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Osteoa rthritis is a heterogeneous group of diseases with typical joint damage by articular cartilage damage, along with degenerative changes in the epiphyses of the bones adjacent to the affected joint and the synovial joint. Osteoarthritis affects people over 50 years, but the onset is much earlier if an occupational factor is present. Due to the high prevalence, osteoarthritis is the leading cause of presentation to primary care, either in the family or occupational medicine. Osteoarthritis also poses an economic burden to society due to direct costs such as the price paid for a visit to the doctor, the cost of drugs or implanted prostheses, or indirect costs generated by decreased fitness for a job or even disability. The occupational medicine specialist has the leading role in primary and secondary prevention in this sense. The collaboration between the family doctor – rehabilitation and occupational physician has the function of tertiary prevention maintaining the quality of life and socioeconomic life in case of these types of patients.

Purpose: Treatment options are limited beyond JAK inhibitors for patients with primary myelofibrosis (MF) or secondary MF. Preclinical studies have revealed that PI3Kδ inhibition cooperates with ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, to reduce proliferation and induce apoptosis of JAK2V617F-mutant cell lines. Patients and Methods: In a phase I dose-escalation and -expansion study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, umbralisib, in combination with ruxolitinib in patients with MF who had a suboptimal response or lost response to ruxolitinib. Enrolled subjects were required to be on a stable dose of ruxolitinib for ≥8 weeks and continue that MTD at study enrollment. The recommended dose of umbralisib in combination with ruxolitinib was determined using a modified 3+3 dose-escalation design. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy outcomes were evaluated, and spleen size was measured with a novel automated digital atlas. Results: Thirty-seven patients with MF (median age, 67 years) with prior exposure to ruxolitinib were enrolled. A total of 2 patients treated with 800 mg umbralisib experienced reversible grade 3 asymptomatic pancreatic enzyme elevation, but no dose-limiting toxicities were seen at lower umbralisib doses. Two patients (5%) achieved a durable complete response, and 12 patients (32%) met the International Working Group-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment response criteria of clinical improvement. With a median follow-up of 50.3 months for censored patients, overall survival was greater than 70% after 3 years of follow-up. Conclusions: Adding umbralisib to ruxolitinib in patients was well tolerated and may resensitize patients with MF to ruxolitinib without unacceptable rates of adverse events seen with earlier generation PI3Kδ inhibitors. Randomized trials testing umbralisib in the treatment of MF should be pursued.

On the total space of the cotangent bundle of a Riemannian manifold, we construct a semi-Riemannian metric $G$, with respect to which an almost complex structure $J$ introduced by Oproiu and Poro\cb{s}niuc is self-adjoint. The structure $(J,G)$ turnes out to be an almost complex structure with Norden metric (this notion is known in the literature from Norden's papers). The semi-Riemannian context is different from the Riemannian one, as it is pointed out by Duggal and Bejancu in their monograph. We study this structure and provide some necessary and sufficient conditions for it to be a K\"ahler structure with Norden metric.

The results of this study consist in the complex analysis of the pedo-geomorphological support of the Orhei National Park to identify the morphodynamics of the relief and the sustainable exploitation of natural ecosystems. The dominant relief is the sculptural one, characterized by asymmetric valleys, formed on a generally monoclinal structure. The accelerated evolution of the hydrographic network with a subsequent character determined the development of the cuesta relief, in which short and steep slopes can be distinguished on one side (cuesta front), and on the other long and gentle slopes (cuesta reverse). The soil cover is specific to the forest-steppe zone, the gray forest soils being dominant. The need for this analysis must be taken into account for studying the evolution of natural processes in establishing measures to preserve the ecological balance

IntroductionKidney stone prevalence estimates vary depending on sampling methodology. We compared rates of patient-reported kidney stone disease to Electronic Health Records (EHR) kidney stone diagnosis using a common dataset to evaluate for socio-demographic differences in these populations, including between those with and without active care for kidney stones.MethodsFrom the All of Us research database, we identified 21,687 adult participants with both patient-reported medical history and EHR data. We extracted patient-reported kidney stone history and medical encounters for kidney stones from EHR. We compared differences in age, sex, race, education, employment status and healthcare access between patients with self-reported kidney stone history without EHR data to those with EHR-based diagnoses.ResultsIn this population, the self-reported prevalence of kidney stones was 8.6% overall (n=1877), including 4.6% (n=1004) who had self-reported diagnoses but no EHR data. Among those with self-reported kidney stone diagnoses only, the median age was 66, 43% were male, and 92% were Non-Hispanic Whites, compared 120,623 (53.9%) in the entire All of Us cohort. The EHR-based prevalence of kidney stones was 5.7% (n=1231), median age 67, of whom 45% were male and 92% were Non-Hispanic White. No differences were observed in age, sex, education, employment status, rural/urban status, or ability to afford healthcare between groups with EHR diagnosis or self-reported diagnosis only. Of patients who had a self-reported history of kidney stones, 24% reported actively seeing a provider for kidney stones.ConclusionsKidney stone prevalence by self-report is higher than EHR-based prevalence in this national dataset. Using either method alone to estimate kidney stone prevalence may exclude some patients with the condition, although the demographic profile of both groups is similar. Approximately one in four patients report actively seeing a provider for stone disease.

Aim and Objectives: The objective of our retrospective study was to investigate the changes in pNFH levels in cerebrospinal fluid, which is a reliable marker of neuronal damage, after the loading dose of nusinersen in different types of spinal muscular atrophy. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the spinal muscular atrophy types, the number of copies of the SMN2 gene, and the progression of the motor status using specific motor function scales in a group of 38 patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 1, 2, and 3. Results: We found a significant inverse correlation between pNFH levels and patient age, progress on functional motor scales, and nusinersen administration. Our results also revealed that the neurofilament levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were higher in patients with 2 SMN2 copies than those with more than 2 copies, although the association was not statistically significant due to the abnormal distribution of the values. Conclusions: We identified several predictors of favorable evolution under nusinersen treatment, including spinal muscular atrophy type 1, children aged ≤ 30 months, and the presence of only 2 copies of SMN2. Our study provides important insights into the use of pNFH as a biomarker to monitor disease progression and responses to treatment in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.

There is no more analyzed image in the history of political thought than the frontispiece of Hobbes’s Leviathan (1651), yet the tiny figures making up the giant have largely escaped scholarly attention. So, too, have their hats. This article recovers what men’s failure to “doff and don” their hats in the frontispiece might have conveyed to readers about their relationship to the Sovereign and each other. Sometimes big ideas—about the nature of representation, for example, or how to “acknowledge” equality—are conveyed by small gestures. When situated textually and contextually, Hobbes’s hats shed important light on the micropolitics of everyday interaction for those who, like Hobbes himself, hope to securely constitute a society of equals.

Recirculating nutrient solutions were treated using dimensionally stable anode (DSA)-based regenerative in situ electrochemical hypochlorination (RisEHc) in a deep water culture hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa) production system. Phytotoxic effects were noted and attributed to the formation of chloramines in treated nutrient solutions containing ammonium. The presence of chloramines resulted in a decrease in overhead biomass by 53% using 2.27 mA/cm2 and 83% with 4.55 mA/cm2. Adding ultraviolet light as a tertiary treatment stage allowed the photodecomposition of chloramines, which prevented phytotoxicity in crops and caused no significant differences in growth between treatments. Furthermore, using a nitrate-based fertilizer also served to prevent phytotoxic effects in crops and showed no significant differences in growth between the control and 4.55 mA/cm2. In addition, it was found that the electrochemical flow cell (EFC) treatment resulted in a 13% increase in shoot biomass using 2.27 mA/cm2. The study demonstrated that phytotoxic effects can be prevented with the use of regenerative in situ hypochlorination through proper management and monitoring techniques in recirculating hydroponic systems.

This interview with contemporary poet and historian Cristina A. Bejan, conducted over email, examines several contemporary meanings of 21st-century poetry through a personal lens. The interview starts from Bejan’s academic work and continues with her creative work, focusing on her ‘spoken word’ in the volume Green Horses on the Wall, published in 2020 and translated in Romanian this year. Notions such as memory, trauma, affect that represent the core of Bejan’s poetry are explained by the poet in relation to her poetics.

This study uses a welfare state lens to examine disparities in Covid-19 infections and mortality rates between countries in Eastern Europe compared to West European democracies. Expanding on Esping-Andersen’s typology of welfare regimes, the authors compare six country groups to conduct a multivariate statistical analysis that, when controlling for economic and health differences, shows the number of cases and deaths per 100,000 to be significantly higher for Eastern Europe. In comparing First, Second, and Third Wave data, the difference in Covid-19 infections and mortality rates can be explained through stricter lockdown measures implemented in the East at the start of the First Wave. Overall higher numbers in the East reflect comparatively looser state measures in response to the Second and Third Waves as well as the lack of trust in government and the weak implementation of public health measures.

To help guide empiric therapy for kidney stone disease, we sought to demonstrate the feasibility of predicting 24-hour urine abnormalities using machine learning methods.We trained a machine learning model (XGBoost [XG]) to predict 24-hour urine abnormalities from electronic health record-derived data (n = 1314). The machine learning model was compared to a logistic regression model [LR]. Additionally, an ensemble (EN) model combining both XG and LR models was evaluated as well. Models predicted binary 24-hour urine values for volume, sodium, oxalate, calcium, uric acid, and citrate; as well as a multiclass prediction of pH. We evaluated performance using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC-ROC) and identified predictors for each model.The XG model was able to discriminate 24-hour urine abnormalities with fair performance, comparable to LR. The XG model most accurately predicted abnormalities of urine volume (accuracy = 98%, AUC-ROC = 0.59), uric acid (69%, 0.73) and elevated urine sodium (71%, 0.79). The LR model outperformed the XG model alone in prediction of abnormalities of urinary pH (AUC-ROC of 0.66 vs 0.57) and citrate (0.69 vs 0.64). The EN model most accurately predicted abnormalities of oxalate (accuracy = 65%, ROC-AUC = 0.70) and citrate (65%, 0.69) with overall similar predictive performance to either XG or LR alone. Body mass index, age, and gender were the three most important features for training the models for all outcomes.Urine chemistry prediction for kidney stone disease appears to be feasible with machine learning methods. Further optimization of the performance could facilitate dietary or pharmacologic prevention.

Persons with multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) face an increased risk of poor health outcomes, especially as they age. Psychosocial factors such as social isolation, chronic stress, housing insecurity, and financial insecurity have been shown to exacerbate these outcomes, but are not routinely assessed during the clinical encounter. Our objective was to extract these concepts from chart notes using natural language processing and predict their impact on health care utilization for patients with multimorbidity.A cohort study to predict the 1-year likelihood of hospitalizations and emergency department visits for patients 65+ with multimorbidity with and without psychosocial factors. Psychosocial factors were extracted from narrative notes; all other covariates were extracted from electronic health record data from a large academic medical center using validated algorithms and concept sets. Logistic regression was performed to predict the likelihood of hospitalization and emergency department visit in the next year.In all, 76,479 patients were eligible; the majority were White (89%), 54% were female, with mean age 73. Those with psychosocial factors were older, had higher baseline utilization, and more chronic illnesses. The 4 psychosocial factors all independently predicted future utilization (odds ratio=1.27-2.77, C -statistic=0.63). Accounting for demographics, specific conditions, and previous utilization, 3 of 4 of the extracted factors remained predictive (odds ratio=1.13-1.86) for future utilization. Compared with models with no psychosocial factors, they had improved discrimination. Individual predictions were mixed, with social isolation predicting depression and morbidity; stress predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease onset; and housing insecurity predicting substance use disorder morbidity.Psychosocial factors are known to have adverse health impacts, but are rarely measured; using natural language processing, we extracted factors that identified a higher risk segment of older adults with multimorbidity. Combining these extraction techniques with other measures of social determinants may help catalyze population health efforts to address psychosocial factors to mitigate their health impacts.

Magnetic hybrid hydrogels have exhibited remarkable efficacy in various areas, particularly in the biomedical sciences, where these inventive substances exhibit intriguing prospects for controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, magnetic separation, MRI contrast agents, hyperthermia, and thermal ablation. Additionally, droplet-based microfluidic technology enables the fabrication of microgels possessing monodisperse characteristics and controlled morphological shapes. Here, alginate microgels containing citrated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were produced by a microfluidic flow-focusing system. Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles with an average size of 29.1 ± 2.5 nm and saturation magnetization of 66.92 emu/g were synthesized via the co-precipitation method. The hydrodynamic size of MNPs was changed from 142 nm to 826.7 nm after the citrate group’s attachment led to an increase in dispersion and the stability of the aqueous phase. A microfluidic flow-focusing chip was designed, and the mold was 3D printed by stereo lithographic technology. Depending on inlet fluid rates, monodisperse and polydisperse microgels in the range of 20–120 μm were produced. Different conditions of droplet generation in the microfluidic device (break-up) were discussed considering the model of rate-of-flow-controlled-breakup (squeezing). Practically, this study indicates guidelines for generating droplets with a predetermined size and polydispersity from liquids with well-defined macroscopic properties, utilizing a microfluidic flow-focusing device (MFFD). Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) results indicated a chemical attachment of citrate groups on MNPs and the existence of MNPs in the hydrogels. Magnetic hydrogel proliferation assay after 72 h showed a better rate of cell growth in comparison to the control group (p = 0.042).

Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy has been widely applied to fieldwork measurements of OH radicals, and of HO2, following conversion to OH, over a wide variety of conditions, on different platforms, and in simulation chambers. Conventional calibration of HOx (OH + HO2) instruments has mainly relied on a single method, generating known concentrations of HOx from H2O vapour photolysis in a flow of zero air impinging just outside the sample inlet (SHOx = CHOx.[HOx], where SHOx is the observed signal and CHOx is the calibration factor). The FAGE (Fluorescence Assay by Gaseous Expansion) apparatus designed for HOx measurements in the Highly Instrumented Reactor for Atmospheric Chemistry (HIRAC) at the University of Leeds has been used to examine the sensitivity of FAGE to external gas temperatures (266 – 348 K). The conventional calibration methods give the temperature dependence of COH (relative to the value at 293 K) of (0.0059 ± 0.0015) K-1 and CHO2 of (0.014 ± 0.013) K-1. Errors are 2σ. COH was also determined by observing the decay of hydrocarbons (typically cyclohexane) caused by OH reactions giving COH (again, relative to the value at 293 K) of (0.0038 ± 0.0007) K-1. Additionally, CHO2 was determined based on the second order kinetics of HO2 recombination with the temperature dependence of CHO2, relative to 293 K being (0.0064 ± 0.0034) K-1. The temperature dependence of CHOx depends on HOx number density, quenching, relative population of the probed OH rotational level and HOx transmission from inlet to detection axis. The first three terms can be calculated and, in combination with the measured values of CHOx, show that HOx transmission increases with temperature. Comparisons with other instruments and the implications of this work are discussed.

The idea of whiteness has been used in the Anglo-American, middle-class, liberal settings to denote an essential group appurtenance on phenotypical and cultural terms and to code such appurtenance as a universal marker of privilege that cuts across any other differentiating axes that allocate societal advantages and disadvantages. The assumption that racialized skin colour and low social status are inferiorizing attributes of racialization, while white skin colour and high social class are privileged attributes of whiteness, has constructed the idea of whiteness as one that encompasses and supersedes the idea of class. Immigrants to Anglo-American multicultural societies have always been relegated to the margins of their host societies, and their economic exclusion, in particular, has been theorized as resulting from their racialization. This paper, however, compares and contrasts the marginalization of two migrant populations-namely, high-skilled immigrants to Canada, and Eastern European low-skilled immigrants to the UK-to problematize the assumption that whiteness has an essential sameness that universally cuts across other stratifying axes in society, and to show that an essentialist understanding of whiteness disregards class-based explanations for the economic exclusion of migrants, explanations which are often bound with the global circulation of capital and the dominant economic position of the rich nations from the Global North.

Thermoelectric (TE) materials can have a strong benefit to harvest thermal energy if they can be applied to large areas without losing their performance over time. One way of achieving large-area films is through hybrid materials, where a blend of TE materials with polymers can be applied as coating. Here, we present the development of all solution-processed TE ink and hybrid films with varying contents of TE Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3 nanomaterials, along with their characterization. Using (1-methoxy-2-propyl) acetate (MPA) as the solvent and poly (methyl methacrylate) as the durable polymer, large-area homogeneous hybrid TE films have been fabricated. The conductivity and TE power factor improve with nanoparticle volume fraction, peaking around 60–70% solid material fill factor. For larger fill factors, the conductivity drops, possibly because of an increase in the interface resistance through interface defects and reduced connectivity between the platelets in the medium. The use of dodecanethiol (DDT) as an additive in the ink formulation enabled an improvement in the electrical conductivity through modification of interfaces and the compactness of the resultant films, leading to a 4–5 times increase in the power factor for both p- and n-type hybrid TE films, respectively. The observed trends were captured by combining percolation theory with analytical resistive theory, with the above assumption of increasing interface resistance and connectivity with polymer volume reduction. The results obtained on these hybrid films open a new low-cost route to produce and implement TE coatings on a large scale, which can be ideal for driving flexible, large-area energy scavenging technologies such as personal medical devices and the IoT.

More vulnerable than its former communist “sisters”, pre-communist Romania had not enjoyed a “secondary society” (the germs of a “civil society” or of a “public sphere and clandestine or alternative media”). When the regime changed, it “woke up” in capitalism, with the few existing media institutions being eager to change, but also conditioned by the new existential paradigm of market economy. Employers and employees, collaborators and consumers were entering a new world, with different desiderata and different rules. They all had, in mind and/or declaratively, a dream: to be able to express themselves freely. The definition, perception and exercise of this freedom have been complicated in the Romanian public space, which is dominated, according to the Western model, by the media. Which law regulates journalistic activity? What is the moral probity of the leaders of post-communist Romanian media? With what diplomas can journalists support the exercise of their profession? How can the trust of the public be earned, since the same public had been lied to for half a century, under the censorship of the Communist Party? Is it acceptable not to immediately replace the law regulating the media? What about the uncertain status of journalists? Under the “empire” of freedom of expression, do excess language and slander do good (M. Coman)? What about the complicity of the “Messiah journalist” with commercial and political Power, even though we were living in a post-communist “ill society” (Ibidem)?

Supplemental Tables S1-S9 Supplemental Figures S1-S2

Purpose:Treatment options are limited beyond JAK inhibitors for patients with primary myelofibrosis (MF) or secondary MF. Preclinical studies have revealed that PI3Kδ inhibition cooperates with ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, to reduce proliferation and induce apoptosis of JAK2V617F-mutant cell lines.Patients and Methods:In a phase I dose-escalation and -expansion study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, umbralisib, in combination with ruxolitinib in patients with MF who had a suboptimal response or lost response to ruxolitinib. Enrolled subjects were required to be on a stable dose of ruxolitinib for ≥8 weeks and continue that MTD at study enrollment. The recommended dose of umbralisib in combination with ruxolitinib was determined using a modified 3+3 dose-escalation design. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy outcomes were evaluated, and spleen size was measured with a novel automated digital atlas.Results:Thirty-seven patients with MF (median age, 67 years) with prior exposure to ruxolitinib were enrolled. A total of 2 patients treated with 800 mg umbralisib experienced reversible grade 3 asymptomatic pancreatic enzyme elevation, but no dose-limiting toxicities were seen at lower umbralisib doses. Two patients (5%) achieved a durable complete response, and 12 patients (32%) met the International Working Group-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment response criteria of clinical improvement. With a median follow-up of 50.3 months for censored patients, overall survival was greater than 70% after 3 years of follow-up.Conclusions:Adding umbralisib to ruxolitinib in patients was well tolerated and may resensitize patients with MF to ruxolitinib without unacceptable rates of adverse events seen with earlier generation PI3Kδ inhibitors. Randomized trials testing umbralisib in the treatment of MF should be pursued.

Este nevoie și este cu putință a individualiza mai bine răspunderea și pedeapsa penală. O mai bună individualizare a răspunderii și a pedepsei penale poate să fie făcută cu ajutorul prezicerilor criminologice. Printre putințele de prezicere criminologică se află prezicerea criminologică individuală a purtărilor criminale înturnătoare (recidiviste). O așa prezicere criminologică poate să fie făcută și prin metoda modelării criminologice. Ca urmare a cercetărilor criminologice înfăptuite, am alcătuit un model de prezicere criminologică individuală a purtărilor criminale înturnătoare (recidiviste). Această cercetare criminologică a fost înfăptuită folosind metoda construcției abstracte (alcătuirea modelului de prezicere criminologică) și metoda analizei de conținut (adunarea cunoștințelor criminologice). Modelul nostru este alcătuit din zece trăsături (indicatori). Folosirea acestui model va aduce numeroase foloase obștii (mai puțini bani cheltuiți, mai puțină lume care suferă, mai puțină criminalitate...). Alături de acest model, pot să fie folosite și un șir de alte modele de prezicere particularizată.

The microstructure and magnetic properties of methane (CH4) heat-treated Sr-hexaferrite powders during the re-calcination process were investigated and compared with the magnetic properties of conventionally synthesized Sr-hexaferrite powder. Gradual changes in the magnetic behavior of the produced powder in each re-calcination stage were investigated using magnetization curves obtained from the vibration sample magnetometry (VSM) technique. First, the initial Sr-hexaferrite powder was prepared by the conventional route. Then the powder was heat treated in a dynamic CH4 atmosphere in previously optimized conditions (temperature: 950 °C, gas flow rate:15 cc min−1 and time: 30 min), and finally, re-calcined in various temperatures from 200 to 1200 °C. By investigating the hysteresis loops, we found the transition temperature of soft to hard magnetic behavior to be 700 °C. The maximum ratio Mr/Ms was obtained at temperatures of 800–1100 °C. At 1100 °C, and despite the Sr-hexaferrite single phase, the magnetic behavior showed a multiphase behavior that was demonstrated by a kink in the hysteresis loop. Uniform magnetic behavior was observed only at 900 °C and 1000 °C. Although the ratio Mr/Ms was almost the same at these temperatures, the values of Mr and Ms at 1000 °C were almost double of 900 °C. At 1000 °C, the second quadrant of hysteresis curve had the maximum area. Therefore, 1000 °C was the optimum temperature for re-calcination after CH4 gas heat treatment in the optimized conditions. Due to the presence of a small amount of hematite soft phase at 1000 °C, the most probable reason for the exclusive properties of the optimized product may be the exchange coupling phenomenon between the hard Sr-hexaferrite phase and the impurity of the soft hematite phase.

Supplementary Figure 1. Expression of immune related genes in the peripheral blood is associated with good outcome following NAC. Supplementary Figure 2. Monocytes are most abundant in blood of patients with good outcomes following NAC. Supplementary Figure 3. Monocytes are most abundant in blood of patients with good outcomes following NAC.

Differentially expressed genes between pCR and RD samples.

Legends for Supplementary Figures 1-3

Biomarkers of response are needed in breast cancer to stratify patients to appropriate therapies and avoid unnecessary toxicity. We used peripheral blood gene expression and cell-type abundance to identify biomarkers of response and recurrence in neoadjuvant chemotherapy–treated patients with breast cancer. We identified a signature of IFN and complement response that was higher in the blood of patients with pathologic complete response. This signature was preferentially expressed by monocytes in single-cell RNA sequencing. Monocytes are routinely measured clinically, enabling examination of clinically measured monocytes in multiple independent cohorts. We found that peripheral monocytes were higher in patients with good outcomes in four cohorts of patients with breast cancer. Blood gene expression and cell type abundance biomarkers may be useful for prognostication in breast cancer.Significance:Biomarkers are needed in breast cancer to identify patients at risk for recurrence. Blood is an attractive site for biomarker identification due to the relative ease of longitudinal sampling. Our study suggests that blood-based gene expression and cell-type abundance biomarkers may have clinical utility in breast cancer.

ICD and CPT codes used for synthetic derivative analyses.

We obtain on a Kähler B-manifold (i.e., a Kähler manifold with a Norden metric) some corresponding results from the Kählerian and para-Kählerian context concerning the Bochner curvature. We prove that such a manifold is of constant totally real sectional curvatures if and only if it is a holomorphic Einstein, Bochner flat manifold. Moreover, we provide the necessary and sufficient conditions for a gradient Ricci soliton or a holomorphic η-Einstein Kähler manifold with a Norden metric to be Bochner flat. Finally, we show that a Kähler B-manifold is of quasi-constant totally real sectional curvatures if and only if it is a holomorphic η-Einstein, Bochner flat manifold.

We obtain on a Kähler B-manifold (i.e., a Kähler manifold with a Norden metric) some corresponding results from the Kählerian and para-Kählerian context concerning the Bochner curvature. We prove that such a manifold is of constant totally real sectional curvatures if and only if it is a holomorphic Einstein, Bochner flat manifold. Moreover, we provide the necessary and sufficient conditions for a gradient Ricci soliton or a holomorphic η-Einstein Kähler manifold with a Norden metric to be Bochner flat. Finally, we show that a Kähler B-manifold is of quasi-constant totally real sectional curvatures if and only if it is a holomorphic η-Einstein, Bochner flat manifold.

This research paper studies the themes of individuality and convention in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening from a Hegelian dialectic perspective. The significance of the study lies in the fact that it fills a gap in knowledge that has not been fully addressed in relation to the theme of individuality and convention using Hegel’s dialectics. It examines the work to discover the vacillations of the heroine between rebellion and conformity and evaluate the outcome. Hegel’s framework of thesis, antithesis and synthesis is applicable to the analysis of the opposing themes. The study has managed to answer its key research questions. First, convention in the novel is represented by stringent social norms, patriarchy, matrimony, and women’s conformity with them. Second, individualism is mainly represented by Edna who struggles to put her inner self first, her misogamy, and her extra-marital romances. Third, interaction between individuality and convention tips the balance in favor of convention for the following main reasons: Edna’s compliance and ambivalence and Robert’s wavering and estrangement. Ultimately, the thesis comes into interaction with the antithesis to allow convention to prevail, leveraging and isolating Edna before she commits suicide.

This study aimed to fabricate a glass ionomer cement/diopside (GIC/DIO) nanocomposite to improve its mechanical properties for biomaterials applications. For this purpose, diopside was synthesized using a sol–gel method. Then, for preparing the nanocomposite, 2, 4, and 6 wt% diopside were added to a glass ionomer cement (GIC). Subsequently, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) analyses were used to characterize the synthesized diopside. Furthermore, the compressive strength, microhardness, and fracture toughness of the fabricated nanocomposite were evaluated, and a fluoride-releasing test in artificial saliva was also applied. The highest concurrent enhancements of compressive strength (1155.7 MPa), microhardness (148 HV), and fracture toughness (5.189 MPa·m1/2) were observed for the glass ionomer cement (GIC) with 4 wt% diopside nanocomposite. In addition, the results of the fluoride-releasing test showed that the amount of released fluoride from the prepared nanocomposite was slightly lower than the glass ionomer cement (GIC). Overall, the improvement in mechanical properties and optimal fluoride release of prepared nanocomposites can introduce suitable options for dental restorations under load and orthopedic implants.

This article argues that Thomas Hobbes' analysis of insult or ‘contumely’ prefigures recent developments in moral and political philosophy in striking ways. Specifically, Hobbes's concerns about the dignitary harms in hate speech went well beyond ‘fighting words’ to the essential role played by expressions of hatred and contempt in making and unmaking social hierarchies. Hobbes’s sensitivity to contumely’s subtle power to constitute social in/equalities recalls recent work in feminist and critical race theory. Yet his expansive solutions – both negative and positive, legal and ethical – also shed light on the difficulties faced by aspirationally egalitarian societies in their efforts to eradicate contempt today.

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of machine learning models in predicting kidney stone composition using variables extracted from the electronic health record (EHR). Materials and Methods: We identified kidney stone patients (n = 1296) with both stone composition and 24-hour (24H) urine testing. We trained machine learning models (XGBoost [XG] and logistic regression [LR]) to predict stone composition using 24H urine data and EHR-derived demographic and comorbidity data. Models predicted either binary (calcium vs noncalcium stone) or multiclass (calcium oxalate, uric acid, hydroxyapatite, or other) stone types. We evaluated performance using area under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC) and accuracy and identified predictors for each task. Results: For discriminating binary stone composition, XG outperformed LR with higher accuracy (91% vs 71%) with ROC-AUC of 0.80 for both models. Top predictors used by these models were supersaturations of uric acid and calcium phosphate, and urinary ammonium. For multiclass classification, LR outperformed XG with higher accuracy (0.64 vs 0.56) and ROC-AUC (0.79 vs 0.59), and urine pH had the highest predictive utility. Overall, 24H urine analyte data contributed more to the models' predictions of stone composition than EHR-derived variables. Conclusion: Machine learning models can predict calcium stone composition. LR outperforms XG in multiclass stone classification. Demographic and comorbidity data are predictive of stone composition; however, including 24H urine data improves performance. Further optimization of performance could lead to earlier directed medical therapy for kidney stone patients.

The uniform distribution of stresses in flying-wing aircraft improves the aeroelastic flight envelope. In this paper, we document the effect of wing cross-section configuration on the stress distri...

The Environmental Simulation Chamber made of Quartz from the University “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” (ESC-Q-UAIC), at Iasi, Romania, was used to investigate the gas-phase reaction rate coefficients for four nitrocatechols toward OH radicals under simulated atmospheric conditions. Employing relative rate techniques at a temperature of 298 ± 2 K and a total air pressure of 1 atm, the obtained rate coefficients (in 10−12 cm3 s−1) were as follows: k3NCAT = (3.41 ± 0.37) for 3-nitrocatechol and k5M3NCAT = (5.55 ± 0.45) for 5-methyl-3-nitrocatechol at 365 nm, using CH3ONO photolysis as OH radicals source and dimethyl ether and cyclohexane as reference compounds, and k4NCAT = (1.27 ± 0.19) for 4-nitrocatechol and k4M5NCAT = (0.92 ± 0.14) for 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol at 254 nm using H2O2 as OH radicals source and dimethyl ether and methanol as reference compounds. The photolysis rates in the actinic region, scaled to atmospheric relevant conditions by NO2 photolysis, were evaluated for 3-nitrocatechol and 5-methyl-3-nitrocatechol: J3NCAT = (3.06 ± 0.16) × 10−4 s−1 and J5M3NCAT = (2.14 ± 0.18) × 10−4 s−1, respectively. The photolysis rate constants at 254 nm were measured for 4-nitrocatechol and 4-methyl-5-nitrocatechol and the obtained values are J4NCAT = (6.7 ± 0.1) × 10−5 s−1 and J4M5NCAT = (3.2 ± 0.3) × 10−5 s−1. Considering the obtained results, our study suggests that photolysis may be the main degradation process for 3-nitrocatechol and 5-methyl-3-nitrocatechol in the atmosphere, with a photolytic lifetime in the atmosphere of up to 2 h. Results are discussed in terms of the reactivity of the four nitrocatechols under investigation toward OH-radical-initiated oxidation and their structural features. The rate coefficient values of the nitrocatechols are also compared with those estimated from the structure-activity relationship for monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and assessed in relation to their gas-phase IR spectra. Additional comparison with similar compounds is also presented, underlining the implications toward possible degradation pathways and atmospheric behaviour.

Basiliximab, an anti-CD25 chimeric monoclonal antibody, is approved in prevention of acute kidney transplant rejection. This study aims at investigating target-mediated pharmacokinetics of basiliximab.Data from the IDEALE study, where 16 kidney transplant patients were treated with 2 40- or 80-mg basiliximab injections, were reanalysed. Basiliximab pharmacokinetics was described using a population 2-compartment target-mediated drug disposition model with the quasi-steady-state approximation.Volume of distribution was significantly higher in males (P = .029). Estimated baseline target antigen (CD25) level was lower is patients cotreated with cyclosporine (P = .026).This analysis allows the first description of the target-mediated nonlinear elimination of basiliximab. Our results suggest that cyclosporine cotreatment is associated with decreased target level and that an optimized dosing regimen may improve basiliximab effects.

Ophthalmic treatments using contact lenses are now used by more and more specialists around the world. Improving contact lens (CL) materials is a condition that is constantly evolving. Contact lens materials are usually composed of polymer hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. The materials used for night contact lenses are gas permeable and they gradual flatten the center of the cornea which decreases the progression of myopia or myopic astigmatism. The aim of this study is to identify, in correlation with the chemical interactions between structural components of contact lenses and their biocompatibility with the surface layer and microtopography of the cornea or sclera, different incidents that occur in patients who have used rigid gas permeable contact lenses. The study was performed on a group of 10 patients who had a follow-up period between 4 and 6 years, who presented regularly for eye examinations. The following clinical parameters were analyzed: ocular refraction before and after wearing night contact lenses, types of contact lens materials, appearance of corneal topography, biomicroscopic examination of the anterior segment of the eye, keratometry, ocular comfort, as well as other incidents regarding this type of lenses. Difficulties caused by wearing contact lenses at night arose due to poor hygiene and maintenance in two cases or due to interruption of lens wear in one case.

PARP16-the sole ER-resident PARP family member-is gaining attention as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the precise function of the catalytic activity of PARP16 is poorly understood. This is primarily due to the lack of inhibitors that are selective for PARP16 over other PARP family members. Herein, we describe a structure-guided strategy for generating a selective PARP16 inhibitor by incorporating two selectivity determinants into a phthalazinone pan-PARP inhibitor scaffold: (i) an acrylamide-based inhibitor (DB008) designed to covalently react with a non-conserved cysteine (Cys169, human numbering) in the NAD