cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maturity Structure of Commodity Roll Strategies: Evidence from the Energy Futures

We investigate the maturity-structure of roll strategy returns in the energy futures markets. Our innovation is to report and analyze the risk/return profile, the Sharpe ratio, and the asset pricing loadings of rollover strategies based on futures contracts of the same underlying commodity but with maturities between two and 12 months. We find that a conditional rollover strategy, which takes a long position in backwardation and a short position in contango, delivers the highest Sharpe ratio for all commodities. While we don't observe a significant difference in terms of asset pricing beta for different roll positions, the Sharpe ratio tends to be higher for contracts with a shorter time to maturity. We also report some distinct patterns of maturity-structure across energy commodities. Findings of the paper have implications for managing commodity-based investments.
Fusion: a general framework for hierarchical tilings of \mathbb{R }^d

We introduce a formalism for handling general spaces of hierarchical tilings, a category that includes substitution tilings, Bratteli–Vershik systems, S-adic transformations, and multi-dimensional cut-and-stack transformations. We explore ergodic, spectral and topological properties of these spaces. We show that familiar properties of substitution tilings carry over under appropriate assumptions, and give counter-examples where these assumptions are not met. For instance, we exhibit a minimal tiling space that is not uniquely ergodic, with one ergodic measure having pure point spectrum and another ergodic measure having mixed spectrum. We also exhibit a 2-dimensional tiling space that has pure point measure-theoretic spectrum but is topologically weakly mixing.
Creating a Culture of Quality: Navigating Change Toward a Culturally Responsive General Education Program

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the new general education curriculum at Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU), which represents a distinct, quality improvement in its effort to provide its students with a liberal arts foundation set in the rich, cultural context of Hawai’i. Diverse courses outside their major inspire lifelong learning by introducing students to ideas, perspectives, and experiences relevant to their lives. The unique features of this curriculum include the Hawaiian cultural context, HPU as the American gateway to Asia and the Pacific, an internationally diverse and engaged student body, and experiential learning rooted in a tropical island community. This chapter will identify some of its unique opportunities and challenges that HPU’s faculty face as they navigate toward a culturally responsive curriculum.
Triptolide suppresses the in vitro and in vivo growth of lung cancer cells by targeting hyaluronan-CD44/RHAMM signaling

// Jung Min Song 1 , Kalkidan Molla 1 , Arunkumar Anandharaj 1 , Ingrid Cornax 1 , M. Gerard O`Sullivan 1, 2 , Ameya R. Kirtane 3 , Jayanth Panyam 3 , Fekadu Kassie 1, 4 1 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA 2 Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA 3 Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA 4 Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA Correspondence to: Fekadu Kassie, email: kassi012@umn.edu Keywords: triptolide, hyaluronan, hyaluronan receptor, NSCLC, orthotopic Received: November 30, 2016 Accepted: February 15, 2017 Published: March 03, 2017 ABSTRACT Higher levels of hyaluronan (HA) and its receptors CD44 and RHAMM have been associated with poor prognosis and metastasis in NSCLC. In the current study, our goal was to define, using cellular and orthotopic lung tumor models, the role of HA-CD44/RHAMM signaling in lung carcinogenesis and to assess the potential of triptolide to block HA-CD44/RHAMM signaling and thereby suppress the development and progression of lung cancer. Triptolide reduced the viability of five non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, the proliferation and self-renewal of pulmospheres, and levels of HA synthase 2 (HAS2), HAS3, HA, CD44, RHAMM, EGFR, Akt and ERK, but increased the cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP. Silencing of HAS2, CD44 or RHAMM induced similar effects. Addition of excess HA to the culture media completely abrogated the effects of triptolide and siRNAs targeting HAS2, CD44, or RHAMM. In an orthotopic lung cancer model in nude rats, intranasal administration of liposomal triptolide (400 μg/kg) for 8 weeks significantly reduced lung tumor growth as determined by bioluminescence imaging, lung weight measurements and gross and histopathological analysis of tumor burden. Also, triptolide suppressed expressions of Ki-67, a marker for cell proliferation, HAS2, HAS3, HA, CD44, and RHAMM in lung tumors. Overall, our results provide a strong rationale for mitigating lung cancer by targeting the HA-CD44/RHAMM signaling axis.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage Due to Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome in the Setting of Antipsychotic Medication (P4.340)

Objective: To report a rare case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) causing large intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) in the setting of luradisone. Background: RCVS is a syndrome characterized by thunderclap headache and diffuse segmental vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries evident on imaging of the cerebral vasculature. Only 50[percnt] of cases occur after exposure to recognized triggers, among those are sympathomimetics, serotonergic substances etc.. Lurasidone is a new antipsychotic medication and has potential D2 and 5HT2A receptor antagonism effects. The association between RCVS and lurasidone has not been reported before. Methods: Case report Results: A 40 year-old woman with history of hypertension, depression, fibromyalgia, and remote migraines 20 years ago presented with severe headache and vision change for 1 week. She had been taking Latuda recently to help her depression, and the dose had been gradually titrated from 20mg daily to 100mg daily. She drank socially and used marijuana occasionally, and has not been drinking or using recreational drug for at least one month. Physical exam showed left homonymous inferior quadrantanopia. Blood pressure was within normal range. CT revealed large IPH in the right parieto-occipital region with intraventricular extension and slight midline shift. No subarachnoid hemorrhage was seen. Cerebral angiography showed multiple segmental areas of vasoconstriction involving the anterior and posterior circulation with significant improvement after the intra-arterial administration of Verapamil. Significant improvement of her headache was noted after intra-arterial verapamil. She continued to take Nimodipine 60mg Q4h with improvement of her headache upon discharge. Conclusions: RCVS has not been reported following lurasidone use previously. Physicians should be aware of this occurrence as a potential precipitant and recommend avoiding this exposure as secondary prevention, especially in patients with higher risk of RCVS including middle age females and migraines. Disclosure: Dr. Li has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaddouh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lozano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jun-O9Connell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ramzan has nothing to disclose.
Evidence-Based Medicine Curriculum Improves Pediatric Emergency Fellows' Scores on In-Training Examinations.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine if implementation of our evidence-based medicine (EBM) curriculum had an effect on pediatric emergency medicine fellows' scores on the relevant section of the in-training examination (ITE). METHODS We obtained deidentified subscores for 22 fellows over 6 academic years for the Core Knowledge in Scholarly Activities (SA) and, as a balance measure, Emergencies Treated Medically sections. We divided the subscores into the following 3 instruction periods: "baseline" for academic years before our current EBM curriculum, "transition" for academic years with use of a research method curriculum with some overlapping EBM content, and "EBM" for academic years with our current EBM curriculum. We analyzed data using the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and multivariate mixed-effects linear models. RESULTS The SA subscore median was higher during the EBM period in comparison with the baseline and transition periods. In contrast, the Emergencies Treated Medically subscore median was similar across instruction periods. Multivariate modeling demonstrated that our EBM curriculum had the following independent effects on the fellows' SA subscore: (1) in comparison with the transition period, the fellows' SA subscore was 21 percentage points higher (P = 0.005); and (2) in comparison to the baseline period, the fellows' SA subscore was 28 percentage points higher during the EBM curriculum instruction period (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our EBM curriculum was associated with significantly higher scores on the SA section of the ITE. Pediatric emergency medicine educators could consider using fellows' scores on this section of the ITE to assess the effect of their EBM curricula.
INCOME SMOOTHING IN ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS LITERATURE PRIOR TO 1954

The origin of income smoothing in literature has been attributed to different authors in recent years. However, the attributions have been made based on research using a simple analysis of the term...
The Desert Discourse of Modern China

A broad consensus of knowledgeable opinion considers land degradation to be widespread and severe throughout North China. In particular, the phenomenon of desert expansion, especially as it occurs across the vast arid rangelands of Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, has generated a great deal of anxiety. Official reports from China routinely assert alarming figures: over the past decade, once-fertile grassland has been lost to moving sand at a rate of 2,100 square kilometers per year, compromising the livelihood of 170 million people and causing direct economic losses of U.S. $2 to $3 billion annually (China State Council, 1994: 180-81; Wang Lixian, Wang Xian, and Zhang Kebin, 1993: 10). According to a senior minister of the Ministry of Forestry, deserts now occupy 15.9% of Chinese territory (roughly 1.53 million square kilometers), while moving dunes pose a "menace" to as much as one-third of the entire national landmass (Xu Youfang, 1993). Although such estimates tend to vary inexplicably from one source to the next, all domestic reports do seem to agree on the fundamental premise of an accelerating ecological crisis.' Undeniably, Chinese grasslands are in a state of degradation and acute environmental reconstruction. However, this article seeks to go beyond restating the obvious: it seeks to qualify (and problematize)
Isolator-less near-field RFID reader for sub-cranial powering/data link of mm-sized implants

An efficient near-field RFID reader, delivering power to and receiving data from Brain-Machine Interface implants, is realized in 65 nm CMOS. A modified Class E/Fodd Power Amplifier with a current-sense resistor differentially drives a single segmented antenna, and acts simultaneously as TX and RX. It operates at 309 MHz and has 54% efficiency. The backscattered data is recovered from the current-sense resistor without the need for bulky RF isolators. The reader, as tested with a proprietary RFID tag through pig-skin and cow-bone, can deliver a maximum of 790uW to an implant through the skull while consuming 39.4 mW of power. It has a 2 Mb/s data rate with a BER of less than 1e-6.
Performance benchmarks for detection problems

We propose a benchmark curve that measures the inherent complexity of a detection problem. The benchmark curve is built using a sequence of simple detection methods based upon random projection. It is parameterized by the area above the receiver-operating characteristic curve of the detection method and its computational cost. It divides the plane into regions that can be used to characterize the computational and structural advantages of a given detection method. Numerical illustrations are provided.
Abrupt Change in Ecological Systems: Inference and Diagnosis

Abrupt ecological changes are, by definition, those that occur over short periods of time relative to typical rates of change for a given ecosystem. The potential for such changes is growing due to anthropogenic pressures, which challenges the resilience of societies and ecosystems. Abrupt ecological changes are difficult to diagnose because they can arise from a variety of circumstances, including rapid changes in external drivers (e.g., climate, or resource extraction), nonlinear responses to gradual changes in drivers, and interactions among multiple drivers and disturbances. We synthesize strategies for identifying causes of abrupt ecological change and highlight instances where abrupt changes are likely. Diagnosing abrupt changes and inferring causation are increasingly important as society seek to adapt to rapid, multifaceted environmental changes.
Tobacco regulatory compliance with STAKE Act age-of-sale signage among licensed tobacco retailers across diverse neighborhoods in Southern California.

Author(s): Sussman, Steve; Cruz, Tess Boley; Smiley, Sabrina L; Chou, Chih-Ping; Unger, Jennifer B; Kintz, Natalie; Rodriguez, Yaneth L; Barahona, Rosa; Lienemann, Brianna A; Pentz, Mary Ann; Samet, Jonathan; Baezconde-Garbanati, Lourdes | Abstract: IntroductionThe California Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement (STAKE) Act requires licensed tobacco retailers to post minimum age-of-sale signage at the point of sale. This study investigated STAKE Act compliance in licensed tobacco retailers across four racial/ethnic communities in Southern California.MethodsThe sample consisted of 675 licensed tobacco retailers (excluding chain store supermarkets and pharmacies) randomly selected based on zip codes from predominantly non-Hispanic White (n=196), African American (n=193), Hispanic/Latino (n=186), and Korean American (n=100) communities. A protocol for assessing signage was completed at each store by community health workers (promotoras de salud). The law changed from a minimum age of 18 to 21 years (Tobacco 21) during data collection, as of 9 June 2016. Differences in signage compliance were evaluated before and after changes in the State law.ResultsOverall, 45% of the stores were compliant with posting the required age-of-sale signage (which varied in minimum age by date of collection); 14% of stores did not have any store interior age-of-sale signs, and 41% of stores had some type of age-of-sale sign but were not compliant with the STAKE Act (e.g. 29.5% of the stores had non-compliant tobacco industry We Card signs but not STAKE Act signs). Stores observed after the 2016 implementation of Tobacco 21 had significantly lower STAKE Act signage compliance rates (38.6%) compared to stores observed before the change in the State law (70.9%) (z=6.8623, pl0.001). The difference in STAKE Act sign compliance between stores located in AA communities (16.9%) and stores located in NHW communities (41.5%) observed within the first three months after the change in law was statistically significant (χ2(1)=20.098, pl0.001).ConclusionsFindings suggest the need for prompt, educational outreach to licensed tobacco retailers on age-of-sale signage changes, multiple compliance checks, and enforcement.
Utilization of the 3D-printed spine model for freehand pedicle screw placement in complex spinal deformity correction.

Background: We aim to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of utilizing 3D-printed spine models to facilitate freehand pedicle screw placement in complex spinal deformity correction. Currently there is no data on using 3D-printed models for freehand pedicle screw placement spinal deformity correction. Methods: All patients undergoing spinal deformity correction over a 16-month period (September 2015 – December 2016) at the Spine Hospital of Columbia University Medical Center by the senior surgeon were reviewed. 3D-printed spine models were used to facilitate intraoperative freehand pedicle screw placement in patients with severe spinal deformities. Intraoperative O-arm imaging was obtained after pedicle screw placement in all patients. Screws were graded as intrapedicular, 4 mm breach; anterior breaches >4 mm were also recorded. Screw accuracy was compared to a historical cohort (not using 3D-printed models) using SPSS 23.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). Results: A total of 513 freehand pedicle screws were placed from T1 to S1 in 23 patients. Overall, 494 screws (96.3%) were placed in acceptable positions according to the pre-operative plan, which had no statistically significant difference (P=0.99) compared to a historical cohort with less severe deformities. There were 84.2% screw that were intrapedicular or 2 mm breach, 67 were lateral breaches (most are intended juxtapedicular placement), whereas 14 were medial breaches. There were 11 screws (2.1%) that required repositioning due to pedicle violation, and eight screws (1.6%) had >4 mm anterior breach and required shortening. There was no neuromonitoring change or any other complications directly or indirectly related to freehand pedicle screw placement. Conclusions: The 3D-printed spinal model can make freehand pedicle screw placement safer in severe spinal deformity cases with acceptable accuracy, and no neurological or vascular complications.
Inaccuracy in quasi-Newton methods: Local improvement theorems

In this paper, we consider the use of bounded-deterioration quasi-Newton methods implemented in floating-point arithmetic to find solutions to F(x)=0 where only inaccurate F-values are available. Our analysis is for the case where the relative error in F is less than one. We obtain theorems specifying local rates of improvement and limiting accuracies depending on the nearness to Newton’s method of the basic algorithm, the accuracy of its implementation, the relative errors in the function values, the accuracy of the solutions of the linear system for the Newton steps, and the unit-rounding errors in the addition of the Newton steps.
Kinetic Parameters in a Plutonium Lattice Containing Water Regions

Reactor noise techniques have been used to determine how the quantity ²eff/I changes when water regions of several sizes and shapes are introduced into a light water lattice of plutonium-enriched r...
Stalking by former intimates: verbal threats and other predictors of physical violence.

Scant empirical research has been conducted on the relationship between threats and violence. The purpose of this analysis is to assess the link between verbal threats of violence and actual physical violence against former intimate victims of stalking. The researcher interviewed 187 female former intimate stalking victims, asking respondents about various characteristics of their experiences. Responses to questions pertaining to threats; history of violence; stalkers' drug and alcohol use; frequency of phone calls, "following," and letters during stalking; and victims' age and education were analyzed as possible predictors of three violence-related dependent variables: (a) whether or not violence occurred, (b) the number of violent incidents during stalking, and (c) physical injury during stalking. The results of linear and logistic regression models reveal that, regardless of the measure of violence, there is an independent, moderate, and statistically significant correlation between verbal threats and subsequent violence. Regression coefficients for drug abuse and alcohol abuse were also statistically significant, but only in predicting physical injury during stalking. Language: en
Reproductive Biology, Genetics and Evolution

Gametogenesis and the reproductive cycle of red clover were reviewed by Cleveland (1985); however, a brief review is presented here to facilitate development of the remainder of this topic. This review relies heavily on the work of Hindmarsh (1964) and Mackiewicz (1965). Reproductive topics covered include: 1) anther and pollen development, 2) ovule and embryo sac development, 3) fertilization and pollen tube growth, 4) self incompatibility, and 5) embryo development. A brief review of cytological methods used with red clover is also presented.
Calibration Techniques for Electronic-Based Systems Used in Measurement of Nonlinearity Parameters

The increasing importance of NDE areas such as quality of material processing, [1,2], fatigue [3,4], and bond strength has expanded the significance of the measurement of the nonlinearity parameter, β. However, to become a useful NDE technique, β measurements must be easily performed in the field. The purpose of this work is to address two techniques that are applicable to field measurements.
The Work of the Sociologist as Mitigation Expert in Cases of Violent Crime

This chapter examines the role a sociologist as a mitigation expert in a murder case. The author of this chapter testified in this specific case and has worked as a sociologist in over 300 violent crime cases, mostly capital murder, over the past 20 plus years. The role of the sociologist is such cases, generally is presented. The use of the subculture of violence as mitigation in a specific case is offered. This chapter offers a description and interpretation of the contextual influences on a criminal act. It will be noted that the mitigating factors in this case differ somewhat from cultural defenses of violations of the law. Cultural defenses usually consist of maintaining that norms and beliefs of particular cultural groups may lead their members to commit acts that are not crimes in their own eyes, although they are crimes in the eyes of the larger society. In this case, the mitigating factor is the interaction of those ideas. Like many crimes of violence it is also an accumulation of social–psychological experiences. Cultural and subcultural theories also focus on the role of ideas in causing criminal behaviors. These theories may explore the sources of those ideas in general social conditions, but they are characterized by the argument that it is the ideas themselves, rather than the social conditions, that directly cause criminal behavior. These motivations along with situations of close contact heighten the potential for violent incidents and go far toward accounting for high rates of homicide among lower class citizens. This argument makes it unnecessary to invoke personality pathology to account for homicide. The increasing diversity of America’s population means that judges and juries will need more insight into varying motivations and cultural backgrounds of defendants. Culture, although predictable, is the least understood factor in the calculus of crime. Culture captivates the criminal justice system; a system that appears to have little tolerance for such explanations. The existence of a subculture of violence means that violence will have predictable features. Far from being senseless and random, aggression will be patterned and quite rational when viewed in light of the subcultural values, norms, and expectations governing its use. Actions that may appear senseless to outsiders are not so to members, and it is precisely because they are predictable that they endure over time. This is exactly why a witness at trial said he stayed away from situations like this; what he referred to as women problems; because it is predictable. The defendant, once facing death, received a sentence of 8 years.
In-Situ Fenestration of a PTFE Thoracic Aortic Stent Graft for Delayed Left Subclavian Artery Revascularization Following Frozen Elephant Trunk Repair of Type A Aortic Dissection

Left subclavian artery revascularization during endovascular repair of aortic dissection is often accomplished by left carotid-subclavian artery bypass or transposition. In situ fenestration of thoracic stent grafts provides an alternative method of revascularization without manipulation of the left carotid artery. We describe a case whereby in situ laser fenestration, combined with catheter-directed thrombectomy, was utilized to revascularize a thrombosed left subclavian artery following a frozen elephant trunk repair of type A aortic dissection. A 75-year-old male presented with pericardial tamponade and aortic insufficiency, secondary to type A aortic dissection. Patient underwent an emergent replacement of the aortic root, valve, arch, and ascending aorta in the frozen elephant trunk configuration. The innominate and left carotid arteries were revascularized with a bifurcated bypass graft from the ascending aortic graft. The left subclavian artery (LSCA) was covered with an antegrade deployment of a cTAG stent graft. During the immediate postoperative period, the patient was found to have a dissection of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) and pseudoaneurysm of the bypass graft anastomosis. The left carotid artery was replaced up to the proximal internal carotid. During rehabilitation, the patient developed left subclavian steal syndrome, with a CT angiography demonstrating thrombosis of the subclavian origin, and duplex ultrasound showing a reversal of the left vertebral flow. In order to revascularize the left subclavian artery without using the left carotid as the inflow, the in situ laser fenestration technique was planned. The vertebral artery origin was protected with a neuroclip through a supraclavicular incision. Through a brachial artery cutdown, a 9Fr flex sheath was positioned at the origin of the subclavian artery. A suction thrombectomy catheter was used to create a central channel in the thrombus. A 0.035″ 3.2 mm over-the-wire laser atherectomy catheter was used to create a fenestration through the cTAG stent graft. The subclavian branch stent was stented with an iCast balloon-expandable covered stent, excluding the mural thrombus. The patient recovered well with resolution of symptoms and was discharged home. Postoperative CT scan showed patent left subclavian branch stent and no endoleak across the fenestration of the aortic stent graft. Delayed laser in situ fenestration of a PTFE stent graft can be performed safely. The vertebral artery protection and catheter-directed thrombectomy are important adjuncts to reduce the risk of posterior stroke.
Clinical Pharmacology in Diuretic Use.

Diuretics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs and, although effective, they are often used to treat patients at substantial risk for complications, making it especially important to understand and appreciate their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (see recent review by Keller and Hann
Optimization of the facet structure of transition-metal catalysts applied to the oxygen reduction reaction.

Predicting the optimal structure for a catalytic material has been a long-standing goal, but typically an arbitrary active site on a uniform surface is modelled. Identification of the most-active facet structure for structure-sensitive chemistries, such as the oxygen reduction reaction, is lacking. Here we develop an approach to predict the optimal structure of a catalytic material by identifying the active site and identifying the density and spatial arrangement of such sites while minimizing the surface energy. We find that the theoretical peak performance predicted by linear scaling relations is unattainable because of the lack of suitable active sites on low-index planes, as well as geometric and stability constraints. A random array of vacancies results in a modest performance enhancement compared to ideal facets, whereas defect sites with a maximum density in disordered structures significantly increase the catalyst performance. We applied this methodology to the oxygen reduction reaction on defected Pt(111), Pt(100), Au(111) and Au(100) surfaces. While much effort has been devoted to understanding how nanoparticle morphology can be leveraged to improve catalytic activity, engineering their microstructure from first principles to this end has remained difficult. Now a methodology for designing the optimal structure of a solid catalyst with the aim of achieving the highest possible activity for surface-sensitive reactions has been developed.
Distance metrics optimized for clustering temporal dietary patterning among U.S. adults

Abstract Objective Few attempts to determine dietary patterns have incorporated concepts of time, specifically time and proportion of energy intake consumed throughout a day. A type of modified dynamic time warping (MDTW) was previously developed using an appropriate distance metric for patterning these aspects to determine temporal dietary patterns (TDP). This study further explores dynamic time warping (DTW) distance metrics including unconstrained DTW (UDTW), constrained DTW (CDTW), and MDTW with modern spectral clustering methods to optimize TDP related to dietary quality. MDTW was expected to create TDP with the strongest relationships to dietary quality and distinct visualization among U.S. adults 20-65y of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. Methods Proportional energy intake by time of day metrics were optimized to create TDP from complete day-one 24-h dietary recalls using MDTW, UDTW with only a standard local constraint, and CDTW with standard local and global banding constraints, then clustered using spectral clustering. The association between each TDP distance metric clustering and mean dietary quality, as indicated by the 2005 Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2005), were determined using multiple linear regression controlled for potential confounders. Strength of association for each model was compared using adjusted R-squared. The results were also visualized to make qualitative comparisons. Results Four clusters representing distinct TDP for each distance metric by spectral clustering were generated among participants. MDTW exhibited TDP clusters with strongest associations to HEI compared with the TDP clusters generated from unconstrained and constrained DTW, and visualization of the TDP clusters from MDTW supported the association. Implication MDTW paired with spectral clustering is a useful tool for dimension reduction and uncovering temporal patterns with dietary data.
Retrospective study on the efficacy and prognostic factors of conservative versus drainage of tubo-ovarian abscesses.

Management of tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOA) is often complex and may include antibiotics, image-guided drainage via interventional radiology (IR) or surgery. We aim to (i) identify clinical factors that prognosticate primary drainage and (ii) compare outcomes of each treatment regimen. This is a retrospective analysis on patients with TOA, admitted to KK Hospital, a tertiary women’s hospital in Singapore from June 2016 to June 2017. Pregnant patients or patients who were discharged against medical advice were excluded. 102 patients were included in this study. 85.3% patients received antibiotics only, while 14.7% patients received antibiotics with IR drainage or surgery (primary drainage) as initial treatment. Subsequently, 20.7% failed antibiotic treatment and required IR drainage or surgery (secondary drainage). Patients aged above 40 years, TOA diameter of larger than 7 cm and presence of fever were found to be predictive of antibiotic failure, requiring secondary drainage. However, patients with primary drainage had a longer length of stay by 2.69 days (95% CI 1.44–3.94, p value < 0.001), compared to patients successfully managed conservatively. Patients who are above 40 years, febrile and have a larger TOA are at a higher risk of medical treatment failure, and should, therefore, be recommended for primary drainage at presentation. Further prospective studies should be conducted with a larger sample size to compare the outcomes of conservative management versus drainage of TOA.
Diagnostic Challenges and Treatment of the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Adult-Onset Niemann-Pick Type C With Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Abstract Adult onset Niemann- Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder that presents with heterogenous neuropsychiatric symptoms. Because of the variation of presentations, the diagnosis is often delayed or overlooked. Another treatment challenge is that currently there is only one FDA approved treatment, Miglustat, a reversible glycosphingolipid synthesis inhibitor, and it takes up to six months for therapeutic effect. We present a case report of a 27 year-old woman who was admitted to a medical hospital for inpatient work-up of altered mental status. Her initial symptoms were mild impairments in attention, bradykinesia, and ataxia that eventually progressed to an episode of acute encephalopathy with psychosis and catatonia. She underwent a comprehensive neurologic and medical work-up which was non-revealing, and then had genetic testing which revealed NPC. She was trialed on multiple medications in an attempt to manage her neuropsychiatric symptoms with minimal benefit. The decision was made to proceed with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with marked improvement in her symptoms after just one treatment, and continued response throughout all 18 treatments she has received thus far. While the patient has had relapses in her encephalopathic symptoms during the course of ECT treatments, additional ECT treatments following have been the most effective in returning her to her new baseline and allowing her to remain functional during this time.
Classifying International Normative Orders

The orientation of the international normative order fluctuates over time between periods of permissiveness and periods of restrictiveness. This chapter conducts a cluster analysis of two principal war-initiation norms—when it is legitimate to resort to war and when strategic necessity justifies breaching the laws of war—to identify permissive versus restrictive periods during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Logistic regression analysis is then used to investigate the correlates of each type of normative order. The results indicate that while the distribution of power within the state system is unrelated to the orientation of war-initiation norms, high levels of rivalry are associated with periods of normative permissiveness.
Simultaneous electrocatalytic hydrogenation of aldehydes and phenol over carbon-supported metals

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of furfural, benzaldehyde, and phenol was studied on carbon-supported Rh, Ru, Pd, and Cu catalysts. All metals were active for hydrogenation of the carbonyl group in furfural and benzaldehyde, but only Rh/C was active for phenol hydrogenation. The intrinsic activities for furfural and benzaldehyde conversion were Pd/C < Ru/C ≤ Rh/C < Cu/C and Ru/C < Rh/C < Pd/C < Cu/C, respectively. While the trend in furfural hydrogenation remained the same in the presence of phenol, the trend in benzaldehyde hydrogenation in the presence of phenol changed to Rh/C < Ru/C < Pd/C < Cu/C. The Faradaic efficiencies for hydrogenation of both furfural (in the 10–40% range) and benzaldehyde (in the 45–100% range) followed the trend: Cu/C < Rh/C < Ru/C < Pd/C. When phenol and an aldehyde were present in the reactant solution, phenol hydrogenation was suppressed. In contrast, enhancements in the rates of carbonyl reduction were observed for both aldehydes in presence of phenol. Such enhancements depend on both the aldehyde and the metal catalyst. The enhancing factors for hydrogenation of furfural and benzaldehyde were in the 1.5–2 and 2–4 ranges, respectively. We conclude that intermolecular interactions between adsorbed phenol and the aldehydes is a general phenomenon that can potentially enhance the rates of carbonyl hydrogenation. This work highlights co-adsorption effects that pose both challenges and advantages for electrocatalytic reduction of organic compounds.
Mœglin’s theorem and Goldie rank polynomials in Cartan type A

We use the theory of nite W -algebras associated to nilpotent orbits in the Lie algebra g = gl N (C) to give another proof of Mglin’s theorem about completely prime primitive ideals in the enveloping algebra U(g). We also make some new observations about Joseph’s Goldie rank polynomials in Cartan type A. The space PrimU(g) of primitive ideals in the universal enveloping algebra of the Lie algebra g := glN (C) has an unbelievably rich structure which has been studied intensively since the 1970s. In this article we revisit several of the foundational results about PrimU(g) from the perspective of the theory of nite
PERISTALTIC PUMPING NEAR POST-CORONAL MASS EJECTION SUPRA-ARCADE CURRENT SHEETS

Temperature and density measurements near supra-arcade current sheets suggest that plasma on unreconnected field lines may experience some degree of "pre-heating" and "pre-densification" prior to reconnection. Models of patchy reconnection allow for heating and acceleration of plasma along reconnected field lines but do not offer a mechanism for transport of thermal energy across field lines. Here, we present a model in which a reconnected flux tube retracts, deforming the surrounding layer of unreconnected field. The deformation creates constrictions that act as peristaltic pumps, driving plasma flow along affected field lines. Under certain circumstances, these flows lead to shocks that can extend far out into the unreconnected field, altering the plasma properties in the affected region. These findings have direct implications for observations in the solar corona, particularly in regard to such phenomena as high temperatures near current sheets in eruptive solar flares and wakes seen in the form of descending regions of density depletion or supra-arcade downflows.
Sensation seeking, media multitasking, and social Facebook use

While media multitasking is an emerging issue, little is known about the underlying motivations of this behavior. We ran a large-scale online study with 351 Facebook users to examine people who multitask when using social media, and why they multitask. We found that the motivation to use Facebook for social reasons significantly predicted increased media multitasking. Moreover, this connection was mediated by individual differences in sensation seeking. These findings contribute to understanding of multitasking behavior and its relationship with the use of social media. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Associations of Neighborhood Walkability and Walking Behaviors by Cognitive Trajectory in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Lawton's Ecological Model of Aging suggests that associations between environment and mobility differ based on individual factors such as cognitive decline. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Virtual walkability audits were conducted within 1/8 mile of residences of older adults (n = 545; average age = 82; 57% female; 33% Black) who had been enrolled in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) cohort for 10 years. The primary outcome was self-reported walking in past week and the secondary was mobility disability, self-reported difficulty to walk ¼ mile. Linear mixed models of general cognitive function over the prior 10 years calculated participant-specific slopes; those below 0 were cognitive decliners. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographics and neighborhood socioeconomic status, tested associations between each walkability variable and each mobility outcome. Interaction terms between walkability and cognitive status were tested and walkability analyses stratified on cognitive status where p for interaction < .2. RESULTS In the sample, 57.4% reported walking, 24.2% reported mobility disability, and 51% were cognitive decliners. Sidewalk quality was related to walking in cognitive maintainers; slope was related in decliners. Mixed land use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12, 2.30) and senior residence (OR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.27, 3.60) were related to greater walking, regardless of cognitive status. Mixed land use was related to less mobility disability in decliners and abandoned properties were related to greater mobility disability in maintainers. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Policy-level interventions targeted at walkability, including improved sidewalk quality and increasing mixed land use could support walking in older adults, regardless of cognitive status.
Associations of Aspirin and Non-Aspirin Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs With Colorectal Cancer Mortality After Diagnosis

BACKGROUND Aspirin use reduces colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, but there is limited evidence regarding associations of aspirin and non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with CRC-specific survival. METHODS This prospective analysis includes women and men from the Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort who were cancer free at baseline (1992 or 1993) and diagnosed with CRC during incidence follow-up through 2015. Detailed information on aspirin and non-aspirin NSAID use was self-reported on questionnaires at baseline, in 1997, and every 2 years thereafter. Pre- and postdiagnosis data were available for 2686 and 1931 participants without distant metastases, respectively, among whom 512 and 251 died from CRC during mortality follow-up through 2016. Secondary analyses examined associations between prediagnosis aspirin use and stage at diagnosis (distant metastatic vs localized or regional). All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS Long-term regular use of aspirin (>15 times per month) before diagnosis was associated with lower CRC-specific mortality (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.52 to 0.92). Postdiagnosis regular aspirin use was not statistically significantly associated with risk of CRC-specific mortality overall (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.62 to 1.09), although participants who began regular aspirin use only after their diagnosis were at lower risk than participants who did not use aspirin at both the pre- and postdiagnosis periods (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.98). Long-term aspirin use before diagnosis was also associated with lower odds of diagnosis with distant metastases (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.53 to 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that long-term aspirin use before a diagnosis of nonmetastatic colorectal cancer may be associated with lower CRC-specific mortality after diagnosis, consistent with possible inhibition of micrometastases before diagnosis.
Glycoproteomic Sample Processing, LC-MS, and Data Analysis Using GlycReSoft

Identification of N- and O-glycosylation on specific sites of proteins, along with glycan structural information, is necessary to determine the roles glycoproteins play in normal and pathologic cellular functions. Because such glycosylation is macro- and micro-heterogeneous and alters the dissociation behavior of glycopeptides, specific sample preparation, mass spectrometry, and data analysis techniques are required. Advanced tandem mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomics coupled with powerful data mining algorithms are key elements for characterization of protein glycosylation. This article includes the detailed, streamlined sample preparation method for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data acquisition and subsequent bioinformatics-based data annotation using the publicly available GlycReSoft program for highly efficient identification and quantification of glycoprotein glycosylation. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Characterization of glycans and site occupancy on purified glycoprotein Support Protocol 1: In-gel digestion of glycoproteins Support Protocol 2: Detection of glycoproteins from cells/tissue through glycopeptide enrichment Basic Protocol 2: Acquisition of glycopeptides through high-resolution nano-LC-MS/MS Basic Protocol 3: Identification and quantification of glycopeptides using GlycReSoft.
Oxide Coated Cathodes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some of the recent oxide cathode researches to reexamine certain of the earlier publications to ascertain whether the experimental results are consistent with the modern theory of semiconductors and suggest new experiments which may lead to a complete understanding of the oxide coated cathode. Present day oxide coated cathodes are prepared by first applying carbonates of the alkaline earth elements to a base metal and then converting the carbonates to oxides in vacuum. X-ray diffraction techniques have provided a valuable tool for examining the physical structure of the oxide cathode coating. More recent work on the excess barium content of oxide cathodes has been reported. The interface region lying between the base metal and the coating is recognized as an important cathode parameter. The success already achieved in treating the oxide cathode as an excess impurity semiconductor is most gratifying. If this success continues as more properties of the cathode are investigated, it may never be necessary to perform the long sought for experiment to prove which theory is correct.
English Words: Fossilized allomorphy: false cognates and other etymological pitfalls

Fossilized allomorphy Unlike allomorphy resulting from phonetically motivated replacement, deletion, or epenthesis, the allomorphy discussed in this section cannot be attributed to the operation of an active and transparent phonetic rule. “Fossilized” allomorphs can be deceptively unlike each other in form, yet they are historically related – they are cognates. The morpheme variants in this group arose as a consequence of systematic changes in pre-Old English times, going all the way back to Proto-Germanic and even to Indo-European. Within English, i.e., after the fifth century, the conditions for these early changes became obscured, and their results can no longer be seen as regular or highly predictable. If we set up a scale of predictability for allomorphic variation, allomorphs due to assimilation or vowel weakening will rank very high; mostly, the conditions for these changes are transparent and recoverable. At the low end of the scale would be the non-productive allomorphic variation described in historical terms, for which the conditions have ceased to exist. At the bottom of the scale are completely unpredictable alternate forms of cognates, the subject of Section 5. Historical, or fossilized, allomorphy tends to follow several general patterns; familiarity with those can help us discern etymological cognates in spite of their overt differences. Two such fossilized processes are gradation and rhotacism . Originally they affected root morphemes, and occurred regularly in conjunction with specific grammatical changes within a paradigm , e.g., the present vs. the past-tense form of one and the same verb, the nominative vs. the genitive case of the same noun.
Validity and reliability of the COJAC screening tool for co-occurring disorders.

This study explored the reliability and validity of a nine-item screening tool (Co-Occurring Joint Action Council [COJAC] Screening Tool [CST]) for co-occurring disorders (COD). Using a convenience sample (n = 1,951), an online survey was conducted in multiple settings and included demographic questions, the CST, the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screener (GAIN-SS), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian version. The CST substance abuse (SA) scale performed well with a Cronbach's alpha of .84 and a correlation of .71 with GAIN-SS SA (past year). The CST mental health and trauma items did not perform well as scales with Cronbach's alphas of .64 and .56, respectively. The CST-SA is a short, reliable, and valid measure of SA. Further study is needed to determine the best evaluation tool for the mental health portion of the COD screening instrument. (Am J Addict 2011;00:1–7)