• 전자공학회논문지
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• 제54권7호
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• pp.115-124
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• 2017

본 연구에서는 9.4T MRI의 FLASH 시퀀스를 이용하여 마우스의 뇌 조영증강 검사 시 적정한 echo phase를 알아보고자 하였다. 이에 따른 정량화를 위하여 가도테리돌로 제작된 MR팬텀 실험을 진행하였다, 서로 다른 몰 농도의 가돌리늄으로 구성된 각 세 개의 팬텀을 제작하여 마우스 뇌 검사에 사용하고 있는 FLASH 시퀀스의 echo phase에 변화를 주어 시행한 후, 이에 대한 분석을 진행하였다. 팬텀실험결과 SSI(Saline's Signal Intensity)는 $6{\pi}$부터 $28{\pi}$까지 33개 각각의 phase에서 25~27[a.u]를 보였고, RSP(Response Start Point)는 각각 30~100 mmol을 기록하였다. MPSI(Max Peak Signal Intensity)는 47~52 [a.u]를 보였고, MPP(Max Peak Point)는 0.8~9 mmol로 기록되었다. EPMS(Enhancement Percentage of MSI to SSI)는 80.8~108.0%로 기록되었고, ASIMP(Average of SI according to Mol concentration on each Phase)은 21.1~31.8 [a.u] 사이에서 형성되었다. 마지막으로 ORA(Occurence Rate of Artifact)는 아티팩트 발생유무에 따라 +1과 -1로 표기하였다. 본 연구를 통하여 9.4T MRI에서의 FLASH 시퀀스의 조영증강 정도를 정량화 할 수 있었고, 마우스의 뇌 조영증강 검사 시 적정 echo phase를 산출 할 수 있었다.

• 대한자기공명의과학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한자기공명의과학회 2003년도 제8차 학술대회 초록집
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• pp.103-105
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• 2003

After fifteen years of development, Magnetic Resonance (MR) technology for human imaging and spectroscopy is reaching a refined state with FDA approved 3T clinical products from Siemens, GE, and Philips. Broker has cleared CE approval with a 4T system. Varian supports a 4T system platform as well. Shielded magnets are standard at 3T from GE, Oxford, Magnex, and IGC. A shielded 4T whole body magnet is available from Oxford. Stronger switched gradients and dynamic shim coils, desired at any field, areespecially useful at higher static magnetic fields B0. In addition to the higher currents required for higher resolution slice or volume selection afforded by higher SNR, whole body gradient coils will be driven at increasing slew rates to meet the needs of new cardiac applications and other requirements. For example 3T and 4T systems are now being equipped with 2kV, 500A gradient coils and amplifiers capable of generating 4G/cm in 200msec, over a 67+/-cm bore diameter. High field EPI applications require oscillation rates at 1 kHz and higher. To achieve a benchmark 0.2 ppm shim over a 30cm sphere in a high field magnet, at least four stages of shimming need to be considered. 1) A good high field magnet will be built to a homogeneity spec. falling in the range of 100 to 150 ppm over this 30cm spherical "sweet spot" 2) Most modern high field magnets will also have superconducting shim coils capable of finding 1.5 ppm by their adjustment during system installation. 3) Passive ferro-magnetic shimming combined with 4) active, high order room temperature shim coils (as many as five orders are now being recommended) will accomplish 0.2 ppm over the 30cm sphere, and 0.1 ppm over a human brain in even the highest field magnets for human studies. Safety concerns for strong, fast gradients at any B0 field include acoustic noise and peripheral nerve stimulation. One or more of the mechanical decoupling methods may lead to quieter gradients. Patient positioning relative to asymmetric or short gradient coils may limit peripheral nerve stimulation at higher slew rates. Gradient designs combining a short coil for local speed and strength with a longer coil for coverage are being developed for 3T systems. Local gradients give another approach to maximizing performance over a limited region while keeping within the physiologically imposed dB0/dt performance limits.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.71-79
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• 2015

Background: Recent studies have shown that the nontuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) recovery rate in clinical cultures has increased within Korea. However, another study conducted by a secondary hospital within Daegu reported different results. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand and evaluate the microbiological distribution and clinical features of NTM in Daegu. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 11,672 respiratory specimens undergoing acid fast bacilli (AFB) culture from 6,685 subjects who visited Yeungnam University Respiratory Center from January 2012 to December 2013. Results: Of the 11,672 specimens undergoing AFB culture, 1,310 specimens (11.2%) showed positive results. Of these specimens, NTM was recovered from 587 specimens, showing a recovery rate of 44.8%. Identification test for NTM was performed on 191 subjects; the results were as follows: M. avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) 123 (64.4%), M. abscessus 20 (10.5%), M. kansasii 12 (6.3%), and 33 other NTM germ strains. Of the 382 subjects with NTM, 167 were diagnosed with pulmonary NTM disease (43.7%), however virulence differed depending on NTM strain. Multivariate analysis showed that nodular bronchiectasis, the nodules, and finding consistent with cavity under imaging study were statistically significant for triggering pulmonary NTM disease. AFB culture showing MAC and M. abscessus was statistically significant as well. Positive predictive value for NTM polymerase chain reaction (NTM-PCR) was 88.6%. Conclusion: Results for NTM recovery rate within the Daegu area were similar to those for the Seoul metropolitan area. We can assume that NTM infection is increasing in our community, therefore AFB-positive subjects (1) should undergo NTM-PCR, (2) should have their culture results checked for differentiation of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB) from NTM, and (3) undergo NTM identification test to confirm its type. Administration of treatment with the above results should be helpful in improving the patients' prognosis.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• 제43권5호
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• pp.443-450
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• 2009

목적: 기존의 영상 재구성은 간소화된 투사 물리 모델을 사용하고 있다. 하지만 3D 재구성과 같은 실제적인 물리 모델은 시간이 많이 걸려서 임상에서 모든 데이터에 적용하기 힘들고, 복잡한 물리모델을 설명하기 위해 큰 메모리를 사용하면 한대의 일반적인 재구성 머신으로는 불가능하다. 개인 컴퓨터들에서도 큰 규모의 기술을 가능하게 하기위해, 병렬 연산을 이용한 빠른 재구성의 현실적인 분산메모리 모델을 제시한다. 대상 및 방법: 실제로 구현하는 가능성을 보기 위해 가상 컴퓨터들을 이용하여 선행 연구를 진행하였고, 다양한 가능성을 테스트하기 위해 상용서비스를 하고 있는 슈퍼컴퓨터(Tachyon)에서 성능 테스트를 하였다. 가장 많이 사용되는 2D 투사 영상과 실제적인 물리 모델인 3D 응답라인을 이용한 기댓값 최대화 알고리즘을 테스트하였다. 스터디 중 특정 반복횟수 이후에 속도가 최대 6배까지 느려지는 현상이 발견되어 컴파일러 최적화를 통해 병렬 효율의 극대화를 꾀하였다. 결과: Linux에서 MPICH와 NFS를 이용하여, 여러 컴퓨터에서 하나의 프로그램으로 분산 연산이 가능하였다. 병렬 연산을 했을 때 동일한 반복 연산에서 재구성된 영상간의 차이가 실수의 유효숫자(6bit) 정도임을 확인하였다. 2배의 연상장치를 사용했을 때 1.96배의 좋은 병렬화 효율을 보여주었다. 반복 연산 횟수가 증가함에 따라 느려지는 현상은 SSE를 이용한 Vectorization 방법을 사용했을 때 해결할 수 있었다. 결론: 이번 연구를 통해 일반 컴퓨터들을 이용한 현실적인 병렬 컴퓨터 시스템을 구성하여, 작은 메모리의 단일 일반 컴퓨터로는 불가능한 간단화 할 수 없는 복잡한 물리 과정도 영상 재구성 방법에 사용 가능하게 되었다.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제19권2호
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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.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.102-109
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of the T1 3D subtraction technique and the conventional 2D dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) technique in diagnosing Cushing's disease. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with clinically and biochemically proven Cushing's disease were included in the study. In addition, 23 patients with a Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) diagnosed on an MRI with normal pituitary hormone levels were included as a control, to prevent non-blinded positive results. Postcontrast T1 3D fast spin echo (FSE) images were acquired after DCE images in 3T MRI and image subtraction of pre- and postcontrast T1 3D FSE images were performed. Inter-observer agreement, interpretation time, multiobserver receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and net benefit analyses were performed to compare 2D DCE and T1 3D subtraction techniques. Results: Inter-observer agreement for a visual scale of contrast enhancement was poor in DCE (${\kappa}=0.57$) and good in T1 3D subtraction images (${\kappa}=0.75$). The time taken for determining contrast-enhancement in pituitary lesions was significantly shorter in the T1 3D subtraction images compared to the DCE sequence (P < 0.05). ROC values demonstrated increased reader confidence range with T1 3D subtraction images (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-1.00) compared with DCE (95% CI: 0.70-0.92) (P < 0.01). The net benefit effect of T1 3D subtraction images over DCE was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.12-0.56). For Cushing's disease, both reviewers misclassified one case as a nonenhancing lesion on the DCE images, while no cases were misclassified on T1 3D subtraction images. Conclusion: The T1 3D subtraction technique shows superior performance for determining the presence of enhancement on pituitary lesions compared with conventional DCE techniques, which may aid in diagnosing Cushing's disease.

• 천문학회보
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.113.1-113.1
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• 2012

The characteristics of Doppler shifts in a quiet region of the Sun are investigated by comparing between the $H{\alpha}$ line and the Caii infrared line at 854.2 nm. A small area of $16^{\prime\prime}{\times}40^{\prime\prime}$ was observed for about half an hour with the Fast Imaging Solar Spectrograph (FISS) of the 1.6 meter New Solar Telescope (NST) at Big Bear Solar Observatory. The observed area contains a network region and an internetwork region, and identified in the network region are $H{\alpha}$ fibrils, Caii fibrils and bright points. We infer the Doppler velocity from each line profile at a point with the lambdameter method as a function of half wavelength separation ${\Delta}{\lambda}$. It is confirmed that the bisector of the spatially-averaged Caii line profile has an inverse C-shape of with a significant peak redshift of +1.8 km/s. In contrast, the bisector of the spatially-averaged $H{\alpha}$ line profile has a different shape; it is almost vertically straight or, if not, has a C-shape with a small peak blueshift of -0.5 km/s. In both the lines, the bisectors of bright network points are much different from those of other features in that they are significantly redshifted not only at the line centers, but also at the wings. We also find that the spatio-temporal fluctuation of Doppler shift inferred from the Caii line is correlated with those of the $H{\alpha}$ line. The strongest correlation occurs in the internework region, and when the inner wings rather than the line centers are used to determine Doppler shift. In this region, the RMS value of Doppler shift fluctuation is the largest at the line center, and monotonically decreases with ${\Delta}{\lambda}$. We discuss the physical implications of our results on the formation of the $H{\alpha}$ line and Caii 854.2 nm line in the quiet region chromosphere.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제70권4호
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• pp.347-351
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• 2011

We report here an unusual case of pericardial tuberculoma that was misdiagnosed as thymic carcinoma on an imaging study. A 48-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of an anterior mediastinal mass. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest displayed cystic masses mimicking thymic carcinoma at the anterior mediastinum. Pericardiotomy and surgical drainage of the cystic masses were done, and pathologic examination of the excised pericardial specimen showed a chronic granulomatous inflammation with necrosis, compatible with tuberculosis. Acid-fast bacilli were also identified in the specimen. After treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs and steroids, the patient showed clinical improvement. Although tuberculous pericarditis usually presents as pericardial effusion or constrictive pericarditis, it can also present as a pericardial mass mimicking thymic carcinoma on CT. Therefore, we suggest that tuberculous pericardial abscess should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mediastinal mass in Korea, with intermediate tuberculosis prevalence.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제70권4호
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• pp.342-346
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• 2011

Herein we report the case of a 71-year-old woman who complained of fatigue and enlarged right axillary lymph nodes for 18 months. At her first visit, her chest X-ray showed diffuse nodular opacities in both lung fields. Initial excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes showed granulomatous lesions and acid fast bacilli were seen on Ziehl-Neelsen staining. However, even after 15 months of anti-tuberculosis (TB) medication, her right axillary lymph nodes were enlarged. We re-performed an excisional biopsy of the nodes, which showed Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). A retrograde review of the biopsy before anti-tuberculous medication, revealed HL coexisting with TB. HL and TB cause difficulties in differential diagnosis due to similarities in clinical course, imaging procedures and histopathological analysis of the involved tissue. Therefore, it is important to consider the possibility of concurrent HL and TB when patients who undergo treatment for TB or chemotherapy for lymphoma complain of persistent systemic symptoms or enlarged lymph nodes.

• 대한핵의학회지
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.129-134
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• 2000

목적: 흉부방사선 사진으로 결핵의 진단과 활동성의 판정이 어려운 경우가 많다. 이에 핵의학적 방법으로 결핵의 활동성을 판정하고자 하는 시도들이 있었으며, 핵의학 검사는 결핵의 활동성을 잘 반영하는 것으로 알려져 왔다. 그러나 객담결핵균의 음전을 '활동성'의 소실이라고 표현하는 치료자와 방사능섭취 소실을 '활동성'의 소실이라고 판정하는 핵의학의사 사이에는 용어 사용상의 차이가 있을 수 있다. 객담결핵균의 음전과 방사능섭취의 소실이 서로 일치하는지 여부를 확인하여 보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 세균학적으로 활동성 결핵으로 진단된 15명의 환자들에서 $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI를 이용하여 폐스캔을 시행하였다. 3-7개월간의 항결핵약물치료로 객담 결핵균이 음전된 6명의 환자에 대해 $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 스캔을 다시 시행하였다. 결핵병소와 정상 폐 부위의 방사능을 측정하여 정상 폐에 대한 결핵병소의 방사능 섭취율을 비교하였다. 결과: 활동성 폐결핵 환자 15명 중 12명(80%)에서 $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 스캔 양성을 보였다. 항결핵약물치료로 객담 결핵균이 음전된 후 6명에서 $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 스캔을 반복했을 때 6명 모두에서 섭취율이 치료 전에 비해서 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 그러나 5명에서는 정상 폐에 비해서는 여전히 높았다. 결론: $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 스캔은 폐결핵 병변에서 염증반응의 정도를 판정하는데 도움이 된다. 그렇지만 객담 결핵균의 음전으로 정의되는 '활동성'과 1:1로 일치하지는 않았다.