• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2023

Microfluidic reactors have been made to achieve significant development for the generation of new functional materials to apply in a variety of fields. Over the last decade, microfluidic reactors have attracted attention as a user-friendly approach that is enabled to control physicochemical parameters such as size, shape, composition, and surface property. Here, we develop a centrifugal microfluidic reactor that can control the flow of fluid based on centrifugal force and generate multifunctional particles of various sizes and compositions. A centrifugal microfluidic reactor is fabricated by combining microneedles, micro- centrifuge tubes, and conical tubes, which are easily obtained in the laboratory. Depending on the experimental control param- eters, including centrifuge rotation speed, alginate concentration, calcium ion concentration, and distance from the needle to the calcium aqueous solution, this strategy not only enables the generation of size-controlled microparticles in a simple and reproducible manner but also achieves scalable production without the use of complicated skills or advanced equipment. Therefore, we believe that this simple strategy could serve as an on-demand platform for a wide range of industrial and academic applications, particularly for the development of advanced smart materials with new functionalities in biomedical engineering.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.2
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• pp.418-426
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• 2023

Purpose Practical challenges are encountered in percutaneous intravascular procedures when applied to markedly angulated branching vessels. Herein, we introduced a folded-loop guidewire remodeling technique-the guidewire-shaping technique-to overcome difficult catheterization. Materials and Methods First, the tip of a 0.014-inch micro-guidewire was manually shaped like a pigtail loop. Second, the shaped guidewire was introduced into the microcatheter and was preloaded into the hollow metal introducer for suitability with the microcatheter hub. Gentle rotation of the guidewire after release from the microcatheter can create the preshaped pigtail loop configuration. On pulling back, the loop loosened, the configuration was changed to a small U-shaped tip, and the guidewire tip was easily introduced into the target artery. Results Between December 2019 and January 2022, the described technique was used in 64 patients (male/female, 49/15; mean age, 66.8 ± 9.5 years) for selective arterial embolization, after failed attempts with the conventional selection technique. The technique was successful in 63/64 patients (98%). The indications of embolization include transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, gastrointestinal bleeding, hemoptysis, trauma-induced bleeding, and tumor bleeding. Conclusion The folded-loop guidewire remodeling technique facilitates the catheterization of markedly angulated branching arteries; when usual catheterization method fails.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.445-455
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• 2005

Purpose: We developed an animal SPECT system using clinical Philips ARGUS scintillation camera and pinhole collimator with specially manufactured small apertures. In this study, we evaluated the physical characteristics of this system and biological feasibility for animal experiments. Materials and Methods: Rotating station for small animals using a step motor and operating software were developed. Pinhole inserts with small apertures (diameter of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm) were manufactured and physical parameters including planar spatial resolution and sensitivity and reconstructed resolution were measured for some apertures. In order to measure the size of the usable field of view according to the distance from the focal point, manufactured multiple line sources separated with the same distance were scanned and numbers of lines within the field of view were counted. Using a Tc-99m line source with 0.5 mm diameter and 12 mm length placed in the exact center of field of view, planar spatial resolution according to the distance was measured. Calibration factor to obtain FWHM values in 'mm' unit was calculated from the planar image of two separated line sources. Te-99m point source with i mm diameter was used for the measurement of system sensitivity. In addition, SPECT data of micro phantom with cold and hot line inserts and rat brain after intravenous injection of [I-123]FP-CIT were acquired and reconstructed using filtered back protection reconstruction algorithm for pinhole collimator. Results: Size of usable field of view was proportional to the distance from the focal point and their relationship could be fitted into a linear equation (y=1.4x+0.5, x: distance). System sensitivity and planar spatial resolution at 3 cm measured using 1.0 mm aperture was 71 cps/MBq and 1.24 mm, respectively. In the SPECT image of rat brain with [I-123]FP-CIT acquired using 1.0 mm aperture, the distribution of dopamine transporter in the striatum was well identified in each hemisphere. Conclusion: We verified that this new animal SPECT system with the Phlilps ARGUS scanner and small apertures had sufficient performance for small animal imaging.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.528-543
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• 2005

Statement of problem: Repeated delivery and removal of abutment cause some changes such as wear, scratch or defect of hexagonal structure. It may increase the value of rotational freedom(RF) between hexagonal structures. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate surface changes and rotational freedom between the external hexagon of the implant fixture and internal hexagon of abutment after repeated delivery and removal under SEM and toolmaker's microscope. Materials and methods: Implant systems used for this study were 3i and Avana. Seven pail's of implant fixture, abutment and abutment screws for each system were selected and all fixtures were perpendicularly mounted in liquid unsaturated polyesther with dental surveyor. Each one was embedded beneath the platform of fixture. Surfaces of hexagonal structure before repeated closing and opening of abutment were observed using SEM and rotational freedom was measured by using toolmaker's microscope. Each abutment was secured to the implant future by each abutment screw with recommended torque value using a digital torque controller and was repeatedly delivered and removed by 20 times respectively. After experiment, evaluation for the change of hexagonal structures and measurement of rotational freedom were performed. Result : The results were as follows; 1. Wear of contact area between implant fixture and abutment was considerable in both 3i and Avana system. Scratches and defects were frequently observed at the line-angle of hexagonal structures of implant fixture and abutment. 2. In the SEM view of the external hexagon of implant fixture, the point-angle areas at the corner edge of hexagon were severely worn out in both systems. It was more notable in the case of 3i systems than in that of Avana systems. 3. In the SEM view of the internal hexagon of abutment, Gingi-Hue abutment of 3i systems showed severe wear in micro-stop contacts that were machined into the corners to prevent rotation and cemented abutment of Avana systems showed wear in both surface area adjacent to the corner mating with external hexagon of implant fixture. 4 The mean values of rotational freedom between the external hexagon of the implant fixture and internal hexagon of abutment were 0.48$\pm$0.04$^{\circ}$ in pre-tested 3i systems and 1.18$\pm$0.25$^{\circ}$ after test, and 1.80$\pm$0.04$^{\circ}$ in pre-tested Avana systems and 2.61$\pm$0.16$^{\circ}$ after test. 5. Changes of rotational freedom after test shouted statistical)y a significant increase in both 3i and Avana systems(P<0.05, paired t-test). 6. Statistically, there was no significant difference between amount of increase in the rotational freedom of 3i systems and amount of increase in that of Avana ones(P>0.05, unpaired t-test). Conclusion: Conclusively, it was considered that repeated delivery and remove of abutment by 20 times would not have influence on screw joint stability. However, it caused statistically the significant change of rotational freedom in tested systems. Therefore, it is suggested that repeated delivery and remove of abutment should be minimal as possible as it could be and be done carefully Additionally, it is suggested that the means or treatment to prevent the wear of mating components should be devised.