• Title/Summary/Keyword: Scattered Electron

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The Measurements of Energy and Distribution of Scattered Electrons in Therapeutic X-Ray Beam (치료 방사선 선속(Flux)에 포함된 산란전자의 분포와 에너지 측정)

  • Vahc, Young-Woo;Park, Kyung-Ran;Ohyun Kwon;Lee, Yong-Ha;Kim, Tae-Hong;Kim, Sookil
    • Progress in Medical Physics
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    • v.13 no.1
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    • pp.1-8
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    • 2002
  • Accurate knowledge of the distribution of contamination electrons ( which comes from mainly gantry head by Compton scattering, pair production, and tray: henceforth called leptons ) at the surface and in the first centimeters of tissue is essential for the clinical practice of radiation oncology. Such lepton tends to reduce or eliminate the ‘skin-sparing’ advantage of megavoltage photon beam radiotherapy, This information is needed to prescribe a absorbed dose to a skin volume at a few millimeter depth in high energy therapeutic radiation photon beam All experiments were done with 15 MV photon beam from a dual energy linear accelerator (Clinac 1800, Varian). Field size is defined by ranged from 10.0$\times$10.0 to 30.0$\times$30.0 $\textrm{cm}^2$. The absorbed dose and distribution of leptons in therapeutic radiation beam (15 MV) are investigated by means of variable blocked beams of 30.0$\times$30.0 $\textrm{cm}^2$ and dose beam profiles partly removed leptons with a copper plate. A numerous leptons mainly are distributed as shape of broad cone in the central photon beam and leptons path length in the water are shorter than 2.5 cm because of the leptons energy having around 3.0 MeV. These results clearly appears that the subtraction of leptons from the total depth dose curve not only lower the absolute dose in the buildup region and surface dose, it also causes a shift of d$_{max}$ to a deeper depth.

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Morphological Change of Men's Hair Shaft by Weathering (풍화작용에 의한 정상모발의 형태학적 변화)

  • Hong, Wan-Sung;Chang, Byung-Soo;Lim, Do-Seon;Park, Sang-Ock;Yoe, Sung-Moon
    • Applied Microscopy
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.11-20
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    • 2000
  • The morphological changes in normal and weathering hair shafts of the human scalp were investigated by using the transmission and scanning electron microscopes. The hair shaft composed of cuticular layer, cortex and medula. The surface of normal hairs are smooth and covered by imbricated cuticular scales. The cuticular layer consists of five to seven cuticle cells. These cells, which are flat and thin, measuring about $100{\mu}m$ long and $0.4{\mu}m$ thick, appears intercellular membrane complex in diameter 25 nm. The cortex composed of melanin granules and cornified cells, which multicomponent concentric microfibrils in diameter about 8 nm give rise to macrofibrils in diameter $0.5{\mu}m$ to $0.8{\mu}m$ encased in limiting membrane. The melanin granules are spherical shaped about $0.5{\mu}m$ in size and scattered between macrofibrils. The medulla in the normal hairs are $16{\mu}m$ in diameter centrally region of cortex. Normal hair shafts undergo progressive degenerative changes due to a variety of environmental insults. In the initial weathering process of hair, the cuticular scales became irregularly raised and broken, and then cuticle cells formed cytoplasmic vacuolation, following dissociated intercellular membrane complex, ultimately entirely lost and nuded cortex. Occasionally, transverse fissures were seen at hair shafts indicating that the hairs were deteriorated. Complete removal of the cuticular layer in the heavily damaged cortex portions appeared splitting of the cortical cell into its macrofibrils and scattering of melanin granules.

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EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE DISSOLUTION COMPONENTS AND CORROSION PRODUCTS OF SEVERAL AMALGAMS IN ARTIFICIAL SALIVA (인공타액에서 수종 아말감의 부식시 용해성분 및 표면 부식 생성물에 관한 실험적 연구)

  • Cho, Seung-Joo;Lee, Myung-Jong
    • Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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    • v.19 no.1
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    • pp.1-26
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    • 1994
  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the dissolution components during corrosion of amalgams and to identify surface corrosion products in the modified Fusayama artificial saliva. Four type of amalgam alloys were used: low copper lathe cut amalgam alloy (Cavex 68), low copper spherical amalgam alloy (Caulk Spherical Alloy), high copper admixed amalgam alloy (Dispersalloy) and high copper single composition amalgam alloy (Tytin). Each amalgam alloy and Hg were triturated according to the manufacturer's direction by means of mechanical amalgamator (Capmaster, S.S.White), and then the triturated mass was inserted into the cylindrical metal mold which was 10mm in diameter and 2.0mm in height and condensed with compression of 150kg/$cm^2$ using oil pressor. The specimens were removed from the mold and stored at room temperature for 7 days and cleansed with distiled water for 30 minutes in an ultrasonic cleaner. The specimens were immersed in the modified Fusayama artificial saliva for the periods of 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. The amounts of Hg, Cu, Sn and Zn dissolved from each amalgam specimen immersed in the artificial saliva for the periods of 1 month, 3 months and 6 months were measured using Inductivity Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICPQ-1000, Shimadzu, Japan) and amount of Ag dissolved from amalgam specimen was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (Atomic Absorption/Flame emission spectrophotometer M-670, Shimadzu, Japan). A surface corrosion products of specimens were analysed using Electron Spectroscopy Chemical Analyser (ESCA PHI-558, PERKIN ELMER, U.S.A.). The secondary image and back scattered image of corroded surface of specimens was observed under the SEM, and the corroded surface of specimens was analysed with the EDX. The following results were obtained. 1. The dissolution amount of Cu was the most in high copper admixed amalgam(Dispersalloy) and the least in high copper single composition amalgam(Tytin). 2. Sn and Zn were dissolved during all the experiment periods, and dissolution amounts were decreased as the time elapsed. 3. Initial surface corrosion products were ZnO and SnO. 4. Corrosion of ${\gamma}$ and ${\gamma}_2$ phase in low copper amalgams was observed and Ag-Cu eutectic alloy phase was corroded in low copper spherical amalgam(Caulk Sperical Alloy). 5. Corrosion of ${\gamma}$ and $\eta$' phase in high copper amalgams was observed and Ag-Cu eutectic alloy phase was corroded in high copper admixed amalgam(Dispersalloy). 6. Sn-Cl was produced in the subsurface of low copper amalgams and high copper admixed amalgam.

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The Study of Dose Change by Field Effect on Atomic Number of Shielding Materals in 6 MeV Electron Beam (6 MeV 전자선의 차폐물질 원자번호와 조사야 크기에 따른 선량변화 연구)

  • Lee, Seung Hoon;Kwak, Keun Tak;Park, Ju Kyeong;Gim, Yang Soo;Cha, Seok Yong
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.25 no.2
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    • pp.145-151
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    • 2013
  • Purpose: In this study, we analyzed how the dose change by field size effects on atomic number of shielding materials while using 6 MeV election beam. Materials and Methods: The parallel plate chamber is mounted in $25{\times}25cm^2$ the phantom such that the entrance window of the detector is flush with the phantom surface. phantom was covered laterally with aluminum, copper and lead which thickness have 5% of allowable transmission and then the doses were measured in field size $6{\times}6$, $10{\times}10$ and $20{\times}20cm^2$ respectively. 100 cGy was irradiated using 6 MeV electron beam and SSD (Source Surface Distance) was 100 cm with $10{\times}10cm^2$ field size. To calculate the photon flux, electron flux and Energy deposition produced after pass materals respectively, MCNPX code was used. Results: The results according to the various shielding materials which have 5% of allowable transmission are as in the following. Thickness change rate with field size of $6{\times}6cm^2$ and $20{\times}20cm^2$ that compared to the field size of $10{\times}10cm^2$ found to be +0.06% and -0.06% with aluminum, +0.13% and -0.1% with copper, -1.53% and +1.92% with lead respectively. Compare to the field size $10{\times}10cm^2$, energy deposition for $6{\times}6cm^2$ and $20{\times}20cm^2$ had -4.3% and +4.85% respectively without shielding material. With aluminum it had -0.87% and +6.93% respectively and with lead it had -4.16% and +5.57% respectively. When it comes to photon flux with $6{\times}6cm^2$ and $20{\times}20cm^2$ of field sizes the chance -8.95% and +15.92% without shielding material respectively, with aluminum the number -15.56% and +16.06% respectively and with copper the chance -12.27% and +15.53% respectively, with lead the number +12.36% and -19.81% respectively. In case of electron flux in the same condition, the number -3.92% and +4.55% respectively without shielding material respectively, with aluminum the number +0.59% and +6.87% respectively, with copper the number -1.59% and +3.86% respectively, with lead the chance -5.15% and +4.00% respectively. Conclusion: In this study, we found that the required thickness of the shielding materials got thinner with low atomic number substance as the irradiation field is increasing. On the other hand, with high atomic number substance the required thickness had increased. In addition, bremsstrahlung radiation have an influence on low atomic number materials and high atomic number materials are effected by scattered electrons.

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Mineralogical, Micro-textural, and Geochemical Characteristics for the Carbonate Rocks of the Lower Makgol Formation in Seokgaejae Section (석개재 지역 하부 막골층 탄산염암의 광물조성, 미세구조 및 지화학적 특성)

  • Park, Chaewon;Kim, Ha;Song, Yungoo
    • Economic and Environmental Geology
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    • v.51 no.4
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    • pp.323-343
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    • 2018
  • This study defines the mineralogical, micro-textural and geochemical characteristics for the carbonate rocks and discusses the fluids that have affected the depositional environment of the Lower Makgol Formation in Seokgaejae section. Based on analysis of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Electron Probe Micro Analyzer-Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EPMA-WDS) and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), carbonate miorofacies in the basal and the lower members of the Makgol Formation are distinguished and classified into four types. Type 1 dolomite (xenotopic interlocking texture) and Type 2 dolomite (idiotopic interlocking texture) have relatively high Mg/Ca ratio, flat REE pattern, low Fe and Mn. Extensively interlocking textures in these dolomites indicate constant supply of Mg ion from hypersaline brine. Type 3 and Type 4 dolomite (scattered and loosely-aggregated texture) have relatively moderate Mg/Ca ratio, MREE enriched pattern, low to high Fe and Mn. These partial dolomitization indicate limited supply of Mg ion under the influx of meteoric water with seawater. Also, the evidence of Fe-bearing minerals, recrystallization and relatively high Fe and Mn in Type 4 indicates the influence of secondary diagenetic fluids under suboxic conditions. Integrating geochemical data with mineralogical and micro-textural evidence, the discrepancy between the basal and the lower members of the Makgol Formation indicates different sedimentary environment. It suggest that hypersaline brine have an influence on the basal member, while mixing meteoric water with seawater have an effect on the lower member of the Makgol Formation.

Morphological Changes of Mouse Ovary by X-Ray Irradiation (방사선 조사선량에 따른 생쥐 난소의 형태학적 변화)

  • Yoon, Chul-Ho;Choi, Jong-Woon;Yoon, Surk-Hwan
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.32 no.4
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    • pp.140-156
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    • 2007
  • This research was performed to investigate the morphological changes of folliculus ovary according to the radiation dose. The whole body radiation of 200 cGy, 400 cGy, and 600 cGy was given to the each groups of 5 months-aged female mouse. Various staining methods used in this research are: Hematosylin-Eosin method, and immunohistochemistrical methods using BrdU, TUNEL, p53, p21, PCNA and inhibin. The minute structural changes of folliculus ovary were observed through an electron microscope with high magnification. The morphological changes of growing folliculus ovary became distinct as the dose of X-rays increased. Especially, the nuclei of granular cells showed manifest condensation and the changes of the transparent zone were distinct. As a result of histochemical reaction according to Masson's trichrome method and reticular fiber method, the changed granular cells, the deformed basilar membrane of folliculus ovary and the abnormal arrangement of the reticular fiber were observed. In the reaction of BrdU, the granular cells of normal folliculus ovary with positive reaction rapidly decreased according to the increase of the dose of X-rays. In TUNEL study, granular cells showing positive reaction in retarded folliculus ovary were expanded to growing folliculus ovary and primordial folliculus ovary according to the increase of the dose of X-rays. In case of 600 cGy of X-rays, oocyte underwent apoptosis. In p53 immunohistochemistry, p53 manifested to be stronger as the dose of X-rays increased. p53 reactivity was manifested distinctively in all cells comprising folliculus ovary following irradiation of 600 cGy. p21 was manifested in granular cells of folliculus ovary and showed very positive reaction around follicular antrum according to the increase of the dose of X-rays. In PCNA, positive reaction was manifested in growing folliculus ovary, mature folliculus ovary and primordial folliculus ovary, but the extent of the reaction decreased as the dose of the X-rays decreased. The finding that the reaction of granular cells around folliculus ovary was stronger than that near follicular membrane indicates that what was damaged first by X-ray was the cells near folliculus ovary and follicular antrum. The reactivity of $inhibin-{\alpha}$ showed difference according to the growing stage of folliculus ovary: $inhibin-{\alpha}$ showed the most strong reaction in mature folliculus ovary with follicular antrum. There was strong reaction in granular cells around follicular membrane but $inhibin-{\alpha}$ did not occur at all in theca cells comprising follicular membrane. $Inhibin-{\alpha}$ in ovary tissue exposed to 400 cGy of X-rays was manifested more strongly than in ovary tissue exposed to 600 cGy of X-rays, which was related to the phenomenon that granular cells of mature folliculus ovary underwent necrosis or apoptosis increasingly due to X-rays. In an electron microscope with high magnification, nuclei and protoplasm of granular cells in growing folliculus ovary abruptly underwent minute structural changes according to the increase of dose of X-rays. Cell residue, by-product of cell decease, neutrophil and macrophage around follicular antrum were observed. The minute structural changes in granular cells showed typical characteristics of apoptosis: the increase of electronic density due to nuclear condensation, fragmentation of nuclei and atrophy of protoplasm. Necrosis of cells was identified but it was not so remarkable. Macrophage with apoptotic bodies was scattered. Proportional to the radiation dose, we found that the generation of heterogeneous substance of normal ovary texture's follicular fluid, the emergence of dyeing characteristic in the basilar membrane of folicle, the generation of apoptosis, and the transformation of macrophages, etc. From this results, we can infer the possible radiation hazard on the ovary of cervix cancer patient with radiation therapy.

Clinicopathologic Features and HBsAg and HBeAg Expressions in Hepatitis B Virus-associated Glomerulopathy (B형 간염 바이러스 감염과 연관된 사구체신염의 임상병리학적 특성과 신 조직내에서 HBs Ag 과 HBe Ag의 발현)

  • Jung Soo-Jin;Kim Young-Joo;Yoon Hye-Kyoung;Chung Woo-Yeong;Kim Young-Hoon;Kim Su-Yung
    • Childhood Kidney Diseases
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.50-59
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    • 1998
  • Purpose : Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been involved in several forms of immune-related glomerulopathy but the pathogenic role of HBV infection is not clear. To evaluate the clinicopathological features of HBV-associated glomerulopathy, a clinicopathological analysis and immunohistochemical stain for HBs Ag and HBe Ag were done. Methods : Clinicopathological features of HBV-associated glomerulopathy were analyzed with renal biopsies in 28 HBsAg seropositive patients from April 1990 to February 1997 at Pusan Paik Hospital, and immunohistochemical evaluation for HBsAg and HBeAg was done in renal tissues. Light microscopic, immunofluorescent and electron microscopic examination and immunohistochemical staining for HBsAg (DAKO) and HBeAg (BIONIKE) of renal tissue were performed. Result ; 1. The age distribution was 6 to 73 years old, and eight were children and 20 were adults. Male : female ratio was 3:1. Nineteen (67.9%) and 21 (75.0%) of 28 cases showed hematuria and proteinuria, respectively at the time of biopsy. Sixteen (57.2%) of them had nephrotic syndrome. 2. Liver function test was performed in 11 patients and seven (63.6%) of them showed increased AST and ALT levels. Liver biopsy was done in three patients and revealed findings of chronic active hepatitis. 3. HBV-associated glomerulopathy was membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) in 10 (35.7%), mesangiopathy in 8 (28.6%), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) in 7 (25.0%) and minimal change disease in 3 (10.7%) out of 28 cases. 4. Ultrastructurally HBV-associated MGN showed conspicuous subepithelial deposits with intramembranous, mesangial and subendothelial deposits and proliferation of mesangial cells and matrix, which were suggestive of MPGN. In HBV-associated MPGN, intramembranous and subepithelial deposits were scattered. 5. Immunohistochemical staining revealed no expression for HBsAg, but positive reaction for HBeAg along capillary wall in 8 cases (28.6%), of which 3 cases were checked for serum HBeAg, all showed positivity. Conclusion : HBV-associated glomerulopathy showed a wide morphologic spectrum and overlapping ultrastructural features in MGN and MPGN, and the activity of hepatitis B virus may be related to the development of HBV-associated glomerulopathy but further studies are recommended to confirm this relationship.

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Immunocytochemical Localization of Parvalbumin and Calbindin-D 28K in Monkey Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (원숭이 외측슬상체배측핵에서 칼슘결합단백 Parvalbumin과 Calbindin-D 28K의 분포)

  • Ko, Seung-Hee;Bae, Choon-Sang;Park, Sung-Sik
    • Applied Microscopy
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    • v.24 no.4
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    • pp.61-77
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    • 1994
  • The calcium-binding proteins (CaBP), parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin-D 28K (calbindin) are particularly abundant and specific in their distribution, and present in different subsets of neurons in many brain regions. Although their physiological roles in the neurons have not been elucidated, they are valuable markers of neuronal subpopulations for anatomical and developmental studies. This study is designed to characterize dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) neurons and axon terminals in terms of differential expression of immunoreactivity (IR) for two well-known CaBPs, PV and calbindin. The experiments were carried out on 6 adult monkeys. Monkeys were perfused under deep Nembutal anesthesia with 2% paraformaldehyde and 0.2% glutaraldehyde in 0.1M phosphate buffer. After removal, the brains were postfixed for 6-8 hr in 2% paraformaldehyde at $4^{\circ}C$ and infiltrated with 30% sucrose at $4^{\circ}C$. Thereafter, they were frozen in dry ice. Serial sections of the thalamus, at $20{\mu}m$, were made in the frontal plane with a sliding microtome. The sections were stained for PV and calbindin with indirect immunocytochemical methods. For electron microscopy, after infiltration with 30% sucrose the blocks of thalamus were serially sectioned at $50{\mu}m$ with a Vibratome in the coronal plane and stained immediately by indirect ABC methods without Triton X-100 in incubation medium. Stained sections were postfixed in 0.2% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated and flat-embedded in Spurr resin. The block was then trimmed to contain only a selected lamina or interlaminar space. The dLGN proper showed strong PV IR in fibers in all laminae and interlaminar zones. Particularly dense staining was noted in layers 1 and 2 that contain many stained fibers from optic tract. Neuronal cell body stained with PV was concentrated only in the laminae. In these laminae staining was moderate in cell bodies of all large and medium-sized neurons, and was strong in cell bodies of some small neurons together with their processes. Calbindin IR was marked in the neuronal cell body and neuropil in the S layers and interlaminar zones whereas moderate in the neuropil throughout the nucleus. Regional difference in distribution of PV and calbindin IR cell is distinct; the former is only in the laminae and the latter in both the S layer and interlaminar space. The CaBP-IR elements were confined to about $10{\mu}m$ in depth of Vibratome section. The IR product for CaBP was mainly associated with synaptic vesicle, pre- and post-synaptic membrane, and outer mitochondrial membrane and along microtubule. PV-IR was noted in various neuronal elements such as neuronal soma, dendrite, RLP, F, PSD and some myelinated or unmyelinated axons, and was not seen in the RSD and glial cells. Only a few neuronal components in dLGN was IR for calbindin and its reaction product was less dense than that of PV, and scattered throughout cytoplasm of soma of some relay neurons, and was also persent in some dendrite, myelinated axons and RLP. The RSD, F, PSD and glial elements were always non-IR for calbindin. Calbindin labelled RLP were presynaptic to unlabeled dendrite or dendritic spine and PSD. Calbindin-labeled dendrite of various sizes were always postsynaptic to unlabeled RSD, RLP or F. From this study it is suggested that dLGN cells of different functional systems and their differential projection to the visual cortex can be distinguished by differential expression of PV and calbindin.

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The Variation of Surface Dose by Beam Spoiler in 10 MV Photon Beam from Linear Accelerator (선형가속기 10 MV 광자선에서 산란판(Beam Spoiler) 사용 시 표면선량 변화)

  • Bae, Seong-Cheol;Kim, Jun-Ho;Lee, Choul-Soo
    • The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.21-28
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    • 2006
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find a optimal beam spoiler condition on the dose distribution near the surface, when treating a squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and a lymphatic region with 10 MV photon beam. The use of a optimal spoiler allows elivering high dose to a superficial tumor volume, while maintaining the skin-sparing effect in the area between the surface to the depth of 0.4 cm. Materials and Methods: The lucite beam spoiler, which were a tissue equivalent, were made and placed between the surface and the photon collimators of linear accelerator. The surface-dose, the dose at the depth of 0.4 cm, and the maximum dose at the dmax were measured with a parallel-plate ionization chamber for $5{\times}5cm\;to\;30{\times}30cm^2$ field sizes using lucite spoilers with different thicknesses at varying skin-to-spoiler separation (SSS). In the same condition, the dose was measured with bolus and compared with beam spoiler. Results: The spoiler increased the surface and build-up dose and shifted the depth of maximum dose toward the surface. With a 10 MV x-ray beam and a optimal beam spoiler when treating a patient, a similer build-up dose with a 6 MV photon beam could be achieved, while maintaining a certain amount of skin spring. But it was provided higher surface dose under SSS of less than 5 cm, the spoiler thickness of more than 1.8 cm or more, and larger field size than $20{\times}20cm^2$ provided higher surface dose like bolus and obliterated the spin-sparing effect. the effects of the beam spoiler on beam profile was reduced with increasing depths. Conclusion: The lucite spoiler allowed using of a 10 MV photon beam for the radiation treatment of head and neck caner by yielding secondary scattered electron on the surface. The dose at superficial depth was increased and the depth of maximum dose was moved to near the skin surface. Spoiling the 10 MV x-ray beam resulted in treatment plans that maintained dose homogeneity without the consequence of increased skin reaction or treat volume underdose for regions near the skin surface. In this, the optimal spoiler thickeness of 1.2 cm and 1.8 cm were found at SSS of 7 cm for $10{\times}10cm^2$ field. The surface doses were measured 60% and 64% respectively. In addition, It showed so optimal that 94% and 94% at the depth of 0.4 cm and dmax respectively.

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Histochemical Detection of Ionic Zinc in the Rat Olfactory Mucosa: Zinc Selenium Autometallography ($ZnSe^{AMG}$) (랫드 후각점막내 Zinc 이온의 조직화학적 동정)

  • Nam, Dong-Woo;Sun, Yuan-Jie;Kim, Sung-Joo;Kim, Yong-Kuk;Kim, Soo-Jin;Yu, Yun-Cho;Jeong, Young-Gil;Jo, Seung-Mook
    • Applied Microscopy
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    • v.33 no.2
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    • pp.145-154
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    • 2003
  • The present study was designed to demonstrate ionic zinc in the rat nasal mucosa by means of zinc selenium autometallography ($ZnSe^{AMG}$). Rats were given sodium selenide either intraperitoneally (i.p) or intranasally (i.n). Prior to the i.n. administration the rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (30 mg/kg, i.p.). A thin plastic tube coupled to a Hamilton syringe was then inserted into the right nostril and $10{\mu}l$ of the solution was instilled. For the i.p. administration non-anesthetized rats were given $100{\mu}l$ of the sodium selenide solution (10 mg/kg). Control rats were instilled with saline. After 2 hrs survival, the rats were anaesthetized and transcardially perfused with 3% glutaraldehyde. The olfactory area was removed and put into same fixative. The nose was then sectioned ($30{\mu}m$) horizontally, autometallography (AMG) was performed according to Danscher et al. (1997). After silver enhancement, fine AMG grains were scattered in the whole length of the olfactory epithelium containing olfactory receptor neurons, sustentacular and basal cells. However, much higher concentration of the AMG grains occupied near the surface and in the basal region of the olfactory epithelium. Both groups of i.p. and i.n. administration showed almost same level in the concentration of the AMG grains. In i.n. group, few AMG grains were also found in olfactory nerves of the lamina propria, suggesting zinc transport into the olfactory bulb via olfactory axons. At the electron microscopic level, the AMG grains were most entirely found in the supporting cells of the olfactory epithelium, and they were mostly localized in lysosome-like organelles. The i.n. group showed various signs of tissue damage of the olfactory mucosa, where dense concentration of AMG grains were localized at crystalloid structures. The present study demonstrated dense population of ionic zinc in the rat olfactory epithelium. zinc may play a role in the olfactory functioin and in the pathogenesis of the neurodegerative disorders affecting nose.