1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to medical devices, methods and systems for selectively contracting tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence arises in both men and women with varying degrees of severity, and from different causes. In men, the condition most frequently occurs as a result of prostatectomies which result in mechanical damage to the urethral sphincter. In women, the condition typically arises after pregnancy when musculoskeletal damage has occurred as a result of inelastic stretching of the structures which support the genitourinary tract. Specifically, pregnancy can result in inelastic stretching of the pelvic floor, the external sphincter, and the tissue structures which support the bladder and bladder neck region. In each of these cases, urinary leakage typically occurs when a patient""s abdominal pressure increases as a result of stress, e.g., coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise, or the like.
Treatment of urinary incontinence can take a variety of forms. Most simply, the patient can wear absorptive devices or clothing, which is often sufficient for minor leakage events. Alternatively or additionally, patients may undertake exercises intended to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic region, or may attempt a behavior modification intended to reduce the incidence of urinary leakage.
In cases where such non-interventional approaches are inadequate or unacceptable, the patient may undergo surgery to correct the problem. A wide variety of procedures have been developed to correct urinary incontinence in women. Several of these procedures are specifically intended to support the bladder neck region. For example, sutures, straps or other artificial structures are often looped around the bladder neck and affixed to the pelvis, the endopelvic fascia, the ligaments which support the bladder, or the like. Other procedures involve surgical injections of bulking agents, inflatable balloons, or other elements to mechanically support the bladder neck.
An alternative surgical procedure which is performed to enhance support of the bladder is the Kelly plication. This involves midline plication of the fascia, particularly for repair of central defects. In this transvaginal procedure, the endopelvic fascia from either side of the urethra is approximated and attached together using silk or linen suture. A similar procedure, anterior colporrhaphy, involves exposing the pubocervical fascia and reapproximating or plicating portions of this tissue from either side of the midline with absorbable sutures. While the Kelly plication and its variations are now often used for repair of cystocele, this procedure was originally described for the treatment of incontinence.
Each of these known procedures has associated shortcomings. Surgical operations which involve midline plications or direct suturing of the tissues of the urethra or bladder neck region require great skill and care to achieve the proper level of artificial support. In other words, it is necessary to occlude or support the tissue sufficiently to inhibit urinary leakage, but not so much that intentional voiding is made difficult or impossible. Balloons and other bulking agents which have been inserted can migrate or be absorbed by the body. The presence of such foreign body inserts can also be a source of urinary tract infections.
Alternative devices, systems, and methods for treatment of urinary incontinence have recently been proposed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/910,370, filed Aug. 13, 1997, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. This reference, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes techniques for treating urinary incontinence by applying sufficient energy to tissue structures that comprise or support the patient""s urethra so as to cause partial shrinkage of the tissue, and thereby inhibit incontinence. Hence, these techniques generally involve selectively contracting a patient""s own pelvic support tissues, often applying gentle heating of the collagenated endopelvic structures to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissues. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/910,775, filed Aug. 13, 1997, describes related non-invasive devices, methods and systems for shrinking of tissues and is also incorporated herein by reference.
While these new methods for treatment of incontinence by selectively contracting tissues represent a significant advancement in the art, still further improvements would be desirable for treating urinary incontinence in men and women. In particular, it would be desirable to provide devices and therapies to reliably and repeatably contract tissues so as to effect the intended physiological change. It would be best if these improved techniques and structures could provide reliable results independent of the normal variations in the skill and experience of the surgeon. It would further be desirable if these improved techniques could be performed using minimally invasive techniques so as to reduce patient trauma, while retaining and/or enhancing the overall efficacy of the procedure.
2. Description of the Background Art
The following U.S. patents and other publications may be relevant to the present invention: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,453,536; 4,679,561; 4,765,331; 4,802,479; 5,190,517; 5,281,217; 5,293,869; 5,314,465; 5,314,466; 5,370,675; 5,423,811; 5,458,596; 5,496,312; 5,514,130; 5,536,267; 5,569,242; 5,588,960; 5,697,882; 5,697,909; and PCT Published Application No. WO 97/20510.
The present invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. The techniques of the present invention generally enhance the support provided by the natural tissues of the pelvic floor. Rather than relying entirely on the surgeon""s ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of these tissues, the present invention makes use of tissue contraction systems which are placed statically against the target tissue, and which direct sufficient energy into the tissue so as to inhibit incontinence or the like.
In the preferred embodiment, a thin semi-rigid or rigid credit card shaped device is inserted and urged flat against the endopelvic fascia. An array of electrodes is distributed across a treatment surface of the device, and the treatment surface will often be offset laterally from the urethra to avoid injury to the urinary sphincter or other delicate tissues. The treatment surface will often engage a relatively large area of the endopelvic fascia, and will be held in a static position against this tissue while the electrodes are energized under computer control. The electrodes heat and shrink the engaged endopelvic fascia with minimal collateral damage to the surrounding fascia and tissues, while the device structure and controller will together generally avoid ablation of the engaged endopelvic fascia.
Advantageously, sufficient shrinkage can be provided by the device in the static position so that no additional heating/tissue contraction treatments may be required to the endopelvic fascia on the engaged side of the urethra. Hence, the present invention can take advantage of automated energy delivery circuits and/or selectable contraction probes having treatment surfaces of a variety of selectable sizes and shapes so as to predictably contract the target tissue, rather than relying entirely on a surgeon""s skill to contract the proper amount of tissue, for example, by manually xe2x80x9cpaintingxe2x80x9d a small electrode along the tissue surface, and may also reduce fouling along the electrode/tissue interface.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for use in a therapy for inhibiting incontinence. The therapy effects a desired contraction of a discrete target region within an endopelvic support tissue. The method comprises engaging a surface of a probe against the target region of the endopelvic support tissue. Energy is directed from an array of transmission elements disposed on the probe surface into the support tissue so as to effect the desired contraction of the target region. The energy directing step is performed without moving the probe.
The energy directing step will often comprise transmitting the energy across a probe surface/tissue interface having a length of at least 10 mm and a width of at least 5 mm. The energy will be sufficient to contract the endopelvic support tissue with minimal damage to underlying tissue. In the exemplary embodiment, the energy directing step comprises applying bipolar electrical energy between a plurality of electrode pairs.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for use in a therapy for incontinence. The incontinence therapy includes effecting a desired contraction of an endopelvic fascia. The endopelvic fascia is composed of a left portion and a right portion. The method comprises accessing a first target region along the left or right portion of the endopelvic fascia. The first target region is offset laterally from the urethra. A probe surface is positioned against the first target region, and energy is directed from the positioned probe surface into the first target region so as to effect the desired contraction of the left or right portion of the endopelvic fascia. This energy is directed without moving the positioned probe surface.
Generally, a second target region along the other portion of the endopelvic fascia will also be accessed. The second region is offset laterally from the urethra, so that the urethra is disposed between, and separated from, the first and second target portions. Energy is directed from a probe surface into the second region so as to effect the desired contraction of the other portion without moving the probe surface. These energy directing steps may optionally be performed simultaneously, or may be performed sequentially by moving the probe from one side to the other. A protective zone of the probe surface can be aligned with the urethra to ensure that energy is not inadvertently transmitted from the treatment surface to this delicate tissue structure. Such alignment may be facilitated by introducing a catheter into the urethra.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for selectively contracting a target tissue. The method comprises aligning a treatment surface of a probe with a first portion of the target tissue. The treatment surface has a peripheral portion and an interior portion. Energy is directed from the treatment surface into the first portion of target tissue so as to contract the first portion. Contraction of the first portion draws a second portion of the target tissue into alignment with the peripheral portion of the treatment surface. Energy can then be selectively directed from the peripheral portion of the treatment surface into the second portion of the target tissue. Advantageously, this allows tissue which was brought into alignment with the probe during the beginning of the treatment to be heated and contracted as it is drawn under the electrodes without over-treatment of the previously contracted tissue.
In another aspect, the invention provides a device for effecting a desired contraction of a discrete target region of a tissue. The target region has a target region size and shape. The device comprises a probe having a treatment surface with a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the target region. At least one element is disposed along the treatment surface for transmitting energy from the treatment surface to the target region without moving the probe such that the energy effects the desired contraction.
In another aspect, the invention provides a device for effecting contraction of a target fascial tissue. The target tissue has a fascial surface. The device comprises a probe body having a treatment surface. The treatment surface is oriented for engaging the fascial surface, and has a length of at least about 10 mm and a width of at least about 5 mm. The probe body is at least semi-rigid. An array of electrodes are distributed over the target treatment surface for transmitting energy into the engaged target tissue without moving the probe, such that the energy contracts the target tissue.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a device for contracting a target tissue having a tissue surface. The device comprises a probe having a treatment surface oriented for engaging the tissue surface of the target tissue. An electrode is disposed on the treatment surface of the probe, and is engageable against the target tissue surface so as to contract the engaged target tissue from an initial size to a contracted size. The electrode comprises a peripheral portion and an interior portion. The interior portion has an area corresponding to the contracted size of the tissue. The peripheral portion is energizeable independently from the interior portion. This advantageous structure allows the tissue immediately surrounding the contracted tissue to be heated and contracted without overtreating (and imposing unnecessary trauma) on the previously contracted tissue.


Richard Sylvan

Richard Sylvan (13 December 1935 – 16 June 1996) was a philosopher, logician, and environmentalist.

Biography
Sylvan was born Francis Richard Routley in Levin, New Zealand, and his early work is cited with this surname. He studied at Victoria University College of the University of New Zealand (now Victoria University of Wellington), and then Princeton University, before taking positions successively at several Australian institutions, including the University of Sydney. From 1971 until his death in Bali, Indonesia, he was a fellow at the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Sylvan was married to the philosopher/environmentalist Val Routley (later, Val Plumwood), with whom he worked closely for twenty years before their separation in 1982. After his divorce from Plumwood, he married Louise Sylvan (née Mirlin) in 1983 and adopted the last name Sylvan (an English word meaning "of the forest") to reflect his love of the forest and commitment to environmentalism.

Work in logic and metaphysics
Sylvan was instrumental in the development and study of relevance logic. In 1972, Sylvan (in a paper co-authored with Plumwood) proposed a semantics for certain relevant logics that had been developed by American philosophers Nuel Belnap and Alan Ross Anderson. Together with Robert K. Meyer, Routley turned this into a semantics for a large number of logical systems.
Their work in logic work helped make ANU a center for the study of non-classical logic in general. Routley's work had particular influence for Graham Priest, a well-known proponent of non-classical logic; Sylvan and Priest edited a well-regarded volume on the topic. Priest in turn influenced Sylvan; they met in 1976 at the Australasian Association of Logic conference in Canberra at a time when Sylvan was doing novel work on dialetheism — the view that some contradictions are true. Not long after meeting Priest, then investigating a logic capable of handling such true contradictions, Sylvan also endorsed the view.

Sylvan's studies ranged over a variety of topics in logic and the philosophy of logic. He wrote important papers on free logic, general modal logic, and natural deduction systems. However, much of his most important work in logic was dedicated to relevant logic, for which he authored numerous papers (both technical and expository).

From early in his career (and for many years after), Sylvan defended a sophisticated Meinong-inspired ontology (which he called "noneism"), first presented in his 1966 paper, "Some Things Do Not Exist." After several more papers in the 1970s, the theory was given a book-length treatment in 1980, Exploring Meinong's Jungle and Beyond. The view—also defended in recent years by Priest—utilizes a modal theory including "impossible worlds" to deal with supposed objects, like the "round square." Sylvan's formulation is logically consistent, and avoids certain paradoxes associated with Meinong's original ontology; although, like many Meinongian views, it faces criticism due to its presumed ontological implausibility.

Environmental ethics and politics

Outside of logic and metaphysics, Sylvan was a proponent of so-called deep environmental ethics in the study of environmental ethics (following shallow/deep distinction formulated by Arne Næss). In his important 1973 paper "Is There a Need for a New, an Environmental, Ethic?", he defended a then-unorthodox account of the intrinsic value of the non-human, natural world. For this he was sometimes considered a defender of deep ecology, but he was in fact very critical of much of the domain.

Beginning in the 1970s, Sylvan published several other notable articles and books on environmental ethics and issues, and he co-authored the 1994 book The Greening of Ethics with David Bennett. From his work in environmental ethics, Sylvan took an interest in anarchism, contributing an often-cited entry on the subject to A Companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy.

References

External links

 Richard Sylvan on Nonexistent Objects

Category:Green anarchists
Category:1935 births
Category:1996 deaths
Category:Princeton University alumni
Category:Australian anarchists
Category:Australian philosophers
Category:New Zealand logicians
Category:Environmental ethics
Category:People from Levin, New Zealand


Menu

Corners and Cattails

Teresa came to me after she saw one my ribbon corner invitations on the website. She wanted the same invitation in her colors — we used a sapphire blue metallic backing and navy blue wide grosgrain ribbon with ivory pearl top invite layer. And, she wanted to incorporate a Chesapeake touch…cattails. The wedding is going to place at their home on a river that leads to the Chesapeake. We really loved this invitation and thought it was perfect for our area! Enjoy!


Managing Manure Storage Structures During Wet Weather

During excessively high rainfall periods Iowa producers with open manure storages should closely monitor manure levels to prevent these structures from over-topping.

If manure levels in storage ponds or tanks approach full capacity producers should make plans to remove manure from these structures. The over-topping of bermed earthen storage ponds and lagoons could result in breaching of earthen berms and loss of the structures. Producers should transfer manure from full storage structures to alternative storage if available during saturated soil conditions since land application of manure to saturated soils could result in run-off into surface waters.

If no alternative storage is available producers should contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to discuss emergency wet-weather land application before allowing a storage tank or pond to overflow. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) suggests that producers should contact their local field office if manure levels reach one foot below the top of a concrete or steel structure, or within two feet of the top of an earthen bermed structure.


/**
 * Copyright Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
 * SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0.
 */

#pragma once
#include <aws/athena/Athena_EXPORTS.h>
#include <aws/athena/AthenaRequest.h>
#include <aws/core/utils/memory/stl/AWSString.h>
#include <utility>

namespace Aws
{
namespace Athena
{
namespace Model
{

  /**
   */
  class AWS_ATHENA_API GetWorkGroupRequest : public AthenaRequest
  {
  public:
    GetWorkGroupRequest();

    // Service request name is the Operation name which will send this request out,
    // each operation should has unique request name, so that we can get operation's name from this request.
    // Note: this is not true for response, multiple operations may have the same response name,
    // so we can not get operation's name from response.
    inline virtual const char* GetServiceRequestName() const override { return "GetWorkGroup"; }

    Aws::String SerializePayload() const override;

    Aws::Http::HeaderValueCollection GetRequestSpecificHeaders() const override;

    /**
     *
The name of the workgroup.

     */
    inline const Aws::String& GetWorkGroup() const{ return m_workGroup; }

    /**
     *
The name of the workgroup.

     */
    inline bool WorkGroupHasBeenSet() const { return m_workGroupHasBeenSet; }

    /**
     *
The name of the workgroup.

     */
    inline void SetWorkGroup(const Aws::String& value) { m_workGroupHasBeenSet = true; m_workGroup = value; }

    /**
     *
The name of the workgroup.

     */
    inline void SetWorkGroup(Aws::String&& value) { m_workGroupHasBeenSet = true; m_workGroup = std::move(value); }

    /**
     *
The name of the workgroup.

     */
    inline void SetWorkGroup(const char* value) { m_workGroupHasBeenSet = true; m_workGroup.assign(value); }

    /**
     *
The name of the workgroup.

     */
    inline GetWorkGroupRequest& WithWorkGroup(const Aws::String& value) { SetWorkGroup(value); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The name of the workgroup.

     */
    inline GetWorkGroupRequest& WithWorkGroup(Aws::String&& value) { SetWorkGroup(std::move(value)); return *this;}

    /**
     *
The name of the workgroup.

     */
    inline GetWorkGroupRequest& WithWorkGroup(const char* value) { SetWorkGroup(value); return *this;}

  private:

    Aws::String m_workGroup;
    bool m_workGroupHasBeenSet;
  };

} // namespace Model
} // namespace Athena
} // namespace Aws


DHARWAD, India: The recent demise of Vishwaaradhya Siddalingaiah Hiremath (77) who is said to have died of his own accord here, has triggered a debate as to whether self- willed-death could be considered as another form of euthanasia in order to circumvent legal hassles or a glorification of natural death.

According to Hiremath’s family sources, Hiremath was said to have prescribed a certain timing for his death including the date and had also made arrangements for his cremation at his native village Byahatti. Besides, he insisted that his near and dear ones not grieve before and after his departure.

Refusing to call the doctor on Sunday morning as he developed stomach-ache, he calmly went to bed to breathe his last, after his brother poured a handful of water into his mouth.

Hiremath’s grandfather Rachaiah Hiremath too is said to have died in a similar self willed manner sixty years ago.

Hiremath’s family had traditionally been entrusted to supervise the routines in Srimadh Kashi Gnana Simhasana Jangamawadimath in the village, which has a history of 800 years. This legacy might have influenced Hiremath to decide upon a self willed-death.

According to Shivashankar Pol , a psychiatrist, the phenomenon of willed-death was a co-incidence.

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Assisted-Dying BlogWeblog of Derek Humphry, founder of the Hemlock Society & author of Final Exit, serving the rights of competent, terminally ill adults for 30 years
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1,4,6-Androstatriene-3,17-dione

1,4,6-Androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD) is a potent irreversible aromatase inhibitor that inhibits estrogen biosynthesis by permanently binding and inactivating aromatase in adipose and peripheral tissue.  It is used to control estrogen synthesis.

ATD was present in some over-the-counter bodybuilding supplements until 2009 as well as Topical ATD solutions that work transdermally.  The product was developed and commercialized in the dietary supplement market place by industry journeyman, Bruce Kneller who holds a United States Patent for use of the compound and related compounds (#7,939,517) and Gaspari Nutrition.   ATD has many names in sports supplements including: 1,4,6 etiollochan-dione, 3, 17-keto-etiochol-triene, androst-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione and many others.  These all refer to CAS# 633-35-2.

ATD may cause a positive test for the anabolic steroid boldenone, of which it is a possible metabolite and production contaminant and is also prohibited in amateur and professional sports which forbids aromatase inhibitors.

A related agent is exemestane (Aromasin).

References

Further reading

Category:Androstanes
Category:Aromatase inhibitors
Category:Bodybuilding supplements
Category:Diketones


Earlier this year, Matthew Rascoff was named associate vice provost for digital education and innovation. The Chronicle sat down with Rascoff to discuss the outlook for online learning and digital education initiatives at the University. This interview has been edited for clarity.

The Chronicle: In your time at Duke thus far, what have you noticed were some of the University’s strengths in terms of digital education initiatives and where did you see a need for improvement?

Matthew Rascoff: I think the culture is really innovative here. I think there’s a reputation that we got where we are now by being more willing to change and more forward looking in our outlook relative to our peer institutions. There’s a certain nimbleness and creativity and willingness to experiment in the culture here that is distinctive. In the digital sphere, you saw this in the iPad in the classroom project. You also saw it in the digital humanities, which Duke is a leader in, and obviously in our online success—we’re one of the top institutions in online learning today. We have 4.7 million learners and that is a huge credit to Duke and its leadership.

I think the challenges for us now are about making that work more strategic for the institution and bringing it more into the core of what we do. The way I think about that is in terms of different audiences that are important for us from serving prospective students more effectively and giving them opportunities to understand what we offer here as well as to start learning with us before they arrive. Other upcoming challenges I see include enabling more co-curricular learning, giving students the flexibility for more learning inside and outside of class and serving our alumni’s needs for re-skilling and reconnecting with learning communities.

TC: How does Duke’s work on the digital education front compare to that of its peer universities?

MR: One thing that really strikes me as distinctive is that 83 percent of Duke students add to their major a second major, minor or certificate. So there’s kind of an interdisciplinary education hacking culture here. Students take ownership of the opportunities that are presented here. For me, this is a wonderfully fertile ground on which to work because it means that students are eager for more learning opportunities as well as to personalize their learning opportunities. I think we can support this very well through digital in a way that enhances the learning opportunities we offer and supports the heart of the liberal arts and residential experience that undergraduates expect. This is what really stands out. No other peer institution of Duke has double majoring or major-minoring percentages at a level anything close to what Duke has.

TC: How has the University differed from your expectations?

MR: I knew the University pretty well. One thing that was a pleasant surprise is that there’s an emerging undergraduate community that’s really interested in education and innovation. I am very drawn to them, and I think they’re drawn to us because they’re excited by the challenges of the next generation of learning experiences. Some of them have become interns on my team now, and many of them have educational interests in both computer science and education. A lot of new ideas are coming out of technology, not that they’re about technology, but they’re coming out of technology. These students are looking to integrate their skills into the context of a curriculum. I was surprised we haven’t had interns on the team in seven years.

TC: The Chronicle has written recently about the growth in enrollment in the computer science department. Some students have spoken about wanting to see changes in how those classes are structured and taught. What will your work with that department look like in order to address some of these concerns?

MR: Here’s the thing: I think there is some new thinking that’s coming to computer science. It’s exciting. It’s actively underway. There’s also an enormous ecosytem of co-curricular learning opportunities at Duke. It’s in Roots courses at the [Innovation] Co-Lab, it’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, it’s in Data+. There’s dozens of co-curricular learning opportunities to get tech skills outside the tech curriculum. That’s where I think there’s a ton of opportunity.

It’s now become quite a mature ecosystem. We have the challenges of maturity. We don’t necessarily need to add a lot more programs we need to provide more of a pipeline among the programs to say here’s a good path you might consider going from The Foundry to Co-Lab to Innovation and Entrepreneurship to commercializing a product. These are the challenges we have now—building more of a pattern students can recognize in those programs from students who came before them but to do that in a way that doesn’t squelch what’s so interesting and desirable in the student-driven innovative aspect of co-curricular learning. That’s a very delicate balance to strike. I think that’s where some of the opportunities arise, building in some of the model pathways, building in some of the reflective exercises that allow you to reflect.

TC: What do you think it takes to build in some of those model pathways and reflective structures?

MR: There’s a team that’s trying to figure that out now [task force convened by Tracy Futhey, vice president and chief information officer of the Office of Information Technology]. I don’t know the answer to that. One hypothesis I have is that there’s too much friction in moving from one experience to another, and we could reduce the transaction costs of moving across those co-curricular learning opportunities.

What if we had just one standardized application—and you checked off all of the things you were interested in, you pre-applied? Not every program has to have its own recommendation and CV, we just add a lot of steps. What if there was just one admissions process, and it was sort of like the Common [Application] for all of the co-curricular learning opportunities that you do at Duke? When you do something like that you could imagine a cohort that moves through some of these programs together. So they’re still self-paced, and they’re still student-driven.

TC: President Vincent Price is a big proponent of online learning. That’s been met with some pushback from students. What do you say to that opposition?

MR: I think the heart of the residential liberal arts experience at Duke is essential and strong. We’re not going do anything to dilute that residential nature of what you get as an undergraduate here. However, I do think there are a lot of opportunities to enhance it and to support it and to grant more flexibility to learners.

To give just one example, half of Duke undergraduates go abroad but only a quarter of Pratt undergraduates do. Why? Because they typically cannot get the courses that they need at the study abroad sites we offer in order to stay on track to the engineering degrees which are very demanding—many of the engineering majors require sixteen courses. We can’t offer the courses that they need to go abroad.

We could give more global and cosmopolitan learning experiences for all of our undergraduates who want it and not reserve it for people who are in the majors that offer courses at our study abroad sites which is kind of arbitrary. I see that as a clear enhancement. I would never mandate that you go abroad, I would never mandate that you take online courses if you go abroad, in many cases those courses might be best delivered in a blended format and not a hybrid format. So you have a local discussion section with other students who are in those courses, but there’s a faculty member back in Durham who’s guiding. That’s one example I can think of for how we can strengthen the Duke experience through more flexibility. Serving prospective students online is a great way to address the challenges of socioeconomic diversity at Duke. We can reach learners wherever they are in the country which would allow us to create a more diverse applicant pool.


[The first hearing aid increases mental capacity. Open controlled clinical trial as a pilot study].
According to the scientific literature, a hearing impairment which is acquired late reduces mental efficiency. To determine by empirical examination whether hearing aids increase mental efficiency. PERSONS AND METHODS: An open controlled application study was carried out on the capacity of working memory in 15 first users of hearing aids. The working memory's capacity in the 15 users (age: 72+/-12 years; six females; crystallized IQ: 100+/-13; test-retest period: 74+/-35 days) increased 13+/-19% (IQ-increment 3.4+/-6.3 points), while the capacity of the 15 controls (age: 71+/-11 years; seven females; crystallized IQ: 103+/-12; test-retest period: 58+/-21 days) remained unchanged: 0+/-12% (IQ-change: -0.3+/-5.1 points). The difference between the samples is significant (p=0.012 one-tailed). The visually and auditively administered subtests yielded equal changes. According to self-reports, the daily wearing time was 6.7+/-3.5 h. Daily wearing times of the hearing aids (self-reports) of between 4-8 h showed the multiple IQ-gain compared to lesser or longer times. The audiometric gain in hearing without noise on the right (rho=0.58; significant), left (0.48; not significant), and on both sides (0.68; significant) correlated with IQ-gain. Under a more favourable usage a still more striking benefit is to be expected in mental efficiency.


Q:

Publishing .NET MVC website to MONO on Synology NAS

I'm not able to figure out how I can host a simple MVC 4 or MVC 3 website to my Synology DS413J.
I installed MONO V2.11, this is still in beta on the Synology. After installing and running this I went to Control panel> applications> web services and activated Enable web station and enable personal website int he web services tab.
After enabeling this you will have more folders in your directory. You can place your .html pages in the web folder and you will be able to access them from another computer.
Then I just made a simple C# MVC application where the view has "hello world".
I published this NAS/web/test. If I put and simple html file in this location I can run the page from my browser on another computer. If I go to http://ip/test/
I get the message "Sorry, the page you are looking for is not found." Note. The ip doesn't has a port defined because its default 80.
I know in IIS you need to define the path in a config file, maybe I still need to do this on my Synology but I have no idea how. Also didn't find a lot of information on this topic for Synology file systems.
How can I host a .NET website on my Synology DS413J?

A:

there is a Mono (Beta) Package Version 3.4.0-1 on Synocommunity. Don't forget to enable Beta-Packages in your Synology Package Center Settings. Otherwise you won't see these packages.


from twitch.conf import credentials_from_config_file
from twitch.constants import (
    PERIODS,
    PERIOD_ALL,
    VIDEO_SORTS,
    VIDEO_SORT_TIME,
    VIDEO_TYPES,
    VIDEO_TYPE_ALL,
)
from twitch.exceptions import TwitchAttributeException
from twitch.helix.base import APICursor, APIGet
from twitch.resources import Clip, Follow, Game, Stream, StreamMetadata, Video

class TwitchHelix(object):
    """
    Twitch Helix API
    """

    def __init__(self, client_id=None, oauth_token=None):
        self._client_id = client_id
        self._oauth_token = oauth_token

        if not client_id:
            self._client_id, self._oauth_token = credentials_from_config_file()

    def get_streams(
        self,
        after=None,
        before=None,
        community_ids=None,
        page_size=20,
        game_ids=None,
        languages=None,
        user_ids=None,
        user_logins=None,
    ):

        if community_ids and len(community_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException(
                "Maximum of 100 Community IDs can be supplied"
            )
        if game_ids and len(game_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 Game IDs can be supplied")
        if languages and len(languages) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 languages can be supplied")
        if user_ids and len(user_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 User IDs can be supplied")
        if user_logins and len(user_logins) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException(
                "Maximum of 100 User login names can be supplied"
            )
        if page_size > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum number of objects to return is 100")

        params = {
            "after": after,
            "before": before,
            "community_id": community_ids,
            "first": page_size,
            "game_id": game_ids,
            "language": languages,
            "user_id": user_ids,
            "user_login": user_logins,
        }

        return APICursor(
            client_id=self._client_id,
            oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
            path="streams",
            resource=Stream,
            params=params,
        )

    def get_games(self, game_ids=None, names=None):
        if game_ids and len(game_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 Game IDs can be supplied")
        if names and len(names) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 Game names can be supplied")

        params = {
            "id": game_ids,
            "name": names,
        }
        return APIGet(
            client_id=self._client_id,
            oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
            path="games",
            resource=Game,
            params=params,
        ).fetch()

    def get_clips(
        self,
        broadcaster_id=None,
        game_id=None,
        clip_ids=None,
        after=None,
        before=None,
        page_size=20,
    ):
        if not broadcaster_id and not clip_ids and not game_id:
            raise TwitchAttributeException(
                "At least one of the following parameters must be provided "
                "[broadcaster_id, clip_ids, game_id]"
            )
        if clip_ids and len(clip_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 Clip IDs can be supplied")
        if page_size > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum number of objects to return is 100")

        params = {
            "broadcaster_id": broadcaster_id,
            "game_id": game_id,
            "id": clip_ids,
            "after": after,
            "before": before,
        }

        if broadcaster_id or game_id:
            params["first"] = page_size

            return APICursor(
                client_id=self._client_id,
                oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
                path="clips",
                resource=Clip,
                params=params,
            )

        else:
            return APIGet(
                client_id=self._client_id,
                oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
                path="clips",
                resource=Clip,
                params=params,
            ).fetch()

    def get_top_games(self, after=None, before=None, page_size=20):
        if page_size > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum number of objects to return is 100")

        params = {
            "after": after,
            "before": before,
            "first": page_size,
        }

        return APICursor(
            client_id=self._client_id,
            oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
            path="games/top",
            resource=Game,
            params=params,
        )

    def get_videos(
        self,
        video_ids=None,
        user_id=None,
        game_id=None,
        after=None,
        before=None,
        page_size=20,
        language=None,
        period=PERIOD_ALL,
        sort=VIDEO_SORT_TIME,
        video_type=VIDEO_TYPE_ALL,
    ):
        if video_ids and len(video_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 Video IDs can be supplied")

        params = {
            "id": video_ids,
            "user_id": user_id,
            "game_id": game_id,
        }

        if user_id or game_id:
            if page_size > 100:
                raise TwitchAttributeException(
                    "Maximum number of objects to return is 100"
                )
            if period not in PERIODS:
                raise TwitchAttributeException(
                    "Invalid value for period. Valid values are {}".format(PERIODS)
                )
            if sort not in VIDEO_SORTS:
                raise TwitchAttributeException(
                    "Invalid value for sort. Valid values are {}".format(VIDEO_SORTS)
                )
            if video_type not in VIDEO_TYPES:
                raise TwitchAttributeException(
                    "Invalid value for video_type. Valid values are {}".format(
                        VIDEO_TYPES
                    )
                )

            params["after"] = after
            params["before"] = before
            params["first"] = page_size
            params["language"] = language
            params["period"] = period
            params["sort"] = sort
            params["type"] = video_type

            return APICursor(
                client_id=self._client_id,
                oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
                path="videos",
                resource=Video,
                params=params,
            )
        else:
            return APIGet(
                client_id=self._client_id,
                oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
                path="videos",
                resource=Video,
                params=params,
            ).fetch()

    def get_streams_metadata(
        self,
        after=None,
        before=None,
        community_ids=None,
        page_size=20,
        game_ids=None,
        languages=None,
        user_ids=None,
        user_logins=None,
    ):

        if community_ids and len(community_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException(
                "Maximum of 100 Community IDs can be supplied"
            )
        if game_ids and len(game_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 Game IDs can be supplied")
        if languages and len(languages) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 languages can be supplied")
        if user_ids and len(user_ids) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum of 100 User IDs can be supplied")
        if user_logins and len(user_logins) > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException(
                "Maximum of 100 User login names can be supplied"
            )
        if page_size > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum number of objects to return is 100")

        params = {
            "after": after,
            "before": before,
            "community_id": community_ids,
            "first": page_size,
            "game_id": game_ids,
            "language": languages,
            "user_id": user_ids,
            "user_login": user_logins,
        }

        return APICursor(
            client_id=self._client_id,
            oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
            path="streams/metadata",
            resource=StreamMetadata,
            params=params,
        )

    def get_user_follows(self, after=None, page_size=20, from_id=None, to_id=None):
        if not from_id and not to_id:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("from_id or to_id must be provided.")
        if page_size > 100:
            raise TwitchAttributeException("Maximum number of objects to return is 100")

        params = {
            "after": after,
            "first": page_size,
            "from_id": from_id,
            "to_id": to_id,
        }

        return APICursor(
            client_id=self._client_id,
            oauth_token=self._oauth_token,
            path="users/follows",
            resource=Follow,
            params=params,
        )


"There's been a surge in merchandise that historically was little more than T-shirts and mugs," said Brett Eden, the U.'s director of licensing and marketing. "But during the past four years, we've seen record growth with manufacturers creating products. Now, we have everything from licensed coffins (with a U. logo) to barbecue sauce."

Manufacturers typically pay a 12 percent royalty fee to the U. and 9 percent to BYU, based on what each school has decided to charge. Although BYU's fee is lower, four years ago the university raised the price from 7.5 percent. Fees are based on the item's wholesale value, which brings in from $500,000 to $750,000 annually to the U. (BYU, a private school, keeps that information private.) Royalties paid to the U. go into athletic scholarships and at BYU to scholarships and other school programs.

It is retailers, however, that reap the bulk of the profits from university-themed products, with the U. estimating a take of $20 million to $30 million a year from Ute-branded items.

"That's OK [because] we see ourselves as being a partner in communities," said Eden. "We want to help local businesses succeed, and this is a relatively easy way to do it."

More retailers are getting in on the action. College bookstores, the traditional outlet for merchandise, have been joined by big-box outlets such as Walmart, midlevel players such as Smith's's Food & Drug stores and smaller operators such as the new U Rivals store at The Gateway in Salt Lake City.

U Rivals opened this week, selling Ute and Cougar merchandise in time for the BYU-Utah football game Saturday evening.

"This is, after all, one of the top 10 rivalries in the country," said Joe Bunt, one of four partners in U Rivals. "There's a lot of loyalty to each school."

The U. tops BYU in royalties received, capturing the No. 39 spot to the Cougar's No. 50 ranking by the The Collegiate Licensing Co., the nation's the oldest and largest school licensing agency, representing nearly 200 colleges, universities, bowl games and conferences.

The University of Texas at Austin is in the No. 1 spot in royalty payments. Nike USA Inc., once known exclusively for athletic shoes, is the top-selling company for collegiate clothing, while the California video game company EA Sports (which has operations in the Salt Lake Valley) sells the most non-apparel merchandise.

Adam Parker, licensing and trademark manager at BYU, said that sales naturally pick up before each home game. There's also heightened interest when the Cougars beat the Utes. That hasn't happened since 2009, when BYU defeated the U. 26-23, in overtime.

BYU, owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also may have a wider base of fans, Parker said, with members worldwide rooting for the team. He is unsure how that factors into merchandise sales.

The Cougar-Ute rivalry plays out in interesting ways between the two schools' licensing directors. Eden likes to say he enjoys wearing a Ute T-shirt in BYU's home territory of Utah County "just to see the reaction." BYU's Parker is quick to point out that Eden is a Cougar alum. The two have helped each other move (both live in northern Utah County) and they regularly attend trade shows together.

Next week, Eden will join Parker in Boise for a game at Boise State University  where Parker is a Broncos alum. BSU's opponent is BYU.

Based on royalties received for collegiate merchandise. Here's a selected breakdown:

No. 1 • University of Texas at Austin

2 • University of Alabama

3 • University of Florida

4 • University of Michigan

5 • Louisiana State University

6 • University of Kentucky

7 • University of Georgia

8 • University of North Carolina

9 • University of Oklahoma

10 • University of Notre Dame

30 • Arizona State University

31 • Boise State University

32 • University of Arizona

36 • Oregon State University

39 • University of Utah

41 • Washington State University

50 • Brigham Young University

Source: The Collegiate Licensing Co.

Free events Friday, the day before Utah-BYU game

Cougars • At 7 p.m., BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall, wife Holly and members of the BYU football team will participate in an hourlong devotional at Temple Square's Assembly Hall in Salt Lake City.

Utes • At 6 p.m. a parade will begin at The Gateway mall, starting at Rio Grande St. and finishing at Olympic Fountain Plaza for a pep rally featuring the Marching Band, Cheer Squad, Dance Team and Swoop.

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