• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.161-165
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• 2011

This study is related to the preparation of biocompatible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) which are stable in aqueous solutions for a long time. Ultrasmall polyethyleneimine (PEI)-capped AuNPs (PEI-AuNPs) with limited agglomeration were prepared in aqueous solutions at room temperature, which were based on the roles of PEI as a reductant and a stabilizer. PEI-AuNPs with an average size of 8~12 nm formed highly stable nanocolloids with an average hydrodynamic cluster size of around 50 nm in aqueous media. At a low concentration of metal precursor hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III), the particle size was reduced noticeably. The typical peaks of gold were observed in the X-ray diffraction pattern of AuNPs. The cell viability of 98% was obtained in the case of PEI-AuNPs, while PEI was cytotoxic. The PEI-AuNP is considered to be a potential candidate as a contrast agent for computed tomography.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.523-530
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to obtain the K-edge images using a spectral CT system based on a photon-counting detector and implement the 3D fusion imaging using the conventional and spectral CT images. Also, we evaluated the clinical feasibility of the 3D fusion images though the quantitative analysis of image quality. A spectral CT system based on a CdTe photon-counting detector was used to obtain K-edge images. A pork phantom was manufactured with the six tubes including diluted iodine and gadolinium solutions. The K-edge images were obtained by the low-energy thresholds of 35 and 52 keV for iodine and gadolinium imaging with the X-ray spectrum, which was generated at a tube voltage of 100 kVp with a tube current of $500{\mu}A$. We implemented 3D fusion imaging by combining the iodine and gadolinium K-edge images with the conventional CT images. The results showed that the CNRs of the 3D fusion images were 6.76-14.9 times higher than those of the conventional CT images. Also, the 3D fusion images was able to provide the maps of target materials. Therefore, the technique proposed in this study can improve the quality of CT images and the diagnostic efficiency through the additional information of target materials.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.26
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• pp.143-160
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• 2021

The Seoul Baekje Museum has been conducting excavations at the Ancient Tomb Complex in Seokchon-dong, Seoul (Historic Site No. 243), known to be tombs of the royal family and the ruling class during the Hanseong period of the Baekje Kingdom. In this study, gold earrings that were revealed during the excavation underwent scientific analysis and conservation treatment. Stereo microscopy, SEM, X-ray imaging, CT, and XRF were applied in the analysis, and the characteristics, internal structure, and composition of the earrings as well as their production method were investigated. The results confirmed that the main hoops of the gilt-bronze earrings were made of copper cores gilt using mercury amalgamation. The findings also revealed that the hexahedron in the middle pendant was made by connecting small rings using molten gold powder, and the pendant sphere at the end was formed by soldering two hemispheres. As for the two thin-hoop earrings, they showed similar surface compositions but were made using different methods, with one made from a copper core wrapped with a gold plate and the other made by bending a gold rod. The gold content varied depending on the item and the place of measurement, but overall the earrings showed a relatively high gold content of approximately 19 to 21K. The purity of the golden earrings and the sophisticated manufacturing techniques applied indicate the high status of the buried person and of the tomb complex in Seokchong-dong.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.571-582
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• 2022

In this study, the raw material and tempers of bricks used in three brick tombs built in Gongju, during the Ungjin period of Baekje were investigated. The royal tomb of King Muryeong, the 6th tomb in the royal tombs, and Kyochonri brick tomb remained in Gongju and the bricks of each site had different shape and physical properties despite their similarity in raw materials. As the results of the mineralogical and microstructural analysis, the bricks of the royal tombs were made of refined raw materials, and were infrequently added crushed bricks(grogs) as a tempering material. On the other hand, thick and elongated pores of bricks from the Kyochonri brick tomb were frequently found, and the remains of plant carbonization are observed in their microstructures. Since the pores are mainly distributed in a thickness of 0.3 to 1 mm, it is estimated that bricks were produced by adding a certain size of the plant to refined soil, and grogs also were added as a tempering material. In particular, it was found that adding plants and grogs in raw materials of bricks caused thick pores or cracks in the internal structure. Since the bricks of the Kyochonri brick tomb have internal cracks and low firing temperature, the ultrasonic velocity of the bricks was lower than that of the royal tomb bricks. It means that the mechanical strength of these bricks were relatively low. Accordingly, it is estimated that the tempering materials, firing temperature, and internal structures of bricks can affect durability of the brick, and it can be thought as a difference in the manufacturing technology of brick making.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.167-175
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• 2006

With the recent prevalence of helical CT and multi-slice CT, which deliver higher radiation dose than conventional CT due to overbeaming effect in X-ray exposure and interpolation technique in image reconstruction. Although multi-detector and helical CT scanner provide a variety of opportunities for patient dose reduction, the potential risk for high radiation levels in CT examination can't be overemphasized in spite of acquiring more diagnostic information. So much more concerns is necessary about dose characteristics of CT scanner, especially dose efficient design as well as dose modulation software, because dose efficiency built into the scanner's design is probably the most important aspect of successful low dose clinical performance. This study was conducted to evaluate z-axis geometric dose efficiency in single detector CT and each level multi-detector CT, as well as to compare z-axis dose efficiency with change of technical scan parameters such as focal spot size of tube, beam collimation, detector combination, scan mode, pitch size, slice width and interval. The results obtained were as follows ; 1. SDCT was most highest and 4 MDCT was most lowest in z-axis geometric dose efficiency among SDCT, 4, 8, 16, 64 slice MDCT made by GE manufacture. 2. Small focal spot was 0.67-13.62% higher than large focal spot in z-axis geometric dose efficiency at MDCT. 3. Large beam collimation was 3.13-51.52% higher than small beam collimation in z-axis geometric dose efficiency at MDCT. 4. Z-axis geometric dose efficiency was same at 4 slice MDCT in all condition and 8 slice MDCT of large beam collimation with change of detector combination, but was changed irregularly at 8 slice MDCT of small beam collimation and 16 slice MDCT in all condition with change of detector combination. 5. There was no significant difference for z-axis geometric dose efficiency between conventional scan and helical scan, and with change of pitch factor, as well as change of slice width or interval for image reconstruction. As a conclusion, for reduction of patient radiation dose delivered from CT examination we are particularly concerned with dose efficiency of equipment and have to select proper scanning parameters which increase z-axis geometric dose efficiency within the range of preserving optimum clinical information in MDCT examination.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.357-366
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• 2013

This study is designed to evaluate the treatment outcome of occlusal stabilizing splint and to assess follow-up study of condylar bony changes using cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) in adolescents patients (12-19 years) with TMJ osteoarthritis(OA). 167 eroded condyles in 149 subjects were chosen among the patients who presented to the Department of Oral Medicine of Pasan National University Hospital, diagnosed as TMJ osteoarthritis by clinical exam, x-ray and CBCT from 2009 to 2012. They were treated conservatively with physical therapy, medication, behavioral therapy and occlusal stabilizing splint therapy. After average 9 months, CBCT was retaken and subjective symptoms and clinical findings were investigated. Condyle bony changes were classified by unchanged, less severe and more severe. The obtained results were as follow: 1. Pain, Noise, LOM(Limitation of motion) and MCO(Maximum comfortable opening) measurement of TMJ OA patients were markedly improved after conservative treatment. 2. In the occlusal stabilizing splint therapy group, Pain and LOM were statistically significant improved than non-occlusal stabilizing splint therapy group. 3. In the acute occlusal stabilizing splint therapy group, Pain and LOM were remarkably improved. 4. In comparison of CBCT1 and CBCT2 images, the transition of bone changes to lesser severe was most commonly in joint with erosive change. 5. In the non-occlusal stabilizing splint therapy group, the transition of condylar bone changes from erosion to more severe was many than occlusal stabilizing splint therapy group.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.255-261
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• 2007

Purpose : The objective of this study is to observe high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of lung parenchyme in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants between the corrected age of 38-42 weeks who were treated with oxygen after birth, and to compare them to the clinical severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods : The lungs of fourty-four VLBW infants with gestational ages of less than 32 weeks and birth weights of less than 1,500 g who were treated with oxygen after birth were examined using HRCT taken when the corrected age was between 38-42 weeks. Common findings among the infants and the frequency of their occurrences were noted. Total CT scores obtained by the summation of air trapping and actelectasis scores and the ratio of bronchus-to-pulmonary artery diameter were used to quantitatively evaluate HRCT findings and correlate them with the clinical severity of BPD as defined by Jobe-Bancalari diagnostic criteria. Results : 1) The most common findings in HRCT images of the lungs were air trapping (56%), atelectasis (70.5%), linear opacity (77%), and distortion of the bronchopulmonary bundle (65.9%). These findings were more commonly observed in infants with BPD in a mixed pattern than those without (P<0.05). However, abnormal findings were also found in HRCT images of some infants without BPD. In infants with BPD, air trapping, atelectasis and total CT scores were higher than those without BPD. Also infants with BPD had a lower bronchus-to-pulmonary artery diameter than those without BPD (P<0.05). 2) The total CT scores (r=0.799, P<0.0001) and the ratio of bronchus-to-pulmonary artery diameter (r=0.576, P<0.0001) showed a linear correlation with the clinical severity of BPD. Conclusion : HRCT findings in VLBW infants between the corrected age of 38-42 weeks who had been treated with oxygen after birth are useful in revealing pathologic changes in the lung parenchyme and show a good correlation with the clinical severity of BPD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.6
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• pp.1424-1435
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• 2020

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of multiphasic CT and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT for the differentiation of combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods From January 2007 to April 2016, 93 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC (n = 84) or cHCC-CCA (n = 9) underwent CT and PET/CT imaging. Contrast enhancement patterns were divided into three types based on the attenuation of the surrounding liver parenchyma: type I (early arterial enhancement with delayed washout), type II (early arterial enhancement without delayed washout), and type III (early hypovascular, infiltrative appearance, or peripheral rim enhancement). Results cHCC-CCAs (89%) had a higher PET/CT positive rate than did HCCs (61%), but the PET/CT positive rate did not differ significantly (p = 0.095). Among the 19 cases of the type II enhancement pattern, 3 (21%) of 14 HCCs and 4 (80%) of 5 cHCC-CCAs were PET/CT positive. cHCC-CCAs had a significantly higher PET/CT positive rate (p = 0.020) in the type II enhancement pattern. Conclusion The PET/CT positive rate of cHCC-CCA was significantly higher than that of HCC in lesions with a type II enhancement pattern. The ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT can be useful for the differentiation of cHCC-CCA from HCC in lesions with a type II enhancement pattern on multiphasic CT.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.403-414
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• 2023

Backgrounds/Aims: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is recommended in fit patients with a carcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic head, and a delayed resection may affect survival. This study aimed to correlate the time from staging to PD with long-term survival, and study the impact of preoperative investigations (if any) on the timing of surgery. Methods: Data were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple's (RAW) study, a multicentre retrospective study of PD outcomes. Only PDAC patients who underwent an upfront resection were included. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemo-/radiotherapy were excluded. Group A (PD within 28 days of most recent preoperative computed tomography [CT]) was compared to group B (> 28 days). Results: A total of 595 patents were included. Compared to group A (median CT-PD time: 12.5 days, interquartile range: 6-21), group B (49 days, 39-64.5) had similar one-year survival (73% vs. 75%, p = 0.6), five-year survival (23% vs. 21%, p = 0.6) and median time-to-death (17 vs. 18 months, p = 0.8). Staging laparoscopy (43 vs. 29.5 days, p = 0.009) and preoperative biliary stenting (39 vs. 20 days, p < 0.001) were associated with a delay to PD, but magnetic resonance imaging (32 vs. 32 days, p = 0.5), positron emission tomography (40 vs. 31 days, p > 0.99) and endoscopic ultrasonography (28 vs. 32 days, p > 0.99) were not. Conclusions: Although a treatment delay may give rise to patient anxiety, our findings would suggest this does not correlate with worse survival. A delay may be necessary to obtain further information and minimize the number of PD patients diagnosed with early disease recurrence.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.294-299
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• 2006

$\underline{Purpose}$: Using cone beam CT, we can compare the position of the patients at the simulation and the treatment. In on-line image guided radiation therapy, one can utilize this compared data and correct the patient position before treatments. Using cone beam CT, we investigated the errors induced by setting up the patients when use only the markings on the patients' skin. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: We obtained the data of three patients that received radiation therapy at the Department of Radiation Oncology in Chung-Ang University during August 2006 and October 2006. Just as normal radiation therapy, patients were aligned on the treatment couch after the simulation and treatment planning. Patients were aligned with lasers according to the marking on the skin that were marked at the simulation time and then cone beam CTs were obtained. Cone beam CTs were fused and compared with simulation CTs and the displacement vectors were calculated. Treatment couches were adjusted according to the displacement vector before treatments. After the treatment, positions were verified with kV X-ray (OBI system). $\underline{Results}$: In the case of head and neck patients, the average sizes of the setup error vectors, given by the cone beam CT, were 0.19 cm for the patient A and 0.18 cm for the patient B. The standard deviations were 0.15 cm and 0.21 cm, each. On the other hand, in the case of the pelvis patient, the average and the standard deviation were 0.37 cm and 0.1 cm. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Through the on-line IGRT using cone beam CT, we could correct the setup errors that could occur in the conventional radiotherapy. The importance of the on-line IGRT should be emphasized in the case of 3D conformal therapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, which have complex target shapes and steep dose gradients.