• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.241-252
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• 2004

Purpose: Population based structural and functional maps of the brain provide effective tools for the analysis and interpretation of complex and individually variable brain data. Brain MRI and PET standard templates and statistical probabilistic maps based on image data of Korean normal volunteers have been developed and probabilistic maps based on cytoarchitectonic data have been introduced. A quantification method using these data was developed for the objective assessment of regional intensity in the brain images. Materials and Methods: Age, gender and ethnic specific anatomical and functional brain templates based on MR and PET images of Korean normal volunteers were developed. Korean structural probabilistic maps for 89 brain regions and cytoarchitectonic probabilistic maps for 13 Brodmann areas were transformed onto the standard templates. Brain FDG PET and SPGR MR images of normal volunteers were spatially normalized onto the template of each modality and gender. Regional uptake of radiotracers in PET and gray matter concentration in MR images were then quantified by averaging (or summing) regional intensities weighted using the probabilistic maps of brain regions. Regionally specific effects of aging on glucose metabolism in cingulate cortex were also examined. Results: Quantification program could generate quantification results for single spatially normalized images per 20 seconds. Glucose metabolism change in cingulate gyrus was regionally specific: ratios of glucose metabolism in the rostral anterior cingulate vs. posterior cingulate and the caudal anterior cingulate vs. posterior cingulate were significantly decreased as the age increased. 'Rostral anterior'/'posterior' was decreased by 3.1% per decade of age ($P<10^{-11}$, r=0.81) and 'caudal anterior'/'posterior' was decreased by 1.7% ($P<10^{-8}$, r=0.72). Conclusion: Ethnic specific standard templates and probabilistic maps and quantification program developed in this study will be useful for the analysis of brain image of Korean people since the difference in shape of the hemispheres and the sulcal pattern of brain relative to age, gender, races, and diseases cannot be fully overcome by the nonlinear spatial normalization techniques.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.253-261
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• 2002

A spatially adaptive falter was formulated to imrove PET image qualify and the Performance of the filter was evaluated using simulation and phantom and human PET studies. In the proposed filter. if a pixel was identified as the edge Pixel, the Pixel value was Preserved. Otherwise a Pixel was replaced by the mean of the pixel values weighted by 2:7: 2. A Pixel was identified as the edge Pixel. if it satisfies the following conditions : the number of ADs (absolute difference between center and neighborhood pixels) which is smaller than THl (($pix_max{\times}0.1/log_2(NPM)$, NPM : mean of 6 neighborhood pixels excluding minimum and maximum) is 8-k and the number of ADs which is lager than TH2 ($NPM{\times}0.1$) is k. where k : 2, 3, …, 6. The results of this study demonstrate the superior performance of the Proposed titter compared to Gaussian fitter, weight median filter and subset averaged median filter. The proposed tittering method is simple but effective in increasing uniformity and contrast with minimal degradation of spatial resolution of PET images and thus. is expected to Provide improved diagnositc quality PET images .

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.272-279
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• 2007

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the discriminating nature of $^{123}I-FP-CIT$ SPECT in patients with parkinsonism. Methods: $^{123}I-FP-CIT$ SPECT images acquired from the 18 normal controls; NC ($60.4{\pm}10.0$ yr) and 237 patients with parkinsonism ($65.9{\pm}9.2$ yr) were analyzed. From spatialIy normalized images, regional counts of the caudate, putamen, and occipital lobe were obtained using region of interest method. Binding potential (BP) was calculated with the ratio of specific to nonspecific binding activity at equilibrium. Additionally, the BP ratio of putamen to caudate (PCR) and asymmetric Index (ASI) were measured. Results: BPs of NC $3.37{\pm}0.57,\; 3.10{\pm}0.41,\; 3.23{\pm}0.48$ for caudate, putamen, whole striatum, respectively) had no significant difference with those of essential tremor; ET ($3.31{\pm}0.64,\; 3.06{\pm}0.61,\; 3.14{\pm}0.63$) and Alzheimer's disease; AD (3.33 $\pm$0.60, 3.29$\pm$0.79, 3.31$\pm$0.70), but were higher than those of Parkinson's disease; PD (1.92$\pm$0.74, 1.39$\pm$0.68, 1.64$\pm$0.68), multiple system atrophy; MSA (2.36$\pm$1.07, 2.16$\pm$0.91, 2.26$\pm$0.96), and dementia with Lewy body; DLB (1.95$\pm$0.72, 1.64$\pm$0.65, 1.79$\pm$0.66)(p<0.005). PD had statisticalIy lower values of PER and higher values of ASI than those of NC (p<0.005). And PD had significantIy lower value of PCR, higher ASI and lower BP in the putamen and whole striatum than MSA (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dopamine transporter image of $^{123}I-FP-CIT$ SPECT was a good value in differential diagnosis of parkinsonism.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.827-833
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• 2023

CT(Computed Tomography) contrast agents are commonly used in general hospitals and university hospitals when taking radiographic examinations. The CT contrast medium contains a mixture of a substance called "Iodine", which absorbs radiation energy and makes it appear white in the CT image, further improving the image quality. In addition, the CT contrast agent, which moves like blood in the blood vessels, clearly differentiates it from muscle and water, so CT contrast agents are widely used in hospitals. These CT contrast agents absorb X-rays, but in order to absorb X-rays, they must have a high density or a high radiation absorption coefficient. Since the CT contrast agent is injected into the blood vessels, if the density is high, the blood vessels are strained and the patient is in shock. For this reason, it is necessary to match the density similar to that of water and always pay attention to side effects. In addition, the amount of CT contrast medium is adjusted according to the patient's body shape, and the remaining contrast medium is discarded. However, This study tried to find out the idea of recycling it as a radiation shielding material. Since the CT contrast medium has a high radiation absorption coefficient at a density similar to that of water, the amount to absorb radiation is adjusted, the amount of contrast medium and the amount of water are adjusted, and the amount of radiation absorbed is determined by mixing with water. In addition, a study was conducted to find out the result of the difference in radiation absorption in various ways by comparing the radiation quality coefficient and absorption coefficient with other substances or materials in an environmentally friendly method harmless to the human body by mixing CT contrast medium and water.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.24_2
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• pp.231-270
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• 2015

This thesis examined Chu Hsi's self-cultivation theory as the representative theory of cultivation in Confucianism, while juxtaposing it to self-cultivation theory in Daesoon thought, concentrating on its similarity and difference. Neo-Confucianism is a scholarship which has wielded a tremendous influence upon East Asia, while functioning as an official scholarship for long period up to Yuan, Ming, and Ching period, after achieving its synthesis by Chu Hsi. After 13th century, Neo-Confucianism has been a representative academic system in Confucianism, and self-cultivation theory was in its center. It suggested various virtues that classical scholars have to equip to fulfill the sainthood and the politics of royal road. The self-cultivation theory of Chu Hsi was developed upon the basis of the theory 'Li-Qi' and the theory of mind. Here, the practice of Geokyung(morally awakened state with a reverent spirit in every moment) and Gyeokmul-tsiji(reaching into the utmost knowledge through investigation of things) formed a nucleus of Chu Hsi's self-cultivation theory. While Geokyung was to reveal one's true nature through cultivation of mind, Gyeokmul-tsiji was to demonstrate the complete use of mind's essence and function. Chu Hsi's self-cultivation theory attempted to realize the unity of heaven and man, and through cultivating self and governing people, it also tried to achieve its ideal of the society of Great Union(Daedong). Daesoon Thought is originated from Sangjenim who has descended to this world as a human being called Jeungsan. He went on his circuit to rectify the disorder of heaven and earth for 9 years to rectify the Three worlds of heaven, earth and human being which were faced with total annihilation due to its rule of mutual conflict, while creating an earthly paradise. Respecting the will of Sangjenim, Dojunim established the foundation of Do through launching 'Meukeukdo' and setting tenet, creed and object so that the cultivators (Doins) could believe and respect the truth of Sangje's great itineration (Daesoon). Among those, the two components of creed, which are four fundamental principles and the three fundamental attitudes are of great account as precept and cardinal point. Through this means, the cultivators of Daesoonjinrihoe aspire to guard against self-deception through transforming the human spirit, to realize earthly immortality through renewing human beings, and to create an earthly paradise through transforming the world. This thesis attempted to compare and analyze the theory of self-cultivation in Neo-Confucianism and Daesoon Thought in the aspect of ground, method, and object of cultivation. First, as for the ground of cultivation, the doctrines of Chu-tzu and Daesoon thought place the essence of cultivation on 'heaven'. Yet, whereas the former postulates Taekeuk (the Great Ultimate) as a principle as well as the heaven of a natural order, Daesoon thought postulates Sangenim as the heaven of superintendence as well as the heaven of a natural order, signified as its equation of Daesoon with circle, along with the unity of Meukeuk (Endlessness) and Taegeuk (the Great Ultimate). Further, the doctrine of Chu-zhu and Daesoon thought is identical in the point that both thoughts see mind as the subject of cultivation, while trying to restore a pure essence. Nevertheless, whereas Neo-Confucianism intends to give scope to ability of the complete use of mind's essence and function, Daesoon Thought sees mind as the essence which is used by spiritual beings and as an organ that heaven, earth and human being rely upon as the center of the universe. In the aspect of method of cultivation, the doctrine of Chuzhu lays emphasis on the rational factor in that it brightens its 'myung-deoki'(bright inner virtue),' while trying to correspond to the law of heaven on the basis of 'Geokyung' and 'Gyeokmul-tsiji.' On the contrary, Daesoon thought lays much emphasis on faith factor in that it aspires for human perfection based on the restoration of conscience by cultivating Daesoonjinri with sincerity, reverence and faith along with 'quieting the heart-mind', 'quieting the body', 'respecting the God of the Ninth Heaven', and 'observing ritual practice on the basis of the faith in Sangjenim. Yet, both thoughts have similarities in that cultivation of body forms the basis and that they attempt to realize their ideals through cultivation in daily life while taking 'Guarding against self-deception' as the key method of self-cultivation.' However, the principle of Chu-zhu can be said to be a voluntary and autonomous practice based on scripture of the saint as well as self-reflection. On the other hand, Daesoon thought reveals certain difference in that it combines faith factor with one's self-effort by concentrating on cultivation under the presence of Sangjenim as the object of belief and the spirits of heaven and earth. In the aspect of object of cultivation, both thoughts share similarities in that the saint and the perfected gentleman with a moral virtue as an ideal image of men in both thoughts attempt to realize each of their 'myung-deok' in human nature as a heavenly mandate while respecting morality. Further, they also share similarity in the point that the desirable characters in both thoughts want to participate in harmonious creation and nurturance. Yet, the perfected gentleman with a moral virtue is also characterized by its aim for a new heaven and earth where there is no mutual conflict but mutual beneficence, by promoting the moral influence and virtue of Sangjenim over one's own virtue, while practising the mutual beneficence of all life through harmonious union of divine beings and human beings.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.269-275
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• 2008

Although MR imaging is generally applicable to depict knee joint deterioration it, is sometimes occurred to mis-read and mis-diagnose the common knee joint diseases. In this study, we employed magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) method to improve the diagnosis of the various knee joint diseases. Spin-echo (SE) T2-weighted images (TR/TE 3,400-3,500/90-100 ms) were obtained in seven cases of knee joint deterioration, FSE T2-weighted images (TR/TE 4,500-5,000/100-108 ms) were obtained in seven cases of knee joint deterioration, gradient-echo (GRE) T2-weighted images (TR/TE 9/4.56/$50^{\circ}$ flip angle, NEX 1) were obtained in 3 cases of knee joint deterioration, In six cases of knee joint deterioration, fat suppression was performed using a T2-weighted short T1/tau inverse recovery (STIR) sequence (TR/TE =2,894-3,215 ms/70 ms, NEX 3, ETL 9). Calculation of MTR for individual pixels was performed on registration of unsaturated and saturated images. After processing to make MTR images, the images were displayed in gray color. For improving diagnosis, three-dimensional isotropic volume images, the MR tristimulus color mapping and the MTR map was employed. MTR images showed diagnostic images quality to assess the patients' pathologies. The intensity difference between MTR images and conventional MRI was seen on the color bar. The profile graph on MTR imaging effect showed a quantitative measure of the relative decrease in signal intensity due to the MT pulse. To diagnose the pathologies of the knee joint, the profile graph data was shown on the image as a small cross. The present study indicated that MTR images in the knee joint were feasible. Investigation of physical change on MTR imaging enables to provide us more insight in the physical and technical basis of MTR imaging. MTR images could be useful for rapid assessment of diseases that we examine unambiguous contrast in MT images of knee disorder patients.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 2009

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among korean woman. Therefore, the early detection activities of breast cancer such as breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations, mammography are important. A yearly mammography examination has been recommended for women aged 40 and older for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic periods. However, the glandular tissue of breast is the most radiation-sensitive tissue, and the determination of average glandular dose (AGD) forms an important part of the quality control of the mammographic systems. Because of the difficulty of estimating AGD directly, it is often estimated from the measurements of the incident air kerma and by applying the appropriate conversion factors. The primary objective of this study was to standardize the method of measuring AGD. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationships between AGD per various composition and thickness of the breast using Monte Carlo simulations. As a result, we standardized the method of measuring AGD according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines (CoP: an international code of practice). Overall, AGD for mammographic practice in Korea was less than 3.0 mGy recommended by the Korea Food and Drug Adminstration (KFDA) protocol, and Korean Institute for Accreditation of Medical Image (KIAMI). The measured and simulated AGD for a given condition were calculated as 1.7 and 1.6 mGy, respectively. For the AGDs obtained, there was no significant difference between them. The simulated AGD was dependent on the fraction of glandular tissue of the breast. The AGD increases with increasing of the breast glandularity due to increasing absorption of low energy photons. The AGD also increases as a function of breast thickness. In conclusion, the results of this study could be used as a baseline to establish a reference level of radiation dose in mammography.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.408-415
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• 1999

When a zinc-oxide eugenol type sealer was placed in root canals treated previously with calcium hydroxide, acceleration of its setting and the yellowish discoloration were observed clinically. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties of calcium hydroxide-eugenol compound. Some physical properties of calcium hydroxide-eugenol compound were compared with a manufactured zinc-oxide eugenol based root canal sealer, Tubli-seal$^{(R)}$ in terms of water solubility, water sorption, film thickness and microleakage. Solubility and water sorption were determined by the use of the method described in American Dental Association Specification(ADAS) no. 57. Ten samples of each material were prepared into disks 20mm in diameter and 1.5mm in thickness. The samples were immersed in 50ml of distilled water at $37{\pm}1^{\circ}C$ for 7 days. The samples were then removed and placed in a desiccator. The values for solubility and water sorption were calculated using differences between the weights of same sample. Film thickness was determined by the use of the method described in ADAS no. 57 too. A small quantity of mixed cement was placed between two glass plates of which thickness was measured previously. 15Kg loading was applied and total thickness of the glass plates and the cement film was measured. The thickness difference was recorded as the material's film thickness. Microleakage was determined with a dye penetration method. Experimental materials were placed between the dentin surface of bovine tooth and the acrylic rod. These units were immersed in Pelican ink (W-Germany) for three days. Dye-penetrated dentin surfaces of bovine tooth were measured using the NIB Image 1.60 Macintosh program. The results are as follows: 1. Water solubility value of calcium hydroxide-eugenol compound (20.98${\pm}$2.94%) was statistically higher than those of Tubli-seal$^{(R)}$(2.52${\pm}$0.49%)(p<0.05). 2. Water sorption value of calcium hydroxide-eugenol compound (59.72${\pm}$17.75%) was statistically higher than those of Tubli-seal$^{(R)}$(3.15${\pm}$0.76%)(p<0.05). 3. Film thickness value of calcium hydroxide-eugenol compound (0.36${\pm}$0.03mm) was statistically higher than those of Tubli-seal$^{(R)}$(0.12${\pm}$0.1mm)(p<0.05). 4. Dye penetration value after 3 days-immersion of calcium hydroxide-eugenol compound(57.63${\pm}$25.85%) was statistically higher than those of Tubli-seal$^{(R)}$(28.05${\pm}$23.46%)(p<0.05).

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.344-356
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• 2002

Purpose: RBC blood pool SPECT has been used to diagnose focal liver lesion such as hemangioma owing to its high specificity. However, low spatial resolution is a major limitation of this modality. Recently, ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) has been introduced to obtain tomographic images for clinical application. We compared this new modified iterative reconstruction method, OSEM with conventional filtered back projection (FBP) in imaging of liver hemangioma. Materials and Methods: Sixty four projection data were acquired using dual head gamma camera in 28 lesions of 24 patients with cavernous hemangioma of liver and these raw data were transferred to LINUX based personal computer. After the replacement of header file as interfile, OSEM was performed under various conditions of subsets (1,2,4,8,16, and 32) and iteration numbers (1,2,4,8, and 16) to obtain the best setting for liver imaging. The best condition for imaging in our investigation was considered to be 4 iterations and 16 subsets. After then, all the images were processed by both FBP and OSEM. Three experts reviewed these images without any information. Results: According to blind review of 28 lesions, OSEM images revealed at least same or better image quality than those of FBP in nearly all cases. Although there showed no significant difference in detection of large lesions more than 3 cm, 5 lesions with 1.5 to 3 cm in diameter were detected by OSEM only. However, both techniques failed to depict 4 cases of small lesions less than 1.5 cm. Conclusion: OSEM revealed better contrast and define in depiction of liver hemangioma as well as higher sensitivity in detection of small lesions. Furthermore this reconstruction method dose not require high performance computer system or long reconstruction time, therefore OSEM is supposed to be good method that can be applied to RBC blood pool SPECT for the diagnosis of liver hemangioma.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2012

Purpose: Most of diagnosis in the pediatric hydronephrosis patients have been performed $^{99m}Tc$-DMSA renal scan. Then the region of interest (ROI) is set for comparative analysis of uptake ratio in left-right kidney after acquiring the image. But if the equipment set an automatic ROI, the ROI could include expanded renal pelvis due to hydronephrosis and the uptake ratio of left-right kidney will be incorrect result. Therefore this study compared both ROIs including expanded renal pelvis and excluding renal pelvis through experiment using normal kidney phantom and expanded renal pelvis phantom and suggested setting method of improved ROI. In addition, this study have been helped by readout doctor for investigate distinction radiopharmaceutical uptake between renal cortex and remained urine by expanded renal pelvis. Materials and Methods: The both of renal phantoms were filled with water and shacked with $^{99m}TcO_4$ 111 MBq. In order to describe the expanded renal pelvis, the five latex balloon were all filled with 10 mL water and each of balloon was mixed with $^{99m}TcO_4$ 18.5, 37, 55.5, 74, 92.5 MBq. And we made phantom with fixed $^{99m}TcO_4$activity of 37 MBq and mixed water 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 mL in each balloon. The left kidney was fixed its shape and the right kidney was modified like as hydronephrosis kidney by attached the latex balloons. And the acquiring counts were 2 million. After acquisition, we compared the image of ROI with Expanded renal pelvis and the image of ROI without renal pelvis for analyzing difference in the uptake ratio of left-right kidney and for reproducibility, set the ROI 5 times in the same images. Patients were injected $^{99m}Tc$-DMSA 1.5~1.9 MBq/kg and scanned 3 to 4 hours after injection. The each of 3 skillful radio technologists performed the comparing estimation by setting ROI. To determine statistical significance between two data, SPSS (ver. 17) Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used. Results: As a result of renal phantom's experiment, we compared with average of counts Background (BKG) ratios in the setting of ROI including expanded renal pelvis and setting of excluding expanded renal pelvis. Therefore, they can obtain changed counts and changed ratios. Patient also can obtain same results. In addition, the radiopharmaceutical uptake in expanded renal pelvis was come out the remained urine that couldn't descend to ureter by the help of readout doctor. Conclusion: As above results, the case of setting ROI including expanded renal pelvis was more abnormally increasing uptake ratio than the case of setting ROI excluding expanded renal pelvis in analysis the uptake ratio in left-right kidney of hydronephrosis. Because of the work convenience and prompted analysis, the automatic ROI is generally used. But in case of the hydronephrosis study, we should set the manual ROI without expanded renal pelvis for an accurate observation of the uptake ratio of left-right kidney since the radiopharmaceutical uptake in expanded renal pelvis is the remained urine.