• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.859-867
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• 2011

The cold start problem is one of major obstacles to overcome for the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. However, the cold start characteristics of fuel cell systems are very complicated since various phenomena, i.e. ice-blocking, electro-chemical reactions, heat transfer, and defrosting of BOP components, are involved in them. This paper presents a framework to approach the problem at a full stack scale using Axiomatic Design (AD). It was characterized in terms of Functional Requirements (FRs) and Design Parameters (DPs) while their relations were established in a design matrix. Considering the design matrix, the endplates should have low thermal conductivity and capacity without increase in weight or decrease in structural stiffness. Consequently, composite sandwich endplates were proposed and examined both through finite element analyses and experiments simulating cold start conditions. From the examinations, it was found that the composite sandwich endplates significantly contributed to improving the cold start characteristics of PEMFC.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.256-259
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• 2006

Objective : Having a reliable and reproducible measurement technique to measure the sagittal contour in vertebral fractures is paramount to clinical decision making. This study is designed to determine the most reliable measurement technique in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Methods : Fifteen lateral radiographs of thoracic and lumbar fractures were selected and measured on two separate occasions by three spine surgeons using six different measurement techniques [Centroid, Harrison Posterior Tangent Methods and 4 different types of modified Cobb method]. The radiograph quality was assessed and the center beam location was determined. Statistical analysis including ANOVA for repeated measures was carried out using the SAS software [v 8.0]. Results : The inter and intraobserver variance of the Cobb method 4 and Harrison posterior tangent method were significantly lower than the other four methods. The intraobserver correlation coefficients were the most consistent using the Cobb method 4 [0.982]. which was followed by the Harrison posterior tangent [0.953] and Cobb methods 1 [0.874]. The intraobserver agreement [% of repeated measures within 5 degrees of the original measurement] ranged from 42% to 98% for each technique for all three observers, with the Cobb method 4 showing the best agreement [97.8%] followed by the Harrison posterior tangent method [937%]. Conclusion : The Cobb method-4 and Harrison posterior tangent methods, when applied to measuring the kyphosis, are reliable and have a similar small error range. The Cobb method 4 shows the best overall reliability. However, the centroid method and Cobb method using a fractured endplate do not produce an accurate result due to inter and intraobserver differences in determining the baseline.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.967-972
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• 2018

Study Design: Biomechanical study. Purpose: To investigate the relative stiffness of a new posterior pelvic fixation for unstable vertical fractures of the sacrum. Overview of Literature: The reported operative fixation techniques for vertical sacral fractures include iliosacral screw, sacral bar fixations, transiliac plating, and local plate osteosynthesis. Clinical as well as biomechanical studies have demonstrated that these conventional techniques are insufficient to stabilize the vertically unstable sacral fractures. Methods: To simulate a vertically unstable fractured sacrum, 12 synthetic pelvic models were prepared. In each model, a 5-mm gap was created through the left transforaminal zone (Denis zone II). The pubic symphysis was completely separated and then stabilized using a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate. Four each of the unstable pelvic models were then fixed with two iliosacral screws, a tension band plate, or a transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw. The left hemipelvis of these specimens was docked to a rigid base plate and loaded on an S1 endplate by using the Zwick Roell z010 material testing machine. Then, the vertical displacement and coronal tilt of the right hemipelves and the applied force were measured. Results: The transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw constructions could withstand a force at 5 mm of vertical displacement greater than the two iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.012) and the tension band plate constructions (p=0.003). The tension band plate constructions could withstand a force at $5^{\circ}$ of coronal tilt less than the two iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.027) and the transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.049). Conclusions: This study proposes the use of transiliac fixation in addition to an iliosacral screw to stabilize vertically unstable sacral fractures. Our biomechanical data demonstrated the superiority of adding transiliac fixation to withstand vertical displacement forces.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.373-385
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• 2019

This paper presents a useful in-plane structural analysis of low-rise blind-bolted composite frames with semi-rigid joints. Analytical models were used to predict the moment-rotation relationship of the composite beam-to-column flush endplate joints that produced accurate and reliable results. The comparisons of the analytical model with test results in terms of the moment-rotation response verified the robustness and reliability of the model. Abaqus software was adopted to conduct frame analysis considering the material and geometrical non-linearities. The flexural behaviour of the composite frames was studied by applying the lateral loads incorporating wind and earthquake actions according to the Australian standards. A wide variety of frames with a varied number of bays and storeys was analysed to determine the bending moment envelopes under different load combinations. The design models were finalized that met the strength and serviceability limit state criteria. The results from the frame analysis suggest that among lateral loads, wind loads are more critical in Australia as compared to the earthquake loads. However, gravity loads alone govern the design as maximum sagging and hogging moments in the frames are produced as a result of the load combination with dead and live loads alone. This study provides a preliminary analysis and general understanding of the behaviour of low rise, semi-continuous frames subjected to lateral load characteristics of wind and earthquake conditions in Australia that can be applied in engineering practice.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2021

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A), onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for temporary improvement of glabellar lines in patients 65 years and younger in 2002, and has also been used widely for aesthetic purposes such as hyperhidrosis, body shape contouring, and other noninvasive facial procedures. BoNT-A inhibits presynaptic exocytosis of acetylcholine (ACh)-containing vesicles into the neuromuscular junction at cholinergic nerve endings of the peripheral nervous system, thereby paralyzing skeletal muscles. ACh is the most broadly used neurotransmitter in the somatic nervous system, preganglionic and postganglionic fibers of parasympathetic nerves, and preganglionic fibers or postganglionic sudomotor nerves of sympathetic nerves. The scientific basis for using BoNT-A in various cosmetic procedures is that its function goes beyond the dual role of muscle paralysis and neuromodulation by inhibiting the secretion of ACh. Although the major target organs for aesthetic procedures are facial expression muscles, skeletal body muscles, salivary glands, and sweat glands, which are innervated by the somatic or autonomic nerves of the peripheral cholinergic nerve system, few studies have attempted to directly explain the anatomy of the areas targeted for injection by addressing the neural physiology and rationale for specific aesthetic applications of BoNT-A therapy. In this article, we classify the various cosmetic uses of BoNT-A according to the relevant component of the peripheral nervous system, and describe scientific theories regarding the anatomy and physiology of the cholinergic nervous system. We also review critical physiological factors and conditions influencing the efficacy of BoNT-A for the rational aesthetic use of BoNT-A. We hope that this comprehensive review helps promote management policies to support long-term, safe, successful practice. Furthermore, based on this, we look forward to developing and expanding new advanced indications for the aesthetic use of BoNT-A in the future.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.45-48
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• 2021

A 6-year-old, 26 kg spayed female Great Dane presented with back pain and hindlimb paresis. On neurological examination, severe pain was detected on the lumbosacral joint displaying nerve-root signature. The animal presented with lower motor neuron paresis with normal deep pain perception. Radiographic examination revealed narrowing of the lumbosacral joint disc space with endplate destructive lysis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral joint revealed a cauda equina compression, especially on the left. On T2 and T1-weighted images, a mass sized 1 × 1 cm was identified laterally to the left of the lumbosacral joint with hyperintense signal. The lumbosacral joint was stabilized by applying the dorsal distraction fixation-fusion technique and dorsal laminectomy. The soft tissue mass was removed, and a bacterial culture was performed. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. were detected and discospondylitis was treated with clindamycin for 6 weeks. The patient showed clinical improvement without pain and hindlimb paresis until 6 months follow-up postoperatively.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2021.05a
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• pp.12-13
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• 2021

Methods for the manufacture, erection, and assembly of heavy frame modules were proposed. Interferences among precast members were prevented by using bolted metal plates for dry precast beam-to-column joints during assembly with a clearance for tolerance implementing grouted concrete filler plates instead of metal filler plates. Clearances for tolerances were provided to avoid conflictions among components during erection phases. These gaps were, then, grouted by high-strength mortar. The constructability of new connections of a beam-to-column joint using bolted metal plates for precast structures was examined using a full-scale assembly test in which practical observations indicated that members could be aligned and placed accurately in both horizontal and vertical directions, leading to a fast and convenient assembling. Bolt holes of the endplate were properly aligned using couplers with 30 mm fastened length embedded in the columns. The assembly test demonstrated the erection safety and structural stability of the proposed joints that were without filler plates when they were subjected to heavy loads at the time of their erection. The facile and rapid assembly of precast beam-to-column connections with a 30 mm tolerance was observed. The proposed assembly method is rapid, sustainable, and resilient, replacing the conventional methods of concrete frame construction, offering a connection that can be used in constructing infrastructure, such as buildings and pipe-rack frames.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.261-266
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• 2015

Intravenous urography (IVU) for urolithiasis is a radiologic examination to diagnosis stone in the ureter path using iodine contrast media, which is radioopacity material. The method includes compression on the upper iliac crest. The compression band prevents outlet of the contrast media through the bladder and enables easier movement to upper urinary tract. This usage depends on the policy of a hospital. Therefore, this study aimed to review and compare the characteristic of progress of contrast media either in compression and non-compression. The retrospective image measurement on 60 cases of intravenous pyelography was conducted at a hospital with the identical type and amount of contrast media as well as criteria for testing. Image measurement was limited to 5 minutes clip, which is optimal for progress of contrast media depending on usage of the compression band. Also, anatomical regions were set as following: "RP" is from renal pyramid to renal pelvis, "PL" is from renal pelvis to lumbar three endplate, and "IU" and "IL" for upper and lower parts from both iliac crests. Analysis has been conducted through the statistical method based on Fisher's Exact Test to find if there are differences of distribution with the anatomical regions with compression or no compression. It has been confirmed that there is no statistical significant difference as the video measurement on 30 cases of compression and non-compression group respectively resulted in P value of 0.580 from left and 0.711 from right (both 0.960). Therefore, it has been concluded that application of a compression band on an intravenous pyelography for urolithiasis patient does not meaningfully affect the progress of contrast media.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2017

Recently, flexible cages have been introduced in an attempt to absorb and reduce the abnormal load transfer along the anterior parts of the spine. They are designed to be used with the pedicle screw systems to allow some mobility at the index level while containing ROM at the adjacent level. In this study, a finite element (FE) study was performed to assess biomechanical efficacies of the flexible cage when combined with pedicle screws with flexible rods. The post-operated models were constructed by modifying the L4-5 of a previously-validated 3-D FE model of the intact lumbar spine (L2-S1): (1) Type 1, flexible cage only; (2) Type 2, pedicle screws with flexible rods; (3) Type 3, interbody fusion cage plus pedicle screws with rigid rods; (4) Type 4, interbody fusion cage plus Type 2; (5) Type 5, Type 1 plus Type 2. Flexion/extension of 10 Nm with a compressive follower load of 400N was applied. As compared to the Type 3 (62~65%) and Type 4 (59~62%), Type 5 (53~55%) was able to limit the motion at the operated level effectively, despite moderate reduction at the adjacent level. It was also able to shift the load back to the anterior portions of the spine thus relieving excessively high posterior load transfer and to reduce stress on the endplate by absorbing the load with its flexible shape design features. The likelihood of component failure of flexble cage remained less than 30% regardless of loading conditions when combined with pedicle screws with flexible rods. Our study demonstrated that flexible cages when combined with posterior dynamic system may help reduce subsidence of cage and degeneration process at the adjacent levels while effectively providing stability at the operated level.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SC
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.81-92
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• 2011

In this paper, a new method to estimate the number of MU (motor unit) related to the widths and distribution of end plate in NMJ (neuromuscular junction) of biceps brachii is proposed by varying muscle parameter statistically in EMG model. This work is done by designing MU-simulator and EPZ-simulator. The proposed method was compared with the results of previous researchers. The proposed MU-simulator generates SMUAP (single motor unit action potential) and CMAP (compound muscle action potential) signal similar to detected SMUAP and CMAP signal obtained from muscle. The EPZ-simulator estimate the numbers of MU by varying the widths and distribution of end plate in neuromuscular junction of muscle. The results shows that the numbers of MU was estimated about 450 ea. and muscle fibers was about 340 ea., end plate widths was about 6 mm, and end plate was randomly distributed. The proposed method may be comparable with the method of anatomical studies.