• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.377-386
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• 2014

Objective: In this study, we used resting-state fMRI data to map differences in functional connectivity between a comprehensive set of 8 distinct cortical and subcortical brain regions in healthy controls and Internet addicts. We also investigated the relationship between resting state connectivity strength and the level of psychopathology (ex. score of internet addiction scale and score of Barratt impulsiveness scale). Background: There is a lot of evidence of relationship between Internet addiction and impaired inhibitory control. Clinical evidence suggests that Internet addicts have a high level of impulsivity as measured by behavioral task of response inhibition and a self report questionnaire. Method: 15 Internet addicts and 15 demographically similar non-addicts participated in the current resting-state fMRI experiment. For the connectivity analysis, regions of interests (ROIs) were defined based on the previous studies of addictions. Functional connectivity assessment for each subject was obtained by correlating time-series across the ROIs, resulting in $8{\times}8$ matrixs for each subject. Within-group, functional connectivity patterns were observed by entering the z maps of the ROIs of each subject into second-level one sample t test. Two sample t test was also performed to examine between group differences. Results: Between group, the analysis revealed that the connectivity in between the orbito frontal cortex and inferior parietal cortex, between orbito frontal cortex and putamen, between the orbito frontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, between the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, and between amydgala and insula was significantly stronger in control group than in the Internet addicts, while the connectivity in between the orbito frontal cortex and insula showed stronger negative correlation in the Internet addicts relative to control group (p < 0.001, uncorrected). No significant relationship between functional connectivity strength and current degree of Internet addiction and degree of impulsitivy was seen. Conclusion: This study found that Internet addicts had declined connectivity strength in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and other regions (e.g., ACC, IPC, and insula) during resting-state. It may reflect deficits in the OFC function to process information from different area in the corticostriatal reward network. Application: The results might help to develop theoretical modeling of Internet addiction for Internet addiction discrimination.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.549-560
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• 2006

Purpose : This experiment examined the effects of anodization on commercially pure titanium implant fixtures. Material & methods : The implant fixtures were anodized at three different voltage levels, producing three different levels of oxidation on the surface of the fixure. Implant were divided into four groups according to the level of oxidation. Group 1 consist of the control group of machined surface implants, Group 2 implants were treated by anodizing to 100 voltage, Group 3 implants were treated by anodizing oxidation to 200 voltage Group 4 implants were treated by anodizing oxidation to 350 voltage. Surface morphology was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) and the surface roughness was measured using NanoScan $E-1000^{\circledR}$. Implantation of the fixtures were performed using New Zealand white rabbits. $Periotest^{\circledR}$ value(PTV) resonance frequency analysis(RFA), and removal torque were measured in 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks after implantation. Results : The results of the study were as follows: 1. Values for the measured surface roughness indicate statistically significant differences in Ra, Rq, and Rt values among group 1, 2, 3, and 4 at the top portion of the thread,(p<0.05) while values at the base of the threads indicated no significant difference in these values. 2. A direct correlation between the firming voltage, and surface roughness and irregularities were observed using scanning electron microscope. 3. No statistically significant differences were found between test groups regarding $Periotest^{\circledR}$ values. 4. Analysis of the data produced by RFA, significant differences were found between group 1 and group 4 at 12 weeks after implantation.(p<0.05) Conclusions : In conclusion, no significant differences could be found among test groups up to a certain level of forming voltage threshold, beyond this firming voltage threshold, statistically significant differences occurred as the surface area of the oxide layer increased with the increase in surface porosity, resulting in enhanced bone response and osseointegration.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.26 no.9
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• pp.1931-1942
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• 2002

In this paper a formulation of robust optimization is presented and illustrated by a design example of vibratory micro gyroscopes in order to reduce the effect of variations due to uncertainties in MEMS fabrication processes. For the vibratory micro gyroscope considered it is important to match the resonance frequencies of the vertical (sensing) and lateral (driving) modes as close as possible to attain a high sensing sensitivity. A deterministic optimization in which the difference of both the sensing and driving natural frequencies is minimized as an objective function results in highly enhanced performance but apt to be very sensitive to fabrication errors. The formulation proposed is to attain robustness of the performance by including the sensitivity of the response with respect to uncertain variables as a term of objective function to be minimized. This formulation is simple and practically applicable since no detail statistical information on fabrication errors is required. The geometric variables, beam width, length and thickness of vibratory micro gyroscopes are adopted as design variables and at the same time considered as uncertain variables because here occur the fabrication errors. A robustness test in terms of a percentage yield by using the Monte Carlo simulation has shown that the robust optimum produces twice more acceptable designs than the deterministic optimum. Improvement of robustness becomes bigger as the amount of fabrication errors is assumed larger. Considering that the magnitude of fabrication errors and uncertainties in a MEMS structure are comparatively large, the present method is illustrated to be a viable approach for a robust MEMS design.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.133-137
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• 2018

Increasing interest in prognostics and health management has heightened the need for wireless sensor networks (WSN) with efficient power sources. Piezoelectric energy harvesters using Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) are one of the candidate power sources for WSNs as they efficiently convert mechanical vibration energy into electrical energy. These types of devices are resonated at a specific frequency, which has a significant impact on the amount of energy harvested, by external vibration. Hence, precise prediction of mechanical deformation including modal analysis of piezoelectric devices is crucial for estimating the energy generated under specific conditions. In this study, an experimental vibrational system capable of controlling a wide range of frequencies and accelerations was designed to generate mechanical vibration for piezoelectric energy harvesters. In conjunction with MATLAB, the system automatically finds the resonance frequency of harvesters. A small accelerometer and non-contact laser displacement sensor are employed to investigate the mechanical deformation of harvesters. Mechanical deformation under various frequencies and accelerations were investigated and analyzed based on data from two types of sensors. The results verify that the proposed system can be employed to carry out vibration experiments for piezoelectric harvesters and measurement of their mechanical deformation.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.236-239
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• 2016

$Guillain-Barr{\acute{e}}$ syndrome (GBS) is caused by antecedent infectious diseases in approximately two-thirds of cases. GBS is considered an autoimmune response. Among reported preceding infections, influenza virus is relatively rare. Several reports have identified antibodies related to GBS pathogenesis. However, no case report has described the detection of influenza virus in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient with GBS by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here we report the case of a 6-year-old girl who was diagnosed with influenza A 1 week prior and was treated with oseltamivir, after which she visited our hospital for headache and bilateral leg weakness that had persisted for 1 day. We diagnosed her with GBS based on physical and neurologic examination findings, CSF analysis, nerve conduction velocity test results, spinal magnetic resonance imaging, and detection of influenza A virus in her CSF by PCR. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and her symptoms slowly improved. This case report suggests that GBS may be caused by influenza virus through penetration of the CSF.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.219-227
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• 2011

Purpose: This study evaluated the treatment effectiveness and proper radiation dose of helical tomotherapy (HT) in spine oligometastases from gastrointestinal cancers. Materials and Methods: From 2006 to 2010, 20 gastrointestinal cancer patients were treated with HT for spine oligometastases (31 spine lesions). The gross tumor volume (GTV) was the tumor evident from magnetic resonance imaging images fused with simulation computed tomography images. Clinical target volume (CTV) encompassed involved vertebral bodies or dorsal elements. We assumed that the planning target volume was equal to the CTV. We assessed local control rate after HT for 31 spine metastases. Pain response was scored by using a numeric pain intensity scale (NPIS, from 0 to 10). Results: Spine metastatic lesions were treated with median dose of 40 Gy (range, 24 to 51 Gy) and median 5 Gy per fraction (range, 2.5 to 8 Gy) to GTV with median 8 fractions (range, 3 to 20 fraction). Median biologically equivalent dose (BED, ${\alpha}/{\beta}$ = 10 Gy) was 52 $Gy_{10}$ (range, 37.5 to 76.8 $Gy_{10}$) to GTV. Six month local control rate for spine metastasis was 90.3%. Overall infield failure rate was 15% and outfield failure rate was 75%. Most patients showed pain relief after HT (93.8%). Median local recurrence free survival was 3 months. BED over 57 $Gy_{10}$ and oligometastases were identified as prognostic factors associated with improved local progression free survival (p = 0.012, P = 0.041). Conclusion: HT was capable of delivering higher BED to metastatic lesions in close proximity of the spinal cord. Spine metastases from gastrointestinal tumors were sensitive to high dose radiation, and BED (${\alpha}/{\beta}$ = 10 Gy) higher than 57 $Gy_{10}$ could improve local control.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.5281-5285
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• 2016

Background: Brachytherapy is the most commonly used conservative treatment for the uveal melanoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate therapeutic results of Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy in the management of localized uveal melanoma cases. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the clinical records of all patients treated in our department for an uveal melanoma, undergoing Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy, from January 1996 to December 2015. We focused on clinical features, therapeutic characteristics, local and distant tumor control and side effects. Results: Nineteen patients were enrolled in our study. Mean age was 56.2 years (28-79) and the sex ratio was 1.37:1 males to females. Diagnosis was made on the basis of ophthalmological clinical examination, angiography, ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance. Median tumor diameter was 9.7 mm (6-13) and median thickness 4.4 mm (2.5-8). The dose of Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy prescribed to the apex of each tumor was 70 Gy in all cases. The median radiation dose to the sclera surface was 226.4 Gy (range: 179.6-342.3) and the median total application time 115.2 hours (range: 27 to 237). After a median follow-up of 61.5 months, local control was achieved in 17 patients (89%): 16 demonstrated a partial tumor response and 1 tumor stabilization. Two patients suffered local progression leading to enucleation, one dying of hepatic metastasis. Radiation-induced complications were cataracts in 3 cases and vitreal hemorrhage in 2. Conclusion: Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy is an efficient treatment for localized uveal melanoma, offering good local control with low toxicity.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.695-703
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• 2018

Based on monitoring data collected from the Nanjing Dashengguan Bridge over the last five years, this paper systematically investigates the effects of temperature field and train loadings on the structural responses of this long-span high-speed railway bridge, and establishes the early warning thresholds for various structural responses. Then, some lessons drawn from the structural health monitoring system of this bridge are summarized. The main context includes: (1) Polynomial regression models are established for monitoring temperature effects on modal frequencies of the main girder and hangers, longitudinal displacements of the bearings, and static strains of the truss members; (2) The correlation between structural vibration accelerations and train speeds is investigated, focusing on the resonance characteristics of the bridge at the specific train speeds; (3) With regard to various static and dynamic responses of the bridge, early warning thresholds are established by using mean control chart analysis and probabilistic analysis; (4) Two lessons are drawn from the experiences in the bridge operation, which involves the lacks of the health monitoring for telescopic devices on the beam-end and bolt fractures in key members of the main truss.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1634-1641
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• 2000

Objective : The cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) pulsates within the craniospinal axis in response to rhythmic cerebral blood volume variation during the cardiac cycle. The aim of this study is to characterize the normal and abnormal CSF flow and its waveforms in the cervical spinal subarachnoid space. Methods : The magnetic resonance(MR) images were obtained with 1.5 T(GE Signa, GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, USA) unit using the 2 dimensional cine PC(phase contrast) sequence with cardiac gating and gradient recalled echo imaging. This pulse sequence yielded 16 quantitative flow-encoded images per cardiac cycle. Sagittal and axial images of the cervical spinal CSF space were obtained, and target sites were analyzed for characteristic CSF flow (TR=50ms, TE=12.5-15ms). The region of interest(ROI) was 1mm 3 in volume. Twenty six persons were included in this study : 10 healthy volunteers and 16 patients with cervical myelopathy. The post-operative cine MR study were also done in five patients. Results : The normal CSF pulsation dynamics in the cervical spine showed discrete systolic and diastolic components. The CSF flow revealed a sine wave pattern, in which the systolic phase was shorter than the diastolic phase(ratio=2 : 3). The patient group revealed decreased amplitudes of the CSF flow and irregularly distored flow waves. The systolic phase was elongated in the ROI above the stenotic level, whereas the diastolic phase was lengthened below the level. In the postoperative images, the abnormal pattern and amplitude were found to be corrected. Conclusion : From these results, the authors believe that the CSF flow study provides valuable informations regarding the extent of cervical stenosis and may be useful for the surgical planning and post-operative evaluation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.747-756
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• 2020

Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcome predictors of percutaneous sacroplasty (PSP). Methods : This single-center study assessed 40 patients with sacral insufficiency fractures using the short-axis technique under C-arm flat-panel detector computed tomography (CT). Two radiologists reviewed the patients' magnetic resonance and CT images to obtain imaging findings before PSP and determine technical success, respectively. The short-term outcomes were visual analog scale score changes and opioid usage reductions. Long-term outcomes were determined using telephone interviews and the North American Spine Society (NASS) patient-satisfaction index at least one year after PSP. Results : Technical success was achieved without any significant complications in 39 patients (97.5%). Telephone interviews were possible with 12 patients and failed in 10 patients; death was confirmed in 18 patients. Fifteen patients (50%) re-visited the hospital and received conservative treatment, including spinal injections. Nine patients reported positive satisfaction (NASS patient-satisfaction index 1 or 2), while the negative satisfaction group (NASS patient-satisfaction index 3 or 4, n=3) showed a higher incidence of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar spine level (66.7% vs. 22.2%) and previous spinal injection history (66.7% vs. 33.3%). The poor response group also showed higher incidences of facet joint arthrosis (100% vs. 55.6%), central canal stenosis (100% vs. 22.2%), neural foraminal stenosis (33.3% vs. 22.2%), scoliosis (100% vs. 33.3%), and sagittal malalignment (100% vs. 44.4%). Conclusion : PSP was effective for sacral insufficiency fractures and showed good long-term outcomes. Combined compression fractures in the thoracolumbar spine and degenerative lumbar pathologies could be possible poor outcome predictors.