cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Archaeology and cultural macroevolution

Given the numerous parallels between the archaeological and paleontological records, it is not surprising to find a considerable fit between macroevolutionary approaches and methods used in biology – for example, cladistics and clade-diversity measures – and some of those that have long been used in archaeology – for example, seriation. Key, however, is recognizing that this methodological congruence is illusory in terms of how evolution has traditionally been viewed in biology and archaeology.
Geometry of Linear Maps

The geometric meaning of a linear function \(x \mapsto y = mx\) is simple and clear: it maps \(\mathbb{R}^1\)to itself, multiplying lengths by the factor m. As we show, linear maps \(M:\mathbb{R}^n\to\mathbb{R}^n\) also have their multiplication factors of various sorts, for any n > 1. In later chapters, these factors play a role in transforming the differentials in multiple integrals that is exactly like the role played by the multiplier φ'(s) in the transformation dx = φ'(s)ds in single-variable integrals.With this in mind, we take up the geometry of linear maps in the simplest case of two variables.
Design analysis of a liquid-piston compression chamber with application to compressed air energy storage

Abstract The present study focuses on a design analysis of a shaped liquid piston compression chamber based on CFD. The liquid piston compression chamber is for application to Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES), which can be used to even the mismatch between power generation and power demand, and, thus, the objective of the design exploration is to maximize the compression efficiency. Within the compression chamber is an open-cell metal foam medium for enhancement of heat transfer. Traditionally, the chamber has a cylindrical shape. The present study explores the effects on compression efficiency of varying the profile of cross-sectional diameter along the axis of the chamber. This leads to a compression chamber with curved walls that assume a gourd-like shape. A set of exploratory design cases is completed using the orthogonal array concept based on the Taguchi method, hence reducing the number of realizations. CFD simulations provide insight into how the chamber shape affects the flow physics during compression. A quantitative design analysis shows that, in general, a large aspect ratio and a steep radius change of the chamber is preferred, which is in line with a visualization of the CFD flow fields. The relative importance of each different shape parameter is analyzed.
Descartes' Cogito : Comments on Anthony Kenny's “Descartes on the Will”

Kenny's paper “Descartes on the Will” is the locus classicus on Descartes' theory of will, error, and judgment. Since much of what Kenny says in his paper has no direct bearing on the core thesis of this book, I confine myself to making an observation or two on aspects of his paper that bear more directly on Chapter 8. There is first a purely historical issue. Kenny is keen to establish that Descartes' theory of the will in the Regulae – published only posthumously, composed as early as 1628, if not earlier – is sharply different from the one he offered in later works such as the Principles of Philosophy and Meditations on First Philosophy . Consequently, when Leslie Beck, in his The Method of Descartes (17), cites a passage from the Regulae that smacks of what Descartes was alleged to have claimed only later, Kenny responds thus: When he wrote the Regulae , Descartes still held the orthodox Thomist view … There is, it is true, one passage which Leslie Beck sees as presupposing the later view “that judgement whether in its pure or practical use is an assent or dissent, an act of will.” But the passage is most naturally interpreted as applying only to practical matters. Descartes exhorts us, in studying, “to think solely of increasing the natural light of reason, not with a view to solving this or that scholastic problem but in order that in all the happenings of our life, our intellect may show our will what alternative to choose.” […]
Quantum Efficient Detection of Phonons with Tungsten Thin Films

We have developed superconducting tungsten transition-edge sensors (TES) to study athermal phonon processes induced by elementary particle scattering in silicon crystals. These sensors are roughly 14() times as sensitive as the titanium transition edge sensors we have been using. Several experiments using W TES have been performed with x rays and gamma rays. Due to the low transition temperature of the W films (57 mK) we have reached the film sensitivity necessary to construct a quantum efficient phonon detector. When a film becomes sensitive enough that single phonons can drive complete line segments normal, the detector becomes quantum efficient. Such operation dramatically reduces the detector threshold, allows us to instrument greater absorber thicknesses, and makes the detector more linear in energy. We are currently constructing a detector with line segments short enough to achieve quantum efficiency. This device can also he used as a phonon energy spectrometer, since by cooling the W films, we control the minimum phonon energy needed to drive a line segment normal.
Failure analysis of power integrated modules and its challenges

Power Integrated Module (PIM) in a configurable package platform employs high-power direct-bonded-copper (DBC) substrate technology along with press-fit pins, thus, provides a high performance and reliable power module solution. The state of the art module platform however, presents a challenge to perform component-level failure analysis. The failure analysis techniques developed for multi-layered module packaging is presented in this paper.
PERANAN PROMOSI MELALUI PERSONAL SELLING TERHADAP VOLUME PENJUALAN

ABSTRAKSI Promosi sangatlah erat kaitannya dengan penjualan sehingga dengan dilakukannya promosi maka akan berdampak pada tingkat penjualan produk di perusahaan. Hal ini dikarenakan semakin efektif promosi yang dilakukan, maka semakin tinggi pula tingkat penjualan produk di perusahaan. Cara promosi dapat dilakukan melalui berbagai macam salah satunya adalah melalui personal selling atau penjualan langsung oleh marketing terhadap calon konsumen potensial. Promosi melalui personal selling perlu dilakukan secara berkala karena itu perusahaan dituntut untuk dapat melaksanakan promosi dengan tepat agar dapat diterima oleh konsumen dan dapat meningkatkan penjualan produk seperti yang diharapkan oleh perusahaan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Observasi, dalam metode pengumpulan data ini penulis melakukan pengamatan secara langsung terhadap objek riset yang diamati dimana penulis melakukan pengamatan dengan datang langsung ke Hotel Ririn Bogor pada bagian yang menunjang data penelitian dalam hal ini bagian Marketing Hotel Ririn. Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan penulis untuk dapat menaikan penjualan dan mencapai target penjualan, Hotel Ririn perlu memperluas target pasar. Perlu diadakan pelatihan bagi karyawan di bagian Marketing. Hotel Ririn seharusnya tidak hanya terfokus melakukan promosi melalui personal selling tetapi juga mempromosikan produk berupa kamar hotel dengan menggunakan strategi yang lain seperti membuat website Hotel Ririn guna memberikan informasi dan gambaran jelas mengenai Hotel Ririn. Kata Kunci : Promosi, Personal Selling, Volume Penjualan ABSTRACT Promotion is very closely related to the sale so that the promotion does then it will have an impact on the level of product sales in the company. This is because the more effective promotion is done, the higher the level of product sales in the company. The way the promotion can be done through a variety of one of them is through personal selling or direct sales by marketing to potential prospects. Promotion through personal selling should be done periodically because the company is required to be able to carry out the promotion of the right to be accepted by consumers and can increase product sales as expected by the company. The method used in this study is the observation, the data collection methods have writers do direct observation of the object research were observed in which the authors make observations to come directly to the Hotel Ririn Bogor on the part of the data supporting research in this part of Marketing Hotel Ririn. Based on observations of the writer to be able to increase sales and achieve sales targets, Hotel Ririn need to expand the target market. There should be training for employees in the Marketing. Hotel Ririn should not only focus promotion through personal selling, but also promote the products in the form of hotel rooms by using other strategies such as creating a website Hotel Ririn to provide information and a clear picture of Hotel Ririn. Keywords: Promotion , Personal selling, Sales Volume
An evaluation of acceptable biological catch (ABC) harvest control rules designed to limit overfishing

In this paper we developed a simulation model to evaluate a range of acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rules to determine their relative performance at achieving common fishery management o...
Development from Within: Diversity, Freedom, and Agency Driven Path for Sri Lanka

As spelled out in the introduction and the opening article of this volume, both supporters and direct opponents of development share a similar notion. They conceive it at national scale, within an international context, with little or no room for play. Yet as evident in the above articles, development at people‘s level is diverse. Constructed in relation to particular contexts and constraints, people have individual life goals and objectives, and each life journey is different. It is important to ask: How can politicians, policy makers, development specialists, and planners acknowledge, accommodate, and/or support diverse life journeys without homogenizing and/or suppressing this field of difference? Homogenization of communities, although never fully achievable, is imposed from outside (i.e., the state, the market, the professionals, and large-scale processes such as colonialism and globalization). Located within the European capitalist thought, the hegemonic development paradigm privileges the economy, one that is largely understood through mathematics. (Buarque 1993) According to this worldview, wealth and national economic growth is a prerequisite to a - "good life" for citizens.
Abstract 559: Systemic Oxidative Stress is Associated with Myocardial Perfusion in Whites but not in Blacks: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Central and peripheral vascular damage by oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms has been described in male and female patients with inflammatory pathologies. However, information is scant on the association between oxidative stress and myocardial perfusion in biracial (black-white) asymptomatic young adults. We assessed the hypothesis that the association between oxidative stress and myocardial perfusion differs among biracial (black-white) asymptomatic young adults. As a part of the Bogalusa Heart Study, systemic oxidative stress (in terms of urinary creatinine-indexed levels of 8-epi-PGF2alfa -isoprostane-) and non-invasive myocardial perfusion (in terms or Subendocardial Viability Ratio -SEVR) were assessed in 605 asymptomatic individuals aged 29-51 years (mean 43.4; 68.7% white and 54.4% female), along with evaluation of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The race-specific association of urinary creatinine -indexed 8-epi-PGF2alfa with SEVR was tested through multivariable- adjusted linear regression analyses. SEVR levels were significantly higher in white and male participants (p In conclusion, the described observations help support the hypothesis that the impact of oxidative stress on myocardial perfusion (coronary microcirculation) is different among race (black-white) groups. Further, this may aid to emphasize and enhance race-specific risk factor screening and disease evaluation.
Fresh and Brackish Water Ostracoda From the Neogene of Northern Venezuela

Twenty-four species of ostracodes are recorded from the Siquire, Tuy and Cumaca formations of the State of Miranda and from the Guiria Formation of the State of Sucre. Three new species are described: Cytheridea? purperae. Callistocythere? macsotayi and Xestoleberis bermudezi. The lower Siquire Formation is correlated with the lowermost unit (Unit J) of the Guiria Formation and with the Caparo clay member of the Talparo Formation of Trinidad (Pliocene). The upper Siquire Formation is correlated with the upper Talparo Formation, and the Tuy Formation and Unit E of the Guiria Formation are tentatively assigned to the Pleistocene.
Study of Cardiac Autonomic Receptors by Radiolabeled Ligand Binding Assays

The development of radioligand binding assays to study directly neurotransmitter and hormone receptors has heralded a new era of discovery of the properties and regulation of these receptors and the effectors with which they interact. In the area of cardiovascular pharmacology, application of radioligand binding techniques has facilitated significant advances in the study of receptors found in cardiac tissues, most notably the receptors of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. β-Adrenergic receptors in cardiac muscle have been studied most extensively by these techniques, and substantial research has also been done on muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Reports of application of radioligand binding techniques to the study of cardiac α-adrenergic receptors have been less abundant, perhaps as a result of technical difficulties associated with the relatively less satisfactory available radiolabeled ligands.
The Complexity of Characteristics, Diagnoses, and Treatment of Older Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension☆☆☆

Abstract Background Older patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are more likely to have complex comorbidity than younger patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The best approach to the evaluation and management of these patients is unclear. Methods We, retrospectively, reviewed the clinical records of patients older than 60 years referred for evaluation for PAH. We recorded patient demographics, comorbidity, functional classification (FC), right heart catheterization data, echocardiographic data, chest radiographic images and pulmonary function results. We recorded the final diagnoses according to World Health Organization (WHO) subgroups and treatment outcomes based on changes in FC. Results Ninety-seven records were reviewed in detail. The mean age was 71.2 ± 7.5 years with 66% women. Cardiovascular disease was the most frequent comorbidity. Mean PA pressure by catheterization was 39.5 ± 12.2 mmHg (n = 65). The overall distribution after evaluation included 21 (21.6%) Group 1, 35 (36.1%) Group 2, 16 (16.5%) Group 3, 18 (18.6%) mixed Group 2 and 3, 6 (6.2%) Group 4 and 1 (1%) Group 5 patients. Group 1 patients were treated with PAH specific drug, and 12 patients had an improvement in FC with treatment. Conclusions Older patients with suspected PH often have significant cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidity. Comprehensive evaluations are needed to determine the severity of PH and associated diseases and to initiate treatment focused on FC. Patients in WHO Group 2 and mixed Group 2 and 3 were frequently identified and constituted a diagnostic and treatment challenge in this study. Older patients with PAH may benefit from PAH specific drugs.
Approximate Reconfigurable Hardware Accelerator: Adapting the Micro-Architecture to Dynamic Workloads

With the need to create more energy-efficient hardware, approximate computing has emerged as one solution. Approximate computing exploits the applications' inherent tolerance to inaccuracies to simplify the circuits with lower power/area, while achieving higher performance. One of the main problems with approximate computing is that it is highly data dependent. The resultant approximate architecture heavily depends on the training data. Often random inputs are used. However, the error of the approximate circuit can nevertheless reach intolerable levels in case that the final workload significantly differs from the training data used during the architectural approximation. Thus, in this work, we approximate different designs given as behavioral descriptions(e.g. ANSI-C or SystemC) for High-Level Synthesis (HLS) to be mapped as loosely coupled hardware accelerators onto the reconfigurable fabric of a configurable SoC (CSoC) with different input data distributions (IDD) to obtain a set of approximate micro-architectures optimized for each of the IDD. We then propose a runtime reconfigurable approximate micro-architecture manager (MAM) that constantly monitors the workload distributions of each approximate accelerator and reconfigures the accelerators with the approximate microarchitecture that has been trained with IDD most similar to the current workload in order to keep the error under control. Two versions of the MAM have been developed. The first one runs on software(SW) onto an embedded processor, while the second one is implemented on the approximate accelerator in hardware(HW). Experimental results show that our proposed framework can control the error within the specified threshold value very efficiently compared to keeping the approximate accelerator constant, while reducing the energy by up to 50%.
FTIR spectroscopy of CVD and natural diamond

Fourier transform spectroscopic transmissivity data in the far-infrared (10 - 350 cm-1) were used to derive a model for the complex refractive index (n - ik) of polycrystalline diamond films grown by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Due to their polycrystalline nature, the diamond films exhibited a surface roughness with crystallite sizes ranging from 0.1 - 8 μm. Scattering of the far-infrared radiation introduced by the diamond's rough surface is shown to have a significant effect on the FTIR spectrum and is accounted for in the determination of the material's optical properties. Free carrier type absorption (k proportional to λ2) is observed at longer wavelengths (l/λ < 100 cm-1).
Neanderthals and Emergent Palaeoanthropology 50 Years Ago

I know why you’re here, the question is why am I here and I’m here because the organizers, let us say unanimously, said “would you please come to Bonn for the 150 years of Neanderthal?”, and it took me a few minutes, maybe 6 or 7 s to say okay, and then they said what they would like me to do, and I said well, yeah, I really can do what I want, which is mostly what I do anyway, so in any case I came for several reasons. Not only because I happened to be here as Gabriele Uelsberg, the LandesMuseum Director, said for the first time in 1956, the first time I was in Europe was 1953, the same year that I received a doctorate, although I never stayed for the ceremony and they had to send it to my parents, because I was overseas, in London at Chris Stringer’s museum, and Chris had just arrived I think recently, and you’ll hear about that in some of the things I’m going to say to you. I’m going to talk to you about the 1950s, which is 50 years ago, so if you’re under fifty there are some things that you might benefit from, from what I say. If you’re over that, there are some things you might say, “well that’s interesting, I really didn’t know about that “or “that’s not the way I heard it” or something like that. All that’s possible. I really came because of something else. I was in Bonn in 1956. I was in Europe, all over with my new wife of 1 year, all over Western Europe, beginning in London and ending back in London, and all over Western Europe, Southern Europe, Central Europe and so on in a great big swoop over 3 months, looking at Neanderthal folks that I hadn’t seen already in 1953. In 1953, they were all seen either in the British Museum (Natural History), now The Natural History Museum, let us not forget, and then in Paris.
The Road to Perdition: The Demise of TMDL Litigation

Citizens have filed more than two dozen suits and sent nearly four dozen notices of intent to sue EPA to implement the Clean Water Act's once vaunted "total maximum daily load" (TMDL) program. 33 U.S.C. §1313(d). The results are striking. Since 1997, states and EPA have identified nearly 20,000 waters previously thought to comply with water quality standards that do not. Since 2000, EPA has established or approved nearly 8,000 plans that aim to make these dirty waters fishable and swimmable. EPA is under court order to move the TMDL program along in more than 20 states. TMDL litigation, particularly that in the cases, however, display a program with spare bark and no bite. Leading and long-litigated cases in California, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Georgia, Louisiana, Montana, Maryland, Missouri and Virginia have concluded. Eight other cases settled by consent decree. Some of the news is good, but far more is dubious, for TMDL enthusiasts. This article discusses the various aspects of TMDL litigation and its demise, including the no-duty-to-establish TMDLs standard, the fact that TMDL applies to waters impaired by nonpoint as well as point sources, and the wide discretion that EPA retains to approve TMDL content.
Appeal by American Scientists to Prevent Global Warming

Global warming has emerged as the most serious environmental threat of the 21st century. There is broad agreement within the scientific community that amplification of the earth’s natural greenhouse effect by the buildup of various gases introduced by human activity has the potential to produce dramatic changes in climate. The severity and rate of climate change cannot yet be confidently predicted, but the impacts of changes in surface temperature, sea level, precipitation, and other components of climate could be substantial and irreversible on a time scale of centuries. Such changes could result in severe disruption of natural and economic systems throughout the world.
Integrating behavior driven development and programming by contract to improve correctness in computer programs

In many professional development settings, Test Driven Development (TDD), and its evolutionary descendent, Behavior Driven Development (BDD) are increasingly being used to improve code quality and reducing error rates. While very valuable, they are considerably less rigorous than formal methodologies of program correctness via formal logic. A less rigorous methodology utilizing the ideas of formal methods but without requiring an actual full proof are also in use called "Design by Contract" (DBC) or "Programming by Contract." (PBC) This thesis will examine extending and combining the ideas behind TDD, BDD and DBC to improve the overall stability and quality of a system. It will examine using both TDD/BDD (hereinafter referred to as TDD) and PBC to enhance the quality of development throughout the software development life cycle, while aiding in the development and stabilization of sound architecture. A result of this examination is a tool that attempts to derive unit tests automatically by analyzing human written specifications for preconditions and post-conditions when coupled with data definitions. These results will be used to generate code to be run by a unit testing framework before deployment, either as part of a continuous integration environment or by individual developers. The tool will also attempt to generate wireframe classes implementing pre and post-conditions within the code and using runtime contract analysis to generate information when an exception occurs, thereby helping to automate verification of bug fixes. Ultimately, the tool produced would be useful in a non-academic environment as a utility to extend the benefit of design by contract combined with TDD to the agile space.
Patterning of graphene oxide with optoelectronic tweezers

Optoelectronic tweezers (OET) offer a means for parallel trapping and dynamic manipulation of micro-scale particles using low-intensity light. Such capabilities can facilitate the formation of bulk materials with a precisely tailored microstructure. Here, we report the use of OET to vertically align, trap, and reposition sheets of graphene oxide (GO) in liquids, paving the way for textured and patterned graphene macroassemblies that could offer superior performance for applications in energy storage, catalysis, and electronic devices. Trapping can be achieved with low-power light from inexpensive digital projectors and diode lasers, making it simple for users to create and apply patterns while avoiding undesirable photothermal heating effects. To give users a quantitative idea of trap stiffness, we also present a theoretical framework for predicting the maximum achievable speed of a GO platelet in an OET trap.
The maleness of violence in dating relationships: An appraisal of stereotypes.

This study clarifies and adds to our understanding of how gender and gender orientation affect physical aggression in dating relationships. The stereotype of male violence assumes that men exclusively or nearly exclusively use abusive and violent behavior to manage conflict situations with an intimate partner, and that the more violent men will be more masculine. Data from a sample of 336 undergraduates indicate that the expected sex differences were not observed; among college students, physical aggression in dating relationships is not gender-specific. However, gender orientation was significantly related to courtship aggression. A more masculine and/or less feminine gender orientation and variations in relationship seriousness proved to be the two strongest predictors of both men's and women's involvement in courtship violence. Findings are discussed in terms of the masculine mystique and the male role norms in our culture's superstructure.
Glycol-based sol-gel process for the fabrication of ferroelectric PZT thin films

A new sol-gel system using ethylene glycol was developed for the fabrication of PZT thin films with compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3. Ethylene glycol was used as both a chelating agent and a solvent to replace the highly toxic methoxyethanol used in previous formulations. Thin films were deposited by spin coating the solutions onto platinized silicon substrates. Films were completely crystallized by about 600°C and contained the ferroelectric perovskite phase. A dielectric constant of about 750–800 at 1 KHz was obtained for thin films of 0.3 µm thickness. The hysteresis measurements revealed a remanent polarization of 15 mC/cm2 with a coercive field of 60 kV/cm.
Imaging black holes and jets with a VLBI array including multiple space-based telescopes

Abstract Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) from the ground at millimeter wavelengths can resolve the black hole shadow around two supermassive black holes, Sagittarius A∗ and M87. The addition of modest telescopes in space would allow the combined array to produce higher-resolution, higher-fidelity images of these and other sources. This paper explores the potential benefits of adding orbital elements to the Event Horizon Telescope. We reconstruct model images using simulated data from arrays including telescopes in different orbits. We find that an array including one telescope near geostationary orbit and one in a high-inclination medium Earth of geosynchronous orbit can successfully produce high-fidelity images capable of resolving shadows as small as 3 μ as in diameter. One such key source, the Sombrero Galaxy, may be important to address questions regarding why some black holes launch powerful jets while others do not. Meanwhile, higher-resolution imaging of the substructure of M87 may clarify how jets are launched in the first place. The extra resolution provided by space VLBI will also improve studies of the collimation of jets from active galactic nuclei.
Functional Outcomes After Local Excision for Rectal Neoplasia

Transanal surgery is a viable option for most benign and select malignant rectal neoplasms. While a large focus has been placed on the safety, feasibility, and oncologic soundness of transanal techniques compared to traditional proctectomy, functional outcomes following transanal surgery have received much less attention. This chapter aims to define anorectal function, elucidate preoperative and intraoperative factors that contribute to functional outcomes, and compare postoperative outcomes after traditional transanal surgery, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). The insertion and utilization of either an anoscope or a minimally invasive platform can affect the sphincter complex and potentially cause postoperative dysfunction. Careful consideration to preoperative functional status should be paid to avoid exacerbation of existing continence issues and for setting appropriate expectations for potential disturbances in continence and quality of life in the postoperative setting. Size of tumor, location within the rectum, extent of resection, duration of surgery, age, and female sex have been postulated to affect functional outcomes; however, no strong data exist to uniformly vilify any preoperative or intraoperative factor. The sole exception: Patients who have received chemoradiation therapy prior to transanal excision have been shown to have an elevated risk for postoperative anorectal dysfunction. While injury to the sphincter complex and rectal wall is possible during transanal excisional surgery, the majority of continence and quality of life data demonstrates acceptable results and supports the use of transanal surgical approaches over traditional proctectomy when oncologically appropriate.
Baseline mucus cytokines predict 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test results after endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND Mucus cytokines have been linked to baseline metrics of quality of life and olfactory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, their potential utility in predicting postoperative outcomes has not been assessed. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the role of mucus cytokines in predicting 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) scores after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in a prospective cohort of CRS patients. METHODS One hundred forty-seven patients with CRS electing surgical therapy were enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study. Mucus was collected intraoperatively from the middle meatus and tested for interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, -4, -5, -6, -7,- 8, -9, -10, -12, -13, -17A, and -21; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; interferon-γ; eotaxin; and RANTES (regulated-on-activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) expression using a multiplex flow-cytometric bead assay. Sixty-two patients were followed postoperatively (average, 10.2 months) with baseline and follow-up SNOT-22 surveys. Stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to model relationships between baseline cytokines, phenotype, and average postoperative SNOT-22 total and domain scores. A machine learning approach using a random forest algorithm was also used to investigate potential nonlinear relationships. RESULTS IL-5 was an independent predictor of postoperative total SNOT-22 improvement (β = -8.8, p < 0.0001), whereas IL-2 levels predicted postoperative worsening (β = 6.97, p = 0.0015). Similar relationships were also seen for postoperative SNOT-22 domain scores. The overall model was also noted to be significant fit for the data (adjusted R2 = 0.398, p < 0.0001). The random forest model similarly identified IL-5, TNF-α, IL-13, and IL-2 as major predictors of postoperative SNOT-22 scores. CONCLUSION Mucus cytokine profiles may help identify CRS patients who are likely to obtain postoperative improvement after ESS.
Complications in Biceps Tendon Management: Long Head of Biceps Tenotomy and Tenodesis

Tenotomy and tenodesis of the long head of biceps (LHB) are very common procedures in shoulder surgery.
Chapter 141 – Introduced Insects

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with introduced insects evolution, impacts, and management. Among nonindigenous species, those carried to the location by humans, either deliberately or inadvertently, are called “introduced species.” Introduced insects are numerous and generate major ecological and economic impacts by a variety of means. They span most insect orders. Their means of introduction are varied, but most arrive with human help. Only a minority become problematic, and the reasons why a newly arrived species survives or fails to establish a population, and, if established, has or does not have a major effect, are often mysterious. Some problematic introduced species can be eradicated, and several management procedures can adequately control others. Additionally, a phenomenon widely reported among introduced vertebrates and plants, particularly in North America and Eurasia, is hybridization with native species, sometimes to the point of a sort of genetic extinction of the latter. Although hybridization is known to have played an important role in insect evolution, hybridization between native and recently introduced insects is rarely if ever reported. This fact may reflect biological differences or simply less genetic study of insects. There are instances of introduced populations hybridizing with one another, most notably the Italian and African strains of the honeybee. The red imported fire ant hybridizes extensively with the previously introduced black imported fire ant (Solenopsis richteri) in Tennessee.
Comparative investigation of characteristics and phosphate removal by engineered biochars with different loadings of magnesium, aluminum, or iron

Abstract Engineered biochars (EBCs) loaded with metal oxides/hydroxides have been used as sorbents to remove and recycle phosphate (P) from wastewater. However, P removal by EBCs made with different types and loading of metals have rarely been compared in a single study. Thus, in this study, EBCs were synthesized through pyrolysis of bamboo or hickory wood chips (25 g) pretreated with four amounts (25, 50, 75, and 100 mmol) of magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), or iron (Fe) salt solutions (Mg-EBC, Al-EBC, and Fe-EBC, respectively). The resulting EBCs were loaded with metal oxides/hydroxides that served as P adsorption sites. Al-EBCs showed the highest aqueous stability with little metal dissolution, which can be attributed to the low level of residual (unconverted) metal salt as well as the extremely low solubility of loaded Al metal oxyhydroxide. After the leaching/washing, the metal loading efficiencies of the Al- and Mg-EBCs were similar (50–60%) and stable metal loadings increased with pretreatment salt amounts, indicating that the amount of the two metal oxides/hydroxides in the EBCs can be controlled during pretreatment. However, stable iron oxide on the Fe-EBCs remained almost the same for all the four levels of pretreatment, reflecting saturation of the biochar surface. All the EBCs showed increasing P adsorption with increasing metal loading. At low initial P concentrations of 31 mg/L, Fe- and Al-EBCs removed up to 68% and 94% of P, likely through an electrostatic interaction mechanism. At high P concentrations, Mg-EBC had the largest P adsorption capacity (119.6 mg P/g), mainly through the combination of surface precipitation and electrostatic interaction mechanisms. This study demonstrates that metal oxide/hydroxide-loaded EBCs are promising sorbents that can be designed to meet specific needs for the removal of aqueous P in various applications.
Role of Donor Milk Supplementation in Newborn Nursery Level 1 in Improving Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate at Six Months of Life

Background and Aim: Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) endorsement of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative ten steps to optimize breastfeeding, a percentage of newborns in the level one nursery ends up using formula for medical reasons including hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, weight loss greater than 8% or ineffective breastfeeding. Improving exclusive breastfeeding rates requires efforts in initiating exclusive breastfeeding in the postpartum hospital stay. Therefore, we introduced donor milk to newborns who needed nutritional supplements for medical reasons. We aimed to determine the benefits of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk supplement …
Thermodynamic interpretation of the drift and noise of gradient baselines in reversed-phase liquid chromatography using mobile phase additives.

Abstract The drift and noise of acetonitrile-water gradient baselines (5-95%, v/v, 5 min linear gradient) in reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) are recorded at a wavelength of 215 nm using 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as the mobile phase additive, a 4.6 mm × 150 mm 5 μm Symmetry-C18 RPLC column, and an Arc system (low-pressure gradient proportioning valve or GPV, pump with a stroke volume of either 66 or 132 μL, no mixer) as the LC instrument. These observations are predicted from solid-liquid adsorption thermodynamics which requires the measurement of the excess adsorption isotherm of acetonitrile from water onto the RPLC column and of the variation of the Henry’s constant of TFA as a function of the volume fraction of acetonitrile in the bulk mobile phase. The incomplete mixing of the acetonitrile and water packets delivered by the low-pressure GPV is represented by a sinusoidal perturbation of the programmed volume fraction of acetonitrile during the entire gradient. The variation of the TFA absorbance at 215 nm with increasing acetonitrile concentration is measured in order to transform TFA concentration into the observable absorbance unit. The drift and noise of the gradient baseline are calculated by solving numerically (Rouchon method) the equilibrium-dispersive (ED) mass balance equations of acetonitrile and TFA. The agreement between the calculated and observed gradient baselines is very good as the proposed model of chromatography accurately accounts for the displacement of TFA between stationary and mobile phases (early excess and late deficit of TFA concentration relative to 0.1%) and for the frequency (equal to the ratio of the applied flow rate to the stroke volume) and the amplitude of the periodic noise recorded during the gradient. From a practical viewpoint, the drift of the gradient baseline can be minimized by maximizing the ratio of the gradient volume to the hold-up volume ( > 10) and/or by minimizing the retention factor of the mobile phase additive in the water-rich eluent (k
Intraoperative Botulinum Toxin Chemodenervation and Analgesia in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

Purpose. To analyze the impact of botulinum toxin chemodenervation on postoperative opiate consumption through a novel intraoperative injection protocol. Methods. A retrospective review of the impl...
Assessment of 30-Day Adverse Events in Single-Event, Multilevel Upper Extremity Surgery in Adult Patients with Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome:

Background Upper motor neuron (UMN) syndrome consists of muscle spasticity, weakness, and dyssynergy due to a brain or spinal cord injury. The purpose of this study is to describe the perioperative adverse events for adult patients undergoing single-event, multilevel upper extremity surgery (SEMLS) due to UMN syndrome. Methods A retrospective case series was performed for 12 consecutive adult patients who underwent SEMLS to correct upper extremity dysfunction or deformity secondary to UMN syndrome. The evaluation consisted of primary outcome measures to identify readmission rates and classify adverse events that occurred within 30 days after surgery. Results All 12 patients were functionally dependent with 50% (n = 6) men and 50% (n = 6) women at a mean age of 43.6 years (range: 21-73) with a mean of 5.92 (range: 0-16) comorbid diagnoses at the time of surgery. There were no intraoperative complications, hospital readmissions, or deaths among the 12 patients. Five patients experienced 5 minor postoperative complications that consisted of cast- or orthosis-related skin breakdown remote from the incision (n = 3), incidental surgical site hematoma that required no surveillance or intervention (n = 1), and contact dermatitis attributed to the surgical dressing that resolved with topical corticosteroids (n = 1). Conclusions With an appropriate multidisciplinary approach, there is minimal risk for developing perioperative and 30-day postoperative adverse events for adults undergoing SEMLS to correct upper extremity deformities secondary to UMN syndrome. Level of evidence IV.
iPhone vs. Trump: How Technology Companies Can Protect Both Customers and National Security

These very powerful encryptions leave the government in the dark. But perhaps there is a solution that appeases cellphone customers with privacy concerns while ensuring that criminals cannot conceal their conspiracies.
Do they really understand us?: Comparing instructional librarian, administrator, and educator perspectives about instructional librarianship preparation, duties, and needs

Abstract This study examines whether differences exist among the perspectives of academic instructional librarians, academic library administrators, and library and information science educators as to the important skills/traits, job duties, educational needs, and challenges of the instructional role in academic librarianship. A web-based questionnaire was completed by 378 participants, including 286 instructional librarians, 36 administrators, and 56 full-time or adjunct LIS educators. The results indicate that while there is general agreement about many of the needs and shortcomings in instructional librarians' preparation and job duties, there is some disagreement about the extent to which library schools help students prepare for instructional roles as well as the methods of assessment used by instructional librarians and the major challenges they face in their role.
Long-term changes in neuroimaging markers, cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms in an experimental model of Gulf War Illness.

Abstract Aims Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a multi-symptom disease with debilitating cognitive and emotional impairments in veterans. GWI, like epilepsy, is caused by chemical neurotoxicity and manifests from disturbances in neuronal excitability. However, the mechanisms underlying such devastating neurological and psychiatric symptoms remain unclear. Here we investigated the long-term changes in neural behavior and brain structural abnormalities in a rat model of GWI. GWI is linked to exposure to GWI-related organophosphate chemicals (pyridostigmine bromide or PB and insecticide DEET, permethrin) during the stressful Gulf war. Methods To mimic GWI, we generated an experimental GWI prototype in rats by daily exposure to GWI-related chemicals with restraint stress (GWIR-CS) for 4 weeks. Changes in MRI scan and cognitive function were assessed at 5- and 10- months post-exposure. Key findings In MRI scans, rats displayed significant increases in lateral ventricle T2 relaxation times at both 5- and 10-months after GWIR-CS, indicating alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) density. Furthermore, at 10 months, there were significant decreases in the volumes of the hippocampus and thalamus and an increase in the lateral ventricle volume. At both time points, they exhibited impairments in multiple neurobehavioral tests, confirming substantial deficits in memory and mood function. GWI-CS rats also displayed aggressive behavior and a marked decrease in social interaction and forced swimming, indicating depression. Conclusions These results confirm that chronic GWIR-CS exposure led to cognitive and psychiatric symptoms with concurrent neuroimaging abnormalities in CSF, with morphological neural lesions, demonstrating the role of divergent etiological mechanisms in GWI and its comorbidities.
A qualitative assessment of factors affecting nursing home caregiving staff experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background A large portion of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States have occurred in nursing homes; however, current literature including the frontline perspective of staff working in nursing homes is limited. The objective of this qualitative assessment was to better understand what individual and facility level factors may have contributed to the impact of COVID-19 on Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Environmental Services (EVS) staff working in nursing homes. Methods Based on a simple random sample from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), 7,520 facilities were emailed invitations requesting one CNA and/or one EVS staff member for participation in a voluntary focus group over Zoom. Facility characteristics were obtained via NHSN and publicly available sources; participant demographics were collected via SurveyMonkey during registration and polling during focus groups. Qualitative information was coded using NVIVO and Excel. Results Throughout April 2021, 23 focus groups including 110 participants from 84 facilities were conducted homogenous by participant role. Staffing problems were a recurring theme reported. Participants often cited the toll the pandemic took on their emotional well-being, describing increased stress, responsibilities, and time needed to complete their jobs. The lack of consistent and systematic guidance resulting in frequently changing infection prevention protocols was also reported across focus groups. Conclusions Addressing concerns of low wages and lack of financial incentives may have the potential to attract and retain employees to help alleviate nursing home staff shortages. Additionally, access to mental health resources could help nursing home staff cope with the emotional burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. These frontline staff members provided invaluable insight and should be included in improvement efforts to support nursing homes recovering from the impact of COVID-19 as well as future pandemic planning.
THE IMPACT OF A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION ON THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SELF-EFFICACY OF PREADOLESCENT FEMALES

Pre-adolescent females often do not participate in the recommended level of physical activity on a regular basis and are also likely to cease participation as they move through adolescence. This lack of physical activity can lead to a wide range of both physical and psychological problems. Reasons for lack of participation include lack of self-confidence, lack of opportunity, lack of knowledge about available opportunities for a variety of activities, and a lack of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy theory proposes that an individual’s self-efficacy is a key determinant in maintenance, adoption, and perseverance in difficult tasks (e.g., participating in physical activity). Recent literature has supported this relationship between an individual’s self-efficacy for physical activity and his/her actual behaviors relating to physical activity. Clemson University’s Finding Your Voice program is aimed at, among other outcomes, increasing pre-adolescent female’s self-efficacy for physical activity through education and the introduction of practical experience in a variety of physically active recreation activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the Finding Your Voice program on the perceived physical activity self-efficacy of its participants as well as the impact race can have on an individual’s self-efficacy. Forty participants attended the program and each completed a self-efficacy measure prior to and following completion of the program. Data analysis found that a significant difference existed between preprogram and post-program self-efficacy scores for the participants, and that race did not significantly impact the participants’ self-efficacy scores.
Disability and Procedural Fairness in the Workplace

In a recent law review article, Peter Blanck (2006) writes movingly about disabled individuals’ experiences with, and reactions to, workplace discrimination, “… they wanted real jobs. They did not want to live on welfare checks; they wanted paychecks. They fought to be participants in society and not view the world as outsiders from a nursing home bed.” (p. 694). Blanck’s stories are about disabled Americans who fought against discrimination. The individuals were discriminated against because of their disabilities: they were fired from their jobs; denied the necessary accommodations to perform their assigned tasks; and denied equal access to governmental services and public facilities.