Este trabalho realizou uma comparação entre alguns dos principais códigos de transporte que empregam a abordagem estocástica de Monte Carlo para aplicação em cálculos dosimétricos em Medicina Nuclear. Foram analisados com detalhes os diversos modelos físicos e numéricos utilizados pelo código MCNP5 em relação códigos como Penelope e EGS. A identificação de suas potencialidades e limitações para solução de problemas microdosimétricos foram destacados. A metodologia condensada usada pelo MCNP resultou em valores para energia depositada normalmente menores, evidenciando uma conhecida característica do método das historias condensadas: o fato de subestimar tanto o número de colisões ao longo da trajetória do elétron quanto do número de partículas secundárias criadas. O uso de códigos de transporte como Penelope e MCNP em escalas micrométricas recebeu especial atenção neste trabalho. Códigos classe I e II foram estudados e seus principais recursos foram explorados visando o transporte de elétrons, que são de especial importância em dosimetria. Espera-se que a avaliação das metodologias disponíveis, aqui abordadas contribua para um maior entendimento do comportamento de tais códigos principalmente para esta classe de problemas, comuns em microdosimetria. / This study made a comparison between some of the major transport codes that employ the Monte Carlo stochastic approach in dosimetric calculations in nuclear medicine. We analyzed in detail the various physical and numerical models used by MCNP5 code in relation with codes like EGS and Penelope. The identification of its potential and limitations for solving microdosimetry problems were highlighted. The condensed history methodology used by MCNP resulted in lower values for energy deposition calculation. This showed a known feature of the condensed stories: its underestimates both the number of collisions along the trajectory of the electron and the number of secondary particles created. The use of transport codes like MCNP and Penelope for micrometer scales received special attention in this work. Class I and class II codes were studied and their main resources were exploited in order to transport electrons, which have particular importance in dosimetry. It is expected that the evaluation of available methodologies mentioned here contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of these codes, especially for this class of problems, common in microdosimetry.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:28:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:57:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Dissertacao (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:53:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:58:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:28:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:57:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Este trabalho realizou uma comparação entre alguns dos principais códigos de transporte que empregam a abordagem estocástica de Monte Carlo para aplicação em cálculos dosimétricos em Medicina Nuclear. Foram analisados com detalhes os diversos modelos físicos e numéricos utilizados pelo código MCNP5 em relação códigos como Penelope e EGS. A identificação de suas potencialidades e limitações para solução de problemas microdosimétricos foram destacados. A metodologia condensada usada pelo MCNP resultou em valores para energia depositada normalmente menores, evidenciando uma conhecida característica do método das historias condensadas: o fato de subestimar tanto o número de colisões ao longo da trajetória do elétron quanto do número de partículas secundárias criadas. O uso de códigos de transporte como Penelope e MCNP em escalas micrométricas recebeu especial atenção neste trabalho. Códigos classe I e II foram estudados e seus principais recursos foram explorados visando o transporte de elétrons, que são de especial importância em dosimetria. Espera-se que a avaliação das metodologias disponíveis, aqui abordadas contribua para um maior entendimento do comportamento de tais códigos principalmente para esta classe de problemas, comuns em microdosimetria. / Dissertacao (Mestrado) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T12:53:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-09T13:58:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Neste trabalho, medidas microdosimétricas foram realizadas usando um contador proporcional equivalente à tecido - TEPC. com uma cavidade esférica de diâmetro de 1.27 cm. O TEPC foi preenchido com gás propane puro, C3HS, à pressão de 5,6 kPa (42 Torr), que é equivalente a 1,3 μm em diâmetro de unidade de densidade do tecido. O instrumento de medida microdosimétrica foi irradiado com radiação de nêutrons rápidos do reator de pequisa do Nuclear Science Center da Texas A&M University, em College Station,-Texas. Os feixes de nêutrons rápidos foram emitidos com três diferentes valores de potência. 0,5, 1,0, e 2,0 kVV, durante 1 hora para alto ganho e o mesmo tempo para baixo ganho, totalizando 2 horas para cada potência, com 0,0083 Gy/min de taxa de dose. O neutron foi filtrado usando o sistema de irradiação de néutrons rápidos fortemente nitrados (FNIS). do Nuclear Science Center, para obter uma redução da contaminação da radiação de neutron por radiação gama e assim obter espectros microdosimetricos de neutrons como, distribuição de freqüência de energia lineal e distribuição de dose de energia lineal, com boa precisão, e outras grandezas como, freqüência média de energia lineal, dose média de energia lineal, dose absorvida, dose equivalente e fator de qualidade médio de neutron rápido. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios, com os espectros microdosimetricos de nêutrons mostrando uma contaminação de radiação gama abaixo de 5 %, especialmente para distribuição de dose de energia lineal. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho foram comparados com outros da literatura científica, que usaram outros procedimentos para a redução da contaminação do neutron por radiação gama. estando em concordância com eles. / Tese (Doutoramento) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第22441号 / 工博第4702号 / 新制||工||1734(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科原子核工学専攻 / (主査)教授 神野 郁夫, 教授 斉藤 学, 准教授 櫻井 良憲 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study’s focus is on the determination and quantization of radiation damage on a cellular level due to the decay of the Auger electron-emitting 123I and the replication of this energy deposition using Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations. The relatively short half-life of 123I (13.2 hours) makes it ideal for studies of Auger electrons which induce biological damage similar to that of high linear energy transfer radiations, when permitted to deposit their energy in close proximity to DNA. Due to small cellular dimensions, direct dose measurements are impossible but estimates may be made from Monte Carlo simulations. In this investigation the thymidine analogue 5-[123I]-iodo-2-deoxyuridine (123IUdR) was used to incorporate the 123I into the cellular DNA of T-lymphocytes from two human donors. Radiation induced micronuclei were numerated in binucleated cells using fluorescence microscopy. The energy deposition per decay of 123I was calculated within a spherical geometry, having the same size and density as a human lymphocyte, using the open source Geant4 toolkit. The absorbed energy per disintegration was used to convert the incorporated 123I activity (Bq) into absorbed dose (Gy) values, in order to compare the biological damage caused by the radioactive iodine to 60Co γ-radiation. A linear relationship between micronuclei frequency and 123I activity could be established. The linear dose-response noted for Auger electrons in the study is indicative of the high-LET nature of these particles. Using the linear-quadratic dose-response curve for micronuclei frequencies following exposure to graded doses of 60Co γ-rays, the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the DNA incorporated 123I estimated in this work was found to range from 19 ± 10 to 32 ± 7 for lymphocyte donor 1 and 15 ± 6 to 42 ± 11 for donor 2. The dose limiting RBE (RBEM) for lymphocyte donor 1 and 2 are respectively 34 ± 8 and 50 ± 15 and follows the expected shift in terms of the inherent radiosensitivity of the donors. We also considered the inclusion of the S-phase fraction of the lymphocytes in the dosimetry calculations. The resultant RBEs of the dose points of lymphocyte donor 1 ranges from 4 ± 2 to 7 ± 2, and those of donor 2 ranges from 3 ± 1 to 9 ± 2. The RBEM for lymphocyte donor 1 and 2 are respectively 7 ± 2 and 11 ± 3. The inclusion of the S-phase fraction reduces the calculated RBEs significantly and these observed RBE values relate well to those obtained in studies with fibroblasts and 125IUdR. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie fokus op die bepaling en kwantisering van stralingskade op 'n sellulêre vlak as gevolg van die verval van 123I wat Auger elektrone afgee, asook die simulering van hierdie energie afsetting met behulp van die Geant4 Monte Carlo program. Die relatiewe kort half-leeftyd van 123I (13.2 uur) maak dit ideaal vir studies van Auger elektrone wat biologiese skade soortgelyk aan dié van 'n hoë lineêre-energie-oordrag uitstraling veroorsaak, indien die energie van die elektrone naby sellulêre DNA geabsorbeer word. As gevolg van die klein sellulêre dimensies is direkte dosis metings egter onmoontlik, maar skattings kan gemaak word met behulp van Monte Carlo simulasies. Die timidien analoog 5-[123I]-jodo-2-deoxyuridien (123IUdR) was in hierdie ondersoek gebruik om die 123I in die DNA van menslike T-limfosiete in te bou. Mikrokerne in dubbel-kernige selle wat vorm as gevolg van die Auger elektrone was getel met behulp van fluoressensie mikroskopie. Die energie afsetting per 123I verval was bereken binne ‘n sferiese geometrie, met dieselfde grootte en digtheid as 'n menslike limfosiet, met behulp van die Geant4 sagteware. Die geabsorbeerde energie per verval was gebruik om die geïnkorporeerde 123I aktiwiteit (Bq) om te skakel na ‘n waarde van geabsorbeerde dosis (Gy), ten einde die biologiese skade wat veroorsaak word deur die radioaktiewe jodium-123 met kobalt-60 gamma straling te vergelyk. ‘n Lineêre verwantskap tussen die mikrokerne frekwensies en die 123I aktiwiteit is vasgestel. Hierdie verwantskap vir Auger elektrone is 'n aanduiding van die hoë lineêre-energie-oordrag van hierdie deeltjies. Die lineêr-kwadratiese dosis-effek krommes vir mikrokerne frekwensies na blootstelling aan 60Co γ-strale was gebruik om die relatiewe biologiese doeltreffendheid (RBE) van die DNA geïnkorporeerde 123I te beraam. RBE waardes wissel van 19 ± 10 tot 32 ± 7 vir limfosiete van skenker 1 en 15 ± 6 tot 42 ± 11 vir skenker 2. Die dosis beperkte RBE (RBEM) vir limfosiet skenker 1 en 2 is onderskeidelik 34 ± 8 en 50 ± 15 en volg die verwagte skuif in terme van die inherente radiogevoeligheid van die skenkers. Die fraksie van limfosiete wat in S-fase was tydens die blootstelling aan 125IUdR was ingesluit in verdere dosimetrie berekeninge. Die gevolglike RBEs van die dosispunte van limfosiete van skenker 1 wissel van 4 ± 2 tot 7 ± 2 en dié van skenker 2 wissel van 3 ± 1 tot 9 ± 2. Die RBEM vir limfosiet skenker 1 en 2 is onderskeidelik 7 ± 2 en 11 ± 3. Die insluiting van die S-fase fraksie verminder die berekende RBEs aansienlik en die RBE waardes waargeneem hou goed verband met die wat in studies met fibroblaste en 125IUdR verkry is.

Submitted by Marco Antonio Oliveira da Silva (maosilva@ipen.br) on 2017-11-01T17:22:23Z No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-01T17:22:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Microdosímetros gasosos geralmente empregam uma mistura gasosa equivalente ao tecido humano mole (Tissue-equivalent Gas TEG), composta de um hidrocarboneto, dióxido de carbono e nitrogênio, de forma que o poder de freamento na mistura e no tecido sejam semelhantes. Entretanto, independentemente do hidrocarboneto adotado, dados tanto teóricos como experimentais do primeiro coeficiente de Townsend de ionização (α) nestas misturas são raros, ainda que a primeira TEG, cujo metano é o gás majoritário, tenha sido proposta em 1956 por Rossi e Failla e continue sendo amplamente utilizada. Neste trabalho, dados do parâmetro α em TEGs baseadas no metano (CH4 64,4%, CO2 32,4% e N2 3,2%) e nos isômeros do butano (C4H10 51,4%, CO2 42,3% e N2 6,3%) são apresentados pela primeira vez em geometria planar para a faixa de campo elétrico normalizado pela densidade do gás (E/N) entre 100 290 Td (1 Td = 10-21 V.m2). O método de medidas adotado baseia-se na técnica de Townsend pulsada, onde o primeiro coeficiente de Townsend pode ser determinando comparando a corrente elétrica no regime de avalanche e a corrente de ionização primária gerada pela incidência de um feixe de laser de nitrogênio em um eletrodo metálico (catodo) de uma câmara de geometria planar, sendo o anodo um eletrodo de alta resistividade (ρ=2×1010Ω.m). O aparato experimental, até então operado apenas em pressão atmosférica, foi modificado para também trabalhar em baixa pressão (120 hPa), de modo a aumentar a faixa de E/N investigada. A validação do método e das alterações do sistema de detecção foi realizada utilizando os três gases componentes das TEGs cujos parâmetros de transporte são amplamente estudados: o nitrogênio, o dióxido de carbono e o metano. Observou-se que o parâmetro na TEG com metano assemelha-se com os valores determinados para o metano puro. Na TEG baseada no isobutano, ele é compatível com o primeiro coeficiente de Townsend do dióxido de carbono para campos acima de 170 Td. Já o parâmetro na mistura com n-butano é intermediário entre os valores obtidos para o dióxido de carbono e o nitrogênio. Os resultados experimentais, disponíveis em forma tabular, foram comparados com os simulados utilizando o programa Magboltz 2, evidenciando boa concordância dentro da incerteza experimental. / Tese (Doutorado em Tecnologia Nuclear) / IPEN/T / Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP / FAPESP: 02/04697-1; 07/50591-4; 09/51809-9

A total of 17 samples were collected for OSL dating from a Swift Creek archaeological site, known as Harrison Ring, which lies on the Tyndall Air force peninsula in northwest Florida. High-resolution vertical sampling conducted at 10 cm intervals from the surface was performed in order to determine the timing of occupation at the site, and to look for patterns in radiation dosimetry and post-depositional disturbance that can compromise OSL results. We find OSL ages determined using both 0.5 mm aliquots and single grains at the archaeological levels (approximately 1751 ± 339 years ago) to be consistent with the timing of early Swift Creek cultures on the Florida Gulf Coast. The ages we report are both consistent with radiocarbon dates taken at Harrison Ring, and those taken at other Swift Creek sites on the Gulf Coast. In general, we find OSL equivalent doses that show high overdispersion and skewness that we attribute to beta-microdosimetry and possible bioturbation in the profiles. We also present results from a test with a novel dosimetric technique employing Al2O3:C chips. By using Al2O3:C dosimeters, we find that large variability in beta dose rates exist in the sedimentary profile at Harrison Ring. By testing a combination of dosimetric techniques in a site with a well-constrained age, we find that the best agreement with independent age control exists when calculating ages using a beta dose rate from NAA/DNC and gamma dose rate from Al2O3:C dosimetry. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Dans le domaine de la radiobiologie, les dommages causés à l'ADN nucléaire sont largement étudiés puisque l’ADN est considéré la cible la plus sensible dans la cellule. En plus de l’ADN, les mitochondries commencent à attirer l'attention comme des cibles sensibles, car elles contrôlent de nombreuses fonctions importantes pour la survie de la cellule. Ce sont des organites à double membranes principalement chargées de la production d'énergie ainsi que la régulation réactive des espèces d'oxygène, la signalisation cellulaire et le contrôle de l'apoptose. Certaines expériences ont montré qu'après exposition aux rayonnements ionisants, les teneurs mitochondriales sont modifiées et leurs fonctions sont affectées. C'est pourquoi nous sommes intéressés par l'étude des effets des rayonnements ionisants sur les mitochondries. À l'échelle microscopique, les simulations Monte-Carlo sont utiles pour reproduire les traces de particules ionisantes pour une étude approfondie. Par conséquent, nous avons produit des fantômes 3D de mitochondries à partir d'images microscopiques de cellules fibroblastiques. Ces fantômes ont été transformés de façon à être téléchargés dans Geant4 sous forme de mailles tessélisées et tétraédriques remplies d'eau représentant la géométrie réaliste de ces organites. Les simulations numériques ont été effectuées afin de calculer les dépôts d’énergie induits par des photons de 250 keV à l'intérieur de ces fantômes. Les processus électromagnétiques Geant4-DNA sont utilisés pour simuler les traces des électrons secondaires produits. Étant donné que les dommages groupés sont plus difficiles à réparer par les cellules, un algorithme spécifique est utilisé pour étudier le regroupement spatial des dégâts potentiels des rayonnements. En radiothérapie, il est difficile de donner une dose efficace aux sites de la tumeur sans affecter les tissus environnants sains. L'utilisation de nanoparticules d'or comme radio-sensibilisateurs semble être prometteuse. Leur coefficient d'absorption élevé augmente la probabilité d’interaction des photons et induit une dose tumorale plus importante lorsque ces particules sont absorbés de manière préférentielle dans les tumeurs. Puisque l'or a un nombre atomique élevé, les électrons Auger sont produits en abondance. Ces électrons ont une portée plus faible que les photoélectrons, ce qui leur permet de déposer la majeure partie de leur énergie près de la nanoparticule, ce qui augmente la dose locale. Nous avons étudié l'effet radio-sensibilisant des nanoparticules d'or sur le fantôme des mitochondries. L'efficacité de cette méthode dépend du nombre, de la taille et de la répartition spatiale des nanoparticules d'or. Après exposition aux rayonnements ionisants, des espèces réactives d'oxygène sont produites dans le milieu biologique qui contient une quantité d'eau abondante. Dans cette étude, nous simulons les espèces chimiques produites à l'intérieur du fantôme des mitochondries et leur regroupement est estimé. La distribution spatiale des produits chimiques et leur évolution avec le temps et par la suite analysée au moyen d’algorithme spécifique de traitement de données. / In the field of radiobiology, damage to nuclear DNA is extensively studied since it is considered as a sensitive target inside cells. Mitochondria are starting to get some attention as sensitive targets as well since they control many functions important to the cell’s survival. They are double membraned organelles mainly in charge of energy production as well as reactive oxygen species regulation, cell signaling and apoptosis control. Some experiments have shown that after exposure to ionizing radiation the mitochondrial contents are altered and their functions are affected. That is why we are interested in studying the effects of ionizing radiation on mitochondria. At the microscopic scale, Monte Carlo simulations are helpful in reproducing the tracks of ionizing particles for a close study. Therefore, we produced 3D phantoms of mitochondria starting from microscopic images of fibroblast cells. These phantoms are easily uploaded into Geant4 as tessellated and tetrahedral meshes filled with water representing the realistic geometry of these organelles. Microdosimetric analysis is performed to deposited energy by 250keV photons inside these phantoms. The Geant4-DNA electromagnetic processes are used to simulate the tracking of the produced secondary electrons. Since clustered damages are harder to repair by cells, a clustering algorithm is used to study the spatial clustering of potential radiation damages. In radiotherapy, it is a challenge to deliver an efficient dose to the tumor sites without affecting healthy surrounding tissues. The use of gold nanoparticles as radio-sensitizers seems to be promising. Their high photon absorption coefficient compared to tissues deposit a larger dose when they are preferentially absorbed in tumors. Since gold has a high atomic number, Auger electrons are produced abundantly. These electrons have lower range than photoelectrons enabling them to deposit most of their energy near the nanoparticle and thus increasing the local dose. We studied the radio-sensitizing effect of gold nanoparticles on the mitochondria phantom. The effectiveness of this method is dependent on the number, size and spatial distribution of gold nanoparticles. After exposure to ionizing radiation, reactive oxygen species are produced in the biological material that contains abundant amount of water. In this study, we simulate the chemical species produced inside the mitochondria phantom and their clustering is estimated. We take advantage of the Geant4-DNA chemistry processes libraries that is recently included in the Geant4.10.1 release to simulate the spatial distribution of the chemicals and their evolution with time.