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Associations of Variation in mtDNA with Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle and the Evaluation of Transcriptomic Changes in Fetal Kidney Due to Hydrallantois
No full textProject 1 focused on the central role that mitochondria play in ATP production, highlighting that variation within the mtDNA may influence feed efficiency. Variation in the mitochondrial genome was uncovered, and associations with feed efficiency in beef cattle were identified. Growth and feed intake phenotypes, as well as low-pass sequencing, were collected on beef steers across two populations. Protein coding variants were identified and used to classify animals into mitochondrial haplotypes. A linear mixed model was employed, which detected a significant association between mitochondrial haplotype and DMI. A significant haplotype with a variant in Complex I was associated with reduced feed intake. These findings support the hypothesis that variation in the mitochondrial genome may influence feed efficiency and economically important traits, which could aid in genomic selection and breeding decisions.
Project 2 utilized transcriptomic data to investigate the molecular mechanisms influencing or resulting from abnormal allantoic fluid accumulation during late gestation. Serum chemistry and histopathology reports of the affected fetuses indicated renal dysfunction. Fetal kidney tissue was used to investigate differential gene expression in affected and unaffected calves, and to identify dysregulated biological pathways. Analysis of enriched pathways revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in vasculature development, renal ion transport, and membrane signaling, which may contribute to the accumulation of allantoic fluid. CALRC, a gene involved in calcium ion binding, was significantly upregulated in affected fetuses and has the potential to disrupt fetal fluid homeostasis. These findings underscore the importance of RNA sequencing in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases and identifying functional disruptions.
Advisor: Jessica L. Peterse
Exploring Racial Identity Among East and Southeast Asian Transracial Adoptees in the United States through Communication Theory of Identity
No full textThe purpose of this study was to understand how East and Southeast Asian transracial adoptees (ESATA) in White adoptive families conceptualize and communicate their racial identity. ESATAs endure various challenges surrounding race that makes it important to understand how ESATAs understand their racial identity, the tensions they might experience, and how they management the tensions surrounding racial identity. Using the theoretical framework Communication Theory of Identity (Hecht, 1993), 25 ESATAs were interviewed about different frames of identity and potential identity gaps they experience surrounding racial identity. In addition, ESATAs were asked about how they communicatively manage identity gap tensions mapping onto Trinh and Faulkner’s (2023) terminology. Reflective thematic analysis was used to identity four frames of identity (personal, relational, enacted, and communal), five identity gaps (personal-relational, personal-communal, personal-enacted, personal-personal and communal-communal), and three strategies of identity gap management (identity compartmentalization, gap reconciliation, or ignoring the gap). These findings highlight the importance of understanding the layers, tensions, and tension management surrounding ESATA racial identity.
Advisor: Jordan E. Soli
Witnessing Healing Through Fantasy: Trauma, Community, and Art in A Court of Thorns and Roses
No full textDrawing on theorists such as Bruno Bettelheim, Lucy Bonds, Stef Craps, Dominick LaCapra, and Laura Loumeau-May, this paper explores the role of trauma and healing in Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by examining protagonist Feyre Archeron’s journey. Specifically, Feyre’s journey with trauma and how she heals throughout the series. The analysis highlights how Feyre’s recovery is deeply tied to empathy, her acts of artistic creation, and her evolving relationships with others, especially with those who have also endured their own trauma. In addition to textual analysis, the paper incorporates reader and fan responses—particularly fanart and social media engagement—to demonstrate how trauma literature invites readers to witness and sometimes replicate healing in their own lives. Ultimately, this study argues that ACOTAR not only entertains but offers readers a therapeutic framework through which to explore and reflect on their own experiences of trauma and recovery by witnessing Feyre’s healing through empathy, community, and art
A Translation of Akira Mizubayashi\u27s \u3cem\u3eReine de Coeur\u3c/em\u3e
No full textAkira Mizubayashi\u27s Reine de Coeur is a story about intergenerational trauma, and the ability music has to mend broken bonds. This translation is an attempt to bring the musicality of his language into English and convey Mizubayashi\u27s unique cultural perspective in an English language context.
Advisor: Jordan Stum
Expected Carbon Intensity (CI) of Co-products Fed to Beef Cattle in Nebraska
No full textNebraska beef producers may in the future want to reduce their beef carbon footprint by using feedstuffs with lower carbon intensities (CIs). In a previous article (Perrin, et al, 2025) we reported the likely CI of corn and soybeans produced in Nebraska. Here we extend those results to report the likely CI of DGS and SBM feedstuffs. Beef producers can use this information as they consider lowering the carbon footprint of beef they produce.
The overall expected CI of DGS in Nebraska we found to be 0.23 or 0.20 for WDGS, 0.28 or 0.25 for MDGS and 0.33 or 0.31 for DDGS, depending on whether the IFSM or the GREET model is used. We found the overall expected CI of SBM in Nebraska to be 0.36 or 0.38, depending on whether the IFSM or the GREET model is used.
The results emphasize the variations in the CI of these co-products due to factors such as region, irrigation, and processing methods. This variation indicates that beef producers may be able to lower the CI of beef by selecting co-products with lower CI. These findings support evidence-based decision-making for sustainable livestock management and highlight the need for continued research into the CI of feed co-products, regional farming practices, and more efficient feed production methods
NEBLINE, August/September 2025
No full textContents
Summertime’s Natural Light Show: Fireflies by Kait Chapman
Insect Science with Kids: Bug Collecting as a Tool to Learn
The Perfect Partnership: EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Join Forces for Lifelong Nutrition and Health by Emily Gratopp
Recipe of the month by Emily Gratopp: Fruit salsa & cinnamon chips
Southeast nebraska Pasture & Acreage Expo
Southeast Nebraska Alfalfa & Wheat Expo
Landlord/Tenant Cash Rent workshop
Vegetable Gardening in the Fall by Mary Jane Frogge
GRO Big Red virtual learning series
2025 perennial plant of the year: Blue mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)
Garden guide: Things to do this month by Mary Jane Frogge
Composting demonstration
Lancaster County Super Fair
4-H premier communication event top results
4-H announcements for enrolled 4-Hers and 4-H volunteers
4-H Clover College: 59 hands-on workshops
4-H companion animal top results
Two Lancaster County 4-H clube receive statewide servide grants
4-H teen Council invites new members
Join 4-H to become beyond ready
Heart of 4-H volunteer award: Hope Bauman and Kent Kenned
Extension calendar
Elizabeth Thiltges promoted
Summer 4-H interns: Cameryn Brandt, Jacie Pelikan, Hope Koller, Hannah Dean, and Ava Wharto
Book Review of: Univision, Telemundo, and the Rise of Spanish-Language Television in the United States
No full textCraig Allen’s Univision, Telemundo, and the Rise of Spanish-Language Television in the United States (2020) meticulously encapsulates the business challenges and subsequent success of Spanish-language television networks in the United States. Grounded in hard data, archival research, reporting, and interviews, the author expands the study beyond the U.S. to trace the initiatives’ roots to Mexico. The book’s nine chapters weave a chronological narrative that covers the period from 1961 to 2012. Throughout the book, Allen explores the beginning of Univision in San Antonio in 1961, the birth of Telemundo in 1986, the pioneers and the investments involved, and the creation of the term Pan-Latinidad
Dreamers and the FDA: Article III Standing in Immigration Cases after \u3cem\u3eFDA v. Alliance\u3c/em\u3e
No full textStates historically challenge federal executive policy through litigation. One recent example is Texas’ challenge to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) policy for the second time in two years. The validity of DACA was challenged in the Fifth Circuit due to immigration concerns by Texas, where the court ultimately held Texas had Article III standing to sue. However other courts, and the Supreme Court in particular, have begun closing the door on plaintiffs that demonstrate only broad injuries related to government regulations and policies. The June 2024 Supreme Court ruling in FDA v. Alliance may open the door for the Court to find that Texas does not have standing to challenge the second iteration of DACA if the decision of the Fifth Circuit is appealed.
This Comment examines Article III standing requirements as applied by the Supreme Court up to and including Alliance, the history of the second DACA suit out of Texas and the resulting Fifth Circuit’s ruling in Texas v. United States. The Comment argues that, despite the Fifth Circuit’s ruling, the Supreme Court may find that Texas does not have standing to sue. The Comment focuses specifically on the injury-in-fact and causation requirements of Article III standing as they apply to a potential appeal of Texas v. United States given the ruling in Alliance
Impact of Humidity from Shrink (Wrap) Tunnels on Refrigeration Systems: Comparing Economic and Environmental Impact of Natural Gas and Electric
No full textThis thesis examines the economic and environmental effects of electric and steam shrink-wrapping tunnels used in beef packaging processes, paying particular attention to the indirect refrigeration loads caused by the heat and humidity that each system releases. Traditional sustainability evaluations frequently ignore these indirect impacts, which are especially important in meat processing facilities where 45–55% of electricity use is attributed to refrigeration. Life cycle assessment (LCA), field measurements, and thermodynamic modeling are all used in this work to offer a thorough analysis of both tunnel types.
The case study facility in Nebraska operates both steam and electric shrink tunnels to process the same mass of meat, allowing direct comparison. The electric tunnel consumed an estimated 57,600 kWh of electricity per year, while the steam tunnel used 4,644 kWh (excluding steam production). However, the steam tunnel utilized 4,800 MMBTU of natural gas per year. Furthermore, the electric tunnel only increased refrigeration demand by 0.50 kWh/hr, but the steam tunnel increased it by 14 kWh/hr due to greater heat loss and moisture emissions.
From a life cycle perspective, considering the current Nebraska electricity grid, the electric tunnel outperformed the other in the majority of environmental impact areas linked to air emissions, such as respiratory impacts, smog generation, and global warming potential. The increased environmental burden resulting from its manufacture, especially in areas linked to human health- non-carcinogenic and ecotoxicity, partially offsets these advantages. The electric tunnel\u27s operational benefits were further enhanced when the extra refrigeration energy needed to control heat and humidity was considered. An additional scenario using a decarbonized electricity grid, such as the French grid, was also assessed. Results indicate that electric tunnels performed better than steam tunnel across all the environmental categories as electricity becomes cleaner. Overall, the LCA results show that, when both direct and indirect energy usage are considered, the electric tunnel has reduced environmental consequences in the most policy-relevant impact areas. Cost research showed that the electric tunnel offers a shorter payback period and cheaper yearly utility expenses, even after accounting for the additional need for refrigeration. According to the findings, electric shrink tunnels may be a more economical and environmentally friendly choice, especially when indirect refrigeration effects are considered.
Advisor: Bruce I. Dvora