Digital Commons Network^™

Acoustothermal Transfection For Cell Therapy, Xiufang Liu, Ning Rong, Zhenhua Tian, Joseph Rich, Lili Niu, Pengqi Li, Laixin Huang, Yandai Dong, Wei Zhou, Pengfei Zhang, Yizhao Chen, Congzhi Wang, Long Meng, Tony Jun Huang, Hairong Zheng

Faculty Publications

Transfected stem cells and T cells are promising in personalized cell therapy and immunotherapy against various diseases. However, existing transfection techniques face a fundamental trade-off between transfection efficiency and cell viability; achieving both simultaneously remains a substantial challenge. This study presents an acoustothermal transfection method that leverages acoustic and thermal effects on cells to enhance the permeability of both the cell membrane and nuclear envelope to achieve safe, efficient, and high-throughput transfection of primary T cells and stem cells. With this method, two types of plasmids were simultaneously delivered into the nuclei of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with efficiencies of …

Identifying Multilevel Predictors Of Behavioral Outcomes Like Park Use: A Comparison Of Conditional And Marginal Modeling Approaches, Marilyn E. Wende, S. Morgan Hughey, Alexander C. Mclain, Shirelle Hallum, J. Aaron Hipp, Jasper Schipperijn, Ellen W. Stowe, Andrew T. Kaczynski Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

This study compared marginal and conditional modeling approaches for identifying individual, park and neighborhood park use predictors. Data were derived from the ParkIndex study, which occurred in 128 block groups in Brooklyn (New York), Seattle (Washington), Raleigh (North Carolina), and Greenville (South Carolina). Survey respondents (n = 320) indicated parks within one half-mile of their block group used within the past month. Parks (n = 263) were audited using the Community Park Audit Tool. Measures were collected at the individual (park visitation, physical activity, sociodemographic characteristics), park (distance, quality, size), and block group (park count, population density, age structure, racial …

From Pumps And Pipes To Data And Discovery: Unifying A New Division, Jeremy Myntti, Megan Mcmillan

Faculty Publications

A reorganization of the Brigham Young University Library in 2020 brought many changes to the library, including the formation of the Metadata and Information Technology (MIT) Division. This new division needed to define a vision for itself, encourage a sense of unity among its employees, and foster collaboration among those employees. This article details how the MIT Division created a Data and Discovery initiative based on the Pumps and Pipes collaboration model, a model which brings seemingly unrelated industries together to discover solutions to their respective challenges by exploring “their neighbor’s toolbox” (Pumps and Pipes, n.d., “What We Do”). Here …

Generating Rate Features For Mobile Applications, Shristi Shrestha, Anas Mahmoud

Faculty Publications

Mobile application (app) stores employ standardized mechanisms for rating hosted apps, typically in the form of free text reviews and numerical rating scales. App users use these mechanisms to express their opinions about their apps and discover apps that fit their specific needs. However, existing app rating systems do not take into account the operational characteristics of application domains. Thus, generated user reviews are often short, subjective, and one-dimensional. To overcome these limitations, in this paper, we propose a multi-dimensional rating system for mobile apps. Our assumption is that an adaptive goal-based app rating system can prompt users to generate …

Complex Dayside Particle Precipitation Observed During The Passage Of A Solar Wind Rotational Discontinuity, Simon Wing, Jean Berchem, C Philippe Escoubet, Charles J. Farrugia

Faculty Publications

The dayside particle precipitation during the passage of a solar wind rotational discontinuity (RD) event on 10 April 2015 is examined and reviewed. The RD leads to complex structures at the magnetopause, boundary layer, mantle, and cusp even though the geomagnetic activity level remains low. Particle precipitation data from DMSP F17 reveal the formation of an unusual boundary layer where the low energy (cold) ions exhibit energy-latitude dispersion that is usually associated with mantle while the high energy (hot) ions look like typical magnetospheric ions. DMSP F17 and F19 observe a double cusp that is a signature of magnetic reconnection …

Complex Dayside Particle Precipitation Observed During The Passage Of A Solar Wind Rotational Discontinuity, Simon Wing, Jean Berchem, C Philippe Escoubet, Charles J. Farrugia

Faculty Publications

The dayside particle precipitation during the passage of a solar wind rotational discontinuity (RD) event on 10 April 2015 is examined and reviewed. The RD leads to complex structures at the magnetopause, boundary layer, mantle, and cusp even though the geomagnetic activity level remains low. Particle precipitation data from DMSP F17 reveal the formation of an unusual boundary layer where the low energy (cold) ions exhibit energy-latitude dispersion that is usually associated with mantle while the high energy (hot) ions look like typical magnetospheric ions. DMSP F17 and F19 observe a double cusp that is a signature of magnetic reconnection …

Magnetic Control Of Nonmagnetic Living Organisms, Ahmed Al Harraq, Min Feng, Hashir M. Gauri, Ram Devireddy, Ankur Gupta, Qing Sun, Bhuvnesh Bharti

Faculty Publications

Living organisms inspire the design of microrobots, but their functionality is unmatched. Next-generation microrobots aim to leverage the sensing and communication abilities of organisms through magnetic hybridization, attaching magnetic particles to them for external control. However, the protocols used for magnetic hybridization are morphology specific and are not generalizable. We propose an alternative approach that leverages the principles of negative magnetostatics and magnetophoresis to control nonmagnetic organisms with external magnetic fields. To do this, we disperse model organisms in dispersions of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and expose them to either uniform or gradient magnetic fields. In uniform magnetic fields, living organisms align …

Belowground Exploration By Trees And Shrubs, Francis E. Putz, Charles D. Canham, Scott V. Ollinger

Faculty Publications

Unlike trees, shrubs (i.e., multiple-stemmed woody plants) do not need evenly spaced large diameter structural roots and therefore should be more responsive to heterogeneous distributions of soil resources and spread further per unit belowground biomass. We therefore hypothesized that compared to trees, shrubs respond more to asymmetric distributions of nutrients, reach nutrient-rich patches of soil faster, and do so with less below-ground biomass. To test these three hypotheses, we planted individual seedlings of shrubs (Cornus racemosa, Rhus glabra, and Viburnum dentatum) and trees (Acer rubrum, Betula populifolia, and Fraxinus americana) in the centers of sand-filled rectangular boxes. In one direction …

Belowground Exploration By Trees And Shrubs, Francis E. Putz, Charles D. Canham, Scott V. Ollinger

Faculty Publications

Unlike trees, shrubs (i.e., multiple-stemmed woody plants) do not need evenly spaced large diameter structural roots and therefore should be more responsive to heterogeneous distributions of soil resources and spread further per unit belowground biomass. We therefore hypothesized that compared to trees, shrubs respond more to asymmetric distributions of nutrients, reach nutrient-rich patches of soil faster, and do so with less below-ground biomass. To test these three hypotheses, we planted individual seedlings of shrubs (Cornus racemosa, Rhus glabra, and Viburnum dentatum) and trees (Acer rubrum, Betula populifolia, and Fraxinus americana) in the centers of sand-filled rectangular boxes. In one direction …

Colectivo Moriviví: Reconfiguring The Puerto Rican Nation Through Feminist Art Activism, Tania Carrasquillo Hernandez

Faculty Publications

This article analyzes national identity construction in Puerto Rico in terms of gender dynamics and how contemporary artistic production has questioned patriarchal constructions within the nation. I argue that by voicing the narratives of Puerto Rican communities in the public sphere, Colectivo Moriviví validates the active participation and contribution of women, Afro-descendant minorities, and LGTBQ+ groups within the national body, forcing the national discourse to re-envision its purpose, values, and mission

User Fee Programs, Erika Lietzan

Faculty Publications

A user fee is a fee assessed by the government when it provides a good or service to a private party. Classic examples include the fee to enter Yellowstone National Park and payment to the U.S. Postal Service for a first-class postage stamp. In these transactions, the government provides a specific benefit to an identifiable recipient, who pays the fee. Although the federal government has assessed user fees since this country's founding, broad authorizing legislation in the middle of the 20th century made it possible for agencies to craft user fee programs on their own initiative. Interest in relying on …

Modernizing The Medical Malpractice Standard Of Care, Philip G. Peters Jr.

Faculty Publications

The standard of care for health care providers proposed by section 5 of the Restatement of the Law Third, Torts: Medical Malpractice marks a fundamental shift in the American Law Institute's position on professional tort liability. According to both conventional wisdom and prior Restatement provisions, the standard of care for physicians is determined by their customary practices. Professionals alone are given the unique privilege to set their own legal standard of care. However, the proposed section 5 departs from this position. Instead, reasonable care for health care providers is defined as conduct "regarded as competent" by medical peers. Customary practices …

Collaboration - The Name Of The Game, Katherine Thonen

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

State Constitutional Limitations To Cities Taxing The Digital Economy, Lauren Shores Pelikan

Faculty Publications

The digital economy’s rapid evolution, most recently with the rise of artificial intelligence, demands a reevaluation of state constitutional limitations on local taxation of digital transactions. Citizens have long feared excessive or unfair tax burdens, hence the adoption of constitutional amendments that prohibit legislators from increasing taxes or imposing new taxes without a public vote. However, these constitutional limitations are now preventing cities from taxing digital transactions that are taking over the economy. This is a serious financial problem for cities whose traditional sources of tax revenue, such as sales taxes and property taxes, are dwindling due to the digitalizing …

"I Am Become Death, The Destroyer Of Worlds": Applying Strict Liability To Artificial Intelligence As An Abnormally Dangerous Activity, Renee Henson

Faculty Publications

Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools have produced a myriad of injuries, up to and including death. This burgeoning technology has caused scholars to ask questions, such as, How do we create a legal framework for AI? Because AI creators have acknowledged that even they do not know the capacities of their technology for good or bad outcomes, this Article argues that an existing framework, strict liability, is an appropriate fit for harms arising from this new technology because a party need not prove negligence to prevail. Strict liability was uniquely developed to handle those activities that are “abnormally dangerous.” An abnormally …

Evaluation Of Organic And Synthetic Herbicide Applications On Weed Suppression In A Conventional Cropping System In Louisiana, Caitlin Denux, Aixin Hou, Lisa Fultz

Faculty Publications

Synthetic herbicides, with their varying modes of action, are well known for their efficiency in the suppression and control of weed species in U.S. agriculture. However, the consequences of using synthetic herbicides without attention to the surrounding environment produce chemical run-off, changes in soil health and soil health conditions, and create herbicide-resistant weeds. These outcomes have encouraged growers to seek alternative methods for their weed management programs or farming operations. Organic production systems and organic pesticides have helped address these challenges related to sustainability and environmental health. However, the use of organic herbicides in a conventional cropping system is not …

Biochar-Based Materials As Remediation Strategy In Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil And Water: Performances, Mechanisms, And Environmental Impact, Zhuo Wei, Yi Wei, Yang Liu, Shuai Niu, Yaxi Xu, Jong Hwan Park, Jim J. Wang

Faculty Publications

Petroleum contamination is considered as a major risk to the health of humans and environment. Biochars as low-cost and eco-friendly carbon materials, have been widely used for the removal of petroleum hydrocarbon in the environment. The purpose of this paper is to review the performance, mechanisms, and potential environmental toxicity of biochar, modified biochar and its integration use with other materials in petroleum contaminated soil and water. Specifically, the use of biochar in oil-contaminated water and soil as well as the factors that could influence the removal ability of biochar were systematically evaluated. In addition, the modification and integrated use …

Universal Design For Learning (Udl)- Strategies For Engaging Rural Youth Co-Researchers With Informal Stem Learning, Amanda Bastoni, Jayson Seaman, Andrew D. Coppens, Cindy Hartman, Kate Moscouver, Courtnie Lachaine

Faculty Publications

This article describes methods and findings from a study focused on youth living in rural communities in northern New Hampshire who struggle with accessing STEM learning opportunities for reasons including economic underinvestment and geographical isolation. These challenges also negatively impact researchers hoping to learn how rural youth benefit from informal STEM learning experiences, which contribute to low-project participation and retention rates. As in other amenity-rich rural areas, the communities in this study are promoting outdoor recreation as a vehicle for economic development. We wanted to understand if outdoor recreation activities tied to economic growth initiatives — activities which youth have …

The Association Of Neighborhood And Family Factors With Child Flourishing And Wellbeing, Ngozi V. Enelamah, Melissa L. Villodas, Andrew Foell, Margaret Lombe, Chrisann Newransky, Mansoo Yu, Von Nebbitt

Faculty Publications

This study investigated the association of child household and neighborhood features such as neighborhood safety, neighborhood amenities, and neighborhood support on a child’s flourishing, mental health and school engagement.

Contagion. Ftx, A Sector's Crisis & Crypto's Silent Victims, Lev E. Breydo

Faculty Publications

Late 2022 was crypto’s Minsky moment, characterized by wholesale sector collapse and over a dozen major bankruptcies, including FTX’s implosion. For millions of investors, it was the worst of all worlds, combining the frenetic contagion of 2008 with consumer protections most reminiscent of the Panic of 1907.

While the industry’s challenges are often attributed to the nature of crypto itself, the true root cause reflects a fundamental category error. This Article’s comprehensive market taxonomy identifies as the sector’s nexus of risk entities it terms “Crypto Platforms,” like FTX. Crypto Platforms are essentially financial institutions – a cauldron of externalities subject …

British Online Archives, Katherine Van Arsdale

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Threshold Assessment: Is Technology Among The Competencies Tested By The Mpre?, Amy A. Emerson

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Did God Create Viruses?, James Hayward

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Liar, Liar: The Devil's Strategy Of Deception And Slander, John C. Peckham

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Covid-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Among People Living With And Without Hiv In South Carolina, Usa: Protocol Of A Population-Based Cohort Study, Xueying Yang, Jiajia Zhang Ph.D., Bankole Olatosi, Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Introduction Despite the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes, a small percentage of fully vaccinated persons will develop symptomatic or asymptomatic infections with SARSCoV-2, which is referred to as ‘breakthrough COVID-19’. People living with HIV (PLWH) appear to have an elevated risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, yet the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in this population remains unclear due to the limited research efforts in this population in the real world. This study aims to characterise and compare the breakthrough COVID-19 (eg, prevalence and disease severity) between PLWH and non-PLWH and then examine whether HIV markers play …

Selective Vapor Condensation For The Synthesis And Assembly Of Spherical Colloids With A Precise Rough Patch, Kennedy A. Guillot, Philip J. Brahana, Ahmed Al Harraq, Nduka D. Ogbonna, Nicholas S. Lombardo, Jimmy Lawrence, Yaxin An, Michael G. Benton, Bhuvnesh Bharti

Faculty Publications

Patchy particles occupy an increasingly important space in soft matter research due to their ability to assemble into intricate phases and states. Being able to fine-tune the interactions among these particles is essential to understanding the principles governing the self-assembly processes. However, current fabrication techniques often yield patches that deviate chemically and physically from the native particles, impeding the identification of the driving forces behind self-assembly. To overcome this challenge, we propose a new approach to synthesizing spherical colloids with a well-defined rough patch on their surface. By treating polystyrene microspheres with vapors of a good solvent, here an acetone-water …

The Impact Of Data Preparation And Model Complexity On The Natural Language Classification Of Chinese News Headlines, Torrey J. Wagner, Dennis Guhl, Brent T. Langhals

Faculty Publications

Given the emergence of China as a political and economic power in the 21st century, there is increased interest in analyzing Chinese news articles to better understand developing trends in China. Because of the volume of the material, automating the categorization of Chinese-language news articles by headline text or titles can be an effective way to sort the articles into categories for efficient review. A 383,000-headline dataset labeled with 15 categories from the Toutiao website was evaluated via natural language processing to predict topic categories. The influence of six data preparation variations on the predictive accuracy of four algorithms was …

Investigating Consumer Purchase Intention Of Athleisure Products: A Study Of Lululemon’S Sns Ad, Julia Prigl, Jiyeon Kim Ph.D., Karen Edwards J.D.

Faculty Publications

This study investigated how SNS advertising by Lululemon affected consumer purchase intention from the brand. The influence of specific ad traits such as informativeness, creativity, and emotional appeal, on attitude towards the advertisement, the influence of attitude towards the advertisement on willingness to engage with the brand and the influence of willingness to engage with the brand on purchase intention. A moderating effect of a sedentary or active lifestyle is tested. Also, the influence of perceived behavior of others on subjective norm, and the influence of subjective norm on willingness to engage with the brand were investigated. This study contributes …

Escalating Uncertainties Require Institutional Transformation To Support Epistemological Pluralism, Jennifer F. Brewer, Holly M. Hapke

Faculty Publications

As marine conservation challenges intensify with accelerating anthropogenic change, informing public deliberation about difficult trade-offs requires commitment to epistemological pluralism. Robust integration of social sciences can improve the realism of policy debates by explicating a range of potential social-ecological outcomes. Funders have long incentivized interdisciplinarity, yet progress is insufficient and embedded in a political economy of knowledge production. Failure to substantively address inequities can stymie collaboration. Institutional expectations for promotion and tenure rarely recognize the extent to which deep engagement transforms epistemological norms and scholarly outputs. Several organizations and programs offer relevant experience and resources. Senior scholars can use their …

Escalating Uncertainties Require Institutional Transformation To Support Epistemological Pluralism, Jennifer F. Brewer, Holly M. Hapke

Faculty Publications

As marine conservation challenges intensify with accelerating anthropogenic change, informing public deliberation about difficult trade-offs requires commitment to epistemological pluralism. Robust integration of social sciences can improve the realism of policy debates by explicating a range of potential social-ecological outcomes. Funders have long incentivized interdisciplinarity, yet progress is insufficient and embedded in a political economy of knowledge production. Failure to substantively address inequities can stymie collaboration. Institutional expectations for promotion and tenure rarely recognize the extent to which deep engagement transforms epistemological norms and scholarly outputs. Several organizations and programs offer relevant experience and resources. Senior scholars can use their …