cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration for production of embryos in vitro

Summary There is still much to be studied and learned in the use of assisted reproductive technologies to maximize reproductive potential in genetically valuable animals (BEAL et al., 1992). Now that repeatable oocyte retrieval methods are being fine-tuned, it is likely these procedures will become routinely used to obtain oocytes for further gamete and embryo research and also by seedstock producers for in vitro embryo production from farm animals in the commercial sector. The use of transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration and IVF procedure does offer an alternative to cattle producers who have genetically valuable cows that for some reason are unable to produce viable embryos through standard embryo collection procedures. This technology can be used on oocytes harvested from older ovulating or nonovulating cows, females with physical injuries (e.g., fractured leg) and problem cows having an abnormal cervix. Good success has been reported using IVF procedures on oocytes obtained from supplemental follicles of cows with cystic ovarian disease. With IVF the potential exists for more embryos to be produced in a shorter period of time, since the procedure can be repeated on the same cow 3 to 4 times or more a month. At this station, we are harvesting oocytes from early postpartum (<40 days) beef and dairy cattle, before the female begins cyclic activity. The approach allows the opportunity to produce one or more extra calves from the cow before she is mated for a natural pregnancy. Currently, transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration is now being used to harvest valuable oocytes from minor farm animal breeds, from domestic females representing rare bloodlines, clinically infertile females and reproductively senescent cows. Research continues to find applications for this technology, including harvesting oocytes from young prepubertal heifers and early postpartum beef cows for in vitro embryo production. The use of ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration should not be overlooked to obtain oocytes for in vitro embryo production and to aid in germplasm preservation of endangered exotic species.
Groundwater Monitoring Network Design

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses groundwater monitoring network design. The design of a groundwater quality monitoring network is an important aspect in aquifer restoration and prevention of groundwater pollution. By network design, it is understood in this study the selection of the number and locations of sampling wells at a site where there exists contamination. The problem of network design is described in simple terms by classical sampling theory. The problem of network design involves some background information. Foremost is hydrogeologic data, such as: (1) Geologic setting (lithology and stratigraphy); (2) groundwater flow patterns and volumes; (3) recharge areas and rates; (4) aquifer characteristics (e.g., hydraulic conductivity, dispersion coefficients); (5) existing monitoring wells and their locations. A description of general geomorphoclimatic characteristics of a site is also important. This might help to understand the subsurface environment, and could also influence site accessibility, monitoring costs and potential threats of contamination to the surrounding environment. Data on precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration, topography, accessibility, site size, proximity to ecosystems/population centers would be most valuable.
Earthquake Stress Analysis in Earth Dams

The finite element method, which has been used extensively in the static analysis of elastic continua, is extended to the dynamic analysis of two-dimensional stress systems. The method involves calculation of vibration mode shapes and frequencies, making use of a stiffness matrix evaluated by the finite element method and a mass matrix formed by lumping the mass at the finite element nodal points. The dynamic response is then calculated by the mode-superposition method, the response of each mode being obtained by step-by-step integration. The method is demonstrated by the earthquake analysis of a triangular earth-dam cross section treated as an elastic plane-strain problem. Vertical and horizontal acceleration components of the 1940 El Centro earthquake are applied; results are presented in the form of plots showing the time history of stresses at selected points in the cross section and also plots of stress contours at selected instants of time.
Middle ear impedance measurement. Acoustic and electroacoustic comparisons.

Acoustic and electroacoustic methods of measuring normal middle ear impedance were compared and evaluated. It was concluded that normal subjects yield similar impedance results in the areas where comparisons are possible. There are advantages and disadvantages with either technique, and the method of choice depends upon the type of impedance information desired.
Hypophysiotrophic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) synthesizing neurons. Ultrastructure, adrenergic innervation and putative transmitter action.

The neuropeptide thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) is capable of influencing both neuronal mechanisms in the brain and the activity of the pituitary-thyroid endocrine axis. By the use of immunocytochemical techniques, first the ultrastructural features of TRH-immunoreactive (IR) perikarya and neuronal processes were studied, and then the relationship between TRH-IR neuronal elements and dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) or phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-IR catecholaminergic axons was analyzed in the parvocellular subnuclei of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In control animals, only TRH-IR axons were detected and some of them seemed to follow the contour of immunonegative neurons. Colchicine treatment resulted in the appearance of TRH-IR material in parvocellular neurons of the PVN. At the ultrastructural level, immunolabel was associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes and neurosecretory granules. Non-labelled axons formed synaptic specializations with both dendrites and perikarya of the TRH-synthesizing neurons. TRH-IR axons located in the parvo-cellular units of the PVN exhibited numerous intensely labelled dense-core and fewer small electron lucent vesicles. These axons were frequently observed to terminate on parvocellular neurons, forming both bouton- and en passant-type connections. The simultaneous light microscopic localization of DBH or PNMT-IR axons and TRH-synthesizing neurons demonstrated that catecholaminergic fibers established contacts with the dendrites and cell bodies of TRH-IR neurons. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the formation of asymmetric axo-somatic and axo-dendritic synaptic specializations between PNMT-immunopositive, adrenergic axons and TRH-IR neurons in the periventricular and medial parvocellular subnuclei of the PVN.
Fabrication of carbon Fiber-Reinforced SiC/C Composites by Reaction-Bonding

Unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced SiC/C composites were fabricated by the reaction bonding method with phenolic resin and silicon powder at 1450°C. Increasing of the Si/C ratio of the matrix from 0 to 1, the bulk density decreased from 1.84 to 1.73Mg·m-3 and the open porosity increased from 3 to 30%. The fracture behavior of the composites varied with the Si/C ratio of the matrix. The maximum flexural strength and elastic modulus of 630MPa and 300GPa were obtained at a ratio of Si/C=0.1.
XML-based integration of heterogeneous databases and technology exchange in the model of C/S

In this paper I present a new program to achieve the integration of heterogeneous database base on the existing XML technology. This program is described in the actual workflow system, and the core module of the details of the theoretical analysis in thepaper. Finally, Given the users visit the database’s work flow base on the system model.
Thermosphere variation at different altitudes over the northern polar cap during magnetic storms

Abstract In this study, we report observations and simulation results of heated neutrals at various altitudes inside the polar cap during two magnetic storms in January 2005. The Poynting flux measurements from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites show enhanced energy input in the polar cap during the storm main phase, which is underestimated in the TIE-GCM simulation. Neutral temperature measurements at 250 km from the ground-based Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FPI) at Resolute Bay are presented, along with the neutral density observations at 360 km and 470 km from Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites, respectively. These data have been analyzed to demonstrate the altitudinal dependence of neutral response to the storm energy input. By comparing the TIE-GCM simulation results and the observations, we demonstrate that Poynting fluxes as well as the thermosphere response were underestimated in the model. The simulated neutral temperature at Resolute Bay increases by approximately 260° and 280° K for the two events, respectively, much lower than the observed temperature enhancements of 750° and 900° K. Neutral density enhancements with more than 30% increase over the background density were also observed at polar latitudes, with no clear distinction between the auroral zone and polar cap. All measurements indicate enhancements at high latitudes poleward of 80° magnetic latitude (MLAT) implying that substantial heating can occur within the polar cap during storms.
Understanding Situated Learning in Stressful Service Experiences: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

Consumer learning has received much attention. Whether it is learning about new product introductions or learning about service quality and service providers, consumers are constantly learning from their environment. One aspect of learning relates to in situ or situated learning that refers to an ongoing learning and improvisation enacted by consumers trying to make sense of a dynamic situation (Lave & Wenger, 1991). Situated learning is dependent on the changes that occur in the environment and therefore, is different from a static view of learning that is decontextualized. By taking into consideration environmental nuances, one appreciates the more dynamic ‘how’ or the process view of learning compared to the more limited ‘outcomes only’ view of learning (Goel et al., 2010). Such knowledge may be related to complications of service consumptions and may alter a consumer’s course of action in dealing with service providers. Therefore, it is important for marketers to understand the role of consumers as active learners in a dynamic environment and the factors that affect such learning, especially when the learning process is stressful. Thus, the purpose of this study is to understand the factors that influence situated learning in the context of stressful service experiences. The study also compares situated learning and its influencers in individualistic (USA) and collectivistic cultural contexts (China).
“Early Adopters” and “Neighborhood Effects”

By the spring of 2011, it was apparent that the “early adopters” among the Arab upheavals would see very different trajectories. Thanks in part to their different modern encounters with Europe—the French, British and Italians left distinctive institutional traces—and the impact of decades under regimes that reflected the personalities and proclivities of very different rulers, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya faced vastly different challenges.1
Performance evaluation of the SX-6 vector architecture for scientific computations: Research Articles

The growing gap between sustained and peak performance for scientific applications is a well-known problem in high-performance computing. The recent development of parallel vector systems offers the potential to reduce this gap for many computational science codes and deliver a substantial increase in computing capabilities. This paper examines the intranode performance of the NEC SX-6 vector processor, and compares it against the cache-based IBM Power3 and Power4 superscalar architectures, across a number of key scientific computing areas. First, we present the performance of a microbenchmark suite that examines many low-level machine characteristics. Next, we study the behavior of the NAS Parallel Benchmarks. Finally, we evaluate the performance of several scientific computing codes. Overall results demonstrate that the SX-6 achieves high performance on a large fraction of our application suite and often significantly outperforms the cache-based architectures. However, certain classes of applications are not easily amenable to vectorization and would require extensive algorithm and implementation reengineering to utilize the SX-6 effectively. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Production of Chorioretinal Lesions: I. Continuous Wave Ultrasound

Lesions were created in the retina, choroid and sclera of the rabbit using continuous-wave, high-intensity ultrasound. In-vivo studies were performed on albino and pigmented rabbits using focussed ultrasound at 9.8 MHz. The quantitative evaluation of the effects of continuous-wave ultrasound is of interest because of the potential therapeutic applications to ocular tissues in those cases which cannot be purposely altered by optical energy.
The USPTO Trademark Assignment Dataset: Descriptions and Insights

Attention to the asset value of intellectual property (IP) has traditionally concentrated on high-value patent sales and licenses. This narrow focus neglects non-patent assets held by a broader set of economic agents, such as trademarks, and overlooks the evolving ways owners are employing and monetizing their IP assets. To help remedy this deficiency, the Office of Chief Economist of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is releasing a series of datasets in formats convenient for researchers. This paper describes the USPTO Trademark Assignment Dataset, a database of 786,931 assignments and other transactions recorded during the 1952-2013 period and affecting 4,197,645 trademark registrations or applications. Since these data have not been commonly used, we provide a comprehensive description, present key trends, and examine the rate of transaction for issued registrations. Trend analysis suggests intensifying trademark collateralization as the number of trademarks recorded as collateral to secure debt has increased in absolute terms and relative to the stock of live registrations. The number of trademarks for which an assignment was recorded has also grown, though this trend appears to be reversing in the last decade. Among the 3.4 million registrations issued during the 1978-2013 period, 31 percent were affected by some transaction over their life; 21 percent changed ownership; and 12 percent were affected by a security interest agreement. While further empirical work is needed, transaction rates by registration cohort suggest that registered trademarks may be more likely to be traded than patents. Further, we do not find a positive relationship between the incidence of trade and maintenance, suggesting that trademark assignment and maintenance outcomes may not follow the pattern observed for patents. Despite some limitations, these data open new avenues for research, particularly with respect to trademark collateralization and the market for brands.
Minimizing GUI event traces

GUI input generation tools for Android apps, such as Android's Monkey, are useful for automatically producing test inputs, but these tests are generally orders of magnitude larger than necessary, making them difficult for humans to understand. We present a technique for minimizing the output of such tools. Our technique accounts for the non-deterministic behavior of mobile apps, producing small event traces that reach a desired activity with high probability. We propose a variant of delta debugging, augmented to handle non-determinism, to solve the problem of trace minimization. We evaluate our algorithm on two sets of commercial and open-source Android applications, showing that we can minimize large event traces reaching a particular application activity, producing traces that are, on average, less than 2% the size of the original traces.
Adverse effects of pegaspargase in pediatric patients receiving doses greater than 3,750 IU

Background Increased toxicities have been identified with higher doses of pegaspargase (PEG-ASP) in adults. This has led to routine use of a dose cap of 3,750 IU for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in most institutions. In pediatric ALL patients, PEG-ASP is not capped. There is concern at our institution that larger doses may result in increased rates of adverse effects and that increased monitoring may be warranted in pediatric patients receiving doses greater than 3,750 IU. The objective of this study is to quantify the difference in the rates of PEG-ASP-associated adverse events between pediatric patients who received doses greater than 3,750 IU and less than or equal to 3,750 IU. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients 1–21 years old with pre-B-cell ALL who received PEG-ASP between 2007 and 2014 at an academic medical center. Results Of 183 patients included in the analysis, 24 received PEG-ASP doses higher than 3,750 IU and 159 received doses less than or equal to 3,750 IU. The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was significantly higher for patients in the group that received more than 3,750 IU compared with those who received 3,750 IU or less (20.8 vs. 1.89%, respectively; P = 0.0011). The incidence of pancreatitis (P = 0.0306) and hyperglycemia (P = 0.0089) were also higher in the group that received more than 3,750 IU. Conclusions PEG-ASP doses higher than 3,750 IU are associated with higher rates of VTE, pancreatitis, and hyperglycemia in pediatric patients with pre-B-cell ALL. Patients receiving more than 3,750 IU should have increased monitoring, and larger, multicenter trials are needed to determine if monitoring, VTE prophylaxis, and potential dose capping recommendations should be added to clinical trial protocols.
Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH) in Mode 2: Performance analysis

User Equipments (UEs) that send data must advertise the upcoming transmission by broadcasting signaling messages over the Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH). Thus, it is important for the network operator to define the PSCCH resource pool to maximize the probability that each UE will be able to successfully decode all of the control messages that appear on the PSCCH. For UEs operating in Mode 2 (i.e., outside the coverage area of an eNodeB), this is especially challenging because there is no base station present that can assign PSCCH resources. UEs must choose pool resources randomly, which can lead to collisions of transmitted messages. In addition, UEs are half-duplex and a poorly designed control channel resource pool can create a significant risk that a signaling message and its duplicate will be missed by a UE that transmits its own signaling message in the same pair of subframes. In this paper, we present an analytical model that allows us to develop closed form expressions for the distribution of the number of UEs that successfully receive a transmitted message on the PSCCH. This model can support PSCCH design by network operators, and can be used to investigate other aspects of D2D communications.
Proton beam therapy for gastrointestinal cancers: past, present, and future

Despite the conformality of modern X-ray therapy limiting high dose received by normal tissues the physical properties of X-rays make it impossible to avoid dose being delivered distal to the target. This “exit dose” is likely clinically significant especially for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers when considering that even low dose received by the heart, lungs, bowel, and other radiosensitive structures can lead to morbidity and even may affect long-term tumor control. In contrast, proton beam therapy (PBT) delivers no “exit dose” and a growing body of literature suggests that this may improve clinical outcomes by reducing toxicity and even allowing for safe dose intensification to enhance tumor control. While there are not yet robust prospective data demonstrating the role of PBT for GI cancers, emerging retrospective data provide a strong rationale for continued study of how PBT may improve the therapeutic ratio for these patients. Here we review these data as well as discuss ongoing clinical trials of PBT for GI cancers.
Genetic Ablation of miR-33 Increases Food Intake, Enhances Adipose Tissue Expansion, and Promotes Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Summary While therapeutic modulation of miRNAs provides a promising approach for numerous diseases, the promiscuous nature of miRNAs raises concern over detrimental off-target effects. miR-33 has emerged as a likely target for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, the deleterious effects of long-term anti-miR-33 therapies and predisposition of miR-33 −/− mice to obesity and metabolic dysfunction exemplify the possible pitfalls of miRNA-based therapies. Our work provides an in-depth characterization of miR-33 −/− mice and explores the mechanisms by which loss of miR-33 promotes insulin resistance in key metabolic tissues. Contrary to previous reports, our data do not support a direct role for SREBP-1-mediated lipid synthesis in promoting these effects. Alternatively, in adipose tissue of miR-33 −/− mice, we observe increased pre-adipocyte proliferation, enhanced lipid uptake, and impaired lipolysis. Moreover, we demonstrate that the driving force behind these abnormalities is increased food intake, which can be prevented by pair feeding with wild-type animals.
Grout-concrete interface bond performance: Effect of interface moisture on the tensile bond strength and grout microstructure

Bond between two cementitious materials is crucial in applications such as repairs, overlays, and connections of prefabricated bridge elements (PBEs), to name just a few. It is the latter that has special interest to the authors of this paper. After performing a dimensional stability study on grout-like materials commonly used as connections between PBEs, it was observed that the so-called 'non-shrink' cementitious grouts showed a considerable amount of early-age shrinkage. This might have negative effects on the integrity of the structure, due not only to the grout material's early degradation, but also to a possible loss of bond between the grout and the prefabricated concrete element. Many factors affect the bond strength between two cementitious materials (e.g., grout-concrete), the presence of moisture at the existing concrete substrate surface being one of them. In this regard, pre-moistening the concrete substrate surface prior to the application of the grout material is sometimes recommended for bond enhancement. This topic has been the focus of numerous research studies in the past; however, there is still controversy among practitioners on the real benefits that this practice might provide. This paper evaluates the tensile bond performance of two non-shrink cementitious grouts applied to the exposed aggregate surface of a concrete substrate, and how the supply of moisture at the grout-concrete interface affects the bond strength. "Pull-off" bond results show increased tensile bond strength when the concrete surface is pre-moistened. Reasons to explain the observed increased bond strength are given after a careful microstructural analysis of the grout-concrete interface. Interfaces where sufficient moisture is provided to the concrete substrate such that moisture movement from the grout is prevented show reduced porosity and increased hydration on the grout side of the interface, which is thought to directly contribute to the increased tensile bond strength.
The Words Under the Words

Combining insights from the poet Naoimi Shihab Nye and the psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Elizabeth Loftus, this paper offers ways to develop perhaps the most important skill advocates of all kinds can develop: being good with words.
What is the role of PCSK9 inhibitors in treating hypercholesterolemia

PCSK9 inhibitors are a novel medical therapy for treating hypercholesterolemia. This article reviews the basic properties of PCSK9 inhibitors, including their mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, adverse reactions, and efficacy.
Dynamic Wavelength Routing Techniques and their Performance Analyses

The performances of fixed-path routing in WDM networks have been studied in the previous chapter. We present two dynamic routing algorithms based on path and neighborhood link congestion in all-optical networks in this chapter. We first introduce fixed-paths least-congestion (FPLC) routing in which the shortest path may not be preferred to use. We then extend the algorithm to develop a new routing method: dynamic routing using neighborhood information. It is shown by using both analysis and simulation methods that FPLC routing with the first-fit wavelength assignment method performs much better than fixed-path and alternate-path routing methods in mesh-torus networks (regular topology) and in the NSFnet T1 backbone network (irregular topology). Routing using neighborhood information also achieves good performance when compared to alternate-path routing.
By-product feeds for meat goats: effects on digestibility, ruminal environment, and carcass characteristics.

Crossbred wether goats (n = 24; 50% Boer, 6 per diet) initially averaging 27.4 ± 0.4 kg were fed either wheat middlings (wheat midds), soybean hulls (soyhulls), or corn gluten feed at 1% BW (as-fed) along with orchardgrass hay (10.7% CP) offered to adlibitum consumption for 72 d followed by 5 d total fecal collection. The Control (hay) diet was supplemented with 5.7% soybean meal to bring total dietary protein to 12.5%, by-products were brought to a higher Ca:P ratio with limestone or dicalcium phosphate to make total dietary Ca:P 1.5:1, and soybean meal was added to soyhulls to bring them up to 17% CP (wheat midds = 17% and corn gluten feed = 21% CP). Total DMI (916 g/d ± 57 or 3.2% ± 0.2 BW) did not differ (P > 0.92) among treatments. Initial BW (P = 0.25), final BW (P = 0.48), and ADG (P = 0.56) did not differ for the four treatments. Carcass weight was greater (P = 0.05) for goats fed soyhulls (16.0 kg) or wheat midds (15.6 kg) as compared with goats fed the hay diet (14.5 kg), with carcass weight from goats fed corn gluten feed being intermediate (15.3 kg, SEM = 0.3 kg). Carcass grade did not differ (P = 0.80) and averaged 5.42 ± 0.4. Dressing percentage tended (P = 0.12) to be lower for goats fed the hay diet (46.4%) compared with soyhull (48.3%), corn gluten feed (48.3%), or wheat midd (48.8%) diets (SEM = 0.7). Ruminal pH was highest (P 0.15). Total ruminal VFA did not differ (86.0 ± 6.1 mM, P = 0.59), but acetate:propionate ratio was higher (P < 0.01) for hay (3.1) and soyhull diets (3.3) than for corn gluten feed (2.4) and wheat midd diets (2.4, SEM = 0.11). Ruminal ammonia (mg/100 mL) was lower (P < 0.01) for goats fed hay (15.4) and soyhull diets (11.6) than those fed corn gluten feed (25.2) and wheat midd diets (23.0, SEM = 1.35). Ruminal pH was lower for goats fed the by-products, but remained above 6. Serum urea nitrogen (mg/100 mL) averaged 21.0 ± 1.0 (P = 0.11) with soyhulls tending to be lowest (19.3) and corn gluten feed tending to be highest (22.8). Soyhulls, corn gluten feed, and wheat midds appear to be viable feed ingredients for meat goat diets.
Topography of the Acetylcholine Receptor Revealed by Fluorescence Energy Transfer

Fluorescence spectroscopy provides a valuable means by which the sites of ligand binding on the acetylcholine receptor can be better defined and related to overall receptor structure. The approach carries the inherent advantage that conformation can be monitored on a functional receptor. Also, fluorescence polarization, lifetimes, quantum yields, and spectral characteristics all yield information on molecular motion, the environment of the site occupied by the ligand and intersite distances on the receptor. We have employed these techniques with fluorescent α-toxins, agonists, reversible antagonists, and noncompetitive inhibitors to describe the topography of the receptor. Fluorescent α-toxins, conjugated at lysine 23, provide the initial frame of reference, and it was found that the α-toxin molecules bind towards the outer perimeter of the receptor. To further localize the agonist/antagonist sites of binding, dansylhexanoylcholine and decidium were employed as ligands. Fluorescence energy transfer between these ligands and the lysine 23-labeled α-toxin again show a substantial intersite distance separating the fluorophores. This is consistent with the agonist/antagonist binding site also being removed from the central axis of the molecule. Finally, ethidium has been employed as a ligand for the noncompetitive inhibitor binding site. Ethidium’s specificity has been established by direct binding measurements, competition with other noncompetitive inhibitors and fluorescence lifetime analysis. We observe a stoichiometry of one ethidium site per receptor where the binding is enhanced by agonist and is completely dissociated by phencyclidine or histrionicotoxin. Lifetime estimates, polarization measurements and wavelength dependences all indicate that ethidium is rigidly immobilized in a hydrophobic crevice. These findings suggest that a likely site for ethidium binding is between hydrophobic segments spanning the membrane portion of the channel rather than associating with in a water-lined channel. Energy transfer measurements also reveal distances between the agonist sites and noncompetitive inhibitor site that are consistent with this locus of binding.
The Effects of Stress Type, Vowel Identity, Baseline f0, and Loudness on the Relative Fundamental Frequency of Individuals With Healthy Voices.

Summary Objective Relative fundamental frequency (RFF) has been investigated as a possible acoustic measure to assess laryngeal tension. This study aimed to identify possible factors in RFF stimuli (stress type, vowel identity, baseline f0, and loudness) that might also affect RFF values. Methods Fifteen speakers with healthy voices produced short RFF stimuli (vowel-/f/-vowel; eg, /ɑfɑ/) in different conditions. They produced the stimuli with three different stress types and four different vowels. Participants also produced stimuli in three different baseline f0 conditions and three different loudness conditions. The mean RFF and within- and between-subject standard deviation (SD) of RFF were estimated for each stimuli condition. Results Stress type had a statistically significant effect on RFF means and within-subject SDs with a large effect size (P Conclusions This evidence suggests that stress type is the most important factor to consider in RFF measurement. We also conclude that RFF may be somewhat resistant to vowel variation and small differences in baseline f0 and loudness, which may be beneficial in clinical settings.
Age-Dependent Hemoglobin A1c Therapeutic Targets Reduce Diabetic Medication Changes in the Elderly

Objective: To assess whether implementation of age-dependent therapeutic targets for high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changed clinicians’ ordering of diabetes medications for older adults. Background: In 2016, Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) changed the therapeutic targets for alerting clinicians about high HbA1c results in the electronic health record, KP HealthConnect (KPHC). Previously, all HbA1c results ≥7.0 percent were flagged as high in adult patients with diabetes. Starting in 2016, HbA1c therapeutic targets were relaxed to Methods: This retrospective analysis used logistic regression models to calculate the change in odds of a medication change following an HbA1c result after age-dependent HbA1c flags were introduced. Results: The odds of medication change decreased among patients whose HbA1c targets were relaxed: Odds Ratio (OR) 0.72 (95 percent CI 0.67–0.76) for patients age 65–75 and HbA1c 7.0 percent–7.5 percent; OR 0.72 (95 percent CI 0.65–0.80) for patients over age 75 and HbA1c 7.0 percent–7.5 percent; and OR 0.67 (95 percent CI 0.61–0.75) for patients over age 75 and HbA1c 7.5 percent–8.0 percent. In the age and HbA1c ranges for which the alerts did not change, the odds of medication change generally increased or stayed the same. There was little evidence of medication de-intensification in any group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the change in therapeutic targets was associated with a reduction in medication intensification among older adults with diabetes.
Imaging and tracking mRNA in live mammalian cells via fluorogenic photoaffinity labeling

ABSTRACT Cellular RNA labeling using light-up aptamers that bind to and activate fluorogenic molecules has gained interest in recent years as an alternative to protein-based RNA labeling approaches. Aptamer-based systems are genetically encodable and cover the entire visible spectrum. However, the relatively weak nature of the non-covalent aptamer-fluorogen interaction limits the utility of these systems in that multiple copies of the aptamer are often required, and in most cases the aptamer must be expressed on a second scaffold such as a transfer RNA. We propose that these limitations can be averted through covalent RNA labeling, and here we describe a photoaffinity approach in which the aptamer ligand is functionalized with a photoactivatable reactive group such that irradiation with UV light results in covalent attachment to the RNA of interest. In addition to the robustness of the covalent linkage, this approach benefits from the ability to temporally control RNA labeling. To demonstrate this method, we incorporated a photoaffinity linker onto malachite green and fused the malachite green aptamer to a specific mRNA reporter of interest. We observed markedly improved sensitivity for fixed cell imaging of mRNA using this approach compared to in situ hybridization. Additionally, we demonstrate visualization of RNA dynamics in live cells using an mRNA having only a single copy of the aptamer, minimizing perturbation of the structure and localization. Our initial biological application utilizes the photoaffinity labeling approach to monitor RNA stress granule dynamics and we envision future application of this method for a wide range of investigations into the cellular localization, dynamics, and protein binding properties of cellular RNAs.
It Takes a Village: Understanding African American High School Students’ Self-Determination in School

The present study examined African American high school students’ perceptions of their development and use of self-determination skills (e.g., goal setting, choice/decision making, self-advocacy, e...
Assessment of the Learning Curve for Virtual Surgical Planning in Orbital Fractures

Virtual surgical planning (VSP) is becoming more widely used in maxillofacial reconstruction and can be surgeon-based or industry-based. Surgeon-based models require software training but allow surgeon autonomy. We evaluate the learning curve for VSP through a prospective cohort study in which planning times and accuracy of 7 otolaryngology residents with no prior VSP experience were compared to that of a proficient user after a single training protocol and 6 planning sessions for orbital fractures. The average planning time for the first session was 21 minutes 41 seconds ± 6 minutes 11 seconds with an average maximum deviation of 2.5 ± 0.8 mm in the lateral orbit and 2.3 ± 0.6 mm in the superior orbit. The average planning time for the last session was 13 minutes 5 seconds ± 10 minutes and 7 seconds with an average maximum deviation of 1.4 ± 0.5 mm in the lateral orbit and 1.3 ± 0.4 mm in the superior orbit. Novice users reduced planning time by 40% and decreased maximum deviation of plans by 44% and 43% in the lateral and superior orbits, respectively, approaching that of the proficient user. Virtual surgical planning has a quick learning curve and may be incorporated into surgical training.
Gait Generation for Damaged Hexapods using a Genetic Algorithm

This paper discusses the design and implementation of a Genetic Algorithm for the generation of gaits compensating for system damage on the joint level of a hexapod system. The hexapod base used for this algorithm consists of six three degree of freedom legs on a rectangular body. The purpose of this algorithm is to generate a gait such that when N motors become inoperable, as detected by the robot’s internal software, the system is able to continue moving about its environment. While algorithms like this have been implemented before, the generated gaits are a sequence of discrete foot positions. This work aims to generate continuous motions profiles for each joint of the leg rather than discrete foot positions. Previous works commonly disable an entire leg when damage occurs, instead this work aims to disable only individual joint motors.
Manufacturing Realities: Truth Is What You Can Get Away With

This chapter explains how Donald Trump utilizes the wrestling concept of kayfabe to forge his own reality. Kayfabe involves pretending an event, action, or activity is absolutely real, no matter how contrived or fabricated it happens to be in actuality. This chapter explores how manufacturing spaces impact perception. The chapter looks at the origins of modern professional wrestling within the circus and theater. The specialized language of wrestling comes directly from the circus, which also helped develop its theatrical mannerisms. It also explores others who have manufactured realities to help create and controls ideas within spaces. It looks at Disney parks, Dan Rice, John R. Brinkley, and Father Charles Coughlin. All three men (Rice, Brinkley, and Coughlin) had political ambitions and used their fame to help achieve them.
TRAINING VOLUME AND METHODS OF ATHLETES COMPETING AT A MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EVENT

This study surveyed 32 athletes competing at a mixed martial arts (MMA) event held in Butte, Montana. The survey attempted to gather information regarding overall training volume, supplement use, volume change and specific exercises used. The survey return rate was 100 percent (32/32). Twenty-five of 32 athletes supplemented their training with strength training. Overall frequency of strength training ranged from one to six sessions/week, and overall frequency of fighting-specific training sessions/week ranged from two to 10. Two of 32 athletes used/had used anabolic-androgenic steroids. Sixteen MMA athletes performed exercises specifically for the neck musculature, and eight used the power clean within their strength-training program. Results suggested that strength and conditioning specialists should educate MMA athletes regarding the importance of, volume variation and periodization, balanced training, effective exercises, and the side effects of anabolic androgenic steroid use.
A Guide to Higher Learning by Julie Chen, Flying Fish Press, Oakland, 2009.

is may not be a typical book review that readers of The College Mathematics Journal usually experience; however, the book in question is not a typical book. Meeting A Guide to Higher Learning (Figu...
A Brief History of Abduction Research

UFO abductions have been a part of the UFO phenomenon since the early years of public awareness of sightings. Although academics and scientists began to study UFO abduction, over the years cultural events and non–evidencebased theories provided barriers to academic and scientific inquiry into it. In spite of the lack of academic interest, the phenomenon continues unabated and unaffected by societal events.Keywords: abductions—academics—research
The Evolution of the Beatles Square: Mimicry of the West, or One Attempt Searching for the Identity of Ulaanbaatar City

The area of East Asia, which is mainly consist of countries like China, Mongolia, Korea and Japan, due to its overpopulation, urban growth and fascinating industrial progress, has become the subject of discussion of world science. As Asia accounts for over half the world's total population and Asian cities for over 40% worldwide urban population, this event is a major challenge for understanding globalization. East Asia is probably the only part of the world that has the intellectual power that can compete with Western-dominated civilization in the 21st century. The issue of this article is the urban structure of East Asian memorable urban communities that have developed over a period longer than a thousand years, despite the fact that noteworthy city-scapes have to a great extent vanished. In notable urban communities, the urban structure is an article whereupon the history and the way of life of the general public are reflected. In this way, one powerful method by which the exceptional socio-social characters of East Asian urban communities can be comprehended is a basic audit of their urbanism and design. Public squares play an important role in enhancing the image of a city as a tourist attraction. The Ulaanbaatar Beatles square is analyzed contextualizing the concept of urban icons in the period of Mongolian modernization, which a focus on the two successive political periods. This research offers reading public space where elements of architecture, public sculptures and mobiles, as well as the extent of participation point to (re) structuring identities. The process of creating an urban identity of a city reveals the conscientious effect of various social groups. The aim of this study also was to evaluate the Beatles Square space quality and the main characteristics such as physical environment (location of the square, climatic conditions, relationship with the surrounding structures, vehicle relation in terms of accessibility, landscape accessory and fixed elements, street furniture and lighting fixtures. The user's characteristics, which consist of two very important quality criteria, are also analyzed: functionality, usefulness and aesthetic value.
Decisional considerations for methadone uptake in Kyrgyz prisons: The importance of understanding context and providing accurate information.

Abstract Background The Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan) is one of few countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to provide methadone within its prisons, but uptake of this program has been suboptimal, in part because methadone uptake may have personal or social risks and consequences. Decision aids are evidence-based strategies that are designed to inform the patient's choice by objectively providing information that incorporates patient preferences. Methods We conducted qualitative interviews in Kyrgyz and Russian with currently and formerly incarcerated people (n = 36) in Kyrgyzstan from October 2016 to September 2018. Interviews explored factors influencing methadone utilization in prisons. Transcripts were coded by five researchers using content analysis. A secondary thematic analysis was conducted to determine factors specific to initiation or continuation of methadone treatment in prisons. Results We identified six interrelated themes affecting an individual's decision to initiate or continue methadone treatment: 1) informal prison governance (incarcerated people governing themselves); 2) informal prison economy; 3) perceived and objective benefits of methadone treatment; 4) perceived and objective side effects of methadone treatment; 5) distrust of formal prison administration (medical and correctional staff); and 6) desire for a “cure” from addiction. Conclusion Respondents’ perceptions about benefits, side effects, and addiction as a curable disease are not consistent with the available evidence. An evidence-based, informed decision-making aid would need to address the six themes identified here, of which several are specific to the Kyrgyz prison context. Unlike decision aids elsewhere, the unique aspects of incarceration itself alongside the informal governance system strongly present within Kyrgyz prisons will need to be incorporated into decisional processes to promote HIV prevention and treatment in a region with high rates of HIV transmission and mortality.
Discrete-Direct Model Calibration and Uncertainty Propagation Method Confirmed on Multi-Parameter Plasticity Model Calibrated to Sparse Random Field Data

AbstractA discrete direct (DD) model calibration and uncertainty propagation approach is explained and demonstrated on a 4-parameter Johnson-Cook (J-C) strain-rate dependent material strength model...
Confidence Men? Evidence on Confidence and Gender among Top Economists

Using data from economists working in top US universities, we find that women are less confident than men along three margins. When asked about their level of agreement on survey questions about the economy, women are less likely to provide a judgment than their male counterparts. Conditional on providing a judgment, women are less likely to give "extreme" answers in which they strongly agree or disagree. Women are also less confident in the accuracy of their answer. We show that the confidence gap is driven by women being less confident when asked questions outside their field of expertise.
“This is a patriotism check”: Political economy, corruption, and duty to America in the 2020 primary debates

The 2020 Democratic presidential primaries involved the largest and most diverse slate of candidates in the modern era of party nominee selection, a diversity that allowed some candidates to reject...
A myoma, a sarcoma, and a carcinoma developing in the same uterus

Abstract Myoma of the uterus is a very common condition; carcinoma of the uterus is fairly common, and sarcoma of the uterus is rare. It is exceedingly rare to have all three types of neoplasm arising in the same uterus and, in reviewing the literature, I have found only four such cases reported. Also, I have found only 20 cases reported of carcinoma and sarcoma coexisting in the same uterus. Probably this condition has occurred more frequently than one imagines, but due to diversified opinion of different pathologists the condition has not been recognized; in the future probably many more cases will be recorded as uterine tumors are studied more carefully. The object of this paper is to report a case in which a myoma, a sarcoma (spindle cell), and an adenocarcinoma occurred in the same uterus, with a brief review of the literature on this subject.