• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.1342-1349
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• 2023

The planning accuracy of charged particle therapy (CPT) is subject to the accuracy of stopping power (SP) estimation. In this study, we propose a method of deriving a pseudo-triple-energy CT (pTECT) that can be achievable in the existing dual-energy CT (DECT) systems for better SP estimation. In order to remove the direct effect of errors in CT values, relative CT values according to three scanning voltage settings were used. CT values of each tissue substitute phantom were measured to show the non-linearity of the values thereby suggesting the absolute difference and ratio of CT values as parameters for SP estimation. Electron density, effective atomic number (EAN), mean excitation energy and SP were calculated based on these parameters. Two of conventional methods were implemented and compared to the proposed pTECT method in terms of residuals, absolute error and root-mean-square-error (RMSE). The proposed method outperformed the comparison methods in every evaluation metrics. Especially, the estimation error for EAN and mean excitation using pTECT were converging to zero. In this proof-of-concept study, we showed the feasibility of using three CT values for accurate SP estimation. Our suggested pTECT method indicates potential clinical utility of spectral CT imaging for CPT planning.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.269-274
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to compare CT (disinfectant concentration * time) values in removing the antibiotic resistance bacteria, antibiotic resistance gene and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. Different concentration of chlorine(C) and contact time(T) according to the removal of antibiotic resistance was calculated for each. As a result, for the 90% removal of antibiotic resistant bacteria, around 176~353 mg min/L CT values are needed. For the removal of the antibiotic resistance gene, 195~372 mg min/L CT values are required. For the 90% reduction of antibiotic resistance gene transfer by chlorine disinfection, 187~489 mg min/L CT values are needed. Based on our results, higher CT value was required for removing antibiotic resistant genes rather than antibiotic resistance bacteria.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.286-292
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• 2016

This study evaluates the change of computer tomography (CT) number in the case of the metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm, using the phantom. The images were obtained from dual CT using a gammex 467 tissue characterization phantom, which is similar to human tissues. The test method was performed by dividing pre and post MAR algorithm and measured CT values of nonmagnetic materials within the phantom. In addition, the changes of CT values for each material were compared and analyzed after measuring CT values up to 140 keV, using the spectral HU curve followed by CT scan. As a result, in the cases of N rod (trabecular bone) and E rod (trabecular bone), the CT numbers decreased as keV increasing but were constant above 90 keV. In the cases of I rod (dense bone) and K rod (dense bone), the CT numbers also decreased as keV increased but were uniform above 90 keV. The CT numbers from 40 keV to 140 keV were consistent in the cases of J rod (liver), D rod (liver), L rod (muscle), and F rod (muscle). For A rod (adipose), G rod (adipose), B rod (breast) and O rod (breast), the CT numbers increased as keV increased but were constant after 90 keV. The CT numbers from 40 keV to 140 keV were consistent in the cases of C rod (lung (exhale)), P rod (lung (exhale)), M rod (lung (inhale)) and H rod (lung (exhale)). Conclusively, because dual CT exhibits no changes in image quality and is able to analyze nonmagnetic materials by measuring the CT values of various materials, it will be used in the future as a useful tool for the diagnosis of lesions.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.171-177
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• 2020

Background: This study aims to determine the effective atomic number (Zeff) from dual-energy image sets obtained using a conventional computed tomography (CT) simulator. The estimated Zeff can be used for deriving the stopping power and material decomposition of CT images, thereby improving dose calculations in radiation therapy. Materials and Methods: An electron-density phantom was scanned using Philips Brilliance CT Big Bore at 80 and 140 kVp. The estimated Zeff values were compared with those obtained using the calibration phantom by applying the Rutherford, Schneider, and Joshi methods. The fitting parameters were optimized using the nonlinear least squares regression algorithm. The fitting curve and mass attenuation data were obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The fitting parameters obtained from stopping power and material decomposition of CT images, were validated by estimating the residual errors between the reference and calculated Zeff values. Next, the calculation accuracy of Zeff was evaluated by comparing the calculated values with the reference Zeff values of insert plugs. The exposure levels of patients under additional CT scanning at 80, 120, and 140 kVp were evaluated by measuring the weighted CT dose index (CTDIw). Results and Discussion: The residual errors of the fitting parameters were lower than 2%. The best and worst Zeff values were obtained using the Schneider and Joshi methods, respectively. The maximum differences between the reference and calculated values were 11.3% (for lung during inhalation), 4.7% (for adipose tissue), and 9.8% (for lung during inhalation) when applying the Rutherford, Schneider, and Joshi methods, respectively. Under dual-energy scanning (80 and 140 kVp), the patient exposure level was approximately twice that in general single-energy scanning (120 kVp). Conclusion: Zeff was calculated from two image sets scanned by conventional single-energy CT simulator. The results obtained using three different methods were compared. The Zeff calculation based on single-energy exhibited appropriate feasibility.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1986-1996
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• 2003

Methodology based on the elastic-plastic fracture mechanics has been widely accepted in predicting the critical crack length(CCL) of pressure tubes of CANDU nuclear plants. A conservative estimate of CCL is obtained by employing the J-resistance curves measured with the specimens satisfying plane strain condition as suggested in the ASTM standard. Due to limited thickness of the pressure tubes the curved compact tension(CT) specimens taken out from tile pressure tube have been used in obtaining J-resistance curves. The curved CT specimen inevitably introduce slant fatigue crack during precracking. Hence, effect of specimen geometry and slant crack on J-resistance curve should be explored. In this study, the difference of J integral values between the standard CT specimens satisfying plane strain condition and the nonstandard curved CT with limited thickness (4.2mm) is estimated using finite element analysis. The fracture resistance curves of Zr-2.5Nb obtained previously by other authors are critically discussed. Various finite element analysis were conducted such as 2D analysis under plane stress and plane strain conditions and 3D analysis for flat CT, curved CT with straight crack and curved CT with slant crack front. J-integral values were determined by local contour integration near the crack tip, which was considered as accurate J-values. J value was also determined from the load versus load line displacement curve and the J estimation equation in the ASTM standard. Discrepancies between the two values were shown and suggestion was made for obtaining accurate J values from the load line displacement curves obtained by the curved CT specimens.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2008

Purpose: The evaluation of SUV (Standardized Uptake Values) for quantitative analysis in PET exam is the most significant. In PET exam, we make attenuation correction images by using $^{68}Ge$, $^{137}Cs$ or CT data. At this time, a distorted attenuation map affects quantitative analysis. After the exam using barium-sulfate and high density of barium contrast make attenuation map distorted. And then it brings bed influences on SUV. The aim of this study is to verify the relationship between high density barium-sulfate and SUV in PET exam. Materials and Methods By using $^{18}F$-FDG, we made barium-sulfate powder, density of 0, 1.5, 3, 5, 10 and 15% respectively and acquired PET and PET/CT images per each density. And we examined SUV variations from PET and PET/CT images according to differences of barium's density. Moreover, we finally calculated SUV causing variations in HU (Hounsfield Units) values to justify whether the differences of barium density bring any changes in PET/CT exam. Results: From PET images acquired from transmission scan with $^{68}Ge$, we got SUV figures from 6.46 to 6.8 in barium density between 0 to 15 percent. On the other hand, In PET images acquired from Tx scan that using CT, SUV was 6.77 to 23.73, derived from the same barium density. And CT HU values range from 29 to 2004. Conclusion: PET images from Tx data using $^{68}Ge$ weren't affected by barium density and had no differences in SUV. But in the PET/CT images using CT Tx data, there's considerable variations in HU and SUV values according to a difference of barium density in HU values. To perform a precise examination, barium sulfate should be removed from a human body before performing a PET exam.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.153-157
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• 2012

PURPOSE. The study was conducted to compare the radiographic and clinical methods of measuring the horizontal condylar guidance (HCG) values. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The condylar guidance was measured using the radiographic (CT scan) and three clinical methods i.e. the wax protrusive records, Lucia jig record and intraoral central bearing device in 12 patients aged between 20-40 years irrespective of sex. The records were taken and transferred on the semi-adjustable articulator to record the HCG values. The CT scan was taken for 3D reconstruction of the mid facial region. Frankfort horizontal plane (FHP) and a line extending from the superior anterior most point on the glenoid fossa to the most convex point on the apex of articular eminence (AE) was marked on the CT scan. An angle between these two lines was measured on both right and left sides to obtain condylar inclination angle. Three interocclusal protrusive wax and jig records were taken and transferred to the semi adjustable articulator. Three readings were recorded on each side. Similarly the records were taken and transferred to the same articulator using the intra oral central bearing device to record the readings. RESULTS. The statistical analysis showed insignificant differences in the HCG values between the right and left sides [(P=.589 (CT), P=.928 (wax), P=.625 (jig), P=.886 (tracer)]. The clinical methods provided low Pearsons correlation values [(R = 0.423 (wax), R = 0.354 (jig), R = 0.265 (tracer)] for the right as well as the left sides when compared with the CT values. Among the clinical methods, jig and wax method showed strong level of association which is statistically significant while the intra-oral tracer showed weak association with the other two methods. CONCLUSION. The right and left HCG values were almost similar. The CT scan showed higher HCG values than the clinical methods and among the clinical methods, values obtained from all the methods were comparable.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.227-231
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• 2017

Purpose: Sialolithiasis is one of the most prevalent large obstructive disorders of the submandibular glands. The aim of this study was to investigate submandibular sialolithiasis with computed tomography (CT) and scintigraphy, with a particular focus on the relationship between CT values of the submandibular glands and their excretion rate. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with submandibular sialolithiasis who underwent CT and salivary gland scintigraphy were included in this study. The relationship between the CT values of submandibular glands with and without sialoliths and salivary gland excretion measured using salivary gland scintigraphy was statistically analyzed. Dynamic images were recorded on the computer at 1 frame per 20 seconds. The salivary gland excretion fraction was defined as A (before stimulation test [counts/frame]) / B (after stimulation test [counts/frame]) using time-activity curves. Results: The CT values in the submandibular glands with and without sialoliths was $9.9{\pm}44.9$ Hounsfield units(HU) and $34.2{\pm}21.8HU$, respectively (P=.233). Regarding the salivary gland excretion fraction using scintigraphy, the A/B value in the submandibular glands with sialoliths ($1.09{\pm}0.23$) was significantly lower than in the submandibular glands without sialoliths($1.99{\pm}0.57$, P=.000). Conclusion: Assessments of the CT values and the salivary gland excretion fraction using scintigraphy in the submandibular glands seem to be useful tools evaluating submandibular sialolithiasis.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers C
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.302-307
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• 2006

Standard current transformer(CT) with the nominal ratio errors in the range of - 10 % to + 10 % has been developed. Linearity of the CT ratio error measuring system (CT comparator) has been tested by using wide ratio error standard current transformer(WRE CT). The developed WRE CT can be used to evaluate the linearity of the CT comparator by comparing both the theoretical values and experimental values of the WRE CT. The developed method has been successfully applied for calibration and correction in the CT comparator belonging to industry.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.112-123
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• 2022

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT semi-quantitative parameters and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (IASLC/ATS/ERS) histopathologic classification, including histological subtypes, proliferation activity, and somatic mutations. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 419 patients (150 males, 269 females; median age, 59.0 years; age range, 23.0-84.0 years) who had undergone surgical removal of stage IA-IIIA lung adenocarcinoma and had preoperative PET/CT data of lung tumors. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax), background-subtracted volume (BSV), and background-subtracted lesion activity (BSL) derived from PET/CT were measured. The IASLC/ATS/ERS subtypes, Ki67 score, and epidermal growth factor/anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EGFR/ALK) mutation status were evaluated. The PET/CT semi-quantitative parameters were compared between the tumor subtypes using the Mann-Whitney U test or the Kruskal-Wallis test. The optimum cutoff values of the PET/CT semi-quantitative parameters for distinguishing the IASLC/ATS/ERS subtypes were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The correlation between the PET/CT semi-quantitative parameters and pathological parameters was analyzed using Spearman's correlation. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: SUVmax, BSV, and BSL values were significantly higher in invasive adenocarcinoma (IA) than in minimally IA (MIA), and the values were higher in MIA than in adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) (all p < 0.05). Remarkably, an SUVmax of 0.90 and a BSL of 3.62 were shown to be the optimal cutoff values for differentiating MIA from AIS, manifesting as pure ground-glass nodules with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Metabolic-volumetric parameters (BSV and BSL) were better potential independent factors than metabolic parameters (SUVmax) in differentiating growth patterns. SUVmax and BSL, rather than BSV, were strongly or moderately correlated with Ki67 in most subtypes, except for the micropapillary and solid predominant groups. PET/CT parameters were not correlated with EGFR/ALK mutation status. Conclusion: As noninvasive surrogates, preoperative PET/CT semi-quantitative parameters could imply IASLC/ATS/ERS subtypes and Ki67 index and thus may contribute to improved management of precise surgery and postoperative adjuvant therapy.