Project
Number: VT-H01405
New Hatch
Investigators:
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2010
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: 1. Assess the distribution of
genetic diversity in
METHODS: 1. assemble a set of materials for genetic analysis
including three replicates (three plants separated by the determined minimum
distance) from three habitats (alluvial flood plains, non-alluvial wetlands,
and colluvial deposits in rich woods habitats) and
other habitats as encountered across five
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Non-Technical Project Description: The fiddlehead fern, an important wild-collected vegetable
crop, has never been subjected to genetic characterization. Genetic profiling
will allow assessment of conservation status and selection of stocks for crop
improvement and prioritizing populations for conservation. Phone: 802-656-0431
Fax: 802-656-0440 Email: dbarring@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01412
New Hatch
Investigators: Beckage, B.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 10/01/2010
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: We will investigate the effects of
climate change and acid deposition on montane forests
in northern
METHODS: We will examine whether recent declines in populations of high elevation forests are primarily controlled by i) climate, ii) acid deposition, or iii) their interaction. We will distinguish between these mechanisms by examining current and historic forest dynamics in plots stratified along elevational transects located on four montane sites that encompass a broad range of susceptibility to acid deposition. At each site, we will place plots across an elevational range that encompasses northern hardwood forests and high elevation conifer forests. We will (1) quantify historical shifts of major forest types through resurveys of historic forest plots, comparison of historic and current aerial photographs and satellite images. We will (2) attribute shifts to proximate climatic and acid-deposition factors and their interactions. Lastly, we will (3) forecast changes in forest distribution in response to projected climate change using a biogeographic model based on biophysical variables.
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Non-Technical Project Description: The distribution of forests in Phone: 802-656-0197
Fax: 802-656-0440 Email: Brian.Beckage@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01407
New Hatch
Investigators: Guo, M.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2009
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: Developing functional foods using oats as a major ingredient would add a variety to the diet of health conscious American population and value addition to oats. Objectives include development of a starter culture system, formulation of oats-based functional food products and their quality assessment. Finally if products are acceptable, manufacturing technologies for these new products will be developed.
METHODS: Probiotics and prebiotics simultaneously present in a product are called either symbiotics or eubiotics. Such a combination aids survival of the administered probiotic and facilitates its inoculation into the colon. Additionally, the prebiotics induces growth and increases activity of positive endogenic intestinal flora. A key idea for the proposed research is to combine health promoting component of oats - beta-glucan (prebiotic) and probiotics to develop symbiotic foods including oat yogurt, oat frozen yogurt and others. The high number of probiotics and beta-glucan content in the final products will be benefical to the health of consumers.
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Non-Technical Project Description: Functional foods consumption may help consumers to
maintain good health. The purpose of this study is to develop oats-based
functional foods containing whey proteins. Phone: 802-656-8168
Fax: 802-656-0001 Email: mguo@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01403
New Hatch
Investigators: Harvey-Berino, J.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2009
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: AIM 1: Determine the effects of a reduction in TV viewing time on energy intake in overweight or obese adults. AIM 2: Determine the effects of a reduction in TV viewing time on energy expenditure in overweight or obese adults. AIM 3: Using principles from behavioral economics, determine if there is a substitute, complementary, or independent relationship between TV watching and energy expenditure, energy intake or sleep. AIM 4: Validate self-reported TV viewing measures with objective measures from TV devices. If it correlates, it is possible that future studies may rely on a self-reported TV viewing measure rather than applying the more expensive objective measure.
METHODS: Twenty-eight adults will be recruited to participate in a six-week randomized controlled trial. A 3-week observation-only baseline phase will be followed by randomization into either a 3-week observation only control group or a 3-week experimental group that will reduce TV viewing time by 50% from each participants baseline TV viewing time. Study staff will attach a device, referred to as BOB, to all participant television sets during the entire duration of the study. BOB allows the opportunity to objectively measure television watching. Participants will only have TV viewing limits if they are randomized into the experimental group. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline and experimental phases. The primary outcome of interest is energy intake (as defined below in the measurements section); the predictor variable is the presence of the TV viewing limit. Other outcomes that will be measured include energy expenditure, number of eating episodes while watching TV, time spent being physically active, time spent sleeping and weight.
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Non-Technical Project Description: Time spent watching television (TV) is consistently
associated with a greater risk of obesity in adults across numerous
observational studies. This study will examine the effects of reducing TV
viewing time on energy intake and expenditure in overweight or obese adults.
Thus, this study will provide a basis for evaluating if a reduction in TV
viewing time might be a useful adjunct therapy in obesity. Project Contact: Harvey-Berino Phone: 802-656-0668 Fax: 802-656-0001 Email: jharvey@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01409
New Hatch
Investigators: Johnson, D. I.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2009
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: A wide variety of fungal species are pathogenic for plant (e.g., fungal smuts) and animal (e.g., aspergillosis and candidiasis) hosts. Interactions between pathogenic fungi and their hosts are extremely complex and are influenced by both fungal and host cell biology, including various signaling pathways within the fungus and between the fungus and its host. Studies from our lab and others have cemented the notion that the molecular mechanisms involved in fungal growth in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans and the nonpathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are very highly conserved within all fungal species and that perturbations in these pathways have critical impacts on cellular viability and virulence. This proposal investigates the conserved molecular mechanisms that regulate S. cerevisiae and C. albicans growth, as well as the development of new anti-fungal approaches. These investigations will not only provide unique insights into the basic cell biology of pathogenic fungi, but will also lead to the development of new paradigms for anti-fungal therapeutics.
METHODS: Specifically, genetic and cell biological approaches will be used to address the following two hypotheses: 1) Localization of key signaling proteins in S. cerevisiae depends on interactions with specific targeting proteins; and 2) New anti-fungal approaches target specific signaling pathways in C. albicans.
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Non-Technical Project Description: A wide variety of fungal species are pathogenic for plant
(e.g., fungal smuts) and animal (e.g., aspergillosis
and candidiasis) hosts. Interactions between
pathogenic fungi and their hosts are extremely complex and are influenced by
both fungal and host cell biology, including various signaling pathways
within the fungus and between the fungus and its host. This proposal
investigates the conserved molecular mechanisms that regulate S. cerevisiae and C. albicans
growth, as well as the development of new anti-fungal approaches. These
investigations will not only provide unique insights into the basic cell
biology of pathogenic fungi, but will also lead to the development of new
paradigms for anti-fungal therapeutics. Project Contact: |
Project
Number: VT-H01417MS
New Hatch/Multistate
Multistate Project: NE1028
Investigators: Kerr, D. E.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2012
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: 1. Characterization of host mechanisms associated with mastitis susceptibility and resistance.
METHODS: Host mechanisms associated with mastitis susceptibility and resistance may be dependent on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of genes associated with the innate immune response. We have been using microarray technology with the bovine Affymetrix GeneChip to identify innate immune response genes in biopsies obtained from bovine mammary glands, or in cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells, following challenge with the LPS component of E. coli. Our results clearly reveal an induction of the innate immune system presumably resulting from LPS recognition by TLR4 receptors leading to activation of the NF-kB signaling pathway. The entire list of immune related genes induced by more than 2 fold includes 37 genes in common to both the biopsy and tissue culture experiments, 77 additional genes induced in the biopsies alone, and 14 additional genes induced in the cell culture alone. The list of genes induced by five-fold or greater in either the biopsies or the cultured cells includes 5 cytokines, 11 chemokines, and 11 acute phase proteins. Our data clearly indicates the robust response of the bovine system. We now propose to locate and evaluate SNPs in the promoter region of genes from a prioritized list selected from our microarray data. We will use PCR to amplify the proximal 1 kb regulatory region which will then be sequenced to identify SNPs. DNA from ten non-sib cows will be analyzed which will allow detection of major alleles. Selected alleles will then be sub-cloned into a luciferase expression vector. Luciferase activity of individual alleles will then be determined in transiently transfected bovine mammary cells (MAC-T) under control and LPS stimulated conditions. The cells will be co-transfected with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression plasmid to normalize for transfection efficiency. The next step will be to evaluate if functional SNPs identified in the luciferase system are confirmed in LPS-challenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from animals homozygous for the appropriate alleles. The PBMCs will be isolated by standard techniques, allowed to equilibrate for 16 h in media, and then challenged for 3 h with LPS. Total RNA will then be collected from the cells for quantitative analysis by RT-PCR. Expression profile of the gene in question will be compared with three other immune related genes that will serve to confirm the LPS stimulation. Functional SNPs identified in this work may lend key direction into future studies on host mechanisms associated with mastitis susceptibility and resistance.
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Non-Technical Project Description: Bovine mastitis continues to have a major negative impact
on the efficient production of high quality milk, and is a disease that
affects the well-being of a majority of dairy cows. The purpose of this
research is to detect and evaluate genetic differences between animals in
genes involved in the response to infection. Phone: 802-656-2113
Fax: 802-656-8196 Email: david.kerr@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01404
New Hatch
Investigators: Kolodinsky, J.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2010
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: To identify how types of food assistance received by a household impact health capital as measured by a healthy weight; To identify how time allocation over the course of the benefit period (monthly), including time spent shopping, cooking and eating (both at and away from home), as well as in energy expenditure, impact health capital is measured by a healthy weight; To identify how family composition and competing time demands impact health capital, including age, education, wage rates, labor force participation, and other household production activities.
METHODS: This project examines the production of health capital as measured by a healthy weight in a sample of single headed households with children. Using the theory of health capital, a household production model and a combination of the American Time Use Survey (ATUS), Current Population Survey (CPS), and Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) data, time and purchased inputs used to produce meals and energy expenditure (activity and exercise) will be determined and their impact on obesity estimated. The mediating effects of productivity and preference shifters, the price of time, and non wage income sources, including food assistance will be investigated. Estimation will control for sample selection bias related to the participation in food assistance programs and impute purchased inputs into meal production using CES data. The study will increase our understanding of how trade-offs in time and purchased input use in low income households affect the production of health capital as measured by a healthy weight.
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Non-Technical Project Description: The contribution of overweight and obesity to the loss of
human capital in the labor force is becoming an area of increasing focus in
both the private and public sector. This project examines the production of
health capital as measured by a healthy weight in a sample of single headed
households with children. Phone: 802-656-0137
Email: jkolodin@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01406
New Hatch
Investigators: Liang, C.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 10/01/2010
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: This study will develop an
integrated quantative/qualitative approach to
determine the advantages and disadvantages for dairy farmers, dairy
cooperatives and dairy manufacturers of doing business in
METHODS: Farm production data, sales volume, milk prices and other farm level information will be gathered from the Vermont Ag agnecy. Focus group interviews will be conducted to gather information regarding market situation and outlook. Other published milk production and transportation information will be applied to establish forecasting models.
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Non-Technical Project Description: Vermont Dairy Industry faces tremendous challenges from
strong competitions and weak demand in the market. Some of the critical
issues include milk price volatility, rising costs of production, lack of
farm transition plans and consolidation in dairy processors. This proposed
research will utilize the information gathered from the literature review,
vertical integration and market distribution to further analyze distribution
patterns (how Vermont milk flows between farms, processors and retailers
including quantities and grades), transportation needs (bottlenecks, costs,
challenges), and potential future trends and opportunities for Vermont Dairy
Industry. Project Contact: Liang Phone: 802-656-0754 Email: cliang@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01416
New Hatch
Investigators: Lock, A. L.; Kraft, J. Rice, B.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2008
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: The last decade has seen increased
consumer interest in the link between diet and health. The effect of dietary
fats on human health and well-being is of special interest, and this has been
fueled by the recognition that certain dietary fatty acids can impact human
health. Research over the last 20 years has revealed that trans
fatty acids (TFA) are of particular significance as risk factors for
atherosclerosis, the major cause of death in the
METHODS: Our aim is to examine the effects of individual TFA, or food components containing these fatty acids, on biomarkers of inflammation in the cp/cp rat vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) model. VSMCs, grown from aortic explants from cp/cp male rats, are motile, have marked growth rates in culture, and display a growth response to a number of cytokines. VSMCs will be cultured in Dulbeccos modified Eagles Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), penicillin (50 units/ml), and streptomycin (50 ug/ml) at 37oC in 5% CO2. Cells will be grown to confluence in 24-well plates and then made quiescent by incubation with serum-free media for 24 h. Differentiation will be initiated in DMEM containing 10% FBS and 10 ug/ml glucose for an additional 48 h. After 4 d of differentiation, cells will then be incubated in the presence of BSA vehicle, or 50 umol/l trans-11 18:1 (VA), trans-9, 18:1 (EA), or cis-9, 18:1 (oleic acid). Follow up studies will examine the effects of these fatty acids when they are supplied as components of common foods in the human diet, ie. as a mixture of various fatty acids. RT-PCR will be used to detect mRNA expression of E-selectin, vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interferon (IFN), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). In the case of the VA treatment, our hypothesis is that inflammatory markers will be improved (directional changes indicating a reduced atherogenic risk). We expect that the EA treatment will shift these biomarkers to reflect an increased risk for atherosclerosis. The work described herein represents pilot work in this area which, in the future, will be used as preliminary data when seeking further funding.
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Non-Technical Project Description: Research over the last 20 years has revealed that trans
fatty acids (TFA) are of particular significance as risk factors for
atherosclerosis, the major cause of death in the Project Contact: A. L. Lock Phone: 802-656-0142 Fax: 802-656-8196 Email: adam.lock@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01401
New Hatch
Investigators: Lock, A. L.
Start Date: 10/01/2008
Termination Date: 09/30/2010
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: Nutrition of the dairy cow is the
major factor that impacts rumen lipid metabolism. As our understanding of fatty
acid digestion and metabolism has advanced we now recognize that fatty acids
produced in the rumen have specific and potent effects on ruminant metabolism
and human health. Our proposed studies focus on improving our understanding of
the effect of dietary components on the formation of bioactive fatty acids in
the rumen, which are subsequently absorbed and incorporated into milk fat. In
particular, this grant focuses on the formation of trans
18:1 (TFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers
and how dietary components impact the formation of these fatty acids in the
rumen. Understanding their formation in the rumen via bacterial biohydrogenation (BH) is crucial because human
nutritionists are interested in specific milk fat-derived TFA and CLA isomers
because of their potential impact on human health, and at the same time dairy
nutritionists are concerned with the formation of different TFA and CLA isomers
because these have been shown to be potent inhibitors of milk fat synthesis in
the mammary gland which can result in dietary-induced milk fat depression
(MFD). Since most milk pricing systems in the
METHODS: This proposal aims to improve our understanding of the
effects of dietary antioxidants on rumen lipid metabolism, milk fat synthesis,
and milk fatty acid composition. The working hypothesis is that dietary
antioxidants will maintain normal BH pathways in the rumen, thus minimizing the
formation of trans-10, cis-12 CLA, trans-10 18:1 and related intermediates and
reducing the risk of MFD, and at the same time maximizing the milk fat content
of rumenic acid and vaccenic
acid. We will use both in vitro and in vivo approaches to examine a number of
aspects of dietary component-rumen BH interactions and subsequent effects on
milk fat: (1) Identify the effect of dietary antioxidants on the formation of
rumen BH intermediates in vitro under dietary situations characteristic of MFD.
(2) Examine the interaction between dietary antioxidants, distillers grains and
fiber level in vitro on rumen BH intermediate formation and in vivo on rumen
BH, milk fat synthesis and fatty acid composition. (3)Establish the interaction
between dietary antioxidants and monensin in vitro on
the formation of rumen BH intermediates and potential effects on milk fat
synthesis. For the in vitro work, a dual effluent continuous culture system
will be used which will be carried out in collaboration with Miner Research
Institute,
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Non-Technical Project Description: Since most milk pricing systems in the Project Contact: A. L. Lock Phone: 802-656-0142 Fax:
802-656-8196 Email: adam.lock@uvm.edu Other participating STATES: |
Project
Number: VT-H01413
New Hatch
Investigators: Lovell, S.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2008
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Delineate and
classify on-farm tree habitats based on land cover, land use and function,
biophysical features (slope, soil type, etc.), and spatial characteristics
(shape, size, and proximity to water) to determine their contribution to
landscape heterogeneity. The first objective is designed to test the hypothesis
that
METHODS: This study will be conducted in rural landscape of the
Lamoille Watershed of the
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Non-Technical Project Description: The functions of on-farm habitats with trees are often
underrepresented by strategies that focus primarily on the economic value of
farmland. More research is needed to understand the role of these important
habitats in contributing to ecosystem services by improving water quality and
increasing landscape heterogeneity. This research project will help
policy-makers determine the types of habitats to promote through conservation
programs, while also guiding farmers in decisions about designing and
managing the farm landscape. Project Contact: S. T. Lovell Phone: 802-656-0466 Email: Sarah.Lovell@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01415
New Hatch
Investigators: Mendez, E.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2008
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: 1. To revise the scientific and
grey literature, with a focus on
METHODS: Objective 1. Revise the scientific and grey literature, with
a focus on
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Non-Technical Project Description: As human populations increase, the area that can be used
for environmental conservation is becoming more limited. Thus, the importance
of agricultural landscapes as areas that can contribute to conservation is
increasing in most areas of the world. However, it is still unclear how
conservation initiatives in agricultural landscapes can be implemented so
that they can benefit both farmers and the environment. This start-up
research project will revise information from the literature and interviews
with key stakeholders (farmers, extensionists,
policy makers) on the current state, challenges and opportunities of
conserving ecosystem services in an agricultural landscape of Project Contact: Mendez Phone: 802-656-2539 Fax: 802-656-8015 Email: emendez@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01410
New Hatch
Investigators: Pintauro, S. J.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2009
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: 1. To develop a Web-based, multimedia, interactive, online learning environment targeted at middle school students (ages 11-13) on the topic of Energy Balance. The Web site will be constructed around an existing, well-tested energy balance curriculum developed by the NIH for this age group. In addition, the Web site tutorials will be designed to meet National Science Education Standards for this age group. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program at meeting the needs of students with varying learning styles. Effectiveness will be measured by comparing pre- and post-cognitive tests, student attitudes regarding the use of the program, and assessment of individual student learning styles.
METHODS: We will develop a multimedia, interactive, Web-based
computer application for middle school students on the topic of Energy Balance.
The content for the Web application will be adapted from a validated NIH middle
school curriculum. We will test the effectiveness of our Web application by
recruiting middle school students from across the
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Non-Technical Project Description: It is estimated that 25% of children between the ages of
12 and 19 are overweight. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based
learning application for teaching middle school children about energy balance
and its relationship health. Project Contact: S. J. Pintauro Phone: 802-656-0541 Fax: 802-656-0407 Email: stephen.pintauro@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01408
New Hatch
Investigators: Skinner, M.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2010
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: The main goal of the current project is to enhance opportunities to use biological control agents for thrips IPM in greenhouses. This will be achieved through assessing the impact of soil applications of granular formulations of insect-killing fungi on the population dynamics of western flower thrips and then evaluating the combined effect of granular fungal formulations and predatory mites in a banker plant system to prevent thrips population buildup. This Hatch initiative therefore contributes to all of the areas defined in the multi-state objective: Development, evaluation and safety of entomopathogens for homopteran and other piercing-sucking insects.
METHODS: The studies proposed address impediments to the greater utilization of biological control in greenhouse bedding plant production, and will facilitate the increased use of predatory mites and banker plants to provide sustained thrips management. We have tested the use of indicator/banker plants to provide early detection of thrips in greenhouses and to maintain populations of predatory mites and other natural enemies. Though they have been found effective as a pest monitoring tool, they also serve as a reservoir for thrips, which can in turn lead to a pest problem if not controlled. We will test the application of granular formulations of insect-killing fungi to reduce thrips populations that pupate in the soil. Improved granular fungal formulations developed in complementary projects, and proven to persist in the soil, will be tested against western flower thrips within marigold banker plants grown in standard potting medium. Experiments will be conducted under controlled caged conditions to generate information on efficacy of each component alone and in combination. In the final year, the system will be tested in commercial greenhouses to further assess its application under real world conditions. This will provide insights regarding how banker plants fit into a commercial setting, and will enable us to obtain grower input on its applicability.
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Non-Technical Project Description: The greenhouse industry is a vital and dynamic component
of Project Contact: Skinner Phone: 802-656-5440 Fax: 802-656-5441 Email:
mskinner@uvm.edu |
Project
Number: VT-H01414
New Hatch
Investigators: Smith, J.
Start Date: 10/01/2007
Termination Date: 09/30/2009
GOALS/OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED OUTPUTS: The overall objective of this
project is to develop a model of agriculture-related transportation in
METHODS: Data collected for this project will be used to build a
model of the transportation networks of several discrete farms in
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Non-Technical Project Description: Disruptions of transportation networks serving farms
decrease efficiency and profitability of farm businesses, as well as
potentially affecting availability of farm products. This project proposes to
model agricultural transportation for a limited number of dairy farms,
identify critical links in transportation networks, and enhance emergency
preparedness. Phone: 802-656-4496
Fax: 802-656-8196 Email: julie.m.smith@uvm.edu |