bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estate Planning: Preparing a Letter of Last Instructions
Authors: Turner Josephine , Gillen Martie
Published: May 2022

A letter of last instructions is one of the most helpful things you can provide for your family. The letter should express your wishes following your death so that your personal representative or family member has the information they will need about your personal and financial matters. This revised 3-page fact sheet was written by Josephine Turner and Martie Gillen, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, December 2011.
FCS5238/FY537: Estate Planning: Preparing a Letter of Last Instructions (ufl.edu)
Alimentación Saludable: Super sándwiches
Authors: Hillan Jennifer , Minton Emily
Published: May 2022

Los sándwiches pueden ser comidas rápidas, nutritivas y fáciles de preparar. ¡A continuación verá unos consejos para crear nuevos sándwiches que podrían ser sus favoritos!
This revised 1-page fact sheet is the Spanish-language version of FCS8699/FY711: Healthy Eating: Super Sandwiches, written by Jennifer Hillan and Emily Minton, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2011.
FCS8699-Sp/FY712: Alimentación Saludable: Super sándwiches (ufl.edu)
Healthy Eating: Create Your Plate!
Authors: Hillan Jennifer , Bobroff Linda B.
Published: May 2022

Meal planning can help you control portion sizes and the amount of carbohydrates you eat throughout the day. This is especially important if you have diabetes or if you are at risk for the disease. The way you ‘create your plate’ to balance carbohydrates for blood glucose control is a bit different from the MyPlate recommendations. Let’s get started with this revised 2-page fact sheet was written by Jennifer Hillan and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, August 2011.
FCS8796/FY823: Healthy Eating: Create Your Plate! (ufl.edu)
Know Your Pests When Trapping Soybean Looper in the Florida Panhandle
Authors: Carter Ethan T. , Shaw Tyler , Johnson Libbie , V. Paula-Moraes Silvana
Published: May 2022

Pheromone trapping is a common scouting method used in collaboration with integrated pest management. A major crop pest of many plant species, including Panhandle crops like peanut and cotton, is the soybean looper.  A soybean looper pheromone-trapping study performed in Panhandle commercial peanut and cotton fields also attracted other species with similar appearances, sometimes in high numbers. Misidentification would result in overestimation of soybean looper populations and likely unnecessary insecticide applications. The sharp stigma looper, due to its high seasonal abundance and flight pattern similar to that of the soybean looper, was most concerning. This insect is not a pest and can be discerned from the soybean looper easily through its wing markings, if someone knows what to look for, but if these harmless moths were unwittingly thought of as soybean loopers, it could greatly skew population numbers and prompt improper applications of pesticides.
Florida Wax Scale, Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Buss Eileen
Published: May 2022

The Florida wax scale, Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, is one of the most commonly encountered soft scales throughout the southern United States, where it is a serious pest of citrus and several ornamental and landscape plants, like holly. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Shweta Sharma and Eileen Buss, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, December 2011.
EENY-510/IN913: Florida Wax Scale, Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock (ufl.edu)
Life Cycle of the Lesser Cornstalk Borer in Sugarcane
Authors: Sandhu Hardev S. , Baucum Leslie E. , Nuessly Gregg S.
Published: May 2022

The lesser cornstalk borer attacks a large number of crops but is a potentially serious pest of sugarcane. But since the populations of this pest vary greatly depending on temperature, UF/IFAS scientists are developing predictive models to predict lesser cornstalk borer population in a field. This 4-page fact sheet was written by H.S. Sandhu, L.E. Baucum, and G.S. Nuessly and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, September 2011.
ENY-913/SC093: Life Cycle of the Lesser Cornstalk Borer in Sugarcane (ufl.edu)
Economic Impacts of Artificial Reefs: Lee County, FL
Authors: Hazell Joy
Published: May 2022

Florida Sea Grant and UF researchers conducted a study on the economic benefits associated with artificial reef programs in a six-county region of southwest Florida, where they asked private boater and for-hire operators and clients about their artificial reef use during 2009. Results are summarized in one-page fact sheets.
Guide to Living with Wild Cats
Authors: Briggs Venetia S. , Harvey Rebecca G. , Mazzotti Frank J. , Giuliano William M.
Published: May 2022

In Belize, the Lamanai Field Research Center and University of Florida are studying cats using camera traps placed in a variety of locations on private lands. This research suggests that more wild cats live near farms than people are aware of. This 3-page informational brochure highlights 5 species of wildcats living in the area of the study, tips for keeping livestock safe, and local contacts. Written by Venetia S. Briggs, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2011. Reviewed October 2014.
WEC314/UW359: A Guide to Living with Wild Cats (ufl.edu)
Memorias del Segundo Congreso Internacional de Ingenierías
Authors: García Santillán Iván , Torres Mayanquer Freddy
Published: May 2022

En este libro se recogen las investigaciones expuestas en el Segundo Congreso Internacional de Ingenierías. Los artículos fueron sometidos a revisión y aprobación de un comité científico internacional altamente calificado. El libro ha sido estructurado en dos secciones. La primera está dedicada al área de Informática, sistemas y computación, la cual aborda temas como ingeniería de software, inteligencia artificial, herramientas colaborativas Web 2.0, marketing digital, minería de datos y datos abiertos enlazados. La segunda sección abarca el procesamiento de alimentos, a partir de temas relacionados con la transformación de materias primas agropecuarias en productos alimenticios con un valor agregado y normados por estándares de calidad. Este libro es resultado de la cooperación institucional entre la UPEC y la Universidad de Nariño.
Modelo educativo ambiental para el turismo comunitario
Authors: Lomas Tapia Kennedy Rolando
Published: May 2022

Abordar el tema indígena desde la óptica del turismo y la educación ambiental resulta muy polémico y complejo en Latinoamérica, principalmente en Ecuador, por la serie de acontecimientos históricos que han padecido las comunidades indígenas, tales como levantamientos sociales por causas justas como la carencia de agua, la defensa de su territorialidad, la extracción de sus saberes y muchos otros vejámenes. En este contexto, la presente investigación tiene como finalidad construir un modelo educativo ambiental para el turismo comunitario, mediante la reconstrucción histórica de la experiencia comunitaria indígena, fundamentada en la práctica de saberes ambientales educativos de la comunidad Fakcha Llakta del cantón Otavalo. Esta investigación se sustenta en la reconstrucción de su cotidianidad histórica y la develación de los saberes ambientales para un manejo turístico sustentable del área, que a futuro sea un referente teórico para aplicar en otros ámbitos comunitarios del Ecuador.
Ação preventiva à gestação na adolescência entre estudantes de uma escola de referência do ensino médio, localizada no município de Paudalho/PE
Authors: Santana Magda Rebeca da Conceição , Mendonça Diogo Falcão Pereira de , Morais Elton Santos Guedes de , Araujo Vinicius Breno Silva de , Soares Anísio Francisco
Published: May 2022

A gestação na adolescência é um problema prevalente que aumenta demasiadamente o risco para adolescentes, podendo acarretar o abandono escolar, a morbidade e a mortalidade materna. Essa situação decorre, dentre outros fatores, da falta de informações e comunicação com os adolescentes sobre a sexualidade e, consequentemente, sobre a gestação. Assim sendo, o presente artigo visou responder: como contribuir para a redução das altas taxas de gestação precoce na adolescência? Este trabalho objetivou demonstrar o desenvolvimento de uma ação preventiva para redução das taxas de gestação na adolescência. A ação foi desenvolvida entre os alunos do segundo e terceiro ano do ensino médio da EREM Herculano Bandeira, localizada no município de Paudalho / PE. A pesquisa teve três fases distintas, porém complementares. A primeira etapa consistiu em realizar a coleta de dados teóricos acerca da gestação na adolescência, suas consequências e como preveni-la, para tanto foi elaborado um questionário investigativo sobre o tema. Na segunda etapa foram aplicados, de forma remota, por meio de um google forms, o questionário investigativo entre os estudantes, sendo respondido por 59 estudantes. Na terceira etapa, foram realizadas as palestras e oficinas com distribuição dos folders e exposição dos cartazes. Para esta fase, foi essencial o tratamento estatístico dos dados obtidos a partir do questionário, sendo as oficinas e palestras direcionadas para os temas onde foi identificado maior desconhecimento entre os jovens. Os resultados mostraram que, embora mais de 80% dos alunos achem que a gestação inesperada na adolescência seja preocupante e que gera um alerta, falam pouco sobre o tema com a família e, apenas 25%, responderam que julgam ter um nível alto de conhecimento com temas relacionados à sexualidade e comportamento sexual de risco. Conclui-se que ações de sensibilização em ambiente escolar sobre formas seguras de prevenção da gestação não programada podem ser uma excelente estratégia tendo em vista ser o local onde encontra-se o público-alvo em sua maioria.
Pengembangan Modul IPA Terapan Berbasis Problem Based Learning untuk Mendukung Pembelajaran Mandiri di SMK
Authors: Arini Yayuk Sri Wahyu Endah , Gunawan Wawan , Subandowo Marianus
Published: May 2022

Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) merupakan sekolah menengah yang memberikan pendidikan untuk mempersiapkan siswa agar siap bekerja dengan bidang keahlian tertentu. Lulusan SMK diwajibkan memiliki ketrampilan praktek yang baik sehingga memerlukan pengalaman belajar yang nyata. Untuk memberikan pengalaman pembelajaran yang nyata, siswa dilibatkan dalam pembelajaran berbasis permasalahan (PBL). Adanya pandemi memaksa diberlakukannya pembelajaran jarak jauh melalui jaringan (Daring) pada pembelajaran IPA di SMK. Pelaksanaan pembelajaran daring memiliki kendala-kendala seperti sulitnya memahami materi, tidak jelasnya instruksi pembelajaran, dan minimnya bimbingan dari guru dan orang tua. Solusi yang dapat dilakukan adalah pengembangan modul IPA untuk SMK. Model pengembangan yang dipilih adalah model Dick and Carey karena memiliki pendekatan sistem-prosedural yang sesuai dengan karakteristik mata pelajaran IPA Terapan yang berjenjang dan berurutan dan relevan dengan standar isi kurikulum 2013. Modul yang dikembangkan melalui uji coba ahli isi, ahli desain pembelajaran, uji perorangan, uji kelompok kecil, dan uji lapangan. Seiring dengan proses uji coba dilakukan revisi terhadap modul. Hasil uji coba lapangan menunjukkan 85%( dari guru dan siswa) sehingga buku ajar berada dalam kualifikasi baik. Menurut ahli isi modul sangat baik dengan persentase kelayakan sebesar 89,7%. Berdasarkan penilaian ahli desain pembelajaran modul sangat baik dengan tingkat kelayakan sebesar 85,46%. Dari uji coba perorangan modul dinilai sangat baik dengan tingkat kelayakan 82,85%. Dari data uji coba kelompok kecil modul dinilai sangat baik dengan 81,11%. Berdasarkan uji coba lapangan yang melibatkan siswa dan guru IPA Terapan, modul dinilai sangat baik dengan persentase 85%.
My HD Media Pembelajaran pada Masa Pandemic Covid-19 Berbasis Mobile Learning
Authors: Kholisho Yosi Nur , Khairunnisa Imma Jannati , Fathoni Ahmad , Uska Muhammad Zamroni , Jamaludin Jamaludin
Published: May 2022

The application of online and offline learning certainly requires more innovation to absorb more optimally, one of which is the application of technology as a learning medium. The role of technology today in learning has a considerable influence. Based on the results of interviews with students, it was revealed that students felt bored with the learning process and with reduced offline learning time while students did not have handbooks for studying at home, so that the implementation of learning was less than optimal. Based on these problems, the design of learning media was carried out on My Hope and Dream's English subject for class XI students based on mobile learning. This research aims to develop My HD learning media, find out its feasibility, and look for user responses to My HD products. The method used in this research is Research and Development (R&D). This method is used to produce products and test the feasibility and user response to the resulting product. The data collection instrument used a questionnaire. Based on the results of the expert evaluation of the application material, it is in the Very Appropriate category for use with an average percentage of 85%. Based on media experts, it is in the Very Appropriate category for use with an average percentage of 89%. User responses were obtained from the data collection results using a questionnaire with an average percentage value of 83% in the Very High category
Cruise No. AL528
Authors: Süling Jörg
Published: May 2022

“Praktikum auf See” is a cruise planned for master students of the biological oceanography at GEOMAR-Kiel. The main purpose of the expedition is to engage students in the real ocean science and exposing them to the “research-life on the sea”. We are going to sample for different fauna and flora of the central and easterly Baltic to be able to track biodiversity changes along the salinity gradient. This year’s cruise is combined with the sampling for the Horizon 2020 Project “GoJelly” in which samples for ecological studies of gelatinous zooplankton will be taken (www.gojelly.eu).
The role of family control in determining the capital structure
Authors: Yousaf Imran , Alireza Athari Seyed , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Hassan Arshad , Ali Shoaib
Published: May 2022

This study aims to examine the effect of family control on the corporate financing decision of firms in Pakistan. This study uses the annual data of 100 non-financial firms listed at PSX for the period 2005-2012. To estimate the impact of family control on the corporate financing decision, we employ the ordinary least square (OLS) method. The findings of the univariate analysis show that a significant difference exists between family and non-family firms based on many characteristics of firms. Multivariate analysis results show that family firms maintain significantly high "total debt ratio" and "short-term debt ratio" compared to non-family firms. There are two reasons why family firms keep high debt ratios compared to non-family firms. First, family-owned firms do not want to dilute their ownership, and that is why they fulfill their major financing needs through debt instead of issuing new shares in the market. Second, family firms in Pakistan use extra cash flows for their private benefits. These findings reveal useful insights for investors, banks, regulators, and business families of Pakistan.
Preparation of Light and Moisture Stable Flexible and Rigid Asymmetrical Polystannanes
Authors: Pau Jeffrey
Published: May 2022

Theoretical calculations of polystannanes in an all trans-configuration possess a relatively small band gap (~2.8 eV). This is due to the extensive σ-σ overlap of the diffuse 5sp3 orbitals of Sn atoms in the conjugated Sn-Sn polymer backbone, which leads to a visible σ-σ* transition by UV-vis spectroscopy. The electronic properties of polystannanes suggests that these materials are candidates for semi-conducting intrinsic polymers. However, due to the weak bonding between Sn-Sn atoms and the Lewis acidic nature of Sn centers, polystannanes readily degrade with exposure to daylight and moist atmospheres. This project demonstrates clear synthetic pathways and designs to stabilize the Sn-Sn backbone. This was accomplished by incorporating functional ligands with Lewis basic heteroatoms such as oxygen or nitrogen moieties which can form a hypercoordinate interaction with the Sn center. Two major types of asymmetrical polystannane systems were investigated: 1) a flexible system where Sn centers are attached to a propyl chain containing either a bulky or small functional donor ligand and 2) a rigid system where the Sn center contain either a hypercoordinate benzyl methoxy ether (C,O) or benzyl dimethyl amine (C,N) ligand prepared using a direct approach. This thesis is broken into three different chapters. Chapter 1 and 3 include all synthetic pathways, characterization and stability testing of both flexible and rigid polystannanes. Chapter 2 describes a high molecular weight (Mw = 60 kDa) film forming, semi-crystalline (Tg = 49.3 °C and Tm = 110.1 °C) flexible asymmetrical polystannane containing a propylhydroxy ligand that displays exceptional stability to light and moisture (> 9 months). In addition, a tosyl containing polystannane that could function as a macromolecular intermediate was prepared. Substitution of model tosyl stannanes was demonstrated, and substitutions of the tosyl polystannane are ongoing.
EHEC utilizes two-component systems to modulate expression of the major flagellar subunit protein, FliC, in response to host intestinal cues
Authors: Birstonas Sarah
Published: May 2022

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is a food- and water-borne human enteric pathogen that infects human hosts. In order to colonize the host, EHEC uses many virulence factors including flagella to reach its site of colonization in the distal colon. Expression of flagella can be modulated in response to microenvironmental conditions within the host, sensed by two-component systems (TCS). We have demonstrated through immunoblot and motility assays that small intestinal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) mixes upregulate flagella expression while large intestinal mixes downregulate expression in WT EHEC. We have also shown that three specific TCSs in EHEC are necessary for establishment of the SCFA-induced WT phenotype. Our results suggest that the ArcAB and RcsBC TCSs positively modulate flagella expression in response to small intestinal-like environmental conditions, while the BarA/UvrY TCS negatively modulates flagella expression in response to large intestinal-like environmental cues.
Phosphonium Containing UV-Curable Antimicrobials for the Coating and Fabrication of Common Touch Plastics
Authors: Bedard Joseph P.
Published: May 2022

The attachment and proliferation of antibiotic resistant, biofilm-forming bacteria to oft- handled material surfaces has emerged as a growing concern, particularly in the biomedical,  healthcare and food packaging industries. The development of both biocide-releasing and tethered, immobilized biocide surface coatings has risen to meet this demand. While these surface coatings have demonstrated excellent antimicrobial efficacy, there are few examples of antimicrobial surfaces with long-term durability and efficacy. To that end, UV-curable phosphoniums bearing benzophenone anchors were synthesized with a variety of alkyl, aryl, and fluoroalkyl functional groups at phosphorus to probe their efficacy as thermally stable antimicrobial additives in plastics or as surface coatings. The surface topology and characteristics of these materials were studied to gain insight into the mechanism of antimicrobial activity of these materials. Additionally, general design principals for tailoring phosphoniums to function as both additives during injection molding processes and as UV-curable coatings are described, and evaluation against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in both applications were carried out. Crucially, polypropylene (PP) materials containing phosphonium with a perfluoroalkyl substituent maintained the ability to kill biofilm-forming bacteria even after being subject to abrasion processes, demonstrating the potential to serve as a long-term antimicrobial material.
The characterization, occurrence, and mobility of antibiotic resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, and plasmids isolated from urban wastewater treatment plants.
Authors: Brauer Mackenzie
Published: May 2022

Throughout the decades, there has been an increase in the prevalence and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within the bacterial populations found in various environments. The continual use of antibiotics has contributed to a higher state of resistance in microorganisms and is recognized as a threat to global public health. The spread of ARGs within a bacterial population is still poorly understood, although, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been recognized as ‘hotspots’ for the dissemination and proliferation of ARGs. More research is required to further our understanding of the occurrence and mobility of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), ARGs, and plasmids within densely populated microbial environments such as in WWTPs. The first objective investigated the presence of tetracycline resistant and tetracycline sensitive bacteria and characterized them based on identity, morphology, and antibiotic resistance patterns. It was found that tetracycline resistant and sensitive populations differed greatly in composition. In addition, isolates that were resistant to tetracycline were more likely to carry resistances to other antibiotics, unlike sensitive ones. The knowledge acquired from this research will shed light upon resistance patterns and routes that can occur in a complex WWTP microbial population. The second objective investigated the presence, host range, and characterization of plasmids found in both antibiotic resistant and sensitive isolates. The members belonging to the phylum Enterobacteriaceae were found to be the main carriers of plasmids. Numerous plasmids with conjugative properties, type secretion systems, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors were identified among the selected cultures. The genetic information obtained will contribute to the understanding of the role plasmids play in the mobility, host range, metabolic function, virulence, and the spread of ARGs. The last objective monitored the conjugative transfer of two novel plasmids, pNT36-3, and pNT36-4, between two environmental strains of Escherichia coli NT36 and EB-G3. Furthermore, the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics on plasmid transfer are also examined. In the presence of 1 μg/mL of carbenicillin, the plasmid transfer rate significantly increased while decreasing in the presence of other antibiotics. Understanding the environmental conditions, host requirements, and occurrence of plasmid transfer will bring about great insight in understanding gene transfer between environmental bacteria.
MANAJEMEN KINERJA PEGAWAI PADA PELAYANAN AKTA KELAHIRAN
Authors: Rohman Abd. , Tiara Vincentia Sinka , Dewiyanti Dominika
Published: May 2022

This study’s purpose was analyzing employee performance management in providing services to the community. The research method used was descriptive qualitative with technical data analysis using Miles, Huberman, and Saldana models. The results of the study indicated that employee performance management in the Birth Certificate service is carried out by producing a Birth Certificate that is in accordance with the truth of the data elements in the application file (on requirements) and the Population database. The Village Head/Village Secretary also always corrects the work of his employees before signing the file. The process of completing the Birth Certificate is also carried out very quickly so that people do not have to wait too long. The village government uses two methods, namely the manual method and online-based. This manual method is carried out if the process of issuing a Birth Certificate cannot be carried out through SIMADE. While this online-based service is carried out through SIMADE (Village Management Information System). SIMADE is an information system that can accommodate most administrative service activities at the Village office more quickly and accurately to help village officials to improve their performance in providing services
Вплив властивостей повітряного середовища на вирішення прикладних завдань знімання мовної інформації на відкритій місцевості
Authors: Azarenko Olena , Honcharenko Yulia , Divizinyuk Mykhailo , Mirnenko Volodymyr , Strilets Valeriy , Wilk-Jakubowski Jacek Lukasz
Published: May 2022

Мета роботи: на основі систематизації особливостей поширення акустичних хвиль залежно від різних станів повітряного середовища показано їх вплив на вирішення прикладних завдань знімання мовної інформації на відкритій місцевості, та запропоновано оперативний швидкий облік цих факторів у вирішенні прикладних завдань.

Дизайн/Метод/Підхід дослідження: при виконанні цієї роботи використовувалися методи аналізу властивостей хвильових процесів, методи опису акустичних полів, систематизації та узагальнення даних та знань, методи перетворення складних систем.

Результати дослідження: статті досліджено швидкості поширення звуку в атмосфері, що є головною акустичною характеристикою повітряного середовища, яка повністю залежить від параметрів цього середовища (атмосферний тиск, температура повітря, його вологість, а також наявність додаткових домішок). Вертикальний розподіл швидкості звуку в приземних шарах атмосфери повністю визначає поширення акустичних хвиль і їх викривлення – рефрагування. Розглянуто поняття фактора аномалії повітряного середовища та його обліку при вирішенні прикладних завдань знімання мовної інформації.

Теоретична цінність дослідження: полягає в тому, що складні розрахунки фактора аномалії повітряного середовища для отримання очікуваної дальності виявлення акустичних сигналів може визначатися як добуток значення енергетичної дальності виявлення на значення коефіцієнта впливу середовища в приземних шарах атмосфери.

Тип статті: науково-практична.
Effect of Fabrication Conditions on the Performance of Porous Polyviny- lidene Fluoride (PVDF) Piezoelectric Sensors under Compression
Authors: Tucker Jared A. , Danley Matthew J. , Kloster Jack T. , Zhao Ping , Lai Victor K.
Published: May 2022

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) is a piezoelectric polymer that has many different applications and uses. Two measurable characteristics of PVDF films are the conformation of the polymer chain and the piezoelectric output. There has been little investigation on how different abrication factors can influence both characteristics. The goal of this study is to determine how different factors can have an effect on the chain conformation and the piezoelectric output of porous PVDF films. To fabricate the PVDF films, PVDF powder was dissolved in 2-butanone and 40 wt% of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were added to the solution. Once the film was dried, the ZnO nanoparticles were dissolved using 10M hydrochloric acid to leave a mesoporous PVDF film. The fabrication factors studied were (1) the total sample weight of PVDF and ZnO, (2) the amount of 2-butanone solvent, and (3) the % solvent removed in the oven before air-drying. To determine the effect of the fabrication factors, the films were characterized mechanically via an instantaneous compressive load using a tensile tester and measuring the peak voltage generated, and structurally using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to estimate the fraction of electroactive chain conformation. It was determined that the total amount of PVDF had a significant effect on the piezoelectric voltage output from the compression tests, while the amount of solvent affected the relative amounts of the different crystalline phases. Interestingly, normalizing the voltage output per PVDF mass shows diminishing returns in voltage generated with increasing amount of PVDF. Unexpectedly, no direct correlation between amount of electroactive chain conformation and the piezoelectric output was observed, which suggests other confounding factors (e.g., pore size distribution, PVDF network architecture) that may influence the piezoelectric voltage output.
Engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum as the Platform for the Production of Aromatic Aldehydes
Authors: Kim Hyun-Song , Choi Jung-A , Kim Bu-Yeon , Ferrer Lenny , Choi Jung-Min , Wendisch Volker F. , Lee Jin-Ho
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
A Comprehensive Database for DNA Adductomics
Authors: La Barbera Giorgia , Nommesen Katrine Dalmo , Cuparencu Catalina , Stanstrup Jan , Dragsted Lars Ove
Published: May 2022

The exposure of human DNA to genotoxic compounds induces the formation of covalent DNA adducts, which may contribute to the initiation of carcinogenesis. Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is a powerful tool for DNA adductomics, a new research field aiming at screening known and unknown DNA adducts in biological samples. The lack of databases and bioinformatics tool in this field limits the applicability of DNA adductomics. Establishing a comprehensive database will make the identification process faster and more efficient and will provide new insight into the occurrence of DNA modification from a wide range of genotoxicants. In this paper, we present a four-step approach used to compile and curate a database for the annotation of DNA adducts in biological samples. The first step included a literature search, selecting only DNA adducts that were unequivocally identified by either comparison with reference standards or with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and tentatively identified by tandem HRMS/MS. The second step consisted in harmonizing structures, molecular formulas, and names, for building a systematic database of 279 DNA adducts. The source, the study design and the technique used for DNA adduct identification were reported. The third step consisted in implementing the database with 303 new potential DNA adducts coming from different combinations of genotoxicants with nucleobases, and reporting monoisotopic masses, chemical formulas, .cdxml files, .mol files, SMILES, InChI, InChIKey and IUPAC nomenclature. In the fourth step, a preliminary spectral library was built by acquiring experimental MS/MS spectra of 15 reference standards, generating in silico MS/MS fragments for all the adducts, and reporting both experimental and predicted fragments into interactive web datatables. The database, including 582 entries, is publicly available (https://gitlab.com/nexs-metabolomics/projects/dna_adductomics_database). This database is a powerful tool for the annotation of DNA adducts measured in (HR)MS. The inclusion of metadata indicating the source of DNA adducts, the study design and technique used, allows for prioritization of the DNA adducts of interests and/or to enhance the annotation confidence. DNA adducts identification can be further improved by integrating the present database with the generation of authentic MS/MS spectra, and with user-friendly bioinformatics tools.
Whole Genome Sequencing Identifies Novel Mutations Associated With Bedaquiline Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Guo Qinglong , Bi Jing , Lin Qiao , Ye Taosheng , Wang Zhongyuan , Wang Zhaoqin , Liu Lei , Zhang Guoliang
Published: May 2022

Bedaquiline (BDQ), a new antitubercular agent, has been used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Although mutations in atpE, rv0678, and pepQ confer major resistance to BDQ, the mechanisms of resistance to BDQ in vitro and in clinical settings have not been fully elucidated. We selected BDQ-resistant mutants from 7H10 agar plates containing 0.5 mg/L BDQ (the critical concentration) and identified mutations associated with BDQ resistance through whole genome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. A total of 1,025 mutants were resistant to BDQ. We randomly selected 168 mutants for further analysis and discovered that 157/168 BDQ-resistant mutants harbored mutations in rv0678, which encodes a transcriptional regulator that represses the expression of the efflux pump, MmpS5–MmpL5. Moreover, we found two mutations with high frequency in rv0678 at nucleotide positions 286–287 (CG286–287 insertion; accounting for 26.8% [45/168]) and 198–199 (G198, G199 insertion, and G198 deletion; accounting for 14.3% [24/168]). The other mutations were dispersed covering the entire rv0678 gene. Moreover, we found that one new gene, glpK, harbors a G572 insertion; this mutation has a high prevalence (85.7%; 144/168) in the isolated mutants, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay demonstrated that it is closely associated with BDQ resistance. In summary, we characterized 168/1,025 mutants resistant to BDQ and found that mutations in rv0678 confer the primary mechanism of BDQ resistance. Moreover, we identified a new gene (glpK) involved in BDQ resistance. Our study offers new insights and valuable information that will contribute to rapid identification of BDQ-resistant isolates in clinical settings.
The Microbiota and It’s Correlation With Metabolites in the Gut of Mice With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Gu Congwei , Zhou Zihan , Yu Zehui , He Manli , He Lvqin , Luo Zhengzhong , Xiao Wudian , Yang Qian , Zhao Fangfang , Li Weiyao , Shen Liuhong , Han Jianhong , Cao Suizhong , Zuo Zhicai , Deng Junliang , Yan Qigui , Ren Zhihua , Zhao Mingde , Yu Shumin
Published: May 2022

In recent years, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease in the world. As an important model animal, the characteristics of gut microbiota alteration in mice with NAFLD have been studied but the changes in metabolite abundance in NAFLD mice and how the gut microbiota affects these intestinal metabolites remain unclear. In this experiment, a mouse model for NAFLD was established by a high-fat diet. The use of 16S rDNA technology showed that while there were no significant changes in the alpha diversity in the cecum of NAFLD mice, the beta diversity changed significantly. The abundance of Blautia, Unidentified-Lachnospiraceae, Romboutsia, Faecalibaculum, and Ileibacterium increased significantly in NAFLD mice, while Allobaculum and Enterorhabdus decreased significantly. Amino acids, lipids, bile acids and nucleotide metabolites were among the 167 significantly different metabolites selected. The metabolic pathways of amino acids, SFAs, and bile acids were significantly enhanced, while the metabolic pathways of PUFAs, vitamins, and nucleotides were significantly inhibited. Through correlation and MIMOSA2 analysis, it is suggested that gut microbiota does not affect the changes of lipids and bile acids but can reduce thiamine, pyridoxine, and promote L-phenylalanine and tyramine production. The findings of this study will help us to better understand the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolites in NAFLD.
Sporotrichosis Caused by Non-Wild Type Sporothrix brasiliensis Strains
Authors: Bernardes-Engemann Andréa Reis , Tomki Gabriela Ferreira , Rabello Vanessa Brito de Souza , Almeida-Silva Fernando , Freitas Dayvison Francis Saraiva , Gutierrez-Galhardo Maria Clara , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria
Published: May 2022

The zoonotic transmission of sporotrichosis due to Sporothrix brasiliensis occurs largely in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil since the 1990´s. Most patients infected with S. brasiliensis respond well to itraconazole or terbinafine. However, a few patients have a slow response or do not respond to the treatment and develop a chronic infection. The aim of this study was to analyze strains of S. brasiliensis against five different drugs to determine minimal inhibitory concentration distributions, to identify non-wild type strains to any drug evaluated and the clinical aspects of infections caused by them. This study evaluated 100 Sporothrix spp. strains obtained from 1999 to 2018 from the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fiocruz, which were identified through a polymerase chain reaction using specific primers for species identification. Two-fold serial dilutions of stock solutions of amphotericin B, itraconazole, posaconazole, ketoconazole and terbinafine prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide were performed to obtain working concentrations of antifungal drugs ranging from 0.015 to 8.0 mg/L. The broth microdilution reference method was performed according the M38-A2 CLSI guideline. All strains were identified as S. brasiliensis and thirteen were classified as non-wild type, two of them against different drugs. Non-wild type strains were identified throughout the entire study period. Patients infected by non-wild type strains presented prolonged treatment times, needed increased antifungal doses than those described in the literature and one of them presented a permanent sequel. In addition, three of them, with immunosuppression, died from sporotrichosis. Despite the broad use of antifungal drugs in hyperendemic areas of sporotrichosis, an emergence of non-wild type strains did not occur. The results of in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests should guide sporotrichosis therapy, especially in immunosuppressed patients.
Signaling in 360° Desktop Virtual Reality Influences Learning Outcome and Cognitive Load
Authors: Albus Patrick , Seufert Tina
Published: May 2022

Learning with desktop virtual reality learning environments (DVR) can be highly visual and present many visual stimuli simultaneously. This can be distracting and require instructional support to help learners in their learning processes. The signaling principle could be a promising approach to support these processes, as signals can guide learners’ attention to the relevant information (Mayer, 2005). The present study investigated the effects of signals in a 360° DVR on learning outcomes and cognitive load. In our between-subjects design, we examined a total of N = 96 participants who were randomly assigned to the signaling or non-signaling group. We hypothesized that the signaling group would achieve higher recall, comprehension, and transfer performance than the non-signaling group. We also expected that the signaling group would experience less extraneous cognitive load and higher germane cognitive load than the non-signaling group. The results show that learners who received signals in a DVR achieved significantly higher recall and comprehension scores than learners who did not receive signals. Transfer performance did not differ between groups. Participants in the signals group also experienced significantly lower extraneous cognitive load than participants in the non-signaling group. However, no differences in germane cognitive load were found between groups. These results suggest that learners in a DVR can be supported by signals in their learning processes while simultaneously helping to reduce unnecessary cognitive load.
Recovery of Lithium Ions From Salt Lakes Using Nanofibers Containing Zeolite Carriers
Authors: Ding Tao , Zheng Mianping , Peng Suping , Nie Zhen , Lin Yuhan , Wu Qian
Published: May 2022

Lithium is a key strategic metal in the 21st century and an important raw material in the new energy sector. With rapid growth of the market demand for lithium, the high-efficient extraction of lithium resources is of important economic significance. Taking zeolite as the carrier and using chemical grafting and electrospinning technologies, a kind of nanofiber containing crown ether (CE) was synthesized to adsorb Li(I) from the salt lake brine. This realizes the selective adsorption of Li(I) while retaining specific vacancies of epoxy groups in CE. The adsorption mechanism of nanofibers containing zeolite carriers and CE for Li(I) was revealed by the use of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and density functional theory (DFT). The results show that after dsp3 hybridization of the outer orbit (2s) of Li(I), outer electrons on the nanofibers containing zeolite carriers and CE mainly migrate to the orbit for coordination with Li(I) thereat, thus realizing the capture of Li(I). The novel adsorbing material can reach adsorption equilibrium within 2.5 h and the adsorption kinetics for Li(I) conforms to the pseudo-second-order model and a maximum adsorption capacity of 8.6 mg/g. It can be found that the correlation coefficient fitted by Langmuir adsorption isotherm model is closer to 1, and the calculated maximum adsorption capacity is closer to the adsorption capacity obtained experimentally, therefore, it can be concluded that the adsorption process is more consistent with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, and the adsorption process can be regarded as monolayer adsorption. The adsorption capacity remains at 7.8 mg/g after 5 adsorption–desorption cycles, showing favorable stability and a strong ability to be regenerated. The research provides insights into the adsorption and recovery of Li(I) from the salt lake brine.
Bottom-Up Control of the Groundwater Microbial Food-Web in an Alpine Aquifer
Authors: Karwautz Clemens , Zhou Yuxiang , Kerros Marie-Emanuelle , Weinbauer Markus G. , Griebler Christian
Published: May 2022

Groundwater ecosystems are typically poor in organic carbon and productivity sustaining a low standing stock of microbial biomass. In consequence, microbial food webs in oligotrophic groundwater are hypothesized to be bottom-up controlled. To date, quantitative information on groundwater microbial communities, food web interactions, and carbon flow is relatively lacking in comparison to that of surface waters. Studying a shallow, porous alpine aquifer we collected data on the numbers of prokaryotes, virus-like particles and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNFs), the concentration of dissolved (DOC) and assimilable organic carbon (AOC), bacterial carbon production (BCP), and physical-chemical conditions for a 1 year hydrological cycle. The potential effects of protozoan grazing and viral lysis onto the prokaryotic biomass was tested. Flow of organic carbon through the microbial food web was estimated based on data from the literature. The abundance of prokaryotes in groundwater was low with 6.1 ± 6.9 × 104 cells mL–1, seasonally influenced by the hydrological dynamics, with higher densities coinciding with a lower groundwater table. Overall, the variability in cell numbers was moderate, and so it was for HNFs (179 ± 103 HNFs mL–1) and virus-like particles (9.6 ± 5.7 × 105 VLPs mL–1). The virus to prokaryotes and prokaryote to HNF ratios ranged between 2–230 and 33–2,084, respectively. We found no evidence for a viral control of prokaryotic biomass, and the biomass of HNFs being bottom-up controlled. First estimations point at carbon use efficiencies of 0.2–4.2% with prokaryotic production, and carbon consumed and recycled by HNFs and phages to be of minor importance. This first groundwater microbial food web analysis strongly hints at a bottom-up control on productivity and standing stock in oligotrophic groundwater ecosystems. However, direct measurement of protozoan grazing and phage mediated lysis rates of prokaryotic cells are urgently needed to deepen our mechanistic understanding. The effect of microbial diversity on the population dynamics still needs to be addressed.
Faunal Assemblages From Lower Bed I (Oldupai Gorge, Tanzania)
Authors: Akuku Pamela , Saladié Palmira , Mohamed Abdallah , Mwambwiga Aloyce , Bushozi Pastory , Mercader Julio
Published: May 2022

Palaeobiological and archeological excavations at the site of Ewass Oldupa, found in the western Plio-Pleistocene rift basin of Oldupai Gorge (also Olduvai Gorge), Tanzania, revealed rich fossiliferous levels and the earliest remains of human activity at Oldupai Gorge, dated to 2 million years ago. This paper provides zooarchaeological taxonomic, taphonomic, and behavioral analyses, applying several methods to explore the setting in which the assemblage was formed. We identified agency behind bone surface modifications, such as cut, tooth and percussion marks, and determined the frequency of carnivore tooth marks as well as their distribution on both discrete specimens and across species. In addition, our work revealed co-occurrence of modifications to include butchering marks and carnivore tooth marks. Ravaging levels were estimated as percentage. The faunal accumulation from Ewass Oldupa contains two cut marked specimens, together with low degrees of percussion and carnivore tooth marks, moderate ravaging, and diagenetic changes suggestive of water flow. Thus, multiple lines of evidence indicate a palimpsest accumulation. Taxonomic diversity is high, with up to 22 taxa representing diverse habitats, ranging from open grassland to wooded bushlands, as well as moist mosaics during Bed I. Overall, this archaeo-faunal assemblage speaks to increased behavioral versatility among Oldowan hominins and interactions with the carnivore guild.
Chromosome-Level Haplotype Assembly for Equus asinu
Authors: Miao Xinyao , Yu Yonghan , Zhao Zicheng , Wang Yinan , Qian Xiaobo , Wang Yonghui , Li Shengbin , Wang Changfa
Published: May 2022

Background: Haplotype provides significant insights into understanding genomes at both individual and population levels. However, research on many non-model organisms is still based on independent genetic variations due to the lack of haplotype.

Results: We conducted haplotype assembling for Equus asinu, a non-model organism that plays a vital role in human civilization. We described the hybrid single individual assembled haplotype of the Dezhou donkey based on the high-depth sequencing data from single-molecule real-time sequencing (×30), Illumina short-read sequencing (×211), and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (×56). We assembled a near-complete haplotype for the high-depth sequenced Dezhou donkey individual and a phased cohort for the resequencing data of the donkey population.

Conclusion: Here, we described the complete chromosome-scale haplotype of the Dezhou donkey with more than a 99.7% phase rate. We further phased a cohort of 156 donkeys to form a donkey haplotype dataset with more than 39 million genetic variations.
SLC6A8 is a Potential Biomarker for Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Yongfei , Zhou Yong , Lou Ming , Gao Zhaojia , Li Xinwei , Yuan Kai
Published: May 2022

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that creatine can promote tumor metastasis and has implications for immune cell function. SLC6A8 encodes a membrane protein that can transport creatine inside and outside the cell. However, there are currently no studies of SLC6A8 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods: In this study, the expression of SLC6A8 in LUAD was analyzed using the Oncomine database, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and immunohistochemical staining analysis. Survival analysis of patients with LUAD was performed using the cBioPortal and the Kaplan-Meier Plotter websites and clinical follow-up data. An analysis of the association between SLC6A8 and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of LUAD was performed through the TISIDB database and estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumor tissues using expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm. Then, based on the curated list of SLC6A8-related immunomodulators, three genes (NT5E, CD40LG, CD80) were selected to construct SLC6A8-related immune signatures to further evaluate the immune aspect of LUAD prognosis.

Results: Our studies indicated that SLC6A8 was overexpressed in LUAD, and the high expression of SLC6A8 was associated with poor survival. Genetic alteration of SLC6A8 was also associated with a poorer prognosis. Furthermore, multivariate Cox analysis indicated that SLC6A8 could be used as an independent risk prognostic factor. Then, immune infiltration analysis indicated that SLC6A8 was also strongly associated with poor prognosis in the TIME of LUAD. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was then constructed, and was shown effective at identifying high-risk patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis showed that the risk scoring of the model was an independent prognostic risk factor in LUAD.

Conclusion:SLC6A8 may serve as a biomarker for poor prognosis in LUAD.