#electronic failures

[noohyah]

Is Your 4L80 Transmission Giving You Trouble? Here's Your Fix!

If you own a vehicle with a 4L80 transmission, you may have experienced some issues with its performance.  The 4L80 is a heavy-duty automatic transmission that is commonly used in trucks, vans, and SUVs.  It is designed to handle high torque and power but can also suffer from some common 4l80 transmission problems.  These problems can affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, reliability, and…

[queer-reader-07]

i crashed out about protons in my friend's dms earlier and tbh i can't believe that was only 12 hours ago i feel like i've been on a whole hero's journey since then

[theninjamouse]

My earbud case is absolutely refusing to charge, dead as a doornail with only a week left of camp to order a new pair and hope it gets here before I have to go on my cross country flight.

But perhaps most tragic of all, I'll have to very, VERY carefully perform surgery on my cute little Napstablook sticker

It's held on so well, I just know even if I manage to move it, it won't stick nearly as well

And this is why I get sticker anxiety

[mariocki]

New Scotland Yard: We Do What We Can (2.11, LWT, 1972)

"I have to be careful."

"You're big and ugly enough to look after yourself."

"Not with this little firm I'm not."

"Which firm?"

"Jimmy Sutton's. He don't believe in straighteners. Goes in for surgery."

"Surgery?"

"Amputation with a sawn-off shotgun."

"Ah. Well, you can always apply for a claim at the Criminal Injuries Board."

"I wouldn't have a leg to stand on, would I?"

[materialsscienceandengineering]

HY100 forging steel, notched impact specimen, failed through brittle intergranular fracture

Technique Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Length bar 200 μm / 1 mm [...] Contributor S Munday Organisation Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge

Sources: (Image 1) (Image 2)

[ztremx]

Shango runs a resurrected TV 12 hours per day to document deterioration

[rosatheaphid]

Denzel IRL after getting cancelled on Twitter for using the N-word

take a wild guess what race I am when posting this?

I'll give you a clue.

Where my family is from

this is the president.

[occultaelectronica]

Decades/Failures - Gentle Forces (in 002, 2014)

[therealmackenson10]

Check out my latest track. “MACK- Break Free”.

No matter what comes, we’ll strive, break the bars. Our dreams will thrive, shining brighter than Mars. 🚀

[bullet-proof-gay]

You can't wash these things in a normal car wash because of two things: one is their absolute LOVE of corroding if faced with anything but the purest of conditions. Harsh cleaners and even hot water are not recommended. The second is that the special "Car Wash Mode" (I can feel my brain dissolving itself) is needed to stop water getting into the fucking car.

As for sunlight...

Washing the car in direct sunlight can cause staining [Source 1] -although "don't wash in direct sunlight" is relatively common advice to avoid soap stains on most cars, if you care about that sort of thing.

However, most cars don't have an unpainted stainless steel exterior.... So Cybertrucks, like the extra special little shits they are, come with some additional risks when washing in the sun.

See, one reason unpainted stainless steel isn't generally used for car exteriors is that it heats up quick. Soap staining is frankly what can happen at best.

At medium, washing in the sun can cause the metal to corrode (this is NOT common for cars, and is also a problem if you're driving your cybertruck in the rain. The rain can corrode it in a matter of days. To which I say: LMAO) [Source 2, Source 3].

At worst, this can cause burns. If you. You know. Touch the car at any point in order to wash it. This has not yet happened as far as I can find, but stainless steel can reach temperatures significantly higher than the ambient air temp in direct sunlight. For higher temperatures or more prolonged exposure, this can mean temperatures capable of burning skin - above around 43-44°C / 109.4-111.2 °F. It wouldn't surprise me if the untreated, unpainted stainless steel exterior of these things ends up burning someone who put their hands on it on a hot summer afternoon. After all, we haven't seen an American summer with these things available to the public yet.

[recallsdirect]

Vehicle Recall: Ford Escape & Lincoln Corsair SUVs, and Ford Maverick Pickups

[imperiumwifestrikesagain]

.

[blueoaknx]

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in mtARS Disorders

Introduction

Mitochondria are indispensable organelles that facilitate cellular bioenergetics, predominantly through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (mtARS) are essential for the fidelity of mitochondrial translation, catalyzing the ligation of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs. Mutations in mtARS genes precipitate a spectrum of mitochondrial disorders, culminating in dysfunctional protein synthesis and aberrant mitochondrial bioenergetics. This review delves into the molecular pathogenesis of mitochondrial dysfunction in mtARS disorders, elucidating their biochemical perturbations, clinical phenotypes, and emerging therapeutic paradigms.

Molecular Pathophysiology of mtARS Disorders

MtARS enzymes ensure translational accuracy by charging mitochondrial tRNAs with their respective amino acids, a prerequisite for mitochondrial protein biosynthesis. Pathogenic variants in mtARS genes result in defective aminoacylation, perturbing mitochondrial translation and compromising the integrity of the electron transport chain (ETC). These perturbations induce bioenergetic deficits, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and secondary mitochondrial stress responses, leading to cellular demise.

Genetic Etiology of mtARS Mutations

Dysfunctional mtARS genes such as DARS2, AARS2, RARS2, and YARS2 have been implicated in autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorders. These mutations exhibit tissue-specific phenotypic heterogeneity, with neurological, muscular, and systemic manifestations. For instance, DARS2 mutations drive leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement, whereas AARS2 defects result in a constellation of neurodegenerative and ovarian pathologies.

Biochemical and Cellular Consequences

Dysfunctional mtARS enzymes manifest in multifaceted mitochondrial deficits, including impaired translation, defective OXPHOS, and dysregulated mitochondrial proteostasis.

Disruption of Mitochondrial Translation

Impaired aminoacylation abrogates the synthesis of mitochondrially encoded proteins, undermining the assembly of ETC complexes. This translational arrest culminates in defective ATP synthesis and precipitates a systemic energy deficit.

Electron Transport Chain Dysfunction and Bioenergetic Failure

Pathogenic mtARS mutations lead to OXPHOS inefficiencies, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and ATP output. Perturbed electron flux exacerbates ROS accumulation, instigating oxidative damage and apoptotic cascades.

Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRmt) Activation

Cellular compensatory mechanisms, including UPRmt, are upregulated in response to mitochondrial translation failure. UPRmt mitigates proteotoxic stress via chaperone-mediated protein refolding and degradation pathways. However, chronic UPRmt activation fosters maladaptive stress responses, contributing to progressive cellular degeneration.

Clinical Manifestations

mtARS disorders exhibit phenotypic variability, spanning from mild neuromuscular impairment to severe multisystemic involvement. The pathophysiological hallmark includes disrupted neurological, muscular, and cardiac function.

Neurological Dysfunction

Neurodegeneration is a predominant feature of mtARS disorders, manifesting as ataxia, seizures, intellectual disability, and progressive leukoencephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) frequently reveals white matter abnormalities, indicative of compromised oligodendrocyte function.

Myopathy and Metabolic Dysregulation

Muscle tissue, with its high ATP demand, is particularly susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction. Clinical hallmarks include hypotonia, muscle weakness, and exercise intolerance, often concomitant with metabolic anomalies such as lactic acidosis and elevated pyruvate-to-lactate ratios.

Cardiomyopathy and Mitochondrial Energetics

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been observed in YARS2-associated mitochondrial disorders, wherein compromised ATP synthesis in cardiomyocytes disrupts contractile function and electrophysiological stability.

Diagnostic and Functional Evaluation

A combination of genomic, biochemical, and imaging modalities facilitates the diagnosis of mtARS disorders.

Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) are pivotal for identifying pathogenic mtARS variants. Transcriptomic profiling elucidates perturbations in mitochondrial gene expression networks, further refining diagnostic accuracy.

Functional Mitochondrial Assays

Biochemical assays, including high-resolution respirometry, ATP quantification, and ETC enzymatic profiling, provide insights into mitochondrial bioenergetics. Patient-derived fibroblasts and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) serve as valuable models for functional interrogation.

Neuroimaging and Biomarker Identification

Advanced imaging modalities such as MR spectroscopy (MRS) detect metabolic derangements, including lactate accumulation in affected brain regions. Circulating mitochondrial-derived peptides and metabolomic signatures are emerging as potential diagnostic biomarkers.

Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Despite the absence of curative therapies, multiple avenues are under investigation to ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction in mtARS disorders.

Mitochondria-Directed Antioxidants

Therapeutic compounds such as MitoQ, idebenone, and edaravone aim to attenuate oxidative stress and preserve mitochondrial integrity.

Genetic and RNA-Based Interventions

Gene therapy strategies utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery and CRISPR-based genome editing are being explored for genetic correction of mtARS mutations. Additionally, RNA-based approaches, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and mRNA replacement therapy, hold promise in restoring mtARS functionality.

Metabolic Modulation and Supportive Therapies

Ketogenic diets, NAD+ precursors (e.g., nicotinamide riboside), and mitochondrial biogenesis activators (e.g., PGC-1α modulators) are under investigation to enhance cellular energy metabolism. Supportive interventions, including physical therapy and neuromuscular rehabilitation, remain integral to patient management.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Mitochondrial dysfunction in mtARS disorders arises from defective mitochondrial translation, OXPHOS perturbation, and maladaptive stress responses. Advances in genomic medicine, mitochondrial therapeutics, and precision medicine approaches are poised to transform the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape. Continued research into mtARS pathobiology, coupled with translational innovations, will be instrumental in developing targeted interventions for affected individuals.

[literallymechanical]

Okay so a guy in my solid state physics class was telling us about this muon scanning startup he worked at, GScan, and I'm going insane. I don't work there and I have no stake in the company, financial or otherwise, I just need to tell you about it.

Muons are short-lived subatomic particles, same charge as an electron but ~200 times more massive. On Earth, they're produced by cosmic rays colliding with the upper atmosphere, and they hit the ground at a rate of about ten thousand per minute per square meter.

They're moving extremely fast at ground level, like 0.99 c. So they careen right through matter, deflecting only very slightly around heavy atomic nuclei – they'll penetrate like a hundred meters into solid rock.

What do you do with this continuous shower of deep-penetrating charged particles, constantly blanketing every square inch of the Earth's surface?

(source)

The classic thing is use them to image the inside of massive structures, like we use x-rays to look inside living tissue – except instead of generating them yourself, you just use atmospheric muons. Muon archeology is a whole thing, they've used it to find hidden chambers in pyramids and stuff. Neat!

But this one Estonian company is doing some crazy bullshit and I love it.

Sandwich anything between a pair of portable muon detectors and get full 3D imaging of the interior, with sub-millimeter accuracy, by tracking the minute deflection of muons between them. Samples that are WAY too thick for x-rays, made of literally anything. Just put some muon detectors on some two by fours in a warehouse and call it a day.

You can just. Image anything??? Anything you want?? Completely passively!! Just detectors! No particle source! Put them anywhere. The detectors themselves are a mature technology, the company's tech is in the algorithms they use to get this level of spatial and elemental resolution.

You can detect failures inside cable-reinforced concrete bridges without cutting open the bridges.

Decommissioned Soviet nuclear submarine filled with concrete, with no drawings or documentation, that may or may not have spent fuel canisters in it? And you need to cut it up for storage? Just look at the muons.

One of the wackiest ideas is to put one detector under your bed and one on the ceiling, so you get a full 3D scan of your body every night, passively. I want one.

[terriblesoup]

Why would you do this to me

Your Mechanical Engineering Classmate Sylus

Best believe their classmates’ eyes are practically falling out of their sockets when MC skips—yes, skips—next to Sylus, and he just… lets her. No complaints, no eye-rolls, just vibes. And the final nail in the coffin? When they catch him personally inspecting her absolutely feral, bacon-scented disaster of a project, and instead of judging, he casually pulls out his own premium-grade materials and lets her dig through them like it's a Black Friday sale.

Never in a million years did anyone expect to see Sylus—Mr. Minimal Interaction, Mr. “Don’t talk to me unless you’re a professor or a spreadsheet”— personally helping someone. Out of his own will. The guy is known for doing his work, avoiding unnecessary human contact, and vanishing like a ghost the moment class ends. The only time he helps is when a professor forces his hand. So to see him not only helping someone—but doing it with patience, using his own premium materials, no less—is nothing short of a divine phenomenon.

And MC in the middle of all this? O B L I V I O U S. Just her usual sunshine self, happily digging through Sylus’ sacred stash of materials like it’s a buffet, yapping away about some Twitter gossip she randomly saw. Sylus? Barely blinks. Occasionally snatches something out of her hand when she grabs the wrong tool and silently replaces it with the right one—but never once interrupts her rambling. Not even when she starts theorizing about how their professor might be running a cursed Arduino black market on the side.

In his head: Why the hell did she take this major again?

Out loud: “Oh really? Then what happened—wrong resistors, here you go. So what was that about prof selling hexed kits?”