• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.389-394
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• 2016

Background: Tetrahedral-mesh geometries can be used in the MCNP code, but the MCNP code accepts only the geometry in the Abaqus input file format; hence, the existing tetrahedral-mesh models first need to be converted to the Abacus input file format to be used in the MCNP code. In the present study, we developed a simple but useful computer program, TET2MCNP, for converting TetGen-generated tetrahedral-mesh models to the Abacus input file format. Materials and Methods: TET2MCNP is written in C++ and contains two components: one for converting a TetGen output file to the Abacus input file and the other for the reverse conversion process. The TET2MCP program also produces an MCNP input file. Further, the program provides some MCNP-specific functions: the maximum number of elements (i.e., tetrahedrons) per part can be limited, and the material density of each element can be transferred to the MCNP input file. Results and Discussion: To test the developed program, two tetrahedral-mesh models were generated using TetGen and converted to the Abaqus input file format using TET2MCNP. Subsequently, the converted files were used in the MCNP code to calculate the object- and organ-averaged absorbed dose in the sphere and phantom, respectively. The results show that the converted models provide, within statistical uncertainties, identical dose values to those obtained using the PHITS code, which uses the original tetrahedral-mesh models produced by the TetGen program. The results show that the developed program can successfully convert TetGen tetrahedral-mesh models to Abacus input files. Conclusion: In the present study, we have developed a computer program, TET2MCNP, which can be used to convert TetGen-generated tetrahedral-mesh models to the Abaqus input file format for use in the MCNP code. We believe this program will be used by many MCNP users for implementing complex tetrahedral-mesh models, including computational human phantoms, in the MCNP code.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.215-219
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• 2004

Due to their excellence for the high-energy therapy range of photon beams, researchers show increasing interest in applying MOSFET dosimeters to low- and medium-energy applications. In this energy range, however, MOSFET dosimeter is complicated by the fact that the interaction probability of photons shows significant dependence on the atomic number, Z, due to photoelectric effect. The objective of this study is to develop a very detailed 3-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation model of a MOSFET dosimeter for radiological characterizations and calibrations. The sensitive volume of the High-Sensitivity MOSFET dosimeter is very thin (1 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$) and the standard MCNP tallies do not accurately determine absorbed dose to the sensitive volume. Therefore, we need to score the energy deposition directly from electrons. The developed model was then used to study various radiological characteristics of the MOSFET dosimeter. the energy dependence was quantified for the energy range 15 keV to 6 MeV; finding maximum dependence of 6.6 at about 40 keV. A commercial computer code, Sabrina, was used to read the particle track information from an MCNP simulation and count the tracks of simulated electrons. The MOSFET dosimeter estimated the calibration factor by 1.16 when the dosimeter was at 15 cm depth in tissue phantom for 662 keV incident photons. Our results showed that the MOSFET dosimeter estimated by 1.11 for 1.25 MeV photons for the same condition.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.71-75
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• 2012

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been prepared by using aqueous $AgNO_3$ solution in the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels. PVA powders were dissolved in deionized water, and then irradiated by gamma-ray with a radiation dose of 50 kGy to make hydrogels. PVA hydrogels were dipped into 0.01 and 0.05 M $AgNO_3$ solution for 1 h respectively. After that, the swollen hydrogels were irradiated by gamma-ray at various doses to form AgNPs. UV-vis analysis indicated that the concentration of Ag NPs was enhanced by increasing absorbed dose and the concentration of $AgNO_3$. FE-SEM measurements provided further evidence for the successful formation of Ag NPs in PVA hydrogels. Also, the antibacterial effect of PVA hydrogels stabilized AgNPs against Gram-negative bacteria (S.aureus and E.coli) in liquid as well as on solid growth media has been investigated. The AgNPs consolidated in PVA hydrogel networks have an excellent antibacterial effect.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.584-589
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• 2001

Isopropryl 2-(1-3-dithiethane-2-ylidene)-2 [N-(4-methyl-thiazole-2-yl) carbamoyl] acetate (YH439) is currently under phase ll clinical trials by the Yuhan Research Center for use as a hepatoprotective agent. Unfortunately, the oral bioavailbility of YH439, which is sparingly soluble in water (i.e., $0.3{\;}\mu\textrm{g}/ml{\;}or{\;}0.91{$\mu}M$ at room temperature), reportedly, is negligibleregardless of the dose administered to rats in the 10-300 mg/kg range. The bioavailability of the compound increased up to 24%, when administered in the form of a micellar solution ($700{\;}\mu\textrm{g}/ml$or 2.1 mM for YH439) at a dose of 10 mg/kg, suggesting that its limited solubility is associated with its negligible bioavailability. In order to obtain additional informmation concerning the bioavailability of YH439, the mechanism(s) involved in gastrointestinal (Gl) absorption were investigated in the present study. For this purpose, the transport of YH430 across a Caco-2 cell monolayer was measured in a $Transwell^{\circledR}$. A permeability of $4.07{\times}10^{-5}{\;}cm/s$ was obtained for the absorptive (i.e., apical to basolateral direction) transport of $0.42{\mu}M$ YH439, implicating that the in vivo Cl absorption is nearly complete. The absorptive transport exhibited a slight concentration-dependency with an intrinsic clearance ($CL_{i}$) of $0.38{\mu}L/{\textrm{cm}^2}/sec$, which accounted for 28.1% of the total intrinsic clearance (i.e., $CL_i$ plus the intrinsic clearance for the linear component) of the transport. Thus, saturation of the absorption process appears to be a minor factor in limiting the bioavailability of the compound. The apparent permeability of YH439 from the basolateral to the apical direction (i.e., efflux, $6.67{\times}10^{-5}{\;}cm/s$) was comparable to that for absorptive transport, but, interestingly, a more distinct concentration-dependency was observed for this transport. However, the efflux does not appear to influence the bioavailability of the compound, as evidenced by the sufficiently high permeability in the absorption direction. Rather, a reportedly extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism appears to be a principal factor in limiting the bioavailability. In this respect, reducing the first-pass metabolism by some means would lead to a higher bioavailability of the compound. Thus, elevation of the absorption rate of YH439 becomes a necessity. From a practical point of view, increasing the concentration of YH439 in the Cl fluid appears to be a feasible way to increase the absorption rate, because the compound is primarily absorbed via a linear mechanism. In summary, the solubilization of YH439, as previously demonstrated for a micellar solution of the compound, appears to be a practical way to increase the oral bioavailability of YH439.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.251-261
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• 2023

Background: This paper deals with the study of natural radioactivity in rocks from Ogun State in Southwestern Nigeria. The aim is to determine radiation emissions from rocks in order to estimate radiation hazard indices. Objectives: The following objectives were targeted: 1. To determine radiation emissions from each type of rocks; 2. To estimate radiation hazard indices based on the rocks; 3. To correlate the activity concentrations of radionuclides with major oxides. Methods: The samples were analyzed using a NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectrometric detector and PerkinElmer AAnalyst 400 AAS spectrometer. Results: The activity of ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³²Th were found in order of decreasing magnitude from pegmatite>granite>migmatite. In contrast, lower concentrations were found in shale, phosphate, clay stone, sandstone and limestone. The mean absorbed doses were 125±23 nGyh^-1 (migmatite), 74±13 nGy/h (granite), 72±13 nGyh^-1 (pegmatite), 64±09 nGyh^-1 (quartzite), 45±16 nGyh^-1 (shale), 41±09 nGyh^-1 (limestone), 41±11 nGyh^-1 (clay stone), 24±03 nGyh^-1 (phosphate), and 21±10 nGyh^-1 (sandstone). The outdoor effective dose rates in all rock samples were slightly higher than the world average dose value of 0.34 mSvy^-1. The percentage composition of SiO₂ in the rock samples was above 50 wt% except for in the limestone, shale and phosphate. Al₂O₃ ranged from 4.10~21.24 wt%, Fe₂O₃ from 0.39~7.5 wt%, and CaO from 0.09-46.6 wt%. In addition, Na₂O and K₂O were present in at least 5 wt%. Other major oxides, including TiO₂, P₂O₅, K₂O, MnO, MgO and Na₂O were depleted. Conclusions: The findings suggest that Ogun State may be described as a region with elevated background radiation. It is recommended that houses should be constructed with good cross ventilation and residences should use home radiation monitoring instruments to monitor radon emanating from walls.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.345-354
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• 2014

Purpose : We evaluated the usefulness of $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system and s-thermoplastic mask by analyzing setup error when stereotactic radiousurgery (SRS) was treated for brain metastasis. Materials and Methods : 6 patients who received definite diagnosis as brain metastasis between May 2014 and October 2014 were selected. 3 patients were immobilized s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece (group1), while $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system was used for the other 3 patients (group2). Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) scan was acquired to register planning CT scan. The registration offset was compared for each group. We compared and reported the errors using maximum, minimum, mean, and standard deviation of registration offsets. Furthermore, We used the same method as patient specific quality assurance to verify absorbed dose of PTV. Results : The setup error which is registration offset was reduced 83% in x, 40% in y, and 92% in z-direction when $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system was used compared to the case of using s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece. In addition, using $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system showed improved results in rotational components, pitch (rotation along x-axis), roll (y), and yaw (z) which were reduced 64, 88, and 87% respectively compared to the case of using s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece. In dosimetry results, when s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece used, absorbed dose was reduce 83% compared to before and after registration. However, using $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system showed only 1.9%. All percentage were calculated with respect to average value. Conclusion : Using $Fraxion^{(R)}$ system including mouthpiece, Fraxion frame, frontpiece, and thermoplastic mask, showed better repeatability and precision compared to using s-thermoplastic mask and mouthpiece, which is consequently considered as more improved immobilization system.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.315-322
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• 2013

The aim of this work is to verify the self-quality assurances in medical institutions in Korea through the external audits by the group of experts and have a mutual discussion of the systematic problems. In order to validate the external audits 30 of 80 medical institutions across the nation were picked out considering the regional distribution and the final 25 institutions applied voluntarily to take part in this work. The basic rules were setup that any information of the participants be kept secrete and the measurements be performed with the dosimetry system already verified through intercomparision. The outputs for 2 or more photon beams, the accuracy of gantry rotation and collimator rotation and the poistional accuracy of MLC movement were measured. The findings for the output measurement showed the differences of -0.8%~4.5%, -0.79%~3.01%, and -0.7%~0.07% with respect to that of the verified dosimetry system for the 6MV, 10MV, and 15MV, respectively. For the reference absorbed dose 8 (16%) of 50 photon beams in 25 medical institutions differed 2.0% or greater from the reference value. The coincidences of Field size with x-ray beam and radiation isocenters of Gantry roration and collimator rotation gave the results of within ${\pm}2$ mm for every institute except 2 institutions. The positional accuracy of MLC movement agreed to within ${\pm}1$ mm for every institute. For the beam qualities of 6 MV photon beams kQ values showed the distribution within 0.4% between maximum and minimum. For the protocols 21 institutions (84%) used absorbed dose to water based protocol while 4 insitutions (16%) used air kerma based one. 22 institutions employed the SSD technique while 3 institutions did the SAD one. External audit plays an important role in discovering the systematic problems of self-performing Quality Assurances and having in depth discussion for mutual complementation. Training experts of international level as well as national support system are required so that both the group of experts of medical physicists and government laboratory could perform together periodical and constant external audits.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.133-140
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• 1994

Recently, there are many considerations and studies on biological effects of radiations in radiation workers, as well as in accidentally or therapeutically irradiated persons. The most practical and reliable method of dosimetry for radiation accidents is the scoring of gross chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes (Ydr) as a biological dosimetry. By the way, although usual doses of $^{131}I$ administered therapeutically for thyroid cancer are ranging from 100 mCi to 200 mCi, there are differences of absorbed doses and Ydr, ranging from 0.004 to 0.04, on equally administered $^{131}I$ due to variations in metabolic characteristics, stage of tumors and physical status of subjects. In this study, We exert to obtain the dose-response relationships of $^{131}I$, as a good guide to evaluating acute effects of accidental irradiations and radiation induced leukemia or solid tumor, by in vitro induction of chromosomal aberrations. we studied the relationship between radiation dose (D) and the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (Ydr) obserbed in peripheral lymphocytes that were irradiated in vitro with $^{131}I$ at doses ranging from 0.05 to 6.00 Gy. By scoring cells with unstable chromosomal aberrations (dicentric chromosomes and ring chromosomes) we obtained this linear-quadratic dose response equation Ydr=0.064351 $D^2$-0.13143 D+0.045684 This dose-response relationship may be useful for evaluating acute and chronic $^{131}I$ induced biological effects.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.165-173
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• 2013

This study was the estimation of the dose distribution for proton, prompt gamma rays and proton induced neutron particles, in case of exposing the proton beam to polymer gel dosimeter and water phantom. The polymer gel dosimeter was compositeness material of Gelatin, Methacrylic acid, Hydroquinone, Tetrakis and Distilled water. The density of gel dosimeter was $1.04g/cm^3$ which was similar to water. The 72, 116 and 140 MeV proton beams were used in the simulation. Proton beam interacted with the nuclei of the phantom and the nuclei in excited states emitted prompt gamma rays and proton induced neutron particles during the process of de-excitation. The proton particles, prompt gamma rays, proton induced neutron particles were detected by polymer gel dosimeter and water phantom, respectively. The gap of the axis for gel was 2 mm. The Bragg-peak for proton particles in gel dosimeter was similar to water phantom. The dose distribution for proton and prompt gamma rays in gel dosimeter and water phantom was approximately identical in case of 72, 116 and 140 MeV for proton beam. However, in case of proton induced neutron particles for 72, 116 and 140 MeV proton beam, particles were not detected in gel dosimeter, while the Water phantom absorbed neutron particles. Considering the resulting data, gel dosimeter which was developed in the normoxic state attentively detected the dose distribution for proton beam exposure except proton induced neutron particles.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.61-100
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• 1975

This study has been made to find out the possibilty of successfully using the following $K_2O$ recommended equation $K_2O\;kg/10a=(Ko/\sqrt{Ca+Mg}-Ks/\sqrt{Ca+Mg})sqrt{Ca+Mg}.\;47.\;B\;D$. where $Ko/sqrt{Ca+Mg}=0.03518+0.0007658\;Sio_2/O.M$. $K_Ssqrt{Ca+Mg}$=Exchangeable K me/100g/$\sqrt{Total\;soluble(Ca+Mg)me/100g\;in\;Soil}$ B. D. =Bulk density of top soil, when the dose of Nitrogen for rice is estimated from the following equation: $N\;kg/10a=(4.2+0.096\;SiO_2/O.M).F$ where $F=0.907+0.263x-0.013x^2$ $SiO_2/O.M=(available\;SiO_2=ppm)/(organic\;matter\;%)$in soil For this. two field experiments. one in sandy and the other in clay paddy soil. have been conducted using 3 levels of wollastonite (0, 500, 100kg/10a) as main treatments; 3 levels of $K_2O$ application were used as sub-plots. These were as follows : (1) 8kg of $K_2O$/10a regardless of the K activity-$K/\sqrt{Ca+Mg}$; (2) kg of $K_2O$/10a estimated from the above equation. and (3) same as (2) above plus additional 30% of $K_2O$. The dose of N kg/ 10a was determined from the above equation based on the value of $SiO_2$/O.M. ratio in each treatment. There were three replications. The leading variety of rice in Chung Chong Nam Do area. Akibare (introduced from Japan) was used. The data obtained. through soil and plant analysis and growth and yield observations. have been throughly examined to attain the following summarized conclusions. 1. The nitrogen dose. estimated from the above equation. was in excess for optimum growth of the rice variety Akibare; indicating the necessity of modification onthe value of "F" or the constants in the equation. The concept of using $SiO_2$/O.M. in the equation was shown to be applicable. 2. The dose of potash. estimated from the respective equation given above. also was in excess of the rice requirements indicating the necessity of minor change in the estimation of $Ko/\sqrt{Ca+Mg}$ value and some great modification in the calculation of $Ks/\sqrt{Ca+Mg}$ value for the equation; however the concept of using $K/\sqrt{Ca+Mg}$ as a basis of $K_2O$ recommendation was shown to be quite reasonable. 3. It was found. from the correlation study using the data of paddy yield and amount of $K_2O$ absorbed by rice plants that the substitution of the value of $Ks/\sqrt{Ca+Mg}$ in the equation for the vaule $Ks/\sqrt{Ca+Mg}=0.037+0.78K\;me/100g$ soil was much more applicable than using the value calculated from the data of soil and wollastonite analysis.