cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of newer self‐monitoring technology and brief phone‐based intervention on weight loss: A randomized pilot study

Objective Despite the proliferation of newer self-monitoring technology (e.g., activity monitors and smartphone apps), their impact on weight loss outside of structured in-person behavioral intervention is unknown. Methods A randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted to examine efficacy of self-monitoring technology, with and without phone-based intervention, on 6-month weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity. Eighty participants were randomized to receive standard self-monitoring tools (ST, n = 26), technology-based self-monitoring tools (TECH, n = 27), or technology-based tools combined with phone-based intervention (TECH + PHONE, n = 27). All participants attended one introductory weight loss session and completed assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Weight loss from baseline to 6 months differed significantly between groups P = 0.042; there was a trend for TECH + PHONE (−6.4 ± 1.2 kg) to lose more weight than ST (−1.3 ± 1.2 kg); weight loss in TECH (−4.1 ± 1.4 kg) was between ST and TECH + PHONE. Fewer ST (15%) achieved ≥5% weight losses compared with TECH and TECH + PHONE (44%), P = 0.039. Adherence to self-monitoring caloric intake was higher in TECH + PHONE than TECH or ST, Ps < 0.05. Conclusions These results suggest use of newer self-monitoring technology plus brief phone-based intervention improves adherence and weight loss compared with traditional self-monitoring tools. Further research should determine cost-effectiveness of adding phone-based intervention when providing self-monitoring technology.
Intervening with couples: assessing contraceptive outcomes in a randomized pregnancy and HIV/STD risk reduction intervention trial.

Purpose This study assessed the contraceptive outcomes of the Partners Against Risk-Taking: A Networking, Evaluation and Research Study (PARTNERS). The PARTNERS project developed and evaluated a 3-session intervention to help young women and their male partners reduce their risk for unintended pregnancies, and HIV and other STDs. Methods Participating couples were randomly assigned to the 3-session intervention or a 1-session information session for couples. Changes in psychosocial factors related to women's motivation to use contraception and relationship factors were assessed using analysis of variance with repeated measures. Changes in contraceptive outcomes were assessed using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. Results Comparison of changes from baseline to 6 months among women who participated in the 3-session intervention with those who participated in the information session showed no significant intervention effect on reports of contraceptive use. Instead, contraceptive use increased in both conditions. Both groups exhibited similar changes in the psychosocial variable measuring the importance of avoiding pregnancy and in the relationship variable measuring women's participation in contraceptive decision making. Members of the intervention group, however, showed greater improvement in the psychosocial variable measuring positive expectations pertaining to partner's support for contraception. Conclusion These findings raise questions for further investigation to better understand couples behavior, and whether and how to intervene with couples.
Genital and Perinatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

Genital and perinatal herpes simplex virus infections remain a global problem. While genital herpes infections can be severe, most infected individuals are unaware but nevertheless contagious and, owing to the ability of the virus to establish a persistent lifelong infection, the infected individual remains intermittently contagious throughout their life. Strategies for the control and prevention of genital herpes include abstinence, limiting the number of sexual partners, condom use, and the use of highly effective antiviral drugs. Two promising biomedical strategies in development include topical microbicides and HSV vaccines.
Individual and Distributed Cognitions in Interdisciplinary Teamwork: A Developing Case Study and Emerging Theory

We present a developing distributed cognition theory of interdisciplinary collaboration that incorporates concepts from both situated cognition and information-processing theory. This theoretical framework is being refined as it is used for analyzing interdisciplinary collaboration within the National Institute for Science Education (NISE). Our analyses are intended to improve scientific understanding of collaborative processes that influence productivity and quality of interdisciplinary work within the NISE and beyond. A critical group meeting in the early development of one interdisciplinary working team is analyzed using language and ideas from our theoretical perspective.
Observation time after outpatient non-arterial interventional procedures: standards, safety, and outcomes.

To evaluate the impact of standardized reduced post-procedure observation time on subsequent healthcare encounters such as emergency department (ED) visits, hospital admissions, and clinic visits. 800 consecutive patients undergoing outpatient non-arterial interventional radiologic procedures within the vascular interventional department between 1 June 2013 and 21 July 2014 were included in this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant single center observational retrospective study. Electronic medical records were reviewed for subsequent healthcare encounters, such as ED visits, hospital admissions, and clinic visits. An attending interventional radiologist and radiology resident reviewed, in consensus, medical records for relevance of the encounter to the index procedure. Procedure-related encounters were analyzed to determine relationship to length of observation time, using Matlab for statistical analysis. 397 and 403 patients were in the pre- and post-standardization groups, respectively. Median observation time decreased overall from 1.67 h [interquartile range (IQR) 1.17–2.17] to 1.42 h (IQR 1.08–1.92), p < 0.001. There was no significant change in either overall or procedure-related ED visits (16.6% [66/397] and 1.0% [4/397] pre-standardization vs. 20.1% [81/403] and 2.2% [9/403] post-standardization, p = 0.24 and 0.26), hospital admissions (27.7% [110/397] and 4.0% [16/397] prestandardization vs. 28.3% [114/403] and 2.7% [11/403] post-standardization, p = 0.88 and 0.33), or clinic visits (41.3% [164/397] and 1.0% [4/397] pre-standardization vs. 39.5% [159/403] and 2.2% [9/403] post-standardization, p = 0.61 and 0.26). Proposed standardized shortened observation times after outpatient interventional radiologic procedures are safe, without change in either total or procedure-related ED visits, hospital admissions, or clinic visits.
The March of the State in the Early Modern World

Renaissance thinkers revive Platonic ideas about the relationship between state and individual. These are to the detriment of individual liberty. The works of Niccolo Machiavelli and Tommaso Campanella are examined; Machiavelli is shown to exhibit significant similarities to Plato in his treatment of religion, military valor, and the noble lie. Campanella is even more Platonist and relies on astrology to order his imagined utopia. Jacques-Benigne Bossuet promotes a theory of royal absolutism that accords well with the court of Louis XIV, but that is normatively flawed. It is argued that Bossuet’s system nonetheless reflects absolutism in practice much better than those of Robert Filmer or Thomas Hobbes.
Social presence in relation to students' satisfaction and learning in the online environment

Social presence, the ability to perceive others in an online environment, has been shown to impact student motivation and participation, actual and perceived learning, course and instructor satisfaction, and retention in online courses; yet very few researchers have attempted to look across contexts, disciplinary areas, or measures of social presence. This meta-analysis allowed us to look across these variables of the primary studies and identify the pattern of student outcomes (e.g., perceived learning and satisfaction) in relation to social presence through scrutiny of differences between the studies. The results showed a moderately large positive average correlation between social presence and satisfaction (r=0.56, k=26) and social presence and perceived learning (r=0.51, k=26). Large variation among correlations (86.7% for satisfaction and 92.8% for perceived learning, respectively) also indicated systematic differences among these correlations due to online course settings. We found that (a) the strength of the relationship between social presence and satisfaction was moderated by the course length, discipline area, and scale used to measure social presence; and (b) the relationship between social presence and perceived learning was moderated by the course length, discipline area, and target audience of the course. Implications and future research are discussed. This meta-analysis examined the relationship between Social Presence (SP) and students' satisfaction and perceived learning.Strong positive relationship between SP and satisfaction.Strong positive relationship between SP and perceived learning.Course length, discipline, and SP scale significant moderators for satisfaction.Course length, discipline, and audience significant moderators for perceived learning.
Smartphone-Based pH Sensor for Home Monitoring of Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis

Currently, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients lack the ability to track their lung health at home, relying instead on doctor checkups leading to delayed treatment and lung damage. By leveraging the ubiquity of the smartphone to lower costs and increase portability, a smartphone-based peripheral pH measurement device was designed to attach directly to the headphone port to harvest power and communicate with a smartphone application. This platform was tested using prepared pH buffers and sputum samples from CF patients. The system matches within ~0.03 pH of a benchtop pH meter while fully powering itself and communicating with a Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone paired with either a glass or Iridium Oxide (IrOx) electrode. The IrOx electrodes were found to have 25% higher sensitivity than the glass probes at the expense of larger drift and matrix sensitivity that can be addressed with proper calibration. The smartphone-based platform has been demonstrated as a portable replacement for laboratory pH meters, and supports both highly robust glass probes and the sensitive and miniature IrOx electrodes with calibration. This tool can enable more frequent pH sputum tracking for CF patients to help detect the onset of pulmonary exacerbation to provide timely and appropriate treatment before serious damage occurs.
Hydrological Barrier as a Cause of Salt Marsh Loss

ABSTRACT Huff, T.P. and Feagin, R.A., 2017. Hydrological barrier as a cause of salt marsh loss. In: Martinez, M.L.; Taramelli, A., and Silva, R. (eds.), Coastal Resilience: Exploring the Many Challenges from Different Viewpoints. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 77, pp. 88–96. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. The Magic Ridge Marsh located along Magnolia Beach, Texas has rapidly degraded over the last few decades. This marsh is of great importance to wildlife and dependent recreational pursuits such as bird watching at the Magic Ridge Sanctuary and fishing in the marshes and adjacent bay. In this study, we decided to focus on the shell debris pile as aerial imagery, along with local knowledge, indicated that this was the point of hydrologic disturbance. In order to restore this ecosystem, the alterations to the hydrology had to be understood and thus the multi-stage approach was chosen to single out the environmental factors that influence the marsh. Land cover analyses were conducted...
Computing in the Continuum: Combining Pervasive Devices and Services to Support Data-Driven Applications

The exponential growth of digital data sources has the potential to transform all aspects of society and our lives. However, to achieve this impact, the data has to be processed promptly to extract insights that can drive decision making. Further, traditional approaches that rely on moving data to remote data centers for processing are no longer feasible. Instead, new approaches that effectively leverage distributed computational infrastructure and services are necessary. Specifically, these approaches must seamlessly combine resources and services at the edge, in the core, and along the data path as needed. This paper presents our vision for enabling an approach for computing in the continuum, i.e., realizing a fluid ecosystem where distributed resources and services are programmatically aggregated on-demand to support emerging data-driven application workflows. This vision calls for novel solutions for federating infrastructure, programming applications and services, and composing dynamic workflows, which are capable of reacting in real-time to unpredictable data sizes, availabilities, locations, and rates.
Function-Oriented Studies Targeting Pectenotoxin 2: Synthesis of the GH-Ring System and a Structurally Simplified Macrolactone

A chemical foundation for function-oriented studies of pectenotoxin 2 (PTX2) is described. A synthesis of the bicyclic GH-system, and the design and synthesis of a PTX2-analogue, is presented. While maintaining critical features for actin binding, and lacking the Achilles’ heel for the natural product’s anticancer activity (the AB-spiroketal), this first-generation analogue did not possess the anticancer properties of PTX2, an observation that indicates the molecular significance of features present in the natural product’s CDEF-tetracycle.
Efficacy of Antimicrobials Applied Individually and in Combination for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes as Surface Contaminants on Queso Fresco.

Outbreaks of listeriosis are continually attributed to the consumption of Hispanic-style soft cheeses contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes postpasteurization. Once contaminated, L. monocytogenes can grow rapidly in cheeses like Queso Fresco (QF) even when stored at refrigeration temperatures. Several antimicrobials, including acidified calcium sulfate with lactic acid (ACSL), e-polylysine (EPL), hydrogen peroxide (HP), lauric arginate ethyl ester (LAE), and sodium caprylate (SC), have demonstrated antilisterial activity in food. The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of these antimicrobials used individually and in combination to control L. monocytogenes as surface contaminants on QF and to identify additive and synergistic interactions. Cheeses were surface inoculated at ∼4 log CFU/g, dipped in antimicrobial solutions, vacuum packaged, and then stored at 7°C for 35 days. L. monocytogenes counts were determined 24 h after application of the antimicrobials and then weekly throughout storage. Dip treatments in a 5% (v/v) HP solution reduced L. monocytogenes counts to <0.5 log CFU/g within 24 h with no increase in counts through day 35. Dip treatments in LAE at 2 and 5% alone and in combination with EPL at 10% produced initial reductions in pathogen counts (1.5 to 1.8 CFU/g) but did not inhibit pathogen growth compared with the sterile water control. Dip applications of ACSL at 25% also produced an initial ∼1.5-log reduction in L. monocytogenes counts followed by regrowth. Application of SC at 10% alone and in combination with either EPL or LAE inhibited growth to <1 log CFU/g through 21 days of storage. The combination of ACSL+SC worked synergistically to inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes on QF to <1 log CFU/g through 35 days. These data indicate that HP alone and treatments containing EPL, LAE, or ACSL in combination with SC are promising postlethality treatments and process controls for L. monocytogenes on QF through a 21-day shelf life.
Low-energy electron scattering by atomic oxygen

A matrix variational calculation has been done for electron scattering by atomic O, which includes $2{s}^{2}2{p}^{4}$, $2s2{p}^{5}$, and $2{p}^{6}$ target configurations and all possible single excitations of the $2p$ orbital. Integral and differential cross sections are reported for elastic and inelastic scattering for energies up to the first $n=3$ excitation threshold. The full effects of long-range polarization and short-range correlation appear to be nearly completely accounted for. No low-lying resonances are observed.
Chronotropic incompetence: ready for prime time.

In this issue of the Journal , Azarbal et al. [(1)][1]report on the prognostic value of the heart rate (HR) response to exercise among a large cohort of patients undergoing exercise myocardial perfusion testing. Although previous groups have reported that an impaired HR response to exercise, or
SOLUTION BEHAVIOR OF GROUP IV B POLYOXIMES

ABSTRACT The effect of polymer chain length, copolymer content, metal and symmetry of oxime on polymer solubility are studied for Group IV B polyoximes using chain terminators, model compounds and copolymers. Polymer solubility is largely independent of chain length but is dependent on the nature of the metal and symmetry of the dioxime. The general poor solubility appears inherent in the repeat unit structure.
United States of America: Rugged Terrain and Fertile Ground for GIS in Secondary Schools

In this chapter, we describe the status of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the secondary schools of the USA. We emphasize the progress that has been made in recent years toward overcoming some of the barriers to infusing geospatial technologies in US schools, and focus on the emergence of GIS in career and technical education through a case study of an innovative program in Santa Rosa, California. We conclude with a discussion of the prospects for GIS in US secondary schools in the future.
Divorce and Family Instability

The stability of the nuclear family in the United States has become more vulnerable over the past two decades, and most signs point to increasing instability during the next decade. The country’s divorce rate doubled between 1965 and 1978. In 1978 there were 4.8 million children under 18 years of age living with a divorced parent. Currently, over one million children experience the divorce of their parents each year. With no dramatic increase in the rate, it is estimated that 45 percent of the children born in 1977 will reside in a one-parent family sometime before 1995, when they will reach their 18th birthday [Everly 1977; Glick 1978, 1979; Hetherington 1981; Jellinek & Slovik 1981].
Intercollegiate Athletics: Challenge to the Academic Mission

This chapter makes the argument that “American universities have been captured and are being held hostage by intercollegiate athletics, major athletic conferences and the NCAA.” It describes the cost of athletics and the drivers of these costs with special attention to coaches’ salaries that are frequently ten to fifteen times salaries paid to professors. Intercollegiate sports have gained inordinate power and resources often through mandatory fees paid by students driving up the cost of education. Preferential treatment of athletes in admissions and in much of their campus life is becoming increasingly evident. The growing list of concerns, issues, and scandals surrounding athletics raises the questions about presidential leadership and governing board oversight as well as the impact of athletics on the academic mission of our universities.
Effects of Daily and Reduced Frequency Implementation of the Good Behavior Game in Kindergarten Classrooms

An effective group contingency, the Good Behavior Game (GBG), has been implemented successfully with a wide range of age groups. However, improvements in student behavior are often not observed when the GBG is abruptly terminated, and research has yet to evaluate the effects of the GBG when the frequency of implementation is reduced. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of the GBG, implemented daily initially then on a less frequent schedule. The study utilized a multiple baseline design across three kindergarten classrooms to evaluate the effectiveness and maintenance of the GBG at reducing classwide and target student disruptive behavior (DB) and increasing classwide and target student academic engagement. Reduced Frequency data were collected while withholding implementation of the GBG. The results indicate that the GBG was highly effective in improving classwide behavior, which was maintained throughout the final Reduced Frequency phase in which the GBG was reduced in frequency, and moderately effective in improving target student behavior during both phases.
Assessing the Use of Google Translate for Spanish and Chinese Translations of Emergency Department Discharge Instructions

This study assesses the use of Google Translate for Spanish and Chinese translations of emergency department discharge instructions.
Orientation and Mobility in the Urban Environment: A Form of 'Future Shock'.

The urban environment creates an atmosphere of external and internal pressures, which causes immeasurable stress in a blind person attempting independent travel. The transitory nature of relationsh...
Fosfomycin for treatment of multidrug-resistant pathogens causing urinary tract infection: A real-world perspective and review of the literature

Abstract Among 47 patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, treatment with fosfomycin resulted in clinical cure rates of 87% and 94% at 48 hours and 14 days, respectively. Response rates did not vary across pathogens. Our retrospective, observational findings support fosfomycin treatment against MDR pathogens causing UTIs.
Nexrutine® preserves muscle mass similar to exercise in prostate cancer mouse model

Muscle loss is a debilitating side effect to prostate cancer (PCa) experienced by nearly 60% of men. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that Nexrutine® , a bark extract from the Phellodendrum amurense, can protect against prostate cancer induced muscle loss in a similar manner as exercise, using the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Forty-five, 8- to 10-week old TRAMP mice were randomized to either control, Nexrutine® (600 mg/kg pelleted in chow) or exercise (voluntary wheel running). Mice were serially sacrificed at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 20, at which time either the left or right gastrocnemius muscle was harvested, weighted, and frozen. Proteolysis inducing factor (PIF), ubiquitin, and NF-κB concentrations were quantified using ELISA kits. Nexrutine® and exercise were equally able to protect TRAMP mice against PCa-induced muscle loss (P = 0.04). Both interventions decreased intramuscular PIF concentrations at 20 weeks compared to control (P < 0.05). A treatment effect was also observed when all time points were combined with exercise significantly lowering PIF concentrations (P < 0.01). Exercise significantly lowered intramuscular ubiquitin concentrations in weeks 4, 8, and 20 compared to control mice (P < 0.001). A treatment effect was also observed with exercise significantly lowering ubiquitin compared to control mice (P < 0.001). No significant changes were observed for NF-κB. The results of this investigation demonstrate that PCa-induced muscle loss can be attenuated with the herbal supplement Nexrutine® . This investigation provides preliminary evidence to support continued research into Nexrutine® as a potential exercise analog in protecting against muscle loss.
Body Appreciation: An Assessment of Fashion Innovativeness, Fashion Enjoyment, and Psychological Fashion Risk Among Plus-Size Gwynnie Bee Members

Recently, there has been a growing appeal among consumers of apparel subscription services, commonly referred to as ‘subscription boxes’. The apparel subscription website Gwynnie Bee (GB) allows plus-size women to try fashion styles and brands that might not otherwise be available to them. The study assesses the impact of body appreciation in relationship to plus-size GB members. In addition, the variables of fashion innovativeness, fashion enjoyment, and psychological fashion risk will be assessed among members of GB. Data for this study were collected using an online consumer panel within the USA. Of the 168 consumer panelists, 57 were trial members and 111 were current or past members of GB. Existing scales from previous studies were adopted to measure body appreciation (Tylka et al., 2015), fashion innovativeness (Park et al., 2007), fashion enjoyment (Lang, 2018) and psychological fashion risk (Lang, 2018). Independent t-tests were used to analyze the survey results.The findings of this study suggest that Gwynnie Bee positively impacts members’ body perceptions. To further assess, high and low body appreciation, GB member groups were created based on top 40 percentile and bottom 40 percentile on the body appreciation scale (Greenspoon & Saklofske, 2001). The findings provide implications for other apparel subscription websites who want to venture into the plus-size market or expand their current plus-size offerings, as they indeed can learn from GB’s online model.
SOME THOUGHTS ON ENZYME MEASUREMENT

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews some thoughts on enzyme measurement. Enzyme measurements are essential in the practice of medicine. Enzyme measurements based on spectrophotometric standards are preferable to those based on commercial control or so-called standard serums. In the chapter, the nephelometric method is compared with Cherry-Crandall titrimetric method. The nonlinearity of the regression curve is explained by the loss of linearity seen in the Cherry-Crandall method at high lipase concentrations that results from inhibition by fatty acids formed by hydrolysis of the substrate, disappearance of solubilized substrate and other factors. Perkin-Elmer Model 204 spectrofluorometer has been used for the preliminary experimental studies. The experimental studies describe a spectrophotometric method suitable for automatic enzyme measurements, capable of high throughput (120 samples per hour).
7 – ANALYTIC TRIGONOMETRY

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of analytic trigonometry. Much of the language and terminology of algebra carries over to trigonometry. Algebraic expressions involve variables, constants, and algebraic operations. Trigonometric expressions involve these same elements but also permit trigonometric functions of variables and constants. They also allow algebraic operations upon these trigonometric functions. The distinction between an identity and an equation also carries over to trigonometry. Thus, a trigonometric identity is true for all real values in the domain of the variable, but a trigonometric equation is true only for certain values called solutions. The set of all solutions of a trigonometric equation is called the solution set.
The Effectiveness of Visual and Audio Wayfinding Guidance on Smartglasses for People with Low Vision

Wayfinding is a critical but challenging task for people who have low vision, a visual impairment that falls short of blindness. Prior wayfinding systems for people with visual impairments focused on blind people, providing only audio and tactile feedback. Since people with low vision use their remaining vision, we sought to determine how audio feedback compares to visual feedback in a wayfinding task. We developed visual and audio wayfinding guidance on smartglasses based on de facto standard approaches for blind and sighted people and conducted a study with 16 low vision participants. We found that participants made fewer mistakes and experienced lower cognitive load with visual feedback. Moreover, participants with a full field of view completed the wayfinding tasks faster when using visual feedback. However, many participants preferred audio feedback because of its shorter learning curve. We propose design guidelines for wayfinding systems for low vision.
Identification of neuronal structures and pathways corresponding to clinical functioning in galactosemia.

Classic galactosemia (OMIM# 230400) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency. Newborn screening and prompt treatment with a galactose-free diet prevent the severe consequences of galactosemia, but clinical outcomes remain suboptimal. Five men and five women with classic galactosemia (mean age = 27.2 ± 5.47 years) received comprehensive neurological and neuropsychological evaluations, electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI data from nine healthy controls (mean age = 30.22 ± 3.52 years) were used for comparison measures. Galactosemia subjects experienced impaired memory, language processing, visual-motor skills, and increased anxiety. Neurological examinations revealed tremor and dysarthria in six subjects. In addition, there was ataxia in three subjects and six subjects had abnormal gait. Mean full scale IQ was 80.4 ± 17.3. EEG evaluations revealed right-sided abnormalities in five subjects and bilateral abnormalities in one subject. Compared to age- and gender-matched controls, subjects with galactosemia had reduced volume in left cerebellum white matter, bilateral putamen, and left superior temporal sulcus. Galactosemia patients also had lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity values in the dorsal and ventral language networks compared to the controls. Furthermore, there were significant correlations between neuropsychological test results and the T1 volume and diffusivity scalars. Our findings help to identify anatomic correlates to motor control, learning and memory, and language in subjects with galactosemia. The results from this preliminary assessment may provide insights into the pathophysiology of this inborn error of metabolism.
Tandospirone, a Partial 5-HT1A Receptor Agonist, Administered Systemically or Into Anterior Cingulate Attenuates Repetitive Behaviors in Shank3B Mice.

BACKGROUND Several cases of autism spectrum disorder have been linked to mutations in the SHANK3 gene. Haploinsufficiency of the SHANK3 gene contributes to Phelan-McDermid syndrome, which often presents an autism spectrum disorder phenotype along with moderate to severe intellectual disability. A SHANK3 gene deletion in mice results in elevated excitation of cortical pyramidal neurons that alters signaling to other brain areas. Serotonin 1A receptors are highly expressed on layer 2 cortical neurons and are known to have inhibitory actions. Serotonin 1A receptor agonist treatment in autistic cases with SHANK3 mutations and possibly other cases may restore excitatory and inhibitory balance that attenuates core symptoms. METHODS A series of experiments investigated the effects of acute tandospirone treatment on spatial learning and self-grooming, subchronic treatment of tandospirone on self-grooming behavior, and the effect of tandospirone infusion into the anterior cingulate on self-grooming behavior. RESULTS Only male Shank3B+/- mice exhibited a spatial learning deficit and elevated self-grooming. Acute i.p. injection of tandospirone, 0.01 and 0.06 mg/kg in male Shank3B+/- mice, attenuated a spatial acquisition deficit by improving sensitivity to positive reinforcement and reduced elevated self-grooming behavior. Repeated tandospirone (0.06 mg/kg) treatment attenuated elevated self-grooming behavior in male Shank3B+/- mice. Tandospirone injected into the anterior cingulate/premotor area reduced self-grooming behavior in male Shank3B+/- mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that stimulation of cortical serotonin 1A receptors may reduce repetitive behaviors and cognitive impairments as observed in autism spectrum disorder, possibly by attenuating an excitation/inhibition imbalance. Further, tandospirone may serve as a treatment in autism spectrum disorder and other disorders associated with SHANK3 mutations.
From People to Panthera : Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Tigers and Lions at the Bronx Zoo.

Despite numerous barriers to transmission, zoonoses are the major cause of emerging infectious diseases in humans. Among these, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and ebolaviruses have killed thousands; the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has killed millions. Zoonoses and human-to-animal cross-species transmission are driven by human actions and have important management, conservation, and public health implications. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which presumably originated from an animal reservoir, has killed more than half a million people around the world and cases continue to rise. In March 2020, New York City was a global epicenter for SARS-CoV-2 infections. During this time, four tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo, NY, developed mild, abnormal respiratory signs. We detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory secretions and/or feces from all seven animals, live virus in three, and colocalized viral RNA with cellular damage in one. We produced nine whole SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the animals and keepers and identified different SARS-CoV-2 genotypes in the tigers and lions. Epidemiologic and genomic data indicated human-to-tiger transmission. These were the first confirmed cases of natural SARS-CoV-2 animal infections in the United States and the first in nondomestic species in the world. We highlight disease transmission at a nontraditional interface and provide information that contributes to understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission across species.IMPORTANCE The human-animal-environment interface of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important aspect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that requires robust One Health-based investigations. Despite this, few reports describe natural infections in animals or directly link them to human infections using genomic data. In the present study, we describe the first cases of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in tigers and lions in the United States and provide epidemiological and genetic evidence for human-to-animal transmission of the virus. Our data show that tigers and lions were infected with different genotypes of SARS-CoV-2, indicating two independent transmission events to the animals. Importantly, infected animals shed infectious virus in respiratory secretions and feces. A better understanding of the susceptibility of animal species to SARS-CoV-2 may help to elucidate transmission mechanisms and identify potential reservoirs and sources of infection that are important in both animal and human health.
Dimensions of Motion: Learning to Predict a Subspace of Optical Flow from a Single Image.

We introduce the problem of predicting, from a single video frame, a low-dimensional subspace of optical flow which includes the actual instantaneous optical flow. We show how several natural scene assumptions allow us to identify an appropriate flow subspace via a set of basis flow fields parameterized by disparity and a representation of object instances. The flow subspace, together with a novel loss function, can be used for the tasks of predicting monocular depth or predicting depth plus an object instance embedding. This provides a new approach to learning these tasks in an unsupervised fashion using monocular input video without requiring camera intrinsics or poses.
Marketing Research Firm Performance and Antecedents to Client Satisfaction

In today’s competitive environment, smart marketing research firms track their clients’ satisfaction. Previous research indicates that marketing research clients are concerned with a research provider’s performance in four critical areas: product quality, service quality, cost management, and timeliness. A survey of 155 large marketing research clients suggested that these clients perceived product quality as most important in accomplishing their research objectives, followed in order by service quality, cost, and timeliness. Product quality was also most influential in explaining the client’s overall level of satisfaction with its research supplier. These marketing research clients reported a generally high overall level of satisfaction with their primary research provider although two areas emerged as potentially troublesome. Less than half of the clients were completely satisfied with the ability of their primary research supplier to "save them money" or to provide them with a "useful analysis." The authors suggest that future research should look more in depth at the client’s definition of "useful analysis" and the client’s expectations regarding the research firm’s ability to "save them money." A research provider that is capable of improving performance in these two areas may be able to create a perceivable competitive advantage that could lead to increased client satisfaction and improved customer loyalty.
Controlling access to published data using cryptography

We propose a framework for enforcing access control policies on published XML documents using cryptography. In this framework the owner publishes a single data instance, which is partially encrypted, and which enforces all access control policies. Our contributions include a declarative language for access policies, and the resolution of these policies into a logical "protection model" which protects an XML tree with keys. The data owner enforces an access control policy by granting keys to users. The model is quite powerful, allowing the data owner to describe complex access scenarios, and is also quite elegant, allowing logical optimizations to be described as rewriting rules. Finally, we describe cryptographic techniques for enforcing the protection model on published data, and provide a performance analysis using real datasets.
Adenylate cyclase in islets of Langerhans. Isolation of islets and regulation of adenylate cyclase activity by various hormones and agents.

Abstract An improved method for the isolation of rat pancreatic islets possessing adenylate cyclase responsive to various hormones and agents is described. The key step in this method, which yielded up to 500 islets per pancreas, involved pretreatment of rats with pilocarpine. This allowed depletion of zymogens from the exocrine pancreatic tissue and thus minimized the destruction of islet membranal structure which could otherwise occur during the collagenase digestion of the tissue. The adenylate cyclase activity in the islet homogenates was assayed in the presence of a variety of hormones and other agents. With the exception of some insulinogenic metabolites, such as glucose, arginine, and leucine, all hormones previously shown by others to stimulate insulin secretion were found to augment the synthesis of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) by islet adenylate cyclase. These agents include glucagon, adrenocorticotropic hormone, secretin, pancreozymin, various prostaglandins, and β-adrenergic agents. Acetylcholine, ethanol, EGTA, GTP, and GDP, also stimulated cyclic AMP production, but their insulinogenic action has not been clearly shown. Of the two hypoglycemic drugs studied, tolbutamide was found to stimulate the cyclase activity whereas phenformin was without effect. Insulin inhibited the islet adenylate cyclase activity, suggesting a possible feedback mechanism involved in regulating insulin secretion. NaF was most effective in activating the islet adenylate cyclase. None of the above-mentioned agents had any effect on the islet phosphodiesterase activity. Based upon the above observations, it is suggested that cyclic AMP may mediate the action of certain insulin-releasing agents whereas some other agents exert their insulinogenic action via mechanisms in which cyclic AMP may not be involved.
A new approach in multilayer perceptron-forward propagation (FP)

A new feedforward propagation algorithm (FP-1) in multilayer feedforward network is proposed. In this new approach the errors are transferred forward and the established architecture, the fixed neurons and the trained weights previously in network are not changed. Several new definitions are introduced and described as the FP-1 local mapping space, FP-1 areas, nonlinear distribution chart, half FP-1 local mapping space, etc. With this new algorithm, we will know and understand every step of the approximation, and hence control the approximation to reach arbitrary desired precision. An important principle is presented on how to decompose the given mapping into global and local components, and combine with them to reach final desired results. Although there are more to explore in mathematics, this paper focuses on the basic idea of how to realize and implement the proposed algorithm. >
Interactions between the subunits of transducin and cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase in Rana catesbiana rod photoreceptors

In bullfrog (Rana catesbiana) rods the activity of cyclic GMP (cGMP) phosphodiesterase was stimulated 10 times by washing disc membranes with an isotonic, GTP-containing buffer. This stimulation was maintained following hydrolysis of GTP and after removal of guanine nucleotides. At least 60-70% of the inhibitory gamma subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase (P gamma) was physically released from membranes by these washing procedures. When cGMP phosphodiesterase was activated by a hydrolysis-resistant GTP analogue, P gamma was found in the supernatant complexed with the transducin alpha subunit (T alpha) using three chromatography systems. When GTP was used to activate cGMP phosphodiesterase, P gamma was also found in the supernatant complexed with GDP.T alpha. This complex was also isolated using the same three chromatography systems, indicating that P gamma remained tightly bound to T alpha even after bound GTP was hydrolyzed. Interaction with the beta,gamma subunits of transducin, which remained associated with disc membranes, was required for the release of P gamma from the GDP.T alpha complex, which resulted in the deactivation of active cGMP phosphodiesterase. We conclude that during activation of cGMP phosphodiesterase, P gamma is complexed with T alpha (both GTP and GDP forms) in the supernatant and that, following GTP hydrolysis, beta,gamma subunits of transducin are necessary for the release of P gamma from the complex and the resulting inactivation of cGMP phosphodiesterase in frog photoreceptors.
Thermochemical stability of low-iron, manganese-enriched olivine in astrophysical environments

Low-iron, manganese-enriched (LIME) olivine grains are found in cometary samples returned by the Stardust mission from comet 81P/Wild 2. Similar grains are found in primitive meteoritic clasts and unequilibrated meteorite matrix. LIME olivine is thermodynamically stable in a vapor of solar composition at high temperature at total pressures of a millibar to a microbar, but enrichment of solar composition vapor in a dust of chondritic composition causes the FeO/MnO ratio of olivine to increase. The compositions of LIME olivines in primitive materials indicate oxygen fugacities close to those of a very reducing vapor of solar composition. The compositional zoning of LIME olivines in amoeboid olivine aggregates is consistent with equilibration with nebular vapor in the stability field of olivine, without re-equilibration at lower temperatures. A similar history is likely for LIME olivines found in comet samples and in interplanetary dust particles. LIME olivine is not likely to persist in nebular conditions in which silicate liquids are stable.
The bacterial content of the uterus at cesarean section. II

Abstract Of fifty uteri cultured at cesarean section, twenty-two were found infected. With one exception the puerperia of these patients were febrile, but all recovered. In ten cases the incisions healed poorly. From eight of these cases either Actinomyces pseudonecrophorus or beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated. The incisions of all the patients harboring these organisms healed poorly. Clostridium welchii also was found in three cases, but there was no gross evidence of gas bacillus infection. The gamma type of anaerobic streptococci showed wide differences in fermentation reactions. In one patient (34), whose wound healed poorly, we obtained a pure culture of an anaerobic gamma type streptococcus which was an active fermenter of all the test substances except mannite. There was no obvious relation between the course of the puerperium and the presence of diphtheroid bacilli in the uterus.
Effects of Pulmonary Vasodilator Therapy on Ventilatory Efficiency during Exercise in Adults with Eisenmenger Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: Eisenmenger syndrome, characterized by systemic-level pulmonary arterial resistance with resultant right-to-left shunt, is associated with low exercise capacity and hyperpnea at rest and exercise. Because ventilatory requirements are augmented by right-to-left shunting, we hypothesized that if pulmonary vasodilator treatment improved pulmonary perfusion in this condition, this would also improve ventilatory efficiency during exercise. DESIGN: To investigate this, data from incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests performed by Eisenmenger patients before and after beginning therapy with pulmonary hypertension medications were retrospectively analyzed. Setting. Ahmanson/University of California, Los Angeles Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center. PATIENTS: Ten adults with Eisenmenger syndrome treated with either bosentan or sildenafil. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary analysis was comparison, before and after treatment, of the efficiency of exercise ventilation as reflected in the ratio of ventilation (.V(E)) to carbon dioxide output (.VCO₂) measured at the anaerobic threshold (AT), the slope of .V(E)/.VCO₂ during incremental exercise, and end tidal partial pressure of CO₂ (PETCO₂) at the AT. Secondary measures included peak oxygen uptake (.VO₂) and AT. RESULTS: Following treatment there were significant reductions in the slope .V(E)/.VCO₂ (59.5 ± 12.9 vs. 50.0 ± 7.2, P= .003), and significant decrease in .V(E)/.VCO₂ ratio (56.9 ± 6.2 vs. 50.2 ± 5.9, P= .00004) and increase in PETCO₂ (21.12 ± 2.43 vs. 23.9 ± 2.62 torr, P= .0092) measured at the AT. Increases in peak .VO₂ (0.73 ± 0.25 vs. 0.78 ± 0.32 L/min, P= .333) and AT (0.61 ± 0.20 vs. 0.68 ± 0.25 L/min, P= .154) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with reduction in right-to-left shunt due to improved pulmonary blood flow, though attenuation of ventilatory drive is not excluded. Treatment of adult Eisenmenger patients with pulmonary the pulmonary vasodilators bosentan or sildenafil leads to improvement in parameters of ventilatory efficiency during exercise.
The order parameter critical exponent of the chiral phase transition in VF2

Abstract The chiral order parameter exponent β = 0.175 ± 0.015 has been measured in d = 3 insulating helimagnet VF 2 using neutron scattering. As predicted, this value is much smaller than the d = 3 X - Y model exponent β = 0.35 .
Panel On Performance Standards And Possible Field Evaluation Of Image Intensifiers

The various occupational responsibilities of the persons selected for this panel is an acknowledgement of the fact that when one considers field tests he must also consider the condition of the field in which he finds himself. I find myself enclosed in two fields. One is that in which the intensifier can be set up in a laboratory for sophisticated measurements. The other is that in which the intensifier is a component of an assembled fluoroscopy system and can be removed only at the expense of great irritation on the part of the radiologist. In this latter field, absolute measurements can be carried out only with a low degree of sophistication and a high degree of uncertainty. These measurements should be expected to yield numbers for comparison purposes only. In the first field, some of my remarks will undoubtedly overlap those of the two panel members from industry. I shall try to keep this overlap to a minimum. In the second field, overlap can be expected with the remarks of Dr. Shea on the users point of view. I will also try to keep this overlap to a minimum. Possibly, some diametrically opposed remarks will be made and a real discussion develop within and without the panel.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.