Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Virus On Plant Fecundity And Population Dynamics, Holly R. Prendeville, Brigitte Tenhumberg, Diana Pilson

Brigitte Tenhumberg Papers

Microorganisms are ubiquitous and thought to regulate host populations. Although microorganisms can be pathogenic and affect components of fitness, few studies have examined their effects on wild plant populations. As individual traits might not contribute equally to changes in population growth rate, it is essential to examine the entire life cycle to determine how microorganisms affect host population dynamics. In this study, we used data from common garden experiments with plants from three Cucurbita pepo populations exposed to three virus treatments. These data were used to parameterize a deterministic matrix model, which allowed us to estimate the effect of virus …

A Glutathione-Independent Glyoxalase Of The Dj-1 Superfamily Plays An Important Role In Managing Metabolically Generated Methylglyoxal In Candida Albicans, Sahar Hasim, Nur Ahmad Hussin, Fadhel Alomar, Keshore R. Bidasee, Kenneth W. Nickerson, Mark A. Wilson

Kenneth Nickerson Papers

Methylglyoxal is a cytotoxic reactive carbonyl compound produced by central metabolism. Dedicated glyoxalases convert methylglyoxal to D-lactate using multiple catalytic strategies. In this study, the DJ-1 superfamily member ORF 19.251/GLX3 from Candida albicans is shown to possess glyoxalase activity, making this the first demonstrated glutathione-independent glyoxalase in fungi. The crystal structure of Glx3p indicates that the protein is a monomer containing the catalytic triad Cys¹³⁶- His¹³⁷-Glu¹⁶⁸. Purified Glx3p has an in vitro methylglyoxalase activity (K_m = 5.5 mM andk_cat = 7.8 s^-1) that is significantly greater than that of …

Tilted Femtosecond Pulses For Velocity Matching In Gas-Phase Ultrafast Electron Diffraction, Ping Zhang, Jie Yang, Martin Centurion

Martin Centurion Publications

Recent advances in pulsed electron gun technology have resulted in femtosecond electron pulses becoming available for ultrafast electron diffraction experiments. For experiments investigating chemical dynamics in the gas phase, the resolution is still limited to picosecond time scales due to the velocity mismatch between laser and electron pulses. Tilted laser pulses can be used for velocity matching, but thus far this has not been demonstrated over an extended target in a diffraction setting. We demonstrate an optical configuration to deliver high-intensity laser pulses with a tilted pulse front for velocity matching over the typical length of a gas jet. A …

Coplanar Switching Of Polarization In Thin Films Of Vinylidene Fluoride Oligomers, Pankaj Sharma, Alexandra Fursina, Shashi Poddar, Stephen Ducharme, Alexei Gruverman

Stephen Ducharme Publications

Switching characteristics of vinylidene fluoride oligomer thin films with molecular chains aligned normal to the substrate and exhibiting a preferential in-plane polarization have been investigated using coplanar geometry of inter-digital electrodes via high-resolution piezoresponse force microscopy. It has been shown that in-plane switching proceeds via non-180 rotation of dipoles mediated by non-stochastic nucleation, expansion, and coalescence of domains. Asgrown multidomain configuration is found to be strongly pinned aided by charged domain walls, and the electrically induced (in-plane) mono-domain states relax to the as-grown state. The observed coercive field (approximately 0.6 MV/m) is two to three orders of magnitude smaller than …

Redescription Of Oligacanthorhynchus Microcephalus (Rudolphi, 1819) Schmidt 1972 (Syn. Oligacanthorhynchus Tortuosa (Leidy, 1850) Schmidt 1972) (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae), Dennis J. Richardson, Scott Lyell Gardner, Jonathan W. Allen Jr.

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Oligacanthorhynchus microcephalus (Rudolphi, 1819) Schmidt, 1972 was originally described from the philander opossum Caluromys philander from Brazil. Oligacanthorhynchus tortuosa (Leidy, 1850) Schmidt, 1972 was originally described from the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in North America. Six years after describing O. tortuosa, Leidy indicated the synonomy of O. tortuosa with O. microcephalus. This taxonomic view persisted for decades until Van Cleave, in 1924, recognized the validity of O. tortuosa, apparently without examining the type material of O. microcephalus. Subsequent workers have recognized two species of Oligacanthorhynchus from New World opossums: O. microcephalus from South American …

Varestrongylus Eleguneniensis Sp. N. (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae): A Widespread, Multi-Host Lungworm Of Wild North American Ungulates, With An Emended Diagnosis For The Genus And Explorations Of Biogeography, Guilherme G. Verocai, Susan J. Kutz, Manon Simard, Eric P. Hoberg

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Background: A putative new species of Varestrongylus has been recently recognized in wild North American ungulates based on the ITS-2 sequences of larvae isolated from feces during a wide geographic survey. No taxonomic description was provided, as adult specimens were not examined. Methods: Lungworm specimens were collected in the terminal bronchioles of muskoxen from Quebec, and a woodland caribou from central Alberta, Canada. The L3 stage was recovered from experimentally infected slugs (Deroceras spp.). Description of specimens was based on comparative morphology and integrated approaches. Molecular identity was determined by PCR and sequencing of the ITS-2 region of …

Air Sac Nematode Monopetalonema Alcedinis In A Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle Alcyon) In Maryland, Usa, Ellen Bronson, Kathleen Kelly, Eric P. Hoberg

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Sporadic and geographically widespread reports of parasites affecting the Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) have been published but few have described details of the pathology. A female, adult kingfisher was found dead in a heavily wooded area of a zoo in Maryland, USA. At necropsy, numerous sexually dimorphic, 4.4–40.5-cm adult Monopetalonema alcedinis nematodes were found tightly wound within the coelomic cavity between organs and completely filling the caudal thoracic and abdominal air sacs. Abundant, 30–60-mm diameter, larvated, thick-walled ova were found in the bronchi and parabronchi, within the mesentery, and in the serosa of multiple coelomic organs. Monopetalonema alcedinis …

In Memoriam: Robert Lloyd Rausch—A Life In Nature And Field Biology, 1921–2012, Eric P. Hoberg

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

During his distinguished career, Robert Rausch, a man of great integrity and principles, served in his lifetime as a singular ambassador for parasitology in a broad international arena. Robert was a friend to many, was honored to be considered an equal among the nomadic bands of Nunamiut traversing the Brooks Range 60 years ago, and will be long remembered for the strength of his science and his perceptive views of the natural world.

Finding Them Before They Find Us: Informatics, Parasites, And Environments In Accelerating Climate Change, Daniel R. Brooks, Eric P. Hoberg, Walter A. Boeger, Scott Lyell Gardner, Kurt E. Galbreath, David Herczeg, Hugo H. Mejía-Madrid, S. Elizabeth Rácz, Altangerel Tsogtsaikhan Dursahinhan

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Parasites are agents of disease in humans, livestock, crops, and wildlife and are powerful representations of the ecological and historical context of the diseases they cause. Recognizing a nexus of professional opportunities and global public need, we gathered at the Cedar Point Biological Station of the University of Nebraska in September 2012 to formulate a cooperative and broad platform for providing essential information about the evolution, ecology, and epidemiology of parasites across host groups, parasite groups, geographical regions, and ecosystem types. A general protocol, documentation–assessment–monitoring–action (DAMA), suggests an integrated proposal to build a proactive capacity to understand, anticipate, and respond …

Transfer Of The U.S. National Parasite Collection [Announcement], Eric P. Hoberg, Anna J.. Phillips

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

In 2013, an agreement was articulated between the United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Smithsonian Institution to transfer the National Parasite Collection (NPC) in its entirety (fluid specimens, slide specimens, frozen tissues, and reprints) to the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Washington, D.C. Current collections staff, including senior curator Dr. Eric P. Hoberg and support scientists/managers from the ARS, will be transferred with the collection and, with adjunct appointments in the NMNH, will provide continuity and assistance for curation and accessibility during and after the relocation. New curatorial controls will be established under NMNH …

Transfer Of The United States National Parasite Collection [Announcement], Eric P. Hoberg, Anna J. Phillips

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

In 2013, an agreement was articulated between the United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Smithsonian Institution to transfer the United States National Parasite Collection in its entirety (fluid specimens, slide specimens, frozen tissues and reprints) to the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Washington, D.C. Current collections staff, including senior curator Dr. Eric P. Hoberg and support scientists/managers from the ARS will be transferred with the collection and with adjunct appointments in the NMNH will provide continuity and assistance for curation and accessibility during and after the relocation. New curatorial controls will be established under …

Anthropogenics: Human Influence On Global And Genetic Homogenization Of Parasite Populations, Dante S. Zarlenga, Eric P. Hoberg, Benjamin Rosenthal, Simonetti Mattiucci, Giuseppe Nascetti

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

The distribution, abundance, and diversity of life on Earth have been greatly shaped by human activities. This includes the geographic expansion of parasites; however, measuring the extent to which humans have influenced the dissemination and population structure of parasites has been challenging. In-depth comparisons among parasite populations extending to landscape-level processes affecting disease emergence have remained elusive. New research methods have enhanced our capacity to discern human impact, where the tools of population genetics and molecular epidemiology have begun to shed light on our historical and ongoing influence. Only since the 1990s have parasitologists coupled morphological diagnosis, long considered the …

Levisunguis Subaequalis N. G., N. Sp., A Tongue Worm (Pentastomida: Porocephalida: Sebekidae) Infecting Softshell Turtles, Apalone Spp. (Testudines: Trionychidae), In The Southeastern United States, Stephen S. Curran, Robin M. Overstreet, David E. Collins, George W. Benz

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

A new tongue worm (Pentastomida) belonging to the Sebekidae Sambon, 1922 (Porocephaloidea Sambon, 1922) is described based on exemplars collected from softshell terrapins Apalone spinifera aspera (Agassiz) and Apalone ferox (Schneider) in the southeastern United States; a new genus is erected to accommodate the new species. The new species belongs in the Sebekidae because adults possess four simple hooks arranged in a trapezoid pattern on the ventral surface of the cephalothorax, a mouth opening between the anterior and posterior pairs of hooks, a terminal anus, an elongated uterus with preanal uterine pore, and a Y-shaped seminal vesicle. Nymphs possess geminate …

Large And Medium-Sized Mammals Of Carajás National Forest, Pará State, Brazil, Andréa Siqueira Carvalho, Frederico Drumond Martins, Francilma Mendes Dutra, Donald Gettinger, Fernanda Martins-Hatano, Helena De Godoy Bergallo

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

The Carajás National Forest is located in the Amazonian region, Pará State, Brazil and is part of a mosaic of conservation units comprising over one million hectares. This region has been explored for its mineral reserves, but knowledge of the distribution of animals and plants is lacking. The objective of this paper is to provide a list of the medium and large-sized mammals recorded from the Carajás NF. We used four methods to record mammals: linear transects, camera traps, records of road-killed animals, and opportunistic observations. We recorded 45 species distributed in nine taxonomic orders, eight of them currently on …

Land Cover Changes And Their Biogeophysical Effects On Climate, Rezaul Mahmood

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Land Cover/Land Use Changes On The Regional Climate Of The Usa High Plains, Denis Mutiibwa, Ayse Kilic, Suat Irmak

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

We present the detection of the signatures of land use/land cover (LULC) changes on the regional climate of the US High Plains. We used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as a proxy of LULC changes and atmospheric CO₂ concentrations as a proxy of greenhouse gases. An enhanced signal processing procedure was developed to detect the signatures of LULC changes by integrating autoregression and moving average (ARMA) modeling and optimal fingerprinting technique. The results, which are representative of the average spatial signatures of climate response to LULC change forcing on the regional climate of the High Plains during the …

On The Equality Assumption Of Latent And Sensible Heat Energy Transfer Coefficients Of The Bowen Ratio Theory For Evapotranspiration Estimations: Another Look At The Potential Causes Of Inequalities, Suat Irmak, Ayse Kilic, Sumantra Chatterjee

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Evapotranspiration (ET) and sensible heat (H) flux play a critical role in climate change; micrometeorology; atmospheric investigations; and related studies. They are two of the driving variables in climate impact(s) and hydrologic balance dynamics. Therefore, their accurate estimate is important for more robust modeling of the aforementioned relationships. The Bowen ratio energy balance method of estimating ET and H diffusions depends on the assumption that the diffusivities of latent heat (K_V) and sensible heat (K_H) are always equal. This assumption is re-visited and analyzed for a subsurface drip-irrigated field in …

Ferroelectric Hexagonal And Rhombic Monolayer Ice Phases, Wen-Hui Zhao, Jaeil Bai, Lan-Feng Yuan, Jinlong Yang, Xiao Cheng Zeng

Xiao Cheng Zeng Publications

Two new phases of water, the mid-density hexagonal monolayer ice and the high-density flat rhombic monolayer ice, are observed in our molecular dynamics simulations of monolayer water confined between two smooth hydrophobic walls. These are in addition to the two monolayer ices reported previously, namely, the low-density 4∙8² monolayer ice and the high-density puckered rhombic monolayer ice (HD-pRMI). Stabilities of the structures are confirmed by ab initio computation. Importantly, both new phases and the HD-pRMI are predicted to be ferroelectric. An in-plane external electric field can further stabilize these ferroelectric monolayer ices.

Synthesis Of Unnatural Amino Acids Functionalized With Sterically Shielded Pyrroline Nitroxides, Ying Wang, Joseph T. Paletta, Kathleen Berg, Erin Reinhart, Suchada Rajca, Andrzej Rajca

Andrzej Rajca Publications

A series of unnatural amino acids functionalized with sterically shielded pyrroline nitroxides were synthesized. Their reduction by ascorbate/glutathione indicates that Lcysteine functionalized with gem-diethylpyrroline nitroxide is reduced at the slowest rate and is comparable to that measured for the most resistant to reduction pyrroline and pyrrolidine nitroxides.

Mvapack: A Complete Data Handling Package For Nmr Metabolomics, Bradley Worley, Robert Powers

Robert Powers Publications

Data handling in the field of NMR metabolomics has historically been reliant on either in-house mathematical routines or long chains of expensive commercial software. Thus, while the relatively simple biochemical protocols of metabolomics maintain a low barrier to entry, new practitioners of metabolomics experiments are forced to either purchase expensive software packages or craft their own data handling solutions from scratch. This inevitably complicates the standardization and communication of data handling protocols in the field. We report a newly developed open-source platform for complete NMR metabolomics data handling, MVAPACK, and describe its application on an example metabolic fingerprinting data set.

Alterations In Energy/Redox Metabolism Induced By Mitochondrial And Environmental Toxins: A Specific Role For Glucose-6-Phosphate- Dehydrogenase And The Pentose Phosphate Pathway In Paraquat Toxicity, Shulei Lei, Laura Zavala- Flores, Aracely Garcia- Garcia, Renu Nandakumar, Yuting Huang, Nandakumar Madayiputhiya, Robert C. Stanton, Eric D. Dodds, Robert Powers, Rodrigo Franco

Robert Powers Publications

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multifactorial disorder with a complex etiology including genetic risk factors, environmental exposures, and aging. While energy failure and oxidative stress have largely been associated with the loss of dopaminergic cells in PD and the toxicity induced by mitochondrial/environmental toxins, very little is known regarding the alterations in energy metabolism associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and their causative role in cell death progression. In this study, we investigated the alterations in the energy/redox-metabolome in dopaminergic cells exposed to environmental/ mitochondrial toxins (paraquat, rotenone, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium [MPP⁺], and 6-hydroxydopamine [6-OHDA]) in order to identify common and/or different …

Structure And Function Of Human Dnaj Homologue Subfamily A Member 1 (Dnaja1) And Its Relationship To Pancreatic Cancer, Jaime L. Stark, Kamiya Mehla, Nina V. Chaika, Thomas B. Acton, Rong Xiao, Pankaj K. Singh, Gaetano T. Montelione, Robert Powers

Robert Powers Publications

Pancreatic cancer has a dismal 5 year survival rate of 5.5% that has not been improved over the past 25 years despite an enormous amount of effort. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify truly novel yet druggable protein targets for drug discovery. The human protein DnaJ homologue subfamily A member 1 (DNAJA1) was previously shown to be downregulated 5- fold in pancreatic cancer cells and has been targeted as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer, but little is known about the specific biological function for DNAJA1 or the other members of the DnaJ family encoded in the human genome. …

Correction: Metabolic Reprogramming Induced By Ketone Bodies Diminishes Pancreatic Cancer Cachexia, Surendra K. Shukla, Teklab Gebregiworgis, Vinee Purohit, Nina V. Chaika, Venugopal Gunda, Prakash Radhakrishnan, Kamiya Mehla, Iraklis I. Pipinos, Robert Powers, Fang Yu, Pankaj K. Singh

Robert Powers Publications

Correction:

After publication of this Research Article [1], we noticed we had included an incorrect image in Figure 1D in the panel for LiAcAc 20 mM. A corrected Figure 1 is included here.

Sulfites, Steve L. Taylor, Robert K. Bush, Julie A. Nordlee

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Key Concepts

Sulfites are frequently used food and drug additives.

Ingestion of sulfite residues has been documented to trigger asthmatic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Sulfite-induced asthma occurs in less than 5% of asthmatic individuals, and those with severe, persistent asthma are at greatest risk.

The diagnosis of sulfite-induced asthma is best made by blinded oral challenge with assessment of lung function.

Labeling regulations in the United States alert sulfite-sensitive individuals to the presence of sulfites in foods, which must then be avoided.

Sjl Mice Infected With Acanthamoeba Castellanii Develop Central Nervous System Autoimmunity Through The Generation Of Cross-Reactive T Cells For Myelin Antigens, Jay Reddy, Chandirasegaran Massilamany, Francine Marciano-Cabral, Bruno Da Rocha-Azevedo, Melissa Jamerson, Arunakumar Gangaplara, David Steffen, Rana Zabad, Zsolt Illes, Raymond Sobel

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

We recently reported that Acanthamoeba castellanii (ACA), an opportunistic pathogen of the central nervous system (CNS) possesses mimicry epitopes for proteolipid protein (PLP) 139–151 and myelin basic protein 89–101, and that the epitopes induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL mice reminiscent of the diseases induced with their corresponding cognate peptides. We now demonstrate that mice infected with ACA also show the generation of crossreactive T cells, predominantly for PLP 139–151, as evaluated by T cell proliferation and IAs/dextramer staining. We verified that PLP 139–151-sensitized lymphocytes generated in infected mice contained a high proportion of T helper 1 cytokineproducing cells, …

Competition Among Species Of Stored-Product Psocids (Psocoptera) In Stored Grain, Christos G. Athanassiou, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, James E. Throne, Christos T. Nakas

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

We evaluated the competition among stored-product psocid species by conducting two series of laboratory experiments. In the first series, three species of Liposcelididae were used: Liposcelis bostrychophila, Liposcelis decolor, and Liposcelis paeta. Five adult females of these species were placed in vials containing wheat, either alone or in all possible combinations of two species. The number of adults in the vials was counted after 35, 70, 105, 140, and 175 days. These tests were performed at 25 and 30°C. At 25°C, there were no differences in numbers of L. bostrychophila when this species was reared either alone …

Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual

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

The standard methods described in Soil Survey Investigations Report (SSIR) No. 42, “Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual,” are those used by the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL), National Soil Survey Center (NSSC). Included in SSIR No. 42 are descriptions of both current and obsolete methods, all of which are documented by method codes and linked with analytical results that are stored in the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) Soil Characterization Database. This linkage between laboratory method codes and the respective analytical results is reported on the KSSL data sheets.

Comparison Of Herbal-Based And Synthetic Hemostatic Agents For Efficacy On A Rat Partial Nephrectomy Model. Experimental Study, Murat Bagcioglu, Emre Huri, Mumtaz Dadali, Hesna M. Astarci, Mustafa F. Sargon, Muzaffer Eroglu

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of herbal based and synthetic hemostatic agents in partial nephrectomy. METHODS: Our experimental study was carried out at the Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey between May and November 2012. Twenty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Intracorporeal sutures (group K), TachoSil (group T), HaemoCer (group H), and Ankaferd Blood Stopper (group A) were used to achieve hemostasis in partial nephrectomy. Warm ischemia time (WIT), hemostasis time (HT), and blood loss for all groups were measured. The specimens were examined histopathologically and electron microscopically after sacrificing the rats. RESULTS: The fastest hemostasis was …

Relationship Between Head Posture And Anterior-Posterior Skeletal Patterns In A Group Of Female Patients, Laila F. Baidas

Saudi Medical Journal

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between head posture and anteroposterior skeletal patterns in female adult patients. METHODS: The study included 75 lateral cephalograms of orthodontic patients in the age range of 18-25 years. The study was conducted from May 2012 to January 2013 at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The lateral cephalograms were divided into 3 groups based on the anterior-posterior skeletal relationship angle: skeletal class I, II, and III. Twenty-three craniofacial morphological variables were identified and used. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine significant differences among the 3 …

Electronic Health Records: Challenges And Opportunities, Jaymeen R. Shah, Mirza B. Murtaza, Emmanuel Opara

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

During the last three decades, healthcare expenditure in the U.S. has substantially increased. If this pace of increase is not controlled, it will lead to disastrous results for the healthcare system. An effective use of health information technology would not only improve the quality of healthcare but help reduce healthcare costs considerably. However, risks of privacy and security of patient electronic health records are great. It is recommended that healthcare organizations use IT management best practices, follow proper risk assessment and management guidelines, and keep up with latest technological advances to ensure the privacy and security of patient data.