• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.253-261
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• 2002

A spatially adaptive falter was formulated to imrove PET image qualify and the Performance of the filter was evaluated using simulation and phantom and human PET studies. In the proposed filter. if a pixel was identified as the edge Pixel, the Pixel value was Preserved. Otherwise a Pixel was replaced by the mean of the pixel values weighted by 2:7: 2. A Pixel was identified as the edge Pixel. if it satisfies the following conditions : the number of ADs (absolute difference between center and neighborhood pixels) which is smaller than THl (($pix_max{\times}0.1/log_2(NPM)$, NPM : mean of 6 neighborhood pixels excluding minimum and maximum) is 8-k and the number of ADs which is lager than TH2 ($NPM{\times}0.1$) is k. where k : 2, 3, …, 6. The results of this study demonstrate the superior performance of the Proposed titter compared to Gaussian fitter, weight median filter and subset averaged median filter. The proposed tittering method is simple but effective in increasing uniformity and contrast with minimal degradation of spatial resolution of PET images and thus. is expected to Provide improved diagnositc quality PET images .

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.107-111
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• 2003

Purpose: To establish the role of stereoactic radiosurgery using a linear accelerator for the treatment of patients with cavernous angloma. Materials and Methods: Between February 1995 and May 1997, 11 patients with cavernous angioma were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery using a linear accelerator. Diagnoses were based on the magnetic resonance imaging in 8 patients, and the histological in 3. The vascular lesions were located on the brainstem (5 cases), cerebellum (2 cases) thalamus (1 case) and cerebrum (3 cases). The clinical presentation at onset included previous intracerebral hemorrhages (9 cases) and seizures (2 cases). All patients were treated with a a linac-based radiosurgery. The median dose of radiation delivered was 16 Gy ranging from 14 to 24 Gy, which was typically proscribed to the 80$\%$ isodose surface (range 50 $\~$ 80$\%$), corresponding to the periphery of the lesion with a single isocenter. Ten patients were followed-up. Results: The median follow-up was 49 months ranging from 8 to 73 months, during which time two patients developed an intracerebral hemorrhage, 1 at 8 months, with the other at 64 months post radiosurgery. One patient developed neurological deficit after radiosurgery, and two developed an edema on the T2 weighted images of the MRI surrounding the radiosurgical target. Conclusion: The use of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of a cavernous angioma may be effective in the prevention of rebleedlng, and can be safely delivered. However, a longer follow-up period will be required.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of this study is to provide reference to functional level of sensory integration of in the low-grads school age, based on the Clinical Observation of Motor and Postural Skills (COMPS) and to examine correlation between the function of sensory integration and academic achievement. Method : Two schools ("J" and "S") have been selected indiscriminately among 56 elementary schools located in Gimhae-si, GyeongNam and then one class from each school was voluntarily chosen among all second-grade classes of the schools. The total number of students in those two classes was 69 (34 boys and 35 girls). Subjects had no developmental problem and no history of referral regarding neurological conditions. Three skilled researchers administrated the COMPS together, and each researcher executed two sub-items of the COMPS. As result of the academic achievement, score data of midterm- and final-exam in the spring semester were collected. The scores of 'Korean language' and 'Math', common examination subjects in both schools, were utilized for data analysis in this study. Results : Statically, there was no significant correlation between the COMPS Weighted Scores and any academic achievements. In a dispersion graphic analysis, however, the total achievement showed significant negative-correlation with the area of 'Rapid Forearm Rotation' and significant positive-correlation with the area of 'Supine Flexion'. In terms of the Math achievement, there are significant negative-correlation with rapid forearm rotation and asymmetrical tonic neck reflex, and significant positive-correlation with the area of 'Supine Flexion'. Students with higher score of the Korean language showed a tendency to get higher Weighted Score and Minus Adjustment Score, and those with lower score of the Math showed a tendency to get higher COMPS scores in all area except the area of 'Supine Flexion'. There was a statically significant difference in the COMPS scores depend on the age among general characteristics. As student older, all COMPS scores, except those in the area of 'Slow Motion' and 'Supine Flexion, were higher. Conclusions : There is somehow reliable correlation between sensory integration function and academic achievement although no statistical significance found in this study. The information from this study may contribute to initiate developing a normative-reference to screen earlier and more alertly sensory integration dysfunctions for school-age children. Further study is recommended trying to find out more reliable matter regarding low grade- schooler's academic achievement.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.11
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• pp.1225-1231
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• 2005

Purpose : This study compares the first epileptic seizures between preterm and term-born children with periventricular leukomalacia and epilepsy. Methods : From 108 cases having lesions of high signal intensity around the ventricles in T2 weighted imaging of a brain magnetic resonance study, we selected 37 cases that showed epileptic seizures two times or more and divided them into the group of preterm-born(27 cases) and term-born children(10 cases). A retrospective study was made by comparing the two groups with regard to age, type of the first epileptic seizures, EEG findings and responsiveness to anticonvulsants. Results : The age of the first epileptic seizure was $22.2{\pm}18.3$ months in the preterm-born group and $26.9{\pm}21.1$ months in the term-born group(P=0.505). As for the first epileptic seizure, 11 out of the 27 cases in the preterm-born group had infantile spasms. Out of the 10 cases in the term-born group, 7 had complex partial seizures. In the preterm group, hypsarrhythmias were found in 11 cases, focal epileptiform discharges in 6 cases. In term-born group, focal epileptiform discharges were found in 5 cases but no epileptiform discharge was found in 3 cases. Intractable epilepsies were diagnosed in 6 cases and all of them belonged to the preterm-born group. Conclusion : More severe epilepsies such as infantile spasm and intractable epilepsies seem to be more common in preterm-born epileptic children with PVL as well as more severely abnormal EEG finding compared to term-born epileptic children.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2002

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of MRCP in the diagnosis of the variable causes of common bile duct(CBD) dilatation, except stone or tumor Materials and methods : Twenty-six patients(M:F=15:11, mean age; 62 years) with both MRCP and ERCP were included in this study. Dynamic MRCP(n=12) and contrast-enhanced MRI(n=10) of abdomen were also added. Dilatation of CBD, intrahepatic ducts and pancreatic duct was evaluated, including coexistence of intrahepatic ductal stone, pancreatic pseudocyst, and papillary or papillary edema. The criteria of CBD dilatation was over than 7mm(n= 21, without cholecystectomy) or 10 mm(n=5, with cholecystecto-my) in diameter on T2-weighted coronal image. Results : The mean diameter of CBD was 12.7mm without cholecystectomy(9-19 mm) and 13.0 mm with cholecystectomy(10-15mm), respectively(p 〉0.05). Cholangitis(n=11, 42.3%), chronic pancreatitis(n=8, 30.8%), stenosis of distal CBD(n= 6, 23.1%), periampullary diverticulum(n=3, 11.5%), stenosis of ampulla of Vater(n=2, 7.7%), dysfunction of sphincter of Oddi(n=2, 7.7%), acute focal pancreatitis in the pancreatic head(n=2, 7.7%), papillitis(n=1, 3.8%), pseudocyst in the pancre atic head(n = 1, 3.8%), and ascaris in CBD(n=1, 3.8%) were noted. Pancreatic duct dilatation(n=10, 38.5%) and duodenal diverticulum(n=3, 11.5%) were also seen on MRC P. On dynamic MRCP(12 patients), distal CBD was visualized in 2 patients(16.7%), which was not shown on routine MRCP. Only 1 patient(10.0%) showed papillitis with slightly enhancing papilla on contrast-enhanced MRI (10 patients). Conclusion : MRCP was thought to be helpful in the evaluation of the causes of CBD dilatation, not caused by stone or tumor, especially in the cases of stenosis of distal CBD and chronic pancreatitis, dysfunction of sphincter of Oddi on dynamic MRCP and cholangitis and pericholangitic abnormality on contrast-enhanced MRI.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.135-142
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• 2003

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the positional change of the uterus during radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Between 1997 and 2001, 47 patients received definitive radiotherapy for cervical cancer at the Samsung Medical Center. For each patient, two MRI scans were taken; one before and the other 3$\~$4 weeks after the radiotherapy treatment. In T2 weighted MRI images, the positional change of the uterine was quantified by measuring six quantities; the distance from the cervix os to the isthmus of the uterus (Dcx), the maximum length from the isthmus of the uterus to the uterine fundus (Dco), the maximum vertical distance of the uterine body (Dco-per), the angle between the vertical line and the cervical canal in the sagittal images (Acx), the angle of the uterine corpus from the vertical line in the sagittal plan (Aco-ap), and the relative angle of the uterine corpus from a fixed anatomical landmark in the axial images (Aco-axi). Results: The mean Dcx values, before and during the treatment, were 36.7 and 27.8 mm, respectively. The Dco deviated by more than 10 mm in 14 cases (29.8$\%$). The change in the Acx ranged from 0.1 to 67.8$^{\circ}$ (mean 13.2$^{\circ}$). The Aco-ap changed by a maximum of 84.8$^{\circ}$ (mean 16.9$^{\circ}$). The differences in the Dcx plus the Dco in the smaller (<4 cm) and larger ($geq$4 cm) tumors were 5.3 and 19.4 mm, respectively. With patients less than 60 years old, or with a tumor size larger than 4 cm, the difference in the Acx was statistically significant. Conclusion: The positional changes of the uterus, during radiation treatment, should be considered in the 3DCRT or IMRT treatment planning, particularly in patients under 60 years of age or in those with a tumor size greater than 4 cm in maximum diameter.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1233-1237
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• 2000

Objectives : In order to evaluate the metabolic changes associated with pericontusional edematous area in mild head injury, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H-MRS) was performed in mild head injury patients (initial GCS score 13-15) with focal brain contusion. Methods : Seven head injury patients with initial GCS 13-15(3 males and 4 females : age range 15-65 years, mean age 33 years) have underwent 1H-MRS evaluations. The patients were examined within 7 days after injury(n=7) and 2 months after injury(n=5). The region of interest(ROI) was selected in the edematous area adjacent to traumatic brain contusion upon T2-weighted MR images and a corresponding region of the contralateral hemisphere (ROC, region of contralateral corresponding hemisphere) was examined as well. The metabolic ratios of NAA/Cr and lactate/Cr were compared between ROIs, ROCs and control values. Results : In initial NAA/Cr ratios, the values of ROIs were significantly lower than those of the controls(p=0.009), but there was no difference either between ROIs and ROCs(p=0.410) or between ROCs of patients and the control (p=0.199). In lactate/Cr ratios, the ROIs in all seven patients and the ROCs in two showed increased lactate signals. The lactate/Cr ratios of the ROIs were significantly elevated as compared to those of the ROCs(p=0.02) and the control(p=0.015). In two months follow-up, lactate signals were absent or significantly reduced(p=0.015). In no patients, clinical or radiological deterioration has been observed. Conclusion : Our 1H-MRS results demonstrate that there are significant ischemic changes in pericontusional edematous areas as indicated by elevated lactate signals in the patients with mild head injury. But there were no consistent neural loss or dysfunction in these area. There findings suggest that pericontusional edematous areas can be vulnerable to secondary brain insults even in the patients with mild head injury.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.353-356
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• 2006

Acute transverse myelitis (TM) is a neurological syndrome caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. TM is rare but is frequently caused by viral or bacterial infections. TM caused by tuberculosis (TB) is extremely rare and there are no reports of TM caused by multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). We report a case of acute TM due to MDR-TB in a 40-year-old man. The patient had been diagnosed with pulmonary TB and was started on the first-line anti-TB treatment. However, the chest radiographic findings were aggravated and neurological symptoms such as weakness in both lower extremities, sensory changes, and voiding difficulty were newly developed. The T2-weighted magnetic resonance image of the spine showed diffusely increased signal intensity in the spinal cord, particularly at the lower cervical and upper thoracic levels, without any definite evidence of myeloradicular compression, which is consistent with a diagnosis of TM. A drug susceptibility test revealed MDR and second-line anti-TB drugs were prescribed. The chest radiographic findings showed improvement after treatment, the mycobacterial culture converted to negative, the MRI findings improved, and there was partial improvement in the low extremity weakness. The patient has been prescribing second-line anti-TB medications for 14 months.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.87-106
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• 2014

Purpose : To describe how a robust implementation of a radial 3D gradient-echo sequence with stack-of-stars sampling can be achieved, to review the imaging properties of radial acquisitions, and to share the experience from more than 5000 clinical patient scans. Materials and Methods: A radial stack-of-stars sequence was implemented and installed on 9 clinical MR systems operating at 1.5 and 3 Tesla. Protocols were designed for various applications in which motion artifacts frequently pose a problem with conventional Cartesian techniques. Radial scans were added to routine examinations without selection of specific patient cohorts. Results: Radial acquisitions show significantly lower sensitivity to motion and allow examinations during free breathing. Elimination of breath-holding reduces failure rates for non-compliant patients and enables imaging at higher resolution. Residual artifacts appear as streaks, which are easy to identify and rarely obscure diagnostic information. The improved robustness comes at the expense of longer scan durations, the requirement for fat suppression, and the nonexistence of a time-to-center value. Care needs to be taken during the configuration of receive coils. Conclusion: Routine clinical use of radial stack-of-stars sequences is feasible with current MR systems and may serve as substitute for conventional fat-suppressed T1-weighted protocols in applications where motion is likely to degrade the image quality.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.613-619
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• 2005

Indigenous Yakutian cattle' adaptation to the hardest subarctic conditions makes them a valuable genetic resource for cattle breeding in the Siberian area. Since early last century, crossbreeding between native Yakutian cattle and imported Simmental and Kholmogory breeds has been widely adopted. In this study, variations at 22 polymorphic microsatellite loci in 5 populations of Yakutian, Kholmogory, Simmental, Yakutian-Kholmogory and Yakutian-Simmental cattle were analysed to estimate the genetic contribution of Yakutian cattle to the two hybrid populations. Three statistical approaches were used: the weighted least-squares (WLS) method which considers all allele frequencies; a recently developed implementation of a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method called likelihood-based estimation of admixture (LEA); and a model-based Bayesian admixture analysis method (STRUCTURE). At population-level admixture analyses, the estimate based on the LEA was consistent with that obtained by the WLS method. Both methods showed that the genetic contribution of the indigenous Yakutian cattle in Yakutian-Kholmogory was small (9.6% by the LEA and 14.2% by the WLS method). In the Yakutian-Simmental population, the genetic contribution of the indigenous Yakutian cattle was considerably higher (62.8% by the LEA and 56.9% by the WLS method). Individual-level admixture analyses using STRUCTURE proved to be more informative than the multidimensional scaling analysis (MDSA) based on individual-based genetic distances. Of the 9 Yakutian-Simmental animals studied, 8 showed admixed origin, whereas of the 14 studied Yakutian-Kholmogory animals only 2 showed Yakutian ancestry (>5%). The mean posterior distributions of individual admixture coefficient (q) varied greatly among the samples in both hybrid populations. This study revealed a minor existing contribution of the Yakutian cattle in the Yakutian-Kholmogory hybrid population, but in the Yakutian-Simmental hybrid population, a major genetic contribution of the Yakutian cattle was seen. The results reflect the different crossbreeding patterns used in the development of the two hybrid populations. Additionally, molecular evidence for differences among individual admixture proportions was seen in both hybrid populations, resulting from the stochastic process in crossing over generations.