Approaches for modeling magnetic nanoparticle dynamics

Magnetic nanoparticles are useful biological probes as well as therapeutic agents. There have been several approaches used to model nanoparticle magnetization dynamics for both Brownian as well as N\'eel rotation. The magnetizations are often of interest and can be compared with experimental results. Here we summarize these approaches including the Stoner-Wohlfarth approach, and stochastic approaches including thermal fluctuations. Non-equilibrium related temperature effects can be described by a distribution function approach (Fokker-Planck equation) or a stochastic differential equation (Langevin equation). Approximate models in several regimes can be derived from these general approaches to simplify implementation

Biblical Based Servant Leadership and the Liberian Methodist Church: Lessons from the Christological Hymn in Phil. 2:7-11

Sometimes a biblical understanding of leadership challenges cultural and traditional understanding. It’s the context of the Liberian traditional and cultural understanding of leadership that my research will focus on. My project will show the continued need for servant leadership, which is demonstrated by the portrait of Jesus in the Christological hymn and the Gospel. The theses will focus on contrasting traditional Christian leadership within the United Methodist Church in Liberia with the humility of Jesus’ servant leadership. This research hopes to offer academic authentic transformative ideas of servant leadership and intentional examples to the continuous study of servant leadership. However, the research intent to also provide a fresh look at how cultural and traditional orientations in Liberia, can pose a challenge to the impact of servant leadership and hope to submit practical ways the leaders understand the transformative nature of power (Linthicum, 2003) Therefore, the inquiry will consider scholarly works of literature in the area of servant leadership, primarily drawing resources from Servant of All: Status, Ambition, and The way of Jesus (Hill, 2016), Culture and leadership in Africa: a conceptual model and research agenda (Kuada, J. 2010), the impact of Carmen Christi (Fee, G. 1992), the servant example of Christ in the Gospel, and suggesting applicable knowledge from my research, and personal experience that’s workable within the Liberian context; as opposed to a king and ruler cultural/traditional 4 understanding of Christian leadership (Mansago, 2009). Secondly, this research hopes to contribute to the current scholarship on Christian leadership based on the Christological hymn as it challenges from a cultural or traditional context (Jones, 2012)

Extended Infusions of Meropenem for Febrile Neutropenia

Background: Neutropenic fever is an oncologic emergency that requires quick intervention with anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam antibiotics, such as meropenem. Previous literature suggests that extended infusions of beta-lactam antibiotics may improve clinical outcomes. To date, there are 3 prior studies utilizing an extended infusion beta-lactam in this population; however, there is only one previous study investigating the use of extended infusion meropenem in patients with febrile neutropenia. Objective: To describe the outcomes of eight patients receiving extended infusions of meropenem for the treatment of febrile neutropenia. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed including adult patients admitted to a community teaching hospital who received extended infusions of meropenem for febrile neutropenia. Results: In this descriptive study, no patients receiving extended infusions of meropenem failed treatment, were readmitted for an infectious issue within 30 days, or endured inpatient mortality. Additionally, all eight patients defervesced within 48 hours, and four patients had a microbiologically documented infection. One patient incurred Clostridium difficile on day 2 of meropenem therapy. Conclusions: Extended infusions of meropenem may be effective in the treatment of febrile neutropenia. Future studies comparing extended infusions to intermittent infusions of meropenem for febrile neutropenia are warranted

Membrane mechanics as a probe of ion-channel gating mechanisms

The details of conformational changes undergone by transmembrane ion channels in response to stimuli, such as electric fields and membrane tension, remain controversial. We approach this problem by considering how the conformational changes impose deformations in the lipid bilayer. We focus on the role of bilayer deformations in the context of voltage-gated channels because we hypothesize that such deformations are relevant in this case as well as for channels that are explicitly mechanosensitive. As a result of protein conformational changes, we predict that the lipid bilayer suffers deformations with a characteristic free-energy scale of 10kBT. This free energy is comparable to the voltage-dependent part of the total gating energy, and we argue that these deformations could play an important role in the overall free-energy budget of gating. As a result, channel activity will depend upon mechanical membrane parameters such as tension and leaflet thickness. We further argue that the membrane deformation around any channel can be divided into three generic classes of deformation that exhibit different mechanosensitive properties. Finally, we provide the theoretical framework that relates conformational changes during gating to tension and leaflet thickness dependence in the critical gating voltage. This line of investigation suggests experiments that could discern the dominant deformation imposed upon the membrane as a result of channel gating, thus providing clues as to the channel deformation induced by the stimulus

Repositioning Paul’s Missionary Band in a Postmodern World: A case for culture-bridging, missional teams as the heart and soul of the 21st century church

This article adds to our continuing quest to understand how to minister effectively in a postmodern culture