bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of digital radiography practice using exposure index tracking
Authors: Scott Alexander W. , Zhou Yifang , Allahverdian Janet , Nute Jessica L. , Lee Christina
Published: February 2017

Some digital radiography (DR) detectors and software allow for remote download of exam statistics, including image reject status, body part, projection, and exposure index (EI). The ability to have automated data collection from multiple DR units is conducive to a quality control (QC) program monitoring institutional radiographic exposures. We have implemented such a QC program with the goal to identify outliers in machine radiation output and opportunities for improvement in radiation dose levels. We studied the QC records of four digital detectors in greater detail on a monthly basis for one year. Although individual patient entrance skin exposure varied, the radiation dose levels to the detectors were made to be consistent via phototimer recalibration. The exposure data stored on each digital detector were periodically downloaded in a spreadsheet format for analysis. EI median and standard deviation were calculated for each protocol (by body part) and EI histograms were created for torso protocols. When histograms of EI values for different units were compared, we observed differences up to 400 in average EI (representing 60% difference in radiation levels to the detector) between units nominally calibrated to the same EI. We identified distinct components of the EI distributions, which in some cases, had mean EI values 300 apart. Peaks were observed at the current calibrated EI, a previously calibrated EI, and an EI representing computed radiography (CR) techniques. Our findings in this ongoing project have allowed us to make useful interventions, from emphasizing the use of phototimers instead of institutional memory of manual techniques to improvements in our phototimer calibration. We believe that this QC program can be implemented at other sites and can reveal problems with radiation levels in the aggregate that are difficult to identify on a case‐by‐case basis.

PACS number(s): 87.59.bf
Treatment planning for metals using an extended CT number scale
Authors: Mullins John P. , Grams Michael P. , Herman Michael G. , Brinkmann Debra H. , Antolak John A.
Published: February 2017

Metal implants which saturate the CT number scale may require dosimetrist and physicist involvement to manually contour and assign an appropriate value to the metal for accurate dose calculation. This study investigated dose calculation based directly on extended CT scale images for different metals and geometries. The aim was to evaluate extended CT accuracy as a suitable alternative to standard CT methods in the presence of high‐Z materials and artifacts, despite the reduced HU resolution of extended CT. Gafchromic film measurements were made for comparison to calculated doses. The method of direct dose calculation on extended CT scale was compared to our institution's standard method of manually contouring and assigning metal values on saturated CT images for each of the metal samples. Clinical patient plans with metal implants were investigated and DVHs were compared between standard CT and extended CT dose calculations. Dose calculations showed agreement within 2% between the two methods of metal characterization and the film measurement in the case of the strongest metal attenuator, cobalt‐chromium. In the clinical treatment plans, the greatest dose discrepancy between the two methods was 1.2%. This study suggests that direct dose calculation on an extended scale CT image in the presence of metal implants can produce accurate clinically viable treatment plans, thereby improving efficiency of clinical workflow and eliminating a potential source of human error by manual CT number assignment.

PACS number(s): 87.55.dk
The dosimetric impact of control point spacing for sliding gap MLC fields
Authors: Zwan Benjamin J. , Hindmarsh Jonathan , Seymour Erin , Kandasamy Kankean , Sloan Kirbie , David Rajesakar , Lee Christopher
Published: February 2017

Dynamic sliding gap multileaf collimator (MLC) fields are used to model MLC properties within the treatment planning system (TPS) for dynamic treatments. One of the key MLC properties in the Eclipse TPS is the dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) and precise determination of this parameter is paramount to ensuring accurate dose delivery. In this investigation, we report on how the spacing between control points (CPs) for sliding gap fields impacts the dose delivery, MLC positioning accuracy, and measurement of the DLG. The central axis dose was measured for sliding gap MLC fields with gap widths ranging from 2 to 40 mm. It was found that for deliveries containing two CPs, the central axis dose was underestimated by the TPS for all gap widths, with the maximum difference being 8% for a 2 mm gap field. For the same sliding gap fields containing 50 CPs, the measured dose was always within of the TPS dose. By directly measuring the MLC trajectories we show that this dose difference is due to a systematic MLC gap error for fields containing two CPs, and that the cause of this error is due to the leaf position offset table which is incorrectly applied when the spacing between CPs is too large. This MLC gap error resulted in an increase in the measured DLG of 0.5 mm for both 6 MV and 10 MV, when using fields with 2 CPs compared to 50 CPs. Furthermore, this change in DLG was shown to decrease the mean TPS‐calculated dose to the target volume by 2.6% for a clinical IMRT test plan. This work has shown that systematic MLC positioning errors occur for sliding gap MLC fields containing two CPs and that using these fields to model critical TPS parameters, such as the DLG, may result in clinically significant systematic dose calculation errors during subsequent dynamic MLC treatments.

PACS number(s): 87.56.nk
An innovative method to acquire the location of point A for cervical cancer treatment by HDR brachytherapy
Authors: Chang Liyun , Ho Sheng‐Yow , Yeh Shyh‐An , Lee Tsair‐Fwu , Chen Pang‐Yu
Published: February 2017

Brachytherapy of local cervical cancer is generally accomplished through film‐based treatment planning with the prescription directed to point A, which is invisible on images and is located at a high‐dose gradient area. Through a standard reconstruction method by digitizing film points, the location error for point A would be 3 mm with a condition of 30° curvature tandem, which is 10° away from the gantry rotation axis of a simulator, and has an 8.7 cm interval between the flange and the isocenter. To reduce the location error of the reconstructed point A, this paper proposes a method and demonstrates its accuracy. The Cartesian coordinates of point A were derived by acquiring the locations of the cervical os (tandem flange) and a dummy seed located in the tandem above the flange. To verify this analytical method, ball marks in a commercial “Isocentric Beam Checker” were selected to simulate the two points A, the os, and the dummies. The Checker was placed on the simulator couch with its center ball coincident with the simulator isocenter and its rotation axis perpendicular to the gantry rotation axis. With different combinations of the Checker and couch rotation angles, the orthogonal films were shot and all coordinates of the selected points were reconstructed through the treatment planning system and compared with that calculated through the analytical method. The position uncertainty and the deviation prediction of point A were also evaluated. With a good choice of the reference dummy point, the position deviations of point A obtained through this analytical method were found to be generally within 1 mm, with the standard uncertainty less than 0.5 mm. In summary, this new method is a practical and accurate tool for clinical usage to acquire the accurate location of point A for the treatment of cervical cancer patient.

PACS number(s): 87.55.km
The dose penumbra of a custom‐made shield used in hemibody skin electron irradiation
Authors: Rivers Charlotte I. , AlDahlawi Ismail , Wang Iris Z. , Singh Anurag K. , Podgorsak Matthew B.
Published: February 2017

We report our technique for hemibody skin electron irradiation with a custom‐made plywood shield. The technique is similar to our clinical total skin electron irradiation (TSEI), performed with a six‐pair dual field (Stanford technique) at an extended source‐to‐skin distance (SSD) of 377 cm, with the addition of a plywood shield placed at 50 cm from the patient. The shield is made of three layers of standard 5/8” thick plywood (total thickness of 4.75 cm) that are clamped securely on an adjustable‐height stand. Gafchromic EBT3 films were used in assessing the shield's transmission factor and the extent of the dose penumbra region for two different shield‐phantom gaps. The shield transmission factor was found to be about 10%. The width of the penumbra (80%‐to‐20% dose falloff) was measured to be 12 cm for a 50 cm shield‐phantom gap, and reduced slightly to 10 cm for a 35 cm shield‐phantom gap. In vivo dosimetry of a real case confirmed the expected shielded area dose.

PACS number(s): 87.53.Bn
The feasibility of using Microsoft Kinect v2 sensors during radiotherapy delivery
Authors: Edmunds David M. , Bashforth Sophie E. , Tahavori Fatemeh , Wells Kevin , Donovan Ellen M.
Published: February 2017

Consumer‐grade distance sensors, such as the Microsoft Kinect devices (v1 and v2), have been investigated for use as marker‐free motion monitoring systems for radiotherapy. The radiotherapy delivery environment is challenging for such sensors because of the proximity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the pulse forming network which fires the magnetron and electron gun of a linear accelerator (linac) during radiation delivery, as well as the requirement to operate them from the control area. This work investigated whether using Kinect v2 sensors as motion monitors was feasible during radiation delivery. Three sensors were used each with a 12 m USB 3.0 active cable which replaced the supplied 3 m USB 3.0 cable. Distance output data from the Kinect v2 sensors was recorded under four conditions of linac operation: (i) powered up only, (ii) pulse forming network operating with no radiation, (iii) pulse repetition frequency varied between 6 Hz and 400 Hz, (iv) dose rate varied between 50 and 1450 monitor units (MU) per minute. A solid water block was used as an object and imaged when static, moved in a set of steps from 0.6 m to 2.0 m from the sensor and moving dynamically in two sinusoidal‐like trajectories. Few additional image artifacts were observed and there was no impact on the tracking of the motion patterns (root mean squared accuracy of 1.4 and 1.1 mm, respectively). The sensors’ distance accuracy varied by 2.0 to 3.8 mm (1.2 to 1.4 mm post distance calibration) across the range measured; the precision was 1 mm. There was minimal effect from the EMI on the distance calibration data: 0 mm or 1 mm reported distance change (2 mm maximum change at one position). Kinect v2 sensors operated with 12 m USB 3.0 active cables appear robust to the radiotherapy treatment environment.

PACS number(s): 87.53 JW, 87.55 N‐, 87.63 L‐
Accuracy of automatic matching of Catphan 504 phantom in cone‐beam computed tomography for tube current–exposure time product
Authors: Won Hui‐Su , Chung Jin‐Beom , Choi Byung‐Don , Park Jin‐Hong , Hwang Do‐Guwn
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of automatic matching in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images relative to the reduction of total tube current–exposure time product (mAs) for the X‐ray imaging (XI) system. The CBCT images were acquired with the Catphan 504 phantom various total mAs ratios such as 1.00, 0.83, 0.67, 0.57, and 0.50. For studying the automatic matching accuracy, the phantom images were acquired with a six‐dimensional shifting table. The image quality and correction of automatic matching were compared. With a decreasing total mAs ratio, the noise of the images increased and the low‐contrast resolution decreased, while the accuracy of the automatic matching did not change. Therefore, this study shows that a change of the total mAs while acquiring CBCT images has no effect on the automatic matching of Catphan 504 phantom in XI system.

PACS number(s): 87.57.C‐, 87.57.Q‐
Volumetric‐modulated arc therapy using multicriteria optimization for body and extremity sarcoma
Authors: Young Michael R. , Craft David L. , Colbert Caroline M. , Remillard Kyla , Vanbenthuysen Liam , Wang Yi
Published: February 2017

This study evaluates the implementation of volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using multicriteria optimization (MCO) in the RayStation treatment planning system (TPS) for complex sites, namely extremity and body sarcoma. The VMAT‐MCO algorithm implemented in RayStation is newly developed and requires an integrated, comprehensive analysis of plan generation, delivery, and treatment efficiency. Ten patients previously treated by intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with MCO were randomly selected and replanned using VMAT‐MCO. The plan quality was compared using homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI) of the planning target volume (PTV) and dose sparing of organs at risk (OARs). Given the diversity of the tumor location, the 10 plans did not have a common OAR except for skin. The skin D50 and was directly compared between VMAT‐MCO and IMRT‐MCO. Additional OAR dose points were compared on a plan‐by‐plan basis. The treatment efficiency was compared using plan monitor units (MU) and net beam‐on time. Plan quality assurance was performed using the Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK phantom and a gamma criteria of 3%/3 mm. No statistically significant differences were found between VMAT‐ and IMRT‐MCO for HI and CI of the PTV or D50 and to the skin. The VMAT‐MCO plans showed general improvements in sparing to OARs. The VMAT‐MCO plan set showed statistically significant improvements over the IMRT‐MCO set in treatment efficiency per plan MU () and net beam‐on time (). The VMAT‐MCO plan deliverability was validated. Similar gamma passing rates were observed for the two modalities. This study verifies the suitability of VMAT‐MCO for sarcoma cancer and highlighted the comparability in plan quality and improvement in treatment efficiency offered by VMAT‐MCO as compared to IMRT‐MCO.

PACS number(s): separated by commas 87.55.D, 87.55.de, 87.55.Qr
The influence of lexical characteristics and talker accent on the recognition of English words by speakers of Japanese
Authors: Yoneyama Kiyoko , Munson Benjamin
Published: February 2017

Whether or not the influence of listeners' language proficiency on L2 speech recognition was affected by the structure of the lexicon was examined. This specific experiment examined the effect of word frequency (WF) and phonological neighborhood density (PND) on word recognition in native speakers of English and second-language (L2) speakers of English whose first language was Japanese. The stimuli included English words produced by a native speaker of English and English words produced by a native speaker of Japanese (i.e., with Japanese-accented English). The experiment was inspired by the finding of Imai, Flege, and Walley [(2005). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 117, 896–907] that the influence of talker accent on speech intelligibility for L2 learners of English whose L1 is Spanish varies as a function of words' PND. In the currently study, significant interactions between stimulus accentedness and listener group on the accuracy and speed of spoken word recognition were found, as were significant effects of PND and WF on word-recognition accuracy. However, no significant three-way interaction among stimulus talker, listener group, and PND on either measure was found. Results are discussed in light of recent findings on cross-linguistic differences in the nature of the effects of PND on L2 phonological and lexical processing.
Numerical analysis of longitudinal ultrasonic attenuation in sintered materials using a simplified two-phase model
Authors: Liu Dalie , Turner Joseph A.
Published: February 2017

Techniques of quantitative nondestructive evaluation using attenuation of ultrasonic waves have been proposed as a potential tool for monitoring sintering processes because of the direct connection between the changes of wave propagation characteristics and microstructure properties. However, the influence of these changes during sintering on sound propagation remains unclear. In addition to theoretical investigations, numerical models can be utilized to provide key information for interpreting experimental data quantitatively. In this article, a simplified two-phase model using Voronoi polycrystals is applied to study wave propagation through sintered materials. Finite element simulations are developed with various material and geometric parameters of the two-phase model. Example longitudinal attenuation results are obtained and compared with the scattering theory for different input wave frequencies. The comparison of the numerical results with the theory shows the dependence of the attenuation on the parameters of the correlation function and the two-phase geometry. The results also validate the correlation function formula used in the theory. The influence of the input wave frequency and material properties on the correlation lengths is also discussed. Such numerical models can be used to verify theoretical models efficiently and to design further experimental methods for characterization of microstructures.
Modal expansions for infrasound propagation and their implications for ground-to-ground propagation
Authors: Waxler Roger , Assink Jelle , Velea Doru
Published: February 2017

The use of expansions in vertical eigenmodes for long range infrasound propagation modeling in the effective sound speed approximation is investigated. The question of convergence of such expansions is related to the maximum elevation angles that are required. Including atmospheric attenuation leads to a non-self-adjoint vertical eigenvalue problem. The use of leading order perturbation theory for the modal attenuation is compared to the results of numerical solutions to the non-self-adjoint eigenvalue problem and conditions under which the perturbative result is expected to be valid are obtained. Modal expansions are obtained in the frequency domain; broadband signals must be modeled through Fourier reconstruction. Such broadband signal reconstruction is investigated and the relation between bandwidth, wavetrain duration, and frequency sampling is discussed.
Modes of self-organization of diluted bubbly liquids in acoustic fields: One-dimensional theory
Authors: Gumerov Nail A. , Akhatov Iskander S.
Published: February 2017

The paper is dedicated to mathematical modeling of self-organization of bubbly liquids in acoustic fields. A continuum model describing the two-way interaction of diluted polydisperse bubbly liquids and acoustic fields in weakly-nonlinear approximation is studied analytically and numerically in the one-dimensional case. It is shown that the regimes of self-organization of monodisperse bubbly liquids can be controlled by only a few dimensionless parameters. Two basic modes, clustering and propagating shock waves of void fraction (acoustically induced transparency), are identified and criteria for their realization in the space of parameters are proposed. A numerical method for solving of one-dimensional self-organization problems is developed. Computational results for mono- and polydisperse systems are discussed.
Colistin Resistance Gene
mcr-1
and Its Variant in Escherichia coli Isolates from Chickens in China
Authors: Yang Yong-Qiang , Li Yun-Xia , Song Tao , Yang Yan-Xian , Jiang Wei , Zhang An-Yun , Guo Xin-Yi , Liu Bi-Hui , Wang Yong-Xiang , Lei Chang-Wei , Xiang Rong , Wang Hong-Ning
Published: February 2017

The
mcr-1
gene was detected in 5.11% (58/1136) of
Escherichia coli
isolates of chicken origin from 13 provinces in China. A novel
mcr-1
variant, named
mcr-1.3
, encoding an Ile-to-Val functional variant of MCR-1 was identified in a sequence type 155 (ST155) strain. An
mcr-1.3
-containing IncI2 plasmid, pHeN867 (60,757 bp), was identified. The transfer of pHeN867 led to a 32-fold increase in the MIC of colistin in the recipient, exhibiting an effect on colistin resistance that was similar to that of
mcr-1
.
Plasmid-Mediated Novel
bla
NDM-17
Gene Encoding a Carbapenemase with Enhanced Activity in a Sequence Type 48 Escherichia coli Strain
Authors: Liu Zhihai , Wang Yang , Walsh Timothy R. , Liu Dejun , Shen Zhangqi , Zhang Rongmin , Yin Wenjuan , Yao Hong , Li Jiyun , Shen Jianzhong
Published: February 2017

Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(CRE) have spread worldwide, leaving very few treatment options available. New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) is the main carbapenemase mediating CRE resistance and is of increasing concern. NDM-positive
Enterobacteriaceae
of human origin are frequently identified; however, the emergence of NDM, and particularly novel variants, in bacteria of food animal origin has never been reported. Here, we characterize a novel NDM variant (assigned NDM-17) identified in a β-lactam-resistant sequence type 48 (ST48)
Escherichia coli
strain that was isolated from a chicken in China. Compared to NDM-1, NDM-17 had three amino acid substitutions (V88L, M154L, and E170K) that confer significantly enhanced carbapenemase activity. Compared to NDM-5, NDM-17 had only one amino acid substitution (E170K) and slightly increased isolate resistance to carbapenem, as indicated by increased MIC values. The gene encoding NDM-17 (
bla
NDM-17
) was located on an IncX3 plasmid, which was readily transferrable to recipient
E. coli
strain J53 by conjugation, suggesting the possibility of the rapid dissemination of
bla
NDM-17
. Enzyme kinetics showed that NDM-17 could hydrolyze all β-lactams tested, except for aztreonam, and had a significantly higher affinity for all β-lactams tested than did NDM-5. The emergence of this novel NDM variant could pose a threat to public health because of its transferability and enhanced carbapenemase activity.
Prediction of Improved Antimalarial Chemoprevention with Weekly Dosing of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine
Authors: Permala Jesmin , Tarning Joel , Nosten François , White Nicholas J. , Karlsson Mats O. , Bergstrand Martin
Published: February 2017

Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) is used to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality, especially in vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. IPT with the fixed dose combination of piperaquine (PQ) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is being evaluated as a potential mass treatment to control and eliminate artemisinin-resistant falciparum malaria. This study explored alternative DHA-PQ adult dosing regimens compared to the monthly adult dosing regimen currently being studied in clinical trials. A time-to-event model describing the concentration-effect relationship of preventive DHA-PQ administration was used to explore the potential clinical efficacy of once-weekly adult dosing regimens. Loading dose strategies were evaluated and the advantage of weekly dosing regimen was tested against different degrees of adherence. Assuming perfect adherence, three tablets weekly dosing regimen scenarios maintained malaria incidence of 0.2 to 0.3% per year compared to 2.1 to 2.6% for all monthly dosing regimen scenarios and 52% for the placebo. The three tablets weekly dosing regimen was also more forgiving (i.e., less sensitive to poor adherence), resulting in a predicted ∼4% malaria incidence per year compared to ∼8% for dosing regimen of two tablets weekly and ∼10% for monthly regimens (assuming 60% adherence and 35% interindividual variability). These results suggest that weekly dosing of DHA-PQ for malaria chemoprevention would improve treatment outcomes compared to monthly administration by lowering the incidence of malaria infections, reducing safety concerns about high PQ peak plasma concentrations and being more forgiving. In addition, weekly dosing is expected to reduce the selection pressure for PQ resistance.
Intussusception: a rare complication in a patient with acute leukaemia after consolidation chemotherapy
Authors: Qasrawi Ayman , Abu Ghanimeh Mouhanna , Abughanimeh Omar , Qasem Abdulraheem
Published: February 2017

Intussusception is telescoping of one segment of the gastrointestinal tract into an adjacent one. It is more common in children than adults. When it occurs in adults, it is usually associated with a lead point. Intussusception is very rare in acute leukaemia and has only been reported in few cases. We present a case of an adult woman who presented with intussusception after a cycle of consolidation chemotherapy with high-dose cytarabine for acute myeloid leukaemia. Other causes of acute abdominal pain were excluded, and the diagnosis was established by CT scan of the abdomen and barium enema. No pathological lead points were found intraoperatively. She underwent a right-sided hemicolectomy with complete recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the fourth case of intussusception that has been reported in an adult patient with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Analysis of the time and workers needed to conduct systematic reviews of medical interventions using data from the PROSPERO registry
Authors: Borah Rohit , Brown Andrew W , Capers Patrice L , Kaiser Kathryn A
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To summarise logistical aspects of recently completed systematic reviews that were registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registry to quantify the time and resources required to complete such projects.

Design

Meta-analysis.

Data sources and study selection

All of the 195 registered and completed reviews (status from the PROSPERO registry) with associated publications at the time of our search (1 July 2014).

Data extraction

All authors extracted data using registry entries and publication information related to the data sources used, the number of initially retrieved citations, the final number of included studies, the time between registration date to publication date and number of authors involved for completion of each publication. Information related to funding and geographical location was also recorded when reported.

Results

The mean estimated time to complete the project and publish the review was 67.3 weeks (IQR=42). The number of studies found in the literature searches ranged from 27 to 92 020; the mean yield rate of included studies was 2.94% (IQR=2.5); and the mean number of authors per review was 5, SD=3. Funded reviews took significantly longer to complete and publish (mean=42 vs 26 weeks) and involved more authors and team members (mean=6.8 vs 4.8 people) than those that did not report funding (both p<0.001).

Conclusions

Systematic reviews presently take much time and require large amounts of human resources. In the light of the ever-increasing volume of published studies, application of existing computing and informatics technology should be applied to decrease this time and resource burden. We discuss recently published guidelines that provide a framework to make finding and accessing relevant literature less burdensome.
Comparison of eye-lens doses imparted during interventional and non-interventional neuroimaging techniques for assessment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Guberina N , Dietrich U , Forsting M , Ringelstein A
Published: February 2017

Background

A neurointerventional examination of intracranial aneurysms often involves the eye lens in the primary beam of radiation.

Objective

To assess and compare eye-lens doses imparted during interventional and non-interventional imaging techniques for the examination of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

We performed a phantom study on an anthropomorphic phantom (ATOM dosimetry phantom 702-D; CIRS, Norfolk, Virginia, USA) and assessed eye-lens doses with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) type 100 (LiF:Mg, Ti) during (1) interventional (depiction of all cerebral arteries with triple 3D-rotational angiography and twice 2-plane DSA anteroposterior and lateral projections) and (2) non-interventional (CT angiography (CTA)) diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms. Eye-lens doses were calculated following recommendations of the ICRP 103. Image quality was analysed in retrospective by two experienced radiologists on the basis of non-interventional and interventional pan-angiography examinations of patients with incidental aneurysms (n=50) on a five-point Likert scale.

Results

The following eye-lens doses were assessed: (1) interventional setting (triple 3D-rotational angiography and twice 2-plane DSA anteroposterior and lateral projections) 12 mGy; (2) non-interventional setting (CTA) 4.1 mGy. Image quality for depiction of intracranial aneurysms (>3 mm) was evaluated as good by both readers for both imaging techniques.

Conclusions

Eye-lens doses are markedly higher during the interventional than during the non-interventional diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms. For the eye-lens dose, CTA offers considerable radiation dose savings in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms.
Limiting first-order phase transitions in dark gauge sectors from gravitational waves experiments
Authors: Addazi Andrea
Published: February 2017

We discuss the possibility to indirectly test first-order phase transitions of hidden sectors. We study the interesting example of a Dark Standard Model (D-SM) with a deformed parameter space in the Higgs potential. A dark electroweak phase transition can be limited from next future experiments like eLISA and DECIGO.
Simulation and experimental verification of silicon dioxide deposition by PECVD
Authors: Xu Qing , Li Yu-Xing , Li Xiao-Ning , Wang Jia-Bin , Yang Fan , Yang Yi , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: February 2017

Deposition of silicon dioxide in high-density plasma is an important process in integrated circuit manufacturing. A software named CFD-ACE was used to simulate the mechanism of plasma in the chamber of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system, and the evolution of the feature profile was simulated based on CFD-TOPO. Simulation and experiment of silicon dioxide that deposited in SiH4/N2O mixture by PECVD system was researched. The particle density, energy and angular distribution in the chamber were simulated and discussed. We also studied how the depth/width ratio affected the step coverage of the trench and analyzed the deposition rate of silicon dioxide on the feature scale. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the elemental composition of thin films. Images of the feature profiles were taken by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The simulation results were in good agreement with experimental, which could guide the semiconductor device manufacture.
Paratesticular Angiomyofibroblastoma-Like Tumor: Unusual Case of a Solidocystic Form
Authors: Msakni Issam , Ghachem Dorra , Bani Mohamed Amine , Gargouri Faten , Mansouri Nada , Khiari Ramzi , Bougrine Fethi , Bouziani Ammar , Laabidi Besma
Published: February 2017

The angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor of the male genital tract is a rare benign tumor. A total of 34 cases have been reported in the literature. We herein report an exceptional case of solidocystic form in its paratesticular location, in a 79-year-old man. Clinical examination objectified a right testicular induration. Macroscopic examination of the orchidectomy objectified a paratesticular solidocystic tumor formation. Microscopically, the solid area was composed of vessels with small caliber and turgidity of endothelial cells. These vessels were surrounded by clusters of epithelioid cells, sometimes having the appearance of giant cells. They were associated with spindle cells. The cystic area was uncoated. Immunohistochemically, the fusiform cells expressed Desmin and Smooth Muscle Actin. Endothelial cells and clusters of cells surrounding large vessels expressed CD34. The expression of receptors for estrogen and progesterone was negative. To our knowledge, this is the second solidocystic case of angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor of male genital tract.
Rare Epithelioid Leiomyoma of the Vagina Exhibiting a Pelvic Mass
Authors: Tanaka Yuji , Nagasaka Mayuko , Takahashi Mariko , Kobayashi Masashi
Published: February 2017

Epithelioid leiomyoma of the vagina is extremely rare. Smooth muscle tumors of the vagina usually present with a submucosal growth pattern or a pedunculated growth pattern from the anterior vaginal wall into the vaginal cavity. Here we report a case of a 43-year-old woman with a solid epithelioid leiomyoma and a palpable mass in the pouch of Douglas. Transvaginal biopsy and angiography showed the epithelioid leiomyoma feeding from the vaginal artery behind the posterior vagina. An abdominal wide excision of the tumor with a partial vaginectomy was performed. Our use of ultrasound-guided needle biopsy and angiography was useful for preoperative diagnosis of a vaginal epithelioid leiomyoma exhibiting a pelvic mass.
Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography: Practical Tips and Clinical Indications for Biliary Disease Management
Authors: Palmucci Stefano , Roccasalva Federica , Piccoli Marina , Fuccio Sanzà Giovanni , Foti Pietro Valerio , Ragozzino Alfonso , Milone Pietro , Ettorre Giovanni Carlo
Published: February 2017

Since its introduction, MRCP has been improved over the years due to the introduction of several technical advances and innovations. It consists of a noninvasive method for biliary tree representation, based on heavily T2-weighted images. Conventionally, its protocol includes two-dimensional single-shot fast spin-echo images, acquired with thin sections or with multiple thick slabs. In recent years, three-dimensional T2-weighted fast-recovery fast spin-echo images have been added to the conventional protocol, increasing the possibility of biliary anatomy demonstration and leading to a significant benefit over conventional 2D imaging. A significant innovation has been reached with the introduction of hepatobiliary contrasts, represented by gadoxetic acid and gadobenate dimeglumine: they are excreted into the bile canaliculi, allowing the opacification of the biliary tree. Recently, 3D interpolated T1-weighted spoiled gradient echo images have been proposed for the evaluation of the biliary tree, obtaining images after hepatobiliary contrast agent administration. Thus, the acquisition of these excretory phases improves the diagnostic capability of conventional MRCP—based on T2 acquisitions. In this paper, technical features of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography are briefly discussed; main diagnostic tips of hepatobiliary phase are showed, emphasizing the benefit of enhanced cholangiography in comparison with conventional MRCP.
In Vitro Assessment of Anthelmintic Activities ofRauwolfia vomitoria(Apocynaceae) Stem Bark and Roots against Parasitic Stages ofSchistosoma mansoniand Cytotoxic Study
Authors: Tekwu Emmanuel Mouafo , Bosompem Kwabena Mante , Anyan William Kofi , Appiah-Opong Regina , Owusu Kofi Baffour-Awuah , Tettey Mabel Deladem , Kissi Felicia Amanfo , Appiah Alfred Ampomah , Penlap Beng Veronique , Nyarko Alexander Kwadwo
Published: February 2017

Schistosomiasis is a Neglected Tropical Diseases which can be prevented with mass deworming chemotherapy. The reliance on a single drug, praziquantel, is a motivation for the search of novel antischistosomal compounds. This study investigated the anthelmintic activity of the stem bark and roots ofRauwolfia vomitoriaagainst two life stages ofSchistosoma mansoni. Both plant parts were found to be active against cercariae and adult worms. Within 2 h of exposure all cercariae were killed at a concentration range of 62.5–1000 µg/mL and 250–1000 µg/mL ofR. vomitoriastem bark and roots, respectively. The LC50values determined for the stem bark after 1 and 2 h of exposure were 207.4 and 61.18 µg/mL, respectively. All adult worms exposed to the concentrations range of 250–1000 µg/mL for both plant parts died within 120 h of incubation. The cytotoxic effects against HepG2 and Chang liver cell assessed using MTT assay method indicated that both plant extracts which were inhibitory to the proliferation of cell lines with IC50> 20 μg/mL appear to be safe. This report provides the first evidence of in vitro schistosomicidal potency ofR. vomitoriawith the stem bark being moderately, but relatively, more active and selective against schistosome parasites. This suggests the presence of promising medicinal constituent(s).
Correlation of Visuospatial Ability and EEG Slowing in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Eichelberger Dominique , Calabrese Pasquale , Meyer Antonia , Chaturvedi Menorca , Hatz Florian , Fuhr Peter , Gschwandtner Ute
Published: February 2017

Background.Visuospatial dysfunction is among the first cognitive symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is often predictive for PD-dementia. Furthermore, cognitive status in PD-patients correlates with quantitative EEG. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the correlation between EEG slowing and visuospatial ability in nondemented PD-patients.Methods.Fifty-seven nondemented PD-patients (17 females/40 males) were evaluated with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and a high-resolution 256-channel EEG was recorded. A median split was performed for each cognitive test dividing the patients sample into either a normal or lower performance group. The electrodes were split into five areas: frontal, central, temporal, parietal, and occipital. A linear mixed effects model (LME) was used for correlational analyses and to control for confounding factors.Results.Subsequently, for the lower performance, LME analysis showed a significant positive correlation between ROCF score and parietal alpha/theta ratio (b=.59,p=.012) and occipital alpha/theta ratio (b=0.50,p=.030). No correlations were found in the group of patients with normal visuospatial abilities.Conclusion.We conclude that a reduction of the parietal alpha/theta ratio is related to visuospatial impairments in PD-patients. These findings indicate that visuospatial impairment in PD-patients could be influenced by parietal dysfunction.
Polymorphisms of Il-10 (-1082) and RANKL (-438) Genes and the Failure of Dental Implants
Authors: Ribeiro Rodrigo , Melo Rayanne , Tortamano Neto Pedro , Vajgel André , Souza Paulo Roberto Eleutério , Cimões Renata
Published: February 2017

Background. Genetic polymorphisms in certain cytokines and chemokines have been investigated to understand why some individuals display implant flaws despite having few risk factors at the time of implant.Purpose. To investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms in interleukin-(IL-) 10[-1082 region (A/G)] andRANKL[-438 region (A/G)] with the failure of dental implants.Materials and Methods. This study included 90 partially edentulous male and female patients who were rehabilitated with a total of 245 Straumann dental implants. An implant was considered a failure if any of the following occurred: mobility, persistent subjective complaint, recurrent peri-implant infection with suppuration, continuous radiolucency around the implant, probing depth ≥ 5 mm, and bleeding on probing. Buccal mucosal cells were collected for analysis ofRANKL438andIL-10.Results. The implant success rate in this population was 34.4%. The mutant allele (G) inRANKLhad an incidence of 52.3% and mutant allele (A) inIL-10was observed in 37.8%. No statistically significant difference was detected between the failure of the implant and the genotypes and allelic frequencies.Conclusion. No association was detected between the genetic polymorphisms ofRANKL(-438) andIL-10(-1082) and the failure of dental implants in the population studied.
Reducing Caloric Intake Prevents Ischemic Injury and Myocardial Dysfunction and Affects Anesthetic Cardioprotection in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: van den Brom Charissa E. , Boer Christa , van den Akker Rob F. P. , Loer Stephan A. , Bouwman R. Arthur
Published: February 2017

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of myocardial ischemia, followed by increased perioperative risk of cardiovascular morbidity. We investigated whether reducing caloric intake reduces ischemic injury and myocardial dysfunction and affects the protective effects of the volatile anesthetic sevoflurane in diet-induced T2DM rats.Methods. Rats received a western (WD) or control diet (CD). Caloric intake was reduced by reversing WD-fed rats to CD. Myocardial function was determined with echocardiography. After 8 weeks of diet feeding, myocardial infarction was induced and the effect of sevoflurane was studied on myocardial function and ischemia/reperfusion injury.Results. WD-feeding resulted in a mild T2DM phenotype and myocardial dysfunction. Sevoflurane further impaired systolic function in WD-fed rats. Unexpectedly, WD-feeding reduced infarct size compared to CD-feeding. Sevoflurane reduced infarct size in CD-fed rats; however it enlarged infarct size in WD-fed rats. Caloric reduction restored myocardial dysfunction and the protective effect of sevoflurane against ischemia compared to WD-fed rats, whereas the protective effects of WD-feeding persisted.Conclusion. Caloric reduction restored the T2DM phenotype and myocardial function, while the cardioprotective properties of WD-feeding or sevoflurane persisted. Our data suggest that reducing caloric intake in T2DM might be a possible intervention to reduce perioperative risk of cardiovascular morbidity.
Dental Anxiety among Medical and Paramedical Undergraduate Students of Malaysia
Authors: Gunjal Shilpa , Pateel Deepak Gowda Sadashivappa , Parkar Sujal
Published: February 2017

Aim. To assess the dental anxiety level among dental, medical, and pharmacy students of MAHSA University, Malaysia.Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 1500 undergraduate students of MAHSA University. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to measure dental anxiety among the study population. The responses were assessed by 5-point likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. The level of anxiety was categorized into lowly anxious (5–11), moderately anxious (12–18), and severely anxious ≥19. Out of 1500 students enrolled, 1024 students (342 males and 682 females) completed and returned the questionnaire having response rate of 68.26%.Results. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) when the mean dental anxiety scores were compared among the three faculties and dental students had lowest mean score (11.95 ± 4.21). The fifth year (senior) dental students scored significantly (P=0.02) lower mean anxiety score as compared to the first dental students (junior). The students were anxious mostly about tooth drilling and local anesthetic injection.Conclusions. Dental students have a significantly low level of dental anxiety as compared with medical and pharmacy students. Incorporation of dental health education in preuniversity and other nondental university curriculums may reduce dental anxiety among the students.
Graphite Nanoplatelet Modified Epoxy Resin for Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics with Enhanced Properties
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Han , Huang Zhaohui , Bilotti Emiliano , Peijs Ton
Published: February 2017

A simple approach to deliver graphene or graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) into carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRPs) to enhance the multifunctional properties of carbon/epoxy laminates was demonstrated. GNPs improved the typically low interlaminar mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of CFRPs after direct vacuum infusion of GNP doped resin obtained via in situ exfoliation by three-roll milling (TRM). Compared to high shear mixing or probe ultrasonication, TRM produces higher shear rates and stresses to exfoliate and finely disperse GNP particles within an epoxy matrix. This environmentally friendly and industrial scalable process does not require the use of solvents, additives, or chemical treatments. The flexural modulus and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of CFRPs was increased by 15% and by 18%, respectively, with the addition of 5 wt.% in situ exfoliated GNP in the doped epoxy resin. Out-of-plane electrical and thermal conductivity, at the same filler content, were, respectively, improved by nearly two orders of magnitude and 50%.
Damage Analysis of Aluminium Foam Panel Subjected to Underwater Shock Loading
Authors: He Xuan , Rong Ji-li , Xiang Da-lin
Published: February 2017

Underwater shock loading experiment device is the equipment which simulates underwater explosive shock wave through experiment. Underwater shock loading experiment device was used to conduct high-speed underwater impact on aluminium foam panel and its damage modes were studied in this paper. 3D dynamic DIC test system was used to collect and analyze real-time deformation of target board. After the experiment was completed, a numerical simulation of the series of experiment was conducted through ABAQUS finite element simulation and then a comparative analysis of the experiment was implemented. To comprehensively study damage modes of aluminium foam panel subjected to underwater shock loading, damage modes of aluminium foam panel at different shock speeds were studied. Results indicated that when a certain impact speed which could damage aluminium foam panel was reached, if the impact speed was low, aluminium foam panel would generate shear fracture at constrained boundary of flange; if the impact speed was high, aluminium foam panel would firstly generate fracture at the center and then generate shear fracture at constrained boundary of flange, and central fracture would generate three cracks.
Analysis of the Bacterial Communities in Two Liquors of Soy Sauce Aroma as Revealed by High-Throughput Sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 Hypervariable Region
Authors: Tang Jing , Tang Xiaoxin , Tang Ming , Zhang Ximin , Xu Xiaorong , Yi Yin
Published: February 2017

Chinese liquor is one of the world’s oldest distilled alcoholic beverages and an important commercial fermented product in China. The Chinese liquor fermentation process has three stages: making Daqu (the starter), stacking fermentation on the ground, and liquor fermentation in pits. We investigated the bacterial diversity of Maotai and Guotai Daqu and liquor fermentation using high-throughput sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 70,297 sequences were obtained from the Daqu samples and clustered into 17 phyla. The composition of the bacterial communities in the Daqu from these two soy sauce aroma-style Chinese liquors was the same, although some bacterial species changed in abundance. Between the Daqu and liquor fermentation samples, 12 bacterial phyla increased. The abundance of Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas increased in the liquor fermentation. This study has used high-throughput sequencing to provide new insights into the bacterial composition of the Chinese liquor Daqu and fermentation. Similarities in the distribution of bacteria in the soy sauce aroma-style Chinese liquors Daqu suggest that the abundance of bacteria might be generally concerned to other liquor.