Digital Commons Network^™

Elucidation Of The Structure And Reaction Mechanism Of Sorghum Hydroxycinnamoyltransferase And Its Structural Relationship To Other Coenzyme A-Dependent Transferases And Synthases, Alexander M. Walker, Robert P. Hayes, Buhyun Youn, Wilfred Vermerris, Scott E. Sattler, Chulhee Kang

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

Hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HCT) from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) participates in an early step of the phenylpropanoid pathway, exchanging coenzyme A (CoA) esterified to p-coumaric acid with shikimic or quinic acid as intermediates in the biosynthesis of the monolignols coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol. In order to elucidate the mode of action of this enzyme, we have determined the crystal structures of SbHCT in its apo-form and ternary complex with shikimate and p-coumaroyl-CoA, which was converted to its product during crystal soaking. The structure revealed the roles of threonine-36, serine-38, tyrosine- 40, histidine-162, arginine-371, and threonine-384 in catalysis and specificity. Based …

Conversion Of Switchgrass To Ethanol Using Dilute Ammonium Hydroxide Pretreatment: Influence Of Ecotype And Harvest Maturity, Bruce S. Dien, Patricia J. O'Bryan, Ronald E. Hector, Loren B. Iten, Robert B. Mitchell, Nasib Qureshi, Gautum Sarath, Kenneth P. Vogel, Michael A. Cotta

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

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a perennial C4 grass that is being developed as a bioenergy crop because it has high production yields and suitable agronomic traits. Five switchgrass biomass samples from upland and lowland switchgrass ecotypes harvested at different stages or maturity were used in this study. Switchgrass samples contained 317.0–385.0 g glucans/kg switchgrass dry basis (db) and 579.3–660.2 g total structural carbohydrates/kg switchgrass, db. Carbohydrate contents were greater for the upland ecotype versus lowland ecotype and increased with harvest maturity. Pretreatment of switchgrass with dilute ammonium hydroxide (8% w/w ammonium loading) at 170◦C for 20 min was …

Impact Of Temperature And Relative Humidity On Life History Parameters Of Adult Sitotroga Cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), James E. Throne, David K. Weaver

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

The Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a pest of stored corn, Zea mays L., and other grains throughout the world. Sitotroga cerealella are routinely exposed to temperatures below 20°C in regions of the U.S. where corn is grown, yet there are no data describing adult life history parameters below 20°C. We determined longevity, fecundity, and survivorship of eggs at a range of temperatures that represent environmental conditions to which S. cerealella are exposed in corn stored in the U.S. Longest male longevity was 31 d at 10°C, and shortest male longevity was 4 d at 35 …

Disparate Host Immunity To Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis Antigens In Calves Inoculated With M. Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis, M. Avium Subsp. Avium, M. Kansasii, And M. Bovis, Judith R. Stabel, W.R. Waters, John Bannantine, M.V. Palmer

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

The cross-reactivity of mycobacterial antigens in immune-based diagnostic assays has been a major concern and a criticism of the current tests that are used for the detection of paratuberculosis. In the present study, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratu- berculosis recombinant proteins were evaluated for antigenic specificity compared to a whole-cell sonicate preparation (MPS). Measures of cell-mediated immunity to M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis antigens were compared in calves inoculated with live M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis, M. avium subsp. avium (M. avium), Mycobacterium kansasii, or Mycobacterium bovis. Gamma interferon (IFN-􏰋) responses to MPS were observed in all calves that were exposed to mycobacteria …

No Holes Barred: Invasion Of The Intestinal Mucosa By Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis, John Bannantine, Luiz E. Bermudez

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

The infection biology of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis has recently crystallized, with added details surrounding intestinal invasion. The involvement of pathogen-derived effector proteins such as the major membrane protein, oxidoreductase, and fibronectin attachment proteins have been uncovered. Mutations constructed in this pathogen have also shed light on genes needed for invasion. The host cell types that are susceptible to invasion have been defined, along with their transcriptional response. Recent details have given a new appreciation for the dynamic interplay between the host and bacterium that occurs at the outset of infection. An initial look at the global expression pathways of …

Microbial Community Analysis Of Swine Wastewater Anaerobic Lagoons By Next-Generation Dna Sequencing, Thomas F. Ducey, Patrick G. Hunt

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

Anaerobic lagoons are a standard practice for the treatment of swine wastewater. This practice relies heavily on microbiological processes to reduce concentrated organic material and nutrients. Despite this reliance on microbiological processes, research has only recently begun to identify and enumerate the myriad and complex interactions that occur in this microbial ecosystem. To further this line of study, we utilized a next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to gain a deeper insight into the microbial communities along the water column of four anaerobic swine wastewater lagoons. Analysis of roughly one million 16S rDNA sequences revealed a predominance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) …

Creation Of A High-Amylose Durum Wheat Through Mutagenesis Of Starch Synthase Ii (Ssiia), A.C. Hogg, K. Gause, P. Hofer, J.M. Martin, Robert A. Graybosch, L.E. Hansen, M.J. Giroux

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

In cereal seeds, mutations in one or more starch synthases lead to decreased amylopectin and increased amylose content. Here, the impact of starch synthase IIa (SSIIa or SGP-1) mutations upon durum starch was investigated. A screen of durum accessions identified two lines lacking SGP-A1, the A genome copy of SGP-1. The two lines were determined to carry a 29 bp deletion in the first exon of SSIIa. The SGP-A1 nulls were crossed with the durum variety ‘Mountrail’ and F₅ derived SGP-A1 null progeny lines were treated with EMS. From each EMS population, one SGP-B1 null mutation …

Use Of Dairies By Postreproductive Flocks Of European Starlings, H. J. Homan, Jeffrey T. Lejeune, David L. Pearl, T. W, Seamans, A. A. Slowik, Mark R. Morasch, G. M. Linz

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

Knowledge of the behavior and movement patterns of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris L.) is important to wildlife managers that seek to resolve conflicts at livestock facilities. We captured and radio tagged 10 starlings at each of 5 dairies in northeastern Ohio. From September 19 to October 31, 2007, we obtained sufficient data from 40 birds to study their behavior and movements. The birds visited the dairies where they were initially captured (home sites) on 85% of the days, spending 58% of each day at the dairies. Onsite arrival and departure times were 2.5 h after sunrise and 3.1 h …

Qualitative And Quantitative Analysis Of Lignocellulosic Biomass Using Infrared Techniques: A Mini-Review, Feng Xu, Jianming Yu, Tesfaye Tesso, Floyd Dowell, Donghai Wang

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

Current wet chemical methods for biomass composition analysis using two-step sulfuric acid hydrolysis are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and unable to provide structural information about biomass. Infrared techniques provide fast, low-cost analysis, are non-destructive, and have shown promising results. Chemometric analysis has allowed researchers to perform qualitative and quantitative study of biomass with both near-infrared and mid-infrared spectroscopy. This review summarizes the progress and applications of infrared techniques in biomass study, and compares the infrared and the wet chemical methods for composition analysis. In addition to reviewing recent studies of biomass structure and composition, we also discuss the progress and prospects for …

Discovery Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In Candidate Genes Associated With Fertility And Production Traits In Holstein Cattle, Sarah D. Cochran, John B. Cole, Daniel J. Null, Peter J. Hansen

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

Background: Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for specific genes involved in reproduction might improve reliability of genomic estimates for these low-heritability traits. Semen from 550 Holstein bulls of high (≥ 1.7; n = 288) or low (≤ −2; n = 262) daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) was genotyped for 434 candidate SNPs using the Sequenom MassARRAY^® system. Three types of SNPs were evaluated: SNPs previously reported to be associated with reproductive traits or physically close to genetic markers for reproduction, SNPs in genes that are well known to be involved in reproductive processes, and SNPs in genes that …

Volatile Induction Of Infected And Neighbouring Uninfected Plants Potentially Influence Attraction/Repellence Of A Cereal Herbivore, D. Piesik, D. Pańka, M. Jeske, A. Wenda-Piesik, K. J. Delaney, David K. Weaver

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

Pathogen infection can induce plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We infected ‘McNeal’ wheat and ‘Harrington’ barley with a Fusarium spp. blend (F. graminearum, F. avenaceum and F. culmorum). Both cereals had the greatest VOC induction 14 days after pathogen innoculation, only slightly lower induction occurred at 7 days, but displayed no induction at 1 days. The induced VOC bouquet for both cereals included six green leaf volatiles (GLVs; e.g. (Z)-3-hexenol and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate), four terpenes (linalool, linalool oxide, (Z)-β-ocimene and (E)-β-caryophyllene) and benzyl acetate. Neighboring, uninfected individuals …

Home Sweet Home: An Infinite Grid Of Memory And Repressed Abuse Trauma, Melissa Bush

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Incorporating traditional craft mediums of crochet and embroidery, I use digital technology to experiment with wording to graphically represent my abuse trauma. Due to the severity of the subject matter and the work ethic I employ in my art practice, using my hands and being completely involved is a form of masochistic pleasure. My process takes on a Sisyphean approach of penance for the sins of others in my work. During my studio practice, my process reaches a meditative state where my mind is clear and free of the burden. Once I've completed a panel of trauma, the burden is …

Advanced Augmented Reality Telestration Techniques With Applications In Laparoscopic And Robotic Surgery, Stephen Dworzecki

Wayne State University Dissertations

The art of teaching laparoscopic or robotic surgery currently has a primary reliance on an expert surgeon tutoring a student during a live surgery. During these operations, surgeons are viewing the inside of the body through a manipulatable camera. Due to the viewpoint translation and narrow field of view, these techniques have a substantial learning curve in order to gain the mastery necessary to operate safely. In addition to moving and rotating the camera, the surgeon must also manipulate tools inserted into the body. These tools are only visible on camera, and pass through a pivot point on the body …

Analysis Of The Structure And Function Of A Timp-1/Cd63 Complex And Its Relationship To An Mt1-Mmp/Cd63 Complex, Richard B. Warner

Wayne State University Dissertations

The relationship of the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and secreted proteins to intra-cellular functions has an important impact on disease progression. The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), of which there are four, are known for their broad metalloprotease inhibitory abilities. TIMP-1 has been widely studied as an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and therefore as a molecule that prevents ECM degradation and proteolytic cleavage of extra-cellular molecules, processes thought to be critical for tumor invasion and metastasis. However, TIMP-1 has shown in the clinic to have increased expression in cases of disease progression; especially, it is associated with poor prognosis in …

Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation And Molecular Modeling Studies Of Novel Multifunctional Neuroprotective Drugs For The Treatment Of Parkinson's Disease: An Effort Towards The Improvement Of In Vivo Efficacy And Modulation Of Alpha Synuclein Aggregation Property Of The Neuroprotective Parent, Gyan Prakash Modi

Wayne State University Dissertations

DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND MOLECULAR MODELING STUDIES OF NOVEL MULTIFUNCTIONAL NEUROPROTECTIVE DRUGS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE: AN EFFORT TOWARDS THE IMPROVEMENT OF IN VIVO EFFICACY AND MODULATION OF ALPHA SYNUCLEIN AGGREGATION PROPERTY OF THE NEUROPROTECTIVE PARENT MOLECULE (D-264)

by

GYAN PRAKASH MODI

May 2014

Advisor: Dr. Aloke K. Dutta

Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive age-related neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that is characterized by gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The research from the past two decades in PD area …

Assessment Of Attention In Vasopressin-Deficient Brattleboro Rats Using A Five-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task, Michael D. Berquist Ii

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Headbanging By Pigeons Iii. A Systematic Replication And Extension Of An Animal Model Of Psychopathology, Darin Allen Casler

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Fluvial And Adfluvial Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis) Movement Patterns Within Sevenmile Creek And Mosquito River, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, Robert L. Cross

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Ecological Aspects Of Chewing Lice In A Northern Michigan Population Of Brown-Headed Cowbirds, Emily Shea Durkin

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Bodies Shaped In Paint And Earth, Emily Ann Engelhard

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

How To See In The Dark, Nancy G. Gold

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Graphic Novels: Agents Of Reading Engagement, Susan Hornbogen

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Diet Comparison Among Native And Introduced Salmonids In A Tributary To Lake Superior, Julie L. Howard

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Use Of An Anionic Polyacrylamide Blend To Control The Cyanobacteria Microcystis Aeruginosa, Kyla Jayne Iwinski

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Bridging The Gap: Transcending Multimodal Pedagogies Used In Composition Courses To Teach Literature, Lucy Anne Johnson

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Ghost Work, John Minser

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Antidepressant Drugs On The Schedule-Induced Polydipsia, Sean Mooney-Leber

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Textbooks Vs. Techbooks: Effectiveness Of Digital Textbooks On Elementary Student Motivation For Learning, Auna Oman

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Infintitesimals, Brandon Richard Peters

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Muscle-Synthesized Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) In The Health And Maintenance Of Motorneurons, Emily J. Pomeroy

All NMU Master's Theses

No abstract provided.