bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Studies of the Refractive and Rheological Properties of a Model Lens Cytoplasm
Authors: Tiffany John M. , Koretz Jane F.
Published: February 2023

The crystalline lens of the human eye acts, along with the cornea, to focus an image on the retina. The cornea provides most of the eye's overall power in a fixed refractive contribution, while the lens acts in a secondary capacity, providing a variable refractive contribution that allows focus from the eye's far point to a near point which is age-dependent. The lens's ability to provide this supplementary refractive capacity is due to changes in its axial thickness, surface and internal curvature, and to shallowing of anterior chamber depth; these changes are controlled by changes in the degree of contraction of the surrounding ciliary muscle, the change in force of which is transferred to the lens through the zonular apparatus. As humans age, the location of the nearest comfortable point of focus gradually recedes, leading eventually to a coincidence of the near and far point, disregarding depth of focus, which necessitates optical prostheses [1,2].
Wearer power measurement of progressive addition lenses
Authors: Bertrand Patrick
Published: February 2023

The accurate measurement of PALs (Progressive Addition Lenses) is not an easy subject. Several reviews have already been done on it.1,2. Here, we would like to make an up-to-date review on the ability of measurement systems for measuring the power that is useful for the wearer, and that we call the wearer power.
Deprivation Alone Cannot Account For Emmetropization In Chickens
Authors: Diether Sigrid , Schaeffel Frank
Published: February 2023

Degradation of the retinal image for extended periods of time causes axial elongation and myopia ("deprivation myopia") in both animals and humans. In chickens, even little image degradation for short periods of time is sufficient to produce longer eyes and "deprivation myopia", given that no intermittant "normal" visual experience occurs. If chicks are kept in the dark for the remaining time, 3 hours of vision per day through frosted occluders is sufficient to produce deprivation myopia (Schwahn and Schaeffel, 1994). On the other hand, 30 minutes of intermittent normal vision reduce deprivation myopia down to 50% (e.g. Napper et al., 1995). There is plenty of evidence showing that the central pathways of accommodation have no major effect on induced refractive errors in animal models (e.g. Diether and Schaeffel, 1997), possibly with one exception (Wildsoet and Wallman, 1995). Therefore, in first approximation, one can restrict the analysis to a retinal mechanism.
Composition entropies in multi-partite quantum system and duality quantum computers
Authors: Long Gui Lu
Published: February 2023

Entanglement is an exciting property of quantum mechanics, and it reflects the property that a quantum system can simultaneously appear in two or more different states. It plays an essential role in quantum information and computation. The quantification of entanglement is a challenging topic.
Negativity of Gaussian states in noisy environment: Interpretations and Applications
Authors: Law C. K. , Poon Phoenix S. Y.
Published: February 2023

We reexamine the interpretation of negativity of a generally mixed two-mode Gaussian state by diagonalizing ρ
TA
(the partial transposition of density matrix ρ) directly. We show that negativity can be explicitly expressed in terms of an optimal uncertainty product corresponding to the greatest violation of a separability criterion based on positive partial transposition [1], In addition, the explicit form of the eigenvectors of ρ
ta
provides a way to construct entanglement witness operators [2]. We apply our analysis of negativity to disentanglement dynamics in two physical situations in optics. First, we study two-mode squeezed states interacting with symmetric linear baths. Second, we study the decoherence of hyper-entangled two-photon states due to polarization mode dispersion in optical fibers. In both problems, we present the time-dependence of negativity and indicate how the disentanglement times depend on system parameters.
Entanglement Evolution Between Two Isolated Multiqubit Systems
Authors: Chan Stanley , Ficek Zbigniew , Reid Margaret
Published: February 2023

We examine the time evolution of entanglement between two qubits of a system of four qubits. The system is composed of two separate cavities each containing a single two-level atom. The qubits of the system are the two atoms and the two cavity modes. We show that during the transfer of an initial entanglement from atoms to the cavity modes, an additional entanglement is induced between the atoms and the cavity modes. Thus, during the evolution, the system effectively behaves as a six qubit system. In addition, we study the entanglement evolution for an imperfect matching of the atoms to the cavity modes. We show that the imperfect matching can force a stable entangled state to evolve in time and may produce a continuous entanglement in time.
Entanglement in Open Quantum Sytems: Decoherence, Monitoring, Control, and Schrödinger’s “Steering”
Authors: Wiseman Howard M.
Published: February 2023

In the first part of this talk I will briefly review decoherence, monitoring and control in open quantum systems. In the second part I will present new results regarding how system-bath entanglement allows steering-by-monitoring. The latter is work done with Jay Gambetta.
Engineering of Stationary Entanglement Between Distant Atoms Coupled to a Cavity Field
Authors: Ficek Zbigniew
Published: February 2023

We study the feasibility of the commonly used adiabatic techniques in the atom-cavity field interaction to entangle two distant atoms trapped inside an optical cavity. Two techniques are considered: the first involves a highly detuned cavity from the atomic transition frequencies, and the second involves a near resonant but strongly damped cavity. We find that the second technique is more efficient for creation of a controllable entanglement between the atoms. We follow the temporal evolution of the concurrence and show that the system evolves to a single entangled state whose the stationary population is a sensitive function of the initial state of the atoms and strengths of the couplings of the atoms to the cavity mode.
Quantum-information-processing using superconducting qubit circuits
Authors: Nori Franco
Published: February 2023

Superconducting (SC) circuits can behave like atoms making transitions between a few energy levels. Such circuits can test quantum mechanics at macroscopic scales and be used to conduct atomic-physics experiments on a silicon chip. This talk overviews a few of our theoretical studies on SC circuits and quantum information processing (QIP) including: SC qubits for single photon generation and for lasing; controllable couplings among qubits; how to increase the coherence time of qubits using a capacitor in parallel to one of the qubit junctions; hybrid circuits involving both charge and flux qubits; testing Bell’s inequality in SC circuits; generation of GHZ states; quantum tomography in SC circuits; preparation of macroscopic quantum superposition states of a cavity field via coupling to a SC qubit; generation of nonclassical photon states using a SC qubit in a microcavity; scalable quantum computing with SC qubits; and information processing with SC qubits in a microwave field. Controllable couplings between qubits can be achieved either directly or indirectly. This can be done with and without coupler circuits, and with and without data-buses like EM fields in cavities (e.g., we will describe both the variable-frequency magnetic flux approach and also a generalized double-resonance approach that we introduced). It is also possible to “turn a quantum bug into a feature” by using microscopic defects as qubits, and the macroscopic junction as a controller of it. We have also studied ways to implement radically different approaches to QIP by using “cluster states” in SC circuits.
Low-decoherence flux qubit
Authors: You J. Q. , Hu Xuedong , Ashhab S. , Nori Franco
Published: February 2023

A flux qubit can have a relatively long decoherence time at the degeneracy point, but away from this point the decoherence time is greatly reduced by dephasing. This limits the practical applications of flux qubits. Here we propose a new qubit design modified from the commonly used flux qubit by introducing an additional capacitor shunted in parallel to the smaller Josephson junction (JJ) in the loop. Our results show that the effects of noise can be considerably suppressed, particularly away from the degeneracy point, by both reducing the coupling energy of the JJ and increasing the shunt capacitance. This shunt capacitance provides a novel way to improve the qubit.
Photonic Technologies Integrated into Optical Fibres
Authors: Martelli Cicero , Canning John
Published: February 2023

Structured optical fibres are numerically and experimentally assessed with focus on technology integration. Three main areas are considered: Fresnel waveguiding, molecular photonics and photo-diffractive gratings. Results lead to new opportunities for sensors and devices.
Ultraflat Supercontinuum Spectrum Generated with Soft-Glass Photonic Crystal Fibers
Authors: Miret Juan J. , Andrés Pedro , Silvestre Enrique
Published: February 2023

We present some photonic-crystal-fiber structures, made up soft glass, that generate ultrawide (over an octave) and very smooth supercontinuum spectrum when illuminated with femtosecond pulsed light. The design of the fiber geometry in order to reach a nearly ultraflattened normal dispersion behavior is crucial to accomplish the above goals. We recognize that the above supercontinuum sources show high stability and no significant changes are detected even for fairly large fluctuations of the peak power of the incident pulses.
Silica-based highly nonlinear fiber as platform for optical processings
Authors: Hirano Masaaki
Published: February 2023

Recent progresses on optical characteristics of silica-based highly-nonlinear fibers (HNLFs), such as dispersion unifomization of longitudinal zero-dispersion wavelength and tailoring higher-order chromatic dispersions are reported. Applications using evolved HNLFs such as broad or selective FWM-based wavelength conversions and supercontinuum generation are also demonstrated.
Optical Intrusion Detection Sensor with Polarization Maintaining Fiber
Authors: Kumagai Tatsuya , Ogura Akira , Ohnuki Wataru , Tan Kotaro , Sato Tomonori
Published: February 2023

An optical intrusion-detection sensor based on a Sagnac interferometer has been developed for fence-mounted perimeter security applications. The interferometer is completely made of polarization maintaining fiber and related components. This sensor has been adopted by some important institutions as part of their physical security systems.
Opto-Mechanical Response of a Suspended-Slab-Core Optical Fiber
Authors: Serrão Valdir A. , Sircilli Francisco , Franco Marcos A. R. , Cordeiro Cristiano M. B.
Published: February 2023

In this paper we report the numerical evaluation of the opto-mechanical response of a microstructured optical fiber design when submitted to hydrostatic pressure. The fiber was built in silica and is composed of two large holes surrounding a wide thin flat region (suspended-slab-core) that is able to support optical propagating modes. A full-vector finite element program was used to the stress-optical analysis. The opto-mechanical sensitivity of such fiber was evaluated under two schemes of applied hydrostatic pressure.
Evolutionary dynamics of hyperbolic language
Authors: Krieger Madison S.
Published: February 2023

Models of evolution of simple languages have typically assumed full alignment of the speaker and listeners interests, with perfect understanding representing the optimal outcome for both parties. In more realistic settings, communicating individuals will often desire different outcomes from one another. Previous work has shown that misalignment of speaker-listener interests reduces the maximum informativeness among Nash-equilibrium languages, and that multiple equilibrium languages (with different degrees of informativeness) are supported. We study the stochastic evolutionary dynamics of signaling games in which the alignment of speaker-listener interests can vary. We find that increased misalignment of speaker-listener interests is associated with a decrease in information transmission. Moreover, the most common languages to evolve are typically the most informative languages supportable as static Nash equilibria, suggesting a solution to the ‘equilibrium selection problem’. In addition, our dynamics reveal the mechanism by which less informative languages evolve: words that previously signaled intense states come to be used hyperbolically for less intense states, with listeners’ interpretation of these newly-ambiguous words evolving downward in response. We ground our results in linguistic data on intensifiers such as so and very, words which have unique dynamics—with constant recycling and innovation that match our theoretical results well.
The current landscape and future of tablet-based cognitive assessments for children in low-resourced settings
Authors: McHenry Megan S. , Mukherjee Debarati , Bhavnani Supriya , Kirolos Amir , Piper Joe D. , Crespo-Llado Maria M. , Gladstone Melissa J.
Published: February 2023

Interest in measuring cognition in children in low-resourced settings has increased in recent years, but options for cognitive assessments are limited. Researchers are faced with challenges when using existing assessments in these settings, such as trained workforce shortages, less relevant testing stimuli, limitations of proprietary assessments, and inadequate parental knowledge of cognitive milestones. Tablet-based direct child assessments are emerging as a practical solution to these challenges, but evidence of their validity and utility in cross-cultural settings is limited. In this overview, we introduce key concepts of this field while exploring the current landscape of tablet-based assessments for low-resourced settings. We also make recommendations for future directions of this relatively novel field. We conclude that tablet-based assessments are an emerging and promising method of assessing cognition in young children. Further awareness and dissemination of validated tablet-based assessments may increase capacity for child development research and clinical practice in low-resourced settings.
Long divergent haplotypes introgressed from wild sheep are associated with distinct morphological and adaptive characteristics in domestic sheep
Authors: Cheng Hong , Zhang Zhuangbiao , Wen Jiayue , Lenstra Johannes A. , Heller Rasmus , Cai Yudong , Guo Yingwei , Li Ming , Li Ran , Li Wenrong , He Sangang , Wang Jintao , Shao Junjie , Song Yuxuan , Zhang Lei , Billah Masum , Wang Xihong , Liu Mingjun , Jiang Yu
Published: February 2023

The worldwide sheep population comprises more than 1000 breeds. Together, these exhibit a considerable morphological diversity, which has not been extensively investigated at the molecular level. Here, we analyze whole-genome sequencing individuals of 1,098 domestic sheep from 154 breeds, and 69 wild sheep from seven Ovis species. On average, we detected 6.8%, 1.0% and 0.2% introgressed sequence in domestic sheep originating from Iranian mouflon, urial and argali, respectively, with rare introgressions from other wild species. Interestingly, several introgressed haplotypes contributed to the morphological differentiations across sheep breeds, such as a RXFP2 haplotype from Iranian mouflon conferring the spiral horn trait, a MSRB3 haplotype from argali strongly associated with ear morphology, and a VPS13B haplotype probably originating from urial and mouflon possibly associated with facial traits. Our results reveal that introgression events from wild Ovis species contributed to the high rate of morphological differentiation in sheep breeds, but also to individual variation within breeds. We propose that long divergent haplotypes are a ubiquitous source of phenotypic variation that allows adaptation to a variable environment, and that these remain intact in the receiving population probably due to reduced recombination.
Development of a small and sick newborn clinical audit tool and its implementation guide using a human-centred design approach newborn clinical audit process and design
Authors: Ogola Muthoni , Wainaina John , Muinga Naomi , Kimani Wairimu , Muriithi Maureen , Aluvaala Jalemba , English Mike , Irimu Grace
Published: February 2023

Clinical audits are an important intervention that enables health workers to reflect on their practice and identify and act on modifiable gaps in the care provided. To effectively audit the quality of care provided to the small and sick newborns, the clinical audit process must use a structured tool that comprehensively covers the continuum of newborn care from immediately after birth to the period of newborn unit care. The objective of the study was to co-design a newborn clinical audit tool that considered the key principles of a Human Centred Design approach. A three-step Human Centred Design approach was used that began by (1) understanding the context, the users and the available audit tools through literature, focus group discussions and a consensus meeting that was used to develop a prototype audit tool and its implementation guide, (2) the prototype audit tool was taken through several cycles of reviewing with users on real cases in a high volume newborn unit and refining it based on their feedback, and (3) the final prototype tool and the implementation guide were then tested in two high volume newborn units to determine their usability. Several cycles of evaluation and redesigning of the prototype audit tool revealed that the users preferred a comprehensive tool that catered to human factors such as reduced free text for ease of filling, length of the tool, and aesthetics. Identified facilitators and barriers influencing the newborn clinical audit in Kenyan public hospitals informed the design of an implementation guide that builds on the strengths and overcomes the barriers. We adopted a Human Centred Design approach to developing a newborn clinical audit tool and an implementation guide that we believe are comprehensive and consider the characteristics of the context of use and the user requirements.
Decoupled neural network training with re-computation and weight prediction
Authors: Peng Jiawei , Xu Yicheng , Lin Zhiping , Weng Zhenyu , Yang Zishuo , Zhuang Huiping
Published: February 2023

To break the three lockings during backpropagation (BP) process for neural network training, multiple decoupled learning methods have been investigated recently. These methods either lead to significant drop in accuracy performance or suffer from dramatic increase in memory usage. In this paper, a new form of decoupled learning, named decoupled neural network training scheme with re-computation and weight prediction (DTRP) is proposed. In DTRP, a re-computation scheme is adopted to solve the memory explosion problem, and a weight prediction scheme is proposed to deal with the weight delay caused by re-computation. Additionally, a batch compensation scheme is developed, allowing the proposed DTRP to run faster. Theoretical analysis shows that DTRP is guaranteed to converge to crical points under certain conditions. Experiments are conducted by training various convolutional neural networks on several classification datasets, showing comparable or better results than the state-of-the-art methods and BP. These experiments also reveal that adopting the proposed method, the memory explosion problem is effectively solved, and a significant acceleration is achieved.
Prediction and diagnosis of chronic kidney disease development and progression using machine-learning: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of reporting standards and model performance
Authors: Chen Fangyue , Kantagowit Piyawat , Nopsopon Tanawin , Chuklin Arisa , Pongpirul Krit
Published: February 2023

Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) is an important yet under-recognized contributor to morbidity and mortality globally. Machine-learning (ML) based decision support tools have been developed across many aspects of CKD care. Notably, algorithms developed in the prediction and diagnosis of CKD development and progression may help to facilitate early disease prevention, assist with early planning of renal replacement therapy, and offer potential clinical and economic benefits to patients and health systems. Clinical implementation can be affected by the uncertainty surrounding the methodological rigor and performance of ML-based models. This systematic review aims to evaluate the application of prognostic and diagnostic ML tools in CKD development and progression. The protocol has been prepared using the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. The systematic review protocol for CKD prediction and diagnosis have been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022356704, CRD42022372378). A systematic search will be undertaken of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Web of Science, and the IEEE Xplore digital library. Studies in which ML has been applied to predict and diagnose CKD development and progression will be included. The primary outcome will be the comparison of the performance of ML-based models with non-ML-based models. Secondary analysis will consist of model use cases, model construct, and model reporting quality. This systematic review will offer valuable insight into the performance and reporting quality of ML-based models in CKD diagnosis and prediction. This will inform clinicians and technical specialists of the current development of ML in CKD care, as well as direct future model development and standardization.
Long-term use of clopidogrel versus ticagrelor or prasugrel in patients with acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Kim Yuri , Jeong Myung Ho , An Minjeong , Cho Kyunghoon , Hong Youngjoon , Kim Juhan , Ahn Youngkeun
Published: February 2023

Background and objectives

To compare the long-term clinical outcomes of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel and DAPT with ticagrelor or prasugrel in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent coronary intervention.

Methods

Between November 2011 and December 2015, a total of 13,104 patients with AMI were enrolled in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institutes of Health (KAMIR-NIH) registry. Among them, 4,696 patients who received DAPT for more than 24 months were categorized into two groups: the clopidogrel group (n = 4,053) and ticagrelor or prasugrel group (n = 643). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the bias due to confounding variables. Following PSM, the impacts of P2Y12 inhibitors on the clinical outcomes in both groups were compared during a 36-month clinical follow-up period.

Results

There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes in terms of cardiac death (7.1% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.101), stroke (1.4% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.436), major bleeding (0.5% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.478), major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (21.6% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.626), and net adverse cardiac event (NACE) (22.1% vs. 21.3%, p = 0.731) between the groups. The ticagrelor or prasugrel group had a lower incidence of recurrent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (12.2% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.006) than the clopidogrel group. However, no differences were observed in the cumulative incidences of 3-year NACE between the ticagrelor or prasugrel and clopidogrel groups.

Conclusions

Cumulative incidences of long-term NACE did not differ between the two groups. Therefore, the type and duration of DAPT should be customized for each patient with AMI.
How to calibrate Gaussian two-factor model using swaption
Authors: Choi Myeongsu , Kang Hyoung-Goo
Published: February 2023

We propose an efficient approximation of the swaption normal volatility to estimate the mean reversion separately from the other volatility parameters in the Gaussian two-factor model. We compare our two-step approach with a one-step method that calibrates all parameters simultaneously. The comparison is based on the data from interest rate market of Korea and the US. The parameter estimates of our proposed two-step method are more stable than those of the one-step method in that the latter is overly sensitive to market changes whereas the former is not. The proposed approach also eliminates many existing problems in the Gaussian two-factor model.
HIV virologic response, patterns of drug resistance mutations and correlates among adolescents and young adults: A cross-sectional study in Tanzania
Authors: Rugemalila Joan , Kamori Doreen , Kunambi Peter , Mizinduko Mucho , Sabasaba Amon , Masoud Salim , Msafiri Frank , Mugusi Sabina , Mutagonda Rita , Mlunde Linda , Amani Davis , Mboya Erick , Mahiti Macdonald , Ruhago George , Mushi Jeremiah , Sambu Veryeh , Mgomella George , Jullu Boniface , Maokola Werner , Njau Prosper , Mutayoba Beatrice , Barabona Godfrey , Ueno Takamasa , Pembe Andrea , Nagu Tumaini , Sunguya Bruno , Aboud Said
Published: February 2023

Background

The emergence of HIV drug resistance mutations (DRMs) is of significant threat to achieving viral suppression (VS) in the quest to achieve global elimination targets. We hereby report virologic outcomes and patterns of acquired DRMs and its associated factors among adolescents and young adults (AYA) from a broader HIV drug resistance surveillance conducted in Tanzania.

Methods

Data of AYA was extracted from a cross-sectional study conducted in 36 selected facilities using a two-stage cluster sampling design. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected and samples with a viral load (VL) ≥1000 copies/mL underwent genotyping for the HIV-1 pol gene. Stanford HIV database algorithm predicted acquired DRMs, Fisher’s exact test and multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with DRMs and VS, respectively.

Findings

We analyzed data of 578 AYA on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 9–15 and ≥ 36 months; among them, 91.5% and 88.2% had VS (VL<1000copies/mL) at early and late time points, respectively. Genotyping of 64 participants (11.2%) who had VL ≥1000 copies/ml detected 71.9% of any DRM. Clinically relevant DRMs were K103N, M184V, M41L, T215Y/F, L210W/L, K70R, D67N, L89V/T, G118R, E138K, T66A, T97A and unexpectedly absent K65R. Participants on a protease inhibitor (PI) based regimen were twice as likely to not achieve VS compared to those on integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI). The initial VL done 6 months after ART initiation of ≥1000copies/mL was the primary factor associated with detecting DRMs (p = .019).

Conclusions

VS amongst AYA is lower than the third UNAIDs target. Additionally, a high prevalence of ADR and high levels of circulating clinically relevant DRMs may compromise the long-term VS in AYA. Furthermore, the first VL result of ≥1000copies/ml after ART initiation is a significant risk factor for developing DRMs. Thus, strict VL monitoring for early identification of treatment failure and genotypic testing during any ART switch is recommended to improve treatment outcomes for AYA.
Analysis the patients’ careflows using process mining
Authors: Rashed Abdel-Hamed Mohamed , El-Attar Noha E. , Abdelminaam Diaa Salama , Abdelfatah Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Recently, The Egyptian health sector whether it is public or private; utilizes emerging technologies such as data mining, business intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), among many others to enhance the service and to deal with increasing costs and growing pressures. However, process mining has not yet been used in the Egyptian organizations, whereas the process mining can enable the domain experts in many fields to achieve a realistic view of the problems that are currently happening in the undertaken field, and thus solve it. This paper presents application of the process mining techniques in the healthcare field to obtain meaningful insights about its careflows, e.g., to discover typical paths followed by certain patient groups. Also, to analyze careflows that have a high degree of dynamic and complexity. The proposed methodology starts by the preprocess step on the event logs to eliminate outliers and clean the event log. And then apply a set of the popular discovery miner algorithms to discover the process model. Then careflows processes are analyzed from three main perspectives: the control-flow perspective, the performance perspective and, the organizational perspective. That contributes with many insights for the domain experts to improve the existing careflows. Through evaluating the simplicity metric of extracted models; the paper suggested a method to quantify the simplicity metric. The paper used a dataset from a cardiac surgery unit in an Egyptian hospital. The results of the applied process mining techniques provide the hospital managers a real analysis and insights to make the patient journey easier.
Does prestige bias influence the recall and transmission of COVID-19-related information? Protocol registration for an experimental study conducted online
Authors: de Oliveira Edwine Soares , do Nascimento André Luiz Borba , Ferreira Junior Washington Soares , Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: February 2023

In epidemic and pandemic contexts, such as that of COVID-19, epidemiological changes are continuous, and many people do not have access to accurate, up-to-date information. In this context, social learning can be an advantageous survival strategy. We investigate whether people remember and communicate information attributed to someone prestigious more often than that attributed to family members, politicians, and people with experience in public health. The experimental phase will include a recall stage and an information transmission stage, which will be based on a fictitious text containing an opinion about a drug treatment for COVID-19. There will be four versions of the text, and each participant will be assigned one of these versions for the investigation. The participants will be instructed to read the fictional story and then complete a distraction exercise. Subsequently, a recall test will be performed, where they will be asked to recount the story as accurately as possible. The second stage of the experiment is aimed at testing the transmission of information where we will conduct a linear chain transmission experiment, where eight chains of four participants will be used for each story. They will be asked to write down their recollection of the material. This text will undergo spelling error correction and then be sent to the next participant in the chain through the platform. At the end of the experiment, there will be a self-reporting questionnaire for the participants; this allows for triangulation of the data.
p21CIP/WAF1 saRNA inhibits proliferative vitreoretinopathy in a rabbit model
Authors: Zhang Qi , Guo Yangchen , Kang Moorim , Lin Wei-Hsiang , Wu Jian-Cheng , Yu Ying , Li Long-Cheng , Sang Aimin
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a disease process resulting from proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the vitreous and periretinal area, leading to periretinal membrane formation and traction and eventually to postoperative failure after vitreo-retinal surgery for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The present study was designed to test the therapeutic potential of a p21CIP/WAF1 (p21) inducing saRNA for PVR.

Methods

A chemically modified p21 saRNA (RAG1-40-53) was tested in cultured human RPE cells for p21 induction and for the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle progression. RAG1-40-53 was further conjugated to a cholesterol moiety and tested for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in rabbit eyes and for therapeutic effects after intravitreal administration in a rabbit PVR model established by injecting human RPE cells.

Results

RAG1-40-53 (0.3 mg, 1 mg) significantly induced p21 expression in RPE cells and inhibited cell proliferation, the progression of cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and TGF-β1 induced migration. After a single intravitreal injection into rabbit eyes, cholesterol-conjugated RAG1-40-53 exhibited sustained concentration in the vitreal humor beyond at least 8 days and prevented the progression of established PVR.

Conclusion

p21 saRNA could represent a novel therapeutics for PVR by exerting a antiproliferation and antimigration effect on RPE cells.
Nightgown parties
Authors: Bernheimer Kate , Sweeting Samantha , McAra Catriona
Published: February 2023

‘Nightgown parties’ is an experimental visual essay featuring a new fairy tale and previously unpublished images, a three-way collaborative ‘party’ between an artist, writer and curator. The curator, Catriona McAra, begins with a compact, comparative preface for the imaginative practices of the artist and writer which intersect at the lost moment of fairy-tale costume. Writer Kate Bernheimer has prepared a new story, ‘The Crown of Stars’ about a found photograph from artist Samantha Sweeting’s childhood, Golden Crown, in which the 4-year-old artist wears fancy dress and appears to be dancing with abandon. McAra argues that, for both, the fairy-tale costume functions as primary matter, with close reference to well-known tales that feature articles of clothing such as Charles Perrault’s ‘Peau d’Âne’ (‘Donkeyskin’), ‘Cinderella’, and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. McAra’s context for this new tale and image brings together fairy-tale scholarship and costume studies.
Resumos da 5ª Mostra do Doutoramento em Psicologia
Authors: FPCE-UC PsihDay
Published: February 2023

A afirmação da Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade de Coimbra (FPCE-UC) passa por uma aposta na investigação de excelência e pela consolidação de uma cultura científica que, desde cedo, promova a interação dos/as estudantes com as suas estruturas de investigação. A valorização do desenvolvimento de competências transversais no percurso formativo é também a aposta de uma formação universitária em estreita ligação com a investigação. Neste enquadramento, a Mostra de Doutoramento em Psicologia assume uma especial importância enquanto iniciativa de promoção e valorização da investigação realizada na área da Psicologia na FPCE-UC. Esta Mostra é também um espaço privilegiado para a apresentação, pelos/as estudantes, dos seus projetos de doutoramento e para a apresentação pública dos resultados das suas investigações, oferecendo-lhes uma experiência em tudo idêntica ao de um congresso científico. E porque a Mostra de Doutoramento se insere no âmbito da unidade curricular do curso de Doutoramento em Psicologia de “Competências Científicas Transversais”, esta iniciativa permite o treino de apresentação de comunicações científicas, mas também o debate e a partilha de conhecimento numa lógica “multidisciplinar”, no denominador comum que é a disciplina da Psicologia.
Analysis of the antioxidant activity and caffeine content of Barbula indica (Hook.) Spreng. (Bryophyta; Pottiaceae)
Authors: Joshi Supriya , Iwuala Emmanuel , Alam Afroz
Published: February 2023

The current research aims to investigate the phytochemical content of Barbula indica different solvents, its antioxidant properties and quantification of the caffeine content in a methanolic extract by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The total alkaloid content was higher in the methanolic extract, 32.06±0.28 mg/g. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by using DPPH and NOSA; the IC50 values of DPPH and NOSA were 61.09±1.26 µg/mL and 58.04±0.46 µg/mL, respectively. TLC and HPTLC are advanced standardization procedures that provide quantitative and semi-quantitative data about the active compound present in a sample. The development of such a biochemical fingerprint can be used to differentiate the species and adulterants through the analysis of phytochemical content and thus can serve as biochemical markers in pharmacological research and studies related to plant systematics.
Experimental study on the optimization of ANM33 release in foam cells
Authors: Yuan Chen , Liu Liyun , Tayier Baihetiya , Ma Ting , Guan Lina , Mu Yuming , Li Yanhong
Published: February 2023

Given the miR-33’s mechanistic relationships with multiple etiological factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS), we investigated the therapeutic potentials of dual-targeted microbubbles (HA-PANBs) in foam cell-specific release of anti-miR-33 (ANM33) oligonucleotides, resulting in the early prevention of AS progression and severity. The intracellular localization, loading optimization, and therapeutic effects of HA-PANBs were examined in detail in a co-cultured cell model of phagocytosis. Compared with non-targeting nanobubbles (NBs) and single-targeted microbubbles as controls, HA-PANBs efficiently delivered the ANM33 specifically to foam cells via sustained release, exhibiting its clinical value in mediating RNA silencing. Moreover, when used at a dose of 12 µg/mL HA-PANBs per 107 cells for 48 h, a higher release rate and drug efficacy were observed. Therefore, HA-PANBs, effectively targeting early AS foam cells, may represent a novel and optimal gene therapy approach for AS management.
The limit joint distributions of statistics of four tests of the NIST package
Authors: Savelov Maksim P.
Published: February 2023

For sequences of independent random variables having a Bernoulli distribution with parameter p the limit joint distribution of statistics of four tests of the NIST statistical package (« Monobit Test », « Frequency Test within a Block », « Runs Test » and a generalization of « Non-overlapping Template Matching Test ») is obtained. Conditions of asymptotic uncorrelatedness and/or asymptotic independence of these statistics are given.
Effect of water-retention agents on Scomberomorus niphonius surimi after repeated freeze–thaw cycles: low-field NMR and MRI studies
Authors: Sun Shan , Lin Zhuyi , Cheng Shasha , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Tan Mingqian
Published: February 2023

Repeated freeze–thaw cycles can directly cause the changes in the water distribution, physicochemical characteristics, and microstructure of Scomberomorus niphonius surimi. To improve the quality of S. niphonius surimi, the effect of water retention agents (phosphate and trehalose) was investigated during freeze-thaw cycles. The results of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis showed that the water retention agents could obviously decrease the water loss and water mobility during repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Water retention agent significantly reduced the cook loss and improved the surimi quality by decreasing the surimi protein denaturation. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization revealed that water retention agents could obviously ameliorate the protein structure damage. In addition, the principal component analysis combined with LF-NMR parameters showed clear discrimination between samples supplemented with different water retention agents. In a word, the LF-NMR and MRI might provide useful information in a non-invasive manner for monitoring the effects of water-retention agents on surimi after repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Digital Public Policy: New Priorities for Nonprofits
Authors: Bernholz Lucy , Nothias Toussaint , Vavrovsky Amélie-Sophie
Published: February 2023

For decades, tax policy has shaped the outer boundaries of the policy agenda for the nonprofit sector. In this research note, we argue that the breadth and implications of the sector’s digital dependencies necessitate an expanded policy agenda that includes the regulatory domains defining digital spaces. Digital policy issues matter existentially to the sector writ-large, and thus deserve greater attention from scholars, funders, nonprofit leaders, and policy makers. We make this case by drawing on findings from two recent reports. The first one evaluates awareness of digital policies in the nonprofit sector. The second explores the role of nonprofits on digital policy issues during the first year of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Overall, we highlight the many digital policy issues that matter across the sector, and we underline why opportunities for future advocacy and coalition work are numerous, diverse, and existential.
Molecular characterization of Capripoxvirus isolates from Moroccan sheep
Authors: Saidi Aissa , Elmottaki Meriam , Sadikaoui Abderrahman
Published: February 2023

Sheep pox is a highly contagious infectious viral disease (F/Poxviridae, G/Capripoxvirus), still causing economic damage in endemic zones like northern Africa, the Middle East, and many regions in Asia. Nevertheless, the clinical symptoms caused by sheep pox virus (SPPV) is similar to those caused by genetically related viruses, notably goat pox virus (GTPV) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). One of the main objectives of the current study is to characterize the virus; nasal swabs were taken from sheep showing SPPV clinical signs, submitted to molecular sequencing based on the P32 gene marker, and proceeded to genetic comparisons. Phylogenetic results showed that all virus isolate sequences cluster in the SPPV clade, thus distinguishing them from those of GTPV and LSDV. These results give an accurate diagnostic and a clear view of endemic viral strains, guiding veterinary managers in control politics, especially in the choice of a homologous vaccine.
Characterization of Recycled Asphalt Pavement Materials for Use in Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixes
Authors: Sasidharan Deepa , Toshikhani Anusha , Gottumukkala Bharath , Yadav Jyoti
Published: February 2023

The use of recycled asphalt pavements (RAPs) has been a common practice in recent times owing to the sustainability aspect as well as the cost savings. Characterization of RAP is a challenging task because of the high variability in RAP, which can be associated with several factors such as the source, milling method, and processing techniques. RAP material characterization requires a sophisticated material testing facility and is time-intensive. A round-robin test organized by the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems, and Structures (RILEM) Technical Committee 237-SIB has resulted in a new characterization protocol that is primarily intended for new construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance requirements of pavements utilizing RAP. The current study has adopted the RILEM recommendations to categorize RAP from various sources using basic tests: gradation and cohesion. RAPs obtained from seven sources, including artificially aged RAP, were investigated in the current study, and the tests were carried out on 100 % RAP. The allowable proportion of RAP that could be used for the hot-mix asphalt mix design was computed for all seven RAP sources using the blending charts. Furthermore, significant correlations were obtained between the allowable RAP content and the cohesion indices. The observations from this study suggest that basic tests, such as cohesion tests, can reduce the need for complicated test procedures to some extent and can be very advantageous for extensive field projects using RAP.
INOVAÇÃO
Authors: Farias Campos Vinicius , Pinheiro Eraldo
Published: February 2023

A Revista Expressa Extensão da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, V. 27, N.1, traz como tema a inovação, através de edital intitulado “Inovação: extensão inovadora e inovação social”. Diversas universidades, nos últimos anos, têm buscado incluir as atividades de inovação como o quarto e indissociável pilar, atuando em conjunto com o ensino, com a pesquisa e com a extensão. As atividades, os projetos e as ações de extensão inovadora, como serviços tecnológicos, metodologias inovadoras, ações de inovação social e incubadoras sociais têm diversas intersecções com atividades de extensão. Com a promulgação do Decreto Nº 9.283/2018, ato culminante que levou à criação do Novo Marco Legal de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação, muitas instituições de ensino superior reeditaram ou criaram suas Políticas de Inovação. Na UFPel, a Resolução Nº 23/2018, aprovada pelo Conselho Universitário no dia 08 de novembro de 2019, instituiu a Política de Inovação da UFPel, incluindo todas as possibilidades previstas na legislação atual. Tal proposição inclui a universidade na discussão das transformações sociais que estão acontecendo e, assim, consolida-a como um espaço socialmente referenciado em todos os sentidos.
Em consonância com as demais universidades públicas, está sendo realizada uma série de ações buscando subir a UFPel de patamar em relação a inovação nos últimos cinco anos. Dentre elas podemos citar a criação do Congresso de Inovação Tecnológica da UFPel, que ocorre junto à Semana Integrada de Inovação, Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão; a transferência da incubadora Conectar da UFPel para o Pelotas Parque Tecnológico; a primeira transferência de tecnologia da UFPel; a implementação do Programa de Mestrado e Doutorado Acadêmico para a Inovação na UFPel; o credenciamento como uma unidade EMBRAPII e o primeiro produto industrial colocado no mercado a partir de uma pesquisa da universidade. Neste momento, o Conselho Coordenador do Ensino da Pesquisa e da Extensão – COCEPE está discutindo a criação de uma regulamentação para parques tecnológicos e para incubadoras sociais e de empreendimentos de economia solidária. Esta fundamental interface entre extensão e inovação deverá ser utilizada como meio de transformação social, através da busca por novas ideias e estratégias que gerem melhorias para a sociedade. Precisamos avançar em diversos pontos, como tratar de temas de inclusão social nos meios de inovação e extensão, melhorar a comunicação entre os atores desse ecossistema e ampliar os espaços físicos e de debate, com o objetivo de oportunizar maiores possibilidades de atuação profissional de estudantes e de direcionar práticas inovadoras para a sociedade, sempre de maneira socialmente referenciada. Neste sentido, esperamos que espaços como esses sejam cada vez mais acionados no sentido de realizar a interlocução entre extensão e inovação.
Tenham uma boa leitura.
POR UMA CULTURA DE MEDIAÇÃO!
Authors: Paulo Leal Filpo Klever , Guerra da Silva Érica , Laura Thomaz Gomes Heleno Anna , Paula Miranda de Sousa Ana , Henrique Campos Pedro , Farias Gomes Daniel
Published: February 2023

O presente trabalho é um relatório do curso de extensão universitária Atualidades sobre Media- ção de Conflitos: Múltiplas Aplicações e Perspectivas, ofertado pelo Instituto Três Rios da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro de forma remota durante o período da pandemia, no primeiro semestre do ano de 2021. Aborda a base teórica, o contexto institucional, a metodologia utilizada para o desenvolvimento do curso e avalia os resultados atingidos. Em última análise, o curso pretendeu contribuir para a disseminação de uma cultura de mediação. O relatório pode inspirar iniciativas semelhantes em outras instituições de ensino e pesquisa além de fomentar o emprego de formas consensuais de resolução de conflitos, em contraposição a uma cultura adversarial bastante consolidada no campo do Direito.