bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flickering of accreting white dwarfs: the remarkable amplitude–flux relation and disc viscosity
Authors: Zamanov R. K. , Boeva S. , Latev  G. , Sokoloski J. L. , Stoyanov  K. A. , Genkov V. , Tsvetkova S. V. , Tomov T. , Antov A. , Bode M. F. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
We analyse optical photometric data of short term variability (flickering) of accreting white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables (KR Aur, MV Lyr, V794 Aql, TT Ari, V425 Cas), recurrent novae (RS Oph and T CrB) and jet-ejecting symbiotic stars (CH Cyg and MWC 560). We find that the amplitude–flux relationship is visible over four orders of magnitude, in the range of fluxes from 1029 to 1033 erg s−1 Å−1, as a ‘statistically perfect correlation with correlation coefficient 0.96 and p-value ∼10−28. In the above range, the amplitude of variability for any of our 9 objects is proportional to the flux level with (almost) one and the same factor of proportionality for all nine accreting white dwarfs with ΔF = 0.36(±0.05)Fav, σrms = 0.086(±0.011)Fav, and σrms/ΔF = 0.24 ± 0.02. Overall, our results indicate that the viscosity in the accretion discs is practically the same for all nine objects in our sample, in the mass accretion rate range 2 × 10−11 − 2 × 10−7 M⊙ yr−1.
EXTraS discovery of an 1.2-s X-ray pulsar in M 31
Authors: Esposito P. , Israel G. L. , Belfiore A. , Novara G. , Sidoli L. , Rodríguez Castillo G. A. , De Luca A. , Tiengo A. , Haberl F. , Salvaterra R. , Read A. M. , Salvetti D. , Sandrelli S. , Marelli M. , Wilms J. , D'Agostino D. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
During a search for coherent signals in the X-ray archival data of XMM–Newton, we discovered a modulation at 1.2 s in 3XMM J004301.4+413017 (3X J0043), a source lying in the direction of an external arm of M 31. This short period indicates a neutron star (NS). Between 2000 and 2013, the position of 3X J0043 was imaged by public XMM–Newton observations 35 times. The analysis of these data allowed us to detect an orbital modulation at 1.27 d and study the long-term properties of the source. The emission of the pulsar was rather hard (most spectra are described by a power law with Γ &lt; 1) and, assuming the distance to M 31, the 0.3–10 keV luminosity was variable, from ∼3 × 1037 to 2 × 1038 erg s−1. The analysis of optical data shows that, while 3X J0043 is likely associated to a globular cluster in M 31, a counterpart with V ≳ 22 outside the cluster cannot be excluded. Considering our findings, there are two main viable scenarios for 3X J0043: a peculiar low-mass X-ray binary, similar to 4U 1822−37 or 4U 1626−67, or an intermediate-mass X-ray binary resembling Her X−1. Regardless of the exact nature of the system, 3X J0043 is the first accreting NS in M 31 in which the spin period has been detected.
Twin peak quasi-periodic oscillations as signature of oscillating cusp torus
Authors: Török G. , Goluchová K. , Horák J. , Šrámková E. , Urbanec M. , Pecháček T. , Bakala P. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Serious theoretical effort has been devoted to explain the observed frequencies of twin-peak quasi-periodic oscillations (HF QPOs) observed in low-mass X-ray neutron star binaries. Here we propose a new model of HF QPOs. Within its framework we consider an oscillating torus with cusp that changes location r0 of its centre around radii very close to innermost stable circular orbit. The observed variability is assigned to global modes of accreted fluid motion that may give strong modulation of both accretion disc radiation and the accretion rate. For a given space–time geometry, the model predicts that QPO frequencies are function of single parameter r0. We illustrate that the model can provide fits of data comparable to those reached by other models, or even better. In particular, it is compared to relativistic precession model. Moreover, we also illustrate that the model consideration is compatible with consideration of models of a rotating neutron star in the atoll source 4U 1636−53.
Evaluating communication competency of tour guides using a modified importance-performance analysis (MIPA)
Authors: Sulaiman Al Jahwari Dawood , Sirakaya-Turk Ercan , Altintas Volkan 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the communication competency of tour guides using a modified importance–performance analysis (MIPA). Tour guides are cultural ambassadors of a country; their communication skills can make or break tourists’ experiences with guided tours and memories of a destination.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 387 professional tour guides representing 38 per cent of all tour guides in Antalya, Turkey. The study further performs factor analysis using 32 communication competency items to determine underlying performance dimensions. This is followed by an MIPA to statistically identify the gap between factors that tour guides consider important and their perceptions of how they perform on these factors.

Findings
The study reveals that tour guides need improvement in verbal skills such as grammar, manner of speech and choice of words, as well as non-verbal behaviors such as approachability and the ability to remain friendly while maintaining a certain personal space.

Research limitations/implications
Due to the nature of this study and certain time limitations, the most effective method proved to be collecting data from a convenient sample of tour guides during their annual workshop. The theory of behavioral communication competency details theoretical and practical implications.

Practical implications
The study findings provide tour operators and the Association of Professional Tour Guides with a platform from which they can launch educational seminars and workshops to enhance tour guides’ communication competency.

Originality/value
The study contributes two main findings: This research provides a first-of-its-kind examination of professional tour guides’ communication competency using MIPA. The study improves the efficacy of traditional importance–performance analysis (IPA) models by enhancing them with a gap analysis through a t-test and effect size analysis including a gap analysis takes the arbitrariness out of the process of determining the location of items within the IPA grid. Tourism service providers can use these findings to offer educational seminars that can increase the skill sets of tour guides.
Accelerated HF‐rTMS Protocol has a Rate‐Dependent Effect on dACC Activation in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients: An Open‐Label Feasibility Study
Authors: Herremans Sarah C. , De Raedt Rudi , Van Schuerbeek Peter , Marinazzo Daniele , Matthys Frieda , De Mey Johan , Baeken Chris 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundThe application of accelerated high‐frequency (HF) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could be a potential treatment option for alcohol‐dependent patients and may result in a faster clinical response. In this open‐label HF‐rTMS feasibility study, we wanted to replicate previous findings of baseline brain activation as a predictor of relapse, and to evaluate how this intervention influences the relapse neurocircuit of “treatment‐seeking” alcohol‐dependent patients, by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) cue‐exposure paradigms. Because relapsing patients have a diminished resilience of the emotion regulation/cognitive control system, before HF‐rTMS treatment, we expected lower neuronal activation of especially the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during the presentation of alcohol‐related cues in these patients. The relapse neurocircuit should be modified after accelerated HF‐rTMS treatment, only in those patients who did not relapse.MethodsAfter being administered a single sham‐controlled HF‐rTMS session (20 Hz to 110% motor threshold), 19 alcohol‐dependent patients received an accelerated HF‐rTMS protocol, consisting of 14 right dorsolateral prefrontal cortical sessions spread over 3 days. Before and after stimulation, during fMRI patients were confronted with a block and an event‐related alcoholic cue‐exposure paradigm. Relapse was defined as the consumption of any amount of alcohol within 4 weeks after the stimulation. A region of interest analysis was performed to evaluate how HF‐rTMS exerts its effect.ResultsAfter 4 weeks, 13 of 19 patients had already consumed alcohol. When abstainers were compared to patients who had relapsed, we found higher dorsal ACC (dACC) activation at baseline, but only during the blocked cue‐exposure paradigm. The effects of HF‐rTMS on dACC blood oxygen level‐dependent response were negatively correlated with the baseline dACC activation. Due to susceptibility artifacts located at the ventral cortical aspects in 6 of our participants, reliable data were only obtained for the ACC.ConclusionsOur data indicate that higher baseline dACC activation may serve as a protective mechanism regarding relapse. For the first time, it is demonstrated that accelerated HF‐rTMS treatment influences dACC activation in a rate‐dependent manner: the lower the baseline dACC activation, the more dACC activity was increased after HF‐rTMS treatment.
Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase‐associated Lipocalin as a Marker for Identification of Acute Kidney Injury and Recovery in Dogs with Gentamicin‐induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Palm C.A. , Segev G. , Cowgill L.D. , LeRoy B.E. , Kowalkowski K.L. , Kanakubo K. , Westropp J.L. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high mortality rates in dogs, which may be a consequence of late recognition using traditional diagnostic tests. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein‐induced during kidney injury that may identifyAKIearlier than traditional tests.Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate urinaryNGAL(uNGAL) anduNGAL‐to‐urinary creatinine ratio (UNCR) as early markers of kidney injury and recovery in anAKImodel in dogs. It was hypothesized that these markers would documentAKIearlier than serum creatinine concentration.AnimalsFive purpose‐bred dogs.MethodsProspective study. Acute kidney injury, defined as a > 50% increase in serum creatinine concentration above baseline, was induced in dogs by gentamicin administration (8–10 mg/kgSCq8h). Blood and urine collected for biochemical analyses anduNGALand urinary creatinine concentrations, respectively, duringAKIinduction and recovery.ResultsAcute kidney injury was diagnosed significantly earlier based on a 7‐fold increase inUNCRcompared to a > 50% increase in serum creatinine concentration (day 8; range, 2–10 mg/dl vs day 16; range, 14–19 mg/dl;P= .009). During recovery, the initial decrease inUNCRpreceded the decrease in serum creatinine concentration by a median of 2 days. TheuNGALchanges paralleledUNCRchanges, but the increase inuNGALwas triphasic; the initial peak occurred earlier thanUNCR(median, day 11 versus median, day 19).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTheUNCRwas early marker of gentamicin‐inducedAKIand its decrease documented onset of renal recovery. Additional studies are needed to validate this marker in dogs with naturally occurring renal injury.
Virological and serological tools to optimize the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Martinot‐Peignoux Michelle , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMolecular biology techniques are routinely used to diagnose and monitor treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). These tools can detect and quantify viral genomes and analyse their sequences to determine genotype. The increasing use of these tools to monitor patients has greatly improved the management of CHB infection by maximizing the potential for individualized treatment. HBV genotyping has become increasingly important and provides additional information to predict a response to therapy. More sensitive methods to determine HBV DNA levels are now available and the units of measurements have been standardized. HBsAg levels in serum have been shown to reflect active intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and to have additional value in treatment decisions, especially as an on‐treatment marker.
Chronic HBV: which pregnant women should be treated?
Authors: He Tianyu , Jia Jidong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractUniversal HBV vaccination in infants has led to a dramatic decline of HBsAg prevalence in many parts of the world, but the positive rate of HBsAg in women of childbearing age is still high in endemic areas. Antiviral therapy during pregnancy may be indicated to control the liver disease of the mother or to prevent the MTCT. The decision on initiation, switching, continuation or stopage of the antiviral therapy should be made after careful consideration of the benefit and risk to both mothers and foetuses. For prepregnant women of childbearing age, a finite course of interferon is preferred if a pregnancy in the distant future is planned, whereas safer NAs could be started if a pregnancy in the near future is desired. For those who already started therapy with interferon or NAs before pregnancy, the switch to safer NAs is preferred. For women with newly diagnosed or with flare of CHB during pregnancy, category B NAs may be taken to treat their liver disease. For pregnant women with serum HBV DNA >106–7IU/ml, safer NAs could be started in the third trimester to further the reduce MTCT rate.
Universal screening for chronic hepatitis C virus
Authors: Shiffman Mitchell L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects an estimated 123 million persons worldwide and is the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in most countries. Approximately 75% of persons with chronic HCV were born between the years 1945–1965 and screening of patients in this birth cohort is now advocated. Unfortunately, these recommendations are not readily applied and a sizable population of infected persons who could benefit from treatment fall outside the birth cohort. Universal screening for HCV would be optimal. However, the primary limitation once patients are identified is accessing treatment which remains restricted in most countries.
Management of uninfected and infected ascites in cirrhosis
Authors: Solà Elsa , Solé Cristina , Ginès Pere 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAscites is the most frequent complication of patients with cirrhosis. Ascites is related to increased renal sodium retention as a result of increased activity of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in response to marked vasodilation of the splanchnic circulation. Management of uncomplicated ascites is based on a low‐sodium diet and diuretics. However, approximately 10% of patients develop refractory ascites during follow‐up, which is associated with a poor prognosis. The treatment of choice in patients with refractory ascites is large‐volume paracentesis associated with intravenous albumin. Moreover, patients who develop refractory ascites should be considered as candidates for liver transplantation. Patients with ascites are all at risk of developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). SBP is a common infection in patients with cirrhosis with a risk of mortality of 20%. Empirical antibiotics are the treatment of choice in patients with SBP but differ depending on the acquisition site of infection, because nosocomial infections have a higher risk of being caused by multiresistant bacteria. In addition to antibiotic treatment, all patients with SBP should also receive intravenous albumin. This review summarizes the management of uninfected ascites and SBP in cirrhosis.
Estimation of a Two-component Mixture Model with Applications to Multiple Testing
Authors: Patra Rohit Kumar , Sen Bodhisattva 
Published: January 2016

SummaryWe consider a two-component mixture model with one known component. We develop methods for estimating the mixing proportion and the unknown distribution non-parametrically, given independent and identically distributed data from the mixture model, using ideas from shape-restricted function estimation. We establish the consistency of our estimators. We find the rate of convergence and asymptotic limit of the estimator for the mixing proportion. Completely automated distribution-free honest finite sample lower confidence bounds are developed for the mixing proportion. Connection to the problem of multiple testing is discussed. The identifiability of the model and the estimation of the density of the unknown distribution are also addressed. We compare the estimators proposed, which are easily implementable, with some of the existing procedures through simulation studies and analyse two data sets: one arising from an application in astronomy and the other from a microarray experiment.
International Migration and Child labour in Developing Countries
Authors: De Paoli Anna , Mendola Mariapia 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis paper investigates the labor market effect of international migration on child work in countries of origin. We use an original cross‐country survey dataset, which combines information on international migration with detailed individual‐level data on child labour at age 5–14 in a wide range of developing countries. By exploiting both within and cross‐country variation and controlling for country fixed effects, we find strong and robust evidence on the role of international mobility of workers in reducing child labour in disadvantaged households through changes in the local labour market.
Sperm tsRNAs contribute to intergenerational inheritance of an acquired metabolic disorder
Authors: Chen Qi , Yan Menghong , Cao Zhonghong , Li Xin , Zhang Yunfang , Shi Junchao , Feng Gui-hai , Peng Hongying , Zhang Xudong , Zhang Ying , Qian Jingjing , Duan Enkui , Zhai Qiwei , Zhou Qi 
Published: January 2016

Offspring affected by sperm small RNAsPaternal dietary conditions in mammals influence the metabolic phenotypes of offspring. Although prior work suggests the involvement of epigenetic pathways, the mechanisms remains unclear. Two studies now show that altered paternal diet affects the level of small RNAs in mouse sperm. Chenet al.injected sperm transfer RNA (tRNA) fragments from males that had been kept on a high-fat diet into normal oocytes. The progeny displayed metabolic disorders and concomitant alteration of genes in metabolic pathways. Sharmaet al.observed the biogenesis and function of small tRNA-derived fragments during sperm maturation. Further understanding of the mechanisms by which progeny are affected by parental exposure may affect human diseases such as diet-induced metabolic disorders.Science, this issue p.397, p.391
Draft Genome Sequences of 14 Escherichia coli Phages Isolated from Cattle Slurry
Authors: Smith R. , O’Hara M. , Hobman J. L. , Millard A. D. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

The diversity of bacteriophages in slurry from dairy cows remains largely unknown. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 14 bacteriophages isolated from dairy cow slurry using
Escherichia coli
K-12 MG1655 as a host.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Curtobacterium
sp. Strain MR_MD2014, Isolated from Topsoil in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
Authors: Mariita Richard M. , Bhatnagar Srijak , Hanselmann Kurt , Hossain Mohammad J. , Korlach Jonas , Boitano Matthew , Roberts Richard J. , Liles Mark R. , Moss Anthony G. , Leadbetter Jared R. , Newman Dianne K. , Dawson Scott C. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the 3,443,800-bp complete genome sequence of
Curtobacterium
sp. strain MR_MD2014 (phylum
Actinobacteria
). This strain was isolated from soil in Woods Hole, MA, as part of the 2014 Microbial Diversity Summer Program at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain CCM_MD2014, Isolated from Topsoil in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
Authors: Mariita Richard M. , Bhatnagar Srijak , Hanselmann Kurt , Hossain Mohammad J. , Korlach Jonas , Boitano Matthew , Roberts Richard J. , Liles Mark R. , Moss Anthony G. , Leadbetter Jared R. , Newman Dianne K. , Dawson Scott C. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain CCM_MD2014 (phylum
Actinobacteria
), isolated from surface soil in Woods Hole, MA. Its single linear chromosome of 8,274,043 bp in length has a 72.13% G+C content and contains 6,948 coding sequences.
Permanent Draft Genome Sequence of
Frankia
sp. Strain AvcI1, a Nitrogen-Fixing Actinobacterium Isolated from the Root Nodules of
Alnus viridis
subsp.
crispa
Grown in Canada
Authors: Swanson Erik , Oshone Rediet , Simpson Stephen , Morris Krystalynne , Abebe-Akele Feseha , Thomas W. Kelley , Tisa Louis S. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Frankia
strain AvcI1, isolated from root nodules of
Alnus viridis
subsp.
crispa
, is a member of
Frankia
lineage Ia, which is able to reinfect plants of the
Betulaceae
and
Myricaceae
families. Here, we report a 7.7-Mbp draft genome sequence with a G+C content of 72.41% and 6,470 candidate protein-encoding genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Southern tomato virus
Naturally Infecting Tomatoes in Bangladesh
Authors: Padmanabhan Chellappan , Zheng Yi , Li Rugang , Fei Zhangjun , Ling Kai-Shu 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

The complete genome sequence of a
Southern tomato virus
(STV) isolate on tomato plants in a seed production field in Bangladesh was obtained for the first time using next-generation sequencing. The identified isolate, STV_BD-13, shares a high degree of sequence identity (99%) with several known STV isolates worldwide.
Altered Saturated and Monounsaturated Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acid Profiles in Adult Males with Colon Adenomas
Authors: Pickens C. Austin , Lane-Elliot Ami , Comstock Sarah S. , Fenton Jenifer I. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Background: Altered lipid metabolism and plasma fatty acid (FA) levels are associated with colorectal cancer. Obesity and elevated waist circumference (WC) increase the likelihood of developing precancerous colon adenomas.
Methods: Venous blood was collected from 126 males, ages 48 to 65 years, who received routine colonoscopies. Plasma phospholipid (PPL) FAs were isolated, derivatized, and then analyzed using gas chromatography. ORs and 95% confidence intervals were determined using polytomous logistic regression after adjusting for confounding factors [i.e., age, smoking, WC, and body mass index (BMI)].
Results: PPL palmitic acid (PA) was inversely correlated with the presence of colon adenomas (P = 0.01). For each unit increase in palmitoleic acid (OR, 3.75; P = 0.04) or elaidic acid (OR, 2.92; P = 0.04), an individual was more likely to have adenomas relative to no colon polyps. Higher enzyme activity estimates (EAE) of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1; P = 0.02) and elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein-6 (ELOVL-6; P = 0.03) were associated with an individual being approximately 1.5 times more likely to have an adenoma compared with no polyps.
Conclusions: PPL FAs and EAEs, which have previously been associated with colorectal cancer, are significantly different in those with adenomas when compared with those without polyps. PPL PA, elaidic acid, and SCD-1 and ELOVL-6 EAEs are associated with adenomas independent of BMI and WC.
Impact: PPL PA, elaidic acid, and SCD-1 and ELOVL-6 EAEs are associated with adenomas even after adjusting for obesity-related risk factors and may function as novel biomarkers of early colorectal cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(3); 498–506. ©2015 AACR.