bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivation matters: predicting students’ career decidedness and intention to drop out after the first year in higher education
Authors: Bargmann Carina , Thiele Lisa , Kauffeld Simone
Published: March 2021

Higher education institutions are striving to lower student dropout rates to increase the number of academically qualified persons in the labour market and decrease misguided investment. Researchers generally acknowledge that students who are firmly decided on their studies tend to drop out of their studies less frequently. Building on the extended expectancy-value model via the cost component, this longitudinal study investigates changes in and the impact of students’ motivation on career decidedness and intention to drop out. We analysed data from 351 first-year university students aiming to become teachers across three measurement points, finding that the task effort of students and, to a lesser degree, their interest value was related to career decidedness and, indirectly, to the intention to drop out after the first year in higher education. Moreover, the results revealed that these students’ ability beliefs increased and interest value decreased from the beginning to the end of the first year at higher education. Accordingly, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications taken from these findings.
Prognostic impact of antiplatelet therapy in Takotsubo syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature
Authors: Rizzetto Francesca , Lia Micaela , Widmann Maddalena , Tavella Domenico , Zanolla Luisa , Pighi Michele , Ferrero Valeria , Ribichini Flavio Luciano
Published: March 2021

While the most recent evidence suggests a lack of benefit, antithrombotic therapy is still extensively prescribed in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The objective of this study was to determine whether patients with TTS benefit from anti-aggregation, in terms of either short-term or long-term outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. A comprehensive search of the literature included MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, EU Clinical Trial Register, References, and contact with the authors. Methodological quality assessment and data extraction were systematically performed. The review adhered to the PRISMA framework guidelines. A total of 86 citations were identified, six being eligible for inclusion, for a total of 1997 patients. One of them considered both short-term and long-term outcomes. One reported outcomes during the index event, while the remaining four focused on potential long-term benefits. They were all retrospective cohort studies.

Based on our data, the long-term use of antiplatelet therapy (AT) led to a significantly higher incidence of the composite outcome (OR: 1.54; 95% CI 1.09–2.17; p = 0.014) and overall mortality (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.07–2.77; p = 0.027). The analysis did not show a statistically significant difference in TTS recurrences, stroke/TIA, and MI or CAD worsening with AT compared with no anti-aggregation. The AT in this settings did not show any clear benefit in improving the long-term outcomes, and it may be even detrimental and it may be detrimental. These results warrant further future research and the design of adequately powered randomized controlled trials focusing on the impact of aspirin on the outcomes in patients presenting with TTS.
Determinants of prepaid systems of healthcare financing: a worldwide country-level perspective
Authors: Leiter Andrea M. , Theurl Engelbert
Published: March 2021

In this paper we examine determinants of prepaid modes of health care financing in a worldwide cross-country perspective. We use three different indicators to capture the role of prepaid modes in health care financing: (i) the share of total prepaid financing as percent of total current health expenditures, (ii) the share of voluntary prepaid financing as percent of total prepaid financing, and (iii) the share of compulsory health insurance as percent of total compulsory prepaid financing. In the econometric analysis, we refer to a panel data set comprising 154 countries and covering the time period 2000–2015. We apply a static as well as a dynamic panel data model. We find that the current structure of prepaid financing is significantly determined by its different forms in the past. The significant influence of GDP per capita, governmental revenues, the agricultural value added, development assistance for health, degree of urbanization and regulatory quality varies depending on the financing structure we look at. The share of the elderly and the education level are only of minor importance for explaining the variation in a country’s share of prepaid health care financing. The importance of the mentioned variables as determinants for prepaid health care financing also varies depending on the countries’ socio-economic development. From our analysis we conclude that more detailed information on indicators which reflect the distribution of individual characteristics (such as income, family size and structure and health risks) within a country’s population would be needed to gain deeper insight into the decisive determinants for prepaid health care financing.
Synthesis, crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analysis and physico-chemical characterization of two new ZnII and CdII halidometallates
Authors: Rayes Ali , Moncer Manel , Ara Irene , Dege Necmi , Ayed Brahim
Published: March 2021

Two new organic–inorganic hybrid materials, based on 1,3-CycloHexaneBis-(Methyl Amine), abbreviated CHBMA, namely (H2CHBMA)ZnCl4·2H2O (CP1) and (H2CHBMA)CdI4·2H2O (CP2), have been synthesized under mild conditions in acidic media and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic techniques (13C NMR, FTIR, RAMAN) and thermal analysis. The crystal structures of the two compounds were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Both compounds show a 3-dimensional supramolecular structure directed by various interactions between tetrahalidometallate anions (ZnCl42−, CdI42−), water molecule and organic cations (H2CHBMA)2+. For both compounds, the cyclohexane ring of the template cation is in a chair conformation with the methylammonium substituent in the equatorial positions and the two terminal ammonium groups in a cis conformation but with two different orientations (upward for CP1 and downward for CP2) which influences the supramolecular architecture of the two structures. Hirshfeld surface analysis and the associated two-dimensional finger print plots were used to explore and quantify the intermolecular interactions in the crystals.
Clinical validation of a computerized algorithm to determine mean systemic filling pressure
Authors: Meijs Loek P.B. , van Houte Joris , Conjaerts Bente C. M. , Bindels Alexander J. G. H. , Bouwman Arthur , Houterman Saskia , Bakker Jan
Published: March 2021

Mean systemic filling pressure (Pms) is a promising parameter in determining intravascular fluid status. Pms derived from venous return curves during inspiratory holds with incremental airway pressures (Pms-Insp) estimates Pms reliably but is labor-intensive. A computerized algorithm to calculate Pms (Pmsa) at the bedside has been proposed. In previous studies Pmsa and Pms-Insp correlated well but with considerable bias. This observational study was performed to validate Pmsa with Pms-Insp in cardiac surgery patients. Cardiac output, right atrial pressure and mean arterial pressure were prospectively recorded to calculate Pmsa using a bedside monitor. Pms-Insp was calculated offline after performing inspiratory holds. Intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) and assessment of agreement were used to compare Pmsa with Pms-Insp. Bias, coefficient of variance (COV), precision and limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated. Proportional bias was assessed with linear regression. A high degree of inter-method reliability was found between Pmsa and Pms-Insp (ICC 0.89; 95%CI 0.72–0.96, p = 0.01) in 18 patients. Pmsa and Pms-Insp differed not significantly (11.9 mmHg, IQR 9.8–13.4 vs. 12.7 mmHg, IQR 10.5–14.4, p = 0.38). Bias was −0.502 ± 1.90 mmHg (p = 0.277). COV was 4% with LOA –4.22 − 3.22 mmHg without proportional bias. Conversion coefficient Pmsa ➔ Pms-Insp was 0.94. This assessment of agreement demonstrates that the measures Pms-Insp and the computerized Pmsa-algorithm are interchangeable (bias −0.502 ± 1.90 mmHg with conversion coefficient 0.94). The choice of Pmsa is straightforward, it is non-interventional and available continuously at the bedside in contrast to Pms-Insp which is interventional and calculated off-line. Further studies should be performed to determine the place of Pmsa in the circulatory management of critically ill patients. (www.clinicaltrials.gov; TRN NCT04202432, release date 16-12-2019; retrospectively registered).

Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, TRN: NCT04202432, initial release date 16-12-2019 (retrospectively registered).
Biosynthesis of the Sex Pheromone Component (E,Z)-7,9-Dodecadienyl Acetate in the European Grapevine Moth, Lobesia botrana, Involving ∆11 Desaturation and an Elusive ∆7 Desaturase
Authors: Ding Bao-Jian , Xia Yi-Han , Wang Hong-Lei , Andersson Fredrik , Hedenström Erik , Gross Jürgen , Löfstedt Christer
Published: March 2021

The European grapevine moth,Lobesia botrana, uses (E,Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl acetate as its major sex pheromone component. Through in vivo labeling experiments we demonstrated that the doubly unsaturated pheromone component is produced by ∆11 desaturation of tetradecanoic acid, followed by chain shortening of (Z)-11-tetradecenoic acid to (Z)-9-dodecenoic acid, and subsequently introduction of the second double bond by an unknown ∆7 desaturase, before final reduction and acetylation. By sequencing and analyzing the transcriptome of female pheromone glands ofL. botrana, we obtained 41 candidate genes that may be involved in sex pheromone production, including the genes encoding 17 fatty acyl desaturases, 13 fatty acyl reductases, 1 fatty acid synthase, 3 acyl-CoA oxidases, 1 acetyl-CoA carboxylase, 4 fatty acid transport proteins and 2 acyl-CoA binding proteins. A functional assay of desaturase and acyl-CoA oxidase gene candidates in yeast and insect cell (Sf9) heterologous expression systems revealed that Lbo_PPTQ encodes a ∆11 desaturase producing (Z)-11-tetradecenoic acid from tetradecanoic acid. Further, Lbo_31670 and Lbo_49602 encode two acyl-CoA oxidases that may produce (Z)-9-dodecenoic acid by chain shortening (Z)-11-tetradecenoic acid. The gene encoding the enzyme introducing the E7 double bond into (Z)-9-dodecenoic acid remains elusive even though we assayed 17 candidate desaturases in the two heterologous systems.
Generalized cross validation for ℓp-ℓq minimization
Authors: Buccini Alessandro , Reichel Lothar
Published: March 2021

Discrete ill-posed inverse problems arise in various areas of science and engineering. The presence of noise in the data often makes it difficult to compute an accurate approximate solution. To reduce the sensitivity of the computed solution to the noise, one replaces the original problem by a nearby well-posed minimization problem, whose solution is less sensitive to the noise in the data than the solution of the original problem. This replacement is known as regularization. We consider the situation when the minimization problem consists of a fidelity term, that is defined in terms of ap-norm, and a regularization term, that is defined in terms of aq-norm. We allow 0 <p,q≤ 2. The relative importance of the fidelity and regularization terms is determined by a regularization parameter. This paper develops an automatic strategy for determining the regularization parameter for these minimization problems. The proposed approach is based on a new application of generalized cross validation. Computed examples illustrate the performance of the method proposed.
Supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fibers infiltrated with tetrachloroethylene
Authors: Le Hieu Van , Hoang Van Thuy , Nguyen Hue Thi , Long Van Cao , Buczynski Ryszard , Kasztelanic Rafał
Published: March 2021

This study proposes a photonic crystal fiber made of fused silica glass, with the core infiltrated with tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4) as a new source of supercontinuum (SC) spectrum. We studied numerically the guiding properties of the several different fiber structures in terms of characteristic dispersion, mode area, and attenuation of the fundamental mode. Based on the results, the structural geometries of three C2Cl4-core photonic crystal fibers were optimized in order to support the broadband SC generations. The first fiber structure with lattice constant 1.5 μm and filling factor 0.4 operates in all-normal dispersion. The SC with a broadened spectral bandwidth of 0.8–2 μm is generated by a pump pulse with a central wavelength of 1.56 μm, 90 fs duration and energy of 1.5 nJ. The second proposed structure, with lattice constant 4.0 μm and filling factor 0.45, performs an anomalous dispersion for wavelengths longer than 1.55 μm. With the same pump pulse as the first fiber, we obtained the coherence SC spectrum in an anomalous dispersion range with wavelength range from 1 to 2 μm. Meanwhile, the third selected fiber (lattice constant 1.5 μm, filling factor 0.55) has two zero dispersion wavelengths at 1.04 μm and 1.82 μm. The octave-spanning of the SC spectrum formed in this fiber was achieved in the wavelength range of 0.7–2.4 μm with an input pulse whose optical properties are 1.03 μm wavelength, 120 fs duration and energy of 2 nJ. Those fibers would be good candidates for all-fiber SC sources as cost-effective alternatives to glass core fibers.
Unconscious perception and central coordinating agency
Authors: Shepherd Joshua , Mylopoulos Myrto
Published: March 2021

One necessary condition on any adequate account of perception is clarity regarding whether unconscious perception exists. The issue is complicated, and the debate is growing in both philosophy and science. In this paper we consider the case for unconscious perception, offering three primary achievements. First, we offer a discussion of the underspecified notion of central coordinating agency, a notion that is critical for arguments that purportedly perceptual states are not attributable to the individual, and thus not genuinely perceptual. We develop an explication of what it is for a representational state to be available to central coordinating agency for guidance of behavior. Second, drawing on this explication, we place a more careful understanding of the attributability of a state to the individual in the context of a range of empirical work on vision-for-action, saccades, and skilled typing. The results place pressure on the skeptic about unconscious perception. Third, reflecting upon broader philosophical themes running through debates about unconscious perception, we highlight how our discussion places pressure on the view that perception is a manifest kind, rather than a natural kind. In doing so, we resist the tempting complaint that the debate about unconscious perception is merely verbal.
DYRE: a DYnamic REconfigurable solution to increase GPGPU’s reliability
Authors: Condia Josie E. Rodriguez , Narducci Pierpaolo , Sonza Reorda Matteo , Sterpone Luca
Published: March 2021

General-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs) are extensively used in high-performance computing. However, it is well known that these devices’ reliability may be limited by the rising of faults at the hardware level. This work introduces a flexible solution to detect and mitigate permanent faults affecting the execution units in these parallel devices. The proposed solution is based on adding some spare modules to perform two in-field operations: detecting and mitigating faults. The solution takes advantage of the regularity of the execution units in the device to avoid significant design changes and reduce the overhead. The proposed solution was evaluated in terms of reliability improvement and area, performance, and power overhead costs. For this purpose, we resorted to a micro-architectural open-source GPGPU model (FlexGripPlus). Experimental results show that the proposed solution can extend the reliability by up to 57%, with overhead costs lower than 2% and 8% in area and power, respectively.
Oxidative Dehydrogenation of 1-Butene to 1,3-Butadiene Over Metal Ferrite Catalysts
Authors: Black Cory , Currie Grace , Whiston Keith , Sproules Stephen , Jackson S. David
Published: March 2021

The oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of 1-butene to 1,3-butadiene was studied over a series of AFe2O4 catalysts, where A = Zn, Mn, Ni, Cu, Mg and Fe. The catalysts were characterised by XPS, EPR spectroscopy, BET surface area analysis, Raman spectroscopy and XRD. All the ferrites were active for ODH and gave an order of activity after 80 h on-stream of ZnFe2O4 > NiFe2O4 > MnFe2O4 > MgFe2O4 > CuFe2O4 > FeFe2O4. All catalysts lost significant surface area (up to ~ 80%) under reaction conditions of 0.75:1:15 oxygen:1-butene:steam with an overall GHSV of 10,050 h−1 at 693 K. Fe3O4 was unstable under reaction conditions and was converted to Fe2O3, which showed very low activity. Nickel ferrite was the only material that gave carbon dioxide as a significant product, all others were selective to 1,3-butadiene. Zinc ferrite gave a steady-state yield of 1,3-butadiene of ~ 80%. Inversion parameters were determined for the ferrites from XPS and a correlation was obtained between 1,3-butadiene yield and inversion parameter, indicating that Fe3+ in an octahedral hole is a key species in the mechanism of oxidative dehydrogenation. Butene isomerisation and ODH were shown to occur on different sites.
Home Style Opinion
Authors: Darr Joshua P. , Hitt Matthew P. , Dunaway Johanna L.
Published: March 2021

Local newspapers can hold back the rising tide of political division in America by turning away from the partisan battles in Washington and focusing their opinion page on local issues. When a local newspaper in California dropped national politics from its opinion page, the resulting space filled with local writers and issues. We use a pre-registered analysis plan to show that after this quasi-experiment, politically engaged people did not feel as far apart from members of the opposing party, compared to those in a similar community whose newspaper did not change. While it may not cure all of the imbalances and inequities in opinion journalism, an opinion page that ignores national politics could help local newspapers push back against political polarization.
20201 Validating an in-car telemetry system for detecting frequency and severity of driving errors in patients with glaucoma.
Authors: Sabapathypillai Sharon , Perlmutter Monica , Goel Manik , Gordon Bradley Wilsone , Bhorade Anjali
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: The car telemetry system may be an ideal method to accurately and reliably evaluate and compare at-risk driving errors between older drivers with and without glaucoma. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Our project aims to determine whether an in-car telemetry system used during an on-road driving evaluation can accurately and reliably evaluate driving errors in lane maintenance and visual scanning and objectively quantify the frequency and severity of these errors in glaucoma patients. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This is a single center, cross-sectional study of 180 participants (125 with glaucoma and 55 controls), ages 55 or older, who underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment, including vision, cognition, motor function, followed by an on-road evaluation by a trained occupational therapist. Driving errors were recorded through a dual method including: 1. An in-car trained occupational therapist 2. In-car telemetry system. The frequency and severity of errors in lane maintenance and visual scanning from the in-car telemetry will be assessed and compared between participants with varying severity of glaucoma and normal controls. In addition, we will compare the frequency and severity of errors in lane maintenance and visual scanning to those recorded by the in-car driving evaluator. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate (or predict) that the in- car telemetry system will be able to detect frequency and severity of driving errors in lane maintenance and visual scanning in glaucoma participants. We also predict that participants with worsening glaucoma severity will commit more driving errors. In addition, the in-car telemetry will detect a similar frequency and severity of driving errors as the in-car driving evaluator. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The type and frequency of vision-related driving errors that place individuals at risk for a car accident is not well known. Without this critical information, it is extremely challenging to help older adults with glaucoma to be safe drivers.
88116 Effect of conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene on glucose, energy and lipid metabolism in obese postmenopausal women
Authors: Marlatt Kara , Lovre Dragana , Beyl Robbie , Tate Chandra , Hayes Evelyn , Burant Charles , Ravussin Eric , Mauvais-Jarvis Franck
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: A short treatment of 8 obese postmenopausal women with conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene does not alter insulin sensitivity or ectopic fat but increases serum markers of hepatic de novo lipogenesis and production of triacylglycerides. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Combining conjugated estrogens (CE) with the selective estrogen receptor modulator bazedoxifene (BZA) is a novel, orally-administered menopausal therapy. We investigated the effect of CE/BZA on insulin sensitivity, energy metabolism, and serum metabolome in postmenopausal women with obesity. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot trial, testing the effect of CE/BZA on cardiometabolic health in postmenopausal women. Eight postmenopausal women (age 50-60 y, BMI 30-40 kg/m2) were randomization to an 8-week CE/BZA or placebo treatment separated by an 8-week washout period [NCT02274571]. The primary outcome was insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp), while secondary outcomes included body composition (DXA); resting metabolic rate (RMR); substrate oxidation (indirect calorimetry); ectopic lipids (1H-MRS); fat cell size, adipose and skeletal muscle gene expression (biopsies); inflammatory markers; and serum metabolome (LC/MS). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: CE/BZA had no effect on insulin sensitivity, body composition, ectopic fat, or substrate oxidation, but resulted in a non-significant increase in RMR (basal: p=0.06; high-dose clamp: p=0.08) compared to placebo. CE/BZA increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CE/BZA also increased serum diacylglycerol (DAG) and triacylglycerol (TAG) species containing long-chain saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs), and decreased long-chain acylcarnitines. These findings possibly reflect increased hepatic de novo FA synthesis and esterification into TAGs, and decreased FA oxidation, respectively (p<0.05). CE/BZA increased serum phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, ceramides, and sphingomyelins, possibly reflecting the increase in lipoproteins (p<0.05). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: A short treatment of postmenopausal women with CE/BZA did not alter insulin action or ectopic fat, but increased markers of hepatic de novo lipogenesis and TAG production. Study limitations include a small sample size and short treatment period. A larger, fully powered study is needed to validate the potential metabolic benefit of combining CE with BZA.
30718 Evaluating and advancing the CTSA external advisory board: Best practices
Authors: Kotarba Joseph A. , Wiseman Lori , Wooten Kevin
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: The goal of this evaluation study is to enhance the ability of the External Review Board to advise the CTSA at UTMB how to improve translational science activities. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the work of the External Review Board (EAB) for the Institute for Translational Sciences/CTSA at the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston. This evaluation is conducted through the perceptions of professional and community board members. The outcome consists of an inventory of best practices. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We collected data by means of semi-structured interviews with all eight member of the EAB. The interviews were conducted via telephone, lasted approximately 30 minutes each, and were audio-recorded with respondents’ permission. Respondents’ identities were held in confidence. The IRB at UTMB reviewed our study. The interviews were transcribed. The data were analyzed by means of an inductively-oriented, grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2006). Emergent themes led to the formation of a series of best practices. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Common concerns included the need for more extensive training for new members; circulation of the agenda before the meeting; and the value of more structured main leadership. The members generally agreed that the breakout groups were valuable because they encouraged them to engage in hands-on responses to practical problems. One of the key epistemological findings was the consensus view that the evaluation of the EAB should be an ongoing project, as opposed to a yearly task. This serious approach to evaluation would be conducive to a process analysis of the EAB, since medical, social, economic, and cultural conditions surrounding and influencing translational science are generally in flux (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic and the various stages in the CTSA grant). Overall, the EAB experience was quite positive for them. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The strongest sentiment expressed in the interviews was that the CTSA at UTMB should focus and build on its strength--the science of team science--as opposed to any concerted search for weaknesses that the term “evaluation” occasionally implies.
22533 Marshallese Mothers' and Maternal Health Care Providers' Perspectives of the Structural and Socio-Cultural Barriers to Prenatal Care: A Comparison Article
Authors: Ayers Britni , Haggard-Duff Lauren , McElfish Pearl
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This study will be used to culturally tailor interventions to reduce maternal and infant health disparities in a Marshallese community. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Inadequate prenatal care is associated with adverse birth outcomes including preterm births, low birth weight infants, and neonatal mortality. Marshallese Pacific Islanders are less likely to receive early and consistent prenatal care compared to other racial/ethnic groups and are thus at a higher risk for maternal and infant health disparities. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This article used a qualitative comparative analysis method to compare and contrast the perceived barriers to prenatal care for the prospective of Marshallese mothers and Maternal Health Care Providers (MHCPs). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Marshallese mothers and MHCPs identified the same structural barriers to prenatal care: health insurance, transportation, and language. The socio-cultural barriers to prenatal care were depicted quite differently by Marshallese mothers verses MHCPs. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: While the description of structural barriers were consistent among Marshallese mothers and MHCPs, the socio-cultural barriers and the value assigned to those barriers was quite different. Understanding the perspectives from both lenses is an important step towards addressing the barriers to prenatal care among Marshallese.
10061 Assessing immunogenicity of an Ebola vaccine in humans using a systems biology approach
Authors: Martin Olivia , Song Yang , Daugherty Sean , Sztein Rezwan Wahidrcelo B. , Fraser Claire M.
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Understanding gene expression changes after viral vaccination and booster may help predict vaccine efficacy. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Utilize a systems biology approach to identify gene expression changes after administration of Zaire Ebola virus glycoprotein expressed in a Chimp Adeno3 vector (ChAd3-EBOZ) and either boosted ˜7 weeks later with modified vaccinia Ankara MVA expressing Zaire and Marburg GPs plus Tai forest NP (MVA-BN ®Filo) or given saline (placebo). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: As part of the phase 1b, open-label vaccination trial of ChAd3-EBO-Z in Mali, West Africa, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from eight volunteers for whole genome transcriptomics analysis. Four subjects received the MVA-BN ®-Filo booster and four received saline. Samples were taken prior to receipt of the booster or placebo, as well as 1, 7, and 14 days afterwards. Significant differentially expressed genes were identified using RNA-seq between baseline and post-MVA-BN ®Filo. Functional enrichment analysis against the GO Ontology Database and the Immune Signatures C7 collection of MSigDB (ImmuneSigDB) was performed. These differentially expressed genes were also examined for associations with Ebola antibody titers and cell-mediated immune responses. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The majority of gene expression changes occurred on day 1 post-MVA-BN ®-Filo administration. 870 genes had significantly different expression when day 1 samples were compared to pre-booster baseline (791 upregulated/79 downregulated). Those upregulated genes are mainly involved type I interferon and regulation of viral life cycle pathways. The downregulated genes are involved in regulation of cellular defense response, lymphocyte mediated immunity. Comparing to the C7 Immune Signatures collection datasets, we identified more than 100 upregulated genes from 6 studies of yellow fever vaccination that were also significantly upregulated in our study. The top enriched ontological pathway of those genes is cellular response to type I Interferon. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The use of a systems biology approach to compare gene expression changes among vaccine studies utilizing whole genome transcriptomics data allows the identification of genes involved in the immune response to vaccination and might aid in predicting vaccine efficacy.
95923 TBI-on-a-chip: Linking physical impact to neurodegeneration by decrypting primary and secondary injury mechanisms
Authors: Rogers Edmond , Beauclair Timothy , Gross Guenter , Shi Riyi
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This unique approach has the capability to elucidate the pathological mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injuries and neurodegeneration, both separately and in concert, while simultaneously providing a semi-high throughput model for investigating potential pharmaceutical interventions: discoveries that would have major translational implications and a significant impact worldwide. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We aim to improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind the development of neurodegenerative diseases by utilizing the link between traumatic brain injuries and demonstrated biomarkers with our innovative TBI on a chip model. With this tool, we hope to provide new pathological insights and explore potential pharmaceutical interventions. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: E16 murine cortical networks were cultured onto reusable, optically transparent MEAs (fabricated in-house), and subjected to a clinically-relevant range (30-300g) of impact g-forces, utilizing our exciting new in vitro model of trauma (TBI on a chip) with real-time electrophysiological and morphological access. Impacts were systematically applied at varying intensities, repetitions, and time points, and fixed 24-hours post. Basic immunocytochemical techniques were used to investigate post-impact levels of acrolein, an established biomarker of both post-TBI oxidative stress and neurodegeneration (ND), and compared to procedurally and age-matched non-impact control networks. In addition, several other TBI/ND biomarker investigations are in progress (βA42, α-synuclein, and phosphorylated tau). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Impact experiments revealed significant, force-dependent increases of acrolein (acrolein-lysine adducts) at 24hrs post impact, indicative of impact-linked neuronal degeneration. These changes were amplified by the following manipulations: increasing g-force exposure (30-250 g); the rapid (4-6 sec interval) application of multiple impacts (1, 3, 5 and 10x); and exposure to 40 mM EtOH (10 min duration immediately following impact). Further, we demonstrate the enhancement of injury recovery as a function of: increasing time intervals between repeated hits; Hydralazine exposure. In addition, conditioned media from maximally-impacted cultures can cause acrolein elevation when introduced to non-impact, control networks, indicating acrolein’s role as a diffusive-factor in post-TBI secondary injuries. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: This novel approach provides unprecedented resolution, and is improving our understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying both TBI and ND. Combined with our established in vivo models of trauma and computer modeling, we hope to better guide our translational laboratory endeavors and help improve clinical diagnoses and treatments.
15564 Going with the Flow: Engineering Vascularized Urothelial Flaps for Female-to-Male Phalloplasty in Transgender Patients
Authors: Harris Jason , Dong Xue , Bender Ryan , Caughey Sarah , Berri Nabih , Spector Jason
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This project uses rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and cell seeding to solve the most common post-operative complications that arise from the current methods of urethral elongation during phalloplasty. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Post-op fistula and stricture formation occur in up to 50% of phalloplasty patients. These complications arise from the mismatch between skin and uroepithelium, or from scarring secondary to ischemia. Here we describe the fabrication of a novel vascularized urothelial flap for phalloplasty that contains discrete urothelial and vascular channels. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A custom designed 3D negative mold, with a urethral channel and a vascular inlet and outlet channel was prototyped in Adobe Fusion 360 and printed on a Prusa i3 MK3S printer in PLA. A 2mm diameter pluronic sacrificial macrofiber was used to connect the channels to form a vascular loop, and 1% type-I collagen was extruded over the mold. After solidifying, the scaffold was demolded and seeded with grade I urothelial carcinoma (SW780 cells, at 5-10 x 106 cells/mL) in the urethral channel, and adenovirus-infected E4 endothelial cells (at 3x106 cells/mL) in the vascular channel. The scaffolds were cultured up to 14 days and then fixed for histologic analysis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Collagen scaffolds were fabricated reliably using the custom 3D negative molds. After both seven and fourteen days of culture, the urothelial channel contained a robust, stable urothelial monolayer lining throughout the channel. By 14 days urothelial multilayer formation was seen, providing definitive evidence of a more mature urothelial layer. Grooves within the collagen allowed for nests of urothelial cells to develop, leading to increased multilayer formation. In addition, the vascular channels supported a healthy endothelial lining at both seven and fourteen days. There were no significant histological differences between constructs seeded with 5x106 urothelial cells/mL and 107 cells/mL. We anticipate that multilayer formation will increase with time, and that constructs will survive beyond 28 days. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: We have developed a novel strategy to engineer vascularized urethral tissue. These constructs can be kept for at least 14 days and form stable monolayers and multilayers consistent with native urothelial architecture. Using 3D printing and autologous cell seeding promises to create patient-specific vascularized urethral flaps for phalloplasty.
10122 Development of an In Vitro in Vivo Correlation of Itraconazole Spray-Dried Dispersion Tablets
Authors: Coutinho Ana Luisa , Adhikari Asmita , Polli James
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT IMPACT: As the number of poorly water-soluble drugs in development increases, our research will expand on the science behind improving drug solubility and absorption and ensuring that promising poorly-water solubility drugs do not fail drug development. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Spray-dried dispersion (SDD) tablet formulation is an approach to increase oral drug solubility and absorption. Methods to predict SDD performance in humans are poorly developed. We aim to develop an in vivo in vitro correlation (IVIVC) between in vitro dissolution and in vivo absorption of itraconazole SDD tablets. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This research project involves tablet manufacturing, in vitro dissolution experiments, and a clinical study. We manufactured fast-, medium-, and slow-release SDD tablets containing amorphous solid dispersion of itraconazole (100 mg) and different grades of the polymer hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMC-AS). Tablets differed in slug pressure, tablet compression force, and formulation composition. Dissolution studies were performed using the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) type II apparatus. The clinical study is an ongoing randomized, cross-over, open-label, fasted, single-dose trial in healthy participants (n=12). An IVIVC will be created by comparing the rank order of drug in vitro dissolution with in vivo absorption. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Tablet manufacturing was successful, and the tablets displayed the same dissolution rate ranking order as anticipated. Fast-release tablets showed the highest percentage of drug dissolved by 10 min (74%) compared to medium- (62%) and slow-release (1.2%) tablets. Percentage drug dissolved differs by at least 10% at all time points among the different release-rate tablets. The clinical study is currently ongoing, and we expect that the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles differ among the different tablets. We predict that the rank order of tablet absorption in humans will agree with the order of drug dissolved observed in the dissolution experiments. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Spray-dried dispersions are a formulation method to try to improve drug solubility and oral drug absorption. This research will elucidate manufacturing parameters that can impact tablet performance and expand on the ability of in vitro dissolution to predict human PK and streamline drug development of poorly soluble drug candidates.
On the dimension of points which escape to infinity at given rate under exponential iteration
Authors: BARAŃSKI KRZYSZTOF , KARPIŃSKA BOGUSŁAWA
Published: March 2021

We prove a number of results concerning the Hausdorff and packing dimension of sets of points which escape (at least in average) to infinity at a given rate under non-autonomous iteration of exponential maps. In particular, we generalize the results proved by Sixsmith in 2016 and answer his question on annular itineraries for exponential maps.
Franco-British responses to chemical warfare 1915–8, with special reference to the medical services, casualty statistics and the threat to civilians
Authors: Zoghlami Hanene
Published: March 2021

This dual-focussed examination will critically compare and contrast the British Royal Army Medical Corps and the French Medical Service’s involvement in the Western Front chemical campaign between 1915 and 1918. Because the Anglophone historiography has tended to marginalise the French contribution to the allied chemical war, this article will attempt to re-balance the historical narrative by emphasising the collective nature and importance of this joint Franco-British enterprise. By interrogating a raft of under-utilised primary evidence in the French and British archives, this investigation will contribute to the ‘alliance literature’ by arguing that when it comes to aspects of the Franco-British chemical war such as the co-operation of the medical services, the appellation ‘together but alone’ does not fully hold. The article will explore avenues of the two national armies evolving process of mutual medical assistance, material exchange and scientific collaboration. The striking similarity of French and British gas casualty statistics is highlighted with reference to the overall congruence of their anti-gas strategies – notwithstanding the problematic nature of these statistics. In addition to enhancing soldiers’ resistance to the poison gas threat on the battlefield, the Medical Services were also responsible for the protection of local civilians in the war zones. With reference mainly to France, this investigation will discuss the significance and implications of the poison gas threat to the home front. Finally, the impact of chemical weapon production upon civilian war workers in France and Britain will be commented upon.
SUBPROJECTIVITY OF PROJECTIVE TENSOR PRODUCTS OF BANACH SPACES OF CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS
Authors: CAUSEY R.M.
Published: March 2021

Galego and Samuel showed that if K, L are metrizable, compact, Hausdorff spaces, then
$C(K)\widehat{\otimes}_\pi C(L)$
is c0-saturated if and only if it is subprojective if and only if K and L are both scattered. We remove the hypothesis of metrizability from their result and extend it from the case of the twofold projective tensor product to the general n-fold projective tensor product to show that for any
$n\in\mathbb{N}$
and compact, Hausdorff spaces K1, …, Kn,
$\widehat{\otimes}_{\pi, i=1}^n C(K_i)$
is c0-saturated if and only if it is subprojective if and only if each Ki is scattered.
New proposal to revise the classification for squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and middle ear
Authors: Shinomiya H , Uehara N , Fujita T , Yoshida K , Imamura Y , Teshima M , Kimura H , Miyawaki D , Kakigi A , Kiyota N , Otsuki N , Sasaki R , Kohmura E , Nibu K
Published: March 2021

Background

The prognosis of patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and middle ear has been improved by advances in skull base surgery and multidrug chemoradiotherapy during the last two decades.

Methods

Ninety-five patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal and middle ear who were treated between 1998 and 2017 were enrolled. The number of patients with tumour stages T1, T2, T3and T4was 15, 22, 24 and 34, respectively. Oncological outcomes and prognostic factors were retrospectively investigated.

Results

Among patients with T4disease, invasion of the brain (p= 0.024), carotid artery (p= 0.049) and/or jugular vein (p= 0.040) were significant predictors of poor prognosis. The five-year overall survival rate of patients with at least one of these factors (T4b) was significantly lower than that of patients without these factors (T4a) (25.5vs65.5 per cent,p= 0.049).

Conclusion

It is proposed that stage T4be subclassified into T4aand T4baccording to the prognostic factors.
Experimental and simulation study of impurity transport response to RMPs in RF-heated H-mode plasmas at EAST
Authors: Vogel Germán , Zhang Hongming , Shen Yongcai , Dai Shuyu , Sun Youwen , Huang Juan , Gu Shuai , Fu Jia , Hu Ruiji , Chen Jun , Du Xuewei , Wang Qiuping , Yu Yi , Mao Shifeng , Lyu Bo , Ye Minyou
Published: March 2021

Spatial profiles of impurity emission measurements in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectroscopic range in radiofrequency (RF)-heated discharges are combined with one-dimensional and three-dimensional transport simulations to study the effects of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) on core impurity accumulation at EAST. The amount of impurity line emission mitigation by RMPs appears to be correlated with the ion Z for lithium, carbon, iron and tungsten monitored, i.e. stronger suppression of accumulation for heavier ions. The targeted effect on the most detrimental high-Z impurities suggests a possible advantage using RMPs for impurity control. Profiles of transport coefficients are calculated with the STRAHL one-dimensional impurity transport code, keeping

$\nu /D$

fixed and using the measured spatial profiles of

$\textrm{F}{\textrm{e}^{20 + }}$

,

$\textrm{F}{\textrm{e}^{21 + }}$

and

$\textrm{F}{\textrm{e}^{22 + }}$

to disentangle the transport coefficients. The iron diffusion coefficient

${D_{\textrm{Fe}}}$

increases from

$1.0- 2.0\;{\textrm{m}^2}\;{\textrm{s}^{ - 1}}$

to

$1.5- 3.0\;{\textrm{m}^2}\;{\textrm{s}^{ - 1}}$

from the core region to the edge region

$(\rho \gt 0.5)$

after the onset of RMPs. Meanwhile, an inward pinch of iron convective velocity

${\nu _{\textrm{Fe}}}$

decreases in magnitude in the inner core region and increases significantly in the outer confined region, simultaneously contributing to preserving centrally peaked

$\textrm{Fe}$

profiles and exhausting the impurities. The

${D_{\textrm{Fe}}}$

and

${\nu _{\textrm{Fe}}}$

variations lead to reduced impurity contents in the plasma. The three-dimensional edge impurity transport code EMC3-EIRENE was also applied for a case of RMP-mitigated high-Z accumulation at EAST and compared to that of low-Z carbon. The exhaust of

${\textrm{C}^{6 + }}$

toward the scrape-off layer accompanying an overall suppression of heavier

${\textrm{W}^{30 + }}$

is observed when using RMPs.
The influence of environmental variables on bdelloid rotifers of the genus Rotaria in Thailand
Authors: Jaturapruek Rapeepan , Fontaneto Diego , Maiphae Supiyanit
Published: March 2021

This research investigates the influence of environmental parameters that are known to affect bdelloid rotifer species richness and composition in temperate zones on the genus Rotaria in tropical zone. Our study analysed species richness and composition of the genus Rotaria from 390 samples collected from several types of aquatic habitats in Thailand. Coordinates, elevation, limnological parameters such as water temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH were measured. A total of nine species was recorded. Of these, one species, Rotaria macrura (Ehrenberg, 1832), was a new record for Thailand and new to the oriental region, and was a yet undescribed species, Rotaria sp. The species diversity of this genus increased from eight to 10 species. The presence or absence of the genus Rotaria was significantly influenced by dissolved oxygen and habitat type. For the samples where the genus occurred, species richness was not affected by any of the limnological or bioclimatic variables. Differences in species composition were affected only by habitat type. The results support former suggestions that common abiotic parameters do not seem to strongly influence diversity in bdelloids, whereas major ecological differences between habitats influence bdelloid occurrence.
The comparative and cumulative impact of different forms of violence exposure during childhood and adolescence on long-term adult outcomes
Authors: Oberth Carla , Goulter Natalie , McMahon Robert J.
Published: March 2021

Violence exposure during childhood and adolescence is associated with a range of negative psychosocial outcomes. Research examining the impact of violence exposure has been limited by the compartmentalization into separate bodies of research (e.g., community violence, domestic violence). There is also a paucity of research examining long-term adult outcomes. Using a large and racially diverse sample (n = 754; male = 58%; Black = 46%), the current longitudinal study aimed to elucidate the comparative and cumulative effect of different types of violence exposure (witnessing vs. victimization) across different locations (home, school, neighborhood) in childhood and adolescence (lifetime through Grade 8) on long-term internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems; substance use; and intimate partner violence in adulthood (age 25). Victimization, but not witnessing violence, predicted all five adult outcomes. Specifically, being victimized at home was associated with the widest range of negative outcomes (internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems), while school victimization was associated with substance use. Further, when youth experienced multiple types of violence across multiple locations (cumulative violence exposure), they experienced a more diverse range of negative outcomes in adulthood (composite score). The current study highlights the stronger effects of violence exposure in more proximal contexts, and how these locations are important for emotional and behavioral development.