Software for post processing of Fluorescent Nuclear Track Detector (FNTD) images and out-of-field dose evaluation
Description
This dataset contains two MATLAB code packages for the automated analysis of Fluorescent Nuclear Track Detector (FNTD) data acquired with the FXR700RG readout system. The first package (FXR_post_processing) provides a complete post-processing workflow optimized for 3D FNTD image analysis, including automated processing of image stacks, particle track reconstruction, and configurable analysis parameters. Different processing options can be adjusted through the provided parameter file (get_parameters) to accommodate various experimental settings. The second package (Dose_Evaluation) performs dose evaluation based on the processed FNTD data. It includes routines for calculating dose-related quantities, such as absorbed dose, dose equivalent and linear energy transfer (LET), as well as polar angle correction and sensitivity correction. Both packages are written in MATLAB and are intended to be used sequentially, with the post-processing workflow generating the input for the dose evaluation routine. The dataset includes: - MATLAB source code for both processing and dose evaluation. - Example datasets for testing and demonstration. - README files describing requirements, workflow, and usage. These codes are intended to facilitate reproducible and automated analysis of FNTD measurements and can be adapted for similar experimental workflows.
Files
Steps to reproduce
Recommended: MATLAB R2025b or later. Earlier versions may also be compatible but have not been fully tested. Required Toolboxes: Signal Processing Toolbox Image Processing Toolbox Curve Fitting Toolbox FXR_post_processing: - Go to the main script FNTD_analyser.m. - Select the desired parameters in get_parameters. Most importantly, set par.show_new_tracks = 1 to display a plot of the final results. - Run the script and select the folder containing the raw images. - Select the detector(s) and fields to be evaluated. If no configuration.ini file is present in the folder, you will be prompted to create one. - At the end of the analysis, select where the .mat file should be saved. Dose_Evaluation: - Go to the main script detector_evaluation.m. - Enter the path to the .mat file in my_file. - Under Analysis Protocols, select the analysis to be performed. - For dose_determination, you will be prompted to enter the sensitivity correction factor. If no sensitivity correction is available, cancel the dialog; the correction factor will then be set to 1. - The final results are displayed in the Command Window and in table format. Special case for outlier detection: - For calibration datasets, always enable the histogram-gap outlier filter (use_histogram_gap_filter_uncorr/use_histogram_gap_filter_corr = 1). - For out-of-field datasets, enable the filter for the first run. Then return to FNTD_analyser.m (FXR_post_processing) and inspect the marked x-y fields of the corresponding detectors individually to determine whether the identified track is an artifact, a falsely merged track, or a real track. - To exclude tracks identified as artifacts or falsely merged tracks, return to detector_evaluation.m (Dose_Evaluation), enable manual outlier selection (manual_confirm_outliers = 1), and exclude the corresponding tracks. - Typically only 0.1 % of the tracks will fall in this case.
Institutions
- Heidelberg UniversityBaden-Wurttemberg, Heidelberg
- German Cancer Research CenterBaden-Wurttemberg, Heidelberg
- University Hospital HeidelbergBaden-Wurttemberg, Heidelberg