Search Results (3,492)

The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) capable of extreme fast charging (XFC) while preserving safety, durability, and practical energy density remains a central challenge for next-generation electric transportation and grid-scale storage. Conventional graphite anodes are fundamentally limited at high current densities by sluggish intercalation kinetics, which cause lithium plating, motivating the exploration of alternative insertion materials. This review provides a comprehensive and internally consistent assessment of titanium-based oxide anodes, encompassing TiO₂ polymorphs, lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂), and Wadsley–Roth titanium niobium oxides, through the combined lenses of crystal topology, diffusion pathways, redox chemistry, interfacial behavior, and resource scalability. By systematically comparing structural frameworks and electrochemical mechanisms across these material classes, we demonstrate that fast-charging performance is governed not by nano-structuring alone, but by the intrinsic coupling between operating potential, framework rigidity, and multi-electron redox activity. While Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ establishes the benchmark for safety and cyclability, and TiO₂ polymorphs provide structural versatility, titanium niobium oxides uniquely reconcile high theoretical capacity with minimal lithiation strain and open diffusion channels, positioning them as highly promising candidates for sub-10 min charging without catastrophic degradation. This review highlights the persistent obstacles these materials suffer, such as limited round-trip energy efficiency (RTE), interfacial gas evolution, poor dopant stability, and unsustainable extraction, while simultaneously exploring targeted design strategies to overcome them. Finally, this review provides a materials design and comparison framework for the development of safe, high-power, and commercially viable ultrafast-charging LIBs. Full article

Seismic collapse can cause catastrophic losses, and acceptable annual collapse probability with its CMR target is a core metric in performance-based design. Existing ATC-63-based CMR research mainly addresses non-damped systems and often uses a single lumped dispersion, obscuring damper-reliability contributions and hindering alignment with CECS 392 limits. This study proposes a unified, code-consistent decision framework for acceptable annual collapse probability and CMR that jointly accounts for seismic hazard and damper-related uncertainty. The total collapse dispersion is decomposed as ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{total},\mathrm{damp}}^2={\sigma }_{\mathrm{base}}^2 +{ \sigma }_{\mathrm{damper}}^2$, where ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{b}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{e}}$ represents background dispersion independent of dampers and ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{d}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{p}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{r}}$ captures incremental uncertainty induced by degradation and partial failure. A code-designed viscous-damped RC frame is evaluated under three scenarios (nominal damping, 20% damping-coefficient reduction, and 7% random damper failures). Using the same 14 records and $\mathrm{S}\mathrm{a}\left({\mathrm{T}}_1,5\%\right)$ as the intensity measure, multi-stripe IDA and Probit-based lognormal fragility fitting yield median collapse intensities $\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}\approx 2.18-2.24 \mathrm{g}$, with only ~2–3% reduction under mild degradation/failure. A random-effects variance decomposition identifies σ_damper ≈ 0, indicating a limited marginal contribution of damper-related uncertainty within the degradation range considered in this study. Closed-form relationships between annual collapse rate, $\mathrm{S}\mathrm{c}$, and ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{t}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{l},\mathrm{d}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{p}}$ are then derived under a power-law hazard model and inverted to generate acceptable-risk intervals and CMR target curves/matrices. Results show that higher design intensity and larger ${\sigma }_{\mathrm{t}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{l},\mathrm{d}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{p}}$ demand substantially higher CMR, highlighting potential risk underestimation when relying solely on nominal CMR. The framework enables explicit identification of damper-related uncertainty from limited collapse data and provides a practical workflow for collapse-prevention design and post-assessment under explicitly defined scenario conditions, with a clear pathway for extension to broader scenario spaces. Full article

Photovoltaic (PV) performance in desert environments is significantly hindered by soiling and partial shading. To bridge the gap in empirical data for extreme Saharan conditions, this study presents a novel techno-economic assessment of uniform horizontal shading (UHS) specifically conducted in Mauritania. Controlled outdoor experiments were performed using a 250 W crystalline silicon PV module and a PVPM 2540C I–V curve tracer, applying progressive shading levels from 2.5% to 20%. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of high-resolution experimental I–V/P–V characterization with a localized techno-economic model for five pre-commercial PV plants. It was observed that PV modules are exceptionally sensitive to shading; specifically, a mere 10% shaded area leads to a catastrophic 90% drop in power and current, while the voltage remains remarkably stable. Thermographic analysis further validates the thermal gradients and bypass diode functionality. By quantifying the financial impacts, this research highlights that cumulative economic losses across the five real-world sites reached 87.95%, exceeding 55,000 MRU. These findings provide a strategic framework for optimizing PV systems in arid terrains and offer a robust tool for enhancing the design and operation of large-scale solar applications in desert environments. Full article

The Anastasia River (southern Sakhalin Island) is a key salmon spawning ground, where summer storm floods can drastically alter benthic communities that form the diet of fish. This study assessed the impact of heavy rainfall on the benthic macroinvertebrates in the lower reaches of the river by analyzing taxonomic composition, biomass, and fatty acid (FA) profiles of dominant taxa before and after a flood event. A catastrophic decline in biomass was observed (from 35.7 ± 4.4 g m⁻² to 1.74 ± 0.68 g m⁻²), alongside a significant shift in community structure. Crustaceans (dominated by Eogammarus kygi), with a unique FA profile rich in long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), were the primary bearers of high nutritional value. All crustaceans exhibited omnivorous diets, with river crabs (Eriocheir japonica) having a broader spectrum than conspecifics inhabiting the marine littoral zone. Amphipods were key processors of allochthonous matter. The flood caused not only a quantitative but also a severe qualitative reduction in community nutritional value, with the content of physiologically crucial n-3 and n-6 PUFAs dropping by a factor of 25 and 15 on average, respectively. The disproportionately high loss of n-3 PUFAs indicates that the qualitative degradation of food resources by extreme floods may be an underestimated factor limiting the post-flood recovery of fish populations. Full article

Background: Epstein-Barr virus-related acute pharyngotonsillitis is common in children and adolescents and is generally managed successfully with positive outcomes by both ENT specialists and pediatricians. However, a variety of acute, life-threatening complications can occur, including upper airway obstruction and infectious or immune-mediated sequelae. Methods: This paper describes our recent experience with four pediatric patients presenting with severe ENT manifestations of infectious mononucleosis (IM) that led to life-threatening complications, all of whom were hospitalized and managed at our tertiary pediatric hospital between January 2022 and April 2025. Results: We report four cases (two boys and two girls) aged 5 to 16 years, hospitalized with complicated EBV-related pharyngotonsillitis. Presentations included respiratory distress (cases 1 and 2), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis resulting in death (case 3), and a retropharyngeal abscess (case 4). Conclusions: The prognosis of IM in the pediatric population is generally favourable. However, acute, life-threatening complications may arise. In such cases, timely and coordinated multidisciplinary management involving ENT specialists, pediatricians, and anesthesiologists is crucial. Full article

Background/Objectives: Platinum resistance in endometrial cancer (EC) remains a significant therapeutic challenge, as tumors frequently bypass apoptotic cell death. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, offers an alternative mechanism to target apoptosis-resistant cancers. This study evaluated whether combined inhibition of ATR and PI3Kα could induce cell death in platinum-resistant EC through apoptotic or ferroptotic pathways. Methods: A panel of EC cell lines, including patient-derived models with varying PIK3CA mutation status and platinum sensitivity, was treated with camonsertib (ATR inhibitor) and inavolisib (PI3Kα inhibitor). Cell death mechanisms were assessed through DNA damage indicators (γH2AX, comet assay, DNA fiber analysis), apoptosis markers (Annexin V, cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase 3), and ferroptosis markers (FerroOrange, xCT expression, redox homeostasis). Results: While monotherapies showed limited activity, dual ATR and PI3Kα inhibition produced additive/synergistic cytotoxicity across all EC cell lines, independent of platinum sensitivity or microsatellite stability status. Mechanistically, the treatment induced genotype-specific cell death: PIK3CA-mutant cells underwent apoptosis driven by catastrophic DNA damage accumulation, whereas PIK3CA-wildtype cells exhibited predominantly ferroptosis characterized by xCT downregulation and redox disruption. Conclusions: Our findings establish dual ATR and PI3Kα inhibition as a genotype-informed therapeutic strategy for platinum-resistant EC. PIK3CA mutation status may influence the mode of cell death, supporting its use as a predictive biomarker for patient stratification in future clinical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common causes of orofacial pain, but their clinical course varies, with some patients developing persistent symptoms. Evidence supports a biopsychosocial model of pain chronification, yet prognostic factors for pain persistence in TMD remain insufficiently synthesized. This systematic review aimed to identify biological, psychological, and social predictors associated with pain persistence and chronicity in painful TMD. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261286566). MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between January 2010 and December 2025. Eligible studies included adult patients with painful TMD and assessed baseline biopsychosocial predictors of pain persistence or chronicity at follow-up ≥ 3 months. Risk of bias was assessed using QUIPS and PROBAST. Due to heterogeneity across studies, findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Six prospective cohort studies were included, with follow-up durations ranging from 6 to 24 months. Psychological factors, particularly pain catastrophizing and depression, were associated with increased risk of pain persistence. Higher baseline pain intensity and widespread pain also showed prognostic value. Sleep-related and behavioral factors demonstrated inconsistent associations, and social predictors were rarely examined. The certainty of evidence ranged from moderate for catastrophizing and pain intensity to very low for sleep-related and occlusal factors. Conclusions: Pain persistence in TMD is influenced by multiple biopsychosocial factors. Psychological variables, especially catastrophizing and depression, appear to be the most consistent predictors, although this finding should be interpreted with caution, given the small number of included studies. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment in patients with painful TMD and the need for further longitudinal research. Full article

The stability of subsea tunnels is governed by the strong coupling among stress redistribution, damage evolution, and seepage flow (Stress–Damage–Seepage, SDS). The dynamic interplay, especially under high water pressure, often leads to catastrophic failures, yet its mechanisms, particularly the role of support timing, remain insufficiently understood due to limitations in conventional numerical methods. This study aims to unravel the SDS coupling mechanisms during tunnel excavation under high hydraulic head, and to quantitatively investigate how support timing influences the stability of the surrounding rock within this coupled system. A coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete Element Method (CFD-DEM) framework was employed. In this approach, excavation-induced damage, crack propagation, and fluid–particle interactions are explicitly resolved at the particle scale, whereas the macroscopic permeability evolution is captured through an imposed empirical exponential relationship. Simulations were conducted under both steady-state and transient seepage conditions with varying stress ratios and water heads. High-head transient seepage intensifies SDS coupling, dynamically redistributing seepage forces to damage zone edges and amplifying damage. Support timing critically mediates this interaction: premature support risks tensile failure at the tunnel periphery, while delayed support allows a vicious cycle of shear failure and increased inflow. Optimal “timely” support, applied after initial deformation, diverts high seepage forces inward, minimizing final damage. The spatiotemporal synchronization of transient seepage forces with damage evolution is pivotal for stability. Support timing acts as a key control variable. The CFD-DEM framework effectively elucidates these micro-mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for the dynamic design of support in high-pressure subsea tunnels. Full article

Neonicotinoids are widely used pesticides that have caused a catastrophic decrease in bee and bumblebee populations worldwide. In addition to insects, neonicotinoids induce toxic effects in other species, including lizards, birds, and mammals. Previous studies have shown that gestational exposure to thiacloprid promotes transgenerational effects in the testes and thyroid. In this project, we described the epigenetic effects of thiacloprid on prostate tissue in directly exposed F1 and non-directly exposed F3 outbred Swiss male mice. We used paraffin sections for morphological analysis and frozen tissue for immunofluorescence analysis, RT–qPCR, and protein analysis. We purified histones and analyzed them through Western blot. We used ChIP–qPCR for histone H3K4me3 occupancy analysis. A tendency to increase in epithelial hyperplasia in F1 but not in F3 prostate was detected. Elevated levels of phosphorylated histone H3 at serine 10, a marker of mitosis, in both the F1 and F3 prostates were noted. A significant increase in the level of the Ki-67 marker of proliferation was detected in the F1 but not in the F3 anterior prostate. Hox gene expression was upregulated in the F1 and downregulated in the F3 prostate. The changes in gene expression were positively associated with histone H3K4me3 alterations at the promoters of the Hoxa and Hoxb13 genes. We determined that regions of Hox genes that play important roles in prostate development had altered DNA methylation in the sperm of F1 and F3. These alterations in DNA methylation were negatively related to gene expression. This is an observational study, as it was part of our previous research on the effects of thiacloprid on the testis and thyroid. Our analysis revealed that gestational exposure to thiacloprid induced an increase in cell proliferation in the prostates of directly exposed F1. Some persistent epigenetic alterations in the prostate of F3 males were not associated with phenotypic changes. Full article

Historically, stage T4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with direct spinal invasion was considered a definitive surgical contraindication due to the perceived inability to achieve negative margins without catastrophic morbidity. This paradigm has shifted through the advancement of specialized surgical techniques, which facilitate radical en-bloc resection in highly selected candidates by adhering to the en-bloc concept. This concept mandates the retrieval of the tumor and invaded vertebral segments as a single, contiguous unit to prevent intralesional transgression and local recurrence. Achieving microscopic negative margins (R0) stands as the most critical prognostic factor, as radical resection offers a significantly improved potential for long-term survival. Technical success requires a meticulously planned multidisciplinary approach encompassing varied surgical corridors—ranging from combined anterior–posterior windows to single-stage posterior-only approaches—tailored to the tumor’s anatomical level. Furthermore, preoperative hemostatic optimization using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for vascular assessment and transarterial embolization (TAE) has become indispensable for managing the hypervascularity of the invaded vertebral bone. This review synthesizes these evolving strategies, illustrated by a case of a 74-year-old male with stage T4 NSCLC where an R0 resection was achieved through a two-stage approach integrating uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Ultimately, en-bloc management provides a feasible and potential surgical strategy toward long-term survival for localized, spine-invasive lung cancer within a multidisciplinary treatment framework. Full article

Scientists estimate that humanity has exceeded seven of nine planetary boundaries, threatening the entire planet with potentially catastrophic consequences for all species. We therefore have a moral imperative for future generations and other species to return to the safe side of those boundaries. Threats to these boundaries take the form of social dilemmas, defined as situations in which individuals acting in their own interest undermine collective welfare, which can only be solved through cooperation. Western economic theory has conditioned us to believe that humans are inherently selfish. This assumption has led economists, scientists, and policymakers to increasingly pursue market-based solutions to conservation approaches, which have yielded limited success. In contrast, this article argues that humans are inherently cooperative. We employ Multi-Level Selection Theory (MLS) to depict the evolutionary advantages of cooperation and to define morality as putting the group ahead of the individual. We examine two examples of MLS in action: Territories of Life (TOL) and Ubuntu. The paper provides guidance for pathways of Ecozoic governance, planning, and restoration. Applied in a Western context in Burlington, Vermont, the philosophies hold true, showing that social norms and group identity already shape ecological behavior in Burlington residents’ lawn care practices. Ultimately, providing an alternative economic model built on these ethical foundations, we introduce the Neighbor’s Goodwill that reframes social dilemmas in a game theory context. The Neighbor’s Goodwill demonstrates how loyalty, reciprocity, and social belonging alter payoff structures. This research is founded on the fact that humans are inherently social and tend to make decisions in the interest of the whole group over their own. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease of unknown etiolgy, characterized by erosive polyarthritis that leads to joint destruction and systemic inflammatory lesions in internal organs. Pain is a primary symptom of RA and a major contributor to psychological disturbances, which influence patients’ subjective evaluation of their condition. These psychological issues may stem from disruptions in central pain regulation mechanisms, such as central sensitization (CS), which can also affect central metabolic processes. The objective was to investigate how the severity of central sensitization, measured by the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) questionnaire (Part 1), impacts clinical and neuropsychiatric parameters, as well as the expression of genes related to inflammation, tissue destruction, carbohydrate metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with RA. Methods involved collecting blood samples from 59 RA patients (mean age 52.0 years). Clinical status was assessed using the DAS28 index and serum levels of CRP, ASPA, and RF. Neuropsychiatric parameters were evaluated through questionnaires measuring CS severity score (CSI), pain intensity (VAS, BPI), neuropathic pain (PainDETECT), anxiety and depression (HADS), fatigue (FSS, FACIT-F), fibromyalgia symptoms (FIRST), and pain catastrophizing. Protein expression in PBMCs was measured by ELISA, while gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. All patients exhibited moderate to high disease activity. Participants were divided into four subgroups according to their CSI scores: subclinical (0–29 points), mild (30–39 points), moderate (40–49 points), and severe/extreme (50–100 points). Higher CSI scores correlated with significant increases in neuropsychiatric symptoms and a notable decrease in vitality. However, clinical parameters showed no significant differences among the subgroups. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in the pentose phosphate pathway (G6PD), antioxidant defense (SOD1), fatty acid metabolism (FASN, CPT1B), apoptosis (CASP3), and tissue destruction and hypernociception (MMP-9) compared to healthy controls. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β expression was comparable to controls, while TNFα expression was elevated only in patients with severe/extreme CS scores. These findings suggest that CS-related disturbances may contribute to increased disease severity in RA, even in patients receiving active antirheumatic treatment. At the cellular level, disease severity appears linked to dysregulated expression of genes governing central metabolic processes, despite low expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. Full article

Anti-friction bearings are fundamental components of rotating machines. In bearing condition monitoring, fault detection is a primary task, as any undetected faults could result in catastrophic failures and downtime losses. To ensure effective and reliable fault detection, the use of appropriate sensors and measurement technologies is essential. This paper presents a comparative study on the applications of four sensor types in bearing condition monitoring. These four sensor types are vibration accelerometer, encoder, acoustic emission (AE) sensor and motor current probe. Their effectiveness and practicability in bearing fault detection are evaluted. Data simultaneously measured from these four sensor types on a split roller bearing within an experimental rig are used for the analysis. Different factors such as machine operating speeds, bearing fault sizes and their location are considered during the experiments to understand the effectiveness and fault detectability of different sensors on a common bearing. Both the accelerometer and the AE sensor are observed to effectively detect all bearing faults from small to extended sizes and from low to high operating speeds. However, the other two sensors, the encoder and motor current probe, have been found to be sensitive only to relatively larger fault sizes and higher operating speeds. The study presents valuable insights into their advantages and limitations through a systematic comparison of roller bearing fault detection. The study provides a basis for sensor selection in bearing condition monitoring and fault detection to enhance the reliability of industrial maintenance activities. Full article

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly appreciated fruit species for consumption but susceptible to climate change-induced weather, such as heavy rainfall, which catastrophically compromises yield and commercial fruit quality. Brassinosteroids (BRs) represent a novel biologically safe class of hormones that have been shown to increase plant resilience against these adversities and enhance crop yield and fruit quality in some fruit species. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of the preharvest foliar spray treatments with 24-epibrassinolide (24-BL) at 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µM on crop yield, cracking incidence and fruit quality of ‘Sunburst’ and ‘Skeena’ sweet cherry cultivars, during two seasons with different weather conditions (2022 and 2023). Results revealed that 24-BL treatments improved fruit growth, fruit weight, and increased commercial crop yield, especially at 0.1 µM during the first season. Notably, in 2023, when extreme rainfall occurred, 24-BL at 0.01 and 0.1 µM significantly decreased cracking incidence by up to 50% for ‘Skeena’. Additionally, firmness, red colour and bioactive compounds, such as total phenolics and total anthocyanins, were also found at higher levels in fruits from 24-BL-treated trees compared to controls, in both cultivars and years. In conclusion, the foliar spray application of 24-BL at 0.01 µM and, especially at 0.1 µM, can be a useful and eco-friendly tool to reduce cracking incidence, improve crop yield and enhance sweet cherry quality traits regardless of environmental negative events, such as heavy rainfall. Importantly, the enhancement of bioactive compounds would promote additional antioxidant properties and enhance health benefits to consumers. Full article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates a cascade of molecular and cellular reactions leading to long-term disturbances of neuronal and glial homeostasis. One of the key mechanisms of secondary injury is a pathological increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. Parvalbumin (PV) plays an important role in the regulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in neurons. In turn, connexin 43 (Cx43) is the principal protein of astrocytic gap junctions (GJs), which ensure neuroglial communication. The spatiotemporal changes in these proteins and the mechanisms of their interaction after TBI remain insufficiently studied. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the expression, localization, and spatial organization of PV and Cx43 in the cerebral cortex following TBI was performed. In intact tissue, PV was localized predominantly in neurons, whereas Cx43 formed typical punctate structures of astrocytic GJs. Twenty-four hours after TBI, a sharp activation of PV with pronounced nuclear translocation was observed against the background of a catastrophic decrease in Cx43 expression, accompanied by a reduction in the number of NeuN⁺ neurons and signs of apoptosis. However, after 7 days, a mirror-opposite effect was detected, characterized by decreased PV expression and increased Cx43 levels with its aggregation into cluster-like structures, as well as partial restoration of NeuN immunoreactivity. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the stability of the PV–Cx43 complex is determined by the presence of Ca²⁺ and physiological pH, whereas acidosis and Ca²⁺ overload destabilize their interaction. Taken together, these results reveal a phase-dependent mirror-opposite pattern of PV and Cx43 expression and localization and emphasize the key role of Ca²⁺- and pH-dependent neuroglial interactions in TBI. Full article