Miami University

Diversification of the Educator Workforce (DEW) is an urgent need requiring intervention to push against many deeply entrenched systemic barriers (Chapman, Anne. 2021. Opening doors: Strategies for advancing racial diversity in Wisconsin’s teacher workforce. Wisconsin Policy Forum . Available at: https://wispolicyforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/OpeningDoors_FullReport.pdf ; James, Weade & Jacqueline Rodriguez. 2020. The use of networked improvement communities in educator preparation programs to improve teacher shortage and diversity. Success in High-Need Schools Journal 16(1). 10–22). This collaborative autoethnographic case study (see e.g., Chang Heewon, Ngunjiri Faith & Hernandez Kathy-Ann. 2016. Collaborative autoethnography . New York: Routledge) illustrates how a group of individuals across institutions collaborated to dismantle barriers to students who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entering the educator workforce. More specifically, this study reveals how members embodied a collaborative and non-competitive approach to overcoming systemic barriers that BIPOC teacher candidates experience. Through this collaborative approach, the unique contributions of members were evident, and tenets of critical consciousness and feminist theory supported the development of an integrated network of care (Reyes, Ganiva. 2021. Integrated networks of care: Supporting teachers who care for Latina mothering students. Critical Studies in Education 62(4). 471–485). This case study identifies positive impacts of communal support of DEW workers and illuminates invisibilized labor of professional stakeholders and BIPOC students.

Objective This study aimed to expand the understanding of the patient with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience and to compare/contrast patient and clinician prioritization of PsA dimensions. Methods We conducted four patients with PsA focus groups across three US rheumatology practices using mixed methods to identify attributes of PsA important to patients. Combination with extant attributes of PsA identified by a steering committee created a comprehensive list of attributes. In separate patient and physician Delphi exercises, participants distributed 100 points across items on the list according to importance as a dimension of PsA. Results Fifty‐one items describing PsA were generated. Thirty‐eight patients and 13 clinicians completed the last Delphi rating exercise. Patients distributed points across a wider range of items than physicians. Using group mean score per item, prioritization was compared between groups. Items with the top 10 mean scores for both groups included arthritis, disease activity, pain, fatigue, physical function, and spine symptoms. Other prioritized domains showed disparity: access to care, daily activities, stiffness, future health uncertainty, and sleep quality for patients versus specific disease skin and joint manifestations, comorbidities, structural damage, and disease management goals for clinicians. Conclusion Although concordance between patient and clinician perspectives regarding “what matters” in PsA was seen, significant areas of discordance were uncovered. Patients highlighted concerns about care access and uncertainty about the future and impact on aspects of life beyond physical symptoms, issues not usually discussed in a clinical visit. These differential prioritizations highlight opportunities for improvement in patient–clinician communications and delineate the need for more patient‐centered research.

Lipid nanoparticles formed with copolymers are a new and increasingly powerful tool for studying membrane proteins, but the extent to which these systems affect the physical properties of the membrane is not completely understood. This is critical to understanding the caveats of these new systems and screening for structural and functional artifacts that might be caused in the membrane proteins they are used to study. To better understand these potential effects, the fluid properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine lipid bilayers were examined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with spin-labeled reporter lipids in either liposomes or incorporated into nanoparticles with the copolymers diisobutylene-maleic acid or styrene maleic acid. Lineshape analysis at varying temperatures reveal a major change in the phase transition behavior of the lipids from a sharp melting curve in liposomes to a more gradual transition in nanoparticles. Electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) spectroscopy reveals changes in water permeability between mimetic systems, which is further supported by power-saturation measurements showing increased dequenching of spin lipids in diisobutylene-maleic acid nanoparticles compared to maleic acid nanoparticles. These results suggest that diisobutylene-maleic acid nanoparticles may have more physiological fluid properties than styrene-maleic acid nanoparticles when incorporated with saturated phospholipids.

We created a novel laboratory experience where undergraduate students explore the techniques used to study protein misfolding, unfolding, and aggregation. Despite the importance of protein misfolding and aggregation diseases, protein unfolding is not typically explored in undergraduate biochemistry laboratory classes. Yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (YADH) is used in the undergraduate biochemistry laboratory course at Miami University as the model system to explore protein overexpression and purification, bioinformatics, and enzyme characterization. Using one model protein across the entire semester allows the students to independently link topics introduced in the individual experiments; for example, students might draw connections between the thermal denaturation experiment and the requirement to keep the enzyme cold during a kinetics experiment. Students quantitated changes in secondary structure resulting from thermal denaturation by analyzing circular dichroism data. Monitoring the turbidity of a YADH solution with a temperature‐controlled UV–Vis spectrometer was a reliable and easy method for undergraduate students to observe the thermally‐induced aggregation of YADH. Together these experiments provide undergraduate students with first‐hand experience in techniques to study protein unfolding and aggregation.

In this paper, we define and study the universal enveloping algebra of a Poisson superalgebra. In particular, a new PBW Theorem for Lie-Rinehart superalgebras is proved leading to a PBW Theorem for Poisson superalgebras, we show the universal enveloping algebra of a Poisson Hopf superalgebra (resp. Poisson-Ore extension) is a Hopf superalgebra (resp. iterated Ore extension), and we study the universal enveloping algebra for interesting classes of Poisson superalgebras such as Poisson symplectic superalgebras.

The prairie vole ( Microtus ochrogaster ) has become a model organism for studying monogamy. A precise account of the phylogeography of this species should increase our understanding of the proximate mechanisms and ultimate factors underlying the observed geographic variation in monogamy. The prairie vole is widespread throughout the North American grasslands, and seven subspecies have been identified based on morphological variation, which suggests the development of genetic structure. However, a prior analysis of allelic diversity at nuclear microsatellite loci showed little geographic differentiation throughout the species’ range. To further address this inconsistency, we sequenced a segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b locus in 34 individuals from separate geographic locations throughout the species’ range. The mitochondrial analysis revealed three widespread genetic clusters without clear geographic patterns. Thus, the results were consistent with the nuclear analysis by demonstrating low geographic differentiation, indicating likely incomplete lineage sorting in the species. Additionally, the observed patterns of mitochondrial and nuclear variation were not consistent with subspecies designations. Based on our analysis and prior genetic and morphological analyses, we suggest that a reevaluation of the subspecies designations in prairie voles is warranted, with the six contiguous subspecies of prairie voles being synonymized.

Aim Members of the amphipod genus Gammarus have served as an excellent model for testing biogeographic hypotheses given the number of species within the genus and its unique history, with multiple taxa transitioning from marine to freshwater environments independently. However, while attention has been placed on Palearctic Gammarus, little is known about members in the Nearctic. Given trends observed within the genus, Gammarus from eastern North America (ENA) may represent another independent lineage, likely reaching the continent using a heretofore unknown pathway. We investigate the phylogenetic and evolutionary history of Gammarus spp. in this region. Location Eastern North America. Taxon Gammarus. Methods Sequence data for two nuclear and two mitochondrial loci were obtained for 75 individuals, four of which are newly sequenced. Based on a partitioned dataset, phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Bayesian trees were time-calibrated based on a set of five mixed calibration points. RASP software was used to investigate potential ancestral areas. Results ENA Gammarus spp. were recovered as monophyletic, showing affinity to both Palearctic Gammarus and G. duebeni. Newly generated sequences solidify the position of Gammarus bousfieldi, which is found to be related to G. minus. Time-calibrated phylogenies place the crown age of the ENA lineage during the Eocene/Oligocene. These timings suggest a marine origin for the lineage followed by dispersal into freshwater. Main Conclusions Members of the “ENA Gammarus” are a unique lineage within the genus, originating from a marine ancestor during the Eocene/Oligocene and colonising the Nearctic shortly after. The exact route the lineage may have taken is unclear; however, three routes are proposed: (i) the Gulf of St. Lawrence, (ii) the Chesapeake Bay, and (iii) the Mississippi River. Results generated here emphasise the lineages' unique evolutionary history, highlighting novel colonisation pathways not often considered for invertebrate taxa.

Skateboarding is a practice that reimagines and repurposes the urban landscape by manipulating its designs for unintended purposes and creating new relationships with space. In this way, skateboarding may challenge the exclusionary urban logics in colonized cities. Extending this line of thought, I explore the decolonizing and indigenizing potential of skateboarding through the concepts of visual sovereignty and placemaking. I suggest skateboarding diversifies and contemporizes indigenous arts and practices, translates indigeneity into urban contexts that traditionally preclude indigenous peoples and cultures, builds communities between indigenous groups and across rural and urban geographies, and imagines other ways of being, doing, and relating to space that signals more indigenous futures.

Lattice structures (LSs) are increasingly celebrated for their lightweight characteristics and superior mechanical performance. In this research, a strut reinforcement technique was employed to enhance the energy absorption capacities of 3D re-entrant auxetic (Aux), hexagonal (Hex), and hybrid auxetic-hexagonal (AuxHex) lattice structures. The investigation involved finite element analysis (FEA) to delve into the mechanical and energy absorption properties of these novel designs during quasi-static compression testing. To accurately simulate the mechanical behavior of the 3D-printed lattice structures, the mechanical properties of the PA2200 matrix material—manufactured via 3D printing—were utilized. The results from the uniaxial loading tests of the reinforced designs were then compared with those from traditional 3D hexagonal and re-entrant auxetic lattice structures. The elastic modulus of the reinforced designs was improved by 130% for hexagonal structure, 85.78% for auxetic structure, and 168.26% for hybrid auxetic-hexagonal structure at a 2 mm strut diameter. Similarly, the reinforced designs showed a significant increase in volumetric energy absorption (W). Reinforced Hex structure had a 153% improvement in W, whereas reinforced Aux and AuxHex structures showed an increase in W by 162.4% and 119.09%, respectively. Comparing energy absorption properties of all structures at the same relative density, the W of the reinforced hexagonal structure was found to be the highest. The experimental validation of the compression responses of the 3D-printed lattice structures demonstrated good agreement in terms of elastic modulus, yield stress, peak stress, and deformation modes. Finally, the deformation patterns of the reinforced auxetic and hexagonal structures were identified to be a combination of bending and stretching dominating, resulting in increased stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and weight efficiency.

Abiotic efflux of CO2 from soil is typically attributed to weathering of carbonates but also arises from concurrent oxidation of organic matter and reduction of metal oxides. Little is known, however, about the magnitude of the latter reaction in soil environments. We observed rapid formation of CO2 from soils treated with a simple phenolic acid (gallic acid, [GA]), consistent with redox reactions catalyzed by Mn or Fe oxide. We measured CO2 formed during 4‐h incubations of soil from different management systems (n = 5), archived benchmark soils (n = 18), and samples of reagent‐grade metal oxides (n = 4). Treatments included water, pH 4 phthalate buffer, glucose (0.029 M), or GA (0.025 M). Little CO2 was formed when samples were treated with water or glucose, but CO2 quickly evolved with GA. Adding buffer elicited CO2 in some samples. Soil from a 5‐year rotation produced less net CO2 (p ≤ 0.05) than other crop rotations or pasture. Net responses from benchmark samples ranged broadly. The CO2 from some soils was attributable to an acid‐carbonate reaction, while for other soils CO2 was inferred to derive from oxidation of GA by metal oxides. Unlike other tested oxides, Mn(IV) oxide produced a CO2 response similar to that seen in soil. Redox reactions producing CO2 can occur in a variety of soils after inputs of GA, a simple phenolic constituent of root exudates, and be influenced by management. Such processes, catalyzed by Mn(IV) oxide, might be significant abiotic sources of CO2 from agricultural land.

The goal of our work is to explore and highlight factors that contribute to positive experiences of Black employees. To accomplish this, we integrate behavioral ethics research into the Black scholarship literature. Specifically, we focus on the role of ethical leadership. We leverage signaling theory to explain the Black cultural implications associated with ethical leadership and how ethical leaders create racially just workplaces. Across three studies (i.e., one cross-sectional field study and two experimental vignettes), we demonstrate that ethical leadership operates as a welcoming signal for Black employees, which positively impacts Black employees’ evaluations of psychological diversity climate. By cultivating Black employees’ evaluations of psychological diversity climate, Black employees are more likely to be engaged and are less likely to be ostracized in the workplace, which are key indicators of a racially just workplace. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. We conclude with limitations and future research ideas.

Introduction : Dual-task (DT) exercises combine both physical and cognitive activities and have the potential to efficiently enhance both physical and cognitive function. Background/Objectives : This study aimed to determine if, compared with exercise-only (EO) and control (C) groups, adults in a DT training program improved measures of cognitive and/or physical functioning. Methods : Thirty-five participants (M age = 65.7 ± 8.5 years; 74.3% female, 25.7% male) were randomly sorted into EO ( n = 15), DT ( n = 10), and C ( n = 10). EO and DT participated in 3 months of twice weekly, 50-min exercise. DT played cognitive games on a SMARTfit Cognitive-Motor Exercise System during exercise sessions. C did not participate in any supervised sessions. Cognition was assessed with a Cognivue Thrive program. Dynamic stability, coordination, and lower body strength were assessed. Linear mixed-effects models investigated effects for different groups. For outcomes showing significant ( p < .05) differences, pairwise t tests were conducted between all treatment and time comparisons. Results : Dynamic stability and coordination improved in DT and EO ( p = .002 and .04, respectively), but not in C in the first 6 weeks ( p = .58). Cognition and memory did not change over time among the three groups. Conclusion : Healthy, independent-living older adults in either DT or EO improved dynamic stability and coordination over time and DT improved balance and functional mobility more than either EO or C. No improvements in several standard cognition or memory measurements were observed. Significance/Implications : A DT exercise program improved balance and coordination, but not cognition or memory, in healthy, independent-living older adults.

Land use change threatens global biodiversity and compromises ecosystem functions, including pollination and food production. Reduced taxonomic α‐diversity is often reported under land use change, yet the impacts could be different at larger spatial scales (i.e., γ‐diversity), either due to reduced β‐diversity amplifying diversity loss or increased β‐diversity dampening diversity loss. Additionally, studies often focus on taxonomic diversity, while other important biodiversity components, including phylogenetic diversity, can exhibit differential responses. Here, we evaluated how agricultural and urban land use alters the taxonomic and phylogenetic α‐, β‐, and γ‐diversity of an important pollinator taxon—bees. Using a multicontinental dataset of 3117 bee assemblages from 157 studies, we found that taxonomic α‐diversity was reduced by 16%–18% in both agricultural and urban habitats relative to natural habitats. Phylogenetic α‐diversity was decreased by 11%–12% in agricultural and urban habitats. Compared with natural habitats, taxonomic and phylogenetic β‐diversity increased by 11% and 6% in urban habitats, respectively, but exhibited no systematic change in agricultural habitats. We detected a 22% decline in taxonomic γ‐diversity and a 17% decline in phylogenetic γ‐diversity in agricultural habitats, but γ‐diversity of urban habitats was not significantly different from natural habitats. These findings highlight the threat of agricultural expansions to large‐scale bee diversity due to systematic γ‐diversity decline. In addition, while both urbanization and agriculture lead to consistent declines in α‐diversity, their impacts on β‐ or γ‐diversity vary, highlighting the need to study the effects of land use change at multiple scales.

Measurement invariance testing is considered essential in determining whether a measure can be meaningfully used across cultural groups, though establishing such invariance is relatively rare in cross-national studies. The present study investigated measurement invariance of a widely used measure of emotion dysregulation, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz & Roemer, 2004), in a sample of college students in India (n = 198) and the United States (US; n = 295). Results demonstrated that the item-level six-factor model for the DERS did not fit the data well in either the US or Indian samples. A scale score six-factor model without the item-level information fit the data well in both samples, and a scale score five-factor model (without the Lack of Emotional Clarity subscale) fit the data better in both samples. Using the five-factor scale score models, configural invariance testing indicated that the model varies across the two cultural groups. Overall, our findings failed to demonstrate measurement invariance of the DERS, suggesting that the DERS functions differently in the two cultural groups. Further research is needed to examine cross-national differences in the conceptualization and measurement of emotion regulation.