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gotu kola

Title: gotu kola
Category: Medications
Created: 8/18/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2022 12:00:00 AM




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The deadly dance of alveolar macrophages and influenza virus

Influenza A virus (IAV) is one of the leading causes of respiratory infections. The lack of efficient anti-influenza therapeutics requires a better understanding of how IAV interacts with host cells. Alveolar macrophages are tissue-specific macrophages that play a critical role in lung innate immunity and homeostasis, yet their role during influenza infection remains unclear. First, our review highlights an active IAV replication within alveolar macrophages, despite an abortive viral cycle. Such infection leads to persistent alveolar macrophage inflammation and diminished phagocytic function, alongside direct mitochondrial damage and indirect metabolic shifts in the alveolar micro-environment. We also discuss the "macrophage disappearance reaction", which is a drastic reduction of the alveolar macrophage population observed after influenza infection in mice but debated in humans, with unclear underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we explore the dual nature of alveolar macrophage responses to IAV infection, questioning whether they are deleterious or protective for the host. While IAV may exploit immuno-evasion strategies and induce alveolar macrophage alteration or depletion, this could potentially reduce excessive inflammation and allow for the replacement of more effective cells. Despite these insights, the pathophysiological role of alveolar macrophages during IAV infection in humans remains understudied, urging further exploration to unravel their precise contributions to disease progression and resolution.




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Comparison of Needle Depth Techniques for the Posterior Superior Alveolar Block

Purpose The posterior superior alveolar (PSA) block injection is one of many techniques used to provide profound anesthesia for invasive dental procedures. This technique has a high success rate but is not without complication risks. The purpose of this study was to determine if pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar could be achieved using a reduced needle depth of 10mm or 5mm compared to the traditional needle depth of 16mm.Methods Sixty participants were asked to participate in three sessions. Each session started with a pre neural response test, followed by one randomized needle depth PSA injection, and ending with a post neural response test. The neural response test consisted of two parts, a cold refrigerant and a dental probe, on the buccal and interproximal surface of the maxillary second molar. After receiving a positive neural response, each participant received a posterior superior alveolar block injection using a short (21mm), 27-gauge dental needle with a randomized needle penetration depth of 16mm, 10mm, or 5mm. A post neural response test consisting of the same two parts as the pre-test was conducted on the maxillary second molar to evaluate for profound anesthesia.Results Positive neural responses were obtained from 100% of the participants (n=167) during the pre-tests. Study results demonstrated an 85% success rate at the traditional 16mm needle depth and a 93% and 92% success rates for the reduced needle depths of 10mm and 5mm, respectively. Pulpal anesthesia of the maxillary second molar had been achieved at all three needle depths with no statistically significant difference in the rate of success. Furthermore, there were no adverse events observed.Conclusion The reduced needle depth technique showed promise in achieving desired results of pulpal anesthesia with a reduced risk for complications associated with the PSA block injection. Additional studies are recommended to achieve evidence-based support for this reduced needle depth technique.




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Functional Characterization of Reduced Folate Carrier and Protein-Coupled Folate Transporter for Antifolates Accumulation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells [Articles]

Antifolates are important for chemotherapy in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They mainly rely on reduced folate carrier (RFC) and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) to enter cells. PCFT is supposed to be the dominant transporter of the two in tumors, as it operates optimally at acidic pH and has limited transport activity at physiological pH, whereas RFC operates optimally at neutral pH. In this study, we found RFC showed a slightly pH-dependent uptake of antifolates, with similar affinity values at pH 7.4 and 6.5. PCFT showed a highly pH-dependent uptake of antifolates, with an optimum pH of 6.0 for pemetrexed and 5.5 for methotrexate. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) value of PCFT for pemetrexed at pH 7.4 was more than 10 times higher than that at pH 6.5. Interestingly, we found that antifolate accumulations mediated by PCFT at acidic pH were significantly affected by the efflux transporter, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). The highest pemetrexed concentration was observed at pH 7.0–7.4 after a 60-minute accumulation in PCFT-expressing cells, which was further evidenced by the cytotoxicity of pemetrexed, with the IC50 value of pemetrexed at pH 7.4 being one-third of that at pH 6.5. In addition, the in vivo study indicated that increasing PCFT and RFC expression significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of pemetrexed despite the high expression of BCRP. These results suggest that both RFC and PCFT are important for antifolates accumulation in NSCLC, although there is an acidic microenvironment and high BCRP expression in tumors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Evaluating the role of reduced folate carrier (RFC) and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) on antifolates accumulation in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is necessary for new drug designs. By using cell models, we found both RFC and PCFT were important for antifolates accumulation in NSCLC. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) significantly affected PCFT-mediated antifolates accumulation at acidic pH but not RFC-mediated pemetrexed accumulation at physiological pH. High expression of PCFT or RFC enhanced the cytotoxicity and antitumor effect of pemetrexed.




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Regulation of Human Hydrolases and Its Implications in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II]

Hydrolases represent an essential class of enzymes indispensable for the metabolism of various clinically essential medications. Individuals exhibit marked differences in the expression and activation of hydrolases, resulting in significant variability in the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of drugs metabolized by these enzymes. The regulation of hydrolase expression and activity involves both genetic polymorphisms and nongenetic factors. This review examines the current understanding of genetic and nongenetic regulators of six clinically significant hydrolases, including carboxylesterase (CES)-1 CES2, arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC), paraoxonase (PON)-1 PON3, and cathepsin A (CTSA). We explore genetic variants linked to the expression and activity of the hydrolases and their effects on the PK and PD of their substrate drugs. Regarding nongenetic regulators, we focus on the inhibitors and inducers of these enzymes. Additionally, we examine the developmental expression patterns and gender differences in the hydrolases when pertinent information was available. Many genetic and nongenetic regulators were found to be associated with the expression and activity of the hydrolases and PK and PD. However, hydrolases remain generally understudied compared with other drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450s. The clinical significance of genetic and nongenetic regulators has not yet been firmly established for the majority of hydrolases. Comprehending the mechanisms that underpin the regulation of these enzymes holds the potential to refine therapeutic regimens, thereby enhancing the efficacy and safety of drugs metabolized by the hydrolases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Hydrolases play a crucial role in the metabolism of numerous clinically important medications. Genetic polymorphisms and nongenetic regulators can affect hydrolases’ expression and activity, consequently influencing the exposure and clinical outcomes of hydrolase substrate drugs. A comprehensive understanding of hydrolase regulation can refine therapeutic regimens, ultimately enhancing the efficacy and safety of drugs metabolized by the enzymes.




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Optimal Endovascular Therapy Technique for Isolated Intracranial Atherothrombotic Stroke-Related Large-Vessel Occlusion in the Acute-to-Subacute Stage [CLINICAL PRACTICE]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Reocclusion after treatment is a concern in endovascular therapy for isolated intracranial atherothrombotic stroke-related large-vessel occlusion (AT-LVO). However, the optimal endovascular therapy technique for AT-LVO has not yet been investigated. This study evaluated the optimal endovascular therapy technique for AT-LVO in a real-world setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We conducted a historical, multicenter registry study at 51 centers that enrolled patients with AT-LVO. We divided the patients into 3 groups based on the endovascular therapy technique: mechanical thrombectomy alone, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), and stent deployment. Mechanical thrombectomy alone was classified into the mechanical thrombectomy-only group; PTA and mechanical thrombectomy–PTA, into the PTA group; and mechanical thrombectomy–stent deployment, mechanical thrombectomy–PTA–stent deployment, PTA–stent deployment, and stent deployment–only into the stent group. The primary outcome was incidence of reocclusion of the treated vessels within 90 days of endovascular therapy completion.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 770 patients and analyzed 509 patients. The rates in the mechanical thrombectomy-only, PTA, and stent deployment groups were 40.7%, 44.4%, and 14.9%, respectively. Incidence rate of residual stenosis >70% of final angiography was significantly higher in the mechanical thrombectomy-only group than in the PTA and stent deployment groups (mechanical thrombectomy-only versus PTA versus stent deployment: 34.5% versus 26.3% versus 13.2%, P = .002). Reocclusion rate was significantly lower in the PTA group than in the mechanical thrombectomy-only group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29–0.80). Of the patients, 83.5% experienced reocclusion within 10 days after endovascular therapy. Alarmingly, a substantial subset (approximately 62.0%) of patients experienced reocclusion within 2 days of endovascular therapy. Incidence of mRS scores of 0–2 ninety days after endovascular therapy was not significantly different among the 3 groups. Incidences of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, any other intracranial hemorrhage, and death were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS:

Incidence rate of reocclusion was significantly lower in the PTA group than in the mechanical thrombectomy-only group. We found no meaningful difference in reocclusion rates between the stent deployment and mechanical thrombectomy-only groups. In Japan, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are not reimbursed. Therefore, PTA might be the preferred choice for AT-LVOs due to the higher reocclusion risk with mechanical thrombectomy-only. Reocclusion was likely to occur within 10 days, particularly within 2 days post-endovascular therapy.




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Rapid genome diagnosis of alveolar capillary dysplasia leading to treatment in a child with respiratory and cardiac failure [RESEARCH REPORT]

Alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACD) is a fatal disorder that typically presents in the neonatal period with refractory hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension. Lung biopsy is traditionally required to establish the diagnosis. We report a 22-mo-old male who presented with anemia, severe pulmonary hypertension, and right heart failure. He had a complicated hospital course resulting in cardiac arrest and requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Computed tomography of the chest showed a heterogenous pattern of interlobular septal thickening and pulmonary edema. The etiology of his condition was unknown, lung biopsy was contraindicated because of his medical fragility, and discussions were held to move to palliative care. Rapid whole-genome sequencing (rWGS) was performed. In 2 d it resulted, revealing a novel FOXF1 gene pathogenic variant that led to the presumptive diagnosis of atypical ACD. Cases of atypical ACD have been reported with survival in patients using medical therapy or lung transplantation. Based on the rWGS diagnosis and more favorable potential of atypical ACD, aggressive medical treatment was pursued. The patient was discharged home after 67 d in the hospital; he is currently doing well more than 30 mo after his initial presentation with only one subsequent hospitalization and no requirement for lung transplantation. Our case reveals the potential for use of rWGS in a critically ill child in which the diagnosis is unknown. rWGS and other advanced genetic tests can guide clinical management and expand our understanding of atypical ACD and other conditions.




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Guidance and Resources for Family Medicine Scholarship [Family Medicine Updates]




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Family Medicine Resident Scholarly Activity Infrastructure, Output, and Dissemination: A CERA Survey [Original Research]

PURPOSE

Meeting scholarly activity requirements continues to be a challenge in many family medicine (FM) residency programs. Studies comprehensively describing FM resident scholarship have been limited. We sought to identify institutional factors associated with increased scholarly output and meeting requirements of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

OBJECTIVES

Our goals were to: (1) describe scholarly activity experiences among FM residents compared with ACGME requirements; (2) classify experiences by Boyer’s domains of scholarship; and (3) associate experiences with residency program characteristics and scholarly activity infrastructure.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey. The survey questions were part of an omnibus survey to FM residency program directors conducted by the Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA). All ACGME-accredited US FM residency program directors, identified by the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors, were sampled.

RESULTS

Of the 691 eligible program directors, 298 (43%) completed the survey. The respondents reported that 25% or more residents exceeded ACGME minimum output, 17% reported that 25% or more residents published their work, and 50% reported that 25% or more residents delivered conference presentations. Programs exceeding ACGME scholarship requirements exhibit robust infrastructure characterized by access to faculty mentorship, scholarly activity curricula, Institutional Review Board, medical librarian, and statistician.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the need for codified ACGME requirements for scholarly activity infrastructure to ensure access to resources in FM residency programs. By fostering FM resident engagement in scholarly activity, programs help to create a culture of inquiry, and address discrepancies in funding and output among FM residency programs.




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[Evolutionary Biology] How Important Is Variation in Extrinsic Reproductive Isolation to the Process of Speciation?

The strength of reproductive isolation (RI) between two or more lineages during the process of speciation can vary by the ecological conditions. However, most speciation research has been limited to studying how ecologically dependent RI varies among a handful of broadly categorized environments. Very few studies consider the variability of RI and its effects on speciation at finer scales—that is, within each environment due to spatial or temporal environmental heterogeneity. Such variation in RI across time and/or space may inhibit speciation through leaky reproductive barriers or promote speciation by facilitating reinforcement. To investigate this overlooked aspect of speciation research, we conducted a literature review of existing studies of variation in RI in the field and then conducted individual-based simulations to examine how variation in hybrid fitness across time and space affects the degree of gene flow. Our simulations indicate that the presence of variation in hybrid fitness across space and time often leads to an increase in gene flow compared to scenarios where hybrid fitness remains static. This observation can be attributed to the convex relationship between the degree of gene flow and the strength of selection on hybrids. Our simulations also show that the effect of variation in RI on facilitating gene flow is most pronounced when RI, on average, is relatively low. This finding suggests that it could serve as an important mechanism to explain why the completion of speciation is often challenging. While direct empirical evidence documenting variation in extrinsic RI is limited, we contend that it is a prevalent yet underexplored phenomenon. We support this argument by proposing common scenarios in which RI is likely to exhibit variability and thus influence the process of speciation.




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Nicola Sturgeon has made 'no decision' on standing for Holyrood election in 2026

The Herald understands that former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has made no decisions on whether she will stand for election in 2026.




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Neowiz to Publish Western RPG by Poland-Based Developer Zakazane

Neowiz announced it has signed a global publishing rights partnership with Warsaw, Poland-based developer Zakazane to publish the first title from the studio. The game from Zakazane is a single-player noir western RPG.

Zakazane is led by Jan Bartkowicz, Piotr Chomiak, Radosław Gwarek, and Marta Sobek, and features developers who previously worked at central European game companies, including  CD Projekt RED and 11 bit studios.

"Neowiz is committed to delivering remarkable, story-driven games that resonate with gamers worldwide, and we’re actively searching for talented developers with a passion for well-crafted narratives,” said Neowiz co-CEO Seung-Cheol Kim.

"When we first met Zakazane, we felt an immediate kinship around their passion for developing projects that profoundly captivate audiences. Their upcoming neo-western RPG will be a key addition to our portfolio and reflects our ambition to build lasting franchises across PC and consoles. Together, we will create a brand that unites quality and storytelling for gamers to cherish for years to come."

Zakazane CEO and co-founder Jan Barkowicz, "We found a great understanding of our vision with Neowiz, who got excited about our debut title the minute we showed them the demo. In conversations that followed, they never tried to steer us away from our principles but rather to make sure we stick to our guns. It’s clear both sides understand that games can become important to people on a personal level, making them both valuable works of culture and good business."

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463035/neowiz-to-publish-western-rpg-by-poland-based-developer-zakazane/




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Could we take the entire solar system on a voyage through space?

To transport our planet across the universe, we would need to bring the whole solar system to sustain life on Earth – on this episode of Dead Planets Society, our hosts contemplate how to shepherd all that baggage on this scenic journey




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SpaceX's Polaris Dawn crew set to attempt the riskiest spacewalk yet

The Polaris Dawn mission will include the first ever civilian spacewalk, and with a new spacesuit and no airlock, it may also be the most dangerous spacewalk ever




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SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission blasts off for first civilian spacewalk

Four private astronauts are riding a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule further from Earth than any human since 1972, where they will attempt the first ever civilian spacewalk




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SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew complete 'stand-up' civilian spacewalk

A groundbreaking civilian spacewalk saw two astronauts partially exit a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule wearing a brand new design of spacesuit. Every previous spacewalk completed before this was performed by government-trained astronauts.




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Polaris Dawn mission is one giant leap for private space exploration

The success of the all-civilian spacewalk on SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission shows that private space flight is starting to catch up with government space agencies




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New Scientist recommends Brian Cox's new series, Solar System

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week




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A supernova may have cleaned up our solar system

A nearby star that exploded some 3 million years ago could have removed all dust smaller than a millimetre from the outer solar system




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Complex form of carbon spotted outside solar system for first time

Complex carbon-based molecules crucial to life on Earth originated somewhere in space, but we didn't know where. Now, huge amounts of them have been spotted in a huge, cold cloud of gas




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'Bring on Lampard and Morris!' - Chelsea fans react to reports of Gianfranco Zola exit

The Italian is reportedly set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of his contract..




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Football isolated after cancelling weekend games while other sports resume



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Voyager 2’s Flyby of Uranus in 1986 was During Anomalous Solar Event, New Study Suggests

When NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft flew by Uranus in 1986, it provided scientists’ first close glimpse of this ice-giant planet.

The post Voyager 2’s Flyby of Uranus in 1986 was During Anomalous Solar Event, New Study Suggests appeared first on Sci.News: Breaking Science News.




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Trump's first Cabinet picks decidedly not isolationists: Ukraine, Israel breathe a sigh of relief

Despite his own isolationist musings, the first picks of President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration hail from a decidedly more traditionalist wing of the Republican Party.



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NASA completes spacecraft for TRACERS mission to investigate hazardous solar storms

Solar storms have the ability to harm astronauts and force massive blackouts




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Anne Hathaway and Zendaya join Christopher Nolan’s next starring Matt Damon and Tom Holland

Nolan has set up his much-awaited ‘Oppenheimer’ follow-up at Universal Pictures, eyeing a mid-2026 IMAX release 




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Lupita Nyong'o boards Christopher Nolan's next movie

The ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ actor will star alongside Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway in the film




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Teenaged Shola Jimoh impresses at men's soccer training session, offering evidence of CPL development strategy

It didn't take long to see what makes 16-year-old Shola Jimoh a prospect for Canada's men's soccer team. In a frenzied training session on Wednesday, he was always on the attack, always on the balls of his feet, leaving coach Jesse Marsch impressed.



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‘Alien: Isolation’ for Android Is Now a Free To Start Release Just Like iOS Letting Everyone Try Two Missions for Free

Earlier this year, Feral Interactive’s superb iOS version of Alien: Isolation (Free) was updated to change the game’s business model …




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Castle Crumble for Apple Vision Pro Is Now Available on Apple Arcade Alongside Big Updates for Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop, Crayola Adventures, and More

This week, Apple Arcade sees a major game update for Apple Vision Pro and a few notable updates. Castle Crumble …




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Social distancing need not mean social isolation

Social distancing, shelter-in-place, lockdown, quarantine:  the global coronavirus outbreak has made these terms part of daily usage. Governments and health organisations across the world are recommending social distancing. It is ...

The post Social distancing need not mean social isolation appeared first on Star Observer.




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Iceland looking to add space solar power to its sources of renewable energy by 2030

The U.K. based aerospace company, Space Solar, plans to launch its space-based solar power plant by 2030 to deliver clean energy to Iceland, which is already a renewable-energy powerhouse.



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Massachusetts High Court Rules Online Tracking Doesn’t Violate State Wiretap Law

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Data | BJP had the edge in the recent bipolar contests in Karnataka

Elections in Karnataka have increasingly become bipolar, with 77% of the seats recording bipolar contests in 2018




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ISP Research Fellow Apekshya Prasai Selected as a 2023 HFG Emerging Scholar

Apekshya Prasai, a political science doctoral candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was recently named a 2023 Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Emerging Scholar.   The Emerging Scholars (nine in all) are doctoral candidates who are in the final year of writing dissertations on the nature of and responses to violence around the world.




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"Biden makes suprise visit to Ukraine before heading to Poland for invasion anniversary"

U.S. President Joe Biden spent five hours in the Ukrainian capital on Monday, meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky and even taking a stroll through the streets of Kyiv – despite the sound of air sirens – to visit The Wall of Remembrance, which displays portraits of the approximately 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers who have died since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

The trip was kept under a media blackout until a few hours after Biden’s arrival, with the president’s official schedule only saying he would fly in the evening to Warsaw for a planned visit. The New York Times reported, quoting an anonymous official source, that Biden arrived in Kyiv early this morning after making the same 10-hour long journey from Poland that every world leader visiting Ukraine since the start of the war has.





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Integrating Solar Electricity into a Fossil Fueled System

Deploying renewable energy sources is the most promising approach to decarbonizing the power sector in China. However, the intermittency and non-dispatchable nature of wind and solar power pose significant challenges to grid stability, particularly when these sources reach high penetration rates. This study applies a unit commitment model to investigate the economic and environmental performance of load shaving strategies across different scenarios.





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SunPower Reinvents Home Solar with SunPower Equinox™ - SunPower Equinox� Video

The fully integrated solution delivers 70 percent more energy to consumers with 70 percent fewer visible parts, designed and engineered by SunPower.





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Lupita Nyong’o Joins Anne Hathaway & Zendaya in Cast of Christopher Nolan’s Next Movie

UPDATE NOV. 13, 2024: While Deadline said on X that a previous version of the publication’s article “incorrectly stated Lupita Nyong’o had also joined the cast of Nolan’s next film,” The Hollywood Reporter is now saying that Nyong’o has indeed been tapped to play in undisclosed character in the movie. Original article: Anne Hathaway and Zendaya […]

The post Lupita Nyong’o Joins Anne Hathaway & Zendaya in Cast of Christopher Nolan’s Next Movie appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.




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POLA and POLB report February volume declines

The Port of Los Angeles reported that February volume—at 487,846 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units)—were down 43% compared to February 2022. The Port of Long Beach reported that total February volume—at 543,675 TEU—dropped 31.7% annually




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Three Times That Solar Eclipses Transformed Science

From the discovery of new elements to the testing of novel theories of gravity, total solar eclipses have helped spark scientific progress for centuries




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Stunning Comet Could Photobomb This April's Total Solar Eclipse

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks will make its closest approach to the sun this April—right after North America is treated to a total solar eclipse





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A supernova may have cleaned up our solar system

A nearby star that exploded some 3 million years ago could have removed all dust smaller than a millimetre from the outer solar system




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Complex form of carbon spotted outside solar system for first time

Complex carbon-based molecules crucial to life on Earth originated somewhere in space, but we didn't know where. Now, huge amounts of them have been spotted in a huge, cold cloud of gas




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‘I got extra pay, a box of chocolates, [and] an apology': Karen gets fired after screaming for 40 minutes at a customer service rep because they refuse to break company policy

Is it really so difficult to be kind to the customer service person trying to troubleshoot your problem over the phone? I get it, everything's falling to pieces on your end, but it doesn't make any logical sense to be unsavory to the one person who can actually help you.  

This Karen in our next story proved that being aggressive over the phone doesn't get you everything you want, and sometimes it can get you fired…. Or maybe even investigated by the Feds. 

Imagine, this customer service employee was about 15 seconds from clocking out for the day–it was Friday at 4:59:45 PM and they were grabbing their coats on their way out and the blasted phone rang. Seeing that the number was from an internal caller, as in, someone within their company, the employee thought this would be a simple thing to solve and that they could make quick work of their coworker's problem. Except, the woman on the other end of the line wasn't looking for solutions, she was looking for a customer service rep to break the rules for her. 

Keep scrolling to see how a 40-minute IT support call turned into an apology letter, a box of chocolates, and an immediate, dishonorable resignation. 




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Nicola Sturgeon to headline comedy festival show

The former First Minister will be joined by crime author Val McDermid for a night entitled "Books & Banter".