Radiation Dose Assessments for Fleet-Based Individuals in Operation Tomodachi, Revision 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-01

U.S. agencies were also deployed to the area. DOD took actions to ensure that radioactively contaminated food and bottled water did not reach the...material from contaminated surfaces of ships or aircraft or in water, food , or soil and dust each day while on shore. These doses were calculated for...Exposure below Deck on Ships .......................................................... 22 2.4.4. Exposure related to Radioactive Surface Contamination

Surface and buildup dose characteristics for 6, 10, and 18 MV photons from an Elekta Precise linear accelerator.

PubMed

Klein, Eric E; Esthappan, Jacqueline; Li, Zuofeng

2003-01-01

Understanding head scatter characteristics of photon beams is vital to properly commission treatment planning (TP) algorithms. Simultaneously, having definitive surface and buildup region dosimetry is important to optimize bolus. The Elekta Precise linacs have unique beam flattening filter configurations for each photon beam (6, 10, and 18 MV) in terms of material and location. We performed a comprehensive set of surface and buildup dose measurements with a thin window parallel-plate (PP) chamber to examine effects of field size (FS), source-to-skin distance (SSD), and attenuating media. Relative ionization data were converted to fractional depth dose (FDD) after correcting for bias effects and using the Gerbi method to account for chamber characteristics. Data were compared with a similar vintage Varian linac. At short SSDs the surface and buildup dose characteristics were similar to published data for Varian and Elekta accelerators. The FDD at surface (FDD(0)) for 6, 10, and 18 MV photons was 0.171, 0.159, and 0.199, respectively, for a 15x15 cm2, 100 cm SSD field. A blocking tray increased FDD(0) to 0.200, 0.200, and 0.256, while the universal wedge decreased FDD(0) to 0.107, 0.124, and 0.176. FDD(0) increased linearly with FS (approximately 1.16%/cm). FDD(0) decreased exponentially for 10 and 18 MV with increasing SSD. However, the 6 MV FDD(0) actually increased slightly with increasing SSD. This is likely due to the unique distal flattening filter for 6 MV. The measured buildup curves have been used to optimize TP calculations and guide bolus decisions. Overall the FDD(0) and buildup doses were very similar to published data. Of interest were the relatively low 10 MV surface doses, and the 6 MV FDD(0)'s dependence on SSD.

Increased dose near the skin due to electromagnetic surface beacon transponder.

PubMed

Ahn, Kang-Hyun; Manger, Ryan; Halpern, Howard J; Aydogan, Bulent

2015-05-08

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the increased dose near the skin from an electromagnetic surface beacon transponder, which is used for localization and tracking organ motion. The bolus effect due to the copper coil surface beacon was evaluated with radiographic film measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Various beam incidence angles were evaluated for both 6 MV and 18 MV experimentally. We performed simulations using a general-purpose Monte Carlo code MCNPX (Monte Carlo N-Particle) to supplement the experimental data. We modeled the surface beacon geometry using the actual mass of the glass vial and copper coil placed in its L-shaped polyethylene terephthalate tubing casing. Film dosimetry measured factors of 2.2 and 3.0 enhancement in the surface dose for normally incident 6 MV and 18 MV beams, respectively. Although surface dose further increased with incidence angle, the relative contribution from the bolus effect was reduced at the oblique incidence. The enhancement factors were 1.5 and 1.8 for 6 MV and 18 MV, respectively, at an incidence angle of 60°. Monte Carlo simulation confirmed the experimental results and indicated that the epidermal skin dose can reach approximately 50% of the dose at dmax at normal incidence. The overall effect could be acceptable considering the skin dose enhancement is confined to a small area (~ 1 cm2), and can be further reduced by using an opposite beam technique. Further clinical studies are justified in order to study the dosimetric benefit versus possible cosmetic effects of the surface beacon. One such clinical situation would be intact breast radiation therapy, especially large-breasted women.

SUDOQU: a new dose model to derive criteria for surface contamination of non-food (consumer) goods, containers and conveyances.

PubMed

van Dillen, Teun

2015-04-01

The Fukushima nuclear accident (Japan, 11 March 2011) revealed the need for well-founded criteria for surface contamination and associated screening levels related to the import of non-food (consumer) goods, containers and conveyances. The only available European-harmonised criteria are those laid down in the IAEA transport regulations, but these criteria date back from the early 1960s and only apply to the safe transport of radioactive materials. The main problem is that a generic dose-assessment model for consumer products is missing. Therefore, RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) developed a new methodology entitled SUDOQU (SUrface DOse QUantification) to calculate the annual effective dose for both consumers and non-radiological workers, addressing issues of removability of surface contamination. The methodology can be used to derive criteria and screening levels for surface contamination and could serve as a useful tool for policy-makers and radiation-protection specialists. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Modeling of an industrial environment: external dose calculations based on Monte Carlo simulations of photon transport.

PubMed

Kis, Zoltán; Eged, Katalin; Voigt, Gabriele; Meckbach, Reinhard; Müller, Heinz

2004-02-01

External gamma exposures from radionuclides deposited on surfaces usually result in the major contribution to the total dose to the public living in urban-industrial environments. The aim of the paper is to give an example for a calculation of the collective and averted collective dose due to the contamination and decontamination of deposition surfaces in a complex environment based on the results of Monte Carlo simulations. The shielding effects of the structures in complex and realistic industrial environments (where productive and/or commercial activity is carried out) were computed by the use of Monte Carlo method. Several types of deposition areas (walls, roofs, windows, streets, lawn) were considered. Moreover, this paper gives a summary about the time dependence of the source strengths relative to a reference surface and a short overview about the mechanical and chemical intervention techniques which can be applied in this area. An exposure scenario was designed based on a survey of average German and Hungarian supermarkets. In the first part of the paper the air kermas per photon per unit area due to each specific deposition area contaminated by 137Cs were determined at several arbitrary locations in the whole environment relative to a reference value of 8.39 x 10(-4) pGy per gamma m(-2). The calculations provide the possibility to assess the whole contribution of a specific deposition area to the collective dose, separately. According to the current results, the roof and the paved area contribute the most part (approximately 92%) to the total dose in the first year taking into account the relative contamination of the deposition areas. When integrating over 10 or 50 y, these two surfaces remain the most important contributors as well but the ratio will increasingly be shifted in favor of the roof. The decontamination of the roof and the paved area results in about 80-90% of the total averted collective dose in each calculated time period (1, 10, 50 y).

SU-F-T-28: Evaluation of BEBIG HDR Co-60 After-Loading System for Skin Cancer Treatment Using Conical Surface Applicator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Safigholi, H; Soliman, A; Song, W Y

Purpose: To evaluate the possibility of utilizing the BEBIG HDR 60Co remote after-loading system for malignant skin surface treatment using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation technique. Methods: First TG-43 parameters of BEBIG-Co-60 and Nucletron Ir-192-mHDR-V2 brachytherapy sources were simulated using MCNP6 code to benchmark the sources against the literature. Second a conical tungsten-alloy with 3-cm diameter of Planning-Target-Volume (PTV) at surface for use with a single stepping HDR source is designed. The HDR source is modeled parallel to treatment plane at the center of the conical applicator with a source surface distance (SSD) of 1.5-cm and a removable plastic end-cap withmore » a 1-mm thickness. Third, MC calculated dose distributions from HDR Co-60 for conical surface applicator were compared with the simulated data using HDR Ir-192 source. The initial calculations were made with the same conical surface applicator (standard-applicator) dimensions as the ones used with the Ir-192 system. Fourth, the applicator wall-thickness for the Co-60 system was increased (doubled) to diminish leakage dose to levels received when using the Ir-192 system. With this geometry, percentage depth dose (PDD), and relative 2D-dose profiles in transverse/coronal planes were normalized at 3-mm prescription-depth evaluated along the central axis. Results: PDD for Ir-192 and Co-60 were similar with standard and thick-walled applicator. 2D-relative dose distribution of Co-60, inside the standard-conical-applicator, generated higher penumbra (7.6%). For thick-walled applicator, it created smaller penumbra (<4%) compared to Ir-192 source in the standard-conicalapplicator. Dose leakage outside of thick-walled applicator with Co-60 source was approximately equal (≤3%) with standard applicator using Ir-192 source. Conclusion: Skin cancer treatment with equal quality can be performed with Co-60 source and thick-walled conical applicators instead of Ir-192 with standard applicators. These conical surface applicator must be used with a protective plastic end-cap to eliminate electron contamination and over-dosage of the skin.« less

SU-E-T-82: Comparison of Several Lumbar Intervertebral Fusion Titanium Cages with Respect to Their Backscattering Properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Failing, T; Chofor, N; Poppinga, D

Purpose: Investigating the backscatter dose factor with regards to structure and geometry of the surface material. Methods: The titanium cages used for this study representing both prototypes and well established products are made of a laser-sintered titanium alloy (AditusV GmbH, Berlin, Germany). A set of four radiochromic EBT3 films was used in a stacked geometry to measure the range and the magnitude of the expected surface dose enhancement due to the in comparison to water increased secondary electron release from the material. The measurement geometry and the small thickness of radiochromic EBT3 film allowed the dose measurement at distances ofmore » 0.1 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.7 mm and 2.5 mm from the probe surfaces. Water reference measurements were taken under equal conditions, in order to allow the calculation of the relative dose enhancement at the surface of a probe. Measurements were performed within a water phantom. An Epson Expression 10000 XL flatbed scanner was used for digitization. Results: Sintered titanium showed a dose enhancement factor of 1.22 at the surface of the material. The factor can be reduced to less than 1.10 by utilizing mesh structures. In both cases, the dose enhancement factor decreased to less than 1.03 at a distance of 1.7mm indicating the low energy of scattered electrons. Conclusion: Backscattering of titanium cages should be considered in treatment planning, especially when the cages are located close to organs at risk. While mesh structures were introduced to improve bone fusion with the implant structure, the potentially harmful surface dose enhancement is significantly reduced.« less

Tumorigenic target cell regions in bone marrow studied by localized dosimetry of 239Pu, 241Am and 233U in the mouse femur.

PubMed

Lord, B I; Austin, A L; Ellender, M; Haines, J W; Harrison, J D

2001-06-01

To study the temporal change in microdistribution of plutonium-239, americium-241 and uranium-233 in the mouse distal femur and to compare and combine calculated radiation doses with those obtained previously for the femoral shaft. Also, to relate doses to relative risks of osteosarcoma and acute myeloid leukaemia. Computer-based image analysis of neutron-induced and alpha-track autoradiographs of sections of mouse femora was used to quantify the microdistribution of (239)Pu, (241)Am and (233)U from 1 to 448 days after intraperitoneal injection. Localized dose-rates and cumulative doses over this period were calculated for different regions of the marrow spaces in trabecular bone. The results were then combined with previous data for doses to the cortical marrow of the femoral shaft. A morphometric analysis of the distal femur was carried out. Initial deposition on endosteal surfaces and dose-rates near to the trabecular surfaces at 1 day were two to four times greater than corresponding results for cortical bone. Burial was most rapid for (233)U, about twice the rate in cortical bone. As in cortical bone, subsequent uptake into the marrow was seen for (239)Pu and (241)Am but not (233)U. Cumulative doses to 448 days for different regions of trabecular marrow were greater than corresponding values for cortical marrow for each radionuclide. Combined doses reflected the greater overall volume of cortical marrow. Cumulative radiation doses to the 10 microm thick band of marrow adjacent to all endosteal surfaces were in the ratio of approximately 7:3:1 for (239)Pu:(241)Am:(233)U. This ratio is not inconsistent with observed incidences of osteosarcoma induction by the three nuclides. Analysis of doses to different depths of marrow, however, showed that although ratios were probably not significantly different to that for a 10 microm depth, better correlations with osteosarcomagenic risk were obtained with 20-40 microm depths. For acute myeloid leukaemia, the closest relationship between relative risk and doses was obtained by considering only the central 5-10% of marrow, which gave a dose ratio of approximately 12:11:1 for (239)Pu:(241)Am:(233)U respectively.

The fate of instilled pulmonary surfactant in normal and quartz-treated rats.

PubMed Central

Lewis, R W; Harwood, J L; Richards, R J

1987-01-01

Naturally prepared radiolabelled pulmonary surfactant can be rapidly cleared from the alveolar surface to the lung tissue after intratracheal instillation into experimental rats. This clearance is both time- and dose-dependent, a large dose (10 mg/animal) becoming associated with lung tissue more rapidly than a smaller more physiological dose (0.75 mg/animal). The data indicate that extracellular dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine, the major component of pulmonary surfactant, is not catabolized at the alveolar surface. Alveolar free cells (mainly macrophages) appear to play a minor role in surfactant clearance. Quartz-induced phospholipidosis does not lead to an alteration in the rate of bulk surfactant clearance from the alveolar surface, although the initial distribution of the removed phospholipid complex may change in relation to the enlarged heterogenous free cell population. PMID:2821988

Measurement of relative depth-dose distribution in radiochromic film dosimeters irradiated with 43-70 keV electron beam for industrial application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsui, Shinjiro; Hattori, Takeaki; Nonaka, Takashi; Watanabe, Yuki; Morita, Ippei; Kondo, Junichi; Ishikawa, Masayoshi; Mori, Yoshitaka

2018-05-01

The relative dose in a layer, which is thinner than the thickness of the dosimeter is evaluated using simulated depth-dose distributions, and the measured responses of dosimeters with acceleration voltages from 43 to 70 kV, via ultra-low-energy electron beam (ULEB) irradiation. By stacking thin film dosimeters, we confirmed that the simulated depth-dose distributions coincided with the measured depth-dose curve within the measurement uncertainty (k = 2). Using the measurement dose of the 47 μm dosimeter and the simulated depth-dose distribution, the dose of 11 μm dosimeters in the surface was evaluated within the measurement uncertainty (k = 2). We also verified the effectiveness of this method for a thinner layer by changing the acceleration voltage of the irradiation source. We evaluated the relative dose for an adjusted depth of energy deposition from 4.4 μm to 22.8 μm. As a result, this method was found to be effective for a thickness, which is less than the thickness of the dosimeter. When irradiation conditions are well known with accuracy, using the confirmed relative depth-dose distributions across any dosimeter thickness range, a dose evaluation, in several μm steps will possibly improve the design of industrial ULEB processes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koren, S; Bragilovski, D; Tafo, A Guemnie

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical feasibility of IntraBeam intra operative kV irradiation beam device for ocular conjunctiva treatments. The Intra-Beam system offers a 4.4 mm diameter needle applicator, that is not suitable for treatment of a large surface with limits access. We propose an adaptor that will answer to this clinical need and provide initial dosimetry. Methods: The dose distribution of the needle applicator is non uniform and hence not suitable for treatment of relatively large surfaces. We designed an adapter to the needle applicator that will filter the X-rays and produce a conformal dose distribution over the treatment areamore » while shielding surfaces to be spared. Dose distributions were simulated using FLUKA is a fully integrated particle physics Monte Carlo simulation package. Results: We designed a wedge applicator made of Polythermide window and stainless steel for collimating. We compare the dose distribution to that of the known needle and surface applicators. Conclusion: Initial dosimetry shows feasibility of this approach. While further refinements to the design may be warranted, the results support construction of a prototype and confirmation of the Monte Carlo dosimetry with measured data.« less

A Measurement and Analysis of Buildup Region Dose for Open Field Photon Beams (Cobalt-60 through 24 MV)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McCullough, Edwin C.

2015-01-15

The central axis depth dose in the build-up region (surface to d{sub max}) of single open field photon beams (cobalt-60 through 24 MV) has been measured utilizing parallel plate and extrapolation chamber methodology. These data were used to derive, for a prescription dose of 100 cGy, values of surface dose, the maximum value of dose along the central axis (D{sub max}) and the depth (nearest the surface) at which 90% of the prescription dose occurs (d{sub 90}). For both single and parallel opposed pair (POP) open field configurations, data are presented at field sizes of 5 × 5, 15 ×more » 15 and 25 × 25 cm{sup 2} for prescription depths of 10, 15 and 20 cm (midplane for POP). For the treatment machines, field sizes, and prescription depths studied, it is possible to conclude that: for single open field irradiation, surface dose values (as a percentage of the prescription dose) can be either low (<10%) or comparable to the prescription dose itself; for POP open fields, surface dose values are relatively independent of photon energy and midplane depth, and range between 30% and 70% of prescription dose, being principally dependent on field size; the depth of the initial 90 cGy point for a prescription dose of 100 cGy, d{sub 90}, was larger for POP fields. For either single or POP open field treatments, d{sub 90} was always less than 22 mm, while for 6 MV or less, values of d{sub 90} were less than 4 mm; D{sub max} values can be very large (e.g., above 300 cGy) for certain treatment situations and are reduced significantly for POP treatments; for open field POP treatments, the percent reduction in D{sub max} with each increment in beam energy above 10 MV is reduced over that seen at 10 MV or less and, possibly, this further reduction may be clinically insignificant; for open field POP treatments, changes in surface dose, d{sub 90} and D{sub max} with beam energy above 10 MV do not suggest, with regard to these specific build-up curve parameters, any obvious advantage for treatment with beam energies greater than 10 MV for the specific machines and situations studied.« less

Estimating thyroid dose in pediatric CT exams from surface dose measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Senan, Rani; Mueller, Deborah L.; Hatab, Mustapha R.

2012-07-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of estimating pediatric thyroid doses from CT using surface neck doses. Optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters were used to measure the neck surface dose of 25 children ranging in ages between one and three years old. The neck circumference for each child was measured. The relationship between obtained surface doses and thyroid dose was studied using acrylic phantoms of various sizes and with holes of different depths. The ratios of hole-to-surface doses were used to convert patients' surface dose to thyroid dose. ImPACT software was utilized to calculate thyroid dose after applying the appropriate age correction factors. A paired t-test was performed to compare thyroid doses from our approach and ImPACT. The ratio of thyroid to surface dose was found to be 1.1. Thyroid doses ranged from 20 to 80 mGy. Comparison showed no statistical significance (p = 0.18). In addition, the average of surface dose variation along the z-axis in helical scans was studied and found to range between 5% (in 10 cm diameter phantom/24 mm collimation/pitch 1.0) and 8% (in 16 cm diameter phantom/12 mm collimation/pitch 0.7). We conclude that surface dose is an acceptable predictor for pediatric thyroid dose from CT. The uncertainty due to surface dose variability may be reduced if narrower collimation is used with a pitch factor close to 1.0. Also, the results did not show any effect of thyroid depth on the measured dose.

Sci-Thur PM – Brachytherapy 05: Surface Collimation Applied to Superficial Flap High Dose-Rate Brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Derek; Sabondjian, Eric; Lawrence, Kailin

Purpose: To apply surface collimation for superficial flap HDR skin brachytherapy utilizing common clinical resources and to demonstrate the potential for OAR dose reduction within a clinically relevant setting. Methods: Two phantom setups were used. 3 mm lead collimation was applied to a solid slab phantom to determine appropriate geometries relating to collimation and dwell activation. The same collimation was applied to the temple of an anthropomorphic head phantom to demonstrate lens dose reduction. Each setup was simulated and planned to deliver 400 cGy to a 3 cm circular target to 3 mm depth. The control and collimated irradiations weremore » sequentially measured using calibrated radiochromic films. Results: Collimation for the slab phantom attenuated the dose beyond the collimator opening, decreasing the fall-off distances by half and reducing the area of healthy skin irradiated. Target coverage can be negatively impacted by a tight collimation margin, with the required margin approximated by the primary beam geometric penumbra. Surface collimation applied to the head phantom similarly attenuated the surrounding normal tissue dose while reducing the lens dose from 84 to 68 cGy. To ensure consistent setup between simulation and treatment, additional QA was performed including collimator markup, accounting for collimator placement uncertainties, standoff distance verification, and in vivo dosimetry. Conclusions: Surface collimation was shown to reduce normal tissue dose without compromising target coverage. Lens dose reduction was demonstrated on an anthropomorphic phantom within a clinical setting. Additional QA is proposed to ensure treatment fidelity.« less

Contralateral breast dose from chest wall and breast irradiation: local experience.

PubMed

Alzoubi, A S; Kandaiya, S; Shukri, A; Elsherbieny, E

2010-06-01

Second cancer induction in the contralateral breast (CB) is an issue of some concern in breast radiotherapy especially for women under the age of 45 years at the time of treatment. The CB dose from 2-field and 3-field techniques in post-mastectomy chest wall irradiations in an anthropomorphic phantom as well as in patients were measured using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) at the local radiotherapy center. Breast and chest wall radiotherapy treatments were planned conformally (3D-CRT) and delivered using 6-MV photons. The measured CB dose at the surface fell sharply with distance from the field edge. However, the average ratio of the measured to the calculated CB dose using the pencil beam algorithm at the surface was approximately 53%. The mean and median measured internal dose at the posterior border of CB in a phantom was 5.47+/-0.22 cGy and 5.44 cGy, respectively. The internal CB dose was relatively independent of depth. In the present study the internal CB dose is 2.1-4.1% of the prescribed dose which is comparable to the values reported by other authors.

SUDOQU, a new dose-assessment methodology for radiological surface contamination.

PubMed

van Dillen, Teun; van Dijk, Arjan

2018-06-12

A new methodology has been developed for the assessment of the annual effective dose resulting from removable and fixed radiological surface contamination. It is entitled SUDOQU (SUrface DOse QUantification) and it can for instance be used to derive criteria for surface contamination related to the import of non-food consumer goods, containers and conveyances, e.g., limiting values and operational screening levels. SUDOQU imposes mass (activity)-balance equations based on radioactive decay, removal and deposition processes in indoor and outdoor environments. This leads to time-dependent contamination levels that may be of particular importance in exposure scenarios dealing with one or a few contaminated items only (usually public exposure scenarios, therefore referred to as the 'consumer' model). Exposure scenarios with a continuous flow of freshly contaminated goods also fall within the scope of the methodology (typically occupational exposure scenarios, thus referred to as the 'worker model'). In this paper we describe SUDOQU, its applications, and its current limitations. First, we delineate the contamination issue, present the assumptions and explain the concepts. We describe the relevant removal, transfer, and deposition processes, and derive equations for the time evolution of the radiological surface-, air- and skin-contamination levels. These are then input for the subsequent evaluation of the annual effective dose with possible contributions from external gamma radiation, inhalation, secondary ingestion (indirect, from hand to mouth), skin contamination, direct ingestion and skin-contact exposure. The limiting effective surface dose is introduced for issues involving the conservatism of dose calculations. SUDOQU can be used by radiation-protection scientists/experts and policy makers in the field of e.g. emergency preparedness, trade and transport, exemption and clearance, waste management, and nuclear facilities. Several practical examples are worked out demonstrating the potential applications of the methodology. . Creative Commons Attribution license.

CIE, Vitamin D and DNA Damage: A Synergetic Study in Thessaloniki, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zempila, Melina Maria; Taylor, Michael; Fountoulakis, Ilias; Koukouli, Maria Elissavet; Bais, Alkiviadis; Arola, Antii; van Geffen, Jos; van Weele, Michiel; van der A, Ronald; Kouremeti, Natalia; Kazadzis, Stelios; Meleti, Chariklia; Balis, Dimitrios

2016-08-01

The present study aims to validate different approaches for the estimation of three photobiological effective doses: the erythemal UV, the vitamin D and that for DNA damage, using high temporal resolution surface- based measurements of solar UV from 2005-2015. Data from a UV spectrophotometer, a multi-filter radiometer, and a UV radiation pyranometer that are located in Thessaloniki, Greece are used together with empirical relations, algorithms and models in order to calculate the desired quantities. In addition to the surface-based dose retrievals, OMI/Aura and the combined SCIAMACHY/Envisat and GOME/MetopA satellite products are also used in order to assess the accuracy of each method for deriving the photobiological doses.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mendoza-Moctezuma, A. I.; Aguilar, J. Garcia; Garcia-Garduno, O. A.

Interventional cardiology procedures are an effective alternative for the reestablishment of correct sanguineous circulation in the heart. However, this kind of procedures exposes to the patients to a relatively high radiation doses. Usually, the surface peak skin dose is evaluated using a visual scale with a comparator strip, nevertheless, even if the comparator strip provides a simple and quick method for estimating the dose it has an uncertainty of {+-}25%. For this reason, a better evaluation method is needed. The objective of our project is to determine the surface peak skin dose of interventional cardiology procedures using GafChromic XR-RV2 filmmore » together with a commercial flatbed scanner in reflection mode. Here we report a protocol to handle GafChromic XR-RV2 film using a commercial flat bed scanner in reflection mode aiming at an uncertainty of {+-}3%.« less

Conversion of ICRP male reference phantom to polygon-surface phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeom, Yeon Soo; Han, Min Cheol; Kim, Chan Hyeong; Jeong, Jong Hwi

2013-10-01

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reference phantoms, developed based on computed tomography images of human bodies, provide much more realism of human anatomy than the previously used MIRD5 (Medical Internal Radiation Dose) mathematical phantoms. It has been, however, realized that the ICRP reference phantoms have some critical limitations showing a considerable amount of holes for the skin and wall organs mainly due to the nature of voxels of which the phantoms are made, especially due to their low voxel resolutions. To address this problem, we are planning to develop the polygon-surface version of ICRP reference phantoms by directly converting the ICRP reference phantoms (voxel phantoms) to polygon-surface phantoms. The objective of this preliminary study is to see if it is indeed possible to construct the high-quality polygon-surface phantoms based on the ICRP reference phantoms maintaining identical organ morphology and also to identify any potential issues, and technologies to address these issues, in advance. For this purpose, in the present study, the ICRP reference male phantom was roughly converted to a polygon-surface phantom. Then, the constructed phantom was implemented in Geant4, Monte Carlo particle transport code, for dose calculations, and the calculated dose values were compared with those of the original ICRP reference phantom to see how much the calculated dose values are sensitive to the accuracy of the conversion process. The results of the present study show that it is certainly possible to convert the ICRP reference phantoms to surface phantoms with enough accuracy. In spite of using relatively less resources (<2 man-months), we were able to construct the polygon-surface phantom with the organ masses perfectly matching the ICRP reference values. The analysis of the calculated dose values also implies that the dose values are indeed not very sensitive to the detailed morphology of the organ models in the phantom for highly penetrating radiations such as photons and neutrons. The results of the electron beams, on the other hand, show that the dose values of the polygon-surface phantom are higher by a factor of 2-5 times than those of the ICRP reference phantom for the skin and wall organs which have large holes due to low voxel resolution. The results demonstrate that the ICRP reference phantom could provide significantly unreasonable dose values to thin or wall organs especially for weakly penetrating radiations. Therefore, when compared to the original ICRP reference phantoms, it is believed that the polygon-surface version of ICRP reference phantoms properly developed will not only provide the same or similar dose values (say, difference <5 or 10%) for highly penetrating radiations, but also provide correct dose values for the weakly penetrating radiations such as electrons and other charged particles.

SU-E-T-13: Comparison of Dose Rates with and without Gold Backing of USC #9 Radioactive Eye Plaque Using MCNP5.

PubMed

Aryal, P; Molloy, J

2012-06-01

To show the effect of gold backing on dose rates for the USC #9 radioactive eye plaque. An I125 source (IsoAid model IAI-125A) and gold backing was modeled using MCNP5 Monte Carlo code. A single iodine seed was simulated with and without gold backing. Dose rates were calculated in two orthogonal planes. Dose calculation points were structured in two orthogonal planes that bisect the center of the source. A 2×2 cm matrix of spherical points of radius 0.2 mm was created in a water phantom of 10 cm radius. 0.2 billion particle histories were tracked. Dose differences with and without the gold backing were analyzed using Matlab. The gold backing produced a 3% increase in the dose rate near the source surface (<1mm) relative to that without the backing. This was presumably caused by fluorescent photons from the gold. At distances between 1 and 2 cm, the gold backing reduced the dose rate by up to 12%, which we attribute to a lack of scatter resulting from the attenuation from the gold. Dose differences were most pronounced in the radial direction near the source center but off axis. The dose decreased by 25%, 65% and 81% at 1, 2, and 3 mm off axis at a distance of 1 mm from the source surface. These effects were less pronounced in the perpendicular dimension near the source tip, where maximum dose decreases of 2% were noted. I 125 sources embedded directly into gold troughs display dose differences of 2 - 90%, relative to doses without the gold backing. This is relevant for certain types of plaques used in treatment of ocular melanoma. Large dose reductions can be observed and may have implications for scleral dose reduction. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Interstitial rotating shield brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

PubMed

Adams, Quentin E; Xu, Jinghzu; Breitbach, Elizabeth K; Li, Xing; Enger, Shirin A; Rockey, William R; Kim, Yusung; Wu, Xiaodong; Flynn, Ryan T

2014-05-01

To present a novel needle, catheter, and radiation source system for interstitial rotating shield brachytherapy (I-RSBT) of the prostate. I-RSBT is a promising technique for reducing urethra, rectum, and bladder dose relative to conventional interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). A wire-mounted 62 GBq(153)Gd source is proposed with an encapsulated diameter of 0.59 mm, active diameter of 0.44 mm, and active length of 10 mm. A concept model I-RSBT needle/catheter pair was constructed using concentric 50 and 75 μm thick nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) tubes. The needle is 16-gauge (1.651 mm) in outer diameter and the catheter contains a 535 μm thick platinum shield. I-RSBT and conventional HDR-BT treatment plans for a prostate cancer patient were generated based on Monte Carlo dose calculations. In order to minimize urethral dose, urethral dose gradient volumes within 0-5 mm of the urethra surface were allowed to receive doses less than the prescribed dose of 100%. The platinum shield reduced the dose rate on the shielded side of the source at 1 cm off-axis to 6.4% of the dose rate on the unshielded side. For the case considered, for the same minimum dose to the hottest 98% of the clinical target volume (D(98%)), I-RSBT reduced urethral D(0.1cc) below that of conventional HDR-BT by 29%, 33%, 38%, and 44% for urethral dose gradient volumes within 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm of the urethra surface, respectively. Percentages are expressed relative to the prescription dose of 100%. For the case considered, for the same urethral dose gradient volumes, rectum D(1cc) was reduced by 7%, 6%, 6%, and 6%, respectively, and bladder D(1cc) was reduced by 4%, 5%, 5%, and 6%, respectively. Treatment time to deliver 20 Gy with I-RSBT was 154 min with ten 62 GBq (153)Gd sources. For the case considered, the proposed(153)Gd-based I-RSBT system has the potential to lower the urethral dose relative to HDR-BT by 29%-44% if the clinician allows a urethral dose gradient volume of 0-5 mm around the urethra to receive a dose below the prescription. A multisource approach is necessary in order to deliver the proposed (153)Gd-based I-RSBT technique in reasonable treatment times.

On the Use of Optically Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeter for Surface Dose Measurement during Radiotherapy

PubMed Central

Yusof, Fasihah Hanum; Ung, Ngie Min; Wong, Jeannie Hsiu Ding; Jong, Wei Loong; Ath, Vannyat; Phua, Vincent Chee Ee; Heng, Siew Ping; Ng, Kwan Hoong

2015-01-01

This study was carried out to investigate the suitability of using the optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD) in measuring surface dose during radiotherapy. The water equivalent depth (WED) of the OSLD was first determined by comparing the surface dose measured using the OSLD with the percentage depth dose at the buildup region measured using a Markus ionization chamber. Surface doses were measured on a solid water phantom using the OSLD and compared against the Markus ionization chamber and Gafchromic EBT3 film measurements. The effect of incident beam angles on surface dose was also studied. The OSLD was subsequently used to measure surface dose during tangential breast radiotherapy treatments in a phantom study and in the clinical measurement of 10 patients. Surface dose to the treated breast or chest wall, and on the contralateral breast were measured. The WED of the OSLD was found to be at 0.4 mm. For surface dose measurement on a solid water phantom, the Markus ionization chamber measured 15.95% for 6 MV photon beam and 12.64% for 10 MV photon beam followed by EBT3 film (23.79% and 17.14%) and OSLD (37.77% and 25.38%). Surface dose increased with the increase of the incident beam angle. For phantom and patient breast surface dose measurement, the response of the OSLD was higher than EBT3 film. The in-vivo measurements were also compared with the treatment planning system predicted dose. The OSLD measured higher dose values compared to dose at the surface (Hp(0.0)) by a factor of 2.37 for 6 MV and 2.01 for 10 MV photon beams, respectively. The measurement of absorbed dose at the skin depth of 0.4 mm by the OSLD can still be a useful tool to assess radiation effects on the skin dermis layer. This knowledge can be used to prevent and manage potential acute skin reaction and late skin toxicity from radiotherapy treatments. PMID:26052690

Monte Carlo Shielding Comparative Analysis Applied to TRIGA HEU and LEU Spent Fuel Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margeanu, C. A.; Margeanu, S.; Barbos, D.; Iorgulis, C.

2010-12-01

The paper is a comparative study of LEU and HEU fuel utilization effects for the shielding analysis during spent fuel transport. A comparison against the measured data for HEU spent fuel, available from the last stage of spent fuel repatriation fulfilled in the summer of 2008, is also presented. All geometrical and material data for the shipping cask were considered according to NAC-LWT Cask approved model. The shielding analysis estimates radiation doses to shipping cask wall surface, and in air at 1 m and 2 m, respectively, from the cask, by means of 3D Monte Carlo MORSE-SGC code. Before loading into the shipping cask, TRIGA spent fuel source terms and spent fuel parameters have been obtained by means of ORIGEN-S code. Both codes are included in ORNL's SCALE 5 programs package. The actinides contribution to total fuel radioactivity is very low in HEU spent fuel case, becoming 10 times greater in LEU spent fuel case. Dose rates for both HEU and LEU fuel contents are below regulatory limits, LEU spent fuel photon dose rates being greater than HEU ones. Comparison between HEU spent fuel theoretical and measured dose rates in selected measuring points shows a good agreement, calculated values being greater than the measured ones both to cask wall surface (about 34% relative difference) and in air at 1 m distance from cask surface (about 15% relative difference).

Surface dose measurements for highly oblique electron beams.

PubMed

Ostwald, P M; Kron, T

1996-08-01

Clinical applications of electrons may involve oblique incidence of beams, and although dose variations for angles up to 60 degrees from normal incidence are well documented, no results are available for highly oblique beams. Surface dose measurements in highly oblique beams were made using parallel-plate ion chambers and both standard LiF:Mg, Ti and carbon-loaded LiF Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLD). Obliquity factors (OBF) or surface dose at an oblique angle divided by the surface dose at perpendicular incidence, were obtained for electron energies between 4 and 20 MeV. Measurements were performed on a flat solid water phantom without a collimator at 100 cm SSD. Comparisons were also made to collimated beams. The OBFs of surface doses plotted against the angle of incidence increased to a maximum dose followed by a rapid dropoff in dose. The increase in OBF was more rapid for higher energies. The maximum OBF occurred at larger angles for higher-energy beams and ranged from 73 degrees for 4 MeV to 84 degrees for 20 MeV. At the dose maximum, OBFs were between 130% and 160% of direct beam doses, yielding surface doses of up to 150% of Dmax for the 20 MeV beam. At 2 mm depth the dose ratio was found to increase initially with angle and then decrease as Dmax moved closer to the surface. A higher maximum dose was measured at 2 mm depth than at the surface. A comparison of ion chamber types showed that a chamber with a small electrode spacing and large guard ring is required for oblique dose measurement. A semiempirical equation was used to model the dose increase at the surface with different energy electron beams.

Effects of gamma radiation on hard dental tissues of albino rats: investigation by light microscopy.

PubMed

El-Faramawy, Nabil; Ameen, Reham; El-Haddad, Khaled; El-Zainy, Medhat

2013-08-01

The present work aims at studying the effect of gamma radiation on the hard dental tissues. Eighty adult male albino rats with weights of about 250 g were used. The rats were irradiated at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Gy whole-body gamma doses. The effects on hard dental tissue samples were investigated after 48 h in histological and ground sections using light microscopy. Areas of acid phosphatase activity were detected using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) stains. Observation of histological sections revealed disturbance in predentin thickness and odontoblastic layer as the irradiation dose increased. In cementum, widened cementocytes lacunae were occasionally detected even with low irradiated doses. On the other hand, relatively homogenous enamel was detected with darkened areas in enamel surface at doses over than 0.5 Gy. TRAP-positive cells were detected on the surface of the dentin of irradiated groups as well as cementum surface. Minimal detectable changes were observed in ground sections.

Radiation levels and image quality in patients undergoing chest X-ray examinations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Oliveira, Paulo Márcio Campos; do Carmo Santana, Priscila; de Sousa Lacerda, Marco Aurélio; da Silva, Teógenes Augusto

2017-11-01

Patient dose monitoring for different radiographic procedures has been used as a parameter to evaluate the performance of radiology services; skin entrance absorbed dose values for each type of examination were internationally established and recommended aiming patient protection. In this work, a methodology for dose evaluation was applied to three diagnostic services: one with a conventional film and two with digital computerized radiography processing techniques. The x-ray beam parameters were selected and "doses" (specifically the entrance surface and incident air kerma) were evaluated based on images approved in European criteria during postero-anterior (PA) and lateral (LAT) incidences. Data were collected from 200 patients related to 200 PA and 100 LAT incidences. Results showed that doses distributions in the three diagnostic services were very different; the best relation between dose and image quality was found in the institution with the chemical film processing. This work contributed for disseminating the radiation protection culture by emphasizing the need of a continuous dose reduction without losing the quality of the diagnostic image.

Multiple Ion Implantation Effects on Wear and Wet Ability of Polyethylene Based Polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torrisi, L.; Visco, A. M.; Campo, N.

2004-10-01

Polyethylene based polymers were ion implanted with multiple irradiations of different ions (N+, Ar+ and Kr+) at energies between 30 keV and 300 keV and doses ranging between 1013 and 1016 ions/cm2. The ion implantation dehydrogenises the polyethylene inducing cross-link effects in the residual polymer carbons. At high doses the irradiated surface show properties similar to graphite surfaces. The depth of the modified layers depends on the ion range in polyethylene at the incident ion energy. The chemical modification depends on the implanted doses and on the specie of the incident ions. A "pin-on-disc" machine was employed to measure the polymer wear against AISI-316 L stainless steel. A "contact-angle-test" machine was employed to measure the wet ability of the polymer surface for 1 μl pure water drop. Measurements demonstrate that the multiple ion implantation treatments decrease the surface wear and the surface wetting and produce a more resistant polymer surface. The properties of the treated surfaces improves the polymer functionality for many bio-medical applications, such as those relative to the polyethylene friction discs employed in knee and hip prosthesis joints. The possibility to use multiply ion implantations of polymers with traditional ion implanters and with laser ion sources producing plasmas is investigated.

Room model based Monte Carlo simulation study of the relationship between the airborne dose rate and the surface-deposited radon progeny.

PubMed

Sun, Kainan; Field, R William; Steck, Daniel J

2010-01-01

The quantitative relationships between radon gas concentration, the surface-deposited activities of various radon progeny, the airborne radon progeny dose rate, and various residential environmental factors were investigated through a Monte Carlo simulation study based on the extended Jacobi room model. Airborne dose rates were calculated from the unattached and attached potential alpha-energy concentrations (PAECs) using two dosimetric models. Surface-deposited (218)Po and (214)Po were significantly correlated with radon concentration, PAECs, and airborne dose rate (p-values <0.0001) in both non-smoking and smoking environments. However, in non-smoking environments, the deposited radon progeny were not highly correlated to the attached PAEC. In multiple linear regression analysis, natural logarithm transformation was performed for airborne dose rate as a dependent variable, as well as for radon and deposited (218)Po and (214)Po as predictors. In non-smoking environments, after adjusting for the effect of radon, deposited (214)Po was a significant positive predictor for one dose model (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67), while deposited (218)Po was a negative predictor for the other dose model (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.98). In smoking environments, after adjusting for radon and room size, deposited (218)Po was a significant positive predictor for one dose model (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19), while a significant negative predictor for the other model (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.95). After adjusting for radon and deposited (218)Po, significant increases of 1.14 (95% CI 1.03-1.27) and 1.13 (95% CI 1.05-1.22) in the mean dose rates were found for large room sizes relative to small room sizes in the different dose models.

A multifunctional metal-organic framework based tumor targeting drug delivery system for cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiao-Gang; Dong, Zhi-Yue; Cheng, Hong; Wan, Shuang-Shuang; Chen, Wei-Hai; Zou, Mei-Zhen; Huo, Jia-Wei; Deng, He-Xiang; Zhang, Xian-Zheng

2015-09-01

Drug delivery systems (DDSs) with biocompatibility and precise drug delivery are eagerly needed to overcome the paradox in chemotherapy that high drug doses are required to compensate for the poor biodistribution of drugs with frequent dose-related side effects. In this work, we reported a metal-organic framework (MOF) based tumor targeting DDS developed by a one-pot, and organic solvent-free ``green'' post-synthetic surface modification procedure, starting from the nanoscale MOF MIL-101. Owing to the multifunctional surface coating, premature drug release from this DDS was prevented. Due to the pH responsive benzoic imine bond and the redox responsive disulfide bond at the modified surface, this DDS exhibited tumor acid environment enhanced cellular uptake and intracellular reducing environment triggered drug release. In vitro and in vivo results showed that DOX loaded into this DDS exhibited effective cancer cell inhibition with much reduced side effects.Drug delivery systems (DDSs) with biocompatibility and precise drug delivery are eagerly needed to overcome the paradox in chemotherapy that high drug doses are required to compensate for the poor biodistribution of drugs with frequent dose-related side effects. In this work, we reported a metal-organic framework (MOF) based tumor targeting DDS developed by a one-pot, and organic solvent-free ``green'' post-synthetic surface modification procedure, starting from the nanoscale MOF MIL-101. Owing to the multifunctional surface coating, premature drug release from this DDS was prevented. Due to the pH responsive benzoic imine bond and the redox responsive disulfide bond at the modified surface, this DDS exhibited tumor acid environment enhanced cellular uptake and intracellular reducing environment triggered drug release. In vitro and in vivo results showed that DOX loaded into this DDS exhibited effective cancer cell inhibition with much reduced side effects. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis procedure, 1HNMR, ESI-MS and additional data. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr04045k

Comparison of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy dose measurement for head and neck cancer using optical stimulated luminescence dosimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Lu-Han; Chuang, Keh-Shih; Lin, Hsin-Hon; Liu, Yi-Chi; Kuo, Chiung-Wen; Lin, Jao-Perng

2017-11-01

The in-vivo dose distributions of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), a newly developed technique, for head and neck cancer have been investigated for several years. The present study used a head-and-neck RANDO phantom to simulate the clinical conditions of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and compare the radiation doses between VMAT and IMRT. Three types of planning target volume (PTV) profiles were targeted by reducing the PTV surface margin by 0, 3, and 5 mm. An optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter was used to measure the surface doses. The results revealed that VMAT provided on average 16.8-13.8% lower surface doses within the PTV target areas than IMRT. When the PTV margin was reduced by 0 mm, the surface doses for IMRT reached their maximum value, accounting for 75.1% of its prescribed dose (Dp); however, the Dp value of VMAT was only 61.1%. When the PTV margin was reduced by 3 or 5 mm, the surface doses decreased considerably. The observed surface doses were insufficient when the tumours invaded the body surface; however, VMAT exerted larger skin-sparing effects than IMRT when the tumours away from the skin. These results suggest that the skin doses for these two techniques are insufficient for surface tumours. Notably, VMAT can provide lower skin doses for deep tumours.

Effects of ion- and electron-beam treatment on surface physicochemical properties of polylactic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pukhova, I. V.; Savkin, K. P.; Laput, O. A.; Lytkina, D. N.; Botvin, V. V.; Medovnik, A. V.; Kurzina, I. A.

2017-11-01

We describe our investigations of the surface physicochemical and mechanical properties of polylactic acid modified by silver, argon and carbon ion implantation to doses of 1 × 1014, 1 × 1015 and 1 × 1016 ions/cm2 at energies of 20 keV (for C and Ar) and 40 keV (for Ag), and by electron beam treatment with pulse-width of 100-300 μs in 50 μs increments at a beam energy 8 keV. Carbonyl bonds (sbnd Cdbnd O) related IR peak was reduced after ion and electron beam irradiation. Molecular weight of PLA decreases twice and does not depend on the nature of the bombarding particles. The microhardness of treated samples decreases by a factor of 1.3, and the surface conductivity increases by 6 orders of magnitude after ion implantation, and increases only modestly after electron beam treatment. Atomic force microscopy shows that surface roughness increases with irradiation dose. Samples irradiated with Ag to a dose of 1 × 1016 ions/cm2 show the greatest roughness of 190 nm.

Quantitation of repaglinide and metabolites in mouse whole-body thin tissue sections using droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chen, Weiqi; Wang, Lifei; Van Berkel, Gary J; Kertesz, Vilmos; Gan, Jinping

2016-03-25

Herein, quantitation aspects of a fully automated autosampler/HPLC-MS/MS system applied for unattended droplet-based surface sampling of repaglinide dosed thin tissue sections with subsequent HPLC separation and mass spectrometric analysis of parent drug and various drug metabolites were studied. Major organs (brain, lung, liver, kidney and muscle) from whole-body thin tissue sections and corresponding organ homogenates prepared from repaglinide dosed mice were sampled by surface sampling and by bulk extraction, respectively, and analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. A semi-quantitative agreement between data obtained by surface sampling and that by employing organ homogenate extraction was observed. Drug concentrations obtained by the two methods followed the same patterns for post-dose time points (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 h). Drug amounts determined in the specific tissues was typically higher when analyzing extracts from the organ homogenates. In addition, relative comparison of the levels of individual metabolites between the two analytical methods also revealed good semi-quantitative agreement. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitation of repaglinide and metabolites in mouse whole-body thin tissue sections using droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

DOE PAGES

Chen, Weiqi; Wang, Lifei; Van Berkel, Gary J.; ...

2015-11-03

Herein, quantitation aspects of a fully automated autosampler/HPLC-MS/MS system applied for unattended droplet-based surface sampling of repaglinide dosed thin tissue sections with subsequent HPLC separation and mass spectrometric analysis of parent drug and various drug metabolites was studied. Major organs (brain, lung, liver, kidney, muscle) from whole-body thin tissue sections and corresponding organ homogenates prepared from repaglinide dosed mice were sampled by surface sampling and by bulk extraction, respectively, and analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. A semi-quantitative agreement between data obtained by surface sampling and that by employing organ homogenate extraction was observed. Drug concentrations obtained by the two methods followed themore » same patterns for post-dose time points (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 h). Drug amounts determined in the specific tissues was typically higher when analyzing extracts from the organ homogenates. Furthermore, relative comparison of the levels of individual metabolites between the two analytical methods also revealed good semi-quantitative agreement.« less

Quantitation of repaglinide and metabolites in mouse whole-body thin tissue sections using droplet-based liquid microjunction surface sampling-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Weiqi; Wang, Lifei; Van Berkel, Gary J.

Herein, quantitation aspects of a fully automated autosampler/HPLC-MS/MS system applied for unattended droplet-based surface sampling of repaglinide dosed thin tissue sections with subsequent HPLC separation and mass spectrometric analysis of parent drug and various drug metabolites was studied. Major organs (brain, lung, liver, kidney, muscle) from whole-body thin tissue sections and corresponding organ homogenates prepared from repaglinide dosed mice were sampled by surface sampling and by bulk extraction, respectively, and analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. A semi-quantitative agreement between data obtained by surface sampling and that by employing organ homogenate extraction was observed. Drug concentrations obtained by the two methods followed themore » same patterns for post-dose time points (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 h). Drug amounts determined in the specific tissues was typically higher when analyzing extracts from the organ homogenates. Furthermore, relative comparison of the levels of individual metabolites between the two analytical methods also revealed good semi-quantitative agreement.« less

Multiple comparisons permutation test for image based data mining in radiotherapy.

PubMed

Chen, Chun; Witte, Marnix; Heemsbergen, Wilma; van Herk, Marcel

2013-12-23

: Comparing incidental dose distributions (i.e. images) of patients with different outcomes is a straightforward way to explore dose-response hypotheses in radiotherapy. In this paper, we introduced a permutation test that compares images, such as dose distributions from radiotherapy, while tackling the multiple comparisons problem. A test statistic Tmax was proposed that summarizes the differences between the images into a single value and a permutation procedure was employed to compute the adjusted p-value. We demonstrated the method in two retrospective studies: a prostate study that relates 3D dose distributions to failure, and an esophagus study that relates 2D surface dose distributions of the esophagus to acute esophagus toxicity. As a result, we were able to identify suspicious regions that are significantly associated with failure (prostate study) or toxicity (esophagus study). Permutation testing allows direct comparison of images from different patient categories and is a useful tool for data mining in radiotherapy.

Model-derived dose rates per unit concentration of radon in air in a generic plant geometry.

PubMed

Vives i Batlle, J; Smith, A; Vives-Lynch, S; Copplestone, D; Pröhl, G; Strand, T

2011-11-01

A model for the derivation of dose rates per unit radon concentration in plants was developed in line with the activities of a Task Group of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), aimed at developing more realistic dosimetry for non-human biota. The model considers interception of the unattached and attached fractions of the airborne radon daughters by plant stomata, diffusion of radon gas through stomata, permeation through the plant's epidermis and translocation of deposited activity to plant interior. The endpoint of the model is the derivation of dose conversion coefficients relative to radon gas concentration at ground level. The model predicts that the main contributor to dose is deposition of (214)Po α-activity on the plant surface and that diffusion of radon daughters through the stomata is of relatively minor importance; hence, daily variations have a small effect on total dose.

Surface buildup dose dependence on photon field delivery technique for IMRT

PubMed Central

Yokoyama, Shigeru; Roberson, Peter L.; Litzenberg, Dale W.; Moran, Jean M.; Fraass, Benedick A.

2004-01-01

The more complex delivery techniques required for implementation of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) based on inverse planning optimization have changed the relationship between dose at depth and dose at buildup regions near the surface. Surface buildup dose is dependent on electron contamination primarily from the unblocked view of the flattening filter and secondarily from air and collimation systems. To evaluate the impact of beam segmentation on buildup dose, measurements were performed with 10×10 cm2 fields, which were delivered with 3 static 3.5×10 cm2 or 3×10 cm2 strips, 5 static 2×10 cm2 strips, 10 static 1×10 cm2 strips, and 1.1×10 cm2 dynamic delivery, compared with a 10×10 cm2 open field. Measurements were performed in water and Solid Water using parallel plate chambers, a stereotactic diode, and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) for a 6 MV X‐ray beam. Depth doses at 2 mm depth (relative to dose at 10 cm depth) were lower by 6%, 7%, 11%, and 10% for the above field delivery techniques, respectively, compared to the open field. These differences are most influenced by differences in multileaf collimator (MLC) transmission contributing to the useful beam. An example IMRT field was also studied to assess variations due to delivery technique (static vs. dynamic) and intensity level. Buildup dose is weakly dependent on the multileaf delivery technique for efficient IMRT fields. PACS numbers: 87.53.‐j, 87.53.Dq PMID:15738914

A study of surface dosimetry for breast cancer radiotherapy treatments using Gafchromic EBT2 film

PubMed Central

Hill, Robin F.; Whitaker, May; Kim, Jung‐Ha; Kuncic, Zdenka

2012-01-01

The present study quantified surface doses on several rectangular phantom setups and on curved surface phantoms for a 6 MV photon field using the Attix parallel‐plate chamber and Gafchromic EBT2 film. For the rectangular phantom setups, the surface doses on a homogenous water equivalent phantom and a water equivalent phantom with 60 mm thick lung equivalent material were measured. The measurement on the homogenous phantom setup showed consistency in surface and near‐surface doses between an open field and enhanced dynamic wedge (EDW) fields, whereas physical wedged fields showed small differences. Surface dose measurements made using the EBT2 film showed good agreement with results of the Attix chamber and results obtained in previous studies which used other dosimeters within the measurement uncertainty of 3.3%. The surface dose measurements on the phantom setup with lung equivalent material showed a small increase without bolus and up to 6.9% increase with bolus simulating the increase of chest wall thickness. Surface doses on the cylindrical CT phantom and customized Perspex chest phantom were measured using the EBT2 film with and without bolus. The results indicate the important role of the presence of bolus if the clinical target volume (CTV) is quite close to the surface. Measurements on the cylindrical phantom suggest that surface doses at the oblique positions of 60° and 90° are mainly caused by the lateral scatter from the material inside the phantom. In the case of a single tangential irradiation onto Perspex chest phantom, the distribution of the surface dose with and without bolus materials showed opposing inclination patterns, whereas the dose distribution for two opposed tangential fields gave symmetric dose distribution. This study also demonstrates the suitability of Gafchromic EBT2 film for surface dose measurements in megavoltage photon beams. PACS number: 87.53.Bn PMID:22584169

Head and neck tumors after energetic proton irradiation in rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wood, D.; Cox, A.; Hardy, K.; Salmon, Y.; Trotter, R.

1994-10-01

This is a two-year progress report on a life span dose-response study of brain tumor risk at moderate to high doses of energetic protons. It was initiated because a joint NASA/USAF life span study of rhesus monkeys that were irradiated with 55-MeV protons (average surface dose, 3.5 Gy) indicated that the incidence of brain tumors per unit surface absorbed dose was over 19 times that of the human tinea capitis patients whose heads were exposed to 100 kv x-rays. Examination of those rats that died in the two-year interval after irradiation of the head revealed a linear dose-response for total head and neck tumor incidence in the dose range of 0-8.5 Gy. The exposed rats had a greater incidence of pituitary chromophobe adenomas, epithelial and mesothelial cell tumors than the unexposed controls but the excessive occurrence of malignant gliomas that was observed in the monkeys was absent in the rats. The estimated dose required to double the number of all types of head and neck tumors was 5.2 Gy. The highest dose, 18 Gy, resulted in high mortality due to obstructive squamous metaplasia at less than 50 weeks, prompting a new study of the relative bological effectiveness of high energy protons in producing this lesion.

Relationship between high daily erythemal UV doses, total ozone, surface albedo and cloudiness: An analysis of 30 years of data from Switzerland and Austria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieder, H. E.; Staehelin, J.; Weihs, P.; Vuilleumier, L.; Maeder, J. A.; Holawe, F.; Blumthaler, M.; Lindfors, A.; Peter, T.; Simic, S.; Spichtinger, P.; Wagner, J. E.; Walker, D.; Ribatet, M.

2010-10-01

This work investigates the occurrence frequency of days with high erythemal UV doses at three stations in Switzerland and Austria (Davos, Hoher Sonnblick and Vienna) for the time period 1974-2003. While several earlier studies have reported on increases in erythemal UV dose up to 10% during the last decades, this study focuses on days with high erythemal UV dose, which is defined as a daily dose at least 15% higher than for 1950s clear-sky conditions (which represent preindustrial conditions with respect to anthropogenic chlorine). Furthermore, the influence of low column ozone, clear-sky/partly cloudy conditions and surface albedo on UV irradiance has been analyzed on annual and seasonal basis. The results of this study show that in the Central Alpine Region the number of days with high UV dose increased strongly in the early 1990s. A large fraction of all days with high UV dose occurring in the period 1974-2003 was found especially during the years 1994-2003, namely 40% at Davos, 54% at Hoher Sonnblick and 65% at Vienna. The importance of total ozone, clear-sky/partly cloudy conditions and surface albedo (e.g. in dependence of snow cover) varies strongly among the seasons. However, overall the interplay of low total ozone and clear-sky/partly cloudy conditions led to the largest fraction of days showing high erythemal UV dose. Furthermore, an analysis of the synoptic weather situation showed that days with high erythemal UV dose, low total ozone and high relative sunshine duration occur at all three stations more frequently during situations with low pressure gradients or southerly advection.

SU-F-J-146: Experimental Validation of 6 MV Photon PDD in Parallel Magnetic Field Calculated by EGSnrc

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghila, A; Steciw, S; Fallone, B

Purpose: Integrated linac-MR systems are uniquely suited for real time tumor tracking during radiation treatment. Understanding the magnetic field dose effects and incorporating them in treatment planning is paramount for linac-MR clinical implementation. We experimentally validated the EGSnrc dose calculations in the presence of a magnetic field parallel to the radiation beam travel. Methods: Two cylindrical bore electromagnets produced a 0.21 T magnetic field parallel to the central axis of a 6 MV photon beam. A parallel plate ion chamber was used to measure the PDD in a polystyrene phantom, placed inside the bore in two setups: phantom top surfacemore » coinciding with the magnet bore center (183 cm SSD), and with the magnet bore’s top surface (170 cm SSD). We measured the field of the magnet at several points and included the exact dimensions of the coils to generate a 3D magnetic field map in a finite element model. BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc simulated the PDD experiments in parallel magnetic field (i.e. 3D magnetic field included) and with no magnetic field. Results: With the phantom surface at the top of the electromagnet, the surface dose increased by 10% (compared to no-magnetic field), due to electrons being focused by the smaller fringe fields of the electromagnet. With the phantom surface at the bore center, the surface dose increased by 30% since extra 13 cm of air column was in relatively higher magnetic field (>0.13T) in the magnet bore. EGSnrc Monte Carlo code correctly calculated the radiation dose with and without the magnetic field, and all points passed the 2%, 2 mm Gamma criterion when the ion chamber’s entrance window and air cavity were included in the simulated phantom. Conclusion: A parallel magnetic field increases the surface and buildup dose during irradiation. The EGSnrc package can model these magnetic field dose effects accurately. Dr. Fallone is a co-founder and CEO of MagnetTx Oncology Solutions (under discussions to license Alberta bi-planar linac MR for commercialization).« less

Dosimetric model for intraperitoneal targeted liposomal radioimmunotherapy of ovarian cancer micrometastases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syme, A. M.; McQuarrie, S. A.; Middleton, J. W.; Fallone, B. G.

2003-05-01

A simple model has been developed to investigate the dosimetry of micrometastases in the peritoneal cavity during intraperitoneal targeted liposomal radioimmunotherapy. The model is applied to free-floating tumours with radii between 0.005 cm and 0.1 cm. Tumour dose is assumed to come from two sources: free liposomes in solution in the peritoneal cavity and liposomes bound to the surface of the micrometastases. It is assumed that liposomes do not penetrate beyond the surface of the tumours and that the total amount of surface antigen does not change over the course of treatment. Integrated tumour doses are expressed as a function of biological parameters that describe the rates at which liposomes bind to and unbind from the tumour surface, the rate at which liposomes escape from the peritoneal cavity and the tumour surface antigen density. Integrated doses are translated into time-dependent tumour control probabilities (TCPs). The results of the work are illustrated in the context of a therapy in which liposomes labelled with Re-188 are targeted at ovarian cancer cells that express the surface antigen CA-125. The time required to produce a TCP of 95% is used to investigate the importance of the various parameters. The relative contributions of surface-bound radioactivity and unbound radioactivity are used to assess the conditions required for a targeted approach to provide an improvement over a non-targeted approach during intraperitoneal radiation therapy. Using Re-188 as the radionuclide, the model suggests that, for microscopic tumours, the relative importance of the surface-bound radioactivity increases with tumour size. This is evidenced by the requirement for larger antigen densities on smaller tumours to affect an improvement in the time required to produce a TCP of 95%. This is because for the smallest tumours considered, the unbound radioactivity is often capable of exerting a tumouricidal effect before the targeting agent has time to accumulate significantly on the tumour surface.

Angular dependence of the MOSFET dosimeter and its impact on in vivo surface dose measurement in breast cancer treatment.

PubMed

Qin, S; Chen, T; Wang, L; Tu, Y; Yue, N; Zhou, J

2014-08-01

The focus of this study is the angular dependence of two types of Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters (MOSFET20 and OneDose/OneDosePlus) when used for surface dose measurements. External beam radiationat different gantry angles were delivered to a cubic solid water phantom with a MOSFET placed on the top surface at CAX. The long axis of the MOSFET was oriented along the gantry axis of rotation, with the dosimeter (bubble side) facing the radiation source. MOSFET-measured surface doses were compared against calibrated radiochromic film readings. It was found that both types of MOSFET dosimeters exhibited larger than previously reported angular dependence when measuring surface dose in beams at large oblique angles. For the MOSFET20 dosimeter the measured surface dose deviation against film readings was as high as 17% when the incident angle was 72 degrees to the norm of the phantom surface. It is concluded that some MOSFET dosimeters may have a strong angular dependence when placed on the surface of water-equivalent material, even though they may have an isotropic angular response when surrounded by uniform medium. Extra on-surface calibration maybe necessary before using MOSFET dosimeters for skin dose measurement in tangential fields.

Interstitial rotating shield brachytherapy for prostate cancer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adams, Quentin E., E-mail: quentin-adams@uiowa.edu; Xu, Jinghzu; Breitbach, Elizabeth K.

Purpose: To present a novel needle, catheter, and radiation source system for interstitial rotating shield brachytherapy (I-RSBT) of the prostate. I-RSBT is a promising technique for reducing urethra, rectum, and bladder dose relative to conventional interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). Methods: A wire-mounted 62 GBq{sup 153}Gd source is proposed with an encapsulated diameter of 0.59 mm, active diameter of 0.44 mm, and active length of 10 mm. A concept model I-RSBT needle/catheter pair was constructed using concentric 50 and 75 μm thick nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) tubes. The needle is 16-gauge (1.651 mm) in outer diameter and the catheter contains a 535more » μm thick platinum shield. I-RSBT and conventional HDR-BT treatment plans for a prostate cancer patient were generated based on Monte Carlo dose calculations. In order to minimize urethral dose, urethral dose gradient volumes within 0–5 mm of the urethra surface were allowed to receive doses less than the prescribed dose of 100%. Results: The platinum shield reduced the dose rate on the shielded side of the source at 1 cm off-axis to 6.4% of the dose rate on the unshielded side. For the case considered, for the same minimum dose to the hottest 98% of the clinical target volume (D{sub 98%}), I-RSBT reduced urethral D{sub 0.1cc} below that of conventional HDR-BT by 29%, 33%, 38%, and 44% for urethral dose gradient volumes within 0, 1, 3, and 5 mm of the urethra surface, respectively. Percentages are expressed relative to the prescription dose of 100%. For the case considered, for the same urethral dose gradient volumes, rectum D{sub 1cc} was reduced by 7%, 6%, 6%, and 6%, respectively, and bladder D{sub 1cc} was reduced by 4%, 5%, 5%, and 6%, respectively. Treatment time to deliver 20 Gy with I-RSBT was 154 min with ten 62 GBq {sup 153}Gd sources. Conclusions: For the case considered, the proposed{sup 153}Gd-based I-RSBT system has the potential to lower the urethral dose relative to HDR-BT by 29%–44% if the clinician allows a urethral dose gradient volume of 0–5 mm around the urethra to receive a dose below the prescription. A multisource approach is necessary in order to deliver the proposed {sup 153}Gd-based I-RSBT technique in reasonable treatment times.« less

MO-F-CAMPUS-I-04: Patient Eye-Lens Dose Reduction in Routine Brain CT Examinations Using Organ-Based Tube Current Modulation and In-Plane Bismuth Shielding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsai, Hui-Yu; Liao, Ying-Lan; Chang Gung University / Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyun, Taiwan

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess eye-lens dose for patients who underwent brain CT examinations using two dose reduction Methods: organ-based tube current modulation (OBTCM) and in-plane bismuth shielding method. Methods: This study received institutional review board approval; written informed consent to participate was obtained from all patients. Ninety patients who underwent the routine brain CT examination were randomly assigned to three groups, ie. routine, OBTCM, and bismuth shield. The OBTCM technique reduced the tube current when the X-ray tube rotates in front of patients’ eye-lens region. The patients in the bismuth shield group were covered one-plymore » bismuth shield in the eyes’ region. Eye-lens doses were measured using TLD-100H chips and the total effective doses were calculated using CT-Expo according to the CT scanning parameters. The surface doses for patients at off-center positions were assessed to evaluate the off-centering effect. Results: Phantom measurements indicates that OBTCM technique could reduced by 26% to 28% of the surface dose to the eye lens, and increased by 25% of the surface dose at the opposed incident direction at the angle of 180°. Patients’ eye-lens doses were reduced 16.9% and 30.5% dose of bismuth shield scan and OBTCM scan, respectively compared to the routine scan. The eye-lens doses were apparently increased when the table position was lower than isocenter. Conclusion: Reducing the dose to the radiosensitive organs, such as eye lens, during routine brain CT examinations could lower the radiation risks. The OBTCM technique and in-plane bismuth shielding could be used to reduce the eye-lens dose. The eye-lens dose could be effectively reduced using OBTCM scan without interfering the diagnostic image quality. Patient position relative the CT gantry also affects the dose level of the eye lens. This study was supported by the grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (MOST103-2314-B-182-009-MY2), and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CMRPD1C0682)« less

SU-F-T-372: Surface and Peripheral Dose in Compensator-Based FFF Beam IMRT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, D; Feygelman, V; Moros, E

2016-06-15

Purpose: Flattening filter free (FFF) beams produce higher dose rates. Combined with compensator IMRT techniques, the dose delivery for each beam can be much shorter compared to the flattened beam MLC-based or compensator-based IMRT. This ‘snap shot’ IMRT delivery is beneficial to patients for tumor motion management. Due to softer energy, surface doses in FFF beam treatment are usually higher than those from flattened beams. Because of less scattering due to no flattening filter, peripheral doses are usually lower in FFF beam treatment. However, in compensator-based IMRT using FFF beams, the compensator is in the beam pathway. Does it introducemore » beam hardening effects and scattering such that the surface dose is lower and peripheral dose is higher compared to FFF beam MLC-based IMRT? Methods: This study applied Monte Carlo techniques to investigate the surface and peripheral doses in compensator-based IMRT using FFF beams and compared it to the MLC-based IMRT using FFF beams and flattened beams. Besides various thicknesses of copper slabs to simulate various thicknesses of compensators, a simple cone-shaped compensator was simulated to mimic a clinical application. The dose distribution in water phantom by the cone-shaped compensator was then simulated by multiple MLC defined FFF and flattened beams with various openings. After normalized to Dmax, the surface and peripheral dose was compared between the FFF beam compensator-based IMRT and FFF/flattened beam MLC-based IMRT. Results: The surface dose at the central 0.5mm depth was close between the compensator and 6FFF MLC dose distributions, and about 8% (of Dmax) higher than the flattened 6MV MLC dose. At 8cm off axis at dmax, the peripheral dose between the 6FFF and flattened 6MV MLC demonstrated similar doses, while the compensator dose was about 1% higher. Conclusion: Compensator does not reduce the surface doses but slightly increases the peripheral doses due to scatter inside compensator.« less

Measurement of dose distribution in the spherical phantom onboard the ISS-KIBO module -MATROSHKA-R in KIBO-

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodaira, Satoshi; Kawashima, Hajime; Kurano, Mieko; Uchihori, Yukio; Nikolaev, Igor; Ambrozova, Iva; Kitamura, Hisashi; Kartsev, Ivan; Tolochek, Raisa; Shurshakov, Vyacheslav

The measurement of dose equivalent and effective dose during manned space missions on the International Space Station (ISS) is important for evaluating the risk to astronaut health and safety when exposed to space radiation. The dosimetric quantities are constantly changing and strongly depend on the level of solar activity and the various spacecraft- and orbit-dependent parameters such as the shielding distribution in the ISS module, location of the spacecraft within its orbit relative to the Earth, the attitude (orientation) and altitude. Consequently, the continuous monitoring of dosimetric quantities is required to record and evaluate the personal radiation dose for crew members during spaceflight. The dose distributions in the phantom body and on its surface give crucial information to estimate the dose equivalent in the human body and effective dose in manned space mission. We have measured the absorbed dose and dose equivalent rates using passive dosimeters installed in the spherical phantom in Japanese Experiment Module (“KIBO”) of the ISS in the framework of Matroshka-R space experiment. The exposure duration was 114 days from May 21 to September 12, 2012. The phantom consists of tissue-equivalent material covered with a poncho jacket with 32 pockets on its surface and 20 container rods inside of the phantom. The phantom diameter is 35 cm and the mass is 32 kg. The passive dosimeters consisted of a combination of luminescent detectors of Al _{2}O _{3};C OSL and CaSO _{4}:Dy TLD and CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors. As one of preliminary results, the dose distribution on the phantom surface measured with OSL detectors installed in the jacket pockets is found to be ranging from 340 muGy/day to 260 muGy/day. In this talk, we will present the detail dose distributions, and variations of LET spectra and quality factor obtained outside and inside of the spherical phantom installed in the ISS-KIBO.

Equivalent square formula for determining the surface dose of rectangular field from 6 MV therapeutic photon beam.

PubMed

Apipunyasopon, Lukkana; Srisatit, Somyot; Phaisangittisakul, Nakorn

2013-09-06

The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of the equivalent square formula for determining the surface dose from a rectangular photon beam. A 6 MV therapeutic photon beam delivered from a Varian Clinac 23EX medical linear accelerator was modeled using the EGS4nrc Monte Carlo simulation package. It was then used to calculate the dose in the build-up region from both square and rectangular fields. The field patterns were defined by various settings of the X- and Y-collimator jaw ranging from 5 to 20 cm. Dose measurements were performed using a thermoluminescence dosimeter and a Markus parallel-plate ionization chamber on the four square fields (5 × 5, 10 × 10, 15 × 15, and 20 × 20 cm2). The surface dose was acquired by extrapolating the build-up doses to the surface. An equivalent square for a rectangular field was determined using the area-to-perimeter formula, and the surface dose of the equivalent square was estimated using the square-field data. The surface dose of square field increased linearly from approximately 10% to 28% as the side of the square field increased from 5 to 20 cm. The influence of collimator exchange on the surface dose was found to be not significant. The difference in the percentage surface dose of the rectangular field compared to that of the relevant equivalent square was insignificant and can be clinically neglected. The use of the area-to-perimeter formula for an equivalent square field can provide a clinically acceptable surface dose estimation for a rectangular field from a 6 MV therapy photon beam.

Directed self-assembly of metal oxide quantum dots: Copper oxide on strontium titanium trioxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Yingge

2007-12-01

This dissertation explores the use of focused ion-beams (FIB) to direct the self-assembly of Cu2O quantum dots (QDs) on SrTiO3 (100) substrates via point implants of Ga+ at 30 keV After Ga+ implant and subsequent chemical and thermal surface preparation, oxygen plasma-assisted molecular beam-epitaxy (OPA-MBE) is used to grow Cu 2O QDs. The research of this dissertation finds that, for high FIB implant dose (5.6x1018 ions/cm2) and large interdot spacing (1000 nm), multiple QDs can be formed preferentially on the edges of FIB modified pits. For lower doses and/or smaller interdot spacings (8.8x1014 ions/cm2 and lower, 130 or 167 nm), individual QDs nucleate first within the pits. Under carefully controlled conditions, the separation and arrangement of the Cu2O QDs follows the FIB patterned template. This study finds that the FIB directed self-assembly technique works for different FIB doses, FIB interdot spacings and OPA-MBE deposition thicknesses, suggesting that this method is robust and flexible. Examination of QD growth on low-dose implant surfaces revealed a multi-step growth process. Initial deposition filled the pits just to the level of the original unmodified crystal growth surface. Following a pause in QD growth and the deposition of additional material, QD growth resumed on top of these perfectly filled pits. As growth continued, the dots reached a self-limiting size such that additional material deposition generated more QDs of similar size rather than continued growth of the large dots. This dissertation also seeks to increase understanding of the relative rolls played in the directed self-assembly process by local substrate chemistry, surface morphology, crystal-linity, and stress/strain. Experimental results revealed that although Ga concentration was noticeably higher on modified regions after FIB implant, no measurable Ga was found on the surface after high temperature annealing performed prior to QD growth. Thus Ga related chemistry/reactivity changes appear unlikely to be primary motivators of directed self-assembly. Low dose implant patterning created local depressions on the surface. This pit shape topography appears to be a strong contributor to the preferred nucleation within the pits, as the sidewalls of those surface pits could contain a high density of surface steps, which are known to decrease the adatom diffusion length and act as sinks to absorb the diffusing species. To further interpret the low dose implant results, calculations of total free-energy changes have been performed to study the differences between nucleation on a flat substrate surface and nucleation within a surface pit. This analysis shows that nucleation within a pit is almost always energetically favorable. In some special cases, assuming the pits have an inverted pyramidal shape, calculations show that island formation within the pits lowers the system total free-energy from the beginning of growth, i.e. there is no critical radius or energy barrier before a stable nucleus can be formed. The major geometric difference between high and low dose implantation area was revealed by AFM studies, which showed that pits generated by high implantation dose were still rounded after annealing and before growth, while pits from lower doses patterning had developed square edges oriented along the <100> directions of the substrate. These geometric differences suggest differences in crystalline or strain/stress states, either/both of which could have caused the subsequent different island growth characteristics. Continued study of directed self-assembly of metal oxide quantum dots should lead to better understanding of the creation of well ordered, precisely controlled, high density QD arrays, ultimately contributing to the development of next generation nanoelectronic, magnetic, and optical devices.

Phase 1 first-in-human studies of the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a recombinant meningococcal NspA vaccine in healthy adults.

PubMed

Halperin, Scott A; Langley, Joanne M; Smith, Bruce; Wunderli, Peter; Kaufman, Lisa; Kimura, Alan; Martin, Denis

2007-01-05

Neisserial surface protein A (NspA) is a highly conserved, surface-exposed outer membrane protein of Neisseria meningitidis that has been shown to induce a bactericidal immune response in animals against all pathogenic Neisserial serogroups. Healthy 18-50-year-old adults were assigned to receive, in a dose escalating manner, 3 doses of 1 of 5 formulations of an experimental, unfolded, recombinant NspA (rNspA) vaccine or placebo, or 1 dose of commercially available quadravalent (A, C, Y, W-135) meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Menomune((R))). Adverse events were collected during the first week post-immunization, prior to the next dose and 1 month after the last dose. Serum for measurement of hematological and biochemical parameters and antibodies by enzyme immunoassay and bactericidal assay were measured before the first dose, prior to the second dose and 1 month after the last dose of vaccine. The rNspA vaccine was well tolerated by recipients. Injection-site pain was reported more frequently by recipients of the three highest doses of rNspA compared to placebo but at similar rates to the licensed meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Adverse events were reported less frequently after subsequent doses in the three-dose series. An antibody rise measured by enzyme immunoassay was elicited with a dose-related increase that reached a maximum with the 125mug dose. Prolongation of the dosing interval between the second and third dose appeared to be associated with increased antibody levels. No bactericidal antibodies were detected after any of the rNspA formulations. The unfolded rNspA meningococcal vaccine was well tolerated and immunogenic in healthy adult volunteers but did not elicit bactericidal antibodies.

Calculation of midplane dose for total body irradiation from entrance and exit dose MOSFET measurements.

PubMed

Satory, P R

2012-03-01

This work is the development of a MOSFET based surface in vivo dosimetry system for total body irradiation patients treated with bilateral extended SSD beams using PMMA missing tissue compensators adjacent to the patient. An empirical formula to calculate midplane dose from MOSFET measured entrance and exit doses has been derived. The dependency of surface dose on the air-gap between the spoiler and the surface was investigated by suspending a spoiler above a water phantom, and taking percentage depth dose measurements (PDD). Exit and entrances doses were measured with MOSFETs in conjunction with midplane doses measured with an ion chamber. The entrance and exit doses were combined using an exponential attenuation formula to give an estimate of midplane dose and were compared to the midplane ion chamber measurement for a range of phantom thicknesses. Having a maximum PDD at the surface simplifies the prediction of midplane dose, which is achieved by ensuring that the air gap between the compensator and the surface is less than 10 cm. The comparison of estimated midplane dose and measured midplane dose showed no dependence on phantom thickness and an average correction factor of 0.88 was found. If the missing tissue compensators are kept within 10 cm of the patient then MOSFET measurements of entrance and exit dose can predict the midplane dose for the patient.

Silicon diodes as an alternative to diamond detectors for depth dose curves and profile measurements of photon and electron radiation.

PubMed

Scherf, Christian; Peter, Christiane; Moog, Jussi; Licher, Jörg; Kara, Eugen; Zink, Klemens; Rödel, Claus; Ramm, Ulla

2009-08-01

Depth dose curves and lateral dose profiles should correspond to relative dose to water in any measured point, what can be more or less satisfied with different detectors. Diamond as detector material has similar dosimetric properties like water. Silicon diodes and ionization chambers are also commonly used to acquire dose profiles. The authors compared dose profiles measured in an MP3 water phantom with a diamond detector 60003, unshielded and shielded silicon diodes 60008 and 60012 and a 0.125-cm(3) thimble chamber 233642 (PTW, Freiburg, Germany) for 6- and 25-MV photons. Electron beams of 6, 12 and 18 MeV were investigated with the diamond detector, the unshielded diode and a Markus chamber 23343. The unshielded diode revealed relative dose differences at the water surface below +10% for 6-MV and +4% for 25-MV photons compared to the diamond data. These values decreased to less than 1% within the first millimeters of water depth. The shielded diode was only required to obtain correct data of the fall-off zones for photon beams larger than 10 x 10 cm(2) because of important contributions of low-energy scattered photons. For electron radiation the largest relative dose difference of -2% was observed with the unshielded silicon diode for 6 MeV within the build-up zone. Spatial resolutions were always best with the small voluminous silicon diodes. Relative dose profiles obtained with the two silicon diodes have the same degree of accuracy as with the diamond detector.

Breast surface radiation dose during coronary CT angiography: reduction by breast displacement and lead shielding.

PubMed

Foley, Shane J; McEntee, Mark F; Achenbach, Stephan; Brennan, Patrick C; Rainford, Louise S; Dodd, Jonathan D

2011-08-01

The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of cranial breast displacement and lead shielding on in vivo breast surface radiation dose in women undergoing coronary CT angiography. Fifty-four women (mean age, 59.2 ± 9.8 years) prospectively underwent coronary 64-MDCT angiography for evaluation of chest pain. The patients were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 16), breast displacement group (n = 22), or breast displacement plus lead shielding group (n = 16). Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were placed superficially on each breast quadrant and the areolar region of both breasts. Breast surface radiation doses, the degree of breast displacement, and coronary image quality were compared between groups. A phantom dose study was conducted to compare breast doses with z-axis positioning on the chest wall. A total of 1620 TLD dose measurements were recorded. Compared with control values, the mean breast surface dose was reduced 23% in the breast displacement group (24.3 vs 18.6 mGy, p = 0.015) and 36% in the displacement plus lead shielding group (24.3 vs 15.6 mGy, p = 0.0001). Surface dose reductions were greatest in the upper outer (displacement alone, 66%; displacement plus shielding, 63%), upper inner (65%, 58%), and areolar quadrants (44%, 53%). The smallest surface dose reductions were recorded for A-cup breasts: 7% for the displacement group and 3% for the displacement plus lead group (p = 0.741). Larger reductions in surface dose were recorded for B-cup (25% and 56%, p = 0.273), C-cup (38% and 60%, p = 0.001), and D-cup (31% and 25%, p = 0.095) sizes. Most of the patients (79%) had either good (< 50% of breast above scan range) or excellent (< 75% of breast above the scan range) breast displacement. No significant difference in coronary image quality was detected between groups. The phantom dose study showed that surface TLD measurements were underestimates of absorbed tissue dose by a mean of 9% and that a strong negative correlation exists between the amount of cranial displacement and breast dose. Use of breast displacement during coronary CTA substantially reduces the radiation dose to the breast surface.

Distribution of boreal toad populations in relation to estimated UV-B dose in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hossack, B.R.; Diamond, S.A.; Corn, P.S.

2006-01-01

A recent increase in ultraviolet B radiation is one hypothesis advanced to explain suspected or documented declines of the boreal toad (Bufo boreas Baird and Girard, 1852) across much of the western USA, where some experiments have shown ambient UV-B can reduce embryo survival. We examined B. boreas occupancy relative to daily UV-B dose at 172 potential breeding sites in Glacier National Park, Montana, to assess whether UV-B limits the distribution of toads. Dose estimates were based on ground-level UV-B data and the effects of elevation, local topographic and vegetative features, and attenuation in the water column. We also examined temporal trends in surface UV-B and spring snowpack to determine whether populations are likely to have experienced increased UV-B exposure in recent decades. We found no support for the hypothesis that UV-B limits the distribution of populations in the park, even when we analyzed high-elevation ponds separately. Instead, toads were more likely to breed in water bodies with higher estimated UV-B doses. The lack of a detectable trend in surface UV-B since 1979, combined with earlier snow melt in the region and increasing forest density at high elevations, suggests B. boreas embryos and larvae likely have not experienced increased UV-B.

Dose gradient curve: A new tool for evaluating dose gradient.

PubMed

Sung, KiHoon; Choi, Young Eun

2018-01-01

Stereotactic radiotherapy, which delivers an ablative high radiation dose to a target volume for maximum local tumor control, requires a rapid dose fall-off outside the target volume to prevent extensive damage to nearby normal tissue. Currently, there is no tool to comprehensively evaluate the dose gradient near the target volume. We propose the dose gradient curve (DGC) as a new tool to evaluate the quality of a treatment plan with respect to the dose fall-off characteristics. The average distance between two isodose surfaces was represented by the dose gradient index (DGI) estimated by a simple equation using the volume and surface area of isodose levels. The surface area was calculated by mesh generation and surface triangulation. The DGC was defined as a plot of the DGI of each dose interval as a function of the dose. Two types of DGCs, differential and cumulative, were generated. The performance of the DGC was evaluated using stereotactic radiosurgery plans for virtual targets. Over the range of dose distributions, the dose gradient of each dose interval was well-characterized by the DGC in an easily understandable graph format. Significant changes in the DGC were observed reflecting the differences in planning situations and various prescription doses. The DGC is a rational method for visualizing the dose gradient as the average distance between two isodose surfaces; the shorter the distance, the steeper the dose gradient. By combining the DGC with the dose-volume histogram (DVH) in a single plot, the DGC can be utilized to evaluate not only the dose gradient but also the target coverage in routine clinical practice.

TU-EF-304-04: A Heart Motion Model for Proton Scanned Beam Chest Radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

White, B; Kiely, J Blanco; Lin, L

Purpose: To model fast-moving heart surface motion as a function of cardiac-phase in order to compensate for the lack of cardiac-gating in evaluating accurate dose to coronary structures. Methods: Ten subjects were prospectively imaged with a breath-hold, cardiac-gated MRI protocol to determine heart surface motion. Radial and planar views of the heart were resampled into a 3-dimensional volume representing one heartbeat. A multi-resolution optical flow deformable image registration algorithm determined tissue displacement during the cardiac-cycle. The surface of the heart was modeled as a thin membrane comprised of voxels perpendicular to a pencil beam scanning (PBS) beam. The membrane’s out-of-planemore » spatial displacement was modeled as a harmonic function with Lame’s equations. Model accuracy was assessed with the root mean squared error (RMSE). The model was applied to a cohort of six chest wall irradiation patients with PBS plans generated on phase-sorted 4DCT. Respiratory motion was separated from the cardiac motion with a previously published technique. Volumetric dose painting was simulated and dose accumulated to validate plan robustness (target coverage variation accepted within 2%). Maximum and mean heart surface dose assessed the dosimetric impact of heart and coronary artery motion. Results: Average and maximum heart surface displacements were 2.54±0.35mm and 3.6mm from the end-diastole phase to the end-systole cardiac-phase respectively. An average RMSE of 0.11±0.04 showed the model to be accurate. Observed errors were greatest between the circumflex artery and mitral valve level of the heart anatomy. Heart surface displacements correspond to a 3.6±1.0% and 5.1±2.3% dosimetric impact on the maximum and mean heart surface DVH indicators respectively. Conclusion: Although heart surface motion parallel to beam’s direction was substantial, its maximum dosimetric impact was 5.1±2.3%. Since PBS delivers low doses to coronary structures relative to photon radiotherapy, it is unknown whether this variation would be clinically significant for late effects.« less

Multiple comparisons permutation test for image based data mining in radiotherapy

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Comparing incidental dose distributions (i.e. images) of patients with different outcomes is a straightforward way to explore dose-response hypotheses in radiotherapy. In this paper, we introduced a permutation test that compares images, such as dose distributions from radiotherapy, while tackling the multiple comparisons problem. A test statistic Tmax was proposed that summarizes the differences between the images into a single value and a permutation procedure was employed to compute the adjusted p-value. We demonstrated the method in two retrospective studies: a prostate study that relates 3D dose distributions to failure, and an esophagus study that relates 2D surface dose distributions of the esophagus to acute esophagus toxicity. As a result, we were able to identify suspicious regions that are significantly associated with failure (prostate study) or toxicity (esophagus study). Permutation testing allows direct comparison of images from different patient categories and is a useful tool for data mining in radiotherapy. PMID:24365155

Fast skin dose estimation system for interventional radiology

PubMed Central

Takata, Takeshi; Kotoku, Jun’ichi; Maejima, Hideyuki; Kumagai, Shinobu; Arai, Norikazu; Kobayashi, Takenori; Shiraishi, Kenshiro; Yamamoto, Masayoshi; Kondo, Hiroshi; Furui, Shigeru

2018-01-01

Abstract To minimise the radiation dermatitis related to interventional radiology (IR), rapid and accurate dose estimation has been sought for all procedures. We propose a technique for estimating the patient skin dose rapidly and accurately using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation with a graphical processing unit (GPU, GTX 1080; Nvidia Corp.). The skin dose distribution is simulated based on an individual patient’s computed tomography (CT) dataset for fluoroscopic conditions after the CT dataset has been segmented into air, water and bone based on pixel values. The skin is assumed to be one layer at the outer surface of the body. Fluoroscopic conditions are obtained from a log file of a fluoroscopic examination. Estimating the absorbed skin dose distribution requires calibration of the dose simulated by our system. For this purpose, a linear function was used to approximate the relation between the simulated dose and the measured dose using radiophotoluminescence (RPL) glass dosimeters in a water-equivalent phantom. Differences of maximum skin dose between our system and the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) were as high as 6.1%. The relative statistical error (2 σ) for the simulated dose obtained using our system was ≤3.5%. Using a GPU, the simulation on the chest CT dataset aiming at the heart was within 3.49 s on average: the GPU is 122 times faster than a CPU (Core i7–7700K; Intel Corp.). Our system (using the GPU, the log file, and the CT dataset) estimated the skin dose more rapidly and more accurately than conventional methods. PMID:29136194

Fast skin dose estimation system for interventional radiology.

PubMed

Takata, Takeshi; Kotoku, Jun'ichi; Maejima, Hideyuki; Kumagai, Shinobu; Arai, Norikazu; Kobayashi, Takenori; Shiraishi, Kenshiro; Yamamoto, Masayoshi; Kondo, Hiroshi; Furui, Shigeru

2018-03-01

To minimise the radiation dermatitis related to interventional radiology (IR), rapid and accurate dose estimation has been sought for all procedures. We propose a technique for estimating the patient skin dose rapidly and accurately using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation with a graphical processing unit (GPU, GTX 1080; Nvidia Corp.). The skin dose distribution is simulated based on an individual patient's computed tomography (CT) dataset for fluoroscopic conditions after the CT dataset has been segmented into air, water and bone based on pixel values. The skin is assumed to be one layer at the outer surface of the body. Fluoroscopic conditions are obtained from a log file of a fluoroscopic examination. Estimating the absorbed skin dose distribution requires calibration of the dose simulated by our system. For this purpose, a linear function was used to approximate the relation between the simulated dose and the measured dose using radiophotoluminescence (RPL) glass dosimeters in a water-equivalent phantom. Differences of maximum skin dose between our system and the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) were as high as 6.1%. The relative statistical error (2 σ) for the simulated dose obtained using our system was ≤3.5%. Using a GPU, the simulation on the chest CT dataset aiming at the heart was within 3.49 s on average: the GPU is 122 times faster than a CPU (Core i7-7700K; Intel Corp.). Our system (using the GPU, the log file, and the CT dataset) estimated the skin dose more rapidly and more accurately than conventional methods.

Construction of boundary-surface-based Chinese female astronaut computational phantom and proton dose estimation

PubMed Central

Sun, Wenjuan; JIA, Xianghong; XIE, Tianwu; XU, Feng; LIU, Qian

2013-01-01

With the rapid development of China's space industry, the importance of radiation protection is increasingly prominent. To provide relevant dose data, we first developed the Visible Chinese Human adult Female (VCH-F) phantom, and performed further modifications to generate the VCH-F Astronaut (VCH-FA) phantom, incorporating statistical body characteristics data from the first batch of Chinese female astronauts as well as reference organ mass data from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP; both within 1% relative error). Based on cryosection images, the original phantom was constructed via Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) boundary surfaces to strengthen the deformability for fitting the body parameters of Chinese female astronauts. The VCH-FA phantom was voxelized at a resolution of 2 × 2 × 4 mm3for radioactive particle transport simulations from isotropic protons with energies of 5000–10 000 MeV in Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX) code. To investigate discrepancies caused by anatomical variations and other factors, the obtained doses were compared with corresponding values from other phantoms and sex-averaged doses. Dose differences were observed among phantom calculation results, especially for effective dose with low-energy protons. Local skin thickness shifts the breast dose curve toward high energy, but has little impact on inner organs. Under a shielding layer, organ dose reduction is greater for skin than for other organs. The calculated skin dose per day closely approximates measurement data obtained in low-Earth orbit (LEO). PMID:23135158

Study of wettability and cell viability of H implanted stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafique, Muhammad Ahsan; Ahmad, Riaz; Rehman, Ihtesham Ur

2018-03-01

In the present work, the effect of hydrogen ion implantation on surface wettability and biocompatibility of stainless steel is investigated. Hydrogen ions are implanted in the near-surface of stainless steel to facilitate hydrogen bonding at different doses with constant energy of 500 KeV, which consequently improve the surface wettability. Treated and untreated sample are characterized for surface wettability, incubation of hydroxyapatite and cell viability. Contact angle (CA) study reveals that surface wettability increases with increasing H-ion dose. Raman spectroscopy shows that precipitation of hydroxyapatite over the surface increase with increasing dose of H-ions. Cell viability study using MTT assay describes improved cell viability in treated samples as compared to the untreated sample. It is found that low dose of H-ions is more effective for cell proliferation and the cell count decreases with increasing ion dose. Our study demonstrates that H ion implantation improves the surface wettability and biocompatibility of stainless steel.

A quantified dosing ALD reactor with in-situ diagnostics for surface chemistry studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larrabee, Thomas J.

A specialized atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor has been constructed to serve as an instrument to simultaneously study the surface chemistry of the ALD process, and perform ALD as is conventionally done in continuum flow of inert gas. This reactor is uniquely useful to gain insight into the ALD process because of the combination of its precise, controllable, and quantified dosing/microdosing capability; its in-situ quadrupole mass spectrometer for gas composition analysis; its pair of highly-sensitive in-situ quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs); and its complete spectrum of pressures and operating conditions --- from viscous to molecular flow regimes. Control of the dose is achieved independently of the conditions by allowing a reactant gas to fill a fixed volume and measured pressure, which is held at a controlled temperature, and subsequently dosed into the system by computer controlled pneumatic valves. Absolute reactant exposure to the substrate and QCMs is unambiguously calculated from the molecular impingement flux, and its relationship to dose size is established, allowing means for easily intentionally reproducing specific exposures. Methods for understanding atomic layer growth and adsorption phenomena, including the precursor sticking probability, dynamics of molecular impingement, size of dose, and other operating variables are for the first time quantitatively related to surface reaction rates by mass balance. Extensive characterization of the QCM as a measurement tool for adsorption under realistic ALD conditions has been examined, emphasizing the state-of-the-art and importance of QCM system features required. Finally, the importance of dose-quantification and microdosing has been contextualized in view of the ALD literature, underscoring the significance of more precise condition specification in establishing a better basis for reactor and reactant comparison.

Dose gradient curve: A new tool for evaluating dose gradient

PubMed Central

Choi, Young Eun

2018-01-01

Purpose Stereotactic radiotherapy, which delivers an ablative high radiation dose to a target volume for maximum local tumor control, requires a rapid dose fall-off outside the target volume to prevent extensive damage to nearby normal tissue. Currently, there is no tool to comprehensively evaluate the dose gradient near the target volume. We propose the dose gradient curve (DGC) as a new tool to evaluate the quality of a treatment plan with respect to the dose fall-off characteristics. Methods The average distance between two isodose surfaces was represented by the dose gradient index (DGI) estimated by a simple equation using the volume and surface area of isodose levels. The surface area was calculated by mesh generation and surface triangulation. The DGC was defined as a plot of the DGI of each dose interval as a function of the dose. Two types of DGCs, differential and cumulative, were generated. The performance of the DGC was evaluated using stereotactic radiosurgery plans for virtual targets. Results Over the range of dose distributions, the dose gradient of each dose interval was well-characterized by the DGC in an easily understandable graph format. Significant changes in the DGC were observed reflecting the differences in planning situations and various prescription doses. Conclusions The DGC is a rational method for visualizing the dose gradient as the average distance between two isodose surfaces; the shorter the distance, the steeper the dose gradient. By combining the DGC with the dose-volume histogram (DVH) in a single plot, the DGC can be utilized to evaluate not only the dose gradient but also the target coverage in routine clinical practice. PMID:29698471

[Radiation load on the skin using a silicone-coated polyamide wound dressing during photon and electron radiotherapy].

PubMed

Thilmann, C; Adamietz, I A; Ramm, U; Mose, S; Saran, F; Böttcher, H D

1996-05-01

Silicone-coated polyamide wound dressing is frequently used for the supportive treatment in patients with radiation induced skin lesions. The use of this kind of dressing during radiotherapy with high energy beams shifts the dose built-up effect towards the skin surface. Thus the dose delivered to the skin increases. The present work quantifies changes of the skin dose by a commercial silicon-coated polyamide wound dressing. The dependence on the beam quality and on different treatment techniques is investigated. Measurements were performed with photon (60Co, 6 MV, 42 MV) and electron (7 MeV, 20 MeV, 40 MeV) beams using thin LiF thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) in a perspex phantom. The beams were directed perpendicularly to the phantom surface. For 60Co and 6 MV photon beams the skin dose was evaluated in vivo at different beam arrangements and at a given reference dose. For 60Co, 6 MV and 42 MV photon beams wound dressing caused a dose increase on the surface of the perspex phantom by a factor of 1.65, 1.39 and 1.33 respectively. Using oblique or rotational techniques for 60Co and 6 MV photon irradiation the wound dressing increased the skin dose but less compared to perpendicular beam direction. For electron beams the skin dose is relatively high (from 84% to 92%) and an increase by a dressing has no clinical relevance (factor 1.03 to 1.05). The silicone-coated polyamide wound dressing causes no relevant skin dose increase during radiation treatment with electron beams and can be left on the skin during irradiation. During radiation treatment with photon beams like 60Co and 6 MV the protective procedure should be adapted to skin changes, in case of strong skin reactions a removal during the time of irradiation should be considered.

Radon and leukemia in the Danish study: another source of dose.

PubMed

Harley, Naomi H; Robbins, Edith S

2009-10-01

An epidemiologic study of childhood leukemia in Denmark (2,400 cases; 6,697 controls) from 1968 to 1994 suggested a weak, but statistically significant, association of residential radon exposure and acute childhood lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The Danish study estimated a relative risk (RR) = 1.56 (95% CI, 1.05-2.30) for a cumulative exposure of 1,000 Bq m-3 y. For an exposure duration of 10 y their RR corresponds to a radon concentration of 100 Bq m-3. There are two dose pathways of interest where alpha particles could damage potential stem cells for ALL. One is the alpha dose to bone marrow, and two is the dose to bronchial mucosa where an abundance of circulating lymphocytes is found. Compared with an exposure of about 1 mSv y-1 from natural external background, radon and decay products contribute an additional 10 to 60% to the bone marrow equivalent dose. The other pathway for exposure of T (or B) lymphocytes is within the tracheobronchial epithelium (BE). Inhaled radon decay products deposit on the relatively small area of airway surfaces and deliver a significant dose to the nearby basal or mucous cells implicated in human lung cancer. Lymphocytes are co-located with basal cells and are half as abundant. Using a 10-y exposure to 100 Bq m-3, our dose estimates suggest that the equivalent dose to these lymphocytes could approach 1 Sv. The relatively high dose estimate to lymphocytes circulating through the BE, potential precursor cells for ALL, provides a dose pathway for an association.

Surface dose measurement with Gafchromic EBT3 film for intensity modulated radiotherapy technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbas, Ugur; Kesen, Nazmiye Donmez; Koksal, Canan; Okutan, Murat; Demir, Bayram; Becerir, Hatice Bilge

2017-09-01

Accurate dose measurement in the buildup region is extremely difficult. Studies have reported that treatment planning systems (TPS) cannot calculate surface dose accurately. The aim of the study was to compare the film measurements and TPS calculations for surface dose in head and neck cancer treatment using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT plans were generated for 5 head and neck cancer patients by using Varian Eclipse TPS. Quality assurance (QA) plans of these IMRT plans were created on rando phantoms for surface dose measurements. EBT3 films were cut in size of 2.5 x 2.5 cm2 and placed on the left side, right side and the center of larynx and then the films were irradiated with 6 MV photon beams. The measured doses were compared with TPS. The results of TPS calculations were found to be lower compared to the EBT3 film measurements at all selected points. The lack of surface dose calculation in TPS should be considered while evaluating the radiotherapy plans.

Esophageal wall dose-surface maps do not improve the predictive performance of a multivariable NTCP model for acute esophageal toxicity in advanced stage NSCLC patients treated with intensity-modulated (chemo-)radiotherapy.

PubMed

Dankers, Frank; Wijsman, Robin; Troost, Esther G C; Monshouwer, René; Bussink, Johan; Hoffmann, Aswin L

2017-05-07

In our previous work, a multivariable normal-tissue complication probability (NTCP) model for acute esophageal toxicity (AET) Grade  ⩾2 after highly conformal (chemo-)radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was developed using multivariable logistic regression analysis incorporating clinical parameters and mean esophageal dose (MED). Since the esophagus is a tubular organ, spatial information of the esophageal wall dose distribution may be important in predicting AET. We investigated whether the incorporation of esophageal wall dose-surface data with spatial information improves the predictive power of our established NTCP model. For 149 NSCLC patients treated with highly conformal radiation therapy esophageal wall dose-surface histograms (DSHs) and polar dose-surface maps (DSMs) were generated. DSMs were used to generate new DSHs and dose-length-histograms that incorporate spatial information of the dose-surface distribution. From these histograms dose parameters were derived and univariate logistic regression analysis showed that they correlated significantly with AET. Following our previous work, new multivariable NTCP models were developed using the most significant dose histogram parameters based on univariate analysis (19 in total). However, the 19 new models incorporating esophageal wall dose-surface data with spatial information did not show improved predictive performance (area under the curve, AUC range 0.79-0.84) over the established multivariable NTCP model based on conventional dose-volume data (AUC  =  0.84). For prediction of AET, based on the proposed multivariable statistical approach, spatial information of the esophageal wall dose distribution is of no added value and it is sufficient to only consider MED as a predictive dosimetric parameter.

Esophageal wall dose-surface maps do not improve the predictive performance of a multivariable NTCP model for acute esophageal toxicity in advanced stage NSCLC patients treated with intensity-modulated (chemo-)radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dankers, Frank; Wijsman, Robin; Troost, Esther G. C.; Monshouwer, René; Bussink, Johan; Hoffmann, Aswin L.

2017-05-01

In our previous work, a multivariable normal-tissue complication probability (NTCP) model for acute esophageal toxicity (AET) Grade  ⩾2 after highly conformal (chemo-)radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was developed using multivariable logistic regression analysis incorporating clinical parameters and mean esophageal dose (MED). Since the esophagus is a tubular organ, spatial information of the esophageal wall dose distribution may be important in predicting AET. We investigated whether the incorporation of esophageal wall dose-surface data with spatial information improves the predictive power of our established NTCP model. For 149 NSCLC patients treated with highly conformal radiation therapy esophageal wall dose-surface histograms (DSHs) and polar dose-surface maps (DSMs) were generated. DSMs were used to generate new DSHs and dose-length-histograms that incorporate spatial information of the dose-surface distribution. From these histograms dose parameters were derived and univariate logistic regression analysis showed that they correlated significantly with AET. Following our previous work, new multivariable NTCP models were developed using the most significant dose histogram parameters based on univariate analysis (19 in total). However, the 19 new models incorporating esophageal wall dose-surface data with spatial information did not show improved predictive performance (area under the curve, AUC range 0.79-0.84) over the established multivariable NTCP model based on conventional dose-volume data (AUC  =  0.84). For prediction of AET, based on the proposed multivariable statistical approach, spatial information of the esophageal wall dose distribution is of no added value and it is sufficient to only consider MED as a predictive dosimetric parameter.

Dose-distance metric that predicts late rectal bleeding in patients receiving radical prostate external-beam radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Richard; Chan, Elisa K.; Kosztyla, Robert; Liu, Mitchell; Moiseenko, Vitali

2012-12-01

The relationship between rectal dose distribution and the incidence of late rectal complications following external-beam radiotherapy has been previously studied using dose-volume histograms or dose-surface histograms. However, they do not account for the spatial dose distribution. This study proposes a metric based on both surface dose and distance that can predict the incidence of rectal bleeding in prostate cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy. One hundred and forty-four patients treated with radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer were prospectively followed to record the incidence of grade ≥2 rectal bleeding. Radiotherapy plans were used to evaluate a dose-distance metric that accounts for the dose and its spatial distribution on the rectal surface, characterized by a logistic weighting function with slope a and inflection point d0. This was compared to the effective dose obtained from dose-surface histograms, characterized by the parameter n which describes sensitivity to hot spots. The log-rank test was used to determine statistically significant (p < 0.05) cut-off values for the dose-distance metric and effective dose that predict for the occurrence of rectal bleeding. For the dose-distance metric, only d0 = 25 and 30 mm combined with a > 5 led to statistical significant cut-offs. For the effective dose metric, only values of n in the range 0.07-0.35 led to statistically significant cut-offs. The proposed dose-distance metric is a predictor of rectal bleeding in prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Both the dose-distance metric and the effective dose metric indicate that the incidence of grade ≥2 rectal bleeding is sensitive to localized damage to the rectal surface.

SU-E-T-459: Impact of Source Position and Traveling Time On HDR Skin Surface Applicator Dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jeong, J; Barker, C; Zaider, M

Purpose: Observed dosimetric discrepancy between measured and treatment planning system (TPS) predicted values, during applicator commissioning, were traced to source position uncertainty in the applicator. We quantify the dosimetric impact of this geometric uncertainty, and of the source traveling time inside the applicator, and propose corrections for clinical use. Methods: We measured the dose profiles from the Varian Leipzig-style (horizontal) HDR skin applicator, using EBT3 film, photon diode, and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD) and three different GammaMed HDR afterloders. The dose profiles and depth dose of each aperture were measured at several depths (up to about 10 mm, dependingmore » on the dosimeter). The measured dose profiles were compared with Acuros calculated profiles in BrachyVision TPS. For the impact of the source position, EBT3 film measurements were performed with applicator, facing-down and facing-up orientations. The dose with and without source traveling was measured with diode detector using HDR timer and electrometer timer, respectively. Results: Depth doses measured using the three dosimeters were in good agreement, but were consistently higher than the Acuros dose calculations. Measurements with the applicator facing-up were significantly lower than those in the facing-down position with maximum difference of about 18% at the surface, due to source sag inside the applicator. Based on the inverse-square law, the effective source sag was evaluated to be about 0.5 mm from the planned position. The additional dose from the source traveling was about 2.8% for 30 seconds with 10 Ci source, decreasing with increased dwelling time and decreased source activity. Conclusion: Due to the short source-to-surface distance of the applicator, the small source sag inside the applicator has significant dosimetric impact, which should be considered before the clinical use of the applicator. Investigation of the effect for other applicators that have relatively large source lumen inner diameter may be warranted. Christopher Barker and Gil’ad Cohen are receiving research support for a study of skin surface brachytherapy from Elekta.« less

Modelling evolution of air dose rates in river basins in Fukushima Prefecture affected by sediment-sorbed radiocesium redistribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malins, A.; Sakuma, K.; Nakanishi, T.; Kurikami, H.; Machida, M.; Kitamura, A.; Yamada, S.

2015-12-01

The radioactive 134Cs and 137Cs isotopes deposited over Fukushima Prefecture by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster are the predominant radiological concern for the years following the accident. This is because the energetic gamma radiation they emit on decay constitutes the majority of the elevated air dose rates that now afflict the region. Therefore, we developed a tool for calculating air dose rates from arbitrary radiocesium spatial distributions across the land surface and depth profiles within the ground. As cesium is strongly absorbed by clay soils, its primary redistribution mechanism within Fukushima Prefecture is by soil erosion and water-borne sediment transport. Each year between 0.1~1% of the total radiocesium inventory in the river basins neighboring Fukushima Daiichi is eroded from the land surface and enters into water courses, predominantly during typhoon storms. Although this is a small amount in relative terms, in absolute terms it corresponds to terabecquerels of 134Cs and 137Cs redistribution each year and this can affect the air dose rate at locations of high erosion and sediment deposition. This study inputs the results of sediment redistribution simulations into the dose rate evaluation tool to calculate the locations and magnitude of air dose rate changes due to radiocesium redistribution. The dose rate calculations are supported by handheld survey instrument results taken within the Prefecture.

Differences in rates of decrease of environmental radiation dose rates by ground surface property in Fukushima City after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.

PubMed

Kakamu, Takeyasu; Kanda, Hideyuki; Tsuji, Masayoshi; Kobayashi, Daisuke; Miyake, Masao; Hayakawa, Takehito; Katsuda, Shin-ichiro; Mori, Yayoi; Okouchi, Toshiyasu; Hazama, Akihiro; Fukushima, Tetsuhito

2013-01-01

After the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011, the environmental radiation dose in Fukushima City increased. On 11 April, 1 mo after the earthquake, the environmental radiation dose rate at various surfaces in the same area differed greatly by surface property. Environmental radiation measurements continue in order to determine the estimated time to 50% reduction in environmental radiation dose rates by surface property in order to make suggestions for decontamination in Fukushima. The measurements were carried out from 11 April to 11 November 2011. Forty-eight (48) measurement points were selected, including four kinds of ground surface properties: grass (13), soil (5), artificial turf (7), and asphalt (23). Environmental radiation dose rate was measured at heights of 100 cm above the ground surface. Time to 50% reduction of environmental radiation dose rates was estimated for each ground surface property. Radiation dose rates on 11 November had decreased significantly compared with those on 11 April for all surface properties. Artificial turf showed the longest time to 50% reduction (544.32 d, standard error: 96.86), and soil showed the shortest (213.20 d, standard error: 35.88). The authors found the environmental radiation dose rate on artificial materials to have a longer 50% reduction time than that on natural materials. These results contribute to determining an order of priority for decontamination after nuclear disasters.

Surface dose measurement for helical tomotherapy.

PubMed

Snir, Jonatan A; Mosalaei, Homeira; Jordan, Kevin; Yartsev, Slav

2011-06-01

To compare the surface dose measurements made by different dosimeters for the helical tomotherapy (HT) plan in the case of the target close to the surface. Surface dose measurements in different points for the HT plan to deliver 2 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV) at 5 mm below the surface of the cylindrical phantom were performed by radiochromic films, single use metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters, silicon IVD QED diode, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters. The measured doses by all dosimeters were within 12 +/- 8% difference of each other. Radiochromic films, EBT, and EBT2, provide high spatial resolution, although it is difficult to get accurate measurements of dose. Both the OSL and QED measured similar dose to that of the MOSFET detectors. The QED dosimeter is promising as a reusable on-line wireless dosimeter, while the OSL dosimeters are easier to use, require minimum setup time and are very precise.

A 3D isodose manipulation tool for interactive dose shaping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamerling, C. P.; Ziegenhein, P.; Heinrich, H.; Oelfke, U.

2014-03-01

The interactive dose shaping (IDS) planning paradigm aims to perform interactive local dose adaptations of an IMRT plan without compromising already established valuable dose features in real-time. In this work we introduce an interactive 3D isodose manipulation tool which enables local modifications of a dose distribution intuitively by direct manipulation of an isodose surface. We developed an in-house IMRT TPS framework employing an IDS engine as well as a 3D GUI for dose manipulation and visualization. In our software an initial dose distribution can be interactively modified through an isodose surface manipulation tool by intuitively clicking on an isodose surface. To guide the user interaction, the position of the modification is indicated by a sphere while the mouse cursor hovers the isodose surface. The sphere's radius controls the locality of the modification. The tool induces a dose modification as a direct change of dose in one or more voxels, which is incrementally obtained by fluence adjustments. A subsequent recovery step identifies voxels with violated dose features and aims to recover their original dose. We showed a proof of concept study for the proposed tool by adapting the dose distribution of a prostate case (9 beams, coplanar). Single dose modifications take less than 2 seconds on an actual desktop PC.

Effective Dose Equivalent due to Cosmic Ray Particles and Their Secondary Particles on the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayatsu, Kanako; Hareyama, Makoto; Kobayashi, Shingo; Karouji, Yuzuru; Sakurai, K.; Sihver, Lembit; Hasebe, N.

Estimation of radiation dose on and under the lunar surface is quite important for human activity on the Moon and for the future lunar bases construction. Radiation environment on the Moon is much different from that on the Earth. Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar energetic particles (SEPs) directly penetrate the lunar surface because of no atmosphere and no magnetic field around the Moon. Then, they generate many secondary particles such as neutrons, gamma rays and other charged particles by nuclear interactions with soils and regolith breccias under the lunar surface. Therefore, the estimation of radiation dose from them on the surface and the underground of the Moon are essential for safety human activities. In this study, the effective dose equivalents at the surface and various depths of the Moon were estimated using by the latest cosmic rays observation and developed calculation code. The largest contribution to the dose on the surface is primary charged particles in GCRs and SEPs, while in the ground, secondary neutrons are the most dominant. In particular, the dose from neutrons becomes maximal at 70-80 g/cm2 in depth of lunar soil, because fast neutrons with about 1.0 MeV are mostly produced at this depth and give the largest dose. On the lunar surface, the doses originated from large SEPs are very hazardous. We estimated the effective dose equivalents due to such large SEPs and the effects of aluminum shield for the large flare on the human body. In the presentation, we summarize and discuss the improved calculation results of radiation doses due to GCR particles and their secondary particles in the lunar subsurface. These results will provide useful data for the future exploration of the Moon.

Space Weather at Mars: MAVEN and MSL/RAD Observations of CME and SEP Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, C. O.; Ehresmann, B.; Lillis, R. J.; Dunn, P.; Rahmati, A.; Larson, D. E.; Guo, J.; Zeitlin, C.; Luhmann, J. G.; Halekas, J. S.; Espley, J. R.; Thiemann, E.; Hassler, D.

2017-12-01

While MAVEN have been observing the space weather conditions driven by ICMEs and SEPs in orbit around Mars, MSL/RAD have been measuring the surface radiation environment due to E > 150 MeV/nuc SEPs and the higher-energy galactic cosmic rays. The suite of MAVEN instruments measuring the particles (SEP), plasma (SWIA) and fields (MAG) information provides detailed local space weather information regarding the solar activity-related fluctuations in the measured surface dose rates. At the same time, the related enhancements in the RAD surface dose rates indicate the degree to which the SEPs affect the lower atmosphere and surface. We will present an overview of the MAVEN observations together with the MSL/RAD measurements and focus our discussion on a number of space weather events driven by CMEs and SEPs. During the March 2015 solar storm period, a succession of CMEs produced intense SEP proton fluxes that were detected by MAVEN/SEP in the 20 keV to 6 MeV detected energy channels. At higher energies, MAVEN/SEP record `FTO' SEP events that were triggered by > 13 MeV energetic protons passing through all three silicon detector layers (Front, Thick, and Open). Using the detector response matrix for an FTO event (incident energy vs detected energy), the minimum incident energy of the SEP protons observed in March 2015 was inferred to be > 40 MeV. The lack of any notable enhancements in the surface dose rate by MSL/RAD suggests that the highest incident energies of the SEP protons were < 150 MeV. Note that Forbush-like decreases were observed due to the local passages of the ICMEs. In contrast, MSL/RAD detected dose rate enhancements above the background level in October 2015 even though the MAVEN SWIA and MAG instruments did not detect any local passage of an ICME nor did the SEP instrument observe any SEP proton fluxes in the 20 keV to 6 MeV energy channels. However, MAVEN/SEP did record an FTO event that coincided with the RAD dose rate enhancement, all of which suggest that > 150 MeV SEP protons impacted the Martian atmosphere and surface. The source of the October 2015 SEP event was probably the CME that erupted near the solar west limb with respect to the Sun-Mars line. As part of the discussion, we will also show solar-heliospheric observations from near-Earth assets together with WSA-Enlil-cone results for some global heliospheric context.

Superconductivity across Lifshitz transition and anomalous insulating state in surface K-dosed (Li0.8Fe0.2OH)FeSe.

PubMed

Ren, Mingqiang; Yan, Yajun; Niu, Xiaohai; Tao, Ran; Hu, Die; Peng, Rui; Xie, Binping; Zhao, Jun; Zhang, Tong; Feng, Dong-Lai

2017-07-01

In iron-based superconductors, understanding the relation between superconductivity and electronic structure upon doping is crucial for exploring the pairing mechanism. Recently, it was found that, in iron selenide (FeSe), enhanced superconductivity ( T c of more than 40 K) can be achieved via electron doping, with the Fermi surface only comprising M-centered electron pockets. By using surface K dosing, scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we studied the electronic structure and superconductivity of (Li 0.8 Fe 0.2 OH)FeSe in the deep electron-doped regime. We find that a Γ-centered electron band, which originally lies above the Fermi level ( E F ), can be continuously tuned to cross E F and contribute a new electron pocket at Γ. When this Lifshitz transition occurs, the superconductivity in the M-centered electron pocket is slightly suppressed, and a possible superconducting gap with a small size (up to ~5 meV) and a dome-like doping dependence is observed on the new Γ electron pocket. Upon further K dosing, the system eventually evolves into an insulating state. Our findings provide new clues to understand superconductivity versus Fermi surface topology and the correlation effect in FeSe-based superconductors.

Superconductivity across Lifshitz transition and anomalous insulating state in surface K–dosed (Li0.8Fe0.2OH)FeSe

PubMed Central

Ren, Mingqiang; Yan, Yajun; Niu, Xiaohai; Tao, Ran; Hu, Die; Peng, Rui; Xie, Binping; Zhao, Jun; Zhang, Tong; Feng, Dong-Lai

2017-01-01

In iron-based superconductors, understanding the relation between superconductivity and electronic structure upon doping is crucial for exploring the pairing mechanism. Recently, it was found that, in iron selenide (FeSe), enhanced superconductivity (Tc of more than 40 K) can be achieved via electron doping, with the Fermi surface only comprising M-centered electron pockets. By using surface K dosing, scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we studied the electronic structure and superconductivity of (Li0.8Fe0.2OH)FeSe in the deep electron-doped regime. We find that a Γ-centered electron band, which originally lies above the Fermi level (EF), can be continuously tuned to cross EF and contribute a new electron pocket at Γ. When this Lifshitz transition occurs, the superconductivity in the M-centered electron pocket is slightly suppressed, and a possible superconducting gap with a small size (up to ~5 meV) and a dome-like doping dependence is observed on the new Γ electron pocket. Upon further K dosing, the system eventually evolves into an insulating state. Our findings provide new clues to understand superconductivity versus Fermi surface topology and the correlation effect in FeSe-based superconductors. PMID:28740865

Development of a high precision dosimetry system for the measurement of surface dose rate distribution for eye applicators.

PubMed

Eichmann, Marion; Flühs, Dirk; Spaan, Bernhard

2009-10-01

The therapeutic outcome of the therapy with ophthalmic applicators is highly dependent on the application of a sufficient dose to the tumor, whereas the dose applied to the surrounding tissue needs to be minimized. The goal for the newly developed apparatus described in this work is the determination of the individual applicator surface dose rate distribution with a high spatial resolution and a high precision in dose rate with respect to time and budget constraints especially important for clinical procedures. Inhomogeneities of the dose rate distribution can be detected and taken into consideration for the treatment planning. In order to achieve this, a dose rate profile as well as a surface profile of the applicator are measured and correlated with each other. An instrumental setup has been developed consisting of a plastic scintillator detector system and a newly designed apparatus for guiding the detector across the applicator surface at a constant small distance. It performs an angular movement of detector and applicator with high precision. The measurements of surface dose rate distributions discussed in this work demonstrate the successful operation of the measuring setup. Measuring the surface dose rate distribution with a small distance between applicator and detector and with a high density of measuring points results in a complete and gapless coverage of the applicator surface, being capable of distinguishing small sized spots with high activities. The dosimetrical accuracy of the measurements and its analysis is sufficient (uncertainty in the dose rate in terms of absorbed dose to water is <7%), especially when taking the surgical techniques in positioning of the applicator on the eyeball into account. The method developed so far allows a fully automated quality assurance of eye applicators even under clinical conditions. These measurements provide the basis for future calculation of a full 3D dose rate distribution, which then can be used as input for a refined clinical treatment planning system. The improved dose rate measurements will facilitate a clinical study, which could correlate the therapeutic outcome of a brachytherapy treatment with an applicator and its individual dose rate distribution.

Development of a high precision dosimetry system for the measurement of surface dose rate distribution for eye applicators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eichmann, Marion; Fluehs, Dirk; Spaan, Bernhard

2009-10-15

Purpose: The therapeutic outcome of the therapy with ophthalmic applicators is highly dependent on the application of a sufficient dose to the tumor, whereas the dose applied to the surrounding tissue needs to be minimized. The goal for the newly developed apparatus described in this work is the determination of the individual applicator surface dose rate distribution with a high spatial resolution and a high precision in dose rate with respect to time and budget constraints especially important for clinical procedures. Inhomogeneities of the dose rate distribution can be detected and taken into consideration for the treatment planning. Methods: Inmore » order to achieve this, a dose rate profile as well as a surface profile of the applicator are measured and correlated with each other. An instrumental setup has been developed consisting of a plastic scintillator detector system and a newly designed apparatus for guiding the detector across the applicator surface at a constant small distance. It performs an angular movement of detector and applicator with high precision. Results: The measurements of surface dose rate distributions discussed in this work demonstrate the successful operation of the measuring setup. Measuring the surface dose rate distribution with a small distance between applicator and detector and with a high density of measuring points results in a complete and gapless coverage of the applicator surface, being capable of distinguishing small sized spots with high activities. The dosimetrical accuracy of the measurements and its analysis is sufficient (uncertainty in the dose rate in terms of absorbed dose to water is <7%), especially when taking the surgical techniques in positioning of the applicator on the eyeball into account. Conclusions: The method developed so far allows a fully automated quality assurance of eye applicators even under clinical conditions. These measurements provide the basis for future calculation of a full 3D dose rate distribution, which then can be used as input for a refined clinical treatment planning system. The improved dose rate measurements will facilitate a clinical study, which could correlate the therapeutic outcome of a brachytherapy treatment with an applicator and its individual dose rate distribution.« less

A new radiotherapy surface dose detector:the MOSFET.

PubMed

Butson, M J; Rozenfeld, A; Mathur, J N; Carolan, M; Wong, T P; Metcalfe, P E

1996-05-01

Radiotherapy x-ray and electron beam surface doses are accurately measurable by use of a MOS-FET detector system. The MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) is approximately 200-microns in diameter and consists of a 0.5-microns Al electrode on top of a 1-microns SiO2 and 300-microns Si substrate. Results for % surface dose were within +/- 2% compared to the Attix chamber and within +/- 3% of TLD extrapolation results for normally incident beams. Detectors were compared using different energies, field size, and beam modifying devices such as block trays and wedges. Percentage surface dose for 10 x 10-cm and 40 x 40-cm field size for 6-MV x rays at 100-cm SSD using the MOSFET were 16% and 42% of maximum, respectively. Factors such as its small size, immediate retrieval of results, high accuracy attainable from low applied doses, and as the MOSFET records its dose history make it a suitable in vivo dosimeter where surface and skin doses need to be determined. This can be achieved within part of the first fraction of dose (i.e., only 10 cGy is required.)

Space radiation dose estimates on the surface of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simonsen, Lisa C.; Nealy, John E.; Townsend, Lawrence W.; Wilson, John W.

1990-01-01

The Langley cosmic ray transport code and the Langley nucleon transport code (BRYNTRN) are used to quantify the transport and attenuation of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar proton flares through the Martian atmosphere. Surface doses are estimated using both a low density and a high density carbon dioxide model of the atmosphere which, in the vertical direction, provides a total of 16 g/sq cm and 22 g/sq cm of protection, respectively. At the Mars surface during the solar minimum cycle, a blood-forming organ (BFO) dose equivalent of 10.5 to 12 rem/yr due to galactic cosmic ray transport and attenuation is calculated. Estimates of the BFO dose equivalents which would have been incurred from the three large solar flare events of August 1972, November 1960, and February 1956 are also calculated at the surface. Results indicate surface BFO dose equivalents of approximately 2 to 5, 5 to 7, and 8 to 10 rem per event, respectively. Doses are also estimated at altitudes up to 12 km above the Martian surface where the atmosphere will provide less total protection.

In-Plane Shielding for CT: Effect of Off-Centering, Automatic Exposure Control and Shield-to-Surface Distance

PubMed Central

Dang, Pragya; Singh, Sarabjeet; Saini, Sanjay; Shepard, Jo-Anne O.

2009-01-01

Objective To assess effects of off-centering, automatic exposure control, and padding on attenuation values, noise, and radiation dose when using in-plane bismuth-based shields for CT scanning. Materials and Methods A 30 cm anthropomorphic chest phantom was scanned on a 64-multidetector CT, with the center of the phantom aligned to the gantry isocenter. Scanning was repeated after placing a bismuth breast shield on the anterior surface with no gap and with 1, 2, and 6 cm of padding between the shield and the phantom surface. The "shielded" phantom was also scanned with combined modulation and off-centering of the phantom at 2 cm, 4 cm and 6 cm below the gantry isocenter. CT numbers, noise, and surface radiation dose were measured. The data were analyzed using an analysis of variance. Results The in-plane shield was not associated with any significant increment for the surface dose or CT dose index volume, which was achieved by comparing the radiation dose measured by combined modulation technique to the fixed mAs (p > 0.05). Irrespective of the gap or the surface CT numbers, surface noise increased to a larger extent compared to Hounsfield unit (HU) (0-6 cm, 26-55%) and noise (0-6 cm, 30-40%) in the center. With off-centering, in-plane shielding devices are associated with less dose savings, although dose reduction was still higher than in the absence of shielding (0 cm off-center, 90% dose reduction; 2 cm, 61%) (p < 0.0001). Streak artifacts were noted at 0 cm and 1 cm gaps but not at 2 cm and 6 cm gaps of shielding to the surface distances. Conclusion In-plane shields are associated with greater image noise, artifactually increased attenuation values, and streak artifacts. However, shields reduce radiation dose regardless of the extent of off-centering. Automatic exposure control did not increase radiation dose when using a shield. PMID:19270862

Surface damage characterization of FBK devices for High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moscatelli, F.; Passeri, D.; Morozzi, A.; Dalla Betta, G.-F.; Mattiazzo, S.; Bomben, M.; Bilei, G. M.

2017-12-01

The very high fluences (e.g. up to 2×1016 1 MeV neq/cm2) and total ionising doses (TID) of the order of 1 Grad, expected at the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC), impose new challenges for the design of effective, radiation resistant detectors. Ionising energy loss is the dominant effect for what concerns SiO2 and SiO2/Si interface radiation damage. In particular, surface damage can create a positive charge layer near the SiO2/Si interface and interface traps along the SiO2/Si interface, which strongly influence the breakdown voltage, the inter-electrode isolation and capacitance, and might also impact the charge collection properties of silicon sensors. To better understand in a comprehensive framework the complex and articulated phenomena related to surface damage at these very high doses, measurements on test structures have been carried out in this work (e.g. C-V and I-V). In particular, we have studied the properties of the SiO2 layer and of the SiO2/Si interface, using MOS capacitors, gated diodes (GD) and MOSFETs manufactured by FBK on high-resistivity n-type and p-type silicon, before and after irradiation with X-rays in the range from 50 krad(SiO2) to 20 Mrad(SiO2). Relevant parameters have been determined for all the tested devices, converging in the oxide charge density NOX, the surface generation velocity s0 and the integrated interface-trap density NIT dose-dependent values. These parameters have been extracted to both characterize the technology as a function of the dose and to be used in TCAD simulations for the surface damage effect modeling and the analysis and optimization of different classes of detectors for the next HEP experiments.

Evaluation of surface and shallow depth dose reductions using a Superflab bolus during conventional and advanced external beam radiotherapy.

PubMed

Yoon, Jihyung; Xie, Yibo; Zhang, Rui

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a methodology to reduce scatter and leakage radiations to patients' surface and shallow depths during conventional and advanced external beam radiotherapy. Superflab boluses of different thicknesses were placed on top of a stack of solid water phantoms, and the bolus effect on surface and shallow depth doses for both open and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) beams was evaluated using thermoluminescent dosimeters and ion chamber measurements. Contralateral breast dose reduction caused by the bolus was evaluated by delivering clinical postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) plans to an anthropomorphic phantom. For the solid water phantom measurements, surface dose reduction caused by the Superflab bolus was achieved only in out-of-field area and on the incident side of the beam, and the dose reduction increased with bolus thickness. The dose reduction caused by the bolus was more significant at closer distances from the beam. Most of the dose reductions occurred in the first 2-cm depth and stopped at 4-cm depth. For clinical PMRT treatment plans, surface dose reductions using a 1-cm Superflab bolus were up to 31% and 62% for volumetric-modulated arc therapy and 4-field IMRT, respectively, but there was no dose reduction for Tomotherapy. A Superflab bolus can be used to reduce surface and shallow depth doses during external beam radiotherapy when it is placed out of the beam and on the incident side of the beam. Although we only validated this dose reduction strategy for PMRT treatments, it is applicable to any external beam radiotherapy and can potentially reduce patients' risk of developing radiation-induced side effects. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

SU-C-213-05: Evaluation of a Composite Copper-Plastic Material for a 3D Printed Radiation Therapy Bolus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vitzthum, L; Ehler, E; Sterling, D

2015-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate a novel 3D printed bolus fabricated from a copper-plastic composite as a thin flexible, custom fitting device that can replicate doses achieved with conventional bolus techniques. Methods: Two models of bolus were created on a 3D printer using a composite copper-PLA/PHA. Firstly, boluses were constructed at thicknesses of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mm. Relative dose measurements were performed under the bolus with an Attix Chamber as well as with radiochromic film. Results were compared to superficial Attix Chamber measurements in a water equivalent material to determine the dosimetric water equivalence of the copper-PLA/PHA plastic. Secondly, CT imagesmore » of a RANDO phantom were used to create a custom fitting bolus across the anterolateral scalp. Surface dose with the bolus placed on the RANDO phantom was measured with radiochromic film at tangential angles with 6, 10, 10 flattening filter free (FFF) and 18 MV photon beams. Results: Mean surface doses for 6, 10, 10FFF and 18 MV were measured as a percent of Dmax for the flat bolus devices of each thickness. The 0.4 mm thickness bolus was determined to be near equivalent to 2.5 mm depth in water for all four energies. Surface doses ranged from 59–63% without bolus and 85–90% with the custom 0.4 mm copper-plastic bolus relative to the prescribed dose for an oblique tangential beam arrangement on the RANDO phantom. Conclusion: Sub-millimeter thickness, 3D printed composite copper-PLA/PHA bolus can provide a build-up effect equivalent to conventional bolus. At this thickness, the 3D printed bolus allows a level of flexure that may provide more patient comfort than current 3D printing materials used in bolus fabrication while still retaining the CT based custom patient shape. Funding provided by an intra-department grant of the University of Minnesota Department of Radiation Oncology.« less

Generation of uniformly distributed dose points for anatomy-based three-dimensional dose optimization methods in brachytherapy.

PubMed

Lahanas, M; Baltas, D; Giannouli, S; Milickovic, N; Zamboglou, N

2000-05-01

We have studied the accuracy of statistical parameters of dose distributions in brachytherapy using actual clinical implants. These include the mean, minimum and maximum dose values and the variance of the dose distribution inside the PTV (planning target volume), and on the surface of the PTV. These properties have been studied as a function of the number of uniformly distributed sampling points. These parameters, or the variants of these parameters, are used directly or indirectly in optimization procedures or for a description of the dose distribution. The accurate determination of these parameters depends on the sampling point distribution from which they have been obtained. Some optimization methods ignore catheters and critical structures surrounded by the PTV or alternatively consider as surface dose points only those on the contour lines of the PTV. D(min) and D(max) are extreme dose values which are either on the PTV surface or within the PTV. They must be avoided for specification and optimization purposes in brachytherapy. Using D(mean) and the variance of D which we have shown to be stable parameters, achieves a more reliable description of the dose distribution on the PTV surface and within the PTV volume than does D(min) and D(max). Generation of dose points on the real surface of the PTV is obligatory and the consideration of catheter volumes results in a realistic description of anatomical dose distributions.

Uncertainties in Assesment of the Vaginal Dose for Intracavitary Brachytherapy of Cervical Cancer using a Tandem-ring Applicator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berger, Daniel; Dimopoulos, Johannes; Georg, Petra

2007-04-01

Purpose: The vagina has not been widely recognized as organ at risk in brachytherapy for cervical cancer. No widely accepted dose parameters are available. This study analyzes the uncertainties in dose reporting for the vaginal wall using tandem-ring applicators. Methods and Materials: Organ wall contours were delineated on axial magnetic resonance (MR) slices to perform dose-volume histogram (DVH) analysis. Different DVH parameters were used in a feasibility study based on 40 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based treatment plans of different cervical cancer patients. Dose to the most irradiated, 0.1 cm{sup 3}, 1 cm{sup 3}, 2 cm{sup 3}, and at defined pointsmore » on the ring surface and at 5-mm tissue depth were reported. Treatment-planning systems allow different methods of dose point definition. Film dosimetry was used to verify the maximum dose at the surface of the ring applicator in an experimental setup. Results: Dose reporting for the vagina is extremely sensitive to geometrical uncertainties with variations of 25% for 1 mm shifts. Accurate delineation of the vaginal wall is limited by the finite pixel size of MRI and available treatment-planning systems. No significant correlation was found between dose-point and dose-volume parameters. The DVH parameters were often related to noncontiguous volumes and were not able to detect very different situations of spatial dose distributions inside the vaginal wall. Deviations between measured and calculated doses were up to 21%. Conclusions: Reporting either point dose values or DVH parameters for the vaginal wall is based on high inaccuracies because of contouring and geometric positioning. Therefore, the use of prospective dose constraints for individual treatment plans is not to be recommended at present. However, for large patient groups treated within one protocol correlation with vaginal morbidity can be evaluated.« less

Characterization of optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters and investigating their potential for estimating pediatric organ doses in multi-slice computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Senan, Rani Mohammed

Recent epidemiologic studies have shown a strong association between the relatively high doses of pediatric CT and the risk of cancer. Quantifying organ doses, as a measure of the risk, is commonly based on either direct anthropomorphic phantom measurements or Monte Carlo simulation. The major disadvantage in the phantom approach is its high cost especially that, for pediatric CT dosimetry, various phantom sizes are required to represent different age groups of children. On the other hand, Monte Carlo simulation, although not considered costly, requires validation by anthropomorphic phantom measurements. The aim of this project was to develop two methods of organ dose estimation in pediatric CT: 1) from the measured surface dose using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) and 2) by measuring the circumference of the body part being scanned as well as knowing the scan parameters. The project was based on a study proposed by the surgery department to monitor radiation exposure to children during their CT examination in the ER. A total of 200 pediatric patients were enrolled in this study which used OSLDs to monitor the doses. Specific aim 1 of this project was to characterize the OSLDs in the diagnostic energy range. Specific aim 2(a) was to find relationships between the patients' doses from OSLDs and both scan CTDI and the measured circumference. In specific aim 2(b) we carried out measurements using CTDI phantoms to investigate the relationships studied in specific aim 2(a). Specific aim 3 was to come up with models to estimate select organ doses from measuring surface dose or by using the circumference of the body part. To do this, pediatric examinations were simulated using a set of pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms in which doses of select organs were measured.

Monte Carlo modeling of the MammoSite(Reg) treatments: Dose effects of air pockets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yu-Huei Jessica

In the treatment of early-stage breast cancer, MammoSiteRTM has been used as one of the partial breast irradiation techniques after breast-conserving surgery. The MammoSiteRTM applicator is a single catheter with an inflatable balloon at its distal end that can be placed in the resected cavity (tumor bed). The treatment is performed by delivering the Ir-192 high-dose-rate source through the center lumen of the catheter by a remote afterloader while the balloon is inflated in the tumor bed cavity. In the MammoSiteRTM treatment, it has been found that air pockets occasionally exist and can be seen and measured in CT images. Experiences have shown that about 90% of the patients have air pockets when imaged two days after the balloon placement. The criterion for the air pocket volume is less than or equal to 10% of the planning target volume in volume. The purpose of this study is to quantify dose errors occurring at the interface of the air pocket in MammoSiteRTM treatments with Monte Carlo calculations, so that the dosimetric effects from the air pocket can be fully understood. Modern brachytherapy treatment planning systems typically consider patient anatomy as a homogeneous water medium, and incorrectly model lateral and backscatter radiation during treatment delivery. Heterogeneities complicate the problem and may result in overdosage to the tissue located near the medium interface. This becomes a problem in MammoSiteRTM brachytherapy when air pocket appears during the treatment. The resulting percentage dose difference near the air-tissue interface is hypothesized to be greater than 10% when comparing Monte Carlo N-Particle (version 5) with current treatment planning systems. The specific aims for this study are: (1) Validate Monte Carlo N-Particle (Version 5) source modeling. (2) Develop phantom. (3) Calculate phantom doses with Monte Carlo N-Particle (Version 5) and investigate doses difference between thermoluminescent dosimeter measurement, treatment planning system, and Monte Carlo results. (4) Calculate dose differences for various treatment parameters. The results from thermoliminescent dosimeter phantom measurements proves that with correct geometric and source models, Monte Carlo method can be used to estimate homogeneity and heterogeneity doses in MammoSiteRTM treatment. The resulting dose differences at various points of interests in Monte Carlo calculations were presented and compared between different calculation methods. The air pocket doses were found to be underestimated by the treatment planning system. It was concluded that after correcting for inverse square law, the underestimation error from the treatment planning system will be less than +/- 2.0%, and +/- 3.5%, at the air pocket surface and air pocket planning target volume, respectively, when comparing Monte Carlo N-Particle (version 5) results. If the skin surface is located close to the air pocket, the underestimation effect at the air pocket surface and air pocket planning target volume doses becomes less because the air outside of the skin surface reduces the air pocket inhomogeneity effect. In order to maintain appropriate skin dose within tolerance, the skin surface criterion should be considered as the smallest thickness of the breast tissue located between the air pocket and the skin surface. The thickness should be at least 5 mm. In conclusion, the air pocket outside the balloon had less than 10% inhomogeneity effect based on the situations studied. It is recommended that at least an inverse square correction should be taken into consideration in order to relate clinical outcomes to actual delivered doses to the air pocket and surrounding tissues.

SU-E-J-239: Influence of RF Coil Materials On Surface and Buildup Dose From a 6MV Photon Beam

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghila, A; Fallone, B; Rathee, S

2015-06-15

Purpose: In order to perform real time tumour tracking using an integrated Linac-MR, images have to be acquired during irradiation. MRI uses RF coils in close proximity to the imaged volume. Given current RF coil designs this means that the high energy photons will be passing through the coil before reaching the patient. This study experimentally investigates the dose modifications that occur due to the presence of various RF coil materials in the treatment beam. Methods: Polycarbonate, copper or aluminum tape, and Teflon were used to emulate the base, conductor and cover respectively of a surface RF coil. These materialsmore » were placed at various distances from the surface of polystyrene or solid water phantoms which were irradiated in the presence of no magnetic field, a transverse 0.2T magnetic field, and a parallel 0.2T magnetic field. Percent depth doses were measured using ion chambers. Results: A significant increase in surface and buildup dose is observed. The surface dose is seen to decrease with an increasing separation between the emulated coil and the phantom surface, when no magnetic field is present. When a transverse magnetic field is applied the surface dose decreases faster with increasing separation, as some of the electrons created in the coil are curved away from the phantom’s surface. When a parallel field is present the surface dose stays approximately constant for small separations, only slightly decreasing for separations greater than 5cm, since the magnetic field focuses the electrons produced in the coil materials not allowing them to scatter. Conclusion: Irradiating a patient through an RF coil leads to an increase in the surface and buildup doses. Mitigating this increase is important for the successful clinical use of either a transverse or a parallel configuration Linac-MR unit. This project is partially supported by an operating grant from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR MOP 93752)« less

Simulation of parabolic reflectors for ultraviolet phototherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimes, David Robert

2016-08-01

Ultraviolet (UVR) phototherapy is widely used to treat an array of skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo. For such interventions, a quantified dose is vital if the treatment is to be both biologically effective and to avoid the detrimental effects of over-dosing. As dose is absorbed at surface level, the orientation of patient site with respect to the UVR lamps modulates effective dose. Previous investigations have modelled this behaviour, and examined the impact of shaped anodized aluminium reflectors typically placed around lamps in phototherapy cabins. These mirrors are effective but tend to yield complex patterns of reflection around the cabin which can result in substantial dose inhomogeneity. There has been some speculation over whether using the reflective property of parabolic mirrors might improve dose delivery or homogeneity through the treatment cabin. In this work, the effects of parabolic mirrors are simulated and compared with standard shaped mirrors. Simulation results strongly suggest that parabolic reflectors reduce total irradiance relative to standard shaped reflectors, and have a negligible impact on dose homogeneity.

Fabrication of high quality aspheric microlens array by dose-modulated lithography and surface thermal reflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shengzhou; Li, Mujun; Shen, Lianguan; Qiu, Jinfeng; Zhou, Youquan

2018-03-01

A novel fabrication method for high quality aspheric microlens array (MLA) was developed by combining the dose-modulated DMD-based lithography and surface thermal reflow process. In this method, the complex shape of aspheric microlens is pre-modeled via dose modulation in a digital micromirror device (DMD) based maskless projection lithography. And the dose modulation mainly depends on the distribution of exposure dose of photoresist. Then the pre-shaped aspheric microlens is polished by a following non-contact thermal reflow (NCTR) process. Different from the normal process, the reflow process here is investigated to improve the surface quality while keeping the pre-modeled shape unchanged, and thus will avoid the difficulties in generating the aspheric surface during reflow. Fabrication of a designed aspheric MLA with this method was demonstrated in experiments. Results showed that the obtained aspheric MLA was good in both shape accuracy and surface quality. The presented method may be a promising approach in rapidly fabricating high quality aspheric microlens with complex surface.

40 CFR 191.12 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... metric system which has been established by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and is...) monitoring parameters related to disposal system performance. Annual committed effective dose means the... radioactive wastes in a disposal system; and (2) the subsurface underlying such a surface location. Disposal...

40 CFR 191.12 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... metric system which has been established by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and is...) monitoring parameters related to disposal system performance. Annual committed effective dose means the... radioactive wastes in a disposal system; and (2) the subsurface underlying such a surface location. Disposal...

40 CFR 191.12 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... metric system which has been established by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and is...) monitoring parameters related to disposal system performance. Annual committed effective dose means the... radioactive wastes in a disposal system; and (2) the subsurface underlying such a surface location. Disposal...

In vivo dosimetry using Gafchromic films during pelvic intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT)

PubMed Central

Costa, Filipa; Gomes, Dora; Magalhães, Helena; Arrais, Rosário; Moreira, Graciete; Cruz, Maria Fátima; Silva, José Pedro; Santos, Lúcio; Sousa, Olga

2016-01-01

Objective: To characterize in vivo dose distributions during pelvic intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) for rectal cancer and to assess the alterations introduced by irregular irradiation surfaces in the presence of bevelled applicators. Methods: In vivo measurements were performed with Gafchromic films during 32 IOERT procedures. 1 film per procedure was used for the first 20 procedures. The methodology was then optimized for the remaining 12 procedures by using a set of 3 films. Both the average dose and two-dimensional dose distributions for each film were determined. Phantom measurements were performed for comparison. Results: For flat and concave surfaces, the doses measured in vivo agree with expected values. For concave surfaces with step-like irregularities, measured doses tend to be higher than expected doses. Results obtained with three films per procedure show a large variability along the irradiated surface, with important differences from expected profiles. These results are consistent with the presence of surface hotspots, such as those observed in phantoms in the presence of step-like irregularities, as well as fluid build-up. Conclusion: Clinical dose distributions in the IOERT of rectal cancer are often different from the references used for prescription. Further studies are necessary to assess the impact of these differences on treatment outcomes. In vivo measurements are important, but need to be accompanied by accurate imaging of positioning and irradiated surfaces. Advances in knowledge: These results confirm that surface irregularities occur frequently in rectal cancer IOERT and have a measurable effect on the dose distribution. PMID:27188847

Practical dose point-based methods to characterize dose distribution in a stationary elliptical body phantom for a cone-beam C-arm CT system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Jang-Hwan, E-mail: jhchoi21@stanford.edu; Constantin, Dragos; Ganguly, Arundhuti

2015-08-15

Purpose: To propose new dose point measurement-based metrics to characterize the dose distributions and the mean dose from a single partial rotation of an automatic exposure control-enabled, C-arm-based, wide cone angle computed tomography system over a stationary, large, body-shaped phantom. Methods: A small 0.6 cm{sup 3} ion chamber (IC) was used to measure the radiation dose in an elliptical body-shaped phantom made of tissue-equivalent material. The IC was placed at 23 well-distributed holes in the central and peripheral regions of the phantom and dose was recorded for six acquisition protocols with different combinations of minimum kVp (109 and 125 kVp)more » and z-collimator aperture (full: 22.2 cm; medium: 14.0 cm; small: 8.4 cm). Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were carried out to generate complete 2D dose distributions in the central plane (z = 0). The MC model was validated at the 23 dose points against IC experimental data. The planar dose distributions were then estimated using subsets of the point dose measurements using two proposed methods: (1) the proximity-based weighting method (method 1) and (2) the dose point surface fitting method (method 2). Twenty-eight different dose point distributions with six different point number cases (4, 5, 6, 7, 14, and 23 dose points) were evaluated to determine the optimal number of dose points and their placement in the phantom. The performances of the methods were determined by comparing their results with those of the validated MC simulations. The performances of the methods in the presence of measurement uncertainties were evaluated. Results: The 5-, 6-, and 7-point cases had differences below 2%, ranging from 1.0% to 1.7% for both methods, which is a performance comparable to that of the methods with a relatively large number of points, i.e., the 14- and 23-point cases. However, with the 4-point case, the performances of the two methods decreased sharply. Among the 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-point cases, the 7-point case (1.0% [±0.6%] difference) and the 6-point case (0.7% [±0.6%] difference) performed best for method 1 and method 2, respectively. Moreover, method 2 demonstrated high-fidelity surface reconstruction with as few as 5 points, showing pixelwise absolute differences of 3.80 mGy (±0.32 mGy). Although the performance was shown to be sensitive to the phantom displacement from the isocenter, the performance changed by less than 2% for shifts up to 2 cm in the x- and y-axes in the central phantom plane. Conclusions: With as few as five points, method 1 and method 2 were able to compute the mean dose with reasonable accuracy, demonstrating differences of 1.7% (±1.2%) and 1.3% (±1.0%), respectively. A larger number of points do not necessarily guarantee better performance of the methods; optimal choice of point placement is necessary. The performance of the methods is sensitive to the alignment of the center of the body phantom relative to the isocenter. In body applications where dose distributions are important, method 2 is a better choice than method 1, as it reconstructs the dose surface with high fidelity, using as few as five points.« less

Effects of tartrazine on exploratory behavior in a three-generation toxicity study in mice.

PubMed

Tanaka, Toyohito; Takahashi, Osamu; Oishi, Shinshi; Ogata, Akio

2008-10-01

Tartrazine was given to mice in the diet at levels of 0 (control), 0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.45% from 5 weeks of age of the F(0) generation to 9 weeks of age of the F(2) generation, and selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured. In the F(1) generation, the development of swimming direction at postnatal day (PND) 7 was accelerated significantly in male offspring in a dose-related manner. Surface righting at PND 7 was affected significantly in female offspring in dose-related manner. Several variables in exploratory behavior showed significant tendencies to be affected in the treatment groups in male offspring at 3 weeks of age. In the F(2) generation, the development of swimming direction at PND 7 was accelerated significantly in the high-dosed group in male offspring. Time taken of olfactory orientation at PND 14 was accelerated significantly in male offspring in a dose-related manner. Several variables in exploratory behavior showed significant tendencies to be affected in the treatment groups in male offspring at 3 weeks of age, and in males at 8 weeks of age. The dose levels of tartrazine in the present study produced a few adverse effects on neurobehavioral parameters throughout generations in mice.

Surface radiation dose comparison of a dedicated extremity cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) device and a multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) machine in pediatric ankle and wrist phantoms

PubMed Central

Nagy, Eszter; Apfaltrer, Georg; Riccabona, Michael; Singer, Georg; Stücklschweiger, Georg; Guss, Helmuth; Sorantin, Erich

2017-01-01

Objectives To evaluate and compare surface doses of a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) device in pediatric ankle and wrist phantoms. Methods Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were used to measure and compare surface doses between CBCT and MDCT in a left ankle and a right wrist pediatric phantom. In both modalities adapted pediatric dose protocols were utilized to achieve realistic imaging conditions. All measurements were repeated three times to prove test-retest reliability. Additionally, objective and subjective image quality parameters were assessed. Results Average surface doses were 3.8 ±2.1 mGy for the ankle, and 2.2 ±1.3 mGy for the wrist in CBCT. The corresponding surface doses in optimized MDCT were 4.5 ±1.3 mGy for the ankle, and 3.4 ±0.7 mGy for the wrist. Overall, mean surface dose was significantly lower in CBCT (3.0 ±1.9 mGy vs. 3.9 ±1.2 mGy, p<0.001). Subjectively rated general image quality was not significantly different between the study protocols (p = 0.421), whereas objectively measured image quality parameters were in favor of CBCT (p<0.001). Conclusions Adapted extremity CBCT imaging protocols have the potential to fall below optimized pediatric ankle and wrist MDCT doses at comparable image qualities. These possible dose savings warrant further development and research in pediatric extremity CBCT applications. PMID:28570626

Effects of gamma radiation on hard dental tissues of albino rats using scanning electron microscope - Part 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Faramawy, Nabil; Ameen, Reham; El-Haddad, Khaled; Maghraby, Ahmed; El-Zainy, Medhat

2011-12-01

In the present study, 40 adult male albino rats were used to study the effect of gamma radiation on the hard dental tissues (enamel surface, dentinal tubules and the cementum surface). The rats were irradiated at 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 Gy gamma doses. The effects of irradiated hard dental tissues samples were investigated using a scanning electron microscope. For doses up to 0.5 Gy, there was no evidence of the existence of cracks on the enamel surface. With 1 Gy irradiation dose, cracks were clearly observed with localized erosive areas. At 2 Gy irradiation dose, the enamel showed morphological alterations as disturbed prismatic and interprismatic areas. An increase in dentinal tubules diameter and a contemporary inter-tubular dentine volume decrease were observed with higher irradiation dose. Concerning cementum, low doses,<0.5 Gy, showed surface irregularities and with increase in the irradiation dose to≥1 Gy, noticeable surface irregularities and erosive areas with decrease in Sharpey's fiber sites were observed. These observations could shed light on the hazardous effects of irradiation fields to the functioning of the human teeth.

Radiation Measurements in Cruise and on Mars by the MSL Radiation Assessment Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeitlin, C. J.; Hassler, D.; Wimmer-Schweingruber, R. F.; Appel, J. K.; Boehm, E.; Boettcher, S.; Brinza, D.; Burmeister, S.; Cucinotta, F.; Ehresmann, B.; Guo, J.; Kohler, J.; Lohf, H.; Martin, C.; Posner, A.; Rafkin, S. C.; Reitz, G.; Team, M.

2013-12-01

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) is one of ten science instruments on the Curiosity rover. The RAD team's science objectives include the measurement of radiation dose (a purely physical quantity) and dose equivalent (a derived quantity that can be related to cancer risk) on the surface of Mars. In addition, RAD acquired data for most of the cruise to Mars, from Dec. 2011 through July 2012, providing a measurement of the radiation environment under conditions similar to those expected on a human trip to Mars or other deep space destinations. The dose and dose equivalent measurements made during cruise have been published, but are presented in more detail here. Rates measured in cruise are compared to similar measurements made during Curiosity's first 269 sols on the surface of Mars. In the simplest picture, one expects rates to be a factor of two lower on the surface of a large airless body compared to free space, owing to the two-pi shielding geometry. The situation on Mars is complicated by the non-negligible shielding effects of the atmosphere, particularly in Gale Crater where diurnal variations in atmospheric column depth are significant. The diurnal variations - caused by the well-known thermal tides on Mars - result in reduced shielding of the surface in the afternoon as compared to the night and early morning hours. A major challenge in analyzing the surface data is the treatment of the background radiation dose coming from Curiosity's Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG). Prior to launch, RAD acquired data in the full cruise configuration so that this background could be measured with only sea-level cosmic ray muons present - that is, almost all of what was measured was due to the RTG. Those effects could therefore be subtracted from the cruise measurements in a straightforward way. However, the situation on the surface is somewhat different than in cruise, in that the mass that was present above RAD - and caused scattering of particles into the detector - is no longer there. The RTG-induced dose rate in the surface configuration must therefore be less than it was in the cruise configuration, but there is no way to get a direct measurement of the background. Quantifying the change in RTG background is difficult but essential, as the subtraction affects every aspect of the dosimetry. Two approaches have been developed and yield roughly similar results. The differences allow us to estimate the uncertainties arising from the RTG subtraction, and propagate those into the dosimetry results.

Biological and dosimetric characterisation of spatially fractionated proton minibeams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Juergen; Stewart, Robert D.; Smith, Daniel; Eagle, James; Lee, Eunsin; Cao, Ning; Ford, Eric; Hashemian, Reza; Schuemann, Jan; Saini, Jatinder; Marsh, Steve; Emery, Robert; Dorman, Eric; Schwartz, Jeff; Sandison, George

2017-12-01

The biological effectiveness of proton beams varies with depth, spot size and lateral distance from the beam central axis. The aim of this work is to incorporate proton relative biological effectiveness (RBE) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) considerations into comparisons of broad beam and highly modulated proton minibeams. A Monte Carlo model of a small animal proton beamline is presented. Dose and variable RBE is calculated on a per-voxel basis for a range of energies (30-109 MeV). For an open beam, the RBE values at the beam entrance ranged from 1.02-1.04, at the Bragg peak (BP) from 1.3 to 1.6, and at the distal end of the BP from 1.4 to 2.0. For a 50 MeV proton beam, a minibeam collimator designed to produce uniform dose at the depth of the BP peak, had minimal impact on the open beam RBE values at depth. RBE changes were observed near the surface when the collimator was placed flush with the irradiated object, due to a higher neutron contribution derived from proton interactions with the collimator. For proton minibeams, the relative mean RBE weighted entrance dose (RWD) was ~25% lower than the physical mean dose. A strong dependency of the EUD with fraction size was observed. For 20 Gy fractions, the EUD varied widely depending on the radiosensitivity of the cells. For radiosensitive cells, the difference was up to ~50% in mean dose and ~40% in mean RWD and the EUD trended towards the valley dose rather than the mean dose. For comparative studies of uniform dose with spatially fractionated proton minibeams, EUD derived from a per-voxel RWD distribution is recommended for biological assessments of reproductive cell survival and related endpoints.

Biological and dosimetric characterisation of spatially fractionated proton minibeams.

PubMed

Meyer, Juergen; Stewart, Robert D; Smith, Daniel; Eagle, James; Lee, Eunsin; Cao, Ning; Ford, Eric; Hashemian, Reza; Schuemann, Jan; Saini, Jatinder; Marsh, Steve; Emery, Robert; Dorman, Eric; Schwartz, Jeff; Sandison, George

2017-11-21

The biological effectiveness of proton beams varies with depth, spot size and lateral distance from the beam central axis. The aim of this work is to incorporate proton relative biological effectiveness (RBE) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) considerations into comparisons of broad beam and highly modulated proton minibeams. A Monte Carlo model of a small animal proton beamline is presented. Dose and variable RBE is calculated on a per-voxel basis for a range of energies (30-109 MeV). For an open beam, the RBE values at the beam entrance ranged from 1.02-1.04, at the Bragg peak (BP) from 1.3 to 1.6, and at the distal end of the BP from 1.4 to 2.0. For a 50 MeV proton beam, a minibeam collimator designed to produce uniform dose at the depth of the BP peak, had minimal impact on the open beam RBE values at depth. RBE changes were observed near the surface when the collimator was placed flush with the irradiated object, due to a higher neutron contribution derived from proton interactions with the collimator. For proton minibeams, the relative mean RBE weighted entrance dose (RWD) was ~25% lower than the physical mean dose. A strong dependency of the EUD with fraction size was observed. For 20 Gy fractions, the EUD varied widely depending on the radiosensitivity of the cells. For radiosensitive cells, the difference was up to ~50% in mean dose and ~40% in mean RWD and the EUD trended towards the valley dose rather than the mean dose. For comparative studies of uniform dose with spatially fractionated proton minibeams, EUD derived from a per-voxel RWD distribution is recommended for biological assessments of reproductive cell survival and related endpoints.

Prospective Clinical Trial of Bladder Filling and Three-Dimensional Dosimetry in High-Dose-Rate Vaginal Cuff Brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stewart, Alexandra J.; Cormack, Robert A.; Lee, Hang

2008-11-01

Purpose: To investigate the effect of bladder filling on dosimetry and to determine the best bladder dosimetric parameter for vaginal cuff brachytherapy. Methods and Materials: In this prospective clinical trial, a total of 20 women underwent vaginal cylinder high-dose-rate brachytherapy. The bladder was full for Fraction 2 and empty for Fraction 3. Dose-volume histogram and dose-surface histogram values were generated for the bladder, rectum, and urethra. The midline maximal bladder point (MBP) and the midline maximal rectal point were recorded. Paired t tests, Pearson correlations, and regression analyses were performed. Results: The volume and surface area of the irradiated bladdermore » were significantly smaller when the bladder was empty than when full. Of the several dose-volume histogram and dose-surface histogram parameters evaluated, the bladder maximal dose received by 2 cm{sup 3} of tissue, volume of bladder receiving {>=}50% of the dose, volume of bladder receiving {>=}70% of the dose, and surface area of bladder receiving {>=}50% of the dose significantly predicted for the difference between the empty vs. full filling state. The volume of bladder receiving {>=}70% of the dose and the maximal dose received by 2 cm{sup 3} of tissue correlated significantly with the MBP. Bladder filling did not alter the volume or surface area of the rectum irradiated. However, an empty bladder did result in the nearest point of bowel being significantly closer to the vaginal cylinder than when the bladder was full. Conclusions: Patients undergoing vaginal cuff brachytherapy treated with an empty bladder have a lower bladder dose than those treated with a full bladder. The MBP correlated well with the volumetric assessments of bladder dose and provided a noninvasive method for reporting the MBP dose using three-dimensional imaging. The MBP can therefore be used as a surrogate for complex dosimetry in the clinic.« less

A study on a dental device for the prevention of mucosal dose enhancement caused by backscatter radiation from dental alloy during external beam radiotherapy.

PubMed

Katsura, Kouji; Utsunomiya, Satoru; Abe, Eisuke; Sakai, Hironori; Kushima, Naotaka; Tanabe, Satoshi; Yamada, Takumi; Hayakawa, Takahide; Yamanoi, Yoshihiko; Kimura, Syuhei; Wada, Shinichi; Aoyama, Hidefumi; Hayashi, Takafumi

2016-11-01

The changes in dose distribution caused by backscatter radiation from a common commercial dental alloy (Au-Ag-Pd dental alloy; DA) were investigated to identify the optimal material and thicknesses of a dental device (DD) for effective prevention of mucositis. To this end, 1 cm 3 of DA was irradiated with a 6-MV X-ray beam (100 MU) in a field size of 10 × 10 cm 2 using a Novalis TX linear accelerator. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyolefin elastomer, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were selected as DD materials. The depth dose along the central axis was determined with respect to the presence/absence of DA and DDs at thicknesses of 1-10 mm using a parallel-plate ionization chamber. The dose in the absence of DDs showed the lowest value at a distance of 5 mm from the DA surface and gradually increased with distance between the measurement point and the DA surface for distances of ≥5 mm. Except for PET, no significant difference between the DA dose curves for the presence and absence of DDs was observed. In the dose curve, PET showed a slightly higher dose for DA with DD than for DA without DD for thicknesses of ≥4 mm. The findings herein suggest that the optimal DD material for preventing local dose enhancement of the mucosa caused by DA backscatter radiation should have a relatively low atomic number and physical density and that optimal DD thickness should be chosen considering backscatter radiation and percentage depth dose. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japan Radiation Research Society and Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology.

Monte Carlo skin dose simulation in intraoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer using spherical applicators.

PubMed

Moradi, F; Ung, N M; Khandaker, M U; Mahdiraji, G A; Saad, M; Abdul Malik, R; Bustam, A Z; Zaili, Z; Bradley, D A

2017-07-28

The relatively new treatment modality electronic intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is gaining popularity, irradiation being obtained within a surgically produced cavity being delivered via a low-energy x-ray source and spherical applicators, primarily for early stage breast cancer. Due to the spatially dramatic dose-rate fall off with radial distance from the source and effects related to changes in the beam quality of the low keV photon spectra, dosimetric account of the Intrabeam system is rather complex. Skin dose monitoring in IORT is important due to the high dose prescription per treatment fraction. In this study, modeling of the x-ray source and related applicators were performed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code. The dosimetric characteristics of the model were validated against measured data obtained using an ionization chamber and EBT3 film as dosimeters. By using a simulated breast phantom, absorbed doses to the skin for different combinations of applicator size (1.5-5 cm) and treatment depth (0.5-3 cm) were calculated. Simulation results showed overdosing of the skin (>30% of prescribed dose) at a treatment depth of 0.5 cm using applicator sizes larger than 1.5 cm. Skin doses were significantly increased with applicator size, insofar as delivering 12 Gy (60% of the prescribed dose) to skin for the largest sized applicator (5 cm diameter) and treatment depth of 0.5 cm. It is concluded that the recommended 0.5-1 cm distance between the skin and applicator surface does not guarantee skin safety and skin dose is generally more significant in cases with the larger applicators. • Intrabeam x-ray source and spherical applicators were simulated and skin dose was calculated. • Skin dose for constant skin to applicator distance strongly depends on applicator size. • Use of larger applicators generally results in higher skin dose. • The recommended 0.5-1 cm skin to applicator distance does not guarantee skin safety.

ANALYSIS OF RESPIRATORY DEPOSITION OF INHALED PARTICLES FOR DIFFERENT DOSE METRICS: COMPARISON OF NUMBER, SURFACE AREA AND MASS DOSE OF TYPICAL AMBIENT BI-MODAL AEROSOLS

EPA Science Inventory

ANALYSIS OF RESPIRATORY DEPOSITION OF INHALED PARTICLES FOR DIFFERENT DOSE METRICS: COMPARISON OF NUMBER, SURFACE AREA AND MASS DOSE OF TYPICAL AMBIENT BI-MODAL AEROSOLS.
Chong S. Kim, SC. Hu*, PA Jaques*, US EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, ...

Dialysis Dose Scaled to Body Surface Area and Size-Adjusted, Sex-Specific Patient Mortality

PubMed Central

Kapke, Alissa; Port, Friedrich K.; Wolfe, Robert A.; Saran, Rajiv; Pearson, Jeffrey; Hirth, Richard A.; Messana, Joseph M.; Daugirdas, John T.

2012-01-01

Summary Background and objectives When hemodialysis dose is scaled to body water (V), women typically receive a greater dose than men, but their survival is not better given a similar dose. This study sought to determine whether rescaling dose to body surface area (SA) might reveal different associations among dose, sex, and mortality. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Single-pool Kt/V (spKt/V), equilibrated Kt/V, and standard Kt/V (stdKt/V) were computed using urea kinetic modeling on a prevalent cohort of 7229 patients undergoing thrice-weekly hemodialysis. Data were obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 2008 ESRD Clinical Performance Measures Project. SA-normalized stdKt/V (SAN-stdKt/V) was calculated as stdKt/V × ratio of anthropometric volume to SA/17.5. Patients were grouped into sex-specific dose quintiles (reference: quintile 1 for men). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for 1-year mortality were calculated using Cox regression. Results spKt/V was higher in women (1.7±0.3) than in men (1.5±0.2; P<0.001), but SAN-stdKt/V was lower (women: 2.3±0.2; men: 2.5±0.3; P<0.001). For both sexes, mortality decreased as spKt/V increased, until spKt/V was 1.6–1.7 (quintile 4 for men: HR, 0.62; quintile 3 for women: HR, 0.64); no benefit was observed with higher spKt/V. HR for mortality decreased further at higher SAN-stdKt/V in both sexes (quintile 5 for men: HR, 0.69; quintile 5 for women: HR, 0.60). Conclusions SA-based dialysis dose results in dose-mortality relationships substantially different from those with volume-based dosing. SAN-stdKt/V analyses suggest women may be relatively underdosed when treated by V-based dosing. SAN-stdKt/V as a measure for dialysis dose may warrant further study. PMID:22977208

The pro‐inflammatory effects of low‐toxicity low‐solubility particles, nanoparticles and fine particles, on epithelial cells in vitro: the role of surface area

PubMed Central

Monteiller, Claire; Tran, Lang; MacNee, William; Faux, Steve; Jones, Alan; Miller, Brian; Donaldson, Ken

2007-01-01

Objective Rats exposed to high airborne mass concentrations of low‐solubility low‐toxicity particles (LSLTP) have been reported to develop lung disease such as fibrosis and lung cancer. These particles are regulated on a mass basis in occupational settings, but mass might not be the appropriate metric as animal studies have shown that nanoparticles (ultrafine particles) produce a stronger adverse effect than fine particles when delivered on an equal mass basis. Methods This study investigated whether the surface area is a better descriptor than mass of LSLTP of their ability to stimulate pro‐inflammatory responses in vitro. In a human alveolar epithelial type II‐like cell line, A549, we measured interleukin (IL)‐8 mRNA, IL8 protein release and glutathione (GSH) depletion as markers of pro‐inflammatory effects and oxidative stress after treatment with a range of LSLTP (fine and nanoparticles) and DQ12 quartz, a particle with a highly reactive surface. Results In all the assays, nanoparticle preparations of titanium dioxide (TiO2‐np) and of carbon black (CB‐np) produced much stronger pro‐inflammatory responses than the same mass dose of fine TiO2 and CB. The results of the GSH assay confirmed that oxidative stress was involved in the response to all the particles, and two ultra‐fine metal dusts (cobalt and nickel) produced GSH depletion similar to TiO2‐np, for similar surface‐area dose. As expected, DQ12 quartz was more inflammatory than the low toxicity dusts, on both a mass and surface‐area basis. Conclusion Dose–response relationships observed in the in vitro assays appeared to be directly comparable with dose–response relationships in vivo when the doses were similarly standardised. Both sets of data suggested a threshold in dose measured as surface area of particles relative to the surface area of the exposed cells, at around 1–10 cm2/cm2. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that surface area is a more appropriate dose metric than mass for the pro‐inflammatory effects of LSLTP in vitro and in vivo, and consequently that the high surface area of nanoparticles is a key factor in their inflammogenicity. PMID:17409182

A method to generate surface UV radiation maps over Europe using GOME, Meteosat, and ancillary geophysical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verdebout, Jean

2000-02-01

This paper presents a method for generating surface ultraviolet (UV) radiation maps over Europe, with a spatial resolution of 0.05°, and potentially on a half-hour basis. The UV irradiance is obtained by interpolation in a look-up table (LUT), the entries of which are solar zenith angle, total column ozone amount, cloud liquid water thickness, near-surface horizontal visibility, surface elevation, and UV albedo. Both satellite (Meteosat, GOME) and nonsatellite (synoptic observations, meteorological model results, digital elevation model) data are exploited to assign values to the influencing factors. With the help of another LUT simulating the visible signal, Meteosat data are processed to retrieve the cloud liquid water thickness. The radiative transfer calculations are performed with the UVspec code. A preliminary step consists in generating an effective surface Meteosat albedo map from a series of 10 consecutive days. In this process the well-known difficulty of distinguishing clouds from snow-covered surfaces is encountered. An attempt is made to partially resolve the ambiguity by using the Meteosat infrared channel and modeled snow cover data. After additional empirical cloud filtering, the effective albedo map is used as a baseline to estimate the cloud liquid water thickness. The UV surface albedo is assigned uniform values for land and sea/ocean, except in the presence of snow. In this case it is given a value proportional to the Meteosat effective albedo. The total column ozone is extracted from the level 3 GOME products. The aerosol optical thickness is mapped by gridding the daily measurements performed by ˜1000 ground stations. The digital elevation model is the GTOPO30 data set from the U.S. Geological Survey. European wide UV dose rate maps are presented for one day in April 1997, and the influence of the various factors is illustrated. A daily integrated dose map was also generated using 27 Meteosat acquisitions at half-hour intervals on the same day. The dose map produced in this way takes into account the evolution of the cloud field and is thought to be more accurate than if it were estimated from one data take, in particular at the relatively high spatial resolution of the product. Finally, a preliminary comparison of modeled dose rate and daily dose with measurements performed with a ground instrument is discussed.

A novel method for patient exit and entrance dose prediction based on water equivalent path length measured with an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device.

PubMed

Kavuma, Awusi; Glegg, Martin; Metwaly, Mohamed; Currie, Garry; Elliott, Alex

2010-01-21

In vivo dosimetry is one of the quality assurance tools used in radiotherapy to monitor the dose delivered to the patient. Electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images for a set of solid water phantoms of varying thicknesses were acquired and the data fitted onto a quadratic equation, which relates the reduction in photon beam intensity to the attenuation coefficient and material thickness at a reference condition. The quadratic model is used to convert the measured grey scale value into water equivalent path length (EPL) at each pixel for any material imaged by the detector. For any other non-reference conditions, scatter, field size and MU variation effects on the image were corrected by relative measurements using an ionization chamber and an EPID. The 2D EPL is linked to the percentage exit dose table, for different thicknesses and field sizes, thereby converting the plane pixel values at each point into a 2D dose map. The off-axis ratio is corrected using envelope and boundary profiles generated from the treatment planning system (TPS). The method requires field size, monitor unit and source-to-surface distance (SSD) as clinical input parameters to predict the exit dose, which is then used to determine the entrance dose. The measured pixel dose maps were compared with calculated doses from TPS for both entrance and exit depth of phantom. The gamma index at 3% dose difference (DD) and 3 mm distance to agreement (DTA) resulted in an average of 97% passing for the square fields of 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm. The exit dose EPID dose distributions predicted by the algorithm were in better agreement with TPS-calculated doses than phantom entrance dose distributions.

A novel method for patient exit and entrance dose prediction based on water equivalent path length measured with an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavuma, Awusi; Glegg, Martin; Metwaly, Mohamed; Currie, Garry; Elliott, Alex

2010-01-01

In vivo dosimetry is one of the quality assurance tools used in radiotherapy to monitor the dose delivered to the patient. Electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images for a set of solid water phantoms of varying thicknesses were acquired and the data fitted onto a quadratic equation, which relates the reduction in photon beam intensity to the attenuation coefficient and material thickness at a reference condition. The quadratic model is used to convert the measured grey scale value into water equivalent path length (EPL) at each pixel for any material imaged by the detector. For any other non-reference conditions, scatter, field size and MU variation effects on the image were corrected by relative measurements using an ionization chamber and an EPID. The 2D EPL is linked to the percentage exit dose table, for different thicknesses and field sizes, thereby converting the plane pixel values at each point into a 2D dose map. The off-axis ratio is corrected using envelope and boundary profiles generated from the treatment planning system (TPS). The method requires field size, monitor unit and source-to-surface distance (SSD) as clinical input parameters to predict the exit dose, which is then used to determine the entrance dose. The measured pixel dose maps were compared with calculated doses from TPS for both entrance and exit depth of phantom. The gamma index at 3% dose difference (DD) and 3 mm distance to agreement (DTA) resulted in an average of 97% passing for the square fields of 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm. The exit dose EPID dose distributions predicted by the algorithm were in better agreement with TPS-calculated doses than phantom entrance dose distributions.

Dose computation for therapeutic electron beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glegg, Martin Mackenzie

The accuracy of electron dose calculations performed by two commercially available treatment planning computers, Varian Cadplan and Helax TMS, has been assessed. Measured values of absorbed dose delivered by a Varian 2100C linear accelerator, under a wide variety of irradiation conditions, were compared with doses calculated by the treatment planning computers. Much of the motivation for this work was provided by a requirement to verify the accuracy of calculated electron dose distributions in situations encountered clinically at Glasgow's Beatson Oncology Centre. Calculated dose distributions are required in a significant minority of electron treatments, usually in cases involving treatment to the head and neck. Here, therapeutic electron beams are subject to factors which may cause non-uniformity in the distribution of dose, and which may complicate the calculation of dose. The beam shape is often irregular, the beam may enter the patient at an oblique angle or at an extended source to skin distance (SSD), tissue inhomogeneities can alter the dose distribution, and tissue equivalent material (such as wax) may be added to reduce dose to critical organs. Technological advances have allowed the current generation of treatment planning computers to implement dose calculation algorithms with the ability to model electron beams in these complex situations. These calculations have, however, yet to be verified by measurement. This work has assessed the accuracy of calculations in a number of specific instances. Chapter two contains a comparison of measured and calculated planar electron isodose distributions. Three situations were considered: oblique incidence, incidence on an irregular surface (such as that which would be arise from the use of wax to reduce dose to spinal cord), and incidence on a phantom containing a small air cavity. Calculations were compared with measurements made by thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) in a WTe electron solid water phantom. Chapter three assesses the planning computers' ability to model electron beam penumbra at extended SSD. Calculations were compared with diode measurements in a water phantom. Further measurements assessed doses in the junction region produced by abutting an extended SSD electron field with opposed photon fields. Chapter four describes an investigation of the size and shape of the region enclosed by the 90% isodose line when produced by limiting the electron beam with square and elliptical apertures. The 90% isodose line was chosen because clinical treatments are often prescribed such that a given volume receives at least 90% dose. Calculated and measured dose distributions were compared in a plane normal to the beam central axis. Measurements were made by film dosimetry. While chapters two to four examine relative doses, chapter five assesses the accuracy of absolute dose (or output) calculations performed by the planning computers. Output variation with SSD and field size was examined. Two further situations already assessed for the distribution of relative dose were also considered: an obliquely incident field, and a field incident on an irregular surface. The accuracy of calculations was assessed against criteria stipulated by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement (ICRU). The Varian Cadplan and Helax TMS treatment planning systems produce acceptable accuracy in the calculation of relative dose from therapeutic electron beams in most commonly encountered situations. When interpreting clinical dose distributions, however, knowledge of the limitations of the calculation algorithm employed by each system is required in order to identify the minority of situations where results are not accurate. The calculation of absolute dose is too inaccurate to implement in a clinical environment. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Effect of PEG and water-soluble chitosan coating on moxifloxacin-loaded PLGA long-circulating nanoparticles.

PubMed

Mustafa, Sanaul; Devi, V Kusum; Pai, Roopa S

2017-02-01

Moxifloxacin (MOX) is a Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA gyrase inhibitor. Due to its intense hydrophilicity, MOX is cleared from the body within 24 h and required for repetitive doses which may then result in hepatotoxicity and acquisition of MOX resistant-TB, related with its use. To overcome the aforementioned limitations, the current study aimed to develop PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA NPs), to act as an efficient carrier for controlled delivery of MOX. To achieve a substantial extension in blood circulation, a combined design, affixation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to MOX-PLGA NPs and adsorption of water-soluble chitosan (WSC) (cationic deacetylated chitin) to particle surface, was rose for surface modification of NPs. Surface modified NPs (MOX-PEG-WSC NPs) were prepared to provide controlled delivery and circulate in the bloodstream for an extended period of time, thus minimizing dosing frequency. In vivo pharmacokinetic and in vivo biodistribution following oral administration were investigated. NP surface charge was closed to neutral +4.76 mV and significantly affected by the WSC coating. MOX-PEG-WSC NPs presented striking prolongation in blood circulation, reduced protein binding, and long-drawn-out the blood circulation half-life with resultant reduced liver sequestration vis-à-vis MOX-PLGA NPs. The studies, therefore, indicate the successful formulation development of MOX-PEG-WSC NPs that showed sustained release behavior from nanoparticles which indicates low frequency of dosing.

The effect of the eye's surface topography on the total irradiance of ultraviolet radiation on the inner canthus.

PubMed

Birt, Benjamin; Cowling, Ian; Coyne, Steve; Michael, Greg

2007-04-02

Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly occurring skin cancer in sub tropical climates. The link between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and basal cell carcinomas (BCC) is strong. Numerous studies have investigated the spatial distribution of BCCs over the head and neck region and the relative UVR dose, with little or no correlation found between the UVR dose and occurrence rates. This is particularly noted in the inner canthus region. The inner canthus' field of view is restricted by the eye brow ridge, eye orbit and the cheek bone. Yet, the occurrence rate here of BCC's when compared to other regions that are more directly exposed to the environment is significantly higher. A possible causal effect for the increase in occurrence rate in this region is the focussed reflection of UVR from the tear film surface associated with the eye not previously considered in earlier studies. This paper investigates the potential for the surface topography of the eye to reflect focussed radiation towards the inner canthus using a ray tracing programme where the analysis is conducted at a cellular level. Defined hot spots, or striations, of increased irradiation were evidenced across the surface of the inner canthus. This increase in irradiation was not observed with macroscopic detectors which also possibly explain why this increased dose has not previously been detected during environmental measurements with large detectors on manikins or humans.

SU-E-T-352: Effects of Skull Attenuation and Missing Backscatter On Brain Dose in HDR Treatment of the Head with Surface Applicators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cifter, F; Dhou, S; Lewis, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: To calculate the effect of lack of backscatter from air and attenuation of bone on dose distributions in brachytherapy surface treatment of head. Existing treatment planning systems based on TG43 do not account for heterogeneities, and thus may overestimate the dose to the brain. While brachytherapy generally has rapid dose falloff, the dose to the deeper tissues (in this case, the brain) can become significant when treating large curved surfaces. Methods: Applicator geometries representing a range of clinical cases were simulated in MCNP5. An Ir-192 source was modeled using the energy spectrum presented by TG-43. The head phantom wasmore » modeled as a 7.5-cm radius water sphere, with a 7 -mm thick skull embedded 5-mm beneath the surface. Dose values were calculated at 20 points inside the head, in which 10 of them were on the central axis and the other 10 on the axis connecting the central of the phantom with the second to last source from the applicator edge. Results: Central and peripheral dose distributions for a range of applicator and head sizes are presented. The distance along the central axis at which the dose falls to 80% of the prescribed dose (D80) was 7 mm for a representative small applicator and 9 mm for a large applicator. Corresponding D50 and D30 for the same small applicator were 17 mm and 32 mm respectively. D50 and D30 for the larger applicator were 32 mm and 60 mm respectively. These results reflect the slower falloff expected for larger applicators on a curved surface. Conclusion: Our results can provide guidance for clinicians to calculate the dose reduction effect due to bone attenuation and the lack of backscatter from air to estimate the brain dose for the HDR treatments of surface lesions.« less

Precipitate resolution in an electron irradiated ni-si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, H.; Muroga, T.; Yoshida, N.; Kitajima, K.

1988-09-01

Precipitate resolution processes in a Ni-12.6 at% Si alloy under electron irradiation have been observed by means of HVEM. Above 400°C, growth and resolution of Ni 3Si precipitates were observed simultaneously. The detail stereoscopic observation showed that the precipitates close to free surfaces grew, while those in the middle of a specimen dissolved. The critical dose when the precipitates start to shrink increases with increasing the depth. This depth dependence of the precipitate behavior under irradiation has a close relation with the formation of surface precipitates and the growth of solute depleted zone beneath them. The temperature and dose dependence of the resolution rate showed that the precipitates in the solute depleted zone dissolved by the interface controlled process of radiation-enhanced diffusion.

Intracavitary applicator in relation to complications of pelvic radiation: the Ernst system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rotman, M.; John, M.J.; Roussis, K.

Case studies were reviewed for 100 consecutive patients with carcinoma of the cervix, Stages I to III, who were treated prior to 1968 at a large municipal hospital in New York City. Treatments consisted of orthovoltage therapy prior to or following intracavitary radium. A 250 kV x-ray unit delivered a 3000 rad tumor dose in 3 weeks through four oblique fields. Intracavitary radium delivered 6000 to 7200 mg hr using the Ernst applicator. The 9% incidence of fistulae was 4-fold higher than that found in subsequent years using /sup 60/Co teletherapy and the afterloading Fletcher-Suit applicator. A review of themore » dosimetry relating to the use of the Ernst applicator demonstrates inherent structural characteristics which lend themselves to such complications. Where less than an ideal application is possible, this rigid applicator compacts itself in accordion-like fashion, producing a so-called short-system. Coupled with a reduced source to applicator-surface distance, such applications result in unacceptable dose anisotropy and excessive radiation of critical structures where a predetermined dose is to be delivered to anatomic Point A. Information gleaned from this study can be extrapolated to other rigid unprotected short-surface distance intra-vaginal applicators that have proliferated in recent years.« less

Investigation into the effects of surface stripping ZnO nanosheets.

PubMed

Barnett, Chris J; Jackson, Georgina; Jones, Daniel R; Lewis, Aled R; Welsby, Kathryn; Evans, Jon E; McGettrick, James D; Watson, Trystan; Maffeis, Thierry G G; Dunstan, Peter R; Barron, Andrew R; Cobley, Richard J

2018-04-20

ZnO nanosheets are polycrystalline nanostructures that are used in devices including solar cells and gas sensors. However, for efficient and reproducible device operation and contact behaviour the conductivity characteristics must be controlled and surface contaminants removed. Here we use low doses of argon bombardment to remove surface contamination and make reproducible lower resistance contacts. Higher doses strip the surface of the nanosheets altering the contact type from near-ohmic to rectifying by removing the donor-type defects, which photoluminescence shows to be concentrated in the near-surface. Controlled doses of argon treatments allow nanosheets to be customised for device formation.

Investigation into the effects of surface stripping ZnO nanosheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnett, Chris J.; Jackson, Georgina; Jones, Daniel R.; Lewis, Aled R.; Welsby, Kathryn; Evans, Jon E.; McGettrick, James D.; Watson, Trystan; Maffeis, Thierry G. G.; Dunstan, Peter R.; Barron, Andrew R.; Cobley, Richard J.

2018-04-01

ZnO nanosheets are polycrystalline nanostructures that are used in devices including solar cells and gas sensors. However, for efficient and reproducible device operation and contact behaviour the conductivity characteristics must be controlled and surface contaminants removed. Here we use low doses of argon bombardment to remove surface contamination and make reproducible lower resistance contacts. Higher doses strip the surface of the nanosheets altering the contact type from near-ohmic to rectifying by removing the donor-type defects, which photoluminescence shows to be concentrated in the near-surface. Controlled doses of argon treatments allow nanosheets to be customised for device formation.

Induction of osteosarcoma and acute myeloid leukaemia in CBA/H mice by the alpha-emitting nuclides, uranium-233, plutonium-239 and amercium-241.

PubMed

Ellender, M; Harrison, J D; Pottinger, H; Thomas, J M

2001-01-01

To compare tumour induction in CBA/H mice, principally osteosarcoma and acute myeloid leukaemia, resulting from exposure to the alpha-emitting nuclides, uranium-233, plutonium-239 and americium-241, and to relate differences between the three nuclides to the pattern of dose delivery within tissues. Each nuclide was administered intraperitoneally in citrate solution to three groups of adult male CBA/H mice at levels of activity which gave estimated life-time average skeletal doses of about 0.25-0.3 Gy, 0.5-1 Gy and 1-2 Gy. Animals were carefully monitored and sacrificed as soon as they showed signs of ill health; tumours were identified by standard histopathological techniques. Statistical modelling by Cox regression showed that, considering all three nuclides together, there was a highly significant increase in risk of death from osteosarcoma or myeloid leukaemia with increasing dose rate. For osteosarcoma, the effect was significantly greater for 239Pu than 241Am, while separate analysis for 233U showed no significant increase with increasing dose rate. For example, the increase in relative risk of death from osteosarcoma for an increase in life-time average dose rate to bone of 1 mGyd(-1) was 4.2 (2.7-6.5) for 239Pu, 2.3 (1.4-3.4) for 241Am and 1.1 (0.4-3.1) for 233U. For myeloid leukaemia, there was no significant difference between 239Pu and 241Am in the effect of dose rate. The increase in relative risk from myeloid leukaemia for an increase in average dose rate of 1 mGyd(-1) was 1.8 (1.1-2.8) for 239Pu, 2.0 (1.4-2.9) for 241Am and 1.5 (0.8-2.7) for 233U. Significant increases in renal and hepatic carcinomas were also recorded in animals exposed to 233U and 241Am, respectively. Studies of the distribution of the nuclides within the skeleton, published separately, have shown differences in their retention in individual bones and within bone. The proportions of decays occurring near to endosteal bone surfaces and throughout bone marrow were in the order: 239Pu> 241Am>233U. For osteosarcoma, the relative effectiveness of the nuclides in terms of average bone dose, in the order 239Pu>241Am>233U, is consistent with the proportion of dose delivered near to endosteal surfaces. For myeloid leukaemia, the greater effectiveness of 239Pu and 241Am than 233U is consistent with their accumulation in marrow.

Radiation exposure for manned Mars surface missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simonsen, Lisa C.; Nealy, John E.; Townsend, Lawrence W.; Wilson, John W.

1990-01-01

The Langley cosmic ray transport code and the Langley nucleon transport code (BRYNTRN) are used to quantify the transport and attenuation of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar proton flares through the Martian atmosphere. Surface doses are estimated using both a low density and a high density carbon dioxide model of the atmosphere which, in the vertical direction, provides a total of 16 g/sq cm and 22 g/sq cm of protection, respectively. At the Mars surface during the solar minimum cycle, a blood-forming organ (BFO) dose equivalent of 10.5 to 12 rem/yr due to galactic cosmic ray transport and attenuation is calculated. Estimates of the BFO dose equivalents which would have been incurred from the three large solar flare events of August 1972, November 1960, and February 1956 are also calculated at the surface. Results indicate surface BFO dose equivalents of approximately 2 to 5, 5 to 7, and 8 to 10 rem per event, respectively. Doses are also estimated at altitudes up to 12 km above the Martian surface where the atmosphere will provide less total protection.

Experimental verification of Advanced Collapsed-cone Engine for use with a multichannel vaginal cylinder applicator.

PubMed

Cawston-Grant, Brie; Morrison, Hali; Menon, Geetha; Sloboda, Ron S

2017-05-01

Model-based dose calculation algorithms have recently been incorporated into brachytherapy treatment planning systems, and their introduction requires critical evaluation before clinical implementation. Here, we present an experimental evaluation of Oncentra ® Brachy Advanced Collapsed-cone Engine (ACE) for a multichannel vaginal cylinder (MCVC) applicator using radiochromic film. A uniform dose of 500 cGy was specified to the surface of the MCVC using the TG-43 dose formalism under two conditions: (a) with only the central channel loaded or (b) only the peripheral channels loaded. Film measurements were made at the applicator surface and compared to the doses calculated using TG-43, standard accuracy ACE (sACE), and high accuracy ACE (hACE). When the central channel of the applicator was used, the film measurements showed a dose increase of (11 ± 8)% (k = 2) above the two outer grooves on the applicator surface. This increase in dose was confirmed with the hACE calculations, but was not confirmed with the sACE calculations at the applicator surface. When the peripheral channels were used, a periodic azimuthal variation in measured dose was observed around the applicator. The sACE and hACE calculations confirmed this variation and agreed within 1% of each other at the applicator surface. Additionally for the film measurements with the central channel used, a baseline dose variation of (10 ± 4)% (k = 2) of the mean dose was observed azimuthally around the applicator surface, which can be explained by offset source positioning in the central channel. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Variability of surface and center position radiation dose in MDCT: Monte Carlo simulations using CTDI and anthropomorphic phantoms

PubMed Central

Zhang, Di; Savandi, Ali S.; Demarco, John J.; Cagnon, Chris H.; Angel, Erin; Turner, Adam C.; Cody, Dianna D.; Stevens, Donna M.; Primak, Andrew N.; McCollough, Cynthia H.; McNitt-Gray, Michael F.

2009-01-01

The larger coverage afforded by wider z-axis beams in multidetector CT (MDCT) creates larger cone angles and greater beam divergence, which results in substantial surface dose variation for helical and contiguous axial scans. This study evaluates the variation of absorbed radiation dose in both cylindrical and anthropomorphic phantoms when performing helical or contiguous axial scans. The approach used here was to perform Monte Carlo simulations of a 64 slice MDCT. Simulations were performed with different radiation profiles (simulated beam widths) for a given collimation setting (nominal beam width) and for different pitch values and tube start angles. The magnitude of variation at the surface was evaluated under four different conditions: (a) a homogeneous CTDI phantom with different combinations of pitch and simulated beam widths, (b) a heterogeneous anthropomorphic phantom with one measured beam collimation and various pitch values, (c) a homogeneous CTDI phantom with fixed beam collimation and pitch, but with different tube start angles, and (d) pitch values that should minimize variations of surface dose—evaluated for both homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms. For the CTDI phantom simulations, peripheral dose patterns showed variation with percent ripple as high as 65% when pitch is 1.5 and simulated beam width is equal to the nominal collimation. For the anterior surface dose on an anthropomorphic phantom, the percent ripple was as high as 40% when the pitch is 1.5 and simulated beam width is equal to the measured beam width. Low pitch values were shown to cause beam overlaps which created new peaks. Different x-ray tube start angles create shifts of the peripheral dose profiles. The start angle simulations showed that for a given table position, the surface dose could vary dramatically with minimum values that were 40% of the peak when all conditions are held constant except for the start angle. The last group of simulations showed that an “ideal” pitch value can be determined which reduces surface dose variations, but this pitch value must take into account the measured beam width. These results reveal the complexity of estimating surface dose and demonstrate a range of dose variability at surface positions for both homogeneous cylindrical and heterogeneous anthropomorphic phantoms. These findings have potential implications for small-sized dosimeter measurements in phantoms, such as with TLDs or small Farmer chambers. PMID:19378763

Limitations of body surface area-based activity calculation for radioembolization of hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Lam, Marnix G E H; Louie, John D; Abdelmaksoud, Mohamed H K; Fisher, George A; Cho-Phan, Cheryl D; Sze, Daniel Y

2014-07-01

To calculate absorbed radiation doses in patients treated with resin microspheres prescribed by the body surface area (BSA) method and to analyze dose-response and toxicity relationships. A retrospective review was performed of 45 patients with colorectal carcinoma metastases who received single-session whole-liver resin microsphere radioembolization. Prescribed treatment activity was calculated using the BSA method. Liver volumes and whole-liver absorbed doses (D(WL)) were calculated. D(WL) was correlated with toxicity and radiographic and biochemical response. The standard BSA-based administered activity (range, 0.85-2.58 GBq) did not correlate with D(WL) (mean, 50.4 Gy; range, 29.8-74.7 Gy; r = -0.037; P = .809) because liver weight was highly variable (mean, 1.89 kg; range, 0.94-3.42 kg) and strongly correlated with D(WL) (r = -0.724; P < .001) but was not accounted for in the BSA method. Patients with larger livers were relatively underdosed, and patients with smaller livers were relatively overdosed. Patients who received D(WL) > 50 Gy experienced more toxicity and adverse events (> grade 2 liver toxicity, 46% vs 17%; P < .05) but also responded better to the treatment than patients who received D(WL)< 50 Gy (disease control, 88% vs 24%; P < .01). Using the standard BSA formula, the administered activity did not correlate with D(WL). Based on this short-term follow-up after salvage therapy in patients with late stage metastatic colorectal carcinoma, dose-response and dose-toxicity relationships support using a protocol based on liver volume rather than BSA to prescribe the administered activity. Copyright © 2014 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inactivation of indigenous coliform bacteria in unfiltered surface water by ultraviolet light.

PubMed

Cantwell, Raymond E; Hofmann, Ron

2008-05-01

This study examined the potential for naturally occurring particles to protect indigenous coliform from ultraviolet (UV) disinfection in four surface waters. Tailing in the UV dose-response curve of the bacteria was observed in 3 of the 4 water samples after 1.3-2.6-log of log-linear inactivation, implying particle-related protection. The impact of particles was confirmed by comparing coliform UV inactivation data for parallel filtered (11 microm pore-size nylon filters) and unfiltered surface water. In samples from the Grand River (UVT: 65%/cm; 5.4 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU)) and the Rideau Canal (UVT: 60%/cm; 0.84 NTU), a limit of approximately 2.5 log inactivation was achieved in the unfiltered samples for a UV dose of 20 mJ/cm2 while both the filtered samples exhibited >3.4-log inactivation of indigenous coliform bacteria. The results suggest that particles as small as 11 microm, naturally found in surface water with low turbidity (<3NTU), are able to harbor indigenous coliform bacteria and offer protection from low-pressure UV light.

A bone marrow toxicity model for 223Ra alpha-emitter radiopharmaceutical therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hobbs, Robert F.; Song, Hong; Watchman, Christopher J.; Bolch, Wesley E.; Aksnes, Anne-Kirsti; Ramdahl, Thomas; Flux, Glenn D.; Sgouros, George

2012-05-01

Ra-223, an α-particle emitting bone-seeking radionuclide, has recently been used in clinical trials for osseous metastases of prostate cancer. We investigated the relationship between absorbed fraction-based red marrow dosimetry and cell level-dosimetry using a model that accounts for the expected localization of this agent relative to marrow cavity architecture. We show that cell level-based dosimetry is essential to understanding potential marrow toxicity. The GEANT4 software package was used to create simple spheres representing marrow cavities. Ra-223 was positioned on the trabecular bone surface or in the endosteal layer and simulated for decay, along with the descendants. The interior of the sphere was divided into cell-size voxels and the energy was collected in each voxel and interpreted as dose cell histograms. The average absorbed dose values and absorbed fractions were also calculated in order to compare those results with previously published values. The absorbed dose was predominantly deposited near the trabecular surface. The dose cell histogram results were used to plot the percentage of cells that received a potentially toxic absorbed dose (2 or 4 Gy) as a function of the average absorbed dose over the marrow cavity. The results show (1) a heterogeneous distribution of cellular absorbed dose, strongly dependent on the position of the cell within the marrow cavity; and (2) that increasing the average marrow cavity absorbed dose, or equivalently, increasing the administered activity resulted in only a small increase in potential marrow toxicity (i.e. the number of cells receiving more than 4 or 2 Gy), for a range of average marrow cavity absorbed doses from 1 to 20 Gy. The results from the trabecular model differ markedly from a standard absorbed fraction method while presenting comparable average dose values. These suggest that increasing the amount of radioactivity may not substantially increase the risk of toxicity, a result unavailable to the absorbed fraction method of dose calculation.

SU-F-T-654: Pacemaker Dose Estimate Using Optically Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeter for Left Breast Intraoperative Radiation Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Y; Goenka, A; Sharma, A

Purpose: To assess and report the in vivo dose for a patient with a pacemaker being treated in left breast intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). The ZEISS Intrabeam 50 kVp X-ray beam with a spherical applicator was used. Methods: The optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) (Landauer nanoDots) were employed and calibrated under the conditions of the Intrabeam 50 kVp X-rays. The nanoDots were placed on the patient at approximately 15 cm away from the lumpectomy cavity both under and above a shield of lead equivalence 0.25 mm (RayShield X-Drape D-110) covering the pacemaker area during IORT with a 5 cm sphericalmore » applicator. Results: The skin surface dose near the pacemaker during the IORT with a prescription of 20 Gy was measured as 4.0±0.8 cGy. The dose behind the shield was 0.06±0.01 Gy, demonstrating more than 98% dose reduction. The in vivo skin surface doses during a typical breast IORT at a 4.5 cm spherical applicator surface were further measured at 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm away to be 159±11 cGy, 15±1 cGy, 6.6±0.5 cGy, and 1.8±0.1 cGy, respectively. A power law fit to the dose versus the distance z from the applicator surface yields the dose fall off at the skin surface following z^-2.5, which can be used to estimate skin doses in future cases. The comparison to an extrapolation of depth dose in water reveals an underestimate of far field dose using the manufactory provided data. Conclusion: The study suggests the appropriateness of OSLD as an in vivo skin dosimeter in IORT using the Intrabeam system in a wide dose range. The pacemaker dose measured during the left breast IORT was within a safe limit.« less

Effect of softening precipitate composition and surface characteristics on natural organic matter adsorption.

PubMed

Russell, Caroline G; Lawler, Desmond F; Speitel, Gerald E; Katz, Lynn E

2009-10-15

Natural organic matter (NOM) removal during water softening is thought to occur through adsorption onto or coprecipitation with calcium and magnesium solids. However, details of precipitate composition and surface chemistry and subsequent interactions with NOM are relatively unknown. In this study, zeta potentiometry analyses of precipitates formed from inorganic solutions under varying conditions (e.g., Ca-only, Mg-only, Ca + Mg, increasing lime or NaOH dose) indicated that both CaCO3 and Mg(OH)2 were positively charged at higher lime (Ca(OH)2) and NaOH doses (associated with pH values above 11.5), potentially yielding a greater affinity for adsorbing negatively charged organic molecules. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) images of CaCO3 solids illustrated the rhombohedral shape characteristic of calcite. In the presence of increasing concentrations of magnesium, the CaCO3 rhombs shifted to more elongated crystals. The CaCO3 solids also exhibited increasingly positive surface charge from Mg incorporation into the crystal lattice, potentially creating more favorable conditions for adsorption of organic matter. NOM adsorption experiments using humic substances extracted from Lake Austin and Missouri River water elucidated the role of surface charge and surface area on adsorption.

SU-E-T-09: A Clinical Implementation and Optimized Dosimetry Study of Freiberg Flap Skin Surface Treatment in High Dose Rate Brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Syh, J; Syh, J; Patel, B

Purpose: This case study was designated to confirm the optimized plan was used to treat skin surface of left leg in three stages. 1. To evaluate dose distribution and plan quality by alternating of the source loading catheters pattern in flexible Freiberg Flap skin surface (FFSS) applicator. 2. To investigate any impact on Dose Volume Histogram (DVH) of large superficial surface target volume coverage. 3. To compare the dose distribution if it was treated with electron beam. Methods: The Freiburg Flap is a flexible mesh style surface mold for skin radiation or intraoperative surface treatments. The Freiburg Flap consists ofmore » multiple spheres that are attached to each other, holding and guiding up to 18 treatment catheters. The Freiburg Flap also ensures a constant distance of 5mm from the treatment catheter to the surface. Three treatment trials with individual planning optimization were employed: 18 channels, 9 channels of FF and 6 MeV electron beam. The comparisons were highlighted in target coverage, dose conformity and dose sparing of surrounding tissues. Results: The first 18 channels brachytherapy plan was generated with 18 catheters inside the skin-wrapped up flap (Figure 1A). A second 9 catheters plan was generated associated with the same calculation points which were assigned to match prescription for target coverage as 18 catheters plan (Figure 1B). The optimized inverse plan was employed to reduce the dose to adjacent structures such as tibia or fibula. The comparison of DVH’s was depicted on Figure 2. External beam of electron RT plan was depicted in Figure 3. Overcall comparisons among these three were illustrated in Conclusion: The 9-channel Freiburg flap flexible skin applicator offers a reasonably acceptable plan without compromising the coverage. Electron beam was discouraged to use to treat curved skin surface because of low target coverage and high dose in adjacent tissues.« less

Dose of Dialysis Based on Body Surface Area Is Markedly Less in Younger Children Than in Older Adolescents

PubMed Central

Hanna, Melisha G.; Becker-Cohen, Rachel; Langman, Craig B.

2010-01-01

Background and observations: The current denominator for dosing dialysis is the urea distribution volume (V). Normalizing Kt/V to body surface area (S) has been proposed, but the implications of doing this in children have not been examined. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: Dialysis dose given to children and adolescents was calculated in terms of conventional V-based scaling and surface-area-normalized standard Kt/V (SAN-stdKt/V) calculated as stdKt/V·(Vant/S)/17.5, where Vant was an anthropometric estimate of V calculated using the Morgenstern equation. Formal 2-pool modeling was used to compute all dialysis adequacy outputs. Results: In 34 children (11 girls, 23 boys) dialyzed 3 times a week, age range 1.4 to 18 years, the mean delivered equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V) was 1.40, and the mean stdKt/V was 2.49, both of which tended to be higher in younger children. The ratio of Vant to S was 15.6 ± 2.69 and was strongly associated with age between ages 2 and 16. SAN-stdKt/V averaged 2.21 and was strongly correlated with age between ages 2 and 16. If one considers a desired target for SAN-stdKt/V to be 2.45, all children less than 10 years of age were below target, despite having relatively high values of eKt/V and stdKt/V. Conclusions: If a surface-area-based denominator were to be adopted for dialysis dosing, most children under 10 years of age would receive markedly less dialysis than adolescent patients and would require 6- to 8-hour hemodialysis sessions or, for the youngest children, treatments given more frequently than 3 times/wk. PMID:20299373

Dose of dialysis based on body surface area is markedly less in younger children than in older adolescents.

PubMed

Daugirdas, John T; Hanna, Melisha G; Becker-Cohen, Rachel; Langman, Craig B

2010-05-01

BACKGROUND AND OBSERVATIONS: The current denominator for dosing dialysis is the urea distribution volume (V). Normalizing Kt/V to body surface area (S) has been proposed, but the implications of doing this in children have not been examined. Dialysis dose given to children and adolescents was calculated in terms of conventional V-based scaling and surface-area-normalized standard Kt/V (SAN-stdKt/V) calculated as stdKt/V x (Vant/S)/17.5, where Vant was an anthropometric estimate of V calculated using the Morgenstern equation. Formal 2-pool modeling was used to compute all dialysis adequacy outputs. In 34 children (11 girls, 23 boys) dialyzed 3 times a week, age range 1.4 to 18 years, the mean delivered equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V) was 1.40, and the mean stdKt/V was 2.49, both of which tended to be higher in younger children. The ratio of Vant to S was 15.6 +/- 2.69 and was strongly associated with age between ages 2 and 16. SAN-stdKt/V averaged 2.21 and was strongly correlated with age between ages 2 and 16. If one considers a desired target for SAN-stdKt/V to be 2.45, all children less than 10 years of age were below target, despite having relatively high values of eKt/V and stdKt/V. If a surface-area-based denominator were to be adopted for dialysis dosing, most children under 10 years of age would receive markedly less dialysis than adolescent patients and would require 6- to 8-hour hemodialysis sessions or, for the youngest children, treatments given more frequently than 3 times/wk.

Estimation of body surface area in the musk shrew ( Suncus murinus): a small animal for testing chemotherapy-induced emesis.

PubMed

Eiseman, Julie L; Sciullo, Michael; Wang, Hong; Beumer, Jan H; Horn, Charles C

2017-10-01

Several cancer chemotherapies cause nausea and vomiting, which can be dose-limiting. Musk shrews are used as preclinical models for chemotherapy-induced emesis and for antiemetic effectiveness. Unlike rats and mice, shrews possess a vomiting reflex and demonstrate an emetic profile similar to humans, including acute and delayed phases. As with most animals, dosing of shrews is based on body weight, while translation of such doses to clinically equivalent exposure requires doses based on body surface area. In the current study body surface area in musk shrews was directly assessed to determine the Meeh constant (K m ) conversion factor (female = 9.97, male = 9.10), allowing estimation of body surface area based on body weight. These parameters can be used to determine dosing strategies for shrew studies that model human drug exposures, particularly for investigating the emetic liability of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Hit rates and radiation doses to nuclei of bone lining cells from alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polig, E.; Jee, W. S.; Kruglikov, I. L.

1992-01-01

Factors relating the local concentration of a bone-seeking alpha-particle emitter to the mean hit rate have been determined for nuclei of bone lining cells using a Monte Carlo procedure. Cell nuclei were approximated by oblate spheroids with dimensions and location taken from a previous histomorphometric study. The Monte Carlo simulation is applicable for planar and diffuse labels at plane or cylindrical bone surfaces. Additionally, the mean nuclear dose per hit, the dose mean per hit, the mean track segment length and its second moment, the percentage of stoppers, and the frequency distribution of the dose have been determined. Some basic features of the hit statistics for bone lining cells have been outlined, and the consequences of existing standards of radiation protection with regard to the hit frequency to cell nuclei are discussed.

Beam related response of in vivo diode detectors for external radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baci, Syrja, E-mail: sbarci2013@gmail.com; Telhaj, Ervis; Malkaj, Partizan

2016-03-25

In Vivo Dosimetry (IVD) is a set of methods used in cancer treatment clinics to determine the real dose of radiation absorbed by target volume in a patient’s body. IVD has been widely implemented in radiotherapy treatment centers and is now recommended part of Quality Assurance program by many International health and radiation organizations. Because of cost and lack of specialized personnel, IVD has not been practiced as yet, in Albanian radiotherapy clinics. At Hygeia Hospital Tirana, patients are irradiated with high energy photons generated by Elekta Synergy Accelerators. We have recently started experimenting with the purpose of establishing anmore » IVD practice at this hospital. The first set of experiments was aimed at calibration of diodes that are going to be used for IVD. PMMA, phantoms by PTW were used to calibrate p – type Si, semiconductor diode dosimeters, made by PTW Freiburg for entrance dose. Response of the detectors is affected by energy of the beam, accumulated radiation dose, dose rate, temperature, angle against the beam axis, etc. Here we present the work done for calculating calibration factor and correction factors of source to surface distance, field size, and beam incidence for the entrance dose for both 6 MV photon beam and 18 MV photon beam. Dependence of dosimeter response was found to be more pronounced with source to surface distance as compared to other variables investigated.« less

Comparative dosimetry of diode and diamond detectors in electron beams for intraoperative radiation therapy.

PubMed

Björk, P; Knöös, T; Nilsson, P

2000-11-01

The aim of the present study is to examine the validity of using silicon semiconductor detectors in degraded electron beams with a broad energy spectrum and a wide angular distribution. A comparison is made with diamond detector measurements, which is the dosimeter considered to give the best results provided that dose rate effects are corrected for. Two-dimensional relative absorbed dose distributions in electron beams (6-20 MeV) for intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) are measured in a water phantom. To quantify deviations between the detectors, a dose comparison tool that simultaneously examines the dose difference and distance to agreement (DTA) is used to evaluate the results in low- and high-dose gradient regions, respectively. Uncertainties of the experimental measurement setup (+/- 1% and +/- 0.5 mm) are taken into account by calculating a composite distribution that fails this dose-difference and DTA acceptance limit. Thus, the resulting area of disagreement should be related to differences in detector performance. The dose distributions obtained with the diode are generally in very good agreement with diamond detector measurements. The buildup region and the dose falloff region show good agreement with increasing electron energy, while the region outside the radiation field close to the water surface shows an increased difference with energy. The small discrepancies in the composite distributions are due to several factors: (a) variation of the silicon-to-water collision stopping-power ratio with electron energy, (b) a more pronounced directional dependence for diodes than for diamonds, and (c) variation of the electron fluence perturbation correction factor with depth. For all investigated treatment cones and energies, the deviation is within dose-difference and DTA acceptance criteria of +/- 3% and +/- 1 mm, respectively. Therefore, p-type silicon diodes are well suited, in the sense that they give results in close agreement with diamond detectors, for practical measurements of relative absorbed dose distributions in degraded electron beams used for IORT.

Comparison of proposed alternative methods for rescaling dialysis dose: resting energy expenditure, high metabolic rate organ mass, liver size, and body surface area.

PubMed

Daugirdas, John T; Levin, Nathan W; Kotanko, Peter; Depner, Thomas A; Kuhlmann, Martin K; Chertow, Glenn M; Rocco, Michael V

2008-01-01

A number of denominators for scaling the dose of dialysis have been proposed as alternatives to the urea distribution volume (V). These include resting energy expenditure (REE), mass of high metabolic rate organs (HMRO), visceral mass, and body surface area. Metabolic rate is an unlikely denominator as it varies enormously among humans with different levels of activity and correlates poorly with the glomerular filtration rate. Similarly, scaling based on HMRO may not be optimal, as many organs with high metabolic rates such as spleen, brain, and heart are unlikely to generate unusually large amounts of uremic toxins. Visceral mass, in particular the liver and gut, has potential merit as a denominator for scaling; liver size is related to protein intake and the liver, along with the gut, is known to be responsible for the generation of suspected uremic toxins. Surface area is time-honored as a scaling method for glomerular filtration rate and scales similarly to liver size. How currently recommended dialysis doses might be affected by these alternative rescaling methods was modeled by applying anthropometric equations to a large group of dialysis patients who participated in the HEMO study. The data suggested that rescaling to REE would not be much different from scaling to V. Scaling to HMRO mass would mandate substantially higher dialysis doses for smaller patients of either gender. Rescaling to liver mass would require substantially more dialysis for women compared with men at all levels of body size. Rescaling to body surface area would require more dialysis for smaller patients of either gender and also more dialysis for women of any size. Of these proposed alternative rescaling measures, body surface area may be the best, because it reflects gender-based scaling of liver size and thereby the rate of generation of uremic toxins.

SU-F-T-170: Patient Surface Dose Measurements Using Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeters in Scanning Proton Beam Therapy for Breast Cancer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, J; Strauss, D; Langner, U

Purpose: To establish patient surface dose dosimetry for scanning proton beam therapy (SPBT) for breast cancer using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLD). Methods: OSLDs were calibrated with SPB under the similar conditions as the treatments for breast cancer. A range shifter (RS) of 5 cm water equivalent thickness (WET) was used. The air gap from the surface of the range shifter to the surface of the phantom was 15 cm. A uniform planar dose generated by nominal energy of 118 MeV was delivered. The range of 118 MeV proton beam after the 5cm RS is approximately 5 cm in water,more » which is the common range for breast treatments. The OSLDs were placed on the surface of high density polyethylene slabs, and a bolus of 1.06 cm WET was used for buildup. A variety of dose levels in the range of 0.5 to 8 Gy were delivered. Under the same condition, an ADCL calibrated parallel plate (PP) chamber was used to measure the reference dose. The correlation between the output signals of OSLDs and the reference doses was established. The calibration of OSLD was verified against the PP chamber measurements for two SPBT breast plans calculated for two patients. Results: the least squares fitting for the OSLD calibration curve was a polynomial function to the order of 2 in the range of 0.5 to 8 Gy (RBE). The differences between the dose measured with OSLDs and PP chamber were within 3% for the two breast proton plans. Conclusion: the calibrated OSLDs under the similar conditions as the treatments can be used for patient surface dose measurements.« less

Defining unnecessary disinfection procedures for single-dose and multiple-dose vials.

PubMed

Buckley, T; Dudley, S M; Donowitz, L G

1994-11-01

Recommendations in the literature conflict on the necessity of disinfecting single-use vials prior to aspiration of fluid. Interventions to disinfect the stopper surface on multiple-dose vials vary considerably. To determine the necessity of alcohol disinfection of the stopper on single-dose vials and to compare povidone-iodine and alcohol versus alcohol-only disinfection of the stopper prior to each needle penetration on multiple-dose vials. The rubber stopper surfaces of 100 single-dose vials were cultured for the presence of bacteria. To determine the efficacy of two procedures for disinfection of multiple-dose vials, 87 stopper surfaces routinely disinfected with both povidone-iodine and alcohol were cultured for bacteria. After a change in practice, 100 multiple-dose vials routinely disinfected with alcohol only were cultured for the presence of bacteria. Of the cultures done on single-dose vial stoppers, 99% were sterile. A comparison of the two disinfection techniques for multiple-dose vials revealed that 83 (95%) of the 87 vials prepped with both povidone-iodine and alcohol were sterile, compared with all stoppers disinfected with alcohol only. This study shows the lack of necessity of any disinfection procedure on the rubber stopper of single-dose vials and the efficacy of alcohol only for disinfecting the stopper of multiple-dose vials.

Characterization of MOSkin detector for in vivo skin dose measurement during megavoltage radiotherapy

PubMed Central

Jong, Wei Loong; Wong, Jeannie Hsiu Ding; Ng, Kwan Hoong; Ho, Gwo Fuang; Cutajar, Dean L.; Rosenfeld, Anatoly B.

2014-01-01

In vivo dosimetry is important during radiotherapy to ensure the accuracy of the dose delivered to the treatment volume. A dosimeter should be characterized based on its application before it is used for in vivo dosimetry. In this study, we characterize a new MOSFET‐based detector, the MOSkin detector, on surface for in vivo skin dosimetry. The advantages of the MOSkin detector are its water equivalent depth of measurement of 0.07 mm, small physical size with submicron dosimetric volume, and the ability to provide real‐time readout. A MOSkin detector was calibrated and the reproducibility, linearity, and response over a large dose range to different threshold voltages were determined. Surface dose on solid water phantom was measured using MOSkin detector and compared with Markus ionization chamber and GAFCHROMIC EBT2 film measurements. Dependence in the response of the MOSkin detector on the surface of solid water phantom was also tested for different (i) source to surface distances (SSDs); (ii) field sizes; (iii) surface dose; (iv) radiation incident angles; and (v) wedges. The MOSkin detector showed excellent reproducibility and linearity for dose range of 50 cGy to 300 cGy. The MOSkin detector showed reliable response to different SSDs, field sizes, surface, radiation incident angles, and wedges. The MOSkin detector is suitable for in vivo skin dosimetry. PACS number: 87.55.Qr PMID:25207573

A study on the suitability of the PTW microDiamond detector for kilovoltage x-ray beam dosimetry.

PubMed

Damodar, Joshita; Odgers, David; Pope, Dane; Hill, Robin

2018-05-01

Kilovoltage x-ray beams are widely used in treating skin cancers and in biological irradiators. In this work, we have evaluated four dosimeters (ionization chambers and solid state detectors) in their suitability for relative dosimetry of kilovoltage x-ray beams in the energy range of 50 - 280kVp. The solid state detectors, which have not been investigated with low energy x-rays, were the PTW 60019 microDiamond synthetic diamond detector and the PTW 60012 diode. The two ionization chambers used were the PTW Advanced Markus parallel plate chamber and the PTW PinPoint small volume chamber. For each of the dosimeters, percentage depth doses were measured in water over the full range of x-ray beams and for field sizes ranging from 2cm diameter to 12 × 12cm. In addition, depth doses were measured for a narrow aperture (7mm diameter) using the PTW microDiamond detector. For comparison, the measured data was compared with Monte Carlo calculated doses using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo package. The depth dose results indicate that the Advanced Markus parallel plate and PinPoint ionization chambers were suitable for depth dose measurements in the beam quality range with an uncertainty of less than 3%, including in the regions closer to the surface of the water as compared with Monte Carlo depth dose data for all six energy beams. The response of the PTW Diode E detector was accurate to within 4% for all field sizes in the energy range of 50-125kVp but showed larger variations for higher energies of up to 12% with the 12 × 12cm field size. In comparison, the microDiamond detector had good agreement over all energies for both smaller and larger field sizes generally within 1% as compared to the Advanced Markus chamber field and Monte Carlo calculations. The only exceptions were in measuring the dose at the surface of the water phantom where larger differences were found. For the 7mm diameter field, the agreement between the microDiamond detector and Monte Carlo calculations was good being better than 1% except at the surface. Based on these results, the PTW microDiamond detector has shown to be a suitable detector for relative dosimetry of low energy x-ray beams over a wide range of x-ray beam energies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A dosimetric analysis of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as an alternative to adjuvant high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in early endometrial cancer patients

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aydogan, Bulent; Mundt, Arno J.; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

2006-05-01

Purpose: To evaluate the role of intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) as an alternative to high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in the treatment of the vagina in postoperative early endometrial cancer patients after surgery. Methods and Materials: Planning computed tomography (CT) scans of 10 patients previously treated with HDR were used in this study. In all cases, a dose of 700 cGy/fraction was prescribed at a distance of 0.5 cm from the cylinder surface. The same CT scans were then used in IMRT planning. In this paradigm, the vaginal cylinder represents a component of a hypothetical immobilization system that would be indexed tomore » the linac treatment table. Results: Our study showed that IMRT provided relatively lower rectal doses than HDR when treatment was prescribed at a distance of 0.5 cm away from the cylinder surface. Maximum rectal doses were lower with IMRT compared with HDR (average: 89.0% vs. 142.6%, respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, the mean rectal dose was lower in IMRT plans compared with HDR plans with treatment prescribed either to the surface (average: 14.8% vs. 21.4%, respectively, p < 0.05) or to 0.5 cm (average: 19.6% vs. 33.5%, respectively, p < 0.05). IMRT plans had planning target volume (PTV) coverage comparable with HDR (average PTV minimum for treatment prescribed to 0.5 cm: 93.9% vs. 92.1%, p = 0.71, respectively) with less inhomogeneity (average PTV maximum: 110.8% vs. 381.6%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our dosimetric analysis suggests that when used in conjunction with a suitable immobilization system, IMRT may provide an alternative to HDR brachytherapy in women with early endometrial cancer after hysterectomy. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the clinical merit of the IMRT in these patients.« less

Surface Modification of Silicone Rubber for Adhesion Patterning of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Water Cluster Ion Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sommani, Piyanuch; Ichihashi, Gaku; Ryuto, Hiromichi; Tsuji, Hiroshi; Gotoh, Yasuhito; Takaoka, Gikan H.

2011-01-01

Biocompatibility of silicone rubber sheet (SR) was improved by the water cluster ion irradiation for adhesion patterning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The water cluster ions were irradiated at acceleration voltage of 6 kV and doses of 1014-1016 ions/cm2. The effect of ion dose on changes in wettability and surface atomic bonding state was observed. Compared to the unirradiated SR, about four-time smoother surface on the irradiated one was observed. Water contact angle decreased with an increase in the ion dose up to 1×1015 ions/cm2. With an increase in ion dose, XPS showed decrease of atomic carbon due to lateral sputtering effect and increase of atomic oxygen due to surface oxidation. After 7 days in vitro culture, the complete adhesion pattern of the rat MSCs was obtained on the irradiated SR at dose of 1×1015 ions/cm2, corresponding to the low contact angle of 87°. At low dose, the partial pattern on the irradiated region was observed instead.

Geometric Image Biomarker Changes of the Parotid Gland Are Associated With Late Xerostomia.

PubMed

van Dijk, Lisanne V; Brouwer, Charlotte L; van der Laan, Hans Paul; Burgerhof, Johannes G M; Langendijk, Johannes A; Steenbakkers, Roel J H M; Sijtsema, Nanna M

2017-12-01

To identify a surrogate marker for late xerostomia 12 months after radiation therapy (Xer 12m ), according to information obtained shortly after treatment. Differences in parotid gland (PG) were quantified in image biomarkers (ΔIBMs) before and 6 weeks after radiation therapy in 107 patients. By performing stepwise forward selection, ΔIBMs that were associated with Xer 12m were selected. Subsequently other variables, such as PG dose and acute xerostomia scores, were added to improve the prediction performance. All models were internally validated. Prediction of Xer 12m based on PG surface reduction (ΔPG-surface) was good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.82). Parotid gland dose was related to ΔPG-surface (P<.001, R 2  = 0.27). The addition of acute xerostomia scores to the ΔPG-surface improved the prediction of Xer 12m significantly, and vice versa. The final model including ΔPG-surface and acute xerostomia had outstanding performance in predicting Xer 12m early after radiation therapy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.90). Parotid gland surface reduction was associated with late xerostomia. The early posttreatment model with ΔPG-surface and acute xerostomia scores can be considered as a surrogate marker for late xerostomia. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Pharmacogenetics-Based Warfarin Maintenance Dosing Algorithm from Northern Chinese Patients

PubMed Central

Luo, Fang; Wang, Jin'e; Shi, Yi; Tan, Yu; Chen, Qianlong; Zhang, Yu; Hui, Rutai; Wang, Yibo

2014-01-01

Inconsistent associations with warfarin dose were observed in genetic variants except VKORC1 haplotype and CYP2C9*3 in Chinese people, and few studies on warfarin dose algorithm was performed in a large Chinese Han population lived in Northern China. Of 787 consenting patients with heart-valve replacements who were receiving long-term warfarin maintenance therapy, 20 related Single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. Only VKORC1 and CYP2C9 SNPs were observed to be significantly associated with warfarin dose. In the derivation cohort (n = 551), warfarin dose variability was influenced, in decreasing order, by VKORC1 rs7294 (27.3%), CYP2C9*3(7.0%), body surface area(4.2%), age(2.7%), target INR(1.4%), CYP4F2 rs2108622 (0.7%), amiodarone use(0.6%), diabetes mellitus(0.6%), and digoxin use(0.5%), which account for 45.1% of the warfarin dose variability. In the validation cohort (n = 236), the actual maintenance dose was significantly correlated with predicted dose (r = 0.609, P<0.001). Our algorithm could improve the personalized management of warfarin use in Northern Chinese patients. PMID:25126975

TLD extrapolation for skin dose determination in vivo.

PubMed

Kron, T; Butson, M; Hunt, F; Denham, J

1996-11-01

Prediction of skin reactions requires knowledge of the dose at various depths in the human skin. Using thermoluminescence dosimeters of three different thicknesses, the dose can be extrapolated to the surface and interpolated between the different depths. A TLD holder was designed for these TLD extrapolation measurements on patients during treatment which allowed measurements of entrance and exit skin dose with a day to day variability of +/-7% (S.D. of mean reading). In a pilot study on 18 patients undergoing breast irradiation, it was found that the angle of incidence of the radiation beam is the most significant factor influencing skin entrance dose. In most of these measurements the beam exit dose contributed 50% more to the surface dose than the entrance dose.

Monte Carlo skin dose simulation in intraoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer using spherical applicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, F.; Ung, N. M.; Khandaker, M. U.; Mahdiraji, G. A.; Saad, M.; Malik, R. Abdul; Bustam, A. Z.; Zaili, Z.; Bradley, D. A.

2017-08-01

The relatively new treatment modality electronic intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is gaining popularity, irradiation being obtained within a surgically produced cavity being delivered via a low-energy x-ray source and spherical applicators, primarily for early stage breast cancer. Due to the spatially dramatic dose-rate fall off with radial distance from the source and effects related to changes in the beam quality of the low keV photon spectra, dosimetric account of the Intrabeam system is rather complex. Skin dose monitoring in IORT is important due to the high dose prescription per treatment fraction. In this study, modeling of the x-ray source and related applicators were performed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code. The dosimetric characteristics of the model were validated against measured data obtained using an ionization chamber and EBT3 film as dosimeters. By using a simulated breast phantom, absorbed doses to the skin for different combinations of applicator size (1.5-5 cm) and treatment depth (0.5-3 cm) were calculated. Simulation results showed overdosing of the skin (>30% of prescribed dose) at a treatment depth of 0.5 cm using applicator sizes larger than 1.5 cm. Skin doses were significantly increased with applicator size, insofar as delivering 12 Gy (60% of the prescribed dose) to skin for the largest sized applicator (5 cm diameter) and treatment depth of 0.5 cm. It is concluded that the recommended 0.5-1 cm distance between the skin and applicator surface does not guarantee skin safety and skin dose is generally more significant in cases with the larger applicators. Highlights: • Intrabeam x-ray source and spherical applicators were simulated and skin dose was calculated. • Skin dose for constant skin to applicator distance strongly depends on applicator size. • Use of larger applicators generally results in higher skin dose. • The recommended 0.5-1 cm skin to applicator distance does not guarantee skin safety.

Spiraling contaminant electrons increase doses to surfaces outside the photon beam of an MRI-linac with a perpendicular magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hackett, S. L.; van Asselen, B.; Wolthaus, J. W. H.; Bluemink, J. J.; Ishakoglu, K.; Kok, J.; Lagendijk, J. J. W.; Raaymakers, B. W.

2018-05-01

The transverse magnetic field of an MRI-linac sweeps contaminant electrons away from the radiation beam. Films oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field and 5 cm from the radiation beam edge show a projection of the divergent beam, indicating that contaminant electrons spiral along magnetic field lines and deposit dose on surfaces outside the primary beam perpendicular to the magnetic field. These spiraling contaminant electrons (SCE) could increase skin doses to protruding regions of the patient along the cranio-caudal axis. This study investigated doses from SCE for an MRI-linac comprising a 7 MV linac and a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Surface doses to films perpendicular to the magnetic field and 5 cm from the radiation beam edge showed increased dose within the projection of the primary beam, whereas films parallel to the magnetic field and 5 cm from the beam edge showed no region of increased dose. However, the dose from contaminant electrons is absorbed within a few millimeters. For large fields, the SCE dose is within the same order of magnitude as doses from scattered and leakage photons. Doses for both SCE and scattered photons decrease rapidly with decreasing beam size and increasing distance from the beam edge.

Poster — Thur Eve — 48: Dosimetric dependence on bone backscatter in orthovoltage radiotherapy: A Monte Carlo photon fluence spectral study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chow, J; Grigor, G

This study investigated dosimetric impact due to the bone backscatter in orthovoltage radiotherapy. Monte Carlo simulations were used to calculate depth doses and photon fluence spectra using the EGSnrc-based code. Inhomogeneous bone phantom containing a thin water layer (1–3 mm) on top of a bone (1 cm) to mimic the treatment sites of forehead, chest wall and kneecap was irradiated by the 220 kVp photon beam produced by the Gulmay D3225 x-ray machine. Percentage depth doses and photon energy spectra were determined using Monte Carlo simulations. Results of percentage depth doses showed that the maximum bone dose was about 210–230%more » larger than the surface dose in the phantoms with different water thicknesses. Surface dose was found to be increased from 2.3 to 3.5%, when the distance between the phantom surface and bone was increased from 1 to 3 mm. This increase of surface dose on top of a bone was due to the increase of photon fluence intensity, resulting from the bone backscatter in the energy range of 30 – 120 keV, when the water thickness was increased. This was also supported by the increase of the intensity of the photon energy spectral curves at the phantom and bone surface as the water thickness was increased. It is concluded that if the bone inhomogeneity during the dose prescription in the sites of forehead, chest wall and kneecap with soft tissue thickness = 1–3 mm is not considered, there would be an uncertainty in the dose delivery.« less

Real-time dose calculation and visualization for the proton therapy of ocular tumours

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfeiffer, Karsten; Bendl, Rolf

2001-03-01

A new real-time dose calculation and visualization was developed as part of the new 3D treatment planning tool OCTOPUS for proton therapy of ocular tumours within a national research project together with the Hahn-Meitner Institut Berlin. The implementation resolves the common separation between parameter definition, dose calculation and evaluation and allows a direct examination of the expected dose distribution while adjusting the treatment parameters. The new tool allows the therapist to move the desired dose distribution under visual control in 3D to the appropriate place. The visualization of the resulting dose distribution as a 3D surface model, on any 2D slice or on the surface of specified ocular structures is done automatically when adapting parameters during the planning process. In addition, approximate dose volume histograms may be calculated with little extra time. The dose distribution is calculated and visualized in 200 ms with an accuracy of 6% for the 3D isodose surfaces and 8% for other objects. This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of this new approach.

Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced suppression of macrophage spreading and phagocytic activity in vitro.

PubMed

Lopez-Cepero, M; Friedman, M; Klein, T; Friedman, H

1986-06-01

The effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on several parameters of macrophage function in vitro were assessed. Delta 9 THC added to cultures of normal mouse peritoneal cells in vitro affected the ability of the cells to spread on glass surfaces and also had some effect on their ability to phagocytize yeast. These effects were dose related. A concentration of 20 micrograms of THC almost completely inhibited macrophage spreading, but it also decreased viability and the total number of these cells. Doses of 10 or 5 micrograms of THC also inhibited spreading but had little effect on cell viability or number. A dose of 1.0 microgram of THC had some inhibitory effect on spreading and the lowest dose affecting spreading appeared to be about 0.05 micrograms per culture. Higher doses of THC were necessary to inhibit phagocytosis of yeast particles as determined by direct microscopic examination or use of radiolabeled yeast as the test particles. These results indicate that several readily measured functions of macrophages may be suppressed by THC.

SU-E-T-541: Bolus Effect of Thermoplastic Masks in IMRT and VMAT Head and Neck Treatments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhen, H; Nedzi, L; Chen, S

2014-06-01

Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate the bolus effect of thermoplalstic mask on patient skin dose during multi-field IMRT and VMAT treatment. Methods: The clinically approved target contours for five head and neck patients were deformably registered to an anthropomorphic Rando phantom. Two plans: Multifield IMRT plan with 7-9 beams and VMAT plan with 2-4 arcs were created for each patient following same dose constraints. 3mm skin was excluded from PTVs but not constrained during optimization. The prescription dose was 200-220 cGy/fraction. A thermoplastic head and shoulder mask was customized for the Rando phantom. Each plan was delivered to the phantom twicemore » with and without mask. During each delivery, two rectangular strips of EBT3 films (1cm x 6.8cm) were placed across the anterior upper and lower neck near PTVs to measure the surface dose. For consistency films were positioned at same locations for same patient. A total of 8 film strips were obtained for each patient. Film dose was calibrated in the range of 0-400cGy on the day of plan delivery. For dose comparison 3 regions of interests (ROIs) of 1×1 cm{sup 2} were selected at left, right and middle part of each film, resulting in 6 point doses at each plan delivery. Results: The films without mask show relatively uniform dose distribution while those with mask clearly show mesh pattern of mask, usually indicating an increase in skin dose. On average the increase in skin dose over all ROIs with mask was 31.9%(±14.8%) with a range of 11.4%- 58.4%. There is no statistically significant difference (p=0.44) between skin dose increase in VMAT (30.8%±15.3%) and IMRT delivery (33.0%±14.9%). Conclusion: Thermoplastic immobilization masks increase surface dose for HN patient by around 30%. The magnitude is comparable between multi-field IMRT and VMAT. Radiochromic EBT3 film serves as an effective tool to quantify bolus effect.« less

Effects of immobilization mask material on surface dose

PubMed Central

Hadley, Scott W.; Kelly, Robin; Lam, Kwok

2005-01-01

This work investigates the increase in surface dose caused by thermoplastic masks used for patient positioning and immobilization. A thermoplastic mask is custom fit by stretching a heated mask over the patient at the time of treatment simulation. This mask is then used at treatment to increase the reproducibility of the patient position. The skin sparing effect of mega‐voltage X‐ray beams can be reduced when the patient's skin surface is under the mask material. The sheet of thermoplastic mask has holes to reduce this effect and is available from one manufacturer with two different sizes of holes, one larger than the other. This work investigates the increase in surface dose caused by the mask material and quantifies the difference between the two samples of masks available. The change in the dose buildup was measured using an Attix parallel plate chamber by measuring tissue maximum ratios (TMRs) using solid water. Measurements were made with and without the mask material on the surface of the solid water for 6‐MV and 15‐MV X‐ray beams. The effective thickness of equivalent water was estimated from the TMR curves, and the increase in surface dose was estimated. The buildup effect was measured to be equivalent to 2.2 mm to 0.6 mm for masks that have been stretched by different amounts. The surface dose was estimated to change from 16% and 12% for 6 MV and 15 MV, respectively, to 27% to 61% for 6 MV and 18% to 40% for 15 MV with the mask samples. PACS number: 87.53.Dq PMID:15770192

Measurements of the neutron spectrum on the Martian surface with MSL/RAD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhler, J.; Zeitlin, C.; Ehresmann, B.; Wimmer-Schweingruber, R. F.; Hassler, D. M.; Reitz, G.; Brinza, D. E.; Weigle, G.; Appel, J.; Böttcher, S.; Böhm, E.; Burmeister, S.; Guo, J.; Martin, C.; Posner, A.; Rafkin, S.; Kortmann, O.

2014-03-01

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD), onboard the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover Curiosity, measures the energetic charged and neutral particles and the radiation dose rate on the surface of Mars. An important factor for determining the biological impact of the Martian surface radiation is the specific contribution of neutrons, with their deeper penetration depth and ensuing high biological effectiveness. This is very difficult to measure quantitatively, resulting in considerable uncertainties in the total radiation dose. In contrast to charged particles, neutral particles (neutrons and gamma rays) are generally only measured indirectly. Measured spectra are a complex convolution of the incident particle spectrum with the detector response function and must be unfolded. We apply an inversion method (based on a maximum likelihood estimation) to calculate the neutron and gamma spectra from the RAD neutral particle measurements. Here we show the first spectra on the surface of Mars and compare them to theoretical predictions. The measured neutron spectrum (ranging from 8 to 740 MeV) translates into a radiation dose rate of 14±4μGy/d and a dose equivalent rate of 61±15μSv/d. This corresponds to 7% of the measured total surface dose rate and 10% of the biologically relevant surface dose equivalent rate on Mars. Measuring the Martian neutron and gamma spectra is an essential step for determining the mutagenic influences to past or present life at or beneath the Martian surface as well as the radiation hazard for future human exploration, including the shielding design of a potential habitat.

High dose rate brachytherapy for prevention of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: Preliminary dosimetric tests of a new source presentation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Popowski, Y.; Rouzaud, M.; Kurtz, J.M.

1995-08-30

Balloon dilatation of coronary artery stenosis has become a standard treatment of atherosclerotic heart disease. Restenosis due to excessive intimal cell proliferation, which subsequently occurs in 20-50% of patients, represents one of the major clinical problems in contemporary cardiology, and no satisfactory method for its prevention has thus far been found. Because modest doses of radiation have proved effective in preventing certain types of abnormal cellular proliferation resulting from surgical trauma, and brachytherapy has already been used successfully after dilatation of peripheral arteries, development of a radioactive source suitable for coronary artery applications would be of great interest. Doses obtainedmore » at the surface of the balloon, for a 2-min exposure for the 0.26 mm wire (balloon inflated with air) and the 0.15 mm wire (air or contrast), were 56.5 Gy, 17.8 Gy, 5.4 Gy, respectively. As expected for a beta emitter, the fall-off in dose as a function of depth was rapid. External irradiation from the beta source was negligible. Our experiments indicate that the dose rates attainable at the surface of the angioplasty balloon using this technique allow the doses necessary for the inhibition of intimal cell proliferation to be reached within a relatively short period of time. The thin yttrium-90 wires are very easy to handle, and their mechanical and radioactive properties are well suited to the requirements of the catheterization procedure. 16 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

Skin dose for head and neck cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Hsiao-Ju; Li, Chi-Wei; Tsai, Wei-Ta; Chang, Chih-Chia; Tsang, Yuk-Wah

2017-11-01

The reliability of thermoluminescent dosimeters (ultrathin TLD) and ISP Gafchromic EBT2 film to measure the surface dose in phantom and the skin dose in head-and-neck patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy technique(IMRT) is the research focus. Seven-field treatment plans with prescribed dose of 180 cGy were performed on Eclipse treatment planning system which utilized pencil beam calculation algorithm(PBC). In calibration tests, the variance coefficient of the ultrathin TLDs were within 3%. The points on the calibration curve of the Gafchromic film was within 1% variation. Five measurements were taken on phantom using ultrathin TLD and EBT2 film respectively. The measured mean surface doses between ultrathin TLD or EBT2 film were within 5% deviation. Skin doses of 6 patients were measured for initial 5 fractions and the mean dose per-fraction was calculated. If the extrapolated doses for 30 fractions were below 4000 cGy, the skin reaction grading observed according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) was either grade 1 or grade 2. If surface dose exceeded 5000 cGy in 32 fractions, then grade 3 skin reactions were observed.

Validation of OSLD and a treatment planning system for surface dose determination in IMRT treatments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhuang, Audrey H., E-mail: hzhuang@usc.edu; Olch, Arthur J.

2014-08-15

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of skin dose determination for composite multibeam 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatments using optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) and Eclipse treatment planning system. Methods: Surface doses measured by OSLDs in the buildup region for open field 6 MV beams, either perpendicular or oblique to the surface, were evaluated by comparing against dose measured by Markus Parallel Plate (PP) chamber, surface diodes, and calculated by Monte Carlo simulations. The accuracy of percent depth dose (PDD) calculation in the buildup region from the authors’ Eclipse system (Version 10), which wasmore » precisely commissioned in the buildup region and was used with 1 mm calculation grid, was also evaluated by comparing to PP chamber measurements and Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, an anthropomorphic pelvic phantom was CT scanned with OSLDs in place at three locations. A planning target volume (PTV) was defined that extended close to the surface. Both an 8 beam 3DCRT and IMRT plan were generated in Eclipse. OSLDs were placed at the CT scanned reference locations to measure the skin doses and were compared to diode measurements and Eclipse calculations. Efforts were made to ensure that the dose comparison was done at the effective measurement points of each detector and corresponding locations in CT images. Results: The depth of the effective measurement point is 0.8 mm for OSLD when used in the buildup region in a 6 MV beam and is 0.7 mm for the authors’ surface diode. OSLDs and Eclipse system both agree well with Monte Carlo and/or Markus PP ion chamber and/or diode in buildup regions in 6 MV beams with normal or oblique incidence and across different field sizes. For the multiple beam 3DCRT plan and IMRT plans, the differences between OSLDs and Eclipse calculations on the surface of the anthropomorphic phantom were within 3% and distance-to-agreement less than 0.3 mm. Conclusions: The authors’ experiment showed that OSLD is an accurate dosimeter for skin dose measurements in complex 3DCRT or IMRT plans. It also showed that an Eclipse system with accurate commissioning of the data in the buildup region and 1 mm calculation grid can calculate surface doses with high accuracy and has a potential to replacein vivo measurements.« less

Measurement of skin dose from cone-beam computed tomography imaging.

PubMed

Akyalcin, Sercan; English, Jeryl D; Abramovitch, Kenneth M; Rong, Xiujiang J

2013-10-09

To measure surface skin dose from various cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners using point-dosimeters. A head anthropomorphic phantom was used with nanoDOT optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters (Landauer Corp., Glenwood, IL) attached to various anatomic landmarks. The phantom was scanned using multiple exposure protocols for craniofacial evaluations in three different CBCT units and a conventional x-ray imaging system. The dosimeters were calibrated for each of the scan protocols on the different imaging systems. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, submandibular and parotid gland levels were measured. The measured skin doses ranged from 0.09 to 4.62 mGy depending on dosimeter positions and imaging systems. The average surface doses to the lens locations were ~4.0 mGy, well below the threshold for cataractogenesis (500 mGy). The results changed accordingly with x-ray tube output (mAs and kV) and also were sensitive to scan field of view (SFOV). As compared to the conventional panoramic and cephalometric imaging system, doses from all three CBCT systems were at least an order of magnitude higher. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, and salivary gland levels measured from the CBCT imaging systems were lower than the thresholds to induce deterministic effects. However, our findings do not justify the routine use of CBCT imaging in orthodontics considering the lifetime-attributable risk to the individual.

Measurement of skin dose from cone-beam computed tomography imaging

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Objective To measure surface skin dose from various cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners using point-dosimeters. Materials & methods A head anthropomorphic phantom was used with nanoDOT optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters (Landauer Corp., Glenwood, IL) attached to various anatomic landmarks. The phantom was scanned using multiple exposure protocols for craniofacial evaluations in three different CBCT units and a conventional x-ray imaging system. The dosimeters were calibrated for each of the scan protocols on the different imaging systems. Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, submandibular and parotid gland levels were measured. Results The measured skin doses ranged from 0.09 to 4.62 mGy depending on dosimeter positions and imaging systems. The average surface doses to the lens locations were ~4.0 mGy, well below the threshold for cataractogenesis (500 mGy). The results changed accordingly with x-ray tube output (mAs and kV) and also were sensitive to scan field of view (SFOV). As compared to the conventional panoramic and cephalometric imaging system, doses from all three CBCT systems were at least an order of magnitude higher. Conclusions Peak skin dose and surface doses at the eye lens, thyroid, and salivary gland levels measured from the CBCT imaging systems were lower than the thresholds to induce deterministic effects. However, our findings do not justify the routine use of CBCT imaging in orthodontics considering the lifetime-attributable risk to the individual. PMID:24192155

Quantification of Acute Vocal Fold Epithelial Surface Damage with Increasing Time and Magnitude Doses of Vibration Exposure

PubMed Central

Kojima, Tsuyoshi; Van Deusen, Mark; Jerome, W. Gray; Garrett, C. Gaelyn; Sivasankar, M. Preeti; Novaleski, Carolyn K.; Rousseau, Bernard

2014-01-01

Because the vocal folds undergo repeated trauma during continuous cycles of vibration, the epithelium is routinely susceptible to damage during phonation. Excessive and prolonged vibration exposure is considered a significant predisposing factor in the development of vocal fold pathology. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the extent of epithelial surface damage following increased time and magnitude doses of vibration exposure using an in vivo rabbit phonation model. Forty-five New Zealand white breeder rabbits were randomized to nine groups and received varying phonation time-doses (30, 60, or 120 minutes) and magnitude-doses (control, modal intensity phonation, or raised intensity phonation) of vibration exposure. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was used to quantify the degree of epithelial surface damage. Results revealed a significant reduction in microprojection density, microprojection height, and depth of the epithelial surface with increasing time and phonation magnitudes doses, signifying increased epithelial surface damage risk with excessive and prolonged vibration exposure. Destruction to the epithelial cell surface may provide significant insight into the disruption of cell function following prolonged vibration exposure. One important goal achieved in the present study was the quantification of epithelial surface damage using objective imaging criteria. These data provide an important foundation for future studies of long-term tissue recovery from excessive and prolonged vibration exposure. PMID:24626217

SU-E-J-198: Out-Of-Field Dose and Surface Dose Measurements of MRI-Guided Cobalt-60 Radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lamb, J; Agazaryan, N; Cao, M

2015-06-15

Purpose: To measure quantities of dosimetric interest in an MRI-guided cobalt radiotherapy machine that was recently introduced to clinical use. Methods: Out-of-field dose due to photon scatter and leakage was measured using an ion chamber and solid water slabs mimicking a human body. Surface dose was measured by irradiating stacks of radiochromic film and extrapolating to zero thickness. Electron out-of-field dose was characterized using solid water slabs and radiochromic film. Results: For some phantom geometries, up to 50% of Dmax was observed up to 10 cm laterally from the edge of the beam. The maximum penetration was between 1 andmore » 2 mm in solid water, indicating an electron energy not greater than approximately 0.4 MeV. Out-of-field dose from photon scatter measured at 1 cm depth in solid water was found to fall to less than 10% of Dmax at a distance of 1.2 cm from the edge of a 10.5 × 10.5 cm field, and less that 1% of Dmax at a distance of 10 cm from field edge. Surface dose was measured to be 8% of Dmax. Conclusion: Surface dose and out-of-field dose from the MRIguided cobalt radiotherapy machine was measured and found to be within acceptable limits. Electron out-of-field dose, an effect unique to MRI-guided radiotherapy and presumed to arise from low-energy electrons trapped by the Lorentz force, was quantified. Dr. Low is a member of the scientific advisory board of ViewRay, Inc.« less

Poster — Thur Eve — 53: Novel Technique for the Measurement of Ultra-Superficial Doses Using Gafchromic Film

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marcos, M.; Devic, S.

2014-08-15

Purpose: Dose build-up and electron contamination are two closely related quantities with important implications in radiotherapy, yet they are quite difficult to measure with great certainty. We present a novel technique for measuring ultra-superficial doses. Method and Materials: We used Gafchromic EBT-3 film which have an effective point of measurement of roughly 153 micros (effective depth in water). By peeling off one of the polyester layers, the active layer becomes the top layer and we obtain a film with a effective point of measurement of 15 microns (effective depth in water). A film calibration was performed using a 180 kVpmore » orthovoltage beam. Since the active layer of the film may have been compressed or perturbed during the peeling of clear polyester we use a triple-channel film calibration technique to minimize the effects of non-uniformity in the active layer. We measured surface doses of orthovoltage beams with lead cutouts in place to introduce contaminant photoelectrons. Results: Our measurements show that the dose enhancement near the edges of the lead were about 125% relative to central axis for 6 cm diameter cutouts up to 170% for 2 cm diameter cutouts, which were within 5% of our EGSnrc based Monte Carlo simulations.« less

Conditioning of the 4 Curies Radium-226 Sealed Radiation Source in Thailand

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Punnachaiya, M.; Sawangsri, T.; Wanabongse, P.

This paper describes the conditioning of the 4 curies Radium-226 (Ra-226) sealed radiation source using as a teletherapy unit for cancer treatment in Thailand. The conditioning was under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision and budgetary supports, comprised of 6 operational steps: the surface dose rate and actual dimension of radium unit measurements, the appropriate lead shielding design with IAEA approval, confirmation of radioactive contamination before conditioning (smear test and radon gas leakage test), transfer of radium source unit into the designed shielding, confirmation of radioactive contamination and dose rate measurement after conditioning, and transportation of Ra-226 conditioning wastemore » package to OAP interim waste storage. The Ra-226 unit was taken out of OAP temporary waste storage for the surface dose rate and the actual dimension measurements behind the 12 inches thick heavy concrete shielding. The maximum measured surface dose rate was 70 R/hr. The special lead container was designed according to its surface dose rate along the source unit which the maximum permissible dose limit for surface dose rate of waste package after conditioning at 2 mSv/hr was applied. The IAEA approved container had total weight of 2.4 ton. After the confirmation of radioactive contamination, Ra-226 source unit was transferred and loaded in the designed lead shielding within 2 minutes. The results of smear test before and after conditioning including radon gas leakage test revealed that there was no radioactive contamination. After conditioning, the surface dose rate measured on the top, bottom were 15,10 mR/hr and varied from 6 - 50 mR/hr around lead container. The Ra-226 conditioning waste package was safely transported to store in OAP interim waste storage. Total working time including the time consumed for radon gas leakage test was 3.5 hours. The total radiation dose received by 16 operators, were ranged from 1 - 69.84 {mu}Sv and the operational team completed the conditioning safely within the effective dose limit for occupational exposure of 50 mSv/year (200 {mu}Sv/day). (authors)« less

Dosimetry of Strontium eye applicator: Comparison of Monte Carlo calculations and radiochromic film measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laoues, M.; Khelifi, R.; Moussa, A. S.

2015-01-01

Strontium-90 eye applicators are a beta-ray emitter with a relatively high-energy (maximum energy about 2.28 MeV and average energy about 0.9 MeV). These applicators come in different shapes and dimensions; they are used for the treatment of eye diseases. Whenever, radiation is used in treatment, dosimetry is essential. However, knowledge of the exact dose distribution is a critical decision-making to the outcome of the treatment. The main aim of our study is to simulate the dosimetry of the SIA.20 eye applicator with Monte Carlo GATE 6.1 platform and to compare the calculated results with those measured with EBT2 films. This means that GATE and EBT2 were used to quantify the surface and depths dose- rate, the relative dose profile and the dosimetric parameters in according to international recommendations. Calculated and measured results are in good agreement and they are consistent with the ICRU and NCS recommendations.

Effect of Liposome Characteristics and Dose on the Pharmacokinetics of Liposomes Coated with Poly(amino acid)s

PubMed Central

Romberg, Birgit; Oussoren, Christien; Snel, Cor J.; Hennink, Wim E.

2007-01-01

Long-circulating liposomes, such as PEG-liposomes, are frequently studied for drug delivery and diagnostic purposes. In our group, poly(amino acid) (PAA)-based coatings for long-circulating liposomes have been developed. These coatings provide liposomes with similar circulation times as compared to PEG-liposomes, but have the advantage of being enzymatically degradable. For PEG-liposomes it has been reported that circulation times are relatively independent of their physicochemical characteristics. In this study, the influence of factors such as PAA grafting density, cholesterol inclusion, surface charge, particle size, and lipid dose on the circulation kinetics of PAA-liposomes was evaluated after intravenous administration in rats. Prolonged circulation kinetics of PAA-liposomes can be maintained upon variation of liposome characteristics and the lipid dose given. However, the use of relatively high amounts of strongly charge-inducing lipids and a too large mean size is to be avoided. In conclusion, PAA-liposomes represent a versatile drug carrier system for a wide variety of applications. PMID:17674159

Local delivery of controlled-release simvastatin to improve the biocompatibility of polyethylene terephthalate artificial ligaments for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

PubMed

Zhang, Peng; Han, Fei; Li, Yunxia; Chen, Jiwu; Chen, Tianwu; Zhi, Yunlong; Jiang, Jia; Lin, Chao; Chen, Shiyi; Zhao, Peng

2016-01-01

The Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System has recently been widely used as the primary graft of choice in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. But the biological graft-bone healing still remains a problem. Previous studies have shown that simvastatin (SIM) stimulates bone formation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether surface coating with collagen containing low-dose SIM microsphere could enhance the surface biocompatibility of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) artificial ligaments to accelerate graft-to-bone healing. The in vitro studies demonstrated that bone marrow stromal cells on the collagen-coated PET scaffolds (COL/PET) and simvastatin/collagen-coated PET scaffolds (SIM/COL/PET) proliferated vigorously. Compared with the PET group and the COL/PET group, SIM could induce bone marrow stromal cells' osteoblastic differentiation, high alkaline phosphatase activity, more mineralization deposition, and more expression of osteoblast-related genes, such as osteocalcin, runt-related transcription factor 2, bone morphogenetic protein-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, in the SIM/COL/PET group. In vivo, rabbits received ACL reconstruction with different scaffolds. Histological analysis demonstrated that graft-bone healing was significantly greater with angiogenesis and osteogenesis in the SIM/COL/PET group than the other groups. In addition, biomechanical testing at the eighth week demonstrated a significant increase in the ultimate failure load and stiffness in the SIM/COL/PET group. The low dose of SIM-sustained release from SIM/COL/PET promoted the graft-bone healing via its effect on both angiogenesis and osteogenesis. This study suggested that collagen containing low-dose SIM microsphere coating on the surface of PET artificial ligaments could be potentially applied for ACL reconstruction.

Dose-related ethanol intake, Cx43 and Nav1.5 remodeling: Exploring insights of altered ventricular conduction and QRS fragmentation in excessive alcohol users.

PubMed

Hung, Chung-Lieh; Lai, Yu-Jun; Chi, Po-Ching; Chen, Liang-Chia; Tseng, Ya-Ming; Kuo, Jen-Yuan; Lin, Cheng-I; Chen, Yao-Chang; Lin, Shing-Jong; Yeh, Hung-I

2018-01-01

Chronic, excessive ethanol intake has been linked with various electrical instabilities, conduction disturbances, and even sudden cardiac death, but the underlying cause for the latter is insufficiently delineated. We studied surface electrocardiography (ECG) in a community-dwelling cohort with moderate-to-heavy daily alcohol intake (grouped as >90g/day, ≤90g/day, and nonintake). Compared with nonintake, heavier alcohol users showed markedly widened QRS duration and higher prevalence of QRS fragmentation (64.3%, 50.9%, and 33.7%, respectively, χ 2 12.0, both p<0.05) on surface ECG across the 3 groups. These findings were successfully recapitulated in 14-week-old C57BL/6 mice that were chronically given a 4% or 6% alcohol diet and showed dose-related slower action potential upstroke, reduced resting membrane potential, and disorganized or decreased intraventricular conduction (all p<0.05). Immunodetection further revealed increased ventricular collagen I depots with Cx43 downregulation and remodeling, together with clustered and diminished membrane Nav1.5 distribution. Administration of Cx43 blocker (heptanol) and Nav1.5 inhibitor (tetrodotoxin) in the mice each attenuated the suppression ventricular conduction compared with nonintake mice (p<0.05). Chronic excessive alcohol ingestion is associated with dose-related phenotypic intraventricular conduction disturbances and QRS fragmentation that can be recapitulated in mice. The mechanisms may involve suppressed gap junction and sodium channel functions, together with enhanced cardiac fibrosis that may contribute to arrhythmogenesis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mars surface radiation exposure for solar maximum conditions and 1989 solar proton events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simonsen, Lisa C.; Nealy, John E.

1992-01-01

The Langley heavy-ion/nucleon transport code, HZETRN, and the high-energy nucleon transport code, BRYNTRN, are used to predict the propagation of galactic cosmic rays (GCR's) and solar flare protons through the carbon dioxide atmosphere of Mars. Particle fluences and the resulting doses are estimated on the surface of Mars for GCR's during solar maximum conditions and the Aug., Sep., and Oct. 1989 solar proton events. These results extend previously calculated surface estimates for GCR's at solar minimum conditions and the Feb. 1956, Nov. 1960, and Aug. 1972 solar proton events. Surface doses are estimated with both a low-density and a high-density carbon dioxide model of the atmosphere for altitudes of 0, 4, 8, and 12 km above the surface. A solar modulation function is incorporated to estimate the GCR dose variation between solar minimum and maximum conditions over the 11-year solar cycle. By using current Mars mission scenarios, doses to the skin, eye, and blood-forming organs are predicted for short- and long-duration stay times on the Martian surface throughout the solar cycle.

Cellular dosimetry calculations for Strontium-90 using Monte Carlo code PENELOPE.

PubMed

Hocine, Nora; Farlay, Delphine; Boivin, Georges; Franck, Didier; Agarande, Michelle

2014-11-01

To improve risk assessments associated with chronic exposure to Strontium-90 (Sr-90), for both the environment and human health, it is necessary to know the energy distribution in specific cells or tissue. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation codes are extremely useful tools for calculating deposition energy. The present work was focused on the validation of the MC code PENetration and Energy LOss of Positrons and Electrons (PENELOPE) and the assessment of dose distribution to bone marrow cells from punctual Sr-90 source localized within the cortical bone part. S-values (absorbed dose per unit cumulated activity) calculations using Monte Carlo simulations were performed by using PENELOPE and Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX). Cytoplasm, nucleus, cell surface, mouse femur bone and Sr-90 radiation source were simulated. Cells are assumed to be spherical with the radii of the cell and cell nucleus ranging from 2-10 μm. The Sr-90 source is assumed to be uniformly distributed in cell nucleus, cytoplasm and cell surface. The comparison of S-values calculated with PENELOPE to MCNPX results and the Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) values agreed very well since the relative deviations were less than 4.5%. The dose distribution to mouse bone marrow cells showed that the cells localized near the cortical part received the maximum dose. The MC code PENELOPE may prove useful for cellular dosimetry involving radiation transport through materials other than water, or for complex distributions of radionuclides and geometries.

Improving treatment geometries in total skin electron therapy: Experimental investigation of linac angles and floor scatter dose contributions using Cherenkov imaging.

PubMed

Andreozzi, Jacqueline M; Brůža, Petr; Tendler, Irwin I; Mooney, Karen E; Jarvis, Lesley A; Cammin, Jochen; Li, Harold; Pogue, Brian W; Gladstone, David J

2018-06-01

The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal treatment geometry for total skin electron therapy (TSET) using a new optimization metric from Cherenkov image analysis, and to investigate the sensitivity of the Cherenkov imaging method to floor scatter effects in this unique treatment setup. Cherenkov imaging using an intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) was employed to measure the relative surface dose distribution as a 2D image in the total skin electron treatment plane. A 1.2 m × 2.2 m × 1 cm white polyethylene sheet was placed vertically at a source to surface distance (SSD) of 300 cm, and irradiated with 6 MeV high dose rate TSET beams. The linear accelerator coordinate system used stipulates 0° is the bottom of the gantry arc, and progresses counterclockwise so that gantry angle 270° produces a horizontal beam orthogonal to the treatment plane. First, all unique pairs of treatment beams were analyzed to determine the performance of the currently recommended symmetric treatment angles (±20° from the horizontal), compared to treatment geometries unconstrained to upholding gantry angle symmetry. This was performed on two medical linear accelerators (linacs). Second, the extent of the floor scatter contributions to measured surface dose at the extended SSD required for TSET were imaged using three gantry angles of incidence: 270° (horizontal), 253° (-17°), and 240° (-30°). Images of the surface dose profile at each angle were compared to the standard concrete floor when steel plates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and solid water were placed on the ground at the base of the treatment plane. Postprocessing of these images allowed for comparison of floor material-based scatter profiles with previously published simulation results. Analysis of the symmetric treatment geometry (270 ± 20°) and the identified optimal treatment geometry (270 + 23° and 270 - 17°) showed a 16% increase in the 90% isodose area for the latter field pair on the first linac. The optimal asymmetric pair for the second linac (270 + 25° and 270 - 17°) provided a 52% increase in the 90% isodose area when compared to the symmetric geometry. Difference images between Cherenkov images captured with test materials (steel, PVC, and solid water) and the control (concrete floor) demonstrated relative changes in the two-dimensional (2D) dose profile over a 1 × 1.9 m region of interest (ROI) that were consistent with published simulation data. Qualitative observation of the residual images demonstrates localized increases and decreases with respect to the change in floor material and gantry angle. The most significant changes occurred when the beam was most directly impinging the floor (gantry angle 240°, horizontal -30°), where the PVC floor material decreased scatter dose by 1-3% in 7.2% of the total ROI area, and the steel plate increased scatter dose by 1-3% in 7.0% of the total ROI area. An updated Cherenkov imaging method identified asymmetric, machine-dependent TSET field angle pairs that provided much larger 90% isodose areas than the commonly adopted symmetric geometry suggested by Task Group 30 Report 23. A novel demonstration of scatter dose Cherenkov imaging in the TSET field was established. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

A CORRELATION BETWEEN RADIATION TOLERANCE AND NUCLEAR SURFACE AREA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iversen, S.

1962-09-22

Sparrow and Miksche (Science, 134:282) determined the dose (r/day) required to produce severe growth inhibition in 23 species of plants and found a linear relationship between log nuclear volume and log dose. The following equations hold for 6 species: log nuclear volume - 4.42 -0.82 log dose and log nuclear volume = 1.66 + 0.66 log (DNA content). If all the nuclear DNA is distributed in two peripheral zones, the equations also hold: 2(log nuclear surface area) - 1.33(log nuclear volume) - 2.21 + 0.88 log(DNA content) and 5.88-- 1.09 log dose. For the 23 species, the equation was obtained:more » 2(log nuclear surface area) = 5.41 -- 0.97 log dose. All the slopes are close to the expected value of 1.00. (D.L.C.)« less

Gold-implanted shallow conducting layers in polymethylmethacrylate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teixeira, F. S.; Salvadori, M. C.; Cattani, M.; Brown, I. G.

2009-03-01

PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) was ion implanted with gold at very low energy and over a range of different doses using a filtered cathodic arc metal plasma system. A nanometer scale conducting layer was formed, fully buried below the polymer surface at low implantation dose, and evolving to include a gold surface layer as the dose was increased. Depth profiles of the implanted material were calculated using the Dynamic TRIM computer simulation program. The electrical conductivity of the gold-implanted PMMA was measured in situ as a function of dose. Samples formed at a number of different doses were subsequently characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and test patterns were formed on the polymer by electron beam lithography. Lithographic patterns were imaged by atomic force microscopy and demonstrated that the contrast properties of the lithography were well maintained in the surface-modified PMMA.

Estimated human absorbed dose of a new (153)Sm bone seeking agent based on biodistribution data in mice: Comparison with (153)Sm-EDTMP.

PubMed

Yousefnia, Hassan; Zolghadri, Samaneh

2015-11-01

The main goal in radiotherapy is to deliver the absorbed dose within the target organs in highest possible amount, while the absorbed dose of the other organs, especially the critical organs, should be kept as low as possible. In this work, the absorbed dose to human organs for a new (153)Sm bone-seeking agent was investigated. (153)Sm-(4-{[(bis(phosphonomethyl))carbamoyl]methyl}-7,10-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododec-1-yl) acetic acid ((153)Sm-BPAMD) complex was successfully prepared. The biodistribution of the complex was investigated in male Syrian mice up to 48 h post injection. The human absorbed dose of the complex was estimated based on the biodistribution data of the mice by radiation absorbed dose assessment resource (RADAR) method. The target to non-target absorbed dose ratios for (153)Sm-BPAMD were compared with these ratios for (153)Sm-EDTMP. The highest absorbed dose for (153)Sm-BPAMD was observed in bone surface with 5.828 mGy/MBq. The dose ratios of the bone surface to the red marrow and to the total body for (153)Sm-BPAMD were 5.3 and 20.0, respectively, while these ratios for (153)Sm-EDTMP were 4.4 and 18.3, respectively. This means, for a given dose to the bone surface as the target organ, the red marrow (as the main critical organ) and the total body would receive lesser absorbed dose in the case of (153)Sm-BPAMD. Generally, the human absorbed dose estimation of (153)Sm-BPAMD indicated that all other tissues approximately received insignificant absorbed dose in comparison with bone surface and therefore can be regarded as a new potential agent for bone pain palliation therapy. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Z; Baker, J; Hsia, A

Purpose: The commercially available Leipzig-style Cone for High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy has a steep depth dose curve and a non-uniform dose distribution. This work shows the performance of a Ring Surface Applicator created using a 3D printer that can generate a better dose distribution. Calculated doses were verified with film measurement. Methods: The water equivalent red-ABS plastic was used to print the Ring Surface Applicator which hosts three catheters: a center piece with a straight catheter and two concentric rings with diameters of 3.5 and 5.5 cm. Gafchromic EBT2 film, Epson Expression 10000 flatbed scanner, and the online softwaremore » at radiochromic.com were used to analyze the measured data. 10cm×10cm piece of film was sandwiched between two 15×10×5cm3 polystyrene phantoms. The applicator was positioned directly on top of the phantom. Measurement was done using dwell time and positions calculated by Eclipse BrachyVision treatment planning system (RTP). Results: Depth dose curve was generated from the plan and measurement. The results show that the measured and calculated depth dose were in agreement (<3%) from surface to 4mm depth. A discrepancy of 6% was observed at 5 mm depth, where the dose is typically prescribed to. For depths deeper than 5 mm, the measured doses were lower than those calculated by Eclipse BrachyVision. This can be attributed to a combination of simple calculation algorithm using TG-43 and the lack of inhomogeneity correction. Dose profiles at 5 mm depth were also generated from TPS calculation and measured with film. The measured and calculated profiles are similar. Consistent with the depth dose curve, the measured dose is lower than the calculated. Conclusion: Our results showed that the Ring Surface Applicator, printed using 3D printer, can generate more uniform dose distribution within the target volume and can be safely used in the clinic.« less

A two-dimensional matrix correction for off-axis portal dose prediction errors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bailey, Daniel W.; Department of Radiation Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263; Kumaraswamy, Lalith

2013-05-15

Purpose: This study presents a follow-up to a modified calibration procedure for portal dosimetry published by Bailey et al. ['An effective correction algorithm for off-axis portal dosimetry errors,' Med. Phys. 36, 4089-4094 (2009)]. A commercial portal dose prediction system exhibits disagreement of up to 15% (calibrated units) between measured and predicted images as off-axis distance increases. The previous modified calibration procedure accounts for these off-axis effects in most regions of the detecting surface, but is limited by the simplistic assumption of radial symmetry. Methods: We find that a two-dimensional (2D) matrix correction, applied to each calibrated image, accounts for off-axismore » prediction errors in all regions of the detecting surface, including those still problematic after the radial correction is performed. The correction matrix is calculated by quantitative comparison of predicted and measured images that span the entire detecting surface. The correction matrix was verified for dose-linearity, and its effectiveness was verified on a number of test fields. The 2D correction was employed to retrospectively examine 22 off-axis, asymmetric electronic-compensation breast fields, five intensity-modulated brain fields (moderate-high modulation) manipulated for far off-axis delivery, and 29 intensity-modulated clinical fields of varying complexity in the central portion of the detecting surface. Results: Employing the matrix correction to the off-axis test fields and clinical fields, predicted vs measured portal dose agreement improves by up to 15%, producing up to 10% better agreement than the radial correction in some areas of the detecting surface. Gamma evaluation analyses (3 mm, 3% global, 10% dose threshold) of predicted vs measured portal dose images demonstrate pass rate improvement of up to 75% with the matrix correction, producing pass rates that are up to 30% higher than those resulting from the radial correction technique alone. As in the 1D correction case, the 2D algorithm leaves the portal dosimetry process virtually unchanged in the central portion of the detector, and thus these correction algorithms are not needed for centrally located fields of moderate size (at least, in the case of 6 MV beam energy).Conclusion: The 2D correction improves the portal dosimetry results for those fields for which the 1D correction proves insufficient, especially in the inplane, off-axis regions of the detector. This 2D correction neglects the relatively smaller discrepancies that may be caused by backscatter from nonuniform machine components downstream from the detecting layer.« less

Surface dose measurements with commonly used detectors: a consistent thickness correction method.

PubMed

Reynolds, Tatsiana A; Higgins, Patrick

2015-09-08

The purpose of this study was to review application of a consistent correction method for the solid state detectors, such as thermoluminescent dosimeters (chips (cTLD) and powder (pTLD)), optically stimulated detectors (both closed (OSL) and open (eOSL)), and radiochromic (EBT2) and radiographic (EDR2) films. In addition, to compare measured surface dose using an extrapolation ionization chamber (PTW 30-360) with other parallel plate chambers RMI-449 (Attix), Capintec PS-033, PTW 30-329 (Markus) and Memorial. Measurements of surface dose for 6MV photons with parallel plate chambers were used to establish a baseline. cTLD, OSLs, EDR2, and EBT2 measurements were corrected using a method which involved irradiation of three dosimeter stacks, followed by linear extrapolation of individual dosimeter measurements to zero thickness. We determined the magnitude of correction for each detector and compared our results against an alternative correction method based on effective thickness. All uncorrected surface dose measurements exhibited overresponse, compared with the extrapolation chamber data, except for the Attix chamber. The closest match was obtained with the Attix chamber (-0.1%), followed by pTLD (0.5%), Capintec (4.5%), Memorial (7.3%), Markus (10%), cTLD (11.8%), eOSL (12.8%), EBT2 (14%), EDR2 (14.8%), and OSL (26%). Application of published ionization chamber corrections brought all the parallel plate results to within 1% of the extrapolation chamber. The extrapolation method corrected all solid-state detector results to within 2% of baseline, except the OSLs. Extrapolation of dose using a simple three-detector stack has been demonstrated to provide thickness corrections for cTLD, eOSLs, EBT2, and EDR2 which can then be used for surface dose measurements. Standard OSLs are not recommended for surface dose measurement. The effective thickness method suffers from the subjectivity inherent in the inclusion of measured percentage depth-dose curves and is not recommended for these types of measurements.

Emergency Dosimetry Using Ceramic Components in Personal Electronic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouroukla, E. C.; Bailiff, I. K.; Terry, I.

2014-02-01

The rapid assessment of radiation dose to members of the public exposed to significant levels of ionizing radiation during a radiological incident presents a significant difficulty in the absence of planned radiation monitoring. However, within most personal electronic devices components such as resistors with alumina substrates can be found that have potentially suitable properties as solid state dosimeters using luminescence measurement techniques. The suitability of several types of ceramic-based components (e.g., resonators, inductors and resistors) has been previously examined using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) techniques to establish their basic characteristics for the retrospective determination of absorbed dose. In this paper, we present results obtained with aluminum oxide surface mount resistors extracted from mobile phones that further extend this work. Very encouraging results have been obtained related to the measurement of luminescence sensitivity, dose response, reusability, limit of detection, signal reproducibility and known-dose recovery. However, the alumina exhibits a rapid loss of the latent luminescence signal with time following irradiation attributed to athermal (or anomalous) fading. The issues related to obtaining a reliable correction protocol for this loss and the detailed examinations required of the fading behavior are discussed.

Small difference in carcinogenic potency between GBP nanomaterials and GBP micromaterials.

PubMed

Gebel, Thomas

2012-07-01

Materials that can be described as respirable granular biodurable particles without known significant specific toxicity (GBP) show a common mode of toxicological action that is characterized by inflammation and carcinogenicity in chronic inhalation studies in the rat. This study was carried out to compare the carcinogenic potency of GBP nanomaterials (primary particle diameter 1-100 nm) to GBP micromaterials (primary particle diameter >100 nm) in a pooled approach. For this purpose, the positive GBP rat inhalation carcinogenicity studies have been evaluated. Inhalation studies on diesel engine emissions have also been included due to the fact that the mode of carcinogenic action is assumed to be the same. As it is currently not clear which dose metrics may best explain carcinogenic potency, different metrics have been considered. Cumulative exposure concentrations related to mass, surface area, and primary particle volume have been included as well as cumulative lung burden metrics related to mass, surface area, and primary particle volume. In total, 36 comparisons have been conducted. Including all dose metrics, GBP nanomaterials were 1.33- to 1.69-fold (mean values) and 1.88- to 3.54-fold (median values) more potent with respect to carcinogenicity than GBP micromaterials, respectively. Nine of these 36 comparisons showed statistical significance (p < 0.05, U test), all of which related to dose metrics based on particle mass. The maximum comparative potency factor obtained for one of these 9 dose metric comparisons based on particle mass was 4.71. The studies with diesel engine emissions did not have a major impact on the potency comparison. The average duration of the carcinogenicity studies with GBP nanomaterials was 4 months longer (median values 30 vs. 26 months) than the studies with GBP micromaterials, respectively. Tumor rates increase with age and lung tumors in the rat induced by GBP materials are known to appear late, that is, mainly after study durations longer than 24 months. Taking the different study durations into account, the real potency differences were estimated to be twofold lower than the relative potency factors identified. In conclusion, the chronic rat inhalation studies with GBP materials indicate that the difference in carcinogenic potency between GBP nanomaterials and GBP micromaterials is low can be described by a factor of 2-2.5 referring to the dose metrics mass concentration.

SU-F-T-86: Electron Dosimetric Effects of Bolus and Lens Shielding in Treating Superficial Eye Lesions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Young, L; Wootton, L; Gopan, O

Purpose: Electron therapy for the treatment of ocular lymphomas requires the lens to be shielded to prevent secondary cataracts. This work evaluates the dosimetry under a suspended eyeshield with and without bolus for low energy electron fields. Methods: Film (GafChromic EBT3) dosimetry and relative output factors were measured for 6, 8, and 10 MeV electron energies. A customized 5 cm diameter circle electron orbital cutout was constructed for a 6×6 cm applicator with a lens shield, 1 cm diameter Cerrobend cylinder with 2.2 cm length, suspended from an XV film covering the open field. Relative output factors were measured usingmore » a Scanditronix electron diode in a solid water phantom. Depth dose profiles were collected for bolus thicknesses of 0, 3, and 5 mm in solid water at a source to surface distance (SSD) of 100 cm. These measurements were repeated in a Rando phantom. Results: At 5 mm, the approximate distance of the lens from the surface of the cornea, the estimated dose in solid water under the suspended lens shield was reduced to 16%, 14%, and 13% of the unblocked dose at the same depth, for electron energies of 6, 8, and 10 MeV, respectively. Applying bolus increased estimated doses under the block to 22% for 3-mm and 32% for 5-mm thicknesses for a 6 MeV incident electron beam. This effect is reduced for higher energies where the corresponding values were 15.5% and 18% for 3-mm and 5-mm for an 8 MeV electron beam. Conclusion: The application of bolus to treat superficial eye lesions of the conjunctiva increases lens dose at a depth of 5-mm under the shielding block with decreasing electron energy. Careful selection of electron energy is needed to account for electron scatter under the lens shield with the application of bolus in order to prevent cataracts.« less

Evaluation and comparison of absorbed dose for electron beams by LiF and diamond dosimeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosia, G. J.; Chamberlain, A. C.

2007-09-01

The absorbed dose response of LiF and diamond thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), calibrated in 60Co γ-rays, has been determined using the MCNP4B Monte Carlo code system in mono-energetic megavoltage electron beams from 5 to 20 MeV. Evaluation of the dose responses was done against the dose responses of published works by other investigators. Dose responses of both dosimeters were compared to establish if any relation exists between them. The dosimeters were irradiated in a water phantom with the centre of their top surfaces (0.32×0.32 cm 2), placed at dmax perpendicular to the radiation beam on the central axis. For LiF TLD, dose responses ranged from 0.945±0.017 to 0.997±0.011. For the diamond TLD, the dose response ranged from 0.940±0.017 to 1.018±0.011. To correct for dose responses by both dosimeters, energy correction factors were generated from dose response results of both TLDs. For LiF TLD, these correction factors ranged from 1.003 up to 1.058 and for diamond TLD the factors ranged from 0.982 up to 1.064. The results show that diamond TLDs can be used in the place of the well-established LiF TLDs and that Monte Carlo code systems can be used in dose determinations for radiotherapy treatment planning.

Corrigendum: direct adjustment for confounding by smoking reduces radiation-related cancer risk estimates of mortality among male nuclear workers in Japan, 1999-2010.

PubMed

Kudo, Shin'ichi; Ishida, Jun'ichi; Yoshimoto, Keiko; Mizuno, Shoichi; Ohshima, Sumio; Furuta, Hiroshige; Kasagi, Fumiyoshi

2018-05-30

We found some trivial errors which might confuse reader. The errors can be identified as the following two types. (1) The one is that misuse of "ERR" and "ERR/Sv". We denoted "Table 4 shows ERRs/Sv and 90% CIs ..." in line 7 of page 366. While we denoted "ERR and 90% CI for all cancers, excluding leukaemia, by dose category ..." in title of Table 4. The values described in Table 4 were ERR by dose category and not ERR/Sv. In addition, the explanation about the model that derived ERR by dose category is better to be added. Therefore, the description mentioned above should be changed as follows. (Misprinted) Table 4 shows ERRs/Sv and 90% CIs for all cancers excluding leukaemia by dose category. (Corrected) Table 4 shows ERRs which were defined as follow equation and 90% CIs for all cancers excluding leukaemia by dose category. λ=λ0 (a,c,y,r,s)exp(α1z1+α2z2+α3z3) (1+βi di) where di is the dose category, and βi is the ERR by dose category. The lowest dose category was set as reference. (2) The other were errors in surface caput of several tables. We described "ERR without adjustment for smoking" and "ERR with adjustment for smoking" in Table 4. These are correct description. However, "ERR with adjustment for smoking" was described as "For smoking" in Table 2. In addition, "Without adjustment" and "With adjustment" denoted in the surface caput of Table 5, 6, 7 should be denoted as "Without adjustment for smoking" and "With adjustment for smoking". The author wishes to apologies for the errors. . Creative Commons Attribution license.

Surface applicator calibration and commissioning of an electronic brachytherapy system for nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment.

PubMed

Rong, Yi; Welsh, James S

2010-10-01

The Xoft Axxent x-ray source has been used for treating nonmelanoma skin cancer since the surface applicators became clinically available in 2009. The authors report comprehensive calibration procedures for the electronic brachytherapy (eBx) system with the surface applicators. The Xoft miniature tube (model S700) generates 50 kVp low-energy x rays. The new surface applicators are available in four sizes of 10, 20, 35, and 50 mm in diameter. The authors' tests include measurements of dose rate, air-gap factor, output stability, depth dose verification, beam flatness and symmetry, and treatment planning with patient specific cutout factors. The TG-61 in-air method was used as a guideline for acquiring nominal dose-rate output at the skin surface. A soft x-ray parallel-plate chamber (PTW T34013) and electrometer was used for the output commissioning. GafChromic EBT films were used for testing the properties of the treatment fields with the skin applicators. Solid water slabs were used to verify the depth dose and cutout factors. Patients with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma were treated with eBx using a calibrated Xoft system with the low-energy x-ray source and the skin applicators. The average nominal dose-rate output at the skin surface for the 35 mm applicator is 1.35 Gy/min with +/- 5% variation for 16 sources. The dose-rate output and stability (within +/- 5% variation) were also measured for the remaining three applicators. For the same source, the output variation is within 2%. The effective source-surface distance was calculated based on the air-gap measurements for four applicator sizes. The field flatness and symmetry are well within 5%. Percentage depth dose in water was provided by factory measurements and can be verified using solid water slabs. Treatment duration was calculated based on the nominal dose rate, the prescription fraction size, the depth dose percentage, and the cutout factor. The output factor needs to be measured for each case with varying shapes of cutouts. Together with TG-61, the authors' methodology provides comprehensive calibration procedures for medical physicists for using the Xoft eBx system and skin applicators for nonmelanoma skin cancer treatments.

The ion environment near Europa and its role in surface energetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paranicas, C.; Ratliff, J. M.; Mauk, B. H.; Cohen, C.; Johnson, R. E.

2002-03-01

This paper gives the composition, energy spectra, and time variability of energetic ions measured just upstream of Europa. From 100 keV to 100 MeV, ion intensities vary by less than a factor of ~5 among Europa passes considered between 1997 and 2000. We use the data to estimate the radiation dose rate into Europa's surface for depths 0.01 mm - 1 m. We find that in a critical fraction of the upper layer on Europa's trailing hemisphere, energetic electrons are the principal agent for radiolysis, and their bremsstrahlung photon products, not included in previous studies, dominate the dose below about 1 m. Because ion bombardment is more uniform across Europa's surface, the radiation dose on the leading hemisphere is dominated by the proton flux. Differences exist between this calculation and published doses based on the E4 wake pass. For instance, proton doses presented here are much greater below 1 mm.

Simulation of computed tomography dose based on voxel phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chunyu; Lv, Xiangbo; Li, Zhaojun

2017-01-01

Computed Tomography (CT) is one of the preferred and the most valuable imaging tool used in diagnostic radiology, which provides a high-quality cross-sectional image of the body. It still causes higher doses of radiation to patients comparing to the other radiological procedures. The Monte-Carlo method is appropriate for estimation of the radiation dose during the CT examinations. The simulation of the Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) phantom was developed in this paper. Under a similar conditions used in physical measurements, dose profiles were calculated and compared against the measured values that were reported. The results demonstrate a good agreement between the calculated and the measured doses. From different CT exam simulations using the voxel phantom, the highest absorbed dose was recorded for the lung, the brain, the bone surface. A comparison between the different scan type shows that the effective dose for a chest scan is the highest one, whereas the effective dose values during abdomen and pelvis scan are very close, respectively. The lowest effective dose resulted from the head scan. Although, the dose in CT is related to various parameters, such as the tube current, exposure time, beam energy, slice thickness and patient size, this study demonstrates that the MC simulation is a useful tool to accurately estimate the dose delivered to any specific organs for patients undergoing the CT exams and can be also a valuable technique for the design and the optimization of the CT x-ray source.

SU-E-J-14: A Novel Approach to Evaluate the Dosimetric Effect of Rectal Variation During Image Guided Prostate Radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murray, J; McQuaid, D; Dunlop, A

2014-06-01

Purpose: Deformable registration establishes the spatial correspondence back to the reference image in order to accumulate dose. However, in prostate radiotherapy the changing shape and volume of the rectum present a challenge to accurate deformable registration and consequently calculation of delivered dose. We explored an alternative approach to calculating accumulated dose to the rectum, independent of deformable registration. Methods: This study was performed on three patients who received online image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) with daily CBCT (XVI-system,Elekta) and target localization using intraprostatic fiducials. On each CBCT, the rectum was manually contoured and bulk density assignments were made allowing dose to bemore » calculated for each fraction. Dose-surface maps (DSM) were generated (MATLAB,Mathworks,Natick,MA) by considering the rectum as a cylinder and sampling the dose at 21-equispaced points on each CT slice. The cylinder was “cut” at the posterior-most position on each CT and unfolded to generate a DSM. These were normalised in the longitudinal direction by interpolation creating maps of 21×21 pixels. A DSM was produced for each CBCT and the dose was accumulated. Results: The mean accumulated delivered rectal surface dose was on average 7.5(+/−3.5)% lower than the planned dose. The dose difference maps consistently show that the greatest variation in dose between planned and delivered dose is away from where the rectal surface is adjacent to the prostate. Conclusion: Estimation of dose accumulation using DSM provides an alternative method for determining actual delivered dose to the rectum. The dose difference is greatest in areas away from the region where the rectal surface abuts the prostate, the region where set-up is verified. The change in size and shape of the rectum was shown to resultin a change in the accumulated dose compared to the planned dose and this will have an impact on determining the relationships between dose delivered and toxicity. We acknowledge funding from CRUK and acknowledge NHS funding to the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Cancer. Patients were treated within the CHHiP IGRT sub-study (CRUK/06/016, ISRCTN:97182923) funded by CRUK. RayStation was used under an evaluation agreement with RaySearch Laboratories AB.« less

Earlier therapeutic effects associated with high dose (2.0 mg) Ranibizumab for treatment of vascularized pigment epithelial detachments in age-related macular degeneration

PubMed Central

Chan, C K; Abraham, P; Sarraf, D; Nuthi, A S D; Lin, S G; McCannel, C A

2015-01-01

Summary statement Intravitreal high dose (2 mg) ranibizumab may lead to quicker resolution of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and associated retinal pigment epithelial detachment in eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration, although it may possibly correlate with RPE tears in certain cases. Purpose This prospective study compared the outcomes of 0.5 vs 2.0 mg intravitreal ranibizumab injections (RI) for treating vascularized pigment epithelial detachment (vPED) due to age-related macular degeneration. Methods Patients with vPED were randomized to receive 2.0 vs 0.5 mg RI monthly for 12 months or for 4 months and then repeated on a pro-re nata basis. Optical coherence tomography, fundus photography, and fluorescein and indocyanine-green angiography were obtained at baseline and subsequent specific intervals. Outcome measures were best-corrected standardized visual acuities, central 1-mm thickness, surface area (SA), greatest linear diameter (GLD), heights (PED and CNV), and amount of subretinal fluid (SRF) and cystoid macular edema (CME). Results Both groups yielded reductions of the central 1-mm thickness, PED and CNV SA and PED height and GLD, SRF, and CME. Vision improvement and reduction in SRF and PED height occurred earlier for eyes receiving the 2.0 mg dose. Cataract progression was similar but RPE tears developed more often with the 2.0 mg dose. Conclusions There were similar visual and anatomical outcomes at the end of the study; however, the higher dose yielded more rapid reductions and more complete resolution of the PED, although there was possible increased tendency for an RPE tear with the higher dose. PMID:25277305

Changes in entrance surface dose in relation to the location of shielding material in chest computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Y. M.; Cho, J. H.; Kim, S. C.

2015-07-01

This study examined the effects of entrance surface dose (ESD) on the abdomen and pelvis of the patient when undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) procedure, and evaluated the effects of ESD reduction depending on the location of radiation shield. For CT scanner, the 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography was used. The alderson radiation therapy phantom and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD), which enabled measurement from low to high dose, were also used. For measurement of radiation dose, the slice number from 9 to 21 of the phantom was set as the test range, which included apex up to both costophrenic angles. A total of 10 OSLD nanoDots were attached for measurement of the front and rear ESD. Cyclic tests were performed using the low-dose chest CT and high-resolution CT (HRCT) protocol on the following set-ups: without shielding; shielding only on the front side; shielding only on the rear side; and shielding for both front and rear sides. According to the test results, ESD for both front and rear sides was higher in HRCT than low-dose CT when radiation shielding was not used. It was also determined that, compared to the set-up that did not use the radiation shield, locating the radiation shield on the front side was effective in reducing front ESD, while locating the radiation shield on the rear side reduced rear ESD level. Shielding both the front and rear sides resulted in ESD reduction. In conclusion, it was confirmed that shielding the front and rear sides was the most effective method to reduce the ESD effect caused by scatter ray during radiography.

EXOMARS IRAS (DOSE) radiation measurements.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Federico, C.; Di Lellis, A. M.; Fonte, S.; Pauselli, C.; Reitz, G.; Beaujean, R.

The characterization and the study of the radiations on their interaction with organic matter is of great interest in view of the human exploration on Mars. The Ionizing RAdiation Sensor (IRAS) selected in the frame of the ExoMars/Pasteur ESA mission is a lightweight particle spectrometer combining various techniques of radiation detection in space. It characterizes the first time the radiation environment on the Mars surface, and provide dose and dose equivalent rates as precursor information absolutely necessary to develop ways to mitigate the radiation risks for future human exploration on Mars. The Martian radiation levels are much higher than those found on Earth and they are relatively low for space. Measurements on the surface will show if they are similar or not to those seen in orbit (modified by the presence of ``albedo'' neutrons produced in the regolith and by the thin Martian atmosphere). IRAS consists of a telescope based on segmented silicon detectors of about 40\\userk\\milli\\metre\\user;k diameter and 300\\user;k\\micro\\metre\\user;k thickness, a segmented organic scintillator, and of a thermoluminescence dosimeter. The telescope will continuously monitor temporal variation of the particle count rate, the dose rate, particle and LET (Linear Energy Transfer) spectra. Tissue equivalent BC430 scintillator material will be used to measure the neutron dose. Neutrons are selected by a criteria requiring no signal in the anti-coincidence. Last, the passive thermoluminescence dosimeter, based on LiF:Mg detectors, regardless the on board operation timing, will measure the total dose accumulated during the exposure period and due to beta and gamma radiation, with a responsivity very close to that of a human tissue.

An investigation into the effects of excipient particle size, blending techniques and processing parameters on the homogeneity and content uniformity of a blend containing low-dose model drug

PubMed Central

Alyami, Hamad; Dahmash, Eman; Bowen, James

2017-01-01

Powder blend homogeneity is a critical attribute in formulation development of low dose and potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) yet a complex process with multiple contributing factors. Excipient characteristics play key role in efficient blending process and final product quality. In this work the effect of excipient type and properties, blending technique and processing time on content uniformity was investigated. Powder characteristics for three commonly used excipients (starch, pregelatinised starch and microcrystalline cellulose) were initially explored using laser diffraction particle size analyser, angle of repose for flowability, followed by thorough evaluations of surface topography employing scanning electron microscopy and interferometry. Blend homogeneity was evaluated based on content uniformity analysis of the model API, ergocalciferol, using a validated analytical technique. Flowability of powders were directly related to particle size and shape, while surface topography results revealed the relationship between surface roughness and ability of excipient with high surface roughness to lodge fine API particles within surface groves resulting in superior uniformity of content. Of the two blending techniques, geometric blending confirmed the ability to produce homogeneous blends at low dilution when processed for longer durations, whereas manual ordered blending failed to achieve compendial requirement for content uniformity despite mixing for 32 minutes. Employing the novel dry powder hybrid mixer device, developed at Aston University laboratory, results revealed the superiority of the device and enabled the production of homogenous blend irrespective of excipient type and particle size. Lower dilutions of the API (1% and 0.5% w/w) were examined using non-sieved excipients and the dry powder hybrid mixing device enabled the development of successful blends within compendial requirements and low relative standard deviation. PMID:28609454

An investigation into the effects of excipient particle size, blending techniques and processing parameters on the homogeneity and content uniformity of a blend containing low-dose model drug.

PubMed

Alyami, Hamad; Dahmash, Eman; Bowen, James; Mohammed, Afzal R

2017-01-01

Powder blend homogeneity is a critical attribute in formulation development of low dose and potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) yet a complex process with multiple contributing factors. Excipient characteristics play key role in efficient blending process and final product quality. In this work the effect of excipient type and properties, blending technique and processing time on content uniformity was investigated. Powder characteristics for three commonly used excipients (starch, pregelatinised starch and microcrystalline cellulose) were initially explored using laser diffraction particle size analyser, angle of repose for flowability, followed by thorough evaluations of surface topography employing scanning electron microscopy and interferometry. Blend homogeneity was evaluated based on content uniformity analysis of the model API, ergocalciferol, using a validated analytical technique. Flowability of powders were directly related to particle size and shape, while surface topography results revealed the relationship between surface roughness and ability of excipient with high surface roughness to lodge fine API particles within surface groves resulting in superior uniformity of content. Of the two blending techniques, geometric blending confirmed the ability to produce homogeneous blends at low dilution when processed for longer durations, whereas manual ordered blending failed to achieve compendial requirement for content uniformity despite mixing for 32 minutes. Employing the novel dry powder hybrid mixer device, developed at Aston University laboratory, results revealed the superiority of the device and enabled the production of homogenous blend irrespective of excipient type and particle size. Lower dilutions of the API (1% and 0.5% w/w) were examined using non-sieved excipients and the dry powder hybrid mixing device enabled the development of successful blends within compendial requirements and low relative standard deviation.

Ultraviolet radiation in the Atacama Desert.

PubMed

Cordero, R R; Damiani, A; Jorquera, J; Sepúlveda, E; Caballero, M; Fernandez, S; Feron, S; Llanillo, P J; Carrasco, J; Laroze, D; Labbe, F

2018-03-31

The world's highest levels of surface ultraviolet (UV) irradiance have been measured in the Atacama Desert. This area is characterized by its high altitude, prevalent cloudless conditions, and a relatively low total ozone column. In this paper, we provide estimates of the surface UV (monthly UV index at noon and annual doses of UV-B and UV-A) for all sky conditions in the Atacama Desert. We found that the UV index at noon during the austral summer is expected to be greater than 11 in the whole desert. The annual UV-B (UV-A) doses were found to range from about 3.5 kWh/m 2 (130 kWh/m 2 ) in coastal areas to 5 kWh/m 2 (160 kWh/m 2 ) on the Andean plateau. Our results confirm significant interhemispherical differences. Typical annual UV-B doses in the Atacama Desert are about 40% greater than typical annual UV-B doses in northern Africa. Mostly due to seasonal changes in the ozone, the differences between the Atacama Desert and northern Africa are expected to be about 60% in the case of peak UV-B levels (i.e. the UV-B irradiances at noon close to the summer solstice in each hemisphere). Interhemispherical differences in the UV-A are significantly lower since the effect of the ozone in this part of the spectrum is minor.

TH-AB-BRA-06: MOSFET-Based Dosimetry in An MR Image-Guided Radiation Therapy System: Comparison with and Without a Static 0.3T Magnetic Field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cammin, J; Curcuru, A; Li, H

Purpose: To compare depth-dose and surface-dose measurements without and with the magnetic field in a 0.3T MR image-guided Co-60 treatment unit using MOSFET dosimeters. Methods: MOSFET dosimeters (Best Medical Canada, model TN-502RDH-10) were placed in a solid water phantom at 5cm depth with 8cm backscatter (with the MOSFET wires in different orientations to the couch long axis) and also on the surface of an 8cm solid water phantom. The phantoms were placed in an MR image-guided Co-60 treatment machine at an SAD of 105cm to the MOSFETs. Dose measurements were performed between 50 and 200cGy at 5cm depth in amore » 10.5cm × 10.5cm radiation field without the magnetic field (during a machine maintenance period) and with the nominal magnetic field of 0.3T. The dose linearity was measured at 5cm depth with an orthogonal field and the angular dose dependence was measured on the surface with an orthogonal field and oblique fields at +60 degrees and −60 degrees. Results: The measured MOSFET readings at 5cm depth were linear with dose with slopes of (2.97 +/− 0.01) mV/cGy and (3.01 +/− 0.02) mV/cGy without and with the magnetic field, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found. The surface dose measurements, however, were lower by 6.4% for the AP field (2.3 σ) with magnetic field, 4.9% for the −60 degree field (1.4 σ), and 0.4% different for the +60 degree field (0.2 σ). Conclusion: There is no statistically significant difference in the dose at depth without and with the magnetic field and different orientations of the MOSFET wires. There is a statistically significant difference for the surface dose due to the influence of the magnetic field on secondary electrons from head-scatter and the build-up region in certain field orientations. Clinical surface-dose dosimetry in a magnetic field should apply asymmetric angle-dependent corrections.« less

Ion-recombination correction for different ionization chambers in high dose rate flattening-filter-free photon beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Stephanie; Hrbacek, Jan; Leong, Aidan; Klöck, Stephan

2012-05-01

Recently, there has been an increased interest in flattening-filter-free (FFF) linear accelerators. Removal of the filter results in available dose rates up to 24 Gy min-1 (for nominal energy 10 MV in depth of maximum dose, a source-surface distance of 100 cm and a field size of 10×10 cm2). To guarantee accurate relative and reference dosimetry for the FFF beams, we investigated the charge collection efficiency of multiple air-vented and one liquid ionization chamber for dose rates up to 31.9 Gy min-1. For flattened beams, the ion-collection efficiency of all air-vented ionization chambers (except for the PinPoint chamber) was above 0.995. By removing the flattening filter, we found a reduction in collection efficiency of approximately 0.5-0.9% for a 10 MV beam. For FFF beams, the Markus chamber showed the largest collection efficiency of 0.994. The observed collection efficiencies were dependent on dose per pulse, but independent of the pulse repetition frequency. Using the liquid ionization chamber, the ion-collection efficiency for flattened beams was above 0.990 for all dose rates. However, this chamber showed a low collection efficiency of 0.940 for the FFF 10 MV beam at a dose rate of 31.9 Gy min-1. All investigated air-vented ionization chambers can be reliably used for relative dosimetry of FFF beams. The order of correction for reference dosimetry is given in the manuscript. Due to their increased saturation in high dose rate FFF beams, liquid ionization chambers appear to be unsuitable for dosimetry within these contexts.

A depth-sensing technique on 3D-printed compensator for total body irradiation patient measurement and treatment planning

PubMed Central

Lee, Min-Young; Han, Bin; Jenkins, Cesare; Xing, Lei; Suh, Tae-Suk

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of total body irradiation (TBI) techniques is to deliver a uniform radiation dose to the entire volume of a patient’s body. Due to variations in the thickness of the patient, it is difficult to produce such a uniform dose distribution throughout the body. In many techniques, a compensator is used to adjust the dose delivered to various sections of the patient. The current study aims to develop and validate an innovative method of using depth-sensing cameras and 3D printing techniques for TBI treatment planning and compensator fabrication. Methods: A tablet with an integrated depth-sensing camera and motion tracking sensors was used to scan a RANDO™ phantom positioned in a TBI treatment booth to detect and store the 3D surface in a point cloud format. The accuracy of the detected surface was evaluated by comparing extracted body thickness measurements with corresponding measurements from computed tomography (CT) scan images. The thickness, source to surface distance, and off-axis distance of the phantom at different body section were measured for TBI treatment planning. A detailed compensator design was calculated to achieve a uniform dose distribution throughout the phantom. The compensator was fabricated using a 3D printer, silicone molding, and a mixture of wax and tungsten powder. In vivo dosimetry measurements were performed using optically stimulated luminescent detectors. Results: The scan of the phantom took approximately 30 s. The mean error for thickness measurements at each section of phantom relative to CT was 0.48 ± 0.27 cm. The average fabrication error for the 3D-printed compensator was 0.16 ± 0.15 mm. In vivo measurements for an end-to-end test showed that overall dose differences were within 5%. Conclusions: A technique for planning and fabricating a compensator for TBI treatment using a depth camera equipped tablet and a 3D printer was demonstrated to be sufficiently accurate to be considered for further investigation. PMID:27806603

Two Stages of Surface-Defect Formation in a MOS Structure under Low-Dose Rate Gamma Irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Popov, V. D., E-mail: wdpopov@mail.ru

2016-03-15

The results of an experimental study of how surface defects are formed at the Si–SiO{sub 2} interface at γ-radiation dose rates of P = 0.1 and 1.0 rad/s are reported. It is found that the surface defects are formed in two stages. The defect-formation mechanisms are analyzed.

Cherenkov imaging method for rapid optimization of clinical treatment geometry in total skin electron beam therapy

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rongxiao; Gladstone, David J.; Williams, Benjamin B.; Glaser, Adam K.; Pogue, Brian W.; Jarvis, Lesley A.

2016-01-01

Purpose: A method was developed utilizing Cherenkov imaging for rapid and thorough determination of the two gantry angles that produce the most uniform treatment plane during dual-field total skin electron beam therapy (TSET). Methods: Cherenkov imaging was implemented to gather 2D measurements of relative surface dose from 6 MeV electron beams on a white polyethylene sheet. An intensified charge-coupled device camera time-gated to the Linac was used for Cherenkov emission imaging at sixty-two different gantry angles (1° increments, from 239.5° to 300.5°). Following a modified Stanford TSET technique, which uses two fields per patient position for full body coverage, composite images were created as the sum of two beam images on the sheet; each angle pair was evaluated for minimum variation across the patient region of interest. Cherenkov versus dose correlation was verified with ionization chamber measurements. The process was repeated at source to surface distance (SSD) = 441, 370.5, and 300 cm to determine optimal angle spread for varying room geometries. In addition, three patients receiving TSET using a modified Stanford six-dual field technique with 6 MeV electron beams at SSD = 441 cm were imaged during treatment. Results: As in previous studies, Cherenkov intensity was shown to directly correlate with dose for homogenous flat phantoms (R2 = 0.93), making Cherenkov imaging an appropriate candidate to assess and optimize TSET setup geometry. This method provided dense 2D images allowing 1891 possible treatment geometries to be comprehensively analyzed from one data set of 62 single images. Gantry angles historically used for TSET at their institution were 255.5° and 284.5° at SSD = 441 cm; however, the angles optimized for maximum homogeneity were found to be 252.5° and 287.5° (+6° increase in angle spread). Ionization chamber measurements confirmed improvement in dose homogeneity across the treatment field from a range of 24.4% at the initial angles, to only 9.8% with the angles optimized. A linear relationship between angle spread and SSD was observed, ranging from 35° at 441 cm, to 39° at 300 cm, with no significant variation in percent-depth dose at midline (R2 = 0.998). For patient studies, factors influencing in vivo correlation between Cherenkov intensity and measured surface dose are still being investigated. Conclusions: Cherenkov intensity correlates to relative dose measured at depth of maximum dose in a uniform, flat phantom. Imaging of phantoms can thus be used to analyze and optimize TSET treatment geometry more extensively and rapidly than thermoluminescent dosimeters or ionization chambers. This work suggests that there could be an expanded role for Cherenkov imaging as a tool to efficiently improve treatment protocols and as a potential verification tool for routine monitoring of unique patient treatments. PMID:26843259

Cherenkov imaging method for rapid optimization of clinical treatment geometry in total skin electron beam therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andreozzi, Jacqueline M., E-mail: Jacqueline.M.Andreozzi.th@dartmouth.edu, E-mail: Lesley.A.Jarvis@hitchcock.org; Glaser, Adam K.; Zhang, Rongxiao

2016-02-15

Purpose: A method was developed utilizing Cherenkov imaging for rapid and thorough determination of the two gantry angles that produce the most uniform treatment plane during dual-field total skin electron beam therapy (TSET). Methods: Cherenkov imaging was implemented to gather 2D measurements of relative surface dose from 6 MeV electron beams on a white polyethylene sheet. An intensified charge-coupled device camera time-gated to the Linac was used for Cherenkov emission imaging at sixty-two different gantry angles (1° increments, from 239.5° to 300.5°). Following a modified Stanford TSET technique, which uses two fields per patient position for full body coverage, compositemore » images were created as the sum of two beam images on the sheet; each angle pair was evaluated for minimum variation across the patient region of interest. Cherenkov versus dose correlation was verified with ionization chamber measurements. The process was repeated at source to surface distance (SSD) = 441, 370.5, and 300 cm to determine optimal angle spread for varying room geometries. In addition, three patients receiving TSET using a modified Stanford six-dual field technique with 6 MeV electron beams at SSD = 441 cm were imaged during treatment. Results: As in previous studies, Cherenkov intensity was shown to directly correlate with dose for homogenous flat phantoms (R{sup 2} = 0.93), making Cherenkov imaging an appropriate candidate to assess and optimize TSET setup geometry. This method provided dense 2D images allowing 1891 possible treatment geometries to be comprehensively analyzed from one data set of 62 single images. Gantry angles historically used for TSET at their institution were 255.5° and 284.5° at SSD = 441 cm; however, the angles optimized for maximum homogeneity were found to be 252.5° and 287.5° (+6° increase in angle spread). Ionization chamber measurements confirmed improvement in dose homogeneity across the treatment field from a range of 24.4% at the initial angles, to only 9.8% with the angles optimized. A linear relationship between angle spread and SSD was observed, ranging from 35° at 441 cm, to 39° at 300 cm, with no significant variation in percent-depth dose at midline (R{sup 2} = 0.998). For patient studies, factors influencing in vivo correlation between Cherenkov intensity and measured surface dose are still being investigated. Conclusions: Cherenkov intensity correlates to relative dose measured at depth of maximum dose in a uniform, flat phantom. Imaging of phantoms can thus be used to analyze and optimize TSET treatment geometry more extensively and rapidly than thermoluminescent dosimeters or ionization chambers. This work suggests that there could be an expanded role for Cherenkov imaging as a tool to efficiently improve treatment protocols and as a potential verification tool for routine monitoring of unique patient treatments.« less

SU-E-T-450: How Important Is a Reproducible Breath Hold for DIBH Breast Radiotherapy?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, H; Wentworth, S; Sintay, B

Purpose: Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) for left-sided breast cancer has been shown to reduce heart dose. Surface imaging helps to ensure accurate breast positioning, but does not guarantee a reproducible breath hold (BH) at DIBH treatments. We examine the effects of variable BH positions for DIBH treatments. Methods: Twenty-Five patients with free breathing (FB) and DIBH scans were reviewed. Four plans were created for each patient: 1) FB, 2) DIBH, 3) FB-DIBH – the DIBH plans were copied to the FB images and recalculated (image registration was based on breast tissue), and 4) P-DIBH – a partial BH withmore » the heart shifted midway between the FB and DIBH positions. The FB-DIBH plans give “worst case” scenarios for surface imaging DIBH, where the breast is aligned by surface imaging but the patient is not holding their breath. Students t-tests were used to compare dose metrics. Results: The DIBH plans gave lower heart dose and comparable breast coverage versus FB in all cases. The FB-DIBH plans showed no significant difference versus FB plans for breast coverage, mean heart dose, or maximum heart dose (p >= 0.10). The mean heart dose differed between FB-DIBH and FB by < 2 Gy for all cases, the maximum heart dose differed by < 2 Gy for 21 cases. The P-DIBH plans showed significantly lower mean heart dose than FB (p = 0.01). The mean heart doses for the P-DIBH plans were < FB for 22 cases, the maximum dose < FB for 18 cases. Conclusions: A DIBH plan delivered to a FB patient set-up with surface imaging will yield similar dosimetry to a plan created and delivered FB. A DIBH plan delivered with even a partial BH can give reduced heart dose compared to FB techniques when the breast tissue is well aligned.« less

Irradiation of zinc single crystal with 500 keV singly-charged carbon ions: surface morphology, structure, hardness, and chemical modifications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waqas Khaliq, M.; Butt, M. Z.; Saleem, Murtaza

2017-07-01

Cylindrical specimens of (1 0 4) oriented zinc single crystal (diameter  =  6 mm and length  =  5 mm) were irradiated with 500 keV C+1 ions with the help of a Pelletron accelerator. Six specimens were irradiated in an ultra-high vacuum (~10‒8 Torr) with different ion doses, namely 3.94  ×  1014, 3.24  ×  1015, 5.33  ×  1015, 7.52  ×  1015, 1.06  ×  1016, and 1.30  ×  1016 ions cm-2. A field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was utilized for the morphological study of the irradiated specimens. Formation of nano- and sub-micron size rods, clusters, flower- and fork-like structures, etc, was observed. Surface roughness of the irradiated specimens showed an increasing trend with the ions dose. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) helped to determine chemical modifications in the specimens. It was found that carbon content varied in the range 22.86-31.20 wt.% and that oxygen content was almost constant, with an average value of 10.16 wt.%. The balance content was zinc. Structural parameters, i.e. crystallite size and lattice strain, were determined by Williamson-Hall analysis using x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the irradiated specimens. Both crystallite size and lattice strain showed a decreasing trend with the increasing ions dose. A good linear relationship between crystallite size and lattice strain was observed. Surface hardness depicted a decreasing trend with the ions dose and followed an inverse Hall-Petch relation. FTIR spectra of the specimens revealed that absorption bands gradually diminish as the dose of singly-charged carbon ions is increased from 3.94  ×  1014 ions cm-1 to 1.30  ×  1016 ions cm-1. This indicates progressive deterioration of chemical bonds with the increase in ion dose.

Effect of Remediation Parameters on in-Air Ambient Dose Equivalent Rates When Remediating Open Sites with Radiocesium-contaminated Soil.

PubMed

Malins, Alex; Kurikami, Hiroshi; Kitamura, Akihiro; Machida, Masahiko

2016-10-01

Calculations are reported for ambient dose equivalent rates [H˙*(10)] at 1 m height above the ground surface before and after remediating radiocesium-contaminated soil at wide and open sites. The results establish how the change in H˙*(10) upon remediation depends on the initial depth distribution of radiocesium within the ground, on the size of the remediated area, and on the mass per unit area of remediated soil. The remediation strategies considered were topsoil removal (with and without recovering with a clean soil layer), interchanging a topsoil layer with a subsoil layer, and in situ mixing of the topsoil. The results show the ratio of the radiocesium components of H˙*(10) post-remediation relative to their initial values (residual dose factors). It is possible to use the residual dose factors to gauge absolute changes in H˙*(10) upon remediation. The dependency of the residual dose factors on the number of years elapsed after fallout deposition is analyzed when remediation parameters remain fixed and radiocesium undergoes typical downward migration within the soil column.

Effect of low doses beta irradiation on micromechanical properties of surface layer of injection molded polypropylene composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manas, David; Manas, Miroslav; Gajzlerova, Lenka; Ovsik, Martin; Kratky, Petr; Senkerik, Vojtěch; Skrobak, Adam; Danek, Michal; Manas, Martin

2015-09-01

The influence of beta radiation on the changes in the structure and selected properties (mechanical and thermal) was proved. Using low doses of beta radiation for 25% glass fiber filled polypropylene and its influence on the changes of micromechanical properties of surface layer has not been studied in detail so far. The specimens of 25% glass fiber filled PP were made by injection molding technology and irradiated by low doses of beta radiation (0, 15 and 33 kGy). The changes in the microstructure and micromechanical properties of surface layer were evaluated using FTIR, SEM, WAXS and instrumented microhardness test. The results of the measurements showed considerable increase in micromechanical properties (indentation hardness, indentation elastic modulus) when low doses of beta radiation are used.

Absorbed dose measurements on external surface of Kosmos-satellites with glass thermoluminescent detectors.

PubMed

Akatov YuA; Arkhangelsky, V V; Kovalev, E E; Spurny, F; Votochkova, I

1989-01-01

In this paper we present absorbed dose measurements with glass thermoluminescent detectors on external surface of satellites of Kosmos-serie flying in 1983-87. Experiments were performed with thermoluminescent aluminophosphate glasses of thicknesses 0.1, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 1 mm. They were exposed in sets of total thickness between 5 and 20 mm, which were protected against sunlight with thin aluminized foils. In all missions, extremely high absorbed dose values were observed in the first layers of detectors, up to the thickness of 0.2 to 0.5 gcm-2. These experimental results confirm that, during flights at 250 to 400 km, doses on the surface of the satellites are very high, due to the low energy component of the proton and electron radiation.

Dosimetric effects of polyethylene glycol surface coatings on gold nanoparticle radiosensitization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koger, B.; Kirkby, C.

2017-11-01

One of the main appeals of using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as radiosensitizers is that their surface coatings can be altered to manipulate their pharmacokinetic properties. However, Monte Carlo studies of GNP dosimetry tend to neglect these coatings, potentially changing the dosimetric results. This study quantifies the dosimetric effects of including a polyethylene glycol (PEG) surface coating on GNPs over both nanoscopic and microscopic ranges. Two dosimetric scales were explored using PENELOPE Monte Carlo simulations. In microscopic simulations, 500-1000 GNPs, with and without coatings, were placed in cavities of side lengths 0.8-4 µm, and the reduction of dose deposited to surrounding medium within these volumes due to the coating was quantified. Including PEG surface coatings of up to 20 nm thickness resulted in reductions of up to 7.5%, 4.0%, and 2.0% for GNP diameters of 10, 20, and 50 nm, respectively. Nanoscopic simulations observed the dose falloff in the first 500 nm surrounding a single GNP both with and without surface coatings of various thicknesses. Over the first 500 nm surrounding a single GNP, the presence of a PEG surface coating reduced dose by 5-26%, 8-28%, 8-30%, and 8-34% for 2, 10, 20, and 50 nm diameter GNPs, respectively, for various energies and coating thicknesses. Reductions in dose enhancement due to the inclusion of a GNP surface coating are non-negligible and should be taken into consideration when investigating GNP dose enhancement. Further studies should be carried out to investigate the biological effects of these coatings.

Gas Surface Interactions Occurring on Materials Within Ultrahigh Vacuum. Ph.D. Thesis - va. Polytechnic Inst.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Outlaw, R. A.

1972-01-01

The physical adsorption of nitrogen on the chemically cleaned surfaces of Pyrex, 347 stainless steel and polycrystalline nickel was investigated over the pressure range 1 x 10 to the minus 12th power to 3 x 10 to the minus 7th power torr and for temperatures 77.4 and 87.4 K. The adsorption data were linearized by the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation. The metal surfaces were cleaned by electron impact desorption (EID) and the desorbed gases analyzed by mass spectrometry. Work function measurements were also used to indicate changes in the surface condition following an EID dose. At least a monolayer of gas was observed to desorb from the metal surfaces. The isotherms revealed that the metal surfaces were very heterogeneous and that the Pyrex surface had been leached. The calculated isosteric heats of adsorption indicated that the relative order of the physical binding of nitrogen to the solids was 347 stainless steel Pyrex nickel. A relationship was observed to exist in the dynamic technique between the equilibration time and the pressure above the absorbed layer. The slope of the log-log plot of these parameters was found to be sensitive to the surface heterogeneity and may be related to the activation energy for surface diffusion of physically absorbed molecules.

Assessment of female breast dose for thoracic cone-beam CT using MOSFET dosimeters.

PubMed

Sun, Wenzhao; Wang, Bin; Qiu, Bo; Liang, Jian; Xie, Weihao; Deng, Xiaowu; Qi, Zhenyu

2017-03-21

To assess the breast dose during a routine thoracic cone-beam CT (CBCT) check with the efforts to explore the possible dose reduction strategy. Metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters were used to measure breast surface doses during a thorax kV CBCT scan in an anthropomorphic phantom. Breast doses for different scanning protocols and breast sizes were compared. Dose reduction was attempted by using partial arc CBCT scan with bowtie filter. The impact of this dose reduction strategy on image registration accuracy was investigated. The average breast surface doses were 20.02 mGy and 11.65 mGy for thoracic CBCT without filtration and with filtration, respectively. This indicates a dose reduction of 41.8% by use of bowtie filter. It was found 220° partial arc scanning significantly reduced the dose to contralateral breast (44.4% lower than ipsilateral breast), while the image registration accuracy was not compromised. Breast dose reduction can be achieved by using ipsilateral 220° partial arc scan with bowtie filter. This strategy also provides sufficient image quality for thorax image registration in daily patient positioning verification.

Modeling late rectal toxicities based on a parameterized representation of the 3D dose distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buettner, Florian; Gulliford, Sarah L.; Webb, Steve; Partridge, Mike

2011-04-01

Many models exist for predicting toxicities based on dose-volume histograms (DVHs) or dose-surface histograms (DSHs). This approach has several drawbacks as firstly the reduction of the dose distribution to a histogram results in the loss of spatial information and secondly the bins of the histograms are highly correlated with each other. Furthermore, some of the complex nonlinear models proposed in the past lack a direct physical interpretation and the ability to predict probabilities rather than binary outcomes. We propose a parameterized representation of the 3D distribution of the dose to the rectal wall which explicitly includes geometrical information in the form of the eccentricity of the dose distribution as well as its lateral and longitudinal extent. We use a nonlinear kernel-based probabilistic model to predict late rectal toxicity based on the parameterized dose distribution and assessed its predictive power using data from the MRC RT01 trial (ISCTRN 47772397). The endpoints under consideration were rectal bleeding, loose stools, and a global toxicity score. We extract simple rules identifying 3D dose patterns related to a specifically low risk of complication. Normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models based on parameterized representations of geometrical and volumetric measures resulted in areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.66, 0.63 and 0.67 for predicting rectal bleeding, loose stools and global toxicity, respectively. In comparison, NTCP models based on standard DVHs performed worse and resulted in AUCs of 0.59 for all three endpoints. In conclusion, we have presented low-dimensional, interpretable and nonlinear NTCP models based on the parameterized representation of the dose to the rectal wall. These models had a higher predictive power than models based on standard DVHs and their low dimensionality allowed for the identification of 3D dose patterns related to a low risk of complication.

Dose optimization of total or partial skin electron irradiation by thermoluminescent dosimetry.

PubMed

Schüttrumpf, Lars; Neumaier, Klement; Maihoefer, Cornelius; Niyazi, Maximilian; Ganswindt, Ute; Li, Minglun; Lang, Peter; Reiner, Michael; Belka, Claus; Corradini, Stefanie

2018-05-01

Due to the complex surface of the human body, total or partial skin irradiation using large electron fields is challenging. The aim of the present study was to quantify the magnitude of dose optimization required after the application of standard fields. Total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) was applied using the Stanford technique with six dual-fields. Patients presenting with localized lesions were treated with partial skin electron irradiation (PSEI) using large electron fields, which were individually adapted. In order to verify and validate the dose distribution, in vivo dosimetry with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) was performed during the first treatment fraction to detect potential dose heterogeneity and to allow for an individual dose optimization with adjustment of the monitor units (MU). Between 1984 and 2017, a total of 58 patients were treated: 31 patients received TSEI using 12 treatment fields, while 27 patients underwent PSEI and were treated with 4-8 treatment fields. After evaluation of the dosimetric results, an individual dose optimization was necessary in 21 patients. Of these, 7 patients received TSEI (7/31). Monitor units (MU) needed to be corrected by a mean value of 117 MU (±105, range 18-290) uniformly for all 12 treatment fields, corresponding to a mean relative change of 12% of the prescribed MU. In comparison, the other 14 patients received PSEI (14/27) and the mean adjustment of monitor units was 282 MU (±144, range 59-500) to single or multiple fields, corresponding to a mean relative change of 22% of the prescribed MU. A second dose optimization to obtain a satisfying dose at the prescription point was need in 5 patients. Thermoluminescent dosimetry allows an individual dose optimization in TSEI and PSEI to enable a reliable adjustment of the MUs to obtain the prescription dose. Especially in PSEI in vivo dosimetry is of fundamental importance.

Effect of C-implantation on Nerve-Cell Attachment to Polystyrene Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sommani, Piyanuch; Tsuji, Hiroshi; Kitamura, Tsuyoshi; Hattori, Mitsutaka; Yamada, Tetsuya; Sato, Hiroko; Gotoh, Yasuhito; Ishikawa, Junzo

The surfaces of the polystyrene films spin-coated on glass were modified by carbon negative-ion implantation with various ion doses from 1×1014 to 3×1016 ions/cm2 at 5 and 10 keV. The implantation conditions with and without a pattering mask were for investigation of the cell-attachment properties and for evaluation of surface physical properties of contact angle, respectively. The contact angles of modified surface were investigated by pure water drop and air bubble method. The lowest angle value of the implanted films at 5 and 10 keV were approximately 72° at 3×1015 ions/cm2 after dipping in the de-ionized water for 2 hours. The lowering of contact angles on C-implanted surfaces when increase the ion dose is due to formation of the OH and C-O bonds. Nerve-cell-attachment properties of modified surface were investigated by the nerve-like cell of rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12h) in vitro. After 2 days culture of the PC12h cells, no cells attached on the polystyrene films implanted with low ion dose from 1×1014 to 3×1014 ions/cm2. On the polystyrene films implanted with the dose order of 1015 ions/cm2, the cells selectively attached only on the implanted region. Whereas on the surfaces implanted with high dose such as 1×1016 and 3×1016 ions/cm2 mostly cells attached on the implanted region, and some attached on the unimplanted region, as well as cells were abnormal in shape and large size. Therefore, the suitable dose implantation for the selective-attachment of nerve-cells on the polystyrene films implanted at 5 and 10 keV were obtained around the dose order of 1015 ions/cm2, and the best condition for the selective attachment properties was at 3×1015 ions/cm2 corresponding to the lowest contact angle.

SU-F-T-515: Increased Skin Dose in Supine Craniospinal Irradiation Due to Carbon Fiber Couch and Vacuum Bag Immobilization Device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robertson, D; Zhao, Z; Wang, X

2016-06-15

Purpose: To measure the surface dose for supine craniospinal irradiation employing posterior beams, treating through an imaging couch and BlueBag immobilization device. Methods: The percentage depth dose (PDD) in the buildup region of a clinical 6 MV photon beam was measured using an Advanced Markus parallel plate ionization chamber in a solid water phantom. The PDD from a 10×10 cm{sup 2} anterior beam was measured at 100 cm SSD, simulating a traditional prone craniospinal technique. The measurements were compared to commissioning and treatment planning system data. The PDD was also measured in a posterior setup with the phantom surface layingmore » directly on the Brainlab carbon fiber imaging couch, with the phantom surface 100 cm from the source, simulating a supine craniospinal setup. The posterior measurements were repeated with a BlueBag vacuum immobilization device between the couch and phantom, with thicknesses of 1.7 cm and 5 cm. The PDD from a 10×10 cm{sup 2} field and a typical 6×30 cm{sup 2} craniospinal field were also compared. The PDDs were normalized at 5 cm to reflect typical craniospinal prescription dose normalization. Results: The measured PDD curve from the anterior setup agreed well with commissioning and treatment planning data, with surface doses of 19.9%, 28.8% and 27.7%, respectively. The surface doses of the 10×10 cm{sup 2} and 6×30 cm{sup 2} fields delivered through the imaging couch were both 122.4%. The supine setup yielded surface doses of 122.4%, 121.6%, and 119.6% for the couch only, 1.7 cm bag, and 5 cm bag setups, respectively. Conclusion: Delivering craniospinal irradiation through a carbon fiber couch removes the majority of skin sparing. The addition of a vacuum bag immobilization device restores some skin sparing, but the magnitude of this effect is negligible.« less

SU-F-T-325: On the Use of Bolus in Dosimetry and Dose Reduction for Pacemaker and Defibrillator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, W; Kenneth, R; Higgins, S

Purpose: Special attention is required in planning and administering radiation therapy to patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemaker and defibrillator. The range of dose to CIEDs that can induce malfunction is very large among CIEDs. Significant defects have been reported at dose as low as 0.15Gy. Failures causing discomfort have been reported at dose as low as 0.05Gy. Therefore, accurate estimation of dose to CIED and dose reduction are both important even if the dose is expected to be less than the often-used 2Gy limit. We investigate the use of bolus in in vivo dosimetry formore » CIEDs. Methods: In our clinic, high-energy beams (>10MV) are not used for patients with CIED due to neutron production. Solid water phantom measurements of out-of-field dose for a 6MV beam were performed using parallel plate chamber at different depth with and without 2cm bolus covering the chamber. In vivo dosimetry at skin surface above the pacemaker was performed with and without bolus for 3 patients with pacemaker <5cm from the field edge. Results: Chamber measured dose at depth ∼1 to 1.5cm below the skin surface, where the CIED is normally located, was reduced by ∼6% – 20% with bolus. The dose reduction became smaller at deeper depth. In vivo dosimetry at skin surface also yielded ∼20% – 60% lower dose when using bolus for the 3 patients. In general, TPS calculation underestimated the dose. The dose measured with bolus is closer to the dose at the depth of the pacemaker and less affected by contaminant electrons and linac head leakage. Conclusion: In vivo CIED dose measurements should be performed with 1 to 2cm bolus covering the dosimeter on the skin above the CIED for more accurate CIED dose estimation. The use of bolus also reduces the dose delivered to CIED.« less

Comparison of the effect of plasma treatment and gamma ray irradiation on PS-Cu nanocomposite films surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farag, O. F.

2018-06-01

Polystyrene-copper (PS-Cu) nanocomposite films were treated with DC N2 plasma and gamma rays irradiations. The plasma treatment of PS-Cu film surface was carried out at different treatment times, gas pressure 0.4 Torr and the applied power 3.5 W. On the other hand, the treatment with gamma rays irradiation were carried out at irradiation doses 10, 30 and 50 kGy. The induced changes in surface properties of PS-Cu films were investigated with UV-viss spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. In addition, the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated samples were studied by measuring the contact angle. The UV-viss spectroscopy analysis revealed that the optical band gap decreases with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. SEM observations showed that the particle size of copper particles was increased with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose, but gamma treatment changes the copper particles size from nano scale to micro scale. The contact angle measurements showing that the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples were increased remarkably with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. The contact angle, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples are more influenced by plasma treatment than gamma treatment.

SU-E-T-196: Comparative Analysis of Surface Dose Measurements Using MOSFET Detector and Dose Predicted by Eclipse - AAA with Varying Dose Calculation Grid Size

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Badkul, R; Nejaiman, S; Pokhrel, D

2015-06-15

Purpose: Skin dose can be the limiting factor and fairly common reason to interrupt the treatment, especially for treating head-and-neck with Intensity-modulated-radiation-therapy(IMRT) or Volumetrically-modulated - arc-therapy (VMAT) and breast with tangentially-directed-beams. Aim of this study was to investigate accuracy of near-surface dose predicted by Eclipse treatment-planning-system (TPS) using Anisotropic-Analytic Algorithm (AAA)with varying calculation grid-size and comparing with metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistors(MOSFETs)measurements for a range of clinical-conditions (open-field,dynamic-wedge, physical-wedge, IMRT,VMAT). Methods: QUASAR™-Body-Phantom was used in this study with oval curved-surfaces to mimic breast, chest wall and head-and-neck sites.A CT-scan was obtained with five radio-opaque markers(ROM) placed on the surface of phantom to mimic themore » range of incident angles for measurements and dose prediction using 2mm slice thickness.At each ROM, small structure(1mmx2mm) were contoured to obtain mean-doses from TPS.Calculations were performed for open-field,dynamic-wedge,physical-wedge,IMRT and VMAT using Varian-21EX,6&15MV photons using twogrid-sizes:2.5mm and 1mm.Calibration checks were performed to ensure that MOSFETs response were within ±5%.Surface-doses were measured at five locations and compared with TPS calculations. Results: For 6MV: 2.5mm grid-size,mean calculated doses(MCD)were higher by 10%(±7.6),10%(±7.6),20%(±8.5),40%(±7.5),30%(±6.9) and for 1mm grid-size MCD were higher by 0%(±5.7),0%(±4.2),0%(±5.5),1.2%(±5.0),1.1% (±7.8) for open-field,dynamic-wedge,physical-wedge,IMRT,VMAT respectively.For 15MV: 2.5mm grid-size,MCD were higher by 30%(±14.6),30%(±14.6),30%(±14.0),40%(±11.0),30%(±3.5)and for 1mm grid-size MCD were higher by 10% (±10.6), 10%(±9.8),10%(±8.0),30%(±7.8),10%(±3.8) for open-field, dynamic-wedge, physical-wedge, IMRT, VMAT respectively.For 6MV, 86% and 56% of all measured values agreed better than ±20% for 1mm and 2.5mm grid-sizes respectively. For 18MV, 56% and 18% of all measured-values agreed better than ±20% for 1mm and 2.5mm grid-sizes respectively. Conclusion: Reliable Skin-dose calculations by TPS can be very difficult due to steep dose-gradient and inaccurate beam-modelling in buildup region.Our results showed that Eclipse over-estimates surface-dose.Impact of grid-size is also significant,surface-dose increased up to 40% from 1mm to 2.5mm,however, 1mm calculated-values closely agrees with measurements. Due to large uncertnities in skin-dose predictions from TPS, outmost caution must be exercised when skin dose is evaluated,a sufficiently smaller grid-size(1mm)can improve the accuracy and MOSFETs can be used for verification.« less

Preventing bacterial growth on implanted device with an interfacial metallic film and penetrating X-rays.

PubMed

An, Jincui; Sun, An; Qiao, Yong; Zhang, Peipei; Su, Ming

2015-02-01

Device-related infections have been a big problem for a long time. This paper describes a new method to inhibit bacterial growth on implanted device with tissue-penetrating X-ray radiation, where a thin metallic film deposited on the device is used as a radio-sensitizing film for bacterial inhibition. At a given dose of X-ray, the bacterial viability decreases as the thickness of metal film (bismuth) increases. The bacterial viability decreases with X-ray dose increases. At X-ray dose of 2.5 Gy, 98% of bacteria on 10 nm thick bismuth film are killed; while it is only 25% of bacteria are killed on the bare petri dish. The same dose of X-ray kills 8% fibroblast cells that are within a short distance from bismuth film (4 mm). These results suggest that penetrating X-rays can kill bacteria on bismuth thin film deposited on surface of implant device efficiently.

The net fractional depth dose: a basis for a unified analytical description of FDD, TAR, TMR, and TPR.

PubMed

van de Geijn, J; Fraass, B A

1984-01-01

The net fractional depth dose (NFD) is defined as the fractional depth dose (FDD) corrected for inverse square law. Analysis of its behavior as a function of depth, field size, and source-surface distance has led to an analytical description with only seven model parameters related to straightforward physical properties. The determination of the characteristic parameter values requires only seven experimentally determined FDDs. The validity of the description has been tested for beam qualities ranging from 60Co gamma rays to 18-MV x rays, using published data from several different sources as well as locally measured data sets. The small number of model parameters is attractive for computer or hand-held calculator applications. The small amount of required measured data is important in view of practical data acquisition for implementation of a computer-based dose calculation system. The generating function allows easy and accurate generation of FDD, tissue-air ratio, tissue-maximum ratio, and tissue-phantom ratio tables.

Net fractional depth dose: a basis for a unified analytical description of FDD, TAR, TMR, and TPR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

van de Geijn, J.; Fraass, B.A.

The net fractional depth dose (NFD) is defined as the fractional depth dose (FDD) corrected for inverse square law. Analysis of its behavior as a function of depth, field size, and source-surface distance has led to an analytical description with only seven model parameters related to straightforward physical properties. The determination of the characteristic parameter values requires only seven experimentally determined FDDs. The validity of the description has been tested for beam qualities ranging from /sup 60/Co gamma rays to 18-MV x rays, using published data from several different sources as well as locally measured data sets. The small numbermore » of model parameters is attractive for computer or hand-held calculator applications. The small amount of required measured data is important in view of practical data acquisition for implementation of a computer-based dose calculation system. The generating function allows easy and accurate generation of FDD, tissue-air ratio, tissue-maximum ratio, and tissue-phantom ratio tables.« less

CERISE, a French radioprotection code, to assess the radiological impact and acceptance criteria of installations for material handling, and recycling or disposal of very low-level radioactive waste

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Santucci, P.; Guetat, P.

1993-12-31

This document describes the code CERISE, Code d`Evaluations Radiologiques Individuelles pour des Situations en Enterprise et dans l`Environnement. This code has been developed in the frame of European studies to establish acceptance criteria of very low-level radioactive waste and materials. This code is written in Fortran and runs on PC. It calculates doses received by the different pathways: external exposure, ingestion, inhalation and skin contamination. Twenty basic scenarios are already elaborated, which have been determined from previous studies. Calculations establish the relation between surface, specific and/or total activities, and doses. Results can be expressed as doses for an average activitymore » unit, or as average activity limits for a set of reference doses (defined for each scenario analyzed). In this last case, the minimal activity values and the corresponding limiting scenarios, are selected and summarized in a final table.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tobler, Matt; Watson, Gordon; Leavitt, Dennis

Radiotherapy plays a key role in the definitive or adjuvant management of patients with mesothelioma of the pleural surface. Many patients are referred for radiation with intact lung following biopsy or subtotal pleurectomy. Delivery of efficacious doses of radiation to the pleural lining while avoiding lung parenchyma toxicity has been a difficult technical challenge. Using opposed photon fields produce doses in lung that result in moderate-to-severe pulmonary toxicity in 100% of patients treated. Combined photon-electron beam treatment, at total doses of 4250 cGy to the pleural surface, results in two-thirds of the lung volume receiving over 2100 cGy. We havemore » developed a technique using intensity-modulated photon arc therapy (IMRT) that significantly improves the dose distribution to the pleural surface with concomitant decrease in dose to lung parenchyma compared to traditional techniques. IMRT treatment of the pleural lining consists of segments of photon arcs that can be intensity modulated with varying beam weights and multileaf positions to produce a more uniform distribution to the pleural surface, while at the same time reducing the overall dose to the lung itself. Computed tomography (CT) simulation is critical for precise identification of target volumes as well as critical normal structures (lung and heart). Rotational arc trajectories and individual leaf positions and weightings are then defined for each CT plane within the patient. This paper will describe the proposed rotational IMRT technique and, using simulated isodose distributions, show the improved potential for sparing of dose to the critical structures of the lung, heart, and spinal cord.« less

Mechanisms for dose retention in conformal arsenic doping using a radial line slot antenna microwave plasma source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ueda, Hirokazu; Ventzek, Peter L. G.; Oka, Masahiro; Kobayashi, Yuuki; Sugimoto, Yasuhiro

2015-06-01

Topographic structures such as Fin FETs and silicon nanowires for advanced gate fabrication require ultra-shallow high dose infusion of dopants into the silicon subsurface. Plasma doping meets this requirement by supplying a flux of inert ions and dopant radicals to the surface. However, the helium ion bombardment needed to infuse dopants into the fin surface can cause poor dose retention. This is due to the interaction between substrate damage and post doping process wet cleaning solutions required in the front end of line large-scale integration fabrication. We present findings from surface microscopy experiments that reveal the mechanism for dose retention in arsenic doped silicon fin samples using a microwave RLSA™ plasma source. Dilute aqueous hydrofluoric acid (DHF) cleans by themselves are incompatible with plasma doping processes because the films deposited over the dosed silicon and ion bombardment damaged silicon are readily removed. Oxidizing wet cleaning chemistries help retain the dose as silica rich over-layers are not significantly degraded. Furthermore, the dosed retention after a DHF clean following an oxidizing wet clean is unchanged. Still, the initial ion bombardment energy and flux are important. Large ion fluxes at energies below the sputter threshold and above the silicon damage threshold, before the silicon surface is covered by an amorphous mixed phase layer, allow for enhanced uptake of dopant into the silicon. The resulting dopant concentration is beyond the saturation limit of crystalline silicon.

Surface dose measurements with commonly used detectors: a consistent thickness correction method

PubMed Central

Higgins, Patrick

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to review application of a consistent correction method for the solid state detectors, such as thermoluminescent dosimeters (chips (cTLD) and powder (pTLD)), optically stimulated detectors (both closed (OSL) and open (eOSL)), and radiochromic (EBT2) and radiographic (EDR2) films. In addition, to compare measured surface dose using an extrapolation ionization chamber (PTW 30‐360) with other parallel plate chambers RMI‐449 (Attix), Capintec PS‐033, PTW 30‐329 (Markus) and Memorial. Measurements of surface dose for 6 MV photons with parallel plate chambers were used to establish a baseline. cTLD, OSLs, EDR2, and EBT2 measurements were corrected using a method which involved irradiation of three dosimeter stacks, followed by linear extrapolation of individual dosimeter measurements to zero thickness. We determined the magnitude of correction for each detector and compared our results against an alternative correction method based on effective thickness. All uncorrected surface dose measurements exhibited overresponse, compared with the extrapolation chamber data, except for the Attix chamber. The closest match was obtained with the Attix chamber (−0.1%), followed by pTLD (0.5%), Capintec (4.5%), Memorial (7.3%), Markus (10%), cTLD (11.8%), eOSL (12.8%), EBT2 (14%), EDR2 (14.8%), and OSL (26%). Application of published ionization chamber corrections brought all the parallel plate results to within 1% of the extrapolation chamber. The extrapolation method corrected all solid‐state detector results to within 2% of baseline, except the OSLs. Extrapolation of dose using a simple three‐detector stack has been demonstrated to provide thickness corrections for cTLD, eOSLs, EBT2, and EDR2 which can then be used for surface dose measurements. Standard OSLs are not recommended for surface dose measurement. The effective thickness method suffers from the subjectivity inherent in the inclusion of measured percentage depth‐dose curves and is not recommended for these types of measurements. PACS number: 87.56.‐v PMID:26699319

SU-F-P-47: Estimation of Skin Dose by Performing the Measurements On Cylindrical Phantom

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bosma, S; Sanders, M; Aryal, P

Purpose: To evaluate the skin dose by performing the measurements on cylindrical phantom with 6X beam. Methods: A cylindrical phantom was used to best model a patient surface. The source to surface distance (SSD) was 100 cm at phantom surface along central axis (CAX). The EBT2 films were cut into 2×2 cm2 pieces. Each piece of film was placed at CAX on phantom surface for each measurement at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° gantry angles for field sizes of 5×5, 10×10, 15×15, and 20×20 cm{sup 2} respectively. One hundred monitor units (MU) with 6X beam were deliveredmore » for each set up. Similarly, the measurements were repeated using lithium fluoride (LiF) thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips (1X1X1 mm{sup 3}). Two TLD chips were placed for each gantry angle and field size. The calibration curves were produced for both film and TLD. The computed tomography (CT) was also performed on the same cylindrical phantom and dose was evaluated at the phantom surface using Eclipse treatment planning system ( AAA algorithm) for skin dose comparison. Results: Data showed small differences at smaller angles among EBT2, TLD and Eclipse treatment planning system. But Eclipse treatment planning system under estimated the skin dose between 20% and 50% at larger gantry angles (between 40° and 80°) at all field sizes before dose differences began to converge. Conclusion: Given this data, we can conclude that Eclipse treatment planning system under estimated the dose especially between 40 and 80 degrees of obliquity compared to the measurements results. Ideally, this study can be applied largely to head and neck patients where contours differ drastically and where skin dose is paramount.« less

A technique for multi-dimensional optimization of radiation dose, contrast dose, and image quality in CT imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahbaee, Pooyan; Abadi, Ehsan; Sanders, Jeremiah; Becchetti, Marc; Zhang, Yakun; Agasthya, Greeshma; Segars, Paul; Samei, Ehsan

2016-03-01

The purpose of this study was to substantiate the interdependency of image quality, radiation dose, and contrast material dose in CT towards the patient-specific optimization of the imaging protocols. The study deployed two phantom platforms. First, a variable sized phantom containing an iodinated insert was imaged on a representative CT scanner at multiple CTDI values. The contrast and noise were measured from the reconstructed images for each phantom diameter. Linearly related to iodine-concentration, contrast to noise ratio (CNR), was calculated for different iodine-concentration levels. Second, the analysis was extended to a recently developed suit of 58 virtual human models (5D-XCAT) with added contrast dynamics. Emulating a contrast-enhanced abdominal image procedure and targeting a peak-enhancement in aorta, each XCAT phantom was "imaged" using a CT simulation platform. 3D surfaces for each patient/size established the relationship between iodine-concentration, dose, and CNR. The Sensitivity of Ratio (SR), defined as ratio of change in iodine-concentration versus dose to yield a constant change in CNR was calculated and compared at high and low radiation dose for both phantom platforms. The results show that sensitivity of CNR to iodine concentration is larger at high radiation dose (up to 73%). The SR results were highly affected by radiation dose metric; CTDI or organ dose. Furthermore, results showed that the presence of contrast material could have a profound impact on optimization results (up to 45%).

Surface dosimetry for breast radiotherapy in the presence of immobilization cast material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, Andrew; Hardcastle, Nicholas; Metcalfe, Peter; Cutajar, Dean; Quinn, Alexandra; Foo, Kerwyn; Cardoso, Michael; Barlin, Sheree; Rosenfeld, Anatoly

2011-02-01

Curative breast radiotherapy typically leaves patients with varying degrees of cosmetic damage. One problem interfering with cosmetically acceptable breast radiotherapy is the external contour for large pendulous breasts which often results in high doses to skin folds. Thermoplastic casts are often employed to secure the breasts to maintain setup reproducibility and limit the presence of skin folds. This paper aims to determine changes in surface dose that can be attributed to the use of thermoplastic immobilization casts. Skin dose for a clinical hybrid conformal/IMRT breast plan was measured using radiochromic film and MOSFET detectors at a range of water equivalent depths representative of the different skin layers. The radiochromic film was used as an integrating dosimeter, while the MOSFETs were used for real-time dosimetry to isolate the contribution of skin dose from individual IMRT segments. Strips of film were placed at various locations on the breast and the MOSFETs were used to measure skin dose at 16 positions spaced along the film strips for comparison of data. The results showed an increase in skin dose in the presence of the immobilization cast of up to 45.7% and 62.3% of the skin dose without the immobilization cast present as measured with Gafchromic EBT film and MOSFETs, respectively. The increase in skin dose due to the immobilization cast varied with the angle of beam incidence and was greatest when the beam was normally incident on the phantom. The increase in surface dose with the immobilization cast was greater under entrance dose conditions compared to exit dose conditions.

TU-E-201-02: Eye Lens Dosimetry From CT Perfusion Studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, D.

Madan M. Rehani, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston Methods for Eye Lens Dosimetry and Studies On Lens Opacities with Interventionalists Radiation induced cataract is a major threat among staff working in interventional suites. Nearly 16 million interventional procedures are performed annually in USA. Recent studies by the principal investigator’s group, primarily among interventional cardiologists, on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency, show posterior subcapsular (PSC) changes in the eye lens in 38–53% of main operators and 21–45% of support staff. These changes have potential to lead to cataract in future years, as per information from A-Bombmore » survivors. The International Commission on Radiological Protection has reduced dose limit for staff by a factor of 7.5 (from 150 mSv/y to 20 mSv/y). With increasing emphasis on radiation induced cataracts and reduction in threshold dose for eye lens, there is a need to implement strategies for estimating eye lens dose. Unfortunately eye lens dosimetry is at infancy when it comes to routine application. Various approaches are being tried namely direct measurement using active or passive dosimeters kept close to eyes, retrospective estimations and lastly correlating patient dose in interventional procedures with staff eye dose. The talk will review all approaches available and ongoing active research in this area, as well as data from surveys done in Europe on status of eye dose monitoring in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine. The talk will provide update on how good is Hp(10) against Hp(3), estimations from CTDI values, Monte Carlo based simulations and current status of eye lens dosimetry in USA and Europe. The cataract risk among patients is in CT examinations of the head. Since radiation induced cataract predominantly occurs in posterior sub-capsular (PSC) region and is thus distinguishable from age or drug related cataracts and is also preventable, actions on awareness can lead to avoidance or even prevention. Learning Objectives: To understand recent changes in eye lens dose limits and thresholds for tissue reactions To understand different approaches to dose estimation for eye lens To learn about challenges in eye lens opacities among staff in interventional fluoroscopy Di Zhang, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, CA, USA Eye lens radiation dose from brain perfusion CT exams CT perfusion imaging requires repeatedly exposing one location of the head to monitor the uptake and washout of iodinated contrast. The accumulated radiation dose to the eye lens can be high, leading to concerns about potential radiation injury from these scans. CTDIvol assumes continuous z coverage and can overestimate eye lens dose in CT perfusion scans where the table do not increment. The radiation dose to the eye lens from clinical CT brain perfusion studies can be estimated using Monte Carlo simulation methods on voxelized patient models. MDCT scanners from four major manufacturers were simulated and the eye lens doses were estimated using the AAPM posted clinical protocols. They were also compared to CTDIvol values to evaluate the overestimation from CTDIvol. The efficacy of eye lens dose reduction techniques such as tilting the gantry and moving the scan location away from the eyelens were also investigated. Eye lens dose ranged from 81 mGy to 279 mGy, depending on the scanner and protocol used. It is between 59% and 63% of the CTDIvol values reported by the scanners. The eye lens dose is significantly reduced when the eye lenses were not directly irradiated. CTDIvol should not be interpreted as patient dose; this study has shown it to overestimate dose to the eye lens. These results may be used to provide more accurate estimates of actual dose to ensure that protocols are operated safely below thresholds. Tilting the gantry or moving the scanning region further away from the eyes are effective for reducing lens dose in clinical practice. These actions should be considered when they are consistent with the clinical task and patient anatomy. Learning Objectives: To become familiar with method of eye dose estimation for patient in specific situation of brain perfusion CT To become familiar with level of eye lens radiation doses in patients undergoing brain perfusion MDCT To understand methods for reducing eye lens dose to patient Jong Min Park, Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea Eye lens dosimetry in radiotherapy using contact lens-shaped applicator Dose calculation accuracy of commercial treatment planning systems is relatively low at shallow depths. Therefore, in-vivo measurements are often performed in the clinic to verify delivered doses to eye lens which are located at shallow depth. Current in-vivo dosimetry for eye lens during radiotherapy is generally performed with small in-vivo dosimeters on the surface of patient eyelid. Since this procedure potentially contains considerable uncertainty, a contact lens-shaped applicator made of acrylic (lens applicator) was developed for in-vivo measurements of eye lens dose during radiotherapy to reduce uncertainty. The lens applicator allows the insertion of commercially available metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters. Computed tomography (CT) images of an anthropomorphic phantom with and without the lens applicator were acquired. A total of 20 VMAT plans were delivered to an anthropomorphic phantom and the doses with the lens applicator and the doses at the surface of the eyelid were measured using both micro and standard MOSFET dosimeters. The differences in measured dose at the surface of the eyelid from the calculated lens dose were acquired. The differences between the measured and the calculated doses at the lens applicator, as well as the differences between the measured and the calculated doses at the surface of the eyelid were acquired. The statistical significance of the differences was analyzed. The average difference between the measured and the calculated dose with the lens applicator was 16.8 % ± 10.4 % with a micro MOSFET dosimeter and 16.6 % ± 10.9% with a standard MOSFET dosimeter. The average difference without the lens applicator was 35.9% ± 41.5% with micro MOSFET dosimeter and 42.9% ± 52.2% with standard MOSFET dosimeter. The maximum difference with micro MOSFET dosimeter was 46% with the applicator and 188.4% without the applicator. For the standard MOSFET dosimeter, the maximum difference was 44.4% with the applicator and 246.4% without the applicator. The lens applicator allowed reduction of the differences between the calculated and the measured dose during in-vivo measurement for the eye lens as compared to in-vivo measurement at the surface of the eyelid. Learning Objectives: To understand limitations of dose calculation with commercial treatment planning system for eye lens during radiotherapy To learn about current in-vivo dosimetry methods for eye lens in the clinic To understand limitations of in-vivo dosimetry for eye lens during radiotherapy Di Zhang is an employee of Toshiba America Medical Systems.« less

TU-E-201-03: Eye Lens Dosimetry in Radiotherapy Using Contact Lens-Shaped Applicator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, J.

Madan M. Rehani, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston Methods for Eye Lens Dosimetry and Studies On Lens Opacities with Interventionalists Radiation induced cataract is a major threat among staff working in interventional suites. Nearly 16 million interventional procedures are performed annually in USA. Recent studies by the principal investigator’s group, primarily among interventional cardiologists, on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency, show posterior subcapsular (PSC) changes in the eye lens in 38–53% of main operators and 21–45% of support staff. These changes have potential to lead to cataract in future years, as per information from A-Bombmore » survivors. The International Commission on Radiological Protection has reduced dose limit for staff by a factor of 7.5 (from 150 mSv/y to 20 mSv/y). With increasing emphasis on radiation induced cataracts and reduction in threshold dose for eye lens, there is a need to implement strategies for estimating eye lens dose. Unfortunately eye lens dosimetry is at infancy when it comes to routine application. Various approaches are being tried namely direct measurement using active or passive dosimeters kept close to eyes, retrospective estimations and lastly correlating patient dose in interventional procedures with staff eye dose. The talk will review all approaches available and ongoing active research in this area, as well as data from surveys done in Europe on status of eye dose monitoring in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine. The talk will provide update on how good is Hp(10) against Hp(3), estimations from CTDI values, Monte Carlo based simulations and current status of eye lens dosimetry in USA and Europe. The cataract risk among patients is in CT examinations of the head. Since radiation induced cataract predominantly occurs in posterior sub-capsular (PSC) region and is thus distinguishable from age or drug related cataracts and is also preventable, actions on awareness can lead to avoidance or even prevention. Learning Objectives: To understand recent changes in eye lens dose limits and thresholds for tissue reactions To understand different approaches to dose estimation for eye lens To learn about challenges in eye lens opacities among staff in interventional fluoroscopy Di Zhang, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, CA, USA Eye lens radiation dose from brain perfusion CT exams CT perfusion imaging requires repeatedly exposing one location of the head to monitor the uptake and washout of iodinated contrast. The accumulated radiation dose to the eye lens can be high, leading to concerns about potential radiation injury from these scans. CTDIvol assumes continuous z coverage and can overestimate eye lens dose in CT perfusion scans where the table do not increment. The radiation dose to the eye lens from clinical CT brain perfusion studies can be estimated using Monte Carlo simulation methods on voxelized patient models. MDCT scanners from four major manufacturers were simulated and the eye lens doses were estimated using the AAPM posted clinical protocols. They were also compared to CTDIvol values to evaluate the overestimation from CTDIvol. The efficacy of eye lens dose reduction techniques such as tilting the gantry and moving the scan location away from the eyelens were also investigated. Eye lens dose ranged from 81 mGy to 279 mGy, depending on the scanner and protocol used. It is between 59% and 63% of the CTDIvol values reported by the scanners. The eye lens dose is significantly reduced when the eye lenses were not directly irradiated. CTDIvol should not be interpreted as patient dose; this study has shown it to overestimate dose to the eye lens. These results may be used to provide more accurate estimates of actual dose to ensure that protocols are operated safely below thresholds. Tilting the gantry or moving the scanning region further away from the eyes are effective for reducing lens dose in clinical practice. These actions should be considered when they are consistent with the clinical task and patient anatomy. Learning Objectives: To become familiar with method of eye dose estimation for patient in specific situation of brain perfusion CT To become familiar with level of eye lens radiation doses in patients undergoing brain perfusion MDCT To understand methods for reducing eye lens dose to patient Jong Min Park, Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea Eye lens dosimetry in radiotherapy using contact lens-shaped applicator Dose calculation accuracy of commercial treatment planning systems is relatively low at shallow depths. Therefore, in-vivo measurements are often performed in the clinic to verify delivered doses to eye lens which are located at shallow depth. Current in-vivo dosimetry for eye lens during radiotherapy is generally performed with small in-vivo dosimeters on the surface of patient eyelid. Since this procedure potentially contains considerable uncertainty, a contact lens-shaped applicator made of acrylic (lens applicator) was developed for in-vivo measurements of eye lens dose during radiotherapy to reduce uncertainty. The lens applicator allows the insertion of commercially available metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters. Computed tomography (CT) images of an anthropomorphic phantom with and without the lens applicator were acquired. A total of 20 VMAT plans were delivered to an anthropomorphic phantom and the doses with the lens applicator and the doses at the surface of the eyelid were measured using both micro and standard MOSFET dosimeters. The differences in measured dose at the surface of the eyelid from the calculated lens dose were acquired. The differences between the measured and the calculated doses at the lens applicator, as well as the differences between the measured and the calculated doses at the surface of the eyelid were acquired. The statistical significance of the differences was analyzed. The average difference between the measured and the calculated dose with the lens applicator was 16.8 % ± 10.4 % with a micro MOSFET dosimeter and 16.6 % ± 10.9% with a standard MOSFET dosimeter. The average difference without the lens applicator was 35.9% ± 41.5% with micro MOSFET dosimeter and 42.9% ± 52.2% with standard MOSFET dosimeter. The maximum difference with micro MOSFET dosimeter was 46% with the applicator and 188.4% without the applicator. For the standard MOSFET dosimeter, the maximum difference was 44.4% with the applicator and 246.4% without the applicator. The lens applicator allowed reduction of the differences between the calculated and the measured dose during in-vivo measurement for the eye lens as compared to in-vivo measurement at the surface of the eyelid. Learning Objectives: To understand limitations of dose calculation with commercial treatment planning system for eye lens during radiotherapy To learn about current in-vivo dosimetry methods for eye lens in the clinic To understand limitations of in-vivo dosimetry for eye lens during radiotherapy Di Zhang is an employee of Toshiba America Medical Systems.« less

TU-E-201-00: Eye Lens Dosimetry for Patients and Staff

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

Madan M. Rehani, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston Methods for Eye Lens Dosimetry and Studies On Lens Opacities with Interventionalists Radiation induced cataract is a major threat among staff working in interventional suites. Nearly 16 million interventional procedures are performed annually in USA. Recent studies by the principal investigator’s group, primarily among interventional cardiologists, on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency, show posterior subcapsular (PSC) changes in the eye lens in 38–53% of main operators and 21–45% of support staff. These changes have potential to lead to cataract in future years, as per information from A-Bombmore » survivors. The International Commission on Radiological Protection has reduced dose limit for staff by a factor of 7.5 (from 150 mSv/y to 20 mSv/y). With increasing emphasis on radiation induced cataracts and reduction in threshold dose for eye lens, there is a need to implement strategies for estimating eye lens dose. Unfortunately eye lens dosimetry is at infancy when it comes to routine application. Various approaches are being tried namely direct measurement using active or passive dosimeters kept close to eyes, retrospective estimations and lastly correlating patient dose in interventional procedures with staff eye dose. The talk will review all approaches available and ongoing active research in this area, as well as data from surveys done in Europe on status of eye dose monitoring in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine. The talk will provide update on how good is Hp(10) against Hp(3), estimations from CTDI values, Monte Carlo based simulations and current status of eye lens dosimetry in USA and Europe. The cataract risk among patients is in CT examinations of the head. Since radiation induced cataract predominantly occurs in posterior sub-capsular (PSC) region and is thus distinguishable from age or drug related cataracts and is also preventable, actions on awareness can lead to avoidance or even prevention. Learning Objectives: To understand recent changes in eye lens dose limits and thresholds for tissue reactions To understand different approaches to dose estimation for eye lens To learn about challenges in eye lens opacities among staff in interventional fluoroscopy Di Zhang, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, CA, USA Eye lens radiation dose from brain perfusion CT exams CT perfusion imaging requires repeatedly exposing one location of the head to monitor the uptake and washout of iodinated contrast. The accumulated radiation dose to the eye lens can be high, leading to concerns about potential radiation injury from these scans. CTDIvol assumes continuous z coverage and can overestimate eye lens dose in CT perfusion scans where the table do not increment. The radiation dose to the eye lens from clinical CT brain perfusion studies can be estimated using Monte Carlo simulation methods on voxelized patient models. MDCT scanners from four major manufacturers were simulated and the eye lens doses were estimated using the AAPM posted clinical protocols. They were also compared to CTDIvol values to evaluate the overestimation from CTDIvol. The efficacy of eye lens dose reduction techniques such as tilting the gantry and moving the scan location away from the eyelens were also investigated. Eye lens dose ranged from 81 mGy to 279 mGy, depending on the scanner and protocol used. It is between 59% and 63% of the CTDIvol values reported by the scanners. The eye lens dose is significantly reduced when the eye lenses were not directly irradiated. CTDIvol should not be interpreted as patient dose; this study has shown it to overestimate dose to the eye lens. These results may be used to provide more accurate estimates of actual dose to ensure that protocols are operated safely below thresholds. Tilting the gantry or moving the scanning region further away from the eyes are effective for reducing lens dose in clinical practice. These actions should be considered when they are consistent with the clinical task and patient anatomy. Learning Objectives: To become familiar with method of eye dose estimation for patient in specific situation of brain perfusion CT To become familiar with level of eye lens radiation doses in patients undergoing brain perfusion MDCT To understand methods for reducing eye lens dose to patient Jong Min Park, Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea Eye lens dosimetry in radiotherapy using contact lens-shaped applicator Dose calculation accuracy of commercial treatment planning systems is relatively low at shallow depths. Therefore, in-vivo measurements are often performed in the clinic to verify delivered doses to eye lens which are located at shallow depth. Current in-vivo dosimetry for eye lens during radiotherapy is generally performed with small in-vivo dosimeters on the surface of patient eyelid. Since this procedure potentially contains considerable uncertainty, a contact lens-shaped applicator made of acrylic (lens applicator) was developed for in-vivo measurements of eye lens dose during radiotherapy to reduce uncertainty. The lens applicator allows the insertion of commercially available metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters. Computed tomography (CT) images of an anthropomorphic phantom with and without the lens applicator were acquired. A total of 20 VMAT plans were delivered to an anthropomorphic phantom and the doses with the lens applicator and the doses at the surface of the eyelid were measured using both micro and standard MOSFET dosimeters. The differences in measured dose at the surface of the eyelid from the calculated lens dose were acquired. The differences between the measured and the calculated doses at the lens applicator, as well as the differences between the measured and the calculated doses at the surface of the eyelid were acquired. The statistical significance of the differences was analyzed. The average difference between the measured and the calculated dose with the lens applicator was 16.8 % ± 10.4 % with a micro MOSFET dosimeter and 16.6 % ± 10.9% with a standard MOSFET dosimeter. The average difference without the lens applicator was 35.9% ± 41.5% with micro MOSFET dosimeter and 42.9% ± 52.2% with standard MOSFET dosimeter. The maximum difference with micro MOSFET dosimeter was 46% with the applicator and 188.4% without the applicator. For the standard MOSFET dosimeter, the maximum difference was 44.4% with the applicator and 246.4% without the applicator. The lens applicator allowed reduction of the differences between the calculated and the measured dose during in-vivo measurement for the eye lens as compared to in-vivo measurement at the surface of the eyelid. Learning Objectives: To understand limitations of dose calculation with commercial treatment planning system for eye lens during radiotherapy To learn about current in-vivo dosimetry methods for eye lens in the clinic To understand limitations of in-vivo dosimetry for eye lens during radiotherapy Di Zhang is an employee of Toshiba America Medical Systems.« less

TU-E-201-01: Methods for Eye Lens Dosimetry and Studies On Lens Opacities with Interventionists

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rehani, M.

Madan M. Rehani, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston Methods for Eye Lens Dosimetry and Studies On Lens Opacities with Interventionalists Radiation induced cataract is a major threat among staff working in interventional suites. Nearly 16 million interventional procedures are performed annually in USA. Recent studies by the principal investigator’s group, primarily among interventional cardiologists, on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency, show posterior subcapsular (PSC) changes in the eye lens in 38–53% of main operators and 21–45% of support staff. These changes have potential to lead to cataract in future years, as per information from A-Bombmore » survivors. The International Commission on Radiological Protection has reduced dose limit for staff by a factor of 7.5 (from 150 mSv/y to 20 mSv/y). With increasing emphasis on radiation induced cataracts and reduction in threshold dose for eye lens, there is a need to implement strategies for estimating eye lens dose. Unfortunately eye lens dosimetry is at infancy when it comes to routine application. Various approaches are being tried namely direct measurement using active or passive dosimeters kept close to eyes, retrospective estimations and lastly correlating patient dose in interventional procedures with staff eye dose. The talk will review all approaches available and ongoing active research in this area, as well as data from surveys done in Europe on status of eye dose monitoring in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine. The talk will provide update on how good is Hp(10) against Hp(3), estimations from CTDI values, Monte Carlo based simulations and current status of eye lens dosimetry in USA and Europe. The cataract risk among patients is in CT examinations of the head. Since radiation induced cataract predominantly occurs in posterior sub-capsular (PSC) region and is thus distinguishable from age or drug related cataracts and is also preventable, actions on awareness can lead to avoidance or even prevention. Learning Objectives: To understand recent changes in eye lens dose limits and thresholds for tissue reactions To understand different approaches to dose estimation for eye lens To learn about challenges in eye lens opacities among staff in interventional fluoroscopy Di Zhang, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, CA, USA Eye lens radiation dose from brain perfusion CT exams CT perfusion imaging requires repeatedly exposing one location of the head to monitor the uptake and washout of iodinated contrast. The accumulated radiation dose to the eye lens can be high, leading to concerns about potential radiation injury from these scans. CTDIvol assumes continuous z coverage and can overestimate eye lens dose in CT perfusion scans where the table do not increment. The radiation dose to the eye lens from clinical CT brain perfusion studies can be estimated using Monte Carlo simulation methods on voxelized patient models. MDCT scanners from four major manufacturers were simulated and the eye lens doses were estimated using the AAPM posted clinical protocols. They were also compared to CTDIvol values to evaluate the overestimation from CTDIvol. The efficacy of eye lens dose reduction techniques such as tilting the gantry and moving the scan location away from the eyelens were also investigated. Eye lens dose ranged from 81 mGy to 279 mGy, depending on the scanner and protocol used. It is between 59% and 63% of the CTDIvol values reported by the scanners. The eye lens dose is significantly reduced when the eye lenses were not directly irradiated. CTDIvol should not be interpreted as patient dose; this study has shown it to overestimate dose to the eye lens. These results may be used to provide more accurate estimates of actual dose to ensure that protocols are operated safely below thresholds. Tilting the gantry or moving the scanning region further away from the eyes are effective for reducing lens dose in clinical practice. These actions should be considered when they are consistent with the clinical task and patient anatomy. Learning Objectives: To become familiar with method of eye dose estimation for patient in specific situation of brain perfusion CT To become familiar with level of eye lens radiation doses in patients undergoing brain perfusion MDCT To understand methods for reducing eye lens dose to patient Jong Min Park, Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea Eye lens dosimetry in radiotherapy using contact lens-shaped applicator Dose calculation accuracy of commercial treatment planning systems is relatively low at shallow depths. Therefore, in-vivo measurements are often performed in the clinic to verify delivered doses to eye lens which are located at shallow depth. Current in-vivo dosimetry for eye lens during radiotherapy is generally performed with small in-vivo dosimeters on the surface of patient eyelid. Since this procedure potentially contains considerable uncertainty, a contact lens-shaped applicator made of acrylic (lens applicator) was developed for in-vivo measurements of eye lens dose during radiotherapy to reduce uncertainty. The lens applicator allows the insertion of commercially available metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters. Computed tomography (CT) images of an anthropomorphic phantom with and without the lens applicator were acquired. A total of 20 VMAT plans were delivered to an anthropomorphic phantom and the doses with the lens applicator and the doses at the surface of the eyelid were measured using both micro and standard MOSFET dosimeters. The differences in measured dose at the surface of the eyelid from the calculated lens dose were acquired. The differences between the measured and the calculated doses at the lens applicator, as well as the differences between the measured and the calculated doses at the surface of the eyelid were acquired. The statistical significance of the differences was analyzed. The average difference between the measured and the calculated dose with the lens applicator was 16.8 % ± 10.4 % with a micro MOSFET dosimeter and 16.6 % ± 10.9% with a standard MOSFET dosimeter. The average difference without the lens applicator was 35.9% ± 41.5% with micro MOSFET dosimeter and 42.9% ± 52.2% with standard MOSFET dosimeter. The maximum difference with micro MOSFET dosimeter was 46% with the applicator and 188.4% without the applicator. For the standard MOSFET dosimeter, the maximum difference was 44.4% with the applicator and 246.4% without the applicator. The lens applicator allowed reduction of the differences between the calculated and the measured dose during in-vivo measurement for the eye lens as compared to in-vivo measurement at the surface of the eyelid. Learning Objectives: To understand limitations of dose calculation with commercial treatment planning system for eye lens during radiotherapy To learn about current in-vivo dosimetry methods for eye lens in the clinic To understand limitations of in-vivo dosimetry for eye lens during radiotherapy Di Zhang is an employee of Toshiba America Medical Systems.« less

The influence of patient centering on CT dose and image noise.

PubMed

Toth, Thomas; Ge, Zhanyu; Daly, Michael P

2007-07-01

Although x-ray intensity shaping filters (bowtie filters) have been used since the introduction of some of the earliest CT scanner models, the clinical implications on dose and noise are not well understood. To achieve the intended dose and noise advantage requires the patient to be centered in the scan field of view. In this study we explore the implications of patient centering in clinical practice. We scanned various size and shape phantoms on a GE LightSpeed VCT scanner using each available source filter with the phantom centers positioned at 0, 3, and 6 cm below the center of rotation (isocenter). Surface doses were measured along with image noise over a large image region. Regression models of surface dose and noise were generated as a function of phantom size and centering error. Methods were also developed to determine the amount of miscentering using a scout scan projection radiograph (SPR). These models were then used to retrospectively evaluate 273 adult body patients for clinical implications. When miscentered by 3 and 6 cm, the surface dose on a 32 cm CTDI phantom increased by 18% and 41% while image noise also increased by 6% and 22%. The retrospective analysis of adult body scout SPR scans shows that 46% of patients were miscentered in elevation by 20-60 mm with a mean position 23 mm below the center of rotation (isocenter). The analysis indicated a surface dose penalty of up to 140% with a mean dose penalty of 33% assuming that tube current is increased to compensate for the increased noise due to miscentering. Clinical image quality and dose efficiency can be improved on scanners with bowtie filters if care is exercised when positioning patients. Automatically providing patient specific centering and scan parameter selection information can help the technologist improve workflow, achieve more consistent image quality and reduce patient dose.

Time-gated scintillator imaging for real-time optical surface dosimetry in total skin electron therapy.

PubMed

Bruza, Petr; Gollub, Sarah L; Andreozzi, Jacqueline M; Tendler, Irwin I; Williams, Benjamin B; Jarvis, Lesley A; Gladstone, David J; Pogue, Brian W

2018-05-02

The purpose of this study was to measure surface dose by remote time-gated imaging of plastic scintillators. A novel technique for time-gated, intensified camera imaging of scintillator emission was demonstrated, and key parameters influencing the signal were analyzed, including distance, angle and thickness. A set of scintillator samples was calibrated by using thermo-luminescence detector response as reference. Examples of use in total skin electron therapy are described. The data showed excellent room light rejection (signal-to-noise ratio of scintillation SNR  ≈  470), ideal scintillation dose response linearity, and 2% dose rate error. Individual sample scintillation response varied by 7% due to sample preparation. Inverse square distance dependence correction and lens throughput error (8% per meter) correction were needed. At scintillator-to-source angle and observation angle  <50°, the radiant energy fluence error was smaller than 1%. The achieved standard error of the scintillator cumulative dose measurement compared to the TLD dose was 5%. The results from this proof-of-concept study documented the first use of small scintillator targets for remote surface dosimetry in ambient room lighting. The measured dose accuracy renders our method to be comparable to thermo-luminescent detector dosimetry, with the ultimate realization of accuracy likely to be better than shown here. Once optimized, this approach to remote dosimetry may substantially reduce the time and effort required for surface dosimetry.

Time-gated scintillator imaging for real-time optical surface dosimetry in total skin electron therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruza, Petr; Gollub, Sarah L.; Andreozzi, Jacqueline M.; Tendler, Irwin I.; Williams, Benjamin B.; Jarvis, Lesley A.; Gladstone, David J.; Pogue, Brian W.

2018-05-01

The purpose of this study was to measure surface dose by remote time-gated imaging of plastic scintillators. A novel technique for time-gated, intensified camera imaging of scintillator emission was demonstrated, and key parameters influencing the signal were analyzed, including distance, angle and thickness. A set of scintillator samples was calibrated by using thermo-luminescence detector response as reference. Examples of use in total skin electron therapy are described. The data showed excellent room light rejection (signal-to-noise ratio of scintillation SNR  ≈  470), ideal scintillation dose response linearity, and 2% dose rate error. Individual sample scintillation response varied by 7% due to sample preparation. Inverse square distance dependence correction and lens throughput error (8% per meter) correction were needed. At scintillator-to-source angle and observation angle  <50°, the radiant energy fluence error was smaller than 1%. The achieved standard error of the scintillator cumulative dose measurement compared to the TLD dose was 5%. The results from this proof-of-concept study documented the first use of small scintillator targets for remote surface dosimetry in ambient room lighting. The measured dose accuracy renders our method to be comparable to thermo-luminescent detector dosimetry, with the ultimate realization of accuracy likely to be better than shown here. Once optimized, this approach to remote dosimetry may substantially reduce the time and effort required for surface dosimetry.

Dosimetric perturbations due to an implanted cardiac pacemaker in MammoSite{sup Registered-Sign} treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sung, Wonmo; Kim, Siyong; Kim, Jung-in

2012-10-15

Purpose: To investigate dose perturbations for pacemaker-implanted patients in partial breast irradiation using high dose rate (HDR) balloon brachytherapy. Methods: Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to calculate dose distributions involving a pacemaker in Ir-192 HDR balloon brachytherapy. Dose perturbations by varying balloon-to-pacemaker distances (BPD = 50 or 100 mm) and concentrations of iodine contrast medium (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% by volume) in the balloon were investigated for separate parts of the pacemaker (i.e., battery and substrate). Relative measurements using an ion-chamber were also performed to confirm MC results. Results: The MC and measured results in homogeneous media withoutmore » a pacemaker agreed with published data within 2% from the balloon surface to 100 mm BPD. Further their dose distributions with a pacemaker were in a comparable agreement. The MC results showed that doses over the battery were increased by a factor of 3, compared to doses without a pacemaker. However, there was no significant dose perturbation in the middle of substrate but up to 70% dose increase in the substrate interface with the titanium capsule. The attenuation by iodine contrast medium lessened doses delivered to the pacemaker by up to 9%. Conclusions: Due to inhomogeneity of pacemaker and contrast medium as well as low-energy photons in Ir-192 HDR balloon brachytherapy, the actual dose received in a pacemaker is different from the homogeneous medium-based dose and the external beam-based dose. Therefore, the dose perturbations should be considered for pacemaker-implanted patients when evaluating a safe clinical distance between the balloon and pacemaker.« less

Inferring ultraviolet anatomical exposure patterns while distinguishing the relative contribution of radiation components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vuilleumier, Laurent; Milon, Antoine; Bulliard, Jean-Luc; Moccozet, Laurent; Vernez, David

2013-05-01

Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main causative factor for skin cancer. UV exposure depends on environmental and individual factors, but individual exposure data remain scarce. While ground UV irradiance is monitored via different techniques, it is difficult to translate such observations into human UV exposure or dose because of confounding factors. A multi-disciplinary collaboration developed a model predicting the dose and distribution of UV exposure on the basis of ground irradiation and morphological data. Standard 3D computer graphics techniques were adapted to develop a simulation tool that estimates solar exposure of a virtual manikin depicted as a triangle mesh surface. The amount of solar energy received by various body locations is computed for direct, diffuse and reflected radiation separately. Dosimetric measurements obtained in field conditions were used to assess the model performance. The model predicted exposure to solar UV adequately with a symmetric mean absolute percentage error of 13% and half of the predictions within 17% range of the measurements. Using this tool, solar UV exposure patterns were investigated with respect to the relative contribution of the direct, diffuse and reflected radiation. Exposure doses for various body parts and exposure scenarios of a standing individual were assessed using erythemally-weighted UV ground irradiance data measured in 2009 at Payerne, Switzerland as input. For most anatomical sites, mean daily doses were high (typically 6.2-14.6 Standard Erythemal Dose, SED) and exceeded recommended exposure values. Direct exposure was important during specific periods (e.g. midday during summer), but contributed moderately to the annual dose, ranging from 15 to 24% for vertical and horizontal body parts, respectively. Diffuse irradiation explained about 80% of the cumulative annual exposure dose.

Formation of hydrophobic coating on glass surface using atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma in ambient air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Z.; Qiu, Y.; Kuffel, E.

2004-08-01

Non-thermal plasmas under atmospheric pressure are of great interest in material surface processing because of their convenience, effectiveness and low cost. In this paper, the treatment of a glass surface for improving hydrophobicity using a non-thermal plasma generated by a dielectric barrier corona discharge (DBCD) with a needle array-to-plane electrode arrangement in atmospheric air is conducted, and the surface properties of the glass before and after the DBCD treatment are studied using contact angle measurement, surface resistance measurement and the wet flashover voltage test. The effects of the plasma dose (the product of average discharge power and treatment time) of DBCD on the surface modification are studied, and the mechanism of interaction between the plasma and glass surface is discussed. It is found that a layer of hydrophobic coating is formed on the glass surface through DBCD treatment, and the improvement of hydrophobicity depends on the plasma dose of the DBCD. It seems that there is an optimum plasma dose for the surface treatment. The test results of thermal ageing and chemical ageing show that the hydrophobic layer has quite stable characteristics.

SU-E-T-145: Effects of Temporary Tachytherapy Inhibition Magnet On MOSFET Dose Measurements of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) in Radiation Therapy Patients

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

P, Joshi; Salomons, G; Kerr, A

2014-06-01

Purpose: To determine the effects of temporary tachytherapy inhibition magnet on MOSFET dose measurements of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) in radiation therapy patients. Methods: Infield and peripheral MOSFET dose measurements with 6MV photon beams were performed to evaluate dose to a CIED in the presence of a doughnut shaped temporary tachytherapy inhibition magnet. Infield measurements were done to quantify the effects of the magnetic field alone and shielding by the magnet. MOSFETs were placed inside a 20×20cm{sup 2} field at a depth of 3cm in the isocentre plane in the presence and absence of the magnet. Peripheral dose measurementsmore » were done to determine the impact of the magnet on dose to the CIED in a clinical setting. These measurements were performed at the centre, under the rim and half way between a 10×10cm{sup 2} field edge and the magnet with MOSFETS placed at the surface, 0.5cm and 1cm depths in the presence and absence of the magnet. Results: Infield measurements showed that effects of magnetic field on the MOSFET readings were within the 2% MOSFET dose measurement uncertainty; a 20% attenuation of dose under the magnet rim was observed. Peripheral dose measurements at the centre of the magnet show an 8% increase in surface dose and a 6% decrease in dose at 1cm depth. Dose under the magnet rim was reduced by approximately 68%, 45% and 25% for MOSFET placed at 0.0, 0.5 and 1.0cm bolus depths, respectively. Conclusions: The magnetic field has an insignificant effect on MOSFET dose measurements. Dose to the central region of CIED represented by centre of the magnet doughnut increases at the surface, and decreases at depths due to low energy scattering contributions from the magnet. Dose under the magnet rim, representing CIED edges, decreased significantly due to shielding.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arentsen, L; Lopater, Z; Dusenbery, K

Purpose: Duputren’s contracture (DC) is a benign disease characterized by abnormal thickening of the fascial surfaces of the hands or feet causing curling of the surface, functional impairment, weakness, and pain. The purpose of the investigation is to describe the radiation treatment approaches, compare these techniques, and discuss the potential side effects and complications of these techniques. Methods: Early stage DC has been treated with 120 kVp X rays but also with high-energy electrons or photons. High-energy electrons have been the radiation of choice but severe contracture of the hand makes it difficult to produce a plan with acceptable dosemore » uniformity. High-energy photons can overcome this difficulty either by directing a beam onto the palmer or back of the surface of the hand, including bolus to maximize the surface dose. We calculated the dose to the bone for the 120 kVp treatment using published %DD data and mass energy absorption coefficients for bone and muscle. Results: The dose to underlying bone from megavoltage photons and electrons is essentially the same, but dose to the bone for using 120 kVp can be 4–5 times greater due to the photoelectric effect. For the 30 Gy dose deliver using this technique, the dose to the bone could be 84–105 Gy after taking the penetration of the beam into account. After radiotherapy, there is often decreased osteoblastic activity and vascular fibrosis that leads to osteitis, atrophy, and decreased metabolic bone activity. Incidence of fractures occurs routinely above 60 Gy with higher doses potentially leading to higher incidences of bone complications. Conclusion: Radiation therapy for DC using low-energy X rays can deliver a prohibitively high dose to the underlying bone potentially leading to severe bone complications.« less

An assessment of radiation doses at an educational institution 57.8 km away from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant 1 month after the nuclear accident.

PubMed

Tsuji, Masayoshi; Kanda, Hideyuki; Kakamu, Takeyasu; Kobayashi, Daisuke; Miyake, Masao; Hayakawa, Takehito; Mori, Yayoi; Okochi, Toshiyasu; Hazama, Akihiro; Fukushima, Tetsuhito

2012-03-01

On 11 March 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. Due to this earthquake and subsequent tsunami, malfunctions occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Radioactive material even reached the investigated educational institution despite being 57.8 km away from the power station. With the goal of ensuring the safety of our students, we decided to carry out a risk assessment of the premises of this educational institution by measuring radiation doses at certain locations, making it possible to calculate estimated radiation accumulation. Systematic sampling was carried out at measurement points spaced at regular intervals for a total of 24 indoor and outdoor areas, with 137 measurements at heights of 1 cm and 100 cm above the ground surface. Radiation survey meters were used to measure environmental radiation doses. Radiation dose rates and count rates were higher outdoors than indoors, and higher 1 cm above the ground surface than at 100 cm. Radiation doses 1 cm above the ground surface were higher on grass and moss than on asphalt and soil. The estimated radiation exposure for a student spending an average of 11 h on site at this educational institution was 9.80 μSv. Environmental radiation doses at our educational institution 57.8 km away from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant 1 month after the accident were lower than the national regulation dose for schools (3.8 μSv/h) at most points. Differences in radiation doses depending on outdoor surface properties are important to note for risk reduction.

Radiation exposure in the moon environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reitz, Guenther; Berger, Thomas; Matthiae, Daniel

2012-12-01

During a stay on the moon humans are exposed to elevated radiation levels due to the lack of substantial atmospheric and magnetic shielding compared to the Earth's surface. The absence of magnetic and atmospheric shielding allows cosmic rays of all energies to impinge on the lunar surface. Beside the continuous exposure to galactic cosmic rays (GCR), which increases the risk of cancer mortality, exposure through particles emitted in sudden nonpredictable solar particle events (SPE) may occur. SPEs show an enormous variability in particle flux and energy spectra and have the potential to expose space crew to life threatening doses. On Earth, the contribution to the annual terrestrial dose of natural ionizing radiation of 2.4 mSv by cosmic radiation is about 1/6, whereas the annual exposure caused by GCR on the lunar surface is roughly 380 mSv (solar minimum) and 110 mSv (solar maximum). The analysis of worst case scenarios has indicated that SPE may lead to an exposure of about 1 Sv. The only efficient measure to reduce radiation exposure is the provision of radiation shelters. Measurements on the lunar surface performed during the Apollo missions cover only a small energy band for thermal neutrons and are not sufficient to estimate the exposure. Very recently some data were added by the Radiation Dose Monitoring (RADOM) instrument operated during the Indian Chandrayaan Mission and the Cosmic Ray Telescope (CRaTER) instrument of the NASA LRO (Lunar Reconnaisance Orbiter) mission. These measurements need to be complemented by surface measurements. Models and simulations that exist describe the approximate radiation exposure in space and on the lunar surface. The knowledge on the radiation exposure at the lunar surface is exclusively based on calculations applying radiation transport codes in combination with environmental models. Own calculations are presented using Monte-Carlo simulations to calculate the radiation environment on the moon and organ doses on the surface of the moon for an astronaut in an EVA suit and are compared with measurements. Since it is necessary to verify/validate such calculations with measurement on the lunar surface, a description is given of a radiation detector for future detailed surface measurements. This device is proposed for the ESA Lunar Lander Mission and is capable to characterize the radiation field concerning particle fluencies, dose rates and energy transfer spectra for ionizing particles and to measure the dose contribution of secondary neutrons.

Measurement of Entrance Surface Dose on an Anthropomorphic Thorax Phantom Using a Miniature Fiber-Optic Dosimeter

PubMed Central

Yoo, Wook Jae; Shin, Sang Hun; Jeon, Dayeong; Hong, Seunghan; Sim, Hyeok In; Kim, Seon Geun; Jang, Kyoung Won; Cho, Seunghyun; Youn, Won Sik; Lee, Bongsoo

2014-01-01

A miniature fiber-optic dosimeter (FOD) system was fabricated using a plastic scintillating fiber, a plastic optical fiber, and a multi-pixel photon counter to measure real-time entrance surface dose (ESD) during radiation diagnosis. Under varying exposure parameters of a digital radiography (DR) system, we measured the scintillating light related to the ESD using the sensing probe of the FOD, which was placed at the center of the beam field on an anthropomorphic thorax phantom. Also, we obtained DR images using a flat panel detector of the DR system to evaluate the effects of the dosimeter on image artifacts during posteroanterior (PA) chest radiography. From the experimental results, the scintillation output signals of the FOD were similar to the ESDs including backscatter simultaneously obtained using a semiconductor dosimeter. We demonstrated that the proposed miniature FOD can be used to measure real-time ESDs with minimization of DR image artifacts in the X-ray energy range of diagnostic radiology. PMID:24694678

Measurement of entrance surface dose on an anthropomorphic thorax phantom using a miniature fiber-optic dosimeter.

PubMed

Yoo, Wook Jae; Shin, Sang Hun; Jeon, Dayeong; Hong, Seunghan; Sim, Hyeok In; Kim, Seon Geun; Jang, Kyoung Won; Cho, Seunghyun; Youn, Won Sik; Lee, Bongsoo

2014-04-01

A miniature fiber-optic dosimeter (FOD) system was fabricated using a plastic scintillating fiber, a plastic optical fiber, and a multi-pixel photon counter to measure real-time entrance surface dose (ESD) during radiation diagnosis. Under varying exposure parameters of a digital radiography (DR) system, we measured the scintillating light related to the ESD using the sensing probe of the FOD, which was placed at the center of the beam field on an anthropomorphic thorax phantom. Also, we obtained DR images using a flat panel detector of the DR system to evaluate the effects of the dosimeter on image artifacts during posteroanterior (PA) chest radiography. From the experimental results, the scintillation output signals of the FOD were similar to the ESDs including backscatter simultaneously obtained using a semiconductor dosimeter. We demonstrated that the proposed miniature FOD can be used to measure real-time ESDs with minimization of DR image artifacts in the X-ray energy range of diagnostic radiology.

Depth distribution of absorbed dose on the external surface of Cosmos 1887 biosatellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watts, J. W., Jr.; Parnell, T. A.; Akatov, Yu. A.; Dudkin, V. E.; Kovalev, E. E.; Benton, E. V.; Frank, A. L.

1995-01-01

Significant absorbed dose levels exceeding 1.0 Gy day(exp -1) have been measured on the external surface of the Cosmos 1887 biosatellite as functions of depth in stacks of thin thermoluminescent detectors (TLD's) made in U.S.S.R. and U.S.A. The dose was found to decrease rapidly with increasing absorber thickness, thereby indicating the presence of intensive fluxes of low-energy particles. Comparison between the U.S.S.R. and U.S.A. results and calculations based on the Vette Model environment are in satisfactory agreement. The major contribution to the dose under thin shielding thickness is shown to be from electrons. The fraction of the dose due to protons and heavier charged particles increases with shielding thickness.

Depth distribution of absorbed dose on the external surface of Cosmos 1887 biosatellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudkin, V. E.; Kovalev, E. E.; Benton, E. V.; Frank, A. L.; Watts, J. W. Jr; Parnell, T. A.

1990-01-01

Significant absorbed dose levels exceeding 1.0 Gy day-1 have been measured on the external surface of the Cosmos 1887 biosatellite as functions of depth in stacks of thin thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) of U.S.S.R. and U.S.A. manufacture. The dose was found to decrease rapidly with increasing absorber thickness, thereby indicating the presence of intensive fluxes of low-energy particles. Comparison between the U.S.S.R. and U.S.A. results and calculations based on the Vette Model environment are in satisfactory agreement. The major contribution to the dose under thin shielding thickness is shown to be from electrons. The fraction of the dose due to protons and heavier charged particles increases with shielding thickness.

SU-F-T-554: Dark Current Effect On CyberKnife Beam Dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, H; Chang, A

Purpose: All RF linear accelerators produce dark current to varying degrees when an accelerating voltage and RF input is applied in the absence of electron gun injection. This study is to evaluate how dark current from the linear accelerator of CyberKnife affect the dose in the reference dosimetry. Methods: The G4 CyberKnife system with 6MV photon beam was used in this study. Using the ion chamber and the diode detector, the dose was measured in water with varying time delay between acquiring charges and staring beam-on after applying high-voltage into the linear accelerator. The dose was measured after the timemore » delay with over the range of 0 to 120 seconds in the accelerating high-voltage mode without beam-on, applying 0, 10, 50, 100, and 200 MUs. For the measurements, the collimator of 60 mm was used and the detectors were placed at the depths of 10 cm with the source-to-surface distance of 80 cm. Results: The dark current was constant over time regardless of MU. The dose due to the dark current increased over time linearly with the R-squared value of 0.9983 up to 4.4 cGy for the time 120 seconds. In the dose rate setting of 720 MU/min, the relative dose when applying the accelerating voltage without beam-on was increased over time up to 0.6% but it was less than the leakage radiation resulted from the accelerated head. As the reference dosimetry condition, when 100 MU was delivered after 10 seconds time delay, the relative dose increased by 0.7% but 6.7% for the low MU (10 MU). Conclusion: In the dosimetry using CyberKnife system, the constant dark current affected to the dose. Although the time delay in the accelerating high-voltage mode without beam-on is within 10 seconds, the dose less than 100 cGy can be overestimated more than 1%.« less

Monte Carlo and Phantom Study of the Radiation Dose to the Body from Dedicated Computed Tomography of the Breast

PubMed Central

Sechopoulos, Ioannis; Vedantham, Srinivasan; Suryanarayanan, Sankararaman; D’Orsi, Carl J.; Karellas, Andrew

2008-01-01

Purpose To prospectively determine the radiation dose absorbed by the organs and tissues of the body during a dedicated computed tomography of the breast (DBCT) study using Monte Carlo methods and a phantom. Materials and Methods Using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit, the Cristy anthropomorphic phantom and the geometry of a prototype DBCT was simulated. The simulation was used to track x-rays emitted from the source until their complete absorption or exit from the simulation limits. The interactions of the x-rays with the 65 different volumes representing organs, bones and other tissues of the anthropomorphic phantom that resulted in energy deposition were recorded. These data were used to compute the radiation dose to the organs and tissues during a complete DBCT acquisition relative to the average glandular dose to the imaged breast (ROD, relative organ dose), using the x-ray spectra proposed for DBCT imaging. The effectiveness of a lead shield for reducing the dose to the organs was investigated. Results The maximum ROD among the organs was for the ipsilateral lung with a maximum of 3.25%, followed by the heart and the thymus. Of the skeletal tissues, the sternum received the highest dose with a maximum ROD to the bone marrow of 2.24%, and to the bone surface of 7.74%. The maximum ROD to the uterus, representative of that of an early-stage fetus, was 0.026%. These maxima occurred for the highest energy x-ray spectrum (80 kVp) analyzed. A lead shield does not protect substantially the organs that receive the highest dose from DBCT. Discussion Although the dose to the organs from DBCT is substantially higher than that from planar mammography, they are comparable or considerably lower than those reached by other radiographic procedures and much lower than other CT examinations. PMID:18292479

Potential for focused beam orthovoltage therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahato, Dip N.; MacDonald, C. A.

2010-08-01

Radiation therapy typically employs high energy photon beams because the low absorption coefficient at these energies minimizes skin dose with a conventional, unfocused beam. At orthovoltage energies less than 150 keV, the maximum dose for a single beam occurs very close to the skin surface. However a well-focused beam of low energy x rays can provide much higher flux at the target depth while sparing dose to the skin. The measured focal spot size for the polycapillary optic was 0.2 mm and was found to remain unchanged through 50 mm of phantom thickness. The calculated depth-dose curve was found to peak several centimeters below the surface with 25-40 keV radiation. Modeling indicates that the tumor dose would remain much higher than the skin dose even after scanning to cover a 1 cm3 tumor.

Comparison between Measured and Simulated Radiation Doses in the Matoroshka-R Spherical phantom Experiment#1 and Area Monitoring aboard International Space Station using PADLES from May - Sep. 2012

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagamatsu, Aiko; Tolochek, Raisa; Shurshakov, Vyacheslav; Nikolaev, Igor; Tawara, Hiroko; Kitajo, Keiichi; Shimada, Ken

The measurement of radiation environmental parameters in space is essential to support radiation risk assessments for astronauts and establish a benchmark for space radiation models for present and future human space activities. Since Japanese Experiment Module ‘KIBO’ was attached to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2008, we have been performing continuous space radiation dosimetery using a PADLES (Passive Dosimeter for Life-Science Experiments in Space) consisting of CR-39 PNTDs (Plastic Nuclear track detectors) and TLD-MSOs (Mg2SiO4:Tb) for various space experiments onboard the ‘KIBO’ part of the ISS. The MATROSHKA-R experiments aims to verify of dose distributions in a human body during space flight. The phantom consists of tissue equivalent material covered by a poncho jacket with 32 pockets on the surface. 20 container rods with dosimeters can be struck into the spherical phantom. Its diameter is 370 mm and it is 32 kg in weight. The first experiment onboard the KIBO at Forward No.2 area (JPM1F2 Rack2) was conducted over 114 days from 21 May to 12 September 2012 (the installation schedule inside the phantom) on the way to solar cycle 24th upward curve. 16 PADLES packages were deployed into 16 poncho pockets on the surface of the spherical phantom. Another 12 PADLES packages were deployed inside 4 rods (3 packages per rod in the outer, middle and inner side). Area monitoring in the KIBO was conducted in the same period (Area PADLES series #8 from 15 May to 16 September, 2012). Absorbed doses were measured at 17 area monitoring points in the KIBO and 28 locations (16 packages in poncho pockets and 12 inside 4 rods) in the phantom. The maximum value measured with the PADLES in the poncho pockets on the surface of the spherical phantom facing the outer wall was 0.43 mGy/day and the minimum value measured with the PADLES in the poncho pockets on the surface of the spherical phantom facing the KIBO interior was 0.30 mGy/day. The maximum absorbed doses measured inside rods was 0.28 mGy/day and the minimum value was 0.19 mGy/day. This indicates doses measured from the dosimeters placed in the outer side of each rod are relatively high compared to the doses placed in the center of rod. At this time, we also would like to show the preliminary results of comparative study between measured and Simulated Radiation Doses using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) calculations with well developed shielding model of the KIBO and numerical spherical phantom inside.

Assessment of female breast dose for thoracic cone-beam CT using MOSFET dosimeters

PubMed Central

Qiu, Bo; Liang, Jian; Xie, Weihao; Deng, Xiaowu; Qi, Zhenyu

2017-01-01

Objective: To assess the breast dose during a routine thoracic cone-beam CT (CBCT) check with the efforts to explore the possible dose reduction strategy. Materials and Methods: Metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters were used to measure breast surface doses during a thorax kV CBCT scan in an anthropomorphic phantom. Breast doses for different scanning protocols and breast sizes were compared. Dose reduction was attempted by using partial arc CBCT scan with bowtie filter. The impact of this dose reduction strategy on image registration accuracy was investigated. Results: The average breast surface doses were 20.02 mGy and 11.65 mGy for thoracic CBCT without filtration and with filtration, respectively. This indicates a dose reduction of 41.8% by use of bowtie filter. It was found 220° partial arc scanning significantly reduced the dose to contralateral breast (44.4% lower than ipsilateral breast), while the image registration accuracy was not compromised. Conclusions: Breast dose reduction can be achieved by using ipsilateral 220° partial arc scan with bowtie filter. This strategy also provides sufficient image quality for thorax image registration in daily patient positioning verification. PMID:28423624

Investigation of the Entrance Surface Dose and Dose to Different Organs in Lumbar Spine Imaging

PubMed Central

Sina, S; Zeinali, B; Karimipoorfard, M; Lotfalizadeh, F; Sadeghi, M; Zamani, E; Faghihi, R

2014-01-01

Background: Dose assessment using proper dosimeters is especially important in radiation protection optimization and imaging justification in diagnostic radiology. Objective: The aim of this study is to obtain the Entrance Skin Dose (ESD) of patients undergoing lumbar spine imaging using two thermoluminescence dosimeters TLD-100 (LiF: Mg, Ti) and GR-200 (LiF: Mg, Cu, P) and also to obtain the absorbed dose to different organs in lumbar spine imaging with several views. Methods: To measure the ESD values of the patients undergoing lumbar spine imaging, the two TLD types were put on their skin surface. The ESD values for different views of lumbar spine imaging were also measured by putting the TLDs at the surface of the Rando phantom. Several TLD chips were inserted inside different organs of Rando phantom to measure the absorbed dose to different organs in lumbar spine imaging. Results: The results indicate that there is a close agreement between the results of the two dosimeters. Based on the results of this experiment, the ESD dose of the 16 patients included in this study varied between 2.71 mGy and 26.29 mGy with the average of 11.89 mGy for TLD-100, and between 2.55 mGy and 27.41 mGy with the average of 12.32 mGy for GR-200 measurements. The ESDs obtained by putting the two types of TLDs at the surface of Rando phantom are in close agreement. Conclusion: According to the results, the GR200 has greater sensitivity than the TLD-100. PMID:25599058

Unwrapping 3D complex hollow organs for spatial dose surface analysis.

PubMed

Witztum, A; George, B; Warren, S; Partridge, M; Hawkins, M A

2016-11-01

Toxicity dose-response models describe the correlation between dose delivered to an organ and a given toxic endpoint. Duodenal toxicity is a dose limiting factor in the treatment of pancreatic cancer with radiation but the relationship between dose and toxicity in the duodenum is not well understood. While there have been limited studies into duodenal toxicity through investigations of the volume of the organ receiving dose over a specific threshold, both dose-volume and dose-surface histograms lack spatial information about the dose distribution, which may be important in determining normal tissue response. Due to the complex geometry of the duodenum, previous methods for unwrapping tubular organs for spatial modeling of toxicity are insufficient. A geometrically robust method for producing 2D dose surface maps (DSMs), specifically for the duodenum, has been developed and tested in order to characterize the spatial dose distribution. The organ contour is defined using Delaunay triangulation. The user selects a start and end coordinate in the structure and a path is found by regulating both length and curvature. This path is discretized and rays are cast from each point on the plane normal to the vector between the previous and the next point on the path and the dose at the closest perimeter point recorded. These angular perimeter slices are "unwrapped" from the edge distal to the pancreas to ensure the high dose region (proximal to the tumor) falls in the centre of the dose map. Gamma analysis is used to quantify the robustness of this method and the effect of overlapping planes. This method was used to extract DSMs for 15 duodena, with one esophagus case to illustrate the application to simpler geometries. Visual comparison indicates that a 30 × 30 map provides sufficient resolution to view gross spatial features of interest. A lookup table is created to store the area (cm 2 ) represented by each pixel in the DSMs in order to allow spatial descriptors in absolute size. The method described in this paper is robust, requires minimal human interaction, has been shown to be generalizable to simpler geometries, and uses readily available commercial software. The difference seen in DSMs due to overlapping planes is large and justifies the need for a solution that removes such planes. This is the first time 2D dose surface maps have been produced for the duodenum and provide spatial dose distribution information which can be explored to create models that may improve toxicity prediction in treatments for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

The Surface Chemical Composition of Lunar Samples and Its Significance for Optical Properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gold, T.; Bilson, E.; Baron, R. L.

1976-01-01

The surface iron, titanium, calcium, and silicon concentration in numerous lunar soil and rock samples was determined by Auger electron spectroscopy. All soil samples show a large increase in the iron to oxygen ratio compared with samples of pulverized rock or with results of the bulk chemical analysis. A solar wind simulation experiment using 2 keV energy alpha -particles showed that an ion dose corresponding to approximately 30,000 years of solar wind increased the iron concentration on the surface of the pulverized Apollo 14 rock sample 14310 to the concentration measured in the Apollo 14 soil sample 14163, and the albedo of the pulverized rock decreased from 0.36 to 0.07. The low albedo of the lunar soil is related to the iron + titanium concentration on its surface. A solar wind sputter reduction mechanism is discussed as a possible cause for both the surface chemical and optical properties of the soil.

Delayed effects of proton irradiation in Macaca Mulatta (22-year summary)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woods, D. H.; Hardy, K. A.; Cox, A. B.; Salmon, Y. L.; Yochmowitz, M. G.; Cordts, R. E.

1989-05-01

Lifetime observations on a group of rhesus monkeys indicate that life expectancy loss from exposure to protons in the energy range encountered in the Van Allen belts and solar proton events can be correlated with the dose and energy of radiation. The primary cause of life shortening is nonleukemic cancers. Radiation also increased the rise of endometriosis (an abnormal proliferation of the lining of the uterus in females). Other effects associated with radiation exposures are lowered glucose tolerance and increased incidence of cataracts. Calculations of the relative risk of fatal cancers in the irradiated subjects reveal that the total body surface dose required to double the risk of death from cancer over a 20-year post exposure period varies with the linear energy transfer (LET) of the radiation. The ability to determine the integrated dose and LET spectrum in space radiation exposures of humans is, therefore, critical to the assessment of lifetime cancer risk.

Evaluation of entrance surface air kerma in pediatric chest radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porto, L.; Lunelli, N.; Paschuk, S.; Oliveira, A.; Ferreira, J. L.; Schelin, H.; Miguel, C.; Denyak, V.; Kmiecik, C.; Tilly, J.; Khoury, H.

2014-11-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the entrance surface air kerma in pediatric chest radiography. An evaluation of 301 radiographical examinations in anterior-posterior (AP) and posterior-anterior (PA) (166 examinations) and lateral (LAT) (135 examinations) projections was performed. The analyses were performed on patients grouped by age; the groups included ages 0-1 y, 1-5 y, 5-10 y, and 10-15 y. The entrance surface air kerma was determined with DoseCal software (Radiological Protection Center of Saint George's Hospital, London) and thermoluminescent dosimeters. Two different exposure techniques were compared. The doses received by patients who had undergone LAT examinations were 40% higher, on average, those in AP/PA examinations because of the difference in tube voltage. A large high-dose “tail” was observed for children up to 5 y old. An increase in tube potential and corresponding decrease in current lead to a significant dose reduction. The difference between the average dose values for different age ranges was not practically observed, implying that the exposure techniques are still not optimal. Exposure doses received using the higher tube voltage and lower current-time product correspond to the international diagnostic reference levels.

Design of a head phantom produced on a 3D rapid prototyping printer and comparison with a RANDO and 3M lucite head phantom in eye dosimetry applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homolka, Peter; Figl, Michael; Wartak, Andreas; Glanzer, Mathias; Dünkelmeyer, Martina; Hojreh, Azadeh; Hummel, Johann

2017-04-01

An anthropomorphic head phantom including eye inserts allowing placement of TLDs 3 mm below the cornea has been produced on a 3D printer using a photo-cured acrylic resin to best allow tissue equivalence. Thus Hp(3) can be determined in radiological and interventional photon radiation fields. Eye doses and doses to the forehead have been compared to an Alderson RANDO head and a 3M Lucite skull phantom in terms of surface dose per incident air kerma for frontal irradiation since the commercial phantoms do not allow placement of TLDs 3 mm below the corneal surface. A comparison of dose reduction factors (DRFs) of a common lead glasses model has also been performed. Eye dose per incident air kerma were comparable between all three phantoms (printed phantom: 1.40, standard error (SE) 0.04; RANDO: 1.36, SE 0.03; 3M: 1.37, SE 0.03). Doses to the forehead were identical to eye surface doses for the printed phantom and the RANDO head (ratio 1.00 SE 0.04, and 0.99 SE 0.03, respectively). In the 3M Lucite skull phantom dose on the forehead was 15% lower than dose to the eyes attributable to phantom properties. DRF of a sport frame style leaded glasses model with 0.75 mm lead equivalence measured were 6.8 SE 0.5, 9.3 SE 0.4 and 10.5 SE 0.5 for the RANDO head, the printed phantom, and the 3M Lucite head phantom, respectively, for frontal irradiation. A comparison of doses measured in 3 mm depth and on the surface of the eyes in the printed phantom revealed no difference larger than standard errors from TLD dosimetry. 3D printing offers an interesting opportunity for phantom design with increasing potential as printers allowing combinations of tissue substitutes will become available. Variations between phantoms may provide a useful indication of uncertainty budgets when using phantom measurements to estimate individual personnel doses.

Design of a head phantom produced on a 3D rapid prototyping printer and comparison with a RANDO and 3M lucite head phantom in eye dosimetry applications.

PubMed

Homolka, Peter; Figl, Michael; Wartak, Andreas; Glanzer, Mathias; Dünkelmeyer, Martina; Hojreh, Azadeh; Hummel, Johann

2017-04-21

An anthropomorphic head phantom including eye inserts allowing placement of TLDs 3 mm below the cornea has been produced on a 3D printer using a photo-cured acrylic resin to best allow tissue equivalence. Thus H p (3) can be determined in radiological and interventional photon radiation fields. Eye doses and doses to the forehead have been compared to an Alderson RANDO head and a 3M Lucite skull phantom in terms of surface dose per incident air kerma for frontal irradiation since the commercial phantoms do not allow placement of TLDs 3 mm below the corneal surface. A comparison of dose reduction factors (DRFs) of a common lead glasses model has also been performed. Eye dose per incident air kerma were comparable between all three phantoms (printed phantom: 1.40, standard error (SE) 0.04; RANDO: 1.36, SE 0.03; 3M: 1.37, SE 0.03). Doses to the forehead were identical to eye surface doses for the printed phantom and the RANDO head (ratio 1.00 SE 0.04, and 0.99 SE 0.03, respectively). In the 3M Lucite skull phantom dose on the forehead was 15% lower than dose to the eyes attributable to phantom properties. DRF of a sport frame style leaded glasses model with 0.75 mm lead equivalence measured were 6.8 SE 0.5, 9.3 SE 0.4 and 10.5 SE 0.5 for the RANDO head, the printed phantom, and the 3M Lucite head phantom, respectively, for frontal irradiation. A comparison of doses measured in 3 mm depth and on the surface of the eyes in the printed phantom revealed no difference larger than standard errors from TLD dosimetry. 3D printing offers an interesting opportunity for phantom design with increasing potential as printers allowing combinations of tissue substitutes will become available. Variations between phantoms may provide a useful indication of uncertainty budgets when using phantom measurements to estimate individual personnel doses.

Ion-beam-induced planarization, densification, and exfoliation of low-density nanoporous silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucheyev, S. O.; Shin, S. J.

2017-09-01

Planarization of low-density nanoporous solids is challenging. Here, we demonstrate that ion bombardment to doses of ˜1015 cm-2 results in significant smoothing of silica aerogels, yielding mirror-like surfaces after metallization. The surface smoothing efficiency scales with the ion energy loss component leading to local lattice heating. Planarization is accompanied by sub-surface monolith densification, resulting in surface exfoliation with increasing ion dose. These findings have implications for the fabrication of graded-density nanofoams, aerogel-based lightweight optical components, and meso-origami.

A computer program for calculation of doses and prices of injectable medications based on body weight or body surface area

PubMed Central

2004-01-01

Abstract A computer program (CalcAnesth) was developed with Visual Basic for the purpose of calculating the doses and prices of injectable medications on the basis of body weight or body surface area. The drug names, concentrations, and prices are loaded from a drug database. This database is a simple text file, that the user can easily create or modify. The animal names and body weights can be loaded from a similar database. After typing the dose and the units into the user interface, the results will be automatically displayed. The program is able to open and save anesthetic protocols, and export or print the results. This CalcAnesth program can be useful in clinical veterinary anesthesiology and research. The rationale for dosing on the basis of body surface area is also discussed in this article. PMID:14979437

Mechanical properties of carbon steel depending on the rate of the dose build-up of nitrogen and argon ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorob'ev, V. L.; Bykov, P. V.; Bayankin, V. Ya.; Shushkov, A. A.; Vakhrushev, A. V.

2014-08-01

The effect of pulsed irradiation with argons and nitrogen ions on the mechanical properties, morphology, and structure of the surface layers of carbon steel St3 (0.2% C, 0.4% Mn, 0.15% Si, and Fe for balance) has been investigated depending on the rate of dose build-up at an average ion current density of 10, 20, and 40 μA/cm2. It has been established that the fatigue life and microhardness of surface layers increase in the entire studied range of dose build-up rates. This seems to be due to the hardening of the surface layers, which resulted from the generation of radiation defects and the irradiation-dynamic effect of fast ions. The sample irradiated by argon ions at the lowest of the selected dose build-up rates j av = 10 μA/cm2 withstands the largest number of cycles to failure.

In vivo sampling of Verteporfin uptake in pancreas cancer xenograft models: comparison of surface, oral, and interstitial measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isabelle, Martin; O'Hara, Julia A.; Samkoe, Kimberley S.; Hoopes, P. Jack; Mosse, Sandy; Pereira, Stephen; Hasan, Tayyaba; Pogue, Brian W.

2010-02-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated with Verteporfin is being investigated as a pancreatic cancer treatment in the cases for non-surgical candidates. Tissue response to PDT is based on a number of parameters including photosensitizer (PS) dose, light dose and time interval between light application and PS injection. In this study, PS uptake and distribution in animal leg muscle, oral cavity tissues, pancreas and tumor was measured in vivo using light-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) via an Aurora Optics Inc. PDT fluorescence dosimeter. An orthotopic pancreatic cancer model (AsPC-1) was implanted in SCID mice and treated with the PS. Probe measurements were made using a surface probe and an interstitial needle probe before and up to one hour after intravenous tail vein injection of the PS. The study demonstrated that it is possible to correlate in-vivo LIFS measurements of the PS uptake in the pancreas with measurements taken from the oral cavity indicating that light dosimetry of PDT of the pancreas can be ascertained from the LIFS measurements in the oral cavity. These results emphasize the importance of light dosimetry in improving the therapeutic outcome of PDT through light dose adaptation to the relative in situ tissue PS concentration.

SU-F-T-93: Breast Surface Dose Enhancement Using a Clinical Prone Breast Board

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guerra, M; Jozsef, G

Purpose: The use of specialized patient set-up devices in radiotherapy, such as prone breast boards, may have unwanted dosimetric effects. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of a clinically used prone breast board on skin dose due to buildup. Methods: GafChromic film (EBT3) was used for dose measurements on the surface of a solid water phantom shaped to mimic the curvature of the breast. We investigated two setup scenarios: the medial field border placed at the medial edge of the board and 1 cm contralaterally from that edge. A strip of film was taped to themore » medial surface of the phantom. Gantry angles varied from 10 to 30 degrees below the lateral gantry position, representing anterior oblique fields. The measurements were performed with and without the presence of the board; the ratio of their corresponding doses (dose enhancement) was evaluated. Results: For the cases where the field edge is at the edge of the board, the dose enhancement is negligible for all the tested angles. When the field edge is 1 cm inside the board, the maximum surface dose enhancement varies depending on the gantry angle between 2.2 for 30 degrees and 3.2 for 20 degrees. The length on the film at which the presence of the board is detectable (i.e. where there is dose enhancement) is longer for the shallower angles. Conclusion: Even the low-density, thin carbon fiber board with a thin soft foam pad on the top can produce significant dose enhancement on the skin in prone breast treatment due to loss of buildup. However, it happens only when the patient mid-sternum is over the board, i.e. the medial edge of the field traverses through the board and pad. Even then, the effect occurs only at the field edge, i.e. the penumbral region.« less

Relationship between diverse patient body size- and image acquisition-related factors, and quantitative and qualitative image quality in coronary computed tomography angiography: a multicenter observational study.

PubMed

Utsunomiya, Daisuke; Tanaka, Ryoichi; Yoshioka, Kunihiro; Awai, Kazuo; Mochizuki, Teruhito; Matsunaga, Naofumi; Ichikawa, Tomoaki; Kanematsu, Masayuki; Kim, Tonsok; Yamashita, Yasuyuki

2016-08-01

We investigated the effects of patient- and image acquisition-related factors on the image quality in coronary CT angiography (CCTA). We enrolled 1197 patients (728 men; 65 ± 12 years). All underwent CCTA under the routine scan protocol in 23 participating hospitals. The subjective image quality (3-point Likert scale: excellent, good, and poor) and the attenuation of the left and right coronary artery (LCA, RCA) were recorded; the effects of patient and image acquisition-related factors on vascular attenuation were then compared. The mean LCA attenuation was 515.2 ± 65.8 (excellent), 401.4 ± 63.4 (good), and 319.5 ± 47.6 HU (poor). The corresponding RCA attenuation was 496.6 ± 67.6, 390.5 ± 58.5, and 308.5 ± 50.7 HU, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between sufficient coronary attenuation (> 400 HU) and the age, gender, body surface area (BSA), number of detectors, contrast synchronization, scan mode, and the fractional contrast dose. Multivariate analysis revealed that the bolus tracking method, prospective electrocardiogram gating, and fractional contrast dose were significantly associated with sufficient coronary enhancement. BSA and fractional contrast dose are the most important patient- and image acquisition-related factors for sufficient coronary attenuation in CCTA.

Low and moderate prenatal ethanol exposures of mice during gastrulation or neurulation delays neurobehavioral development.

PubMed

Schambra, Uta B; Goldsmith, Jeff; Nunley, Kevin; Liu, Yali; Harirforoosh, Sam; Schambra, Heidi M

2015-01-01

Human and animal studies show significant delays in neurobehavioral development in offspring after prolonged prenatal exposure to moderate and high ethanol doses resulting in high blood alcohol concentration (BECs). However, none have investigated the effects of lower ethanol doses given acutely during specific developmental time periods. Here, we sought to create a mouse model for modest and circumscribed human drinking during the 3rd and 4th weeks of pregnancy. We acutely treated mice during embryo gastrulation on gestational day (GD) 7 or neurulation on GD8 with a low or moderate ethanol dose given via gavage that resulted in BECs of 107 and 177 mg/dl, respectively. We assessed neonatal physical development (pinnae unfolding, and eye opening); weight gain from postnatal day (PD) 3-65; and neurobehavioral maturation (pivoting, walking, cliff aversion, surface righting, vertical screen grasp, and rope balance) from PD3 to 17. We used a multiple linear regression model to determine the effects of dose, sex, day of treatment and birth in animals dosed during gastrulation or neurulation, relative to their vehicle controls. We found that ethanol exposure during both time points (GD7 and GD8) resulted in some delays of physical development and significant sensorimotor delays of pivoting, walking, and thick rope balance, as well as additional significant delays in cliff aversion and surface righting after GD8 treatment. We also found that treatment with the low ethanol dose more frequently affected neurobehavioral development of the surviving pups than treatment with the moderate ethanol dose, possibly due to a loss of severely affected offspring. Finally, mice born prematurely were delayed in their physical and sensorimotor development. Importantly, we showed that brief exposure to low dose ethanol, if administered during vulnerable periods of neuroanatomical development, results in significant neurobehavioral delays in neonatal mice. We thus expand concerns about alcohol consumption during the 3rd and 4th weeks of human pregnancy to include occasional light to moderate drinking. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measurements of the Martian Gamma/Neutron Spectra with MSL/RAD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohler, J.; Zeitlin, C. J.; Ehresmann, B.; Wimmer-Schweingruber, R. F.; Hassler, D.; Reitz, G.; Brinza, D.; Weigle, E.; Boettcher, S.; Burmeister, S.; Guo, J.; Martin-Garcia, C.; Boehm, E.; Posner, A.; Rafkin, S. C.; Kortmann, O.

2013-12-01

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) onboard Mars Science Laboratory's rover curiosity measures the energetic charged and neutral particle spectra and the radiation dose rate on the Martian surface. An important factor for determining the biological impact of the Martian surface radiation is the specific contribution of neutrons, which possess a high biological effectiveness. In contrast to charged particles, neutrons and gamma rays are generally only measured indirectly. Their measurement is the result of a complex convolution of the incident particle spectrum with the measurement process. We apply an inversion method to calculate the gamma/neutron spectra from the RAD neutral particle measurements. Here we show first measurements of the Martian gamma/neutron spectra and compare them to theoretical predictions. We find that the shape of the gamma spectrum is very similar to the predicted one, but with a ~50% higher intensity. The measured neutron spectrum agrees well with prediction up to ~100 MeV, but shows a considerably increased intensity for higher energies. The measured neutron spectrum translates into a radiation dose rate of 25 μGy/day and a dose equivalent rate of 106 μSv/day. This corresponds to 10% of the total surface dose rate, and 15% of the biological relevant surface dose equivalent rate on Mars. Measuring the Martian neutron spectra is an essential step for determining the mutagenic influences to past or present life at or beneath the Martian surface as well as the radiation hazard for future human exploration, including the shielding design of a potential habitat. The contribution of neutrons to the dose equivalent increases considerably with shielding thickness, so our measurements provide an important figure to mitigate cancer risk.

Erythemal UV at Davos (Switzerland), 1926-2003, estimated using total ozone, sunshine duration, and snow depth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindfors, Anders; Vuilleumier, Laurent

2005-01-01

A method previously developed for reconstructing daily erythemal UV doses at Sodankylä, northern Finland, was adjusted to the local conditions at Davos, Switzerland, and used for estimating the erythemal UV doses there over the period 1926-2003. The method uses total ozone, sunshine duration, and snow depth as input, and is based on the empirical relationship between relative sunshine duration and relative UV doses. In order to examine how the method behaves in different environments, the relationships found for Davos and Sodankylä were compared. This revealed that the surface albedo and the cloud climate have a comparable influence on the relationship found. Although the method is fairly simple, it accounts for the most important factors affecting the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. A comparison between estimated UV doses and the corresponding observations with a broadband biometer at Davos demonstrated the good performance of the method. The correlation coefficient for daily values varies between 0.95 and 0.98 depending on time of year, and the corresponding root mean square error is typically of the order of 20%. The monthly mean values show considerably less scatter around the regression line with a root mean square error of 4%. The time series of estimated UV shows that the UV level at Davos has varied considerably throughout the period of this study, with high values in the middle of the 1940s, in the early 1960s, and in the 1990s. Variations in the estimated UV doses prior to 1980, e.g., a steady decrease from the early 1960s to the late 1970s, were found to be caused primarily by changes in sunshine duration. Since 1980, on the other hand, there has been a distinct increase in the UV level caused mainly by the diminution of total ozone. This increase is most clearly seen during winter and spring, while the decrease from the early 1960s to the late 1970s is most pronounced during summer.

Personal exposure to ultrafine particles: the influence of time-activity patterns.

PubMed

Buonanno, G; Stabile, L; Morawska, L

2014-01-15

Exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs) is deemed to be a major risk affecting human health. Therefore, airborne particle studies were performed in the recent years to evaluate the most critical micro-environments, as well as identifying the main UFP sources. Nonetheless, in order to properly evaluate the UFP exposure, personal monitoring is required as the only way to relate particle exposure levels to the activities performed and micro-environments visited. To this purpose, in the present work, the results of experimental analysis aimed at showing the effect of the time-activity patterns on UFP personal exposure are reported. In particular, 24 non-smoking couples (12 during winter and summer time, respectively), comprised of a man who worked full-time and a woman who was a homemaker, were analyzed using personal particle counter and GPS monitors. Each couple was investigated for a 48-h period, during which they also filled out a diary reporting the daily activities performed. Time activity patterns, particle number concentration exposure and the related dose received by the participants, in terms of particle alveolar-deposited surface area, were measured. The average exposure to particle number concentration was higher for women during both summer and winter (Summer: women 1.8 × 10(4) part. cm(-3); men 9.2 × 10(3) part. cm(-3); Winter: women 2.9 × 10(4) part. cm(-3); men 1.3 × 10(4) part. cm(-3)), which was likely due to the time spent undertaking cooking activities. Staying indoors after cooking also led to higher alveolar-deposited surface area dose for both women and men during the winter time (9.12 × 10(2) and 6.33 × 10(2) mm(2), respectively), when indoor ventilation was greatly reduced. The effect of cooking activities was also detected in terms of women's dose intensity (dose per unit time), being 8.6 and 6.6 in winter and summer, respectively. On the contrary, the highest dose intensity activity for men was time spent using transportation (2.8 in both winter and summer). © 2013.

External dose-rate conversion factors of radionuclides for air submersion, ground surface contamination and water immersion based on the new ICRP dosimetric setting.

PubMed

Yoo, Song Jae; Jang, Han-Ki; Lee, Jai-Ki; Noh, Siwan; Cho, Gyuseong

2013-01-01

For the assessment of external doses due to contaminated environment, the dose-rate conversion factors (DCFs) prescribed in Federal Guidance Report 12 (FGR 12) and FGR 13 have been widely used. Recently, there were significant changes in dosimetric models and parameters, which include the use of the Reference Male and Female Phantoms and the revised tissue weighting factors, as well as the updated decay data of radionuclides. In this study, the DCFs for effective and equivalent doses were calculated for three exposure settings: skyshine, groundshine and water immersion. Doses to the Reference Phantoms were calculated by Monte Carlo simulations with the MCNPX 2.7.0 radiation transport code for 26 mono-energy photons between 0.01 and 10 MeV. The transport calculations were performed for the source volume within the cut-off distances practically contributing to the dose rates, which were determined by a simplified calculation model. For small tissues for which the reduction of variances are difficult, the equivalent dose ratios to a larger tissue (with lower statistical errors) nearby were employed to make the calculation efficient. Empirical response functions relating photon energies, and the organ equivalent doses or the effective doses were then derived by the use of cubic-spline fitting of the resulting doses for 26 energy points. The DCFs for all radionuclides considered important were evaluated by combining the photon emission data of the radionuclide and the empirical response functions. Finally, contributions of accompanied beta particles to the skin equivalent doses and the effective doses were calculated separately and added to the DCFs. For radionuclides considered in this study, the new DCFs for the three exposure settings were within ±10 % when compared with DCFs in FGR 13.

External dose-rate conversion factors of radionuclides for air submersion, ground surface contamination and water immersion based on the new ICRP dosimetric setting

PubMed Central

Yoo, Song Jae; Jang, Han-Ki; Lee, Jai-Ki; Noh, Siwan; Cho, Gyuseong

2013-01-01

For the assessment of external doses due to contaminated environment, the dose-rate conversion factors (DCFs) prescribed in Federal Guidance Report 12 (FGR 12) and FGR 13 have been widely used. Recently, there were significant changes in dosimetric models and parameters, which include the use of the Reference Male and Female Phantoms and the revised tissue weighting factors, as well as the updated decay data of radionuclides. In this study, the DCFs for effective and equivalent doses were calculated for three exposure settings: skyshine, groundshine and water immersion. Doses to the Reference Phantoms were calculated by Monte Carlo simulations with the MCNPX 2.7.0 radiation transport code for 26 mono-energy photons between 0.01 and 10 MeV. The transport calculations were performed for the source volume within the cut-off distances practically contributing to the dose rates, which were determined by a simplified calculation model. For small tissues for which the reduction of variances are difficult, the equivalent dose ratios to a larger tissue (with lower statistical errors) nearby were employed to make the calculation efficient. Empirical response functions relating photon energies, and the organ equivalent doses or the effective doses were then derived by the use of cubic-spline fitting of the resulting doses for 26 energy points. The DCFs for all radionuclides considered important were evaluated by combining the photon emission data of the radionuclide and the empirical response functions. Finally, contributions of accompanied beta particles to the skin equivalent doses and the effective doses were calculated separately and added to the DCFs. For radionuclides considered in this study, the new DCFs for the three exposure settings were within ±10 % when compared with DCFs in FGR 13. PMID:23542764

Design and dosimetric characteristics of a new endocavitary contact radiotherapy system using an electronic brachytherapy source.

PubMed

Richardson, Susan; Garcia-Ramirez, Jose; Lu, Wei; Myerson, Robert J; Parikh, Parag

2012-11-01

To present design aspects and acceptance tests performed for clinical implementation of electronic brachytherapy treatment of early stage rectal adenocarcinoma. A dosimetric comparison is made between the historically used Philips RT-50 unit and the newly developed Axxent(®) Model S700 electronic brachytherapy source manufactured by Xoft (iCad, Inc.). Two proctoscope cones were manufactured by ElectroSurgical Instruments (ESI). Two custom surface applicators were manufactured by Xoft and were designed to fit and interlock with the proctoscope cones from ESI. Dose rates, half value layers (HVL), and percentage depth dose (PDD) measurements were made with the Xoft system and compared to historical RT-50 data. A description of the patient treatment approach and exposure rates during the procedure is also provided. The electronic brachytherapy system has a lower surface dose rate than the RT-50. The dose rate to water on the surface from the Xoft system is approximately 2.1 Gy∕min while the RT-50 is 10-12 Gy∕min. However, treatment times with Xoft are still reasonable. The HVLs and PDDs between the two systems were comparable resulting in similar doses to the target and to regions beyond the target. The exposure rate levels around a patient treatment were acceptable. The standard uncertainty in the dose rate to water on the surface is approximately ±5.2%. The Philips RT-50 unit is an out-of-date radiotherapy machine that is no longer manufactured with limited replacement parts. The use of a custom-designed proctoscope and Xoft surface applicators allows delivery of a well-established treatment with the ease of a modern radiotherapy device. While the dose rate is lower with the use of Xoft, the treatment times are still reasonable. Additionally, personnel may stand farther away from the Xoft radiation source, thus potentially reducing radiation exposure to the operator and other personnel.

Engineering design constraints of the lunar surface environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, D. A.

1992-01-01

Living and working on the lunar surface will be difficult. Design of habitats, machines, tools, and operational scenarios in order to allow maximum flexibility in human activity will require paying attention to certain constraints imposed by conditions at the surface and the characteristics of lunar material. Primary design drivers for habitat, crew health and safety, and crew equipment are: ionizing radiation, the meteoroid flux, and the thermal environment. Secondary constraints for engineering derive from: the physical and chemical properties of lunar surface materials, rock distributions and regolith thicknesses, topography, electromagnetic properties, and seismicity. Protection from ionizing radiation is essential for crew health and safety. The total dose acquired by a crew member will be the sum of the dose acquired during EVA time (when shielding will be least) plus the dose acquired during time spent in the habitat (when shielding will be maximum). Minimizing the dose acquired in the habitat extends the time allowable for EVA's before a dose limit is reached. Habitat shielding is enabling, and higher precision in predicting secondary fluxes produced in shielding material would be desirable. Means for minimizing dose during a solar flare event while on extended EVA will be essential. Early warning of the onset of flare activity (at least a half-hour is feasible) will dictate the time available to take mitigating steps. Warning capability affects design of rovers (or rover tools) and site layout. Uncertainty in solar flare timing is a design constraint that points to the need for quickly accessible or constructible safe havens.

Engineering design constraints of the lunar surface environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morrison, D. A.

1992-02-01

Living and working on the lunar surface will be difficult. Design of habitats, machines, tools, and operational scenarios in order to allow maximum flexibility in human activity will require paying attention to certain constraints imposed by conditions at the surface and the characteristics of lunar material. Primary design drivers for habitat, crew health and safety, and crew equipment are: ionizing radiation, the meteoroid flux, and the thermal environment. Secondary constraints for engineering derive from: the physical and chemical properties of lunar surface materials, rock distributions and regolith thicknesses, topography, electromagnetic properties, and seismicity. Protection from ionizing radiation is essential for crew health and safety. The total dose acquired by a crew member will be the sum of the dose acquired during EVA time (when shielding will be least) plus the dose acquired during time spent in the habitat (when shielding will be maximum). Minimizing the dose acquired in the habitat extends the time allowable for EVA's before a dose limit is reached. Habitat shielding is enabling, and higher precision in predicting secondary fluxes produced in shielding material would be desirable. Means for minimizing dose during a solar flare event while on extended EVA will be essential. Early warning of the onset of flare activity (at least a half-hour is feasible) will dictate the time available to take mitigating steps. Warning capability affects design of rovers (or rover tools) and site layout. Uncertainty in solar flare timing is a design constraint that points to the need for quickly accessible or constructible safe havens.

Advanced capabilities and applications of a sputter-RBS system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brijs, B.; Deleu, J.; Beyer, G.

1999-06-10

In previous experiments, sputter-RBS{sup 1} has proven to be an ideal tool to study the interaction of low energy ions. This contribution employs the same methodology to identify surface contamination induced during sputtering and to the determine absolute sputter yields. In the first experiment ERDA analysis was used to study the evolution of Hydrogen contamination during sputter-RBS experiments. Since the determination of Hydrogen concentration in very thin near surface layers is frequently limited by the presence of a strong surface peak of Hydrogen originating from adsorbed contamination of the residual vacuum, removal of this contamination would increase the sensitivity formore » Hydrogen detection in the near sub surface drastically. Therefore low energy (12 keV) Argon sputtering was used to remove the Hydrogen surface peak. However enhanced Hydrogen adsorption was observed related to the Ar dose. This experiment shows that severe vacuum conditions and the use of high current densities/sputter yields are a prerequisite for an efficient detection of Hydrogen in the near surface layers. In the second experiment, an attempt was made to determine the sputter yield of Cu during low energy (12 keV) Oxygen bombardment. In order to determine the accumulated dose of the low energy ion beam, a separate Faraday cup in combination with a remote controlled current have been added to the existing sputter-RBS set-up. Alternating sputtering and RBS analysis seem to be an adequate tool for the determination of the absolute sputter yield of Cu and this as well in the as under steady state conditions.« less

Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) Modelling of Severe Acute Mucositis using a Novel Oral Mucosal Surface Organ at Risk.

PubMed

Dean, J A; Welsh, L C; Wong, K H; Aleksic, A; Dunne, E; Islam, M R; Patel, A; Patel, P; Petkar, I; Phillips, I; Sham, J; Schick, U; Newbold, K L; Bhide, S A; Harrington, K J; Nutting, C M; Gulliford, S L

2017-04-01

A normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model of severe acute mucositis would be highly useful to guide clinical decision making and inform radiotherapy planning. We aimed to improve upon our previous model by using a novel oral mucosal surface organ at risk (OAR) in place of an oral cavity OAR. Predictive models of severe acute mucositis were generated using radiotherapy dose to the oral cavity OAR or mucosal surface OAR and clinical data. Penalised logistic regression and random forest classification (RFC) models were generated for both OARs and compared. Internal validation was carried out with 100-iteration stratified shuffle split cross-validation, using multiple metrics to assess different aspects of model performance. Associations between treatment covariates and severe mucositis were explored using RFC feature importance. Penalised logistic regression and RFC models using the oral cavity OAR performed at least as well as the models using mucosal surface OAR. Associations between dose metrics and severe mucositis were similar between the mucosal surface and oral cavity models. The volumes of oral cavity or mucosal surface receiving intermediate and high doses were most strongly associated with severe mucositis. The simpler oral cavity OAR should be preferred over the mucosal surface OAR for NTCP modelling of severe mucositis. We recommend minimising the volume of mucosa receiving intermediate and high doses, where possible. Copyright © 2016 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of magnetized plasma sheaths around a trench

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hatami, M. M., E-mail: m-hatami@kntu.ac.ir

2016-08-15

Considering a magnetized plasma sheath, the temporal evolution of the ion properties (the incident ion flux, the ion impact angle, and the incident ion dose) around a rectangular trench is studied numerically. Our results show that the ion flux along the bottom surface greatly reduces in the presence of magnetic field and its uniformity improves, but the magnetic field does not considerably affect the ion flux along the sidewall. In addition, the thickness of the plasma sheath increases by increasing the magnetic field while its conformality to the target surface reduces faster. Moreover, it is shown that any increase inmore » the magnitude (inclination angle) of the magnetic field causes a decrease (an increase) in the angle of incidence of ions on the bottom and sidewall surfaces. Furthermore, in the presence of magnetic field, the ions strike nearly normal to the surface of the bottom while they become less oblique along the sidewall surface. In addition, contrary to the corners of the trench, it is found that the magnetic field greatly affects the incident ion dose at the center of the trench surfaces. Also, it is shown that the incident ion dose along the sidewall is the highest near the center of the sidewall in both magnetized and magnetic-free cases. However, uniformity of the incident ion dose along the sidewall is better than that along the bottom in both magnetized and unmagnetized plasma sheath.« less

Evaluation of the radiological risks associated with the routine transport of radioactive material within Michigan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinman, Rebecca Lee

Radioactive materials play an important role in modern society. In addition to providing electrical power and supporting national defense, radioisotopes play significant roles in the fields of medicine, research, manufacturing, and industry. Since most of these materials are not manufactured or disposed of at the site where they are used, they must be transported between various processing, use, storage, and disposal facilities. This dissertation examines the mathematical model used to predict the collective dose to the population that resides along a potential transport route, commonly called the off-link dose. The currently accepted RADTRAN and RISKIND transient dose models are reviewed. Then three new individual transient dose models are derived by assuming that a point, line, or surface cylinder can approximate the actual transport package. Groundscatter effects were investigated using a Monte Carlo simulation of the surface cylinder model and found to contribute no more than 12% to the total individual dose from a passing shipment of radioactive material, thus not warranting explicit inclusion in the newly derived transient dose models. All five of the individual transient dose models were evaluated for representative shipments of spent nuclear fuel and low-level waste within the State of Michigan and compared to experimentally measured doses. The individual dose for the Michigan shipment scenarios was found to be on the order of 1 murem. Comparison to the experimental measurements revealed that RISKIND consistently predicts the best estimate of the measured dose, followed closely by the surface cylinder model. RADTRAN consistently over predicted the measured dose by at least a factor of two. Finally, the line dose model is integrated over strips of uniform population along the transport route to arrive at the collective off-link population dose. This off-link dose model was incorporated into an ArcView application using the Avenue scripting language. Then this script was used to investigate the off-link dose to Michigan residents for the previously mentioned representative transport scenarios. The off-link dose was found to be less than 3 person-rem for all of the scenarios investigated.

Effects of recording time and residue on dose-response by LiMgPO4: Tb, B ceramic disc synthesized via improved sintering process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Xirui; Fu, Zhilong; Que, Huiying; Fan, Yanwei; Chen, Zhaoyang; He, Chengfa

2018-05-01

The LiMgPO4: Tb, B ceramic disc is successfully synthesized via improved sintering method which enables the disc sample to have two flat and smooth surfaces. It is worth mentioning that the OSL signal intensity of LiMgPO4: Tb, B disc attenuates much faster than that of commercial Al2O3: C. It costs only 1 s to reduce the intensity to 10%, but the Al2O3:C needs more than 40 s to finish it. Some essential OSL properties related to the dose detection method of this sample also have been systematically investigated. Although the dose-response cure would have better linearity with longer recording time, extended recording time (≥6 s) will not make any contribution to the linearity of the curve. If the bleaching time is more than 35 s, the residue created by previous detection (high dose of 10 Gy) would do almost no influence (with a positive deviation lower than 5.59%) on next lower-dose detection (0.1 Gy). The material would reach its service life when the total-ionizing dose runs up to 30 k Gy. Therefore, the LiMgPO4: Tb, B ceramic material is a potential candidate for real-time dose monitoring with optical fiber telemetering technology.

Predictive dose-based estimation of systemic exposure multiples in mouse and monkey relative to human for antisense oligonucleotides with 2'-o-(2-methoxyethyl) modifications.

PubMed

Yu, Rosie Z; Grundy, John S; Henry, Scott P; Kim, Tae-Won; Norris, Daniel A; Burkey, Jennifer; Wang, Yanfeng; Vick, Andrew; Geary, Richard S

2015-01-20

Evaluation of species differences and systemic exposure multiples (or ratios) in toxicological animal species versus human is an ongoing exercise during the course of drug development. The systemic exposure ratios are best estimated by directly comparing area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUCs), and sometimes by comparing the dose administered, with the dose being adjusted either by body surface area (BSA) or body weight (BW). In this study, the association between AUC ratio and the administered dose ratio from animals to human were studied using a retrospective data-driven approach. The dataset included nine antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) modifications, evaluated in two animal species (mouse and monkey) following single and repeated parenteral administrations. We found that plasma AUCs were similar between ASOs within the same species, and are predictable to human exposure using a single animal species, either mouse or monkey. Between monkey and human, the plasma exposure ratio can be predicted directly based on BW-adjusted dose ratios, whereas between mouse and human, the exposure ratio would be nearly fivefold lower in mouse compared to human based on BW-adjusted dose values. Thus, multiplying a factor of 5 for the mouse BW-adjusted dose would likely provide a reasonable AUC exposure estimate in human at steady-state.

Development of methods for avian oil toxicity studies using the double crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus).

PubMed

Cunningham, Fred; Dean, Karen; Hanson-Dorr, Katie; Harr, Kendal; Healy, Kate; Horak, Katherine; Link, Jane; Shriner, Susan; Bursian, Steven; Dorr, Brian

2017-07-01

Oral and external dosing methods replicating field exposure were developed using the double crested cormorant (DCCO) to test the toxicity of artificially weathered Deepwater Horizon Mississippi Canyon 252 oil. The majority of previous oil dosing studies conducted on wild-caught birds used gavage methods to dose birds with oil and determine toxicity. However, rapid gut transit time of gavaged oil likely reduces oil absorption. In the present studies, dosing relied on injection of oil into live feeder fish for oral dosing of these piscivorous birds, or applying oil to body contour feathers resulting in transdermal oil exposure and oral exposure through preening. Both oral and external oil dosing studies identified oil-related toxicity endpoints associated with oxidative stress such as hemolytic anemia, liver and kidney damage, and immuno-modulation or compromise. External oil application allowed for controlled study of thermoregulatory stress as well. Infrared thermal images indicated significantly greater surface temperatures and heat loss in treated birds following external oil applications; however, measurements collected by coelomically implanted temperature transmitters showed that internal body temperatures were stable over the course of the study period. Birds exposed to oil externally consumed more fish than control birds, indicating metabolic compensation for thermal stress. Conversely, birds orally dosed with oil experienced hypothermia and consumed less fish compared to control birds. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Ultralow energy ion beam surface modification of low density polyethylene.

PubMed

Shenton, Martyn J; Bradley, James W; van den Berg, Jaap A; Armour, David G; Stevens, Gary C

2005-12-01

Ultralow energy Ar+ and O+ ion beam irradiation of low density polyethylene has been carried out under controlled dose and monoenergetic conditions. XPS of Ar+-treated surfaces exposed to ambient atmosphere show that the bombardment of 50 eV Ar+ ions at a total dose of 10(16) cm(-2) gives rise to very reactive surfaces with oxygen incorporation at about 50% of the species present in the upper surface layer. Using pure O+ beam irradiation, comparatively low O incorporation is achieved without exposure to atmosphere (approximately 13% O in the upper surface). However, if the surface is activated by Ar+ pretreatment, then large oxygen contents can be achieved under subsequent O+ irradiation (up to 48% O). The results show that for very low energy (20 eV) oxygen ions there is a dose threshold of about 5 x 10(15) cm(-2) before surface oxygen incorporation is observed. It appears that, for both Ar+ and O+ ions in this regime, the degree of surface modification is only very weakly dependent on the ion energy. The results suggest that in the nonequilibrium plasma treatment of polymers, where the ion flux is typically 10(18) m(-2) s(-1), low energy ions (<50 eV) may be responsible for surface chemical modification.

Interrogating Surface Functional Group Heterogeneity of Activated Thermoplastics Using Super-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy.

PubMed

ONeil, Colleen E; Jackson, Joshua M; Shim, Sang-Hee; Soper, Steven A

2016-04-05

We present a novel approach for characterizing surfaces utilizing super-resolution fluorescence microscopy with subdiffraction limit spatial resolution. Thermoplastic surfaces were activated by UV/O3 or O2 plasma treatment under various conditions to generate pendant surface-confined carboxylic acids (-COOH). These surface functional groups were then labeled with a photoswitchable dye and interrogated using single-molecule, localization-based, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to elucidate the surface heterogeneity of these functional groups across the activated surface. Data indicated nonuniform distributions of these functional groups for both COC and PMMA thermoplastics with the degree of heterogeneity being dose dependent. In addition, COC demonstrated relative higher surface density of functional groups compared to PMMA for both UV/O3 and O2 plasma treatment. The spatial distribution of -COOH groups secured from super-resolution imaging were used to simulate nonuniform patterns of electroosmotic flow in thermoplastic nanochannels. Simulations were compared to single-particle tracking of fluorescent nanoparticles within thermoplastic nanoslits to demonstrate the effects of surface functional group heterogeneity on the electrokinetic transport process.

Modification of polyvinyl alcohol surface properties by ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pukhova, I. V.; Kurzina, I. A.; Savkin, K. P.; Laput, O. A.; Oks, E. M.

2017-05-01

We describe our investigations of the surface physicochemical properties of polyvinyl alcohol modified by silver, argon and carbon ion implantation to doses of 1 × 1014, 1 × 1015 and 1 × 1016 ion/cm2 and energies of 20 keV (for C and Ar) and 40 keV (for Ag). Infrared spectroscopy (IRS) indicates that destructive processes accompanied by chemical bond (sbnd Cdbnd O) generation are induced by implantation, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicates that the implanted silver is in a metallic Ag3d state without stable chemical bond formation with polymer chains. Ion implantation is found to affect the surface energy: the polar component increases while the dispersion part decreases with increasing implantation dose. Surface roughness is greater after ion implantation and the hydrophobicity increases with increasing dose, for all ion species. We find that ion implantation of Ag, Ar and C leads to a reduction in the polymer microhardness by a factor of five, while the surface electrical resistivity declines modestly.

How Important Is a Reproducible Breath Hold for Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Breast Radiation Therapy?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wiant, David, E-mail: David.wiant@conehealth.com; Wentworth, Stacy; Liu, Han

Purpose: Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) for left-sided breast cancer has been shown to reduce heart dose. Surface imaging helps to ensure accurate breast positioning, but it does not guarantee a reproducible breath hold (BH) at DIBH treatments. We examine the effects of variable BH positions for DIBH treatments. Methods and Materials: Twenty-five patients who underwent free breathing (FB) and DIBH scans were reviewed. Four plans were created for each patient: FB, DIBH, FB-DIBH (the DIBH plans were copied to the FB images and recalculated, and image registration was based on breast tissue), and P-DIBH (a partial BH with themore » heart shifted midway between the FB and DIBH positions). The FB-DIBH plans give a “worst-case” scenario for surface imaging DIBH, where the breast is aligned by surface imaging but the patient is not holding their breath. Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were used to compare the dose metrics. Results: The DIBH plans gave lower heart dose and comparable breast coverage versus FB in all cases. The FB-DIBH plans showed no significant difference versus FB plans for breast coverage, mean heart dose, or maximum heart dose (P≥.10). The mean heart dose differed between FB-DIBH and FB by <2 Gy for all cases, and the maximum heart dose differed by <2 Gy for 21 cases. The P-DIBH plans showed significantly lower mean heart dose than FB (P<.01). The mean heart doses for the P-DIBH plans were« less

Dose assessment of 2% chlorhexidine acetate for canine superficial pyoderma.

PubMed

Murayama, Nobuo; Terada, Yuri; Okuaki, Mio; Nagata, Masahiko

2011-10-01

The dose of 2% chlorhexidine acetate (2CA; Nolvasan(®) Surgical Scrub; Fort Dodge Animal Health, Fort Dodge, IA, USA) for canine superficial pyoderma was evaluated. The first trial compared three doses (group 1, 57 mL/m(2) body surface area; group 2, 29 mL/m(2) body surface area; and group 3, 19 mL/m(2) body surface area) in a randomized, double-blind, controlled fashion. Twenty-seven dogs with superficial pyoderma were treated with 2CA at the allocated doses every 2 days for 1 week. The owners and investigators subjectively evaluated the dogs, and investigators scored skin lesions, including erythema, papules/pustules, alopecia and scales, on a 0-4 scale. There were no significant differences in response between the treatment groups. The second trial established a practical dose-measuring method for 2CA. Sixty-eight owners were asked to apply 2CA on their palm in an amount corresponding to a Japanese ¥500 coin, 26.5 mm in diameter. This yielded an average dose of 0.90±0.40 mL. Mathematically, the doses used in groups 1, 2 and 3 can be represented as one coin per approximately one-, two- and three-hand-sized lesions, respectively. The results therefore suggest that owners instructed to apply one coin of the product per two-hand-sized areas of superficial pyoderma would use the range of doses evaluated in this trial. © 2011 The Authors. Veterinary Dermatology. © 2011 ESVD and ACVD.

SU-E-T-188: Film Dosimetry Verification of Monte Carlo Generated Electron Treatment Plans

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Enright, S; Asprinio, A; Lu, L

2014-06-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare dose distributions from film measurements to Monte Carlo generated electron treatment plans. Irradiation with electrons offers the advantages of dose uniformity in the target volume and of minimizing the dose to deeper healthy tissue. Using the Monte Carlo algorithm will improve dose accuracy in regions with heterogeneities and irregular surfaces. Methods: Dose distributions from GafChromic{sup ™} EBT3 films were compared to dose distributions from the Electron Monte Carlo algorithm in the Eclipse{sup ™} radiotherapy treatment planning system. These measurements were obtained for 6MeV, 9MeV and 12MeV electrons at two depths. Allmore » phantoms studied were imported into Eclipse by CT scan. A 1 cm thick solid water template with holes for bonelike and lung-like plugs was used. Different configurations were used with the different plugs inserted into the holes. Configurations with solid-water plugs stacked on top of one another were also used to create an irregular surface. Results: The dose distributions measured from the film agreed with those from the Electron Monte Carlo treatment plan. Accuracy of Electron Monte Carlo algorithm was also compared to that of Pencil Beam. Dose distributions from Monte Carlo had much higher pass rates than distributions from Pencil Beam when compared to the film. The pass rate for Monte Carlo was in the 80%–99% range, where the pass rate for Pencil Beam was as low as 10.76%. Conclusion: The dose distribution from Monte Carlo agreed with the measured dose from the film. When compared to the Pencil Beam algorithm, pass rates for Monte Carlo were much higher. Monte Carlo should be used over Pencil Beam for regions with heterogeneities and irregular surfaces.« less

A study on the dependence of exposure dose reduction and image evaluation on the distance from the dental periapical X-ray machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, Kyu-Ji; Shin, Jae-Woo; Dong, Kyung-Rae; Lim, Chang-Seon; Chung, Woon-Kwan; Kim, Young-Jae

2013-11-01

Reducing the exposure dose from a periapical X-ray machine is an important aim in dental radiography. Although the radiation exposure dose is generally low, any radiation exposure is harmful to the human body. Therefore, this study developed a method that reduces the exposure dose significantly compared to that encountered in a normal procedure, but still produces an image with a similar resolution. The correlation between the image resolution and the exposure dose of the proposed method was examined with increasing distance between the dosimeter and the X-ray tube. The results were compared with those obtained from the existing radiography method. When periapical radiography was performed once according to the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the measured skin surface dose was low at 7 mGy or below. In contrast, the skin surface dose measured using the proposed method was only 1.57 mGy, showing a five-fold reduction. These results suggest that further decreases in dose might be achieved using the proposed method.

Independent calculation of monitor units for VMAT and SPORT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Xin; Bush, Karl; Ding, Aiping

Purpose: Dose and monitor units (MUs) represent two important facets of a radiation therapy treatment. In current practice, verification of a treatment plan is commonly done in dose domain, in which a phantom measurement or forward dose calculation is performed to examine the dosimetric accuracy and the MU settings of a given treatment plan. While it is desirable to verify directly the MU settings, a computational framework for obtaining the MU values from a known dose distribution has yet to be developed. This work presents a strategy to calculate independently the MUs from a given dose distribution of volumetric modulatedmore » arc therapy (VMAT) and station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT). Methods: The dose at a point can be expressed as a sum of contributions from all the station points (or control points). This relationship forms the basis of the proposed MU verification technique. To proceed, the authors first obtain the matrix elements which characterize the dosimetric contribution of the involved station points by computing the doses at a series of voxels, typically on the prescription surface of the VMAT/SPORT treatment plan, with unit MU setting for all the station points. An in-house Monte Carlo (MC) software is used for the dose matrix calculation. The MUs of the station points are then derived by minimizing the least-squares difference between doses computed by the treatment planning system (TPS) and that of the MC for the selected set of voxels on the prescription surface. The technique is applied to 16 clinical cases with a variety of energies, disease sites, and TPS dose calculation algorithms. Results: For all plans except the lung cases with large tissue density inhomogeneity, the independently computed MUs agree with that of TPS to within 2.7% for all the station points. In the dose domain, no significant difference between the MC and Eclipse Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) dose distribution is found in terms of isodose contours, dose profiles, gamma index, and dose volume histogram (DVH) for these cases. For the lung cases, the MC-calculated MUs differ significantly from that of the treatment plan computed using AAA. However, the discrepancies are reduced to within 3% when the TPS dose calculation algorithm is switched to a transport equation-based technique (Acuros™). Comparison in the dose domain between the MC and Eclipse AAA/Acuros calculation yields conclusion consistent with the MU calculation. Conclusions: A computational framework relating the MU and dose domains has been established. The framework does not only enable them to verify the MU values of the involved station points of a VMAT plan directly in the MU domain but also provide a much needed mechanism to adaptively modify the MU values of the station points in accordance to a specific change in the dose domain.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vostrotin, Vadim; Birchall, Alan; Zhdanov, Alexey

The distribution of calculated internal doses was determined for 8043 Mayak Production Associate (Mayak PA) workers according to the epidemiological cohorts and groups of raw data used as well as the type of industrial compounds of inhaled aerosols. Statistical characteristics of point estimates of accumulated doses to 17 different tissues and organs and the uncertainty ranges were calculated. Under the MWDS-2013 dosimetry system, the mean accumulated lung dose was 185585 mGy, with a median value of 31 mGy and a maximum of 8980 mGy maximum. The ranges of relative standard uncertainty were: from 40 to 2200% for accumulated lung dose,more » from 25-90% to 2600-3000% for accumulated dose to different regions of respiratory tract, from 13-18% to 2300-2500% for systemic organs and tissues. The Mayak PA workers accumulated internal plutonium lung dose is shown to be close to lognormal. The accumulated internal plutonium dose to systemic organs was close to a log-triangle. The dependency of uncertainty of accumulated absorbed lung and liver doses on the dose estimates itself is also shown. The accumulated absorbed doses to lung, alveolar-interstitial region, liver, bone surface cells and red bone marrow, calculated both with MWDS-2013 and MWDS-2008 have been compared. In general, the accumulated lung doses increased by a factor of 1.8 in median value, while the accumulated doses to systemic organs decreased by factor of 1.3-1.4 in median value. For the cases with identical initial data, accumulated lung doses increased by a factor of 2.1 in median value, while accumulated doses to systemic organs decreased by 8-13% in median value. For the cases with both identical initial data and all of plutonium activity in urine measurements above the decision threshold, accumulated lung doses increased by a factor of 2.8 in median value, while accumulated doses to systemic organs increased by 6-12% in median value.« less

MO-D-213-04: The Proximity to the Skin of PTV Affects PTV Coverage and Skin Dose for TomoTherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reynolds, T; Higgins, P; Watanabe, Y

Purpose: The proximity to the skin surface of the PTV for the patients with skin disease could be a concern in terms of the PTV coverage and actual surface dose (SD). IMRT optimization algorithms increase the beam intensity close to the skin in order to compensate for lack of scattering material, leading to enhanced SD but potential hot spots. This study aims to investigate the effect of PTV proximity to the skin on planning and measured SD Methods: All measurements were done for 6 MV X-ray beam of Helical TomoTherapy. An anthropomorphic phantom was scanned in a CT simulator inmore » a routine manner with thermoplastic mask immobilization. PTVs were created with varying distances to the skin of 0 mm -(PTV1), 1 mm- (PTV2), 2 mm-(PTV3) and 3 mm-(PTV4). Also, a 5 mm bolus was used with PTV1 (PTV5). All planning constraints were kept the same in all studies (hard constraint: 95% of the prescription dose covered 95% of the PTV). Gafchromic film (EBT3) was placed under the mask on the phantom surface, and the resulting dose was estimated using RIT software. Results: Optimizing the dose using different PTVs lead to average planned target doses of 10.8, 10.3, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.0 Gy, with maximum doses 12.2, 11.2, 11.1, 11.1 and 10.0 Gy for PTV1, PTV2, PTV3, PTV4 and PTV5, respectively. EBT3 measurements indicated a significant decrease of SD with skin distance by 12.7% (PTV1), 21.9% (PTV2), 24.8% (PTV3) and 28.4% (PTV4) comparing to prescription dose. Placement of a 5 mm bolus on the phantom surface resulted in a SD close to prescribed (+0.5%). Conclusion: This work provides a clear demonstration of the relationship between the skin dose and the PTV to the skin distance. The results indicate the necessity of a bolus even for TomoTherapy when high skin dose is required.« less

Evaluate an impact of incident alpha particle and gamma ray on human blood components: A comparison study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ismail, Asaad H.; Yaba, Sardar P.; Ismail, Haider J.

An impact of alpha and gamma irradiation on human blood components have been evaluated and compared for healthy blood samples (male and females). Irradiation dose and time of irradiation calibrated and considered as a main comparison factors. Density of blood components measured for each in vitro irradiation before and after irradiation for males and females. Survey radiation dosimeter (Inspector Exp) and nuclear track detectors type CR-39 used to evaluate exposure dose rate and incident density of alpha particles, respectively. Experiment results verified that the irradiation of blood makes ionizing of blood components, either alpha or gamma irradiation dose, and themore » impacts of ionizing radiation were relativity for WBC, RBC, and PLT. Limited irradiation doses of 1-5 μSv/hr considered as a low radiation dose of alpha and gamma radiation sources ({sup 226}Ra, and {sup 137}Cs). Density of alpha particles accumulated on the blood surface was 34 (alpha particle/cm{sup 2}) for selected dose of incident alpha particle. Optimum value of irradiation dose and time of irradiation were 5 μSv/hr and 4 second for males and females. On the other hands, the values of irradiation dose and time of irradiation were 2.1 μSv/hr and 2 second for males and females for gamma irradiation. Thus, present results demonstrated that densities of RBC and WBC cells are capable of inducing reproduction in vitro for both type of irradiation. (authors)« less

A national patient dose survey and setting of reference levels for interventional radiology in Bulgaria.

PubMed

Zotova, R; Vassileva, J; Hristova, J; Pirinen, M; Järvinen, H

2012-06-01

A national study on patient dose values in interventional radiology and cardiology was performed in order to assess current practice in Bulgaria, to estimate the typical patient doses and to propose reference levels for the most common procedures. Fifteen units and more than 1,000 cases were included. Average values of the measured parameters for three procedures-coronary angiography (CA), combined procedure (CA + PCI) and lower limb arteriography (LLA)--were compared with data published in the literature. Substantial variations were observed in equipment and procedure protocols used. This resulted in variations in patient dose: air-kerma area product ranges were 4-339, 6-1,003 and 0.2-288 Gy cm(2) for CA, CA + PCI and LLA respectively. Reference levels for air kerma-area product were proposed: 40 Gy cm(2) for CA, 140 Gy cm(2) for CA + PCI and 45 Gy cm(2) for LLA. Auxiliary reference intervals were proposed for other dose-related parameters: fluoroscopy time, number of images and entrance surface air kerma rate in fluoroscopy and cine mode. There is an apparent necessity for improvement in the classification of peripheral procedures and for standardisation of the protocols applied. It is important that patient doses are routinely recorded and compared with reference levels. • Patient doses in interventional radiology are high and vary greatly • Better standardisation of procedures and techniques is needed to improve practice • Dose reference levels for most common procedures are proposed.

Improved cell viability and hydroxyapatite growth on nitrogen ion-implanted surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafique, Muhammad Ahsan; Murtaza, G.; Saadat, Shahzad; Uddin, Muhammad K. H.; Ahmad, Riaz

2017-08-01

Stainless steel 306 is implanted with various doses of nitrogen ions using a 2 MV pelletron accelerator for the improvement of its surface biomedical properties. Raman spectroscopy reveals incubation of hydroxyapatite (HA) on all the samples and it is found that the growth of incubated HA is greater in higher ion dose samples. SEM profiles depict uniform growth and greater spread of HA with higher ion implantation. Human oral fibroblast response is also found consistent with Raman spectroscopy and SEM results; the cell viability is found maximum in samples treated with the highest (more than 300%) dose. XRD profiles signified greater peak intensity of HA with ion implantation; a contact angle study revealed hydrophilic behavior of all the samples but the treated samples were found to be lesser hydrophilic compared to the control samples. Nitrogen implantation yields greater bioactivity, improved surface affinity for HA incubation and improved hardness of the surface.

Assessment of dose and risk to the body following conventional and spiral computed tomography.

PubMed

Chang, L L; Chen, F D; Chang, P S; Liu, C C; Lien, H L

1995-04-01

Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most frequently used examination procedures in diagnostic radiology and the dose given to the patients is higher than in general radiographic procedures. In this study LiF chip thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100) were placed in each relative organ or tissue position, including head, chest and abdomen, in a Rando phantom. CT was performed using both conventional and spiral modes, and effective dose and effective dose equivalent were assessed for each organ or tissue scanned. The TLD reader used in this experiment was controlled at a nitrogen flow rate of 450 ml/min, preheat time of 14 seconds, reading time of 16 seconds and annealing time of 16 seconds. This CT scanner can be used to perform both conventional and spiral tomography. Operating conditions for spiral tomography were 120 kV, 80 mA for scout film, and 120 kV, 200 mA, 1 sec/slice for each scanning. However, for conventional tomography, the operating conditions were 120 kV, 80 mA for scout film and 120 kV, 160 mA, 1.5 sec/slice for each scanning. These operating conditions are satisfactory to most clinical applications, and therefore were adopted for the present studies. Results showed that, in both effective dose and effective dose and effective dose equivalent, conventional tomography was higher than spiral tomography. The average effective doses for each part were measured to be 1.89 and 4.95 mSv for the head, 30.01 and 40.65 mSv for the chest, and 12.85 and 19.62 mSv for the abdomen of spiral and conventional CT, respectively. Higher carcinogenic risk was assessed in organs such as liver, lung, stomach and bone marrow, other organs had a relatively lower incidence of risk. The main purpose of this study was to obtain distribution values of effective dose and effective dose equivalent, and to know the probability of carcinogenic effect upon each organ or tissue after CT scanning. Results showed the average effective dose for spiral CT to be less than conventional CT, and the dose in the body surface was generally lower than the dose in the central region.

Gamma irradiation induced effects of butyl rubber based damping material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hong-Bing; Wang, Pu-Cheng; Liu, Bo; Zhang, Feng-Shun; Ao, Yin-Yong

2018-04-01

The effects of gamma irradiation on the butyl rubber based damping material (BRP) at various doses in nitrogen were investigated in this study. The results show that irradiation leads to radiolysis of BRP, with extractives increasing from 14.9 ± 0.8% of control to 37.2 ± 1.2% of sample irradiated at 350 kGy, while the swelling ratio increasing from 294 ± 3% to 766 ± 4%. The further investigation of the extractives with FTIR shows that the newly generated extractives are organic compounds containing C-H and C˭C bonds, with molecular weight ranging from 26,500 to 46,300. SEM characterization shows smoother surface with holes disappearing with increasing absorbed doses, consistent with "softer" material because of radiolysis. Dynamic mechanical study of BRP show that tan δ first slightly then obviously increases with increasing absorbed dose, while storage modulus slightly decreases. The tensile testing shows that the tensile strength decreases while the elongation at break increases with increasing dose. The positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy show no obvious relations between free volume parameters and the damping properties, indicating the complicated influencing factors of damping properties.

Determining the Critical Dose Threshold of Electron-Induced Electron Yield for Minimally Charged Highly Insulating Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, Ryan; Dennison, J. R.; Abbott, Jonathan

2006-03-01

When incident energetic electrons interact with a material, they excite electrons within the material to escape energies. The electron emission is quantified as the ratio of emitted electrons to incident particle flux, termed electron yield. Measuring the electron yield of insulators is difficult due to dynamic surface charge accumulation which directly affects landing energies and the potential barrier that emitted electrons must overcome. Our recent measurements of highly insulating materials have demonstrated significant changes in total yield curves and yield decay curves for very small electron doses equivalent to a trapped charge density of <10^10 electrons /cm^3. The Chung-Everhart theory provides a basic model for the behavior of the electron emission spectra which we relate to yield decay curves as charge is allowed to accumulate. Yield measurements as a function of dose for polyimide (Kapton^TM) and microcrystalline SiO2 will be presented. We use our data and model to address the question of whether there is a minimal dose threshold at which the accumulated charge no longer affects the yield.

SU-F-T-08: Brachytherapy Film Dosimetry in a Water Phantom for a Ring and Tandem HDR Applicator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, B; Grelewicz, Z; Kang, Z

2016-06-15

Purpose: The feasibility of dose measurement using new generation EBT3 film was explored in a water phantom for a ring and tandem HDR applicator for measurements tracking mucosal dose during cervical brachytherapy. Methods: An experimental fixture was assembled to position the applicator in a water phantom. Prior to measurement, calibration curves for EBT3 film in water and in solidwater were verified. EBT3 film was placed at different known locations around the applicator in the water tank. A CT scan of the phantom with applicator was performed using clinical protocol. A typical cervical cancer treatment plan was then generated by Oncentramore » brachytherapy planning system. A dose of 500 cGy was prescribed to point A (2 cm, 2 cm). Locations measured by film included the outer surface of the ring, measurement point A-m (2.2 cm, 2.2 cm), and profiles extending from point A-m parallel to the tandem. Three independent measurements were conducted. The doses recorded by film were carefully analyzed and compared with values calculated by the treatment planning system. Results: Assessment of the EBT3 films indicate that the dose at point A matches the values predicted by the planning system. Dose to the point A-m was 411.5 cGy, and the outer circumferential surface dose of the ring was between 500 and 1150 cGy. It was found that from the point A-m, the dose drops 60% within 4.5 cm on the line parallel to the tandem. The measurement doses agree with the treatment planning system. Conclusion: Use of EBT3 film is feasible for in-water measurements for brachytherapy. A carefully machined apparatus will likely improve measurement accuracy. In a typical plan, our study found that the ring surface dose can be 2.5 times larger than the point A prescription dose. EBT3 film can be used to monitor mucosal dose in brachytherapy treatments.« less

SU-E-I-06: Measurement of Skin Dose from Dental Cone-Beam CT Scans.

PubMed

Akyalcin, S; English, J; Abramovitch, K; Rong, J

2012-06-01

To directly measure skin dose using point-dosimeters from dental cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans. To compare the results among three different dental CBCT scanners and compare the CBCT results with those from a conventional panoramic and cephalomic dental imaging system. A head anthropomorphic phantom was used with nanoDOT dosimeters attached to specified anatomic landmarks of selected radiosensitive tissues of interest. To ensure reliable measurement results, three dosimeters were used for each location. The phantom was scanned under various modes of operation and scan protocols for typical dental exams on three dental CBCT systems plus a conventional dental imaging system. The Landauer OSL nanoDOT dosimeters were calibrated under the same imaging condition as the head phantom scan protocols, and specifically for each of the imaging systems. Using nanoDOT dosimeters, skin doses at several positions on the surface of an adult head anthropomorphic phantom were measured for clinical dental imaging. The measured skin doses ranged from 0.04 to 4.62mGy depending on dosimeter positions and imaging systems. The highest dose location was at the parotid surface for all three CBCT scanners. The surface doses to the locations of the eyes were ∼4.0mGy, well below the 500mGy threshold for possibly causing cataract development. The results depend on x-ray tube output (kVp and mAs) and also are sensitive to SFOV. Comparing to the conventional dental imaging system operated in panoramic and cephalometric modes, doses from all three CBCT systems were at least an order of magnitude higher. No image artifact was caused by presence of nanoDOT dosimeters in the head phantom images. Direct measurements of skin dose using nanoDOT dosimeters provided accurate skin dose values without any image artifacts. The results of skin dose measurements serve as dose references in guiding future dose optimization efforts in dental CBCT imaging. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

SU-F-T-474: Evaluation of Dose Perturbation, Temperature and Sensitivity Variation With Accumulated Dose of MOSFET Detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ganesan, B; Prakasarao, A; Singaravelu, G

Purpose: The use of mega voltage gamma and x-ray sources with their skin sparring qualities in radiation therapy has been a boon in relieving patient discomfort and allowing high tumor doses to be given with fewer restrictions due to radiation effects in the skin. However, high doses given to deep tumors may require careful consideration of dose distribution in the buildup region in order to avoid irreparable damage to the skin. Methods: To measure the perturbation of MOSFET detector in Co60,6MV and 15MV the detector was placed on the surface of the phantom covered with the brass build up cap.more » To measure the effect of temperature the MOSFET detector was kept on the surface of hot water polythene container and the radiation was delivere. In order to measure the sensitivity variation with accumulated dose Measurements were taken by delivering the dose of 200 cGy to MOSFET until the MOSFET absorbed dose comes to 20,000 cGy Results: the Measurement was performed by positioning the bare MOSFET and MOSFET with brass build up cap on the top surface of the solid water phantom for various field sizes in order to find whether there is any attenuation caused in the dose distribution. The response of MOSFET was monitored for temperature ranging from 42 degree C to 22 degree C. The integrated dose dependence of MOSFET dosimeter sensitivity over different energy is not well characterized. This work investigates the dual-bias MOSFET dosimeter sensitivity response to 6 MV and 15 MV beams. Conclusion: From this study it is observed that unlike diode, bare MOSFET does not perturb the radiation field.. It is observed that the build-up influences the temperature dependency of MOSFET and causes some uncertainty in the readings. In the case of sensitivity variation with accumulated dose MOSFET showed higher sensitivity with dose accumulation for both the energies.« less

Characterisation of a MOSFET-based detector for dose measurement under megavoltage electron beam radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jong, W. L.; Ung, N. M.; Tiong, A. H. L.; Rosenfeld, A. B.; Wong, J. H. D.

2018-03-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the fundamental dosimetric characteristics of the MOSkin detector for megavoltage electron beam dosimetry. The reproducibility, linearity, energy dependence, dose rate dependence, depth dose measurement, output factor measurement, and surface dose measurement under megavoltage electron beam were tested. The MOSkin detector showed excellent reproducibility (>98%) and linearity (R2= 1.00) up to 2000 cGy for 4-20 MeV electron beams. The MOSkin detector also showed minimal dose rate dependence (within ±3%) and energy dependence (within ±2%) over the clinical range of electron beams, except for an energy dependence at 4 MeV electron beam. An energy dependence correction factor of 1.075 is needed when the MOSkin detector is used for 4 MeV electron beam. The output factors measured by the MOSkin detector were within ±2% compared to those measured with the EBT3 film and CC13 chamber. The measured depth doses using the MOSkin detector agreed with those measured using the CC13 chamber, except at the build-up region due to the dose volume averaging effect of the CC13 chamber. For surface dose measurements, MOSkin measurements were in agreement within ±3% to those measured using EBT3 film. Measurements using the MOSkin detector were also compared to electron dose calculation algorithms namely the GGPB and eMC algorithms. Both algorithms were in agreement with measurements to within ±2% and ±4% for output factor (except for the 4 × 4 cm2 field size) and surface dose, respectively. With the uncertainties taken into account, the MOSkin detector was found to be a suitable detector for dose measurement under megavoltage electron beam. This has been demonstrated in the in vivo skin dose measurement on patients during electron boost to the breast tumour bed.

Genesis of femtosecond-induced nanostructures on solid surfaces.

PubMed

Varlamova, Olga; Martens, Christian; Ratzke, Markus; Reif, Juergen

2014-11-01

The start and evolution of the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) are investigated. The important role of irradiation dose (fluence×number of pulses) for the properties of the generated structures is demonstrated. It is shown how, with an increasing dose, the structures evolve from random surface modification to regular sub-wavelength ripples, then coalesce to broader LIPSS and finally form more complex shapes when ablation produces deep craters. First experiments are presented following this evolution in one single irradiated spot.

Entrance dose measurements for in‐vivo diode dosimetry: Comparison of correction factors for two types of commercial silicon diode detectors

PubMed Central

Zhu, X. R.

2000-01-01

Silicon diode dosimeters have been used routinely for in‐vivo dosimetry. Despite their popularity, an appropriate implementation of an in‐vivo dosimetry program using diode detectors remains a challenge for clinical physicists. One common approach is to relate the diode readout to the entrance dose, that is, dose to the reference depth of maximum dose such as dmax for the 10×10 cm2 field. Various correction factors are needed in order to properly infer the entrance dose from the diode readout, depending on field sizes, target‐to‐surface distances (TSD), and accessories (such as wedges and compensate filters). In some clinical practices, however, no correction factor is used. In this case, a diode‐dosimeter‐based in‐vivo dosimetry program may not serve the purpose effectively; that is, to provide an overall check of the dosimetry procedure. In this paper, we provide a formula to relate the diode readout to the entrance dose. Correction factors for TSD, field size, and wedges used in this formula are also clearly defined. Two types of commercial diode detectors, ISORAD (n‐type) and the newly available QED (p‐type) (Sun Nuclear Corporation), are studied. We compared correction factors for TSDs, field sizes, and wedges. Our results are consistent with the theory of radiation damage of silicon diodes. Radiation damage has been shown to be more serious for n‐type than for p‐type detectors. In general, both types of diode dosimeters require correction factors depending on beam energy, TSD, field size, and wedge. The magnitudes of corrections for QED (p‐type) diodes are smaller than ISORAD detectors. PACS number(s): 87.66.–a, 87.52.–g PMID:11674824

Effect of γ-irradiation on the temperature coefficient of surface resistivity of two-dimensional island platinum films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bishay, A. G.; El-Gamal, S.

2011-05-01

Three sets (A, B and C) of two-dimensional island platinum films (2D-I(Pt)Fs) were prepared via the thermal evaporation technique, where the substrates are corning 7059 glass slides. The mass thickness ( d m) of the films of different sets is 5, 10 and 20 Å, respectively. The Pt films were exposed to γ-rays from 137Cs (0.662 MeV) radiation source of dose rate 0.5 Gy/min. and the different doses are 100, 200, 300, 500 and 700 Gy. The dependence of the surface resistivity ( ρ) on temperature over the range of 100-300 K was undertaken at different d m and doses then the temperature coefficient of surface resistivity ( α) was deduced. It was found that; (i) for particular d m and T, the absolute value of α decreases as the dose increases (ii) for particular dose and T, the absolute value of α decreases as d m increases (iii) for particular dose and d m, the absolute value of α decreases as T increases. Qualitative interpretation for the results was offered on the ground that the electrons transfer among islands takes place by the activated tunneling mechanism and the γ-irradiation has changed the shape of islands from spherical to prolate spheroid.

Field Investigation of the Surface-deposited Radon Progeny as a Possible Predictor of the Airborne Radon Progeny Dose Rate

PubMed Central

Sun, Kainan; Steck, Daniel J.; Field, R. William

2009-01-01

The quantitative relationships between radon gas concentration, the surface-deposited activities of various radon progeny, the airborne radon progeny dose rate, and various residential environmental factors were investigated through actual field measurements in 38 selected Iowa houses occupied by either smokers or nonsmokers. Airborne dose rate was calculated from unattached and attached potential alpha energy concentrations (PAECs) using two dosimetric models with different activity-size weighting factors. These models are labeled Pdose and Jdose, respectively. Surface-deposited 218Po and 214Po were found significantly correlated to radon, unattached PAEC, and both airborne dose rates (p < 0.0001) in nonsmoking environments. However, deposited 218Po was not significantly correlated to the above parameters in smoking environments. In multiple linear regression analysis, natural logarithm transformation was performed for airborne dose rate as the dependent variable, as well as for radon and deposited 218Po and 214Po as predictors. An interaction effect was found between deposited 214Po and an obstacle in front of the Retrospective Reconstruction Detector (RRD) in predicting dose rate (p = 0.049 and 0.058 for Pdose and Jdose, respectively) for nonsmoking environments. After adjusting for radon and deposited radon progeny effects, the presence of either cooking, usage of a fireplace, or usage of a ceiling fan significantly, or marginal significantly, reduced the Pdose to 0.65 (90% CI 0.42–0.996), 0.54 (90% CI 0.28–1.02) and 0.66 (90% CI 0.45–0.96), respectively. For Jdose, only the usage of a ceiling fan significantly reduced the dose rate to 0.57 (90% CI 0.39–0.85). In smoking environments, deposited 218Po was a significant negative predictor for Pdose (RR 0.68, 90% CI 0.55–0.84) after adjusting for long-term 222Rn and environmental factors. A significant decrease of 0.72 (90% CI 0.64–0.83) in the mean Pdose was noted, after adjusting for the radon and radon progeny effects and other environmental factors, for every 10 increasing cigarettes smoked in the room. A significant increase of 1.71 in the mean Pdose was found for large room size relative to small room size (90% CI 1.08–2.79) after adjusting for the radon and radon progeny effects as well as other environmental factors. Fireplace usage was found to significantly increase the mean Pdose to 1.71 (90% CI 1.20–2.45) after adjusting for other factors. PMID:19590273

SU-E-T-777: Use of Tennis Racket and Air Gap Between the Body and Carbon Fiber Couch for Skin Sparing in Radiation Therapy of Prone Breast

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lief, E

2015-06-15

Purpose: To reduce the skin dose from the carbon fiber couch scatter in radiation treatment of breast cancer in the prone position. If this issue is not addressed, the prone breast touching the solid carbon fiber couch can absorb significant dose to the skin and cause the skin reaction. Methods: 1. Use of “tennis racket” instead of the solid couch. To check this hypothesis, we measured the dose at the depth of 5 mm in solid water phantom placed on the couch, using a Farmer chamber. A plan for a patient with 6MV beams, gantry angles of 113 and 286more » degrees Varian scale was used. It was found that treatment with “tennis racket” instead of the solid carbon fiber couch reduces the surface dose by 5–7%, depending on the beam direction. 2. Use of the air gap between the couch and the body was analyzed using radiochromic film on the surface of the solid water phantom 10 cm thick. Initially the phantom was placed on the couch with the film sandwiched in between. Two fields at the angles of 135 and 315 degrees were used. The measurements were repeated for the air gap of 2 and 5 cm and 6 and 15 MV beams. Results: It was found that a 2-cm gap decreased the surface dose by 3% for a 6 MV beam and by 5.5% for a 15 MV beam. A 5-cm gap reduced the dose by 9% for 6 MV and 13.5% for 15 MV. Conclusion: Use of both methods (combined if possible) can significantly reduce the surface dose in radiation therapy of the prone breast and possible skin reaction. We plan to explore dependence of the dose reduction upon the angle of incidence.« less

SU-E-J-205: Dose Distribution Differences Caused by System Related Geometric Distortion in MRI-Guided Radiation Treatment System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, J; Yang, J; Wen, Z

2015-06-15

Purpose: MRI has superb soft tissue contrast but is also known for geometric distortions. The concerns and uncertainty about MRI’s geometric distortion have contributed to the hesitation of using only MRI for simulation in radiation therapy. There are two major categories of geometric distortion in MRI; system related and patient related. In this presentation, we studied the impact of system-related geometric distortion on dose distribution in a digital body phantom under an MR-Linac environment. Methods: Residual geometric distortion (after built-in geometric correction) was modeled based on phantom measurements of the system-related geometric distortions of a MRI scanner of a combinedmore » MR guided Radiation Therapy (MRgRT) system. A digital oval shaped phantom (40×25 cm) as well as one ellipsoid shaped tumor volume was created to simulate a simplified human body. The simulated tumor volume was positioned at several locations between the isocenter and the body surface. CT numbers in HUs that approximate soft tissue and tumor were assigned to the respective regions in the digital phantom. To study the effect of geometric distortion caused by system imperfections, an IMRT plan was optimized with the distorted image set with the B field. Dose distributions were re-calculated on the undistorted image set with the B field (as in MR-Linac). Results: The maximum discrepancies in both body contour and tumor boundary was less than 2 mm, which leads to small dose distribution change. For the target in the center, coverage was reduced from 98.8% (with distortion) to 98.2%; for the other peripheral target coverage was reduced from 98.4% to 95.9%. Conclusion: System related geometric distortions over the 40×25 area were within 2mm and the resulted dosimetric effects were minor for the two tumor locations in the phantom. Patient study will be needed for further investigation. The authors received a corporate research grant from Elekta.« less

Estimation of background radiation doses for the Peninsular Malaysia's population by ESR dosimetry of tooth enamel.

PubMed

Rodzi, Mohd; Zhumadilov, Kassym; Ohtaki, Megu; Ivannikov, Alexander; Bhattacharjee, Deborshi; Fukumura, Akifumi; Hoshi, Masaharu

2011-08-01

Background radiation dose is used in dosimetry for estimating occupational doses of radiation workers or determining radiation dose of an individual following accidental exposure. In the present study, the absorbed dose and the background radiation level are determined using the electron spin resonance (ESR) method on tooth samples. The effect of using different tooth surfaces and teeth exposed with single medical X-rays on the absorbed dose are also evaluated. A total of 48 molars of position 6-8 were collected from 13 district hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia. Thirty-six teeth had not been exposed to any excessive radiation, and 12 teeth had been directly exposed to a single X-ray dose during medical treatment prior to extraction. There was no significant effect of tooth surfaces and exposure with single X-rays on the measured absorbed dose of an individual. The mean measured absorbed dose of the population is 34 ± 6.2 mGy, with an average tooth enamel age of 39 years. From the slope of a regression line, the estimated annual background dose for Peninsular Malaysia is 0.6 ± 0.3 mGy y(-1). This value is slightly lower than the yearly background dose for Malaysia, and the radiation background dose is established by ESR tooth measurements on samples from India and Russia.

Study of irradiation induced surface pattern and structural changes in Inconel 718 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Hao; Si, Naichao; Zhao, Zhenjiang; Wang, Jian; Zhang, Yifei

2018-05-01

Helium ions irradiation induced surface pattern and structural changes of Inconel 718 alloy were studied with the combined utilization of atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, SRIM-2013 software was used to calculate the sputtering yield and detailed collision events. The result shows that, irradiation dose play an important role in altering the pattern of the surface. Enhanced irradiation aggravated the surface etching and increased the surface roughness. In ion irradiated layer, large amount of interstitials, vacancies and defect sinks were produced. Moreover, in samples with increasing dose irradiation, the dependence of interplanar spacing variation due to point defects clustering on sink density was discussed.

Ultraviolet-C efficacy against a norovirus surrogate and hepatitis A virus on a stainless steel surface.

PubMed

Park, Shin Young; Kim, An-Na; Lee, Ki-Hoon; Ha, Sang-Do

2015-10-15

In this study, the effects of 10-300 mWs/cm(2) of ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) at 260 nm were investigated for the inactivation of two foodborne viruses: murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1; a human norovirus [NoV] surrogate) and hepatitis A virus (HAV). We used an experimentally contaminated stainless steel surface, a common food-contact surface, to examine the effects of low doses of UV-C radiation on MNV-1 and HAV titers. The modified Gompertz equation was used to generate non-linear survival curves and calculate dR-values as the UV-C dose of 90% reduction for MNV-1 (R(2)=0.95, RMSE=0.038) and HAV (R(2)=0.97, RMSE=0.016). Total MNV-1 and HAV titers significantly decreased (p<0.05) with higher doses of UV-C. MNV-1 and HAV were reduced to 0.0-4.4 and 0.0-2.6 log10PFU/ml, respectively, on the stainless steel surfaces by low-dose UV-C treatment. The dR-value, 33.3 mWs/cm(2) for MNV-1 was significantly (p<0.05) lower than 55.4 mWs/cm(2) of HAV. Therefore, the present study shows that HAV is more resistant to UV-C radiation than MNV-1. These data suggest that low doses of UV-C light on food contact surfaces could be effective to inactivate human NoV and HAV in restaurant, institutional, and industrial kitchens and facilities. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sci-Sat AM: Radiation Dosimetry and Practical Therapy Solutions - 02: Dosimetric effects of gold nanoparticle surface coatings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koger, Brandon; Kirkby, Charles

2016-08-15

Introduction: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) can enhance radiation therapy within a tumour, increasing local energy deposition under irradiation, but experimental evidence suggests the enhancement is not as large as predicted by dose enhancement alone. Many studies neglect to account for surface coatings that are frequently used to optimize GNP uptake and biological distribution. This study uses Monte Carlo methods to investigate the consequences on local dose enhancement due to including these surface coatings. Methods: Using the PENELOPE Monte Carlo code system, GNP irradiation was simulated both with and without surface coatings of polyethylene glycol (PEG) of various molecular weights. Dose wasmore » scored to the gold, coating, and surrounding water, and the dosimetric differences between these scenarios were examined. Results: The simulated PEG coating absorbs a large portion of the energy that would otherwise be deposited in the medium. The mean dose to water was reduced by up to 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5% for GNPs of diameters 50, 20, and 10 nm, respectively. This effect was more pronounced for smaller GNPs, thicker coatings, and low photon source energies where the enhancement due to GNPs is the greatest. The molecular weight of the coating material did not have a significant impact on the dose. Conclusions: The inclusion of a coating material in GNP enhanced radiation may reduce the dose enhancement due to the nanoparticles. Both the composition and size of the coating play a role in the level of this reduction and should be considered carefully.« less

Poster – 41: External marker block placement on the breast or chest wall for left-sided deep inspiration breath-hold radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Conroy, Leigh; Guebert, Alexandra; Smith, Wendy

Purpose: We investigate DIBH breast radiotherapy using the Real-time Position Management (RPM) system with the marker-block placed on the target breast or chest wall. Methods: We measured surface dose for three different RPM marker-blocks using EBT3 Gafchromic film at 0° and 30° incidence. A registration study was performed to determine the breast surface position that best correlates with overall internal chest wall position. Surface and chest wall contours from MV images of the medial tangent field were extracted for 15 patients. Surface contours were divided into three potential marker-block positions on the breast: Superior, Middle, and Inferior. Translational registration wasmore » used to align the partial contours to the first-fraction contour. Each resultant transformation matrix was applied to the chest wall contour, and the minimum distance between the reference chest wall contour and the transformed chest wall contour was evaluated for each pixel. Results: The measured surface dose for the 2-dot, 6-dot, and 4-dot marker-blocks at 0° incidence were 74%, 71%, and 77% of dose to dmax respectively. At 30° beam incidence this increased to 76%, 72%, and 81%. The best external surface position was patient and fraction dependent, with no consistent best choice. Conclusions: The increase in surface dose directly under the RPM block is approximately equivalent to 3 mm of bolus. No marker-block position on the breast surface was found to be more representative of overall chest wall motion; therefore block positional stability and reproducibility can be used to determine optimal placement on the breast or chest wall.« less

Measurement of the secondary neutron dose distribution from the LET spectrum of recoils using the CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector in 10 MV X-ray medical radiation fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujibuchi, Toshioh; Kodaira, Satoshi; Sawaguchi, Fumiya; Abe, Yasuyuki; Obara, Satoshi; Yamaguchi, Masae; Kawashima, Hajime; Kitamura, Hisashi; Kurano, Mieko; Uchihori, Yukio; Yasuda, Nakahiro; Koguchi, Yasuhiro; Nakajima, Masaru; Kitamura, Nozomi; Sato, Tomoharu

2015-04-01

We measured the recoil charged particles from secondary neutrons produced by the photonuclear reaction in a water phantom from a 10-MV photon beam from medical linacs. The absorbed dose and the dose equivalent were evaluated from the linear energy transfer (LET) spectrum of recoils using the CR-39 plastic nuclear track detector (PNTD) based on well-established methods in the field of space radiation dosimetry. The contributions and spatial distributions of these in the phantom on nominal photon exposures were verified as the secondary neutron dose and neutron dose equivalent. The neutron dose equivalent normalized to the photon-absorbed dose was 0.261 mSv/100 MU at source to chamber distance 90 cm. The dose equivalent at the surface gave the highest value, and was attenuated to less than 10% at 5 cm from the surface. The dose contribution of the high LET component of ⩾100 keV/μm increased with the depth in water, resulting in an increase of the quality factor. The CR-39 PNTD is a powerful tool that can be used to systematically measure secondary neutron dose distributions in a water phantom from an in-field to out-of-field high-intensity photon beam.

Effect of gamma-ray irradiation at low doses on the performance of PES ultrafiltration membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xue; Niu, Lixia; Li, Fuzhi; Yu, Suping; Zhao, Xuan; Hu, Hongying

2016-10-01

The influence of gamma irradiation on the performance of polyether sulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was investigated at low absorbed doses (0-75 kGy) using a cobalt source. The performance of the UF membranes was tested using low level radioactive wastewater (LLRW) containing three types of surfactants (anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants). The physical and chemical properties of membrane surface were analyzed, and relationships between these properties and separation performance and fouling characteristics were determined. At 10-75 kGy irradiation, there were no significant changes observed in the membrane surface roughness or polymer functional groups, however the contact angle decreased sharply from 92° to ca. 70° at irradiation levels as low as 10 kGy. When membranes were exposed to the surfactant-containing LLRW, the flux decreased more sharply for higher dosed irradiated membranes, while flux in virgin membranes increased during the filtration processes. The study highlights that fouling properties of membrane may be changed due to the changes of surface hydrophilicity at low dose irradiation, while other surface properties and retentions remain stable. Therefore, a membrane fouling test with real or simulated wastewater is recommended to fully evaluate the membrane irradiation resistance.

Development of a silicon diode detector for skin dosimetry in radiotherapy.

PubMed

Vicoroski, Nikolina; Espinoza, Anthony; Duncan, Mitchell; Oborn, Bradley M; Carolan, Martin; Metcalfe, Peter; Menichelli, David; Perevertaylo, Vladimir L; Lerch, Michael L F; Rosenfeld, Anatoly B; Petasecca, Marco

2017-10-01

The aim of in vivo skin dosimetry was to measure the absorbed dose to the skin during radiotherapy, when treatment planning calculations cannot be relied on. It is of particularly importance in hypo-fractionated stereotactic modalities, where excessive dose can lead to severe skin toxicity. Currently, commercial diodes for such applications are with water equivalent depths ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 mm. In this study, we investigate a new detector for skin dosimetry based on a silicon epitaxial diode, referred to as the skin diode. The skin diode is manufactured on a thin epitaxial layer and packaged using the "drop-in" technology. It was characterized in terms of percentage depth dose, dose linearity, and dose rate dependence, and benchmarked against the Attix ionization chamber. The response of the skin diode in the build-up region of the percentage depth dose (PDD) curve of a 6 MV clinical photon beam was investigated. Geant4 radiation transport simulations were used to model the PDD in order to estimate the water equivalent measurement depth (WED) of the skin diode. Measured output factors using the skin diode were compared with the MOSkin detector and EBT3 film at 10 cm depth and at surface at isocenter of a water equivalent phantom. The intrinsic angular response of the skin diode was also quantified in charge particle equilibrium conditions (CPE) and at the surface of a solid water phantom. Finally, the radiation hardness of the skin diode up to an accumulated dose of 80 kGy using photons from a Co-60 gamma source was evaluated. The PDD curve measured with the skin diode was within 0.5% agreement of the equivalent Geant4 simulated curve. When placed at the phantom surface, the WED of the skin diode was estimated to be 0.075 ± 0.005 mm from Geant4 simulations and was confirmed using the response of a corrected Attix ionization chamber placed at water equivalent depth of 0.075 mm, with the measurement agreement to within 0.3%. The output factor measurements at 10 cm depth were within 2% of those measured with film and the MOSkin detector down to a field size of 2 × 2 cm 2 . The dose-response for all detector samples was linear and with a repeatability within 0.2%. The skin diode intrinsic angular response showed a maximum deviation of 8% at 90 degrees and from 0 to 60 degree is less than 5%. The radiation sensitivity reduced by 25% after an accumulated dose of 20 kGy but after was found to stabilize. At 60 kGy total accumulated dose the response was within 2% of that measured at 20 kGy total accumulated dose. This work characterizes an innovative detector for in vivo and real-time skin dose measurements that is based on an epitaxial silicon diode combined with the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics (CMRP) "drop-in" packaging technology. The skin diode proved to have a water equivalent depth of measurement of 0.075 ± 0.005 mm and the ability to measure doses accurately relative to reference detectors. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Morphology variation, composition alteration and microstructure changes in ion-irradiated 1060 aluminum alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Hao; Si, Naichao; Wang, Quan; Zhao, Zhenjiang

2018-02-01

Morphology variation, composition alteration and microstructure changes in 1060 aluminum irradiated with 50 keV helium ions were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with x-ray elemental scanning, 3D measuring laser microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that, helium ions irradiation induced surface damage and Si-rich aggregates in the surfaces of irradiated samples. Increasing the dose of irradiation, more damages and Si-rich aggregates would be produced. Besides, defects such as dislocations, dislocation loops and dislocation walls were the primary defects in the ion implanted layer. The forming of surface damages were related with preferentially sputtering of Al component. While irradiation-enhanced diffusion and irradiation-induced segregation resulted in the aggregation of impurity atoms. And the aggregation ability of impurity atoms were discussed based on the atomic radius, displacement energy, lattice binding energy and surface binding energy.

SU-F-T-415: Differences in Lung Sparing in Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold and Free Breathing Breast Plans Calculated in Pinnacle and Monaco

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saenz, D; Stathakis, S

Purpose: Deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) is used for left-sided breast radiotherapy to spare the heart and lung. The magnitude of sparing has been shown to be significant. Monte Carlo, furthermore, has the potential to calculate most accurately the dose in the heterogeneous lung medium at the interface with the lung wall. The lung dose was investigated in Monaco to determine the level of sparing relative to that calculated in Pinnacle{sup 3}. Methods: Five patients undergoing DIBH radiotherapy on an Elekta Versa HD linear accelerator in conjunction with the Catalyst C-RAD surface imaging system were planned using Phillips Pinnacle{sup 3}. Freemore » breathing plans were also created to clinically assure a benefit. Both plans were re-calculated in Monaco to determine if there were any significant differences. The mean heart dose, mean left lung, and mean total lung dose were compared in addition to the V20 for left and both lungs. Dose was calculated as dose to medium as well as dose to water with a statistical precision of 0.7%. Results: Mean lung dose was significantly different (p < 0.003) between the two calculations for both DIBH (11.6% higher in Monaco) and free breathing (14.2% higher in Monaco). V20 was also higher in Monaco (p < 0.05) for DIBH (5.7% higher) and free breathing (4.9% higher). The mean heart dose was not significantly different between the dose calculations for either DIBH or free breathing. Results were no more than 0.1% different when calculated as dose to water. Conclusion: The use of Monte Carlo can provide insight on the lung dose for both free breathing and DIBH techniques for whole breast irradiation. While the sparing (dose reductions with DIBH as compared to free breathing) is equivalent for either planning system, the lung doses themselves are higher when calculated with Monaco.« less

SU-D-BRC-05: Effects of Motion and Variable RBE in a Lung Patient Treated with Passively Scattered Protons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mirkovic, D; Titt, U; Mohan, R

2016-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate effects of motion and variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE) in a lung cancer patient treated with passively scattered proton therapy using dose volume histograms associated with patient dose computed using three different methods. Methods: A proton treatment plan of a lung cancer patient optimized using clinical treatment planning system (TPS) was used to construct a detailed Monte Carlo (MC) model of the beam delivery system and the patient specific aperture and compensator. A phase space file containing all particles transported through the beam line was collected at the distal surface of the range compensator and subsequently transportedmore » through two different patient models. The first model was based on the average CT used by the TPS and the second model included all 10 phases of the corresponding 4DCT. The physical dose and proton linear energy transfer (LET) were computed in each voxel of two models and used to compute constant and variable RBE MC dose on average CT and 4D CT. The MC computed doses were compared to the TPS dose using dose volume histograms for relevant structures. Results: The results show significant differences in doses to the target and critical structures suggesting the need for more accurate proton dose computation methods. In particular, the 4D dose shows reduced coverage of the target and higher dose to the spinal cord, while variable RBE dose shows higher lung dose. Conclusion: The methodology developed in this pilot study is currently used for the analysis of a cohort of ∼90 lung patients from a clinical trial comparing proton and photon therapy for lung cancer. The results from this study will help us in determining the clinical significance of more accurate dose computation models in proton therapy.« less

Reducing radiation dose to selected organs by selecting the tube start angle in MDCT helical scans: A Monte Carlo based study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang Di; Zankl, Maria; DeMarco, John J.

Purpose: Previous work has demonstrated that there are significant dose variations with a sinusoidal pattern on the peripheral of a CTDI 32 cm phantom or on the surface of an anthropomorphic phantom when helical CT scanning is performed, resulting in the creation of ''hot'' spots or ''cold'' spots. The purpose of this work was to perform preliminary investigations into the feasibility of exploiting these variations to reduce dose to selected radiosensitive organs solely by varying the tube start angle in CT scans. Methods: Radiation dose to several radiosensitive organs (including breasts, thyroid, uterus, gonads, and eye lenses) resulting from MDCTmore » scans were estimated using Monte Carlo simulation methods on voxelized patient models, including GSF's Baby, Child, and Irene. Dose to fetus was also estimated using four pregnant female models based on CT images of the pregnant patients. Whole-body scans were simulated using 120 kVp, 300 mAs, both 28.8 and 40 mm nominal collimations, and pitch values of 1.5, 1.0, and 0.75 under a wide range of start angles (0 deg. - 340 deg. in 20 deg. increments). The relationship between tube start angle and organ dose was examined for each organ, and the potential dose reduction was calculated. Results: Some organs exhibit a strong dose variation, depending on the tube start angle. For small peripheral organs (e.g., the eye lenses of the Baby phantom at pitch 1.5 with 40 mm collimation), the minimum dose can be 41% lower than the maximum dose, depending on the tube start angle. In general, larger dose reductions occur for smaller peripheral organs in smaller patients when wider collimation is used. Pitch 1.5 and pitch 0.75 have different mechanisms of dose reduction. For pitch 1.5 scans, the dose is usually lowest when the tube start angle is such that the x-ray tube is posterior to the patient when it passes the longitudinal location of the organ. For pitch 0.75 scans, the dose is lowest when the tube start angle is such that the x-ray tube is anterior to the patient when it passes the longitudinal location of the organ. Conclusions: Helical MDCT scanning at pitch 1.5 and pitch 0.75 results in ''cold spots'' and ''hot spots'' that are created both at surface and in-depth locations within patients. For organs that have a relatively small longitudinal extent, dose can vary considerably with different start angles. While current MDCT systems do not provide the user with the ability to control the tube start angle, these results indicate that in these specific situations (pitch 1.5 or pitch 0.75, small organs and especially small patients), there could be significant dose savings to organs if that functionality would be provided.« less

Monte Carlo investigation of backscatter point spread function for x-ray imaging examinations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Zhenyu; Vijayan, Sarath; Rudin, Stephen; Bednarek, Daniel R.

2017-03-01

X-ray imaging examinations, especially complex interventions, may result in relatively high doses to the patient's skin inducing skin injuries. A method was developed to determine the skin-dose distribution for non-uniform x-ray beams by convolving the backscatter point-spread-function (PSF) with the primary-dose distribution to generate the backscatter distribution that, when added to the primary dose, gives the total-dose distribution. This technique was incorporated in the dose-tracking system (DTS), which provides a real-time color-coded 3D-mapping of skin dose during fluoroscopic procedures. The aim of this work is to investigate the variation of the backscatter PSF with different parameters. A backscatter PSF of a 1-mm x-ray beam was generated by EGSnrc Monte-Carlo code for different x-ray beam energies, different soft-tissue thickness above bone, different bone thickness and different entrance-beam angles, as well as for different locations on the SK-150 anthropomorphic head phantom. The results show a reduction of the peak scatter to primary dose ratio of 48% when X-ray beam voltage is increased from 40 keV to 120 keV. The backscatter dose was reduced when bone was beneath the soft tissue layer and this reduction increased with thinner soft tissue and thicker bone layers. The backscatter factor increased about 21% as the angle of incidence of the beam with the entrance surface decreased from 90° (perpendicular) to 30°. The backscatter PSF differed for different locations on the SK-150 phantom by up to 15%. The results of this study can be used to improve the accuracy of dose calculation when using PSF convolution in the DTS.

Relative Biologic Effectiveness (RBE) of 50 kV X-rays Measured in a Phantom for Intraoperative Tumor-Bed Irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Qi; Schneider, Frank; Ma, Lin

Purpose: Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) with low-energy x-rays is used to treat the tumor bed during breast-conserving surgery. The purpose was to determine the relative biologic effectiveness (RBE) of 50-kV x-rays for inactivation of cells irradiated in a tumor-bed phantom. Methods and Materials: The RBE was determined for clonogenic inactivation of human tumor and normal cells (MCF7, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, normal skin fibroblasts), and hamster V79 cells. The 50-kV x-rays from the Intrabeam machine (Carl Zeiss Surgical) with a spherical 4-cm applicator were used. Cells were irradiated in a water-equivalent phantom at defined distances (8.1-22.9 mm) from themore » applicator surface. The 50-kV x-rays from a surface therapy machine (Dermopan, Siemens) were included for comparison; 6-MV x-rays were used as reference radiation. Results: At 8.1-mm depth in the phantom (dose rate 15.1 Gy/h), mean RBE values of 50-kV x-rays from Intrabeam were 1.26 to 1.42 for the 4 cell types at doses yielding surviving fractions in the range of 0.01 to 0.5. Confidence intervals were in the range of 1.2 and 1.5. Similar RBE values were found for 50-kV x-rays from Dermopan for V79 (1.30, CI 1.25-1.36, P=.74) and GS4 (1.42, CI 1.30-1.54, P=.67). No significant dependence of RBE on dose was found for Intrabeam, but RBE decreased at a larger distance (12.7 mm; 9.8 Gy/h). Conclusions: An increased clinically relevant RBE was found for cell irradiation with Intrabeam at depths in the tumor bed targeted by IORT. The reduced RBE values at larger distances may be related to increased repair of sublethal damage during protracted irradiation or to hardening of the photon beam energy.« less

A geometric model for evaluating the effects of inter-fraction rectal motion during prostate radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavel-Mititean, Luciana M.; Rowbottom, Carl G.; Hector, Charlotte L.; Partridge, Mike; Bortfeld, Thomas; Schlegel, Wolfgang

2004-06-01

A geometric model is presented which allows calculation of the dosimetric consequences of rectal motion in prostate radiotherapy. Variations in the position of the rectum are measured by repeat CT scanning during the courses of treatment of five patients. Dose distributions are calculated by applying the same conformal treatment plan to each imaged fraction and rectal dose-surface histograms produced. The 2D model allows isotropic expansion and contraction in the plane of each CT slice. By summing the dose to specific volume elements tracked by the model, composite dose distributions are produced that explicitly include measured inter-fraction motion for each patient. These are then used to estimate effective dose-surface histograms (DSHs) for the entire treatment. Results are presented showing the magnitudes of the measured target and rectal motion and showing the effects of this motion on the integral dose to the rectum. The possibility of using such information to calculate normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) is demonstrated and discussed.

Dosimetric impact of cylinder size in high-dose rate vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VCBT) for primary endometrial cancer.

PubMed

Zhang, Hualin; Gopalakrishnan, Mahesh; Lee, Plato; Kang, Zhuang; Sathiaseelan, Vythialingam

2016-09-08

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric impact of cylinder size in high-dose-rate (HDR) vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VCBT). Sample plans of HDR VCBT in a list of cylinders ranging from 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter at 0.5 cm incre-ment were created and analyzed. The doses were prescribed either at the 0.5cm depth with 5.5 Gy for 4 fractions or at the cylinder surface with 8.8 Gy for 4 frac-tions, in various treatment lengths. A 0.5 cm shell volume called PTV_Eval was contoured for each plan and served as the target volume for dosimetric evaluation. The cumulative and differential dose volume histograms (c-DVH and d-DVH), mean doses (D-mean) and the doses covering 90% (D90), 10% (D10), and 5% (D5) of PTV_Eval were calculated. In the 0.5 cm depth regimen, the DVH curves were found to have shifted toward the lower dose zone when a larger cylinder was used, but in the surface regimen the DVH curves shifted toward the higher dose zone as the cylinder size increased. The D-means of the both regimens were between 6.9 and 7.8 Gy and dependent on the cylinder size but independent of the treatment length. A 0.5 cm variation of diameter could result in a 4% change of D-mean. Average D90s were 5.7 (ranging from 5.6 to 5.8 Gy) and 6.1 Gy (from 5.7 to 6.4 Gy), respectively, for the 0.5 cm and surface regimens. Average D10 and D5 were 9.2 and 11 Gy, respectively, for the 0.5 cm depth regimen, and 8.9 and 9.7 Gy, respectively, for the surface regimen. D-mean, D90, D10, and D5 for other prescription doses could be calculated from the lookup tables of this study. Results indicated that the cylinder size has moderate dosimetric impact, and that both regimens are comparable in dosimetric quality. © 2016 The Authors.

Proposed biokinetic model for phosphorus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leggett, Richard Wayne

2014-06-04

This paper reviews data related to the biokinetics of phosphorus in the human body and proposes a biokinetic model for systemic phosphorus for use in updated International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) guidance on occupational intake of radionuclides. Compared with the ICRP s current occupational model for phosphorus (Publication 68, 1994) the proposed model provides a more realistic description of the paths of movement of phosphorus in the body and improved consistency with experimental, medical, and environmental data on the time-dependent distribution and retention of phosphorus following uptake to blood. For acute uptake of 32P to blood, the proposed modelmore » yields roughly a 50% decrease in dose estimates for bone surface and red marrow and a 6-fold increase in estimates for liver and kidney compared with the biokinetic model of Publication 68 (applying Publication 68 dosimetric models in both sets of calculations). For acute uptake of 33P to blood, the proposed model yields roughly a 50% increase in dose estimates for bone surface and red marrow and a 7-fold increase in estimates for liver and kidney compared with the model of Publication 68.« less

Optimization of reaction parameters of radiation induced grafting of 1-vinylimidazole onto poly(ethylene-co-tetraflouroethene) using response surface method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasef, Mohamed Mahmoud; Aly, Amgad Ahmed; Saidi, Hamdani; Ahmad, Arshad

2011-11-01

Radiation induced grafting of 1-vinylimidazole (1-VIm) onto poly(ethylene-co-tetraflouroethene) (ETFE) was investigated. The grafting parameters such as absorbed dose, monomer concentration, grafting time and temperature were optimized using response surface method (RSM). The Box-Behnken module available in the design expert software was used to investigate the effect of reaction conditions (independent parameters) varied in four levels on the degree of grafting ( G%) (response parameter). The model yielded a polynomial equation that relates the linear, quadratic and interaction effects of the independent parameters to the response parameter. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the results of the model and detect the significant values for the independent parameters. The optimum parameters to achieve a maximum G% were found to be monomer concentration of 55 vol%, absorbed dose of 100 kGy, time in the range of 14-20 h and a temperature of 61 °C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to investigate the properties of the obtained films and provide evidence for grafting.

Fractal characterization and wettability of ion treated silicon surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, R. P.; Kumar, Tanuj; Baranwal, V.; Vandana, Kumar, Manvendra; Priya, P. K.; Pandey, S. N.; Mittal, A. K.

2017-02-01

Fractal characterization of surface morphology can be useful as a tool for tailoring the wetting properties of solid surfaces. In this work, rippled surfaces of Si (100) are grown using 200 keV Ar+ ion beam irradiation at different ion doses. Relationship between fractal and wetting properties of these surfaces are explored. The height-height correlation function extracted from atomic force microscopic images, demonstrates an increase in roughness exponent with an increase in ion doses. A steep variation in contact angle values is found for low fractal dimensions. Roughness exponent and fractal dimensions are found correlated with the static water contact angle measurement. It is observed that after a crossover of the roughness exponent, the surface morphology has a rippled structure. Larger values of interface width indicate the larger ripples on the surface. The contact angle of water drops on such surfaces is observed to be lowest. Autocorrelation function is used for the measurement of ripple wavelength.

A unique dosing system for the production of OH under high vacuum for the study of environmental heterogeneous reactions.

PubMed

Brown, Matthew A; Johánek, Viktor; Hemminger, John C

2008-02-01

A unique dosing system for the production of hydroxyl radicals under high vacuum for the study of environmental heterogeneous reactions is described. Hydroxyl radicals are produced by the photodissociation of a hydrogen peroxide aqueous gas mixture with 254 nm radiation according to the reaction H2O2+hnu (254 nm)-->OH+OH. Under the conditions of the current design, 0.6% conversion of hydrogen peroxide is expected yielding a hydroxyl number density on the order of 10(10) molecules/cm3. The flux distribution of the dosing system is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation method and compared with the experimentally determined results. The performance of this unique hydroxyl dosing system is demonstrated for the heterogeneous reaction with a solid surface of potassium iodide. Coupling of the hydroxyl radical dosing system to a quantitative surface analysis system should help provide molecular level insight into detailed reaction mechanisms.

Sunset yellow FCF, a permitted food dye, alters functional responses of splenocytes at non-cytotoxic dose.

PubMed

Yadav, Ashish; Kumar, Arvind; Tripathi, Anurag; Das, Mukul

2013-03-13

Sunset yellow FCF (SY), a permitted food color, is extensively used in various food preparations and quite often exceeds the permissible levels (100-200 mg/kg). Several toxicity studies on SY are reported, however immunomodulatory properties have not been explored yet. To investigate the immunotoxic properties of SY, splenocytes were isolated, cultured and subjected to mitogen stimulated proliferation assay (lipopolysaccharide, LPS or concanavalin A, Con A), mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay, immunophenotypic analysis of cell surface receptor expression and assay for cytokines release in the culture supernatants were performed in the presence of SY. Since SY did not exhibit any cytotoxicity up to 250 μg/ml, this dose was used for further studies. It was observed that SY (250 μg/ml) significantly (p<0.05) suppressed the mitogen induced proliferation of splenocytes and MLR response. Further, immunophenotypic analysis revealed that SY alters the relative expression of CD3e/CD4/CD8 in T cells and CD19 in B-cells. Consistent with the suppression of T-cell and B-cell responses and altered surface receptor expression, SY also lowered the expression of IL2, IL4, IL6, IL-17, IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines. These results suggest that non-cytotoxic dose of SY may have immunomodulatory effects. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a primary standard for absorbed dose from unsealed radionuclide solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Billas, I.; Shipley, D.; Galer, S.; Bass, G.; Sander, T.; Fenwick, A.; Smyth, V.

2016-12-01

Currently, the determination of the internal absorbed dose to tissue from an administered radionuclide solution relies on Monte Carlo (MC) calculations based on published nuclear decay data, such as emission probabilities and energies. In order to validate these methods with measurements, it is necessary to achieve the required traceability of the internal absorbed dose measurements of a radionuclide solution to a primary standard of absorbed dose. The purpose of this work was to develop a suitable primary standard. A comparison between measurements and calculations of absorbed dose allows the validation of the internal radiation dose assessment methods. The absorbed dose from an yttrium-90 chloride (90YCl) solution was measured with an extrapolation chamber. A phantom was developed at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s National Measurement Institute, to position the extrapolation chamber as closely as possible to the surface of the solution. The performance of the extrapolation chamber was characterised and a full uncertainty budget for the absorbed dose determination was obtained. Absorbed dose to air in the collecting volume of the chamber was converted to absorbed dose at the centre of the radionuclide solution by applying a MC calculated correction factor. This allowed a direct comparison of the analytically calculated and experimentally determined absorbed dose of an 90YCl solution. The relative standard uncertainty in the measurement of absorbed dose at the centre of an 90YCl solution with the extrapolation chamber was found to be 1.6% (k  =  1). The calculated 90Y absorbed doses from published medical internal radiation dose (MIRD) and radiation dose assessment resource (RADAR) data agreed with measurements to within 1.5% and 1.4%, respectively. This study has shown that it is feasible to use an extrapolation chamber for performing primary standard absorbed dose measurements of an unsealed radionuclide solution. Internal radiation dose assessment methods based on MIRD and RADAR data for 90Y have been validated with experimental absorbed dose determination and they agree within the stated expanded uncertainty (k  =  2).

LINKING DERMAL MODELING AND LOADING DATA TO PREDICT LONG-TERM DOSES FROM INTERMITTENT DERMAL CONTACT

EPA Science Inventory

In this paper we assess dermal exposure and dose resulting from intermittent contact with residue-contaminated surfaces. These estimates require an understanding of (1) the quantitative relationship between exposure and absorbed dose; (2) the impact of intermittent exposure on ...

Impact of UV irradiation on multiwall carbon nanotubes in nanocomposites: formation of entangled surface layer and mechanisms of release resistance

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Tinh; Petersen, Elijah J.; Pellegrin, Bastien; Gorham, Justin M.; Lam, Thomas; Zhao, Minhua; Sung, Lipiin

2017-01-01

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are nanofillers used in consumer and structural polymeric products to enhance a variety of properties. Under weathering, the polymer matrix will degrade and the nanofillers may be released from the products potentially impacting ecological or human health. In this study, we investigated the degradation of a 0.72 % (by mass) MWCNT/amine-cured epoxy nanocomposite irradiated with high intensity ultraviolet (UV) light at various doses, the effects of UV exposure on the surface accumulation and potential release of MWCNTs, and possible mechanisms for the release resistance of the MWCNT surface layer formed on nanocomposites by UV irradiation. Irradiated samples were characterized for chemical degradation, mass loss, surface morphological changes, and MWCNT release using a variety of analytical techniques. Under 295 nm to 400 nm UV radiation up to a dose of 4865 MJ/m2, the nanocomposite matrix underwent photodegradation, resulting in formation of a dense, entangled MWCNT network structure on the surface. However, no MWCNT release was detected, even at very high UV doses, suggesting that the MWCNT surface layer formed from UV irradiation of polymer nanocomposites resist release. Four possible release resistance mechanisms of the UV-induced MWCNT surface layer are presented and discussed. PMID:28603293

SU-F-T-314: Estimation of Dose Distributions with Different Types of Breast Implants in Various Radiation Treatment Techniques for Breast Cancer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, M; Lee, S; Suh, T

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of different kinds and designs of commercialized breast implants on the dose distributions in breast cancer radiotherapy under a variety of conditions. Methods: The dose for the clinical conventional tangential irradiation, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) breast plans was measured using radiochromic films and stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD). The radiochromic film was used as an integrating dosimeter, while the OSLDs were used for real-time dosimetry to isolate the contribution of dose from individual segment. The films were placed at various slices in the Rando phantom and between the bodymore » and breast surface OSLDs were used to measure skin dose at 18 positions spaced on the two (right/left) breast. The implant breast was placed on the left side and the phantom breast was remained on the right side. Each treatment technique was performed on different size of the breasts and different shape of the breast implant. The PTV dose was prescribed 50.4 Gy and V47.88≥95%. Results: In different shapes of the breast implant, because of the shadow formed extensive around the breast implant, dose variation was relatively higher that of prescribed dose. As the PTV was delineated on the whole breast, maximum 5% dose error and average 3% difference was observed averagely. VMAT techniques largely decrease the contiguous hot spot in the skin by an average of 25% compared with IMRT. The both IMRT and VMAT techniques resulted in lower doses to normal critical structures than tangential plans for nearly all dose analyzation. Conclusion: Compared to the other technique, IMRT reduced radiation dose exposure to normal tissues and maintained reasonable target homogeneity and for the same target coverage, VMAT can reduce the skin dose in all the regions of the body.« less

Repeated sub-chronic oral toxicity study of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) in dogs.

PubMed

Gao, Yonglin; Wang, Yunzhi; Li, Yanshen; Han, Rui; Li, Chunmei; Xiao, Lin; Cho, Susan; Ma, Yukui; Fang, Chao; Lee, Albert W

2017-06-01

In this study, Beagle dogs were administered xylooligosaccharide (XOS, CAS # 87099-0) at doses of 0, 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 26 weeks. A 4-week recovery period was added to observe delayed or reversible toxicity. Measurements included body weight, food consumption, clinical observations, temperature, electrocardiogram (ECG), urinalysis, blood chemistry, hematology, organ weight, gross necropsy, and histopathological examination. Except for transient diarrhea or vomiting, no treatment-related adverse effects were noted. In the mid-dose groups, transitional diarrhea was observed in the initial 1-2 weeks. In the high-dose groups, diarrhea and/or vomiting were observed episodically over the duration of treatment. However, they disappeared after XOS was withdrawn in the recovery period. Although there was a tendency toward less weight gain in the high-dose group animal group, this is typical in animals and humans fed non-digestible carbohydrates. This chronic toxicity study demonstrated that the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of XOS is 2500 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day. Based on body surface area (conversion factor of 0.54 for dogs to human), this corresponds to daily doses of 1350 mg/kg BW or 81-108 g XOS in human adults weighing 60-80 kg. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Investigation of mine and industry dumps in the FRG in relation to a possible release of natural radioactive elements.

PubMed

Schmitz, J

1985-10-01

More than 350 dumps of mines and industries in two federal states of the FRG were recorded, measured radiometrically, evaluated, and some of them sampled. Most of the mine dumps belonged to old and smaller residues from lead/zinc and iron ore mining, while the largest depositions contain tailings of modern ore beneficiation or flyash disposal. All mine dumps from uranium exploration in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria were investigated. The highest doses, up to 100 mSv/a, were found on the piles of the uranium exploration. These depositions, which are supervised and licensed, are followed, in terms of surface dose, by the old uncontrolled mine dumps of silver/cobalt mining with doses up to 20 mSv/a. The numerous porphyry and granite quarries show doses between 1 and 2 mSv/a, as do flyash and slag dumps. The lowest doses were found on the dumps of the hydrothermal Pb/Zn and iron ore deposits, while the slag piles of iron ore processing showed higher thorium values. Assays for Ra-226 and Pb-210 of the materials deposited confirmed the radiometric results. Analyses of seepage waters and gallery waters showed only very few values exceeding the derived drinking water concentrations.

Delayed effects of proton irradiation in Macaca Mulatta (22-year summary)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Woods, D.H.; Hardy, K.A.; Cox, A.B.

1989-05-15

Lifetime observations on a group of rhesus monkeys indicate that life expectancy loss from exposure to protons in the energy range encountered in the Van Allen belts and solar proton events can be correlated with the dose and energy of radiation. The primary cause of life shortening is nonleukemic cancers. Radiation also increased the rise of endometriosis (an abnormal proliferation of the lining of the uterus in females). Other effects associated with radiation exposures are lowered glucose tolerance and increased incidence of cataracts. Calculations of the relative risk of fatal cancers in the irradiated subjects reveal that the total bodymore » surface dose required to double the risk of death from cancer over a 20-year post exposure period varies with the linear energy transfer (LET) of the radiation. The ability to determine the integrated dose and LET spectrum in space radiation exposures of humans is, therefore, critical to the assessment of lifetime cancer risk.« less

A Monte Carlo investigation of contaminant electrons due to a novel in vivo transmission detector.

PubMed

Asuni, G; Jensen, J M; McCurdy, B M C

2011-02-21

A novel transmission detector (IBA Dosimetry, Germany) developed as an IMRT quality assurance tool, intended for in vivo patient dose measurements, is studied here. The goal of this investigation is to use Monte Carlo techniques to characterize treatment beam parameters in the presence of the detector and to compare to those of a plastic block tray (a frequently used clinical device). Particular attention is paid to the impact of the detector on electron contamination model parameters of two commercial dose calculation algorithms. The linac head together with the COMPASS transmission detector (TRD) was modeled using BEAMnrc code. To understand the effect of the TRD on treatment beams, the contaminant electron fluence, energy spectra, and angular distributions at different SSDs were analyzed for open and non-open (i.e. TRD and block tray) fields. Contaminant electrons in the BEAMnrc simulations were separated according to where they were created. Calculation of surface dose and the evaluation of contributions from contaminant electrons were performed using the DOSXYZnrc user code. The effect of the TRD on contaminant electrons model parameters in Eclipse AAA and Pinnacle(3) dose calculation algorithms was investigated. Comparisons of the fluence of contaminant electrons produced in the non-open fields versus open field show that electrons created in the non-open fields increase at shorter SSD, but most of the electrons at shorter SSD are of low energy with large angular spread. These electrons are out-scattered or absorbed in air and contribute less to surface dose at larger SSD. Calculated surface doses with the block tray are higher than those with the TRD. Contribution of contaminant electrons to dose in the buildup region increases with increasing field size. The additional contribution of electrons to surface dose increases with field size for TRD and block tray. The introduction of the TRD results in a 12% and 15% increase in the Gaussian widths used in the contaminant electron source model of the Eclipse AAA dose algorithm. The off-axis coefficient in the Pinnacle(3) dose calculation algorithm decreases in the presence of TRD compared to without the device. The electron model parameters were modified to reflect the increase in electron contamination with the TRD, a necessary step for accurate beam modeling when using the device.

Thermal Characteristics of ThermoBrachytherapy Surface Applicators (TBSA) for Treating Chestwall Recurrence

PubMed Central

Arunachalam, K.; Maccarini, P. F.; Craciunescu, O. I.; Schlorff, J. L.; Stauffer, P. R.

2010-01-01

Purpose To study temperature and thermal dose distributions of ThermoBrachytherapy Surface Applicators (TBSA) developed for concurrent or sequential high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy and microwave hyperthermia treatment of chest wall recurrence and other superficial disease. Methods A steady state thermodynamics model coupled with the fluid dynamics of water bolus and electromagnetic radiation of hyperthermia applicator is used to characterize the temperature distributions achievable with TBSA applicators in an elliptical phantom model of the human torso. Power deposited by 915 MHz conformal microwave array (CMA) applicators is used to assess the specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions of rectangular (500 cm2) and L-shaped (875 cm2) TBSA. The SAR distribution in tissue and fluid flow distribution inside the Dual-Input Dual-Output (DIDO) water bolus are coupled to solve the steady state temperature and thermal dose distributions of rectangular TBSA (R-TBSA) for superficial tumor targets extending 10–15 mm beneath the skin surface. Thermal simulations are carried out for a range of bolus inlet temperature (Tb=38–43°C), water flow rate (Qb=2–4 L/min) and tumor blood perfusion (ωb=2–5 kg/m3/s) to characterize their influence on thermal dosimetry. Results Steady state SAR patterns of R- and L-TBSA demonstrate the ability to produce conformal and localized power deposition inside tumor target sparing surrounding normal tissues and nearby critical organs. Acceptably low variation in tissue surface cooling and surface temperature homogeneity was observed for the new DIDO bolus at 2 L/min water flow rate. Temperature depth profiles and thermal dose volume histograms indicate bolus inlet temperature (Tb) to be the most influential factor on thermal dosimetry. A 42 °C water bolus was observed to be the optimal choice for superficial tumors extending 10–15 mm from the surface even under significant blood perfusion. Lower bolus temperature may be chosen to reduce thermal enhancement ratio (TER) in the most sensitive skin where maximum radiation dose is delivered and to extend thermal enhancement of radiation dose deeper. Conclusion This computational study indicates that well-localized elevation of tumor target temperature to 40–44 °C can be accomplished by large surface-conforming TBSA applicators using appropriate selection of coupling bolus temperature. PMID:20224154

Characterization of particle emission from laser printers.

PubMed

Scungio, Mauro; Vitanza, Tania; Stabile, Luca; Buonanno, Giorgio; Morawska, Lidia

2017-05-15

Emission of particles from laser printers in office environments is claimed to have impact on human health due to likelihood of exposure to high particle concentrations in such indoor environments. In the present paper, particle emission characteristics of 110 laser printers from different manufacturers were analyzed, and estimations of their emission rates were made on the basis of measurements of total concentrations of particles emitted by the printers placed in a chamber, as well as particle size distributions. The emission rates in terms of number, surface area and mass were found to be within the ranges from 3.39×10 8 partmin -1 to 1.61×10 12 partmin -1 , 1.06×10 0 mm 2 min -1 to 1.46×10 3 mm 2 min -1 and 1.32×10 -1 μgmin -1 to 1.23×10 2 μgmin -1 , respectively, while the median mode value of the emitted particles was found equal to 34nm. In addition, the effect of laser printing emissions in terms of employees' exposure in offices was evaluated on the basis of the emission rates, by calculating the daily surface area doses (as sum of alveolar and tracheobronchial deposition fraction) received assuming a typical printing scenario. In such typical printing conditions, a relatively low total surface area dose (2.7mm 2 ) was estimated for office employees with respect to other indoor microenvironments including both workplaces and homes. Nonetheless, for severe exposure conditions, characterized by operating parameters falling beyond the typical values (i.e. smaller office, lower ventilation, printer located on the desk, closer to the person, higher printing frequency etc.), significantly higher doses are expected. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inactivation of avirulent Yersinia pestis in Butterfield's phosphate buffer and frankfurters by UVC (254 nm) and gamma radiation.

PubMed

Sommers, Christopher H; Cooke, Peter H

2009-04-01

Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague. Although rare, pharyngeal plague in humans has been associated with consumption or handling of meat prepared from infected animals. The risks of contracting plague from consumption of deliberately contaminated food are currently unknown. Gamma radiation is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation, and UVC radiation is used for decontamination of liquids or food surfaces. Gamma radiation D10-values (the radiation dose needed to inactivate 1 log unit pathogen) were 0.23 (+/-0.01) and 0.31 (+/-0.03) kGy for avirulent Y. pestis inoculated into Butterfield's phosphate buffer and onto frankfurter surfaces, respectively, at 0 degree C. A UVC radiation dose of 0.25 J/cm2 inactivated avirulent Y. pestis suspended in Butterfield's phosphate buffer. UVC radiation doses of 0.5 to 4.0 J/cm2 inactivated 0.97 to 1.20 log units of the Y. pestis surface inoculated onto frankfurters. A low gamma radiation dose of 1.6 kGy could provide a 5-log reduction and a UVC radiation dose of 1 to 4 J/cm2 would provide a 1-log reduction of Y. pestis surface inoculated onto frankfurters. Y. pestis was capable of growth on frankfurters during refrigerated storage (10 degrees C). Gamma radiation of frankfurters inhibited the growth of Y. pestis during refrigerated storage, and UVC radiation delayed the growth of Y. pestis.

SU-F-T-379: Dosimetric Impacts of Topical Agents and Dressings On Skin in Radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tse, K; Morley, L; Cashell, A

Purpose: This study investigated the superficial dose enhancement in the application of topical agents, clinical materials (thermal mask and bolus) and dressings in megavoltage photon beam radiotherapy. Different topical skin agents, clinical materials and dressings were evaluated and compared for their skin dosimetric impacts on the patients during radiation treatment. Methods: Superficial dose enhancements, or percentage doses with and without the studying materials, were measured using the 6 MV (Field size = 10×10 cm{sup 2}) photon beams produced by a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. Twelve topical agents, five dressings (dry and wet conditions) and three clinical materials were studied. Amore » solid water phantom was used with a MOSFET dose detector (TN-1002RD, Thomson and Nielsen Electronic, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) located under a 1-mm PMMA slab to measure the skin dose. The distance between the radiation source and phantom surface was set to 100 cm in all measurements. The topical agents were distributed evenly with 1.5 mm thickness using our specific sample holder on the phantom surface. Extrapolations were made of 0.5 mm thickness for the agents to provide meaningful clinical value. Results: By comparing surface doses without studying materials, it is found that no topical agents had superficial dose enhancement higher than the clinical materials namely, thermoplastic mask (128%), 5-mm Superflab™ bolus (158%) and 10-mm Superflab™ bolus (171%) regarding the same thickness. Superficial dose enhancement of dry dressing did not exceed 110.5%, while wet dressings produced higher dose enhancements (133% for wet Mepilex lite and 141% for wet Mepilex Ag transfer). Conclusion: It is concluded that the evaluated topical agents and dry dressings did not increase the superficial dose to a concerning level, even using excessive thickness in every fraction of radiation treatment. Wet dressings were found producing the bolus effect, but was still substantially less than applying a thin 5-mm bolus.« less

Build-up and surface dose measurements on phantoms using micro-MOSFET in 6 and 10 MV x-ray beams and comparisons with Monte Carlo calculations.

PubMed

Xiang, Hong F; Song, Jun S; Chin, David W H; Cormack, Robert A; Tishler, Roy B; Makrigiorgos, G Mike; Court, Laurence E; Chin, Lee M

2007-04-01

This work is intended to investigate the application and accuracy of micro-MOSFET for superficial dose measurement under clinically used MV x-ray beams. Dose response of micro-MOSFET in the build-up region and on surface under MV x-ray beams were measured and compared to Monte Carlo calculations. First, percentage-depth-doses were measured with micro-MOSFET under 6 and 10 MV beams of normal incidence onto a flat solid water phantom. Micro-MOSFET data were compared with the measurements from a parallel plate ionization chamber and Monte Carlo dose calculation in the build-up region. Then, percentage-depth-doses were measured for oblique beams at 0 degrees-80 degrees onto the flat solid water phantom with micro-MOSFET placed at depths of 2 cm, 1 cm, and 2 mm below the surface. Measurements were compared to Monte Carlo calculations under these settings. Finally, measurements were performed with micro-MOSFET embedded in the first 1 mm layer of bolus placed on a flat phantom and a curved phantom of semi-cylindrical shape. Results were compared to superficial dose calculated from Monte Carlo for a 2 mm thin layer that extends from the surface to a depth of 2 mm. Results were (1) Comparison of measurements with MC calculation in the build-up region showed that micro-MOSFET has a water-equivalence thickness (WET) of 0.87 mm for 6 MV beam and 0.99 mm for 10 MV beam from the flat side, and a WET of 0.72 mm for 6 MV beam and 0.76 mm for 10 MV beam from the epoxy side. (2) For normal beam incidences, percentage depth dose agree within 3%-5% among micro-MOSFET measurements, parallel-plate ionization chamber measurements, and MC calculations. (3) For oblique incidence on the flat phantom with micro-MOSFET placed at depths of 2 cm, 1 cm, and 2 mm, measurements were consistent with MC calculations within a typical uncertainty of 3%-5%. (4) For oblique incidence on the flat phantom and a curved-surface phantom, measurements with micro-MOSFET placed at 1.0 mm agrees with the MC calculation within 6%, including uncertainties of micro-MOSFET measurements of 2%-3% (1 standard deviation), MOSFET angular dependence of 3.0%-3.5%, and 1%-2% systematical error due to phantom setup geometry asymmetry. Micro-MOSFET can be used for skin dose measurements in 6 and 10 MV beams with an estimated accuracy of +/- 6%.

Radiochromic film dosimetry for UV-C treatments of apple fruit

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Radiochromic films were evaluated for their suitability to estimate UV-C doses and dose uniformity on apple fruit surface. Parameters investigated included film type, color changes of the films in response to different UV-C doses, color stability of films, UV-C light intensity, and temperature. In...

TU-H-BRC-06: Temperature Simulation of Tungsten and W25Re Targets to Deliver High Dose Rate 10 MV Photons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, J; Trovati, S; Loo, B

Purpose: To study the impact of electron beam size, target thickness, and target temperature on the ability of the flattening filter-free mode (FFF) treatment head to deliver high-dose-rate irradiations. Methods: The dose distribution and transient temperature of the X-ray target under 10 MeV electron beam with pulse length of 5 microseconds, and repetition rate of 1000 Hz was studied. A MCNP model was built to calculate the percentage depth dose (PPD) distribution in a water phantom at a distance of 100 cm. ANSYS software was used to run heat transfer simulations. The PPD and temperature for both tungsten and W25Remore » targets for different electron beam sizes (FHWM 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 mm) and target thickness (0.2 to 2 mm) were studied. Results: Decreasing the target thickness from 1 mm to 0.5 mm, caused a surface dose increase about 10 percent. For both target materials, the peak temperature was about 1.6 times higher for 0.5 mm electron beam compared to the 1 mm beam after reaching their equilibrium. For increasing target thicknesses, the temperature rise caused by the first pulse is similar for all thicknesses, however the temperature difference for subsequent pulses becomes larger until a constant ratio is reached. The target peak temperature after reaching equilibrium can be calculated by adding the steady state temperature and the amplitude of the temperature oscillation. Conclusion: This work indicates the potential to obtain high dose rate irradiation by selecting target material, geometry and electron beam parameters. W25Re may not outperformed tungsten when the target is thick due to its relatively low thermal conductivity. The electron beam size only affects the target temperature but not the PPD. Thin target is preferred to obtain high dose rate and low target temperature, however, the resulting high surface dose is a major concern. NIH funding:R21 EB015957-01; DOD funding:W81XWH-13-1-0165 BL, PM, PB, and RF are founders of TibaRay, Inc. BL is also a borad member. BL and PM have received research grants from Varian Medical System, Inc. and RaySearch Laboratory. RF is an employee of Siemens Healthcare GmbH.« less

The Impact of UV-dose, Body Surface Area Exposed and Other Factors on Cutaneous Vitamin D Synthesis Measured as Serum 25(OH)D Concentration: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Jager, Nadine; Schöpe, Jakob; Wagenpfeil, Stefan; Bocionek, Peter; Saternus, Roman; Vogt, Thomas; Reichrath, Jörg

2018-02-01

To optimize public health campaigns concerning UV exposure, it is important to characterize factors that influence UV-induced cutaneous vitamin D production. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the impact of different individual and environmental factors including exposed body surface area (BSA), UVB dose and vitamin D status, on serum 25(OH)D concentration. In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses, and Meta-analysis of Observational studies in Epidemiology guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted (MEDLINE; 01/1960-07/2016) investigating the impact of these factors on vitamin D status after artificial UV exposure as main outcome measure. Summary mean differences [and 95% confidence interval (CI)] were derived from random-effects meta-analysis to account for possible heterogeneity across studies. Meta-regression was conducted to account for impact of UVB dose, baseline 25(OH)D level and BSA. We identified 15 studies, with an estimated mean 25(OH)D rise per standard erythema dose (SED) of 0.19 nmol/l (95% CI 0.11-0.26 nmol/l). Results from meta-regression suggest a significant impact of UV dose and baseline 25(OH)D concentration on serum 25(OH)D level (p<0.01). Single UVB doses between 0.75 and 3 SED resulted in the highest rise of serum 25(OH)D per dose unit. BSA exposed had a smaller, non-proportional, not significant impact. Partial BSA exposure resulted in relatively higher rise compared to whole-body exposure (e.g. exposure of face and hands caused an 8-fold higher rise of serum 25(OH)D concentration/SED/1% BSA compared to whole-body exposure). Our findings support previous reports, estimating that the half-life of serum 25(OH)D varies depending on different factors. Our results indicate that partial BSA exposure (e.g. 10%) with moderate UV doses (e.g. 1 SED) is effective in generating or maintaining a healthy vitamin D status. However, due to limitations that include possible confounding factors such as skin type, which could not be considered, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

A universal sample manipulator with 50 kV negative bias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenny, M. J.; Wielunski, L. S.; Scott, M. D.; Clissold, R. A.; Stevenson, D.; Baxter, G.

1991-04-01

A manipulator incorporating a number of novel features has been built for a research ion implanter. The system is designed to enable uniform dose implantation of both planar and nonplanar surfaces by incorporating one translational and two rotational degrees of freedom. Negative target bias of up to 50 kV may be applied to the target, thus increasing the ion energy by this amount. The target chamber and all external manipulator controls are grounded. With the exception of the high voltage power supply, cable and feedthrough, all high voltage components are within the vacuum system. A secondary electron suppression cage which can be held at a negative bias of up to 60 kV relative to the chamber (i.e. 10 kV relative to the manipulator) surrounds the manipulator. Performance has been evaluated using 15N ions and nuclear reaction analysis through 15N(p,α) 12C to profile ion concentrations for dose uniformity and for ion depth at elevated target potentials.

Monte Carlo simulations of the secondary neutron ambient and effective dose equivalent rates from surface to suborbital altitudes and low Earth orbit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Jaby, Samy; Richardson, Richard B.

2015-07-01

Occupational exposures from ionizing radiation are currently regulated for airline travel (<20 km) and for missions to low-Earth orbit (∼300-400 km). Aircrew typically receive between 1 and 6 mSv of occupational dose annually, while aboard the International Space Station, the area radiation dose equivalent measured over just 168 days was 106 mSv at solar minimum conditions. It is anticipated that space tourism vehicles will reach suborbital altitudes of approximately 100 km and, therefore, the annual occupational dose to flight crew during repeated transits is expected to fall somewhere between those observed for aircrew and astronauts. Unfortunately, measurements of the radiation environment at the high altitudes reached by suborbital vehicles are sparse, and modelling efforts have been similarly limited. In this paper, preliminary MCNPX radiation transport code simulations are developed of the secondary neutron flux profile in air from surface altitudes up to low Earth orbit at solar minimum conditions and excluding the effects of spacecraft shielding. These secondary neutrons are produced by galactic cosmic radiation interacting with Earth's atmosphere and are among the sources of radiation that can pose a health risk. Associated estimates of the operational neutron ambient dose equivalent, used for radiation protection purposes, and the neutron effective dose equivalent that is typically used for estimates of stochastic health risks, are provided in air. Simulations show that the neutron radiation dose rates received at suborbital altitudes are comparable to those experienced by aircrew flying at 7 to 14 km. We also show that the total neutron dose rate tails off beyond the Pfotzer maximum on ascension from surface up to low Earth orbit.

Monte Carlo simulations of the secondary neutron ambient and effective dose equivalent rates from surface to suborbital altitudes and low Earth orbit.

PubMed

El-Jaby, Samy; Richardson, Richard B

2015-07-01

Occupational exposures from ionizing radiation are currently regulated for airline travel (<20 km) and for missions to low-Earth orbit (∼300-400 km). Aircrew typically receive between 1 and 6 mSv of occupational dose annually, while aboard the International Space Station, the area radiation dose equivalent measured over just 168 days was 106 mSv at solar minimum conditions. It is anticipated that space tourism vehicles will reach suborbital altitudes of approximately 100 km and, therefore, the annual occupational dose to flight crew during repeated transits is expected to fall somewhere between those observed for aircrew and astronauts. Unfortunately, measurements of the radiation environment at the high altitudes reached by suborbital vehicles are sparse, and modelling efforts have been similarly limited. In this paper, preliminary MCNPX radiation transport code simulations are developed of the secondary neutron flux profile in air from surface altitudes up to low Earth orbit at solar minimum conditions and excluding the effects of spacecraft shielding. These secondary neutrons are produced by galactic cosmic radiation interacting with Earth's atmosphere and are among the sources of radiation that can pose a health risk. Associated estimates of the operational neutron ambient dose equivalent, used for radiation protection purposes, and the neutron effective dose equivalent that is typically used for estimates of stochastic health risks, are provided in air. Simulations show that the neutron radiation dose rates received at suborbital altitudes are comparable to those experienced by aircrew flying at 7 to 14 km. We also show that the total neutron dose rate tails off beyond the Pfotzer maximum on ascension from surface up to low Earth orbit. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulation and Comparison of Martian Surface Ionization Radiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Myung-Hee Y.; Zeitlin, Cary; Hassler, Donald M.; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2013-01-01

The spectrum of energetic particle radiation and corresponding doses at the surface of Mars is being characterized by the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD), one of ten science instruments on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity Rover. The time series of dose rate for the first 300 Sols after landing on Mars on August 6, 2012 is presented here. For the comparison to RAD measurements of dose rate, Martian surface ionization radiation is simulated by utilizing observed space quantities. The GCR primary radiation spectrum is calculated by using the Badhwar-O'Neill 2011 (BO11) galactic cosmic ray (GCR) model, which has been developed by utilizing all balloon and satellite GCR measurements since 1955 and the newer 1997-2012 Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) measurements. In the BO11 model, solar modulation of the GCR primary radiation spectrum is described in terms of the international smoothed sunspot number and a time delay function. For the transport of the impingent GCR primary radiation through Mars atmosphere, a vertical distribution of atmospheric thickness at each elevation is calculated using the vertical profiles of atmospheric temperature and pressure made by Mars Global Surveyor measurements. At Gale Crater in the southern hemisphere, the seasonal variation of atmospheric thickness is accounted for the daily atmospheric pressure measurements of the MSL Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) by using low- and high-density models for cool- and warm-season, respectively. The spherically distributed atmospheric distance is traced along the slant path, and the resultant directional shielding by Martian atmosphere is coupled with Curiosity vehicle for dose estimates. We present predictions of dose rate and comparison to the RAD measurements. The simulation agrees to within +/- 20% with the RAD measurements showing clearly the variation of dose rate by heliospheric conditions, and presenting the sensitivity of dose rate by atmospheric pressure, which has been found from the RAD experiments and driven by thermal tides on Martian surface.

Environmental Fate and Biological Consequences of Chemicals Related to Air Force Activities

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-01

milliliters of a 10% solution over a 78.5-square centimeter surface. Sample treated cores were tested under laboratory conditions and in field studies and using...natural weather conditions for comparative tests. No Sig- nificant differences were noted between field and laboratory conditions . Biological...JP-4- and JP-5-dosed cores initially show a stressed condition as indicated by an increased rate in CO2 produc- tion followed by a rate of CO2

Quantifying the effect of air gap, depth, and range shifter thickness on TPS dosimetric accuracy in superficial PBS proton therapy.

PubMed

Shirey, Robert J; Wu, Hsinshun Terry

2018-01-01

This study quantifies the dosimetric accuracy of a commercial treatment planning system as functions of treatment depth, air gap, and range shifter thickness for superficial pencil beam scanning proton therapy treatments. The RayStation 6 pencil beam and Monte Carlo dose engines were each used to calculate the dose distributions for a single treatment plan with varying range shifter air gaps. Central axis dose values extracted from each of the calculated plans were compared to dose values measured with a calibrated PTW Markus chamber at various depths in RW3 solid water. Dose was measured at 12 depths, ranging from the surface to 5 cm, for each of the 18 different air gaps, which ranged from 0.5 to 28 cm. TPS dosimetric accuracy, defined as the ratio of calculated dose relative to the measured dose, was plotted as functions of depth and air gap for the pencil beam and Monte Carlo dose algorithms. The accuracy of the TPS pencil beam dose algorithm was found to be clinically unacceptable at depths shallower than 3 cm with air gaps wider than 10 cm, and increased range shifter thickness only added to the dosimetric inaccuracy of the pencil beam algorithm. Each configuration calculated with Monte Carlo was determined to be clinically acceptable. Further comparisons of the Monte Carlo dose algorithm to the measured spread-out Bragg Peaks of multiple fields used during machine commissioning verified the dosimetric accuracy of Monte Carlo in a variety of beam energies and field sizes. Discrepancies between measured and TPS calculated dose values can mainly be attributed to the ability (or lack thereof) of the TPS pencil beam dose algorithm to properly model secondary proton scatter generated in the range shifter. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

TH-EF-BRB-11: Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy for Total Body Irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ouyang, L; Folkerts, M; Hrycushko, B

Purpose: To develop a modern, patient-comfortable total body irradiation (TBI) technique suitable for standard-sized linac vaults. Methods: An indexed rotatable immobilization system (IRIS) was developed to make possible total-body CT imaging and radiation delivery on conventional couches. Treatment consists of multi-isocentric volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to the upper body and parallel-opposed fields to the lower body. Each isocenter is indexed to the couch and includes a 180° IRIS rotation between the upper and lower body fields. VMAT fields are optimized to satisfy lung dose objectives while achieving a uniform therapeutic dose to the torso. End-to-end tests with a randomore » phantom were used to verify dosimetric characteristics. Treatment plan robustness regarding setup uncertainty was assessed by simulating global and regional isocenter setup shifts on patient data sets. Dosimetric comparisons were made with conventional extended distance, standing TBI (cTBI) plans using a Monte Carlo-based calculation. Treatment efficiency was assessed for eight courses of patient treatment. Results: The IRIS system is level and orthogonal to the scanned CT image plane, with lateral shifts <2mm following rotation. End-to-end tests showed surface doses within ±10% of the prescription dose, field junction doses within ±15% of prescription dose. Plan robustness tests showed <15% changes in dose with global setup errors up to 5mm in each direction. Local 5mm relative setup errors in the chest resulted in < 5% dose changes. Local 5mm shift errors in the pelvic and upper leg junction resulted in <10% dose changes while a 10mm shift error causes dose changes up to 25%. Dosimetric comparison with cTBI showed VMAT-TBI has advantages in preserving chest wall dose with flexibility in leveraging the PTV-body and PTV-lung dose. Conclusion: VMAT-TBI with the IRIS system was shown clinically feasible as a cost-effective approach to TBI for standard-sized linac vaults.« less

Identification of a virulence-related surface protein XF in piscine Streptococcus agalactiae by pre-absorbed immunoproteomics.

PubMed

Liu, Guangjin; Zhang, Wei; Liu, Yongjie; Yao, Huochun; Lu, Chengping; Xu, Pao

2014-10-26

Since 2009, large-scale Streptococcus agalactiae infections have broken out in cultured tilapia farms in China, resulting in considerable economic losses. Screening of the surface proteins is required to identify virulence factors or protective antigens involved in piscine S.agalactiae infections in tilapia. Pre-absorbed immunoproteomics method (PAIM) is a useful method previously established in our laboratory for identifying bacterial surface proteins. A serine-rich repeat protein family 1 (Srr-1), designated XF, was identified by PAIM in piscine S. agalactiae isolate GD201008-001. To investigate the role of XF in the pathogenesis of piscine S. agalactiae, an isogenic xf mutant strain (Δxf) and a complemented strain (CΔxf) were successfully constructed. The Δxf mutant and CΔxf showed no significant differences in growth characteristics and adherence to HEp-2 cells compared with the wild-type strain. However the 50% lethal dose of Δxf was increased (4-fold) compared with that of the parental strain in a zebrafish infection model. The findings demonstrated that XF is a virulence-related, highly immunoreactive surface protein and is involved in the pathogenicity of S. agalactiae infections in fish.

Deflazacort

MedlinePlus

... eyelid or eye surface); cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye); glaucoma (an eye disease); high blood pressure; heart ... regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The Wavelengths in Sunlight Effective in Producing Skin Cancer: A Theoretical Analysis

PubMed Central

Setlow, R. B.

1974-01-01

DNA is taken as the target for skin cancer induced by ultraviolet light, and the known data on the sensitivity of DNA as a function of wavelength are summarized. The sun's spectrum at the surface of the earth and the DNA action spectrum are used to calculate the carcinogenic effectiveness as a function of wavelength. The most effective wavelengths at 30°N latitude are <305 nm, and a 1% change in atmospheric ozone results in a 2% change in the effective dose of ultraviolet light. Since both the basic biological and physical data are reasonably precise, the major requirement for a quantitative evaluation of the dose response relation for ultraviolet-induced skin cancer in man is better epidemiological data to compare with data from animal models. PMID:4530308

Dosimetry and Image Quality in Control Studies in Computerised Tomography Realized to Paediatric Patients

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hernandez, M. R.; Gamboa-deBuen, I.; Dies, P.

Computerised tomography (CT) is a favourite method of medical diagnosis. Its use has thus increased rapidly throughout the world, particularly in studies relating to children. However to avoid administering unnecessarily high doses of radiation to paediatric patients it is important to have correct dose reference levels to minimize risk. The research is being developed within the public health sector at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico 'Dr. Federico Gomez.' We measured the entrance surface air kerma (K{sub P}) in paediatric patients, during the radiological studies of control in CT (studies of head, thorax and abdomen). Phantom was used to evaluate imagemore » quality as the tomograph requires a high resolution image in order to operate at its optimum level.« less

Acute and subchronic oral toxicity studies in rats with nanoscale and pigment grade titanium dioxide particles.

PubMed

Warheit, D B; Brown, S C; Donner, E M

2015-10-01

Data generated using standardized testing protocols for toxicity studies generally provide reproducible and reliable results for establishing safe levels and formulating risk assessments. The findings of three OECD guideline-type oral toxicity studies of different duration in rats are summarized in this publication; each study evaluated different titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles of varying sizes and surface coatings. Moreover, each study finding demonstrated an absence of any TiO2 -related hazards. To briefly summarize the findings: 1) In a subchronic 90-day study (OECD TG 408), groups of young adult male and female rats were dosed with rutile-type, surface-coated pigment-grade TiO2 test particles (d50 = 145 nm - 21% nanoparticles by particle number criteria) by oral gavage for 90 days. The no-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for both male and female rats in this study was 1000 mg/kg bw/day, the highest dose tested. The NOAEL was determined based on a lack of TiO2 particle-related adverse effects on any in-life, clinical pathology, or anatomic/microscopic pathology parameters; 2) In a 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study (OECD TG 407), groups of young adult male rats were administered daily doses of two rutile-type, uncoated, pigment-grade TiO2 test particles (d50 = 173 nm by number) by daily oral gavage at a dose of 24,000 mg/kg bw/day. There were no adverse effects measured during or following the end of the exposure period; and the NOAEL was determined to be 24,000 mg/kg bw/day; 3) In an acute oral toxicity study (OECD TG 425), female rats were administered a single oral exposure of surface-treated rutile/anatase nanoscale TiO2 particles (d50 = 73 nm by number) with doses up to 5000 mg/kg and evaluated over a 14-day post-exposure period. Under the conditions of this study, the oral LD50 for the test substance was >5000 mg/kg bw. In summary, the results from these three toxicity studies - each with different TiO2 particulate-types, demonstrated an absence of adverse toxicological effects. Apart from reporting the findings of these three studies, this publication also focuses on additional critical issues associated with particle and nanotoxicology studies. First, describing the detailed methodology requirements and rigor upon which the standardized OECD 408 guideline subchronic oral toxicity studies are conducted. Moreover, an attempt is made to reconcile the complex issue of particle size distribution as it relates to measurements of nanoscale and pigment-grade TiO2 particles. Clearly this has been a confusing issue and often misrepresented in the media and the scientific literature. It is clear that the particle-size distribution for pigment-grade TiO2, contains a small ("tail") component of nanoscale particles (i.e., 21% by particle number and <1% by weight in the test material used in the 90-day study). However, this robust particle characterization finding should not be confused with mislabeling the test materials as exclusively in the nanoscale range. Moreover, based upon the findings presented herein, there appears to be no significant oral toxicity impact contributed by the nanoscale component of the TiO2 Test Material sample in the 90-day study. Finally, it seems reasonable to conclude that the study findings should be considered for read-across purposes to food-grade TiO2 particles (e.g., E171), as the physicochemical characteristics are quite similar. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cellular dosimetry of (111)In using monte carlo N-particle computer code: comparison with analytic methods and correlation with in vitro cytotoxicity.

PubMed

Cai, Zhongli; Pignol, Jean-Philippe; Chan, Conrad; Reilly, Raymond M

2010-03-01

Our objective was to compare Monte Carlo N-particle (MCNP) self- and cross-doses from (111)In to the nucleus of breast cancer cells with doses calculated by reported analytic methods (Goddu et al. and Farragi et al.). A further objective was to determine whether the MCNP-predicted surviving fraction (SF) of breast cancer cells exposed in vitro to (111)In-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid human epidermal growth factor ((111)In-DTPA-hEGF) could accurately predict the experimentally determined values. MCNP was used to simulate the transport of electrons emitted by (111)In from the cell surface, cytoplasm, or nucleus. The doses to the nucleus per decay (S values) were calculated for single cells, closely packed monolayer cells, or cell clusters. The cell and nucleus dimensions of 6 breast cancer cell lines were measured, and cell line-specific S values were calculated. For self-doses, MCNP S values of nucleus to nucleus agreed very well with those of Goddu et al. (ratio of S values using analytic methods vs. MCNP = 0.962-0.995) and Faraggi et al. (ratio = 1.011-1.024). MCNP S values of cytoplasm and cell surface to nucleus compared fairly well with the reported values (ratio = 0.662-1.534 for Goddu et al.; 0.944-1.129 for Faraggi et al.). For cross doses, the S values to the nucleus were independent of (111)In subcellular distribution but increased with cluster size. S values for monolayer cells were significantly different from those of single cells and cell clusters. The MCNP-predicted SF for monolayer MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 cells agreed with the experimental data (relative error of 3.1%, -1.0%, and 1.7%). The single-cell and cell cluster models were less accurate in predicting the SF. For MDA-MB-468 cells, relative error was 8.1% using the single-cell model and -54% to -67% using the cell cluster model. Individual cell-line dimensions had large effects on S values and were needed to estimate doses and SF accurately. MCNP simulation compared well with the reported analytic methods in the calculation of subcellular S values for single cells and cell clusters. Application of a monolayer model was most accurate in predicting the SF of breast cancer cells exposed in vitro to (111)In-DTPA-hEGF.

Skin dose mapping for non-uniform x-ray fields using a backscatter point spread function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijayan, Sarath; Xiong, Zhenyu; Shankar, Alok; Rudin, Stephen; Bednarek, Daniel R.

2017-03-01

Beam shaping devices like ROI attenuators and compensation filters modulate the intensity distribution of the xray beam incident on the patient. This results in a spatial variation of skin dose due to the variation of primary radiation and also a variation in backscattered radiation from the patient. To determine the backscatter component, backscatter point spread functions (PSF) are generated using EGS Monte-Carlo software. For this study, PSF's were determined by simulating a 1 mm beam incident on the lateral surface of an anthropomorphic head phantom and a 20 cm thick PMMA block phantom. The backscatter PSF's for the head phantom and PMMA phantom are curve fit with a Lorentzian function after being normalized to the primary dose intensity (PSFn). PSFn is convolved with the primary dose distribution to generate the scatter dose distribution, which is added to the primary to obtain the total dose distribution. The backscatter convolution technique is incorporated in the dose tracking system (DTS), which tracks skin dose during fluoroscopic procedures and provides a color map of the dose distribution on a 3D patient graphic model. A convolution technique is developed for the backscatter dose determination for the nonuniformly spaced graphic-model surface vertices. A Gafchromic film validation was performed for shaped x-ray beams generated with an ROI attenuator and with two compensation filters inserted into the field. The total dose distribution calculated by the backscatter convolution technique closely agreed with that measured with the film.

Modification of a cyclo-olefin surface by radio-sterilization: is there any effect on the interaction with drug solutions?

PubMed

Barakat, Hala; Saunier, Johanna; Aymes Chodur, Caroline; Aubert, Pascal; Vigneron, Jackie; Etcheberry, Arnaud; Yagoubi, Najet

2013-11-01

A cyclo-olefin copolymer was subjected to an e-beam ionizing treatment. Two doses were studied: one corresponding to the recommended dose for the sterilization of pharmaceutical packaging (25 kGy), and a greater one to enhance the modifications caused by the treatment (150 kGy). The surface modifications were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The roughness and the wettability of the surface were enhanced by the treatment. The consequences of the surface modifications on the drug interaction with the polymer were studied. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Skin dose measurement by using ultra-thin TLDs.

PubMed

Lin, J P; Chu, T C; Lin, S Y; Liu, M T

2001-09-01

The treatment schedule for radiation therapy is often interrupted because of complicated skin reactions. Quantitative information relating beam parameters and skin reactions will be helpful. Measurements were performed for 6-15 MV photons and 6-21 MeV electrons with ultra thin TLD films (GR-200F, surface area 0.5 x 0.5cm2, nominal thickness 5 mg cm(-2)). The skin doses for various field sizes, ranging from 10 x 10 to 40 x 40 cm2, and various incident angles of beam from 0 degrees to 80 degrees were measured. The ratios of skin dose to maximum dose in phantom for 10 x 10 cm2 are 16.10+/-0.68%, 14.03+/-1.04% and 10.59+/-0.64% for 6, 10 and 15 MV, respectively. Such ratios increase with a larger field size. For electrons the ratios are 72.59+/-1.72%, 78.52+/-2.99%, 78.89+/-2.86%, 86.08+/-2.62%. 87.75+/-1.94% and 86.33+/-3.09% for 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 MeV, respectively. They also increase with a larger size. The oblique factors also increase with larger incident angle.

Lethal effects of artificial ultraviolet radiation on cereal rust uredospores

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maddison, A.C.; Manners, J.G.

1973-06-01

Monochromatic far and near ultraviolet and polychromatic radiation reduced uredospore (urediniospore) germinability in Puccinia striiformis West., P. recondita Rob. & Desm. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & Henn., and P. graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. &. Henn. survival decreasing approximately logarithmically beyond an initial shoulder on the dose-survival curve. Infectivity was three to six times more sensitive than germinability to germicidal lamp radiation. Sensitivity to germicidal lamp radiation in P. striiformis was independent of temperature, but was greater at high relative humidities than at low. Reciprocity of time and dose rate was demonstrated when this species was subjected to suchmore » radiation. Action spectra for loss of germiability suggested nucleic acids and proteins respectively as chromophores in P. striiformis and P. graminis: data from photoreactivation experiments implied nucleic acid involvement in both species. Sunlamp and simulated sunlight exposures showed uredospores to be sensitive to naturally occurring wavelengths at dose levels received at the earth's surface. The ratio of the doses necessary to reduce germinability to 10% of the contro1 value for P. striiformis, P. recondita, and P. graminis uredospores was 1.0: 1.5 to 2.2:3 to 3.5 after irradiation by the various sources. (auth)« less

Environmental monitoring through use of silica-based TLD.

PubMed

Rozaila, Z Siti; Khandaker, M U; Abdul Sani, S F; Sabtu, Siti Norbaini; Amin, Y M; Maah, M J; Bradley, D A

2017-09-25

The sensitivity of a novel silica-based fibre-form thermoluminescence dosimeter was tested off-site of a rare-earths processing plant, investigating the potential for obtaining baseline measurements of naturally occurring radioactive materials. The dosimeter, a Ge-doped collapsed photonic crystal fibre (PCFc) co-doped with B, was calibrated against commercially available thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) (TLD-200 and TLD-100) using a bremsstrahlung (tube-based) x-ray source. Eight sampling sites within 1 to 20 km of the perimeter of the rare-earth facility were identified, the TLDs (silica- as well as TLD-200 and TLD-100) in each case being buried within the soil at fixed depth, allowing measurements to be obtained, in this case for protracted periods of exposure of between two to eight months. The values of the dose were then compared against values projected on the basis of radioactivity measurements of the associated soils, obtained via high-purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometry. Accord was found in relative terms between the TL evaluations at each site and the associated spectroscopic results. Thus said, in absolute terms, the TL evaluated doses were typically less than those derived from gamma-ray spectroscopy, by ∼50% in the case of PCFc-Ge. Gamma spectrometry analysis typically provided an upper limit to the projected dose, and the Marinelli beaker contents were formed from sieving to provide a homogenous well-packed medium. However, with the radioactivity per unit mass typically greater for smaller particles, with preferential adsorption on the surface and the surface area per unit volume increasing with decrease in radius, this made for an elevated dose estimate. Prevailing concentrations of key naturally occurring radionuclides in soil, 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K, were also determined, together with radiological dose evaluation. To date, the area under investigation, although including a rare-earth processing facility, gives no cause for concern from radiological impact. The current study reveals the suitability of the optical fibre based micro-dosimeter for all-weather monitoring of low-level environmental radioactivity.

Comparison of penetration and metabolism of [3H]diacetoxyscirpenol, [3H]verrucarin A and [3H]T-2 toxin in skin.

PubMed

Kemppainen, B W; Riley, R T; Biles-Thurlow, S

1987-05-01

The purpose of this research was to determine the rate of cutaneous penetration and metabolism of [3H]diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and [3H]verrucarin A (VCA) and compare these values to previously determined values for [3H]T-2 toxin (T-2), to compare the cutaneous penetration and metabolism of DAS in human and guinea-pig skin, and to compare the effects of dose and of two vehicles, methanol and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), on penetration rates. DAS or VCA was applied to the epidermal surface of excised skin, and the receptor fluid bathing the dermal surface was sampled periodically for 48 hr. Whether the applied dose (581 ng/cm2) was dissolved in methanol or DMSO, the rate of penetration through human skin was lower for VCA than for DAS or T-2, the rates for the two latter compounds being similar at this dose. Metabolism of DAS occurred during penetration through excised human skin and did not occur in the receptor fluid as a result of enzymes leaching out of the skin. VCA appeared to be metabolized by human skin, but this conclusion is tentative because of the relative instability of this compound. DAS penetrated significantly (P less than 0.05) faster through excised guinea-pig skin than through human skin. Metabolism of DAS was greater in human skin than in guinea-pig skin. When compared with methanol, DMSO increased the penetration of DAS and VCA by factors of between 7 and 52. At the low dose (79 ng/cm2) DAS penetrated human and guinea-pig skin significantly (P less than 0.05) faster than T-2 using either vehicle.

Acanthocheilonema viteae: Vaccination of jirds with irradiation-attenuated stage-3 larvae and with exported larval antigens

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lucius, R.; Textor, G.; Kern, A.

1991-08-01

Jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) were immunized with irradiated (35 krad) stage-3 larvae (L3) of Acanthocheilonema viteae. The induced resistance against homologous challenge infection and the antibody response of the animals were studied. Immunization with 3, 2, or 1 dose of 50 irradiated L3 induced approximately 90% resistance. Immunization with a single dose of only 5 irradiated L3 resulted in 60.8% protection while immunization with a single dose of 25 L3 induced 94.1% protection. The protection induced with 3 doses of 50 irradiated L3 did not decrease significantly during a period of 6 months. Sera of a proportion, but not all resistantmore » jirds, contained antibodies against the surface of vector derived L3 as defined by IFAT. No surface antigens of microfilariae or adult worms were recognized by the sera. Vaccinated animals had antibody responses against antigens in the inner organs of L3 and in the cuticle and reproductive organs of adult worms as shown by IFAT. Immunoblotting with SDS-PAGE-separated L3 antigens and L3-CSN revealed that all sera contained antibodies against two exported antigens of 205 and 68 kDa, and against a nonexported antigen of 18 kDa. The 205-kDa antigen easily degraded into fragments of 165, 140, 125, and 105 kDa which were recognized by resistant jird sera. Various antigens of adult worms, but relatively few antigens of microfilariae, were also recognized. To test the relevance of exported antigens of L3 to resistance, jirds were immunized with L3-CSN together with a mild adjuvant. This immunization induced 67.7% resistance against challenge infection and sera of the immunized animals recognized the 205- and 68-kDa antigens of L3.« less

Dosimetric variations due to interfraction organ deformation in cervical cancer brachytherapy.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Kazuma; Murakami, Naoya; Wakita, Akihisa; Nakamura, Satoshi; Okamoto, Hiroyuki; Umezawa, Rei; Takahashi, Kana; Inaba, Koji; Igaki, Hiroshi; Ito, Yoshinori; Shigematsu, Naoyuki; Itami, Jun

2015-12-01

We quantitatively estimated dosimetric variations due to interfraction organ deformation in multi-fractionated high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) for cervical cancer using a novel surface-based non-rigid deformable registration. As the number of consecutive HDRBT fractions increased, simple addition of dose-volume histogram parameters significantly overestimated the dose, compared with distribution-based dose addition. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Management of background pain and anxiety in critically burned children requiring protracted mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Sheridan, R; Stoddard, F; Querzoli, E

2001-01-01

Optimal control of pain and anxiety is an elusive but important goal in children with protracted critical illness. This review represents an effort to document the doses of background medication required to achieve this goal in a group of children managed under a pain and anxiety protocol that adjusts background infusions to comfort. The course of children with wounds involving at least 10% of the body surface and coincident respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days managed 1 Jan 97 to 31 Dec 98 was reviewed. A pain and anxiety protocol was used, including background infusions of morphine and midazolam adjusted to comfort. These 28 children had a mean (+/- standard deviation) age of 5.3 +/- 4.6 years, wound size of 48.3 +/- 28.4%, and were intubated for 25.0 +/- 23.9 days. Neuromuscular blocking drugs were administered for 65 of 447 (14.5%) ventilator days. To maintain comfort, drugs were required at doses substantially above standard dosing schemes. The highest daily background infusion of morphine sulfate averaged 0.40 mg/kg/hr +/- 0.24 mg/kg/hr (usual starting dose was 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg/hr) and was reached 14.1 +/- 12.8 days after admission. The highest daily background infusion of midazolam averaged 0.15 +/- 0.07 mg/kg/hr (usual starting dose was 0.04 mg/kg/hr) and was reached 14.0 +/- 3.8 days after admission. Morphine infusions at extubation averaged 0.22 +/- 0.17 mg/kg/hr and midazolam infusions 0.10 +/- 0.12 mg/kg/hr. All children survived to discharge and there was no perceived morbidity related to these high doses of medication. Children with serious burns and respiratory failure will require high doses of background opiates and benzodiazepines to remain comfortable, because they develop drug tolerance during protracted critical illness. Infusions can be continued at a reduced dose through extubation, do not result in addiction or other apparent morbidity if adjusted to desired level of comfort, and may contribute to a reduced incidence of treatment-related stress disorders.

Design and characterization of textured surfaces for applications in the food industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazzini, G.; Romoli, L.; Blunt, L.; Gemini, L.

2017-12-01

The aim of this work is to design, manufacture and characterize surface morphologies on AISI 316L stainless steel produced by a custom designed laser-texturing strategy. Surface textures were characterized at a micrometric dimension in terms of areal parameters compliant with ISO 25178, and correlations between these parameters and processing parameters (e.g. laser energy dose supplied to the material, repetition rate of the laser pulses and scanning velocity) were investigated. Preliminary efforts were devoted to the research of special requirements for surface morphology that, according to the commonly accepted research on the influence of surface roughness on cellular adhesion on surfaces, should discourage the formation of biofilms. The topographical characterization of the surfaces was performed with a coherence scanning interferometer. This approach showed that increasing doses of energy to the surfaces increased the global level of roughness as well as the surface complexity. Moreover, the behavior of the parameters S pk, S vk also indicates that, due to the ablation process, an increase in the energy dose causes an average increase in the height of the highest peaks and in the depth of the deepest dales. The study of the density of peaks S pd showed that none of the surfaces analyzed here seem to perfectly match the conditions dictated by the theories on cellular adhesion to confer anti-biofouling properties. However, this result seems to be mainly due to the limits of the resolving power of coherence scanning interferometry, which does not allow the resolution of sub-micrometric features which could be crucial in the prevention of cellular attachment.

SU-G-BRB-14: Uncertainty of Radiochromic Film Based Relative Dose Measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Devic, S; Tomic, N; DeBlois, F

2016-06-15

Purpose: Due to inherently non-linear dose response, measurement of relative dose distribution with radiochromic film requires measurement of absolute dose using a calibration curve following previously established reference dosimetry protocol. On the other hand, a functional form that converts the inherently non-linear dose response curve of the radiochromic film dosimetry system into linear one has been proposed recently [Devic et al, Med. Phys. 39 4850–4857 (2012)]. However, there is a question what would be the uncertainty of such measured relative dose. Methods: If the relative dose distribution is determined going through the reference dosimetry system (conversion of the response bymore » using calibration curve into absolute dose) the total uncertainty of such determined relative dose will be calculated by summing in quadrature total uncertainties of doses measured at a given and at the reference point. On the other hand, if the relative dose is determined using linearization method, the new response variable is calculated as ζ=a(netOD)n/ln(netOD). In this case, the total uncertainty in relative dose will be calculated by summing in quadrature uncertainties for a new response function (σζ) for a given and the reference point. Results: Except at very low doses, where the measurement uncertainty dominates, the total relative dose uncertainty is less than 1% for the linear response method as compared to almost 2% uncertainty level for the reference dosimetry method. The result is not surprising having in mind that the total uncertainty of the reference dose method is dominated by the fitting uncertainty, which is mitigated in the case of linearization method. Conclusion: Linearization of the radiochromic film dose response provides a convenient and a more precise method for relative dose measurements as it does not require reference dosimetry and creation of calibration curve. However, the linearity of the newly introduced function must be verified. Dave Lewis is inventor and runs a consulting company for radiochromic films.« less

Radiological criteria for unrestricted use of sites containing norm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bernhardt, D.E.; Rogers, V.C.; Nielson, K.K.

1996-06-01

Natural occurring radioactive materia (NORM) is redistributed in the environment as a result of many mineral recovery and processing industries. There are not federal regulations specifying criteria for NORM contaminated sites; however, several states have promulgated regulations. The regulations promulgated by the states generally focus on NORM from oil and gas production, the primary focus of the assessments for this paper. The criteria for residual NORM in soil are generally (1) 0.18 Bq g{sup -1} in the surface 15 cm of soil and 0.6 Bq g{sup -1} at depth or (2) 1.1 Bq g{sup -1}, with a limitation on themore » radon flux. The primary radiation dose pathways for unrestricted use of land are external gamma exposure and exposure related to indoor radon. Radiation doses vary by over an order of magnitude based on different ratios of {sup 226}Ra to {sup 228}Ra concentrations, biological uptake parameters related to NORM, and the different radon emanation factors for oil field scale and sludge. A {sup 226}Ra criterion of 1.1 Bq g{sup -1} results in a dose of about 2 mSv y{sup -1} from external gamma and about 3 mSv y{sup -1} from radon for a general crawl-space type residence home scenario. The chemical and physical characteristics of the NORM and site-specific factors are important considerations in the assessments. The radon dose would be about 3 times higher for NORM in sludge, vs. the assumption of pipe scale. The structural characteristics of residences (e.g., slab-on-grade, crawl-space, or trailer) also have a significant impact on the potential doses to residences.« less

Dose escalation study of proton beam therapy with concurrent chemotherapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Harada, Hideyuki; Fuji, Hiroshi; Ono, Akira; Kenmotsu, Hirotsugu; Naito, Tateaki; Yamashita, Haruo; Asakura, Hirofumi; Nishimura, Tetsuo; Takahashi, Toshiaki; Murayama, Shigeyuki

2016-07-01

The purpose of this study is to determine the recommended dose (RD) of proton beam therapy (PBT) for inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We tested two prescribed doses of PBT: 66 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) in 33 fractions and 74 Gy (RBE) in 37 fractions in arms 1 and 2, respectively. The planning target volume (PTV) included the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes with adequate margins. Concurrent chemotherapy included intravenous cisplatin (60 mg/m(2) , day 1) and oral S-1 (80, 100 or 120 mg based on body surface area, days 1-14), repeated as four cycles every 4 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 3 or severe toxicities related to PBT during days 1-90. Each dose level was performed in three patients, and then escalated to the next level if no DLT occurred. When one patient developed a DLT, three additional patients were enrolled. Overall, nine patients (five men, four women; median age, 72 years) were enrolled, including six in arm 1 and three in arm 2. The median follow-up time was 43 months, and the median progression-free survival was 15 months. In arm 1, grade 3 infection occurred in one of six patients, but no other DLT was reported. Similarly, no DLT occurred in arm 2. However, one patient in arm 2 developed grade 3 esophageal fistula at 9 months after the initiation of PBT. Therefore, we determined that 66 Gy (RBE) is the RD from a clinical viewpoints. (Clinical trial registration no. UMIN000005585). © 2016 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

Radiation-induced ocular injury in the dog: a histological study.

PubMed

Ching, S V; Gillette, S M; Powers, B E; Roberts, S M; Gillette, E L; Withrow, S J

1990-08-01

Radiation-induced ocular injury secondary to treatment of nasal cancer occurs in humans and animals. Dogs with nasal carcinomas were randomized to receive 36 to 67.5 Gy in fractionated doses given in 4 weeks using a 6 MV linear accelerator. Ophthalmic examinations were performed according to a predetermined protocol and eyes were removed for histologic examination when dogs were euthanatized. The eye in the radiation field exhibited greater injury than the contralateral eye with nasal areas of the globe having more severe lesions than temporal areas. Lesions occurred in all dogs and at all doses. At 1 month or less postirradiation treatment, all dogs had blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis and corneal epithelial atrophy. Surface lesions persisted in all eyes, becoming less severe and more chronic with time. At 3-6 months postirradiation treatment, degenerative angiopathy of retinal vessels appeared with multifocal retinal hemorrhage and mild diffuse retinal degeneration which affected outer layers first and progressed inwardly with time. At 6 months postirradiation treatment, there were cataracts, fibrosis of retinal vessel walls with loss of vascular smooth muscle, retinal hemorrhage, and mild to moderate retinal degeneration. At 1 year postirradiation treatment, retinal vessels remained sclerotic, retinal hemorrhage was less frequent, and there was moderate retinal degeneration with swelling and loss of ganglion cells. By 2 years or more postirradiation treatment, optic nerve axonal degeneration secondary to retinal changes had appeared. Tapetal and choroidal atrophy were inconsistently seen. Thus, ocular lesions at the doses received developed along a relatively predictable time course and recovery was not seen. Structures of the canine eye appear sufficiently sensitive that even relatively low total doses given in small doses per fraction cause significant long-term injury.

Dose perturbations by two carbon fiber treatment couches and the ability of a commercial treatment planning system to predict these effects.

PubMed

Gerig, L H; Niedbala, M; Nyiri, B J

2010-01-01

To measure the effect of the treatment couch on dose distributions and to investigate the ability of a modern planning system to accurately model these effects. This work measured the dose perturbation at depth and in the dose buildup region when one of two treatment couches, CIVCO (formerly MED-TEC) or Medical Intelligence, was placed between a photon beam source (6, 10, and 18 MV) and the phantom. Beam attenuation was measured in the center of a cylindrical acrylic phantom with a Farmer type ion chamber at multiple gantry angles. Dose buildup was measured in Solid Water with plane parallel ion chambers (NACP-02 and PTW Markus) with the beam normal to both the phantom and couch surfaces. The effective point of measurement method as described [M. R. McEwen et al. "The effective point of measurement of ionization chambers and the build-up anomaly in MV x-ray beams," Med. Phys. 35(3), 950-958 (2008)] was employed to calculate dose in the buildup region. Both experiments were modeled in XiO. Images of the treatment couches were merged with images of the phantoms such that they were included as part of the "patient" image. Dose distributions calculated with superposition and fast superposition algorithms were compared to measurement. The two treatment couches have different radiological signatures and dissimilar water equivalent thicknesses (4.2 vs 6.3 mm.) Maximum attenuation was 7%. Both couches caused significant loss of skin sparing, the worst case showing an increase in surface dose from 17% (no couch) to 88% (with couch). The TPS accurately predicted the surface dose (+/-3%) and the attenuation at depth when the phantom was in contact with the couch. For the open beam the TPS was less successful in the buildup region. The treatment couch is not radio-transparent. Its presence between the patient and beam source significantly alters dose in the patient. For the most part, a modern treatment planning system can adequately predict the altered dose distribution.

Clinical assessment of the jaw-tracking function in IMRT for a brain tumor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jin-Young; Kim, Shin-Wook; Choe, Bo-Young; Suh, Tae-Suk; Park, Sung-Kwang; Jo, Sun-Mi; Oh, Won-Yong; Shin, Jung-Wook; Cho, Gyu-Seok; Nam, Sang-Hee; Chung, Jin-Beom; Kim, Jung-Ki; Lee, Young-Kyu

2015-01-01

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) improves dose conformity and saves critical organs. IMRT is widely used in cases of head and neck, prostate, and brain cancer due to the close location of the targets to critical structures. However, because IMRT has a larger amount of radiation exposure than 3 dimensional-conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), it has disadvantages such as increases in the low dose irradiation to normal tissues and in the accumulated dose for the whole volume due to leakage and transmission of the multi-leaf collimator (MLC). The increased accumulated dose and the larger low dose may increase the occurrence of secondary malignant neoplasms. For these reasons, the jaw-tracking function of the TrueBeam (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) was developed to reduce the leakage and the transmission dose of the MLC with linear accelerators. However, the change in the superficial dose has not been verified with a quantitative analysis of the dose reduction in a brain tumor. Therefore, in the present study, we intended to verify the clinical possibility of utilizing the jaw-tracking function for a brain tumor by comparing treatment plans and superficial doses. To accomplish this, we made three types of original treatment plans using Eclipse11 (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA): 1) farther than 2 cm from the organs at risk (OAR); 2) within 2 cm of the OAR; and 3) intersecting with the OAR. Jaw-tracking treatment plans were also made with copies of the original treatment plan using Smart LMC Version 11.0.31 (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). A comparison between the original treatment plans and jaw-tracking treatment plans was performed using the difference of the mean dose and maximum dose to the OARs in cumulative Dose Volume Histogram (DVH). In addition, the dependencies of the effects of transmission and the scattering doses according to jaw motion were assessed through the difference in the surface doses. In the DVH comparison, a maximum dose difference of 0.4% was observed between the planning methods in the case of over 2 cm distance, and the maximum dose of 0.6% was obtained for within the 2 cm distance. For the case intersecting with the OAR, the maximum dose difference of 2.3% was achieved. According to these results, the differences in the mean doses and the maximum doses to the OARs ware larger when the OARs and the planning target volume (PTV) were closer. In addition, small differences in the surface dose measurements were observed. In the case of the inside field, the differences were under 2% of the prescription dose while the difference was under 0.1% in the case of the outside field. Therefore, treatment plans with the jaw-tracking function consistently affected the dose reduction for a brain tumor, and the clinical possibility could be verified as the surface dose was not increased.

Ripple formation on atomically flat cleaved Si surface with roughness of 0.038 nm rms by low-energy Ar{sup 1+} ion bombardment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pahlovy, Shahjada A.; Mahmud, S. F.; Yanagimoto, K.

The authors have conducted research regarding ripple formation on an atomically flat cleaved Si surface by low-energy Ar{sup +} ion bombardment. The cleaved atomically flat and smooth plane of a Si wafer was obtained by cutting vertically against the orientation of a Si (100) wafer. Next, the cleaved surface was sputtered by a 1 keV Ar{sup +} ion beam at ion-incidence angles of 0 deg., 60 deg., 70 deg., and 80 deg. The results confirm the successful ripple formation at ion-incidence angles of 60 deg. - 80 deg. and that the wavelength of the ripples increases with the increase ofmore » the ion-incidence angle, as well as the inverse of ion doses. The direction of the ripple also changes from perpendicular to parallel to the projection of the ion-beam direction along the surface with the increasing ion-incidence angle. The authors have also observed the dose effects on surface roughness of cleaved Si surface at the ion-incidence angle of 60 deg., where the surface roughness increases with the increased ion dose. Finally, to understand the roughening mechanism, the authors studied the scaling behavior, measured the roughness exponent {alpha}, and compared the evolution of scaling regimes with Cuerno's one-dimensional simulation results.« less

Radiation dose response simulation for biomechanical-based deformable image registration of head and neck cancer treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Mayah, Adil; Moseley, Joanne; Hunter, Shannon; Brock, Kristy

2015-11-01

Biomechanical-based deformable image registration is conducted on the head and neck region. Patient specific 3D finite element models consisting of parotid glands (PG), submandibular glands (SG), tumor, vertebrae (VB), mandible, and external body are used to register pre-treatment MRI to post-treatment MR images to model the dose response using image data of five patients. The images are registered using combinations of vertebrae and mandible alignments, and surface projection of the external body as boundary conditions. In addition, the dose response is simulated by applying a new loading technique in the form of a dose-induced shrinkage using the dose-volume relationship. The dose-induced load is applied as dose-induced shrinkage of the tumor and four salivary glands. The Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) is calculated for the four salivary glands, and tumor to calculate the volume overlap of the structures after deformable registration. A substantial improvement in the registration is found by including the dose-induced shrinkage. The greatest registration improvement is found in the four glands where the average DSC increases from 0.53, 0.55, 0.32, and 0.37 to 0.68, 0.68, 0.51, and 0.49 in the left PG, right PG, left SG, and right SG, respectively by using bony alignment of vertebrae and mandible (M), body (B) surface projection and dose (D) (VB+M+B+D).

Study of the amorphization of surface silicon layers implanted by low-energy helium ions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lomov, A. A., E-mail: lomov@ftian.ru; Myakon’kikh, A. V.; Oreshko, A. P.

2016-03-15

The structural changes in surface layers of Si(001) substrates subjected to plasma-immersion implantation by (2–5)-keV helium ions to a dose of D = 6 × 10{sup 15}–5 × 10{sup 17} cm{sup –2} have been studied by highresolution X-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering, and spectral ellipsometry. It is found that the joint application of these methods makes it possible to determine the density depth distribution ρ(z) in an implanted layer, its phase state, and elemental composition. Treatment of silicon substrates in helium plasma to doses of 6 × 10{sup 16} cm{sup –2} leads to the formation of a 20- to 30-nm-thick amorphizedmore » surface layer with a density close to the silicon density. An increase in the helium dose causes the formation of an internal porous layer.« less

Evaluation of an X-Ray Dose Profile Derived from an Optically Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeter during Computed Tomographic Fluoroscopy.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Hiroaki; Sato, Masanori; Tanaka, Hiroshi

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate scatter radiation dose to the subject surface during X-ray computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy using the integrated dose ratio (IDR) of an X-ray dose profile derived from an optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimeter. We aimed to obtain quantitative evidence supporting the radiation protection methods used during previous CT fluoroscopy. A multislice CT scanner was used to perform this study. OSL dosimeters were placed on the top and the lateral side of the chest phantom so that the longitudinal direction of dosimeters was parallel to the orthogonal axis-to-slice plane for measurement of dose profiles in CT fluoroscopy. Measurement of fluoroscopic conditions was performed at 120 kVp and 80 kVp. Scatter radiation dose was evaluated by calculating the integrated dose determined by OSL dosimetry. The overall percent difference of the integrated doses between OSL dosimeters and ionization chamber was 5.92%. The ratio of the integrated dose of a 100-mm length area to its tails (-50 to -6 mm, 50 to 6 mm) was the lowest on the lateral side at 80 kVp and the highest on the top at 120 kVp. The IDRs for different measurement positions were larger at 120 kVp than at 80 kVp. Similarly, the IDRs for the tube voltage between the primary X-ray beam and scatter radiation was larger on the lateral side than on the top of the phantom. IDR evaluation suggested that the scatter radiation dose has a high dependence on the position and a low dependence on tube voltage relative to the primary X-ray beam for constant dose rate fluoroscopic conditions. These results provided quantitative evidence supporting the radiation protection methods used during CT fluoroscopy in previous studies.

Evaluation of an X-Ray Dose Profile Derived from an Optically Stimulated Luminescent Dosimeter during Computed Tomographic Fluoroscopy

PubMed Central

Hasegawa, Hiroaki; Sato, Masanori; Tanaka, Hiroshi

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate scatter radiation dose to the subject surface during X-ray computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy using the integrated dose ratio (IDR) of an X-ray dose profile derived from an optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimeter. We aimed to obtain quantitative evidence supporting the radiation protection methods used during previous CT fluoroscopy. A multislice CT scanner was used to perform this study. OSL dosimeters were placed on the top and the lateral side of the chest phantom so that the longitudinal direction of dosimeters was parallel to the orthogonal axis-to-slice plane for measurement of dose profiles in CT fluoroscopy. Measurement of fluoroscopic conditions was performed at 120 kVp and 80 kVp. Scatter radiation dose was evaluated by calculating the integrated dose determined by OSL dosimetry. The overall percent difference of the integrated doses between OSL dosimeters and ionization chamber was 5.92%. The ratio of the integrated dose of a 100-mm length area to its tails (−50 to −6 mm, 50 to 6 mm) was the lowest on the lateral side at 80 kVp and the highest on the top at 120 kVp. The IDRs for different measurement positions were larger at 120 kVp than at 80 kVp. Similarly, the IDRs for the tube voltage between the primary X-ray beam and scatter radiation was larger on the lateral side than on the top of the phantom. IDR evaluation suggested that the scatter radiation dose has a high dependence on the position and a low dependence on tube voltage relative to the primary X-ray beam for constant dose rate fluoroscopic conditions. These results provided quantitative evidence supporting the radiation protection methods used during CT fluoroscopy in previous studies. PMID:26151914

Evaluation of dose-area product of common radiographic examinations towards establishing a preliminary diagnostic reference levels (PDRLs) in Southwestern Nigeria.

PubMed

Jibiri, Nnamdi N; Olowookere, Christopher J

2016-11-08

In Nigeria, a large number of radiographic examinations are conducted yearly for various diagnostic purposes. However, most examinations carried out do not have records of doses received by the patients, and the employed exposure parameters used are not documented; therefore, adequate radiation dose management is hin-dered. The aim of the present study was to estimate the dose-area product (DAP) of patients examined in Nigeria, and to propose regional reference dose levels for nine common examinations (chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP, skull AP, leg AP, knee AP, hand AP, and thigh AP) undertaken in Nigeria. Measurement of entrance surface dose (ESD) was carried out using thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). Measured ESDS were converted into DAP using the beam area of patients in 12 purposely selected hospitals. Results of the study show that the maximum/ minimum ratio ranged from 3 for thigh AP to 57 in abdomen AP. The range of determined mean and 75th percentile DAPs were 0.18-17.16, and 0.25-28.59 Gy cm2, respectively. Data available for comparison show that 75th percentile DAPs in this study (in chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP) are higher than NRPB-HPE reference values. The DAP in this study is higher by factor of 31.4 (chest PA), 9.9 (abdomen AP), 2.2 (pelvis AP), and 2.1 (lumbar AP) than NRPB-HPE values. The relative higher dose found in this study shows nonoptimization of practice in Nigeria. It is expected that regular dose auditing and dose optimization implementation in Nigeria would lead to lower DAP value, especially in abdomen AP. The 75th percentile DAP distribution reported in this study could be taken as regional diagnostic reference level in the Southwestern Nigeria; however, a more extensive nationwide dose survey is required to establish national reference dose. © 2016 The Authors.

The prospect of carbon fiber implants in radiotherapy

PubMed Central

Xiao‐bin, Tang; Chang‐ran, Geng; Da, Chen

2012-01-01

Because of their superior characteristics, carbonaceous materials, which are still at their early stage of development, have garnered significant interest. Because of their low atomic number, carbonaceous orthopedic implants possess radiation properties similar to biological tissues and, therefore, they are more suitable to patients in need of radiotherapy. The effects of stainless steel, titanium, and carbon plates on radiation dose distributions were investigated in this work using Monte Carlo simulations and TLD measurements for 6 MV photon beams. It is found that carbon plates will neither increase the incident surface dose, nor lead to the decrease of exit surface dose (the effect of a second build‐up). Carbon fiber orthopedic implants have a good prospect for radiotherapy patients because they have minimal perturbation effects on the radiotherapy dose distribution. PACS number: 87.55.K‐,87.55.Gh, 87.55.ne PMID:22766953

SU-F-P-50: Performance Evaluation of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) NanoDots in Therapy and Imaging In-Vivo Dose Measurement During Patient Treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, S; Sarkar, B; Kaur, H

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the performance of optically stimulated Luminescence (OSL) nanoDots as in-vivo dosimeter. For the measurements of surface doses as well as scattered plus leakage doses, nanoDots were used during the setup verification as well as during the treatment delivery. Methods: For a total seven patients undergoing radiotherapy by volumetric modulated arc therapy, surface doses from image guidance and scattered plus leakage doses from treatment delivery were measured. Two sets of calibration curves were generated – one for therapy and another for imaging. Two different nanoDots were used for imaging and therapy doses. Imaging nanoDotsmore » were placed at the isocenter only at the time of CBCT and therapy nanoDots were placed at 25 cm away from the isocenter (either in cranial or in caudal direction) only at the time of treatment delivery. During the entire course, nanoDots were placed at the same measurement points. NanoDots were read after 15 minutes of their exposure. For the next fraction, nanoDots were corrected for the residual doses from the previous fractions. Results: Measured surface doses during imaging were 0.14±0.32 cGy, 0.11±0.04 cGy, 0.12±0.53 cGy, 0.04±0.02 cGy, 0.13±0.23 cGy, 0.11±0.43 cGy, 0.10±0.04 cGy with overall mean dose of 0.08±0.1 cGy. Measured doses during treatment delivery, indicative of scattered and leakage dose, were 0.84±0.43 cGy, 1.3±0.4 cGy, 1.4±0.4 cGy, 0.18±0.48 cGy, 0.78±0.29 cGy, 0.27±0.08 cGy, 0.78±0.07 cGy with overall mean dose of 0.61±1.3 cGy. Conclusion: This dosimeter can be used as supplementary unit to verify the doses. No change in the prescription is recommended based on nanoDots measurement. This study is on-going therefore we are presenting only mere number of patients. A large volume data will be presented after completion of the study with proper statistical analysis.« less

A unique dosing system for the production of OH under high vacuum for the study of environmental heterogeneous reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Matthew A.; Johánek, Viktor; Hemminger, John C.

2008-02-01

A unique dosing system for the production of hydroxyl radicals under high vacuum for the study of environmental heterogeneous reactions is described. Hydroxyl radicals are produced by the photodissociation of a hydrogen peroxide aqueous gas mixture with 254nm radiation according to the reaction H2O2+hν (254nm)→OH+OH. Under the conditions of the current design, 0.6% conversion of hydrogen peroxide is expected yielding a hydroxyl number density on the order of 1010molecules/cm3. The flux distribution of the dosing system is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation method and compared with the experimentally determined results. The performance of this unique hydroxyl dosing system is demonstrated for the heterogeneous reaction with a solid surface of potassium iodide. Coupling of the hydroxyl radical dosing system to a quantitative surface analysis system should help provide molecular level insight into detailed reaction mechanisms.

Particle-related exposure, dose and lung cancer risk of primary school children in two European countries.

PubMed

Pacitto, A; Stabile, L; Viana, M; Scungio, M; Reche, C; Querol, X; Alastuey, A; Rivas, I; Álvarez-Pedrerol, M; Sunyer, J; van Drooge, B L; Grimalt, J O; Sozzi, R; Vigo, P; Buonanno, G

2018-03-01

Schools represent a critical microenvironment in terms of air quality due to the proximity to outdoor particle sources and the frequent lack of proper ventilation and filtering systems. Moreover, the population exposed in schools (i.e. children) represents a susceptible population due to their age. Air quality-based studies involving students' exposure at schools are still scarce and often limited to mass-based particle metrics and may thus underestimate the possible effect of sub-micron particles and particle toxicity. To this purpose, the present paper aims to evaluate the exposure to different airborne particle metrics (including both sub- and super-micron particles) and attached carcinogenic compounds. Measurements in terms of particle number, lung-deposited surface area, and PM fraction concentrations were measured inside and outside schools in Barcelona (Spain) and Cassino (Italy). Simultaneously, PM samples were collected and chemically analysed to obtain mass fractions of carcinogenic compounds. School time airborne particle doses received by students in classrooms were evaluated as well as their excess lung cancer risk due to a five-year primary school period. Median surface area dose received by students during school time in Barcelona and Cassino resulted equal to 110mm 2 and 303mm 2 , respectively. The risk related to the five-year primary school period was estimated as about 2.9×10 -5 and 1.4×10 -4 for students of Barcelona and Cassino, respectively. The risk in Barcelona is slightly higher with respect to the maximum tolerable value (10 -5 , according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), mainly due to toxic compounds on particles generated from anthropogenic emissions (mainly industry). On the other hand, the excess lung cancer risk in Cassino is cause of concern, being one order of magnitude higher than the above-mentioned threshold value due to the presence of biomass burning heating systems and winter thermal inversion that cause larger doses and great amount of toxic compounds on particles. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monte Carlo investigation of backscatter factors for skin dose determination in interventional neuroradiology procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omar, Artur; Benmakhlouf, Hamza; Marteinsdottir, Maria; Bujila, Robert; Nowik, Patrik; Andreo, Pedro

2014-03-01

Complex interventional and diagnostic x-ray angiographic (XA) procedures may yield patient skin doses exceeding the threshold for radiation induced skin injuries. Skin dose is conventionally determined by converting the incident air kerma free-in-air into entrance surface air kerma, a process that requires the use of backscatter factors. Subsequently, the entrance surface air kerma is converted into skin kerma using mass energy-absorption coefficient ratios tissue-to-air, which for the photon energies used in XA is identical to the skin dose. The purpose of this work was to investigate how the cranial bone affects backscatter factors for the dosimetry of interventional neuroradiology procedures. The PENELOPE Monte Carlo system was used to calculate backscatter factors at the entrance surface of a spherical and a cubic water phantom that includes a cranial bone layer. The simulations were performed for different clinical x-ray spectra, field sizes, and thicknesses of the bone layer. The results show a reduction of up to 15% when a cranial bone layer is included in the simulations, compared with conventional backscatter factors calculated for a homogeneous water phantom. The reduction increases for thicker bone layers, softer incident beam qualities, and larger field sizes, indicating that, due to the increased photoelectric crosssection of cranial bone compared to water, the bone layer acts primarily as an absorber of low-energy photons. For neurointerventional radiology procedures, backscatter factors calculated at the entrance surface of a water phantom containing a cranial bone layer increase the accuracy of the skin dose determination.

Dosimetry during intramedullary nailing of the tibia.

PubMed

Kirousis, George; Delis, Harry; Megas, Panagiotis; Lambiris, Elias; Panayiotakis, George

2009-10-01

Intramedullary nailing under fluoroscopic guidance is a common operation. We studied the intraoperative radiation dose received by both the patient and the personnel. 25 intramedullary nailing procedures of the tibia were studied. All patients suffered from tibial fractures and were treated using the Grosse-Kempf intramedullary nail, with free-hand technique for fixation of the distal screws, under fluoroscopic guidance. The exposure, at selected positions, was recorded using an ion chamber, while the dose area product (DAP) was measured with a DAP meter, attached to the tube head. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were used to derive the occupational dose to the personnel, and also to monitor the surface dose on the gonads of some of the patients. The mean operation time was 101 (48-240) min, with a mean fluoroscopic time of 72 seconds and a mean DAP value of 75 cGy x cm(2). The surface dose to the gonads of the patients was less than 8.8 mGy during any procedure, and thus cannot be considered to be a contraindication for the use of this technique. Occupational dose differed substantially between members of the operating personnel, the maximum dose recorded being to the operator of the fluoroscopic equipment (0.11 mSv). Our findings underscore the care required by the primary operator not to exceed the dose constraint of 10 mSv per year. The rest of the operating personnel, although they do not receive very high doses, should focus on the dose optimization of the technique.

Skeletal accumulation of fluorescently tagged zoledronate is higher in animals with early stage chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Swallow, E A; Aref, M W; Chen, N; Byiringiro, I; Hammond, M A; McCarthy, B P; Territo, P R; Kamocka, M M; Winfree, S; Dunn, K W; Moe, S M; Allen, M R

2018-06-11

This work examines the skeletal accumulation of fluorescently tagged zoledronate in an animal model of chronic kidney disease. The results show higher accumulation in 24-h post-dose animals with lower kidney function due to greater amounts of binding at individual surfaces. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients suffer from increased rates of skeletal-related mortality from changes driven by biochemical abnormalities. Bisphosphonates are commonly used in reducing fracture risk in a variety of diseases, yet their use is not recommended in advanced stages of CKD. This study aimed to characterize the accumulation of a single dose of fluorescently tagged zoledronate (FAM-ZOL) in the setting of reduced kidney function. At 25 weeks of age, FAM-ZOL was administered to normal and CKD rats. Twenty-four hours later, multiple bones were collected and assessed using bulk fluorescence imaging, two-photon imaging, and dynamic histomorphometry. CKD animals had significantly higher levels of FAM-ZOL accumulation in the proximal tibia, radius, and ulna, but not in lumbar vertebral body or mandible, based on multiple measurement modalities. Although a majority of trabecular bone surfaces were covered with FAM-ZOL in both normal and CKD animals, the latter had significantly higher levels of fluorescence per unit bone surface in the proximal tibia. These results provide new data regarding how reduced kidney function affects drug accumulation in rat bone.

Alphas and surface backgrounds in liquid argon dark matter detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanford, Christopher J.

Current observations from astrophysics indicate the presence of dark matter, an invisible form of matter that makes up a large part of the mass of the universe. One of the leading theories for dark matter is that it is made up of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs). One of the ways we try to discover WIMPs is by directly detecting their interaction with regular matter. This can be done using a scintillator such as liquid argon, which gives off light when a particle interacts with it. Liquid argon (LAr) is a favorable means of detecting WIMPs because it has an inherent property that enables a technique called pulse-shape discrimination (PSD). PSD can distinguish a WIMP signal from the constant background of electromagnetic signals from other sources, like gamma rays. However, there are other background signals that PSD is not as capable of rejecting, such as those caused by alpha decays on the interior surfaces of the detector. Radioactive elements that undergo alpha decay are introduced to detector surfaces during construction by radon gas that is naturally present in the air, as well as other means. When these surface isotopes undergo alpha decay, they can produce WIMP-like signals in the detector. We present here two LAr experiments. The first (RaDOSE) discovered a property of an organic compound that led to a technique for rejecting surface alpha decays in LAr detectors with high efficiency. The second (DarkSide-50) is a dark matter experiment operated at LNGS in Italy and is the work of an international collaboration. A detailed look is given into alpha decays and surface backgrounds present in the detector, and projections are made of alpha-related backgrounds for 500 live days of data. The technique developed with RaDOSE is applied to DarkSide-50 to determine its effectiveness in practice. It is projected to suppress the surface background in DarkSide-50 by more than a factor of 1000.

Optimisation of radiation dose and image quality in mobile neonatal chest radiography.

PubMed

Hinojos-Armendáriz, V I; Mejía-Rosales, S J; Franco-Cabrera, M C

2018-05-01

To optimise the radiation dose and image quality for chest radiography in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by increasing the mean beam energy. Two techniques for the acquisition of NICU AP chest X-ray images were compared for image quality and radiation dose. 73 images were acquired using a standard technique (56 kV, 3.2 mAs and no additional filtration) and 90 images with a new technique (62 kV, 2 mAs and 2 mm Al filtration). The entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) was measured using a phantom and compared between the techniques and against established diagnostic reference levels (DRL). Images were evaluated using seven image quality criteria independently by three radiologists. Images quality and radiation dose were compared statistically between the standard and new techniques. The maximum ESAK for the new technique was 40.20 μGy, 43.7% of the ESAK of the standard technique. Statistical evaluation demonstrated no significant differences in image quality between the two acquisition techniques. Based on the techniques and acquisition factors investigated within this study, it is possible to lower the radiation dose without any significant effects on image quality by adding filtration (2 mm Al) and increasing the tube potential. Such steps are relatively simple to undertake and as such, other departments should consider testing and implementing this dose reduction strategy within clinical practice where appropriate. Copyright © 2017 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SU-F-T-441: Dose Calculation Accuracy in CT Images Reconstructed with Artifact Reduction Algorithm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ng, C; Chan, S; Lee, F

Purpose: Accuracy of radiotherapy dose calculation in patients with surgical implants is complicated by two factors. First is the accuracy of CT number, second is the dose calculation accuracy. We compared measured dose with dose calculated on CT images reconstructed with FBP and an artifact reduction algorithm (OMAR, Philips) for a phantom with high density inserts. Dose calculation were done with Varian AAA and AcurosXB. Methods: A phantom was constructed with solid water in which 2 titanium or stainless steel rods could be inserted. The phantom was scanned with the Philips Brillance Big Bore CT. Image reconstruction was done withmore » FBP and OMAR. Two 6 MV single field photon plans were constructed for each phantom. Radiochromic films were placed at different locations to measure the dose deposited. One plan has normal incidence on the titanium/steel rods. In the second plan, the beam is at almost glancing incidence on the metal rods. Measurements were then compared with dose calculated with AAA and AcurosXB. Results: The use of OMAR images slightly improved the dose calculation accuracy. The agreement between measured and calculated dose was best with AXB and image reconstructed with OMAR. Dose calculated on titanium phantom has better agreement with measurement. Large discrepancies were seen at points directly above and below the high density inserts. Both AAA and AXB underestimated the dose directly above the metal surface, while overestimated the dose below the metal surface. Doses measured downstream of metal were all within 3% of calculated values. Conclusion: When doing treatment planning for patients with metal implants, care must be taken to acquire correct CT images to improve dose calculation accuracy. Moreover, great discrepancies in measured and calculated dose were observed at metal/tissue interface. Care must be taken in estimating the dose in critical structures that come into contact with metals.« less

The formation of diethyl ether via the reaction of iodoethane with atomic oxygen on the Ag(110) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, G. Scott; Barteau, Mark A.; Vohs, John M.

1999-01-01

The reactions of iodoethane (ICH 2CH 3) on clean and oxygen-covered Ag(110) surfaces were investigated using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS). Iodoethane adsorbs dissociatively at 150 K to produce surface ethyl groups on both clean and oxygen-covered Ag(110) surfaces. The ethyl species couple to form butane on both surfaces, with the desorption peak maximum located between 218 and 238 K, depending on the ethyl coverage. In addition to butane, a number of oxidation products including diethyl ether, ethanol, acetaldehyde, surface acetate, ethylene, carbon dioxide and water were formed on the oxygen-dosed Ag(110) surface. Diethyl ether was the major oxygenate produced at all ethyl:oxygen ratios, and the peak temperature for ether evolution varied from 220 to 266 K depending on the relative coverages of these reactants. The total combustion products, CO 2 and H 2O, were primarily formed at low ethyl coverages in the presence of excess oxygen. The formation of ethylene near 240 K probably involves an oxygen-assisted dehydrogenation pathway since ethylene is not formed from ethyl groups on the clean surface. Acetaldehyde and ethanol evolve coincidentally with a peak centered at 270-280 K, and are attributed to the reactions of surface ethoxide species. The surface acetate which decomposes near 620 K is formed from subsequent reactions of acetaldehyde with oxygen atoms. The addition of ethyl to oxygen to form surface ethoxides was verified by HREELS results. The yields of all products exhibited a strong dependence on the relative coverages of ethyl and oxygen.

Dose distribution and mapping with 3D imaging presentation in intraoral and panoramic examinations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsiu-Ling; Huang, Yung-Hui; Wu, Tung-Hsin; Wang, Shih-Yuan; Lee, Jason J. S.

2011-10-01

In current medical imaging applications, high quality images not only provide more diagnostic value for anatomic delineation but also offer functional information for treatment direction. However, this approach would potentially subscribe higher radiation dose in dental radiographies, which has been putatively associated with low-birth-weight during pregnancy, which affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis or thereby directly affects the reproductive organs. The aim of this study was to apply the high resolution 3-D image mapping technique to evaluate radiation doses from the following aspects: (1) verifying operating parameters of dental X-ray units, (2) measuring the leakage radiations and (3) mapping dose with 3-D radiographic imaging to evaluate dose distribution in head and neck regions. From the study results, we found that (1) leakage radiation from X-ray units was about 21.31±15.24 mR/h (<100 mR/h), (2) error of actual tube voltage for 60 kVp setting was from 0.2% to 6.5%, with an average of 2.5% (<7%) and (3) the error of exposure time for a 0.5-1.5 s setting was within 0.7-8.5%, with an average of 7.3% (<10%) error as well. Our 3-D dose mapping demonstrated that dose values were relatively lower in soft tissues and higher in bone surfaces compared with other investigations. Multiple causes could contribute to these variations, including irradiation geometry, image equipment and type of technique applied, etc. From the results, we also observed that larger accumulated doses were presented in certain critical organs, such as salivary gland, thyroid gland and bone marrow. Potential biological affects associated with these findings warrant further investigation.

[Prostate radiation therapy: in vivo measurement of the dose delivered by kV-CBCT].

PubMed

Marinello, G; Mege, J-P; Besse, M-C; Kerneur, G; Lagrange, J-L

2009-09-01

To investigate if the regular use of kV-CBCT notably increases the dose delivered to tumor and surrounding healthy tissues. Images were obtained using a Varian equipment (OBI version 1.3, 645 to 650 projections in 370 degrees to acquire image), and patients were irradiated at source-tumor distance: 100cm. In vivo measurements were performed using radio-thermoluminescent dosimeters Harshaw-TLD700H (TLD) at skin (anterior-posterior and lateral axis crossing the rotation axis), with a fourth TLD group under the table thanks to a retrolaser. TLD's were calibrated at the kV-CBCT effective energy (64 keV), and the method validated using an anthropomorphic phantom, in which Gafchromic EBT films were also inserted. The phantom study showed that the dose distribution depends on the phantom position relative to the axis and that the doses measured at the phantom surface using TLD and films (good agreement) were maximum at the entrance of the anterior-posterior axis. Their arithmetic mean was equal, or a slightly greater than doses measured at mid-thickness of the phantom and at the level of the rectum (OAR). In vivo measurements performed on the five first patients (125 kV-CBCT) yield a mean skin dose per kV-CBCT varying from 5.8+/-0.1 to 7.3+/-0.2 cGy on the anterior-posterior axis. Lateral skin doses vary from 3.4+/-0.2 to 4.5+/-0.2 cGy. Doses delivered by repeated kV-CBCT are not negligible. They should be taken into account, but questions about the RBE to be applied to kilovoltage X-rays are raised.

Superficial dosimetry imaging based on Čerenkov emission for external beam radiotherapy with megavoltage x-ray beam

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rongxiao; Glaser, Adam K.; Gladstone, David J.; Fox, Colleen J.; Pogue, Brian W.

2013-01-01

Purpose: Čerenkov radiation emission occurs in all tissue, when charged particles (either primary or secondary) travel at velocity above the threshold for the Čerenkov effect (about 220 KeV in tissue for electrons). This study presents the first examination of optical Čerenkov emission as a surrogate for the absorbed superficial dose for MV x-ray beams. Methods: In this study, Monte Carlo simulations of flat and curved surfaces were studied to analyze the energy spectra of charged particles produced in different regions near the surfaces when irradiated by MV x-ray beams. Čerenkov emission intensity and radiation dose were directly simulated in voxelized flat and cylindrical phantoms. The sampling region of superficial dosimetry based on Čerenkov radiation was simulated in layered skin models. Angular distributions of optical emission from the surfaces were investigated. Tissue mimicking phantoms with flat and curved surfaces were imaged with a time domain gating system. The beam field sizes (50 × 50–200 × 200 mm2), incident angles (0°–70°) and imaging regions were all varied. Results: The entrance or exit region of the tissue has nearly homogeneous energy spectra across the beam, such that their Čerenkov emission is proportional to dose. Directly simulated local intensity of Čerenkov and radiation dose in voxelized flat and cylindrical phantoms further validate that this signal is proportional to radiation dose with absolute average discrepancy within 2%, and the largest within 5% typically at the beam edges. The effective sampling depth could be tuned from near 0 up to 6 mm by spectral filtering. The angular profiles near the theoretical Lambertian emission distribution for a perfect diffusive medium, suggesting that angular correction of Čerenkov images may not be required even for curved surface. The acquisition speed and signal to noise ratio of the time domain gating system were investigated for different acquisition procedures, and the results show there is good potential for real-time superficial dose monitoring. Dose imaging under normal ambient room lighting was validated, using gated detection and a breast phantom. Conclusions: This study indicates that Čerenkov emission imaging might provide a valuable way to superficial dosimetry imaging in real time for external beam radiotherapy with megavoltage x-ray beams. PMID:24089916

Evaluation of dose variation during total skin electron irradiation using thermoluminescent dosimeters.

PubMed

Weaver, R D; Gerbi, B J; Dusenbery, K E

1995-09-30

To determine acceptable dose variation using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) in the treatment of Mycosis Fungoides with total skin electron beam (TSEB) irradiation. From 1983 to 1993, 22 patients were treated with total skin electron beam therapy in the standing position. A six-field technique was used to deliver 2 Gy in two days, treating 4 days per week, to a total dose of 35 to 40 Gy using a degraded 9 MeV electron beam. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed on several locations of the body and the results recorded. The variations in these readings were analyzed to determine normal dose variation for various body locations during TSEB. The dose to flat surfaces of the body was essentially the same as the dose to the prescription point. The dose to tangential surfaces was within +/- 10% of the prescription dose, but the readings showed much more variation (up to 24%). Thin areas of the body showed large deviations from the prescription dose along with a large amount of variation in the readings (up to 22%). Special areas of the body, such as the perineum and eyelid, showed large deviations from the prescription dose with very large (up to 40%) variations in the readings. The TLD results of this study will be used as a quality assurance check for all new patients treated with TSEB. The results of the TLDs will be compared with this baseline study to determine if the delivered dose is within acceptable ranges. If the TLD results fall outside the acceptable limits established above, then the patient position can be modified or the technique itself evaluated.

Reproducibility of three-dimensional cephalometric landmarks in cone-beam and low-dose computed tomography.

PubMed

Olszewski, R; Frison, L; Wisniewski, M; Denis, J M; Vynckier, S; Cosnard, G; Zech, F; Reychler, H

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study is to compare the reproducibility of three-dimensional cephalometric landmarks on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) surface rendering using clinical protocols based on low-dose (35-mAs) spiral CT and cone-beam CT (I-CAT). The absorbed dose levels for radiosensitive organs in the maxillofacial region during exposure in both 3D-CT protocols were also assessed. The study population consisted of ten human dry skulls examined with low-dose CT and cone-beam CT. Two independent observers identified 24 cephalometric anatomic landmarks at 13 sites on the 3D-CT surface renderings using both protocols, with each observer repeating the identification 1 month later. A total of 1,920 imaging measurements were performed. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed at six sites around the thyroid gland, the submandibular glands, and the eyes in an Alderson phantom to measure the absorbed dose levels. When comparing low-dose CT and cone-beam CT protocols, the cone-beam CT protocol proved to be significantly more reproducible for four of the 13 anatomical sites. There was no significant difference between the protocols for the other nine anatomical sites. Both low-dose and cone-beam CT protocols were equivalent in dose absorption to the eyes and submandibular glands. However, thyroid glands were more irradiated with low-dose CT. Cone-beam CT was more reproducible and procured less irradiation to the thyroid gland than low-dose CT. Cone-beam CT should be preferred over low-dose CT for developing three-dimensional bony cephalometric analyses.

Biocompatibilite des complexes proteines-nanoparticules: Perspectives sur la reponse cellulaire aux nanoparticules d'oxyde de fer fonctionnalisees, revetues d'un corona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mbeh, Doris Antoinette

This thesis presents the study of the biocompatibility of nanoparticles (NPs) of iron oxide (Fe3O4) candidates for targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules. We especially devoted to study the impact of the surface composition of the NPs and protein adsorption at the surface thereof on the cellular responses. To do this, we first examined the toxic potential of magnetite with various functionalizations: one that is prepared with (1) a monolayer of oleic acid (Fe3O4@OA), which is then converted to (2) an envelope silane containing an amine (Fe3O4@NH 2), (3) a coating of silica (Fe3O4@SiO 2), and (4) an envelope containing a silane coating on amine silica (Fe3O4@SiO2@NH 2). The presence of these groups at the surface of the NPs was confirmed by XPS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. We were able to prove that the toxic potential of NPs is dose-dependent and we determine the biocompatible doses for each surface functionalization. Microscopic observation of the morphology of the cells exposed to NPs, and their proinflammatory and mitochondrial activity showed that, in addition to surface features, the cell culture medium also affect the cytotoxicity of the NPs. These results clearly show that in order to use our NPs as pharmaceutical nanocarrier safely, we need to control the surface functionalization and the dynamic interaction between the NP and the physiological environment in which it is suspended. To understand the interaction between the NP and the culture medium, as a first step, we used three different culture media namely: DMEM, F-12K and DMEM / F12 (see Appendix A) and uncoated magnetite (Fe3O 4). These media were enriched with either fetal bovine serum (see Appendix B) or with a synthetic serum (SFMS). We have proved the presence of a protein corona on NPs suspended in culture media enriched with bovine serum. We also demonstrated that the formation of the corona depends on the composition of the culture medium and that the cytotoxic potential of the NPs is influenced by NP-protein interaction. In a second step, we used one culture medium (DMEM / F12) and the magnetite with three different surface compositions: uncoated SPIONs with hydroxyl groups (OH) on the surface; coated SPIONs with an amine group (NH2) on the surface and the last one with a carboxylic group (COOH) on the surface. The results show that the composition of the corona depends on the surface composition of the NP and cellular responses are also different from one surface to another. In fact, some proteins (e.g. albumin) are adsorbed on the coatings only positively charged (NH2), while others (e.g., fibrinogen) are adsorbed on the negatively charged coatings (OH and COOH). Cell proliferation is influenced by the surface chemistry and is dose-dependent. SPIONs coated with carboxylic groups are more biocompatible while those uncoated, having hydroxyl groups on the surface are the most cytotoxic. Exploring three possible mechanisms of cytotoxicity, i.e., the production of ions by the SPIONs in the culture media, reactive oxygen species and protein adsorption, we found that in our case, protein adsorption was behind the cytotoxicity of our NPs since oxidative stress have been proved non-existent and there are not enough ions in the culture media to be detected . From these results, we can make a first correlation between the chemical composition of the surface, the identity of the adsorbed proteins and cellular responses. But we must take into account many other parameters related either to the NPs such as the charge, the agglomeration status, or related to the culture medium as the density of each protein, or finally to the experimental conditions.

Influences of Au ion radiation on microstructure and surface-enhanced Raman scattering of nanoporous copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing; Hu, Zhaoyi; Li, Rui; Liu, Xiongjun; Xu, Chuan; Wang, Hui; Wu, Yuan; Fu, Engang; Lu, Zhaoping

2018-05-01

In this work, effects of Au ion irradiation on microstructure and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance of nanoporous copper (NPC) were investigated. It is found that the microstructure of NPC could be tailored by the ion irradiation dose, i.e., the pore size decreases while the ligament size significantly coarsens with the increase of the irradiation dose. In addition, the SERS enhancement for rhodamine 6G molecules was improved by Au ions irradiation at an appropriate dose. The underlying mechanism of the increase of SERS enhancement resulted from ion irradiation was discussed. Our findings could provide a new way to tune nanoporosity of nanoporous metals and improve their SERS performance.

Influences of Au ion radiation on microstructure and surface-enhanced Raman scattering of nanoporous copper.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Hu, Zhaoyi; Li, Rui; Liu, Xiongjun; Xu, Chuan; Wang, Hui; Wu, Yuan; Fu, Engang; Lu, Zhaoping

2018-05-04

In this work, effects of Au ion irradiation on microstructure and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance of nanoporous copper (NPC) were investigated. It is found that the microstructure of NPC could be tailored by the ion irradiation dose, i.e., the pore size decreases while the ligament size significantly coarsens with the increase of the irradiation dose. In addition, the SERS enhancement for rhodamine 6G molecules was improved by Au ions irradiation at an appropriate dose. The underlying mechanism of the increase of SERS enhancement resulted from ion irradiation was discussed. Our findings could provide a new way to tune nanoporosity of nanoporous metals and improve their SERS performance.

SU-F-T-371: Development of a Linac Monte Carlo Model to Calculate Surface Dose

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prajapati, S; Yan, Y; Gifford, K

2016-06-15

Purpose: To generate and validate a linac Monte Carlo (MC) model for surface dose prediction. Methods: BEAMnrc V4-2.4.0 was used to model 6 and 18 MV photon beams for a commercially available linac. DOSXYZnrc V4-2.4.0 calculated 3D dose distributions in water. Percent depth dose (PDD) and beam profiles were extracted for comparison to measured data. Surface dose and at depths in the buildup region was measured with radiochromic film at 100 cm SSD for 4 × 4 cm{sup 2} and 10 × 10 cm{sup 2} collimator settings for open and MLC collimated fields. For the 6 MV beam, films weremore » placed at depths ranging from 0.015 cm to 2 cm and for 18 MV, 0.015 cm to 3.5 cm in Solid Water™. Films were calibrated for both photon energies at their respective dmax. PDDs and profiles were extracted from the film and compared to the MC data. The MC model was adjusted to match measured PDD and profiles. Results: For the 6 MV beam, the mean error(ME) in PDD between film and MC for open fields was 1.9%, whereas it was 2.4% for MLC. For the 18 MV beam, the ME in PDD for open fields was 2% and was 3.5% for MLC. For the 6 MV beam, the average root mean square(RMS) deviation for the central 80% of the beam profile for open fields was 1.5%, whereas it was 1.6% for MLC. For the 18 MV beam, the maximum RMS for open fields was 3%, and was 3.1% for MLC. Conclusion: The MC model of a linac agreed to within 4% of film measurements for depths ranging from the surface to dmax. Therefore, the MC linac model can predict surface dose for clinical applications. Future work will focus on adjusting the linac MC model to reduce RMS error and improve accuracy.« less

Challenges of transcutaneous laser application for the potential of photobiomodulation of the spinal cord at the scale of a large companion animal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piao, Daqing; Sypniewski, Lara A.; Bartels, Kenneth E.

2017-02-01

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used successfully for the treatment of nervous system and has been demonstrated in the rodent model. In contrast, the percutaneous use of PBM to treat spinal cord of companion animals is expected to be challenging due to the significant attenuation of light energy as it travels through the thick and heterogeneous layers of tissue and bone to reach the level of the spinal cord. This pilot study was performed on a cadaverous dog to determine if the recommended bio-stimulatory treatment dose can be delivered to the spinal canal via percutaneous application of a clinically acceptable surface dose. The dose reaching the spinal canal after percutaneous application was measured at 980nm by using a miniature photo-diode sensor with a dose-response sensitivity of 1V per 1mW/cm2 dose and a 2mm spherical isotropic fiber-optical diffusor probe. The two sensors were embedded in different longitudinal positions along the dorsal portion of the spinal canal just below the soft tissues and vertebral processes in a 40lbs cadaverous dog. The spinal cord was then accessed via a hemilaminectomy. Once embedded in the target tissue, 1W-10 W surface irradiation was applied. At the T12/13 and T13/L1 intervertebral disc positions, photo-diode sensors detected the intra-spinal dose above the noise floor at the 10W surface dose. A narrow treatment window for percutaneous PBM in large dog may exist only for the shallowest segment of the spinal cord, which may be important to avoid potential collateral photothermal effects. Works for simultaneous multi-site intra-spinal measurements are on-going.

Matching extended-SSD electron beams to multileaf collimated photon beams in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

PubMed

Steel, Jared; Stewart, Allan; Satory, Philip

2009-09-01

Matching the penumbra of a 6 MeV electron beam to the penumbra of a 6 MV photon beam is a dose optimization challenge, especially when the electron beam is applied from an extended source-to-surface distance (SSD), as in the case of some head and neck treatments. Traditionally low melting point alloy blocks have been used to define the photon beam shielding over the spinal cord region. However, these are inherently time consuming to construct and employ in the clinical situation. Multileaf collimators (MLCs) provide a fast and reproducible shielding option but generate geometrically nonconformal approximations to the desired beam edge definition. The effects of substituting Cerrobend for the MLC shielding mode in the context of beam matching with extended-SSD electron beams are the subject of this investigation. Relative dose beam data from a Varian EX 2100 linear accelerator were acquired in a water tank under the 6 MeV electron beam at both standard and extended-SSD and under the 6 MV photon beam defined by Cerrobend and a number of MLC stepping regimes. The effect of increasing the electron beam SSD on the beam penumbra was assessed. MLC stepping was also assessed in terms of the effects on both the mean photon beam penumbra and the intraleaf dose-profile nonuniformity relative to the MLC midleaf. Computational techniques were used to combine the beam data so as to simulate composite relative dosimetry in the water tank, allowing fine control of beam abutment gap variation. Idealized volumetric dosimetry was generated based on the percentage depth-dose data for the beam modes and the abutment geometries involved. Comparison was made between each composite dosimetry dataset and the relevant ideal dosimetry dataset by way of subtraction. Weighted dose-difference volume histograms (DDVHs) were produced, and these, in turn, summed to provide an overall dosimetry score for each abutment and shielding type/angle combination. Increasing the electron beam SSD increased the penumbra width (defined as the lateral distance of the 80% and 20% isodose contours) by 8-10 mm at the depths of 10-20 mm. Mean photon beam penumbra width increased with increased MLC stepping, and the mean MLC penumbra was approximately 1.5 times greater than that across the corresponding Cerrobend shielding. Intraleaf dose discrepancy in the direction orthogonal to the beam edge also increased with MLC stepping. The weighted DDVH comparison techniques allowed the composite dosimetry resulting from the interplay of the abovementioned variables to be ranked. The MLC dosimetry ranked as good or better than that resulting from beam matching with Cerrobend for all except large field overlaps (-2.5 mm gap). The results for the linear-weighted DDVH comparison suggest that optimal MLC abutment dosimetry results from an optical surface gap of around 1 +/- 0.5 mm. Furthermore, this appears reasonably lenient to abutment gap variation, such as that arising from uncertainty in beam markup or other setup errors.

Determination of the uncertainties in radiation doses from ingestion of strontium-90

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apostoaei, Andrei Iulian

Quantification of the uncertainties in the internal dosimetry is important because it can impact the outcome of dose reconstruction, risk assessment or epidemiological studies. This research focused on determination of the uncertainties in the dose factors from a single ingestion of 90Sr by adults, and analyzed the changes with age and the effect of gender. The uncertainties in the estimated dose factors are a factor of 6 for the bone surface, 5 for the red bone marrow, 2.5 for bladder and stomach, 2.2 for the small intestine, 2.1 for the upper large intestine and 2.7 for the lower large intestine. For the rest of the organs the uncertainty is a factor of 3. Only four parameters of the biokinetic model showed an age-dependency within the adult age group: the fractional transfers of strontium from plasma to cortical and trabecular bone, and the removal rates from the cortical and trabecular bone, respectively. When age-dependent biokinetic parameters were used, the estimated dose-factors are very close to the dose factors obtained using age-independent kinetics (within 40%). Thus, the dose factors based on age-independent parameters should suffice for most practical purposes. The dose factors and the associated uncertainties were also calculated as a function of age-at-exposure and attained age. These age dependent curves can be used for estimating doses from continuous intakes, or doses delivered over a limited portion of time. In addition to the committed dose, an expected dose is also estimated in this work. The expected dose is calculated using the dose rate weighted by the probability of surviving up to the age when the dose-rate is delivered. For exposure at young ages the expected dose and the committed dose are similar, but the committed dose decreases to zero when exposure occurs close to age 70, while the expected dose has elevated values pass age 70. No gender differences were found for bone surface, for red bone marrow, and the large intestine. The doses to the soft tissues for females are larger by 20% than the doses for males, because of the differences in the whole-body mass between males and females.

Modeling intersubject variability of bronchial doses for inhaled radon progeny.

PubMed

Hofmann, Werner; Winkler-Heil, Renate; Hussain, Majid

2010-10-01

The main sources of intersubject variations considered in the present study were: (1) size and structure of nasal and oral passages, affecting extrathoracic deposition and, in further consequence, the fraction of the inhaled activity reaching the bronchial region; (2) size and asymmetric branching of the human bronchial airway system, leading to variations of diameters, lengths, branching angles, etc.; (3) respiratory parameters, such as tidal volume, and breathing frequency; (4) mucociliary clearance rates; and (5) thickness of the bronchial epithelium and depth of target cells, related to airway diameters. For the calculation of deposition fractions, retained surface activities, and bronchial doses, parameter values were randomly selected from their corresponding probability density functions, derived from experimental data, by applying Monte Carlo methods. Bronchial doses, expressed in mGy WLM-1, were computed for specific mining conditions, i.e., for defined size distributions, unattached fractions, and physical activities. Resulting bronchial dose distributions could be approximated by lognormal distributions. Geometric standard deviations illustrating intersubject variations ranged from about 2 in the trachea to about 7 in peripheral bronchiolar airways. The major sources of the intersubject variability of bronchial doses for inhaled radon progeny are the asymmetry and variability of the linear airway dimensions, the filtering efficiency of the nasal passages, and the thickness of the bronchial epithelium, while fluctuations of the respiratory parameters and mucociliary clearance rates seem to compensate each other.

Femtosecond-laser-induced periodic surface structures on magnetic layer targets: The roles of femtosecond-laser interaction and of magnetization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czajkowski, Klaus; Ratzke, Markus; Varlamova, Olga; Reif, Juergen

2017-09-01

We investigate femtosecond laser induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on a complex multilayer target, namely a 20-GB computer hard disk (HD), consisting of a metallic substrate, a magnetic layer, and a thin polymeric protective layer. Depending on the dose (fluence × number of pulses) first the polymeric cover layer is completely removed, revealing a periodic surface modulation of the magnetic layer which seems not to be induced by the laser action. At higher dose, the magnetic layer morphology is strongly modified by laser-induced periodic structures (LIPS) and, finally, kind of an etch stop is reached at the bottom of the magnetic layer. The LIPS shows very high modulation depth below and above the original surface level. In the present work, the role of magnetization and magneto-mechanic forces in the structure formation process is studied by monitoring the bit-wise magnetization of the HD with a magnetic force microscope. It is shown that the structures at low laser dose are reflecting the magnetic bits. At higher dose the magnetic influence appears to be extinguished on the account of LIPS. This suggests a transient overcoming the Curie temperature and an associated loss of magnetic order. The results compare well with our model of LIPS/LIPSS formation by self-organized relaxation from a laser-induced thermodynamic instability.

Surface-Modified Nanocarriers for Nose-to-Brain Delivery: From Bioadhesion to Targeting

PubMed Central

Clementino, Adryana; Buttini, Francesca; Colombo, Gaia; Pescina, Silvia; Stanisçuaski Guterres, Silvia; Nicoli, Sara

2018-01-01

In the field of nasal drug delivery, nose-to-brain delivery is among the most fascinating applications, directly targeting the central nervous system, bypassing the blood brain barrier. Its benefits include dose lowering and direct brain distribution of potent drugs, ultimately reducing systemic side effects. Recently, nasal administration of insulin showed promising results in clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Nanomedicines could further contribute to making nose-to-brain delivery a reality. While not disregarding the need for devices enabling a formulation deposition in the nose’s upper part, surface modification of nanomedicines appears the key strategy to optimize drug delivery from the nasal cavity to the brain. In this review, nanomedicine delivery based on particle engineering exploiting surface electrostatic charges, mucoadhesive polymers, or chemical moieties targeting the nasal epithelium will be discussed and critically evaluated in relation to nose-to-brain delivery. PMID:29543755

Optimization of Crew Shielding Requirement in Reactor-Powered Lunar Surface Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barghouty, Abdulnasser F.

2007-01-01

On the surface of the moon -and not only during heightened solar activities- the radiation environment As such that crew protection will be required for missions lasting in excess of six months. This study focuses on estimating the optimized crew shielding requirement for lunar surface missions with a nuclear option. Simple, transport-simulation based dose-depth relations of the three (galactic, solar, and fission) radiation sources am employed in a 1-dimensional optimization scheme. The scheme is developed to estimate the total required mass of lunar-regolith separating reactor from crew. The scheme was applied to both solar maximum and minimum conditions. It is shown that savings of up to 30% in regolith mass can be realized. It is argued, however, that inherent variation and uncertainty -mainly in lunar regolith attenuation properties in addition to the radiation quality factor- can easily defeat this and similar optimization schemes.

Optimization of Crew Shielding Requirement in Reactor-Powered Lunar Surface Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barghouty, A. F.

2007-01-01

On the surface of the moon and not only during heightened solar activities the radiation environment is such that crew protection will be required for missions lasting in excess of six months. This study focuses on estimating the optimized crew shielding requirement for lunar surface missions with a nuclear option. Simple, transport-simulation based dose-depth relations of the three radiation sources (galactic, solar, and fission) are employed in a one-dimensional optimization scheme. The scheme is developed to estimate the total required mass of lunar regolith separating reactor from crew. The scheme was applied to both solar maximum and minimum conditions. It is shown that savings of up to 30% in regolith mass can be realized. It is argued, however, that inherent variation and uncertainty mainly in lunar regolith attenuation properties in addition to the radiation quality factor can easily defeat this and similar optimization schemes.

Booster dose vaccination for preventing hepatitis B.

PubMed

Poorolajal, Jalal; Hooshmand, Elham

2016-06-07

Antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) wane over time following hepatitis B immunisation; hence, it is unclear whether people vaccinated in three-dose or four-dose schedules of the hepatitis B vaccine are still immune when the hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) level in their body is undetectable, or lower than the level usually considered protective. This question may potentially be answered indirectly by measuring the anamnestic immune response to a booster dose of vaccine. The term 'booster' (or revaccination) refers to an additional dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) given some time post-primary vaccination to induce immune memory and improve protection against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To assess the benefits and harms of booster dose hepatitis B vaccination, more than five years after the primary vaccination, for preventing HBV infection in healthy individuals previously vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine, and with hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels below 10 mIU/mL. We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, conference databases, and reference lists of articles to January 2016. We also contacted authors of articles. In addition, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials (May 2016). Randomised clinical trials addressing anamnestic immune response to a booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine, more than five years after the primary vaccination, in apparently healthy participants, vaccinated in a three-dose or four-dose schedule of the hepatitis B vaccine during the primary vaccination, without receiving an additional dose or immunoglobulin. Both review authors decided if the identified studies met the inclusion criteria or not. Primary outcomes included the proportion of participants with anamnestic immune response in non-protected participants and signs of HBV infection. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants that developed local and systemic adverse events following a booster dose injection. We planned to report the weighted proportion with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There were no eligible randomised clinical trials fulfilling the inclusion criteria of this review. We were unable to include any randomised clinical trials on the topic; only randomised clinical trials will be able to provide an answer as to whether a booster dose vaccination is able to protect against hepatitis B infection.

Derivation of occupational exposure levels (OELs) of low-toxicity isometric biopersistent particles: How can the kinetic lung overload paradigm be used for improved inhalation toxicity study design and OEL-derivation?

PubMed

Pauluhn, Jürgen

2014-12-20

Convincing evidence suggests that poorly soluble low-toxicity particles (PSP) exert two unifying major modes of action (MoA), in which one appears to be deposition-related acute, whilst the other is retention-related and occurs with particle accumulation in the lung and associated persistent inflammation. Either MoA has its study- and cumulative dose-specific adverse outcome and metric. Modeling procedures were applied to better understand as to which extent protocol variables may predetermine any specific outcome of study. The results from modeled and empirical studies served as basis to derive OELs from modeled and empirically confirmed directions. This analysis demonstrates that the accumulated retained particle displacement volume was the most prominent unifying denominator linking the pulmonary retained volumetric particle dose to inflammogenicity and toxicity. However, conventional study design may not always be appropriate to unequivocally discriminate the surface thermodynamics-related acute adversity from the cumulative retention volume-related chronic adversity. Thus, in the absence of kinetically designed studies, it may become increasingly challenging to differentiate substance-specific deposition-related acute effects from the more chronic retained cumulative dose-related effects. It is concluded that the degree of dissolution of particles in the pulmonary environment seems to be generally underestimated with the possibility to attribute to toxicity due to decreased particle size and associated changes in thermodynamics and kinetics of dissolution. Accordingly, acute deposition-related outcomes become an important secondary variable within the pulmonary microenvironment. In turn, lung-overload related chronic adversities seem to be better described by the particle volume metric. This analysis supports the concept that 'self-validating', hypothesis-based computational study design delivers the highest level of unifying information required for the risk characterization of PSP. In demonstrating that the PSP under consideration is truly following the generic PSP-paradigm, this higher level of mechanistic information reduces the potential uncertainty involved with OEL derivation.

SU-F-T-307: Peripheral Dose Comparison Between Static and Dynamic Jaw Tracking On a High Definition MLC System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perez-Andujar, A; Cheung, J; Chuang, C

Purpose: To investigate the effect of dynamic and static jaw tracking on patient peripheral doses. Materials and Methods: A patient plan with a large sacral metastasis (volume 800cm3, prescription 600cGyx5) was selected for this study. The plan was created using 2-field RapidArc with jaw tracking enabled (Eclipse, V11.0.31). These fields were then exported and edited in MATLAB with static jaw positions using the control point with the largest field size for each respective arc, but preserving the optimized leaf sequences for delivery. These fields were imported back into Eclipse for dose calculation and comparison and copied to a Rando phantommore » for delivery analysis. Points were chosen in the phantom at depth and on the phantom surface at locations outside the primary radiation field, at distances of 12cm, 20cm, and 30cm from the isocenter. Measurements were acquired with OSLDs placed at these positions in the phantom with both the dynamic and static jaw deliveries for comparison. Surface measurements included an additional 1cm bolus over the OSLDs to ensure electron equilibrium. Results: The static jaw deliveries resulted in cumulative jaw-defined field sizes of 17.3% and 17.4% greater area than the dynamic jaw deliveries for each arc. The static jaw plan resulted in very small differences in calculated dose in the treatment planning system ranging from 0–16cGy. The measured dose differences were larger than calculated, but the differences in absolute dose were small. The measured dose differences at depth (surface) between the two deliveries showed an increase for the static jaw delivery of 2.2%(11.4%), 15.6%(20.0%), and 12.7%(12.7%) for distances of 12cm, 20cm, and 30cm, respectively. Eclipse calculates a difference of 0–3.1% for all of these points. The largest absolute dose difference between all points was 6.2cGy. Conclusion: While we demonstrated larger than expected differences in peripheral dose, the absolute dose differences were small.« less

Surface dose investigation of the flattening filter-free photon beams.

PubMed

Wang, Yuenan; Khan, Mohammad K; Ting, Joseph Y; Easterling, Stephen B

2012-06-01

Flattening filter-free (FFF) x-rays can provide more efficient use of photons and a significant increase of dose rate compared with conventional flattened x-rays, features that are especially beneficial for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). The available data on the entrance doses of the FFF photon beams remain limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the entrance dose of FFF photons in the buildup region and to compare it with that of conventional flattened photons. A Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator has been in full clinical operation with 6-MV and 10-MV FFF and flattened x-ray photons. Entrance dose at the surface was measured using a parallel plate ionization chamber in a solid water phantom with buildup depth = 0~15 mm for 6X and 0~25 mm for 10X. Different field size (FS) patterns were created in the Eclipse Treatment Planning System by multileaf collimator (MLC) rather than jaws (FS = 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 6 × 6, and 10 × 10 cm(2) by MLC and jaw size = 2.2 × 2.2, 3.2 × 3.2, 4.2 × 4.2, 6 × 6, and 10 × 10 cm(2)). The smallest FS was about four times larger than the ion chamber dimension. All buildup dose measurements were normalized to FS = 10 × 10 cm(2) at the depth of dose maximum (dmax). Good repeatability was demonstrated and surface dose increased linearly with FS for both flattened and FFF photons. The entrance dose of the FFF photons was modestly larger than that of the corresponding flattened photons for both 6X and 10X for different FS ranging from 2 × 2 cm(2) to 10 × 10 cm(2). The FFF photons have a higher entrance dose than that of the corresponding flattened photons for FS smaller than 10 × 10 cm(2). However, the difference is not substantial and may be clinically insignificant. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Writing silica structures in liquid with scanning transmission electron microscopy.

PubMed

van de Put, Marcel W P; Carcouët, Camille C M C; Bomans, Paul H H; Friedrich, Heiner; de Jonge, Niels; Sommerdijk, Nico A J M

2015-02-04

Silica nanoparticles are imaged in solution with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) using a liquid cell with silicon nitride (SiN) membrane windows. The STEM images reveal that silica structures are deposited in well-defined patches on the upper SiN membranes upon electron beam irradiation. The thickness of the deposits is linear with the applied electron dose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrate that the deposited patches are a result of the merging of the original 20 nm-diameter nanoparticles, and that the related surface roughness depends on the electron dose rate used. Using this approach, sub-micrometer scale structures are written on the SiN in liquid by controlling the electron exposure as function of the lateral position. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pediatric dosimetry for intrapleural lung injections of 32P chromic phosphate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konijnenberg, Mark W.; Olch, Arthur

2010-10-01

Intracavitary injections of 32P chromic phosphate are used in the therapy of pleuropulmonary blastoma and pulmonary sarcomas in children. The lung dose, however, has never been calculated despite the potential risk of lung toxicity from treatment. In this work the dosimetry has been calculated in target tissue and lung for pediatric phantoms. Pleural cavities were modeled in the Monte Carlo code MCNP within the pediatric MIRD phantoms. Both the depth-dose curves in the pleural lining and into the lung as well as 3D dose distributions were calculated for either homogeneous or inhomogeneous 32P activity distributions. Dose-volume histograms for the lung tissue and isodose graphs were generated. The results for the 2D depth-dose curve to the pleural lining and tumor around the pleural cavity correspond well with the point kernel model-based recommendations. With a 2 mm thick pleural lining, one-third of the lung parenchyma volume gets a dose more than 30 Gy (V30) for 340 MBq 32P in a 10 year old. This is close to lung tolerance. Younger children will receive a larger dose to the lung when the lung density remains equal to the adult value; the V30 relative lung volume for a 5 year old is 35% at an activity of 256 MBq and for a 1 year old 165 MBq yields a V30 of 43%. At higher densities of the lung tissue V30 stays below 32%. All activities yield a therapeutic dose of at least 225 Gy in the pleural lining. With a more normal pleural lining thickness (0.5 mm instead of 2 mm) the injected activities will have to be reduced by a factor 5 to obtain tolerable lung doses in pediatric patients. Previous dosimetry recommendations for the adult apply well down to lung surface areas of 400 cm2. Monte Carlo dosimetry quantitates the three-dimensional dose distribution, providing a better insight into the maximum tolerable activity for this therapy.

SU-E-T-283: Dose Perturbations Near Heterogeneity Junctions for Modulated-Scanning Protons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deng, Y; Li, Y; Sheng, Y

2015-06-15

Purpose: To compare calculated and measured doses near heterogeneity junctions of tissue-substitute materials for modulated-scanning protons. Methods: Three heterogeneous phantoms were configured using slabs of various plastics to simulate lung, fat, soft-tissue (polystyrene), and bone with known relative linear stopping powers (RLSPs). Each phantom consisted of soft-tissue and a single heterogeneity of a 5 or 10 cm thickness of a non-soft-tissue material. CT images were loaded into a Syngo treatment planning system and each material contoured and assigned its RLSP. Planning target volumes (PTVs) were drawn such that a beam would partially traverse the heterogeneity and partially only soft-tissue. Lateralmore » profiles were measured using EDR2 films at a minimum of six depths between the phantom surface and the depth corresponding to the beam range. Absolute doses were measured inside and distal to the PTV in all phantoms using either a parallel plate or thimble chamber. Additional dose measurements were made between two lung slabs. Results: Profiles measured by film generally agreed with calculations except for depths distal to lung and fat junctions. Measured lateral penumbras for depths at the distal junction of lung were found to be wider than calculated ones. Compared with calculated doses, measured doses in the PTVs were 5.19% and 2.51% lower for lung and fat respectively but for bone were 0.2% higher. Measured doses for depths distal to the PTV were up to 29.65% and 10.58% higher for lung and fat, respectively but 6.30% lower for bone. Conclusion: The low measured doses in the PTVs for lung and fat might be due to underestimation of lateral scattering of protons. The higher measured doses distal to the PTV for the lung and fat are a Result of a shortened calculated beam range whereas the higher dose distal to the bone junction is within uncertainties.« less

Diode‐based transmission detector for IMRT delivery monitoring: a validation study

PubMed Central

Li, Taoran; Wu, Q. Jackie; Matzen, Thomas; Yin, Fang‐Fang

2016-01-01

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential of a new transmission detector for real‐time quality assurance of dynamic‐MLC‐based radiotherapy. The accuracy of detecting dose variation and static/dynamic MLC position deviations was measured, as well as the impact of the device on the radiation field (surface dose, transmission). Measured dose variations agreed with the known variations within 0.3%. The measurement of static and dynamic MLC position deviations matched the known deviations with high accuracy (0.7–1.2 mm). The absorption of the device was minimal (∼ 1%). The increased surface dose was small (1%–9%) but, when added to existing collimator scatter effects could become significant at large field sizes (≥30×30 cm2). Overall the accuracy and speed of the device show good potential for real‐time quality assurance. PACS number(s): 87.55.Qr PMID:27685115

Technical Note: Out‐of‐field dose measurement at near surface with plastic scintillator detector

PubMed Central

Bourgouin, Alexandra; Varfalvy, Nicolas

2016-01-01

Out‐of‐field dose depends on multiple factors, making peripheral dosimetry complex. Only a few dosimeters have the required features for measuring peripheral dose. Plastic scintillator dosimeters (PSDs) offer numerous dosimetric advantages as required for out‐of‐field dosimetry. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of using PSD as a surface peripheral dosimeter. Measurements were performed with a parallel‐plate ion chamber, a small volume ion chamber, and with a PSD. Lateral‐dose measurements (LDM) at 0.5 cm depth and depth‐dose curve (PDD) were made and compared to the dose calculation provided by a treatment planning system (TPS). This study shows that a PSD can measure a dose as low as 0.51±0.17cGy for photon beam and 0.58±0.20cGy for electron beam with a difference of 0.2 and 0.1 cGy compared to a parallel‐plate ion chamber. This study demonstrates the potential of using PSD as an out‐of‐field dosimeter since measurements with PSD avoid averaging over a too‐large depth, at 1 mm diameter, and can make precise measurement at very low dose. Also, electronic equilibrium is easier to reach with PSD due to its small sensitive volume and its water equivalence. PACS number(s): 87.55.N, 87.55.km PMID:27685131

Characterization of nanoDot optically stimulated luminescence detectors and high-sensitivity MCP-N thermoluminescent detectors in the 40-300 kVp energy range.

PubMed

Poirier, Yannick; Kuznetsova, Svetlana; Villarreal-Barajas, Jose Eduardo

2018-01-01

To investigate empirically the energy dependence of the detector response of two in vivo luminescence detectors, LiF:Mg,Cu,P (MCP-N) high-sensitivity TLDs and Al 2 O 3 :C OSLDs, in the 40-300-kVp energy range in the context of in vivo surface dose measurement. As these detectors become more prevalent in clinical and preclinical in vivo measurements, knowledge of the variation in the empirical dependence of the measured response of these detectors across a wide spectrum of beam qualities is important. We characterized a large range of beam qualities of three different kilovoltage x-ray units: an Xstrahl 300 Orthovoltage unit, a Precision x-Ray X-RAD 320ix biological irradiator, and a Varian On-Board Imaging x-ray unit. The dose to water was measured in air according to the AAPM's Task Group 61 protocol. The OSLDs and TLDs were irradiated under reference conditions on the surface of a water phantom to provide full backscatter conditions. To assess the change in sensitivity in the long term, we separated the in vivo dosimeters of each type into an experimental and a reference group. The experimental dosimeters were irradiated using the kilovoltage x-ray units at each beam quality used in this investigation, while the reference group received a constant 10 cGy irradiation at 6 MV from a Varian clinical linear accelerator. The individual calibration of each detector was verified in cycles where both groups received a 10 cGy irradiation at 6 MV. The nanoDot OSLDs were highly reproducible, with ±1.5% variation in response following >40 measurement cycles. The TLDs lost ~20% of their signal sensitivity over the course of the study. The relative light output per unit dose to water of the MCP-N TLDs did not vary with beam quality for beam qualities with effective energies <50 keV (~150 kVp/6 mm Al). At higher energies, they showed a reduced (~75-85%) light output per unit dose relative to 6 MV x rays. The nanoDot OSLDs exhibited a very strong (120-408%) dependency of the light output relative to 6 MV x rays. Variations up to 15% between different x-ray units with equivalent effective energies were also observed. While convenient for clinical use, nanoDot OSLDs exhibit a strong variation in their measured light output per unit dose relative to 6 MV in the 40-300 kV x-ray range. This variability differs unit-to-unit, limiting their effective use for in vivo dosimetry applications in the kilovoltage x-ray energy range. MCP-N TLDs offer a much more stable response, but suffer from variations in sensitivity over time dependent on radiation history, which requires careful experimental handling. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Contact toxicity and residual effects of selected insecticides against the adult Paederus fuscipes (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).

PubMed

Bong, Lee-Jin; Neoh, Kok-Boon; Jaal, Zairi; Lee, Chow-Yang

2013-12-01

The contact toxicity of four insecticide formulations (deltamethrin, fipronil, fenitrothion, and imidacloprid) applied on three different substrates (tile, plywood, and concrete) against the adult rove beetle, Paederus fuscipes Curtis, was evaluated. The relative order of speed of killing effects was as follows: deltamethrin > imidacloprid > fipronil > fenitrothion. Although deltamethrin showed the fastest action against P. fuscipes, the recovery rate of rove beetles at 48 h posttreatment was moderate (approximately 25%) on the tile surface to high (approximately 80%) on the plywood surface. Thus, it is likely that the insects did not pick up the lethal dose especially on porous surfaces. In contrast, fipronil demonstrated delayed toxicity that might promote maximal uptake by the insects. More than 80% mortality was registered for tile and plywood surfaces up to 4 wk after exposure. High mortality (almost 100%) was recorded for imidacloprid-exposed P. fuscipes at 48 h posttreatment, but only on the tile surface. Among the four insecticides tested, fenitrothion was the least effective against P. fuscipes because low percentage to no mortality was recorded in the fenitrothion treatment.

TEMIS UV product validation using NILU-UV ground-based measurements in Thessaloniki, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zempila, Melina-Maria; van Geffen, Jos H. G. M.; Taylor, Michael; Fountoulakis, Ilias; Koukouli, Maria-Elissavet; van Weele, Michiel; van der A, Ronald J.; Bais, Alkiviadis; Meleti, Charikleia; Balis, Dimitrios

2017-06-01

This study aims to cross-validate ground-based and satellite-based models of three photobiological UV effective dose products: the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) erythemal UV, the production of vitamin D in the skin, and DNA damage, using high-temporal-resolution surface-based measurements of solar UV spectral irradiances from a synergy of instruments and models. The satellite-based Tropospheric Emission Monitoring Internet Service (TEMIS; version 1.4) UV daily dose data products were evaluated over the period 2009 to 2014 with ground-based data from a Norsk Institutt for Luftforskning (NILU)-UV multifilter radiometer located at the northern midlatitude super-site of the Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (LAP/AUTh), in Greece. For the NILU-UV effective dose rates retrieval algorithm, a neural network (NN) was trained to learn the nonlinear functional relation between NILU-UV irradiances and collocated Brewer-based photobiological effective dose products. Then the algorithm was subjected to sensitivity analysis and validation. The correlation of the NN estimates with target outputs was high (r = 0. 988 to 0.990) and with a very low bias (0.000 to 0.011 in absolute units) proving the robustness of the NN algorithm. For further evaluation of the NILU NN-derived products, retrievals of the vitamin D and DNA-damage effective doses from a collocated Yankee Environmental Systems (YES) UVB-1 pyranometer were used. For cloud-free days, differences in the derived UV doses are better than 2 % for all UV dose products, revealing the reference quality of the ground-based UV doses at Thessaloniki from the NILU-UV NN retrievals. The TEMIS UV doses used in this study are derived from ozone measurements by the SCIAMACHY/Envisat and GOME2/MetOp-A satellite instruments, over the European domain in combination with SEVIRI/Meteosat-based diurnal cycle of the cloud cover fraction per 0. 5° × 0. 5° (lat × long) grid cells. TEMIS UV doses were found to be ˜ 12.5 % higher than the NILU NN estimates but, despite the presence of a visually apparent seasonal pattern, the R2 values were found to be robustly high and equal to 0.92-0.93 for 1588 all-sky coincidences. These results significantly improve when limiting the dataset to cloud-free days with differences of 0.57 % for the erythemal doses, 1.22 % for the vitamin D doses, and 1.18 % for the DNA-damage doses, with standard deviations of the order of 11-13 %. The improvement of the comparative statistics under cloud-free cases further testifies to the importance of the appropriate consideration of the contribution of clouds in the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. For the urban area of Thessaloniki, with highly variable aerosol, the weakness of the implicit aerosol information introduced to the TEMIS UV dose algorithm was revealed by comparison of the datasets to aerosol optical depths at 340 nm as reported by a collocated CIMEL sun photometer, operating in Thessaloniki at LAP/AUTh as part of the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network.

SU-E-T-373: Evaluation and Reduction of Contralateral Skin /subcutaneous Dose for Tangential Breast Irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Butson, M; Carroll, S; Whitaker, M

2015-06-15

Purpose: Tangential breast irradiation is a standard treatment technique for breast cancer therapy. One aspect of dose delivery includes dose delivered to the skin caused by electron contamination. This effect is especially important for highly oblique beams used on the medical tangent where the electron contamination deposits dose on the contralateral breast side. This work aims to investigate and predict as well as define a method to reduce this dose during tangential breast radiotherapy. Methods: Analysis and calculation of breast skin and subcutaneous dose is performed using a Varian Eclipse planning system, AAA algorithm for 6MV x-ray treatments. Measurements weremore » made using EBT3 Gafchromic film to verify the accuracy of planning data. Various materials were tested to assess their ability to remove electron contamination on the contralateral breast. Results: Results showed that the Varian Eclipse AAA algorithm could accurately estimate contralateral breast dose in the build-up region at depths of 2mm or deeper. Surface dose was underestimated by the AAA algorithm. Doses up to 12% of applied dose were seen on the contralateral breast surface and up to 9 % at 2mm depth. Due to the nature of this radiation, being mainly low energy electron contamination, a bolus material could be used to reduce this dose to less than 3%. This is accomplished by 10 mm of superflab bolus or by 1 mm of lead. Conclusion: Contralateral breast skin and subcutaneous dose is present for tangential breast treatment and has been measured to be up to 12% of applied dose from the medial tangent beam. This dose is deposited at shallow depths and is accurately calculated by the Eclipse AAA algorithm at depths of 2mm or greater. Bolus material placed over the contralateral can be used to effectively reduce this skin dose.« less

Low-tube-voltage selection for non-contrast-enhanced CT: Comparison of the radiation dose in pediatric and adult phantoms.

PubMed

Shimonobo, Toshiaki; Funama, Yoshinori; Utsunomiya, Daisuke; Nakaura, Takeshi; Oda, Seitaro; Kiguchi, Masao; Masuda, Takanori; Sakabe, Daisuke; Yamashita, Yasuyuki; Awai, Kazuo

2016-01-01

We used pediatric and adult anthropomorphic phantoms to compare the radiation dose of low- and standard tube voltage chest and abdominal non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. We also discuss the optimal low tube voltage for non-contrast-enhanced CT. Using a female adult- and three differently-sized pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms we acquired chest and abdominal non-contrast-enhanced scans on a 320-multidetector CT volume scanner. The tube voltage was set at 80-, 100-, and 120 kVp. The tube current was automatically assigned on the CT scanner in response to the set image noise level. On each phantom and at each tube voltage we measured the surface and center dose using high-sensitivity metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor detectors. The mean surface dose of chest and abdominal CT scans in 5-year olds was 4.4 and 5.3 mGy at 80 kVp, 4.5 and 5.4 mGy at 100 kV, and 4.0 and 5.0 mGy at 120 kVp, respectively. These values were similar in our 3-pediatric phantoms (p > 0.05). The mean surface dose in the adult phantom increased from 14.7 to 19.4 mGy for chest- and from 18.7 to 24.8 mGy for abdominal CT as the tube voltage decreased from 120 to 80 kVp (p < 0.01). Compared to adults, the surface and center dose for pediatric patients is almost the same despite a decrease in the tube voltage and the low tube voltage technique can be used for non-contrast-enhanced chest- and abdominal scanning. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimation of organ cumulated activities and absorbed doses on intakes of several 11C labelled radiopharmaceuticals from external measurement with thermoluminescent dosimeters.

PubMed

Nakamura, T; Hayashi, Y; Watabe, H; Matsumoto, M; Horikawa, T; Fujiwara, T; Ito, M; Yanai, K

1998-02-01

We have developed a method for obtaining the cumulated activities in organs from radionuclides, which are injected into the patient in nuclear medicine procedures, by external exposure measurement with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) which are attached to the patient's body surface close to source organs to obtain information on body-surface doses. As the surface dose is connected to the cumulated activities in source organs through radiation transmission in the human body which can be estimated with the aid of a mathematical phantom, the organ cumulated activities can be obtained by the inverse transform method. The accuracy of this method was investigated by using a water phantom in which several gamma-ray volume sources of known activity were placed to simulate source organs. We then estimated by external measurements the organ cumulated activities and absorbed doses in subjects to whom the radiopharmaceuticals 11C-labelled Doxepin, 11C-labelled YM09151-2 and 11C-labelled Benzotropin were administered in clinical nuclear medicine procedures. The cumulated activities in the brain obtained with TLDs for Doxepin and YM09151-2 are 63.6 +/- 6.2 and 32.1 +/- 12.0 kBq h MBq-1 respectively, which are compared with the respective values of 33.3 +/- 9.9 and 23.9 +/- 6.2 kBq h MBq-1 with direct PET (positron emission tomography) measurements. The agreement between the two methods is within a factor of two. The effective doses of Doxepin, YM09151-2 and Benzotropin are determined as 6.92 x 10(-3), 7.08 x 10(-3) and 7.65 x 10(-3) mSv MBq-1 respectively with the TLD method. This method has great advantages, in that cumulated activities in several organs can be obtained easily with a single procedure, and the measurements of body surface doses are performed simultaneously with the nuclear medicine procedure, as TLDs are too small to interfere with other medical measurements.

Deconvolution analysis of 24-h serum cortisol profiles informs the amount and distribution of hydrocortisone replacement therapy.

PubMed

Peters, Catherine J; Hill, Nathan; Dattani, Mehul T; Charmandari, Evangelia; Matthews, David R; Hindmarsh, Peter C

2013-03-01

Hydrocortisone therapy is based on a dosing regimen derived from estimates of cortisol secretion, but little is known of how the dose should be distributed throughout the 24 h. We have used deconvolution analysis of 24-h serum cortisol profiles to determine 24-h cortisol secretion and distribution to inform hydrocortisone dosing schedules in young children and older adults. Twenty four hour serum cortisol profiles from 80 adults (41 men, aged 60-74 years) and 29 children (24 boys, aged 5-9 years) were subject to deconvolution analysis using an 80-min half-life to ascertain total cortisol secretion and distribution throughout the 24-h period. Mean daily cortisol secretion was similar between adults (6.3 mg/m(2) body surface area/day, range 5.1-9.3) and children (8.0 mg/m(2) body surface area/day, range 5.3-12.0). Peak serum cortisol concentration was higher in children compared with adults, whereas nadir serum cortisol concentrations were similar. Timing of the peak serum cortisol concentration was similar (07.05-07.25), whereas that of the nadir concentration occurred later in adults (midnight) compared with children (22.48) (P = 0.003). Children had the highest percentage of cortisol secretion between 06.00 and 12.00 (38.4%), whereas in adults this took place between midnight and 06.00 (45.2%). These observations suggest that the daily hydrocortisone replacement dose should be equivalent on average to 6.3 mg/m(2) body surface area/day in adults and 8.0 mg/m(2) body surface area/day in children. Differences in distribution of the total daily dose between older adults and young children need to be taken into account when using a three or four times per day dosing regimen. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Numerical simulation of the radiation environment on Martian surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, L.

2015-12-01

The radiation environment on the Martian surface is significantly different from that on earth. Existing observation and studies reveal that the radiation environment on the Martian surface is highly variable regarding to both short- and long-term time scales. For example, its dose rate presents diurnal and seasonal variations associated with atmospheric pressure changes. Moreover, dose rate is also strongly influenced by the modulation from GCR flux. Numerical simulation and theoretical explanations are required to understand the mechanisms behind these features, and to predict the time variation of radiation environment on the Martian surface if aircraft is supposed to land on it in near future. The high energy galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) which are ubiquitous throughout the solar system are highly penetrating and extremely difficult to shield against beyond the Earth's protective atmosphere and magnetosphere. The goal of this article is to evaluate the long term radiation risk on the Martian surface. Therefore, we need to develop a realistic time-dependent GCR model, which will be integrated with Geant4 transport code subsequently to reproduce the observed variation of surface dose rate associated with the changing heliospheric conditions. In general, the propagation of cosmic rays in the interplanetary medium can be described by a Fokker-Planck equation (or Parker equation). In last decade,we witnessed a fast development of GCR transport models within the heliosphere based on accurate gas-dynamic and MHD backgrounds from global models of the heliosphere. The global MHD simulation produces a more realistic pattern of the 3-D heliospheric structure, as well as the interface between the solar system and the surrounding interstellar space. As a consequence, integrating plasma background obtained from global-dependent 3-D MHD simulation and stochastic Parker transport simulation, we expect to produce an accurate global physical-based GCR modulation model. Combined with the Geant4 transport code, this GCR model will provide valuable insight into the long-term dose rates variation on the Martian surface.

Estimation of thyroid equivalent doses during evacuation based on body surface contamination levels in the nuclear accident of FDNPS in 2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohba, Takashi; Hasegawa, Arifumi; Kohayakawa, Yoshitaka; Kondo, Hisayoshi; Suzuki, Gen

2017-09-01

To reduce uncertainty in thyroid dose estimation, residents' radiation protection behavior should be reflected in the estimation. Screening data of body surface contamination provide information on exposure levels during evacuation. Our purpose is to estimate thyroid equivalent doses based on body surface contamination levels using a new methodology. We obtained a record of 7,539 residents/evacuees. Geiger-Mueller survey meter measurement value in cpm was translated into Bq/cm2 according to the nuclides densities obtained by measuring clothing from two persons by germanium γ-spectrometer. The measurement value of body surface contamination on head was adjusted by a natural removal rate of 15 hours and radionuclides' physical half-life. Thyroid equivalent dose of 1-year-old children by inhalation was estimated by two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation. The proportions of evacuees/residents with measurement value in cpm of Namie and Minamisoma groups were higher than those of other groups during both periods (p<0.01, Kruskal-Wallis). During 12-14 March period, 50 and 95 percentiles of thyroid equivalent doses by inhalation were estimated as 2.7 and 86.0 mSv, respectively, for Namie group, and 4.2 and 17.2 mSv, respectively, for Minamisoma group, 0.1 and 1.0 mSv, respectively, for Tomioka/Okuma/Futaba/Naraha group, and 0.2 and 2.1 mSv, respectively, for the other group. During 15- 17 March period, 50 and 95 percentiles of thyroid equivalent doses by inhalation were 0.8 and 15.7 mSv, respectively, for Namie group, and 1.6 and 8.4 mSv, respectively, for Minamisoma group, 0.2 and 13.2 mSv, respectively, for Tomioka/Okuma/Futaba/Naraha group, and 1.2 and 12.7 mSv, respectively, for the other group. It was indicated that inhalation dose was generally higher in Namie and Minamisoma groups during 12-14 March than those during 15-17 March might reflect different self-protective behavior to radioactive plumes from other groups.

Paediatric x-ray examinations in Rio de Janeiro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azevedo, A. C. P.; Osibote, O. A.; Boechat, M. C. B.

2006-08-01

This work presents the results of a dose survey performed for paediatric patients and carried out in two large paediatric public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro city. The entrance surface dose (ESD) and the effective dose (ED) were evaluated for chest, skull, abdomen, lumbar spine, cervical spine and pelvis in antero-posterior (AP), postero-anterior (PA) and lateral (LAT) projections. For each examination, four age groups 0-1, 1-5, 5-10 and 10-15 years were studied. The DoseCal software was used to calculate these doses. Wide variations for the same type of examination and projection have been detected. These variations were evident, in Brazil, from previous work. In spite of the present results being still preliminary, they can give an idea of what paediatric ESDs are like in Brazil. Also, with respect to the entrance surface dose, some of the results are above the reference levels, which cause high ED, as well. On the other hand, the wide range of ESD reflects the disparity of radiographic techniques and demonstrates that the ALARA principle is not being applied in Brazilian hospitals and becomes a concern in terms of public health.

The Martian surface radiation environment - a comparison of models and MSL/RAD measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matthiä, Daniel; Ehresmann, Bent; Lohf, Henning; Köhler, Jan; Zeitlin, Cary; Appel, Jan; Sato, Tatsuhiko; Slaba, Tony; Martin, Cesar; Berger, Thomas; Boehm, Eckart; Boettcher, Stephan; Brinza, David E.; Burmeister, Soenke; Guo, Jingnan; Hassler, Donald M.; Posner, Arik; Rafkin, Scot C. R.; Reitz, Günther; Wilson, John W.; Wimmer-Schweingruber, Robert F.

2016-03-01

Context: The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) has been measuring the radiation environment on the surface of Mars since August 6th 2012. MSL-RAD is the first instrument to provide detailed information about charged and neutral particle spectra and dose rates on the Martian surface, and one of the primary objectives of the RAD investigation is to help improve and validate current radiation transport models. Aims: Applying different numerical transport models with boundary conditions derived from the MSL-RAD environment the goal of this work was to both provide predictions for the particle spectra and the radiation exposure on the Martian surface complementing the RAD sensitive range and, at the same time, validate the results with the experimental data, where applicable. Such validated models can be used to predict dose rates for future manned missions as well as for performing shield optimization studies. Methods: Several particle transport models (GEANT4, PHITS, HZETRN/OLTARIS) were used to predict the particle flux and the corresponding radiation environment caused by galactic cosmic radiation on Mars. From the calculated particle spectra the dose rates on the surface are estimated. Results: Calculations of particle spectra and dose rates induced by galactic cosmic radiation on the Martian surface are presented. Although good agreement is found in many cases for the different transport codes, GEANT4, PHITS, and HZETRN/OLTARIS, some models still show large, sometimes order of magnitude discrepancies in certain particle spectra. We have found that RAD data is helping to make better choices of input parameters and physical models. Elements of these validated models can be applied to more detailed studies on how the radiation environment is influenced by solar modulation, Martian atmosphere and soil, and changes due to the Martian seasonal pressure cycle. By extending the range of the calculated particle spectra with respect to the experimental data additional information about the radiation environment is gained, and the contribution of different particle species to the dose is estimated.

Proton flux and radiation dose from galactic cosmic rays in the lunar regolith and implications for organic synthesis at the poles of the Moon and Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crites, S. T.; Lucey, P. G.; Lawrence, D. J.

2013-11-01

Galactic cosmic rays are a potential energy source to stimulate organic synthesis from simple ices. The recent detection of organic molecules at the polar regions of the Moon by LCROSS (Colaprete, A. et al. [2010]. Science 330, 463-468, http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1186986), and possibly at the poles of Mercury (Paige, D.A. et al. [2013]. Science 339, 300-303, http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1231106), introduces the question of whether the organics were delivered by impact or formed in situ. Laboratory experiments show that high energy particles can cause organic production from simple ices. We use a Monte Carlo particle scattering code (MCNPX) to model and report the flux of GCR protons at the surface of the Moon and report radiation dose rates and absorbed doses at the Moon’s surface and with depth as a result of GCR protons and secondary particles, and apply scaling factors to account for contributions to dose from heavier ions. We compare our results with dose rate measurements by the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) experiment on Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (Schwadron, N.A. et al. [2012]. J. Geophys. Res. 117, E00H13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2011JE003978) and find them in good agreement, indicating that MCNPX can be confidently applied to studies of radiation dose at and within the surface of the Moon. We use our dose rate calculations to conclude that organic synthesis is plausible well within the age of the lunar polar cold traps, and that organics detected at the poles of the Moon may have been produced in situ. Our dose rate calculations also indicate that galactic cosmic rays can induce organic synthesis within the estimated age of the dark deposits at the pole of Mercury that may contain organics.

Vertical Distribution and Estimated Doses from Artificial Radionuclides in Soil Samples around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site

PubMed Central

Taira, Yasuyuki; Hayashida, Naomi; Tsuchiya, Rimi; Yamaguchi, Hitoshi; Takahashi, Jumpei; Kazlovsky, Alexander; Urazalin, Marat; Rakhypbekov, Tolebay; Yamashita, Shunichi; Takamura, Noboru

2013-01-01

For the current on-site evaluation of the environmental contamination and contributory external exposure after the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP) and the nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site (SNTS), the concentrations of artificial radionuclides in soil samples from each area were analyzed by gamma spectrometry. Four artificial radionuclides (241Am, 134Cs, 137Cs, and 60Co) were detected in surface soil around CNPP, whereas seven artificial radionuclides (241Am, 57Co, 137Cs, 95Zr, 95Nb, 58Co, and 60Co) were detected in surface soil around SNTS. Effective doses around CNPP were over the public dose limit of 1 mSv/y (International Commission on Radiological Protection, 1991). These levels in a contaminated area 12 km from Unit 4 were high, whereas levels in a decontaminated area 12 km from Unit 4 and another contaminated area 15 km from Unit 4 were comparatively low. On the other hand, the effective doses around SNTS were below the public dose limit. These findings suggest that the environmental contamination and effective doses on the ground definitely decrease with decontamination such as removing surface soil, although the effective doses of the sampling points around CNPP in the present study were all over the public dose limit. Thus, the remediation of soil as a countermeasure could be an extremely effective method not only for areas around CNPP and SNTS but also for areas around the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP), and external exposure levels will be certainly reduced. Long-term follow-up of environmental monitoring around CNPP, SNTS, and FNPP, as well as evaluation of the health effects in the population residing around these areas, could contribute to radiation safety and reduce unnecessary exposure to the public. PMID:23469013

Vertical distribution and estimated doses from artificial radionuclides in soil samples around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the Semipalatinsk nuclear testing site.

PubMed

Taira, Yasuyuki; Hayashida, Naomi; Tsuchiya, Rimi; Yamaguchi, Hitoshi; Takahashi, Jumpei; Kazlovsky, Alexander; Urazalin, Marat; Rakhypbekov, Tolebay; Yamashita, Shunichi; Takamura, Noboru

2013-01-01

For the current on-site evaluation of the environmental contamination and contributory external exposure after the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP) and the nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Testing Site (SNTS), the concentrations of artificial radionuclides in soil samples from each area were analyzed by gamma spectrometry. Four artificial radionuclides ((241)Am, (134)Cs, (137)Cs, and (60)Co) were detected in surface soil around CNPP, whereas seven artificial radionuclides ((241)Am, (57)Co, (137)Cs, (95)Zr, (95)Nb, (58)Co, and (60)Co) were detected in surface soil around SNTS. Effective doses around CNPP were over the public dose limit of 1 mSv/y (International Commission on Radiological Protection, 1991). These levels in a contaminated area 12 km from Unit 4 were high, whereas levels in a decontaminated area 12 km from Unit 4 and another contaminated area 15 km from Unit 4 were comparatively low. On the other hand, the effective doses around SNTS were below the public dose limit. These findings suggest that the environmental contamination and effective doses on the ground definitely decrease with decontamination such as removing surface soil, although the effective doses of the sampling points around CNPP in the present study were all over the public dose limit. Thus, the remediation of soil as a countermeasure could be an extremely effective method not only for areas around CNPP and SNTS but also for areas around the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP), and external exposure levels will be certainly reduced. Long-term follow-up of environmental monitoring around CNPP, SNTS, and FNPP, as well as evaluation of the health effects in the population residing around these areas, could contribute to radiation safety and reduce unnecessary exposure to the public.

Low-Dose Radiation Potentiates the Therapeutic Efficacy of Folate Receptor-Targeted Hapten Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sega, Emanuela I.; Lu Yingjuan; Ringor, Michael

2008-06-01

Purpose: Human cancers frequently overexpress a high-affinity cell-surface receptor for the vitamin folic acid. Highly immunogenic haptens can be targeted to folate receptor-expressing cell surfaces by administration of folate-hapten conjugates, rendering the decorated tumor cell surfaces more recognizable by the immune system. Treatment of antihapten-immunized mice with folate-hapten constructs results in elimination of moderately sized tumors by the immune system. However, when subcutaneous tumors exceed 300 mm{sup 3} before initiation of therapy, antitumor activity is significantly decreased. In an effort to enhance the efficacy of folate-targeted hapten immunotherapy (FTHI) against large tumors, we explored the combination of targeted hapten immunotherapymore » with low-dose radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: Mice bearing 300-mm{sup 3} subcutaneous tumors were treated concurrently with FTHI (500 nmol/kg of folate conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate, 20,000 U/dose of interleukin 2, and 25,000 U/dose of interferon {alpha}) and low-dose radiotherapy (3 Gy/dose focused directly on the desired tumor mass). The efficacy of therapy was evaluated by measuring tumor volume. Results: Tumor growth analyses show that radiotherapy synergizes with FTHI in antihapten-immunized mice, thereby allowing for cures of animals bearing tumors greater than 300 mm{sup 3}. More importantly, nonirradiated distal tumor masses in animals containing locally irradiated tumors also showed improved response to hapten immunotherapy, suggesting that not all tumor lesions must be identified and irradiated to benefit from the combination therapy. Conclusions: These results suggest that simultaneous treatment with FTHI and radiation therapy can enhance systemic antitumor activity in tumor-bearing mice.« less

High-dose MeV electron irradiation of Si-SiO2 structures implanted with high doses Si+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaschieva, S.; Angelov, Ch; Dmitriev, S. N.

2018-03-01

The influence was studied of 22-MeV electron irradiation on Si-SiO2 structures implanted with high-fluence Si+ ions. Our earlier works demonstrated that Si redistribution is observed in Si+-ion-implanted Si-SiO2 structures (after MeV electron irradiation) only in the case when ion implantation is carried out with a higher fluence (1016 cm-2). We focused our attention on the interaction of high-dose MeV electron irradiation (6.0×1016 cm-2) with n-Si-SiO2 structures implanted with Si+ ions (fluence 5.4×1016 cm-2 of the same order magnitude). The redistribution of both oxygen and silicon atoms in the implanted Si-SiO2 samples after MeV electron irradiation was studied by Rutherford back-scattering (RBS) spectroscopy in combination with a channeling technique (RBS/C). Our results demonstrated that the redistribution of oxygen and silicon atoms in the implanted samples reaches saturation after these high doses of MeV electron irradiation. The transformation of amorphous SiO2 surface into crystalline Si nanostructures (after MeV electron irradiation) was evidenced by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Silicon nanocrystals are formed on the SiO2 surface after MeV electron irradiation. The shape and number of the Si nanocrystals on the SiO2 surface depend on the MeV electron irradiation, while their size increases with the dose. The mean Si nanocrystals height is 16-20 nm after irradiation with MeV electrons at the dose of 6.0×1016 cm-2.

Low-dose radiation potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of folate receptor-targeted hapten therapy.

PubMed

Sega, Emanuela I; Lu, Yingjuan; Ringor, Michael; Leamon, Christopher P; Low, Philip S

2008-06-01

Human cancers frequently overexpress a high-affinity cell-surface receptor for the vitamin folic acid. Highly immunogenic haptens can be targeted to folate receptor-expressing cell surfaces by administration of folate-hapten conjugates, rendering the decorated tumor cell surfaces more recognizable by the immune system. Treatment of antihapten-immunized mice with folate-hapten constructs results in elimination of moderately sized tumors by the immune system. However, when subcutaneous tumors exceed 300 mm(3) before initiation of therapy, antitumor activity is significantly decreased. In an effort to enhance the efficacy of folate-targeted hapten immunotherapy (FTHI) against large tumors, we explored the combination of targeted hapten immunotherapy with low-dose radiotherapy. Mice bearing 300-mm(3) subcutaneous tumors were treated concurrently with FTHI (500 nmol/kg of folate conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate, 20,000 U/dose of interleukin 2, and 25,000 U/dose of interferon alpha) and low-dose radiotherapy (3 Gy/dose focused directly on the desired tumor mass). The efficacy of therapy was evaluated by measuring tumor volume. Tumor growth analyses show that radiotherapy synergizes with FTHI in antihapten-immunized mice, thereby allowing for cures of animals bearing tumors greater than 300 mm(3). More importantly, nonirradiated distal tumor masses in animals containing locally irradiated tumors also showed improved response to hapten immunotherapy, suggesting that not all tumor lesions must be identified and irradiated to benefit from the combination therapy. These results suggest that simultaneous treatment with FTHI and radiation therapy can enhance systemic antitumor activity in tumor-bearing mice.

Measurement and simulation of the TRR BNCT beam parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bavarnegin, Elham; Sadremomtaz, Alireza; Khalafi, Hossein; Kasesaz, Yaser; Golshanian, Mohadeseh; Ghods, Hossein; Ezzati, Arsalan; Keyvani, Mehdi; Haddadi, Mohammad

2016-09-01

Recently, the configuration of the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR) thermal column has been modified and a proper thermal neutron beam for preclinical Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) has been obtained. In this study, simulations and experimental measurements have been carried out to identify the BNCT beam parameters including the beam uniformity, the distribution of the thermal neutron dose, boron dose, gamma dose in a phantom and also the Therapeutic Gain (TG). To do this, the entire TRR structure including the reactor core, pool, the thermal column and beam tubes have been modeled using MCNPX Monte Carlo code. To measure in-phantom dose distribution a special head phantom has been constructed and foil activation techniques and TLD700 dosimeter have been used. The results show that there is enough uniformity in TRR thermal BNCT beam. TG parameter has the maximum value of 5.7 at the depth of 1 cm from the surface of the phantom, confirming that TRR thermal neutron beam has potential for being used in treatment of superficial brain tumors. For the purpose of a clinical trial, more modifications need to be done at the reactor, as, for example design, and construction of a treatment room at the beam exit which is our plan for future. To date, this beam is usable for biological studies and animal trials. There is a relatively good agreement between simulation and measurement especially within a diameter of 10 cm which is the dimension of usual BNCT beam ports. This relatively good agreement enables a more precise prediction of the irradiation conditions needed for future experiments.

The mechanisms of delayed onset type adverse reactions to oseltamivir

PubMed Central

Hama, Rokuro

2016-01-01

Abstract Oseltamivir is recommended for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza in persons at higher risk for influenza complications such as individuals with diabetes, neuropsychiatric illnesses, and respiratory, cardiac, renal, hepatic or haematological diseases. However, a recent Cochrane review reported that reduction of antibody production, renal disorders, hyperglycaemia, psychiatric disorders, and QT prolongation may be related to oseltamivir use. The underlying mechanisms are reviewed. There is decisive evidence that administration of a clinically compatible dose of oseltamivir in mice challenged by a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that lacks a neuraminidase gene showed symptom-relieving effects and inhibition of viral clearance. These effects were accompanied by decreased level of T cell surface sialoglycosphingolipid (ganglioside) GM1 that is regulated by the endogenous neuraminidase in response to viral challenge. Clinical and non-clinical evidence supports the view that the usual dose of oseltamivir suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma, interleukin-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha almost completely with partial suppression of viral shedding in human influenza virus infection experiment. Animal toxicity tests support the clinical evidence with regard to renal and cardiac disorders (bradycardia and QT prolongation) and do not disprove the metabolic effect. Reduction of antibody production and cytokine induction and renal, metabolic, cardiac, and prolonged psychiatric disorders after oseltamivir use may be related to inhibition of the host’s endogenous neuraminidase. While the usual clinical dose of zanamivir may not have this effect, a higher dose or prolonged administration of zanamivir and other neuraminidase inhibitors may induce similar delayed reactions, including reduction of the antibody and/or cytokine production. PMID:27251370

Response of mouse epidermal cells to single doses of heavy-particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leith, J. T.; Schilling, W. A.; Welch, G. P.

1972-01-01

The survival of mouse epidermal cells to heavy-particles has been studied In Vivo by the Withers clone technique. Experiments with accelerated helium, lithium and carbon ions were performed. The survival curve for the helium ion irradiations used a modified Bragg curve method with a maximum tissue penetration of 465 microns, and indicated that the dose needed to reduce the original cell number to 1 surviving cell/square centimeters was 1525 rads with a D sub o of 95 rads. The LET at the basal cell layer was 28.6 keV per micron. Preliminary experiments with lithium and carbon used treatment doses of 1250 rads with LET's at the surface of the skin of 56 and 193 keV per micron respectively. Penetration depths in skin were 350 and 530 microns for the carbon and lithium ions whose Bragg curves were unmodified. Results indicate a maximum RBE for skin of about 2 using the skin cloning technique. An attempt has been made to relate the epidermal cell survival curve to mortality of the whole animal for helium ions.

Dosimetry during intramedullary nailing of the tibia

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Intramedullary nailing under fluoroscopic guidance is a common operation. We studied the intraoperative radiation dose received by both the patient and the personnel. Patients and methods 25 intramedullary nailing procedures of the tibia were studied. All patients suffered from tibial fractures and were treated using the Grosse-Kempf intramedullary nail, with free-hand technique for fixation of the distal screws, under fluoroscopic guidance. The exposure, at selected positions, was recorded using an ion chamber, while the dose area product (DAP) was measured with a DAP meter, attached to the tube head. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were used to derive the occupational dose to the personnel, and also to monitor the surface dose on the gonads of some of the patients. Results The mean operation time was 101 (48–240) min, with a mean fluoroscopic time of 72 seconds and a mean DAP value of 75 cGy·cm2. The surface dose to the gonads of the patients was less than 8.8 mGy during any procedure, and thus cannot be considered to be a contraindication for the use of this technique. Occupational dose differed substantially between members of the operating personnel, the maximum dose recorded being to the operator of the fluoroscopic equipment (0.11 mSv). Interpretation Our findings underscore the care required by the primary operator not to exceed the dose constraint of 10 mSv per year. The rest of the operating personnel, although they do not receive very high doses, should focus on the dose optimization of the technique. PMID:19916691

Organ Dose Assessment and Evaluation of Cancer Risk on Mars Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Myung-Hee; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2011-01-01

Organ specific fluence spectra and doses for large solar particle events (SPE) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) at various levels of solar activity are simulated on the surface of Mars using the HZETRN/QMSFRG computer code and the 2010 version of the Badhwar and O Neill GCR model. The NASA JSC propensity model of SPE fluence and occurrence is used to consider upper bounds on SPE fluence for increasing mission lengths. To account for the radiation transmission through the Mars atmosphere, a vertical distribution of Mars atmospheric thickness is calculated from the temperature and pressure data of Mars Global Surveyor. To describe the spherically distributed atmospheric distance on the Mars surface at each elevation, the directional cosine distribution is implemented. The resultant directional shielding by Mars atmosphere at each elevation is then coupled with vehicle and body shielding for organ dose estimates. Finally, cancer risks for astronauts exploring Mars can be assessed by applying the NASA Space Radiation Cancer Risk 2010 model with the resultant organ dose estimates. Variations of organ doses and cancer risk quantities on the surface of Mars, which are due to a 16-km elevation range between the Tharsis Montes and the Hellas impact basin, are visualized on the global topography of Mars measured by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter. It is found that cancer incidence risks are about 2-fold higher than mortality risks with a disproportionate increase in skin and thyroid cancers for male and female astronauts and in breast cancer for female astronauts. The number of safe days, defined by the upper 95% percent confidence level to be below cancer limits, on Mars is analyzed for several Mars mission design scenarios.

Fabrication and characterization of bolus material using polydimethyl-siloxane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiratma Jaya, Gede; Sutanto, Heri

2018-01-01

Bolus has been used in radiotherapy to reduce tissue harm and to increase the superficial dose for skin cancer treatment. Commonly, a bolus is made of melamine in several hospitals. In this research, polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) material was used for bolus fabrication. The aims of the study are to investigate bolus density, percentage surface dose and its structural strength for each various composition. In bolus preparation, bolus material used composition variation between PDMS volume and catalyst volume. Composition variation were 20:1, 22:1, 24:1, 26:1, 28:1, 30:1 and 32:1. PDMS and catalyst were mixed by chemical solution deposition method. Bolus was molded by using glass cast with the size of 10 × 10 × 0.5 cm3. Bolus density was analyzed by mass per volume equation, for bolus radiation was examined by the linear accelerator using two electron energy (5 and 7 MeV) and bolus strain and tensile strength were examined by Brookfield CT 3 machine. The results of bolus density were similar with soft tissue density, while the lowest and highest density each variation are 22:1 and 28:1. In general, the use of bolus has increased the surface dose. Percentage of surface dose at 5 MeV energy is higher than 7 MeV energy. The highest percentage of surface dose at 5 MeV energy with 0.5 and 1.0 cm bolus thickness was achieved at composition of 32:1. For strain and tensile strength result, the lowest and highest strain each variation are 22:1 and 28:1, then the lowest and highest tensile strength each variation are 32:1 and 28:1. These results is important to select composition material for bolus fabrication in radiotherapy treatment.

Total skin electron irradiation: evaluation of dose uniformity throughout the skin surface.

PubMed

Anacak, Yavuz; Arican, Zumre; Bar-Deroma, Raquel; Tamir, Ada; Kuten, Abraham

2003-01-01

In this study, in vivo dosimetic data of 67 total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) treatments were analyzed. Thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) measurements were made at 10 different body points for every patient. The results demonstrated that the dose inhomogeneity throughout the skin surface is around 15%. The homogeneity was better at the trunk than at the extratrunk points, and was worse when a degrader was used. There was minimal improvement of homogeneity in subsequent days of treatment.

ESTIMATING CONTAMINANT DOSE FOR INTERMITTENT DERMAL CONTACT: MODEL DEVELOPMENT, TESTING, AND APPLICATION

EPA Science Inventory

Assessments of aggregate exposure to pesticides and other surface contamination in residential environments are often driven by assumptions about dermal contacts. Accurately predicting cumulative doses from realistic skin contact scenarios requires characterization of exposure sc...

Late Cenozoic Deformation in the Western Tarim Basin, NW China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, J. A.; Burbank, D. W.; Chen, J.; Li, T.

2009-12-01

The Tian Shan in NW China is one of the most active regions of intracontinental deformation in the world, accommodating a large fraction (~40%) of the shortening from the Indo-Eurasian collision. The western Tarim Basin, situated between the southern Tian Shan and Pamir Mountains, manifests this deformation through a series of east-west trending fault-related folds that have formed during the late Cenozoic. Previous studies in this region have focused on the kinematics, style, and timing of detachment folds related to folding within the foreland basin of the southern Tian Shan. In contrast, this study focuses on the deformation caused by fault-propagation folding resulting from the northward movement of the Pamir. The rates of deformation are calculated using a combination of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages, structural mapping and differential GPS surveys of fault scarps and deformed terrace surfaces crossing active folds. OSL dating provides the time since the sediment was last exposed to daylight, i.e., time since burial. Consequently, OSL is useful for dating the abandonment of terrace surfaces due to tectonic (fold growth) or climatic events. OSL quartz samples were collected from silt lenses within gravel topping the terraces. Most of the quartz OSL signals are weak, thus several grain sizes (silt (4-11 µm, 8-15 µm) and sand (90-125 µm)) were analyzed and different integrations of the shine-down curves were explored to calculate equivalent doses. The implications for different equivalent doses and ages on the calculation of rates of deformation are also addressed.

Inert dusts and their effects on the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae).

PubMed

Kilpinen, Ole; Steenberg, Tove

2009-06-01

The haematophagous poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the most important pest of egg laying hens in many parts of the world. Control has often relied on chemical pesticides, but inert dusts, which are thought to kill target hosts primarily by desiccation, have become one of the most commonly applied alternative control methods for poultry red mite in Europe. This development has occurred despite a lack of knowledge of the efficacy of the different types of inert dusts and how this is affected by environmental parameters, e.g. the high relative humidity found in poultry houses. In this laboratory study the efficacy of different commercial inert dust products against D. gallinae is compared. All tested compounds killed mites, but there was a clear ranking of efficacy (measured as weight loss after 24 h and as time until 50% mortality), particularly at 75% relative humidity (RH). At 85% RH the efficacy was significantly lower for all tested compounds (P < 0.001). Weight changes over time followed an exponential evaporation model until the mites started dying whereafter the rate of evaporation increased again and followed a slightly different exponential evaporation model. A tarsal test showed that 24 h exposure to surfaces treated with doses much lower than those recommended by the producers is sufficient to kill mites as fast as when they were dusted with massive doses. These data emphasise the need for thorough treatment of all surfaces in a poultry house in order to combat D. gallinae.

Supramolecular structures of halogenated oligothiophenes on the Si(111)-√3 ×√3-Ag surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, R.; Fu, C.; Perepichka, D. F.; Gallagher, M. C.

2016-05-01

We have studied the adsorption of brominated tetrathienoanthracene (TBTTA) molecules onto the Si(111)-√3 × √ 3-Ag surface at room temperature. The two-dimensional √ 3 silver adlayer acts to passivate the silicon surface and provides a high-mobility template for TBTTA adsorption. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images reveal that at low coverage, the molecules readily migrate to step edges and defects in the √ 3 overlayer. With increasing coverage, the molecules eventually form compact supramolecular structures. In terms of the hexagonal √ 3 lattice vectors (a√ 3 and b√ 3), the oblique unit cell of these structures can be defined by lattice vectors am = 3a√ 3 + 2b√ 3, and bm = - a√ 3 + b√ 3. The structures are quite fragile and can decompose under repeated STM imaging. This is particularly true at higher bias and suggests an electric field-induced dissociation in these instances. With increasing molecular dose, the size and stability of the structures increases. At higher coverage, the spatial extent of the supramolecular structures is often limited by defects in the underlying √ 3 layer. Our results suggest that the √ 3-Ag surface provides a relatively inert substrate for the adsorption of TBTTA molecules, and that the supramolecular structures are held together by relatively weak intermolecular forces.

Mars' surface radiation environment measured with the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover.

PubMed

Hassler, Donald M; Zeitlin, Cary; Wimmer-Schweingruber, Robert F; Ehresmann, Bent; Rafkin, Scot; Eigenbrode, Jennifer L; Brinza, David E; Weigle, Gerald; Böttcher, Stephan; Böhm, Eckart; Burmeister, Soenke; Guo, Jingnan; Köhler, Jan; Martin, Cesar; Reitz, Guenther; Cucinotta, Francis A; Kim, Myung-Hee; Grinspoon, David; Bullock, Mark A; Posner, Arik; Gómez-Elvira, Javier; Vasavada, Ashwin; Grotzinger, John P

2014-01-24

The Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover began making detailed measurements of the cosmic ray and energetic particle radiation environment on the surface of Mars on 7 August 2012. We report and discuss measurements of the absorbed dose and dose equivalent from galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles on the martian surface for ~300 days of observations during the current solar maximum. These measurements provide insight into the radiation hazards associated with a human mission to the surface of Mars and provide an anchor point with which to model the subsurface radiation environment, with implications for microbial survival times of any possible extant or past life, as well as for the preservation of potential organic biosignatures of the ancient martian environment.

Surface effects on the radiation response of nanoporous Au foams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fu, E. G.; Caro, M.; Wang, Y. Q.

2012-11-05

We report on an experimental and simulation campaign aimed at exploring the radiation response of nanoporous Au (np-Au) foams. We find different defect accumulation behavior by varying radiation dose-rate in ion-irradiated np-Au foams. Stacking fault tetrahedra are formed when np-Au foams are irradiated at high dose-rate, but they do not seem to be formed in np-Au at low dose-rate irradiation. A model is proposed to explain the dose-rate dependent defect accumulation based on these results.

Ionizing radiation fluxes and dose measurements during the Kosmos 1887 satellite flight.

PubMed

Charvat, J; Spurny, F; Kopecka, B; Votockova, I

1990-01-01

The results of dosimetric experiments performed during the flight of Kosmos 1887 biosatellite are presented. Two kinds of measurements were performed on the external surface of the satellite. First, the fluences and spectra of low energy charged particles were established. It was found that most of the particles registered by means of solid state nuclear track detectors are helium nuclei. Tracks of oxygen nuclei and some heavier charged particles were also observed. Thermoluminescent detectors were used to establish absorbed doses in open space on the satellite's surface and behind thin shielding. It was found that these doses were rather high; nevertheless, their decrease with shielding thickness is very rapid. Dosimetric and other consequences of the results obtained are analyzed and discussed.

Study Of Dose Distribution In A Human Body In Space Flight With The Spherical Tissue-Equivalent Phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shurshakov, Vyacheslav; Akatov, Yu; Petrov, V.; Kartsev, I.; Polenov, Boris; Petrov, V.; Lyagushin, V.

In the space experiment MATROSHKA-R, the spherical tissue equivalent phantom (30 kg mass, 35 cm diameter and 10 cm central spherical cave) made in Russia has been installed in the star board crew cabin of the ISS Service Module. Due to the specially chosen phantom shape and size, the chord length distributions of the detector locations are attributed to self-shielding properties of the critical organs in a real human body. If compared with the anthropomorphic phantom Rando used inside and outside the ISS, the spherical phantom has lower mass, smaller size, and requires less crew time for the detector retrieval; its tissue-equivalent properties are closer to the standard human body tissue than the Rando-phantom material. In the first phase of the experiment the dose measurements were realized with only passive detectors (thermoluminescent and solid state track detectors). There were two experimental sessions with the spherical phantom in the crew cabin, (1) from Jan. 29, 2004 to Apr. 30, 2004 and (2) from Aug. 11, 2004 to Oct. 10, 2005. The detectors are placed inside the phantom along the axes of 20 containers and on the phantom outer surface in 32 pockets of the phantom jacket. The results obtained with the passive detectors returned to the ground after each session show the dose difference on the phantom surface as much as a factor of 2, the highest dose being observed close to the outer wall of the crew cabin, and the lowest dose being in the opposite location along the phantom diameter. Maximum dose rate measured in the phantom (0.31 mGy/day) is obviously due to the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) and Earth' radiation belt contribution on the ISS trajectory. Minimum dose rate (0.15 mGy/day) is caused mainly by the strongly penetrating GCR particles and is observed behind more than 5 g/cm2 tissue shielding. Critical organ doses, mean-tissue and effective doses of a crew member in the crew cabin are also estimated with the spherical phantom. The estimated effective dose rate (about 0.49 mSv/day at radiation quality factor of 2.6) is from 12 to 15 per cent lower than the averaged dose on the phantom surface as dependent on the body attitude.

Reconstruction and analysis of erythemal UV radiation time series from Hradec Králové (Czech Republic) over the past 50 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čížková, Klára; Láska, Kamil; Metelka, Ladislav; Staněk, Martin

2018-02-01

This paper evaluates the variability of erythemal ultraviolet (EUV) radiation from Hradec Králové (Czech Republic) in the period 1964-2013. The EUV radiation time series was reconstructed using a radiative transfer model and additional empirical relationships, with the final root mean square error of 9.9 %. The reconstructed time series documented the increase in EUV radiation doses in the 1980s and the 1990s (up to 15 % per decade), which was linked to the steep decline in total ozone (10 % per decade). The changes in cloud cover were the major factor affecting the EUV radiation doses especially in the 1960s, 1970s, and at the beginning of the new millennium. The mean annual EUV radiation doses in the decade 2004-2013 declined by 5 %. The factors affecting the EUV radiation doses differed also according to the chosen integration period (daily, monthly, and annually): solar zenith angle was the most important for daily doses, cloud cover, and surface UV albedo for their monthly means, and the annual means of EUV radiation doses were most influenced by total ozone column. The number of days with very high EUV radiation doses increased by 22 % per decade, the increase was statistically significant in all seasons except autumn. The occurrence of the days with very high EUV doses was influenced mostly by low total ozone column (82 % of days), clear-sky or partly cloudy conditions (74 % of days) and by increased surface albedo (19 % of days). The principal component analysis documented that the occurrence of days with very high EUV radiation doses was much affected by the positive phase of North Atlantic Oscillation with an Azores High promontory reaching over central Europe. In the stratosphere, a strong Arctic circumpolar vortex and the meridional inflow of ozone-poor air from the southwest were favorable for the occurrence of days with very high EUV radiation doses. This is the first analysis of the relationship between the high EUV radiation doses and macroscale circulation patterns, and therefore more attention should be given also to other dynamical variables that may affect the solar UV radiation on the Earth surface.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paulus, Wilfred; Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor; Rahman, Irman Abdul

Lead-free solders are important material in nano and microelectronic surface mounting technology for various applications in bio medicine, environmental monitoring, spacecraft and satellite instrumentation. Nevertheless solder joint in radiation environment needs higher reliability and resistance to any damage caused by ionizing radiations. In this study a lead-free 99.0Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu wt.% (SAC) solder joint was developed and subjected to various doses of gamma radiation to investigate the effects of the ionizing radiation to micromechanical hardness of the solder. Averaged hardness of the SAC joint was obtained from nanoindentation test. The results show a relationship between hardness values of indentations and the incrementmore » of radiation dose. Highest mean hardness, 0.2290 ± 0.0270 GPa was calculated on solder joint which was exposed to 5 Gray dose of gamma radiation. This value indicates possible radiation hardening effect on irradiated solder. The hardness gradually decreased to 0.1933 ± 0.0210 GPa and 0.1631 ± 0.0173 GPa when exposed to doses 50 and 500 gray respectively. These values are also lower than the hardness of non irradiated sample which was calculated as 0.2084 ± 0.0.3633 GPa indicating possible radiation damage and needs further related atomic dislocation study.« less

Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Dosing Simulations of Nitrogen-Scavenging Compounds: Disposition of Glycerol Phenylbutyrate and Sodium Phenylbutyrate in Adult and Pediatric Patients with Urea Cycle Disorders

PubMed Central

Monteleone, Jon P. R.; Mokhtarani, M.; Diaz, G. A.; Rhead, W.; Lichter-Konecki, U.; Berry, S. A.; LeMons, C.; Dickinson, K.; Coakley, D.; Lee, B.; Scharschmidt, B. F.

2014-01-01

Sodium phenylbutyrate and glycerol phenylbutyrate mediate waste nitrogen excretion in the form of urinary phenylacetylglutamine (PAGN) in patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs); rare genetic disorders characterized by impaired urea synthesis and hyperammonemia. Sodium phenylbutyrate is approved for UCD treatment; the development of glycerol phenylbutyrate afforded the opportunity to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of both compounds. A population PK model was developed using data from four Phase II/III trials that collectively enrolled patients ages 2 months to 72 years. Dose simulations were performed with particular attention to phenylacetic acid (PAA), which has been associated with adverse events in non-UCD populations. The final model described metabolite levels in plasma and urine for both drugs and was characterized by (a) partial presystemic metabolism of phenylbutyric acid (PBA) to PAA and/or PAGN, (b) slower PBA absorption and greater presystemic conversion with glycerol phenylbutyrate, (c) similar systemic disposition with saturable conversion of PAA to PAGN for both drugs, and (d) body surface area (BSA) as a significant covariate accounting for age-related PK differences. Dose simulations demonstrated similar PAA exposure following mole-equivalent PBA dosing of both drugs and greater PAA exposure in younger patients based on BSA. PMID:23775211

Population pharmacokinetic modeling and dosing simulations of nitrogen-scavenging compounds: disposition of glycerol phenylbutyrate and sodium phenylbutyrate in adult and pediatric patients with urea cycle disorders.

PubMed

Monteleone, Jon P R; Mokhtarani, M; Diaz, G A; Rhead, W; Lichter-Konecki, U; Berry, S A; Lemons, C; Dickinson, K; Coakley, D; Lee, B; Scharschmidt, B F

2013-07-01

Sodium phenylbutyrate and glycerol phenylbutyrate mediate waste nitrogen excretion in the form of urinary phenylacetylglutamine (PAGN) in patients with urea cycle disorders (UCDs); rare genetic disorders characterized by impaired urea synthesis and hyperammonemia. Sodium phenylbutyrate is approved for UCD treatment; the development of glycerol phenylbutyrate afforded the opportunity to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of both compounds. A population PK model was developed using data from four Phase II/III trials that collectively enrolled patients ages 2 months to 72 years. Dose simulations were performed with particular attention to phenylacetic acid (PAA), which has been associated with adverse events in non-UCD populations. The final model described metabolite levels in plasma and urine for both drugs and was characterized by (a) partial presystemic metabolism of phenylbutyric acid (PBA) to PAA and/or PAGN, (b) slower PBA absorption and greater presystemic conversion with glycerol phenylbutyrate, (c) similar systemic disposition with saturable conversion of PAA to PAGN for both drugs, and (d) body surface area (BSA) as a significant covariate accounting for age-related PK differences. Dose simulations demonstrated similar PAA exposure following mole-equivalent PBA dosing of both drugs and greater PAA exposure in younger patients based on BSA. © The Author(s) 2013.

Effects of ion and nanosecond-pulsed laser co-irradiation on the surface nanostructure of Au thin films on SiO{sub 2} glass substrates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, Ruixuan; Meng, Xuan; Takayanagi, Shinya

2014-04-14

Ion irradiation and short-pulsed laser irradiation can be used to form nanostructures on the surfaces of substrates. This work investigates the synergistic effects of ion and nanosecond-pulsed laser co-irradiation on surface nanostructuring of Au thin films deposited under vacuum on SiO{sub 2} glass substrates. Gold nanoparticles are randomly formed on the surface of the substrate after nanosecond-pulsed laser irradiation under vacuum at a wavelength of 532 nm with a repetition rate of 10 Hz and laser energy density of 0.124 kJ/m{sup 2}. Gold nanoparticles are also randomly formed on the substrate after 100-keV Ar{sup +} ion irradiation at doses of upmore » to 3.8 × 10{sup 15} ions/cm{sup 2}, and nearly all of these nanoparticles are fully embedded in the substrate. With increasing ion irradiation dose (number of incident laser pulses), the mean diameter of the Au nanoparticles decreases (increases). However, Au nanoparticles are only formed in a periodic surface arrangement after co-irradiation with 6000 laser pulses and 3.8 × 10{sup 15} ions/cm{sup 2}. The periodic distance is ∼540 nm, which is close to the wavelength of the nanosecond-pulsed laser, and the mean diameter of the Au nanoparticles remains at ∼20 nm with a relatively narrow distribution. The photoabsorption peaks of the ion- or nanosecond-pulsed laser-irradiated samples clearly correspond to the mean diameter of Au nanoparticles. Conversely, the photoabsorption peaks for the co-irradiated samples do not depend on the mean nanoparticle diameter. This lack of dependence is likely caused by the periodic nanostructure formed on the surface by the synergistic effects of co-irradiation.« less

The Northern Marshall Islands Radiological Survey: data and dose assessments.

PubMed

Robison, W L; Noshkin, V E; Conrado, C L; Eagle, R J; Brunk, J L; Jokela, T A; Mount, M E; Phillips, W A; Stoker, A C; Stuart, M L; Wong, K M

1997-07-01

Fallout from atmospheric nuclear tests, especially from those conducted at the Pacific Proving Grounds between 1946 and 1958, contaminated areas of the Northern Marshall Islands. A radiological survey at some Northern Marshall Islands was conducted from September through November 1978 to evaluate the extent of residual radioactive contamination. The atolls included in the Northern Marshall Islands Radiological Survey (NMIRS) were Likiep, Ailuk, Utirik, Wotho, Ujelang, Taka, Rongelap, Rongerik, Bikar, Ailinginae, and Mejit and Jemo Islands. The original test sites, Bikini and Enewetak Atolls, were also visited on the survey. An aerial survey was conducted to determine the external gamma exposure rate. Terrestrial (soil, food crops, animals, and native vegetation), cistern and well water samples, and marine (sediment, seawater, fish and clams) samples were collected to evaluate radionuclide concentrations in the atoll environment. Samples were processed and analyzed for 137Cs, 90Sr, 239+240Pu and 241Am. The dose from the ingestion pathway was calculated using the radionuclide concentration data and a diet model for local food, marine, and water consumption. The ingestion pathway contributes 70% to 90% of the estimated dose. Approximately 95% of the dose is from 137Cs. 90Sr is the second most significant radionuclide via ingestion. External gamma exposure from 137Cs accounts for about 10% to 30% of the dose. 239+240Pu and 241Am are the major contributors to dose via the inhalation pathway; however, inhalation accounts for only about 1% of the total estimated dose, based on surface soil levels and resuspension studies. All doses are computed for concentrations decay corrected to 1996. The maximum annual effective dose from manmade radionuclides at these atolls ranges from .02 mSv y(-1) to 2.1 mSv y(-1). The background dose in the Marshall Islands is estimated to be 2.4 mSv y(-1). The combined dose from both background and bomb related radionuclides ranges from slightly over 2.4 mSv y(-1) to 4.5 mSv y(-1). The 50-y integral dose ranges from 0.5 to 65 mSv.

Operation REDWING. Project 2.64. Fallout Location and Delineation by Aerial Surveys.

DTIC Science & Technology

Fallout, *Gamma rays, *Radioactive contamination, Ocean environments, Nuclear explosion testing, Surveys, Sampling, Airborne, Surface burst, Sea water, Dose rate, Ocean surface, Coral reefs, Marshall Islands

Experimental assessment of the Advanced Collapsed-cone Engine for scalp brachytherapy treatments.

PubMed

Cawston-Grant, Brie; Morrison, Hali; Sloboda, Ron S; Menon, Geetha

To experimentally assess the performance of the Advanced Collapsed-cone Engine (ACE) for 192 Ir high-dose-rate brachytherapy treatment planning of nonmelanoma skin cancers of the scalp. A layered slab phantom was designed to model the head (skin, skull, and brain) and surface treatment mold using tissue equivalent materials. Six variations of the phantom were created by varying skin thickness, skull thickness, and size of air gap between the mold and skin. Treatment planning was initially performed using the Task Group 43 (TG-43) formalism with CT images of each phantom variation. Doses were recalculated using standard and high accuracy modes of ACE. The plans were delivered to Gafchromic EBT3 film placed between different layers of the phantom. Doses calculated by TG-43 and ACE and those measured by film agreed with each other at most locations within the phantoms. For a given phantom variation, average TG-43- and ACE-calculated doses were similar, with a maximum difference of (3 ± 12)% (k = 2). Compared to the film measurements, TG-43 and ACE overestimated the film-measured dose by (13 ± 12)% (k = 2) for one phantom variation below the skull layer. TG-43- and ACE-calculated and film-measured doses were found to agree above the skull layer of the phantom, which is where the tumor would be located in a clinical case. ACE appears to underestimate the attenuation through bone relative to that measured by film; however, the dose to bone is below tolerance levels for this treatment. Copyright © 2017 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The study of changes in structural properties of Cu films under ionizing radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaliekperov, M.; Kozlovskiy, A.; Shlimas, D.; Kenzhina, I.; Ivanov, I.; Kozin, S.; Aleksandrenko, V.; Kurakhmedov, A.; Sambaev, E.; Seitbaev, A.; Zdorovets, M.; Kadyrzhanov, K.

2018-05-01

In this paper, we present the results of studies of the irradiation effect with low-energy He+2 ions with an energy of 30 keV (15 keV per charge) on the structural properties of Cu films. Using SEM, EDS, and x-ray diffraction analysis, the surface morphology and structural properties of samples before and after irradiation were studied. As a result of irradiation of initial samples with He+2 ions with a dose of 1·1016 ion cm‑2, a change in the Cu surface morphology of films is observed, and the formation of nanoscale inclusions of hexagonal shape is observed. An increase in the irradiation dose to 1·1017 ion cm‑2 and higher leads to the formation of cracks and amorphous oxide inclusions on the sample surface. It is established that an increase in the irradiation dose leads to a decrease in the degree of crystallinity and a change in the basic crystallographic characteristics. The effect of irradiation on the strength characteristics was estimated.

The radiation environment on the surface of Mars - Numerical calculations of the galactic component with GEANT4/PLANETOCOSMICS.

PubMed

Matthiä, Daniel; Berger, Thomas

2017-08-01

Galactic cosmic radiation and secondary particles produced in the interaction with the atmosphere lead to a complex radiation field on the Martian surface. A workshop ("1st Mars Space Radiation Modeling Workshop") organized by the MSL-RAD science team was held in June 2016 in Boulder with the goal to compare models capable to predict this radiation field with each other and measurements from the RAD instrument onboard the curiosity rover taken between November 15, 2015 and January 15, 2016. In this work the results of PLANETOCOSMICS/GEANT4 contributed to the workshop are presented. Calculated secondary particle spectra on the Martian surface are investigated and the radiation field's directionality of the different particles in dependence on the energy is discussed. Omnidirectional particle fluxes are used in combination with fluence to dose conversion factors to calculate absorbed dose rates and dose equivalent rates in a slab of tissue. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The solid film lubrication by carbon ion implantation into α-Al 2O 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jun, Tian; Qizu, Wang; Qunji, Xue

1998-10-01

Improvement in tribological performance by C +110 keV implantation can be achieved by having a more graphite-like carbon structure on Al 2O 3. It was shown that fracture toughness and critical peeling load increased for a fluence of 5 × 10 17C +/cm 2 because of residual compression stress and amorphism of surface. The testing in a different implantation dose indicated that the friction and wear mechanism in Optimol fretting wear machine (SRV) was a combination of surface structure and its abrasive wear. Raman shift shows that the amorphous graphite with 5 × 10 17-1 × 10 18 C +/cm 2 implantation dose was formed on Al 2O 3 surface, so that it reduced friction coefficient and wear of Al 2O 3, also it is noticed that the failure of lubrication due to graphite-like film wear is much earlier in the implantation sample with 1 × 10 17C +/cm 2 dose.

A way to improve dose rate laser simulation adequacy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skorobogatov, P.K.; Nikiforov, A.Y.; Demidov, A.A.

1998-12-01

A method for improving laser simulation of dose rate radiation in silicon IC`s (Integrated Circuit) is analyzed based on the application of noncoherent laser radiation. Experimental validation was performed using test structures with up to 90% surface metallization coverage.

The Timing of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Immunization Relative to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Diagnosis and the Risk of HBV Infection Following HIV Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Landrum, Michael L.; Hullsiek, Katherine Huppler; Chun, Helen M.; Crum-Cianflone, Nancy F.; Ganesan, Anuradha; Weintrob, Amy C.; Barthel, R. Vincent; O'Connell, Robert J.; Agan, Brian K.

2011-01-01

To assess associations between the timing of hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization relative to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis and vaccine effectiveness, US Military HIV Natural History Study cohort participants without HBV infection at the time of HIV diagnosis were grouped by vaccination status, retrospectively followed from HIV diagnosis for incident HBV infection, and compared using Cox proportional hazards models. A positive vaccine response was defined as hepatitis B surface antibody level ≥10 IU/L. Of 1,877 participants enrolled between 1989 and 2008, 441 (23%) were vaccinated prior to HIV diagnosis. Eighty percent of those who received vaccine doses only before HIV diagnosis had a positive vaccine response, compared with 66% of those who received doses both before and after HIV and 41% of those who received doses only after HIV (P < 0.01 for both compared with persons vaccinated before HIV only). Compared with the unvaccinated, persons vaccinated only before HIV had reduced risk of HBV infection after HIV diagnosis (hazard ratio = 0.38, 95% confidence interval: 0.20, 0.75). No reduction in HBV infection risk was observed for other vaccination groups. These data suggest that completion of the vaccine series prior to HIV infection may be the optimal strategy for preventing this significant comorbid infection in HIV-infected persons. PMID:21051446

The timing of hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization relative to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis and the risk of HBV infection following HIV diagnosis.

PubMed

Landrum, Michael L; Hullsiek, Katherine Huppler; Chun, Helen M; Crum-Cianflone, Nancy F; Ganesan, Anuradha; Weintrob, Amy C; Barthel, R Vincent; O'Connell, Robert J; Agan, Brian K

2011-01-01

To assess associations between the timing of hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization relative to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis and vaccine effectiveness, US Military HIV Natural History Study cohort participants without HBV infection at the time of HIV diagnosis were grouped by vaccination status, retrospectively followed from HIV diagnosis for incident HBV infection, and compared using Cox proportional hazards models. A positive vaccine response was defined as hepatitis B surface antibody level ≥ 10 IU/L. Of 1,877 participants enrolled between 1989 and 2008, 441 (23%) were vaccinated prior to HIV diagnosis. Eighty percent of those who received vaccine doses only before HIV diagnosis had a positive vaccine response, compared with 66% of those who received doses both before and after HIV and 41% of those who received doses only after HIV (P < 0.01 for both compared with persons vaccinated before HIV only). Compared with the unvaccinated, persons vaccinated only before HIV had reduced risk of HBV infection after HIV diagnosis (hazard ratio = 0.38, 95% confidence interval: 0.20, 0.75). No reduction in HBV infection risk was observed for other vaccination groups. These data suggest that completion of the vaccine series prior to HIV infection may be the optimal strategy for preventing this significant comorbid infection in HIV-infected persons.

Controlled Retention of BMP-2-Derived Peptide on Nanofibers Based on Mussel-Inspired Adhesion for Bone Formation.

PubMed

Lee, Jinkyu; Perikamana, Sajeesh Kumar Madhurakkat; Ahmad, Taufiq; Lee, Min Suk; Yang, Hee Seok; Kim, Do-Gyoon; Kim, Kyobum; Kwon, Bosun; Shin, Heungsoo

2017-04-01

Although bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) has been frequently used to stimulate bone formation, it has several side effects to be addressed, including the difficulty in optimization of clinically relevant doses and unwanted induction of cancerous signaling processes. In this study, an osteogenic peptide (OP) derived from BMP-2 was investigated as a substitute for BMP-2. In vitro studies showed that OP was able to enhance the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The peptides were then conjugated onto biocompatible poly-ι-lactide electrospun nanofibers through polydopamine chemistry. Surface chemical analysis proved that more than 80% of the peptides were stably retained on the nanofiber surface after 8 h of polydopamine coating during at least 28 days, and the amount of peptides that was retained increased depending on the polydopamine coating time. For instance, about 65% of the peptides were retained on nanofibers after 4 h of polydopamine coating. Also, a relatively small dose of peptides could effectively induce bone formation in in vivo critical-sized defects on the calvarial bones of mice. More than 50.4% ± 16.9% of newly formed bone was filled within the defect after treatment with only 10.5 ± 0.6 μg of peptides. Moreover, these groups had similar elastic moduli and contact hardnesses with host bone. Taken together, our results suggest that polydopamine-mediated OP immobilized on nanofibers can modulate the retention of relatively short lengths of peptides, which might make this an effective therapeutic remedy to guide bone regeneration using a relatively small amount of peptides.

New materials based on polylactide modified with silver and carbon ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurzina, I. A.; Pukhova, I. V.; Botvin, V. V.; Davydova, D. V.; Filimoshkin, A. G.; Savkin, K. P.; Oskomov, K. V.; Oks, E. M.

2015-11-01

An integrated study of poly-L-lactide (PL) synthesis and the physicochemical properties of film surfaces, both modified by silver and carbon ion implantation and also unmodified PL surfaces, has been carried out. Surface modification was done using aMevva-5.Ru metal ion source with ion implantation doses of 1.1014, 1.1015 and 1.1016 ion/cm2. Material characterization was done using NMR, IRS, XPS and AFM. The molecular weight (MW), micro-hardness, surface resistivity, and limiting wetting angle of both un-implanted and implanted samples were measured. The results reveal that degradation of PL macromolecules occurs during ion implantation, followed by CO or CO2 removal and MW decrease. With increasing implantation dose, the glycerol wettability of the PL surface increases but the water affinity decreases (hydrophobic behavior). After silver and carbon ion implantation into the PL samples, the surface resistivity is reduced by several orders of magnitude and a tendency to micro-hardness reductionis induced.

Evaluation of dose‐area product of common radiographic examinations towards establishing a preliminary diagnostic reference levels (PDRLs) in Southwestern Nigeria

PubMed Central

Jibiri, Nnamdi N.

2016-01-01

In Nigeria, a large number of radiographic examinations are conducted yearly for various diagnostic purposes. However, most examinations carried out do not have records of doses received by the patients, and the employed exposure parameters used are not documented; therefore, adequate radiation dose management is hindered. The aim of the present study was to estimate the dose‐area product (DAP) of patients examined in Nigeria, and to propose regional reference dose levels for nine common examinations (chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP, skull AP, leg AP, knee AP, hand AP, and thigh AP) undertaken in Nigeria. Measurement of entrance surface dose (ESD) was carried out using thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD). Measured ESDS were converted into DAP using the beam area of patients in 12 purposely selected hospitals. Results of the study show that the maximum/minimum ratio ranged from 3 for thigh AP to 57 in abdomen AP. The range of determined mean and 75th percentile DAPs were 0.18–17.16, and 0.25–28.59 Gy cm2, respectively. Data available for comparison show that 75th percentile DAPs in this study (in chest PA, abdomen AP, pelvis AP, lumbar AP) are higher than NRPB‐HPE reference values. The DAP in this study is higher by factor of 31.4 (chest PA), 9.9 (abdomen AP), 2.2 (pelvis AP), and 2.1 (lumbar AP) than NRPB‐HPE values. The relative higher dose found in this study shows nonoptimization of practice in Nigeria. It is expected that regular dose auditing and dose optimization implementation in Nigeria would lead to lower DAP value, especially in abdomen AP. The 75th percentile DAP distribution reported in this study could be taken as regional diagnostic reference level in the Southwestern Nigeria; however, a more extensive nationwide dose survey is required to establish national reference dose. PACS number(s): 87.53.Bn, 87.59.B PMID:27929511

High-intensity corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin and UVA in rat cornea.

PubMed

Zhu, Yirui; Reinach, Peter S; Zhu, Hanlei; Tan, Qiufan; Zheng, Qinxiang; Qu, Jia; Chen, Wei

2017-01-01

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) halts human corneal ectasias progression by increasing stromal mechanical stiffness. Although some reports describe that this procedure is effective in dealing with some infectious and immunologic corneal thinning diseases, there is a need for more animal models whose corneal thickness more closely resemble those occurring in these patients. To meet this need, we describe here high-intensity protocols that are safe and effective for obtaining CXL in rat corneas. Initially, a range of potentially effective UVA doses were evaluated based on their effectiveness in increasing tissue enzymatic resistance to dissolution. At UVA doses higher than a threshold level of 0.54 J/cm2, resistance to enzymatic digestion increased relative to that in non-irradiated corneas. Based on the theoretical threshold CXL dose, a CXL regimen was established in which the UVA tissue irradiance was 9 mW/cm2, which was delivered at doses of either 2.16, 2.7 or 3.24 J/cm2. Their dose dependent effects were evaluated on ocular surface morphological integrity, keratocyte apoptotic frequency, tissue thickness and endothelial cell layer density. Doses of 2.16 and 2.7 J/cm2 transiently decreased normal corneal transparency and increased thickness. These effects were fully reversed after 14 days. In contrast, 3.24 J/cm2 had more irreversible side effects. Three days after treatment, apoptotic frequency in the CXL-2.16 group was lower than that at higher doses. Endothelial cell losses remained evident only in the CXL-3.24 group at 42 days posttreatment. Stromal fiber thickening was evident in all the CXL-treated groups. We determined both the threshold UVA dose using the high-intensity CXL procedure and identified an effective dose range that provides optimal CXL with minimal transient side effects in the rat cornea. These results may help to provide insight into how to improve the CXL outcome in patients afflicted with a severe corneal thinning disease.

SU-E-I-54: Effective Dose and Radiation Cancer Risks for Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Full Spine Radiography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Y; Hwang, Y; Tsai, H

2015-06-15

Purpose: Scoliotic patients underwent a lot of radiologic examinations during the control and treatment periods. This study used the PCXMC program to calculate the effective dose of the patients and assess the radiation cancer risks. Methods: Seventy five scoliotic patients were examined using CR or DR systems during the control and treatment periods in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The technical factors were recorded for each patient during his/her control and treatment period. The entrance surface dose was measured using thermoluminence dosimeters and derived from technical factors and irradiated geometry. The effective dose of patients and relative radiation cancer risks weremore » calculated by the PCXMC program. All required information regarding patient age and sex, the x-ray spectra, and the tube voltage and current were registered. The radiation risk were estimated using the model developed by the BEIR VII committee (2006). Results: The effective doses of full spine radiography with anteroposterior and lateral projections were 0.626 mSv for patients using DR systems, and 0.483mSv for patients using CR systems, respectively. The dose using DR system was 29.6% higher than those using CR system. The maximum organ dose was observed in the breast for both projections in all the systems. The risk of exposure—induced cancer death (REID) of patients for DR and CR systems were 0.009% and 0.007%, respectively. Conclusion: The risk estimates were regarded with healthy skepticism, placed more emphasis on the magnitude of the risk. The effective doses estimated in this study could be served as a reference for radiologists and technologists and demonstrate the necessity to optimize patient protection for full spine radiography though the effective doses are not at the level to induce deterministic effects and not significant in the stochastic effect. This study was supported by the grants from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CMRPD1D0421)« less

Results on Dose Distributions in a Human Body from the Matroshka-R Experiment onboard the ISS Obtained with the Tissue-Equivalent Spherical Phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shurshakov, Vyacheslav; Nikolaev, Igor; Kartsev, Ivan; Tolochek, Raisa; Lyagushin, Vladimir

The tissue-equivalent spherical phantom (32 kg mass, 35 cm diameter and 10 cm central spherical cave) made in Russia has been used on board the ISS in Matroshka-R experiment for more than 10 years. Both passive and active space radiation detectors can be located inside the phantom and on its surface. Due to the specially chosen phantom shape and size, the chord length distributions of the detector locations are attributed to self-shielding properties of the critical organs in a human body. Originally the spherical phantom was installed in the star board crew cabin of the ISS Service Module, then in the Piers-1, MIM-2, and MIM-1 modules of the ISS Russian segment, and finally in JAXA Kibo module. Total duration of the detector exposure is more than 2000 days in 9 sessions of the space experiment. In the first phase of the experiment with the spherical phantom the dose measurements were realized with only passive detectors (thermoluminescent and solid state track detectors). The detectors are placed inside the phantom along the axes of 20 containers and on the phantom outer surface in 32 pockets of the phantom jacket. After each session the passive detectors are returned to the ground. The results obtained show the dose difference on the phantom surface as much as a factor of 2, the highest dose being usually observed close to the outer wall of the compartment, and the lowest dose being in the opposite location along the phantom diameter. However, because of the ISS module shielding properties an inverse dose distribution in a human body can be observed when the dose rate maximum is closer to the geometrical center of the module. Maximum dose rate measured in the phantom is obviously due to the action of two radiation sources, namely, galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and Earth’ radiation belts. Minimum dose rate is produced mainly by the strongly penetrating GCR particles and is mostly observed behind more than 5 g/cm2 tissue shielding. Critical organ doses, mean-tissue and effective doses of a crew member in the ISS compartments are also estimated with the spherical phantom data. The estimated effective dose rate is found to be from 10 % to 15 % lower than the averaged dose on the phantom surface as dependent on the attitude of the critical organs. If compared with the anthropomorphic phantom Rando used inside and outside the ISS earlier, the Matroshka-R space experiment spherical phantom has lower mass, smaller size, and requires less crew time for the detector installation/retrieval; its tissue-equivalent properties are closer to the standard human body tissue than the Rando-phantom material. New sessions with the two tissue-equivalent phantoms are of great interest. Development of modified passive and active detector sets is in progress for the future ISS expeditions. Both the spherical and Rando-type phantoms proved their effectiveness to measure the critical organ doses and effective doses in-flight and if supplied with modernized dosimeters can be recommended for future exploratory manned missions to monitor continuously the crew exposure to space radiation.

SU-E-T-279: Realization of Three-Dimensional Conformal Dose Planning in Prostate Brachytherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Z; Jiang, S; Yang, Z

2014-06-01

Purpose: Successful clinical treatment in prostate brachytherapy is largely dependent on the effectiveness of pre-surgery dose planning. Conventional dose planning method could hardly arrive at a satisfy result. In this abstract, a three-dimensional conformal localized dose planning method is put forward to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of pre-implantation dose planning. Methods: Using Monte Carlo method, the pre-calculated 3-D dose map for single source is obtained. As for multiple seeds dose distribution, the maps are combined linearly to acquire the 3-D distribution. The 3-D dose distribution is exhibited in the form of isodose surface together with reconstructed 3-D organs groupmore » real-timely. Then it is possible to observe the dose exposure to target volume and normal tissues intuitively, thus achieving maximum dose irradiation to treatment target and minimum healthy tissues damage. In addition, the exfoliation display of different isodose surfaces can be realized applying multi-values contour extraction algorithm based on voxels. The needles could be displayed in the system by tracking the position of the implanted seeds in real time to conduct block research in optimizing insertion trajectory. Results: This study extends dose planning from two-dimensional to three-dimensional, realizing the three-dimensional conformal irradiation, which could eliminate the limitations of 2-D images and two-dimensional dose planning. A software platform is developed using VC++ and Visualization Toolkit (VTK) to perform dose planning. The 3-D model reconstruction time is within three seconds (on a Intel Core i5 PC). Block research could be conducted to avoid inaccurate insertion into sensitive organs or internal obstructions. Experiments on eight prostate cancer cases prove that this study could make the dose planning results more reasonable. Conclusion: The three-dimensional conformal dose planning method could improve the rationality of dose planning by safely reducing the large target margin and avoiding dose dead zones for prostate cancer treatment. 1) National Natural Science Foundation of People's Republic of China (No. 51175373); 2) New Century Educational Talents Plan of Chinese Education Ministry (NCET-10-0625); 3) Scientific and Technological Major Project, Tianjin (No. 12ZCDZSY10600)« less

Surface-deposition and Distribution of the Radon (222Rn and 220Rn) Decay Products Indoors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espinosa, G.; Tommasino, Luigi

The exposure to radon (222Rn and 220Rn) decay products is of great concern both in dwellings and workplaces. The model to estimate the lung dose refers to the deposition mechanisms and particle sizes. Unfortunately, most of the dose data available are based on the measurement of radon concentration and the concentration of radon decay products. These combined measurements are widely used in spite of the fact that accurate dose assessments require information on the particle deposition mechanisms and the spatial distribution of radon decay products indoors. Most of the airborne particles and/or radon decay products are deposited onto indoor surfaces, which deposition makes the radon decay products unavailable for inhalation. These deposition processes, if properly known, could be successfully exploited to reduce the exposure to radon decay products. In spite of the importance of the surface deposition of the radon decay products, both for the correct evaluation of the dose and for reducing the exposure, little or no efforts have been made to investigate these deposition processes. Recently, two parallel investigations have been carried out in Rome and at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City respectively, which address the issue of the surface-deposited radon decay products. Even though these investigations have been carried independently, they complement one another. It is with these considerations in mind that it was decided to report both investigations in the same paper.

Weathering of radiocaesium contamination on urban streets, walls and roofs.

PubMed

Andersson, K G; Roed, J; Fogh, C L

2002-01-01

Recent investigations in Russia have emphasised the significance of dose contributions from contamination on urban streets and roof pavings, and, typically to a lesser extent, walls in the urban environment. The crucial factor determining the magnitude of these contributions is the retention of the contamination by the different types of urban surface. Since the Chernobyl accident, a series of long-term field studies has been carried out on urban streets, walls and roofs, to examine the weathering processes of 137Cs on the various surface types. The derived time-functions are applied to estimate resultant long-term doses to inhabitants of an urban centre. The paper highlights the effect on caesium retention of surface material characteristics.

Structural, optical and compositional stability of MoS2 multi-layer flakes under high dose electron beam irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rotunno, E.; Fabbri, F.; Cinquanta, E.; Kaplan, D.; Longo, M.; Lazzarini, L.; Molle, A.; Swaminathan, V.; Salviati, G.

2016-06-01

MoS2 multi-layer flakes, exfoliated from geological molybdenite, have been exposed to high dose electron irradiation showing clear evidence of crystal lattice and stoichiometry modifications. A massive surface sulfur depletion is induced together with the consequent formation of molybdenum nanoislands. It is found that a nanometric amorphous carbon layer, unwillingly deposited during the transmission electron microscope experiments, prevents the formation of the nanoislands. In the absence of the carbon layer, the formation of molybdenum grains proceeds both on the top and bottom surfaces of the flake. If carbon is present on both the surfaces then the formation of Mo grains is completely prevented.

A practical approach to determine dose metrics for nanomaterials.

PubMed

Delmaar, Christiaan J E; Peijnenburg, Willie J G M; Oomen, Agnes G; Chen, Jingwen; de Jong, Wim H; Sips, Adriënne J A M; Wang, Zhuang; Park, Margriet V D Z

2015-05-01

Traditionally, administered mass is used to describe doses of conventional chemical substances in toxicity studies. For deriving toxic doses of nanomaterials, mass and chemical composition alone may not adequately describe the dose, because particles with the same chemical composition can have completely different toxic mass doses depending on properties such as particle size. Other dose metrics such as particle number, volume, or surface area have been suggested, but consensus is lacking. The discussion regarding the most adequate dose metric for nanomaterials clearly needs a systematic, unbiased approach to determine the most appropriate dose metric for nanomaterials. In the present study, the authors propose such an approach and apply it to results from in vitro and in vivo experiments with silver and silica nanomaterials. The proposed approach is shown to provide a convenient tool to systematically investigate and interpret dose metrics of nanomaterials. Recommendations for study designs aimed at investigating dose metrics are provided. © 2015 SETAC.

The real-world dose-relativity of sevelamer hydrochloride and lanthanum carbonate monotherapy in patients with end-stage renal disease.

PubMed

Wilson, Rosamund J; Keith, Michael S; Preston, Peter; Copley, J Brian

2013-12-01

Sevelamer hydrochloride (SH) and lanthanum carbonate (LC) are calcium-free phosphate binders used for the management of hyperphosphatemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the real-world dose-relativity between SH and LC monotherapy in US patients with ESRD. This was a post hoc analysis of a 16-week, real-world study (Vemuri et al. in BMC Nephrol 12:49, 2011) of the efficacy of conversion to LC monotherapy from other phosphate binders. The SH:LC dose-relativity ratio, based on the mean daily dose, was calculated in the subset of patients from the Vemuri study who converted from SH to LC monotherapy and had available SH and LC dose data. A total of 950 patients converted from SH to LC monotherapy and had recorded dose data. The post hoc analysis population comprised 691 patients with available dose data for both SH at baseline and LC at week 16. The mean (SD) serum phosphate level at baseline was 5.91 (1.66) mg/dL. After conversion to LC monotherapy for 16 weeks, the mean (SD) serum phosphate level was 5.93 (1.85) mg/dL. The mean (SD) daily baseline SH dose was 7,703 (3,642) mg and the mean (SD) daily LC dose at week 16 was 2,800 (939) mg (9.6 versus 2.8 tablets, respectively; P < 0.0001), resulting in a SH:LC dose-relativity ratio of 2.8. The median individual patient SH:LC dose-relativity ratio was 2.6 (95% CI 2.6-2.8). Across baseline SH dose subgroups (2,400-4,800, >4,800-7,200, >7,200-9,600, and >9,600 mg/day), the mean daily SH dose was 4,051, 7,047, 9,253, and 13,150 mg, respectively. In comparison, the mean daily LC dose was 2,445-3,156 mg. Thus, patients requiring baseline SH doses >7,200 mg/day (41% of the analysis population) had higher SH:LC dose-relativity ratios of 3.1-4.2 (median individual patient ratios 3.1-4.0). In this post hoc analysis of real-world dose-relativity, the overall SH:LC dose-relativity ratio was 2.8 (median individual patient ratio 2.6 (95% CI 2.6-2.8). These findings are consistent with the World Health Organization-defined daily dose and previous studies of the relative phosphate binding capacity of the two drugs. Patients requiring SH doses >7,200 mg/day had higher SH:LC dose-relativities of 3.1-4.2 (median individual patient ratios 3.1-4.0). These findings have implications for the tablet burden and cost-effectiveness of SH and LC in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia.

Deformable structure registration of bladder through surface mapping.

PubMed

Xiong, Li; Viswanathan, Akila; Stewart, Alexandra J; Haker, Steven; Tempany, Clare M; Chin, Lee M; Cormack, Robert A

2006-06-01

Cumulative dose distributions in fractionated radiation therapy depict the dose to normal tissues and therefore may permit an estimation of the risk of normal tissue complications. However, calculation of these distributions is highly challenging because of interfractional changes in the geometry of patient anatomy. This work presents an algorithm for deformable structure registration of the bladder and the verification of the accuracy of the algorithm using phantom and patient data. In this algorithm, the registration process involves conformal mapping of genus zero surfaces using finite element analysis, and guided by three control landmarks. The registration produces a correspondence between fractions of the triangular meshes used to describe the bladder surface. For validation of the algorithm, two types of balloons were inflated gradually to three times their original size, and several computerized tomography (CT) scans were taken during the process. The registration algorithm yielded a local accuracy of 4 mm along the balloon surface. The algorithm was then applied to CT data of patients receiving fractionated high-dose-rate brachytherapy to the vaginal cuff, with the vaginal cylinder in situ. The patients' bladder filling status was intentionally different for each fraction. The three required control landmark points were identified for the bladder based on anatomy. Out of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved study of 20 patients, 3 had radiographically identifiable points near the bladder surface that were used for verification of the accuracy of the registration. The verification point as seen in each fraction was compared with its predicted location based on affine as well as deformable registration. Despite the variation in bladder shape and volume, the deformable registration was accurate to 5 mm, consistently outperforming the affine registration. We conclude that the structure registration algorithm presented works with reasonable accuracy and provides a means of calculating cumulative dose distributions.

RADIANCE: An automated, enterprise-wide solution for archiving and reporting CT radiation dose estimates.

PubMed

Cook, Tessa S; Zimmerman, Stefan L; Steingall, Scott R; Maidment, Andrew D A; Kim, Woojin; Boonn, William W

2011-01-01

There is growing interest in the ability to monitor, track, and report exposure to radiation from medical imaging. Historically, however, dose information has been stored on an image-based dose sheet, an arrangement that precludes widespread indexing. Although scanner manufacturers are beginning to include dose-related parameters in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) headers of imaging studies, there remains a vast repository of retrospective computed tomographic (CT) data with image-based dose sheets. Consequently, it is difficult for imaging centers to monitor their dose estimates or participate in the American College of Radiology (ACR) Dose Index Registry. An automated extraction software pipeline known as Radiation Dose Intelligent Analytics for CT Examinations (RADIANCE) has been designed that quickly and accurately parses CT dose sheets to extract and archive dose-related parameters. Optical character recognition of information in the dose sheet leads to creation of a text file, which along with the DICOM study header is parsed to extract dose-related data. The data are then stored in a relational database that can be queried for dose monitoring and report creation. RADIANCE allows efficient dose analysis of CT examinations and more effective education of technologists, radiologists, and referring physicians regarding patient exposure to radiation at CT. RADIANCE also allows compliance with the ACR's dose reporting guidelines and greater awareness of patient radiation dose, ultimately resulting in improved patient care and treatment.

A simplified approach for exit dose in vivo measurements in radiotherapy and its clinical application.

PubMed

Banjade, D P; Shrestha, S L; Shukri, A; Tajuddin, A A; Bhat, M

2002-09-01

This is a study using LiF:Mg;Ti thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) rods in phantoms to investigate the effect of lack of backscatter on exit dose. Comparing the measured dose with anticipated dose calculated using tissue maximum ratio (TMR) or percentage depth dose (PDD) gives rise to a correction factor. This correction factor may be applied to in-vivo dosimetry results to derive true dose to a point within the patient. Measurements in a specially designed humanoid breast phantom as well as patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment were also been done. TLDs with reproducibility of within +/- 3% (1 SD) are irradiated in a series of measurements for 6 and 10 MV photon beams from a medical linear accelerator. The measured exit doses for the different phantom thickness for 6 MV beams are found to be lowered by 10.9 to 14.0% compared to the dose derived from theoretical estimation (normalized dose at dmax). The same measurements for 10 MV beams are lowered by 9.0 to 13.5%. The variations of measured exit dose for different field sizes are found to be within 2.5%. The exit doses with added backscatter material from 2 mm up to 15 cm, shows gradual increase and the saturated values agreed within 1.5% with the expected results for both beams. The measured exit doses in humanoid breast phantom as well as in the clinical trial on patients undergoing radiotherapy also agreed with the predicted results based on phantom measurements. The authors' viewpoint is that this technique provides sufficient information to design exit surface bolus to restore build down effect in cases where part of the exit surface is being considered as a target volume. It indicates that the technique could be translated for in vivo dose measurements, which may be a conspicuous step of quality assurance in clinical practice.

Xerostomia and its predictors following parotid-sparing irradiation of head-and-neck cancer.

PubMed

Eisbruch, A; Kim, H M; Terrell, J E; Marsh, L H; Dawson, L A; Ship, J A

2001-07-01

To assess long-term xerostomia in patients receiving parotid-sparing radiation therapy (RT) for head-and-neck cancer, and to find the patient and therapy-related factors that affect its severity. From March 1994 through January 2000, 84 patients received comprehensive bilateral neck RT using conformal and multisegmental intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) aiming to spare the major salivary glands. Before RT and periodically through 2 years after the completion of RT, salivary flow rates from each of the major salivary glands were selectively measured. At the same time intervals, each patient completed an 8-item self-reported xerostomia-specific questionnaire (XQ). To gain a relative measure of the effect of RT on the minor salivary glands, whose output could not be measured, the surfaces of the oral cavity (extending to include the surface of the base of tongue) were outlined in the planning CT scans. The mean doses to the new organ ("oral cavity") were recorded. Forty-eight patients receiving unilateral neck RT were similarly studied and served as a benchmark for comparison. Factors predicting the XQ scores were analyzed using a random-effects model. The XQ was found to be reliable and valid in measuring patient-reported xerostomia. The spared salivary glands which had received moderate doses in the bilateral RT group recovered to their baseline salivary flow rates during the second year after RT, and the spared glands in the unilateral RT group, which had received very low doses, demonstrated increased salivary production beyond their pre-RT levels. The increase in the salivary flow rates during the second year after RT paralleled an improvement in xerostomia in both patient groups. The improvement in xerostomia was faster in the unilateral compared with the bilateral RT group, but the difference narrowed at 2 years. The major salivary gland flow rates had only a weak correlation with the xerostomia scores. Factors found to be independently associated with the xerostomia scores were the pre-RT baseline scores, the time since RT, and the mean doses to the major salivary glands (notably to the submandibular glands) and to the oral cavity. An improvement over time in xerostomia, occurring in tandem with rising salivary production from the spared major salivary glands, suggests a long-term clinical benefit from their sparing. The oral cavity mean dose, representing RT effect on the minor salivary glands, was found to be a significant, independent predictor of xerostomia. Thus, in addition to the major salivary glands, sparing the uninvolved oral cavity should be considered as a planning objective to further reduce xerostomia.

Virtual reality based adaptive dose assessment method for arbitrary geometries in nuclear facility decommissioning.

PubMed

Liu, Yong-Kuo; Chao, Nan; Xia, Hong; Peng, Min-Jun; Ayodeji, Abiodun

2018-05-17

This paper presents an improved and efficient virtual reality-based adaptive dose assessment method (VRBAM) applicable to the cutting and dismantling tasks in nuclear facility decommissioning. The method combines the modeling strength of virtual reality with the flexibility of adaptive technology. The initial geometry is designed with the three-dimensional computer-aided design tools, and a hybrid model composed of cuboids and a point-cloud is generated automatically according to the virtual model of the object. In order to improve the efficiency of dose calculation while retaining accuracy, the hybrid model is converted to a weighted point-cloud model, and the point kernels are generated by adaptively simplifying the weighted point-cloud model according to the detector position, an approach that is suitable for arbitrary geometries. The dose rates are calculated with the Point-Kernel method. To account for radiation scattering effects, buildup factors are calculated with the Geometric-Progression formula in the fitting function. The geometric modeling capability of VRBAM was verified by simulating basic geometries, which included a convex surface, a concave surface, a flat surface and their combination. The simulation results show that the VRBAM is more flexible and superior to other approaches in modeling complex geometries. In this paper, the computation time and dose rate results obtained from the proposed method were also compared with those obtained using the MCNP code and an earlier virtual reality-based method (VRBM) developed by the same authors. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Effects of urban agglomeration on surface-UV doses: a comparison of Brewer measurements in Warsaw and Belsk, Poland, for the period 2013-2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czerwińska, Agnieszka E.; Krzyścin, Janusz W.; Jarosławski, Janusz; Posyniak, Michał

2016-11-01

Specific aerosols and cloud properties over large urban regions seem to generate an island, similar to the well-known urban heat island, leading to lower ultraviolet (UV) radiation intensity compared to the surrounding less polluted areas, thus creating a shield against excessive human exposure to UV radiation. The present study focuses on differences between erythemal and UVA (324 nm) doses measured by the Brewer spectrophotometers in Warsaw (52.3° N, 21.0° E) and Belsk (51.8° N, 20.8° E). The latter is a rural region located about 60 km south-west of the city. Ratios between erythemal and UVA partly daily doses, obtained during all-sky and cloudless-sky conditions for the period May 2013-December 2015, were analysed to infer a specific cloud and aerosol forcing on the surface UV doses over Warsaw. Radiative model simulations were carried out to find sources of the observed differences between the sites. It was found that Warsaw urban agglomeration induced 8 and 6 % attenuation of the erythemal and UVA doses respectively. This is mostly due to the lower sun elevation in Warsaw during the near-noon measurements and the larger optical depth of the city aerosols and increased cloudiness. It could be hypothesised that the expected stronger absorption of the solar UV radiation by urban aerosols is compensated for here by a higher surface reflectivity over the city.

Systematic Evaluation of the Efficacy of Chlorine Dioxide in Decontamination of Building Interior Surfaces Contaminated with Anthrax Spores▿

PubMed Central

Rastogi, Vipin K.; Ryan, Shawn P.; Wallace, Lalena; Smith, Lisa S.; Shah, Saumil S.; Martin, G. Blair

2010-01-01

Efficacy of chlorine dioxide (CD) gas generated by two distinct generation systems, Sabre (wet system with gas generated in water) and ClorDiSys (dry system with gas generated in air), was evaluated for inactivation of Bacillus anthracis spores on six building interior surfaces. The six building materials included carpet, acoustic ceiling tile, unpainted cinder block, painted I-beam steel, painted wallboard, and unpainted pinewood. There was no statistically significant difference in the data due to the CD generation technology at a 95% confidence level. Note that a common method of CD gas measurement was used for both wet and dry CD generation types. Doses generated by combinations of different concentrations of CD gas (500, 1,000, 1,500, or 3,000 parts per million of volume [ppmv]) and exposure times (ranging between 0.5 and 12 h) were used to evaluate the relative role of fumigant exposure period and total dose in the decontamination of building surfaces. The results showed that the time required to achieve at least a 6-log reduction in viable spores is clearly a function of the material type on which the spores are inoculated. The wood and cinder block coupons required a longer exposure time to achieve a 6-log reduction. The only material showing a clear statistical difference in rate of decay of viable spores as a function of concentration was cinder block. For all other materials, the profile of spore kill (i.e., change in number of viable spores with exposure time) was not dependent upon fumigant concentration (500 to 3,000 ppmv). The CD dose required for complete spore kill on biological indicators (typically, 1E6 spores of Bacillus atrophaeus on stainless steel) was significantly less than that required for decontamination of most of the building materials tested. PMID:20305025

Systematic evaluation of the efficacy of chlorine dioxide in decontamination of building interior surfaces contaminated with anthrax spores.

PubMed

Rastogi, Vipin K; Ryan, Shawn P; Wallace, Lalena; Smith, Lisa S; Shah, Saumil S; Martin, G Blair

2010-05-01

Efficacy of chlorine dioxide (CD) gas generated by two distinct generation systems, Sabre (wet system with gas generated in water) and ClorDiSys (dry system with gas generated in air), was evaluated for inactivation of Bacillus anthracis spores on six building interior surfaces. The six building materials included carpet, acoustic ceiling tile, unpainted cinder block, painted I-beam steel, painted wallboard, and unpainted pinewood. There was no statistically significant difference in the data due to the CD generation technology at a 95% confidence level. Note that a common method of CD gas measurement was used for both wet and dry CD generation types. Doses generated by combinations of different concentrations of CD gas (500, 1,000, 1,500, or 3,000 parts per million of volume [ppmv]) and exposure times (ranging between 0.5 and 12 h) were used to evaluate the relative role of fumigant exposure period and total dose in the decontamination of building surfaces. The results showed that the time required to achieve at least a 6-log reduction in viable spores is clearly a function of the material type on which the spores are inoculated. The wood and cinder block coupons required a longer exposure time to achieve a 6-log reduction. The only material showing a clear statistical difference in rate of decay of viable spores as a function of concentration was cinder block. For all other materials, the profile of spore kill (i.e., change in number of viable spores with exposure time) was not dependent upon fumigant concentration (500 to 3,000 ppmv). The CD dose required for complete spore kill on biological indicators (typically, 1E6 spores of Bacillus atrophaeus on stainless steel) was significantly less than that required for decontamination of most of the building materials tested.

Dose-surface analysis for prediction of severe acute radio-induced skin toxicity in breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Pastore, Francesco; Conson, Manuel; D'Avino, Vittoria; Palma, Giuseppe; Liuzzi, Raffaele; Solla, Raffaele; Farella, Antonio; Salvatore, Marco; Cella, Laura; Pacelli, Roberto

2016-01-01

Severe acute radiation-induced skin toxicity (RIST) after breast irradiation is a side effect impacting the quality of life in breast cancer (BC) patients. The aim of the present study was to develop normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models of severe acute RIST in BC patients. We evaluated 140 consecutive BC patients undergoing conventional three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) after breast conserving surgery in a prospective study assessing acute RIST. The acute RIST was classified according to the RTOG scoring system. Dose-surface histograms (DSHs) of the body structure in the breast region were extracted as representative of skin irradiation. Patient, disease, and treatment-related characteristics were analyzed along with DSHs. NTCP modeling by Lyman-Kutcher-Burman (LKB) and by multivariate logistic regression using bootstrap resampling techniques was performed. Models were evaluated by Spearman's Rs coefficient and ROC area. By the end of radiotherapy, 139 (99%) patients developed any degree of acute RIST. G3 RIST was found in 11 of 140 (8%) patients. Mild-moderate (G1-G2) RIST was still present at 40 days after treatment in six (4%) patients. Using DSHs for LKB modeling of acute RIST severity (RTOG G3 vs. G0-2), parameter estimates were TD50=39 Gy, n=0.38 and m=0.14 [Rs = 0.25, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.77, p = 0.003]. On multivariate analysis, the most predictive model of acute RIST severity was a two-variable model including the skin receiving ≥30 Gy (S30) and psoriasis [Rs = 0.32, AUC = 0.84, p < 0.001]. Using body DSH as representative of skin dose, the LKB n parameter was consistent with a surface effect for the skin. A good prediction performance was obtained using a data-driven multivariate model including S30 and a pre-existing skin disease (psoriasis) as a clinical factor.

PREDICTING THE RISKS OF NEUROTOXIC VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS BASED ON TARGET TISSUE DOSE.

EPA Science Inventory

Quantitative exposure-dose-response models relate the external exposure of a substance to the dose in the target tissue, and then relate the target tissue dose to production of adverse outcomes. We developed exposure-dose-response models to describe the affects of acute exposure...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas, C.I.; Storaasli, J.P.; Friedell, H.L.

A study was made of 186 patients receiving beta radiation to the eye from a Sr/sup 90/ applicator for various ophthalmologic lesions. One hundred and fifteen patients had a detailed ophlhalmologie examination at least eight years after treatment. In the vast majority of the remaining cases, corneal opacifications precluded this examination. Lenticular changes were found in 38 cases. The degree of lens opacification following irradiation is related to the surface dose but more specifically the dose received by the lens. Since these charges appear to be stationary and rarely interfere with visual acuity, the use of this type of therapymore » should not be considered precluded where other types of treatment are ineffective. One must weigh the possible production of lenticular opacifications with the therapeutic benefits of radiation. In the authors' experience, no complications have occurred which would contraindicate the proper use of this form of radiation therapy. (auth)« less

Dose delivered from Varian's CBCT to patients receiving IMRT for prostate cancer.

PubMed

Wen, Ning; Guan, Huaiqun; Hammoud, Rabih; Pradhan, Deepak; Nurushev, T; Li, Shidong; Movsas, Benjamin

2007-04-21

With the increased use of cone beam CT (CBCT) for daily patient setup, the accumulated dose from CBCT may be significantly higher than that from simulation CT or portal imaging. The objective of this work is to measure the dose from daily pelvic scans with fixed technical settings and collimations. CBCT scans were acquired in half-fan mode using a half bowtie and x-rays were delivered in pulsed-fluoro mode. The skin doses for seven prostate patients were measured on an IRB-approved protocol. TLD capsules were placed on the patient's skin at the central axis of three beams: AP, left lateral (Lt Lat) and right lateral (Rt Lat). To avoid the ring artefacts centred in the prostate, the treatment couch was dropped 3 cm from the patient's tattoo (central axis). The measured AP skin doses ranged 3-6 cGy for 20-33 cm separation. The larger the patient size the less the AP skin dose. Lateral doses did not change much with patient size. The Lt Lat dose was approximately 4.0 cGy, which was approximately 40% higher than the Rt Lat dose of approximately 2.6 cGy. To verify this dose asymmetry, surface doses on an IMRT QA phantom (oval shaped, 30 cm x 20 cm) were measured at the same three sites using TLD capsules with 3 cm table-drop. The dose asymmetry was due to: (1) kV source rotation which always starts from the patient's Lt Lat and ends at Lt Lat. Gantry rotation gets much slower near the end of rotation but dose rate stays constant and (2) 370 degrees scan rotation (10 degrees scan overlap on the Lt Lat side). In vivo doses were measured inside a Rando pelvic heterogeneous phantom using TLDs. The left hip (femoral head and neck) received the highest doses of approximately 10-11 cGy while the right hip received approximately 6-7 cGy. The surface and in vivo doses were also measured for phantoms at the central-axis setup. The difference was less than approximately 12% to the table-drop setup.