bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WE‐AB‐206‐00: Diagnostic QA/QC Hands‐On Workshop
Authors: Lu Zhengfeng 
Published: July 2016

The involvement of medical physicists in diagnostic ultrasound imaging service is increasing due to QC and accreditation requirements. The goal of this ultrasound hands‐on workshop is to demonstrate quality control (QC) testing in diagnostic ultrasound and to provide updates in ACR ultrasound accreditation requirements. The first half of this workshop will include two presentations reviewing diagnostic ultrasound QA/QC and ACR ultrasound accreditation requirements. The second half of the workshop will include live demonstrations of basic QC tests. An array of ultrasound testing phantoms and ultrasound scanners will be available for attendees to learn diagnostic ultrasound QC in a hands‐on environment with live demonstrations and on‐site instructors. The targeted attendees are medical physicists in diagnostic imaging.

Learning Objectives:
Gain familiarity with common elements of a QA/QC program for diagnostic ultrasound imaging
dentify QC tools available for testing diagnostic ultrasound systems and learn how to use these tools
Learn ACR ultrasound accreditation requirementsJennifer Walter is an employee of American College of Radiology on Ultrasound Accreditation.
WE‐AB‐206‐03: Workshop
Authors: Lu Z. 
Published: July 2016

The involvement of medical physicists in diagnostic ultrasound imaging service is increasing due to QC and accreditation requirements. The goal of this ultrasound hands‐on workshop is to demonstrate quality control (QC) testing in diagnostic ultrasound and to provide updates in ACR ultrasound accreditation requirements. The first half of this workshop will include two presentations reviewing diagnostic ultrasound QA/QC and ACR ultrasound accreditation requirements. The second half of the workshop will include live demonstrations of basic QC tests. An array of ultrasound testing phantoms and ultrasound scanners will be available for attendees to learn diagnostic ultrasound QC in a hands‐on environment with live demonstrations and on‐site instructors. The targeted attendees are medical physicists in diagnostic imaging.

Learning Objectives:
Gain familiarity with common elements of a QA/QC program for diagnostic ultrasound imaging
dentify QC tools available for testing diagnostic ultrasound systems and learn how to use these tools
Learn ACR ultrasound accreditation requirementsJennifer Walter is an employee of American College of Radiology on Ultrasound Accreditation.
WE‐D‐204‐01: Site‐Specific Clinical Rotation: Into the Minds of the Radiation Oncologists
Authors: Hendrickson K. 
Published: July 2016

Speakers in this session will present overview and details of a specific rotation or feature of their Medical Physics Residency Program that is particularly exceptional and noteworthy. The featured rotations include foundational topics executed with exceptional acumen and innovative educational rotations perhaps not commonly found in Medical Physics Residency Programs. A site‐specific clinical rotation will be described, where the medical physics resident follows the physician and medical resident for two weeks into patient consultations, simulation sessions, target contouring sessions, planning meetings with dosimetry, patient follow up visits, and tumor boards, to gain insight into the thought processes of the radiation oncologist. An incident learning rotation will be described where the residents learns about and practices evaluating clinical errors and investigates process improvements for the clinic. The residency environment at a Canadian medical physics residency program will be described, where the training and interactions with radiation oncology residents is integrated. And the first month rotation will be described, where the medical physics resident rotates through the clinical areas including simulation, dosimetry, and treatment units, gaining an overview of the clinical flow and meeting all the clinical staff to begin the residency program. This session will be of particular interest to residency programs who are interested in adopting or adapting these curricular ideas into their programs and to residency candidates who want to learn about programs already employing innovative practices.

Learning Objectives:
To learn about exceptional and innovative clinical rotations or program features within existing Medical Physics Residency Programs.
To understand how to adopt/adapt innovative curricular designs into your own Medical Physics Residency Program, if appropriate.
WE‐DE‐201‐03: Combined Use of 192Ir, 60Co, and 169Yb Sources with the Novel Direction Modulated Brachytherapy Tandem Applicator for High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Planning of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Safigholi H , Han D , Mashouf S , Soliman A , Meigooni A S , Owrangi A , Song W Y 
Published: July 2016

Purpose:To evaluate the improvement in plan quality when various combinations of 192Ir, 60Co, and 169Yb sources are used in combination with a novel direction modulated brachytherapy (DMBT) tandem applicator for high dose rate brachytherapy of cervical cancer.Methods:The proposed DMBT tandem applicator is designed for image‐guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT), especially MRI, of cervical cancer. It has 6 peripheral holes of 1.3‐mm width, grooved along a 5.4‐mm diameter nonmagnetic tungsten alloy rod of density 18.0 g/cc, capable of generating directional dose profiles ‐ leading to enhanced dose sculpting capacity through inverse planning. Monte Carlo simulations of the three HDR sources individually inside the DMBT applicator were performed and imported into an in‐house developed inverse optimization code. We then performed inverse planning with 14 cervical cancer patients enrolled in EMBRACE study. In all patients, 3D MRI‐based planning was performed while utilizing 1) tandem‐ring and needles attached‐to‐ring (7 patients) and 2) tandem‐ring and needles both attached‐to‐ring and free‐hand‐loaded (7 patients), in accordance with the GEC‐ESTRO recommendations. All plans were normalized to receive the same HRCTV D90 and DVH parameters were evaluated.Results:The DMBT tandem was used in all cases. Overall, the combined use of two sources (192Ir‐60Co and 192Ir‐169Yb, but not 60Co‐169Yb) generally produced better quality plans than with the 192Ir source alone in terms of sparing OARs. For example, up to 3.5, 4.4, and 3.9% individual reductions in D2cc were observed for the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid, respectively, between 192Ir‐60Co and 192Ir‐only plans for patient cases in #1. While up to 5.5, 2.0, and 5.7% individual reductions were observed for patient cases in #2.Conclusion:We have demonstrated that, in addition to “directional modulation” of DMBT, use of multiple sources with sufficient differences in energy can be utilized to achieve additional improvement in plan quality for IGABT of cervical cancer.
WE‐DE‐201‐08: Multi‐Source Rotating Shield Brachytherapy Apparatus for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dadkhah H , Wu X , Kim Y , Flynn R 
Published: July 2016

Purpose:To introduce a novel multi‐source rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) apparatus for the precise simultaneous angular and linear positioning of all partially‐shielded 153Gd radiation sources in interstitial needles for treating prostate cancer. The mechanism is designed to lower the detrimental dose to healthy tissues, the urethra in particular, relative to conventional high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) techniques.Methods:Following needle implantation, the delivery system is docked to the patient template. Each needle is coupled to a multi‐source afterloader catheter by a connector passing through a shaft. The shafts are rotated by translating a moving template between two stationary templates. Shaft walls as well as moving template holes are threaded such that the resistive friction produced between the two parts exerts enough force on the shafts to bring about the rotation. Rotation of the shaft is then transmitted to the shielded source via several keys. Thus, shaft angular position is fully correlated with the position of the moving template. The catheter angles are simultaneously incremented throughout treatment as needed, and only a single 360° rotation of all catheters is needed for a full treatment. For each rotation angle, source depth in each needle is controlled by a multi‐source afterloader, which is proposed as an array of belt‐driven linear actuators, each of which drives a source wire.Results:Optimized treatment plans based on Monte Carlo dose calculations demonstrated RSBT with the proposed apparatus reduced urethral D1cc below that of conventional HDR‐BT by 35% for urethral dose gradient volume within 3 mm of the urethra surface. Treatment time to deliver 20 Gy with multi‐source RSBT apparatus using nineteen 62.4 GBq 153Gd sources is 117 min.Conclusions:The proposed RSBT delivery apparatus in conjunction with multiple nitinol catheter‐mounted platinum‐shielded 153Gd sources enables a mechanically feasible urethra‐sparing treatment technique for prostate cancer in a clinically reasonable timeframe.
WE‐D‐BRB‐03: Current State of Volumetric Image Guidance for Proton Therapy
Authors: Hua C. 
Published: July 2016

The goal of this session is to review the physics of proton therapy, treatment planning techniques, and the use of volumetric imaging in proton therapy. The course material covers the physics of proton interaction with matter and physical characteristics of clinical proton beams. It will provide information on proton delivery systems and beam delivery techniques for double scattering (DS), uniform scanning (US), and pencil beam scanning (PBS). The session covers the treatment planning strategies used in DS, US, and PBS for various anatomical sites, methods to address uncertainties in proton therapy and uncertainty mitigation to generate robust treatment plans. It introduces the audience to the current status of image guided proton therapy and clinical applications of CBCT for proton therapy. It outlines the importance of volumetric imaging in proton therapy.

Learning Objectives:
Gain knowledge in proton therapy physics, and treatment planning for proton therapy including intensity modulated proton therapy.
The current state of volumetric image guidance equipment in proton therapy.
Clinical applications of CBCT and its advantage over orthogonal imaging for proton therapy.B. Teo, B.K Teo had received travel funds from IBA in 2015.
WE‐DE‐BRA‐02: BEST IN PHYSICS (JOINT IMAGING‐THERAPY): Prototype for An In‐Room Supercompounded 3D Volumetric Ultrasound Image Guidance System for Prone Breast SBRT
Authors: Chiu T , Zhang Y , Hrycushko B , Zhao B , Chopra R , Jiang S , Gu X 
Published: July 2016

Purpose:SBRT requires both substantial positioning precision and accuracy. However, accurate dose delivery is challenging for prone breast SBRT due to breast deformation, lumpectomy cavity shrinkage and ineffective CT/CBCT on soft tissue. We developed a prototype in‐room 3D volumetric ultrasound (US) image guidance system for prone breast SBRT.Methods:The designed system, set beneath a prone breast board, consists of a customized breast cup, rotational scanning water container, and a portable US scanner. The breast CT scan is converted to STereoLithographic model then 3D printed as a mold to construct a patient‐specific breast cup. The holder is fabricated with liquid urethane resin and cured to a ∼1 mm thick semi‐rigid polymerized cup. The US transducer is attached to the container but separated from a water compartment by a urethane resin membrane. The transverse scan is acquired by simultaneously rotating the water container and transducer every 5°. The 3D US image is constructed with multiple transverse images using a supercompounding‐technique‐based volumetric US reconstruction algorithm. The performance of the prototype US system was evaluated on a gelatin based breast phantom with five embedded reflective markers. Reconstructed image quality (size and geometric accuracy) was compared with MRI images of the same phantom.Results:In the evaluated plane, the five embedded markers were compared to MRI in terms of size and location. Diameter differences were 1.85, 1.71, 2.37, 1.00 and 1.85 mm between MRI and US. The 1–2 mm variations come from the different edge response the material has on the two imaging modalities. The difference in distance between adjacent marker centers between MRI and US were 0.57, 0.84, 0.75 and 0.80 mm.Conclusion:The phantom study results show geometric agreement between MRI and US indicating that the proposed image‐guidance system can provide precise and accurate patient setup for each SBRT fraction.CPRIT Grant R1308
WE‐DE‐BRA‐04: A Cost‐Effective Pixelated EPID Scintillator for Enhanced Contrast and DQE
Authors: Rottmann J , Myronakis M , Hu Y , Shedlock D , Wang A , Humber D , Morf D , Fueglistaller R , Star‐Lack J , Berbeco R 
Published: July 2016

Purpose:Beams‐eye‐view imaging applications such as real‐time soft‐tissue motion estimation and MV‐CBCT are hindered by the inherently low image contrast of electronic portal imaging devices (EPID) currently in clinical use. We investigate a cost effective scintillating glass that provides substantially increased detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR).Methods:A pixelated scintillator prototype was built from LKH‐5 glass. The array is 12mm thick; 42.4×42.4cm2 wide and features 1.51mm pixel pitch with 20µm separation (glue+septa). The LKH‐5 array was mounted on the active matrix flat panel imager (AMPFI) of an AS‐1200 (Varian) with the GdO2S2:Tb removed. A second AS‐1200 was utilized as reference detector. The prototype EPID was characterized in terms of CNR, modulation transfer function (MTF) and DQE. Additionally, the visibility of various fiducial markers typically used in the clinic as well as a realistic 3D‐printed lung tumor model was assessed. All items were placed in a 12cm thick solid water phantom. CNR is estimated using a Las Vegas contrast phantom, presampled MTF is estimated using a slanted slit technique and the DQE is calculated from measured normalized noise power spectra (NPS) and the MTF.Results:DQE(0) for the LKH‐5 prototype increased by a factor of 8× to about 10%, compared to the AS‐1200 equipped with its standard GdO2S2:Tb scintillator. CNR increased by a factor of 5.3×. Due to the pixel size the MTF50 decreased by about 55% to 0.23lp/mm. The visibility of all fiducial markers as well as the tumor model were however markedly improved in comparison to an acquisition with the same parameters using the GdO2S2:Tb scintillator.Conclusion:LKH‐5 scintillating glasses allow the cost effective construction of thick pixelated scintillators for portal imaging which can yield a substantial increase in DQE and CNR. Soft tissue and fiducial marker visibility was found to be markedly improved.The project was supported in part by NIH grant R01CA188446‐01 and a grant from Varian Medical Systems.
WE‐DE‐202‐00: Connecting Radiation Physics with Computational Biology
Authors: Schuemann Jan 
Published: July 2016

Radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer has been established as a highly precise and effective way to eradicate a localized region of diseased tissue. To achieve further significant gains in the therapeutic ratio, we need to move towards biologically optimized treatment planning. To achieve this goal, we need to understand how the radiation‐type dependent patterns of induced energy depositions within the cell (physics) connect via molecular, cellular and tissue reactions to treatment outcome such as tumor control and undesirable effects on normal tissue.Several computational biology approaches have been developed connecting physics to biology. Monte Carlo simulations are the most accurate method to calculate physical dose distributions at the nanometer scale, however simulations at the DNA scale are slow and repair processes are generally not simulated. Alternative models that rely on the random formation of individual DNA lesions within one or two turns of the DNA have been shown to reproduce the clusters of DNA lesions, including single strand breaks (SSBs), double strand breaks (DSBs) without the need for detailed track structure simulations. Efficient computational simulations of initial DNA damage induction facilitate computational modeling of DNA repair and other molecular and cellular processes. Mechanistic, multiscale models provide a useful conceptual framework to test biological hypotheses and help connect fundamental information about track structure and dosimetry at the sub‐cellular level to dose‐response effects on larger scales.In this symposium we will learn about the current state of the art of computational approaches estimating radiation damage at the cellular and sub‐cellular scale. How can understanding the physics interactions at the DNA level be used to predict biological outcome? We will discuss if and how such calculations are relevant to advance our understanding of radiation damage and its repair, or, if the underlying biological processes are too complex for a mechanistic approach. Can computer simulations be used to guide future biological research? We will debate the feasibility of explaining biology from a physicists’ perspective.

Learning Objectives:
Understand the potential applications and limitations of computational methods for dose‐response modeling at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels
Learn about mechanism of action underlying the induction, repair and biological processing of damage to DNA and other constituents
Understand how effects and processes at one biological scale impact on biological processes and outcomes on other scalesJ. Schuemann, NCI/NIH grantsS. McMahon, Funding: European Commission FP7 (grant EC FP7 MC‐IOF‐623630)
WE‐DE‐209‐04: 3D Surface Image‐Guided
Authors: Tang X. 
Published: July 2016

Breast radiation therapy is associated with some risk of lung toxicity as well as cardiac toxicity for left‐sided cases. Radiation doses to the lung and heart can be reduced by using the deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) technique, in which the patient is simulated and treated during the deep inspiration phase of the breathing cycle. During DIBH, the heart is usually displaced posteriorly, inferiorly, and to the right, effectively expanding the distance between the heart and the breast/chest wall. As a result, the distance between the medial treatment field border and heart/lung is increased. Also, in a majority of DIBH patients, the air drawn into the thoracic cavity increases the total lung volume.The DIBH was discussed by an AAPM Task Group 10 years ago in the AAPM TG 76 report. However, DIBH is still not the standard of care in many clinics, which may be partially due to challenges associated with its implementation. Therefore, this seccion will focus primarily on how to clinically implement four different DIBH techniques: (1) Active Breathing Control, (2) Spirometric Motion Management, (3) 3D Surface Image‐Guided, and (4) Self‐held Breath Control with Respiratory Monitoring and Feedback Guidance.

Learning Objectives:
Describe the physical displacement of the heart and the change in lung volume during DIBH and discuss dosimetric consequences of those changes.
Provide an overview of the technical aspects.
Describe work flow for patient simulation and treatment.
Give an overview of commissioning and routine.
Provide practical tips for clinical implementation.
WE‐DE‐206‐00: MRI Physics
Authors: Shu Yunhong 
Published: July 2016

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an essential part of clinical imaging due to its ability to render high soft tissue contrast. Instead of ionizing radiation, MRI use strong magnetic field, radio frequency waves and field gradients to create diagnostic useful images. It can be used to image the anatomy and also functional and physiological activities within the human body. Knowledge of the basic physical principles underlying MRI acquisition is vitally important to successful image production and proper image interpretation.This lecture will give an overview of the spin physics, imaging principle of MRI, the hardware of the MRI scanner, and various pulse sequences and their applications. It aims to provide a conceptual foundation to understand the image formation process of a clinical MRI scanner.

Learning Objectives:
Understand the origin of the MR signal and contrast from the spin physics level.
Understand the main hardware components of a MRI scanner and their purposes
Understand steps for MR image formation including spatial encoding and image reconstruction
Understand the main kinds of MR pulse sequences and their characteristics.
WE‐DE‐207B‐02: Detection of Masses On Mammograms Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Suzuki S , Zhang X , Homma N , Ichiji K , Kawasumi Y , Ishibashi T , Yoshizawa M 
Published: July 2016

Purpose:To develop a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN)‐based computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system for detecting the masses in digital mammographic images.Methods:A DCNN architecture, which consists of 5 convolutional layers and 3 fully connected layers, is constructed in this study. The DCNN parameters are then trained by the following two procedures. We first train the DCNN using about 1.3 million natural images for classification of 1,000 categories. Then, we modify the last fully connected layer and subsequently train the modified DCNN using 1,656 mammographic region of interest (ROI) images for two categories classification: mass and normal.Results:The trained DCNN is tested by using 198 mammographic ROI images including 99 mass images and 99 normal images. The experimental results show that the sensitivity of the mass detection is about 89.9% and the false positive is 19.2%. These results demonstrated that the DCNN has a potential for mammographic CAD.Conclusion:In recent years, the DCNN, as one of the most successful techniques in deep learning technology, made a remarkable impact on image recognition application. For medical image recognition, however, its performance is uncertainty because collecting a large amount of training image data for a particularly medical image modality is difficult. In this study, our preliminary experiments demonstrated a feasibility to apply the DCNN in mammographic CAD system. To the best of our knowledge, this study is also the first demonstration of DCNN for detecting the masses in mammographic images.