• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.33-37
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• 2001

Purpose : The water exchange rate between bulk water and bound water is an important parameter in deciding the efficiency of paramagnetic contrast agents. In this study, we evaluated the water exchange rates of various Gd-chelates using oxygen-17 NMR technique. Material and Methods : The samples (Gd-DTPA, Gd-DTPA-BMA, Gd-DOTA, Gd-EOB-DTPA) were prepared by mixing 5% $^{17}O-enriched$ water (Isotech, USA). The pH of the samples was adjusted to physiological value [pH=7.0] by buffer solution. The variable temperature $^{17}O-NMR$ measurements were performed using Bruker-600 (14.1 T, 81.3 MHz) spectrometer. Bruker VT-1000 temperature control units were used to stabilize the temperature. The $^{17}O$ spin-spin relaxation times (T2) were measured using Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG)I pulse sequence with 24 echo trains. The variable temperature T2 relaxation data were then fitted into Solomon-Bloembergen equations using least square fit algorithm to estimate the water exchange times. Results : From the measured $^{17}O-NMR$ relaxation rates, the determined water exchange rates at 300K are $0.42{\;}{\mu}s$ for Gd-DTPA, $1.99{\;}{\mu}s$ for Gd-DTPA-BMA, $0.27{\;}{\mu}s$ for Gd-DOTA, and $0.11{\;}{\mu}s$ for Gd-EOB-DTPA. The Gd-DTPA-BMA showed slowest exchange whereas Gd-EOB-DTPA had fastest water exchange rate. In addition, it was found that the water exchange rates (${\tau}_m$) of all samples had exponential temperature dependence with different decay constant. Conclusion : $^{17}O-NMR$ relaxation rate measurements, when combined with variable temperature technique, provide a solid tool for studying water exchange rate, which is very important in investigating the detailed mechanism of relaxation enhancement effect of the paramagnetic contrast agents.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.354-365
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• 2021

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and its role as a second-line imaging modality after gadoxetate-enhanced MRI (Gd-EOB-MRI) in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among at risk observations. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled participants at risk of HCC with treatment-naïve solid hepatic observations (≥ 1 cm) of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LR)-3/4/5/M during surveillance and performed Gd-EOB-MRI. A total of one hundred and three participants with 103 hepatic observations (mean size, 28.2 ± 24.5 mm; HCCs [n = 79], non-HCC malignancies [n = 15], benign [n = 9]; diagnosed by pathology [n = 57], or noninvasive method [n = 46]) were included in this study. The participants underwent CEUS with sulfur hexafluoride. Arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) and washout on Gd-EOB-MRI and CEUS were evaluated. The distinctive washout in CEUS was defined as mild washout 60 seconds after contrast injection. The diagnostic ability of Gd-EOB-MRI and of CEUS as a second-line modality for HCC were determined according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the Korean Liver Cancer Association and National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) guidelines. The diagnostic abilities of both imaging modalities were compared using the McNemar's test. Results: The sensitivity of CEUS (60.8%) was lower than that of Gd-EOB-MRI (72.2%, p = 0.06 by EASL; 86.1%, p < 0.01 by KLCA-NCC); however, the specificity was 100%. By performing CEUS on the inconclusive observations in Gd-EOB-MRI, HCCs without APHE (n = 10) or washout (n = 12) on Gd-EOB-MRI further presented APHE (80.0%, 8/10) or distinctive washout (66.7%, 8/12) on CEUS, and more HCCs were diagnosed than with Gd-EOB-MRI alone (sensitivity: 72.2% vs. 83.5% by EASL, p < 0.01; 86.1% vs. 91.1% by KCLA-NCC, p = 0.04). There were no false-positive cases for HCC on CEUS. Conclusion: The addition of CEUS to Gd-EOB-MRI as a second-line diagnostic modality increases the frequency of HCC diagnosis without changing the specificities.

• Progress in Superconductivity
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 2011

Many research groups have been manufacturing coated conductor by various processes such as PLD, MOD, and MOCVD, but the methods with production cost suitable for wide and massive application of coated conductor did not develop yet. Spray pyrolysis method adopting ultrasonic atomization was tried as one of the possible option. GdBCO precursor films have been deposited on IBAD substrate by spray pyrolysis method at low temperature and converted to GdBCO by post heat treatment. Ultrasonic atomization was used to generate fine droplets from precursor solution of Gd, Ba, and Cu nitrate dissolved in water. Primary GdBCO films were deposited at $500^{\circ}C$ and oxygen partial pressure of 1 torr. After that, the films were converted at various temperatures and low oxygen partial pressures. C-Axis oriented films were obtained IBAD substrates at conversion temperature of around $870^{\circ}C$ and oxygen partial pressures of 500 mtorr ~ 1 torr in a vacuum. Thick c-axis epitaxial film with the thickness of 0.4 ~ 0.5 ${\mu}m$ was obtained on IBAD substrate. C-axis epitaxial GdBCO films were successfully prepared by ex-situ methods using nitrate precursors on IBAD metal substrate. Converted GdBCO films have very dense microstructures with good grain connectivity. EDS composition analysis of the film showed a number of Cu-rich phase in surface. The precursor solution having high copper concent with the composition of Gd : Ba : Cu = 1 : 2 : 4 showed the better grain connectivity and electrical conductivity.

• BMB Reports
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• v.44 no.7
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• pp.458-461
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• 2011

Enteropeptidase is a serine protease secreted by the pancreas and converts inactive trypsinogen to active trypsin. Enteropeptidase cleaves the C-terminal end of the substrate recognition sequence Asp-Asp-Asp-Asp-Lys ($D_4K$). The assay for enteropeptidase has utilized $GD_4K$-conjugated 2-naphthylamine ($GD_4K$-NA) as a fluorogenic probe over the last 30 years. However, no other $D_4K$-conjugated fluorogenic substrates of enteropeptidase have been reported. Furthermore, naphthalene is known as carcinogenic to humans. In this study, we used shift in the emission spectrum of $GD_4K$-conjugated 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin ($GD_4K$-AMC) as a fluorogenic method to measure enteropeptidase activity. The kinetic analysis revealed that enteropeptidase has a $K_M$ of 0.025 mM and a $k_{cat}$ of 65 $sec^{-1}$ for $GD_4K$-AMC, whereas it has a $K_M$ of 0.5 to 0.6 mM and a $k_{cat}$ of 25 $sec^{-1}$ for $GD_4K$-NA. The optimum pH of $GD_4K$-AMC hydrolysis was pH 8.0. Our data indicate that $GD_4K$-AMC is more suitable as a substrate for enteropeptidase than $GD_4K$-NA.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.391-396
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• 2020

In this study, we developed a phosphor film screen that can be applied to radiographs during non-destructive testing using Gd₂O₂S:Tb phosphor compounds. The image uniformity of the fabricated phosphor screen film was analyzed by FE-SEM, RMS and RDS analysis. In addition, the tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity of the Gd₂O₂S:Tb phosphor screen were evaluated by measuring the stress-strain characteristic curve. As a result, it was evaluated that the RSD value had an excellent image uniformity within 10% of the evaluation criteria. In addition, as a result of evaluation of physical properties, the tensile strength was 1.1760 N/㎟, the tensile strength at break was 1.1515 N/㎟. These results suggest that the Gd₂O₂S:Tb phosphor screen fabricated using the room temperature gel-printing method could be applied to digital radiography detectors for radiography.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 2017

Gadolinium tetraboride ($GdB_4$) was synthesized by reduction of $Gd_2O_3$ using boron carbide in presence of carbon. Effect of temperature on product quality was investigated. Pure $GdB_4$ powder was obtained in vacuum at $1500^{\circ}C$. Pressureless sintering experiments revealed that sintering takes place only above $1600^{\circ}C$. A maximum density of 77.1% of the theoretical value was obtained at $1800^{\circ}C$ by pressureless sintering. Hot pressing resulted in 95.5% of theoretical density at the lower temperature of $1700^{\circ}C$ under 35 MPa pressure. Hardness and fracture toughness of dense $GdB_4$ were measured and found to be 21.4 GPa and $2.3MPa{\cdot}m^{1/2}$, respectively. After exposure to air at $900^{\circ}C$, the formation of a porous and non-protective oxide layer was observed.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.440-443
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• 2011

In this study, we investigated the glass-forming ability (GFA) and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of $Gd_{55}Co_{20}Al_{23}Si_2$ bulk glassy alloy. It is found that the addition of 2 at% Si is effective for extension of the supercooled liquid region (${\Delta}T_x$), the ${\Delta}T_x$ is 55 K for the $Gd_{55}Co_{20}Al_{25}$ glassy alloy, and increases to 79 K for the $Gd_{55}Co_{20}Al_{23}Si_2$ alloy. As a result, $Gd_{55}Co_{20}Al_{23}Si_2$ glassy alloys with diameters up to 5 mm were successfully synthesized. The alloys also exhibit large MCE, i.e., the magnetic entropy change (${\Delta}S_m$) of 8.9 J $kg^{-1}\;K^{-1}$, the full width at half maximum of the ${\Delta}S_m$ (${\delta}T_{FWHM}$) of 87 K, and the refrigerant capacity (RC) of 774 J $kg^{-1}$.

• Progress in Superconductivity and Cryogenics
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.18-22
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• 2017

Addition of $BaSnO_3$ (BSO) to $GdBa_2Cu_3O_{7-{\delta}}$ (GdBCO) is reported to enhance the flux pinning property of GdBCO thick films. To investigate the effect of growth condition on the pinning properties, 700 nm-thick BSO-added GdBCO films deposited with varying temperatures and growth rates were prepared by using a pulsed laser deposition method. As the deposition temperature increases, the critical current density and the pinning force density show an improved field dependence up to $750^{\circ}C$ due to the increase in the formation of the a-axis growth and the BSO nanostructures. The films deposited at higher temperatures show degraded surfaces and as a result, degraded pinning behaviors. For the change in growth rate, the critical current density and the pinning force increase as the repetition rate increase at low magnetic fields, but this behavior is reversed in high magnetic fields. These results indicate that the film growth conditions significantly affect the formation of BSO nanostructures and the pinning properties of BSO-added GdBCO films.

• Proceedings of the KSMRM Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.103-103
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• 2002

목적：자화율 대조법을 사용한 관류 영상에서 동시획득 $T_{1}T_{2}^{*}$ 강조 경사 자장 펄스열을 사용하여 Gd-DTPA에 의한 $T_{1}T_{2}^{*}$ 감소 효과를 동시에 획득하여 종양의 치료 효과, 판정에 중요한 기준을 제시할 수 있는 정확한 관류 정보를 얻고자 한다. 대상 및 방법： Gd-DTPA에 의한 $T_{1}T_{2}^{*}$ 감소 효과를 동시에 획득하기 위하여 기존의 이중 경사자장 펄스열을 수정, 동시획득 $T_{1}T_{2}^{*}$ 강조 경사자장 펄스열을 개발하였고, 시간 해상도를 높이기 위하여 key-hole 방법을 사용하였다. 고정 phantom으로 Sephadex를 다양한 농도의 Gd-DTPA 용액에 swelling하여 사용하였고, 관류 phantom으로는 Sephadex와 Dialyzer를 사용하였다. Sephadex는 swelling 하였을 때 $T_1$, $T_2$값이 생체 조직의 값과 비슷하고, 물을 관류시킬 수 있어 생체 모형에 적합한 phantom이다 .관류 phantom은 정량 펌프에 연결하여 사용하였다. Sephadex 관류 phantom에서는 분당 약 4$m\ell$ 속도로 관류시키면서 25 mM Gd-DTPA을 0.1$m\ell$ 일시 주입하여 관류 방향에 수직인 coronal 영상을 약 15분 동안 얻었다. 투과도를 구하기 위한 phantom으로는 hollow fiber type Dialyzer를 사용하였고, in vivo에서 1차 관류 이후에 현관 밖에서의 Gd농도가 높고 혈관 내부의 농도가 낮은 상태를 만들기 위하여 fiber 바깥쪽으로 500 mM Gd-DTPA 2 ml를 미리 넣어두고 fiber 내부로 이보다 낮은 농도의 Gd 용액을 관류시키면서 약 1시간동안 영상을 얻었다. 관류 영상에서 $T_1$/$T_{2}^{*}$ 감소 효과를 구분하여 구한 $\DeltaR_1$, $\DeltaR_2$ 곡선의 적분값으로부터 관류량을 구하고, 2 구획 모델을 적용하여 투과도를 구했다.

• Proceedings of the KSMRM Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.127-127
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• 2002

목적： 자화율 대조법을 사용한 관류 영상에서 동시획득 $T_{1}{/}T_{2}^{*}$ 강조 경사 자장 펄스열을 사용하여 Gd-DTPA에 의한 $T_{1}{/}T_{2}^{*}$ 감소 효과를 동시에 획득하여 종양의 치료 효과, 판정에 중요한 기준을 제시할 수 있는 정확한 관류 정보를 얻고자 한다. 대상 및 방법： Gd-DTPA에 의한 $T_{1}{/}T_{2}^{*}$ 감소 효과를 동시에 획득하기 위하여 기존의 이중 경사자장 펄스열을 수정, 동시획득 $T_{1}{/}T_{2}^{*}$ 강조 경사자장 펄스열을 개발하였고, 시간 해상도를 높이기 위하여 key-hole 방법을 사용하였다. 고정 phantom으로 Sephadex를 다양한 농도의 Gd-DTPA 용액에 swelling하여 사용하였고, 관류 phantom으로는 Sephadex와 Dialyzer를 사용하였다. Sephadex는 swelling 하였을 때 $T_1$, $T_2$값이 생체 조직의 값과 비슷하고, 물을 관류시킬 수 있어 생체 모형에 적합한 phantom이다. 관류 phantom은 정량 펌프에 연결하여 사용하였다. Sephadex 관류 phantom에서는 분당 약 4$m\ell$ 속도로 관류시키면서 25 mM Gd-DTPA을 0.1$m\ell$ 일시 주입하여 관류 방향에 수직인 coronal 영상을 약 15분 동안 얻었다. 투과도를 구하기 위한 phantom으로는 hollow fiber type Dialyzer를 사용하였고, in vivo에서 1차 관류 이후에 혈관 밖에서의 Gd 농도가 높고 혈관 내부의 농도가 낮은 상태를 만들기 위하여 fiber 바깥쪽으로 500mM Gd-DTPA 2$m\ell$를 미리 넣어두고 fiber 내부로 이보다 낮은 농도의 Gd 용액을 관류시키면서 약 1시간동안 영상을 얻었다. 관류 영상에서 $T_{1}{/}T_{2}^{*}$ 감소 효과를 구분하여 구한 $\Delta{R}_{1}$, $\Delta{R}_{2}^{*}$ 곡선의 적분값으로부터 관류량을 구하고, 2 구획 모델을 적용하여 투과도를 구했다.