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Thinking With Algebra (TWA) is a National Science Foundation Project (DUE 2021414) to develop a post-secondary curriculum for intermediate algebra. TWA focuses on six elements that align with building algebraic fluency with conceptual understanding, a mixed review approach, small-group work, and whole-class discussion (Feikes, et al., 2021). Using an equity lens (Oppland-Cordell et al., 2024), TWA is designed for students, including underrepresented students, who need additional mathematical supports at the college level. Seventeen college math instructors attended a workshop on the lessons and pedagogy in order to use TWA in their college courses. Feedback from instructors participating in the TWA first-year faculty workshop indicated that the curriculum was used in many different ways to help prepare students for college algebra and other STEM courses. 

Background: Microcirculatory factors play an important role in amyloid-β (Aβ)-related neuropathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Transgenic (Tg) rat models of mutant Aβ deposition can enhance our understanding of this microvascular pathology. Objective: Here we report stereology-based quantification and comparisons (between- and within-group) of microvessel length and number and associated parameters in hippocampal subregions in Tg model of AD in Fischer 344 rats and non-Tg littermates. Methods: Systematic-random samples of tissue sections were processed and laminin immunostained to visualize microvessels through the entire hippocampus in Tg and non-Tg rats. A computer-assisted stereology system was used to quantify microvessel parameters including total number, total length, and associated densities in dentate gyrus (DG) and cornu ammonis (CA) subregions. Results: Thin hair-like capillaries are common near Aβ plaques in hippocampal subregions of Tg rats. There are a 53% significant increase in average length per capillary across entire hippocampus (p≤0.04) in Tg compared to non-Tg rats; 49% reduction in capillary length in DG (p≤0.02); and, higher microvessel density in principal cell layers (p≤0.03). Furthermore, within-group comparisons confirm Tg but not non-Tg rats have significant increase in number density (p≤0.01) and potential diffusion distance (p≤0.04) of microvessels in principal cell layers of hippocampal subregions. Conclusion: We show the Tg deposition of human Aβ mutations in rats disrupts the wild-type microanatomy of hippocampal microvessels. Stereology-based microvascular parameters could promote the development of novel strategies for protection and the therapeutic management of AD. 

This article takes a fresh look at the connections between the new STEL standards and STEM education in the United States. 

There has been an increasing demand in building information modeling (BIM) for structural analysis. However, model exchange between architectural software and structural analysis software, which is an essential task in a construction project, is not fully interoperable yet. Various studies showed missing information and information inconsistency problems during conversion of models between different software; the lack of foundational methods enabling a seamless BIM interoperability between architectural design and structural analysis is evident. To address this gap and facilitate more use of BIM for structural analysis, the authors develop invariant signatures for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) objects and propose a new data-driven method to use invariant signatures for solving practical problems in BIM applications. The invariant signatures and the data-driven method were tested in developing the interoperable BIM support tool for structural analysis through an experiment. Ten models were created/adopted and used in this experiment, including five models for training and five models for testing. An information validation and mapping algorithm was developed based on invariant signatures and training models, which was then evaluated in the testing models. Compared with a manually created gold standard, results showed that the desired structural analysis software inputs were successfully generated using the algorithm with high accuracy. The invariant signatures of AEC objects can therefore be expected to serve as the foundation of seamless BIM interoperability. 

Reports results of national member survey and suggests impact of STEL in meeting needs of field. 

Provides rationale on how to include standards in lesson planning, specifically in the content field of technology and engineering education. 

The concept of literacy and specifically technological and engineering literacy is difficult for practitioners of technology and engineering education to explain. As this concept is at the heart of the new STEL standards, the author explains this concept and provides applied examples. 

Introduces publication of new STEL Standards special issue of TET and highlights four articles on how teachers can implement STEL 

Discusses how the new STEL standards may be utilized to meet needs for STEM education. 

Describes the NSF funded conference to rewrite the Standards for Technological Literacy. Held on a retreat at Chinsegut near Brooksville, FL, 40 experts in the field convened for four days of intensive reflection, discussion and writing.