• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.301-306
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• 1997

Surgical removal of hepatic cancerous tissues have been widely performed due to its early detection. However, a patient can not survive if excessive hepatic tissues were removed. Therefore, quantitative evaluation of remaining hepatic function after surgery is a really important factor for surgeon. the currently used ICG Rmax and Lidocaine clearance tests have disadvantages such as tedium, complexity, and inability to estimate remaining hepatic function after surgery. While HEF has advantages such as simplicity, quickness, nonivasiveness, and quantification, its reliability has been doubtful. Thus, the program for calculation of HEF has been developed from serial gamma camera image data. And we compared the reliability of HEF with ICG Rmax and Lidocaine clearance test using 6normal and 18 abnormal rabbits with damaged livers. The correlation coefficient of HEF to ICG Rmax and MEGX was 0.91, 0.94, respectively. I was also found that the HEFs of normal and abnormal hepatic tissues was higher than 100% and lower than 80%, respectively. Thus we confirmed that HEF can be a good indicator distinguishing between abnormal tissues and normal ones. Finally, we could conclude that patients would survive if both the pre-and the post-operative HEF were greater than 60%.

• KIISE Transactions on Computing Practices
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.681-688
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• 2015

The k nearest neighbor (k-NN) graph construction is an important operation with many web-related applications, including collaborative filtering, similarity search, and many others in data mining and machine learning. Despite its many elegant properties, the brute force k-NN graph construction method has a computational complexity of $O(n^2)$, which is prohibitive for large scale data sets. Thus, (Key, Value)-based distributed framework, MapReduce, is gaining increasingly widespread use in Locality Sensitive Hashing which is efficient for high-dimension and sparse data. Based on the two-stage strategy, we engage the locality sensitive hashing technique to divide users into small subsets, and then calculate similarity between pairs in the small subsets using a brute force method on MapReduce. Specifically, generating a candidate group stage is important since brute-force calculation is performed in the following step. However, existing methods do not prevent large candidate groups. In this paper, we proposed an efficient algorithm for approximate k-NN graph construction by regrouping candidate groups. Experimental results show that our approach is more effective than existing methods in terms of graph accuracy and scan rate.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.53-62
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to find an optimized imaging technique and evaluate its usefulness by comparing and analyzing the difference in contrast enhancement of lower extremity artery according to the patient's heart rate during lower extremity Computed Tomography Angiography examination. From January 2022 to August 22nd, 139 outpatients who visited Ajou University Hospital and underwent lower extremity angio CT examination were targeted. According to the heart rate, the groups were divided into four groups: A(HR ≤65), B(65 < HR < 80), C(80≤ HR). In addition, among patients with a heart rate of 65 or less, the heart rate was considered, and the scan was divided into D, E, F group with a delay time. The time of arrival of contrast medium and the average value of contrast enhancement were compared and analyzed. As a result of quantitative evaluation, B and C groups with a heart rate of more than 65 times had better HU values in the popliteal artery than A group (HR ≤ 65), and D group showed better HU improvement effects compared to A group (p<0.001). The comparative analysis with other groups was insignificant. The difference in heart rate affected the angiographic intensity of the lower extremities artery. Therefore, it is effective to apply the appropriate test timing for each patient by using the heart rate during the lower extremity angio CT Scan.

• 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.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2011

For overall system test, hidden-target test have been used using film which leads to inherent analysis error. The purpose of our study is to quantify this error and to propose gel dosimeter based verification technique for 3-dimensional target point error. The phantom was made for simulation of human head and this has ability to equip 10 gel-dosimeter. $BANGkit^{TM}$ which we are able to manufacture whenever it is needed as well as to easily change the container with different shapes was used as a gel dosimeter. The 10 targets were divided into two groups based on shapes of areas with a planned 50% isodose line. All treatment and analysis was performed three times using Novalis and $BrainSCAN^{TM}$. The target point error is $0.77{\pm}0.15mm$ for 10 targets and directional target point error in each direction is $0.54{\pm}0.23mm$, $0.37{\pm}0.08mm$, $0.33{\pm}0.10mm$ in AP (anterior-posterior), LAT (lateral), and VERT (vertical) direction, respectively. The result of less than 1 mm shows that the treatment was performed through each precise step in treatment procedure. In conclusion, the 3-dimensional target point verification technique can be one of the techniques for overall system test.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 2015

Purpose As medical radiation exposures on patients are being social issues an interest in a relief of radiation exposures on patients is increasing. Further, there are many cases where some patients among who are getting PET/CT tests choose to get implanted with metal artifacts in their bodies. This study is to find out effects of presence or absence of metal artifacts when dose change or CT attenuation correction for the relief of radiation exposures are applied using phantoms through changes in standard uptake value (SUV). Materials and Methods GE company's Discovery 710 machine was used for PET/CT test equipments. We used NEMA IEC body phantoms. We also used screw and mesh cage made of titanium which are used in real clinical processes for the metal artifacts. Two experiments were conducted: One is to test and measure repeatedly about SUV about differences in CT attenuation corrections according to dose changes and another is to do the same procedure for SUV about the presence and absence of the metal artifacts. We injected $^{18}F-FDG$ into NEMA IEC body phantoms with a TBR ratio of 4:1 and then put the metal material into the transformation phantoms. Once a scanning for the metal artifacts was done we eliminated the metal artifacts and went on non-metal artifacts. For the each two experiments, we scanned repeatedly with CT kVp (140, 120, 100, 80) and mA (120, 80, 40, 20, 10) for an experimental condition. For PET, we reconstructed each with standard AC (STD) technique and quantitation achieved cnsistently QAC) technique among CT attenuation correction methods. We conducted a comparative analysis on measured average values and variations which were measured through repeated measure of SUV of region 1, 2, 3 spheres for each conditions of non-metal /metal scan. Results For each kVp, 120, 80, 40 (mA) of non/metal (screw, mesh cage) showed low frequency of fluctuation rates of above 2%. In 20, 10 mA above 2% of fluctuation rates appeared in high frequency. Also, when we compared the fluctuation rates of STD and QAC techniques in non/metal (screw, mesh cage) tests QAC technique showed about 1-10% of differences for each conditions compared to STD technique. In addition, metal types did not have significant effects on fluctuation rates. Conclusion We confirmed that SUV fluctuation rates for both STD and QAC techniques increase as dosage is lower. We also found that the SUV of PET data was maintained steadily in a low dosage for QAC technique when compared with STD technique. Hence, when the low dosage is used for the relief of radiation exposures on patients QAC technique may be exploited helpfully and this could be applied in the same way for patients with metal artifacts implanted in their bodies.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2008

A distillation tower is one of the important facilities which separates and refines a crude oil stream according to certain boiling points. Its operation efficiency can affect the productivity of a refinery substantially. The objective of this study is to elucidate some operational information on the internal conditions of a distillation tower from a measurement of density profile by using a sealed gamma-ray source and a radiation detector. Gamma radiation counts were measured by a BGO detector positioned diametrically outside the tower-wall, opposite to the gamma source(Co-60) as the detector and the source were lowered concurrently. From the results, structural abnormality of the trays was not found inside the tower. Considering the flow distribution patterns, however, a vapor phase was dominantly formed at the upper part of the tower and a liquid phase at the lower part. From the gamma scanning of the distillation tower, it is anticipated that the gamma absorption technique can be used as an important tool for confirming the structural soundness of trays and investigating flow distribution in refinery facilities.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2008

Recently, MR Cholangiography used mainly bu controlling of patient's breathing. There is breathing hold techniques to get images within shopt time and gating technique adjusted to respiration cycle for high resolution image. In this study, the aim of this experiment is to know on clinical usefulness compared with PACE and RTG thchniques. This study's period is from 2006 in November to 2007 in January. A total of 21 patients investigated at MAGNETOM Sonata 1.5T (SIEMENS Erlangen) with use of 12ch body coil. MR acquisition protocol used 3D turbo spin echo coronal sequence. Scan parameters applied to potimal setting in use as gating techniques, respectively. Analysis of consuming timing evaluated with rapidness. As analysis of quantity, the common bile duct, gall bladder measured in signal intensities, then these data were calculated by signal to noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio. Qualitative analysis, experienced 2radiologists and 3 RTs were evaluated into 3groups about artifact, accuracy of lesions, sharpness of the common bile duct or gall bladder. As a result of analysis, when compared to PACE, consuming time of the RTG took less than PACE, On both CNRs and SNRs, PACE technique was slightly high values than RTG(p<0.05). Qualitative analysis' results, discrimination of lesions in the common bile duct, gall bladder get a significance level in both RTG and PACE techniques but presence's artifact of breathing and pulsation highly demonstrate in PACE techniques. In conclusion, both PACE and RTG methods at MRCP provided prominently clinical information for the common bile duct, gall bladder. If machines have not limitation with performance, induction of breathing holding also will help getting diagnistic quality.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.spc1
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• pp.1027-1036
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• 2023

Coastal topographic information is crucial in coastal management, but point measurment based approeaches, which are labor intensive, are generally applied to land and underwater, separately. This study introduces an efficient method enabling land and undetwater surveys using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This method involves applying two different algorithms to measure the topography on land and water depth, respectively, using UAV imagery and merge them to reconstruct whole coastal digital elevation model. Acquisition of the landside terrain is achieved using the Structure-from-Motion Multi-View Stereo technique with spatial scan imagery. Independently, underwater bathymetry is retrieved by employing a depth inversion technique with a drone-acquired wave field video. After merging the two digital elevation models into a local coordinate, interpolation is performed for areas where terrain measurement is not feasible, ultimately obtaining a continuous nearshore terrain. We applied the proposed survey technique to Jangsa Beach, South Korea, and verified that detailed terrain characteristics, such as berm, can be measured. The proposed UAV-based survey method has significant efficiency in terms of time, cost, and safety compared to existing methods.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.130-137
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• 2021

Purpose: The various suture techniques can be utilized in order to maximize the keratinized tissue healing around dental implants. The aim of this study is to compare the soft tissue healing pattern between two different suture techniques after implant placement. Materials and Methods: 15 patients with 18 implants were enrolled in this study. Simple implant placement without any additional bone graft was performed. Two different suture techniques were used to tug in the mobilized flap near the healing abutment after paramarginal flap design. Digital intraoral scan was performed at baseline, post-operation, stitch out, and 3 months after operation. The scan data were aligned using multiple points such as cusp, fossa of adjacent teeth, and/or healing abutment. After subtracting scan data at baseline with other time-point results, closed space indicating volume increment of peri-implant mucosa was selected. The volume of the close space was measured in mm³. The volume between two suture techniques at three time-points was compared using nonparametric rank-based analysis. Results: Healing was uneventful in both groups. Both suture technique groups showed increased soft tissue volume immediately after surgery. The amount of volume increment significantly decreased after 3 months (P < 0.001). Flap folding suture group showed higher median of volume increment than interrupted suture group after 3 months without any statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusion: After paramarginal flap reflection, the raised flaps stabilized by flap folding suture showed relatively higher volume maintenance after 3-month healing period. However, further studies are warranted.