• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.71-80
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• 2020

This paper provides a brief review of the advanced technologies for carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), with a focus on current developments. Compared to photon beam therapy, treatment using heavy ions, especially a carbon beam, has potential advantages due to its physical and biological properties. Carbon ion beams with high linear energy transfer demonstrate high relative biological effectiveness in cell killing, particularly at the Bragg peak. With these unique properties, CIRT allows for accurate targeting and dose escalation for tumors with better sparing of adjacent normal tissues. Recently, the available CIRT technologies included fast pencil beam scanning, superconducting rotating gantry, respiratory motion management, and accurate beam modeling for the treatment planning system. These techniques provide precise treatment, operational efficiency, and patient comfort. Currently, there are 12 CIRT facilities worldwide; with technological improvements, they continue to grow in number. Ongoing technological developments include the use of multiple ion beams, effective beam delivery, accurate biological modeling, and downsizing the facility.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.52 no.9
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• pp.2064-2071
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• 2020

For proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) technology, the accuracy of the dose distribution in a patient is sensitive to the properties of the incident beam. However, mechanical deformation of the proton therapy facility may occur, and this could be an important factor affecting the proton dose distribution in patients. In this paper, we investigated the effect of deformation on an SC200 proton facility's beam isocenter properties. First, mechanical deformation of the PBS nozzle, L-shape plate, and gantry were simulated using a Finite Element code, ANSYS. Then, the impact of the mechanical deformation on the beam's isocenter properties was evaluated using empirical formulas. In addition, we considered the simplest case that could affect the properties of the incident beam (i.e. if only the bending magnet (BG3) has an error in its mounting alignment), and the effect of the beam optics offset on the isocenter characteristics was evaluated. The results showed that the deformation of the beam position in the X and Y direction was less than 0.27 mm, which meets the structural design requirements. Compared to the mechanical deformation of the L-shape plate, the deformation of the gantry had more influence on the beam's isocenter properties. When the error in the mounting alignment of the BG3 is equal to or more than 0.3 mm, the beam deformation at the isocenter exceeds the maximum accepted deformation limits. Generally speaking, for the current design of the SC200 scanning beam delivery system, the effects of mechanical deformation meet the maximum accepted beam deformation limits. In order to further study the effect of the incident beam optics on the isocenter properties, a fine-scale Monte Carlo model including factors relating to the PBS nozzle and the BG3 should be developed in future research.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.105-114
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• 2020

This study aimed to assess of beam-matching accuracy for an 8 MV beam between the same model linear accelerators(Linac) commissioned over two years. Two models were got the customer acceptance procedure(CAP) criteria. For commissioning data for beam-matched linacs, the percentage depth doses(PDDs), beam profiles, output factors, multi-leaf collimator(MLC) leaf transmission factors, and the dosimetric leaf gap(DLG) were compared. In addition, the accuracy of beam matching was verified at phantom and patient levels. At phantom level, the point doses specified in TG-53 and TG-119 were compared to evaluate the accuracy of beam modelling. At patient level, the dose volume histogram(DVH) parameters and the delivery accuracy are evaluated on volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT) plan for 40 patients that included 20 lung and 20 brain cases. Ionization depth curve and dose profiles obtained in CAP showed a good level for beam matching between both Linacs. The variations in commissioning beam data, such as PDDs, beam profiles, output factors, TF, and DLG were all less than 1%. For the treatment plans of brain tumor and lung cancer, the average and maximum differences in evaluated DVH parameters for the planning target volume(PTV) and the organs at risk(OARs) were within 0.30% and 1.30%. Furthermore, all gamma passing rates for both beam-matched Linacs were higher than 98% for the 2%/2 mm criteria and 99% for the 2%/3 mm criteria. The overall variations in the beam data, as well as tests at phantom and patient levels remains all within the tolerance (1% difference) of clinical acceptability between beam-matched Linacs. Thus, we found an excellent dosimetric agreement to 8 MV beam characteristics for the same model Linacs.

• The Transactions of the Korea Information Processing Society
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• v.7 no.7
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• pp.2149-2160
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• 2000

Recently many efforts on the development of automatic processing system for delivery sequence sorting have been performed in ETRI, which requires the use of postal4-state bar code system to encode delivery points. The 4-state bar code called postal 4-state barcode for high speed processing that has been specifically designed for information processing of logistics and automatic processing of he mail items. The Information of 4-state bar code indicates mail data such as post code, delivery sequence number, error correction code worked, customer information, and a unique ID. This appear addresses the issue on he reduction of reading error in postal 4-state raster beam based bar code reader. The raster beam scanning features are the unequally distributed number of spots per each unit, which cause reading errors. We propose a method for reducing the bar code reading error by adjusting measured values of bar code width to its average value over each interval. The test results show that the above method reduces the average reading error rate approximately by 99.88%.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.487-502
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• 2023

In the realm of nanotechnology, the nonlocal strain gradient theory takes center stage as it scrutinizes the behavior of spinning cantilever nanobeams and nanotubes, pivotal components supporting various mechanical movements in sport structures. The dynamics of these structures have sparked debates within the scientific community, with some contending that nonlocal cantilever models fail to predict dynamic softening, while others propose that they can indeed exhibit stiffness softening characteristics. To address these disparities, this paper investigates the dynamic response of a nonlocal cantilever cylindrical beam under the influence of external discontinuous dynamic loads. The study employs four distinct models: the Euler-Bernoulli beam model, Timoshenko beam model, higher-order beam model, and a novel higher-order tube model. These models account for the effects of functionally graded materials (FGMs) in the radial tube direction, giving rise to nanotubes with varying properties. The Hamilton principle is employed to formulate the governing differential equations and precise boundary conditions. These equations are subsequently solved using the generalized differential quadrature element technique (GDQEM). This research not only advances our understanding of the dynamic behavior of nanotubes but also reveals the intriguing phenomena of both hardening and softening in the nonlocal parameter within cantilever nanostructures. Moreover, the findings hold promise for practical applications, including drug delivery, where the controlled vibrations of nanotubes can enhance the precision and efficiency of medication transport within the human body. By exploring the multifaceted characteristics of nanotubes, this study not only contributes to the design and manufacturing of rotating nanostructures but also offers insights into their potential role in revolutionizing drug delivery systems.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.113-123
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• 2012

To evaluate the treatment outcome of occlusal stabilizing splint in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis, the 76 subjects were chosen among the patients who presented to the Department of Oral medicine of Pusan National University Hospital, diagnosed as TMJ osteoarthritis by cone beam computed tomography, x-ray and clinical exam, and treated with occlusal stabilizing splint from 2009 to 2011. They were treated with physical therapy and medication before occlusal stabilizing splint delivery and checked monthly after occlusal stabilizing splint delivery. Subjective symptoms and clinical findings were investigated to evaluate and compare the subjects' status at the first visit, splint delivery visit and the last visit. The results were as follows; 1. Pain, noise, LOM and MCO were significantly improved between the first visit and occlusal stabilizing splint delivery visit, and between occlusal stabilizing splint delivery and the last visit. 2. In the acute group, pain and noise were significantly improved between the first visit and occlusal stabilizing splint delivery visit. Pain, LOM and MCO were significantly improved between splint delivery visit and the last visit 3. In the chronic group, pain, noise and LOM were significantly improved between occlusal stabilizing splint delivery visit and the last visit.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.107-113
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of our study was to compare the dosimetric advantages of Flattening filter free (FFF) beams for trigeminal neuralgia patients using 4 mm conical collimators over previously treated patients with 6 MV SRS beam. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for 5 TN patients who had been previously treated at our institution using frame-based, LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) on Novalis Tx using 6 MV SRS beam were replanned on 6X FFF beams on Edge Linear accelerator with same beam angles and dose constraints using 4 mm conical collimator. The total number of monitor units along with the beam on time was compared for both Edge and Novalis Tx by redelivering the plans in QA mode of LINAC to compare the delivery efficiency. Plan quality was evaluated by homogeneity index (HI) and Paddick gradient index (GI) for each plan. We also analyzed the doses to brainstem and organ at risks (OARs). Results and Discussion: A 28% beam-on time reduction was achieved using 6X FFF when compared with 6X SRS beam of Novalis Tx. A sharp dose fall off with gradient index value of $3.4{\pm}0.27$ for 4 mm Varian conical collimator while $4.17{\pm}0.20$ with BrainLab cone. Among the 5 patients treated with a 4 mm cone, average maximum brainstem dose was 10.24 Gy for Edge using 6X FFF and 14.28 Gy for Novalis Tx using 6X SRS beam. Conclusion: The use of FFF beams improves delivery efficiency and conical collimator reduces dose to OAR's for TN radiosurgery. Further investigation is warranted with larger sample patient data.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.226-232
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• 2007

We studied a Monte Carlo simulation of the proton beam delivery system at the National Cancer Center (NCC) using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit and tested its feasibility as a dose verification framework. The Monte Carlo technique for dose calculation methodology has been recognized as the most accurate way for understanding the dose distribution in given materials. In order to take advantage of this methodology for application to external-beam radiotherapy, a precise modeling of the nozzle elements along with the beam delivery path and correct initial beam characteristics are mandatory. Among three different treatment modes, double/single-scattering, uniform scanning and pencil beam scanning, we have modeled and simulated the double-scattering mode for the nozzle elements, including all components and varying the time and space with the Geant4.8.2 Monte Carlo code. We have obtained simulation data that showed an excellent correlation to the measured dose distributions at a specific treatment depth. We successfully set up the Monte Carlo simulation platform for the NCC proton therapy facility. It can be adapted to the precise dosimetry for therapeutic proton beam use at the NCC. Additional Monte Carlo work for the full proton beam energy range can be performed.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.247-259
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• 2023

Muscle strength and hypertrophy are equivalent when low-intensity resistance exercise is paired with blood flow restriction. This paper deals with the impact of physical exercise in the form of body activities on drug delivery using nanodevices. The body's actions impact the blood flow since the nano drug delivery devices are released into the bloodstream, and physical exercise and all the activities that change the blood flow influence the stability of these nanodevices. The nanodevice for the drug delivery purpose is modeled via nonuniform tube structures based on the high-order beam theory along with the nonlocal strain gradient theory. The nanodevice is made by a central nanomotor as well as two nanoblade in the form of truncated conical nanotubes carrying the nanomedicine. The mathematical simulation of rotating nanodevices is numerically solved, and the effect of various parameters on the stability of nanodevices has been studied in detail after the validation study.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.179-193
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• 2023

Physical activities enhance blood flow in the vessels, which may increase the quality of medicine delivery. The emergence of revolutionary technologies such as nanoscience, made it possible to treat the incurable illnesses such as cancer. This paper investigates the impact of sport and physical exercises on the quality and quantity of the drug-delivery based on the mathematical modeling of a nanomotor made by nanotubes carrying the nano-drug capsules. Accordingly, the mathematical equations of rotating nanomotor are generated by considering the both of higher-order beam model and nonlocal strain gradient model, as a comprehensive continuum theory. Next, through the generalized differential quadrature together with Newmark-beta methods, the differential relations are discretized and solved. Finally, the impact of varied parameters on the dynamical behavior of the nanomotor is examined in detail. The outcomes of this investigation can be useful to achieve an excellent design of nanomotors carrying nano-drugs.