bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiofilm Activity of Gallium(III) Complexed Anionic Polymers in Combination with Antibiotics
Authors: Ma Jielin , Hou Shuai , Chan‐Park Mary B. , Duan Hongwei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a life‐threatening pathogen associated with multiantibiotic resistance, which is largely caused by its strong ability to form biofilms. Recent research has revealed that gallium (III) shows an activity against the biofilm of P. aeruginosa by interfering with Fe metabolism. The antibacterial activity of the combination of Ga3+ ion and antibiotic rifampicin (RMP) against P. aeruginosa PAO1 is investigated. An anionic polymer poly{{2‐[(2‐methylprop‐2‐enoyl)oxy]ethyl}phosphonic acid} (PDMPOH) is exploited to form complexes (GaPD) with Ga3+. The GaPD complexes act as a carrier of Ga3+ and release Ga3+ via enzymatic degradation by bacterial lipases. GaPD is found to damage the outer membrane, leading to enhanced cellular uptake of RMP and Ga3+ due to increased outer membrane permeability, which inhibits the RNA polymerase and interferes with Fe metabolism. The antibiofilm activity and biocompatibility of the GaPD system offer a promising treatment option for P. aeruginosa biofilm‐related infections.
Polyglycerol‐Based Mucus‐Inspired Hydrogels
Authors: Sharma Antara , Thongrom Boonya , Bhatia Sumati , von Lospichl Benjamin , Addante Annalisa , Graeber Simon Y. , Lauster Daniel , Mall Marcus A. , Gradzielski Michael , Haag Rainer 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe mucus layer is a hydrogel network that covers mucosal surfaces of the human body. Mucus has important protective properties that are related to its unique rheological properties, which are based on mucins being the main glycoprotein constituents. Mucin macromolecules entangle with one another and form a physical network that is instrumental for many important defense functions. Mucus derived from various human or animal sources is poorly defined and thus not suitable for many application purposes. Herein, a synthetic route is fabricated to afford a library of compositionally defined mucus‐inspired hydrogels (MIHs). MIHs are synthesized by thiol oxidation to render disulfide bonds between the crosslinker ethoxylated trimethylolpropane tri(3‐mercaptopropionate) (THIOCURE ETTMP 1300) and the linear precursors, dithiolated linear polyglycerol (LPG(SH)2) or polyethylene glycol (PEG(SH)2) of different molecular weights. The mixing ratio of linear polymers versus crosslinker and the length of the linear polymer are varied, thus delivering a library of compositionally defined mucin‐inspired constructs. Their viscoelastic properties are determined by frequency sweeps at 25 and 37 °C and compared to the corresponding behavior of native human mucus. Here, MIHs composed of a 10:1 ratio of LPG(SH)2 and ETTMP 1300 are proved to be the best comparable to human airway mucus rheology.
Drosera‐Inspired Dual‐Actuating Double‐Layer Hydrogel Actuator
Authors: Kong Xin , Li Yuanze , Xu Wenlong , Liang Haiqing , Xue Zhongxin , Niu Yuzhong , Pang Maofu , Ren Chunguang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDrosera is a small insectivorous plant whose antennae can fold up, encircle, and prey. The rapid movement of the antennae is achieved by the synergistic effect of a double‐layer structure with the antennae contracts on the front and expands on the back. In this work, a drosera‐inspired dual‐actuating double‐layer hydrogel actuator is proposed, in which the temperature‐responsive poly(N, N‐diethyl acrylamide) (PDEAAm) layer acts as the main actuation layer and a moisture‐responsive poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) layer acts as the auxiliary actuation layer. In a water environment with low temperature, both the PAAm and PDEAAm layers absorb water and expand with a swelling property. When the temperature exceeds the lower critical solution temperature of PDEAAm, the PDEAAm layer undergoes a hydrophilic–hydrophobic transition and shrinks rapidly. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the double‐layer hydrogel enables the double‐layer hydrogel to achieve a large bending angle at high temperature. In addition, when designing and fabricating shape‐patterned double‐layer hydrogels, complex shape changes can be achieved. Due to the physical and chemical properties, the actuator can be used to grab, transport, and release objects. This drosera‐inspired double‐layer hydrogel actuator has high practical value, which may provide new insights for the design and manufacture of artificial intelligence materials.
Expanding the Scope of Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly: Recent Advances and New Horizons
Authors: Cao Junpeng , Tan Yingxin , Chen Ying , Zhang Li , Tan Jianbo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOver the past decade or so, polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) has become a versatile method for rational preparation of concentrated block copolymer nanoparticles with a diverse set of morphologies. Much of the PISA literature has focused on the preparation of well‐defined linear block copolymers by using linear macromolecular chain transfer agents (macro‐CTAs) with high chain transfer constants. In this review, a recent process is highlighted from an unusual angle that has expanded the scope of PISA including i) synthesis of block copolymers with nonlinear architectures (e.g., star block copolymer, branched block copolymer) by PISA, ii) in situ synthesis of blends of polymers by PISA, and iii) utilization of macro‐CTAs with low chain transfer constants in PISA. By highlighting these important examples, new insights into the research of PISA and future impact these methods will have on polymer and colloid synthesis are provided.
A circularly polarized, high aperture efficiency metasurface antenna
Authors: Khanjarian Mostafa , Soleimani Mohammad , Nayyeri Vahid , El Badawe Mohamed , Babazadeh Seyyedeh‐Fahimeh , Ramahi Omar M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA circularly polarized, high aperture efficiency antenna based on metasurface (MTS), inexpensively fabricated using a standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology, is presented. An array of 8 8 cross‐shaped resonators was designed to operate at 3.1 GHz with a 12 cm 12 cm (i.e., 1.24 1.24 ) footprint size. Each resonator was double fed (by two lines) with appropriate phases to achieve circular polarization. Full characterization of the designed antenna was achieved using full‐wave simulations. The MTS antenna was fabricated using a multilayer PCB technology and experimentally tested. A good agreement between the simulation results and measurements was observed. According to the measurements, with a realized gain of 11.1 dBi, the antenna has an aperture efficiency of 66.7%, which is high compared to many other antennas.
Design of trisection filter with reconfigurable center frequency and transmission zeros using evanescent‐mode cavity resonators
Authors: Lai Junchen , Yang Tao , Chi Pei‐Ling , Xu Ruimin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a trisection filter with reconfigurable transmission zeros based on the evanescent‐mode cavity (EVA) resonators is proposed. The design incorporates three EVA resonators. The varactors are set between two EVA resonators. By controlling the varactor capacitance value, couplings can be switched between electrical coupling and magnetic coupling. Based on this technique, the resulting two zeros can be designed to the desired position. Furthermore, a novel method by analyzing the magnitude and phase of trisection filters is proposed. Using this method, the transmission zeros position can be determined quickly. Measurement shows that the filter covers a frequency range of 2.11–2.83 GHz. Two transmission zeros can be arbitrarily designed to the left or right sides of the passband. Good agreement is obtained between simulated and measured results.
Generating pseudo‐computerized tomography (P‐CT) scan images from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images using machine learning algorithms based on fuzzy theory for radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Yousefi Moteghaed Niloofar , Mostaar Ahmad , Azadeh Payam 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeThe substitution of computerized tomography (CT) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been investigated for external radiotherapy treatment planning. The present study aims to use pseudo‐CT (P‐CT) images created by MRI images to calculate the dose distribution for facilitating the treatment planning process.MethodsIn this work, following image segmentation with a fuzzy clustering algorithm, an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy algorithm was utilized to design the Hounsfield unit (HU) conversion model based on the features vector of MRI images. The model was generated on the set of extracted features from the gray‐level co‐occurrence matrices and the gray‐level run‐length matrices for 14 arbitrarily selected patients with brain malady. The performance of the algorithm was investigated on blind datasets through dose‐volume histogram and isodose curve evaluations, using the RayPlan treatment planning system (TPS), along with the gamma analysis and statistical indices.ResultsIn the proposed approach, the mean absolute error within the range of 45.4 HU was found among the test data. Also, the relative dose difference between the planning target volume region of the CT and the P‐CT was 0.5%, and the best gamma pass rate for 3%/3 mm was 97.2%.ConclusionThe proposed method provides a satisfactory average error rate for the generation of P‐CT data in the different parts of the brain region from a collection of MRI series. Also, dosimetric parameters evaluation shows good agreement between reference CT and related P‐CT images.
Fully automated detection of prostate transition zone tumors on T2‐weighted and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map MR images using U‐Net ensemble
Authors: Wong Timothy , Schieda Nicola , Sathiadoss Paul , Haroon Mohammad , Abreu‐Gomez Jorge , Ukwatta Eranga 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeAccurate detection of transition zone (TZ) prostate cancer (PCa) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains challenging using clinical subjective assessment due to overlap between PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The objective of this paper is to describe a deep‐learning‐based framework for fully automated detection of PCa in the TZ using T2‐weighted (T2W) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map MR images.MethodThis was a single‐center IRB‐approved cross‐sectional study of men undergoing 3T MRI on two systems. The dataset consisted of 196 patients (103 with and 93 without clinically significant [Grade Group 2 or higher] TZ PCa) to train and test our proposed methodology, with an additional 168 patients with peripheral zone PCa used only for training. We proposed an ensemble of classifiers in which multiple U‐Net‐based models are designed for prediction of TZ PCa location on ADC map MR images, with initial automated segmentation of the prostate to guide detection. We compared accuracy of ADC alone to T2W and combined ADC+T2W MRI for input images, and investigated improvements using ensembles over their constituent models with different methods of diversity in individual models by hyperparameter configuration, loss function and model architecture.ResultsOur developed algorithm reported sensitivity and precision of 0.829 and 0.617 in 56 test cases containing 31 instances of TZ PCa and in 25 patients without clinically significant TZ tumors. Patient‐wise classification accuracy had an area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.974. Single U‐Net models using ADC alone (sensitivity 0.829, precision 0.534) outperformed assessment using T2W (sensitivity 0.086, precision 0.081) and assessment using combined ADC+T2W (sensitivity 0.687, precision 0.489). While the ensemble of U‐Nets with varying hyperparameters demonstrated the highest performance, all ensembles improved PCa detection compared to individual models, with sensitivities and precisions close to the collective best of constituent models.ConclusionWe describe a deep‐learning‐based method for fully automated TZ PCa detection using ADC map MR images that outperformed assessment by T2W and ADC+T2W.
Improvement of megavoltage computed tomography image quality for adaptive helical tomotherapy using cycleGAN‐based image synthesis with small datasets
Authors: Lee Dongyeon , Jeong Sang Woon , Kim Sung Jin , Cho Hyosung , Park Won , Han Youngyih 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeMegavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) offers an opportunity for adaptive helical tomotherapy. However, high noise and reduced contrast in the MVCT images due to a decrease in the imaging dose to patients limits its usability. Therefore, we propose an algorithm to improve the image quality of MVCT.MethodsThe proposed algorithm generates kilovoltage CT (kVCT)‐like images from MVCT images using a cycle‐consistency generative adversarial network (cycleGAN)‐based image synthesis model. Data augmentation using an affine transformation was applied to the training data to overcome the lack of data diversity in the network training. The mean absolute error (MAE), root‐mean‐square error (RMSE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) were used to quantify the correction accuracy of the images generated by the proposed algorithm. The proposed method was validated by comparing the images generated with those obtained from conventional and deep learning‐based image processing method through non‐augmented datasets.ResultsThe average MAE, RMSE, PSNR, and SSIM values were 18.91 HU, 69.35 HU, 32.73 dB, and 95.48 using the proposed method, respectively, whereas cycleGAN with non‐augmented data showed inferior results (19.88 HU, 70.55 HU, 32.62 dB, 95.19, respectively). The voxel values of the image obtained by the proposed method also indicated similar distributions to those of the kVCT image. The dose‐volume histogram of the proposed method was also similar to that of electron density corrected MVCT.ConclusionsThe proposed algorithm generates synthetic kVCT images from MVCT images using cycleGAN with small patient datasets. The image quality achieved by the proposed method was correspondingly improved to the level of a kVCT image while maintaining the anatomical structure of an MVCT image. The evaluation of dosimetric effectiveness of the proposed method indicates the applicability of accurate treatment planning in adaptive radiation therapy.
Ultrahigh‐b diffusion‐weighted imaging for quantitative evaluation of myelination in shiverer mouse spinal cord
Authors: Jeong Kyle E. , Lee Sophie YouJung , Yeom Suk‐Keu , Carlson Noel , Shah Lubdha M. , Rose John , Jeong Eun‐Kee 
Published: August 2021

PurposeTo perform a quantitative evaluation of myelination on WT and myelin‐deficient (shiverer) mouse spinal cords using ultrahigh‐b diffusion‐weighted imaging (UHb‐DWI).MethodsUHb‐DWI of ex vivo on spinal cord specimens of two shiverer (C3HeB/FeJ‐shiverer, homozygous genotype for MbPshi) and six WT (Black Six, C3HeB/FeJ) mice were acquired using 3D multishot diffusion‐weighted stimulated‐echo EPI, a homemade RF coil, and a small‐bore 7T MRI system. Imaging was performed in transaxial plane with 75 × 75 μm2 in‐plane resolution, 1‐mm‐slice thickness, and radial DWI using bmax = 42,890 s/mm2. Histological evaluation was performed on upper thoracic sections using optical and transmission electron microscopy. Numerical Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) of water diffusion were performed to facilitate interpretation of UHb‐DWI signal‐b curves.ResultsThe white matter ultrahigh‐b radial DWI (UHb‐rDWI) signal‐b curves of WT mouse cords behaved biexponentially with high‐b diffusion coefficient DH < 0.020 × 10−3 mm2/s. However, as expected with less myelination, the signal‐b of shiverer mouse cords behaved monoexponentially with significantly greater DH = 0.162 × 10−3, 0.142 × 10−3, and 0.164 × 10−3 mm2/s at anterodorsal, posterodorsal, and lateral columns, respectively. The axial DWI signals of all mouse cords behaved monoexponentially with D = (0.718‐1.124) × 10−3 mm2/s. MCS suggests that these elevated DH are mainly induced by increased water exchange at the myelin sheath. Microscopic results were consistent with the UHb‐rDWI findings.ConclusionUHb‐DWI provides quantitative differences in myelination of spinal cords from myelin‐deficit shiverer and WT mice. UHb‐DWI may become a powerful tool to evaluate myelination in demyelinating disease models that may translate to human diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
Evaluation of Hormonal Agents for Artificial Propagation of Largemouth Bass
Authors: Sharma Amit , Semmens Kenneth , Gomelsky Boris 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone, cGnRH IIa (D-Arg6, Pro9-NHet), was evaluated versus commercially available hormones as a spawning aid for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides with two trials each season for two seasons. In season one, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was applied at a rate of 4,000 IU/kg for females and 2,000 IU/kg for males. Ovaprim (Western Chemical, Ferndale, Washington) and cGnRH IIa was applied at 0.5 mL/kg and 0.1 mg/kg in a single injection. The respective response rate for HCG, Ovaprim, and cGnRH IIa among females was 88.9, 77.8, and 50%. Mean latent period for HCG, Ovaprim, and cGnRH IIa among females was 33.4, 34.4, and 34.7 h. In season two, four treatments were used: saline, HCG, cGnRH IIa, and cGnRH IIa with the dopamine inhibitor domperidone (cGnRH IIa+D). Males did not express milt in either season, so they were euthanized to collect testes and prepare a fertilization solution. Spawns were segregated by spawning agent and incubated in hatching jars. Response rates of females to saline, HCG, cGnRH IIa, and cGnRH IIa+D were 0, 75, 90, and 75%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the treatments for response, eggs per kg of female body weight, number of eggs/g, or latent period. Hatched larvae yield from hatching jars ranged from 0.5% to 19.5%. The spawning agent cGnRH IIa had similar efficacy as commercially available HCG. This investigation also examined the efficacy of a fertilization solution generated following extraction and maceration of testes. Testes of mean weight 6.6 g yielded spermatozoa at a mean density of 6.0 × 109 spermatozoa/mL. There was no significant effect of inducing agent on sperm density of solution. Spermatozoa were characterized in three groups regarding motility: nonmotile, progressively motile (desired), and non-progressively motile. Sperm motility videos revealed a mean progressive motility of 7.9%. Mean values for nonmotile and non-progressively motile spermatozoa were 75.5% and 16.6%, respectively. Mean duration of motility was 116 s.
Effects of Baffles on Raceway Cleaning, Fin Erosion, In-Hatchery Survival, and Postrelease Angler Catch of Catchable-Sized Hatchery Rainbow Trout
Authors: Meyer Kevin A. , Branigan Philip R. , Cassinelli John D. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Hatchery fish exposed to exercise training often exhibit physiological and behavioral benefits compared with unexercised fish, but results from previous studies have been equivocal and have rarely examined postrelease performance of stocked fish. We evaluated various in-hatchery and postrelease consequences of rearing catchable-sized (~254-mm) Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in a raceway installed with baffles, the intent being to self-clean the raceway and exercise fish. Installing baffles increased water velocities experienced by fish, with some velocities exceeding 0.26 m/s (1.0 body length per second). In contrast, the maximum velocity experienced by fish in the control raceway was 0.07 m/s (0.27 body lengths per second). Prior to stocking, fin erosion (as measured by relative dorsal and pectoral fin lengths) did not differ between the baffled and unbaffled raceways, but surprisingly, survival was reduced for baffled fish. Catch by anglers and mean time to capture did not differ between raceways but did differ by water type (i.e., lentic, lotic, and community pond waters). While the augmented velocities along the bottom of the baffled raceway assisted with clearing some fish waste, they were not entirely effective and raceways still required some sweeping. Taken collectively, our results suggest that installing baffles in production-scale raceways rearing catchable-sized Rainbow Trout is not advantageous.
Facile synthesis of a novel transparent melt‐spinnable polysilazane
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Li Hailong , Kao Kechen , Lin Wenxin , Xiong Yilian , Huang Zhengren 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this study, a novel colorless and transparent polysilazane (PSZ) with excellent spinnability was facilely synthesized via the thermal polymerization of silazane oligomer at 330℃. The silazane precursor was fabricated by one‐step copolycondensation of methyldichlorosilane (CH3SiHCl2) and dimethyldichlorosilane ((CH3)2SiCl2) in various ratios at 0℃ without catalyst during the reaction. The chemical composition, molecule structure, molecular weight and ceramic yield of PSZ were investigated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolysis chromatography‐mass spectrometry (PY‐GC/MS). The optimized novel transparent melt‐spinnable PSZ was a colorless and transparent brittle solid with a Mw = 14,231 and a melting point of 100℃, which was prepared with an optimal molar ratio of raw materials at 1.9:1 (CH3SiHCl2: (CH3)2SiCl2). Fibers with various diameters were spun using a homemade melt spinning setup at 90–120°C. The obtained PSZ showed outstanding spinnability, and the prepared continuous fibers exhibited a uniform diameter (10–80 microns) and a smooth surface up to 1000 meters long. In addition, possible polymerization mechanisms of PSZ were also discussed. The PSZ showed the excellent rheological properties in melt‐spinning as a potential precursor for Si3N4fibers. The novel optically transparent polysilazane material also have great potential applications in optical technology and engineering.