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Structural and Functional Characterization of a Putative Type VI Secretion System Protein in Cronobacter sakazakii as a Potential Therapeutic Target: A Computational Study
No full textBackground: Cronobacter sakazakii, a foodborne pathogen with a fatality rate of 33%, is a rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacterium responsible for causing meningitis, bacteremia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Despite many unknown functions of hypothetical proteins in bacterial genomes, bioinformatic techniques have successfully annotated their roles in various pathogens. Objectives: The aim of this investigation is to identify and annotate the structural and functional properties of a hypothetical protein (HP) from Cronobacter sakazakii 7G strain (accession no. WP_004386962.1, 277 residues) using computational tools. Methods: Multiple bioinformatic tools were used to identify the homologous protein and to construct and validate its 3D structure. A 3D model was generated using SWISS-MODEL and validated using tools, developing a reliable 3D structure. The STRING and CASTp servers provided information on protein-protein interactions and active sites, identifying functional partners. Results: The putative protein was soluble, stable, and localized in the cytoplasmic membranes, indicating its biological activity. Functional annotation identified TagJ (HsiE1) within the protein, a member of the ImpE superfamily involved in the transport of toxins and a part of the bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS). The 3-dimensional structure of this protein was validated through molecular docking involving 6 different compounds. Among these, ceforanide demonstrated the strongest binding scores, -7.5 kcal/mol for the hypothetical protein and −7.2 kcal/mol for its main template protein (PDB ID: 4UQX.1). Conclusion: Comparative genomics study suggests that the protein found in C. sakazakii may be a viable therapeutic target because it seems distinctive and different from human proteins. The results of multiple sequence alignment (MSA) and molecular docking supported HP’s potential involvement as a T6SS. These in silico results represent that the examined HP could be valuable for studying C. sakazakii infections and creating medicines to treat C. sakazakii-mediated disorders
Low-temperature Molten Salt Electrolysis for Lunar Regolith Reduction
No full textFrancisco J. Guerrero-Gonzalez, Technical University of Munich, GermanyPhilipp Reiss, Technical University of Munich, GermanyMateusz L. Donten, Maana Electric, LuxembourgAlessandro Lovagnini, Maana Electric, LuxembourgLuca Celiento, Maana Electric, LuxembourgICES308: Advanced Technologies for In-Situ Resource
UtilizationThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.The electrochemical reduction of lunar regolith dissolved
in molten salts presents a promising pathway for the
extraction of oxygen and metals on the Moon. Electrolytes
with low melting points would not only reduce the energy
consumption of the process but also minimize the thermal
wear on equipment, leading to longer operational lifetimes.
This work focuses on the experimental testing of a
low-temperature electrolyte capable of effectively reducing
all metal cations present in lunar regolith, avoiding bath
poisoning. Cyclic voltammetry was conducted in FLiNaK
electrolytes (melting point of 454°C) to investigate the
electroactivity of Ca²⁺ ions. The focus was on calcium
since it is the metal with the highest redox potential
among the main constituents of the lunar regolith. The
findings showed that eutectic alkali metal fluoride
mixtures are suitable candidates for sustainable lunar
molten salt electrolysis in which all metals, including Ca,
can be reduced. Subsequently, galvanostatic electrolysis of
lunar anorthosite simulant in molten FLiNaK at different
temperatures showed the potential of selectively depositing
metals, particularly silicon, on molybdenum electrodes. The
cathodic products were characterized via SEM-EDS
Factors Affecting Space Use, Habitat Use, and Landscape Connectivity for Sonoran Desert Tortoises (Gopherus morafkai) in Southern Arizona
Full text linkThe Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) is a terrestrial, herbivorous reptile that exists throughout most of the Sonoran Desert of North America. The species faces various threats, many of which are driven by human activity (Averill-Murray et al. 2023). Throughout much of the species’ range, climate change, drought, wildfire, habitat loss and fragmentation, the spread of invasive species, urban development, and the development of transportation infrastructure threaten the species’ long-term persistence (Esque et al. 2002; Howland and Rorabaugh 2002; Edwards et al. 2004; Gray et al. 2015; Carter et al. 2020; USFWS 2021; Averill-Murray et al. 2023). Additionally, the species’ range is split by the United States – Mexico border wall, with 62% of habitat in Arizona, USA and 38% in Sonora, Mexico. In Arizona, the species faces additional threats like off-road vehicle use and renewable energy (e.g., solar) development (Fleckenstein et al. 2025). In Sonora, agricultural practices (e.g., grazing) are replacing tortoise habitat (Averill-Murray et al. 2023). Many of these anthropogenic activities, in addition to degrading, removing, and fragmenting habitat, may be reducing landscape connectivity within and among habitat patches and populations (Howland and Rorabaugh 2002; Edwards et al. 2004; Sutor et al. 2023; Sutor et al. 2024). In response to growing concerns over the species’ future, the species was listed as “Vulnerable” following an IUCN Red List assessment in 2023 based on evidence that the species’ populations are declining and its geographic distribution is shrinking (Averill-Murray et al. 2023).
For other North American tortoises (genus Gopherus), namely those species or populations already protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, numerous studies on what influences tortoise movement, home range size, landscape connectivity, and gene flow have helped develop or refine management actions targeted at mitigating the effects of anthropogenic activities (e.g., Hromada et al. 2020). Yet, for G. morafkai, such studies remain few. Furthermore, these studies represent a limited portion of this species’ extensive range. In this dissertation, I present the results of three studies that aim to contribute to the body of literature on the species’ habitat use and home range characteristics, as well how linear barriers to tortoise movement (e.g., highways and canals) influence landscape connectivity throughout the species’ range
Public Perceptions Surrounding Dairy Calf Disbudding Practices on Texas Farms
Full text linkPublic attitudes towards animal welfare significantly influence perceptions of livestock management practices, including dairy calf disbudding. This study explores how demographic factors, dietary habits, educational background, and income levels shape public perceptions on two commonly disbudding techniques, hot-iron and caustic paste. Responses from a diverse sample of Texas residents were analyzed utilizing a quantitative approach and a mixed-methods approach for the questionnaire to assess preferences regarding these procedures. The results indicate that most participants believed caustic paste was the most humane oriented option, mainly due to concerns about the pain and distress associated with hot-iron disbudding. Additionally, exposure to images of these procedures impacted consumer behaviors, with hot-iron disbudding generating stronger negative reactions and greater opposition to consuming or purchasing beef meat.
This study emphasizes the importance of education and transparency in dairy production management. Public perceptions were shaped by attitudes toward animal welfare, social influences, and the access to accurate science-based information about disbudding techniques. We suggest that future research explores how educational initiatives and media influence consumer perceptions and promote informed decision-making regarding animal welfare in dairy cattle production
Box 3, Folder 4, MGN Transcriptions misc.
Full text linkThe Boyd Carter Papers represent a significant archival collection housed in the Hispanic Studies Collection in Texas Tech University's CMLL building. Dr. Boyd Carter was a distinguished scholar of Latin American literature who was active from the 1940s to his death in 1980. He held professorships at the University of Nebraska, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Missouri before concluding his career at Texas Tech University (1978-1980). Upon joining TTU, Carter donated his extensive archive to the university, including rare books, microfilm collections, bibliographical notes, and periodicals focusing on Latin American literature from 1850-1950, with particular emphasis on the famed Mexican writer Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera
A Narrative Inquiry into Jordanian EFL Preservice Teacher Identity Development
No full textThis narrative inquiry examines the teacher identity development of four female Jordanian English as a Foreign Language preservice teachers in a preservice teacher education program at a Jordanian public university. This study used Gee’s (2000) Four Ways to View Identity and Kolb’s (2015) Cycle of Reflective Practice to investigate the development of teacher identity. This study considered two relevant research questions: 1) What stories do Jordanian EFL PSTs share about developing their teacher identity?; and 2) What critical incidents do Jordanian EFL PSTs recount about re/shaping their teacher identity as they engage in self-reflection and social interactions with peers and mentors? Using narrative inquiry, they shared their stories of how they made sense of and formed their professional identities during their diploma program. As preservice teachers in a nine-month professional teacher diploma program, their stories reflect a complex and diverse set of experiences during their coursework and teaching practicums while engaging in the unique cultural context of Jordan’s educational landscape. Their intertwined narratives of identity development attests to the power of teacher-student, preservice teacher-teacher educator, and mentor bonds. Gee’s (2000) and Kolb’s (2015) frameworks were used to construct a rich narrative of their teacher identity development. This study presents the “rich nuances of meaning” in the stories these participants chose to tell as they reflected on the construction of their teacher identity (Kim, 2016, p. 36). The critical incidents in their narratives provides insight into the impact on teacher identity development in a Jordanian context.
The entire cycle of participant recruitment and data collection was challenging due to a tight timeframe of under two months. This narrative inquirer assembled their stories through multiple interviews. The first set of interviews ran just over an hour, while the second set of interviews ranged from fifty minutes to an hour. Participants were also asked to annotate a timeline and emoticon stickers that served to frame their interviews which conveyed critical moments in their identity development.
Narrative analysis and analysis of narratives were used to examine the participants’ lived experiences. Data collection included interviews, interviewee annotated timelines using emoticons, and reflective journaling, which were analyzed to identify recurring themes. Member checking and data triangulation were also used to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings.
When woven together, what emerged was an understanding of participants’ experiences and critical incidents that contributed to the development of their teacher identity. Major findings emerging from this study suggest that teacher identity is evolving through a dynamic interplay of emotions, mentor support, institutional expectations, and reflective practices. Several key thematic stories emerged from these narrative stories: 1) Emotional Struggles, featured in their lived experiences, first marked by self-doubt culminating in self-assurance; 2) The role of Mentor Feedback demonstrated the impact of either negative or positive encouragement that shaped teacher identity; 3) Institutional Challenges, be it school culture, administrative ethos, or social expectations, influenced teacher identity development; and 4) Reflection as a transformative tool, emphasized the power of self-reflection as participants conceptualized and redefined their identity over time.
This study concludes by offering specific actionable items prioritized according to the findings of this study, for the Jordanian Ministry of Education and the preservice teacher education program leads in the four public universities to act on. The findings herein contribute to the body of knowledge and theory internationally. At the local level, this study will also benefit policy and practice in Jordanian preservice teacher education by providing a blueprint for reshaping the program as a whole
R. Darío Bibliography and Misc.
Full text linkThe Boyd Carter Papers represent a significant archival collection housed in the Hispanic Studies Collection in Texas Tech University's CMLL building. Dr. Boyd Carter was a distinguished scholar of Latin American literature who was active from the 1940s to his death in 1980. He held professorships at the University of Nebraska, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Missouri before concluding his career at Texas Tech University (1978-1980). Upon joining TTU, Carter donated his extensive archive to the university, including rare books, microfilm collections, bibliographical notes, and periodicals focusing on Latin American literature from 1850-1950, with particular emphasis on the famed Mexican writer Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera
Application of Crop Modeling for Climate-resilient Agriculture and Remote Sensing for High-throughput Plant Phenotyping
No full textSustainable cropping systems are important for ensuring long-term agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions like the Texas High Plains, where water scarcity and changing climate pose significant challenges. Assessment of diversified cropping systems through crop modeling can provide valuable insights into improving resource use efficiency, mitigating climate risks, and optimizing crop yield. At the same time, high-throughput cotton maturity assessment using UAS-based remote sensing technologies enables precise quantification of maturity levels and differentiation of cultivars for specific environmental and geographical conditions, contributing to more sustainable cotton production. So, the objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate crop yield, and water productivity in cotton-based cropping systems using DSSAT; 2) compare simulated county-level yield with USDA-NASS data to assess spatial and temporal yield trends; 3) analyze climate change impacts on cropping systems in terms of crop yield and identify climate-resilient cropping systems; 4) predict within-field cotton yield variability using ECa-optimized soil data for precision agriculture and; 5) develop a high-throughput UAS-based approach for cotton maturity assessment and cultivar differentiation.
Implementing appropriate cropping systems based on soil types and climatic conditions is important for improving crop yield and conserving water in semi-arid regions. This study used the DSSAT model to simulate yield of cotton, sorghum, and wheat under continuous cotton, cotton-sorghum, and cotton-wheat cropping systems in the Texas High Plains. The model performed well across different soil types and growing seasons, showing good accuracy (R2 ≥ 0.79, NRMSE ≤ 15.74%) in predicting yield in commercially managed farms. The cotton-sorghum system produced the higher cotton yield and water productivity (6.3 kg ha⁻¹ mm⁻¹) than other cropping systems, making it a viable option for managing water resources efficiently.
Long-term historical simulations of crop yield and spatiotemporal variability for cotton, sorghum, and wheat showed strong agreement with USDA-NASS reported yield, with R2 values of 0.57 for cotton, 0.72 for sorghum, and 0.71 for wheat. Cotton and sorghum yield remained stable or increased on clay loam, silty clay loam, silt loam, and loam soils, while sandier soils showed slight reduction. Wheat yield remained relatively stable across most soil types.
Climate change impacts on cotton, sorghum, and wheat yield were simulated using DSSAT under three SSP scenarios for continuous cotton, cotton-sorghum, and cotton-wheat systems. Cotton yield increased under SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5 (3.4–15.6%) but reduced under SSP5-8.5 (4.1–16.8%). Sorghum saw greater losses under SSP5-8.5, while wheat remained stable in SSP1-2.6 and SSP2-4.5 but declined slightly in late-century SSP5-8.5. Northern counties with clay loam soils showed greater resilience, whereas southern counties with sandier soils, including Cochran, Terry, Garza, Lynn, and Yoakum, faced the most significant yield losses. Cotton-sorghum rotations produced higher cotton yield than other systems.
Within-field cotton yield variability was simulated using the DSSAT crop model at a 30 m × 30 m grid resolution by incorporating deep apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) data into the soil profile. ECa effectively captured yield variability when soil texture, hydrologic properties, and soil fertility factor were optimized, achieving R2 of 0.43–0.56 and RMSE of 134–343 kg ha⁻¹ over six years. Grid-level predictions better reflected yield variability than soil-type-based aggregation, highlighting the potential of ECa-based simulations for identifying yield-limiting factors and optimizing input applications to improve cotton production.
A high-throughput UAS multispectral imagery was used to quantify cotton maturity and differentiation of cotton cultivars. The maturity ratio index (MRI), derived from multispectral imagery, demonstrated a strong correlation with manually counted boll opening rates (R2 = 0.79–0.83). This index effectively distinguished early, mid, and late maturing cotton cultivars in different irrigation treatments. The optimal image acquisition and assessment period was 130–145 days after planting, when boll opening reached 25–60% across different cotton cultivars. So, MRI demonstrated its potential as a scalable tool for precision cotton breeding.
Thus, these findings show the critical role of crop modeling in optimizing cropping systems, predicting yield variability, and assessing the impacts of climate change to enhance agricultural resilience in semi-arid regions. Additionally, UAS-based remote sensing proved to be an effective and scalable tool for high-throughput cotton maturity assessment, offering significant potential for precision breeding and cultivar differentiation