• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2015

In this study, we investigated the effects of an iterative reconstruction algorithm and an automatic exposure control (AEC) technique on image quality and radiation dose through phantom experiments with coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography protocols. We scanned the AAPM CT performance phantom using 320 multi-detector-row CT. At the tube voltages of 80, 100, and 120 kVp, the scanning was repeated with two settings of the AEC technique, i.e., with the target standard deviations (SD) values of 33 (the higher tube current) and 44 (the lower tube current). The scanned projection data were reconstructed also in two ways, with the filtered back projection (FBP) and with the iterative reconstruction technique (AIDR-3D). The image quality was evaluated quantitatively with the noise standard deviation, modulation transfer function, and the contrast to noise ratio (CNR). More specifically, we analyzed the influences of selection of a tube voltage and a reconstruction algorithm on tube current modulation and consequently on radiation dose. Reduction of image noise by the iterative reconstruction algorithm compared with the FBP was revealed eminently, especially with the lower tube current protocols, i.e., it was decreased by 46% and 38%, when the AEC was established with the lower dose (the target SD=44) and the higher dose (the target SD=33), respectively. As a side effect of iterative reconstruction, the spatial resolution was decreased by a degree that could not mar the remarkable gains in terms of noise reduction. Consequently, if coronary CT angiogprahy is scanned and reconstructed using both the automatic exposure control and iterative reconstruction techniques, it is anticipated that, in comparison with a conventional acquisition method, image noise can be reduced significantly with slight decrease in spatial resolution, implying clinical advantages of radiation dose reduction, still being faithful to the ALARA principle.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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• 2004.11a
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• pp.75-77
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• 2004

Stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS) is a technique to deliver a high dose to a particular target region and a low dose to the critical organ using only one or a few irradiations while the patient is fixed with a stereotactic frame. The optimized plan is decided by repetitive work to combine the beam parameters and identify prescribed doses level in a tumor, which is usually called a trial and error method. This requires a great deal of time, effort, and experience. Therefore, we developed the automatic arrangement of multi-isocenter within irregularly shaped tumor. At the arbitrary targets, which is this method based on the voxel unit of the space, well satisfies the dose conformity and dose homogeneity to the targets relative to the RTOG radiosurgery plan guidelines

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.239-245
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively compare and evaluate the characteristics of image quality for digital mammography systems which use a direct and indirect conversion detector. Three key metrics of image quality were evaluated for the direct and indirect conversion detector, the modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE), which describe the resolution, noise, and signal to noise performance, respectively. DQE was calculated by using a edge phantom for MTF determination according to IEC 62220-1-2 regulation. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was evaluated according to guidelines offered by the Korean Institute for Accreditation of Medical Image (KIAMI). As a result, the higher MTF and DQE was measured with direct conversion detector compared to indirect conversion detector all over spatial frequency. When the average glandular dose (AGD) was the same, direct conversion detector showed higher CNR value. The direct conversion detector which has higher DQE value all over spatial frequency would provide the potential benefits for both improved image quality and lower patient dose in digital mammography system.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.203-209
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• 2022

One of the typical methods for lowering radiation dose while maintaining image quality of computed tomography (CT) is the use of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR). This study is to evaluate the image quality by adjusting the strength of the advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE), which is well known as a representative model of MBIR. The study was conducted using phantom, and CT images were obtained while adjusting the strength of ADMIRE in units of 1 to 5. Quantitative evaluation includes noise levels using coefficient of variation (COV) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR), as well as natural image quality evaluation (NIQE) and blind/referenceless image spatial quality evaluator (BRISQUE). As a result, in both noise level and blind quality evaluation results, the higher the strength of ADMIRE, the better the results were derived. In particular, it was confirmed that COV and CNR were improved 1.89 and 1.75 times at ADMIRE 5 compared to ADMIRE 1, respectively, and NIQE and BRISQUE were proved to be improved 1.35 and 1.22 times at ADMIRE 5 compared to ADMIRE 1, respectively. In conclusion, this study was proved that the reconstruction strength of ADMIRE had a great influence on the noise level and overall image quality evaluation of CT images.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.295-302
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• 2022

Sparse-view computed tomography (CT) imaging technique is able to reduce radiation dose, ensure the uniformity of image characteristics among projections and suppress noise. However, the reconstructed images obtained by the sparse-view CT imaging technique suffer from severe artifacts, resulting in the distortion of image quality and internal structures. In this study, we proposed a convolutional neural network (CNN) with wavelet transformation and residual learning for reducing artifacts in sparse-view CT image, and the performance of the trained model was quantitatively analyzed. The CNN consisted of wavelet transformation, convolutional and inverse wavelet transformation layers, and input and output images were configured as sparse-view CT images and residual images, respectively. For training the CNN, the loss function was calculated by using mean squared error (MSE), and the Adam function was used as an optimizer. Result images were obtained by subtracting the residual images, which were predicted by the trained model, from sparse-view CT images. The quantitative accuracy of the result images were measured in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM). The results showed that the trained model is able to improve the spatial resolution of the result images as well as reduce artifacts in sparse-view CT images effectively. Also, the trained model increased the PSNR and SSIM by 8.18% and 19.71% in comparison to the imaging model trained without wavelet transformation and residual learning, respectively. Therefore, the imaging model proposed in this study can restore the image quality of sparse-view CT image by reducing artifacts, improving spatial resolution and quantitative accuracy.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.134-139
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• 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
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.255-263
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• 2014

The dosimetry of very small fields is challenging for several reasons including a lack of lateral electronic equilibrium, large dose gradients, and the size of detector in respect to the field size. The objective of this work was to evaluate the suitability of a new commercial synthetic diamond detector, namely, the PTW 60019 microDiamond, for the small field dosimetry in cyberknife photon beams of 6 different collimator size (from 5 mm to 30 mm). Measurements included dose linearity, dose rate dependence, output factors (OF), percentage depth doses (PDD) and off center ratio (OCR). The results were compared to those of pinpoint ionization chamber, diamond detector, microLion liquid Ionization chamber and diode detector. The dose linearity results for the microDiamond detector showed good linearly proportional to dose. The microDiamond detector showed little dose rate dependency throughout the range of 100~600 MU/min, while microLion liquid Ionization chamber showed a significant discrepancy of approximately 5.8%. The OF measured with microDiamond detector agreed within 3.8% with those measured with diode. PDD curves measured with silicon diode and diamond detector agreed well for all the field sizes. In particular, slightly sharper penumbras are obtained by the microDiamond detector, indicating a good spatial resolution. The results obtained confirm that the new PTW 60019 microDiamond detector is suitable candidate for application in small radiation fields dosimetry.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.47-117
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• 1999

This study concern with the pattern of Pusan Station shopping district within Pusan City, Korea, one of the special functioned shopping district within Pusan City. This paper will serve as a part of series studies which attempt to clarify the internal structure of Pusan as a whole. Part(II) of this study deals with the functions including living related, restaurants and others. The pattern of floors, size of shops, street corners and widths of streets were also analysed. The results are as follows: 1. In terms of numbers of firms in living related function, Pusan Station shopping district is the $7{\sim}8th$ ranked central place among nine the highest centers within Pusan City. Pusan Station shopping district has not much promoted vertical spatial differentiation comparatively, and also it's intensity of land use is the lower among nine the highest centers. It is presented that intimate relationship between intensity of vertical land use and classes of central places within the city. The ratio of inns and hotels in Pusan Station shopping district is third ranked in Pusan City. And the size of inns and hotels in this area is the most largest among the nine highest ranked central places within Pusan City. These presented that the traditional characteristics of station area as a special functioned shopping district. Inns and hotels mainly located along the narrower and back street. And it forms agglomerated areas or 'an alley of inns' at the inner parts of blocks, some like a 'hidden flower'. In Korea, 'alley' means that an area of specialization gains the prestige, traditionally. 2. Restaurants mainly locate along the narrower and back streets. And agglomerated areas of restaurants coincide with the agglomerated area of drinking places. It shows that these two kinds of functions need the same locational conditions. The ratio of Chinese restaurants is the highest in the Pusan Station shopping district. It's due to the agglomerated area these kinds of restaurants at the 'China town'. 3. Pusan Station shopping district has been formed along the streets within the residential areas. It's means that this shopping district now at the initial or middle growth era in development stage of shopping areas. 4. In general, wholesales and light manufacturing are located at peripheries within shopping district. But in Pusan Station shopping district, it dose not appear these spatial pattern. It shows that this area is lower ranked central place and not much progressed in spatial differentiation. 5. Particular firms which customers and workers have stayed more longer period of time are located at the far from the first floor. This vertical spatial differentiation is similar to the horizontal sequences. 6. Firms which have more ability of rental payment are located at street comers such as banks and pharmacies. In Pusan Station shopping district commercial facilities could not invade into the second third floors at narrower streets and first floor of back streets, still now.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.213-219
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• 2016

The position verification of the radiation source utilized in brachytherapy forms a critical factor in determining the therapeutic efficiency. Currently, films are used to verify the source position; however, this method is encumbered by the lengthy time interval required from film scanning to analysis, which makes real-time position verification difficult. In general, the source position accuracy is usually tested in a monthly quality assurance check. In this context, this study investigates the feasibility of the real-time position verification of the radiation source in high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy with the use of scintillating fibers. To this end, we construct a system consisting of scintillating fibers and a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), optimize the dosimetric software setup and radiation system characteristics to obtain maximum measurement accuracy, and determine the relative ratio of the measured signals dependent upon the position of the scintillating fiber. According to the dosimetric results based on a treatment plan, in which the dwell time is set at 30 and 60 s at two dwell positions, the number of signals is 31.5 and 83, respectively. In other words, the signal rate roughly doubles in proportion to the dwell time. The source position can also be confirmed at the same time. With further improvements in the spatial resolution and scintillating fiber array, the source position can be verified in real-time in clinical settings with the use of a scintillating fiber-based system.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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• 2017.01a
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• pp.235-238
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• 2017

This study was to develop a portable digital radiography (PDR) system with a function measuring the X-ray source-with-detector angle (SDA) and to evaluate the imaging performance for the diagnosis of chest imaging. The SDA device consisted of an Arduino, an accelerometer and gyro sensor, and a Bluetooth module. According to different angle degrees, five anatomical landmarks on chest images were assessed using a 5-point scale. Mean signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were 182.47 and 141.43. Spatial resolution (10% MTF) and entrance surface dose were 3.17 lp/mm ($157{\mu}m$) and 0.266mGy. The angle values of SDA device were not significant difference as compared to those of the digital angle meter. In chest imaging, SNR and CNR values were not significantly different according to different angle degrees (repeated-measures ANOVA, p>0.05). The visibility scores of the border of heart, 5th rib and scapula showed significant differences according to different angles (rmANOVA, p<0.05), whereas the scores of the clavicle and 1st rib were not significant. It is noticeable that the increase in SDA degree was consistent with the increase of visibility score. Our PDR with SDA device would be useful to be applicable to clinical radiography setting according to the standard radiography guideline at various fields.