bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of urban point source contamination on microplastic levels in water and organisms in a cold‐water stream
Authors: Simmerman Claire B. , Coleman Wasik Jill K. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe examined the influence of point and nonpoint source contamination on microplastic (MP) levels in water, macroinvertebrates, and trout in a small, cold‐water stream in western Wisconsin, U.S.A. We collected samples along an urbanization gradient centered around a 6‐mile corridor that receives numerous MP inputs from stormwater outfalls and a wastewater plant. We digested samples using a wet peroxide oxidation method. Particles filtered from digestates were stained with Nile Red dye, then viewed using fluorescence microscopy. We quantified fluorescing MPs using ImageJ software. MP concentrations in water increased significantly from upstream to downstream reaches and appeared to influence organism MP levels. Macroinvertebrates and trout collected upstream of the city had significantly lower MP levels than macroinvertebrates and trout collected within the city, and for trout, downstream of the city. MP particle lengths were significantly longer in macroinvertebrates compared to water and trout, perhaps indicating preferential accumulation of longer particles from the water column.
Development of Poor Cell Adhesive Immersion Precipitation Membranes Based on Supramolecular Bis‐Urea Polymers
Authors: van Gaal Ronald C. , van Sprang Johnick F. , Borneman Zandrie , Dankers Patricia Y. W. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA variety of biomedical applications requires tailored membranes; fabrication through a mix‐and‐match approach is simple and desired. Polymers based on supramolecular bis‐urea (BU) moieties are capable of modular integration through directed non‐covalent stacking. Here, it is proposed that non‐cell adhesive properties can be introduced in polycaprolactone‐BU‐based membranes by the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐BU during immersion precipitation membrane fabrication, while unmodified PEG is not retained in the membrane. PEG‐BU addition results in denser membranes with a similar pore size compared to pristine membranes, while PEG addition induces defect formation. Infrared spectroscopy and surface hydrophobicity measurements indicate that PEG‐BU is retained during membrane processing. Additionally, PEG‐BU incorporation successfully leads to poor cell adhesive surfaces. No evidence is observed to indicate PEG retention. The results obtained indicate that the BU system enables intimate mixing of BU‐modified polymers after processing. Collectively, the results provide the first steps toward BU‐based immersion precipitated supramolecular membranes for biomedical applications.
Ultrasound/Optical Dual‐Modality Imaging for Evaluation of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques with Osteopontin Targeted Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Sulei , Gou Tiantian , Wang Qi , Chen Min , Chen Ze , Xu Mengqi , Wang Yabin , Han Dong , Cao Ruihua , Liu Junsong , Liang Ping , Dai Zhifei , Cao Feng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBecause of the high mortality of coronary atherosclerotic heart diseases, it is necessary to develop novel early detection methods for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Phenotype transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a vital role in progressed atherosclerotic plaques. Osteopontin (OPN) is one of the biomarkers for phenotypic conversion of VSMCs. Significant higher OPN expression is found in foam cells along with the aggravating capacity of macrophage recruitment due to its arginine‐glycine‐aspartate sequence and interaction with CD44. Herein, a dual‐modality imaging probe, OPN targeted nanoparticles (Cy5.5‐anti‐OPN‐PEG‐PLA‐PFOB, denoted as COP‐NPs), is constructed to identify the molecular characteristics of high‐risk atherosclerosis by ultrasound and optical imaging. Characterization, biocompatibility, good binding sensibility, and specificity are evaluated in vitro. For in vivo study, apolipoprotein E deficien (ApoE−/−) mice fed with high fat diet for 20–24 weeks are used as atherosclerotic model. Ultrasound and optical imaging reveal that the nanoparticles are accumulated in the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. OPN targeted nanoparticles are demonstrated to be a good contrast agent in molecular imaging of synthetic VSMCs and foam cells, which can be a promising tool to identify the vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
Fabrication of Photothermally Responsive Nanocomposite Hydrogel through 3D Printing
Authors: Zhang Lun , Zhang Xueqian , Li Lei , Liu Yinghao , Wang Dong , Xu Liqiang , Bao Jianjun , Zhang Aimin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe responsive hydrogels have received great attention in many fields. However, the molding method and response mode of such hydrogels are criticized when it comes to real applications. In this work, a novel class of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)/graphene oxide (PNIPAm/GO) nanocomposite hydrogel through self‐assembly three‐dimensional (3D) printing via ultraviolet light polymerization. The precursor is ordinarily constituted by NIPAm monomer, crosslinker, and water mixed with a photoinitiator, besides the introduction of nanoclay adjusts the shear thinning properties to an optimal level, which is important for the 3D printing precision. Then, the graphite oxide as infrared light absorber endows the hydrogel fast photothermal excited responsivity instead of conventional temperature response. The shrinkage and swelling of the composite hydrogel can be controlled by turning the near‐infrared light on or off. Meanwhile, the reversible behavior of as‐prepared hydrogel is easily regulated by altering the content of GO and illumination time of near‐infrared light. Additionally, a round tube is obtained based on the as‐prepared hydrogel, which can be driven to get a pencil, indicating their potential applications in actuator and other functional program.
Microbiota changes in a pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia mouse model
Authors: Song Yajing , Gyarmati Peter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHematological malignancies are the most common type of pediatric cancers, and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequently occurring hematological malignancy during childhood. A major cause of mortality in leukemia is bloodstream infection (BSI). The aim of the current study was to explore the gut microbiota in ALL and its potential functional alterations. High‐throughput sequencing was used to characterize the bacterial and fungal microbiota in feces and their predicted functional characteristics in a xenotransplant pediatric ALL mouse model. Our work shows that gut microbiota significantly changes in leukemia, which may result in functional alterations. This study may provide potential therapeutic or preventive strategies of BSI in ALL.
Valuation of a startup: Moving towards strategic approaches
Authors: Dhochak Monika , Doliya Prince 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe valuation of a new venture is often considered to be a combative point of negotiation between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. To bridge this gap, the present study aims to comprehend the link between startup valuation and established strategic management theories. The purpose of this study is to prioritize the theories from the strategic management literature in the valuation of a startup to assess firm performance using evidence from India, an emerging market. This study addresses research questions such as whether strategic theories (internal‐based theory, industry‐based theory, and network‐based theory) enable the valuation of a new venture and how venture capitalists prioritize and vary the importance of these theories to assess the economic value of a new venture. The strategic management theories are prioritized using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, a multicriteria decision‐making technique for the valuation of a venture. The present study develops an integrative multicriteria fuzzy decision‐making approach to measure the relative importance of the strategic input variables. The results of the study validate the inclusion of strategic variables and provide a systematic approach to follow and measure the important factors when valuing a new venture. Such outcomes of the study help to theoretically and practically build a valuation foundation for both venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. This study brings increased rigor to the venture capital valuation literature by introducing a supplementary method to identify and measure the importance of these theories in new venture valuation.
Technical Note: Dosimetric characterization of the dynamic beam flattening MLC sequence on a ring shaped, Jawless Linear Accelerator with double stacked MLC
Authors: Bollinger Douglas , Laugeman Eric , Li Taoran , Hilliard Jessica , Heermann Ana , Kim Hyun , Hugo Geoff , Mutic Sasa , Dong Lei , Cai Bin 
Published: December 2019

PurposeTo characterize the dosimetric features and limitations of the dynamic beam flattening (DBF) on the Halcyon 2.0 linear accelerator (Varian Medical Systems).MethodsA predefined multi‐leaf collimator (MLC) sequence was introduced and used to flatten the 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) beam on the Halcyon 2.0. Dosimetric characterizations of the flattened beams, including beam flatness, symmetry, percent depth dose (PDD), output factor and MU linearity, were investigated. Flatness and symmetry were obtained from profile measurements with both radiographic films (EDR2) and a two dimensional ion‐chamber array (IC Profiler, Sun Nuclear Corporation). MU linearity, output factors, and PDDs were measured in a water tank with a CC13 ion chamber (Scanditronix Wellhöfer, Nuremburg, Germany). In addition, the effect of the DBF sequence on 3D plan quality was evaluated by creating DBF plans for a 4‐field box rectum and an AP/PA spine plan. Patient specific QA was performed on these plans.ResultsAt 100 cm SSD and 10 cm depth, a flatness of <3% was observed on both transversal and radial profiles for all square field sizes ≥10 cm with DBF. For both larger and smaller field sizes the flatness showed a tendency to increase as the fields got bigger or smaller, respectively. Similar trends in flatness were observed at all depths measured. All measured output factors for square field sizes ≥5 cm were within 1% of the TPS prediction. Linearity was ≤2.02% for all measurements. For both treatment sites, the MD judged the plans created for the Halcyon without the use of DBF not to be clinically acceptable, however considered both the TrueBeam plan and the Halcyon plan with the DBF sequence to be clinically acceptable.ConclusionsThe DBF sequence on the Halcyon and its characteristics were investigated. The analysis indicates that the DBF sequence can be used on the Halcyon to generate clinically acceptable 3D treatment plans.
Semiautomated Process for Enumeration of Fishes from Recreational-Grade Side-Scan Sonar Imagery
Authors: Lawson Katelyn M. , Ridgway Josey L. , Mueller Andy T. , Faulkner Jacob D. A. , Calfee Robin D. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The use of hydroacoustic techniques is increasing as scientists search for less invasive ways to monitor fish populations, and using recreational side-scan sonar (SSS) imagery for monitoring has become more common in aquatic resource management over the last 15 years due in part to its low cost and user-friendly interface. The time-consuming nature of manually counting fish targets has limited the use of the data that is collected by these systems in research or management contexts. To reduce the time and effort that is required to enumerate acoustic targets that are presumed to be fish, we developed a semiautomated process that rapidly quantifies targets from recreational SSS imagery by using an open-source image processing software. Perceived fish targets were enumerated using a set of macroinstructions that performed similarly to manual enumeration by three experienced assessors. This method reduced variation that arises from individual assessors and eliminated the prohibitive time constraints that are associated with manual processing. Herein, we describe how our semiautomated process could be used in fisheries management contexts after further research and development of sampling methods. Future research will focus on field validation, quantifying relative abundance, testing across a broader range of environmental conditions, and exploring other applications for fisheries management.
Crack nucleation in saturated porous media
Authors: Dormieux Luc , Lemarchand Eric , Carlioz Thomas , Jeannin Laurent 
Published: December 2019

SummaryCrack nucleation has been the subject of important contributions in the last two last decades. However, it seems that few attention has been granted to the case of saturated porous media. This is the question addressed in the present paper which is devoted to nucleation in traction mode. From a physical point of view, nucleation is a sudden phenomenon, so that the material response is both adiabatic and undrained. In the spirit of the variational approach, the nucleated crack is viewed as the final state of a region of space in which the material undergoes a full damage process. In traction mode, the opening of a saturated crack in undrained condition induces a drop of fluid pressure. In case of low fluid compressibility, the presence of the fluid delays the brittle failure usually associated with nucleation, as long as the fluid pressure remains above the saturation vapor pressure. Nucleation is therefore possible only if a partial vaporization of the fluid takes place.
Premorbid functioning as a predictor of outcome in pediatric brain tumor: An initial examination of the normalcy assumption
Authors: Raghubar Kimberly P. , Rothhaar Maria C. , Yeates Keith Owen , Mahone E. Mark , Grosshans David R. , Scheurer Michael E. , Ris M. Douglas 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundResearch on neurodevelopmental outcome in survivors of pediatric brain tumor (BT) is often based on the assumption of normal development up to the onset of overt symptoms. We sought to verify the “normalcy assumption” and to investigate corollary issues including challenges inherent to the measurement of premorbid neurobehavioral functioning.ProcedureThe Brain Radiation Investigative Study Consortium (BRISC) is a prospective longitudinal multisite study of 58 children diagnosed with BT. Premorbid functioning was assessed via retrospective parent report on standardized rating scales and detailed questionnaires. Findings were examined for the sample as a whole and in patients grouped by tumor histology (embryonal and non‐embryonal).ResultsMean age at diagnosis was 9.84 years (range, 3‐16). The overall sample showed low proportions of pre/postnatal risk factors and delays in development. The proportion of children with clinically significant premorbid attention (18%) problems based on the BASC‐2 exceeded expectation of that in healthy children (6.68%). Similar findings were obtained for somatization (18%) and anxiety (14%). Delays in talking were significantly more common in children with embryonal than non‐embryonal tumors (P = 0.02). The non‐embryonal tumor group had significantly higher overall rates of premorbid psychosocial problems than the embryonal tumor group (P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe describe a rigorous approach to estimating premorbid developmental status in pediatric BT. The findings suggest mixed support for the “normalcy assumption” and highlight the complexity of this concept and need for further investigation. Our results also suggest the need for further study of potential premorbid correlates with tumor histology.
Modeling protein‐protein, protein‐peptide, and protein‐oligosaccharide complexes: CAPRI 7th edition
Authors: Lensink Marc F. , Nadzirin Nurul , Velankar Sameer , Wodak Shoshana J. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTWe present the seventh report on the performance of methods for predicting the atomic resolution structures of protein complexes offered as targets to the community‐wide initiative on the Critical Assessment of Predicted Interactions. Performance was evaluated on the basis of 36 114 models of protein complexes submitted by 57 groups—including 13 automatic servers—in prediction rounds held during the years 2016 to 2019 for eight protein‐protein, three protein‐peptide, and five protein‐oligosaccharide targets with different length ligands. Six of the protein‐protein targets represented challenging hetero‐complexes, due to factors such as availability of distantly related templates for the individual subunits, or for the full complex, inter‐domain flexibility, conformational adjustments at the binding region, or the multi‐component nature of the complex. The main challenge for the protein‐peptide and protein‐oligosaccharide complexes was to accurately model the ligand conformation and its interactions at the interface. Encouragingly, models of acceptable quality, or better, were obtained for a total of six protein‐protein complexes, which included four of the challenging hetero‐complexes and a homo‐decamer. But fewer of these targets were predicted with medium or higher accuracy. High accuracy models were obtained for two of the three protein‐peptide targets, and for one of the protein‐oligosaccharide targets. The remaining protein‐sugar targets were predicted with medium accuracy. Our analysis indicates that progress in predicting increasingly challenging and diverse types of targets is due to closer integration of template‐based modeling techniques with docking, scoring, and model refinement procedures, and to significant incremental improvements in the underlying methodologies.
The five dimensions of receptor pharmacology exemplified by melatonin receptors: An opinion
Authors: Boutin Jean A. , Legros Céline 
Published: December 2019

AbstractReceptology has been complicated with enhancements in our knowledge of G‐protein‐coupled‐receptor (GPCR) biochemistry. This complexity is exemplified by the pharmacology of melatonin receptors. Here, we describe the complexity of GPCR biochemistry in five dimensions: (a) receptor expression, particularly in organs/tissues that are only partially understood; (b) ligands and receptor‐associated proteins (interactome); (c) receptor function, which might be more complex than the known G‐protein‐coupled systems; (d) ligand bias, which favors a particular pathway; and (e) receptor dimerization, which might concern all receptors coexpressed in the same cell. Thus, receptor signaling might be modified or modulated, depending on the nature of the receptor complex. Fundamental studies are needed to clarify these points and find new ways to tackle receptor functionality. This opinion article emphasizes the global questions attached to new descriptions of GPCRs and aims to raise our awareness of the tremendous complexity of modern receptology.
Electrokinetic Scanning Probe
Authors: Ostromohov Nadya , Rofman Baruch , Bercovici Moran , Kaigala Govind 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe theoretical analysis and experimental demonstration of a new concept are presented for a non‐contact scanning probe, in which transport of fluid and molecules is controlled by electric fields. The electrokinetic scanning probe (ESP) enables local chemical and biochemical interactions with surfaces in liquid environments. The physical mechanism and design criteria for such a probe are presented, and its compatibility with a wide range of processing solutions and pH values are demonstrated. The applicability of the probe is shown for surface patterning in conjunction with localized heating and 250‐fold analyte stacking.
Atomic‐Level Fe‐N‐C Coupled with Fe3C‐Fe Nanocomposites in Carbon Matrixes as High‐Efficiency Bifunctional Oxygen Catalysts
Authors: Sun Xueping , Wei Peng , Gu Songqi , Zhang Jinxu , Jiang Zheng , Wan Jing , Chen Zhaoyang , Huang Li , Xu Yue , Fang Chun , Li Qing , Han Jiantao , Huang Yunhui 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHighly active and durable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts are of pivotal importance for clean and renewable energy conversion devices, but the lack of earth‐abundant electrocatalysts to improve the intrinsic sluggish kinetic process of oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER) is still a challenge. Fe‐N‐C catalysts with abundant natural merits are considered as promising alternatives to noble‐based catalysts, yet further improvements are urgently needed because of their poor stability and unclear catalytic mechanism. Here, an atomic‐level Fe‐N‐C electrocatalyst coupled with low crystalline Fe3C‐Fe nanocomposite in 3D carbon matrix (Fe‐SAs/Fe3C‐Fe@NC) is fabricated by a facile and scalable method. Versus atomically FeNx species and crystallized Fe3C‐Fe nanoparticles, Fe‐SAs/Fe3C‐Fe@NC catalyst, abundant in vertical branched carbon nanotubes decorated on intertwined carbon nanofibers, exhibits high electrocatalytic activities and excellent stabilities both in ORR (E1/2, 0.927 V) and OER (EJ=10, 1.57 V). This performance benefits from the strong synergistic effects of multicomponents and the unique structural advantages. In‐depth X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis and density functional theory calculation further demonstrate that more extra charges derived from modified Fe clusters decisively promote the ORR/OER performance for atomically FeN4 configurations by enhanced oxygen adsorption energy. These insightful findings inspire new perspectives for the rational design and synthesis of economical–practical bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts.
K2Ti2O5@C Microspheres with Enhanced K+ Intercalation Pseudocapacitance Ensuring Fast Potassium Storage and Long‐Term Cycling Stability
Authors: Zhao Shuoqing , Dong Liubing , Sun Bing , Yan Kang , Zhang Jinqiang , Wan Shuwei , He Fengrong , Munroe Paul , Notten Peter H. L. , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBenefiting from the natural abundance and low standard redox potential of potassium, potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are regarded as one of the most promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries for low‐cost energy storage. However, most PIB electrode materials suffer from sluggish thermodynamic kinetics and dramatic volume expansion during K+ (de)intercalation. Herein, it is reported on carbon‐coated K2Ti2O5 microspheres (S‐KTO@C) synthesized through a facile spray drying method. Taking advantage of both the porous microstructure and carbon coating, S‐KTO@C shows excellent rate capability and cycling stability as an anode material for PIBs. Furthermore, the intimate integration of carbon coating through chemical vapor deposition technology significantly enhances the K+ intercalation pseudocapacitive behavior. As a proof of concept, a potassium‐ion hybrid capacitor is constructed with the S‐KTO@C (battery‐type anode material) and the activated carbon (capacitor‐type cathode material). The assembled device shows a high energy density, high power density, and excellent capacity retention. This work can pave the way for the development of high‐performance potassium‐based energy storage devices.