Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EchoRead Programme: Learning echolocation skills through self-paced professional development during the COVID-19 pandemic

Echolocation is used by people with low vision or blindness to support their navigation. Internationally, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists have learned echolocation skills and how to teach them to clients, through formal workshops with a subject matter expert. However, COVID-19 has limited access to these in-person professional development opportunities. This study investigated whether an O&M professional could learn echolocation skills in a self-paced programme with only the support of a lay assistant. We developed the EchoRead Programme to equip an individual O&M Specialist to learn basic echolocation skills in 4 hours. This auto-ethnographical perspective describes how the draft programme was trialled by one trainee O&M Specialist in her home and local neighbourhood. She developed sufficient skills to complete most of the seated, standing, and walking tasks in the programme, but needed more support developing tongue-clicking and recognising driveways when shorelining fences. She found it was important to use learning environments that were graduated in physical and audio complexity. The EchoRead Programme was then trialled and revised by an experienced O&M Specialist, beginning at home, then exploring a range of venues available within a 5 km radius – the roaming range allowed during COVID lockdown. The resulting EchoRead Programme can equip O&M professionals to be self-directed in learning early echolocation skills, using online and locally available resources. This programme could be especially useful for vision professionals and their clients, who have limited access to in-person learning opportunities with colleagues or peers because of geographical isolation, low resources, or a global pandemic.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Delta Vaccine Breakthrough Transmissibility in Alachua County, Florida

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant has caused a dramatic resurgence in infections in the United Sates, raising questions regarding potential transmissibility among vaccinated individuals. Methods Between October 2020 and July 2021, we sequenced 4439 SARS-CoV-2 full genomes, 23% of all known infections in Alachua County, Florida, including 109 vaccine breakthrough cases. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between viral RNA burden and patient characteristics. Contact tracing and phylogenetic analysis were used to investigate direct transmissions involving vaccinated individuals. Results The majority of breakthrough sequences with lineage assignment were classified as Delta variants (74.6%) and occurred, on average, about 3 months (104 ± 57.5 days) after full vaccination, at the same time (June-July 2021) of Delta variant exponential spread within the county. Six Delta variant transmission pairs between fully vaccinated individuals were identified through contact tracing, 3 of which were confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. Delta breakthroughs exhibited broad viral RNA copy number values during acute infection (interquartile range, 1.2-8.64 Log copies/mL), on average 38% lower than matched unvaccinated patients (3.29-10.81 Log copies/mL, P < .00001). Nevertheless, 49% to 50% of all breakthroughs, and 56% to 60% of Delta-infected breakthroughs exhibited viral RNA levels above the transmissibility threshold (4 Log copies/mL) irrespective of time after vaccination. Conclusions Delta infection transmissibility and general viral RNA quantification patterns in vaccinated individuals suggest limited levels of sterilizing immunity that need to be considered by public health policies. In particular, ongoing evaluation of vaccine boosters should specifically address whether extra vaccine doses curb breakthrough contribution to epidemic spread.
Therapeutic Futility in Nursing: A Focus Group

Introduction: The implementation of futile nursing interventions seems to be a persistent problem in adult intensive care units. Understanding this phenomenon can contribute to its prevention and all deleterious effects associated with it. Objective: To identify the perceptions of expert nurses from adult intensive care units about therapeutic futility in nursing. Methods: This study consists of a conventional content analysis. Data was collected through a focus group interview that included five expert nurses in adult intensive care, with a minimum of fifteen years of professional experience in intensive care. To analyze the information, the technique of thematic categorical analysis was used, according to Bardin. Results: Four central categories were identified for the topic under study, for which several subcategories were identified that allow a better understanding of this phenomenon. Conclusion: Adult intensive care expert nurses advocate that therapeutic futility in nursing is a reality perceived by teams and families, which should be avoided due to the risk of potentiating the implementation of ethically reprehensible care.
Chandra and XMM-Newton Observations of RDCS 1252.9-2927, A Massive Cluster at z=1.24

We present deep Chandra and XMM-Newton observations of the galaxy cluster RDCS1252.9-2927, which was selected from the ROSAT Deep Cluster Survey (RDCS) and confirmed by extensive spectroscopy with the VLT at redshift z = 1.237. With the Chandra data, the X-ray emission from the intra-cluster medium is well resolved and traced out to 500 kpc, thus allowing a measurement of the physical properties of the gas with unprecedented accuracy at this redshift. We detect a clear 6.7 keV Iron K line in the Chandra spectrum providing a redshift within 1% of the spectroscopic one. By augmenting our spectroscopic analysis with the XMM-Newton data (MOS detectors only), we significantly narrow down the 1{sigma} error bar to 10% for the temperature and 30% for the metallicity, with best fit values kT = 6.0{sup +0.7}{sub -0.5} keV, Z = 0.36{sup +0.12}{sup -0.10}Z{sub {circle_dot}}. In the likely hypothesis of hydrostatic equilibrium, we measure a total mass of M{sub 500} = (1.9{+-}0.3)10{sup 14}h{sup -1}{sub 70} M{sub {circle_dot}} within R{sub {Delta}=500} {approx} 536 kpc. Overall, these observations imply that RDCS1252.9-2927 is the most X-ray luminous and likely the most massive bona-fide cluster discovered to date at z > 1. When combined with current samples of distantmore » clusters, these data lend further support to a mild evolution of the cluster scaling relations, as well the metallicity of the intra-cluster gas. Inspection of the cluster mass function in the current cosmological concordance model (h,{Omega}{sub m},{Omega}{sub {Lambda}}) = (0.7,0.3,0.7) and {sigma}{sub 8} = 0.7-0.8 shows that RDCS1252.9-2927 is an M* cluster at z = 1.24, in keeping with number density expectations in the RDCS survey volume. « less
Hidden Subhypergroup Problem

The Hidden Subgroup Problem is used in many quantum algorithms such as Simon's algorithm and Shor's factoring and discrete log algorithms. A polynomial time solution is known in case of abelian groups, and normal subgroups of arbitrary finite groups. The general case is still open. An efficient solution of the problem for symmetric group $S_n$ would give rise to an efficient quantum algorithm for Graph Isomorphism Problem. We formulate a hidden sub-hypergroup problem for finite hypergroups and solve it for finite commutative hypergroups. The given algorithm is efficient if the corresponding QFT could be calculated efficiently.
Thermoelectric studies of electronic properties of ferromagnetic GaMnAs layers

Thermoelectric power, electrical conductivity, and high field Hall effect were studied over a broad temperature range in ferromagnetic Ga(1-x)Mn(x)As epitaxial layers (0.015 70 K) the thermoelectric power in GaMnAs linearly increases with increasing temperature. That indicates the presence of a degenerate hole gas with the Fermi energy EF=220+-25 meV, nearly independent of Mn content (for 0.02<x<0.05). At lower temperatures GaMnAs layers with metallic-type conductivity show an additional contribution to the thermoelectric power with the maximum close to the Curie temperature. The layers exhibiting insulating electrical properties show 1/T-type increase of thermoelectric power at low temperatures.
New supersymmetric AdS_3 solutions

We construct infinite new classes of supersymmetric solutions of D=11 supergravity that are warped products of AdS{sub 3} with an eight-dimensional manifold M{sub 8} and have nonvanishing four-form flux. In order to be compact, M{sub 8} is constructed as an S{sup 2} bundle over a six-dimensional manifold B{sub 6} which is either Kaehler-Einstein or a product of Kaehler-Einstein spaces. In the special cases that B{sub 6} contains a two-torus, we also obtain new AdS{sub 3} solutions of type IIB supergravity, with constant dilaton and only five-form flux. Via the anti-de Sitter (AdS)-conformal field theory (CFT) correspondence the solutions with compact M{sub 8} will be dual to two-dimensional conformal field theories with N=(0,2) supersymmetry. Our construction can also describe noncompact geometries and we discuss examples in type IIB which are dual to four-dimensional N=1 superconformal theories coupled to stringlike defects.
Gene expression differentials driven by mass rearing and artificial selection in black soldier fly colonies

The micro‐evolutionary forces that shape genetic diversity during domestication have been assessed in many plant and animal systems. However, the impact of these processes on gene expression, and consequent functional adaptation to artificial environments, remains under‐investigated. In this study, whole‐transcriptome dynamics associated with the early stages of domestication of the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, were assessed. Differential gene expression (DGE) was evaluated in relation to (i) generational time within the cultured environment (F2 vs. F3), and (ii) two selection strategies [no artificial selective pressure (NS); and selection for greater larval mass (SEL)]. RNA‐seq was conducted on 5th instar BSF larvae (n = 36), representing equal proportions of the NS (F2 = 9; F3 = 9) and SEL (F2 = 9; F3 = 9) groups. A multidimensional scaling plot revealed greater gene expression variability within the NS and F2 subgroups, while the SEL group clustered separately with lower levels of variation. Comparisons between generations revealed 898 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; FDR‐corrected p < 0.05), while between selection strategies, 213 DEGs were observed (FDR‐corrected p < 0.05). Enrichment analyses revealed that metabolic, developmental, and defence response processes were over‐expressed in the comparison between F2 and F3 larvae, while metabolic processes were the main differentiating factor between NS and SEL lines. This illustrates the functional adaptations that occur in BSF colonies across generations due to mass rearing; as well as highlighting genic dynamics associated with artificial selection for production traits that might inform future selective breeding strategies.
Applying a deep convolutional neural network to monitor the lateral spread response during microvascular surgery for hemifacial spasm

Background Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is essential in neurosurgical procedures. In this study, we built and evaluated the performance of a deep neural network in differentiating between the presence and absence of a lateral spread response, which provides critical information during microvascular decompression surgery for the treatment of hemifacial spasm using intraoperatively acquired electromyography images. Methods and findings A total of 3,674 image screenshots of monitoring devices from 50 patients were prepared, preprocessed, and then adopted into training and validation sets. A deep neural network was constructed using current-standard, off-the-shelf tools. The neural network correctly differentiated 50 test images (accuracy, 100%; area under the curve, 0.96) collected from 25 patients whose data were never exposed to the neural network during training or validation. The accuracy of the network was equivalent to that of the neuromonitoring technologists (p = 0.3013) and higher than that of neurosurgeons experienced in hemifacial spasm (p < 0.0001). Heatmaps obtained to highlight the key region of interest achieved a level similar to that of trained human professionals. Provisional clinical application showed that the neural network was preferable as an auxiliary tool. Conclusions A deep neural network trained on a dataset of intraoperatively collected electromyography data could classify the presence and absence of the lateral spread response with equivalent performance to human professionals. Well-designated applications based upon the neural network may provide useful auxiliary tools for surgical teams during operations.
Emergence of weight-topology correlations in complex scale-free networks

Different weighted scale-free networks show weight-topology correlations. A clear signature of these correlations is given by the non-linear scaling of the node strength with its connectivity. In this paper, we show that networks with and without weight-topology correlations can emerge from the same simple growth dynamics of the nodes connectivities and of the links weights. A weighted fitness network is introduced in which both nodes and links are assigned intrinsic fitness. This model can show a local dependence of the weight-topology correlations and can undergo a phase transition to a state in which the network is dominated by few links which acquire a finite fraction of the total weight of the network.
Performance of the J-CTO score versus other risk scores for predicting procedural difficulty in coronary chronic total occlusion interventions

Abstract Background Although the Japanese chronic total occlusion (J-CTO) score is widely used to assess the complexity of revascularization for CTO lesions, ambiguous and conflicting results are reported in validation studies. Therefore, we aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the J-CTO score and explore the heterogeneity of its comparison with other CTO scores. Methods PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched from January 1st, 2011 to December 23rd, 2021. Studies that examined the accuracy of the J-CTO score were eligible. Where feasible, estimates of discrimination and calibration were pooled with a random-effects model. The Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST) was used for risk-of-bias assessment. This study was reported according to PRISMA guidelines and prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019126161). Results Of 28 included studies (N = 34,944 lesions), 24 were eligible for meta-analysis. The J-CTO score demonstrated significant discrimination for 30-min wire crossing (summary C-statistic 0.76; 95% CI 0.68–0.84) and technical success (0.68; 95% CI 0.61–0.74) despite significant heterogeneity. Only 19 (33%) of the 58 pairwise comparisons with 14 competing scores that were based on discrimination reported a statistical result. The J-CTO score performed worse (relative difference of C-statistics >5%) in eight out of 33 independent comparisons but better in another 13. Methodological shortcomings resulted from only one study evaluating model calibration appropriately. Conclusion The discrimination power of the J-CTO score was useful for time-efficient wire crossing and moderate for angiographic success. Head-to-head comparisons of CTO scores would benefit from standardized reporting and appropriate statistical methods. Key messages The J-CTO score has useful discrimination in predicting 30-min wire crossing while performing moderately for technical success. After excluding optimism bias, there is insufficient independent evidence supporting the superiority of newly introduced models over the J-CTO score. Standardized methodology and assessment are needed to achieve a better understanding of CTO scores, especially for their calibration.
Chandra discovery of an X-ray jet and lobes in 3C 15

We report the Chandra detection of an X-ray jet in 3C 15. The peak of the X-ray emission in the jet is 4.1 '' (a projected distance of 5.1 kpc) from the nucleus, and coincident with a component previously identified in the radio and optical jets. We construct the spectral energy distribution (SED) for this component, optical knot C, and find that X-ray flux is well below the extrapolation of the radio-to-optical continuum. We examine four models for the X-ray jet emission: (I) weak synchrotron cooling in equipartition, (II) moderate synchrotron cooling in equipartition, (III) weak synchrotron plus synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) cooling, and (IV) moderate synchrotron plus SSC cooling. Given weak evidence for a concave feature in the X-ray spectrum, we argue that case (II) can most reasonably explain the overall emission from knot C. Case (III) is also possible, but requires a large departure from equipartition and for the jet power to be comparable to that of the brightest quasars. In all models, (I)-(IV), electrons must be accelerated up to $\gamma_{\rm max} \ga 10^7$, suggesting that re-acceleration is necessary in knot C of the 3C 15 jet. Diffuse X-ray emission has also been detected, distributed widely over the full extent (63 kpc $\times$ 25 kpc) of the radio lobes. The X-ray spectrum of the diffuse emission is described by a two-component model, consisting of soft thermal plasma emission from the host galaxy halo and a hard nonthermal power-law component. The hard component can be ascribed to the inverse Comptonization of cosmic microwave background (CMB) photons by the synchrotron emitting electrons in the radio lobes. We compare the total energy contained in the lobes with the jet power estimated from knot C, and discuss the energetic link between the jet and the lobes. We argue that the fueling time ( t fuel ) and the source age ( t src ) are comparable for case (II), whereas t fuel ≪ t src is likely for case (III). The latter may imply that the jet has a very small filling factor, ~10 -3 . We consider the pressure balance between the thermal galaxy halo and non-thermal relativistic electrons in the radio lobes. Finally, we show that the X-ray emission from the nucleus is not adequately fitted by a simple absorbed power-law model, but needs an additional power-law with heavy absorption ($N_{\rm H} \simeq 10^{22-23}$ cm -2 ) intrinsic to the source. Such a high column density is consistent with the presence of a dense, dusty torus which obscures the quasar nucleus.
The effect of exercising in different environments on heart rate and power output among older adults–a randomized crossover study

Background A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to nature is beneficial for human health. However, the observed health effect of nature may be mediated by physical activity and that humans are physically active at a higher intensity outdoors compared to when they are physical active indoors. Objective This study examines the variation of heart rate and power output for a fixed rating of perceived exertion in a group of healthy older adults in three different environments representing three levels of exposure to nature. Methods To this randomized, 3-by-3 crossover design study, healthy older adults (≥65 years) were recruited from local gyms. All participants participated in three experimental conditions; indoors, simulated outdoors and outdoor environments, in a randomized order. The participants exercised for 20 minutes at an intensity equivalent to a rating of 11–13 on the Borg scale for perceived exertion (RPE). Measurements of heart rate, power output (Watt) and ratings of perceived exertion were taken at minutes 1 to 6 and at minute 20. To examine the effect of the environment on heart rate and power, linear mixed models were used. Results In all, 48 participants (56% females) were included in the analysis. No significant main effects on the outcomes were observed for power output (p = 0.073, η2 = 0.04) or heart rate (p = 0.067, η2 = 0.04) Conclusion No significant effect on the outcomes was observed. However, borderline significant outcomes for power output or heart rate outdoors in nature, along with previous studies in the field, indicates that such an effect cannot be completely ruled out, but any effect is likely to be small. Future research examining health benefits of the independent exposure to nature are encouraged to adjust for the dose of physical activity. Trial registration ID: ISRCTN22230544.
Assessing the effect of compounds from plantar foot sweat, nesting material, and urine on social behavior in male mice, Mus musculus

Home cage aggression causes poor welfare in male laboratory mice and reduces data quality. One of the few proven strategies to reduce aggression involves preserving used nesting material at cage change. Volatile organic compounds from the nesting material and several body fluids not only correlate with less home cage aggression, but with more affiliative allo-grooming behavior. To date, these compounds have not been tested for a direct influence on male mouse social behavior. This study aimed to determine if 4 previously identified volatile compounds impact home cage interactions. A factorial design was used with cages equally split between C57BL/6N and SJL male mice (N = 40). Treatments were randomly assigned across cages and administered by spraying one compound solution on each cage’s nesting material. Treatments were refreshed after day 3 and during cage change on day 7. Home cage social behavior was observed throughout the study week and immediately after cage change. Several hours after cage change, feces were collected from individual mice to measure corticosterone metabolites as an index of social stress. Wound severity was also assessed after euthanasia. Measures were analyzed with mixed models. Compound treatments did not impact most study measures. For behavior, SJL mice performed more aggression and submission, and C57BL/6N mice performed more allo-grooming. Wound severity was highest in the posterior region of both strains, and the middle back region of C57BL/6N mice. Posterior wounding also increased with more observed aggression. Corticosterone metabolites were higher in C57BL/6N mice and in mice treated with 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione with more wounding. These data confirm previous strain patterns in social behavior and further validates wound assessment as a measure of escalated aggression. The lack of observed treatment effects could be due to limitations in the compound administration procedure and/or the previous correlation study, which is further discussed.
Changes in Response Criterion and Lapse Rate as General Mechanisms of Vigilance Decrement: Commentary on McCarley and Yamani (2021)

Multiple theories have used perceptual sensitivity and response criterion indices to explain the decrements in performance across time on task (i.e., vigilance decrement). In a recent study, McCarley and Yamani (2021) offered conceptual and methodological advances to this debate by using a vigilance task that parametrically manipulates noise and signal and analyzes the outcomes with psychometric curves. In the present Commentary, we reanalyze data (N = 553) from a different, already existing vigilance task, the Attentional Networks Test for Interactions and Vigilance—executive and arousal components (ANTI-Vea). Psychometric curves with the ANTI-Vea showed robust changes in response criterion and lapse rate, although not in sensitivity. Our interpretation is that the need to keep the standard in memory in McCarley and Yamani’s task could produce a decrease in sensitivity and be related to reduced fidelity of the memory representation rather than to a decrement in perceptual abilities across time on task.