The isoprenoid pathway is one of the major biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites. Isoprenoids with a C₂₀ skeleton are known as diterpenoids and are derived from the common precursor, geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). This dissertation describes approaches to discover the diterpene synthase enzymes which provide the backbone structures for pleuromutilin and...
The Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Health Physics (NE/RHP) at Oregon State University (OSU) has been developing an innovative modular reactor plant concept since being initiated with a Department of Energy (DoE) grant in 1999.
This concept, the Multi-Application Small Light Water Reactor (MASLWR), is an integral pressurized water...
Maximum earthquake magnitude (m[subscript x]) is a critical parameter in seismic
hazard and risk analysis. However, some recent large earthquakes have shown that
most of the existing methods for estimating m[subscript x] are inadequate. Moreover, m[subscript x] itself is ill-defined because its meaning largely depends on the context, and it...
Blackberry pomace (BBP), a byproduct from juice processing, is often disposed of in landfills. We propose BBP as an antioxidant-rich feed supplement for transition dairy cows. To explore the effects of BBP on antioxidant status, 24 multiparous dairy cows (5 Holstein and 19 Jersey) were assigned randomly to one of...
While water scarcity and energy demand are continuously increasing in the world, alternative sources are needed to meet the requirement of a growing population. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a sustainable technology that converts organic matter in wastewater into electricity, thus it can be a potential alternative source for water...
An experimental and numerical study of absorption of ammonia vapor bubbles into a constrained thin film of ammonia-water solution is presented in the context of a potential reduction in size of a heat-actuated heat pump component. A large-aspect-ratio channel with a depth of 600 µm restricts the thickness of the...
Scombroid poisoning, caused by histamine intoxication, is one of the most prevalent illnesses associated with seafood consumption in the United States. The illness is usually accompanied with a variety of symptoms, such as rash, nausea, diarrhea, flushing, sweating, and headache. Incidence of scombroid poisoning has been consistently reported in the...
In a seminal paper published in 1982, scientist have warned that humanity was pushing earth’s ecosystems beyond their capacities to support the web of life. One response to the concern was outlined by NASA with its vision for advanced fixed wing transport aircraft to be environmentally compatible and have revolutionary...
Epidemiological studies have reported that postmenopausal women who consume moderate quantities of alcohol have higher bone mass than non-drinkers. However, the mechanism for the putative bone-sparing effect of alcohol is unknown. Postmenopausal bone loss is due, in part, to increased bone turnover. This study investigated the hypotheses that alcohol slows...