• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2001

Purpose : $T_2$-weighted half courier Echo Planar Imaging (T2HEPI) method is proposed to reduce measurement time of existing EPI by a factor of 2. In addition, high $T_2$ contrast is obtained for clinical applications. High resolution single-shot EPI images with $T_2$ contrast are obtained with $128{\times}128$ matrix size by the proposed method. Materials and methods : In order to reduce measurement time in EPI, half courier space is measured, and rest of half courier data is obtained by conjugate symmetric filling. Thus high resolution single shot EPI image with $128{\times}128$ matrix size is obtained with 64 echoes. By the arrangement of phase encoding gradients, high $T_2$ weighted images are obtained. The acquired data in k-space are shifted if there exists residual gradient field due to eddy current along phase encoding gradient, which results in a serious problem in the reconstructed image. The residual field is estimated by the correlation coefficient between the echo signal for dc and the corresponding reference data acquired during the pre-scan. Once the residual gradient field is properly estimated, it can be removed by the adjustment of initial phase encoding gradient field between $70^{\circ}$ and $180^{\circ}$ rf pulses. Results : The suggested T2EPl is implemented in a 1.0 Tela whole body MRI system. Experiments are done with the effective echo times of 72ms and 96ms with single shot acquisitions. High resolution($128{\times}128$) volunteer head images with high $T_2$ contrast are obtained in a single scan by the proposed method. Conclusion : Using the half courier technique, higher resolution EPI images are obtained with matrix size of $128{\times}128$ in a single scan. Furthermore $T_2$ contrast is controlled by the effective echo time. Since the suggested method can be implemented by software alone (pulse sequence and corresponding tuning and reconstruction algorithms) without addition of special hardware, it can be widely used in existing MRI systems.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.53-58
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• 1999

Eddy current in MRI systems degrades gradient field linearity and distorts gradient waveform. When the waveform distortion is spatially variant, it is very difficult to perform special imaging techniques such as the echo planar imaging technique or the fast spin echo imaging technique. In this study, we have developed a new technique to estimate the distorted gradient waveforms at any points inside the imaging region using the finite element method. After obtaining the eddy-current-effect transfer function, which represents magnitude and phase characteristics of the gradient field at a particular point, we have used the transfer function to estimate the actual gradient waveforms at the point. To verify the proposed technique, we have compared the estimated gradient waveforms with the measured ones.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2007

Purpose: To acquire high-resolution spiral-scan images at higher magnetic field, high homogeneous magnetic field is needed. Field inhomogeneity mapping and in-vivo shimming are important for rapid imaging such as spiral-scan imaging. The rapid scanning sequences are very susceptible to inhomogeneity. In this paper, we proposed a higher-order shimming method to obtain homogeneous magnetic field. Materials and Methods: To reduce measurement time for field inhomogeneity mapping, simultaneous axial/ sagittal, and coronal acquisitions are done using multi-slice based Fast Spin echo sequence. Acquired field inhomogeneity map is analyzed using the spherical harmonic functions, and shim currents are obtained by the multiplication of the pseudo-inverse of the field pattern with the inhomogeneity map. Results: Since the field inhomogeneity is increasing in proportion to the magnetic field, higher order shimming to reduce the inhomogeneity becomes more important in high field imaging. The shimming technique in which axial, sagittal, and coronal section inhomogeneity maps are obtained in one scan is developed, and the shimming method based on the analysis of spherical harmonics of the imhomogenity map is applied. The proposed technique is applicable to a localized shimming as well. High resolution spiral-scan imaging was successfully obtained with the proposed higher order shimming. Conclusion: Proposed pulse sequence for rapid measurement of inhomogeneity map and higher order shimming based on the inhomogeneity map work very well at 3 Tesla MRI system. With the proposed higher order shimming and localized higher order shimming techniques, high resolution spiral-scan images are successfully obtained at 3 T MRI system.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.1
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• pp.81-100
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• 2020

Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) has been increasingly used in recent years for the assessment of peripheral neuropathies. Fat suppression T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) have typically been used to provide high contrast MRN. Isotropic 3-dimensional (3D) sequences with fast spin echo, post-processing imaging techniques, and fast imaging methods, among others, allow good visualization of peripheral nerves that have a small diameter, complex anatomy, and oblique course within a reasonable scan time. However, there are still several issues when performing high contrast and high resolution MRN including standard sequence; fat saturation techniques; balance between resolution, field of view, and slice thickness; post-processing techniques; 2D vs. 3D image acquisition; different T2 contrasts between proximal and distal nerves; high T2 signal intensity of adjacent veins or joint fluid; geometric distortion; and appropriate p-values on DWI. The proper understanding of these issues will help novice radiologists evaluate peripheral neuropathies using MRN.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.76-87
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• 2015

Purpose: There is an ongoing search for a stent material that produces a reduced susceptibility artifact. This study evaluated the effect of manganese (Mn) content on the MRI susceptibility artifact of ferrous-manganese (Fe-Mn) alloys, and investigated the correlation between MRI findings and measurements of Fe-Mn microstructure on X-ray diffraction (XRD). Materials and Methods: Fe-Mn binary alloys were prepared with Mn contents varying from 10% to 35% by weight (i.e., 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%; designated as Fe-10Mn, Fe-15Mn, Fe-20Mn, Fe-25Mn, Fe-30Mn, and Fe-35Mn, respectively), and their microstructure was evaluated using XRD. Three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo sequences of cylindrical specimens were obtained in parallel and perpendicular to the static magnetic field (B0). In addition, T1-weighted spin echo, T2-weighted fast spin echo, and $T2^*$weighted gradient echo images were obtained. The size of the low-intensity area on MRI was measured for each of the Fe-Mn binary alloys prepared. Results: Three phases of ${\alpha}^{\prime}$-martensite, ${\gamma}$-austenite, and ${\varepsilon}$-martensite were seen on XRD, and their composition changed from ${\alpha}^{\prime}$-martensite to ${\gamma}$-austenite and/or ${\varepsilon}$-martensite, with increasing Mn content. The Fe-10Mn and Fe-15Mn specimens comprised ${\alpha}^{\prime}$-martensite, the Fe-20Mn and Fe-25Mn specimens comprised ${\gamma}+{\varepsilon}$ phases, and the Fe-30Mn and Fe-35Mn specimens exhibited a single ${\gamma}$ phase. The size of the low-intensity areas of Fe-Mn on MRI decreased relative to its microstructure on XRD with increasing Mn content. Conclusion: Based on these findings, proper conditioning of the Mn content in Fe-Mn alloys will improve its visibility on MR angiography, and a Mn content of more than 25% is recommended to reduce the magnetic susceptibility artifacts on MRI. A reduced artifact of Fe-Mn alloys on MRI is closely related to the paramagnetic constitution of ${\gamma}$-austenite and/or ${\varepsilon}$-martensite.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetic Resonance Society
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.105-114
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• 2006

Purpose: We achieved high resolution MR imaging and spectra of human skin in vitro with using a 14.1 T MRI/MRS system, and evaluated the hydration effect of various cosmetic products by measuring the skin's. moisture concentration. Materials and Methods: We used the Bruker 14.1 T MRI/MRS system with a vertical standard bore that was equipped with a DMX spectrometer gradient system (200 G/cm at a maximum 40 A), RF resonators (2, 5 and 10 mm) and Para Vision software. Spin echo and fast spin echo pulse sequences were employed for obtaining the high resolution MR images. The 3D-localized point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) method was used to acquire the MR spectra. Results: The high resolution MR images and spectra of human skin in vitro were successfully obtained on a 14.1 T system. The water concentration of human skin after applying a moisturizer was higher than that before applying a moisturizer. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the high-resolution MR images and spectra of human skin from a high field NMR instrument could be applicable to evaluating the hydration state of the stratum corneum.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.218-228
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• 2018

Purpose: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of physical changes on MR temperature imaging at 7.0T and to examine proton-resonance-frequency related changes of MR phase images and T1 related changes of MR magnitude images, which are obtained for MR thermometry at various magnetic field strengths. Materials and Methods: An MR-compatible capacitive-coupled radio-frequency hyperthermia system was implemented for heating a phantom and swine muscle tissue, which can be used for both 7.0T and 3.0T MRI. To determine the effect of flip angle correction on T1-based MR thermometry, proton resonance frequency, apparent T1, actual flip angle, and T1 images were obtained. For this purpose, three types of imaging sequences are used, namely, T1-weighted fast field echo with variable flip angle method, dual repetition time method, and variable flip angle method with radio-frequency field nonuniformity correction. Results: Signal-to-noise ratio of the proton resonance frequency shift-based temperature images obtained at 7.0T was five-fold higher than that at 3.0T. The T1 value increases with increasing temperature at both 3.0T and 7.0T. However, temperature measurement using apparent T1-based MR thermometry results in bias and error because B1 varies with temperature. After correcting for the effect of B1 changes, our experimental results confirmed that the calculated T1 increases with increasing temperature both at 3.0T and 7.0T. Conclusion: This study suggests that the temperature-induced flip angle variations need to be considered for accurate temperature measurements in T1-based MR thermometry.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.32 no.8
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• pp.5-14
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• 2016

The leakage of water under sewer pipelines is one of main sources of sinkholes in urban areas. We performed laboratory model tests to investigate the presence of cavities using impact-echo method, which is a nondestructive test method. To simulate a concrete sewer pipe, a thin concrete plate was built and placed over container filled with sand. The cavity was modeled as an extruded polystyrene foam box. Two sets of tests were performed, one over sand and the other on cavity. A new impact device was developed to apply a consistent high frequency impact load on the concrete plate, thereby increasing the reliability of the test procedure. The frequency and transient characteristics of the measured reflected waveforms were analyzed via fast Fourier transform and short time Fourier spectrum. It was shown that the shapes of Fourier spectra are very similar to one another, and therefore cannot be used to predict the presence of cavity. A new index, termed resonance duration, is defined to record the time of vibration exceeding a prescribed intensity. The results showed that the resonance duration is a more effective parameter for predicting the presence of a cavity. A value of the resonance period was proposed to estimate the presence of cavity. Further studies using various soil types and field tests are warranted to validate the proposed approach.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.83-88
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• 2006

Purpose: We Investigated to achieve high resolution magnetic resonance (MR) Imaging and spectra of human skin in vitro with using a 14.1 T MRI/MRS system, and to evaluate the hydration effect of a moisturizer by measuring the skin's water concentration. Materials and Methods: We used the Brukrer 14.1 T MRI/MRS system with a vertical standard bore that was equipped with a DMX spectrometer gradient system (200 G/cm at a maximum 40 A), RF resonators (2, 5 and 10 mm) and Para Vision software. Spin echo and fast spin echo pulse sequences were employed for obtaining the high resolution MR images. The 3D-localized point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) method was used to acquire the MR spectra. Results: The high resolution MR images and spectra of human skin in vitro were successfully obtained on a 14.IT system. The water concentration of human skin after applying a moisturizer was higher than that before applying a moisturizer. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the high-resolution MR images and spectra of human skin from a high field MRS instrument could be applicable to evaluating the hydration state of the stratum corneum.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.92-102
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• 2017

For an automotive surveillance radar system, fast-chirp train based FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar is a very effective method, because clutter and moving targets are easily separated in a 2D range-velocity map. However, pedestrians with low echo signals may be masked by strong clutter in actual field. To address this problem, we proposed in the previous work a clutter cancellation and moving target indication algorithm using the coherent phase method. In the present paper, we initially composed the test set-up using a 24 GHz FMCW transceiver and a real-time data logging board in order to verify this algorithm. Next, we created two indoor test environments consisting of moving human and stationary targets. It was found that pedestrians and strong clutter could be effectively separated when the proposed method is used. We also designed and implemented these algorithms in FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) in order to analyze the hardware and time complexities. The results demonstrated that the complexity overhead was nearly zero compared to when the typical method was used.