• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.134-138
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• 2007

The current PET/CT system with high quality CT images not only increases diagnostic value by providing anatomic localization, but also shortens the acquisition time for attenuation correction than primary PET system. All commercially available PET/CT system uses the CT scan for attenuation correction instead of the transmission scan using radioactive source such as $^{137}Cs,\;^{68}Ge$. However the CT scan may substantially increase the patient dose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality of PET images reconstructed by CT attenuation map using various tube currents. in this study, images were acquired for 3D Hoffman brain phantom and cylindrical phantom using GE DSTe PET/CT system. The emission data were acquired for 10 min using phantoms after injecting 44.03 MBq of $^{18}F-FDG$. The CT images for attenuation map were acquired by changing tube current from 10 mA to 95 mA with fixed exposure time of 8 sec and fixed tube voltage of 140 kVp. The PET images were reconstructed using these CT attenuation maps. Image quality of CT images was evaluated by measuring SD (standard deviation) of cylindrical phantom which was filled with water and $^{18}F-FDG$ solution. The PET images were evaluated by measuring the activity ratio between gray matter and white matter in Hoffman phantom images. SDs of CT images decrease by increasing tube current. When PET images were reconstructed using CT attenuation maps with various tube currents, the activity ratios between gray matter and white matter of PET images were almost same. These results indicated that the quality of the PET images using low dose CT data were comparable to the PET images using general dose CT data. Therefore, the use of low dose CT is recommended than the use of general dose CT, when the diagnostic high quality CT is not required. Further studies may need to be performed for other system, since this study is limited to the GE DSTe system used in this study.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.118-125
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• 2007

In this study we estimated a geometric correlation among digitally reconstructed radiographic image (DRRI), kV x-ray image (kVXI) from the On-Board Imager (OBI) and electric portal image (EPI). To verify geometric correspondence of DRRI, kVXI and EPI, specially designed phantom with indexed 6 ball bearings (BBs) were employed. After accurate setup of the phantom on a treatment couch using orthogonal EPIs, we acquired set of orthogonal kVXIs and EPIs then compared the absolute positions of the center of the BBs calculated at each phantom plane for kVXI and EPI respectively. We also checked matching result for obliquely incident beam (gantry angle of $315^{\circ}$) after 2D-2D matching provided by OBI application. A reference EPI obtained after initial setup of the phantom was compared with 10 series of EPIs acquired after each 2D-2D matching. Imaginary setup errors were generated from -5 mm to 5 mm at each couch motion direction. Calculated positions of all center positions of the BBs at three different images were agreed with the actual points within a millimeter and each other. Calculated center positions of the BBs from the reference and obtained EPIs after 2D-2D matching agreed within a millimeter. We could tentatively conclude that the OBI system was mechanically quite reliable for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) purpose.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.216-224
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• 2009

$^{131}I$ is a radiological isotope being used widely for treatment of cancer as emitting gamma-ray and it is also applied to estimate the function of thyroid for its accumulation in thyroid. However, $^{131}I$ is more difficult to quantitate comapred to $^{99m}Tc$, because $^{131}I$ has multiple energy gamma-ray emissions compared to $^{99m}Tc$ which is a mono energetic gamma-ray source. Especially, scattered ray and septal penetration resulted by high energy gamma ray have a bad influence upon nuclear medicine image. The purpose of this study was to estimate scatter components depending on the different source locations within a phantom using Monte Carlo simulation (GATE). The simulation results were validated by comparing with the results of real experiments. Dual-head gamma camera (ECAM, Chicago, Illinois Siemens) with high energy, general-purpose, and parallel hole collimators (hole radius: 0.17 cm, septal thickness: 0.2 cm, length: 5.08 cm) was used in this experiment. The NaI crystal is $44.5{\times}59.1\;cm$ in height and width and 0.95 cm in thickness. The diameter and height of PMMA phantom were 16 cm and 15 cm, respectively. The images were acquired at 5 different locations of $^{131}I$ point source within the phantom and the images of $^{99m}Tc$ were also acquired for comparison purpose with low energy source. The simulation results indicated that the scattering was influenced by the location of source within a phantom. The scattering effects showed the same tendency in both simulation and actual experiment, and the results showed that the simulation was very adequate for further studies. The results supported that the simulation techniques may be used to generalize the scattering effects as a function of a point source location within a phantom.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2002

Purpose : Hippocampal atrophy is one of the characteristic pathologic findings of hippocampal sclerosis, for which MR imaging of the hippocampus is essential in the evaluation of hippocampal sclerosis. The purpose of this study is to present the normal MR volumetric data of the hippocampus in normal adult Korean and to compare those with MR volumetric data of hippocampus in patients with hippocampal s-clerosis, providing the diagnostic volume criteria of the hippocampal atrophy. Materials and methods : MR volumetry was performed in 30 normal adults and 28 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy whose final diagnosis was hippocampal sclerosis. The volumetric data were compared between sexes, right and left sides, and normal and abnormal hippocampus, and the volume criteria for the diagnosis of hippocampal atrophy was determined. Results : The mean $volumes({\pm}standard$ deviation) of normal Korean adult were $2.20{\pm}0.73\textrm{cm}^3$ (right) and $2.17{\pm}0.72\textrm{cm}^3$ (left) in male and $2.27{\pm}0.47{\;}\textrm{cm}^3$ (right) and $2.23{\pm}0.48\textrm{cm}^3$ (left) in female. The mean right-left differences were $0.14{\pm}0.11\textrm{cm}^3$ and $0.19{\pm}0.13\textrm{cm}^3$ in male and female, respectively. The MR volumetry showed no significant statistical differences between sexes and between right and left. The mean volume and standard deviation of the hippocampus in hippocampal sclerosis patients was $1.46{\pm}0.60{\;}\textrm{cm}^3$, and the right-left difference was $0.51{\pm}0.41\textrm{cm}^3$, In comparison of two volume distributions between normal adult group and hippocampal sclerosis patients group, the reasonable diagnostic volume criteria was $0.4{\;}\textrm{cm}^3$ as right-left volume difference, in which the sensitivity and specificity are 0.61 and 0.90. In all patients with right-left volume difference more than $0.4{\;}\textrm{cm}^3$, visual determination of unilateral hippocampal atrophy was possible. Conclusion : The MR-based hippocampal volumetry is a useful add-on of visual MR diagnosis, only when visual diagnosis of hippocampal sclerosis is difficult.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2001

Purpose : To evaluate changes in rabbit liver parenchyma on MR images following percutaneous Holmium-166 injection, and to correlate those changes with histologic findings. Materials and methods. Holmium-166 (10-25 mCi) was percutaneously injected into the liver of rabbit (n=12) under sonographic guidance. MR images were obtained between one to two weeks (acute phasea) after the injection in four rabbits, and between two to four weeks (subacute phase) after the injection in four rabbits. Tissue specimens of these eight rabbits were obtained immediately after MR imaging. Tissue specimens were obtained without MR imaging in four rabbits (between one to two weeks in one rabbit and between three to four weeks in three rabbits). Results : Tissue specimens showed central liquefactive necrosis and peripheral coagulative necrosis containing deposition of small particles and hemorrhage. The peripheral margin of the lesions showed formation of the granulation tissue with fibrosis, which tended to be more prominent in subacute phase. The area of the necrosis tended to correlate with the dose of the radioactive Holmium-166. On MR images, the central portion of the necrosis showed hyperintensity on 72-weighted image, hypointensity on the precontrast T1-weighted images, and no enhancement on the dynamic MR images. The peripheral portion of the necrosis showed hypointensity on T2-weighted images, iso or mild hypointensity on the T1-weighted images, and mild peripheral enhancement on the delayed dynamic MR images. The peripheral margin of the lesion showed hypointensity on both T1- and T1-weighted images with increased enhancement on the delayed phase images of the dynamic MR images. Conclusion : After percutaneous Holmium-166 injection into rabbit liver parenchyma, the central portion showed liquefactive necrosis, the peripheral portion showed coagulative necrosis with granulation, fibrosis, hemorrhage and depostition of small granules. MR imaging may be helpful in evaluation of the histological change of the liver after percutaneous Holmium-166 treatment.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.28-32
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• 2006

Purpose: Conventional chest X-ray and pulmonary function test cannot sensitively detect inhalation injury. Bronchoscopy is known to be the gold standard but it is invasive method. We evaluated whether lung inhalation/perfusion scans can sensitively detect inhalation injury of fire victims. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients (male 9, female 10, mean age 31.6 yr) of fire victims were enrolled in this study. Inhalation lung scan was performed 2 days later after inhalation injury with $^{99m}Tc$-technegas. Perfusion lung scan was performed 4 days later with $^{99m}Tc$- MAA (macroaggregated albumin). Follow up lung scans were performed 16 and 18 days later for each. Chest X-ray was performed in all patients and bronchoscopy was performed in 17 of 19 patients at the same period. Pulmonary function test was performed in 9 patients. Results: Four of 19 patients showed inhalation and perfusion defects and one showed inhalation defect but, normal perfusion scan findings. These five patients with abnormal scan findings showed abnormal bronchoscopic findings and severe respiratory symptoms. On chest X-ray, 2 of them had pulmonary tuberculosis and one of them showed pulmonary congestion. FEV1 /FVC was abnormal in 3 patients. On the follow up scan, all patients with abnormal initial scan findings showed improved findings and they had improved clinical state. Conclusion: Inhalation/perfusion lung scans can detect inhalation burn injury noninvasively in early stage and may be useful in therapeutic decision making and follow up of patients.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.194-200
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• 2007

Purpose: $^{13}N$-ammonia is a well known radiopharmaceutical for the measurement of a myocardial blood flow (MBF) non-invasively using PET-CT. In this study, we investigated a correlation between MBF obtained from dynamic imaging and myocardial perfusion score (MPS) obtained from static imaging for usefulness of cardiac PET study. Methods: Twelve patients (11 males, 1 female, $57.9{\pm}8.6$ years old) with suspicious coronary artery disease underwent PET-CT scan. Dynamic scans (6 min: $5\;sec\;{\times}\;12,\;10\;sec\;{\times}\;6,\;20\;sec\;{\times}\;3,\;and\;30\;sec\;{\times}\;6$) were initiated simultaneously with bolus injection of 11 MBq/kg $^{13}N-ammonia$ to acquire rest and stress image. Gating image was acquired during 13 minutes continuously. Nine-segment model (4 basal walls, 4 mid walls, and apex) was used for a measurement of MBF. Time activity curve of input function and myocardium was extracted from ROI methods in 9 regions for quantification. The MPS were evaluated using quantitative analysis software. To compare between 20-segment model and 9-segment model, 6 basal segments were excluded and averaged segmental scores were used. Results: There are weak correlation between MBF (rest, 0.18-2.38 ml/min/g; stress, 0.40-4.95 ml/min/g) and MPS (rest 22-91%, stress, 14-90%), however the correlation coefficient between corrected MBF and MPS in rest state was higher than stress state (rest r=0.59; stress r=0.80). As a thickening increased, correlation between MBF and MPS also showed good correlation at each segments. Conclusions: Corrected and translated MPS as its characteristics using $^{13}N$-ammonia showed good correlation with absolute MBF measured by dynamic image in this study. Therefore, we showed MPS is one of good indices which reflect MBF. We anticipate PET-CT could be used as useful tool for evaluation of myocardial function in nuclear cardiac study.

• Archives of design research
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.201-210
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• 2003

The world is preparing another unseen war, that is, the cultural war of digital economy which will dominate the new millenium. As the “contents”, which are composed of various ingredients of media, gain vitality, the developed nations are in preparation of the war with the “cultural industry” weapons. The digital economic experts say that the left out nations will become economic colony in the new millenium age. The most important characteristics of cultural industry is the unity of creativity and culture which is all the more improved on the basis of the culture created upon knowledge. This leads to competition between nations or regions, and to survive one has to develop the industrial structure through cognition of its own cultural value. Furthermore, it is not a short-term development and investment of cultural products but a study on the method to graft the cultural value to the industry itself. The multi-media period does not accept an independent medium, and the contents products are becoming the leading industry since il is proved that they last semi-permanently in the digital world. The victory lies in the quality and quantity of the contents as the high ability and variety of the technology of media advance in accordance to the market principles. Since the culture, science and economy are becoming one complex structure, all nations of the world are trying the evolve a unique design of their on culture on the basis of the global universality. In consequence, we should excavate a uniqueness from our cultural heritage and develop into a korean design which will be recognized in the world market. The value of our cultural property should not only be used as academic and research purposes but should be re-evaluated with modem view, recognized as the core element that decides the quality of life and developed into exclusive designs. The korean designs represent the mould concept of our people which evolves from the mould or shape alphabet of Korea To meet the requirements of the changing world and in preparation of the cultural competitive age, it is never too early to make a data on the korean designs through their analysis and evaluation.

• Archives of design research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.335-350
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• 2004

Design takes concrete form from the things which are not yet exist to the molded reality. Creation of value which is accompanied by the rational value could be possible only through the searching examination of the basic concept. All designs are under circumstances because the results and the character of the problems are different under the given conditions and circumstances which are the characteristic of the design. The aim of this study is searching for the differential design conce- pt which is the most appropriate and reasonable in the basic design process in which the phase of the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the problem. First of all the pursuit value of the times and the change of the view point of value of the product design. How the pursuit value of times were searched and analyzed. Analyze the successful product design realization of the typical trend of the modern design which are 3-2. function-focused design, 3-3. emotion-centered design, 3-4. image communicative design through the metaphor, 3-5. environmental affinity design. On the base of the case analysis how to apply the differential design concept which is coming as a trend in the future society which are sustainable developing society was examined closely. The outcome through the analysis of the success cases are as follows, \circled1 the value of the spirit of the times should be emphasized as the design image, \circled2 environmental appropriateness should be taken into consideration as the first primary factor, \circled3 the realization of value of the fulfillment of differential consumer's needs, \circled4 lead to prolong the life cycle of the product, \circled5 promote the sustaining growth of enterprise, \circled6 user-centered product value should be the first consideration. \circled7 It is necessary to overcome the cultural andinguistic barriers and to reflect the metaphor which people remember well. \circled8 The application of human's true character should be decided beforehand. It is the commonness of values of times and customs. \circled9 The differentiated design concept which meets our mental satisfaction, not material one, will be required. In addition to this the creative and differentiated design concepts which are accompanied by the good design factor under the base of product could achieve the emotional consensus from the consumers. That is, the value of all designs should be estimated by the base of the humanism ' The human beings are the barometer of all things".ngs".uot;.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2009

A officinal mushroom, Phellinus linteus (PL) has been known to exhibit potent biological activities including antioxidative and anticancer effect. PL is consumed as a type of powder or extract for the purpose of health promotion and disease treatment. Recently superfine PL products was commercialized according to the development of pulverizing technology such as nanomill, so the evaluation of food safety is suggested. This study was conducted to evaluate the food safety of superfine PL (SPL) through hematological, biochemical and histological examination in mice as compared with fine PL (FPL). In the particle size distribution in volume after nanomill processing, the mean diameter of SPL and FPL particles was 11.78 ${\mu}m$ and 216.1 ${\mu}m$, and d (0.5), the particle diameter measured at 50% of distribution was 5.5 ${\mu}m$ and 147.9 ${\mu}m$, respectively. As the result of body weight, food intake and the weight of organs, SPL group didn't show any statistical difference compared with FPL group and normal group (N). Hematological and biochemical values were also involved in the normal range, although ALT (N vs. FPL, P<0.001) and BUN (N vs. FPL, P<0.01; N vs. SPL, P<0.01) showed significance compared with N group but there are no significance between FPL and SPL group. In the result of histological examination with liver, kidney, spleen, and small and large intestine, abnormal findings such as inflammatory reaction and histological changes were not observed. Our results suggest that the oral intake of SPL diet is not harmful to the animal in the hematological, biochemical and histological aspects although particle size was reduced to the level of superfine. However, further study will be necessary to confirm the histological safety in relation to the gastrointestinal contact of superfine particles in the case of large amount and long-term intake.