• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.286-293
• /
• 2009

The implantable middle ear hearing devices(IMEHDs) have been developed to overcome the conventional hearing aid's problem(ringing effect caused by the acoustic feedback, cosmetic problem, etc.). In the IMEHDs, the vibrating transducer is a key component because its vibration enables to hear for hearing impaired people. The vibrating transducer is implanted on ossicular chain by surgical operation. The coupling status between implanted transducer and ossicular chain has an effect on delivering vibrating force from transducer to stapes. Noninvasive method is required to investigate the output characteristics of IMEHDs after implementation. Recently, emitted sound pressure measuring method of tympanic membrane is proposed to investigate the output characteristics of IMEHDs. However, the relationship between displacement of stapes and sound pressure by tympanic membrane was not cleared. In this paper, displacement of stapes and sound pressure by tympanic membrane were measured using the differential floating mass transducer(DFMT) that implanted on the ossicular chain of the human temporal bone and physical ear model. Through the experiments results, the relationship between displacement of stapes and sound pressure by tympanic membrane was investigated.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.221-229
• /
• 2018

Tenofovir nanoparticles are novel therapeutic intervention in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection reaching the virus in their sanctuary sites. However, there has been no systemic toxicity testing of this formulation despite global concerns on the safety of nano drugs. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the toxicity of Tenofovir nanoparticle (NTDF) on the liver and kidney using an animal model. Fifteen adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats maintained at the animal house of the biomedical resources unit of the University of KwaZulu-Natal were weighed and divided into three groups. Control animals (A) were administered with normal saline (NS). The therapeutic doses of Tenofovir (TDF) and nanoparticles of Tenofovir (NTDF) were administered to group B and C and observed for signs of stress for four weeks after which animals were weighed and sacrificed. Liver and kidney were removed and fixed in formal saline, processed and stained using H/E, PAS and MT stains for light microscopy. Serum was obtained for renal function test (RFT) and liver function test (LFT). Cellular measurements and capturing were done using ImageJ and Leica software 2.0. Data were analysed using graph pad 6, p values < 0.05 were significant. We observed no signs of behavioural toxicity and no mortality during this study, however, in the kidneys, we reported mild morphological perturbations widening of Bowman's space, and vacuolations in glomerulus and tubules of TDF and NTDF animals. Also, there was a significant elevation of glycogen deposition in NTDF and TDF animals when compared with control. In the liver, there were mild histological changes with widening of sinusoidal spaces, vacuolations in hepatocytes and elevation of glycogen deposition in TDF and NTDF administered animals. In addition to this, there were no significant differences in stereological measurements and cell count, LFT, RFT, weight changes and organo-somatic index between treatment groups and control. In conclusion, NTDF and TDF in therapeutic doses can lead to mild hepatic and renal histological damage. Further studies are needed to understand the precise genetic mechanism.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.443-450
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Conventional image reconstruction uses simplified physical models of projection. However, real physics, for example 3D reconstruction, takes too long time to process all the data in clinic and is unable in a common reconstruction machine because of the large memory for complex physical models. We suggest the realistic distributed memory model of fast-reconstruction using parallel processing on personal computers to enable large-scale technologies. Materials and Methods: The preliminary tests for the possibility on virtual manchines and various performance test on commercial super computer, Tachyon were performed. Expectation maximization algorithm with common 2D projection and realistic 3D line of response were tested. Since the process time was getting slower (max 6 times) after a certain iteration, optimization for compiler was performed to maximize the efficiency of parallelization. Results: Parallel processing of a program on multiple computers was available on Linux with MPICH and NFS. We verified that differences between parallel processed image and single processed image at the same iterations were under the significant digits of floating point number, about 6 bit. Double processors showed good efficiency (1.96 times) of parallel computing. Delay phenomenon was solved by vectorization method using SSE. Conclusion: Through the study, realistic parallel computing system in clinic was established to be able to reconstruct by plenty of memory using the realistic physical models which was impossible to simplify.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.24 no.5
• /
• pp.427-434
• /
• 2003

In this paper, we present a speech-based Environmental Control System(ECS) and its application. In the concrete, an ECS using the speech recognition and an portable wheelchair lift control system with the speech synthesis are developed through the simulation and the embodiment. The developed system apply to quadriplegic man and we evaluate the result of physical effect and of mental effect. Speech recognition system is constructed by real time modules using HMM model. For the clinical application of the device, we investigate the result applied to 54-years old quadriplegic man during a week through the questionnaires of Beck Depression Inventory and of Activity Pattern Indicator. Also the motor drive control system of potable wheelchair lift is implemented and the mechanical durability is tested by structural analysis. Speech recognition rate results in over 95% through the experiment. The result of the questionnaires shows higher satisfaction and lower nursing loads. In addition, the depression tendency of the subject were decreased. The potable wheelchair lift shows good fatigue life-cycle as the material supporting the upper wheelchair and shows the centroid mobility of safety. In this paper we present an example of ECS which consists of real-time speech recognition system and potable wheelchair lift. Also the experiments shows needs of the ECS for korean environments. This study will be the base of a commercial use.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.39-50
• /
• 2014

Objective : The purpose of this study was to provide for the intervention and outcome measurement tools of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through ICF model. Methods : The systematic review methods were used. Papers published in the journal between January, 2000 and July, 2014 were searched through MEDLINE/PubMed, Sciencedirect, Ovid. The main terms searched were 'ADHD, Children, intervention, outcome measure', and 8 papers were analyzed. Results : 1. The subjects of ADHD were pure ADHD (75.8%), ADHD with dyslexia (9.1%), ADHD with conduct disorder (5.8%), ADHD with tic disorder (3.8%), ADHD with DCD (3.0%), ADHD with emotional disorder (2.5%). 2. The nonpharmacologic intervention of ADHD were functioning and disability (80%) and contextual factors (20%). Most frequently used intervention were body function and structure (60%). 3. The outcome measurement tools of ADHD were functioning and disability (80.5%) and contextual factors (19.5%). Most frequently used outcome measurement tools were body function and structure (70.8%). Conclusion : This study can provide information on the intervention and outcome measurement tools of ADHD.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.25 no.7
• /
• pp.810-818
• /
• 2015

We analyzed whether lactic acid bacteria could control the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 in activated mast cells and whether these bacteria could inhibit the activity of transcription factors such as GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT1, NF-AT2, and NF-κB p65. We previously described a technique for identification of lactic acid bacteria with anti-atopy functionality by confirming increased expression of CD4+/CD25+/foxp3+ in T cells. We also confirmed that a double-culture method increased the antibacterial activity of these lactic acid bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In the present study, we characterized the effect of lactic acid bacteria cultured by this double-culture method on inhibition of allergic inflammatory reactions of RBL-2H3 mast cells, a cellular model of atopic dermatitis. The strongest anti-allergic effects of the lactic acid bacteria were seen in the following order: Lactococcus lactis broth cultured with medium containing Lactobacillus plantarum culture supernatant > Lc. lactis > Lc. lactis broth cultured with medium containing Lb. plantarum culture supernatant > Lb. plantarum. Thus, Lc. lactis cultured in medium containing Lb. plantarum culture supernatant had the strongest inhibitory effect on the differentiation of mast cells during allergic reactions, which may be mediated through the selective regulation of expression of relevant genes.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.21-26
• /
• 2004

Recently, many people want to know their state of health, such as a body fat rate, anywhere and anytime. The Personal Digital Assistance(PDA) is the portable wireless apparatus that has become widely popular. There are many application areas of the IDA to be in mobile care devices. In this study, we developed the PDA based body fat measurement system, composed of a cradle type measurement module and a WindowCE operated software module, a regression equation for predicting lean body mass (LBM). Sixty-three weight-stable subjects (53 men, 10 women) aged 20∼32yr participated in this study. A regression model, LBM ＝ (0.0005＊Height2 - 0.0160＊Impedance ＋ 0.3920＊Weight - 0.0684＊Age - 5.8141＊Sex ＋ 25.984, was found. The correlation coefficient( r) of body fat rate between developed system and HTM1000plus(BionetTM) was 0.928. HTM1000plus is a commercially available and approved by KFDA. These results indicated that developed system is reliable for estimation of body fat rate. Although developed system is the PDA based miniaturized, it shows good performance comparing with other commercial product.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.100-106
• /
• 2020

PURPOSE. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fitting accuracy of single crowns made from a novel presintered Co-Cr alloy prepared with a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique, as compared with crowns manufactured by other digital and the conventional casting technique. Additionally, the influence of oxide layer on the fitting accuracy of specimens was tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 40 test specimens made from Co-Cr alloy were investigated according to the fitting accuracy using a replica technique. Four different methods processing different materials were used for the manufacture of the crown copings (milling of presintered (Ceramill Sintron-group_cer_sin) or rigid alloy (Tizian NEM-group_ti_nem), selective laser melting (Ceramill NPL-group_cer_npl), and casting (Girobond NB-group_gir_nb)). The specimens were adapted to a resin model and the outer surfaces were airborne-particle abraded with aluminum oxide. After the veneering process, the fitting accuracy (absolute marginal discrepancy and internal gap) was evaluated by the replica technique in 2 steps, before removing the oxide layer from the intaglio surface of the crowns, and after removing the layer with aluminum oxide airborne-particle abrasion. Statistical analysis was performed by multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α=.05). RESULTS. Mean absolute marginal discrepancy ranged between 20 ㎛ (group_cer_npl for specimens of Ceramill NPL) and 43 ㎛ (group_cer_sin for crowns of Ceramill Sintron) with the oxide layer and between 19 ㎛ and 28 ㎛ without the oxide layer. The internal gap varied between 33 ㎛ (group_ti_nem for test samples of Tizian NEM) and 75 ㎛ (group_gir_nb for the base material Girobond NB) with the oxide layer and between 30 ㎛ and 76 ㎛ without the oxide layer. The absolute marginal discrepancy and the internal gap were significantly influenced by the fabrication method used (P<.05). CONCLUSION. Different manufacturing techniques had a significant influence on the fitting accuracy of single crowns made from Co-Cr alloys. However, all tested crowns showed a clinically acceptable absolute marginal discrepancy and internal gap with and without oxide layer and could be recommended under clinical considerations. Especially, the new system Ceramill Sintron showed acceptable values of fitting accuracy so it can be suggested in routine clinical work.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.329-334
• /
• 2020

Inflammasomes are cytosolic, multiprotein complexes that act at the frontline of the immune responses by recognizing pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns or abnormal host molecules. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to possess multipotency to differentiate into various cell types and immunoregulatory effects. In this study, we investigated the expression and functional regulation of NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs). hUCB-MSCs expressed inflammasome components that are necessary for its complex assembly. Interestingly, NLRP3 inflammasome activation suppressed the differentiation of hUCB-MSCs into osteoblasts, which was restored when the expression of adaptor proteins for inflammasome assembly was inhibited. Moreover, the suppressive effects of MSCs on T cell responses and the macrophage activation were augmented in response to NLRP3 activation. In vivo studies using colitic mice revealed that the protective abilities of hUCB-MSCs increased after NLRP3 stimulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome components are expressed in hUCB-MSCs and its activation can regulate the differentiation capability and the immunomodulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.845-856
• /
• 2017

In the long railway tunnel, in order to secure safety in case of fire, it is required a emergency station. However, there is no standard or research results on smoke exhaust method and exhaust flow rate in emergency station, so it is necessary to study the smoke exhaust system for emergency station. In this study, we are created a numerical analysis model for emergency station where the evacuation cross passage connected to the service tunnel or the relative tunnel was installed at regular intervals (40 m intervals). And the fire analysis are carried out by varying the fire intensity (15, 30MW), the smoke exhaust method (only air supply, forced air supply and exhaust, forced air exhaust only), and the air flow rate (7, 14, $40m^3/s$). From the results of fire analysis, temperature and CO concentration are analyzed and ASET based on the limit temperature are compared at various condition. As a result, in the case with fire intensity of 15 MW, it is shown that a sufficiently safe evacuation environment can be ensured by applying forced air supply and exhaust method or forced air exhaust only method when the air flow rate is $7m^3/s$ above. In case of fire intensity of 30 MW, it is impossible to maintain the safety evacuation environment for more than 900 seconds when the exhaust air volume is below $14m^3/s$. And when the air flow rate is $40m^3/s$, the exhaust port is disposed at the side portion of the upper duct, which is most advantageous for securing the temperature-based safety.