• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.46-50
• /
• 2018

Purpose Generally, a collimator that installed in front of detector set a direction of gamma ray and remove a scatter ray. By the way, a lateral or oblique scatter ray is detected into crystal through collimator. At this study, we will evaluate a mount of count and spectrums of lateral scatter ray. Materials and Methods We used the SKY LITE (philips, netherlands) as a gamma camera, and $^{99m}Tc$, 1.11 GBq point source as a phantom. we put this point source at backside 50 cm of detector. After acquiring this for 1 min, we turned a detector next 10 degrees. Likely this, we acquired images at every 10 degrees from $0^{\circ}$ to $360^{\circ}$, analyzed images and spectrums. In case of patient study, we choose a 3 phase bone scan patient who had a hand disease, because scatter rays from body would detect on crystal. After acquiring blood flow and blood pool images, we analyzed images and spectrums. Additional, we put a lead gown on patient's hand, body. And then we compared and evaluated 3 type blood pool images (non lead gown, lead gown on a hand and on body). Results In case of phantom study, scatter ray counts at backside ($270^{\circ}-90^{\circ}$) are same with a background count. By the way, counts of scatter ray of oblique side ($0^{\circ}-50^{\circ}$, $220^{\circ}-270^{\circ}$) are 100-600 cps, furthermore, counts at frontside are over 4 Mcps. In case of patient study, a counts of hand blood pool scan are 1510 cps. But counts of hand with lead gown on hands and on body are each 1554 cps, 1299 cps. Conclusion Therefore, even though there is a collimator in front of detector, lateral scatter rays detect on crystal and affect to images and spectrums. Especially, if there is a high activity source at outside of detector when we examine low activity organs like hands or foot, we have to shield and remove the source at outside for a good image.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
• /
• v.33 no.5_1
• /
• pp.469-480
• /
• 2017

This study aims to understand the relationship between lineaments and epicenters in Geochang region, Gyungsangnam-do, South Korea. An instrumental observation of earthquakes has been started by Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) since 1978 and there were 6 earthquakes with magnitude ranging 2 to 2.5 in Geochang region from 1978 to 2016. Lineaments were extracted from LANDSAT 8 satellite image and shaded relief map displayed in 3-dimension using Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Then, lineament density was statistically examined by hotspot analysis. Hexagonal grids were generated to perform the analysis because hexagonal pattern expresses lineaments with less discontinuity than square girds, and the size of the grid was selected to minimize a variance of lineament density. Since hotspot analysis measures the extent of clustering with Z score, Z scores computed with lineaments' frequency ($L_f$), length ($L_d$), and intersection ($L_t$) were used to find lineament clusters in the density map. Furthermore, the Z scores were extracted from the epicenters and examined to see the relevance of each density elements to epicenters. As a result, 15 among 18 densities,recorded as 3 elements in 6 epicenters, were higher than 1.65 which is 95% of the standard normal distribution. This indicates that epicenters coincide with high density area. Especially, $L_f$ and $L_t$ had a significant relationship with epicenter, being located in upper 95% of the standard normal distribution, except for one epicenter in $L_t$. This study can be used to identify potential seismic zones by improving the accuracy of expressing lineaments' spatial distribution and analyzing relationship between lineament density and epicenter. However, additional studies in wider study area with more epicenters are recommended to promote the results.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.123-133
• /
• 2011

The lab scale experiments to investigate the geochemical reaction among supercritical $CO_2$-mineral-brine which occurs at $CO_2$ sequestration sites were performed. High pressurized cell system (l00 bar and $50^{\circ}C$) was designed to create supercritical $CO_2$ in the cell, simulating the sub-surface $CO_2$ storage site. From the high pressurized cell experiment, the surface changes of Ca-feldspar, amphibole (tremolite) and olivine, resulted from the supercritical $CO_2$-mineral-brine reaction, were observed and the dissolution of minerals into the brine was also investigated. The mineral slabs were polished and three locations on the surface were randomly selected for the image analysis of SPM and the surface roughness value (SRV) of those locations were calculated to quantify the change of mineral surface for 30 days. At a certain time interval, SPM images and SRVs of the same mineral surface were acquired. The secondary minerals precipitated on the mineral surfaces were also analyzed on SEM/EDS after the experiment. From the experiments, the average SRV of Ca-feldspar increased from 2.77 nm to 20.87 nm for 30 days, suggesting that the dissolution of Ca-feldspar occurs in active when the feldspars contact with supercritical $CO_2$ and brine. For the amphibole, the average SRV increased from 2.54 nm to 8.31 nm and for the olivine from 0.77 nm to 11.03 run. For the Ca-feldspar, $Ca^{2+}$, $Na^+$, $Fe^{2+}$, $Si^{4+}$, $K^+$ and $Mg^{2+}$ were dissolved in the highest order and $Si^{4+}$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mg^{2+}$ for the amphibole. Fe (or Mg) - oxides were precipitated as the secondary minerals on the surfaces of amphibole and olivine after 30 days reaction. Results suggested that $Ca^{2+}$, $Fe^{2+}$ and $Mg^{2+}$ rich minerals would be significantly weathered when it contacts with the supercritical $CO_2$ and brine at $CO_2$ sequestration sites.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.291-297
• /
• 2013

This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of $T_{1/2}$ upon count rates in the analysis of dynamic scan using NaI (Tl) scintillation camera, and suggest a new quality control method with this effects. We producted a point source with $^{99m}TcO_4^-$ of 18.5 to 185 MBq in the 2 mL syringes, and acquired 30 frames of dynamic images with 10 to 60 seconds each using Infinia gamma camera (GE, USA). In the second experiment, 90 frames of dynamic images were acquired from 74 MBq point source by 5 gamma cameras (Infinia 2, Forte 2, Argus 1). There were not significant differences in average count rates of the sources with 18.5 to 92.5 MBq in the analysis of 10 to 60 seconds/frame with 10 seconds interval in the first experiment (p>0.05). But there were significantly low average count rates with the sources over 111 MBq activity at 60 seconds/frame (p<0.01). According to the second analysis results of linear regression by count rates of 5 gamma cameras those were acquired during 90 minutes, counting efficiency of fourth gamma camera was most low as 0.0064%, and gradient and coefficient of variation was high as 0.0042 and 0.229 each. We could not find abnormal fluctuation in $x^2$ test with count rates (p>0.02), and we could find the homogeneity of variance in Levene's F-test among the gamma cameras (p>0.05). At the correlation analysis, there was only correlation between counting efficiency and gradient as significant negative correlation (r=-0.90, p<0.05). Lastly, according to the results of calculation of $T_{1/2}$ error from change of gradient with -0.25% to +0.25%, if $T_{1/2}$ is relatively long, or gradient is high, the error increase relationally. When estimate the value of 4th camera which has highest gradient from the above mentioned result, we could not see $T_{1/2}$ error within 60 minutes at that value. In conclusion, it is necessary for the scintillation gamma camera in medical field to manage hard for the quality of radiation measurement. Especially, we found a tendency that count rate changes over time at this study, and we proved that it can effect $T_{1/2}$. And also, there is need of appropriate phantoms and the method of quality management like this study, because there are not any advice or limitation degrees for domestic medical purpose scintillation camera.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2010

In this study, we evaluated the dose response of MAGAT (Methacrylic Acid Gelatin gel and THPC) normoxic polymer gel dosimeters based on the X-ray CT scanner. To perform this study, we determined the proper ratio of the gel composition and acquired X-ray scan parameters. MAGAT gel dosimeters were manufactured using MAA (MethacrylicAcid) and gelatin of various concentration, irradiated up to 20 Gy. We obtained the 20 CT images from the irradiated gel dosimeters by using on a Phillips Brilliance Big Bore CT scanner with the various scan parameters. This CT images were used to determine the $N_{CT}$-dose response, dose sensitivity and dose resolution As an amount of MAA and gelatin were increase, the slope and intercept were increase in each MAGAT gel dosimeter with various concentration of the $N_{CT}$-dose response curve. The dose sensitivity was $0.38{\pm}0.08$ to $0.859{\pm}0.1$ and increased were amount of the MAA was increased or the gelatin was decreased. However, the change of gelatin concentration was very small compare to MAA. The Dose resolution ($D_{\Delta}^{95%}$) varies considerably from 2.6 to 6 Gy, dependent on dose resolution and CT image noise. The slope and dose sensitivity was almost ident verywith the variation of the tube voltage, tube current and slice thickness in the dose response curve, but the noise (standard deviation of averamalg CT number) was decreased when the tube voltage, tube current and slice thickness are increase. The optimal MAGAT polymer gel dosimeter based on the CT were evaluated to determine the CT imaging scan parameters of the maximum tube voltage, tube current and slice thickness (commonly used in clinical) using the composition ratio of a 9% MAA, 8% gelatin and 83% water. This study could get proper composition ratio and scan parameter evaluating dose response of MAGAT normoxic polymer gel dosimeter using CT scanner.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.81-88
• /
• 2006

Purpose : To evaluate the MR imaging findings of bowel wall thickening in patients with minimal to moderate cirrhosis, and analyze their clinical significances comparing with laboratory findings. Materials and Methods : We assessed retrospectively the MRI findings of 123 patients with minimal to moderate cirrhosis, and compared these with the clinical laboratory findings. We evaluated the involved sites and MR image findings of thickened bowel wall, as well as the presence of collateral vessels, ascites, and splenic size. These were compared with serum albumin and bilirubin levels, and prothrombin time. Results : Gastrointestinal wall thickening was detected at 37 sites in 25 patients (20%), and more frequently detected in moderate cirrhosis (29%) than in minimal cirrhosis (17%). Jejunum and ascending colon were the most common sites of bowel wall thickening; each was involved at 22 and 9 sites, respectively. Ascending colonic wall thickening was more commonly detected in moderate cirrhosis than in minimal cirrhosis. The thickened bowel wall showed symmetric contour, high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, mixed iso- and low signal intensity on T1-weighted images, and homogeneous or target-like enhancement. Serum albumin level was significantly lower in patients with bowel wall thickening ($3.3{\pm}0.9$ g/dl vs. $3.9{\pm}0.7$ g/dl; p=0.0024). Serum bilirubin level was significantly higher in patients with bowel wall thickening ($1.7{\pm}1.0$ mg/dl vs. $1.4{\pm}1.2$ mg/dl; p=0.0160). Bowel wall thickening did not significantly correlate with the presence of collateral vessels, ascites, splenic size, and prolongation of prothrombin time. Conclusion : In minimal to moderate cirrhosis, the MR imaging evaluation of bowel wall thickening was useful for estimating the severity of cirrhosis and laboratory findings.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.12-20
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Chronic pulmonary disease may be caused by aspiration of gastric contents secondary to gastroesophageal reflux. At present, there is no gold standard for documenting pulmonary aspiration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of radionuclide scintigraphy in the detection of gastroesophageal reflux and pulmonary aspiration. Methods: Thirty-five patients with suspected aspiration pneumonia, and five normal control subjects, were included in the study. All subjects underwent gastroesophageal reflux scintigraphy after the ingestion of a $^{99m}Tc$-tin colloid mixture. Dynamic images to detect gastroesophageal reflux were obtained for 1 hour. Additional static images of the chest, to detect lung aspiration, were obtained at 6 and 24 hours after oral ingestion of the tin colloid. In addition to visual analysis, pulmonary aspiration was quantitated by counting the number of pixels labeled with radioactive isotope in the region of interest (ROI) of both lung fields. Aspiration index (AI) was obtained by subtracting the pixel counts of the background from the pixel counts of the ROI. Results: Among 35 patients with suspected aspiration pneumonia, 23 proved to have gastroesophageal reflux by scintigraphy. One patient showed definite pulmonary accumulation of activity by visual analysis of the 6-hour image. Thirty of 35 (85.7%) patients showed higher AI beyond the upper limit of AI in the healthy controls. When we compared the reflux group with the non-reflux group, there was a significantly higher AI at 6 hours in the reflux group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that radionuclide scintigraphy is useful in detecting small pulmonary aspiration in patients with suspected aspiration pneumonia secondary to reflux.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.21-29
• /
• 2009

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among korean woman. Therefore, the early detection activities of breast cancer such as breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations, mammography are important. A yearly mammography examination has been recommended for women aged 40 and older for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic periods. However, the glandular tissue of breast is the most radiation-sensitive tissue, and the determination of average glandular dose (AGD) forms an important part of the quality control of the mammographic systems. Because of the difficulty of estimating AGD directly, it is often estimated from the measurements of the incident air kerma and by applying the appropriate conversion factors. The primary objective of this study was to standardize the method of measuring AGD. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationships between AGD per various composition and thickness of the breast using Monte Carlo simulations. As a result, we standardized the method of measuring AGD according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines (CoP: an international code of practice). Overall, AGD for mammographic practice in Korea was less than 3.0 mGy recommended by the Korea Food and Drug Adminstration (KFDA) protocol, and Korean Institute for Accreditation of Medical Image (KIAMI). The measured and simulated AGD for a given condition were calculated as 1.7 and 1.6 mGy, respectively. For the AGDs obtained, there was no significant difference between them. The simulated AGD was dependent on the fraction of glandular tissue of the breast. The AGD increases with increasing of the breast glandularity due to increasing absorption of low energy photons. The AGD also increases as a function of breast thickness. In conclusion, the results of this study could be used as a baseline to establish a reference level of radiation dose in mammography.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.151-157
• /
• 2012

General treatment for cholangiocarcinoma is complete surgical resection. However recurrence is common in those patients. In most of cases the purpose of the treatment for patients with recurrent is palliative. Therefore we adopt intraluminal catheter to treat a recurrent patient with high-dose-rate intraluminal brachytherapy. This study aims to evaluate the treatment procedure and set-up reproducibility of intraluminal brachytherapy in the recurrent patient. Study patient was diagnosed at rcT1N0M0 and undergone intraluminal brachytherapy after Arrow Sheath insertion. 3 Gy was delivered in every fraction with a total dose of 30 Gy. We planned dose normalization at distal, proximal and central axis point of narrowed bile duct far from 1 cm. To evaluate set-up reproducibility, we measured distance between distal, proximal treatment target volume point and anterior surface of the thoracic vertebral body respectively for five times before every treatment with dummy seed insertion. Mean distance between distal, proximal treatment target volume point and anterior surface of 10th and 11th thoracic vertebral bodies is 0.5 cm, 6.1 cm and standard deviation is 0.06, 0.08 respectively. In addition, set-up reproducibility was maintained significantly. The patient has been alive with no evidence of disease recurrence for more than a year and has not yet reported severe complications. In conclusion, high-dose-rate intraluminal brachytherapy for unresectable recurrence of cholangiocarcinoma maintains high set-up reproducibility without severe side effects.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.245-252
• /
• 2020

The purpose of this study was intended to recognize the importance of quality control (QC) in order to reduce exposure and improve image quality by comparing the center-point (CP) of according to hospital grade and the difference between X-ray field (XF) and light field (LF) in diagnostic digital X-ray devices. XF and LF size, CP were measured in 12 digital X-ray devices at 10 hospitals located in 00 metropolitan cities. Phantom was made in different width respectively, using 0.8 mm wire after attaching to the standardized graph paper on transparent plastic plate and marked as cross wire in the center of the phantom. After placing the phantom on the table of the digital X-ray device, the images were obtained by shooting it vertically each field of survey. All images were acquired under the same conditions of exposure at distance of 100cm between the focus-detector. XF and LF size, CP error were measured using the picture archiving communication system. data were expressed as mean with standard error and then analyzed using SPSS ver. 22.0. The difference in field between the XF and LF size was the smallest in clinic, followed by university hospitals, hospitals and general hospitals. Based on the university hospitals with the least CP error, there was a statistically significant difference in CP error between university hospitals and clinics (p=0.024). Group less than 36-month after QC had fewer statistical errors than 36-month group (0.26 vs. 0.88, p=0.036). The difference between the XF and LF size was the lowest in clinic and CP error was the lowest in university hospital. Moreover, hospitals with short period of time after QC have fewer CP error and it means that introduction of timely QC according to the QC items is essential.