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Accurately detecting human trafficking is particularly challenging due to its covert nature, difficulty in distinguishing trafficking from non-trafficking exploitative conditions, and varying operational definitions. Typically, detecting human trafficking requires resource-intensive efforts from resource-constrained anti-trafficking stakeholders. Such measures may need personnel training or machine learning-based identification technologies that suffer from detection errors. Repeated usage of such measures risks biasing detection efforts and reducing detection effectiveness. Such problems raise the question: "How should imperfect detection resources be allocated to most effectively identify human trafficking?" As an answer, we construct a class of resource allocation models that considers various optimal allocation scenarios. These scenarios range from optimal location selection for monitoring to optimal allocation of a finite set of imperfect resources, given error rates. We illustrate the applicability of these models across both human and technology-facilitated detection contexts at the India–Nepal border and in the global seafood industry. Insights from our models help inform operational strategies for allocating limited anti-human trafficking resources in a way that effectively preserves human rights and dignity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total ionizing dose response of hybrid FinFET with a modified gate stack (GS) is investigated and examined for the various ultra-thin body (UTB) layers and combination of gate oxide stacks. Incorporation of UTB layer to the conventional FinFET enhances the mechanical strength of the device. While being irradiated, conventional FinFET with UTB layer reduces the accumulation of trap charges to a certain level. Further, reduction of these charges can be achieved by using a high-k dielectric with UTB layer. This reduction in interface trap charges enhance the OFF-state performance while maintaines the positive threshold voltage of the device. The combination of UTB and GS in SOI-FinFET renders it more reliable and tolerant to ionizing dose. • Total ionizing dose response of hybrid FinFET with a modified gate stack (GS) is investigated. • Incorporation of UTB layer to the conventional FinFET enhances the mechanical strength of the device. • Under radiation FinFET with UTB layer reduces the accumulation of trap charges. • Reduction in interface trap charges enhances the OFF state performance. • The combination of UTB and GS in SOI-FinFET renders it more reliable and tolerant to ionizing dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dynamic slicing algorithm is proposed in this paper along with its implementation which is dynamic for concurrent Component-oriented programs carrying multiple threads. As a part of representing the concurrent COP (CCOP) effectively, an intermediate graph is developed called Concurrent Component Dependency Graph (CCmDG). The system dependence graph (SDG) for individual components and interfaces are integrated to represent the above intermediate graph. It also consists of some new dependence edges which have been triggered for connecting the individual dependence graph of each component with the interface. Based on the graph created for the CCOP, a dynamic slicing algorithm is proposed, which sets the resultant by making the executed nodes marked during run time in Concurrent Components Dynamic Slicing (CCmDS) appropriately. For checking the competence of our algorithm, five case studies have been considered and also compared with an existing technique. From the study, we found that our algorithm results in smaller and precise size slice compared to the existing algorithm in less time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) is an emerging soil pollutant of industrial origin. The unique physicochemical properties of ZnO NP viz. the bioavailability and subsequent ecotoxicological effects on organisms have made it an ecological concern. Lampito mauritii (Kinberg, 1866) is a common anecic earthworm and is considered as a keystone species of soil ecosystems in India. They are continuously exposed to various environmental toxins during their feeding and other activities. The current study aimed to estimate the immunotoxicological effects of ZnO NP in the coelomocytes, the chief immunoeffector cells of L. mauritii. The results of the study indicated decreased total count, phagocytic activity, antioxidative, and detoxifying potential of the coelomocytes in L. mauritii at 7 and 14 days of exposure. ZnO NP exposure resulted in the generation of oxidative molecules, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage within coelomocytes. The higher degree of cytotoxicity on ZnO NP exposure was suggestive of immunocompromisation in L. mauritii. An integrated biomarker response (IBR) guided methodology was also utilized in estimating the comprehensive effects of ZnO NP on the health of L. mauritii. The present study would provide useful information on the ZnO NP induced chemical stress in L. mauritii , with the selected endpoints having the potential to function as markers for ZnO NP toxicity. [Display omitted] • ZnO NP shifted density, oxidative and detoxifying status of coelomocytes. • High ROS generation, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage by ZnO NP • ZnO NP inhibited phagocytosis of latex beads. • IBR index indicated higher ZnO NP toxicity in long span exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect total ionizing dose on a linear gate workfunction modulated SOI P-FinFET is analyzed and compared with the bulk P-FinFET. This technique improves the device electrostatic integrity for pre and post radiation condition. A decade improvement in I OFF is obtained for both the bulk and proposed devices. Moreover, both the SOI devices offer 35% and 29% less subthreshold swing for pre-rad condition. After irradiation trap charges are accumulated in oxide and semiconductor/insulator interfaces, which makes threshold more negative. The linear gate workfunction modulation gives more V th for both devices. At high radiation of 2000 krad dose proposed SOI device shows 39% more threshold voltage as compared to LGWM bulk P-FinFET. The maximum V th shift is observed in single workfunction bulk P-FinFET. Based on the simulation results, the proposed SOI P-FinFET is proved to be better TID tolerant and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total ionizing dose (TID) response of SOI-FinFET with linear gate workfunction modulation is presented and evaluated. The gate metal workfunction is linearly modulated from source to drain to maintain the electrostatic integrity of the device. At the higher radiation dose (2000 krad), the proposed device has shown reduced Off-current by 2-decade leads to improvement in current switching ratio. Moreover, the proposed device offers 9% and 3% improvement in subthreshold swing before and after the radiation, respectively. During irradiation the trap charges are found in the BOX layer and SiO 2 /Si interface. These charges contributed towards shifting of threshold voltage (V th). The linear workfunction modulation shows a 73% more V th as compared to single workfunction FinFET for radiation of 2000 krad dose. As per simulation results, the proposed device is reliable and capable to sustain in the radiation environment. • Total ionizing dose response of SOI-FinFET with linear gate workfunction modulation is studied. • The gate metal workfunction is linearly modulated from source to drain to maintain the electrostatic integrity of the device. • Fin geometry of the proposed model is optimized to get higher current switching ratio. • At the higher radiation dose (2000 krad), the proposed device shows reduced Off-current by 2 decades. • The linear workfunction modulation shows a 50% minimal shift in V th. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and the most malignant primary brain tumor in adults, accounting for ∼12-15% of all intracranial neoplasms. Despite advances in surgical, medical and radiation therapies, the mortality of GBM remains high, with a median survival ranging between 40 and 70 weeks. Similar to other primary brain tumors, the extracranial metastasis of GBM is extremely rare, occurring in <2% of patients. To demonstrate the clinical characteristics of this rare tumor, we herein present three cases of extracranial GBM metastasis: One to the lungs, which represents the longest reported survival of lung metastases from GBM to date; the second to the soft tissue of the posterior neck; and the third to the lumbar intradural space. Unlike tumors elsewhere, there are unique barriers in the brain that prevent the hematogenous and lymphatic spread of intracranial tumors, such as the dura mater and the thickened basement membrane of the blood vessels. In addition, central nervous system tumor cells lack extracellular matrix proteins required to invade surrounding connective tissue, a prerequisite for tumor dissemination. In this study, we aimed to investigate the different possible mechanisms underlying the extracranial metastasis of GBM and determine the biomolecular and genetic characteristics differentiating GBMs that metastasize from those that do not. We also reviewed the role of systemic chemotherapy and bevacizumab in the treatment of disseminated GBMs. Early identification and differentiation of these tumors may enable patients to benefit from surgical resection, radiation and combination chemotherapy prior to developing other comorbidities from metastatic disease, which may translate into prolonged survival with an acceptable quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged health care systems in different ways. In the United Kingdom, various subspecialties are deployed to the wards to help medical workforce in the frontlines, with dermatologists helping with general medical wards and on-calls. We present a case of COVID-19–related urticaria manifesting in a palliative setting and responding well to systemic antihistamine. This pandemic has highlighted a new subspecialty that should be explored and researched—palliative dermatology—bridging elements of dermatology with the concepts of palliative medicine. As dermatologists, we should be in the position to help with the last stages of a patient's journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterbodies of India support a wide range of molluscs including Lamellidens marginalis , a pearl forming edible mussel of ecological significance. Report of copper oxide nanoparticle toxicity in Indian molluscs is limited in scientific literature. L. marginalis is a gill respiring filter feeder, which is toxicologically vulnerable to exposure of copper oxide nanoparticles liberated from electrical, textile and polymer industries. Experimental exposure of copper oxide nanoparticles for 7 days yielded a decrease in gill filtration rate, respiration rate, total count and phagocytic response of hemocytes, the chief immunoeffector cells of L. marginalis. Nanoparticle exposure resulted in decrease of phagocytic response of mussel hemocytes. Decrease in nitric oxide generation and phenoloxidase activity were recorded in L. marginalis exposed to 0.5, 1 and 5 mg copper oxide nanoparticles per litre of water for 7 and 14 days. Superoxide anion generation in hemocytes was increased under the exposure of copper oxide nanoparticles. Increase in superoxide anion and decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were indicative to oxidative stress in mussels. Copper oxide nanoparticle induced shift in filtration and respiration rate along with the hemocyte associated immune parameters were suggestive to an acute immunophysiological stress in L. marginalis. We estimated the functional performance of gill and physiological status of aquatic respiration in L. marginalis exposed to copper oxide nanoparticles. A parallel set of estimation of each parameter was carried out in L. marginalis exposed to identical copper sulphate concentrations to record and compare the ionic toxicity of copper in the same specimen. Unlabelled Image • Exposure of 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/L of CuONP/7 d yielded decrease in mussel hemocyte count. • CuONP declined filtration rate, respiration rate, phagocytosis, NO and PO activity. • Mussel exposed to CuONP for 7 and 14 d exhibited increased level of superoxide anion. • CuONP induced decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in hemocytes. • CuONP and copper sulphate exposure caused increase in activities of phosphatases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A middle-aged patient presented for elective embolization of an incidentally found right internal carotid aneurysm. An angiogram was performed, during which the left internal carotid artery was visualized to evaluate a second, small aneurysm. During the embolization of the right internal carotid artery aneurysm, a catheter-induced vasospasm was identified that prompted treatment with intra-arterial verapamil. The procedure was uncomplicated; a postoperative rotational flat-panel computed tomography scan was performed on the angiography table that demonstrated right hemisphere contrast staining. The patient developed a right middle cerebral artery (MCA) syndrome after extubation with repeat cerebral angiography negative for occlusion and magnetic resonance imaging negative for stroke. The patient was observed for 48 hours, during which time the patient had slowly improved. At a six-week follow up visit, the patient had fully recovered. We present an interesting case of a verapamil-induced breakdown of the blood–brain barrier and self-limited right MCA syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Loss of function of DOCK8 is the major cause of autosomal recessive hyper IgE syndrome, a primary immunodeficiency with adaptive and innate immune dysfunction. Patients affected with ARHIES have atopic dermatitis and recurrent, potentially life-threatening viral and bacterial infections. Three consanguineous Pakistani siblings presented with severe atopic dermatitis and superinfection. Direct sequencing of DOCK8 in all three affected siblings demonstrated homozygosity for a deleterious, novel exon 14 frame shift mutation. Current newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID) and related T cell disorders relies on the quantitation of T Cell Receptor Excision Cells (TRECs) in dried blood spots (DBS). Significantly, both older affected siblings had undetectable TRECs, and TREC copy number was reduced in the youngest sibling. These findings suggest that AR-HIES may be detected by TREC newborn screening, and this diagnosis should be considered in the evaluation of newborns with abnormal TRECs who do not have typical SCID. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background  En plaque meningiomas are a rare subtype of meningiomas that are frequently encountered in the spheno-orbital region. Characterized by a hyperostotic and dural invasive architecture, these tumors present unique diagnostic and treatment considerations. Objective  The authors conduct a narrative literature review of clinical reports of en plaque meningiomas to summarize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment considerations in treating en plaque meningiomas. Additionally, the authors present a case from their own experience to illustrate its complexity and unique features. Methods  A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE database using the following terminology in various combinations: meningioma , meningeal neoplasms, en plaque , skull base , spheno-orbital, and sphenoid wing. Only literature published in English between 1938 and 2018 was reviewed. All case series were specifically reviewed for sufficient data on treatment outcomes, and all literature was analyzed for reports of misdiagnosed cases. Conclusion  En plaque meningiomas may present with a variety of symptoms according to their location and degree of bone invasion, requiring a careful diagnostic and treatment approach. While early and aggressive surgical resection is generally accepted as the optimal goal of treatment, these lesions require an individualized approach, with further investigation needed regarding the role of new therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]