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Lung Segmentation With Lightweight Convolutional Attention Residual U-Net
No full textBackground: Examining chest radiograph images (CXR) is an intricate and time-consuming process, sometimes requiring the identification of many anomalies at the same time. Lung segmentation is key to overcoming this challenge through different deep learning (DL) techniques. Many researchers are working to improve the performance and efficiency of lung segmentation models. This article presents a DL-based approach to accurately identify the lung mask region in CXR images to assist radiologists in recognizing early signs of high-risk lung diseases. Methods: This paper proposes a novel technique, Lightweight Residual U-Net, combining the strengths of the convolutional block attention module (CBAM), the Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) block, and the attention module, which consists of only 3.24 million trainable parameters. Furthermore, the proposed model has been trained using both the RELU and LeakyReLU activation functions, with LeakyReLU yielding superior performance. The study indicates that the Dice loss function is more effective in achieving better results. Results: The proposed model is evaluated on three benchmark datasets: JSRT, SZ, and MC, achieving a Dice score of 98.72%, 97.49%, and 99.08%, respectively, outperforming the state-of-the-art models. Conclusions: Using the capabilities of DL and cutting-edge attention processes, the proposed model improves current efforts to enhance lung segmentation for the early identification of many serious lung diseases
Structural Evolution of Nitrogenase Over 3 Billion Years
No full textPreviously, we identified the only dinitrogen reduction mechanism known to date as an ancient feature conserved from nitrogenase ancestors, which we directly tested by resurrecting and integrating synthetic ancestral nitrogenases into the genome of Azotobacter vinelandii (Garcia et al., 2023), a genetically tractable, nitrogen-fixing model bacterium. Here, we extend this paleomolecular approach to investigate the structural evolution of nitrogenase over billions of years of evolution by combining phylogenetics, ancestral sequence reconstruction, protein crystallography, and deep-learning based predictions. This study reveals that nitrogenase, while maintaining a conserved multimeric core, evolved novel modular features aligned with major environmental transitions, suggesting that subtle distal changes and transient regulatory adaptations were key to its long-term persistence and to shaping protein evolution over geologic time. The framework established here provides a foundation for identifying structural constraints that governed ancient proteins and for situating their sequences and structures within phylogenetic and environmental contexts across time
A Checklist of the Bees of Utah
No full textUnderstanding bee distributions is essential to protecting these vital pollinators. Since conservation efforts and policies are often made at the state level, maintaining state-specific bee species lists can aid conservationists and policy makers. While several North American state- and province-level bee species lists have been published, few exist for the arid western states, where bee diversity tends to be higher. Here we provide a bee species list for Utah, compiled from online occurrence records from the Symbiota Collection of Arthropods Network (SCAN) and specimen records housed in the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit (BBSL). In total we document 1167 bee species in the state of Utah. Given the proportion of undescribed and unidentified bee species from other bee faunal surveys in Utah, we estimate that there could be up to 1500 bee species in the state. These findings highlight Utah as one of the most bee-rich regions, based on published species lists, though other western states likely house rich bee faunas. These data serve as a valuable baseline for future studies on bee diversity and declines
Questionable and Improved Research Practices in Single-Case Experimental Design: Initial Investigation and Findings
No full textResearchers have identified questionable research practices that compromise replicability and validity of conclusions. However, this concept of questionable research practices has not been widely applied to single-case experimental designs (SCED). Moreover, to date researchers have focused little attention on improved research practices as alternatives to questionable practices. This article describes initial steps toward identifying questionable and improved research practices in SCED. Participants were 63 SCED researcher experts with varying backgrounds and expertise. They attended a 1-day virtual microconference with focus groups to solicit examples of questionable and improved research practices at different stages of the research process. A qualitative analysis of over 2,000 notes from the participants yielded shared perspectives, resulting in 64 pairs of questionable and improved research practices in SCED. Our results highlight the need for further evaluation and efforts to disseminate improved research practices as alternatives to questionable practices
Response of Ornamental Plants to Salinity: Impact on Species-Specific Growth, Visual Quality, Photosynthetic Parameters, And Ion Uptake
No full textOrnamental horticulture provides substantial economic and environmental benefits, generating billions in annual sales and contributing to urban greening. However, the increasing scarcity of freshwater resources necessitates the use of alternative irrigation sources, such as reclaimed water. Reclaimed water typically contains elevated salt levels that can induce salt stress. Salt stress adversely affects multiple plant traits. Aesthetic quality declines, manifesting as leaf tip burns, discoloration, and necrosis, reducing landscape value and commercial appeal. Growth performance, including biomass production, plant height, and leaf expansion, is limited by osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and nutrient imbalances. Salinity also reduces chlorophyll content, leading to lower leaf greenness and photosynthetic efficiency through impaired stomatal conductance and transpiration. In addition, saline water disrupts ion uptake, increasing Na+ and Cl- accumulation and disrupting the balance of essential nutrients like K+ and Ca2+. These physiological and visual responses are species-specific. Therefore, this review synthesizes current findings on the impact of salinity stress on ornamental plants, with a focus on aesthetic value, growth performance, photosynthetic traits, and ion homeostasis. It aims to inform sustainable irrigation practices and species selection for nursery production and landscape applications using alternative water sources with salinity concerns
Leveraging High-Frequency Sensor Data and U.S. National Water Model Output to Forecast Turbidity in a Drinking Water Supply Basin
No full textAs high-frequency sensor networks increasingly enhance data-driven models of water quality, process-based models like the U.S. National Water Model (NWM) are generating accessible forecasts of streamflow at increasingly dense scales. There is now an opportunity to combine these products to construct actionable water quality forecasts. To that end, we couple streamflow forecasts from the NWM to a gradient-boosted decision tree algorithm (LightGBM) trained on 5+ years of high-frequency monitoring data to forecast in-stream turbidity levels in the Catskill Mountains, NY, USA. Results indicate LightGBM models are capable of relatively skillful predictions, which enable robust forecasts for 1–3 days lead times. LightGBM models offer improvements over a simplified linear model across the entire forecast horizon, and more spatially complex models are more resilient to error at shorter lead times (1–3 days). Moreover, interpretation of model features emphasizes high flows as a driver of turbidity in the region. Results suggest that interpretable, flexible, and efficient machine learning algorithms can produce capable water quality forecasts from streamflow forecasts and expand understanding of process dynamics. The use case illustrated here—to our knowledge the first NWM-based water quality forecast—underscores the potential to employ the NWM to expand national water quality forecasting capacity and can overall serve as a guide for similar efforts in basins across the country
Fine and Gross Motor Skills Assessment, from a Caregiver\u27s Perspective, in Children with Hearing Loss Using a Modified Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3)
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference on ASQ-3 (Ages and Stages Questionnaire version 3) Gross (ASQ G) and Fine (ASQ F) Motor scores between children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and children with normal hearing.
Methods: Data was gathered from the ASQ-3 as reported by parents/caregivers of 61 children (28 normal hearing children and 33 children with SNHL) ages 6-36 months. Results were averaged across the participants for both groups. Independent sample t-Tests were used to assess for any statistically significant difference in the ASQ scores between groups. Chi-square analysis was completed to assess for any significant difference in pass rates between the two groups.
Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the ASQ G and the ASQ F scores with lower scores for the SNHL group. Chi-square analysis also indicated a lower pass rate in SNHL group.
Conclusions: The ASQ G and ASQ F scores in children with SNHL are lower than children with normal hearing. These results suggest the ASQ G and ASQ F sections of the ASQ-3 could be a useful tool to help identify children with SNHL with concomitant gross and/or fine motor developmental delays
General Education Subcommittee Agenda December 4, 2025
No full textCall to Order Approval of Minutes - November 6, 2025 Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals New Business Depth Discussion Additional Items Adjourn: 9:30 a
Measuring Small Currents at Fast Speeds Using a 2nd Generation Electrometer
No full textThis project presents the development of a second-generation electrometer designed to measure extremely low currents with improved speed and sensitivity. Based on the foundational architecture developed by Vladimir Zavylov, this iteration focuses on enhancing performance through optimized circuit components, modular configuration, and a custom-designed, battery- powered power supply that enables high-voltage floating measurements. The work encompasses the complete design cycle—creating a full schematic, developing a tailored power delivery system, assembling printed circuit boards (PCBs), constructing wiring harnesses, and integrating components into a protective housing
Effects of Radiation Type on Charge Transport in Aged Polymers
No full textSpacecraft charging issues are often investigated with simulated space environments and evaluated on pass–fail criteria that may yield little or no information about materials’ properties. It is far more effective to understand and mitigate spacecraft charging issues through investigations of material properties. However, material properties are dynamic in the harsh environment of space. Approximations must be made to simulate the space environment in the laboratory. This article reports on the investigation of the approximation that energy deposition causes the same aging effects in materials irrespective of the type of radiation sources. Samples of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyether-etherketone (PEEK) were irradiated with X-rays, γ-rays, or electrons at total ionizing dose (TID) of 2 × 102, 2 × 103, or 2 × 104 Gy, respectively. Charge was then injected in each sample with an 80-keV monoenergetic electron beam. The resulting charge distributions and charge transport properties were probed via pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) measurements. Samples were measured in a parallel plate capacitor configuration where they were first grounded, a dc bias was applied, and then grounded again. Thermal and structural properties were measured with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show at least three distinct phases of charge transport characteristics in PTFE, while PEEK showed no substantial changes at these TID. Observable differences in the DSC measurements were apparent for both PTFE and PEEK indicating enhanced crystallization with aging. The study suggests that dose rate may be the dominant factor as opposed to radiation type for aging in polymers