• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.403-410
• /
• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the problems of a signal to noise ratio measurement using a two region measurement method that is conventionally used when using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique. As a research method, after calculating the standard SNR using a single channel head coil of which coil satisfies three preconditions when using a two region measurement method, we made comparisons and evaluations after calculating an SNR by using a two region measurement method of which method is problematic because it is used without considering the methods recommended by reputable organizations and the preconditions at the time of using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique. We found that a two region measurement method using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique shows the highest relative standard deviation, and thus shows a low degree of precision. In addition, we found out that the difference of SNR according to ROI location was very high, and thus a spatial noise distribution was not uniform. Also, 95% confidence interval through Blend-Altman plot is the widest, and thus the conformity degree with a two region measurement method using the standard single channel head coil is low. By directly comparing an AAPM method, which serves as a standard of a performance evaluation test of a magnetic resonance imaging device under the same image acquisition conditions, an NEMA method which can accurately determine the noise level in a signal region and the methods recommended by manufacturers of a magnetic resonance imaging device, there is a significance in that we quantitatively verified the inaccurate problems of a signal to noise ratio using a two region measurement method when using a multi-channel coil and a parallel imaging technique of which method does not satisfy the preconditions that researchers could overlook.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.79-85
• /
• 2004

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness and reproducibility of $^1H$ MRS in different 1.5 T MR machines with different coils to compare the SNR, scan time and the spectral patterns in different brain regions in normal volunteers. Materials and Methods : Localized $^1H$ MR spectroscopy ($^1H$ MRS) was performed in a total of 10 normal volunteers (age; 20-45 years) with spectral parameters adjusted by the autoprescan routine (PROBE package). In all volunteers, MRS was performed in a three times using conventional MRS (Signa Horizon) with 1 channel coil and upgraded MRS (Echospeed plus with EXCITE) with both 1 channel and 8 channel coil. Using these three different machines and coils, SNRs of the spectra in both phantom and volunteers and (pre)scan time of MRS were compared. Two regions of the human brain (basal ganglia and deep white matter) were examined and relative metabolite ratios (NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr ratios) were measured in all volunteers. For all spectra, a STEAM localization sequence with three-pulse CHESS $H_2O$ suppression was used, with the following acquisition parameters: TR=3.0/2.0 sec, TE=30 msec, TM=13.7 msec, SW=2500 Hz, SI=2048 pts, AVG : 64/128, and NEX=2/8 (Signa/Echospeed). Results : The SNR was about over $30\%$ higher in Echospeed machine and time for prescan and scan was almost same in different machines and coils. Reliable spectra were obtained on both MRS systems and there were no significant differences in spectral patterns and relative metabolite ratios in two brain regions (p>0.05). Conclusion : Both conventional and new MRI systems are highly reliable and reproducible for $^1H$ MR spectroscopic examinations in human brains and there are no significant differences in applications for $^1H$ MRS between two different MRI systems.

• ETRI Journal
• /
• v.36 no.5
• /
• pp.808-818
• /
• 2014

To deal with the major challenges of embedded sensor networks, we consider the use of magnetic fields as a means of reliably transferring both information and power to embedded sensors. We focus on a power allocation strategy for an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing system to maximize the transferred power under the required information capacity and total available power constraints. First, we consider the case of a co-receiver, where information and power can be extracted from the same signal. In this case, we find an optimal power allocation (OPA) and provide the upper bound of achievable transferred power and capacity pairs. However, the exact calculation of the OPA is computationally complex. Thus, we propose a low-complexity power reallocation algorithm. For practical consideration, we consider the case of a separated receiver (where information and power are transferred separately through different resources) and propose two heuristic power allocation algorithms. Through simulations using the Agilent Advanced Design System and Ansoft High Frequency Structure Simulator, we validate the magnetic-inductive channel characteristic. In addition, we show the performances of the proposed algorithms by providing achievable ${\eta}$-C regions.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.1519-1526
• /
• 2011

A previous study (Lee, C. W. J. Phys. B 2010, 43, 175002) that isolated the overlapping resonances in the photoionization spectra using multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT) in systems involving a single open channel was extended to manage many open channels when the closed channels are degenerate. The theory was applied to the dipole allowed J = 1$^{\circ}$ spectra from the ground state with excitation energies lying between the lowest ionization thresholds for rare gas atoms, Ar, Kr, and Xe, and also for group IV elements, Ge, Sn and Pb.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
• /
• 2003.11a
• /
• pp.272-277
• /
• 2003

This paper reports the fluid flow and heat transfer around a module cooled by forced air flow generated by a piezoelectric(PZT) cooling fan. A flexible PZT fan with distortion in a fluid transport system of comparatively simple structure which was mounted on a PCB in a parallel-plate channel($450{\times}80{\times}700mm^3$) accelerates surrounding fluid locally. Input voltages of 20-100V and a resonance frequency of 23Hz were used to vibrate the cooling fan. Input power to the module was 4W. The cooling effect using a PZT fan was larger than that of free convection. Fluid flow around the module were visualized by using PIV system. The temperature distribution around heated module were visualized by using liquid crystal film(LCF). We found that the flow type was y-shaped and the cooling effect was increased by the wake generated by a piezoelectric cooling fan.

• Applied Science and Convergence Technology
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.36-41
• /
• 2016

Similarity and diversity of various quantum ring structures are investigated by classifying energy dispersions of three different structures: an electrostatic quantum ring, a magnetic quantum ring, and a magnetic-electric quantum ring. The wave functions and the eigenenergies of a single electron in the quantum ring structures are calculated by solving the Schrdinger equation without any electron-electron interaction. Magnetoconductance is studied by calculating a two-terminal conductance while taking into account the backscattering via the resonance through the states of the quantum rings at the center of a quasi-one dimensional conductor. It is found that the energy spectra for the various quantum ring structures are sensitive to additional electrostatic potentials as well as to the effects of a nonuniform magnetic field. There are also characteristics of similarity and diversity in the energy dispersions and in the single-channel magnetoconductance.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
• /
• v.31 no.2 s.257
• /
• pp.202-207
• /
• 2007

In order to understand the phenomena of combustion instability, an experimental study was conducted at the moderate pressure and ambient temperature conditions. The flame behavior and the pressure fluctuations were measured in a dump combustor. Various types of combustion modes occurred in accordance with the equivalence ratio and the fuel supplying conditions. The fluctuation of pressure, heat release and equivalence ratio were measured by piezoelectric pressure sensor, high speed Intensified Charge Coupled Device (HICCD) camera and gas chromatography respectively. Two representative modes were self-excited pressure oscillations at the resonance of combustion chamber (200Hz) and instabilities related to the modulated fuel flow rate through the fuel holes (10Hz). It is found that, especially in an unchoked fuel flow condition, the modulation of the fuel flow rate affects the characteristics of flame behavior and pressure fluctuations in a lean premixed flame.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.510-514
• /
• 2013

The structural change of Nafion polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) induced by hot-pressing, which is one of the representative procedures for preparing membrane-electrode-assembly for low temperature fuel cells, was investigated by $^2H$ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The hydrophilic channels were asymmetrically flattened and more aligned in the membrane plane than along the hot-pressing direction. The average O-$^2H$ director of $^2H_2O$ in polymer electrolyte membrane was employed to extract the structural information from the $^2H$ NMR peak splitting data. The dependence of $^2H$ NMR data on water contents was systematically analyzed for the first time. The approach presented here can be used to understand the chemicals' behavior in nano-spaces, especially those reshaping and functioning interactively with the chemicals in the wet and/or mixed state.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.325-332
• /
• 2018

Carotid angiography covering the aortic arch includes contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CEA), which is applied to a large region and usually employs contrast media. However, the use of contrast media can be dangerous in infants, pregnant women, and patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Follow-up patients informed of a lesion may also want to avoid constant exposure to contrast media. We aimed to apply time-of-flight (TOF) angiography to a large region and compare its usefulness with that of CEA. Ten patients (mean age, 58 years; range, 45~75 years) who visited our hospital for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) participated in this study. A 3.0 Tesla Achieva magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system (Philips, Netherland) and the SENSE NeuroVascular 16-channel coil were employed for both methods. Both methods were applied simultaneously to the same patient. Three TOF stacks were connected to cover the aortic arch through the circle of Willis, and CEA was applied in the same manner. For the quantitative assessment, the acquired images were used to set the regions of interest (ROIs) in the common carotid artery (CCA) bifurcation, internal carotid artery, external carotid artery, middle cerebral artery, and vertebral artery, and to obtain the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for the soft tissues. Three radiologists and one radiological resident performed the qualitative assessment on a 5-point scale - 1 point, "very bad"; 2 points, "bad"; 3 points, "average"; 4 points, "good"; and 5 points, "very good" - with regard to 4 items: (1) sharpness, (2) distortion, (3) vein contamination, and (4) expression of peripheral vessels. For the quantitative assessment, we estimated the mean SNR and CNR in each of the 5 ROIs. In general, the mean SNR was higher in TOF angiography (166.1, 205.2, 154.39, 172.23, and 161.95) than in CEA(92.05, 95.43, 84.76, 73.69, and 88.3). Both methods had a similar mean CNR: 67.62, 106.71, 55.9, 73.74, and 63.46 for TOF angiography, and 67.82, 71.19, 60.52, 49.45, and 64.07 for CEA. In all ROIs, the mean SNR was statistically significant (p<0.05), whereas the mean CNR was insignificant (p>0.05). The mean values of TOF angiography and CEA for each item in the qualitative assessment were 4.2 and 4.28, respectively for item 1; 2.93 and 4.55, respectively, for item 2; 4.6 and 3.13, respectively, for item 3; and 2.88 and 4.65, respectively, for item 4. Therefore, TOF angiography had a higher mean for item 3, and CEA had a higher mean for items 2 and 4; there was no significant difference between the two methods for item 1. The results for item 1 were statistically insignificant (p>0.05), whereas the results for items 2~4 were statistically significant (p<0.05). Both methods have advantages and disadvantages and they complement each other. However, CEA is usually applied to a large region covering the aortic arch. Time-of-flight angiography may be useful for people such as infants, pregnant women, CRF patients, and followup patients for whom the use of contrast media can be dangerous or unnecessary, depending on the circumstance.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.559-567
• /
• 2021

Objective: To evaluate the impact of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) before confirmatory prostate biopsy in patients under active surveillance (AS). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 170 patients with Gleason grade 6 prostate cancer initially enrolled in an AS program between 2011 and 2019. Prostate mpMRI was performed using a 1.5 tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging system with a 16-channel phased-array body coil. The protocol included T1-weighted, T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging sequences. Uroradiology reports generated by a specialist were based on prostate imaging-reporting and data system (PI-RADS) version 2. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed based on regression models. Results: The reclassification rate at confirmatory biopsy was higher in patients with suspicious lesions on mpMRI (PI-RADS score ≥ 3) (n = 47) than in patients with non-suspicious mpMRIs (n = 61) and who did not undergo mpMRIs (n = 62) (66%, 26.2%, and 24.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, presence of a suspicious mpMRI finding (PI-RADS score ≥ 3) was associated (adjusted odds ratio: 4.72) with the risk of reclassification at confirmatory biopsy after adjusting for the main variables (age, prostate-specific antigen density, number of positive cores, number of previous biopsies, and clinical stage). Presence of a suspicious mpMRI finding (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.62) was also associated with the risk of progression to active treatment during the follow-up. Conclusion: Inclusion of mpMRI before the confirmatory biopsy is useful to stratify the risk of reclassification during the biopsy as well as to evaluate the risk of progression to active treatment during follow-up.