cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic characterization of a-Si TFT-LCD pixels

A dynamic analysis of an amorphous silicon (a-Si) Thin-Film-Transistor-Liquid-Crystal-Display (TFT-LCD) pixel is presented using new a-Si TFT model and new Liquid Crystal (LC) capacitance models for SPICE simulators. This analysis is useful to all Active Matrix LCD designers for evaluating and predicting the performance of LCD's. The a-Si TFT model is developed to simulate important a-Si TFT characteristics such as off-leakage current, threshold voltage shift due to voltage stress and temperature, localized states behavior, and bias- and frequency-dependent gate to-source and gate-to-drain capacitance. In addition, the LC Capacitance model is developed using simplified empirical equations. The modeling procedure is useful to TFT and LCD designers who need to develop their own models. Since our experiments simulate critical TFT-LCD transient effects such as the voltage drop due to gate-to-source capacitance and dynamic off-leakage current, it is possible to accurately characterize TFT-LCD's in the time domain. The analysis and models are applicable to today's optical characterizations of Flat-Panel-Displays (FPD's).
Dissemination Bottleneck in a Murine Model of Inhalational Anthrax

ABSTRACT Inhalational anthrax is caused by the sporulating bacterium Bacillus anthracis. A current model for progression in mammalian hosts includes inhalation of bacterial spores, phagocytosis of spores in the nasal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and lungs by macrophages and dendritic cells, trafficking of phagocytes to draining lymph nodes, germination of spores and multiplication of vegetative bacteria in the NALT and lymph nodes, and dissemination of bacteria via the bloodstream to multiple organs. In previous studies, the kinetics of infection varied greatly among mice, leading us to hypothesize the existence of a bottleneck past which very few spores (perhaps only one) progress to allow the infection to proceed. To test this hypothesis, we engineered three strains of B. anthracis Sterne, each marked with a different fluorescent protein, enabling visual differentiation of strains grown on plates. Mice were infected with a mixture of the three strains, the infection was allowed to proceed, and the strains colonizing the organs were identified. Although the inoculum consisted of approximately equal numbers of each of the three strains, the distal organs were consistently colonized by a majority of only one of the three strains, with the dominant strain varying among animals. Such dominance of one strain over the other two was also found at early time points in the cervical lymph nodes but not in the mediastinal lymph nodes. These results support the existence of a bottleneck in the infectious process.
Super-resolution imaging of interactions between molecules and plasmonic nanostructures

Super-resolution far-field imaging has recently emerged as a novel strategy for imaging interactions between plasmonic nanostructures and single molecules with spatial resolution <5 nm. In these experiments, the emission centroid of a diffraction-limited spot is modeled as a two-dimensional Gaussian, allowing the position of an emitter to be determined with nanoscale precision. In this perspective, we describe the principles of super-resolution far-field imaging and then highlight its application to several different problems in plasmonics, including surface-enhanced fluorescence of ligands bound to nanoparticle surfaces, nanoparticle-mediated catalysis, and mapping electromagnetic hot spots. In all cases, the complex coupling between molecular emission and plasmon modes of the underlying nanostructure must be considered. While this complicates the interpretation of super-resolution images of plasmonic systems, the coupling also opens new doors for understanding the fundamental interactions between molecules and plasmonic nanostructures.
The Design of Diode-Transistor NOR Circuits

Considerations leading to the adoption of diode-transistor NOR circuitry for a moderately fast data-processing system are outlined. The design of the basic circuit is treated in detail. Development of a unique set of compatible logic packages from the basic circuit is described. This set is unique in the sense that a single type of diode-transistor circuit is used to provide the great majority of logic and storage functions required in the system. This single circuit type, which functions as a NOR circuit, is embodied in two package types. One package provides a single gate with a fan-in of five. The other package provides two gates, each with a fan-in of two. The latter type may be externally connected to provide a set-reset flip-flop. Only two other package types are used. The first is a passive transfer circuit which greatly simplifies shift register logic, and the second is a delay package which is closely related to the basic NOR circuit.
A Comparison of Systematic Screening Tools for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

In this article, the authors examine the psychometric properties of the Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS), including evaluating the concurrent validity of the SRSS to predict results from the Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD) when used to detect school children with externalizing or internalizing behavior concerns at three assessment points during one academic year. Results suggest strong internal consistency and test—retest stability. Analyses of receiver operating characteristics curves also suggest that the SRSS is more accurate for detecting externalizing than internalizing behaviors. The authors conclude by offering recommendations to school site teams and researchers interested in conducing systematic screenings at the elementary level. Limitations and future directions are offered.
Exploitation of variable phase-shifter for very-high-frequency gravitational waves

Woods recently described how a type-II superconductor acts as a phase-shifter for gravitational waves (GWs). The precise phase-shift is determined by an applied magnetic field. Therefore, using a suitable non-uniform magnetic field, the GW path length may be arranged to vary in a technologically useful manner. The present paper shows how this result may be exploited, by describing the design of a novel type of lens for very-high-frequency GWs, using a magnetic field to adjust the focal length in an infinitely variable manner. Such a lens would be invaluable in the design of advanced GW optics. The device would also enable fast auto-focusing, zooming, and imaging tomography using electronic servos following development of the necessary GW detectors.
Pregnancy alters cardiac receptor afferent discharge in rats

Reflex effects of cardiac receptor (CR) stimulation are attenuated in pregnant rats. We tested whether CR afferent discharge is reduced during pregnancy by measuring single fiber activity in respon...
Visualizing Multiple Levels and Dimensions of Social Network Properties

In this chapter, we develop a framework for understanding how multidimensional, multilevel data is most effectively conveyed in social network diagrams. We build on work begun in 1994, with a series of explorations of social network visualization with the theme of helping viewers make accurate judgments about network properties. In contrast to contemporary work on layout aesthetics, we were interested in helping viewers with questions that may lie beyond the mathematical graph to the social group that it represented, and that may not be readily available by inspection, unlike path length or degree. We found that different layouts of the same graph had appreciable effects on viewer’s judgment of the importance of individuals with the network individuals or the number of subgroups. In addition, we found that the use of motion to link alternative views of a network had different effects depending on the layouts used. In this chapter we describe and organize some of these results with respect to the long-term goal of aiding human judgment over complex structured data.
Utilization of Workflow Process Maps to Analyze Gaps in Critical Event Notification at a Large, Urban Hospital.

Stroke care is a time-sensitive workflow involving multiple specialties acting in unison, often relying on one-way paging systems to alert care providers. The goal of this study was to map and quantitatively evaluate such a system and address communication gaps with system improvements. A workflow process map of the stroke notification system at a large, urban hospital was created via observation and interviews with hospital staff. We recorded pager communication regarding 45 patients in the emergency department (ED), neuroradiology reading room (NRR), and a clinician residence (CR), categorizing transmissions as successful or unsuccessful (dropped or unintelligible). Data analysis and consultation with information technology staff and the vendor informed a quality intervention—replacing one paging antenna and adding another. Data from a 1-month post-intervention period was collected. Error rates before and after were compared using a chi-squared test. Seventy-five pages regarding 45 patients were recorded pre-intervention; 88 pages regarding 86 patients were recorded post-intervention. Initial transmission error rates in the ED, NRR, and CR were 40.0, 22.7, and 12.0 %. Post-intervention, error rates were 5.1, 18.8, and 1.1 %, a statistically significant improvement in the ED (p < 0.0001) and CR (p = 0.004) but not NRR (p = 0.208). This intervention resulted in measureable improvement in pager communication to the ED and CR. While results in the NRR were not significant, this intervention bolsters the utility of workflow process maps. The workflow process map effectively defined communication failure parameters, allowing for systematic testing and intervention to improve communication in essential clinical locations.
Cediranib, an orally available and highly potent VEGFR signaling inhibitor, inhibits angiogenesis and progression and enhances the effects of irinotecan in orthotopic human small cell lung cancer models

A26 Introduction: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a dismal prognosis even after aggressive conventional therapy. Targeted therapy directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or its receptors (VEGFRs) has shown great promise in the clinic as part of the management of lung and other cancers. We have developed two distinct orthotopic models of human SCLC, which closely mimic clinical patterns of SCLC, in mice using the cell lines NCI-H187 and NCI-N417. In the current study we evaluated the therapeutic and antiangiogenic effects of cediranib (AZD2171), an orally available and highly potent selective inhibitor of all three VEGFR tyrosine kinases, alone and in combination with irinotecan (found in preliminary studies to be more active than other cytotoxic drugs used for SCLC in each model) in both orthotopic models. Methods: NCI-H187 or NCI-N417 SCLC cells were injected orthotopically into the lungs of mice. Subgroups of mice (n=5) were sacrificed weekly and assessed for the presence of lung tumors. After 2 weeks, when tumors were observed in all mice, the remaining animals (n=8/group) were randomized to treatment with cediranib (6 mg/kg/day orally); irinotecan (15 mg/kg/week ip); cediranib plus irinotecan; or vehicle. When control animals became moribund, all animals were sacrificed and assessed for lung tumor burden and lymphatic metastasis. Tumor and adjacent normal lung tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical analyses. Results: Cediranib therapy was well tolerated and highly effective in both orthotopic SCLC models and prevented mediastinal lymph node metastases in the NCI-H187 model. The addition of irinotecan to cediranib resulted in the near complete prevention of lung tumor growth and was superior to either treatment alone. In the NCI-H187 model, median tumor volume (mm3) was 620 (vehicle), 194 (paclitaxel; p
Electrical Transport Properties of Cu3Ge thin films

We present results of electrical transport studies performed on thin films of e 1 -Cu 3 Ge in the temperature range 4.2 – 300 K. It is found that e 1 -Cu 3 Ge which has a long-range ordered monoclinic crystal structure, exhibits a remarkably low metallic resistivity of σ 6 μΩ cm at room temperature. The density of charge carriers, which are predominantly holes, is σ 8 × 10 22 /cm 3 and is independent of temperature and film thickness. The Hall mobility at 4.2 K is σ 132 cm 2 /V s, considerably higher than in pure copper. The elastic mean free path is found to be σ 1200A, which is surprisingly large for a metallic compound film. The results show that the residual resistivity is dominated by surface scattering rather than grain-boundary scattering. It is also found that by varying the Ge concentration from 0 to 40 at. % the resistivity exhibits anomalous behavior. This behavior is correlated with changes observed in the crystal structure of the thin-film alloys as the Ge concentration is increased. The resistivity remains close to that of the e 1 -Cu 3 Ge phase over a range of Ge concentration which extends from 25 to 35 at. %
Abstract 1866: Polymorphisms in DNA double-strand break repair genes and end-joining capacity from sisters discordant for breast cancer from the New York site of the BCFR

Dysfunction in DNA double strand break (DSB) repair increases breast cancer risk. Genetic variation could be an important factor in determining DSB capacity. However, data on the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DSB repair genes with phenotype and with breast cancer risk are limited. We determined genotypes for 25 DSB repair SNPs in a total of 298 families with discordant sisters for breast cancer, including 85 families with end-joining (EJ) capacity data available from the New York site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry (BCFR). We observed that XRCC4 variant (rs1056503) was associated with increased breast cancer risk with age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 1.67 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02-2.74) and a significant inverse effect of an XRCC5 variant (rs1051677) with an age-adjusted OR of 0.07 (95% CI=0.009-0.58). EJ capacities differed by different genotypes of BRCA1 among controls, and different genotypes of XRCC5 among cases and controls. However, in a final multivariable conditional logistic model, including RAD52 (rs11226), XRCC4 (rs1056503) and XRCC5 (rs3834), we did not observed any statistically significant genetic effect of DSB repair genes on breast cancer risk. Although these findings suggest that selected polymorphisms of DSB pathway genes were associated with EJ capacity, there were no main associations with breast cancer suggesting that DSB phenotype rather than genotype may be more important in predicting breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1866.
Representative Bureaucracy: Further Evidence of Active Representation in the EEOC District Offices

This research examines active bureaucratic representation in the American context. It focuses discussion on behavior of bureaucrats in the district offices of one agency in the federal bureaucracy. More specifically, we examine the policy impact of three ethnic and racial groups of federal civil servants (black, white, and Hispanic) as they implement federal equal employment opportunity policy.
State-Civil Society Relations within South Africa

Beginning in 1989, South Africa experienced an unprecedented political transition from authoritarianism to liberal democracy. This process culminated in the elections of April 1994. The consolidation of democracy in South Africa is far from certain, but it is a notable success in that the majority of South Africans who were denied their basic civil rights under the apartheid state have been embraced by the new regime.
Teaching type design using transition diagrams and sports scoreboards

Inventing and defining types is a fundamental software development activity. Unfortunately, students often struggle to understand what a type is as well as how to design and specify one. Sports scoreboards are presented as alternatives to the traditional introductory abstract data types. Many students are already very familiar with scoreboards, which have simple external state and behavior. In addition, modeling these scoreboard types as transition diagrams is a powerful technique that naturally motivates discussion and facilitates learning about ADT specifications and associated concepts such as preconditions and postconditions.
The Merits or the Messenger?: Complementarity and the Referral Process in the ICC's Application of Article 17

This article examines the legal reasoning in and connection between three cases dealing with the ICC’s application of the principle of complementarity — i.e., the jurisdictional relationship between the ICC and the domestic courts of the countries where the alleged crimes occurred. It discusses how the ICC has addressed complementarity and considers the effects of referral processes upon the ICC’s interpretation of Article 17 of the Rome Statute. It concludes that, depending on the source of the referral, different degrees of discretion in choosing whether to address the question complementarity are accorded to the ICC.
Synthesizing Three Models of the Division of Labor

This chapter compares the models for the purpose of synthesizing three of them—Toyotism, Nikeification and Waltonism approaches—under the more general banner of lean production. The chapter also analyzes the political implications of this model, examines how this fits the global division of labor, and finally looks at the limitations of lean production in the face of emerging additive technology.
Discontinuation of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis (AP) in Children With Spina Bifida: A Case Series Analysis.

Background: Spina bifida increases the risk for urinary tract infections (UTI). Antimicrobial prophylaxis (AP) reduces symptomatic UTI’s but selects resistant organisms. Measures to ensure regular and complete emptying of the bladder combined with treatment of constipation reduce the risk for UTI. Objectives: Demonstrate that close adherence to a catheterization regimen in children with spina bifida (Selective Treatment - ST) reduces the need for antimicrobial prophylaxis. Methods: Case series analysis of pediatric spina bifida clinic patients where routine antimicrobial prophylaxis was replaced by clean-catch catheterization and daily bowel regimen (ST). Retrospective chart review of 67 children (mean entry age: 24 months, median age: 4 months; 32 Males, 35 Females) enrolled between 1986 - 2004. Mean follow-up was 128.6 months (range 3 - 257 months). Asymptomatic and symptomatic UTI incidences were noted on AP and ST protocols. Creatinine clearance at study entry and follow-up was calculated by the age appropriate method. A multivariable regression model with delta Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) as the dependent variable, independent sample t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum were performed with SAS v. 9.2. Results: The mean number of infections while on AP was 8.7 (95% CI 5.72, 11.68) and was 1.0 on ST (95% CI 0.48, 1.43). 5 infections on the AP protocol required intravenous (IV) antibiotics due to resistance to oral therapy, but none on ST. Comparing change in GFR between both protocols (AP vs. ST) found a significant difference in the change of GFR by treatment protocol. Conclusions: AP did not prevent UTIs and resulted in more resistant organisms requiring IV antibiotics. Discontinuing AP allowed the return of susceptibility to oral antimicrobials and significantly improved GFR in those children who had previously been on AP. Adherence to a catheterization regimen with prompt treatment of symptomatic UTI conserved renal function and prevented selection of resistant organisms.
Self-Seeded Growth of GaAs Nanowires by Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Self-seeded growth of semiconducting nanowires offers significant advantages over foreign metal-seeded growth by eliminating seed-associated impurities. However, density and diameter control of self-seeded nanowires has proven challenging although it is required for integration of nanowires into optoelectronic devices. We report the self-seeded growth of GaAs nanowire arrays on GaAs (111)B, (110), and (111)A substrates by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. Our approach involves two steps: the in situ deposition of Ga seed particles and subsequent GaAs nanowire growth. Control of nanowire diameter and array density is achieved via Ga seed deposition temperature and substrate orientation; increased seed deposition temperatures or changing substrate orientation from (111)A to (110) and (111)B yields reduced areal density and larger nanowire diameters. The density and diameter control approaches could be extended to other self-seeded III–V nanowire material systems.
Three-Dimensional Imaging: Advanced Medical Applications

The past decade has been witness to a technological revolution in diagnostic radiology with the introduction and rapid acceptance of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The development of these new technologies provided the clinician with diagnostic tools unsur-passed for the evaluation of the inner structures of the human body. Diagnoses previously reserved for laparotomy could now be made accurately in a noninvasive fashion. Definition of normal and abnormal anatomic structures could be displayed in detail usually reserved for schematic diagrams in textbooks.
Post-assembly magnetization of rare-earth permanent magnet materials in permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motors

This paper discusses the post-assembly magnetization of rare-earth permanent magnet materials used in permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motors. Firstly, the motivation behind post-assembly magnetization is given and challenges of embedding pre-magnetized magnets into the rotor flux barriers of synchronous reluctance motors are introduced. Magnetization computation across the magnets' surfaces is performed. Unfeasibility of using the original stator of the motor as a magnetizer is proven. Afterwards, a new tooling stator is designed to be utilized as a magnetizer. The proposed magnetizer structure and computational approaches are verified by finite element analysis (FEA) simulations on a sample permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor and the results are compared against the pre-magnetized case.
Seguridad ciudadana, estado y sociedad civil en el contexto boliviano (2001-2013)

En los ultimos anos, Latinoamerica se ha convertido en una de las regio-nes mas violentas del mundo (UNODC, 2014). De acuerdo al Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (2013), el incremento del crimen es sostenido. Urgen politicas de seguridad ciudadana para revertir esta ten-dencia. Este articulo analiza la prevalencia del crimen durante el periodo 2001-2013 en Bolivia, uno de los paises mas pobres del continente y con uno de los mayores porcentajes de poblacion indigena. En el contexto de cambios constitucionales que reconocen formas de justicia comunitaria, este articulo analiza tambien el alcance de las reformas de seguridad ciudadana propuestas por el estado en los ultimos anos y las respuestas de la sociedad civil a la creciente sensacion de inseguridad. Al mismo tiempo, este trabajo ofrece sugerencias para politicas que incorporen cambios estructurales que vayan mas alla de la modernizacion policial y la lucha contra el crimen. A pesar de los esfuerzos por prevenir y controlar el crimen, que genera mas confianza en la poblacion, el estado se ve superado por practicas informales de resolucion de conflictos que cuestionan su propio poder.
Beyond Culture: Helping International Students Avoid Plagiarism

With the rapid increase in the number of international students from different academic backgrounds around the world, college and university teachers in the West find it harder to understand the many and complex reasons when these students plagiarize or use sources ineffectively. Reviewing relevant literature, I first make a pedagogical analysis of student plagiarism then show why teachers should shift focus from traditional views about cultural difference toward a multidimensional understanding of plagiarism. I conclude by recommending pedagogical strategies to help students to adjust to the new academic system rather than “policing” their activities and undermining their confidence.
Characterization of electrostatic gap-closing actuator arrays in aqueous conditions

We demonstrate high-force-density rapid actuation of electrostatic gap-closing actuator (GCA) arrays operating in an aqueous environment. These devices are designed to generate up to 4.6 mN at 6 V drive signal amplitudes and have measured pull-in times as fast as 121 μs with no electrolysis. We present a new model for the dynamics of aqueous GCA operation which includes the inertia of the squeezed fluid and proximity of the substrate to the device layer. The actuators operate in deionized water, and preliminary tests demonstrate actuation in ionic solutions (10 mM) and partial operation of submerged inchworm motors based on GCA arrays.
Secondary Surgery following Initial Replantation/Revascularization or Completion Amputation in the Hand or Digits.

BACKGROUND The authors studied the rate of secondary surgery following replantation/revascularization or completion amputation in patients with traumatic upper extremity injuries. The authors hypothesized that there are no factors associated with secondary surgery after initial treatment and that travel distance to the authors' hospital does not influence the number of secondary operations. METHODS A multi-institutional retrospective study was performed including patients presenting from 2006 to 2014. The authors included 1254 patients and calculated the incidence of secondary surgery following initial operative management. The authors performed multivariable regression analysis to determine factors associated with secondary surgery and ordinal logistic regression tested the association of living at a further distance (>50 miles) and having zero, one, or multiple secondary operations. RESULTS The rate of secondary surgery was 25 percent for all patients: 51 percent following replantation/revascularization and 22 percent following completion amputation. The authors observed a trend for lower rate of secondary surgery over time among patients who underwent completion amputation. The mean number of secondary operations was 1.2 after replantation/revascularization versus 0.45 operations after completion amputation. Avulsion and multiple-digit injuries were associated with higher odds and Hispanic race was associated with lower odds of secondary surgery. Patients living more than 50 miles from the hospital had a higher likelihood of undergoing one or multiple secondary operations. CONCLUSIONS Twenty-five percent of patients with traumatic, dysvascular digital injuries underwent secondary surgery following initial revascularization or completion amputation. Patients undergoing initial revascularization or replantation were more than twice as likely to undergo secondary surgery compared with those undergoing completion amputation. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Risk, III.
The role of cholesterol oxidation products in food toxicity

Food consumption can lead to the accumulation of certain chemical compounds able to exert toxic activities against humans. Of mayor interests are those molecules generated during food processing and handling, since their occurrence and distribution depend of many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Cholesterol - a lipid constituent of mammalian cells - is the precursor of several toxic molecules known as cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). In the last decades, it has been demonstrated that food processing can dramatically trigger COPs accumulation in meats, eggs, dairy products, fish and poultry. On the other hand, countless scientific evidences have pointed out the highly toxic and pathogenic activities of COPs, from cancer stimulation to neurodegenerative disorders, via molecular mechanisms that are largely unexplored. The aim of this review is to merge the evidence on COPs accumulation in foods and their toxic activities through dietary intake, as from in vivo and in vitro studies. We consider that it is imperative to systematically monitor the formation of COPs to bridge these quantitative efforts with a risk exposure assessment on sensitive populations.
Home as a Workplace in the Lives of Women

An advertisement in the New York Times Magazine proclaims her as the “New Traditionalist.” She—the mother, presumably—stands with her arms around her two young children. They are surrounded by the emblems of a clean, cozy, safe, expensive home. The caption reads: Her children think she’s a little old-fashioned. They’re right. She’s Monica Simon, New Traditionalist—and here she is right at the center of her world. She loves to cook. She loves family dinners. She loves Christmas so much that she spends a whole week trimming the tree. She also loves her job—because it lets her contribute financially to the “family structure.”
Mantle cell/centrocytic lymphoma: molecular and phenotypic analysis including analysis of the bcl-1 major translocation cluster by PCR.

Mantle cell/centrocytic lymphoma (MCL) is a biologically and clinically distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) characterized by small lymphocytes with irregular nuclei and a diffuse, vaguely nodular, or mantle zone growth pattern [1, 2]. The neoplastic cells are typically positive for CD5, the pan-B cell antigens CD19 and CD20, and surface IgM and IgD, but negative for CD10 and CD23. Clinical features include male predominance, a median age of onset of 64 years, and presentation with advanced stage disease in the majority of patients. Peripheral blood, bone marrow, and extranodal disease involving the gastrointestinal tract or Waldeyer’s ring is common [1, 2]. The median survival is approximately 30–40 months. MCL is estimated to comprise about 4–7% of all NHL.
Cerebral aspergillosis in a patient on ibrutinib therapy-A predisposition not to overlook

Ibrutinib has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies since its approval for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is also used in mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, among others. It is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor that acts on B-cell receptor signaling pathway and predisposes to various infections due to its effects on neutrophils, monocytes and T cells. We present a case of cerebral invasive aspergillosis in a patient being treated with ibrutinib for relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It was hard to associate the condition to ibrutinib versus the chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of voriconazole and micafungin, resulting in complete recovery and no residual deficits. This highlights the importance of recognizing the rare complication in those on ibrutinib and initiating the treatment immediately with appropriate antifungal agents to improve prognosis of this potentially fatal condition.
A within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis of panitumumab compared with bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of patients with wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer in the US.

AbstractAims: This analysis investigated the cost-effectiveness of panitumumab plus mFOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin) compared with bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX6 in the first-line treatment of patients with wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).Materials and methods: The cost-effectiveness analysis was developed from a third-party payer perspective in the US and was implemented using a partitioned survival model with health states for first-line treatment (progression-free), disease progression with and without subsequent active treatment, and death. Survival analyses of patients with wild-type RAS mCRC from the PEAK head-to-head clinical trial of panitumumab vs bevacizumab were performed to estimate time in the model health states. Additional data from PEAK informed the amount of each drug consumed, duration of therapy, subsequent therapy use, and toxicities related to mCRC treatment. Literature and US public data sources were used to estimate unit costs associated with treat...
Weinstein, D. (2017). The Eddie Cantor story: A Jewish life in performance and politics. Waltham, MA: Brandeis University Press. 304 pages.

In a span of over five decades, entertainment icon Eddie Cantor starred in vaudeville, Broadway musical comedies, motion pictures, radio, and television, as well as producing recordings of his most...
10 Heat Pipes

The heat pipe is a device that utilizes the evaporation heat transfer in the evaporator and condensation heat transfer in the condenser in which the vapor flow from the evaporator to the condenser is caused by the vapor pressure difference and the liquid flow from the condenser to the evaporator is produced by the capillary force, gravitational force, electrostatic force, or other forces directly acting on it. A typical heat pipe consists of three sections: an evaporator or heat addition section, an adiabatic section, and a condenser or heat rejection section. For a heat pipe to function, the capillary pressure difference occurring in the heat pipe must always be greater than the summation of all the pressure losses occurring throughout the liquid and vapor flow paths. One of the simplest heat pipes is the thermosyphon. Cryogenic fluids are used in the cryogenic heat pipe. Keywords: adiabatic section; capillary force; condenser; cryogenic heat pipe; electrostatic force; evaporator; gravitational force; heat pipe; heat transfer; thermosyphon
Effects of pocket gophers, bracken fern, and western coneflower on planted conifers in northern Idaho – an update and two more species

Grand Fir Mosaic forests innorthern Idaho are difficult to regenerate afternatural or human-caused disturbances. Sparseconifer regeneration appears to be associated withhigh populations of northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) plus expansion by bracken fern(Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) and invasionof western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalisNutt.). This report updates an earlier study(Ferguson and Adams 1994) that quantified theeffects of four treatments on survival and growth ofplanted conifers: unweeded with gophers, weeded withgophers, unweeded without gophers, and weededwithout gophers. Weeding removed only bracken fernand western coneflower. Subalpine fir (Abieslasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.), grand fir (Abiesgrandis (Dougl.) Lindl.), and western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) had over 80% mortalityfrom pocket gophers and other causes. Lodgepolepine (Pinus contorta var. latifoliaEngelm.) had 49.2% mortality from pocket gophersand 6.8% mortality from other causes, but snowdamage is a problem for lodgepole pine. Engelmannspruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.)had 42.2% gopher-caused mortality and 8.4%mortality from other causes. Spruce suffered littletop damage from snowpacks and was stout enough towithstand senescing bracken fern fronds. Westernwhite pine (Pinus monticola Dougl.) had only24.1% mortality from pocket gophers after 4 years,and only 11.8% of the white pine died from causesother than gophers. Of the mortality caused bypocket gophers, 76.8% occurred the first summer andnext two winters after planting. The recommendedspecies for reforestation are Engelmann spruce andwhite pine.
Dynamic Bending of Elastic Columns

The problem of dynamic bending of an elastic pin-ended column is studied using the large deflection theory and including axial inertia terms. Equations are derived for the motion of a column that is initially slightly curved, with one end displaced axially toward the other end at a constant speed. Numerical solutions of these equations are obtained by solving corresponding difference equations on a digital computer. These solutions are compared with previous (small deflection theory) solutions of N. J. Hoff and E. Sevin. A novel feature of the results is that in some cases the lateral deflection curves are bimodal.
Examining 'sticky' storytelling and moral claims as the essence of workplace bullying.

Abstract Background Fisher (1985) argued that “there is no genre…that is not an episode in the story of life” (p. 347). As they incorporate moral claims, stories become ‘sticky,’ even when they are not accurate of fact, shifting listener beliefs, values, and sense of self. Purpose This study examined ‘sticky‘ storytelling and moral claims inherent in workplace bullying. Method Critical hermeneutic method nested within an integrative review served as the research approach, extending findings reported in published research reports and gray literature. Findings Through polished use of rhetorical style and resource control strategies within tacitly or explicitly supportive workplace contexts, bullies construct convincing but morally disengaged narratives—sticky stories—that violate ethical principles and yield moral ambiguity for their victims as they impede workplace productivity. Discussion Largely ineffective, policies aimed to stem bullying have done little to date to mitigate bullying's impact. Recognizing the moral storytelling characterizing workplace bullying might strengthen policy for constraining workplace bullying.
Robust Resource Scaling of Containerized Microservices with Probabilistic Machine learning

Large-scale web services are increasingly being built with many small modular components (microservices), which can be deployed, updated and scaled seamlessly. These microservices are packaged to run in a lightweight isolated execution environment (containers) and deployed on computing resources rented from cloud providers. However, the complex interactions and the contention of shared hardware resources in cloud data centers pose significant challenges in managing web service performance. In this paper, we present RScale, a robust resource scaling system that provides end-to-end performance guarantee for containerized microservices deployed in the cloud. RScale employs a probabilistic machine learning-based performance model, which can quickly adapt to changing system dynamics and directly provide confidence bounds in the predictions with minimal overhead. It leverages multi-layered data collected from container-level resource usage metrics and virtual machine-level hardware performance counter metrics to capture changing resource demands in the presence of multi-tenant performance interference. We implemented and evaluated RScale on NSF Cloud's Chameleon testbed using KVM for virtualization, Docker Engine for containerization and Kubernetes for container orchestration. Experimental results with an open-source microservices benchmark, Robot Shop, demonstrate the superior prediction accuracy and adaptiveness of our modeling approach compared to popular machine learning techniques. RScale meets the performance SLO (service-level-objective) targets for various microservice workflows even in the presence of multi-tenant performance interference and changing system dynamics.
Misclassifying parties as radical right / right wing populist: a comparative analysis of New Zealand First

New Zealand First is occasionally misclassified as a ‘radical right’ and/or ‘right-wing populist party.’ This presents an opportunity to examine how parties might be placed into this family of part...
Practical Guidance for Prevention and Management of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis for the Allergist/Immunologist.

Osteoporosis is a silent disorder with dire consequences, and glucocorticoid use remains the most common iatrogenic cause illustrated by the fact that 30% to 50% of subjects on such long-term therapy experience fractures (Oimomi M, Nakamichi T, Ohara T, Sakai M, Igaki N, Hata F, et al. Fructose-related glycation. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 1989;7:137-9; Reid IR. Glucocorticoid osteoporosis--mechanisms and management. Eur J Endocrinol 1997;137:209-17). By directly affecting bone quality while actively used, glucocorticoids increase the risk of fracture that is independent of a subject's bone density status at the time (Weinstein RS. True strength. J Bone Miner Res 2000;15:621-5). A large number of subjects seen in an allergy and immunology clinic have asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, or other chronic inflammatory diseases, necessitating the use of these medications and placing them at higher risk for this disease. Data on the effects of both oral and inhaled glucocorticoids on fracture risk are presented. This review concretizes the importance of osteoporosis, its pathophysiology, and provides practical guidelines to prevent and treat it. Management recommendations are tailored to 2 different age groups. The first group consists of children, adolescents, and adults 40 years or younger with a focus on attaining peak bone mass. The second group consists of adults 40 years or older where the use of imaging modalities and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool scores helps triage subjects into fracture risk categories. Those at moderate to high risk require bone-sparing medications. Universal preventive measures for both groups are reviewed. Complicated and severe cases may need additional expertise by an endocrinologist or rheumatologist.
[Positioning of external pelvic stabilization devices in patients with multiple injuries : Retrospective computed tomographic evaluation].

Background Severe hemorrhage is a dreaded complication of pelvic fractures. It has a significant impact on early trauma-associated mortality. Hemorrhage that is secondary to pelvic fractures can be reduced by external stabilization devices. Despite the commercial availability of many different systems, they are infrequently used. The aim of this computed tomography (CT) study was to examine the use of external pelvic stabilization devices. Methods Between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015 a total of 982 images produced in CT trauma scans at a level 1 trauma centre were retrospectively examined with respect to the presence of external pelvic stabilizers. The type of device applied, its actual position including deviation from optimal position as well as pelvic parameters and complications were determined. Results In 67 out of 982 patients (6.82%) with suspected multiple trauma, an external pelvic stabilizer was employed. In 41.8% the devices were not placed in concordance with prevailing scientific knowledge, 53.73% of devices did not comply with the manufacturer's instructions and 51.85% of systems with pneumatic cuffs caused significant malrotation. In one patient the cuff induced hypoperfusion of the leg but without further sequelae. Conclusion While the prehospital use of pelvic slings is increasing, misplacement is very common. Especially inconsistencies between manufacturers' manuals and current scientific knowledge warrant further improvement. In systems with pneumatic cuffs malrotation of the device is common and clinically relevant. Hypoperfusion of the lower extremities is possible and should be taken into account when employing these devices.
Schooling amidst a pandemic: parents’ perceptions about reopening schools and anticipated challenges during COVID-19

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous states in the United States instituted measures to close schools or shift them to virtual platforms. Understanding parents preferences for sending their children back to school, and their experiences with distance learning is critical for informing school reopening guidelines. This study characterizes parents plans to send their children to school, and examines the challenges associated with school closures during the 2020-2021 academic year. MethodsA national-level cross-sectional online survey was conducted in September 2020. Focusing on a subset of 510 respondents, who were parents of school-aged children, we examined variations in parents plans for their children to return to school by their demographic and family characteristics, and challenges they anticipated during the school-year using multivariable logistic regressions. ResultsFifty percent of respondents (n=249) said that they would send their children back to school, 18% (n=92) stated it would depend on what the district plans for school reopening, and 32% (n=160) would not send their children back to school. No demographic characteristics were significantly associated with parents plans to not return their children to school. Overall, parents reported high-level of access to digital technology to support their childs learning needs (84%). However, those who reported challenges with distance learning due to a lack of childcare were less likely not to return their children to school (aOR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.64). Parents who reported requiring supervision after school had higher odds of having plans to not return their children to school (aOR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.79). Parents viewed COVID-19 vaccines and face masks important for resuming in-person classes. DiscussionAbout one-third of parents surveyed objected to their children returning to school despite facing challenges with distance learning. Besides access to vaccines and face masks, our findings highlight the need to better equip parents to support remote learning, and childcare.
Workplace Cyber Harassment: Employer And Website Operator Liability For Online Misconduct

While workplace harassment has been a serious issue for many years, the rise of workplace harassment in cyberspace demonstrates the increasing complexity of this phenomenon. Workplace harassment law has not kept up with the evolution of online digital media. The current law treats only workplace harassment that occurs in traditionally protected settings such as the physical workplace or school environment and assumes that the act and harm of workplace harassment both occur in the same physical setting. As a result, the current law is unable to address harassment that occurs outside of the traditionally protected settings. Since cyber harassment creates harm that is equal to or even more severe than real-life harassment, a clear legal remedy for cyber harassment is greatly needed. The legal system is beginning to realize that workplaces and schools are not just physical locations but sets of social relations that may or may not have a distinct geographical nexus. Updating current workplace harassment law to include the multiple-setting approach would allow the victims of cyber harassment to seek proper redress for any harm they may have suffered.
Management effectiveness positively influences forest conservation outcomes in protected areas

Abstract Understanding the factors that drive protected area outcomes is critical to increase the success of global conservation efforts. Until recently, our understanding of the influence of management effectiveness has been restricted by the limited availability of standardized management data and study design limitations of prior evaluations. Here we use a quasi-experimental matching approach to test the influence of management effectiveness on forest cover change inside 46 protected areas in Mexico. We test the influence of five management categories, including context and planning, administration and finance, use and benefits, governance and social participation, and management quality, as well as an overall effectiveness score, using a subgroup analysis and an interaction term in post-matching multiple linear regression. Our results show that protected areas with higher management effectiveness have a greater effect on reducing deforestation compared to those with low management effectiveness, but that both types of protected areas experience less forest loss compared to similar unprotected areas. We find this trend in all five of the management categories and the overall score, with administration and finance scores having the greatest effect on forest loss outcomes. Our findings suggest careful design and planning, effective participation from multiple stakeholders and equal sharing of benefits, and sufficient human and financial capital can improve the effectiveness of protected areas in preventing forest loss.