bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standing on the Shoulders of Dwarfs: the Kepler Asteroseismic LEGACY Sample. I. Oscillation Mode Parameters
Authors: Lund Mikkel N. , Aguirre Víctor Silva , Davies Guy R. , Chaplin William J. , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jørgen , Houdek Günter , White Timothy R. , Bedding Timothy R. , Ball Warrick H. , Huber Daniel , Antia H. M. , Lebreton Yveline , Latham David W. , Handberg Rasmus , Verma Kuldeep , Basu Sarbani , Casagrande Luca , Justesen Anders B. , Kjeldsen Hans , Mosumgaard Jakob R.
Published: January 2017

The advent of space-based missions like Kepler has revolutionized the study of solar-type stars, particularly through the measurement and modeling of their resonant modes of oscillation. Here we analyze a sample of 66 Kepler main-sequence stars showing solar-like oscillations as part of the Kepler seismic LEGACY project. We use Kepler short-cadence data, of which each star has at least 12 months, to create frequency-power spectra optimized for asteroseismology. For each star, we identify its modes of oscillation and extract parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and line width using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo “peak-bagging” approach. We report the extracted mode parameters for all 66 stars, as well as derived quantities such as frequency difference ratios, the large and small separations

and

the behavior of line widths with frequency and line widths at

with

, for which we derive parametrizations; and behavior of mode visibilities. These average properties can be applied in future peak-bagging exercises to better constrain the parameters of the stellar oscillation spectra. The frequencies and frequency ratios can tightly constrain the fundamental parameters of these solar-type stars, and mode line widths and amplitudes can test models of mode damping and excitation.
Standing on the Shoulders of Dwarfs: the Kepler Asteroseismic LEGACY Sample. II. Radii, Masses, and Ages
Authors: Aguirre Víctor Silva , Lund Mikkel N. , Antia H. M. , Ball Warrick H. , Basu Sarbani , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jørgen , Lebreton Yveline , Reese Daniel R. , Verma Kuldeep , Casagrande Luca , Justesen Anders B. , Mosumgaard Jakob R. , Chaplin William J. , Bedding Timothy R. , Davies Guy R. , Handberg Rasmus , Houdek Günter , Huber Daniel , Kjeldsen Hans , Latham David W. , White Timothy R. , Coelho Hugo R. , Miglio Andrea , Rendle Ben
Published: January 2017

We use asteroseismic data from the Kepler satellite to determine fundamental stellar properties of the 66 main-sequence targets observed for at least one full year by the mission. We distributed tens of individual oscillation frequencies extracted from the time series of each star among seven modeling teams who applied different methods to determine radii, masses, and ages for all stars in the sample. Comparisons among the different results reveal a good level of agreement in all stellar properties, which is remarkable considering the variety of codes, input physics, and analysis methods employed by the different teams. Average uncertainties are of the order of ∼2% in radius, ∼4% in mass, and ∼10% in age, making this the best-characterized sample of main-sequence stars available to date. Our predicted initial abundances and mixing-length parameters are checked against inferences from chemical enrichment laws ΔY/ΔZ and predictions from 3D atmospheric simulations. We test the accuracy of the determined stellar properties by comparing them to the Sun, angular diameter measurements, Gaia parallaxes, and binary evolution, finding excellent agreement in all cases and further confirming the robustness of asteroseismically determined physical parameters of stars when individual frequencies of oscillation are available. Baptised as the Kepler dwarfs LEGACY sample, these stars are the solar-like oscillators with the best asteroseismic properties available for at least another decade. All data used in this analysis and the resulting stellar parameters are made publicly available for the community.
The Effect of AGN Heating on the Low-redshift Lyα Forest
Authors: Gurvich Alex , Burkhart Blakesley , Bird Simeon
Published: January 2017

We investigate the effects of AGN heating and the ultraviolet background on the low-redshift Lyα forest column density distribution (CDD) using the Illustris simulation. We show that Illustris reproduces observations at z = 0.1 in the column density range

cm−2, relevant for the “photon underproduction crisis.” We attribute this to the inclusion of AGN feedback, which changes the gas distribution so as to mimic the effect of extra photons, as well as the use of the Faucher-Giguère ultraviolet background, which is more ionizing at z = 0.1 than the Haardt & Madau background previously considered. We show that the difference between simulations run with smoothed particle hydrodynamics and simulations using a moving mesh is small in this column density range but can be more significant at larger column densities. We further consider the effect of supernova feedback, Voigt profile fitting, and finite resolution, all of which we show to have little influence on the CDD. Finally, we identify a discrepancy between our simulations and observations at column densities

cm−2, where Illustris produces too few absorbers, which suggests the AGN feedback model should be further refined. Since the “photon underproduction crisis” primarily affects lower column density systems, we conclude that AGN feedback and standard ionizing background models can resolve the crisis.
The Post-starburst Evolution of Tidal Disruption Event Host Galaxies
Authors: French K. Decker , Arcavi Iair , Zabludoff Ann
Published: January 2017

We constrain the recent star formation histories of the host galaxies of eight optical/UV-detected tidal disruption events (TDEs). Six hosts had quick starbursts of <200 Myr duration that ended 10–1000 Myr ago, indicating that TDEs arise at different times in their hosts’ post-starburst evolution. If the disrupted star formed in the burst or before, the post-burst age constrains its mass, generally excluding O, most B, and highly massive A stars. If the starburst arose from a galaxy merger, the time since the starburst began limits the coalescence timescale and thus the merger mass ratio to more equal than 12:1 in most hosts. This uncommon ratio, if also that of the central supermassive black hole (SMBH) binary, disfavors the scenario in which the TDE rate is boosted by the binary but is insensitive to its mass ratio. The stellar mass fraction created in the burst is 0.5%–10% for most hosts, not enough to explain the observed 30–200× boost in TDE rates, suggesting that the host’s core stellar concentration is more important. TDE hosts have stellar masses 109.4–1010.3 M
☉, consistent with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey volume-corrected, quiescent Balmer-strong comparison sample and implying SMBH masses of 105.5–107.5 M
☉. Subtracting the host absorption line spectrum, we uncover emission lines; at least five hosts have ionization sources inconsistent with star formation that instead may be related to circumnuclear gas, merger shocks, or post-AGB stars.
Properties of Magnetars Mimicking 56Ni-Powered Light Curves in Type IC Superluminous Supernovae
Authors: Moriya Takashi J. , Chen Ting-Wan , Langer Norbert
Published: January 2017

Many Type Ic superluminous supernovae have light-curve decline rates after their luminosity peak, which are close to the nuclear decay rate of

, consistent with the interpretation that they are powered by

and possibly pair-instability supernovae. However, their rise times are typically shorter than those expected from pair-instability supernovae, and Type Ic superluminous supernovae are often suggested to be powered by magnetar spin-down. If magnetar spin-down is actually a major mechanism to power Type Ic superluminous supernovae, it should be able to produce decline rates similar to the

decay rate rather easily. In this study, we investigate the conditions for magnetars under which their spin-down energy input can behave like the

nuclear decay energy input. We find that an initial magnetic field strength within a certain range is sufficient to keep the magnetar energy deposition within a factor of a few of the

decay energy for several hundreds of days. Magnetar spin-down needs to be by almost pure dipole radiation with the braking index close to three to mimic

in a wide parameter range. Not only late-phase

-decay-like light curves, but also rise time and peak luminosity of most

-powered light curves can be reproduced by magnetars. Bolometric light curves for more than 700 days are required to distinguish the two energy sources solely by them. We expect that more slowly declining superluminous supernovae with short rise times should be found if they are mainly powered by magnetar spin-down.
XMM-Newton Observation of the Nearby Pulsar B1133+16
Authors: Szary Andrzej , Gil Janusz , Zhang Bing , Haberl Frank , Melikidze George I. , Geppert Ulrich , Mitra Dipanjan , Xu Ren-Xin
Published: January 2017

We constrain the X-ray properties of the nearby

(
360

pc
)

, old (

5

Myr

) pulsar B1133+16 with

∼
100

ks

effective exposure time by XMM-Newton. The observed pulsar flux in the 0.2–3 keV energy range is

∼

10

−
14

erg

cm

−
2

s

−
1

, which results in the recording of ∼600 source counts with the EPIC pn and MOS detectors. The X-ray radiation is dominated by nonthermal radiation and is well described by both a single power-law model (PL) and a sum of blackbody and power-law emission (BB+PL). The BB+PL model results in a spectral photon index

Γ
=

2.4

−
0.3

+
0.4

and a nonthermal flux in the 0.2–3 keV energy range of 

(
7
±
2
)
×

10

−
15

erg

cm

−
2

s

−
1

. The thermal emission is consistent with the blackbody emission from a small hot spot with a radius of 

R

pc

≈

14

−
5

+
7

m

and a temperature of

T

s

=

2.9

−
0.4

+
0.6

MK

. Assuming that the hot spot corresponds to the polar cap of the pulsar, we can use the magnetic flux conservation law to estimate the magnetic field at the surface

B

s

≈
3.9
×

10

14

G

. The observations are in good agreement with the predictions of the partially screened gap model, which assumes the existence of small-scale surface magnetic field structures in the polar cap region.
Shedding Light on the Compton-thick Active Galactic Nucleus in the Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxy UGC 5101 with Broadband X-Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Oda Saeko , Tanimoto Atsushi , Ueda Yoshihiro , Imanishi Masatoshi , Terashima Yuichi , Ricci Claudio
Published: January 2017

We report the broadband X-ray spectra of the ultraluminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) UGC 5101 in the 0.25–100 keV band observed with the Swift/Burst Alert Telescope (BAT), Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), Suzaku, XMM-Newton, and Chandra. A Compton-thick active galactic nucleus (AGN) obscured with a hydrogen column density of

cm−2 is detected above 10 keV. A spectral fit with a numerical torus model favors a large half-opening angle of the torus,

°, suggesting that the covering fraction of material heavily obscuring the X-ray source is moderate. The intrinsic 2–10 keV luminosity is determined to be

erg s−1, which is

times larger than the previous estimate using only data below 10 keV with a simple spectral model. We find that UGC 5101 shows the ratio between the [O iv] 26 μm line and 2–10 keV luminosities similar to those of normal Seyfert galaxies, along with other ULIRGs observed with NuSTAR, indicating that a significant portion of local ULIRGs are not really “X-ray faint” with respect to the flux of forbidden lines originating from the narrow-line region. We propose a possible scenario that (1) the AGN in UGC 5101 is surrounded not only by Compton-thick matter located close to the equatorial plane but also by Compton-thin (

cm−2) matter in the torus-hole region and (2) it is accreting at a high Eddington rate with a steep UV to X-ray spectral energy distribution. Nevertheless, we argue that AGNs in many ULIRGs do not look extraordinary (i.e., extremely X-ray faint), as suggested by recent works, compared with normal Seyferts.
Pruning The ELM Survey: Characterizing Candidate Low-mass White Dwarfs through Photometric Variability
Authors: Bell Keaton J. , Gianninas A. , Hermes J. J. , Winget D. E. , Kilic Mukremin , Montgomery M. H. , Castanheira B. G. , Vanderbosch Z. , Winget K. I. , Brown Warren R.
Published: January 2017

We assess the photometric variability of nine stars with spectroscopic T
eff and log g values from the ELM Survey that locates them near the empirical extremely low-mass (ELM) white dwarf instability strip. We discover three new pulsating stars: SDSS J135512.34+195645.4, SDSS J173521.69+213440.6, and SDSS J213907.42+222708.9. However, these are among the few ELM Survey objects that do not show radial velocity (RV) variations that confirm the binary nature expected of helium-core white dwarfs. The dominant 4.31 hr pulsation in SDSS J135512.34+195645.4 far exceeds the theoretical cut-off for surface reflection in a white dwarf, and this target is likely a high-amplitude δ Scuti pulsator with an overestimated surface gravity. We estimate the probability to be less than 0.0008 that the lack of measured RV variations in four of eight other pulsating candidate ELM white dwarfs could be due to low orbital inclination. Two other targets exhibit variability as photometric binaries. Partial coverage of the 19.342 hr orbit of WD J030818.19+514011.5 reveals deep eclipses that imply a primary radius >0.4 R
⊙—too large to be consistent with an ELM white dwarf. The only object for which our time series photometry adds support to ELM white dwarf classification is SDSS J105435.78−212155.9, which has consistent signatures of Doppler beaming and ellipsoidal variations. We conclude that the ELM Survey contains multiple false positives from another stellar population at T
eff ≲ 9000 K, possibly related to the sdA stars recently reported from SDSS spectra.
Magnetar Central Engine and Possible Gravitational Wave Emission of Nearby Short GRB 160821B
Authors: Lü Hou-Jun , Zhang Hai-Ming , Zhong Shu-Qing , Hou Shu-Jin , Sun Hui , Rice Jared , Liang En-Wei
Published: January 2017

GRB 160821B is a short gamma-ray burst (SGRB) at redshift z = 0.16, with a duration less than 1 s and without any “extended emission” detected up to more than 100 s in both Swift/BAT and Fermi/GBM bands. An X-ray plateau with a sharp drop 180 s after the BAT trigger was observed with Swift/XRT. No supernova or kilo-nova signature was detected. Assuming the central engine of this SGRB is a recently born supra-massive magnetar, we can explain the SGRB as jet radiation and its X-ray plateau as the internal energy dissipation of the pulsar wind as it spins down. We constrain its surface magnetic field to B
p < 3.12 × 1016 G and initial spin period to P
0 < 8.5 × 10−3 s. Its equation of state is consistent with the GM1 model with M
TOV ∼ 2.37 M
⊙ and ellipticity ϵ < 0.07. Its gravitational wave (GW) radiation may be detectable with the future Einstein Telescope, but is much weaker than the current detectability limit of Advanced LIGO. The GW radiation of such an event would be detectable by Advanced LIGO if it occurred at a distance of 100 Mpc (z = 0.023).
Multiband Observations of the Quasar PKS 2326–502 during Active and Quiescent Gamma-Ray States in 2010–2012
Authors: Dutka Michael S. , Carpenter Bryce D. , Ojha Roopesh , Finke Justin D. , D’Ammando Filippo , Kadler Matthias , Edwards Philip G. , Stevens Jamie , Torresi Eleonora , Grandi Paola , Nesci Roberto , Krauß Felicia , Müller Cornelia , Wilms Joern , Gehrels Neil
Published: January 2017

Quasi-simultaneous observations of the Flat Spectrum Radio Quasar PKS 2326−502 were carried out in the γ-ray, X-ray, UV, optical, near-infrared, and radio bands. Using these observations, we are able to characterize the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the source during two flaring and one quiescent γ-ray states. These data were used to constrain one-zone leptonic models of the SEDs of each flare and investigate the physical conditions giving rise to them. While modeling one flare required only changes in the electron spectrum compared to the quiescent state, modeling the other flare required changes in both the electron spectrum and the size of the emitting region. These results are consistent with an emerging pattern of two broad classes of flaring states seen in blazars. Type 1 flares are explained by changes solely in the electron distribution, whereas type 2 flares require a change in an additional parameter. This suggests that different flares, even in the same source, may result from different physical conditions or different regions in the jet.
Testing the Universality of the Stellar IMF with Chandra and HST
Authors: Coulter D. A. , Lehmer B. D. , Eufrasio R. T. , Kundu A. , Maccarone T. , Peacock M. , Hornschemeier A. E. , Basu-Zych A. , Gonzalez A. H. , Maraston C. , Zepf S. E.
Published: January 2017

The stellar initial mass function (IMF), which is often assumed to be universal across unresolved stellar populations, has recently been suggested to be “bottom-heavy” for massive ellipticals. In these galaxies, the prevalence of gravity-sensitive absorption lines (e.g., Na i and Ca ii) in their near-IR spectra implies an excess of low-mass (

) stars over that expected from a canonical IMF observed in low-mass ellipticals. A direct extrapolation of such a bottom-heavy IMF to high stellar masses (

) would lead to a corresponding deficit of neutron stars and black holes, and therefore of low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), per unit near-IR luminosity in these galaxies. Peacock et al. searched for evidence of this trend and found that the observed number of LMXBs per unit K-band luminosity (

) was nearly constant. We extend this work using new and archival Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope observations of seven low-mass ellipticals where

is expected to be the largest and compare these data with a variety of IMF models to test which are consistent with the observed

. We reproduce the result of Peacock et al., strengthening the constraint that the slope of the IMF at

must be consistent with a Kroupa-like IMF. We construct an IMF model that is a linear combination of a Milky Way-like IMF and a broken power-law IMF, with a steep slope (

) for stars <0.5 

 (as suggested by near-IR indices), and that flattens out (

) for stars >0.5 

, and discuss its wider ramifications and limitations.
The Relation Between Globular Cluster Systems and Supermassive Black Holes in Spiral Galaxies: The Case Study of NGC 4258
Authors: González-Lópezlira Rosa A. , Lomelí-Núñez Luis , Álamo-Martínez Karla , Órdenes-Briceño Yasna , Loinard Laurent , Georgiev Iskren Y. , Muñoz Roberto P. , Puzia Thomas H. , Bruzual A. Gustavo , Gwyn Stephen
Published: January 2017

We aim to explore the relationship between globular cluster total number,

N

GC

, and central black hole mass, M
•, in spiral galaxies, and compare it with that recently reported for ellipticals. We present results for the Sbc galaxy NGC 4258, from Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope data. Thanks to water masers with Keplerian rotation in a circumnuclear disk, NGC 4258 has the most precisely measured extragalactic distance and supermassive black hole mass to date. The globular cluster (GC) candidate selection is based on the (

u

*

−

i

′

) versus (

i

′

−

K

s

) diagram, which is a superb tool to distinguish GCs from foreground stars, background galaxies, and young stellar clusters, and hence can provide the best number counts of GCs from photometry alone, virtually free of contamination, even if the galaxy is not completely edge-on. The mean optical and optical-near-infrared colors of the clusters are consistent with those of the Milky Way and M 31, after extinction is taken into account. We directly identify 39 GC candidates; after completeness correction, GC luminosity function extrapolation, and correction for spatial coverage, we calculate a total

N

GC

=
144
±

31

−
36

+
38

(random and systematic uncertainties, respectively). We have thus increased to six the sample of spiral galaxies with measurements of both M
• and

N

GC

. NGC 4258 has a specific frequency

S

N

=
0.4
±
0.1

(random uncertainty), and is consistent within 2σ with the

N

GC

versus M
• correlation followed by elliptical galaxies. The Milky Way continues to be the only spiral that deviates significantly from the relation.
Similarity of PSR J1906+0746 to PSR J0737–3039: a Candidate of a New Double Pulsar System?
Authors: Yang Yi-Yan , Zhang Cheng-Min , Li Di , Wang De-Hua , Pan Yuan-Yue , Lingfu Rong-Feng , Zhou Zhu-Wen
Published: January 2017

PSR J1906+0746 is a nonrecycled strong magnetic field neutron star (NS), sharing the properties of the secondary-formed NS PSR J0737–3039B in the double pulsar system PSR J0737–3039AB. By comparing the orbital parameters of PSR J1906+0746 with those of PSR J0737–3039AB, we conclude that both systems have a similar origin and evolution history, involving an e-capture process for forming the second-born NS, like in the case of PSR J0737–3039B. We expect the companion of PSR J1906+0746 to be a long-lived recycled pulsar with radio beams that currently cannot be observed from Earth. We suggest possible ways to detect its presence. To compare PSR J1906+0746 with PSR J0737–3039, we also present the mass distribution of eight pairs of double NSs and find that in double NSs the mass of the recycled pulsar is usually larger than that of the nonrecycled one, which may be the result of accretion.
Effects of Latent Heating on Atmospheres of Brown Dwarfs and Directly Imaged Planets
Authors: Tan Xianyu , Showman Adam P.
Published: January 2017

The growing number of observations of brown dwarfs (BDs) has provided evidence for strong atmospheric circulation on these objects. Directly imaged planets share similar observations and can be viewed as low-gravity versions of BDs. Vigorous condensate cycles of chemical species in their atmospheres are inferred by observations and theoretical studies, and latent heating associated with condensation is expected to be important in shaping atmospheric circulation and influencing cloud patchiness. We present a qualitative description of the mechanisms by which condensational latent heating influences circulation, and then illustrate them using an idealized general circulation model that includes a condensation cycle of silicates with latent heating and molecular weight effect due to the rainout of the condensate. Simulations with conditions appropriate for typical T dwarfs exhibit the development of localized storms and east–west jets. The storms are spatially inhomogeneous, evolving on a timescale of hours to days and extending vertically from the condensation level to the tropopause. The fractional area of the BD covered by active storms is small. Based on a simple analytic model, we quantitatively explain the area fraction of moist plumes and show its dependence on the radiative timescale and convective available potential energy (CAPE). We predict that if latent heating dominates cloud formation processes, the fractional coverage area of clouds decreases as the spectral type goes through the L/T transition from high to lower effective temperature. This is a natural consequence of the variation of the radiative timescale and CAPE with the spectral type.
Hints for Hidden Planetary Companions to Hot Jupiters in Stellar Binaries
Authors: Hamers Adrian S.
Published: January 2017

Searches for stellar companions to hot Jupiters (HJs) have revealed that planetary systems hosting an HJ are approximately three times more likely to have a stellar companion with a semimajor axis between 50 and 2000 au, compared to field stars. This correlation suggests that HJ formation is affected by the stellar binary companion. A potential model is high-eccentricity migration, in which the binary companion induces high-eccentricity Lidov–Kozai (LK) oscillations in the proto-HJ orbit, triggering orbital migration driven by tides. A pitfall of this “binary-LK” model is that the observed stellar binaries hosting HJs are typically too wide to produce HJs in sufficient numbers because of suppression by short-range forces. We propose a modification to the binary-LK model in which there is a second giant planet orbiting the proto-HJ at a semimajor axis of several tens of au. Such companions are currently hidden to observations, but their presence could be manifested by a propagation of the perturbation of the stellar binary companion inward to the proto-HJ, thereby overcoming the barrier imposed by short-range forces. Our model does not require the planetary companion orbit to be eccentric and/or inclined with respect to the proto-HJ, but its semimajor axis should lie in a specific range given the planetary mass and binary semimajor axis, and the inclination with respect to the binary should be near 40° or 140°. Our prediction for planetary companions to HJs in stellar binaries should be testable by future observations.
Interpreting the Strongly Lensed Supernova iPTF16geu: Time Delay Predictions, Microlensing, and Lensing Rates
Authors: More Anupreeta , Suyu Sherry H. , Oguri Masamune , More Surhud , Lee Chien-Hsiu
Published: January 2017

We present predictions for time delays between multiple images of the gravitationally lensed supernova, iPTF16geu, which was recently discovered from the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory (iPTF). As the supernova is of Type Ia where the intrinsic luminosity is usually well known, accurately measured time delays of the multiple images could provide tight constraints on the Hubble constant. According to our lens mass models constrained by the Hubble Space Telescope F814W image, we expect the maximum relative time delay to be less than a day, which is consistent with the maximum of 100 hr reported by Goobar et al. but places a stringent upper limit. Furthermore, the fluxes of most of the supernova images depart from expected values suggesting that they are affected by microlensing. The microlensing timescales are small enough that they may pose significant problems to measure the time delays reliably. Our lensing rate calculation indicates that the occurrence of a lensed SN in iPTF is likely. However, the observed total magnification of iPTF16geu is larger than expected, given its redshift. This may be a further indication of ongoing microlensing in this system.
Impact of interleukin 28B rs12979860 C/T polymorphism on severity of disease and response to treatment in hepatitis delta
Authors: Ispiroglu Murat , Bahcecioglu Ibrahim Halil , Demirel Ulvi , Yalniz Mehmet
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Pegylated-interferon alpha (Peg-IFN α) is the therapy most commonly used to treat chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection. In the present study, we planned to investigate effect of IL28B polymorphism on response to Peg-IFN α therapy and disease progression in patients with chronic HDV. Methodology: A total of 47 patients who received Peg-IFNα therapy for at least one year were investigated. The patients were divided into three groups based on their response to treatment: sustained viral response (SVR) (32%), unresponsive (53%), and relapse (15%). The groups were compared in terms of age, gender, blood biochemistry (albumin, total bilirubin, lactic acid dehydrogenase, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), complete blood count, HBeAg, HBsAg, HBV-DNA, HDV-RNA, IL28B genotypes (CC, CT, TT), and results of liver biopsy. Results:  Regarding the investigation of IL28B genotype, the prevalence of CC, CT, and TT showed no difference among the three groups. In the SVR group, the prevalence of CC was 53%, CT was 47%, but there was no patient with TT. In the unresponsive group, prevalence of CC was 52%, CT was 32%, and TT was 16%. In the relapse group, prevalence of CC was 43%, CT was 57%, but there was no patient with TT genotype. No significant difference was found among the groups with sustained response, no response, and relapse in terms of CC and CT polymorphisms (p>0.05). Conclusions: No relationship was found between IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism and response to treatment and disease severity in patients with chronic HDV infection.
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella species from clinical specimens and food Items in Lebanon
Authors: Fadlallah Sukayna M , Shehab Marwa , Cheaito Katia , Saleh Majd , Ghosn Nada , Ammar Walid , El Hajj Rima , Matar Ghassan M
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Foodborne illnesses can be due to a wide range of bacteria, one of the most common being Salmonella. In this study, PulseNet International was implemented in Lebanon to identify circulating pathogens at the species and strain levels, determine antimicrobial resistance, and link food sources and clinical cases during outbreaks. Methodology: Clinical and food Salmonella isolates received from the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, Ministry of Public Health (ESUMOH) and the Lebanese Agriculture Research Institute (LARI) between 2011 and 2014 were identified to the species level using API 20E. Serotyping was carried out using the Kauffman and White scheme. Antimicrobial susceptibility to a panel of antimicrobials was tested by the disc diffusion method. The DNA fingerprinting patterns were determined using Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) followed by BIONUMERICS analysis. Results: 290 clinical and 49 food isolates were identified to be Salmonella. The serotyping of the isolates revealed the prevalence of ten serotypes in the clinical isolates and seven serotypes within the food isolates; S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium being the two most common. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed resistance to tested antimicrobials among both clinical and food isolates. PFGE results showed a wide range of pulsotypes by the different serovars. These pulsotypes were then used to confirm the linkage of two outbreaks to their food sources. Conclusion: This study calls out to set and implement food safety regulations and emphasizes the importance of surveillance through a “farm-to-fork” approach in identifying widely circulating food borne pathogens.
Comparison of Mycoplasma IES, Mycofast Revolution and Mycoplasma IST2 to detect genital mycoplasmas in clinical samples
Authors: D'Inzeo Tiziana , De Angelis Giulia , Fiori Barbara , Menchinelli Giulia , Liotti Flora Marzia , Morandotti Grazia Angela , De Maio Flavio , Nagel Domenico , Antonaci Marco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Spanu Teresa
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Culture is regarded as the gold standard for the detection of genital mycoplasma in clinical samples. Commercially available diagnostic kits, based on liquid broth cultures, provide interesting alternatives to conventional culture. We assessed the laboratory performances of Mycoplasma IES (IES), the Mycofast Revolution (REV) and Mycoplasma IST 2 (IST2) compared to A7 agar plates for the detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in clinical samples. Methodology: From April to July 2013, endocervical or vaginal samples were collected from sexually active women with abnormal vaginal discharge. Each specimen was tested in parallel using the three commercial kits and the A7 agar plates. Results: A total of 303 samples were included in this study, 35.6% (108/303) of which were positive on A7 plates. Sensitivities for the detection of U. urealyticum of IES, REV and IST2 were 100%, 96.2% and 95.3%, respectively while those for M. hominis were of 92.8%, 92.8% and 85.7%, respectively. Specificity was 100% for the 3 methods. Concerning antimicrobial susceptibility testing, full agreement between IES and REV was documented. Conclusions: The Mycoplasma IES kit was found to be equivalent or superior compared to other commercial culture-based assays for a rapid and accurate identification of U. urealyticum and M. hominis and detection of resistance. It might be considered a cost-effective tool for detection of these organisms, particularly attractive in developing countries.
Genital region cleansing wipes: Effects on urine culture contamination
Authors: Selek Mehmet Burak , Bektöre Bayhan , Sezer Ogün , Kula Atik Tuğba , Baylan Orhan , Özyurt Mustafa
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Urine culture is the gold standard test for revealing the microbial agent causing urinary tract infection (UTI). Culture results are affected by sampling techniques; improper sampling leads to contamination of urine and thus contamination of the culture with urogenital flora. We aimed to evaluate the effect of urogenital cleansing, performed with chlorhexidine-containing genital region cleansing wipes (GRCW) on contamination rates. Methodology: A total of 2,665 patients with UTI-related complaints and with urine culture requests from various outpatient clinics were enrolled in the study. Of the patients, 1,609 in the experimental group used GRCW before sampling, while 1,046 in the control group did not use any wipes. Results: The contamination rate in the experimental group patients was 7.7%, while it was 15.8% in the control group. Contamination rates were significantly higher in the control group than in the experimental group for both women and men. Contamination rates for children and adults were also significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions: Our study, conducted in a large population, showed that the use of chlorhexidine-containing cleansing wipes significantly reduced urine culture contamination rates in both genders, in both child and adult age groups. Using GRCW, collection of urine after urogenital area cleansing will decrease the contamination problem.
Exposure incidents among medical students in a high-prevalence HIV setting
Authors: Rossouw Theresa Marié , Van Rooyen Marietjie , Richter Karin Louise
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Occupational injuries in medical students are concerning, especially in countries with a high prevalence of bloodborne infections. With more HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral treatment, appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) depends on knowledge of source patients’ infection status and treatment response. This study determined the number and type of exposure incidents, reporting practices, and PEP use among medical students at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Methodology: Data were collected from an anonymous voluntary questionnaire completed by medical students from years 1 to 6 of study as well as from incident records archived at the Department of Family Medicine. Data were described and tests of association performed in Stata 11. Results: Thirteen percent of students overall and 21% of senior students reported an incident in the preceding year. The majority of incidents occurred during phlebotomy, with fatigue and work pressure found to be major contributing factors. Underreporting was common and many students displayed a lack of risk awareness and a preference for managing the incident privately. Although 59% knew the HIV-status of the source patient, less than a third knew the viral load and only 16.9% the regimen. Side-effects on antiretroviral treatment used for PEP were common and only about three-quarters of the students completed the course. Conclusions: We recommend targeted training, especially in the senior years, together with improving the work environment through attention to working hours, sharps disposal and ready availability of safety devices, improved reporting systems, individualised PEP, and possibly the implementation of an occupational injury support line.
Guidelines for collecting vouchers and tissues intended for genomic work (Smithsonian Institution): Botany Best Practices
Authors: Funk Vicki , Gostel Morgan , Devine Amanda , Kelloff Carol , Wurdack Kenneth , Tuccinardi Chris , Radosavljevic Aleks , Peters Melinda , Coddington Jonathan
Published: January 2017

The introduction of Next Generation Sequencing into the disciplines of plant systematics, ecology, and metagenomics, among others, has resulted in a phenomenal increase in the collecting and storing of tissue samples and their respective vouchers. This manual suggests standard practices that will insure the quality and preservation of the tissue and vouchers and their respective data. Although written for use by the Smithsonian Institution botanists it suggests a framework for collecting tissues and vouchers that other research programs can adapt to their own needs. It includes information on collecting voucher specimens, collecting plant tissue intended for genomic analysis, how to manage these collections, and how to incorporate the data into a database management system. It also includes many useful references for collecting and processing collections. We hope it will be useful for a variety of botanists but especially those who know how to collect plants and want to collect tissue samples that will be useful for genomic research, and those who are skilled in lab work and want to know how to properly voucher and record their tissue collections.
Harnessing the Power of the Synchronous Classroom in Staff Development
Authors: Nelson Leslie
Published: January 2017

The synchronous classroom with its real-time capability can be a powerful tool for staff development. In this article, the author identifies three key elements for successful implementation of the virtual classroom and shares lessons learned during 8 years of online teaching.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2017;48(2):62–64.
Developing Policies and Protocols in the Age of Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Dols Jean Dowling , Muñoz Laura R. , Martinez Stephanie S. , Mathers Nicholas , Miller Pamela S. , Pomerleau Theresa A. , Timmons Amy , White Sondra
Published: January 2017

Prior to evidence-based practice, policies and procedures were reviewed annually or even triennially to ensure that they reflected current practice and demonstrated adherence to regulatory standards. With the publication of the Institute of Medicine report, a shift to operationalization of best evidence practices, formal statements, and frameworks for care has gained increased importance. Processes for policy and protocol development and revision are now based on the inclusion of best evidence, clinician expertise, and patient values or preference. Policies and protocols are now updated when new evidence justifies a revision and are designed to share the most recent evidence and facilitate staff adherence to new practices. This article describes the essential practices for policy and protocol development, including leadership support, team commitment, identification of current resources, recognition of current practices, development of the policy and protocol to logically flow with nursing practices, effective dissemination methods, and evaluation and sustainability practices.

J Contin Nurs Educ.
2017;48(2):87–92.
The Opioid Epidemic: What Does it Mean for Nurses?
Authors: Leahy Laura G.
Published: January 2017

The United States is facing a major crisis with the current opioid epidemic. Tens of thousands of individuals are dying each year due to abuse and misuse of heroin and prescription opiate drugs. Nurses play an integral role in these aspects of health care and offer solutions by providing education; preventive measures; treatments, including medication-assisted treatments (MATs); and ongoing recovery options for individuals with opioid use disorders. Nurses provide education, issue prescriptions and dispense medications, and provide overall physical and mental health care to patients struggling with this “disease of the brain,” and with the signing of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, advanced practice RNs will soon be able to include MATs related to buprenorphine as part of their treatment plan. The current article explores the anatomy, physiology, and genetics of addiction and how they relate to the pharmacological MATs used to treat opioid use disorders. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55
(1), 18–23.]
Effect of a Telephone Intervention on Measures of Psychiatric and Nonpsychiatric Medication Adherence in Outpatients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Beebe Lora Humphrey , Smith Kathleen , Phillips Chad
Published: January 2017

Telephone intervention may address the need for problem-solving interventions to improve medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). The current randomized controlled trial examined the effect of weekly telephone intervention problem solving (TIPS) on quantitative measures of psychiatric and nonpsychiatric medication adherence over 6 months in 105 stable outpatients with SSDs. Independent samples
t
test revealed no significant differences in psychiatric or nonpsychiatric pill count adherence between groups at 6 months; however, 54.7% of experimental participants versus 32.7% of controls had serum antipsychotic levels within therapeutic range at 6 months (
χ
2
= 5.2,
df
= 1,
p
= 0.023). The current study extends the literature on adherence in patients with SSDs by describing a clinical sample of stable outpatients over 6 months and examining adherence to psychiatric and nonpsychiatric medications. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55
(1), 29–36.]
Spontaneous Rupture of the Uterine Artery in an Otherwise Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Hardin Nicholas Brent , Delozier Andrew , Torabi Alireza , Laks Shaked
Published: January 2017

Spontaneous rupture of a uterine artery in pregnancy is associated with a high rate of mortality. Although uterine artery rupture has been associated with postpartum hemorrhage, it is rarely found during pregnancy. Unfortunately, clinical signs and symptoms are usually vague and nonspecific. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman at 20 weeks gestation presenting with abdominal pain who was found to have a spontaneous uterine artery rupture. To our knowledge, this is the first case report demonstrating imaging findings in a patient with this condition. Our patient underwent successful ligation of the uterine vessel with preservation of both mother and fetus. We will discuss possible etiologies of uterine artery rupture during pregnancy, associated imaging findings, and management options.
Imaging Findings of Ulceroglandular Tularemia
Authors: Anand Neil , Deochand Osmani , Murphy Robyn
Published: January 2017

Francisella tularensis, the causative organism in Tularemia, is a relatively rare disease. There are a few radiological clues to elucidate its presence when suspicion arises.  There should be strong consideration for Tularemia in the differential of any patient with its classic symptoms, diffuse cervical lymphadenopathy with evidence of necrosis, and enlarged adenoids. Ultrasound may demonstrate suppurative lymphadenopathy suggestive of infection, as in the case presented. CT often will demonstrate the extent of lymphadenopathy. On chest radiography, tularemia pneumonia is often the presenting finding, which may demonstrate bilateral or lobar infiltrates. Additionally, hilar lymphadenopathy and pleural effusions are often associated findings. Cavitary lesions may be present, which are better delineated on CT scan. We present a case of a 7-year-old male who presented with a painful right-sided palpable neck mass for 9 days, who was diagnosed with Tularemia after numerous admissions.
Lateral Thoracic Artery Pseudoaneurysm as a Result of Penetrating Chest Trauma
Authors: Pontell Matthew , Scantling Dane , Babcock Jessica , Trebelev Alexander , Nunez Alberto
Published: January 2017

Pseudoaneurysms are potentially fatal complications of vascular trauma; however, they are rarely seen as the sole complication of penetrating injury. We present a case of a pseudoaneurysm with an associated arteriovenous fistula of the left lateral thoracic artery as a result of direct trauma from a knife stab. The patient presented only with a painful, swollen left pectoralis muscle. Upon diagnosis, he was taken to the interventional radiology suite and treated successfully with fluoroscopic guided coil embolization. Cases such as these are infrequent and should encourage more aggressive use of contrast enhanced computed tomography imaging for soft tissue injury, as a missed traumatic pseudoaneurysm may result in life-threatening hemorrhage.
Use of rubber shreds to enhance attenuation of railway sub-ballast layers made of unbound aggregates
Authors: Hidalgo-Signes C. , Garzón-Roca J. , Grima-Palop J. M. , Insa-Franco R.
Published: January 2017

One of the approaches for solving the problem of induced vibrations in railways is by slightly modifying the materials that form the track. A study is presented of the attenuation capacity of mixes composed of granular soil and rubber shreds when used as sub-ballast (the layer located immediately below the ballast layer). Rubber shreds are obtained from scrap tyres, a troublesome waste material whose reuse and recycling is necessary. A series of mixes of granular soil and rubber shreds with rubber contents of between 1% and 10% are submitted to hammer impact tests to study their response to dynamic excitation. Results reveal that mixing rubber shreds with granular soil increases damping ratios, thus demonstrating the potential of the proposed mixes for attenuating vibration.
Predictive Analytics
Authors: Kalaian Sema A. , Kasim Rafa M.
Published: January 2017

Predictive analytics and modeling are analytical tools for knowledge discovery through examining and capturing the complex relationships and patterns among the variables in the existing data in efforts to predict the future organizational performances. Their uses become more common place due largely to collecting massive amount of data, which is referred to as “big data,” and the increased need to transform large amounts of data into intelligent information (knowledge) such as trends, patterns, and relationships. The intelligent information can then be used to make smart and informed data-based decisions and predictions using various methods of predictive analytics. The main purpose of this chapter is to present a conceptual and practical overview of some of the basic and advanced analytical tools of predictive analytics. The chapter provides a detailed coverage of some of the predictive analytics tools such as Simple and Multiple-Regression, Polynomial Regression, Logistic Regression, Discriminant Analysis, and Multilevel Modeling.
Research Challenges in Big Data Analytics
Authors: Chokkalingam Sivamathi , S. Vijayarani
Published: January 2017

The term Big Data refers to large-scale information management and analysis technologies that exceed the capability of traditional data processing technologies. Big Data is differentiated from traditional technologies in three ways: volume, velocity and variety of data. Big data analytics is the process of analyzing large data sets which contains a variety of data types to uncover hidden patterns, unknown correlations, market trends, customer preferences and other useful business information. Since Big Data is new emerging field, there is a need for development of new technologies and algorithms for handling big data. The main objective of this paper is to provide knowledge about various research challenges of Big Data analytics. A brief overview of various types of Big Data analytics is discussed in this paper. For each analytics, the paper describes process steps and tools. A banking application is given for each analytics. Some of research challenges and possible solutions for those challenges of big data analytics are also discussed.
Designing Measures for Managing the Effectiveness for Integrated Service Delivery
Authors: Sillanpää Virpi
Published: January 2017

Health and social services are increasingly produced in cooperation among several specialized organizations. This has increased the importance of service integration in the sector. While the literature acknowledges the need for performance measurement addressing outcomes and effectiveness of service integration, not enough is known about applying such measurement practices. This paper examines the design of a performance measurement system to support the effectiveness management of an integrated service delivery. The research identifies three aspects of effectiveness – community, client and network level. Empirical examination reveals that success factors for design of measures for integrated service delivery include consensus on the targets, coordination and fluent cooperation among actors in the network. The paper contributes to performance measurement literature by illustrating how the design of system level measurement is carried out in practice and analyzing the lessons learned.