bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Regional Natural Brines for the Indoor Cultivation of Salicornia europaea
Authors: Fitzner Maria , Fricke Anna , Schreiner Monika , Baldermann Susanne
Published: November 2021

Scaling agriculture to the globally rising population demands new approaches for future crop production such as multilayer and multitrophic indoor farming. Moreover, there is a current trend towards sustainable local solutions for aquaculture and saline agriculture. In this context, halophytes are becoming increasingly important for research and the food industry. As Salicornia europaea is a highly salt-tolerant obligate halophyte that can be used as a food crop, indoor cultivation with saline water is of particular interest. Therefore, finding a sustainable alternative to the use of seawater in non-coastal regions is crucial. Our goal was to determine whether natural brines, which are widely distributed and often available in inland areas, provide an alternative water source for the cultivation of saline organisms. This case study investigated the potential use of natural brines for the production of S. europaea. In the control group, which reflects the optimal growth conditions, fresh weight was increased, but there was no significant difference between the treatment groups comparing natural brines with artificial sea water. A similar pattern was observed for carotenoids and chlorophylls. Individual components showed significant differences. However, within treatments, there were mostly no changes. In summary, we showed that the influence of the different chloride concentrations was higher than the salt composition. Moreover, nutrient-enriched natural brine was demonstrated to be a suitable alternative for cultivation of S. europaea in terms of yield and nutritional quality. Thus, the present study provides the first evidence for the future potential of natural brine waters for the further development of aquaculture systems and saline agriculture in inland regions.
Artificial Intelligence Methodologies for Data Management
Authors: Serey Joel , Quezada Luis , Alfaro Miguel , Fuertes Guillermo , Vargas Manuel , Ternero Rodrigo , Sabattin Jorge , Duran Claudia , Gutierrez Sebastian
Published: November 2021

This study analyses the main challenges, trends, technological approaches, and artificial intelligence methods developed by new researchers and professionals in the field of machine learning, with an emphasis on the most outstanding and relevant works to date. This literature review evaluates the main methodological contributions of artificial intelligence through machine learning. The methodology used to study the documents was content analysis; the basic terminology of the study corresponds to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data between the years 2017 and 2021. For this study, we selected 181 references, of which 120 are part of the literature review. The conceptual framework includes 12 categories, four groups, and eight subgroups. The study of data management using AI methodologies presents symmetry in the four machine learning groups: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, and reinforced learning. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence methods with more symmetry in all groups are artificial neural networks, Support Vector Machines, K-means, and Bayesian Methods. Finally, five research avenues are presented to improve the prediction of machine learning.
Advanced Approach for Estimating Failure Rate Using Saddlepoint Approximation
Authors: Al Mutairi Alya
Published: November 2021

In the present study paper, a failure (hazard) rate function approximates the probability distribution for the linear combination of a random variable considered a highly complex model. The saddlepoint approximation approach is used to approximate the probability mass function and the cumulative distribution function to derive the approximation of the failure (hazard) rate with a high level of accuracy. The superior performance of this method is shown by numerical simulations and comparison with the performance of other approximation methods.
Second-Order EKF White Noise Estimator Design for Hybrid Systems
Authors: Liang Yuxiang , Zhao Huihong , Shang Yunlong , Meng Hailong
Published: November 2021

The extended Kalman filter (EKF) has a wide range of applications (especially in power battery management systems) with a rapidly increasing market share. It aims to minimize the symmetric loss function (mean square error) and it has high accuracy and efficiency in battery state estimation. This study deals with the second-order extended Kalman filter-based process and the measurement white noise estimation problem for nonlinear continuous-discrete systems. The design of the white noise filter and smoother were, firstly, converted into a linear estimation problem by the second-order Taylor series expansion approximation and the function that makes the second-order term approximately equivalent to the estimation error variance. Secondly, based on the projection formula of the Kalman filtering (KF) theory and the Lemma of expectation for quadratic and quartic product traces of random vectors, the second-order EKF was derived. Then, to generate white noise estimators in the forms of filtering and smoothing, we derived a recursive solution, using an innovation method. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Data-Driven Kalman Filtering in Nonlinear Systems with Actuator and Sensor Fault Diagnosis Based on Lyapunov Stability
Authors: Fan Lingling , Guo Kaipu , Ji Honghai , Liu Shida , Wei Yuzhou
Published: November 2021

This study proposes a data-driven adaptive filtering method for the fault diagnosis (DDAF-FD) of discrete-time nonlinear systems and provides a simultaneous online estimation of actuator and sensor faults. First, dynamic linearization was adopted to transform the nonlinear system into a quasi-linear model, which facilitated accurate modeling of the nonlinear system. Second, a data-driven adaptive fault diagnosis method was designed under the framework of data-driven filtering and the recursive least-squares algorithm using system I/O data only, and accurate real-time estimation of two fault factors was achieved. In addition, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The stability was verified via the Lyapunov method.
Analysis of Urban Electric Vehicle Trip Rule Statistics and Ownership Prediction
Authors: Gao Hui , Yang Lutong , Zhang Anyue , Sheng Mingxin
Published: November 2021

In order to play the important role of electric vehicles to promote the realization of the 3060 double carbon target, electric vehicles have seen explosive growth. However, due to the tight symmetry between the number and distribution of electric vehicles and their corresponding charging facilities, the layout of charging facilities has higher requirements. This paper collects travel data in the form of a traffic travel questionnaire for electric vehicle users. Based on the vehicle parking demand model of the queuing theory and Monte Carlo simulation, the paper gives the number of stopping vehicles and the time of vehicles stopping in different places such as residential areas, workplaces, supermarket parking and roadside. In addition, based on the Bass prediction model, the main parameters are modeled in the model, and the price correction coefficient is introduced. The improved Bass model is used to predict the growth trend of electric vehicles in different regions in different years and in different incentive sites. By predicting the ownership of urban electric vehicles and accurately grasping the distribution and operation of electric vehicles, this paper can provide guidance and suggestions for the planning and construction of charging facilities in different regions, effectively reduce the investment cost of charging facilities and guide local governments to formulate reasonable planning schemes.
The Role of the Non-Playing Hand during Topspin Forehand in Table Tennis
Authors: Winiarski Sławomir , Malagoli Lanzoni Ivan , Bańkosz Ziemowit
Published: November 2021

Theoretical tutorials and the scientific literature do not provide information on the proper use of the non-playing hand in table tennis. This study aimed to evaluate the course of the movement in the joints of the non-playing limb during a table tennis topspin forehand stroke (played after a backspin ball) and to determine the inter-individual movement variability. The study involved 12 male table tennis players (178.7 ± 5.5 cm, 70.0 ± 6.6 kg, 23 ± 3 y) at a competitive level. The participants performed one topspin forehand as a response to a backspin ball. Kinematics were measured using an Inertial Motion Unit–MR3 myoMuscle Master Edition system. Changes in the angles of the upper limb joints (with particular emphasis on the non-playing hand) during the forehand topspin were analyzed. A novel method of normalized function of variance was used to characterize areas of high/low variability of movement. Most of the movements in the joints of the non-playing limb were performed symmetrically to the playing one, especially in the hitting phase. A rapid change of direction characterizes these movements, just before or during the hitting phase, which may indicate a supportive, ‘driving’ character for these movements. High inter-individual variability for the duration of the entire movement cycle in both limbs was observed; higher in the non-playing limb. This perhaps indicates a greater degree of individualization on the non-playing side.
Aboodh Transform Iterative Method for Solving Fractional Partial Differential Equation with Mittag–Leffler Kernel
Authors: Awuya Michael A. , Subasi Dervis
Published: November 2021

The major aim of this paper is the presentation of Aboodh transform of the Atangana–Baleanu fractional differential operator both in Caputo and Riemann–Liouville sense by using the connection between the Laplace transform and the Aboodh transform. Moreover, we aim to obtain the approximate series solutions for the time-fractional differential equations with an Atangana–Baleanu fractional differential operator in the Caputo sense using the Aboodh transform iterative method, which is the modification of the Aboodh transform by combining it with the new iterative method. The relation between the Laplace transform and the Aboodh transform is symmetrical. Some graphical illustrations are presented to describe the effect of the fractional order. The outcome reveals that Aboodh transform iterative method is easy to implement and adequately captures the behavior and the fractional effect of the fractional differential equation.
Refinements of Ostrowski Type Integral Inequalities Involving Atangana–Baleanu Fractional Integral Operator
Authors: Ahmad Hijaz , Tariq Muhammad , Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar , Askar Sameh , Abouelregal Ahmed E. , Khedher Khaled Mohamed
Published: November 2021

In this article, first, we deduce an equality involving the Atangana–Baleanu (AB)-fractional integral operator. Next, employing this equality, we present some novel generalization of Ostrowski type inequality using the Hölder inequality, the power-mean inequality, Young’s inequality, and the Jensen integral inequality for the convexity of |Υ|. We also deduced some new special cases from the main results. There exists a solid connection between fractional operators and convexity because of their fascinating properties in the mathematical sciences. Scientific inequalities of this nature and, particularly, the methods included have applications in different fields in which symmetry plays a notable role. It is assumed that the results presented in this article will show new directions in the field of fractional calculus.
A Novel (2, 3)-Threshold Reversible Secret Image Sharing Scheme Based on Optimized Crystal-Lattice Matrix
Authors: Lin Jiang-Yi , Horng Ji-Hwei , Chang Chin-Chen
Published: November 2021

The (k, n)-threshold reversible secret image sharing (RSIS) is technology that conceals the secret data in a cover image and produces n shadow versions. While k (k ≤ n) or more shadows are gathered, the embedded secret data and the cover image can be retrieved without any error. This article proposes an optimal (2, 3) RSIS algorithm based on a crystal-lattice matrix. Sized by the assigned embedding capacity, a crystal-lattice model is first generated by simulating the crystal growth phenomenon with a greedy algorithm. A three-dimensional (3D) reference matrix based on translationally symmetric alignment of crystal-lattice models is constructed to guide production of the three secret image shadows. Any two of the three different shares can cooperate to restore the secret data and the cover image. When all three image shares are available, the third share can be applied to authenticate the obtained image shares. Experimental results prove that the proposed scheme can produce secret image shares with a better visual quality than other related works.
New Sufficient Conditions to Ulam Stabilities for a Class of Higher Order Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Simões Alberto M. , Carapau Fernando , Correia Paulo
Published: November 2021

In this work, we present sufficient conditions in order to establish different types of Ulam stabilities for a class of higher order integro-differential equations. In particular, we consider a new kind of stability, the σ-semi-Hyers-Ulam stability, which is in some sense between the Hyers–Ulam and the Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stabilities. These new sufficient conditions result from the application of the Banach Fixed Point Theorem, and by applying a specific generalization of the Bielecki metric.
On the Performance of a Nonlinear Position-Velocity Controller to Stabilize Rotor-Active Magnetic-Bearings System
Authors: El-Shourbagy Sabry M. , Saeed Nasser A. , Kamel Magdi , Raslan Kamal R. , Abouel Nasr Emad , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: November 2021

The performance of a nonlinear position-velocity controller in stabilising the lateral vibrations of a rotor-active magnetic-bearings system (RAMBS) is investigated. Cubic nonlinear position-velocity and linear position-velocity controllers are introduced to stabilise RAMBS lateral oscillations. According to the proposed control law, the nonlinear system model is established and then investigated with perturbation analysis. Nonlinear algebraic equations that govern the steady-state oscillation amplitudes and the corresponding phases are derived. Depending on the obtained algebraic equations, the different frequency response curves and bifurcation diagrams are plotted for the studied model. Sensitivity analysis for the linear and nonlinear controllers’ gains is explored. Obtained analytical results demonstrated that the studied model had symmetric bifurcation behaviours in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In addition, the integration of the cubic position controller made the control algorithm more flexible to reshape system dynamical behaviours from the hardening spring characteristic to the softening spring characteristic (or vice versa) to avoid resonance conditions. Moreover, the optimal design of the cubic position gain and/or cubic velocity gain could stabilise the unstable motion and eliminate the nonlinear effects of the system even at large disc eccentricities. Lastly, numerical validations for all acquired results are performed, where the presented simulations show accurate correspondence between numerical and analytical investigations.
Robust Nonlinear Control Scheme for Electro-Hydraulic Force Tracking Control with Time-Varying Output Constraint
Authors: Zang Wanshun , Zhang Qiang , Su Jinpeng , Feng Long
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a robust nonlinear control scheme with time-varying output constraint for the electro-hydraulic force control system (EHFCS). Two typical double-rod symmetrical hydraulic cylinders are employed to simulate force environments in the EHFCS. Therefore, in order to improve the performance of the EHFCS, firstly, the model of the EHFCS is established with taking external disturbances, parameter uncertainties as well as structural vibrations into consideration. Secondly, in order to estimate external disturbances, parameter uncertainties and structural vibrations in the EHFCS and compensate them in the following robust controller design, two disturbance observers (DOs) are designed according to the nonlinear system model. Thirdly, with two estimation values from two DOs, a time-varying constraint-based robust controller (TVCRC) is presented in detail. Moreover, the stability of the proposed controller is analyzed by defining a proper Lyapunov functions. Finally, in order to validate the performance of the proposed controller, a series of simulation studies are conducted using the MATLAB/Simulink software. These simulation results give a fine proof of the efficiency of the proposed controller. What’s more, an experimental setup of the EHFCS is established to further validate the performance. Comparative experimental results show that the proposed controller exhibits better performance than the TVCRC without two DOs and a conventional proportional integral (PI) controller.
Microcystin-Induced Immunotoxicity in Fishes: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lin Wang , Hung Tien-Chieh , Kurobe Tomofumi , Wang Yi , Yang Pinhong
Published: November 2021

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have been present on Earth for over 2 billion years, and can produce a variety of bioactive molecules, such as cyanotoxins. Microcystins (MCs), the most frequently detected cyanotoxins, pose a threat to the aquatic environment and to human health. The classic toxic mechanism of MCs is the inhibition of the protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (PP1 and PP2A). Immunity is known as one of the most important physiological functions in the neuroendocrine-immune network to prevent infections and maintain internal homoeostasis in fish. The present review aimed to summarize existing papers, elaborate on the MC-induced immunotoxicity in fish, and put forward some suggestions for future research. The immunomodulatory effects of MCs in fish depend on the exposure concentrations, doses, time, and routes of exposure. Previous field and laboratory studies provided strong evidence of the associations between MC-induced immunotoxicity and fish death. In our review, we summarized that the immunotoxicity of MCs is primarily characterized by the inhibition of PP1 and PP2A, oxidative stress, immune cell damage, and inflammation, as well as apoptosis. The advances in fish immunoreaction upon encountering MCs will benefit the monitoring and prediction of fish health, helping to achieve an ecotoxicological goal and to ensure the sustainability of species. Future studies concerning MC-induced immunotoxicity should focus on adaptive immunity, the hormesis phenomenon and the synergistic effects of aquatic microbial pathogens.
Optimization of the QuEChERS-Based Analytical Method for Investigation of 11 Mycotoxin Residues in Feed Ingredients and Compound Feeds
Authors: Seo Hyungju , Jang Sunyeong , Jo Hyeongwook , Kim Haejin , Lee Seunghwa , Yun Hyejeong , Jeong Minhee , Moon Joonkwan , Na Taewoong , Cho Hyunjeong
Published: November 2021

Mycotoxins are toxic substances naturally produced by various fungi, and these compounds not only inflict economic damage, but also pose risks to human and animal health. The goal of the present study was to optimize the QuEChERS-based extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the analysis of 11 mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FBs), T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, zearalenone (ZEN), and deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly found in feed. The QuEChERS method, characterized by being “quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe”, has become one of the most common extractions and clean-up procedures for mycotoxin analyses in food. Therefore, in this experiment, an optimal method for the analysis of 11 mycotoxins in feed was established by modifying the general QuEChERS method. In this process, it was confirmed that even if feed samples of different weights were extracted, the quantitative value of mycotoxins in the feed was not affected. To reduce matrix effects, 13C-labeled compounds and deuterium were used as internal standards. This optimized method was then applied in the determination of 11 mycotoxins in 736 feed ingredients and compound feeds obtained from South Korea. The results showed that the occurrence rates of FBs, ZEN, and DON were 59.4%, 38.0%, and 32.1%, respectively, and OTA, AFs, and T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin were found in fewer than 1% of the 736 feeds. The mean concentration ranges of FBs, ZEN, and DON were 757–2387, 44–4552, and 248–9680 μg/kg, respectively. Among the samples in which DON and ZEN were detected, 10 and 12 samples exceeded the management recommendation standards presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA). However, when the detected concentrations of DON and ZEN were compared with guideline levels in foreign countries, such as the US, Japan, China, and the EU, the number of positive samples changed. In addition, the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in the feed was analyzed, and the results showed that 43.8% of the samples were contaminated with two or three mycotoxins, among which the co-occurrence rate of FBs, ZEN, and DON was the highest. In conclusion, these results suggest the need for stricter management standards for FBs, DON, and ZEN in South Korea, and emphasize the importance of the continuous monitoring of feeds.
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Efficiency by Prostate Gland Size: Is There a Sweet Spot?
Authors: Assmus Mark Alexander , Large Tim , Krambeck Amy
Published: November 2021

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is one of only two AUA guideline-recommended prostate size-independent surgeries for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The significant variation in gland size treated results in a wide range of enucleation and morcellation times. We sought to understand the effect of prostate size on HoLEP efficiency to better educate patients and improve operative room utilization. After IRB approval, we identified patients from 1 July 2016 to 1 January 2020 who underwent HoLEP by two endourologists. Our primary objectives were to assess the effects of increasing increments (25 g) of mean enucleated prostate tissue weight on enucleation and morcellation efficiency (g/min). One-way Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA with Dunn’s post hoc test was used, with significant p < 0.05. We included 675 HoLEPs with all comers mean tissue weight resected of 72.1 g (Range 1–448 g), energy used 110.00 kJ (10.73–340 kJ), enucleation time 48.6 min (5–151 min), and morcellation time 10.1 min (0.5–113 min). Average enucleation efficiency increased with increasing prostate size categories (e.g., <25 g–0.48 g/min, >325 g–3.91 g/min) (K-W ANOVA p = 0.004, Dunn’s post hoc p = 0.004). The combined average enucleation and morcellation efficiency was ≥5 g/min between 55 and 271 g. Inefficiency for cases <55 g was driven by enucleation, while >271 g case inefficiency was driven by morcellation. Increasing tissue weight at the time of HoLEP is associated with a linear relationship of increasing enucleation and decreasing morcellation efficiencies.
Small RNA Response to Infection of the Insect-Specific Lammi Virus and Hanko Virus in an Aedes albopictus Cell Line
Authors: Öhlund Pontus , Hayer Juliette , Hesson Jenny C. , Blomström Anne-Lie
Published: November 2021

RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated antiviral immunity is believed to be the primary defense against viral infection in mosquitoes. The production of virus-specific small RNA has been demonstrated in mosquitoes and mosquito-derived cell lines for viruses in all of the major arbovirus families. However, many if not all mosquitoes are infected with a group of viruses known as insect-specific viruses (ISVs), and little is known about the mosquito immune response to this group of viruses. Therefore, in this study, we sequenced small RNA from an Aedes albopictus-derived cell line infected with either Lammi virus (LamV) or Hanko virus (HakV). These viruses belong to two distinct phylogenetic groups of insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFVs). The results revealed that both viruses elicited a strong virus-derived small interfering RNA (vsiRNA) response that increased over time and that targeted the whole viral genome, with a few predominant hotspots observed. Furthermore, only the LamV-infected cells produced virus-derived Piwi-like RNAs (vpiRNAs); however, they were mainly derived from the antisense genome and did not show the typical ping-pong signatures. HakV, which is more distantly related to the dual-host flaviviruses than LamV, may lack certain unknown sequence elements or structures required for vpiRNA production. Our findings increase the understanding of mosquito innate immunity and ISFVs’ effects on their host.
The Evolutionary Landscape of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.519 and Its Clinical Impact in Mexico City
Authors: Cedro-Tanda Alberto , Gómez-Romero Laura , Alcaraz Nicolás , de Anda-Jauregui Guillermo , Peñaloza Fernando , Moreno Bernardo , Escobar-Arrazola Marco A. , Ramirez-Vega Oscar A. , Munguia-Garza Paulina , Garcia-Cardenas Francisco , Cisneros-Villanueva Mireya , Moreno-Camacho Jose L. , Rodriguez-Gallegos Jorge , Luna-Ruiz Esparza Marco A. , Fernández Rojas Miguel A. , Mendoza-Vargas Alfredo , Reyes-Grajeda Juan Pablo , Campos-Romero Abraham , Angulo Ofelia , Ruiz Rosaura , Sheinbaum-Pardo Claudia , Sifuentes-Osornio José , Kershenobich David , Hidalgo-Miranda Alfredo , Herrera Luis A.
Published: November 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is one of the most concerning health problems around the globe. We reported the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.519 in Mexico City. We reported the effective reproduction number (Rt) of B.1.1.519 and presented evidence of its geographical origin based on phylogenetic analysis. We also studied its evolution via haplotype analysis and identified the most recurrent haplotypes. Finally, we studied the clinical impact of B.1.1.519. The B.1.1.519 variant was predominant between November 2020 and May 2021, reaching 90% of all cases sequenced in February 2021. It is characterized by three amino acid changes in the spike protein: T478K, P681H, and T732A. Its Rt varies between 0.5 and 2.9. Its geographical origin remain to be investigated. Patients infected with variant B.1.1.519 showed a highly significant adjusted odds ratio (aOR) increase of 1.85 over non-B.1.1.519 patients for developing a severe/critical outcome (p = 0.000296, 1.33–2.6 95% CI) and a 2.35-fold increase for hospitalization (p = 0.005, 1.32–4.34 95% CI). The continuous monitoring of this and other variants will be required to control the ongoing pandemic as it evolves.
Interspecies Jumping of Bat Coronaviruses
Authors: Wong Antonio C. P. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: November 2021

In the last two decades, several coronavirus (CoV) interspecies jumping events have occurred between bats and other animals/humans, leading to major epidemics/pandemics and high fatalities. The SARS epidemic in 2002/2003 had a ~10% fatality. The discovery of SARS-related CoVs in horseshoe bats and civets and genomic studies have confirmed bat-to-civet-to-human transmission. The MERS epidemic that emerged in 2012 had a ~35% mortality, with dromedaries as the reservoir. Although CoVs with the same genome organization (e.g., Tylonycteris BatCoV HKU4 and Pipistrellus BatCoV HKU5) were also detected in bats, there is still a phylogenetic gap between these bat CoVs and MERS-CoV. In 2016, 10 years after the discovery of Rhinolophus BatCoV HKU2 in Chinese horseshoe bats, fatal swine disease outbreaks caused by this virus were reported in southern China. In late 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia emerged in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread globally, leading to >4,000,000 fatalities so far. Although the genome of SARS-CoV-2 is highly similar to that of SARS-CoV, patient zero and the original source of the pandemic are still unknown. To protect humans from future public health threats, measures should be taken to monitor and reduce the chance of interspecies jumping events, either occurring naturally or through recombineering experiments.
An Isoform of the Eukaryotic Translation Elongation Factor 1A (eEF1a) Acts as a Pro-Viral Factor Required for Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Disease in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Helderman Tieme , Deurhof Laurens , Bertran André , Boeren Sjef , Fokkens Like , Kormelink Richard , Joosten Matthieu , Prins Marcel , van den Burg Harrold
Published: November 2021

The tripartite genome of the negative-stranded RNA virus Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) is assembled, together with two viral proteins, the nucleocapsid protein and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, into infectious ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). These two viral proteins are, together, essential for viral replication and transcription, yet our knowledge on the host factors supporting these two processes remains limited. To fill this knowledge gap, the protein composition of viral RNPs collected from TSWV-infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants, and of those collected from a reconstituted TSWV replicon system in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was analysed. RNPs obtained from infected plant material were enriched for plant proteins implicated in (i) sugar and phosphate transport and (ii) responses to cellular stress. In contrast, the yeast-derived viral RNPs primarily contained proteins implicated in RNA processing and ribosome biogenesis. The latter suggests that, in yeast, the translational machinery is recruited to these viral RNPs. To examine whether one of these cellular proteins is important for a TSWV infection, the corresponding N. benthamiana genes were targeted for virus-induced gene silencing, and these plants were subsequently challenged with TSWV. This approach revealed four host factors that are important for systemic spread of TSWV and disease symptom development.
Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Receptors Expression in Primary Endothelial Cells and Retinoic Acid-Differentiated Human Neuronal Cells
Authors: Benedetti Francesca , Silvestri Giovannino , Mavian Carla , Weichseldorfer Matthew , Munawwar Arshi , Cash Melanie N. , Dulcey Melissa , Vittor Amy Y. , Ciccozzi Massimo , Salemi Marco , Latinovic Olga S. , Zella Davide
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is primarily responsible for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and it is characterized by respiratory illness with fever and dyspnea. Severe vascular problems and several other manifestations, including neurological ones, have also been frequently reported, particularly in the great majority of “long hauler” patients. SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in lung epithelial cells, while dysfunction of endothelial and neuronal brain cells has been observed in the absence of productive infection. It has been shown that the Spike protein can interact with specific cellular receptors, supporting both viral entry and cellular dysfunction. It is thus clear that understanding how and when these receptors are regulated, as well as how much they are expressed would help in unveiling the multifaceted aspects of this disease. Here, we show that SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells express three important cellular surface molecules that interact with the Spike protein, namely ACE2, TMPRSS2, and NRP1. Their levels increase when cells are treated with retinoic acid (RA), a commonly used agent known to promote differentiation. This increase matched the higher levels of receptors observed on HUVEC (primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells). We also show by confocal imaging that replication-defective pseudoviruses carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein can infect differentiated and undifferentiated SH-SY5Y, and HUVEC cells, although with different efficiencies. Neuronal cells and endothelial cells are potential targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the interaction of the Spike viral protein with these cells may cause their dysregulation. Characterizing RNA and protein expression tempo, mode, and levels of different SARS-CoV-2 receptors on both cell subpopulations may have clinical relevance for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19-infected subjects, including long hauler patients with neurological manifestations.
Transcriptomic Characterization Reveals Attributes of High Influenza Virus Productivity in MDCK Cells
Authors: Ye Qian , Phan Thu , Hu Wei-Shou , Liu Xuping , Fan Li , Tan Wen-Song , Zhao Liang
Published: November 2021

The Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line is among the most commonly used cell lines for the production of influenza virus vaccines. As cell culture-based manufacturing is poised to replace egg-based processes, increasing virus production is of paramount importance. To shed light on factors affecting virus productivity, we isolated a subline, H1, which had twice the influenza virus A (IAV) productivity of the parent (P) through cell cloning, and characterized H1 and P in detail on both physical and molecular levels. Transcriptome analysis revealed that within a few hours after IAV infection, viral mRNAs constituted over one fifth of total mRNA, with several viral genes more highly expressed in H1 than P. Functional analysis of the transcriptome dynamics showed that H1 and P responded similarly to IAV infection, and were both subjected to host shutoff and inflammatory responses. Importantly, H1 was more active in translation and RNA processing intrinsically and after infection. Furthermore, H1 had more subdued inflammatory and antiviral responses. Taken together, we postulate that the high productivity of IAV hinges on the balance between suppression of host functions to divert cellular resources and the sustaining of sufficient activities for virus replication. Mechanistic insights into virus productivity can facilitate the process optimization and cell line engineering for advancing influenza vaccine manufacturing.
Monoclonal Human Antibodies That Recognise the Exposed N and C Terminal Regions of the Often-Overlooked SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a Transmembrane Protein
Authors: Tan Tyng Hwey , Patton Elizabeth , Munro Carol A. , Corzo-Leon Dora E. , Porter Andrew J. , Palliyil Soumya
Published: November 2021

ORF3a has been identified as a viroporin of SARS-CoV-2 and is known to be involved in various pathophysiological activities including disturbance of cellular calcium homeostasis, inflammasome activation, apoptosis induction and disruption of autophagy. ORF3a-targeting antibodies may specifically and favorably modulate these viroporin-dependent pathological activities. However, suitable viroporin-targeting antibodies are difficult to generate because of the well-recognized technical challenge associated with isolating antibodies to complex transmembrane proteins. Here we exploited a naïve human single chain antibody phage display library, to isolate binders against carefully chosen ORF3a recombinant epitopes located towards the extracellular N terminal and cytosolic C terminal domains of the protein using peptide antigens. These binders were subjected to further characterization using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and surface plasmon resonance analysis to assess their binding affinities to the target epitopes. Binding to full-length ORF3a protein was evaluated by western blot and fluorescent microscopy using ORF3a transfected cells and SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Co-localization analysis was also performed to evaluate the “pairing potential” of the selected binders as possible alternative diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for COVID-19 infections. Both ORF3a N and C termini, epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies were identified in our study. Whilst the linear nature of peptides might not always represent their native conformations in the context of full protein, with carefully designed selection protocols, we have been successful in isolating anti-ORF3a binders capable of recognising regions of the transmembrane protein that are exposed either on the “inside” or “outside” of the infected cell. Their therapeutic potential will be discussed.
Establishing Healthcare Worker Performance and Safety in Providing Critical Care for Patients in a Simulated Ebola Treatment Unit: Non-Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Kiiza Peter , Mullin Sarah I. , Teo Koren , Goodman Len , Perez Adic , Pinto Ruxandra , Thompson Kelly , Piquette Dominique , Hall Trevor , Bah Elhadj I. , Christian Michael , Hajek Jan J. , Kao Raymond , Lamontagne François , Marshall John C. , Mishra Sharmistha , Murthy Srinivas , Vanderschuren Abel , Fowler Robert A. , Adhikari Neill K. J.
Published: November 2021

Improving the provision of supportive care for patients with Ebola is an important quality improvement initiative. We designed a simulated Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) to assess performance and safety of healthcare workers (HCWs) performing tasks wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in hot (35 °C, 60% relative humidity) or thermo-neutral (20 °C, 20% relative humidity) conditions. In this pilot phase to determine the feasibility of study procedures, HCWs in PPE were non-randomly allocated to hot or thermo-neutral conditions to perform peripheral intravenous (PIV) and midline catheter (MLC) insertion and endotracheal intubation (ETI) on mannequins. Eighteen HCWs (13 physicians, 4 nurses, 1 nurse practitioner; 2 with prior ETU experience; 10 in hot conditions) spent 69 (10) (mean (SD)) minutes in the simulated ETU. Mean (SD) task completion times were 16 (6) min for PIV insertion; 33 (5) min for MLC insertion; and 16 (8) min for ETI. Satisfactory task completion was numerically higher for physicians vs. nurses. Participants’ blood pressure was similar, but heart rate was higher (p = 0.0005) post-simulation vs. baseline. Participants had a median (range) of 2.0 (0.0–10.0) minor PPE breaches, 2.0 (0.0–6.0) near-miss incidents, and 2.0 (0.0–6.0) health symptoms and concerns. There were eight health-assessment triggers in five participants, of whom four were in hot conditions. We terminated the simulation of two participants in hot conditions due to thermal discomfort. In summary, study tasks were suitable for physician participants, but they require redesign to match nurses’ expertise for the subsequent randomized phase of the study. One-quarter of participants had a health-assessment trigger. This research model may be useful in future training and research regarding clinical care for patients with highly infectious pathogens in austere settings.
Hydrochemical and Isotopic Characterization of the Impact of Water Diversion on Water in Drainage Channels, Groundwater, and Lake Ulansuhai in China
Authors: Han Yifan , Zhai Yuanzheng , Guo Mengshen , Cao Xinyi , Lu Hong , Li Jie , Wang Shengrui , Yue Weifeng
Published: November 2021

Lakes are important natural water reservoirs that connect other water bodies and play essential roles in water supply, ecological preservation, and climate regulation. Because of global climate change and human activities, many lakes worldwide are facing severe challenges, such as ecological degradation and reductions in their water storage, levels, surface areas, and quality. Water diversion into lakes is considered an effective measure to address these challenges and has attracted much attention. Water has been diverted into Lake Ulansuhai through drainage channels from the Yellow River since 2013. This shallow lake is located in arid northern China and is greatly affected by high salinity and eutrophication. The lake is the lowest area in the Hetao basin and is a sink for terrestrial water in this region. High salinity in lake water, drainage channels, and groundwater caused by NaCl is an ongoing problem; however, water diversion has played an important role in dilution. The main hydrochemical type in the lake water is Cl·HCO3–Na·Mg, while those in the drainage channels and the groundwater show more diversity because of spatial differences. The main source of water in the lake (52–60%) is that diverted through six drainage channels on the west bank, followed by meteoric precipitation (36–38%). Groundwater recharge to the lake is minimal (west bank: 2–7%, and east bank: 1–5%). Extensive evaporation occurs in the lake before the lake water is discharged into the Yellow River through a waste canal. The hydrochemical evolution and salinization of the lake are dominated by the six drainage channels, followed by evaporation from the lake surface. Thus, resolution of soil salinization in the Hetao irrigation area is key to addressing salinity issues in the lake. This study will be helpful for the planning of future water diversion and ecological restoration.
WRSS: An Object-Oriented R Package for Large-Scale Water Resources Operation
Authors: Arabzadeh Rezgar , Aberi Parisa , Hesarkazzazi Sina , Hajibabaei Mohsen , Rauch Wolfgang , Nikmehr Saman , Sitzenfrei Robert
Published: November 2021

Water resources systems, as facilities for storing water and supplying demands, have been critically important due to their operational requirements. This paper presents the applications of an R package in a large-scale water resources operation. The WRSS (Water Resources System Simulator) is an object-oriented open-source package for the modeling and simulation of water resources systems based on Standard Operation Policy (SOP). The package provides R users several functions and methods to build water supply and energy models, manipulate their components, create scenarios, and publish and visualize the results. WRSS is capable of incorporating various components of a complex supply–demand system, including numerous reservoirs, aquifers, diversions, rivers, junctions, and demand nodes, as well as hydropower analysis, which have not been presented in any other R packages. For the WRSS’s development, a novel coding system was devised, allowing the water resources components to interact with one another by transferring the mass in terms of seepage, leakage, spillage, and return-flow. With regard to the running time, as a key factor in complex models, WRSS outshone the existing commercial tools such as the Water Evaluation and Planning System (WEAP) significantly by reducing the processing time by 50 times for a single unit reservoir. Additionally, the WRSS was successfully applied to a large-scale water resources system comprising of 5 medium- to large-size dams with 11 demand nodes. The results suggested dams with larger capacity sizes may meet agriculture sector demand but smaller capacities to fulfill environmental water requirement. Additionally, large-scale approach modeling in the operation of one of the studied dams indicated its implication on the reservoirs supply resiliency by increasing 10 percent of inflow compared with single unit operation.
Novel Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor Accurately Captures Field-Scale Soil Moisture Trends under Heterogeneous Soil Textures
Authors: Flynn Kade D. , Wyatt Briana M. , McInnes Kevin J.
Published: November 2021

Soil moisture is a critical variable influencing plant water uptake, rainfall-runoff partitioning, and near-surface atmospheric conditions. Soil moisture measurements are typically made using either in-situ sensors or by collecting samples, both methods which have a small spatial footprint or, in recent years, by remote sensing satellites with large spatial footprints. The cosmic ray neutron sensor (CRNS) is a proximal technology which provides estimates of field-averaged soil moisture within a radius of up to 240 m from the sensor, offering a much larger sensing footprint than point measurements and providing field-scale information that satellite soil moisture observations cannot capture. Here we compare volumetric soil moisture estimates derived from a novel, less expensive lithium (Li) foil-based CRNS to those from a more expensive commercially available 3He-based CRNS, to measurements from in-situ sensors, and to four intensive surveys of soil moisture in a field with highly variable soil texture. Our results indicate that the accuracy of the Li foil CRNS is comparable to that of the commercially available sensors (MAD = 0.020 m3 m−3), as are the detection radius and depth. Additionally, both sensors capture the influence of soil textural variability on field-average soil moisture. Because novel Li foil-based CRNSs are comparable in accuracy to and much less expensive than current commercially available CRNSs, there is strong potential for future adoption by land and water managers and increased adoption by researchers interested in obtaining field-scale estimates of soil moisture to improve water conservation and sustainability.
Complexity of the Relationship between Environmental Factors, Interspecific Competition, and Intrinsic Traits of the Species in Explaining the Invasive Success of Gobio lozanoi Doadrio & Madeira, 2004
Authors: Barca Sandra , Vieira-Lanero Rufino , Nachón David José , Sánchez-Hernández Javier , Cobo María del Carmen , Cobo Fernando
Published: November 2021

The increase of non-native species in rivers is of great concern. To assess the potential impact of a species it is necessary to consider the ecological state of the receiving ecosystem and the biology of the potentially invasive species. In this work we characterize two populations of Gobio lozanoi Doadrio & Madeira, 2004 (bio-metric and demographic parameter) and the invasibility (as a function of habitat quality, competing species, food supply, etc.) of the two rivers that they inhabit. In addition, biomarkers of energy reserve level are analyzed to investigate their role in the invasiveness of the species. The results show differences in energy reserve levels and invasiveness between the two fish populations, and differences in the potential invasibility of the two tributaries. In the river with lower resistance to invasion, the G. lozanoi population is well-structured, and specimens have higher lipid values. On the contrary, in the river with better ecological status (and therefore greater resistance to invasion) we found lower lipid values, higher protein values and low juvenile survival rate. The lipid level is revealed as a good indicator of invasiveness in populations of alien species, under favorable conditions for invasion.
Development and Application of an Interactive Coupling Rainfall-Runoff Model According to Soil Texture
Authors: Kwak Chang-Jae , Kim Jung-Soo
Published: November 2021

In this study, we developed a model that simulates surface and subsurface flows for rainfall-runoff analyses using an interactive coupling method. To characterize the interaction between the surface and subsurface flows, we studied the coupling analysis model. The proposed model was designed following comparisons with existing models. For the analysis of the surface and subsurface flows, a governance equation was constructed. The goodness of fit of the model was also tested. To examine the sensitivity of the input parameters, simulations were performed while changing the major parameters of the model according to the soil texture. The developed model showed high applicability to actual watersheds after adjustment of the parameters. This model can be applied to the extension module for channel analysis; therefore, it can be used efficiently in urbanized watersheds wherein the upstream and downstream parts are pervious and impervious watersheds, respectively.