Life Sciences Commons^™

Innovative 15N Microplot Research Techniques To Study Nitrogen Use Efficiency Under Different Ecosystems, Ronald F. Follett

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

Use of labeled ¹⁵N techniques can help improve and refine knowledge required to understand the dynamics of the N cycle under agricultural systems. The examples reported in this paper illustrate that, with creativity and careful planning, use of ¹⁵N-enriched or depleted fertilizers can be used in many types of N experiments with various crops, cropping systems, and in many types of agroecosystems. The objective is to report examples of a wide range of field studies that researchers can hopefully draw upon to design and utilize N isotope techniques that accomplish the objectives for their own research. Examples of …

Interlaboratory Comparison Of Soil Phosphorus Extracted By Various Soil Test Methods, Peter J.A. Kleinman, A. N. Sharpley, K. Gartley, W. M. Jarrell, S. Kuo, R. G. Menon, R. Myers, K. R. Reddy, E. O. Skogley

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

The widespread use of soil phosphorus (P) data, either in the context of agronomic or environmental management, requires an explicit understanding of potential errors related to soil P testing. This study compares a variety of soil P extraction methods, each performed by 9 separate laboratories on 24 soils from across the United States. Soil clay content ranged from 0 to 47%, pH from 4.2 to 8.6, and Mehlich-3 P concentration from 2 to 205 mg kg^-1. Average interlaboratory coefficients of variation (CVs) ranged from 0.11 to 0.22 for solution extracts (Bray-1 P, Fe-strip P, Mehlich-3 P, and Olsen …

Β-Lactamase: Evolution Of Extended Spectrum Enzymes, Priscilla Shine

Theses

β-Lactam antibiotics are commonly used antimicrobial agents in clinical medicine. Because of their frequent use it is perhaps not surprising that resistance to these agents has increased over the past few decades, thus compromising the therapeutic advantages offered by these agents. The most common cause of resistance to β-lactam-based antibiotics has been the evolution of a group of enzymes known as β-lactamases, which act by inactivating the drug through structural modification. Plasmid-encoded TEM β-lactamases are examples of these hydrolytic enzymes and are associated with the amoxicillin resistance reported in over 50% of all E. coli isolates.

More recently β-lactamase enzymes …

An Assessment Of Prothrombotic Tendency In Humans Using Functional And Genomic Determinants In The South Eastern Irish Population, Carmel Cullen

Theses

Venous thrombosis occurs in about 1 per 1,000 individuals per year. It is a serious disorder and accounts for a significant number of hospital admissions and deaths annually. Thrombophilia describes the familial or acquired disorders of the haemostatic mechanism that predispose to thrombosis. Inherited thrombophilia can be defined as a genetically determined tendency to venous thromboembolism Mutations in genes that code for proteins involved directly (or indirectly) In blood coagulation have been associated with prothrombotic status. Laboratory investigations for thrombophilia include screening for deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C or protein S and testing for activated protein C resistance. Together these …

The Investigation Of Rna Viruses Using The Atomic Force Microscope, Michelle Moloney

Theses

The subject of viral entry into, and subsequent progeny virus egress, from cultured cells, has been extensively studied using numerous scientific techniques in fields ranging from cell culture to biochemistry to microscopy. The atomic force microscope (AFM) is a novel, developing instrument with unprecedented capabilities and this study was undertaken to observe enveloped Semliki Forest virus (SFV) and non-enveloped Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) entry into and egress from cultured cells using the AFM. Virus particle structure of both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses was also directly examined.

Cytopathic effect studies revealed that TMEV's are unable to produce progeny viruses in …

Distribution And Abundance, In Maize And Sorghum, Of Lepidopteran Stemborers And Associated Indigenous Parasitoids In Zanzibar, E. I. Nlyibigira, Z. S. Abdallah, W. A. Overholt

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Studies to determine the relative abundance and distribution of stemborer species and their associated parasitoids in maize and sorghum were carried out during the 1995-1996 and 19992000 cropping seasons on Unguja and Pemba, the two main islands of Zanzibar. Three stemborer species were found on both islands in maize and sorghum, with the exotic species Chilo partellns (Swinhoe) (Crambidae) being the most abundant and widely distributed species, accounting for 75.3 % of stemborer attack. It was followed by Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Noctuidae) and C/i. oriclialcociliellus Strand (Crambidae). Stemborer abundance was significantly higher in Pemba (1.47 ± 0.20) than Unguja (0.85 …

Biosystematics Of The Psyttalia Concolor Species Complex (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Opiinae): The Identity Of Populations Attacking Ceratitis Capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) In Coffee In Kenya, S. W. Kimani-Njogu, M. K. Trostle, R. A. Wharton, J. B. Woolley, A. Raspi

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The identity of a species of Psyttalia, a parasitoid of tephritid fruit flies in Kenya, was investigated. Individuals reared from coffee infested with Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Medfly) and two other tephritid species in Kenya were compared with individuals of Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) from a laboratory culture in Italy used in augmentative biological control of olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin). Reciprocal crosses showed full compatibility, with production of viable female offspring. A preliminary morphometric analysis demonstrated that most individuals originating from Italy could be separated from most of those from Kenya based largely on differences in overall size.

Greenhouse Trials Of New Bacillus Thuringiensis Isolates For Control Of Chilo Partellus Larvae In Sorghum, Michael Brownbridge

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Eight new Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) isolates originally recovered from different source materials and geographic locations in Kenya were tested against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on sorghum grown in a greenhouse. All isolates had been demonstrated previously to be toxic to this pest. Bt strains were cultured in a liquid growth medium and preserved as powders for experimental application. Three-week-old sorghum plants (4-6 leaves) were artificially infested with 20 neonate C. partellus and sprayed 24 h later with Bt suspensions. Non-infested sorghum and infested non-treated sorghum served as the comparative checks within each experimental trial. Plant development and dead-heart formation were …

Comparative Development, Longevity And Population Growth Of Exotic And Native Parasitoids Of Lepidopteran Cereal Stemborers In Kenya, J. C. Mbapila, W. A. Overholt

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Studies on the effect of temperature on the development, longevity and population growth of Cotesia flavipes Cameron and Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron) indicated that the development of both Cotesia spp. from oviposition to cocoon formation and adult emergence was inversely related to temperature. The longevity of the parasitoids was also inversely related to temperature. Both parasitoids lived longer when moisture and food (agar + honey/water) were provided. The mean number of females and total adult progeny produced by C. flavipes on two host species were, in most cases, higher than C. sesamiae. The intrinsic rate of natural increase of C. flavipes …

Diversity And Abundance Of Seaweeds On The Coral Reef Flats At Cape Rachado, West Coast Peninsular Malaysia, Jillian Lean Sim Ooi

Student Works (2000-2009)

Three sites on the fringing coral reef flats at Cape Rachado, West Coast Peninsular Malaysia, were selected for the study of seaweed diversity and abundance. Each of these sites was identifiable with exposure to a particular environmental stress. Site A suffered from heavy loads of total suspended solids (TSS) caused by the removal of its adjoining coastal mangrove stand. Site B, by virtue of its accessibility and location on a popular stretch of beach, received a greater number of swimmers and beachwalkers. Water effluent (sewage) outlets from the various resorts lining the coast were observed at sites A and B. …

Influence Of Androstenedione On Sedentary Female Rats, Janet E. Steele

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

The pUfPose of this study was to examine the influence of androstenedione supplementation on plasma testosterone, cortisol, and cholesterol, mean arterial pressure (MAP), body weight, organ weights, and bone mineral density (BMD) in female rats. At age 10 weeks, an initial BMD measure was made. Rats in the andro group (n = 13) received implants designed to deliver 1 μg androstenedione per gram body wt per day. Rats in the control group (n = 13) received similar implants containing dextrose. After 8 weeks an arterial catheter was surgically implanted. MAP was measured for 30 minutes during home cage rest and …

Results Of The First Anuran Calling Survey In Nebraska, David S. Mcleod, John T. Vaughan, Kevin E. Church, Daylan Figgs

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

In 1997, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission began an anuran calling survey using routes following those of the upland game bird surveys. At each stop the observer recorded start and stop times, air temperature, cloud cover, precipitation events, wind speed (Beaufort scale), species heard calling, and the frequency of calls heard. An index of calling frequency was standardized on a scale of 1 (no call overlap) to 3 (full chorus). The number of sites occurring within a species' range (n) was determined based upon the number of sites per survey route and species distribution in Nebraska. A …

The Terrestrial Isopods Of Nebraska (Crustacea: Isopoda), William F. Rapp

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

Nine species in three families of terrestrial isopods were collected by the author in Nebraska between 1948 and 1998: Oniscidae (Oniscus asellus), Cylisticidae (Cylisticus convexus), and Porcellionidae (Armadillidium nasatum, A. vulgare, Metoponorthus pruinosus, Porcellio laevis, P. scaber, P. spinicornis, Trachelipus rathkei). Only Armadillidium vulgare was reported before 1948. All are native to Europe and Asia, and no species is native to the state.

Transactions Ofthe Nebraska Academy Of Sciences: Volume 27, 2001 Table Of Contents

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies

Table of Contents

Editorial Contents

Nebraska Academy of Sciences Officers, Policy Committee.....................ii

Editorial Board.....................iv

Membership Objectives and Friends of the Academy.....................v

Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science.....................vi

Preparation of manuscripts.....................inside back cover

Papers

Physics scores as predictors of the Medical College Admissions Test (Isabelle D. Cherney and Michael G. Cherney).....................1

The terrestrial isopods of Nebraska (Crustacea: Isopoda)(William F. Rapp).....................9

Results of the first anuran calling survey in Nebraska (David S. McLeod, John T. Vaughan, Kevin E. Church, and Daylan Figgs).....................13

Influence of androstenedione on sedentary female rats (Janet E. Steele).....................17

Pumpkinseed population characteristics in Nebraska Sandhills lakes (Pisces, Centrarchidae: Lepomis …

Utilization Of Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein Levels In The Serum As A Parameter For In Vivoassay Of Influenza Virus Inhibitors. Antivir Chem Chemother, R. W. Sidwell, M. H. Wong, K. W. Bailey, Dale L. Barnard, M. K. Jackson, Donald F. Smee

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), an acute phase protein in serum assayed by single radial immunodiffusion using a commercially available kit, was found to significantly increase in mice infected with influenza A and B viruses. Experiments were run to determine the rate of increase of serum AGP and its relation to other influenza disease parameters, including lung consolidation, development of lung virus titres, decline in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), histopathological changes in the lung, and death of the animal. Maximal AGP levels occurred by day 3 in the animals, at about the same time lung virus titres reached their peak and inflammatory …

Pollen Flora Of Pakistan - Xxviii: Resedaceae, Anjum Perveen, Mohammad Qaiser

Turkish Journal of Botany

The pollen morphology of 4 species belonging to the 3 genera of the family Resedaceae was investigated using a light microscope and scanning microscope. Pollen grains usually radially symmetrical, isopolar, sub-prolate, rarely prolates pheroidal, tricolpate or tricolporate. Tectum reticulate. However, apertural type and pollen shape are the most significant pollen characters for delimiting the genera. On the basis of apertural types 2 distinct pollen types are recognized, namely, I: Tricolpate-type and II: Tricolporate-type.

Using The Green Flagellate Euglena Gracilis Klebs As Physiological Dosimeter: Is A Long-Term Bioassay More Significant Than A Short-Term One?, Roman A. Danilov, Nils C. A. Ekelund

Turkish Journal of Botany

The use of short-term tests with E. gracilis Klebs in order to assess toxicity cannot be viewed as absolutely preferable. At least in the case with wastewater from the pulp and paper industry, 7 day-tests could lead to more explanatory and significant results.

A New Record From Turkey: Ranunculus Bulbilliferus Boiss. Et Hoh., Lütfi̇ Behçet

Turkish Journal of Botany

Ranunculus bulbilliferus Boiss. & Hoh. (Ranunculaceae) is recorded for the first time (B9 Van) for the flora of Turkey.

A Description Of The Vegetation Mosaic Of The Forests Of Yirce And Muratdere (Bilecik-Bursa, Turkey) By Satellite Remote Sensing, Cengi̇z Türe

Turkish Journal of Botany

The aim of this study is to describe the cut-off borders and the structure of vegetation mosaics of existing plant communities in the area, using traditional flora and vegetation methods and satellite remote sensing (Landsat satellite pictures and Geographical Information System (GIS) data). The results indicate that Pinus nigra L. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe and Fagus orientalis Lipsky plant communities together with Quercus pubescens Willd. and Quercus cerris L. var. cerris could be differentiated. The coverage rates of dominant plant communities in the research area were as follows: Fagus orientalis (92%), Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana (73%), Quercus pubescens and Quercus …

Insertion Of An Antimicrobial Gene Into Agrobacterium And Its Further Use In Transforming Tobacco, Ekrem Gürel

Turkish Journal of Botany

In the present work, we first describe the transfer of a novel gene, designated 5W, into the LBA4404 Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain using pPCV91 plasmid through a triparental mating system. The 5W gene was recently isolated from macadamia, a native nut tree species of Australia, and has been shown to have an antimicrobial effect against certain fungi in vitro. Secondly, this gene was tranferred into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xhantii) using leaf explants to develop a system which could then be used for transferring this antimicrobial peptide into sunflower cultivars.

Testig Growth Of Elodea Nuttallii (Palnch.) H. St. John With Different Culture Media, Hani̇fe Özbay

Turkish Journal of Botany

The Growth rate of Elodea nuttallii (Planch.) H.St.John was tested in different culture media. Effects of snail was also determined on the growth rate of the plant. E. nuttallii grew well in the canal sediment medium. It also grew well in Steinberg Solution No 1, but not in Steinberg Solution No 2 and JIC:sand media. Overall the snail treatment did not significantly affect the growth rate of E. nuttallii in all tested growth media.

Three New Records For The Marine Algal Flora Of Turkey, Ergün Taşkin, Mehmet Öztürk, Oğuz Kurt, Veysel Aysel

Turkish Journal of Botany

In this study, three Cyanophyceae species new for Turkey are reported. These specimens are Oscillatoria bonnemaisonii (P.Crouan & H.Crouan) P.Crouan & H.Crouan, Microcoleus chthonoplastes Thuret (Oscillatoriales) and Dichothrix spiralis Fritsch (Nostocales). They were determined to be epiphytic on the other algae which were found at the upper-infralittoral zone of the bay of İskenderun (Mediterranean Sea, Turkey).

The Flora Of The Mount Kısır (Kars And Ardahan) And Nearest Environs, Hayretti̇n Ocakverdi̇

Turkish Journal of Botany

Mount Kısır constitutes the study area; the northern and western parts are within the boundary of the Çıldır district (Ardahan), the southwestern part is within the boundary of Susuz and the eastern and southeastern parts are within the boundary of Arpacay (Kars). This place is the highest part of Northeastern Anatolia (3150 m) and lies within square A9. On Mount Kısır and in its environs, a continental climate prevails. In accordance with the climate, basaltic and chestnut brown soil prevails in the region. The study was carried out in the region in suitable periods between 1996 and 1999. During the …

The Vegetation Of Çimen Mountain (Kahramanmaraş), Ömer Varol, Adem Tatli

Turkish Journal of Botany

This investigation was carried out between 1995 and 1996 in order to research the vegetation of Çimen Mountain (Kahramanmaraş). The research area is situated at about 20 km to the south-west of Kahramanmaraş. Vegetation studies were carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet method. The authors determined 10 plant associations, all of which are new syntaxa to science, in three different vegetation types. Vegetation tables are given in an appendix.

Determination Of The Nutrition Contents Of The Wild Plants Used As Vegetables In Upper Çoruh Valley, Ertan Yildirim, Ati̇lla Dursun, Meti̇n Turan

Turkish Journal of Botany

This study was undertaken in order to investigate wild plant species locally consumed as food in Upper Çoruh Valley. The plant species were collected in the late winter and spring, and their taxonomic identifications were made. The plants identified were Plantago minor L., Polygonum bistorta L., Astrodaucus orientalis L., Camelina rumelica Boehm., Lathyrus tuberosus L., Galium rotundifolium L., Chenopodium album L. and Chenopodium album L. Analyses were carried out to evaluate the nutritional values of the plant parts. The highest dry matter, ascorbic acid, nitrogen, protein, phosphorus and potassium contents were determined to be 20.87 g.100 g^{-1} , 161.25 mg.100 …

A Study On The Past And Present Diatom Flora Of Two Alkaline Lakes, Sabri̇ Kilinç, Erdal Ridvan Sivaci

Turkish Journal of Botany

The diatom flora of Lakes Hafik and Tödürge was studied qualitatively. Each lake was sampled monthly during two periods. The first period was between April 1986 and June 1987 in Lake Hafik and between August 1990 and October 1990 in Lake Tödürge. The second period was between December 1999 and July 2000 in both lakes. A total of 94 diatom taxa belonging to 25 genera and 53 diatom taxa belonging to 21 genera were identified in Lakes Hafik and Tödürge respectively. Cymbella Agardh, Navicula Bory and Nitzschia Hassall appeared to have the richest genera in terms of number of species …

Pollen Flora Of Pakistan -Xxvii Nyctaginaceae, Anjum Perveen, Mohammad Qaiser

Turkish Journal of Botany

The pollen morphology of eight species belonging to two genera, i.e., Boerhavia L., and Commicarpus Standley, of the family Nyctaginaceae, was studied by light microscope and scanning microscope. The family has uniform pollen characters. Pollen grains mostly spheroidal, pantoporate, ± circular, pores small or large, non-operculate, pore plate ± scabrate-spinulose. Tectum tubuliferous spinulose.

The Flora Of The Boyabat (Sinop) Dam And Its Environs, Hasan Korkmaz, Ali̇ Engi̇n

Turkish Journal of Botany

This study was carried out over three years, from 1990 to 1993. The study area is situated between Kepez gorge and Devrez stream of Kızılırmak valley. In the study area, 1016 species belonging to 441 genera and 99 families were identified. Distribution rates of the species in terms of phytogeographic regions are as follows: 12.40% Euro-Siberian, 3.83% Euxine, 0.68% Hyrcano-Euxine, 11.31% Irano-Turanian and 9.74% Mediterranean. The number of endemic species is 106 and the rate of endemism is 10.43%.

Sugar-Binding Activity Of Pea Lectin Enhances Heterologous Infection Of Transgenic Alfalfa Plants By Rhizobium Leguminosarum Biovar Viciae, Nancy Fujishige

Biology Faculty Works

Transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Regen) roots carrying genes encoding soybean lectin or pea (Pisum sativum) seed lectin (PSL) were inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum or Rhizobium leguminosarum bv viciae, respectively, and their responses were compared with those of comparably inoculated control plants. We found that nodule-like structures formed on alfalfa roots only when the rhizobial strains produced Nod factor from the alfalfa-nodulating strain, Sinorhizobium meliloti. Uninfected nodule-like structures developed on the soybean lectin-transgenic plant roots at very low inoculum concentrations, but bona fide infection threads were not detected even when B. japonicum produced the appropriate S. meliloti Nod factor. …

A Critical Evaluation Of Research Techniques In Animal Ecology, Michelle A. Baker

Biology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.