bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of the most important factors related to people with cancer starting a palliative care conversation: A survey study
Authors: Scherrens Anne‐Lore , Beernaert Kim , Deliens Luc , Lapeire Lore , De Laat Martine , Biebuyck Christine , Geboes Karen , Van Praet Charles , Moors Ine , Deforche Benedicte , Cohen Joachim 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveA late conversation about palliative care needs can lead to suboptimal care in the final months/weeks of life. Insight into factors related to patients' communication about palliative care is needed. This study aims to identify the factors associated with starting/intending to start a conversation about palliative care with the physician.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional interviewer‐administered survey among people with incurable cancer. Purposive sampling was used, taking into account theoretically relevant heterogeneity. The questionnaire was developed based on the theory of planned behavior. Uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsOut of 80 participants, ten (13%) started the palliative care conversation and 18 (23%) intended to do so. People holding a positive attitude towards starting/intending to start the conversation (odds ratio [OR] 4.74; 95% CI 2.35–9.54), perceiving more benefits of it (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.37–4.96) and perceiving a positive attitude towards the behavior in family/friends (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.26–3.41) and the physician (OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.39–3.45) were more likely to start/intend to start a palliative care conversation; people perceiving more disadvantages (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.32–0.87) and barriers (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.15–0.63) were less likely to do so. These factors explained 64% of the variance.ConclusionsOur findings show that psychological and perceived socio‐environmental factors, particularly patients' attitudes, are associated with starting a conversation about palliative care. Theory‐based interventions targeting these strong associations might have a high potential to empower people with cancer to take the initiative in communication about palliative care and to improve timely initiation of palliative care.
Plant awareness is linked to plant relevance: A review of educational and ethnobiological literature (1998–2020)
Authors: Stagg Bethan C. , Dillon Justin 
Published: September 2022

Societal Impact StatementThis research attempts to provide novel insights into plant awareness disparity (plant blindness), through a systematic and critical examination of the educational and ethnobiological literature. The low interest and awareness for plants is well documented in urban societies and has serious implications for biodiversity conservation and sustainable land‐use. This study is significant because it provides a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of human‐plant relations in different societies, which does not currently exist in the academic literature. The findings suggest that people's plant awareness develops where they have frequent interactions with plants that have direct relevance to their lives.SummaryThe inattention to plants, known as ‘plant blindness’ or ‘plant awareness disparity’, is an established concern amongst biologists, but there has been no comprehensive and critical examination of the investigative literature to date. This study aims to address this, with a narrative review of experimental studies published in indexed journals from 1998 to 2020. Data were extracted using a suite of relevant search terms, characterised using key words and subjected to a thematic content analysis; 326 studies were shortlisted for review, with the majority in the subject areas of biological education, ethnobiology and biological conservation. The prevalent research methods were interviews and free‐listing exercises (ethnobiology) and questionnaires and tests (education). The most common characteristics of plant awareness disparity were a deficit of knowledge or identification skills, followed by an attention or memory advantage for animals compared to plants, preference for animals and low interest in plants. There was no concrete evidence of innate plant awareness disparity; instead, diminished experience of nature in urbanised societies appeared to be the cause. Virtually, all the 87 studies that found evidence of plant awareness disparity were undertaken in urban populations in high‐income countries. By contrast, there were 109 studies of extensive botanical knowledge based on rural communities dependent on biological resources, where individual expertise was found to be proportionate to the extent of wild plant collecting. We conclude that a decline in relevant experience with plants leads to a cyclical process of inattention that could be addressed through first‐hand experiences of edible and useful plants in local environments.
Controllable N Doped in Carbon Nanolayers@Mo2C Nanodots as Electrocatalyst Boosts High‐Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Mao Ziyao , Wang Yating , Liu Rui , Sun Jingjing , Liu Bichan , Zhao Ruihua , Du Jianping 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMo2C is one of the promising alternatives to the precious metal catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, it is still challenging to prepare highly dispersed Mo2C and prevent nanoparticles (NPs) from sintering during high‐temperature carbonization. Herein, a strategy is proposed to realize dual purposes that confine the coalescence of Mo2C NPs and redistribute charge density by regulating N‐doped contents. As‐synthesized molybdenum carbide nanodots are well dispersed on the N‐doped carbon nanolayers, and the size of Mo2C is uniform and less than 5 nm. The HER tests reveal that as‐prepared Mo2C nanodots exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity for HER and long‐term stability. Theory calculation proves that optimizing N doping amount can tune hydrogen adsorption free energies and redistribute charge density. The present study provides insight into the impact of nitrogen doped in C/Mo2C and also a synthetic route to achieve heteroatom doping and size control for the synthesis of nanocatalysts beyond Mo2C.
Mechanistic basis of GPCR activation explored by ensemble refinement of crystallographic structures
Authors: Madsen Jesper J. , Ye Libin , Frimurer Thomas M. , Olsen Ole H. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractG protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important drug targets characterized by a canonical seven transmembrane (TM) helix architecture. Recent advances in X‐ray crystallography and cryo‐EM have resulted in a wealth of GPCR structures that have been used in drug design and formed the basis for mechanistic activation hypotheses. Here, ensemble refinement (ER) of crystallographic structures is applied to explore the impact of binding of agonists and antagonist/inverse agonists to selected structures of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), and A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR). To assess the conformational flexibility and its role in GPCR activation, hydrogen bond (H‐bond) networks are analyzed by calculating and comparing H‐bond propensities. Mapping pairwise propensity differences between agonist‐ and inverse agonist/antagonist‐bound structures for CB1R and β2AR shows that agonist binding destabilizes H‐bonds in the intracellular parts of TM 5–7, forming the G protein binding cavity, while H‐bonds of the extracellular segment of TMs surrounding the orthosteric site are conversely stabilized. Certain class A GPCRs, for example, A2AAR, bind an allosteric sodium ion that negatively modulates agonist binding. The impact of sodium‐excluding mutants (D522.50N, S913.39A) of A2AAR on agonist binding is examined by applying ER analysis to structures of wildtype and the two mutants in complex with a full agonist. While S913.39A exhibits normal activity, D522.50N quenches the downstream signaling. The mainchain H‐bond pattern of the latter is stabilized in the intracellular part of TM 7 containing the NPxxY motif, indicating that an induced rigidity of the mutation prevents conformational selection of G proteins resulting in receptor inactivation.
Assessment of dose‐volume histogram statistics using three‐dimensional conformal techniques in breast cancer adjuvant radiotherapy treatment
Authors: Alwan Aula Fadhil , Al‐Naqqash Manwar Abdulelah , Al‐Nuami Hasan Saad Abbood , Mousa Nawres Ali , Ezzulddin Sura Yousif , Al‐shewered Ahmed Salih , Al‐Nuami Dalya 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveBreast cancer (BC) is first of the top 10 malignancies in Iraq. Dose‐volume histograms (DVHs) are most commonly used as a plan evaluation tool. This study aimed to assess DVH statistics using three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapies in BC in an adjuvant setting.MethodsA retrospective study of 70 histologically confirmed women diagnosed with BC was reviewed. The study was conducted between November 2020 and May 2021, planning for treatment with adjuvant three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapies. The treatment plan used for each woman was based on an analysis of the volumetric dose, including DVH analysis.ResultsThe planning target volume and clinical target volume coverage for tumors at V85% was better than V90% and V95%, with highly significant differences (p < 0.0001). The planning target volume and clinical target volume coverage for lymph nodes at V85% was higher than V90% and V95%, with no significant differences.ConclusionsThis is the only study that has been carried out in Iraq that we are aware of that addresses the evaluation of DVH statistics in BC. V85% produced the best chest wall coverage, and V95% made the worst. With little significance, higher lymph nodes coverage was attained at V85%, whereas the lowest coverage was at V95%.
Efficiency and clinical outcomes of Moses technology for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: An evidence‐based analysis
Authors: Li Kangsen , Meng Chunyang , Li Jinze , Gan Lijian , Peng Lei , Li Yunxiang , Wu Ji 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo compare the safety and clinical efficacy of Moses laser enucleation of the prostate (MoLEP) with those of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang databases, and SinoMed databases. The retrieval period was from the establishment of the database to March 2022. Stata17.0 was used for calculations and statistical analyses.ResultsThis study included 12 articles comprising 1160 patients for meta‐analysis. Compared with those of the HoLEP group, the hemostasis time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −4.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−6.47, −2.84], p < 0.001), enucleation time (WMD = −7.23, 95% CI [−10.67, −3.79], p < 0.001), operative time (WMD = −15.02, 95% CI [−20.50, −9.53], p< 0.001), length of hospital stay (WMD = −15.02, 95% CI [−20.50, −9.53], p< 0.001), intraoperative blood loss (WMD = −11.19, 95% CI [−12.94, −9.44], p< 0.001), and total postoperative complications rate (OR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.32, 0.81], p = 0.004) were shorter in the MoLEP group. Postoperative quality of life (WMD = 0.30, 95% CI [0.00, 0.59], p = 0.047) was lower in the HoLEP group, and there were no statistically significant differences in the International Prostate Symptom Score, postoperative maximum urinary flow rate, and postoperative residual urine (p > 0.05).ConclusionMoLEP has more advantages than HoLEP in terms of safety, shorter operation time and hospital stay, and fewer complications. However, this conclusion needs to be verified with a larger sample size, longer follow‐up time, and multicenter randomized controlled trial data.
Analysis of CheW‐like domains provides insights into organization of prokaryotic chemotaxis systems
Authors: Vass Luke R. , Bourret Robert B. , Foster Clay A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe ability to control locomotion in a dynamic environment provides a competitive advantage for microorganisms, thus driving the evolution of sophisticated regulatory systems. In total, 19 known categories of chemotaxis systems control motility mediated by flagella or Type IV pili, plus other cellular functions. A key feature that distinguishes chemotaxis systems from generic two‐component regulatory systems is separation of receptor and kinase functions into distinct proteins, linked by CheW scaffold proteins. This arrangement allows for formation of varied arrays with remarkable signaling properties. We recently analyzed sequences of CheW‐like domains found in CheA kinases and CheW and CheV scaffold proteins. In total, 16 Architectures of CheA, CheW, and CheV proteins contain ~94% of all CheW‐like domains and form six Classes with likely functional specializations. We surveyed chemotaxis system categories and proteins containing CheW‐like domains in ~1900 prokaryotic species, the most comprehensive analysis to date, revealing new insights. Co‐occurrence analyses suggested that many chemotaxis systems occur in non‐random combinations within species, implying synergy or antagonism. Furthermore, many Architectures of proteins containing CheW‐like domains occurred predominantly with specific categories of chemotaxis systems, suggesting specialized functional interactions. We propose Class 1 (~80%) and Class 6 (~20%) CheW proteins exhibit preferences for distinct chemoreceptor structures. Furthermore, rare (~1%) Class 2 CheW proteins frequently co‐occurred with methyl‐accepting coiled coil proteins, which contain both receptor and kinase functions and so do not require connection via a CheW scaffold but may benefit from arrays. Last, rare multidomain CheW proteins may interact with different receptors than single‐domain CheW proteins.
Prevalence and survival associated with pulmonary hypertension after mitral valve replacement: National echocardiography database of Australia study
Authors: Collins Nicholas , Sugito Stuart , Davies Allan , Boyle Andrew , Sverdlov Aaron , Attia John , Stewart Simon , Playford David , Strange Geoff 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe specific prevalence and outcome of pulmonary hypertension after mitral valve replacement (MVR) is not well documented. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and prognostic impact of pulmonary hypertension after MVR. In addition, we sought to determine the threshold of mortality risk according to echocardiography derived pulmonary pressures and those echocardiographic characteristics that are associated with increased mortality. Using the National Echocardiography Database of Australia, patients who had undergone MVR were identified with estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (eRVSP) assessed and linked to patient mortality during mean follow up of 1917 days. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to identify the most powerful predictors of mortality. A total of 10,994 patients who had undergone echocardiography following MVR (mean age 65.2 ± 16, 44.8% women) were studied (mean follow‐up 1917 days). The prevalence of PH (defined as eRSVP ≥40 mmHg) was 64.1% (7042/10,994). Severe PH (eRVSP ≥60 mmHg) was seen in 42.3% (4671/10,994). Mortality in individuals with PH was greater than amongst individuals without PH (41.1% vs. 26.3%). Age, tricuspid regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction were also associated with mortality. There is a high prevalence of PH after MVR which confers an adverse prognosis. Improved therapeutic approaches to mitral valve disease and the subsequent development of PH are essential.
Atomistic simulations of ∑3 [110](111) grain boundary in diamond: Structure, stability, and properties
Authors: Pooja  , Pawar Ravinder 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGrain boundaries play a pivotal role to influence the stability and mechanical properties of the diamond derived from chemical vapor deposition; therefore, the scrutiny of grain boundaries has aroused intensive research attention. In the present study, the structure, stability, mechanical, electronic properties, and concentration effect of the ∑3 [110](111) grain boundary in diamond has been investigated using density functional theory calculations. The grain boundary energy (), phonon dispersion relation, and charge density distribution clearly indicate that the ∑3 [110](111) grain boundary in diamond is stable. The elasticity and electronic properties of the diamond with the ∑3 [110](111) grain boundary closely resemble the pristine diamond. En route to determining the thermal stability of the grain boundary, molecular dynamics simulations using ReaxFF were performed at various temperatures. In addition, Young's modulus was calculated by applying an increasing 5.6% uniaxial strain along the z‐direction during the molecular dynamics simulations using ReaxFF. The ReaxFF simulations further demonstrate that the grain boundary is found to be thermally stable even at 1773.15 K.
Robust tracking control with reinforcement learning for nonlinear‐constrained systems
Authors: Tang Yuhong , Yang Xiong 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis article considers the robust tracking control problem of uncertain nonlinear systems with asymmetric input constraints. Initially, the tracking error dynamics and the desired trajectory dynamics are constructed as an augmented system. Then, with a discounted value function being introduced for the nominal augmented system, the original tracking control problem is transformed into a constrained optimal control problem. To solve the constrained optimal control problem, its related Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation (HJBE) is developed. After that, a critic approximator is constructed to solve the HJBE in the reinforcement learning framework. To tune the parameters used in the critic approximator, a novel concurrent learning technique is introduced, which could remove the persistence of excitation condition. Moreover, the uniform ultimate boundedness of the tracking error and the parameters' estimation error of the critic approximator is assured via the Lyapunov's approach. Finally, a spring‐mass‐damper mechanical system and a robot manipulator system are given to validate the theoretical claims.
Using unoccupied aerial vehicles to map and monitor changes in emergent kelp canopy after an ecological regime shift
Authors: Saccomanno Vienna R. , Bell Tom , Pawlak Camille , Stanley Charlotte K. , Cavanaugh Katherine C. , Hohman Rietta , Klausmeyer Kirk R. , Cavanaugh Kyle , Nickels Abby , Hewerdine Waz , Garza Corey , Fleener Gary , Gleason Mary 
Published: September 2022

AbstractKelp forests are complex underwater habitats that form the foundation of many nearshore marine environments and provide valuable services for coastal communities. Despite their ecological and economic importance, increasingly severe stressors have resulted in declines in kelp abundance in many regions over the past few decades, including the North Coast of California, USA. Given the significant and sustained loss of kelp in this region, management intervention is likely a necessary tool to reset the ecosystem and geospatial data on kelp dynamics are needed to strategically implement restoration projects. Because canopy‐forming kelp forests are distinguishable in aerial imagery, remote sensing is an important tool for documenting changes in canopy area and abundance to meet these data needs. We used small unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) to survey emergent kelp canopy in priority sites along the North Coast in 2019 and 2020 to fill a key data gap for kelp restoration practitioners working at local scales. With over 4,300 hectares surveyed between 2019 and 2020, these surveys represent the two largest marine resource‐focused UAV surveys conducted in California to our knowledge. We present remote sensing methods using UAVs and a repeatable workflow for conducting consistent surveys, creating orthomosaics, georeferencing data, classifying emergent kelp and creating kelp canopy maps that can be used to assess trends in kelp canopy dynamics over space and time. We illustrate the impacts of spatial resolution on emergent kelp canopy classification between different sensors to help practitioners decide which data stream to select when asking restoration and management questions at varying spatial scales. Our results suggest that high spatial resolution data of emergent kelp canopy from UAVs have the potential to advance strategic kelp restoration and adaptive management.
Multi‐Spectroscopic and Theoretical Analyses of Human Serum Albumin Binding to a Water‐Soluble Zinc(II) Complex including β‐Amino Alcohol
Authors: Shahabadi Nahid , Ghaffari Lida , Mardani Zahra , Shiri Farshad 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this study, we examined the interaction process of human serum albumin (HSA) with a water‐soluble zinc(II) complex of dichloro {2‐[N‐(2‐hydroxyethylammonioethyl) imino methyl] phenol} at pH=7.4 and in vitro utilizing molecular docking modeling and spectral techniques. In the multi‐temperature fluorescence test, the consecutive and gradual addition of the zinc(II) complex to the HSA‐containing cell resulted in fluorescence quenching, and it showed that the zinc(II) complex‐protein interaction is associated with a static quenching mechanism; also, the number of binding sites (n) and the binding constant (Kb) were computed by this test. The evaluation of thermodynamic data showed spontaneous progression, and the involvement of hydrogen bonding/van der Waals forces in protein‐zinc(II)complex formation. The site markers competition studies using two drugs, warfarin and ibuprofen, indicated that zinc(II) complex binds to the protein via site I/sub‐domain IIA. The albumin‐zinc(II) complex interaction and the structural alterations in the serum albumin were proved by electronic absorption technique and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Job′s curve exhibited a stoichiometric ratio of 1 : 1 in the HSA‐zinc(II) complex adduct. The accuracy of the results obtained from experimental findings on the interaction between HSA and zinc(II) complex was checked by molecular docking simulation, which illustrated a good agreement between experimental and theoretical data.
Composition Dependent Electrical Transport in Si1−xGexNanosheets with Monolithic Single‐Elementary Al Contacts
Authors: Wind Lukas , Sistani Masiar , Böckle Raphael , Smoliner Jürgen , Vukŭsić Lada , Aberl Johannes , Brehm Moritz , Schweizer Peter , Maeder Xavier , Michler Johann , Fournel Frank , Hartmann Jean‐Michel , Weber Walter M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSi1−xGexis a key material in modern complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor and bipolar devices. However, despite considerable efforts in metal‐silicide and ‐germanide compound material systems, reliability concerns have so far hindered the implementation of metal‐Si1−xGexjunctions that are vital for diverse emerging “More than Moore” and quantum computing paradigms. In this respect, the systematic structural and electronic properties of Al‐Si1−xGexheterostructures, obtained from a thermally induced exchange between ultra‐thin Si1−xGexnanosheets and Al layers are reported. Remarkably, no intermetallic phases are found after the exchange process. Instead, abrupt, flat, and void‐free junctions of high structural quality can be obtained. Interestingly, ultra‐thin interfacial Si layers are formed between the metal and Si1−xGexsegments, explaining the morphologic stability. Integrated into omega‐gated Schottky barrier transistors with the channel length being defined by the selective transformation of Si1−xGexinto single‐elementary Al leads, a detailed analysis of the transport is conducted. In this respect, a report on a highly versatile platform with Si1−xGexcomposition‐dependent properties ranging from highly transparent contacts to distinct Schottky barriers is provided. Most notably, the presented abrupt, robust, and reliable metal‐Si1−xGexjunctions can open up new device implementations for different types of emerging nanoelectronic, optoelectronic, and quantum devices.