Coordinate Gene Regulation during Hematopoiesis Is Related to Genomic Organization

Gene loci are found in nuclear subcompartments that are related to their expression status. For instance, silent genes are often localized to heterochromatin and the nuclear periphery, whereas active genes tend to be found in the nuclear center. Evidence also suggests that chromosomes may be specifically positioned within the nucleus; however, the nature of this organization and how it is achieved are not yet fully understood. To examine whether gene regulation is related to a discernible pattern of genomic organization, we analyzed the linear arrangement of co-regulated genes along chromosomes and determined the organization of chromosomes during the differentiation of a hematopoietic progenitor to erythroid and neutrophil cell types. Our analysis reveals that there is a significant tendency for co-regulated genes to be proximal, which is related to the association of homologous chromosomes and the spatial juxtaposition of lineage-specific gene domains. We suggest that proximity in the form of chromosomal gene distribution and homolog association may be the basis for organizing the genome for coordinate gene regulation during cellular differentiation

Epigenetics and developmental programming of welfare and production traits in farm animals

The concept that postnatal health and development can be influenced by events that occur in utero originated from epidemiological studies in humans supported by numerous mechanistic (including epigenetic) studies in a variety of model species. Referred to as the ‘developmental origins of health and disease’ or ‘DOHaD’ hypothesis, the primary focus of large-animal studies until quite recently had been biomedical. Attention has since turned towards traits of commercial importance in farm animals. Herein we review the evidence that prenatal risk factors, including suboptimal parental nutrition, gestational stress, exposure to environmental chemicals and advanced breeding technologies, can determine traits such as postnatal growth, feed efficiency, milk yield, carcass composition, animal welfare and reproductive potential. We consider the role of epigenetic and cytoplasmic mechanisms of inheritance, and discuss implications for livestock production and future research endeavours. We conclude that although the concept is proven for several traits, issues relating to effect size, and hence commercial importance, remain. Studies have also invariably been conducted under controlled experimental conditions, frequently assessing single risk factors, thereby limiting their translational value for livestock production. We propose concerted international research efforts that consider multiple, concurrent stressors to better represent effects of contemporary animal production systems

Heat Driven Refrigeration System (Semester 2 of Unknown), IPRO 357: Heat Driven Refrigeration System IPRO 357 Final Report F04

The solution will take the form of a novel system based on a refrigeration cycle driven by heat. The cycle will be built around a "pressure exchanger" consisting of a piston, along with solenoid valves controlled by a microprocessor. Heat will most likely be obtained through the combustion of biomass such as plant by-products and animal wastes, but will be flexible enough to allow for more conventional fuel types such as kerosene and coal.Sponsorship: ASHRAE, NCIIADeliverable

Heat Driven Refrigeration System (Semester 2 of Unknown), IPRO 357: Heat Driven Refrigeration System IPRO 357 Abstract F04

The solution will take the form of a novel system based on a refrigeration cycle driven by heat. The cycle will be built around a "pressure exchanger" consisting of a piston, along with solenoid valves controlled by a microprocessor. Heat will most likely be obtained through the combustion of biomass such as plant by-products and animal wastes, but will be flexible enough to allow for more conventional fuel types such as kerosene and coal.Sponsorship: ASHRAE, NCIIADeliverable

Heat Driven Refrigeration System (Semester 2 of Unknown), IPRO 357

The solution will take the form of a novel system based on a refrigeration cycle driven by heat. The cycle will be built around a "pressure exchanger" consisting of a piston, along with solenoid valves controlled by a microprocessor. Heat will most likely be obtained through the combustion of biomass such as plant by-products and animal wastes, but will be flexible enough to allow for more conventional fuel types such as kerosene and coal.Sponsorship: ASHRAE, NCIIADeliverable