CR1 — a dispersed repeated element associated with the Cab-1 locus in tomato

Cab-1 is a complex genetic locus in tomato consisting of four clustered genes encoding chlorophyll a/b-binding polypeptide. Southern blot analysis of total tomato DNA with genomic clones corresponding to the Cab-1 locus has revealed the presence of a repetitive element in the 3 kb spacer regions between two of these genes. This repetitive element, named CR1, has been characterized via sequencing, genetic mapping and hybridization to related solanaceous species. Results indicate that there are as many as 30 copies of this element in the tomato genome and that most, if not all, are found at independent loci. Sites corresponding to 12 of the repeats have been located on different regions of chromosomes 2, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 11. A 1.6 kb Pst I- Eco RI fragment from the Cab-1 locus containing the element was sequenced and found to be 75% AT-rich. No open reading frames larger than 150 bp were detected. Several imperfect inverted repeats flanked by direct repeats could be found at the ends of the element. This arrangement is reminiscent of known transposons. Southern hybridization analysis indicates that multiple copies of CR1 exist in all species of the genus Lycopersicon as well as in Solanum lycopersicoides and S. tuberosum (potato), but not in eggplant, pepper, petunia, Datura or tobacco. Melt-off experiments indicate that members of the CR1 family in the tomato genome are more closely related to one another than to homologous members in the genomes of S. lycopersicoides or S. tuberosum , suggesting some type of concerted evolution.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43418/1/11103_2004_Article_BF00014948.pd

“Everyone has a peer in the low user tier”: the diversity of low residential energy users

Low residential energy use is typically associated with undesirable characteristics, such as poverty, thermal discomfort, or small dwelling size. The association of low energy use with deprivation has been an obstacle to promoting more aggressive goals for reduction of residential use. However, there is little research on the composition of the low user population. We investigated the demographics, behavior, and satisfaction of the lowest 10% of electricity consumers in Sacramento, CA, to see what attributes best correlated with low use. California, like many other regions, has GHG emissions goals requiring drastic reductions in residential consumption. Households in Sacramento’s lowest decile of electricity consumption already live at electricity consumption levels consistent with the goals for 2050. Our investigation of 700 of these households found that diversity of low users with regard to age, income, education, appliance ownership, and dwelling characteristics is similar to that of the general population. Low-use households tend to be smaller, but not enough to explain the entirety of low usage. Surveys and interviews revealed that those in the lowest 10% typically pursued low consumption deliberately and enthusiastically and were aware of their status as low users. Conversations about energy conserving strategies were embedded in their social lives. They employed diverse and creative strategies to maintain thermal comfort without excess energy use, often exceeding expert recommendations. Finally, the distribution of self-reported quality of life was no different from that of the general population living at much higher consumption levels. Overall, the key determinants of low use were a positive engagement with improvisation and experimentation, and the salience of energy in personal or social life. The population of low users should be treated as a valuable source of peer advice and lifestyle modeling