COUP-TF interacting protein 1 (CTIP1) is a novel C2H2 zinc finger protein that mediates transcriptional repression of ARP1, a member of the COUP-TF subfamily of orphan nuclear receptors [1]. Here we show that CTIP1 interacts with heterochromatin-associated protein 1 (HP1) in vitro and in cells. This
interaction suggests the existence...
Celiac disease, an autoimmune response triggered by the consumption of seed storage proteins of cereals, affects an estimated 1% of the human population. In the case of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the world’s most consumed cereals, alcohol-soluble proteins, the gliadins, have been identified as the allergy-eliciting agents. Previous...
Bird and bat mortalities caused by interactions with wind turbines is a critical concern that requires addressing for conservation purposes. Deploying a low cost sensor array will be instrumental during site permitting, conducting impact assessments of existing wind farms, and assessing efficacy of wildlife mortality mitigation or wildlife deterrent technologies....
A lexicon to define the sensory properties of melted Cheddar cheese was created
using a trained descriptive panel. The lexicon characterized appearance (surface rupture,
meltedness, oiliness, and edge browning) and texture (stringiness, stretchiness,
springiness, firmness, toothpull, smoothness, cohesiveness, denseness, and chewiness).
Three brands of commercially available shredded Cheddar cheese were...
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White muscle disease (WMD), a degenerative muscle disease brought on by a deficiency of the essential trace nutrient selenium, is thought to be mediated by the protein Selenoprotein W (SeW). In its relationship with WMD, SeW, like many selenoproteins, binds to glutathione, serving some purpose in redox mechanisms...
The AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the potent immunosuppressive effects of TCDD. AhR-dependent changes in gene expression appear to alter the differentiation of CD4+ T cells to induce a population of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) that suppress the immune response. Ascertaining if and how the AhR...
Research was conducted in the field and greenhouse to determine if a
kaolinite-based particle film, Surround®, would reduce colonization and early season
feeding damage in cucurbits by the Western Striped Cucumber Beetle, Acalymma
trivitattum (Mannerheim). Greenhouse studies were designed to determine effect of
particle film on cucumber dry weight production...
A fruit color descriptive study was conducted on 'Max' and 'Sensation' Red Bartlett, 'Columbia' and 'Gebhard' Red Anjou, 'Rogue Red', 'Rosired', 'Red Clapp' and 'Cascade' red pear varieties. A parallel comparative study was done to test differences between related red strains. 'Max' was compared with 'Sensation' in three different growing...
We are developing a flavin-containing (Fmo) knock-out mouse for Fmo2 that will be utilized to elucidate the role of active human FMO isoform 2 (FMO2.1) in xenobiotic metabolism and toxicity. Since FMO2 is primarily expressed in lung this will provide information on how 27% of African-Americans and 5% of Hispanics...
Dense hyphal mats formed by ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi are prominent features in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest soils and have been estimated to cover up to 40% of the forest floor in some stands. Although previous studies have examined various aspects of EcM fungi, little is known about their associated microbial...
This thesis investigates the success of and challenges facing small farmers operating direct marketing farm businesses in Oregon's Willamette Valley. This qualitative study utilizes participatory methods to gain the unique perspectives of small farmers regarding their success and challenges. Small farms are important players in local food systems and ensuring...
Hazelnuts are commonly consumed raw and are valued for their numerous health benefits and antioxidant properties. Increased foodborne illness outbreaks associated with Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of tree nuts and peanuts generate a need for improving agricultural sanitation procedures. Food-safe chemical sanitizers have shown promise for reducing pathogenic...
Sequence-specific PCR markers were derived from one new and eight previously identified random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers for the purpose of identifying grape (Vitis) rootstocks. The markers were developed because the RAPD assay was found to be inconsistent and the original RAPD markers unreliable. Southern hybridization analysis of the...
The objective of this dissertation is to introduce low-cost processing methods for the fabrication of ZnO transparent thin-film transistors (TTFTs). A novel method for depositing ZnO body layers via spin-coating of a zinc nitrate-based spin solution is presented. The processing conditions of spin-coated ZnO are optimized to produce continuous and...
Five field experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative attractiveness of potential beneficial insectary plants to aphidophagous hover flies and parasitic Hymenoptera and the effectiveness of interplanting selected flowering plants in a broccoli field to enhance biocontrol of the cabbage aphid and green peach aphid. In 1996 we established a...
The availability of new pear rootstocks could be increased by development of an efficient micropropagation system. Many P. calleryana, P. betulifolia and P. communis rootstocks are resistant to many pear diseases and are graft compatible with leading cultivars. Explains of three potentially useful rootstock selections P. calleryana Decne 'OPR 157',...
To identify novel host genetic resistance to eastern filbert blight, caused by the fungus Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. Muller, ninety European hazelnut {Corylus avellana L.) varieties and interspecific hybrids (with C. americana Marsh, or C. colurna L.) were screened for response to the eastern filbert blight pathogen after inoculation in...
The goal of this project was to develop and test non-herbicidal techniques that remove nonnative plant or weed seeds from the top 2 inches of the soil. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is currently restoring prairies in the Willamette Valley. Some areas of the Pacific Northwest have already seen loss of...
Biological control is the action of predators, parasitoids, or pathogens to maintain
a pest organism's population at lower numbers than would occur in the absence of the
agent. Entomopathogenic nematodes can be used as biological control agents for insect
pests. These nematodes infect insects and release a toxic bacterium that...
Winter hardiness in barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a trait targeted by breeding programs in order to expand the potential area of adaptation of fall-sown cereals. Vernalization requirement is an important factor in winter hardiness. A vernalization requirement is an extended period of low temperature required for transition from the vegetative...