• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.343-349
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• 2004

Electroglottograph(EGG) is a signal recorded from the vocal cord vibration by measuring electrical impedance across the vocal folds through the neck skin. The purpose of this study was to develop EGG system and to evaluate possibility for the application on speech analysis and laryngeal disease diagnosis. EGG system was composed of two pairs of ring electrodes, tuned amplifier, phase sensitive detector, low pass filter, and auto-gain controller. It was designed to extract electric impedance after detecting by amplitude modulation method with 2.7MHz carrier signal. Extracted signals were transmitted through line-in of PC sound card, sampled and quantized. Closed Quotient(CQ), Speed Quotient(SQ), Speed Index(SI), fundamental frequency of vocal cord vibration(F0), pitch variability of vocal fold vibration (Jitter), and peak-to-peak amplitude variability of vocal fold vibration(Shimmer) were analyzed as EGG parameters. Experimental results were as follows: the faster vocal fold vibration, the higher values in CQ parameter and the lower values in SQ and SI parameters. EGG and speech signals had the same fundamental frequency. CQ, SQ, and SI were significantly different between normal subjects and patients with laryngeal cancer. These results suggest that it is possible to implement portable EGG system to monitor the function of vocal cord and to test functional changes of the glottis.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.21-25
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• 2010

Burnup of spent fuel should be determined accurately for the safety control of spent fuel. Especially, it is necessary to measure the burnup profile along the nuclear fuel axis. In the present work, an ionization chamber was designed and fabricated to measure the gamma ray profile inside the guide tube of spent fuel. The ionization chamber was composed of three parts; induction part, gas-inlet part, and sensor part. The sensor part had two electrodes; cathode and anode. A guide electrode was considered in the ionization chamber design to make the ionization chamber to be inserted easily into the guide tube. Pure gas (argon and xenon) was inserted into the ionization chamber, and the leakage current and saturation curve were measured to determine the operation characteristics of the ionization chamber. The gamma ray radiation was also measured in relatively high dose environment. The gamma ray profile of the spent fuel will be measured with the ionization chamber.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.172-178
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• 2014

In this work, we describe an electrochemical immunosensor for simple, fast and quantitative detection of a urinary hippuric acid (HA). Urinary HA, of molecular weight 180 DA, is one of the major metabolites and biological indicators in toluene-exposed humans. Simple and ubiquitous monitoring of exposure to toluene is very important in occupational health care. We propose the electrochemical immunoassay based on the dopamine-antigen conjugate for detecting hippuric acid. Our electrochemical immunoassay system employs a conjugate of dopamine (DA) as an electrochemical active molecule and hippuric acid (HA) as an antigen. As an electrochemical aspect, dopamine (DA) containing two hydroxyl group can show excellent redox signal. Also, dopamine-tethered hippuric acid (DA-HA) shows the reversible redox signal in the immunoassay. The competition between HA and DA-HA generated electric signals proportional to HA concentration. The electrochemical immunoassay was performed with DA-HA on the screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), and then applies the mixture antigen (HA) and HA-antibody. The electrical signals were proportional to HA in the range of 0.010~2.500 mg/mL which is enough range to be used for the point-of-care.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.347-357
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to compare EMG and GRF during a free throw. Seven pairs of surface electrodes were attached to the right-hand side of the body to monitor the flexor carpi radialis (FC), extensor carpi radialis longus (EC), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (GM). GRF data from two force platform were collected during a free throw. The results showed that the muscle activities in the unskilled group must be highly activated prior to the moment of release. This means that a skilled participant can shoot a free throw more efficiently while producing less muscle activeness than an unskilled participant. The DCP of unskilled group in the medio-lateral direction were greater than the corresponding values in skilled group. This showed that the unskilled group were not able to shoot the free throws stably. Thus, when a teacher or instructor teaches students how to shoot free throw, it is considered that the teacher show the learner how to use not only the upper limbs but also lower limbs on the basis of the efficent connecting movement and the flexibility in a stable procedure.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.89-112
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• 2002

The earliest reports of the use of electrical energy to directly stimulate bone healing seem to be in 1853 from England, the techniques involved the introduction of direct current into the non-united fracture site percutaneously via metallic needles, with subsequent healing of the defect. One endpoint of the periodontal therapy is to generate structure lost by periodontal diseases. Several procedural advances may support regeneration of attachment, however, regeneration of alveolar bone does not occur consistently. Therefore, factors which stimulate bone repair are areas for research in periodontal reconstructive therapy. Effects of cytokines or growth factors on bone repair are examples of such areas. Another one is electrical current which occurs in bone naturally, so that such bone may be particularly susceptible to electrical therapy. The purposes of this study were to observe the effects of electrical stimulation on the normal periodontium, to determine whether the electricity is the useful means for periodontal regeneration or not. Forty rats weighted about 100 gram were used and divided into 4 groups, the first group, there was no electrical stimulation with the connection of electrodes only. In the second group, there was stimulated by the 10 mA during 10 minutes per a day, in the third group was stimulated by the 25 mA , and the fourth by the 50 mA. At 3, 5, 10 and 15 days post-appliance , two rats in each group were serially sacrificed. and the maxillae and the mandible processed to paraffin, and the specimens were prepared with Hematoxylin-Eosin stain for the light microscopic evaluation. The results of this study were as follows : 1. There was the distinct reversal line on the lingual alveolar crest, whereas a little changes in the labial alveolarcrest to the duration and amount of currents. 2. In 50 mA group, the cells were highly concentrated at the apex of anterior teeth, and was observed the necrotic tissue. In posterior root apex, the hypercementosis was appeared, and newly formed cementum layer has been increased continuously with the time. 3. The periodontal ligament fiber and Sharpey's fiber were arranged in order, and the bone trabeculae were increased as the experiment proceeded by, relatively the bone marrows were decreased. 4. In the pulp tissue, the blood vessels were increased with blood congestion in the experimetal specimens remarkably, and the dentinal tubules were obstructed . 5. The osteoblasts in alveolar bone proper had been showed highly activity, and also observed the formation of bone trabeculea. In the conclusion, it was suggested that the electrical stimulation has influence on the periodontium and the pulp tissue. However, there might be the injurious effects.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.749-758
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• 2011

The present work explores the performance and operation limit of electrodialysis cell for HI concentration in sulfur iodine thermochemical hydrogen production process, For this purpose, the electrodialysis cell was assembled with Nafion 117 as a PEM membrane and two activated carbon papers as the electrodes. HIx solution was prepared with composition of HI: $I_2$: $H_2O$ = 1: 0.5~2.5: 5.2 in molar ratio. The cell and its peripheral apparatus were placed in the specially designed convective oven in order to uniformly maintain the operation temperature. As operation temperature increased, the amount of water transport from anode to cathode increased, thus reducing HI molarity in catholyte. Meanwhile, the current efficiency was constant as about 90 %, irrespective of temperature change. The cell voltage increased with initial $I_2$ mole ratio as well as anolyte to catholyte mole ratio. Moreover the cell voltage overshot took place within 10 h cell operation, which is due to the $I_2$ precipitation inside the cell. From the analysis of $I_2$ mole ratio in the anolyte, it is noted that operation limit (in $I_2$ mole ratio) of the electrodialysis cell, arising from was measured to be 3.2, which is much lower than bulk solubility limit of 4.7.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.95-103
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was to investigate the regulatory effect of electro-acupuncture on Jogsamni ($ST_{36}$) in bradygastric condition or gastroparesis which is a neuropathic complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), assessed using 4-channel electrogastrography (EGG). Methods : It was a case series study. Each patient was given electro-acupuncture(EA) one point, Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) or Gyeonu($LI_{15}$) bilaterally for thirty minutes with 2Hz bipolar square wave frequency and moderate intensity of stimulation. With attaching electrodes around stomach region throughout pre-acupuncture, acupuncture, and post-acupuncture session, these parameters were produced; percent rate of bradygastria power compared to sum of power in all kind of gastric rhythm(% bradygastria), dominant frequency(DF) and dominant power(DP). Parameter was analysed per each channel's variable change from pre-acupuncture session by paired t-test. Results : There was statistically significant decrease in % bradygastria parameters on one of the $ST_{36}$ treated patients from pre-acupuncture session and to post-acupuncture session(P=0.015, P=0.008 respectively). A marginal significant decrease of DP was shown in the other $ST_{36}$ treated patient from pre-acupuncture session through post-acupuncture session(P=0.049). Combined data of two $ST_{36}$ Treated patients showed that there was significant decrease of %bradygastria from pre-acupuncture session to acupuncture session(P=0.020), and was decrease of DP from pre-acupuncture session to post- acupuncture session(P=0.020). Conclusions : EA at $ST_{36}$ resulted in statistically significant decrease in %bradygastria and DP for dysrhythmic condition in T2DM gastroparesis patients. Considering this limited results, further study will be needed to elucidate the effect of multiple-acupuncture on gastric myoelectrical activities.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2005

Objectives: Although electro-acupuncture is being utilized to reduce weight in Korea, its usefulness in obesity management has not been fully evaluated yet. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Electro-acupuncture on thigh circumference. Methods: 12 healthy volunteers participated in this study. We measured the circumference of both thighs, and treated the thicker one with transcutaneous electro-acupuncture at 8 acupoints, 10 times in total. The electrical parameters were : 1st step frequency set was at 15Hz and the treatment proceeded for 50 minutes, 2nd step at 50Hz for 10 minutes and at 3rd step the acupunctures were removed and electrodes were attached on the lower limb at 166Hz for 15 minutes. In order to evaluate the effect of the treatment, total body weight, percentage of body fat and thigh circumference were measured 4 times. Before the treatment, after 5th and 10th treatment and 1 month after completion of the whole treating procedure. Statistical significance(P<0.05) was determined using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. We did not control diet, exercise and lifestyle of the volunteers. Results: No significant change was shown in body weight after 10 times of treatment. Yet the thigh circumference of effect group significantly decreased after 5th treatment and 10th treatment. The circumference of control group that was not treated by electro-acupuncture significantly decreased too. At first, difference between the two thighs in circumference was obvious, but no difference was left after 10 times of treatments on the thicker thigh. Percentage of body fat was significantly decreased. 1 month after having completed the treatment, there was no significant difference of body weight, thigh circumferences and percentage of body fat. Conclusion: These results suggest that electro-acupuncture effectively regulates regional fat, body fat percentage and body shape.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 1971

Studies were undertaken on the changes in the renal blood flow by relating them with the alterations in the amplitudes in the rheogram of rabbits. The changing pattern of the electrical conductivity was recorded by means of the needle electrodes inserted into the kidney and the surrounding aluminium foil which was grounded. The Impedance Rheograph manufactured by the Narco Company was used. The small artifact which persisted after ligation of the renal vessels was subtracted from the value obtained in each pulsatile wave in the rheogram. The animals were nembutalized intravenously, 30 mg/kg. A plastic canule was inserted into the carotid artery and the arterial blood pressure was monitored continuously with the pressure transducer connected to the physiograph. Stepwise bleedings were performed on the animal. The first bleeding was between 13 to 18 ml in the amount, and it was folowed by consecutive hemorrhages, 5 or 10 ml each time. The total amount of bleeding was summed as much as 1.5-2% of the body weight. Two minutes fter each bleeding th arterial blood pressure, ECG and the rheogram were taken. That was the necessary time to obtain the stabilized picture of each parameter. After closing the bleeding process, the shed blood was retransfused into the animal and the response in the renal blood flow was observed as well as the arterial blood pressure. Particularly the presence or absence of the autoregulatory mechanism in the situation of the hemorrhage was also studied. The results obtained were as follows: 1. In 7 cases out of 22, that was about one third of the total number of experiments, the autoregulatory mechanism of the renal blood flow persisted even in acute hemorrhage, and the decreases in the renal blood flow were less than 10% of the control values even when the arterial blood pressure dropped to 66-87% of the original value obtained before the bleeding. 2. Because of the stepwise bleeding the exact blood pressure at which the renal blood flow reduced as much as one third of the control value could not be obtained. However, the results revealed that the approximate pressure, expressed as percentage of the control value, was 50-60% in 3 cases, 61-70% in 4 cases and 71-80% in 8 cases. In one case the decrease in the renal blood flow exceeded one third of the control value before the pressure dropped to 80% of the control. 3. In 19 cases the decreases in the renal blood flow exceeded one half of the control values by hemorrhage. Then the arterial blood pressure revealed less than 40% of the control value in 6-cases. In 2 cases the pressure was 51-60% of the control pressure. In 5 cases the range of bleed pressure was 61-70%, and in e remaining 6 cases the pressure ranged from 71 to 80% of e control value. 4. Out of 15 cases of retransfusion after definite decreases in the renal blood flow loller·ing the hemorrhage, 9 cases restored their renal blood flow. On the contrary 6 cases showed low values even when the shed blood was retransfused. 5. Theories concerning the mechanism of the autoregulation of the renal blood flow were reviewed for the purpose of explanation of the results obtained. However, there are much to be done before greater satisfaction

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2007

Background: Lumbar zygapophysial joints are a common source of chronic lower back pain and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF) of the medial branches (MB) has been shown to be effective at providing substantial pain relief for chronic low back pain. Therefore, we carried out this study to determine the short term outcomes and prognostic factors of RF on the MB of patients with lumbar facet syndrome. Methods: We performed RF in fourteen patients who showed greater than 80% pain relief up to three times after a diagnostic MB block was conducted using 0.3 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine. Using 10 cm curved electrodes with 10-mm active tip, a 60 second, $80^{\circ}C$ lesion was made after electrical stimulation at 50 Hz for sensory and 2 Hz for motor nerve testing. The degree of pain relief was then assessed after 2 weeks, and again after 3 months using a visual analog scale (VAS) and a four point Likert scale. The outcome was regarded as 'success' if at least a 50% reduction in the VAS was observed. Possible prognostic factors between the two groups were also evaluated Results: The success rate was 71.4% (10/14) after three months of follow-up. However, there were transient complications, such as neuritis like syndrome, in 4 patients. In addition, short symptom duration and low minimal voltage (< 0.4 V) for sensory stimulation were shown to be the relevant prognostic factors for a successful outcome. Conclusions: RF may be an alternative to repeated MB block or intraarticular injection for palliation of lumbar facet syndrome. For better outcomes, early diagnosis and strict patient selection should be coupled with efforts to avoid anatomically incorrect RF.