• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.197-204
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• 2008

The purpose of this paper was to develop a rehabilitation training system which is controlled by electric currents to the Magneto-Rheological dampers system. This system provided the function for the training of the unbalance of the lower extremities. 10 subjects executed the tracing and moving exercises which are presented through the display monitor and confirmed own the capability of performance on the task. The electromyographies of the four muscles in lower extremities were recorded and analyzed in the time and frequency domain the muscles of interest were rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior. The experimental results showed that subjects had a task under feedback mode then subjects improve the capability of performance, increasing the in time, decreasing the out time and the distance of body shift. The moving average EMG, spectral energy of four muscle is lower the feedback mode than the constant mode. This could aid the hemiplegic patients to train more easily.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.4 no.6
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• pp.809-828
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• 2008

Real-time hybrid testing is an attractive method to evaluate the response of structures under earthquake loads. The method is a variation of the pseudodynamic testing technique in which the experiment is executed in real time, thus allowing investigation of structural systems with time-dependent components. Real-time hybrid testing is challenging because it requires performance of all calculations, application of displacements, and acquisition of measured forces, within a very small increment of time. Furthermore, unless appropriate compensation for time delays and actuator time lag is implemented, stability problems are likely to occur during the experiment. This paper presents an approach for real-time hybrid testing in which time delay/lag compensation is implemented using model-based response prediction. The efficacy of the proposed strategy is verified by conducting substructure real-time hybrid testing of a steel frame under earthquake loads. For the initial set of experiments, a specimen with linear-elastic behavior is used. Experimental results agree well with the analytical solution and show that the proposed approach and testing system are capable of achieving a time-scale expansion factor of one (i.e., real time). Additionally, the proposed method allows accurate testing of structures with larger frequencies than when using conventional time delay compensation methods, thus extending the capabilities of the real-time hybrid testing technique. The method is then used to test a structure with a rate-dependent energy dissipation device, a magnetorheological damper. Results show good agreement with the predicted responses, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method to test rate-dependent components.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1996 no.11
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• pp.157-160
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• 1996

In this paper, reconstruction algorithms of spiral scan imaging which has been used for ultra fast magnetic resonance imaging have been reviewed, and some simulation results using two different algorithms are reported. Since the trajectory of the spiral scan in k-space is the spiral, reconstruction of the spiral scan is not as straight forward as that used in Fourier imaging technique where the sampling points are usually on the rectangular grids. Originally the reconstruction of the spiral scan imaging was based on the convolution backprojection algorithm modified with a shift term, however, some other reconstruction techniques have also been tried by remapping sampling points from spiral trajectory to Cartesian grids. Some experimental aspects of MR spiral scan imaging will also be addressed.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2012

Purpose : To determine the optimal combination of commercially available superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles with transfection agents (TA). Materials and Methods: Protamine sulfate (Pro) and poly-L-lysin (PLL) were incubated with ferumoxide and ferucarbotran in human mesenchymal stem cells at various concentrations, and cellular viability were evaluated. Cellular iron uptake was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. Cell visibility was assessed via MR imaging and the T2-relaxation time was calculated. Results: The cellular viabilities with ferucarbotran were more significantly decreased than those with ferumoxide (p < 0.05). Iron uptake with ferumoxide was significantly higher than that for those with with ferucarbotran. The T2-relaxation time was observed to be shorter with ferumoxide in comparison to those with ferucarbotran (p < 0.05). Ferumoxide at a concentration of 25 ${\mu}g$/ml in combination with either Pro or PLL at a concentration of 3.0 ${\mu}g$/ml did not adversely impact cell viability, maximized iron uptake, and exhibited a lower T2-relaxation time in comparison to other combinations. Conclusion: Stem cells with ferumoxide exhibited a higher cellular viability and iron uptake in comparison to ferucarbotran-treated stem cells. A 25 ${\mu}g$/ml of ferumoxide with a 3.0 ${\mu}g$/ml of TA is sufficient to label mesenchymal stem cells.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.211-216
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• 2000

In this paper, experimental investigations were carried out to remove NOx, SOx simultaneously from a simulated combustion flue gas [$NO(0.02%)-SO_2(0.08%)-CO_2-Air-N_2$] by using a pulse corona induced plasma chemical processing. Discharge domain of wire-cylindrical plasma reactor was separated from a gas flow duct to avoid unstable discharge by aerosol particle deposited on discharge electrode and grounded electrode. The NOx, SOx removal was experimentally investigated by a reaction induced to ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate using a low price of aqueous NaOH solution and a small quantity of ammonia. Volume percentage of aqueous NaOH solution used was 20% and $N_2$ flow rate was $2.5{\ell}/min$ for bubbling aqueous NaOH solution. Ammonia gas(l4.82%) balanced by argon was diluted by air and was introduced to a main simulated flue gas duct through $NH_3$ injection system which was in downstream of reactor. The $NH_3$ molecular ratio(MR) was determined based on [$NH_3$] and [$NO+SO_2$]. MR is 1.5. The NOx removal rates increased in the order of DC, AC and pulse, but SOx removal rates was not significantly effected by source of electricity. The NOx removal rate slightly decreased with increasing initial concentration. but SOx removal rate was not significantly affected by initial concentration. The NOx, SOx removal rates decreased with increasing gas flow rate.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.512-518
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• 2002

Purpose : Cerebral palsies are the most common and severe motor disabilities in childhood. There is currently increased interest in their occurrence and patterns of likely cause for a variety of reasons. Therefore, a retrospective study was carried out to understand the clinical features of cerebral palsy. Methods : A retrospective chart review was conducted of all children with cerebral palsy who were diagnosed at St. Benedict Hospital between March 1999 and March 2001. Results : Cerebral palsy patients were classified into 6 major groups. Of six groups, spastic diplegia is the most common type of cerebral palsy(55.3%). The risk factors of cerebral palsy were placenta previa(1 case), placenta abruption(1 case), cytomegalovirus infection(1 case), prematurity (53 cases), neonatal asphyxia(12 cases), dystocia(2 cases), breech delivery(1 case), multiple birth(5 cases), head trauma(3 cases), meningitis(2 cases) and unknown(26 cases). Among the 59 in the preterm group, 37 patients showed MR or CT images of periventricular leukomalacia. Among the 44 in the term group, 15 patients showed MR or CT images of atrophy. Among 103 patients, 29 patients(28.2%) had a seizure disorder. Conclusion : It is very importent to understand the clinical features and risk factors of cerebral palsy for physicians to diagnose and manage cerebral palsy patient.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetic Resonance Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.48-60
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to design and build an optimized birdcage resonator configuration with a low pass filter, which would facilitate the acquisition of high-resolution 3D-image of small animals at 3T MRI system. Methods and Materials: The birdcage resonator with 12-element structures was built, in order to ensure B1 homogeneity over the image volume and maximum filling factor, and hence to maximize the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and resolution of the 3-dimensional images. The diameter and length of each element of a birdcage resonator were as follows: (1) diameter 13 cm, length 22 cm, (2) diameter 15 cm, length 22 cm, (3) diameter 17 cm, length 25 cm. Spin echo pulse sequence and fast spin echo pulse sequence were employed in obtaining MR images. The quality of the manufactured birdcage resonators wes evaluated on the basis of the return loss following matching and tuning process. Results: The experimental MR image of phantoms by the various manufactured birdcage resonators were obtained to compare the SNR in accordance with the size of objects. The size of an object to that of coil was identified by parameters that were estimated from the image of a phantom. First, the diameter of the birdcage resonator was 15cm, and the ratio of the tangerine to the birdcage resonator accounted for approximately 27%. The Q factor was 53.2 and the SNR was 150.7. Second, at the same birdcage resonator, the ratio of the orange was approximately 53%. The SNR and the Q parameter was 212.8 and 91.2, respectively. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that if birdcage resonators have the same forms, SNR could be different depending on the size of an object, especially when the size of an object to that of coil is approximately 40~80%, the former is bigger than the latter. Therefore, when the size of an object to be observed is smaller than that of coil, the coil should be manufactured in accordance with the size of an object in order to obtain much more excellent images.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.248-254
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to figure out how uptake counts of technetium ($^{99m}Tc$) among radioisotopes in the human body are affected if computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and isotope examination are performed consecutively. $^{99m}Tc$ isotope material, iodinated contrast media for CT and paramagnetic contrast media for magnetic resonance (MR) were used as experimental materials. First, $^{99m}Tc$ was added to 4 cc normal saline in a test tube. Then, 2 cc of CT contrast media such as $Iopamidol^{(R)}$ and $Dotarem^{(R)}$ were diluted with 2 cc normal saline, and 2cc of MRI contrast media such as $Primovist^{(R)}$ and $Gadovist^{(R)}$ were diluted with 2 cc normal saline. Each distributed contrast media was a total of 4 cc and included 10m Ci of $^{99m}Tc$. A gamma camera, a LEHR (Low energy high resolution) collimator and a pin-hole collimator were used for image acquisition. Image acquisition was repeated a total of 6 times and 120 frames were obtained and uptake counts of $^{99m}Tc$ were measured (from this procedure). In this study, as a result of measuring the uptake counts of $^{99m}Tc$ using the LEHR collimator, the uptake counts were less measured in all contrast media than normal saline as a reference. In particular, the lowest uptake counts were measured when $Gadovist^{(R)}$, contrast media for MRI, was used. However, the result of measuring the uptake counts of $^{99m}Tc$ using the pin-hole collimator showed higher uptake counts in all contrast media, except for $Iopamidol^{(R)}$, than normal saline as a reference. The highest uptake counts were measured particularly when $Primovist^{(R)}$, contrast media for MRI, was used. In performing the gamma camera examination using contrast media and $^{99m}Tc$, it is considered significant to check the changes in the uptake counts to improve various diagnosis values.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2008

Purpose : To compare Multi Echo Data Image Combination (MEDIC) and fast SE T2-weighted images with fat saturation (T2FS) to suggest more accurate evaluation of the histologic components of soft-tissue tumors. Materials and Methods : The experimental group included 25 histologic tissues (5 vascular, 4 neural, 4 fibrous, 4 hypercellular, 2 hemorrhagic necroses, 2 cystic, 2 lipoid, 1 myxoid stroma, and 1 thrombus) in 10 patients who had pathologically confirmed schwannoma (n = 3), hemangioma (n = 2), lipoma (n = 1), angiokeratoma (n = 1), synovial sarcoma (n = 1), liposarcoma (n = 1), and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (n = 1). The inhomogeneity values were measured using the standard deviation value (SD) divided by the mean value as SD presents an error amount similar to that of imaging heterogeneity. Results : The inhomogeneity values of 25 histologic components were lower on MEDIC than those on T2FS (p < .001). Conclusion : We conclude that MEDIC is more accurate than T2FS for evaluating the tissue components of soft-tissue tumors using digitalized data because MEDIC images have far lower inhomogeneity.

• Fibers and Polymers
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.389-397
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• 2006

The beneficial effects of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in prophylaxis and treatment of venous disorders of human lower extremity have been recognized. However, their pressure functional performances are variable and unstable in practical applications, and the exact mechanisms of action remain controversial. Direct surface pressure measurements and indirect material properties testing are not enough for fully understanding the interaction between stocking and leg. A three dimensional (3D) biomechanical mathematical model for numerically simulating the interaction between leg and GCS in dynamic wear was developed based on the actual geometry of the female leg obtained from 3D reconstruction of MR images and the real size and mechanical properties of the compression stocking prototype. The biomechanical solid leg model consists of bones and soft tissues, and an orthotropic shell model is built for the stocking hose. The dynamic putting-on process is simulated by defining the contact of finite relative sliding between the two objects. The surface pressure magnitude and distribution along the different height levels of the leg and stress profiles of stockings were simulated. As well, their dynamic alterations with time processing were quantitatively analyzed. Through validation, the simulated results showed a reasonable agreement with the experimental measurements, and the simulated pressure gradient distribution from the ankle to the thigh (100:67:30) accorded with the advised criterion by the European committee for standardization. The developed model can be used to predict and visualize the dynamic pressure and stress performances exerted by compression stocking in wear, and to optimize the material mechanical properties in stocking design, thus, helping us understand mechanisms of compression action and improving medical functions of GCS.