Digital Commons Network^™

Transcriptome Profiling Of Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa Pratensis L.) Accessions In Response To Salt Stress, Shaun B. Bushman, Keenan L. Amundsen, Scott E. Warnke, Joseph G. Robins, Paul G. Johnson

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Background: Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a prominent turfgrass in the cool-season regions, but it is sensitive to salt stress. Previously, a relatively salt tolerant Kentucky bluegrass accession was identified that maintained green color under consistent salt applications. In this study, a transcriptome study between the tolerant (PI 372742) accession and a salt susceptible (PI 368233) accession was conducted, under control and salt treatments, and in shoot and root tissues.

Results: Sample replicates grouped tightly by tissue and treatment, and fewer differentially expressed transcripts were detected in the tolerant PI 372742 samples compared to the susceptible …

Expression Of Apoplast-Targeted Plant Defensin Mtdef4.2 Confers Resistance To Leaf Rust Pathogen Puccinia Triticina But Does Not Affect Mycorrhizal Symbiosis In Transgenic Wheat, Jagdeep Kaur, John Fellers, Alok Adholeya, Siva L.S. Velivelli, Kaoutar El-Mounadi, Natalya Nersesian, Thomas Clemente, Dilip Shah

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Rust fungi of the order Pucciniales are destructive pathogens of wheat worldwide. Leaf rust caused by the obligate, biotrophic basidiomycete fungus Puccinia triticina (Pt) is an economically important disease capable of causing up to 50 % yield losses. Historically, resistant wheat cultivars have been used to control leaf rust, but genetic resistance is ephemeral and breaks down with the emergence of new virulent Pt races. There is a need to develop alternative measures for control of leaf rust in wheat. Development of transgenic wheat expressing an antifungal defensin offers a promising approach to complement the endogenous resistance genes …

Dioxygenase-Encoding Atdao1 Gene Controls Iaa Oxidation And Homeostasis In Arabidopsis, Silvana Porco, Aleš Pěnčík, Afaf Rashed, Ute Voβ, Rubén Casanova-Sáez, Anthony Bishop, Agata Golebiowska, Rahul Bhosale, Ranjan Swarup, Kamal Swarup, Pavlína Penáková, Ondrej Novák, Paul E. Staswick, Peter Hedden, Andrew L. Phillips, Kris Vissenberg, Malcolm J. Bennett, Karin Ljung

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Auxin represents a key signal in plants, regulating almost every aspect of their growth and development. Major breakthroughs have been made dissecting the molecular basis of auxin transport, perception, and response. In contrast, how plants control the metabolism and homeostasis of the major form of auxin in plants, indole-3- acetic acid (IAA), remains unclear. In this paper, we initially describe the function of the Arabidopsis thaliana gene DIOXYGENASE FOR AUXIN OXIDATION 1 (AtDAO1). Transcriptional and translational reporter lines revealed that AtDAO1 encodes a highly root-expressed, cytoplasmically localized IAA oxidase. Stable isotope-labeled IAA feeding studies of loss and …

Hermeneutics, Margaret English De Alminana

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

Biodegradation Of Lignin By Fungi, Bacteria And Laccases, Fnu Asina

Theses and Dissertations

Lignin, a heterogeneous three-dimensional biopolymer, is one of the building blocks of lignocellulosic biomass. Due to its limited chemical reactivity, lignin is currently processed as a low value by-product in pulp and paper mills. Therefore, valorization of lignin holds great potential as this would provide a readily available source of aromatic compounds for various industrial applications. In this study, indulin AT biodegradation was assessed by comparing the effects of basidiomycetous fungi (Coriolus versicolor and Trametes gallica) and actinobacteria (Mycobacterium sp. and Streptomyces sp.) to those of two commercial laccases, those from T. versicolor (≥ 10 U/mg) and C. versicolor (≥ …

The Invocative Use Of The Bible's Rhetorical Power In The Transcripts Of Anne Hutchinson's Trials, Carolyn D. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

Generally speaking, some Massachusetts Bay Colony Puritans invoke the rhetorical power of the Protestant Old and New Testaments in their writings to specify and dictate certain courses of action, especially during the period known as the Antinomian Controversy. These authoritarian, dogmatic, directive allusions to Scripture-- what I call the invocative use of the Bible's rhetorical power--appear frequently in some specific contemporaneous Massachusetts Bay Colony journals, sermons, and letters. The author employs these uses to establish the literary and interpretive contexts for the rhetorical use of the Bible in the transcripts of Hutchinson's civil and ecclesiastical trials. For example, the author …

The Effects Of Social Spending On Economic Growth And Standards Of Living Within U.S. States, Derek James Ebeling

Theses and Dissertations

Social spending is a large and controversial program within the United States. Though a number of studies examined its effects on Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) between countries, very few specifically looked at its effectiveness solely within the United States. By doing so, international political policy deviations are controlled for. Further, most studies neglect the externalities of social spending on living standards. This paper fills these gaps by utilizing two US Census aid datasets – state & local spending and federal aid & transfer payments – for all 50 states to study the effects of social spending on Gross Domestic Product, …

Old Testament Survey, Steelman Library, Doug Roth Dr.

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

Old Testament Survey, Steelman Library, Jim P. Vigil

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Nanoclay On Binder Rheology And Hma Rutting Resistance, Daniel David Landrus

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the change in rheological properties of nanoclay modified asphalt binders was determined in the laboratory. The four performance grade asphalt binders used in this study, PG 58-34, PG 58-28, PG 64-34, and PG 64-28, were modified using Cloisite 20 nanoclay at 1 %, 3%, and 5 % by weight of the asphalt binder. The Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) was used to measure the rheological properties of the unmodified and modified asphalt binders and determine the change in performance properties. The non-modified and modified asphalt binders were also used to create nanoclay modified asphalt specimens using the Superpave …

Measuring Job Satisfaction For Rural Mental Health Providers: A Social Cognitive Career Theory Approach, Erin L. Martin

Theses and Dissertations

The current study employed online collection of self-report demographic data as

well self-report aspects of job satisfaction such as: positive affectivity, self-efficacy,

work-related goal progress, work-related goal support, and work conditions. Each

consenting participant completed the same set of online questionnaires. Several

participants chose to expand upon some of the unique stressors they experience as rural

mental health providers in follow-up emails. Results of path analysis did not find the

expected fit of observed data to the proposed structural model. Multiple regression

analyses provided data about the importance of positive affectivity, work conditions,

work-related goal support, and work-related goal progress …

Exploring The Impact Of Self-Determination On The Political Practices Of The Turtle Mountain Band Of Chippewa Indians: A Critical Content Analysis, Terri Jean Martin-Parisien

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) of 1975 specific to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI). The purpose of this study was to provide evidence as to the impact of the ISDEAA on the Tribe as well as if, and how, the Tribe set their own definition of self-determination, above and beyond the definition of the ISDEAA. This study also examined the tensions that exist between the federal government and the TMBCI using federal policies such as the ISDEAA.

Tribal Critical Race Theory (TribalCrit) and Content Analysis were used as the theoretical framework …

Deposition, Diagenesis And Porosity Of Birdbear Formation, Williston Basin, North Dakota, Francis Chidi Nwachukwu

Theses and Dissertations

The Birdbear Formation in Williston Basin of western North Dakota is a carbonate-evaporite sequence that has been the subject of much research over the past decades. This study looks at the depositional environment and the diagenetic characteristics of the formation, and their relation to production characteristics. Much has been done over the years on the Birdbear Formation, but most of these studies were restricted to eastern Montana (USA), southern Manitoba and south western Saskatchewan (Canadian province). The approach of integrating the role and effects of deposition, diagenesis, and porosity of the Birdbear Formation (Upper Devonian) Williston Basin in McKenzie County, …

Drawing 1, Steelman Library, Jon Seals

Syllabus Repository

No abstract provided.

A Localized Autonomous Control Algorithm For Robots With Heterogeneous Capabilities In A Multi-Tier Architecture, Jeremy Straub

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation makes two contributions to the use of the Blackboard Architecture for command. The use of boundary nodes for data abstraction is introduced and the use of a solver-based blackboard system with pruning is proposed. It also makes contributions advancing the engineering design process in the area of command system selection for heterogeneous robotic systems. It presents and analyzes data informing decision making between centralized and distributed command systems and also characterizes the efficacy of pruning across different experimental scenarios, demonstrating when it is effective or not. Finally, it demonstrates the operations of the system, raising the technology readiness …

Contraceptive Self-Efficacy: Educational And Familial Influences, Jenelle Suzan Swenberger

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines educational and familial influences on contraceptive self-efficacy among young adults. Self-efficacy theory states that beliefs about personal efficacy constitute the key factor behind human agency. Contraceptive self-efficacy refers to the belief in one’s ability to utilize contraceptives in a sexual situation. Based on previous literature it is expected that young adults who have had comprehensive reproductive health education, report higher levels of individual educational attainment, and report higher levels of mothers’ and fathers’ educational attainment will report higher levels of contraceptive self-efficacy. To test these associations, data from a stratified random sample of undergraduate students enrolled at …

Preparing Doctoral Students For The Professoriate: An Ethnographic Study Of Students’ Experiences In A Formal Preparatory Course, Mohammed Saleh Alkathiri

Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of doctoral students relating to the factors that influence their understanding, preparation and attitude toward the professoriate. Participants were enrolled in a formal course that was designed to prepare them for the professoriate. Acquainted with critical realist ontology, the researcher argued that it was necessary to investigate the understanding and preparation of doctoral students in order to better clarify the complex experiences that underlie their practices of making meaning and maintaining balance and well-being in the professoriate. The study was conducted using an ethnographic case study approach with multiple data collection methods that …

Teacher Perceptions Of Facilitated Video Analysis Of Instruction In Teacher Professional Development, Benson Ayang Bakabaka

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study investigated inservice teachers’ perceptions of facilitated video analysis of instruction (FAVAI) on teacher professional development. The study borrows from the efficiency video of instruction has provided preservice teachers in previous research. The study made use of a group of five inservice teachers who took a professional development course labeled the Bakabaka Video Pedagogy (BVP). These teachers participated in watching and analyzing videos of instruction. A midcourse anonymous online survey was administered four weeks into the course. At the end of the BVP course, a post-viewing interview was administered to all the participants. The key research questions guiding …

Examining Identity Of Novice Teacher Educators: A Self-Study, Laura Brudvik

Theses and Dissertations

Novice teacher educators can provide valuable insight into the question of professional identity and how it informs practice. Collaboration through interviews using self-study highlight how the experiences of their novice teacher educator years contribute to their identities. The self-study method provides an integrative approach, bridging research and practice, with the goal of ultimately improving practice. This self-study identifies specific qualities possessed by teacher educators who are former classroom teachers, and analyzes those qualities to determine possible benefits to teacher education. A corollary study is a self-study of my personal construction of professional identity as a novice teacher educator. The self-study …

Lived Experiences Of Freshman Students In Their First Semester Of College, Lisa Marie Burger

Theses and Dissertations

Why do some college students enter, persist, and successfully move through the educational system, while others lose their direction and leave college prior to achieving their academic goals? As students graduate from high school and enter a post-secondary educational environment, some are prepared for the experiences they will encounter, while others struggle through their first semester of enrollment as they attempt to make meaning of their life situations and transitions. This qualitative research study used Schlossberg’s (1981) Transition Theory as well as Baxter Magolda’s (2001) concept of self-reflection as a framework for discovery and understanding in an attempt to gain …

The Relationship Of Substance Use, Biological Sex, And Age To Defender Behaviors In Middle And High School Students In Rural Schools, Amanda D'Ottavio

Theses and Dissertations

While there are many studies looking at the characteristic of defenders in bullying situations, the literature regarding defender behaviors and substance use is lacking. In a sample of rural adolescents, the current study aims to examine the relationship between defender behaviors, substance use, biological sex and age. Rural middle and high school youth from six Northern Plains schools in the Midwest (N = 264) completed a self-report survey. Surveys were created to examine defender behaviors and substance use, and a demographic questionnaire collected biological sex and grade level. Grade level was used in place of age. A relationship between defender …

Spirituality And Student Engagement At A Small, Church-Related Private College, Hal Henry Haynes

Theses and Dissertations

The undergraduate collegiate years are filled with growth and development for students. As students experience and progress through their collegiate years, they are often confronted with difficult life questions, such as what is the meaning of life or why am I here? Oftentimes, the question is why do bad things happen? The purpose of this study is to better understand relationship between student engagement and spirituality.

Undergraduate students at a small, church-related private college in the Upper Midwest were surveyed in the Spring 2015 semester using the College Students’ Beliefs and Values Survey (CSBVS).

Alexander Astin’s I-E-O model was utilized …

Characterization Of Two Surface Proteins From The Lyme Spirochete And Their Roles During Mammalian Infection, Robert Anthony Gaultney

Theses and Dissertations

Borrelia burgdorferi is an enigmatic bacterial pathogen that afflicts a large proportion of the world population as the causative agent of Lyme disease. The bacterium has a number of factors that promote virulence including a complex and dynamic array of extracellular proteins that can interact with various molecules of an infected host. One such molecule, fibronectin, is a key glycoprotein in the ECM of mammalian hosts with multiple characterized functions. B. burgdorferi encodes multiple known Fn-binding proteins, and has an additional putative protein BB0347 that may also bind Fn. Another protein, MlpJ, is homologous to a known hemin-binding protein, which …

Gata4 Interacts With Hedgehog Signaling Pathway In Regulating Outflow Tract Development, Jielin Liu

Theses and Dissertations

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are among the most common type of developmental anomaly affecting 8 in 1000 live births. Approximately 30% of CHDs involve cardiac outflow tract (OFT) malformation which leads to significant morbidity and mortality in both children and adults. Development of OFT is regulated by a complex genetic network including Sonic-Hedgehog signaling pathway, TGF-β and BMP signaling pathway. Mutation of a transcription factor, Gata4, has been known to cause OFT defects including double outlet right ventricle (DORV) in both human and mice for decades. Several transcription targets of Gata4 have been identified such as Mef2c, Ccnd2 and Cdk4, …

Understanding Addiction, Depression, And Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Structure-Function Analyses Of The Dopamine And Serotonin Transporters, Danielle Krout

Theses and Dissertations

The dopamine (DAT) and serotonin (SERT) transporters are monoamine neurotransmitter transporters (MATs) responsible for the reuptake of dopamine (DA) or serotonin (5-HT) from the synapse following vesicular release, effectively regulating synaptic neurotransmission. Blockade of these transporters by antagonists such as psychostimulant drugs or transporter mutations that affect function can compromise DA or 5-HT homeostasis and impact fundamental brain processes including movement, emotion, behavior, motivation, and memory. To address these issues, my dissertation research focused on: (1) identifying and characterizing the cocaine binding site in DAT, (2) determining the influence of membrane depolarization on DAT trafficking, (3) investigating antidepressant metabolite action …

Britain's First War With Kandy: Landscape, Violence, And Conquest In Colonial Sri Lanka, Elizabeth Anne Mjelde

Theses and Dissertations

Accounts of travel to Sri Lanka published during the period of British conquest (1796 through 1818) reveal a consistent yet problematic tendency: despite ongoing military conflict, visual artists constructed representations of the island as a peaceful and orderly place. The contradiction is heightened when travelers’ uniformly tranquil images of Sri Lanka are juxtaposed with documented acts of destruction to land and property, undertaken by troops during Britain’s first war with the inland kingdom of Kandy, a conflict which eventually led to the island’s complete colonization. The present study reconciles this contradiction through analysis of publications by each of five artists …

Parent Understanding Of K-6 Student Mathematics Performance Using Standards-Based Compared To Traditional Report Cards, Jill Ann Olson

Theses and Dissertations

More and more elementary schools are adopting standards-based report cards to report student achievement in an effort to communicate to parents their child’s mastery of standards at each grade level. The effect this has on parent understanding of their child’s achievement is still uncertain. A survey methodology was used in this quantitative study to examine parents’ understanding of their K-6 child’s mathematics performance when reported using standards-based compared to traditional report cards. The researcher sought to determine the effect understanding has on parents’ probability of providing at-home skill building activities in the areas in which the child is not performing …

Public Opinion About Police Use Of Body-Worn Cameras, Deanne Paulsen

Theses and Dissertations

There has been a significant increase in media attention about encounters between police officers and the public which have ended badly, sometimes in injury or death. These events have increased public concern about police conduct. Because of these events and the adverse publicity they have generated, many police departments have begun using body-worn cameras. The police use of body-worn cameras raises many important issues such as their effects on privacy and police-community relations. Because police departments have just recently begun using body cameras, there has been limited research on them. Consequently, the current study examined whether the public favors the …

A Large Scale Inertial Aided Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (Slam) System For Small Mobile Platforms, Ashraf Qadir

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation we present a robust simultaneous mapping and localization scheme that can be deployed on a computationally limited, small unmanned aerial system. This is achieved by developing a key frame based algorithm that leverages the multiprocessing capacity of modern low power mobile processors. The novelty of the algorithm lies in the design to make it robust against rapid exploration while keeping the computational time to a minimum. A novel algorithm is developed where the time critical components of the localization and mapping system are computed in parallel utilizing the multiple cores of the processor. The algorithm uses a …

Teacher Referral Following Natural Disasters, Melissa Anne Quincer

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has shown that teachers are common referral points for children

experiencing mental health difficulties. This is especially true in rural communities and a

major time of intervention has been following natural disasters, when there are not

enough mental health services in an area, or they are too taxed. This study sought to

explore teachers’ referral habits and determine if there is any difference when rural

challenges are present or if the teacher has previously experienced a disaster. To this end,

teachers were recruited, presented with vignettes that either contained rural challenges or

did not contain rural challenges and …