• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.82-91
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• 2018

Objectives: Synchronous electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to explore sleep stage dependent functional brain networks. Despite a growing number of sleep studies using EEG-fMRI, few studies have conducted network analysis on whole night sleep due to difficulty in data acquisition, artifacts, and sleep management within the MRI scanner. Methods: In order to perform network analysis for whole night sleep, we proposed experimental procedures and data processing techniques for EEG-fMRI. We acquired 6-7 hours of EEG-fMRI data per participant and conducted signal processing to reduce artifacts in both EEG and fMRI. We then generated a functional brain atlas with 68 brain regions using independent component analysis of sleep fMRI data. Using this functional atlas, we constructed sleep level dependent functional brain networks. Results: When we evaluated functional connectivity distribution, sleep showed significantly reduced functional connectivity for the whole brain compared to that during wakefulness. REM sleep showed statistically different connectivity patterns compared to non-REM sleep in sleep-related subcortical brain circuits. Conclusion: This study suggests the feasibility of exploring functional brain networks using sleep EEG-fMRI for whole night sleep via appropriate experimental procedures and signal processing techniques for fMRI and EEG.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.1060-1068
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• 2018

Study Design: Retrospective study. Purpose: Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration is an important cause of low back pain. Overview of Literature: Spinal fusion is often reported to have a good course for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, many studies have reported that adjacent segment degeneration is accelerated after lumbar spinal fusion. Radiography is a simple method used to evaluate the orientation of the vertebral column. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method most often used to specifically evaluate intervertebral disc degeneration. The Pfirrmann classification is a well-known method used to evaluate degenerative lumbar disease. After spinal fusion, an increase in stress, excess mobility, increased intra-disc pressure, and posterior displacement of the axis of motion have been observed in the adjacent segments. Methods: we retrospectively secured and analyzed the data of 15 patients (four boys and 11 girls) with AIS who underwent a spinal fusion surgery. We studied the full-length view of the spine (anterior-posterior and lateral) from the X-ray and MRI obtained from all patients before surgery. Postoperatively, another full-length spine X-ray and lumbosacral MRI were obtained from all participants. Then, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, curve correction, and fused and free segments before and after surgery were calculated based on X-ray studies. MRI images were used to estimate the degree to which intervertebral discs were degenerated using Pfirrmann grading system. Pfirrmann grade before and after surgery were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. While analyzing the contribution of potential risk factors for the post-spinal fusion Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, we used generalized linear models with robust standard error estimates to account for intraclass correlation that may have been present between discs of the same patient. Results: The mean age of the participant was 14 years, and the mean curvature before and after surgery were 67.8 and 23.8, respectively (p<0.05). During the median follow-up of 5 years, the mean degree of the disc degeneration significantly increased in all patients after surgery (p<0.05) with a Pfirrmann grade of 1 and 2.8 in the L2-L3 before and after surgery, respectively. The corresponding figures at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels were 1.28 and 2.43, 1.07 and 2.35, and 1 and 2.33, respectively. The lower was the number of free discs below the fusion level, the higher was the Pfirrmann grade of degeneration (p<0.001). Conversely, the higher was the number of the discs fused together, the higher was the Pfirrmann grade. Conclusions: we observed that the disc degeneration aggravated after spinal fusion for scoliosis. While the degree of degeneration as measured by Pfirrmann grade was directly correlated by the number of fused segments, it was negatively correlated with the number of discs that remained free below the lowermost level of the fusion.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.473-479
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• 2021

The diagnostic criteria for diffuse thyroid disease are ambiguous and there are many errors due to the subjective diagnosis of experts. Also, studies on ultrasound imaging of thyroid nodules have been actively conducted, but studies on diffuse thyroid disease are insufficient. In this study, features were extracted by applying the GLCM algorithm to ultrasound images of normal and diffuse thyroid disease, and quantitative analysis was performed using the extracted feature values. Using the GLCM algorithm for thyroid ultrasound images of patients diagnosed at W hospital, 199 normal cases, 132 mild cases, and 99 moderate cases, a region of interest (50×50 pixel) was set for a total of 430 images, and Autocorrelation, Sum of squares, sum average, sum variance, cluster prominence, and energy were analyzed using six parameters. As a result, in autocorrelation, sum of squares, sum average, and sum variance four parameters, Normal, Mild, and Moderate were distinguished with a high recognition rate of over 90%. This study is valuable as a criterion for classifying the severity of diffuse thyroid disease in ultrasound images using the GLCM algorithm. By applying these parameters, it is expected that errors due to visual reading can be reduced in the diagnosis of thyroid disease and can be utilized as a secondary means of diagnosing diffuse thyroid disease.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.38 no.6_1
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• pp.1573-1579
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• 2022

The irrigation schedule system using early detection of crop water stress is required to maintain crop production and save water resource. However, because previous studies focused on the crop under stress dominant condition, the crop physiological properties, which can be measured by remote sensing technique, on early crop water stress condition are not well known. In this study, the canopy temperature, MERIS Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index (MTCI), and Chlorophyll/Carotenoid Index (CCI) are observed on the soybeans given the early water stress using thermal imaging camera and hyperspectral camera. The increased canopy temperature and decreased MTCI are consist with the previous studies which are for the crop of stress dominant-sign. However, the CCI was increased contrary to expectation because it may faster the reduction of carotenoid than chlorophyll in early stage. These behaviors will be useful to not only develop the irrigation system but also using the early detection of crop stress.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.671-677
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• 2023

When a scintillator block is constructed using fine scintillator pixels, the scintillator block located at the edge of the scintillator block results in overlapping images. To solve this problem, a light guide was inserted between the scintillator block and the photosensor, and images of all scintillation pixels were separated and acquired. However, loss of light may occur through the light guide, which eventually affects the quality of the image due to a decrease in energy resolution. Therefore, in this study, a detector was designed that can separate scintilltion pixels better by using a reflector on the side of the light guide and can secre excellent energy resolution by minimizing light loss. For comparative evaluation with previous studies, flood images were obtained through DETECT2000 capable of light simulation, and the degree of separation and light collection rate were evaluated. When a reflector was used on the side of the light guide, all materials showed excellent separation regardless of the material of the light guide, which showed better separation results than previous studies. In addition, the light collection rate was more that five times better when the reflector was applied than when it wa not. If this detector is applied to a small animal positron emission tomography, it will be possilbe to secre excellent image quality through excellent spatial resolution and energy resolution.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2024

Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy with Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episode (MELAS) is a rare maternally inherited disorder primarily caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA, notably the m.3243A>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene. This mutation impairs mitochondrial function crucial for cellular energy production, particularly in high-energy-demanding organs such as the brain and muscles. MELAS manifests as recurrent stroke-like episodes, seizures, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, and other multisystemic symptoms that are often present in childhood. The diagnosis combines genetic testing, clinical evaluation, and neuroimaging, with elevated lactate levels and characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings as key indicators. Treatment focuses on symptomatic management and enhancement of mitochondrial function through L-arginine, coenzyme Q10, high-dose vitamins, and taurine supplementation. Studies have identified additional genetic variants linked to MELAS, including mutations in POLG and other mitochondrial genes, further complicating the genetic landscape. Emerging therapies, particularly gene therapy and mitochondria-targeting drugs, offer promising avenues for addressing the underlying genetic defects and improving mitochondrial functioning. Furthermore, ongoing studies continue to enhance our understanding and management of MELAS, with the aim of reducing its burden and improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the genetics, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of MELAS, highlighting the latest advancements and future directions for therapeutic interventions.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.65-75
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• 2021

Coin cell is a basic testing platform for battery research, discovering new materials and concepts, and contributing to fundamental research on next-generation batteries. Li metal batteries (LMBs) are promising since a high energy density (~500 Wh kg^-1) is deliverable far beyond Li-ion. However, Li dendrite-triggered volume fluctuation and high surface cause severe deterioration of performance. Given that such drawbacks are strongly dependent on the cell parameters and structure, such as the amount of electrolyte, Li thickness, and internal pressure, reliable Li metal coin cell testing is challenging. For the LMB-specialized coin cell testing platform, this study suggests the optimal coin cell structure that secures performance and reproducibility of LMBs under stringent conditions, such as lean electrolyte, high mass loading of NMC cathode, and thinner Li use. By controlling the cathode/anode (C/A) area ratio closer to 1.0, the inactive space was minimized, mitigating the cell degradation. The quantification and imaging of inner cell pressure elucidated that the uniformity of the pressure is a crucial matter to improving performance reliability. The LMB coin cells exhibit better cycling retention and reproducibility under higher (0.6 MPa → 2.13 MPa) and uniform (standard deviation: 0.43 → 0.16) stack pressure through the changes in internal parts and introducing a flexible polymer (PDMS) film.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.281-293
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• 2020

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most frequent surgical procedures in the knee joint, but despite the better understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, surgical reconstruction procedures still fail to restore rotational stability in 7%-16% of patients. Hence, many studies have attempted to identify the factors for rotational laxity, including the anterolateral ligament (ALL), but still showed controversies. Descriptions of the ALL anatomy are also confused by overlapping nomenclature, but it is usually known as a distinctive fiber running in an anteroinferior and oblique direction from the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the proximal anterolateral tibia, between the fibular head and Gerdy's tubercle. The importance of the ALL as a secondary restraint in the knee has been emphasized for successful ACL reconstructions that can restore rotational stability, but there is still some controversy. Some studies reported that the ALL could be a restraint to the tibial rotation, but not to anterior tibial translation. On the other hand, some studies reported that the role of ALL in rotational stability would be limited as a secondary structure because it bears loads only beyond normal biomechanical motion. The diagnosis of an ALL injury can be performed by a physical examination, radiology examination, and magnetic resonance imaging, but it should be assessed using a multimodal approach. Recently, ALL was considered one of the anterolateral complex structures, as well as the Kaplan fiber in the iliotibial band. Many studies have introduced many indications and treatment options, but there is still some debate. The treatment methods are introduced mainly as ALL reconstructions or lateral extra-articular tenodesis, which can achieve additional benefit to the knee stability. Further studies will be needed on the indications and proper surgical methods of ALL treatment.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.32-41
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• 2004

Purpose : To measure the NMR relaxation properties of MnPC, to observe the characteristics of liver enhancement patterns on MR images in experimentally implanted rabbit VX2 tumor model, and to estimate the possibility of tissue specific contrast agent for MnPC in comparison with the hepatobiliary agent. Materials and Methods : Phthalocyanine (PC) was chelated with paramagnetic ions, manganese (Mn). 2.01 g (5.2 mmol) of phthalocyanine was mixed with 0.37 g (1.4 nlmol) of Mn chloride at $310^{\circ}C$ for 36 hours and then purified by chromatography ($CHCl_3:\;CH_3OH=98:2$, volume ratio) to obtain 1.04 g $(46\%)$ of MnPC (molecular weight = 2000 daltons). The T1/T2 relaxivity (R1/R2) for MnPC were determined at a 1.5 T (64 MHz) MR spectrometer. VX2 tumor model was experimentally implanted in the liver parenchyma of rabbits. All MR studies were performed on 1.5 T. The human extremity radio frequency coil of a bird cage type was employed. MR images were acquired at 17 to 24 days after VX2 carcinoma implantation.4 mmol/kg MnPC and 0.01 mmol/kg Mn-DPDP were injected via the ear vein of rabbits. T1-weighted images were obtained with spin-echo (TR/TE=516/14 msec) and fast multiplanar spoiled gradient recalled (TR/TE : 80/4 msec, $60^{\circ}$ flip angle) pulse sequence. Fast spin-echo (TR/TE=1200/85 msec) was used to obtain the T2-weighted images. Results : The value of T1/T2 relaxivity (R1/R2) of MnPC was $7.28\;mM^{-1}S^{-1}$ and $55.56\;mM^{-1}S^{-1}$ respectively at 1.5 T (64 MHz). Because the T2 relaxivity of MnPC that bonded strongly, covalently manganese with phthalocyanine was very high, the signal intensity of liver parenchyma was decreased on postcontrast T2-weighted images and we could easily distinguish the VX2 carcinoma within the liver parenchyma. When MnPC was administrated intravenously, the tumor margin delineation was more remarkable than Mn-DPDP-enhanced images. The enhancement of liver parenchyma with MnPC persisted at relatively high levels over at least one hour after injection of the contrast agents. Conclusion : The hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of MnPC, which are similar to Mn-DPDP, suggest that this agent is a new liver-specific agent. Also, MnPC seems to be used as a dual contrast agent (T1 and T2) with high T2 relaxivity. However, it is warranted that MnPC needs further investigation as a potential contrast agent for MR imaging of the liver. That is, further characterizations of MnPC are needed in vivo and in vitro before clinical trials. The diagnostic potential of MnPC will also have to be examined more in the animal models of additional types.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.218-227
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• 2006

Purpose: The HSV1-tk reporter gene system is the most widely used system because of its advantage that direct monitoring is possible without the introduction of a separate reporter gene in case of HSV1-tk suicide gene therapy. In this study, we investigate the usefulness of the reporter probe (substrate), $9-(4-[^{18}F]Fluoro-3-hydroxymethylbutyl)$guanine ($[^{18}F]FHBG$) for non-invasive reporter gene imaging using PET in HSV1-tk expressing hepatoma model. Materials and Methods: Radiolabeled FHBG was prepared in 8 steps from a commercially available triester. The labeling reaction was carried out by NCA nucleophilic substitution with $K[^{18}F]/K2.2.2.$ in acetonitrile using N2-monomethoxytrityl-9-14-(tosyl)-3-monomethoxytritylmethylbutyl]guanine as a precursor, followed by deprotection with 1 N HCl. Preliminary biological properties of the probe were evaluated with MCA cells and MCA-tk cells transduced with HSV1-tk reporter gene. In vitro uptake and release-out studies of $[^{18}F]FHBG$ were performed, and was analyzed correlation between $[^{18}F]FHBG$ uptake ratio according to increasing numeric count of MCA-tk cells and degree of gene expression. MicroPET scan image was obtained with MCA and MCA-tk tumor bearing Balb/c-nude mouse model. Results: $[^{18}F]FHBG$ was purified by reverse phase semi-HPLC system and collected at around 16-18 min. Radiothemical yield was about 20-25%) (corrected for decay), radiochemical purity was >95% and specific activity was around >55.5 $GBq/{\mu}\;mol$. Specific accumulation of $[^{18}F]FHBG$ was observed in HSV1-tk gene transduced MCA-tk cells but not in MCA cells, and consecutive 1 hour release-out results showed more than 86% of uptaked $[^{18}F]FHBG$ was retained inside of cells. The uptake of $[^{18}F]FHBG$ was showed a highly significant linear correlation ($R^2=0.995$) with increasing percentage of MCA-tk numeric cell count. In microPET scan images, remarkable difference of accumulation was observed for the two type of tumors. Conclusion: $[^{18}F]FHBG$ appears to be a useful as non-invasive PET imaging substrate in HSV1-tk expressing hepatoma model.