• 비파괴검사학회지
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.314-321
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• 2000

모의 원자로내 용융물 냉각 실증 실험 결과 용융물 $Al_2O_3/Fe$ thermite 와 lower head vessel사이에 간극이 발생된다. 간극을 정량적으로 측정하기 위한 기존의 초음파 방법은 구조물의 복잡성과 $2300^{\circ}C$ 에서 용융되는 thermite $Al_2O_3/Fe,\;Al_2O_3$의 영향으로 발생되는 lower head의 열영향부위(HAZ)의 금속학적인 결정입자 크기의 변화로 결정 계면으로부터 발생되는 잡음신호와 초음파 산란, 감쇠, 모드 변환 등이 발생되어 신뢰성이 떨어지고 있다. 간극을 정량적으로 측정하기 위해서 thermite와 lower head 사이에 물이 채워진 형태의 즉 고체, 액체, 고체의 다층구조에서 초음파의 진행 및 반사 형태를 분류 및 분석하였다. 결정립의 잡음을 억제하기 위하여 주파수대역의 확률 처리 방식인 PT(polarity threshold) 알고리즘을 이용하여 약 6dB 신호 대 잡음비의 개선효과를 가져왔다.

• 비파괴검사학회지
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• 제28권5호
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• pp.436-442
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• 2008

최근 VHTR(very high temperature reactor)에 대한 연구에서 흑연이 노심내 구조재, 반사재, 감속재로서 가장 적절한 재료로 인식되고 있다. 운전온도는 약 $900^{\circ}C$로 원자로 내부에 유입되는 소량의 불순물에도 흑연은 산화되기 쉬우며 산화된 흑연은 공극률이 증가하며 구조재료로서 가져야 할 파괴인성이 낮아진다. 본 연구에서는 산화 전후의 흑연에 대하여 초음파특성을 측정하고, 이를 기반으로 흑연에 대한 초음파탐상검사의 유효성을 타진하였다. 흑연의 초음파특성 측정 결과 초음파속도는 탄소강의 약 1/2, 음파 감쇠는 5배 이상, 신호대잡음비는 약 1/3로 측정되었다. 산화 후, 초음파속도는 as-received 상태에 비하여 미소하게 감소되었으나 초음파감쇠는 200% 이상으로 그 차이가 두드러지게 나타났다. 신호대잡음비에 기반하여 POD (probability of detection)을 산출한 결과, 100 mm 미만의 깊이를 가지는 측면공(SDH; side drilled hole)는 산화 전후에 큰 차이를 나타내지 않으므로 해당 깊이를 가지는 결함에 대해서 초음파탐상검사는 비교적 신뢰성 있는 검사를 수행할 수 있다고 판단된다. 상용 자동초음파탐상 장비에서의 테스트 결과 80 mm이하의 깊이에서는 인적오류가 크지 않을 것으로 예상할 수 있었으며, 위상배열 초음파 기법을 통한 검사를 수행한 결과 역시 양호한 신호대잡음비로 측면공들을 모두 검출할 수 있었다.

• Kidney Research and Clinical Practice
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.48-57
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• 2017

Background: Hepatic steatosis measured with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using transient elastography predicts metabolic syndrome in the general population. We investigated whether CAP predicted metabolic syndrome in chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: CAP was measured with transient elastography in 465 predialysis chronic kidney disease patients (mean age, 57.5 years). Results: The median CAP value was 239 (202-274) dB/m. In 195 (41.9%) patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus was more prevalent (105 [53.8%] vs. 71 [26.3%], P < 0.001), with significantly increased urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (184 [38-706] vs. 56 [16-408] mg/g Cr, P = 0.003), high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (5.4 [1.4-28.2] vs. 1.7 [0.6-9.9] mg/L, P < 0.001), and CAP (248 [210-302] vs. 226 [196-259] dB/m, P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, CAP was independently related to body mass index (${\beta}=0.742$, P < 0.001), triglyceride levels (${\beta}=2.034$, P < 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (${\beta}=0.316$, P = 0.001), serum albumin (${\beta}=1.386$, P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (${\beta}=0.064$, P = 0.029), and total bilirubin (${\beta}=-0.881$, P = 0.009). In multiple logistic regression analysis, increased CAP was independently associated with increased metabolic syndrome risk (per 10 dB/m increase; odds ratio, 1.093; 95% confidence interval, 1.009-1.183; P = 0.029) even after adjusting for multiple confounding factors. Conclusion: Increased CAP measured with transient elastography significantly correlated with and could predict increased metabolic syndrome risk in chronic kidney disease patients.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제19권6호
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• pp.1119-1129
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• 2018

Objective: To compare the image quality of low-tube-voltage and low-iodine-concentration-contrast-medium (LVLC) computed tomography urography (CTU) with iterative reconstruction (IR) with that of conventional CTU. Materials and Methods: This prospective, multi-institutional, randomized controlled trial was performed at 16 hospitals using CT scanners from various vendors. Patients were randomly assigned to the following groups: 1) the LVLC-CTU (80 kVp and 240 mgI/mL) with IR group and 2) the conventional CTU (120 kVp and 350 mgI/mL) with filtered-back projection group. The overall diagnostic acceptability, sharpness, and noise were assessed. Additionally, the mean attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and figure of merit (FOM) in the urinary tract were evaluated. Results: The study included 299 patients (LVLC-CTU group: 150 patients; conventional CTU group: 149 patients). The LVLC-CTU group had a significantly lower effective radiation dose ($5.73{\pm}4.04$ vs. $8.43{\pm}4.38mSv$) compared to the conventional CTU group. LVLC-CTU showed at least standard diagnostic acceptability (score ${\geq}3$), but it was non-inferior when compared to conventional CTU. The mean attenuation value, mean SNR, CNR, and FOM in all pre-defined segments of the urinary tract were significantly higher in the LVLC-CTU group than in the conventional CTU group. Conclusion: The diagnostic acceptability and quantitative image quality of LVLC-CTU with IR are not inferior to those of conventional CTU. Additionally, LVLC-CTU with IR is beneficial because both radiation exposure and total iodine load are reduced.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제23권11호
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• pp.1044-1054
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether a deep learning reconstruction (DLR) method improves the image quality, stent evaluation, and visibility of the valve apparatus in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) when compared with filtered back projection (FBP) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR) methods. Materials and Methods: CCTA images of 51 patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 63.9 ± 9.8 years, 36 male) who underwent examination at a single institution were reconstructed using DLR, FBP, and hybrid IR methods and reviewed. CT attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and stent evaluation, including 10%-90% edge rise slope (ERS) and 10%-90% edge rise distance (ERD), were measured. Quantitative data are summarized as the mean ± SD. The subjective visual scores (1 for worst -5 for best) of the images were obtained for the following: overall image quality, image noise, and appearance of stent, vessel, and aortic and tricuspid valve apparatus (annulus, leaflets, papillary muscles, and chordae tendineae). These parameters were compared between the DLR, FBP, and hybrid IR methods. Results: DLR provided higher Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the aorta and similar attenuation in the fat and muscle compared with FBP and hybrid IR. The image noise in HU was significantly lower in DLR (12.6 ± 2.2) than in hybrid IR (24.2 ± 3.0) and FBP (54.2 ± 9.5) (p < 0.001). The SNR and CNR were significantly higher in the DLR group than in the FBP and hybrid IR groups (p < 0.001). In the coronary stent, the mean value of ERS was significantly higher in DLR (1260.4 ± 242.5 HU/mm) than that of FBP (801.9 ± 170.7 HU/mm) and hybrid IR (641.9 ± 112.0 HU/mm). The mean value of ERD was measured as 0.8 ± 0.1 mm for DLR while it was 1.1 ± 0.2 mm for FBP and 1.1 ± 0.2 mm for hybrid IR. The subjective visual scores were higher in the DLR than in the images reconstructed with FBP and hybrid IR. Conclusion: DLR reconstruction provided better images than FBP and hybrid IR reconstruction.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제25권7호
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• pp.634-643
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and safety of low-contrast-dose, dual-source dual-energy CT before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with compromised renal function. Materials and Methods: A total of 54 consecutive patients (female:male, 26:38; 81.9 ± 7.3 years) with reduced renal function underwent pre-TAVR dual-energy CT with a 30-mL contrast agent between June 2022 and March 2023. Monochromatic (40- and 50-keV) and conventional (120-kVp) images were reconstructed and analyzed. The subjective quality score, vascular attenuation, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared among the imaging techniques using the Friedman test and post-hoc analysis. Interobserver reliability for aortic annular measurement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis. The procedural outcomes and incidence of post-contrast acute kidney injury (AKI) were assessed. Results: Monochromatic images achieved diagnostic quality in all patients. The 50-keV images achieved superior vascular attenuation and CNR (P < 0.001 in all) while maintaining a similar SNR compared to conventional CT. For aortic annular measurement, the 50-keV images showed higher interobserver reliability compared to conventional CT: ICC, 0.98 vs. 0.90 for area and 0.97 vs. 0.95 for perimeter; 95% limits of agreement width, 0.63 cm² vs. 0.92 cm² for area and 5.78 mm vs. 8.50 mm for perimeter. The size of the implanted device matched CT-measured values in all patients, achieving a procedural success rate of 92.6%. No patient experienced a serum creatinine increase of ≥ 1.5 times baseline in the 48-72 hours following CT. However, one patient had a procedural delay due to gradual renal function deterioration. Conclusion: Low-contrast-dose imaging with 50-keV reconstruction enables precise pre-TAVR evaluation with improved image quality and minimal risk of post-contrast AKI. This approach may be an effective and safe option for pre-TAVR evaluation in patients with compromised renal function.

• 터널과지하공간
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.486-494
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• 2006

주파수 영역에서 H/V 스펙트럼비를 구하는 방법은 부지 지반증폭함수를 평가할 때 자주 사용되는 방법이다. 이 방법은 Nakamura에 의해 처음으로 제시되었으며 주로 표면파를 이용하였다. 본 논문에서는 H/V 스펙트럼비를 분석한 결과를 이용하여 국내에 분포되어 있는 지진관측소 부지의 지반증폭 특성을 분석하였으며 이를 위해 본진을 포함한 12개의 후쿠오카 지진으로부터 관측된 지반진동 자료가 이용되었다. 분석결과 대부분의 지진관측소의 H/V 스펙트럼비는 저주파수 영역에서는 변화가 거의 없는 지반증폭 특성을 보여주었다. 하지만 고주파수 영역의 H/V 스펙트럼비는 지진관측소에 따라 우세 주파수 및 1개 또는 여러 개의 지역 피크값을 가지고 있는 것과 같이 특징적인 지반증폭 특성을 보여 주었다. 물론 지반증폭 특성 자체도 부지에 대해 중요한 정보를 제고한다는 점에서 중요하지만 관측된 지반진동 자료를 이용하여 지진원 및 지각감쇠 특성 요소를 분석할 경우 결과값의 왜곡을 피하기 위해 지반증폭 특성을 제거할 필요가 있다.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제53권12호
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• pp.4158-4165
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• 2021

In this study, tissue equivalency (TE) of a newly developed epoxy-based phantom to 3-5 years child's tissue was investigated in paediatric energy range. Epoxy-based TE-phantoms were produced at different glandular/adipose (G/A) ratios of 17/83%, 31/69%, 36/64% and 10/90%. A procedure was developed in which specific amounts of boron, calcium, magnesium, sulphur compounds are mixed with epoxy resin, together with other minor substitutes. In paediatric energy range of 40-60 kV_p half-value layer (HVL) values were measured and then Hounsfield Units (HU) were determined from Computed Tomography(CT) scans taken in the X-ray energy range of 80-120kV_p. It is found that radiation absorption properties of these phantoms in terms of the measured HVL values related to linear attenuation coefficients (µ) are very well mimicking a 3 years child's soft tissue in case a ratio of 10/90%G/A. Additionally, the HU values of phantoms were determined from the CT scans. The HU = 47.8 ± 4.8 value was found for the epoxy-based phantom produced at a ratio of 10/90%G/A. The obtained HVL and HU values also support the suitability of the new epoxy based-phantom produced at a ratio of 10/90%G/A for a satisfactory mimicking a 3 years child's soft tissue by 5%. Thus they can have a potential use to perform the quality controls of medical X-ray systems and dose optimization studies.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.55.1-55.11
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• 2020

Background: Computed tomography urography (CTU), based on the excretion of contrast medium after its injection, allows visualization of the renal parenchyma and the renal collecting system. Objectives: To determine the optimal contrast medium dose allocation ratio to apply in split-bolus CTU in dogs. Methods: This prospective, experimental, exploratory study used 8 beagles. In 3-phase CTU, unenhanced-, nephrographic-, and excretory-phase images were obtained with a single injection of 600 mg iodine/kg iohexol. In split-bolus CTU, two different contrast medium allocation ratios (30% and 70% for split CTU 1; 50% and 50% for split CTU 2) were used. Unenhanced phase image and a synchronous nephrographic-excretory phase image were acquired. Results: Although the attenuation of the renal parenchyma was significantly lower when using both split CTUs than the 3-phase CTU, based on qualitative evaluation, the visualization score of the renal parenchyma of split CTU 1 was as high as that of the 3-phase CTU, whereas the split CTU 2 score was significantly lower than those of the two others. Artifacts were not apparent, regardless of CTU protocol. The diameter and opacification of the ureter in both split CTUs were not significantly different from those using 3-phase CTU. Conclusions: Split-bolus CTU with a contrast medium allocation ratio of 30% and 70% is feasible for evaluating the urinary system and allows sufficient enhancement of the renal parenchyma and appropriate distention and opacification of the ureter, with similar image quality to 3-phase CTU in healthy dogs. Split-bolus CTU has the advantages of reducing radiation exposure and the number of CT images needed for interpretation.

• 한국건축시공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국건축시공학회 2022년도 가을 학술논문 발표대회
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• pp.71-72
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• 2022

In this paper, the performance evaluation of the vibration damping ratio according to the polymer mixing ratio of the polymer modified mortar used as the floor finishing material of the apartment building structure was evaluated. To compare the vibration damping rate, ordinary potland cement (OPC) mortar and polymer modified mortar (PMM) were prepared. In addition, the mixed polymer was mixed with Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) liquid polymer with a solid content of about 49%. Accordingly, the W/C of the test specimen was adjusted and compounded, and the experiment was conducted by mixing 5 types of the test specimen: OPC-60, PMM-5%, PMM-10%, PMM-15%, and PMM-20%. In addition, in order to adjust the W/C of the specimen, the fluidity of each specimen was set as 210 (±5) mm. The specimens measured density and flow in fresh mortar and after curing for 28 days, flexural strength, compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse were measured. The attenuation rate was shown. The experimental results showed that the density increased according to the mixing of the polymer, the flexural strength increased as the mixing rate of the polymer increased, and the compressive strength was decreased. In addition, it was shown that the vibration damping rate increases with the increase in the amount of polymer incorporated.