bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐T‐338: Ultrastable PRNA 3WJ Nanoparticles as Potential I‐125 and C‐131 Carriers for Targeted Radiation Therapy
Authors: Luo W , Li H , Guo P
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To study the feasibility of using the pRNA 3WJ nanoparticles to carry I‐125 or Cs‐131 to target and treat cancer. As the first step, we investigated the stabilities of pRNA 3WJ nanoparticles that are essential for cancer targeting and treatment in this study.

Methods:

The thermodynamic stability of assembled RNA 3WJ nanoparticles was studied using the TGGE system. The nanoparticles were irradiated with I‐125 or Cs‐131 radioactive sources that were immersed in the RNA nanoparticle/DNA structure sample liquid contained in a small vial. The irradiation of the RNA samples was performed for different time periods and doses. The purpose was to distinguish the effects of radiation on DNA and RNA structures. Unradiated samples were used as control.

Results:

RNA nanoparticles were formed by mixing three pieces of oligos, 3WJa, 3WJb, and 3WJc at 1:1:1 molar ratio. Figure 4 demonstrates that 2′‐F modified 3WJ nanoparticles remained stable at temperatures as high as 66.8 ± 2°C, and exhibited melting temperatures of 71 ± 2°C. The radiation stability test was performed with I‐ 125 and Cs‐131 irradiation. Several DNA structures including plasmids were included as control. The first test introduced I‐125 and a low dose of 1 Gy to both RNA and DNA samples, but no change was observed. When the dose was increased to 30 Gy, DNA was damaged while RNA remained unchanged. Three tests were also conducted with Cs‐131 with 7 Gy, 21 Gy, 30 Gy, and 89 Gy, and the results were similar to those with I‐125.

Conclusion:

pRNA 3WJ nanoparticles are able to form efficiently by onepot self‐assembly. They remained stable at high temperatures and high therapeutic doses over a long time. These unique features suggest that RNA 3WJ nanoparticles have the potential to be used for targeted radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
SU‐E‐T‐340: Use of Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) for Reducing the Dose to Cochlea in Craniospinal Irradiation (CSI) of Pediatric Patients
Authors: Dormer J , Kassaee A , Lin H , Ding X , Lustig R
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate use of intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and number of beams for sparing cochlea in treatment of whole brain for pediatric medulloblastoma patients.

Methods:

In our institution, craniospinal irradiation patients are treated in supine position on our proton gantries using pencil beam scanning with each beam uniformly covering the target volume (SFUD). Each treatment plan consists of two opposed lateral whole brain fields and one or two spinal fields. For sparing the cochlea for the whole brain treatment, we created three different plans using IMPT for five pediatric patients. The first plan consisted of two lateral fields, the second two lateral fields and a superior‐inferior field, and the third two lateral fields and two superior oblique fields. Optimization was performed with heavy weights applied to the eye, lens and cochlea while maintaining a dose prescription of 36 Gy to the whole brain.

Results:

IMPT plans reduce the dose to the cochlea. Increasing the number of treatment fields was found to lower the average dose to the cochlea: 15.0, 14.5 and 12.5 Gy for the two‐field, three‐field, and four‐field plans respectively. The D95 for the two‐field plan was 98.2%, compared to 100.0% for both the three‐field and four‐field plan. Coverage in the mid‐brain was noticeably better in the three‐ and four‐field plans, with more dose conformality surrounding the cochlea.

Conclusion:

IMPT plans for CSI and the whole brain irradiations are capable of sparing cochlea and reduce the dose considerably without compromising treating brain tissues. The reduction in average dose increases with three and four field plans as compared to traditional two lateral beam plans.
SU‐E‐T‐346: Validation of Beam Accuracy of a Gated Spot‐Scanning Proton Therapy System with Real‐Time Tumor‐Tracking at Hokkaido University
Authors: Yamada T , Matsuura T , Toramatsu C , Takao S , Nihongi H , Miyamoto N , Shimizu S , takayanagi t , Umezawa M , Matsuda K , Umegaki K , Shirato H
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

At Hokkaido University, we have developed a gated spot scanning proton beam therapy system with real‐time tumor‐tracking under collaborative work with Hitachi Ltd. This system has the ability to gate proton beams from the synchrotron, turning the beam on only when the actual positions of inserted fiducial markers monitored by two fluoroscopic X‐ray systems are within the planned positions [Shirato, 2012]. In this research, we validated the accuracy of the proton beams while utilizing external gating signals.

Methods:

The accuracy of spot positions, spot dose, absolute dose at the center of the SOBP, and range were measured while utilizing external gating signals. The following external gating signals were generated by an arbitrary waveform generator: (1) ON at all times (without gating), (2) an OFF period of 4 s followed by an ON period of 1 s, (3) two ON periods of 0.5 s with a 0.15 s OFF interval, (4) signals recorded during the treatment of real‐time tumor‐tracking X‐ray therapy in Hokkaido University. The spot positions and spot dose were measured by beam monitors in the nozzle. The ranges were measured with a multi‐layer ion chamber made by Hitachi Ltd. The absolute dose was measured with a Farmer ionization chamber and a RFA300 water phantom system.

Results:

The maximum error of the beam position in the isocenter plane was 0.8 mm without the gating signal and 1.0 mm with the gating signal. The maximum error of the spot dose was 0.0029 MU, below the criterion of 0.0032 MU. The maximum error of the absolute dose was 0.4% and the maximum variation of the range was 0.1 mm.

Conclusion:

It was confirmed with measurements of the beam that the accuracy of the proton beam met the criteria with external gating signals.

This research was supported by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) through the Funding Program for World‐Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology (FIRST Program), initiated by the Council for Science and Technology Policy (CSTP).
SU‐E‐T‐348: Verification MU Calculation for Conformal Radiotherapy with Multileaf Collimator Using Report AAPM TG 114
Authors: Adrada A , Tello Z , Medina L , Garrigo E , Venencia D
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

The purpose of this work was to develop and validate an open source independent MU dose calculation software for 3D conformal radiotherapy with multileaf high and low resolution according to the report of AAPM TG 11

Methods:

Treatment plans were done using Iplan v4.5 BrainLAB TPS. A 6MV photon beam produced by Primus and Novalis linear accelerators equipped with an Optifocus MLC and HDMLC, respectively. TPS dose calculation algorithms were pencil beam and Monte Carlo. 1082 treatments plans were selected for the study. The algorithm was written in free and open source CodeBlocks C++ platform. Treatment plans were imported by the software using RTP format. Equivalent size field is obtained from the positions of the leaves; the effective depth of calculation can be introduced by TPS's dosimetry report or automatically calculated starting from SSD. The inverse square law is calculated by the 3D coordinates of the isocenter and normalization point of the treatment plan. The dosimetric parameters TPR, Sc, Sp and WF are linearly interpolated.

Results:

1082 plans of both machines were analyzed. The average uncertainty between the TPS and the independent calculation was −0.43% ± 2.42% [−7.90%, 7.50%]. Specifically for the Primus the variation obtained was −0.85% ± 2.53% and for the Novalis 0.00% ± 2.23%. Data show that 94.8% of the cases the uncertainty was less than or equal to 5%, while 98.9% is less than or equal to 6%.

Conclusion:

The developed software is appropriate for use in calculation of UM. This software can be obtained upon request.
SU‐E‐T‐349: Verification of a Monte Carlo Simulation Tool as a Second Check for TomoTherapy Treatment Planning
Authors: Yuan J , Chen Q , Zheng Y , Sohn J , Wessels B
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To verify a virtual source model used in Monte Carlo (MC) TomoTherapy simulations and to provide a tool for the dose distribution second check for TomoTherapy treatment planning.

Methods:

Published studies adopted the full MC model to simulate helical TomoTherapy which use phase space files (PSFs) at different scoring planes to facilitate patient dose calculations. We have developed a simple virtual source model (VSM) based on the commissioning data of helical TomoTherapy unit which can be exported from the treatment planning station (TPS). To calculate the patient dose distribution, TPS‐generated sinograms are extracted from archived patient XML files and fluence maps are created by incorporating the openclose leaf time with leaf filter, jaw penumbra, and leaf latency. The VSM has been validated for various geometrical set‐ups including open fields, heterogeneous media and clinical DQA cases.

Results:

Good agreement was obtained between our VSM and a published full MC model for the test case of heterogeneous media. For the complex clinical head and neck (HN) case, the MC simulation of the DQA plan agreed with the film measurement with 98% of planar dose pixels passing the 2%/2 mm gamma value test. For the patient treatment plan itself, the MC simulation showed comparable DVHs for the planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs‐at‐risk (OARs). Deviations observed were consistent with literature.

Conclusion:

The proposed VSM can be used in the MC method to accurately simulate the patient dose distributions for helical TomoTherapy.
SU‐E‐T‐352: Why Is the Survival Rate Low in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Authors: Huang Z , Liu T , Feng Y , Rasmussen K , Rice J , Stephenson S , Ferreira Maria C , Yuh K , Wang R , Lo S , Grecula J , Mayr N , Yuh W
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Tumors are composed of a large number of clonogens that have the capability of indefinite reproduction. Even when there is complete clinical or radiographic regression of the gross tumor mass after treatment, tumor recurrence can occur if the clonogens are not completely eradicated by radiotherapy. This study was to investigate the colonogen number and its association with the tumor control probability (TCP) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCA).

Methods:

A literature search was conducted to collect clinical information of patients with OSCCA, including the prescription dose, tumor volume and survival rate. The linear‐quadratic (LQ) model was incorporated into TCP model for clinical data analysis. The total dose ranged from 60 to 70 Gy and tumor volume ranged from 10 to 50 cc. The TCP was calculated for each group according to tumor size and dose. The least χ2 method was used to fit the TCP calculation to clinical data while other LQ model parameters (α, β) were adopted from the literature, due to the limited patient data.

Results:

A total of 190 patients with T2–T4 OSCCA were included. The association with HPV was not available for all the patients. The 3‐year survival rate was about 82% for T2 squamous cell carcinoma and 40% for advanced tumors. Fitting the TCP model to the survival data, the average clonogen number was 1.56×1012. For the prescription dose of 70 Gy, the calculated TCP ranged from 40% to 90% when the tumor volume varied from 10 to 50 cc.

Conclusion:

Our data suggests variation between the clonogen number and TCP in OSCCA. Tumors with larger colonogen number tend to have lower TCP and therefore dose escalation above 70 Gy may be indicated in order to improve the TCP and survival rate. Our result will require future confirmation with a large number of patients.
SU‐E‐T‐485: Investigation of a Synthetic Diamond Detector for Tomotherapy Dosimetry
Authors: Knill C , Zakjevskii V , Nalichowski A , Halford R , Snyder M , Zhuang L , Burmeister J
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

Tomotherapy treatments are characterized by rotational deliveries of flattening‐filter free fields resulting in high‐gradient dose distributions. Small volume, rotationally independent detectors are needed for accurate dosimetry. PTWs microDiamond detector, with its small sensitive volume (0.004mm3), could potentially be an ideal detector for Tomotherapy. The microDiamond detector was tested against a small volume Exradin A1SL ion chamber for Tomotherapy open‐field and IMRT commissioning measurements.

Methods:

Custom detector holders were fabricated to allow A1SL and microDiamond measurements in the Tomotherapy Cheese phantom and a square solid water phantom. The microDiamond rotational dependence within the Tomotherapy phantom was tested by incrementally rotating the detector in between static‐gantry angle Tomotherapy irradiations. Longitudinal Tomotherapy profiles, for all field sizes, were measured with the microDiamond and A1SL detectors at 1.5cm depth in the square phantom, and compared to film. Detector axes were aligned parallel to table motion. Per TG‐119 recommendations, both detectors were calibrated to known doses in phantoms and used to measure high‐dose points in TG‐119 H&N and Prostate plans. The measurements were compared to the treatment planning system and subsequently compared to published TG‐119 confidence limits.

Results:

The microDiamond angular dependence was less than 0.5%. The average difference between the detectors and film‐measured longitudinal profile 80–20% penumbras were 0.03+/‐0.04mm and 1.36+/‐0.22mm for the microDiamond and A1SL, respectively. The average difference between the detector and filmmeasured field sizes were 0.07+/‐0.01mm and 0.09+/‐0.02mm for the microDiamond and A1SL, respectively. The measured confidence limits were 0.023 and 0.015 for microDiamond and A1SL, respectively. TG‐119 reported a confidence limit of 0.034.

Conclusion:

The microDiamond measured open‐field longitudinal Tomotherapy profiles more closely resembled film measurements, compared with the A1Sl chamber. Furthermore, the microDiamond was shown to have low angular dependence and both detectors were able to accurately measure the highdose points in TG‐119 H&N and prostate plans.

Our institution has research grants with PTW.
SU‐E‐T‐494: A MOSFET‐Based In‐Vivo Dosimetry System for MR Image‐Guided Radiation Therapy (MR‐IGRT)
Authors: Knutson N , Li H , Rodriguez V , Hu Y , Kashani R , Wooten H , Tanderup K , Mutic S , Green O
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To determine if a MOSFET based in‐vivo dosimetry system can be used for patients undergoing MR‐IGRT.

Methods:

Standard and high sensitivity MOSFET detectors were used for in‐field and out‐of‐field measurements respectively. The systems were benchmarked and calibrated against a calibrated ionization chamber on a standard 6 MV linear accelerator, and then on the MR‐IGRT system. Known doses were delivered to a water phantom with the MOSFETs placed between the top of the phantom and underneath a layer of bolus and water equivalent plastic, using a 6 MV beam and a 6 0Co MR‐IGRT beam. The latter was performed with and without real‐time MRI‐guidance during the beam delivery (MRIGRT).

Results:

The in‐field dosimeter response was linear from 50‐500 cGy with little evidence of energy dependence or change in response due to the permanent static magnetic field of the MR‐IGRT system. The detector response varied by < 2% between 6 MV and 6 0Co without image guided delivery. The out‐of‐field dosimeter response was linear from 1‐50 cGy; however the detectors did display dose rate and energy dependence as the response varied by > 20% depending on distance from isocenter used during calibration. Therefore, to use the dosimeters for out‐of‐field measurements they must be calibrated out‐of‐field. Regardless of the detector orientation in the coronal plan, the response of the MOSFETs during MRI‐guided delivery increased by 5% due to induced currents from the dynamic magnetic field present with image guidance. During the MRI‐guided delivery, some loss in image quality was seen when the MOSFETs were present in the imaging plane. This was mitigated by using a handheld reader without a transmitting wireless receiver.

Conclusion:

A MOSFET‐based in‐vivo dosimetry system can be used for patients receiving MR‐IGRT; however the change in detector response due to the dynamic magnetic field requires a special calibration.
SU‐E‐T‐499: Comparison of Measured Tissue Phantom Ratios (TPR) Against Calculated From Percent Depth Doses (PDD) with and Without Peak Scatter Factor (PSF) in 6MV Open Beam
Authors: Narayanasamy G , Cruz W , Breton C , Gutierrez Alonso , Mavroidis Panayiotis , Papanikolaou N , Stathakis S
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To examine the accuracy of measured tissue phantom ratios (TPR) values with TPR calculated from percentage depth dose (PDD) with and without peak scatter fraction (PSF) correction.

Methods:

For 6MV open beam, TPR and PDD values were measured using PTW Semiflex (31010) ionization field and reference chambers (0.125cc volume) in a PTW MP3‐M water tank. PDD curves were measured at SSD of 100cm for 7 square fields from 3cm to 30cm. The TPR values were measured up to 22cm depth for the same fields by continuous water draining method with ionization chamber static at 100cm from source. A comparison study was performed between the (a) measured TPR, (b) TPR calculated from PDD without PSF, (c) TPR calculated from PDD with PSF and (d) clinical TPR from RadCalc (ver 6.2, Sun Nuclear Corp).

Results:

There is a field size, depth dependence on TPR values. For 10cmx10cm, the differences in surface dose (DDs), dose at 10cm depth (DD10) <0.5%; differences in dmax (Ddmax) <2mm for the 4 methods. The corresponding values for 30cmx30cm are DDs, DD10 <0.2% and Ddmax<3mm. Even though for 3cmx3cm field, DDs and DD10 <1% and Ddmax<1mm, the calculated TPR values with and without PSF correction differed by 2% at >20cm depth. In all field sizes at depths>28cm, (d) clinical TPR values are larger than that from (b) and (c) by >3%.

Conclusion:

Measured TPR in method (a) differ from calculated TPR in methods (b) and (c) to within 1% for depths < 28cm in all 7 fields in open 6MV beam. The dmax values are within 3mm of each other. The largest deviation of >3% was observed in clinical TPR values in method (d) for all fields at depths < 28cm.
SU‐E‐T‐503: Development of a Software Tool for Verification of Delivered Tomotherapy Plans Using the Tomo Log File
Authors: Xing A , Deshpande S , Arumugam S , George A , Holloway L , Goozee G
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

The data receive server (DRS) in the Tomotherapy Unit records planned and actually delivered plan parameters for each treatment into a log file. The purpose of this study was to develop a software tool using the log file for verification of the patient plan delivered during treatment.

Methods:

A software tool, TomoPQA, was developed using the Python programming language. The software was implemented using object‐oriented methodology and modular design. The program has three built‐in modules: Read‐in module for loading the log file, analysis module for analyzing the log file and reporting module for producing a PDF report.

Results:

The developed software tool can be used to monitor and check the following plan parameters during patient treatment: (1) planned and actual field width; (2) planned and actual treatment time; (3) planned and actual couch speed; (4) planned and actual gantry speed; (4) planned and actual setup position. The software shows the difference between these parameters as a graphic plot against each treatment fraction in a PDF report for easy review or these values can be exported to an excel file. The program can process a 100M byte log file and produce a report in the order of one minute and can run on Windows, Linux or Mac platforms as a standalone program. A server version of this program can also be implemented for full automation of the log file processing, generation of the PDF report and also has the potential for an automated email if given values are out of tolerance.

Conclusion:

A QA software tool has been developed for in‐vivo quality assurance of treatment delivered on a Tomotherapy Unit. This tool provides an independent verification of the difference between actual delivered and planned parameters during treatment.
SU‐E‐T‐506: Dosimetric Verification of Photon MLC Delivered Electron Fields for Implementing MERT On An Artiste Linac
Authors: Jin L , Eldib A , Fan J , Li J , Wang L , Ma C
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To verify the dose accuracy of photon MLC delivered electron fields for implementing energy‐intensity modulated electron radiotherapy (MERT) on an Artiste linac.

Methods:

It was proposed to deliver MERT on an Artiste linac at a short SSD (60 cm) to reduce beam penumbra caused by electron scatters. An in‐house developed Monte Carlo (MC)‐based dose calculation/optimization planning code was used for treatment planning. Our previous study showed that the measured dose distribution of a breast plan showed good agreement with the calculations in low‐medium dose regions while the differences in high dose regions were outstanding. A continuous work found that the discrepancy is mainly caused by improper modeling in MC for the single focused MLC in the Artiste which was simplified as double focused in the previous MC simulations. With this remodeled MLC in the calculations, an energy‐intensity modulated electron plan using 6, 9, 12 and 15 MeV was generated for a breast treatment on a breast phantom at a 60 cm SSD and recalculated regarding a solid water phantom. For a test study, four of MLC segments (each with a different energy) generated in the plan were delivered to the phantom and a film measurement was performed at the depth of 2 cm. The measured 2D dose distribution was then compared with calculations.

Results:

For composite doses of the four segments, measured 2D dose distributions overall agree well with the calculations (3mm/3%) in most area. The separate measurement for a single MLC segment for each of energies also showed the consistence with the calculations.

Conclusion:

After remodeling MLC in the MC calculations, the measured dose distribution for a subset of MLC segments from a MERT plan showed good agreement. Further detailed verification for the full plan will be the work in the next step.
Computational investigation of baffle configuration on impedance of channelized debris flow
Authors: Choi C.E. , Ng C.W.W. , Law R.P.H. , Song D. , Kwan J.S.H. , Ho K.K.S.
Published: July 2014

Channelized debris flows surge downslope in mountainous regions and have large impact forces. Arrays of debris flow baffles are frequently positioned in front of rigid barriers to engage torrents and attenuate flow energy. They are regularly designed on empirical and prescriptive basis because their interaction mechanism is not well understood. Numerical back-analysis of flume experiments using the discrete element method (DEM) is conducted to provide insight on flow interaction with an array of baffles. Varying configurations of baffle height, a second staggered row, and spacing between successive rows are examined. Upstream and downstream kinematics are monitored to capture and compare the Froude number, kinetic energy, and discharge resulting from each baffle configuration. Results from this study reveal that the height of baffles can be categorized relative to the initial approach flow depth (h), namely tall baffles (1.5h) and short baffles (0.75h). Tall baffles are characterized by the development of upstream subcritical flow conditions, whereas short baffles exhibit supercritical upstream conditions. Furthermore, tall baffles facilitate the suppression of overflow, and short baffles lead to excessive overflow that is supercritical in nature. Less flow attenuation occurs as the distance increases both upstream and downstream from each array of baffles. A second staggered row of short staggered baffles is ineffective in reducing debris kinetic energy, whereas tall baffles should be positioned as close as possible.
Barriers to upstream passage by two migratory sculpins, prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) and coastrange sculpin (Cottus aleuticus), in northern Puget Sound lowland streams
Authors: LeMoine Michael Thomas , Bodensteiner Leo Richard
Published: July 2014

We identified and characterized barriers to the upstream distribution by prickly sculpin (Cottus asper) and coastrange sculpin (Cottus aleuticus), based on their longitudinal distribution in 11 streams in the Puget Sound lowlands of Washington State. Eight streams had upstream limits associated with particular instream structures, and these were compared to distinguish features of barriers and non-barriers. In seven streams perch height greater than 15 cm resulted in a complete barrier. In one stream water velocity >4 m·s−1created a partial barrier. Five of the eight barriers were one- or two-step fish ladders installed to facilitate upstream passage of Pacific salmon and trout. Water quality, physical habitat, and the presence of other fishes were not related to the presence or absence of sculpin species. Fish passage criteria in western North American streams are based on the swimming abilities of Pacific salmon and trout, without consideration for other, less motile native fishes. Structures installed to surmount previously identified impediments to upstream migration continue to inhibit sculpin movement, resulting in loss of upstream habitats for adults, with potential consequences to population size and trophic dynamics.
A tale of 2 tissues: the overlapping role of scleraxis in tendons and the heart
Authors: Czubryt Michael P.
Published: July 2014

Tissue integrity in the face of external physical forces requires the production of a strong extracellular matrix (ECM) composed primarily of the protein collagen. Tendons and the heart both withstand large and changing physical forces, and emerging evidence suggests that the transcription factor scleraxis plays a central role in responding to these forces by directly regulating the production of ECM components and (or) by determining the fate of matrix-producing cell types. Thus, despite the highly disparate inherent nature of these tissues, a common response mechanism may exist to govern the development, growth, and remodeling of the ECM in response to external force.
Multicriteria Group Decision Making by Using Trapezoidal Valued Hesitant Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Rashid Tabasam , Husnine Syed Muhammad
Published: July 2014

The concept of trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy set is introduced. Notion for distance between any two trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy elements is given. Using this proposed distance measure, we extend the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution for trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy sets. An example is constructed to show usefulness of this extension for multicriteria group decision making, where the opinions about the criteria values are expressed as trapezoidal valued hesitant fuzzy set.
The Preparation of Matrine Liposome and Its Antiglioma Activity Study
Authors: Han Shao-Rong , Gong Hai , Wang Yan-Ming , Lv Xiao-Yan , Zhang Cong , Tong An-Na , Yuan Guang-Hui , Zhang Bao-Yi
Published: July 2014

The aim of the study was to study the preparation of matrine liposome and its activity for resisting cells, to study the preparation of matrine liposome by orthogonal design, and to observe the inhibiting effect of matrine on glioma through MTT method, Flow Cytometer, and electron microscope. The results showed that we take the encapsulation efficiency as the index; the optimal preparation of matrine liposome is 100 mg of lecithin, 40 mg of cholesterol, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with pH value 6.4, and 40 mg of matrine. The result of MTT testing is shown that the tested group with medium and high dosage (0.75, 1.0, 1.25 mg/L) of matrine has significant inhibiting rate to the growth of BT 325 cells. TheAvalue in tested group with medium and high dosage is up to0.19±0.03. The methods of Flow Cytometer and electron microscope prove that matrine can inhibit the growth of BT 325 cells. Matrine is active in inhibiting brain glioma.
Purinergic Receptors in Ocular Inflammation
Authors: Guzman-Aranguez Ana , Gasull Xavier , Diebold Yolanda , Pintor Jesús
Published: July 2014

Inflammation is a complex process that implies the interaction between cells and molecular mediators, which, when not properly “tuned,” can lead to disease. When inflammation affects the eye, it can produce severe disorders affecting the superficial and internal parts of the visual organ. The nucleoside adenosine and nucleotides including adenine mononucleotides like ADP and ATP and dinucleotides such as P1,P4-diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), and P1,P5-diadenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A) are present in different ocular locations and therefore they may contribute/modulate inflammatory processes. Adenosine receptors, in particularA2Aadenosine receptors, present anti-inflammatory action in acute and chronic retinal inflammation. Regarding the A3receptor, selective agonists like N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-5′-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine (CF101) have been used for the treatment of inflammatory ophthalmic diseases such as dry eye and uveoretinitis. Sideways, diverse stimuli (sensory stimulation, large intraocular pressure increases) can produce a release of ATP from ocular sensory innervation or after injury to ocular tissues. Then, ATP will activate purinergic P2 receptors present in sensory nerve endings, the iris, the ciliary body, or other tissues surrounding the anterior chamber of the eye to produce uveitis/endophthalmitis. In summary, adenosine and nucleotides can activate receptors in ocular structures susceptible to suffer from inflammatory processes. This involvement suggests the possible use of purinergic agonists and antagonists as therapeutic targets for ocular inflammation.
Isolated Nasopharyngeal Castleman Disease: An Uncommon Diagnosis in an Unusual Location
Authors: McDonnell O. , Morris Melinda , Khaleel Z.
Published: July 2014

Localised nasopharyngeal Castleman disease has rarely been reported. We present a case involving a 23-year-old female, describe the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of this challenging diagnosis, and review the literature.
Some Common Fixed Point Results for Modified Subcompatible Maps and Related Invariant Approximation Results
Authors: Rathee Savita , Kumar Anil
Published: July 2014

We improve the class of subcompatible self-maps used by (Akbar and Khan, 2009) by introducing a new class of noncommuting self-maps called modified subcompatible self-maps. For this new class, we establish some common fixed point results and obtain several invariant approximation results as applications. In support of the proved results, we also furnish some illustrative examples.
Buyang Huanwu Decoction for Healthcare: Evidence‐Based Theoretical Interpretations of Treating Different Diseases with the Same Method and Target of Vascularity
Authors: Li Ji-huang , Liu Ai-ju , Li Hui-qin , Wang Yan , Shang Hong-Cai , Zheng Guo-qing
Published: July 2014

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) is a famous herbal prescription that has been used to treat stroke for centuries. Recent studies reported that the use of BHD had been extended to treat various kinds of disorders according to the TCM syndrome theory of Treating Different Diseases with the Same Method (TDDSM). Here, an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) of BHD for healthcare was conducted to interpret the TCM theory of TDDSM and its target of vascularity in an evidence‐based manner. Literature searches were carried out in 5 databases to search SRs of BHD for any indication up to August 2013. Thirteen eligible SRs were identified which reported a wide range of vascular conditions. Based on the Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire scores, the quality of included SRs was varied, with an average score of 4 points. We found that there is premature evidence for the use of BHD for healthcare, whereas BHD was well tolerable in all patients. BHD can be used to treat many disorders with the same therapeutic principle of invigorating Qi to activate blood circulation, which is essentially a manifestation of the TDDSM and is likely to account for targeting the specific pathogenesis of vascular diseases.
Fabrication of Antireflection Nanodiamond Particle Film by the Spin Coating Deposition Technique
Authors: Lin Chii-Ruey , Chang Hong-Ming , BenDao Minh-Khoa , Chiang Hsiu Hsien , Chen Wei-En
Published: July 2014

Diamond-based antireflective (AR) coatings were fabricated using a spin coating of diamond suspension at room temperature as nucleation enhancement procedure and microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. Various working pressures were used to investigate their effect on the optical characterization of the as-deposited diamond films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic forced microscopy (AFM) were employed to analyze the surface properties of the diamond films. Raman spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) also were used for analysis of the microstructure of the films. The results showed that working pressure had a significant effect on thickness, surface roughness, and wettability of the as-deposited diamond films. Deposited under 35 Torr or working pressure, the film possessed a low surface roughness of 13.8 nm and fine diamond grain sizes of 35 nm. Reflectance measurements of the films also were carried out using UV-Vis spectrometer and revealed a low reflectance value of the diamond films. The achievement demonstrated feasibility of the proposed spin-coating procedure for large scale production and thus opens up a prospect application of diamond film as an AR coating in industrial optoelectronic device.
Growth and Characterization of Nanostructured TiCrN Films Prepared by DC Magnetron Cosputtering
Authors: Paksunchai Chutima , Denchitcharoen Somyod , Chaiyakun Surasing , Limsuwan Pichet
Published: July 2014

Nanostructured TiCrN films were grown on Si (100) wafers by reactive DC unbalanced magnetron cosputtering technique without external heating and voltage biasing to the substrates. The effects of Ti sputtering current on the chemical composition, chemical state, electronic structure, crystal structure, and morphology of the TiCrN films were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), respectively. The results showed that all prepared films were formed as an understoichiometric (Ti, Cr)N solid solution with the fcc B1 type phase. The films exhibited a nanostructure with a crystallite size of less than 14 nm. The deconvolution of XPS spectra revealed the chemical bonding between Ti, Cr, N, and O elements. The addition of Ti contents led to the decrease of valence electrons filled in the d conduction bands which result in the change of binding energy of electrons in core levels. The roughness of the films was found to increase with increasing ITi. The cross‐sectional morphology of the films showed columnar structure with dome tops.
Preparation of Aligned ZnO Nanorod Arrays on Sn-Doped ZnO Thin Films by Sonicated Sol-Gel Immersion Fabricated for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Saurdi I. , Mamat M. H. , Malek M. F. , Rusop M.
Published: July 2014

Aligned ZnO Nanorod arrays are deposited on the Sn-doped ZnO thin film via sonicated sol-gel immersion method. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of the Sn-doped ZnO thin films were investigated. Results show that the Sn-doped ZnO thin films with small grain size (~20 nm), high average transmittance (96%) in visible region, and good resistivity7.7 × 102 Ω·cm are obtained for 2 at.% Sn doping concentration. The aligned ZnO nanorod arrays with large surface area were also obtained for 2 at.% Sn-doped ZnO thin film. They were grown on sol-gel derived Sn-doped ZnO thin film, which acts as a seed layer, via sonicated sol-gel immersion method. The grown aligned ZnO nanorod arrays show high transmittance at visible region. The fabricated dye-sensitised solar cell based on the 2.0 at.% Sn-doped ZnO thin film with aligned ZnO nanorod arrays exhibits improved current density, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and conversion efficiency compared with the undoped ZnO and 1 at.% Sn-doped ZnO thin films.
External Aerodynamics Simulations in a Rotating Frame of Reference
Authors: Cariglino Filomena , Ceresola Nicola , Arina Renzo
Published: July 2014

This paper presents the development of a tool integrated in the UNS3D code, proprietary of Alenia Aermacchi, for the simulation of external aerodynamic flow in a rotating reference frame, with the main objective of predicting propeller-aircraft integration effects. The equations in a rotating frame of reference have been formulated in terms of the absolute velocity components; in this way, the artificial dissipation needed for convergence is lessened, as the Coriolis source term is only introduced in the momentum equation. An Explicit Algebraic Reynolds Stress turbulence model is used. The first assessment of effectiveness of this method is made computing stability derivatives of a NACA 0012 airfoil. Finally, steady Navier-Stokes and Euler simulations of a four-blade single-rotating propeller are presented, demonstrating the efficiency of the chosen approach in terms of computational cost.
The Spectroscopic and Conductive Properties of Ru(II) Complexes with Potential Anticancer Properties
Authors: Adeniyi Adebayo A. , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: July 2014

Different density functional methods (DFT) have been used to optimize and study the chemistry of five potential anticancer complexes in terms of their electronic, conductive, and spectroscopic properties. Many of the computed properties in addition to the IR and QTAIM analysis of the NMR are dipole moment vector (μi), linear polarizability tensor (αij), first hyperpolarizability tensors (βijk), polarizability exaltation index (Γ), and chemical hardness (η) of the complexes. Stable low energy geometries are obtained using basis set with effective core potential (ECP) approximation but, in the computation of atomic or molecular properties, the metal Ru atom is better treated with higher all electron basis set like DGDZVP. The spectroscopic features like the IR of the metal-ligand bonds and the isotropic NMR shielding tensor of the coordinated atoms are significantly influenced by the chemical environment of the participating atoms. The carboxylic and pyrazole units are found to significantly enhance the polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities of the complexes while the chloride only improves the polarity of the complexes. Fermi contacts (FC) have the highest effect followed by the PSO among all the four Ramsey terms which defined the total spin-spin coupling constant J (HZ) of these complexes.
Highly EffectiveEx VivoGene Manipulation to Study Kidney Development Using Self-Complementary Adenoassociated Viruses
Authors: Chen Tie-Lin , Wang Hong-Lian , Liu Yun-Hong , Fang Yin , Tan Rui-Zhi , Zhou Pu-Hui , Zhou Qin , Lv Xiao-Yan
Published: July 2014

Background.Ex vivoculture of intact embryonic kidney has become a powerful system for studying renal development. However, few methods have been available for gene manipulation and have impeded the identification and investigation of genes in this developmental process.Results. Here we systemically compared eight different serotypes of pseudotyped self-complementary adenoassociated viruses (scAAVs) transduction in cultured embryonic kidney with a modified culture procedure. We demonstrated that scAAV was highly effective in delivering genes into and expressing in compacted tissues. scAAV serotypes 2 and 8 exhibited higher efficiency of transduction compared to others. Expression kinetics assay revealed that scAAV can be used for gene manipulation at the study of UB branching and nephrogenesis. Repressing WT1 in cultured kidney using shRNA impairs tubule formation. We for the first time employed and validated scAAV as a gene delivery tool in cultured kidney.Conclusions. These findings are expected to expedite the use of theex vivoembryonic kidney cultures for kidney development research. For otherex vivocultured organ models, scAAV could also be a promising tool for organogenesis study.
Opposing Roles of Leptin and Ghrelin in the Equine Corpus Luteum Regulation: AnIn VitroStudy
Authors: Galvão António , Tramontano Angela , Rebordão Maria Rosa , Amaral Ana , Bravo Pedro Pinto , Szóstek Anna , Skarzynski Dariusz , Mollo Antonio , Ferreira-Dias Graça
Published: July 2014

Metabolic hormones have been associated with reproductive function modulation. Thus, the aim of this study was: (i) to characterize the immunolocalization, mRNA and protein levels of leptin (LEP), Ghrelin (GHR) and respective receptors LEPR and Ghr-R1A, throughout luteal phase; and (ii) to evaluate the role of LEP and GHR on progesterone (P4), prostaglandin (PG) E2and PGF2α, nitric oxide (nitrite), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF); macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) secretion, and on angiogenic activity (BAEC proliferation), in equine corpus luteum (CL) from early and mid-luteal stages. LEPR expression was decreased in late CL, while GHR/Ghr-R1A system was increased in the same stage. Regarding secretory activity, GHR decreased P4in early CL, but increased PGF2α, nitrite and TNF in mid CL. Conversely, LEP increased P4, PGE2, angiogenic activity, MIF, TNF and nitrite during early CL, in a dose-dependent manner. Thein vitroeffect of LEP on secretory activity was reverted by GHR, when both factors acted together. The present results evidence the presence of LEP and GHR systems in the equine CL. Moreover, we suggest that LEP and GHR play opposing roles in equine CL regulation, with LEP supporting luteal establishment and GHR promoting luteal regression. Finally, a dose-dependent luteotrophic effect of LEP was demonstrated.
50 MHz–10 GHz Low-Power Resistive Feedback Current-Reuse Mixer with Inductive Peaking for Cognitive Radio Receiver
Authors: Vitee Nandini , Ramiah Harikrishnan , Chong Wei-Keat , Tan Gim-Heng , Kanesan Jeevan , Reza Ahmed Wasif
Published: July 2014

A low-power wideband mixer is designed and implemented in 0.13 µm standard CMOS technology based on resistive feedback current-reuse (RFCR) configuration for the application of cognitive radio receiver. The proposed RFCR architecture incorporates an inductive peaking technique to compensate for gain roll-off at high frequency while enhancing the bandwidth. A complementary current-reuse technique is used between transconductance and IF stages to boost the conversion gain without additional power consumption by reusing the DC bias current of the LO stage. This downconversion double-balanced mixer exhibits a high and flat conversion gain (CG) of 14.9 ± 1.4 dB and a noise figure (NF) better than 12.8 dB. The maximum input 1-dB compression point (P1dB) and maximum input third-order intercept point (IIP3) are −13.6 dBm and −4.5 dBm, respectively, over the desired frequency ranging from 50 MHz to 10 GHz. The proposed circuit operates down to a supply headroom of 1 V with a low-power consumption of 3.5 mW.
Ultimate Bound of a 3D Chaotic System and Its Application in Chaos Synchronization
Authors: Wang Jiezhi , Zhang Qing , Chen Zengqiang , Li Hang
Published: July 2014

Two ellipsoidal ultimate boundary regions of a special three-dimensional (3D) chaotic system are proposed. To this chaotic system, the linear coefficient of theith state variable in theith state equation has the same sign; it also has two one-order terms and one quadratic cross-product term in each equation. A numerical solution and an analytical expression of the ultimate bounds are received. To get the analytical expression of the ultimate boundary region, a new result of one maximum optimization question is proved. The corresponding ultimate boundary regions are demonstrated through numerical simulations. Utilizing the bounds obtained, a linear controller is proposed to achieve the complete chaos synchronization. Numerical simulation exhibits the feasibility of the designed scheme.
Radiological Assessment of the Indian Children with Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Agarwal Sangeet Kumar , Singh Satinder , Ghuman Samarjit Singh , Sharma Shalabh , Lahiri Asish Kr.
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Congenital sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects with incidence of approximately 1 : 1000 live births. Imaging of cases of congenital sensorineural hearing loss is frequently performed in an attempt to determine the underlying pathology. There is a paucity of literature from India and for this reason we decided to conduct this study in Indian context to evaluate the various cochleovestibular bony and nerve anomalies by HRCT scan of temporal bone and MRI with 3D scan of inner ear in a tertiary care centre.Material and Methods. A total of 280 children with congenital deafness (158 males and 122 females), between January 2002 to June 2013 were included in the study and they were assessed radiologically by HRCT scan of temporal bone and MRI with 3D scan of inner ear.Results. In the present study we found various congenital anomalies of bony labyrinth and vestibulocochlear nerve. Out of 560 inner ears we found 78 anomalous inner ears. Out of these 78 inner ears 57 (73%) had cochlear anomaly, 68 (87.1%) had anomalous vestibule, 44 (56.4%) had abnormal vestibular aqueduct, 24 (30.7%) had anomalous IAC, and 23 (29.4%) had abnormal cochleovestibular nerves.Conclusion. In present study, we found lower incidences of congenital anomalies comparative to existing literature.
Underwater Image Gathering by Utilizing Stationary and Movable Sensor Nodes: Towards Observation of Symbiosis System in the Coral Reef of Okinawa
Authors: Kawabata Kuniaki , Takemura Fumiaki , Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Sawai Kei , Kuraya Eisuke , Takahashi Satoru , Yamashiro Hideyuki , Isomura Naoko , Xue Jianru
Published: July 2014

This paper describes the underwater data collection utilizing stationary sensor node and movable sensor node. We consider applying the system to investigate the conditions of marine ecosystem around the coral reef at Okinawa, Japan. The framework and fundamental design of our proposed underwater information gathering system under development are introduced. It is also reported the development of the prototypes of the sensory node and movable sensor node. Basic examinations utilizing such prototype at underwater environment are also described. This paper also describes experimental results of image gathering from via wireless local area network communication. Our future trials based on the current developmental situation are also discussed.
Scattering and Bound States of Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau Particles forq-Parameter Hyperbolic Pöschl-Teller Potential
Authors: Yanar Hilmi , Havare Ali , Sogut Kenan
Published: July 2014

The Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau (DKP) equation in the presence of a scalar potential is solved in one spatial dimension for the vectorq-parameter Hyperbolic Pöschl-Teller (qHPT) potential. In obtaining complete solutions we used the weak interaction approach and took the scalar and vector potentials in a correlated form. By looking at the asymptotic behaviors of the solutions, we identify the bound and scattering states. We calculate transmission (T) and reflection (R) probability densities and analyze their dependence on the potential shape parameters. Also we investigate the dependence of energy eigenvalues of the bound states on the potential shape parameters.