• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제50권2호
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• pp.161-168
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of voxel size and different post-processing algorithms on the analysis of dental materials using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods: Root-end cavities were prepared in extracted maxillary premolars, filled with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM), and scanned using micro-CT. The volume and porosity of materials were evaluated and compared using voxel sizes of 5, 10, and 20 ㎛, as well as different software tools(post-processing algorithms). The CTAn or MeVisLab/Materialise 3-matic software package was used to perform volume and morphological analyses, and the CTAn or MeVisLab/Amira software was used to evaluate porosity. Data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey test(P<0.05). Results: Using MeVisLab/Materialise 3-matic, a consistent tendency was observed for volume to increase at larger voxel sizes. CTAn showed higher volumes for MTA and IRM at 20 ㎛. Using CTAn, porosity values decreased as voxel size increased, with statistically significant differences for all materials. MeVisLab/Amira showed a difference for MTA and IRM at 5 ㎛, and for Biodentine at 20 ㎛. Significant differences in volume and porosity were observed in all software packages for Biodentine across all voxel sizes. Conclusion: Some differences in volume and porosity were found according to voxel size, image-processing software, and the radiopacity of the material. Consistent protocols are needed for research evaluating dental materials.

• 지구물리와물리탐사
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.347-354
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• 2009

암석의 물성을 정확히 예측하기 위해서는 물성에 일차적인 효과를 미치는 공극구조에 대한 이해가 매우 중요하며, 정확한 공극구조와 물성시뮬레이션을 이용한 다양한 물성예측 및 변화양상의 정량적 상관관계는 많은 지구물리분야에 응용할 수 있다. 최근 비파괴 구조해석방법, 특히 X선 토모그래피를 이용한 고분해능 스캔 등이 상용화되고 컴퓨터의 성능이 향상됨에 따라 실제의 공극구조를 이용하여 투수율을 예측하는 연구가 시도되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 이러한 연구를 투수율뿐만 아니라 속도와 전기전도도의 영역으로 확장하려는 시도를 하였다. 하지만 토모그래피 방법에서 발생하는 smoothing 효과에 의해 공극구조가 왜곡되고 계산된 물성에 오차가 발생하여, 영상처리기법(sharpening filtering 및 인공신경망 분류법)을 사용하여 smoothing 효과를 제거하는 방법을 시도하였다. 그 결과 가시적으로 향상된 공극구조를 얻을 수 있었고, 투수율 및 전기전도도의 계산값도 이론적 모델링과 유사한 정도의 정확도를 얻을 수 있었다. 하지만 속도의 경우에는 smoothing 효과의 제거에도 불구하고 오차도 상대적으로 크고 향상정도도 매우 미미하였다. 박편과 토모그래피에서 얻어진 공극구조의 비교 연구를 통하여 본 연구에서 사용된 사암의 경우에는 토모그래피에서 얻어진 해상도가 너무 낮은 것을 확인할 수 있었으며, 이러한 이유로 smoothing 효과가 제거되어도 속도예측의 향상은 그리 크지 않은 것으로 나타났다. 결론적으로 본 연구에서 제시된 방법은 토모그램의 smoothing 효과를 효율적으로 제거하였으며 이는 토모그래피방법으로 공극구조를 획득할 때 유용하게 사용될 것으로 기대된다. 또한 속도예측의 경우 토모그램의 해상도가 매우 중요한 인자로 판명되었으며 투수율 예측에 일반적으로 사용되는 해상도보다 최소 세 배 이상의 높은 해상도가 요구되는 것으로 파악되었다.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.7-13
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• 2015

Purpose: We have developed a new method of segmenting the areas of absorbable implants and bone using region-based segmentation of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images, which allowed us to quantify volumetric bone-implant contact (VBIC) and volumetric absorption (VA). Materials and Methods: The simple threshold technique generally used in micro-CT analysis cannot be used to segment the areas of absorbable implants and bone. Instead, a region-based segmentation method, a region-labeling method, and subsequent morphological operations were successively applied to micro-CT images. The three-dimensional VBIC and VA of the absorbable implant were then calculated over the entire volume of the implant. Two-dimensional (2D) bone-implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BA) were also measured based on the conventional histomorphometric method. Results: VA and VBIC increased significantly with as the healing period increased (p<0.05). VBIC values were significantly correlated with VA values (p<0.05) and with 2D BIC values (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is possible to quantify VBIC and VA for absorbable implants using micro-CT analysis using a region-based segmentation method.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.143-148
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• 2014

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of alveolar ridge preservation methods with and without primary wound closure and the relationship between histometric and micro-computed tomographic (CT) data. Materials and Methods: Porcine hydroxyapatite with polytetrafluoroethylene membrane was implanted into a canine extraction socket. The density of the total mineralized tissue, remaining hydroxyapatite, and new bone was analyzed by histometry and micro-CT. The statistical association between these methods was evaluated. Results: Histometry and micro-CT showed that the group which underwent alveolar preservation without primary wound closure had significantly higher new bone density than the group with primary wound closure (P<0.05). However, there was no significant association between the data from histometry and micro-CT analysis. Conclusion: These results suggest that alveolar ridge preservation without primary wound closure enhanced new bone formation more effectively than that with primary wound closure. Further investigation is needed with respect to the comparison of histometry and micro-CT analysis.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.257-263
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• 2011

Sparse-view CT imaging is considered to be a solution to reduce x-ray dose of CT. Sparse-view CT imaging may have severe streak artifacts that could compromise the image qualities. We have compared quality of sparseview images reconstructed with two representative iterative reconstruction techniques, SIRT and TV-minimization, in terms of image error and edge preservation. In the comparison study, we have used the Shepp-Logan phantom image and real CT images obtained with a micro-CT. In both phantom image and real CT image tests, TV-minimization technique shows the best performance in error reduction and preserving edges. However, the excessive computation time of TV-minimization is a technical challenge for the practical use.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제50권
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• pp.25.1-25.11
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• 2020

Scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) or Acoustic Micro Imaging (AMI) is a powerful, non-destructive technique that can detect hidden defects in elastic and biological samples as well as non-transparent hard materials. By monitoring the internal features of a sample in three-dimensional integration, this technique can efficiently find physical defects such as cracks, voids, and delamination with high sensitivity. In recent years, advanced techniques such as ultrasound impedance microscopy, ultrasound speed microscopy, and scanning acoustic gigahertz microscopy have been developed for applications in industries and in the medical field to provide additional information on the internal stress, viscoelastic, and anisotropic, or nonlinear properties. X-ray, magnetic resonance, and infrared techniques are the other competitive and widely used methods. However, they have their own advantages and limitations owing to their inherent properties such as different light sources and sensors. This paper provides an overview of the principle of SAM and presents a few results to demonstrate the applications of modern acoustic imaging technology. A variety of inspection modes, such as vertical, horizontal, and diagonal cross-sections have been presented by employing the focus pathway and image reconstruction algorithm. Images have been reconstructed from the reflected echoes resulting from the change in the acoustic impedance at the interface of the material layers or defects. The results described in this paper indicate that the novel acoustic technology can expand the scope of SAM as a versatile diagnostic tool requiring less time and having a high efficiency.

• 디지털융복합연구
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.367-375
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• 2014

본 연구는 실시간 동적영상(Real-time dynamic image)을 획득할 수 있는 고해상도 엑스선 영상장치인 마이크로 CT 을 이용하여 흰쥐의 미세 혈관구조를 관찰함은 물론 국내 원광 방사선영상 과학연구 센터에서 개발한 마이크로 CT 에 대한 유용성을 알아보고자 한다. 흰쥐 몸 전체의 2D 영상을 얻은 후 MIP(maximum intensity projection), VRT(volume rendering technique)기법을 이용하여 혈관구조의 조영된 3D 영상을 얻을 수 있었고 이 3D 혈관 영상을 머리, 복부, 심장과 몸 전체의 혈관시스템으로 각각 분류하였다.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제50권2호
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• pp.153-159
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was conducted evaluate the influence of reconstruction parameters of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images on bone mineral density (BMD) analyses. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of micro-CT images of the maxillae of 5 Wistar rats, acquired using a SkyScan 1174 unit (Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). Each acquisition was reconstructed following the manufacturer's recommendations(standard protocol; SP) for the application of artifact correction tools(beam hardening correction [BHC], 45%; smoothing filter, degree 2; and ring artifact correction [RAC], level 5). Additionally, images were reconstructed with 36 protocols combining different settings of artifact correction tools (P0 to P35). BMD analysis was performed for each reconstructed image. The BMD values obtained for each protocol were compared to those obtained using the SP through repeated-measures analysis of variance with the Dunnett post hoc test(α=0.05). Results: The BMD values obtained from all protocols that used a BHC of 45% did not significantly differ from those obtained using the SP (P>0.05). The other protocols all yielded significantly different BMD values from the SP(P<0.05). The smoothing and RAC tools did not affect BMD values. Conclusion: BMD values measured on micro-CT images were influenced by the BHC level. Higher levels of BHC induced higher values of BMD.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.202-212
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• 2018

Purpose: Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) is difficult to measure on micro-computed tomography (CT) because of artifacts that hinder accurate differentiation of the bone and implant. This study presents an advanced algorithm for measuring BIC in micro-CT acquisitions using a spiral scanning technique, with improved differentiation of bone and implant materials. Methods: Five sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched implants were used. Three implants were subjected to surface analysis, and 2 were inserted into a New Zealand white rabbit, with each tibia receiving 1 implant. The rabbit was sacrificed after 28 days. The en bloc specimens were subjected to spiral (SkyScan 1275, Bruker) and round (SkyScan 1172, SkyScan 1275) micro-CT scanning to evaluate differences in the images resulting from the different scanning techniques. The partial volume effect (PVE) was optimized as much as possible. BIC was measured with both round and spiral scanning on the SkyScan 1275, and the results were compared. Results: Compared with the round micro-CT scanning, the spiral scanning showed much clearer images. In addition, the PVE was optimized, which allowed accurate BIC measurements to be made. Round scanning on the SkyScan 1275 resulted in higher BIC measurements than spiral scanning on the same machine; however, the higher measurements on round scanning were confirmed to be false, and were found to be the result of artifacts in the void, rather than bone. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that spiral scanning can reduce metal artifacts, thereby allowing clear differentiation of bone and implant. Moreover, the PVE, which is a factor that inevitably hinders accurate BIC measurements, was optimized through an advanced algorithm.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.29-37
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• 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to observe the bony change in the OVX rat longitudinally and to study the alendronate effect. Materials and Methods: Eighteen Sprague-Dewley rats, eight-week old each, were randomly assigned into three groups: one of those sham-operated (N=4), the other two were OVX: saline-treated (N=7) and alendronate-treated group (N=7). The saline-treated group was administered with saline solution (0.1mL/100g) daily, while the alendronate-treated group was given alendronate (1mg/kg, Sigma-Aldrich Corp. Korea) daily. Micro-CT scannings of the lumbar were consecutively done at baseline, at 3-week intervals during 9 weeks. Two and three dimensional bony analysis were done. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with Piximus (GE Lunar Co. USA). The average values of these three methods were compared with each group. Results: After 6 weeks the BMD of the OVX group showed lower tendency than that of sham group. After 6 weeks many 3D parameters of micro-CT showed higher values in the OVX-alendronate group compared with the OVXsaline group. Most 2D bony parameters were higher in the OVX-alendronate group compared with the OVX-saline group at 9 weeks. Conclusion: This study showed low BMD of the OVX group after 6 weeks and showed the effect of alendronate on the BMD and bony structures of ovariectomized rats. This study also showed usefulness of in vivo micro-CT in monitoring individual bone changes over time.