bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased background parenchymal enhancement of the contralateral breast after two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with tumor response in HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: You Chao , Gu Yajia , Peng Wen , Li Jianwei , Shen Xuxia , Liu Guangyu , Peng Weijun 
Published: October 2017

Background Several recent studies have focused on the association between background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) and tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), but early prediction of tumor response based on BPE has yet not been investigated. Purpose To retrospectively investigate whether changes in the BPE of the contralateral breast following NAC could help predict tumor response in early stage HER2-positive breast cancer. Material and Methods Data from 71 patients who were diagnosed with unilateral HER2 positive breast cancer and then underwent NAC with trastuzumab before surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Two experienced radiologists independently categorized the patients’ levels of BPE of the contralateral breast into four categories (1 = minimal, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = marked) at baseline and after the second cycle of NAC. After undergoing surgery, 34 patients achieved pathologic complete response (pCR) and 37 patients had residual disease (non-pCR). The association between BPE and histopathologic tumor response was analyzed. Result The level of BPE was higher in premenopausal than post-menopausal women both at baseline and after the second cycle of NAC ( P < 0.005). A significant reduction in BPE ( P < 0.001) was observed after the second NAC cycle; however, a more obvious decrease in BPE was identified in premenopausal relative to post-menopausal women ( P = 0.041). No significant association was identified between pCR and baseline BPE ( P = 0.287). However, after the second NAC cycle, decreased BPE was significantly associated with pCR ( P = 0.003). Conclusion For HER2-positive patients, changes in BPE may serve as an additional imaging biomarker of treatment response at an early stage.
Results of Applying Cultural Domain Analysis Techniques and Implications for the Design of Complementary Feeding Interventions in Northern Senegal
Authors: Zobrist Stephanie , Kalra Nikhila , Pelto Gretel , Wittenbrink Brittney , Milani Peiman , Diallo Abdoulaye Moussa , Ndoye Tidiane , Wone Issa , Parker Megan 
Published: October 2017

Background: Designing effective nutrition interventions for infants and young children requires knowledge about the population to which the intervention is directed, including insights into the cognitive systems and values that inform caregiver feeding practices. Objective: To apply cultural domain analysis techniques in the context of implementation research for the purpose of understanding caregivers’ knowledge frameworks in Northern Senegal with respect to infant and young child (IYC) feeding. This study was intended to inform decisions for interventions to improve infant and young child nutrition. Methods: Modules from the Focused Ethnographic Study for Infant and Young Child Feeding Manual were employed in interviews with a sample of 126 key informants and caregivers from rural and peri-urban sites in the Saint-Louis region of northern Senegal. Descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, and qualitative thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Cluster analysis showed that caregivers identified 6 food clusters: heavy foods, light foods, snack foods, foraged foods, packaged foods, and foods that are good for the body. The study also revealed similarities and differences between the 2 study sites in caregivers’ knowledge frameworks. Conclusions: The demonstration of differences between biomedical concepts of nutrition and the knowledge frameworks of northern Senegalese women with regard to IYC feeding highlights the value of knowledge about emic perspectives of local communities to help guide decisions about interventions to improve nutrition.
Prevention and Management of Enterococcal Infection: Cost Implications
Authors: Barriere Steven L. 
Published: October 2017

Enterococcal infections are becoming increasingly prevalent, in part because of the widespread use of cephalosporins and a greater number of immunosuppressed patients. Most infections where enterococci are isolated are pelvic or intraabdominal. The actual pathogenic role of the enterococcus remains controversial, since many types of organisms are usually cultured as well. Although specific therapy directed at the enterococcus may not always be necessary, reasonable indications for specific therapy include the presence of shock, immunosuppression, or persistent or recurrent infection. Enterococcal bacteremia is associated with a mortality rate in excess of 40 percent. This entity, as well as enterococcal endocarditis and meningitis, should be treated with bactericidal, combination antibiotic therapy, which includes a penicillin and an aminoglycoside. Mixed infections probably can be treated with a penicillin alone. Penicillin-allergic patients should be treated with vancomycin. The costs of nosocomial infection or superinfection are very high; costs incurred as a result of enterococcal infection or superinfection may be prevented by avoiding prolonged prophylactic or broad-spectrum therapeutic regimens (such as cephalosporins) that lack antienterococcal activity. Extended-spectrum penicillins may be effective prophylactic regimens for intraabdominal or pelvic procedures and should serve as adequate therapy for mixed infections in these sites.
Randomized clinical trial: efficacy and safety of plecanatide in the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation
Authors: DeMicco Michael , Barrow Laura , Hickey Bernadette , Shailubhai Kunwar , Griffin Patrick 
Published: October 2017

Background: Plecanatide, with the exception of a single amino acid replacement, is identical to human uroguanylin and is approved in the United States for adults with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). This double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study evaluated the efficacy and safety of plecanatide versus placebo in CIC. Methods: Adults meeting modified Rome III CIC criteria were randomized to plecanatide 3 mg ( n = 443), 6 mg ( n = 449), or placebo ( n = 445). Patients recorded bowel movement (BM) characteristics [including spontaneous BMs (SBMs) and complete SBMs (CSBMs)] and rated CIC symptoms in daily electronic diaries. The primary endpoint was the percentage of durable overall CSBM responders (weekly responders for ⩾9 of 12 treatment weeks, including ⩾3 of the last 4 weeks). Weekly responders had ⩾3 CSBMs/week and an increase of ⩾1 CSBM from baseline for the same week. Results: A significantly greater percentage of durable overall CSBM responders resulted with each plecanatide dose compared with placebo (3 mg = 20.1%; 6 mg = 20.0%; placebo = 12.8%; p = 0.004 each dose). Over the 12 weeks, plecanatide significantly improved stool consistency and stool frequency. Significant increases in mean weekly SBMs and CSBMs began in week 1 and were maintained through week 12 in plecanatide-treated patients. Adverse events were mostly mild/moderate, with diarrhea being the most common (3 mg = 3.2%; 6 mg = 4.5%; placebo = 1.3%). Conclusions: Plecanatide resulted in a significantly greater percentage of durable overall CSBM responders and improved stool frequency and secondary endpoints. Plecanatide was well tolerated; the most common AE, diarrhea, occurred in a small number of patients. [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02122471]
A Missed Opportunity in Bone Health: Vitamin D and Calcium Use in Elderly Femoral Neck Fracture Patients Following Arthroplasty
Authors: Sprague Sheila , Madden Kim , Slobogean Gerard , Petrisor Brad , Adachi Jonathan D. (Rick) , Bogoch Earl , Kleinlugtenbelt Ydo V. , Bhandari Mohit 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Introduction: Adequate calcium and vitamin D from diet and supplementation is recommended for elderly hip fracture patients. Using data from the multinational hip fracture arthroplasty trial (HEALTH), we determined the proportion of patients who consistently took vitamin D and calcium and which characteristics/prescribing practices were associated with consistency of supplement use. Methods: HEALTH is a multicenter randomized trial of elderly hip fracture patients treated with hemi-arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Patients were categorized as consistent users, inconsistent users, or nonusers of calcium and vitamin D. We used multinomial regression to determine the characteristics associated with calcium and vitamin D use. Results: 603 HEALTH participants were included in the analysis. 34.7% of patients never took vitamin D within 12 months after surgery, 26.2% took vitamin D inconsistently, and 39.1% took vitamin D consistently. 36.0% of patients never took calcium within 12 months after surgery, 28.4% took calcium inconsistently, and 35.7% took calcium consistently. There was great variation in prescribed/recommended doses. Compared to nonusers, consistent users of the supplements were more likely to be female, North American, prescribed/recommended vitamin D and/or calcium postoperatively, and presented to a facility with comprehensive fragility fracture protocols. Conclusions: A low proportion of elderly hip fracture patients are consistently taking vitamin D and calcium, which may contribute to poorer bone health. Surgeons should be educated to prescribe/ recommend vitamin D and calcium, institutions should develop comprehensive fragility fracture protocols and patient education strategies to ensure that patients with osteoporosis receive bone health management beyond fracture care.
The Pipeline From Abstract Presentation to Publication in Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Authors: Herrmann Lisa E. , Hall Matthew , Kyler Kathryn , Cochran Joseph , Andrews Annie L. , Williams Derek J. , Wilson Karen M. , Shah Samir S. ,   for the Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings (PRIS) Network
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUNDThe annual Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) conference serves as a venue for the dissemination of research in this rapidly growing discipline. A measure of research validity is subsequent publication in peer‐reviewed journals.OBJECTIVETo identify the publication rate of abstracts submitted to the 2014 PHM conference and determine whether presentation format was associated with subsequent journal publication or time to publication.METHODSWe identified abstracts submitted to the 2014 PHM conference. Presentation formats included rejected abstracts and poster and oral presentations. Abstracts subsequently published in journals were identified by searching the author and abstract title in PubMed, MedEdPORTAL, and Google Scholar. We used logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models to determine if presentation format was associated with publication, time to publication, and publishing journal impact factor.RESULTSOf 226 submitted abstracts, 19.0% were rejected, 68.0% were selected for posters, and 12.8% were selected for oral presentations; 36.3% were subsequently published within 30 months after the conference. Abstracts accepted for oral presentation had more than 7‐fold greater odds of publication (adjusted odds ratio 7.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6‐23.5) and a 4‐fold greater likelihood of publication at each month (adjusted hazard ratio 4.5; 95% CI, 2.1‐9.7) compared with rejected abstracts. Median journal impact factor was significantly higher for oral presentations than other presentation formats (P < .01).CONCLUSIONSAbstract reviewers may be able to identify methodologically sound studies for presentation; however, the low overall publication rate may indicate that presented results are preliminary or signify a need for increased mentorship and resources for research development in PHM.
Modeling Energy Balance and Airflow Characteristics in a Naturally Ventilated High Tunnel
Authors: Zheng Muzi , Leib Brian G. , Butler David M. , Wright Wesley , Ayers Paul , Hayes Douglas 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. High tunnels (HTs) are used worldwide for greater crop sustainability and profitability, but producers are finding it difficult to control the trapped heat inside HTs. Clearly, proper ventilation management is crucial for obtaining marketable yield and quality, but the ability to predict HT ventilation based solely on external climate parameters is limited. This project analyzes daytime ventilation rates in a Gothic-type HT located in eastern Tennessee. A numerical energy balance model was developed to calculate air flux, and the estimated values of air flux were compared with measured values from sonic and hot-wire anemometers. Uniquely, this study takes into account the sensible and latent heat exchanges between inside and outside conditions, the radiative and convective transfer mechanisms, and the effects of external wind conditions on the incoming air flux. Moreover, relationships between the external weather conditions and internal microclimate were developed so that air flux, inside temperature, and door opening level could be predicted with the energy balance model using only external weather data. The energy balance model revealed that the HT plastic surface reflected nearly 20% of the solar radiation, that 1% of the solar energy was stored in the air (considered negligible), and that 5% of the solar energy was stored in the soil, while the majority of available solar radiation, 74%, was removed through natural ventilation. There was good agreement between the predictive energy balance model and the direct air flux calculation for ventilation rate (R2 &gt; 0.70). At the windward end of the HT, the airflow entering the door was mostly perpendicular to the plane of the door opening, which indicated that the fluctuation of outside wind direction had limited effect on the airflow patterns through the door. As a significant indicator of the energy balance model’s usefulness, the predicted inside air temperature was validated as similar to the measured values. Thus, the results showed strong evidence that the coupling of the energy balance model and air flux calculation based on external weather parameters can be a valuable method to predict inside microclimate conditions and can be used to estimate the door opening level. Keywords: Air flux, Energy balance, High tunnel, Natural ventilation.
Water Quality Effects of Switchgrass Intercropping on Pine Forest in Coastal North Carolina
Authors: Muwamba Augustine , Amatya Devendra M. , Chescheir George M. , Nettles Jami E. , Appelboom Timothy , Ssegane Herbert , Tollner Ernest E , Youssef Mohamed A. , Birgand Francois , Skaggs R. Wayne , Tian Shiying 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Interplanting a cellulosic bioenergy crop (switchgrass, L.) between loblolly pine ( L.) rows could potentially provide a sustainable source of bio-feedstock without competing for land currently in food production. The objectives of this study were to: (1) quantify the concentrations and loads of drainage water nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (phosphate) associated with establishment and growth of switchgrass treatments and compare them with those for a mid-rotation pine forest (control), and (2) quantify the treatment effects on drainage water N and phosphate (IC) and switchgrass only (SG). Thinned mid-rotation loblolly pine with natural understory (MP) was used as the control. Pretreatment calibration equations for nutrients were obtained using a paired watershed approach and bootstrap geometric regression with 2007-2008 data, when pine on all sites had reached canopy closure. Treatment effects were calculated as the difference between expected values from the pretreatment relationship and measured data for the treatment period. Precipitation, outflow, and N and phosphate concentrations in the outflow were measured during calibration (Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2008), site preparation for switchgrass establishment (Nov. 2009 to Mar. 2012), and switchgrass growth (Apr. 2012 to Apr. 2014). Mean NO3-N concentrations and loads were significantly (a = 0.05) greater for SG than for IC during the switchgrass growth period. Average treatment concentrations with standard errors and total load effects during switchgrass growth for NO3-N followed the trends SG (-0.002 ±0.01 mg L-1) &gt; IC (-0.12 ±0.04 mg L-1) and SG (0.75kg ha-1) &gt; IC (0.23kg ha-1), respectively. For phosphate average concentrations and loads, the treatment effects during switchgrass growth followed the trends SG (-0.004 ± mg L-1) &gt;IC ( -0.02 ± mg L-1) and IC (-0.43 kg ha-1) &gt; SG (-0.70 kg ha-1), respectively. Average concentration effects for NO3-N and phosphate and total load effects for phosphate significantly (a = 0.05) decreased for IC compared to the MP control. These results suggest that the intercropping treatment (IC) with loblolly pine and switchgrass improved water quality by reducing NO3-N and phosphate concentrations and phosphate loads. Keywords: Bioenergy crop, Bootstrap geometric regression, Loblolly pine, Nutrients, Paired watershed.
Reliability of Genotype-Specific Parameter Estimation for Crop Models: Insights from a Markov Chain Monte-Carlo Estimation Approach
Authors: Acharya Subodh , Correll Melanie , Jones James W. , Boote Kenneth J. , Alderman Phillip D. , Hu Zhengjun , Vallejos C. Eduardo 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Parameter estimation is a critical step in successful application of dynamic crop models to simulate crop growth and yield under various climatic and management scenarios. Although inverse modeling parameterization techniques significantly improve the predictive capabilities of models, whether these approaches can recover the true parameter values of a specific genotype or cultivar is seldom investigated. In this study, we applied a Markov Chain Monte-Carlo (MCMC) method to the DSSAT dry bean model to estimate (recover) the genotype-specific parameters (GSPs) of 150 synthetic recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of dry bean. The synthetic parents of the population were assigned contrasting GSP values obtained from a database, and each of these GSPs was associated with several quantitative trait loci. A standard inverse modeling approach that simultaneously estimated all GSPs generated a set of values that could reproduce the original synthetic observations, but many of the estimated GSP values significantly differed from the original values. However, when parameter estimation was carried out sequentially in a stepwise manner, according to the genetically controlled plant development process, most of the estimated parameters had values similar to the original values. Developmental parameters were more accurately estimated than those related to dry mass accumulation. This new approach appears to reduce the problem of equifinality in parameter estimation, and it is especially relevant if attempts are made to relate parameter values to individual genes. Keywords: Crop models, Equifinality, Genotype-specific parameters, Markov chain Monte-Carlo, Parameterization.
Economic Evaluation of Apple Harvest and In-Field Sorting Technology
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Pothula Anand Kumar , Lu Renfu 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The U.S. apple industry, which generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue at the farm gate in 2013, is facing critical challenges with decreased availability of labor and increased labor and production costs. To address these challenges, a self-propelled apple harvest and in-field sorting machine is being developed in our laboratory. This article reports on the economic evaluation of this prototype machine by considering machine cost (annual ownership and operating costs), harvest productivity increase (including that due to decreased occupational injuries), and cost savings in postharvest storage and packing resulting from in-field sorting of fresh market quality apples from processing apples for both fresh apple growers and processing apple growers. The economic evaluation was conducted based on the assumptions that the machine increases harvest productivity by 43% to 63% and operates for 360 h during the harvest season. For fresh apple orchards with processing apple incidences of 5% to 15%, the net annual benefits that would accrue from owning one machine range from $13,500 to $78,400 when the machine price is between $100,000 and $160,000. For processing apple orchards with processing apple incidences of 80% to 90% and the same machine price range, the net annual benefits that would accrue from owning one machine range from $23,900 to $81,700. Overall, the benefits gained from in-field sorting outweigh those from the harvest productivity increase, and integration of the harvest-assist and in-field sorting functions is more beneficial to apple growers. This technology will help the U.S. apple industry improve labor productivity and reduce production costs, and thus it looks promising for commercialization. Keywords: Apples, Economic evaluation, Harvest-assist, In-field sorting, Machinery system, Occupational injuries.
Crop Yield and Water Productivity Responses in Management Zones for Variable-Rate Irrigation Based on Available Soil Water Holding Capacity
Authors: Zhao Weixia , Li Jiusheng , Yang Rumiao , Li Yanfeng 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Effective management of variable-rate irrigation (VRI) is a critical factor for maximizing the benefit of a VRI system. In this study, the influences of soil properties on winter wheat and summer maize were studied to verify whether differences in soil available water holding capacity (AWC) had an influence on crop growth parameters, yield, and water productivity (WP). A center-pivot VRI system was employed to deliver irrigation water across the field in an alluvial flood plain in China, and AWC was used to delineate VRI management zones. Three management zones with substantial differences in AWC were created, with AWC varying from 152 to 161 mm, from 161 to 171 mm, and from 171 to 185 mm for zones 1, 2, and 3, respectively. All zones were managed using the same allowed depletion. In the two-year study, the seasonal irrigation amount was basically equivalent among management zones for both winter wheat and summer maize. Differences in crop growth parameters were detected in plant height and leaf area index for winter wheat. The maximum plant height and leaf area index observed in zone 2 were 5 cm and 2.1 greater, respectively, than in the other zones. For both winter wheat and summer maize, the highest yield and WP were observed in zone 2, except for summer maize WP in the 2014 season. Compared with the average value for this field, the yields in zone 2 were 27% and 23% greater for winter wheat and 4% and 11% greater for summer maize in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, respectively. We demonstrate that AWC is an effective parameter for zone identification in VRI management, and differences in AWC and the layered-textural soils in a field may influence the crop growth parameters, yield, and WP of winter wheat and summer maize. Keywords: Center-pivot irrigation, Critical soil moisture deficit, Management zone, Summer maize, Variable-rate irrigation, Winter wheat.
Is Dutch Straattaal a mixed multiethnolect? A Moroccan perspective
Authors: Kossmann Maarten 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDutch Straattaal is often described as a multiethnolect that is not only used among members of several different heritage groups, but also marks new identities. In this article, the focus is on the position of Straattaal among Moroccan youth, based on data from internet exchanges. The general observation is confirmed that Surinamese elements in Straattaal are used by Moroccan youth, and mixed with etymologically Moroccan elements. However, a different picture arises when studying meta-commentary by Moroccans about Straattaal. It appears that young Moroccans construct the use of lexical items from Sranan – the most salient feature of Straattaal – as something belonging to the Black community, and not as something they identify with. Thus, while Straattaal could be considered a multiethnolect on the level of actual speech, it is ideologically kept apart, and at that level much less multiethnic than is sometimes suggested.