Impact of the differential fluence distribution of brachytherapy sources on the spectroscopic dose-rate constant.

Purpose: To investigate why dose-rate constants for (125)I and (103)Pd seeds computed using the spectroscopic technique, Λ spec, differ from those computed with standard Monte Carlo (MC) techniques. A potential cause of these discrepancies is the spectroscopic technique's use of approximations of the true fluence distribution leaving the source, φ full. In particular, the fluence distribution used in the spectroscopic technique, φ spec, approximates the spatial, angular, and energy distributions of φ full.

Technical note: improved implementation of Doppler broadening in MCNP5.

Purpose: Incoherent scattering has a substantial effect on spectroscopic measurements and simulations. Many general-purpose Monte Carlo codes include models that account for the effects of bound electrons on incoherent scattering, including Doppler broadening (DB). This work investigates the DB model used in the Monte Carlo N-particle transport code (MCNP5).

SU-D-BRCD-03: Spectroscopic Characterization of a 6 MV Linear Accelerator Field Using Compton Spectrometry Measurements and Monte Carlo Techniques.

Purpose: Effective treatment planning for radiotherapy is dependent on accurate spectra determination; however, direct measurements of spectra arecomplicated by fluence rates that exceed detection system limitations. This work demonstrates the potential to use a Compton scattering technique to measure the spectrum of a 6MV linac. These spectra are further characterized using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.

The advent of human diploid cell rabies vaccine: impact on vaccine utilization in New Mexico.

Three months' experience with the newly licensed human diploid cell rabies vaccine in the New Mexico comprehensive consultation-biologics system was reviewed. Comparison with the same period in 1978 and 1979 showed no increase in vaccine utilization despite the advent of this simpler-to-use, safer rabies vaccine. Anti-rabies treatments appear to be minimally influenced by new vaccine technology when a comprehensive consultation system is available to support and guide the private physician.