Search Results (4,980)

Background/Objectives: Critical limits define quantitative thresholds for life-threatening diagnostic test results that require immediate clinician notification and may prompt urgent intervention to prevent adverse outcomes. This study aims to (1) characterize point-of-care (POC) critical limits for adults and newborns using a comprehensive U.S. national database, (2) identify POC instruments associated with these limits, and (3) support harmonization of point-of-care testing (POCT) practices. Methods: We gathered critical limit notification lists from 417 hospitals across all 50 states and Washington D.C., comprising university hospitals, trauma and heart centers, centers of excellence, community hospitals, and network hospitals. We extracted POC and central laboratory critical limits (at hospitals with POC), adult international normalized ratio (INR) data, and instrument usage. Results: Low and high glucose critical limits were the most frequently listed POC thresholds, with median values of 50 and 450 mg/dL, respectively, reported by 73 hospitals (17.5%). Troponin was listed by ten hospitals, specified as troponin (n = 4), troponin I (n = 5), or “troponin TnI” (n = 1). A few hospitals assigned instrument-specific critical limits for the same analyte, and 55 hospitals did not specify instrument usage for any measurand. Median differences in matched pairs of laboratory versus POC critical limits differed significantly (Wilcoxon signed-rank, p < 0.05) for low and high ionized calcium (n = 21), low hemoglobin (n = 23) and high INR critical limits for adults (n = 27) and newborns (n = 10). In some cases, matched pair analytes demonstrated identical critical limits. Conclusions: Harmonizing critical limit notification thresholds across point-of-care testing and different devices may improve consistency in clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Despite the potential of POCT to shorten time to urgent intervention, relatively few hospitals currently include POCT critical limits on notification lists. Establishing standards, annual updating, and enforcing risk mitigation could enhance adoption and reliability. Broader inclusion and transparent sharing of POCT critical values could harmonize practices across institutions, facilitate inter-institutional collaboration, and promote more timely and reliable responses to life-threatening diagnostic results. Full article

Central configurations are fundamental equilibrium solutions of the Newtonian n-body problem and play a key role in understanding the structure and dynamics of gravitational systems. However, the classification and enumeration of such configurations remain incomplete in the four-body case, particularly for symmetric configurations. In this work, we develop a framework for determining and classifying symmetric four-body Dziobek configurations. The method allows the explicit determination of the number of admissible configurations directly from the mass parameters, without requiring prior knowledge of their geometric structure. Combined with previously established semi-analytical relations, this approach provides a systematic characterization of symmetric configurations in terms of mass ratios. As a physically relevant application, we apply the framework to the Earth–Moon system and determine the possible symmetric four-body central configurations involving Earth- and Moon-mass bodies and an additional object of arbitrary mass. We identify both isolated configurations and continuous families of equilibrium solutions, extending the concept of libration points to the four-body problem. The presented semi-analytical approach contributes to the understanding of equilibrium structures in multi-body gravitational systems and provides a foundation for further studies in celestial mechanics, planetary dynamics, and spacecraft motion in complex gravitational environments. Full article

Due to the highly complex geological environment of the Tibetan Plateau, landslides occur frequently, and signs of ancient landslide reactivation are widespread, posing significant threats to major infrastructure and local communities. Taking the Lumei landslide in Cuomei County as a case study, detailed field investigations were conducted, and Sentinel-1A SAR data (84 scenes from January 2017 to December 2023) were collected to characterize surface deformation. Both PS-InSAR and SBAS-InSAR methods were applied for long-term time-series monitoring, and the results of the two techniques were comparatively analyzed. Furthermore, the influencing factors of landslide deformation were explored on the basis of analyzing the deformation characteristics. The findings reveal that the surface deformation rate exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity, with deformation values decreasing progressively outward from the central region. The surface deformation rates obtained from PS-InSAR and SBAS-InSAR range from −36.55 to −21.81 mm/yr and from −30 to −10 mm/yr, respectively. Both methods indicate a general subsidence trend along the line-of-sight (LOS) direction and show strong spatial consistency and high correlation. By combining the high-precision point results obtained from PS-InSAR and the spatially continuous surface results derived from SBAS-InSAR, the fine spatial deformation characteristics of the Lumei landslide are revealed. The research results can provide an important reference for landslide monitoring, disaster prevention and mitigation in this region. Full article

Rapid and balanced situational awareness of fire fronts is critical for effective initial response to forest fires, yet suboptimal task planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) swarms can delay intelligence delivery. This paper presents a cloud–edge collaborative approach that integrates edge-driven rapid task partitioning with cloud-based global workload balancing, explicitly addressing the NP-hard multiple traveling salesman problem underlying multi-UAV reconnaissance. At the edge, a fire-spread-informed line clustering algorithm quickly assigns monitoring points to UAVs, exploiting low-latency processing for initial sectorization. The cloud then refines this allocation through a novel cooperative–competitive task transfer mechanism that minimizes the makespan. Extensive simulations and a real-world case study based on the 2020 Liangshan wildfire show that the proposed method reduces makespan by up to 24.5% compared to conventional centralized and distributed baselines, while remaining robust under severe communication constraints. Full article

Groundwater quantification is essential for sustainable water resources management, yet it is often hampered by limited data availability and difficulties in measuring spring discharges. This study investigates three carbonate aquifers in Central Italy’s Abruzzo region: the Genzana–Greco, Morrone, and Marsicano mountains. The aim is to resolve uncertainties in spring attribution, and groundwater flow patterns using isotopic analyses combined with field surveys. The Genzana–Greco aquifer was examined to clarify the sources of the Acquachiara spring and the previously unreported Germina spring, assessing whether recharge occurs locally or from the carbonate massif. In this case, the results indicate that the Germina, together with a similar known spring of Capolaia, share a common recharge sector, while the Acquachiara spring is mainly fed by higher-elevation carbonate areas, excluding significant contributions from local alluvial deposits. In the Morrone mountain aquifer, discharge gains along the Pescara River through the Gole di Popoli were quantified, and spring isotopic compositions were compared to the main basal spring Giardino to better define groundwater contributions. In this case study, the stable isotopes and tritium data confirm recharge from the central–southern massif and support the identification of basal springs and Pescara River gains as primary discharge points, with minimal influence from surface water. For the Marsicano mountain aquifer, the role of Lake Scanno in feeding the Villalago springs was investigated through isotopic analysis of inflows, downstream springs, and basal aquifer discharge points to constrain the hydrogeological water budget. The results highlight Lake Scanno’s role in the recharge of Villalago springs and delineate the Cavuto group as a major discharge system receiving inputs from central and northern sectors of the massif. Overall, the integration of isotopic tracers with hydrological measurements allowed a more precise characterization of aquifer recharge areas, Mean Residence Times, and groundwater flow paths, improving the understanding of regional water resources in a complex carbonate setting. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases arise when normally functional aggregation-prone proteins transition into stable cross-β amyloid fibrils. Although these fibrils share a conserved architecture, the pathways that lead to fibrillation vary across proteins and cellular environments. Liquid–liquid phase separation is now recognized as a central organizer of intracellular biochemistry that modulates protein aggregation. Physiological condensation can buffer aggregation by maintaining macromolecular solubility and providing partner interactions that compete against pathological protein–protein interactions. However, condensates can transform and age into gel-like states that can favor the emergence of β-rich oligomers and solid-state fibrils. Across six disease-linked proteins that include Tau, ⍺-synuclein, amyloid-β, TDP-43, FUS, and hnRNPA1, we compare how sequence-encoded interaction motifs, cellular cofactors, and interfacial microenvironments shape the balance between physiological condensates and pathological amyloids. Here, we highlight the unifying drivers of aggregation and intervention points that preserve native function while limiting toxic amyloid formation. Full article

Accurately identifying an urban functional zone (UFZ) is crucial for rationally allocating urban land resources and optimizing urban spatial structure. Existing research based on Points of Interest (POIs) mostly uses the relationship between the number of various types of POIs as the basis for identification. However, this approach neglects the difference of physical surface property of urban functional zones—imperviousness. Based on the FD-CR method, this study proposes the RFD-ECR identification method by combining TF-IDF and ISI. This study divides research units according to OpenStreetMap (OSM), and reclassifies POI data. It then uses the Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) algorithm to highlight the dominant function of study units and incorporates the impervious surface index (ISI) as a correction to recognize urban functional zones. Experiments conducted in the central urban area of Chengdu demonstrate that this method is effective in identifying urban functional zones, achieving an accuracy rate of 80.21%. Comparison with the Frequency Density-Category Ratio (FD-CR) method reveals that this method, through the TF-IDF algorithm and the impervious surface index constraint, effectively improves the classification accuracy of mixed commercial UFZs. This method broadens the scope of research on urban functional zone identification based on POI data, and also provides a valuable reference for other cities undertaking functional zone identification. Full article

In research on verbal periphrases, analyzability constitutes a central parameter, both for describing the grammaticalization processes to which these constructions are subject and for defining their categorical status. This paper focuses on a specific verbal periphrasis: [tardar en + infinitive]. Its historical development is examined, along with the recent emergence of a dative of interest in this construction, drawing on quantitative data from various digital corpora. The findings show that over time en became the predominant linking element between the auxiliary and the infinitive and that the order of the components of the periphrasis gradually became fixed. The data also reveal that the new pattern with the dative of interest occurs more frequently in informal written language and colloquial registers, where the object pronoun contributes to clarifying the construction’s potentially opaque meaning. We argue that grammaticalization has reduced the syntactic analyzability of the construction, whereas the incorporation of the dative of interest points to speakers’ perception of tardar as an independent verb, thereby reflecting increased analyzability. This case study illustrates that the analyzability of a construction is not necessarily unidirectional, but may fluctuate over time, shifting in different directions at distinct historical stages. Full article

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence relies on massive high-quality data, yet increasingly stringent data privacy regulations have exacerbated the problem of data silos. Federated learning enables collaborative training under privacy protection by exchanging model parameters rather than transmitting raw data. Nevertheless, its traditional centralized architecture still suffers from limitations such as single points of failure, lack of trust, and insufficient incentives. The integration of blockchain and federated learning opens new pathways for decentralized, auditable, and secure machine learning systems. This paper systematically reviews research progress in blockchain-enabled federated learning, analyzing technological evolution from three perspectives: system architecture, incentive mechanisms, and privacy enhancement. It further explores critical challenges including efficiency bottlenecks, storage overhead, and the inherent tension between transparency and privacy, while identifying key research directions for building scalable, efficient, and trustworthy decentralized learning systems. Full article

Reservoir water level fluctuations alter the saturation line in earth-rock dams, thereby affecting the accuracy of electrical leakage detection. To quantitatively investigate this influence, a three-dimensional (3D) geoelectric model of a concentrated leakage pathway was constructed using COMSOL Multiphysics based on parameters from a reservoir in Zhejiang Province. Numerical simulations were performed under unsaturated, partially saturated, and fully saturated conditions with respect to the leakage zone, and a fixed-electrode monitoring system was deployed for in situ validation. The results show that 3D resistivity slices can approximately delineate the leakage hazard center. Under fully saturated conditions, the low-resistivity anomaly center shifts upward by 0.7 m. Under unsaturated conditions, the high-resistivity anomaly center shifts upward by 1.7 m. Under partially saturated conditions, the high-resistivity anomaly center exhibits the most pronounced upward shift (3.0 m). Notably, under partially saturated conditions, the boundary point between the high- and low-resistivity anomalies is located close to the central depth of the leakage pathway (deviation of approximately 0.7 m above the center), serving as a useful diagnostic indicator. In situ tests corroborate these findings, with identified anomaly zones matching the actual leakage points. This study provides a quantitative framework for interpreting geoelectrical data in earth-rock dams under fluctuating reservoir levels. Full article

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex chronic syndrome marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, neurocognitive dysfunction (“fibro-fog”), and autonomic disturbances. Clinical management remains challenging due to subjective symptom reporting and the lack of definitive diagnostics. Emerging evidence points to a multifactorial origin involving central sensitization, neuroendocrine imbalance, and systemic immune-inflammatory alterations. A wide array of candidate biomarkers has been reported in FM, encompassing neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine), excitatory and inhibitory amino acids, metabolic and glycolytic enzymes, stress-related proteins, autoantibodies, oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This molecular heterogeneity reflects the systemic and multidimensional nature of FM. However, most of these biomarkers have been primarily investigated in serum or plasma, where analytical validation and reference ranges are more established. In contrast, the exploration of salivary biomarkers—although highly attractive due to its non-invasive, stress-free, and repeatable collection—remains comparatively limited. Saliva contains a reduced concentration range of many systemic markers and is strongly influenced by circadian rhythms, stress, flow rate, and oral health conditions. While promising candidates such as α-amylase, cortisol, calgranulins, and selected metabolic enzymes have shown potential in saliva, many proposed FM-related biomarkers lack full analytical validation, standardized protocols, and clinically defined reference intervals in this matrix. In this context, non-invasive electrochemical biosensors represent a transformative technological approach. Advanced electrode architectures incorporating nucleic acid probes, redox reporters, and nanostructured materials offer high sensitivity in low-volume and low-concentration biofluids such as saliva. The integration of multiplexed biomarker panels into portable platforms could enable real-time, longitudinal monitoring of FM pathophysiology, supporting phenotype stratification, personalized therapeutic adjustment, and objective disease activity tracking. Full article

Urban soundscape management is a central challenge to the livability and sustainability of cities and requires approaches that complement level indicators with frameworks capable of integrating context, use and experience. In this framework, the present work applies a multilayer methodology to the Old Town of Bilbao, understood as a useful case study to explore the applicability of soundscape reading in historic centers with intense coexistence of commercial, hospitality and catering uses, pedestrian, logistical and cultural uses. The methodology is organized into two phases. The first focuses on the recording and documentation of control points and routes through sound fieldwork, perceptual descriptions and homogeneous systematization of information. From this corpus, a qualified sound map and a first visual characterization of the sound identity are elaborated. The second phase presented in this article, consists of the interpretative synthesis of the corpus through five analytical dimensions and the preparation of fragments and sound sequences conceived for future application through reactivated listening. The results are presented at three levels: (1) a traceable documentary corpus of records, files and synthetic representations; (2) a comparative reading by dimensions that identifies spatial contrasts between interior, exterior and perimeter, as well as relationships between urban form, uses, persistence, masking and salience; and (3) a set of operational audio materials prepared for subsequent comparison with inhabitants and users. In a transversal way, type–token reading distinguishes between the diversity of sounds and dominance by repetition. The article does not yet carry out participatory validation of these materials; its contribution consists of proposing and applying a traceable analytical protocol as a basis for future phases of social contrast and applied discussion. Full article

In collaborative robotics, efficiency and user experience play a central role. This study looks at how perceived performance differs from measured performance when comparing two ways of controlling industrial robots: traditional teaching pendants and wearable EMG-based gesture control. A Myo Armband was used as an accessible 8-channel EMG platform, and three experiments were carried out on a Universal Robots UR10e to test pick-and-place tasks and precision positioning. Time and accuracy data were gathered together with blind feedback from 13 participants through a multi-criteria analysis framework. Even though the teaching pendant turned out to be more accurate in every scenario, 85% of participants still rated gesture control higher in overall satisfaction. These results point to a notable gap between what users perceive and how they actually perform and suggest that user experience deserves more weight in the design of future robot control interfaces. Full article

Place-based approaches have gained significant attention as a means of addressing entrenched disadvantage through collaborative, locally responsive service delivery, yet implementation has yielded mixed results and the systemic factors that facilitate or impede inter-organisational collaboration remain inadequately understood. This study applied participatory systems mapping as part of a systemic inquiry to identify leverage points for place-based integrated service delivery in the City of Casey, an outer-metropolitan municipality in Melbourne, Australia. Twenty-one representatives from the Casey Futures Partnership engaged in group model building workshops, co-producing a causal loop diagram containing 33 factors and 104 directional connections. The resulting map was analysed using a blended analytical approach combining network metrics with the Action Scales Model. Funding availability and criteria emerged as the most central factor within the system, while belief-level factors, including territorial behaviour and resource and collaboration mindset, were found to be substantially shaped by upstream structural conditions. Factors combining network influence with deeper system positioning and amenability to local action included awareness of community needs and priorities, trust and willingness to collaborate from funders, inter-organisational communication, and advocacy effectiveness. The findings support multi-level place-based approaches that address underlying beliefs and structural conditions alongside operational improvements. Full article

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency causes classical homocystinuria with severe hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) that is inadequately controlled by current therapies. We tested whether liver-targeted CBS gene therapy provides durable biochemical and phenotypic rescue. Using a Cre-inducible adult mouse model of whole-body CBS loss, a single intravenous dose of AAV-DJ-hCBS (3 × 10¹² or 3 × 10¹³ vg/kg) was administered, and the animals were followed for 12 months. Vector biodistribution showed ~100-fold hepatic enrichment over the kidney and spleen. Both doses rapidly normalized plasma homocysteine (<8 µM), maintaining correction throughout the study while preventing alopecia, weight loss, and loss of adiposity. Liver histology showed resolution of inflammation, and only 2 of 19 mice developed anti-hCBS antibodies. Liver proteomics (3998 proteins quantified) revealed CBS deficiency-associated suppression of tRNA aminoacylation and dysregulation of lipid and carbon metabolism with an HNF4A transcriptional signature, all normalized by therapy. Liver metabolomics demonstrated accumulation of S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine and disruption of phosphatidylcholine synthesis, also corrected by treatment. Plasma metabolomics revealed systemic disturbances fully normalized by hepatic CBS restoration. These findings identify the liver as the central metabolic control point in CBS deficiency and support liver-targeted gene therapy as a durable corrective strategy. Full article