bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Very-high-power Short-duration Ablation versus Conventional Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Atrial Fibrillation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Karwiky Giky , Iqbal Mohammad 
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of very-high-power short-duration (VHPSD) ablation (70–90 W/4–7 s) with conventional ablation (30–40 W/>20 s, 50 W/7–11 s) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with AF. A total of 13 studies were included in this analysis (1,527 patients). AF recurrence occurred in 14% (95% CI [11–18%]) of the VHPSD group. VHPSD was associated with lower AF recurrence (OR 0.65; 95% CI [0.48–0.89]; p=0.006) compared with the conventional ablation group. Subgroup analysis showed that additional ablation beyond PVI had a similar rate of AF recurrence (16% versus 10%) compared with PVI alone. Procedure and ablation durations were significantly shorter in the VHPSD group with a mean differences of –14.4 minutes (p=0.017) and −14.1 minutes (p<0.001), respectively. Complications occurred in 6% (95% CI [3–9%]) of the VHPSD group, and the rate was similar between the two groups (OR 1.03; 95% CI [0.60–1.80]; p=0.498). VHPSD ablation resulted in less AF recurrence and a shorter procedure time. Additional ablation beyond PVI alone in VHPSD may not provide additional benefits.
Preparing secondary school science teachers for learner-centered teaching in Tanzania’s Teacher Training Colleges: Educators’ perceived challenges and perspectives
Authors: Mkimbili Selina , Kayima Festo 
Published: December 2023

This study explored learner-centered science teaching approaches that eight science-teacher educators from two teacher education colleges in Tanzania, consider when teaching their students, and the challenges encountered when attempting to implement these approaches. We used a semi-structured interview to collect data which we analysed interpretively. Our findings revealed that the aspects of learner-centered pedagogy, such as engaging student teachers in practical work and discussion, and linking classroom science to the real world, were insufficiently considered by the teacher educators in the teacher colleges studied. The challenges and or difficulties that the teacher educators in these colleges perceive to impede the implementation of learner-centered science teaching in teacher education and as well as the possible approaches that can support the implementation of learner-centered science teaching in such colleges are discussed.
Display of PETase on the cell surface of Escherichia coli using the anchor protein PgsA
Authors: Yamashita Takuma , Matsumoto Takuya , Yamada Ryosuke , Ogino Hiroyasu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is attracting attention as a new technology because of its mild reaction conditions. However, the cost of purified enzymes is a major challenge for the practical application of this technology. In this study, we attempted to display the surface of the PET-degrading enzyme, PETase, onto Escherichia coli using the membrane anchor, PgsA, from Bacillus subtilis to omit the need for purification of the enzyme. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that PETase was successfully displayed on the surface of E. coli cells when a fusion of PgsA and PETase was expressed. The surface-displaying E. coli was able to degrade 94.6% of 1 mM bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate in 60 min, and the PET films were also degraded in trace amounts. These results indicate that PgsA can be used to present active PETase on the cell surface of E. coli. This technique is expected to be applied for efficient PET degradation.
IDaTPA:Importance Degree Based Thread Partitioning Approach in Thread Level Speculation
Authors: Li Yuxiang , Zhang Xiaoguo , Wang Xinyong , Huang Shuaina , Su Yaning 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As an auto-parallelization technique with the level of thread on multi-core,Thread-Level Speculation (TLS) which is also called Speculative Multithreading(SpMT), partitions programs into multiple threads and speculatively executesthem under conditions of ambiguous data and control dependence. Thread par-titioning approach plays a key role to the performance enhancement in TLS.The existing heuristic rules-based approach (HR-based approach) which is anone-size-fits-all strategy, can not guarantee to achieve the optimal thread parti-tioning. In this paper, an importance degree based thread partitioning approach(IDaTPA) is proposed to realize the partition of irregular programs into mul-tithreads. IDaTPA implements biasing partitioning for every procedure with amachine learning method. It mainly includes: constructing sample set, expres-sion of knowledge, calculation of similarity, prediction model and the partitionof the irregular programs is performed by the prediction model. Using IDaTPA,the subprocedures in unseen irregular programs can obtain their optimal parti-tion. On a generic SpMT processor (called Prophet) to perform the performanceevaluation for multithreaded programs, the IDaTPA is evaluated and averagelydelivers a speedup of 1.80 upon a 4-core processor. Furthermore, in order toobtain the portability evaluation of IDaTPA, we port IDaTPA to 8-core processorand obtain a speedup of 2.82 on average. Experiment results show that IDaTPAobtains a significant speedup increasement and Olden benchmarks respectively deliver a 5.75% performance improvement on 4-core and a 6.32% performanceimprovement on 8-core, and SPEC2020 benchmarks obtain a 38.20% performanceimprovement than the conventional HR-based approach.
A prospective natural history study of post acute sequalae of COVID-19 using digital wearables: Study protocol
Authors: El-Toukhy Sherine , Hegeman Phillip , Zuckerman Gabrielle , Anirban Roy Das , Moses Nia , Troendle James F. , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is characterized by having 1 + persistent, recurrent, or emergent symptoms post the infection’s acute phase. The duration and symptom manifestation of PASC remain understudied in nonhospitalized patients. Literature on PASC is primarily based on data from hospitalized patients where clinical indicators such as respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation have been predictive of disease trajectories. Digital wearables allow for a continuous collection of such physiological parameters. This protocol outlines the design, aim, and procedures of a natural history study of PASC using digital wearables.
Methods
This is a single-arm, prospective, natural history study of a cohort of 550 patients, ages 18 to 65 years old, males or females who own a smartphone and/or a tablet that meets pre-determined Bluetooth version and operating system requirements, speak English, and provide documentation of a positive COVID-19 test issued by a healthcare professional or organization within 5 days before enrollment. The study aims to identify wearables collected physiological parameters that are associated with PASC in patients with a positive diagnosis. The primary endpoint is long COVID-19, defined as ≥ 1 symptom at 3 weeks beyond first symptom onset or positive diagnosis, whichever comes first. The secondary endpoint is chronic COVID-19, defined as ≥ 1 symptom at 12 weeks beyond first symptom onset or positive diagnosis. We hypothesize that physiological parameters collected via wearables are associated with self-reported PASC. Participants must be willing and able to consent to participate in the study and adhere to study procedures for six months.
Discussion
This is a fully decentralized study investigating PASC using wearable devices to collect physiological parameters and patient-reported outcomes. Given evidence on key demographics and risk profiles associated with PASC, the study will shed light on the duration and symptom manifestation of PASC in nonhospitalized patient subgroups and is an exemplar of use of wearables as population-level monitoring health tools for communicable diseases.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04927442, Submitted: 6/15/2021, First posted: 6/16/2021.
A method for improving the constancy of cone shape and size perception using a single RGB-D image
Authors: Nguyen Quang Huy , Choi Hyouk Ryeol 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The 3D shape of a solid is the most crucial object property. Object shape and size information can be derived from depth information as it provides rich 3D geometric information. It can be found from the literature a substantial number of strategies to estimate the shape and size of solid objects from depth information. Nevertheless, the quality of depth information is a function of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Additionally, noise is inherently embedded in the depth information. As a consequence, using those techniques, the perception of the shape and size of 3D objects from depth solely, results in viewpoint-dependent accuracy and precision. In the current study, we perform a detailed analysis of the degree of constancy of shape and size perception that representative techniques can achieve on depth information of a real cone object, as it is a commonly encountered man-made object. Furthermore, we propose a novel shape and size perception strategy utilizing both 2D and 3D information to enhance the constancy of object shape and size perception. The results clearly show that a remarkable enhancement in the constancy of the shape and size perception of cone objects is observed using the novel method.
Development of Novel Pyrimidine Nucleosides as Potential Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Characterization, and Invitro Evaluation against pancreatic cancer
Authors: Frimpong Esther , Bulusu Raviteja , Okoro Joy , Inkoom Andriana , Ndemazie Nkafu , Rogers Sherise , Zhu Xue , Han Bo , Agyare Edward 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The present study proposed modification of 5-FU by conjugation with an acyl chloride and a 5-membered heterocyclic ring to improve its invitro cytotoxicity and metabolic stability. XYZ-I-71 and XYZ-I-73 were synthesized by introducing a tetrahydrofuran ring on 5-fluorocytosine (a precursor of 5-FU) and conjugation with octanoyl chloride and lauroyl chloride, respectively. The analogs were characterized by NMR, micro-elemental analysis, HPLC, and LC-MS. The antiproliferative activity of the analogs was determined against MiaPaCa-2, PANC-1, and BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells. The analog’s stability in human liver microsomes was quantified by HPLC. Analysis of the 1H-NMR spectra displayed amide bonds at 7.80 ppm and 7.73 ppm, confirming the conjugation of octanoyl and lauroyl chloride to 5-fluorocutosine, respectively. The purity of both analogs was 99.6%. We found that the XYZ-I-73 (IC50 3.6 ± 0.4μM) analog was most effective against MiaPaCa-2 cells compared to XYZ-I-71(IC50 12.3±1.7μM), GemHCl (IC50 24.2 ± 1.3 μM), Irinotecan (IC50 10.1 ± 1.5 μM) and 5-FU (IC50 13.2 ± 1.1 μM). For PANC-1 cell growth inhibition, XYZ-I-73 (IC50 3.9 ± 0.5) was again observed as the most effective agent compared to XYZ-I-71(IC50 8.7±0.9 μM), GemHCl (IC50 10.07±0.9), 5-FU (IC50 20.43±1.2) and Irinotecan (IC50 11.6 ±1.1). A similar pattern of XYZ-I-73 (IC50 5.9 ± 0.7) anticancer activity against BxPC-3 cells was found to be higher than XYZ-I-71(IC50 7.7 ± 0.8), GemHCl (IC50 10.95±0.9), 5-FU (IC50 14 ± 1.1) and Irinotecan (IC50 9.5±1.0). For 24-hour MiaPaCa-2 cell migration studies, XYZ-I-73 (5μM) significantly reduced migration (# of migrated cells, 168 ± 2.9), followed by XYZ-I-71(315±2.1), Gem-HCl (762±3.1) and 5-FU (710 ± 3.2). PARP studies demonstrated significant inhibition of PARP expression of XYZ-I-73 treated cells compared to 5-FU and XYZ-I-71. Further, BAX and p53 expressions were significantly increased in cells treated with XYZ-I-73 compared to 5-FU and XYZ-I-71. In vitro, metabolic stability studies showed that 80 ± 5.9 % of XYZ-I-71 and XYZ-I-73 remained intact after 2-hour exposure in liver microsomal solution compared to 5-FU. The XYZ-I-73 analog demonstrated a remarkable cytotoxic effect and improved in vitro metabolic stability over the selected standard drugs and may have potential anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer.
Morphological and microstructural characterization of an ancient Chola bronze statuette by neutron based non-invasive techniques.
Authors: Cantini Francesco , Creange Sara , Li Yueer , Eijck Lambert van , Kardjilov Nikolay , Kabra Saurabh , Grazzi Francesco 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The evolution of metallurgy is a fundamental aspect related to the knowledge of the technological level of ancient civilizations, for which the information was mostly part of an oral tradition. The ancient, preserved artefacts are the only keepers of this long gone knowledge. Most advanced non-invasive techniques provide us the key to access it. Neutron techniques are nowadays the only available approach for revealing, non-destructively and with good spatial resolution, the morphological and micro-structural properties within the whole volume of densely composed artefacts such as bronze statues. Application of neutron methods allows us to learn about ancient artefacts manufacturing methods and to study at a very detailed level the current conservation status in their different parts. As part of a research project dedicated to the study of ancient Asian bronzes led by the Rijksmuseum Metal Conservation Department, four statues from the Rijksmuseum Asian collection were analysed using non-invasive neutron techniques. In this work, we present the investigation of a South Indian bronze statuette depicting Shiva in the form of Chandrasekhara (AK-MAK-1291, c. 1000-1200 A.D.) by means of white beam tomography, energy selective neutron imaging (performed on CONRAD-2 at HZB, DE, and on FISH at TU-Delft, NL) and neutron diffraction (on ENGIN-X at ISIS, UK). The application of neutron imaging revealed the inner structure of the statue and allowed us to investigate the conservation state and potential cracking on the surface and in the bulk, to understand the interconnection of the different sections of the statue and to obtain clues about the manufacturing processes. These morphological and microstructural results were employed to guide neutron diffraction analyses that allowed us to precisely characterize compositional differences, the presence of dendrites and columnar growth peak structures related to casting. This work is a complete non-invasive analytical investigation on an archaeological bronze artefact, providing outstanding results: from a quantitative analysis of the composition and microstructure to an in-depth morphological analysis capable of unveiling details on the ancient casting methods of the statue.
Root nodules of Lindera aggregate select specific microbiota for nitrogen fixation and nutrition metabolism
Authors: Luo Xia , Gong Yinping , Ma Yuying , Chen Menglan , Zhu Xunmei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Plants have the capability to assemble microbiota in the rhizosphere soil (RS) and subsequently select specific microbial communities in the root endosphere (ES). However, the difference in the microbial community composition among root microhabitats remain inadequately elucidated despite their critical roles in the plant-microbiota feedback. In this study, we initially assessed fungal and bacterial communities in ES and RS of Lindera aggregate, aiming to investigate the microbial community composition and ecological functions of diverse root microhabitats using amplicon sequencing and multivariate analysis. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in the fungal diversity in ES compared to RS, with the lowest diversity observed in root nodules (RN). Additionally, the bacterial community composition of lateral roots (LR) exhibited significant distinctions when compared to RN. Further analysis indicated that the entire microbial networks of RN displayed a higher total number of nodes, edges, and modularity, albeit with a lower density in comparison to those in LR. Moreover, the potential functional composition in RS was significantly different from that of ES. Bacteria and fungi in ES play an active part in carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and iron respiration, especially in nitrogen fixation. Altogether, our study unveiled that root microhabitats of the L. aggregate could recruit specific microbial communities, thereby regulating nutrient absorption and metabolism. This insight enhances our understanding of the selective influence that plants exert on soil microorganisms.
Interaction Between Neuroimmune Activation Mechanisms in Epilepsy: The S100b Signalling Network and Brain-gut-bio-axis
Authors: He Jianxun , Bo Yan , Li Beilei , Hao Jing , Miao Chuhan , Sha Ren , Yu Haodong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a syndrome characterised by abnormal firing in the brain, with numerous risk factors. Autoimmune central nervous system diseases are currently being widely explored; however, the neuroimmune processes involved in epilepsy have not been fully elucidated. This disorder is associated with the rise in the blood protein S100b concentration; hence, S100b levels are considered damage markers.
Methods: It described a systematic search in databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, using keywords such as “epilepsy”, “neuroimmune activation”, “S100b protein”, “brain-gut axis”, and “gut microbiome”. The inclusion criteria were based on relevance to the targeted aspects of epilepsy, and the search was limited to studies published within the last 15 years. The study conducted a thematic synthesis to identify common themes, patterns, and emerging insights related to neuroimmune activation in epilepsy.
Results: It discussed the challenges of detecting electrical injury using microscopy and the two aspects of epilepsy pathology: pathological complications such as traumatic brain injury and neuron-based molecular screening.
Conclusion: The study provides an overview of epilepsy and its highly synchronised abnormal discharge in a group of neurons. It also expects that S100b can be used as immune activation material to amplify immune responses in epilepsy simultaneously with intestinal immune suppression. The symbiotic relationship with intestinal biological immune upregulates the intestinal immune function, alleviating adverse outcomes of neural immunity in local brain regions, emphasising the need to understand better the interaction between neuroimmune activation mechanisms in epilepsy and the potential for new treatments.
Macroalgae biorefinery and its role in achieving a circular economy
Authors: Lawrence James , Oliva Armando , Murphy Jerry D. , Lens Piet N. L. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Availability of fossil fuels and feedstocks is a major problem currently faced by a variety of sectors thus highlighting the importance of transitioning towards a circular economy. Increased pollution, fossil fuel availability and other adverse effects are just some of the reasons that have prompted a need to find additional resources for fuel. One such feedstock that has shown to be both promising and viable is macroalgae. This chapter focuses on the latest scientific literature related to the development of macroalgae biorefineries, focusing on the different biological processes and how the resulting generated bioproducts can positively impact the global bioeconomy. The fundamental biological processes are explained while also providing details on specific problems the sector currently faces. Potential areas of further development and recent scientific discoveries of a variety of macroalgal species are also discussed.
Microalgae–methanotroph cocultures for carbon and nutrient recovery from wastewater
Authors: Wang Jin , He Q. Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Wastewater produced from municipal, agricultural, and industrial processes has caused detrimental impacts on local communities and environments. In addition, wastewater is the fifth largest anthropogenic source of methane emissions globally. Although anaerobic digestion is a proven waste management technology with many environmental benefits, its application is limited to large-scale water resource recovery facilities. This is due to the poor return-on-investment caused by the contaminants present in raw biogas and nutrient-rich liquid digestate that require further treatments, some of which are costly. In this chapter, we discuss our recent development of a microalgae–methanotroph coculture-based platform for integrated biogas valorization and nutrient recovery. Development of coculture-based biotechnology faces many technical challenges, including tracking the growth of individual species in the coculture over time, quantifying and understanding inter-species metabolic interactions, and developing kinetic models for the coculture. There are also many practical considerations when applying coculture-based biotechnology for wastewater treatment. We discuss our proposed solutions to address these technical challenges and practical concerns. We also offer our perspective on future directions.
Algae for wastewater treatment and biofuel production
Authors: Velasquez-Orta S. B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Biofuels can be used for the provision of electricity, heating, and transport. Interest in biofuels has been sparked by their suitability to decrease carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency without major modifications to our existing energy infrastructure. Microalgae grown in wastewater are a suitable feedstock to produce two of the most utilized types of biofuels: bioethanol and biodiesel. Biodiesel is obtained as fatty acid methyl esters from microalgae via a chemical reaction known as transesterification. Bioethanol is produced from biomass by microbial fermentation. So far, microalgae growing in wastewater has been characterized for containing a mixture of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. Hence, another area of interest is the use of wastewater-derived microalgae for the sequential production of bioethanol, biodiesel, and protein compounds. A biorefinery concept emerges for the generation of multiple co-products from the wastewater-derived microalgae that can maximize the use of unit operations and the valorization of microalgal biomass. In this chapter, concepts for biodiesel and bioethanol production are evaluated and a biocircular economy prospected.
High performance of membrane capacitive deionization with ZnS/g-C3N4 composite electrodes
Authors: Wei Shiyu , Feng Ling , Zhang Xuliu , Sun Zhumei , Bai Hongjuan , Liu Pengxiao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is considered a promising technology for desalination of sea or brackish water. In this study, a ZnS/g-C3N4 composite was synthesized through a one-step high-temperature method and used as the main material to fabricate CDI electrodes. The results of SEM and TEM showed that spherical-like nanoparticles of ZnS were uniformly distributed on the g-C3N4 sheet. The g-C3N4 phase facilitates the ZnS particles precipitate and restrain their agglomeration, which contributes to a high specific surface area of ZnS. Furthermore, the electrochemical test results indicated that ZnS/g-C3N4 composite had a good capacitance characteristic, low resistance, and high electrochemical stability. Finally, the desalinization performance of the ZnS/g-C3N4 composite electrodes was tested in traditional mode and membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) mode. The results showed that ZnS/g-C3N4//ZnS/g-C3N4 (MCDI) exhibited an optimal desalination capacity. The adsorption amount was 27.65, 50.26, and 65.34 mg/g for NaCl initial concentration of 200, 400, and 600 mg/L, respectively, with the voltage of 1.2 V and flow rate of 5 mL/min. Increasing initial concentration enhanced the conductivity and ion migration rate so as to increase the NaCl adsorption amount. ZnS/g-C3N4 composite can be used as potential electrode material for high performance of MCDI.