| Records |
| Author |
Ballester, F.; Tedgren, A.C.; Granero, D.; Haworth, A.; Mourtada, F.; Fonseca, G.P.; Zourari, K.; Papagiannis, P.; Rivard, M.J.; Siebert, F.A.; Sloboda, R.S.; Smith, R.L.; Thomson, R.M.; Verhaegen, F.; Vijande, J.; Ma, Y.Z.; Beaulieu, L. |
| Title |
A generic high-dose rate Ir-192 brachytherapy source for evaluation of model-based dose calculations beyond the TG-43 formalism |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Medical Physics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Med. Phys. |
| Volume |
42 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages  |
3048-3062 |
| Keywords |
Ir-192; HDR brachytherapy; Monte Carlo methods; model-based dose calculation; TG-186 |
| Abstract |
Purpose: In order to facilitate a smooth transition for brachytherapy dose calculations from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group No. 43 (TG-43) formalism to model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs), treatment planning systems (TPSs) using a MBDCA require a set of well-defined test case plans characterized by Monte Carlo (MC) methods. This also permits direct dose comparison to TG-43 reference data. Such test case plans should be made available for use in the software commissioning process performed by clinical end users. To this end, a hypothetical, generic high-dose rate (HDR) Ir-192 source and a virtual water phantom were designed, which can be imported into a TPS. Methods: A hypothetical, generic HDR Ir-192 source was designed based on commercially available sources as well as a virtual, cubic water phantom that can be imported into any TPS in DICOM format. The dose distribution of the generic Ir-192 source when placed at the center of the cubic phantom, and away from the center under altered scatter conditions, was evaluated using two commercial MBDCAs [Oncentra (R) Brachy with advanced collapsed-cone engine (ACE) and BrachyVision AcuRos (TM)]. Dose comparisons were performed using state-of-the-art MC codes for radiation transport, including ALGEBRA, BrachyDose, GEANT4, MCNP5, MCNP6, and pENELopE2008. The methodologies adhered to recommendations in the AAPM TG-229 report on high-energy brachytherapy source dosimetry. TG-43 dosimetry parameters, an along-away dose-rate table, and primary and scatter separated (PSS) data were obtained. The virtual water phantom of (201)(3) voxels (1 mm sides) was used to evaluate the calculated dose distributions. Two test case plans involving a single position of the generic HDR Ir-192 source in this phantom were prepared: (i) source centered in the phantom and (ii) source displaced 7 cm laterally from the center. Datasets were independently produced by different investigators. MC results were then compared against dose calculated using TG-43 and MBDCA methods. Results: TG-43 and PSS datasets were generated for the generic source, the PSS data for use with the ACE algorithm. The dose-rate constant values obtained from seven MC simulations, performed independently using different codes, were in excellent agreement, yielding an average of 1.1109 +/- 0.0004 cGy/(h U) (k = 1, Type A uncertainty). MC calculated dose-rate distributions for the two plans were also found to be in excellent agreement, with differences within type A uncertainties. Differences between commercial MBDCA and MC results were test, position, and calculation parameter dependent. On average, however, these differences were within 1% for ACUROS and 2% for ACE at clinically relevant distances. Conclusions: A hypothetical, generic HDR Ir-192 source was designed and implemented in two commercially available TPSs employing different MBDCAs. Reference dose distributions for this source were benchmarked and used for the evaluation of MBDCA calculations employing a virtual, cubic water phantom in the form of a CT DICOM image series. The implementation of a generic source of identical design in all TPSs using MBDCAs is an important step toward supporting univocal commissioning procedures and direct comparisons between TPSs. |
| Address |
[Ballester, Facundo] Univ Valencia, Dept Atom Mol & Nucl Phys, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain, Email: Facundo.Ballester@uv.es |
| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Amer Assoc Physicists Medicine Amer Inst Physics |
Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0094-2405 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
WOS:000356998300031 |
Approved |
no |
| Is ISI |
yes |
International Collaboration |
yes |
| Call Number |
IFIC @ pastor @ |
Serial |
2315 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Oliver-Canamas, L.; Vijande, J.; Candela-Juan, C.; Gimeno-Olmos, J.; Pujades-Claumarchirant, M.C.; Rovira-Escutia, J.J.; Ballester, F.; Perez-Calatayud, J. |
| Title |
A User-Friendly System for Mailed Dosimetric Audits of Ir-192 or Co-60 HDR Brachytherapy Sources |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Cancers |
Abbreviated Journal |
Cancers |
| Volume |
15 |
Issue |
9 |
Pages |
2484 - 14pp |
| Keywords |
high dose rate brachytherapy; dosimetric audit; error detection; phantom |
| Abstract |
Nowadays, the options available to perform external dosimetric audits of the high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy treatment process are limited. In this work, we present a methodology that allows for performing dosimetric audits in this field. A phantom was designed and manufactured for this purpose. The criteria for its design, together with the in-house measurements for its characterization, are presented. The result is a user-friendly system that can be mailed to perform dosimetric audits in HDR brachytherapy on-site for systems using either Iridium-192 (Ir-192) or Cobalt-60 (Co-60) sources. Objectives: The main goal of this work is to design and characterize a user-friendly methodology to perform mailed dosimetric audits in high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for systems using either Iridium-192 (Ir-192) or Cobalt-60 (Co-60) sources. Methods: A solid phantom was designed and manufactured with four catheters and a central slot to place one dosimeter. Irradiations with an Elekta MicroSelectron V2 for Ir-192, and with a BEBIG Multisource for Co-60 were performed for its characterization. For the dose measurements, nanoDots, a type of optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs), were characterized. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed to evaluate the scatter conditions of the irradiation set-up and to study differences in the photon spectra of different Ir-192 sources (Microselectron V2, Flexisource, BEBIG Ir2.A85-2 and Varisource VS2000) reaching the dosimeter in the irradiation set-up. Results: MC simulations indicate that the surface material on which the phantom is supported during the irradiations does not affect the absorbed dose in the nanoDot. Generally, differences below 5% were found in the photon spectra reaching the detector when comparing the Microselectron V2, the Flexisource and the BEBIG models. However, differences up to 20% are observed between the V2 and the Varisource VS2000 models. The calibration coefficients and the uncertainty in the dose measurement were evaluated. Conclusions: The system described here is able to perform dosimetric audits in HDR brachytherapy for systems using either Ir-192 or Co-60 sources. No significant differences are observed between the photon spectra reaching the detector for the MicroSelectron V2, the Flexisource and the BEBIG Ir-192 sources. For the Varisource VS2000, a higher uncertainty is considered in the dose measurement to allow for the nanoDot response. |
| Address |
[Oliver-Canamas, Laura] Serv Radiofis & Proteccio Radiol, Consorci Hospitalari Prov Castello CHPC, Castellon de La Plana 12002, Spain, Email: laura.oliver.canas@gmail.com |
| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Mdpi |
Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
WOS:000987247100001 |
Approved |
no |
| Is ISI |
yes |
International Collaboration |
no |
| Call Number |
IFIC @ pastor @ |
Serial |
5542 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Granero, D.; Candela-Juan, C.; Vijande, J.; Ballester, F.; Perez-Calatayud, J.; Jacob, D.; Mourtada, F. |
| Title |
Technical Note: Dosimetry of Leipzig and Valencia applicators without the plastic cap |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2016 |
Publication |
Medical Physics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Med. Phys. |
| Volume |
43 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
2087 - 4pp |
| Keywords |
Leipzig applicators; Valencia applicators; skin brachytherapy; Monte Carlo; dosimetry |
| Abstract |
Purpose: High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for treatment of small skin lesions using the Leipzig and Valencia applicators is a widely used technique. These applicators are equipped with an attachable plastic cap to be placed during fraction delivery to ensure electronic equilibrium and to prevent secondary electrons from reaching the skin surface. The purpose of this study is to report on the dosimetric impact of the cap being absent during HDR fraction delivery, which has not been explored previously in the literature. Methods: GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations (version 10.0) have been performed for the Leipzig and Valencia applicators with and without the plastic cap. In order to validate the Monte Carlo simulations, experimental measurements using radiochromic films have been done. Results: Dose absorbed within 1 mm of the skin surface increases by a factor of 1500% for the Leipzig applicators and of 180% for the Valencia applicators. Deeper than 1 mm, the overdosage flattens up to a 10% increase. Conclusions: Differences of treating with or without the plastic cap are significant. Users must check always that the plastic cap is in place before any treatment in order to avoid overdosage of the skin. Prior to skin HDR fraction delivery, the timeout checklist should include verification of the cap placement. (C) 2016 American Association of Physicists in Medicine. |
| Address |
[Granero, D.] Hosp Gen Univ, Dept Radiat Phys, ERESA, Valencia 46014, Spain, Email: dgranero@eresa.com |
| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Amer Assoc Physicists Medicine Amer Inst Physics |
Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0094-2405 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
WOS:000378924200010 |
Approved |
no |
| Is ISI |
yes |
International Collaboration |
yes |
| Call Number |
IFIC @ pastor @ |
Serial |
2753 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Candela-Juan, C.; Niatsetski, Y.; van der Laarse, R.; Granero, D.; Ballester, F.; Perez-Calatayud, J.; Vijande, J. |
| Title |
Design and characterization of a new high-dose-rate brachytherapy Valencia applicator for larger skin lesions |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2016 |
Publication |
Medical Physics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Med. Phys. |
| Volume |
43 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
1639-1648 |
| Keywords |
skin applicator; Valencia applicator; HDR brachytherapy; dosimetry; Monte Carlo |
| Abstract |
Purpose: The aims of this study were (i) to design a new high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy applicator for treating surface lesions with planning target volumes larger than 3 cm in diameter and up to 5 cm in size, using the microSelectron-HDR or Flexitron afterloader (Elekta Brachytherapy) with a Ir-192 source; (ii) to calculate by means of the Monte Carlo (MC) method the dose distribution for the new applicator when it is placed against a water phantom; and (iii) to validate experimentally the dose distributions in water. Methods: The PENELOPE2008 MC code was used to optimize dwell positions and dwell times. Next, the dose distribution in a water phantom and the leakage dose distribution around the applicator were calculated. Finally, MC data were validated experimentally for a 192Ir mHDR-v2 source by measuring (i) dose distributions with radiochromic EBT3 films (ISP); (ii) percentage depth-dose (PDD) curve with the parallel-plate ionization chamber Advanced Markus (PTW); and (iii) absolute dose rate with EBT3 films and the PinPoint T31016 (PTW) ionization chamber. Results: The new applicator is made of tungsten alloy (Densimet) and consists of a set of interchangeable collimators. Three catheters are used to allocate the source at prefixed dwell positions with preset weights to produce a homogenous dose distribution at the typical prescription depth of 3 mm in water. The same plan is used for all available collimators. PDD, absolute dose rate per unit of air kerma strength, and off-axis profiles in a cylindrical water phantom are reported. These data can be used for treatment planning. Leakage around the applicator was also scored. The dose distributions, PDD, and absolute dose rate calculated agree within experimental uncertainties with the doses measured: differences of MC data with chamber measurements are up to 0.8% and with radiochromic films are up to 3.5%. Conclusions: The new applicator and the dosimetric data provided here will be a valuable tool in clinical practice, making treatment of large skin lesions simpler, faster, and safer. Also the dose to surrounding healthy tissues is minimal. |
| Address |
[Candela-Juan, C.; Perez-Calatayud, J.] La Fe Univ & Polytech Hosp, Dept Radiat Oncol, Valencia 46026, Spain, Email: ccanjuan@gmail.com |
| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Amer Assoc Physicists Medicine Amer Inst Physics |
Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0094-2405 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
WOS:000373711000007 |
Approved |
no |
| Is ISI |
yes |
International Collaboration |
yes |
| Call Number |
IFIC @ pastor @ |
Serial |
2620 |
| Permanent link to this record |
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| Author |
Ballester, F.; Granero, D.; Perez-Calatayud, J.; Venselaar, J.L.M.; Rivard, M.J. |
| Title |
Study of encapsulated Tm-170 sources for their potential use in brachytherapy |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2010 |
Publication |
Medical Physics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Med. Phys. |
| Volume |
37 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
1629-1637 |
| Keywords |
brachytherapy; cancer; dosimetry; prosthetics; radioisotopes; thulium |
| Abstract |
Methods: The authors have assumed a theoretical Tm-170 cylindrical source encapsulated with stainless steel and typical dimensions taken from the currently available HDR Ir-192 brachytherapy sources. The dose-rate distribution was calculated for this source using the GEANT4 Monte Carlo (MC) code considering both photon and electron Tm-170 spectra. The AAPM TG-43 U1 brachytherapy dosimetry parameters were derived. To study general properties of Tm-170 encapsulated sources, spherical sources encapsulated with stainless steel and platinum were also studied. Moreover, the influence of small variations in the active core and capsule dimensions on the dosimetric characteristics was assessed. Treatment times required for a Tm-170 source were compared to those for Ir-192 and Yb-169 for the same contained activity. Results: Due to the energetic beta spectrum and the large electron yield, the bremsstrahlung contribution to the dose was of the same order of magnitude as from the emitted gammas and characteristic x rays. Moreover, the electron spectrum contribution to the dose was significant up to 4 mm from the source center compared to the photon contribution. The dose-rate constant Lambda of the cylindrical source was 1.23 cGy h(-1) U-1. The behavior of the radial dose function showed promise for applications in brachytherapy. Due to the electron spectrum, the anisotropy was large for r < 6 mm. Variations in manufacturing tolerances did not significantly influence the final dosimetry data when expressed in cGy h(-1) U-1. For typical capsule dimensions, maximum reference dose rates of about 0.2, 10, and 2 Gy min(-1) would then be obtained for Tm-170, Ir-192, and Yb-169, respectively, resulting in treatment times greater than those for HDR Ir-192 brachytherapy. Conclusions: The dosimetric characteristics of source designs exploiting the low photon energy of Tm-170 were studied for potential application in HDR-brachytherapy. Dose-rate distributions were obtained for cylindrical and simplified spherical Tm-170 source designs (stainless steel and platinum capsule materials) using MC calculations. Despite the high activity of Tm-170, calculated treatment times were much longer than for Ir-192. |
| Address |
[Ballester, Facundo] Univ Valencia, Dept Atom Mol & Nucl Phys, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain, Email: fballest@uv.es |
| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Amer Assoc Physicists Medicine Amer Inst Physics |
Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0094-2405 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
ISI:000276211200027 |
Approved |
no |
| Is ISI |
yes |
International Collaboration |
yes |
| Call Number |
IFIC @ elepoucu @ |
Serial |
478 |
| Permanent link to this record |
