The alanine detector can be used without difficulty in neutron fields. The response has been understood with the model used which includes the relative effectiveness. Results and the corresponding discussion lead to the conclusion that application in neutron fields for medical purpose is limited by its sensitivity but that it is a useful tool as supplement to other detectors and verification of neutron source descriptions.
Microdosimetric aspects of tritium radiotoxicity are discussed. The level of coincidence of tritium locations and of radiation-sensitive sites does not appear to be decisive for relative effectiveness of tritium exposures. The actual target structure and dimensions seem to be of more importance. Particularly efficient germ cell destruction by chronic exposures to tritiated water is unlikely to be explainable on the basis of classical principles of microdosimetry. The phenomenological approach of investigating biological response functions may be a useful alternative for the interpretation of unexpected experimental results, especially when combined with bidimensional microdosimetry. The latter allows for clustering of nanometer sites within a target of cellular dimensions.
A computer model for BNCT dosimetry was established, allowing the prediction of dosimetric quantities without further calibration and within a reasonable computation time for clinical applications. The good agreement between the mcnp5 simulations and experiments demonstrates that the attila model overestimates the gamma dose contribution. The detailed model can be used for the planning of structural modifications in the thermal column irradiation channel or the use of different irradiation sites than the thermal column, e.g., the beam tubes.
Objective: To evaluate plasma treatment for enhancing the biocompatibility of cochlear implant (CI) silicone surfaces, thus allowing colonization with human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) that are known to provide neurotrophic support. Methods: Silicone samples and CI electrode arrays were treated with 4 low-pressure plasmas of different characteristics. The hydrophilicity of plasma-treated and control surfaces as well as the adherence and morphology of hASCs were assessed. Finally, the insertion forces of electrode arrays were determined and the colonization potential of the electrode arrays with hASCs were tested. Results: The hydrophilicity of the silicone surfaces was significantly enhanced after plasma treatment, as was the adherence of hASCs. The characteristic morphology of hASCs was observed when grown on plasma-treated but not on untreated silicone surfaces. The insertion forces of plasma-treated electrode arrays were similar to those of untreated arrays, and the colonization of plasma-treated electrode arrays with hASCs was feasible. Conclusion: Plasma treatment of CI electrode arrays enhances their biocompatibility and allows for the colonization with hASCs that are known to produce neurotrophic factors. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
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