• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2012

Purpose: The present study has an objective of effectively separating and making observations on a portion of radiopharmaceutical excreted via digestive organ to remain in the organ and invade a heart shadow. Materials and methods: When heart shadow is blocked by the organ in tests during a resting phase and a loaded phase, additional images were obtained using immobilization device. The immobilization devices were used to tilt the upper body forward from supine position. Results: In the reconstructed image for the separated case, as compared with the case where a part of organ is overlapped with heart, in terms of an overall mean value for each parameter, the end-diastolic volume increased by 2.75 mL, the end-systolic volume decreased by 3.16 mL, the left ventricle cardiac coefficient increased by 3.58%, and the area of defect region decreased by 3.58 and 3.92 cm for loading and resting phase, respectively. Conclusions: In the present study with myocardial perfusion SPECT, overlapped areas of heart and other organs could be effectively separated and visualization by the use of an immobilization device.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.163-173
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• 1998

Nuclear medicine emission computed tomography(ECT) can be very useful to diagnose early stage of neuronal diseases and to measure theraputic results objectively, if we can quantitate energy metabolism, blood flow, biochemical processes, or dopamine receptor and transporter using ECT. However, physical factors including attenuation, scatter, partial volume effect, noise, and reconstruction algorithm make it very difficult to quantitate independent of type of SPECT. In this study, we quantitated the effects of attenuation and scatter using brain SPECT and three-dimensional brain phantom with and without applying their correction methods. Dual energy window method was applied for scatter correction. The photopeak energy window and scatter energy window were set to 140ke${\pm}$10% and 119ke${\pm}$6% and 100% of scatter window data were subtracted from the photopeak window prior to reconstruction. The projection data were reconstructed using Butterworth filter with cutoff frequency of 0.95cycles/cm and order of 10. Attenuation correction was done by Chang's method with attenuation coefficients of 0.12/cm and 0.15/cm for the reconstruction data without scatter correction and with scatter correction, respectively. For quantitation, regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the three slices selected at the level of the basal ganglia. Without scatter correction, the ratios of ROI average values between basal ganglia and background with attenuation correction and without attenuation correction were 2.2 and 2.1, respectively. However, the ratios between basal ganglia and background were very similar for with and without attenuation correction. With scatter correction, the ratios of ROI average values between basal ganglia and background with attenuation correction and without attenuation correction were 2.69 and 2.64, respectively. These results indicate that the attenuation correction is necessary for the quantitation. When true ratios between basal ganglia and background were 6.58, 4.68, 1.86, the measured ratios with scatter and attenuation correction were 76%, 80%, 82% of their true ratios, respectively. The approximate 20% underestimation could be partially due to the effect of partial volume and reconstruction algorithm which we have not investigated in this study, and partially due to imperfect scatter and attenuation correction methods that we have applied in consideration of clinical applications.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.505-511
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• 2002

Purpose : Mean platelet volume(MPV) and platelet distribution width(PDW) are useful parameters in evaluating disorders of platelets. In cases with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP), they change as platelet count increases. In this study, we compared the values of MPV and PDW in ITP patients at diagnosis with those of normal children. We also studied whether the early changes in MPV may predict the clinical course. Methods : From December 1995 to May 2001, 71 patients with ITP were admitted to Ajou University Hospital. They were treated with IVIg 400 mg/kg for five days and MPV, PDW, platelet count were analysed. Normal control group(n=38) was compared. The study group was divided into acute and chronic forms, and also divided into group A, good early responders whose platelets increased more than $100,000/{\mu}L$ within 5 days and group B who did not. Results : Mean value of MPV at diagnosis in ITP patients was lower than the normal control group(P<0.05). In group A, MPV was abruptly increased on the first day after IVIg and then started to decrease. But in group B, MPV was steadily increased until the fourth day after IVIg. In the normal control group, there were inverse correlations between platelet count and MPV(r=-0.415, P<0.05), but in ITP patients, there were positive relationships between platelet count and MPV(r=0.646, P<0.05) at diagnosis. Conclusions : MPV at diagnosis of ITP was lower than the normal control. MPV and PDW could not predict the course of ITP patients, but MPV could distinguish good early responders. More research is needed to find out the reasons of decreased MPV at diagnosis of ITP.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.75-83
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• 2010

Purpose: It aims to evaluate the location change and tendency of hepatic and intrahepatic tumors according to gastric volume and change of location. Materials and Methods: It studied 9 patients with hepatic tumors who visited Gangnam Severance Hospital from March 2009 to April 2010 and who underwent CT or PET (Positron Emission Tomography) within 2 weeks before CT-simulation. The patients fasted for 6 hours before CT-simulation and drank 240~250 cc of water just before CT or PET for image fusion. Those two types of images were fused to RTP (Radiation Treatment Planning, Pinnacle 8.0h) focusing on bone structure of individual patients. Results: They drank 240~260 cc of water but their stomach volume after drinking water varied from 259.3 cc to 495.4 cc. Even though individual differences existed in the change of stomach volume before and after drinking water, the volume was increased by 130 cc (174%) on average. The change in absolute distance between the centers of tumors ranged from 0.52 cm to 3.04 cm (1.52 cm on average); from 0.1 cm to 1.35 cm (0.44 cm on average) in cranial-caudal direction; from 0.05 cm to 2.75 cm (1.22 cm on average) in left-right direction; and from 0.05 cm to 1.85 cm (0.33 cm on average) in ventral-dorsal direction. Conclusion: It is hard to predict the movement of tumors by observing stomach movement, due to great individual differences; however, it was observed that the location of hepatic tumors was right-sided as the stomach was filled with water. Thus, it is recommended to maintain the fastened state to secure the accuracy of hepatic tumor treatment. If it cannot maintain the fastened state, it is recommended to measure stomach volumes and movement in the patient to consider the movement of hepatic tumors before radiation treatment.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.30-39
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• 1999

Purpose: Anorectal manometry is a way of investigation for ano-rectal sphincters. In this paper we evaluated the usefulness of anorectal manometry in constipation patients and compared the anal spnincter function in control, constipation and encopresis patients Methods: We analysed the data of anorectal function studies in normal children (control, n=11), children with constipation (constipation group, n=20) and children with encopresis (encopresis group, n=16). Results: The specific manometric parameters in normal children were like as follows; external anal sphinter pressure $21.0{\pm}8.00$ mmHg, internal anal sphicter pressure $30.0{\pm}14.57$ mmHg, conscious rectal sensitivity threshold $11.4{\pm}4.52$ mmHg. The above results were not different from that of previous studies except conscious rectal sensitivity threshold, which was slightly lower than that of others. Internal and external anal sphincter pressure were elevated significanlty in constipation and encopresis groups than in control, which results was the same in conscious rectal sensitivity threshold. But the values of rectoanal inhibitory threshold and percent relaxation of rectoanal inhibitory reflex were not different among control group, constipation group and encopresis group. External sphincter activity was increased during the act of bearing down for defecation in none of the child in control group, in 6 of 17 children in constipation group and 5 of 12 children in encopresis group. Conclusion: With the results of above we could say that complete history taking and physical examination are important in diagnosis of constipation, and we could say also that the anorectal manometry was a valuable tool to understand the physiology of normal defecation and the pathophysiology of constipation and encopresis.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2008

Salvinia is an aquatic plant forming dimorphic leaves that have been modified into floating and submerged leaves. A air of floating leaves plays an important role for the floating and photosynthesis while the submerged leaves, which are lim and long, have the form and function of root. Many aquatic plants develop trichomes in the epidermis but in Salvinia, richomes grow densely in the epidermis of the dimorphic leaves. The present study examined the differentiation pattern of trichomes developing in the floating leaves of S. natans and S. molesta by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Trichomes developing in the floating leaves of Salvinia showed very different patterns. In S. natans, they were arranged in a V-shape form, having 20${\sim}$25 rows at $18{\sim}25^{\circ}$ on both sides of the lamina divided by the midrib in the floating leaf. In each row, 8${\sim}$10 oval-shaped cells, $200{\sim}290{\mu}m$ in length, were arranged in a spiral fashion. Four trichomes of this form made a trichome unit, but their apical parts were separated from one another and developed into the so-called 'knuckle-crane' type. On the other hand, in S. molesta, trichomes differentiated in a unique pattern quite different from those of S. natans. At the early stage of differentiation, trichomes protruded from the epidermis and then 4${\sim}$6 cylindrical cells grew $400{\sim}600{\mu}m$ long and the four trichomes formed as an unit. The four grouped trichomes were interconnected through their apex and developed in the 'egg-beater' type. Then $300{\sim}600{\mu}m$ long multi-cellular stalk cells grew and protruded out of the epidermal surface from the basal part of the trichomes. Such a structural characteristic of trichomes is considered to play a very important role along with the aerenchyma tissue in the leaf mesophyll tissue for the floating of Salvinia on the water surface.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2000

This study was conducted to determine the effect of soil physical characteristics on rhizome rot incidence of platycodon. Sampling sites were Keochang 4, Kimhae 7, Haman 6, Chinju 6 and Koseong 3 fields in Kyongnam province and Hongcheon 6 fields in Kangwon province. The root disease incidence rate was correlated with soil depth Y=-0.747X+88.19($R^2=0.394^{***}$), soil hardness Y=4.36X+8.93($R^2=0.201^*$), bulk density Y=104.7X-80.99($R^2=0.295^{**}$), clay content Y=1.24X+14.14($R^2=0.196^*$), porosity Y=-3.11X+215.9($R^2=0.220^*$) and silt content Y=-0.75X+67.85($R^2=0.178^*$). The yield was correlated with soil depth Y=0.263X+0.971($R^2=0.105^*$), clay content Y=-0.688X+32.74($R^2=0.158^*$), porosity Y=1.974X-93.19($R^2=0.231^{**}$) and silt content Y=53.05X-108.65($R^2=0.232^*$), The optimum cultivated land of perennial platycodon was soil depth over 1m, soil hardness under $5kg\;cm^{-2}$, bulk density $1.0Mg\;m^{-3}$, moisture content 13~17%. clay content 5~10%, porosity 58~63%, silt content 38~64% and soil texture of silt loam.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.32
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• pp.31-39
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• 2020

Purpose: The aims of this study were to compare the superficial dose with Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeter(OSLD) measurement and Treatment Planning System(TPS) calculation for 6MV-Flattening Filter Free(FFF) energy using HalcyonTM and TrueBeamTM. Materials and methods: Phantom study was performed using the CT images of human phantom. In the treatment planning system, the Planning Target Volume(PTV) was contoured which is similar to Glottic cancer. Furthermore, Point(M), Point(R), and Point(L) were contoured at the iso-center of head and neck region and 5mm bolus was applied to the body contour. Each treatment plans using 6MV-FFF energy from HalcyonTM and TrueBeamTM with static Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy(IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy(VMAT) were established with eclipse. To reproduce the same position as the TPS, OSLDs were placed at the iso-center point and 5mm bolus was applied to compare the error rate after the dose delivery. Result: The results of the study using human phantom are as follows. In case of HalcyonTM, the mean absolute error rates of the point dose using the treatment planning system and the dose measured by OSLD were 1.7%±1.2% for VMAT and 4.0±2.8% for IMRT. Also TrueBeamTM was identified as 2.4±0.4% and 8.6±1.8% respectively for VMAT and IMRT. Conclusion: Through the results of this study, TrueBeamTM confirmed that the average error rate was 2.4 times higher for VMAT and 3.6 times higher for IMRT than HalcyonTM. Therefore, based on the results of this study, If we need a more accurate dose assessment for the superficial dose, It is expected that using HalcyonTM would be better than TrueBeamTM.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.33
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• pp.127-135
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of Vertical MLC VMAT plan(VMV plan) Using 273° and 350° collimator angle compare to Complemental MLC VMAT plan(CMV plan) using 20° and 340° collimator angle for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Materials & Methods : Thirty patients treated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma with the VMAT technique were retrospectively selected. Those cases were planned by Eclipse, PO and AcurosXB Algorithm with two 6MV 360° arcs and Each arc has 273° and 350° of collimator angle. The Complemental MLC VMAT plans are based on existing treatment plans. Those plans have the same parameters of existing treatment plans but collimator angle. For dosimetric evaluation, the dose-volumetric(DV) parameters of the planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OARs) were calculated for all VMAT plans. MCSv(Modulation complexity score of VMAT), MU and treatment time were also compared. In addition, Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to confirm whether there was a correlation between the difference in the MCSv and the difference in each evaluation index of the two treatment plans. Result : In the case of PTV evaluation index, the CI of PTV_67.5 was improved by 3.76% in the VMV Plan, then for OAR, the dose reduction effect of the spinal cord (-14.05%) and brain stem (-9.34%) was remarkable. In addition, the parotid glands (left parotid : -5.38%, right : -5.97%) and visual organs (left optic nerve: -4.88%, right optic nerve: -5.80%, optic chiasm : -6.12%, left lens: -6.12%, right lens: -5.26%), auditory organs (left: -11.74%, right: -12.31%) and thyroid gland (-2.02%) were also confirmed. The difference in MCSv of the two treatment plans showed a significant negative (-) correlation with the difference in CI (r=-0.55) of PTV_54 and the difference in CI (r=-0.43) of PTV_48. Spinal cord (r=0.40), brain stem (r=0.34), and both salivary glands (left: r=0.36, right: r=0.37) showed a positive (+) correlation. (For all the values, p<.05) Conclusion : Compared to the CMV plan, the VMV plan is considered to be helpful in improving the quality of the treatment plan by allowing the MLC to be modulated more efficiently

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.223-227
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• 1983

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplement of Zeolite mineral whose C.E.C. is high, on the nutrients content in the compost and changes of compost status during its stacking period in 1982. The results obtained were summarized as follows : 1. By the supplement of Zeolite, the decomposing temperature in the compost was tended to be continued higher rather than that of nonsupplemented plot. 2. The contents of $NH_4-N$, $P_2O_5$, and $SiO_2$ in the compost were conspicuously increased by the supplement of Zeolite, poultry manure and urea etc, during the stacking period. It was considered that the supplement of Zeolite was much effective on the prevention of the waste of nutrients in the compost because the nutrients content was shown much high along with the progress of decomposition. 3. It was accepted to be the effect of Zeolite on shortening the period of compost decomposition and the prevention of the waste of nutrients content because the C/N ratio of the compost plots to supplement with the mixture of poultry manure, urea and Zeolite were 21.7 - 25.0 at 30 days after stacking but its of non-Zeolite treated plots were 21.3 - 24.8 at 60 days after stacking. 4. The C/N ratio in the compost and decrease rate of compost volume at 90 days after stacking was found to be significantly negative correlation.