Eclipse Phase Research Articles

Global dynamics of IAV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection model with eclipse phase and antibody immunity.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza are two respiratory infectious diseases of high importance widely studied around the world. COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), while influenza is caused by one of the influenza viruses, A, B, C, and D. Influenza A virus (IAV) can infect a wide range of species. Studies have reported several cases of respiratory virus coinfection in hospitalized patients. IAV mimics the SARS-CoV-2 with respect to the seasonal occurrence, transmission routes, clinical manifestations and related immune responses. The present paper aimed to develop and investigate a mathematical model to study the within-host dynamics of IAV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection with the eclipse (or latent) phase. The eclipse phase is the period of time that elapses between the viral entry into the target cell and the release of virions produced by that newly infected cell. The role of the immune system in controlling and clearing the coinfection is modeled. The model simulates the interaction between nine compartments, uninfected epithelial cells, latent/active SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, latent/active IAV-infected cells, free SARS-CoV-2 particles, free IAV particles, SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and IAV-specific antibodies. The regrowth and death of the uninfected epithelial cells are considered. We study the basic qualitative properties of the model, calculate all equilibria, and prove the global stability of all equilibria. The global stability of equilibria is established using the Lyapunov method. The theoretical findings are demonstrated via numerical simulations. The importance of considering the antibody immunity in the coinfection dynamics model is discussed. It is found that without modeling the antibody immunity, the case of IAV and SARS-CoV-2 coexistence will not occur. Further, we discuss the effect of IAV infection on the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 single infection and vice versa.

ЕФЕКТИ СОНЯЧНОГО ЗАТЕМНЕННЯ 10 ЧЕРВНЯ 2021 р. В ІОНОСФЕРІ ВИСОКИХ ШИРОТ: РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ GPS-СПОСТЕРЕЖЕНЬ

Subject and Purpose. The unique natural phenomena which solar eclipses are can activate coupling between the subsystems of the Earth–atmosphere–ionosphere–magnetosphere system. Following an eclipse, disturbances may get induced in all the subsystems and their associated geophysical fields. It is important that a subsystem’s response does not depend on the phase of the eclipse alone, but also on the state of space weather and the observation site coordinates. The majority of solar eclipses occur at middle and low latitudes. The maximum phase of the June 10, 2021 annular eclipse was observed at high latitudes, including the North Pole. The highlatitude ionosphere is fundamentally different from the mid- and low-latitude ionosphere as it stays in a metastable state, such that any impact may be capable of activating subsystem coupling. The relevance of this study is conditioned by the diversity of the solar eclipse effects in the high-latitude ionosphere. The purpose of this work is to present observational results concerning variations in the total electron content (TEC) in the high-latitude ionosphere in the course of the June 10, 2021 solar eclipse. Methods and Methodology. An array of eleven terrestrial GPS receive stations and eight GPS satellites were used for the observations. Results. The effects from the solar eclipse were distinctly observable at all eleven reception sites and from all the eight satellites. On the average, i.e. with random fluctuations neglected, changes in illumination at ionospheric heights were followed by decreases in the TEC. All of the observation records demonstrated a decrease in the TEC at the early stage of the eclipse. Some 60 to 100 min later the TEC attained a minimum and then returned to virtually the initial value. The lowest observed magnitude of the TEC was 1.0–5.1 TEC units, while, on the average, it was found to be 2.7 ± 1.6 TEC units, or 35 ± 18%. The greatest decrease in the TEC lagged behind the maximum phase of the solar eclipse (lowest illumination at the heights of the ionosphere) by 5–30 min, or 15.7 ± 6.8 min on the average. A few TEC records obtained at different stations showed quasi-periodic variations with the periods ranging from 5 to 19 min and amplitudes of 1 to 12%. Conclusions. The annular eclipse of June 10, 2021 acted to significantly disturb the high-latitude ionosphere where aperiodic and quasi-periodic disturbances of the TEC took place.

Impact of 21 June 2020 Annular Solar Eclipse on Meteorological Parameters, O3 and CO at a High Mountain Site in Taiwan

The annular solar eclipse observed on 21 June 2020 over Taiwan provided a rare opportunity to follow the responses of various meteorological parameters and trace gases to the solar eclipse. For the first time, the impact of the solar eclipse on solar radiation, air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), atmospheric pressure (P), wind speed (WS), and trace gases (ozone and carbon monoxide) is delineated at the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station (LABS; 23.47°N, 120.87°E; 2,862 m MSL) in Taiwan. Over the Taiwan region, the solar eclipse began at 14:49 local time (LT; UTC+8), reached maximum obscuration at 16:13 LT, and finished at 17:24 LT. Compared to the control period (average of 13–20 June 2020), the weather parameters and trace gases show pronounced changes on the day of the eclipse (21 June 2020). A significant decrease in UV-B and solar irradiance at LABS was observed during the peak phase of the solar eclipse due to the occultation of the Sun by the Moon. On the eclipse day, the T decreased significantly (~4°C) after 17 minutes of maximum solar darkening. Due to the cloudiness and low temperatures on the day of the eclipse, 100% RH was apparent during the period of the eclipse at LABS. We also noticed a steady decline in WS just after the onset of the eclipse at LABS. Interestingly, a marked decline in ozone and carbon monoxide was seen during the eclipse day at LABS. Ozone was reduced by about 10 ppb (40%), with a delay of about 2 hours from the peak phase of the eclipse. Overall, our results show the impact of the solar eclipse on high altitude measurements for the first time, and further this work provides a useful new contribution to the literature examining solar eclipse-induced atmospheric changes.

Effects from the June 10, 2021 solar eclipse in the ionosphere over Kharkiv: results from ionosonde measurements

Background. Ionospheric effects from solar eclipses (SEs) have been studied for over a century. The studies intensified in the 1960–1970, when rockets, satellites, ionosonde networks, and incoherent scatter radars became actively involved in the investigations. The following basic features of SEs displayed in the ionosphere have been established: a decrease in the electron density and the electron, ion, and neutral temperatures, changes in the dynamics of the ionosphere, and the generation of acoustic and atmospheric gravity waves. The recurring regular features are observed together with the features pertaining to each individual SE. Therefore, the study of the effects of each new solar eclipse is an urgent task. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of analysis of the ionogram measurements acquired by the digisonde located at the Radiophysical Observatory, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Techniques and Methodology. The observations of the state of the ionosphere were made using the digisonde specifically developed by the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and located at the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University Radiophysical Observatory (49°38' N, 36°20' E). The data processing included the following. First, the time series of critical F2-layer frequencies, foF2, of the minimum frequency, fmin, observed on an ionogram, and of the virtual height were plotted. Second, the trends and the differences between the initial series and the trends were calculated. Third, given the foF2(t) values, the electron densities N(t) and their increments ΔN(t) were calculated, and fourth, the systems spectral analysis of ΔN(t) dependences was conducted to determine the spectral content. Results. A maximum decrease of 3.7–3.8% in the F2 peak electron density has been detected. This value agrees very well with the calculated value of 3.5–3.8%. The time delay between the minimum in the electron density observed and the maximum value of the phase of the solar eclipse was determined to be 12.5 min, which is in good agreement with the calculated value of 12.8 min. The time delay suggests that the linear loss coefficient was 1.3´10–3 s–1 and the production rate was (3.8–3.9)×108 m–3∙s–1. The SE was associated with the generation of quasi-periodic oscillations in the electron density and the F2 layer virtual height, within the period range of 10–15 min, and with amplitudes of 1.7–4% and 9.1–11.4%, respectively. The fluctuations in the minimum frequency observed on the ionograms showed a factor of 3–4 times decrease in the course of the SE. In addition, a decrease in the averaged values was observed to occur from 3 to 2.85 MHz (by 5%), which suggested that the radio wave attenuation by absorption decreased due to a decrease in the lower-ionosphere electron density below 100 km altitude. This decrease was estimated to be about 2%, while the decrease determined from the observations gave 2.2%. Conclusions. The partial solar eclipse with a very small value of the maximum magnitude (0.112) and obscuration of 4.4% acted to produce a few effects observed in the ionosphere with the ionosonde.

Overview of solar eclipse of 21st June 2020 and its impact on solar irradiance, surface ozone and different meteorological parameters over eight cities of India

• First time study of annular solar eclipse effect simultaneously at eight stations of India. • Stations are located nearly perpendicular to the eclipse axis with magnitude 98.6% to 77.2%. • Substantial reduction in solar radiation, surface ozone & temperature is evident. • Atmospheric cooling from eclipse induced dynamical changes to the meteorological parameters. The present study is aimed to investigate the variation in solar radiance, surface ozone, temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity during the most recent and one of the most significant annular solar eclipses of 21st June 2020. Effects of solar eclipse have been analyzed first time at eight different cities of India located nearly perpendicular to the eclipse axis having an eclipse magnitude from 98.6 % to 77.2 %. Significant reductions in solar irradiance at different stations were found during the maximum phase of the solar eclipse due to the occultation of the Sun by the Moon. With the progression of the solar eclipse, surface ozone concentrations were also found to be decreasing and reached to its minimum value during the maximum phase of eclipse and then after the end of the eclipse started regaining their original behavior. Overall, the change in ozone was found to be proportional to eclipse magnitude. A decrease of ozone levels ranged from 30 % to 65 % over all the stations. In addition to the above, atmospheric cooling from the solar eclipse of 21st June 2020 induced dynamical changes to the meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity and wind speed) with the change being most prominent during the maximum phase of the solar eclipse.

TESS and ZTF Observations of an Eclipsing Z Cam-type Dwarf Nova IPHAS J051814.34+294113.2

Abstract We present an analysis of both Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) observations of the eclipsing cataclysmic variable IPHAS J051814.34+294113.2 (IPHAS J0518). The TESS light curve shows numerous eclipses superimposed on two outbursts, and ZTF data show frequently outbursts recurring on average every 20.7 days and 12.9 days for long and short outbursts, respectively. This makes IPHAS J0518 to be identified as a possible Z Cam-type dwarf nova. Its quiescent magnitude is ∼16.7 in the g band. The orbital period is determined to be 4.95 hr. By combining the observed orbital period with the semiempirical relations of Knigge et al., we estimate the donor mass as M 2 = 0.48M ⊙. The eclipse phase measurements are used to constrain the binary parameters. The orbital inclination is limited in the range of 75.°3 ≤ i < 81.°7, and the mass ratio is derived as 0.33 < q ≤ 0.73. Furthermore, we analysis the accretion disk eclipse and find that the total disk eclipse is possible during quiescence, whereas during outburst the disk would be only partially obscured. This indicates that the disk will become larger as the outburst proceeds. We also study the changes of the eclipse depth against the out-of-eclipse flux in IPHAS J0518. The results show evidence of the expansion in the disk size and the variations in the radial-temperature gradient during outburst.

AMINO ACID PROFILING IN EDIBLE SHOOTS OF SOME BAMBOO SPECIES BY USING RP-UHPLC AND THEIR THERAPEUTICAL ASPECTS

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the amino acid profiles of edible shoots of five species of bamboos growing in various geographical regions of India. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative estimation of free amino acids was done by Reverse Phase-Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-UHPLC). Separation of amino acids was carried out using Zorbax eclipse plus C18 Reverse Phase (1.8 μm), 50 mm × 2.1 mm column on quaternary UHPLC system using modified gradient elution. Derivatization was done by using auto-sampler Agilent’s 1290 infinity. Data assortment and processing were accomplished by using Open Lab Chromatography Data System EZchrome edition, version A.04.06 (Agilent technologies, USA). Results: In the study, 19 free amino acids were identified, eight essential, five conditionally essential, and six non-essential amino acids (EAA). The principal amino acids were tyrosine (29.41–74.64 μg/mg d.w.) and asparagine (12.81–111.04 μg/mg d.w.). The amount of EAAs ranged from 0.46 to 21.11 μg/mg d.w. For the 1st time, taurine and ornithine are reported in bamboo shoots. The analysis exhibited significant variation (p<0.05) in free amino acids content among the five studied species. Of the five species, Phyllostachys mannii was best compared to the other species in amino acid content. Conclusion: Results showed superior amino acid composition of bamboo shoots that can be utilized to improve nutritional value of functional foods. Amino acids have various health and therapeutic properties can contribute to the basis for further expansion of these bamboos and imminent potential in applications of food and pharmaceuticals.

Unraveling the Eclipse Mechanism of a Binary Millisecond Pulsar Using Broadband Radio Spectra

Abstract The frequency dependent eclipses of the radio emission from millisecond pulsars in compact binary systems provide an opportunity to understand the eclipse mechanism and to determine the nature of the eclipsing medium. We combine multifrequency observations from the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and model the broadband radio spectrum in the optically thick to thin transition regime to constrain the eclipse mechanism. The best-fit model to the eclipse phase spectra favors synchrotron absorption by relativistic electrons. We are able to strongly constrain the frequency of onset of the eclipse to 345 ± 5 MHz, which is an order of magnitude more precise than previous estimates. The dependence on the magnetic field strength of synchrotron absorption allowed us to estimate the magnetic field strength of the eclipse medium to be ∼13 G, which is very similar to the values obtained by considering a pressure balance between the incident pulsar wind and the stellar wind of the companion. Applying this method to other millisecond binary pulsars will enable us to determine if the eclipse mechanisms are all the same and also estimate the wind and magnetic field properties of the companion stars. The method could also be applied to other systems where pulsars interact with companion winds in binary systems and in all cases it will lead to a better understanding of the evolutionary processes.

Atmospheric boundary layer response sequence to the 2019 annular solar eclipse over a tropical rural terrain

ABSTRACT Transient alterations in the surface meteorological parameters and atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) due to annual solar eclipse occurred on 26 December 2019 have been investigated using collocated ground-based remote-sensing and in situ measurements over a tropical rural station, Gadanki (13.5 ºN, 79.2 ºE). This event had provided an opportunity to assess the eclipse effect on atmospheric parameters as it occurred during initial hours of the boundary layer evolution (between 08:07 IST and 11:15 IST with peak at 09:32 IST over Gadanki). As eclipse commenced, the observations showed a dramatic reduction in the incoming shortwave radiation and consequent changes in air temperature and wind patterns throughout the ABL. Nevertheless, the amplitude of the changes in various parameters is not analogous to the obscuration proportions but is significantly dictated by the background meteorological conditions such as prevalence of dense fog and cloudiness during the eclipse timings. Ceilometer and wind profiler observations have provided the high-resolution continuous signatures of clouds and fog, strong subsidence, thick layers above the ABL, and a clear change in ABL height (ABLH) during the eclipse epoch. Interestingly, the delay in the evolution of ABL due to the eclipse is clearly manifested. The ABLH, which remained shallow even after the eclipse peak, has shown a rapid increase by more than 1000 m within a short span of an hour just before and after the eclipse culmination. However, significant delay (of about 2 hours after the eclipse) is observed in the surface variables to fall in the range of their climatological values. The observations elusively suggest that commence and termination phases of eclipse analogously influenced the surface and boundary layer parameters in descending sequence (eclipse effect is subtly seen first in Ceilometer and wind profiler attributes followed by surface state variables).

TOI-2076 and TOI-1807: Two Young, Comoving Planetary Systems within 50 pc Identified by TESS that are Ideal Candidates for Further Follow Up

Abstract We report the discovery of two planetary systems around comoving stars: TOI-2076 (TIC 27491137) and TOI-1807 (TIC 180695581). TOI-2076 is a nearby (41.9 pc) multiplanetary system orbiting a young (204 ± 50 Myr), bright (K = 7.115 in TIC v8.1) start. TOI-1807 hosts a single transiting planet and is similarly nearby (42.58 pc), similarly young (180 ± 40 Myr ), and bright. Both targets exhibit significant, periodic variability due to starspots, characteristic of their young ages. Using photometric data collected by TESS we identify three transiting planets around TOI-2076 with radii of R b = 3.3 ± 0.04 R ⊕, R c = 4.4 ± 0.05 R ⊕, and R d = 4.1 ± 0.07 R ⊕. Planet TOI-2076b has a period of P b = 10.356 days. For both TOI-2076c and d, TESS observed only two transits, separated by a 2 yr interval in which no data were collected, preventing a unique period determination. A range of long periods (<17 days) are consistent with the data. We identify a short-period planet around TOI-1807 with a radius of R b = 1.8 ± 0.04 R ⊕ and a period of P b = 0.549 days. Their close proximity, and bright, cool host stars, and young ages make these planets excellent candidates for follow up. TOI-1807b is one of the best-known small (R < 2 R ⊕ ) planets for characterization via eclipse spectroscopy and phase curves with JWST. TOI-1807b is the youngest ultra-short-period planet discovered to date, providing valuable constraints on formation timescales of short-period planets. Given the rarity of young planets, particularly in multiple-planet systems, these planets present an unprecedented opportunity to study and compare exoplanet formation, and young planet atmospheres, at a crucial transition age for formation theory.

Variations in the geomagnetic field that accompanied the 10 June 2021 solar eclipse

Urgency. At present, the existence of the geomagnetic effect of solar eclipses (SEs) is in question. The data presented in the literature are contradictory. Some researchers assert that the amplitude of the north-south component of the main geomagnetic field increases, while others that it decreases. The third group of researchers notes that this amplitude does not change at all, but instead the amplitude of the west-east component shows variations. In some cases, observations confirm the mechanism for the geomagnetic effect caused by disturbances in the Sq current system, while in other cases observations contradict with the mechanism. The difficulties that are encountered in observing the SE geomagnetic effect are caused by the fact that the magnetic field is subjected to the influence of many energy sources. The magnitude of the geomagnetic effect depends not only on the magnitude (phase) of the solar eclipse but also on the state of space weather, geographic coordinates of data acquisition, local time, season, etc. Therefore, the study of the geomagnetic effect from each new solar eclipse remains an urgent problem. The main feature of the 10 June 2021 Solar eclipse is its annularity. The maximum magnitude did not exceed 0.943, and the eclipse obscuration 89%. The aim of this work is to present the results of analysis of variations in the geomagnetic field that were recorded by the INTERMAGNET during the 10 June 2021 SE. Methods and Methodology. To analyze the effects in the main Earth’s magnetic field, the INTERMAGNET data have been utilized. The data have been analyzed from 15 magnetic observatories located between 77.47°-N and 48.17°-N latitude where the maximum phase varied from 0.943 to 0.124. The analysis was performed with 1-min temporal resolution providing a 0.1-nT resolution. To determine spectral content of the quasi-periodic variations, the systems spectral analysis has been used, which combines mutually complementary the short-time Fourier transform, the wavelet transform employing the Morlet wavelet as a basis function, and the Fourier transform in a sliding window with a width adjusted to be equal to a fixed number of harmonic periods. Results. An aperiodic geomagnetic effect of a solar eclipse has been detected and explained; it consists in a decrease by not greater than 30 nT in the level of the north-south component. The effect is explained by a variation in the ionospheric current density in the west-east direction as a result of a decrease in the electron density during the eclipse. A quasi-periodic geomagnetic effect of a solar eclipse has been revealed; it is explained by the generation of atmospheric gravity waves. The wave acts to modulate the ionospheric electric current, as well as to drag the electrons inducing additional quasi-periodic ionospheric current with a period equal to the wave period. The amplitude of the quasi-periodic variations was observed to be a few nanoteslas. The systems spectral analysis provided more precise values of periods of quasi-periodic variations in the geomagnetic field accompanying the solar eclipse, approximately 20 min and 35 min. Conclusions. The aperiodic and quasi-periodic geomagnetic effects are caused by the disturbance (generation) of the ionospheric current.

A delay model for persistent viral infections in replicating cells.

Persistently infecting viruses remain within infected cells for a prolonged period of time without killing the cells and can reproduce via budding virus particles or passing on to daughter cells after division. The ability for populations of infected cells to be long-lived and replicate viral progeny through cell division may be critical for virus survival in examples such as HIV latent reservoirs, tumor oncolytic virotherapy, and non-virulent phages in microbial hosts. We consider a model for persistent viral infection within a replicating cell population with time delay in the eclipse stage prior to infected cell replicative form. We obtain reproduction numbers that provide criteria for the existence and stability of the equilibria of the system and provide bifurcation diagrams illustrating transcritical (backward and forward), saddle-node, and Hopf bifurcations, and provide evidence of homoclinic bifurcations and a Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation. We investigate the possibility of long term survival of the infection (represented by chronically infected cells and free virus) in the cell population by using the mathematical concept of robust uniform persistence. Using numerical continuation software with parameter values estimated from phage-microbe systems, we obtain two parameter bifurcation diagrams that divide parameter space into regions with different dynamical outcomes. We thus investigate how varying different parameters, including how the time spent in the eclipse phase, can influence whether or not the virus survives.

Global Positioning System Observations of Ionospheric Total Electron Content Variations During the 15th January 2010 and 21st June 2020 Solar Eclipse

AbstractThe dual‐frequency global positioning system (GPS) data acquired from the UNAVCO over different places of Nepal were processed to examine the eclipse‐triggered consequences on total electron content (TEC) in response to the annular solar eclipse of 15th January 2010 and 21st June 2020. These occasions were exceptional since they occurred during solar minimum, additionally as in a magnetically quiet period. The eclipse phase coincided with the peak ionization‐time at the equatorial and low latitude regions. The solar eclipse of 21st June 2020 was an annular solar eclipse with a magnitude of 0.994. Nepal has witnessed a partial eclipse, starting at ∼10:53 NST (05:08 UT), reached the maximum at ∼12:40 NST (6:55 UT), and ended at ∼14:24 NST (8:39 UT) with the total duration of 3 h and 31 min. The annular solar eclipse of 15th January 2010 had the magnitude of 0.919 and Nepal has witnessed a partial eclipse starting at ∼12:24 NST (6:39 UT), reached the maximum at ∼14:10 NST (8:25 UT), and ended at ∼15:40 NST (9:55 UT). The eclipse effect occurs as a trough‐like depression in the curve of TEC at all the GPS stations indicates the effect of sudden attenuation of solar extreme ultra‐violet irradiation on decayed electron content in the ionosphere over the region. Moreover, the extent of the exhaustion in ionospheric TEC was studied by comparing the eclipse day TEC with mean diurnal ionospheric TEC of five quietest days of the month to investigate the eclipse effect on the electron density of the ionosphere over the stations. The study additionally reveals that the measure of the decrease in vertical value of total electron content is proportional to the obscuration of the lunar disc, that is closely associated with the electron production via the photoionization process. Observing the values of TEC during the eclipse day and comparing it with other quiet days, our study showed an apparent variation during the time of the eclipse, which agrees with previous studies on ionospheric responses to the eclipse as well as theoretical assumptions.

Quantifying the effect of trypsin and elastase on in vitro SARS-CoV infections

The SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) has the potential to cause serious disease that can spread rapidly around the world. Much of our understanding of SARS-CoV pathogenesis comes from in vitro experiments. Unfortunately, in vitro experiments cannot replicate all the complexity of the in vivo infection. For example, proteases in the respiratory tract cleave the SARS-CoV surface protein to facilitate viral entry, but these proteases are not present in vitro. Unfortunately, proteases might also have an effect on other parts of the replication cycle. Here, we use mathematical modeling to estimate parameters characterizing viral replication for SARS-CoV in the presence of trypsin or elastase, and in the absence of either. In addition to increasing the infection rate, the addition of trypsin and elastase causes lengthening of the eclipse phase duration and the infectious cell lifespan.

A study on TEC reduction during the tail phase of the 21st June 2020 annular solar eclipse

Ionospheric response during the annular solar eclipse of June 21, 2020, has been examined in terms of the Total Electron Content (TEC) obtained from six Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers positioned in the Chinese-Taiwanese region. We have shown TEC variation from satellites designated by PRNs (Pseudo-Random Noise code) 2, 6, and 19. PRN wise TEC trend was observed to depend upon satellite-pass trajectory to the receiver's location during the eclipse period. A time lag of ~15–30 min is also observed in maximum TEC decrement after the phase of maximum eclipse. Instead of the percentage of eclipse magnitude, a reduction in TEC is seen more for the station for which the orbital track of respective satellites was in closer view relative to receivers for more hours of eclipse window. Additionally, the eclipse day diurnal variations are compared with the pre-eclipse day TEC trend, and observed results show a clear decrease in TEC values at all chosen stations after the eclipse onset then reached the lowest value a few minutes afterward the maximum eclipse phase.

Quantification of Ebola virus replication kinetics in vitro.

Mathematical modelling has successfully been used to provide quantitative descriptions of many viral infections, but for the Ebola virus, which requires biosafety level 4 facilities for experimentation, modelling can play a crucial role. Ebola virus modelling efforts have primarily focused on in vivo virus kinetics, e.g., in animal models, to aid the development of antivirals and vaccines. But, thus far, these studies have not yielded a detailed specification of the infection cycle, which could provide a foundational description of the virus kinetics and thus a deeper understanding of their clinical manifestation. Here, we obtain a diverse experimental data set of the Ebola virus infection in vitro, and then make use of Bayesian inference methods to fully identify parameters in a mathematical model of the infection. Our results provide insights into the distribution of time an infected cell spends in the eclipse phase (the period between infection and the start of virus production), as well as the rate at which infectious virions lose infectivity. We suggest how these results can be used in future models to describe co-infection with defective interfering particles, which are an emerging alternative therapeutic.

Incidence of Animal-Bite Injuries Registered in Public Hospitals of Post-Conflict Swat District, Pakistan in 2014

The Swat district, a conflict-hit territory due to Taliban militancy, had a damaged local health infrastructure. Animal-bite injuries leading to rabies is one of the major health concerns in developing countries, especially within conflict zones. The current prospective epidemiological study was conducted to estimate the cumulative incidence of animal-bite injuries, to summarize characteristics of bite victims and biting animals, and to collect information about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) practices in Swat district, Pakistan, during 2014. A questionnaire was designed to collect data about the sociodemography of the patients, bite incident situation (provoked or unprovoked), injury pattern, animal type, PEP, and vaccination. Descriptive analyses were conducted using bar graphs, frequency tables, and chi-square tests were used to determine associations. The cumulative incidence of animal-bite injuries was 39 per 100,000 people during the study period (May-August 2014). The majority of incidents were reported from rural regions (77.7%) and were males (76.6%) younger than 10 years (37.3%). Dogs were the most frequent biting animal (86.8%) followed by rats (4.7%). About 77.7% patients washed their wound before arrival at hospital. After an eclipse phase of 10 days, 44 (10.1%) animals developed sign of rabies. The current study has highlighted a topic of interest for health, education, veterinary, and local government policy makers regarding prevention of animal bites, benefits of PEP, vaccination of human and domestic animals, control of stray dogs, and eradication of rabies in developing countries with damaged healthcare structures.

Modeling the efficiency of filovirus entry into cells in vitro: Effects of SNP mutations in the receptor molecule.

Interaction between filovirus glycoprotein (GP) and the Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) protein is essential for membrane fusion during virus entry. Some single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in two surface-exposed loops of NPC1 are known to reduce viral infectivity. However, the dependence of differences in entry efficiency on SNPs remains unclear. Using vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotyped with Ebola and Marburg virus GPs, we investigated the cell-to-cell spread of viruses in cultured cells expressing NPC1 or SNP derivatives. Eclipse and virus-producing phases were assessed by in vitro infection experiments, and we developed a mathematical model describing spatial-temporal virus spread. This mathematical model fit the plaque radius data well from day 2 to day 6. Based on the estimated parameters, we found that SNPs causing the P424A and D508N substitutions in NPC1 most effectively reduced the entry efficiency of Ebola and Marburg viruses, respectively. Our novel approach could be broadly applied to other virus plaque assays.

Annular Solar Eclipse on 26 December 2019 and its Effect on Trace Pollutant Concentrations and Meteorological Parameters in Kannur, India: a Coastal City

This paper highlights the variations of surface ozone (O3), total column ozone (TCO), oxides of nitrogen (NO and NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds (Benzene, Tolune, Ethyle Benzene, Xylenes (collectively called BTEX)), particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5), and meteorological parameters at the time of an annular solar eclipse on 26 December 2019 at Kannur town in Kerala, South India. The maximum solar obscuration has resulted a decrease in solar radiation by 93%, air temperature by 16.3%, wind speed by 36.1% and an increase in relative humidity by 27.1% at this coastal location. Along with the reduction in solar radiation, the concentration of surface O3 (61.5%) and total column O3 (11.8%) have been observed to decrease at the maximum phase of solar eclipse. CO and NO2 concentration were found to be increased by 28.9% and 42.2%, respectively, while NO exhibited its typical diurnal variation. Further, a decrease in concentrations of SO2 by 17.6%, PM10 by 18.5%, and PM2.5 by 11.3% were observed. NH3 and BTEX were found to be higher than 11.3% and 22.6% of the concentrations in control days. All of these deviated parameters could be seen returning to their normal state after completing the eclipse episode. The variation of photodissociation coefficient j(NO2) values were theoretically calculated from the observed data, which shows a good agreement with the model simulated j(NO2) reduction. This is an extensive second observation on the variation of trace pollutants on solar eclipse, after the partial solar eclipse observed on 15 January 2010 at Kannur.

A within-host mathematical model of H9N2 avian influenza infection and type-I interferon response pathways in chickens

Chickens infected with avian influenza virus (AIV) transmit the virus via respiratory and cloacal shedding. While previous mathematical models have shown that the innate immune response is necessary for the early suppression of virus production in infected respiratory cells, the different pathways by which the innate immune response can affect cloacal viral shedding have not been studied in chickens. The present study aims to evaluate the sensitivity of H9N2 low pathogenic AIV shedding in chicken gastrointestinal cells to different type-I interferon (IFN) response pathways, and to determine the impact of a cellular eclipse phase (latent period) on the time to peak virus shedding using a mathematical model describing within host viral kinetics. Our model results demonstrate that a mechanistic model that incorporates 1) the intracellular antiviral effects of type-I IFN on virus production, 2) destruction of infected cells by type-I IFN activated Natural Killer cells, and 3) an eclipse phase is most consistent with experimental cloacal virus shedding data. These results provide a potential mechanistic explanation for the delay to peak cloacal virus shedding observed in experimental studies conducted in chickens, as well as an improved understanding of the primary type-I IFN pathways involved in the control of cloacal virus shedding, which may lead to the development of more targeted vaccine candidates.