Search Results (3,359)

This study presents a novel approach to addressing the challenges associated with wind turbine blade fatigue, focusing on the development of a simplified method for dynamic load measurement and life estimation. Wind turbine blades are subjected to complex and varied loads during their operational life, leading to fatigue-induced damage that can significantly impact the overall performance and longevity of the turbine. The proposed method integrates advanced sensor technologies and data analytics to capture dynamic loads on the blades more effectively. Dynamic load measurement and fatigue estimation for a wind turbine blade are quite challenging tasks, since the real-time wind-induced load is irregular and stochastic, and the associated load history affects blade fatigue life in complex ways. This paper shows the implementation of a simplified method for damage and life estimation of a 1.5 kW wind turbine blade with an aerodynamic stall-limiting system. The findings from this research contribute to advancing the field of wind energy by providing a streamlined and efficient approach to addressing blade fatigue issues, ultimately promoting the sustainable and economic utilization of wind power resources. The proposed method simplifies the processes of dynamic load measurement and fatigue life estimation by employing a resonance-based approach. This reduces energy and cost requirements compared to forced displacement methods, while maintaining accuracy in replicating damage equivalent loads. Additionally, it avoids the complexities of simulating real-world turbulence by using controlled conditions, ensuring reproducibility. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening emergency resulting in significant morbidity and health care utilization. The most common cause of DKA in the general population is insulin nonadherence, but limited data exists on precipitating factors for DKA in cancer patients. In this study, we characterize the demographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with DKA at our comprehensive cancer center. Methods: This single-center retrospective study evaluated 91 patients with 94 admissions for DKA at our institution between January 2019 and December 2021. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were obtained from a review of the electronic medical record. Patient characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics for continuous variables and categorical variables. Results: Of the 91 patients, 21% of patients (n = 19) had underlying type 1 diabetes, 49% of patients (n = 45) had type 2 diabetes, and 30% of patients (n = 27) had drug-induced diabetes. A total of 39% (n = 29) had poorly controlled diabetes with HbA1c > 9% (75 mmol/mol). In patients with known type 1 diabetes, the most common provoking factors were inadequate insulin therapy and infection related causes. In patients with known type 2 diabetes or no previous history of diabetes, the most common provoking factors were medications such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors and steroids. Conclusions: We characterized the precipitating factors for DKA based on patients’ underlying diabetes status. While insulin non-adherence was the most common cause in patients with known type 1 diabetes, drugs associated with cancer related treatments emerged most common precipitating factor for DKA in cancer patients with underlying type 2 diabetes or drug induced diabetes. A tailored approach with proactive counseling may be helpful in timely recognition and treatment of DKA in cancer patients. Full article

In the early 1900s, eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) and western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) were deliberately and globally introduced for the biological control of mosquito larvae. Subsequently, both species developed a reputation for causing impacts on native small-bodied fish, amphibian larvae, and other aquatic species. This led to both species being considered some of the world’s worst invasive species. Due to morphological similarities, organizations worldwide often consider these species jointly when discussing their introduction and impacts. Recent studies suggest these species differ in fundamental ways, which could affect invasion success. Our goal was to compare eastern and western mosquitofish behavior and invasion success. Replicate populations were collected from the U.S. states of Florida (eastern mosquitofish) and Louisiana (western mosquitofish) to assess variation in aggression, boldness, and sociability. Mesocosm trials were used to compare invasion success between species following introduction to an ecosystem occupied by another small-bodied poeciliid. Eastern mosquitofish caused more damage to similar-sized heterospecifics and western mosquitofish exhibited greater boldness. No differences were found in sociability between the two species. In mesocosms, impacts were observed for both mosquitofish species but were greatest for heterospecifics with eastern mosquitofish. This suggests that two invasive species, even with similar life history and morphology, can differ in traits related to invasion success and ecological impacts. It is important to correctly identify mosquitofish species when evaluating their invasion. Full article

Mollusks are among the most ecologically and economically significant invertebrates; yet, their associated microbiomes remain understudied relative to those of other metazoans. This scoping review synthesizes the current literature on the diversity, composition, functional roles, and ecological implications of molluscan microbiomes, with an emphasis on three major groups: gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods. Drawing on studies from terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, we identified the dominant bacterial phyla, including Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, and explored how microbiota vary across different habitats, diets, tissue types, and host taxonomies. We examined the contribution of molluscan microbiomes to host functions, including digestion, immune modulation, stress responses, and nutrient cycling. Particular attention was given to the role of microbiota in shell formation, pollutant degradation, and adaptation to environmental stressors. The review also evaluated microbial interactions at different developmental stages and under aquaculture conditions. Factors influencing microbiome assembly, such as the host’s genetics, life history traits, and environmental exposure, were mapped using conceptual and graphical tools. Applications of molluscan microbiome research in aquaculture, conservation biology, and environmental biomonitoring are highlighted. However, inconsistencies in the sampling methods, taxonomic focus, and functional annotations limit the generalizability across taxa. We identify key knowledge gaps and propose future directions, including the use of meta-omics, standardized protocols, and experimental validation to deepen insights. By synthesizing emerging findings, this review contributes to a growing framework for understanding mollusk–microbiome interactions and their relevance to host fitness and ecosystem health. It further establishes the importance of mollusks as model systems for advancing microbiome science. Full article

Background/Objectives: The extension of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide to individuals with mental disorders presents a profound ethical, clinical, and legal challenge. While increasingly accepted in some jurisdictions, their application in psychiatric contexts—particularly in cases of depression—raises concerns about diagnostic precision, therapeutic adequacy, and the validity of informed consent. This study examines two controversial Belgian cases to explore the complexities of euthanasia for psychological suffering. Methods: A qualitative case analysis was conducted through a qualitative analysis of publicly available media sources. The cases were examined through clinical, psychoanalytic, and medico-legal lenses to assess diagnostic clarity, treatment history, and ethical considerations. No access to official medical records was available. Case Presentation: The first case involved a young woman whose depressive symptoms were reportedly linked to trauma from a terrorist attack. The second concerned a middle-aged woman convicted of infanticide and later diagnosed with Major Depression. Discussion: In both cases, euthanasia was granted on the grounds of “irreversible psychological suffering.” However, the absence of detailed clinical documentation, potential unresolved trauma, and lack of psychodynamic assessment raised doubts about the robustness of the evaluations and the validity of informed consent. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for a more rigorous, multidisciplinary, and ethically grounded approach to psychiatric euthanasia. This study underscores the importance of precise diagnostic criteria, comprehensive treatment histories, and deeper exploration of unconscious and existential motivations. Safeguarding clinical integrity and ethical standards is essential in end-of-life decisions involving mental illness. Full article

Background/Objectives: Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) is a well-established alternative to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in patients with primary (PID) and secondary immunodeficiency (SID), with demonstrated benefits in safety and quality of life. However, its implementation remains limited in parts of Southern Europe, partly due to frequent local adverse reactions (LARs), which, despite being mild, can affect adherence and clinician confidence. This study aimed to identify clinical, anatomical, psychosocial, and geographical factors associated with LARs and to develop an exploratory model for individualized risk estimation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter observational study in eight Spanish hospitals using data from the GEIE Registry. Patients aged ≥14 years with PID or SID receiving SCIg for ≥1 month were included. Demographic, clinical, anatomical, and psychosocial variables were collected. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to identify independent predictors of LARs and internally validated using bootstrap resampling (500 iterations). A nomogram was constructed for personalized risk prediction. Results: Among 223 included patients, 73.1% reported LARs, primarily swelling, pruritus, and rash. Independent predictors included smaller abdominal perimeter (OR 0.955, p < 0.001), history of skin disease (OR 2.75, p = 0.044), greater distance to hospital (OR 1.01, p = 0.050), and absence of anxiety (OR 0.089, p = 0.001). Model discrimination was good (AUC 0.801), with minimal optimism after internal validation (validated AUC 0.788). Conclusions: LARs are common among patients receiving SCIg and could be influenced by anatomical, dermatological, psychological, and geographical factors. This exploratory multicenter study underscores the clinical relevance of these factors and may guide more personalized and safer use of SCIg. Full article

This article reviews and synthesizes highlights of the history of neural models of rate-based and spiking neural networks. It explains that theoretical and experimental results about how all rate-based neural network models, whose cells obey the membrane equations of neurophysiology, also called shunting laws, can be converted into spiking neural network models without any loss of explanatory power, and often with gains in explanatory power. These results are relevant to all the main brain processes, including individual neurons and networks for perception, learning, cognition, and navigation. The results build upon the hypothesis that the functional units of brain processes are spatial patterns of cell activities, or short-term-memory (STM) traces, and spatial patterns of learned adaptive weights, or long-term-memory (LTM) patterns. It is also shown how spatial patterns that are learned by spiking neurons during childhood can be preserved even as the child’s brain grows and deforms while it develops towards adulthood. Indeed, this property of spatiotemporal self-similarity may be one of the most powerful properties that individual spiking neurons contribute to the development of large-scale neural networks and architectures throughout life. Full article

Although previous studies have investigated the reproductive (performance and mode) and lifespan traits of parthenogenetic Artemia, ploidy level has not been considered. Four parthenogenetic Artemia lineages, i.e., diploid, triploid, tetraploid, and pentaploid, were examined to determine the role of ploidy level under osmotic stress conditions (50, 100, and 150 ppt). Although the reproductive mode of the pentaploid lineage is unaffected by changes in salinity, it is entirely switched to oviparity in the diploid lineage at 50 ppt and in the tetraploid lineage at 100 ppt. Moreover, tetraploid reproduction is completely inhibited at 50 ppt. Although oviparity has been proposed as an adaptive strategy enhancing Artemia fitness at high salinities, the exclusive oviparous reproduction observed in the diploid parthenogenetic lineage at 50 ppt suggests that low salinity may also act as an environmental stressor, driving oviparity to ensure the next generation. On the basis of lifespan data, the tetraploid lineage presents greater euryhalinity than other ploidy levels do, whereas the pentaploid lineage is more stenohaline. Additionally, discriminant function analysis revealed that diploid and tetraploid lineages display heterogeneous reproductive/lifespan patterns across salinities, whereas triploid and pentaploid lineages exhibit homogeneous patterns within their respective groups. Our findings challenge the prevailing view that the ploidy level of parthenogenetic Artemia is correlated with tolerance to critical hypersaline conditions. In conclusion, we propose that the life history of parthenogenetic Artemia is influenced not only by ploidy level but also by the multifactorial integration of environmental conditions (particularly salinity and temperature) and local intra-variation/adaptation within isolated habitats. Full article

Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is a chronic coronary condition associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. The increasing use of invasive assessments of microcirculatory function and provocative spasm testing has significantly advanced the understanding of INOCA’s pathophysiology, which ranges from coronary microvascular dysfunction to vasomotor disorders. However, the optimal management and therapeutic approach for INOCA remain to be determined. Significant sex-based differences in the pathophysiology of INOCA have been reported, resulting in variations in prevalence, phenotype, and natural history between male and female patients. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the sex-specific pathophysiological mechanisms underlying INOCA and to summarize the differences in INOCA phenotype and prognosis. Additionally, we will explore the current knowledge on management and therapy, with the goal of advancing towards sex-based personalized treatment strategies for INOCA. Full article

Understanding how main plant functional strategies scale from species to communities is critical for guiding restoration in tropical disturbed areas by unsustainable livestock grazing; yet, the patterns and drivers of functional trait space along successional trajectories remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated functional trait space using principal component analyses (PCAs) based on eight traits related to leaf, stem, and seed morphology across 226 tree species and 33 forest communities along a chronosequence of natural regeneration following cattle ranching abandonment in deforested landscapes of the Colombian Amazon. We identified three species-level functional axes—namely, the ‘Structural–Reproductive Allocation Axis’, the ‘Mechanical Support and Tissue Investment Axis’, and the ‘Leaf Economics Axis’—and two community-level axes: the ‘Colonization–Longevity Axis’ and the ‘Persistence–Acquisition Axis’. These axes aligned with the life-history strategies of short-lived pioneers, long-lived pioneers, and old-growth species, and reflected their relationships with key environmental drivers. Community-level functional composition reflected species-level patterns, but was also shaped by soil properties, microclimate, and tree species richness. Forest age and precipitation promoted conservative strategies, while declining soil fertility suggested a decoupling between above- and belowground recovery. Functional richness and divergence were highest in mid-successional forests dominated by long-lived pioneers. Our findings highlight the role of environmental and successional filters in shaping functional trait space and emphasize the value of functionally diverse communities. Particularly, our results indicate that long-lived pioneers (LLP) such as Astrocaryum chambira Burret and Pouteria campanulata Baehni, with traits like large height, intermediate wood density, and larger seed size, represent ideal candidates for early enrichment strategies due to their facilitation roles in succession supporting restoration efforts in regenerating Amazonian forests. Full article

Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability globally, frequently resulting in persistent motor and cognitive impairments. Rehabilitation is critical for promoting recovery, and dance-based interventions have emerged as a promising complementary approach. Objective: This scoping review aimed to examine the recent literature on the application of dance in stroke rehabilitation, with a particular focus on its effects on motor function (including balance and gait), cognitive performance, and quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, between January and March 2025. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they involved adult participants with a history of stroke, implemented dance-based rehabilitation interventions, and reported outcomes related to motor function, cognition, or psychosocial well-being. The review process adhered to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Results: Of the 778 records initially identified, four studies met the inclusion criteria: two randomized controlled trials, one interventional study, and one feasibility study. Overall, dance-based interventions were associated with improvements in dynamic balance, gait coordination, and general mobility. Furthermore, the interventions demonstrated high levels of adherence and participant satisfaction. Conclusions: Dance-based rehabilitation may offer meaningful motor benefits for individuals recovering from stroke, particularly in improving balance, gait, and overall mobility. However, the heterogeneity of intervention protocols and the limited assessment of cognitive and psychosocial outcomes underscore significant gaps in the current literature. To establish the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of dance-based approaches, future research should prioritize high-quality randomized controlled trials employing standardized intervention designs and comprehensive outcome measures, including cognitive and quality-of-life domains. Full article

Background: Despite the worldwide increase in life expectancy, individuals aged 75 years and older with an unknown history of cardiovascular disease often receive suboptimal statin treatment for primary prevention, reflecting uncertainties regarding statin efficacy and safety in this aging group. We aimed to assess the impact of statin treatment on all-cause mortality among individuals aged 75 years and older without prior cardiovascular diagnoses. Methods: This retrospective study utilized real-world data from a large cohort of individuals aged 75 years and older who were treated as outpatients in or were admitted to the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Extracted variables included demographic details, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), chronic medication regimens, mortality outcomes and blood test results (high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and creatinine). Patients with a prior diagnosis of angina, myocardial infarction or stroke were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 98,502 patients were included in the study, of whom 37,171 (mean age 80.67 ± 4.73 years) were treated with statins and 6804 (18.3%) of the latter patients were aged 85 years and above. The majority of the statin-treated patients (72.6%) had received high-intensity statins. The non-statin-treated group comprised 61,331 subjects with a mean age of 82.69 ± 5.77 years, of whom 19,253 (31.39%) were aged 85 years and above. The risk of all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the statin-treated group compared to the non-statin-treated group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.715, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.671–0.761], p < 0.001). This trend persisted after stratification for age 85 years and above (aOR 0.7, 95% CI [0.606–0.809], p < 0.001), and for a low CCI (≤4) or a high CCI (>4) score (aOR 0.766, 95% CI [0.708–0.803]; aOR 0.648, 95% CI [0.585–0.717], respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Provision of statin therapy contributes to a reduction in risk of all-cause mortality in individuals aged 75 years and above who have an unknown history of cardiovascular disease, regardless of the type of statin or the patient’s CCI score. Full article

The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is a pelagic species widely distributed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The trophic roles of blue sharks across different developmental stages and between sexes remain poorly understood. Fifty-four sharks were sampled (October 2022–March 2024) for precaudal length (PCL) and stable isotope levels (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) in the muscle tissue (n = 52). Mean PCL varied based on the month of sampling (p = 0.034), with the smallest individuals occurring in July (143.0 ± 4.3 cm) and the largest in October (178.0 ± 2.6 cm). Stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) indicated consistent offshore habitat use (δ¹³C: from −20.70 to −18.82‰) and significant nitrogen isotopic differences among life history (δ¹⁵N: from 10.23 to 15.72‰; Kruskal–Wallis test, p = 0.037). The elevated δ¹⁵N values observed in the subadult group (relative to juvenile individuals) are likely due to trophic enrichment associated with morphological development. Females exhibited markedly larger isotopic niches (SEAc = 2.42‰²) than did males (0.57‰²), and niche overlap was greater within each sex (40–52%) than between sexes (<21%). These results revealed sex-specific ecological roles and trophic strategies throughout the life history of P. glauca. Understanding these foraging differences can help with catch reduction and habitat-protection measures in the transboundary pelagic fisheries of the northwestern Pacific. Full article

In frequent traffic accidents, the issue of vehicle losing control due to tire blowouts is particularly critical. Once it occurs, it severely threatens the safety of life and property. Therefore, developing safety tires that meet public needs is of significant practical importance. This paper first reviews the evolutionary history of safety tires, classifying them by structural design and detailing the characteristics of run-flat tires (RFTs) and non-pneumatic tires (NPTs). It summarizes the key experimental characterization, numerical simulation and theoretical modeling methods that support their development, while also emphasizing the insufficiency in experimental verification. Next, the research advancements in materials and manufacturing processes for key components across these two tire categories are summarized. Subsequently, a review is provided on the mechanical characteristics of RFTs and NPTs. Finally, this paper discusses existing research gaps and future development directions for safety tires, emphasizing the importance of multi-disciplinary integration and sustainable design. Full article

There is much confusion about the apparent opposition between Darwinian evolution and the second law of thermodynamics. Both entropy and entropy production play more fundamental roles in the origin of life and Darwinian evolution than is generally recognized. I argue that Darwinian evolution can be understood as a tendency for entropy production to increase. Since the second law is about the increase in entropy, this hypothesis goes beyond the second law because it is about the increase in entropy production. This hypothesis can explain some aspects of biology that Darwinism struggles with, such as the origin of life, the origin of Darwinism, ecological successions, and an apparent general trend towards biological complexity. Gould proposed a wall of minimal complexity to explain this apparent increase in biological complexity. I argue that the apparent increase in biological complexity can be understood as a tendency for biological entropy production to increase through a broader range of free energy transduction mechanisms. In the context of a simple universe-in-a-cup-of-coffee model, entropy production is proposed as a more quantifiable replacement for the notion of complexity. Finally, I sketch the cosmic history of entropy production, which suggests that increases and decreases of free energy availability constrain the tendency for entropy production to increase. Full article