• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.88-95
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of neuropathic pain by peripheral nerve injury on mass and Type I and II fiber cross-sectional areas on hindlimb muscles of the neuropathic pain model rat. Method: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 200-220 g) were assigned to one of two groups: a neuropathic pain group (n=7) that had a ligation of the left L5 spinal nerve, a control group (n=5), a naive rat without any procedures. Withdrawal threshold, activity, body weight and food intake were measured daily. At 8 days after neuropathic pain, all rats were anesthetized and the soleus and plantaris muscles were dissected from the both hindlimbs. Body weight, food intake, muscle weight and Type I and II fiber cross-sectional area of the dissected muscles were determined. Result: The neuropathic pain group showed a significant decreases (p<.05) as compared with the control rats, in diet intake, body weight, muscle weight and Type II fiber cross-sectional area of the left (affected side) soleus and plantaris muscles, and the right (unaffected side) muscle weight of plantaris and Type II fiber cross-sectional area of the soleus muscle. Conclusion: The hindlimb muscle atrophy occurs in both affected and unaffected side due to neuropathic pain by the peripheral nerve injury. The hindlimb muscle atrophy of the affected side is more pronounced than that of the unaffected side.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.165-188
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• 2012

In the first part of the paper, the optimal design parameters for tuned liquid column dampers (TLCD) in harmonic pitching motion were investigated. The configurations in design tables include uniform and non-uniform TLCDs with cross-sectional ratios of 0.3, 0.6, 1, 2 and 3 for the design in different situations. A closed-form solution of the structural response was used for performing numerical optimization. The results from optimization indicate that the optimal structural response always occurs when the two resonant peaks along the frequency axis are equal. The optimal frequency tuning ratio, optimal head loss coefficient, the corresponding response and other useful quantities are constructed in design tables as a guideline for practitioners. As the value of the head loss coefficient is only available through experiments, in the second part of the paper, the prediction of head loss coefficients in the form of a design chart are proposed based on a series of large scale tests in pitching base motions, aiming to ease the predicament of lacking the information of head loss for those who wishes to make designs without going through experimentation. A large extent of TLCDs with cross-sectional ratios of 0.3, 0.6, 1, 2 and 3 and orifice blocking ratios ranging from 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% to 80% were inspected by means of a closed-form solution under harmonic base motion for identification. For the convenience of practical use, the corresponding empirical formulas for predicting head loss coefficients of TLCDs in relation to the cross-sectional ratio and the orifice blocking ratio were also proposed. For supplemental information to horizontal base motion, the relation of head loss values versus blocking ratios and the corresponding empirical formulas were also presented in the end.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 2020

Background: Anatomic changes in the acromion have been considered a main cause of shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). To evaluate the relationship between SIS and the acromion process, we devised a new morphological parameter called the acromion process cross-sectional area (APA). We hypothesized that the APA could be an important morphologic diagnostic parameter in SIS. Methods: We collected APA data from 95 patients with SIS and 126 control subjects who underwent shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Then we measured the maximal cross-sectional area of the bone margin of the acromion process on MRI scans. Results: The mean of APAs were 136.50 ± 21.75 ㎟ in the male control group and 202.91 ± 31.78 ㎟ in the male SIS group; SIS patients had significantly greater APAs (P < 0.001). The average of APAs were 105.38 ± 19.07 ㎟ in the female control group and 147.62 ± 22.90 ㎟ in the female SIS group, and the SIS patients had significantly greater APAs (P < 0.001). The optimal APA cut-off in the male group was 165.14 ㎟ with 90.2% sensitivity, 91.4% specificity, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.968. In the female group, the optimal cut-off was 122.50 ㎟ with 85.2% sensitivity, 84.9% specificity, and an AUC of 0.928. Conclusions: The newly devised APA is a sensitive parameter for assessing SIS; greater APA is associated with a higher possibility of SIS. We think that this result will be helpful for the diagnosis of SIS.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.267-272
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• 2004

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of surface defects and cross-sectional configuration of NiTi rotary files on the fatigue life under cyclic loading. Three NiTi rotary files ($K3^{TM},{\;}ProFile^{\circledR},{\;}and{\;}HERO{\;}642^{\circledR}$) with ＃30/.04 taper were evaluated. Each rotary file was divided into 2 subgroups : control (no surface defects) and experimental group (artificial surface defects), A total of six groups of each 10 were tested. The NiTi rotary files were rotated at 300rpm using the apparatus which simulated curved canal (40 degree of curvature) until they fracture. The number of cycles to fracture was calculated and the fractured surfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed statistically. The results showed that experimental groups with surface defects had lower number of cycles to fracture than control group but there was only a statistical significance between control and experimental group in the $K3^{TM}$ (p<0.05), There was no strong correlation between the cross-sectional configuration area and fracture resistance under experimental conditions. Several of fractured files demonstrated characteristic patterns of brittle fracture consistent with the propagation of pre-existing cracks. This data indicate that surface defects of NiTi rotary files may significantly decrease fatigue life and it may be one possible factor for early fracture of NiTi rotary files in clinical practice.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.70-78
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• 2019

Background: This study evaluated postoperative changes in the supraspinatus from time-zero to 6 months, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We hypothesized that restoration of the musculotendinous unit of the rotator cuff by tendon repair immediately improves the rotator cuff muscle status, and maintains it months after surgery. Methods: Totally, 76 patients (29 men, 47 women) with rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus tendon who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs were examined. MRI evaluation showed complete repair with intact integrity of the torn tendon at both time-zero and at 6 months follow-up. All patients underwent standardized MRI at our institution preoperatively, at 1 or 2 days postoperative, and at 6 months after surgery. Supraspinatus muscular (SSP) atrophy (Thomazeau grade) and fatty infiltrations (Goutallier stage) were evaluated by MRI. The cross-sectional area of SSP in the fossa was also measured. Results: As determined by MRI, the cross-sectional area of SSP significantly decreased 11.41% from time-zero (immediate repair) to 6 months post-surgery, whereas the Goutallier stage and Thomazeau grade showed no significant changes (p<0.01). Furthermore, compared to the preoperative MRI, the postoperative MRI at 6 months showed a no statistically significant increase of 8.03% in the cross-sectional area. In addition, morphological improvements were observed in patients with high grade Goutallier and Thomazeau at time-zero, whereas morphology of patients with low grade factors were almost similar to before surgery. Conclusions: Our results indicate that cross-sectional area of the initial repair appears to decrease after a few months postoperatively, possibly due to medial retraction or strained muscle.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2022

Purpose: In this study, we provide a way to assess even a slight effect of exercise on trunk-muscle activity. Materials and Methods: Seven healthy male participants (mean age, 24.7 ± 3.2 years; height, 171.2 ± 9.8 cm; and weight, 63.8 ± 11.9 kg) performed 15 sets of an exercise with 20 repetitions of 90° hip and right-knee flexion while lying supine. The exercise intensity was measured using the 10-point Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale after the first and 15th sets of exercises. Although cross-sectional areas and functional T2 mapping using ultrafast imaging (fast-acquired muscle functional magnetic resonance imaging, fast-mfMRI) have been proposed for imaging to evaluate exercise-induced muscle activity in real time, no previous studies have reported on the evaluation of trunk-muscle activity using functional T2 mapping. As a method for assessing trunk-muscle activity, we compared functional T2 mapping using ultrafast imaging (fast-mfMRI) with cross-sectional areas. Results: Although the muscle cross-sectional areas were increased by the exercise, there was no significant difference at rest. On the other hand, for all sets, the changes in T2 were significant compared with those at rest (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that T2, calculated from fast-mfMRI images can be used to detect even a small amount of muscle activity induced by acute exercise, which was impossible to do with cross-sectional areas. Conclusion: Fast-mfMRI, which can also display functional information with detailed forms, enabled non-invasive real-time imaging for identifying and evaluating the degree of deep trunk-muscle activity induced by exercise.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.334-341
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• 2022

A decrease in the paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and functional cross-sectional area (FCSA) are associated with low back pain and disc herniation in humans. This study examined whether chronicity or lateralization of disc herniation affects the CSA and FCSA of the paraspinal muscles. The CSA and FCSA of the paraspinal muscles between the 12th and 13th thoracic vertebrae were measured in 31 dogs with intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). The muscle CSA and FCSA were evaluated by dividing the values of the body weight, spinal disc CSA, and spinal canal CSA to offset the differences in body type between subjects. In the chronic IVDH group, the ratio of the paraspinal muscle CSA divided by the body weight was significantly lower, and fat infiltration in the paraspinal muscle was significantly higher than in the acute group. The lateralization of the disc herniation was significantly related to the changes in the paraspinal muscle CSA. In the right-sided disc herniation group, right epaxial muscle CSA was significantly reduced compared to the left-sided disc herniation group. The change in the paraspinal muscle might be a helpful indicator to localize less obvious disc pathologies and target the search for the pathology responsible for disc-related symptoms in dogs.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.427-433
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• 2023

This study aimed to quantitatively compare the diameters measured directly from the coronal plane or sagittal plane of 2D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and the cross-sectional area-converted diameters calculated from contrast-enhanced MR (CE-MR) imaging. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients who underwent both 2D DSA and CE-MR imaging. Firstly, the venous diameters of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and transverse sinus (TS) were directly measured from 2D DSA. Subsequently, the axial planes for SSS diameter and the sagittal plane for TS in CE-MR imaging were utilized to calculate cross-sectional area-based converted diameters. The numerical values obtained from 2D DSA and CE-MR imaging were compared pairwise at each location. For SSS, the diameter measured by 2D DSA was 27% larger than the conversion-based diameter from CE-MR imaging (9.8±1.4 mm vs. 7.1±1.3 mm, P<0.05). Similarly, for the right TS, the difference was 16% (8.8±3.2 mm vs. 7.4±2.0 mm, P<0.05), and for the left TS, the difference was 22% (8.4±2.8 mm vs. 6.6±1.3 mm, P<0.05). In conclusion, the diameter measured directly in conventional 2D DSA may be larger than the diameter converted based on the cross-sectional area. Therefore, when selecting the size of the stent, it is crucial to make precise determinations while keeping this fact in mind.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.351-363
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• 2023

Reducing the self-weight of reinforced concrete structures problem is discussed in this paper by using two types of self-weight reduction, the first is by using lightweight coarse aggregate (crushed brick) and the second is by using styropor block. Experimental and Numerical studies are conducted on (LWAC) lightweight aggregate reinforced concrete slabs, having styropor blocks with various sizes of blocks and the ratio of shear span to the effective depth (a/d). The experimental part included testing eleven lightweight concrete one-way simply supported slabs, comprising three as reference slabs (solid slabs) and eight as styropor block slabs (SBS) with a total reduction in cross-sectional area of (43.3% and 49.7%) were considered. The holes were formed by placing styropor at the ineffective concrete zones in resisting the tensile stresses. The length, width, and thickness of specimen dimensions were 1.1 m, 0.6 m, and 0.12 m respectively, except one specimen had a depth of 85 mm (which has a cross-sectional area equal to styropor block slab with a weight reduction of 49.7%). Two shear spans to effective depth ratios (a/d) of (3.125) for load case (A) and (a/d) of (2) for load case (B), (two-line monotonic loads) are considered. The test results showed under loading cases A and B (using minimum shear reinforcement and the reduction in cross-sectional area of styropor block slab by 29.1%) caused an increase in strength capacity by 60.4% and 54.6 % compared to the lightweight reference slab. Also, the best percentage of reduction in cross-sectional area is found to be 49.7%. Numerically, the computer program named (ANSYS) was used to study the behavior of these reinforced concrete slabs by using the finite element method. The results show acceptable agreement with the experimental test results. The average difference between experimental and numerical results is found to be (11.06%) in ultimate strength and (5.33%) in ultimate deflection.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.18.1-18.13
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of relined and non-relined fiberglass posts when cemented to root canal dentin using a conventional dual-cure resin cement or a self-adhesive resin cement. Materials and Methods: Two types of resin cements were utilized: conventional and self-adhesive. Additionally, 2 cementation protocols were employed, involving relined and non-relined fiberglass posts. In total, 72 bovine incisors were cemented and subjected to push-out bond strength testing (n = 10) followed by failure mode analysis. The cross-sectional microhardness (n = 5) was assessed along the root canal, and interface analyses (n = 3) were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data from the push-out bond strength and cross-sectional microhardness tests were analyzed via 3-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post-hoc test (α= 0.05). Results: For non-relined fiberglass posts, conventional resin cement exhibited higher pushout bond strength than self-adhesive cement. Relined fiberglass posts yielded comparable results between the resin cements. Type II failure was the most common failure mode for both resin cements, regardless of cementation protocol. The use of relined fiberglass posts improved the cross-sectional microhardness values for both cements. SEM images revealed voids and bubbles in the incisors with non-relined fiberglass posts. Conclusions: Mechanical properties were impacted by the cementation protocol. Relined fiberglass posts presented the highest push-out bond strength and cross-sectional microhardness values, regardless of the resin cement used (conventional dual-cure or self-adhesive). Conversely, for non-relined fiberglass posts, the conventional dual-cure resin cement yielded superior results to the self-adhesive resin cement.