• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.191-199
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• 2023

This study aimed to propose minimized radiation doses with an optimized abdomen x-ray image, which realizes a Deep Blind Image Super-Resolution Generative adversarial network (BSRGAN) technique. Entrance surface doses (ESD) measured were collected by changing exposure conditions. In the identical exposures, abdominal images were acquired and were processed with the BSRGAN. The images reconstructed by the BSRGAN were compared to a reference image with 80 kVp and 320 mA, which was evaluated by mean squared error (MSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index measure (SSIM). In addition, signal profile analysis was employed to validate the effect of the images reconstructed by the BSRGAN. The exposure conditions with the lowest MSE (about 0.285) were shown in 90 kVp, 125 mA and 100 kVp, 100 mA, which decreased the ESD in about 52 to 53% reduction), exhibiting PSNR = 37.694 and SSIM = 0.999. The signal intensity variations in the optimized conditions rather decreased than that of the reference image. This means that the optimized exposure conditions would obtain reasonable image quality with a substantial decrease of the radiation dose, indicating it could sufficiently reflect the concept of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) as the principle of radiation protection.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.701-707
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• 2023

In PET/CT, the injection volume of ¹⁸F-FDG directly affects the SUV(standard uptake value), which can affect the reading results. Therefore, it is important to inject the correct dose value of ¹⁸F-FDG. In this study, we performed the correlation between the residual radioactivity remaining in the syringe and catheter insertion device according to the number of flushing during ¹⁸F-FDG injection. CRC-25R dose calibrator, catheter insertion devices, 3 cc syringes and 50 cc physiological saline were used in this study, and the results were statistically analyzed. As a result, the total residual radioactivity of the syringe and catheter insertion device remained the highest at 5.84% after two flushing, and the least remained at 1.49% after five flushing. The correlation analysis results showed that the number of flushing had a negative correlation with the residual radioactivity of the syringe at -0.436 and the catheter insertion device at -0.300. As a result of one-way distributed analysis of the average according to the number of flushing, the syringe showed a significant decrease at 4 times, and the catheter insertion device showed a significant decrease at 5 times. However, considering that an average of 0.8% remains in the case of catheter insertion devices, four time flushing seems to be the most appropriate.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.483-491
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• 2014

In this study, we developed an M-COS (molit coagulant-dosing optimization system), which enables to apply the optimum coagulant dose determined in real time, in order to satisfy the total phosphorus (TP) regulation (0.5 mg/L), and then tested its field applicability. Field tests were conducted at three different periods in 2014 in a pilot plant where the M-COS was installed. Coagulant reduction rate by the M-COS was 10.4%, 15.3%, and 9.0% for each period (average 11.6%), when comparing with a control where coagulants were applied at a constant rate. Total cost for the M-COS or control was estimated by summing up the coagulant cost and sludge treatment cost, and then the resulting cost increase was predicted. Cost reduction rate by the M-COS was 13.8%, 20.0%, and 11.4% for each period (average 15.0%). This study indicates that the M-COS can be an alternative to a conventional system for TP treatment, with a better cost efficiency.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.417-424
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• 2001

The pseudo-biologic objective function has been designed for the IMRT optimization. The RTP Tool Box (RTB) was used for this study. The pseudo-biologic function is similar to the biological objective function in mathematical shape, but uses physical parameters. The concepts of the TCI (Target Coverage Index) and the OSI (Organ Score Index) have been introduced for the target and the normal organs, respectively. The pseudo-biologic objective function s has been defined using these TCI and OSI's. The OSI's from the pseudo-biological function showed better results than from the physical functions, while TCI's showed similar tendency. These results revealed the feasibility of the pseudo-biologic function as an IMRT objective function.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2008

TomoTherapy has a merit to treat cancer with Intensity modulated radiation and combines precise 3-D imaging from computerized tomography (CT scanning) with highly targeted radiation beams and rotating beamlets. In this paper, we comparing the dose distribution between TomoTherapy and linear accelerator based intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for 10 Head & Neck patients using TomoTherapy which is newly installed and operated at National Cancer Center since Sept. 2006. Furthermore, we estimate how the homogeneity and Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) are changed by motion of target. Inverse planning was carried out using CadPlan planning system (CadPlan R.6.4.7, Varian Medical System Inc. 3100 Hansen Way, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1129, USA). For each patient, an inverse IMRT plan was also made using TomoTherapy Hi-Art System (Hi-Art2_2_4 2.2.4.15, TomoTherapy Incorporated, 1240 Deming Way, Madson, WI 53717-1954, USA) and using the same targets and optimization goals. All TomoTherapy plans compared favorably with the IMRT plans regarding sparing of the organs at risk and keeping an equivalent target dose homogeneity. Our results suggest that TomoTherapy is able to reduce the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) further, keeping a similar target dose homogeneity.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.396-404
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• 2002

Purpose : Many papers support a correlation between rectal complications and rectal doses in uterine cervical cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy. In vivo dosimetry in the rectum following the ICRU report 38 contributes to the quality assurance in HDR brachytherapy, especially in minimizing side effects. This study compares the rectal doses calculated in the radiation treatment planning system to that measured with a silicon diode the in vivo dosimetry system. Methods : Nine patients, with a uterine cervical carcinoma, treated with Iridium-192 high dose rate brachytherapy between June 2001 and Feb. 2002, were retrospectively analysed. Six to eight-fractions of high dose rate (HDR)-intracavitary radiotherapy (ICR) were delivered two times per week, with a total dose of $28\~32\;Gy$ to point A. In 44 applications, to the 9 patients, the measured rectal doses were analyzed and compared with the calculated rectal doses using the radiation treatment planning system. Using graphic approximation methods, in conjunction with localization radiographs, the expected dose values at the detector points of an intrarectal semiconductor dosimeter, were calculated. Results : There were significant differences between the calculated rectal doses, based on the simulation radiographs, and the calculated rectal doses, based on the radiographs in each fraction of the HDR ICR. Also, there were significant differences between the calculated and measured rectal doses based on the in-vivo diode dosimetry system. The rectal reference point on the anteroposterior line drawn through the lower end of the uterine sources, according to ICRU 38 report, received the maximum rectal doses in only 2 out of the nine patients $(22.2\%)$. Conclusion : In HDR ICR planning for conical cancer, optimization of the dose to the rectum by the computer-assisted planning system, using radiographs in simulation, is improper. This study showed that in vivo rectal dosimetry, using a diode detector during the HDR ICR, could have a useful role in quality control for HDR brachytherapy in cervical carcinomas. The importance of individual dosimeters for each HDR ICR is clear. In some departments that do not have the in vivo dosimetry system, the radiation oncologist has to find, from lateral fluoroscopic findings, the location of the rectal marker before each fractionated HDR brachytherapy, which is a necessary and important step of HDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.34
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• pp.51-60
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose is to evaluate dosimetric performance and delivery efficiency of VMAT with Halcyon LINAC for double target spine SBRT Materials and Methods: 12 patients with spine oligometastases were retrospectively studied. Single-isocenter spine SBRT plans was established using Halcyon® with Dual Layer MLC and Truebeam® with High Definition MLC. All patients' plans were created in Eclipse TPS through the identical conditions and optimization. C.I, H.I, G.I (Gradient Index), maximal and volumetric doses to spinal cord and low dose area were evaluated for comparison of both plans. Also, total MU and BOT(Beam On Time) were evaluated. Results: Halcyon plans was no Statistical differences in C.I and H.I. However, the average of G.I was 4.64 for Halcyon, which decreased to 5.5% compared to Truebeam (P<0.001). Halcyon plans demonstrated statistically significant reduced G.I. The average of 50% and 25% isodose volume was 487.56 cc (-3.82%, P<0.001), 1859.45 cc (-4.75%, P<0.001) in Halcyon, respectively. Significantly reduced low dose spill were observed in Halcyon plans. In the evaluation of the spinal cord, the average of Dmean and V10 of Halcyon plans in the sample group with an overlap volume of less than 1 cc was 6.802 Gy (-3.504%, P=0.067), 5.766±1.683 cc (-8.199%, P=0.002), respectively. Halcyon plans demonstrated statistically significant reduced D_mean and V10. For delivery efficiency, MU and BOT(maximum dose rate for each machine), on average, increased in Halcyon plans. However, the average of BOT(800MU/min for each machine) was 648.33 sec for Halcyon (-1.74%, P<0.001). Conclusion: Halcyon plan for double-target spine SBRT demonstrated advantages in the low dose area with a steep dose gradient, while having dosimetrically equivalent target dose distribution and spinal cord protective effect. As a result, Halcyon LINAC produced a dosimetrically improved plan for double-target spine SBRT.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.77-86
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• 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare permeation characteristics in three skin types using oil-soluble benzoic acid and water-soluble caffeine after method condition optimization based on OECD guideline 428. Methods: A Franz diffusion cell, a reliable alternative method for skin permeation, was used. One-milliliter samples were taken and immediately replaced with fresh solution in the receptor chamber at regular time intervals (1, 2, 4, 7, 10 and 24 hr). The amount of test substances was measured by LC-MS/MS. Results: The permeation rate increased dose-dependently, and the permeation orders were $KeraSkin^{TM}$ > hairless mouse full skin > human cadaver epidermis for skin types, and benzoic acid solution > caffeine solution > benzoic acid cream > caffeine cream for type of test materials. Conclusion: According to the definitions of Marzulli, benzoic acid and caffeine would be classified as 'fast' and 'moderate' compared with the permeation of other chemical species. The setting conditions and permeation characteristics performed in this study are expected to contribute to future permeation studies.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.55-62
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• 2014

Objectives: $^{32}P$-postlabeling assay is the most sensitive method of detecting DNA adduct formation. However, it is limited by a low sample throughput and use of radioisotopes (RI). In this study, we modified it to minimize these limitations and applied it to Z. platypus exposed to Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in order to investigate DNA adduct formation (effect biomarker for pollutants) in Z. platypus for assessing risk of waterborne BaP exposure. Methods: DNA hydrolysis was performed only with Micrococcal nuclease (MNase), RI reduction test was performed and the overlapping steps between thin layer chromatography (TLC) and radioisotope high-performance liquid chromatography (RI-HPLC) were omitted. The application of a modified method to Z. platypus exposed to BaP was performed. Results: The results revealed that the amount of RIs used can be reduced roughly 10-fold. Because the analysis time was shortened by 8.5 hours, the sample throughput per hour was increased compared with the previous method. The results of applying modified $^{32}P$-postlabeling assay to Z. platypus, DNA adduct formation in Z. platypus showed dose-dependency with the BaP concentration. Only BPDE-dGMP was detected as a DNA adduct. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the modified $^{32}P$-postlabeling assay is a suitable method for detecting DNA adduct formation in Z. platypus exposed to waterborne BaP and will be useful in risk assessment of carcinogenic effect in aquatic environment due to BaP.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.78-91
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• 2005

Performance limiting factors (PLFs) derived from 161 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), assessed by International Technical Diagnosis & Assistance Center, were analyzed and evaluated in more detail in this study. In order to conduct study, 161 DWTPs were divided into five categories depending on their capacity, and into twelve groups according to processes and facilities. From the results of analysis, PLFs and their distribution ratio derived from each category were significantly different. Filtration was the most important performance limiting process in all DWTPs of five categories, and the PLFs in filtration were backwashing velocity, media configuration, bed depth, and formation of mud-ball. The PLFs in coagulation-flocculation process were found out to be coagulant dosage, mixing speed, mechanical problems, and others in the order of frequency of occurrence. Also, insufficient disinfection ability that is resulted from insufficient hydraulic detention time and improper chlorine dose and injection point, is the most significant among PLFs in a clear well. In the case of sedimentation, inappropriate baffle structure and excessive upward velocity were PLFs. In addition, the results showed that high turbid water and low alkalinity in a rainy season, ferric and manganese ions, and ammonia nitrogen have been contributed significantly on the performance of DWTPs.