bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of iterative reconstruction algorithms for achieving CT radiation dose reduction — a phantom study
Authors: Dodge Cristina T. , Tamm Eric P. , Cody Dianna D. , Liu Xinming , Jensen Corey T. , Wei Wei , Kundra Vikas , Rong X. John
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to characterize image quality and dose performance with GE CT iterative reconstruction techniques, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR), and model‐based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), over a range of typical to low‐dose intervals using the Catphan 600 and the anthropomorphic Kyoto Kagaku abdomen phantoms. The scope of the project was to quantitatively describe the advantages and limitations of these approaches. The Catphan 600 phantom, supplemented with a fat‐equivalent oval ring, was scanned using a GE Discovery HD750 scanner at 120 kVp, 0.8 s rotation time, and pitch factors of 0.516, 0.984, and 1.375. The mA was selected for each pitch factor to achieve values of 24, 18, 12, 6, 3, 2, and 1 mGy. Images were reconstructed at 2.5 mm thickness with filtered back‐projection (FBP); 20%, 40%, and 70% ASiR; and MBIR. The potential for dose reduction and low‐contrast detectability were evaluated from noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) measurements in the CTP 404 module of the Catphan. Hounsfield units (HUs) of several materials were evaluated from the cylinder inserts in the CTP 404 module, and the modulation transfer function (MTF) was calculated from the air insert. The results were confirmed in the anthropomorphic Kyoto Kagaku abdomen phantom at 6, 3, 2, and 1 mGy. MBIR reduced noise levels five‐fold and increased CNR by a factor of five compared to FBP below 6 mGy , resulting in a substantial improvement in image quality. Compared to ASiR and FBP, HU in images reconstructed with MBIR were consistently lower, and this discrepancy was reversed by higher pitch factors in some materials. MBIR improved the conspicuity of the high‐contrast spatial resolution bar pattern, and MTF quantification confirmed the superior spatial resolution performance of MBIR versus FBP and ASiR at higher dose levels. While ASiR and FBP were relatively insensitive to changes in dose and pitch, the spatial resolution for MBIR improved with increasing dose and pitch. Unlike FBP, MBIR and ASiR may have the potential for patient imaging at around 1 mGy . The improved low‐contrast detectability observed with MBIR, especially at low‐dose levels, indicate the potential for considerable dose reduction.

PACS number(s): 87.57.Q‐, 87.57,nf, 87.57.C‐, 87.57.cj, 87.57.cf, 87.57.cm, 87.57.uq
Quantitative assessment of anatomical change using a virtual proton depth radiograph for adaptive head and neck proton therapy
Authors: Wang Peng , Yin Lingshu , Zhang Yawei , Kirk Maura , Song Gang , Ahn Peter H. , Lin Alexander , Gee James , Dolney Derek , Solberg Timothy D. , Maughan Richard , McDonough James , Teo Boon‐Keng Kevin
Published: February 2017

The aim of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of using water‐equivalent thickness (WET) and virtual proton depth radiographs (PDRs) of intensity corrected cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) to detect anatomical change and patient setup error to trigger adaptive head and neck proton therapy. The planning CT (pCT) and linear accelerator (linac) equipped CBCTs acquired weekly during treatment of a head and neck patient were used in this study. Deformable image registration (DIR) was used to register each CBCT with the pCT and map Hounsfield units (HUs) from the planning CT (pCT) onto the daily CBCT. The deformed pCT is referred as the corrected CBCT (cCBCT). Two dimensional virtual lateral PDRs were generated using a ray‐tracing technique to project the cumulative WET from a virtual source through the cCBCT and the pCT onto a virtual plane. The PDRs were used to identify anatomic regions with large variations in the proton range between the cCBCT and pCT using a threshold of 3 mm relative difference of WET and 3 mm search radius criteria. The relationship between PDR differences and dose distribution is established. Due to weight change and tumor response during treatment, large variations in WETs were observed in the relative PDRs which corresponded spatially with an increase in the number of failing points within the GTV, especially in the pharynx area. Failing points were also evident near the posterior neck due to setup variations. Differences in PDRs correlated spatially to differences in the distal dose distribution in the beam's eye view. Virtual PDRs generated from volumetric data, such as pCTs or CBCTs, are potentially a useful quantitative tool in proton therapy. PDRs and WET analysis may be used to detect anatomical change from baseline during treatment and trigger further analysis in adaptive proton therapy.

PACS number(s): 87.55‐x, 87.55.‐D, 87.57.Q‐
A comparative study of automatic image segmentation algorithms for target tracking in MR‐IGRT
Authors: Feng Yuan , Kawrakow Iwan , Olsen Jeff , Parikh Parag J. , Noel Camille , Wooten Omar , Du Dongsu , Mutic Sasa , Hu Yanle
Published: February 2017

On‐board magnetic resonance (MR) image guidance during radiation therapy offers the potential for more accurate treatment delivery. To utilize the real‐time image information, a crucial prerequisite is the ability to successfully segment and track regions of interest (ROI). The purpose of this work is to evaluate the performance of different segmentation algorithms using motion images (4 frames per second) acquired using a MR image‐guided radiotherapy (MR‐IGRT) system. Manual contours of the kidney, bladder, duodenum, and a liver tumor by an experienced radiation oncologist were used as the ground truth for performance evaluation. Besides the manual segmentation, images were automatically segmented using thresholding, fuzzy k‐means (FKM), k‐harmonic means (KHM), and reaction‐diffusion level set evolution (RD‐LSE) algorithms, as well as the tissue tracking algorithm provided by the ViewRay treatment planning and delivery system (VR‐TPDS). The performance of the five algorithms was evaluated quantitatively by comparing with the manual segmentation using the Dice coefficient and target registration error (TRE) measured as the distance between the centroid of the manual ROI and the centroid of the automatically segmented ROI. All methods were able to successfully segment the bladder and the kidney, but only FKM, KHM, and VR‐TPDS were able to segment the liver tumor and the duodenum. The performance of the thresholding, FKM, KHM, and RD‐LSE algorithms degraded as the local image contrast decreased, whereas the performance of the VP‐TPDS method was nearly independent of local image contrast due to the reference registration algorithm. For segmenting high‐contrast images (i.e., kidney), the thresholding method provided the best speed () with a satisfying accuracy (). When the image contrast was low, the VR‐TPDS method had the best automatic contour. Results suggest an image quality determination procedure before segmentation and a combination of different methods for optimal segmentation with the on‐board MR‐IGRT system.

PACS number(s): 87.57.nm, 87.57.N‐, 87.61.Tg
A qualitative and quantitative analysis of radiation dose and image quality of computed tomography images using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction
Authors: Hussain Fahad Ahmed , Mail Noor , Shamy Abdulrahman M. , Alghamdi Suliman , Saoudi Abdelhamid
Published: February 2017

Image quality is a key issue in radiology, particularly in a clinical setting where it is important to achieve accurate diagnoses while minimizing radiation dose. Some computed tomography (CT) manufacturers have introduced algorithms that claim significant dose reduction. In this study, we assessed CT image quality produced by two reconstruction algorithms provided with GE Healthcare's Discovery 690 Elite positron emission tomography (PET) CT scanner. Image quality was measured for images obtained at various doses with both conventional filtered back‐projection (FBP) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) algorithms. A standard CT dose index (CTDI) phantom and a pencil ionization chamber were used to measure the CT dose at 120 kVp and an exposure of 260 mAs. Image quality was assessed using two phantoms. CT images of both phantoms were acquired at tube voltage (kV) of 120 with exposures ranging from 25 mAs to 400 mAs. Images were reconstructed using FBP and ASIR ranging from 10% to 100%, then analyzed for noise, low‐contrast detectability, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and modulation transfer function (MTF). Noise was 4.6 HU in water phantom images acquired at 260 mAs/FBP 120 kV and 130 mAs/50% ASIR 120 kV. The large objects () retained fairly acceptable image quality at 130 mAs/50% ASIR, compared to 260 mAs/FBP. The application of ASIR for small objects () showed poor visibility compared to FBP at 260 mAs and even worse for images acquired at less than 130 mAs. ASIR blending more than 50% at low dose tends to reduce contrast of small objects (). We concluded that dose reduction and ASIR should be applied with close attention if the objects to be detected or diagnosed are small (). Further investigations are required to correlate the small objects () to patient anatomy and clinical diagnosis.

PACS number(s): 87.57.‐s, 87.57.C, 87.57.cf, 87.57.cj, 87.57.cm, 87.57.cp, 87.57.N, 87.57.nf, 87.57.np, 87.57.nt, 87.57.Q, 87.59.‐e, 87.59.B
Effect of fluoroscopic X‐ray beam spectrum on air‐kerma measurement accuracy: implications for establishing correction coefficients on interventional fluoroscopes with KAP meters
Authors: Wunderle Kevin A. , Rakowski Joseph T. , Dong Frank F.
Published: February 2017

The first goal of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the displayed reference plane air kerma () or air kerma‐area product () over a broad spectrum of X‐ray beam qualities on clinically used interventional fluoroscopes incorporating air kerma‐area product meters (KAP meters) to measure X‐ray output. The second goal was to investigate the accuracy of a correction coefficient (CC) determined at a single beam quality and applied to the measured over a broad spectrum of beam qualities. Eleven state‐of‐the‐art interventional fluoroscopes were evaluated, consisting of eight Siemens Artis zee and Artis Q systems and three Philips Allura FD systems. A separate calibrated 60 cc ionization chamber (external chamber) was used to determine the accuracy of the KAP meter over a broad range of clinically used beam qualities. For typical adult beam qualities, applying a single CC determined at 100 kVp with copper (Cu) in the beam resulted in a deviation of due to beam quality variation. This result indicates that applying a CC determined using The American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 190 protocol or a similar protocol provides very good accuracy as compared to the allowed deviation of the KAP meter in this limited beam quality range. For interventional fluoroscopes dedicated to or routinely used to perform pediatric interventions, using a CC established with a low kVp () and large amount of Cu filtration () may result in greater accuracy as compared to using the 100 kVp values. KAP meter responses indicate that fluoroscope vendors are likely normalizing or otherwise influencing the KAP meter output data. Although this may provide improved accuracy in some instances, there is the potential for large discrete errors to occur, and these errors may be difficult to identify.

PACS number(s): 87.59.C‐, 87.59.cf, 87.53.Bn
Determination of MLC model parameters for Monaco using commercial diode arrays
Authors: Kinsella Paul , Shields Laura , McCavana Patrick , McClean Brendan , Langan Brian
Published: February 2017

Multileaf collimators (MLCs) need to be characterized accurately in treatment planning systems to facilitate accurate intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The aim of this study was to examine the use of MapCHECK 2 and ArcCHECK diode arrays for optimizing MLC parameters in Monaco X‐ray voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC) dose calculation algorithm. A series of radiation test beams designed to evaluate MLC model parameters were delivered to MapCHECK 2, ArcCHECK, and EBT3 Gafchromic film for comparison. Initial comparison of the calculated and ArcCHECK‐measured dose distributions revealed it was unclear how to change the MLC parameters to gain agreement. This ambiguity arose due to an insufficient sampling of the test field dose distributions and unexpected discrepancies in the open parts of some test fields. Consequently, the XVMC MLC parameters were optimized based on MapCHECK 2 measurements. Gafchromic EBT3 film was used to verify the accuracy of MapCHECK 2 measured dose distributions. It was found that adjustment of the MLC parameters from their default values resulted in improved global gamma analysis pass rates for MapCHECK 2 measurements versus calculated dose. The lowest pass rate of any MLC‐modulated test beam improved from 68.5% to 93.5% with 3% and 2 mm gamma criteria. Given the close agreement of the optimized model to both MapCHECK 2 and film, the optimized model was used as a benchmark to highlight the relatively large discrepancies in some of the test field dose distributions found with ArcCHECK. Comparison between the optimized model‐calculated dose and ArcCHECK‐measured dose resulted in global gamma pass rates which ranged from 70.0%–97.9% for gamma criteria of 3% and 2 mm. The simple square fields yielded high pass rates. The lower gamma pass rates were attributed to the ArcCHECK overestimating the dose in‐field for the rectangular test fields whose long axis was parallel to the long axis of the ArcCHECK. Considering ArcCHECK measurement issues and the lower gamma pass rates for the MLC‐modulated test beams, it was concluded that MapCHECK 2 was a more suitable detector than ArcCHECK for the optimization process.

PACS number(s): 87.55.Qr
Application programming in C# environment with recorded user software interactions and its application in autopilot of VMAT/IMRT treatment planning
Authors: Wang Henry , Xing Lei
Published: February 2017

An autopilot scheme of volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT)/intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning with the guidance of prior knowledge is established with recorded interactions between a planner and a commercial treatment planning system (TPS). Microsoft (MS) Visual Studio Coded UI is applied to record some common planner‐TPS interactions as subroutines. The TPS used in this study is a Windows‐based Eclipse system. The interactions of our application program with Eclipse TPS are realized through a series of subroutines obtained by prerecording the mouse clicks or keyboard strokes of a planner in operating the TPS. A strategy to autopilot Eclipse VMAT/IMRT plan selection process is developed as a specific example of the proposed “scripting” method. The autopiloted planning is navigated by a decision function constructed with a reference plan that has the same prescription and similar anatomy with the case at hand. The calculation proceeds by alternating between the Eclipse optimization and the outer‐loop optimization independent of the Eclipse. In the C# program, the dosimetric characteristics of a reference treatment plan are used to assess and modify the Eclipse planning parameters and to guide the search for a clinically sensible treatment plan. The approach is applied to plan a head and neck (HN) VMAT case and a prostate IMRT case. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of application programming method in C# environment with recorded interactions of planner‐TPS. The process mimics a planner's planning process and automatically provides clinically sensible treatment plans that would otherwise require a large amount of manual trial and error of a planner. The proposed technique enables us to harness a commercial TPS by application programming via the use of recorded human computer interactions and provides an effective tool to greatly facilitate the treatment planning process.

PACS number(s): 87.55.D‐, 87.55.kd, 87.55.de
Analysis of acoustic impedance matching in dual-band ultrasound transducers
Authors: Myhre Ola Finneng , Johansen Tonni Franke , Johan Angelsen Bjørn Atle
Published: February 2017

Dual-frequency band probes are needed for ultrasound (US) reverberation suppression and are useful for image-guided US therapy. A challenge is to design transducer stacks that achieve high bandwidth and efficiency at both operating frequencies when the frequencies are widely separated with a frequency ratio ∼6:1–20:1. This paper studies the loading and backing conditions of transducers in such stacks. Three stack configurations are presented and analyzed using one-dimensional models. It is shown that a configuration with three layers of material separating the transducers is favorable, as it reduces high frequency ringing by ∼20 dB compared to other designs, and matches the low frequency (LF) transducer to the load at a lower frequency. In some cases, the LF load matching is governed by a simple mass–spring interaction in spite of having a complicated matching structure. The proposed design should yield improved performance of reverberation suppression algorithms. Its suitability for reduction of probe heating, also in single-band probes, should be investigated.
Optimal Antimalarial Dose Regimens for Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine with or without Azithromycin in Pregnancy Based on Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Salman Sam , Baiwog Francisca , Page-Sharp Madhu , Griffin Susan , Karunajeewa Harin A. , Mueller Ivo , Rogerson Stephen J. , Siba Peter M. , Ilett Kenneth F. , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: February 2017

Optimal dosing of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy remains to be established, particularly when coadministered with azithromycin (AZI). To further characterize SP pharmacokinetics in pregnancy, plasma concentration-time data from 45 nonpregnant and 45 pregnant women treated with SP-AZI (
n
= 15 in each group) and SP-chloroquine (
n
= 30 in each group) were analyzed. Population nonlinear mixed-effect pharmacokinetic models were developed for pyrimethamine (PYR), sulfadoxine (SDOX), and
N
-acetylsulfadoxine (the SDOX metabolite NASDOX), and potential covariates were included. Pregnancy increased the relative clearance (CL/F) of PYR, SDOX, and NASDOX by 48, 29, and 70%, respectively, as well as the relative volumes of distribution (V/F) of PYR (46 and 99%) and NASDOX (46%). Coadministration of AZI resulted in a greater increase in PYR CL/F (80%) and also increased NASDOX V/F by 76%. Apparent differences between these results and those of published studies of SP disposition may reflect key differences in study design, including the use of an early postpartum follow-up study rather than a nonpregnant comparator group. Simulations based on the final population model demonstrated that, compared to conventional single-dose SP in nonpregnant women, two such doses given 24 h apart should ensure that pregnant women have similar drug exposure, while three daily SP doses may be required if SP is given with AZI. The results of past and ongoing trials using recommended adult SP doses with or without AZI in pregnant women may need to be interpreted in light of these findings and consideration given to using increased doses in future trials.
Dielectric properties of xNa0.5Bi0.5TiO3–(1 − x)Ba0.66Mg0.04Sr0.3TiO3 composite ceramics
Authors: Wang Jing , Cheng Haiyan , Gao Lan , Wang Xianling , Duan Ruijie , Li Jiali
Published: February 2017

The ceramics with the composition of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] (NBT–BMST) in which [Formula: see text] = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 were prepared successfully by the solid-state reaction method. The effects of NBT-doping on phase structure, morphology, temperature stability and dielectric properties had been investigated in detail. The XRD results show that the composites are composed of tetragonal perovskite. The phase structure of NBT–BMST is observed by scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric constant of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] ceramic is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]4100, the temperature coefficients of capacitance are −15%, 15% and 22% at −55[Formula: see text]C, 60[Formula: see text]C and 200[Formula: see text]C, respectively. And the dielectric loss is less than 0.13, which is obviously superior to other compositions. The results of this work showed that the component of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] is a promising candidate to high-temperature stable materials.
Terahertz planar waveguide devices based on graphene
Authors: Yuan Yizhe , Guo Xiaoyong , An Liqun , Xu Wen
Published: February 2017

We present a theoretical study on graphene-semiconductor planar structures. The frequency of the photonic modes in the structure, which can be efficiently tuned via varying the sample parameters, is within the terahertz (THz) bandwidth. Furthermore, it is found that a roughly linear dispersion relation can be obtained for photonic modes in the THz region. Hence, the proposed graphene-semiconductor planar structures can be served as THz waveguide with desirable transmission characteristics.
Effects of sintering atmospheres on phase transformation, oxygen vacancy and photoabsorption behaviors of highly Fe-doped titania crystals
Authors: Wang Xiaohuan , Shi Zhiming , Wang Lina
Published: February 2017

Fe-doped TiO2 crystals were successfully prepared using a sol–gel technique in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres. The effects of sintering atmosphere on phase transformation, oxygen vacancy concentration and photoabsorption behaviors were investigated. The results indicate that upon sintering in reducing atmosphere, Ti and Fe ion valences were decreased and highly Fe ions (12 mol%) were entirely dissolved into titania crystals, increasing oxygen vacancy concentration and leading to increased photoabsorption capability. In contrast, sintering in oxidizing atmosphere causes precipitation of the Fe2O3 phase, which is detrimental to the photoabsorption capability. The best photoabsorption performance is obtained by sintering 12 mol% Fe-doped TiO2 in reducing atmosphere, resulting in an absorption edge of approximately 435 nm, which is much higher than that of undoped TiO2 in the oxidizing atmospheres with the absorption edge 352 nm.
Aliskiren increases aquaporin-2 expression and attenuates lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Lin Yu , Zhang Tiezheng , Feng Pinning , Qiu Miaojuan , Liu Qiaojuan , Li Suchun , Zheng Peili , Kong Yonglun , Levi Moshe , Li Chunling , Wang Weidong
Published: February 2017

The direct renin inhibitor aliskiren has been shown to be retained and persist in medullary collecting ducts even after treatment is discontinued, suggesting a new mechanism of action for this drug. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether aliskiren regulates renal aquaporin expression in the collecting ducts and improves urinary concentrating defect induced by lithium in mice. The mice were fed with either normal chow or LiCl diet (40 mmol·kg dry food−1·day−1 for 4 days and 20 mmol·kg dry food−1·day−1 for the last 3 days) for 7 days. Some mice were intraperitoneally injected with aliskiren (50 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1 in saline). Aliskiren significantly increased protein abundance of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) in the kidney inner medulla in mice. In inner medulla collecting duct cell suspension, aliskiren markedly increased AQP2 and phosphorylated AQP2 at serine 256 (pS256-AQP2) protein abundance, which was significantly inhibited both by adenylyl cyclase inhibitor MDL-12330A and by PKA inhibitor H89, indicating an involvement of the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway in aliskiren-induced increased AQP2 expression. Aliskiren treatment improved urinary concentrating defect in lithium-treated mice and partially prevented the decrease of AQP2 and pS256-AQP2 protein abundance in the inner medulla of the kidney. In conclusion, the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren upregulates AQP2 protein expression in inner medullary collecting duct principal cells and prevents lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus likely via cAMP-PKA pathways.
α-B Crystallin Reverses High Diastolic Stiffness of Failing Human Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Franssen Constantijn , Kole Jeroen , Musters René , Hamdani Nazha , Paulus Walter J.
Published: February 2017

Background—

Cardiomyocytes with a less distensible titin and interstitial collagen contribute to the high diastolic stiffness of failing myocardium. Their relative contributions and mechanisms underlying loss of titin distensibility were assessed in failing human hearts.

Methods and Results—

Left ventricular tissue was procured in patients with aortic stenosis (AS, n=9) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n=6). Explanted donor hearts (n=8) served as controls. Stretches were performed in myocardial strips, and an extraction protocol differentiated between passive tension (F
passive
) attributable to cardiomyocytes or to collagen. F
passive
-cardiomyocytes was higher in AS and DCM at shorter muscle lengths, whereas F
passive
-collagen was higher in AS at longer muscle lengths and in DCM at shorter and longer muscle lengths. Cardiomyocytes were stretched to investigate titin distensibility. Cardiomyocytes were incubated with alkaline phosphatase, subsequently reassessed after a period of prestretch and finally treated with the heat shock protein α-B crystallin. Alkaline phosphatase shifted the F
passive
–sarcomere length relation upward only in donor. Prestretch shifted the F
passive
–sarcomere length relation further upward in donor and upward in AS and DCM. α-B crystallin shifted the F
passive
–sarcomere length relation downward to baseline in donor and to lower than baseline in AS and DCM. In failing myocardium, confocal laser microscopy revealed α-B crystallin in subsarcolemmal aggresomes.

Conclusions—

High cardiomyocyte stiffness contributed to stiffness of failing human myocardium because of reduced titin distensibility. The latter resulted from an absent stiffness-lowering effect of baseline phosphorylation and from titin aggregation. High cardiomyocyte stiffness was corrected by α-B crystallin probably through relief of titin aggregation.
Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor β/δ Improves Endothelial Dysfunction and Protects Kidney in Murine Lupus
Authors: Romero Miguel , Toral Marta , Robles-Vera Iñaki , Sánchez Manuel , Jiménez Rosario , O’Valle Francisco , Rodriguez-Nogales Alba , Pérez-Vizcaino Francisco , Gálvez Julio , Duarte Juan
Published: February 2017

Women with systemic lupus erythematosus exhibit a high prevalence of hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and renal injury. We tested whether GW0742, a peroxisome proliferator activator receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) agonist, ameliorates disease activity and cardiovascular complications in a female mouse model of lupus. Thirty-week-old NZBWF1 (lupus) and NZW/LacJ (control) mice were treated with GW0742 or with the PPARβ/δ antagonist GSK0660 plus GW0742 for 5 weeks. Blood pressure, plasma double-stranded DNA autoantibodies and cytokines, nephritis, hepatic opsonins, spleen lymphocyte populations, endothelial function, and vascular oxidative stress were compared in treated and untreated mice. GW0742 treatment reduced lupus disease activity, blood pressure, cardiac and renal hypertrophy, splenomegaly, albuminuria, and renal injury in lupus mice, but not in control. GW0742 increased hepatic opsonins mRNA levels in lupus mice and reduced the elevated T, B, Treg, and Th1 cells in spleens from lupus mice. GW0742 lowered the higher plasma concentration of proinflammatory cytokines observed in lupus mice. Aortae from lupus mice showed reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses to acetylcholine and increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase–driven vascular reactive oxygen species production, which were normalized by GW0742 treatment. All these effects of GW0742 were inhibited by PPARβ/δ blockade with GSK0660. Pharmacological activation of PPARβ/δ reduced hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and organ damage in severe lupus mice, which was associated with reduced plasma antidouble-stranded DNA autoantibodies and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in target tissues. Our findings identify PPARβ/δ as a promising target for an alternative approach in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and its associated vascular damage.
Asparagus azerbaijanensis, a new species of Asparagus subgen. Asparagopsis (Asparagaceae) from Iran
Authors: HAMDI SEYED MOHAMMAD MAHDI , ASSADI MOSTAFA
Published: February 2017

Asparagus Linnaeus (1753: 313) (Asparagaceae) is a genus of about 120 species (Baker 1875). The Iranian Asparagus species have been divided into two subgenera: A. subgen. Asparagus and A. subgen. Asparagopsis Kunth (1844: 35) Baker (1875: 595) (Browicz 1990). Eleven species were recorded so far for the country (Baker 1875, Iljin 1935, Parsa 1949, Wendelbo 1964, 1985, Davis, 1984, Browicz, 1990, Hamdi & Assadi 2009, 2012, 2016). While preparing an account of Asparagaceae for Flora of Iran, a putative new species from NW of Iran was found. This was confirmed by the study of herbarium material and field work.
Lectotypification of Indopiptadenia oudhensis (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae)
Authors: TIWARI ARJUN PRASAD
Published: February 2017

The monotypic genus Indopiptadenia Brenan (1955: 178) is represented by the species Indopiptadenia oudhensis (Brandis [1874: 168]) Brenan (1955: 178) occurring in India and the Nepal region (Bajpai et al. 2014). In India the species is distributed in the Bahraich, Gonda, and Gorakhpur districts of Uttar Pradesh and the Champawat district of the Kumaun region in Uttarakhand state, India. The species is also uncommonly found in the Dang district of Western Nepal. Indopiptadenia has been derived from Piptadenia Bentham (1840: 135) because of its unusual morphology characterised by the uni-or bijugate leaflets, eglandular petiole, glandular leaf rachis, corolla-lobes being free to their base and elongated seeds.
Enumeration and Cartesian Product Decomposition of Alternate Optimal Fluxes in Cellular Metabolism
Authors: Şeref Onur , Brooks J. Paul , Huang Bernice , Fong Stephen S.
Published: February 2017

We introduce a framework for finding and analyzing all optimal solutions to a linear-programming-based model for cellular metabolism. The implementation of a pivoting-based method for generating alternate optimal reaction fluxes is described. We present a novel strongly polynomial algorithm to decompose a matrix of alternate optimal solutions of an optimization problem into independent subsets of variables and their respective alternate solutions. The matrix can be reconstructed as a Cartesian product of these subsets of alternate solutions. We demonstrate that our strategy for enumeration is more efficient than other methods, and that our Cartesian product matrix decomposition can quickly recover independent substructures. The framework is applied to analyze the metabolic reconstruction of a disease-causing organism, revealing metabolic pathways that are independently regulated.

Data and the online supplement are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2016.0724 .
What influences nurses to undertake accurate assessment of the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Authors: Summers Caroline , McLeod Anne
Published: February 2017

Aim:

To identify influencing factors that have an impact on nurses' performance of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).

Objectives:

To appraise contemporary primary research investigating nurses' performance of the GCS; to identify concerning factors that have an impact on nurses' performance of the GCS; to facilitate a more accurate and consistent use of the tool and to formulate recommendations for optimising its reliability.

Background:

The GCS has been routinely used for over 40 years as an objective neurological tool to assess a patient's level of consciousness following head injury. Users have, however, found certain aspects of the GCS confusing, despite the fact that using the tool accurately is of utmost importance for patient's safety.

Method:

Six databases were searched to review studies (published 2006–2016) that addressed factors influencing nurses' performance of the GCS.

Findings:

Seven studies were identified and critically reviewed. Knowledge and experience were found to be the main factors, although issues with accuracy and application of painful stimuli were also highlighted, in addition to the fact that scores between health-care providers were inaccurate.

Recommendations:

Educational interventions should be implemented and the Neuroscience Nurse Benchmarking Group (NNBG) guidelines made more widely available. To ensure consistency, nurses taking handover should observe how the GCS was obtained and documented.

Conclusion:

This review has found that knowledge and experience are the most significant factors influencing nurses' performance of the GCS, and that inconsistencies were found regarding the application of painful stimuli and accuracy of documentation.
Roald Dahl's little-known contributions to neurology
Authors: Fronzo Camila
Published: February 2017

The writer of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was fascinated by medicine. A valve to treat hydrocephalus, a campaign in favour of the measles vaccination and a key role in the foundation of The Stroke Association are some of his little-known achievements. Tom Solomon, who treated Roald Dahl in hospital, reveals how a number of tragedies prompted Dahl's involvement in medicine—and how these were then translated into great stories
All parents need our full support
Authors: Jarvis Pam
Published: February 2017

There is a worrying trend, in both the traditional media, and among the ‘free for all’ of social media, of judging parents and finding faults with how they raise their children. As a sector, we need to fight back.
Politics and palliative care: Gambia
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: February 2017

Dion Smyth's review of palliative nursing on the internet
The ARTP Accredited Spirometry Register: Improving the quality of diagnostic spirometry in adults, and addressing the myths and misconceptions
Authors: Loveridge Christine
Published: February 2017

The proposal to create a National Register of clinicians who perform spirometry has been greeted with some trepidation. Christine Loveridge describes how the new system will work

The publication in September 2016 of Improving the quality of diagnostic spirometry in adults: The National Register of certified professionals and operators ( NHSE 2016 ) has been the subject of both discussion and perhaps controversy as some see this as ‘red tape’ and hoops to jump through. This article aims to address these concerns and dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that exist around spirometry training, assessment and accreditation.

It will direct those practising spirometry to the most appropriate route to accreditation. The national register document above (seen as a competence framework) will be followed in 2017 with a commissioning document which aims to overarch both the ‘how to’ guide to quality assured diagnostic spirometry ( PCC 2013 ) and the competence framework described above.
Estimated variance components and breeding values for pre-weaning growth criteria in Romney sheep
Authors: Faid-Allah Eslam , Ghoneim E. , Ibrahim A.H.M.
Published: February 2017

This study was carried out to investigate variance components, direct heritability, maternal genetic parameters, estimated breeding values and factors affecting pre-weaning growth criteria of Romney sheep. Data were collected over the period from 2006 to 2012 with records of 4989 lambs descended from 76 rams and 2190 ewes of Romney sheep maintained at S. Island of New Zealand via Gene Marker Lab., Faculty of Agric. and Life Sci., Lincoln Univ., New Zealand. Results proved that genetic and non-genetic factors affecting studied criteria had significant effects (P<0.05). Genetic and environmental estimates of live body weights at birth (LBW), weaning (LWW) and Kleiber ratio (KR) were 0.20±0.074, 0.15±0.042 and 0.14±0.052 for direct heritability (h2a±SE); 0.59±0.219, 0.41±0.023 and 0.08±0.002 for maternal heritability (h2m±SE); 0.11684, 2.6378 and 0.27565 for additive variances (σ2a), 0.34596, 7.1179 and 0.14532 for maternal variances (σ2m); and 0.002395, 10.1262 and 0.509339 for permanent environmental variances (σ2e), respectively. EBV’s of LBW, LWW and KR ranged from -0.555: 0.502, -1.554: 3.006 and -0.633: 0.242 direct, -0.863: 0.954, -4.942: 2.554 and -0.469: 0.179 maternal for rams, respectively; and -0.664: 0.830, -2.996: 4.586 and -1.651: 0.677 direct, 1.429: 1.142, -7.541: 4.920 and -1.223: 0.492 maternal for ewes, respectively. Results suggest the importance of considering the non-genetic factors in pre-weaning growth performance of lambs. Moderate heritability and positive coefficients of phenotypic and genetic correlation for studied criteria indicate to the possibility of improving them using traditional selection.
Does the pyramidal ownership mechanism negatively affect the firm’s performance?
Authors: Diyanty Vera
Published: February 2017

This research aims to evaluate the effect of family control, which is obtained through both direct or pyramidal ownership mechanism, and company performance. It also examines the mediating effect of founder leadership as represented by founding family members occupying the top management position and the effectiveness of Board of Commissioner. This study used Ordinary Least Square regression for the data analysis with 670 data as the sample from 134 sample companies from year 2009 to 2013. The results show that family control through direct ownership mechanism enhances company performance (alignment effect). On the other hand, family control through pyramidal ownership mechanism weakens company performance (entrenchment effect). The results also show that founder leadership boosts the alignment effect and limits the entrenchment effect. However, this research fails to confirm the role of the effectiveness of the Board of Commissioner in increasing the alignment effect and limiting the entrenchment effect.
The Applicability of the NCLEX-RN to the Canadian Testing Population: A Review of Regulatory Body Evidence
Authors: Salfi Jenn , Carbol Barry
Published: February 2017

The NCLEX-RN® was adopted by Canadian regulators in 2011 as the test which entry-level nurses must pass in order to be certified to practice. As part of their justification for adopting the exam, the Canadian regulators pointed to two studies conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). These studies aimed to determine the applicability of the NCLEX-RN® test plan to the Canadian testing population (NCSBN, 2014),with the NCLEX-RN® providing “a fair, valid, and psychometrically sound measurement” of nursing competencies of entry-level RNs in Ontario, Canada (NCSBN, 2012, p. 8). The purpose of this article is to report the findings from a review of the above two NCSBN studies in order to assess whether they provide sufficient evidence to conclude that the NCLEX-RN® is applicable to the Canadian testing population. While some evidence was found of the use of best practice principles in survey and research design, both authors call into question the evidence provided by the NCSBN, and deny the claims that the NCLEX-RN®, as currently designed, is an appropriate assessment tool for Canadian entry-level nurses.
An Integrated Framework for Disseminating Health Information to Students in Zimbabwe
Authors: Matingwina Thomas , Raju Jaya
Published: February 2017

University students in Zimbabwe lack immediate access to accurate health information. There is lack of explicit and integrated structures for disseminating health information to students in Zimbabwe. Informed by the salutogenic theory of health, the study assessed the health information needs of students and evaluated existing health information dissemination methods at National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe, in developing a framework for disseminating health information. A case study strategy was used to gather data within the pragmatic paradigm of grounded constructivism. The findings reveal that students need health information on a wide range of health topics and prefer mobile electronic media, workshops, qualified health professionals and peers for their health needs. There are significant gaps between the strategies that are being used by NUST to disseminate health information and the health information needs of the students. Therefore, this paper proposes a needs-based, integrated information dissemination framework for promoting health amongst students. The proposed framework emphasizes utilization of synchronous information and communication technologies, the need for integration of activities, a viable policy, health information literacy training and the use of a mix of persuasion techniques as an effective health promotion strategy.
Mechanistic study of stereoselectivity in azoalkane denitrogenations
Authors: Abe Manabu , Hatano Sayaka
Published: February 2017

Since 1965, the stereoselectivity in azoalkane denitrogenation has attracted much attention in both synthetic organic chemistry and physical organic chemistry. In this paper, a short review of the recent findings on the mechanism underlying the fascinating stereoselectivity in azoalkane denitrogenation is presented. The two types of singlet diradicals, i.e. the puckered and planar conformations, were found to play important roles in the stereoselectivity in the photochemical denitrogenation of cyclic azoalkanes. The presence of the puckered singlet diradical, which is the third isomer in homolysis, resolves the mechanistic puzzle reported so far for the stereoselectivity in azoalkane denitrogenations.
The Effect of Climate Change on Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Authors: Deichstetter Peggy
Published: February 2017

Global climate change will affect all living things on this planet. For many species, the change in their environment may mean extinction. However, there is one organism, the mosquito, that may benefit from changes in the climate. This paper addresses the possible effects of climate change on mosquitoes, including longer breeding seasons and increased hatch rates of populations. The enlarged population will cause mosquitoes to seek more territory, and the warmer climate will in turn make more territory available. If mosquitoes increase in population, there may be an amplification of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Chikungunya virus, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus. This trend of increased range because of climate change has already been observed in dengue fever. This information can be used as an engaging segue into teaching students about climate change and vector-borne disease.
Priėmimas globojant vaiką: patirtis, kurianti naują kultūrą
Authors: Gvaldaitė Lijana
Published: February 2017

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama vaikus globojančių šeimų patirtis atsiremiant į priėmimo sampratą krikščioniškos antropologijos požiūriu. Tyrime dalyvavusiems globėjams svetimo vaiko priėmimas kelia nemažai iššūkių, tačiau kartu tai yra pilnatvės, džiaugsmo, dėkingumo patirtis, kuri juos ugdo, didina jų sąmoningumą, keičia visos šeimos gyvenimą. Vaiko globa jiems yra pašaukimo naujajai tėvystei ir motinystei atradimas ir išgyvenimas. Globėjų patirtys byloja apie galimybę vaikui, netekusiam savo šeimos globos, augti ir būti ugdomam kitos šeimos aplinkoje, kuri gali užtikrinti stokojamus jo priklausymo, stabilių santykių poreikius. Vaiko globa šeimoje yra socialiniai ištekliai vaikui, bet drauge ir visuomenei – kuriantys naują, dosnumu ir solida- rumu grįstą kultūrą ir prisidedantys prie bendrojo gėrio. Todėl svarbu, kad socialinės paramos lygmeniu jie būtų atpažįstami, palaikomi ir stiprinami.
DISTRIBUSI KELIMPAHAN ICHTHYOPLANKTON DI TELUK TOMINI DAN LAUT BANDA
Authors: Taufik Muhammad , Suwarso Suwarso , Nurwiyanto Nurwiyanto
Published: February 2017

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari distribusi dan kelimpahan ichthyoplankon di Teluk Tomini dan Laut Banda, sebagai studi awal untuk mengkaji lokasi pemijahan ikan pelagis yang dominan di perairan-perairan tersebut.
Investigation on Antioxidant Compounds from Marine Algae Extracts Collected from Binuangeun Coast, Banten, Indonesia
Authors: Nursid Muhammad , Marasskuranto Endar , Atmojo Karren Budi , Hartono Mulyo Pandu , Nur Meinita Maria Diyah , R Riyanti
Published: February 2017

Marine algae contains bioactive secondary metabolites that  have potential to be developed as antioxidant. The aims of  this research were to investigate antioxidant activity and total phenolic compound of marine algae collected from Binuangeun Beach, Banten and to characterize antioxidant compounds from selected algae species. Antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay and Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) Assay, while total phenolic content was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau method. Isolation of bioactive antioxidant compound was performed using SiO2 column chromatography and preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidan activity evaluation was conducted to methanol extracts  from 20 species (7 Chlorophyta, 9 Phaeophyta and 4 Rhodophyta). Results showed that Padina australis extract was found to be the most active. The major bioactive antioxidant compound was identified as fucoxanthin and a polar compound that was suspected as phenolic compound. The extracts of P. australis presented the highest phenolic content (58.59 mg GAE/g). A significant correlation between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content was found, indicating that phenolic compounds are the major contributors to the antioxidant properties of P. australis.
C-reactive protein levels in children with uncomplicated malaria
Authors: Castelino Dipthi Nishal , Avabratha K. Shreedhara
Published: February 2017

Background: Malaria is one of the biggest burden in terms of morbidity and mortality among all infectious diseases and continues to be a major health problem in India. The objective of this study was to study the levels of C-reactive protein in children with uncomplicated Malaria. To correlate C-reactive protein levels with malaria parasite density and species of Malaria.Methods: Retrospective study was done in Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka. 50 patients below 15 years of age malaria parasite positive by fluorescent test (MPFT) and by Peripheral smear formed the subjects and CRP levels and parasite densities was noted down into the proforma.Results: The age group predominantly was children more than 10 years. Plasmodium vivax was the type of malaria in 60% children. Most common symptoms were fever (100%), chills and rigors (41%), vomiting (48%) and headache (24%). Clinical signs observed were hepatomegaly (30%) and splenomegaly (64%). Mean levels of C reactive protein (CRP) were 42.91%with standard deviation of 31.62. Mean CRP levels were high in children with Falciparum malaria (44.51±34.19).58% had CRP levels ranging from 6-50 mg/l. 50% children with CRP levels >50 mg/L had parasite density of (++++) which is 100 parasites per 1 field of quantitative buffy coat.Conclusions: C-reactive protein levels are markedly elevated in acute malarial infection in paediatric age group.It correlates well with disease severity.