• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.258-266
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• 2015

The modern radiotherapy technique which delivers a large amount of dose to patients asks to confirm the positions of patients or tumors more accurately by using X-ray projection images of high-definition. However, a rapid increase in patient's exposure and image information for CT image acquisition may be additional burden on the patient. In this study, by introducing structural similarity (SSIM) index that can effectively extract the structural information of the image, we analyze the differences between daily acquired x-ray images of a patient to verify the accuracy of patient positioning. First, for simulating a moving target, the spherical computational phantoms changing the sizes and positions were created to acquire projected images. Differences between the images were automatically detected and analyzed by extracting their SSIM values. In addition, as a clinical test, differences between daily acquired x-ray images of a patient for 12 days were detected in the same way. As a result, we confirmed that the SSIM index was changed in the range of 0.85~1 (0.006~1 when a region of interest (ROI) was applied) as the sizes or positions of the phantom changed. The SSIM was more sensitive to the change of the phantom when the ROI was limited to the phantom itself. In the clinical test, the daily change of patient positions was 0.799~0.853 in SSIM values, those well described differences among images. Therefore, we expect that SSIM index can provide an objective and quantitative technique to verify the patient position using simple x-ray images, instead of time and cost intensive three-dimensional x-ray images.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.131-139
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• 2011

A method to get a size of the radiation isocenter of linear accelerators using star-shot images was presented and a computer program was developed to automate the method. Accuracy of the method was verified. The developed program was used to measure sizes of the radiation isocenters for a Clinac 21EX (Varian, USA) using data of quality assurance (QA) performed from June 2008 to December 2010. To calculated the size of radiation isocenter, positions of two points on each central ray of the star-shot image were found and the equation of the central ray was determined using the positions of two points. Using the equations of central rays the radius of the minimum circle intersecting all the central rays, which is one half of the size of radiation isocenter, was calculated. The program measured x-intercepts and y-intercepts of the central rays within errors of 0.084 mm and sizes of radiation isocenters within 0.053 mm. All the errors were less than the spatial resolution of star-shot images 0.085 mm. The radiation isocenter sizes of Clinac 21EX were $0.33{\pm}0.27mm$, $0.71{\pm}0.36mm$, $0.50{\pm}0.16mm$ for collimator, gantry and couch respectively. During the measurement period all the measured sizes were less than 2.0 mm and within tolerance. The developed program could calculate the size of radiation isocenters and it would be helpful to routine QA.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.252-263
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• 2013

Objectives : Skin color deformation by cupping has been widely used as a diagnostic parameter in Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM). Skin color deformation such as ecchymoses and purpura is induced by local vacuum in a suction cup. Since existing studies have relied on a visual diagnostic method, there is a need to use the quantitative measurement method. Methods : We conducted an analysis of cross-polarization photographic images to assess the changes in skin color deformation. The skin color variation was analyzed using $L^*a^*b^*$ space and the skin erythema index(E.I.). The meridian theory in TKM indicates that the condition of primary internal organs is closely related to the skin color deformation at special acupoints. Before conducting these studies, it is necessary to evaluate whether or not skin color deformation is influenced by muscle condition. Hence, we applied cupping at BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20 and BL23 at Bladder Meridian(BL) and measured blood lactate at every acupoint. Results : We confirmed the high system measurement accuracy, and observed the diverse skin color deformations. Moreover, we confirmed that the $L^*$, $a^*$ and E.I. had not changed after 40 minutes(p>0.05). The distribution of blood lactate levels at each part was observed differently. Blood lactate level and skin color deformation at each part was independent of each other. Conclusions : The negative pressure produced by the suction cup induces a reduction in the volumetric fraction of melanosomes and subsequent reduction in epidermal thickness. The relationship between variations of tissue and skin properties and skin color deformation degree must be investigated prior to considering the relationship between internal organ dysfunction and skin color deformation.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.10-18
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• 2014

Purpose: Among different PET/CT devices which are composed of same PET model but different CT models, SUV, usually used for quantitative evaluation, was measured to assess the accuracy of follow up scans in different PET/CT and confirm that interequipment compatibility is useful in arranging the PET/CT exam appointment. Materials and Methods: Using ACR PET Phantom, PET NEMA IEC Body Phantom, SNM Chest Phantom and Ge-68 cylinder Phantom, $SUV_{mean}$ and $SUV_{max}$ was measured by 3 different models of PET/CT (Discovery 690, Discovery 690Elite and Discovery 710, GE) made in same company. ANOVA was used to evaluate the significant difference in the result. Results: In the result, the average of $SUV_{max}$ was D690 (25 mm-1.82, 16 mm-1.75, 12 mm-1.73, 8 mm-1.44), D690E (25 mm-1.76, 16 mm-1.92, 12 mm-1.78, 8 mm-1.55) and D710 (25 mm-1.84, 16 mm-1.89, 12 mm-1.77, 8 mm-1.61) in ACR Phantom, D690 (25 mm-2.26, 16 mm-2.25, 12 mm-1.92, 8 mm-1.85), D690E (25 mm-2.45, 16 mm-2.25, 12 mm-2.05 8 mm-1.91) and D710(25 mm-2.49, 16 mm-2.20, 1 2mm-2.30, 8 mm-2.05) in PET NEMA IEC Body Phantom, D690-1.04, D690E-1.10 and D710-1.09 in SNM Chest Phantom and D690-0.81, D690E-0.81, D710-0.84 in Ge-68 cylinder Phantom. The differences between average SUV of 4 phantoms were $SUV_{mean}$-1.87%, $SUV_{max}$-2.15%. And also as a result of ANOVA analysis, there was no significant difference statistically. Conclusion: If different models of PET/CT have same specification of PET system, there was no significant difference in $SUV_{mean}$ and $SUV_{max}$ even though they have different CT system. And also differences of $SUV_{mean}$ and $SUV_{max}$ in phantom images were under 5% which many manufacturers recommend. Therefore, follow up scan will be possible using different PET/CT if it has same specification of PET system with the previous PET/CT. This information will enable the accurate comparative analysis when conducting follow up scans and be helpful to schedule PET/CT exam more effectively.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2010

This study was conducted to monitor aflatoxins in various medicinal herbs, providing available data for the safety of those products. To monitor aflatoxins in medicinal herbs, a total of 400 samples of 40 different herbs were collected in commercial retailers in Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Daegu, and Busan from March to August, 2008. The samples that passed the sensory evaluation were tested for aflatoxins. Aflatoxins in samples were analyzed by HPLC-florescence coupled with photochemical enhancement. Samples were extracted with 70% methanol and then diluted to the appropriate concentration. A refining process was performed using an immunoaffinity column. The analytical method used in this study was validated. The $R^2$ value for aflatoxin $B_1$ was 0.99946, and the detection range was from 0.25 to 10.0 ng/mL. The accuracy of the analysis was ranged from 83.2% to 101.8%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) in the aflatoxin $B_1$ analysis was 3.4%, demonstrating the precision of this method. In addition, the detection limit and quantitative analysis limit of aflatoxin $B_1$ was $0.53\;{\mu}g/kg$ and $1.76\;{\mu}g/kg$, respectively. These results indicated that the analytical method used in this study was appropriate. The results of HPLC showed that 1% (4 samples) of the samples may contain aflatoxins. The concentration of quantified aflatoxin was $2.3\;{\mu}g/kg$ for both Quisqualis fructus and Remotiflori radix samples. The other samples were below the limit of quantification. Moreover, the concentration of aflatoxin $B_1$ which is made by specific fungi were below the level of regulation. Only 20% of aflatoxin $B_1$ were transferred to hot water. Therefore, the levels of aflatoxins in medicinal herbs were considered to be safe especially considering the aflatoxin transfer ratio.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.127-135
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• 1998

The Born approximation is widely used for solving the complex scattering problems in electromagnetics. Approximating total internal electric field by the background field is reasonable for small material contrasts as long as scatterer is not too large and the frequency is not too high. However in many geophysical applications, moderate and high conductivity contrasts cause both real and imaginary part of internal electric field to differ greatly from background. In the extended Born approximation, which can improve the accuracy of Born approximation dramatically, the total electric field in the integral over the scattering volume is approximated by the background electric field projected to a depolarization tensor. The finite difference and elements methods are usually used in EM scattering problems with a 2D model and a 3D source, due to their capability for simulating complex subsurface conductivity distributions. The price paid for a 3D source is that many wavenumber domain solutions and their inverse Fourier transform must be computed. In these differential equation methods, all the area including homogeneous region should be discretized, which increases the number of nodes and matrix size. Therefore, the differential equation methods need a lot of computing time and large memory. In this study, EM modeling program for a 2D model and a 3D source is developed, which is based on the extended Born approximation. The solution is very fast and stable. Using the program, crosshole EM responses with a vertical magnetic dipole source are obtained and the results are compared with those of 3D integral equation solutions. The agreement between the integral equation solution and extended Born approximation is remarkable within the entire frequency range, but degrades with the increase of conductivity contrast between anomalous body and background medium. The extended Born approximation is accurate in the case conductivity contrast is lower than 1:10. Therefore, the location and conductivity of the anomalous body can be estimated effectively by the extended Born approximation although the quantitative estimate of conductivity is difficult for the case conductivity contrast is too high.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2011

Owing to the risk of fetal loss associated with prenatal diagnostic procedures (amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling), noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) is ultimate goal of prenatal diagnosis. The discovery of circulating cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma in 1997 has opened up new probabilities for NIPD by Dr. Lo et al. The last decade has seen great development in NIPD. Fetal sex and fetal RhD status determination by cffDNA analysis is already in clinical use in certain countries. For routine use, this test is limited by the amount of cell-free maternal DNA in blood sample, the lack of universal fetal markers, and appropriate reference materials. To improve the accuracy of detection of fetal specific sequences in maternal plasma, internal positive controls to confirm to presence of fetal DNA should be analyzed. We have developed strategies for noninvasive determination of fetal gender, and fetal RhD genotyping using cffDNA in maternal plasma, using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) including RASSF1A epigenetic fetal DNA marker (gender-independent) as internal positive controls, which is to be first successful study of this kind in Korea. In our study, accurate detection of fetal gender through gestational age, and fetal RhD genotyping in RhD-negative pregnant women was achieved. In this assay, we show that the assay is sensitive, easy, fast, and reliable. These developments improve the reliability of the applications of circulating fetal DNA when used in clinical practice to manage sex-linked disorders (e.g., hemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), RhD incompatibility, and the other noninvasive pregnant diagnostic tests on the coming soon. The study was the first successful case in Korea using cffDNA in maternal plasma, which has created a new avenue for clinical applications of NIPD.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.199-211
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• 2002

Digital substraction technique and computer-assisted densitometirc analysis detect minor change in bone density and thus increase the diagnostic accuracy. This advantage as well as high sensitivity and objectivity which precludes human bias have drawn interest in radiologic research area. The objectives of this study are to verify if Radiographic density can be recognized in linear pattern when density profile of standard periapical radiograph with the aluminium stepwedge as the reference, was investigated under varies circumstances which can be encountered in clinical situations, and in addition to that to obtain mutual relationship between the existing standard radiographic system, and future digital image systems, by confirming the corelationship between the standard radiograph and Digora system which is a digital image system currently being used. In order to make quantitative analysis of the bone tissue, digital image system which uses high resolution automatic slide scanner as an input device, and Digora system were compared and analyzed using multifunctional program, Brain3dsp. The following conclusions were obtained. 1. Under common clinical situation that is 70kVp, 0.2 sec., and focal distance 10cm, Al-Equivalent image equation was found to be Y=11.21X+46.62 $r^2=0.9898$ in standard radiographic system, and Y=12.68X+74.59, $r^2=0.9528$ in Digora system, and linear relation was confirmed in both the systems. 2. In standard radiographic system, when all conditions were maintained the same except for the condition of developing solution, Al-Equivalent image equation was Y=10.07X+41.64, $r^2=0.9861$ which shows high corelationship. 3. When all conditions were maintained the same except for the Kilovoltage peak, linear relationship was still maintained under 60kVp, and Al-Equivalent image equation was Y=14.60X+68.86, $r^2=0.9886$ in the standard radiograhic system, and Y=13.90X+80.68, $r^2=0.9238$ in Digora system. 4. When all conditions were maintained the same except for the exposure time which was varied from 0.01 sec. to 0.8 sec., Al-Equivalent image equation was found to be linear in both the standard radiographic system and Digora system. The R-square was distributed from 0.9188 to 0.9900, and in general, standard radiographic system showed higher R-square than Digora system. 5. When all conditions were maintained the same except for the focal distance which was varied from 5cm to 30cm, Al-Equivalent image equation was found to be linear in both the standard radiographic system and Digora system. The R-square was distributed from 0.9463 to 0.9925, and the standard radiographic system had the tendency to show higher R-square in shorter focal distances.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.393-404
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• 2004

Background : Nucleic acid hybridization has become an essential technique in the development of our understanding of gene structure and function. The quantitative analysis of hybridization has been used in the measurement of genome complexity and gene copy number. The filter hybridization assay is rapid, sensitive and can be used to measure RNAs complementary to any cloned DNA sequence. Methods : The authors assessed the accuracy, linearity, correlation coefficient and specificity of the hybridization depending on the added dose(0, 1, 5, and $10{\mu}g$) of non-specific rat spleen RNA to hybridization of surfactant protein A mRNA. Filter hybridization assays were used to obtain the equation of standard curve and thereby to quantitate the mRNA quantitation. Results : 1. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and spleen RNA input (Y) was Y=0.13X-19.35. Correlation coefficient was 0.98. 2. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and surfactant protein A mRNA transcript input (Y) was Y=0.00066X-0.046. Correlation coefficient was 0.99. 3. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and surfactant protein A mRNA transcript input (Y) after the addition of $1{\mu}g$ spleen RNA was Y=0.00056X-0.051. Correlation coefficient was 0.99. 4. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and surfactant protein A mRNA transcript input (Y) after the addition of $5{\mu}g$ spleen RNA was Y=0.00065X-0.088. Correlation coefficient was 0.99. 5. Standard curve equation of filter hybridization assay between counts per minute (X) and surfactant protein A mRNA transcript input (Y) after the addition of $10{\mu}g$ spleen RNA was Y=0.00051X-0.10. Correlation coefficient was 0.99. Conclusions : Comparison of cpm/filter in a linear range allowed accurate and reproducible estimation of surfactant protein A mRNA copy number irrespective of the addition dosage of non-specific rat spleen RNA over the range $0-10{\mu}g$.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2007

Purpose : A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive analytical method for Gb3 in plasma was developed without labor-ex tensive pre-treatment by electrospray ionization MS/ MS (ESI-MS/MS). Measurement of globotriaosy lceramide (Gb3, ceramide trihex oside) in plasma has clinical importance for monitoring after enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease patients. The disease is an X-linked lipid storage disorder that results from a deficiency of the enzyme ${\alpha}$-galactosidase A (${\alpha}$-Gal A). The lack of ${\alpha}$-Gal A causes an intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly Gb3. Methods : Only simple 50-fold dilution of plasma is necessary for the extraction and isolation of Gb3 in plasma. Gb3 in diluted plasma was dissolved in dioxane containing C17:0 Gb3 as an internal standard. After centrifugation it was directly injected and analyzed through guard column by in combination with multiple reaction monitoring mode of ESI-MS/MS. Results : Eight isoforms of Gb3 were completely resolved from plasma matrix. C16:0 Gb3 occupied 50% of total Gb3 as a major component in plasma. Linear relationship for Gb3 isoforms w as found in the range of 0.001-1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.001 ${\mu}g$/mL and limit of quantification was 0.01 ${\mu}g$/mL for C16:0 Gb3 with acceptable precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient of calibration curves for 8 Gb3 isoforms ranged from 0.9678 to 0.9982. Conclusion : This quantitative method developed could be useful for rapid and sensitive 1st line Fabry disease screening, monitoring and/or diagnostic tool for Fabry disease.