Dose-Response of TLD-100 in the Dose Range Useful for Hypofractionated Radiotherapy.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to exploit the feasibility of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) in radiation therapy techniques in which high dose per fraction is involved.

Methods: Dose-response of TLD-100 (LiF: Mg, Ti) was investigated in both 6-MV photon and 6-MeV electron beams. The element correction factor (ECF) generation method was applied to check the variability of the TLDs response.

Frailness and resilience of gene networks predicted by detection of co-occurring mutations via a stochastic perturbative approach.

In recent years complex networks have been identified as powerful mathematical frameworks for the adequate modeling of many applied problems in disparate research fields. Assuming a Master Equation (ME) modeling the exchange of information within the network, we set up a perturbative approach in order to investigate how node alterations impact on the network information flow. The main assumption of the perturbed ME (pME) model is that the simultaneous presence of multiple node alterations causes more or less intense network frailties depending on the specific features of the perturbation.

Optimized three-level quantum transfers based on frequency-modulated optical excitations.

The difficulty in combining high fidelity with fast operation times and robustness against sources of noise is the central challenge of most quantum control problems, with immediate implications for the realization of quantum devices. We theoretically propose a protocol, based on the widespread stimulated Raman adiabatic passage technique, which achieves these objectives for quantum state transfers in generic three-level systems. Our protocol realizes accelerated adiabatic following through the application of additional control fields on the optical excitations.

Dynamic changes in cytoskeleton proteins of olfactory ensheathing cells induced by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

Several evidences have suggested the ability of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to influence biological systems, even if the action mechanisms are not well understood. There are few data on the effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on self-renewal of neural progenitor cells. A particular glial type that shows characteristics of stem cells is olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs).

Single-shot K-edge subtraction x-ray discrete computed tomography with a polychromatic source and the Pixie-III detector.

K-edge subtraction (KES) imaging is a technique able to map a specific element such as e.g. a contrast agent within the tissues, by exploiting the sharp rise of its absorption coefficient at the K-edge energy.

A multi-thermal-lens approach to evaluation of multi-pass probe beam configuration in thermal lens spectrometry.

In this work, a recently proposed thermal lens instrument based on multi-pass probe beam concept is investigated and described as a multi-thermal-lens equivalent system. A simulation of the photothermal lens signal formation in a multi-thermal-lens equivalent configuration of the system is performed and validated by comparing the experimental signals of single, dual and ten-pass configurations to theoretically calculated values. The theoretically predicted enhancement of the signal is 9 to 10-fold for a weak thermal lens when comparing the ten-pass configuration with the conventional single-pass thermal lens system.

Accuracy assessment of the CNAO dose delivery system in the initial period of clinical activity and impact of later improvements on delivered dose distributions.

Purpose: A retrospective analysis of the dose delivery system (DDS) performances of the initial clinical operation at CNAO (Centro Nazionale di Adroterapia Oncologica) is reported, and compared with the dose delivery accuracy following the implementation of a position feedback control.

Methods: Log files and raw data of the DDS were analyzed for every field of patients treated with protons and carbon ions between January 2012 and April 2013 (~3800 fields). To investigate the DDS accuracy, the spot positions and the number of particles per spot measured by the DDS and prescribed by the treatment planning system were compared for each field.

Accurate proton treatment planning for pencil beam crossing titanium fixation implants.

Purpose: To present a planning strategy for proton pencil-beam scanning when titanium implants need to be crossed by the beam.

Methods: We addressed three issues: the implementation of a CT calibration curve to assign to titanium the correct stopping power; the effect of artefacts on CT images and their reduction by a dedicated algorithm; the differences in dose computation depending on the dose engine, pencil-beam vs Monte-Carlo algorithms. We performed measurement tests on a simple cylinder phantom and on a real implant.

Impact of Target Oxygenation on the Chemical Track Evolution of Ion and Electron Radiation.

The radiosensitivity of biological systems is strongly affected by the system oxygenation. On the nanoscopic scale and molecular level, this effect is considered to be strongly related to the indirect damage of radiation. Even though particle track radiolysis has been the object of several studies, still little is known about the nanoscopic impact of target oxygenation on the radical yields.

First Proof-of-Principle of Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskites Deposition by Magnetron-Sputtering.

The present work reports the application of RF-magnetron sputtering technique to realize CsPbBr 3 70 nm thick films on glass substrate by means of a one-step procedure. The obtained films show highly uniform surface morphology and homogeneous thickness as evidenced by AFM and SEM investigations. XRD measurements demonstrate the presence of two phases: a dominant orthorhombic CsPbBr 3 and a subordinate CsPb 2 Br 5 .

Clinical implementation in proton therapy of multi-field optimization by a hybrid method combining conventional PTV with robust optimization.

To implement a robust multi-field optimization (MFO) technique compatible with the application of a Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm and to evaluate its robustness. Nine patients (three brain, five head-and-neck, one spine) underwent proton treatment generated by a novel robust MFO technique. A hybrid (hMFO) approach was implemented, planning dose coverage on isotropic PTV compensating for setup errors, whereas range calibration uncertainties are incorporated into PTV robust optimization process.

Altered structural brain asymmetry in autism spectrum disorder in a study of 54 datasets.

Altered structural brain asymmetry in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been reported. However, findings have been inconsistent, likely due to limited sample sizes. Here we investigated 1,774 individuals with ASD and 1,809 controls, from 54 independent data sets of the ENIGMA consortium.

Evaluation of Altered Functional Connections in Male Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders on Multiple-Site Data Optimized With Machine Learning.

No univocal and reliable brain-based biomarkers have been detected to date in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Neuroimaging studies have consistently revealed alterations in brain structure and function of individuals with ASD; however, it remains difficult to ascertain the extent and localization of affected brain networks. In this context, the application of Machine Learning (ML) classification methods to neuroimaging data has the potential to contribute to a better distinction between subjects with ASD and typical development controls (TD).

Proton Therapy and Src Family Kinase Inhibitor Combined Treatments on U87 Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Line.

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common of malignant gliomas in adults with an exiguous life expectancy. Standard treatments are not curative and the resistance to both chemotherapy and conventional radiotherapy (RT) plans is the main cause of GBM care failures. Proton therapy (PT) shows a ballistic precision and a higher dose conformity than conventional RT.

New Eye Lens Dose Limit: Status of Knowledge in Campania Hospitals.

The International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) in 2011 recommended the lowering of the annual eye lens dose limit from 150 mSv/year to 20 mSv/year in order to reduce the risk of X-ray-induced lens opacity in medical staff. The purpose of this study was to assess the status of knowledge of the new eye lens dose limit and of the radioprotection culture among operators. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to physicians, X-ray technicians, and nurses working in five hospitals of the Campania region, Italy.

Extraction of form Factors from a Four-Dimensional Angular Analysis of B[over ¯]→D^{*}ℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}.

An angular analysis of the decay B[over ¯]→D^{*}ℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}, ℓ∈{e,μ}, is reported using the full e^{+}e^{-} collision data set collected by the BABAR experiment at the ϒ(4S) resonance. One B meson from the ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] decay is fully reconstructed in a hadronic decay mode, which constrains the kinematics and provides a determination of the neutrino momentum vector. The kinematics of the semileptonic decay is described by the dilepton mass squared, q^{2}, and three angles.

Evaluation of the intra- and inter-method agreement of brain MRI segmentation software packages: A comparison between SPM12 and FreeSurfer v6.0.

Purpose: The lack of inter-method agreement can produce inconsistent results in neuroimaging studies. We evaluated the intra-method repeatability and the inter-method reproducibility of two widely-used automatic segmentation methods for brain MRI: the FreeSurfer (FS) and the Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) software packages.

Methods: We segmented the gray matter (GM), the white matter (WM) and subcortical structures in test-retest MRI data of healthy volunteers from Kirby-21 and OASIS datasets.

Microcalcification detection in full-field digital mammograms: A fully automated computer-aided system.

Background: Microcalcification clusters in mammograms can be considered as early signs of breast cancer. However, their detection is a very challenging task because of different factors: large variety of breast composition, highly textured breast anatomy, impalpable size of microcalcifications in some cases, as well as inherent low contrast of mammograms. Thus, the need to support the clinicians' work with an automatic tool.

Identifying necessary and sufficient conditions for the observability of models of biochemical processes.

The notions of observability and controllability of non-linear systems are a cornerstone of mathematical control theory and cover a wide scope of applications including process design, characterization, monitoring and control. Synthetic biology - which aims to (re)-program living functionalities - and bio-based process engineering - which aims to develop biotechnological manufacturing processes based on industrial and natural living agents - remarkably benefit of methodological improvements inspired to control theory for countless reasons including the huge variety of control mechanisms in living organisms, experimental limitations in terms of measurement feasibility, design of controllers - at single cell or population level - of synthetic production processes and process optimization purposes. Many fundamental problems of control theory such as stabilisability of unstable systems and optimal control may be solved under the assumption that the system is observable/controllable.

Inhibition of ceramide biosynthesis affects aging phenotype in an model of neuronal senescence.

Although aging is considered to be an unavoidable event, recent experimental evidence suggests that the process can be counteracted. Intracellular calcium (Ca) dyshomeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and lipid dysregulation are critical factors that contribute to senescence-related processes. Ceramides, a pleiotropic class of sphingolipids, are important mediators of cellular senescence, but their role in neuronal aging is still largely unexplored.

Hydration Shell of Antifreeze Proteins: Unveiling the Role of Non-Ice-Binding Surfaces.

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) have the ability to inhibit ice growth by binding to ice nuclei. Their ice-binding mechanism is still unclear, yet the hydration layer is thought to play a fundamental role. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the hydration shell of two AFPs and two non-AFPs.

Exenatide Reverts the High-Fat-Diet-Induced Impairment of BDNF Signaling and Inflammatory Response in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial condition in which, along with amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau-related pathology, the synergistic activity of co-morbidity factors promote the onset and progression of the disease. Epidemiological evidence indicates that glucose intolerance, deficits in insulin secretion, or type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) participate in increasing cognitive impairment or dementia risk. Insulin plays a pivotal role in the process as the hormone critically regulates brain functioning.

Interferometric SAR Phase Denoising Using Proximity-Based K-SVD Technique.

This paper addresses the problem of interferometric noise reduction in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry based on sparse and redundant representations over a trained dictionary. The idea is to use a algorithm on interferometric data for obtaining a suitable dictionary, in order to extract the phase image content effectively. We implemented this strategy on both simulated as well as real interferometric data for the validation of our approach.

Proton-irradiated breast cells: molecular points of view.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, highly heterogeneous at both the clinical and molecular level. Radiation therapy (RT) represents an efficient modality to treat localized tumor in BC care, although the choice of a unique treatment plan for all BC patients, including RT, may not be the best option. Technological advances in RT are evolving with the use of charged particle beams (i.

Correction: Uccelli, L., et al. Therapeutic Radiometals: Worldwide Scientific Literature Trend Analysis (2008⁻2018). 2019, , 640.

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...