bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing methyl parathion degradation by the immobilization of Burkholderia sp. isolated from agricultural soils
Authors: Fernández‐López Maikel Gilberto , Popoca‐Ursino Carolina , Sánchez‐Salinas Enrique , Tinoco‐Valencia Raunel , Folch‐Mallol Jorge Luis , Dantán‐González Edgar , Laura Ortiz‐Hernández Ma 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOrganophosphate pesticides are of great interest for research because they are currently the most commonly used pesticides. In this study, a bacterial strain capable of completely degrading methyl parathion (MP) was isolated from agricultural soils in central Mexico. This strain was designated strain S5‐2 and was identified as Burkholderia cenocepacia. To increase degradation yields, cells were immobilized on three different supports: powdered zeolite and Opuntia sp. and Agave sp. fibers. The results indicated a significant increase in MP hydrolysis and p‐nitrophenol (PNP) degradation with immobilized cells compared to free cell cultures. Furthermore, immobilized cells were capable of withstanding and degrading higher concentrations of PNP compared to cell suspension cultures. The cell viability in the free cell cultures, as well as PNP degradation, was affected at concentrations greater than 25 mg/L. In contrast, cells immobilized on Opuntia sp. and Agave sp. fibers completely degraded PNP at concentrations of 100 mg/L. To verify that MP solution toxicity was decreased by B. cenocepacia strain S5‐2 via pesticide degradation, we measured the acetylcholinesterase activity, both before and after treatment with bacteria. The results demonstrate that the activity of acetylcholinesterase was unaffected after MP degradation by bacteria.
Technical Note: Evaluation of plastic scintillator detector for small field stereotactic patient‐specific quality assurance
Authors: Qin Yujiao , Gardner Stephen J. , Kim Joshua , Huang Yimei , Wen Ning , Doemer Anthony , Chetty Indrin J. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeTo evaluate the performance of a commercial plastic scintillator detector (PSD) for small‐field stereotactic patient‐specific quality assurance (QA) measurements using flattening‐filter‐free beam.MethodsA total of 10 spherical targets [volume range: (0.03 cc–2 cc)] were planned with two techniques: (a) dynamic conformal arc (DCA‐10 plans) and (b) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT‐10 plans). All plans were generated using Varian Eclipse treatment planning system, and AcurosXB v.13 algorithm in 1.0 mm grid size. Additionally, 14 previously treated cranial and spine SRS plans were evaluated [6 DCA, 8 VMAT, volume range: (0.04 cc–119.02 cc)]. Plan modulation was quantified via two metrics: MU per prescription dose (MU/Rx) and Average Leaf Pair Opening (ALPO). QA was performed on the Varian Edge linear accelerator equipped with HDMLC. Three detectors were used: (a) PinPoint ion chamber (PTW; active volume 0.015 cc), (b) Exradin W1 PSD (Standard Imaging; active volume 0.002 cc), and (c) Gafchromic EBT3 film (Ashland). PinPoint chamber and PSD were positioned perpendicular to beam axis in a Lucy phantom (Standard Imaging); films were placed horizontally capturing the coronal plane.ResultsPSD, film, and PinPoint chamber measured average differences of 1.00 ± 1.54%, 1.30 ± 1.69%, and −0.66 ± 2.36%, respectively, compared to AcurosXB dose calculation. As the target volume decreased, PinPoint chamber measured lower doses (maximum −5.07% at 0.07 cc target), while PSD and film measured higher doses (2.87% and 2.54% at 0.03 cc target) than AcurosXB. Film agreed with the benchmark detector PSD by an average difference of 0.31 ± 1.20%, but suffered from larger uncertainty; PinPoint chamber underestimated dose by more than 4% for targets smaller than 0.2 cc. Taking PSD as the measurement standard, DCA plans achieved good QA results across all volumes studied, with an average of −0.07 ± 0.89%; for VMAT plans, PSD measured consistently higher dose (1.95 ± 1.36%) than AcurosXB. Correlation study revealed that plan modulation quantified by both MU/Rx and ALPO correlated significantly with QA results.ConclusionAmong all three detectors, PSD demonstrated superior performances in plans with small fields and heavy modulation. High consistency and low uncertainty made PSD a suitable detector for clinical routine SRS QA. PinPoint chamber should be avoided for targets smaller than 0.2 cc; film dosimetry can be utilized with careful evaluation of its uncertainty bracket. Compared to PSD measurements, AcurosXB calculation demonstrated high accuracy for nonmodulated small fields. The positive correlation between plan modulation and QA discrepancy calls for our attention for clinical SRS plans with high modulation.
Assessing the validity of the approximation of diffusion‐weighted‐MRI signals from crossing fascicles by sums of signals from single fascicles
Authors: Rensonnet Gaëtan , Scherrer Benoît , Warfield Simon K. , Macq Benoît , Taquet Maxime 
Published: July 2017

PurposeTo assess the validity of the superposition approximation for crossing fascicles, i.e., the assumption that the total diffusion‐weighted MRI signal is the sum of the signals arising from each fascicle independently, even when the fascicles intermingle in a voxel.MethodsMonte Carlo simulations were used to study the impact of the approximation on the diffusion‐weighted MRI signal and to assess whether this approximate model allows microstructural features of interwoven fascicles to be accurately estimated, despite signal differences.ResultsSmall normalized signal differences were observed, typically
. The use of the approximation had little impact on the estimation of the crossing angle, the axonal density index, and the radius index in clinically realistic scenarios wherein the acquisition noise was the predominant source of errors. In the absence of noise, large systematic errors due to the superposition approximation only persisted for the radius index, mainly driven by a low sensitivity of diffusion‐weighted MRI signals to small radii in general.ConclusionThe use of the superposition approximation rather than a model of interwoven fascicles does not adversely impact the estimation of microstructural features of interwoven fascicles in most current clinical settings. Magn Reson Med 79:2332–2345, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Simultaneous magnetic resonance diffusion and pseudo‐diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Mozumder Meghdoot , Beltrachini Leandro , Collier Quinten , Pozo Jose M. , Frangi Alejandro F. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeAn emerging topic in diffusion magnetic resonance is imaging blood microcirculation alongside water diffusion using the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model. Recently, a combined IVIM diffusion tensor imaging (IVIM‐DTI) model was proposed, which accounts for both anisotropic pseudo‐diffusion due to blood microcirculation and anisotropic diffusion due to tissue microstructures. In this article, we propose a robust IVIM‐DTI approach for simultaneous diffusion and pseudo‐diffusion tensor imaging.MethodsConventional IVIM estimation methods can be broadly divided into two‐step (diffusion and pseudo‐diffusion estimated separately) and one‐step (diffusion and pseudo‐diffusion estimated simultaneously) methods. Here, both methods were applied on the IVIM‐DTI model. An improved one‐step method based on damped Gauss–Newton algorithm and a Gaussian prior for the model parameters was also introduced. The sensitivities of these methods to different parameter initializations were tested with realistic in silico simulations and experimental in vivo data.ResultsThe one‐step damped Gauss–Newton method with a Gaussian prior was less sensitive to noise and the choice of initial parameters and delivered more accurate estimates of IVIM‐DTI parameters compared to the other methods.ConclusionOne‐step estimation using damped Gauss–Newton and a Gaussian prior is a robust method for simultaneous diffusion and pseudo‐diffusion tensor imaging using IVIM‐DTI model. Magn Reson Med 79:2367–2378, 2018. © 2017 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Feasibility and acceptability of a telephone‐ and face‐to‐face‐delivered counseling intervention for smoking cessation in Dutch patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Berndt Nadine , Lechner Lilian , Mudde Aart , De Vries Hein , Bolman Catherine 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTIntensive behavioral counseling interventions combined with nicotine replacement therapy have increased smoking abstinence rates in cardiac patients, but little is known about their feasibility when initiated upon hospital admission and continued post‐discharge. The current study was an evaluation of the use, appreciation, and fidelity of two post‐discharge counseling interventions designed for cardiac patients to quit smoking that differed in their delivery mode. In a controlled trial with cross‐over randomization at the cardiac unit level, hospitalized smokers in eight cardiac units of eight Dutch hospitals were assigned either telephone counseling (n = 223) or nurse‐administered face‐to‐face counseling (n = 157) using the Ask‐Advise‐Refer strategy. Eligible patients also received nicotine replacement therapy. Data based on counselors’ registration forms and patients’ telephone surveys at 6‐month follow‐up were analyzed. Most patients (>90%) participated in at least one counseling session, and the majority participated in at least five out of a maximum of seven sessions. Higher levels of adherence to either the telephone or face‐to‐face counseling sessions were associated with higher smoking abstinence rates at the 6‐month follow‐up, whereas higher nicotine patch use was not associated with abstinence. Patients positively evaluated the content, duration, and number of sessions, and rated the face‐to‐face counseling significantly better than the telephone counseling for quitting smoking. The counselors largely complied with the intervention protocols. The current intervention offers evidence of feasibility and may improve outpatient continuity of smoking care. Monitoring the use and delivery of such complex interventions is recommended to promote effective dissemination in cardiac practice.
Ethical and legal landmines: Causal inference in special education decisions
Authors: Sadeh Shanna , Sullivan Amanda L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this article, we discuss conflict between law and science relative to the presumption in special education law that multidisciplinary teams and others identify the causes of problems giving rise to special education needs. First, we explain eligibility criteria, highlighting ambiguities therein and why criteria constitute a mandate for causal inference, and present illustrative examples of how judges have interpreted this mandate. Second, we discuss as a counterpoint school psychologists’ ethical duties to conduct evaluations based on the best available science, and highlight the clear conflicts between the law, ethics, and research. We present the biopsychosocial model of development as a potential framework for reconciling one's legal duty to infer causation with the current evidence base. We conclude with implications for policy and practice and suggestions for future research.
Intervention research productivity from 2005 to 2014: Faculty and university representation in school psychology journals
Authors: Villarreal Victor , Umaña Ileana 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify authors and training programs making the most frequent contributions to intervention research published in six school psychology journals (School Psychology Review, School Psychology Quarterly, Journal of School Psychology, Psychology in the Schools, School Psychology International, and Journal of Applied School Psychology) over the 10‐year period from 2005 to 2014. A total of 310 articles were identified as intervention articles; 919 unique authors, representing 289 universities or organizations, contributed to these publications. Top‐ranked authors and universities were identified based on authorship rating and total publications, respectively. This evaluation highlights key contributors to the primary intervention research in school psychology, as well as themes of the publications of top‐ranked individuals and programs.
Mapping targetable inflammation and outcomes with cystic fibrosis biomarkers
Authors: Giddings Olivia , Esther Charles R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCystic fibrosis is characterized by an overly exuberant neutrophilic inflammatory response to pathogens and other stimuli that starts very early in disease. The overwhelming nature of this response is a primary cause of remodeling and destruction of the airways, suggesting that anti‐inflammatory therapies could be beneficial in CF. However, finding therapies that can effectively reduce the inflammatory response without compromising host defenses remains elusive. New approaches towards mapping inflammatory targets promise to aid in developing novel therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes in individuals with CF.
Evaluating a push–pull strategy for management of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura in red raspberry
Authors: Wallingford Anna K , Cha Dong H , Loeb Gregory M 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrosophila suzukii Matsumura is a serious pest of small fruits that lays its eggs in growing fruit. Current management strategies rely on an unsustainable schedule of foliar applications of chemical insecticides. Alternative approaches to suppressing oviposition are under investigation, such as attract‐and‐kill and the use of oviposition deterrents. Here, we evaluated two behavioral control approaches in combination as a push–pull strategy using laboratory and field assays.RESULTSIn laboratory caged assays, both an attractive mass trapping device (pull) and an oviposition deterrent (push: 1‐octen‐3‐ol) reduced oviposition by D. suzukii, and the combination of the two (push–pull) resulted in significantly greater reduction than either treatment alone. In field experiments, oviposition reduction was observed in fruit from plots treated with oviposition deterrent (push) or a combination of mass trapping devices and deterrent (push–pull) compared with fruit from control plots. However, oviposition in plots with mass trapping devices (pull) was higher than observed in all other treatments. Additionally, the protection provided by the deterrent in push plots extended to the entire plot rather than just in fruit closest to deterrent dispensers.CONCLUSIONPush–pull treatments negatively affected D. suzukii infestation in both laboratory and field experiments. The reduction in oviposition observed in laboratory experiments was based on the additive effect of push and pull components acting on a finite population, while the reduction observed in field experiments appeared to be mainly based on the effect of pull components. We discuss potential underlying reasons for the discrepancy results and suggest potential improvements. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Colon Perfusion Patterns During Colorectal Resection Using Visible Light Spectroscopy
Authors: Hoffmann Henry , Delko Tarik , Kirchhoff Philipp , Rosenthal Rachel , Schäfer Juliane , Kraljević Marko , Kettelhack Christoph 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of blood supply to the anastomosis on development of anastomotic leakage is still a matter of debate. Considering that bowel perfusion may be affected by manipulation during surgery, perfusion assessment of the anastomosis alone may be of limited value. We propose perfusion assessment at different time points during surgery to explore the dynamics of bowel perfusion during colorectal resection and its impact on outcome.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, patients undergoing elective colorectal resection were eligible. Colon perfusion was evaluated using visible light spectroscopy. Main outcome was the difference in colon perfusion, quantified by measuring tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) in the colonic serosa, before and after anastomosis during surgery.ResultsWe included 58 patients between July 2013 and November 2015. Colon perfusion increased by an average of 5.9% StO2 during surgery (95% confidence interval 3.1, 8.8; P < 0.001). The number of patients with abnormal perfusion (defined as StO2 < 65%) decreased from 50% at the beginning to 24% by the end of surgery. Six patients (10%) developed anastomotic leaks (AL), of which five patients had abnormal perfusion at the beginning of surgery, whereas four patients had normal StO2 at the anastomosis.ConclusionColon perfusion significantly increased during colorectal surgery. Considering that one quarter of patients had suboptimal anastomotic perfusion without developing AL, impaired blood flow at the anastomosis alone does not seem to be critical. Further investigations including more patients are necessary to evaluate the impact of perioperative parameters on colon perfusion, anastomotic healing and surgical outcome.
Undiagnosed Liver Fibrosis in Patients Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gdowski Andrew , Osman Houssam , Butt Umar , Foster Steve , Jeyarajah Dhiresh Rohan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundChronic obstruction of the biliary system may cause hepatic fibrosis and liver failure. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence of unrecognized liver fibrosis in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).MethodsRetrospective data were collected on patients undergoing PD during a 21‐month period. Each patient had a core needle biopsy at the time of surgery by a hepatobiliary surgeon.ResultsThis study identified 36 consecutive patients who were referred to a tertiary center and underwent pancreatoduodenectomy during a period of 21 months. The majority of patients, 32 (88.8%), were diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Liver fibrosis was diagnosed in 23 (63.9%) patients. A total of 25 (69.4%) patients were found to have pathological evidence of cholestasis consistent with bile obstruction. Patients that were found to have evidence of obstruction had significantly increased odds that fibrosis stage 2 would be found on pathological diagnosis (OR 6.75, 95% CI 1.20–38.02, Fisher’s exact test P value = 0.0312). There was no significant association in patients who were stented compared to non‐stented patients and their diagnosis of high‐grade fibrosis stage 2 (OR 1.5238, 95% CI 0.4019–5.7769, Fisher’s exact test P value = 0.7360).ConclusionsAn astonishing 63.9% of patients who underwent PD were diagnosed with stage 1–4 liver fibrosis and half (47.2%) had fibrosis stage of 2 or more. Further, stent status had no significant impact on the degree of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is currently underrecognized in patients undergoing PD, which is important for physicians to be conscious of as it is known that liver fibrosis increases morbidity and mortality.
Correlation of Joint Volume and Passive Range of Motion With Capsulo‐Synovial Thickness Measured by Contrast‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adhesive Capsulitis
Authors: Lee Yong‐Taek , Chun Kwang‐Soo , Yoon Kyung Jae , Park Hee‐Jin , Lee So‐Yeon , Kim Eugene , Park Young Sook , Seo Kyoung‐Ho 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundNo study has investigated the relationship between the findings of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) and the joint volume of the shoulder, which has been considered the standard reference for diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis (AC).ObjectiveTo investigate the relationships among the capsulo‐synovial thickness measured by CE‐MRI, joint volume, and passive range of motion (ROM) in patients with AC.DesignThis was a retrospective study.SettingThe study took place at an institutional practice.PatientsMedical record of 103 patients (46 male and 57 female), who were treated with sonographically guided intra‐articular injection with diagnosis of AC and underwent CE‐MRI to rule out other concomitant shoulder disease, were retrospectively reviewed.MethodsPassive ROM and glenohumeral joint (GHJ) volume were measured before and during sonographically guided injection. The thickness of the enhancing portion of the capsulo‐synovium was measured at the axillary recess and rotator interval on CE‐MRI.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe relationship among the thickness of the enhancing portion on CE‐MRI, GHJ volume, and passive ROM was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsCapsulo‐synovial thickness measured by CE‐MRI at the enhancing portion of the axillary recess inversely correlated with GHJ volume (ρ = −0.444, P < .001), whereas at the rotator interval, this finding was not observed. At the axillary recess, the capsulo‐synovial thickness inversely correlated with abduction (ρ = −0.400, P < .001), forward elevation (ρ = −0.378, P < .001), and external rotation (ρ = −0.297, P < .01), but at the rotator interval, such statistically significant correlations were not shown.ConclusionThe capsulo‐synovial thickness measured by CE‐MRI at the enhancing portion of the axillary recess could represent obliterated joint capacity and clinical impairment (restricted passive ROM), which could help in diagnosing AC and in differentiating other shoulder diseases that may mimic this condition.Level of EvidenceIII
The SkyMapper Transient Survey
Authors: Scalzo R. A. , Yuan F. , Childress M. J. , Möller A. , Schmidt B. P. , Tucker B. E. , Zhang B. R. , Onken C. A. , Wolf C. , Astier P. , Betoule M. , Regnault N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe SkyMapper 1.3 m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory has now begun regular operations. Alongside the Southern Sky Survey, a comprehensive digital survey of the entire southern sky, SkyMapper will carry out a search for supernovae and other transients. The search strategy, covering a total footprint area of ~2 000 deg2with a cadence of ⩽5 d, is optimised for discovery and follow-up of low-redshift type Ia supernovae to constrain cosmic expansion and peculiar velocities. We describe the search operations and infrastructure, including a parallelised software pipeline to discover variable objects in difference imaging; simulations of the performance of the survey over its lifetime; public access to discovered transients; and some first results from the Science Verification data.
Nationalizing the Consumption of Tea for the Hindi Reader: The Indian Tea Market Expansion Board's advertisement campaign
Authors: NIJHAWAN SHOBNA 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn analysing a campaign launched by the Indian Tea Market Expansion Board in a Hindi literary periodical, this article seeks to read tea advertisements within the cultural history of gendered lives and nationalism in the decade leading up to Indian Independence. More specifically, it explores how multiple versions of feminized Indian modernity came to feature in the construction of black tea as a healthy, social, and national beverage. As the habit and custom of tea drinking was not common amongst the Indian population of the first half of the twentieth century, the advertisements focused on the creation of a culture of ‘proper’ tea preparation and ‘correct’ consumption. Not only did the middle-class woman and her family feature centrally in these advertisements; aristocratic and working women as well as movie actresses were all associated with the beverage drunk to reenergize and savour. While the advertisements addressed middle-class society and consciousness, this article argues that they did so by also drawing on, and not distancing from, diverse class, caste, and professional contexts.