Women\u27s Wage Gap Around the World

We compared the gender gap between the regions of North America, Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, East Asia and the Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa and lastly South Asia.https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/spring_2023/1010/thumbnail.jp

Method for deriving optical telescope performance specifications for Earth-detecting coronagraphs

Direct detection and characterization of extrasolar planets has become possible with powerful new coronagraphs on ground-based telescopes. Space telescopes with active optics and coronagraphs will expand the frontier to imaging Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones of nearby Sun-like stars. Currently, NASA is studying potential space missions to detect and characterize such planets, which are dimmer than their host stars by a factor of 10¹⁰. One approach is to use a star-shade occulter. Another is to use an internal coronagraph. The advantages of a coronagraph are its greater targeting versatility and higher technology readiness, but one disadvantage is its need for an ultrastable wavefront when operated open-loop. Achieving this requires a system-engineering approach, which specifies and designs the telescope and coronagraph as an integrated system. We describe a systems engineering process for deriving a wavefront stability error budget for any potential telescope/coronagraph combination. The first step is to calculate a given coronagraph’s basic performance metrics, such as contrast. The second step is to calculate the sensitivity of that coronagraph’s performance to its telescope’s wavefront stability. The utility of the method is demonstrated by intercomparing the ability of several monolithic and segmented telescope and coronagraph combinations to detect an exo-Earth at 10 pc

Method for deriving optical telescope performance specifications for Earth-detecting coronagraphs

Direct detection and characterization of extrasolar planets has become possible with powerful new coronagraphs on ground-based telescopes. Space telescopes with active optics and coronagraphs will expand the frontier to imaging Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones of nearby Sun-like stars. Currently, NASA is studying potential space missions to detect and characterize such planets, which are dimmer than their host stars by a factor of 10¹⁰. One approach is to use a star-shade occulter. Another is to use an internal coronagraph. The advantages of a coronagraph are its greater targeting versatility and higher technology readiness, but one disadvantage is its need for an ultrastable wavefront when operated open-loop. Achieving this requires a system-engineering approach, which specifies and designs the telescope and coronagraph as an integrated system. We describe a systems engineering process for deriving a wavefront stability error budget for any potential telescope/coronagraph combination. The first step is to calculate a given coronagraph’s basic performance metrics, such as contrast. The second step is to calculate the sensitivity of that coronagraph’s performance to its telescope’s wavefront stability. The utility of the method is demonstrated by intercomparing the ability of several monolithic and segmented telescope and coronagraph combinations to detect an exo-Earth at 10 pc

US Cosmic Visions: New Ideas in Dark Matter 2017: Community Report

This white paper summarizes the workshop "U.S. Cosmic Visions: New Ideas in Dark Matter" held at University of Maryland on March 23-25, 2017.Comment: 102 pages + reference

Latitude dictates plant diversity effects on instream decomposition

Running waters contribute substantially to global carbon fluxes through decomposition of terrestrial plant litter by aquatic microorganisms and detritivores. Diversity of this litter may influence instream decomposition globally in ways that are not yet understood. We investigated latitudinal differences in decomposition of litter mixtures of low and high functional diversity in 40 streams on 6 continents and spanning 113 degrees of latitude. Despite important variability in our dataset, we found latitudinal differences in the effect of litter functional diversity on decomposition, which we explained as evolutionary adaptations of litter-consuming detritivores to resource availability. Specifically, a balanced diet effect appears to operate at lower latitudes versus a resource concentration effect at higher latitudes. The latitudinal pattern indicates that loss of plant functional diversity will have different consequences on carbon fluxes across the globe, with greater repercussions likely at low latitudes

1546. Relationship between Measured Glomerular Filtration Rate and Tenofovir Dried Blood Spot Concentrations among Transgender Adults on Tenofovir Alafenamide/Emtricitabine for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract: Background: Kidney function can alter drug clearance. This is pertinent for tenofovir-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens where drug concentrations confer protection against HIV. Among transgender (TG) individuals whose kidney function is dynamic due to use of gender affirming therapy (GAT), it is unclear if there is a relationship between tenofovir diphosphate dried blood spots (TFV-DP DBS) and direct measures of glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) The objective of this study was to quantify this relationship and compare if mGFR differs between TG persons with perfect/imperfect adherence to tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (TAF/FTC). Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed among TG individuals on TAF/FTC for PrEP. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years old, TG identity, HIV negative, use of PrEP for ≥12 weeks, and willing to receive iohexol for direct measurement of GFR. TFV DBS concentrations were evaluated after being on ≥12 weeks of TAF/FTC. Perfect adherence to TAF/FTC was defined as a TFV-DP DBS of >1800fmol/punch (Yager et al, PMID: 32539288). Iohexol clearance was used for mGFR by subcutaneously administering 0.5ml iohexol. Plasma iohexol concentrations were assayed 3h post-injection. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to quantify the relationship between TFV-DP DBS and iohexol clearance. Median iohexol clearances were compared between those with perfect/imperfect adherence. Results: Among the 28 individuals included, median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 33.0 (26.3 – 36.8) years. Three quarters were on GAT and over two thirds (67.9%) were assigned male at birth (AMAB). Median (interquartile range, IQR) iohexol clearance and TFV-DP DBS concentrations were 76 (65 – 95)ml/min and 2611 (2114 – 3240), respectively. There was no significant correlation between TFV-DP DBS and iohexol clearance (r2=0.10, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.29 – 0.45, p=0.62). TFV-DP DBS >1800fmol/punch (perfect adherence) was observed in 22 participants. Median (95% CI) iohexol clearance between those with and without perfect adherence did not reach significance: 78 (68-96) vs 69 (60-83)mL/min, respectively (p=0.26). Conclusion: No significant relationship was observed between iohexol clearance and TFV-DP DBS among TG individuals taking TAF/FTC for PrEP. Disclosures: Sheldon Morris, MD, Gilead: Grant/Research Suppor

Impact of (recurrent) bacterial vaginosis on quality of life and the need for accessible alternative treatments.

BackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal dysbiosis in women aged 15-44 years old.MethodsWe administered a cross-sectional, single timepoint survey to women ages 18 years or older and who have had bacterial vaginosis (BV). Women completed an anonymous online survey evaluating the impact of BV on their quality of life, how effective different types of treatments were and the amount of self-diagnosed vs. provider diagnosed BV episodes they had.Results62 participants completed the anonymous online survey. With a self-reported median number of BV episodes in the past year was 4 (IQR 1-7). Among these women 69.8% reported BV had a negative impact on their sexual health, 67.7% on their physical health, 74.6% on their mental health. More than half of the respondents had used probiotics with oral Lactobacillus sp. (53.2%), mainly by oral route, and over a third had used vaginal boric acid (37.1%). Most women were unaware of Lactobacillus crispatus. Lactobacillus probiotics were more likely to be tried by women who were negatively impacted by BV for overall quality of life (p = 0.033), sexual health (p = 0.002), and mental health (p = 0.006) while boric acid use was more likely to be used by women who were negatively impacted by BV for their sexual health (p = 0.008).ConclusionsBV is associated with negative quality of life and the women most impacted are seeking alternative treatments such as probiotics (Lactobacillus) and boric acid. There needs to be improvements in BV treatment that include alternative therapy options that have demonstrated efficacy with standardized composition, formulation and dosage

Patient and Physician Preferences Regarding Long-Acting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Antiretroviral Therapy: A Mixed-Methods Study in Southern California, USA.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are key strategies in ending the HIV epidemic. However, poor adherence to daily ART and PrEP increases the risk of HIV transmission and acquisition. Long-acting ART and PrEP formulations attempt to improve adherence through providing long-lasting forms of the medication delivered through different routes of administration: oral (potentially monthly), injection (1-6 months), and subdermal implant (up to annually). This study explored patient and physician preferences for long-acting ART and PrEP as well as adherence support strategies. Adult patients (n = 42) with experience taking ART or PrEP participated in individual interviews or focus groups. Physicians (n = 13) currently prescribing ART and/or PrEP completed an online questionnaire. Rapid qualitative analysis systematically synthesized qualitative data, and descriptive statistics examined survey responses. Patients supported improved adherence as a top potential advantage of long-acting ART and PrEP, and reduced internal stigma as a strong benefit specific to long-acting ART. Annual coverage offered through subdermal implants had strong appeal; however, oral was the preferred modality for long-acting ART and PrEP. Patients preferred injectable ART and PrEP if concurrently receiving hormone therapy injections. Side effects, medication cost, and treatment accessibility were potential barriers. Patients preferred calendar tracking and text messages/phone reminders for adherence supports. Physicians reported that they would reduce clinic visits and HIV testing for all patients on long-acting PrEP, except men who have sex with men who would continue to complete HIV testing every 3 months. Physicians were mixed on whether they believed long-acting ART and PrEP would improve patient adherence. Overall, findings demonstrate the potential benefits of long-acting ART and PrEP, while highlighting the need to obtain additional information to address treatment concerns

Determinants of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Retention among Transgender Women: A Sequential, Explanatory Mixed Methods Study

Transgender women (TW) face inequities in HIV and unique barriers to PrEP, an effective biomedical intervention to prevent HIV acquisition. To improve PrEP retention among TW, we examined factors related to retention using a two-phase, sequential explanatory mixed methods approach. In Phase I, we used data from a trial of 170 TW who were provided oral PrEP to examine predictors of 24-week retention. In Phase II, we conducted 15 in-depth interviews with PrEP-experienced TW and used thematic analysis to explain Phase I findings. In Phase I, more participants who were not retained at 24 weeks reported sex work engagement (18% versus 7%) and substantial/severe drug use (18% versus 8%). In Phase II, participants reported drug use as a barrier to PrEP, often in the context of sex work, and we identified two subcategories of sex work. TW engaged in "non-survival sex work" had little difficulty staying on PrEP, while those engaged in "survival sex work" struggled to stay on PrEP. In Phase I, fewer participants not retained at 24 weeks reported gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) use (56% versus 71%). In Phase II, participants prioritized medical gender affirmation services over PrEP but also described the bidirectional benefits of accessing GAHT and PrEP. TW who engaged in "survival sex work" experience barriers to PrEP retention (e.g., unstable housing, drug use) and may require additional support to stay in PrEP care