• Title/Summary/Keyword: Biological systems

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The Differences of Zooplankton Dynamics in River Ecosystems with and without Estuary Dam in River Mouth (하구언 댐 유무에 따른 강 생태계에서의 동물플랑크톤 동태의 차이)

  • Kim, Hyun-Woo;Lee, Hak-Young
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.40 no.2
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    • pp.273-284
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    • 2007
  • The spatial and temporal zooplankton dynamics were examined along ca. 100-km section of the middle to lower Seomjin River (without estuary dam in river mouth) and Youngsan River (with estuary dam in river mouth) systems during study periods (2004. Nov.${\sim}$2006. Aug.) based on a monthly sampling intervals. The spatial variation of zooplankton biomass at both river ecosystems was distinct. There was considerable longitudinal variation in total zooplankton abundance in Youngsan R. stretch. The increase in total zooplankton abundance were observed along the longitudinal stretch toward the estuary dam. In contrast, there were not statistically significant longitudinal differences in total zooplankton abundance in Seomjin R. stretch. In Youngsan R. stretch, average abundance of total zooplankton (average ranges: $199{\sim}817$ Ind. $L^{-1}$ at 3 sampling sites, n=20) were nearly $4{\sim}60$ fold higher than that of Seomjin R. stretch (average ranges: $12{\sim}43$ Ind. $L^{-1}$ at 4 sampling sites, n=20). Relative abundance of rotifers (over 80% of total zooplankton abundance) at the whole sampling sites in Youngsan R. stretch were Much higher than that of the Seomjin R. stretch. The most abundant rotifers were Polyarthra spp., Brachionus spp., Colurella spp., and Keratella spp. at the both river ecosystems. In Seomjin R. stretch, copepods carbon biomass sharply increased toward in river mouth (over 40% of total zooplankton carbon biomass). Average ranges of total zooplankton filtering rates for phytoplankton at both river ecosystems varied from 21.2 to 92.9 mL $L^{-1}\;D^{-1}$ in Youngsan R. stretch and from 2.1 to 2.6 mL $L^{-1}\;D^{-1}$ in Seomjin R. stretch. Considering the zooplankton filtering rates, zooplankton as grazers of phytoplankton in Youngsan R. stretch seemed to play the more important role in planktonic food web than that of the Seomjin R. stretch.

Functional Properties of Soy Protein Isolates Prepared from Defatted Soybean Meal (탈지대두박(脫脂大豆粕)에서 추출(抽出)한 분리대두단백(分離大豆蛋白)의 식품학적(食品學的) 성질(性質))

  • Byun, Si-Myung;Kim, Chul-Jin
    • Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.123-130
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    • 1977
  • A laboratory study was made to develop a simple and economic model method for the systematic determination of functional properties of 'Soy Protein Isolates (SPI)' prepared from defatted soybean meal. These are required to evaluate and to predict how SPI may behave in specific systems and such proteins can be used to simulate or replace conventional proteins. Data concerning the effects of pH, salt concentration, temperature, and protein concentration on the functional properties which include solubility, heat denaturation, gel forming capacity, emulsifying capacity, and foaming capacity are presented. The results are as follows: 1) The yield of SPI from defatted soybean meal increased to 83.9 % as the soybean meal was extracted with 0.02 N NaOH. 2) The suitable viscocity of a dope solution for spinning fiber was found to be 60 Poises by using syringe needle (0.3 mm) with 15 % SPI in 0.6 % NaOH. 3) Heat caused thickening and gelation in concentration of 8 % with a temperature threshold of $70^{\circ}C$. At $8{\sim}12\;%$ protein concentration, gel was formed within $10{\sim}30\;min$ at $70{\sim}100\;^{\circ}C$. It was, however, disrupted rapidly at $125\;^{\circ}C$ of overheat treatment. The gel was firm, resilient and self-supporting at protein concentration of 14 % and less susceptible to disruption of overheating. 4) The emulsifying capacity (EC) of SPI was correlated positively to the solubility of protein at ${\mu}=0$. At pH of the isoelectric point of SPI (pH 4.6), EC increased as concentration of sodium chloride increased. Using model system$(mixing\;speed:\;12,000\;r.p.m.,\;oil\;addition\;rate:\;0.9\;ml/sec,\;and\;temperature\;:\;20{\pm}1\;^{\circ}C)$, the maximum EC of SPI was found to be 47.2 ml of oil/100 mg protein, at the condition of pH 8.7 and ${\mu}=0.6$. The milk casein had greater EC than SPI at lower ionic strength while the EC of SPI was the same as milk casein at higher ionic strength. 5) The shaking test was used in determining the foam-ability of proteins. Progressively increasing SPI concentration up to 5 % indicated that the maximum protein concentration for foaming capacity was 2 %. Sucrose reduced foam expansion slightly but enhanced foam stability. The results of comparing milk casein and egg albumin were that foaming properties of SPI were the same as egg albumin, and better than milk casein, particularly in foam stability.

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A Preliminary Epidemiologic Study on Korean Veterans Exposed to Herbicides in Vietnam War (파월국군장병의 고엽제 위해에 관한 예비적 역학조사)

  • Kim, Joung-Soon;Lee, Hyun-Sul;Lee, Hong-Bok;Lee, Won-Young;Park, Young-Joo;Kim, Sung-Soo
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.27 no.4 s.48
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    • pp.711-734
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    • 1994
  • Among chemical agents in herbicides, dioxin (2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachloro dibenzo-$\rho$-dioxin : TCDD), a chemical contaminant in herbicides sprayed during the Vietnam War has been known to be the major agent causing toxic effects. Approximately 320,000 korean soldiers participated the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1974. Although the potential hazards of the herbicides among Korean veterans exposed were implicated, the problem had not been a public issue until 1991 when Korean veterans were informed U.S. companies, the herbicides manufacturer payed fund, from which a trust fund for New Zealand and Australian Class members were established in 1985. After a series of appeals and demonstration by the Korean Veterans demanding medical care and compensation for their serious health damages, a bill of medical care and compensation for herbicides victims was promulgated in March 1993 and become effective from May 1993, This study was carried out with two major objectives : the first to understand the health problems caused from the herbicides by reviewing literatures published, and the second to examine the nature and extent of health impacts among Korean veterans exposed and to develop valid study methods for the major study by interviewing and reviewing records on a part of veterans (638 persons) registered and completed medical examination in Seoul Veterans Administration Hospital from June to October 1993. The results obtained are as followings: 1. The literature review of 107 papers revealed that 1) Dioxin is teratogenic, carcinogenic and affects almost all organs including nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems in animal experiments. 2) The diseases showing evidence of causal association were Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's disease, lung cancer, lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, chloroacne and polyneuropathy when judged on the basis of consistency in study results and biological plausibility. 2. Interview and medical record review study on 638 veterans, though limited validity owing to lack of control group, crude estimates of dioxin exposure levels (no biomarkers measurable), and uncertainty of diagnosis, showed that: 1) Most of the study subject's were in their 40's of age and had been dispatched to Vietnam during the period from $1965{\sim}1970$ around one year. 2) Most frequently complained symptoms in medical examination were motor weakness (32%), sensory abnormalities in extremities (23%), skin diseases (22%), and pain in extremities (20%) whereas in Interview they were more frequent in order of skin problem (44%), motor weakness (38%), sensory abnormalities and pain in extremities(17% and 19% each). Kappa indices on the same category of complaints between two sources of information were variable and relatively low. 3) On medical examination, only a part of the 638 subjects had initial impression (442 pts) and final diagnosis (218 pts) suggesting decision making on diagnosis appeared to be difficult even with all available modern medical technologies: in initial impression disorders from peripheral and central neuropathy were predominant whereas in final diagnosis various types of skin disorder were most frequent 4) When dose-response relationship between several conditions (from questionnaire) and arbitrary exposure scores were examined by CMH linear trend test, spontaneous abortion, sexual problems and health problem of offsprings showed statistically significant linear trends. However, pregnancy, accident and suicidal attempts did not show any relationship in this study capacity. 5) Among complaints, psychosis and neurosis (anxiety, phobia) in interview study, and memory disorder and psychosis in medical record study revealed linear trend. 6) Skin disorder was the only condition showing linear trend in initial impression and none in final diagnosis on medical examination. Even though objective to select out dioxin-related disease or group of diseases from this study was not achieved the research experiences provided firm basis for developing various methodological approaches. 3. From this preliminary study we concluded that a larger scale major epidemiologic study on health impacts of herbicides among Korean veterans exposed is not only Indispensible but also well designed study with more valid exposure information and diagnosis may be able to establish causal relationship between certain groups of diseases and exposure to the herbicides among Korean veterans.

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Research Trends and Future Directions for R&D Vitalization of Domestic Dairy Industry (국내 유가공산업의 R&D활성화를 위한 연구 동향과 방향)

  • Yoon, Sung-Sik
    • Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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    • v.29 no.1
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    • pp.23-31
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    • 2011
  • Domestic dairy industry is now standing at the crossroad for planning next fifty years, mainly because economic and environmental situations surrounding Korean peninsula are fast changing. For the aspects of dairy consumption, fresh milk consumed less, while consumption of the other milk and dairy products is slightly increasing every year. In 2010, it is approximately estimated that 1,939,000 tons of raw milk was used and the supply would be short by about 35,000 tons, based on the amounts in the previous year. Currently, multilateral negotiations against US and EU are underway. When it will be in effect in the future, significant damage would be expected in the dairy and livestock sectors, leading to cut domestic milk supply. Quality of farm-gate milk is graded as 1A on average 90% or more, loaded with very low in microbial and somatic cell counts. Therefore, policy implications have to be placed toward switch currently the UHT processing method to Pasteurization or the LTLT technology, by which natural flavors and nutrients in milk mostly remain after heat treatment. Domestic cheese products comprise only 10% and the rest is occupied by the various kinds of imported natural products. The market size keeps increasing up to 65,423,000 tons last year. When it comes to vitalization of our natural cheese industry, cheese whey, which is a main by-product in cheese manufacture, is a critical issue to be solved and also "On-Farm Processing" would be combined with a growth of big dairy companies when few immediate issues among the relevant regulations will be eased and alleviated in the near future. Fermented milk market is recorded as a single area of gradual increase in the past 10 years, Korea. Fermented yogurts with health claims targeted stomach, liver, and intestine are popular and has grown fast in sales amounts. In this context, researches on beneficial probiotic lactic acid bacteria are one of the important projects for domestic milk and dairy industries. Labelling regulations on efficacy or health-promoting effects of functional dairy products, which is the most important issue facing domestic dairy processors, should be urgently examined toward commercial expression of the functionality by lawful means. Colostrum, a nutrition-rich yellowish fluid, is roaded with immune, growth and tissue repair factors. Bovine colostrum, a raw material for immune milk preparations and infant formula, can be used to treat or prevent infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Nanotechnology can be applied to develop new milk and dairy products such as micro-encapsulated lactase milk for consumers suffering lactose intolerance. Raw milk is suggested to be managed by its usage in the processing line because imbalance of supply and demand is structural problem in every country and thus the usage systems as in the advanced dairy countries is worth of bench-marking to stabilize milk supply and demand. Raw milk produced is desirable to divide into the three parts; domestic, import, and buffering purposes. It is strongly recommended that a domestic dairy control center as an institutional framework should be urgently established as is Dairy Board in New Zealand and Australia. Lastly, government policy should be directed to foster the highly-educated people who are majoring in Dairy Sciences or working in the dairy industry by means of financial support in studying and training abroad as well.

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Modulation of Cellulalr Quinone Reductase Inducibility by Roasting Treatment and Acid Hydrolysis of Perilla (들깨의 볶음처리와 산가수분해에 의한 세포모델계 Quinone Reductase 활성유도능의 변화)

  • Hong, Eun-Young;Kang, Hee-Jung;Kwon, Chong-Suk;Nam, Young-Jung;Suh, Myung-Ja;Kim, Jong-Sang
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.186-192
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    • 1997
  • Increased activities of phase 2 enzymes including quinone reductase(QR) have been reported to be associated with protection of animals from neoplastic, mutagenic, and other toxic effects of many carcinogens. In previous study, we found that methanol extract of roasted and defatted perilla meal induced the activity of quinone reductase, an anticarcinogenic marker enzyme, in murine hepalc1c7 cells. Current study showed that unroasted perilla had a limited QR-inducing activity, suggesting that roasting cause the generation of active component(s). Thus we hypothesized that QR inducer in perilla might be covalently linked to sugar moiety and released during roasting process. Methanol extract of defatted raw perilla was subject to acid treatment in order to hydrolyze the potential sugar moiety. Prolonged hydrolysis of methanol extract of defatted raw perilla at $98{\sim}100^{\circ}C$ increased the ability to induce cytosolic QR activity of hepalclc7 cells. Furthermore roasting at 180 and $200^{\circ}C$ resulted in significant induction of QR activity. The result strongly support the idea that QR inducer(s) is present in bound form in raw perilla and released during roasting. Cellular QR activity was induced proportionately with the increase of concentration of methanol extract of roasted perilla. The induction of QR by defatted perilla was also examined in the cytosols of liver, small intestine, stomach, lung and kidney of male ICR mice. Induction patterns showed specificity with respect to target tissue and roasting of perilla. Unroasted perilla meal (defatted) significantly induced QR in liver and lung, while roasted perilla meal induced QR in liver and stomach. The observation that raw perilla showed similar QR induction patterns to roasted perilla is consistent with our proposal that QR inducer(s) is present in bound form and released by physical and chemical treatments as digestive or microbial enzymes could release the inducers from inactive glycoside forms in gastrointestinal tract of mice. In conclusion, perilla could exert protective effect against chemically induced carcinogenesis by inducing phase 2 enzymes in biological systems regardless of chemical and physical process such as roasting.

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Analysis of Interactions in Multiple Genes using IFSA(Independent Feature Subspace Analysis) (IFSA 알고리즘을 이용한 유전자 상호 관계 분석)

  • Kim, Hye-Jin;Choi, Seung-Jin;Bang, Sung-Yang
    • Journal of KIISE:Computer Systems and Theory
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    • v.33 no.3
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    • pp.157-165
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    • 2006
  • The change of external/internal factors of the cell rquires specific biological functions to maintain life. Such functions encourage particular genes to jnteract/regulate each other in multiple ways. Accordingly, we applied a linear decomposition model IFSA, which derives hidden variables, called the 'expression mode' that corresponds to the functions. To interpret gene interaction/regulation, we used a cross-correlation method given an expression mode. Linear decomposition models such as principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) were shown to be useful in analyzing high dimensional DNA microarray data, compared to clustering methods. These methods assume that gene expression is controlled by a linear combination of uncorrelated/indepdendent latent variables. However these methods have some difficulty in grouping similar patterns which are slightly time-delayed or asymmetric since only exactly matched Patterns are considered. In order to overcome this, we employ the (IFSA) method of [1] to locate phase- and shut-invariant features. Membership scoring functions play an important role to classify genes since linear decomposition models basically aim at data reduction not but at grouping data. We address a new function essential to the IFSA method. In this paper we stress that IFSA is useful in grouping functionally-related genes in the presence of time-shift and expression phase variance. Ultimately, we propose a new approach to investigate the multiple interaction information of genes.

Evaluation of Image Qualities for a Digital X-ray Imaging System Based on Gd$_2$O$_2$S(Tb) Scintillator and Photosensor Array by Using a Monte Carlo Imaging Simulation Code (몬테카를로 영상모의실험 코드를 이용한 Gd$_2$O$_2$S(Tb) 섬광체 및 광센서 어레이 기반 디지털 X-선 영상시스템의 화질평가)

  • Jung, Man-Hee;Jung, In-Bum;Park, Ju-Hee;Oh, Ji-Eun;Cho, Hyo-Sung;Han, Bong-Soo;Kim, Sin;Lee, Bong-Soo;Kim, Ho-Kyung
    • Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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    • v.25 no.4
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    • pp.253-259
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    • 2004
  • in this study, we developed a Monte Carlo imaging simulation code written by the visual C$\^$++/ programing language for design optimization of a digital X-ray imaging system. As a digital X-ray imaging system, we considered a Gd$_2$O$_2$S(Tb) scintillator and a photosensor array, and included a 2D parallel grid to simulate general test renditions. The interactions between X-ray beams and the system structure, the behavior of lights generated in the scintillator, and their collection in the photosensor array were simulated by using the Monte Carlo method. The scintillator thickness and the photosensor array pitch were assumed to 66$\mu\textrm{m}$ and 48$\mu\textrm{m}$, respertively, and the pixel format was set to 256 x 256. Using the code, we obtained X-ray images under various simulation conditions, and evaluated their image qualities through the calculations of SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), MTF (modulation transfer function), NPS (noise power spectrum), DQE (detective quantum efficiency). The image simulation code developed in this study can be applied effectively for a variety of digital X-ray imaging systems for their design optimization on various design parameters.

Evaluation of $^{14}C$ Behavior Characteristic in Reactor Coolant from Korean PWR NPP's (국내 경수로형 원자로 냉각재 중의 $^{14}C$ 거동 특성 평가)

  • Kang, Duk-Won;Yang, Yang-Hee;Park, Kyong-Rok
    • Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.1-7
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    • 2009
  • This study has been focused on determining the chemical composition of $^{14}C$ - in terms of both organic and inorganic $^{14}C$ contents - in reactor coolant from 3 different PWR's reactor type. The purpose was to evaluate the characteristic of $^{14}C$ that can serve as a basis for reliable estimation of the environmental release at domestic PWR sites. $^{14}C$ is the most important nuclide in the inventory, since it contributes one of the main dose contributors in future release scenarios. The reason for this is its high mobility in the environment, biological availability and long half-life(5730yr). More recent studies - where a more detailed investigation of organic $^{14}C$ species believed to be formed in the coolant under reducing conditions have been made - show that the organic compounds not only are limited to hydrocarbons and CO. Possible organic compounds formed including formaldehyde, formic acid and acetic acid, etc. Under oxidizing conditions shows the oxidized carbon forms, possibly mainly carbon dioxide and bicarbonate forms. Measurements of organic and inorganic $^{14}C$ in various water systems were also performed. The $^{14}C$ inventory in the reactor water was found to be 3.1 GBq/kg in PWR of which less than 10% was in inorganic form. Generally, the $^{14}C$ activity in the water was divided equally between the gas- and water- phase. Even though organic $^{14}C$ compound shows that dominant species during the reactor operation, But during the releasing of $^{14}C$ from the plant stack, chemical forms of $^{14}C$ shows the different composition due to the operation conditions such as temperature, pH, volume control tank venting and shut down chemistry.

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Cellular Antioxidant Activity and Whitening Effects of Dendropanax morbifera Leaf Extracts (황칠나무 잎 추출물의 세포 항산화 활성과 미백활성 측정)

  • Park, Su Ah;Park, Jun;Park, Chan Il;Jie, Young Jong;Hwang, Yun Chan;Kim, Yong Hyun;Jeon, So Ha;Lee, Hye Mi;Ha, Ji Hoon;Kim, Kyeong Jin;Park, Soo Nam
    • Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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    • v.41 no.4
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    • pp.407-415
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    • 2013
  • In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activities on HaCaT and the whitening effects on B16F1 melanoma cells of Dendropanax morbifera leaf extract. In an antioxidative activity assay using HaCaT cells, the ethyl acetate ($50{\mu}g/ml$) and aglycone fractions ($25{\mu}g/ml$) of the D. morbifera leaf extract didn't exhibit any characteristics of cytotoxicity. When HaCaT cells were exposed to a single large dose ($800mJ/cm^2$) of UVB, the extracts protected the cells against UVB radiation. When HaCaT cells were treated with 10 mM $H_2O_2$ and $4{\mu}M$ rose bengal, the ethyl acetate ($6.25{\sim}50{\mu}g/ml$) and aglycone ($6.25{\sim}25{\mu}g/ml$) fractions protected the cells against oxidative damage in a concentration dependent manner. When the whitening effects of D. morbifera leaf extract were tested in melanoma B16/F1 cells treated with the a-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH), the extracts inhibited ${\alpha}$-MSH-stimulated intra/extracellular melanogenesis in a concentration dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of the ethyl acetate and aglycone fractions of D. morbifera leaf extract were 21% and 44% at $25{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. Both are more effective than arbutin (15% at $25{\mu}g/ml$) which is known as a whitening agent. These results indicate that fractions of the D. morbifera leaf can function as cell protectants and natural antioxidants in biological systems, particularly skins exposed to UV radiation by quenching and/or scavenging $^1O_2$ and other ROS, and protecting cells against ROS. In addition, fractions of the D. morbifera leaf can be applied to new whitening cosmetics because of their inhibitory effects on ${\alpha}$-MSH stimulated melanogenesis in B16F1 melanoma cells.

THE CURRENT STATUS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING IN THE USA

  • Webster, John G.
    • Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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    • v.1992 no.05
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    • pp.27-47
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    • 1992
  • Engineers have developed new instruments that aid in diagnosis and therapy Ultrasonic imaging has provided a nondamaging method of imaging internal organs. A complex transducer emits ultrasonic waves at many angles and reconstructs a map of internal anatomy and also velocities of blood in vessels. Fast computed tomography permits reconstruction of the 3-dimensional anatomy and perfusion of the heart at 20-Hz rates. Positron emission tomography uses certain isotopes that produce positrons that react with electrons to simultaneously emit two gamma rays in opposite directions. It locates the region of origin by using a ring of discrete scintillation detectors, each in electronic coincidence with an opposing detector. In magnetic resonance imaging, the patient is placed in a very strong magnetic field. The precessing of the hydrogen atoms is perturbed by an interrogating field to yield two-dimensional images of soft tissue having exceptional clarity. As an alternative to radiology image processing, film archiving, and retrieval, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are being implemented. Images from computed radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasound are digitized, transmitted, and stored in computers for retrieval at distributed work stations. In electrical impedance tomography, electrodes are placed around the thorax. 50-kHz current is injected between two electrodes and voltages are measured on all other electrodes. A computer processes the data to yield an image of the resistivity of a 2-dimensional slice of the thorax. During fetal monitoring, a corkscrew electrode is screwed into the fetal scalp to measure the fetal electrocardiogram. Correlations with uterine contractions yield information on the status of the fetus during delivery To measure cardiac output by thermodilution, cold saline is injected into the right atrium. A thermistor in the right pulmonary artery yields temperature measurements, from which we can calculate cardiac output. In impedance cardiography, we measure the changes in electrical impedance as the heart ejects blood into the arteries. Motion artifacts are large, so signal averaging is useful during monitoring. An intraarterial blood gas monitoring system permits monitoring in real time. Light is sent down optical fibers inserted into the radial artery, where it is absorbed by dyes, which reemit the light at a different wavelength. The emitted light travels up optical fibers where an external instrument determines O2, CO2, and pH. Therapeutic devices include the electrosurgical unit. A high-frequency electric arc is drawn between the knife and the tissue. The arc cuts and the heat coagulates, thus preventing blood loss. Hyperthermia has demonstrated antitumor effects in patients in whom all conventional modes of therapy have failed. Methods of raising tumor temperature include focused ultrasound, radio-frequency power through needles, or microwaves. When the heart stops pumping, we use the defibrillator to restore normal pumping. A brief, high-current pulse through the heart synchronizes all cardiac fibers to restore normal rhythm. When the cardiac rhythm is too slow, we implant the cardiac pacemaker. An electrode within the heart stimulates the cardiac muscle to contract at the normal rate. When the cardiac valves are narrowed or leak, we implant an artificial valve. Silicone rubber and Teflon are used for biocompatibility. Artificial hearts powered by pneumatic hoses have been implanted in humans. However, the quality of life gradually degrades, and death ensues. When kidney stones develop, lithotripsy is used. A spark creates a pressure wave, which is focused on the stone and fragments it. The pieces pass out normally. When kidneys fail, the blood is cleansed during hemodialysis. Urea passes through a porous membrane to a dialysate bath to lower its concentration in the blood. The blind are able to read by scanning the Optacon with their fingertips. A camera scans letters and converts them to an array of vibrating pins. The deaf are able to hear using a cochlear implant. A microphone detects sound and divides it into frequency bands. 22 electrodes within the cochlea stimulate the acoustic the acoustic nerve to provide sound patterns. For those who have lost muscle function in the limbs, researchers are implanting electrodes to stimulate the muscle. Sensors in the legs and arms feed back signals to a computer that coordinates the stimulators to provide limb motion. For those with high spinal cord injury, a puff and sip switch can control a computer and permit the disabled person operate the computer and communicate with the outside world.

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