers in interior Alaska. When compared to areas where sweetclover was removed, areas with sweetclover had approximately 50% greater mortality of native seedlings, 25% less recruiting species, and a significant reduction in the quantity of light available to seedlings on floodplain surfaces. To determine if sweetclover shading was a mechanism …

Engineering A Future For Amphibians Under Climate Change, Luke P. Shoo, Deanna H. Olson, Sarah K. Mcmenamin, Kris A. Murray, Monique Van Sluys, Maureen A. Donnelly, Danial Stratford, Juhani Terhivuo, Andres Merino-Viteri, Sarah M. Herbert, Phillip J. Bishop, Paul Stephen Corn, Liz Dovey, Richard A. Griffiths, Katrin Lowe, Michael Mahony, Hamish Mccallum, Jonathan D. Shuker, Clay Simpkins, Lee F. Skerrat, Stephen E. Williams, Jean-Marc Hero

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

1. Altered global climates in the 21st century pose serious threats for biological systems and practical actions are needed to mount a response for species at risk.

2. We identify management actions from across the world and from diverse disciplines that are applicable to minimizing loss of amphibian biodiversity under climate change. Actions were grouped under three thematic areas of intervention: (i) installation of microclimate and microhabitat refuges; (ii) enhancement and restoration of breeding sites; and (iii) manipulation of hydroperiod or water levels at breeding sites.

3. Synthesis and applications. There are currently few meaningful management actions that will …

A Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis Of Risk Perception And Treatment Options As Related To Wildfires In The Usda Fs Region 3 National Forests, Ingrid M. Martin, Wade E. Martin, Carol B. Raish

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

As the incidence of devastating fires rises, managing the risk posed by these fires has become critical. This report provides important information to examine the ways that different groups or disaster subcultures develop the mentalities or perceived realities that affect their views and responses concerning risk and disaster preparedness. Fire risk beliefs and attitudes of individuals and groups from four geographic areas in the Southwest (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Region 3, Arizona and New Mexico) surrounding the Kaibab, Tonto, Santa Fe, and Lincoln National Forests are presented. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, we collected information from three …

Interviewing The Investigator: Strategies For Addressing Instrumentation And Researcher Bias Concerns In Qualitative Research, Ronald J. Chenail

The Qualitative Report

Instrumentation rigor and bias management are major challenges for qualitative researchers employing interviewing as a data generation method in their studies. A usual procedure for testing the quality of an interview protocol and for identifying potential researcher biases is the pilot study in which investigators try out their proposed methods to see if the planned procedures perform as envisioned by the researcher. Sometimes piloting is not practical or possible so an "interviewing the investigator" technique can serve as a useful first step to create interview protocols that help to generate the information proposed and to assess potential researcher biases especially …

Current And Future Aac Research Considerations For Adults With Acquired Cognitive And Communication Impairments, Melanie Fried-Oken, David R. Beukelman, Karen Hux

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Adults with acquired language impairments secondary to stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases are candidates for communication supports outside of the traditional restoration-based approaches to intervention. Recent research proves repeatedly that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides a means for participation, engagement, conversation, and message transfer when individuals can no longer expect full return of premorbid communication skills and that inclusion of communication supports should begin early. We discuss current research and future directions for integrated systems of technical supports that include low-technology, high tech, and partner-dependent strategies for adults with severe and chronic aphasia, cognitive-communication problems resulting from …

School-Based Extracurricular Activity Involvement And Adolescent Self-Esteem: A Growth-Curve Analysis, Lisa A. Kort-Butler, Kellie J. Hagewen

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

Research on adolescent self-esteem indicates that adolescence is a time in which individuals experience important changes in their physical, cognitive, and social identities. Prior research suggests that there is a positive relationship between an adolescent’s participation in structured extracurricular activities and well-being in a variety of domains, and some research indicates that these relationships may be dependent on the type of activities in which adolescents participate. Building on previous research, a growth-curve analysis was utilized to examine self-esteem trajectories from adolescence (age 14) to young adulthood (age 26). Using 3 waves of data from National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health …

Alcohol Use Trajectories And Problem Drinking Over The Course Of Adolescence: A Study Of North American Indigenous Youth And Their Caretakers, Jacob E. Cheadle, Les B. Whitbeck

Department of Sociology: Faculty Publications

This study investigated the links between alcohol use trajectories and problem drinking (DSM-IV abuse/dependence) using five waves of data from 727 North American Indigenous adolescents between 10–17 years from eight reservations sharing a common language and culture. Growth mixture models linking fundamental causes, social stressors, support, and psychosocial pathways to problem drinking via alcohol use trajectories over the early life course were estimated. Results indicated that 20% of the adolescents began drinking at 11–12 years of age and that another 20% began drinking shortly thereafter. These early drinkers were at greatly elevated risk for problem drinking, as were those who …

Testing The Terrain Hypothesis: Canada Geese See Their World Laterally And Obliquely, Esteban Fernández-Juricic, Bret A. Moore, Megan Doppler, Joseph Freeman, Bradley F. Blackwelll, Steven L. Lima, Travis L. Devault

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The distribution of ganglion cells in the retina determines the specific regions of the visual field with high visual acuity, and thus reflects the perception of a species’ visual environment. The terrain hypothesis proposes that animals living in open areas should have a horizontal visual streak across the retina with high ganglion cell density to increase visual acuity along the horizon. We tested this hypothesis in Canada geese (Branta canadensis) by assessing retinal topography, visual field configuration, and scanning behavior. We found that geese have an oblique rather than a horizontal visual streak across the retina: from a …

Annual Seroprevalence Of Yersinia Pestis In Coyotes As Predictors Of Interannual Variation In Reports Of Human Plague Cases In Arizona, United States, Heidi E. Brown, Craig E. Levy, Russell E. Enscore, Martin E. Schriefer, Thomas J. Deliberto, Kenneth L. Gage, Rebecca J. Eisen

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Although several health departments collect coyote blood samples for plague surveillance, the association between reported human cases and coyote seroprevalence rates remains anecdotal. Using data from an endemic region of the United States, we sought to quantify this association. From 1974 to 1998, about 2,276 coyote blood samples from four Arizona counties were tested for serological evidence of exposure to Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. Using a titer threshold presumed to be indicative of recent infection (serum titers of ≥1:256), we found a statistically significant relationship between years with > 17% sero-positive coyotes and years with two or …

The Role Of European Starlings In The Spread Of Coccidia Within Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, James C. Carlson, George M. Linz, Lora R. Ballweber, Stacey A. Elmore, Susan E. Pettit, Alan B. Franklin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

To investigate the relationship between European starlings and bovine coccidiosis we collected samples from European starlings, cattle feed bunks, cattle water troughs, and cattle feces within concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These samples were screened for coccidia spp. to investigate (i) the prevalence of coccidia in starlings using CAFOs; (ii) if there is a relationship between bovine coccidiosis and starling numbers; (iii) if coccidia contamination of cattle feed and water is related to the number of starlings observed on CAFOs. Coccidia belonging to the genus Eimeria were detected in cattle feces and one water sample but no Eimeria spp. were …

Effectiveness Of Av-1011® To Reduce Damage To Drill-Planted Rice From Blackbirds, John L. Cummings, Robert W. Byrd, William R. Eddleman, Richard M. Engeman, Shelagh K. Tupper

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We determined efficacy of AV-1011^® (a 50% anthraquinone product; Arkion^® Life Sciences, New Castle, Delaware) on drill-planted rice seed to reduce blackbird damage and determine residue levels of anthraquinone (AQ) in rice seeds and seedlings and in the mature rice crop under field enclosures at the University of Missouri-Delta Center farm near Portageville, Missouri. Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) damage was higher for untreated than AV-1011^® treated rice seedlings at assessment period 3, 15 days postplanting (F_1,141 = 15.81, P < 0.001), and at assessment period 4, 19 days postplanting (F_1,136 = 11.54, P = 0.001). Blackbird damage to AV-1011-treated seedling for assessment …

Chapter 13: Development Of A National Early Detection System For Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza In Wild Birds In The United States Of America, Thomas J. Deliberto, Seth R. Swafford, Kyle R. Van Why

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

It is generally recognized that countries conducting comprehensive disease surveillance in wildlife populations are more likely to understand the epidemiology of specific infectious pathogens and zoonotic disease outbreaks (1, 2). These countries are better equipped and prepared to develop solutions that will protect humans, agriculture, and wildlife. Consequently, active surveillance for diseases of animal or public health concern in wildlife is particularly beneficial to national and international interests. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) encourages all countries to develop and maintain wildlife disease surveillance systems, which complement and support human health and agricultural animal disease programs. These systems should …

Black-Footed Ferret Areas Of Activity During Late Summer And Fall At Meeteetse, Wyoming, Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Dean E. Biggins

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes; hereafter, ferret) were formerly widespread in central North America. Their populations decreased throughout the last century to near extinction by the late 1970s as a result of extermination of prairie dogs (their main prey) and the spread of disease (Biggins and Godbey 1995; Biggins et al. 1998). In 1973 the ferret was the least known endangered mammal in the United States because of its nocturnal, semifossorial habits and the few known populations (Erickson 1973). In 1981 a small population was discovered in a complex of white-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys leucurus) colonies near …

Ameliorating The Effects Of The Digenetic Trematode, Bolbophorus Damnificus On The Channel Catfish Industry, Lester Khoo, David J. Wise, Linda M. Pote, Andrew J. Mitchell, Todd S. Byars, Marlena C. Yost, Cynthia M. Doffitt, Brian S. Dorr, Barbara A. George, D. Tommy King, Terrill R. Hanson, Craig S. Tucker, Terrence E. Greenway, Matthew J. Griffin, Alvin C. Camus, Carla C. Panuska

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

In the middle to late 1990s, an emerging digenetic trematode problem was recognized in the channel catfish industry. Morphologic and molecular analysis identified the culprit as Bolbophorns damnificus. The American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos serves as the definitive host, while the marsh rams-horn snail (Planorbella trivolvis) is the first intermediate host. Diagnosis of an infection involves identifying the metacercariae in the subcutaneous tissues. Infestations can be life threatening to catfish fingerlings but the proximate cause of mortality has not been ascertained. They may also predispose fingerlings to secondary infections. Larger fish do not usually succumb to the …

Modifying Elk (Cervus Elaphus) Behavior With Electric Fencing At Established Fence-Lines To Reduce Disease Transmission Potential, Justin W. Fischer, Gregory E. Phillips, David M. Baasch, Michael J. Lavelle, Kurt C. Vercauteren

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Direct and indirect contact through fences at cervid farms with only a single perimeter fence may play a role in transmission of diseases such as chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis). We report a case study examining effectiveness of a baited electric fence, as an addition to an existing single woven-wire fence (2.4 m high), for altering behavior and reducing fence-line contact between elk (Cervus elaphus). We used a video-surveillance system to monitor one 20-m-long test fence at an elk ranch in north-central Colorado, USA from 2006 to 2007. We conducted 26 trials (11 …

Nutrient Utilization And Diet Preference Of American White Pelicans Consuming Either A Mono- Or Multi-Species Diet, Treena L. Ferguson, Brian J. Rude, D. Tommy King

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

American White Pelicans ( Pelecanus erythrorhynchos ) are reported to consume large quantities of commercial catfish in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, negatively impacting aquaculture production. If pelicans consume a single item diet, such as catfish, nutritional deficiencies may result. Therefore, effects of mono-and multi-species diets were examined to determine nutritional impacts on pelicans in addition to determining if preferences for certain fish species exist. Twelve American White Pelicans captured in northwest Mississippi were used for a seven day metabolism trial followed by a two day preference trial. In the metabolism trial, pelicans were assigned to one of three treatment …