• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.261-268
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• 2004

Osteoporosis is a clinical condition in which the amount of bone tissue is reduced and the likelihood of fracture is increased. It is known that the electrical property of the bone is related to its density, and, in particular, the electrical resistance of the bone decreases as the bone loss increases. This implies that the electrical property of bone may be an useful parameter to diagnose osteoporosis, provided that it can be readily measured. The study attempted to evaluate the electrical conductivity of bone using a technique of electrical impedance tomography (EIT). It nay not be easy in general to get an EIT for the bone due to the big difference (an order of 2) of electrical properties between the bone and the surrounding soft tissue. In the present study, we took an adaptive mesh regeneration technique originally developed for the detection of two phase boundaries and modified it to be able to reconstruct the electrical conductivity inside the boundary provided that the geometry of the boundary was given. Numerical simulation was carried out for a tibia phantom, circular cylindrical phantom (radius of 40 mm) inside of which there is an ellipsoidal homeogenous tibia bone (short and long radius are 17 mm and 15 mm, respectively) surrounded by the soft tissue. The bone was located in the 15 mm above from the center of the circular cross section of the phantom. The electrical conductivity of the soft tissue was set to be 4 mS/cm and varies from 0.01 to 1 ms/cm for the bone. The simulation considered measurement errors in order to look into its effects. The simulated results showed that, if the measurement error was maintained less than 5 %, the reconstructed electrical conductivity of the bone was within 10 % errors. The accuracy increased with the electrical conductivity of the bone, as expected. This indicates that the present technique provides more accurate information for osteoporotic bones. It should be noted that tile simulation is based on a simple two phase image for the bone and the surrounding soft tissue when its anatomical information is provided. Nevertheless, the study indicates the possibility that the EIT technique may be used as a new means to detect the bone loss leading to osteoporotic fractures.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.149-156
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• 2016

Measurement of cardiac blood flow using the magnetic resonance imaging has been limited due to breathing and involuntary movements of the heart. The present study attempted to improve the accuracy of cardiac blood flow testing through phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging by presenting the adequate breathing method and imaging variables by comparing the measurement values of cardiac blood flow. Each was evaluated by comparing the breath hold retrospective 1NEX and non breath hold retrospective 1-3NEX in the ascending aorta and descending aorta. As a result, the average blood flow amount/velocity of the breath hold retrosepctive 1NEX method in the ascending aorta were $96.17{\pm}19.12ml/sec$, $17.04{\pm}4.12cm/sec$ respectively, which demonstrates a statistically significant difference(p<0.05) with the non-breath hold retrospective method 1NEX of $72.31{\pm}13.27ml$ and $12.32{\pm}3.85$. On the other hand, the average 2NEX blood flow and mean flow velocity is $101.90{\pm}24.09$, $16.84{\pm}4.32$, 3NEX $103.06{\pm}25.49$, $16.88{\pm}4.19$ did not show statistically significant differences(p>0.05).The average blood flow amount/ velocity of the breath hold retrospective 1NEX method in the descending aorta were $76.68{\pm}19.72ml/s$, and $22.23{\pm}4.8$, which did not demonstrate a significant difference in comparison to non-breath hold retrospective method 1-3 NEX. Therefore, the non breath hold retrospective method does not significantly differ in terms of cardiac blood flow in comparison with the breath hold retrospective method in accordance with the increase of NEX, so pediatric patients or patients who are not able to breathe well must have the diagnostic value of their cardiac blood flow tests improved.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.144-150
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• 2006

Chemical characteristics and their interrelationships of 156 soils included by 74 sandy loam and 82 loam soils collected from plastic film house in Chungbuk area were investigated from 1998 to 2001. Seventeen chemical properties including pH, organic matter (OM), electrical conductivity (EC), inorganic nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable cations, CEC, etc., were analyzed by correlation, standardized partial regression coefficient, and principal factor analysis. Standardized partial regression coefficients of chemical properties were estimated to determine the degree of contribution of EC and OM contents in soils. Principal factor analysis was applied to classify the studied chemical properties into different groups having similar chemical properties. The pH of experimental soils ranged from 4.24 to 7.14 and 4.95 to 7.35 for loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. The EC of soils varied from 0.93 to $15.65dS\;m^{-1}$ for loam and $0.91{\sim}22.30dS\;m^{-1}$ for sandy loam soils, respectively with significant differences among them. The EC measured by 1:5 $H_2O$ dilution method and saturation method were significantly related with 8.163 and 8.599 as the slopes of regression equation for loam and sandy loam soils, respectively. These slopes more than 8.0 in this regression equation was higher than the slope of 5.0 that is estimated from dilution coefficient suggesting that EC measured by 1:5 dilution method might be erratic. The standardized partial regression coefficient of different chemical properties for the estimation of EC was in the order of $NO_3{^-}$ > $Cl^-$ > OM > exchangeable Mg for loam soils and $NO_3{^-}$ > exchangeable Mg > $Cl^-$ for sandy loam soils. Contribution order of the chemical properties based on standardized partial regression coefficient differed 1:5 dilution method and saturation method, indicating that different chemical compounds might be present in the extract solutions of these two methods. Consequently the measurement of EC by saturation method was thought be still better for estimation of chemical property because accuracy of EC measurement by 1:5 dilution method can't be improved by any specific coefficient for adjustment of EC. Regardless of differences in soil textures and extraction methods, correlation coefficients between EC and the other chemical properties were routinely in the order of $NO_3{^-}$ > $Cl^-$ > degree of base saturation > exchangeable Mg > exchangeable Ca > $SO{_4}^{2-}$. The principal factor analysis revealed four factor groups of the chemical properties studied. The groups for sandy loam were as follows; ; 1. salt components, 2. soil reaction components, 3. fixed and adsorption components, 4. CEC components. The groupings of loam soils were similar to sandy loam except that exchangeable Na substituted the CEC of sandy loam.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.252-263
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• 2013

Objectives : Skin color deformation by cupping has been widely used as a diagnostic parameter in Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM). Skin color deformation such as ecchymoses and purpura is induced by local vacuum in a suction cup. Since existing studies have relied on a visual diagnostic method, there is a need to use the quantitative measurement method. Methods : We conducted an analysis of cross-polarization photographic images to assess the changes in skin color deformation. The skin color variation was analyzed using $L^*a^*b^*$ space and the skin erythema index(E.I.). The meridian theory in TKM indicates that the condition of primary internal organs is closely related to the skin color deformation at special acupoints. Before conducting these studies, it is necessary to evaluate whether or not skin color deformation is influenced by muscle condition. Hence, we applied cupping at BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20 and BL23 at Bladder Meridian(BL) and measured blood lactate at every acupoint. Results : We confirmed the high system measurement accuracy, and observed the diverse skin color deformations. Moreover, we confirmed that the $L^*$, $a^*$ and E.I. had not changed after 40 minutes(p>0.05). The distribution of blood lactate levels at each part was observed differently. Blood lactate level and skin color deformation at each part was independent of each other. Conclusions : The negative pressure produced by the suction cup induces a reduction in the volumetric fraction of melanosomes and subsequent reduction in epidermal thickness. The relationship between variations of tissue and skin properties and skin color deformation degree must be investigated prior to considering the relationship between internal organ dysfunction and skin color deformation.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.3-7
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• 2010

Purpose: The usefulness of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images in diagnosis, staging, recurrent and treatment response evaluation has already been known. However, tumors which are small size, located in lower lobe of lung or upper lobe of liver are shown misalignment, distortion and different Standard Uptake Value (SUV) by respiration in PET images. Therefore, if radiotherapy based on normal respiration, it may cause low treatment response or more side effects because targets which had to treat, out of treat range or over dose to normal tissue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate attenuation-correction with Average CT (ACT) for more accuracy SUV measurement and minimize artifact by respiration. Materials and Methods: 13 patients, who had tumors which are around the diaphragm, underwent ACT scan after Helical CT (HCT) scan with PET/CT (Discovery DSTE 8; GE Healthcare). We quantified the differences between attenuation corrected image with HCT and attenuation corrected image with ACT in artifact size and maximum SUV ($SUV_{max}$). Artifacts were evaluated by measurement of the curved photogenic area in the lower thorax of the PET images for all patients. $SUV_{max}$ was measured separately at the primary tumors. Analysis program was Advantage Workstation v4.3 (GE Healthcare). Patients were injected with 7.4 MBq (0.2 $mC_i$) per kg of $^{18}F$-FDG and scanned 1 hour after injection. The PET acquisition was 3 minute per bed. Results: Significantly lower artifact were observed in PET/ACT images than in PET/HCT images (below-thoracic artifacts caused by under corrected $1.5{\pm}3.5$ cm vs. $13.4{\pm}4.2$ cm). Significantly higher $SUV_{max}$ were noted in PET/ACT images than in PET/HCT images in the primary tumor. Compared with PET/HCT images, $SUV_{max}$ in PET/ACT images were higher by $5.3{\pm}3.9%$ (mean value) tumor. The highest difference was observed in Lower lobe of lung (7.7 to 8.7; 13%). Conclusion: Due to its significantly reduced artifacts in lower thoracic, attenuation corrected image with ACT images provided more reliable $SUV_{max}$ and may be helpful in monitoring treatment response. Moreover, ACT can separate upper lobe of liver and lower lobe of lung, it may be helpful in interpretation. ACT will be clinically useful, considering increased dose caused by ACT scan and adapt.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2014

Purpose : To establish a pH measurement system for a mouse tumor study using a clinical scanner, to develop the $^1H$ and 31P radio frequency (RF) coil system and to test pH accuracy with phantoms. Materials and Methods: The $^1H$ and the $^{31}P$ surface coils were designed to acquire signals from mouse tumors. Two coils were positioned orthogonally for geometric decoupling. The pH values of various pH phantoms were calculated using the $^1H$ decoupled $^{31}P$ MR spectrum with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The calculated pH value was compared to that of a pH meter. Results: The mutual coil coupling was shown in a standard $S_{12}$. Coil coupling ($S_{12}$) were -73.0 and -62.3 dB respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) obtained from the homogeneous phantom $^1H$ image was greater than 300. The high resolution in vivo mice images were acquired using a $^{31}P$-decoupled $^1H$ coil. The pH values calculated from the $^1H$-decoupled $^{31}P$ spectrum correlated well with the values measured by pH meter ($R^2$=0.97). Conclusion: Accurate pH values can be acquired using a $^1H$-decoupled $^{31}P$ RF coil with a clinical scanner. This two-surface coil system could be applied to other nuclear MRS or MRI.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.163-169
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• 2016

Purpose: To investigate the measured values of the talus in Koreans. Materials and Methods: We measured 88 tali from 44 cadavers that have been donated between December 2012 and December 2015. Of the cadavers, 27 were male and 17 were female. Their mean age was 73 years. The length and width of the talus were measured using a digital goniometer and vernier caliper. Results: The values of cadaveric measurement, mean maximal width and length, width and length of the dome anterior, width and length of the posterior facet, height and length of the trochlear medial facet, and height and length of the trochlear lateral facet were $43.6{\pm}2.6mm$, $56.5{\pm}3.3mm$, $32.5{\pm}2.0mm$, $42.2{\pm}2.7mm$, $22.2{\pm}2.2mm$, $34.7{\pm}2.0mm$, $15.3{\pm}1.3mm$, $33.3{\pm}2.9mm$, $25.3{\pm}3.3mm$, and $30.8{\pm}2.4mm$ for men and $38.9{\pm}1.6mm$, $53.6{\pm}2.4mm$, $27.9{\pm}2.1mm$, $37.4{\pm}3.2mm$, $20.6{\pm}0.8mm$, $31.9{\pm}1.2mm$, $13.6{\pm}2.6mm$, $28.4{\pm}2.5mm$, $24.9{\pm}2.1mm$, and $28.9{\pm}1.4mm$ for women, respectively. The size of the talus showed an accuracy of 86% when anteroposterior diameter was greater than 59 mm. A difference in the size of the right and left talus was not observed. The mean inclination and declination angles were $24.4^{\circ}{\pm}4.2^{\circ}$ and $28.2^{\circ}{\pm}5.4^{\circ}$ for men, and $24.6^{\circ}{\pm}3.6^{\circ}$ and $24.7^{\circ}{\pm}6.7^{\circ}$ for women (p=0.980, p=0.018), respectively, at least $15^{\circ}$, which showed a big difference for every object up to $37^{\circ}$. Conclusion: This paper, to the best of our knowledge, is the first study to measure the talus in Koreans. There were differences by gender and ethnicity in the in measured talus values. The measurements were smaller than European-Americans and greater than Japanese.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.38C no.9
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• pp.822-829
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• 2013

Hypertension is one of the most common clinical diseases, with an increasing prevalence globally. Hypertension triggers various harmful consequences and affects multiple organs. Life-long care may be required in some cases. According to the Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of hypertension is gradually increasing. A 2011 survey revealed that 28.9% of Korean adults had hypertension. The prevalence rates were slightly higher among men than women. Accurate measurement of blood pressure(BP) is crucial to classify patients, to identify BP-related risks, and to inform correct treatment. For accurate blood pressure measurement, the use of a cuff bladder size appropriate for the mid-upper arm circumference(MUAC) is essential. Incorrect sized cuff bladder is one of the main causes of equipment error affecting sphygmomanometer accuracy. When commercial sphygmomanometers were examined, the cuff bladders differed from the dimensions specified in the ISO 81060-1:2007 standards. Undercuffing is responsible for a spurious overestimation of BP in patients with large arms leading to overdiagnosis of hypertension, whereas overcuffing (that is, use of relatively large cuffs with small arms), may be responsible for an opposite problem, leading to erroneous underestimation of BP levels. The cuff bladder sizes recommended by the American Heart Association(AHA) are an arm circumference(AC) of 17-25 cm for small-sized adults, AC of 24-32 cm for adults, AC of 32-42 cm for normal-sized adults, and AC of 42-50 cm for obese adults. In contrast, the AC of Korean adults ranges from 23-31 cm, belonging to a single type of adult bladder. Three types of bladders are necessary for Korean adults with an AC of 23-31cm. Hospitals often use one or two differently-sized Western cuffs for adult patients, which can yield inaccurate BP determinations. Cuff bladders with dimensions based on anthropometric reference data obtained from Koreans will aid hospitals to measure BP more accurately.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2016

The measurement of total fresh weight of plants provides an essential indicator of crop growth for monitoring production. To measure fresh weight without damaging the vegetation, image-based methods have been developed, but they have limitations. In addition, the total plant fresh weight is difficult to measure directly in hydroponic cultivation systems because of the amount of nutrient solution. This study aimed to develop a real-time, precise method to measure the total fresh weight of Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Asia Heuk Romaine) with growth stage in a plant factory using a nutrient film technique. The total weight of the channel, amount of residual nutrient solution in the channel, and fresh shoot and root weights of the plants were measured every 7 days after transplanting. The initial weight of the channel during nutrient solution supply (Wi) and its weight change per second just after the nutrient solution supply stopped were also measured. When no more draining occurred, the final weight of the channel (Ws) and the amount of residual nutrient solution in the channel were measured. The time constant (${\tau}$) was calculated by considering the transient values of Wi and Ws. The relationship of Wi, Ws, ${\tau}$, and fresh weight was quantitatively analyzed. After the nutrient solution supply stopped, the change in the channel weight exponentially decreased. The nutrient solution in the channel slowly drained as the root weight in the channel increased. Large differences were observed between the actual fresh weight of the plant and the predicted value because the channel included residual nutrient solution. These differences were difficult to predict with growth stage but a model with the time constant showed the highest accuracy. The real-time fresh weight could be calculated from Wi, Ws, and ${\tau}$ with growth stage.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.99-120
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• 1997

Solar radiation is scattered and absorbed atmospheric compositions in the atmosphere before it reaches the surface and, then after reflected at the surface, until it reaches the satellite sensor. Therefore, consideration of the radiative transfer through the atmosphere is essential for the quantitave analysis of the satellite sensed data, specially at shortwave region. This study examined a feasibility of using radiative transfer code for estimating the atmospheric effects on satellite remote sensing data. To do this, the flux simulated by LOWTRAN7 is compared with CAGEX data in shortwave region. The CAGEX (CERES/ARM/GEWEX Experiment) data provides a dataset of (1) atmospheric soundings, aerosol optical depth and albedo, (2) ARM(Aerosol Radiation Measurement) radiation flux measured by pyrgeometers, pyrheliometer and shadow pyranometer and (3) broadband shortwave flux simulated by Fu-Liou's radiative transfer code. To simulate aerosol effect using the radiative transfer model, the aerosol optical characteristics were extracted from observed aerosol column optical depth, Spinhirne's experimental vertical distribution of scattering coefficient and D'Almeida's statistical atmospheric aerosols radiative characteristics. Simulation of LOWTRAN7 are performed on 31 sample of completely clear days. LOWTRAN's result and CAGEX data are compared on upward, downward direct, downward diffuse solar flux at the surface and upward solar flux at the top of the atmosphere(TOA). The standard errors in LOWTRAN7 simulation of the above components are within 5% except for the downward diffuse solar flux at the surface(6.9%). The results show that a large part of error in LOWTRAN7 flux simulation appeared in the diffuse component due to scattering mainly by atmispheric aerosol. For improving the accuracy of radiative transfer simulation by model, there is a need to provide better information about the radiative charateristrics of atmospheric aerosols.