bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fano Resonance on Nanostructured Lithium Niobate for Highly Efficient and Tunable Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Huang Zhijin , Lu Huihui , Xiong Hanqing , Li Yang , Chen Huajiang , Qiu Wentao , Guan Heyuan , Dong Jiangli , Zhu Wenguo , Yu Jianhui , Luo Yunhan , Zhang Jun , Chen Zhe
Published: January 2019

Second harmonic generation (SHG) is an important nonlinear process which is critical for applications, such as optical integrated circuit, nonlinear microscopy, laser, etc. Many challenges remain in the improvement of nonlinear conversion efficiency, since the typical value is of only 10−5 in nanostructures. Here, we theoretically demonstrate a periodic structure consisting of a lithium niobate (LN) bar and an LN disk, on a nanoscale (~300 nm) thin-film platform, which is proposed for a highly efficient SHG. By breaking the structure symmetry, a Fano resonance with a high Q, up to 2350 and a strong optical field enhancement reaching forty-two folds is achieved, which yields a high conversion efficiency, up to 3.165 × 10−4. In addition to its strong second harmonic (SH) signal, we also demonstrate that by applying only 0.444 V on the planar electrode configurations of the nanostructured LN, the wavelength of SH can be tuned within a 1 nm range, while keeping its relatively high conversion efficiency. The proposed structure with the high nonlinear conversion efficiency can be potentially applied for a single-molecule fluorescence imaging, high-resolution nonlinear microscopy and active compact optical device.
Increased Interfacial Area between Dielectric Layer and Electrode of Triboelectric Nanogenerator toward Robustness and Boosted Energy Output
Authors: Yoo Donghyeon , Go Eun Yeong , Choi Dongwhi , Lee Jeong-Won , Song Insang , Sim Jae-Yoon , Hwang Woonbong , Kim Dong Sung
Published: January 2019

Given the operation conditions wherein mechanical wear is inevitable, modifying bulk properties of the dielectric layer of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been highlighted to boost its energy output. However, several concerns still remain in regards to the modification due to high-cost materials and cumbersome processes being required. Herein, we report TENG with a microstructured Al electrode (TENG_ME) as a new approach to modifying bulk properties of the dielectric layer. The microstructured Al electrode is utilized as a component of TENG to increase the interfacial area between the dielectric layer and electrode. Compared to the TENG with a flat Al electrode (TENG_F), the capacitance of TENG_ME is about 1.15 times higher than that of TENG_F, and the corresponding energy outputs of a TENG_ME are 117 μA and 71 V, each of which is over 1.2 times higher than that of the TENG_F. The robustness of TENG_ME is also confirmed in the measurement of energy outputs changing after sandpaper abrasion tests, repetitive contact, and separation (more than 105 cycles). The results imply that the robustness and long-lasting performance of the TENG_ME could be enough to apply in reliable auxiliary power sources for electronic devices.
The Fabrication of Nanostructures on Polydimethylsiloxane by Laser Interference Lithography
Authors: Wu Jun , Geng Zhaoxin , Xie Yiyang , Fan Zhiyuan , Su Yue , Xu Chen , Chen Hongda
Published: January 2019

We report a method for fabricating periodic nanostructures on the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using laser interference lithography. The wave-front splitting method was used for the system, as the period and duty cycle can be easily controlled. Indium tin oxide (ITO) glass reveals favorable characteristics for controlling the standing waves distributed in the vertical direction, and was selected as the rigid substrate for the curing of the PDMS prepolymer, photoresist spin coating, and exposure processes. Periodic nanostructures such as gratings, dot, and hole arrays were prepared. This efficient way of fabricating large area periodic nanoscale patterns will be useful for surface plasmonic resonance and wearable electronics.
Sputtering of Electrospun Polymer-Based Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications: A Perspective
Authors: Kadavil Hana , Zagho Moustafa , Elzatahry Ahmed , Altahtamouni Talal
Published: January 2019

Electrospinning has gained wide attention recently in biomedical applications. Electrospun biocompatible scaffolds are well-known for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, wound dressing, and tissue engineering applications. In this review, the synthesis of polymer-based fiber composites using an electrospinning technique is discussed. Formerly, metal particles were then deposited on the surface of electrospun fibers using sputtering technology. Key nanometals for biomedical applications including silver and copper nanoparticles are discussed throughout this review. The formulated scaffolds were found to be suitable candidates for biomedical uses such as antibacterial coatings, surface modification for improving biocompatibility, and tissue engineering. This review briefly mentions the characteristics of the nanostructures while focusing on how nanostructures hold potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Higher-Order Thermo-Elastic Analysis of FG-CNTRC Cylindrical Vessels Surrounded by a Pasternak Foundation
Authors: Mohammadi Masoud , Arefi Mohammad , Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: January 2019

This study analyses the two-dimensional thermo-elastic response of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) cylindrical pressure vessels, by applying the third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT). The effective properties of FG-CNTRC cylindrical pressure vessels are computed for different patterns of reinforcement, according to the rule of mixture. The governing equations of the problem are derived from the principle of virtual works and are solved as a classical eigenproblem under the assumption of clamped supported boundary conditions. A large parametric investigation aims at showing the influence of some meaningful parameters on the thermo-elastic response, such as the type of pattern, the volume fraction of CNTs, and the Pasternak coefficients related to the elastic foundation.
Two Dimensional β-InSe with Layer-Dependent Properties: Band Alignment, Work Function and Optical Properties
Authors: Sang David K. , Wang Huide , Qiu Meng , Cao Rui , Guo Zhinan , Zhao Jinlai , Li Yu , Xiao Quanlan , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Han
Published: January 2019

Density functional theory calculations of the layer (L)-dependent electronic band structure, work function and optical properties of β-InSe have been reported. Owing to the quantum size effects (QSEs) in β-InSe, the band structures exhibit direct-to-indirect transitions from bulk β-InSe to few-layer β-InSe. The work functions decrease monotonically from 5.22 eV (1 L) to 5.0 eV (6 L) and then remain constant at 4.99 eV for 7 L and 8 L and drop down to 4.77 eV (bulk β-InSe). For optical properties, the imaginary part of the dielectric function has a strong dependence on the thickness variation. Layer control in two-dimensional layered materials provides an effective strategy to modulate the layer-dependent properties which have potential applications in the next-generation high performance electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Lactofermented Annurca Apple Puree as a Functional Food Indicated for the Control of Plasma Lipid and Oxidative Amine Levels: Results from a Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Tenore Gian Carlo , Caruso Domenico , Buonomo Giuseppe , D’Avino Maria , Ciampaglia Roberto , Maisto Maria , Schisano Connie , Bocchino Bruno , Novellino Ettore
Published: January 2019

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are preferential targets of healthy diet and preventive medicine partially through strategies to improve lipid profile and counteract oxidative metabolites. Ninety individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors were randomized (1:1:1 ratio) to three arms, according to a four-week run-in, eight-week intervention, and four-week follow up study, testing the effects of a lactofermented Annurca apple puree (lfAAP), compared to unfermented apple puree (AAP) or probiotic alone (LAB) on plasma lipid profile and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels. By comparing the treatments, data indicated for the subjects tested with lfAAP a higher variation of the following serum parameters, in respect to the other treatment groups: high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), +61.8% (p = 0.0095); and TMAO levels, −63.1% (p = 0.0042). The present study would suggest lfAAP as an effective functional food for beneficial control of plasma HDL-C and TMAO levels.
Non-Cholesterol Sterol Concentrations as Biomarkers for Cholesterol Absorption and Synthesis in Different Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mashnafi Sultan , Plat Jogchum , Mensink Ronald P. , Baumgartner Sabine
Published: January 2019

Non-cholesterol sterols are validated biomarkers for intestinal cholesterol absorption and endogenous cholesterol synthesis. However, their use in metabolic disturbances has not been systematically explored. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to provide an overview of non-cholesterol sterols as markers for cholesterol metabolism in different metabolic disorders. Potentially relevant studies were retrieved by a systematic search of three databases in July 2018 and ninety-four human studies were included. Cholesterol-standardized levels of campesterol, sitosterol and cholestanol were collected to reflect cholesterol absorption and those of lathosterol and desmosterol to reflect cholesterol synthesis. Their use as biomarkers was examined in the following metabolic disorders: overweight/obesity (n = 16), diabetes mellitus (n = 15), metabolic syndrome (n = 5), hyperlipidemia (n = 11), cardiovascular disease (n = 17), and diseases related to intestine (n = 16), liver (n = 22) or kidney (n = 2). In general, markers for cholesterol absorption and synthesis displayed reciprocal patterns, showing that cholesterol metabolism is tightly regulated by the interplay of intestinal absorption and endogenous synthesis. Distinctive patterns for cholesterol absorption or cholesterol synthesis could be identified, suggesting that metabolic disorders can be classified as ‘cholesterol absorbers or cholesterol synthesizers’. Future studies should be performed to confirm or refute these findings and to examine whether this information can be used for targeted (dietary) interventions.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Pathogens in 2018
Authors:   Pathogens Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Synthesis of a Polyaniline Nanoparticle Using a Solution Plasma Process with an Ar Gas Bubble Channel
Authors: Shin Jun-Goo , Park Choon-Sang , Jung Eun Young , Shin Bhum Jae , Tae Heung-Sik
Published: January 2019

This work researched polymerization of liquid aniline monomer by solution plasma with a gas bubble channel and investigated characteristics of solution plasma and polyaniline (PANI). The injected gas bubble channel in the proposed solution plasma process (SPP) played a significant role in producing a stable discharge in liquid aniline monomer at a low voltage and furthermore enhancing the contact surface area between liquid aniline monomer and plasma, thereby achieving polymerization on the boundary of the liquid aniline monomer and plasma. Solution plasma properties were analyzed with voltage–current, optical emission spectroscopy, and high-speed camera. Conductivity, percentage yield, and firing voltage of PANI nanoparticle dispersed solution were measured. To investigate the characteristics of synthesized PANI nanoparticles, field emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, selective area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS) were examined. The FTIR, 1H-NMR, and XPS analysis showed the PANI characteristic peaks with evidence that some quinoid and benzene rings were broken by the solution plasma process with a gas bubble channel. The results indicate that PANI nanoparticles have a spherical shape with a size between 25 and 35 nm. The SAED pattern shows the amorphous pattern.
Integration Multi-Model to Evaluate the Impact of Surface Water Quality on City Sustainability: A Case from Maanshan City in China
Authors: Chen Zhanbo , Zhang Hui , Liao Mingxia
Published: January 2019

Water pollution is a worldwide problem that needs to be solved urgently and has a significant impact on the efficiency of sustainable cities. The evaluation of water pollution is a Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) problem and using a MCDM model can help control water pollution and protect human health. However, different evaluation methods may obtain different results. How to effectively coordinate them to obtain a consensus result is the main aim of this work. The purpose of this article is to develop an ensemble learning evaluation method based on the concept of water quality to help policy-makers better evaluate surface water quality. A valid application is conducted to illustrate the use of the model for the surface water quality evaluation problem, thus demonstrating the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed model.
Experimental Study for Damage Identification of Storage Tanks by Adding Virtual Masses
Authors: Hou Jilin , Wang Pengfei , Jing Tianyu , Jankowski Łukasz
Published: January 2019

This research proposes a damage identification approach for storage tanks that is based on adding virtual masses. First, the frequency response function of a structure with additional virtual masses is deduced based on the Virtual Distortion Method (VDM). Subsequently, a Finite Element (FE) model of a storage tank is established to verify the proposed method; the relation between the added virtual masses and the sensitivity of the virtual structure is analyzed to determine the optimal mass and the corresponding frequency with the highest sensitivity with respect to potential damages. Thereupon, the damage can be localized and quantified by comparing the damage factors of substructures. Finally, an experimental study is conducted on a storage tank. The results confirm that the proposed method is feasible and practical, and that it can be applied for damage identification of storage tanks.
Phaseless Terahertz Coded-Aperture Imaging Based on Incoherent Detection
Authors: Peng Long , Luo Chenggao , Deng Bin , Wang Hongqiang , Qin Yuliang , Chen Shuo
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we propose a phaseless terahertz coded-aperture imaging (PTCAI) method by using a single incoherent detector or an incoherent detection array. We at first analyze and model the system architecture, derive the matrix imaging equation, and then study the phase retrieval techniques to reconstruct the original target with high resolution. Numerical experiments are performed and the results show that the proposed method can significantly reduce the system complexity in the receiving process while maintaining high resolution imaging capability. Furthermore, the approach of using incoherent detection array instead of single detector is capable of decreasing the encoding and sampling times, and therefore helps to improve the imaging frame rate. In our future research, the method proposed in this paper will be experimentally tested and validated, and high-speed PTCAI at nearly real-time frame rates will be the main work.
Target Localization via Integrated and Segregated Ranging Based on RSS and TOA Measurements
Authors: Tomic Slavisa , Beko Marko
Published: January 2019

This work addresses the problem of target localization in adverse non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments by using received signal strength (RSS) and time of arrival (TOA) measurements. It is inspired by a recently published work in which authors discuss about a critical distance below and above which employing combined RSS-TOA measurements is inferior to employing RSS-only and TOA-only measurements, respectively. Here, we revise state-of-the-art estimators for the considered target localization problem and study their performance against their counterparts that employ each individual measurement exclusively. It is shown that the hybrid approach is not the best one by default. Thus, we propose a simple heuristic approach to choose the best measurement for each link, and we show that it can enhance the performance of an estimator. The new approach implicitly relies on the concept of the critical distance, but does not assume certain link parameters as given. Our simulations corroborate with findings available in the literature for line-of-sight (LOS) to a certain extent, but they indicate that more work is required for NLOS environments. Moreover, they show that the heuristic approach works well, matching or even improving the performance of the best fixed choice in all considered scenarios.
An Improved Recognition Approach for Noisy Multispectral Palmprint by Robust L2 Sparse Representation with a Tensor-Based Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Cheng Dongxu , Zhang Xinman , Xu Xuebin
Published: January 2019

For the past decades, recognition technologies of multispectral palmprint have attracted more and more attention due to their abundant spatial and spectral characteristics compared with the single spectral case. Enlightened by this, an innovative robust L2 sparse representation with tensor-based extreme learning machine (RL2SR-TELM) algorithm is put forward by using an adaptive image level fusion strategy to accomplish the multispectral palmprint recognition. Firstly, we construct a robust L2 sparse representation (RL2SR) optimization model to calculate the linear representation coefficients. To suppress the affection caused by noise contamination, we introduce a logistic function into RL2SR model to evaluate the representation residual. Secondly, we propose a novel weighted sparse and collaborative concentration index (WSCCI) to calculate the fusion weight adaptively. Finally, we put forward a TELM approach to carry out the classification task. It can deal with the high dimension data directly and reserve the image spatial information well. Extensive experiments are implemented on the benchmark multispectral palmprint database provided by PolyU. The experiment results validate that our RL2SR-TELM algorithm overmatches a number of state-of-the-art multispectral palmprint recognition algorithms both when the images are noise-free and contaminated by different noises.
Key Factors Affecting Environmental Protection Values in China
Authors: Li Qiuhua , Wang Bin , Yu Chaoqing , Deng Haifeng , Liu Li , Huang Wenyu
Published: January 2019

Utilizing a total of 31 non-numerical variables on environmental protection values from 1990–2014 in the World Values Survey (WVS) database (i.e., WVS2, WVS3, WVS4, WVS5 and WVS6), this study analyses the temporal changes of environment protection values in China and identifies the key factors related to these changes. We define indices for the standardized values of action and attitudes to environmental protection after clustering the 31 variables into two categories according to the meanings of their variable labels. Through statistical analysis on the possible impacting variables (e.g., GDP (gross domestic product) per capita, carbon emissions per capita, industrial wastes, and rural township enterprises), we find that the variable rural township enterprises is the main factor that causes obvious changes in action and attitude, coupled with other environmental impacts at home and abroad, such as economic globalization, the financial crisis, and frequent natural disasters. In particular, the significant improvement in action during the period from the late 2000s to early 2010s is mainly due to switching the emphasis from quantity to quality. The structural adjustment and industrial upgrade of township enterprises were promoted as important measures to improve environmental values according to Document No. 1 of the Central Committee of the People’s Republic of China in 2010.
Challenges for the Integration of Water Resource and Drought-Risk Management in Spain
Authors: Vargas Jesús , Paneque Pilar
Published: January 2019

Droughts are risks characterized by their complexity, uncertainty, and a series of other features, which differentiate them from other natural disasters and affect the strategies designed to manage them. These characteristics highlight the close relationship between drought management and water resources management. The following hypothesis is raised in this study—unsatisfactory integration of a drought-risk and water resources management strategies, increases the vulnerability to drought. To corroborate this hypothesis, the Spanish case was analyzed, where droughts are a recurrent phenomenon, due to the Mediterranean climate. Starting from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) framework, which has been proposed to characterize vulnerability as a function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, this study analyzed the vulnerability in the Spanish River Basin Districts, through—(i) the integration of the predictable effects of climate change and the increased risk of exposure in hydrologic planning; (ii) the pressure on water resources that determines the sensitivity of the systems; and (iii) the development and implementation of drought management plans as a fundamental tool, in order to adapt before these events occur. The results showed that despite important advances in the process of conceiving and managing droughts, in Spain, there are still important gaps for an adequate integration of droughts risk into the water resource strategies. Therefore, despite the improvements, drought-risk vulnerability of the systems remained high.
Integration of Ecosystem Services in Regional Spatial Plans in Western Switzerland
Authors: Jaligot Rémi , Chenal Jérôme
Published: January 2019

The concept of ecosystem services (ES) is regarded as an increasingly important framework and tool to support spatial planning. A limited understanding of how ES knowledge is used in spatial plans constrains our ability to learn from, replicate, and convey an ES approach. This study examined how ES were integrated into spatial planning at the regional scale in Western Switzerland. A directed content analysis of cantonal structural plans was used to assess how ES were covered in various sections of the plans and to explore the differences in the level of ES integration across cantons. First, the results showed that ES were found in each section of the plans but were not equally distributed. Provisioning ES were always the most mentioned while regulating ES were the least considered. Second, strong discrepancies existed between cantons may demonstrate the lack of cantonal coordination to integrate ES. Finally, the concept of ES was more embedded in nonbinding than in binding parts. Promoting the concept at the national level may facilitate the integration of ES at lower planning scales. Further work could focus on other cantons to ensure that the results are fully representative of the current situation in Switzerland.
An Economic Analysis Algorithm for Urban Forestry Projects
Authors: Nesticò Antonio , Guarini Maria Rosaria , Morano Pierluigi , Sica Francesco
Published: January 2019

The second half of the 20th century was characterized by rapid growth of the urban population and lack of attention to environmental quality in the urbanizes territories. Thus, the development of many cities during that period took place through policies which, over time, resulted in a disaggregated landscape, both in morphological and functional terms. In some cases, these policies have caused the creation of land portions without a specific characterization, and the generation of urban voids that negatively affect the city’s development. To solve this problem, the public administration sectors of many countries are looking for new intervention strategies that are feasible from a social and economic point of view which are able to guarantee sustainable development. From this perspective, the execution of urban regeneration initiatives, including forestation, allows for the improvement of both environmental quality and citizens’ well-being, and promotes economic development. Considering the multiple effects that these initiatives can generate and the limited availability of public and private resources, it is appropriate to use multi-criteria decision support tools through which it is possible to evaluate the interventions’ complexity and best identify the city areas that lend themselves to be recovered and improved through the forestation. The aim of this work is to develop a support tool for public administrations aimed at identifying the optimal forestry projects’ location according to criteria that not only refer to financial type, but also their social, cultural, and environmental nature. Using Discrete Linear Programming algorithms, the model has been tested through a theoretical case study and reveals the advantages and limitations of the model, as well as future research prospects.
New Drawings of the Alhambra: Deformations of Muqarnas in the Pendentives of the Sala de la Barca
Authors: Ferrer-Pérez-Blanco Ignacio , Gámiz-Gordo Antonio , Reinoso-Gordo Juan Francisco
Published: January 2019

Architectural heritage preservation and sustainability need advanced graphic techniques in order to document and understand the disposition/composition of plaster muqarnas, a fragile construction element. The muqarnas are key elements in the Nasrid architecture developed during the 14th century in the Alhambra complex, nowadays part of World Heritage. As a case study, this analysis focuses on the muqarnas pendentives of the Sala de la Barca in the Comares Palace. After examining both explanations and drawings published by architects Jones and Goury from 1842 to 1845, our research provides new drawings (plans and elevations) derived from laser scanner technology. Theoretically, though muqarnas are composed of simple geometrical shapes, these new drawings unveil important deformations hitherto unknown, and which have not been studied yet by other bibliographic references. Finally, we provide some considerations about the causes of these deformations and the monument sustainability across the time and the images’ capacity to show the muqarnas complex shapes in a reliable way.
Latest Results from the T2K Neutrino Experiment
Authors: Karlen Dean , on behalf of the T2K Collaboration
Published: January 2019

The T2K long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment measures muon neutrino disappearance and electron neutrino appearance in accelerator-produced neutrino and anti-neutrino beams. This presentation reports on the analysis of our data from an exposure of 2.6 × 10 21 protons on target. Results for oscillation parameters, including the CP violation parameter and neutrino mass ordering, are shown.
Characterization of Water and Energy Consumptions at the End Use Level in Rural and Urban Environments: Preliminary Results of the ENERWAT Project
Authors: Matos Cristina , Cunha António , Pereira Francisco , Gonçalves Arminda , Silva Elisabete , Pereira Sandra , Bentes Isabel , Faria Diana , Briga-Sá Ana
Published: January 2019

The characterization of water and energy consumptions is essential in order to define strategies for their rational use. The way these resources are used in households is the path for efficient and rational management, interdependent from each other. It is believed that there are significant differences between the patterns of water and energy consumption in rural and urban areas, where influencing factors should also be identified. This article aims to provide some preliminary results of a research project named ENERWAT, with the main goal to characterize the relation between water and energy consumption at the end use level for urban and rural environments. One of the goals of the aforementioned project was the design, application, and results analysis of a survey, in order to find the main differences in the water and energy consumptions at the end use level and the factors that influence it in urban and rural households. A total of 245 households participated in the research during 2016 (110 urban dwellings and 135 rural), responding to questions on their family composition, dwellings characterization, water and energy consumption habits, and conservation behaviors of these resources. The project also includes the instrumentation and monitoring of dwellings in rural and urban environments to quantify the water consumption and related energy consumption. This stage is still in progress and includes in situ measurements of nine different households (four in rural and five in urban environments) during at least one year. In this article, some of the results obtained by the survey application and the in situ measurements are presented. Despite the large number of data and the associated complexity, it can be concluded that the joint analysis of the results allows identification of a connection between water and energy consumption, as well as a household’s consumption patterns.
Methylation Status of the Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2 (AAV2)
Authors: Tóth Renáta , Mészáros István , Hüser Daniela , Forró Barbara , Marton Szilvia , Olasz Ferenc , Bányai Krisztián , Heilbronn Regine , Zádori Zoltán
Published: January 2019

To analyze the methylation status of wild-type adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2), bisulfite PCR sequencing (BPS) of the packaged viral genome and its integrated form was performed and 262 of the total 266 CG dinucleotides (CpG) were mapped. In virion-packaged DNA, the ratio of the methylated cytosines ranged between 0–1.7%. In contrast, the chromosomally integrated AAV2 genome was hypermethylated with an average of 76% methylation per CpG site. The methylation level showed local minimums around the four known AAV2 promoters. To study the effect of methylation on viral rescue and replication, the replication initiation capability of CpG methylated and non-CpG methylated AAV DNA was compared. The in vitro hypermethylation of the viral genome does not inhibit its rescue and replication from a plasmid transfected into cells. This insensitivity of the viral replicative machinery to methylation may permit the rescue of the integrated heavily methylated AAV genome from the host’s chromosomes.
The Frequency Dependence of Scintillation Arc Thickness in Pulsar B1133+16
Authors: Stinebring Dan R. , Rickett Barney J. , Ocker Stella Koch
Published: January 2019

Scintillation arcs have become a powerful tool for exploring scattering in the ionized interstellar medium. There is accumulating evidence that the scattering from many pulsars is extremely anisotropic resulting in highly elongated, linear brightness functions. We present a three-frequency (327, 432, 1450 MHz) Arecibo study of scintillation arcs from one nearby, bright, high-velocity pulsar, PSR B1133+16. We show that a one-dimensional (1D), linear brightness function is in good agreement with the data at all three observing frequencies. We use two methods to explore the broadening of the 1D brightness function B(θ) as a function of frequency: (1) cross-cuts of the forward arc at constant delay and (2) a 1D modeling of B(θ) using a comparison between model and observed secondary spectrum as a goodness-of-fit metric. Both methods show that the half-power width of B(θ) deviates from the expected dependence

, where ν is the observing frequency. Our estimates of a have moderately large uncertainties but imply

, and so are inconsistent with the expected a = 2.0 for plasma refraction or a = 2.2 for Kolmogorov turbulence. In addition the shape of B(θ) cuts off more steeply than predicted for Kolmogorov turbulence. Ultimately, we conclude that the underlying physics of the broadening mechanism remains unexplained. Our results place the scattering screen at a distance that is broadly consistent with an origin at the boundary of the Local Bubble.
What Sets the Slope of the Molecular Kennicutt–Schmidt Relation?
Authors: Semenov Vadim A. , Kravtsov Andrey V. , Gnedin Nickolay Y.
Published: January 2019

The surface densities of molecular gas,

, and the star formation rate (SFR),

, correlate almost linearly on kiloparsec scales in observed star-forming (non-starburst) galaxies. We explore the origin of the linear slope of this correlation using a suite of isolated

 galaxy simulations. We show that in simulations with efficient feedback, the slope of the

relation on kiloparsec scales is insensitive to the slope of the

relation assumed at the resolution scale. We also find that the slope on kiloparsec scales depends on the criteria used to identify star-forming gas, with a linear slope arising in simulations that identify star-forming gas using a virial parameter threshold. This behavior can be understood using a simple theoretical model based on conservation of interstellar gas mass as the gas cycles between atomic, molecular, and star-forming states under the influence of feedback and dynamical processes. In particular, we show that the linear slope emerges when feedback efficiently regulates and stirs the evolution of dense, molecular gas. We show that the model also provides insights into the likely origin of the relation between the SFR and molecular gas in real galaxies on different scales.
Big Bounce and Closed Universe from Spin and Torsion
Authors: Unger Gabriel , Popławski Nikodem
Published: January 2019

We analyze the dynamics of a homogeneous and isotropic universe in the Einstein–Cartan theory of gravity. The coupling between the spin and torsion prevents gravitational singularities and replaces the Big Bang with a nonsingular big bounce, at which the universe transitions from contraction to expansion. We show that a closed universe exists only when the product of the scale factor and temperature is higher than a particular threshold, contrary to a flat universe and an open universe, which are not restricted. During inflation, this product must increase to another threshold, so that the universe can reach dark-energy acceleration.
PSR J2234+0611: A New Laboratory for Stellar Evolution
Authors: Stovall K. , Freire P. C. C. , Antoniadis J. , Bagchi M. , Deneva J. S. , Garver-Daniels N. , Martinez J. G. , McLaughlin M. A. , Arzoumanian Z. , Blumer H. , Brook P. R. , Cromartie H. T. , Demorest P. B. , DeCesar M. E. , Dolch T. , Ellis J. A. , Ferdman R. D. , Ferrara E. C. , Fonseca E. , Gentile P. A. , Jones M. L. , Lam M. T. , Lorimer D. R. , Lynch R. S. , Ng C. , Nice D. J. , Pennucci T. T. , Ransom S. M. , Spiewak R. , Stairs I. H. , Swiggum J. K. , Vigeland S. J. , Zhu W. W.
Published: January 2019

We report the timing results for PSR J2234+0611, a 3.6 ms pulsar in a 32 day, eccentric (e = 0.13) orbit with a helium white dwarf. The precise timing and eccentric nature of the orbit allow measurements of an unusual number of parameters: (a) a precise proper motion of 27.10(3) mas yr−1 and a parallax of 1.05(4) mas resulting in a pulsar distance of 0.95(4) kpc; enabling an estimate of the transverse velocity, 123(5) km s−1. Together with previously published spectroscopic measurements of the systemic radial velocity, this allows a 3D determination of the system’s velocity; (b) precise measurements of the rate of advance of periastron yields a total system mass of

M
⊙; (c) a Shapiro delay measurement, h
3 = 82 ± 14 ns, despite the orbital inclination not being near 90°; combined with the measurement of the total mass yields a pulsar mass of

and a companion mass of

(d) we measure precisely the secular variation of the projected semimajor axis and detect a significant annual orbital parallax; together these allow a determination of the 3D orbital geometry of the system, including an unambiguous orbital inclination (

) and a position angle for the line of nodes (

). We discuss the component masses to investigate the hypotheses previously advanced to explain the origin of eccentric MSPs. The unprecedented determination of the 3D position, motion, and orbital orientation of the system, plus the precise pulsar and WD masses and the latter’s optical detection make this system a unique test of our understanding of white dwarfs and their atmospheres.
NuStar Hard X-Ray View of Low-luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei: High-energy Cutoff and Truncated Thin Disk
Authors: Younes George , Ptak Andrew , Ho Luis C. , Xie Fu-Guo , Terasima Yuichi , Yuan Feng , Huppenkothen Daniela , Yukita Mihoko
Published: January 2019

We report the analysis of simultaneous XMM-Newton+Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observations of two low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGNs), NGC 3998 and NGC 4579. We do not detect any significant variability in either source over the ∼3 day length of the NuSTAR observations. The broadband 0.5–60 keV spectrum of NGC 3998 is best fit with a cutoff power law, while the one for NGC 4579 is best fit with a combination of a hot thermal plasma model, a power law, and a blend of Gaussians to fit an Fe complex observed between 6 and 7 keV. Our main spectral results are the following: (1) neither source shows any reflection hump with 3σ reflection fraction upper limits of

and

for NGC 3998 and NGC 4579, respectively; (2) the 6–7 keV line complex in NGC 4579 could be fit with either a narrow Fe K line at 6.4 keV and a moderately broad Fe xxv line or with three relatively narrow lines, which include contribution from Fe xxvi; (3) the NGC 4579 flux is 60% brighter than previously detected with XMM-Newton, accompanied by a hardening in the spectrum; (4) we measure a cutoff energy

keV in NGC 3998, which represents the lowest and best constrained high-energy cutoff ever measured for an LLAGN; (5) the NGC 3998 spectrum is consistent with a Comptonization model with either a sphere (τ ≈ 3 ± 1) or slab (τ ≈ 1.2 ± 0.6) geometry, corresponding to plasma temperatures between 20 and 150 keV. We discuss these results in the context of hard X-ray emission from bright AGNs, other LLAGNs, and hot accretion flow models.
Observational Signatures of Planets in Protoplanetary Disks: Planet-induced Line Broadening in Gaps
Authors: Dong 董 Ruobing 若冰 , Liu 呂 Sheng-Yuan 聖元 , Fung 馮 Jeffrey 澤之
Published: January 2019

Protoplanets can produce structures in protoplanetary disks via gravitational disk–planet interactions. Once detected, such structures serve as signposts of planet formation. Here we investigate the kinematic signatures in disks produced by multi-Jupiter mass (M
J) planets using 3D hydrodynamics and radiative transfer simulations. Such a planet opens a deep gap, and drives transonic vertical motions inside. Such motions include both a bulk motion of the entire half-disk column, and turbulence on scales comparable to and smaller than the scale height. They significantly broaden molecular lines from the gap, producing double-peaked line profiles at certain locations, and a kinematic velocity dispersion comparable to thermal after azimuthal averaging. The same planet does not drive fast vertical motions outside the gap, except at the inner spiral arms and the disk surface. Searching for line broadening induced by multi-M
J planets inside gaps requires an angular resolution comparable to the gap width, an assessment of the gap gas temperature to within a factor of 2, and a high sensitivity needed to detect line emission from the gap.
Diagnostic accuracy of urinary latex agglutination test (KAtex) for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Fararouei Mohammad , Sarkari Bahador , Abdolahi Khabisi Samaneh , Rezaei Zahra
Published: January 2019

Latex agglutination test (KAtex) has been used in the last two decades for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in different VL-endemic areas. Here, we present a meta-analysis of studies which evaluated the KAtex for the diagnosis of VL to find out its overall diagnostic performance. A database search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Iranmedex and Google Scholar. The search of databases found 57 papers, of which 17 articles fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy (MADA) and Hierarchical Summary Receiver Operating Curve (HSROC) packages were used to do the meta-analysis and to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity. Fixed effect bivariate analysis was conducted, using Mantel-Haenszel estimator, to measure the performance and diagnosis odds ratio (DOR) of the test. Heterogeneity of the test results was assessed by Chi-squared test.

The sensitivity of individual studies ranged from 39.8 to 100%, and the specificity ranged from 64 to100%. The combined sensitivity and specificity estimates of KAtex were 77% (95% CI, 70-83%), and 97% (95% CI, 93-97%), respectively. Comparing the performance of the test by region suggests a significant difference where the lowest and highest sensitivities are reported from Nepal/Tunisia and Europe/Middle East respectively (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the lowest and highest rates of specificity were reported from Sudan and America/Middle East respectively.

The overall specificity of KAtex is satisfactory. However, KAtex suffers from low sensitivity and this shortcoming should be improved. The test provides a rapid and simple diagnosis of VL and improvement of its sensitivity deserve further studies.
The presence of periopathogenic bacteria in subgingival and atherosclerotic plaques – An age related comparative analysis
Authors: Kannosh Ibrahim , Staletovic Danijela , Toljic Bosko , Radunovic Milena , Pucar Ana , Matic Petrovic Sanja , Grubisa Ivana , Lazarevic Milos , Brkic Zlata , Knezevic Vukcevic Jelena , Milasin Jelena
Published: January 2019

Introduction: There is a known connection between periodontitis and atherosclerosis and the presence of periopathogens in blood vessels. However, changes of the oral microflora related to the aging process and its possible effects on atherosclerosis, have yet to be analyzed. The aim of this study was to assess temporal changes in the frequency of periodontal bacteria in the subgingival plaque and in atherosclerotic blood vessels of patients with atherosclerosis.

Methodology:The study included 100 patients with atherosclerosis and periodontitis, divided into two groups, below and over 60 years of age. Clinical examinations were performedand subgingival plaque specimens were collected as well as biopsy specimens from the following arteries: coronary (34), carotid (29), abdominal (10), femoral (10), mammary (13) and iliac (4). Subgingival and artery specimens were subjected to PCR detection of 5 major periodontal pathogens: Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Tannerella forsythensis (Tf) and Treponema denticola (Td).

Results:Tf was the most and Td the least frequent bacteria in both age groups and in both types of samples. The frequencies of bacteria in subgingival versus atherosclerotic samples were: Tf (76%:53%), Pi (71%:31%), Pg (60%:38%), Aa (39%:14%) and Td (21%:6%). Only Aa and Pi showed a significant difference of prevalence between younger and older patients. The most colonized artery was a. coronaria, followed by a. carotis, a. abdominalis, a. mammaria, and a. femoralis.

Conclusions: Patient’s age and the distance of a given blood vessel from the oral cavity influenced microbiological findings in the atherotic plaque.
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus isolates in Eastern China
Authors: Jiang Chunyan , Zhang Xiaoju , Han Jianfeng , He Haijian , Zhang Chaoying , Zhang Hongbing , Jin Jingjing , Wang Liang , Ge Bingqian , Wang Yanli , Liu Yongjie
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is one of the most common viral pathogens causing swine diarrhea.

Methodology: We performed a genetic evolution analysis of the S1 gene of endemic PEDV strains in Eastern China. The S1 genes of 37 PEDV-positive samples were amplified and sequenced, and compared to the standard CV777 strain, 120 nucleotides were found to have mutations.

Results: The nucleotide and deduced amino acid homologies between the sequences and those of the CV777 strain were 90%–91% and 88.2%–90%, respectively, and their homologies to the vaccine strain were 88.6%–89.7% and 86.2%–87.8%, respectively. Genetic evolution and variation analyses indicated that the 37 PEDV strains belonged to genogroup 2-1, while the CV777 strain, vaccine strain, and earlier Chinese strains all belonged to genogroup 1-1.

Conclusions: The newly emerged clinical PEDV strains indicate that the PEDV CV777 vaccine currently used in China may not fully protect pigs from infection with recent epidemic strains, and will require the development of new vaccine strains.
Description of respiratory syncytial virus genotypes circulating in Colombia
Authors: Avila Viviana , Calvo Eliana , Barbosa Juliana , Velandia-Romero Myriam L , Castellanos Jaime E.
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute respiratory infections in children younger than two years but also produces infection in older children and even reinfection in people of any age, a characteristic related to the existence of different infecting subtypes and genotypes. Although Colombia has established the surveillance of classical respiratory viruses, there is no information about the RSV genotypes circulating in Colombian patients.

Methodology: A subgroup of 227 previously RSV positive respiratory secretion samples were taken from a nationwide surveillance study, amplified and sequenced to define the circulation pattern of RSV subtypes and genotypes during 2000-2009 period in Colombia.

Results. RSV exhibited seasonal behavior with an A subtype more prevalent. Both RSV subtypes had low nucleotide variability. During the study period, the GA2 and GA5 genotypes from RSV subtype A and the BA genotype from RSV subtype B were found.

Conclusion. In this report, for the first time RSV genotypes circulating in Colombia were described, this information adds valuable information about virus epidemiology helping to understand the RSV epidemic and prepare our country for the introduction of new vaccines.
Transmission familiale et médiateur projectif : l’arbre généalogique
Authors: Cuynet Patrice , Schwailbold Marie Anne
Published: January 2019

Résumé La recherche et la pratique des thérapies psychanalytiques familiales nous ont poussés à explorer de nouveaux outils projectifs de nature groupale. En particulier le dessin libre de l’arbre généalogique fait collectivement dans un entretien clinique, soit de recherche, soit utilisé en thérapie comme objet-médium pour faciliter l’expression de l’interfantasmatisation du groupe. Nous développerons une vignette clinique afin de démontrer la pertinence projective de cette épreuve pour construire un diagnostic familial.
L’agitation chez l’enfant pendant la période de latence : une addiction précoce ?
Authors: Cohen-Salmon Julie , Marty François
Published: January 2019

Résumé Certains enfants, âgés de 6 à 12 ans, traversent une période de latence pleine de turbulences et ont recours à des agirs. Ces expressions agies s’opposeraient au travail psychique spécifique de la période de latence. L’enfant latent est en effet censé désinvestir sa sensori-motricité au profit d’une pensée intérieure qui se passe davantage de l’activité corporelle. L’enfant latent en bonne santé prend plaisir à apprendre, c’est-à‑dire à intérioriser et à investir sa pensée. Est-ce que les manifestations comportementales bruyantes et répétées inhibent véritablement ce processus de la latence ? À partir du cas clinique d’une enfant de 10 ans rencontrée en internat thérapeutique, dans le cadre de consultations thérapeutiques individuelles et familiales, nous allons nous pencher sur cette question. Elle va nous amener à proposer une réflexion psychopathologique, situant les agirs de l’enfant au carrefour des prépsychoses et des addictions.