cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
UV Cross-Linkable Lignin Thermoplastic Graft Copolymers

This work highlighted a new method to prepare UV curable lignin thermoplastic copolymers, which are expected to show applications as functional materials (e.g., carbon fiber precursors) with improved thermal stability, solvent resistance and surface hardness. UV cross-linkable lignin graft copolymers were synthesized via activator regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and characterized. By incorporating a photosensitive compound, acryloyl benzophenone (ABP), as a comonomer during the polymerization, lignin-g-poly(styrene-co-ABP) copolymers with 6–9% (mol %) of ABP moieties were obtained. The lignin graft copolymers showed similar glass transition temperature (∼100 °C) as polystyrene. The carbon yields during pyrolysis decreased as the degrees of polymerization of the graft copolymers increased. Under UV irradiation, up to ∼30 wt % of the lignin-g-poly(styrene-co-ABP) copolymers cross-linked to form polymer networks, whereas less than ∼5 wt % of the lignin-g-p...
Topological placement with symmetry constraints for analog layout design

In recent years, complete systems that used to occupy one or more boards have been integrated on a few chips or even on a, single chip. Although most functions in such integrated systems are implemented with digital or digital signal processing circuitry, the analog circuits needed at the interface between the electronic system and the real world are now being integrated on the same die for reasons of cost and performance. In the digital domain, computer-aided design (CAD) tools are fairly well developed, especially for the lower level of the design flow. Unfortunately, the situation is worse on the analog side. Apart from circuit simulators, layout editing environments, or layout verification tools, real commercial solutions are only beginning to appear. This thesis addresses the problem of device-level placement with symmetry constraints in analog blocks. Different from the traditional way of approaching the analog placement problems, that is, the exploration of an extremely large set of absolute representations of both feasible and unfeasible placement configurations, this thesis advocates the use of subsets of non-slicing topological representations, such that the typical presence of an arbitrary number of symmetry groups of devices be directly taken into account during the search of the solution space. The thesis introduces the concepts of symmetric-feasible sequence-pairs and symmetric-feasible binary tree representations of the layout, discusses the advantages offered by the exploration of these subsets of topological representations---like the significant reduction in size of the solution space of analog placement problems with symmetry constraints. Three evaluation algorithms of complexity O (n log n) using less used data structures---the segment trees and deterministic skip lists---are presented and thoroughly analyzed. A prototype placement tool for analog layout using alternative exploration algorithms is presented in the thesis. The tool can operate both with different topological representations (sequence-pairs and trees) and different, code evaluation algorithms. The computation times exhibited by this novel approach are significantly better than those of the algorithms using the traditional exploration strategy, while generating high-quality placement solutions.
Social Connectedness, Perceived Isolation, and Dementia: Does the Social Environment Moderate the Relationship Between Genetic Risk and Cognitive Well-Being?

Purpose of the study This study examined whether the social environment moderates the relationship between the APOE e4 allele and cognitive functioning. Design and methods The Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) data and multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate these relationships for a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 70 and older (n = 779). Results Living alone (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 5.814; p = .000) and self-reported loneliness (RRR = 1.928, p = .049) were associated with a greater risk of cognitive difficulty. Living arrangements, perceived social support, and loneliness were found to moderate the relationship between the APOE e4 allele and cognitive function. Implications The results support the need to consider the social context when examining cognitive well-being in later life. These findings also indicate a need for the development of policies and services that promote a rich social environment.
Young children's attributions of causal power to novel invisible entities.

Abstract In two studies, we investigated the development of children’s reasoning about potent invisible entities. In Study 1, children aged 2.2–5.5 years ( N = 48) were briefly told about a novel invisible substance that could produce a novel outcome—make a novel box turn green. During this introduction, children watched as one container was inverted over a box and the box lit up green, and then another identical container was inverted over the box and the box did not light up. On test trials, the experimenter inserted a spoon in novel (actually empty) containers and inverted the spoon over the box, which turned green in one trial and did not light up in the other trial. For both trials, children were asked whether there was anything in each container. Children across this age range appropriately reported that an invisible substance was present only when the box lit up. In Study 2, children aged 2.4–4.5 years ( N = 48) watched similar demonstrations but were not explicitly provided information about the invisible substance. Children as young as 3 years spontaneously inferred that an invisible substance was present when the box lit up and was absent when the box did not light up. A final task tested children’s ability to use their causal knowledge of invisible substances to produce an effect—making the box light up. The youngest children had difficulty with this task, but many children aged 3.5–4.5 years performed capably. These results indicate an early-emerging understanding of potent invisible entities that develops rapidly during early childhood.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy in Prolapse Situations

For the prolapse uterus, laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) takes advantage of the loose vagina route and is superior to the total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Four steps compose LAVH: laparoscopic dissecting, vaginal dissecting, laparoscopic hemostasis and routine cystoscopy. The dissecting starts from the bilateral round ligaments, tubes and ovarian ligaments. Bilateral anterior leaves of broad ligaments are opened and merged together in the junction of vesico-uterine fold. Bilateral posterior leaves of broad ligaments are dissected to the points near proximal utero-sacral ligament. Laparoscopic dissecting ends in coagulation and dissection the uterine vessels down to the uterine arteries with or without transection of which. The vessels below the uterine arteries are dissected through vaginal approach. The procedures of vaginal dissecting also contain specimen retrieval and the closure of vaginal cuff. After laparoscopic hemostasis, a routine cystoscopy is recommended to check the patency of bilateral urinary tracts and the integrity of bladder mucosa.
“The Teacher Was Speaking of Unrhymed Verse”: Marianne Moore, E. H. Kellogg, and the Poetry of Modernist Hermeneutics

Through participation in a 1914–1915 Bible class taught by the Rev. E.H. Kellogg, Moore discovered new facets of her own poetic calling. In this essay Leader reveals how Moore was profoundly influenced by a group of Reformed moderates, including P.T. Forsyth, who came to be known as “believing critics.” Moore’s subsequent development of the in-between spaces of her poetry, the “part terrestrial and part celestial” overlay between the material, the ethical and the aesthetic realms that is characteristic of much of her verse, is linked to her embrace of the believing critics’ hermeneutical practices. Leader examines Moore’s development of her own poetic hermeneutics via her notebooks, marginalia, early prose, and her poems “Novices,” “In the Days of Prismatic Color,” and “The Hero.”
Role of reactive oxygen species in male infertility: An updated review of literature.

Abstract Objectives To review the literature and provide an updated summary on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in male infertility. Methods A review of PubMed, Cochrane review, and Web of Science databases for full-text English-language articles published between 1943 and 2017 was performed, focusing on the aetiology of ROS, physiological role of ROS on spermatic function, pathological role of ROS in infertility, evaluation of ROS, and role of antioxidants in oxidative stress. Results ROS play a role in spermatic function and fertilisation. The literature describes both a physiological and a pathological role of ROS in fertility. A delicate balance between ROS necessary for physiological activity and antioxidants to protect from cellular oxidative injury is essential for fertility. Conclusion Although elevated levels of ROS are implicated as a cause of infertility, there is no consensus on selecting patients to test for ROS, which test to perform, or if treatment for ROS can have a positive impact on infertility rates and pregnancy.
Characterization of ten extreme disturbance events in the context of social and ecological systems

An extreme disturbance event is one in which any of its component disturbance forces and their interactions with affected systems have dimensions and responses that exceed the known range of variation expected of those parameters. If the exposed system does not respond or exhibits a low level response to an event, the event was not extreme to the exposed system, regardless of the dimensions of its disturbance forces. Extreme disturbance events are complex and require disaggregation to improve understanding of their effects. The areas affected by extreme events and the duration of the events are related but involve many orders of magnitude in terms of area affected and duration. One way to compare events is through a common and objective unit of measure such as energy. A comparison of ten extreme events in terms of their power and total energy delivered per unit area revealed a broad range of values among them. The power of events ranged 8 orders of magnitude and the total load per unit area ranged 14 orders of magnitude. Each event had different points of interaction with exposed ecosystems. When exposed to the same extreme event, the response of social systems is different from the response of the ecological systems. Also, social systems recovered quicker to a category 3 hurricane than did ecological systems. Both social and ecological systems have the capacity to evolve, adapt, innovate, and develop novelty in response to the selective pressure of extreme events.
Using Writing Assignments as an Intervention to Strengthen Acid-Base Skills

Problem solving and critical thinking are buzzwords used in defining general chemistry learning goals. Assessments including well-structured homework, quizzes, and exams are designed and incorporated to build these skills. Our research expanded upon the types of assessments and analyzed the effect of writing assignments for promoting problem solving, critical thinking, and retention in acid–base chemistry. Calibrated Peer Review (CPR) was used to implement writing assignments in a large enrollment two-quarter introductory sequence with the writing activities strongly emphasizing qualitative and quantitative problems in acid–base chemistry. To measure the effectiveness of assigning small writing assignments, students in the treatment course were compared to the honors students (control group) who have historically demonstrated stronger abilities in acid–base chemistry, especially in subsequent organic chemistry courses. Data was collected using interviews in which students verbally explained their answers ...
Anther and Pollen Culture

In this chapter, the published reports of anther and microspore culture of Petunia will be reviewed in comparison with culture of related Solanaceous genera. The reasons for the type and frequency of microspore development in Petunia will be explored. Factors which should be considered in attempting anther and microspore culture of Petunia will be examined.
On the Inclusion of Organizational and Managerial Influences in Probabilistic Safety Assessments of Nuclear Power Plants

This work identifies several characteristics of management quality and investigates possible ways of including organizational and managerial influences into Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA). It is concluded that the current PSA methodology can be improved in at least three ways: by reevaluating the frequency of the “other” category of failure scenarios, which is currently assumed negligible; by reassessing probability distributions of the parameters (failure rates, human error rates, and so forth) to include organizational and managerial factors; and by assessing correlations among these parameters. We also point out that the “safety culture” of the nuclear power industry is closely tied to its specific technology. Only through a thorough understanding of the licensee’s knowledge of the response of plant systems and the potential consequences of accident sequences can one assign a proper measure to the importance of organization and management to plant safety.
OTTOMAN NOTABLES IN JERUSALEM: NATIONALISM AND OTHER OPTIONS

Alors que le gouvernement ottoman centralisait progressivement son pouvoir, les notables des provinces virent leur influence decliner. L'etude des carrieres de deux de ces notables de Jerusalem (Yūsuf Diya et son neveu Rūhi) met en evidence, d'une part, l'education occidentale qu'ils ont recues et les idees liberales qu'ils ont acquises et, d'autre part, la conciliation des engagements qu'ils ont pris envers le gouvernement ottoman et leur loyaute envers leurs autres affiliations telles que la solidarite islamique, l'arabisme, le patriotisme palestinien, l'opposition au sionisme, etc : « ottomanisme » et arabisme permettent de preserver l'entite arabe palestinienne face a la colonisation sioniste
10-femtosecond Precision, Long-term Stable Timing Distribution Over Multiple Fiber Links

The distribution of an ultrafast pulse train over two, 300-meter fiber links with less than 1 femtosecond of timing jitter [0.1Hz, 100kHz] and 6.4 femtoseconds rms of drift over 72 hours of continuous operation [4μHz, 0.5Hz] is demonstrated.
Visual categorization based on learning contextual probabilistic latent component tree

This paper describes a probabilistic learning method that is named a contextual probabilistic latent component tree for object and scene categorization. In this method, object classes are obtained by clustering a set of object segments extracted from scene images of each scene category and their categorical co-occurrence relations in scene categories are embedded in the probabilistic latent component tree that is generated as a classification tree of all the object classes of all the scene categories. Through experiments by using images of plural categories in an image database, it is shown that the co-occurrence relation of object categories in scene categories improves performance for object and scene recognition.
Knight shift data and superconducting Tc modeling based on an effective hole model

The superconducting Tc of cuprates have been modeled on a linear scaling with hole concentration per CuO2 plane and a deleterious influence of bond resonance with the apical system (effective hole formalism). In cases where distribution between various hole reservoirs is not trivial, Knight shift can provide actual hole concentrations. It is shown here that when Knight shift data are used in an effective hole algorithm, satisfactory Tc predictions can be made, corroborating the deleterious influence on Tc of apical O and earlier assumptions concerning hole distributions. For the case of stacking of more than two CuO2 planes, the inner plane has to be treated as an infinite layer analog in the effective hole model. A separation into inner and outer planes with different dopings is indeed observed by Knight shift, with higher doping in the latter. This is explained here as being due to a tendency to equalize an effective doping degree, as the outer planes lose holes in resonance of bonding with the apical system.
The Influence of Poisson’s Ratio on the Reliability of SAC Lead Free Solder Joints

In this study, we have conducted a combined numerical and experimental study on the Poisson’s ratio of SAC lead free solders. The Poisson’s ratio (PR) is one of the basic mechanical properties used in many material constitutive models. Although often not measured, it is important property in many finite element method (FEM) calculations. The value of the Poisson’s ratio of SAC lead free solders is relatively unexplored compared to other material properties, and for FEA simulations it is typically assumed to be v = 0.3. In the current work, we have shown the effects of the chosen value of the solder joint Poisson’s ratio on the finite element results for BGA components subjected to thermal cycling. In the finite element models, the reliability predictions were based on the Morrow-Darveaux energy-based fatigue model. Several sizes (5, 10, 15 mm) of PBGA components with SAC305 solder joints with 0.4 and 0.8 mm spacing were modeled. The packages were subjected to a time dependent cyclic temperature distribution from −40 to 125 °C. The package assemblies were assumed to be in a stress-free state at 25 °C (room temperature), with no residual stresses induced in the manufacturing process. The simulation results have demonstrated that for specified range of Poisson’s ratio values of 0.15 < v < 0.40, the solder Plastic Work varied over 20% and the Predicted Reliability Varied over 50%. To determine the actual Poisson’s ratio experimentally, uniaxial tensile stress-strain tests were carried out on SAC305 (96.5Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu) and SAC405 (95.5Sn4.0Ag0.5Cu) specimens using a micro tension/torsion testing machine with two strain rates (0.0001, and 0.00001 (1/sec)) and four testing temperatures (T = 25, 50, 75, 100 °C). Deformations and strains in axial and transverse directions were measured using strain gages with automatic data acquisition from LabVIEW software. The recorded transverse strain vs. axial strain data were then fit with a linear regression analysis to determine the Poisson’s ratio value. A test matrix of experiments was developed to study the effects of temperature, strain rate, alloy composition, and solidification cooling profile on the value of solder Poisson’s ratio. The Poisson’s ratio was found to increase with increasing temperature, and decrease with increasing strain rate. With increased silver content, SAC405 was found to have lower Poisson’s ratio than SAC305. Finally, using a slower solidification cooling profile led to an increase in the solder Poisson’s ratio value.
Meta-Analytic Evidence of the Criterion Validity of Gordon's Music Aptitude Tests in Published Music Education Research.

This meta-analytic study examined the validity of Gordon’s music aptitude tests as predictors of other musical variables. The four tests analyzed were the Music Aptitude Profile (1965), Primary Mea...
Mutual diffusion coefficients of aqueous ZnSO4 at 25°C

Diffusion coefficients of the system ZnSO4−H2O at 25°C have been measured using Rayleigh optics from 0.004 to 3.33m. The results appear to extrapolate with reasonable agreement to the data of Harned and Hudson at very low concentration. The diffusion coefficients decrease from 0.8486×10−5 at 0m to 0.2813×10−5 cm2-sec−1 at 3.33m. Densities were measured over the concentration range 0.10 to 3.60m and combined with the data of Geffcken and of Gibson to obtain an analytical expression for density over the concentration range 0≤m≤3.6.
Select group of patients might benefit from early colonoscopic screening for colorectal cancer

Recently, the American Cancer Society made a qualified recommendation to start colorectal cancer (CRC) screening at 45 years of age in all average-risk individuals. In this study, our primary aim is to calculate the prevalence and also evaluate the predictors of increased prevalence of detected adenomas in the 40–49-year-old individuals undergoing colonoscopy. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed using our endoscopy database. Study subjects included all 40–49-year-old patients undergoing their first colonoscopy at our institution from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2017. Exclusion criteria included patients who underwent colonoscopy for overt gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, a history of familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary non-polyposis CRC. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to identify factors associated with increased adenoma detection rate (ADR). A total of 2059 patients were included in the study, and 317 of these patients had family history (FH) of CRC. Patients with FH of CRC had significantly higher ADR (27.8% vs. 19.7%, p = 0.001) as compared to those without FH of CRC. There was no significant difference in ADR in patients between 40–44 years and 45–49 years of age (17.7% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.058). On a multivariate analysis while adjusting for multiple patient and procedural variables, FH of CRC, male sex, BMI > 30 kg/m2, chronic kidney disease, and age were associated with high ADR. Our study shows that in addition to FH of CRC, age, male sex, BMI, and CKD are independent predictors of increased ADR in patients between 40 and 49 years of age.
Impact of Race and Ethnicity on Weight-Loss Outcomes in Pediatric Family-Based Obesity Treatment.

Minority children are disproportionately affected by obesity and little is known about how race/ethnicity impacts outcomes in pediatric weight-loss treatment. This study aimed to evaluate whether race/ethnicity affected weight-loss outcomes in a pediatric obesity intervention. Secondary aims included evaluating whether race/ethnicity was associated with energy intake, exercise, program adherence, acceptability, and attendance. One hundred fifty parent/child dyads (age 8–12 years, BMI% 85–99.9; 32% Hispanic, 24% Non-Hispanic, Non-White, 44% Non-Hispanic White) participated in a randomized control trial evaluating weight loss in family-based behavioral treatment with (FBT) or without child participation (i.e., Parent-Based Treatment, PBT). Assessments occurred at baseline, mid-treatment (month 3), post-treatment (month 6), and follow-up (months 12 and 24). Analyses included linear mixed effect models, linear models, and a negative binomial model. Weight loss in Hispanic, Non-Hispanic White, and Non-Hispanic, Non-White children was not significantly different by race/ethnicity at months 6, 12, and 24 (p = 0.259) and was similar across both treatments (FBT = − 0.16 BMIz; PBT = − 0.21 BMIz; p = 0.61). There were no differences in energy intake, physical activity, acceptability ratings, or adherence to treatment (as measured by a post-treatment survey) (p’s > 0.123). However, Hispanic families attended fewer treatment visits than Non-Hispanic White families (p = 0.017). On average, children lost weight participating in our pediatric obesity treatment and there was no statistical difference in weight loss between groups. Future research evaluating whether culturally adapted treatments would be more effective for racial/ethnic minorities or whether the personalization inherent in family-based behavioral treatment may be sufficient is needed.
Disclosure of HIV Status and HIV Sexual Transmission Behaviors among HIV-Positive Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the BROTHERS (HPTN 061) Study

We assessed whether disclosure of HIV status is significantly associated with reported HIV sexual risk behaviors among HIV positive Black/African American men who have sex with men (MSM) (Black MSM) in six cities in the USA. Participants from the BROTHERS (HIV Prevention Trials Network [HPTN 061]) study focused on assessing the feasibility and acceptability of a multifaceted HIV prevention intervention to reduce HIV infections among Black MSM enrolled between July 2009 and October 2010. All participants completed a behavioral assessment using an audio computer-assisted self-interview that included questions about HIV status disclosure, HIV sexual risk behaviors, and other behaviors. Biological samples were also collected. This analysis focused on baseline data of HIV-positive Black MSM in the HPTN 061 study. Of the 143 HIV-positive Black MSM (majority ≥ 35 years of age) included in this analysis, 58% reported disclosing their HIV status to their last male anal sex partner. Forty-three percent and 42% reported condomless insertive and receptive anal intercourse respectively with their last male partner; whereas, 17% and 18% of the sample engaged in condomless insertive and receptive anal intercourse with a serodiscordant/unknown status partner, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression models, there was no statistically significant association between HIV status disclosure and condomless insertive anal intercourse (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.11, 1.08; p = 0.30), condomless receptive anal intercourse (aOR = 2.48, 95% CI 0.94, 6.52; p = 0.20), or condomless receptive anal intercourse with a serodiscordant/unknown status partner (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.20, 1.49; p = 0.45). However, HIV status disclosure was significantly associated with lower odds of reporting condomless insertive anal intercourse with a serodiscordant/unknown status partner (aOR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.06, 0.68; p ≤ 0.01). Among this multi-city sample of HIV-positive Black MSM, disclosure of HIV status was common and associated with lower HIV sexual risk behaviors. These findings should motivate and guide research to develop prevention messages to increase HIV status disclosures.
The ARF GAP ELMOD2 acts with different GTPases to regulate centrosomal microtubule nucleation and cytokinesis

The ELMOD2 gene has been linked to a number of human pathologies and encodes an ∼32 kDa protein that acts from multiple sites in mammalian cells. Knocking out the protein in fibroblasts causes defe...
Designing inhalable metal organic frameworks for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment and theragnostics via spray drying

Inhalable metal organic framework (MOF) aerosols have been developed via spray drying as a therapy for multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB). The CuPOA2 (pyrazinoate acid) MOFs can be tailored to exhibit a respirable mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 2.6 μm. This method is repeated to manufacture Gd0.1Cu0.9(POA)2 MOFs for inhalable theragnostics.
The “African Prints”: Africa and Aesthetics in the Textile World

The chapter challenges the aesthetic imprints of Vlisco, a Dutch firm, whose representation of Africa’s image in its textile products and fabrics exported to Africa over many decades left much to be desired. The artistic contents of the products, mainly an amalgam of Javanese, Indian, Chinese, Arab and European cultural imageries, are branded as “African prints”. The chapter considered several arguments for and against Vlisco’s “African prints,” as well as the objection for a global understanding of textile and their aesthetic dynamics that make them “Afropolitan” rather than indigenous. To be “Afropolitan” simply denotes a fabric or print as an all-comer art content which gives it the capacity for adaptability, and elevates it to global acceptability. The chapter rejects both Vlisco’s “African prints” and the argument for an Afropolitan prints because such designs sideline African traditional expressions. Consequently, the author suggests that some African industrialists should be encouraged to join the global textile trade and make designs with the purpose of projecting African aesthetics and imagery on fabrics.
The Effect of Oil Supply Shocks on U.S. Economic Activity: What Have We Learned?

Estimated responses of real oil prices and US GDP to oil supply disruptions vary widely. We show that most variation is attributable to differences in identification assumptions and estimation techniques. Models that impose a large short-run price elasticity of oil supply imply a larger response of oil prices and a larger, longer-lived contraction in U.S. real GDP. We find that if we condition on a range of supply elasticity values supported by microeconomic estimates, the differences in the oil price responses diminishes. Longer lag lengths and loss function contribute to explain the differences in the response of U.S. real GDP.
Study of the Detailed Catalyst Hydrodynamics using Radioactive Particle Tracking Technique in a Mimicked Fischer-Tropsch Slurry Bubble Column

Abstract Slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR) is the preferred choice of reactor for Fischer – Tropsch (FT) synthesis. However, the understanding of the catalyst flow dynamics in FT-SBCR is still lacking. In this work, hydrodynamics of the FT catalyst were studied using computer aided radioactive particle tracking (CARPT) technique at the mimicked conditions of FT synthesis for the first time. Solids ensemble averaged velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, Reynolds normal and shear stresses were experimentally obtained. Effect of operating conditions on the velocity flow field were investigated. Further, studies were conducted to quantify the difference in flow field due to the change in the liquid and solid phases. It was found that the change of solids turbulence is insignificant with pressure and solids loading at the studied operating conditions. Further, it was found that the surface tension of the fluid and the solid properties plays a dominant role on the turbulence.
Effective Pollination Period and Parentage Effect on Pollen Tube Growth in Apple.

Flower receptivity is a limiting factor for the fertilization of several tree fruit. The effective pollination period (EPP) can be used to determine flower longevity and identify limiting factors by assessing stigmatic receptivity, pollen tube growth rate, and ovule longevity. EPPs were determined for three apple cultivars under natural field conditions in Washington State in 2019 and 2020. In addition, a greenhouse study, performed under semi-controlled conditions, evaluated the influence of six maternal parents on the pollen tube growth performance of six pollen sources. The duration of the stigmatic receptivity ranged from 6.3 to 8.1 days, depending on the cultivar and year—pollen tubes required between 5.5 and 7.0 days from the stigma to reach the ovules. Ovule longevity of non-pollinated flowers varied between 8.2 and 11.3 days. Combinations of these factors resulted in EPPs ranging from 3.0 days for ‘Rubinstar’ to 5.6 days for ‘Olsentwo Gala’ in the present experimental conditions. The greenhouse study revealed that parentage affected pollen tube growth performance. Importantly, a significant interaction between maternal and paternal factors indicated that the performance of different pollen sources depended on the maternal parent and that general recommendations on pollination need to account for the maternal parent.
Planned Islanding Algorithm Design Based on Multiple Sub-Microgrids With Dynamic Boundary

Planned islanding is one of the fundamental functions of microgrid (MG) controllers. However, existing planned islanding functions cannot be directly utilized in MGs that have the capability to have both dynamic boundary and multiple sub-MGs. To optimize the smart switch operation and distributed energy resource (DER) output power, a planned islanding algorithm is designed to minimize the battery energy storage systems’ power difference before and after a planned islanding. To verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test has been conducted by implementing the algorithm in a general purpose MG controller system. The results demonstrate that the difference in active power before and after the planned islanding decreases significantly with the proposed algorithm.
Macromolecular insoluble cold globulin (MICG): a novel protein from mouse lymphocytes--I. Isolation and characterization.

Abstract Murine thymus and spleen cells synthesize a 225,000 dalton macromolecule (MICG). This protein is insoluble in the cold in non-ionic detergents and migrates as a β-globulin on electrophoresis. MICG can be isolated by a two-step procedure consisting of cold precipitation of cellular lysates in NP-40, followed by gel chromatography in detergent solution. Thymocytes synthesized three times more MICG than splenocytes. Immunological analysis demonstrated that anti-MICG antiserum reacted with the cold insoluble protein. Trypsin digestion of radiolabeled, isolated MICG illustrated the incorporation of 14 C-leucine into a number of peptides. MICG is a glycoprotein which accounts for 3.5% of the protein synthesized in thymus cells and is not secreted from thymocytes or spleen cells.
A histochemical procedure for localizing and evaluating leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activity in smears of blood and marrow.

A rapid and simple method is described for demonstrating the presence of alkaline phosphatase activity in cells of blood and bone marrow. Smears were fixed with 10 per cent formalin in methanol at 0 ± 5 C. for 30 seconds and stained by the azo dye procedure, using propanediol buffer at a pH of 9.6. A "scoring" technic is outlined, which permits the comparison of alkaline phosphatase activities of blood leukocytes of different individuals. Alkaline phosphatase activity was found only in neutrophilic granulocytes and was localized exclusively in the cytoplasm of these cells. In normal adults, 43 to 95 per cent (mean of 78%) of all neutrophils were unstained. Staining was up to ten times more intense in smears from patients with a variety of pathologic disorders.
Tight junction integrity diminished by hypoxia, indomethacin, and hydrocortisone in Caco2 cell line (650.5)

Background: Inflammation, hypoxia and loss of barrier function hallmark inflammatory bowel disease. Tight junctions play a vital role in the regulation of intestinal epithelial permeability. Indome...
Electronic Benefit Transfer: Food Choices, Food Insecurity and Type 2 Diabetes

Electronic Benefit Transfer: Food Choices, Food Insecurity, and Type 2 Diabetes by Diana L. Malkin-Washeim MPH, New York University, 1992 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University August 2015
Symptom Endorsement of Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse and Dependence Criteria Among American-Indian Adolescents in Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

Abstract Objective. This study addresses the prevalence of DSM-IV substance abuse and dependence and the endorsement of specific symptoms of these disorders among American-Indian adolescents admitted to a residential substance abuse treatment program. Method. We interviewed 89 American Indian adolescents using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module (CIDI-SAM). Results. The most frequent diagnoses included marijuana dependence (51.7%), followed by alcohol abuse and dependence (33.7% each) and marijuana abuse (32.6%). Among the three substances with the highest prevalence of any use disorder (alcohol, marijuana, and stimulants), the most frequently endorsed abuse criterion was Impaired Role Obligations. The two most frequently endorsed dependence criteria were Use Despite Substance-Related Psychological/Physical Problems and Unsuccessful Attempts to Quit/Cut down on substance use. Conclusions. These American-Indian adolescents presented to a residential substance abuse treat...
Bacteriophage P22 Abc2 protein binds to RecC increases the 5' strand nicking activity of RecBCD and together with lambda bet, promotes Chi-independent recombination.

Bacteriophage P22 Abc2 protein binds to the RecBCD enzyme from Escherichia coli to promote phage growth and recombination. Overproduction of the RecC subunit in vivo, but not RecB or RecD, interfered with Abc2-induced UV sensitization, revealing that RecC is the target for Abc2 in vivo. UV-induced ATP crosslinking experiments revealed that Abc2 protein does not interfere with the binding of ATP to either the RecB or RecD subunits in the absence of DNA, though it partially inhibits RecBCD ATPase activity. Productive growth of phage P22 in wild-type Salmonella typhimurium correlates with the presence of Abc2, but is independent of the absolute level of ATP-dependent nuclease activity, suggesting a qualitative change in the nature of Abc2-modified RecBCD nuclease activity relative to the native enzyme. In lambda phage crosses, Abc2-modified RecBCD could substitute for lambda exonuclease in Red-promoted recombination; lambda Gam could not. In exonuclease assays designed to examine the polarity of digestion, Abc2 protein qualitatively changes the nature of RecBCD double-stranded DNA exonuclease by increasing the rate of digestion of the 5' strand. In this respect, Abc2-modified RecBCD resembles a RecBCD molecule that has encountered the recombination hotspot Chi. However, unlike Chi-modified RecBCD, Abc2-modified RecBCD still possesses 3' exonuclease activity. These results are discussed in terms of a model in which Abc2 converts the RecBCD exonuclease for use in the P22 phage recombination pathway. This mechanism of P22-mediated recombination distinguishes it from phage lambda recombination, in which the phage recombination system (Red) and its anti-RecBCD function (Gam) work independently.
Assessing explanatory style in teenagers: Adolescent norms for the MMPI Optimism-Pessimism scale

This article reports adolescent norms for the Optimism-Pessimism (PSM) scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The PSM scale measures explanatory style on a continuum from optimistic to pessimistic by using 298 MMPI items. It is based on Seligman's theory of explanatory style and was constructed by applying the Content Analysis of Verbatim Explanations (CAVE) technique to the MMPI item pool. The normative equations are based on a random sample of 624 normal boys and 691 normal girls ages 13 through 17 years. Reliability estimates of .94 demonstrate that the PSM scale can accurately assess explanatory style in adolescents. These norms may identify a personality factor associated with poorer physical and mental health and lower levels of achievement.
Association of an intensive lifestyle intervention with remission of type 2 diabetes.

Context The frequency of remission of type 2 diabetes achievable with lifestyle intervention is unclear. Objective To examine the association of a long-term intensive weight-loss intervention with the frequency of remission from type 2 diabetes to prediabetes or normoglycemia. Design, Setting, and Participants Ancillary observational analysis of a 4-year randomized controlled trial (baseline visit, August 2001–April 2004; last follow-up, April 2008) comparing an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) with a diabetes support and education control condition (DSE) among 4503 US adults with body mass index of 25 or higher and type 2 diabetes. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to receive the ILI, which included weekly group and individual counseling in the first 6 months followed by 3 sessions per month for the second 6 months and twice-monthly contact and regular refresher group series and campaigns in years 2 to 4 (n=2241) or the DSE, which was an offer of 3 group sessions per year on diet, physical activity, and social support (n=2262). Main Outcome Measures Partial or complete remission of diabetes, defined as transition from meeting diabetes criteria to a prediabetes or nondiabetic level of glycemia (fasting plasma glucose 1c Results Intensive lifestyle intervention participants lost significantly more weight than DSE participants at year 1 (net difference, −7.9%; 95% CI, −8.3% to −7.6%) and at year 4 (−3.9%; 95% CI, −4.4% to −3.5%) and had greater fitness increases at year 1 (net difference, 15.4%; 95% CI, 13.7%-17.0%) and at year 4 (6.4%; 95% CI, 4.7%-8.1%) (P Conclusions In these exploratory analyses of overweight adults, an intensive lifestyle intervention was associated with a greater likelihood of partial remission of type 2 diabetes compared with diabetes support and education. However, the absolute remission rates were modest. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00017953
Superconducting Transition Temperature, Lattice Instability, and Electron-to-Atom Ratio in Transition-Metal Binary Solid Solutions

In a series of transition-metal binary alloys, as the average electron-to-atom ratio $\mathfrak{z}$ decreases from 6.0 to 4.0, the measured electronic-specific-heat coefficient $\ensuremath{\gamma}$, and with it the average Fermi density of states $n({E}_{F})$ rises to a maximum near $\mathfrak{z}=4.4$. From an analysis of the coupled results of low-temperature calorimetric and magnetic susceptibility measurements it has been shown in a previous paper that, at least for the Ti-Mo system, the maximum in average $n({E}_{F})$ was induced through the influence of submicroscopic metallurgical inhomogeneities (clustering and second-phase precipitation) present in the as-quenched $\mathfrak{z}\ensuremath{\lesssim}4.3$ material, and was not a property of the (hypothetical) single-phase bcc alloy. In addition, it was demonstrated that were it not for this precipitation, the effects of which became increasingly noticeable as $\mathfrak{z}$ decreased below about 4.3, $n({E}_{F})$ would otherwise increase monotonically as $\mathfrak{z}$ decreased from 6.0 to 4.0. In this paper, which is an extension of that work, the superconducting behavior of Ti-Mo is explored. The results of calorimetric measurements yield both a superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ and a Debye temperature ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D}$ which (through the elastic constants ${c}_{\mathrm{ij}}$) may be related to lattice stability. Again, if we postulate the existence of single-phase bcc Ti-Mo alloys, in which precipitation for $\mathfrak{z}\ensuremath{\lesssim}4.3$ has been inhibited, a semiquantitative argument shows that ${T}_{c}$ should also increase monotonically with decreasing $\mathfrak{z}$. As a generalization of this result, it is suggested that in the well-known double-humped curve of ${T}_{c}$ vs $\mathfrak{z}$ for transition-metal binary alloys the local maximum near $\mathfrak{z}=4.4$ is induced (or at least strongly contributed to) by microstructural effects, rather than being a property of single-phase bcc alloys. Finally, a connection is made between the superconducting behaviors of transition-metal binary alloys, which might be regarded as low-perturbation systems, and the tightly bound transition-metal-nontransition-metal intermetallic compounds, for which the very opposite is true. The coupling parameter is "lattice stability" which decreases with decreasing $\mathfrak{z}$, in the range under consideration, for both the alloys as well as the compounds. The increase of ${T}_{c}$ with decreasing $\mathfrak{z}$ generally terminates at the edge of the regime of phase stability (e.g., at the low-concentration limit of the equilibrium single-phase bcc field, in the case of Ti-Mo alloys).
Polarization aberrations. 2. tilted and decentered optical systems

In paper 1 [Appl. Opt. 33, this issue (1994)] we examined the polarization aberrations of rotationally symmetric systems. In this paper we extend polarization-aberrration theory to include two types of tilted and decentered systems composed of rotationally symmetric elements. One type is systems with collinear centers of curvatures but with decentered pupils. The symmetry in such systems permits the analysis to proceed along lines similar to those in paper 1. The other type is systems with arbitrary tilts and decenters. In these systems the field dependencies of the aberrations from each surface are not concentric. The extension is made by use of a polarization-aberration matrix with vector, instead of scalar, arguments.
Observation of encapsulated lactic acid bacteria using confocal scanning laser microscopy.

The confocal scanning laser microscope allows direct observation of milk and cultured milks in their natural state. The microscope was used to observe the capsules of lactic acid bacteria growing in milk. Capsule production was confirmed by microscopic observation of cells suspended in latex beads. Some strains of Streptococcus thermophilus were surrounded by a capsule 4 to 5 μm in diameter, and others by capsules 2 μm in diameter. Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus strains showed capsule sizes from 1.5 to 3 μm in diameter. Of four strains of lactococci tested, three were unencapsulated, and one had capsule sizes of 1.5 to 2 μm around some cells. Encapsulated strains produced less acid in milk than did unencapsulated strains. Growth in Elliker's broth produced smaller capsules than did growth in milk. Capsules acted as a barrier to acid diffusing from the cell.
An adsorption study of hydrogen on iron and its relation to hydrogen embrittlement

The chemical reactions of hydrogen gas on iron surfaces have been determined by simultaneously measuring the volume of gas adsorbed and the corresponding magnetization change. The combination of these experimental results as well as the kinetics of the reactions is used to explain the temperature dependence observed in crack growth studies performed in gaseous hydrogen. The reaction is shown to be a two step process involving the formation of an adsorbed molecular precursor prior to the formation of the embrittling hydrogen ion. The adsorption isotherm and magnetizationadsorption isotherm for H2 on Fe at 77 K were determined to be Langmuirian. This, plus a first order adsorption rate are given as evidence for the existence of a chemisorbed molecular H 2 + precursor at this temperature. The mechanical test data of other investigators for slow crack growth in gaseous H2, which show a nonmonotonic change of crack growth rate with temperature, become explainable based on a measured decrease in the adsorption of H2 at temperature above 300 K and the two step adsorption process. At temperatures below 300 K the formation of an H- ion from the adsorbed precursor H 2 + ion is the rate controlling process in gaseous hydrogen embrittlement. At temperatures above 300 K, the decreasing net adsorption rate of H 2 + becomes the limiting process.
Theory of Lattice Raman Scattering in Insulators

The theory of Raman scattering by phonons in perfect insulator crystals is developed here. The Hamiltonian for the interacting system of electrons, phonons, and photons is written in second-quantized form, and a canonical transformation is performed to remove the lowest-order interactions. In the resulting transformed Hamiltonian, the terms causing Raman scattering can be identified. The basic electron-system eigenstates are taken in the Wannier exciton representation, including bound and continuum states. The frequency dependence of the components of the Raman tensor is obtained for single-phonon and two-phonon overtone scattering. As a function of incident photon energy, the Raman tensor has poles at energies corresponding to creation of quasiparticles (e.g., virtual excitons). This produces a particularly important effect in resonance Raman scattering, where the creation of virtual excitons dominates the scattering process. Some numerical estimates for single and overtone resonant-Raman-scattering efficiencies are given for CdS and GaAs, and are compared with available experiments. The use of the resonance Raman effect as a probe of quasiparticles is suggested.
Effect of local-field correction on a strongly pumped resonance.

We present a general formalism that incorporates local-field corrections into Bloch's equations and use it to calculate the strong-field susceptibility of a pressure-broadened gas consisting of two-level atoms. The major effect is to introduce a dynamic Lorentz shift that varies throughout the resonance line shape. We also calculate the susceptibility associated with a weak field (probe) in the presence of a strong field (pump) when the pump and probe are at the same frequency. Here the effect is to introduce both a variable shift and a greater distortion of the line shape.