bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of n‐octyl acetate over fly ash cenosphere supported 10‐tungsto‐2‐vanadophosphoric acid (H5PW10V2O40) as a heterogeneous catalyst: Kinetic study
Authors: Gite Vishnu A. , Rathod Virendra K. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA 10‐tungsto‐2‐vanadophosphoric acid (H5PW10V2O40) catalyst was prepared, supported on pre‐treated fly ash cenosphere (FAC) by the wet impregnation method, and characterized by analytical methods like Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), x‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The prepared catalyst H5PW10V2O40/FAC was used to synthesize n‐octyl acetate in the batch reactor. The influence of various reaction parameters on conversion was investigated and optimized. The maximum conversion of 81.43% was obtained at optimal conditions, that is, temperature 383 K, catalyst loading 5% (w), molar ratio 1:2 (acetic acid to n‐octyl alcohol), speed of agitation 400 rpm, and molecular sieves 6% (w). The H5PW10V2O40/FAC catalyst recyclability shows that it can be used up to four reaction cycles. The reaction progress was represented by the pseudo second‐order homogeneous (PH) model, and the energy of activation of the reaction was computed as 28.89 kJ/mol. The heterogeneous kinetic models, such as Langmuir Hinshelwood Hougen Watson (LHHW) and Eley–Rideal (ER), were also used to test kinetic data. It was seen that the LHHW model with reactant and product gave the best fit for the experimental data.
Performance evaluation for health‐care sectors using a dynamic network data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Cheng Yusi , Bai Xuejie , Chiu Yung‐Ho 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study examines performance of provincial health‐care system in China, using a dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. We focus on efficiency improvements both within provincial health‐care system and within two separate internal sub‐divisions. The administration division engages in financial management while the medical care division provides medical care services. Then there are two main results. First, the average overall efficiency score of provincial health‐care system is 0.9316 from 2010 to 2017. Second, the productivity progress in administration division is lower than that in medical care division, and the technical advances contribute most of the productivity progress. The research gap and the innovation of this paper lie in three aspects: First, this paper opens the black box of health production function and use the network DEA to analyze Chinese provincial health‐care system and its inner two constructs. Second, this paper discusses the efficiency scores as well as dynamic changes in one model. Finally, this paper tries to reveal the regional heterogeneity of static efficiency as well as the dynamic efficiency changes.
Technical note: Flat panel proton radiography with a patient specific imaging field for accurate WEPL assessment
Authors: Seller Oria Carmen , Free Jeffrey , Marmitt Gabriel Guterres , Knäusl Barbara , Brandenburg Sytze , Knopf Antje C. , Meijers Arturs , Langendijk Johannes A. , Both Stefan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundProton radiography (PR) uses highly energetic proton beams to create images where energy loss is the main contrast mechanism. Water‐equivalent path length (WEPL) measurements using flat panel PR (FP‐PR) have potential for in vivo range verification. However, an accurate WEPL measurement via FP‐PR requires irradiation with multiple energy layers, imposing high imaging doses.PurposeA FP‐PR method is proposed for accurate WEPL determination based on a patient‐specific imaging field with a reduced number of energies (n) to minimize imaging dose.MethodsPatient‐specific FP‐PRs were simulated and measured for a head and neck (HN) phantom. An energy selection algorithm estimated spot‐wise the lowest energy required to cross the anatomy (Emin) using a water‐equivalent thickness map. Starting from Emin, n was restricted to certain values (n = 26, 24, 22, …, 2 for simulations, n = 10 for measurements), resulting in patient‐specific FP‐PRs. A reference FP‐PR with a complete set of energies was compared against patient‐specific FP‐PRs covering the whole anatomy via mean absolute WEPL differences (MAD), to evaluate the impact of the developed algorithm. WEPL accuracy of patient‐specific FP‐PRs was assessed using mean relative WEPL errors (MRE) with respect to measured multi‐layer ionization chamber PRs (MLIC‐PR) in the base of skull, brain, and neck regions.ResultsMADs ranged from 2.1 mm (n = 26) to 21.0 mm (n = 2) for simulated FP‐PRs, and 7.2 mm for measured FP‐PRs (n = 10). WEPL differences below 1 mm were observed across the whole anatomy, except at the phantom surfaces. Measured patient‐specific FP‐PRs showed good agreement against MLIC‐PRs, with MREs of 1.3 ± 2.0%, −0.1 ± 1.0%, and −0.1 ± 0.4% in the three regions of the phantom.ConclusionA method to obtain accurate WEPL measurements using FP‐PR with a reduced number of energies selected for the individual patient anatomy was established in silico and validated experimentally. Patient‐specific FP‐PRs could provide means of in vivo range verification.
Patient reported symptoms and adverse outcomes seen in Canada's first vaginoplasty postoperative care clinic
Authors: Potter Emery , Sivagurunathan Marudan , Armstrong Kathleen , Barker Lucy C , Du Mont Janice , Lorello Gianni R. , Millman Alexandra , Urbach David R. , Krakowsky Yonah 
Published: January 2023

AbstractImportanceVaginoplasty is a relatively common gender‐affirming surgery with approximately 200 Ontarians seeking this surgery annually. Although Ontario now offers vaginoplasty in province, the capacity is not meeting demand; the majority of trans and gender‐diverse patients continue to seek vaginoplasty out of province. Out‐of‐province surgery presents a barrier to accessing postsurgical follow‐up care leaving most patients to seek support from their primary care providers or providers with little experience in gender‐affirming surgery.ObjectiveTo provide an account of the common postoperative care needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who underwent penile inversion vaginoplasty out of province and presented for care at a gender‐affirming surgery postoperative care clinic.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsA retrospective chart review of the first 80 patients presenting to a gender‐affirming surgery postoperative care clinic who had undergone vaginoplasty at an outside surgical center was performed. Descriptive analyses were performed for all variables.ResultsThe sample consisted of 80 individuals with the mean age of 39 years (19–73). Most patients had surgery at another surgical center in Canada (76.3%). Many patients (22.5%) accessed care in the first 3 months after surgery, with the majority (55%) seeking care within the first perioperative year. Most patients (61.3%) were seen for more than one visit and presented with more than two symptoms or concerns.Common patient‐reported symptoms during clinical visit included pain (53.8%), dilation concerns (46.3%), and surgical site/vaginal bleeding (42.5%). Sexual function concerns were also common (33.8%) with anorgasmia (11.3%) and dyspareunia (11.3%) being the most frequent complications. The most common adverse outcomes identified by health care providers included hypergranulation (38.8%), urinary dysfunction (18.8%), and wound healing issues (12.5%).Conclusions and RelevanceFindings from chart review offer valuable insights into the postoperative needs and neovaginal concerns of Ontarians who have had vaginoplasty out of province. This study demonstrates the need for routine postoperative care in patients undergoing vaginoplasty. Patients experience numerous symptoms and concerns that often correlate with clinical findings and require multiple follow‐up appointments. Health care providers may benefit from further education on the more common nonsurgical issues identified in this study.
How many tests does it take? Minimizing preoperative testing prior to surgical placement of gastrostomy tubes in children
Authors: Tindal Elizabeth W. , Willis Margaret , Recinos Soto Aldo , Coyle Mara G. , Herzlinger Michael , Luks Francois I. , Renaud Elizabeth J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundGastrostomy tubes (GTs) provide life‐saving enteral access for children. Although upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and impedance studies (ISs) detect gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or malrotation, their benefit for preoperative evaluation of asymptomatic patients requiring GT placement is controversial. This study investigated the value of routine preoperative testing and whether specific patient characteristics could guide the selective use of these studies.MethodsThe charts of children who underwent GT placement from 2003 to 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative course were evaluated.ResultsThree hundred forty‐three patients underwent GT placement, 61% with preoperative testing. Seven of 190 UGI (4%) series demonstrated malrotation, and 39 of 141 (28%) ISs revealed severe GERD. Although all malrotations were surgically addressed, only 59% (23/39) of IS‐proven GERD cases prompted simultaneous fundoplication. Age <1 year was associated with a positive UGI series (6.7% positive vs 1.0%; P < 0.05), but no other patient characteristics were associated with either positive UGI series or IS. Elimination of the 96% of UGI series that did not alter care represented a cost savings of $89,487–$229,665 and avoided the radiation exposure from testing; elimination of the 84% of ISs that did not alter eventual treatment would have saved $127,776–$266,563.ConclusionRoutine preoperative evaluation with UGI series and IS can increase healthcare costs without substantially altering care. The only patients potentially benefiting from routine UGI series were <1 year old. Instead, a targeted, symptom‐based preoperative evaluation may streamline the process by decreasing preoperative testing and minimizing cost and radiation exposure.
Effect of platelet length and stochastic morphology on flexural behavior of prepreg platelet molded composites
Authors: Sattar Siavash , Laredo Benjamin Beltran , Kravchenko Sergii G. , Kravchenko Oleksandr G. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPrepreg platelet molding compound (PPMC) can be used to create structural grade material with a heterogeneous mesoscale morphology. The present work considered various platelet lengths of the prepreg system IM7/8552 to study the effect of platelet length on the flexural behavior of PPMC composite. A progressive failure finite‐element analysis was used to understand competing failure modes in PPMC with the different platelet length. The interlaminar and in‐plane damage mechanisms were employed to describe complex failure modes within the mesostructure of PPMCs. Experimental results of the flexural tests of the PPMC with different platelet length sizes were used to validate the modeling prediction. The experimental and modeling results revealed complex behavior of the flexural mechanical properties (modulus and strength) on the platelet length. The experimental results indicate that PPMC composites processed with a plate length of 12.7 mm have a higher flexural modulus and strength than 25.4 and 6.35 mm. The platelet length effect on the flexural mechanical behavior was attributed to interactions between various damage mechanisms and the stochastic fiber orientation distribution variability in the material.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(m‐anthranilic acid) and poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) electrospun nanofibers: Characterization, antioxidant, and electrochemical properties
Authors: Huner Keziban 
Published: January 2023

AbstractConducting polymers are widely used in many biomedical applications, but their non‐degradability and non‐biocompatibility limit their widespread use in applications. For this reason, many studies have been carried out on the developing degradable, biocompatible, and electrically conductive polymers. In this study, mixtures of conductive polymers (poly(m‐antranilic acid) (P3ANA) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)) with biocompatible and biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared. Their nanofibers were obtained by electrospinning and their antioxidant properties were investigated by 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) and copper ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. Electrochemical properties were also investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained from PCL/P3ANA3 electrospun nanofiber containing 10% (of PCL w/w) P3ANA with 93 and 614 μg TE/mg values for ABTS and CUPRAC assays, respectively. This nanofiber was found to be non‐toxic according to 2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) analysis. PCL/PEDOT:PSS electrospun nanofiber has the highest maximum anodic current value of 0.08 mA. The maximum anodic current value of PCL/P3ANA3 nanofiber with the highest amount of P3ANA is also higher than other PCL/P3ANA nanofibers. These nanofibers were characterized by FT‐IR, UV–vis., XRD and TGA and their surface morphologies were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Interfacial self‐assembly growth of mesoporous polydopamine nanofilms for formaldehyde sensing
Authors: Chen Bowen , Wei Facai , Ma Zhiheng , Peng Yonghui , Guo Haitao , Wang Yuexi , Guan Shaojian , Fu Jianwei , Jing Chengbin , Cheng Jiangong , Xu Jiaqiang , Liu Shaohua 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMesoporous polymer nanofilms combine the advantages of the unique structure of mesopores, the quasi‐2D configuration of the films, and the inherent properties of polymers, and have become a kind of ideal candidate for the high‐performance micro‐nano devices due to their highly accessible surface area and exposed active sites. However, the facile preparation of polymer nanofilms with well‐defined mesostructures has remained a great challenge due to the lack of synthetic strategies. In this study, we developed a simple soft‐template interfacial co‐assembly strategy to in‐situ construct mesoporous polydopamine nanofilms with uniform thickness (30 nm) and regularly distributed mesopore arrays (average pore size of 12 nm) on surfaces with different types and morphologies. Furthermore, a single‐layer mesoporous polymer nanofilm was directly grown on a quartz crystal microbalance substrate and its performance for sensing formaldehyde was studied. The resulted sensor showed excellent sensing response, fast response/recovery dynamics, and great stability, presenting a great promising landscape for trace detection of formaldehyde gas.
A novel consensus‐based computational pipeline for screening of antibody therapeutics for efficacy against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern including Omicron variant
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Kaushik Rahul , Zhang Kam Y. J. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Sahu Upasana , Sood Richa , Bhatia Sandeep 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMultiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants continue to evolve carrying flexible amino acid substitutions in the spike protein's receptor binding domain (RBD). These substitutions modify the binding of the SARS‐CoV‐2 to human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor and have been implicated in altered host fitness, transmissibility, and efficacy against antibody therapeutics and vaccines. Reliably predicting the binding strength of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants RBD to hACE2 receptor and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) can help assessing their fitness, and rapid deployment of effective antibody therapeutics, respectively. Here, we introduced a two‐step computational framework with 3‐fold validation that first identified dissociation constant as a reliable predictor of binding affinity in hetero‐ dimeric and trimeric protein complexes. The second step implements dissociation constant as descriptor of the binding strengths of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants RBD to hACE2 and NAbs. Then, we examined several variants of concerns (VOCs) such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron and demonstrated that these VOCs RBD bind to the hACE2 with enhanced affinity. Furthermore, the binding affinity of Omicron variant's RBD was reduced with majority of the RBD‐directed NAbs, which is highly consistent with the experimental neutralization data. By studying the atomic contacts between RBD and NAbs, we revealed the molecular footprints of four NAbs (GH‐12, P2B‐1A1, Asarnow_3D11, and C118)—that may likely neutralize the recently emerged Omicron variant—facilitating enhanced binding affinity. Finally, our findings suggest a computational pathway that could aid researchers identify a range of current NAbs that may be effective against emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Micro‐computed tomography scanning approaches to quantify, parameterize and visualize bioturbation activity in clogged streambeds: A proof of concept
Authors: Lakhanpal Garima , Black Jay R. , Casas‐Mulet Roser , Arora Meenakshi , Stewardson Michael J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFine particle clogging and faunal bioturbation are two key processes co‐occurring in the hyporheic zone that potentially affect hyporheic exchange through modifications in the sediment structure of streambeds. Clogging results from excessive fine sediment infiltration and deposition in rivers, and it is known to decrease matrix porosity and potentially reduce permeability. Faunal bioturbation activity may compensate for the negative effect of clogging by reworking the sediment, increasing porosity, and preventing further infiltration of fines. Although both processes of clogging and bioturbation have received significant attention in the literature separately, their combined effects on streambed sediment structure are not well understood, mostly due to the lack of a standard methodology for their assessment. Here, we illustrate a novel methodology using X‐ray computed tomography (CT), as proof of concept, to investigate how, together, clogging and bioturbation affect streambed porosity in a controlled flow‐through flume. By visualising gallery formations of an upward conveyor macroinvertebrate; Lumbriculus variegatus as a model species, we quantified bioturbation activity in a clogged streambed, focusing on orientation, depth, and volume at downwelling and upwelling areas of the flume. Gallery creation increased the porosity of the streambed sediment, suggesting a potential improvement in permeability and a possible offset of clogging effects. We illustrate the promising use of X‐ray CT as a tool to assess bioturbation in clogged streambeds, and the potential role of bioturbation activity supporting hyporheic exchange processes in streambeds, warranting further studies to understand the extent of bioturbation impacts in natural systems.
Clustered Cobalt Nanodots Initiate Ferroptosis by Upregulating Heme Oxygenase 1 for Radiotherapy Sensitization
Authors: Zhao Jianqi , Chen Yin , Xiong Tainong , Han Songling , Li Chenwenya , He Yingjuan , He Yongwu , Zhao Gaomei , Wang Tao , Wang Liting , Cheng Tianmin , Wang Cheng , Wang Junping 
Published: January 2023

AbstractHigh cobalt (Co) levels in tumors are associated with good clinical prognosis. An anticancer regimen that increases intratumoral Co through targeted nanomaterial delivery is proposed in this study. Bovine serum albumin and cobalt dichloride are applied to prepare cobaltous oxide nanodots using a facile biomineralization strategy. After iRGD peptide conjugation, the nanodots are loaded into dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles, generating a biocompatible product iCoDMSN. This nanocomposite accumulates in tumors after intravenous injection by deep tissue penetration and can be used for photoacoustic imaging. Proteomics research and molecular biology experiments reveal that iCoDMSN is a potent ferroptosis inducer in cancer cells. Mechanistically, iCoDMSNs upregulate heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), which increases transferrin receptors and reduces solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1), resulting in Fe2+ accumulation and ferroptosis initiation. Furthermore, upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2), arising from the reduction in Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (KEAP1) expression, is responsible for HMOX1 enhancement after iCoDMSN treatment. Owing to intensified ferroptosis, iCoDMSN acts as an efficient radiotherapy enhancer to eliminate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrates a versatile Co‐based nanomaterial that primes ferroptosis by expanding the labile iron pool in cancer cells, providing a promising tumor radiotherapy sensitizer.
Economic calculation and transaction costs: The case of the airline oversales auction system
Authors: Boettke Peter J. , Candela Rosolino A. , Jacobsen Peter J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAccording to Nobel Laureate Edmund Phelps (2013, p. 123), Mises's critique of economic calculation under socialism renders him the originator of the economic analysis of property rights. This paper also suggests that implicit to Mises's impossibility theorem was also the origins of the theory of transaction costs. This raises the following question: what is the relationship, if any, between the process of economic calculation and the concept of transaction costs? Filtered through a Misesian lens, we argue that transaction costs are the costs of engaging in economic calculation. We illustrate our theoretical point utilizing the case of airline oversales auction system first proposed by Julian Simon (1968). In doing so, we reframe the problem of airline oversales from a transaction‐cost approach, one in which property rights in airline seats are initially poorly defined. By doing so, we illustrate that resources expended to discover the valuable attributes of a good (in this case airline seats), the terms of exchange between potential trading partners, as well as enforcing the terms of an exchange, all of which are transaction costs, are also, by definition, the costs of calculating the exchange value of goods. Thus, the airlines oversales auction system is illustrative of an institutional solution to the problem of economic calculation via a reduction of transaction costs.
Dissolution of WO3 modified with IrOx overlayers during photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Jenewein Ken J. , Knöppel Julius , Hofer André , Kormányos Attila , Mayerhöfer Britta , Speck Florian D. , Bierling Markus , Thiele Simon , Bachmann Julien , Cherevko Serhiy 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWO3, an abundant transition metal semiconductor, is one of the most discussed materials to be used as a photoanode in photoelectrochemical water‐splitting devices. The photoelectrochemical properties, such as photoactivity and selectivity of WO3 in different electrolytes, are already well understood. However, the understanding of stability, one of the most important properties for utilization in a commercial device, is still in the early stages. In this work, a photoelectrochemical scanning flow cell coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer is applied to determine the influence of co‐catalyst overlayers on photoanode stability. Spray‐coated WO3 photoanodes are used as a model system. Iridium is applied to the electrodes by atomic layer deposition in controlled layer thickness, as determined by ellipsometry and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photoactivity of the iridium‐modified WO3 photoanodes decreases with increasing iridium layer thickness. Partial blocking of the WO3 surface by iridium is proposed as the main cause of the decreased photoelectrochemical performance. On the other hand, the stability of WO3 is notably increased even in the presence of the thinnest investigated iridium overlayer. Based on our findings, we provide a set of strategies to synthesize nanocomposite photoelectrodes simultaneously possessing high photoelectrochemical activity and photostability.