bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WE‐E‐WAB‐01: Solutions for Interconnectivity Issues in Radiation Oncology: Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise‐Radiation Oncology (IHE‐RO)
Authors: Kapoor R , Santanam L , Curran B 
Published: July 2013

Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise in Radiation Oncology (IHE‐RO) is an ASTRO sponsored initiative, composed of vendors, physicists and clinicians dedicated to improving equipment and software integration issues related to radiation treatment. The objective of this initiative is to improve the way computer based systems in radiation oncology share information using well‐defined data exchange standards (DICOM / HL7). The Radiotherapy process requires integration of software and hardware from a variety of vendors using a multitude of systems. For this integration to be done successfully a series of data transfers must occur with 100% fidelity and reliability. Here there can be a significant problem of lack of interconnectivity and interoperability of electronic infrastructure. The follow‐up care of radiation oncology patients extends over time and multiple care facilities. Therefore, it is critical that all patients' healthcare data be readily available on demand to individuals and their changing healthcare providers. The IHE‐RO initiative has solved several interconnectivity and interoperability issues amongst Treatment Planning Systems, Treatment Management Systems and Treatment Delivery Systems. However, it is not easy for end users to discern the lack of interconnectivity amongst RT devices available in the market place. IHE‐RO testing events and test tools have enabled vendors to successfully test and demonstrate interoperability between their products. These solutions will improve patient safety in concordance to the ASTRO ‘Target Safely’ initiative in addition to improving workflow efficiency in the clinic.In 2004, ASTRO formed a multi‐society, multi‐national, and multi‐specialty IHE‐RO task force to address issues of interoperability and information sharing between various healthcare systems in radiation oncology and is working to resolve them in a systematic way using established industry standards. The IHE‐RO task force consists of a planning committee (PC) and a technical committee (TC). The membership of these committees along with schedules of activities, meeting agendas and minutes, and working documents can be found on the IHE Wiki at http://wiki.ihe.net.This lecture will provide an overview of the activities of IHE‐RO and how this initiative has helped the Radiation Oncology community to solve the interoperability issues of the clinic.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the history of IHE‐RO and the need behind it.2. Review current IHE‐RO Profiles & user cases and how they help solve interoperability issues in the clinic.3. Understand the future direction of IHE‐RO and how you can contribute to its success.Partial funding from ASTRO
WE‐E‐116‐01: Grantsmanship and Funding
Authors: Beddar S , Deye J , Romeijn E , Mackie T , Paganetti H , Jin J , McGuire S 
Published: July 2013

This symposium is organized by the Working Group on Funding and Grantsmanship (WGFG: http://www.aapm.org/org/structure/?committee_Code=WGFG); one of the WG of the AAPM Research Committee. The main goal of this symposium is to introduce to the membership two Federal Funding Agencies (NSF and DOE) that are typically less frequently approached for funding medical physics research than the NIH. Speakers representing all funding agencies will inform the audience of their roadmap initiatives and the type of research they will most likely fund, including highlights of their respective research opportunities.1. NIH Updates: James A. Deye, Ph.D., Program Director2. NSF Funding: Edwin Romeijn, Ph.D., Program Director3. DOE Funding: Rock Mackie, Ph.D.A Grantsmanship keynote presentation is dedicated to NCI R01 and R21 applications, followed by two perspectives to writing a winning grant proposal which will be presented by two New Investigators (one from the Therapy side and the other from the Imaging side).4. “Grantsmanship for NCI R01 and R21 applications”: Harald Paganetti, Ph.D.5. New Investigator's perspectives to writing a winning grant proposal:a) Therapy investigator: Jian‐Yue Jin, Ph.D.b) Imaging investigator: Sarah McGuire, Ph.D.The symposium will be followed with a 20 minutes Q&A session between the audience and all the speakers.
TH‐C‐108‐01: Radiobiological Models in Brachytherapy Treatment Planning and Evaluation
Authors: Chen Z , Carlson DJ 
Published: July 2013

Brachytherapy utilizes a multitude of radioactive sources and treatment techniques that often exhibit drastically different spatial and temporal dose delivery patterns from one another and from external beam radiotherapy. Typical photon energies vary from 0.02 MeV to 1 MeV and decay half‐lives vary from days to years. Treatments can consist of single‐fraction continuous low‐dose‐rate irradiations over a period of days or months to multi‐fraction high‐dose‐rate irradiations of different dose fractionations. The clinical impact of such diverse spatial‐temporal variations cannot be adequately assessed using traditional physical dose‐based indices alone because these indices do not take into account the complex interplay between the dynamics of dose delivery and the biological response of the irradiated cells. Radiobiological models that capture the interacting effects of dose delivery with cellular biology can potentially provide a useful clinical tool for comparing and optimizing the relative clinical effectiveness of different brachytherapy treatment strategies. These models have been used increasingly by clinical medical physicists over the last decade in research settings. Currently, there are several different models presented in the literature with a range of applications and limitations. Information on model parameters, uncertainties, and their impact on model predictions are also scattered in the literature. The primary goal of this educational course is to provide a comprehensive review of existing radiobiological models and parameters, and their use in the evaluation of selected brachytherapy modalities. Particular emphasis will be placed on discussion of model limitations that may hinder the proper interpretation of model predictions and practical implementation.Learning Objectives:1. To understand the rationale and basis of existing radiobiological models used in the evaluation of brachytherapy treatments.2. To recognize the underlying assumptions and limitations of existing models and their proper application in the relative comparison of competing brachytherapy modalities.3. To be aware of the pitfalls regarding the selection, use, and interpretation of radiobiological models in treatment planning and evaluationZC would like to acknowledge partial support of NIH grant R01 CA134627
TH‐D‐108‐01: Implementing MR‐Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Craciunescu O , Cai J , Chino J 
Published: July 2013

Image‐guidance plays an important role in modern radiation therapy, predominantly in external beam planning and delivery. In recent years, with the advent of high/pulsed dose rate afterloading technology, advanced treatment planning systems, and CT and MRI compatible applicators, image‐guided adaptive brachytherapy treatments (IGABT) are now achievable. With image guidance, the target can be delineated more precisely, resulting in delivering more controlled doses of radiation to the target while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The whole process requires a committed team of physicians, physicists, nurses, with clear roles and infrastructure needs that will be explained clearly. We are proposing to describe the complex processes of implementing a new IGABT program, drawing from our own group's experience in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center. GEC‐ESTRO guidelines, crucial for implementing robust and standardized IGART, will be reviewed. They rely on MRI‐guided planning for cervical cancer. MR imaging has its advantages, but also challenges and limitations (image artifacts and distortion related to magnetic nonlinearity, MR sequence selection, accuracy of 3D applicator reconstruction) that need addressed. Treatment planning flow will be discussed for different scenarios: when both CT and MR images are available vs. MR alone, when solid applicator applicators are available vs. not. Different treatment planning techniques will be presented. Advantages and limitations of our proposed flow will be also addressed.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the benefits of IGARBT in general, MR‐based in particular. Understand the GEC‐ESTRO guidelines and resources needed to implement IGARBT based on GEC‐ESTRO. Identify the infrastructure and personnel needed for successful implementation of IGARBT.2. Learn about the MR imaging sequences needed to image soft tissue and applicators, respectively. Understand the process of applicator reconstruction with and without the use of solid applicators library.3. Understanding the treatment planning flow: image registration, planning techniques, data reporting, dose summation of brachytherapy fractions and with external beam. Understand potential challenges and barriers in implementing MR‐based IGARBT: Convenient access to MR, time constraints, physician and physicist expertise with MRI, lack of CT/MRI compatible applicators, MR alone planning vs. MR/CT‐based planning.
TH‐E‐105‐01: Next Steps Toward Revising Radiation Protection Regulations
Authors: Flannery C 
Published: July 2013

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is continuing the process of engaging stakeholders on issues associated with possible changes to the radiation protection regulations contained in 10 CFR Part 20, and other parts of the NRC regulations, to increase alignment with international recommendations. The Commission is particularly seeking to explore implications, as appropriate and where scientifically justified, of greater alignment with ICRP Publication 103. Other information from national and international sources is also being considered. Given that the NRC regulations provide adequate protection, the discussion has been focusing on discerning the benefits and burdens associated with revising the radiation protection regulatory framework. The NRC staff provided the Commission with recommendations in April, 2012, SECY‐12‐006, and the Commission provided direction to the NRC staff in December, 2012, SRM‐SECY‐12‐0064. Issues of particular interest within the medical community include the use of updated scientific methodologies and terminology, the occupational dose limits including the limits for the lens of the eye, ALARA and alternative approaches to deal with individual protection at or near the current dose limit, use of SI units, and reporting requirements.Learning Objectives:1. Participants will become familiar with key radiation protection regulation and guidance changes that are under consideration.2. Participants will provide feedback on proposed approaches to presenters.3. Participants will be prepared to facilitate engagement of their facility and colleagues in the ongoing dialogue about changes.
TH‐E‐144‐01: MRI Parallel Imaging
Authors: Yanasak N , Goerner F 
Published: July 2013

The term “parallel imaging” in magnetic resonance imaging (or “pMRI”) refers to a broad family of techniques that uses the spatial arrangement of multiple RF coil elements to assist in spatial localization of signal, which reduces the number of phase encoding steps in conventional MRI. The end Result is that image data is acquired within a shorter window of time. This characteristic can be exploited toward a variety of advantages; one can reduce image acquisition time, decrease the time penalty for increased resolution, mitigate image distortion, or lower SAR. Because pMRI can be implemented in most conventional MR sequences, its use is becoming more. Nevertheless, poor understanding and incorrect use of pMRI can lead to images of inadequate quality and inaccurate image quality metrics. Implementations of pMRI vary across vendor platforms, each having its own advantages and pitfalls. pMRI transforms some conventional artifacts into an unfamiliar appearance, and generates new types of artifacts. Critically, signal and noise uniformity across the imaging field of view is perturbed with pMRI, posing new questions for quality assurance (QA) procedures. The presentations in this session will provide a practical overview of pMRI ‐ how it functions and where it can be used effectively — as well as a discussion of considerations relevant to QA of pMRI systems.Learning Objectives:1. Understand how pMRI techniques work in general2. Discern proper (and inappropriate) clinical uses of the technique3. Conceptualize the new challenges associated with quality assurance for MR systems using pMRI.4. Appreciate advances in pMRI during the next few years and their associated changes in clinical practice.
Full-Genome Sequence of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 1 (BTV-1) Strain Y863, the First BTV-1 Isolate of Eastern Origin Found in China
Authors: Zhu Jianbo , Yang Heng , Li Huachun , Xiao Lei , Wang Jinpin , Li Nan , Zhang Nianzu 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT
The full-genome sequence of the bluetongue virus serotype 1 (BTV-1) strain Y863, the first BTV-1 isolate of Eastern origin found in China, was determined. The virus was isolated from sheep during a severe outbreak of bluetongue in Shizhong County, Yunnan Province, southwest China, in 1979. The total size of the BTV-1 strain Y863 genome is 19,170 bp. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that it belongs to the major “Eastern” BTV topotype. The sequence information provided here will help in understanding the geographical origin and spread of this Chinese isolate of BTV-1, as well as aid in its comparison with global isolates of BTV-1 from sheep, cattle, and other host species origins.
Genome Sequence of Streptococcus agalactiae Strain 09mas018883, Isolated from a Swedish Cow
Authors: Zubair S. , de Villiers E. P. , Fuxelius H. H. , Andersson G. , Johansson K.-E. , Bishop R. P. , Bongcam-Rudloff E. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

We announce the complete genome sequence of
Streptococcus agalactiae
strain 09mas018883, isolated from the milk of a cow with clinical mastitis. The availability of this genome may allow identification of candidate genes, leading to discovery of antigens that might form the basis for development of a vaccine as an alternative means of mastitis control.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Lignocellulose Decomposer Thermobifida fusca Strain TM51
Authors: Tóth Ákos , Barna Terézia , Nagy István , Horváth Balázs , Nagy István , Táncsics András , Kriszt Balázs , Baka Erzsébet , Fekete Csaba , Kukolya József 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Thermobifida fusca
strain TM51, which was isolated from the hot upper layer of a compost pile in Hungary.
T. fusca
TM51 is a thermotolerant, aerobic actinomycete with outstanding lignocellulose-decomposing activity.
Contribution of Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 Family Transcription Factors to BZLF1 Expression in Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation from Latency
Authors: Murata Takayuki , Narita Yohei , Sugimoto Atsuko , Kawashima Daisuke , Kanda Teru , Tsurumi Tatsuya 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT
Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) from latency is dependent on expression of the viral transactivator BZLF1 protein, whose promoter (Zp) normally exhibits only low basal activity but is activated in response to chemical or biological inducers. Using a reporter assay system, we screened for factors that can activate Zp and isolated genes, including those encoding MEF2B, KLF4, and some cellular b-Zip family transcription factors. After confirming their importance and functional binding sites in reporter assays, we prepared recombinant EBV-BAC, in which the binding sites were mutated. Interestingly, the MEF2 mutant virus produced very low levels of BRLF1, another transactivator of EBV, in addition to BZLF1 in HEK293 cells. The virus failed to induce a subset of early genes, such as that encoding BALF5, upon lytic induction, and accordingly, could not replicate to produce progeny viruses in HEK293 cells, but this restriction could be completely lifted by exogenous supply of BRLF1, together with BZLF1. In B cells, induction of BZLF1 by chemical inducers was inhibited by point mutations in the ZII or the three SP1/KLF binding sites of EBV-BAC Zp, while leaky BZLF1 expression was less affected. Mutation of MEF2 sites severely impaired both spontaneous and induced expression of not only BZLF1, but also BRLF1 in comparison to wild-type or revertant virus cases. We also observed that MEF2 mutant EBV featured relatively high repressive histone methylation, such as H3K27me3, but CpG DNA methylation levels were comparable around Zp and the BRLF1 promoter (Rp). These findings shed light on BZLF1 expression and EBV reactivation from latency.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K Supports Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Replication by Regulating Cell Survival and Cellular Gene Expression
Authors: Dinh Phat X. , Das Anshuman , Franco Rodrigo , Pattnaik Asit K. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) is a member of the family of hnRNPs and was recently shown in a genome-wide small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen to support vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) growth. To decipher the role of hnRNP K in VSV infection, we conducted studies which suggest that the protein is required for VSV spreading. Virus binding to cells, entry, and nucleocapsid uncoating steps were not adversely affected in the absence of hnRNP K, whereas viral genome transcription and replication were reduced slightly. These results indicate that hnRNP K is likely involved in virus assembly and/or release from infected cells. Further studies showed that hnRNP K suppresses apoptosis of virus-infected cells, resulting in increased cell survival during VSV infection. The increased survival of the infected cells was found to be due to the suppression of proapoptotic proteins such as Bcl-X
S
and Bik in a cell-type-dependent manner. Additionally, depletion of hnRNP K resulted in not only significantly increased levels of T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen 1 (TIA1) but also switching of the expression of the two isoforms of the protein (TIA1a and TIA1b), both of which inhibited VSV replication. hnRNP K was also found to support expression of several cellular proteins known to be required for VSV infection. Overall, our studies demonstrate hnRNP K to be a multifunctional protein that supports VSV infection via its role(s) in suppressing apoptosis of infected cells, inhibiting the expression of antiviral proteins, and maintaining the expression of proteins required for the virus.
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein and Neutrophils Mediate the Airway Mucin Response to Pathogenic Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Stokes Kate L. , Currier Michael G. , Sakamoto Kaori , Lee Sujin , Collins Peter L. , Plemper Richard K. , Moore Martin L. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of death due to a viral etiology in infants. RSV disease is characterized by epithelial desquamation, neutrophilic bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and obstructive pulmonary mucus. It has been shown that infection of BALB/cJ mice with RSV clinical isolate A2001/2-20 (2-20) results in a higher early viral load, greater airway necrosis, and higher levels of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and airway mucin expression than infection with RSV laboratory strain A2. We hypothesized that the fusion (F) protein of RSV 2-20 is a mucus-inducing viral factor.In vitro, the fusion activity of 2-20 F but not that of A2 F was enhanced by expression of RSV G. We generated a recombinant F-chimeric RSV by replacing the F gene of A2 with the F gene of 2-20, generating A2–2-20F. Similar to the results obtained with the parent 2-20 strain, infection of BALB/cJ mice with A2–2-20F resulted in a higher early viral load and higher levels of subsequent pulmonary mucin expression than infection with the A2 strain. A2–2-20F infection induced greater necrotic airway damage and neutrophil infiltration than A2 infection. We hypothesized that the neutrophil response to A2–2-20F infection is involved in mucin expression. Antibody-mediated depletion of neutrophils in RSV-infected mice resulted in lower tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, fewer IL-13-expressing CD4 T cells, and less airway mucin production in the lung. Our data are consistent with a model in which the F and attachment (G) glycoprotein functional interaction leads to enhanced fusion and F is a key factor in airway epithelium infection, pathogenesis, and subsequent airway mucin expression.
An Eight-Segment Swine Influenza Virus Harboring H1 and H3 Hemagglutinins Is Attenuated and Protective against H1N1 and H3N2 Subtypes in Pigs
Authors: Masic Aleksandar , Pyo Hyun-Mi , Babiuk Shawn , Zhou Yan 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Swine influenza virus (SIV) infections continue to cause production losses in the agricultural industry in addition to being a human public health concern. The primary method of controlling SIV is through vaccination. The killed SIV vaccines currently in use must be closely matched to the challenge virus, and their protective efficacy is limited. Live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) provide strong, long-lived cell-mediated and humoral immunity against different influenza virus subtypes with no need for antigen matching. Here we report the generation of a new potential LAIV, an eight-segment SIV harboring two different SIV hemagglutinins (HAs), H1 and H3, in the genetic background of H1N1 SIV. This mutant SIV was generated by fusing the H3 HA ectodomain from A/Swine/Texas/4199-2/98 (H3N2) to the cytoplasmic tail, transmembrane domain, and stalk region of neuraminidase (NA) from A/Swine/Saskatchewan/18789/02 (H1N1) SIV. While this H1-H3 chimeric SIV, when propagated
in vitro
in the presence of exogenous neuraminidase, showed kinetics and growth properties similar to those of the parental wild-type virus,
in vivo
it was highly attenuated in pigs, demonstrating a great potential for serving as a dual LAIV. Furthermore, vaccination with the H1-H3 virus elicited robust immune responses, which conferred complete protection against infections with both H1 and H3 SIV subtypes in pigs.