• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.6 no.3
• /
• pp.161-166
• /
• 2006

Purpose: Recently, the incidence of early gastric cancer (EGC) patients is rapidly increased in Korea. However, they're often not perceptible by surgical palpation or inspection. The aim of this study is 1) to develope a software that can locate the tumor and measure the mucosal distance from an anatomic landmark to the tumor using CT gastrography and 2) to compare the distance measured by the developed software with the distance measured by the pathologic findings. Materials and Methods: Between January 2004 and September 2005, sixty patients (male=45, female=15, mean 57.8 years old) estimated for EGC with preoperative CT scans and undergone gastrectomies in Kyungpook National University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Preoperative CT scans were performed after insufflations of room air via 5 Fr NG tube. The scans included the following parameters: (slice thickness/reconstruction interval: 0.625 mm, kVp: 120, mAs: 200). 3D volume rendering and measurement of the surface distance from the pylorus to the EGC were performed using the developed software. Results: The average difference between the lesion to pylorus distances measured from pathologic specimens and CT gastrography was $5.3{\pm}2.9\;mm(range,\;0{\sim}23\;mm)$. The lesion to pylorus distance measured from CT gastrography was well correlated with that measured from the pathologic specimens (r=0.9843, P<0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that the surface distance from an anatomic landmark to the EGC can be measured accurately by CT gastrography. This technique could be used for preoperative localization of early gastric carcinomas to determine the optimal extent of surgical resection.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.141-148
• /
• 2005

This study was conducted to evaluate physicochemical and textural properties, and antimicrobial effects of low-fat comminuted sausages manufactured with sodium lactate $(3.3\%,\;SL)$ and various levels $(0.1\~0.3\%)$ of grapefruit seed extract (GSE, DF-100) during refrigerated storage for 10 weeks. Low-fat comminuted sausages (LFCS) has pH ranges of $6.09\~6.26,\;74\~76\%$ moisture, $<3\%\;fat,\;16\~17\%$ protein. The addition of SL $(3.3\%)$ and GSE with various levels $(0.1\~0.3\%)$ didn't impair water holding capacity (WHC), vacuum purge (VP) and Hunter color values (L, a, b). LFCS containing SL $(3.3\%)$ increased hardness and chewiness, whereas most TPA values were not affected by the addition of various levels $(0.1\~0.3\%)$ of GSE. LFCS containing $0.2\%\;or\;0.3\%$ GSE retarded the microbial growth of Listeria monocytogenes(LM). The addition of $0.3\%$ GSE in LFCS showed similar antimicrobial effect to $3.3\%$ SL, which kept $10^3 CFU/g$ until 10 weeks of refrigerated storage. Yellowness, VP and cohesiveness tended to be increased with increased storage time. These results indicated that the addition of $0.3\%$ GSE as a replacer for synthetic particularly paI1icuiarly inhibited the microbial growth of LM, resulting in antimicrobial effect similar to those of $3.3\%$ SL treatment without quality defects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.73-77
• /
• 2012

Recently, Interest to the photoconductor, which is used to flat form X-ray detector such as a-Se, $HgI_2$, PbO, CdTe, $PbI_2$ etc. is increasing. In this study, the film layer by using the photoconductive material with particle sedimentation was fabricated and evaluated. The quantization efficiency of the continuous X-ray with the 70 kVp energy bandwidth was analyzed by using the Monte Carlo simulation. With the results, the thickness of film with 64 % quantization efficiency was 180 ${\mu}m$ which is similar to the efficiency of 500 ${\mu}m$ a-Se film. And $HIg_2$ film has the high quantization efficiency of 74 % on 240 ${\mu}m$ thickness. The electrical characteristics of the 239 ${\mu}m$ $Hgl_2$ films produced by particle sedimentation were shown as very low dark current(under 10 $pA/mm^2$), and high sensitivity(19.8 mC/mR-sec) with 1 $V/{\mu}m$ input voltage. The SNR, which is influence to the contrast of X-ray image, was shown highly as 3,125 in low driving voltage on 0.8 $V/{\mu}m$. With the results of this study, the development of the low-cost, high-performance image detector with film could be possible by replacing the film produced by particle sedimentation instead to a-Se detector.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.134-139
• /
• 2014

Purpose: Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) technique is a reconstruction method of CT image using statistical noise modeling which is known to reduce image noise and to preserve image quality despite reducing radiation dose. The aim of this study is to evaluate images using ASIR on bone SPECT/CT which is primarily performed in our hospital. Materials and Methods: We compared the images of applied ASIR (ASIR level: 20-80%) and none ASIR by changing the mA based on 120 kVp, 100 mA using Discovery NM/CT 670 (GE, U.S.A). First, we evaluated attenuation correction in SPECT image by changing the ASIR level using Anthropomorphic phantom. Second, we compared the contrast to noise ratio (CNR), image noise and spatial resolution in CT image using ACR phantom. Third, after selecting the ASIR level applicable patient using lower torso phantom, we examined 2 patients who followed up bone SPECT/CT and we performed blind test. Results: The degree of attenuation correction in SPECT image showed no significant difference between applied ASIR and none ASIR (P>0.05). When applied ASIR, the noise of CT image were reduced at least 17 up to 52% by changing the mA. The CNR of image with ASIR was maintained more than 0.8 at 40 mA (ASIR 60%) while those without ASIR showed 0.42 at standard 40 mA. In comparison of the high contrast object, we distinguished 12 line pairs/cm at 40 mA regardless of appling ASIR. Comparison of the patients image applied ASIR level 60% (40 mA) which found out by spine image of lower torso phantom showed no signigicant difference between applied ASIR and none ASIR in blind test. The CTDIvol and DLP for applied ASIR 60% showed decreased by 60%, 60% on average than using standard mA. Conclusion: The study show that the radiation dose in SPECT/CT using ASIR can be reduced despite degradation of SPECT and CT images. In addition, higher ASIR level could be possibly applied characteristics of SPECT/CT that region of interest is limited to bone.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.131-140
• /
• 2003

As the importance of accuracy in measurings of 3-D anatomical structures continues to be stressed, an objective and quantitative of assessing image quality and accuracy of 3-D volume-rendered images is required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quantitative accuracy of 3-D rendered images obtained with MDCT, scanned at various scanning parameters (scan modes, slice thicknesses and reconstruction slice thickness). Twelve clinically significant points that play an important role for the craniofacial bone in plastic surgery and dentistry were marked on the surface of a dry human skull. The direct distances between the reference points were defined as gold standards to assess the measuring errors of 3-D images. Then, we scanned the specimen with acquisition parameters of 300 mA, In kVp, and 1.0 sec scan time in axial and helical scan modes (pitch 3:1 and 6:1) at 1,25 mm, 2.50 mm, 3.75 mm and 5.00 mm slice thicknesses. We performed 3-D visualizations and distance measurements with volumetric analysis software and statistically evaluated the quantitative accuracy of distance measurements. The accuracy of distance measurements on the 3-D images acquired with 1.25, 2.50, 3,75 and 5.00 mm slice thickness were 48%, 33%, 23%, 14%, respectively, and those of the reconstructed 1.25 mm were 53%, 41%, 43%, 36% respectively. Meanwhile, there were insignificant statistical differences (P-value<0.05) in the accuracy of the distance measurements of 3-D images reconstructed with 1.25 mm thickness. In conclusion, slice thickness, rather than scan mode, influenced the quantitative accuracy of distance measurements in 3-D rendered images with MDCT. The quantitative analysis of distance measurements may be a useful tool for evaluating the accuracy of 3-D rendered images used in diagnosis, surgical planning, and radiotherapeutic treatment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.367-377
• /
• 1993

Background: The benefits of combination chemotherapy in unresectable non-small cell lung cancer remain uncertain. But, according to the recent reports, the response rates of cisplatin-based polychemotherapy regimens are higher than those of single agent. Also, the response rates of high-dose cisplatin group are higher than those of low-dose cisplatin group. In attemp to answer the question whether treatments, combination chemotherapy (high VPP) and combination chemotherapy with radiation therapy, improve survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, we begin to study. Method: Thirty-five patients above stage III, diagnosed histologically as non-small cell lung cancer, were enrolled. Among them, nineteen received a combination chemotherapy consisting of VP-16 & high-dose cisplatin (100 $mg/m^2$) and/or radiation therapy. The other group (16 subjects) received no therapy. To investigate the differences of survival and response rates between two groups and the side effects related to therapy, we reviewed patients' records. Results: 1) The overall objective response rate was 47%(9/19) with one complete remission. 2) In patients who received polychemotherapy and radiation therapy, the response rate was 60%(6/10) with one complete remission and survival rates of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months were 100%, 70% and 40%. 3) In patients who received polychemotherapy, the response rate was 33% (3/9) with no complete remission and survival rates of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months were 78%, 67% and 33%. 4) Overall, treated patients survived significantly longer (p<0.05) than non-treated patients (median survival 307 days versus 95 days). 5) Analysis of the various prognostic factors disclosed that good performance status, stage III and squamous cell type showed the good response rates. 6) The toxicities were nausea and/or vomiting (100%), alopecia (90%), anemia (79%), leukopenia (69%), thrombocytopenia (2%), increased creatinine (16%) and neurotoxicity (5%). Conclusion: According to above results, there are relatively good results that high VPP combination chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer improves survival in the treated group than in the non-treated group. Thus, it is considerd that we select the patients with proper indications and treat them with effective chemotherpy and radiation therapy. But, because improvement related to high VPP ploychemotherapy is not marked in this study, it is necessary that we should investigate follow-up studies in many cases.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.93-98
• /
• 2015

The purpose of this study is to see the usefulness of lead apron for critical organs near the breast under examining. For clinical experiment, 30 female volunteers who agreed to their participation in the experiments, were chosen and divided into two groups, 15 in group A and 15 in group B respectively. group A is to see whether each side of breast under mammography affects to other side glandular on the critical organs is same, because it is not allowed to scan the both breast for same person or to scan repeatedly. Group B is to see the effectiveness of lead apron during the mammography of right breast. Glass dosimeters were placed on the thyroid, the contralateral breast, and lower abdomen where near the breast during examining. The average glandular doses on the surface in mammography of the thyroid gland, the contralateral breast, the lower abdomen were 0.0692 mGy, 0.6790 mGy, and 0.0122 mGy, respectively, which was an extremely low level of glandular dose. In group B, as to the thyroid gland, average dose was decreased from 0.0922 mGy to 0.0158 mGy. The average dose of contralateral breast was decreased from 0.8575 mGy to 0.0286 mGy. The average doses of lower abdomen was decrease 0.0150 mGy to 0.0173 mGy. As to the lower abdomen, dose decreased from 0.0150 mGy before the use of an apron down to 0.0173 mGy after the use. As p-value was under 0.05, statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. Wearing an apron can have the protective effects on the thyroid gland up to 20 times lower than not wearing one. Besides, it is also necessary to protect the other breast during the examination by wearing one.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.17 no.6
• /
• pp.903-909
• /
• 2023

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the effect of changes in the patient's central position on the exposure dose and image quality of surrounding organs during a chest lateral examination using an Auto Exposure Control(AEC). The experiment was conducted on a human body phantom. A needle was attached to the lower part of the center of the coronal plane of the phantom, and a lead ruler was attached to the lower part of the detector so that the 50 cm point was located at the lower center of the AEC ion chamber. The exposure conditions were 125 kVp, 320 mA, the distance between the source and the image receptor was 180 cm, and the exposure field size was 14 × 17 inches. Only one AEC ion chamber was used at the bottom center, and the density was set to '0' and sensitivity to 'Middle', and the central X-ray was incident vertically toward the 6th thoracic vertebra. With AEC mode applied, the 50 cm point of the needle and lead ruler were aligned and the phantom was moved 5 cm toward the stomach (F5) and 5 cm toward the back (B5), and the dose factor was analyzed by measuring ESD. The ESD of the thyroid gland according to the change in patient center position was 232.60±2.20 μGy for Center, 231.22±1.53 μGy for F5, and 184.37±1.19 μGy for B5, and the ESD of the breast was 288.54±3.03 μGy for Center, F5 was 260.97±1.93 μGy, B5 was 229.80±1.62 μGy, and the ESD of the center of the lung was 337.02±3.25 μGy for Center, F5 was 336.09±2.29 μGy, and B5 was 261.76±1.68 μGy. As a result of comparing the average values of dose factors between each group, the difference in average values was statistically significant (p<0.01), and each group appeared to be independent. As a result of the study, there was no significant difference in the dose to the thyroid, breast, and center of the lung according to the change in the patient's central position, except for the breast (10%) when the patient moved forward about 5 cm. However, movement of about 5 cm posteriorly resulted in an average dose reduction of 23.7%. Additionally, when the patient's central position was moved to the rear, image quality deteriorated.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
• /
• v.37 no.3_4
• /
• pp.61-71
• /
• 1995

Natural ground is a composite consisted of the three phases of water, air and soil paircies. Among the three components, water as a material is weU understood but soil particles are not in foundation engineering. Especially, weathered granite soil generally shows a large volumetric expansion when they freeze. And, the stability and durability of the soil have shown decreased with repetitive freezing and thawing processes. These unique charcteristics may cause various construction and management problems if the soil is used as a construction material and foundation layers. This project was initiated to investigate the soil's physical and engineering characteristics resulting from freezing and freezing-thawing processes. Research results may be used as a basic data in solving various problems related to the soil's unique characteristics. The following conclusions were obtained: The degree of decomposition of weathered granite soil in Kangwon-do was very different between the West and East sides of the divide of the Dae-Kwan Ryung. Soil particles distributed wide from very coarse to fine particles. Consistency could be predicted with a function of P200 as LL=0.8 P200+20. Permeability ranged from 10-2 to 10-4cm/sec, moisture content from 15 to 20% and maximum dry density from 1.55 to 1.73 g /cmΥ$^3$ By compaction, soil particles easily crushed, D50 of soil particles decreased and specific surface significantly increased. Shear characteristics varied wide depending on the disturbance of soil. Strain characteristics influenced the soil's dynamic behviour. Elastic failure mode was observed if strain was less than 1O-4/s and plastic failure mode was observed if strain was more than 10-2/s. The elastic wave velocity in the soil rapidly increased if dry density became larger than 1.5 g /cm$^3$ and these values were Vp=250, Vg= 150, respectively. Frost heave ratio was the highest around 0 $^{\circ}C$ and the maximum frost heave pressure was observed when deformation ratio was less than 10% which was the stability state of soil freezing. The state had no relation with frost depth. Over freezing process was observed when drainage or suction freezing process was undergone. Drainage freezing process was observed if freezing velocity was high under confined pressure and suction frost process was occurred if the velocity was low under the same confined process.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.219-225
• /
• 2016

The apron is one of the essential protectors to reduce the exposure dose of radiological technologists. This study is to provide a guideline for purchasing the aprons with excellent performance and to help reducing the exposure dose by measuring the shielding ration and uniformity of aprons according to lead equivalent and form types. The shielding ratio of aprons were measured by using radiation generator and dosimeter. Exposure conditions were 81 kVp, 25 mAs, source to image receptor distance (SID) 100 cm and field of view (FOV) $17^{{\prime}{\prime}}{\times}17^{{\prime}{\prime}}$. Exposure areas for front type and around type aprons were divided into 9 areas and for 2 pieces type aprons were divided into 3 areas of top and 4 areas of skirt. The uniformity of aprons were measured by using fluoroscopy and Image J. The 4 regions of interest (ROI) were set into acquired images and measured uniformity by measuring the standard deviation of pixel intensity in ROIs. In continuous shielding ration measurement of aprons according to exposure area, there was not statistical significance (P>0.05). In ANOVA test of aprons, there was statistical significance (P<0.01). In the results of sheilding ratio, although the aprons had equal lead equivalent, there were difference in shielding ratio from 83.59% to 98.15%. In the results of uniformity, the front type aprons with equal lead equivalent indicated the similar uniformity. However, the around type and 2 pieces type apron with equal lead equivalent indicated the different uniformity each other, from 1.8 to 22.2. If the performance evaluation in this study were conducted regularly before and after purchase the aprons, the exposure does to patients and radiological technologists could be reduced.