bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth factor signaling alters the morphology of the zebrafish ethmoid plate
Authors: Cusack Brian J. , Parsons Trish E. , Weinberg Seth M. , Vieira Alexandre R. , Szabo‐Rogers Heather L.
Published: February 2017

Craniofacial development relies on coordinated tissue interactions that allow for patterning and growth of the face. We know a priori that the Wingless, fibroblast growth factor, Hedgehog and transforming growth factor‐beta growth factor signaling pathways are required for the development of the face, but how they contribute to the shape of the face is largely untested. Here, we test how each signaling pathway contributes to the overall morphology of the zebrafish anterior neurocranium. We tested the contribution of each signaling pathway to the development of the ethmoid plate during three distinct time periods: the time of neural crest migration [10 hour post fertilization (hpf)]; once the neural crest is resident in the face (20 hpf); and finally at the time at which the cartilaginous condensations are being initiated (48 hpf). Using geometric morphometric analysis, we conclude that each signaling pathway contributes to the shape, size and morphology of the ethmoid plate in a dose‐, and time‐dependent fashion.
Surgical management of primary, metastatic and recurrent anal sac adenocarcinoma in the dog: 52 cases
Authors: Barnes D. C. , Demetriou J. L.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To report the outcomes and complications of a cohort of dogs with primary and recurrent anal sac adenocarcinoma managed with surgery as the first‐line treatment. To report the use of lymph node cytology for identification of metastatic disease.

Methods

Retrospective review of case records of a single referral centre population of dogs diagnosed with anal sac adenocarcinoma.

Results

Fifty‐two clinical cases were identified. Altered ultrasonographic appearance of lymph nodes was highly consistent with metastatic disease as assessed by cytology and histopathology. Seven of 58 (12%) perineal surgeries had reported minor complications and seven (12%) others required further surgical intervention. Minor controllable intraoperative bleeding was the only complication noted associated with lymph node extirpation in two of 39 (5%) metastectomy procedures. Six dogs (12%) suffered local recurrence and 22 (42%) developed subsequent or recurrent nodal metastatic disease. From the time of detection of disease recurrence, median additional survival associated with a second surgical intervention was 283 days.

Clinical Significance

Coeliotomy for lymph node metastatectomy in dogs with adenocarcinoma of the anal sac has low morbidity and should be considered in patients presenting with evidence of regional metastatic disease both at initial presentation and with recurrent disease.
Treatment of inflammatory rectal strictures by digital bougienage: a retrospective study of nine cases
Authors: Lamoureux A. , Maurey C. , Freiche V.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Inflammatory rectal strictures in dogs and cats have been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to describe nine cases and their treatment by digital bougienage.

Methods

Medical records of dogs and cats referred for constipation, dyschezia or tenesmus and diagnosed with an inflammatory rectal stricture were obtained from the database of two referral centres between 2007 and 2014 and reviewed.

Results

Four dogs and five cats met the inclusion criteria. Four of the five cats were purebred kittens. Three cats and two dogs had a history of diarrhoea and two dogs had a history of bone ingestion. Digital rectal examination revealed rectal strictures in all cases. Histopathology revealed a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in all four dogs and in two cats. All cases were treated by digital bougienage. A psyllium‐enriched diet was prescribed in all cats and in two dogs. A complete resolution of clinical signs was reported in all eight cases for which follow‐up information was available.

Clinical Significance

Benign rectal strictures associated with gastrointestinal inflammation should be routinely included in the differential diagnosis of constipation, tenesmus and dyschezia, especially after an episode of acute or chronic diarrhoea. The treatment described here is simple, minimally invasive and effective in the long term.
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B‐beta (eIF2Bβ), a new class of plant virus resistance gene
Authors: Shopan Jannat , Mou Haipeng , Zhang Lili , Zhang Changtong , Ma Weiwei , Walsh John A. , Hu Zhongyuan , Yang Jinghua , Zhang Mingfang
Published: February 2017

Recessive resistances to plant viruses in the Potyvirus genus have been found to be based on mutations in the plant eukaryotic translation initiation factors, eIF4E and eIF4G or their isoforms. Here we report that natural, monogenic recessive resistance to the Potyvirus Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) has been found in a number of mustard (Brassica juncea) accessions. Bulked segregant analysis and sequencing of resistant and susceptible plant lines indicated the resistance is controlled by a single recessive gene, recessive TuMV resistance 03 (retr03), an allele of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B‐beta (eIF2Bβ). Silencing of eIF2Bβ in a TuMV‐susceptible mustard plant line and expression of eIF2Bβ from a TuMV‐susceptible line in a TuMV‐resistant mustard plant line confirmed the new resistance mechanism. A functional copy of a specific allele of eIF2Bβ is required for efficient TuMV infection. eIF2Bβ represents a new class of virus resistance gene conferring resistance to any pathogen. eIF2B acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for its GTP‐binding protein partner eIF2 via interaction with eIF2·GTP at an early step in translation initiation. Further genotyping indicated that a single non‐synonymous substitution (A120G) in the N‐terminal region of eIF2Bβ was responsible for the TuMV resistance. A reproducible marker has been developed, facilitating marker‐assisted selection for TuMV resistance in B. juncea. Our findings provide a new target for seeking natural resistance to potyviruses and new opportunities for the control of potyviruses using genome editing techniques targeted on eIF2Bβ.
Characteristics of a novel treatment system for linear accelerator–based stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Wen Ning , Li Haisen , Song Kwang , Chin‐Snyder Karen , Qin Yujiao , Kim Jinkoo , Bellon Maria , Gulam Misbah , Gardner Stephen , Doemer Anthony , Devpura Suneetha , Gordon James , Chetty Indrin , Siddiqui Farzan , Ajlouni Munther , Pompa Robert , Hammoud Zane , Simoff Michael , Kalkanis Steven , Movsas Benjamin , Siddiqui M. Salim
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study is to characterize the dosimetric properties and accuracy of a novel treatment platform (Edge radiosurgery system) for localizing and treating patients with frameless, image‐guided stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Initial measurements of various components of the system, such as a comprehensive assessment of the dosimetric properties of the flattening filter‐free (FFF) beams for both high definition (HD120) MLC and conical cone‐based treatment, positioning accuracy and beam attenuation of a six degree of freedom (6DoF) couch, treatment head leakage test, and integrated end‐to‐end accuracy tests, have been performed. The end‐to‐end test of the system was performed by CT imaging a phantom and registering hidden targets on the treatment couch to determine the localization accuracy of the optical surface monitoring system (OSMS), cone‐beam CT (CBCT), and MV imaging systems, as well as the radiation isocenter targeting accuracy. The deviations between the percent depth‐dose curves acquired on the new linac‐based system (Edge), and the previously published machine with FFF beams (TrueBeam) beyond were within 1.0% for both energies. The maximum deviation of output factors between the Edge and TrueBeam was 1.6%. The optimized dosimetric leaf gap values, which were fitted using Eclipse dose calculations and measurements based on representative spine radiosurgery plans, were 0.700 mm and 1.000 mm, respectively. For the conical cones, 6X FFF has sharper penumbra ranging from (80%‐20%) and (90%‐10%) relative to 10X FFF, which has and , respectively. The relative attenuation measurements of the couch for PA, PA (rails‐in), oblique, oblique (rails‐out), oblique (rails‐in) were: , , , , for 6X FFF and , , , , for 10X FFF, respectively, with a slight decrease in attenuation versus field size. The systematic deviation between the OSMS and CBCT was , , and in the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions. The mean values and standard deviations of the average deviation and maximum deviation of the daily Winston‐Lutz tests over three months are and , respectively. Initial testing of this novel system demonstrates the technology to be highly accurate and suitable for frameless, linac‐based SRS and SBRT treatment.

PACS number: 87.56.J‐
Comparing three UV wavelengths for pre‐exposing Gafchromic EBT2 and EBT3 films
Authors: Katsuda Toshizo , Gotanda Rumi , Gotanda Tatsuhiro , Akagawa Takuya , Tanki Nobuyoshi , Kuwano Tadao , Yabunaka Kouichi
Published: February 2017

Gafchromic films are used for X‐ray dose measurements during diagnostic examinations and have begun to be used for three‐dimensional X‐ray dose measurements using the high‐resolution characteristics of Gafchromic films for computed tomography. However, the problem of unevenness in Gafchromic film active layers needs to be resolved. Double exposures using X‐rays are performed during therapeutic radiology, although this is difficult for a diagnostic examination because of a heel effect. Thus, it has been suggested that ultraviolet (UV) radiation be used as a substitute for X‐rays. However, the appropriate UV wavelength has not been determined. Thus, we conducted this study to decide an appropriate UV wavelength. UV peak wavelengths of 245 nm (UV‐A), 310 nm (UV‐B), and 365 nm (UV‐C) were used to irradiate EBT2 and EBT3 films. Each UV wavelength was irradiated for 5, 15, 30, and 60 min, and irradiation was then repeated every 60 min up to 360 min. Gafchromic films were scanned after every irradiation using a flatbed scanner. Images were split into RGB images, and red images were analyzed using ImageJ, version 1.44, image analysis software. A region of interest (ROI) one‐half inch in diameter was placed in the center of subtracted Gafchromic film images, and UV irradiation times were plotted against mean pixel values. There were reactions in the front and back of Gafchromic EBT3 and the back of Gafchromic EBT2 with UV‐A and UV‐B. However, UV‐C resulted in some reactions in both sides of Gafchromic EBT2 and EBT3. The UV‐A and UV‐B wavelengths should be used.

PACS number(s): 87.53 Bn
Assessment of radiobiological metrics applied to patient‐specific QA process of VMAT prostate treatments
Authors: Clemente‐Gutiérrez Francisco , Pérez‐Vara Consuelo , Clavo‐Herranz María H. , López‐Carrizosa Concepción , Pérez‐Regadera José , Ibáñez‐Villoslada Carmen
Published: February 2017

VMAT is a powerful technique to deliver hypofractionated prostate treatments. The lack of correlations between usual 2D pretreatment QA results and the clinical impact of possible mistakes has allowed the development of 3D verification systems. Dose determination on patient anatomy has provided clinical predictive capability to patient‐specific QA process. Dose‐volume metrics, as evaluation criteria, should be replaced or complemented by radiobiological indices. These metrics can be incorporated into individualized QA extracting the information for response parameters (gEUD, TCP, NTCP) from DVHs. The aim of this study is to assess the role of two 3D verification systems dealing with radiobiological metrics applied to a prostate VMAT QA program. Radiobiological calculations were performed for AAPM TG‐166 test cases. Maximum differences were 9.3% for gEUD, for TCP, and 5.3% for NTCP calculations. Gamma tests and DVH‐based comparisons were carried out for both systems in order to assess their performance in 3D dose determination for prostate treatments (high‐, intermediate‐, and low‐risk, as well as prostate bed patients). Mean gamma passing rates for all structures were better than 92.0% and 99.1% for both 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm criteria. Maximum discrepancies were and for targets and normal tissues, respectively. Values for gEUD, TCP, and NTCP were extracted from TPS and compared to the results obtained with the two systems. Three models were used for TCP calculations (Poisson, sigmoidal, and Niemierko) and two models for NTCP determinations (LKB and Niemierko). The maximum mean difference for gEUD calculations was ; for TCP, the maximum discrepancy was ; and NTCP comparisons led to a maximum deviation of . The potential usefulness of biological metrics in patient‐specific QA has been explored. Both systems have been successfully assessed as potential tools for evaluating the clinical outcome of a radiotherapy treatment in the scope of pretreatment QA.

PACS number(s): 87.56.Fc, 87.55.Qr, 87.55.dk, 87.55.dh, 87.10.Vg, 87.55.km, 87.53.Bn, 87.55.‐x, 87.56.‐v
Comparison of TG‐43 dosimetric parameters of brachytherapy sources obtained by three different versions of MCNP codes
Authors: Zaker Neda , Zehtabian Mehdi , Sina Sedigheh , Koontz Craig , Meigooni1 Ali S.
Published: February 2017

Monte Carlo simulations are widely used for calculation of the dosimetric parameters of brachytherapy sources. MCNP4C2, MCNP5, MCNPX, EGS4, EGSnrc, PTRAN, and GEANT4 are among the most commonly used codes in this field. Each of these codes utilizes a cross‐sectional library for the purpose of simulating different elements and materials with complex chemical compositions. The accuracies of the final outcomes of these simulations are very sensitive to the accuracies of the cross‐sectional libraries. Several investigators have shown that inaccuracies of some of the cross section files have led to errors in and parameters. The purpose of this study is to compare the dosimetric parameters of sample brachytherapy sources, calculated with three different versions of the MCNP code — MCNP4C, MCNP5, and MCNPX. In these simulations for each source type, the source and phantom geometries, as well as the number of the photons, were kept identical, thus eliminating the possible uncertainties. The results of these investigations indicate that for low‐energy sources such as and there are discrepancies in values. Discrepancies up to 21.7% and 28% are observed between MCNP4C and other codes at a distance of 6 cm for and 10 cm for from the source, respectively. However, for higher energy sources, the discrepancies in values are less than 1.1% for and less than 1.2% for between the three codes.

PACS number(s): 87.56.bg
Guidelines for treatment naming in radiation oncology
Authors: Denton Travis R. , Shields Lisa B. E. , Hahl Michael , Maudlin Casey , Bassett Mark , Spalding Aaron C.
Published: February 2017

Safety concerns may arise from a lack of standardization and ambiguity during the treatment planning and delivery process in radiation therapy. A standardized target and organ‐at‐risk naming convention in radiation therapy was developed by a task force comprised of several Radiation Oncology Societies. We present a nested‐survey approach in a community setting to determine the methodology for radiation oncology departments to standardize their practice. Our Institution's continuous quality improvement (CQI) committee recognized that, due to growth from one to three centers, significant variability existed within plan parameters specific to patients’ treatment. A multidiscipline, multiclinical site consortium was established to create a guideline for standard naming. Input was gathered using anonymous, electronic surveys from physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, chief therapists, and nurse managers. Surveys consisted of several primary areas of interest: anatomical sites, course naming, treatment plan naming, and treatment field naming. Additional concepts included capitalization, specification of laterality, course naming in the event of multiple sites being treated within the same course of treatment, primary versus boost planning, the use of bolus, revisions for plans, image‐guidance field naming, forbidden characters, and standard units for commonly used physical quantities in radiation oncology practice. Guidelines for standard treatment naming were developed that could be readily adopted. This multidisciplinary study provides a clear, straightforward, and easily implemented protocol for the radiotherapy treatment process. Standard nomenclature facilitates the safe means of communication between team members in radiation oncology. The guidelines presented in this work serve as a model for radiation oncology clinics to standardize their practices.

PACS number(s): 87.56.bd, 87.56.Fc, 87.55.Qr, 87.55.‐x, 87.55.N‐, 87.55.T‐, 87.55.D‐
On the accuracy of dose prediction near metal fixation devices for spine SBRT
Authors: Cheng Zhangkai J. , Bromley Regina M. , Oborn Brad , Carolan Martin , Booth Jeremy T.
Published: February 2017

The metallic fixations used in surgical procedures to support the spine mechanically usually consist of high‐density materials. Radiation therapy to palliate spinal cord compression can include prophylactic inclusion of potential tumor around the site of such fixation devices. Determination of the correct density and shape of the spine fixation device has a direct effect on the dose calculation of the radiation field. Even with the application of modern computed tomography (CT), under‐ or overestimation of dose, both immediately next to the device and in the surrounding tissues, can occur due to inaccuracies in the dose prediction algorithm. In this study, two commercially available dose prediction algorithms (Eclipse AAA and ACUROS), EGSnrc Monte Carlo, and GAFchromic film measurements were compared for a clinical spine SBRT case to determine their accuracy. An open six‐field plan and a clinical nine‐field IMRT plan were applied to a phantom containing a metal spine fixation device. Dose difference and gamma analysis were performed in and around the tumor region adjacent to the fixation device. Dose calculation inconsistency was observed in the open field plan. However, in the IMRT plan, the dose perturbation effect was not observed beyond 5 mm. Our results suggest that the dose effect of the metal fixation device to the spinal cord and the tumor volume is not observable, and all dose calculation algorithms evaluated can provide clinically acceptable accuracy in the case of spinal SBRT, with the tolerance of 95% for gamma criteria of .

PACS number(s): 87.53.bn, 87.53.Ly, 87.55.kd
Evaluation of the stability of the stereotactic Leksell Frame G in Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Authors: Rojas‐Villabona Alvaro , Miszkiel Katherine , Kitchen Neil , Jäger Rolf , Paddick Ian
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of the Leksell Frame G in Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR). Forty patients undergoing GKR underwent pretreatment stereotactic MRI for GKR planning and stereotactic CT immediately after GKR. The stereotactic coordinates of four anatomical landmarks (cochlear apertures and the summits of the anterior post of the superior semicircular canals, bilaterally) were measured by two evaluators on two separate occasions in the pretreatment MRI and post‐treatment CT scans and the absolute distance between the observations is reported. The measurement method was validated with an independent group of patients who underwent both stereotactic MRI and CT imaging before treatment (negative controls; n: 5). Patients undergoing GKR for arteriovenous malformations (AVM) also underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which could result in extra stresses on the frame. The distance between landmark localization in the scans for the negative control group (0.63 mm; 95% CI: 0.57–0.70; SD: 0.29) represents the overall consistency of the evaluation method and provides an estimate of the minimum displacement that could be detected by the study. Two patients in the study group had the fiducial indicator box accidentally misplaced at post‐treatment CT scanning. This simulated the scenario of a frame displacement, and these cases were used as positive controls to demonstrate that the evaluation method is capable of detecting a discrepancy between the MRI and CT scans, if there was one. The mean distance between the location of the landmarks in the pretreatment MRI and post‐treatment CT scans for the study group was 0.71 mm (95% CI: 0.68–0.74; SD:0.32), which was not statistically different from the overall uncertainty of the evaluation method observed in the negative control group (). The subgroup of patients with AVM (n: 9), who also underwent DSA, showed a statistically significant difference between the location of the landmarks compared to subjects with no additional imaging: 0.78 mm (95% CI: 0.72–0.84) vs. 0.69 mm (95% CI: 0.66–0.72), . This is however a minimal difference (0.1 mm) and the mean difference in landmark location for each AVM patient remained submillimeter. This study demonstrates submillimeter stability of the Leksell Frame G in GKR throughout the treatment procedure.

PACS number(s): 87.53.‐j, 87.53.Ly, 87.56.Fc
Modeling the Agility MLC in the Monaco treatment planning system
Authors: Snyder Michael , Halford Robert , Knill Cory , Adams Jeffrey N. , Bossenberger Todd , Nalichowski Adrian , Hammoud Ahmad , Burmeister Jay
Published: February 2017

We investigate the relationship between the various parameters in the Monaco MLC model and dose calculation accuracy for an Elekta Agility MLC. The vendor‐provided MLC modeling procedure — completed first with external vendor participation and then exclusively in‐house — was used in combination with our own procedures to investigate several sets of MLC modeling parameters to determine their effect on dose distributions and point‐dose measurements. Simple plans provided in the vendor procedure were used to elucidate specific mechanical characteristics of the MLC, while ten complex treatment plans — five IMRT and five VMAT — created using TG‐119‐based structure sets were used to test clinical dosimetric effects of particular parameter choices. EDR2 film was used for the vendor fields to give high spatial resolution, while a combination of MapCHECK and ion chambers were used for the in‐house TG‐119‐based procedures. The vendor‐determined parameter set provided a reasonable starting point for the MLC model and largely delivered acceptable gamma pass rates for clinical plans — including a passing external evaluation using the IROC H&N phantom. However, the vendor model did not provide point‐dose accuracy consistent with that seen in other treatment systems at our center. Through further internal testing it was found that there existed many sets of MLC parameters, often at opposite ends of their allowable ranges, that provided similar dosimetric characteristics and good agreement with planar and point‐dose measurements. In particular, the leaf offset and tip leakage parameters compensated for one another if adjusted in opposite directions, which provided a level curve of acceptable parameter sets across all plans. Interestingly, gamma pass rates of the plans were less dependent upon parameter choices than point‐dose measurements, suggesting that MLC modeling using only gamma evaluation may be generally an insufficient approach. It was also found that exploring all parameters of the very robust MLC model to find the best match to the vendor‐provided QA fields can reduce the pass rates of the TG‐119‐based clinical distributions as compared to simpler models. A wide variety of parameter sets produced MLC models capable of meeting RPC passing criteria for their H&N IMRT phantom. The most accurate models were achievable using a combination of vendor‐provided and in‐house procedures. The potential existed for an over‐modeling of the Agility MLC in an effort to obtain the fine structure of certain quality assurance fields, which led to a reduction in agreement between calculation and measurement of more typical clinical dose distributions.

PACS number(s): 87.56.nk, 87.53.Kn, 87.55.km, 87.55.Qr
Quantification of the margin required for treating intraprostatic lesions
Authors: Studenski Matthew T. , Valenciaga Yanisley , Abramowitz Matthew C. , Stoyanova Radka , Bossart Elizabeth , Dogan Nesrin , Pollack Alan
Published: February 2017

Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences allow physicians to define the dominant intraprostatic lesion (IPL) in prostate radiation therapy treatments allowing for dose escalation and potentially increased tumor control. This work quantifies the margin required around the MRI‐defined IPL accounting for both prostate motion and deformation. Ten patients treated with a simultaneous integrated intraprostatic boost (SIIB) were retrospectively selected and replanned with incremental 1 mm margins from 0‐5 mm around the IPL to determine if there were any significant differences in dosimetric parameters. Sensitivity analysis was then performed accounting for random and systematic uncertainties in both prostate motion and deformation to ensure adequate dose was delivered to the IPL. Prostate deformation was assessed using daily CBCT imaging and implanted fiducial markers. The average IPL volume without margin was 2.3% of the PTV volume and increased to 11.8% with a 5 mm margin. Despite these changes in volume, the only statistically significant dosimetric difference was found for the PTV maximum dose, which increased with increasing margin. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that a 3.0 mm margin ensures IPL coverage accounting for both motion and deformation. We found that a margin of 3.0 mm around the MRI defined IPL is sufficient to account for random and systematic errors in IPL position for the majority of cases.

PACS number(s): 87.55.de
Evaluation of a combined respiratory‐gating system comprising the TrueBeam linear accelerator and a new real‐time tumor‐tracking radiotherapy system: a preliminary study
Authors: Shiinoki Takehiro , Kawamura Shinji , Uehara Takuya , Yuasa Yuki , Fujimoto Koya , Koike Masahiro , Sera Tatsuhiro , Emoto Yuki , Hanazawa Hideki , Shibuya Keiko
Published: February 2017

A combined system comprising the TrueBeam linear accelerator and a new real‐time, tumor‐tracking radiotherapy system, SyncTraX, was installed in our institution. The goals of this study were to assess the capability of SyncTraX in measuring the position of a fiducial marker using color fluoroscopic images, and to evaluate the dosimetric and geometric accuracy of respiratory‐gated radiotherapy using this combined system for the simple geometry. For the fundamental evaluation of respiratory‐gated radiotherapy using SyncTraX, the following were performed: 1) determination of dosimetric and positional characteristics of sinusoidal patterns using a motor‐driven base for several gating windows; 2) measurement of time delay using an oscilloscope; 3) positional verification of sinusoidal patterns and the pattern in the case of a lung cancer patient; 4) measurement of the half‐value layer (HVL in mm AL), effective kVp, and air kerma, using a solid‐state detector for each fluoroscopic condition, to determine the patient dose. The dose profile in a moving phantom with gated radiotherapy having a gating window was in good agreement with that under static conditions for each photon beam. The total time delay between TrueBeam and SyncTraX was for each photon beam. The mean of the positional tracking error was for sinusoidal patterns and for the pattern in the case of a lung cancer patient. The air‐kerma rates from one fluoroscopy direction were , , , , and for 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 kV X‐ray beams at 80 mA, respectively. The combined system comprising TrueBeam and SyncTraX could track the motion of the fiducial marker and control radiation delivery with reasonable accuracy; therefore, this system provides significant dosimetric improvement. However, patient exposure dose from fluoroscopy was not clinically negligible.

PACS number(s): 87.53.Bn, 87.55.km, 87.55.Qr
A novel phantom and procedure providing submillimeter accuracy in daily QA tests of accelerators used for stereotactic radiosurgery*
Authors: Brezovich Ivan A. , Popple Richard A. , Duan Jun , Shen Sui , Wu Xingen , Benhabib Sidi , Huang Mi , Cardan Rex A.
Published: February 2017

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) places great demands on spatial accuracy. Steel BBs used as markers in quality assurance (QA) phantoms are clearly visible in MV and planar kV images, but artifacts compromise cone‐beam CT (CBCT) isocenter localization. The purpose of this work was to develop a QA phantom for measuring with sub‐mm accuracy isocenter congruence of planar kV, MV, and CBCT imaging systems and to design a practical QA procedure that includes daily Winston‐Lutz (WL) tests and does not require computer aid. The salient feature of the phantom (Universal Alignment Ball (UAB)) is a novel marker for precisely localizing isocenters of CBCT, planar kV, and MV beams. It consists of a 25.4 mm diameter sphere of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) containing a concentric 6.35 mm diameter tungsten carbide ball. The large density difference between PMMA and the polystyrene foam in which the PMMA sphere is embedded yields a sharp image of the sphere for accurate CBCT registration. The tungsten carbide ball serves in finding isocenter in planar kV and MV images and in doing WL tests. With the aid of the UAB, CBCT isocenter was located within of its true positon, and MV isocenter was pinpointed in planar images to within . In clinical morning QA tests extending over an 18 months period the UAB consistently yielded measurements with sub‐mm accuracy. The average distance between isocenter defined by orthogonal kV images and CBCT measured . In WL tests the central ray of anterior beams defined by a MLC field agreed with CBCT isocenter within in the lateral direction and within in the longitudinal direction. Lateral MV beams approached CBCT isocenter within in the vertical direction and within longitudinally. It took therapists about 10 min to do the tests. The novel QA phantom allows pinpointing CBCT and MV isocenter positions to better than 0.2 mm, using visual image registration. Under CBCT guidance, MLC‐defined beams are deliverable with sub‐mm spatial accuracy. The QA procedure is practical for daily tests by therapists.

PACS number(s): 87.53.Ly, 87.56.Fc
Resolution of Mismatched Overlap Holliday Junction Intermediates by the Tyrosine Recombinase IntDOT
Authors: Ringwald Kenneth , Yoneji Sumiko , Gardner Jeffrey
Published: February 2017

CTnDOT is an integrated conjugative element found in
Bacteroides
species. CTnDOT contains and transfers antibiotic resistance genes. The element integrates into and excises from the host chromosome via a Holliday junction (HJ) intermediate as part of a site-specific recombination mechanism. The CTnDOT integrase, IntDOT, is a tyrosine recombinase with core-binding, catalytic, and amino-terminal (N) domains. Unlike well-studied tyrosine recombinases, such as lambda integrase (Int), IntDOT is able to resolve Holliday junctions containing heterology (mismatched bases) between the sites of strand exchange. All known natural isolates of CTnDOT contain mismatches in the overlap region between the sites of strand exchange. Previous work showed that IntDOT was unable to resolve synthetic Holliday junctions containing mismatched bases to products in the absence of the arm-type sites and a DNA-bending protein. We constructed synthetic HJs with the arm-type sites and tested them with the
Bacteroides
host factor (BHFa). We found that the addition of BHFa stimulated resolution of HJ intermediates with mismatched overlap regions to products. In addition, the L1 site is required for directionality of the reaction, particularly when the HJ contains mismatches. BHFa is required for product formation when the overlap region contains mismatches, and it stimulates resolution to products when the overlap region is identical. Without this DNA bending, the N domain of IntDOT is likely unable to bind the L1 arm-type site. These findings suggest that BHFa bends DNA into the necessary conformation for the higher-order complexes, including the L1 site, that are required for product formation.

IMPORTANCE
CTnDOT is a mobile element that carries antibiotic resistance genes and moves by site-selective recombination and subsequent conjugation. The recombination reaction is catalyzed by an integrase IntDOT that is a member of the tyrosine recombinase family. The reaction proceeds through ordered strand exchanges that generate a Holliday junction (HJ) intermediate. Unlike other tyrosine recombinases, IntDOT can resolve HJs containing mismatched bases in the overlap region
in vivo
, as is the case under natural conditions. However, HJ intermediates including only IntDOT core-type sites cannot be resolved to products if the HJ intermediate contains mismatched bases. We added arm-type sites in
cis
and in
trans
to the HJ intermediates and the protein BHFa to study the requirements for higher-order nucleoprotein complexes.
QABPEM: Quality-Aware Business Process Engineering Method
Authors: Aboutalebi Majid , Parsa Saeed
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a novel business process engineering method based on quality assessment is proposed. In the proposed method, a goal model is used to estimate the operational costs of business processes. Goals scenarios in the goal model of desired information systems are applied as a basis for estimating the design cost. Qualities of business requirements models and business process models are also estimated. Based on the quality metrics, the process of business process modeling is examined. Then, using XOR operator in the goal model, a simple and direct mapping of the goal model to the business process model is introduced. Common activities in the business process model are further factored and summarized using pre- and post-factoring operations. The proposed business process modeling method is language-independent. An ICT office in Mazandaran Power Distribution Company is used as a case study to exemplify QABPEM. Our evaluation results demonstrates the capability of the proposed method compared with the existing ones.
A new species of Bituminaria (Fabaceae) from Tunisia
Authors: BRULLO CRISTIAN , BRULLO SALVATORE , CAMBRIA SALVATORE , MOKNI RIDHA EL , AOUNI MOHAMED HÉDI EL , GALDO GIANPIETRO GIUSSO DEL
Published: February 2017

Bituminaria tunetana a new species occurring in Tunisia is described and illustrated. It shows some relationships with B. basaltica from Aeolian Archipelago (Sicily), mainly for having very small flowers and also with B. flaccida from Middle East in having pale colored corolla and few-flowered inflorescences, but the three species differ among them in many diacritic features regarding the leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. Besides, it is well distinct from B. bituminosa, species widely spread in Sicily and in several countries of the Mediterranean area, for many morphological features, as well as in micro-morphology of seed testa and pod indumentum. Its distribution, ecology and conservation status are also examined. An analytical key of the species belonging to Bituminaria subgen. Bituminaria is also provided.
Prabhukumar, K.M., R. Jagadeesan, G. Prasad, B.N. Nagaraj, V.N. Naveen Kumar, V. Bhaskar& Indira Balachandran (2017) Two new taxa of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from southern parts of Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa 296 (3): 281–286.
Authors: PRABHUKUMAR KONICKAL MAMBETTA , JAGADEESAN RAVEENDRAN , PRASAD GOPALAKRISHNAN , NAGARAJ BHAGAVATHI AMMA NATARAJAN ACHARI , KUMAR VANNARATTA VEETTIL NAVEEN , VEERALINGA BHASKAR , BALACHANDRAN INDIRA
Published: February 2017

N/A
Comparison of the structure and musculature of male terminalia in the tribes Operophterini, Phileremini and Triphosini (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)
Authors: SCHMIDT OLGA
Published: February 2017

The skeleton and musculature of the male terminalia are described and illustrated for the tribes Operophterini Packard, Phileremini Pierce and Triphosini Tutt (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae), with Solitaneini Leraut included in the discussion. Nine genital muscles, typical of the subfamily, were identified. The previously uncertain separation of Triphosini from Rheumapterini Herbulot is confirmed, based on the morphology of male terminalia, including the position of extensors and flexors of the valvae. Based on the morphology, a close relationship of the Phileremini, Solitaneini, Triphosini and also Operophterini is suggested. Additionally, some notes on the most recent molecular phylogeny of the Larentiinae are included.
Comparing Cancellous Bone Volume of the Manubrium to Iliac Crest in Fresh Cadavers
Authors: Smith Aaron , Kortebein Sarah , Eid Anas , Boughter John , Cary Nathan , Brooks Jeffrey , Sebelik Merry
Published: February 2017

Objective

The iliac crest is the gold standard for cancellous bone grafting. This site is distant from head and neck reconstruction and may lead to significant postoperative morbidity. We propose an alternative harvest site within the head and neck with potentially less mobility deficits, the manubrium.

Study Design

Fresh‐frozen cadaveric study.

Setting

Gross anatomy laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Access to 18 cadavers was granted from the Medical Education and Research Institute in Memphis, Tennessee. The anterior iliac crests were exposed and H‐type osteotomies performed. The manubrium was accessed through a substernal notch incision and a cortical window created through the anterior manubrium. Cancellous bone was harvested from these sites. Cadaveric demographics and noncompressed and compressed volumes were recorded with statistical comparisons.

Results

The population was predominantly male (12/18) with a mean age of 69.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 64.0‐75.3) years. The mean body mass index was 22.9 (95% CI, 18.8‐27.1) kg/m2 with no sex propensity. Uncompressed volumes did not vary, ranging from 6.4 to 7.5 mL. Compressed volumes (mL) for the right iliac crest (4.3; 95% CI, 3.0‐5.6), left iliac crest (3.5; 95% CI, 2.7‐4.2), and manubrium (2.4; 95% CI, 1.8‐3.0) varied (1‐way analysis of variance: F(2, 51) = 4.63; P <. 02). Furthermore, there was correlation between compressed volumes taken from either area (r = 0.58; P <. 02).

Conclusions

The manubrium can be used for cancellous bone grafting. This site affords a proximity to the head and neck rather than the distant iliac crest but with slightly lower yields. Potential applications include reconstructing small mandibular defects, mandible nonunion, or alveolar bone grafting.
Assessing the Quality of Convex Approximations for Two-Stage Totally Unimodular Integer Recourse Models
Authors: Romeijnders Ward , Morton David P. , van der Vlerk Maarten H.
Published: February 2017

We consider two types of convex approximations of two-stage totally unimodular integer recourse models. Although worst-case error bounds are available for these approximations, their actual performance has not yet been investigated, mainly because this requires solving the original recourse model. In this paper we assess the quality of the approximating solutions using Monte Carlo sampling, or more specifically, using the so-called multiple replications procedure. Based on numerical experiments for an integer newsvendor problem, a fleet allocation and routing problem, and a stochastic activity network investment problem, we conclude that the error bounds are reasonably sharp if the variability of the random parameters in the model is either small or large; otherwise, the actual error of using the convex approximations is much smaller than the error bounds suggest. Moreover, we conclude that the solutions obtained using the convex approximations are good only if the variability of the random parameters is medium to large. In case this variability is small, however, typically sampling methods perform best, even with modest sample sizes. In this sense, the convex approximations and sampling methods can be considered as complementary solution methods. Moreover, as required for our applications, we extend our approach to derive new error bounds dealing with deterministic second-stage side constraints and relatively complete recourse, and perfect dependencies in the right-hand side vector.
Intervalos de cuasi-descomponibilidad y propiedades emergentes
Authors: Cáceres Vázquez Emilio , Saborido Cristian
Published: February 2017

La noción de emergencia acompaña a la Filosofía de la Biología desde finales del siglo XIX, afirmando que las propiedades de los sistemas biológicos no pueden deducirse de las de sus componentes. A lo largo del siglo XX las caracterizaciones de este concepto se han apoyado en cuatro pilares, impredecibilidad, novedad, restricción y causación descendente, pilares ligados a la asunción de una jerarquización de la realidad en niveles de organización. En este trabajo intento demostrar que puede explicarse la naturaleza de las propiedades biológicas sin hacer referencia a la emergencia utilizando como herramienta la noción de cuasi-descomponibilidad propuesta originariamente por Herbert Simon.
An Experimental Study on Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Flexural Members using Steel Wire Mesh
Authors: Al Saadi Hamza Salim Mohammed , Mohandas Hoby P. , Namasivayam Aravind
Published: February 2017

One of the major challenges and contemporary research in the field of structural engineering is strengthening of existing structural elements using readily available materials in the market. Several investigations were conducted on strengthening of various structural components using traditional and advanced materials. Many researchers tried to enhance the reinforced concrete (RC) beams strength using steel plate, Glass and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (GFRP & CFRP). For the reason that high weight to the strength ratio and compatibility in strength between FRP composites and steel bars, steel plates and GFRP and CFRP composites are not used for strengthening works practically. Hence, in this present work the suitability of using wire mesh for the purpose of strengthening the RC flexural members is studied by conducting experimental works. New technique of strengthening system using wire mesh with a view to improve sectional properties and subsequently flexural strength of RC beams is adopted in this work. The results for experimental and theoretical analysis were compared and found that good correlation exists between them. The experimental results indicate that RC beams strengthened with steel wire mesh are easy technique for strengthening of existing flexural members.
Is new spread of the European beaver in Pannonian basin an evidence of the species recovery?
Authors: Čanády Alexander , Krišovský Peter , Bajomi Bálint , Huber Attila , Czabán Dávid , Olekšák Milan
Published: February 2017

Abstract: During fieldwork from 6 June to 20 July 2016, the first records of the European beaver (Castor fiber)
in south-eastern Slovakia were made. Beavers are mainly nocturnal animals, and as such, they are rarely observed;
therefore, our observations were based on searching for beaver presence signs: damaged trees, dams,
signs of food consumption (chewed/felled trees) and footprints in the mud. The southern part of the Košická
kotlina basin, from the city of Košice down to the state border and the surrounding villages in Hungary, was
checked. We found two beaver locations via feeding signs in the vicinity of the Slovakia–Hungary state border,
at the villages of Milhosť (Miglécnémeti) and Buzica (Buzita), in Slovakia. According to our calculations, the present
total beaver population in Hungary is between 4,000 and 5,000 and 14,600–18,300 beavers with potential
support. For Slovakia, we estimated the potential population size to be 7,700–9,600. Our findings in northern
Pannonian lowland (Slovakia–Hungary border) are an important evidence of beaver expansion. Although we
don’t know the exact origin of investigated population, these new records indicate the possibility of merging the
populations of different origin, which could enable gene flow and increase the genetic diversity. This could lead
to improved recovery of species and its stabilisation in nature. However, it is necessary to carry out a detailed
investigation of the presence of beaver in these regions in future.
Investigation of ischemia modified albumin levels in iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Bilgili Sibel , Bozkaya Giray , Tütüncüler Funda Kırtay , Akşit Murat , Yavuz Mehmet
Published: February 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), before and after oral iron supplementation in iron deficiency anemia and to determine the correlations between IMA and hemoglobin values.

Study design

IMA, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity and albumin levels were measured in 140 female patients with newly established as iron deficiency anemia before and after treatment and in 84 female healthy controls.

Results

IMA levels were higher in the anemia group [0.340±0.082 absorbance units (ABSU)] compared to control group (0.291±0.077 ABSU). After oral iron therapy we saw that IMA values (0.392±0.080 ABSU) were higher than the IMA levels of the anemia group and the control group (p<0.05). Only in the anemia group there were negative correlations between IMA and hemoglobin, hematocrit.

Conclusion

We conclude that the high levels of IMA in the anemia group might be attributed to hypoxia due to low hemoglobin levels. Iron is an oxidant element and oral iron supplementation may be associated with oxidative stress and may increase IMA levels by changing the albumin molecule. We thought that, IMA can be demonstrative of the severity of anemia since it was correlated with hemoglobin in the anemia group.
Redaktoriaus žodis
Authors: Žalimienė Laimutė , Gvaldaitė Lijana
Published: February 2017

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