Search Results (10,364)

Fracture healing failure affects millions globally, yet early molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize initial fracture response through analyzing peripheral blood hematology, multiplex cytokine profiles, and microRNA (miRNA) expression in fracture hematoma within the first 5 days post-injury. In a prospective cohort of 64 patients with acute clavicle fractures, we assessed hematological parameters, cytokine levels via multiplex immunoassays, and miRNA expression through RNA sequencing, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation. Fracture severity and time elapsed post-injury were key drivers of molecular response variability. Severe fractures (type C) were associated with older patient age and impaired hematological parameters, including reduced hemoglobin, erythrocyte counts, and hematocrit. Leukocyte counts declined over time, reflecting evolving systemic inflammation. Severity-dependent cytokines included eotaxin, interferon alpha-2 (IFNα2), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1α), whereas interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) and MIP-1α distinguished temporal healing phases. MiRNA profiling revealed 55 miRNAs with significant time-dependent expression changes (27 downregulated, 28 upregulated). Five key miRNAs (miR-140-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-214-3p, miR-23a-3p, miR-98-5p) showed robust temporal patterns and enrichment in cytokine signaling pathways critical for bone repair. This work presents the first detailed molecular portrait of early human fracture healing, highlighting hematological, immune cytokine, and miRNA networks orchestrating repair. These insights provide a foundation for biomarkers development to predict healing outcomes and support precision-targeted interventions in fracture management. Full article

The paper proposes a method for assessing production risks related to potential exceedances of the agreed production lead time for batches of details in small and medium-sized enterprises. The study focuses on a linear production system composed of sequential technological operations, analyzed within the broader context of production and logistics processes. A stochastic model of the production flow has been developed, using dimensionless parameters to describe the state and trajectory of a product in a multidimensional technological space. The internal and external risk factors that affect the duration of operations are taken into account, including equipment failures, delays in material deliveries and labor availability. Analytical expressions enabling the quantitative assessment of the risk of production deadline violations and the resulting losses have been derived. The proposed method was validated on a production line for manufacturing wooden single-leaf windows. The results indicate that the presence of inter-operational reserves significantly reduces the probability of exceeding production deadlines and enhances the stability of the production process under stochastic disturbances. The use of inter-operational buffers in most cases ensured a reduction in the processing time of experimental batches of products by 18–25% and simultaneously led to a reduction in the level of production risk by several times, which confirms the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its practical significance for increasing the sustainability of production systems. Full article

As robotic systems advance in autonomy and sophistication while being used in uncertain environments, the challenge of building reliable and robust electric motors that are embedded into robotic systems has never been a more important engineering problem. Thermal distress caused by extended operation or excessive loading can negatively affect a motor’s performance and efficiency and lead to catastrophic hardware failure. This paper proposes a novel intelligent control framework that includes real-time thermal feedback for hybrid electric motors that are embedded into robotic systems. The framework relies on adaptive control techniques and lightweight machine learning techniques to estimate internal motor temperatures and dynamically change operational parameters. Unlike traditional reactive methods, this framework provides a spacious active/predictive method of heat management, while preserving efficiency and allowing for responsive control. Simulations, experimental validations, and preliminary trials that deployed real robotic systems demonstrated that our framework allows for reductions in peak temperatures by up to 18% and extends motor lifetime by 22%, while retaining control stability and a range of variations in PWM adjustments of ±12% across disparate workloads. These results demonstrate the efficacy of intelligent and thermally aware motor control architectures and processes to improve the reliability of autonomous robotic systems and open the door for next-generation embedded controllers that will allow robotic platforms to self-manage thermal effects in resilient, adaptable robots. Full article

As a representative high-performance construction material, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is typically prepared using quartz sand and steel fibers. To alleviate the shortage of building materials in island and reef regions, this study employs coral sand for UHPC preparation and investigates the effects of different fibers on its mechanical properties. This study demonstrates that this approach mitigates brittle failure patterns and enhances the durability of structures. To investigate the enhancement effects of PE and steel fibers on the mechanical properties of coral sand ultra-high performance concrete (CSUHPC), 12 mix designs were formulated, including a plain (no fiber) reference group and PE fiber-reinforced, steel fiber-reinforced, and hybrid fiber combinations. Compressive tests, tensile tests, and three-point bending tests on pre-notched beams were conducted. Key parameters such as 28-day compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength and toughness were measured. A multi-criteria evaluation framework was established to comprehensively assess the integrated performance of each group. The experimental results demonstrated that fiber incorporation significantly enhanced the compressive strength and fracture properties of CSUHPC compared to the plain reference group. Steel fiber-only reinforcement exhibited the most pronounced improvement in compressive strength and fracture properties, while hybrid fiber combinations provided superior tensile performance. Through the established multi-criteria evaluation framework, the optimal comprehensive performance was achieved with a 3% steel fiber dosage, achieving improvements of 0.93 times in compressive strength, 2.80 times in tensile strength, 1.84 times in flexural strength, 192.08 times in fracture energy, and 1.84 times in fracture toughness relative to the control group. Full article

Background: Autonomic dysfunction is commonly encountered after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and may influence both functional recovery and survival. Heart rate variability (HRV) provides a non-invasive measure of autonomic balance, but its temporal evolution and prognostic significance in AIS remain insufficiently evaluated. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 148 AIS patients (mean age of 65.93 ± 9.19 years) underwent HRV assessment at baseline, one month, and three months follow-up, between January 2022 and October 2024. Time and frequency domain parameters, including Standard Deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), Low-Frequency (LF) power, High-Frequency (HF) power, and LF/HF ratio, were analyzed. Functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with a good outcome defined as mRS ≤ 2. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of poor outcome (mRS > 2) at each time point. Mortality was recorded at one and three months, and potential predictors were evaluated. Results: Over three months, SDNN increased by 34.84% (p < 0.001), HF power rose by 22.26% (p < 0.001), LF power decreased by 21.61% (p < 0.001), and LF/HF ratio declined by 35.41% (p < 0.001), indicating a shift toward parasympathetic predominance. Higher SDNN correlated strongly with better functional status and was an important predictor of favorable outcome at all time points (p < 0.001). Higher LF/HF ratio predicted poor outcome at baseline (p < 0.01) and three months (p < 0.001). At three months, mortality reached 12.2%, with significant predictors including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and altered HRV parameters. Conclusions: Post-stroke recovery is characterized by the progressive restoration of autonomic balance, with higher SDNN and lower LF/HF associated with improved functional recovery and survival. HRV analysis offers valuable prognostic insight and may aid in risk stratification after AIS. Full article

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a key enabling technology for modern e-Health applications. However, their deployment in clinical environments faces critical challenges due to dynamic network topologies, signal interference, and stringent energy constraints. Static resource allocation schemes often prove inadequate in these mission-critical settings, leading to communication failures that can compromise data integrity and patient safety. This paper proposes a novel hybrid framework for intelligent, dynamic resource allocation that addresses these challenges. The framework combines classical graph-coloring heuristics—Greedy and Recursive Largest First (RLF) for efficient initial channel assignment with the adaptive power of metaheuristics, specifically Simulated Annealing and Genetic Algorithms, for localized refinement. Unlike conventional approaches that require costly, network-wide reconfigurations, our method performs targeted adaptations only in interference-affected regions, thereby optimizing the trade-off between network reliability and energy efficiency. Comprehensive simulations modeled on dynamic, hospital-scale WSNs demonstrate the effectiveness of various hybrid strategies. Notably, our results demonstrate that a hybrid strategy using a Genetic Algorithm can most effectively minimize interference and ensure high data reliability, validating the framework as a scalable and resilient solution. These results validate the proposed framework as a scalable, energy-aware solution for resilient, real-time healthcare telecommunication infrastructures. Full article

Background: Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies with increasing incidence and high intrahospital mortality rates, as they are common causes of admission to the intensive care units (ICU). Early recognition and adequate treatment are important in reducing mortality. Limited data are available on characteristics and outcomes of community-acquired sepsis and septic shock in Latvia. Methods: In this single-center cohort study, we explore clinical characteristics and outcomes of 86 community-acquired sepsis and septic shock cases admitted to the ICU of a clinical university hospital between 2014 and 2018. Results: The ICU and intrahospital mortality rates were 45% and 58%, respectively. Respiratory tract infections, particularly pneumonia and abdominal and skin/soft tissue infections, were the most common sites of origin. Overall, 95% of patients initially received appropriate antibiotic treatment. However, the median time to antibiotics was 225 min (IQR 118–407 min), and only 10% received antimicrobial treatment within 1 h. Conclusions: The number of patients enrolled indicates that sepsis cases are underreported on a national level. The results also demonstrate high mortality rates among ICU patients with community-acquired sepsis and septic shock, compared to other reports. The analysis indicates that early recognition of sepsis signs and organ failure is crucial for improvements in treatment outcomes. Full article

The safety of composite insulators in high-voltage transmission lines is directly related to the stable operation of the power system, which is a fundamental condition for the normal functioning of people’s lives and industrial production. Composite insulators are exposed to outdoor conditions for extended periods of time, and with the increase in service life, they are subjected to aging due to external environmental factors and electrical stresses. This aging leads to a decline in their electrical insulation, mechanical properties, and other performance, which, in severe cases, may result in power system failures. Therefore, accurate assessment and detection of the aging status of composite insulators are particularly important. Traditional detection methods such as visual inspection, hardness testing, and hydrophobicity testing have limitations, including single functionality and susceptibility to environmental interference, which cannot comprehensively and accurately reflect the aging condition of the insulators. In recent years, spectroscopy-based detection technologies have been increasingly applied for the rapid detection of composite insulators due to their advantages, such as high sensitivity, non-contact measurement, and multi-dimensional information extraction. Common spectroscopic detection methods include Ultraviolet Discharge (UV Discharge), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy (RS), Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI), Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and Terahertz (THz) Spectroscopy. These methods offer non-contact, remote, and rapid capabilities, enabling detailed analysis of the insulator’s surface microstructure, chemical composition, and aging characteristics. This paper introduces = spectroscopy-based methods for detecting the aging status of composite insulators, analyzing the advantages and limitations of these methods, and discussing the challenges of their industrial application. Furthermore, the paper reviews the research progress and practical applications of spectroscopic techniques in the evaluation of insulator aging status, systematically summarizing important achievements in the field and providing an outlook for future developments. Full article

Accelerated climate warming has led to the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, resulting in high-frequency, large-scale, and highly destructive power outages and electricity shortages, which serve as a wake-up call for the safe and stable operation of the power system. To predict safety risks, this study constructs a baseline scenario and five power security scenarios based on the SWITCH-China model, systematically assessing the impact of external shocks on the power system’s evolution path and carbon reduction economics. The results indicate that external shocks are the key factors influencing the power system’s installed capacity structure and generation mix. The increase in demand forces the substitution of non-fossil energy. In the demand growth scenario, by 2060, wind and solar installed capacity will be 1.034 billion kilowatts higher than in the baseline scenario. Rising fuel costs will accelerate the exit of fossil fuel units. In the fuel cost increase scenario, 765 million kilowatts of coal power were reduced cumulatively across three time points. Wind and solar outages, along with transmission failures, lead to significant local economic investments while also causing inter-provincial carbon transfer. In the wind and solar outage scenario, provinces with a high proportion of wind and solar, such as Guangdong and Guizhou, see an increase in carbon emissions of 31 million tons and 8 million tons, respectively. Conversely, provinces with a lower proportion of wind and solar, such as Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, reduce carbon emissions by 46 million tons and 39 million tons, respectively. Energy storage development supports the expansion of non-fossil energy in the power system. The study recommends accelerating wind and solar deployment, building a storage system at the scale of hundreds of billions of kilowatt-hours, and optimizing the inter-provincial transmission network to address the dual challenges of power security and carbon neutrality. Full article

Animal locomotion in complex environments depends on the ability to adaptively regulate movement in response to substrate mechanics. Tree frogs (Polypedates dennysi), which combine jumping and adhesive capabilities, inhabit arboreal habitats with a wide range of compliant substrates. While previous studies have offered preliminary insights into their locomotion, the biomechanical mechanisms underlying their adaptability remain poorly characterized. In this study, we developed a stiffness-adjustable takeoff substrate supported by four springs, and combined it with a 3D motion capture system to analyze the jumping dynamics and kinematics of frogs across a broader range of compliant substrates. We found that energy recovery from the substrate was influenced by compliance. On the stiffest substrate, up to 50% of the stored energy was recovered during takeoff, whereas highly compliant substrates caused nonlinear damping, energy dissipation, and even takeoff failure. During takeoff, frogs generated peak normal forces up to 6 times their body weight and fore–aft forces up to 4.5 times their body weight. However, force generation showed limited adaptability to substrate mechanics, while takeoff velocity exhibited stronger adaptability to changes in compliance. These findings reveal a trade-off between substrate mechanics and jump performance. This work provides biomechanical insight into substrate preference and informs the design of bioinspired systems capable of efficient locomotion on compliant substrates. Full article

Coal-rock dynamic disasters, especially rock bursts, require insight into the spatiotemporal evolution of strain and temperature to clarify failure mechanisms and improve early warning. This study aims to characterize the spatiotemporal evolution of the strain field during brittle rock instability by developing a multi-point Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) strain–temperature monitoring and inversion method. Multi-directional, multi-location FBG deployment enables real-time reconstruction of strain tensors and temperature at each monitoring point, capturing both surface and internal responses under loading. The strain records resolve four stages—initial smoothing, linear growth, pre-peak nonlinearity, and failure fluctuation—with earlier sensitivity than Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDT), enabling finer localization of yielding and microcracking. The FBG sensors capture clear spatial heterogeneity and timing offsets during yielding, supporting instability warning. Temperature results show a slow rise followed by a surge from the end of the elastic stage into the plastic stage, reaching ~1.6 °C before declining; the thermal peak precedes the stress peak by ~0.38 s. Meanwhile, the temperature-field coefficient of variation jumps from <0.15 to >0.25, indicating a transition from diffuse heating to banded localization. Together, these strain–temperature precursors validate the FBG-based method as an effective and reliable approach for early warning of brittle rock instability. Full article

This study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of tunnel-type anchorages for suspension bridges under complex geological conditions, using the Wujiagang Yangtze River Bridge as a case study. A scaled physical model (1:40) was employed to systematically examine deformation patterns, stress transfer, and ultimate bearing capacity under incremental loading. Key results demonstrate a quasi-symmetrical “double-hump” deformation response under service load, with axial stress concentrated at the rear anchorage face. The critical safety threshold was identified at 9 times the design load (9P), beyond which plastic damage initiates. Uplift resistance was found to rely primarily on rear rock mass confinement, while sandstone interlayers and mortar joints showed negligible impacts on stability. These findings provide practical criteria for the design and safety assessment of tunnel anchorages in rock-dominated environments. Full article

Hydrogen fuel cells are gaining attention as an eco-friendly propulsion system for ships, but the structural safety of storage tanks, which store hydrogen at high pressure and supply it to the fuel cell, is a critical concern. Marine liquid hydrogen storage tanks, typically designed as rotationally symmetric structures, face challenges when subjected to asymmetric wave-induced sloshing loads that break geometric symmetry and induce localized stress concentrations. This study conducted a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) analysis of a rotationally symmetric liquid hydrogen storage tank for marine applications to evaluate the impact of asymmetric liquid sloshing induced by wave loads on the tank structure and propose symmetry-guided structural improvement measures to ensure fatigue life. Sensitivity analysis using the finite difference method (FDM) revealed the asymmetric influences of design variables on stress distribution: increasing the thickness of triangular mounts (T1) reduced stress 3.57 times more effectively than circular ring thickness (T2), highlighting a critical symmetry-breaking feature in support geometry. This approach enables rapid and effective design modifications without complex optimization simulations. The study demonstrates that restoring structural symmetry through targeted reinforcement is essential to mitigate fatigue failure caused by asymmetric loading. Full article

Introduction: In renal transplant recipients (RTRs), kidney graft failure and cardiovascular (CV) disease are prevalent and associated with mortality. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate biomarkers, (cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)), to identify RTRs who are at greater risk of death, CV event, and graft renal survival. Patients and methods: A total of 342 stable RTRs were enrolled in this study, with a median follow-up time of 54 months. The probability of death, CV event, and renal graft survival were calculated using Kaplan–Meier analysis for the group defined by cTnT and NT-proBNP levels above the cutoff values. Results: The probability of death for troponin T level above the cut-off was 23% and for NT-proBNP 29%. For CV events the probability for troponin T was 20% and for NT-proBNP it was 21%. Troponin T concentrations above the cutoff point suggested a 25% probability of death-censored graft survival. For NT-proBNP, it was 26%. The probability of overall graft survival was 38% for patients with higher troponin T levels, and 40% for NT proBNP. Conclusions: These data suggest that cTnT and NT-proBNP could potentially identify patients at high risk for death, CV event, and graft survival. Full article

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality due to organ complications. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and cardiac involvement, characterized by chronic right ventricular (RV) pressure overload with consequent RV dysfunction and ultimately right heart failure (HF), are among these. A common comorbidity in SSc is chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is often present at the time of PAH diagnosis or a decline in renal function may occur during the course of the disease. CKD is strongly and independently associated with mortality in patients with PAH and HF. The cardiovascular and renal systems are closely interconnected, and disruption of this balance may result in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Type 2 CRS refers to CKD as a consequence of chronic HF. In clinical practice, non-specific markers such as troponin, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), and serum creatinine aid in CRS diagnosis. More specific biomarkers, including cystatin C (CysC), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), galectin-3, and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), have shown value for diagnosis and prognosis in CRS. This study aimed to evaluate comprehensively heart/kidney damage markers related to CRS in SSc patients compared with healthy controls (HC) and to examine their association with renal and cardiac ultrasound parameters. SSc patients showed significantly higher CRS markers than HC (p < 0.001). SSc patients with clinically diagnosed CRS had significantly elevated galectin-3, suPAR, sNGAL, and uNGAL levels (p < 0.05) than SSc patients without CRS. Positive correlations were found between renal resistive index (RRI) and NT-proBNP (r = 0.335, p < 0.05), and between RRI and suPAR (r = 0.331, p < 0.05). NT-proBNP, suPAR, galectin-3, sNGAL, and uNGAL emerge as promising biomarkers for the early detection of cardiac and renal involvement in SSc patients. Full article