bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LABVIEW BASED ECG SIGNAL ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS
Authors: Dhande Shila
Published: June 2021

The system “LabVIEW based ECG signal
acquisition and analysis” is developed to assist patients
and doctors in health care. An arrhythmia is an
abnormal heart rhythm. It may be so brief that it
doesn’t change the overall heart rate, but it can cause
the heart rate to be too slow or too fast. When
arrhythmias are severe or last long enough, the heart
may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. This
can cause the patient to feel tired, lightheaded or may
make him pass out. It can also cause death. Before
treatment, it’s important for the doctor to know where
an arrhythmia starts in the heart and whether it’s
abnormal. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is often used to
diagnose arrhythmias. “LabVIEW based ECG signal
acquisition and analysis” is meant to acquire ECG
signals from the patient and analyze it to detect and
classify its anomalies and abnormalities. This is achieved
by extracting amplitudes and durations of parameters of
ECG waveform such as P wave, QRS complex, RR
interval, and PR durations. These parameters are
compared with the normal values to determine the type
of abnormality- Tachycardia or Bradycardia. The
database of the patient is maintained for further use by
the doctor.
The objective of LabVIEW based ECG signal
acquisition and analysis aims at acquiring and analyzing
temporal parameters of ECG signal such as P wave,
QRS complex, RR interval, PR durations and
amplitudes of the P wave, ST wave, identification of
cardiac arrhythmia using LabVIEW. The research work
has helped us to explore various features of LabVIEW
like signal processing and automated database
generation.
URBANIZATION CHALLENGE: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SYLHET CITY, BANGLADESH
Authors: Ara Sabrin , Khatun Rabea , Salah Uddin Mohammad
Published: June 2021

In the rush towards urbanization as well as
with emerging consumption, many developing countries
have witnessed the overflow of waste and depletion of the
inexhaustible natural resources at an alarming rate. As
wastes are the outgrowth of the urban system, the urban
dynamics influence the quantity, types and management of
waste. The purpose of this study is to estimate the amount
of the generated wastes from 2002 to 2017 with the urban
growth of Sylhet city and implement the 3R (recycling,
reuse, refuse) strategy conceptually for maximizing
resource recovery and reducing landfilling. In this study,
solid waste generation and it’s composition is estimated by
collecting data through interviews encompassing 300 units
from the representative areas and direct field survey.
Correlation test between population and solid waste has
been performed to measure the strength of association.
The result indicated that, in 15 years, waste generation has
increased 170 tons which calls for better management.
From the study it is shown that about 72.46% (188.396
tons) of the waste can be minimized by executing 3Rs
leaving only 27.54% to be dumped into landfill. It is
evident that, implementation of the 3Rs will have a
profound impact to protect the environment.
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE INTERPRETATION OF HAND-DIGITIZED AEROMAGNETIC DATA FROM IDAH
Authors: Bassey Umera Robert , Peter Odong
Published: June 2021

Qualitative and Quantitative interpretation of
hand-digitized aeromagnetic data from Idah has been
carried out by applying forward and inverse modeling
technique. Qualitatively, wavelength and amplitudes of
source bodies reveal lithologic contrast, basement
structure and sedimentary magnetization contrast. The
maximum depth to top of the magnetic source body
obtained is 16.8m and minimum depth is 0.5m. The
anomalous bodies’ total magnetic intensity ranges from a
minimum negative peak value of -153.5nT to maximum
value of 162.7nT. Susceptibility values obtained reveals the
presence of rocks such as granite, diabase, olivine-diabase,
basalt/gabbro, quartzite and diorite. Results obtained
shows that hand-digitized data competes favorably with computer digitized data
WAR OF THE HASHTAGS: TRENDING NEW HASHTAGS TO OVERRIDE CRITICAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Authors: Poddar Debashmita
Published: June 2021

— Hashtags play a cardinal role in the classification
of topics over social media. A sudden burst on the usage of
certain hashtags, representing specific topics, give rise to
trending topics. Trending topics can be immensely useful as
it can spark a discussion on a particular subject. However,
it can also be used to suppress an ongoing pivotal matter.
This paper discusses how a significant economic crisis was
covered by triggering a current trending topic. A case study
on politics in India has been studied over the past two
months. The analysis shows how the issue on inflation was
attacked by the exercise of a new constitutional law over
media. Hashtags used to discuss the topics were scrutinized,
and we notice a steep ascend of the more recent topic and
an eventual drop in discussions over the previous issue on
inflation. Balancing the influence of hashtags on social
media can be employed. Still, it can be equally challenging
since some hashtags that represent the need of the hour
topics should be given more importance, and evaluating such issues can be hard.
PREDICTION OF NETWORK ATTACKS USING MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Srikanth Dr. G. Umarani , S. Priyadharsini
Published: June 2021

The networked systems become more and more
pervasive and businesses still acquire a lot of sensitive data
online, so that the quantity and class of cyber-attacks and
network security breaches has risen dramatically. There are
also instances that so many volumes of data are hacked even
without the knowledge of the people concerned. So far
setting an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), it is obvious to
set the true working environment to model the possibilities
of attacks. Therefore, it is imperative to design a software
that will be able to identify network intrusions, in order to
protect a computer network from the unknown users. For
overcoming this challenge, it is essential to predict whether
the connection is targeted or not from KDDCup99 dataset
utilizing machine learning techniques. The objective of this
work is to investigate machine learning based algorithms for
enhancing packet connection transfers forecasting using
ensemble learning voting classifier techniques. It is proposed
to deploy AI-based technique to precisely anticipate the
DOS, R2L, U2R, Probe and large assaults. Results showed
that the viability of the proposed AI calculation strategy can
be contrasted and the best exactness with accuracy, Recall and F1 Score.
MODELLING OF ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR QUARTER CAR (PID CONTROL, MATLAB)
Authors: Saifi Danish , Kumar Pramod
Published: June 2021

We are discussing active suspension in
this research. It also includes an actuator or
controller (ECU), wheels and body. The rider feels
comfort in travelling due to the use of these types
of suspension. Because it controls vertical moments
or moves of the wheels and stable rider or
passenger. It is most important in the automobile
industries. There are many types of controllers
used for fine control to vibration caused by wheels.
E.g., PID controllers, it stands for Proportional
Integral Derivative. PID controller provides better
simultaneous vibration of the output of the control
loop. It also used for improving the performance of
the suspension system. We can do modelling and
simulation carried out in MATLAB software for
active suspension.
OPERATIONAL READINESS OF PAKISTAN TEXTILE INDUSTRY TO IMPLEMENT INDUSTRY 4.0 (A STUDY OF HYDERABAD TEXTILE)
Authors: Ali Sohrab
Published: June 2021

Any industrial revolution starts with
the aim of increasing efficiency. Previous technological
movements have concentrated on the manufacturing
structure at the factory floor level. Industry 4.0 is the
21st century's industrial revolution, and it will be the
next manufacturing paradigm. In the first revolution,
industries achieved high efficiency by steam engines, in
the second revolution, industries used energy and
production lines, and in the third revolution, industries
have shifted from analogue to digital technologies.
Industry 4.0 is the 21st century's industrial revolution,
and it will be the new business model. In the packaging
industry, mass production is giving way to customised
production. Internet of Things, Industrial Internet,
Smart Manufacturing, and Cloud-based
Manufacturing are some of the terms used. The key
goal of this research is to see how technologies can help
manufacturing companies get ready for Industry 4.0.
The study illustrates an examination of preparation
for Industry 4.0 deployment, which was measured
using a University of Warwick model. Quantitative
approaches were used to determine the relationship
between organisational readiness and deployment by
asking 35 workers of manufacturing companies closedended questions. His final result reflects a keen
interest in the challenges that the Fourth Industrial
Revolution poses to companies. While the majority of
respondents see Industry 4.0 as a wonderful
opportunity for increased competitiveness and
development, the status of proposals for its
implementation varies widely based on country, sector,
and even individual firms
Developing Digital Competence of Teachers of Humanitarian Disciplines in the Conditions of Distance Education
Authors: Farmanova
Published: June 2021

The relevance of the research is explained by the necessity of developing digital competence of teachers of Humanitarian disciplines at the higher education institutions in the conditions of the quarantine measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is particularly challenging for teachers of Humanitarian disciplines, who are not specialists in the digital sphere as their profession is focused on humans. The purpose of the paper is to define the influence of the quarantine on the work of teachers at the higher education institutions, revealing the level of the development, challenges and peculiarities of enhancing the digital competence of teachers of Humanitarian disciplines, theirs needs in education and giving recommendations how to arrange education and make administrative decisions. The methods of the research are survey, theoretical analysis, others. The results are to define the peculiarities of the influence of the quarantine on the arrangement of distance learning, the peculiarities of developing digital competence of teachers during the quarantine, their needs in education, the challenges in conducting mass distance learning, the determined complex of scientific approaches to developing digital competence. The practical significance of the research refers to developing electronic educational resource as a set of methodological tools that provides all stages of the educational process, based on the results of diagnosing teachers’ digital competence.
Meningkatkan Ekonomi Keluarga Melalui Bisnis Online
Authors: Sulistyani Tri , Azwina Diana , Suntari Esti
Published: June 2021

Kegiatan Pengabdiaan Kepada Masyarakat (PKM) ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui cara menjaga keharmonisan keluarga dengan sikap hidup positif dalam segi ekonomi, menggali kemampuan berwirausaha/menjadi pebisnis online, dan membuat akun di salah satu online-shop. Metode kegiatan yang digunakan dalam kegiatan PKM ini dengan menggunakan ceramah, tanya jawab dan diskusi antara tim pelaksana dengan peserta. Dari kegiatan PKM ini diperoleh hasil: untuk menjaga keharmonisan keluarga, salah satu yang diperlukan adalah sikap hidup positif dalam segi ekonomi, utamanya dalam menghadapi kesulitan ekonomi, agar tidak terjebak dalam konflik. Beberapa cara yang dapat dilakukan dalam menggali kemampuan berwirausaha adalah melaksanakan hobi, membuka usaha sambilan yang dapat dikerjakan pada hari libur, dan memberi pelajaran tambahan bagi anak-anak sekolah. Langkah-langkah untuk membuat toko di Shopee: mendaftar akun Shopee, membuka dan mengatur toko, menentukan alamat toko dan jasa pengiriman, membuka dan mengatur rekening bank, memulai memasarkan produk, memasukkan rincian produk, memastikan toko siap memasarkan produk.
Pengaruh Pengaruh Motivasi dan Intensi Pengguna Media Sosial Terhadap Kepedulian Sosial Pada Mahasiswa Universitas Pamulang
Authors: Pamungkas Ibrahim Bali , Ningsih Yuliati , Pratama Angga
Published: June 2021

This study aims to determine the joint influence of motivation and intentions of social media users on social care. The subjects of this study were students of level 2 of the Pamulang University management study program. This research is a descriptive quantitative research. Methods of data collection using observations and questionnaires. The sampling technique used simple random sampling. The validity of the data in this study used the validity test, reliability test, and classical assumption test. The results showed that there was a positive and significant effect simultaneously between Motivation (X1) and Intention of Social Media Users (X2) on Social Concern (Y) in Pamulang University Level 2 Students of the Faculty of Economics, Management Executive Class. This is evidenced by based on the Output table above it can be explained that, the multiple linear regression equation Y = a + b1x1 + b2x2 is Y = 18.578 + 0.251 (x1) + 0.346 (x2).

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk Untuk mengetahui pengaruh secara bersama-sama motivasi dan intensi pengguna media sosial secara bersama-sama terhadap kepedulian sosial.Subjek penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa tingkat 2 program studi manajemen Universitas Pamulang. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif jenis deskriptif. Metode pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan observasi dan kuesioner. Teknik pengambilan sampel dengan menggunakan simple random sampling. Keabsahan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan Uji Validitas, Uji Reliabilitas, dan Uji Asumsi Klasik .Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan secara secara simultan antara Motivasi (X1) dan Intensi Pengguna Media Sosial (X2) terhadap Kepedulian Sosial (Y) pada Mahasiswa Universitas Pamulang Tingkat 2 Fakultas Ekonomi Jurusan Manajemen Kelas Eksekutif. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan berdasarkan tabel Output di atas dapat dijelaskan bahwa, persamaan regresi linear berganda Y = a + b1x1+ b2x2 adalah Y = 18,578 + 0,251(x1) + 0,346(x2).

Kata Kunci: Motivasi, Intensi Pengguna Media Sosial, Kepedulian Sosial
Peran Ekonomi Digital Terhadap Ketahanan dan Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Selama Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Nizar Nefo Indra , Sholeh Achmad Nur
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to see the role of the digital economy in economic resilience and growth during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The research method uses a combination method. Qualitative method is used to analyze the business model of the digital economy sector, using the pillars of the e-business model framework from Osterwalder and Pigneur. Methods to measure the role and influence of the digital economy on economic growth, using an endogenous growth model and a regression analysis. The data used is secondary data sourced from BPS, BI, internet searches, and from other related sources. Based on the research results, it shows that the digital economy has business resilience and is significantly able to make a positive contribution to economic growth. The conclusion of this research shows that the digital economy is an economic sector that will continue to develop rapidly in the future. It is necessary to have the availability of a complete and comprehensive digital economy database and can be accessed by researchers, so that it can contribute thoughts, to the digital economy that can play a role as business resilience and make a positive contribution to sustainable economic growth.

Abstrak

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui peran ekonomi digital terhadap ketahanan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi di masa Pandemi COVID-19. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode kombinasi. Metode kualitatif digunakan untuk menganalis model bisnis sektor ekonomi digital, dengan menggunakan empat pilar kerangka kerja e-model bisnis dari Osterwalder dan Pigneur. Metode kuantitatif untuk mengukur peran dan pengaruh ekonomi digital terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi, dengan menggunakan model pertumbuhan endogen dan dilakukan analisis regresi. Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder yang bersumber dari BPS, BI, internet search, dan dari sumber terkait lainnya. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan ekonomi digital memiliki ketahanan bisnis dan secara signifikan mampu memberikan kontribusi positif terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi. Simpulan penelitian ini menunjukkan ekonomi digital merupakan sektor ekonomi yang akan terus berkembang pesat di masa yang akan datang. Perlu adanya ketersediaan database ekonomi digital yang lengkap dan dapat di akses oleh peneliti, sehingga dapat memberikan sumbangan pemikiran, pada gilirannya ekonomi digital mampu berperan sebagai business resilience dan memberikan kontribusi positif terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi berkelanjutan.

 

Kata Kunci:Ekonomi Digital, E-Commerce, Fintech, Pandemi COVID-19
Democratic accountability in a crisis: Analysing evaluations of government response to COVID-19 in a multi-nation state
Authors: Griffiths James , Larner Jac
Published: June 2021

Do individuals hold governments to account during a crisis? COVID-19 has emphasised the multi-level nature of governance in the United Kingdom, but popular perceptions of how these governments have handled the pandemic are yet to be explored. Existing research often suggests that voters evaluate governments on their performance, and that these evaluations have electoral consequences. However, some researchers challenge this claim, particularly during a crisis. We address these debates, examining England, Scotland, and Wales using British Election Study data. First, using OLS regression, we explore whether evaluations of the UK and devolved (Scottish/Welsh) governments’ responses to COVID-19 influence support for the incumbent parties. Second, using logistic regression, we analyse the factors that associate with these evaluations. Overall, these results suggest government evaluations have electoral consequences. However, these evaluations associate with pre-existing (Brexit/national/partisan) identities, rather than personal economic/health costs of the pandemic, which may limit democratic accountability during a crisis.
The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial : problems, areas or improvement and sustainable tourism development (part 1)
Authors: Martin-Merino Mario
Published: June 2021

Located on one of the slopes of Mount Abantos , inserted in an area of great environmental value and very close to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park , in 1562 this place was chosen by Philip II of Spain (1527-1598) for the construction of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in commemoration of the victory achieved in Saint Quentin on August 10, 1557, against the troops of Henry II of France (1519-1559). Since the last decades of the last century, the Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial has become one of the most outstanding tourist destinations in the Community of Madrid thanks to the richness of its heritage.
Extending Parametric Comparison
Authors: Baker James
Published: June 2021

The Parametric Comparison Method synthesises phylogenetic methods developed in evolutionary biology with the generative conception of binary syntactic parameters to generate phylogenetic trees for languages based on their parameter settings. The Extending Parametric Comparison project (joint work with Ian Roberts) extends the methodology to clausal parameters. 87 such clausal parameters have been identified, based on parallels with the nominal parameters, the parameter hierarchies of Roberts (2019), and other salient patterns of syntactic variation. Values of these parameters have been collated for a range of languages, 13 in phase 1 and a further 22 in phase 2 of the project. Employing distance values calculated from this dataset, software from the PHYLIP package has been used to generate phylogenetic trees intended to capture relationships between the languages. These trees show good overall conformity with traditionally established family groupings, and anomalies are attributed to established language contact scenarios.
Distribution and Biology of the Invasive Weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. in Israel
Authors: Matzrafi Maor , Raz Hagai , Rubin Baruch , Yaacoby Tuvia , Eizenberg Hanan
Published: June 2021

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) (Asteraceae; Heliantheae) is an invasive allergenic species that has invaded many countries worldwide, probably through an imported pasture, grain seeds, and livestock feed. In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the spread of the invasive P. hysterophorus in agricultural and non-agricultural habitats across Israel. In addition, as P. hysterophorus is a quarantine plant; any contaminated produce exported will be rejected by the European market. The current study aims to document the current distribution and invasiveness status of P. hysterophorus in Israel. Moreover, we aimed to study the life cycle and biology of P. hysterophorus. In this research, we detected invasion reports to new areas and habitats in the Jezreel valley, the Jordan valley, and the Mediterranean coastal plain. Studying the biology of the weed, we found that optimal temperatures for seed germination are between 15 and 25°C. We observed that P. hysterophorus seeds are able to emerge from a depth of 0–3 cm only. P. hysterophorus thrives under high light intensities. Our results show that under induced shading of 60 and 90%, a significant reduction in biomass, height, and a number of flowers per plant were observed. Studying the biology and phenology of P. hysterophorus is a crucial step in the path to develop an integrated management program aimed to reduce the further spread and negative impacts by P. hysterophorus.
The Role of Sphingolipids in Allergic Disorders
Authors: Díaz-Perales Araceli , Escribese Maria M. , Garrido-Arandia María , Obeso David , Izquierdo-Alvarez Elena , Tome-Amat Jaime , Barber Domingo
Published: June 2021

Allergy is defined as a complex chronic inflammatory condition in which genetic and environmental factors are implicated. Sphingolipids are involved in multiple biological functions, from cell membrane components to critical signaling molecules. To date, sphingolipids have been studied in different human pathologies such as neurological disorders, cancer, autoimmunity, and infections. Sphingolipid metabolites, in particular, ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), regulate a diverse range of cellular processes that are important in immunity and inflammation. Moreover, variations in the sphingolipid concentrations have been strongly associated with allergic diseases. This review will focus on the role of sphingolipids in the development of allergic sensitization and allergic inflammation through the activation of immune cells resident in tissues, as well as their role in barrier remodeling and anaphylaxis. The knowledge gained in this emerging field will help to develop new therapeutic options for allergic disorders.
Bioactive Glass: Methods for Assessing Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis
Authors: Crush Jos , Hussain Ali , Seah K. T. M. , Khan Wasim S.
Published: June 2021

Biomaterials are playing an increased role in the regeneration of damaged or absent bone tissue in the context of trauma, non-union, infection or congenital abnormality. Restoration of not only the physical scaffold that bone provides, but also of its homeostatic functions as a calcium store and hematopoietic organ are the gold standards of any regenerative procedure. Bioactive glasses are of interest as they can bond with the host bone and induce further both bone and blood vessel growth. The composition of the bioactive glasses can be manipulated to maximize both osteogenesis and angiogenesis, producing a 3D scaffolds that induce bone growth whilst also providing a structure that resists physiological stresses. As the primary endpoints of studies looking at bioactive glasses are very often the ability to form substantial and healthy tissues, this review will focus on the methods used to study and quantify osteogenesis and angiogenesis in bioactive glass experiments. These methods are manifold, and their accuracy is of great importance in identifying plausible future bioactive glasses for clinical use.
WASp Is Crucial for the Unique Architecture of the Immunological Synapse in Germinal Center B-Cells
Authors: Li Yanan , Bhanja Anshuman , Upadhyaya Arpita , Zhao Xiaodong , Song Wenxia
Published: June 2021

B-cells undergo somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation in germinal centers. Somatic hypermutated germinal center B-cells (GCBs) compete to engage with and capture antigens on follicular dendritic cells. Recent studies show that when encountering membrane antigens, GCBs generate actin-rich pod-like structures with B-cell receptor (BCR) microclusters to facilitate affinity discrimination. While deficiencies in actin regulators, including the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp), cause B-cell affinity maturation defects, the mechanism by which actin regulates BCR signaling in GBCs is not fully understood. Using WASp knockout (WKO) mice that express Lifeact-GFP and live-cell total internal reflection fluorescence imaging, this study examined the role of WASp-mediated branched actin polymerization in the GCB immunological synapse. After rapid spreading on antigen-coated planar lipid bilayers, GCBs formed microclusters of phosphorylated BCRs and proximal signaling molecules at the center and the outer edge of the contact zone. The centralized signaling clusters localized at actin-rich GCB membrane protrusions. WKO reduced the centralized micro-signaling clusters by decreasing the number and stability of F-actin foci supporting GCB membrane protrusions. The actin structures that support the spreading membrane also appeared less frequently and regularly in WKO than in WT GCBs, which led to reductions in both the level and rate of GCB spreading and antigen gathering. Our results reveal essential roles for WASp in the generation and maintenance of unique structures for GCB immunological synapses.
Germ–Somatic Cell Interactions Are Involved in Establishing the Follicle Reserve in Mammals
Authors: Rodrigues Patrícia , Limback Darlene , McGinnis Lynda , Marques Mónica , Aibar Juan , Plancha Carlos E.
Published: June 2021

Mammalian females are born with a finite reserve of ovarian follicles, the functional units of the ovary. Building an ovarian follicle involves a complex interaction between multiple cell types, of which the oocyte germ cell and the somatic granulosa cells play a major role. Germ–somatic cell interactions are modulated by factors of different cell origins that influence ovarian development. In early development, failure in correct germ–somatic cell communication can cause abnormalities in ovarian development. These abnormalities can lead to deficient oocyte differentiation, to a diminished ovarian follicle reserve, and consequently to early loss of fertility. However, oocyte–granulosa cell communication is also extremely important for the acquisition of oocyte competence until ovulation. In this paper, we will visit the establishment of follicle reserve, with particular emphasis in germ–somatic cell interactions, and their importance for human fertility.
COVID-19 Pathology on Various Organs and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell-Based Interventions
Authors: Arjmand Babak , Alavi-Moghadam Sepideh , Parhizkar Roudsari Peyvand , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Rahim Fakher , Gilany Kambiz , Mohamadi-Jahani Fereshteh , Adibi Hossein , Larijani Bagher
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2, a novel betacoronavirus, has caused the global outbreak of a contagious infection named coronavirus disease-2019. Severely ill subjects have shown higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokine storm is the term that can be used for a systemic inflammation leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines and activation of immune cells. In coronavirus disease-2019 infection, a cytokine storm contributes to the mortality rate of the disease and can lead to multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome through auto-destructive responses of systemic inflammation. Direct effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome associated with infection as well as hyperinflammatory reactions are in association with disease complications. Besides acute respiratory distress syndrome, functional impairments of the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, kidneys, liver, and several others can be mentioned as the possible consequences. In addition to the current therapeutic approaches for coronavirus disease-2019, which are mostly supportive, stem cell-based therapies have shown the capacity for controlling the inflammation and attenuating the cytokine storm. Therefore, after a brief review of novel coronavirus characteristics, this review aims to explain the effects of coronavirus disease-2019 cytokine storm on different organs of the human body. The roles of stem cell-based therapies on attenuating cytokine release syndrome are also stated.
Tumor Cell-Derived Exosomal miR-770 Inhibits M2 Macrophage Polarization via Targeting MAP3K1 to Inhibit the Invasion of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Jixian , Luo Ruixing , Wang Junbin , Luan Xinyu , Wu Da , Chen Hua , Hou Qinghua , Mao Guangxian , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: June 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a type lung cancer with high malignant behaviors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be involved in progression of NSCLC. In order to explore potential targets for the treatment of NSCLC, bioinformatics tool was used to analyze differential expressed miRNAs between NSCLC and adjacent normal tissues.

Methods

Bioinformatics tool was used to find potential targets for NSCLC. Cell proliferation was investigated by Ki67 staining. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. mRNA and protein expression in NSCLC cells were detected by RT-qPCR and Western-blot, respectively. Transwell assay was performed to test the cell migration and invasion. In order to investigate the function of exosomal miRNA in NSCLC, in vivo model of NSCLC was constructed.

Results

MiR-770 was identified to be downregulated in NSCLC, and miR-770 agomir could significantly inhibit NSCLC cell proliferation through inducing the apoptosis. Additionally, the metastasis of NSCLC cells was decreased by miR-770 agomir. MAP3K1 was identified to be the target mRNA of miR-770. Meanwhile, tumor cell-derived exosomal miR-770 inhibited M2 macrophage polarization via downregulation of MAP3K1, which in turn suppressed NSCLC cell invasion. Besides, tumor cell-derived exosomal miR-770 markedly decreased NSCLC tumor growth in vivo through suppressing M2 macrophage polarization.

Conclusion

Tumor cell-derived exosomal miR-770 inhibits M2 macrophage polarization to inhibit the invasion of NSCLC cells via targeting MAP3K1. Thus, this study provided a new strategy for the treatment of NSCLC.
VRK1 Depletion Facilitates the Synthetic Lethality of Temozolomide and Olaparib in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Navarro-Carrasco Elena , Lazo Pedro A.
Published: June 2021

Background

Glioblastomas treated with temozolomide frequently develop resistance to pharmacological treatments. Therefore, there is a need to find alternative drug targets to reduce treatment resistance based on tumor dependencies. A possibility is to target simultaneously two proteins from different DNA-damage repair pathways to facilitate tumor cell death. Therefore, we tested whether targeting the human chromatin kinase VRK1 by RNA interference can identify this protein as a novel molecular target to reduce the dependence on temozolomide in combination with olaparib, based on synthetic lethality.

Materials and Methods

Depletion of VRK1, an enzyme that regulates chromatin dynamic reorganization and facilitates resistance to DNA damage, was performed in glioblastoma cells treated with temozolomide, an alkylating agent used for GBM treatment; and olaparib, an inhibitor of PARP-1, used as sensitizer. Two genetically different human glioblastoma cell lines, LN-18 and LN-229, were used for these experiments. The effect on the DNA-damage response was followed by determination of sequential steps in this process: H4K16ac, γH2AX, H4K20me2, and 53BP1.

Results

The combination of temozolomide and olaparib increased DNA damage detected by labeling free DNA ends, and chromatin relaxation detected by H4K16ac. The combination of both drugs, at lower doses, resulted in an increase in the DNA damage response detected by the formation of γH2AX and 53BP1 foci. VRK1 depletion did not prevent the generation of DNA damage in TUNEL assays, but significantly impaired the DNA damage response induced by temozolomide and olaparib, and mediated by γH2AX, H4K20me2, and 53BP1. The combination of these drugs in VRK1 depleted cells resulted in an increase of glioblastoma cell death detected by annexin V and the processing of PARP-1 and caspase-3.

Conclusion

Depletion of the chromatin kinase VRK1 promotes tumor cell death at lower doses of a combination of temozolomide and olaparib treatments, and can be a novel alternative target for therapies based on synthetic lethality.
Hypoxia Response Element-Directed Expression of aFGF in Neural Stem Cells Promotes the Recovery of Spinal Cord Injury and Attenuates SCI-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Ying Yibo , Zhang Yifan , Tu Yurong , Chen Min , Huang Zhiyang , Ying Weiyang , Wu Qiuji , Ye Jiahui , Xiang Ziyue , Wang Xiangyang , Wang Zhouguang , Zhu Sipin
Published: June 2021

Reducing neuronal death after spinal cord injury (SCI) is considered to be an important strategy for the renovation of SCI. Studies have shown that, as an important regulator of the development and maintenance of neural structure, acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) has the role of tissue protection and is considered to be an effective drug for the treatment of SCI. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are rendered with the remarkable characteristics to self-replace and differentiate into a variety of cells, so it is promising to be used in cell transplantation therapy. Based on the facts above, our main aim of this research is to explore the role of NSCs expressing aFGF meditated by five hypoxia-responsive elements (5HRE) in the treatment of SCI by constructing AAV–5HRE–aFGF–NSCs and transplanting it into the area of SCI. Our research results showed that AAV–5HRE–aFGF–NSCs can effectively restore the motor function of rats with SCI. This was accomplished by inhibiting the expression of caspase 12/caspase 3 pathway, EIF2α–CHOP pathway, and GRP78 protein to inhibit apoptosis.
STING1 Promotes Ferroptosis Through MFN1/2-Dependent Mitochondrial Fusion
Authors: Li Changfeng , Liu Jiao , Hou Wen , Kang Rui , Tang Daolin
Published: June 2021

Ferroptosis is a type of iron-dependent regulated cell death caused by the disruption that occurs when oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses interact, and then driven by lipid peroxidation and subsequent plasma membrane ruptures. The regulation of ferroptosis involves many factors, including the crosstalk between subcellular organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomes, lipid droplets, and peroxisomes. Here, we show that the ER protein STING1 (also known as STING or TMEM173) promotes ferroptosis in human pancreatic cancer cell lines by increasing MFN1/2-dependent mitochondrial fusion, but not mitophagy-mediated mitochondrial removal. The classic ferroptosis inducer erastin, but not sulfasalazine, induces the accumulation of STING1 in the mitochondria, where it binds to MFN1/2 to trigger mitochondrial fusion, leading to subsequent reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation. Consequently, in vitro or xenograft mouse models show that the genetic depletion of STING1 or MFN1/2 (but not the mitophagy regulator PINK1 or PRKN) reduces the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to ferroptosis. These findings not only establish a new mitochondrial fusion-dependent cell death mechanism, but also indicate a potential strategy for enhancing ferroptosis-based therapy.
A Novel Photosensitizer for Lipid Droplet–Location Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Xia Xiang , Wang Ran , Hu Yingqi , Liu WeiJian , Liu Ting , Sun Wen , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun
Published: June 2021

Lipid droplets (LDs), an extremely important cellular organelle, are responsible for the storage of neutral lipids in multiple biological processes, which could be a potential target site for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Herein, a lipid droplet–targeted photosensitizer (BODSeI) is developed, allowing for fluorescence imaging–guided PDT. Owing to the location of lipid droplets, BODSeI demonstrates enhanced PDT efficiency with an extremely low IC50 value (around 125 nM). Besides, BODSeI shows good biocompatibility and high photostability. Therefore, BODSeI is promising for droplet-location PDT, which may trigger wide interest for exploring the pathway of lipid droplet–location PDT.
Feasibility and Outcomes of Upgrading to Left Bundle Branch Pacing in Patients With Pacing-Induced Cardiomyopathy and Infranodal Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Ye Yang , Wu Shengjie , Su Lan , Sheng Xia , Zhang Jiefang , Wang Bei , Sharma Parikshit S. , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Su Yangang , Chen Xueying , Fu Guosheng , Huang Weijian
Published: June 2021

His bundle pacing (HBP) can reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with right ventricular (RV) pacing-induced cardimyopathy (PICM) but may be unable to correct infranodal atrioventricular block (AVB). Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) results in rapid LV activation and may be able to reliably pace beyond the site of AVB. Our study was conducted to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of permanent LBBP in infranodal AVB and PICM patients. Patients with infranodal AVB and PICM who underwent LBBP for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were included. Clinical evaluation and echocardiographic and electrocardiographic assessments were recorded at baseline and follow-up. Permanent LBBP upgrade was successful in 19 of 20 patients with a median follow-up duration of 12 months. QRS duration (QRSd) increased from 139.3 ± 28.0 ms at baseline to 176.2 ± 21.4 ms (P < 0.001) with right ventricular pacing (RVP) and was shortened to 120.9 ± 15.2 ms after LBBP (P < 0.001). The mean LBBP threshold was 0.7 ± 0.3 V at 0.4 ms at implant and remained stable during follow-up. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 36.3% ± 6.5% to 51.9% ± 13.0% (P < 0.001) with left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) reduced from 180.1 ± 43.5 to 136.8 ± 36.7 ml (P < 0.001) during last follow-up. LBBP paced beyond the site of block, which results in a low pacing threshold with a high success rate in infranodal AVB patients. LBBP improved LV function with stable parameters over the 12 months, making it a reasonable alternative to cardiac resynchronization pacing via a coronary sinus lead in infranodal AVB and PICM patients.
Association of Body-Weight Fluctuation With Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Li Yi , Yu Yuan , Wu Yuzhong , Liang Weihao , Dong Bin , Xue Ruicong , Dong Yugang , Zhu Wengen , Huang Peisen
Published: June 2021

Aims: To investigate the relationship between body-weight fluctuation and risks of clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and Results:We measured intra-individual variations in body weight from baseline and follow-up visits in 1,691 participants with HFpEF from the Americas from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial. The primary endpoint was any cardiovascular events (a composite of death from cardiovascular disease, non-fatal myocardial infarction, aborted cardiac arrest, or hospitalization for HF). The body-weight fluctuation was measured according to average successive variability and high variability was defined as greater than or equal to the median. After adjustment for risk factors, mean body weight and weight change, each increase of 1 standard deviation in body-weight variability was significantly associated with increased risks of any cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.33, P < 0.001). Patients with high variability had a 47% increased risk of any cardiovascular events and 27% increased risk of all-cause death compared with those with low variability. Such association was similar among patients with New York Heart Association functional class I/II vs. III/IV, obesity vs. non-obesity, and weight loss, gain vs. stability (the P-values for interaction were all insignificant).

Conclusion: Among patients with HFpEF, body-weight fluctuation was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and regardless of HF severity, baseline weight or weight change direction.

Clinical Trial Registration: Aldosterone antagonist therapy for adults with heart failure and preserved systolic function (TOPCAT), https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier [NCT00094302].
Relationships Between Perivascular Adipose Tissue and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Ye Tongtong , Zhang Guangdong , Liu Hangyu , Shi Junfeng , Qiu Hongyan , Liu Yongping , Han Fang , Hou Ningning
Published: June 2021

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are typically asymptomatic, and there is a high mortality rate associated with aneurysm rupture. AAA pathogenesis involves extracellular matrix degradation, vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype switching, inflammation, and oxidative stress. There is increasing evidence of excessive adipocyte accumulation in ruptured AAA walls. These excessive numbers of adipocytes in the vascular wall have been closely linked with AAA progression. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), a unique type of adipose tissue, can be involved in adipocyte accumulation in the AAA wall. PVAT produces various chemokines and adipocytokines around vessels to maintain vascular homeostasis through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms in normal physiological conditions. Nevertheless, PVAT loses its normal function and promotes the progression of vascular diseases in pathological conditions. There is evidence of significantly reduced AAA diameter in vessel walls of removed PVAT. There is a need to highlight the critical roles of cytokines, cells, and microRNA derived from PVAT in the regulation of AAA development. PVAT may constitute an important therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of AAAs. In this review, we discuss the relationship between PVAT and AAA development; we also highlight the potential for PVAT-derived factors to serve as a therapeutic target in the treatment of AAAs.
Experimental and Modeling Investigation of CO3=/OH– Equilibrium Effects on Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Performance in Carbon Capture Applications
Authors: Barckholtz Timothy A. , Elsen Heather , Kalamaras Patricia H. , Kiss Gabor , Rosen Jon , Bove Dario , Audasso Emilio , Bosio Barbara
Published: June 2021

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFCs) are used today commercially for power production. More recently they have also been considered for carbon capture from industrial and power generation CO2 sources. In this newer application context, our recent studies have shown that at low CO2/H2O cathode gas ratios, water supplements CO2 in the electrochemical process to generate power but not capture CO2. We now report the direct Raman observation of the underlying carbonate-hydroxide equilibrium in an alkali carbonate eutectic near MCFC operating conditions. Our improved electrochemical model built on the experimental equilibrium data adjusts the internal resistance terms and has improved the representation of the MCFC performance. This fundamentally improved model now also includes the temperature dependence of cell performance. It has been validated on experimental data collected in single cell tests. The average error in the simulated voltage is less than 4% even when extreme operating conditions of low CO2 concentration and high current density data are included. With the improvements, this electrochemical model is suitable for simulating industrial cells and stacks employed in a wide variety of carbon capture applications.
Risk-Induced Trait Responses and Non-consumptive Effects in Plants and Animals in Response to Their Invertebrate Herbivore and Parasite Natural Enemies
Authors: Koprivnikar Janet , Rochette Alicia , Forbes Mark R.
Published: June 2021

Predators kill and consume prey, but also scare living prey. Fitness of prey can be reduced by direct killing and consumption, but also by non-consumptive effects (NCEs) if prey show costly risk-induced trait responses (RITRs) to predators, which are meant to reduce predation risk. Recently, similarities between predators and parasites as natural enemies have been recognized, including their potential to cause victim RITRs and NCEs. However, plant-herbivore and animal host-parasite associations might be more comparable as victim-enemy systems in this context than either is to prey-predator systems. This is because plant herbivores and animal parasites are often invertebrate species that are typically smaller than their victims, generally cause lower lethality, and allow for further defensive responses by victims after consumption begins. Invertebrate herbivores can cause diverse RITRs in plants through various means, and animals also exhibit assorted RITRs to increased parasitism risk. This synthesis aims to broadly compare these two enemy-victim systems by highlighting the ways in which plants and animals perceive threat and respond with a range of induced victim trait responses that can provide pre-emptive defense against invertebrate enemies. We also review evidence that RITRs are costly in terms of reducing victim fitness or abundance, demonstrating how work with one victim-enemy system can inform the other with respect to the frequency and magnitude of RITRs and possible NCEs. We particularly highlight gaps in our knowledge about plant and animal host responses to their invertebrate enemies that may guide directions for future research. Comparing how potential plant and animal victims respond pre-emptively to the threat of consumptionviaRITRs will help to advance our understanding of natural enemy ecology and may have utility for pest and disease control.
China’s Conservation Strategy Must Reconcile Its Contemporary Wildlife Use and Trade Practices
Authors: Jiao Yunbo , Lee Tien Ming
Published: June 2021

China’s supply-side conservation efforts in the past decades have led to two bewildering juxtapositions: a rapidly expanding farming industry vs. overexploitation, which remains one of the main threats to Chinese vertebrates. COVID-19 was also the second large-scale zoonotic disease outbreak since the 2002 SARS. Here, we reflect on China’s supply-side conservation strategy by examining its policies, laws, and practices concerning wildlife protection and utilization, and identify the unintended consequences that likely have undermined this strategy and made it ineffective in protecting threatened wildlife and preventing zoonotic diseases. We call for China to overhaul its conservation strategy to limit and phase out risky and unsustainable utilization, while improving legislation and enforcement to establish full chain-of-custody regulation over existing utilization.