bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the sensitivity of a transmissive graphene-based plasmonic biosensor
Authors: Esfandiari Meisam , Jarchi Saughar , Nasiri-Shehni Paria , Ghaffari-Miab Mohsen 
Published: January 2021

A biosensor platform based on the plasmonic resonance of graphene in the terahertz (THz) range (0.1 to 10 THz) is designed and investigated. The initial design is to create a nanofluidic channel as a sensing layer in the substrate of a biosensor grounded by metal. The sensor consists of a rectangular graphene patch over the substrate, which can be fed by either an external near-field source or an antenna. The presence of molecules in the nanosensing layer causes small changes in the channel’s properties, detectable through the scattering parameters of the designed biosensor. Since biomolecules are poorly absorbed in the initial biosensor, it can be grounded by a graphene sheet that is the same size as the graphene sheet over the substrate, which results in a performance improvement of the biosensor. It is shown that, by increasing the number of graphene sheets between the ground and the patch, high absorption occurs that enhances the sensitivity of the initial surface plasmon resonance THz biosensor. With varying refractive index of the sensing layer (Ns) in the range of 1.3–1.6, the proposed biosensors are investigated and compared with the initial biosensor. It is shown that by applying a graphene sheet between the two graphene sheets in the substrate, a maximum sensitivity of 8470 nm/RIU is achieved, which is a significant improvement, and also a sensitivity improvement of 4130 nm/RIU is achieved at

N
s

=

1.3

. In the final section, it is shown that changing the substrate material from silicon (Si) to silica (

S
i
O

2

) brings a significant sensitivity enhancement in the proposed biosensor with three graphene sheets, which accounts for 15410 nm/RIU in the best scenario.
Correction of the air refractive index using a two-color method for absolute distance measurement without a dead zone
Authors: Gao Haoran , Yu Liandong , Xu Xin , Jin Xueying , Lu Yang , Bian Dian , Zheng Renhao 
Published: January 2021

In the fields of satellite formation, large-scale manufacturing, and ultra-precision machining, high-precision ranging based on the femtosecond laser is one of the necessary technologies. However, the fluctuations of the air refractive index and the limited tuning range of repetition rate restrict the measurement precision and range. Using only one femtosecond comb that corrects the air refractive index simultaneously, a method for ranging without the dead zone of measurement is described. A delay optical path is established in the ranging system to eliminate the dead zone of measurement by a comb. Meanwhile, in order to ensure the consistency of the pulse sequence between the fundamental frequency beam and the second-harmonic beam after the delay optical path, the second-harmonic beam generates on the delay optical path after the fundamental harmonic passes the long fiber. A two-color method is used to correct the effect of the air refractive index. The experimental result demonstrates the measurement precision of 7.2 µm at

∼

0.8

m

with correction of the air refractive index, and the precision of measurement is 8.4 µm at

∼

2.2

m

. Finally, the maximum deviation between our system and the reference standard is 5.0 µm.
Strong second-harmonic response from semiconductor–dielectric interfaces
Authors: Zdanowicz Mariusz , Mroczyński Robert , Szczepański Paweł 
Published: January 2021

In this study, an analysis of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) response from surfaces containing dielectric–semiconductor interfaces with sub-wavelength features is presented. The investigated medium is a metamaterial where the SHG response is governed by the symmetry breaking between consecutive layers. The examined material is composed of a periodic structure based on 50 nm silicon nitride and 10 nm indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) fabricated on a quartz glass substrate. The elementary cell consists of a pair of materials in an exchangeable order. The preliminary results show a promising application of the amorphous IGZO as a nonlinear optical material, whose optical characteristics can be controlled by the fabrication process itself. Prepared structures give a remarkably high SHG response. For an effective thickness of the structure equal to 240 nm, a more than 250-fold increase in SHG compared to the reference substrate is observed.
Dual-channel fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor based on a metallized
core
Authors: Wei Yong , Li Lingling , Liu Chunlan , Su Yudong , Zhao Xiaoling , Wu Ping , Hu Jiangxi , Wang Rui , Ran Ze , Zhu Dong 
Published: January 2021

We propose a novel dual-channel fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
sensor based on a metalized core. Using a polymer, the cladding and
coating layer of the sensor coated with a metal sensing film are
restored. The parameters of the sensor are determined after studying
the influence of different polymers and sensing films on the dynamic
range and sensing sensitivity. A silver film coated with UV-curable
adhesive and a gold film coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with
respective sensing sensitivities of up to 1.39 and 1.48 nm/°C are
selected after optimization to construct the dual-channel sensor. A
dual-channel fiber SPR temperature compensation refractive index
sensor with improved accuracy is then constructed with a 20-nm gold
film for the refractive index sensing unit and a 50-nm gold film
coated with PDMS for the temperature sensing unit. Owing to its
complete fiber structure, the SPR sensor has good mechanical
properties and high practical value, and it can be easily applied to
real-time temperature measurements and temperature compensation in
various fields.
Highly efficient solid-state Raman yellow-orange lasers created by enhancing the cavity reflectivity
Authors: Chen Y. F. , Li D. , Lee Y. M. , Lee C. C. , Huang H. Y. , Tsou C. H. , Liang H. C. 
Published: January 2021

A new, to the best of our knowledge, output coupler (OC) with enhancement of the cavity reflectivity is proposed to remarkably elevate the output powers and efficiencies of diode-pumped

N
d

:

G
d
V
O

4

/

K
G
W

Raman yellow-orange lasers. The cavity reflectivity is effectively increased by using the double-sided dichroic coating on the OC. In comparison with the conventional single-sided coating, the conversion efficiency can be boosted from 15% to 26.3% in the experiment of a yellow laser at 578.8 nm, and the maximum output power can be increased from 5.7 to 10.5 W in the quasi-continuous-wave mode with 50% duty cycle and frequency of 500 Hz. Furthermore, in the operation of an orange laser at 588 nm, the maximum output power can be improved from 5.6 to 7.0 W by replacing the conventional OC with the new one.
Large shift of resonance wavelengths of silver nanoslit arrays using electrowetting-on-dielectric cells
Authors: Silalahi Harry Miyosi , Tsai Yu-Hsuan , Lee Kuang-Li , Wei Pei-Kuen , Huang Chia-Yi 
Published: January 2021

A simple design for shifting the resonance wavelength of silver nanoslits using an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) cell is proposed. The EWOD cell comprises a polycarbonate (PC) substrate with Teflon-coated silver nanoslits and a glass substrate with Teflon-coated electrodes. A glycerol droplet is placed between the two substrates, and out of the path of a probe beam at zero electric field. Application of an electric field smaller than 0.3 V/µm on the electrodes moves the glycerol droplet into the path of the probe beam, shifting the resonance wavelength of the silver nanoslits by 135 nm. A change (0.33) in the refractive index of the effective medium that is adjacent to the silver nanoslits causes a large shift in the resonance wavelength. The spectral shift of the silver nanoslits is repeatable by the electric field. This simple design is a great achievement for high-performance electro-optical devices with large wavelength shift ranges such as optical switches, variable optical attenuators, and sensor applications.
Randomized trials of housing interventions to prevent malaria and Aedes-transmitted diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kua Kok Pim , Lee Shaun Wen Huey 
Published: January 2021

Background
Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant public health problem in tropical regions. Housing improvements such as screening of doors and windows may be effective in reducing disease transmission, but the impact remains unclear.

Objectives
To examine whether housing interventions were effective in reducing mosquito densities in homes and the impact on the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.

Methods
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 16 online databases, including NIH PubMed, CINAHL Complete, LILACS, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized trials published from database inception to June 30, 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of any mosquito-borne diseases. Secondary outcomes encompassed entomological indicators of the disease transmission. I2 values were used to explore heterogeneity between studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to assess the primary and secondary outcomes, with sub-group analyses for type of interventions on home environment, study settings (rural, urban, or mixed), and overall house type (traditional or modern housing),

Results
The literature search yielded 4,869 articles. After screening, 18 studies were included in the qualitative review, of which nine were included in the meta-analysis. The studies enrolled 7,200 households in Africa and South America, reporting on malaria or dengue only. The type of home environmental interventions included modification to ceilings and ribbons to close eaves, screening doors and windows with nets, insecticide-treated wall linings in homes, nettings over gables and eaves openings, mosquito trapping systems, metal-roofed houses with mosquito screening, gable windows and closed eaves, and prototype houses using southeast Asian designs. Pooled analysis depicted a lower risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the housing intervention group (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.95; P = 0.03). Subgroup analysis depicted housing intervention reduced the risk of malaria in all settings (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.39 to 1.01; P = 0.05). In urban environment, housing intervention was found to decrease the risk of both malaria and dengue infections (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.99; P = 0.05).Meta-analysis of pooled odds ratio showed a significant benefit of improved housing in reducing indoor vector densities of both Aedes and Anopheles (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.54; P<0.001).

Conclusions
Housing intervention could reduce transmission of malaria and dengue among people living in the homes. Future research should evaluate the protective effect of specific house features and housing improvements associated with urban development.
Personalized treatments for depressive symptoms in patients with advanced heart failure: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: IsHak Waguih William , Korouri Samuel , Darwish Tarneem , Vanle Brigitte , Dang Jonathan , Edwards Gabriel , Black Jeanne T. , Aronow Harriet , Kimchi Asher , Spiegel Brennan , Hedrick Rebecca , Chernoff Robert , Diniz Marcio A. , Mirocha James , Manoukian Vicki , Harold John , Ong Michael K. , Wells Kenneth , Hamilton Michele , Danovitch Itai 
Published: January 2021

Objectives
Heart Failure is a chronic syndrome affecting over 5.7 million in the US and 26 million adults worldwide with nearly 50% experiencing depressive symptoms. The objective of the study is to compare the effects of two evidence-based treatment options for adult patients with depression and advanced heart failure, on depressive symptom severity, physical and mental health related quality of life (HRQoL), heart-failure specific quality of life, caregiver burden, morbidity, and mortality at 3, 6 and 12-months.

Methods
Trial design. Pragmatic, randomized, comparative effectiveness trial.
Interventions. The treatment interventions are: (1) Behavioral Activation (BA), a patient-centered psychotherapy which emphasizes engagement in enjoyable and valued personalized activities as selected by the patient; or (2) Antidepressant Medication Management administered using the collaborative care model (MEDS).
Participants. Adults aged 18 and over with advanced heart failure (defined as New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II, III, and IV) and depression (defined as a score of 10 or above on the PHQ-9 and confirmed by the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview for the DSM-5) selected from all patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center who are admitted with heart failure and all patients presenting to the outpatient programs of the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. We plan to randomize 416 patients to BA or MEDS, with an estimated 28% loss to follow-up/inability to collect follow-up data. Thus, we plan to include 150 in each group for a total of 300 participants from which data after randomization will be collected and analyzed.

Conclusions
The current trial is the first to compare the impact of BA and MEDS on depressive symptoms, quality of life, caregiver burden, morbidity, and mortality in patients with depression and advanced heart failure. The trial will provide novel results that will be disseminated and implemented into a wide range of current practice settings.

Registration
ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier: NCT03688100.
Composition of time in movement behaviors and weight change in Latinx, Black and white participants
Authors: Rees-Punia Erika , Guinter Mark A. , Gapstur Susan M. , Wang Ying , Patel Alpa V. 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe relationship between time-use behaviors and prospective weight change is poorly understood.MethodsA subset of Cancer Prevention Study-3 participants (n = 549, 58% women, 66% non-Latinx white) self-reported weight in 2015 and 2018 and completed an accelerometer protocol for seven days. Sedentary time, sleep, light, moderate, and vigorous intensity physical activity (PA) were treated as a compositional variable and multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between activity composition and weight change stratified by sex and race/ethnicity. Compositional isotemporal substitution analysis was used to quantify change in weight associated with reallocating 30 min./day.ResultsActivity composition was associated with weight change among women (p= 0.007), but not men (p= 0.356), and among Latinx (p= 0.032) and white participants (p= 0.001), but not Black participants (p= 0.903). Replacement of 30 min./day sedentary time with moderate-vigorous PA was associated with 3.49 lbs. loss (-6.76, -0.22) in Latinx participants and replacement with sleep was associated with 1.52 (0.25, 2.79) and 1.31 (0.40, 2.21) lbs. gain in white women and men.ConclusionThe distribution of time spent in daily behaviors was associated with three-year weight change in women, Latinx, and white participants. This was the first longitudinal compositional study of weight change; thus, more studies are needed.
Interleukin-18 and interferon-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with tuberculosis
Authors: Hassuna Noha A. , El Feky Mohamed , Hussein Aliae A. R. Mohamed , Mahmoud Manal A. , Idriss Naglaa K. , Abdelwahab Sayed F. , Ibrahim Maggie A. 
Published: January 2021

Background
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) are cytokines of crucial role in inflammation and immune reactions. There is a growing evidence supporting important roles for IL-18 and IFN γ in tuberculosis (TB) infection and anti-tuberculosis immunity.

Objective
To evaluate the role of polymorphisms in IL-18-607 and -137 and INF-γ +874 in susceptibility to TB infection among Egyptian patients.

Methods
A case control study was conducted to investigate the polymorphism at IL-18-607, -137 and INF-γ+874 by sequence specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP- PCR) in 105 patients with pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis and 106 controls.

Results
A significant protective effect against TB was found in homozygous CC genotype at IL-18 -137G/C, in addition to a 7-fold risk with GG and GC genotypes in the recessive model. Apart from a decreased risk with the AC genotype, no association was detected between the susceptibility to TB and different genotypes or alleles at the IL-18 -607A/C site. The homozygous AA genotype in INF-γ+874 showed a significant higher risk to TB than the homozygous TT or heterozygous AT genotypes with nearly a 2-fold risk of TB infection with the A allele. Regarding haplotype association, the GC haplotype was strongly associated with TB infection compared to other haplotypes.

Conclusion
These findings suggest; for the first time in Egypt; a significant risk to TB infection with SNP at the IL-18-137G/C with no LD with SNP at the IL-18-607 site. The homozygous AA genotype in INF-γ+874 showed a significant higher risk to TB than the homozygous TT or heterozygous AT genotypes.
Can periodontal disease affect conception? A literature review
Authors: Ludovichetti Francesco Saverio , Signoriello Anna Giulia , Gobbato Edoardo Alvise , Artuso Anna , Stellini Edoardo , Mazzoleni Sergio 
Published: January 2021

Today periodontal health is considered as an integral part of systemic health itself and no longer as a single factor. The literature recognizes that the presence of periodontal disease can represent a risk factor for numerous systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. In recent years, we have witnessed a progressive interest regarding the influence exerted by this condition on reproduction, as well as the possible repercussions on conception possibilities. Upon analyzing a limited number of studies available for the correlation between periodontal disease and female infertility, it could be inferred that this condition can be equated to the presence of a real outbreak of infection and therefore exert its influence, not only through bacterial translocation in the bloodstream, causing the systemic dissemination of pathogens, but also through the production of cytokines and immunoglobulins by inflammatory mediators. This situation limits bacterial growth, but it could cause damage to the fetus, to the reproductive system, and could hinder conception attempts. Although further research is needed to better clarify the mechanism underlying the possible correlation between periodontal disease and female infertility, the present article aims to review all the available literature on this topic.

Lay summary
In recent years, interest regarding the influence of gum disease on conception has increased. Since serious gum disease (periodontitis) can be compared to an outbreak of infection, studies suggest that the bacteria that mediate inflammation do not remain confined only to the gum tissue, but can enter the bloodstream and spread, thus spreading the infection and having a whole-body effect. This situation could cause damage to the developing baby, to the reproductive system and could hinder conception attempts. Constant maintenance of oral health is definitely necessary. It is important for the professionals involved (gynecologists, obstetricians, dentists, etc.) to communicate and collaborate on these issues. Dentists could advise on the correct hygienic maintenance not only to pregnant women, but also to those who are planning a pregnancy in order to avoid the occurrence of unfavorable conditions.
Incidence and Secondary Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Schools
Authors: Zimmerman Kanecia O. , Akinboyo Ibukunoluwa C. , Brookhart M. Alan , Boutzoukas Angelique E. , McGann Kathleen A. , Smith Michael J. , Maradiaga Panayotti Gabriela , Armstrong Sarah C. , Bristow Helen , Parker Donna , Zadrozny Sabrina , Weber David J. , Benjamin Daniel K. ,   FOR THE ABC SCIENCE COLLABORATIVE
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:
In an effort to mitigate the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), North Carolina closed prekindergarten through grade 12 public schools to in-person instruction on March 14, 2020. On July 15, 2020, North Carolina’s governor announced schools could open via remote learning or a hybrid model that combined in-person and remote instruction. In August 2020, 56 of 115 North Carolina school districts joined The ABC Science Collaborative (ABCs) to implement public health measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission and share lessons learned. We describe secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within participating school districts during the first 9 weeks of in-person instruction in the 2020–2021 academic year.

METHODS:
From August 15, 2020 to October 23, 2020, 11 of 56 school districts participating in ABCs were open for in-person instruction for all 9 weeks of the first quarter and agreed to track incidence and secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Local health department staff adjudicated secondary transmission. Superintendents met weekly with ABCs faculty to share lessons learned and develop prevention methods.

RESULTS:
Over 9 weeks, 11 participating school districts had &gt;90 000 students and staff attend school in person. Among these students and staff, 773 community-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections were documented by molecular testing. Through contact tracing, health department staff determined an additional 32 infections were acquired within schools. No instances of child-to-adult transmission of SARS-CoV-2 were reported within schools.

CONCLUSIONS:
In the first 9 weeks of in-person instruction in North Carolina schools, we found extremely limited within-school secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2, as determined by contact tracing.