A New Generating Function for Calculating the Igusa Local Zeta Function

A new method is devised for calculating the Igusa local zeta function $Z_f$ of a polynomial $f(x_1,\dots,x_n)$ over a $p$-adic field. This involves a new kind of generating function $G_f$ that is the projective limit of a family of generating functions, and contains more data than $Z_f$. This $G_f$ resides in an algebra whose structure is naturally compatible with operations on the underlying polynomials, facilitating calculation of local zeta functions. This new technique is used to expand significantly the set of quadratic polynomials whose local zeta functions have been calculated explicitly. Local zeta functions for arbitrary quadratic polynomials over $p$-adic fields with $p$ odd are presented, as well as for polynomials over unramified $2$-adic fields of the form $Q+L$ where $Q$ is a quadratic form and $L$ is a linear form where $Q$ and $L$ have disjoint variables. For a quadratic form over an arbitrary $p$-adic field with odd $p$, this new technique makes clear precisely which of the three candidate poles are actual poles.Comment: 54 page

MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF CRANIOFACIAL SKELETAL MUSCLE REGENERATION

Limited therapeutic options exist to rebuild functional craniofacial skeletal muscle in individuals suffering from orofacial muscle diseases, trauma, and oncologic surgical defects. The lack of a comprehensive investigation of the craniofacial musculature and its stem population has resulted in a poor understanding of the regenerative capacity of this tissue when faced with disease or trauma. Our current knowledge of skeletal muscles and their stem cell populations comes from the limb muscles; however, it is known that distinct differences in embryological origin exist between muscles of the limb and those of the craniofacial region.The objective of this study is to characterize the molecular mechanisms surrounding the regenerative program of craniofacial skeletal muscle and its resident stem cells, satellite cells in order to identify therapeutic targets for craniofacial muscle regeneration.The first aim was to assess the regenerative capacity of craniofacial muscle in vivo and the function of satellite cells, termed muscle stem cells (MuSCs) in vitro. To do this, I characterized the morphology of regenerating craniofacial muscle following injury using in vivomodels of muscle regeneration. To characterize the functional capacity of craniofacial MuSCs, I isolated MuSCs from limb and craniofacial muscle using FACS and determined MuSC number and used in vitro cellular assays to measure the ability of MuSCs to proliferate and differentiate.The second aim was to identify unique transcriptional signatures between limb and craniofacial muscle satellite cells. To do this, I used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on FACS-isolated satellite cells to identify differential gene expression between craniofacial and limb satellite cells throughout a time course of muscle regeneration.ivThe final aim was to determine the roles of identified genes of interest, Ebf1 and Postn, in the molecular regulation of satellite cells during craniofacial muscle regeneration. To do this, I used quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to determine gene expression over a time course of myogenesis as well as viral-mediated gene manipulation to knock down the genes of interest in vitro.Doctor of Philosoph

The "ART" of Linkage: Pre-Treatment Loss to Care after HIV Diagnosis at Two PEPFAR Sites in Durban, South Africa

BACKGROUND. Although loss to follow-up after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is increasingly recognized, little is known about pre-treatment losses to care (PTLC) after an initial positive HIV test. Our objective was to determine PTLC in newly identified HIV-infected individuals in South Africa. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS. We assembled the South African Test, Identify and Link (STIAL) Cohort of persons presenting for HIV testing at two sites offering HIV and CD4 count testing and HIV care in Durban, South Africa. We defined PTLC as failure to have a CD4 count within 8 weeks of HIV diagnosis. We performed multivariate analysis to identify factors associated with PTLC. From November 2006 to May 2007, of 712 persons who underwent HIV testing and received their test result, 454 (64%) were HIV-positive. Of those, 206 (45%) had PTLC. Infected patients were significantly more likely to have PTLC if they lived =10 kilometers from the testing center (RR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.11-1.71), had a history of tuberculosis treatment (RR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.00-1.58), or were referred for testing by a health care provider rather than self-referred (RR=1.61; 95% CI: 1.22-2.13). Patients with one, two or three of these risks for PTLC were 1.88, 2.50 and 3.84 times more likely to have PTLC compared to those with no risk factors. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE. Nearly half of HIV-infected persons at two high prevalence sites in Durban, South Africa, failed to have CD4 counts following HIV diagnosis. These high rates of pre-treatment loss to care highlight the urgent need to improve rates of linkage to HIV care after an initial positive HIV test.US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01 AI058736, K24 AI062476, K23 AI068458); the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (P30 AI42851); National Institutes of Health (K24 AR 02123); the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (Clinical Scientist Development Award); the Harvard University Program on AID

Technique to ‘Map' Chromosomal Mosaicism at the Blastocyst Stage

The purpose of this study was to identify a technique that allows for comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) of individual cells within human blastocysts along with the approximation of their location in the trophectoderm relative to the inner cell mass (ICM). This proof-of-concept study will allow for a greater understanding of chromosomal mosaicism at the blastocyst stage and the mechanisms by which mosaicism arises. One blastocyst was held by a holding pipette and the ICM was removed. While still being held, the blastocyst was further biopsied into quadrants. To separate the individual cells from the biopsied sections, the sections were placed in calcium/magnesium-free medium with serum for 20 min. A holding pipette was used to aspirate the sections until individual cells were isolated. Individual cells from each section were placed into PCR tubes and prepped for aCGH. A total of 18 cells were used for analysis, of which 15 (83.3%) amplified and provided a result and 3 (16.7%) did not. Fifteen cells were isolated from the trophectoderm; 13 (86.7%) provided an aCGH result, while 2 (13.3%) did not amplify. Twelve cells were euploid (46,XY), while 1 was complex abnormal (44,XY), presenting with monosomy 7, 10, 11, 13, and 19, and trisomy 14, 15, and 21. A total of 3 cells were isolated from the ICM; 2 were euploid (46,XY) and 1 did not amplify. Here, we expand on a previously published technique which disassociates biopsied sections of the blastocyst into individual cells. Since the blastocyst sections were biopsied in regard to the position of the ICM, it was possible to reconstruct a virtual image of the blastocyst while presenting each cell's individual CCS results

Tobacco and Nicotine Use in the Perinatal Period: A Postpartum Video Intervention

Tobacco and nicotine exposures in the perinatal period continue to negatively impact the health of women and their families. This is of particular concern in Broome County, where 20% of women reported using tobacco at some point in their pregnancy. It is crucial that nurses have effective tools to intervene and address this health threat during routine care. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of our newly developed postpartum educational video related to tobacco and nicotine exposure. This pre- post-test study is designed to measure changes in knowledge and self-efficacy after viewing the video in a postpartum hospital setting. These variables, along with demographics, nicotine use behaviors, and attitudes will be collected electronically, using a 22-item survey. The survey, video, and consent for participation will be delivered via iPad or iPhone using the Qualtrics Survey platform. After we provide an orientation to the study, postpartum nurses will recruit women and provide access to the intervention. Participants will include 25 women who are over the age of 18, fluent in English, and have delivered a baby during their current hospital stay. Nurses will be asked for feedback during and at the conclusion of the study as part of a process evaluation. This study will provide preliminary results related to the efficacy of the video and will also allow us to refine our methodology before conducting the study on a larger scale. The ultimate goal is that women who view this video will show increased quit rates related to nicotine use.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_2021/1098/thumbnail.jp

Preliminary assessment of aneuploidy rates between the polar, mid and mural trophectoderm

The objective of this study is to compare aneuploidy rates between three distinct areas of the human trophectoderm: mural, polar and a region in between these two locations termed the ‘mid’ trophectoderm. This is a cohort study on in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients undergoing comprehensive chromosome screening at the blastocyst stage at a private IVF clinic. All embryos underwent assisted hatching on day 3 with blastocyst biopsy and comprehensive chromosome screening. Biopsied blastocysts were divided into three groups depending on which area (polar, mid, or mural) of the trophectoderm was protruding from the zona pellucida and biopsied. Aneuploidy rates were significantly higher with cells from the polar region of the trophectoderm (56.2%) compared with cells removed from the mural region of the trophectoderm (30.0%; P = 0.0243). A comparison of all three areas combined also showed a decreasing trend, but this did not reach clinical significance, polar (56.2%), mid (47.4%) and mural trophectoderm (30.0%; P = 0.1859). The non-concordance demonstrated between polar and mural trophectoderm can be attributed to biological occurrences including chromosomal mosaicism or procedural differences between embryologists

Postpartum Smoking Cessation Video. A Qualitative Study

Despite knowledge of the risks of tobacco and environmental smoke to peripartum women and their newborns, there are few interventions designed for use in the postpartum period. Previous research eliciting input from pregnant smokers and their providers led to the development of three educational videos, including one specific to the postpartum period. These videos were produced prior to the dramatic rise in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of postpartum women and the perinatal nurses who care for them related to tobacco use and ENDS products. Participants also viewed the postpartum video and shared their impressions. Data were collected from four focus groups; two groups of postpartum women, and two groups of perinatal nurses. Focus group methodology was employed, using a semi-structured question format. Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Delphi consensus method. Themes were identified and included a) a lack of education for both peripartum women and RNs, b) motivations and barriers to quitting c) acceptability of the video format, and d) suggestions for improving the video. These results will be used to inform the editing of the postpartum video prior to pilot testing.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1025/thumbnail.jp

The effects of phonological transparency on reading derived words

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether poor readers have more pronounced problems than average-reading peers reading derived words whose base forms undergo a phonological shift when a suffix is added (i.e., shift relations as in natural), as compared to derived words whose forms are phonologically and orthographically transparent (i.e., "stable" relations, as in cultural). Two computer-based word recognition tasks (Naming and Lexical Decision) were administered to children with reading disability (RD), peers with average reading ability, and adults. Across tasks, there was an effect for transparency (i.e., better performance on stable than shift words) for both child groups and the adults. For the children, a significant interaction was found between group and word type. Specifically, on the naming task, there was an advantage for the stable words, and this was most noteworthy for the children with RD. On the lexical decision task, trade-offs of speed and accuracy were evident for the child reader groups. Performances on the nonwords showed the poor readers to be comparable to the average readers in distinguishing legal and illegal nonwords; further analyses suggested that poor readers carried out deeper processing of derived words than their average reading peers. Additional study is needed to explore the relation of orthographic and phonological processing on poor readers' memory for and processing of derived words