• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.181-194
• /
• 2013

Landslides are known as gravitational mass movements that can carry the flow materials ranging in size from clay to boulders. The various types of landslides are differentiated by rate and depositional features. Indeed, flow characteristics are observed from very slow-moving landslides (e.g., mud slide and mud flow) to very fast-moving landslides (e.g., debris avalanches and debris flows). From a geomechanical point of view, shear-rate-dependent shear strength should be examined in landslides. This paper presents the design of advanced ring-shear apparatus to measure the undrained shear strength of debris flow materials in Korea. As updated from conventional ring-shear apparatus, this apparatus can evaluate the shear strength under different conditions of saturation, drainage and consolidation. We also briefly discussed on the ring shear apparatus for enforcing sealing and rotation control. For the materials with sands and gravels, an undrained ring-shear test was carried out simulating the undrained loading process that takes place in the pre-existing slip surface. We have observed typical evolution of shear strength that found in the literature. This paper presents the research background and expected results from the ring-shear apparatus. At high shear speed, a temporary liquefaction and grain-crushing occurred in the sliding zone may take an important role in the long-runout landslide motion. Strength in rheology can be also determined in post-failure dynamics using ring-shear apparatus and be utilized in debris flow mobility.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.41-47
• /
• 2009

Background: Discogenic pain can develop into chronic low back pain that is very difficult to treat effectively, because the pathogenesis of the disease still remains controversial. To clarify the pathogenesis, numerous animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration have been proposed in the literature, each with attendant advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this study was to determine the most efficacious method and dose of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection into intervertebral disc to develop a discogenic pain in a rat. Methods: CFA was injected into the L5-L6 or L4-L5 disc of male Sprague-Dawley rats in various conditions including a dose of CFA (10, 20, or 50 uL), drilling, injection site sealing using cyanoacrylate, and injection velocity. Sham animals were subjected to the same procedure, except for the CFA injection. Mechanical and heat allodynia were serially measured at both hindpaws until 8 weeks post-operatively. Serial MRI analyses were performed to observe degenerative changes of the discs. In addition, CGRP & Substance P-immunoreactivities (ir) in the superficial dorsal horn were evaluated at 4 weeks using immunohistochemistry. Results: Each condition provoked various problems such as development of hindpaw paralysis, CFA leakage, and no pain development. Mid-sagittal T2 MRI revealed no significant degenerative changes in the CFA injected disc. The CGRP-ir of the bilateral superficial dorsal horns at the level of L5-L6 was significantly increased in the CFA group. Conclusions: A total of 10 uL CFA injection into L5-L6 disc for a period of 10 minutes using a 26-gauge needle without drilling was the most efficacious way to develop discogenic pain animal model.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.445-452
• /
• 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare apical sealing ability and physical properties of MTA, MTA - AH-plus mixture (AMTA) and experimental Portland cement - Epoxy resin mixture (EPPC) for a development of a novel retro-filling material. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine extracted roots were instrumented and filled with gutta-percha. Apical root was resected at 3 mm and the retro-filling cavity was prepared for 3 mm depth. Roots were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 roots each. The retro-filling was done using MTA, AMTA, and EPPC as the groups divided. Four roots were used as control groups. After setting in humid condition for 24 hours, the roots were immersed in 1% methylene blue dye solution for 72 hours to test the apical leakage. After immersion, the roots were vertically sectioned and photos were taken to evaluate microleakage. Setting times were measured with Vicat apparatus and digital radiographs were taken to evaluate aluminum equivalent thickness using aluminum step wedge. The results of microleakage and setting time were compared between groups using one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's post-hoc comparison at the significance level of 95%. Results: AMTA and EPPC showed less microleakage than MTA group (p < 0.05). AMTA showed the highest radio-opacity than other groups and the novel EPPC showed 5 mm aluminum thickness radio-opacity. EPPC showed the shortest initial and final setting times than other groups while the MTA showed the longest (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Under the condition of this study, the novel composite using Portland cement-Epoxy resin mixture may useful for retro-filling with the properties of favorable leakage resistance, radio-opacity and short setting time.