Inverse spectral problems for Sturm-Liouville operators with singular potentials

The inverse spectral problem is solved for the class of Sturm-Liouville operators with singular real-valued potentials from the space $W^{-1}_2(0,1)$. The potential is recovered via the eigenvalues and the corresponding norming constants. The reconstruction algorithm is presented and its stability proved. Also, the set of all possible spectral data is explicitly described and the isospectral sets are characterized.Comment: Submitted to Inverse Problem

Work-Unit Absenteeism: Effects of Satisfaction, Commitment, Labor Market Conditions, and Time

Prior research is limited in explaining absenteeism at the unit level and over time. We developed and tested a model of unit-level absenteeism using five waves of data collected over six years from 115 work units in a large state agency. Unit-level job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and local unemployment were modeled as time-varying predictors of absenteeism. Shared satisfaction and commitment interacted in predicting absenteeism but were not related to the rate of change in absenteeism over time. Unit-level satisfaction and commitment were more strongly related to absenteeism when units were located in areas with plentiful job alternatives

Frequency and type of adverse analytical findings in athletics: Differences among disciplines.

Athletics is a highly diverse sport that contains a set of disciplines grouped into jumps, throws, races of varying distances, and combined events. From a physiological standpoint, the physical capabilities linked to success are quite different among disciplines, with varying involvements of muscle strength, muscle power, and endurance. Thus, the use of banned substances in athletics might be dictated by physical dimensions of each discipline. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to analyse the number and distribution of adverse analytical findings per drug class in athletic disciplines. The data included in this investigation were gathered from the Anti-Doping Testing Figure Report made available by the World Anti-Doping Agency (from 2016 to 2018). Interestingly, there were no differences in the frequency of adverse findings (overall, 0.95%, range from 0.77 to 1.70%) among disciplines despite long distance runners having the highest number of samples analysed per year ( 9812 samples/year). Sprinters and throwers presented abnormally high proportions of adverse analytical findings within the group of anabolic agents (p < 0.01); middle- and long-distance runners presented atypically high proportions of findings related to peptide hormones and growth factors (p < 0.01); racewalkers presented atypically high proportions of banned diuretics and masking agents (p = 0.05). These results suggest that the proportion of athletes that are using banned substances is similar among the different disciplines of athletics. However, there are substantial differences in the class of drugs more commonly used in each discipline. This information can be used to effectively enhance anti-doping testing protocols in athletics.post-print1.911 K

The contribution of serum cortisone and glucocorticoid metabolites to detrimental bone health in patients receiving hydrocortisone therapy

Background Glucocorticoid therapy is the most common cause of iatrogenic osteoporosis. Less is known regarding the effect of glucocorticoids when used as replacement therapy on bone remodelling in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Enhanced intracellular conversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol, by 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1(11β-HSD1) and other enzymes leading to alterations in glucocorticoid metabolism, may contribute to a deleterious effect on bone health in this patient group. Methods Study design: An open crossover prospective study randomizing ten hypopituitary men, with severe ACTH deficiency, to three commonly used hydrocortisone dose regimens. Measurements: Following 6 weeks of each regimen, patients underwent 24-h serum cortisol/cortisone sampling, measurement of bone turnover markers, and a 24-h urine collection for measurement of urinary steroid metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Serum cortisone and cortisol were analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results Dose-related and circadian variations in serum cortisone were seen to parallel those for cortisol, indicating conversion of ingested hydrocortisone to cortisone. The median area under the curve (AUC) of serum cortisone was significantly higher in patients on dose A (20 mg/10 mg) [670.5 (IQR 621–809.2)] compared to those on dose C (10 mg/5 mg) [562.8 (IQR 520.1–619.6), p = 0.01]. A negative correlation was observed between serum cortisone and bone formation markers, OC [1–49] (r = − 0.42, p = 0.03), and PINP (r = − 0.49, p = 0.01). There was a negative correlation between the AUC of night-time serum cortisone levels with the bone formation marker, OC [1–49] (r = − 0.41, p = 0.03) but there were no significant correlations between day-time serum cortisone or cortisol with bone turnover markers. There was a negative correlation between total urinary cortisol metabolites and the bone formation markers, PINP (r = − 0.39, p = 0.04), and OC [1–49] (r = − 0.35, p = 0.06). Conclusion Serum cortisol and cortisone and total urinary corticosteroid metabolites are negatively associated with bone turnover markers in patients receiving replacement doses of hydrocortisone, with nocturnal glucocorticoid exposure having a potentially greater influence on bone turnover. Trial registration Irish Medicines Board Clinical Trial Number – CT900/459/1 and EudraCT Number – 2007-005018-37. Registration date: 07-09-2007

Multipliers of Dirichlet series and monomial series expansions of holomorphic functions in infinitely many variables

[EN] Let H-infinity be the set of all ordinary Dirichlet series D = Sigma(n) a(n)(n-1) ann-s representing bounded holomorphic functions on the right half plane. A completely multiplicative sequence (b(n)) of complex numbers is said to be an l(1)-multiplier for H-infinity whenever Sigma(n vertical bar)a(n)b(n vertical bar) < infinity for every D is an element of H-infinity. We study the problem of describing such sequences (b(n)) in terms of the asymptotic decay of the subsequence (b(pj)), where p(j) denotes the j th prime number. Given a completely multiplicative sequence b = (b(n)) we prove (among other results): b is an l(1)-multiplier for H-infinity provided vertical bar b(pj)vertical bar < 1 for all j and (lim(n)) over bar 1/log(n) Sigma(n)(j=1) b(p j)*(2) < 1, and conversely, if b is an l(1)-multiplier for H-infinity, then vertical bar b(pj)vertical bar < 1 for all j and (lim(n)) over bar 1/log(n) Sigma(n)(j=1) b(p j)*(2) <= 1 (here b* stands for the decreasing rearrangement of b). Following an ingenious idea of Harald Bohr it turns out that this problem is intimately related with the question of characterizing those sequences z in the infinite dimensional polydisk D-infinity (the open unit ball of l(infinity)) for which every bounded and holomorphic function f on D-infinity has an absolutely convergent monomial series expansion Sigma(alpha) partial derivative alpha f (0)/alpha! z alpha. Moreover, we study analogous problems in Hardy spaces of Dirichlet series and Hardy spaces of functions on the infinite dimensional polytorus T-infinity.The second, fourth and fifth authors were supported by MINECO and FEDER Project MTM2014-57838-C2-2-P. The fourth author was also supported by PrometeoII/2013/013. The fifth author was also supported by project SP-UPV20120700.Bayart, F.; Defant, A.; Frerick, L.; Maestre, M.; Sevilla Peris, P. (2017). Multipliers of Dirichlet series and monomial series expansions of holomorphic functions in infinitely many variables. Mathematische Annalen. 368(1-2):837-876. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00208-016-1511-1S8378763681-2Aleman, A., Olsen, J.-F., Saksman, E.: Fatou and brother Riesz theorems in the infinite-dimensional polydisc. arXiv:1512.01509Balasubramanian, R., Calado, B., Queffélec, H.: The Bohr inequality for ordinary Dirichlet series. 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Math. Soc. 106(2), 351–356 (1989)de la Bretèche, R.: Sur l’ordre de grandeur des polynômes de Dirichlet. Acta Arith. 134(2), 141–148 (2008)Defant, A., Frerick, L., Ortega-Cerdà, J., Ounaïes, M., Seip, K.: The Bohnenblust–Hille inequality for homogeneous polynomials is hypercontractive. Ann. Math. 174(1), 485–497 (2011)Defant, A., García, D., Maestre, M.: New strips of convergence for Dirichlet series. Publ. Mat. 54(2), 369–388 (2010)Defant, A., García, D., Maestre, M., Pérez-García, D.: Bohr’s strip for vector valued Dirichlet series. Math. Ann. 342(3), 533–555 (2008)Defant, A., Maestre, M., Prengel, C.: Domains of convergence for monomial expansions of holomorphic functions in infinitely many variables. J. Reine Angew. Math. 634, 13–49 (2009)Dineen, S.: Complex Analysis on Infinite-dimensional Spaces. Springer Monographs in Mathematics. Springer-Verlag London Ltd, London (1999)Floret, K.: Natural norms on symmetric tensor products of normed spaces. Note Mat. 17(153–188), 1997 (1999)Harris, L. A.: Bounds on the derivatives of holomorphic functions of vectors. In: Analyse fonctionnelle et applications (Comptes Rendus Colloq. Analyse, Inst. Mat., Univ. Federal Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 1972), pp. 145–163. Actualités Aci. Indust., No. 1367. Hermann, Paris (1975)Hedenmalm, H., Lindqvist, P., Seip, K.: A Hilbert space of Dirichlet series and systems of dilated functions in $$L^2(0,1)$$ L 2 ( 0 , 1 ) . Duke Math. J. 86(1), 1–37 (1997)Helson, H., Lowdenslager, D.: Prediction theory and Fourier series in several variables. Acta Math. 99, 165–202 (1958)Hibert, D.: Gesammelte Abhandlungen (Band 3). Verlag von Julius Springer, Berlin (1935)Hilbert, D.: Wesen und Ziele einer Analysis der unendlichvielen unabhängigen Variablen. Rend. del Circolo Mat. di Palermo 27, 59–74 (1909)Kahane, J.-P.: Some Random Series of Functions, Volume 5 of Cambridge Studies in Advanced Mathematics, second edn. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1985)Konyagin, S.V., Queffélec, H.: The translation $$\frac{1}{2}$$ 1 2 in the theory of Dirichlet series. Real Anal. Exchange 27(1):155–175 (2001/2002)Maurizi, B., Queffélec, H.: Some remarks on the algebra of bounded Dirichlet series. J. Fourier Anal. Appl. 16(5), 676–692 (2010)Queffélec, H.: H. Bohr’s vision of ordinary Dirichlet series; old and new results. J. Anal. 3, 43–60 (1995)Queffélec, H., Queffélec, M.: Diophantine Approximation and Dirichlet Series. HRI Lecture Notes Series, New Delhi (2013)Rudin, W.: Function Theory in Polydisks. W. A. Benjamin Inc, New York (1969)Toeplitz, O.: Über eine bei den Dirichletschen Reihen auftretende Aufgabe aus der Theorie der Potenzreihen von unendlichvielen Veränderlichen. Nachrichten von der Königlichen Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen, pp. 417–432 (1913)Weissler, F.B.: Logarithmic Sobolev inequalities and hypercontractive estimates on the circle. J. Funct. 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Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness in India

BACKGROUND: Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness provides valid estimates in a short period of time to assess the magnitude and causes of avoidable blindness. The study determined magnitude and causes of avoidable blindness in India in 2007 among the 50+ population. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Sixteen randomly selected districts where blindness surveys were undertaken 7 to 10 years earlier were identified for a follow up survey. Stratified cluster sampling was used and 25 clusters (20 rural and 5 urban) were randomly picked in each district.. After a random start, 100 individuals aged 50+ were enumerated and examined sequentially in each cluster. All those with presenting vision = 50 years were enumerated, and 94.7% examined. Based on presenting vision,, 4.4% (95% Confidence Interval[CI]: 4.1,4.8) were severely visually impaired (vision<6/60 to 3/60 in the better eye) and 3.6% (95% CI: 3.3,3.9) were blind (vision<3/60 in the better eye). Prevalence of low vision (<6/18 to 6/60 in the better eye) was 16.8% (95% CI: 16.0,17.5). Prevalence of blindness and severe visual impairment (<6/60 in the better eye) was higher among rural residents (8.2%; 95% CI: 7.9,8.6) compared to urban (7.1%; 95% CI: 5.0, 9.2), among females (9.2%; 95% CI: 8.6,9.8) compared to males (6.5%; 95% CI: 6.0,7.1) and people above 70 years (20.6%; 95% CI: 19.1,22.0) compared to people aged 50-54 years (1.3%; 95% CI: 1.1,1.6). Of all blindness, 88.2% was avoidable. of which 81.9% was due to cataract and 7.1% to uncorrected refractive errors/uncorrected aphakia. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract and refractive errors are major causes of blindness and low vision and control strategies should prioritize them. Most blindness and low vision burden is avoidable

The Adnectin CT-322 is a novel VEGF receptor 2 inhibitor that decreases tumor burden in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pancreatic cancer continues to have a 5-year survival of less than 5%. Therefore, more effective therapies are necessary to improve prognosis in this disease. Angiogenesis is required for tumor growth, and subsequently, mediators of angiogenesis are attractive targets for therapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-characterized mediator of tumor angiogenesis that functions primarily by binding and activating VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). In this study, we evaluate the use of CT-322, a novel biologic (Adnectin). This small protein is based on a human fibronectin domain and has beneficial properties in that it is fully human, stable, and is produced in bacteria. CT-322 binds to and inhibits activation of VEGFR2.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The efficacy of CT-322 was evaluated <it>in vivo </it>using two orthotopic pancreatic tumor models. The first model was a human tumor xenograft where MiaPaCa-2 cells were injected into the tail of the pancreas of nude mice. The second model was a syngeneic tumor using Pan02 cells injected into pancreas of C57BL/6J mice. In both models, therapy was initiated once primary tumors were established. Mice bearing MiaPaCa-2 tumors were treated with vehicle or CT-322 alone. Gemcitabine alone or in combination with CT-322 was added to the treatment regimen of mice bearing Pan02 tumors. Therapy was given twice a week for six weeks, after which the animals were sacrificed and evaluated (grossly and histologically) for primary and metastatic tumor burden. Primary tumors were also evaluated by immunohistochemistry for the level of apoptosis (TUNEL), microvessel density (MECA-32), and VEGF-activated blood vessels (Gv39M).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Treatment with CT-322 was effective at preventing pancreatic tumor growth and metastasis in orthotopic xenograft and syngeneic models of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, CT-322 treatment increased apoptosis, reduced microvessel density and reduced the number of VEGF-activated blood vessels in tumors. Finally, CT-322, in combination with gemcitabine was safe and effective at controlling the growth of syngeneic pancreatic tumors in immunocompetent mice.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that CT-322 is an effective anti-VEGFR2 agent and that further investigation of CT-322 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer is warranted.</p

Applicant perspectives during selection

We provide a comprehensive but critical review of research on applicant reactions to selection procedures published since 2000 (n = 145), when the last major review article on applicant reactions appeared in the Journal of Management. We start by addressing the main criticisms levied against the field to determine whether applicant reactions matter to individuals and employers (“So what?”). This is followed by a consideration of “What’s new?” by conducting a comprehensive and detailed review of applicant reaction research centered upon four areas of growth: expansion of the theoretical lens, incorporation of new technology in the selection arena, internationalization of applicant reactions research, and emerging boundary conditions. Our final section focuses on “Where to next?” and offers an updated and integrated conceptual model of applicant reactions, four key challenges, and eight specific future research questions. Our conclusion is that the field demonstrates stronger research designs, with studies incorporating greater control, broader constructs, and multiple time points. There is also solid evidence that applicant reactions have significant and meaningful effects on attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. At the same time, we identify some remaining gaps in the literature and a number of critical questions that remain to be explored, particularly in light of technological and societal changes

COVID-19-related consultation-liaison (CL) mental health services in general hospitals: A perspective from Europe and beyond

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges for integrated health care worldwide. Our study aimed to describe newly implemented structures and procedures of psychosocial consultation and liaison (CL) services in Europe and beyond, and to highlight emerging needs for co-operation. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey from June to October 2021, using a self-developed 25-item questionnaire in four language versions (English, French, Italian, German). Dissemination was via national professional societies, working groups, and heads of CL services. Results: Of the participating 259 CL services from Europe, Iran, and parts of Canada, 222 reported COVID-19 related psychosocial care (COVID-psyCare) in their hospital. Among these, 86.5% indicated that specific COVID-psyCare co-operation structures had been established. 50.8% provided specific COVID-psyCare for patients, 38.2% for relatives, and 77.0% for staff. Over half of the time resources were invested for patients. About a quarter of the time was used for staff, and these interventions, typically associated with the liaison function of CL services, were reported as most useful. Concerning emerging needs, 58.1% of the CL services providing COVID-psyCare expressed wishes for mutual information exchange and support, and 64.0% suggested specific changes or improvements that they considered essential for the future. Conclusion: Over 80% of participating CL services established specific structures to provide COVID-psyCare for patients, their relatives, or staff. Mostly, resources were committed to patient care and specific interventions were largely implemented for staff support. Future development of COVID-psyCare warrants intensified intra- and inter-institutional exchange and co-operation