bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Escolhas por diferentes métodos: a ordenação dos fatores altera o resultado?
Authors: Cruz Eduardo Picanço , Fontanillas Carlos Navarro , Costa Filho Murilo Carrazedo Marques da
Published: July 2021

As metodologias multicritério de apoio à decisão avançaram nos últimos anos, oferecendo diversas abordagens sobre escolhas. Este trabalho versa sobre duas formas diferentes de realizar escolhas sociais: a opção pela melhor alternativa ou a criação de uma ordenação de possibilidades. Para tanto, foi realizada uma survey com alunos da disciplina de processo decisório, a fim de confirmar ou refutar três proposições de pesquisa: 1) é provável haver um paradoxo, uma vez que existe a possibilidade de a alternativa mais aprovada ser também a mais rejeitada; 2) a mudança numa alternativa afeta o resultado; 3) é possível gerar um resultado diferente ao alterar o sistema de votação. Os resultados coletados confirmaram as proposições 1 e 3, mas invalidou a 2. Apesar de aproveitar o cenário da eleição presidencial de 2018 para a coleta de dados, os achados deste trabalho também se aplicam às empresas, uma vez que também elas são palcos de decisões coletivas.
Trends of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody prevalence in selected regions across Ghana
Authors: Quashie Peter Kojo , Mutungi Joe Kimanthi , Dzabeng Francis , Oduro-Mensah Daniel , Opurum Precious C. , Tapela Kesego , Udoakang Aniefiok John ,   WACCBIP COVID-19 Team, Asante Ivy , Paemka Lily , Kumi-Ansah Frederick , Quaye Osbourne , Amoako Emmanuela , Armah Ralph , Kilba Charlyne , Boateng Nana Afia , Ofori Michael , Kyei George B. , Bediako Yaw , Ndam Nicaise , Abugri James , Ansah Patrick , Ampofo William K. , Mutapi Francisca , Awandare Gordon A.
Published: July 2021

Background: We set out to estimate the community-level exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Ghana.

Methods: Phased seroprevalence studies of 2729 participants at selected locations across Ghana were conducted. Phase I (August 2020) sampled 1305 individuals at major markets/lorry stations, shopping malls, hospitals and research institutions involved in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) work. The study utilized a lateral flow rapid diagnostic test (RDT) which detected IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.

Results: During Phase I, 252/1305 (19%) tested positive for IgM or IgG or both. Exposure was significantly higher at markets/lorry stations (26.9%) compared to malls (9.4%), with 41–60-year group demonstrating highest seropositivity (27.2%). Exposure was higher in participants with no formal education (26.2%) than those with tertiary education (13.1%); and higher in informally employed workers (24.0%) than those in the formal sector (15.0%). Results from phases II and III, in October and December 2020 respectively, implied either reduced transmissions or loss of antibody expression in some participants. The Upper East region showed the lowest seropositivity (2%). Phase IV, in February 2021, showed doubled seropositivity in the upper income bracket (26.2%) since August 2020, reflective of Ghana’s second wave of symptomatic COVID-19 cases. This suggested that high transmission rates had overcome the initial socioeconomic stratification of exposure risk. Reflective of second wave hospitalisation trends, the 21-40 age group demonstrated modal seropositivity (24.9) in Phase IV whilst 40-60 years and 60+ previously demonstrated highest prevalence.

Conclusions: Overall, the data indicates higher COVID-19 seroprevalence than officially acknowledged, likely implying a considerably lower-case fatality rate than the current national figure of 0.84%. The data also suggests that COVID-19 is predominantly asymptomatic COVID-19 in Ghana. The observed trends mimic clinical trends of infection and imply that the methodology used was appropriate.
Professional Self-Development in the Imagination of Future Primary School Teachers
Authors: Chirkova Natal'ya
Published: July 2021

The leading task of modern teacher education is to provide opportunities for personal and professional self-development of teachers. The article analyzes various approaches to understanding the concepts of "self-development" and "professional self-development", substantiates the author's position on this issue. The results of a questionnaire survey on the representation of future primary school teachers in relation to their professional self-development are presented.
Designing a School Learning Development Environment: Technological Aspects
Authors: Nikolaev V.
Published: July 2021

Nowadays modern education system is at a stage of active transformation. The transition from the old school model to a new one under conditions of uncertainty and rapid changes experienced by all areas in the real world (VUCA-world) calls for revising the role of education and requires new approaches in order to improve the interaction of participants involved in the educational process (teacher and students). The specific of such interaction is to shape a set of cultural techniques which include thinking, multi-positional communication and practical actions. The article presents some aspects of designing a new type of school learning environment, namely, learning and technological development environment. The results of the project activities carried out by the teaching staff of the Educational Complex "Nasha Shkola" (Novosibirsk) whose responsibility was to create such environment is the development of special models. Models represented in this paper deal with the technology of the learning situation construction and they are considered as normative and technological units of educational content acquisition with focus on the teacher’s role as well as on the organization, complex testing and the technology correction which can be done through inter-positional spaces of educational process support.
Peculiarities of Interaction Among Professional Educational Institutions, Employers and Social Partners
Authors: Lysenko V.
Published: July 2021

The social order posed by the society to the training of highly qualified personnel for the strategic needs of the labor market is associated with the changes in the economy, including the processes of its computerization and digitalization. Transformations in the digital economy determine new requirements for specialists’ training, their competences and qualification. The rapid changes in socio-economic conditions cause the need to transform the system of vocational training in order to meet the demands for competencies that correspond to the current technologic trends and methods of production. The reforms of vocational education system can be significant in resolving contradictions between the quality of training, on the one hand, and public and employers’ demands, on the other hand. Close cooperation of professional educational institutions, employers and social partners through their joint design and development of teaching technologies and methods for advanced vocational training of qualified specialists can be considered as one of the most efficient factors and conditions for resolving the above mentioned contradictions. These new conditions have already been created in the Centers for Advanced Vocational Training (CAVT), which can be characterized as a new type of infrastructural solution to the problem of aggregation of advanced vocational training programs and material and technical resources owned by science, education, production. The article focuses on some features of interaction and cooperation among vocational educational institutions, employers and social partners (social and public-private partnerships, networking cooperation, educational and technological cluster), which are taken into account in the performance of the Center for Advanced Vocational Training of the Kemerovo region.
Revisitando la educación popular en el centenario de Paulo Freire.
Authors: Lucio-Villegas Emilio
Published: July 2021

Con una larga tradición, la educación popular ha sido durante mucho tiempo un referente para las prácticas educativas que pretendían una mayor autonomía para las personas y una sociedad más justa. Los contextos geográficos y conceptuales que señalan su nacimiento y desarrollo son muy variados. En nuestro entorno más cercano, las corrientes de pensamiento y las prácticas ligadas con América Latina, y con especial relevancia para la obra de Paulo Freire, son las que más influencia e importancia han tenido. En este artículo pretendo revisar algunas de las ideas que influyen en el desarrollo de la educación popular, así como las metodologías que le dan forma. En concreto, voy a centrarme en las aportaciones de las teorías de la desescolarización, y de metodologías como la investigación participativa, esencial para una construcción colectiva del conocimiento. En una segunda sección mencionaré algunos aspectos metodológicos que priman la interacción social, el diálogo y la participación. A modo de conclusión, presentaré dos de las críticas más comunes realizadas tanto a la obra de Freire, como a la educación popular – el papel de la escuela como adoctrinadora y la posición de la persona educadora. A partir de ahí, intentaré resaltar la actualidad y relevancia de la educación popular.
Halloween y la diversidad cultural en la Formación Inicial Docente.
Authors: García-Navarro Carmen , López-Martínez Manuel José
Published: July 2021

Vivimos en una sociedad en la que se corre el riesgo de familiarizarnos con una representación uniforme de la realidad socio-cultural a pesar de la diversidad en nuestro mundo globalizado. En este artículo se presenta una experiencia diseñada para promover la reflexión en el alumnado universitario sobre sus saberes para ser aplicados en el aula de Educación Infantil. Siguiendo la metodología de la investigación-acción, la finalidad es la de contribuir a la discusión y a la movilización de cambios epistemológicos y competenciales sobre la práctica docente a partir del análisis de la celebración de Halloween. El objeto de estudio se centra en el tratamiento de dicha celebración en un escenario educativo formal donde convergen diferentes universos simbólicos. Se muestran oportunidades de aprendizaje para que el futuro docente valore las potencialidades educativas interculturales de esta celebración, desde la perspectiva del cosmopolitismo y del pensamiento crítico. En esta experiencia se ha comprobado que la indagación y la reflexión crítica contribuyen a la mejora de la formación inicial del profesorado en un contexto multicultural.
Geometric Rescaling Algorithms for Submodular Function Minimization
Authors: Dadush Dan , Végh László A. , Zambelli Giacomo
Published: July 2021

We present a new class of polynomial-time algorithms for submodular function minimization (SFM) as well as a unified framework to obtain strongly polynomial SFM algorithms. Our algorithms are based on simple iterative methods for the minimum-norm problem, such as the conditional gradient and Fujishige–Wolfe algorithms. We exhibit two techniques to turn simple iterative methods into polynomial-time algorithms. First, we adapt the geometric rescaling technique, which has recently gained attention in linear programming, to SFM and obtain a weakly polynomial bound [Formula: see text]. Second, we exhibit a general combinatorial black box approach to turn [Formula: see text]-approximate SFM oracles into strongly polynomial exact SFM algorithms. This framework can be applied to a wide range of combinatorial and continuous algorithms, including pseudo-polynomial ones. In particular, we can obtain strongly polynomial algorithms by a repeated application of the conditional gradient or of the Fujishige–Wolfe algorithm. Combined with the geometric rescaling technique, the black box approach provides an [Formula: see text] algorithm. Finally, we show that one of the techniques we develop in the paper can also be combined with the cutting-plane method of Lee et al., yielding a simplified variant of their [Formula: see text] algorithm.
Reactive Thrombocytosis after Splenectomy in Hereditary Spherocytosis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ejikeme Chidinma , Elkattawy Sherif , Kayode-Ajala Fisayo , Ayad Sarah , Al-nasseri Abraheim , Kessler William
Published: July 2021

Reactive thrombocytosis after splenectomy is a feared cause of thrombosis throughout the arterial and venous system. There are many causes of splenomegaly, ranging from cirrhosis to lymphoma to hereditary spherocytosis. In this report, we will discuss a case of reactive thrombocytosis after splenectomy in a patient with hereditary spherocytosis. Splenomegaly is a relatively common finding in HD patients, causing extravascular haemolysis and thus leading to haemolytic anaemia. Splenectomy is usually considered when patients start to manifest severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice or worsening liver function tests. Our patient was a good surgical candidate and successfully underwent splenectomy but afterwards developed arterial and venous thrombosis due to reactive thrombocytosis. An extensive hypercoagulable work-up was unremarkable. The patient was started on hydroxyurea and anticoagulation with eventual improvement of platelet levels.
Nitrous Oxide and Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle Feedyard Pens Following Large Rainfall Events
Authors: Parker David B. , Casey Kenneth D. , Willis Will , Meyer Beverly
Published: July 2021

Highlights

Nitrous oxide and methane emissions were measured from a commercial beef feedyard following large rainfall events.

Nitrous oxide emissions dropped below detection levels for ten days following a 77 mm rainfall event.

Daily N2O and CH4 emissions followed a diel pattern, peaking at manure temperatures of 36°C to 38°C.

Results will be used to refine empirical models for predicting GHG emissions from open-lot feedyards.

Abstract. More than six million beef cattle are fed annually in feedyards on the semiarid Southern Great Plains (SGP). Manure deposited on the open-lot pen surfaces contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) are GHGs linked to climate change, and both have global warming potentials greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). Two sampling campaigns were conducted in 2019 to quantify N2O and CH4 emissions from open-lot pen surfaces. The occurrence of large, unforecast rainfall events during both campaigns provided an opportunity to compare GHG emissions from the dry manure before rainfall and from the wetted pen surface for one to two weeks following precipitation. Temporal variability was quantified by continuous sampling using six to eight automated flux chambers, a multiplexer system, and real-time analyzers. Spatial variability was quantified using a recirculating portable chamber on a 5 × 8 grid. Nitrous oxide emissions dropped below detection levels for ten days after the precipitation event. Nitrous oxide emissions were related to nitrification or other aerobic processes. Methane emissions dropped below detection levels for five days after the precipitation event and then increased to pre-rainfall levels by day 8. When present, N2O and CH4 emissions followed a diel pattern, with the highest emissions occurring during the afternoon when manure pack temperatures at the 25 mm depth were 36°C to 38°C and ambient temperatures were 31°C to 32°C. Average CH4 emissions from the feedyard pen surface were 96-fold lower than estimated enteric CH4 emissions. The results of this field research will be used to refine empirical models for predicting annual N2O and CH4 emissions from open-lot beef cattle feedyards on the semiarid SGP. Keywords: Beef cattle, Flux chamber, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Rainfall.
Adjustable square optical vortices generated by modified square spiral zone plates
Authors: Xia Tian , Hao Zhao , Li Yixiang , Wang Yinglan , Chen Shengtan , Liu Jia , Tao Shaohua
Published: July 2021

A modified square spiral zone plate (MSSZP) is proposed to generate a square optical vortex with an adjustable shape and position. A radial modulation

r
0

adjusts the shape of the two-arms-cross pattern for the square vortex. The vertical modulation

a

and horizontal modulation

b

make the central position of the square vortex move along the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. The vertical or horizontal moving distance is linearly related to

a

or

b

, respectively. The slope of the corresponding fitting line is equal to 1/2. Based on the sum of topological charges of the MSSZP and spiral phase plate, the topological charge of the corresponding generated square vortex follows a modulo-4 transmutation rule, which is satisfied by setting the appropriate

r
0

. The method of constructing the MSSZP is illustrated. It is proved in the simulations and experiments that the MSSZP has the adjustable square vortex. The proposed zone plate is applicable for optical image processing, infrared antennas, and laser alignment systems.
Accurate near-field millimeter-wave imaging of concave objects using circular polarizations
Authors: Si Weikang , Zhuge Xiaodong , Pu Zhiqiang , Miao Jungang
Published: July 2021

Millimeter-wave (MMW) imaging is becoming an important option in many sensing applications. However, the resulting images are often plagued with artifacts caused by complex target scenarios such as concave structures, hampering applications where precise recognition is emphasized. It has been shown that existing imaging techniques can effectively resolve this issue by considering the multi-reflection propagation process in the forward model of the inverse problem. But the accuracy of such method still depends on the precise separation of reflected signals exhibiting different number of interactions with the target surfaces. In this article, an improved imaging technique based on circular polarizations is proposed for accurate imaging of concave objects. By utilizing circular polarized measurements, the received signal can be divided into odd and even number of reflection times. Then, an iterative reconstruction technique is introduced to automatically separate signal components and reconstruct precise contours of the concave surfaces. Furthermore, a strict observation angle boundary model is derived based on methods of the stationary phase to correct the image deformation of edges existing in previous algorithms. Both numerical and experimental results synthesized from 6∼18 GHz dual-polarized measurements are used to demonstrate the improved accuracy and automation of the proposed method.
Reconstruction and modeling of the complex refractive index of nonlinear glasses from terahertz to optical frequencies
Authors: Pacewicz Adam , Cimek Jaroslaw , Salski Bartlomiej , Walczakowski Michal , Buczynski Ryszard
Published: July 2021

The linear complex refractive index of a set of borosilicate and tellurite as well as heavy metal oxide silicate, germanate and fluoride glasses has been determined using the Kramers-Kronig analysis on combined data from terahertz time domain (THz-TD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers in the ultrabroadband range of 0.15 THz to 200 THz. Debye, Lorentz and shape language modeling (SLM) approaches are applied. Far-infrared absorption power-law model parameters are determined via searching for the largest frequency range that minimizes the root mean squared error (RMSE) of a linear least squares fit for the set of glasses and other glass literature data. Relationships between the absorption parameters, glass properties and compositions are explored.
Evaluation of Pearson correlation coefficient and Parisi parameter of replica symmetry breaking in a hybrid electronically addressable random fiber laser
Authors: Coronel Edwin , Das Avishek , González Iván R. R. , Gomes Anderson S. L. , Margulis Walter , von der Weid J. P. , Raposo Ernesto P.
Published: July 2021

The hybrid electronically addressable random (HEAR) laser is a novel type of random fiber laser that presents the remarkable property of selection of the fiber section with lasing emission. Here we present a joint analysis of the correlations between intensity fluctuations at distinct wavelengths and replica symmetry breaking (RSB) behavior of the HEAR laser. We introduce a modified Pearson coefficient that simultaneously comprises both the Parisi overlap parameter and standard Pearson correlation coefficient. Our results highlight the contrast between the correlations and presence or not of RSB phenomenon in the spontaneous emission behavior well below threshold, replica-symmetric ASE regime slightly below threshold, and RSB phase with random lasing emission above threshold. In particular, in the latter we find that the onset of RSB behavior is accompanied by a stochastic dynamics of the lasing modes, leading to competition for gain intertwined with correlation and anti-correlation between modes in this complex photonic phase.
Wideband low confinement loss anti-resonant hollow core fiber with nested U-shape tube
Authors: Zheng Weiqin , Qin Yuwen , Xu Ou , Xiang Meng , Peng Di , Fu Songnian , Li Jianping
Published: July 2021

We propose a nested U-shape tube anti-resonant hollow core fiber (UARF) that can effectively reduce the confinement loss (CL) as well as the loss oscillations. The key parameters of UARF have been optimized via numerical analysis. Simulation results show that the CL of proposed UARF is lower than 0.01dB/km over a 550 nm operational bandwidth range from 1.3 µm to 1.85 µm. This CL is nearly one order of magnitude lower than the nested anti-resonant nodeless fiber (NANF). Moreover, the loss ratio between higher-order modes to the fundamental mode is verified to be more than 100,000 over a ultrawide bandwidth of 1000 nm, which indicates its excellent single mode performance. The tolerance towards the structure deformation of UARF has been evaluated for the purpose of practical fiber fabrication. Thus, the proposed UARF has potential application in large capacity data transmission, nonlinear optics, gas sensing and so on.
Modeling an actively mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator based on electric amplitude modulation
Authors: Wu Yilin , Zeng Zhen , Zhang Lingjie , Zhang Zhiyao , Zhang Shangjian , Li Heping , Liu Yong
Published: July 2021

A theoretical model and its calculation method are proposed to simulate an actively mode-locked optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) based on electric amplitude modulation. The model includes electric amplitude modulation to achieve mode locking and convolution of electric signal and filter impulse response function to achieve mode selection. Numerical simulation is carried out through enhancing the calculating time window to an integral multiple of the roundtrip time and employing pulse tracking method with a precise delay. Through using this model, the waveform, the spectrum and the phase noise characteristic of the generated microwave pulse train from an actively mode-locked OEO are numerically simulated, where the simulation results fit in with the experimental results. This model can be used to design an actively mode-locked OEO based on electric amplitude modulation. More importantly, it is favorable for studying the dynamic process in an actively mode-locked OEO, which is difficult to grasp by carrying out an experiment.
Experimental demonstration of the conversion of local and correlated Gaussian quantum coherence
Authors: Kang Haijun , Liu Yang , Han Dongmei , Wang Na , Su Xiaolong
Published: July 2021

Quantum coherence plays an important role in quantum information processing. In this Letter, we experimentally demonstrate the conversion of local and correlated Gaussian quantum coherence in the process of converting two squeezed states into an entangled state. We also investigate the relationship among total, local, and correlated coherence and show that the total coherence of a two-mode Gaussian state is the sum of local quantum coherence of each mode and the correlated quantum coherence between two modes. Our results highlight the connection of different quantum coherence in a two-mode Gaussian system and provide references for potential application.
Anti-reflection subwavelength gratings for InP-based waveguide facets
Authors: Puts Lukas , Leijtens Xaveer , Cheben Pavel , Schmid Jens , Reniers Sander , Melati Daniele
Published: July 2021

We demonstrate the anti-reflection properties of lithographically defined subwavelength gratings applied to the facets of integrated waveguides realized in the InP membrane-on-silicon platform. The subwavelength gratings are based on the gradient index effect to create a smooth index transition between the core material and air, making it possible to obtain reflections below

−

30

d
B

at a wavelength of 1550 nm for both TE and TM polarized modes, as shown by 3D finite-difference time-domain simulations. Characterizations performed using Mach–Zehnder interferometers as test structures show relative reflections as low as

−

25

d
B

, confirming the effectiveness of the technique.
Multi-color method for the self-correction of the air refractive index
Authors: Xiong Shilin , Wang Yue , Chen Jiayang , Zhang Jinxu , Wu Guanhao
Published: July 2021

We propose a multi-color method for the self-correction of the air refractive index based on the dispersive interferometry of an optical frequency comb. This method can be applied to correct the air refractive index for long-distance measurements in moist air. Optical lengths of multiple wavelengths were obtained simultaneously by the dispersive interferometry of an optical frequency comb. Interferometric measurement results and calculations from the empirical equation of air refractive indices were similar, with a standard deviation of

2.0

×

10

−
9

throughout the 2 h continuous measurement period. By applying the multi-color method, correction of the air refractive index with an uncertainty of

3.5

×

10

−
7

was achieved.
Error-free PAM-4 transmission by a high-speed plastic optical fiber without forward error correction
Authors: Koike Yasuhiro , Muramoto Kenta
Published: July 2021

This Letter reports, to the best of our knowledge, the first study in which error-free four-level pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM-4) transmission has been achieved using a graded-index plastic optical fiber (GI POF) without the use of forward error correction (FEC) techniques, at a high data rate (

>

50

G
b

/

s

), for short-reach applications (10 m). The GI POF that is developed has the characteristic microscopic heterogeneities in the fiber core material, which provide distinct mode coupling and significantly stabilize PAM-4 data transmission. The results of the study in this Letter indicate that the GI POF achieves highly stable PAM-4 transmission without the need for the current FEC techniques, which seriously increase the communication delay and power consumption of the transmission systems. Our GI POF material is paving the way for “material changes the system” approaches for achieving unprecedented optical interconnects in real time at a high speed and with low power consumption.
Rotational Doppler shift from a rotating rod
Authors: Emile Olivier , Emile Janine , Brousseau Christian , le Guennic Tangi , Jian Pu , Labroille Guillaume
Published: July 2021

This Letter reports on a rotational Doppler effect obtained from a rotating rod illuminated by a fundamental Gaussian laser beam. More specifically, we decompose the transmitted light behind the rotating rod into Laguerre–Gaussian modes and investigate the associated frequency shifts. The main contributing modes correspond to modes having the same rotational symmetry as the rotating object. Furthermore, their shifts equal the topological charge of the beam times the rotational frequency of the object. Potential applications in pattern recognition and rotation identification are then considered.
Interplay between the cell envelope and mobile genetic elements shapes gene flow in populations of the nosocomial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Haudiquet Matthieu , Buffet Amandine , Rendueles Olaya , Rocha Eduardo P. C.
Published: July 2021

Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) drive genetic transfers between bacteria using mechanisms that require a physical interaction with the cellular envelope. In the high-priority multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogens (ESKAPE), the first point of contact between the cell and virions or conjugative pili is the capsule. While the capsule can be a barrier to MGEs, it also evolves rapidly by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Here, we aim at understanding this apparent contradiction by studying the covariation between the repertoire of capsule genes and MGEs in approximately 4,000 genomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn). We show that capsules drive phage-mediated gene flow between closely related serotypes. Such serotype-specific phage predation also explains the frequent inactivation of capsule genes, observed in more than 3% of the genomes. Inactivation is strongly epistatic, recapitulating the capsule biosynthetic pathway. We show that conjugative plasmids are acquired at higher rates in natural isolates lacking a functional capsular locus and confirmed experimentally this result in capsule mutants. This suggests that capsule inactivation by phage pressure facilitates its subsequent reacquisition by conjugation. Accordingly, capsule reacquisition leaves long recombination tracts around the capsular locus. The loss and regain process rewires gene flow toward other lineages whenever it leads to serotype swaps. Such changes happen preferentially between chemically related serotypes, hinting that the fitness of serotype-swapped strains depends on the host genetic background. These results enlighten the bases of trade-offs between the evolution of virulence and multidrug resistance and caution that some alternatives to antibiotics by selecting for capsule inactivation may facilitate the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
Adaptive control of movement deceleration during saccades
Authors: Orozco Simon P. , Albert Scott T. , Shadmehr Reza
Published: July 2021

As you read this text, your eyes make saccades that guide your fovea from one word to the next. Accuracy of these movements require the brain to monitor and learn from visual errors. A current model suggests that learning is supported by two different adaptive processes, one fast (high error sensitivity, low retention), and the other slow (low error sensitivity, high retention). Here, we searched for signatures of these hypothesized processes and found that following experience of a visual error, there was an adaptive change in the motor commands of the subsequent saccade. Surprisingly, this adaptation was not uniformly expressed throughout the movement. Rather, after experience of a single error, the adaptive response in the subsequent trial was limited to the deceleration period. After repeated exposure to the same error, the acceleration period commands also adapted, and exhibited resistance to forgetting during set-breaks. In contrast, the deceleration period commands adapted more rapidly, but suffered from poor retention during these same breaks. State-space models suggested that acceleration and deceleration periods were supported by a shared adaptive state which re-aimed the saccade, as well as two separate processes which resembled a two-state model: one that learned slowly and contributed primarily via acceleration period commands, and another that learned rapidly but contributed primarily via deceleration period commands.
Expression of the cancer-associated DNA polymerase ε P286R in fission yeast leads to translesion synthesis polymerase dependent hypermutation and defective DNA replication
Authors: Soriano Ignacio , Vazquez Enrique , De Leon Nagore , Bertrand Sibyl , Heitzer Ellen , Toumazou Sophia , Bo Zhihan , Palles Claire , Pai Chen-Chun , Humphrey Timothy C. , Tomlinson Ian , Cotterill Sue , Kearsey Stephen E.
Published: July 2021

Somatic and germline mutations in the proofreading domain of the replicative DNA polymerase ε (POLE-exonuclease domain mutations, POLE-EDMs) are frequently found in colorectal and endometrial cancers and, occasionally, in other tumours. POLE-associated cancers typically display hypermutation, and a unique mutational signature, with a predominance of C > A transversions in the context TCT and C > T transitions in the context TCG. To understand better the contribution of hypermutagenesis to tumour development, we have modelled the most recurrent POLE-EDM (POLE-P286R) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that the corresponding pol2-P287R allele also has a strong mutator effect in vivo, with a high frequency of base substitutions and relatively few indel mutations. The mutations are equally distributed across different genomic regions, but in the immediate vicinity there is an asymmetry in AT frequency. The most abundant base-pair changes are TCT > TAT transversions and, in contrast to human mutations, TCG > TTG transitions are not elevated, likely due to the absence of cytosine methylation in fission yeast. The pol2-P287R variant has an increased sensitivity to elevated dNTP levels and DNA damaging agents, and shows reduced viability on depletion of the Pfh1 helicase. In addition, S phase is aberrant and RPA foci are elevated, suggestive of ssDNA or DNA damage, and the pol2-P287R mutation is synthetically lethal with rad3 inactivation, indicative of checkpoint activation. Significantly, deletion of genes encoding some translesion synthesis polymerases, most notably Pol κ, partially suppresses pol2-P287R hypermutation, indicating that polymerase switching contributes to this phenotype.
CRISPR/Cas9 modified An. gambiae carrying kdr mutation L1014F functionally validate its contribution in insecticide resistance and combined effect with metabolic enzymes
Authors: Grigoraki Linda , Cowlishaw Ruth , Nolan Tony , Donnelly Martin , Lycett Gareth , Ranson Hilary
Published: July 2021

Insecticide resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes is a major obstacle in maintaining the momentum in reducing the malaria burden; mitigating strategies require improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Mutations in the target site of insecticides (the voltage gated sodium channel for the most widely used pyrethroid class) and over-expression of detoxification enzymes are commonly reported, but their relative contribution to phenotypic resistance remain poorly understood. Here we present a genome editing pipeline to introduce single nucleotide polymorphisms in An. gambiae which we have used to study the effect of the classical kdr mutation L1014F (L995F based on An. gambiae numbering), one of the most widely distributed resistance alleles. Introduction of 1014F in an otherwise fully susceptible genetic background increased levels of resistance to all tested pyrethroids and DDT ranging from 9.9-fold for permethrin to >24-fold for DDT. The introduction of the 1014F allele was sufficient to reduce mortality of mosquitoes after exposure to deltamethrin treated bednets, even as the only resistance mechanism present. When 1014F was combined with over-expression of glutathione transferase Gste2, resistance to permethrin increased further demonstrating the critical combined effect between target site resistance and detoxification enzymes in vivo. We also show that mosquitoes carrying the 1014F allele in homozygosity showed fitness disadvantages including increased mortality at the larval stage and a reduction in fecundity and adult longevity, which can have consequences for the strength of selection that will apply to this allele in the field.
Tau, XMAP215/Msps and Eb1 co-operate interdependently to regulate microtubule polymerisation and bundle formation in axons
Authors: Hahn Ines , Voelzmann Andre , Parkin Jill , Fülle Judith B. , Slater Paula G. , Lowery Laura Anne , Sanchez-Soriano Natalia , Prokop Andreas
Published: July 2021

The formation and maintenance of microtubules requires their polymerisation, but little is known about how this polymerisation is regulated in cells. Focussing on the essential microtubule bundles in axons ofDrosophilaandXenopusneurons, we show that the plus-end scaffold Eb1, the polymerase XMAP215/Msps and the lattice-binder Tau co-operate interdependently to promote microtubule polymerisation and bundle organisation during axon development and maintenance. Eb1 and XMAP215/Msps promote each other’s localisation at polymerising microtubule plus-ends. Tau outcompetes Eb1-binding along microtubule lattices, thus preventing depletion of Eb1 tip pools. The three factors genetically interact and show shared mutant phenotypes: reductions in axon growth, comet sizes, comet numbers and comet velocities, as well as prominent deterioration of parallel microtubule bundles into disorganised curled conformations. This microtubule curling is caused by Eb1 plus-end depletion which impairs spectraplakin-mediated guidance of extending microtubules into parallel bundles. Our demonstration that Eb1, XMAP215/Msps and Tau co-operate during the regulation of microtubule polymerisation and bundle organisation, offers new conceptual explanations for developmental and degenerative axon pathologies.
SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies: Longevity, breadth, and evasion by emerging viral variants
Authors: Tea Fiona , Ospina Stella Alberto , Aggarwal Anupriya , Ross Darley David , Pilli Deepti , Vitale Daniele , Merheb Vera , Lee Fiona X. Z. , Cunningham Philip , Walker Gregory J. , Fichter Christina , Brown David A. , Rawlinson William D. , Isaacs Sonia R. , Mathivanan Vennila , Hoffmann Markus , Pöhlman Stefan , Mazigi Ohan , Christ Daniel , Dwyer Dominic E. , Rockett Rebecca J. , Sintchenko Vitali , Hoad Veronica C. , Irving David O. , Dore Gregory J. , Gosbell Iain B. , Kelleher Anthony D. , Matthews Gail V. , Brilot Fabienne , Turville Stuart G.
Published: July 2021

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody neutralization response and its evasion by emerging viral variants and variant of concern (VOC) are unknown, but critical to understand reinfection risk and breakthrough infection following vaccination. Antibody immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 antigens and Spike variants, inhibition of Spike-driven virus–cell fusion, and infectious SARS-CoV-2 neutralization were characterized in 807 serial samples from 233 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)–confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) individuals with detailed demographics and followed up to 7 months. A broad and sustained polyantigenic immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 Spike, Membrane, and Nucleocapsid proteins, along with high viral neutralization, was associated with COVID-19 severity. A subgroup of “high responders” maintained high neutralizing responses over time, representing ideal convalescent plasma donors. Antibodies generated against SARS-CoV-2 during the first COVID-19 wave had reduced immunoreactivity and neutralization potency to emerging Spike variants and VOC. Accurate monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses would be essential for selection of optimal responders and vaccine monitoring and design.
Molecular approach to the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis in France
Authors: Gillardie Marie-Laure , Babba Oussama , Mahinc Caroline , Duthel Maureen , de Bengy Claire , Morineaud Clotilde , Rivollier Elisabeth , Flori Pierre
Published: July 2021

Background

The diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is based on the complementarity of serological technique and microscopic examination (ME). Between 2015 and 2019, the number of urinary schistosomiasis tests received in our laboratory increased sharply from 300 to 900 per year.

Therefore, we wanted to evaluate the reliability of urine microscopic examination (ME, reference and routine technique) from urine sample by comparing it to other techniques (antigenic technique and PCR). To this end, we optimized two real-time PCRs targeting respectively Schistosoma haematobium (Sh) and Schistosoma mansoni (Sm).

Methodology/Principal findings

914 urine samples from 846 patients suspected of urogenital schistosomiasis were prescribed and analyzed by PCR and also by antigenic technique for the first 143 samples. The antigenic technique evaluated was Schisto POC-CCA, Rapid Medical Diagnostics. These results (antigenic technique and PCR) were compared to ME which was performed from all urines.

The percentage of 14% (128/914) positive cases with the PCR technique and the percentage of 6.0% (54/914) positive cases with ME is significantly different (Chi 2 test, p<0.001). These 128 positive PCRs correspond to 120 different patients, 88.3% (106/120) of them were young migrants and 11.7% (14/120) were French patients returning from travel. Among these migrants, more than 75% (80/106) came from French-speaking West Africa.

In addition, the Schisto POC-CCA showed a specificity of 39% (46/117), too poor to be used as a screening tool in low or non-endemic areas.

Conclusion/Significance

Targeted Sh and Sm PCRs in urine are reliable techniques compared to ME (reference technique). In view of our results, we decided to screen urinary schistosomiasis by direct ME always coupled by the PCR technique, which has shown better reliability criteria.
Sensitivity assessment of workflows detecting rare circulating cell-free DNA targets: A study design proposal
Authors: Voss Thorsten , Ullius Andrea , Schönborn Maike , Oelmüller Uwe
Published: July 2021

The field of liquid biopsy has seen extensive growth in recent decades, making it one of the most promising areas in molecular diagnostics. Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) especially is used as an analyte in a growing number of diagnostic assays. These assays require specified preanalytical workflows delivering ccfDNA in qualities and quantities that facilitate correct and reliable results. As each step and component used in the preanalytical process has the potential to influence the assay sensitivity and other performance characteristics, it is key to find an unbiased experimental setup to test these factors in diagnostic or research laboratories. We defined one such setup by using blood from healthy subjects and commercially available products for blood collection, spike-in material, ccfDNA isolation, and qPCR assays. As the primary read-out, we calculated the probit model-based LOD95 (limit of detection of the 95thpercentile) from the qPCR assay results. In a proof of principle study we tested two different but widely used blood ccfDNA profile stabilization technologies in blood collection tubes, the Cell-Free DNA BCT and the PAXgene Blood ccfDNA Tube. We tested assays for three differentEGFRgene mutations and oneBRAFgene mutation. The study design revealed differences in performance between the two tested technologies for all four mutations. In conclusion, we successfully established a blueprint for a test procedure capable of verifying and validating a liquid biopsy workflow from blood collection to the analytical result.
Assessment of the contribution of industrially processed foods to salt and iodine intake in Thailand
Authors: Chotivichien Saipin , Chongchaithet Nuntaya , Aksornchu Pattamaporn , Boonmongkol Nuntachit , Duangmusik Pattama , Knowles Jacky , Sinawat Sangsom
Published: July 2021

Iodization of food grade salt has been mandated in Thailand since 1994. Currently, processed food consumption is increasing, triggered by higher income, urbanization, and lifestyle changes, which affects the source of salt and potentially iodized salt among the population. However, adequate information about the use of iodized salt in processed foods in Thailand is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to assess iodine intake through salt-containing processed foods and condiments which were identified using national survey data. Potential iodine intake from iodized salt in food products was modelled using consumption data and product salt content from food labelling and laboratory analysis. Fish sauce, soy sauce and seasoning sauces (salty condiments) have alternative regulation allowing for direct iodization of the final product, therefore modelling was conducted including and excluding these products. Daily salt intake from household salt and food industry salt (including salty condiments) was estimated to be 2.4 g for children 0–5 years of age, 4.6 g for children 6–12 years of age, and 11.5 g for adults. The use of iodized salt in processed foods (excluding salty condiments) met approximately 100% of the estimated average requirement (EAR) for iodine for non-pregnant adults and for children 6 to 12 years of age, and 50% of the EAR for iodine for children aged 0 to 5 years of age. In all cases, iodine intake from processed food consumption was greater than from estimated household iodized salt consumption. Findings suggest that iodized salt from processed foods is an important source of iodine intake, especially in adults. The use of iodized salt by the food industry should be enforced along with population monitoring to ensure sustainability of optimal iodine intake. Currently, the addition of iodine into fish sauce, soy sauce and seasoning sauces has an important role in achieving and sustaining optimal iodine intake.
3D kinematic of the thoracolumbar spine in Mangalarga Marchador horses performing the marcha batida gait and being led by hand—A preliminary report
Authors: Simonato Samuel P. , Bernardina Gustavo R. D. , Ferreira Leandro C. R. , Silvatti Amanda P. , Barcelos Kate M. C. , da Fonseca Brunna P. A.
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to provide a preliminary description of the sagittal and transverse plane kinematics of the thoracolumbar spine of Mangalarga Marchador (MM) horses performing the marcha batida gait, led in-hand. We evaluated the pattern of angular movement and the mean amplitude of six specific angles. An optoelectronic system was used for 3D kinematic analysis (19 cameras, 250 Hz). They were positioned around the horses and an acquisition volume of 16 × 4.8 × 3 meters was used. Eight retroreflective markers were fixed on the spine of the animals over thoracic vertebrae 8 (T8), 12 (T12), 15 (T15) and 18 (T18); over the lumbar vertebrae 3 (L3) and 5 (L5); over the 1st sacral vertebra (S1); and over the 1st coccygeal vertebra (CD1). Five trials, led from a halter, with three complete gait cycles were evaluated for each marcha batida horse. The 3D coordinates of the markers were filtered with a second-order, low-pass, Butterworth filter (10 Hz). Six angles: T8-T12-T15, T12-T15-T18, T12-T18-L5, T15-T18-L3, T18-L3-L5, and L3-S1-CD1 were obtained and projected in the sagittal (Flexion and Extension) and transverse (Lateral bending) planes. We calculated, for each angle to represent the spine movements, the mean and standard deviation of the range of motion (ROM, difference between the maximum and minimum values in a stride cycle). In order to describe the movement over an average stride cycle we calculated the mean curve of angle variation. The T8-T12-T15 angle presented the largest ROM in the transverse plane, while in the sagittal plane the T8-T12-T15, T12-T15-T18 and T12-T18-L5 angles presented the largest ROMs. The L3-S1-CD1 angle (lumbosacral region) presented the lowest ROM in both planes. A reduced flexion close to a neutral spine was found, predominantly during the diagonal support and in the cranial thoracic region. At the same time, the thoracolumbar region remains in an extension which is highlighted in the lumbosacral region. During the change of the support phase, the cranial thoracic region moved from a flexion to a slight extent, and the thoracolumbar region was flexed which is emphasized in the lumbosacral region. The lateral bending of the spine followed the direction of the diagonal supports. The small amplitude in the latero-lateral and dorsoventral movements of the thoracolumbar spine of MM horses during the marcha batida gait could contribute to the smooth and natural sensations experienced when riding in this gait. The lower mobility of these angles should be considered during the clinical examination of marcha batida-gaited horses.