• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.403-411
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• 2023

Functional ultrasound imaging, such as elasticity imaging and micro-blood flow Doppler imaging, enhances diagnostic capability by providing useful mechanical and functional information about tissues. However, the implementation of functional ultrasound imaging poses limitations such as the storage of vast amounts of data in Radio Frequency (RF) data acquisition and processing. In this paper, we propose a sub-Nyquist approach that reduces the amount of acquired axial samples for efficient shear-wave elasticity imaging. The proposed method acquires data at a sampling rate one-third lower than the conventional Nyquist sampling rate and tracks shear-wave signals through RF signals reconstructed using band-pass filtering-based interpolation. In this approach, the RF signal is assumed to have a fractional bandwidth of 67 %. To validate the approach, we reconstruct the shear-wave velocity images using shear-wave tracking data obtained by conventional and proposed approaches, and compare the group velocity, contrast-to-noise ratio, and structural similarity index measurement. We qualitatively and quantitatively demonstrate the potential of sub-Nyquist sampling-based shear-wave elasticity imaging, indicating that our approach could be practically useful in three-dimensional shear-wave elasticity imaging, where a massive amount of ultrasound data is required.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.39.1-39.15
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• 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination may non-specifically alter the host immune system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg) titer and host immunity in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Consecutive 2,797 CHB patients who had serial HBsAg measurements during antiviral treatment were included in this study. Changes in the HBsAg levels after COVID-19 vaccination were analyzed. The dynamics of NK cells following COVID-19 vaccination were also examined using serial blood samples collected prospectively from 25 healthy volunteers. Vaccinated CHB patients (n=2,329) had significantly lower HBsAg levels 1-30 days post-vaccination compared to baseline (median, -21.4 IU/ml from baseline), but the levels reverted to baseline by 91-180 days (median, -3.8 IU/ml). The velocity of the HBsAg decline was transiently accelerated within 30 days after vaccination (median velocity: -0.06, -0.39, and -0.04 log₁₀ IU/ml/year in pre-vaccination period, days 1-30, and days 31-90, respectively). In contrast, unvaccinated patients (n=468) had no change in HBsAg levels. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the frequency of NK cells expressing NKG2A, an NK inhibitory receptor, significantly decreased within 7 days after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (median, -13.1% from baseline; p<0.001). The decrease in the frequency of NKG2A⁺ NK cells was observed in the CD56^dimCD16⁺ NK cell population regardless of type of COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccination leads to a rapid, transient decline in HBsAg titer and a decrease in the frequency of NKG2A⁺ NK cells.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.2
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• pp.409-417
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• 2023

Purpose Patients with bladder cancer may show hematuria after radical cystectomy with ileal neobladder formation, causing anxiety regarding tumor recurrence. Here, we aim to show that the nutcracker syndrome (NCS) can be a cause of hematuria post-operation, and is a common, rather than a rare syndrome. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT (CE-APCT) and urine analysis (UA) findings of 255 patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder formation between 2011 and 2016 was performed. In the CE-APCT review, the left renal vein flow patterns were evaluated to determine the presence of NCS findings. In the UA review, patients were classified according to the percentage of UA tests with positive hematuria among the total number of UA tests. Results CT findings of NCS were present in 31.9% of the 135 patients. In the positive hematuria group, there were 26% more patients with NCS findings than those without. Conclusion NCS findings are prevalent even for bladder cancer patients after surgery, and there is a strong correlation between NCS findings and hematuria. Furthermore, the prevalence of NCS findings is much higher than urinary tract recurrence after the surgery.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.104-120
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• 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture (BVA) in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) using positron emission tomography (PET) and arterial spin labeling (ASL). Methods: Patients with IPD who received a stable dose of anti-parkinsonian medication for at least 4 weeks were recruited and randomly divided into one of two groups: treatment and control. The treatment group (11 subjects) received acupuncture and BVA at acupoints, and the control group (9 subjects) received sham acupuncture and normal saline injections at non-acupoints, twice per week for 12 weeks. The patients were examined using PET and ASL at baseline and after the 12-week treatment. In addition, age- and sex-matched healthy subjects without neurological symptoms and history were recruited to compare ASL data of patients with IPD. Results: PET results revealed that striatal dopamine transporter binding increased in each group after 12 weeks. Although the change was larger in the treatment group, the difference was not statistically significant. In ASL results, the treatment group exhibited hyperperfusion in specific regions compared with the healthy control group. After 12 weeks' intervention, hyperperfusion regions were recovered only in the treatment group. In contrast, significant changes were not found in hyperperfusion regions in the control group after 12 weeks. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture and BVA in IPD are different from placebo and operate by altering dopamine availability and recovering hyperactivity in cerebral blood flow.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.58-67
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• 2020

Objective: Third-generation dual-source computed tomography (3rd-DSCT) allows dynamic myocardial CT perfusion imaging (dynamic CTP) with a 10.5-cm z-axis coverage. Although the increased radiation exposure associated with the 50% wider scan range compared to second-generation DSCT (2nd-DSCT) may be suppressed by using a tube voltage of 70 kV, it remains unclear whether image quality and the ability to quantify myocardial blood flow (MBF) can be maintained under these conditions. This study aimed to compare the image quality, estimated MBF, and radiation dose of dynamic CTP between 2ndDSCT and 3rd-DSCT and to evaluate whether a 10.5-cm coverage is suitable for dynamic CTP. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 107 patients who underwent dynamic CTP using 2nd-DSCT at 80 kV (n = 54) or 3rd-DSCT at 70 kV (n = 53). Image quality, estimated MBF, radiation dose, and coverage of left ventricular (LV) myocardium were compared. Results: No significant differences were observed between 3rd-DSCT and 2nd-DSCT in contrast-to-noise ratio (37.4 ± 11.4 vs. 35.5 ± 11.2, p = 0.396). Effective radiation dose was lower with 3rd-DSCT (3.97 ± 0.92 mSv with a conversion factor of 0.017 mSv/mGy∙cm) compared to 2nd-DSCT (5.49 ± 1.36 mSv, p < 0.001). Incomplete coverage was more frequent with 2nd-DSCT than with 3rd-DSCT (1.9% [1/53] vs. 56% [30/54], p < 0.001). In propensity score-matched cohorts, MBF was comparable between 3rd-DSCT and 2nd-DSCT in non-ischemic (146.2 ± 26.5 vs. 157.5 ± 34.9 mL/min/100 g, p = 0.137) as well as ischemic myocardium (92.7 ± 21.1 vs. 90.9 ± 29.7 mL/min/100 g, p = 0.876). Conclusion: The radiation increase inherent to the widened z-axis coverage in 3rd-DSCT can be balanced by using a tube voltage of 70 kV without compromising image quality or MBF quantification. In dynamic CTP, a z-axis coverage of 10.5 cm is sufficient to achieve complete coverage of the LV myocardium in most patients.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.347-357
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• 2024

Numerous prior studies have delineated the size distribution of noncohesive sediment in suspension, focusing on mean size and standard deviation. However, suspensions comprise a heterogeneous mixture of sediment particles of varying sizes. The transport dynamics of suspended sediment in turbulent flow are intimately tied to settling velocities calculated based on size and density. Consequently, understanding the grain size distribution becomes paramount in comprehending sediment transport phenomena for noncohesive sediment. This study aims to introduce a straightforward modeling approach for simulating the grain size distribution of suspended sediment amidst turbulence. Leveraging insights into the contrast between cohesive and noncohesive sediment, we have meticulously revised a stochastic flocculation model originally designed for cohesive sediment to aptly simulate the grain size distribution of noncohesive sediment in suspension. The efficacy of our approach is corroborated through a meticulous comparison between experimental data and the grain size distribution simulated by our newly proposed model. Through numerical simulations, we unveil that the modulation of grain size distribution of suspended sediment is contingent upon the sediment transport capacity of the carrier fluid. Hence, we deduce that our simplified approach to simulating the grain size distribution of suspended sediment, integrated with a sediment transport model, serves as a robust framework for elucidating the pivotal bulk properties of sediment transport.

• 한국석유지질학회:학술대회논문집
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• autumn
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• pp.63-65
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• 2001

The Chosen Supergroup (Cambro-Ordovician), mid-east Korea consists mainly of shallow marine carbonates and contains a variety of limestone conglomerates. These conglomerates largely comprise oligomictic, rounded lime-mudstone clasts of various size and shape (equant, oval, discoidal, tabular, and irregular) and dolomitic shale matrices. Most clasts are characterized by jigsaw-fit (mosaic), disorganized, or edgewise fabric and autoclastic lithology. Each conglomerate layer is commonly interbedded with limestone-dolomitic shale couplets and occasionally underlain by fractured limestone layer, capped by calcareous shale. According to composition, characteristic sedimentary structures, and fabric, limestone conglomerates in the Hwajol, Tumugol, Makkol, and Mungok formations of Chosen Supergroup can be classified into 4 types: (1) disorganized polymictic conglomerate (Cd), (2) horizontally stratified polymictic conglomerate (Cs), (3) mosaic conglomerate (Cm), and (4) disorganized/edgewise oligomictic conglomerate (Cd/e). These conglomerates are either depositional (Cd and Cs) or diagenetic (Cm and Cd/e) in origin. Depositional conglomerates are interpreted as storm deposits, tidal channel fills, or transgressive lag deposits. On the other hand, diagenetic conglomerates are not deposited by normal sedimentary processes, but formed by post-depositional diagenetic processes. Diagenetic conglomerates in the Chosen Supergroup are characterized by autoclastic and oligomictic lithology of lime-mudstone clasts, jigsaw-fit (mosaic) fabric, edgewise fabric, and a gradual transition from the underlying bed (Table 1). Autoclastic and oligomictic lithologies may be indicative of subsurface brecciation (fragmentation). Consolidation of lime-mudstone clasts pre-requisite for brecciation may result from dissolution and reprecipitation of CaCO3 by degradation of organic matter during burial. Jigsaw-fit fabric has been considered as evidence for in situ fragmentation. The edgewise fabric is most likely formed by expulsion of pore fluid during compaction. The lower boundary of intraformational conglomerates of depositional origin is commonly sharp and erosional. In contrast, diagenetic conglomerate layers mostly show a gradual transition from the underlying unit, which is indicative of progressive fragmentation upward (Fig. 1). The underlying fractured limestone layer also shows evidence for in situ fragmentation such as jigsaw-fit fabric and the same lithology as the overlying conglomerate layer (Fig, 1). Evidence from the conglomerate beds in the Chosen Supergroup suggests that diagenetic conglomerates are formed by in situ subsurface fragmentation of limestone layers and rounding of the fragments. In situ subsurface fragmentation may be primarily due to compaction, dewatering (upward-moving pore fluids), and dissolution, accompanying volume reduction. This process commonly occurs under the conditions of (1) alternating layers of carbonate-rich and carbonate-poor sediments and (B) early differential cementation of carbonate-rich layers. Differential cementation commonly takes place between alternating beds of carbonate-rich and clay-rich layers, because high carbonate content promotes cementation, whereas clay inhibits cementation. After deposition of alternating beds and differential cementation, with progressive burial, upward-moving pore fluid may raise pore-pressure in the upper part of limestone layers, due to commonly overlying impermeable shale layers (or beds). The high pore-pressure may reinforce propagation of fragmentation and cause upward-expulsion of pore fluid which probably produces edgewise fabric of tabular clasts. The fluidized flow then extends laterally, causing reorientation and further rounding of clasts. This process is analogous to that of autobrecciation, which can be analogously termed autoconglomeration. This is a fragmentation and rounding process whereby earlier semiconsolidated portions of limestone are incorporated into still fluid portions. The rounding may be due mainly to immiscibility and surface tension of lime-mud. The progressive rounding of the fragmented clasts probably results from grain attrition by fluidized flow. A synthetic study of limestone conglomerate beds in the Chosen Supergroup suggests that very small percent of the conglomerate layers are of depositional origin, whereas the rest, more than $80\%$, are of diagenetic origin. The common occurrence of diagenetic conglomerates warrants further study on limestone conglomerates elsewhere in the world.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.335-340
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• 2017

Composite resin becomes an essential material in pediatric dentistry. However, incremental filling of composite resin to minimize the polymerization shrinkage takes time. To reduce the polymerization shrinkage, clinicians and researchers have focused on bulk-filling materials. Bulk-base composite resin is newly introduced as bulk-filling composite resin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate microhardness profile of bulk-base composite resin according to the depth of cure. A high flow bulk-base material and a low flow bulk-base material were used for experimental group, and a conventional composite resin was used for control group. Each group consist of 20 specimens, $3.5{\times}3.5{\times}5.0mm$ mold was used to make specimen. Specimens were sectioned at the 2 mm and the 3 mm depth with milling machine. Microhardness profile was measured at the surface, 2 mm depth, 3 mm depth, and 4 mm depth. Microhardness of control group showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) according to the polymerization depth. In contrast, experimental group showed no statistically significant difference, except between 0 mm and 4 mm at HFB, 0 mm and 2 mm, 0 mm and 3 mm at MFB. At the surface and the 2 mm depth, the control group showed higher microhardness than the experimental groups (p < 0.05). However, at the 4 mm depth, the experimental groups showed significantly higher microhardness (p < 0.05). The results from this study, the bulk-base composite resin showed higher microhardness at the 4 mm and lower microhardness at the surface and the 2 mm depth. Therefore, if bulk-base resin overcomes the mechanical weakness, it could be considered using in pediatric dentistry.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.22-30
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• 2003

Purpose : The efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating coronary artery disease has been reported. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of breath-hold segmented K-space cine MR imaging for evaluating the patency of coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG). Materials and Method s : Thirty eight patients with a total of 92 CABGs (36 internal thoracic arteries and 56 saphenous vein grafts) were evaluated using segmented K-space cardiac-gated fast gradient echo sequence (2D-FASTCARD) MR imaging. MR magnitude images were evaluated from the hard copies by two independent observers. A graft was defined as patent if it was seen as a bright small round area on at least two consecutive images throughout the cardiac cycle at a position consistent with the expected location for that graft. Results : MR images were obtained successfully for 23 patients (61%). The sagittal planes were most helpful in visualizing the cross-section of sapheneous vein bypass graft to left circumflex artery branch, whereas the transverse planes were used for identification of internal mammary artery grafts to left anterior descending coronary artery or its branch and identification of saphenous vein grafts to right coronary artery. Forty five grafts were visible using this MR technique, while the grafts were not visible on seven saphenous vein grafts and two internal mammary artery grafts. In two patients showing symptoms of myocardial ischemia, one or two bypass grafts were not visible. Imaging, perpendicular plane to a CABG was important to visualize the flow inside the CABG with maximum sensitivity. Conclusion : Evaluation of patency of the bypass graft was clinically feasible by 2D-FASTCARD MR imaging, whereas any invisible bypass grafts should be further studied by contrast-enhanced MR angiography or by conventional angiography for confirmation of abnormalities.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.1101-1106
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• 2006

Many BNR (Biological Nutrient Removal) plants have experienced a bulking problem, mainly due to the growth of filamentous organisms, particularly during the winter months. This study investigated the problem of bulking due to the growth of M. parvicella both at a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant and a pilot scale plant located in the C city. The full-scale facility was operated at a flow rate of $51,000m^3/d$, an F/M (Food-to-Microorganism) ratio of 0.12 kgBOD/kgMLVSS/d and an SRT (Solids Retention Time) higher than 25 days, respectively. This plant experienced bulking and foaming problems at low temperatures below $15^{\circ}C$ since it was retrofitted with the BNR system in 2003. The pilot plant employed had an identical process configuration as the full scale one and used the same wastewater source. It was operated at a flow rate of $3.8m^3/d$, temperatures between 10 to $25^{\circ}C$ and SRTs between 10 and 25 days. At full scale, the M. parvicella growth and SVI (Sludge Volume Index) patterns were studied in conjunction with temperature variations. At pilot scale, DO and SRT variations were also explored, in addition to the filamentous bacteria growth and SVI patterns. During the full-scale investigation, over a 3 year period, it was noted that the SVI was maintained within acceptable operational values (i.e. under 160) during the summer months. Moreover settling in the secondary clarifiers was good and was not affected by the presence of M. parvicella. In contrast, at low mean temperatures during winter, the SVI increased to over 300. Overall, as the temperature decreased, the predominance of M. parvicella became apparent. According to this study, M. parvicella growth could be controlled and SVI could drop under 160 by a change in operational conditions which involved an increase in DO concentration between 2 and 4 mg/L and a decrease in SRT to less than 20 days.