A graphical-user-interface (GUI) computer program has been developed to facilitate research on the damage caused by highly energetic particles and photons impinging on living organisms. The program brings together, into one computational workspace, computer codes that have been developed over the years, plus codes that will be developed during the foreseeable future, to address diverse aspects of radiation damage. These include codes that implement radiation-track models, codes for biophysical models of breakage of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by radiation, pattern-recognition programs for extracting quantitative information from biological assays, and image-processing programs that aid visualization of DNA breaks.
The radiation-track models are based on transport models of interactions of radiation with matter and solution of the Boltzmann transport equation by use of both theoretical and numerical models. The biophysical models of breakage of DNA by radiation include biopolymer coarse-grained and atomistic models of DNA, stochastic-process models of deposition of energy, and Markov-based probabilistic models of placement of double-strand breaks in DNA. The program is designed for use in the NT, 95, 98, 2000, ME, and XP variants of the Windows operating system.
This program was written by Frances A. Cucinotta of Johnson Space Center and Artem Lvovich Ponomarev of Universities Space Research Association. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Bio-Medical category.
Universities Space Research Association has requested permission to assert copyright for the software code. MSC-23853-1
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
GUI To Facilitate Research on Biological Damage From Radiation
(reference MSC-23853-1) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines a Technical Support Package for a new graphical user interface (GUI) developed by NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) aimed at facilitating research on biological damage caused by radiation. This interface integrates advanced radiation track codes, biophysical models of DNA damage, and sophisticated image-processing tools to analyze biological experiments related to irradiated cells, DNA motion, and repair mechanisms.
The primary purpose of the GUI is to support researchers in fields such as space radiation research, medical radiation physics, radiobiology, radiation protection, and epidemiology. It allows users to analyze scientific data, plan experiments, and obtain model-based predictions regarding the effects of radiation on biological organisms, including humans. The software is designed to enhance collaboration among institutions and industries by providing a comprehensive platform that combines existing and future analytical models.
The technical description highlights the software's architecture, which is built using Visual C++ and incorporates various programming languages and technologies, including FORTRAN, OpenGL, and libtiff. It operates on Windows platforms and requires a minimum of 2 GB of RAM and a 1 GHz microprocessor. The GUI features a user-friendly interface with multiple document support, three-dimensional graphics capabilities, and standard file input/output options.
Unique features of the software include advanced models for radiation track structures and DNA breakage, utilizing random walks and detailed geometries of structural proteins. The image-processing tools employ novel algorithms for adjustable thresholding and cluster analysis, enabling users to extract quantitative information from biological assays effectively.
The document emphasizes the importance of integrating experimental data with theoretical models to improve the understanding of radiation's biological effects. It addresses the need for a comprehensive tool that consolidates various scientific codes and models into a single workspace, facilitating the analysis and prediction of radiation effects.
In summary, this Technical Support Package presents a state-of-the-art GUI that combines cutting-edge technology and scientific knowledge to advance research on radiation's impact on biological systems, ultimately contributing to better radiation protection and clinical applications.
