California State University, Stanislaus

This study describes the whole genome sequence of Dolosicoccus paucivorans 2991-95 (DSM 15742) isolated from human blood in Cleveland, Ohio. The genome length is approximately 1.8 Mbp with 107 contigs and a G + C content of 37.91%. Annotation identified 1,752 coding genes and multiple virulence factors.

This article provides insight into the different meanings of the term “animism,” its relation to anthropology, religion, and the emerging implications with autonomous and algorithmic technology that mimic human behaviors and appearance to elicit human responses. These responses can be called “animistic” in the sense that humans treat and think of machines as “persons” with agency and, therefore, impart human characteristics to something that is definitely not human. The article further provides information on the possible functions and strategies of the developers of animistic technologies, and the implications for societies in the future.

This autoethnographic study highlights the mutually sustaining relationship between Chicane/Latine professors and Chicane/Latine students at the margins of the university. Engaging in thematic analysis and guided by critical race theory and LatCrit, the study centers on the voices and experiences of junior faculty teaching in a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Authors build on Valenzuela’s (1999) concept of authentic care to forward what they call Reciprocal Authentic Care (RAC). RAC between Chicane/Latine faculty and students encompasses shared histories, mutually sustaining practices, commitments to community, and reciprocal support for retention. Findings have implications for moving beyond HSI as a symbolic designation toward one that truly values, retains, and sustains Chicane/Latine faculty and students.

In this paper, we delve into the impact of storytelling in a literacy methods course, exploring how it shaped preservice teachers' (PSTs) perceptions, hopes and actions regarding environmental justice. As PSTs collectively engaged with narratives in children's literature, we investigated how stories of environmentalism equipped them with the knowledge and skills essential for addressing the challenges of climate change that their students will inherit. Grounded in relational literacies, this paper examines PSTs' comprehension of diverse children's literature focused on environmentalism in relation to their sense‐making, personal climate stories and their conceptualisations and enactments of environmental justice. This study underscores the pivotal role of stories in shaping future educators' environmental literacy and in fostering a sense of agency and responsibility. The findings contribute to the discourse on integrating diverse narratives into teacher education, emphasising the potential of literature to inspire meaningful engagement with both literacy learning and environmental justice issues.

Synopsis Cardueline finches readily occupy bird feeders in high numbers, but they are at risk of being infected by pathogens, such as Salmonella spp. Historically, pine siskins (Spinus pinus) often develop salmonellosis and succumb to the pathogen in high numbers during outbreaks in comparison to other Cardueline finches. Even though Salmonella spp. outbreaks in pine siskins are well-documented, there are no studies explaining why they die of salmonellosis at a higher rate than other birds. We hypothesized that pine siskins have a decreased bactericidal ability when compared to other Cardueline finches. We tested this with a bacteria killing assay (BKA) against Salmonella Typhimurium cultured from a local pine siskin that succumbed to the pathogen. We compared their BKA results against S. Typhimurium to three other local finches: lesser goldfinches (Spinus psaltria), American goldfinches (Spinus tristis), and house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus). We found that the Spinus spp. cannot kill S. Typhimurium as effectively as house finches. There were no significant differences between the two goldfinches, but the BKA results for pine siskins were significantly higher than those of the goldfinches. House finches had killing activity nearly twice that of pine siskins and more than twice that of the goldfinches. Our results highlight that the constitutive innate immune response against Salmonella spp. in some finches may be best explained at the genus level. We speculate that pine siskins’ poor constitutive innate immunity and their irruptive behavior may make them more susceptible to Salmonella spp. over their less irruptive congeners.

Here we describe the draft genome sequence of Trichococcus flocculiformis DSM 2094T (strain Echt) isolated from bulking sludge in Germany. The genome is 2,978,824 bp and contains genes encoding biofilm and capsule formation, which might contribute to the bulking phenomenon associated with this isolate.

The purpose of the current manuscript is to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding how preservice teachers learn to use evidence to evaluate student learning. To that end, we operationalize the terms data literacy for teachers, data-driven decision-making, and assessment literacy before outlining the methods of our systematic review. Our review produced 36 relevant articles situated within the United States. Based on these articles, we describe how teacher candidates learn to use data including relevant interventions and instructional methods. We also expand on the types of research methods used in these studies. We conclude with implications for research and practice, including an expansion of field experiences and anti-racist and inclusive practices.

After accurately approximating the average in-control run length ($ARL_0$) for a multivariate Exponential Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) chart, we explore the optimal design of the weight parameter to minimize the stationary average delay detection time (SADDT). We conduct numerical comparisons of SADDT between Moving Average (MA), Cumulative Sum (CUSUM), Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT), and Shiryayev-Roberts (S-R) charts for a given $ARL_0$. Additionally, we propose hard-threshold and soft-threshold EWMA charts for detecting changes characterized by sparse signals, where the change occurs in only a few components. Comparative analyses, including adaptive techniques, demonstrate the robust performance and straightforward design of the EWMA procedure, making it a recommended choice. The detection of mean changes in daily returns for Dow Jones industrial stock prices is used for illustration.

This study focuses on the exponentially weighted moving sample covariance matrix (EWMV), investigating its behavior in both null and alternative hypotheses. Under the null hypothesis, assuming normal observations, we establish exponential probability bounds for the largest eigenvalue. Similarly, under the alternative hypothesis with a single spike, we derive corresponding bounds. We extend our findings to sub-Gaussian and heavy-tailed distribution random vectors, providing exponential bounds for the largest eigenvalue in terms of both the weight parameter and the norm of sub-Gaussian random variables. Furthermore, we address the sparse signal case by adapting our techniques as the dimension of observation approaches infinity. This comprehensive exploration improves our understanding of the behavior of the exponentially weighted moving sample covariance matrix in various statistical settings. These results are then used to develop and compare several sequential monitoring charts of change in covariance matrix using the EWMV spectrum. We illustrate the practical utility of our methods with a real-time example involving the monitoring of covariance changes in EEG data during a mental arithmetic task.

An emerging area of research is the impact of tobacco product waste (TPW) on the environment. Waste product assessment is of great interest to public health professionals and communities, and methods to collect waste products can easily lend themselves to community participation. Indeed, waste product collection can mobilize communities, but a standard methodology for collecting and assessing waste does not exist. This study utilizes two existing protocols for TPW collections across residential environments to determine the operational usability of these methods for citizen scientists (i.e., ease, time, and process of data collection). Citizen scientists surveyed two residential areas in Central California using two debris survey protocols (A and B). After waste products were recorded, citizen scientists were interviewed on their views about and experience with both protocols. Both protocols had strengths and suggested areas of improvement. This area of investigation is well suited to the citizen scientist approach of data collection, particularly in areas with fewer available resources. Moreover, this work can be utilized to motivate tobacco control efforts by highlighting how community-based TPW collection methods can support tobacco prevention and promote effective policy enforcement, with the ultimate goal of protecting community and environmental health.

Dual-phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) detectors offer heightened sensitivities for dark matter detection across a spectrum of particle masses. To broaden their capability to low-mass dark matter interactions, we investigated the light and charge responses of liquid xenon (LXe) to sub-keV nuclear recoils. Using neutron events from a pulsed Adelphi Deuterium-Deuterium neutron generator, an in situ calibration was conducted on the LUX detector. We demonstrate direct measurements of light and charge yields down to 0.45 and 0.27 keV, respectively, both approaching single quanta production, the physical limit of LXe detectors. These results hold significant implications for the future of dual-phase xenon TPCs in detecting low-mass dark matter via nuclear recoils.

In this article we document the current analysis software training and onboarding activities in several High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments: ATLAS, CMS, LHCb, Belle II and DUNE. Fast and efficient onboarding of new collaboration members is increasingly important for HEP experiments. With rapidly increasing data volumes and larger collaborations the analyses and consequently, the related software, become ever more complex. This necessitates structured onboarding and training. Recognizing this, a meeting series was held by the HEP Software Foundation (HSF) in 2022 for experiments to showcase their initiatives. Here we document and analyze these in an attempt to determine a set of key considerations for future HEP experiments.

Gene model for the ortholog of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E1 ( eIF4E1 ) in the May 2011 (Agencourt dana_caf1/DanaCAF1) Genome Assembly (GenBank Accession: GCA_000005115.1 ) of Drosophila ananassae . This ortholog was characterized as part of a developing dataset to study the evolution of the Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS) across the genus Drosophila using the Genomics Education Partnership gene annotation protocol for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences.

Gene model for the ortholog of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E1 ( eIF4E1 ) in the Dyak_CAF1 Genome Assembly (GenBank Accession: GCA_000005975.1 ) of Drosophila yakuba . This ortholog was characterized as part of a developing dataset to study the evolution of the Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS) across the genus Drosophila using the Genomics Education Partnership gene annotation protocol for Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences.

North American beavers (Castor canadensis) are semi-aquatic rodents recognized as keystone species because they increase the diversity of freshwater ecosystems. This study aimed to characterize the mortality and pathological findings in free-ranging beavers in California and, based on these results, identify potential threats to freshwater ecosystems. This study included 18 beavers submitted for postmortem examination at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, UC Davis, between 2008 and 2024. Gross and microscopic examinations, and bacteriological, parasitological, immunohistochemical, and molecular techniques, were used as tools to diagnose the cause of death/reason for euthanasia and comorbidities in the beavers. Baylisascaris spp.-associated or -suspected encephalitis was the most prevalent (9/18, 50%) cause of mortality/reason for euthanasia, followed by bacterial infections in six individuals. In these six animals, bacterial bronchopneumonia was diagnosed in two (Staphylococcus aureus and a mix of Gram-negative and -positive bacterial infection) and Listeria monocytogenes encephalitis, bacterial myofascitis (Aeromonas bestiarum and Pasteurella multocida), bacterial encephalitis (Acinetobacter towneri), and tularemia (Francisella tularensis) were diagnosed in one beaver each. Three animals died or were euthanized due to non-infectious causes, including motor vehicle trauma, squamous cell carcinoma, and capture cardiomyopathy. Endoparasitism was the main comorbidity, including granulomatous hepatitis caused by a suspected capillarid species, cerebral toxoplasmosis, Giardia infection, gastric nematodiasis, and cecal trematodiasis. In California, beavers are exposed to various pathogens that represent threats to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Since the interspecies transmission of these pathogens occurs in rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, we suggest that studying beaver health can reflect freshwater ecosystem health. This study also indicates that the translocation of beavers to new areas without consideration and/or mitigation represents a potential risk of pathogen introduction.

A growing body of research on culturally and linguistically responsive social studies instruction continues to identify essential understandings regarding the teaching and learning of social studies among multilingual students. Yet a preponderance of these studies utilize ethnographic and other highly contextualized qualitative methods. In order to make this growing body of knowledge more accessible to a larger audience of researchers and educators, the present study examined pedagogical approaches and areas of curricular emphasis that social studies teachers reported using in the landmark Survey on the Status of Social Studies. The results of the present study deepen insights into the differentiation that social studies teachers of emergent bilingual students employ. Data analysis reveals that teachers with beginning emergent bilingual students, teachers with intermediate emergent bilingual students, and teachers without emergent bilingual students reported using instructional strategies and engaging curricular topics with different frequencies. The findings align common social studies approaches to the scholarship on culturally and linguistically responsive social studies instruction to provide a typology that extends the literature for social studies educators.

A robust population of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica; SJKFs) occurs in the city of Bakersfield, CA. In 2013, sarcoptic mange was detected and significantly reduced SJKF abundance. Dens may be a mode of mange mite transmission. Kit foxes use dens daily and sometimes share dens. Also, mange mites are able to live off-host in den soil for multiple days. We monitored den use patterns of 37 marked kit foxes. Radio-collared foxes were tracked to dens and then those dens were monitored with cameras for 7-day sessions, the period of time mites might persist in the dens. Other foxes used the same den as a collared fox during 89.0% of sessions and the mean number was 2.5 foxes. An average of 1.8 foxes used a den concurrently with the collared fox. During 120-day intervals, the minimum survival time for kit foxes contracting mange, collared foxes used a mean of 7.6 dens, 9.8 other foxes used the same dens, and 7.3 foxes used the dens concurrently with the collared foxes. Thus, the potential for kit foxes to transmit mange through den sharing in the urban environment is considerable and may explain the rapid spread of mange throughout this population.

This study examines Latinx students’ use of digital storytelling to address mental health issues. Through participant observation and focus groups, we explore participants’ engagement in art-based work within a group mediated context where issues of depression, anxiety, and stress were discussed. Participants achieved relational development and self-actualization through the enactment of three practices: (a) acknowledgment and naming of their emotions, (b) group validation and support, and (c) reinterpretation of themselves as empowered creators.

Background Recruitment challenges in people with and without Down syndrome (DS) can delay research progress and risk sample bias. This study identified and quantified differences in research attitudes across populations of research enrollment decision‐makers for individuals with and without DS. Method We compared scores on the Research Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ) of individuals enrolled in two recruitment registries: the UCI Consent to Contact [C2C (N = 4818)] and DS‐Connect (N = 976). We compared total RAQ scores using linear regression. We assessed item‐level RAQ differences using proportional odds regression. Result Mean total RAQ scores were not statistically different between DS (DS‐Connect) and non‐DS (C2C) decision‐makers, adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, and COVID‐19‐time frame (Est. Diff = 0.11, 95% CI: ‐0.22, 0.43; p = 0.531) (see Table 1). In prespecified item‐level comparisons we did, however, find evidence of differential attitudes on item‐level RAQ scores (see Figure 1). Specifically, DS participants had an increased odds of a more favorable response to the question of responsibility to help others (DS vs non‐DS: OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.48) and a decreased odds of a more favorable response to the question regarding belief that medical research would find cures for major diseases during their lifetime (DS vs non‐DS: OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.90). Conclusion Our findings provide a framework for researchers to develop precise strategies for recruiting DS and non‐DS individuals into clinical research. The apparent differences in particular research attitudes across these two populations warrant further investigation to instruct these strategies.