bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative splicing regulation of cell-cycle genes by SPF45/SR140/CHERP complex controls cell proliferation
Authors: Martín Elena , Vivori Claudia , Rogalska Malgorzata , Herrero-Vicente Jorge , Valcárcel Juan
Published: September 2021

The regulation of pre-mRNA processing has important consequences for cell division and the control of cancer cell proliferation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We report that three splicing factors, SPF45, SR140, and CHERP, form a tight physical and functionally coherent complex that regulates a variety of alternative splicing events, frequently by repressing short exons flanked by suboptimal 3′ splice sites. These comprise alternative exons embedded in genes with important functions in cell-cycle progression, including the G2/M key regulator FOXM1 and the spindle regulator SPDL1. Knockdown of either of the three factors leads to G2/M arrest and to enhanced apoptosis in HeLa cells. Promoting the changes inFOXM1orSPDL1splicing induced by SPF45/SR140/CHERP knockdown partially recapitulates the effects on cell growth, arguing that the complex orchestrates a program of alternative splicing necessary for efficient cell proliferation.
Should Skepticism Be Discredited?
Authors: Ezebuiro Anthony Udoka , Anichebe Obiora , Ojimba Anthony Chimankpam
Published: September 2021

In our day-to-day life and experiences, when one doubts or questions unusually, he is branded a skeptic and consequently resisted. Skeptics, over the years, are seen as people whose basic mood is that of doubt; those who deny absolutely that true knowledge is possible. Although this is not completely true of skepticism, the present work demonstrates, though arguably, that skepticism is more of a philosophical method of inquiry; an epistemological attitude towards knowledge but whose goal is indeed certainty, although it selects a serious doubt concerning all knowledge as the starting point of the inquiry into the possibility of true knowledge. It can rightly be said that the work displays the paradox of skepticism. The word ‘paradox’ originates from a Latin term paradoxum, which has a Greek association paradoxon, or paradoxos, signifying “conflicting with expectation.” Thus, the word paradox signifies a tenet or proposition contrary to received opinions. It is a statement or sentiment that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet, perhaps true in fact. The need for this work is necessitated by the fact that in the present age, it has become no longer the case that the best way to certainty is only by accepting entirely all that one is told, especially when such comes from a sage or a tradition. Obviously, we live in a dispensation where almost every human situation challenges the human rational faculty hence the tendency to change facts and hang-on to lies generates serious fever in every thinking mind. The result of this work therefore is that imperatively, the work demands that whoever wants knowledge should proceed through doubt. The method through which this work arrives at this conclusion is the analytic process of discussion and presentation.
Proposing a Frame of Ethical Principles for Educational Evaluation in Modern Greece
Authors: Tsitas Georgios , Verdis Athanasios
Published: September 2021

In a country with a long philosophical tradition like Greece, the lack of Ethical Principles for educational evaluation is surprising. This article presents the reasons for such a gap within the general theoretical framework for educational evaluation, combined with major schools of thought on Ethics. The authors discuss the importance for educational evaluation and assessment and take a critical view of present ethical frames. They proceed to fill the gap by coming up with a list of twenty-seven Ethical Principles, the result of the varying consensus of sixteen Greek assessment experts, upon the researcher’s initial proposals. The Delphi Method, that was employed to formulate the list, is described and the first complete Ethical frame of educational evaluation for modern Greece is proposed.
Towards Moral Machines: A Discussion with Michael Anderson and Susan Leigh Anderson
Authors: Anderson Michael , Anderson Susan Leigh , Gounaris Alkis , Kosteletos George
Published: September 2021

At the turn of the 21st century, Susan Leigh Anderson and Michael Anderson conceived and introduced the Machine Ethics research program, that aimed to highlight the requirements under which autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) systems could demonstrate ethical behavior guided by moral values, and at the same time to show that these values, as well as ethics in general, can be representable and computable. Today, the interaction between humans and AI entities is already part of our everyday lives; in the near future it is expected to play a key role in scientific research, medical practice, public administration, education and other fields of civic life. In view of this, the debate over the ethical behavior of machines is more crucial than ever and the search for answers, directions and regulations is imperative at an academic, institutional as well as at a technical level. Our discussion with the two inspirers and originators of Machine Ethics highlights the epistemological, metaphysical and ethical questions arising by this project, as well as the realistic and pragmatic demands that dominate artificial intelligence and robotics research programs. Most of all, however, it sheds light upon the contribution of Susan and Michael Anderson regarding the introduction and undertaking of a main objective related to the creation of ethical autonomous agents, that will not be based on the “imperfect” patterns of human behavior, or on preloaded hierarchical laws and human-centric values.
International business
Authors: Pospelov Valentin , Kotlyarov Nikolay , Luk'yanovich Nikolay , Starodubceva Elena , Medvedeva Marina , Tolmachev Petr , Beznoschenko Elena
Published: September 2021

The textbook describes the current trends in the development of international business in the context of the globalization of the world economy. The presentation of the educational material and tasks for students ' independent work are based on the principles of a competence-based approach.
Prepared in accordance with the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation in the direction of training 38.03.01 "Economics" for the profiles "World economy and international business", "Foreign Economic activity".
For students and teachers of economic universities, researchers and practitioners, as well as anyone interested in the problems of international business and foreign economic activity.
Tactical and forensic support of investigative activities: a workshop
Authors: Shishkina Elena
Published: September 2021

The workshop is a set of educational and methodological materials intended for the development of the course "Tactical and forensic support of investigative activities". For each topic of the course, there is a list of studied and control questions, a list of recommended literature, as well as a set of control and measuring materials-test tasks, situational tasks. As elements of the methodological support of the course, the workshop contains samples of scenarios of business games and other interactive forms of conducting practical classes (discussions on problematic issues of the course), materials for performing creative tasks. Practical tasks are compiled on the basis of materials of investigative and judicial practice. Samples of tasks for correspondence students and methodological recommendations for their implementation, as well as sample topics of abstracts and other research papers of students are presented.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students and undergraduates of law schools and faculties studying under the programs of specialized training of investigative workers. It may also be of interest to the teaching staff of universities as a methodological support for training programs for specialists in various fields of law enforcement activity.
The history of the concept of social market economy in Germany
Authors: Nevskiy Sergey , Hudokormov Aleksandr , Pokidchenko Mihail , Chaplygina Irina , Shyuller Al'fred , Gol'dshmidt Zigena , Cvaynert Yoahim
Published: September 2021

The monograph traces the history of the development of German neoliberal economic thought from the origins of the Freiburg School in the 1930s to the first results of the practical implementation of the concept of a social market economy in West Germany in the late 1940s-early 1960s. The author demonstrates the broad historical context of the development of German ideas about the theory and practice of the policy of order (Ordnungstheorie und Ordnungspolitik), shows the features of the formation and spread of the scientific and intellectual economic tradition in Germany, as well as beyond its borders, starting with the birth of the German historical school and the perception of its heritage by Russian socio-economic thought in the second half of the XIX — early XX century and ending with the practical implementation of the concept of order of the Freiburg school and the correlation of its ideological and spiritual and moral foundations with the social teaching of Catholicism and liberalism of Friedrich von Hayek. Special attention is paid to some controversial issues of the formation of the theory of ordoliberalism during the period of national socialism and the problems of the social market economy in modern Germany.
The book is intended to fill the shortage of specialized scientific literature on relevant issues and to acquaint the Russian reader, primarily students, teachers and researchers, with the variety of ideological and scientific-theoretical foundations of the socio-economic system of the post-war Germany.
Development of technological processes in mechanical engineering
Authors: Pogonin Anatoliy , Shrubchenko Ivan , Afanas'ev Aleksandr
Published: September 2021

The textbook provides the main stages, sequence and general methodology for the development of technological processes of mechanical processing of parts and assembly of mechanical engineering products. In the main sections, after the presentation of the elements of the theory, students are assigned project tasks. Many sections are accompanied by examples of their specific implementation.
It is compiled to help students of engineering specialties of full - time and part-time education, mastering the methodology of technological design and performing course and diploma projects and works.
Favourites
Authors: Ruchkina Gul'nara
Published: September 2021

The collection of scientific papers combines individual scientific articles by Professor G. F. Ruchkina, published from 2002 to 2021 in leading legal journals. In the above scientific articles, the author for the first time studied the relations that later became traditional for presentation in textbooks on business, banking and financial law. For the first time, separate directions in the science of business and financial law were developed and significantly supplemented. The peculiarities of G. F. Ruchkina's scientific works are the complexity of the research, the analysis of relations at the intersection of private and public law.
For students and teachers, as well as anyone interested in financial, business and banking law.
HACIA LA CONVERGENCIA EUROPEA: ESTUDIOS DE GÉNERO Y CIUDADANÍA EN LA UNVERSIDAD DE HUELVA.
Authors: Gallego Mar
Published: September 2021

Para enmarcar la evolución de los estudios de género en la Universidad de Huelva, querría partir de la creación del “Seminario de Estudios de la Mujer” en Julio de 1996 y del desarrollo que han tenido estos estudios en estos ocho años para presentar una trayectoria que, aunque no excesivamente larga debido a la relativa juventud de nuestra Universidad (el curso pasado celebramos el décimo aniversario de su fundación), sí que podemos calificar de nutrida y especialmente enriquecedora para las personas que como yo nos dedicamos a los estudios de género en nuestra tarea docente e investigadora. Finalizaré realizando algunas observaciones sobre la relevancia de los estudios de género en el proceso de convergencia europea, tan de actualidad en nuestros días.
LA IMPORTANCIA DE LA TRANSMISIÓN ORAL PARA LA CREACIÓN DEL SUJETO FEMENINO.
Authors: Suárez Ortega Magdalena
Published: September 2021

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo principal analizar cómo se construye la identidad femenina a través de la transmisión oral, tomando como protagonista a Concha. De esta forma, asistiremos a la evolución de este personaje en una búsqueda de la identidad personal con la ayuda del propio proceso oral.
Self-Interested Giving: The Relationship Between Conditional Gifts, Charitable Donations, and Donor Self-Interestedness
Authors: Chao Matthew , Fisher Geoffrey
Published: September 2021

Nonprofits regularly use conditional “thank you” gifts to entice prospective donors to give, yet experimental evidence suggests that their effects are mixed in practice. This paper uses multiple laboratory experiments to test when and why thank you gifts vary in effectiveness. First, we demonstrate that although gifts often increase donations to charities that donors did not rate highly, many of the same gifts had no effects or negative effects for charities that prospective donors already liked. We replicate these findings in a second experiment that uses a different range of charity and gift options as well as different measures of participant perceptions of a charity. We also find that making gifts optional, as is common in fundraising campaigns, does not eliminate these negative gift effects. In additional experiments, we directly test for donor motives using self-report and priming experiments. We find that thank you gifts increase (decrease) the weight that donors place on self-interested (prosocial) motives, leading to changes in donation patterns. Altogether, our results suggest that practitioners may find gifts more useful when appealing to donors not already familiar with or favorably inclined to their charity, such as during donor acquisition campaigns. They may be less useful when appealing to recent donors or others who already favor the charity, in part because the gift may activate mindsets or norms that emphasize self-interested motives instead of more prosocial, other-regarding motives.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, decision analysis.
Pedagogical Concept of Self-reflection of Students of Social Education: Qualitative Study of Self-reflection Determinants
Authors: Martincová Jana , Trubáková Lucie , Fröhlichová Sabrina
Published: September 2021

The main topic of the presented article is the pedagogical concept of self-reflection of students of Social Education. The authors understand the pedagogical concept as primarily educational determinants that influence and shape students’ self-reflection. To identify this aim, the authors formulate the main research question: How do social education students reflect on themselves as students, and what are the determinants of study self-reflection for social pedagogy students? The authors used the qualitative research strategy, specifically The Grounded Theory, through which sixty self-reflecting essays were analysed. These written self-reflections were further complemented with six in-depth interviews in which we acquired clarifying information on self-reflection and self-assessment of social education students. It was ascertained that students’ self-reflection is shaped through an awareness of internal and external study factors, which subsequently influence the overall concept of their study, motivation to perform, study style, and self-assessment.
Spectroscopic investigation and heat generation of Tm3+/Ho3+-codoped aluminosilicate glasses emitting at 2.0 µm
Authors: Eliel Gomes S. N. , Astrath Nelson G. C. , Sales Tasso O. , Rohling Jurandir H. , Malacarne Luis C. , Baesso Mauro L. , Nunes Luiz A. O. , Novatski Andressa , Catunda Tomaz , Jacinto Carlos
Published: September 2021

T
m

3
+

/

H
o

3
+

-codoped low silica calcium
aluminosilicate (LSCAS) glasses were prepared and characterized using
optical absorption, luminescence decay, and thermal lens techniques.
The emission band at 2.0 µm exhibited an enhancement when the Ho
concentration was increased. The luminescence quantum efficiency
values were determined for both

3

F

4

and

5

I

7

levels of

T
m

3
+

and

H
o

3
+

ions, respectively. The high decrease
of the quantum efficiency of the

3

F

4

(

T
m

3
+

) level for high

H
o

3
+

concentration evidenced efficient
energy transfer processes from

T
m

3
+

to

H
o

3
+

. The heat generated in the energy
transfer processes were estimated via a thermal lens experiment, and a
rate equation model was proposed to explain the obtained result. The
experimental and estimated parameters with the proposed theoretical
model are in good agreement. Finally, the results of this work suggest
the

T
m

3
+

/

H
o

3
+

-codoped LSCAS is a promising material
for applications using the emission around 2.0 µm that is of great
interest for biomedical applications.
Simple structure dual-core photonic crystal fiber polarization beam splitter covering the O + E + S + C + L + U band based on the surface plasmon resonance effect
Authors: Qu Yuwei , Yuan Jinhui , Qiu Shi , Zhou Xian , Yan Binbin , Wu Qiang , Liu Bin , Wang Kuiru , Sang Xinzhu , Long Keping , Yu Chongxiu
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a simple structure dual-core photonic crystal fiber (SS-DC-PCF) polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect and symmetric dual-core coupling mode theory is proposed. For the proposed SS-DC-PCF-1 PBS, the coupling lengths (CLs) and coupling length ratio (CLR) are analyzed, and the variations of the normalized output powers with the propagation length are investigated for the chosen wavelengths 1.434, 1.451, and 1.469 µm. The extinction ratio in cores A and B are compared at the three splitting lengths (SLs) 170, 173, and 176 µm. When the optimal SL is 176 µm, the splitting bandwidth (SB) is 255 nm (1.437–1.692 µm), and the insertion loss (IL) is less than 0.043 dB. The regulations of the CLs and CLR with the change of the structure parameters are analyzed. For the proposed SS-DC-PCF-2 PBS, the optimal SL is 232 µm, the SB is 201 nm (1.249–1.450 µm), and the IL is less than 0.042 dB. Finally, it is demonstrated that the total SB of the proposed SS-DC-PCF-1 PBS and SS-DC-PCF-2 PBS is 443 nm (1.249–1.692 µm), which can cover theO+E+S+C+L+Uband, even if the gold film thickness changes by±1nm. The proposed SS-DC-PCF PBS has excellent performances, such as ultrashort SL, ultrawide SB, ultralow IL, and good error-tolerance rate. It will have important applications in all-fiber optical systems.
Sub-pixel detection of laser-induced damage and its growth on fused silica optics using registration residuals
Authors: Hallo Guillaume , Lacombe Chloé , Parreault Romain , Roquin Nadja , Donval Thierry , Lamaignère Laurent , Néauport Jérôme , Hild François
Published: September 2021

Fused silica optics are key components to manipulate high energy Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) laser beams but their optical properties can be degraded by laser-induced damage. The detection of laser damage sites is of major importance. The challenge is to monitor damage initiation and growth at sub-pixel scale with highly sensitive measurements. The damage diameter is a widely used indicator to quantify damage growth but its accuracy is strongly dependent on the available image resolution. More recently, it was shown that registration residual maps (i.e., gray level differences between two registered images) could also be used to monitor laser-induced damage. In this paper, the performance of both indicators are compared to detect laser damage initiation and growth at high and low image resolutions thanks to a highly instrumented laser setup. The results prove that registration residual maps are more efficient to detect sub-pixel laser damage growth than diameter measurements at a given image resolution. The registration residual maps are therefore a powerful indicator for monitoring laser-induced damage initiation and growth at sub-pixel scale either for laser damage metrology setups, for high energy laser facilities, or other situations where damage is suspected to occur. The accuracy of (laser-induced) damage laws may also be improved thanks to this tool.
Dual-wavelength demodulation technique for interrogating a shortest cavity in multi-cavity fiber-optic Fabry–Pérot sensors
Authors: Ren Qianyu , Jia Pinggang , An Guowen , Liu Jia , Fang Guocheng , Liu Wenyi , Xiong Jijun
Published: September 2021

This paper demonstrates, for the first time, a novel demodulation technique that can be applied for interrogating a shortest cavity in multi-cavity Fabry–Pérot (F–P) sensors. In this demodulation technique, using an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light source and two optical fiber broadband filters, the interference only occurs in a shortest F–P cavity that is shorter than the half of the coherence length. Using a signal calibration algorithm, two low-coherence interference optical signals with similar coherence lengths were calibrated to obtain two quadrature signals. Then, the change in the cavity length of the shortest F–P cavity was interrogated by the two quadrature signals and the arctangent algorithm. The experimental results show that the demodulation technique successfully extracted 1 kHz and 500 Hz vibration signals with 39.28 µm and 64.84 µm initial cavity lengths, respectively, in a multi-cavity F–P interferometer. The demodulation speed is up to 500 kHz, and the demodulation technique makes it possible for multi-cavity F–P sensors to measure dynamic and static parameters simultaneously. The results show that the demodulation technique has wide application potential in the dynamic measurement of multi-cavity F–P sensors.
Identifying causal variants by fine mapping across multiple studies
Authors: LaPierre Nathan , Taraszka Kodi , Huang Helen , He Rosemary , Hormozdiari Farhad , Eskin Eleazar
Published: September 2021

Increasingly large Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have yielded numerous variants associated with many complex traits, motivating the development of “fine mapping” methods to identify which of the associated variants are causal. Additionally, GWAS of the same trait for different populations are increasingly available, raising the possibility of refining fine mapping results further by leveraging different linkage disequilibrium (LD) structures across studies. Here, we introduce multiple study causal variants identification in associated regions (MsCAVIAR), a method that extends the popular CAVIAR fine mapping framework to a multiple study setting using a random effects model. MsCAVIAR only requires summary statistics and LD as input, accounts for uncertainty in association statistics using a multivariate normal model, allows for multiple causal variants at a locus, and explicitly models the possibility of different SNP effect sizes in different populations. We demonstrate the efficacy of MsCAVIAR in both a simulation study and a trans-ethnic, trans-biobank fine mapping analysis of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
Circadian regulation of the Drosophila astrocyte transcriptome
Authors: You Samantha , Yu Alder M. , Roberts Mary A. , Joseph Ivanna J. , Jackson F. Rob
Published: September 2021

Recent studies have demonstrated that astrocytes cooperate with neurons of the brain to mediate circadian control of many rhythmic processes including locomotor activity and sleep. Transcriptional profiling studies have described the overall rhythmic landscape of the brain, but few have employed approaches that reveal heterogeneous, cell-type specific rhythms of the brain. Using cell-specific isolation of ribosome-bound RNAs in Drosophila, we constructed the first circadian “translatome” for astrocytes. This analysis identified 293 “cycling genes” in astrocytes, most with mammalian orthologs. A subsequent behavioral genetic screen identified a number of genes whose expression is required in astrocytes for normal sleep behavior. In particular, we show that certain genes known to regulate fly innate immune responses are also required for normal sleep patterns.
Antagonistic relationship of NuA4 with the non-homologous end-joining machinery at DNA damage sites
Authors: Ahmad Salar , Côté Valérie , Cheng Xue , Bourriquen Gaëlle , Sapountzi Vasileia , Altaf Mohammed , Côté Jacques
Published: September 2021

The NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex, apart from its known role in gene regulation, has also been directly implicated in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), favoring homologous recombination (HR) in S/G2 during the cell cycle. Here, we investigate the antagonistic relationship of NuA4 with non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) factors. We show that budding yeast Rad9, the 53BP1 ortholog, can inhibit NuA4 acetyltransferase activity when bound to chromatinin vitro. While we previously reported that NuA4 is recruited at DSBs during the S/G2 phase, we can also detect its recruitment in G1 when genes for Rad9 and NHEJ factors Yku80 and Nej1 are mutated. This is accompanied with the binding of single-strand DNA binding protein RPA and Rad52, indicating DNA end resection in G1 as well as recruitment of the HR machinery. This NuA4 recruitment to DSBs in G1 depends on Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 (MRX) and Lcd1/Ddc2 and is linked to the hyper-resection phenotype of NHEJ mutants. It also implicates NuA4 in the resection-based single-strand annealing (SSA) repair pathway along Rad52. Interestingly, we identified two novel non-histone acetylation targets of NuA4, Nej1 and Yku80. Acetyl-mimicking mutant of Nej1 inhibits repair of DNA breaks by NHEJ, decreases its interaction with other core NHEJ factors such as Yku80 and Lif1 and favors end resection. Altogether, these results establish a strong reciprocal antagonistic regulatory function of NuA4 and NHEJ factors in repair pathway choice and suggests a role of NuA4 in alternative repair mechanisms in situations where some DNA-end resection can occur in G1.
Trypanosoma cruzi infection follow-up in a sylvatic vector of Chagas disease: Comparing early and late stage nymphs
Authors: Cortés Valeria , Cruz Amalia , Onetti Sofia , Kinzel Daniela , Garcia Javiera , Ortiz Sylvia , Lopez Angélica , Cattan Pedro E. , Botto-Mahan Carezza , Solari Aldo
Published: September 2021

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by the triatomine Mepraia spinolai in the southwest of South America. Here, we examined the T. cruzi-infection dynamics of field-caught M. spinolai after laboratory feeding, with a follow-up procedure on bug populations collected in winter and spring of 2017 and 2018. Bugs were analyzed twice to evaluate T. cruzi-infection by PCR assays of urine/fecal samples, the first evaluation right after collection and the second 40 days after the first feeding. We detected bugs with: the first sample positive and second negative (+/-), the first sample negative and second positive (-/+), and with both samples positive or negative (+/+; -/-). Bugs that resulted positive on both occasions were the most frequent, with the exception of those collected in winter 2018. Infection rate in spring was higher than winter only in 2018. Early and late stage nymphs presented similar T. cruzi-infection rates except for winter 2017; therefore, all nymphs may contribute to T. cruzi-transmission to humans. Assessment of infection using two samples represents a realistic way to determine the infection a triatomine can harbor. The underlying mechanism may be that some bugs do not excrete parasites unless they are fed and maintained for some time under environmentally controlled conditions before releasing T. cruzi, which persists in the vector hindgut. We suggest that T. cruzi-infection dynamics regarding the three types of positive-PCR results detected by follow-up represent: residual T. cruzi in the rectal lumen (+/-), colonization of parasites attached to the rectal wall (-/+), and presence of both kinds of flagellates in the hindgut of triatomines (+/+). We suggest residual T. cruzi-infections are released after feeding, and result 60–90 days after infection persisting in the rectal lumen after a fasting event, a phenomenon that might vary between contrasting seasons and years.
Surveillance for peri-elimination trachoma recrudescence: Exploratory studies in Ghana
Authors: Senyonjo Laura , Addy James , Martin Diana L. , Agyemang David , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy , Gwyn Sarah , Marfo Benjamin , Asante-Poku Adwoa , Aboe Agatha , Mensah Ernest , Solomon Anthony W. , Bailey Robin L.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

To date, eleven countries have been validated as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, including Ghana in 2018. Surveillance for recrudescence is needed both pre- and post-validation but evidence-based guidance on appropriate strategies is lacking. We explored two potential surveillance strategies in Ghana.

Methodology/principal findings

Amongst randomly-selected communities enrolled in pre-validation on-going surveillance between 2011 and 2015, eight were identified as having had trachomatous-inflammation follicular (TF) prevalence ≥5% in children aged 1–9 years between 2012 and 2014. These eight were re-visited in 2015 and 2016 and neighbouring communities were also added (“TF trigger” investigations). Resident children aged 1–9 years were then examined for trachoma and had a conjunctival swab to test for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and a dried blood spot (DBS) taken to test for anti-Pgp3 antibodies. These investigations identified at least one community with evidence of probable recent Ct ocular transmission. However, the approach likely lacks sufficient spatio-temporal power to be reliable.

A post-validation surveillance strategy was also evaluated, this reviewed the ocular Ct infection and anti-Pgp3 seroprevalence data from the TF trigger investigations and from the pre-validation surveillance surveys in 2015 and 2016. Three communities identified as having ocular Ct infection >0% and anti-Pgp3 seroprevalence ≥15.0% were identified, and along with three linked communities, were followed-up as part of the surveillance strategy. An additional three communities with a seroprevalence ≥25.0% but no Ct infection were also followed up (“antibody and infection trigger” investigations). DBS were taken from all residents aged ≥1 year and ocular swabs from all children aged 1–9 years. There was evidence of transmission in the group of communities visited in one district (Zabzugu-Tatale). There was no or little evidence of continued transmission in other districts, suggesting previous infection identified was transient or potentially not true ocular Ct infection.

Conclusions/significance

There is evidence of heterogeneity in Ct transmission dynamics in northern Ghana, even 10 years after wide-scale MDA has stopped. There is added value in monitoring Ct infection and anti-Ct antibodies, using these indicators to interrogate past or present surveillance strategies. This can result in a deeper understanding of transmission dynamics and inform new post-validation surveillance strategies. Opportunities should be explored for integrating PCR and serological-based markers into surveys conducted in trachoma elimination settings.
Measuring endemicity and burden of leprosy across countries and regions: A systematic review and Delphi survey
Authors: Ogunsumi Dorcas O. , Lal Vivek , Puchner Karl Philipp , van Brakel Wim , Schwienhorst-Stich Eva-Maria , Kasang Christa , Chukwu Joseph , Kreibich Saskia , Parisi Sandra , Richardus Jan Hendrik , Blok David J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, the annual new case detection in 2019 was 202,189 globally. Measuring endemicity levels and burden in leprosy lacks a uniform approach. As a result, the assessment of leprosy endemicity or burden are not comparable over time and across countries and regions. This can make program planning and evaluation difficult. This study aims to identify relevant metrics and methods for measuring and classifying leprosy endemicity and burden at (sub)national level.

Methods

We used a mixed-method approach combining findings from a systematic literature review and a Delphi survey. The literature search was conducted in seven databases, searching for endemicity, burden and leprosy. We reviewed the available evidence on the usage of indicators, classification levels, and scoring methods to measure and classify endemicity and burden. A two round Delphi survey was conducted to ask experts to rank and weigh indicators, classification levels, and scoring methods.

Results

The literature review showed variation of indicators, levels, and cut-off values to measure leprosy endemicity and/or burden. The most used indicators for endemicity include new case detection rate (NCDR), new cases among children and new cases with grade 2 disability. For burden these include NCDR, MB cases, and prevalence. The classification levels ‘high’ and ‘low’ were most important. It was considered most relevant to use separate scoring methods for endemicity and burden. The scores would be derived by use of multiple indicators.

Conclusion

There is great variation in the existing method for measuring endemicity and burden across countries and regions. Our findings contribute to establishing a standardized uniform approach to measure and classify leprosy endemicity and burden at (sub)national level, which would allow effective communication and planning of intervention strategies.
Variants of MIRNA146A rs2910164 and MIRNA499 rs3746444 are associated with the development of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania guyanensis and with plasma chemokine IL-8
Authors: de Mesquita Tirza Gabrielle Ramos , Junior José do Espírito Santo , de Lacerda Thais Carneiro , Queiroz Krys Layane Guimarães Duarte , Júnior Cláudio Marcello da Silveira , Neto José Pereira de Moura , Gomes Lissianne Augusta Matos , de Souza Mara Lúcia Gomes , Guerra Marcus Vinitius de Farias , Ramasawmy Rajendranath
Published: September 2021

Leishmaniaare intracellular protozoan parasites that cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations in genetically susceptible individuals with an insufficient or balanced Th1 immune response to eliminate the parasite. MiRNAs play important regulatory role in numerous biological processes including essential cellular functions. miR146-a acts as an inhibitor of interleukin 1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) present in the toll-like receptors pathway while miR499a modulates TGF-β and TNF signalling pathways. Here, we investigated whetherMIRNA146A rs2910164 and MIRNA499 rs3746444variants are associated with the development ofL.guyanensis(Lg)-cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The variantsMIR146Ars2910164 andMIR499Ars3746444 were assessed in 850 patients withLg-CL and 891 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Plasma cytokines were measured using the BioPlex assay. Carriers of rs2910164 CC genotype have 30% higher odds of developing CL (ORadjage/sex= 1.3 [95%CI 0.9–1.8]; Padjage/sex0.14) compared to individuals with the genotype GG (ORadjage/sex= 0.77 [95%CI 0.56–1.0]; Padjage/sex0.14) if exposed toLg-infection. Heterozygous GC individuals also showed lower odds of developing CL (ORadjage/sex= 0.77 [95%CI 0.5–1.1]; Padjage/sex0.09). Homozygosity for the allele C is suggestive of an association with the development ofLg-CL among exposed individuals toLg-infection. However, the odds of developing CL associated with the CC genotype was evident only in male individuals (ORadjage= 1.3 [95% CI = 0.9–2.0]; Padjage= 0.06). Individuals homozygous for the G allele tend to have higher plasma IL-8 and CCL5. Similarly, for theMIR499Ars3746444, an association with the G allele was only observed among male individuals (OR = 1.4 [1.0–1.9]; P = 0.009). In a dominant model, individuals with the G allele (GG-GA) when compared to the AA genotype reveals that carriers of the G allele have 40% elevated odds of developingLg-CL (ORadjage= 1.4 [1.1–1.9]). Individuals with the GG genotype have higher odds of developingLg-CL (ORadjage/sex= 2.0 [95%CI 0.83–5.0]; Padjage= 0.01. Individuals homozygous for the G allele have higher plasma IL-8. Genetic combinations of both variants revealed that male individuals exposed toLgbearing three or four susceptible alleles have higher odds of developingLg-CL (OR = 2.3 [95% CI 1.0–4.7]; p = 0.017). BothMIR146Ars2910164 andMIR499Ars3746444 are associated with the development ofLg-CL and this association is prevalent in male individuals.
Potassium fertilization improves growth, yield and seed quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under drought stress at different growth stages
Authors: Dar Javed Shabbir , Cheema Mumtaz Akhtar , Rehmani Muhammad Ishaq Asif , Khuhro Shahnwaz , Rajput Shahjahan , Virk Ahmad Latif , Hussain Sajid , Bashir Muhammad Amjad , Alghanem Suliman M. , Al-Zuaibr Fahad Mohammed , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Hessini Kamel
Published: September 2021

Water scarcity is a major concern for sunflower production in the semi-arid and arid regions of the world. Potassium (K) application has been found effective to alleviate the influence of drought stress; however, the impact of drought stress on seed quality of sunflower has not been reported frequently. Therefore, a field experiment was performed to determine the optimum K requirement for mitigating the adverse effects of water stress and improving growth and seed quality of spring-planted sunflower. Sunflower plants were exposed to water stress at different growth stages, i.e., Io = no stress (normal irrigation), I1 = pre-anthesisi stress (irrigation skipped at pre-anthesis stage), I2 = anthesis stress (irrigation skipped at anthesis stage) and I3 = post-anthesis stress (irrigation skipped at post-anthesis stage). Potassium was applied at four different rates, i.e., Ko = 0, K1 = 50, K2 = 100 and K3 = 150 kg ha-1. The results revealed that water stress at pre- and post-anthesis stages significantly reduced plant height, head diameter, number of achenes, oleic acid contents, and phosphorus (P) uptake. However, pre-anthesis stress improved linoleic acid contents. Treatment IoK3 (stress-free with 150 kg ha-1 K) was optimum combination for 1000-achene weight, biological and achene yields, oil contents, protein contents, and N and P uptake. Results indicated that a higher amount of K and irrigation resulted in higher yield, whereas yield and yield components decreased with early-stage water stress. Nevertheless, potassium application lowered the impacts of waters stress compared to no application. Keeping in view these results, it is recommended that sunflower must be supplied 150 kg ha-1 K in arid and semi-arid regions to achieve higher yield and better seed quality.
The effect of caffeine on tinnitus: Randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ledesma Alleluia Lima Losno , Leite Rodrigues Daniele , Monteiro de Castro Silva Isabella , Oliveira Carlos Augusto , Bahmad Fayez
Published: September 2021

Objective

To test the hypothesis that caffeine can influence tinnitus, we recruited 80 patients with chronic tinnitus and randomly allocated them into two groups (caffeine and placebo) to analyze the self-perception of tinnitus symptoms after caffeine consumption, assuming that this is an adequate sample for generalization.

Methods

The participants were randomized into two groups: one group was administered a 300-mg capsule of caffeine, and the other group was given a placebo capsule (cornstarch). A diet that restricted caffeine consumption for 24 hours was implemented. The participants answered questionnaires (the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory—THI, the Visual Analog Scale—VAS, the profile of mood state—POMS) and underwent examinations (tonal and high frequency audiometry, acufenometry (frequency measure; intensity measure and the minimum level of tinnitus masking), transient otoacoustic emissions—TEOAE and distortion product otoacoustic emissions—DPOAE assessments) at two timepoints: at baseline and after capsule ingestion.

Results

There was a significant change in mood (measured by the POMS) after caffeine consumption. The THI and VAS scores were improved at the second timepoint in both groups. The audiometry assessment showed a significant difference in some frequencies between baseline and follow-up measurements in both groups, but these differences were not clinically relevant. Similar findings were observed for the amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio in the TEOAE and DPOAE measurements.

Conclusions

Caffeine (300 mg) did not significantly alter the psychoacoustic measures, electroacoustic measures or the tinnitus-related degree of discomfort.
Uncertainty of methane emissions coming from the physical volume of plant biomass inside the closed chamber was negligible during cropping period
Authors: Lim Ji Yeon , Cho Song Rae , Kim Gil Won , Kim Pil Joo , Jeong Seung Tak
Published: September 2021

In rice paddy, the closed chamber method is broadly used to estimate methane (CH4) emission rate. Since rice plants can significantly affect CH4 production, oxidation and emission, rice plantation inside the chamber is standardized in IPCC guidelines. Methane emission rate is calculated using the increased concentration inside the headspace. Biomass growth might decrease the headspace volume, and thus CH4 emission rates might be overestimated. To evaluate the influence of chamber headspace decreased by rice plant development on CH4 emission rates, five Korean rice cultivars were cultivated in a typical rice paddy, and physical volume changes in rice biomass were assayed using water displacement method. The recommended acrylic closed chambers (H. 1.2 m x W. 0.6 m x L. 0.6 m) were installed, and eight rice plants were transplanted inside the chamber with the same space interval with the outside. Biomass growth significantly decreased the headspace volume of the chamber. However, this volume covered only 0.48–0.55% of the closed chamber volume at the maximum growth stage. During the whole cropping period, mean 0.24–0.28% of chamber headspace was allocated by plant biomass, and thus this level of total CH4 emissions was overestimated. However, this overestimation was much smaller than the errors coming from other investigation processes (i.e., chamber closing hour, temperature recording, inconstant flooding level, different soil environments, etc.) and rice physiological changes. In conclusion, the influence of physical biomass volume inside the closed chamber was negligible to make the error in total CH4 emission assessment in rice paddies.
The impact of horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) infestation on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] productivity in northern irrigated plains of Pakistan
Authors: Mubeen Khuram , Shehzad Muhammad , Sarwar Naeem , Rehman Haseeb ur , Yasir Tauqeer Ahmad , Wasaya Allah , Ahmad Matlob , Hussain Mubshar , Abbas Muhammad Bilal , Yonas Muhammad Waqas , Farooq Shahid , Alahmadi Tahani Awad
Published: September 2021

Horse purslane (Trianthema portulacstrumL.) is an important weed of soybean crop capable of causing significant yield reduction. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of horse purslane and other weeds’ infestation on the productivity of soybean. Ten treatments, i.e., weed-free throughout the growing season, horse purslane-free till 20, 40 and 60 days after emergence (DAE), all weeds-free till 20, 40 and 60 DAE, weedy-check (excluding horse purslane), weedy-check (horse purslane alone) and weedy-check (all weeds) were included in the study. Data relating to density and dry weight of recorded weed species, and yield and related traits of soybean were recorded. Overall, infestation percentage of horse purslane was 33.10 and 51%, whereas dry weight was 12 and 44 g m-2during 1stand 2ndyear, respectively. The highest dry weight of all weed species was recorded at 45 DAE in weedy-check all weeds treatment during both years. The lowest relative density and frequency of horse purslane were recorded in the treatment where it was controlled until 20 DAE during 2018 at 30 DAE, whereas the same treatment recoded the lowest density of horse purslane at 45 DAE during 2019. The relative frequency of horse purslane was non-significant for weedy-check horse purslane and weedy-check all weeds treatments during 2018, whereas former treatment had higher relative frequency of horse purslane in weedy-check all weeds than the later during 2019. Yield and related traits significantly differed among different treatments used in the study. The treatment all weeds controlled until 40 DAE recorded higher number of pods per plant, 1000-seed weight and seed yield during both years. The yield reduction in weedy-check treatments was; weedy-check all weeds > weedy-check all weeds except horse purslane > weedy-check horse purslane only. It is concluded that horse purslane was not the sole weed interfering soybean fields and weed flora consisted of false amaranth [Digera muricata(L.) Mart.] and purple nut sedge (Cyperus rotundusL.). Hence, if the soybean fields in northern irrigated plains of Pakistan are infested with horse purslane or heavily infested with horse purslane or other weeds, these should be controlled in initial 40 DAE to improve soybean productivity.
The study on the role of dedicators on promoting cooperation in public goods game
Authors: Wu Zhenghong , Huang Huan , Liao Qinghu
Published: September 2021

In daily life, some people are always seen dedicating available resources to support collective activities. In this paper, we call these people who care group goals more than individual goals dedicators. Inspired by this phenomenon, we studied the role of dedicators on the evolution of cooperation in public goods game (PGG) based on a Chinese Folk Spring Festival Gala. Three types of agents were introduced into our PGG model including cooperators, defectors and dedicators. Dedicators tried to donate when the Gala was short of funds. Cooperators and defectors imitated the strategy of the highest-payoff neighbor based on the rational mechanism. And their imitating probability was modified on account of the emotional mechanism for positive effect of the dedicator’s donating behavior and negative effect of continuous poor performance. Through numerical simulations, we found that the existence of dedicators can indeed promote cooperation in PGG. It should be noted that dedicators’ willingness to donate was more important than their donation quantity in facilitating cooperation. And the stronger the emotional effect intensity of dedicators’ donating behavior was, the better. So, the selfless dedication of participants should be praised to promote cooperation by improving their emotional effect intensity. Last but not least, a reasonable activity budget was needed to sustain the highest level of cooperation.