bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization by Monoclonal and Bispecific Antibodies Derived from a Gamma-infected Individual
Authors: Guerra Denise , Beaumont Tim , Radić Laura , Kerster Gius , van der Straten Karlijn , Yuan Meng , Torres Jonathan L. , Lee Wen-Hsin , Liu Hejun , Poniman Meliawati , Bontjer Ilja , Burger Judith A. , Claireaux Mathieu , Caniels Tom G. , Snitselaar Jonne L. , Bijl Tom P. L. , Kruijer Sabine , Ozorowski Gabriel , Gideonse David , Sliepen Kwinten , Ward Andrew B. , Eggink Dirk , de Bree Godelieve J. , Wilson Ian A. , Sanders Rogier W. , van Gils Marit J.
Published: October 2022

The worldwide pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has remained a human medical threat due to the continued evolution of multiple variants that acquire resistance to vaccines and prior infection. Therefore, it is imperative to discover monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that neutralize a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants for therapeutic and prophylactic use. A stabilized autologous SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein was used to enrich antigen-specific B cells from an individual with a primary Gamma variant infection. Five mAbs selected from those B cells showed considerable neutralizing potency against multiple variants of concern, with COVA309-35 being the most potent against the autologous virus, as well as against Omicron BA.1 and BA.2. When combining the COVA309 mAbs as cocktails or bispecific antibody formats, the breadth and potency was significantly improved against all tested variants. In addition, the mechanism of cross-neutralization of the COVA309 mAbs was elucidated by structural analysis. Altogether these data indicate that a Gamma-infected individual can develop broadly neutralizing antibodies.
CAF-1 deposits newly synthesized histones during DNA replication using distinct mechanisms on the leading and lagging strands
Authors: Rouillon Clément , Eckhardt Bruna V. , Kollenstart Leonie , Gruss Fabian , Verkennis Alexander E.E. , Rondeel Inge , Krijger Peter H.L. , Ricci Giulia , Biran Alva , van Laar Theo , Delvaux de Fenffe Charlotte M. , Luppens Georgiana , Albanese Pascal , Scheltema Richard A. , de Laat Wouter , Dekker Nynke H. , Groth Anja , Mattiroli Francesca
Published: October 2022

During every cell cycle, both the genome and the associated chromatin must be accurately replicated. Chromatin Assembly Factor-1 (CAF-1) is a key regulator of chromatin replication, but how CAF-1 cooperates with the DNA replication machinery is unknown. Here, we reveal that this crosstalk differs between the leading and lagging strand at replication forks. Using biochemical reconstitution, we show that DNA and histones promote CAF-1 recruitment to its binding partner PCNA and reveal that two CAF-1 complexes are required for efficient nucleosome assembly under these conditions. Remarkably, in the context of the replisome, CAF-1 competes with the leading strand DNA polymerase epsilon (Polε) for PCNA binding, but not with the lagging strand DNA polymerase Delta (Polδ). Yet, in cells, CAF-1 deposits newly synthesized histones equally on both daughter strands. Thus, on the leading strand, chromatin assembly by CAF-1 cannot occur simultaneously to DNA synthesis, while on the lagging strand both processes are coupled. We propose that these differences may facilitate distinct parental histone recycling mechanisms and accommodate the inherent asymmetry of DNA replication.
HvSL1andHvMADS16promote stamen identity to restrict multiple ovary formation in barley
Authors: Selva Caterina , Yang Xiujuan , Shirley Neil J. , Whitford Ryan , Baumann Ute , Tucker Matthew R.
Published: October 2022

Correct floral development is a consequence of a sophisticated balance between environmental and molecular cues. Floral mutants provide insight into the main genetic determinants that integrate these cues, as well as providing opportunities to assess functional conservation across species. In this study, we characterize the barley (Hordeum vulgare) multiovary mutantsmov2.gandmov1and propose causative gene sequences: a C2H2 zinc-fingerHvSL1and a B-class geneHvMADS16, respectively. In the absence ofHvSL1,flowers lack stamens but exhibit functional supernumerary carpels resulting in multiple seeds per floret when artificially pollinated. Deletion ofHvMADS16inmov1causes homeotic conversion of lodicules and stamens into bract-like organs and carpels that contain non-functional ovules. Based on developmental, genetic, and molecular data we propose a model by which stamen specification in barley is defined by HvSL1 acting upstream of barley B-class genes, specifically the transcriptional up-regulation ofHvMADS16. The present work identifies strong conservation of stamen formation pathways with rice, but also reveals intriguing species-specific differences. The findings lay the foundation for a better understanding of floral architecture inTriticeae, a key target for crop improvement.

Highlight

Analysis of the barley multiovarymov1andmov2loci indicates that HvSL1 and HvMADS16 exhibit both unique and conserved roles in the specification and development of cereal flowers.
Emergent oscillations during cellular directional decision-making on junctions
Authors: Ron Jonathan E. , Crestani Michele , Kux Johan M. , Liu Jiayi , Al-Dam Nabil , Monzo Pascale , Gauthier Nils C. , Sáez Pablo J. , Gov Nir S.
Published: October 2022

Motile cells inside living tissues often encounter junctions, where their path branches into several alternative directions of migration. We present a theoretical model of cellular polarization for cells migrating along one-dimensional lines, arriving at a symmetric Y-junction and extending protrusions along the different paths that emanate from the junction. The model predicts the spontaneous emergence of deterministic oscillations between competing protrusions, whereby the cellular polarization and growth alternates between the competing protrusions. The oscillations are modified by cellular noise, but remain as a dominant feature which affects the time it takes the cell to migrate across the junction. These predicted oscillations in the cellular polarization during the directional decision making process at the junction are found experimentally for two different cell types, non-cancerous endothelial and cancerous glioma cells, migrating on patterned network of thin adhesive lanes with junctions.
Peritubular macrophages phagocyte remains of undifferentiated spermatogonia in mouse testis
Authors: Marra María Fernanda , Ibañez Jorge , Millán María Elisa , Freites Carlos Leandro , Fernandez Dario , Lopez Luis Alberto
Published: October 2022

The cells involved in spermatogenesis are germ-cells, called spermatogonia, classified as: type A-undifferentiated, type A-intermediate and type B. During the spermatogenesis, more than 75% of the germ-cells undergo apoptosis and most of them are phagocyted by Sertoli cells. Peritubular macrophages in adult mouse testis are macrophages that both stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of undifferentiated spermatogonia in the wall of the seminiferous tubule. They have long processes and ramified appearance that squished between the lateral sides of neighbor myoid cells. We show, that a population of peritubular macrophages, grouped in pairs and activated, phagocyted undifferentiated spermatogonia in apoptosis. In adult mouse testis, 3.3x 105undifferentiated spermatogonia are in the germinal epithelium and 8,250 of them are in apoptosis. We counted in the testis 2,634.2 ±160 peritubular macrophages with phagocytic activity. If each one phagocyted one undifferentiated spermatogonia in apoptosis, it may indicated that peritubular macrophages phagocyted 31.9 % of the total undifferentiated spermatogonia in apoptosis. According to our knowledges, this is the first time that it is shown that undifferentiated spermatogonia in apoptosis are cleaned by peritubular macrophages.

Summary Sentence

We report that peritubular macrophages of adult mouse testis, phagocytic remains of apoptotic undifferentiated spermatogonia. These results show that peritubular macrophages, like Sertoli cells, participate in the remotion of germinal cells in the testis.
Fibril elongation by human islet amyloid polypeptide is the main event linking aggregation to membrane damage
Authors: Elenbaas Barend O.W. , Kremsreiter Stefanie M. , Khemtemourian Lucie , Killian J. Antoinette , Sinnige Tessa
Published: October 2022

The aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is linked to the death of pancreatic β-cells in type II diabetes. The process of fibril formation by hIAPP is thought to cause membrane damage, but the precise mechanisms are still unclear. Previously, we showed that the aggregation of hIAPP in the presence of membranes containing anionic lipids is dominated by secondary nucleation events, which occur at the interface between existing fibrils and the membrane surface. Here, we used vesicles with different lipid composition to explore the connection between hIAPP aggregation and vesicle leakage. We found that different anionic lipids promote hIAPP aggregation to the same extent, whereas remarkably stochastic behaviour is observed on purely zwitterionic membranes. Vesicle leakage induced by hIAPP consists of two distinct phases for any of the used membrane compositions: (i) an initial phase in which hIAPP binding causes a certain level of leakage that is strongly dependent on osmotic conditions, membrane composition and the used dye, and (ii) a main leakage event that we attribute to elongation of hIAPP fibrils, based on seeded experiments. Altogether, our results shed more light on the relationship between hIAPP fibril formation and membrane damage, and strongly suggest that oligomeric intermediates do not considerably contribute to vesicle leakage.
Crosstalk between paralogous ComRS quorum-sensing systems diversifies the competence/bacteriocin networks of oral streptococci
Authors: Li Jinbei W. , Wyllie Ryan M. , Jensen Paul A.
Published: October 2022

ComRS quorum-sensing systems regulate competence and bacteriocin production in the mutans streptococci that cause dental caries (tooth decay). We recently discovered a new class of ComRS (Type IV) in the oral pathogenStreptococcus sobrinus. We now show that every species of mutans streptococci has at least one Type IV ComRS system.S. mutans, S. ratti, S. macacae, andS. ferushave both a Type II and a Type IV ComRS system;S. cricetihas one Type IV ComRS system; andS. downeiandS. sobrinushave two Type IV ComRS systems. Gene deletion and reporter assays reveal that, in general, competence is regulated by one ComRS system, while a second ComRS system—when present—regulates bacteriocin production. However, crosstalk in species with two ComRS systems leads to a diverse set of competence/bacteriocin network structures. InS. mutans, for example, the Type IV ComRS can potentiate competence by kickstarting the well-studied Type II system, while the Type II system shows spillover activation of the Type IV system. Differences in ComR DNA binding sequences determine the specificity of the ComR paralogs, and sometimes a single base pair change can integrate the two systems. Our work reveals similarities and differences among the competence/bacteriocin networks in naturally competent streptococci, suggesting that paralogous regulation may provide evolutionary flexibility in genetic networks.
Synaptojanin1 regulates lysosomal functions in ventral midbrain neurons
Authors: Zhu Xinyu , Prakash Sanjana Surya , McAuliffe Geoffrey , Pan Ping-Yue
Published: October 2022

A major pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the manifestation of Lewy bodies comprised of alpha-synuclein (α-syn). The accumulation of α-syn enriched protein aggregates is thought to arise from dysfunction in degradation systems within the brain. Recently, missense mutations ofSYNJ1encoding the SAC1 and 5’-phosphatase domains have been found in families with hereditary early-onset Parkinsonism. Previous studies showed thatSynj1haploinsufficiency (Synj1+/-) leads to PD-like behavioral and pathological changes in mice, including the accumulation of the autophagy substrate p62 and pathological α-syn proteins in the midbrain (MB) and striatum. In this study, we aim to investigate the neuronal degradation pathway using theSynj1+/-MB culture as a model. Our data suggests that autophagy flux and cumulative autophagosome formation is unaltered at baseline inSynj1+/-MB neurons. However, lysosome number is reduced with a similar decrease in lysosomal proteins, including LAMP1, LAMP2, and LAMP2A. Lysosomes are hyperacidified with enhanced enzymatic activity inSynj1+/-MB neurons. Using a combination of light and electron microscopy, we show that lysosomal changes are primarily associated with a lack of SAC1 activity. Consistently, expressing the SYNJ1 R258Q mutant in N2a cells reduces the lysosome number. Interestingly, the lysosomal defects in Synj1+/- neurons does not impact the clearance of exogenously expressed wild-type α-syn; however, the clearance of α-syn A53T was impaired in the axons ofSynj1+/-MB neurons. Taken together, our results suggest axonal vulnerability to lysosomal defects in Synj1 deficient MB neurons.

Significance Statement

In the study, Zhu et al. discovered a previously uncharacterized role of Synj1 in regulating lysosomal number, protein, and acidity in ventral midbrain neurons. These alterations are associated with a specific impairment in the clearance of α-syn A53T, but not WT α-syn in axons, suggesting an essential role of Synj1 in axonal degradative capacity under pathological stress. This work in cultured mammalian neurons complements recent research efforts inDrosophila, C. elegans andzebra fish, and provides a novel insight for the role Synj1 in neuronal autolysosomal function.
An experimental demonstration of ensemble epistasis in the lac repressor
Authors: Morrison Anneliese J. , Harms Michael J.
Published: October 2022

Epistatic, non-additive, interactions between mutations reveal the functional architecture of living systems, strongly shape evolution, and present a difficult challenge for bioengineers. Interpreting and modeling epistasis requires knowledge of the mechanisms that bring it about. We recently argued that “ensemble epistasis” could be a generic mechanism for epistasis between mutations introduced into a single macromolecule. Because proteins exist as ensembles of interconverting conformations, a mutation could induce epistasis by subtly altering ensemble composition and thus the effects of subsequent mutations. Here we show experimentally that the thermodynamic ensemble does indeed yield high magnitude epistasis in the lac repressor. We observed two- and three-way epistasis in DNA binding, with magnitudes as large or larger than the individual effects of mutations. This biophysical effect propagated to substantial epistasis in gene expressionin vivo. As predicted in previous theoretical work, IPTG concentration tunes the magnitude of ensemble epistasis. Further, our observations could all be captured with a rigorous mathematical model of the lac repressor ensemble. Given that conformational ensembles are unavoidable features of macromolecules, we expect this is a ubiquitous and underappreciated cause of intramolecular epistasis.
Computational investigation of the effect of reduced dynein velocity and reduced cargo diffusivity on slow axonal transport
Authors: Kuznetsov Ivan A. , Kuznetsov Andrey V.
Published: October 2022

Contributions of three components of slow axonal transport (SAT) were studied using a computational model: the anterograde motor (kinesin)-driven component, the retrograde motor (dynein)-driven component, and the diffusion-driven component. The contribution of these three components of SAT was investigated in three different segments of the axon: the proximal portion, the central portion, and the distal portion of the axon. MAP1B protein was used as a model system to study SAT because there are published experimental data reporting MAP1B distribution along the axon length and average velocity of MAP1B transport in the axon. This allows the optimization approach to be used to find values of model kinetic constants that give the best fit with published experimental data. The effects of decreasing the value of cargo diffusivity on the diffusion-driven component of SAT and decreasing the value of dynein velocity on the retrograde motor-driven component of SAT were investigated. We found that for the case when protein diffusivity and dynein velocity are very small, it is possible to obtain an analytical solution to model equations. We found that, in this case, the protein concentration in the axon is uniform. This shows that anterograde motor-driven transport alone cannot simulate a variation of cargo concentration in the axon. Most proteins are non-uniformly distributed in axons. They may exhibit, for example, an increased concentration closer to the synapse. The need to reproduce a non-uniform distribution of protein concentration may explain why SAT is bidirectional (in addition to an anterograde component, it also contains a retrograde component).
Serial visualization of Glucose-insulin metabolism in thin young Indians with prediabetes reveals early failure of beta cell secretion in relation to decreasing insulin sensitivity
Authors: Tiwari Pradeep , Phatak Sanat , Bandopadhyay Souvik , Sethi Tavpritesh , Fall Caroline HD , Yajnik Chittaranjan
Published: October 2022

Background & Objective

Defective beta cell function in relation to impaired insulin sensitivity results in glucose intolerance. There are few studies documenting the lifecourse evolution of this relationship. The Pune Maternal Nutrition Study (PMNS) longitudinal birth cohort offered the opportunity to document these parameters from childhood in young, rural prediabetic participants and compare them to normal glucose tolerant (NGT).

Methods

PMNS subjects were classified as NGT or Glucose intolerant according to their OGTT results at 18 years of age. Insulin Sensitivity (HOMA-S) and β-cell function (HOMA-β) were estimated at 6,12 and 18 years. Their inter-relationship was estimated using HOMA-β as a nonlinear function of HOMA-S, separately for NGT and Glucose intolerant individuals at 6,12 and 18 years. Rates of change of HOMA-S and HOMA-β were estimated using a linear mixed effect model and visualized using LOESS plots.

Result

Of 619 participants, 177 had glucose intolerance at 18 years of age. A nonlinear hyperbolic relationship between HOMA-S and HOMA-B was observed at all time points. There was a progressive fall in HOMA-S and rise in HOMA-B with increasing age. Glucose intolerant participants had lower HOMA-B for all levels of HOMA-S as compared to NGT, manifesting as shift towards the origin in the hyperbolic curve.

Conclusion

We provide evidence for early life dysregulation in glucose insulin metabolism leading to pre-diabetes at 18 years of age. Prediabetic individuals started with lower beta cell function and lower insulin sensitivity from an early age. Diabetes prevention should start from early life.
Public-private partnership in Alberta, Canada: a path dependence perspective
Authors: Opara Michael , Rankin Robert , Ling Ran , Le Thien
Published: October 2022

Purpose

In this study, the authors revisit Alberta's public-private partnership (P3) program after 20 years of field level experience by retracing its historical emergence and institutional evolution given its political context. Specifically, the authors adopt a path dependence perspective to reconstruct and reexamine Alberta's P3 program emergence, reflect on the successes achieved, and articulate challenges that must be overcome to institutionalize P3s as part of Alberta's infrastructure delivery environment in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a constructivist approach and a case-based methodology, the authors (re)analyze the activities of governmental agents, private industry, and other actors as part of a new infrastructure policy introduced in 2002 to transform the provincial institutional landscape to accommodate P3.

Findings

The authors find Alberta's P3 emergence was driven by the necessity of its infrastructure deficits, political expediency, and resource scarcity. Furthermore, with well-entrenched conservative political actors as gatekeepers, Alberta's P3 implementation demonstrated stability and incremental change simultaneously, consistent with core elements of path dependency. Following the introduction of P3 in Alberta, the province lacked formal institutional structures that would transition its P3 program from good to great and enable it to become firmly embedded in the public infrastructure delivery landscape. With the subsequent absence of P3-convinced (political) leadership and uncertainty about its P3 policy direction, Alberta was unable or unwilling to consolidate the progress made at the start of the program.

Originality/value

Most recently, the emergence of new political leadership in Alberta has (re)catalyzed policy progress, pointing toward a more methodical program approach, and suggesting a rediscovered confidence in P3s in the province with the establishment of a P3 Office (P3O), including nascent formal rules for unsolicited bids. These recent changes in our view make for a much more anchored policy and could lead to program sustainability and eventual institutionalization. Given the unpredictability of the recent political change, a more robust analysis of the relationship between political party control, leadership, and P3 stability is required to anticipate future policy and organizational obstacles.
Financial reporting quality during a crisis: a systematic review
Authors: Saha Amitav
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper presents a systematic literature review, including content and bibliometric analyses, of the impact of a crisis on financial reporting quality. In addition, this review identifies emerging research themes and provides future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted systematic literature review approach finds 29 highly cited articles on the effect of a crisis on financial reporting quality, with an additional seven studies for analysis identified in a review of emerging literature.

Findings

This study consolidates prior research findings on financial reporting quality during a crisis under four major themes: (1) earnings quality and its determinants; (2) audit quality around a crisis; (3) conservatism, valuation effects and corporate governance; and (4) financial stability and regulations. Mixed and inconclusive findings are documented for most themes, suggesting that this literature is still in its infancy and that room exists for further theoretical refinement.

Practical implications

The study's findings potentially have important ramifications for managers, standard setters, government regulators and policymakers. By highlighting examples of changes in firms' reporting practices during a crisis, the study provides a context in which to understand the influence or potential influence of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on firms' financial reporting practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study to systematically review and synthesise prior research findings on the quality of financial reporting during economic crises. The study identifies many unexplored research areas regarding crises, with possible direct implications for financial reporting practices. The impact of these issues needs to be carefully considered and understood, with the current coronavirus pandemic demonstrating that firms have the opportunity to compromise ethical aspects of their decisions as they experience pressure to maximise profits.
Strategic leadership in SMEs: the mediating role of dynamic capabilities
Authors: Quansah Emmanuel , Moghaddam Kaveh , Solansky Stephanie , Wang Yuan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role throughout the global economy, spurring innovation and job creation. This study investigates the effect of strategic leadership practices on SME performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a quantitative survey of leaders from 290 SMEs to examine their strategic leadership and how it affects SME performance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the dependent relationships in this paper.

Findings

The results suggest that the strategic leadership effect on firm performance is fully mediated by employee empowerment dynamic capability (EEDC) as well as resilient dynamic capability (RDC).

Originality/value

Strategic leadership is traditionally analyzed in large organizations. The authors evaluate the role of strategic leadership in SMEs which is an underexplored context for leadership studies. In this process, the authors also analyze the mediating role of EEDC and RDC.
Evolutionary Transformations of Albumin Using the Example of Model Species of Jawless Agnatha and Bony Jawed Fish (Review)
Authors: Andreeva A. M.
Published: October 2022

Issues of the organization of albumin (a protein belonging to the superfamily of albuminoids) are considered using the example of model representatives of lower aquatic vertebrates: jawless Agnatha (Cyclostomata) and jawed bony lobe-finned (Sarcopterygii) and ray-finned (Actinopterygii: Chondrostei, Holostei, Teleostei) fish. A comparative analysis is carried out of the total length and the length of coding and noncoding sequences of the albumin gene; the number of exons, the length of introns, and the presence of repeated DNA elements in them; and the presence/absence of paralogous genes, their chromosomal affiliation, and the composition of syntenic groups. A comparative analysis of the length of the amino acid sequence, the number of domains, and S–S bonds in the albumin structure is also carried out. The issues of the emergence of the ancestral gene for albuminoids, the “expansion” and “narrowing” of the albuminoid repertoire in different groups of vertebrates, the appearance of a cluster of paralogous genes within a single chromosome in the Sarcopterygii branch and paralogous genes on different chromosomes in the Actinopterygii branch in the representatives of cartilaginous ganoids and teleost fish, the elongation of the gene and protein chain of albumin in the lamprey line, and losses of the albumin gene in the largest groups of teleost fish (Ostariophysi and Acanthopterygii) are discussed. The listed scenarios are considered in light of their consistency with the events of whole genome, local, and segment duplications. The problem of compensating for the functions of the “lost” albumin gene due to multiple osmotically active plasma proteins is discussed using the example of the group of teleost fish.
Structure of Zoobenthos at Different Stages of Ecosystem Succession in Thermokarst Water Bodies of the Central Yamal Peninsula
Authors: Koveshnikov M. I. , Krylova E. N.
Published: October 2022

The taxonomic composition, structure, and spatial distribution of zoobenthos have been studied in 25 water bodies of the Arctic tundra. Eight types of thermokarst water bodies, representing the stages of the succession cycle, have been identified for the central Yamal Peninsula. Water bodies of the initial stages of the cycle are located on the hills, the middle stages are at the edge of the valleys, and the latest stages are in the valleys. In total, 161 species of zoobenthos have been found; their abundance and diversity vary within a wide range according to reservoir type. The number of species per sample ranges 1–33, abundance 0.02–23.40 thousand ind./m2, and biomass 0.05–73.09 g/m2. The trophic status of studied water bodies changes gradually from hypereutrophic at the beginning of the cycle (bog stage) to ultraoligotrophic (lake stage), becoming hypereutrophic at the end of the cycle (khasyrei stage). During succession, the abundance of zoobenthos decreases due to the replacement of small forms by larger ones: a complex dominating by biomass changes from chironomid at the beginning of the cycle, through bivalves and oligochaetes at lake stages, to gastropods and gammarids at the end of the cycle. Feeding preferences of zoobenthos change from phytophagous, through a wide spectrum (including filter-feeding), to phytophagous and detritus-feeding.
[Retracted] Molecular Docking and Green Synthesis of Bioinorganic TiO2 Nanoparticles against E.coli and S.aureus
Authors: Al-Serwi Rasha Hamed , El-Sherbiny Mohamed , Kumar T.V. Ajay , Qasim Abdulmalik Abdulghani , Khattar Thekra , Alghazwani Yahia , Alqahtani Ali , Krishnaraju Venkatesan , Muthu Mohamed Jamal Moideen , Sundramurthy Venkatesa Prabhu
Published: October 2022

This study used a simple solution evaporation approach to make a bioinorganic titanium dioxide (Bi‐TiO2) photocatalyst for dye contaminant degradation. A variety of techniques, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX), and differential reflectance spectroscopy, had been employed to classify the structural and optical properties of the prepared bioinorganic photocatalyst (UV‐DRS). Using simulated solar irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of the produced Bi‐TiO2 nanoparticles was examined by detecting the degradation of a solution of methylene blue (MB) as a model dye molecule. The developed Bi‐TiO2 photocatalyst demonstrates superior photocatalytic action than commercially available powder TiO2, according to photo‐degradation experiments. E.coli and S.aureus bacterial strains were employed to assess the antibacterial activity of Bi‐TiO2 nanoparticles. The most active molecules that gain antibacterial activity were examined in isolated or extracted components from the tulsi plant. The chosen compounds were docked with thymidylate kinase (TMPK), a potential therapeutic goal for the preparation of novel antibacterial drugs with the PDB ID of 4QGG. Five compounds, namely rosmarinic acid, vicenin‐2, orientin, vitexin, and isoorientin, out of the 27 chosen compounds, showed a higher docking score and may aid in boosting antibacterial activity. The synthesized Bi‐TiO2 nanoparticles produced antibacterial activity that was effective against Gram‐positive bacteria. The nanomaterials that have been synthesized have a lot of potential in wastewater treatment and biomedical management technologies.
The Slower, the Better: Wide Complex Tachycardia Triggered by Flecainide in an Elderly Female
Authors: Ezeh Ebubechukwu , Perdoncin Maddie , Moroi Morgan K. , Amro Mohammad , Ruzieh Mohammed , Okhumale Paul I.
Published: October 2022

Class IC antiarrhythmics are generally considered a safe means of treating many common arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (a-fib), atrial flutter (a-flutter), and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Essentially, flecainide works by binding and blocking sodium channels more effectively at higher heart rates. However, this class of drugs is known to exhibit use dependence which could predispose patients to the development of malignant arrhythmias during episodes of tachycardia. In this case, we present a patient who was being treated with flecainide for a-fib who ultimately developed a wide complex tachycardia after her metoprolol was held.
Sensitivity and Optimal Control Analysis of an Extended SEIR COVID‐19 Mathematical Model
Authors: Wachira C. M. , Lawi G. O. , Omondi L. O.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a mathematical model based on a system of ordinary differential equations is developed with vaccination as an intervention for the transmission dynamics of coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19). The model solutions are shown to be well posed. The vaccine reproduction number is computed by using the next‐generation matrix approach. The sensitivity analysis carried out on this model showed that the vaccination rate and vaccine efficacy are among the most sensitive parameters of the vaccine reproduction number, RV. The optimal control problem is solved with the rate of vaccination and the transition rate from the vaccinated class to the infected class as control variables. Finally, the numerical simulations showed that the control intervention should aim to increase the vaccination rate with a high‐efficacy vaccine.
Analysis of the Relationship of Video Text and Urban Image Communication Based on the Calculation Method of Wedge Diffraction in Geometrical Optics
Authors: Sun Qi
Published: October 2022

City image reflects a city’s comprehensive competitiveness and is also an important indicator of a city’s spiritual civilization and urbanization process. A good city image is an intangible asset of a city, which can contribute to the political, economic, cultural, and social construction of a city and create more value for the city. This paper mainly discusses the research status and research methods of urban image at home and abroad. Based on the calculation method of wedge diffraction in geometrical optics, various heuristic uniform diffraction formulas of lossy wedge are compared and analyzed, and a better heuristic formula of uniform diffraction of lossy wedge is given. Finally, the selection of important channel parameters in the propagation channel is discussed, and a method for predicting the statistical parameters of the propagation channel of urban images based on the results of ray tracing is proposed. Then, the channel parameters are analyzed by using statistical parameters, and the channel parameters of the city image propagation model are analyzed.
A Three-Year Prospective Study Assessing the Application of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis in 576 High-Risk Pregnant Women
Authors: Jiang Minmin , Huang Shengwen , Ma Xingwei , Xie Ping , Ren Lingyan , Jin Qian , Linghu Keyan
Published: October 2022

Background. The use of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal and genetic diseases has resulted in a significant improvement in the diagnosis of genetically caused congenital malformations, neurodevelopmental disorders, and congenital anomalies, with a high diagnostic yield in selected prenatal cases. Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of CMA in the prenatal diagnosis of high-risk pregnant women. Method. A total of 576 pregnancies were selected from May 2018 to October 2020 in our hospital, including amniotic fluid chromosome, karyotype analysis, and CMA detection. The study group was divided into two groups based on the indications for testing: group A has 88 patients at the age of 35 years or older, and group B patients were in high-risk pregnancies, which consisted of 33 cases of bad pregnancy history, 252 high-risk serological screenings, 70 high-risk non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), 65 cases of B-ultrasound indicated fetal development abnormalities or ultrasonic soft marker abnormalities, and 68 other cases of pregnant women or both who have genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. At last, we have an analysis of the detection rate from different testing methods. Results. Based on the follow-up test, 576 high-risk pregnant women showed an amniotic fluid chromosome karyotype rate of 18.1% (104/576), and the remaining 472 of these cases suffered a CNV ratio of 14.2% (67/472). 472 women of low clinical relevance are at 4.87% (23/472), 16 people showed a clear cause ratio = 3.39% (16/472), and 28 of the 472 (5.93%) cases showed polymorphism. Conclusions. In our study, CMA significantly improved the fetal detection rate and diagnosis rate in high-risk pregnant women, which proved to be a very useful method in the diagnosis of genetically caused neurodevelopmental disorders and congenital anomalies. The use of CMA in high-risk pregnant women is justified, and these women can detect an additional (3.40%, 16/472) of pathogenic microdeletions and microduplications in the cases.
3D Object Detection Algorithm Based on the Reconstruction of Sparse Point Clouds in the Viewing Frustum
Authors: Xu Xing , Wu Xiang , Zhao Yun , Lü Xiaoshu , Aapaoja Aki
Published: October 2022

In response to the problem that the detection precision of the current 3D object detection algorithm is low when the object is severely occluded, this study proposes an object detection algorithm based on the reconstruction of sparse point clouds in the viewing frustum. The algorithm obtains more local feature information of the sparse point clouds in the viewing frustum through dimensional expansion, performs the fusion of local and global feature information of the point cloud data to obtain point cloud data with more complete semantic information, and then applies the obtained data to the 3D object detection task. The experimental results show that the precision of object detection in both 3D view and BEV (Bird’s Eye View) can be improved effectively through the algorithm, especially object detection of moderate and hard levels when the object is severely occluded. In the 3D view, the average precision of the 3D detection of cars, pedestrians, and cyclists at a moderate level can be increased by 7.1p.p., 16.39p.p., and 5.42p.p., respectively; in BEV, the average precision of the 3D detection of car, pedestrians, and cyclists at hard level can be increased by 6.51p.p., 16.57p.p., and 7.18p.p., respectively, thus indicating the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Exploring Anti-Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Bao Weiping , Sun Hongping , Wu Xiang , Xu Juan , Zhang Huifeng , Cao Lin , Fan Yaofu
Published: October 2022

Purpose. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GGQL) has been employed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying mechanism of GGQL in the treatment of T2DM remains unknown. This study was aimed at exploring the pharmacological mechanisms of GGQL against T2DM via network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental validation. Methods. The effective components of GGQL were screened, and the target was predicted by using traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP). The candidate targets of GGQL were predicted by network pharmacological analysis, and crucial targets were chosen by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed to predict the core targets and pathways of GGQL against T2DM. Then, T2DM mice were induced by a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. The model and GGQL groups were given normal saline and GGQL aqueous solution (10 and 20 g/kg/d) intragastric administration, respectively, for 8 weeks. The mice in the GGQLT groups were administered with GGQLT at 10 and 20 g/kg/d, respectively. The pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB was verified by western blotting. Results. A total of 204 common targets of GGQL for the treatment of T2DM were obtained from 140 active ingredients and 212 potential targets of T2DM. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis involved 119 signaling pathways, mainly in inflammatory TNF signaling pathways. Animal experiments showed that GGQL significantly reduced the serum levels of body mass, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, TNF-α, and IL-17. The liver pathological section showed that GGQL could improve the vacuolar degeneration and lipid deposition in the liver of T2DM mice. Mechanistically, GGQL downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that GGQL may exert antidiabetic effects against T2DM by suppressing TNF-α signaling pathway activation, thus providing a basis for its potential use in clinical practice and further study in treating T2DM.
GEMIN6 Overexpression Correlates with the Low Immune Cell Infiltration and Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Peng Yunsong , Wang Zeng , Cai Jianyong , Dong Xiaoqiao , Du Quan
Published: October 2022

Background. Gem nuclear organelle-associated protein 6 (GEMIN6) is a component of the GEMINS protein family involved in the survival of motor neuron (SMN) complex. SMN interfered with snRNP assembly and mRNA processing resulting in tumorigenesis. We performed this study to explore the association between GEMIN6 and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods. We used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to collect transcriptomic expression data of LUAD patients and analyze the difference in GEMIN6 expression between normal and tumor tissues of LUAD. qRT-PCR analysis was also performed to detect the expression of GEMIN6 in normal and LUAD cells. The expression of GEMIN6 on the LUAD patient survival outcome was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox analyses. In addition, the Metascape online tool and single-sample GSEA were employed to find out the underlying biological mechanisms of GEMIN6. Furthermore, the correlations of GEMIN6 expression with immune cell infiltration in LUAD were analyzed by ssGSEA and Spearman correlation analysis. Results. Compared with the normal tissues and cells, the expression of GEMIN6 was significantly higher in LUAD tissues and cells; the high expression GEMIN6 was also found in the advanced pathologic stage and advanced N and T stages of LUAD. GEMIN6 high expression was significantly associated with inferior overall survival. The heat map revealed the top 20 coexpressed genes with GEMIN6, including SF3B6, CPSF3, and PSMB3. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that enrichment genes are associated with the cell cycle, mRNA processing, and energy metabolism. Additionally, GEMIN6 was negatively related to the immune cell infiltration in LUAD. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that GEMIN6 was involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of LUAD. GEMIN6 could be an important molecular marker of poor prognosis and a therapeutic target of LUAD.
Prediction of Click-through Rate of Marketing Advertisements Using Deep Learning
Authors: Li Mo , Sun WeiSheng , Jia Qiaoran , Cui Yilin , Li Shiru , Wu Liping Leah , Zheng Lixian , Qiao Guanghui
Published: October 2022

Aiming at the defect that the click-through rate of marketing advertisements cannot provide accurate prediction results for the company in time in the marketing strategy of Internet companies, this paper uses a deep learning algorithm to establish a prediction model for the click-through rate of marketing advertisements. The suggested model is called high-order cross-feature network (HCN). Furthermore, this paper also introduces the combination of feature vectors into the graph structure and as the nodes in the graph; therefore, the graph neural network (GNN) is used to obtain the high-level representation ability of structured data more fully. Through numerical simulations, we observed that HCN has the capability to provide Internet companies with more accurate advertising business information, user information, and advertising content. Moreover, HCN model is more reasonable to adjust the advertising strategy and can provide better user experience. The simulation outcomes indicate that the suggested HCN approach has noble adaptability and high correctness in forecasting the click-through rate of marketing advertisements. We observed that this improvement, in terms of predictions precisions and accuracies, can be as high as 17.52% higher than the deep neural network (DNN) method and 10.45% higher than the factorization network (FM) approach.
A Chelating Resin of EDTA-Type Modified Cross-Linking Polystyrene to Preconcentrate Trace Metals for Seawater Detection
Authors: Li Chao , Duan Linna , Han Mingchao , He Hongwei , Yuan Mengxiang , Wang Hairong
Published: October 2022

The determination of trace metals in seawater is an important project of marine environmental monitoring. However, the presence of many alkali metal ions with high concentration, such as sodium ion, seriously interferes with the detection limit and accuracy of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS, flame/graphite furnace integrated). The conventional chemical methods for the enrichment of trace metals are complex, and low boiling point organic solvents are used. In this paper, a kind of commercial cross-linked polystyrene resin microspheres was chloromethylated and aminated to introduce EDTA-type amino polycarboxylic groups and then loaded in a column as the absorption filler. A set of seawater pretreatment and enrichment devices was designed and assembled. The enriching process and conditions of trace Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in standard seawater were studied. 10 g of the modified resin could enrich the equivalent seawater and remove successfully the light metal ions. pH = 5∼9 and 0.2 mL/min of the flow rate were the suitable conditions for preconcentration. The enriched metal ions in the eluent were analyzed on the AAS. Compared with the conventional solvent method, the novel material and enrichment device have high preconcentration efficiency, strong anti-interference ability, and low cost and could be directly applied for routine seawater detection.
Nonlinear dynamics of the media addiction model using the fractal‐fractional derivative technique
Authors: Rashid Saima , Ashraf Rehana , Bonyah Ebenezer
Published: October 2022

Excessive use of social media is a developing concern in the twenty‐first century. This issue needs to be addressed before it has any more significant consequences than what we are currently experiencing. As a preventive technique, advertisements and awareness‐raising campaigns about the detrimental impact of digital technologies are used. The application of novel mathematical techniques and terminologies in this field of study will have significant potential to enhance healthy living by preventing certain ailments. This is the most compelling justification for conducting a new study with the most up‐to‐date techniques at our disposal. This study investigates clear and concise transmission in order to generate a deterministic mathematical model of social media addiction using the fractal‐fractional (FF) derivative operator. Also, the analysis of the model in terms of the invariant domain, the existence of a positive invariant solution, and equilibria assumptions are stated in a detailed manner. Besides that, the basic reproduction number ℝ0 < 1 is computed, demonstrating that the proposed methodology is more efficacious. The Atangana‐Baleanu FF differential operators are recently defined in FF differential operators that are applied to characterize the model’s mathematical algorithm. We investigated the numerical behaviour of the in three ways: (i) changing the fractional‐order (α) as well as the fractal‐dimension (℘); (ii) changing α while keeping ℘ constant; and (iii) changing ℘ while keeping α constant. Our examined visualizations and simulation studies using MATLAB for the numerical modelling of the aforementioned system showed that the novel developed Atangana‐Baleanu FF differential operators produce remarkable results when compared to the classical frame.