• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2016

The purpose of this study intend to develop the automatic voice system for language communicating over foreign patients in testing of magnetic resonance imaging. Used sentences for the automatic voice system was selected with twelve sentences and five foreign languages in hospital in use. These translated texts were provided free of charge from Oddcast's website, which is recorded each language-specific voice as Wav files, The recorded audio file were produced by the two types of a power-point show of MS-office 2013(extension; ppsx) form and Web-enabled system using the PHP program to be applied in the mobile phone environment. It is considered to relieve the stress about an language barrier to medical technician and the voice system designed with the variable language will be enhanced the diagnostic information on foreign patients. Because automatic voice system designed for this study can enhance the understanding of test in between korean medical technician and foreign patients, It will be expected to utilize more usefully in clinical practice.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2014

The purpose of this study evaluated the hemo-dynamic information within 30 seconds clinically in 3D breast MRI. From January to March 2014, A total of 40 people were examined at 1.5 Tesla(Philips, Medical System, Achieva, The Netherlands) MRI equipments using 16 channel SENSE breast coil. The imaging parameters on vibrant are fellow as: $TR/TE/FA^{\circ}$/Matrix size/Slice thickness/Slab($5ms/2ms/10^{\circ}/180{\times}139{\times}2mm/80$). This study used a Gadovist and injected it with injection speed of 4 ml /sec by auto injector with 15 ml saline flushing. Firstly, for the delay time study, it divided three different delay time from immediately, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds. In quantitative analysis, the ROI signal intensities of tumor and surrounding tissues were measured retrospectively. In qualitative analysis, the image quality was scored from 1 to 5 point by one experienced radiological technologists as a visual test. The significance level of each delay time was evaluated with a one-way ANOVA(p<0.05). In the visual test, score levels on 30 seconds delay time was a little bit higher than others(p<0.05). The signal intensity of the tumor were $1445{\pm}360$, $1410{\pm}320$, $1510{\pm}415$ on immediately, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds and score levels were $4.18{\pm}0.85$, $3.54{\pm}0.94$, $4.45{\pm}0.74$(p<0.05). The data on immediate images showed better results than that others(p<0.05). Conclusively, Although it has been high scored in 30sec delay time for visual test in order to avoid failure in 20second, 30seconds delay time after contrast media administration, we recommend that the DCE 3D breast MRI commence immediately.

• Journal of the Korean Physical Society
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• v.73 no.12
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• pp.1821-1826
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• 2018

Uniformity is a key feature of state-of-the-art infrared focal planed array (IRFPA) and infrared imaging system. Unlike traditional infrared telescope facility, a ground-based infrared radiant characteristics measurement system with an IRFPA not only provides a series of high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) infrared image but also ensures the validity of radiant measurement data. Normally, a long integration time tends to produce a high SNR infrared image for infrared radiant characteristics radiometry system. In view of the variability of and uncertainty in the measured target's energy, the operation of switching the integration time and attenuators usually guarantees the guality of the infrared radiation measurement data obtainted during the infrared radiant characteristics radiometry process. Non-uniformity correction (NUC) coefficients in a given integration time are often applied to a specified integration time. If the integration time is switched, the SNR for the infrared imaging will degenerate rapidly. Considering the effect of the SNR for the infrared image and the infrared radiant characteristics radiometry above, we propose a-wide-dynamic-range NUC algorithm. In addition, this essasy derives and establishes the mathematical modal of the algorithm in detail. Then, we conduct verification experiments by using a ground-based MWIR(Mid-wave Infared) radiant characteristics radiometry system with an Ø400 mm aperture. The experimental results obtained using the proposed algorithm and the traditional algorithm for different integration time are compared. The statistical data shows that the average non-uniformity for the proposed algorithm decreased from 0.77% to 0.21% at 2.5 ms and from 1.33% to 0.26% at 5.5 ms. The testing results demonstrate that the usage of suggested algorithm can improve infrared imaging quality and radiation measurement accuracy.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 1999

Purpose: To simulate and measure the signal intensity of various tissues near bone interface in 2D and 3D neurological MR images. Materials and Methods: In neurological proton density (PD) weighted images, every component in the head including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), muscle and scalp, with the exception of bone, are visualised. It is possible to acquire images in 2D or 3D. A 2D fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence is chosen for the 2D acquisition and a 3D gradient-echo (GE) sequence is chosen for the 3D acquisition. To find out the signal intensities of CSF, muscle and fat (or scalp) for the 2D spin-echo(SE) and 3D gradient-echo (GE) imaging sequences, the theoretical signal intensities for 2D SE and 3D GE were calculated. For the 2D fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence, to produce the PD weighted image, long TR (4000 ms) and short TE$_{eff}$ (22 ms) were employed. For the 3D GE sequence, low flip angle (8$^{\circ}$) with short TR (35 ms) and short TE (3 ms) was used to produce the PD weighted contrast. Results: The 2D FSE sequence has CSF, muscle and scalp with superior image contrast and SNR of 39 - 57 while the 3D GE sequence has CSF, muscle and scalp with broadly similar image contrast and SNR of 26 - 33. SNR in the FSE image were better than those in the GE image and the skull edges appeared very clearly in the FSE image due to the edge enhancement effect in the FSE sequence. Furthermore, the contrast between CSF, muscle and scalp in the 2D FSE image was significantly better than in the 3D GE image, due to the strong signal intensities (or SNR) from CSF, muscle and scalp and enhanced edges of CSF. Conclusion: The signal intensity of various tissues near bone interface in neurological MR images has been simulated and measured. Both the simulation and imaging of the 2D SE and 3D GE sequences have CSF, fat and muscle with broadly similar image intensity and SNR's and have succeeded in getting all tissues about the same signal. However, in the 2D FSE sequence, image contrast between CSF, muscle and scalp was good and SNR was relatively high, imaging time was relatively short.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2001

Purpose : $T_2$-weighted half courier Echo Planar Imaging (T2HEPI) method is proposed to reduce measurement time of existing EPI by a factor of 2. In addition, high $T_2$ contrast is obtained for clinical applications. High resolution single-shot EPI images with $T_2$ contrast are obtained with $128{\times}128$ matrix size by the proposed method. Materials and methods : In order to reduce measurement time in EPI, half courier space is measured, and rest of half courier data is obtained by conjugate symmetric filling. Thus high resolution single shot EPI image with $128{\times}128$ matrix size is obtained with 64 echoes. By the arrangement of phase encoding gradients, high $T_2$ weighted images are obtained. The acquired data in k-space are shifted if there exists residual gradient field due to eddy current along phase encoding gradient, which results in a serious problem in the reconstructed image. The residual field is estimated by the correlation coefficient between the echo signal for dc and the corresponding reference data acquired during the pre-scan. Once the residual gradient field is properly estimated, it can be removed by the adjustment of initial phase encoding gradient field between $70^{\circ}$ and $180^{\circ}$ rf pulses. Results : The suggested T2EPl is implemented in a 1.0 Tela whole body MRI system. Experiments are done with the effective echo times of 72ms and 96ms with single shot acquisitions. High resolution($128{\times}128$) volunteer head images with high $T_2$ contrast are obtained in a single scan by the proposed method. Conclusion : Using the half courier technique, higher resolution EPI images are obtained with matrix size of $128{\times}128$ in a single scan. Furthermore $T_2$ contrast is controlled by the effective echo time. Since the suggested method can be implemented by software alone (pulse sequence and corresponding tuning and reconstruction algorithms) without addition of special hardware, it can be widely used in existing MRI systems.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2008

Purpose : To present the T1 and T2 relaxation times of the major cerebral metabolites at 1.5T and 3.0T and compare those between 1.5T and 3.0T. Materials and Methods : Using the phantom containing N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), Choline (Cho), and Creatine (Cr) at both 1.5T and 3.0T MRI, the T1 relaxation times were calculated from the spectral data obtained with 5000 ms repetition time (TR), 20 ms echo time (TE), and 11 different mixing time (TM)s using STEAM (STimulated Echo-Acquisition Mode) method. The T2 relaxation times were obtained from the spectral data obtained with 3000 ms TR and 5 different TEs using PRESS (Point-RESolved Spectroscopy) method. The T1 and T2 relaxation times obtained at 1.5T were compared with those of 3.0T. Results : The T1 relaxation times of NAA were $2293\;{\pm}\;48\;ms$ at 1.5T and $2559\;{\pm}\;124\;ms$ at 3.0T (11.6% increase at 3.0T). The T1 relaxation times of Cho were $2540\;{\pm}\;57\;ms$ at 1.5T and $2644\;{\pm}\;76\;ms$ at 3.0T (4.1% increase at 3.0T). The T1 relaxation times of Cr were $2543\;{\pm}\;75\;ms$ at 1.5T and $2665\;{\pm}\;94\;ms$ at 3.0T (4.8% increase). The T2 relaxation times of NAA were $526\;{\pm}\;81\;ms$ at 1.5T and $468\;{\pm}\;74\;ms$ at 3.0T (11.0% decrease at 3.0T). The T2 relaxation times of Cho were $220\;{\pm}\;44ms$ at 1.5T and $182\;{\pm}\;35\;ms$ at 3.0T (17.3% decrease at 3.0T). The T2 relaxation times of Cr were $289\;{\pm}\;47\;ms$ at 1.5T and $275\;{\pm}\;57\;ms$ at 3.0T (4.8% decrease at 3.0T). Conclusion : The T1 relaxation times of the major cerebral metabolites (NAA, Cr, Cho), which were measured at the phantom, were 4.1%-11.6% longer at 3.0T than at 1.5T. The T2 relaxation times of them were 4.8%-17.3% shorter at 3.0T than at 1.5T. To optimize MR spectroscopy at 3.0T, TR should be lengthened and TE should be shortened.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigated the usefulness of MR perfusion image comparing with SPECT image. A total of pediatric 30 patients(average age : 7.8) with Moyamoya disease were performed MR Perfusion with 32 channel body coil at 3T from March 01, 2010 to June 10, 2010. The MRI sequences and parameters were as followed : gradient Echo-planar imaging(EPI), TR/TE : 2000ms/50ms, FA : $90^{\circ}$, FOV : $240{\times}240$, Matrix : $128{\times}128$, Thickness : 5mm, Gap : 1.5mm. Images were obtained contrast agent administrated at a rate of 1mL/sec after scan start 10s with a total of slice 1000 images(50 phase/1 slice). It was measured with visual color image and digitize data using MRDx software(IDL version 6.2) and also, it was compared of measurement with values of normal and abnormal ratio to analyze hemodynamic change, and a comparison between perfusion MR with technique using Warm Color at SPECT examination. On MR perfusion examination, the color images from abnormal region to the red collar with rCBV(relative cerebral blood volume) and rCBF(relative cerebral blood flow) caused by increase cerebral blood flow with brain vascular occlusion in surrounding collateral circulation advancement, the blood speed relatively was depicted slowly with blue in MTT(Mean Transit Time) and TTP(Time to Peak) images. The region which was visible abnormally from MR perfusion examination visually were detected as comparison with the same SPECT examination region, would be able to confirm the identical results in MMD(Moyamoya disease)judgments. Hymo-dynamic change in MR perfusion examination produced by increase and delay cerebral blood flow. This change with digitize data and being color imaging makes enable to distinguish between normal and abnormal area. Relatively, MR perfusion examination compared with SPECT examination could bring an excellent image with spatial resolution without radiation expose.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 2000

We developed low light CCD imaging system using thermoelectric cooling method collaboration with a company to design a commercial model. It consists of Kodak KAF-0401E(768$\times$512 pixels) CCD chip, thermoelectric module manufactured by Thermotek. This TEC system can reach an operative temperature of $-25^{\circ}C$. We employed an Uniblitz VS25s shutter and it has capability a minimum exposure time 80ms. The system components are an interface card using a Korea Astronomy Observatory (hereafter KAO) ISA bus controller, image acquisition with AD9816 chip, that is 12bit video processor. The performance test with this imaging system showed good operation within the initial specification of our design. It shows a dark current less than 0.4e-/pixel/sec at a temperature of $-10^{\circ}C$, a linearity 99.9$\pm$0.1%, gain 4.24e-/adu, and system noise is 25.3e-(rms). For low temperature CCD operation, we designed a TEC, which uses a one-stage peltier module and forced air heat exchanger. This TEC imaging system enables accurate photometry($\pm$0.01mag) even though the CCD is not at 'conventional' cryogenic temperatures(140k). The system can be a useful instrument for any other imaging applications. Finally, with this system, we obtained several images of astronomical objects for system performance tests.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.154-158
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• 1999

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find the optimum TE value for enhancing $T_2^{*}$ weighting effect and minimizing the SNR degradation and to compare the BOLD effects according to the changes of TE in 1.5T and 3.0T MRI systems. Materials and Methods : Healthy normal volunteers (eight males and two females with 24-38 years old) participated in this study. Each volunteer was asked to perform a simple finger-tapping task (sequential opposition of thumb to each of the other four fingers) with right hand with a mean frequency of about 2Hz. The stimulus was initially off for 3 images and was then alternatively switched on and off for 2 cycles of 6 images. Images were acquired on the 1.5T and 3.0T MRI with the FLASH (fast low angle shot) pulse sequence (TR : 100ms, FA : $20^{\circ}$, FOV : 230mm) that was used with 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76ms of TE times in 1.5T and 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66ms of TE in 3.0T MRI system. After the completion of scan, MR images were transferred into a PC and processed with a home-made analysis program based on the correlation coefficient method with the threshold value of 0.45. To search for the optimum TE value in fMRI, the difference between the activation and the rest by the susceptibility change for each TE was used in 1.5T and 3.0T respectively. In addition, the functional $T_2^{*}$ map was calculated to quantify susceptibility change. Results : The calculated optimum TE for fMRI was $61.89{\pm}2.68$ at 1.5T and $47.64{\pm}13.34$ at 3.0T. The maximum percentage of signal intensity change due to the susceptibility effect inactivation region was 3.36% at TE 66ms in 1.5T 10.05% at TE 46ms in 3.0T, respectively. The signal intensity change of 3.0T was about 3 times bigger than of 1.5T. The calculated optimum TE value was consistent with TE values which were obtained from the maximum signal change for each TE. Conclusion : In this study, the 3.0T MRI was clearly more sensitive, about three times bigger than the 1.5T in detecting the susceptibility due to the deoxyhemoglobin level change in the functional MR imaging. So the 3.0T fMRI I ore useful than 1.5T.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.149-157
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• 2014

The recent dramatic improvements in high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) have revolutionized the speed and scope of proteomic studies. Conventional MS-based proteomics methodologies allow global protein profiling based on expression levels. Although these techniques are promising, there are numerous biological activities yet to be unveiled, such as the dynamic regulation of enzyme activity. Chemical proteomics is an emerging field that extends these types proteomic profiling. In particular, activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) utilizes small-molecule probes to monitor enzyme activity directly in living intact subjects. In this mini-review, we summarize the unique roles of smallmolecule probes in proteomics studies and highlight some recent examples in which this principle has been applied.