Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced carrier densities in two-dimensional electron gas formed at BaSnO3/SrTaO3 and SrSnO3/SrTaO3 interfaces

Two-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) realized at perovskite oxide interfaces offer great promise for high charge carrier concentrations and low-loss charge transport. BaSnO3 (BSO) and SrSnO3 (SSO) are well-known wide bandgap semiconductors for their high mobility due to the Sn-5s-dominated conduction band minimum (CBM). Ta4+ with a 5d1 valence configuration in SrTaO3 (STaO) injects the d1 electron across the interface into the unoccupied Sn-5s states in BSO and SSO. The present study uses ACBN0 density functional theory computations to explore charge transfer and 2DEG formation at BSO/STaO and SSO/STaO interfaces. The results of the ACBN0 computations confirm the Ta-5d to Sn-5s charge transfer. Moreover, the Sn-5s-dominated CBM is located ∼1.4 eV below the Fermi level, corresponding to an excess electron density in BSO of ∼1.5 × 1021 cm−3, a ∼50% increase in electron density compared to the previously studied BSO/SrNbO3 (SNO) interface. Similarly, the SSO/STaO interface shows an improvement in interface electron density by ∼20% compared to the BSO/SNO interface. The improved carrier density in SSO/STaO and BSO/STaO is further supported by ∼13% and ∼15% increase in electrical conductivities compared to BSO/SNO. In summary, BSO/STaO and SSO/STaO interfaces provide novel material platforms for 2DEGs formation and ultra-low-loss electron transport.
Integration of Geo-Information in Classification Processes of Satellite Imagery for NATURA 2000 Monitoring

The QuickBird sensor is one of the first commercial satellites that provides a sub-meter resolution. This article presents experiences with the ordering, the quality and pan sharpening of QuickBird data, which were acquired for different purposes in various regions of Germany and Asia. The ordering process and the characteristics of the four offered products are described. The image characteristics depend mainly on the off-nadir view angle. The influence of slant effects and inclination are shown. Other data quality characteristics of QuickBird images are an induced overcharge in the sensor’s charge-coupled devices (CCD) for highly reflective materials like metal or glass and “rainbow” pixels which occur along objects with high contrast. A big advantage of the available 11-bit data range is the possibility to differentiate further details in areas overthrown by shadow. Another challenging effect is the high and artificial texturing of areas with low reflection that should be very homogeneous. Moreover, the quality of seven different pan-sharpening algorithms of three software products was tested. The study introduces the pan-sharpening accuracy assessment, which considers the spectral reliability of the fused data in comparison to the original image and the desired higher spatial frequency of the merged data. The enhanced I fusion proved to be the most successful in pan sharpening QuickBird images.
Burrowing in recent lime sediments of Florida and the Bahamas

Supratidal, intertidal, and subtidal crustacean burrowers produce extensive 3-ft deep open networks in muddy marine sediments which can remain open beneath overburdens exceeding 8 feet. Burrows commonly become infilled, but compaction of either filled or open burrows has not been observed. Resemblances of Recent burrow networks to ancient reef-associated Stromatactis and 9reef-tuba9 structures suggest burrows as the origin for these debated structures. 9Nested-cone9 structures in cross-bedded oolite of Pleistocene age were probably produced by an anemone like the Recent form Phyllactis. Such structures can be used to differentiate between marine- and eolian deposited sands. Grain-size analysis of extensively burrowed sediments may give little information regarding energy level of the depositional environment. Polyester plastic casts of burrow networks have aided greatly in this study.
Normative Modeling Using Multimodal Variational Autoencoders to Identify Individual Heterogeneity in Alzheimer’s Disease

Background and Objectives Alzheimer's disease (AD) is highly heterogenous, with significant variations in both clinical presentation and neurobiology. To explore this, we used normative modelling on multimodal neuroimaging data to index spatial patterns of neuroanatomical and neuropathological variability in AD participants. Furthermore, we quantify group differences in between-participant dissimilarity for each modality. Finally, we proposed a disease severity index based on outlier deviations, assessed the relationships between the severity index and cognitive function and examined whether the disease index was predictive of disease progression.
Towards user-centric BCI design: Markov chain-based user assessment for mental imagery EEG-BCIs

Objective. While electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) have many potential clinical applications, their use is impeded by poor performance for many users. To improve BCI performance, either via enhanced signal processing or user training, it is critical to understand and describe each user’s ability to perform mental control tasks and produce discernible EEG patterns. While classification accuracy has predominantly been used to assess user performance, limitations and criticisms of this approach have emerged, thus prompting the need to develop novel user assessment approaches with greater descriptive capability. Here, we propose a combination of unsupervised clustering and Markov chain models to assess and describe user skill. Approach. Using unsupervised K-means clustering, we segmented the EEG signal space into regions representing pattern states that users could produce. A user’s movement through these pattern states while performing different tasks was modeled using Markov chains. Finally, using the steady-state distributions and entropy rates of the Markov chains, we proposed two metrics taskDistinct and relativeTaskInconsistency to assess, respectively, a user’s ability to (i) produce distinct task-specific patterns for each mental task and (ii) maintain consistent patterns during individual tasks. Main results. Analysis of data from 14 adolescents using a three-class BCI revealed significant correlations between the taskDistinct and relativeTaskInconsistency metrics and classification F1 score. Moreover, analysis of the pattern states and Markov chain models yielded descriptive information regarding user performance not immediately apparent from classification accuracy. Significance. Our proposed user assessment method can be used in concert with classifier-based analysis to further understand the extent to which users produce task-specific, time-evolving EEG patterns. In turn, this information could be used to enhance user training or classifier design.
The Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in a Caribbean Colombian Population That Recovered from COVID-19 during the Pandemic

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to COVID-19 among Colombians. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the pandemic between November 2020 and May 2021 using a survey that focused on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19. The online survey was completed by 1424 participants who had a history of COVID-19 illness, and the study spanned 3 months. Many respondents were male students who demonstrated adequate knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and prevention measures, although their understanding of its transmission routes was limited. Nevertheless, 65.9% expressed optimism that COVID-19 would ultimately be successfully controlled, and 71.8% had confidence in the Colombian government’s handling of the crisis. Additionally, more than half of the participants admitted to visiting crowded places, and this practice was more common among those who were less informed about COVID-19. However, many respondents reported using face masks in public. This highlights a significant gap between theoretical knowledge and actual practices that need to be addressed. To bridge this gap, establishing an interdisciplinary support network is crucial, as is launching mass education campaigns targeting specific population groups, and compiling reports on successful practices implemented during the pandemic. These efforts are essential for enhancing the overall level of knowledge, and the attitudes and practices related to COVID-19, and also for preparing for future health emergencies.
Comments On 'A Spectral Perspective on Natural Interest Rates in Asia-Pacific: Changes and Possible Drivers'

Feng Zhu (2015) has delivered sound research on the equilibrium real interest rate and its implication for monetary policy in Asia-Pacific countries. I fully concur that the use of the natural interest rate framework to implement monetary policy poses many risks, given the numerous uncertainties surrounding natural rates. However, we should not only consider the precision of estimation but we should also seek to understand how different factors in different situations influence the equilibrium real interest rate and why this is important for monetary policy formulation. Here, I see some room for enhancement that should be incorporated in the paper. My suggestion is that the paper could discuss a broader scope of the monetary policy domain, especially in the post-GFC era, such as the trade-off between internal-external balances, the role of the exchange rate as well as risk perception/behaviour that could potentially impact the equilibrium real interest rate lift-off, as in the case of Indonesia, Malaysia, and some other emerging countries. This would provide a more rigorous assessment of the strategic role of interest rate policy and thus the practical relevance of equilibrium real interest rates in monetary policy formulation. Given the practical usefulness of equilibrium real interest rates, I generally support the arguments proffered by Orphanides and Williams (2002) that recommend against relying excessively on these intrinsically noisy indicators when making monetary policy decisions, and Hamilton et al (2015) who inject more inertia into the monetary policy reaction function. To conclude the discussion on this issue and anchor the theme of the conference, namely “expanding the boundaries of monetary policy”, we should put a proper weight on interest rate policy along with other instruments under a credible central bank policy mix strategy. This implies that the equilibrium real interest rate estimation should not statistically stand alone, since the determination of equilibrium real interest rates should be consistent with the macroeconomic balance and the related policy mix response. Consequently, while there is no guarantee that structural estimates would fare better, I would prefer to address the issue using a structural approach.
Feasibility and acceptability of collecting umbilical cord tissue for prenatal cannabis research: A mixed-methods research study

Background: Large-scale longitudinal studies with biological samples are needed to examine the associations between prenatal cannabis use and birth and developmental outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this study was to understand the feasibility and acceptability of collecting umbilical cord tissue for the purpose of cannabis use testing in a community sample. Design: This is a mixed methods research study consisted of a prospective cohort study and a qualitative descriptive study. Methods: This study was conducted in Vancouver, British Columbia between January 2021 and August 2022. Participants were recruited during pregnancy, and the umbilical cord tissues were collected at birth and tested for the presence of cannabinoids. After the completion of the study, participants completed an online open-ended questionnaire about their overall experience. Data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analyses. Results: Among the 85 eligible individuals, 57 people (67%) consented to the study. The cord tissue was collected for 39 participants (68.4%). The collection rates for participants with vaginal, elective, and emergency cesarean delivery were 73.0%, 71.4%, and 53.8%, respectively, and for those with spontaneous and induced labor were 81.5% and 50%, respectively. Four (7.0%) and seven participants (12.3%) reported prenatal cannabis use in direct and probing self-report questions, respectively. The agreement between any self-report and cord tissue test was moderate (kappa 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.06–0.99). Qualitative findings were classified into five themes. Conclusion: The collection of cord tissue was perceived acceptable by most participants. Implementation of collection protocols for complex labors, a central hospital unit to liaise direct communications and active participants’ involvement might increase the feasibility of future studies.
Observer-Based Self-Triggered Resilient Control for Multiagent Systems: A k-Connected Graph Construction Approach

This article investigates the problem of the fully distributed self-triggered secure synchronization control for multiagent systems (MASs) under communication link denial-of-service (CLDoS) attacks. First, an algorithm for constructing a $k$ -connected graph is designed to reduce the impact of CLDoS attacks on MASs. Based on which, a fully distributed observer-based resilient control scheme is co-designed to reduce the dependence on the communication topology information. In addition, a self-triggered method is proposed to avoid the real-time monitoring of system information, further to reduce the resource consumption. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the construction algorithm and resilient control scheme are supported by comparison simulation examples.
The experiences of people living with dementia and their care partners participating in an online therapeutic songwriting program

Background and Aim Despite the impact of dementia on close care relationships, accessible therapeutic services for people living with dementia and their care partners remain scarce. Further, there is an increasing demand for online services, highlighting the need for ongoing telehealth research. This study aimed to explore the experiences of people living with dementia and their informal and formal care partners following participation in a 10-week online therapeutic songwriting program. Methods The songwriting program included four duo and six group sessions facilitated by a music therapist. Post-program semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Nine people with dementia and six care partners (nine duos) participated in the program. Five duos were in spousal relationships and four people with dementia participated with a formal care partner. Participants attended an average of four duo sessions and three group sessions. Six people with dementia and five care partners participated in post-program interviews. Four themes were developed: (1) No one else does this; (2) It’s all about us as people; (3) After the sessions we’d come out buzzing; and (4) The journey was as important as the product. Conclusions Participants highlighted songwriting as a unique opportunity to connect with music, experience welcomed challenges, and spend ‘real time’ together. The program drew on participants’ lived experience and promoted connection with others, resulting in feelings of enjoyment, enhanced mood, and achievement. Participants valued both the songwriting process and song product, emphasising the importance of sensitive and skilful facilitation. Our findings suggest that these distinct benefits were not available through other support services. Further, online songwriting is a viable option for people living with dementia and their care partners where in-person sessions are not available or accessible.
Immunologic and virologic parameters associated with HIV DNA reservoir size in people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND A better understanding of the dynamics of HIV reservoirs in CD4+ T cells of people with HIV (PWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for developing therapies to eradicate the virus. METHODS We conducted a study involving 28 aviremic PWH receiving ART with high and low levels of HIV DNA. We analyzed immunologic and virologic parameters and their association with the HIV reservoir size. RESULTS The frequency of CD4+ T cells carrying HIV DNA was associated with higher pre-ART plasma viremia, lower pre-ART CD4+ T cell counts, and lower pre-ART CD4/CD8 ratios. During ART, the High group maintained elevated levels of intact HIV proviral DNA, cell-associated HIV RNA, and inducible virion-associated HIV RNA. HIV sequence analysis showed no evidence for preferential accumulation of defective proviruses nor higher frequencies of clonal expansion in the High versus Low group. Phenotypic and functional T-cell analyses did not show enhanced immune-mediated virologic control in the Low versus High group. Of considerable interest, pre-ART innate immunity was significantly higher in the Low versus High group. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that innate immunity at the time of ART initiation may play an important role in modulating the dynamics and persistence of viral reservoirs in PWH.
Hospital‐ and county‐level characteristics explain geographic variability in prices of cancer‐related procedures: Implications for policy and interventions

Abstract Background Healthcare costs in the U.S. are high and variable, which can hinder access and impact health outcomes across communities. This study examined hospital‐ and county‐level characteristics to identify factors that explain geographic variation in prices for four cancer‐related procedures. Methods Data sources included Turquoise Health, which compiles publicly‐available price data from U.S. hospitals. We examined list prices for four procedures: abdominal ultrasound, diagnostic colonoscopy, brain MRI, and pelvis CT scan, which we linked to characteristics of hospitals (e.g., number of beds) and counties (e.g., metropolitan status). We used multilevel linear regression models to assess multivariable relationships between prices and hospital‐ and county‐level characteristics. Supplementary analyses repeated these models using procedures prices for commercial insurance plans. Results For each procedure, list prices varied across counties (intraclass correlation: abdominal ultrasound = 23.2%; colonoscopy = 17.1%; brain MRI = 37.2%; pelvis CT = 50.9%). List prices for each procedure were associated with hospital ownership (all p < 0.001) and percent of population without health insurance (all p < 0.05). For example, list prices for abdominal ultrasound were higher for proprietary versus Government‐owned hospitals (β = 539.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 256.12, 822.08, p < 0.001) and for hospitals in counties with more uninsured residents (β = 23.44, 95% CI: 2.55, 44.33, p = 0.03). Commercial insurance prices were negatively associated with metropolitan status. Conclusions Prices for cancer‐related healthcare procedures varied substantially, with considerable heterogeneity associated with county location as well as county‐level social determinants of health (e.g., health insurance coverage). Interventions and policy changes are needed to alleviate the financial burden of cancer care among patients, including geographic variation in prices for cancer‐related procedures.
Exploration of treatment‐free remission in CML, based on molecular monitoring

Abstract Background Typical chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm caused by t(9; 22)(q34; q11) translocation. This chromosomal translocation forms the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene. The tyrosine kinase encoded by the BCR::ABL1 is considered to be the main pathogenic diver. BCR::ABL1 is not only a therapeutic target, but also a monitoring target. Monitoring of BCR::ABL1 reveals the progression of the disease and guides the next treatment. Now for CML, the target of treatment has been focused on treatment‐free remission (TFR). Methods We conducted a literature review of current developments of treatment‐free remission and molecular monitoring methods. Results More effective and sensitive CML monitoring methods such as digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS) have further studied the measurable residual disease (MRD) and clonal heterogeneity, which provides strong support for the exploration of TFR. We discussed some of the factors that may be related to TFR outcomes at the molecular level, along with some monitoring strategies. Conclusion Currently, predictive indicators for treatment‐free remission outcomes and recurrence are lacking in clinical practice. In future, treatment‐free remission research should focus on combining the clinical indicators with molecular monitoring and biological markers to personalize patient conditions and guide clinicians to develop individualized treatment plans, so that more patients with CML can achieve safer and stabler treatment‐free remission.
Evaluating the utility of inflammation score in post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis. Results from a prospective study in India. EMS Report #4

Purpose: To investigate if inflammation score (IS), calculated from the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and vitreous, indicates endophthalmitis severity. Methods: In a prospective study, consecutive adults with a clinical diagnosis of post-cataract endophthalmitis within 6 weeks of surgery were recruited. Patients were allocated to IS-based primary treatment (IS < 10: intravitreal injection and IS ≥ 10: vitrectomy) and randomized to two intravitreal antibiotics combinations (vancomycin + ceftazidime and vancomycin + imipenem). Undiluted vitreous microbiology work-up included culture susceptibility, polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing, and targeted next-generation sequencing. Results: The average age of 175 people was 63.4 ± 10.7 years and included 52.6% small incision cataract surgery and 47.4% phacoemulsification surgery. Severe endophthalmitis (IS ≥ 20), diagnosed in 27.4% of people, had a shorter time to symptoms (average 5.4 vs 8.7 days; P = 0.018), poorer presenting vision (all ≤ hand motion), higher culture positivity (50% vs 30.7%; P = 0.032), and higher Gram-negative bacterial infection (70.8% vs 46.2%; P = 0.042). For IS ≥ 20 discriminant and Gram-negative infection, Spearman's coefficient was 0.7 [P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59–0.82], with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.9 (95% CI 0.85–0.94, P < 0.0001), a Youden index J of 0.74, a sensitivity of 87.2%, and a specificity of 87.5%. The final vision of >20/400 and >20/100 was regained in 50.2% and 29.1% of people, respectively. The susceptibility of common Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli was the highest for vancomycin (95.0%) and colistin (88.6%), respectively. NGS detected polymicrobial infection in 88.5% of culture-negative endophthalmitis. Conclusions: Higher inflammation scores indicated severe disease and Gram-negative infection in post-cataract endophthalmitis.