• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.11-16
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• 2004

Classification of esophageal motility disorders not yet finalized and is still ongoing as the new disorders are reported, and the existing classification is changed or removed. In terms of radiology, the primary peristalsis does not exist, and the lower end of the esophagus show the smooth, tapered, beak-like appearance. The esophageal motility disorder, which mostly occurs in the smooth muscle area, show the symptoms of reduction or loss (hypomotility) or abnormal increase (hypermotility) of peristalsis of the esophagus. It is important to understand the anatomy and physiology of the esophagus for the appropriate radiological method and diagnosis. Furthermore, the symptom of the patient and the manometry finding must be closely referred for the radiological diagnosis. The lower esophageal sphincter can be normally functioning and open completely as the food moves lower. Sperandio M et al. argues that the name diffuse esophageal spasm must be changed to distal esophageal spasm (DES) as most of the spasm occurs in the distal esophagus, composed of the smooth muscle. According to Ott et al., usefulness of barium method for diagnosing the esophageal motility disorder is Achalasia 95%, DES 71% and NEMD 46%, with the overall sensitivity of 56%. However, excluding the nutcracker esophagus or nonspecific disorder which cannot be diagnosed with the radiological methods, the sensitivity increases to 89%. Using videofluoroscopy and 5 time swallows, the average sensitivity was over 90%. In conclusion, the barium method is a simple primary testing method for esophageal motility test. Using not only the image but also the videofluoroscopy with good knowledge of the anatomy and physiology, it is believed that the method will yield the accurate diagnosis.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.403-410
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the problems of a signal to noise ratio measurement using a two region measurement method that is conventionally used when using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique. As a research method, after calculating the standard SNR using a single channel head coil of which coil satisfies three preconditions when using a two region measurement method, we made comparisons and evaluations after calculating an SNR by using a two region measurement method of which method is problematic because it is used without considering the methods recommended by reputable organizations and the preconditions at the time of using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique. We found that a two region measurement method using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique shows the highest relative standard deviation, and thus shows a low degree of precision. In addition, we found out that the difference of SNR according to ROI location was very high, and thus a spatial noise distribution was not uniform. Also, 95% confidence interval through Blend-Altman plot is the widest, and thus the conformity degree with a two region measurement method using the standard single channel head coil is low. By directly comparing an AAPM method, which serves as a standard of a performance evaluation test of a magnetic resonance imaging device under the same image acquisition conditions, an NEMA method which can accurately determine the noise level in a signal region and the methods recommended by manufacturers of a magnetic resonance imaging device, there is a significance in that we quantitatively verified the inaccurate problems of a signal to noise ratio using a two region measurement method when using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique of which method does not satisfy the preconditions that researchers could overlook.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.451-461
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• 2015

In megavoltage (MV) radiotherapy, delivering the dose to the target volume is important while protecting the surrounding normal tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the modulation transfer function (MTF), the noise power spectrum (NPS), and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) using an edge block in megavoltage X-ray imaging (MVI). We used an edge block, which consists of tungsten with dimensions of 19 (thickness) ${\times}$ 10 (length) ${\times}$ 1 (width) $cm^3$ and measured the pre-sampling MTF at 6 MV energy. Various radiation therapy (RT) devices such as TrueBeam$^{TM}$ (Varian), BEAMVIEW$^{PLUS}$ (Siemens), iViewGT (Elekta) and Clinac$^{(R)}$iX (Varian) were used. As for MTF results, TrueBeam$^{TM}$(Varian) flattening filter free(FFF) showed the highest values of $0.46mm^{-1}$ and $1.40mm^{-1}$ for MTF 0.5 and 0.1. In NPS, iViewGT (Elekta) showed the lowest noise distribution. In DQE, iViewGT (Elekta) showed the best efficiency at a peak DQE and $1mm^{-1}DQE$ of 0.0026 and 0.00014, respectively. This study could be used not only for traditional QA imaging but also for quantitative MTF, NPS, and DQE measurement for development of an electronic portal imaging device (EPID).

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.449-459
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• 2015

The conventional National Forest Inventory(NFI)-based forest carbon stock estimation method is suitable for national-scale estimation, but is not for regional-scale estimation due to the lack of NFI plots. In this study, for the purpose of regional-scale carbon stock estimation, we created grid-based forest carbon stock maps using spatial ancillary data and two types of up-scaling methods. Chungnam province was chosen to represent the study area and for which the $5^{th}$ NFI (2006~2009) data was collected. The first method (method 1) selects forest type map as ancillary data and uses regression model for forest carbon stock estimation, whereas the second method (method 2) uses satellite imagery and k-Nearest Neighbor(k-NN) algorithm. Additionally, in order to consider uncertainty effects, the final AGB carbon stock maps were generated by performing 200 iterative processes with Monte Carlo simulation. As a result, compared to the NFI-based estimation(21,136,911 tonC), the total carbon stock was over-estimated by method 1(22,948,151 tonC), but was under-estimated by method 2(19,750,315 tonC). In the paired T-test with 186 independent data, the average carbon stock estimation by the NFI-based method was statistically different from method2(p<0.01), but was not different from method1(p>0.01). In particular, by means of Monte Carlo simulation, it was found that the smoothing effect of k-NN algorithm and mis-registration error between NFI plots and satellite image can lead to large uncertainty in carbon stock estimation. Although method 1 was found suitable for carbon stock estimation of forest stands that feature heterogeneous trees in Korea, satellite-based method is still in demand to provide periodic estimates of un-investigated, large forest area. In these respects, future work will focus on spatial and temporal extent of study area and robust carbon stock estimation with various satellite images and estimation methods.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.403-409
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• 1995

Purpose : Authors tried to enhance the safety and accuracy of radiosurgery by verifying stereotacitc target point in actual treatment position prior to irradiation. Materials and Methods : Before the actual treatment, several sections of anthropomorphic head phantom were used to create a condition of unknown coordinates of the target point. A film was sandwitched between the phantom sections and punctured by sharp needle tip. The tip of the needle represented the target point. The head phantom was fixed to the stereotactic ring and CT scan was done with CT localizer attached to the ring. After the CT scanning, the stereotactic coordinates of the target point were determined. The head phantom was secured to accelerator's treatment couch and the movement of laser isocenter to the stereotactic coordinates determined by CT scanning was performed using target positioner. Accelerator's anteroposterior and lateral portal films were taken using angiographic localizers. The stereotactic coordinates determined by analysis of portal films were compared with the stereotactic coordinates previously determined by CT scanning. Following the correction of discrepancy the head phantom was irradiated using a stereotactic technique of several arcs. After the irradiation, the film which was sandwitched between the phantom sections was developed and the degree of coincidence between the center of the radiation distribution with the target point represented by the hole in the film was measured. In the treatment of the actual patients, the way of determining the stereotactic coordinates with CT localizers and angiograuhic localizers was the same as the phantom study. After the correction of the discrepancy between two sets of coordinates, we proceeded to the irradiation of the actual patient. Results : In the phantom study, the agreement between the center of the radiation distribution and the localized target point was very good. By measuring optical density profiles of the sandwitched film along axes that intersected the target point, authors could confirm the discrepancy was 0.3 mm. In the treatment of an actual patient, the discrepancy between the stereotactic coordinates with CT localizers and angiographic localizers was 0.6 mm. Conclusion : By verifying stereotactic target point in actual treatment position prior to irradiation, the accuracy and safety of streotactic radiosurgery procedure were established.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.134-144
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: Immobilization devices that improve the setup reproducibility of pelvic cancer patients and that provide comfort to patients during radiotherapy were designed and the feasibility of the devices was evaluated. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: A customized device was designed to immobilize a knee, thigh, and foot of a patient. Sixty-one patients with prostate cancer were selected and were divided into two groups-with or without devices. The setup errors were measured with respect to bony landmarks. The difference between digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) and simulation films, and the differences between DRR and portal films were measured. $\underline{Results}$: The left-right (LR), anterior-posterior (AP) and craniocaudal (CC) errors between the DRR and simulation films were $1.5{\pm}0.9\;mm$, $3.0{\pm}3.6\;mm$, and $1.6{\pm}0.9\;mm$, respectively without devices. The errors were reduced to $1.3{\pm}1.9\;mm$, $1.8{\pm}1.5\;mm$ and $1.1{\pm}1.1\;mm$, respectively with the devices. The errors between DRR and portal films were $1.6{\pm}1.2\;mm$, $4.0{\pm}4.1\;mm$, and $4.2{\pm}5.5\;mm$, respectively without the devices and were reduced to $1.0{\pm}1.8\;mm$, $1.2{\pm}0.9\;mm$, and $1.2{\pm}0.8\;mm$, respectively, with the devices. The standard deviations among the portal films were 1.1 mm, 2.1 mm, and 1.0 mm at each axis without the devices and 0.9 mm, 1.6 mm and 0.8 mm with the devices. The percentage of setup errors larger than 3 mm and 5 mm were significantly reduced by use of the immobilization devices. $\underline{Conclusion}$: The designed devices improved the setup reproducibility for all three directions and significantly reduced critical setup errors.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.447-454
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• 2012

To examine the performance of a diagnostic X-ray system, we tested a linearity, reproducibility, and Half Value Layer(HVL). The linearity was examined 4 times of irradiation with a given condition, and we recorded a level of radiation. We then calculated the mR/mAs. And the measured value should not be more than 0.1. If the measured value was more than 0.1, we could know that the linearity was decreased. The reproducibility was analyzed 10 times of irradiations at 80kVp, 200mA, 20mAs and 120kVp, 300mA, 8mAs. The values from these analyses were integrated into CV equation, and we could get outputs. The reproducibility was good if the output was lower than 0.05. HVL was measured 3 times of irradiation without a filter, and we inserted additional HLV filters with 0, 1, 2, 4 mm of thickness. We tested the values until we get the measured value less than a half of the value measured without additional filter. We tested the linearity, the reproducibility, and HVL of 5 diagnostic X-ray generators in this facilities. The linearity of No. 1 and No. 5 generator didn't satisfy the standard for radiation safety around 300mA~400mA and 100mA~200mA, respectively. HVL of No.1 generator was not satisfied at 80kVp. The outputs were higher in the three-phase equipment than the single-phase equipment. The old generators need to maintain and exchange of components based on the these results. Then, we could contribute to getting more exact diagnosis increasing a quality of the image and decreasing an expose dose of radiation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.455-464
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• 2012

This study suggested evaluation of approximately exposure to low-dose ionization radiation from medical images using a computed radiography (CR) system in standard X-ray examination and experimental model can compare diagnostic reference level (DRL) will suggest on optimization condition of guard about medical radiation of low dose space. Entrance surface dose (ESD) cross-measuring by standard dosimeter and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) in experiment condition about tube voltage and current of X-ray generator. Also, Hounsfield unit (HU) scale measured about each experiment condition in CR system and after character relationship table and graph tabulate about ESD and HU scale, approximately radiation dose about head, neck, thoracic, abdomen, and pelvis draw a measurement. In result measuring head, neck, thoracic, abdomen, and pelvis, average of ESD is 2.10, 2.01, 1.13, 2.97, and 1.95 mGy, respectively. HU scale is $3,276{\pm}3.72$, $3,217{\pm}2.93$, $2,768{\pm}3.13$, $3,782{\pm}5.19$, and $2,318{\pm}4.64$, respectively, in CR image. At this moment, using characteristic relationship table and graph, ESD measured approximately 2.16, 2.06, 1.19, 3.05, and 2.07 mGy, respectively. Average error of measuring value and ESD measured approximately smaller than 3%, this have credibility cover all the bases radiology area of measurement 5%. In its final analysis, this study suggest new experimental model approximately can assess radiation dose of patient in standard X-ray examination and can apply to CR examination, digital radiography and even film-cassette system.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.241-248
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• 2014

The purpose of this study were to analyze the clinical correlation between the thyroid autoimmune antibodies (anti-TPO Ab, anti-TG Ab, and TSH) and the maximum standardized uptake value ($SUV_{max}$) base on the Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the Graves' disease in diffusely $^{18}F-FDG$ uptake of the thyroid gland to the PET/CT image. To achieve this, we was performed the PET/CT examination for the 1,097 subjects from May 2010 to April 2013 in the health screening, and was detected the diffused FDG thyroid uptake, and was additionally performed the thyroid function test (TFT) and the ultrasound (US). As a results, the autoimmune thyroid disease with the diffused FDG thyroid uptake were discovered 39 patients (3.9%), of this, the Hashimoto's thyroiditis was 43.6% and the Graves' disease was 23.1%. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was shown the positive reaction of high titer between the anti-TPO Ab and the anti-TG Ab level, and the correlation coefficient between the $SUV_{max}$ and the anti-TPO Ab was a statistically significant (r>04, p<0.05). Also, Graves' disease was shown the positive reaction of high titer most of the thyroid autoimmune antibodies, and the correlation coefficient between the $SUV_{max}$ and the anti-TPO Ab was a statistically significant (r>05, p<0.01). Therefor, when have a high standard of the $SUV_{max}$ due to the diffusely $^{18}F-FDG$ uptake of the thyroid gland, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease were proportionally increased the anti-TPO Ab and TSH level, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the $SUV_{max}$ and the thyroid autoimmune antibodies will be the most influential criterion that was a standard of judgment for the epihpenomenon of the autoimmune thyroid disease, and it will be available for the clinical application.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.177-181
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• 2002

Background: Follow-up studies have shown that although outcomes have improved substantially over time, results of the Fontan operation and its modifications remain suboptimal. In this study, we reviewed our experience with the extracardiac conduit Fontan operation, with a focus early and midterm change of internal diameter of PTFE conduit. Material and Method: Between April 1997 and July 2000 were reviewed. Twelve patients (M:6, F:6, mean age 42.04 $\pm$ 12.43months, mean body weight 13.80$\pm$ 1.94kg) underwent extracardiac conduit Fontan operation with expanded PTFE graft. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 109.7$\pm$26.99minute and mean operation time was 455$\pm$89.51minute. Intraoperative fenestration was performed in 10 patients. The aortic cross clamping was not performed in all patients. Result: There was no early deaths and no postoperative dysrhythmia. Postoperative protein losing enteropathy and prolonged pleural effusion occurred in 1(8.3%) and 4 patients(33.3%). Conduit patency was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging studies. A 9.84$\pm$3.84% mean reduction in conduit internal diameter and there was no statistical correlation between the change of internal diameter of conduit and the postoperative duration after partial correlation analysis(r=0.019, p=0.955). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the extracardiac conduit Fontan operation provies good early and midterm results and may reduce the prevalence of late arrhythmia. And there is no correlation between the change of internal diameter of conduit and the postoperative duration after extracardiac conduit Fontan operation with the expanded PTFE graft conduit.