bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with self‐perceived burden among terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Kim Sun Hyun , Seo Min Seok , Hwang In Cheol , Ahn Hong Yup 
Published: December 2023

Key points

There is a lack of data on the self‐perceived burden (SPB) of terminal cancer patients at their very end of life.
In this multicenter Korean study, terminal cancer patients perceived their burdensomeness from their family caregiver perspective.
To relieve patients' SPB, physicians should pay attention to dyads with the features identified in this study.
Ultrasound assessment of diaphragm thickness, contractility, and strain in healthy pediatric patients
Authors: Glau Christie L. , Lin Elaina E. , Conlon Thomas W. , Himebauch Adam S. , Keim Garrett P. , Nishisaki Akira 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound‐based diaphragmatic assessments are becoming more common in pediatric acute care, but baseline pediatric diaphragm thickness and contractility values remain unknown.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational study of healthy children aged <18 years undergoing elective surgery. Diaphragm thickness at end‐expiration (Tdi‐exp), thickening fraction (DTF) and excursion were measured by ultrasound during spontaneous breathing and during mechanical ventilation. Diaphragm strain and peak strain rate were ascertained post hoc. Measurements were compared across a priori specified age groups (<1 year, 1 to <3, 3 to <6, 6 to <12, and 12 to <18 years) and with versus without mechanical ventilation.ResultsFifty subjects were evaluated (n = 10 per age group). Baseline mean Tdi‐exp was 0.19 ± 0.04 cm, DTF 0.19 ± 0.09, excursion 1.69 ± 0.97 cm, strain −10.3 ± 4.9, peak strain rate −0.48 ± 0.21 s−1. No significant difference in Tdi‐exp or DTF was observed across age groups (p > .05). Diaphragm excursion increased with age (p < .0001). Diaphragm strain was significantly greater in the 12–17‐year age group (−14.3 ± 6.4), p = .048, but there were no age‐related differences in peak strain rate (p = .08). During mechanical ventilation, there were significant decreases in DTF 0.12 ± 0.04 (p < .0001), excursion 1.08 ± 0.31 cm (p < .0001), strain −4.60 ± 1.93 (p < .0001), and peak strain rate −0.20 ± 0.10 s−1 (p < .0001) while there was no change in Tdi‐exp 0.18 ± 0.03 cm (p = .25) when compared to baseline values.ConclusionPediatric Tdi‐exp, DTF, and diaphragm peak strain rate were similar across age groups. Diaphragm excursion and strain varied across age groups. All measures of diaphragm contractility were diminished during mechanical ventilation.
A conserved electrostatic membrane‐binding surface in synaptotagmin‐like proteins revealed using molecular phylogenetic analysis and homology modeling
Authors: Chon Nara L. , Tran Sherleen , Miller Christopher S. , Lin Hai , Knight Jefferson D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProtein structure prediction has emerged as a core technology for understanding biomolecules and their interactions. Here, we combine homology‐based structure prediction with molecular phylogenetic analysis to study the evolution of electrostatic membrane binding among the vertebrate synaptotagmin‐like protein (Slp) family. Slp family proteins play key roles in the membrane trafficking of large dense‐core secretory vesicles. Our previous experimental and computational study found that the C2A domain of Slp‐4 (also called granuphilin) binds with high affinity to anionic phospholipids in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane through a large positively charged protein surface centered on a cluster of phosphoinositide‐binding lysine residues. Because this surface contributes greatly to Slp‐4 C2A domain membrane binding, we hypothesized that the net charge on the surface might be evolutionarily conserved. To test this hypothesis, the known C2A sequences of Slp‐4 among vertebrates were organized by class (from mammalia to pisces) using molecular phylogenetic analysis. Consensus sequences for each class were then identified and used to generate homology structures, from which Poisson–Boltzmann electrostatic potentials were calculated. For comparison, homology structures and electrostatic potentials were also calculated for the five human Slp protein family members. The results demonstrate that the charge on the membrane‐binding surface is highly conserved throughout the evolution of Slp‐4, and more highly conserved than many individual residues among the human Slp family paralogs. Such molecular phylogenetic‐driven computational analysis can help to describe the evolution of electrostatic interactions between proteins and membranes which are crucial for their function.
Implementation of quantitative risk and cost–benefit analysis in an aging offshore facility
Authors: Lazuardi Khoir , Kumaraningrum Anggraini Ratih , Hermansyah Heri 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRiser shutdown valves (SDVs) are installed to isolate hydrocarbon through a subsea pipeline or to protect platforms and personnel from an unintended release of hydrocarbons. Unfortunately, the volume of gas leaking through the SDV is sometimes beyond the predetermined criteria. Therefore, a quantitative risk assessment is needed by conducting cost–benefit analysis (CBA). This is the methodology of this study. First, we carry out a frequency analysis to calculate the frequency of release from an isolatable section using an estimate of the release frequency, event tree analysis, and escalation from consequence modeling. Second, we study the consequences of modeling. Third, we carry out risk analysis and evaluation. Fourth, we do CBA calculation. Fifth, we consider the other perspectives. The results of this study can predict the possibility of riser SDV leakage in offshore facilities during the aging period and optimize operating and investment costs while maintaining safety to reduce the possibility of fire explosions. It poses a challenge because of the complexity of operational systems involving multiple potential contributors and multiple safety measures. The study results show that the probability of fire prediction at SDV with processing facilities increases from 8.10 × 10−09 to 7.93 × 10−05 for the worst case scenario. Case studies show that application of the CBA model can be used to optimize the allocation of safety investments.
Comparison of probabilistic forecasts of extreme precipitation for a global and convection‐permitting ensemble and hybrid statistical–dynamical method based on equatorial wave information
Authors: Wolf G. , Ferrett S. , Methven J. , Frame T.H.A. , Holloway C.E. , Martinez‐Alvarado O. , Woolnough S.J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecent work has demonstrated that skilful hybrid statistical–dynamical forecasts of heavy rainfall events in Southeast Asia can be made by combining model forecasts of the phases and amplitudes of Kelvin, Rossby, and westward‐moving Rossby gravity waves with climatological rainfall statistics conditioned on these waves. This study explores the sensitivity of this hybrid forecast to its parameter choices and compares its skill in forecasting extreme rainfall events in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam to that of the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS). The hybrid forecast is found to outperform both the global and convection‐permitting ensemble in some regions when forecasting the most extreme events; however, for less extreme events, the ensemble is found more skilful. A weighted blend of the MOGREPS forecasts and the hybrid forecast was found to have the highest skill of all for almost all definitions of extreme event and in most regions. To quantify the influence of errors in the predicted wave state on the skill of the hybrid forecast, the skill of a hypothetical best‐case forecast was also calculated using reanalysis data to specify the wave amplitudes and phases. This best‐case forecast indicates that errors in the forecasts of all wave types reduce the skill of hybrid forecast; however, the reduction in skill is largest for Kelvin waves. The skill in convection‐permitting models is greater than for global models in the regions where Kelvin waves dominate, but the added value of limited‐area high‐resolution forecasts is hampered by the poor representation of Kelvin waves in the parent global model.
Robustness of exponential stability of a class of switched positive linear systems with time delays
Authors: Son Nguyen Khoa , Van Ngoc Le 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThis paper investigates the robustness of exponential stability of a class of positive switched systems described by linear functional differential equations (FDE) under arbitrary switching or average dwell time switching. We will measure the stability robustness of such a system (which is considered as a nominal system) subject to parameter affine perturbations of its constituent subsystems matrices, by introducing the notion of structured stability radius. Some formulas for computing this radius, as well as estimating its lower bounds and upper bounds, are established. In the case of switched linear systems with multiple discrete time‐delays or/and distributed time‐delays, the obtained results yield tractably computable formulas or bounds for the stability radius. The extension of the obtained results to non‐positive systems and the class of multi‐perturbations has been presented. Examples are given to illustrate the proposed method.
Two‐layer leader‐follower optimal affine formation maneuver control for networked unmanned surface vessels with input saturations
Authors: Zhou Bin , Huang Bing , Su Yumin , Wang Weikai , Zhang Enhua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article studies the two‐layer leader‐follower optimal affine formation maneuver (AFM) control problem for multiple unmanned surface vessels (USV). The basic idea of the developed two‐layer control framework is to realize the time‐varying formation for the leader group in advance, and then let the follower USVs agilely respond to the target formation affinely localized by leaders. To realize this goal, a time‐varying formation reference system is first synthesized to describe leaders' target formation in the affine map of the nominal configuration. The reference system is set up by virtual vessel velocity command and unrotated geometric command, which make it possesses an intuitive application structure for operators to plan AFM commands in real‐time sensed surrounding environments. Then, by means of optimized backstepping design and the adaptive dynamic programming technique, actor‐only reinforcement learning controllers are established for USVs in both two layers to realize the optimal target formation tracking objective. For the proposed optimal controllers, the persistent excitation condition that is required by common optimal control schemes is also removed, which endows the presented scheme with lower computational complexity. Finally, theoretical analysis and simulation results illustrate the closed‐loop stability and the effectiveness of the presented scheme.
Two‐Dimensional BiOBr Nanosheets Coupled with FeOOH Quantum Dots as Composite Photo‐Fenton Catalysts for Organic Pollutant Degradation under Visible Light
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , You Junhua , Li Jingjing , Xu Jingsheng , Li Xuanhao , Duan Mingyi , Zhang Hangzhou 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFeOOH quantum dots (QDs) were successfully anchored on 2D BiOBr nanosheets as composite photo‐Fenton catalysts by a simple precipitation and impregnation method. Using Rhodamine B (RhB) as an organic dye model, the photo‐Fenton catalytic activity of the composite catalyst was significantly higher than that of BiOBr and FeOOH. Among them, 1.8 % FeOOH/BiOBr has the highest photo‐Fenton catalytic activity. The main reason is that the interface effect between FeOOH and BiOBr can enable photogenerated electrons to rapidly transfer from the surface of BiOBr to FeOOH to participate in the Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle. Meanwhile, the quantum size of FeOOH increases the density of active sites on the surface of the composite catalyst. The influence of external factors on the catalytic activity of the catalyst was also verified. Finally, the electron transfer direction and main active species (h+, ⋅O2−) of the composite catalyst were discussed by electrochemical analysis and radical trapping experiments, and a reasonable catalytic degradation mechanism was proposed.
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of 1‐(Ethyl/Methyl)‐7‐(p‐Methoxybenzyl Amino) and 7‐Amino‐6‐Fluoroquinolone‐Boron Difluoride Complexes
Authors: Hernández‐López Hiram , Tejada‐Rodríguez Christian Jairo , Leyva‐Ramos Socorro , Pedraza‐Alvarez Alberto , Juárez‐Dorado Eduardo Alejandro , Granados‐López Angélica Judith , López‐Hernández Yamilé , McOnie Sarah L. , Baines Kim M. , López Jesús Adrián 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNovel 1‐(ethyl/methyl)‐7‐(p‐methoxybenzyl amino) and 7‐amino‐6‐fluoroquinolone‐boron difluoride complexes were synthesized, and their biological activity was studied, comparing the influence of the nature of 7‐substituent as well as N‐1 substituent. The quinolone compounds were characterized by IR, UV‐Vis, 1H, 13C{1H} and 19F{1H} NMR, and mass spectrometry. The antiproliferative effect of the new fluoroquinolone‐boron complexes in breast cancer (BC) derived cell lines MCF‐7 and SKBR‐3 was investigated. Compounds 9 b and 9 a showed antiproliferative in MCF‐7 cells, and 9 b, 11 b, 9 a, 7 a, 7b and 8 a showed similar effects in SKBR‐3 cells. Derivatives with p‐methoxybenzyl amino moieties at C‐7 and an ethyl or methyl group at N‐1 in the fluoroquinolone ring (9 a and 9 b) were the more efficient in both breast cancer cell lines. In addition, an 8‐nitro group to the fluoroquinolone (11 b) improved activity against SKBR‐3 cell proliferation. These compounds represent potential drug candidates for breast cancer treatment.
Functionalized Poly(azulenes) and Their Electrochromic Properties
Authors: Png Zhuang Mao , Seah Kim Kui Georgina Estelle , Chua Ming Hui , Zhu Qiang , Goh Shermin Simin , Xu Jianwei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this work, five 2‐ or 6‐ functionalized azulenes are electropolymerized to form azulene homopolymers. All five poly(azulenes) films exhibited electrochromism, with a two‐stage oxidation corresponding to the formation of the azulenium cation and the polaron, respectively. Electron‐donating groups at the 2‐position of azulene were found to greatly increase the poly(azulenes) film stability, with retention of optical contrast about four times as much as the 6‐alkylazulene analogue. This result demonstrates the potential of azulene functionalization as a strategy to improve the long‐term stability of electropolymerized azulenes, enabling applications in both optoelectronics as well as in ion selective electrodes.
Sodium‐Ion‐Conducting Hydrogel Material: Synthesis, Characterization and Conductivity Studies
Authors: Yadav Shashikant , Kumar Verma Dipendra , Tiwari Rudramani , Kumar Devendra , Parwati Km , Rai Rajshree , Adhikary Pubali , Krishnamoorthi S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHerein we have reported single sodium ion conducting pseudo solid polymer electrolyte material, was synthesized successfully using sodium; 3,4,5,6‐tetrahydroxyoxane‐2‐carboxylate (ALG) and sodium salt of poly (acrylic Acid): SPA in the water as solvent via solution cast technique. This pseudo‐solid polymer material allows Na+ cation transport inside the matrix. The FTIR technique confirmed the appreciable interaction between the sodium alginate and sodium polyacrylate polymer. This amorphous polymer material has good flexibility, tensile strength, and good elasticity which provides a better electrode‐electrolyte interface. The material shows electrical conductivity in the range of 10−5 S/cm at room temperature and 10−4 S/cm at higher temperatures (>40 °C). The material shows electrochemical stability of 2.26 V owing to a very good amount of current density with ≈97 % ionic transport number for the sodium ion. The material shows drift ionic velocity in the range of 10−4 m/s and ionic mobility in the order of 10−6 m2/Vs at room temperature. It shows the matrix ionic diffusivity constant in the order of 10−7 m2/s. It possesses low activation energy for ionic movement inside the matrix of 0.465 eV. The matrix shows the correlated type of hopping. An appreciable amount of capacitance is associated with the matrix with minute electrode contribution.
Synthesis of a Novel Porous Self‐Settling Magnetic Anion Exchange Resin and its Removal Mechanism for Tannic Acid
Authors: Xiao Rui , Wang Aiqi , Hu Jiahao , Long Jiang , Chu Mingming , Ma Baixue , Yan Chuanyong , Feng Li 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA new porous self‐precipitating magnetic anion exchange resin (CMIET) doped with γ‐Fe2O3 was prepared by suspension polymerisation and characterized by FT‐IR, TGA, SEM, BET, and VSM. An adsorbent with a rough surface porous structure, enriched with a mesoporous strong magnetic self‐absorbent was obtained. A specific surface area of 19.10 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.2045 cm3/g, a pore size of 36.71 nm exchange capacity of 7.81 mmol/g, and an equilibrium adsorption capacity of up to 46.28 mg/g were measured. The effects of contact time, initial concentration, and solution pH were investigated by batch adsorption experiments. In the removal process, the removal rate of TA was up to 95 % at pH=4–7, saturation adsorption was achieved in 30 min, and regeneration time of 120 min could restore the resin activity. The adsorption isotherm of TA on the resin was by the Langmuir model, the adsorption kinetics was by the Pseudo Secondary Kinetic model, and the adsorption process was spontaneous heat absorption. The regeneration experiments showed good reusability of CMIET, a highly efficient and fast magnetic ion exchange resin with a wide range of applications in the aqueous environment.
Synthesis of Copper and Cobalt complexes with a Hydrothermal Method and Their Applications in Antibiological Activity
Authors: Luo Qiongli , Wang Lei , Wu Shuangyan , Zhu Mingchang , Zhang Ying , Lin Lin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTwo novel 2‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐4‐pyridyl acid complexes with Cu(ClO4)2 ⋅ 6H2O and Co(NO3)2 ⋅ 6H2O were synthesised and their biological activities were systematically studied in vitro. The interaction between the complex and DNA was determined by UV spectroscopy, yielding binding constants of 6.63×103 and 6.09×103, respectively. The DNA binding abilities of the complexes were also investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, showing quenching values of 0.13 and 0.08, respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that both the copper and cobalt complexes could effectively cleave DNA. In addition, flow cytometry, cell morphology detection, and MTT assays showed that the synthesised complex induced apoptosis The experimental results show that the copper complexes have promising medicinal value as potential anticancer drugs.
Synthesis of a hybrid phase FeCoWO4/g‐C3N4 heterojunction composite for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of MB under visible light
Authors: Kandasamy Murugavel , Vasudevan Vasanthakumar , Thangavelu Pazhanivel , Parasuraman Balaji , Govindasamy Mani , Habila Mohamed A. , Aljuwayid Ahmed M. , Nadesan Kannadasan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecently, the environmental contamination caused by toxic dyes has posed a severe threat to human health. Semiconductor‐based photocatalysis is gaining a lot of attention due to its potential applications in environmental remediation. Herein, photocatalytic reactive FeCoWO4/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites were prepared through a facile route hydrothermal process. The bare FeCoWO4, g‐C3N4 and FeCoWO4/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites possess specific features, including reactive surface sites, improved efficiency of charge transfer, and accelerated separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. As a result, the photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue dye (MB) degradation activity of FeCoWO4/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites is significantly improved. Thus, photocatalysts exhibited the highest degradation activities and could remove 91.5 % of MB dye within 120 minutes of visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity with excellent recyclability shows potential for the practical application of FeCoWO4/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites for wastewater treatment.
A Facile and Effective Method to Strip and Recycle Spent LiFePO4 Cathode Materials
Authors: Mou Zixia , Zhang Yucai , Cai Yanjun , Yao Xiang , Tian Hualing , Kong Qingrong , Su Zhi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA facile and highly efficient method was proposed for the separation and regeneration of LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode materials from spent lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The optimal separation conditions involved immersing the spent LFP materials in NaOH (0.5 mol/L) solutions at a temperature of 90 °C, with a solid‐liquid ratio of 30 g/L under stirring of 500 rpm. The high separation effect can be attributed to the synergistic action of several factors at the interface. Furthermore, the structure, composition, morphology, and electrochemical performance of the regenerated LFP (D‐LFP) materials at different temperatures were systematically investigated. Notably, the D‐LFP material generated through calcination at 650 °C for 10 h exhibited a initial discharge capacity of 154.4 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C and the capacity retention rate of 97.3 % after 100 cycles. Moreover, a detailed investigation of the kinetics of the separation and regeneration processes was carried out, along with an exploration of the underlying electrochemical mechanism. This idea not only mitigates the harmful impact of waste on both human health and the environment but also realizes the transformation of waste into valuable resource treasure, promoting a greener and more sustainable development of society.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Fe3+‐doped Cu2O Photocatalyst for Norfloxacin Removal from Water
Authors: Liu Zongbin , Yu Xiaojiao , Wang Kai , Yang Fan , Zhang Jian , Zhao Ningning , Wang Tingxia , Niu Jinfen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPhotocatalytic technology has great potential in water pollution treatment. Prepared Fe3+‐doped Cu2O photocatalyst using solvothermal method successfully in this paper. Analyze and test the prepared samples and study their photocatalytic performance. The prepared samples have high purity and their morphology has undergone changes. By introducing Fe3+, the specific surface area of the sample increases and the absorption of visible light significantly increases. Further research found that the degree of hole separation of photogenerated electrons is obviously improved, this is due to a significant reduction in the surface resistance of the sample. The R2‐Cu2O degradation rate reached 80.5 % and it shows excellent photocatalytic performance.