Faculty Research

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(Re)Considering Online Organizations: Communicating and Organizing via New Technology for High Reliability
(2024) Howe, William T. (TTU); Nwoko, Onyinyechi Beatrice
Tom MacDonald’s success in the music industry can provide valuable insights for leaders and founders, particularly in the context of high-reliability organization (HRO) theory—MacDonald’s approach to music challenges conventional wisdom and societal norms, promoting open communication and adaptability. HROs should prioritize open channels, invest in training, and support continuous learning. Clear communication is crucial for employees to understand the organization’s roles, responsibilities, and goals, facilitating collaboration and problem-solving. It also helps manage change and prevents crises. Investing in communication skills and practices is essential for driving organizational success and resilience in today’s fast-paced business environment.
tobac v1.5: introducing fast 3D tracking, splits and mergers, and other enhancements for identifying and analysing meteorological phenomena
(2024) Sokolowsky, G. Alexander; Freeman, Sean W.; Jones, William K.; Kukulies, Julia; Senf, Fabian; Marinescu, Peter J.; Heikenfeld, Max; Brunner, Kelcy N. (TTU); Bruning, Eric C. (TTU); Collis, Scott M.; Jackson, Robert C.; Leung, Gabrielle R.; Pfeifer, Nils; Raut, Bhupendra A.; Saleeby, Stephen M.; Stier, Philip; Van Den Heever, Susan C.
There is a continuously increasing need for reliable feature detection and tracking tools based on objective analysis principles for use with meteorological data. Many tools have been developed over the previous 2 decades that attempt to address this need but most have limitations on the type of data they can be used with, feature computational and/or memory expenses that make them unwieldy with larger datasets, or require some form of data reduction prior to use that limits the tool's utility. The Tracking and Object-Based Analysis of Clouds (tobac) Python package is a modular, open-source tool that improves on the overall generality and utility of past tools. A number of scientific improvements (three spatial dimensions, splits and mergers of features, an internal spectral filtering tool) and procedural enhancements (increased computational efficiency, internal regridding of data, and treatments for periodic boundary conditions) have been included in tobac as a part of the tobac v1.5 update. These improvements have made tobac one of the most robust, powerful, and flexible identification and tracking tools in our field to date and expand its potential use in other fields. Future plans for tobac v2 are also discussed.
Security Anomaly Detection in Enterprise GitHub
(2024) Jordan, Adam (TTU); Chen, Yong (TTU)
Enterprises that build software on a large scale have complexities that are unique, where the software delivery community may scale to numbers that are difficult to oversee, either from a software engineering or security perspective. The ability to detect anomalies in Enterprise GitHub can open a new opportunity to gather insights on misuse, risky behaviors, and suspicious behaviors in software engineering services. An effective method to detect anomalies in a large enterprise is developed and a foundational step in maturing methods to improve software engineering practices and security at scale. This method utilizes machine learning and security indicators in audit logs to effectively identify anomalies at scale.
Calculations for preemptive surface adsorbate drive-off to minimize plasma formation during operation of high-power microwave sources
(2024) Pokhrel, Y. M.; Shrestha, S. C.; Iqbal, Y. (TTU); Portillo, S.; Joshi, R. P.
Thermal driven desorption of surface impurities is probed based on coupled Monte Carlo-heat flow-molecular dynamics simulations. Such adsorbates can lead to plasma formation during the operation of high-power microwave systems with various negative outcomes and so need to be curtailed. Our study attempts to obtain temperature thresholds for desorbing different surface contaminants such as C2, O2, CO, and CO2. The results show that carbon-based adsorbates on copper (chosen as an example anode material) could be ejected at a relatively modest surface temperature of 650 K. On the other hand, reactive species such as oxygen are very stable due to their large cohesive energies. Our calculations further suggest the benefit of using a platinum coating layer, as the noble metal is robust with strong resistance to oxidation.
Hydro-pedotransfer functions: A roadmap for future development
(2024) Weber, Tobias Karl David; Weihermüller, Lutz; Nemes, Attila; Bechtold, Michel; Degré, Aurore; Diamantopoulos, Efstathios; Fatichi, Simone; Filipović, Vilim; Gupta, Surya; Hohenbrink, Tobias L.; Hirmas, Daniel R. (TTU); Jackisch, Conrad; De Jong Van Lier, Quirijn; Koestel, John; Lehmann, Peter; Marthews, Toby R.; Minasny, Budiman; Pagel, Holger; Van Der Ploeg, Martine; Shojaeezadeh, Shahab Aldin; Svane, Simon Fiil; Szabó, Brigitta; Vereecken, Harry; Verhoef, Anne; Young, Michael; Zeng, Yijian; Zhang, Yonggen; Bonetti, Sara
Hydro-pedotransfer functions (PTFs) relate easy-to-measure and readily available soil information to soil hydraulic properties (SHPs) for applications in a wide range of process-based and empirical models, thereby enabling the assessment of soil hydraulic effects on hydrological, biogeochemical, and ecological processes. At least more than 4 decades of research have been invested to derive such relationships. However, while models, methods, data storage capacity, and computational efficiency have advanced, there are fundamental concerns related to the scope and adequacy of current PTFs, particularly when applied to parameterise models used at the field scale and beyond. Most of the PTF development process has focused on refining and advancing the regression methods, while fundamental aspects have remained largely unconsidered. Most soil systems are not represented in PTFs, which have been built mostly for agricultural soils in temperate climates. Thus, existing PTFs largely ignore how parent material, vegetation, land use, and climate affect processes that shape SHPs. The PTFs used to parameterise the Richards-Richardson equation are mostly limited to predicting parameters of the van Genuchten-Mualem soil hydraulic functions, despite sufficient evidence demonstrating their shortcomings. Another fundamental issue relates to the diverging scales of derivation and application, whereby PTFs are derived based on laboratory measurements while often being applied at the field to regional scales. Scaling, modulation, and constraining strategies exist to alleviate some of these shortcomings in the mismatch between scales. These aspects are addressed here in a joint effort by the members of the International Soil Modelling Consortium (ISMC) Pedotransfer Functions Working Group with the aim of systematising PTF research and providing a roadmap guiding both PTF development and use. We close with a 10-point catalogue for funders and researchers to guide review processes and research.
Statistical characterization of high voltage vacuum surface flashover with gapped and ungapped anodes
(2024) Mounho, M. (TTU); Fuksa, C. (TTU); Clark, R. (TTU); Brooks, W. (TTU); Hopkins, M. (TTU); Steiner, A.; Neuber, A. (TTU); Stephens, J. (TTU)
This manuscript reports the experimental study of a novel vacuum high-voltage (HV) feedthrough geometry with a recessed anode triple junction (ATJ) relevant to large-scale pulsed power systems. It is shown experimentally that introducing a vacuum gap between the insulator-anode interface and recessing the ATJ farther away from the cathode triple junction significantly enhances high voltage (HV) vacuum surface flashover hold-off. The results for “first pulse” and “consecutive pulse” tests are reported. The physical mechanisms contributing to the electrical failure of this feedthrough geometry appear to be unique to this geometry. These findings show the potential to allow for HV vacuum surface flashover geometries with significantly improved electrical characteristics.
International consensus on fasting terminology
(2024) Koppold, Daniela A.; Breinlinger, Carolin; Hanslian, Etienne; Kessler, Christian; Cramer, Holger; Khokhar, Anika Rajput; Peterson, Courtney M.; Tinsley, Grant (TTU); Vernieri, Claudio; Bloomer, Richard J.; Boschmann, Michael; Bragazzi, Nicola L.; Brandhorst, Sebastian; Gabel, Kelsey; Goldhamer, Alan C.; Grajower, Martin M.; Harvie, Michelle; Heilbronn, Leonie; Horne, Benjamin D.; Karras, Spyridon N.; Langhorst, Jost; Lischka, Eva; Madeo, Frank; Mitchell, Sarah J.; Papagiannopoulos-Vatopaidinos, Ioannis Eleemon; Papagiannopoulou, Maria; Pijl, Hanno; Ravussin, Eric; Ritzmann-Widderich, Martha; Varady, Krista; Adamidou, Lilian; Chihaoui, Melika; de Cabo, Rafael; Hassanein, Mohamed; Lessan, Nader; Longo, Valter; Manoogian, Emily N.C.; Mattson, Mark P.; Muhlestein, J. Brent; Panda, Satchidananda; Papadopoulou, Sousana K.; Rodopaios, Nikolaos E.; Stange, Rainer; Michalsen, Andreas
Although fasting is increasingly applied for disease prevention and treatment, consensus on terminology is lacking. Using Delphi methodology, an international, multidisciplinary panel of researchers and clinicians standardized definitions of various fasting approaches in humans. Five online surveys and a live online conference were conducted with 38 experts, 25 of whom completed all 5 surveys. Consensus was achieved for the following terms: “fasting” (voluntary abstinence from some or all foods or foods and beverages), “modified fasting” (restriction of energy intake to max. 25% of energy needs), “fluid-only fasting,” “alternate-day fasting,” “short-term fasting” (lasting 2–3 days), “prolonged fasting” (≥4 consecutive days), and “religious fasting.” “Intermittent fasting” (repetitive fasting periods lasting ≤48 h), “time-restricted eating,” and “fasting-mimicking diet” were discussed most. This study provides expert recommendations on fasting terminology for future research and clinical applications, facilitating communication and cross-referencing in the field.
Enhancing cellulose acetate film with green plasticizers for improved performance, biodegradability, and migration study into a food simulant
(2024) Bouftou, Abderrahim; Aghmih, Kaoutar; Lakhdar, Fatima; Abidi, Noureddine (TTU); Gmouh, Said; Majid, Sanaa
Cellulose acetate (CA) is a synthetic compound obtained by acetylation of cellulose. It is widely used for various applications, including food packaging films. However, CA is very rigid due to the β-D-glycose ring in its main chain, and the presence of many hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups, which limits the extent of its application. Therefore, plasticizers are generally used to provide flexibility particularly when used for packaging. The migration of plasticizers from packaging materials to packaged food can pose a risk to human health, particularly when the plasticizers present some levels of toxicity. The objective of this research is to compare the effect of widely used plasticizers glycerol, tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and rosemary essential oil on the properties of cellulose acetate films for food packaging. Cellulose acetate films were prepared via solvent casting method followed by plasticizing. The films prepared were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and others analysis. The results show that rosemary essential oil has the lowest migration rate to food simulants. Rosemary can play dual roles, a plasticizer by improving mechanical properties and an active agent (antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV protector, and promotor of biodegradability). The results show the potential of rosemary essential oil as an additive for application in food packaging.
An evaluation of potential inbreeding depression in wild Mexican wolves
(2024) Clement, Matthew J.; Oakleaf, John K.; Heffelfinger, James R.; Gardner, Colby; deVos, Jim; Rubin, Esther S.; Greenleaf, Allison R.; Dilgard, Bailey; Gipson, Philip S. (TTU)
Estimates of the influence of inbreeding on the fitness of wild animals can guide genetic conservation in rare species. Conservation genetics is important in Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) because the current population descended from 7 founders and mean inbreeding is relatively high. As an endangered subspecies, Mexican wolves are actively managed using select conflict avoidance measures and by placing captive-born foster pups into wild litters. We obtained data on inbreeding coefficients of wolf pups and adults based on a pedigree dating to 1957 and data on reproduction for wild wolf packs during 1998–2022. We estimated trends in inbreeding coefficients and the associations between dam, sire, and pup inbreeding coefficients and pup recruitment to age 9 months, and assessed 3 components of recruitment: probability of producing a litter, number of pups produced, and recruitment conditional on successful reproduction. We generated estimates using generalized linear mixed models and bootstrapped estimates of confidence intervals. Mean inbreeding coefficients were high (0.227, SD = 0.047) in the wild population, but we detected no significant evidence of an increase during 2010–2022. Overall, the net associations of dam, sire, and pup inbreeding coefficients with our primary fitness metric, pup recruitment to age 9 months, did not differ from zero. While high inbreeding coefficients are a concern for the long-term recovery of the subspecies, the stable level of inbreeding, lack of evidence for inbreeding depression, high pup production (5.1 pups/litter, SD = 1.64), and rapid population growth (384% increase from 2010–2022) indicate that inbreeding has not prevented rapid progress towards recovery goals under current management practices.
Opportunities and challenges of smart technology for small independent fashion retailers: a reflexive thematic analysis using the technology-organization-environment framework
(2024) Chang, Hyo Jung (TTU); Bruess, Francine (TTU); Chong, Jo Woon
Smart technology has become an increasingly prominent feature in the fashion apparel industry. However, small retailers still face challenges while trying to adopt such innovative smart technologies to increase consumer interaction and sales. By applying the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework, the aim of this study is to understand small independent fashion retail owners’ and employees’ thoughts on innovative retail technologies and their reactions to the currently available new technology. A qualitative research method of in-depth interviews with 11 participants working in fashion companies was used. The themes that emerged in this study represent criteria to be met prior to adopting new technology for small fashion retailers, including transparency, consistency, and integration of technology. While there were concerns regarding the cost and timing of adopting smart technology, they all expressed unanimous agreement that these advancements would become the next major trend in fashion retail, enhancing consumer connectivity. In particular, the smart technology they plan to adopt must possess the capability for reciprocity between consumers and the company. This will motivate a resurgence of innovative technologies in the less advanced fragment of small independent fashion retailers. Future research can focus on analyzing how the implementation of new smart technologies affects these types of businesses and their customer satisfaction.
Assessment of mental well-being and its socio-economic determinants among older adults in the Rohingya refugee camp of Bangladesh
(2024) Anwar, Afsana; Akter, Nahida; Yadav, Uday Narayan; Ghimire, Saruna; Bhattacharjee, Shovon; Eusufzai, Sumaiya Zabin; Mahumud, Rashidul Alam; Ali, A. R.M.Mehrab; Huda, Md Nazmul; Majumder, Md Saiful Islam; Zahid, Arnob; Mondal, Probal Kumar; Rizwan, Abu Ansar Md (TTU); Shuvo, Suvasish Das; Rosenbaum, Simon; Mistry, Sabuj Kanti
Older adults residing in refugee settlements with unhealthy living environments, inadequate access to health care services, and limited psychosocial support are vulnerable to experience mental health problems jeopardizing their mental well-being. The present study aims to explore the mental well-being status and its socio-economic determinants among the older adults living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥ 60 residing in five sub-camps within the Rohingya refugee camp of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted between November and December 2021. The 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to assess mental well-being. A cumulated score was derived using the scale ranging from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mental well-being. A generalized linear regression model was used to examine the socio-economic factors associated with the mental well-being of older adults. A total of 864 older adults participated in the study having a mean mental well-being score of 45.4. Regression analysis revealed that the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly lower among participants aged 70–79 years (β: − 1.661; 95% CI: − 2.750 to − 0.572; p = 0.003), aged ≥ 80 years (β: − 3.198; 95% CI: − 5.114 to − 1.282; p = 0.001), and those with any non-communicable chronic conditions (β: − 2.903; 95% CI: − 3.833 to − 1.974; p < 0.001) when compared to their counterparts. Conversely, the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly higher among individuals with formal schooling (β: 3.370, 95% CI: 1.855 to 4.886, p < 0.001) and those having additional income besides aid (β: 1.629; 95% CI: 0.642 to 2.615; p = 0.001), compared to their respective counterparts. Our findings highlight the need to provide psychosocial assistance to older individuals, particularly those who live in large families, suffer from chronic diseases, and live in socio-economic deprivation.
Recombination rate variation shapes genomic variability of phylogeographic structure in a widespread North American songbird (Aves: Certhia americana)
(2024) Manthey, Joseph D. (TTU); Spellman, Garth M.
The nonrandom distribution of chromosomal characteristics and functional elements—genomic architecture—impacts the relative strengths and impacts of population genetic processes across the genome. Due to this relationship, genomic architecture has the potential to shape variation in population genetic structure across the genome. Population genetic structure has been shown to vary across the genome in a variety of taxa, but this body of work has largely focused on pairwise population genomic comparisons between closely related taxa. Here, we used whole genome sequencing of seven phylogeographically structured populations of a North American songbird, the Brown Creeper (Certhia americana), to determine the impacts of genomic architecture on phylogeographic structure variation across the genome. Using multiple methods to infer phylogeographic structure—ordination, clustering, and phylogenetic methods—we found that recombination rate variation explained a large proportion of phylogeographic structure variation. Genomic regions with low recombination showed phylogeographic structure consistent with the genome-wide pattern. In regions with high recombination, we found strong phylogeographic structure, but with discordant patterns relative to the genome-wide pattern. In regions with high recombination rate, we found that populations with small effective population sizes evolve relatively more rapidly than larger populations, leading to discordant signatures of phylogeographic structure. These results suggest that the interplay between recombination rate variation and effective population sizes shape the relative impacts of selection and genetic drift in different parts of the genome. Overall, the combined interactions of population genetic processes, genomic architecture, and effective population sizes shape patterns of variability in phylogeographic structure across the genome of the Brown Creeper.
Repurposing cottonseed meal as dye biosorbent
(2024) Zhang, Zhen (TTU); Rahman, Faisal (TTU); Rumi, Shaida Sultana (TTU); Turner, Christopher (TTU); Abidi, Noureddine (TTU)
We successfully repurposed cottonseed meal (CSM) into alginate composite hydrogel beads for dye adsorption via a simple and efficient method. The beads entrapped CSM with up to 80 wt%. Effect of CSM on the physiochemical properties of composite hydrogel beads including swelling behaviors, chemical structures, thermal stability, and methylene blue (MB) adsorption capacity, was investigated. Compared to alginate gel beads, the alginate/CSM composite system exhibited a drastic increase in thermal stability and a synergistic effect in dye adsorption capacity, where the dye adsorption capacity was well maintained, despite the inherently lower capacity when used alone. Such synergistic effect appeared to be linked to the reduced size of CSM particles within the gel network, while dye adsorption mechanism was attributed to the electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding between the biosorbents and dye. Our current study offers a feasible and cost-effective approach for upcycling CSM as biosorbent for dye decontamination.
Bioinformatics proficiency among African students
(2024) Akintola, Ashraf Akintayo; Aborode, Abdullahi Tunde; Hamza, Muhammed Taofiq; Amakiri, Augustine; Moore, Benjamin; Abdulai, Suliat; Iyiola, Oluyinka Ajibola; Sulaimon, Lateef Adegboyega; Effiong, Effiong; Ogunyemi, Adedeji (TTU); Dosunmu, Boluwatife; Maigoro, Abdulkadir Yusif; Lawal, Opeyemi; Raheem, Kayode; Hwang, Ui Wook
Bioinformatics, the interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, and data analysis, plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of life sciences. In the African context, where the diversity of biological resources and healthcare challenges is substantial, fostering bioinformatics literacy and proficiency among students is important. This perspective provides an overview of the state of bioinformatics literacy among African students, highlighting the significance, challenges, and potential solutions in addressing this critical educational gap. It proposes various strategies to enhance bioinformatics literacy among African students. These include expanding educational resources, fostering collaboration between institutions, and engaging students in research projects. By addressing the current challenges and implementing comprehensive strategies, African students can harness the power of bioinformatics to contribute to innovative solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation, ultimately advancing the continent’s scientific capabilities and improving the quality of life for her people. In conclusion, promoting bioinformatics literacy among African students is imperative for the continent’s scientific development and advancing frontiers of biological research.
Genomic incongruence accompanies the evolution of flower symmetry in Eudicots: a case study in the poppy family (Papaveraceae, Ranunculales)
(2024) Pokorny, Lisa; Pellicer, Jaume; Woudstra, Yannick; Christenhusz, Maarten J.M.; Garnatje, Teresa; Palazzesi, Luis; Johnson, Matthew G. (TTU); Maurin, Olivier; Françoso, Elaine; Roy, Shyamali; Leitch, Ilia J.; Forest, Félix; Baker, William J.; Hidalgo, Oriane
Reconstructing evolutionary trajectories and transitions that have shaped floral diversity relies heavily on the phylogenetic framework on which traits are modelled. In this study, we focus on the angiosperm order Ranunculales, sister to all other eudicots, to unravel higher-level relationships, especially those tied to evolutionary transitions in flower symmetry within the family Papaveraceae. This family presents an astonishing array of floral diversity, with actinomorphic, disymmetric (two perpendicular symmetry axes), and zygomorphic flowers. We generated nuclear and plastid datasets using the Angiosperms353 universal probe set for target capture sequencing (of 353 single-copy nuclear ortholog genes), together with publicly available transcriptome and plastome data mined from open-access online repositories. We relied on the fossil record of the order Ranunculales to date our phylogenies and to establish a timeline of events. Our phylogenomic workflow shows that nuclear-plastid incongruence accompanies topological uncertainties in Ranunculales. A cocktail of incomplete lineage sorting, post-hybridization introgression, and extinction following rapid speciation most likely explain the observed knots in the topology. These knots coincide with major floral symmetry transitions and thus obscure the order of evolutionary events.
First record of Exophthalmus albofasciatus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae) in Mexico feeding on Coccoloba barbadensis (Polygonaceae)
(2024) Hernández-May, Manuel A.; De la Cruz, Mónica Pérez; Girón, Jennifer C. (TTU); Anderson, Robert S.; Méndez-García, José A.
The weevil Exophthalmus albofasciatus Champion, previously known from Honduras and Belize, is recorded for the first time in Mexico. In addition, the species Coccoloba barbadensis (Polygonaceae) is recorded for the first time as a new adult host plant of this species. Photographs of adults are provided to facilitate identification.
Necromys lasiurus (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) from open areas of the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro: Population structure and implications for the monitoring of hantaviruses
(2024) Santos, Fernando de Oliveira; Moreira, Jânio Cordeiro; Gonçalves, Pablo Rodrigues (TTU); Lucio, Camila Dos Santos; Teixeira, Bernardo Rodrigues; D’andrea, Paulo Sérgio
The hairy-tailed bolo mouse, Necromys lasiurus (Lund, 1841), which is typical of the Cerrado (CE), has been recorded in some open areas within the Atlantic Forest (AF) domain of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). In the CE, N. lasiurus is a known reservoir of zoonotic agents, and is the reservoir of an orthohantavirus genotype, Araraquara virus (ARAV), the etiological agent of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Given this, the presence of N. lasiurus has potentially negative implications for public health in the state, and therefore it is important to elucidate the origin of its populations in RJ and their connections with populations outside the AF known to carry the ARAV. In the present study we combined phylogenetic and phylogeographic approaches to elucidate the evolutionary history of N. lasiurus populations in RJ, and to test if their dispersal into the AF domain is recent or ancient. These analyses were based on sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene, obtained from N. lasiurus specimens from the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro (AF-RJ), together with all the sequences of this gene available for N. lasiurus in GenBank. In addition to the phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses, the sequences were used to test among five hypothetical demographic scenarios, proposed to explain the evolutionary history of the hairy-tailed bolo mouse in the state of RJ. The results of all the analyses indicated that populations from AF and the Arid Diagonal (AD) of South America, which includes the CE, diverged in the Late Pleistocene but reconnected in the Holocene. The RJ population (AF-RJ) resulted from this recent genetic admixture among diverging populations from AF and AD. Despite the recent reconnection, no evidence has been found that the AF-RJ N. lasiurus population acts as a reservoir of ARAV, although the continued genetic connectivity with those from AD highlight the need to reinforce the public health monitoring of orthohantavirus in this rodent, especially given the potential spillover of other genotypes. Overall, then, the results of the present study provide important new insights into the evolutionary history of N. lasiurus, which should contribute to the surveillance of orthohantaviruses, and the development of more effective measures for the prevention and control of this zoonosis.
Radio transients from compact objects across the mass spectrum in the era of multi-messenger astronomy
(2024) Corsi, Alessandra (TTU); Eddins, Avery (TTU); Lazio, T. Joseph W.; Murphy, Eric J.; Osten, Rachel A.
Compact objects across the mass spectrum–from neutron stars to supermassive black holes–are progenitors and/or central engines for some of the most cataclysmic phenomena in the Universe. As such, they are associated with radio emission on a variety of timescales and represent key targets for multi-messenger astronomy. Observations of transients in the radio band can unveil the physics behind their central engines, ejecta, and the properties of their surroundings, crucially complementing information on their progenitors gathered from observations of other messengers (such as gravitational waves and neutrinos). In this contribution, we summarize observational opportunities and challenges ahead in the multi-messenger study of neutron stars and black holes using radio observations. We highlight the specific contribution of current U.S. national radio facilities and discuss expectations for the field focusing on the science that could be enabled by facilities recommended by the 2020 Decadal survey such as the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).
Serum N-Glycan Profiling of Patients with Narcolepsy Type 1 Using LC-MS/MS
(2024) Sanni, Akeem (TTU); Hakim, Md Abdul (TTU); Goli, Mona (TTU); Adeniyi, Moyinoluwa (TTU); Talih, Farid; Lanuzza, Bartolo; Kobeissy, Firas; Plazzi, Giuseppe; Moresco, Monica; Mondello, Stefania; Ferri, Raffaele; Mechref, Yehia (TTU)
The neurological condition known as narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is an uncommon condition marked by extreme daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, disrupted nocturnal sleep, and low or undetectable levels of orexin in the CSF fluid. NT1 has been hypothesized to be an immunological disorder; its treatment is currently only symptomatic, and misdiagnosis is not uncommon. This study compares the N-glycome of NT1 patients with healthy controls in search of potential glycan biomarkers using LC-MS/MS. A total of 121 candidate N-glycans were identified, 55 of which were isomeric N-glycan structures and 65 were not. Seventeen N-glycan biomarker candidates showed significant differences between the NT1 and control cohorts. All of the candidate glycan biomarkers were isomeric except HexNAc6Hex7Fuc0NeuAc1 (6701) and HexNAc6Hex7Fuc1NeuAc2 (6712). Therefore, with isomeric and nonisomeric structures, a total of 20 candidate N-glycan biomarkers are reported in this study, and interestingly, all are either sialylated or sialylated-fucosylated and upregulated in NT1 relative to the control. The distribution levels of all the identified N-glycans show that the sialylated glycan type is the most abundant in NT1 and is majorly disialylated, although the trisialylated subtype is three-fold higher in NT1 compared to the healthy control. The first isomers of HexNAc5Hex6Fuc0NeuAc3 (5603), HexNAc6Hex7Fuc0NeuAc2 (6702), and HexNAc6Hex7Fuc1NeuAc4 (6714) expressed a high level of fold changes (FC) of 1.62, 2.19, and 2.98, respectively. These results suggest a different N-glycome profile of NT1 and a relationship between sialylated glycan isomers in NT1 disease development or progression. The revelation of N-glycan expression alterations in this study may improve NT1 diagnostic methods, understanding of NT1 pathology, and the development of new targeted therapeutics.
Special issue: The role of individual differences on the effects of processing instruction and structured input practice
(2024) Benati, Alessandro; Lee, James F. (TTU)
The idea of this Special Issue evolves from the original monograph of James Lee and Alessandro Benati published in 2013. That monograph identified a clear lacuna in the processing instruction research database in relation to individual difference. The two authors offered several perspectives on the relative role of individual differences (e.g., age, background, aptitude) on the positive results generated by processing instruction. However, they emphasized that more work needed to be done around the role of individual differences on the effect of both processing instruction and structured input. After almost ten years from that publication, the main goals of this Special Issues are (i) to provide an update on research on individual differences and processing instruction/structured input; (ii) to present ground breaking empirical research on processing instruction/structured input and individual differences using both offline and online measurements; (iii) to extend previous research on the role of individual differences and processing instruction by including variable such as working memory capacity, and motivational factors; (iv) and to establish whether or not there are differences (and what differences) in terms of who benefit most and least after processing instruction/structured input practice.

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