Life Sciences Commons^™

Integrating Weed-Suppressive Cotton Chromosome Substitution Lines And Cover Crops For Sustainable Weed Management In Cotton Production Systems., Alyssa Lea Miller

Theses and Dissertations

Weeds pose a challenge to cotton production, and herbicides have been the primary means of control. However, there is growing concern over weed resistance to herbicides. To address this issue, we evaluated three cover crop species and six cotton accessions for weed suppression. The study found that hairy vetch, wheat, and B16 cotton CS line effectively suppressed Amaranthus species, while MNTN 4-15, B16, hairy vetch, and wheat were correlated with the highest cotton yield. Cover crops were also analyzed for chlorogenic acid content, with wheat, MNTN 4-15, and hairy vetch producing the highest amounts. The greenhouse tray study showed that …

A Comparison Of Ground Reaction Forces And Muscle Activity Of The Tsunami Bar® Against A Rigid Barbell During Back Squat Phases, John Carver Middleton

Theses and Dissertations

An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study was conducted to investigate the effects of the Tsunami Bar® (TB), a flexible barbell, on ground reaction force (GRF) production and muscle activity in the quadricep, hamstring, and gluteal muscle groups during phases of the squat exercise and compare the effects to the effects to using a rigid barbell (RB). A two-by-two repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare the results. Descriptive statistics showed significantly higher GRFs for the TB during the unweighting phase, significant differences in GRFs between speeds for each phase, significantly higher forces on average with the …

A Silvicultural Approach To Increase Drought Resistance And Resilience In Longleaf Pine, Kyle R. Dues

Theses and Dissertations

Droughts are a common disturbance experienced by forest systems across the southeastern United States and are expected to increase in frequency in the near future. Few empirical studies have evaluated the response of individual tree resistance and resilience following silvicultural treatment in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.). This study evaluates the differences in drought responses between two forests during three different periods. The first period evaluated pretreatment (2000) conditions, while the second (2006), and third (2011) compared conditions after the implementation of five silvicultural treatments. The main findings are that, as additional basal area is removed, both individual tree …

Impact Of Soil Moisture Stress At Different Phases Of Corn Growth And Development, Ranadheer Reddy Vennam

Theses and Dissertations

Suboptimal soil moisture during the growing season often limits growth and yield potential of corn. This study aimed to assess the impact of varying soil moisture regimes on corn growth at different growth phases involving vegetative, flowering, and grain-filling stages. Exposure to moisture stress (80% of the control) during the vegetative stage resulted in a 65% reduction in stomatal conductance and increased the canopy temperature by 5 ^oC, which led to a substantial decrease in total dry matter (56%). Moisture stress-induced reductions in silk length (19%) and fresh weight (34%), negatively affected kernel number (53%), and weight (54%). Unlike …

The Development Of Fetal Immunity From In Utero To Shortly After Birth And Complications That Can Arise From Improper Functioning, Marlee Curnutt

Masters Projects

The development of the immune system in humans is highly complex and requires precise timing which is still debated today. Research has shown IL-10 and T-regulatory cells play a significant role in the proper development of the immune system from in utero continuing into months after birth. These components and various cytokines continue to be guiding factors supplemented by the mother via placenta and breastfeeding. The dysregulation of immune development can have detrimental effects on the infant and may lead to autoimmune disorders. In this paper, we aim to further understand the development of the immune system from fetal to …

Cancer: The Burden Of Treatments Eased By Recent Developments In The Field: A Review Of The Literature, Zachary J. Seim

Masters Projects

Cancer is a very prevalent disease that has affected most of the population. Treatment options that have been used for decades are beginning to be outcompeted by newer developments in the field. Newer developments allow a more specific response to cancers that have proven to be very difficult for traditional treatment. Immune specific treatments also give the ability to specifically target areas affected by the cancer, to reduce potential risk of systemic damage and autoimmunity. Developing cancer treatments that are highly specific brings forth a new age of medicine, hoping to prolong the life expectancy of those affected with cancers, …

The Effect Of Water Flow Rates On The Survival And Growth Rates Of Three Caribbean Bouldering Coral Species Juveniles In An Indoor Versus Outdoor Environment, Ian Michael Johnson

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems for the world’s oceans and humanity; however, they are threatened by climate change, disease, and local anthropogenic stressors, and need assistance to recover. Traditional reef restoration efforts (fragmentation and outplanting are helping but are limited in effectiveness by not increasing genetic diversity. Ex situ sexual propagation for corals provides new, genetically different coral recruits. However, this process is laborious, expensive and time consuming, especially at the scale required to effectively contribute to the widespread recovery. To lower costs, two key parameters that require optimization to hasten the growth of coral recruits are water flow and …

The Role Of Phenylacetic Acid (Paa) Catabolism In Acinetobacter Physiology, Anna Josephine Hooppaw

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Microorganisms are constantly challenged by stressful environments and have evolved mechanisms to adapt to or counteract these threats. The Gram-negative pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is thought to rely on a “persist and resist” strategy that facilitates its remarkable ability to survive in a variety of harsh conditions, giving it the capacity to cause life-threatening infections. Currently, over 60% of the global A. baumannii clinical isolates are multidrug resistant (MDR), leading the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to categorize this pathogen as a top priority for the research and development of new antimicrobial therapies. Understanding the …

Distinct Roles For Ltα3 And Ltα1Β2 Produced By B Cells Contribute To Their Multi-Faceted Impact On Ileitis, Emma Claire Erlich

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Crohn’s disease, one of the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease, is marked by local intestinal inflammation. However, pathology in CD patients is not strictly limited to the gastrointestinal system, and almost 50% of CD patients exhibit extraintestinal manifestations of disease. Many, though not all, of these systemic pathologies are linked to intestinal inflammation and, thus, resolution of local gastrointestinal disease also ameliorates systemic disease. How the connection between local and systemic inflammation is mediated is not well understand, nor is why only some patients exhibit these extraintestinal manifestations of disease. Blocking dissemination of inflammatory signals generated in the …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Snorna-Ll-15 Crosstalk In Adipocyte Lipolysis And Nk Cell Rejuvenation, Yaohua Zhang, Zilong Zhao, Lisa A Huang, Yuan Liu, Jun Yao, Chengcao Sun, Yajuan Li, Zhao Zhang, Youqiong Ye, Fei Yuan, Tina K Nguyen, Nikhil Reddy Garlapati, Andrew Wu, Sergey D Egranov, Abigail S Caudle, Aysegul A Sahin, Bora Lim, Laura Beretta, George A Calin, Dihua Yu, Mien-Chie Hung, Michael A Curran, Katayoun Rezvani, Boyi Gan, Zhi Tan, Leng Han, Chunru Lin, Liuqing Yang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Obesity, in which the functional importance of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) remains elusive, correlates with risk for many cancer types. Here, we identify that the serum copies of adipocyte-expressed SNORD46 correlate with body mass index (BMI), and serum SNORD46 antagonizes interleukin-15 (IL-15) signaling. Mechanically, SNORD46 binds IL-15 via G11, and G11A (a mutation that significantly enhances binding affinity) knockin drives obesity in mice. Functionally, SNORD46 blocks IL-15-induced, FER kinase-dependent phosphorylation of platelet glycoprotein 4 (CD36) and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) in adipocytes, leading to inhibited lipolysis and browning. In natural killer (NK) cells, SNORD46 suppresses the IL-15-dependent autophagy, leading to reduced …

Successful Treatment Of Non-Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis With The Mek Inhibitor Trametinib: A Multicenter Analysis, Ashley Aaroe, Razelle Kurzrock, Gaurav Goyal, Aaron M Goodman, Harsh Patel, Gordon Ruan, Gary Ulaner, Jason Young, Ziyi Li, Derek Dustin, Ronald S Go, Eli L Diamond, Filip Janku

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) and Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) are rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses (non-LCHs), for which therapeutic options are limited. MAPK pathway activation through BRAFV600E mutation or other genomic alterations is a histiocytosis hallmark and correlates with a favorable response to BRAF inhibitors and the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib. However, there has been no systematic evaluation of alternative MEK inhibitors. To assess the efficacy and safety of the MEK inhibitor trametinib, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 26 adult patients (17 with ECD, 5 with ECD/RDD, 3 with RDD, and 1 with ECD/LCH) treated with orally administered trametinib at 4 major US …

Feasibility And Value Of Genomic Profiling In Cancer Of Unknown Primary: Real-World Evidence From Prospective Profiling Study, Ryan W Huey, Aakash Tushar Shah, Honey V Reddi, Priyadarsini Dasari, James T Topham, Hyunsoo Hwang, Nishat Dhillon, Anneleis Willett, Brandon G Smaglo, Jeannelyn S Estrella, Asif Rashid, Aurelio Matamoros, Michael J Overman, Linda Choquette, Greg Omerza, Kevin Kelly, Xuemei Wang, Jonathan M Loree, Jens Rueter, Gauri R Varadhachary, Kanwal Raghav

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Real-world evidence regarding the value of integrating genomic profiling (GP) in managing cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is limited. We assessed this clinical utility using a prospective trial of 158 patients with CUP (October 2016-September 2019) who underwent GP using next-generation sequencing designed to identify genomic alterations (GAs). Only 61 (38.6%) patients had sufficient tissue for successful profiling. GAs were seen in 55 (90.2%) patients of which GAs with US Food and Drug Administration-approved genomically matched therapy were seen in 25 (40.9%) patients. A change in therapy was recommended and implemented (primary endpoint of the study) in 16 (10.1%) and …

Integrity Of Indigenous Knowledge Systems In Natural Resource Management: The Case Of The Arid And Semi-Arid Baringo Herders Of Kenya, P. M. Makenzi, Abdillahi A. Aboud

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ineffective management of natural resources in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), resulting in resource depletion, rapid loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation, is of great concern globally. The Baringo herders in the ASALs of Kenya have been branded as perpetrators of this vice, with the blame placed particularly on their traditional livestock management, utilising indigenous knowledge systems (IKS). These IKS involve livestock mobility and maximisation, and have been regarded as being outdated and inefficient in meeting the challenges and demands for environmental conservation and sustainable management of the natural resources. A common reaction of the government has been to advocate …

The Role Of The Phare Programme And The Danish-Lithuanian Project On The Development Of The Grassland Production And Of Dairy-Beef Cattle Husbandry, V. Vrotniakiene, Jonas Jatkauskas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Animal production is one of the priorities for economic development in Lithuania. Dairy-beef cattle husbandry has remained an important branch of animal production under the conditions of agricultural reform. Favorable agroclimatic conditions for grass cultivation, old traditions of agricultural production and the ability to train farmers in new techniques creates good conditions for the development of dairy-beef cattle husbandry. It is most appropriate to use cattle types suitable for grass feeding with low inputs of concentrates. This paper reports on two development projects that sought to increase animal production through grassland improvement and the production of high-quality silage.

Farmer Field Schools In Expanding Cultivation To Newly Reclaimed Land In Ismailia In Egypt, Oiva Niemeläinen, M. Komulainen, Y. Ahmed, M. El-Sayes, A. El-Adwy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The use of irrigation systems is expanding in Egypt to facilitate cultivation on sandy areas that were previously desert. Many of the farmers starting on the new areas are undergraduates and others with no background in farming. Much support is required when they start farming. In addition, farmers moving to the new lands from the Nile Delta meet completely new challenges because the poor and infertile sandy soils require different management from the clay soils at the Delta. Ismailia Agricultural Research Station (IARS) of the Agricultural Research Center of Egypt focuses on research on how to cultivate the newly reclaimed …

Forage Development In The Nepal Mid-Hills: New Perspectives, A. D. Robertson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nepali hill farming communities are typically poor and remote, and are currently severely affected by conflict. The challenge is to define simple approaches which can generate results within this context. Livestock are central to livelihoods and to the sustainability of farming, with rain-fed agriculture dependent on inputs of manure-based compost. Stall feeding has increased dramatically with the adoption of community forestry and general preclusion of grazing. A broad landscape approach to forage development is increasingly being adopted, with concurrent on-farm interventions, such as intercropping and back-yard forage, and off-farm interventions, such as landslide stabilisation with forages, development of forest understory, …

Factors Influencing The Adoption Of Fodder Production Techniques By Milk Producers In Dhankuta District, Eastern Nepal, C. P. Ferris, R. Nelson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Many districts are food-deficient in Nepal. Increased milk consumption could improve human health and nutrition, while milk sales can provide families with a valuable source of income. However, milk production in Nepal is low, mainly because of the poor nutritional status of livestock, which can be attributed in part to a fodder deficit. However there is potential to increase fodder production, and some innovative fodder production techniques have been tried and proven locally. These include planting of fodder trees, fodder grasses and fodder crops. As the level of adoption of these techniques is variable, a survey was undertaken to quantify …

A Situation Analysis Of Ley Pasture Utilisation In The Western Downs And Maranoa Regions Of S Queensland, Australia, K. J. Sibson, L. Bahnisch, R. Routley, K. Taylor

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Previous studies have shown that the uptake of ley pasture systems in S Queensland's grain growing region has been slow when compared with mixed farming systems in S Australia. This is despite their demonstrated benefits to subsequent crops, livestock production and the environment. A survey was conducted that aimed to determine the level of utilisation of ley pastures in the Western Downs and Maranoa regions of S Queensland, and the possible constraints to their adoption, and benefits arising from their use. The survey also aimed to determine the commonly used pasture species, the reasons for their use and their contribution …

A Situation Analysis Of Ley Pasture Utilisation In The Western Downs And Maranoa Regions Of S Queensland, Australia, K. J. Sibson, L. Bahnisch, R. Routley, K. Taylor

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Previous studies have shown that the uptake of ley pasture systems in S Queensland's grain growing region has been slow when compared with mixed farming systems in S Australia. This is despite their demonstrated benefits to subsequent crops, livestock production and the environment. A survey was conducted that aimed to determine the level of utilisation of ley pastures in the Western Downs and Maranoa regions of S Queensland, and the possible constraints to their adoption, and benefits arising from their use. The survey also aimed to determine the commonly used pasture species, the reasons for their use and their contribution …

Rotational Grazing Demonstration With Beef Cattle On Conservation Reserve Land In Adams County, Iowa, Usa, S. K. Barnhart, B. Peterson, C. O. Nelson, R. Bredahl, J. Klein, R. Sprague

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The United States Dept. of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers who will enroll erosive, marginally productive cropland for a 10 to 15 year period. In return, participants are provided annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish and maintain long- term, resource-conserving vegetative cover to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. Since the inception of the CRP, policymakers, conservationists, farmers, and rural residents have been concerned about the likely fate of program land after the contracts expire. Most of the existing research, whether it relies on …

Sustaining Grass-Legume Pastures For Cow-Calf Herds: A Case Study, John L. Caddel, D. D. Redfearn, R. L. Woods

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An on-going pasture demonstration study has been used since 1988 to demonstrate methods to improve pasture production for small beef cow-calf herds. Many cattle enterprises are not economically viable because poor management decisions lead to excessive stocking rate, ineffective fertilisation programmes etc., leading to a dependence on hay purchases. The initial objective, continued until 2001, was to maintain one cow- calf pair per ha without purchasing forage or grain produced off farm. More recently, reducing the dependence on harvested forage has been added as an objective.

A Forage Area Of Expertise Team: The Michigan Approach To Applied Research And Extension, Richard Leep, D. H. Min

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Agricultural Experiment Stations and the Cooperative Extension Service have traditionally contributed to the economic, social, human, and environmental capital of the United States. Despite this, both institutions have experienced declining federal budget support and increasing competition for resources (Hamm 1997; Hood & Schutjer 1990; Knutson & Outlaw 1994; Paarlberg 1992). Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, implemented self-directed area of expertise (AOE) teams as its major educational development and delivery model. AOE teams grew out of experiences with previous temporary research/Extension teams and quick response professional groups operating within traditional line responsibilities for research …

Technology Transfer Through A Network Of Producer Groups, D. J. Thomson, R. Smith

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective was to enhance the rate of uptake of research and development (R & D) in the context of the whole farm business. This paper reports on two pilot projects - SWARD (South West Agricultural and Rural Development - Devon and Cornwall) and GARD (Gloucestershire Agricultural and Rural Development). The projects were focused on improving the quality of decision making at a time of change, through the provision of R & D results and information within an integrated group support service. Key aspects of the approach are outlined below.

Using Abandoned Paddy Fields For Grazing In Northern Japan, M. Nashiki, H. Narita, Y. Higashiyama

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The number of abandoned paddy fields is increasing in Japan, because the government has been regulating rice production. It has been recommended that the abandoned paddy fields be used for stock raising. However, there is sometimes a lack of information about the land on the abandoned paddy fields and farmers want to know the cost of fencing and the best grass species to use. This paper seeks to provide farmers with information on how to begin to use the abandoned paddy fields as pastures in hilly rural areas in Japan.

Utilisation Of Whole-Crop Rice Silage As A Feed For Ruminants, N. Yoshida, M. Ogawa, Y. Cai, H. Nemoto, M. Ishida

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A national project on the utilisation of whole-plant rice (Oryza sativa L.) as a feed has developed in Japan since 2000. The use of a home-produced forage may be useful to reassure consumers concerned with risks of BSE and foot and mouth disease. Furthermore, Japanese farmers have been obliged to convert one million ha of paddy field from rice to other crops.

Development Of A Grazing Land Management Education Program For Northern Australia’S Grasslands And Grassy Woodlands, Chris R. Chilcott, M. F. Quirk, C. J. Paton, B. S. Nelson, T. Oxley

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Recognition of the potential to enhance grazing land management to meet the goal of sustainable beef production has been increasing over the past decade. Recognition of the relationship between poor land management and negative off-site environmental impacts, such as soil erosion and a decline in the condition of rivers and adjacent near shore coastal areas from sediment transport, has increased also. This concern has matured somewhat to include the critical link between land condition and production, and the threat to sustainable carrying capacity that comes from declining land condition. Concurrently, interest has increased in optimising the use of pasture, e.g. …

Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (Fapru): Establishment Of A New Usda-Ars Research Location, J. R. Strickland, Glen E. Aiken, Isabelle Kagan, R. D. Dinkins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forages are vital to the success of grazing livestock production systems. Forages provide a low cost source of nutrients for animal production (Barnes & Nelson 2003; Ball et al., 1996). Limited fundamental (i.e., genomic, proteomic, metabolomic) research on the effects of environment and management on plant quality and production and the effects of plant metabolites (i.e., nutrients, anti-quality factors, nutraceuticals) on animal performance has hindered our ability to improve the productivity of forage-based enterprises. There is insufficient information for reliable prediction of animal performance in response to plant metabolites. To address these issues, USDA-ARS established FAPRU (Forage-Animal Production Research …

A Systems Approach To Assessing The Viability Of Grazing Legume Systems Across Europe, C. F. E. Topp, C. J. Smith, L. Wu, G. Molle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forage legumes are important in grassland farming throughout much of the world because of their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and hence they are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in low- input grazing farming systems in Europe. Nevertheless, the socio-economic impact of the adoption of the "new" legume based grazing technologies have been poorly researched (Rochon et al., 2004). Thus a methodology has been developed to:

* Assess the on-farm costs and benefits of including different legume crops for animal production;
* Determine the types of management systems and environmental conditions under which forage legumes may play …

Land Stewardship For The 21St Century: Pasture And Livestock Management Workshop For Novices, L. A. Redmon, G. M. Clary, J. J. Cleere, G. W. Evers, V. A. Haby, C. R. Long, L. R. Nelson, F. M. Rouquette Jr., G. R. Smith

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Land ownership patterns in Texas and the southern USA are changing. Since 1994 (Wilkins et al., 2000) consumers interested primarily in recreational purposes have become the predominant owners of rural land. This land ownership change has created potential land stewardship problems associated with natural resource management. Few, if any, new landowners have any training related to the soil-plant-animal interface. New land owners need linkage with subject matter experts from land grant universities in a relaxed instructional setting while providing the opportunity for question and answer sessions. Thus, a programme was developed by a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency team at the Texas …

New Zealand Pastoral Systems: A Current Perspective, F. R. Duder, R. B. Green, W. D. Catto, D. R. Woodfield, B. R. Guy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

New Zealand's diverse grassland resource of 13.5 M ha of permanent pasture, tussock or alpine grasslands underpin an intensive pastoral industry worth NZ$13 billion in 2004. The pastoral industry involves 37,000 farmers and a service industry of about 215,000 persons. It produces 27 M prime export lambs and 180,000 t of predominantly crossbred wool from 40 M ewes; 13 B litres of milk from 5.2 M dairy cattle; 800,000 t of beef from 4.7 M beef cattle and 33,000 t of venison from 2 M deer. Pastures and forage crops, mostly non- irrigated, are grazed 'in situ' by animals through …