Comparative ontogeny and phylogenetic relationships of eight lizardfish species (Synodontidae) from the Northwest Pacific, with a focus on Trachinocephalus monophyly.

Lizardfish (Aulopiforms: Synodontidae), distributed broadly in temperate to tropical waters, are represented globally by 83 species across four genera, with 10 species in Korea. Despite these numbers, few studies have been conducted on the early life history of lizardfishes compared to their adult counterparts. Thus, we conducted molecular identification of 123 Synodontidae larvae collected from the Northwest Pacific (Korea Strait, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and East Sea) between June 2017 and July 2021, using mitochondrial DNA COI and 16S rRNA sequences. Significant morphological differences were observed in the larvae and juvenile, including variation in melanophore, count, morphometric characteristics, and body shape. The morphological traits of eight species (Harpadon nehereus, Saurida macrolepis, Saurida wanieso, Saurida sp., Synodus hoshinonis, Synodus kaianus, Synodus macrops, and Trachinocephalus trachinus) served as vital data for interpreting the phylogenetic relationships within the Northwest Pacific Synodontidae. Ultimately, the identification key revealed by this study will enable accurate identification of Synodontid larvae and juveniles, and further facilitate our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within this family.

Isolation and characterization of single domain antibodies from banded houndshark (Triakis scyllium) targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted human health for three years. To mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the development of neutralizing antibodies has been accelerated, including the exploration of alternative antibody formats such as single-domain antibodies. In this study, we identified variable new antigen receptors (VNARs) specific for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 by immunizing a banded houndshark (Triakis scyllium) with recombinant wild-type RBD. Notably, the CoV2NAR-1 clone showed high binding affinities in the nanomolar range to various RBDs and demonstrated neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. These results highlight the potential of the banded houndshark as an animal model for the development of VNAR-based therapeutics or diagnostics against future pandemics.

New descriptions of four larval lanternfish species and cryptic diversity of Benthosema pterotum (Pisces: Myctophidae) from the Northwest Pacific.

Although there have been many studies on the taxonomy of lanternfishes, morphological similarities during larval and juvenile stages make it difficult to identify species and understand their early life histories. During an ichthyoplankton survey in the Northwest Pacific (East Sea, East China Sea) between 2017 and 2020, a research vessel from the National Institute of Fisheries Science collected larvae and juveniles that belonged to the family Myctophidae using a bongo net. To accurately identify species, mtDNA sequences encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA were obtained and compared with those of adult voucher specimens. These comparisons led to the identification of four previously unknown larval lanternfish species (Diaphus chrysorhynchus, Diaphus suborbitalis, Diaphus watasei and Lampanyctus fernae), which are described here for the first time. The authors also describe the cryptic diversity of Benthosema pterotum and provide identification keys for 10 species of larval lanternfish, in accordance with their developmental stages.

Molecular and morphological comparison of larvae and juveniles of five species of callionymids, with ontogenetic evidence on the monophyly of Repomucenus (Callionymidae).

Dragonet fishes (Callionymidae) are benthic inhabitants of shallow waters, even in tidal pools, down to depths below 900 m in all subtropical, tropical and temperate oceans. The family comprises 200 species in 20 genera worldwide, of which 18 species in 6 genera occur in Korea. Classification within the family Callionymidae has been controversial because of the differing proposals of Fricke and Nakabo (Fishes of Japan with pictorial keys to the species, 1983). For example, Fricke suggested genus Repomucenus and Bathycallionymus, whose genera contains most callionymid species in Korean waters, as junior synonym of genus Callionymus while Nakabo (Fishes of Japan with pictorial keys to the species, 1983) suggested as valid. In such cases, when classifications of adults have taxonomic contention, examination of larval characters may prove informative. Therefore, in this study, the authors conducted comprehensive molecular and morphological analyses on larvae and juveniles of five species in the genus Repomucenus and discussed their taxonomic status within the family Callionymidae. Larval and juvenile callionymids show high morphological similarities during their ontogenetic development. Nonetheless, the following morphological differences were observed in melanophore distribution and preopercular spine development: (a) stellate or punctate melanophores in Bathycallionymus kaianus vs. branched melanophores in genus Repomucenus, (b) melanophores on the abdominal cavity gradually disappearing in B. kaianus vs. gradually becoming prominent in Repomucenus and (c) preopercular spine development giving rise to one perpendicular spine in B. kaianus vs. two or three spines in Repomucenus. Molecular analysis based on 16S ribosomal RNA showed similar results to the morphological analysis. Genera Bathycallionymus and Repomucenus showed significant genetic distance (d = 0.113-0.120); moreover, genus Callionymus, which was suggested as a senior synonym of genus Bathycallionymus and Repomucenus by Fricke (Journal of Natural History, 2014, 48, 2419-2448), also showed considerable difference (d = 0.226-0.246). In the present study, the monophyly of genus Repomucenus seemed well supported by the results of morphological and molecular analyses of larval stage Callionymidae.

Molecular systematics of Pampus (Perciformes: Stromateidae) based on thousands of nuclear loci using target-gene enrichment.

Pomfret fishes of the genus Pampus are commercially important in the Indo-Pacific region, yet the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of Pampus remain contentious. Here, we sampled 151 specimens, representing all known species of the genus, as well as two outgroup species (two families). We collected sequences from 17,292 single-copy nuclear coding loci using target-gene enrichment and Illumina sequencing for a subset samples of P. echinogaster, P. argenteus, P. cinereus, P. liuorum, P. chinensis, P. minor, and P. punctatissimus, which were carefully examined according to their species descriptions. Concatenated gene tree and species tree analyses resulted in identical and highly supported phylogenies, in which P. argenteus was sister to P. minor in one clade and P. cinereus sister to P. chinensis and P. punctatissimus in the other clade. Phylogenetic reconstruction using sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) collected by us and those retrieved from NCBI suggests extensive misidentification of Pampus species in the NCBI database. We also measured morphological characters of each species as well as observed their osteological structure using micro-CT. Both molecular and morphological results suggest that P. echinogaster is a synonym of P. argenteus, and P. liuorum is a synonym of P. cinereus. Pampus cinereus from China, Bangladesh and an uncertain origin were grouped into three clades according to their sampling localities, but we could not find decisive morphological characters to describe the "cryptic species" of P. cinereus. Finally, based on the results of the molecular analyses and morphological reexamination, we created an identification key for the genus of Pampus.

Treatment planning for spinal radiosurgery : A competitive multiplatform benchmark challenge.

PURPOSE: To investigate the quality of treatment plans of spinal radiosurgery derived from different planning and delivery systems. The comparisons include robotic delivery and intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT) approaches. Multiple centers with equal systems were used to reduce a bias based on individual's planning abilities. The study used a series of three complex spine lesions to maximize the difference in plan quality among the various approaches. METHODS: Internationally recognized experts in the field of treatment planning and spinal radiosurgery from 12 centers with various treatment planning systems participated. For a complex spinal lesion, the results were compared against a previously published benchmark plan derived for CyberKnife radiosurgery (CKRS) using circular cones only. For two additional cases, one with multiple small lesions infiltrating three vertebrae and a single vertebra lesion treated with integrated boost, the results were compared against a benchmark plan generated using a best practice guideline for CKRS. All plans were rated based on a previously established ranking system. RESULTS: All 12 centers could reach equality (n = 4) or outperform (n = 8) the benchmark plan. For the multiple lesions and the single vertebra lesion plan only 5 and 3 of the 12 centers, respectively, reached equality or outperformed the best practice benchmark plan. However, the absolute differences in target and critical structure dosimetry were small and strongly planner-dependent rather than system-dependent. Overall, gantry-based IMAT with simple planning techniques (two coplanar arcs) produced faster treatments and significantly outperformed static gantry intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and multileaf collimator (MLC) or non-MLC CKRS treatment plan quality regardless of the system (mean rank out of 4 was 1.2 vs. 3.1, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: High plan quality for complex spinal radiosurgery was achieved among all systems and all participating centers in this planning challenge. This study concludes that simple IMAT techniques can generate significantly better plan quality compared to previous established CKRS benchmarks.

Dose rate response of Digital Megavolt Imager detector for flattening filter-free beams.

In this study we investigated the dose rate response characteristics of the Digital Megavolt Imager (DMI) detector, including panel saturation, linearity, and imager ghosting effects for flattening filter-free (FFF) beams. The DMI detector dose rate response characteristics were measured as a function of dose rate on a Varian TrueBeam machine. Images were acquired at dose rates ranging from 400 to 1400 MU/min for 6XFFF and 400 to 2400 MU/min for 10XFFF. Line profiles and central portal doses derived from the images were analyzed and compared. The linearity was verified by acquiring images with incremental Monitor Unit (MU) ranging from 5 to 500 MU. Ghosting effects were studied at different dose rates. Finally, for validation, test plans with optimal fluence were created and measured with different dose rates. All test plans were analyzed with a Gamma criteria of 3%-3 mm and 10% dose threshold. Our study showed that there was no panel saturation observed from the profile comparison even at the maximum dose rate of 2400 MU/min. The central portal doses showed a slight decrease (1.013-1.008 cGy/MU for 6XFFF, and 1.020-1.009 cGy/MU for 10XFFF) when dose rate increased (400-1400 MU/min for 6XFFF, and 400-2400 MU/min for 10XFFF). The linearity of the DMI detector response was better than 0.5% in the range of 20-500 MU for all energies. The residual image was extremely small and statistically undetectable. The Gamma index measured with the test plans decreased from 100% to 97.8% for 6XFFF when dose rate increased from 400 to 1400 MU/min. For 10XFFF, the Gamma index decreased from 99.9% to 91.5% when dose rate increased from 400 to 2400 MU/min. We concluded that the Portal Dosimetry system for the TrueBeam using DMI detector can be reliably used for IMRT and VMAT QA for FFF energies.

Development and evaluation of a clinical model for lung cancer patients using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) within a knowledge-based algorithm for treatment planning.

The purpose of this study was to describe the development of a clinical model for lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) within a knowledge-based algorithm for treatment planning, and to evaluate the model performance and applicability to different planning techniques, tumor locations, and beam arrangements. 105 SBRT plans for lung cancer patients previously treated at our institution were included in the development of the knowledge-based model (KBM). The KBM was trained with a combination of IMRT, VMAT, and 3D CRT techniques. Model performance was validated with 25 cases, for both IMRT and VMAT. The full KBM encompassed lesions located centrally vs. peripherally (43:62), upper vs. lower (62:43), and anterior vs. posterior (60:45). Four separate sub-KBMs were created based on tumor location. Results were compared with the full KBM to evaluate its robustness. Beam templates were used in conjunction with the optimizer to evaluate the model's ability to handle suboptimal beam placements. Dose differences to organs-at-risk (OAR) were evaluated between the plans gener-ated by each KBM. Knowledge-based plans (KBPs) were comparable to clinical plans with respect to target conformity and OAR doses. The KBPs resulted in a lower maximum spinal cord dose by 1.0 ± 1.6 Gy compared to clinical plans, p = 0.007. Sub-KBMs split according to tumor location did not produce significantly better DVH estimates compared to the full KBM. For central lesions, compared to the full KBM, the peripheral sub-KBM resulted in lower dose to 0.035 cc and 5 cc of the esophagus, both by 0.4Gy ± 0.8Gy, p = 0.025. For all lesions, compared to the full KBM, the posterior sub-KBM resulted in higher dose to 0.035 cc, 0.35 cc, and 1.2 cc of the spinal cord by 0.2 ± 0.4Gy, p = 0.01. Plans using template beam arrangements met target and OAR criteria, with an increase noted in maximum heart dose (1.2 ± 2.2Gy, p = 0.01) and GI (0.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.01) for the nine-field plans relative to KBPs planned with custom beam angles. A knowledge-based model for lung SBRT consisting of multiple treatment modalities and lesion loca-tions produced comparable plan quality to clinical plans. With proper training and validation, a robust KBM can be created that encompasses both IMRT and VMAT techniques, as well as different lesion locations.

Characterization and evaluation of 2.5 MV electronic portal imaging for accurate localization of intra- and extracranial stereotactic radiosurgery.

2.5 MV electronic portal imaging, available on Varian TrueBeam machines, was characterized using various phantoms in this study. Its low-contrast detectability, spatial resolution, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared with those of conventional 6 MV and kV planar imaging. Scatter effect in large patient body was simulated by adding solid water slabs along the beam path. The 2.5 MV imaging mode was also evaluated using clinically acquired images from 24 patients for the sites of brain, head and neck, lung, and abdomen. With respect to 6 MV, the 2.5 MV achieved higher contrast and preserved sharpness on bony structures with only half of the imaging dose. The quality of 2.5 MV imaging was comparable to that of kV imaging when the lateral separation of patient was greater than 38 cm, while the kV image quality degraded rapidly as patient separation increased. Based on the results of patient images, 2.5 MV imaging was better for cranial and extracranial SRS than the 6 MV imaging.

Generation and verification of QFix kVue Calypso-compatible couch top model for a dedicated stereotactic linear accelerator with FFF beams.

This study details the generation, verification, and implementation of a treatment planning system (TPS) couch top model for patient support system used in conjunction with a dedicated stereotactic linear accelerator. Couch top model was created within the TPS using CT simulation images of the kVue Calpyso-compatible couchtop (with rails). Verification measurements were compared to TPS dose prediction for different energies (6 MV FFF and 10 MV FFF) and rail configurations (rails in and rails out) using: 1) central axis point-dose measurements with pinpoint chamber in water-equivalent phantom at 42 gantry angles for various field sizes (2 × 2 cm², 4 × 4 cm², 10 × 10 cm²); and 2) Gafchromic EBT3 film parallel to beam in acrylic slab to assess changes in surface and percent depth doses in PA geometry. To assess sensitivity of delivered dose to variations in patient lateral position, measurements at central axis using the pinpoint chamber geometry were taken at lateral couch displacements of 2, 5, and 10 mm for 6 MV FFF. The maximum percent difference for point-dose measurements was 3.24% (6 MV FFF) and 2.30% (10 MV FFF). The average percent difference for point-dose measurements was less than 1.10% for all beam energies and rail geometries. The maximum percent difference between calculated and measured dose can be as large as 13.0% if no couch model is used for dose calculation. The presence of the couch structures also impacts surface dose and PDD, which was evaluated with Gafchromic film measurements. The upstream shift in the depth of dose maximum (dmax) was found to be 10.5 mm for 6 MV FFF and 5.5 mm for 10 MV FFF for 'Rails In' configuration. Transmission of the treatment beam through the couch results in an increase in surface dose (absolute percentage) of approximately 50% for both photon energies (6 MV FFF and 10MV FFF). The largest sensitivity to lateral shifts occurred at the lateral boundary of the rail structures. The mean magnitude (standard deviation) of the deviation between shifted and centered measurements over all field sizes tested was 0.61% (0.61%) for 2 mm shifts, 0.46% (0.67%) for 5 mm shifts, and 0.86% (1.46%) for 10 mm shifts.

Characteristics of a novel treatment system for linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery.

The purpose of this study is to characterize the dosimetric properties and accuracy of a novel treatment platform (Edge radiosurgery system) for localizing and treating patients with frameless, image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Initial measurements of various components of the system, such as a comprehensive assessment of the dosimetric properties of the flattening filter-free (FFF) beams for both high definition (HD120) MLC and conical cone-based treatment, positioning accuracy and beam attenuation of a six degree of freedom (6DoF) couch, treatment head leakage test, and integrated end-to-end accuracy tests, have been performed. The end-to-end test of the system was performed by CT imaging a phantom and registering hidden targets on the treatment couch to determine the localization accuracy of the optical surface monitoring system (OSMS), cone-beam CT (CBCT), and MV imaging systems, as well as the radiation isocenter targeting accuracy. The deviations between the percent depth-dose curves acquired on the new linac-based system (Edge), and the previously published machine with FFF beams (TrueBeam) beyond D(max) were within 1.0% for both energies. The maximum deviation of output factors between the Edge and TrueBeam was 1.6%. The optimized dosimetric leaf gap values, which were fitted using Eclipse dose calculations and measurements based on representative spine radiosurgery plans, were 0.700 mm and 1.000 mm, respectively. For the conical cones, 6X FFF has sharper penumbra ranging from 1.2-1.8 mm (80%-20%) and 1.9-3.8 mm (90%-10%) relative to 10X FFF, which has 1.2-2.2mm and 2.3-5.1mm, respectively. The relative attenuation measurements of the couch for PA, PA (rails-in), oblique, oblique (rails-out), oblique (rails-in) were: -2.0%, -2.5%, -15.6%, -2.5%, -5.0% for 6X FFF and -1.4%, -1.5%, -12.2%, -2.5%, -5.0% for 10X FFF, respectively, with a slight decrease in attenuation versus field size. The systematic deviation between the OSMS and CBCT was -0.4 ± 0.2 mm, 0.1± 0.3mm, and 0.0 ± 0.1 mm in the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions. The mean values and standard deviations of the average deviation and maximum deviation of the daily Winston-Lutz tests over three months are 0.20 ± 0.03 mm and 0.66 ± 0.18 mm, respectively. Initial testing of this novel system demonstrates the technology to be highly accurate and suitable for frameless, linac-based SRS and SBRT treatment.

Rapid Origin Determination of the Northern Mauxia Shrimp (Acetes chinensis) Based on Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction of Partial Mitochondrial 16S rRNA Gene.

Acetes chinensis is an economically important shrimp that belongs to the Sergestidae family; following fermentation, A. chinensis' economic value, however, is low in China, and much of the catch in China is exported to Korea at a low price, thus leading to potential false labeling. For this reason, we developed a simple method to identify A. chinensis' origin using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from partial (i.e., 570 bp) DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial 16s rRNA gene in 96 Korean and 96 Chinese individual shrimp. Among 10 SNP sites, four sites were observed in populations from both countries, and two sites located in the middle with SNP sites at their 3'-ends were used to design allele-specific primers. Among the eight internal primers, the C220F primer specific to the Chinese A. chinensis population amplified a DNA fragment of 364 bp only from that population. We were able to identify the A. chinensis population origin with 100% accuracy using multiplex PCR performed with two external primers and C220F primers. These results show that the 16S rRNA gene that is generally used for the identification of species can be used for the identification of the origin within species of A. chinensis, which is an important finding for the fair trade of the species between Korea and China.

IMRT and RapidArc commissioning of a TrueBeam linear accelerator using TG-119 protocol cases.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the overall accuracy of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and RapidArc delivery using both flattening filter (FF) and flattening filter-free (FFF) modalities based on test cases developed by AAPM Task Group 119. Institutional confidence limits (CLs) were established as the baseline for patient specific treatment plan quality assurance (QA). The effects of gantry range, gantry speed, leaf speed, dose rate, as well as the capability to capture intentional errors, were evaluated by measuring a series of Picket Fence (PF) tests using the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and EBT3 films. Both IMRT and RapidArc plans were created in a Solid Water phantom (30 × 30 × 15 cm3) for the TG-119 test cases representative of normal clinical treatment sites for all five photon energies (6X, 10X, 15X, 6X-FFF, 10X-FFF) and the Exact IGRT couch was included in the dose calculation. One high-dose point in the PTV and one low-dose point in the avoidance structure were measured with an ion chamber in each case for each energy. Similarly, two GAFCHROMIC EBT3 films were placed in the coronal planes to measure planar dose distributions in both high- and low-dose regions. The confidence limit was set to have 95% of the measured data fall within the tolerance. The mean of the absolute dose deviation for variable dose rate and gantry speed during RapidArc delivery was within 0.5% for all energies. The corresponding results for leaf speed tests were all within 0.4%. The combinations of dynamic leaf gap (DLG) and MLC transmission factor were optimized based on the ion chamber measurement results of RapidArc delivery for each energy. The average 95% CLs for the high-dose point in the PTV were 0.030 ± 0.007 (range, 0.022-0.038) for the IMRT plans and 0.029 ± 0.011 (range, 0.016-0.043) for the RapidArc plans. For low-point dose in the avoidance structures, the CLs were 0.029 ± 0.006 (range, 0.024-0.039) for the IMRT plans and 0.027 ± 0.013 (range, 0.017-0.047) for the RapidArc plans. The average 95% CLs using 3%/3 mm gamma criteria in the high-dose region were 5.9 ± 2.7 (range, 1.4-8.6) and 3.9 ± 2.9 (range, 1.5-8.8) for IMRT and RapidArc plans, respectively. The average 95% CLs in the low-dose region were 5.3 ± 2.6 (range, 1.2-7.4) and 3.7 ± 2.8 (range, 1.8-8.3) for IMRT and RapidArc plans, respectively. Based on ion chamber, as well as film measurements, we have established CLs values to ensure the high precision of IMRT and RapidArc delivery for both FF and FFF modalities.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of primary breast cancer in patients not undergoing surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to explore the role of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in providing local control (LC) for primary breast cancer in patients unable to undergo surgery. MATERIALS/METHODS: Between 2015 and 2019, 13 non-surgical candidates with 14 lesions were treated with SBRT for primary breast cancer. In 4 cases, SBRT was used after whole breast radiation therapy (WBRT; 40-50 Gy/20-25 fractions). SBRT dose was 30-40 â€‹Gy in 5 fractions for patients treated with SBRT alone and 25-32 â€‹Gy in 4-5 fractions for those treated with SBRT â€‹+ â€‹WBRT. LC and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Response was also assessed using RECIST guidelines. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 32 (range: 3.4-70.4) months. Imaging at median 2.2 (0.6-8.1) months post-SBRT showed median 43.2 â€‹% (range: 2-100 â€‹%) decrease in the largest diameter and median 68.7 â€‹% (range: 27.9-100 â€‹%) SUV reduction. There were 3 cases of local progression at 8.7-10.6 months. Estimated LC was 100 â€‹% at 6 months and 71.6 â€‹% at 12, 24 and 36 months. Estimated median OS was 100 â€‹% at 6 months, 76.9 â€‹% at 12 months, and 61.5 â€‹% at 24 and 36 months. Acute toxicity (n â€‹= â€‹13; 92.9 â€‹%) included grade (G)1 (n â€‹= â€‹8), G2 (n â€‹= â€‹4), and G4 (necrosis; n â€‹= â€‹1). Late toxicity included G2 edema (n â€‹= â€‹1) and G4 necrosis (n â€‹= â€‹2, including 1 consequential late effect). Only patients treated with SBRT â€‹+ â€‹WBRT experienced acute/late G4 toxicity, managed with resection or steroids. CONCLUSIONS: SBRT to primary breast cancer resulted in good LC in non-surgical/metastatic patients. Although necrosis (n â€‹= â€‹2) occurred in the SBRT â€‹+ â€‹WBRT group, it was successfully salvaged.

Intrafractional motion and dosimetric analysis in prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy with auto beam hold technique.

Objective: To summarize our institutional prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) experience using auto beam hold (ABH) technique for intrafractional prostate motion and assess ABH tolerance of 10-millimeter (mm) diameter.Approach: Thirty-two patients (160 fractions) treated using ABH technique between 01/2018 and 03/2021 were analyzed. During treatment, kV images were acquired every 20-degree gantry rotation to visualize 3-4 gold fiducials within prostate to track target motion. If the fiducial center fell outside the tolerance circle (diameter = 10 mm), beam was automatically turned off for reimaging and repositioning. Number of beam holds and couch translational movement magnitudes were recorded. Dosimetric differences from intrafractional motion were calculated by shifting planned isocenter.Main Results: Couch movement magnitude (mean ± SD) in vertical, longitudinal and lateral directions were -0.7 ± 2.5, 1.4 ± 2.9 and -0.1 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. For most fractions (77.5%), no correction was necessary. Number of fractions requiring one, two, or three corrections were 15.6%, 5.6% and 1.3%, respectively. Of the 49 corrections, couch shifts greater than 3 mm were seen primarily in the vertical (31%) and longitudinal (39%) directions; corresponding couch shifts greater than 5 mm occurred in 2% and 6% of cases. Dosimetrically, 100% coverage decreased less than 2% for clinical target volume (CTV) (-1 ± 2%) and less than 10% for PTV (-10 ± 6%). Dose to bladder, bowel and urethra tended to increase (Bladder: ΔD10%:184 ± 466 cGy, ΔD40%:139 ± 241 cGy, Bowel: ΔD1 cm3:54 ± 129 cGy; ΔD5 cm3:44 ± 116 cGy, Urethra: ΔD0.03 cm3:1 ± 1%). Doses to the rectum tended to decrease (Rectum: ΔD1 cm3:-206 ± 564 cGy, ΔD10%:-97 ± 426 cGy; ΔD20%:-50 ± 251 cGy).Significance: With the transition from conventionally fractionated intensity modulated radiation therapy to SBRT for localized prostate cancer treatment, it is imperative to ensure that dose delivery is spatially accurate for appropriate coverage to target volumes and limiting dose to surrounding organs. Intrafractional motion monitoring can be achieved using triggered imaging to image fiducial markers and ABH to allow for reimaging and repositioning for excessive motion.

Molecular phylogeny and new classification of the genera Eulophias and Zoarchias (PISCES, Zoarcoidei).

Morphological and osteological studies of the Zoarcoidei group have previously been undertaken, but the group (especially the genera Eulophias and Zoarchias) still remains enigmatic. Therefore, we conducted molecular phylogenetic studies on the two genera Eulophias and Zoarchias using two mitochondrial (16S rRNA and COI) and two nuclear genes (RAG2 and RNF213). Our phylogenetic analysis supported the monophyly of the suborder level of the Zoarcoidei, but rejected the previous morphology- and osteology-based classification hypotheses regarding the two genera. Conflict between mtDNA and nDNA phylogenies within the genus Eulophias implies that the genus shows a complicated relationship such as hybridization in the process of the evolutionary history. The genetic distances between the Eulophias (or Zoarchias) and other Zoarcoidei spp. were the greatest, showing different family-level affiliations. In addition, the mtDNA topology showed the two genera were clearly separated from each other as well as from the families Stichaeidae and Zoarcidae. Considering the new molecular phylogeny, we suggest a new classification for the two genera: (1) Eulophias belongs to a new family named as the Eulophiidae; (2) Zoarchias belongs to the family Neozoarcidae (sensu Radchenko et al., 2012b) rather than to Stichaeidae and Zoarcidae.

Using patient-specific phantoms to evaluate deformable image registration algorithms for adaptive radiation therapy.

The quality of adaptive treatment planning depends on the accuracy of its underlying deformable image registration (DIR). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of two DIR algorithms, B-spline-based deformable multipass (DMP) and deformable demons (Demons), implemented in a commercial software package. Evaluations were conducted using both computational and physical deformable phantoms. Based on a finite element method (FEM), a total of 11 computational models were developed from a set of CT images acquired from four lung and one prostate cancer patients. FEM generated displacement vector fields (DVF) were used to construct the lung and prostate image phantoms. Based on a fast-Fourier transform technique, image noise power spectrum was incorporated into the prostate image phantoms to create simulated CBCT images. The FEM-DVF served as a gold standard for verification of the two registration algorithms performed on these phantoms. The registration algorithms were also evaluated at the homologous points quantified in the CT images of a physical lung phantom. The results indicated that the mean errors of the DMP algorithm were in the range of 1.0 ~ 3.1 mm for the computational phantoms and 1.9 mm for the physical lung phantom. For the computational prostate phantoms, the corresponding mean error was 1.0-1.9 mm in the prostate, 1.9-2.4mm in the rectum, and 1.8-2.1 mm over the entire patient body. Sinusoidal errors induced by B-spline interpolations were observed in all the displacement profiles of the DMP registrations. Regions of large displacements were observed to have more registration errors. Patient-specific FEM models have been developed to evaluate the DIR algorithms implemented in the commercial software package. It has been found that the accuracy of these algorithms is patient dependent and related to various factors including tissue deformation magnitudes and image intensity gradients across the regions of interest. This may suggest that DIR algorithms need to be verified for each registration instance when implementing adaptive radiation therapy.

The study on the complete mitochondrial genome of Acanthopsetta nadeshnyi and its phylogenetic position.

Pleuronectidae is a well-studied familyin the order Pleuronectiformes. In contrast, genetic research on the flatfish Acanthopsetta nadeshnyi of the Pleuronectidae family is limited. This study reports the complete mitogenome of A. nadeshnyi. The mitogenome was 17,206 bases long and included 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a putative control region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of the 13 PCGs confirmed that A. nadeshnyi belongs to the Pleuronectidae family.

Characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Microstomus achne.

Microstomus achne (Jordan and Starks, 1904) is an economically valuable flatfish belonging to the family Pleuronectidae and the only flatfish that inhabits Korea. Here, we report on the complete mitochondrial genome of M. achne and the phylogenetic relationship between close species. The mitogenome is 16,971 bp long and encodes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs. The phylogenetic analysis showed that M. achne clustered with Glyptocephalus stelleri, which supports the conclusion that M. achne belongs to the family Pleuronectidae. The results of this study provide a better understanding of M. achne.

Analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Japanese butterflyfish, Chaetodon nippon (Chaetodontiformes, Chaetodontidae).

Japanese butterflyfish (Chaetodon nippon) belong to the family Chaetodontidae and order Chaetodontiformes. It has circular mitochondrial genome of 16,507 bp in length with 55.4% of A + T content and has 37 genes, including 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 13 protein-coding genes, in addition to a control region. The results of phylogenetic analysis indicated that the C. nippon, C. wiebeli, C. auripes, C. auriga, C. octofasciatus, C. speculum, and C. modestus are closely related to each other. The findings of this study will provide useful genetic information for further phylogenetic and taxonomic classifications of Chaetodontidae.