• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.81-87
• /
• 2006

Purose: This study is to evaluate the xerostomia following 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D CRT) in nasopharynx cancer patients using the xerostomia questionnaire score (XQS). Materials and Methods: Questionnaire study was done on 51 patients with nasopharynx cancer who received 3D CRT from Dec. 2000 to Aug. 2005. 3D CRT technique is based on 'serial shrinking field' concept by 3 times of computed tomography (CT) simulation. Total target dose to the primary tumor was 72 Gy with 1.8 Gy daily fractions. Xerostomia was assessed with 4-questions XQS, and the associations between XQS and time elapsed after RT, age, sex, stage, concurrent chemotherapy, and parotid dose were analyzed. Results: Concurrent chemotherapy was given to 40 patients and RT alone was given to 11 patients. The median time elapsed after 3D CRT was 20 ($1{\sim}58$) months and the mean XQS of all 51 patients was $8.4{\pm}1.9\;(6{\sim}14)$. XQS continuously and significantly decreased over time after 3D CRT ($X^2$=-0.484, p<0.05). There was no significant difference in XQS according to sex, age, and stag. However, XQS of concurrent chemotherapy patients was significantly higher than RT alone patients (P=0.001). XQS of patients receiving total mean parotid dose ${\ge}35 Gy$ was significantly higher than <35 Gy (p=0.05). Decreasing tendency of XQS over time after 3D CRT was observed. Concurrent chemotherapy and total mean parotid dose ${\ge}35 Gy$ were suggested to adversely affect radiation-induced xerostomia.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.54 no.5
• /
• pp.1754-1759
• /
• 2022

The activity of gamma-ray emitting nuclides is calculated assuming that each gamma-ray is detected individually; thus, the magnitude of the coincidence summing signal must be considered during activity calculations. Here, the correction factor for the coincidence summing effect was calculated, and the detection efficiencies of two HPGe detectors were compared. The CANBERRA Inc. GC4018 high-purity Ge detector provided an estimate for the peak-to-total ratio using a point source to determine the coincidence summing correction factor. The ORTEC Inc. GEM60 high-purity Ge detector uses EFFTRAN in LVis to obtain the parameters of the detector and source model and the gamma-gamma and gamma-X match estimates, in order to determine the coincidence summing correction factor. Nuclide analyses, radioactivity comparisons, and analyses of reference material samples were performed utilizing certified reference materials to accurately determine the detection efficiencies. For both Co-60 and Y-88, the detection efficiency for a point source increased by an average of at least 12-13%, whereas the detection efficiency determined using LVis increased by an average of at least 13-15%. The calculated radioactivity values of the certified reference material and reference material samples were accurate to within 3% and 6% of the measured values, respectively.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.67-71
• /
• 2013

Purpose: The Change of CT exposure condition have a effect on image quality and patient exposure dose. In this study, we evaluated effect CT image quality and SUV when CT parameters (Pitch, Rotation time) were changed. Materials and Methods: Discovery Ste (GE, USA) was used as a PET/CT scanner. Using GE QA Phantom and AAPM CT Performance Phantom for evaluate Noise of CT image. Images are acquired by using 24 combinations that four stages pitch (0.562, 0.938, 1.375, 1.75:1) and six stages X-ray tube rotation time (0.5s-1.0s). PET images are acquired using 1994 NEMA PET Phantom ($^{18}F-FDG$ 5.3 kBq/mL, 2.5 min/frame). For noise test, noise are evaluated by standard deviation of each image's CT numbers. And then we used expectation noise according to change of DLP (Dose Length Product) to experimental noise ratio for index of effectiveness. For spatial resolution test, we confirmed that it is possible to identify to 1.0 mm size of the holes at the AAPM CT Performance Phantom. Finally we evaluated each 24 image's SUV. Results: Noise efficiency were 1.00, 1.03, 1.01, 0.96 and 1.00, 1.04, 1.02, 0.97 when pitch changes at the QA Phantom and AAPM Phantom. In case of X-ray tube rotation time changes, 0.99, 1.02, 1.00, 1.00, 0.99, 0.99 and 1.01, 1.01, 0.99, 1.01, 1.01, 1.01 at the QA Phantom and AAPM Phantom. We could identify 1.0 mm size of the holes all 24 images. Also, there were no significant change of SUV and all image's average SUV were 1.1. Conclusion: 1.75:1 pitch is the most effective value at the CT image evaluation according to pitch change and It doesn't affect to the spatial resolution and SUV. However, the change of rotation time doesn't affect anything. So, we recommend to use the effective pitch like 1.75:1 and adequate X-ray tube rotation time according to patient size.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.151-159
• /
• 2003

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of newly developed personal computer-based software to eliminate the linear artifacts by the metal restorations. Materials and Methods: A 3D CT image was conventionally reconstructed using ADVANTAGE WINDOWS 2.0 3D Analysis software (GE Medical System, Milwaukee, USA) and eliminated the linear artifacts manually. Next, a 3D CT image was reconstructed using V-works 4.0/sup TM/(Cybermed Inc., Seoul, Korea) and the linear artifacts eliminated manually in the axial images by a skillful operator using a personal computer. A 3D CT image was reconstructed using V-works 4.0/sup TM/(Cybermed Inc., Seoul, Korea) and the linear artifacts were removed using a simplified algorithm program to eliminate the linear artifacts automatically in the axial images using a personal computer, abbreviating the manual editing procedure. Finally, the automatically edited reconstructed 3D images were compared to the manually edited images. Results and Conclusion: We effectively eliminated the linear artifacts automatically by this algorithm, not by the manual editing procedures, in some degree. But programs based on more complicated and accurate algorithms may lead to a nearly flawless elimination of these linear artifacts automatically.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.173-178
• /
• 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiation dose for clinical PET/CT protocols in clinical environments using Alderson phantom and TLDs. Radiation doses were evaluated for both Philips GEMINI 16 slice PET/CT system and GE DSTe 16 slice PET/CT system. Specific organ doses with $^{137}Cs$ transmission scan, high quality CT scan and topogram in philips GEMINI PET/CT system were measured. Specific organ doses with CT scan for attenuation map, CT scan for diagnosis and topogram in GE DSTe PET/CT system were also measured. The organs were selected based on ICRP60 recommendation. The TLDs used for measurements were selected for within an accuracy of ${\pm}5%$ and calibrated in 10 MV X-ray radiation field. The effective doses for $^{137}Cs$ transmission scan, high qualify scan, and topogram in Philips GEMINI PET/CT system were $0.14{\pm}0.950,\;29.49{\pm}1.508\;and\;0.72{\pm}0.032mSv$ respectively. The effective doses for CT scan to make attenuation map, CT scan to diagnose and topogram in GE DSTe PET/CT system were $20.06{\pm}1.003,\;24.83{\pm}0.805\;and\;0.27{\pm}0.008mSv$ respectively. We evaluated the total effective dose by adding effective dose for PET Image. The total PET/CT doses for Philips GEMINI PET/CT (Topogram+$^{137}Cs$ transmission scan+PET, Topogram+high qualify CT+PET) and GE DSTe PET/CT (Topogram +CT for attenuation map+ PET, Topogram+diagnostic CT+ PET) are $7.65{\pm}0.951,\;37.00{\pm}1.508,\;27.12{\pm}1.003\;and\;31.89{\pm}0.805mSv$ respectively. Further study may be needed to be peformed to find optimal PET/CT acquisition protocols for reducing the patient exposure with good image qualify.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.51-55
• /
• 2012

A few high-mass X-ray binaries-consisting of an OB star plus compact companion-have been observed by Fermi and ground-based Cerenkov telescopes like High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) to be sources of very high energy (VHE; up to 30 TeV) ${\gamma}$-rays. This paper focuses on the prominent ${\gamma}$-ray source, LS 5039, which consists of a massive O6.5V star in a 3.9-day-period, mildly elliptical ($e{\approx}0.24$) orbit with its companion, assumed here to be an unmagnetized compact object (e.g., black hole). Using three dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations of the Bondi-Hoyle accretion of the O-star wind onto the companion, we find that the orbital phase variation of the accretion follows very closely the simple Bondi-Hoyle-Lyttleton (BHL) rate for the local radius and wind speed. Moreover, a simple model, wherein intrinsic emission of ${\gamma}$-rays is assumed to track this accretion rate, reproduces quite well Fermi observations of the phase variation of ${\gamma}$-rays in the energy range 0.1-10 GeV. However for the VHE (0.1-30 TeV) radiation observed by the HESS Cerenkov telescope, it is important to account also for photon-photon interactions between the ${\gamma}$-rays and the stellar optical/UV radiation, which effectively attenuates much of the strong emission near periastron. When this is included, we find that this simple BHL accretion model also quite naturally fits the HESS light curve, thus making it a strong alternative to the pulsar-wind-shock models commonly invoked to explain such VHE ${\gamma}$-ray emission in massive-star binaries.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.271-276
• /
• 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Bone Mineral Density(BMD) at mandible. So, we studied how to measure the BMD at mandible using DEXA(Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, DEXA) by Horner er al (1996) and knew reproducibility of the measurements. Thirty-five patients (13 men, 22 women, mean age : 25.4 years) were examined using the GE Lunar Prodigy Advance(LUNAR Corporation, madison, USA). They were examined in Semiprone position of their body and true lateral position of their mandible selected the Lumbar lateral mode. We used the custom mode in analysis when ROI (area $30{\times}2.5\;mm^2$). Three ROIs ($30{\times}2.5\;mm^2$, $50{\times}2.5\;mm^2$, $20{\times}2.5\;mm^2$) were located each at the two different sites of the mandible (angle of mandible and mental symphysis) and BMD was measured. Differences in BMD measurement was statistically compared according to the size and location of ROI. BMD was $1.320{\pm}0.358g/cm^3$ in men and was $1.152{\pm}0.340g/cm^3$ in women. BMD at the angle of mandible was $1.201{\pm}0.361g/cm^3$ in men and was $1.025{\pm}0.377g/cm^3$ in women. BMD of men at the mental symphysis was $1.434{\pm}0.341g/cm^3$ and that of women was $1.19{\pm}0.358g/cm^3$. With the ROI of $20{\times}2.5\;mm^2$, BMD was $1.262{\pm}0.384g/cm^3$ in men and was $1.113{\pm}0.357g/cm^3$ in women. With the ROI of $50{\times}2.5\;mm^2$, BMD of men was $1.320{\pm}0.358g/cm^3$ and that of women was $1.129{\pm}0.340g/cm^3$. There was a statistically significant difference of BMD according to the size and location of ROI. When measuring mandible BMD, there are good for increasing ROI and locate between ramus and mental symphysis. Especially following exam, refer to same size and location with fore exam. According to study which measure mandible BMD, It's correct to measure better a portion of mandible then whole of BMD. Using DEXA protocol is studied good for the additional study to compare the BMD at mandible. Later date, It will be good for measurement value in implant and bone graft quantitatively. Using DEXA method gain BMD threshold value in korean.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.8
• /
• pp.3293-3299
• /
• 2015

Background: Arm protein lost in epithelial cancers, on chromosome X (ALEX) is a novel subgroup within the armadillo (ARM) family, which has one or two ARM repeat domains as opposed to more than six-thirteen repeats in the classical Armadillo family members. Materials and Methods: In the study, we explore the biological functions of ALEX1 in breast cancer cells. Overexpression of ALEX1 and silencing of ALEX1 were performed with SK-BR3 and MCF-7 cell lines. Cell proliferation and colony formation assays, along with flow cytometry, were carried out to evaluate the roles of ALEX1. Results: ALEX1 overexpression in SK-BR3 breast cancer cells inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, depletion of ALEX1 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells increased proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. Additional analyses demonstrated that the overexpression of ALEX1 activated the intrinsic apoptosis cascades through up-regulating the expression of Bax, cytosol cytochrome c, active caspase-9 and active caspase-3 and down-regulating the levels of Bcl-2 and mitochondria cytochrome c. Simultaneouly, silencing of ALEX1 inhibited intrinsic apoptosis cascades through down-regulating the expression of Bax, cytosol cytochrome c, active caspase-9, and active caspase-3 and up-regulating the level of Bcl-2 and mitochondria cytochrome c. Conclusions: Our data suggest that ALEX1 as a crucial tumor suppressor gene has been involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis in breast cancer, which may serve as a novel candidate therapeutic target.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.49-55
• /
• 2008

This study aims to conduct the comparative analysis of the radiation dose according to before and after the calibration of the ionization chamber used for measuring radiation dose in the MDCT, as well as of $CTDI_w$ according to temperature and pressure correction factors in the CT room. A comparative analysis was conducted based on the measured MDCT (GE light speed plus 4 slice, USA) data using head and body CT dosimetric phantom, and Model 2026C electrometer (RADICAL 2026C, USA) calibrated on March 21, 2007. As a result, the $CTDI_w$ value which reflected calibration factors, as well as correction factors of temperature and pressure, was found to be the range of $0.479{\sim}3.162mGy$ in effective radiation dose than the uncorrected values. Also, under the routine abdomen routine CT image acquisition conditions used in reference hospitals, patient effective dose was measured to indicate the difference of the maximum of 0.7 mSv between before and after the application of such factors. These results imply that the calibration of the ion chamber, and the correction of temperature and pressure of the CT room are crucial in measuring and calculating patient effective dose. Thus, to measure patient radiation dose accurately, the detailed information should be made available regarding not only the temperature and pressure of the CT room, but also the humidity and recombination factor, characteristics of X-ray beam quality, exposure conditions, scan region, and so forth.

• Proceedings of the Korean Powder Metallurgy Institute Conference
• /
• 2001.11a
• /
• pp.29-29
• /
• 2001

열전재료는 열전현상을 가지고 있어 열전발전과 열선냉각이 가능하기 때분에 해저용, 우주용, 군사용의 특수 전원으로 이미 실용화되어있고, 반도체, 레이저 다이오드, 적외선 검출소자 등의 냉각기로 쓰여지고 있어 많은 연구자들이 이들 재료에 대한 연구에 관을 갖고 열전특성을 향상시키기 위하여 많은 연구를 진행하고 있다 이들 열전재료는 사용 온도구역에 따라 3종류로 구분하고 있으며, 실온부근의 저온 영역(20$0^{\circ}C$)이하에서는 $Bi_2Te_3$계 재료, 중온영역(20$0^{\circ}C$~50$0^{\circ}C$)에서sms (Pb,Ge) Te계 재료, 고온영역(50$0^{\circ}C$~lOoo$^{\circ}C$)에서는 Si-Ge계 Fe Si계 재료가 이용되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 실온에서 성능지수가 높은 Bi_2(Te,Se)_3$에 대한 연구를 진행하였다. Bi_2(Te,Se)_3$계 열전재료는 기존의 공법인 Zone melting법을 이용하는 경우 성능지수가 높으나, 단위정이 Rhombohedral 구조파 기저면(basal plane)에 벽개성이 있는 관계로 재료의 적지 않은 손실과 가공상의 어려움이 있다. 또한 사료전체에 걸쳐 화학적으로 균질한 고용체를 얻는 것도 어려운 문제점으보 부각되고 있디 따라서 이와같은 문제점을 보완하기 위하여 용질원자의 편석감소, 고용도의 증가, 균일 고용체 형성, 결정립의 미세화등의 장점이 있는 급속응고법을 본 연구에 응용하였다. 본 연구에서는 위에서와 같은 급속응고의 장점과 대량 가공이 능늪한 연간압출공정을 이용하여 제조된 분말을 성형화 하였다. 특히 열간압출 가공에 있어서 압축다이 각 변화는 재료의 소성유동에 매우 중요한 역하을 하게되며, 이와 갇은 소성유동은 본 재료의 열전특성에 중요한 영향을 미치는 C 면 배양에 중요한 역할을 한 것으 로 기대된다. 이에 본 연구에서는 압출다이 각도 변화에 따른 미세조직변화와 이들 조직이 강도와 열전특성에 미치는 영향을 석하고자 한다. 압출재의 미세조직은 XRD(X Ray Diffraction), SEM(Scanning Electron Microscopy)으로 분석하였으며, 열전특성인 Seebeck계수($\alpha$)와 전기비저항( $\rho$ )은 열전측정장치로, 기계적 강도는 MTS장비를 이용하여 이루어졌다. 또한 압축다이각도 변화에 따른 결정방위 해석은 모노크로미터가 장착된 X RD장비감 이용하여 분석되었다.