Search Results (2,181)

As one of the core components of electric vehicles, Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted intensive attention due to their high energy density and good long-term cycling stability. However, some abuse conditions inevitably occur during battery operation, resulting in safety accidents such as the thermal runaway (TR) of LIBs. Therefore, the efficient and appropriate thermal insulation material design is crucial for LIB packs to effectively reduce or even inhibit the spread of TR. Based on it, in this review, we present the principle and influences of TR to provide the necessity of battery thermal management and thermal insulating materials. Then, we deeply discuss and compare the two kinds of representative thermal insulating materials: phase change thermal insulating materials and barrier-type thermal insulating materials. Their properties, synthesis methods, and modification means are investigated to provide some guidance for the future application of high-performance thermal insulating materials in the field of LIBs. Full article

Cancer cachexia (CC) continues to challenge clinicians by massively impairing patients’ prognosis, mobility, and quality of life through skeletal muscle wasting. CC also includes cardiac cachexia as characterized by atrophy, compromised metabolism, innervation and function of the myocardium through factors awaiting clarification for therapeutic targeting. Because monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) is a myocardial source of H₂O₂ and implicated in myofibrillar protein catabolism and heart failure, we presently studied myocardial MAO-A expression, inflammatory cells, and capillarization together with transcripts of pro-inflammatory, -angiogenic, -apoptotic, and -proteolytic signals (by qRT-PCR) in a 3x-transgenic (LSL-Kras^G12D/+; LSL-TrP53^R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre) mouse model of orthotopic pancreatic ductal adenoarcinoma (PDAC) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Moreover, we evaluated the effect of MAO-A inhibition by application of harmine hydrochloride (HH, 8 weeks, i.p., no sham control) on PDAC-related myocardial alterations. Myocardial MAO-A protein content was significantly increased (1.69-fold) in PDAC compared to WT mice. PDAC was associated with an increased percentage of atrogin-1+ (p < 0.001), IL-1β+ (p < 0.01), COX2+ (p < 0.001), and CD68+ (p > 0.05) cells and enhanced transcripts of pro-inflammatory IL-1β (2.47-fold), COX2 (1.53-fold), TNF (1.87-fold), and SOCS3 (1.64-fold). Moreover, PDAC was associated with a reduction in capillary density (−17%, p < 0.05) and transcripts of KDR (0.46-fold) but not of VEGFA, Notch1, or Notch3. Importantly, HH treatment largely reversed the PDAC-related increases in atrogin-1+, IL-1β+, and TNF+ cell fraction as well as in COX2, IL-1β, TNF, and SOCS3 transcripts, whereas capillary density and KDR transcripts failed to improve. In mice with PDAC, increased myocardial pro-atrophic/-inflammatory signals are attributable to increased expression of MAO-A, because they are significantly improved with MAO-A inhibition as a potential novel therapeutic option. The PDAC-related loss in myocardial capillary density may be due to other mechanisms awaiting evaluation with consideration of cardiomyocyte size, cardiac function and physical activity. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are employed in a range of devices due to their high energy and power density. However, the increased power density of LIBs raises concerns regarding their safety when subjected to external abuse. The thermal behavior is influenced by a number of factors, i.e., the state of charge (SoC), the cell chemistry and the abuse conditions. In this study, three distinct cylindrical Li-ion cells, i.e., lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), lithium titanate oxide (LTO), and lithium iron phosphate (LFP), were subjected to thermal abuse (heating rate of 5 °C/min) in an air flow reactor, with 100% SoC. Venting and thermal runaway (TR) were recorded in terms of temperature and pressure, while the emitted products (gas, solid, and liquid) were subjected to analysis by FT-IR and ICP-OES. The concentrations of the toxic gases (HF, CO) are significantly in excess of the Immediate Danger to Life or Health Limit (IDLH). Furthermore, it is observed that the solid particles are the result of electrode degradation (metallic nature), whereas the liquid aerosol is derived from the electrolyte solvent. It is therefore evident that in the event of a LIB fire, in order to enhance the safety of the emergency responders, it is necessary to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to minimize exposure to toxic substances, i.e., particles and aerosol. Full article

The identification of ships in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery is critical for effective maritime surveillance. The advent of deep learning has significantly improved the accuracy of SAR ship classification and recognition. However, distinguishing features between different ship categories in SAR images remains a challenge, particularly as the number of categories increases. The key to achieving high recognition accuracy lies in effectively extracting and utilizing discriminative features. To address this, we propose DCN-MSFF-TR, a novel recognition model inspired by the Transformer encoder–decoder architecture. Our approach integrates a deformable convolutional module (DCN) within the backbone network to enhance feature extraction. Additionally, we introduce multi-scale self-attention processing from the Transformer into the feature hierarchy and fuse these representations at appropriate levels using a feature pyramid strategy. This enables each layer to leverage both its own information and synthesized features from other layers, enhancing feature representation. Extensive evaluations on the OpenSARShip-3-Complex and OpenSARShip-6-Complex datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. DCN-MSFF-TR achieves average recognition accuracies of 78.1% and 66.7% on the three-class and six-class datasets, respectively, outperforming existing recognition models and showcasing its superior capability in accurately identifying ship categories in SAR images. Full article

Despite the wide range of applications of the Spatial Synoptic Classification (SSC), its expansion and utility in the tropics remains limited. This research utilized the fifth generation of European ReAnalysis (ERA5) data to develop an SSC scheme tailored for East Africa with a focus on Kenya. The SSC method classifies weather into seven types: Dry Polar (DP), Dry Moderate (DM), Dry Tropical (DT), Moist Polar (MP), Moist Moderate (MM), Moist Tropical (MT), and Transitional (TR). Frequency and trend analysis between 1959 and 2022 show that the MT and DM weather types are the dominant types in Kenya. The DM type is dominant in the December–February (DJF) dry season while the MT type is common from April to September. We find statistically significant decreasing trends in the DM, MP, and MM weather types and increasing trends in the DT and MT weather types. The results suggest that, generally, the number of days with cool and moderate conditions in Kenya is decreasing, while the number of days with warmer conditions is increasing. This research indicates the potential for the SSC to be utilized in different applications in East Africa including investigating heat vulnerability, as increasing temperatures could be a significant risk factor to human health. Full article

Background: Evaluation of a specific and dynamic pain, such as labor pain, with a situation-specific measurement tool will increase the quality of care given during childbirth. The Rating Scale of Pain Expression during Childbirth (ESVADOPA) is a situation-specific measurement tool for labor pain. The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of a Turkish version of the ESVADOPA scale. Methods: This study utilized a methodological design. Participants were 158 pregnant women at term and in spontaneous labor. Two measurements were performed during the passive and active phases of labor. To avoid bias between the raters, all the evaluations were performed by a single midwife. Validity analyses of the scale were performed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The scale was composed of a one-factor structure that had an eigenvalue of over 1 and explained 71.79% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient of the scale is 0.92. An analysis of the factor structure showed that the item factor loads ranged between 0.729 and 0.897. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the results showed that the data had a good fit with the model. Conclusions: The Turkish version of the ESVADOPA was found to have high reliability and validity for determining the expression of pain during childbirth. Full article

In order to study the influence of modular filled and composite material forms on the axial crushing and energy absorption properties of structures, modular filled composite structures were constructed, and innovatively applied to the inner side of double-hat beam (DHB) structures in automobiles. The modular filled structures comprise hexagonal, quadrilateral, and triangular sections. By analyzing the collision performance of modular filled DHB structures, significant enhancements were observed in both the sectional characteristics and the specific Mean Crushing Force of modular filled DHBs compared to the conventional double-hat beam structure. These advancements notably improved the plastic deformation characteristics of the structures. Additionally, dynamic weightlessness experiments were conducted to validate the accuracy of the simulation model. Among the proposed schemes, namely QU-5, HE-5, and TR-5, notable improvements in crashworthiness were identified. Specifically, crashworthiness indicators increased by 32.54%, 78.9%, and 116.53%. Compared with other thin-walled structures, modular filled composite DHBs have advantages in axial crushing and energy absorption. By optimizing layout characteristics, the modular filled structures will achieve significant lightweight and energy absorption performance improvements. This work has clear reference value for automotive engineers and scholars to further explore the axial crash safety, platform modularization, and lightweight design of vehicles. Full article

This paper presents the topic review (TR), a novel semi-automatic framework designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of literature reviews. By leveraging the capabilities of large language models (LLMs), TR addresses the inefficiencies and error-proneness of traditional review methods, especially in rapidly evolving fields. The framework significantly improves literature review processes by integrating advanced text mining and machine learning techniques. Through a case study approach, TR offers a step-by-step methodology that begins with query generation and refinement, followed by semi-automated text mining to identify relevant articles. LLMs are then employed to extract and categorize key themes and concepts, facilitating an in-depth literature analysis. This approach demonstrates the transformative potential of natural language processing in literature reviews. With an average similarity of 69.56% between generated and indexed keywords, TR effectively manages the growing volume of scientific publications, providing researchers with robust strategies for complex text synthesis and advancing knowledge in various domains. An expert analysis highlights a positive Fleiss’ Kappa score, underscoring the significance and interpretability of the results. Full article

Since their conception with the smallpox vaccine, vaccines used worldwide have mitigated multiple pandemics, including the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Insightful studies have uncovered the complexities of different functional networks of CD4 T cells (T helper 1 (Th1); Th2, Th17) and CD8 T cells (T cytotoxic; Tc), as well as B cell (B^IgM, B^IgG, B^IgA and B^IgE) subsets, during the response to vaccination. Both T and B cell subsets form central, peripheral, and tissue-resident subsets during vaccination. It has also become apparent that each vaccination forms a network of T regulatory subsets, namely CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3⁺ T regulatory (Treg) cells and interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing CD4+ Foxp3⁻ T regulatory 1 (Tr1), as well as many others, which shape the quality/quantity of vaccine-specific IgM, IgG, and IgA antibody production. These components are especially critical for immunocompromised patients, such as older individuals and allograft recipients, as their vaccination may be ineffective or less effective. This review focuses on considering how the pre- and post-vaccination Treg/Tr1 levels influence the vaccination efficacy. Experimental and clinical work has revealed that Treg/Tr1 involvement evokes different immune mechanisms in diminishing vaccine-induced cellular/humoral responses. Alternative steps may be considered to improve the vaccination response, such as increasing the dose, changing the delivery route, and/or repeated booster doses of vaccines. Vaccination may be combined with anti-CD25 (IL-2Rα chain) or anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to decrease the Tregs and boost the T/B cell immune response. All of these data and strategies for immunizations are presented and discussed, aiming to improve the efficacy of vaccination in humans and especially in immunocompromised and older individuals, as well as organ transplant patients. Full article

Due to the high impact of semiconductors with respect to many applications for electronics and energy transformation, the search for new compounds and a deep understanding of the structure–property relationship in such materials has a high priority. Electron-precise Zintl compounds of the composition A₃TrPn₂ (A = Li − Cs, Tr = Al − In, Pn = P, As) have been reported for 22 possible element combinations and show a large variety of different crystal structures comprising zero-, one-, two- and three-dimensional polyanionic substructures. From Li to Cs, the compounds systematically lower the complexity of the anionic structure. For an insight into possible crystal–structure band–structure relations for all compounds (experimentally known or predicted), their band structures, density of states and crystal orbital Hamilton populations were calculated on a basis of DFT/PBE0 and SVP/TZVP basis sets. All but three (Na₃AlP₂, Na₃GaP₂ and Na₃AlAs₂) compounds show direct or pseudo-direct band gaps. Indirect band gaps seem to be linked to one specific structure type, but only for Al and Ga compounds. Arsenides show smaller band gaps than phosphides due to weaker Tr-As bonds. The bonding situation was confirmed by a Mullikan analysis, and most states close to the Fermi level were assigned to non-bonding orbitals. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate through analysis using CBCT the transverse and axial diameters of the mandibular condyles in subjects affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and compare them with those of healthy subjects. Methods: The study was conducted on CBCT scans from the digital archive of the Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, including patients with JIA and using healthy subjects as controls. Inclusion criteria: aged between 7 and 25 years old at the time of the CBCT examination; Caucasian ethnicity; diagnosis of JIA according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria documented in patients’ records; TMJ involvement; good quality CBCTs covering our region of interest (ROI), from the glabella to the mandibular inferior border; no previous orthodontic/orthopedic treatment; no history of craniofacial trauma or congenital birth defects involving the craniofacial area. Each CBCT scan underwent examination using 3Diagnosys^® software. Since data were normally distributed, parametric tests were used for analysis. The sample was divided into three groups: (1) bilateral JIA subjects, (2) unilateral JIA subjects, and (3) healthy controls. Results: We found a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.0001) in the transverse diameter (TR-Diam) of the affected condyles by an average of 1.7 mm, while the axial diameter (AX-Diam) again showed a slight reduction, on average by 0.1 mm, with a non-statistically significant value. Another comparison was made between the unaffected condyles of patients with unilateral JIA and the healthy condyles of the control group. The unilateral unaffected condyles were found to be slightly smaller than those of healthy patients, but without statistically significant differences. We found that in both JIA males and females, the condylar growth tends to stop earlier than the healthy ones. Conclusions: The transverse diameter was found to be more affected than the axial one, causing typical bone resorption and condylar shape. Moreover, we showed that the pathology, in the case of unilateral JIA, does not compromise only the affected condyles; the corresponding condyle that seems to be healthy is actually partially compromised. In addition, we observed that the growth of affected condyles of JIA subjects tends to stop earlier than the condyles of the healthy controls. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) pose a safety risk due to their high specific energy density and toxic ingredients. Fire caused by LIB thermal runaway (TR) can be catastrophic within enclosed spaces where emission ventilation or occupant evacuation is challenging or impossible. The fine smoke particles (PM_2.5) produced during a fire can deposit in deep parts of the lung and trigger various adverse health effects. This study characterizes the chemical composition of PM_2.5 released from TR-driven combustion of cylindrical lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and pouch-style lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) LIB cells. Emissions from cell venting and flaming combustion were measured in real time and captured by filter assemblies for subsequent analyses of organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), elements, and water-soluble ions. The most abundant PM_2.5 constituents were OC, EC, phosphate (PO₄³⁻), and fluoride (F⁻), contributing 7–91%, 0.2–40%, 1–44%, and 0.7–3% to the PM_2.5 mass, respectively. While OC was more abundant during cell venting, EC and PO₄³⁻ were more abundant when flaming combustion occurred. These freshly emitted particles were acidic. Overall, particles from LFP tests had higher OM but lower EC compared to LCO tests, consistent with the higher thermal stability of LFP cells. Full article

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a pathological condition associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. In the vicious cycle of right ventricular compensation and maladaptation to TR, the development of right ventricle (RV) dysfunction has significant prognostic implications, especially in patients undergoing surgical or percutaneous treatments. Indeed, RV dysfunction is associated with increased operative morbidity and mortality in both surgical and percutaneously treated patients. In this context, the identification of clinical or subtle right ventricle dysfunction plays a critical role inpatient selection and timing of surgical or percutaneous tricuspid valve intervention. However, in the presence of severe TR, evaluation of RV function is challenging, given the increase in preload that may lead to an overestimation of systolic function for the Frank–Starling law, reduced reliability of pulmonary artery pressure estimation, the sensitivity of RV to afterload that may result in afterload mismatch after treatment. Consequently, conventional echocardiographic indices have some limitations, and the use of speckle tracking for right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV-FWLS) analysis and the use of 3D echocardiography for RV volumes and ejection fraction estimation are showing promising data. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) represents the gold standards for volumes and ejection fraction evaluation and may add further prognostic information. Finally, cardiac computer tomography (CCT) provides measurements of RV and annulus dimensions that are particularly useful in the transcatheter field. Identification of subtle RV dysfunction may need, therefore, more than one imaging technique, which will lead to tip the balance between medical therapy and early intervention towards the latter before disease progression. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the main imaging techniques, providing a comprehensive assessment of their role in RV function evaluation in the presence of severe TR. Full article

The nuclear hormone family of receptors regulates gene expression. The androgen receptor (AR), upon ligand binding and homodimerization, shuttles from the cytosol into the nucleus to activate gene expression. Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), retinoic acid receptors (RARs), and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are present in the nucleus bound to chromatin as a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and repress gene expression. Ligand binding leads to transcription activation. The hormonal ligands for these receptors play crucial roles to ensure the proper conduct of very many tissues and exert effects on prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Androgens support PCa proliferation and androgen deprivation alone or with chemotherapy is the standard therapy for PCa. RARγ activation and 3,5,3′-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) stimulation of TRβ support the growth of PCa cells. Ligand stimulation of VDR drives growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis of PCa cells. Often these receptors are explored as separate avenues to find treatments for PCa and other cancers. However, there is accumulating evidence to support receptor interactions and crosstalk of regulatory events whereby a better understanding might lead to new combinatorial treatments. Full article

The TESS light curve of the silicon Ap star MX TrA was modeled using the observational surface distribution of silicon, iron, helium, and chromium obtained previously with the Doppler Imaging technique. The theoretical light curve was calculated using a grid of synthetic fluxes from line-by-line stellar atmosphere models with individual chemical abundances. The observational TESS light curve was fitted by a synthetic one with an accuracy better than 0.001 mag. The influence of Si and Fe abundance stratification on the amplitude of variability was estimated. Also, the wavelength dependence of the photometric amplitude and phase of the maximum light was modeled showing the typical Ap Si star behavior with increased amplitude and anti-phase variability in far ultraviolet caused by the flux redistribution. Full article