bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybridizing Plasmonic Materials with 2D‐Transition Metal Dichalcogenides toward Functional Applications
Authors: Sriram Pavithra , Manikandan Arumugam , Chuang Feng‐Chuan , Chueh Yu‐Lun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRecently, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have become intriguing materials in the versatile field of photonics and optoelectronics because of their strong light–matter interaction that stems from the atomic layer thickness, broadband optical response, controllable optoelectronic properties, and high nonlinearity, as well as compatibility. Nevertheless, the low optical cross‐section of 2D‐TMDs inhibits the light–matter interaction, resulting in lower quantum yield. Therefore, hybridizing the 2D‐TMDs with plasmonic nanomaterials has become one of the promising strategies to boost the optical absorption of thin 2D‐TMDs. The appeal of plasmonics is based on their capability to localize and enhance the electromagnetic field and increase the optical path length of light by scattering and injecting hot electrons to TMDs. In this regard, recent achievements with respect to hybridization of the plasmonic effect in 2D‐TMDs systems and its augmented optical and optoelectronic properties are reviewed. The phenomenon of plasmon‐enhanced interaction in 2D‐TMDs is briefly described and state‐of‐the‐art hybrid device applications are comprehensively discussed. Finally, an outlook on future applications of these hybrid devices is provided.
Nanoassembled Peptide Biosensors for Rapid Detection of Matrilysin Cancer Biomarker
Authors: Behi Mohammadreza , Naficy Sina , Chandrawati Rona , Dehghani Fariba 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEarly detection of cancer is likely to be one of the most effective means of reducing the cancer mortality rate. Hence, simple and ultra‐quick methods for noninvasive detection of early‐stage tumors are highly sought‐after. In this study, a nanobiosensing platform with a rapid response time of nearly 30 s is introduced for the detection of matrilysin—the salivary gland cancer biomarker—with a limit of detection as low as 30 nm. This sensing platform is based on matrilysin‐digestible peptides that bridge gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) cores (≈30–50 nm) and carbon quantum dot (CDs) satellites (≈9 nm). A stepwise synthesis procedure is used for self‐assembly of AuNP‐peptide‐CDs, ensuring their long‐term stability. The AuNP‐peptide‐CDs produce ideal optical signals, with noticeable fluorescence quenching effects. Upon peptide cleavage by matrilysin, CDs leave the surface of AuNPs, resulting in ultra‐fast detectable violet and visible fluorescent signals.
Massively Multiplexed Submicron Particle Patterning in Acoustically Driven Oscillating Nanocavities
Authors: Tayebi Mahnoush , O'Rorke Richard , Wong Him Cheng , Low Hong Yee , Han Jongyoon , Collins David J. , Ai Ye 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNanoacoustic fields are a promising method for particle actuation at the nanoscale, though THz frequencies are typically required to create nanoscale wavelengths. In this work, the generation of robust nanoscale force gradients is demonstrated using MHz driving frequencies via acoustic‐structure interactions. A structured elastic layer at the interface between a microfluidic channel and a traveling surface acoustic wave (SAW) device results in submicron acoustic traps, each of which can trap individual submicron particles. The acoustically driven deformation of nanocavities gives rise to time‐averaged acoustic fields which direct suspended particles toward, and trap them within, the nanocavities. The use of SAWs permits massively multiplexed particle manipulation with deterministic patterning at the single‐particle level. In this work, 300 nm diameter particles are acoustically trapped in 500 nm diameter cavities using traveling SAWs with wavelengths in the range of 20–80 µm with one particle per cavity. On‐demand generation of nanoscale acoustic force gradients has wide applications in nanoparticle manipulation, including bioparticle enrichment and enhanced catalytic reactions for industrial applications.
Cetratus: A framework for zero downtime secure software updates in safety‐critical systems
Authors: Mugarza Imanol , Parra Jorge , Jacob Eduardo 
Published: March 2020

SummarySafety‐critical systems are evolving into complex, networked, and distributed systems. As a result of the high interconnectivity among all networked systems and of potential security threats, security countermeasures need to be incorporated. Nonetheless, albeit cutting‐edge security measures are adopted and incorporated during the system development, such as latest recommended encryption algorithms, these protection mechanisms may turn out obsolete because of the long operational periods. New security flaws and bugs are continuously detected. Software updates are then essential to restore the security level of the system. However, system shutdowns may not be acceptable when high availability is required. As expressed by the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) “the research in the area of patching and updating equipment without disruption of service and tools” is needed. In this article, a novel live updating approach for zero downtime safety‐critical systems named Cetratus is presented. Cetratus, which is based on a quarantine‐mode execution and monitoring, enables the update of non‐safety‐critical software components while running, without compromising the safety integrity level of the system. The focus of this work lies on the incorporation of leading‐edge security mechanisms while safety‐related software components will remain untouched. Other non‐safety‐related software components could also be updated.
Effect of apolipoprotein E ε4 allele on the progression of cognitive decline in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Suzuki Kazushi , Hirakawa Akihiro , Ihara Ryoko , Iwata Atsushi , Ishii Kenji , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Sun Chung‐Kai , Donohue Michael , Iwatsubo Takeshi ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionPossession of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele advances amyloid β (Aβ) deposition and symptomatic onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD), whereas its effect on the rate of cognitive decline remained controversial. We examined the effects of APOE ε4 allele on cognition in biomarker‐confirmed late mild cognitive impairment (LMCI) and mild AD subjects in the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (J‐ADNI) and North American ADNI (NA‐ADNI).MethodsThe “early AD” (ie, combined LMCI and mild AD) cohort of 649 subjects from J‐ADNI and NA‐ADNI were selected based on positivity of Aβ confirmed by amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) or cerebrospinal fluid testing. The rates of cognitive decline in the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB), and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale 13 (ADAS‐Cog) from baseline were examined using mixed‐effects model. The effect of ε4 on time to conversion to dementia was also analyzed in LMCI using the Kaplan‐Meier estimator and log‐rank test.ResultsThe rates of cognitive decline were not significantly different between ε4 carriers and ε4 non‐carriers in the total early AD cohort, which were affected neither by region nor by the number of ε4 alleles. In LMCI, ε4 carriers showed almost the same progression rates as ε4 non‐carriers, except for a significantly faster decline in MMSE (P = .0282). Time to conversion to demenita was not significantly different between ε4 carriers and ε4 non‐carriers. In ε4‐positive mild AD, the rates of decline in MMSE (P = .003) and CDR‐SB (P = .0071) were slower than those in ε4 non‐carriers.DISCUSSIONThe APOE ε4 allele had little effect on the rates of cognitive decline in the overall biomarker‐confirmed early AD, regardless of region and number of ε4 alleles, with a slight variability in different clinical stages, the ε4 allele being slightly accelerative in LMCI, while decelerative in mild AD.
Heavy Neutral Leptons from low-scale seesaws at the DUNE Near Detector
Authors: Ballett Peter , Boschi Tommaso , Pascoli Silvia 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Heavy nearly-sterile neutrinos are a common ingredient in extensions of the Standard Model which aim to explain neutrino masses, like for instance in Type I seesaw models, or one of its variants. If the scale of the new Heavy Neutral Leptons (HNLs) is sufficiently low, observable signatures can arise in a range of current and upcoming experiments, from the LHC to neutrino experiments. In this article, we discuss the phenomenology of sterile neutrinos in the MeV to GeV mass range, focusing on their decays. We embed our discussion in a realistic mass model and consider the resulting implications. We focus in particular on the impact on the signal of the strong polarisation effects in the beam for Majorana and (pseudo-)Dirac states, providing formulae to incorporate these in both production and decay. We study how the Near Detector of the upcoming Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment can constrain HNL states by searching for their de- cay products inside the detector. We conduct a Monte Carlo background analysis for the most promising signatures, incorporating the detector’s particle identification capabilities, and estimate the experimental sensitivity of DUNE to these particles. We also present an estimate of the ντ -derived HNL flux at DUNE, currently missing in the literature, which allows us to discuss searches for HNLs at higher masses.
Analysis of volatile metabolites from in vitro biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with thin-film microextraction by thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Koehler Timo , Ackermann Imke , Brecht Dominik , Uteschil Florian , Wingender Jost , Telgheder Ursula , Schmitz Oliver J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease which leads to a production of thickened mucus in the airways. These conditions are conducive to poly-microbial infections, like chronic lung infection, in which Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is the major pathogenic bacterium colonizing CF lungs at the end of the lifetime of CF patients. This in vitro study uses a P. aeruginosa biofilm model under partly cystic fibrosis conditions, with a sampling of volatile extracellular metabolites. The gas sampling was done with thin-film microextraction (TFME) and commercial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films, whereas the analysis of loaded films was done by gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry and thermodesorption (TD-GC-qMS). For this purpose, two commercially available films were characterized by means of thermogravimetry coupled to a qMS with atmospheric pressure photo ionization (TG-APPI-qMS), regarding homogeneity and temperature stability. The selected film was cleaned using a method developed in this study. The TD-GC-qMS method was successfully used for standards of volatile metabolites which were known to be produced by P. aeruginosa. Limits of detection and quantification of the method for middle and less polar compounds in low nanomolar range (0.5 nM and 1.5 nM) were achieved. The developed method was finally applied to investigate the extracellular volatile metabolites produced by biofilms of the strain P. aeruginosa DSM 50071 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In sum, eleven metabolites could be found under both conditions. Furthermore, it was shown in this study that different oxygen conditions (aerobic and anaerobic) resulted in emitting different extracellular volatile metabolites. Specific metabolites, like 1-undecene (aerobic) and 2-undecanone (anaerobic), could be identified. The results are promising, in that the biofilm model may be applicable for the identification of P. aeruginosa under clinical conditions. Furthermore, the model could be the basis for studying extracellular volatile metabolites from different mono- or co-cultures of various bacteria, as well as the implementation of pulmonary conditions, like these in CF lungs. This possibility allows the development of a non-invasive “at-bedside” breath analysis method for CF patients in focus of various bacterial infections.
A novel calibration strategy based on internal standard–spiked gelatine for quantitative bio-imaging by LA-ICP-MS: application to renal localization and quantification of uranium
Authors: Grijalba Nagore , Legrand Alexandre , Holler Valerie , Bouvier-Capely Céline 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMass spectrometry imaging (MSI) using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been employed for the elemental bio-distribution and quantification of uranium (U) in histological tissue sections of rodent kidneys. Kidneys were immediately immersed into 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) solution for 24 h, Tissue-Tek O.C.T. Compound embedded and stored at − 80 °C until cutting in a cryostat, and mounted in gel-covered glass slides. In order to assure complete ablation of sample, sample preparation and laser conditions were carefully optimized. In this work, a new analytical methodology is presented for performing quantitative laser ablation analyses based on internal standard (thulium, Tm)–spiked gelatine (10% m/v) for correction of matrix effects, lack of tissue homogeneity, and instrumental drift. In parallel, matrix-matched laboratory standards, dosed at different concentrations of U, were prepared from a pool of rat kidneys. The quantitative images of cryo-sections revealed heterogeneous distribution of uranium within the renal tissue, because the cortical concentration was up to 120-fold higher than the medullary concentration.
Inter- and intra-reader reproducibility of shear wave elastography measurements for musculoskeletal soft tissue masses
Authors: Nicholls Jonathan , Alfuraih Abdulrahman M. , Hensor Elizabeth M. A. , Robinson Philip 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective
To determine inter- and intra-reader reproducibility of shear wave elastography measurements for musculoskeletal soft tissue masses.

Materials and methods
In all, 64 patients with musculoskeletal soft tissue masses were scanned by two readers prior to biopsy; each taking five measurements of shear wave velocity (m/s) and stiffness (kPa). A single lesion per patient was scanned in transverse and cranio-caudal planes. Depth measurements (cm) and volume (cm3) were recorded for each lesion, for each reader. Linear mixed modelling was performed to assess limits of agreement (LOA), inter- and intra-reader repeatability, including analyses for measured depth and volume.

Results
Of the 64 lesions scanned, 24 (38%) were malignant. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated negligible bias with wide LOA for all measurements. Transverse velocity was the most reliable measure—intraclass correlation (95% CI) = 0.917 (0.886, 1)—though reader 1 measures could be between 38% lower and 57% higher than reader 2 [ratio-scale bias (95% LOA) = 0.99 (0.64, 1.55)]. Repeatability coefficients indicated most disagreement resulted from poor within-reader reproducibility. LOA between readers calculated from means of five repeated measurements were narrower—transverse velocity ratio-scale bias (95% LOA) = 1.00 (0.74, 1.35). Depth affected both estimated velocity and repeatability; volume also affected repeatability.

Conclusion
This study found poor repeatability of measurements with wide LOA due mostly to intra-reader variability. Transverse velocity was the most reliable measure; variability may be affected by lesion depth. At least five measurements should be reported with LOA to assist future comparability between shear wave elastography systems in evaluating soft tissue masses.
Management of myelofibrosis after ruxolitinib failure
Authors: Harrison Claire N , Schaap Nicolaas , Mesa Ruben A 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMyelofibrosis is a BCR-ABL1–negative myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by anemia, progressive splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, bone marrow fibrosis, constitutional symptoms, leukemic progression, and shortened survival. Constitutive activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, and other cellular pathways downstream, leads to myeloproliferation, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and bone marrow remodeling. Transplant is the only curative option for myelofibrosis, but high rates of morbidity and mortality limit eligibility. Several prognostic models have been developed to facilitate treatment decisions. Until the recent approval of fedratinib, a JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib was the only available JAK inhibitor for treatment of intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis. Ruxolitinib reduces splenomegaly to some degree in almost all treated patients; however, many patients cannot tolerate ruxolitinib due to dose-dependent drug-related cytopenias, and even patients with a good initial response often develop resistance to ruxolitinib after 2–3 years of therapy. Currently, there is no consensus definition of ruxolitinib failure. Until fedratinib approval, strategies to overcome ruxolitinib resistance or intolerance were mainly different approaches to continued ruxolitinib therapy, including dosing modifications and ruxolitinib rechallenge. Fedratinib and two other JAK2 inhibitors in later stages of clinical development, pacritinib and momelotinib, have been shown to induce clinical responses and improve symptoms in patients previously treated with ruxolitinib. Fedratinib induces robust spleen responses, and pacritinib and momelotinib may have preferential activity in patients with severe cytopenias. Reviewed here are strategies to ameliorate ruxolitinib resistance or intolerance, and outcomes of clinical trials in patients with myelofibrosis receiving second-line JAK inhibitors after ruxolitinib treatment.
Transitions to slow or fast diffusions provide a general property for in-phase or anti-phase polarity in a cell
Authors: Seirin-Lee S. , Sukekawa T. , Nakahara T. , Ishii H. , Ei S.-I. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCell polarity is an important cellular process that cells use for various cellular functions such as asymmetric division, cell migration, and directionality determination. In asymmetric cell division, a mother cell creates multiple polarities of various proteins simultaneously within her membrane and cytosol to generate two different daughter cells. The formation of multiple polarities in asymmetric cell division has been found to be controlled via the regulatory system by upstream polarity of the membrane to downstream polarity of the cytosol, which is involved in not only polarity establishment but also polarity positioning. However, the mechanism for polarity positioning remains unclear. In this study, we found a general mechanism and mathematical structure for the multiple streams of polarities to determine their relative position via conceptional models based on the biological example of the asymmetric cell division process of C. elegans embryo. Using conceptional modeling and model reductions, we show that the positional relation of polarities is determined by a contrasting role of regulation by upstream polarity proteins on the transition process of diffusion dynamics of downstream proteins. We analytically prove that our findings hold under the general mathematical conditions, suggesting that the mechanism of relative position between upstream and downstream dynamics could be understood without depending on a specific type of bio-chemical reaction, and it could be the universal mechanism in multiple streams of polarity dynamics of the cell.
Sleeping disorders in children
Authors: Sammer A. , Sammer F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn children with sensorimotor dysfunction (SMD), a history of sleeping disorder can be regularly recorded. Many children describe the following sleeping disorders: they need light or at least an open door. Additionally, a parent is needed. They often use soft toys, which are built around them like a wall in order to have close physical contact. In the dark they are afraid because they feel ghosts, a presence or simply a monster under the bed or in the room. Sensorimotor dysfunction (SMD) is a functional disorder of the movement system caused by reversible segmental dysfunctions, mostly in several sensory regions. The SMD is manifested not only through gross and fine motor weaknesses but also through behavioral problems. The SMD is diagnosed using the motocybernetic test (MCT). The symptom of behavioral sleeping disorder is highlighted, especially since it is a general problem both in healthy children and in children with behavioral problems, such as SMD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As a therapeutic alternative, the possibilities of manual medicine are emphasized, especially atlas therapy according to Arlen, since the complaints will disappear completely after just a few treatment sessions.
Optimal prize allocations in group contests
Authors: Trevisan Francesco 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe characterize the optimal prize allocation, namely the allocation that maximizes a group’s effectiveness, in a model of contests. The model has the following features: (i) it allows for heterogeneity between and within groups; (ii) it classifies contests as “easy” and “hard” depending on whether the marginal costs are concave or convex. Thus, we show that in an “easy” contest the optimal prize allocation assigns the entire prize to one group member, the most skilled one. Conversely, all group members receive a positive share of the prize when the contest is “hard” and players have unbounded above marginal productivities. If the contest is “hard” and the marginal productivities are bounded above, then only the most skilled group members are certain of receiving a positive share of the prize for any distribution of abilities. Finally, we study the effects of a change in the distribution of abilities within a group. Our analysis shows that if the contest is either “easy” or a particular subset of “hard”, then the more the heterogeneity within a group, the higher its probability of winning the prize.
Order patterns, their variation and change points in financial time series and Brownian motion
Authors: Bandt Christoph 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOrder patterns and permutation entropy have become useful tools for studying biomedical, geophysical or climate time series. Here we study day-to-day market data, and Brownian motion which is a good model for their order patterns. A crucial point is that for small lags (1 up to 6 days), pattern frequencies in financial data remain essentially constant. The two most important order parameters of a time series are turning rate and up-down balance. For change points in EEG brain data, turning rate is excellent while for financial data, up-down balance seems the best. The fit of Brownian motion with respect to these parameters is tested, providing a new version of a forgotten test by Bienaymé.