Life Sciences Commons^™

Blue Fescue Overseeding Improves Performance Of Fairway Height Buffalograsses, Bekele G. Abeyo, Robert C. Shearman, Roch E. Gaussoin, Leonard A. Wit, Desalegn D. Serba, Ugur Bilgili

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.] use as a fairway turfgrass is limited in northern portions of its adaptation zone by its extended winter dormancy and tan coloration in early spring and late fall. Cool-season grasses mixed with buffalograss could enhance turfgrass appearance and performance in fall and early spring. Research was conducted near Mead, NE, with eight buffalograss genotypes maintained under fairway conditions to determine the effect of blue fescue (Festuca ovina L. var. glauca Lam.) overseeding rate on turfgrass performance. Interactions were nonsignificant in most cases so main effects are emphasized. Differences were observed between seeding rates and …

Gibberellic Acid Promotes Seed Germination In Penstemon Digitalis Cv. Husker Red, Anderson Machado De Mello, Nereu Augusto Streck, Erin E. Blankenship, Ellen Paparozzi

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Penstemon seed often shows an inconsistent or a low germination percentage. Although most select cultivars are propagated by cuttings, for export to other countries, seed is preferred. Three experiments were conducted to determine if soaking seed in gibberellic acid (GA₃) would increase seed germination of Penstemon digitalis cv. Husker Red. GA₃ concentrations used were 0, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg∙L^–1 (first experiment); 0, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg∙L^–1 (second experiment); and 0, 500, and 1000 mg∙L^–1 (third experiment). The first and second experiments were conducted in a growth chamber, whereas the third …

Antibiotic Use In Animal Production: Environmental Concerns, Teshome H. Regassa, Richard K. Koelsch, Charles S. Wortmann, Richard F. Randle, Akwasi A. Abunyewa

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Introduction

Antibiotic1 use in animal production has led to improved feed use efficiency and increased growth rates. In turn, these resulted in reduced food production costs and reduced excrement of manure nutrients which may cause pollution problems.

On the other hand, antibiotic use leads to antibiotic resistance and a possible reduction in effectiveness of treatment options for both animals and humans. This publication addresses these issues.

Disease-causing microorganisms2, including bacteria,are the most diverse and numerous organisms on earth. Diverse in their habitat, environmental adaptation, and mechanisms of reproduction, they have short generations with high multiplication rates. Such characteristics help develop …

Optimization Of A Convective Air Flow Solar Food Dryer, Jonathan K. Russon, Michael L. Dunn, Frost M. Steele

Faculty Publications

A solar food dryer, previously developed for personal and small community use, was the object of this optimization study. Based on previous research of convective solar food dehydrators, several dryer parameters were identified for this study. Chimney height and dryer product load were two factors tested in a central composite experimental design. Dryer product load was found to produce a maximum efficiency of the dryer when fifteen product-filled trays were inserted in the dryer. Maximum efficiency was observed at the maximum chimney height tested. Post-optimization configuration compared with pre-optimization configuration resulted in a 40% increase in final dry product production …

Neurophysiological Reflex Mechanisms’ Lack Of Contribution To The Success Of Pnf Stretches, J. Brent Feland, Sterling C. Hilton, J. Ty Hopkins, Iain Hunter, Ulrike H. Mitchell, J. William Myrer

Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretches are widely used in athletics and rehabilitation. Although it has been shown that they produce better range-of-motion (ROM) increases than the slow or static stretch, the mechanisms responsible remain an enigma. This study was conducted to determine whether the previously proposed neurophysiological mechanisms of reciprocal inhibition and autogenic inhibition are responsible for the success of PNF stretches. In addition, the authors assessed the existence of the phenomenon of successive induction because it is used to strengthen reciprocal inhibition. Methods: Eighteen subjects 17–44 y performed the PNF stretches contract–relax (CR) and contract–relax, agonist …

The Short-Term Effect Of Whole Body Vibration Training On Sprint Start Performance In Collegiate Athletes, J. Brent Feland, J. Ty Hopkins, Iain Hunter, Brad Roberts

Faculty Publications

Whole body vibration (WBV) is characterized by a vibratory stimulus emitted throughout the body through the use of a vibrating platform on which the subject stands. Studies have shown over 30% increases in maximal explosive strength such as maximal speed biceps curl as well as increases in maximum dynamic force such as maximal sitting bench pull as the result of vibration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of short term whole-body vibration on sprint starts among collegiate track athletes. On the first day eleven subjects were randomly assigned to either a non-vibration or vibration group for …

Using A Mathematical Model Of Cadherin-Based Adhesion To Understand The Function Of The Actin Cytoskeleton, J. C. Dallon, Elijah Newren, Marc Hansen

Faculty Publications

The actin cytoskeleton plays a role in cell-cell adhesion but its specific function is not clear. Actin might anchor cadherins or drive membrane protrusions in order to facilitate cell-cell adhesion. Using a mathematical model of the forces involved in cadherin-based adhesion we investigate its possible functions. The immersed boundary method is used to model the cell membrane and cortex with cadherin binding forces added as linear springs. The simulations indicate that cells in suspension can develop normal cell-cell contacts without actin-based cadherin anchoring or membrane protrusions. The cadherins can be fixed in the membrane or free to move and the …

2009 Weed Science Research Report – Blue Section, Ndsu Weed Science, Dept. Of Plant Sciences

Plant Sciences Weed Science Reports

The Weed Science team at North Dakota State University conduct field research in the State of North Dakota. This specific document reports on field research conducted in 2009. It includes work on corn, soybean and the management of several weeds in North Dakota.

2009 Weed Science Research Report – Green Section, Ndsu Weed Science, Dept. Of Plant Sciences

Plant Sciences Weed Science Reports

The Weed Science team at North Dakota State University conduct field research in the State of North Dakota. This specific document reports on field research conducted in 2009. It includes work on several small grain crops and the management of several weeds in North Dakota.

2009 Weed Science Research Report – Tan Section, Ndsu Weed Science, Dept. Of Plant Sciences

Plant Sciences Weed Science Reports

The Weed Science team at North Dakota State University conduct field research in the State of North Dakota. This specific document reports on field research conducted in 2009. It includes work on adjuvants,  formulations, and spray quality in North Dakota.

2009 Weed Science Research Report – Yellow Section, Ndsu Weed Science, Dept. Of Plant Sciences

Plant Sciences Weed Science Reports

The Weed Science team at North Dakota State University conduct field research in the State of North Dakota. This specific document reports on field research conducted in 2009. It includes work on several minor crops and the management of several weeds in North Dakota.

2009 Weed Science Research Report – White Section, Ndsu Weed Science, Dept. Of Plant Sciences

Plant Sciences Weed Science Reports

The Weed Science team at North Dakota State University conduct field research in the State of North Dakota. This specific document provides environmental, indexes, abbreviations and collaborators in 2009.

Interrupted Resistance Training And Bmd In Growing Rats, J. K. Godfrey, B. D. Kayser, G. V. Gomez, Jason Bennett, S. V. Jaque, Ken D. Sumida

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

A resistance training program, where the exercise was uninterrupted (UT, i.e. continuous repetitions) was compared against another resistance training program where the exercise was interrupted (IT, i.e. 2 exercise sessions during a training day) for enhancing bone modeling and bone mineral density (BMD) in maturating animals. The total volume of work performed between the two resistance training programs was equivalent by design. Young male rats (similar to 8 weeks old) were randomly divided into Control (Con, n = 8), UT (n = 8) and IT (n = 7) resistance trained groups. The UT and IT groups were conditioned to climb …

The Guinea Pig Ileum Lacks The Direct, High-Potency, M2-Muscarinic, Contractile Mechanism Characteristic Of The Mouse Ileum, Michael T. Griffin, Minoru Matsui, Rennolds S. Ostrom, Frederick J. Ehlert

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

We explored whether the M2 muscarinic receptor in the guinea pig ileum elicits a highly potent, direct-contractile response, like that from the M3 muscarinic receptor knockout mouse. First, we characterized the irreversible receptor-blocking activity of 4-DAMP mustard in ileum from muscarinic receptor knockout mice to verify its M3 selectivity. Then, we used 4-DAMP mustard to inactivate M3 responses in the guinea pig ileum to attempt to reveal direct, M2 receptor-mediated contractions. The muscarinic agonist, oxotremorine-M, elicited potent contractions in ileum from wild-type, M2 receptor knockout, and M3 receptor knockout mice characterized by negative log EC50 (pEC 50 ) values ± …

Recording Proper Outdoor Lighting, Stephen Sagers, Ron Patterson

All Current Publications

The function of a camera is to record light rays. A digital camera records light rays in an electronic code. When taking pictures outdoors regulating the sun’s light influences quality more than any other non-camera factor.

Iron Chlorosis In Berries, Brent Black, Grant Cardon, Corey Ransom

All Current Publications

No abstract provided.

Computerized Provider Order Entry Adoption: Implications For Clinical Workflow, Emily M. Campbell, Kenneth P. Guappone, Dean F. Sittig, Richard H. Dykstra, Joan S. Ash

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe unintended adverse consequences related to clinical workflow when implementing or using computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems. METHODS: We analyzed qualitative data from field observations and formal interviews gathered over a three-year period at five hospitals in three organizations. Five multidisciplinary researchers worked together to identify themes related to the impacts of CPOE systems on clinical workflow. RESULTS: CPOE systems can affect clinical work by 1) introducing or exposing human/computer interaction problems, 2) altering the pace, sequencing, and dynamics of clinical activities, 3) providing only partial support for the work activities of all types of …

Geology And Wine In Missouri: Spatial Analysis Of Terroir Using A Geographic Information System And Remote Sensing, Kathryn Nora Barnard

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

The concept of terroir, based on the French word meaning 'sense of place,' suggests that flavor and quality of wine is associated with certain physical characteristics of the earth as well as viticulture and viniculture practices. The physical characteristics of terroir include soil, geology, topography, and climate. Designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are discrete appellations in the United States that have well-established and historic viticultural practices, but the relationship between terroir and AVA appellations is complex. Wineries are a growing industry in the United States and the use of a GIS and remote sensing has proved useful in many other …

The Influence Of Concurrent Visual Feedback During Treadmill Training In Parkinson’S Disease, Rose Ellen Johnston

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Walking is an exercise that has been thought to benefit Parkinson’s disease (PD). In a laboratory setting treadmills have been employed to successfully improve certain aspects of gait in PD (Cakit et al., 2007, Fisher et al., 2008, Herman et al., 2007, Miyai et al., 2000, Miyai et al., 2002, Pohl et al., 2003). Research has also indicated that walking with visual cues can improve aspects of gait that are impaired in PD (Azulay et al., 1999, Bagely et al., 1997, Nieuwboer et al., 2007), however, the integration of visual cues and treadmill training has yet to be studied. Thus, …

Mechanism(S) Of 3-Trifluoromethyl-4-Nitrophenol (Tfm) Toxicity In Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon Marinus) & Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss), Oana Birceanu

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The pesticide, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), has been extensively used over the last 50 years to control invasive sea lamprey (P. marinus) populations in the Great Lakes, but its mechanism of toxicity is unresolved. Due to its structural similarity to phenolic compounds known to inhibit mitochondrial ATP production, one hypothesis on the mode of action of TFM is that it impairs mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. A second hypothesis is that TFM targets the gill, interfering with gill ion uptake. Exposure of larval sea lamprey and rainbow trout (O. mykiss), to each animal’s respective 12-h TFM LC50, resulted in marked …

Effects Of Estrogen Receptor Activation On Post-Exercise Muscle Satellite Cell Proliferation, Kareem Bunyan

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study investigated the role of estrogen receptor activation on total and proliferating satellite cells following running exercise in rats, by using an estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) specific agonist, 4,4,4 (4-Propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol (PPT). PPT is the first ER-α specific agonist (Stauffer et al 2000) which binds the ER-a subtype with a 410-greater affinity than ER-β (Stauffer et al 2000). Previous studies have demonstrated that estrogen can augment muscle satellite cell numbers following exercise (Enns and Tiidus, 2008) and that this augmentation may be due to mechanisms activated via estrogen receptors that can influence total, proliferating, and differentiating satellite cell numbers (Enns …

A Study Of The Waterborne And Dietary Toxicityof Cadmium To Hydra Attenuata And Daphnia Plux In Soft Waters And The Development Of Biotic Ligand Models To Predict Such Toxicity, Matthew S.A. Clifford

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The goal of this thesis was to compare the effects of waterborne Cd exposures and dietary Cd exposures to Hydra attenuata. Before the Hydra could be exposed to dietborne exposures of Cd, the effects of waterborne exposures had to be understood. This was done by looking at the sensitivity of D. pulex to Cd and then understanding the accumulation of Cd. After bioaccumulation patterns of Cd. to D. pulex were known, we could then feed the prey to the Hydra and comapre the effects to waterborne effects of Cd to Hydra.

To understand the waterborne effects of Cd to …

Population Density, Circulating Testosterone And Dawn Chorus Behaviour In White-Throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia Albicollis), Simon Richard Hall

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

An integrative approach to biological research has facilitated the study not only of specific phenomena, but of the connections between these phenomena. A particularly striking example is that of the relationships between testosterone, social behavior, and social context. Increased levels of testosterone increase the frequency of aggressive behaviors and reduce the quality of parental care in many songbird species, and these changes in behavior can affect the surrounding social environment. Different social contexts, population density as a readily studied example, affect the cues that control the release of testosterone into the bloodstream. The distinct tan-stripe and white-stripe phenotypic morphs of …

Using Chemical, Optical And Biological Methods To Characterize Cu Complexation By Different Natural Organic Matter Sources Collected From Canadian Shield Waters, Keegan Andrew Hicks

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The effects of natural organic matter (NOM) source on Cu complexation were characterized chemically, optically and biologically in soft waters. NOM from different Canadian Shield soft water lakes were concentrated using reverse osmosis and for comparison NOM was also sampled from a hard water source. NOM complexation capacity was assessed directly in Cu spiked solutions (with and without additions of NOM) by measuring free Cu activity using an ion selective electrode. Additional chemical and optical characterizations of NOM included specific absorbance coefficient (SAC; at 340 nm), excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy, protein content, and molecular weight fractionation (fraction of DOCkDa). The biological …

Piecing Together The Puzzle Of Autism: Aspects Of Its Effects On Children With The Condition And Their Caregivers, Roula Markoulakis

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

As one of the most prevalent developmental disorders, extensive research exists concerning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, gaps are still evident in a number of areas. Information pertaining to any costs and benefits associated with the experience of caring for a child with autism is inadequate. In Study 1, the lived experiences of married female primary caregivers of children with autism were explored, specifically by examining the costs and benefits of caregiving and its influence on the women’s situations. Furthermore, motor control deficits are apparent in many children with high functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger syndrome (AS), but need to …

The Influence Of Propyl Pyrazole Triol On The Post-Exercise Alpha Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Activation Of Satellite Cells In Skeletal Muscle Of Ovariectomized Rats, Amy Elisabeth Thomas

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Estrogen has been shown to augment satellite cell activation, proliferation and total number and that this may occur through an estrogen receptor (ER) mediated mechanism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of ERs in the postexercise estrogen-induced augmentation of satellite cells in skeletal muscle of ovariectomized rats. Furthermore, the specific role of the ERα was examined through the use of an ERa agonist, propyl pyrazole triol (PPT). Ovariectomized rats were used (n=64) and separated into 4 groups: sham, estrogen supplemented, agonist supplemented and a combined estrogen and agonist supplemented group. These groups were further subdivided into …

Inference, Orthology, And Inundation: Addressing Current Challenges In The Field Of Metagenomics, Gregory Detlev Alexander Vey

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The vast increase in the number of sequenced genomes has irreversibly changed the landscape of the biological sciences and has spawned the current post-genomic era of research. Genomic data have illuminated many adaptation and survival strategies between species and their habitats. Moreover, the analysis of prokaryotic genomic sequences is indispensible for understanding the mechanisms of bacterial pathogens and for subsequently developing effective diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines. Computational strategies for the annotation of genomic sequences are driven by the inference of function from reference genomes. However, the effectiveness of such methods is bounded by the fractional diversity of known genomes. Although …

The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status And Physical Activity Among Adolescents, Meredith Laurel Stockie

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Background: Many Canadian youth are inactive (Active Healthy Kids Canada, 2009). Socioeconomic status (SES) is one factor that influences youth physical activity (PA) levels; however, the factors involved in this relationship are not well understood. Given that numerous quantitative studies suggest there is a positive relationship between SES and PA among adolescents, but offer little insight into why the given relationship exists, the purpose of the current thesis is to study the factors that influence the relationship between SES and PA among youth aged 12–14 years through a qualitative lens.

Methods: Low (n = 2) and high SES (n = …

An Examination Of Intercollegiate Athletic Injury Tracking Systems Within Canadian Universities, Andrew D. Ross

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Information regarding the practice of athletic injury tracking within Canadian intercollegiate institutions has been relatively deficient. The study aimed to assess the current status of athletic injury tracking systems (AITS) in Canadian universities within the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Association (CIS). A secondary purpose was to obtain data from therapists within Canadian Universities, to identify and analyze issues, benefits, barriers and obtain information regarding how athletic injury tracking methods are conducted. This was achieved by obtaining data regarding the current state of AITS in CIS institutions, clinical demographics, athletic therapists and/or physiotherapists’ opinions regarding the pro’s and con’s of athletic injury …

Metabolic And Molecular Approaches To The Study Of Bacterial Communities In Wetlands Of The Alberta Athabasca Oil Sands Region, Jessica Dawn Morrison

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Bacterial communities in wetlands from the Athabasca region (Alberta, Canada) were surveyed and their utility as bio-indicators for wetland reclamation was assessed. Sediment samples were collected from wetlands categorized as: (1) natural (off mining leases), (2) reference (on mining sites but not directly impacted by oil sands processed material (OSPM)), and (3) OSPM (directly affected by OSPM). Wetlands of the latter two groups ranged in age from 11 to 24 years. Analysis involved community level physiological profiling (CLPP) with BIOLOG™ EcoPlates, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Multivariate analysis applied to data from both techniques revealed differences in the bacterial …