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Exploration of the gut-brain axis in adult zebrafish exposed to Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA): correlating the intestinal microbiome with neural gene expression.
No full textand reproductive success in zebrafish. Evaluating how neurotoxicants affect bidirectional communication between the brain and gut microbiome has also become an intriguing new area of research in the field of toxicology. Here we attempt to infer the biological processes and molecular pathways that may underpin the neurotoxic endpoints and downstream effects of PFNA exposure in adult zebrafish using analysis of differential transcript abundance across a dose gradient. Additionally, we investigate modulation of the gut-brain axis in adult zebrafish exposed to Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) through correlation of intestinal microbiome abundance and neural gene counts.
Total RNA from brain and DNA from intestinal tissues was collected from 48 adult zebrafish across an exposure gradient of PFNA. RNAseq and 16S taxonomic profiling data were processed using nf-core rnaseq and ampliseq pipelines built with Nextflow, respectively. Relevant features from metataxonomic and transcriptomic datasets were filtered by applying differential abundance analysis utilizing multivariable associations with linear models (MaAsLin2). Hierarchical All-against-All association (HALLA) was used to find any significant relationships between gene expression and relative abundance of gut microbes.
We report evidence of significantly differentiated genes across all concentrations, with consistent downregulation of WNT1 and CHRNB4. However, no apparent dose-related patterns in gene ontology were observed save for changes in transcripts related to sensory processing and transcriptional activity in most concentrations. Integrative Pathway Analysis (IPA) showed significantly decreased abundance of transcripts related to downstream inhibition for various pathways across multiple concentrations, including Autism Signaling Pathway and Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer (0.3nM PFNA), Pulmonary Fibrosis (3nM PFNA), Potassium Channels (30nM), and GNRH, Hepatic Fibrosis and RAR Activation (300nM PFNA). All differentially abundant phyla from Maaslin2 showed a positive correlation across the PFNA dosing gradient. Analysis with HALLA showed a positive correlation between Desulfobacterota and multiple genes associated with properties in the nervous system, including sphingolipid biosynthesis regulator serinc1 and ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor oaz2b. Additionally, Myxococcota, Chloroflexi, Desulfobacterota, MBNT15, Crenarchaeota, and Patescibacteria where all negatively correlated with gxp3, which plays a protective role against oxidative stress.
We conclude that PFNA exposure may cause potential adverse effects on synaptic plasticity, sensory processes, regeneration capability and hormonal regulation. Although further study is we required, the data suggest that gut-brain axis modulation plays an important role in the toxicity profile of PFNA and subsequent adverse outcomes in adult zebrafish
Harvesting Hope: Exploring Agricultural Organizations Use of Social Media Platforms to Promote Mental Health Resources
Get PDFThe mental health of agricultural producers has been well-documented in the literature since the 1980s due to the challenges agricultural producers face that are often out of their control, such as unpredictable weather, economic uncertainties, and limited access to mental health resources. Given these challenges, this study aimed to explore how agricultural organizations in Texas use social media to promote mental health resources to agricultural producers. To address this overarching goal, this study was conducted in two distinct yet interrelated phases.
The first phase involved a communications audit designed to examine what, where, and how agricultural organizations share mental health resources with agricultural producers. The findings revealed a relatively low number of organizations engaging in the promotion of these resources, along with a limited number of posts. Additionally, there was a noticeable lack of diversity in communication efforts, particularly in terms of gender, ethnicity, and the range of agricultural commodities represented.
In the second phase, one-on-one interviews were conducted with communication representatives from agricultural organizations that actively promote mental health resources on social media. These interviews revealed that agricultural organizations are aware of agricultural producers’ susceptibility to mental illness and acknowledge the need for increased communication on the topic. However, several barriers were identified, including the influence of social media algorithms and the persistence of mental health stigma.
Further research should be conducted with a larger sample size, to better understand practical approaches to promoting mental health resources on social media. Additionally, future research should also focus on testing messages and visuals to determine what are most effective in reaching and supporting agricultural producers
Sizing and Optimization of Solar PV and Wind Power with Energy Storage Systems
Get PDFThe ever-increasing trend in installing renewable energy sources (RESs)-based assets like solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbines (WTs) has started changing the power system nature and also bringing new challenges in the planning and operation of such systems. Residential PV units, WTs, and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) have been introduced as crucial components of modern power systems. Such generation and storage technologies are being utilized to maximize local power generation and mitigate the dependency on electrical grids to supply the required electrical power. Nevertheless, the economic viability of such systems has remained controversial mainly because of substantial capital costs, system degradation, and also fluctuating energy tariffs. Accordingly, this master’s thesis proposes a comprehensive tool for optimally sizing small-scale PV, BESSs, and WTs by taking into consideration different energy tariffs, degradation of the BESSs, and intermittent renewable power generation. This thesis is primarily aimed at optimally determining the size of PV, wind turbine, and BESS, so that the net present value (NPV) of the system is maximized.
The mentioned framework is coded in MATLAB, and an advanced optimization technique, e.g. NOMAD solver in the OPTI toolbox in MATLAB has been employed to provide a robust techno-economic analysis for residential and small commercial applications. It is worth mentioning that this thesis has further developed the open-source optimization tool to also account for small-scale WTs and different cases. In this respect, the obtained simulation results indicate that by optimally sizing the PV, BESSs, and WTs, and by taking into account the local market conditions, the economic return on such systems can be remarkably enhanced. Moreover, the simulation results show the profitability of these systems in the long term.
This master’s thesis contributes to the body of research in this field by investigating a practical solution for maximizing the economic and technical performance of small-scale PV, WT, and BEESs. The obtained results give meaningful perspectives for the residential sector, policymakers, and energy system planners, to make more informed decisions on RESs
Teacher Experiences with Conflict Resolution in Disputed IEP Team Meetings
Get PDFData was collected from special education teachers through questionnaires, document reviews, and analysis of Texas Education Agency (TEA) data. Thematic analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of current conflict resolution practices and their influence on disputed IEP outcomes. Although many teachers indicated they had training to a great extent, a third reported they had none. Findings reveal that this lack of preparation contributes to increased DPHs. The study suggests that improved conflict resolution training could mitigate disputes, enhance collaboration, and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
This research adds to the knowledge on teacher preparation and recommends incorporating conflict resolution strategies into training. By focusing on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like mediation and IEP facilitation, the study offers insights to improve school-family collaboration and enhance the educational experience for special needs students
Aggregation-induced emission in novel multilayered 3D polymers: development of a fluorescent probe for selective metal ion detection
Get PDFThis study presents the characterization of a novel multilayered three-dimensional (3D) polymer exhibiting aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties when excited at a low wavelength of 280 nm. Utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the polymer displays a marked enhancement in luminescence upon aggregation, a characteristic behavior that distinguishes AIE-active materials from conventional fluorophores. Furthermore, we explore the potential application of this multilayered 3D polymer as a fluorescent probe for the selective detection of specified metal ions. By incorporating chelating functional groups into the polymer matrix, we facilitate specific interactions with target metal ions, leading to significant fluorescence intensity changes that correlate with ion concentration. According to their cyclic voltammetry characteristics, the polymers have potential applications in cutting-edge electrical and optoelectronic systems. Our findings indicate that this multilayered 3D polymer serves as an effective fluorescent sensor and offers tunable optical properties, paving the way for innovative applications in environmental monitoring and biomedical diagnostics. The results underscore the utility of AIE-active polymers in developing advanced materials for sensitive and selective detection of metal ions, contributing to the growing field of smart sensing technologies
An Urtext Edition and a Practical Performance Edition for Double Bass (based on the urtext), of Franz Schubert’s “Arpeggione” Sonata, D. 821
Get PDFThis document focuses on the transcription and error correction of Franz Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, creating: 1) An urtext version from the 1824 manuscript and, based on that: 2) A performance edition for double bass with the goal of remaining faithful as practical to the original manuscript while making the necessary adaptations for the instrument.
The impetus for this study stems from the existing double bass transcriptions that contain numerous inconsistencies across versions compared to the original manuscript, including missing/extra accents, staccatos, dynamics, wrong notes and wrong octaves.
The performance edition is as faithful to the original as practically possible, incorporating minimal changes to ensure accuracy compared to the manuscript while adding adaptations that help performance on the double bass.
With this and other double bass transcriptions, the solo part sounds an octave lower than the intended octave of the arpeggione. As a result, some octave changes were made in the piano's left hand to accommodate the lower range of the double bass, to avoid voice-crossing, avoid solo part/ bass line clashes, to maintain proper chordal inversions, and to open the tessitura for the double bass to project over the piano more easily.
This transcription offers a high-quality, reliable version of the Arpeggione Sonata and will serve as a valuable contribution to the double bass solo literature.
For the programs:
1. Double Bass Sonata No. 2 in E minor - Adolf Mišek.
2. Cello Suite No. 3 - Johann Sebastian Bach.
3. Dueto in D major - Gioachino Rossini.
4. Concerto No. 2 in E major - Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf.
5. Kadenza, a Fantasy for Double Bass Solo - Tempo Hauta-Aho.
6. Grande Allegro di Concerto "Alla Mendelssohn" - Giovanni Bottesini.
7. Divertimento in C Major, MH 27 – Johann Michael Haydn.
8. Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 – Ludwig van Beethoven
9. “Arpeggione” Sonata, D. 821 – Franz Schuber
Spatiotemporal transcriptome and metabolome landscapes of cotton fiber during initiation and early development
Get PDFCotton fibers are single cells that develop from the epidermal cells in the outer integument of developing seeds. The processes regulating fiber cell development have been extensively studied; however, the spatiotemporal transcriptome and metabolome profiles during the early stages of fiber development remain largely unknown. In this study, we profile the dynamics of transcriptome and metabolome during the early stages of cotton fiber cell development using a combination of spatial transcriptomic, single-cell transcriptomic, and spatial metabolomic analyses. We identify the key genes (e.g., DOX2, KCS19.4, BEE3, and HOS3.7) and metabolites (e.g., linoleic acid, spermine, spermidine, and α-linolenic acid) that may regulate the early development of fiber cells. Finally, knockdown and gain-of-function analyses identify the crucial role of GhBEE3/Gh_A09G062900 in cotton fiber initiation. We also construct a publicly accessible website ( https://cotton.cricaas.com.cn/ovule/ ) for visualization of the spatiotemporal gene expression in cotton, providing a reference dataset for further studies on cotton fiber development
Exploring chiral and achiral properties of novel multilayer 3D polymers: synthesis and characterization
Get PDFThis study reports the novel synthesis of multilayered 3D polymers via the 1,3,5-position coupling of 1,3,5-tris(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzene with 1,8-dibronaphthalene, a previously unreported method. The resulting polymers exhibit both achiral and chiral characteristics, offering a unique platform for structural and functional exploration. Comprehensive characterization using gel permeation chromatography, UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence measurements, circular dichroism, and scanning electron microscopy revealed intriguing optical properties and morphological features, promoting potential applications in photonics, sensors, and materials science
Ethical Frameworks in Moderating Online "Sexual Content": Implications for Technical Communication & Social Justice for Hypermarginalized Users
No full textThis dissertation attempts to advocate for and address an issue that impacts hypermarginalized communities online: platform governance. Specifically, the author researches the documents (Terms of Service [ToS] and community guidelines) that are then enacted through content moderation practices to better understand the ethical frameworks used to moderate “sexual content” on the internet. Overall, this dissertation expands on the intersection between queer rhetoric, social justice, and ethics as TPC concerns. Through this study, stakeholders can have more nuanced conversations around content moderation and ethical decision-making, especially dealing with “sexual content” used to exclude marginalized and hypermarginalized users, and to interrogate inclusion/exclusion in online spaces. This data can assist advocacy work for sex work decriminalization and give users insight into a system generally kept behind closed doors.
This dissertation’s primary research question is: How can practitioners in TPC and rhetoric (mis)understand and (mis)use ethical frameworks for upholding ToS and community guidelines on social media platforms through moderating “sexual content,” and what impacts does that have on the inclusion/exclusion of hypermarginalized communities? Through a corpus of 176 unique terms of service and community guidelines documents, this study found varying definitions of sexual content ranging from more open and generalizable definitions to the complete omission of “sexual content.” Regardless of the specific (or lacking) definition of “sexual content,” the author found that in many cases, the rules and guidance outlined in ToS and community guidelines documents do have ethical meaning, especially when taken as part of the larger networked assemblage of content moderation as a whole.
The author also conducted semi-structured interviews with content moderators. Through interviews with 17 content moderators, the author was able to learn about the various ethical frameworks that content moderators were utilizing themselves, upholding for the platform, and/or in tension with, giving me insight into how engaging ethical frameworks can teach us more about both hypermarginalized communities’ and content moderators’ flourishing in online spaces. The author was able to learn more about both the content moderation infrastructure and the impact on content moderation decision-making, online communities, and moderators themselves