cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sexo y la Ciudad: Sexual, Ethnic and Social Identity Intersections of Latino Gay Men in New York City

While Latino gay men have been the focus of HIV prevention efforts for decades, there remains a dearth of Latino gay male-specific HIV interventions. As part of a formative assessment to adapt an HIV prevention intervention, this study explored the process in which urban immigrant Latino gay men negotiate their ethnic, sexual and social identity. The assessment consisted of four focus groups of 28 adult immigrant Latino gay men in New York City. Two major themes emerged: 1) the need for identity formation and integration (including sexuality and ethnic identity); and 2) the need for venues for expression and defining community (including places that accepted the participants as Latino and gay). Based on the emerging themes, we recommend HIV prevention services for Latino gay men be comprehensive and holistic, fostering identity development and integration, as well as skill development. Intervention adaptations need to enhance linguistic translation with deeper knowledge and inclusion of key cultural and community values. In addition, the data indicated few spaces in New York City where Latino gay men felt comfortable articulating a whole self.
Fc receptor homologs (FcRH1-5) extend the Fc receptor family

Receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulins (FcR) are expressed broadly among cells of the immune system (Ravetch and Kinet 1991; Daeron 1997). The differential expression of these Ig isotope-specific receptors enable them to modulate cellular and humoral immunity by linking their antibody ligands with effector cells. These cellular receptors have the ability to sense humoral concentrations of antibody, initiate cellular responses in host defense, and participate in autoimmune disorders (Ravetch and Bolland 2001). The diverse regulatory roles of FcR depend upon their Ig isotype specificity, cellular distribution, and cytoplasmic signaling elements. The different FcR molecules share similarities in their ligand-binding subunits and overall extracellular structures, but they differ in their transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions in two major ways. These receptors either have self-contained inhibitory or activating signaling motifs or instead they use charged residues in their transmembrane region to pair with signal-transducing adaptor chains possessing activating signaling motifs.
Resident-performed laser peripheral iridotomy in primary angle closure, primary angle closure suspects, and primary angle closure glaucoma

PURPOSE To investigate the power use and complication frequency of resident-performed laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI). METHODS A retrospective analysis of 196 eyes from 103 patients who underwent neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser iridotomy performed by resident physicians from January 1, 2010 through April 30, 2015 at a university-based county hospital was done. All patients were treated for primary angle closure, primary angle closure suspects, and primary angle closure glaucoma. Data were collected on pre- and post-laser intraocular pressure (IOP), ethnicity, laser parameters and complications. Mean power use and frequency of complications were evaluated. Complications included elevated post-laser IOP at 30-45 minutes (≥8 mmHg), hyphema, aborted procedures, and lasering non-iris structures. The number of repeated LPI procedures, was also recorded. RESULTS Mean total power used for all residents was 78.2±68.7 mJ per eye. Power use by first-year trainees was significantly higher than second- and third-year trainees (103.5±75.5 mJ versus 73.7±73.8 mJ and 67.2±56.4 mJ, respectively, p=0.011). Complications included hyphema or microhyphema in 17.9% (35/196), IOP spikes in 5.1% (10/196), aborted procedures in 1.1% (3/196) and lasering non-iris structures in 0.5% (1/196). LPI was repeated in 22.4% of cases (44/196) with higher incidence of repeat LPI among non-Caucasian compared to the Caucasian subjects (p=0.02). Complication rates did not differ with increased training (p=0.16). CONCLUSION Total power used for LPI decreased with increased resident training, while the complication rate did not differ significantly among resident classes. Complication rates were comparable to rates reported in the literature for attending-performed LPIs.
Overcoming unilateral incompatibility in crosses with wild allotetraploid potato species Solanum stoloniferum Schldtl. & Bouchet

The germplasm of valuable for breeding wild allotetraploid potato species Solanum stoloniferum is rarely used because of pre- and postzygotic reproductive barriers with cultivated potatoes. One of the factors that complicate crosses between S. stoloniferum and S. tuberosum is unilateral incompatibility (UI). Here, we present the results of application of S. verrucosum and S v S v -lines for overcoming UI in crosses with S. stoloniferum and of generating male fertile hybrids derived from this species. S v S v -lines are F2 S. tuberosum dihaploid × S. verrucosum that are male fertile and have D/γ-type cytoplasm. Since they are homozygous for S v gene from S. verrucosum, they were expected to have the same ability for elimination of prezygotic incompatibility as this species. Three accessions of S. verrucosum and seven S v S v -lines were pollinated by 26 accessions of S. stoloniferum. The crosses with S. verrucosum failed or had low efficacy (1.5–2.4 seeds per pollination). On the other hand, use of S v S v -lines was more efficient: 15.8 seeds per pollination. In spite of low percentage of germination (1.9%), 40 seedlings of interspecific hybrids were produced. The experiment on hybridization between S v S v -lines and S. stoloniferum has been reproduced with the accession PI 205522 of the wild species, which had DNA markers of PVY and LB resistance genes and W/γ cytoplasm: 950 hybrid seeds and 12 viable seedlings were produced. The genome of the seedlings was doubled by colchicine treatment, which generated hexaploids that formed highly fertile pollen and set seeds from self-pollination. We were able to cross them as females with the variety Katahdin.
Framing clean energy campaigns to promote civic engagement among parents

Author(s): Hanus, N; Wong-Parodi, G; Hoyos, L; Rauch, M | Abstract: Civic engagement is one important way citizens can influence the rate of decarbonization in the electricity sector. However, motivating engagement can be challenging even if people are affected and interested in participating. Here we employed a randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of clean energy campaigns emphasizing cost savings, health, climate, or health and climate, or no additional information at all (control) on civic engagement behaviors (signing a petition or making a phone call). We targeted parents as they have been shown to be powerful agents of political and business practice change in other contexts, and hence, could play an important role in the decarbonization of the electricity sector. In Study 1, we recruited n = 292 parents already engaged in climate advocacy; in Study 2, we recruited a representative sample of n = 1254 parents drawn from the general public. Both studies were conducted in Michigan, Florida, and California, as these states have sizable advocacy group membership, divergent energy profiles, and strategic importance to the climate movement. In both studies, we find the odds of taking action are reduced by over 90% when participants are asked to make a phone call and leave a voicemail message, versus signing an online petition. Among the parents already engaged in advocacy, we observe a ceiling effect regarding attitudes towards clean energy and find the cost campaign produces unintended consequences. Among our public sample, we find that participants who believe the campaign to be credible and comprehendible are more likely to take action than those who discredit the campaign or do not understand its message. Additionally, we find parents who have children under the age of 18 negatively adjust their attitudes towards fossil fuels after being presented with health information. Ultimately, we find that campaign messages can influence energy attitudes and parents are willing to take action on the topic if the advocacy action seems like an effective approach.
When Coordinating Finger Tapping to a Variable Beat the Variability Scaling Structure of the Movement and the Cortical BOLD Signal are Both Entrained to the Auditory Stimuli

Rhythmic actions are characterizable as a repeating invariant pattern of movement together with variability taking the form of cycle-to-cycle fluctuations. Variability in behavioral measures is atypically random, and often exhibits serial temporal dependencies and statistical self-similarity in the scaling of variability magnitudes across timescales. Self-similar (i.e. fractal) variability scaling is evident in measures of both brain and behavior. Variability scaling structure can be quantified via the scaling exponent (α) from detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). Here we study the task of coordinating thumb-finger tapping to the beats of constructed auditory stimuli. We test the hypothesis that variability scaling evident in tap-to-tap intervals as well as in the fluctuations of cortical hemodynamics will become entrained to (i.e. drawn toward) manipulated changes in the variability scaling of a stimulus's beat-to-beat intervals. Consistent with this hypothesis, manipulated changes of the exponent α of the experimental stimuli produced corresponding changes in the exponent α of both tap-to-tap intervals and cortical hemodynamics. The changes in hemodynamics were observed in both motor and sensorimotor cortical areas in the contralateral hemisphere. These results were observed only for the longer timescales of the detrended fluctuation analysis used to measure the exponent α. These findings suggest that complex auditory stimuli engage both brain and behavior at the level of variability scaling structures.
HCN channels in the hippocampus regulate active coping behavior

Active coping is an adaptive stress response that improves outcomes in medical and neuropsychiatric diseases. To date, most research into coping style has focused on neurotransmitter activity and little is known about the intrinsic excitability of neurons in the associated brain regions that facilitate coping. Previous studies have shown that HCN channels regulate neuronal excitability in pyramidal cells and that HCN channel current (Ih ) in the CA1 area increases with chronic mild stress. Reduction of Ih in the CA1 area leads to antidepressant-like behavior, and this region has been implicated in the regulation of coping style. We hypothesized that the antidepressant-like behavior achieved with CA1 knockdown of Ih is accompanied by increases in active coping. In this report, we found that global loss of TRIP8b, a necessary subunit for proper HCN channel localization in pyramidal cells, led to active coping behavior in numerous assays specific to coping style. We next employed a viral strategy using a dominant negative TRIP8b isoform to alter coping behavior by reducing HCN channel expression. This approach led to a robust reduction in Ih in CA1 pyramidal neurons and an increase in active coping. Together, these results establish that changes in HCN channel function in CA1 influences coping style.
Discovery of the T- and B-Cell Compartments

Scientific advances are always built on knowledge acquired in earlier studies. This chapter outlines some of the key findings that led to the discovery of separate T- and B-lymphocyte lineages, and some of the clinical and basic research implications of this developmental model. This historical discourse ends with a summary of evidence indicating that this pattern of compartmentalized lymphocyte development is a fundamental organizing principle for the adaptive immune systems of all extant vertebrates, both jawed and jawless.
Β-Adrenergic agonist administration is not associated with secondary carcinoid crisis in patients with carcinoid tumor.

Abstract Background Patients with carcinoid tumors are at risk for profound intraoperative hypotension known as carcinoid crisis, which catecholamines are traditionally believed to trigger. However, data supporting this are lacking. Methods Anesthesia records were retrospectively reviewed for carcinoid patients treated with vasopressors. Hemodynamics for those with crisis were compared between those who received β-adrenergic agonists (B-AA) versus those who did not. Results Among 293 consecutive operations, 58 were marked by 161 crises. There was no significant difference in the incidence of paradoxical hypotension with B-AA compared to non-B-AA (p = 0.242). The maximum percent decrease in mean arterial pressure following drug administration was significantly greater in those patients treated with non-B-AA than with B-AA (31.6% vs. 12.5%, p Conclusions β-Adrenergic agonist use was not associated with paradoxical hypotension, prolonged carcinoid crisis, or postoperative complications in patients with intraoperative carcinoid crisis.
Site‐specific differences in the spatial ecology of northern cottonmouths

We conducted a yearlong telemetric study on 44 northern cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and recorded their weekly spatial position and use at two different and unconnected wetlands: Cooper Wildlife Management Area (Cooper WMA) and Texas AM 95% kernel density estimate (KDE) X¯ = 54.69 ha ± 9.36; 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) X¯ = 22.9 ha ± 4.19) were significantly larger than those at the smaller Commerce WA (n = 10; 95% KDE X¯ = 19.88 ha ± 4.71; 100% MCP X¯ = 8.98 ha ± 2.27). The home ranges of males (n = 26; 95% KDE X¯ = 41.3 ha ± 6.84; 100% MCP X¯ = 17.55 ha ± 3.00) were also significantly larger than those of females (n = 7; 95% KDE X¯ = 7.04 ha ± 1.81; 100% MCP X¯ = 3.08 ha ± 0.82) at both sites. We found no relationship between body size and home range size at either study site. Average weekly distance traveled by males (X¯ = 110.07 m ± 10.80) was significantly greater than that of females (X¯ = 45.04 m ± 4.34), and male movement rates were bimodal in distribution with peaks of movement in the spring and fall. These peaks in movement rates coincided with the spring and fall migrations for mating, thermoregulation, parturition, and access to hibernacula and food resources. We found home ranges within these two‐dimensional wetlands to be larger than those reported for linear or one‐dimensional riparian sites. We discuss how wetland size and the size‐dependent dispersion of potential resources within similar wetlands may influence movement patterns and home range sizes. Such information may serve to evaluate effective wetland size for the conservation and management of wetland species.
Disciplines of Attention: Iris Murdoch on Consciousness, Criticism, and Thought (MGM Chapters 6–8)

This chapter explores the relevance of Iris Murdoch’s concept of consciousness for literary studies. In an examination of Chapters 6–8, I summarise Murdoch’s assessment of structuralism and show how it informs her endorsement of a critical practice grounded in attention. I conclude with a consideration of what Murdoch’s account of attention might offer to debates about critique.
Genetic programming for automatic target classification and recognition in synthetic aperture radar imagery

We use the genetic programming (GP) paradigm for two tasks. The first task given a GP is the generation of rules for the target / clutter classification of a set of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, the second, the generation of rules for the identification of tanks in a second set of SAR images. To perform these tasks, previously defined feature sets are generated on the various images, and GP is used to select relevant features and methods of analyzing these features. GP results are then compared with previous work using the feature sets.
Unsteadiness of the shock wave structure in attached and separated compression ramp flows

Wall pressure fluctuations have been measured upstream of the corner-line in several two dimensional, adiabatic, compression ramp flows. The nominal freestream Mach number was 3 and the Reynolds number, based on boundary layer thickness, was 1.4 million. The measurements show that the shockwave structure is unsteady in both separated and attached flows, resulting in a region in which the wall pressure signal is intermittent. Statistical properties of this intermittent region, and of the separated flow, are presented and correlated with results from other studies.
Effectiveness of an 8-Week Aerobic Exercise Program on Autonomic Function in People Living with HIV Taking Anti-Retroviral Therapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This study assessed the effectiveness of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on heart rate variability (HRV) in people living with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy. Twenty-six participants were ran...
Seismic Fragility Assessment and Resilience of Reinforced Masonry Flanged Wall Systems

AbstractSeveral experimental and analytical studies have evaluated the seismic response of reinforced masonry (RM) shear walls either as a component (i.e., planar rectangular walls) or as a system ...
Consequences of Convex Nanopore Chemistry on Confined Water Dynamics

A fundamental understanding of confined water is crucial for developing selective ion transport and water purification membranes, yet the roles of nanopore geometry and functionality on confined water dynamics remain unresolved. We report the synthesis of perdeuterated ionic alkylsulfonate amphiphiles and their water-induced self-assembly into lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) mesophases with well-defined, convex, sulfonate-lined nanopores. Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements demonstrate that the water self-diffusion coefficients within these sulfonate-lined convex nanopores depend on the hydration level and amphiphile counterion identity (H+, K+, NMe4+). The consistency of the observed counterion-dependent water dynamics trends with those of carboxylate LLCs is rationalized on the basis of similarities in the counterion spatial distributions in the water-filled channels, which we deduce from electron density maps derived from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses. These findings indic...
A CASE OF CARDIAC SARCOIDOSIS 12 YEARS AFTER ISOLATED NEUROSARCOIDOSIS TUMOR RESECTION

Cardiac sarcoidosis is a rare entity associated with high mortality. Three main clinical scenarios exist: abnormalities of conduction, ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure. Despite advances in diagnostic technology, a paucity of information exists on appropriate screening tools for cardiac
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric patients with epilepsy - The caregiver perspective.

Abstract The recent COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted care systems around the world. We assessed how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with epilepsy in Italy, where lockdown measures were applied from March 8 to May 4, 2020. We compiled an Italian-language online survey on changes to healthcare and views on telehealth. Invitations were sent to 6631 contacts of all patients diagnosed with epilepsy within the last 5 years at the BambinoGesu Children’s Hospital in Rome. Of the 3321 responses received, 55.6% of patients were seizure-free for at least 1 year before the COVID-19-related lockdown, 74.4% used anti-seizure medications (ASMs), and 59.7% had intellectual disability. Only 10 patients (0.4%) became infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Seizure frequency remained stable for most patients during the lockdown period (increased in 13.2%; decreased in 20.3%), and seizure duration, use of rescue medications, and adherence to treatment were unchanged. Comorbidities were more affected (behavioral problems worsened in 35.8%; sleep disorder worsened in 17.0%). Visits were canceled/postponed for 41.0%, but 25.1% had remote consultation during the lockdown period (93.9% were satisfied). Most responders (67.2%) considered continued remote consultations advantageous. Our responses support that patients/caregivers are willing to embrace telemedicine for some scenarios.
Review on energy storage systems for renewables – Global & Greece

Due to the unpredictable nature of the renewable energy sources it has become significant the energy storage systems and meeting the demand during peak hours. There are different types of energy storage systems, a lot of them are presented, with different operational capabilities, costs and limitations. This review tries also to note those already used in Greece and discuss the current state-of-the-art developments, key challenges and prospects of those systems.
Disability Law and HIV Criminalization

Over thirty states maintain criminal laws that expressly target people living with HIV. Thousands of people are prosecuted under these statutes, exposing them to decades of incarceration, thousands of dollars in fines, and state-sanctioned stigma. This broad pattern of discrimination based solely on HIV status—what this Note terms serodiscrimination—is not supported by scientific evidence nor public-health rationales. This Note argues that many states’ HIV-specific criminal laws violate the Americans with Disabilities Act’s ban on discrimination by public entities. While previous constitutional challenges to these laws have fallen short, litigation under federal disability law offers a new pathway for reform.
Surface nanostructures for engineering spectral responsivity in imaging sensor pixels for combatting deepfakes

Current deepfake production methods use auto-encoders augmented by a generative adversarial network (GAN) to create fraudulent but convincing video footage. Developing neural networks to counteract these deepfakes is a highly active area of research—but software-based methods can be immediately used to benchmark even better deepfakes. Thus, there is a need for hardware based solutions to complement existing deepfake detection methods. Here, we present on-chip silicon spectrometer arrays to enhance the number of color channels detected in the imaging system by a factor of 100. These arrays are made up of unique photodiodes engineered to have distinctive spectral responsivities that arise from their photon-trapping, surface based, nanostructures. Videos recorded with this hyperspectral imaging device could complicate the training process for deepfake producers because it collects information that a standard camera cannot. It could also assist novel authentication methods, such as heartbeat monitoring, camera fingerprinting techniques, etc. These spectrometer arrays show a promising direction for continued research in deepfake detection.
Immunology of Pulmonary Pneumocystis Infection: Cell-Mediated Immunity

Pneumocystis infections remain a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed hosts, both in HIV-infected individuals and in other immunosuppressed patients. This chapter reviews cell-mediated immune mechanisms that serve to protect the normal host from infection with Pneumocystis or, when defective, lead to the acquisition of pulmonary infection. Alveolar macrophages, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and γδ T cells have important roles in defense against Pneumocystis, although their relative contributions require further investigation. Additionally, cytokines and chemokines play vital roles in defense against this organism. Investigations using human cells, as well as animal models and in vitro approaches, have advanced this field recently but many unanswered questions persist. Further investigations examining the roles of these cells and mediators will continue to provide new insights into defense against this important opportunistic pathogen.
Noble gas loss may indicate groundwater flow across flow barriers in southern Nevada

Average calculated noble gas temperatures increase from 10 to 22 °C in groundwater from recharge to discharge areas in carbonate-rock aquifers of southern Nevada. Loss of noble gases from groundwater in these regional flow systems at flow barriers is the likely process that produces an increase in recharge noble gas temperatures. Emplacement of low permeability rock into high permeability aquifer rock and the presence of low permeability shear zones reduce aquifer thickness from thousands to tens of meters. At these flow barriers, which are more than 1,000 m lower than the average recharge altitude, noble gases exsolve from the groundwater by inclusion in gas bubbles formed near the barriers because of greatly reduced hydrostatic pressure. However, re-equilibration of noble gases in the groundwater with atmospheric air at the low altitude spring discharge area, at the terminus of the regional flow system, cannot be ruled out. Molecular diffusion is not an important process for removing noble gases from groundwater in the carbonate-rock aquifers because concentration gradients are small.
Abstract P326: Progression of ECG Abnormalities through Young Adulthood and Early Cardiovascular Events: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Background: In older adults, ECG abnormalities are associated with significant independent risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the progression of ECG abnormalities from young adulthood to middle age and the implications of ECG progression as a risk marker for premature CVD events are poorly described. Methods: CARDIA is a NHLBI-funded longitudinal cohort study of black and white men and women aged 18-30 years at baseline (Year 0) in 1985. We included all CARDIA participants (ppts) who had resting 12-lead ECGs performed at the Year 0, 7 and 20 examinations. We classified ppts into one of 3 strata based on ECG findings (Minnesota code normal, minor, major) across time: 1) Always Normal at all 3 exams; 2) baseline minor or major abnormalities with Regression/No Progression over time; or 3) Progression of ECG from normal to minor or major, or minor to major, over time. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess risk for adjudicated incident CVD events (MI, stroke, CHF) by ECG stratum during 25 years’ follow up. Results: There were 2193 ppts: 63.0% were Always Normal, 14.2% had Regression/No Progression, and 22.8% showed Progression. Those with Progression were more likely to be black and to smoke and had a slightly higher BMI. Baseline ECG abnormalities (major or minor) were not associated with increased risk for CVD. Among the Always Normal, Regression/No Progression and Progression groups, CVD incidence rates (per 1000 p-y) were 0.73, 0.13 and 1.85, respectively. In unadjusted models, those with Progression were 2.5 times more likely than those with Always Normal ECGs to develop incident CVD; these findings were attenuated by adjustment for demographics and clinical risk factors (Table). Those with Regression/No Progression were at lower risk. Conclusions: Progression of ECG findings from normal to abnormal or from minor to major abnormalities during young adulthood may be a useful marker of risk, identifying those destined to develop premature CVD events.
Methane emissions from the Orinoco River floodplain, Venezuela.

Methane emissions were measured over a 17-monthinterval at 21 locations on the Orinoco fringingfloodplain and upper delta (total area,14,000 km2). Emissions totaled 0.17 Tgyr−1, or 7.1 mmol d−1 (114 mg d−1;standard deviation, ±18%) per m2 of watersurface. Ebullition accounted for 65% of emissions. Emission rates were about five times as high forfloodplain forest as for open water or macrophytemats. Emission rates were positively correlated withcarbon content of sediment and amount of methane inthe water column, and negatively correlated withdissolved oxygen, but the correlations were weak. Emission from floodplain soils occurred only when thewater content of soil exceeded 25%, which occurredwithin 20 m of standing water during floodplaindrainage (3 months/yr). Bare soils emitted 60mmol/day per m of shoreline length; soils covered bystranded macrophyte beds emitted five times thisamount. Total emissions were accounted for primarilyby flooded forest (94%); macrophyte mats, open water,and exposed soils made only small contributions. Theflux-weighted mean δ13C for the floodplainwas −62 ± 8‰; for δD the mean was −271 ± 27‰. The δ13C and δD were negativelycorrelated. Overall emission rates were notably lowerthan for the Amazon. The depth and duration offlooding are considerably less for the Orinoco thanfor the Amazon floodplain; oxygen over sediments isthe rule for the Orinoco but not for the Amazon. TheOrinoco data illustrate the difficulty of generalizingemission rates. Current information for tropicalAmerica, including revised estimates for inundatedarea along the Amazon, indicate that methane emissionsfrom tropical floodplains have been overestimated.
The dual promise of green jobs: A qualitative study of federally funded energy training programmes in the USA

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review the policy literature on green jobs and green jobs training in the USA and to present findings of a qualitative study on the start-up of two Energy Training Partnerships (ETP) funded by the US Department of Labour to train workers for green jobs. Design/methodology/approach – The paper includes a review of the policy literature, document reviews, and interviews with administrators, employers, educators, workforce officials. The literature presumes green jobs training will help create jobs and that these jobs will provide opportunities for the poor. This study examined these propositions within the context of the ETPs. Findings – Stakeholders faced challenges related to a misaligned infrastructure, lack of synchronization in the labour market, and workforce gaps. They responded by coordinating available resources in innovative ways. Though many policy propositions were confirmed, the premise that green jobs are a pathway of poverty was not. Entry requirements we...
Surface alignment of 3d spherical harmonic models: application to cardiac MRI analysis

The spherical harmonic (SPHARM) description is a powerful surface modeling technique that can model arbitrarily shaped but simply connected 3D objects and has been used in many applications in medical imaging. Previous SPHARM techniques use the first order ellipsoid for establishing surface correspondence and aligning objects. However, this first order information may not be sufficient in many cases; a more general method for establishing surface correspondence would be to minimize the mean squared distance between two corresponding surfaces. In this paper, a new surface matching algorithm is proposed for 3D SPHARM models to achieve this goal. This algorithm employs a useful rotational property of spherical harmonic basis functions for a fast implementation. Applications of medical image analysis (e.g., spatio-temporal modeling of heart shape changes) are used to demonstrate this approach. Theoretical proofs and experimental results show that our approach is an accurate and flexible surface correspondence alignment method.
Morphogenesis of the Node of Ranvier: Co-Clusters of Ankyrin and Ankyrin-Binding Integral Proteins Define Early Developmental Intermediates

AnkyrinG 480/270 kDa and three ankyrin-binding integral membrane proteins (neurofascin, NrCAM, and the voltage-dependent sodium channel) colocalize within a specialized domain of the spectrin–actin network found at axonal segments of nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons. Before myelination in embryonic nerves, ankyrinG480/270 kDa and the related ankyrin isoform ankyrinB 440 kDa are co-expressed along with NrCAM in an abundant, continuous distribution along the length of axons. This study has resolved intermediate stages in the developmental transition from a continuous distribution of ankyrinG 480/270 kDa in all axons to a highly polarized localization at the node of Ranvier in the developing rat sciatic nerve. The first detected event is formation of clusters containing the cell adhesion molecules neurofascin and NrCAM at sites independent of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG)-staining Schwann cell processes. Subsequent steps involve recruitment of ankyrinG 480/270 kDa and the voltage-dependent sodium channel to cluster sites containing cell adhesion molecules, and elaboration of MAG-staining Schwann cell processes adjacent to these cluster sites. Formation of the mature node of Ranvier results from the fusion of asynchronously formed pairs of clusters associated with MAG-positive Schwann cells flanking the site of presumed node formation. Studies with the hypomyelinating mutant mouse trembler demonstrate that the elaboration of compact myelin is not required for the formation of these clustered nodal intermediates. Clustering of neurofascin and NrCAM precedes redistribution of ankyrinG 480/270 kDa and the voltage-dependent sodium channel, suggesting that the adhesion molecules define the initial site for subsequent assembly of ankyrin and the voltage-dependent sodium channel.
“I'll Have What She's Having”: Commentary on Paper by Karen E. Starr and Lewis Aron

This discussion utilizes a feminist discourse originating in the 1970s to reconsider Freud's famous question, “What do women want?” and from there explores some hidden dimensions in Starr and Aron's paper concerning female agency, sexuality, and the twists and turns of psychoanalytic theory and social conventions. Highlighting Rachel Maines's researches into the use of vibrators in medical treatment in particular, the discussion illuminates how social conventions function as powerful determinants that legislate what is seen and not seen, what is questioned and what is accepted—and ultimately what is considered psychoanalytic “bedrock.”
What a Loaded Generalization: Generics and Social Cognition

This paper explores the role of generics in social cognition. First, we explore the nature and effects of the most common form of generics about social kinds (descriptive generics). Second, we discuss the nature and effects of a less common but equally important form of generics about social kinds (normative generics). Finally, we consider the implications of this discussion for how we ought to use language about the social world.
Fast ECL-to-CMOS and CMOS-to-ECL translators for an 0.8 mu m BiCMOS gate array

Input/output circuits designed to translate from true ECL levels to CMOS levels without bringing a negative supply voltage on the chip are discussed. Using only +5 V and ground eliminates breakdown and parasitic MOSFET problems caused by having both +5 V and -5 V on the chip. These circuits provide an ECL interface to 0.8 mu m BiCMOS gate arrays and are considerably faster than other translators currently available. >
Assemblage structure and quantitative habitat relations of small mammals along an ecological gradient in the Colorado Desert of southern California

Ecological gradients have intrigued ecologists for many years. In southern California the Deep Canyon Transect spans a range of habitats and elevations from Lower Sonoran Desert sand dunes and creosote scrub to Upper Transition coniferous forest, where relict species typical of the Sierra Nevada are found. I sampled a 1050 m elevational range in this transect to evaluate the ecological distributions of small mammals and to better characterize community structure. Results complement and substantially extend a previous study of this fauna, and provide insights into the habitat associations of species in this complex fauna. Assemblage structure changed greatly between summer and winter, largely due to reduced presence of pocket mice Chaetodipus in winter. Additionally, the distribution of abundance and species richness was different than reported earlier, suggesting that patterns across this gradient may be temporally variable, and strongly influenced by local dynamics. Most taxa exhibited significantly nonrandom use of a large number of habitat variables but this was not a simple consequence of the elevational gradient. A mid-elevation bulge in species richness was indicated, but likely is not a consequence of mass effects since a number of animals captured in intermediate regions were reproductively active.
SCHIZOPHRENIA AND USE OF REVASCULARIZATION PROCEDURES AFTER ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

A growing literature has used differential rates of clinical outcomes and cardiovascular procedures as an indicator of potential inequalities in the health care system especially in vulnerable groups. Patients with Schizophrenia pose unique challenges due to affect, cognition, and socio-demographic
Analysis of natural gestures for controlling robot teams on multi-touch tabletop surfaces

Multi-touch technologies hold much promise for the command and control of mobile robot teams. To improve the ease of learning and usability of these interfaces, we conducted an experiment to determine the gestures that people would naturally use, rather than the gestures they would be instructed to use in a pre-designed system. A set of 26 tasks with differing control needs were presented sequentially on a DiamondTouch to 31 participants. We found that the task of controlling robots exposed unique gesture sets and considerations not previously observed, particularly in desktop-like applications. In this paper, we present the details of these findings, a taxonomy of the gesture set, and guidelines for designing gesture sets for robot control.
Treatment of sensory retinal detachment associated with optic nerve pit or coloboma

Six eyes with optic nerve pit and associated sensory retinal detachment of the macula were treated using a management plan that utilized a combination of techniques including laser photocoagulation, pars plana vitrectomy, and intraocular air/fluid exchange. In each treated eye the retina was eventually flattened. This paper discusses this plan of management and series of treatment modalities.
Age and leadership: Cross‐cultural observations

(1982). Age and leadership: Cross‐cultural observations. Psychoanalytic Inquiry: Vol. 2, Aggression: An interdisciplinary approach, pp. 109-120.
Two commissions preparing major reports on oceans

Two high-level commissions are preparing reports on the state of the world's oceans, more than 30 years after the Stratton Commission—the last congressionally authorized body to make recommendations on US. national ocean policy—issued its landmark 1969 report. That earlier report led to the creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),the 1972 federal Coastal Zone Management Act, and other initiatives. The current commissions are grappling with a variety of major issues, at a time when scientists are gaining more sophisticated tools to understand the seas, when oceans face a number of threats, and when government jurisdiction of oceans is divided among a dizzying and sometimes uncoordinated array of 44 separate congressional committees, 9 federal agencies that control funds for ocean issues, and numerous local authorities.
Stochastic prey-predator relationships: A random evolution approach

The formalism and results of the theory of random evolutions are used to establish and investigate a model for two randomly interacting populations. The asymptotic stability of the expected solution is studied and contrasted to that of the associated deterministic system.
Search for dispersive effects in electron scattering from samarium

Abstract Anomalous results obtained in recent electron scattering experiments suggest that a dispersion correction may contribute significantly to elastic cross sections in the region of the first diffraction minimum. Such a dispersion correction describes the effect of possible virtual nuclear excitations neglected in conventional phase-shift analyses of electron scattering data. To investigate this effect, the Yale University electron accelerator has been used to study the scattering from 148 Sm, 150 Sm, and 152 Sm at 42 and 60 MeV and scattering angles between 70° and 160°. In each case the data can be fit fairly well with a conventional Fermi distribution. For 152 Sm the data are in reasonable agreement with an MIT-NBS measurement, and extend it to lower momentum transfers. The same data, however, disagree with the static-theory prediction based on the Columbia muonic X-ray measurements. Data on Nd are re-examined; it is concluded that the anomaly claimed earlier can be reduced by renormalization of the cross sections, but it cannot be entirely removed.
A pulsing model of advertising competition: A game theoretic approach, part A — Theoretical foundation

Abstract In this paper and its sequel, we present a theoretical model supported by both numerical and empirical analyses to evaluate the advertising policies of pulsation versus uniform (constant) spending using a static continuous Lanchester competitive model of two rival firms. The modeling effort is shown to be adaptable to a wide variety of realistic rivalry situations and its related derived main conclusions are robust for a broad set of assumptions. Following a game theoretic approach, it is found that Uniform Advertising Policy (UAP) is optimal for a firm having a concave or linear response function competing against another having a concave or linear response function and thus generalizing known results for a monopoly to a duopoly. When at least one of the response functions is convex, the study demonstrates that generalizing monopolistic results might not be adequate. For such situations, the optimal policy of the firm may involve the Advertising Pulsing/Maintenance Policy (APMP) replacing the monopolistic Advertising Pulsing Policy (APP) optimal when the response function is convex, or the monopolistic UAP optimal when the response function is concave or linear. For the competitive situations involving convex response function(s), the advertising game is solved using linear programming. The Lanchester model is empirically estimated, with considerable success, using the ready-to-eat cereal data in the US. In the application reported, both response functions are found to be linear implying the superiority of UAP for the application reported.
Stationary Solution of a Stochastic Nosocomial Epidemic Model in Hospital Intensive Care Units

In this article, the authors consider a stochastic differential equation model of an antibiotic resistant infection epidemic in a hospital intensive care unit. A set of criteria on the existence of the stationary solution and its dynamical behavior are obtained. Numerical simulations are also performed to verify the results.
Compact eye-safe backscatter lidar for aerosol studies in urban polar environment

We report a Compact Eye-Safe Backscatter Lidar (CESBL) system conceived for tropospheric aerosol research in the Arctic environment. The instrument will play an active role in the investigation of Arctic Haze and Ice Fog during winter time; intercontinental transport of Asian dust during springtime; and Aerosol plumes released from forest fires during summer time. In addition the system will perform systematic observations of Arctic Boundary Layer dynamics and Cirrus clouds. The lidar works at 1.574 μm and delivers 200 mJ maximum per pulse at 10 Hz prf. The output beam is conveniently expanded to yield an Eye-Safe factor greater than 250 suitable to operate in Urban Environments. The receiver is aimed with a Cassegrain telescope F/10, 20 cm primary diameter. The collimation and focusing were designed using commercial optics to holds approximately 1mrad field of view over a detector surface of 0.2 mm diameter. Signal detection is made by an InGaAs-APD followed by amplifiers. The Lidar system is mounted on an optical breadboard on a steerable platform and integrated into a PXI National Instrument data acquisition computer providing two acquisition channels at 200 MS/s maximum; 200 MHz of maximum bandwidth; and 12 bits vertical resolution. The acquisition code runs in a Lab-View platform with visualization interface and acquisition options optimized for field work. In this article the lidar system characteristics and the concept design are discussed. Initial geophysical results are shown.
Disaster Nursing Curriculum Development Based on Vulnerability Assessment in the Pacific Northwest

It seems probable that new infectious agents like sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) will continue to emerge. Infections may be spread because of worldwide movement of people, or caused by unsanitary food preparation and distribution practices like the Pacific Northwest Escherichia coli 0157:H7 outbreaks, or from a deliberate attack like the East Coast anthrax cases of 2001. Toxic chemicals could poison a region’s air, water, or food. Large numbers of casualties could result from a nuclear disaster. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods have the potential to overwhelm community resources, including health care resources. To respond effectively in all of these possible situations, nurses require adequate preparation. During a disaster, nurses are likely to function at the initiation of patient encounters. Nurses commonly provide leadership in development of institutional and community health care protocols. Nurses require knowledge and essential skills to work effectively during emergencies and disasters. However, this content is not included in nursing curricula. Recognizing the need for new learning opportunities, a project was undertaken to design curricular elements for Washington State nurses and nursing students. The purpose of this project was to formulate and validate competencies needed by nurses practicing in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and to survey the interests of nursing students and practicing nurses related to their perceived need for disaster nursing content. This information would form a foundation for development of nursing-specific disaster curriculum. An important part of planning is the process of identifying
Estrogen receptor values in patients with benign breast disease

Biopsies from 55 female patients with benign breast disease (BBD) were assayed for estrogen receptor. Scatchard analyses were utilized to quantify the number of binding sites. Computer-assisted methods analyzed the data. A + estrogen receptor assay is equal or greater than 10 femtomoles of (3H) estradiol binding per mg of cytoplasmic protein. Statistical methods used for analysis included contingency chi-square test and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test. 38% (21) of the patients had + estrogen receptor assay. 55% of the fibroadenomas were + for estrogen receptor compared to 17% for other benign lesions (4 patients with fibrocystic disease). No correlation was found between estrogen receptor positivity and laterality of tumor and location or size of largest nodule. The mean age of patients with estrogen receptor + tumors was 26.9 years compared with 36.4 years for patients with estrogen receptor - tumors (p < 0.01). 20 of 46 (43%) premenopausal patients were found to have estrogen receptor + tumors in contrast to 0 of 8 postmenopausal patients (p < 0.05). A decreased incidence of BBD has been associated with oral contraceptive (OC) use. The pharmacologic doses of estrogen in OCs may play a role in controlling the growth of BBD or in the regressions of some metastatic breast cancer deposits; this concept raises the possible role of antiestrogens (e.g. Tamoxifen) in the treatment of BBD.