Detection of the pairwise kinematic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect with BOSS DR11 and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope

We present a new measurement of the kinematic Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect using data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) and the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS). Using 600 square degrees of overlapping sky area, we evaluate the mean pairwise baryon momentum associated with the positions of 50,000 bright galaxies in the BOSS DR11 Large Scale Structure catalog. A non-zero signal arises from the large-scale motions of halos containing the sample galaxies. The data fits an analytical signal model well, with the optical depth to microwave photon scattering as a free parameter determining the overall signal amplitude. We estimate the covariance matrix of the mean pairwise momentum as a function of galaxy separation, using microwave sky simulations, jackknife evaluation, and bootstrap estimates. The most conservative simulation-based errors give signal-to-noise estimates between 3.6 and 4.1 for varying galaxy luminosity cuts. We discuss how the other error determinations can lead to higher signal-to-noise values, and consider the impact of several possible systematic errors. Estimates of the optical depth from the average thermal Sunyaev-Zeldovich signal at the sample galaxy positions are broadly consistent with those obtained from the mean pairwise momentum signal.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures, 2 table

Young neutron stars with soft gamma ray emission and anomalous X-ray pulsar

The observational properties of Soft Gamma Repeaters and Ano\-malous X-ray Pulsars (SGR/AXP) indicate to necessity of the energy source different from a rotational energy of a neutron star. The model, where the source of the energy is connected with a magnetic field dissipation in a highly magnetized neutron star (magnetar) is analyzed. Some observational inconsistencies are indicated for this interpretation. The alternative energy source, connected with the nuclear energy of superheavy nuclei stored in the nonequilibrium layer of low mass neutron star is discussed.Comment: 29 pages, 13 figures, Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016 A.W. Alsabti, P. Murdin (eds.), Handbook of Supernova

Critical Content-A Novel Graduate Medical Education Intervention to Address Gender & Sexual Minority/Differences in Sexual Development Health

Introduction & Background: Following directives from the Institute of Medicine 1 and AAFP 2 , we aimed to create an intervention for Family and Internal Medicine Residents to gain familiarity with gender and sexual minority (GSM) / differences in sexual development (health topics). Existing literature regarding GSM/DSD health training interventions does not provide topic based recommendations for instructing medical trainees within their chosen specialty. We aim to assess curricular content, applicability to medical practice, and subsequent attitudes and beliefs from trainees regarding readiness to interact with and treat GSM/DSD patients. Methods & Framework: Internal Medicine ( IM ) and Family Medicine FM ) residents will participate in a three (3) hour workshop focusing on GSM/DSD health topics. Workshop content is curated based upon an assessment of current gaps in GSM/DSD education and professional development. Learning objectives for trainees were identified, and accompanying constructs were developed for later assessment of integration into professional practice. A semi structured protocol was also developed to collect qualitative reflections on the curriculum, as well as personal attitudes / beliefs regarding treatment of GSM/DSD patients. The assessment of the initial intervention was delayed due to COVID 19; this poster showcases the designed curriculum and its prospective assessment features. Implementation & Assessment: COVID 19 posed unforeseen challenges, which barred us from assessing this intervention along its originally intended timeline. We intend to implement the invention in its entirety for the Fall 2020 cohort. We encourage others seeking to adopt this curriculum to utilize innovative assessment opportunities such as simulated patients or role plays to assess trainee progress toward learning outcomes. Pre and post assessment metrics will be collected from all trainees during the intervention’s Fall 2020 delivery. Semi structured focus groups will also be conducted. We will use analyses to inform further program development, content inclusion, and supplementary learning experiences to accompany the didactic curriculum. This module serves as a “starting point” for trainees’ continued education on GSM / DSD health topics. We recognize the need for continued expansion of content on marginalized LGBTQ+ communities.https://jdc.jefferson.edu/sexandgenderhealth/1032/thumbnail.jp

Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction-V for Lung Nodule Analysis

Introduction: Low-dose CT in lung cancer screening has demonstrated benefits in select patients. As the traditional filtered back projection (FBP) technique is limited by poor image quality, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) algorithm has been developed to achieve higher image quality with processing efficiency. Objective: To investigate the impact of various CT scan parameters on the semi-automated measurement of lung nodules using a Computer Aided Detection (CAD) program. Methods: This IRB-exempt phantom experiment was conducted with a CT scanner capable of ASIR-V algorithm. Eight lung nodules sized 5-12 mm, of solid or ground glass type, were placed inside a multipurpose chest phantom with or without fat slabs. Voltage (kV), current (mA), and ASIR-V levels were varied, and series of CT images were produced. A CAD program semiautomatically analyzed the series and produced nodule diameters and volumes. Nodule measurement variance and the significance of variables were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and univariate regression. Results: Nodule diameter and type contributed to error in both diameter and volume measurements. Current also impacted diameter measurement error. ASIR-V, kV, and fat slabs did not contribute to nodule measurement systematic error. On regression analysis, error is negatively related to mA and solid nodules, but is positively related to nodule diameter or volume. Discussion: These results reinforce that nodule size, type, and mA have the highest influence on CAD software performance nodule quantification accuracy. ASIR-V and kV do not significantly alter the measurement error but, instead, maintain the accuracy of nodule evaluation while minimizing radiation dose

Transactivation of EGFR by LPS induces COX-2 expression in enterocytes

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of gastrointestinal morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. NEC is characterized by an exaggerated inflammatory response to bacterial flora leading to bowel necrosis. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediates inflammation through TLR4 activation and is a key molecule in the pathogenesis of NEC. However, LPS also induces cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which promotes intestinal barrier restitution through stimulation of intestinal cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation prevents experimental NEC and may play a critical role in LPS-stimulated COX-2 production. We hypothesized that EGFR is required for LPS induction of COX-2 expression. Our data show that inhibiting EGFR kinase activity blocks LPS-induced COX-2 expression in small intestinal epithelial cells. LPS induction of COX-2 requires Src-family kinase signaling while LPS transactivation of EGFR requires matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activity. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors block LPS stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK, suggesting an important role of the MAPK/ERK pathway in EGFR-mediated COX-2 expression. LPS stimulates proliferation of IEC-6 cells, but this stimulation is inhibited with either the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG1478, or the selective COX-2 inhibitor Celecoxib. Taken together, these data show that EGFR plays an important role in LPS-induction of COX-2 expression in enterocytes, which may be one mechanism for EGF in inhibition of NEC

Literacy Health in The Elderly - A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review U.S. studies examining the relationship between literacy and health in the elderly, and to determine what interventions may mitigate the effects of low literacy on health in an older population. METHODS: I searched the MEDLINE database from its beginning through September, 2009 and identified 676 health-related articles that referred to the term literacy and studied adults age 65 and older. After reviewing titles and abstracts, I further excluded 433 articles. Of the remaining 243 articles that were reviewed in their entirety, only 29 articles met my pre-specified inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in this review. I included cross-sectional and cohort observational studies that measured participant literacy on an individual level, and measured one or more health outcomes in older adults. Each included study had to address at least one of my key questions: Key Question 1) In elderly individuals, are literacy skills related to a) use of health care services, b) health outcomes, c) health-related knowledge, d) costs of health care, or e) disparities by race, ethnicity, culture, education, or age? Key Question 2) For elderly individuals with low literacy skills, what interventions may mitigate the effects of low literacy on: a) use of health care services, b) health outcomes, c) health-related knowledge, d) costs of care, ore) disparities by race, ethnicity, culture, education, or age? RESULTS: The 29 articles in this review include data on 14,891 distinct individuals. All of the studies addressed Key Question 1. I was unable to identify any studies that addressed Key Question 2. Substantial evidence demonstrated that elderly individuals with lower literacy often have worse health outcomes than their counterparts with higher literacy, including lower rates of influenza vaccination, higher rates of ER use and hospitalization, worse self-rated health, higher rates of cognitive impairment and decline, and higher mortality. Despite clear associations between literacy and health in older adults, no researchers have tested interventions designed to mitigate the health effects of low literacy in an elderly population. The instruments most commonly used to measure literacy in this body of literature were the S-TOFHLA and the REALM. The average methodological quality of included studies was fair to good. DISCUSSION: This systematic review demonstrates that elderly individuals with lower literacy often have worse health outcomes than those with higher health literacy. It also identifies a critical gap in the health literacy literature: no interventions designed to mitigate the effects of literacy on health have been tested in an elderly population. It is crucial for clinicians and researchers to recognize the burden of limited health literacy in the elderly population and begin to test interventions that can improve the health of older adults with limited literacy.Master of Public Healt

CMB Telescopes and Optical Systems

The cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) is now firmly established as a fundamental and essential probe of the geometry, constituents, and birth of the Universe. The CMB is a potent observable because it can be measured with precision and accuracy. Just as importantly, theoretical models of the Universe can predict the characteristics of the CMB to high accuracy, and those predictions can be directly compared to observations. There are multiple aspects associated with making a precise measurement. In this review, we focus on optical components for the instrumentation used to measure the CMB polarization and temperature anisotropy. We begin with an overview of general considerations for CMB observations and discuss common concepts used in the community. We next consider a variety of alternatives available for a designer of a CMB telescope. Our discussion is guided by the ground and balloon-based instruments that have been implemented over the years. In the same vein, we compare the arc-minute resolution Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) and the South Pole Telescope (SPT). CMB interferometers are presented briefly. We conclude with a comparison of the four CMB satellites, Relikt, COBE, WMAP, and Planck, to demonstrate a remarkable evolution in design, sensitivity, resolution, and complexity over the past thirty years.Comment: To appear in: Planets, Stars and Stellar Systems (PSSS), Volume 1: Telescopes and Instrumentatio

Formation of regulatory modules by local sequence duplication

Turnover of regulatory sequence and function is an important part of molecular evolution. But what are the modes of sequence evolution leading to rapid formation and loss of regulatory sites? Here, we show that a large fraction of neighboring transcription factor binding sites in the fly genome have formed from a common sequence origin by local duplications. This mode of evolution is found to produce regulatory information: duplications can seed new sites in the neighborhood of existing sites. Duplicate seeds evolve subsequently by point mutations, often towards binding a different factor than their ancestral neighbor sites. These results are based on a statistical analysis of 346 cis-regulatory modules in the Drosophila melanogaster genome, and a comparison set of intergenic regulatory sequence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In fly regulatory modules, pairs of binding sites show significantly enhanced sequence similarity up to distances of about 50 bp. We analyze these data in terms of an evolutionary model with two distinct modes of site formation: (i) evolution from independent sequence origin and (ii) divergent evolution following duplication of a common ancestor sequence. Our results suggest that pervasive formation of binding sites by local sequence duplications distinguishes the complex regulatory architecture of higher eukaryotes from the simpler architecture of unicellular organisms

Rectal Transmission of Transmitted/Founder HIV-1 Is Efficiently Prevented by Topical 1% Tenofovir in BLT Humanized Mice

Rectal microbicides are being developed to prevent new HIV infections in both men and women. We focused our in vivo preclinical efficacy study on rectally-applied tenofovir. BLT humanized mice (n = 43) were rectally inoculated with either the primary isolate HIV-1(JRCSF) or the MSM-derived transmitted/founder (T/F) virus HIV-1(THRO) within 30 minutes following treatment with topical 1% tenofovir or vehicle. Under our experimental conditions, in the absence of drug treatment we observed 50% and 60% rectal transmission by HIV-1(JRCSF) and HIV-1(THRO), respectively. Topical tenofovir reduced rectal transmission to 8% (1/12; log rank p = 0.03) for HIV-1(JRCSF) and 0% (0/6; log rank p = 0.02) for HIV-1(THRO). This is the first demonstration that any human T/F HIV-1 rectally infects humanized mice and that transmission of the T/F virus can be efficiently blocked by rectally applied 1% tenofovir. These results obtained in BLT mice, along with recent ex vivo, Phase 1 trial and non-human primate reports, provide a critically important step forward in the development of tenofovir-based rectal microbicides