• Surficial geologic map of the Eloy North Quadrangle, Pinal County, Arizona v. 2.0

      Jackson, Garrett (Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, AZ), November 2)
    • Surficial geologic map of the Eloy South Quadrangle, Pinal County, Arizona v. 2.0

      Jackson, Garrett (Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, AZ), November 2)
    • Surficial geologic map of the Picacho Reservoir Quadrangle, Pinal County, Arizona v. 2.0

      Jackson, Garrett (Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, AZ), November 2)
    • Surficial geologic map of the Casa Grande Quadrangle, Pinal County, Arizona v 2.0

      Jackson, Garrett (Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, AZ), November 2)
    • Surficial geologic map of the Newman Peak Quadrangle, Pinal County, Arizona v. 2.0

      Jackson, Garrett (Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, AZ), November 2)
    • Beginner’s Guide to Predator Thresholds

      Ellsworth, Peter C; Pier, Naomi; Keith, Macey; University of Arizona, Department of Entomology (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2024-03-05)
      Guide covering all instructions and elements needed to learn use of Predator Thresholds for managing whiteflies in cotton.
    • Connected Community Classification (C3): Development, Validation, and Geospatial Application for Population Health Promotion and Equity

      Skiba, Meghan B; Lind, Kimberly E; Felion, Carlie M; Krupnik, Christopher; Segrin, Chris; Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division, College of Nursing, University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona; Department of Mining and Geological Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arizona; Department of Communication, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Arizona (LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, 2024-03-01)
      CONTEXT: Social determinants of health (SDOH) impact population health. Leveraging community-level strengths related to SDOH through a social infrastructure perspective can optimize health behaviors and health outcomes to promote health equity. OBJECTIVE: Our aims were to develop, validate, and apply the Connected Community Classification (C3) as comprehensive community-level measure of protective SDOH and structural factors in the Four Corners states region of the United States. DESIGN: C3 was developed using an iterative principal component analysis of publicly available data mapped to 5 SDOH domains. Regional clustering of C3 by zip code tabulation area (ZCTA) was identified using spatial autocorrelation methods. MAIN OUTCOMES: In adjusted spatial autoregressive models, we analyzed the association of C3 with high-risk health behaviors and chronic disease prevalence using publicly available data for population-level estimates of fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, and cancer. RESULTS: C3 was found to be reliable and valid; a C3 value of 10 indicates communities with greater connection (high), while a value of 1 indicates communities with greater separation (low) to social infrastructure. Lower connection, as measured by C3, was significantly inversely associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake, lower physical activity, and higher rates of obesity, smoking, CHD, diabetes, and cancer. C3 was significantly positively associated with heavy alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that communities connected to social infrastructure have better population health outcomes. C3 captures protective community attributes and can be used in future applications to assist health researchers, practitioners, nonprofits, and policymakers to advance social connection and health equity in geographically diverse underserved regions.
    • Cone Morphology, Volcanic Deposits, and Eruption and Deposition Mechanisms at Red Mountain, Northern Arizona

      Holm, Richard F.; Wade, William J.; Northern Arizona University (Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, AZ), 2024-02-29)
    • Brief Cenozoic Geologic History of the Western Grand Canyon Region on the Milkweed Canyon NW and Hindu Canyon 7.5’ Quadrangles with an Emphasis on the Exhumed Hualapai Plateau Paleocanyons, Mohave County, AZ

      Young, Richard A.; Department of Geological Sciences - State University of New York at Geneseo (Arizona Geological Survey (Tucson, AZ), 2024-02-29)
    • Radar-Based Fall Detection: A Survey

      Hu, Shuting; Cao, Siyang; Toosizadeh, Nima; Barton, Jennifer; Hector, Melvin G.; Fain, Mindy J.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Arizona; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona; Department of Medicine, University of Arizona (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 2024-02-05)
      Fall detection, particularly critical for high-risk demographics like the elderly, is a key public health concern, where timely detection can greatly minimize harm. With the advancements in radio frequency (RF) technology, radar has emerged as a powerful tool for human fall detection. Traditional machine learning (ML) algorithms, such as support vector machines (SVM) and <italic>k</italic>-nearest neighbors (kNN), have shown promising outcomes. However, deep learning (DL) approaches, notably convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), have outperformed in learning intricate features and managing large, unstructured datasets. This survey offers an in-depth analysis of radar-based fall detection, with emphasis on micro-Doppler, range-Doppler, and range-Doppler-angles techniques. We discuss the intricacies and challenges in fall detection and emphasize the necessity for a clear definition of falls and appropriate detection criteria, informed by diverse influencing factors. We present an overview of radar signal-processing principles and the underlying technology of radar-based fall detection, providing an accessible insight into ML and DL algorithms. After examining 74 research articles on radar-based fall detection published since 2000, we aim to bridge current research gaps and underscore the potential future research strategies, emphasizing the real-world applications possibility and the unexplored potential of DL in improving radar-based fall detection.
    • Best Practices in Data Science

      Mullarkey, Michael; Aiberry (University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2024-02-05)
    • Achieving Nearly 100% Photoluminescence Quantum Efficiency in Organic Radical Emitters by Fine‐Tuning the Effective Donor‐Acceptor Distance

      Lu, Chen; Cho, Eunkyung; Wan, Keke; Wu, Chunxiao; Gao, Yuhang; Coropceanu, Veaceslav; Brédas, Jean‐Luc; Li, Feng; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona (Wiley, 2024-02-05)
      Donor-acceptor (D–A•) type luminescent organic radicals have received widespread attention as efficient doublet emitters. However, their generally low photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) and limited photostability restrict their various applications. Since unraveling the relationship between structure and properties of D–A• type luminescent radicals remains a challenge, here, a series of tri(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl (TTM) radical derivatives, which differ by the location of their ring fusion sites and nature of their heteroatoms, is synthesized. The PLQE of isomers varies by ten times as a function of ring fusion sites. In particular, the PLQE of a radical undergoing ring fusion at the carbazole 3,4-position is as high as 98.0%. Quantum-chemical calculations show that in the case of overlapping holes and electrons, by increasing the effective distance between the D and A moieties, the radiative transition rates of the radicals increase. Also, decreasing the electronic coupling between the charge-transfer and local-excited states and avoiding large geometrical distortions between the ground state (D0)_and the first excited state (D1) can significantly reduce the nonradiative transition rates. This work offers a design strategy to obtain efficient and stable luminescent radicals by modifying the sites of ring fusion, which allows control of the radiative and nonradiative transition rates.
    • Meeting Report Dendroclimatology Conference in Tucson, May 2023

      Frank, David C.; Anchukaitis, Kevin J.; Leavitt, Steven W.; Lab. of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona; School of Geography, Development & Environment, University of Arizona (Tree-Ring Society, 2024-02-05)
    • Improved amplification of fecal DNA supports non-invasive microsatellite genotyping of lesser long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)

      Walker, John-Lee Sky; Steidl, Robert J.; Wolf, Sandy A.; Lee, Ming-Min; Arnold, A. Elizabeth; School of Natural Resources and the Environment, The University of Arizona; School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Arizona; Bio5 Institute, The University of Arizona (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-02-04)
      Feces of animals that forage on nectar and fruit, including many species of bats, often contain DNA that is low in quality and quantity. We developed an approach based on DNA from feces gathered passively to generate microsatellite data for individual lesser long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae), which are important pollinators for columnar cacti and agave across much of Mexico and in the southwestern U.S. We collected feces from roosts near the U.S-Mexico border and developed a two-step amplification approach to characterize five highly polymorphic microsatellite loci from fecal DNA. Addition of a multiplex PCR step improved amplification success and conserved DNA extracts with a minimal increase in cost. In our initial screening of 433 samples, five focal loci distinguished individuals reliably, with a probability of identity (i.e., the probability of two unrelated individuals having the same microsatellite profile by chance) of 7.5E-09. Repeated analyses revealed a genotyping error rate < 2%. We explore the benefits and limits of our approach for population studies of lesser long-nosed bats and other nectivorous and frugivorous species that provide key ecosystem services and are often of conservation concern.
    • Knowledge distillation under ideal joint classifier assumption

      Li, Huayu; Chen, Xiwen; Ditzler, Gregory; Roveda, Janet; Li, Ao; Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona; BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona (Elsevier Ltd, 2024-02-03)
      Knowledge distillation constitutes a potent methodology for condensing substantial neural networks into more compact and efficient counterparts. Within this context, softmax regression representation learning serves as a widely embraced approach, leveraging a pre-established teacher network to guide the learning process of a diminutive student network. Notably, despite the extensive inquiry into the efficacy of softmax regression representation learning, the intricate underpinnings governing the knowledge transfer mechanism remain inadequately elucidated. This study introduces the ‘Ideal Joint Classifier Knowledge Distillation’ (IJCKD) framework, an overarching paradigm that not only furnishes a lucid and exhaustive comprehension of prevailing knowledge distillation techniques but also establishes a theoretical underpinning for prospective investigations. Employing mathematical methodologies derived from domain adaptation theory, this investigation conducts a comprehensive examination of the error boundary of the student network contingent upon the teacher network. Consequently, our framework facilitates efficient knowledge transference between teacher and student networks, thereby accommodating a diverse spectrum of applications.
    • Cotton Insecticide Use Guide: Knowing and Balancing Risks

      Bordini, Isadora; Fournier, A.; Naranjo, Steven E.; Pier, Naomi; Ellsworth, Peter C; University of Arizona, Department of Entomology; USDA-ARS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2024-02-02)
      Many factors must be considered when choosing an insecticide, such as cost, efficacy, risk of resistance, and safety to non-target organisms. This Cotton Insecticide Use Guide summarizes the diverse risks of insecticides used to control three pests, helping you make well informed pest management decisions.
    • Art and emotion processing among arab breast cancer survivors: An exploratory study

      Hebi, Maimounah; Czamanski-Cohen, Johanna; Azaiza, Faisal; Weihs, Karen L.; College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Arizona (Elsevier BV, 2024-02-01)
      Art therapy (AT) has demonstrated potential for improving the well-being of breast cancer (BC) survivors, but limited research exists on emotion processing (EP) of Arab women in this context. Thus, this study delves into the relationship between EP and the art-making of Arab BC survivors in an AT group intervention to provide an in-depth understanding of their unique experience. We hypothesized that openly expressing emotions in the face of life-threatening events, such as BC, might be difficult for individuals from collective cultures with a strong emphasis on social harmony. We conducted a mixed-methods exploratory study (N = 62) with a visual analysis of 22 drawings and a textual analysis of reports from five art therapists. Positive correlations were observed between conservation values, acceptance of emotions, values, and artistic elements. Acceptance of emotions correlated negatively with space in drawing. Textual analysis of therapist reports revealed two themes—coping strategies and mixed emotions—corresponding to phenomena observed in the drawings. The women reported that art-making in a group facilitated access to their inner emotions, reinforced personal boundaries, and provided a safe space for addressing complex experiences. The AT group also offered socialization with women in similar circumstances. We conclude that AT provided these Arab BC survivors a culturally sensitive means of safely processing emotions through creative visual expression. Further research is needed to examine if AT is also helpful to BC survivors from other collectivist ethno-cultures.
    • Transcriptome analysis of reproductive tract tissues of male river prawn Macrobrachium americanum

      Martín-Manzo, Miriam Victoria; Morelos-Castro, Rosa María; Munguia-Vega, Adrian; Soberanes-Yepiz, Maritza Lourdes; Cortés-Jacinto, Edilmar; Conservation Genetics Laboratory, The University of Arizona (Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024-02-01)
      The cDNA library was constructed and sequenced for each tissue to identify novel transcripts. A combined transcriptome with the three tissues was assembled using Trinity software. Unigenes were annotated using BLASTx and BLAST2GO. The transcriptome assembly generated 1,059,447 unigenes, of which 7222 genes had significant hits (e-value < 1 × 10-5) when compared against the Swiss-Prot database. Around 75 genes were related to sex determination, testis development, spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, fertilization, maturation of testicular cells, neuropeptides, hormones, hormone receptors, and/or embryogenesis.
    • The impact of multifunctional enkephalin analogs and morphine on the protein changes in crude membrane fractions isolated from the rat brain cortex and hippocampus

      Ujcikova, Hana; Lee, Yeon Sun; Roubalova, Lenka; Svoboda, Petr; Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona (Elsevier Inc., 2024-02-01)
      Endogenous opioid peptides serve as potent analgesics through the opioid receptor (OR) activation. However, they often suffer from poor metabolic stability, low lipophilicity, and low blood-brain barrier permeability. Researchers have developed many strategies to overcome the drawbacks of current pain medications and unwanted biological effects produced by the interaction with opioid receptors. Here, we tested multifunctional enkephalin analogs LYS739 (MOR/DOR agonist and KOR partial antagonist) and LYS744 (MOR/DOR agonist and KOR full antagonist) under in vivo conditions in comparison with MOR agonist, morphine. We applied 2D electrophoretic resolution to investigate differences in proteome profiles of crude membrane (CM) fractions isolated from the rat brain cortex and hippocampus exposed to the drugs (10 mg/kg, seven days). Our results have shown that treatment with analog LYS739 induced the most protein changes in cortical and hippocampal samples. The identified proteins were mainly associated with energy metabolism, cell shape and movement, apoptosis, protein folding, regulation of redox homeostasis, and signal transduction. Among these, the isoform of mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit beta (ATP5F1B) was the only protein upregulation in the hippocampus but not in the brain cortex. Contrarily, the administration of analog LYS744 caused a small number of protein alterations in both brain parts. Our results indicate that the KOR full antagonism, together with MOR/DOR agonism of multifunctional opioid ligands, can be beneficial in treating chronic pain states by reducing changes in protein expression levels but retaining analgesic efficacy.
    • An integrated analytical modeling framework for determining site-specific soil screening levels for PFAS

      Smith, Jacob; Brusseau, Mark L.; Guo, Bo; Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona; Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona (Elsevier BV, 2024-02-01)
      Soils at many contaminated sites have accumulated a significant amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and may require remediation to mitigate leaching to groundwater. USEPA's current approaches for determining soil screening levels (SSLs) were developed for non-PFAS contaminants. Because many PFAS are interfacially-active with unique leaching behaviors in soils, the current non-PFAS-specific soil screening models may not be applicable. Following USEPA's general methodology, we develop a new modeling framework representing PFAS-specific transport processes for determining site-specific SSLs for PFAS-contaminated sites. We couple a process-based analytical model for PFAS leaching in the vadose zone and a dilution factor model for groundwater in an integrated framework. We apply the new modeling framework to two typical types of contaminated sites. Comparisons with the standard USEPA SSL approach suggest that accounting for the PFAS-specific transport processes may significantly increase the SSL for some PFAS. For the range of soil properties and groundwater recharge rates examined, while SSLs determined with the new model are less than a factor of 2 different from the standard-model values for less interfacially-active shorter-chain PFAS, they are up to two orders of magnitudes greater for more interfacially-active longer-chain PFAS. The new analytical modeling framework provides an effective tool for deriving more accurate site-specific SSLs and improving site characterization and remedial efforts at PFAS-contaminated sites.