• Tribology and Lubricants
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.101-108
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• 2022

The structure and properties of tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) coatings depend on the main process parameters and bending angles of the magnetic field filter used in the filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA). During the process, it is possible to effectively control the plasma flux of carbon ions incident on the substrate by controlling the arc discharge current, thereby influencing the mechanical properties of the coating film. Furthermore, we can control the size and amount of large particles mixed during carbon film formation while conforming with the bending angle of the mechanical filter mounted on the FCVA; therefore, it also influences the mechanical properties. In this study, we consider tribological characteristics for filtered bending angles of 45° and 90° as a function of arc discharge currents of 60 and 100 A, respectively. Experiment results indicate that the frictional behavior of the ta-C coating film is independent of the bending angle of the filter. However, its sliding wear behavior significantly changes according to the bending angle of the FCVA filter, unlike the effect of the discharge current. Further, upon changing the bending angle from 45° to 90°, abrasive wear gets accelerated, thereby changing the size and mixing amount of macro particles inside the coating film.

• 한국초전도ㆍ저온공학회논문지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.40-45
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• 2022

The electrical/thermal stabilities and magnetic field controllability of a no-insulation (NI) high-temperature superconducting magnet are characterized by contact resistance between turn-to-turn layers, and the contact resistance characteristics are determined by properties of conductor surface and winding tension. In order to accurately predict the electromagnetic characteristics of the NI coil in a design stage, it is necessary to control the contact resistance characteristics within the design target parameters. In this paper, the contact resistance and critical current characteristics of a rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) conductor were measured to analyze the effects of surface treatment conditions (roughness and oxidation level) of the copper stabilizer layer in REBCO conductor. The test samples with different surface roughness and oxidation levels were fabricated and conductor surface analysis was performed using scanning electron microscope, alpha step surface profiler and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Moreover, the contact resistance and critical current characteristics of the samples were measured using the four-terminal method in a liquid nitrogen impregnated cooling environment. Compared with as-received REBCO conductor sample, the contact resistance values of the REBCO conductors, which were post-treated by the scratch and oxidation of the surface of the copper stabilizer layer, tended to increase, and the critical current values were decreased under certain roughness and oxidation conditions.

• 전력전자학회:학술대회논문집
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• 전력전자학회 1998년도 Proceedings ICPE 98 1998 International Conference on Power Electronics
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• pp.961-965
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• 1998

The rapid development of small-scale (1-10 MJ) Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Systems (SMES) can be explained by real perspective of practical implementation of these devices in electro power nets. However the serious problem of all high mechanically stressed superconducting coils-problem of training and degradation (decreasing) of operating current still exists. Moreover for SMES systems this problems is more dangerous because of pulsed origin of mechanical stresses-one of the major sources of local heat disturbances in superconducting coils. We investigated acoustic emission (AE) phenomenon on model and 0.5 MJ SMES coils taking into account close correlation of AE and local heat disturbances. Two-coils 0.5 MJ SMES system was developed, manufactured and tested at Russian Research Center in the frames of cooperation with Korean Electrical Engineering Company (KEPCO) [1]. The two-coil SMES operates with the stored energy transmitted between coils in the course of a single cycle with 2 seconds energy transfer time. Maximum operating current 1.55 kA corresponds to 0.5 MF in each coil. The Nb-Ti-based conductor was designed and used for SMES manufacturing. It represents transposed cable made of Nb-Ti strands in copper matrix, several cooper strands and several stainless steel strands. The coils are wound onto fiberglass cylindrical bobbins. To make AE event information more useful a real time instrumentation system was used. Two main measured and computer processed AE parameters were considered: the energy of AE events (E) and the accumulated energy of AE events (E ). Influence of current value in 0.5 MJ coils on E and E was studied. The sensors were installed onto the bobbin and the external surface of magnets. Three levels of initial current were examined: 600A, 1000A, 2450 A. An extraordinary strong dependence of the current level on E and E was observed. The specific features of AE from model coils, operated in sinusoidal vibration current changing mode were investigated. Three current frequency modes were examined: 0.012 Hz, 0.03 Hz and 0.12 Hz. In all modes maximum amplitude 1200 A was realized.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.10-19
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• 2023

Background: Tendon degeneration contributes to rotator cuff tears; however, its role in postoperative structural integrity is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with postoperative structural integrity after rotator cuff repair, particularly focusing on the histology of tendons harvested intraoperatively. Methods: A total of 56 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2009 and 2011 were analyzed. A 3-mm-diameter sample of supraspinatus tendons was harvested en bloc from each patient after minimal debridement of the torn ends. Tendon degeneration was assessed using seven histological parameters on a semi-quantitative grading scale, and the total degeneration score was calculated. One-year postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to classify the patients based on retear. Results: The total degeneration scores in the healed and retear groups were 13.93±2.03 and 14.08±2.23 (P=0.960), respectively. Arthroscopically measured anteroposterior (AP) tear sizes in the healed and retear groups were 24.30±12.35 mm and 36.42±25.23 mm (P=0.026), respectively. Preoperative visual analog scale pain scores at rest in the healed and retear groups were 3.54±2.37 and 5.16±2.16 (P=0.046), respectively. Retraction sizes in the healed and retear groups were 16.02±7.587 mm and 22.33±13.364 mm (P=0.037), respectively. The odds of retear rose by 4.2% for every 1-mm increase in AP tear size (P=0.032). Conclusions: The postoperative structural integrity of the rotator cuff tendon was not affected by tendon degeneration, whereas the arthroscopically measured AP tear size of the rotator cuff tendon was an independent predictor of retear. Level of evidence: III.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.257-264
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• 2022

Background: Chronic subscapularis tendon tear (SBT) is a degenerative disease and a common pathologic cause of shoulder pain. Several potential risk factors for chronic SBT have been reported. Although metabolic abnormalities are common risk factors for degenerative disease, their potential etiological roles in chronic SBT remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential risk factors for chronic SBT, with particular attention to metabolic factors. Methods: This study evaluated single shoulders of 939 rural residents. Each subject undertook a questionnaire, physical examinations, blood tests, and simple radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations of bilateral shoulders. Subscapularis tendon integrity was determined by MRI findings based on the thickness of the involved tendons. The association strengths of demographic, physical, social, and radiologic factors, comorbidities, severity of rotator cuff tear (RCT), and serologic parameters for SBT were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. The significance of those analyses was set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of SBT was 32.2% (302/939). The prevalence of partial- and full-thickness tears was 23.5% (221/939) and 8.6% (81/939), respectively. The prevalence of isolated SBT was 20.2% (190/939), SBT combined with supraspinatus or infraspinatus tendon tear was 11.9% (112/939). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, dominant side involvement (p<0.001), manual labor (p=0.002), diabetes (p<0.001), metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), retraction degree of Patte tendon (p<0.001), posterosuperior RCT (p=0.010), and biceps tendon injury (p<0.001) were significantly associated with SBT. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is a potential risk factor for SBT, as are these factors: overuse activity, diabetes, posterosuperior RCT, increased retraction of posterosuperior rotator cuff tendon, and biceps tendon injury.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권8호
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• pp.1352-1368
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• 2021

Objective: For an accurate dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI analysis, exact baseline T1 mapping is critical. The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of DCE MRI using synthetic MRI with those using fixed baseline T1 values. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 102 patients who underwent both DCE and synthetic brain MRI. Two methods were set for the baseline T1: one using the fixed value and the other using the T1 map from synthetic MRI. The volume transfer constant (K^trans), volume of the vascular plasma space (v_p), and the volume of the extravascular extracellular space (v_e) were compared between the two methods. The interclass correlation coefficients and the Bland-Altman method were used to assess the reliability. Results: In normal-appearing frontal white matter (WM), the mean values of K^trans, v_e, and v_p were significantly higher in the fixed value method than in the T1 map method. In the normal-appearing occipital WM, the mean values of v_e and v_p were significantly higher in the fixed value method. In the putamen and head of the caudate nucleus, the mean values of K^trans, v_e, and v_p were significantly lower in the fixed value method. In addition, the T1 map method showed comparable interobserver agreements with the fixed baseline T1 value method. Conclusion: The T1 map method using synthetic MRI may be useful for reflecting individual differences and reliable measurements in clinical applications of DCE MRI.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.77-87
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• 2020

Objective: To assess the feasibility of simultaneous multislice-accelerated diffusion-weighted imaging (SMS-DWI) of the rectum in comparison with conventional DWI (C-DWI) in rectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This study included 65 patients with initially-diagnosed rectal cancer. All patients underwent C-DWI and SMS-DWI with acceleration factors of 2 and 3 (SMS2-DWI and SMS3-DWI, respectively) using a 3T scanner. Acquisition times of the three DWI sequences were measured. Image quality in the three DWI sequences was reviewed by two independent radiologists using a 4-point Likert scale and subsequently compared using the Friedman test. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for rectal cancer and the normal rectal wall were compared among the three sequences using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: Acquisition times using C-DWI, SMS2-DWI, and SMS3-DWI were 173 seconds, 107 seconds, (38.2% shorter than C-DWI), and 77 seconds (55.5% shorter than C-DWI), respectively. For all image quality parameters other than distortion (margin sharpness, artifact, lesion conspicuity, and overall image quality), C-DWI and SMS2-DWI yielded better results than did SMS3-DWI (Ps < 0.001), with no significant differences observed between C-DWI and SMS2-DWI (Ps ≥ 0.054). ADC values of rectal cancer (p = 0.943) and normal rectal wall (p = 0.360) were not significantly different among C-DWI, SMS2-DWI, and SMS3-DWI. Conclusion: SMS-DWI using an acceleration factor of 2 is feasible for rectal MRI resulting in substantial reductions in acquisition time while maintaining diagnostic image quality and similar ADC values to those of C-DWI.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제67권1호
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• pp.42-49
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• 2024

Objective : There is still controversy regarding whether neck remodeling stent affects the occurrence of silent embolic infarction (SEI) after aneurysm coiling. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate the incidence of SEI after stent-assisted coiling (SAC) using Neuroform Atlas Stent (NAS) and possible risk factors. This study also includes a comparison with simple coiling group during the same period to estimate the impact of NAS on the occurrence of SEI. Methods : This study included a total of 96 unruptured intracranial aneurysms in 96 patients treated with SAC using NAS. Correlations of demographic data, aneurysm characteristics, and angiographic parameters with properties of SEI were analyzed. The incidence and characteristics of SEI were investigated in 28 patients who underwent simple coiling during the same period, and the results were compared with the SAC group. Results : In the diffusion-weighted imaging obtained on the 1st day after SAC, a total of 106 SEI lesions were observed in 48 (50%) of 96 patients. Of these 48 patients, 38 (79.2%) had 1-3 lesions. Of 106 lesions, 74 (69.8%) had a diameter less than 3 mm. SEI occurred more frequently in older patients (≥60 years, p=0.013). The volume of SEI was found to be significantly increased in older age (≥60 years, p=0.032), hypertension (p=0.036), and aneurysm size ≥5 mm (p=0.047). The incidence and mean volume of SEI in the SAC group (n=96) were similar to those of the simple coiling group (n=28) during the same period. Conclusion : SEIs are common after NAS-assisted coiling. Their incidence in SAC was comparable to that in simple coiling. They occurred more frequently at an older age. Therefore, the use of NAS in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysm does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events if antiplatelet premedication has been performed well.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.256-262
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• 2008

자기공명분광법(magnetic resonance spectroscopy: MRS)은 인체내 대사물질을 정량분석하여 병변의 조기진단 및 정밀진단에 도움을 주고 있으며, 최근 임상에 이용되고 있는 자기공명분광법은 single voxel spectroscopy (SVS) 기법과 multi voxel spectroscopy (MVS) 기법이 있다. 본 연구에서는 SENSE와 NEX를 변화시킨 multi voxel spectroscopy (MVS)의 데이터와 기존 single voxel spectroscopy (SVS)의 데이터를 비교 분석하여, 각각의 데이터의 유의성 차이를 평가하고자 하였다. 정상 성인 지원자 13명(남자: 5명, 여자: 8명, 평균 41세, 표준편차 11.65세)을 대상으로 chemical shift image (CSI)를 이용한 MVS검사를 시행하였다. 장비는 3.0T Achieva Release Version 2.1 (Philips Medical System, Netherland)을 이용하였고, 8 channel head coil을 사용하여 brain thalamus 부위에서 CSI spectrum을 1 slice 획득하였다. Scan parameter로는 FOV (field of view): $230{\times}184mm^2$, TR (time to repetition): 2000 msec, TE (time to echo): 288 msec, matrix: $15{\times}12$, VOI(view of interest): $110{\times}110mm^2$, voxel size: $15{\times}15{\times}15mm^3$로 하였다. SENSE factor (S)와 NEX (N)는 S1*N1, S2*N1, S2*N2, S3*N2로 변화하여 스펙트럼을 획득하였고, 각 scan time은 5분 54초, 3분 32초, 6분 20초, 4분 20초였다. 얻은 모든 MRS 데이터는 jMRUI 3.0 Version 프로그램에서 분석하였고, SENSE factor와 NEX를 변화시켜 얻은 MVS data 그룹들이 정상 성인 뇌 대사물질의 변화에 영향을 주는지 검증하기 위해 그룹 간에 ANOVA분석을 실행하여 P 값이 0.05보다 크게 나오면 그룹들 사이에 유의한 차이가 없다고 분석하였다. NAA/Cr과 Cho/Cr의 상대적 비율은 MV와 SVS사이에서는 유의한 차이가 없었다. 즉, SENSE factor와 NEX를 변화시켜 얻은 MVS data에서 정상 성인 뇌조직의 대사물질의 변화를 관찰한 결과, S1*N1의 NAA/Cr은 $1.45{\pm}0.03$, Cho/Cr은 $0.88{\pm}0.03$이고, S2*N1의 NAA/Cr은 $1.44{\pm}0.03$, Cho/Cr은 $0.87{\pm}0.05$, S2*N2의 NAA/Cr은 $1.43{\pm}0.02$, Cho/Cr은 $0.87{\pm}0.04$이며, S3*N2의 NAA/Cr은 $1.45{\pm}0.03$, Cho/Cr은 $0.87{\pm}0.03$으로 나타났다(F-value : 1.37, D.F : 3, P-value : 0.262). 그러나 데이터의 질을 측정하기 위한 MVS 데이터의 NAA Peak line-width는 SVS 데이터의 NAA Peak line-width 보다 약 3배 정도 넓었다. 본 연구에서는 MVS에서 SENSE factor와 NEX 값을 다양하게 변화시킨 MVS의 데이터와 SVS의 데이터가 큰 차이가 없음을 확인하였다. 즉, 어는 특정 부위의 뇌 조직의 대사물질은 MVS와 SVS 기법 모두 큰 차이가 없음을 확인할 수 있었다. 그러므로 MVS는 SVS보다 광범한 부위를 짧은 시간 안에 검사할 수 있으므로 매우 유용한 방법이라고 사료된다.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2006

목적 : 최근 확산텐서영상(diffusion tensor imaging)의 발전으로 뇌백질의 미세 구조적 특성을 평가할 수 있게 되었다. 그러나 확산텐서영상을 얻기 위한 적절한 영상촬영조건 중 확산 강조 경사자장의 적정한 방향 수에 대하여 충분히 연구되지 않은 실정이다. 이에 본 연구에서는 뇌백질의 트래킹(tracking)을 수행하는 데에 있어 확산강조 경사자장의 방향 수가 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법 : 건강한 남녀 13명 (남: 10, 여: 3, 평균나이: 30세, 연령분포: 23-37) 을 대상으로 하였다. 확산텐서영상은 모든 영상촬영조건을 동일하게 유지하면서 확산강조 경사자장의 방향 수를 6-방향, 15-방향, 32-방향으로 변화시키면서 시행하였다. 영상 범위는 뇌교 하방 1 cm부터 측뇌실 상방 2-3 cm까지 포함하였으며 전교련-후교련 연결선에 평행하게 하였다. 영상후처리를 통해 FA (fractional anisotropy, 분할 비등방성) map을 만든 후, 뇌량의 무릎과 팽대에서 FA의 평균값과 표준편차를 각 FA map에서 구하였다. 그리고 뇌의 피질척수로에서 트래킹을 시행하여 트래킹된 백질 섬유의 수를 측정하였다. 얻어진 FA, FA의 표준편차, 트래킹된 피질척수로의 섬유 수를 통계적 방법으로 6-방향, 15-방향, 32-방향사이에서 비교하였다. 결과 : FA는 확산강조 경사자장의 방향 수에 따라 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 없었다. 경사자장의 방향 수가 증가함에 따라 FA의 표준편차는 유의하게 감소하였고, 트래킹된 피질척수로의 섬유 수는 유의하게 증가하였다. 결론 : 확산텐서영상에서 확산강조 경사자장의 방향 수를 증가시킬수록 더 우수한 백질의 트래킹이 가능하였다.