Alien Registration- Goan, Emmett T. (Caribou, Aroostook County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/26256/thumbnail.jp

ConversationPiece II: Displaced and Rehacked

Abstract: Conversations are amazing! Although we usually find the experience enjoyable and even relaxing, when one considers the difficulties of simultaneously generating sig- nals that convey an intended message while at the same time trying to understand the messages of another, then the pleasures of conversation may seem rather surprising. We manage to communicate with each other without knowing quite what will happen next. We quickly manufacture precisely timed sounds and gestures on the fly, which we exchange with each other without clashing—even managing to slip in some imita- tions as we go along! Yet usually meaning is all we really notice. In the Conversa- tionPiece project, we aim to transform conversations into musical sounds using neuro-inspired technology to expose the amazing world of sounds people create when talking with others. Sounds from a microphone are separated into different fre- quency bands by a computer-simulated “ear” (more precisely “basilar membrane”) and analyzed for tone onsets using a lateral-inhibition network, similar to some cor- tical neural networks. The detected events are used to generate musical notes played on a synthesizer either instantaneously or delayed. The first option allows for ex- changing timed sound events between two speakers with a speech-like structure, but without conveying (much) meaning. Delayed feedback further allows self-exploration of one’s own speech. We discuss the current setup (ConversationPiece version II), in- sights from first experiments, and options for future applications

Method for determining surface coverage by materials exhibiting different fluorescent properties

An improved method for detecting, measuring, and distinguishing crop residue, live vegetation, and mineral soil is presented. By measuring fluorescence in multiple bands, live and dead vegetation are distinguished. The surface of the ground is illuminated with ultraviolet radiation, inducing fluorescence in certain molecules. The emitted fluorescent emission induced by the ultraviolet radiation is measured by means of a fluorescence detector, consisting of a photodetector or video camera and filters. The spectral content of the emitted fluorescent emission is characterized at each point sampled, and the proportion of the sampled area covered by residue or vegetation is calculated

Dysflective cones: Visual function and cone reflectivity in long-term follow-up of acute bilateral foveolitis.

PURPOSE:Confocal adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) images provide a sensitive measure of cone structure. However, the relationship between structural findings of diminished cone reflectivity and visual function is unclear. We used fundus-referenced testing to evaluate visual function in regions of apparent cone loss identified using confocal AOSLO images. METHODS:A patient diagnosed with acute bilateral foveolitis had spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) (Spectralis HRA + OCT system [Heidelberg Engineering, Vista, CA, USA]) images indicating focal loss of the inner segment-outer segment junction band with an intact, but hyper-reflective, external limiting membrane. Five years after symptom onset, visual acuity had improved from 20/80 to 20/25, but the retinal appearance remained unchanged compared to 3 months after symptoms began. We performed structural assessments using SD-OCT, directional OCT (non-standard use of a prototype on loan from Carl Zeiss Meditec) and AOSLO (custom-built system). We also administered fundus-referenced functional tests in the region of apparent cone loss, including analysis of preferred retinal locus (PRL), AOSLO acuity, and microperimetry with tracking SLO (TSLO) (prototype system). To determine AOSLO-corrected visual acuity, the scanning laser was modulated with a tumbling E consistent with 20/30 visual acuity. Visual sensitivity was assessed in and around the lesion using TSLO microperimetry. Complete eye examination, including standard measures of best-corrected visual acuity, visual field tests, color fundus photos, and fundus auto-fluorescence were also performed. RESULTS:Despite a lack of visible cone profiles in the foveal lesion, fundus-referenced vision testing demonstrated visual function within the lesion consistent with cone function. The PRL was within the lesion of apparent cone loss at the fovea. AOSLO visual acuity tests were abnormal, but measurable: for trials in which the stimulus remained completely within the lesion, the subject got 48% correct, compared to 78% correct when the stimulus was outside the lesion. TSLO microperimetry revealed reduced, but detectible, sensitivity thresholds within the lesion. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE:Fundus-referenced visual testing proved useful to identify functional cones despite apparent photoreceptor loss identified using AOSLO and SD-OCT. While AOSLO and SD-OCT appear to be sensitive for the detection of abnormal or absent photoreceptors, changes in photoreceptors that are identified with these imaging tools do not correlate completely with visual function in every patient. Fundus-referenced vision testing is a useful tool to indicate the presence of cones that may be amenable to recovery or response to experimental therapies despite not being visible on confocal AOSLO or SD-OCT images

Field tests of a pond water treating system

Done under Department of Agricultural Engineering Research Project 155, 'Farm water supplies'--P. [2].Digitized 2007 AES.Includes bibliographical references (page 27)

Clinical Spectrum of HLA-B27-associated Ocular Inflammation

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-associated anterior uveitis (AU) is the most commonly diagnosed form of AU and represents the largest entity of non-infectious uveitis around the world. The most typical ocular manifestation associated with HLA-B27 consists of unilateral AU of acute onset. The HLA-B27-associated acute AU represents a distinct clinical entity occurring typically in young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years. HLA-B27-associated acute AU is typically unilateral and lasts usually several weeks and diminishes within 3 months in the majority of patients. The anterior chamber shows typically severe cellular reaction and flare, as well as a fibrinous exudate. Frequently, posterior synechiae are formed and occasionally hypopyon is present. The pattern of the disease is recurrent with a full remission between the attacks. Intraocular pressure during active periods is typically low due to inflammation of ciliary body and decreased aqueous production. Less typical presentations are also recognized and include the development of chronic inflammation, posterior segmen

Global assessment of nitrogen deposition effects on terrestrial plant diversity : a synthesis

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is it recognized threat to plant diversity ill temperate and northern parts of Europe and North America. This paper assesses evidence from field experiments for N deposition effects and thresholds for terrestrial plant diversity protection across a latitudinal range of main categories of ecosystems. from arctic and boreal systems to tropical forests. Current thinking on the mechanisms of N deposition effects on plant diversity, the global distribution of G200 ecoregions, and current and future (2030) estimates of atmospheric N-deposition rates are then used to identify the risks to plant diversity in all major ecosystem types now and in the future. This synthesis paper clearly shows that N accumulation is the main driver of changes to species composition across the whole range of different ecosystem types by driving the competitive interactions that lead to composition change and/or making conditions unfavorable for some species. Other effects such its direct toxicity of nitrogen gases and aerosols long-term negative effects of increased ammonium and ammonia availability, soil-mediated effects of acidification, and secondary stress and disturbance are more ecosystem, and site-specific and often play a supporting role. N deposition effects in mediterranean ecosystems have now been identified, leading to a first estimate of an effect threshold. Importantly, ecosystems thought of as not N limited, such as tropical and subtropical systems, may be more vulnerable in the regeneration phase. in situations where heterogeneity in N availability is reduced by atmospheric N deposition, on sandy soils, or in montane areas. Critical loads are effect thresholds for N deposition. and the critical load concept has helped European governments make progress toward reducing N loads on sensitive ecosystems. More needs to be done in Europe and North America. especially for the more sensitive ecosystem types. including several ecosystems of high conservation importance. The results of this assessment Show that the Vulnerable regions outside Europe and North America which have not received enough attention are ecoregions in eastern and Southern Asia (China, India), an important part of the mediterranean ecoregion (California, southern Europe). and in the coming decades several subtropical and tropical parts of Latin America and Africa. Reductions in plant diversity by increased atmospheric N deposition may be more widespread than first thought, and more targeted Studies are required in low background areas, especially in the G200 ecoregions

Herpetic anterior uveitis following COVID-19 vaccines: a case series

PurposeTo report a case series of herpetic uveitis following COVID-19 vaccinations.MethodsDemographic, clinical and treatment-related data of herpetic anterior uveitis cases was collected at five tertiary eye hospitals between January 2021 and June 2022. A retrospective database review at one of the centers comparing the number of cases of herpetic eye disease before and after the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination was performed as well.ResultsTwenty-four patients (9 female, 15 male) with a mean age of 54 years (range 28–83 years) were diagnosed with herpetic uveitis, reporting an onset of symptoms 3–42 days after the first, second or third dose of COVID-19 vaccination. Median time between vaccination and onset of herpetic eye disease was 10 days (mean 12.7 ± 10.15 days) days. The administered vaccines were BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, BBIBP-CorV and Ad26.COV2.S. The cases included 11 HSV, 10 VZV and 1 CMV anterior uveitis, 2 were not further specified. There was an equal number of first episodes (n = 12, 50%) and recurrent episodes (n = 12, 50%). Response to established regimens was generally good. The retrospective database review revealed the exact same incidence of herpetic uveitis during the pandemic and ongoing vaccination compared to prior SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionThis report includes 24 cases of herpetic anterior uveitis in a temporal relationship to various COVID-19 vaccines. This study supports the potential risk of herpetic eye disease following COVID-19 vaccines, but proof of a direct, causal relationship is missing

Investigation of current perspectives for NHS Wales sustainable development through procurement policies

Public sector procurement has to operate under the pressure of policies and strict budgets. This paper examines the current perspectives of NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) on sustainable procurement policies through the environmental, social and economic dimensions. In particular, it investigates the adoption levels of the sustainable procurement policies of buyers (NHS Wales), examines the level of engagement of SMEs to NHS Wales, and explores the support for the existing sustainable procurement function through order-processing analysis of catalogue coverage