Digital Commons Network^™

Apheresis Collection Of Mononuclear Cells For Chimeric-Antigen Receptor Therapies, Robert W. Maitta

Faculty Scholarship

Collections of lymphocytes to be genetically modified to treat hematologic malignancies have seen a dramatic increase over the last few years as commercial products have been approved. Reports of new products in development that can possibly treat solid organ malignancies represent a massive change in the field. Apheresis is at the center of the collection of cells for the manufacture of these chimeric-antigen receptor therapy products. The expansion of these collections represents one of the areas of apheresis procedures growth. This review will summarize concepts important to this type of collection and variables that need to be optimized to obtain …

Virtual Learning Environments And Digital Twins: Enhancing Accessibility, Diversity, And Flexibility In Training Secondary Educational Administrators, James Hutson, Robert Steffes, Joe Weber

Faculty Scholarship

This study investigates the potential of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and digital twins to overcome geo-graphical, scheduling, and diversity barriers in the training of secondary educational administrators. Recognizing the limitations in traditional in-person visits to schools-particularly for graduate students in rural areas and those working fulltime with dependents-and the current ethnic composition of educational administrators, where White individuals comprise 64.5% of the population in the US (71.01% for principals), this research explores how VLEs can democratize access and foster diversity in educational leadership training. Over the academic year 2022–2023, pre- and post-engagement surveys were administered to students in a Visionary …

Tutorial: Using Neuron For Neuromechanical Simulations, Hillel J. Chiel, Peter J. Thomas

Faculty Scholarship

The dynamical properties of the brain and the dynamics of the body strongly influence one another. Their interaction generates complex adaptive behavior. While a wide variety of simulation tools exist for neural dynamics or biomechanics separately, there are few options for integrated brain-body modeling. Here, we provide a tutorial to demonstrate how the widely-used NEURON simulation platform can support integrated neuromechanical modeling. As a first step toward incorporating biomechanics into a NEURON simulation, we provide a framework for integrating inputs from a “periphery” and outputs to that periphery. In other words, “body” dynamics are driven in part by “brain” variables, …

Scalable Production Of Peptides For Enhanced Struvite Formation Via Expression On The Surface Of Genetically Engineered Microbes, Jacob D. Hostert, Quincy A. Spitzer, Paola Giammattei, Julie N. Renner

Faculty Scholarship

A promising method for recycling phosphate from wastewater is through precipitation of struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O), a slow-release fertilizer. Peptides have been shown to increase the yield of struvite formation, but producing peptides via solid phase synthesis is cost prohibitive. This work investigates the effects of peptide-expressing bacteria on struvite precipitation to provide a sustainable and cost-efficient means to enhance struvite precipitation. A peptide known for increased struvite yield was expressed on a membrane protein in Escherichia coli(E. coli), and then 5 mL precipitation reactions were performed in 50 mL culture tubes for at least 15 min. The yield of struvite crystals …

Differential Expression Of Genes Involved In The Chronic Response To Intracortical Microelectrodes, Sydney S. Song, Lindsey N. Druschel, E. Ricky Chan, Jeffrey R. Capadona

Faculty Scholarship

Brain-Machine Interface systems (BMIs) are clinically valuable devices that can provide functional restoration for patients with spinal cord injury or improved integration for patients requiring prostheses. Intracortical microelectrodes can record neuronal action potentials at a resolution necessary for precisely controlling BMIs. However, intracortical microelectrodes have a demonstrated history of progressive decline in the recording performance with time, inhibiting their usefulness. One major contributor to decreased performance is the neuroinflammatory response to the implanted microelectrodes. The neuroinflammatory response can lead to neurodegeneration and the formation of a glial scar at the implant site. Historically, histological imaging of relatively few known cellular …

Field Studies Of Perc And Al-Bsf Pv Module Performance Loss Using Power And I-V Timeseries, Alan J. Curran, Xuanji Yu, Jiqi Liu, Laura S. Bruckman, Roger H. French

Faculty Scholarship

We have studied the degradation of both full-sized modules and minimodules with PERC and Al-BSF cell variations in fields while considering packaging strategies. We demonstrate the implementations of data-driven tools to analyze large numbers of modules and volumes of timeseries data to obtain the performance loss and degradation pathways. This data analysis pipeline enables quantitative comparison and ranking of module variations, as well as mapping and deeper understanding of degradation mechanisms. The best performing module is a half-cell PERC, which shows a performance loss rate (PLR) of −0.27 ± 0.12% per annum (%/a) after initial losses have stabilized. Minimodule studies …

Field Studies Of Perc And Al-Bsf Pv Module Performance Loss Using Power And I-V Timeseries, Alan J. Curran, Xuanji Yu, Jiqi Liu, Laura S. Bruckman, Roger H. French

Faculty Scholarship

We have studied the degradation of both full-sized modules and minimodules with PERC and Al-BSF cell variations in fields while considering packaging strategies. We demonstrate the implementations of data-driven tools to analyze large numbers of modules and volumes of timeseries data to obtain the performance loss and degradation pathways. This data analysis pipeline enables quantitative comparison and ranking of module variations, as well as mapping and deeper understanding of degradation mechanisms. The best performing module is a half-cell PERC, which shows a performance loss rate (PLR) of −0.27 ± 0.12% per annum (%/a) after initial losses have stabilized. Minimodule studies …

Federal Environmental Justice Legislation And Regulations, Nadia B. Ahmad

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Faculty In Durable Skills Development In Higher Education, James Hutson, Mark Valenzuela, Shannon Wright, Elizabeth Melick

Faculty Scholarship

Although Emsi and other market researchers have found that employers desire durable skills (formerly known as “soft skills”) in new hires, there have been few studies dedicated to identifying how faculty perceptions of skill development differ in degree and by area, and how that might impact how such skills are embedded in classroom instruction. This study proposes to investigate the perceptions of faculty from different academic backgrounds and how their disciplines and experiences may contribute to their perceived role in curricular, cocurricular or extracurricular offerings that support durable skill development. Results from the study demonstrate the differing perspectives and expectations …

Initiation Payments, Scott Hirst

Faculty Scholarship

Many of the central discussions in corporate governance, including those regarding proxy contests, shareholder proposals, and other activism or stewardship, can be understood as a single question: Is there under-initiation of corporate changes that investors would collectively prefer?

This Article sheds light on this question in three ways. First, the Article proposes a theory of investor initiation, which explains the hypothesis that there is under-initiation of collectively-preferred corporate change by investors. Even though investors collectively prefer that certain corporate changes take place, the costs to any individual investor from initiating such changes through high-cost proxy contests, or even low-cost shareholder …

Rethinking Education In The Age Of Ai: The Importance Of Developing Durable Skills In The Industry 4.0, James Hutson, Jason Ceballos

Faculty Scholarship

This article discusses the pressing need to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into education to facilitate customizable, individualized, and on-demand learning pathways. At the same time, while AI has the potential to expand the learner base and improve learning outcomes, the development of NACE Competencies and durable skills – communication, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, adaptability, and emotional intelligence - must be purposefully integrated in curriculum design now more than ever. Recent studies have shown that AI-driven learning pathways can achieve outcomes more quickly, but this comes at the cost of the development of durable skills. Therefore, traditional student-to-student and student-to-teacher interactions …

A Theory Of Interests In The Context Of Hybrid Warfare: It's Complex, Cynthia Alkon, Sanda Kaufman

Faculty Scholarship

We will begin with a discussion about how the hybrid warfare context is different from other conflict contexts. We will describe some complexity aspects that make hybrid warfare challenging to negotiators. We will then discuss whether classical negotiation theory prescriptions apply to a hybrid warfare context, especially regarding interests. We will argue that these prescriptions related to classical negotiations are unlikely to work in this context. We will focus our analysis on a subset of hybrid warfare attacks, consisting of short-term, time-sensitive, high-risk crises, where negotiations are possible and necessary, such as ransom demands, rather than on hybrid warfare situations …

Negotiation Theories Engage Hybrid Warfare, Nancy Welsh, Sharon Press, Andrea Kupfer Schneider

Faculty Scholarship

The concept of hybrid warfare has arisen recently to describe the efforts, short of outright war, used by nations to disrupt and destabilize each other. This Article reviews available negotiation theories, concepts and skills to determine whether they can help governmental actors and business organizations targeted by hybrid warfare respond effectively. In other words, can negotiation theories, concepts and skills be used to engage effectively in “hybrid conflict management”? The Article urges that international diplomacy and multiparty negotiation theories and skills, as well as the more recent scholarship that has developed regarding hostage negotiation and “wicked problems,” are likely to …

Confidentiality Clauses In Settlement Agreements After The Consumer Review Fairness Act, Wayne Barnes

Faculty Scholarship

Online commerce has skyrocketed in recent years, and shoppers are purchasing goods or services online in greater numbers every year. The COVID-19 pandemic has only hastened the trend. One significant aspect of online shopping is the presence of consumer reviews posted by prior purchasers of goods or services, describing their experience with the products, the services and/or the selling merchant. A vast majority of online shoppers say that they rely on these reviews to help inform their purchasing decisions. Positive reviews can be tremendously beneficial to a business’ profitability, whereas negative reviews can be equally detrimental. Users of the internet …

When Will A Changing Climate Outpace Adaptive Evolution?, Ryan A. Martin, Sarah E. Diamond

Faculty Scholarship

Decades of research have illuminated the underlying ingredients that determine the scope of evolutionary responses to climate change. The field of evolutionary biology therefore stands ready to take what it has learned about influences upon the rate of adaptive evolution—such as population demography, generation time, and standing genetic variation—and apply it to assess if and how populations can evolve fast enough to “keep pace” with climate change. Here, our review highlights what the field of evolutionary biology can contribute and what it still needs to learn to provide more mechanistic predictions of the winners and losers of climate change. We …

Validation Of A New Species For Studying Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation: Swine Sterile Pericarditis Model, Seungyup Lee, Celeen Khrestian, Daniel Laurita, Dragan Juzbasich, Don Wallick, Albert Waldo

Faculty Scholarship

Background: The canine sterile pericarditis model associated with atrial inflammation is an experimental counterpart of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). However, the use of canines for research is restricted by ethics committees in many countries, and social acceptance is declining. Objective: To validate the feasibility of the swine sterile pericarditis model as an experimental counterpart to study POAF. Methods: Seven domestic pigs (35–60 kg) underwent initial pericarditis surgery. On two or more postoperative days in the closed‐chest state, we performed electrophysiological measurements of pacing threshold and atrial effective refractory period (AERP) while pacing from the right atrial appendage (RAA) and the …

Neighbourhood‐Level Social Deprivation And The Risk Of Recurrent Heart Failure Hospitalizations In Type 2 Diabetes, Salil V. Deo, Sadeer Al-Kindi, Yakov Elgudin, Eiran Gorodeski, Sanjay Rajagopalan

Faculty Scholarship

Background: The importance of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) is acknowledged. As information on the prevalence and influence of social deprivation on HFH is limited, we studied this issue in a racially diverse cohort. Methods: Linking data from US Veterans with stable T2D (without prevalent HF) with a zip-code derived population-level social deprivation index (SDI), we grouped them according to increasing SDI as follows: SDI: group I: ≤20; II: 21-40; III: 41-60; IV: 61-80; and V (most deprived) 81-100. Over a 10-year follow-up period, we identified the total (first and recurrent) number of HFH episodes …

Behavioral Paradigm For The Evaluation Of Stimulation-Evoked Somatosensory Perception Thresholds In Rats, Jeffrey R. Capadona

Faculty Scholarship

Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of the somatosensory cortex via penetrating microelectrode arrays (MEAs) can evoke cutaneous and proprioceptive sensations for restoration of perception in individuals with spinal cord injuries. However, ICMS current amplitudes needed to evoke these sensory percepts tend to change over time following implantation. Animal models have been used to investigate the mechanisms by which these changes occur and aid in the development of new engineering strategies to mitigate such changes. Non-human primates are commonly the animal of choice for investigating ICMS, but ethical concerns exist regarding their use. Rodents are a preferred animal model due to their availability, …

Human-Ai Collaboration For Smart Education: Reframing Applied Learning To Support Metacognition, James Hutson, Daniel Plate

Faculty Scholarship

This chapter investigates the profound influence of intelligent virtual assistants (IVAs) on the educational domain, specifically in the realm of individualized learning and the instruction of writing abilities and content creation. IVAs, incorporating generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion, hold the potential to bring about a paradigm shift in educational programs, emphasizing the enhancement of advanced metacognitive capacities rather than the fundamentals of communication. The subsequent recommendations stress the need to cultivate enduring proficiencies and ascertain tailored learning approaches for each learner, which will be indispensable for success in the evolving job market. In this context, prompt …

Exploring The Educational Potential Of Ai Generative Art In 3d Design Fundamentals: A Case Study On Prompt Engineering And Creative Workflows, James Hutson, Bryan Robertson

Faculty Scholarship

AI will be increasingly integrated into artistic practices and creative workflows with prompt engineering assuming an increasingly important role in the process. With readilyavailable generative AI, such as Midjourney, DALL-E 2, and Craiyon (formerly DALLE-mini), anyone can seemingly create "art,” prompting questions about the future necessity of art and design education. However, whereas the ease with which content can be created has seen an outcry from the traditional artmaking community, fears over widespread adoption replacing the need for a firm foundation in art and design principles and fundamentals is unfounded. Instead, these tools should be seen and adopted as other …

Enhancing Employability For Autistic Graduates: Using Triz Theory To Design Virtual Reality Solutions For Fostering Inclusive Communications In Workplace Environments, Jonathan Proulx Guimond, Jocelyn Kiss, Reyes Consuelo, Miguel Alejandro, Dominique Michaud, Rency Inson Michel, Alexandre Ménard, Isabelle Feillou, Geoffreyjen Edwards, James Hutson, Claude Vincent, Julie Ruel, Sylvain Letscher, Valéry Psyché, Cathia Papi, Martin Caouette

Faculty Scholarship

The underemployment of post-secondary graduates with autism (AP-PSD) is a critical concern. This issue often stems from difficulties in workplace integration and communication. This research explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) systems to alleviate these challenges by simulating work environments. The methodology, rooted in the TRIZ Theory, a problem-solving algorithm, refines the use of VR systems for enhanced adaptability and efficiency. The primary objectives include enhancing employers' understanding of AP-PSD-related issues and identifying significant workplace challenges faced by AP-PSDs. Through literature reviews, surveys, and focus groups, the study investigates the factors impacting AP-PSDs and identifies key components to develop …

Life, Death, And Ai: Exploring Digital Necromancy In Popular Culture—Ethical Considerations, Technological Limitations, And The Pet Cemetery Conundrum, James Hutson, Jay Ratican

Faculty Scholarship

This article explores the rise of generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, and the combination of large language models (LLM) with robotics, exemplified by Ameca the Robot. It addresses the need to study the ethical considerations and potential implications of digital necromancy, which involves using AI to reanimate deceased individuals for various purposes. Reasons for desiring to engage with a disembodied or bodied replica of a person include the preservation of memories, emotional closure, cultural heritage and historical preservation, interacting with idols or influential figures, educational and research purposes, and creative expression and artistic endeavors. As such, this article examines historical examples …

What’S Scope 3 Good For?, Madison Condon

Faculty Scholarship

Opposition to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) new rule on updated climate risk reporting has focused on one category of disclosures as particularly objectionable: Scope 3 emissions.⁷ Otherwise known as “supply chain emissions,” Scope 3 emissions have been voluntarily reported by a growing number of companies since the term was invented as part of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol in 2001.⁸ They include all the emissions both up and downstream of a corporations’ own activities: the emissions of the privately-owned factory that produced the shoes Target sells, as well as the emissions you burn while driving to the …

Generative Ai Tools In Art Education: Exploring Prompt Engineering And Iterative Processes For Enhanced Creativity, James Hutson, Peter Cotroneo

Faculty Scholarship

The rapid development and adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the art and design education landscape have introduced both opportunities and challenges. This timely study addresses the need to effectively integrate these tools into the classroom while considering ethical implications and the importance of prompt engineering. By examining the iterative process of refining original ideas through multiple iterations, verbal expansion, and the use of OpenAI’s DALL E2 for generating diverse visual outcomes, researchers gain insights into the potential benefits and pitfalls of these tools in an educational context. Students in the digital at case study were taught prompt …

Membrane Bending And Sphingomyelinase-Associated, Sulfatide-Dependent Hypoxic Adhesion Of Sickle Mature Erythrocytes, Utku Goreke, Erdem Kucukal, Fang Wang, Ran An, Nicole Arnold, Erina Quinn, Charlotte Yuan, Allison Bode, Ailis Hill, Yuncheng Man, Bryan C. Hambley, Robert Schilz, Mahazarin Ginwalla, Umut A. Gurkan, Umut A. Gurkan

Faculty Scholarship

Abnormal erythrocyte adhesion owing to polymerization of sickle hemoglobin is central to the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD). Mature erythrocytes constitute >80% of all erythrocytes in SCD; however, the relative contributions of erythrocytes to acute and chronic vasculopathy in SCD are not well understood. Here, we showed that bending stress exerted on the erythrocyte plasma membrane by polymerization of sickle hemoglobin under hypoxia, enhances sulfatide-mediated abnormal mature erythrocyte adhesion. We hypothesized that sphingomyelinase (SMase) activity, which is upregulated by accumulated bending energy, leads to elevated membrane sulfatide availability, and thus, hypoxic mature erythrocyte adhesion. We found that mature erythrocyte …

Evaluation Of A Photodynamic Therapy Agent Using A Canine Prostate Cancer Model, Dong Luo, Xinning Wang, Gopalakrishnan Ramamurthy, Ethan Walker, Lifang Zhang, Aditi Shirke, Naraen G. Naidu, Clemens Burda, Lee Ponsky, James Basilion

Faculty Scholarship

Background: Male dogs can develop spontaneous prostate cancer, which is similar physiologically to human disease. Recently, Tweedle and coworkers have developed an orthotopic canine prostate model allowing implanted tumors and therapeutic agents to be tested in a more translational large animal model. We used the canine model to evaluate prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted gold nanoparticles as a theranostic approach for fluorescence (FL) imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) of early stage prostate cancer.

Fabrication Methods And Chronic In Vivo Validation Of Mechanically Adaptive Microfluidic Intracortical Devices, Youjoung Kim, Natalie N. Mueller, William E. Schwartzman, Danielle Sarno, Reagan Wynder, George F. Hoeferlin, Kaela Gisser, Jeffrey R. Capadona, Allison E. Hess-Dunning

Faculty Scholarship

Intracortical neural probes are both a powerful tool in basic neuroscience studies of brain function and a critical component of brain computer interfaces (BCIs) designed to restore function to paralyzed patients. Intracortical neural probes can be used both to detect neural activity at single unit resolution and to stimulate small populations of neurons with high resolution. Unfortunately, intracortical neural probes tend to fail at chronic timepoints in large part due to the neuroinflammatory response that follows implantation and persistent dwelling in the cortex. Many promising approaches are under development to circumvent the inflammatory response, including the development of less inflammatory …

Microwave Regeneration And Thermal And Oxidative Stability Of Imidazolium Cyanopyrrolide Ionic Liquid For Direct Air Capture Of Carbon Dioxide, Yun-Yang Lee, Eda Cagli, Aidan Klemm, Ruth Dikki

Faculty Scholarship

Understanding the oxidative and thermal degradation of CO2 sorbents is essential for assessing long-term sorbent stability in direct air capture (DAC). The potential degradation pathway of imidazolium cyanopyrrolide, an ionic liquid (IL) functionalized for superior CO2 capacity and selectivity, is evaluated under accelerated degradation conditions to elucidate the secondary reactions that can occur during repetitive absorption-desorption thermal-swing cycles. The combined analysis from various spectroscopic, chromatographic, and thermal gravimetric measurements indicated that radical and SN2 mechanisms in degradation are encouraged by the nucleophilicity of the anion. Thickening of the liquid and gas evolution are accompanied by 50 % reduction in CO2 …

The Six Emotional Dimension (6de) Model: A Multidimensional Approach To Analyzing Human Emotions And Unlocking The Potential Of Emotionally Intelligent Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Via Large Language Models (Llm), Jay Ratican, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) research, particularly in training large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI's ChatGPT 3.5 and 4, hold significant potential for future applications in education, healthcare, and assisted living. Emotionally intelligent AI systems can provide personalized and adaptive educational experiences, enhancing engagement and educational outcomes. In healthcare, they can offer empathetic mental health support, augmenting existing resources. In assisted living, AI companions can provide emotional support, cognitive stimulation, and monitoring services, promoting independence and safety. However, ethical considerations and privacy safeguards are crucial to ensure responsible deployment. Integrating emotionally intelligent AI in these domains has …

Digital Privacy For Reproductive Choice In The Post-Roe Era, Aziz Z. Huq, Rebecca Wexler

Faculty Scholarship

The overruling of Roe v. Wade has unleashed a torrent of regulatory and punitive activity restricting previously lawful reproductive options. But the turn to the expansive criminal law and new schemes of civil liability creates novel concerns, quite distinct from the pre-Roe landscape a half-century ago. Reproductive choice, and its nemesis, turn upon information. For pregnant people, deciding on a choice of medical care entails a search for advice and services. Information is at a pre­mium for them. Meanwhile, efforts to regulate abortion began with clinic closings. But they will quickly extend to civil actions and criminal indictments of patients, …