• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.92-98
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• 2021

Purpose: This study automatically discriminates homogeneous and structure edge regions on computed tomography (CT) images, and it evaluates the noise level and edge preservation ratio (EPR) according to the different types of iterative reconstruction (IR). Methods: The dataset consisted of CT scans of 10 patients reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), statistical IR (iDose⁴), and iterative model-based reconstruction (IMR). Using the 10th and 85th percentiles of the structure coherence feature, homogeneous and structure edge regions were localized. The noise level was estimated using the averages of the standard deviations for five regions of interests (ROIs), and the EPR was calculated as the ratio of standard deviations between homogeneous and structural edge regions on subtraction CT between the FBP and IR. Results: The noise levels were 20.86±1.77 Hounsfield unit (HU), 13.50±1.14 HU, and 7.70±0.46 HU for FBP, iDose⁴, and IMR, respectively, which indicates that iDose⁴ and IMR could achieve noise reductions of approximately 35.17% and 62.97%, respectively. The EPR had values of 1.14±0.48 and 1.22±0.51 for iDose⁴ and IMR, respectively. Conclusions: The iDose⁴ and IMR algorithms can effectively reduce noise levels while maintaining the anatomical structure. This study suggested automated evaluation measurements of noise levels and EPRs, which are important aspects in CT image quality with patients' cases of FBP, iDose⁴, and IMR. We expect that the inclusion of other important image quality indices with a greater number of patients' cases will enable the establishment of integrated platforms for monitoring both CT image quality and radiation dose.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.94-101
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• 2019

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of motion-correction algorithm (MCA) in improving coronary artery image quality and measurement accuracy using an anthropomorphic dynamic heart phantom and 256-detector row computed tomography (CT) scanner. Materials and Methods: An anthropomorphic dynamic heart phantom was scanned under a static condition and under heart rate (HR) simulation of 50-120 beats per minute (bpm), and the obtained images were reconstructed using conventional algorithm (CA) and MCA. We compared the subjective image quality of coronary arteries using a four-point scale (1, excellent; 2, good; 3, fair; 4, poor) and measurement accuracy using measurement errors of the minimal luminal diameter (MLD) and minimal luminal area (MLA). Results: Compared with CA, MCA significantly improved the subjective image quality at HRs of 110 bpm (1.3 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.8, p = 0.003) and 120 bpm (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6, p = 0.006). The measurement error of MLD significantly decreased on using MCA at 110 bpm (11.7 ± 5.9% vs. 18.4 ± 9.4%, p = 0.013) and 120 bpm (10.0 ± 7.3% vs. 25.0 ± 16.5%, p = 0.013). The measurement error of the MLA was also reduced using MCA at 110 bpm (19.2 ± 28.1% vs. 26.4 ± 21.6%, p = 0.028) and 120 bpm (17.9 ± 17.7% vs. 34.8 ± 19.6%, p = 0.018). Conclusion: Motion-correction algorithm can improve the coronary artery image quality and measurement accuracy at a high HR using an anthropomorphic dynamic heart phantom and 256-detector row CT scanner.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.180-184
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• 2017

Patients with locally advanced lung cancer and very limited pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second $[FEV1]{\leq}1L$) have dismal prognosis and undergo palliative treatment or best supportive care. We describe two cases of locally advanced node-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with very limited lung function treated with induction chemotherapy and moderate hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy (Hypo-IGRT). Hypo-IGRT was delivered to a total dose of 45 Gy to the primary tumor and involved lymph nodes. Planning was based on positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) and four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT). Internal target volume (ITV) was defined as the overlap of gross tumor volume delineated on 10 phases of 4D-CT. ITV to planning target volume margin was 5 mm in all directions. Both patients showed good clinical and radiological response. No relevant toxicity was documented. Hypo-IGRT is feasible treatment option in locally advanced node-positive NSCLC patients with very limited lung function ($FEV1{\leq}1L$).

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.469-474
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• 2005

Tn this study, the noll-destructive computed X-ray tomography was adopted to observe the density distribution of the needle-punched C-C composites nozzle throat. The density distribution of the C-C was evaluated within ${\pm}0.01g/cm^3$ with 98.74% confidence when the correction of the image and high signal-to-noise ratio were achieved by the optimization of the beam hardening, the electrical noise and the scattered X-ray. The density variation of the C/C with the computed tomography was in good agreement with the results obtained by the water immersion method and the observation with scanning electron microscope.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.39-42
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• 2013

Objective : Obtaining real-time image is essential for neurosurgeons to minimize invasion of normal brain tissue and to prompt diagnosis of intracranial event. The aim of this study was to report our three-year experience with a mobile computed tomography (mCT) for intraoperative and bedside scanning. Methods : A total of 357 mCT (297 patients) scans from January 2009 to December 2011 in single institution were reviewed. After excluding postoperative routine follow-up, 202 mCT were included for analysis. Their medical records such as diagnosis, clinical application, impact on decision making, times, image quality and radiologic findings were assessed. Results : Two-hundred-two mCT scans were performed in the operation room (n=192, 95%) or intensive care unit (ICU) (n=10, 5%). Regarding intraoperative images, extent of resection of tumor (n=55, 27.2%), degree of hematoma removal (n=42, 20.8%), confirmation of catheter placement (n=91, 45.0%) and monitoring unexpected complications (n=4, 2.0%) were evaluated. A total of 14 additional procedures were introduced after confirmation of residual tumor (n=7, 50%), hematoma (n=2, 14.3%), malpositioned catheter (n=3, 21.4%) and newly developed intracranial events (n=2, 14.3%). Every image was obtained within 15 minutes and image quality was sufficient for interpretation. Conclusion : mCT is feasible for prompt intraoperative and ICU monitoring with enhanced diagnostic certainty, safety and efficiency.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2017

Purpose: Evaluation of alveolar bone is important in the diagnosis of dental diseases. The periodontal ligament space is difficult to clearly depict in cone-beam computed tomography images because the reconstruction filter conditions during image processing cause image blurring, resulting in decreased spatial resolution. We examined different reconstruction filters to assess their ability to improve spatial resolution and allow for a clearer visualization of the periodontal ligament space. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography projections of 2 skull phantoms were reconstructed using 6 reconstruction conditions and then compared using the Thurstone paired comparison method. Physical evaluations, including the modulation transfer function and the Wiener spectrum, as well as an assessment of space visibility, were undertaken using experimental phantoms. Results: Image reconstruction using a modified Shepp-Logan filter resulted in better sensory, physical, and quantitative evaluations. The reconstruction conditions substantially improved the spatial resolution and visualization of the periodontal ligament space. The difference in sensitivity was obtained by altering the reconstruction filter. Conclusion: Modifying the characteristics of a reconstruction filter can generate significant improvement in assessments of the periodontal ligament space. A high-frequency enhancement filter improves the visualization of thin structures and will be useful when accurate assessment of the periodontal ligament space is necessary.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.385-391
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• 2013

X-ray computed tomography is a very powerful nondestructive technique in safety inspection of historic timber building. But, in field, various testing condition makes it difficult to carry out X-ray CT testing. Limited size in X-ray digital detector is one of the problems. In this study, a pitch pine disk with two holes was used to know how imperfection in X-ray projection affects CT image resolution. Using various number of projections, CT image was reconstructed by filtered back projection method, and then it was investigated how many projection is required to identify the holes in different location. Two artificial holes could be differently detected according to their location in cross section of specimen. One hole in center part of specimen was identified using more than 9 radiographs, but the other one which located in outer part of cross section could not be detected until more than 36 projections were used. Even though there is data missing in outer part of cross section due to limited size of detector, the center part of CT image could be reconstructed well and the resolution of outer part became higher with increase of the number of projections. For field application, the number of projections for CT image reconstruction needs to be decided with consideration of another nondestructive testing and the location of interest.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 2016

Purpose : The aim of this study was to compare the differences between the volumes acquired with four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT)images with a reconstruction image-filtering algorithm and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images with dynamic phantom. Materials and Methods : The 4DCT images were obtained from the computerized imaging reference systems (CIRS) phantom using a computed tomography (CT) simulator. We analyzed the volumes for maximum intensity projection (MIP), minimum intensity projection (MinIP) and average intensity projection (AVG) of the images obtained with the 4DCT scanner against those acquired from CBCT images with CT ranger tools. Results : Difference in volume for node of 1, 2 and 3 cm between CBCT and 4DCT was 0.54~2.33, 5.16~8.06, 9.03~20.11 ml in MIP, respectively, 0.00~1.48, 0.00~8.47, 1.42~24.85 ml in MinIP, respectively and 0.00~1.17, 0.00~2.19, 0.04~3.35 ml in AVG, respectively. Conclusion : After a comparative analysis of the volumes for each nodal size, it was apparent that the CBCT images were similar to the AVG images acquired using 4DCT.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.11 no.7
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• pp.189-194
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of reducing noise and streaking artefacts by applying the Boost3D algorithm in the case of noise and streaking artifacts generated during computed tomography of the shoulder joint. A phantom study using a thoracic phantom including shoulder joint and clinical evaluation were conducted through shoulder joint images of 35 patients who underwent computed tomography of the shoulder joint from September 2020 to October 2020. The evaluation was divided into groups before and after the application of the Boost3D algorithm, and the noise values, signal to noise ratio, and mean to standard deviation ratio values were analyzed. Both noise values and mean to standard deviation ratio values analyzed in phantom image evaluation and clinical image evaluation were statistically significantly lower in the group after Boost3D was applied (p<0.05). Through this study, it was found that noise and streak artifacts were reduced through the application of Boost3D, and the mean to standard deviation ratio was high, which can be judged as an excellent image. If the Boost3D algorithm is used for computed tomography of the shoulder joint, it is thought that excellent images can be obtained with reduced noise and streaking artifacts that may occur in the shoulder joint area.

• Journal of information and communication convergence engineering
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.167-171
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• 2004

The evolution of modern imaging modalities, followed by the rapid development of computer technology has introduced many new features in the communication networks used in medical facilities. Since it is very important to keep patient's record accurately, the ability to exchange medical data securely over the communication network is essential for any medical information. In this paper, therefore, we introduce some problems which occur from digitizing medical images such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography), CR(Computed Radiography), etc., and then we propose a authentication mechanism for medical image verification using secret watermark images.