• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was designed to optimize the flip angle (FA) and scan timing of the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) using the 3D T1-weighted, gradient-echo (GRE) imaging with controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA) technique on gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T liver MR imaging. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two patients who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T liver MR imaging were included in this study. Four 3D T1-weighted GRE imaging studies using the CAIPIRINHA technique and FAs of $9^{\circ}$ and $13^{\circ}$ were acquired during HBP at 15 and 20 min after intravenous injection of gadoxetic acid. Two abdominal radiologists, who were blinded to the FA and the timing of image acquisition, assessed the sharpness of liver edge, hepatic vessel clarity, lesion conspicuity, artifact severity, and overall image quality using a five-point scale. Quantitative analysis was performed by another radiologist to estimate the relative liver enhancement (RLE) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The scores of the HBP with an FA of $13^{\circ}$ during the same delayed time were significantly higher than those of the HBP with an FA of $9^{\circ}$ in all the assessment items (P < 0.01). In terms of the delay time, images at the same FA obtained with a 20-min-HBP showed better quality than those obtained with a 15-min-HBP. There was no significant difference in qualitative scores between the 20-min-HBP and the 15-min-HBP images in the non-liver cirrhosis (LC) group except for the hepatic vessel clarity score with $9^{\circ}$ FA. In the quantitative analysis, a statistically significant difference was found in the degree of RLE in the four HBP images (P = 0.012). However, in the subgroup analysis, no significant difference in RLE was found in the four HBP images in either the LC or the non-LC groups. The SNR did not differ significantly in the four HBP images. In the subgroup analysis, 20-min-HBP imaging with a $13^{\circ}$ FA showed the highest SNR value in the LC-group, whereas 15-min-HBP imaging with a $13^{\circ}$ FA showed the best value of SNR in the non-LC group. Conclusion: The use of a moderately high FA improves the image quality and lesion conspicuity on 3D, T1-weighted GRE imaging using the CAIPIRINHA technique on gadoxetic acid, 3T liver MR imaging. In patients with normal liver function, the 15-min-HBP with a $13^{\circ}$ FA represents a feasible option without a significant decrease in image quality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2015

Quantitative analysis of MR spectrum depending on mole concentration of the contrast media in cereberal metabolite phantom was performed. PRESS pulse sequence was used to obtain MR spectrum at 3.0T MRI system (Archieva, Philips Healthcare, Best, Netherland), and the phantom contains brain metabolites such as N-Acetyl Asparatate (NAA), Choline (Cho), Creatine (Cr) and Lactate (Lac). In this study, optimization of MRS PRESS pulse sequency depending on the concentration of contrast media (0, 0.1 and $0.3mmol/{\ell}$) was evaluated for various repetition time(TR; 1500, 1700 and 2000 ms). In control (cotrast-media-free) group, NAA and Cho signals were the highest at TR 2000 ms than at 1700 and 1500 ms. Cr had the highest peak signal at TR 1500 ms. When concentration of contrast media was $0.1mmol/{\ell}$, the metabolites were increased NAA 73%, Cho 249%, Cr 37% at TR 1700 ms compared with other TR, and also signal increased at $0.3mmol/{\ell}$, In $0.5mmol/{\ell}$ of contrast agent, cerebral metabolite peaks reduced, especially when TR 1500 ms and 2000 ms they decreased below those of control group. The ratio of metabolite peaks such as NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr decreased as the concentration of the contrast agent increased from 0.1 to $0.5mmol/{\ell}$. Authors found that the optimization of PRESS sequence for 0.3T MRS was as follows: low density of contrast agent ($0.1mmol/{\ell}$ and $0.3mmol/{\ell}$) made the highest signal intensity, while high density of contrast agent reveals the least reduction of signal intensity at 1700 ms. In conclusion, authors believe that it is helpful to reduce TR for acquiring maximum signal intensity.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.62-66
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• 2000

Annealing cycle number and nonmagnetic layer thickness dependences of interlayer coupling field ( $H_{inf}$ ) and coercivity ( $H_{cf}$ ) of free magnetic layer on NiMn alloy-spin valve films (SVF) were investigated. The SVF is Glass (7059)/N $i_{81}$F $e_{l9}$(70 $\AA$)/Co(10 $\AA$)/Cu(t $\AA$)/Co(15 $\AA$)N $i_{81}$$Fe_{19}$(35 $\AA$)/N $i_{25}$M $n_{75}$(250 $\AA$)Ta(50 $\AA$) films, it were fabricated using the dc sputtering method at different pinning layer thickness and nonmagnetic spacer thickness (Cu thickness; 30 $\AA$, 35 $\AA$, 40 $\AA$) of NiMn alloy with 25 at.%. Ni In case that Cu thickness of SVF is 35 $\AA$ and peak exchange coupling field ( $H_{ex}$) was 620 Oe, while coercivity $H_{c}$ = 280 Oe and MR ratio showed 2.5%. As for $H_{inf}$ and $H_{cf}$ , every SVF increased up to the stabilized values with the increase of annealing cycle number 15, which were $H_{inf}$ of 120 Oe and $H_{cf}$ of 75 Oe. The increase of $H_{cf}$ with the annealing cycle number seems to be caused by the effective reduction of Cu layer thickness due to the increase of interfacial mixing of Cu layer and Co layer. In addition, the $H_{inf}$ and $H_{cf}$ dependences of free NiFe layer by the interfacial mixing effect were appeared the different aspects when Cu layer becomes more thinner and thicker than Cu layer thickness of 35 $\AA$, respectively.ively....

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2007

Purpose : The purpose of this study was a phantom study to measure the diffusion properties of water molecules by steady-state free precession diffusion-weighted imaging (SSFP- DWI) with a low b-value and to determine if this sequence might be useful for application to the evaluation of bone marrow pathology. Materials and methods : 1. The phantom study: A phantom study using two diffusion weighted sequences for the evaluation of the diffusion coefficient was performed. Three water-containing cylinders at different temperatures were designed: phantom A was $3^{\circ}C$, B was $23^{\circ}C$ and C was $63^{\circ}C$. Both SSFP and echo planar imaging (EPI) sequences (b-value: $1000s/mm^2$) were performed for comparison of the diffusion properties. The Signal to noise ratios (SNR) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the three phantoms using each diffusion-weighted sequence were assessed. 2. The Clinical study: SSFP-DWI was performed in 28 patients [sacral insufficiency fractures (10), osteoporotic lumbar compression fractures (10), malignant compression fractures (8)]. To measure the ADC maps, a diffusion-weighted single shot stimulated echo-acquisition mode sequence ($650s/mm^2$) was obtained using the same 1.5-T MR imager Results : For the phantom study, the signal intensity on the SSFP as well as the classic EPI-based DWI was decreased as the temperature increased in phantom A to C. The ADC values of the phantoms on EPI-DWI were $0.13{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/s$ in phantom A, $0.22{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/s$ in B and $0.37{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/s$. in C. The SSFP can be regarded as a DWI sequence in view of the series of signal decreases. Conclusion : Bone marrow pathologies with different diffusion coefficients were evaluated by SSFP-DWI. All benign fractures were hypointense compared to the adjacent normal bone marrow where as the malignant fractures were hyperintense compared to the adjacent normal bone marrow.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 2000

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of cerebral blood flow measurement applied to perfusion weighted image with short-scan time single shot gradient echo-planar technique in measuring cerebral blood volume(rCBV) of normal rabbits. Materials and methods : With 2.1-3.6 kg weighted rabbits, image is acquired when they are in supine position in children positioner. Perfusion weighted image is acquired to 44 seconds per 1 second successively. After 4 seconds later, Gd-DTPA 2ml are injected into int. jugular vein with 2 ml per second and normal saline is also injected after that. Same technique is applied 2 times per 30 minites in same rabbit. After Image is obtained in two part of cerebral cortex at vertex, convexity, in one of basal ganglia with choosing about $3-5{\textrm{mm}^2}$ areas. Curve of signal intensity changes in time sequence is drawn. After this images are transmitted by PC and software IDL, regional cerebral blood volume is measured with imaging processing program made by us. Results : With 22 of 24 rabbits, satisfactory 1-2 signal intensity versus time curve is made. Cerebral blood capacity and contrast media stay time (ST) is measured in two cerebral cortex and basal ganglia refering in parietal cerebral cortex. Mean focal cerebral blood flow capacity ratio in cortex was $0.97{\pm}0.35$ and in basal ganglia, $0.99{\pm}0.37$, mean contrast media stay time in cortex was $9.83{\pm}1.63$ sec and in basal gaiglia, $9.42{\pm}1.14$ sec, but there was no statistically significant difference between two areas ($\rho$=0.05). Conclusion : In cerebral cortex and basal ganglia, there is no difference in mean focal blood volume and mean contrast stay time. Therefore, PWI is useful in cerebral blood flow and early diagnosis, prognosis of cerebral ischemic disease. Hereafter, it is helpful in analysing cerebral blood flow changes with comparison difference in rCBV between normal tissue and ischemic tissue, and that with DWI finding in infarcted patient.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2007

Purpose : To determine the diagnostic accuracy of four different sequences : moderately T2 weighted, two heavily T2-weighted single shot turbo spin-echo sequence and breath-hold axial-2D balanced turbo field-echo sequence(bFFE) for characterization of focal lesions. Materials and Methods : During the 3-month period between June and August 2005, seventy-six patients were proved to have ninety-three focal hepatic lesions on MR imaging. The patients consisted of 49 men and 27 women (age range, 15-75 years; mean age, 56.23 years). All MR images were acquired on a 1.5-T MR using the following sequences: 1. A breath-hold axial T2-weighted single shot turbo spin-echo sequence, 2. a breath-hold axial-2D balanced turbo field-echo sequence. Two radiologists performed quantitative analysis. Another radiologist measured the lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio at the region-of-interest in the four sequences. Results : There was no significant difference in inter-observer variability between the four sequences. The accuracy for both cyst and malignancy of moderate T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 80 msec) was also highest. There was significant difference for lesion characterization between moderate T2 weighted MRI and balanced steady state procession (p-value: 0.004) in the second reader. For longer echo time, the CNR of cystic lesions were markedly increased in comparison to lesions of other component. Conclusion : The accuracy and inter-observer variability of single shot turbo spin echo T2 weighted sequence was higher than bFFE. Although there was no statically significant difference, moderate T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 80 msec) was more accurate than heavily T2 weighted sequence (echo time: 300 msec). If the results for lesion characterization is equivocal in TE 80, the addition of heavily T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 180 msec) can be helpful.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.3 no.6
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• pp.652-660
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• 1993

It was investigated to obtain the relationship between magnetic properties and conditions of forming $Fe_{3}C$ single phase from acicular goethite by heat treatment under the atmosphere of CO and $N_{2}$ mixed gas. X-ray analyses, TEM and VSM measurements were imployed for the characteristics of the carbide. Acicular goethite was sinthesized under proper process parameters. $Fe_{3}C$ single phase was obtained above $550^{\circ}C$, 60min. and $Fe_{5}C_2$ was formed with $Fe_{3}C$ below that temperature. The soturation magnetization of $Fe_{3}C$ single phase was about 100emu/g regardless of the reaction temperature. The coersive force and the ratio of Mr/Ms decreased respectively from 780 to 400 Oe. and from 0.35 to 0.13 with increasing reaction temperature.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.165-169
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• 2004

In Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT), we inject current through electrodes placed on the surface of a subject and measure the induced magnetic flux density distribution using an MRI scanner. This requires a constant current source whose output pulses are synchronized with MR pulse sequences. In this paper, we present a design and performance analysis of a current source used in a 3.0T MREIT system. The developed current source was tested using a saline phantom. We found that its performance is satisfactory for the current MREIT system. We suggest future improvements for better SNR(signal-to-noise ratio).

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2011.10a
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• pp.21.2-21.2
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• 2011

$Fe_3O_4$ having half metallic property is one of the efficient spin filtering materials which are widely used in spintronic research field and ZnO is wide band gap semiconductor which can be used by tunnel barrier or semiconductor channel in spin MOSFET. We investigated the magnetic and the electric properties of $Fe_3O_4$/ZnO multilayer fabricated on c-$Al_2O_3$ substrate by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). For multilayer films, PLD was performed at variable temperatures such as $200{\sim}750^{\circ}C$ and at target distance from 40 to 80 mm, KrF eximer laser of 1.5 $J/cm^2$ and a reputation rate of 2Hz. $Fe_3O_4$/ZnO multilayers were deposited at $4{\times}10^{-6}$ Torr. After fabricating $Fe_3O_4$/ZnO multilayers, $Fe_3O_4$/ZnO multilayers were treated by RTA(Rapid Thermal Annealing) at various temperature to change magnetic phase. The magnetism of the multilayer is changed by thickness of the ZnO tunnel barrier. Magnetic phase of FexOy showed a very small magnetism due to $Fe_2O_3$ ${\alpha}$-phase, but large magnetism from $Fe_3O_4$ or $Fe_2O_3$ ${\gamma}$-phase was observed. In the present study, effect of the ZnO thickness on the MR (magnetoresistance) ratio was investigated in detail.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.585-593
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• 1998

In Fourier magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the number of phase encoded signals is often reduced to minimize the duration of the studies and maintain adequate signal-to-noise ratio. However, this results in the well-known truncation artifact, whose effect manifests itself as blurring and ringing in the image domain. In this paper, we propose a new regularization method in the context of a Bayesian framework to reduce truncation artifact. Since the truncation artifact appears in t도 phase direction only, the use of conventional piecewise-smoothness constraints with symmetric neighbors may result in the loss of small details and soft edge structures in the read direction. Here, we propose more elaborate forms of constraints than the conventional piecewise-smoothness constraints, which can capture actual spatial information about the MR images. Our experimental results indicate that the proposed method not only reduces the truncation artifact, but also improves tissue regularity and boundary definition without oversmoothing soft edge regions.