• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.169-274
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• 2024

Recent attention has been drawn to materials that undergo reversible expansion and contraction in response to external stimuli, leading to morphological changes. These materials hold potential applications in various fields including soft robotics, sensors, and artificial muscles. In this study, a novel material capable of responding to high temperatures for protection or encapsulation is proposed. To achieve this, liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with nematic-isotropic transition properties and polyimide (PI) with high mechanical strength and thermal stability were utilized. To utilize a solution process, a dope solution was synthesized and introduced into micro-printing techniques to develop a two-dimensional pattern of LCE/PI bilayer structures with sub-millimeter widths. The honeycomb-patterned LCE/PI bilayer mesh combined the mechanical strength of PI with the high-temperature contraction behavior of LCE, and selective printing of LCE facilitated deformation in desired directions at high temperatures. Consequently, the functionality of selectively and reversibly encapsulating specific high-temperature materials was achieved. This study suggests potential applications in various actuator fields where functionalities can be implemented across different temperature ranges without the need for electrical energy input, contingent upon molecular changes in LCE.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.83-90
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• 2024

This study investigates the 3D printing characteristics of strain hardening cement composites (SHCC) reinforced by PVA fibers. Three SHCC mixtures with diverse fiber volume fractions (1.0% for F1.0 mixture, 1.5% for F1.5 mixture, and 1.8% for F1.8 mixture) were designed. Except for the F1.0 mixture, all mixtures met the necessary conditions for multiple micro-cracking, with higher fiber volume fractions more readily satisfying these conditions. The flow values of three SHCC mixtures were within the 3D printable range of 120~160 mm, exhibiting decreased flow values with increasing the fiber volume fractions. Observation of the printed SHCC surfaces indicated that the F1.0 mixture had a Level-3 (good) rating, while F1.5 and F1.8 were rated as Level-2 (average). Higher fiber volume fractions resulted in poorer surface quality, thus, further research needs to be performed for modulating SHCC mixture suitable for 3D printing. The uniaxial tension behavior showed that the F1.0 mixture failed at lower strain, whereas F1.5 and F1.8 exhibited higher strain performance with multiple micro-cracks occurring.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.867-879
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• 2021

Objective: To compare the screening performance of diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI and combined mammography and ultrasound (US) in detecting clinically occult contralateral breast cancer in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Between January 2017 and July 2018, 1148 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 53.2 ± 10.8 years) with unilateral breast cancer and no clinical abnormalities in the contralateral breast underwent 3T MRI, digital mammography, and radiologist-performed whole-breast US. In this retrospective study, three radiologists independently and blindly reviewed all DW MR images (b = 1000 s/mm² and apparent diffusion coefficient map) of the contralateral breast and assigned a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category. For combined mammography and US evaluation, prospectively assessed results were used. Using histopathology or 1-year follow-up as the reference standard, cancer detection rate and the patient percentage with cancers detected among all women recommended for tissue diagnosis (positive predictive value; PPV2) were compared. Results: Of the 30 cases of clinically occult contralateral cancers (13 invasive and 17 ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]), DW MRI detected 23 (76.7%) cases (11 invasive and 12 DCIS), whereas combined mammography and US detected 12 (40.0%, five invasive and seven DCIS) cases. All cancers detected by combined mammography and US, except two DCIS cases, were detected by DW MRI. The cancer detection rate of DW MRI (2.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3%, 3.0%) was higher than that of combined mammography and US (1.0%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 1.8%; p = 0.009). DW MRI showed higher PPV2 (42.1%; 95% CI: 26.3%, 59.2%) than combined mammography and US (18.5%; 95% CI: 9.9%, 30.0%; p = 0.001). Conclusion: In women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, DW MRI detected significantly more contralateral breast cancers with fewer biopsy recommendations than combined mammography and US.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.1054-1065
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• 2021

Objective: We implemented a novel resectable myocardial model for mock myectomy using a hybrid method of three-dimensional (3D) printing and silicone molding for patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM). Materials and Methods: From January 2019 through May 2020, 3D models from three patients with ApHCM were generated using the end-diastolic cardiac CT phase image. After computer-aided designing of measures to prevent structural deformation during silicone injection into molding, 3D printing was performed to reproduce anatomic details and molds for the left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass. We compared the myocardial thickness of each cardiac segment and the LV myocardial mass and cavity volumes between the myocardial model images and cardiac CT images. The surgeon performed mock surgery, and we compared the volume and weight of the resected silicone and myocardium. Results: During the mock surgery, the surgeon could determine an ideal site for the incision and the optimal extent of myocardial resection. The mean differences in the measured myocardial thickness of the model (0.3, 1.0, 6.9, and 7.3 mm in the basal, midventricular, apical segments, and apex, respectively) and volume of the LV myocardial mass and chamber (36.9 mL and 14.8 mL, 2.9 mL and -9.4 mL, and 6.0 mL and -3.0 mL in basal, mid-ventricular and apical segments, respectively) were consistent with cardiac CT. The volume and weight of the resected silicone were similar to those of the resected myocardium (6 mL [6.2 g] of silicone and 5 mL [5.3 g] of the myocardium in patient 2; 12 mL [12.5 g] of silicone and 11.2 mL [11.8 g] of the myocardium in patient 3). Conclusion: Our 3D model created using hybrid 3D printing and silicone molding may be useful for determining the extent of surgery and planning surgery guided by a rehearsal platform for ApHCM.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.497-507
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• 2024

In squat reinforced concrete walls, the displacement capacity for lateral deformation is low and the ability to resist the axial load can quickly be lost, generating collapse. This work consists of testing two squat reinforced concrete walls. One of the specimens is built with conventional detailing of reinforced concrete walls, while the second specimen is built applying an alternative design, including stirrups along the diagonal of the wall to improve its ductility. This solution differs from the detailing of beams or coupling elements that suggest building elements equivalent to columns located diagonally in the element. The dimensions of both specimens correspond to a wall with a low aspect ratio (1:1), where the height and length of the specimen are 1.4 m, with a thickness of 120 mm. The alternative wall included stirrups placed diagonally covering approximately 25% of the diagonal strut of the wall with alternative detailing. The walls were tested under a constant axial load of 0.1f'cAg and a cyclic lateral displacement was applied in the upper part of the wall. The results indicate that the lateral strength is almost identical between both specimens. On the other hand, the lateral displacement capacity increased by 25% with the alternative detailing, but it was also able to maintain the 3 complete hysteretic cycles up to a drift of 2.5%, reaching longitudinal reinforcement fracture, while the base specimen only reached the first cycle of 2% with rapid degradation due to failure of the diagonal compression strut. The alternative design also allows 46% more energy dissipation than the conventional design. A model was used to capture the global response, correctly representing the observed behavior. A parametric study with the model, varying the reinforcement amount and aspect ratio, was performed, indicating that the effectiveness of the alternative detailing can double de drift capacity for the case with a low aspect ratio (1.1) and a large longitudinal steel amount (1% in the web, 5% in the boundary), which decreases with lower amounts of longitudinal reinforcement and with the increment of aspect ratio, indicating that the alternative detailing approach is reasonable for walls with an aspect ratio up to 2, especially if the amount of longitudinal reinforcement is high.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 2024

Background: Visceral pleural invasion (VPI) is a poor prognostic factor that contributes to the upstaging of early lung cancers. However, the preoperative assessment of VPI presents challenges. This study was conducted to examine intraoperative pleural carcinoembryonic antigen (pCEA) level and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) as predictive markers of VPI in patients with clinical T1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of 613 patients who underwent intraoperative pCEA sampling and lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer. Of these, 390 individuals with clinical stage I adenocarcinoma and tumors ≤30 mm were included. Based on computed tomography findings, these patients were divided into pleural contact (n=186) and non-pleural contact (n=204) groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to analyze the association between pCEA and SUVmax in relation to VPI. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors for VPI in each group. Results: ROC curve analysis revealed that pCEA level greater than 2.565 ng/mL (area under the curve [AUC]=0.751) and SUVmax above 4.25 (AUC=0.801) were highly predictive of VPI in patients exhibiting pleural contact. Based on multivariable analysis, pCEA (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-7.87; p=0.026) and SUVmax (OR, 5.25; 95% CI, 1.90-14.50; p=0.001) were significant risk factors for VPI in the pleural contact group. Conclusion: In patients with clinical stage I lung adenocarcinoma exhibiting pleural contact, pCEA and SUVmax are potential predictive indicators of VPI. These markers may be helpful in planning for lung cancer surgery.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.198-207
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• 2009

Distribution of cavitation bubbles relative to change of the sound speed and attenuation in the water was estimated using acoustic signal from 20 to 300 kHz in two cases that cavitation bubbles exist and do not exist. To study generation and extinction property of cavitation bubble, bubble distribution was estimated in three cases: change of rotation speed (3000-4000 rpm), surface area of blade ($32-98\;mm^2$) and elapsed time (30-120 sec). As a result, the radii of the generated bubbles ranged from 10 to $60{\mu}m$, and bubble radius of $10-20{\mu}m$ and $20-30{\mu}m$ was accounted for 45 and 25% of the total number of cavitation bubbles, respectively. And generation bubble population correlated closely with the rotating speed of the blades but did not correlate with the surface area of blade. It was observed that 80% of total bubble population disappeared within 2 minutes. Finally, acoustic data of bubble distribution was compared with optical data.

• Design & Manufacturing
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.33-41
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• 2023

Excessive use of plastic bottles contributes to a significant environmental issue due to the high volume of plastic waste generated. To address this, efforts are needed to reduce the weight of plastic bottles. However, indiscriminate weight reduction may compromise the essential rigidity required for plastic bottles. Extensive research on rib shape for pressure vessels are exists, but there is a few research of rib shapes to enhance the stiffness of plastic bottles. The following results were obtained from the analyses conducted in this study. 1) Among the rib cross-sections of square, trapezoid, and triangle, the buckling critical load of PET bottles with square-shaped ribs is improved by about 14% compared to the buckling critical load of PET bottles without ribs. 2) The buckling critical load is improved by about 18% when a square-shaped rib with an aspect ratio of 0.2 is applied, compared to the buckling critical load of the bottle without the rib. 3) When longitudinal and transverse square ribs were applied to the axial direction of the PET bottle, the buckling critical load was improved by about 32% and 58% compared to the buckling critical load of the PET bottle without ribs, respectively, indicating that applying longitudinal ribs is effective in reinforcing the stiffness of PET bottles. 4) When 14 transverse ribs were applied, the maximum improvement was about 48% compared to the buckling critical load of the plastic bottle without ribs. 5) When 3 longitudinal ribs were applied on each side, the maximum improvement was about 76% compared to the buckling critical load of the bottle without ribs. Therefore, it was concluded that for effective stiffness reinforcement of a 500ml square bottle with a thickness of 0.5mm, 3 square-shaped ribs with an aspect ratio of 0.2 should be applied in the longitudinal direction relative to the axial direction of the bottle.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.243-256
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• 2024

Objective: We aimed to investigate whether 2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (2-[¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT) can aid in evaluating the risk of malignancy in ampullary tumors detected by endoscopy. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed 155 patients (79 male, 76 female; mean age, 65.7 ± 12.7 years) receiving 2-[¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT for endoscopy-detected ampullary tumors 5-87 days (median, 7 days) after the diagnostic endoscopy between June 2007 and December 2020. The final diagnosis was made based on histopathological findings. The PET imaging parameters were compared with clinical data and endoscopic features. A model to predict the risk of malignancy, based on PET, endoscopy, and clinical findings, was generated and validated using multivariable logistic regression analysis and an additional bootstrapping method. The final model was compared with standard endoscopy for the diagnosis of ampullary cancer using the DeLong test. Results: The mean tumor size was 17.1 ± 7.7 mm. Sixty-four (41.3%) tumors were benign, and 91 (58.7%) were malignant. Univariable analysis found that ampullary neoplasms with a blood-pool corrected peak standardized uptake value in earlyphase scan (SUVe) ≥ 1.7 were more likely to be malignant (odds ratio [OR], 16.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.13-36.18; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified the presence of jaundice (adjusted OR [aOR], 4.89; 95% CI, 1.80-13.33; P = 0.002), malignant traits in endoscopy (aOR, 6.80; 95% CI, 2.41-19.20; P < 0.001), SUVe ≥ 1.7 in PET (aOR, 5.43; 95% CI, 2.00-14.72; P < 0.001), and PET-detected nodal disease (aOR, 5.03; 95% CI, 1.16-21.86; P = 0.041) as independent predictors of malignancy. The model combining these four factors predicted ampullary cancers better than endoscopic diagnosis alone (area under the curve [AUC] and 95% CI: 0.925 [0.874-0.956] vs. 0.815 [0.732-0.873], P < 0.001). The model demonstrated an AUC of 0.921 (95% CI, 0.816-0.967) in candidates for endoscopic papillectomy. Conclusion: Adding 2-[¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT to endoscopy can improve the diagnosis of ampullary cancer and may help refine therapeutic decision-making, particularly when contemplating endoscopic papillectomy.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.349-361
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• 2023

Objective: To quantitatively assess the pulmonary vasculature using non-contrast computed tomography (CT) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) pre- and post-treatment and correlate CT-based parameters with right heart catheterization (RHC) hemodynamic and clinical parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients with CTEPH (mean age, 57.9 years; 53% female) who received multimodal treatment, including riociguat for ≥ 16 weeks with or without balloon pulmonary angioplasty and underwent both non-contrast CT for pulmonary vasculature analysis and RHC pre- and post-treatment were included. The radiographic analysis included subpleural perfusion parameters, including blood volume in small vessels with a cross-sectional area ≤ 5 mm² (BV5) and total blood vessel volume (TBV) in the lungs. The RHC parameters included mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and cardiac index (CI). Clinical parameters included the World Health Organization (WHO) functional class and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD). Results: The number, area, and density of the subpleural small vessels increased after treatment by 35.7% (P < 0.001), 13.3% (P = 0.028), and 39.3% (P < 0.001), respectively. The blood volume shifted from larger to smaller vessels, as indicated by an 11.3% increase in the BV5/TBV ratio (P = 0.042). The BV5/TBV ratio was negatively correlated with PVR (r = -0.26; P = 0.035) and positively correlated with CI (r = 0.33; P = 0.009). The percent change across treatment in the BV5/TBV ratio correlated with the percent change in mPAP (r = -0.56; P = 0.001), PVR (r = -0.64; P < 0.001), and CI (r = 0.28; P = 0.049). Furthermore, the BV5/TBV ratio was inversely associated with the WHO functional classes I-IV (P = 0.004) and positively associated with 6MWD (P = 0.013). Conclusion: Non-contrast CT measures could quantitatively assess changes in the pulmonary vasculature in response to treatment and were correlated with hemodynamic and clinical parameters.