Life Sciences Commons^™

Challenges And Opportunities To Rural Nutrition Education Programs In Kentucky's Superfund Communities, Carolyn L. Hofe

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The National Electric Coil Company/Cooper Industries, Inc. plant in Harlan County, Kentucky was a mining support operation primarily engaged in the cleaning and repair of mining equipment from 1951 to 1987. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and degradation byproducts, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and vinyl chloride were released into the areas surrounding the plant periodically for decades. Routine water sampling of area wells by the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water revealed significant levels of TCE, PCBs, and vinyl chloride. The toxicology of these chemicals implicates various systems, including cardiovascular, dermal, endocrine, and neurological.

University of Kentucky’s Superfund Basic Research Program’s (UK-SBRP) …

Towards Cloning The Clk-3 Gene In Caenorhabditis Elegans, Suchita Umesh Desai

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Mutations in the clk-1, clk-2, clk-3 and gro-1 genes in Caenorhabditis elegans show alterations in developmental and behavioral timing and lifespan, collectively termed the Clk phenotype. While the clk-1, clk-2, and gro-1 genes have been cloned, clk-3 gene has not been identified. Gene expression changes in clk-3 mutant worms were determined using microarray expression data. I examined genes in the region to which clk-3 gene maps, for strongly reduced expression in the clk-3 mutants and identified thirteen clk-3 candidate genes. RNAi feeding vectors for all these candidate genes were picked and cultured from the RNAi library. …

Effect Of The SmartstepTm Stabilization System On Balance In Older Adults In An Independent Living Residence, Ann L. Livengood

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

An increase in postural sway is one of the risk factors that have been linked to an increased incidence of falls in the older adult population. Researchers have shown that peripheral sensation is crucial in maintaining a static posture for adults of all ages. It has been reported that older adults have decreased tactile sensation of the plantar surface of their feet. and when the sensory feedback was increased older adults had improved postural control. It was hypothesized that facilitation of the sole of the foot with the use of a semirigid foot orthotic would result in improved postural stability …

Removal Of Manganese From An Alkaline Mine Drainage Using A Bioreactor With Different Organic Carbon Sources, Jared D. Edwards

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The treatment of Mn and SO₄^2- contaminated mine drainage via a sulfate reducing bioreactor is expected to result in near-permanent immobilization of significant amounts of Mn and a portion of the sulfates within the matrix. This study tested several different combinations of organic amendments and inorganic substrates in an attempt to optimize sulfate reducing conditions and Mn removal capacity. Five different organic carbon sources, including corn mash, wood mulch, biosolids, soybean oil, and sorghum syrup in combination with five different inorganic substrates, including creek sediment, marble and limestone chips, polished gravel, and sand were tested in batch experiments. …

Home Range, Habitat Use, And Food Habits Of The Black Bear In South-Central Florida, Wade Allen Ulrey

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

I studied a small, enigmatic, and imperiled black bear population in south-central Florida from 2004 - 2006. Annual home ranges of males (96.0 km²) were larger than those of females (32.2 km²). Female home ranges were smaller in winter than in summer or fall. At the landscape scale, bears selected forests, scrub, and citrus, but avoided urban areas. At the home range scale, bears selected bay swamp and hardwood hammock, but avoided urban areas and grassland. Bears selected bay swamp in winter, forests and scrub in summer, and forests, scrub, and marsh in fall. The bear’s …

Harvest Frequency And Cultivar Effects On Yield, Quality, And Regrowth Rate Among New Alfalfa Cultivars, Thomas Adam Probst

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important forage crop in the United States and consistently produces high yields and quality, but harvest frequency is the most significant factor for maximizing forage yield and quality. The objective of this research was to determine forage yield, quality, and regrowth rate among new alfalfa cultivars under four different harvest frequencies. Some of these cultivars have been marketed as having rapid rates of regrowth after cutting to maximize the number of harvests per year. Five cultivars were placed under four harvest frequencies of 25, 30, 35, and 40 days in a split-plot …

Precision Agriculture: Realizing Increased Profit And Reduced Risk Through Cost Map And Lightbar Adoption, Benjamin Michael Kayrouz

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

This thesis examines the use of two specific types of precision agriculture technologies: cost maps and lightbar. Cost maps visually depict spatial differences in production costs. The visual depictions of these costs are represented using ArcGIS in an attempt to aide farmers in further decision making. Results will show that cost maps have great possibilities in their addition to the set of tools that farmers use in decision making. This thesis will expand the understanding of lightbar from a partial budget study to a whole farm model incorporating competition across different enterprises for labor and capital. The results from the …

Inorganic And Organic Phosphorus Interactions With Hydroxy-Interlayered Soil Minerals, Paul D. Shumaker Ii

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Phosphorus (P), a necessary plant and animal nutrient, can also lead to eutrophication of fresh waters when in excess. Appropriate P management is necessary to prevent fresh water pollution. Mineralogy of soil clays has been shown to affect P adsorption, desorption, and movement through soils. Specifically, hydroxy-interlayered minerals have been shown to adsorb and retain inorganic P in soil systems. This study was designed to determine the sorption and desorption characteristics of inorganic, organic, and mixed forms of P interacting with soil hydroxy-interlayered vermiculites (HIV) and smectites (HIS), and compare the findings to sorption and desorption processes of natural aluminum …

Quantifying Cellulase In High-Solids Environments, Alicia Renée Abadie

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

In recent years, fungal and bacterial cellulases have gained popularity for the conversion of lignocellulosic material to biofuels and biochemicals. This study investigated properties of fungal (Trichoderma. reesei) and bacterial (Clostridium thermocellum) cellulases. Enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out with T. reesei using nine enzyme concentration and substrate combinations. Initial rates and extents of hydrolysis were determined from the progress curve of each combination. Inhibition occurred at the higher enzyme concentrations and higher solids concentrations. Mechanisms to explain the observed inhibition are discussed. Samples of C. thermocellum purified free cellulase after 98% hydrolysis were assayed to determine …

Evolutionary And Functional Characterization Of Os-Pollux, A Rice Gene Orthologous To A Common Symbiosis Gene In Legume, Cui Fan

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Root symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobial bacteria share a common signaling pathway in legumes. Among the common symbiosis genes are CASTOR and POLLUX, the twin homologous genes in Lotus japonicus that encode putative ion channel proteins. Orthologs of CASTOR and POLLUX are ubiquitously present in both legumes and non-legumes, but their function in non-legumes remains to be elucidated. Here, we use reverse genetic approaches to demonstrate that the rice (Oryza sativa) ortholog of POLLUX, namely Os-POLLUX, is indispensible for mycorrhizal symbiosis in rice. Furthermore, we show that Os-POLLUX can restore nodulation, …

Assessing The Demand For Weather Index Insurance In Shandong Province, China, Lisha Zhang

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Shandong Province, renowned as China’s greatest agricultural province, is dominated by smallholders growing rain-fed crops and vulnerable to severe weather shocks that can increase poverty rates. Weather index insurance, an innovative agricultural risk management product, may be an effective mechanism to address vulnerability to catastrophic weather risk in rural regions of China, including Shandong. This project evaluated current household livelihood and risk management strategies and farmer interest in weather index insurance. Data from 174 participants were collected using a methodology that included focus groups, questionnaires, and personal interviews. Despite limited access to formal financial services, Shandong farmers generally employ informal, …

Standardized Ileal Digestible Tryptophan To Lysine Ratios In Growing Pigs Fed U.S. Type And Non U.S. Type Feedstuffs, Anthony David Quant

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The objective of these studies was to determine the optimum standardized ileal digestible tryptophan to lysine (SID Trp:Lys) ratio for growing pigs fed both U.S.–type (corn–soybean meal) and non–U.S.–type (wheat–barley) diets.

When feeding U.S.–type diets, average daily gain (ADG) and plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations improved as SID Trp:Lys ratios increased, yielding optimum ratios of 15.32% (P<0.001) and 15.25% (P<0.001), respectively. Averaging these resulted in an optimum SID Trp:Lys ratio of 15.29%. In non–U.S.–type diets, feeding increasing SID Trp:Lys ratios improved ADG and PUN, displaying optima of 15.99% (P=0.048) and 15.29% (P=0.054), respectively. This produced an average optimum SID Trp:Lys ratio of 15.64%. The final study included the other dietary essential amino acids (EAA) at a higher level, and ADG and PUN improved as SID Trp:Lys …

Performance And Physiology Of Yearling Steers Grazing Toxic Tall Fescue As Influenced By Concentrate Feeding And Steroidal Implants, Jessica Meagan Carter

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Fescue toxicosis can produce negative effects on animal weight gain and physiology. Sixty-four steers were grazed on endophyte-infected (E+) KY-31 tall fescue for 77 days in 2007 and sixty steers grazed for 86 days in 2008 to evaluate interactions with implantation of steroidal implants and concentrate feeding on performance and physiology of yearling steers. Steers were stratified by body weight for assignment to six, 3.0-ha toxic tall fescue pastures. The main plot treatment of with or without pelleted soybean hulls (SBH) were randomly assigned to pastures. Pelleted SBH were group-fed to provide daily consumptions of 2.3 kg/steer/d (as fed). Sub-plot …

Using Forward-Looking Infrared Radiography To Estimate Elk Density And Distribution In Eastern Kentucky, Lauren M. Dahl

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

Elk (Cervus elaphus) in eastern Kentucky appear to have increased in number since reintroduction in 1997, but rugged landscapes and cryptic elk behavior have precluded use of typical population survey methods to accurately estimate population size. In December 2006, I used forward-looking infrared radiography (FLIR) to survey the elk population in eastern Kentucky. Elk locations identified by FLIR were used to create a landscape based model to estimate the density distribution of elk within a 7,088 km2 core area of the elk restoration zone. FLIR detected 76% of elk groups of < 10 individuals and 100% of elk groups of ≥ 10 individuals. The density of elk was positively associated with the amount of herbaceous area, herbaceous edge, herbaceous area weighted mean patch fractal dimensions, proximity to release sites, the number of elk released at each site and urban core area index, and negatively associated with road density. My model estimated the elk population at 7,001 (SE = 772, 95% CI = 5,488- 8,514) individuals within the core area, 53% of which were < 10 km from release sites. The predicted elk distribution pattern and abundance estimate derived from this model will be important for wildlife managers in successfully managing the Kentucky elk population.

An Analysis Of Kentucky Equestrian Trail Riders: Determining Rider Behaviors And Valuing Site Amenities That Contribute To Repeat Visits, Katharine Auchter

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

The purpose of this travel cost study is to determine how rider behaviors and site characteristics influence repeat visits for equestrian trail riding in Kentucky. Primary data was collected via a survey developed and administered to trail riders in person and online. The average surveyed trail rider tends to be female, about 46 years old, with some higher education, and an annual household income of $65,000. She makes 11 trips to a specified site per year, 8 of which are daytrips, usually in the fall, and traveling 132 miles round trip. From other information gathered, an index of trail characteristics …

Forage News [2007-12], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Heart of America Grazing Conference to Be Held in Missouri
• Forage Producers to Be Featured at KCA
• SRM/AFGC in Louisville
• Panoramic 2SL Registered for Weed Control in Pastures
• Hay – 2007
• Energy Savings with New Light Bulbs
• Corn Stalks and a Protein Block…That All You Got?
• Reflections at My 80^th Birthday - Carl S. Hoveland, October 25, 2007
• Upcoming Events

Pre-Mrna Secondary Structures Influence Exon Recognition, Michael Hiller, Zhaiyi Zhang, Rolf Backofen, Stefan Stamm

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The secondary structure of a pre-mRNA influences a number of processing steps including alternative splicing. Since most splicing regulatory proteins bind to single-stranded RNA, the sequestration of RNA into double strands could prevent their binding. Here, we analyzed the secondary structure context of experimentally determined splicing enhancer and silencer motifs in their natural pre-mRNA context. We found that these splicing motifs are significantly more single-stranded than controls. These findings were validated by transfection experiments, where the effect of enhancer or silencer motifs on exon skipping was much more pronounced in single-stranded conformation. We also found that the structural context of …

Leptospira Interrogans Endostatin-Like Outer Membrane Proteins Bind Host Fibronectin, Laminin And Regulators Of Complement, Brian Stevenson, Henry A. Choy, Marija Pinne, Matthew L. Rotondi, M. Clarke Miller, Edward Demoll, Peter Kraiczy, Anne E. Cooley, Trevor P. Creamer, Marc A. Suchard, Catherine A. Brissette, Ashutosh Verma, David A. Haake

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

The pathogenic spirochete Leptospira interrogans disseminates throughout its hosts via the bloodstream, then invades and colonizes a variety of host tissues. Infectious leptospires are resistant to killing by their hosts' alternative pathway of complement-mediated killing, and interact with various host extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The LenA outer surface protein (formerly called LfhA and Lsa24) was previously shown to bind the host ECM component laminin and the complement regulators factor H and factor H-related protein-1. We now demonstrate that infectious L. interrogans contain five additional paralogs of lenA, which we designated lenB, lenC, lenD, lenE and lenF …

Forage News [2007-11], Department Of Plant And Soil Sciences, University Of Kentucky

Forage News

• Kentucky Grazing Conference
• Forage Spokesman Featured at Grazing Conference
• KFGC Presents Forage Awards
• Sources for Hay
• If You Procrastinate, It May Be Too Late
• Buffalo Trace Hay Auction
• Volunteer Corn
• Winter Feeding Will Be a Challenge
• State Summary Of 2007
• Environmental Effects of Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
• Upcoming Events

Forage Spokesman Information, Lowell J. Clifford, Barry Drury, John Mcglone, Mac Stone

Kentucky Grazing Conference

No abstract provided.

Techniques For Reducing Mud Problems And Improving Pasture Abused Areas, Ken Johnson

Kentucky Grazing Conference

I would like to approach this topic from two directions, mud control and then problem areas. Mud control in concentrated areas almost impossible with forages alone. Using a mud control product is usually advised. I will talk about several.

My Experiences With Summer Lovegrass, Tim Phillips

Kentucky Grazing Conference

I first heard about teff (Eragrostis tef) being used as a hay crop in early 2006 at a meeting near the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia. The meeting was about orchardgrass production, so I was speaking about new varieties that are available for producers to grow. Several farmers had experienced massive stand losses of their established orchardgrass hay fields, so they had tried this ‘new’ summer annual grass. Some of the farmers were surprised that I knew about this grass, but I didn’t know about its use as a hay or pasture grass. Teff is the Ethiopian name for a …

Experiences With "Teff" (Summer Love Grass) In Kentucky, Bob Jaynes

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Following publicity about the Klamath Experiment Station evaluation of Teff as an annual forage in 2003 and 2004, requests for more information and seed sources kept KES staff busy for weeks last spring. We received over 300 contacts from 41 states. Local seed salesman Laverne Hankins processed over 150 orders for more than 5 tons of seed. Those who received seed were sent a questionnaire this fall in hopes that we would get feedback on growers experience with this new forage species. To date we have received responses from about 15 growers.

Options For Summer Grazing, David C. Ditsch

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Summer is the time during the growing season when shortages of forage most often occur in Kentucky. The summer of 2007 will long be remembered as one the warmest and driest in recent years and cause many livestock producers to evaluate their current forage systems. Most Kentucky pastures are predominately cool-season grasses such as tall fescue, orchardgrass and bluegrass. During the historically hot, dry periods in July and August, these species produce very little growth and can quickly become overgrazed. At this point, some producers have no alternative except to buy feed or begin feeding stored forage intended for winter …

Does Grazing Method Matter?, Garry D. Lacefield

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Interest in and opportunities for grazing continues to increase not only in Kentucky, but throughout the U.S. In Wisconsin, 12% or approximately 5000 dairymen are now using grazing. In Michigan, over 40% of the dairymen are using grazing for a significant part of their feed requirements. Over 15% of these dairymen are using intensive grazing. Similar numbers exist for Pennsylvania.

Surviving The 2007 Drought, Roy Burris

Kentucky Grazing Conference

Kentucky beef producers could feel the effects of the ’07 drought for a long time. Decisions made now will impact the ’08 and ’09 calf crops. The current hay/feed shortage has stimulated a lot of “panic buying”. Feedstuffs with very low nutritive values are being purchased at an alarming rate. These “feeds” are being purchased at much higher costs than we normally pay for good quality hay. If properly supplemented, they can be used successfully. However, their use to replace the normal hay supply could have disastrous results.

Recovering From The "Freeze" And "Drought" Of 2007, S. Ray Smith

Kentucky Grazing Conference

As all of you know, 2007 has been a devastating year for forage agriculture in Kentucky. The season started with an abnormally warm 7 weeks during late winter and early spring, which promoted lush vegetative growth. Normally this would have been a “good thing”, but it actually made forage plants more vulnerable to below freezing temperatures. Then the severe freeze occurred, with April 7, 8, and 9 the coldest 3 day period in April in KY history. Pastures were stunted for weeks and first cut hay yields were reduced by 35 to 100%. At this point we were still hopeful …

Foreword And Kfgc Award Winners [2007], Garry D. Lacefield, Christi L. Forsythe

Kentucky Grazing Conference

No abstract provided.

A Non-Circadian Role For Clock-Genes In Sleep Homeostasis: A Strain Comparison, Paul Franken, Ryan Thomason, H. Craig Heller, Bruce F. O'Hara

Biology Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that the expression of circadian clock-genes increases in the cerebral cortex after sleep deprivation (SD) and that the sleep rebound following SD is attenuated in mice deficient for one or more clock-genes. We hypothesized that besides generating circadian rhythms, clock-genes also play a role in the homeostatic regulation of sleep. Here we follow the time course of the forebrain changes in the expression of the clock-genes period (per)-1, per2, and of the clock-controlled gene albumin D-binding protein (dbp) during a 6 h SD and subsequent recovery sleep in three inbred strains of mice for which …

Induction Of Insulin Secretion In Engineered Liver Cells By Nitric Oxide, Latha Muniappan, Sabire Özcan

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus results from an autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. The lack of insulin leads to chronic hyperglycemia and secondary complications, such as cardiovascular disease. The currently approved clinical treatments for diabetes mellitus often fail to achieve sustained and optimal glycemic control. Therefore, there is a great interest in the development of surrogate beta cells as a treatment for type 1 diabetes. Normally, pancreatic beta cells produce and secrete insulin only in response to increased blood glucose levels. However in many cases, insulin secretion from non-beta cells engineered to produce insulin occurs …