In recent years, microRNA’s (miRNA’s) have emerged as important in regulating gene expression. Fluctuations in their levels are associated with the up or down-regulation of tumor-suppressor genes and oncogenes. Thus, the ability to visualize changes in miRNA is an important step in understanding cancer emergence and development. The Burrows group...
In the first part of this work, thin films of Al₂O₃ deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD) are demonstrated to improve the thermal stability of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) aerogels. ALD is a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) like method in which sequential precursor exposures and self-limited surface reactions produce a conformal...
Thin films are an enabling technology for a wide range of applications, from microprocessors to diffusion barriers. Nanolaminate thin films combine two (or more) materials in a layered structure to achieve performance that neither film could provide on its own. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a chemical vapor deposition technique...
Stephen Biko was a black leader in South Africa who
died in police custody on September 12, 1977. Biko's death
echoed within the Republic of South Africa and around the
world, showing that racial tensions in that country were
severe. At his death he was a hero to the black...
Recently researchers have discovered that groups of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play regulatory roles in gene expression and participate in various biological processes. For example, pathogenesis of many diseases, cell cycle regulation, and signaling pathways. Intracellular and live cell imaging of small ncRNA groups will reveal their relative expression levels...
One post-transcriptional mechanism that regulates the progression of cancer and other diseases involves small 22-23 nucleotide sequences called microRNA (miR). Early detection of small changes in concentration of these biomarkers holds potential to diagnose diseases at their earliest stages. Use of current nucleic-acid based biosensors, like molecular beacons, for in...
Fluorescence has proven to be a robust and powerful method of analysis in numerous fields: forensics, pharmaceutics, geology, food science, and environmental sciences have all developed a large collection of fluorescence instruments and methods to overcome application-specific challenges. Biological applications saw the same development of a fluorescence toolkit with methods...
Tethering fluorophores on metal nanoparticles for metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF) has attracted a lot of attention from scientists interested in fluorescence based approaches. MEF has many benefits in fluorescence related techniques, because the analytical signal increases and enables potentially lower detection limits or better sensitivity. Many types of nanoparticles have...
Although research evidence clearly indicates support surface properties are a major factor contributing to fall risk among the elderly, investigations examining the influence of variations in surface conditions on the postural control of older adults during task performance have been limited. Thus, the primary purpose of the present studies was...
Magnetic and gravity modelling was completed along two E-W transects offshore central Oregon. These models indicate that the backstop-forming western edge of the Siletz terrane has a seaward dip of approximately 40° to 49° at 44°48'N, shallowing to ~28° at 44°1 1 'N. This is a well-determined result, given available...
Investigating the structure-property relationships of solid state materials can help improve many of the materials we use each day in life. It can also lead to the discovery of materials with interesting and unforeseen properties. In this work the structure property relationships of newly discovered layered oxypnictide phases are presented...
Altered skeletal muscle fat metabolism is linked to changes in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Whereby the accumulation of bioactive signaling lipids (i.e., diacylglycerols and ceramides) within skeletal muscle are negatively associated with insulin sensitivity and the exercise-induced changes to fatty acid trafficking are related to improved skeletal muscle insulin action....
Skeletal muscle mitochondria are highly plastic organelles, integral to whole-body health. High-fat diet (HFD) and exercise remodel the skeletal muscle mitochondria. Whereby, altered skeletal muscle mitochondrial function is linked to decreased skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity which can be reversed by exercise. However, the mechanisms that contribute to skeletal muscle remodeling...
The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, causing a subsequent increase in insulin resistance (IR), metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Although these conditions significantly impact both the individual and society, their etiologies have not been discovered, inhibiting potential prevention and treatment. Alterations to mitochondrial metabolism are implicated in the development...
_____________________________________________________________________
Sean Newsom, Committee Member, representing Biological and Population Health Sciences
Those experiencing significant psychosocial problems in adolescence and young adulthood are at higher risk for psychological disorder (Pottick, Bilder, Vander Stoep, Warner, & Alvarez, 2008). Compared to peers, these individuals struggle to complete school, fit with social roles, and acquire occupational skills necessary for adulthood (Pottick et al., 2008). Providing...
Ultrafast spectroscopy can exploit the structure-function relationship of chemical- and biological-based systems. More specifically, femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) provides ground- and excited-state vibrational information with simultaneously high spectral (spatial) and temporal resolutions. The electronic counterpart, femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA), complements FSRS data analysis as part of a comprehensive approach...
Knowledge of stand structure, stand dynamics, and production ecology of species mixtures lags well behind that of single-species, even-aged stands. Two mixed-species spacing trials in central Oregon allowed investigation of mixed-species dynamics in a controlled experimental setting. The first site, Pringle Butte, is a mixture of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa...
Like other species interactions in ecological systems, host-pathogen interactions are influenced by environmental factors, landscape characteristics and the broader community context. My thesis explores the potential influences of food-web interactions (Chapter 2), climate change (Chapter 3), landscape structure and host movement patterns (Chapter 4), and the combined influences of local...
Uneven-aged management has been suggested as a method for balancing biodiversity conservation and wood production goals from managed forests in a variety of regions. In coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests of the Pacific Northwest, implementation of uneven-aged management is hindered by a lack of experience with uneven-aged silvicultural systems, including...
Pedicle screw breakage and loosening remain as clinical complications of short segment instrumentation procedures for spinal stabilization. This study has directly visualized and measured elastic, plastic and total vertebral pedicle trabecular bone full-field strains in the regions immediately surrounding the pedicle screw during pedicle screw insertion by utilizing functional microCT...
Photoactivated biomedical tools like fluorescent biosensors and optogenetic proteins have increased in popularity due to the precision targeting and activation used for in vivo applications. In nature, the initially discovered parent proteins exhibit properties such as fluorescence quantum yield (FQY), fluorescence color, and photoswitching dynamics that are unfavorable in mammalian...
As species of ash trees become increasingly threatened worldwide by exotic pests and pathogens, it is important to develop descriptions of their ecologies that help guide the conservation and restoration of forests in which they are a major component. Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) is a dominant tree species in wetland...
A 1 kW series hybrid powertrain was developed at Oregon State University for use in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This powertrain was designed to give mission flexibility and increased flight time to fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing UAVs and multirotor UAVs. The powertrain components, an internal combustion engine and a...
Significance: Movement intent decoding algorithms can interpret human bioelectrical signals to control prosthetic limbs with many degrees of freedom (DOFs). This work involves decoding volitional movement intent from surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals to control prosthetic arms. To train these algorithms, patients flex their muscles to “follow” a movement prompt, and...
1,4-Dioxane (dioxane) and cis-dichloroethylene (cDCE) are compounds commonly found in industrial cleaning and degreasing agents that are frequently present as groundwater contaminants. In an effort to develop a more effective treatment method for these compounds, hydrogel beads were fabricated with either gellan gum or a combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)...
This research investigates the physiological and transcriptional responses of Nitrosomonas europaea when exposed to chlorinated aromatic compounds and heavy metals under varying environmental conditions. It was found that transcriptional responses of identified sentinel genes correlate well with nitrification inhibition. Sorption of metals to biomass was also investigated and found not...
This dissertation develops mixed family selection for Pacific oysters using marker-based pedigree reconstruction. It focuses on improving the efficiency of parentage assignment, determining the optimum life stage to mix oyster families for rearing and selection, comparing mixed-family and separate-family selective breeding in the field, and applying the mixed method to...
Wild fish populations are typically infected with a variety of micro- and macroparasites that may affect fitness and survival, however, there is little published information on parasite distribution in wild juvenile salmonids in three upper tributaries of the Willamette River, OR. The objectives of this survey were to document (1)...
Since its inception as a laboratory animal in the early 1970s, the zebrafish has proven itself a rising star in the world of comparative biomedical sciences due to its short generation time, ease of care, external fertilization, and transparent larvae. In a very few decades, the zebrafish has been utilized...
As a way to improve safety and economics, one area of research and commercialization of new nuclear power plants has focused on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). NuScale Power has developed a 50 MWe natural convection cooling SMR coupled with a regenerative Rankine cycle. Current estimates place the...
The complexity of forest management has increased with the scope of resources of concern and the level of scrutiny from stakeholders. The design and use of specialized computer software, often referred to as “decision support systems” (DSS), is one method for helping managers deal with this complexity. DSS have proven...
One of the most powerful and life-changing events that can occur in the life of a family is
the death of a child. Researchers who have studied death and bereavement suggest that a
child's death has a dramatic impact on parents. However, little is known about the ways
in which...
The research conducted here originated with the question of what caused the massive build-up of nuclear arsenals, which included ever larger and more powerful bombs and delivery systems from them, in the United States and the Soviet Union, even though the consensus beforehand was that nuclear energy should be prohibited...
Fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique due to bright signals that provide excellent measurement sensitivity. Many colors of fluorescent dyes are available to match the detection ranges of different equipments. Dyes can be chemically modified to bind to many different target analytes with high specificity1. Alternatively, sensors can be...
Type-2 diabetes (T2D) has become a pandemic. The main impairment in T2D is skeletal muscle insulin resistance (IR) and is often associated with obesity. Despite decades of study, the mechanisms of IR have not been fully resolved. Evidence has implicated mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential cause and/or consequence of IR....
The increase in obesity rates in both children and adults in the United States may be a result of impaired or dysregulation of fat metabolism. Long chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSLs) may be key regulators of skeletal muscle cell fat metabolism, including fat oxidation and storage. The purpose of the study...
Gold nanostars are a relative newcomer to the nanoparticle scene, and their unique properties make them very desirable for spectroscopic applications. These nanoparticles, with their sharp tips, create electric field enhancements that interact with light in an advantageous way. This Thesis outlines our in-depth study of gold nanostar synthesis, the...
Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNA) are becoming an increasingly popular topic of
research in hopes of discovering newfound biomarkers and/or therapies for numerous
types of cancers and diseases. MiRNA are a type of biomolecule contributing to the
progression of multiple cancers and diseases, and such biomolecules are called
biomarkers. Current RNA-based biosensors...
:
________________________________________________________________________
Sean M. Burrows
Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNA) are becoming an increasingly popular
A comparison was made of Al₂O₃ films deposited on Si via prompt inorganic condensation (PIC)
and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Current–voltage measurements as a function of annealing
temperature indicate that the solution-processed PIC films, annealed at 500°C, exhibit lower
leakage and roughly equivalent breakdown strength in comparison to ALD films....
This study Is a rhetorical analysis of ten documents of Joseph
Smith, Jr's. early revelations spanning the period of 1829 to 1831
to determine the extent to which he used demagogic rhetoric in pursuit
of his goals. A definition of demagoguery is provided and is
applied in an analysis of...
Measurement error (ME) is a component of any study involving the use of actual measurements, but is often not recognized or is ignored. The consequences of MEs on estimates of tree and stand attributes and the parameters and predictions of forest models can be varied and severe, including the presence...
A seasonal hair-loss syndrome of native deer began to occur in the Pacific Northwest United States in the mid-1990s. Clinical manifestations of the disease typically include large numbers of chewing lice on Columbia Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) and Columbia White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus leucurus). Expenditure of energy responding to...
:
_____________________________________________________________________
W. Daniel Edge
A seasonal hair-loss syndrome of native deer began to occur in the
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) aerogels are coated with thin conformal layers of Al₂O₃ using
atomic layer deposition to form hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposites. Electron probe
microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated the Al₂O₃ penetrated more
than 1500 μm into the aerogel for extended precursor pulse and exposure/purge times. The
measured profile...
Transition metal oxides are an important class of materials for the wide variety optical, electrical, dielectric, magnetic, and thermal properties observed. Their unique structure-property relationships allow for property tuning and often provide insight into the fundamentals of chemistry. The work in this thesis was focused on the design, synthesis and...
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition that impairs insulin stimulated glucose absorption in skeletal muscle, a characteristic phenomenon denoted as insulin resistance. Lipid overload of the mitochondria is linked to the development of insulin resistance and the progression of Type 2 Diabetes. As lipids accumulate there is...
_____________________________________________________________________
Sean Newsom, Committee Member, representing the School of Biological and Population
Health
Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) belongs to the most-clinically significant non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pathogens with constant increase in disease prevalence, mainly in several industrialized western countries where tuberculosis is less prevalent. Upon entry into the alveolar space, MAH is engulfed by resident-macrophages, where the pathogen adapts to the hostile phagosomal...
The United States of America is founded upon immigration, and Germans are one of the first European ethnic groups to settle en masse in North America. The common narrative of immigration is that of the “melting pot”; characterized by assimilation of cultures into one ‘super’ culture. German immigration has often...
Models of magnetic and gravity anomalies along two E-W transects offshore central Oregon, one of which is coincident with a detailed velocity model, provide quantitative limits on the structure of the subducting oceanic crust and the crystalline backstop. The models indicate that the backstop-forming western edge of the Siletz terrane,...
Hydraulic power take-off (PTO) systems have been implemented in several wave energy converter (WEC) designs in recent years. Two popular hydraulic PTO configurations coupled to a point absorber hydrodynamic model are simulated in waves representative of an energetic sea state likely to be found in deep waters off the coast...
Phages of crown gall bacteria were among the first to be
isolated and certain properties of these phages have been studied by
a number of investigators. However, several important characteristics
have not been studied in detail. The present investigation was
made in order to determine the major sources of phages...
The design of a projectile delivery system often plays a critical role in the durability and breakage patterns associated with spent projectile points. This paper presents the results of an experimental project designed to examine projectile point durability and breakage patterns between three different hafting methods. Specifically, we compare two...
Migration and spawning phenology of Pacific Salmon is linked to the hydroregime, and thought to be triggered by increases in river discharge and decreases in water temperature. However, little data exists that describes direct fine-scale linkages between the hydroregime and spawning in Coho Salmon. This study evaluated the spatial and...
Maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O₂max) is the most widely used measure for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. It is a strong contributor to performance in endurance sports, predicts functional capacity in older adults, and is related to overall disease risk. As such, it is important that testing methodologies for determining V̇O₂max provide valid...
The objective of our study was to investigate the effect of selenium on
selenoprotein W. Western blot analysis indicated that selenoprotein W is present in
muscle, brain, testis and spleen of rat tissues. Tissue distribution of selenoprotein W
was not altered in rats fed various selenium levels. Among muscle, brain,...
from the summer dry season to the winter wet season. Such movement that connects summer and winter habitats may be particularly important for coho salmon, O. kisutch, because availability of overwintering habitat can limit freshwater survival for this species. Here, I describe basin-scale variability in the spatial pattern of fall...
This work prepared YInMnO3, YCuTiO3, and YInFeO3 solid state pigments via microwave synthesis. The microwave-prepared pigments contain optical and structural properties similar to their furnace homologues. Overall synthesis times for each pigment have been significantly reduced via microwave synthesis, while keeping the same relative phase purity as solid-state.
Rat selenoprotein W (SeW) promoter activity was investigated using different concentrations of cadmium, copper, and zinc. Two fragments (404bp and 1265bp) of the SeW promoter, containing a single metal response element (MRE), were ligated into the multiple cloning site of a pGL3-Basic reporter plasmid. The constructs were transfected into cultured...
Site ORYA3, the Smith House, is located in Dayton, Oregon. The archaeological project originated because owners of this structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, applied for a demolition permit. The 1859 home, first occupied by two early Oregon pioneers, Andrew and Sarah Smith, was considered architecturally significant,...
Achlys triphylla, a member of a medicinally active family
containing alkaloids, was examined phytochemically to determine its
possible value as a source of medicinal agents.
Pharmacological testing of the crude ethanol extract exhibited
a competitive inhibition of acetylcholine and histamine. Purification
of alkaloid 'A' from the crude ethanol extract and...
The objective of this study was to further determine the distribution of
selenoprotein W (SeW) in tissues from rats and sheep fed different selenium levels and to
search for the possible functions of this protein. In the rat study a total of 28 rat tissues
were examined and SeW was...
This investigation examined the possible role of musculoskeletal forces in the
human walk-run transition. In order to measure these forces a treadmill was constructed
which allowed the measurement of vertical ground reaction forces while subjects walked
and ran at prescribed speeds. Validation proved the device to be accurate and reliable...
The purpose of this study was to determine kinetic and kinematic
characteristics of Thai Boxing Roundhouse Kicks. In order to measure the kinetic
variables of peak force and impulse, a triaxial accelerometer was inserted into a
kicking bag. The force data were derived from the known mass and measured
acceleration...
This study measured knowledge and attitudes about genital herpes
and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(HIV/AIDS) in a sample of future teachers from the College of Education at
Oregon State University. The objectives of the study were 1) to determine if
students possess accurate knowledge about the two diseases; 2)...
Understanding the mechanisms regulating mitochondrial respiratory function and adaptations to metabolic challenges, such as exercise and high dietary fat, is necessary to promote skeletal muscle health and attenuate metabolic disease. Autophagy is a constitutively active degradation pathway that promotes mitochondrial turnover and is suppressed by insulin and activated by exercise....
Triathlon is an endurance sport consisting of back-to-back swimming, cycling, and running. There are four popular distances: sprint (.75k m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run), half-ironman (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.1km run), and ironman (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run). Even at the...
_____________________________________________________________________
Sean Newsom, Committee Member, representing College of Public Health and Human
Sciences
Local economic development can help lessen the impact of large-scale shocks on small communities as it provides them with resilient systems that do not require as much support from global supply chains. In smaller communities, shared governance, interactive and adaptive planning, and evidence-based policymaking strategies can facilitate resilient systems. The...
_____________________________________________________________________
Sean McGuire, Committee Member, representing Benton County Board of Commissioners
Office
To obtain a mechanistic understanding of the chemical processes, techniques that offer a frame-by-frame visualization of molecular structure during a reaction are of vital importance. Numerous efforts and advances have been made in order to acquire such vivid molecular “movies”, especially in the electronic excited state. Ultrafast molecular spectroscopy method...
The Caliciviridae contains many viruses which are pathogenic to humans, marine
mammals, domestic animals, and numerous species of wildlife. Currently there is no single assay
to detect antigenic response to the multiple serotypes of calicivirus. The development of
calicivirus specific synthetic peptides having highly conserved epitopes common to many
serotypes...
Serum samples from 1,046 Kansas cattle were examined for the
presence of neutralizing antibody to caliciviruses known to be
circulating in the marine environment. All sera were from farm-origin
cattle, with the number tested being proportionate to the total number
of cattle in each county. These sera were selected in...
This report describes the partial characterization of the first cultivable calicivirus isolated from a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), named rabbit calicivirus Oryctolagus-1 and abbreviated RaCv Ory-1. RaCv Ory-1 was isolated from juvenile feeder rabbits displaying symptoms of diarrhea. Absence of neutralization by type specific neutralizing antibodies for 40 caliciviruses and...
Six serotypes of calicivirus (San Miguel Sea Lion Virus types 4,6,7
and 13, Mink Calicivirus and Reptile Calicivirus) were plaque purified,
and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis fingerprints, of the ³²P-labeled
Ribonuclease T1 digested viral RNA, were performed for each serotype.
Fingerprints revealed several oligonucleotides with similar mobilities,
and therefore, possibly similar...
It is desirable to be able to describe an automobile mathematically
because of the large number of variables which affect automobiles'
handling characteristics and of the high cost of building prototypes.
A mathematical analysis facilitates the construction of a
few prototypes whose configurations look most promising.
Equations of motion were...
The purpose of this work was to design a system for measuring
the velocity of a powder actuated fastener or drivepin during penetration.
This system would provide a tool for further investigation
into drivepin penetration characteristics. The main characteristic
of interest is the instantaneous acceleration from which the forces
on...
Since the 1890s, American federalism has been perceived as being unique in the world by having two different levels of government operating within the same jurisdiction without influencing one another. Modern scholars call into question the validity of this basic assumption, but few have published quantitative evidence to reject its...
In this thesis, I present a new method we developed to study low frequency (< 700 cm⁻¹) vibrational dynamics: Time-resolved third-harmonic generation (TRTHG) spectroscopy. Among a variety of vibrational spectroscopy techniques, TRTHG differentiates itself with robustness, versatility, and simplicity. In TRTHG experiment, that involves only two ultrashort laser pulses, the...
Abstract Understanding small-scale bio-atmospheric interactions is becoming increasingly important as the global climate continues to change at breakneck speed.
A theoretical model of the sensible heat budget of a forest is developed combining
conservation equations and concepts from fluid dynamics. Budget components are
computationally evaluated using micrometeorological data taken during...
The immune system is a complex network of cellular processes working in harmony to guard us against pathogenic attack. Of utmost importance is the ability of the immune system to discriminate between “self” and “non-self” and diseased versus healthy. Recognition of antigens complexed to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is...
The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experience of students to discern the impact of their interaction with the food pantry. This knowledge may, in turn, influence future food pantry methods and wider policy, both at PNW College and more broadly. Not only does student hunger have...