Analysis of Errors in the Management of Cutaneous Disorders

In this study, we prospectively and retrospectively evaluated the occurrence of errors in the management of cutaneous disorders from patient visits and medical records in a single dermatology practice in southeast Virginia over a 3-year period (June 2020-July 2023). Providers should be able to improve diagnostic accuracy by utilizing established rapid bedside diagnostic techniques

Developmental Regulation of Corazonin, Eclosion Hormone, and Bursicon Messages and RNAi Suppression of Corazonin in Adult Female American Dog Ticks, Dermacentor variabilis

The insect molting process is critical to growth and development and is regulated in part by the neuropeptides corazonin, eclosion hormone, and α and β bursicon. We found messages in a synganglion transcriptome from adult, female American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis (that do not molt), with a high similarity to the larval insect neuropeptides that control molting. The phylogenetic analysis of the tick putative neuropeptides compared to other arthropods is discussed in detail. The relative gene expression of these peptides was determined by quantitative PCR during the following adult developmental stages: (i) virgin, unfed 0–24 h after entering the adult stage (non-host-seeking), (ii) host-seeking, unfed, and not mated (3 d after emergence), (iii) part-fed (unmated, attached to host; 1st and 3rd day after emergence), (iv) mated (females are part-fed; allowed to mate for ≤1 day, 7th day after emergence), (v) mated repletes (completion of blood feeding but still attached to host), and (vi) post-drop-off (from host) with egg laying starting within 1 d of detachment. Eclosion hormone transcript levels peaked at mating and at drop-off. Bursicon α levels were highest just after molting into adults, with a second smaller peak in replete females. Bursicon β levels were highest (32-fold) post-drop-off. Corazonin message levels peaked in part-feds and were much higher (40-fold) in repletes compared to 0–24 h after emergence. RNAi suppression of the corazonin message by injection in newly molted ticks reduced oviposition and the number of vitellogenic eggs in the ovaries at drop-off but had no apparent effect on host-seeking, partial feeding, mating, feeding to repletion, and drop-off. The possible roles of these transcripts in adult, female tick development are discussed

16 - Redesigning Electronics Enclosure for WAM-V

As an innovation in autonomous surface marine exploration, the Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel, or the WAM-V, is utilized for open-water research. Thus, it is crucial to design an equally innovative electronics box as the brain of this surface vessel. Design parameters include versatile mounting options, adequate ventilation while maintaining an IP65 seal, modular mounting options for electronics, and a unique and compelling box geometry. The mounting methodology of the box on the WAM-V will require solutions for both on and below the platform, using both brackets and pipe clamps. The final electronics box design included a grill-shaped lid and standing module panels for vertically mounted electronics. Manufacturing methodologies used include sheet metal fabrication, welding, 3D-Printing, and rapid prototyping

32 - Nested Two Level Decomposition for Quantum Computing

Abstract—We present a two-level decomposition strategy for solving the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) using the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA). A Problem-Level Decomposition (PLD) partitions a 9-node (72-qubit) VRP into smaller Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) instances. Each TSP is then further simplified via Circuit-Level Decomposition (CLD), enabling execution on near-term quantum devices. Our approach achieves up to 90% reductions in circuit depth and qubit count. These results demonstrate the feasibility of solving VRPs previously too complex for quantum simulators and provide early evidence of potential quantum utility

Populism, Media, and the End of Democracy

Like Ancient Athens, post-democracy has come for modern democracies. Democratic institutions still exist and seem to function, but they are strained and sick with misuse, especially by populists, and the government increasingly behaves like oligarchy. Like Ancient Athens, there is now a post-modern marketplace of ideas and morality, which facilitates not truth but sophistry as the guiding light. If all ideas are equally legitimate, then so too are the words of a charismatic radical ethnonational populist. Unlike Ancient Athens, today\u27s populism rides on the winds of mass and social media. Media companies seek profit, which requires engagement, which uses and means outrage, isolation, and radicalization, especially through personalized media, an exemplar of social disengagement. This kind of radicalizing tool did not exist in Ancient Athens, yet democratically destructive populism still arose. While modern representative democracies are distinct from Athenian direct democracy, they are founded on similar principles, and per Plato\u27s fears, post-democratic populist movements may be endemic to democracy. Media does not cause democratic erosion, but the more technologically advanced it is, the more power post-democratic populism has to breach scale and institutional resilience

Crowd Wisdom in Fundraising: A Cognitive Decision-Making Approach

The purpose of this research is to study the cognitive dimensions of crowd wisdom in the context of crowdfunding backers\u27 decision. Based on Attention-Based View of the Firm, this study explores how cognitive biases shape funding decisions, specifically in the collective decision-making environments like crowdfunding. Additionally, it explores the campaign attributes, such as project descriptions, creator reputation, and potential risks in such uncertain environments. This study integrates findings from various fields such as neuroscience, neuromarketing, and decision-making research to examine cognitive processes during fundraising campaigns. It also reviews research on crowd wisdom to evaluate how collective intelligence shapes fundraising outcomes. Additionally, it synthesizes studies using different neurophysiological techniques, such as eye-tracking, EEG, and fMRI, to explore cognitive biases, risk perception, and attention allocation in funding decisions. In this study, we explore how cognitive biases shape the extent to which crowd wisdom transforms into funding decisions. Attention, influenced by factors such as visual attraction, campaign storytelling, and social consensus, plays a crucial role in shaping funding choices. When biases are minimal, crowd wisdom enables rational and informed investment choices. Backers often rely on cognitive heuristics like anchoring bias and bandwagon effects to navigate decision uncertainty. Additionally, social interactions between backers and founders reinforce decision confidence, thereby increasing funding likelihood. While this study provides a comprehensive review of cognitive decision-making factors in crowdfunding, several limitations and future research perspectives should be acknowledged. Most contemporary research rely on self-reported data and experimental environments, which may not fully evaluate comprehensive decision-making complexities. Future research should explore mixed method approaches, such as neurophysiological data (e.g., EEG, fMRI), real-time behavioral tracking, and large-scale crowdfunding datasets, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of cognitive decision-making and crowd wisdom during fundraising campaigns

Reaction Time as a Predictor of Cognitive Function in Collegiate Athletes with Concussion History

Background Cognitive-motor impairments are a persistent concern in athletes with a history of concussion. While reaction time (RT) is often used as a performance metric, its role in predicting broader cognitive function remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between RT and key cognitive domains, including executive function, psychomotor speed, and memory, in previously concussed collegiate athletes. Methods 112 college-aged athletes from a NCAA division I institution with a self-reported history of concussion were included in this cross-sectional study. Reaction Time Composite (RT-Comp), executive function, and psychomotor speed were assessed using Concussion Vital Signs (CNS Vital Signs LLC), a computerized neurocognitive assessment. Immediate memory and delayed recall were evaluated using the Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool – 6th edition (SCOAT-6). Correlations were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation to assess the strength of associations. A priori p-value was set at p \u3c .05. Results RT-Comp demonstrated significant negative correlations with executive function (r = -0.430, 95% CI [-0.572, -0.265], p \u3c 0.001), indicating that slower reaction times were associated with reduced cognitive flexibility and decision-making abilities. A similar negative correlation was observed with psychomotor speed (r = -0.355, 95% CI [-0.508, -0.184], p \u3c 0.001), suggesting impairments in motor response efficiency. Additionally, slower RT was associated with lower scores in immediate memory (r = -0.307, 95% CI [-0.469, -0.127], p = 0.001) and delayed recall (r = -0.233, 95% CI [-0.403, -0.043], p = 0.013), highlighting potential long-term cognitive consequences of concussion. Conclusion Reaction time appears to be a strong indicator of cognitive function in post-concussion athletes, correlating with executive function, psychomotor performance, and memory recall. These findings suggest that RT assessments should be integrated into concussion evaluation protocols to enhance return-to-play decisions. Further research is needed to explore whether reaction time improvements correspond with cognitive recovery over time

Dance-Related Fractures Occur in the Upper and Lower Extremities at Similar Rates: An Analysis of the 2004-2023 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database

Introduction In the United States, 21% of adolescents participate in dance. Dancers are susceptible to injuries, particularly of the lower extremity, due to extreme positioning, dynamic overload, and repetitive movements. Objectives (1) to report the prevalence and describe demographic characteristics of dance-related fractures and (2) to analyze variables associated with disposition status. Methods The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database, published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, was used to investigate dance-related fractures diagnosed in a sample of 100 emergency departments over 20 years. Descriptive statistics and demographic variables were analyzed using chi square tests. Age was analyzed as a continuous variable using a one-way analysis of variance. Chi square tests were used to assess factors related to disposition status. Results Between 01/01/2004 and 12/31/2023, 1,271 patients experienced 1,327 fractures. More injuries occurred in females and patients under the age of 18 (p \u3c 0.0001). When analyzing fracture location, upper extremity fractures were 47.3% of the total (n = 628), lower extremity fractures were 47.2% (n = 626), head/neck fractures were 2.9% (n = 39) and trunk fractures were 2.6% (n = 34). Regarding disposition status, patients were more likely to be discharged (n = 1,234, 93%) than admitted to the hospital (n = 93, 7%) (p = 0.004). Patients over the age of 18 had increased odds of hospital admission (OR = 5.11, p \u3c 0.0001). Patients with lower extremity fractures had increased odds of hospital admission (OR = 2.14, p = 0.002), while patients with head/neck fractures had decreased odds of hospital admission (OR = 0.31, p = 0.041). Patients with upper and lower extremity fractures were younger than those with trunk fractures (p = 0.007 and p = 0.021, respectively). The most commonly reported mechanism of injury was falling. Conclusion The NEISS national weighted estimate was 39,211 cases or 1,960 cases per year. Dance-related fractures more commonly occurred in females under 18 with similar rates between upper and lower extremities. Most patients were discharged, and those over 18 and those with lower extremity fractures were more likely to be admitted. Level of Evidence III

Differentiating Opioid Use Disorder from Healthy Controls via ML Analysis of RS-fMRI Networks

Objectives/Goals: This work aims to identify functional brain networks that differentiate opioid use disorder (OUD) subjects from healthy controls (HC) using machine learning (ML) analysis of resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). We investigate the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and executive control network (ECN), as well as demographic features. Methods/Study Population: This work uses high-resolution rs-fMRI data from a National Institute on Drug Abuse study (IRB #HM20023630) with 31 OUD and 45 HC subjects. We extract rs-fMRI blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) features from the DMN, SN, and ECN. The Boruta ML algorithm identifies statistically significant features and brain activity mapping visualizes regions of heightened neural activity for OUD. We conduct fivefold cross-validation classification experiments (OUD vs. HC) to assess the discriminative power of functional network features with and without incorporating demographic features. Demographic features are ranked based on ML classification importance. Follow-up Boruta analysis is performed to study the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate cortex, and temporoparietal junctions in the DMN. Results/Anticipated Results: Boruta ML analysis identifies the DMN as the most salient functional network for differentiating OUD from HC, with 33% of DMN features found significant (p \u3c 0.05), compared to 10% and 0% for the SN and ECN, respectively. The Boruta ML algorithm identifies age and education as the most significant demographic features. Brain activity mapping shows heightened neural activity in the DMN for OUD. The DMN exhibits the greatest discriminative power, with a mean AUC of 69.74%, compared to 47.14% and 54.15% for the SN and ECN, respectively. Fusing DMN BOLD features with the most important demographic features improves the mean AUC to 80.91% and the F1 score to 73.97%. Follow-up Boruta analysis highlights the mPFC as the most important functional hub within the DMN, with 65% significant features. Discussion/Significance of Impact: Our study enhances the understanding of OUD neurobiology, identifying the DMN as the most significant network using ML rs-fMRI BOLD feature analysis. Ethnicity, education, and age rank are the most important demographic features and the mPFC emerges as a key functional hub for OUD. Future research can build on these findings to inform treatment of OUD

17 - mpark: a humanities makerspace

Our mission is to promote nontraditional understandings of the textual object and to recover and celebrate the historical contributions of women and other marginalized groups to textual cultural heritage. We explore text-making with materials like thread, fiber, leather, wood, and plastic as well as a wide range of digital tools and visual recording equipment. We are devoted to expanding the impact of the humanities by supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration and by reaching beyond the university to engage with innovations and challenges that face our larger geographical and social contexts. Founded in Fall 2023 and occupying 400 square feet on the second floor of Batten College of Arts and Letters, mpark’s first years have been devoted to acquiring old and new technologies and to physical renovations of our space. We have partnered with the honors college on a pilot digital humanities course, hosted a media archaeology class, and offered approximately a dozen workshops and community events (Craft Ins)