• Journal of the Speleological Society of Korea
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• no.78
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• pp.1-8
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• 2007

The combination of mechano-chemical activation (MCA)and Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) has widened the technical possibilities for both methods. For YBCO systems the investigation showed that a short-term MCA of initial powders before SHS leads to single-phase and ultra-fine products. A new technique for preparation ultra-fine high-temperature superconductors (HTS) of YBCO composition with a grain size d <1m is developed using combination of MCA and SHS. The specific feature of the technique is formation of the $YBa_2Cu_3O_7-$ crystalline lattice directly from an X-ray amorphous state arising as a result of mechanical activation of the original oxide mixture. The technique allows the stage of formation of any intermediate reaction products to be ruled out. X-ray and magnetic studies of ultra-fine high temperature superconductors are carried out. Dimension effects associated with the microstructure peculiarities are revealed. A considerable enhancement of inter-grain critical currents is found to take place in the ultra-fine samples.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.913-916
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• 2005

This paper describes the design, fabrication and characteristics of a piezoelectric valve using MCA(Multilayer ceramic actuator). The MCA valve, which has the buckling effect, consists of three separate structures; MCA, a valve actuator die and an a seat die. The design of the actuator die was done by FEM modeling and displacement measurement, respectively. The valve seat die with 6 trenches was made, and the actuator die, which is driven to MCA under optimized conditions, was also fabricated. After Si-wafer direct bonding between the seat die and the actuator die, MCA was also anodic bonded to the seat/actuator die structure. PDMS sealing pad was fabricated to minimize a leak-rate. It was also bonded to seat die and SUS package. The MCA valve shows a flow rate of 9.13 sccm at a supplied voltage of 100 V with a 50 % duty cycle, maximum non-linearity was 2.24 % FS and leak rate was $3.03{\times}10^{-8}pa$. $m^3/cm^2$.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.406-408
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• 2010

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) fusiform aneurysms often have an unfavorable geometry that may limit surgical or endovascular treatment. Herein, we present a case of a fusiform aneurysm of the proximal MCA, which was successfully treated using stent-assisted coil embolization. A 42-year-old man presented with repeated headache and syncope. Five years earlier, a right MCA aneurysm had been treated by aneurismal wrapping. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) revealed a partially-thrombosed proximal MCA aneurysm at the right perisylvian region. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed a multilobulated fusiform-shaped aneurysm. The patient underwent stent-assisted coil embolization under general anesthesia and symptoms resolved postoperatively. A three-month follow-up angiography revealed no recanalization of the aneurysm and indicated tolerable blood flow through the right MCA, as compared to the preoperative angiography. We suggest that in selected patients, stent-assisted coil embolization of proximal MCA fusiform aneurysms can be an effective treatment modality.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.109-115
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• 1986

Experiments were performed on mice to investigate the effects of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) on Arthus reaction, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and antibody production to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Mice were sensitized iv with 0.1ml of 1% SRBC suspension were treated with a single ip injection of olive oil alone or with different doses of MCA in oil (0.5~50mg/Kg) at various time before (-) or after (+) sensitization (day 0) and were challenged at 4 days after SRBC. Arthus reaction was measured at 3 hours after challenge and other responses at 24 hours. Treatment with MCA inhibited Arthus reaction and DTH to SRBC, measured by footpad swelling reaction, and this immunosuppressing effect was dependent on the dose and time of MCA treatment in relation to SRBC sensitization. Humoral immune responses as measured by serum hemagglutinin-and hemolysin-titers to SRBC were significantly depressed when MCA was injected before or at the same time of sensitization. However, the response was slightly depressed when injected after SRBC. These results indicate that MCA suppress the function of the cells involved in immune responses.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.515-520
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• 2004

We report on the development of a Piezoelectric valvc that is designed to have a high reliability for fluid control systems, such as mass flow control, transportation and chemical analysis. The valve was fabricated using a MCA(multilayer ceramic actuator), which has a low consumption power, high resolution and accurate control. The fabricated valve is composed of MCA, a valve actuator die and an seat die. The design of the actuator dic was done by FEM(finite element method) modeling, respectively. And, the valve seat die with 6 trenches was made. and the actuator die, which possible to optimize control to MCA, was fabricated. After Si-wafer direct bonding between the seat die and the actuator die, MCA was also anodic bonded to the scat/actuator die structure. PDMS(poly dimethylsiloxane) sealing pad was fabricated to minimize a leak-rate. It was also bonded to scat die and stainless steel package. The flow rate was 9.13 sccm at a supplied voltage of 100 V with a 50 % duty ratio and non-linearity was 2.24 % FS. From these results, the fabricated MCA valve is suitable for a variety of flow control equipments, a medical bio-system, semiconductor fabrication process, automobile and air transportation industry with low cost, batch recess and mass production.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.8
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• pp.407-412
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• 2022

A well-controlled inflammatory response is crucial for the recovery from injury and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. The anti-inflammatory response of 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde (2-MCA), a natural compound derived from cinnamon, has been studied; however, the underlying mechanism on macrophage has not been fully elucidated. In this study, LPS-stimulated production of TNF-α and NO was reduced by 2-MCA in macrophages. 2-MCA significantly activated the NRF2 pathway, and expression levels of autophagy-associated proteins in macrophages, including LC3 and P62, were enhanced via NRF2 activation regardless of LPS treatment, suggesting the occurrence of 2-MCA-mediated autophagy. Moreover, evaluation of autophagy flux using luciferase-conjugated LC3 revealed that incremental LC3 and P62 levels are coupled to enhanced autophagy flux. Finally, reduced expression levels of TNF-α and NOS2 by 2-MCA were reversed by autophagy inhibitors, such as bafilomycin A1 and NH4Cl, in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In conclusion, 2-MCA enhances autophagy flux in macrophages via NRF2 activation and consequently reduces LPS-induced inflammation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.564-569
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• 2016

Objective : This study used the intradural procedural time to assess the overall technical difficulty involved in surgically clipping an unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm via a pterional or superciliary approach. The clinical and radiological variables affecting the intradural procedural time were investigated, and the intradural procedural time compared between a superciliary keyhole approach and a pterional approach. Methods : During a 5.5-year period, patients with a single MCA aneurysm were enrolled in this retrospective study. The selection criteria for a superciliary keyhole approach included : 1) maximum diameter of the unruptured MCA aneurysm <15 mm, 2) neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm <10 mm, and 3) aneurysm location involving the sphenoidal or horizontal segment of MCA (M1) segment and MCA bifurcation, excluding aneurysms distal to the MCA genu. Meanwhile, the control comparison group included patients with the same selection criteria as for a superciliary approach, yet who preferred a pterional approach to avoid a postoperative facial wound or due to preoperative skin trouble in the supraorbital area. To determine the variables affecting the intradural procedural time, a multiple regression analysis was performed using such data as the patient age and gender, maximum aneurysm diameter, aneurysm neck diameter, and length of the pre-aneurysm M1 segment. In addition, the intradural procedural times were compared between the superciliary and pterional patient groups, along with the other variables. Results : A total of 160 patients underwent a superciliary (n=124) or pterional (n=36) approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm. In the multiple regression analysis, an increase in the diameter of the aneurysm neck (p<0.001) was identified as a statistically significant factor increasing the intradural procedural time. A Pearson correlation analysis also showed a positive correlation (r=0.340) between the neck diameter and the intradural procedural time. When comparing the superciliary and pterional groups, no statistically significant between-group difference was found in terms of the intradural procedural time reflecting the technical difficulty (mean${\pm}$standard deviation : $29.8{\pm}13.0min$ versus $27.7{\pm}9.6min$). Conclusion : A superciliary keyhole approach can be a useful alternative to a pterional approach for an unruptured MCA aneurysm with a maximum diameter <15 mm and neck diameter <10 mm, representing no more of a technical challenge. For both surgical approaches, the technical difficulty increases along with the neck diameter of the MCA aneurysm.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.126-135
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• 2018

This study examined whether the difference in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) velocities can predict the prognosis of stroke and whether the prognostic impact differs among stroke subtypes. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or acute ischemic stroke patients, who underwent a routine evaluation and transcranial Doppler (TCD), were included in this study. The MCA asymmetry index was calculated using the relative percentage difference in the mean flow velocity (MFV) between the left and right MCA: (|RMCA MFV-LMCA MFV|/mean MCA MFV)${\times}100$. The stroke subtypes were determined using the TOAST classification. Poor functional outcomes were defined as a mRS score ${\geq}3$ at 3 months after the onset of stroke. A total of 988 patients were included, of whom 157 (15.9%) had a poor functional outcome. Multivariable analysis showed that only the MCA asymmetry index was independently associated with a poor functional outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that adding the MCA asymmetry index to the prediction model improved the discrimination of a poor functional outcome from acute ischemic stroke (from 88.6% [95% CI, 85.2~91.9] to 89.2% [95% CI, 85.9~92.5]). The MCA asymmetry index has an independent prognostic value for predicting a poor short-term functional outcome after an acute cerebral infarction. Therefore, TCD may be useful for predicting a poor functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

• The Journal of Dong Guk Oriental Medicine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.107-116
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• 1999

The effects of Sosokmyung-tang(小續命湯) on global cerebral ischemia and cerebral in farction by MCA(middle cerebral artery) occlusion were evaluated in this study. This study was performed to investigate that Sosokmyung-tang would be useful for cerebrovascular diseases. In the case of global cerebral ischemia, ICR mice were used and divided into three group at random. Control group was treated after oral administration of normal saline, experimental group was treated after oral administration of 10.4mg/20g/day of Sosokmyung-tang extract. The multiple parameter of global cerebral ischemia included the duration of coma of KCN(potassium cyanide)-injected(1.2mg/kg, i.v) group and the survival time of KCN-injected(3.0mg/kg, i.v) group. In the case of cerebral infarction by MCA occlusion, Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into three group at random. Control group was given nothing before MCA occlusion, experimental group was given 157.2mg/250g/day of Sosokrnyung-tang extract before MCA occlusion. We investigated edema and ischemic ratio in 8 slices of rats' brain after MCA occlusion. The results were obtained as follows : 1. Sosokrnyung-tang significantly shortened the duration of coma of KCN-injected(1.2mg/kg,i.v) group and lengthened the survival time of KCN-injected(3.0mg/kg, i.v) group. 2. Sosokmyung-tang significantly decreased cerebral edema and ischemic ratio in rats after MCA occlusion. From the above results, it was concluded that Sosokmyung-tang can be effectively applied to cerebrovascular diseases.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.760-764
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• 2005

This research was performed to investigate protective effect of Sophora Subprostrata fractions against focal ischemic brain damage after middle cerebral artery(MCA) occlusion. Rats were divided into six groups: MCA-occluded group(Control); each administered groups with Sophora Subprostrata total phase(Total), Sophora Subprostrata Aqueous phase (Aqueous), Sophora Subprostrata BuOH phase(BuOH), and Sophora Subprostrata Alkaloid phase(Alkaloid) after MCA-occlusion; sham-operated group(Sham). The right MCA was occluded by A poly-L-lysine coated 4-0 nylon suture thread through the internal carotid artery permanently. Sophora Subprostrata and fractions were administered orally(5mg/ml) for 7 days after MCA-occlusion. The behavior of ischemic rats were examined at 24 hours, 3, 5 and 7 days after MCA-occlusion from the views of 4 different aspects: posture & balance tests(4 subtests), reflex tests(6 subtests), muscle-tone tests(3 subtests), and foot-fault test. The results showed that 1) in muscle tone test, Sophora Subprostrata total phase only increased reduced muscle tone function from 3 to 7 days, 2) in reflex test, Sophora Subprostrata total and Aqueous phase increased fast recovery from 24 hours and 3 days, 3) in posture & balance test, Sophora Subprostrata total and Aqueous phase increased fast recovery from 24 hours, and Sophora Subprostrata BuOH and Alkaloid phase increased posture & balance function from 3 days, but 4) in motor function test, Sophora Subprostrata did not show effective recovery compared with control group. In conclusion, Sophora Subprostrata has protective effects against brain damage at the early stage of focal cerebral ischemia. Sophora Subprostrata total and Aqueous phase produced more pronounced protective effect against focal ischemic brain damage.