Reliable, secure and energy-efficient AI hardware

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 05/01/2025] The embedded AI hardware chips are being widely used in consumer devices and enterprise markets, such as high-end smartphones, tablets, smart speakers, wearables, autonomous vehicles, cameras, sensors, and other IoT (internet of things) devices. According to a recent report, the embedded AI hardware market is projected to grow from 920 million units in 2021 to 2,080 million units by 2026; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.7 percent from 2021 to 2026. Unfortunately, these embedded AI devices are not only resource and power-constrained but, also vulnerable to reliability and security threats. To date, many energy-aware solutions such as approximate computing have been proposed to address the energy constraints of AI devices. Approximate computing-based deep learning algorithms relax the abstraction with near-perfect accuracy for energy efficiency in errorresilient applications. However, similar to traditional deep neural networks (DNNs), approximate deep neural networks (AxDNNs) and approximate spiking neural networks (AxSNNs) are vulnerable to many reliability threats, such as permanent and transient faults, and security threats, such as adversarial attacks. Considering that approximate computing is energy efficient technique but has an error-inducing nature, there is a pent-up need to exploit the vulnerabilities of AxDNNs against reliability and security threats. In this thesis, we aim to develop sustainable and dependable AI hardware that can analyze and mitigate reliability and security threats in energy-constrained AI hardware. We exploit emerging computing paradigms such as explainable artificial intelligence, neural architecture search, and moving target defense to guarantee reliability, security, and energy efficiency. My Ph.D. thesis is the first effort toward developing energy, reliability, and robustness-aware AI hardware for safety-critical applications.Includes bibliographical references

Method development for the quantification of bioactive compounds and heavy metals in American elderberry

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 05/01/2025] There are a variety of beneficial compounds found in plant such as polyphenols, carbohydrates, and organic acids. Polyphenols are beneficial compounds that are promoted as antioxidants in dietary supplements. Polyphenols include a diverse group of compounds consisting of flavonoids (which includes a carbohydrate group), phenolic acids, phenolic alcohols, stilbenes, and lignans, for example. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for all living organisms. Organic acids are compounds that are abundantly present in ripe fruits which are responsible for their sourness and their flavor. Here we focus on the presence of polyphenols, carbohydrates, and organic acids in eight genotypes (Ozark, Ozone, Bob Gordon, Wyldewood, Adams, Pocahontas, Rogersville, and Kelly) of American elderberry (Sambucus nigra (subsp. canadensis)) pomace from two harvest years (2017 and 2018). Pomace is the waste left over from processing elderberries and we are interested in determining if there is potential commercial value in something that is usually discarded. Here, we describe pomace extraction methods and the development of liquid chromatography parameters, to identify mainly the polyphenols present and their concentrations. We have described several extraction methods used to examine the presence of polyphenolic compounds. The extraction methods use organic solvents followed by solid-phase extraction for sample cleanup prior to analysis. The extracts are then analyzed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). Further characterization by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is also performed. Information about the identified phenolic compounds is provided with the use of Riken and Metlin databases. The similarities and differences between the identified polyphenolic compounds among genotypes are discussed. The similarities and differences are statistically analyzed with the use of principal component analysis (PCA) plots, volcano plots, and heat maps with Metaboanalyst 5.0 software. Total phenolic content (TP) was analyzed by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. Here, we describe pomace extraction methods, standard preparation with gallic acid, and Folin-Ciocalteau complex preparation. The complexes are analyzed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. Total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMA) was analyzed by a UV-Vis pH differential method. Here, we describe pomace extraction methods and standard preparation with cyanidine-3-O-glucoside chloride. Metals can contaminate urban and agricultural soil in a variety of ways, including mining, manufacturing, and with synthetic products. Plants play an important role by absorbing and accumulating toxic compounds in their tissues. In this study, we focus on the accumulation of metals in two genotypes (Ozark and Ozone) of American elderberry (Sambucus nigra (subsp. canadensis)) pomace. The goal of this study is to look for metals in elderberry pomace and to determine the concentrations of metals in the elderberry pomace. The concentration of heavy metals in elderberry pomace varies substantially. In this study, we describe microwave digestion methods of the elderberry pomace. The digested samples are then analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This analysis is completed alongside a multi-element standard series. The accumulation of Mn, Cu, Al, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni, Sr, Cr, Cd and Fe is considered for the analysis. The concentrations of each metal in Ozark and Ozone genotypes are discussed.Includes bibliographical references

Female sex protects cerebral arteries from mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and cell death induced by reactive oxygen species

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 05/01/2025] Stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury exacerbate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to apoptosis in cerebral arteries. Notably, females exhibit greater resilience to vascular damage compared to males. Mitochondrial membrane potential ([delta][psi]m) depolarization is a pivotal event in apoptosis. However, under significant depolarization, ATP synthase can reverse direction, acting as a proton pump to mitigate [delta][psi]m depolarization. Additionally, alterations in the electron transport chain function may regulate [delta][psi]m. Furthermore, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a serine protease inhibitor present in cerebral arteries, can promote cellular resilience, although its effects on mitochondrial function have not been defined. We hypothesize that during acute oxidative stress induced by exposure to H2O2, female protection of posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) is facilitated by enhanced reverse ATP synthase activity, augmented mitochondrial electron transport function, and PAI-1 signaling. PCAs (80 [mu]m diameter) from male and female mice (age: 4-6 months) were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized to 90 cm H2O2 at 37 degreesC. Cell death was quantified with Hoechst 33342 (1 [mu]M, labels all nuclei) and propidium iodide (2 [mu]M, labels dead nuclei), and mitochondrial membrane potential ([delta][psi]m) at rest was evaluated by JC-1 and during depolarization with H2O2 with tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM, 10 nM). H2O2 exposure (50 min) led to significantly (P<0.05) greater smooth muscle cell death in males compared to females (30 [plus or minus] 7.4 percent vs. [approx] 7 [plus or minus] 3 percent; n=8); there was a similar trend for endothelial cell death. The ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin (2 [mu]M) greatly augmented apoptosis in PCAs from both males and females to [approx]80 percent and eliminated differences between sexes. Consistently, H2O2 evoked a more robust depolarization of [delta][psi]m in males vs. females and oligomycin enhanced [delta][psi]m depolarization to H2O2. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in females was significantly higher at baseline and when exposed to H2O2, while glycolysis was not altered by exposure to H2O2. In females, PAI-1 signaling contributes to resilience against acute oxidative stress damage, whereas males exhibit greater protection in the absence of PAI-1. We conclude that cerebral vessels from female mice possess greater resilience to H2O2 -induced apoptosis than males by limiting depolarization of [delta][psi]m and though sex differences in PAI-1 signaling.Includes bibliographical references

Comparing calcium handling in right and left ventricle cardiomyocytes in type III pulmonary hypertension

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 05/01/2025] Type III pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary fibrosis, leading to elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries and hypertrophy of the right ventricle (RV). Yet, effects of PH on cardiomyocyte calcium handling are unclear. This study addresses the hypothesis that RV cardiomyocytes will show altered excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) as compared to left ventricle (LV) cardiomyocytes in a mouse PH model. To assess this, male C57BL/6 mice were treated with intratracheal saline (sham) or bleomycin (Bleo;0.025 units) to induce type III PH. On days 21-24 post-treatment, animals were anesthetized, hearts were excised, and perfused for enzymatic cell isolation. Isolated RV and LV cardiomyocytes were loaded with fluo-5F for calcium measurements during ECC. Calcium transient amplitude was measured at 0.5 Hz, and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium content was determined by rapid application of 10 mM caffeine. Bleo-treated mouse hearts showed RV hypertrophy, indicating PH development and RV remodeling. Calcium transient amplitude and reuptake kinetics reveal ECC alterations and impaired SR Calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity in RV cardiomyocytes of the PH model. Interestingly, SR calcium content was not different between Bleo and sham groups in either RV or LV cardiomyocytes. Thus, this study emphasizes mechanisms underlying RV versus LV dysfunction in type III PH, indicating therapeutic interventions targeting cardiomyocyte calcium handling may improve outcomes in patients with PH.Includes bibliographical references

Exploring influences of sense of belonging among staff of identity centers

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 08/01/2025] The world of academia heavily focuses on a sense of belonging, research surrounding students is flourishing, and academic programs are following. Research and practice focusing on staff's sense of belonging are minimally studied. Especially given the current political climate on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) education, exploring positions within this field is imperative. This study aims to explore the influences of a sense of belonging among the staff of university identity centers--an identity center is a student-centered office designated to develop identity and culturespecific content. The data for this study was collected through a demographic survey and virtual semi-structured interview with eight staff members of identity-based centers. Interview transcripts were analyzed and found to fall within four themes based on Strayhorn's (2019) and Schlossberg's (1989) theories surrounding a sense of belonging: identity, the value of mattering, flexibility, and motivation. All themes are interconnected and showcase potential opportunities for a positive sense of belonging and potential threats towards a sense of belonging, which were generated into subthemes for each original theme. Participants addressed different influences that contributed to their sense of belonging, showcasing the extremes of mental health distress to flourishing in their position. Political influences surrounding DEI policy changes on campus played a significant role in the participant's responses. These findings indicate the need for changes in current policies and practices surrounding staff environments and further research regarding staff's sense of belonging.Includes bibliographical references

Coastal bivalve parasitism and its response to anthropogenic influences : a geohistorical approach

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 05/01/2025] Parasites are common and essential parts of healthy ecosystems that influence biodiversity and trophic structure. Understanding how parasite-host dynamics have changed over time proves difficult due to the lack of body fossil record for these organisms. This thesis uses parasite-induced malformations, specifically trematode-induced pits and spionid polychaete mudblisters, to track parasitic prevalence and parasite-host dynamics over time periods often beyond traditional ecological monitoring. In the northern Adriatic Sea, we examine trematode-induced pit prevalence, aggregation, and size across two distinct time bins over the last [approx] 2ky years. Over this period prevalence decreased by an order of magnitude along with decreases in number of pits per host and pit aggregation, signaling a breakdown of this parasite-host interaction at this locality. At San Juan Island, WA we use parasitic malformations in live collected bivalves to examine parasite-host dynamics over nearly two decades. Through replicating a previous study using samples collected in 2004 we observe changes in trematode-induced pitting and mudblister prevalence over these two decades. Additionally, we see decreased parasitic prevalence among an introduced species collected in 2023 when compared to a confamilial native species indicating host selectivity among parasites in the region.Includes bibliographical references

Complexation of rhenium-186 and technetium-99m tricarbonyl cores with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane based chelators for radiopharmaceutical applications

[EMBARGOED UNTIL 05/01/2025] Technetium-99m is widely used as a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging radionuclide in nuclear medicine due to its favorable decay characteristics (t1/2 = 6 h, [gamma] 140 keV (89 percent)) and the low cost and widespread availability of 99Mo/99mTc generators. Technetium-99m can be combined with beta-emitting rhenium radioisotopes 186Re (t1/2 = 89 h, E[beta]max = 1.07 MeV) or 188Re (t1/2 = 17 h, E[beta]max = 2.12 MeV) as a theranostic matched pair. Metal complexes of the general formula [MI(CO)3(k3-L)]+ (M = natRe, 99mTc, 186Re, 188Re) are of particular interest for radiopharmaceutical development because of the ease of synthesis of the [MI(CO)3(OH2)3]+ precursors in which the labile water ligands can be replaced by a suitable tridentate bifunctional chelator. In particular, cyclic chelators containing a 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN) ring (e.g., NOTA and NODAGA) have proven to form exceptionally stable complexes with the [MI(CO)3]+ cores. In this work, we have investigated the role of the pendant arms on TACN-based chelators in complexation of the [M(CO)3]+ core through the synthesis of novel TACN-based chelators, (radio)labeling with the [MI(CO)3]+ cores, and evaluation of the stability and hydrophilicity of the resulting radiometal complexes.Includes bibliographical references

Improving nursing staff perspective of purposeful rounding to reduce fall rates

Background Falls, especially among older adults, cause significant injury and mortality. Purposeful Rounding (PR) entails routine patient checks every one or two hours to address needs proactively. PR's inconsistencies in execution limit its effectiveness. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to improve the nursing staff’s perspective of PR and to reduce fall rates. Methods This pre-post intervention study involved education on PR and scheduled reminders to complete the task. The Nurses’ Perception of Patient Rounding Scale evaluated the staff's perception of PR. Fall rates were collected in December 2024 and February 2025. PR logs were reviewed biweekly for four weeks post-education. Paired t-tests and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results There was no statistically significant reduction in fall rates [95% CI, 0–0.154], but a clinically noteworthy decrease from 22% to 17%. Overall, the nursing staff’s perspective of PR improved significantly (p = 0.002) with a notable increase in patient benefits (p < 0.001), nurse benefits (p = 0.006), and communication (p = 0.021). Documentation adherence improved from 50% to 73% over four weeks. Conclusions This QI project enhanced the nursing staff’s understanding of PR through education, implementation, and documentation, indicating the need for further research on its long-term effects on fall rates in larger, diverse populations. IRB Approval IRB approval through exempt review Co-Authors Kari Lane PhD, RN; Kimberly Powell PhD, RN, FAMIA; Molly Skidmore, MSW-Gerontology, CSW, CDP; Lada Micheas (Statistician) Learning Objective The purpose of this QI project was to improve the nursing staff's perspective of PR to reduce fall rates. After reading this abstract, the learner will be able to discuss the impact of Purposeful Rounding education on the nursing staff perspective to reduce fall rates

Evaluation of a charge nurse orientation program

Optimization of patient safety is critical to high-quality healthcare, and “nurses are the key to improving quality through patient safety” (Mitchell, 2008, pp. 1-5). In the inpatient hospital setting, charge nurses are lead nurses who ensure optimal, safe, high-quality care is delivered on their units. Patient safety and quality of care improve with proper training and skill development. Charge nurses should possess basic clinical and leadership skills to pilot the affairs of their units, but a prevalent, significant challenge is a lack of adequate training and orientation for the charge nurse role (Andronico et al., 2016; Spiva et al., 2020; Strong, 2014). Although a few charge nurses receive formal training (Dols et al., 2021), most charge nurses stepped into leadership positions without formal leadership training, and as a result, they lack the confidence to function optimally in this role. Many healthcare organizations have formal orientation only for new graduate nurses despite the established research supporting significant positive impacts on patient safety and quality of care afforded to patients secondary to proper charge nurse training programs (Delamater et al., 2018; Kramer & Davies, 2021). Today, healthcare organizations clamor for improved patient outcomes with the rise of attention to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAPS) scores and their direct impact on hospital reimbursement. Of the approximated US $1.9 billion available value-based incentive payments in 2020, 25$52,350, and each percent change in RN turnover costs or saves an average hospital nearly $400,000 per year. Melnyk et al. (2023) identified nurse education as an organizational evidence-based practice (EBP) attribute and discovered that increasing budgetary investment in EBP significantly reduces nursing turnover. Therefore, to reduce their financial cost burden, organizations must promote training and orientation programs for their staff, especially those at the frontline of patient care.--Background and significance

Home Walking Program to Reduce Vascular Claudication

The burden of peripheral artery disease is perpetually growing among Americans, many of whom suffer from associated claudication, leading to decreased mobility, autonomy, and quality of life. For those with vascular claudication, structured home-based walking programs are recommended when supervised exercise therapy is unavailable. A prospective, quasi-experimental pre- and post-implementation quality improvement project was conducted to determine if implementing a structured home-based walking program improved time to claudication symptoms and subjective walking limitation. The Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History questionnaire measured participants' perception of walking limitations before and after the intervention. Fifty-two adult participants were recruited from a cardiovascular clinic in Kansas City, Missouri, with five adult participants completing the pre- and post-3-month implementation data collection. Of the five participants, 3 noted improvements in time to claudication and subjective walking limitation. However, the results are not statistically significant due to the small sample size. Continued use of structured home-based walking programs in patients with vascular claudication may reduce symptoms, decrease healthcare costs, and improve quality of life