bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TH‐B‐201C‐01: Nuclear Medicine Accreditation Acceptance Testing and Annual Surveys
Authors: Botti J 
Published: August 2010

With the passing of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) MIPPA requires facilities that are billing for these services under Medicare B to be accredited by January 1 2012. CMS has recognized the American College of Radiology the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission and the Joint Commission as the three organizations approved for accrediting facilities. This talk will focus primarily on understanding the ACR requirements and procedures for accreditation of (PET and Nuclear Medicine imaging services) with a focus on the Physicist's role in the process Accreditation by the ACR requires both Acceptance testing and Annual performance testing be performed by a qualified individual. The procedures for performing these tests will be reviewed with a focus on avoiding many of the common pitfalls that may cause facilities to fail the process. The recently modified ACR procedures for acquiring and submitting Quality Control images for review will be discussed.Other areas that will be covered include the following:1. Physicist Personnel Qualifications2. Quality Control Requirements3. ACR review of clinical and phantom imagesLearning Objectives:1. Understand common pitfalls associated with annual and acceptance testing.2. Understand the personnel qualifications for physicists.3. Understand the ACR protocol for acquiring and submission of QC images.Conflict of Interest: The company that I work for conducts annual performance testing of Nuclear Medicine equipment for facilities in support of ACR accreditation. I am a physics reviewer for the American College of Radiology. I do not speak on behalf American College of Radiology.
TH‐C‐BRA‐02: Image Registration on GPU
Authors: Kim J 
Published: August 2010

Medical image registration is a process of aligning two or more sets of images for combining complementary anatomical and functional information. It plays important roles for many radiation therapy applications including tumor delineation target localization for daily treatment adaptive radiation therapy 4D treatment planning etc. However one of the limiting factors for their ways to routine clinical use is their lengthy execution time. It is especially true for intensity‐base deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms. To overcome such problem many researchers have resorted to commodity PC graphics processing units (GPU) which are powerful parallel computation platforms and yet cheap and readily available off the shelves. In the past GPUs had fixed pipeline architectures optimized for rendering graphics primitives such as lines and polygons but modern GPUs are flexible enough for programmers to run general purpose algorithms through special shader or C/C++ like programming languages. Many commonly accepted rigid and non‐rigid registration algorithms have successfully been adapted to GPU architectures. In this session we will review GPU‐based algorithms of 3D/2D registrations that exploit GPU for generating digitally reconstructed radiographs diffusion‐based ones such as Demons and optical flow algorithms mono‐/multi‐modal elastic registration algorithms as well as implementations of mutual information based image registration techniques.Learning Objectives:1. To understand basic components of image registration algorithms.2. To learn the methods of mapping the algorithms to GPU; similarity metrics and transformations.
TH‐C‐204B‐02: Monte Carlo Feasibility Study of a Compact Microbeam Small Animal Irradiator
Authors: Schreiber E , Chang S 
Published: August 2010

Purpose: Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is a promising but poorly understood experimental treatment modality. As an alternative to synchrotron‐based facilities we propose a compact carbon nanotube‐based MRT device for small animal research. We report on a Monte Carlo‐based feasibility study of the proposed design. Method and Materials: Monte Carlo calculations were performed using EGSnrc‐based codes. The proposed device design includes a carbon nanotube cathode shaped to match the collimator aperture a reflection anode with filter and a microbeam collimator. The collimator is sized to deliver a beam width ranging from 30–200 microns at 15 cm SAD. Design parameters studied with Monte Carlo include electron energy anode angle filtration and collimator design. Results: Increasing the energy from 100 kVp to 150 kVp increased the photon fluence through the collimator by a factor of 1.7. Both energies produced a largely uniform fluence along the microbeam with 5% decreases in intensity near the edges of the long dimension. The isocentric dose rate for 150 kVp was calculated to be 1200 Gy/min/A in the center of a 3 cm diameter target. Expected cathode currents of 1 A project an isocentric dose rate of 80 Gy/sec for a four‐beam system. Scatter contributions resulting from collimator size were found to produce only small (<7%) changes in the dose rate for field widths greater than 50 microns. Dose vs. depth was weakly dependant on filtration material. The peak‐to‐valley ratio outside the beam was less than 0.5% indicating the valley dose between adjacent microbeams will be no more than 1% of the peak dose. Conclusion: Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that the proposed microbeam device will be capable of delivering a sufficient dose rate and peak‐to‐valley‐ratio to be useful for small‐animal MRT studies.Conflict of interest: The work is supported by NIH grant 1RC2CA148487‐01
TH‐C‐204C‐03: Radiation Necrosis and Its Characterization Using Advanced MRI
Authors: Jost S , Garbow J 
Published: August 2010

Patients with malignant brain tumors are typically treated with a combination of surgery chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As no combination of treatments has yet proven curative the majority of patients eventually experience a recurrence of their tumor. Significant subsets of patients develop MR imaging findings following these therapies that can be difficult to interpret. Radiation necrosis is the most common and most significant of these treatment‐associated changes as its anatomic imaging characteristics are remarkably similar to those of recurrent tumor. The development of non‐invasive imaging markers of diagnostic specificity is an important goal for clinicians caring for patients with brain tumors. Recent advances in imaging specifically exploiting PET imaging tracers that measure cell proliferation and advanced MR imaging techniques including perfusion and diffusion‐weighted imaging as well as Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy afford unique opportunities to monitor tumor biology in vivo. Despite these advances no single imaging modality with sufficient diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to identify radiation necrosis versus tumor recurrence has been identified. Until recently few small‐animal models of radiation necrosis in brain tissue have been reported. Previous models were developed primarily in rats and employed only a small number of radiation fractions. Recent models have evolved to describe the development of a radiation necrosis model in mice that employ focal multi‐fraction radiation to more accurately reflect the clinical situation encountered by patients treated for malignant brain tumors. The recent development of a conformal pre‐clinical irradiation system has demonstrated that high dose focal fractionated brain irradiation in small animals is feasible and can generate relevant pre‐clinical models of radiation necrosis. In addition modification of the clinical gamma‐knife irradiation system used in humans for stereotactic radiosurgery has also been used to develop a murine model for radiation necrosis.The lecture will discuss the clinical importance of diagnosing radiation necrosis and distinguishing it from growing tumor and will also address ongoing basic science research considering these questions of diagnostic specificity in two small animal models of radiation necrosis. In addition the lecture will address translational clinical work considering advanced imaging applications for this clinical problem in human patients with malignant brain tumors.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the clinical problem of radiation necrosis in patients with neuro‐oncology.2. Understand the relevance of advanced MR imaging methods in diagnosing radiation necrosis in patients with malignant brain tumors.3. Understand the murine models for radiation necrosis and their suitability for basic and translational research focusing on this clinical problems.
TH‐D‐BRA‐04: Late Effects from Diagnostic Imaging
Authors: Kaste S 
Published: August 2010

Over the past several decades the use of medical imaging has progressively increased to the point where it accounts for the greatest exposure of ionizing radiation to the general population. The use of CT alone has grown to over 60 million studies per year in the United States and represents the largest contribution to medical radiation exposure. Of these about 11% (>7 million) are performed on pediatric patients.Pediatric patients are particularly susceptible to the effects of radiation exposure as their tissues are two to ten‐times more susceptible to adverse effects associated with such exposure compared to adults. Further children have a lifetime in which to manifest radiation‐induced effects such a cataracts and the development of cancer. As radiation exposure is cumulative each exposure must be considered in deciding whether or not the benefit of performing the study outweighs its risk.Limiting patient exposure from medical imaging is multifactorial and requires judicious use of indicated studies performed with appropriate techniques on equipment that optimizes information while minimizing radiation exposure. Education is key to optimizing medical imaging while minimizing patient risk. Included in such initiatives is public education regarding appropriate use and potential risk of excessive use education of technologists radiologists and healthcare providers in general and technical improvements of imaging modalities.This presentation will provide an overview to issues specific to pediatric imaging where minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation is critically important and address potential long‐term effects of such exposure.Learning Objectives:1. Understand that pediatric patients are not just small adults.2. Learn methods for controlling exposure to ionizing radiation in medical imaging.3. Learn potential sequelae of exposure to ionizing radiation in pediatrics.
Role of Interleukin-17A in Cell-Mediated Protection against
Staphylococcus aureus
Infection in Mice Immunized with the Fibrinogen-Binding Domain of Clumping Factor A
Authors: Narita Kouji , Hu Dong-Liang , Mori Fumiaki , Wakabayashi Koichi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Nakane Akio 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Clumping factor A (ClfA) is a fibrinogen-binding cell wall-attached protein and an important virulence factor of
Staphylococcus aureus
. Previous studies reported that an immunization with the fibrinogen-binding domain of ClfA (ClfA
40-559
) protected animals against
S. aureus
infection. It was reported that some cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal diseases and in host defense against
S. aureus
infection. However, the role of cytokines in the protective effect of ClfA
40-559
as a vaccine has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that the spleen cells of ClfA
40-559
-immunized mice produced a large amount of interleukin-17A (IL-17A). The protective effect of immunization was exerted in wild-type mice but not in IL-17A-deficient mice. IL-17A mRNA expression was increased in the spleens and kidneys of immunized mice after infection. CXCL2 and CCL2 mRNA expression was increased in the spleens and kidneys, respectively. Consistent with upregulation of the mRNA expression, neutrophils infiltrated into the spleens extensively and macrophage infiltration was observed in the kidneys of immunized mice. These results suggest that immunization with ClfA
40-559
induces the IL-17A-producing cells and that IL-17-mediated cellular immunity is involved in the protective effect induced by immunization with ClfA
40-559
against
S. aureus
infection.
The EspF Effector, a Bacterial Pathogen's Swiss Army Knife
Authors: Holmes Ashleigh , Mühlen Sabrina , Roe Andrew J. , Dean Paul 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Central to the pathogenesis of many bacterial pathogens is the ability to deliver effector proteins directly into the cells of their eukaryotic host. EspF is one of many effector proteins exclusive to the attaching and effacing pathogen family that includes enteropathogenic (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic (EHEC)
Escherichia coli
. Work in recent years has revealed EspF to be one of the most multifunctional effector proteins known, with defined roles in several host cellular processes, including disruption of the epithelial barrier, antiphagocytosis, microvillus effacement, host membrane remodelling, modulation of the cytoskeleton, targeting and disruption of the nucleolus, intermediate filament disruption, cell invasion, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inhibition of several important epithelial transporters. Surprisingly, despite this high number of functions, EspF is a relatively small effector protein, and recent work has begun to decipher the molecular events that underlie its multifunctionality. This review focuses on the activities of EspF within the host cell and discusses recent findings and molecular insights relating to the virulence functions of this fascinating bacterial effector.
Evaluating social and behavioural impacts of English smoke-free legislation in different ethnic and age groups: implications for reducing smoking-related health inequalities: Table 1
Authors: Lock K , Adams E , Pilkington P , Duckett K , Gilmore A , Marston C 
Published: August 2010

ObjectiveTo explore social and behavioural impacts of English smoke-free legislation (SFL) in different ethnic groups.DesignA longitudinal, qualitative panel study of smokers using in-depth interviews conducted before and after introduction of SFL.ParticipantsA purposive sample of 32 smokers selected from three ethnic groups in deprived London neighbourhoods with approximately equal numbers of younger and older, male and female respondents.ResultsSFL has had positive impacts with half smoking less and three quitting. Although there were no apparent differences in smoking and quitting behaviours between groups, there were notable differences in the social impacts of SFL. The greatest negative impacts were in smokers over 60 years, potentially increasing their social isolation, and on young Somali women whose smoking was driven more underground. In contrast, most other young adult smokers felt relatively unaffected by SFL, describing unexpected social benefits. Although there was high compliance, reports of illegal smoking were more frequent among young, ethnic minority smokers, with descriptions of venues involved suggesting they are ethnically distinct and well hidden. Half of respondents reported stopping smoking in their own homes after SFL, but almost all were Somali or Turkish. White respondents tended to report increases in home smoking.DiscussionAlthough our study suggests that SFL can lead to reductions in tobacco consumption, it also shows that impacts vary by ethnicity, age and sex. This study highlights the importance of understanding the meaning of smoking in different social contexts so future tobacco control interventions can be developed to reduce health and social inequalities.
Perception of Speech in Noise: Neural Correlates
Authors: Song Judy H. , Skoe Erika , Banai Karen , Kraus Nina 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The presence of irrelevant auditory information (other talkers, environmental noises) presents a major challenge to listening to speech. The fundamental frequency (F0) of the target speaker is thought to provide an important cue for the extraction of the speaker's voice from background noise, but little is known about the relationship between speech-in-noise (SIN) perceptual ability and neural encoding of the F0. Motivated by recent findings that music and language experience enhance brainstem representation of sound, we examined the hypothesis that brainstem encoding of the F0 is diminished to a greater degree by background noise in people with poorer perceptual abilities in noise. To this end, we measured speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses to /da/ in quiet and two multitalker babble conditions (two-talker and six-talker) in native English-speaking young adults who ranged in their ability to perceive and recall SIN. Listeners who were poorer performers on a standardized SIN measure demonstrated greater susceptibility to the degradative effects of noise on the neural encoding of the F0. Particularly diminished was their phase-locked activity to the fundamental frequency in the portion of the syllable known to be most vulnerable to perceptual disruption (i.e., the formant transition period). Our findings suggest that the subcortical representation of the F0 in noise contributes to the perception of speech in noisy conditions.
The Word Associates Format: Validation evidence
Authors: Schmitt Norbert , Ng Janice Wun Ching , Garras John 
Published: August 2010

Although the Word Associates Format (WAF) is becoming more frequently used as a depth-of-knowledge measure, relatively little validation has been carried out on it. This report of two validation studies tackles various important WAF issues yet to be satisfactorily resolved. Study 1 conducted introspective interviews regarding students’ WAF test-taking behavior along with interviews on featured target words to determine how accurately the most common scoring system for the WAF reflects the examinees’ actual knowledge of the words. Analysis is provided concerning WAF accuracy and item answering strategies and patterns. Study 2 repeated the interview procedures from Study 1 with several modifications, including the addition of a receptive dimension in the word knowledge interview. The various WAF-scoring methods were compared, and the format types (6 and 8 option), distractor types, and distribution of answers were examined in depth. Both studies indicate that the WAF reflects true lexical knowledge fairly well at the extremes of the scoring scale while scores in the middle do not lead to any reliable interpretation. Furthermore, there is the likelihood that the WAF may both underestimate and overestimate vocabulary knowledge. Suggestions regarding item construction and use of the WAF are given to improve its accuracy and reliability.
Recurrent expression signatures of cytokines and chemokines are present and are independently prognostic in acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplasia
Authors: Kornblau Steven M. , McCue David , Singh Neera , Chen Wenjing , Estrov Zeev , Coombes Kevin R. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe role of circulating cytokines and chemokines (C&Ckine) in activating signal transduction in leukemic cells is incompletely defined. We hypothesized that comprehensive profiling of C&Ckine expression in leukemia would provide greater insight compared with individual analyses. We used multiplex array technology to simultaneously measure the level of 27 C&Ckines in serum from 176 acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and 114 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients and 19 normal controls. C&Ckine levels in AML and MDS differed significantly from normal controls (5 higher, 13 lower) but were similar to each other for 24 of 27 analytes, with interleukin-8 and interleukin-13 higher in AML and vascular endothelial growth factor A higher in MDS. Levels did not correlate with age, gender, infection, or blood counts; however, 3 correlated with specific cytognetic abnormalities in AML. Individually, few cytokines had any correlation with response or survival. In newly diagnosed AML, 8 C&Ckine signatures, distinct from the normal control signature, were observed. These signatures had prognostic impact, affecting remission, primary resistance, relapse rates, and overall survival, individually (P = .003) and in multivariable analysis (P = .004). These patterns suggest specific therapeutic interventions to investigate in subsets of AML patients. In conclusion, C&Ckine expression in AML and MDS differs from normal, is similar with one another, and forms recurrent patterns of expression with prognostic relevance.
Long-term prognostic significance of early molecular response to imatinib in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia: an analysis from the International Randomized Study of Interferon and STI571 (IRIS)
Authors: Hughes Timothy P. , Hochhaus Andreas , Branford Susan , Müller Martin C. , Kaeda Jaspal S. , Foroni Letizia , Druker Brian J. , Guilhot François , Larson Richard A. , O'Brien Stephen G. , Rudoltz Marc S. , Mone Manisha , Wehrle Elisabeth , Modur Vijay , Goldman John M. , Radich Jerald P. ,   on behalf of the IRIS investigators
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis study examines the prognostic significance of early molecular response using an expanded dataset in chronic myeloid leukemia patients enrolled in the International Randomized Study of Interferon and STI571 (IRIS). Serial molecular studies demonstrate decreases in BCR-ABL transcripts over time. Analyses of event-free survival (EFS) and time to progression to accelerated phase/blast crisis (AP/BC) at 7 years were based on molecular responses using the international scale (IS) at 6-, 12-, and 18-month landmarks. Patients with BCR-ABL transcripts > 10% at 6 months and > 1% at 12 months had inferior EFS and higher rate of progression to AP/BC compared with all other molecular response groups. Conversely, patients who achieved major molecular response [MMR: BCR-ABL (IS) ≤ 0.1%] by 18 months enjoyed remarkably durable responses, with no progression to AP/BC and 95% EFS at 7 years. The probability of loss of complete cytogenetic response by 7 years was only 3% for patients in MMR at 18 months versus 26% for patients with complete cytogenetic response but not MMR (P < .001). This study shows a strong association between the degree to which BCR-ABL transcript numbers are reduced by therapy and long-term clinical outcome, supporting the use of time-dependent molecular measures to determine optimal response to therapy. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00006343.