Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Showcase Abstract 2020

Unravelling the genetic basis and evolution of heterostyly

Unravelling the genetic basis and evolution of heterostyly

Primary author: Paige Henning
Co-author(s): Joel Shore; Andrew McCubbin
Faculty sponsor: Andrew McCubbin

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Heterostyly has fascinated botanists for centuries. It is a plant breeding system analogous to separate sexes, combining morphological and physiological reproductive traits to promote outbreeding, but individuals are hermaphrodite. It provides an interesting example of convergent evolution having evolved independently many times. In heterostylous species, individuals produce flowers of one of two morphs, the sex organs (female stigmas and styles, and male pollen producing anthers) positioned reciprocally between morphs. This promotes between- and reduces within-morph pollination. Biochemical compatibility also differs, preventing successful within morph pollination. Genetically, heterostyly is encoded by a single group of linked genes termed the S-locus, plants with short styles historically being viewed as heterozygous, and those with long styles homozygous recessive. We previously mapped and sequenced the S-locus of Turnera subulata. The S-locus was found not to be allelic, but composed of 3 genes specific to the dominant allele (i.e. hemizygous). Only one, TsBAHD, is expressed in female tissues and hence controls female morphology and physiology. The other two, TsYUC6 and TsSPH, are expressed in anthers (male), and TsSPH also in filaments. Homology based hypotheses were proposed for the functions of these genes. Here we use RNAseq data and bioinformatic approaches to empirically test these hypotheses. Support was found for TsBAHD controlling female characters by degrading brassinosteroids and for TsYUC6 controlling stamen characters by synthesizing auxin. Unexpectedly results also suggested that these changes in single hormone levels interface with (a) major signaling hub(s), leading us to speculate commonality in mechanism for the convergent evolutions of heterostyly.

Hypercombines

Hypercombines

Primary author: Joe Hedges

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Artists have long experimented by combining a two or more media to create new forms, such as combining moving pictures and sound to create film. This experimentation is sometimes called intermedia. In the contemporary art gallery, the “combine” is part sculpture and part painting. I have created and exhibited a new body of innovative intermedia art works that combine oil painting and new media objects such as flatscreen televisions and tablets. These “Hypercombines” engage two fields that are frequently presented as separate: oil painting and new media art. By combining a distinctive painting ability with a contemplative but playful approach to new media art, these works obfuscate the physical and conceptual boundaries between media to make comments on specific challenges of the digital age. In 2019 and 2020, Hypercombines were exhibited in San Antonio, TX, Pullman, WA, Loveland, CO, Spokane, WA, and Portland, OR, exposing the pieces to several distinct audiences.

Catalyst-Free Covalent Adaptable Network under Internal Catalysis by Hydroxyl-Amine: Excellent Mechanical Properties, Fast Repairing and Easy Recycling

Catalyst-Free Covalent Adaptable Network under Internal Catalysis by Hydroxyl-Amine: Excellent Mechanical Properties, Fast Repairing and Easy Recycling

Primary author: Cheng Hao
Faculty sponsor: Jinwen Zhang

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Early epoxy vitrimers in the literature rely on an inequivalent epoxy/anhydride stoichiometry and a large amount of catalyst to achieve a decent transesterification rate within the crosslinked network. This design approach raises a number of concerns such as poor miscibility of the catalyst with other ingredients, poor mechanical properties owing to insufficient crosslinking, toxicity of the catalyst, etc. In this study, a hydroxyl-amine compound, triethanolamine (TEA), is incorporated as a catalytic co-curing agent to a typical BPA epoxy – cyclic anhydride curing system to give a new catalyst-free covalent adaptable network system. The hydroxyl groups and tertiary amine of TEA catalyze the curing process, and the tertiary amine and the regenerated hydroxyls in the crosslinked network accelerate dynamic transesterification. The resulting catalyst-free epoxy vitrimer exhibits high glass transition temperature (~135 °C), excellent tensile strength (~ 94 MPa) and fast repairing rate (10 min at 190 °C). In addition, the TEA-mediated epoxy vitrimer can be decomposed in ethanol at a mild condition. Use of the alcoholyzed product for coating application is also demonstrated. This work provides a solution to eliminate the performance gap between conventional epoxy and epoxy vitrimer and offers a simple recycling method of epoxy vitrimer for potential coating application.

Natural Genetic Variation in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel Reveals Genes Associated with Susceptibility or Tolerance to Coxiella burnetii Infection

Natural Genetic Variation in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel Reveals Genes Associated with Susceptibility or Tolerance to Coxiella burnetii Infection

Primary author: Rosa Guzman
Faculty sponsor: Alan Goodman

Primary college/unit: College of Veterinary Medicine
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) is the causative agent of Query (Q) fever in humans and coxiellosis in livestock. Association between host genetic background and C. burnetii pathogenesis has been demonstrated both in humans and animals; however, specific genes associated with severity of infection remain unknown. Our lab has shown that the Drosophila melanogaster model is suitable for studying host-pathogen interactions during C. burnetii infection. In this study, we employed the Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel (DGRP), a library of 209 inbred wild-type fly lines, to identify host genetic variants that affect susceptibility or tolerance to C. burnetii infection. We infected each DGRP line, monitored survival, and calculated a hazard ratio for each line to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS). We tested 25 GWAS candidate genes by infecting flies carrying a null mutation or RNAi knockdown of each gene and monitoring survival. Of these 25 genes, 6 validated in null mutants only, 5 in RNAi knockdown only, and 4 in both null mutants and RNAi. One gene that validated in both null mutants and RNAi knockdown flies was taranis, which is essential for regeneration and JNK signaling. The human ortholog of taranis is SERTAD1, which has been recently linked to immunity. Our results demonstrate that from genes identified and validated in our genetic screen, mechanism of action studies should be performed to determine the genes’ role in the host immune response to infection.

Community Wealth Building: How the Local Investment Network (LIN) model is transforming the Methow Valley

Community Wealth Building: How the Local Investment Network (LIN) model is transforming the Methow Valley

Primary author: Anthony Gromko
Co-author(s): Trevor Lane; Christina Sanders

Primary college: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences — Extension
Campus: Everett

Abstract:

A Local Investment Network (LIN) is an innovative, community-led peer-to-peer investment network that connects local investors who have capital with local business owners who need capital. It brings residents together around a common goal: to build wealth in their community by keeping local capital rooted in their local economy.

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) partnered with Washington State University (WSU) Extension on a project to implement Local Investment Networks around Washington State. The results of the project have shown that one Local Investment Network in particular, the Methow Investment Network, has had significant immediate success. In its first couple of years it has received over 100 inquires from local businesses, accepted 13 formal applications for funding, added 47 local investors to its network, funded nine businesses for a total of $1,500,000 and created 32 new jobs. The unique characteristics of the Methow Valley draw in urban audiences for relocation, tourism, or second homes. This dynamic urban-rural interdependence has set the stage for its Local Investment Network to thrive.

Treatment for Injuries Among Washington State Adults: Differences by Rurality

Treatment for Injuries among Washington State Adults: Differences by Rurality

Primary author: Janessa Graves
Co-author(s): Demetrius Abshire

Primary college/unit: College of Nursing
Campus: Spokane

Abstract:

Statement of Purpose: Rural residents face significant barriers in accessing trauma care, with access becoming more challenging in highly rural areas. We examined differences in injury-related medical care among Washington State residents across the rural-urban continuum.

Methods/Approach: Stratified random sampling was used to select 2575 adults from small rural, large rural, suburban, and urban areas who were invited to complete a survey on factors affecting health. Data were obtained from 616 adults (278 from small rural, 100 from large rural, 98 from suburban, and 140 from urban areas). Respondents reported past-year injury experience and barriers to access for medical care. We examined variation in access by rurality using chi-squared and modified Poisson regression models.

Results: Fewer than half (45.1%) of respondents reported any activity-restricting injury in the last year and 32.4% reported seeking care. Injuries were often treated by a primary care provider (59.7%) or walk-in clinic (21.9%) with no significant difference in care location by rurality. Overall, 20.2% of small rural residents sought medical care >30 minutes away, compared to 3.9% of urban, 8.0% of suburban, and 12.1% of large rural residents (p30 minutes away from home (adjusted IRR, p<0.01).

Conclusions: Washington residents face differential access to medical care for injuries across levels of rurality, with small rural residents reporting the most substantial access-related concerns. Health systems and policies must address inequities in access to care for residents along the rural-urban gradient.

Honey We Shrunk the World: Climate Change and Shrinking Salamanders in Palouse Prairie Wetlands

Honey We Shrunk the World: Climate Change and Shrinking Salamanders in Palouse Prairie Wetlands

Primary author: Erim Gomez
Co-author(s): Rodney Sayler
Faculty sponsor: Rodney Sayler

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Global warming is projected to reduce the future body size of many species among mammals, birds, and amphibians. Plethodontid (lungless) salamanders are particularly susceptible to the effects of warming temperatures and environmental desiccation because adults require moist skin for respiration. We studied growth dynamics of long-toed salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum) originating from 27 Palouse Prairie wetlands to evaluate the working hypothesis that growth was influenced by wetland hydroperiod (duration of flooding) and that larval salamanders in ephemeral wetlands that dried up in summer would be forced to undergo metamorphosis more quickly and emerge onto land at a smaller adult body size compared to larvae occupying more permanent wetlands that allow longer developmental periods. We used machine-learning modeling techniques to compare the size and growth of larvae and adults among wetlands and found that larval size distributions were smaller in shallow, ephemeral wetlands and larger in permanent wetlands and artificial ponds that retained water throughout summer. In addition, statistical models for adult structural size and weight reveal that even after two seasons of growth in captivity with ad libitum food, adult salamanders originating from ephemeral ponds still remained smaller and lighter on average than salamanders originating from permanent wetlands. If future climate change shortens wetland hydroperiods, it may result in reductions in salamander body size and possibly contribute to higher mortality and reduced reproductive success and fitness in salamander populations in Palouse Prairie wetlands.

Tribes and Terror: The Impact of Tribalism on (Counter) Terrorism in Iraq

Tribes and Terror: The Impact of Tribalism on (Counter) Terrorism in Iraq

Primary author: Mohammad Ghaedi
Faculty sponsor: Martha Cottam

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Most terrorist organizations are created and grow in tribal countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. From the literature in social psychology, we know that groups impact individuals’ behavior, therefore, tribes, as critical groups in the region, might influence their members’ participation in (counter) terrorism. What is the relationship between tribes and terrorism in Iraq? The literature of terrorism has covered various ideational, institutional, and individual variables. But there is a gap regarding tribes. This research attempts to fill this gap. It hypothesized that, in Iraq, given tribal social identity, tribal values (such as sharaf, manhood, and bravery), tribal cohesion (asabiah), tribal conformity, obedience from tribe leaders (sheikhs), and tribe members’ perception of positive response (like support) or negative response (like ostracism) to conformity and obedience, tribe members are likely to participate in (counter) terrorism. To test the hypotheses, 26 in-depth interviews, with tribesmen in the south of Iran and Iraq, were conducted. This study found that Iraqi tribesmen are likely to participate in (counter) terrorism upon their tribes’ demand. This study is important because it is exploratory and theory building, and also contains policy implications for practitioners and policymakers in deterring terrorism. In the future, this theory should be tested by quantitative data. Also, data should be collected from other tribal countries, like Afghanistan, to examine the theory’s capacity to travel to other places.

A Study of U.S. Consumer Perceived Value and Purchase Intention Toward Recycled Material Made Athleisure Apparel

A Study of U.S. Consumer Perceived Value and Purchase Intention Toward Recycled Material Made Athleisure Apparel

Primary author: Jessica Ganak
Co-author(s): Olabisi Adesanya; Yi-Ning Tai
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Ting Chi

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Apparel and textile industries are known for their immense contribution to environmental pollution worldwide. In recent years, practitioners and researchers work collaboratively to mitigate the negative impact of the industry on the environment. Polyester is the mostly used (60% of all materials), and non-biogradable material in apparel. Athleisure apparel is a prominent everyday wear and primarily made of polyester. Due to its latent contribution to pollution, this study aimed to identify U.S. consumers’ sustainable behavior through their perception of athleisure apparel made from recycled polyester as opposed to virgin polyester and the influence of their perception on purchase intentions. The Perceived Green Value (PGV) framework by Sheth, Newman and Gross (1991) was used. The theoretical framework consists of five-dimensional values: functional, social, emotional, conditional and epistemic values. Qualitative research method was used to ensure a rich exploration of the topic. Semi-structured interview was conducted with 16 U.S. female millennials, which were recruited through a snowball sampling method. The interviews were transcribed, and content analyzed. All the above values were important to the consumers in shopping for sustainably produced athleisure apparel. Fit and comfort were the most important qualities to the participants, and they showed willingness to pay 10-15% price premium for athleisure apparel made from recycled polyester if quality is comparable to those made from virgin polyester. This study provides implication for apparel retailers and manufacturers to communicate their sustainable practices to consumers because they showed willingness to pay price premium for sustainably produced apparel products.

Factors that Affect the Economic Feasibility of Cider Apples in Washington State given Mechanical Harvest and Two Different Orchard Design Systems

Factors that Affect the Economic Feasibility of Cider Apples in Washington State given Mechanical Harvest and Two Different Orchard Design Systems

Primary author: Suzette Galinato
Co-author(s): Carol Miles; Travis Alexander; Jacqueline King

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

We utilize partial budget analysis to evaluate the profitability of a cider apple block given two orchard design systems – freestanding system, and tall spindle trellis system. The two systems have different tree spacing, thus they have different tree density and horticultural management that affect production costs and returns. We also evaluate the size of the cider apple orchard and/or volume of fruit production, and output price needed to make an investment in mechanical harvest economically feasible.
Given the study’s assumptions about production and estimates of costs and returns, results show that: (1) it is economically feasible to use a mechanical harvester in both systems; and (2) the tall spindle system is a more profitable investment than the freestanding system.
Economies of scale are obtained when the per-unit cost of output decreases with the scale of operation. Economies of scale often rely on fixed costs, which are costs that do not vary with output. In addition, the quantity of output produced is partly determined by the production area. The share of the purchase cost of a mechanical harvester in the total expenses for fixed capital is 37% in the freestanding system, and 44% in the tall spindle system. Also, the fixed costs are 68% and 65% of the total production costs during full production in freestanding and tall spindle systems, respectively. These are sizeable amounts and growers will realize more cost advantages by producing more output, which can be achieved by increasing the scale of their cider apple operation.