Most infections with pandemic Vibrio cholerae are thought to result in subclinical disease and are not captured by surveillance. Previous estimates of the ratio of infections to clinical cases have varied widely (2 to 100 infections per case). Understanding cholera epidemiology and immunity relies on the ability to translate between numbers of clinical cases and the underlying number of infections in the population. We estimated the infection incidence during the first months of an outbreak in a cholera-naive population using a Bayesian vibriocidal antibody titer decay model combining measurements from a representative serosurvey and clinical surveillance data. 3,880 suspected cases were reported in Grande Saline, Haiti, between 20 October 2010 and 6 April 2011 (clinical attack rate 18.4%). We found that more than 52.6% (95% Credible Interval (CrI) 49.4-55.7) of the population ≥2 years showed serologic evidence of infection, with a lower infection rate among children aged 2-4 years (35.5%; 95%CrI 24.2-51.6) compared with people ≥5 years (53.1%; 95%CrI 49.4-56.4). This estimated infection rate, nearly three times the clinical attack rate, with underdetection mainly seen in those ≥5 years, has likely impacted subsequent outbreak dynamics. Our findings show how seroincidence estimates improve understanding of links between cholera burden, transmission dynamics and immunity.

Highly portable and accessible MRI technology will allow researchers to conduct field-based MRI research in community settings. Previous guidance for researchers working with fixed MRI does not address the novel ethical, legal, and societal issues (ELSI) of portable MRI (pMRI). Our interdisciplinary Working Group (WG) previously identified 15 core ELSI challenges associated with pMRI research and recommended solutions. In this article, we distill those detailed recommendations into a Portable MRI Research ELSI Checklist that offers practical operational guidance for researchers contemplating using this technology.

SARS-CoV-2 superspreading occurs when transmission is highly efficient and/or an individual infects many others, contributing to rapid spread. To better quantify heterogeneity in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly superspreading, we performed a systematic review of transmission events with data on secondary attack rates or contact tracing of individual index cases published before September 2021 prior to the emergence of variants of concern and widespread vaccination. We reviewed 592 distinct events and 9,883 index cases from 491 papers. A meta-analysis of secondary attack rates identified substantial heterogeneity across 12 chosen event types/settings, with the highest transmission (25–35%) in co-living situations including households, nursing homes, and other congregate housing. Among index cases, 67% reported zero secondary cases and only 3% (287) infected >5 secondary cases (“superspreaders”). Index case demographic data were limited, with only 55% of individuals reporting age, sex, symptoms, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle threshold values, or total contacts. With the data available, we identified a higher percentage of superspreaders among symptomatic individuals, individuals aged 49–64 years, and individuals with over 100 total contacts. Addressing gaps in the literature regarding transmission events and contact tracing is needed to properly explain the heterogeneity in transmission and facilitate control efforts for SARS-CoV-2 and other infections.

The surface charge density of mica (001) cleavages was determined by counting the number of fission particle tracks in a given area of a 6-mm muscovite disc replica with optical and scanning electron microscopy after saturation of the layer charge by washing with 0.5 M UO2(NO3)2 solution, dilution of the excess salt by washing with 0.01 M UO2(NO3)2 in 0.005 M HNO3 (pH 2.4), blotting off the excess liquid, thermal neutron activation in contact with the muscovite disc, etching the muscovite, and counting the 235U fission tracks/cm2. In initial studies, the uranyl cations were found to hydrolyze from the cleavage surface continuously during the washings with water, ethanol or acetone to remove excess salts, but the uranyl cations in the interlayers near broken edges and crystallographical steps were strongly retained even against washings with 0.5 M CaCl2 solution. The hydrolysis of UO22 + from the smooth portions of the flake surfaces was avoided by the use of three 1-hr final washings with the 0.01 M UO2(NO3)2 in 0.005 M HNO3 solution. Each flake was pressed between filter papers three times to remove the excess solution. A negligible amount of excess salt remained on the cover glass controls. The UO22 + cations retained (mean, 3.6 ± 0.2 × 10−7 mequiv./cm2) on the cleavage surfaces of various micas were nearly equivalent to the theoretical surface charge (cation exchange capacity, 3.5 × 10−7 mequiv./cm2), showing that hydrolysis was prevented. The uranium on the unblemished mica planar surfaces increased with increasing uranyl concentrations in the final washing solution, indicating that the excess salt remaining on the surfaces had become significant. With a given UO22 + salt concentration, the uranium on the surface increased on increasing the solution pH from 2.5 to 3.5, attributable to the formation of polymeric ions such as U2O52 + and U3O82 + with higher uranium retention per unit positive charge equivalent to the fixed negative charge of the mineral surface. Uranyl cations replaced much of the interlayer cations from vermiculites even after K, Rb and Cs presaturation and drying from 110°C were employed. Strong adsorption of uranyl cations (in a form not replaced by washings with a neutral salt solution), which occurred in the defects of micaceous minerals, is important in the interpretation of actinide element retention in soils and sediments wherein these minerals are abundant.

The layer structure of kaolinite from Twiggs, Georgia and fire-clay type kaolinite (Frantex B, from France), particle size separates 2–0·2 μm was studied by high resolution electron microscopy after embedment in Spurr low-viscosity Epoxy media and thin sectioning normal to the (001) planes by an ultramicrotome. Images of the (001) planes (viewed edge-on) of both kaolinites were spaced at 7 Å and generally aligned in parallel, with occasional bending into more widely spaced images of about 10 Å interval. Some of the 10 Å images converged to 7 Å at one or both ends, forming ellipse-shaped islands 80 to 130 Å thick and 300 to 500 Å long. The island areas and interleaved 10 Å layers between 7 Å layers may represent a residue of incomplete weathering of mica to kaolinite.

The proportions of micaccous occlusions were too small and the layer sequences too irregular to be detected by X-ray diffraction. The lateral continuity of the layers through the 7-10-7 Å sequence in a kaolinite particle would partially interrupt or prevent expansion in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and other kaolinite intercalating media. Discrete mica particles were also observed with parallel images at 10 Å, as impurities in both kaolinites. The small K content of the chemical analyses of the kaolinite samples is accounted for as interlayer K, not only in discrete mica particles but also in the micaceous occlusions.

This study addresses the phenomenon of misinformation about misinformation, or politicians “crying wolf” over fake news. Strategic and false claims that stories are fake news or deepfakes may benefit politicians by helping them maintain support after a scandal. We posit that this benefit, known as the “liar’s dividend,” may be achieved through two politician strategies: by invoking informational uncertainty or by encouraging oppositional rallying of core supporters. We administer five survey experiments to over 15,000 American adults detailing hypothetical politician responses to stories describing real politician scandals. We find that claims of misinformation representing both strategies raise politician support across partisan subgroups. These strategies are effective against text-based reports of scandals, but are largely ineffective against video evidence and do not reduce general trust in media. Finally, these false claims produce greater dividends for politicians than alternative responses to scandal, such as remaining silent or apologizing.

Pulses are a healthy, sustainable, low cost food, but consumption levels are low for a variety of reasons, including practical and cooking concerns. This work aimed to explore barriers and facilitators towards pulse consumption and increasing consumption, and the potential value of cooking suggestions and recipes for changing these perceptions. Two qualitative studies were undertaken. In Study 1, 21 participants (10 males, 11 females, of a range of ages, cooking responsibilities, and experiences with pulses) were interviewed both before and after receiving cooking suggestions and recipes. In Study 2, 12 participants (2 males, 10 females, as above) were interviewed once after trying recipes. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Seven themes described barriers and facilitators towards pulse consumption: ‘Enjoyment and Sensory properties’; ‘Benefits and Recommendations’; ‘Practical Concerns’; ‘Cooking Concerns’; ‘Compatibility with current diet’; ‘Personal Influences’; and ‘External Influences’. Some similar themes also referred to increasing consumption: ‘Willingness’; ‘Awareness, Knowledge of Benefits’; ‘Knowledge of Cooking and Practical Concerns’; and ‘Compatibility with current diet’. Cooking suggestions and recipe use resulted in themes on ‘Awareness’; ‘Willingness, Trying New Things’; ‘Small Changes’; and facilitators associated with ‘Enjoyment, Sensory Properties, Practical Concerns, Benefits’ and ‘Knowledge, Cooking Ideas and Confidence, Incorporation, Cooking Solutions’. Barriers related to ‘Risk and Preconceptions’; ‘Awareness, but’ inaction and additional considerations were also found. Our findings demonstrate a positive role for pulse consumption for increased experience, familiarity, and confidence with preparing, cooking, and consuming these healthy and sustainable foods.

Does providing information about police shootings influence policing reform preferences? We conducted an online survey experiment in 2021 among approximately 2,600 residents of 10 large US cities. It incorporated original data we collected on police shootings of civilians. After respondents estimated the number of police shootings in their cities in 2020, we randomized subjects into three treatment groups and a control group. Treatments included some form of factual information about the police shootings in respondents’ cities (e.g., the actual total number). Afterward, respondents were asked their opinions about five policing reform proposals. Police shooting statistics did not move policing reform preferences. Support for policing reforms is primarily associated with partisanship and ideology, coupled with race. Our findings illuminate key sources of policing reform preferences among the public and reveal potential limits of information-driven, numeric-based initiatives to influence policing in the US.

In a 2x2 factorial design, (n=6) sheep were either transported by road for 15h or kept in their home pens, and then either starved for 12h with access to water or offered hay ad libitum, with access to water. All groups were offered hay and water 12h after transport. Behavioural observations and measurements of dehydration and feed restriction were made before, during, and for 24h post-transport, to evaluate the implications of these procedures for the welfare of sheep.

After the journey, the immediate priority for the sheep was to eat. Consumption of hay increased water intake and reduced the time spent lying down. The plasma Cortisol concentration was greater in sheep which had been starved during the 12h post-transport period, than in those offered hay during this time; and the plasma free fatty acid concentration was greater in sheep which had been transported than in those which had not. Although transported sheep kept without hay during the first 12h post-transport drank more water than those which had not been transported, the mean time before they drank was greater than 7h. During the transport period, there was less lying behaviour in transported sheep than in non-transported sheep but transported sheep did not lie down more posttransport than non-transported ones. This work suggests that sheep should be offered both feed and water after a 15h journey. However, when feed was not available after a 15h journey, drinking and resting did not appear to be immediate priorities.

When sheep are transported they are potentially exposed to a number of factors, including water and feed deprivation, low space allowance and elevated environmental temperature, that are not related to vehicle motion but could result in animal welfare problems, either on their own or in combination. In a 2x2 factorial experiment, groups of sheep (n = 6) were moved from individual pens where they had access to hay and water to environmental chambers kept at either 14°C or 21°C. Within each chamber, half the sheep had access to water but they were all kept at a space allowance of 041m2 sheep−1 without feed. After 24h they were returned to their individual pens and offered hay and water. Behaviour and a range of biochemical measurements of dehydration and feed restriction were recorded before, during and after the treatment period. During the treatment period there was no evidence of dehydration, and sheep with access to water drank less than they did before the treatment. The plasma concentration of free fatty acids increased during fasting and, post-treatment, the intake of hay was greater than before treatment. The rapid post-treatment intake of dry feed was associated with some evidence of dehydration, as indicated by increased plasma osmolality and plasma vasopressin concentration. This suggests that following provision and consumption of large quantities of feed after a period without access to feed and water during transportation, sheep must be allowed sufficient time to drink before a subsequent journey is undertaken.

The effects of food restriction on the welfare of sheep are as yet unclear. An operant crate and a push-door were used to measure feeding motivation in sheep after Oh, 6h, 12h, 18h and 24h without food. In experiment 1, sheep had to push a panel with their noses to obtain a food reward. In experiment 2, sheep had to run a race and push through a weighted door to reach food; the time taken to reach various points was recorded and the work performed to push through the door was calculated.

In experiment 1, 3 out of 12 sheep became trained to push the panel and there was a difference in the mean number of rewards/session obtained by each animal (P < 0.05). There was no effect of treatment on the number of panel presses performed. In experiment 2, 10 out of 14 sheep were successfully trained. More sheep went through the push-door when deprived of food (P < 0.05), and they were quicker to enter the race, reach the push-door, and reach the food than those which had not been deprived (P < 0.0001). They also spent less time pushing the door than non-deprived sheep (P < 0.0001).

The push-door was a more appropriate method of measuring motivation to feed in sheep, as more sheep learned the task in less time than for the operant crate. As measured by the time taken to enter the race, reach the push-door, push through the door and reach the food there was an increase in feeding motivation after only 6h without food.