• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.1016-1023
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• 2022

In proton therapy, a highly conformal proton dose can be delivered to the tumor by means of the steep distal dose penumbra at the end of the beam range. The proton beam range, however, is highly sensitive to range uncertainty, which makes accurately locating the proton range in the patient difficult. In-vivo range verification is a method to manage range uncertainty, one of the promising techniques being prompt gamma imaging (PGI). In earlier studies, we proposed gamma electron vertex imaging (GEVI), and constructed a proof-of-principle system. The system successfully demonstrated the GEVI imaging principle for therapeutic proton pencil beams without scanning, but showed some limitations under clinical conditions, particularly for pencil beam scanning proton therapy. In the present study, we upgraded the GEVI system in several aspects and tested the performance improvements such as for range-shift verification in the context of line scanning proton treatment. Specifically, the system showed better performance in obtaining accurate prompt gamma (PG) distributions in the clinical environment. Furthermore, high shift-detection sensitivity and accuracy were shown under various range-shift conditions using line scanning proton beams.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제54권10호
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• pp.3816-3823
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• 2022

This work analyzed the dosimetric difference between the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), partial/single/double-arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (PA/SA/DA-VMAT) techniques in treatment planning for treating more than one target of lung cancer at different isocenters. IMRT and VMAT plans at different isocenters were created systematically using a Harold heterogeneous lung phantom. The conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), gradient index (GI), dose-volume histogram and mean and maximum dose of the PTV were calculated and analyzed. Furthermore, the dose-volume histogram and mean and maximum doses of the OARs such as right lung, contralateral lung and non GTV were determined from the plans. The IMRT plans showed the superior target dose coverage, higher mean and maximum values than other VMAT techniques. PA-VMAT technique shows more lung sparing and DA-VMAT increases the V_5/10/20 values of contralateral lung than other VMAT and IMRT techniques. The IMRT technique achieves highly conformal dose distribution to the target than other VMAT techniques. Comparing to the IMRT plans, the higher V_5/10/20 and mean lung dose were observed in the contralateral lung in the DA-VMAT.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제50권
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• pp.17.1-17.9
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• 2020

Recent advances in fabrication have enabled radial-junction architectures for cost-effective and high-performance optoelectronic devices. Unlike a planar PN junction, a radial-junction geometry maximizes the optical interaction in the three-dimensional (3D) structures, while effectively extracting the generated carriers via the conformal PN junction. In this paper, we report characterizations of radial PN junctions that consist of p-type Si micropillars created by deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) and an n-type layer formed by phosphorus gas diffusion. We use electron-beam induced current (EBIC) microscopy to access the 3D junction profile from the sidewall of the pillars. Our EBIC images reveal uniform PN junctions conformally constructed on the 3D pillar array. Based on Monte-Carlo simulations and EBIC modeling, we estimate local carrier separation/collection efficiency that reflects the quality of the PN junction. We find the EBIC efficiency of the pillar array increases with the incident electron beam energy, consistent with the EBIC behaviors observed in a high-quality planar PN junction. The magnitude of the EBIC efficiency of our pillar array is about 70% at 10 kV, slightly lower than that of the planar device (≈ 81%). We suggest that this reduction could be attributed to the unpassivated pillar surface and the unintended recombination centers in the pillar cores introduced during the DRIE processes. Our results support that the depth-dependent EBIC approach is ideally suitable for evaluating PN junctions formed on micro/nanostructured semiconductors with various geometry.

• 한국수학교육학회지시리즈B:순수및응용수학
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.109-129
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• 2023

In this paper, we introduce a second order linear differential operator ^T□: C^∞ (M) → C^∞ (M) as a natural generalization of Cheng-Yau operator, [8], where T is a (1, 1)-tensor on Riemannian manifold (M, h), and then we show on compact Riemannian manifolds, divT = divT^t, and if divT = 0, and f be a smooth function on M, the condition ^T□ f = 0 implies that f is constant. Hereafter, we introduce T-energy functionals and by deriving variations of these functionals, we define T-harmonic maps between Riemannian manifolds, which is a generalization of L_k-harmonic maps introduced in [3]. Also we have studied fT-harmonic maps for conformal immersions and as application of it, we consider fL_k-harmonic hypersurfaces in space forms, and after that we classify complete fL₁-harmonic surfaces, some fL_k-harmonic isoparametric hypersurfaces, fL_k-harmonic weakly convex hypersurfaces, and we show that there exists no compact fL_k-harmonic hypersurface either in the Euclidean space or in the hyperbolic space or in the Euclidean hemisphere. As well, some properties and examples of these definitions are given.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.25-35
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• 2022

Purpose: Planning for radiotherapy relies on implicit estimation of the probability of tumor control and the probability of complications in adjacent normal tissues for a given dose distribution. Methods: The aim of this pilot study was to reconstruct dose-volume histograms (DVHs) from text files generated by the Eclipse treatment planning system developed by Varian Medical Systems and to verify the integrity and accuracy of the dose statistics. Results: We further compared dose statistics for intensity-modulated radiotherapy of the head and neck between the Eclipse software and software developed in-house. The dose statistics data obtained from the Python software were consistent, with deviations from the Eclipse treatment planning system found to be within acceptable limits. Conclusions: The in-house software was able to provide indices of hotness and coldness for treatment planning and store statistical data generated by the software in Oracle databases. We believe the findings of this pilot study may lead to more accurate evaluations in planning for radiotherapy.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.68-71
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• 2014

한 달 동안의 점점 커지는 복부의 종괴를 주소로 방문한 57세 남자 환자에서 대장-십이지장루를 동반한 대장암을 진단하였으며, 이에 대해 수술 전 동시 항암방사선 치료를 시행하여 수술 범위를 줄일 수 있었던 좋은 예였다. 국소적으로 진행된 대장암 환자에서 본 증례와 같은 합병증으로 수술의 범위가 커질 가능성이 있다면, 보존적 치료 및 수술 전 동시 항암방사선 치료를 시행하여 수술 범위를 좁히는 것이 환자의 치료 경과에 도움이 될 것으로 생각된다.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.237-246
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• 2004

목적: 아교모세포종의 방사선치료에서 국소제어율과 생존율을 향상시켜 보고자 3차원 입체조형치료기법을 이용한 방사선선량 증가 연구를 전향적으로 시행하였다. 대상 및 방법: 1997년 1월부터 2002년 7월까지 아교모세포종으로 조직학적 진단이 되고 전신수행도(KPS)가 60 이상으로 수술 후 방사선치료를 받은 환자를 대상으로 하였다. 프로토콜에 따라 전향적으로 연구에 참여한 42예의 고선량군과 후향적 대조군인 33예의 저선량군을 비교 분석하였다 고선량군은 3차원 입체조형치료법에 의해 $63.0\~70.2$ Gy (중앙값 66 Gy)의 고선량 방사선을 조사받았으며, 저선량군은 2차원 치료방식으로 현재 표준선량으로 여겨지고 있는 59.4 Gy 정도(최소선량 50.4 Gy, 중앙선량 59.4 Gy)의 계획된 방사선치료를 종료할 수 있었던 환자들을 대상으로 하였다. 수술절제범위에 따라 나누어보면 전절제술 30예($40\%$), 준전절제술 30예($40\%$), 부분절제술 8예($11\%$), 그리고 조직생검만 시행된 환자가 7예($9\%$)였다. 각 환자의 육안종양체적은 CT 혹은 MRI상 수술절제연 및 잔류종양에 의해 정의되었다. 종양주변 부종은 저선량군에서는 임상표적체적에 포함되었지만, 고선량군에서는 재발양상 및 선량증가에 따른 합병증 증가의 가능성을 고려하여 제외하였다. 환자의 전체 및 무진행생존기간은 수술 받은 날을 기준으로 Kaplan-Meier법으로 산출하였고, 기존 문헌에 보고되고 있는 예후인자들과 각 환자에 조사된 방사선 선량, 표적체적 등이 생존율에 미치는 영향을 Log rank test 및 Cox regression analysis로 분석하였다. 추적관찰을 위해 정기적으로 MRI가 시행되었다. 결과: 전체환자의 중앙 생존기간 및 무진행 생존기간은 각각 $15{\pm}1.65$, $11{\pm}0.95$개월이었다. 중앙생존기간은 저선량군 및 고선량군이 각각 $14{\pm}0.94$개월, $21{\pm}5.03$개월로 고선량군에서 보다 나은 치료성적을 보여주었으며, 중앙무진행생존기간은 저선량군 $10{\pm}1.63$개월, 고선량군 $12{\pm}1.59$개월이었다. 특히 2년 생존율에 있어서 고선량군은 $44.7\%$로 $19.2\%$인 저선량군에 비해 훨씬 좋은 예후를 보였다. 단변량분석에서 예후에 영향을 미치는 중요인자로는 환자의 나이, 전신수행도, 종양의 위치, 수술절제범위, 표적체적, 방사선총선량 등이었다 다변량분석에서 통계적으로 유의한 인자는 환자의 나이(p=0.012), 수술절제범위(p=0.000), 방사선선량군(p=0.049)이었다. 방사선괴사와 같은 방사선으로 인한 직접적인 만성합병증은 추적관찰기간 동안 발생하지 않았다. 결론: 3차원 입체조형치료기법을 통하여 70 Gy까지의 방사선을 부작용 없이 조사할 수 있었고, 근치적 국소요법의 일환으로 방사선 선량증가가 전체 생존기간 및 무진행 생존기간을 향상시킬 수 있을 것으로 기대한다.

• 한국재료학회지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.202-206
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• 2012

$CoSi_2$ was formed through annealing of atomic layer deposition Co thin films. Co ALD was carried out using bis(N,N'-diisopropylacetamidinato) cobalt ($Co(iPr-AMD)_2$) as a precursor and $NH_3$ as a reactant; this reaction produced a highly conformal Co film with low resistivity ($50\;{\mu}{\Omega}cm$). To prevent oxygen contamination, $ex-situ$ sputtered Ti and $in-situ$ ALD Ru were used as capping layers, and the silicide formation prepared by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) was used for comparison. Ru ALD was carried out with (Dimethylcyclopendienyl)(Ethylcyclopentadienyl) Ruthenium ((DMPD)(EtCp)Ru) and $O_2$ as a precursor and reactant, respectively; the resulting material has good conformality of as much as 90% in structure of high aspect ratio. X-ray diffraction showed that $CoSi_2$ was in a poly-crystalline state and formed at over $800^{\circ}C$ of annealing temperature for both cases. To investigate the as-deposited and annealed sample with each capping layer, high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was employed with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). After annealing, in the case of the Ti capping layer, $CoSi_2$ about 40 nm thick was formed while the $SiO_x$ interlayer, which is the native oxide, became thinner due to oxygen scavenging property of Ti. Although Si diffusion toward the outside occurred in the Ru capping layer case, and the Ru layer was not as good as the sputtered Ti layer, in terms of the lack of scavenging oxygen, the Ru layer prepared by the ALD process, with high conformality, acted as a capping layer, resulting in the prevention of oxidation and the formation of $CoSi_2$.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.313-321
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• 2016

Purpose: Total scalp irradiation (TSI) is a rare but challenging indication. We previously reported that non-coplanar intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was superior to coplanar IMRT in organ-at-risk (OAR) protection and target dose distribution. This consecutive treatment planning study compared IMRT with volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective treatment plan databank search was performed and 5 patient cases were randomly selected. Cranial imaging was restored from the initial planning computed tomography (CT) and target volumes and OAR were redelineated. For each patients, three treatment plans were calculated (coplanar/non-coplanar IMRT, VMAT; prescribed dose 50 Gy, single dose 2 Gy). Conformity, homogeneity and dose volume histograms were used for plan. Results: VMAT featured the lowest monitor units and the sharpest dose gradient (1.6 Gy/mm). Planning target volume (PTV) coverage and homogeneity was better in VMAT (coverage, 0.95; homogeneity index [HI], 0.118) compared to IMRT (coverage, 0.94; HI, 0.119) but coplanar IMRT produced the most conformal plans (conformity index [CI], 0.43). Minimum PTV dose range was 66.8%-88.4% in coplanar, 77.5%-88.2% in non-coplanar IMRT and 82.8%-90.3% in VMAT. Mean dose to the brain, brain stem, optic system (maximum dose) and lenses were 18.6, 13.2, 9.1, and 5.2 Gy for VMAT, 21.9, 13.4, 14.5, and 6.3 Gy for non-coplanar and 22.8, 16.5, 11.5, and 5.9 Gy for coplanar IMRT. Maximum optic chiasm dose was 7.7, 8.4, and 11.1 Gy (non-coplanar IMRT, VMAT, and coplanar IMRT). Conclusion: Target coverage, homogeneity and OAR protection, was slightly superior in VMAT plans which also produced the sharpest dose gradient towards healthy tissue.

• 한국방사선학회논문지
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• 제11권5호
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• pp.393-399
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• 2017

본 논문에서는 직장암 환자를 대상으로 일반적 치료방식인 3차원입체조형치료법과 선형가속기 기반의 IMRT, 그리고 토모테라피를 이용한 IMRT의 치료계획을 각각 수립하여 직장암 환자에 대한 최적의 치료법을 비교하고자 하였다. 치료법 비교 결과 종양조직에서는 처방선량의 95% 이상의 흡수선량을 만족시키고 있었으며 정상조직인 방광, 소장, 넙다리머리뼈의 정상조직의 합병증 발생율의 기준(V40, V30, V20, V10)을 만족하였다. 다만, 3가지의 치료법에서 선량분포측면에서 가장 효율적인 치료법은 Tomotherapy기반의 IMRT였으며 가장 낮은 효율을 보인 치료법은 3DCRT였다. 직장암의 방사선 치료시 환자의 자세재현성, 개인적인 신체환경 등을 고려하여 가장 적합한 치료방식을 적용한다면 환자의 예후와 삶의 질에 긍정적인 효과가 나타날 것으로 사료된다.