A review of soil NO transformation: associated processes and possible physiological significance on organisms

NO emissions from soils and ecosystems are of outstanding importance for atmospheric chemistry. Here we review the current knowledge on processes involved in the formation and consumption of NO in soils, the importance of NO for the physiological functioning of different organisms, and for inter- and intra-species signaling and competition, e.g. in the rooting zone between microbes and plants. We also show that prokaryotes and eukaryotes are able to produce NO by multiple pathways and that unspecific enzymo-oxidative mechanisms of NO production are likely to occur in soils. Nitric oxide production in soils is not only linked to NO production by nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms, but also linked to extracellular enzymes from a wide range of microorganisms. Further investigations are needed to clarify molecular mechanisms of NO production and consumption, its controlling factors, and the significance of NO as a regulator for microbial, animal and plant processes. Such process understanding is required to elucidate the importance of soils as sources (and sinks) for atmospheric NO

v Experimental Modeling for In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Loading of Scaled Model Drag Embedment Anchors

I would like to thank my parents and brother for always being there and encouraging me along the way. I am who I am because of their unbelieveable support, always encouraging me to challenge myself, and to nd a balance between work and play. Dr. Bob Gilbert for his direction, insight, motivation, teaching me to think in a practical sense, and always being positive no matter the situation. The "Rocky" speech proved to be a success. My research partners: Jaime Miller, Curt Anderson, and Karan Ganjoo for their help with the research. Albert Kottke for his computer knowledge and bene cial opinions of nearly everything I asked him. And nally, the Friday golf round and Olson's Army. An intramural dynasty with a two year, three sport career record of 13 wins, 28 losses. Yes, we are engineers and will not quit our day jobs, but will always nd time to play a round of golf. Here's to a great group of guys

White Paper: functionality and efficacy of wrist protectors in snowboarding—towards a harmonized international standard

The wrist is the most frequently injured body region among snowboarders. Studies have shown that the risk of sustaining a wrist injury can be reduced by wearing wrist protection. Currently, there are a wide variety of wrist protection products for snowboarding on the market that offer a range of protective features. However, there are no minimum performance standards for snowboarding wrist protectors worldwide. The International Society for Skiing Safety convened a task force to develop a White Paper to evaluate the importance and necessity of a minimum performance for all wrist protectors used in snowboarding. The White Paper outlines the need for a general framework for a harmonized international standard and reviews the existing evidence. Therefore, this White Paper may serve as a common base for future discussions. The broader goal of developing and implementing such a standard is to reduce the incidence and the severity of wrist injuries in snowboarding without increasing the risk of adverse events, such as upper arm or shoulder injury. The European standard for inline skating wrist protectors (EN 14120) can serve as a starting point for efforts related to a standard for snowboard wrist protectors, but certain modifications to the standard would be required. It is hypothesized that implementation of a snowboarding wrist protector standard would result in fewer and less severe wrist injuries in the sport and could translate into more riding days for healthy snowboarders and significant health-care costs savings