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Gene expression varies with disease and parasitism in the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) skin transcriptome

Gene expression varies with disease and parasitism in the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) skin transcriptome

Primary author: Rachael Kane
Faculty sponsor: Andrew Storfer

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a major threat to biodiversity in the 21st Century. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) has been classified as an EID and it plagues both juvenile and adult marine turtles. FP is an epithelial tumor disease that affects marine turtles globally. While FP tumor gene expression has been characterized, no transcriptomics studies have been performed on healthy Chelonia mydas individuals or tissues. Here, we perform RNA-Seq on healthy skin tissue of juvenile C. mydas individuals with FP and without FP from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA. We assembled a de novo C. mydas transcriptome to identify significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on turtle presence of FP tumors and leech parasitism. Significantly DEGs were found in all expression analyses and included candidate genes that may play a role in C. mydas recovery from FP. Although tumor inhibition genes were found to be expressed in both FP-negative and positive individuals, positive individuals had twice as many upregulated significantly differentially expressed genes, indicating a possible response to FP affliction. A general trend of downregulated intra- and inter- cell signaling genes was observed in the leech infected individuals. A Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed few enriched biological processes. Interestingly, FP-negative individuals showed enrichment of T cell cytokine production. Clearly, C. mydas respond to disease and parasitism by regulating their transcription, and transcriptomics provides a promising venue to further explore this crippling disease.

Modeling and Miniaturization of a Centrifugal Bioreactor with Applications in Cancer Immunotherapy and Chemical Engineering Education

Modeling and Miniaturization of a Centrifugal Bioreactor with Applications in Cancer Immunotherapy and Chemical Engineering Education

Primary author: Kitana Kaiphanliam
Co-author(s): Brenden Fraser-Hevlin, Bernard Van Wie
Faculty sponsor: Bernard J. Van Wie

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

Abstract:

A centrifugal bioreactor (CBR) system has been designed and studied in Professor Bernard Van Wie’s laboratory with applications ranging from tissue engineering for arthritis to T cell biomanufacturing for cancer therapies. A major issue in using the CBR for T cell expansion is the numerous sources for potential contamination, as half of the system is exposed outside of a biosafety cabinet. If the current system were implemented in hospitals, it would require a cleanroom costing up to $3 million; however, if the CBR was downsized to fit in a biosafety cabinet, containment costs would be reduced to $15,000, at most. By reducing the size of the CBR to fit in a biosafety cabinet and assuming proper aseptic technique is followed, we will nearly eliminate contamination sources, making the system more affordable and accessible for cancer immunotherapy applications. Current efforts in the downsizing process include drafting and modeling of a prototype scalable to that of a compact disc (CD). Additionally, the CBR can be further miniaturized as a hands-on learning module for classroom use. The physics principles that define the CBR can be used to introduce separations to chemical engineering undergraduate students, as well as expose them to applications in the biomedical field. We hypothesize that these CBR-like fidget spinner modules will increase motivation and retention amongst female students in a freshman-level chemical engineering course. Prototypes for the hands-on learning modules have been manufactured, and we will be implementing them along with motivational assessments in the spring CHE 110 class.

When is a threat more or less of a threat? The sensitivity of highly central identities to threat and the increased likelihood of feeling offended, identity protection, withdrawal, and antisocial behaviors

When is a threat more or less of a threat? The sensitivity of highly central identities to threat and the increased likelihood of feeling offended, identity protection, withdrawal, and antisocial behaviors

Primary author: Hana Johnson
Co-author(s): JT Bates

Primary college/unit: Carson College of Business
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

High identity centrality refers to identities (i.e., self-definitions) that are so important to individuals that they are top-of-mind for them across situations. These identities are highly salient and may therefore easily transition from being top-of-mind to actually affecting behavior; this can occur when identities are under threat. In the workplace, identity threat may result directly from insulting comments or criticisms but may also arise more inadvertently through work practices or changes in management. If these types of experiences involve a highly central identity, we argue that employees are more likely to perceive a threat. We then further explore how employees respond to threat to highly central identities by identifying the different emotional and behavioral responses individuals engage when the target of the threat is a more versus less central identity.

We test the sensitivity of highly central identities to threat in an experimental pilot study and then explore responses to threat related to highly central identities in a qualitative study. Using a grounded theory approach, we find that individuals are more likely to feel offended and engage in behaviors to protect their identities when threat is related to highly central identities. This protection of identities requires sustained effort to minimize the identity threat. In addition, when individuals experience threat to highly central identities, they are more likely to withdraw from situations and behave in an antisocial manner such as engaging in angry and aggressive behavior. Our work has implications for theory on identity, identity threat, and negative emotions.

Licensed to Silence: Search for the Host Defense Silencer in Cassava Torrado-like Virus

Licensed to Silence: Search for the Host Defense Silencer in Cassava Torrado-like Virus

Primary author: Jenyfer Jimenez
Co-author(s): Ying Zhai

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

Abstract:

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz, Euphorbiaceae) is an important staple food crop for Africa, Asia and Latin America. Cassava torrado-like virus (CsTLV, Family Secoviridae), is found in mixed virus infections associated with severe disease symptoms in leaves and roots of CsTLV, a major viral pathogen of cassava, has been reported in Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. Virus infection leads to significant reduction in the accumulation of total sugars in cassava storage roots. While CsTLV has become an important constraint to cassava production, little is known about how the virus evades the host defense. A better understanding of the virus biology and molecular biology would lead to improved diagnostics which are critical in producing virus-free, clean planting material.
Plant viruses encode RNA silencing suppressors (RSS) to counteract the RNA silencing-based plant defense system. However, no such RSS has been identified in torradoviruses. To further advance the characterization of CsTLV, we first used bioinformatics software to identify the candidate genes for functional characterization of virally coded RNA silencing suppression. Viral coat protein genes were cloned and each gene was separately expressed using agroinfiltration in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana line 16c plants, using the green fluorescent protein as the visual reporter/marker.
Results indicated that none of the three different coat protein genes from CsTLV showed RSS activity. Future studies will include testing for RSS activity of the three coat protein genes in different combinations.

Towards Durable Wood-Strand Composite Mass Timber Panels

Towards Durable Wood-Strand Composite Mass Timber Panels

Primary author: Ruben Jerves
Faculty sponsor: Vikram Yadam

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

Abstract:

Mass timber construction is rapidly growing in North America. This fast growth is imminent due to some features of this material. Wood has a high strength to weight ratio and lower environmental impact in contrast with other construction materials. Still, durability is a significant concern that needs to be addressed for the advancement of mass timber construction. Extreme care is required to protect members from exposure to high moisture environments while ensuring long-term durability. This project thus researches improvements of wood’s longevity by approaching two main issues associated with this: dimensional stability and decay resistance of wood due to moisture and biological organisms. At the same time, a sustainable approach is considered while utilizing small-diameter logs, which allow the forest industry to be optimized. This improvement in durability is achieved with the fabrication of Cross Laminated Strand-Veneer-Lumber (CLSVL) out of thermally modified ponderosa pine wood strands. State-of-the-art concepts and technologies are implemented in the process and the testing of the material. Where, at a first stage of the project, the thermal treatment of the wood strands is optimized through studies on wood-water interaction, assessment of physical properties, and a series of mechanical benchmark tests. The presentation will focus on the initial results of the thermal treatment of strands and its influence on the mechanical performance, physical properties, and bonding behavior. Subsequent work will involve the manufacturing of strand-based veneer lumber and mass timber panels and a robust assessment of the product.

Fitness outcomes of competitive interactions of Azotobacter vinelandii depend on nitrogen fixation ability and frequency

Fitness outcomes of competitive interactions of Azotobacter vinelandii depend on nitrogen fixation ability and frequency

Primary author: Chandra Jack
Co-author(s): Maren Friesen

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

Abstract:

Cooperation is a core feature of sociality. It is one of the key forces behind the transition to multicellularity, the expansion of ecological niches, and increased genetic biological diversity. Altruism can only survive if both parties gain a benefit through increased fitness. The presence of cheaters, individuals that benefit from the relationship but do not provide any in return, can ultimately lead to the collapse of a population because those individuals have higher fitness compared to cooperative members. Prior to industrialized agriculture, over 90% of the nitrogen used by terrestrial plants was due to biological fixation of nitrogen by soil microbes but that number has dropped dramatically with increased application of external nitrogen. We can apply our understanding of microbial sociality to nitrogen-fixing bacteria to determine the correlation between fixation efficiency and fitness. In this study, we compete lab-generated mutants of Azotobacter vinelandii, that vary in their ability to fix nitrogen, at different frequencies to determine the correlation between fixation efficiency, fitness, and population frequency. We expect our results to show frequency-dependent selection where strains that do not fix as much nitrogen (cheaters relative to their competitive partner) will have the highest fitness when they are rare. Our results will also be used to develop models that can predict the outcomes of competitions based on growth rates which we hope to extrapolate to natural isolates. If we can unlock the complexity of microbial interactions, we can boost biological nitrogen fixation and decrease the economic and ecological toll of chemical fertilization.

Adaptive livestock vaccine decision-making among agro-pastoralists: results from modelling cognition and decision dynamics in an agent-based model.

Adaptive livestock vaccine decision-making among agro-pastoralists: results from modelling cognition and decision dynamics in an agent-based model

Primary author: Richard Iles
Co-author(s): Matthew Sottile; Ofer Amram; Eric Lofgren; Craig McConnel

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

Abstract:

Livestock disease transmission through animal interactions represents a form of dynamic environmental systems. The inclusion of human behaviour to vaccinate livestock in a dynamic natural and cognitive environment is instructive to understand adaptive human behaviour and design effective livestock disease policies, particularly in low-income settings. Moreover, enhancing the behavioral realism of decision making models in agent-based models (ABM) is required. The current study models livestock vaccination decision making among agro-pastoralists in central Kenya. Our ABM integrates four sub-models: i) the Random Field Ising Model (RFIM) for decision making amongst connected heads of households; ii) a traditional SIRV disease model for Rift Valley fever (RVf) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP); iii) a model for herd birth/death dynamics, and iv) herd movement. A logit transformed RFIM used in this work to link human memory and cognition, with social network pressure and public information concerning disease risks. The research question of interest is: ‘how do memory and cognition parameters in a logit transformed RFIM affect livestock vaccine choice?’. Three rounds of cognition and household survey data from Kenya (2017-2018) is used to calibrate parameters in the RFIM. Results from the logit transformed RFIM show that increases in the memory parameter, at higher levels of cognition has a disproportionate effect on the choice of the annual booster CBPP vaccine, in contrast to RVf which requires a once-for-life vaccine.

Development of a Functional Maternity Hospital Gown Through User-Centered Design

Development of a Functional Maternity Hospital Gown Through User-Centered Design

Primary author: Chanmi Hwang
Co-author(s): Lindsay McCoy

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

Abstract:

Maternity hospital gowns are usually made according to a one-size-fits-all standard with full back openings which are physically and emotionally uncomfortable, not functional, and revealing. The purpose of this research was to understand the design requirements of patients and practitioners in order to develop a functional and sustainable maternity hospital gown design. The researchers applied user-centered design (UCD) methods to develop a new design based on data from market research (23 birthing institutions and 25 leading retailers) and focus group interviews (15 postpartum women). The researchers created a two-piece stretchy gown with an adjustable waist and a washable nursing breast pad insert system which contributed to the gowns overall fit, mobility, closure access, modesty, and tactile comfort. Through wear trials (5 women) and an online survey (501 women and 42 practitioners), participants found the prototype to be successful in enhancing physical and psychological comfort throughout different stages of labor and postpartum, resulting in a novel maternity gowns concept that address many needs of both patients and practitioners. The resulting technical package includes the order of operations, bill of materials, marker layout, and cost analysis for the new design which can be tested for mass production. Future research may explore partnering with a manufacturing company such as Medline, the largest manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, to conduct a patient satisfaction survey after implementing the new design.

Youth’s Proximity to Marijuana Retailers and Advertisements: Factors Associated with Washington State Adolescents’ Intentions to Use Marijuana

Youth’s Proximity to Marijuana Retailers and Advertisements: Factors Associated with Washington State Adolescents’ Intentions to Use Marijuana

Primary author: Stacey Hust
Co-author(s): Jessica Willoughby; Leticia Couto; Jiayu Li

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The current study explored the influences of advertising exposure, numbers of marijuana retailers, distance to retailers, and constructs from the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction, including outcome beliefs, perceived norms, and efficacy, on youth’s intentions to use marijuana in a state in which the use of recreational marijuana is legal. A state-wide online cross-sectional survey of 350 adolescents ages 13-17, residing in Washington state, was conducted in June 2018. The results of the regression analysis suggest that exposure to marijuana advertising, positive and negative outcome beliefs, and perceived peer norms were associated with intention to use marijuana. Distances to retailers moderated the relationships between exposure to advertising and intentions as well as between positive outcome beliefs and intentions. States that have legalized recreational marijuana may want to consider the location of retailers in relation to neighborhoods and advertising regulations to reduce appeal to youth. Additionally, prevention efforts could aim to influence outcome beliefs and norms in an attempt to reduce adolescents’ intentions to use recreational marijuana.

Parental Engagement in Children’s English Language Learning: A Case Study of Transnational Chinese Families in the United States

Parental Engagement in Children’s English Language Learning: A Case Study of Transnational Chinese Families in the United States

Primary author: Yue Huang
Co-author(s): Anne Marie Guerrettaz; Sarah Newcomer
Faculty sponsor: Anne Marie Guerrettaz; Sarah Newcomer

Primary college/unit: College of Education
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Transnational migration redefines the lives of millions of Chinese migrant families in the United States, including parental engagement in child language education. This case study examines ways how parents from two Chinese transnational families participate in their children’s English language learning at home while living in the United States, using observations, interviews, and discourse analysis. Grounded on the traditional Chinese parenting concept of guan (Chao, 1994) and the Third Space theory (Bhabha, 1996), this study proposes “transnational guan” as a hybrid form of parental engagement, impacted by the families’ transnational experiences. Findings revealed by this study include: (a) a unique, multimodal “storybook” genre and related parent-child shared reading activity, (b) new parental roles during children’s English language learning, including amateur tutor and bridge, and (c) interactions that elucidate nuanced dynamics of parent-child relationships. Regarding the theoretical contribution, this study presents that homes of the transnational families are a Third Space, and the transnational guan is the parents’ reactions to such Third Space. Concerning practical implications, this study uncovers unique academic goals of educated transnational families. It also breaks with dominant discourses and stereotypes of academically high-performing Chinese students in the United States by revealing more complete picture of their complex educational situations.