Life Sciences Commons^™

A Ranavirus-Related Mortality Event And The First Report Of Ranavirus In New Jersey, Kirsten Monsen-Collar, Lisa Hazard, Paola Dolcemascolo

Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Loss Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (Vegfa) Isoforms In The Testes Of Male Mice Causes Subfertility, Reduces Sperm Numbers, And Alters Expression Of Genes That Regulate Undifferentiated Spermatogonia, Ningxia Lu, Kevin M. De Avila, Debra T. Clopton, William E. Pohlmeier, Vanessa M. Brauer, Renee M. Mcfee, John S. Weber, Napoleone Ferrara, David W. Silversides, Andrea S. Cupp

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoform treatment has been demonstrated to alter spermatogonial stem cell homeostasis. Therefore, we generated pDmrt1-Cre;Vegfa^−/− (knockout, KO) mice by crossing pDmrt1-Cre mice to floxed Vegfa mice to test whether loss of all VEGFA isoforms in Sertoli and germ cells would impair spermatogenesis. When first mated, KO males took 14 days longer to get control females pregnant (P < .02) and tended to take longer for all subsequent parturition intervals (9 days; P < .07). Heterozygous males sired fewer pups per litter (P < .03) and after the first litter took 10 days longer (P < .05) to impregnate females, suggesting a more progressive loss of fertility. Reproductive organs were collected from 6-month-old male mice. There were fewer sperm per tubule in the corpus epididymides (P < .001) and fewer ZBTB16-stained undifferentiated spermatogonia (P < .003) in the testes of KO males. Testicular mRNA abundance for Bcl2 (P < .02), Bcl2:Bax (P < .02), Neurog3 (P < .007), and Ret was greater (P = .0005), tended to be greater for Sin3a and tended to be reduced for total Foxo1 (P < .07) in KO males. Immunofluorescence for CD31 and VE-Cadherin showed no differences in testis vasculature; however, CD31-positive staining was evident in undifferentiated spermatogonia only in KO testes. Therefore, loss of VEGFA isoforms in Sertoli and germ cells alters genes necessary for long-term maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, ultimately reducing sperm numbers and resulting in subfertility.

Español A Inglés / English To Spanish: A Guide For Communication In Livestock Operations, Charles A. Shapiro, Leslie J. Johnson, John C. Fech, Paul Hay, Tom Holman, Larry Howard

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Translated by: Rachel Albin, Dianne Danehey, Trevor Wright, and Alex Alpizar

Inglés/English * Cómo pronunciar la frase en Inglés * Español/Spanish * How to pronounce the phrase in Spanish

Numbers * General Communication * Locations * Weather * Colors * Days * Descriptions * Quantities * Feeding * Animal Health * Veterinary Terms * Manure Handling * Animals * General animal care

Severe, Fatal Multisystem Manifestations In A Patient With Dolichol Kinase-Congenital Disorder Of Glycosylation., Michelle T Lieu, Bobby G Ng, Jeffrey S Rush, Tim Wood, Monica J Basehore, Madhuri Hegde, Richard C Chang, Jose E Abdenur, Hudson H Freeze, Raymond Y Wang

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Congenital disorders of glycosylation are a group of metabolic disorders with an expansive and highly variable clinical presentation caused by abnormal glycosylation of proteins and lipids. Dolichol kinase (DOLK) catalyzes the final step in biosynthesis of dolichol phosphate (Dol-P), which is the oligosaccharide carrier required for protein N-glycosylation. Human DOLK deficiency, also known as DOLK-CDG or CDG-Im, results in a syndrome that has been reported to manifest with dilated cardiomyopathy of variable severity. A male neonate born to non-consanguineous parents of Palestinian origin presented with dysmorphic features, genital abnormalities, talipes equinovarus, and severe, refractory generalized seizures. Additional multi-systemic manifestations developed …

Wolves Facilitate The Recovery Of Browse-Sensitive Understory Herbs In Wisconsin Forests, Krystle Bouchard, Jane E. Wiedenhoeft, Adrian P. Wydeven, Thomas P. Rooney

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

We asked whether wolf re-colonization would facilitate increased growth and reproduction of three browse-sensitive plant species. We hypothesized plant size and the proportion of reproductive individuals would be lowest in areas with no wolves, intermediate where wolves had been present for 4-6 years, and highest where wolves had been present for 12-13 years. Two plant species exhibited significantly greater reproduction where wolves were present for 12-13 years. Mean leaf size of indicator plants was significantly greater in areas where wolves were present for 12-13 years, as compared with that in areas where wolves were not present or were present for …

An Argument And Plan For Promoting The Teaching And Learning Of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Kevin M. Bonney

Publications and Research

Neglected tropical diseases constitute a significant public health burden, affecting over one billion people globally, yet this group of diseases is underrepresented in the appropriation of both monetary and intellectual capital for developing improved therapies and public health campaigns. The topic of neglected tropical diseases has been similarly marginalized in the biology classrooms of our nation’s high schools and colleges, despite offering an opportunity to teach and learn about a diverse area of microbiology with far-reaching public health, social, and economic implications. Discussed herein is an argument for increasing the representation of neglected tropical diseases in microbiology education as a …

An Assessment Of Habitat Suitability For Pronghorn Populations Of The Central Valley Region Of California, Virginia Burroughs

Master's Theses

Efforts to reintroduce and maintain populations of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) to the California Central Valley, specifically the Carrizo Plain National Monument (CPNM) and the Mojave Desert (Antelope Valley) portion of Tejon Ranch, have largely been unsuccessful due to dwindling numbers of translocated animals. The objective of this study was to improve upon previous models for the CPNM using aerial survey data and then apply the model to the Tejon Ranch. Aerial survey data collected from 2000-2010 on the CPNM was used to establish “use” and “non-use” areas in the model. Model variables included vegetation type (forest, shrub, grassland, …

The Development Of An In Vivo Microdialysis Collection Method Of Cytokines From Brain Tissue, Anthony W. Herbaugh

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, different methods to improve the microdialysis collection procedure for cytokines from brain tissue are presented. The first method was based on stopped flow and results indicating that no significant difference in relative recovery between stopped flow and continuous flow are shown. The second method is an antibody bead-based enhancement method. With the antibody bead-based method, a 3.5 fold increase in the collected concentrations of Chemokine (C-C motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) were observed. However, there was no significant increase in the in vivo collection efficiency of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) using the antibody enhancement. Finally the development of an in-house …

Influence Of Poultry-Litter Biochar On Early-Season Growth In Cotton, Taylor Dayne Coomer

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is known for being sensitive to cool, wet soils, especially in the early stages of growth. Amendments such as soil fertilizers and manures added to soil can aid cotton seedlings in development and nutrient uptake. However, soil fertilizers and manures can be costly and detrimental to the environment, and alternatives such as the addition of biochar have been considered. Biochar is a high-carbon, nutrient-rich charcoal produced from organic matter that has gone through pyrolysis. Biochar has been shown to improve plant yield, soil microbial response, soil structure, soil cation-exchange capacity, and water-use efficiency, however research on …

Investigation Of The Role Of Tor And Nutrient Restriction On Lifespan Of Arabidopsis Thaliana, Debashree Banerjee

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase is evolutionarily conserved and is a key regulator, controlling many cellular functions to promote survival and growth in all eukaryotes. Several model organisms have indicated a relationship between TOR signaling and life expectancy, such as yeast, fruit flies and mice. Abundant nutrient availability promotes rapid growth and development, whereas depletion of nutrients reduces the activity of the pathways that are involved in growth and nutrient processing. This reduction in activity increases life expectancy, which is supported by evolutionary theories. The confirmed presence of the TOR homolog (a major regulator of growth and cell proliferation) …

Electrotransfer Of Single-Stranded Or Double-Stranded Dna Induces Complete Regression Of Palpable B16.F10 Mouse Melanomas, Loree Heller, Vesba Todorovic, Maja Cemazar

Bioelectrics Publications

Enhanced tumor delivery of plasmid DNA with electric pulses in vivo has been confirmed in many preclinical models. Intratumor electrotransfer of plasmids encoding therapeutic molecules has reached Phase II clinical trials. In multiple preclinical studies, a reduction in tumor growth, increased survival or complete tumor regression have been observed in control groups in which vector or backbone plasmid DNA electrotransfer was performed. This study explores factors that could produce this antitumor effect. The specific electrotransfer pulse protocol employed significantly potentiated the regression. Tumor regression was observed after delivery of single-stranded or double-stranded DNA with or without CpG motifs in both …

The Behavioral And Physiological Effects Of Long-Distance Translocation On Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Oreganus), Kory Hayden Heiken

Master's Theses

Long-distance translocation (LDT), the relocation of an animal outside of its home range, is a popular strategy for mitigating conflict between humans and venomous snakes. While LDT has been demonstrated to prevent a snake’s return to the location of capture, it may result in increased mortality, magnitude and frequency of movements, and activity range sizes. Thus, it has generally been discouraged. However, the effects of LDT on stress physiology and thermoregulation have gone largely unstudied in reptiles. To elucidate these effects, we conducted an experimental LDT on Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) on Vandenberg Air Force base in California. …

Spread Of Malicious Objects In Computer Network: A Fuzzy Approach, Bimal K. Mishra, Apeksha Prajapati

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

We propose an e-epidemic fuzzy SEIQRS (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Quarantine- Recovered-Susceptible) model for the transmission of malicious codes in a computer network. We have simulated the result for various parameters and analyzed the stability of the model. The efficiency of antivirus software and crashing of the nodes due to attack of malicious code is analyzed. Furthermore, initial simulation results illustrate the behavior of different classes for minimizing the infection in a computer network. It also reflects the positive impact of anti-virus software on malicious code propagation in a computer network. The basic reproduction number R0 f and its formulation is also discussed.

Grayscale-Image Encryption Using Random Hill Cipher Over Sln(F) Associated With Discrete Wavelet Transformation, D. C. Mishra, R. K. R. K. Sharma

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

Image data are highly sensitive and prone to incidental decoding by intruders. The security of image data in an insecure network is therefore a major issue. In this paper, we have presented a novel approach for grayscale-image encryption and decryption using Random Hill cipher over SLn(F) associated with discrete wavelet transformation. Earlier techniques for encryption and decryption of image data discussed missing the keys, but in this approach, both the keys and the arrangement of RHC are emphasized. Additionally, keys multiplication side (pre or post) over a grayscale-image data matrix also inevitable to know, to correctly decrypt the encrypted image …

Identification Of Disufide Bond Formation Between Mitoneet And Glutamate Dehydrogenase 1., Morgan Roberts, Jacquelyn Crail, Megan Laffoon, William Fernandez, Michael Menze, Mary Konkle

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

MitoNEET is a protein that was identified as a drug target for diabetes, but its cellular function as well as its role in diabetes remains elusive. Protein pull-down experiments identified glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GDH1) as a potential binding partner. GDH1 is a key metabolic enzyme with emerging roles in insulin regulation. MitoNEET forms a covalent complex with GDH1 through disulfide bond formation and acts as an activator. Proteomic analysis identified the specific cysteine residues that participate in the disulfide bond. This is the first report that effectively links mitoNEET to activation of the insulin regulator GDH1.

Expression And Function Of Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels In Uterine Arteries, Ronghui Zhu

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic hypoxia during pregnancy is one of the most common insults to the maternal cardiovascular system and fetal development, and is associated with increased uterine vascular tone and heightened risk of preeclampsia and fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The present study tested the hypothesis that calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels play an essential role in uterine vascular adaptation to pregnancy, which is inhibited by chronic hypoxia during gestation. Uterine arteries (UAs) were isolated from nonpregnant ewes (NPUAs) and near-term pregnant ewes (PUAs) that had been maintained at sea level (~300 m) or exposed to high altitude (3,801 m) for 110 days. …

Three Essays Evaluating Health Impacts Of The National School Lunch Program, Janet Peckham

All Dissertations

This research focuses on the health impacts of participation in the National School Lunch Program, a program providing free and reduced-cost lunches for income-eligible students and minimally subsidizing lunches for income-ineligible students. In the past decade, increasing incidence of childhood obesity, particularly among low-income individuals has drawn scrutiny over the NSLP's role in the health of student-aged children.

The first chapter introduces the reader to the NSLP, providing a history of the program since its inception at the turn of the 20th century and addressing current issues in the economic literature regarding health impacts of program participation. The second chapter …

Climate Impacts On Zooplankton Population Dynamics In Coastal Marine Ecosystems, Harold P. Batchelder, Kendra L. Daly, Cabell S. Davis, Rubao Ji, Mark D. Ohman, William T. Peterson, Jeffrey A. Runge

Marine Science Faculty Publications

The 20-year US GLOBEC (Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics) program examined zooplankton populations and their predators in four coastal marine ecosystems. Program scientists learned that environmental controls on zooplankton vital rates, especially the timing and magnitude of reproduction, growth, life-cycle progression, and mortality, determine species population dynamics, seasonal and spatial distributions, and abundances. Improved knowledge of spatial-temporal abundance and distribution of individual zooplankton taxa coupled with new information linking higher trophic level predators (salmon, cod, haddock, penguins, seals) to their prey yielded mechanistic descriptions of how climate variation impacts regionally important marine resources. Coupled ecological models driven by improved regional-scale climate …

Rna Interference Targeting Glucose-Regulated-Protein 78 Induces Hepg2 Cell Apoptosis, Brittany Blackman

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Cancer is a complex genetic disease that is driven by genetic mutations resulting in chronic, inappropriate cell proliferation. Many current cancer therapies lack specificity towards tumor tissues, ultimately leading to adverse side effects and limited clinical efficacy. Recently, selective cancer cell therapy has examined a well-characterized cell surface marker that is preferentially expressed on tumor cells. The over-expression of an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein, 78-kDa glucose-regulated-protein (GRP78), has been observed on the surface of cancer cells, but not on normal tissues. By selectively targeting GRP78 with short-interfering RNA (siRNA), potent GRP78 silencing is anticipated by the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. …

The Imperative Of Conserving California's Foothill Oak Woodlands, Lauren Phillips

Social Sciences

No abstract provided.

Variability Of Practice And Strength Training Periodization: When Theories Collide, Katherine Lauren Streder

Master's Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether variability of practice enhances neuromuscular adaptations when compared to traditional strength training. The secondary purpose was to investigate whether there was a difference in perception of exertion between the two strength programs. Forty one subjects (23 women and 18 men) were assigned to either the control group or one of two treatment groups by a blocked-random method. Subject's one repetition maximum (1RM) for the kettlebell press and leg press were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of training, and after 8 weeks of training. The treatment groups completed 8 weeks …

Gravitational Pull Does Not Explain Undershooting Target Locations In Complete Darkness, Allyson French

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Utah Red Raspberry Jam: The Effects Of Formulation, Heating, And Time On Color, Flavor, Texture, And Antioxidant Capacity, Jennifer Leigh Chase

Theses and Dissertations

The amount and type of antioxidants present in raspberries is dependent upon cultivar, ripeness, and growing conditions. Previous research on raspberry jam has reported some color, antioxidant, and flavor loss after processing and storage, though it is unknown to what extent similar changes will occur in raspberries grown in Utah. Sugar concentration and heating temperature as well as storage time were evaluated in an effort to maximize color retention, flavor, antioxidant content, shelf life, and consumer acceptance of Utah-grown raspberry jam. Four types of jams were processed in two batches each: low-sugar (40-42 Brix) and typical sugar (65-68 Brix) at …

Effect Of Aging And Peripheral Neuropathy On Standing Reaching Precision With And Without Visual Cues, Christa T. Mahlobo

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

53 | Caesarea Maritima, Volume I: Herod’S Circus And Related Buildings Part 1: Architecture And Stratigraphy, Yosef Porath

IAA Reports—Monograph Series of the Israel Antiquities Authority

This is Part 1 of Volume 1 in a series of final reports of the IAA Excavation Project at Caesarea (1992–1998), the renowned ancient city built by King Herod. Volume 1 focuses on Herod’s Circus, the facility Herod designed for chariot races. Volume 1: Part 1 presents the background, architecture and stratigraphy of the complex. Part 2 (IAA Reports 57) describes the find from this complex.

Strategies For Success, Winston J. Craig

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm Annual Progress Report: 2013, Agricultural Experiment Station

Agricultural Experiment Station and Research Farm Annual Reports

The 2013 season brought some welcome relief from the drought of the previous year. Our yields were much improved, averaging 175 bushel per acre for corn and 50 bu/ac for soybeans . Several new developments were undertaken at the farm in the 2013 season. We established an area for research where grazing is integrated with crop production – so we now have some scope to conduct research looking at the effects of how grazing crop residues, cover crops and annual forages impacts crop productivity and soil health. Working with Chris Hay from the Ag. and Biological Systems Engineering Dept. at …

Risk Return Of Farmer-Elevator Contracts For Soybeans And Corn In Arkansas, Marei Undine Houpert

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In Arkansas the contribution of Agriculture to the states GDP is comparatively high. To help farmer's return risk the grain industry developed several marketing tools to support farmers. Literature in this research field finds different results for different locations, commodities, marketing tools and marketing years. As Agriculture in Arkansas is important for its economy this study focuses on soybeans and corn produced in the fertile north-eastern area of Arkansas that uses Memphis Tennessee as a spot market palace. The examined marketing tools are pre-harvest futures hedges and forward contracts as well as post-harvest storage strategies and minimum price contracts. All …

Educating The Masses: Human Attitudes Affecting Reef Health, Ashley Wiehl

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

About two thirds of the world’s population lives within 60 km of a coastline, however many members of the public do not recognize the importance of the nearby coral reef ecosystems. Although reef degradation is currently occurring at alarming rates, there is hope for the future of coral reef health. It is proven that humans have a large effect on the current health of coral reefs. This thesis aims to determine how marine scientists and educators can best influence the general public to affect behaviors to improve reef health. To do this involves taking analyzing the many effects of human …

Assessing The Biodiversity And Susceptibility Of Trees In Maxwell Park To Future Invasive Tree Pest Outbreaks, Genevieve Alexander '14

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

The purpose of this project was to assess tree susceptibility to invasive tree pest outbreaks in a Central-Illinois urban park. Tree biodiversity in Maxwell Park, located in the Town of Normal, Illinois, was evaluated assuming that the greater the tree biodiversity in a park, the more resilient the park would be to future invasive tree pest outbreaks. The Town of Normal Parks and Recreation Department served as the community partner for this project. By determining Maxwell Park’s current level of biodiversity, proposed new trees for future replacement plantings could be identified to help increase biodiversity and decrease the potential for …