Search

Background Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) is widely used as a medicinal plant to treat various inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SB on periodontitis in ligature-induced experimental rat model. Methods Rats were subjected to a ligature placement around the first molar of the mandible to induce periodontitis. 100 mg/kg SB extracts were orally administered for 14 days. The molar tissues were stained with 1% methylene blue. Histopathological changes of the periodontium were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of cytokines were measured in the gingival tissue. Results Alveolar bone resorption was statistically lower in the SB group compared to the ligatured group. SB inhibited the mineralization of cementum. In addition, SB reduced the production of IL-1β, 6, -8 and TNF-α cytokine mRNA expression in gingival tissues. Conclusion These results suggest that SB showed ameliorative effects in the ligature-induced periodontitis by inhibition of inflammatory cytokine expression.

Porous zinc oxide (ZnO) spheres were synthesized by facile low temperature solution route. The as-synthesized porous ZnO spheres were characterized in detail in terms of their morphological, structural, optical and photocatalytic properties using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM, equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy and Raman-scattering measurements. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis was performed to determine pore size distribution from the adsorption isotherm curves using the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method. Morphological and structural characterizations showed porous nature of ZnO spheres with high surface area, good crystallinity, wurtzite hexagonal phase and good optical features. Next, ZnO spheres were studied as photocatalyst for photodegradation of harmful dye, methyl orange (MO). Under ultraviolet light irradiation, the decrease in MO dye concentration was monitored by UV–visible spectroscopy at different time intervals until the dye was completely degraded to colorless end product. Rapid MO dye decomposition was observed with a degradation rate of ~ 96.3% within the initial 120 min, which is attributed to the porous nature, large specific surface area (114.6 m2 g− 1), narrow pore size distribution (~ 2.5 to 25 nm) evaluated from N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms analysis and excellent electron accepting features of the engineered porous ZnO spheres.

A plasma process for methane conversion into acetylene is proposed. Acetylene is one of the basic materials used in the chemical industry and its production is predominantly based on chemical processing of naphtha and CaC 2 . The recent increase in shale gas production makes acetylene production from methane a feasible expectation. This study provides data on the lowest cost of acetylene production from methane by a plasma process. The proposed plasma process is based on an effective rotating arc reactor. The rotating arc provides a relatively low reaction temperature, achieving a high carbon balance. Through a study of reaction parameters and the effect of H 2 as a reactant additive, the mechanism of methane conversion was analyzed. The proposed process showed a high efficiency with a minimum process cost of approximately 9 kWh/kg-C 2 H 2 .

A conventional diesel burner has arisen several shortcomings, such a large supply of air for a stoichiometric combustion, and a long heat-up time to reach the light-off temperature of catalyst in a diesel after-treatment system. This study shows a promising potential of using a plasma reformer for staged diesel combustion with minimized air and fuel consumption, and increased the flame stability with low NOx emission. A working principle of a plasma fuel reformer for staged combustion is explained in detail by both visualizing the plasma-assisted flame and analyzing the gas products. The concentrations of H2, CO, NOx and the unburned total hydrocarbons were measured by gas chromatography and a commercial gas analyzer. Considering the operating condition of diesel exhaust gas is too harsh to maintain a stable diesel flame with a conventional diesel burner, plasma fuel reformer has distinctive advantages in stable flame anchoring under the condition of low oxygen concentration and fast flow speed. The re-ignition and stable flame anchoring by entrapment of oxygen in exhaust gas is mainly attributed to the low ignition energy and high diffusion velocity of hydrogen molecule. From an economic point of view, plasma reformer is also the only technology which can use only 1/3–1/8 of the air required for the stoichiometric burning of a conventional diesel burner. A conventional burner was simulated and analyzed to consume up to 30 % more fuel compared to the plasma reformer with the staged combustion to get the same level of temperature elevation in a real diesel engine scale.

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and high blood glucose level from progressive insulin secretory defect. The rhizome of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. (AJ) has been used for treatment of retention of water in oriental medicine. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of AJ on type 2 diabetes rats. Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced by 60% high fat diet and low dose streptozotocin. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6); Nor (normal control group), Con (diabetic group treated with vehicle), Met (diabetic group treated with 200 mg/kg metformin) and AJ (diabetic group treated with 100 mg/kg AJ). The body weights and food intakes were measured during the treatment period. After 4 weeks treatment, blood glucose level, HOMA-IR, and protein expressions of IRS-1, p-IRS-1, PPAR-γ, and GLUT4 were measured, and histopathological examination of beta cell was performed. Results: Compared with the control group, blood glucose level and HOMA-IR were reduced in rats treated with AJ. Impaired beta cells in pancreas of rats were recovered and phosphorylation of IRS-1 was increased in rats treated with AJ. And also, protein expressions of PPAR-γ and GLUT4 were increased by treatment of AJ. Conclusions: The results suggest that Atractylodes japonica Koidz. may have anti-diabetic effect on type 2 diabetic rats through regulation of blood glucose level and insulin resistance. Therefore Atractylodes japonica Koidz. may have positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes.

In this study, the characteristic behavior of a rotating arc was investigated. Various modes, depending on the electric power supplied, can be observed in a rotating arc. Each mode produces different discharge characteristics and thermal environments and, accordingly, chemical processes hosted in the plasma reaction volume can be controlled differently in each mode. General thermal to non-thermal transitions observed in a gliding arc are based on the longitudinal expansion of the arc column. In a rotating arc, the reverse transition or non-thermal to thermal transition can be hosted by controlling the reactor geometry. The reverse transition can be achieved by self-adjustment of the arc column where longitudinal expansion of the arc column is confined. The reverse transition enhances the conversion efficiency of electric power to thermal energy. Then, optimization of thermal activation was obtained by controlling the mode of operation, and it was verified using the NH3 decomposition reaction.

Stronger regulations on nitrogen oxide (NOx) production have recently promoted the creation of a diverse array of technologies for NOx reduction, particularly within the combustion process, where reduction is least expensive. In this paper, we discuss a new combustion technology that can reduce NOx emissions within industrial burners to single-digit parts per million levels without employing exhaust gas recirculation or other NOx reduction mechanisms. This new technology uses a simple modification of commercial burners, such that they are able to perform plasma-assisted staged combustion without altering the outer configuration of the commercial reference burner. We embedded the first-stage combustor within the head of the commercial reference burner, where it operated as a reformer that could host a partial oxidation process, producing hydrogen-rich reformate or synthesis gas product. The resulting hydrogen-rich flow then ignited and stabilized the combustion flame apart from the burner rim. Ultimately, the enhanced mixing and removal of hot spots with a widened flame area acted as the main mechanisms of NOx reduction. Because this plasma burner acted as a low NOx burner and was able to reduce NOx by more than half compared to the commercial reference burner, this methodology offers important cost-effective possibilities for NOx reduction in industrial applications.

An attempt has been made to optimize elongated rotating arc plasma scrubber. Among diverse semiconductor processes, diffusion and implantation process inevitably produce as byproduct and efficient dry process for the decomposition of is required. Plasma process does not produce NOx that is commonly produced in combustion process and there is no problem of deactivation, usually experienced in catalyst process. However, plasma process uses electrical energy and needs to be optimized to achieve feasibility of application. In this work, mode control of rotating arc is presented as tentative solution for the possible optimization of the process. Based on existing rotating arc, scale-up and following mode mapping was tried. Proposed reactor design was evaluated in the decomposition process and revealed that optimization scheme is at hand. In the experiment of full scale scrubber including heat exchanger, the process gave more stable and efficient process of decomposition.

New techniques of ultrasonic welding and seam sealing have been developed instead of conventional sew-ing method to improve the performance of seam part of outdoor. The effects of the welding speed, seam sealing speedand washing cycle on the physical properties of seamed fabrics were investigated in this paper. The tenacity of seamedfabrics by welding after seam sealing process is about 70% of the tenacity of the seamed fabrics by conventional sew-ing after seam sealing process. The increase in speed of welding and seam sealing causes decrease in tenacity ofseamed fabrics. The hydrostatic resistance and water vapor transport phenomena of welded fabrics are also discussed.The washing process affects the properties of seamed fabrics very slightly. Keywords: ultrasonic welding, seam sealing, tenacity, bursting strength, hydrostatic resistance, water vapor transport, washingcycle 1. 서 론 최근 국내 아웃 도어 시장의 급성장으로 인하여 아웃도어 의류 제품의 성능과 디자인에 대한 소비자들의 만족도를 높이기 위한 섬유 및 의류 업체에서의 아웃 도어 의류제품 개발이 가속화되고 있다[1-4]. 제품 개발은 소재 뿐만아니라 아웃 도어 의류의 성능과 디자인을 향상시킬 수 있는 봉제 부분에도 적용되고 있다[5,6]. 아웃 도어 의류에 주로 사용되는 투습 방수 원단은 가름솔로 봉제되며, 봉제된심(seam)에 빗물이 투과되는 것을 방지하기 위하여 심 실링 테이프로 심 실링하는 것이 일반적이나, 최근 의류 산업에서는 재봉틀을 사용하지 않고 심을 형성하여 심의 시접 분량을 줄이고 심 퍼커링을 줄임으로서 의복의 2.착용감과 외관을 향상시키려 하고 있다[7,8]. 기존의 재봉사를 사용하지 않고 심을 융착(welding)하는방법으로는 Thermo-Compression(T/C), Thermosonic(T/S),Ultrasonic(U/S), Tape Automated Bonding(TAB)의 4가지방법이 대표적이다. 이 중에서 초음파 융착(ultrasonicwelding)은 열을 가하지 않고 압력과 초음파 에너지로 융착하는방식으로열에 의한 융착으로 접착 면이 딱딱해지는 문제점을 해결할 수 있으며, 융착 면의 접착 강도가 우수하고 생산성이 높은 편이다[9-14]. 또한, 투습 방수 원단의 세탁 후 물성 변화도 적으므로[15-18] 본 연구에서는 초음파 융착을 접착 방법으로 정하였다.본 연구에서는 투습 방수 원단의 심을 초음파 융착하여접합한 후, 융착면의 강도를 유지할 수 있도록 접합면 위에 심 실링 테이프를 보강하여, 초음파 융착기와 심 실링기의 공정 속도 변화에 따른 투습 방수 원단의 물리적 특성과 세탁 후 원단의 성능 변화를 측정하여 초음파 융착방법의 실용성을 검토하고자 한다.

To evaluate the effect of the prostatic urethral angle (PUA) on the peak flow rate (Qmax) and urinary symptoms in the clinical setting.The records were obtained from a prospectively maintained database for first-visit men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Uroflowmetric measurements, postvoid residual urine volume, and International Prostate Symptom Score were assessed. The prostate-related parameters, including prostate volume, PUA, and intravesical prostatic protrusion, were measured using transrectal ultrasonography. Patients with comorbidities that can affect voiding function or in whom the PUA could not be measured were excluded.A total of 316 patients were included. On multivariate linear regression analysis, the PUA (P = .002) was independently associated with the International Prostate Symptom Score. However, the International Prostate Symptom Score was not influenced by patient age, prostate volume, or intravesical prostatic protrusion. The mean PUA was significantly different according to symptom severity. The mean PUA was 42.2° ± 7.0°, 45.5° ± 9.1°, and 47.3° ± 8.6° in patients with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms, respectively (P = .004, analysis of variance). Although the PUA (P.001) and patient age (P.001) were independent predictors of Qmax, the prostate volume and intravesical prostatic protrusion did not affect the Qmax. The mean PUA was 52.2° ± 7.3° in patients with a Qmax10 mL/s, 45.0° ± 7.9° in those with a Qmax ≥10 mL/s but20 mL/s, and 39.8° ± 7.9° in those with a Qmax of ≥20 mL/s (P.001, analysis of variance).The results of our study has shown that the PUA is significantly associated with the Qmax and symptom scores in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Our findings suggest that the PUA should be considered in the treatment of male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

In order to provide a fundamental understanding of cloth surface smoothness, the wrinkle components in theAATCC standard replica were studied. Using an image acquisition system with a line light source and a camera,images of the replica were obtained. Four images of each replication were taken at intervals of 90 o degree rotations.The wrinkle ridges in the image were extracted using Canny edge detection, while the shade generated by the wrinkleswas obtained using line threshold method. The ridge density, the distribution of ridge-to-ridge distance and the shadelength distribution were measured and calculated. The three factors measured showed a strong non-linear relationshipwith the replication grades. Keywords: AATCC smoothness appearance replica, image processing, ridge, line threshold, shadow area 1. 서 론 삼차원 구조의 섬유집합체인 의류 제품은 멋과 아름다움을 꾸미는 대표적인 패션제품으로, 다양한 물리적, 화학적특성이 요구되며 이를 구현하기 위한 다양한 소재, 공정이개발되고 있다. 이러한 물리적, 화학적 특성들은 지속적인연구개발을 통하여 어느 정도 소비자의 요구에 부합되고있으며 이를 넘어선 기능성에 대한 연구와 IT 기술 등과의융합을 통한 다양한 기능부여를 위한 개발이 진행되고 있다. 이와 더불어 감성특성에 대한 소비자의 요구가 꾸준히증가되고 있다. 특히 의류제품에 필연적으로 발생하는 주름은 제품의 감성특성을 저하시키는 주요 원인으로, 사용과정 혹은 세탁과정에서 발생하는 주름에 대한 개선요구가지속적으로 제기되고 있다. 이러한 주름의 평가방법은 주름이 발생한 시료와 표준주름판(AATCC smoothnessappearance replica)을 사람이 육안으로 비교하여 평가하는방법이 일반적으로 사용되고 있다[1,2]. 그러나 이러한 주름판을이용한주관적 평가는 평가자의 경험과 직관에 의존도가 높아 평가자마다 혹은 평가시점마다 평가결과가 일정하지 않으며, 표준주름판 역시 주름 정도에 대한 이론적기반도 없어, 실제 주름 정도를 표준화하기에는 부족하다. 이와 같은 문제점을 해결하기 위해 주름을 객관적으로평가하기 위한 여러 가지 연구가 진행이 되어 왔다[3-31].이러한 연구들은 대부분 카메라를 이용하여 얻어진 주름의이미지로부터 다양한 처리를 통하여 유용한 정보를 획득하고 이를 바탕으로 등급을 부여할 수 있는 방법에 집중되고있다. 정확하고 객관적인 평가를 위한 주름의 이미지 분석연구는 시료로부터 오차가 적고 활용에 적합한 이미지를고품질의 이미지를 얻기 위한 다양한 접근에 관한 연구와얻어진 이미지로부터 평가에 직접적으로 활용할 수 있는수치화된 데이터를 추출하는 연구 등 두 분야로 구분된다. 이미지를 획득하기 위하여 초기에 사용된 방법은 시료의측면에서 하나 또는 여러 개의 조명을 이용해 빛을 조사하고 시료의 이미지를 카메라를 사용하여 얻는 방법(angledlighting and camera)[3-10], 스캐너를 이용해 주름이 발생한 시료 이미지를 얻는 방법[11-14] 등이 있다. 이러한 방법에서ⓒ 주름 평가는 주름의 높이를 분석하는 대신 주름에

Introduction Accurate assessment of prediagnostic baseline erectile function (EF) is crucial when evaluating postoperative changes of EF in patients undergoing bilateral nerve sparing robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP). Because score domains of the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) can be affected by factors such as recall intervals and psychological stress or discomfort due to cancer diagnosis and treatment, it is important to assess the prediagnostic baseline EF at appropriate times. Aim To determine optimal timing to evaluate prediagnostic baseline EF in patients undergoing bilateral nerve sparing RLRP. Methods Between March 2009 and February 2010, 54 patients ranging in age from 48 to 74 years were asked to complete IIEF‐5 questionnaires before prostate biopsy, 1 day before RLRP, and 1 month after RLRP to assess preoperative baseline EF. Main Outcome Measures Differences in the mean scores of IIEF‐5 were analyzed using paired t ‐tests. The strengths of the linear relationships among the three IIEF‐5 scores were quantified using Pearson's correlation coefficient. An interrator agreement analysis in distribution was performed using the kappa statistic to determine the degree of agreement among the IIEF‐5 scores. Results The mean IIEF‐5 score before RLRP was significantly higher than the mean IIEF‐5 score before prostate biopsy ( P P = 0.931). Scores of the IIEF‐5 taken before prostate biopsy and 1 month following RLRP showed substantial agreement (kappa = 0.712), whereas scores of the IIEF‐5 taken before prostate biopsy and before RLRP showed lower agreement (kappa = 0.325). Conclusion To more accurately assess the prediagnostic baseline EF in patients with localized prostate cancer, the IIEF‐5 questionnaire should be administered before prostate biopsy rather than before RLRP as cancer diagnosis‐related symptoms and depression can affect IIEF‐5 scores. Kim DS, Chung YG, Kim DJ, Park KK, Chung MS, Lee DH, Lee SH, Mah SY, and Chung BH. Optimal timing to evaluate prediagnostic baseline erectile function in patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. J Sex Med 2012;9:602–607.

A plasma-assisted hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction (HC-SCR) system was constructed and its de-NOx performance was evaluated. An onboard plasma reformer supplied the reducing agent in the system. The reformate gas composition can be varied or the H2/HC ratio can be controlled by controlling the operating conditions. This ratio is important in the SCR process since the performance of the SCR catalyst is dependent on the composition of the reducing agents. Two catalysts were prepared for the test: those having lower-temperature and higher-temperature windows of operation. The proposed system showed a much enhanced de-NOx performance. Onboard plasma reforming enabled achievement of an enhanced de-NOx performance using about half the typical catalyst volume. Fuel penalty of the system remained at ∼3%, with a possibility of further reduction without severe performance degradation. The system volume and power consumption also satisfy conditions necessary for its commercial application. Therefore, it appears suitable for commercial application.

Purpose We evaluated the relationship between bone metastasis (BM) and clinical or pathological variables, including the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration. Methods This retrospective study included 579 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (Pca) who underwent a bone scan study at our institution between 2002 and 2010. We used receiver operating characteristics curves to evaluate accuracy of bone metastasis between serum PSA 10 and 20 ng/mL. Results A positive bone scan result was found in 83 men (14.3%) with PCa. However, 27 men (4.6%) with serum PSA between 10 and 20 ng/mL, 29/579 men (5.0%) with GS ≤ 7, and 21/83 (25.3%) with serum PSA ≤ 20 ng/mL and Gleason score (GS) ≤ 7 had positive bone scans. In the logistic regression analyses, clinical T stage (odds ratio [OR] = 3.26; 95% CI, 2.29–4.33; P = 0.021), GS (OR = 3.41; 95% CI, 2.91–4.63; P = 0.019), and serum PSA (OR = 8.37; 95% CI, 3.91–19.21; P

Reforming of methane with carbon dioxide has been carried out using a bipolar pulse driven elongated arc reactor operating at atmospheric pressure and non-equilibrium regime. This plasma reactor is driven by two kinds of power supply, characterized by different voltage-current characteristics under the same operating power and frequency. Varying the ratio and the discharge power, the conversion rate, yield, and reforming efficiency for the two power supplies are investigated in conjunction with the static and dynamic behaviors of voltage and current. It is found that not only the values of voltage and current but also their shapes give an influence on the reforming performances. Finally, a better electrical operation regime for the efficient plasma reforming is proposed based on the relationship between the voltage-current characteristics and the reforming performance.

The Because of its high thermal efficiency, the direct injection (DI) diesel engine has emerged as a promising potential candidate in the field of transportation. However, the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) increases in the local high-temperature regions and that of particulate matter (PM) increases in the diffusion flame region during diesel combustion. In the de-NOx system the Lean NOx Trap (LNT) catalyst is used, which absorbs NOx under lean exhaust gas conditions and releases it in rich conditions. This technology can provide a high NOx-conversion efficiency, but the right amount of reducing agent should be supplied to the catalytic converter at the right time. In this research, the emission characteristics of a diesel engine equipped with a micro-reformer that acts as a reductants-supplying equipment were investigated using an LNT system, and the effects of the exhaust-gas temperature were also studied.

A garment technical drawing system and its database construction methodology is introduced in this paper. The system consists of an application program and a modulized database system. The advantage of this system is that it is possible to construct a garment's partial technical drawing easily using this database system, and it enables the combination of any part of drawing stored in the database.

We propose the concept of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scale reciprocating device powered by burnt gas and we have fabricated its prototype to investigate the applicability of the concept in a microscale power generator. In this investigation, combustion in a microscale chamber was studied using thermodynamic principles to estimate theoretical power output. We have carried out an evaluation of relevant subsystems and fabrication processes to realize the heat engine in such a small scale for further development of similar devices. A variable depth microcombustion chamber was built in-house to test the combustion characteristics in a small volume. Measurements include pressure transition after ignition and high-speed flame visualization. Test conditions include combustion chamber depth around the flame quenching distance, below which combustion theory predicts no burning. By analyzing the measured data, the combustion efficiency and available work were obtained and used for the design of a reciprocating MEMS device. The results of the combustion measurements required that the chamber height be 1 mm or more for stable ignition and flame propagation. Based on these findings of the microcombustion experiment, we formulated a MEMS fabrication process and made a reciprocating device. The device has a combustion chamber with a volume of 1 mm3, and the cross section of the cylinder has a rectangular shape with a height of 1 mm and a width of 2 mm. Photosensitive glass was chosen as a structural material. A thick photoresist mold and electroplating were used for constructing the overall structure. A single stroke experiment with hydrogen as a fuel was recorded by a high-speed digital video camera showing piston displacement at reasonable speeds.

The AATCC grades of seam pucker do not provide sufficient information for analysing and solving the problems. Develops a new measurement system which redefines seam pucker with shape parameters and evaluates it using artificial intelligence. New standards of seam pucker with five shape parameters were developed. Shows that prediction and optimization for seam pucker are possible using these means. The system has already been employed in men’s suit manufacture.

Focuses on Korean garment manufacturing and the feasibility and benefits of introducing an expert system. Reviews previous literature on knowledge‐based system and describes in detail the stages followed in developing, constructing, testing, evaluating, integrating, implementing and maintaining the expert system. Concludes that an expert system could be used to solve various garment manufacturing problems and would contribute to garment quality improvement through a standardized apparel production process.

Conventional PVDF transducer has several advantages such as low production cost, easy to produce, fully contact on curved surface due to flexibility and generation of wideband signal. This also can be used for selective mode generation of guided wave when PVDF transducer is produced with the shape of comb type and tone burst instrument is utilized. Therefore, PVDF transducer has better eligibility for precise generation of guided wave mode than using PZT transducer with variable angle wedge. This study evaluated the signal characteristic of guided wave for wall thinned carbon steel pipe. Commercial FEM software was used to analyze mode characteristic of guided wave and the simulation result was compared with experimental result.

Wall thinning measurement of pipeline is carried out during every overhaul period to keep integrity in Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs). Therefore, the reliable inspection of thickness measurement is very important. The objective of this study is to evaluate confidence of conventional thickness measurement system by conducting Round Robin Test (RRT). Artificial corrosion flow of varying depths 20, 40, 60, 80% of nominal thickness were machined on 19 types of artificial mock-up specimen with 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 inch nominal diameter for all types of pipe, elbow, tee and reducer. To compare with artificial mock-up specimen, 4 types of field specimens with natural corrosion used in NPPs were prepared. The RRT was preformed by 4 teams consisting of 3 member per team from 3 certified inspection companies. One team is consist of ordinary inspectors and others are consisting of normal inspectors. 23 specimens with different size and shape of pipe were used according to standard practice in RRT. For analysis of accuracy and precision, bias and repeatability and reproducibility can be estimated from RRT results. Gage R&R was introduced for six sigma level. Confidence intervals of thickness measurement system were obtained by analyzing bias.

It is well recognized that one of the most serious problems on the maintenance of piping system in Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) is the wall thinning of carbon steel pipe components. The objective of this research is to verify confidence of wall thinning measurement system by conducting Round Robin Test (RRT). 23 specimens with different size and shape of pipe were used according to standard practice in RRT. The gage R&R analysis was introduced for each sigma quality level, so that repeatability and reproducibility can be estimated from RRT results.

Protective clothing for firefighters typically consists of a flame-resistant outer shell and inner layers. The inner layers are generally composed of a moisture barrier and a thermal barrier. When performing a task in a fire the heat and perspiration generated from the body become trapped inside the protective clothing. This heat and moisture result in heat stress and physical fatigue of the firefighter, which hinder their work. Therefore, the system of clothing designs and material layers must be chosen carefully to balance protection and comfort. In this study, three kinds of protective clothing of a three-layer structure were used to determine physiological comfort. Comparisons of the wear trials with the three kinds of layers indicated that the moisture dissipation of A+B2+C was highest, followed by A+B1+C and A+B3+C. The heat dissipation of A+B1+C and A+B2+C were better than A+B3+C. In the protective clothing with A+B3+C, heat and perspiration generated in the exercise remained in the clothing system too long while and caused discomfort.

Research on micro solid propellant thruster is presented. Micro solid propellant thruster has been attracted attention as a one of possible solutions for micro satellite thrusters. Micro thruster as a system has four basic components. It is composed of micro combustion chamber, micro nozzle, solid propellant and micro igniter. In this paper, as a part of development of micro thruster, fabrication and test of micro igniter, combustion characteristics of solid propellant in micro chamber and fabrication of prototype micro thruster and ignition test are described.

Due to its low resistance and high electromigration performance, copper is now considered as a better metalization than the currently used aluminum based alloys. Dual damascene architecture is generally proposed for fabrication of multilevel copper interconnection. However, in the case of via first dual damascene scheme, we have great difficulties in M2 Trench photoprocess such as alignments and overlay measurements because this scheme makes too high topography of via patterns. Alignment marks and overlay targets made during via patterning process do not have good image contrasts after coating BARC and photoresist. Deteriorated image contrast of alignment marks and overlay targets increases the uncertainty in the alignment and overlay measurement. The image contrasts of alignment mark become worse after coating BARC and photoresist, resulting in weak, noisy, and asymmetric alignment signals. In this paper, we evaluated the impacts of mark structure, geometry, and BARC processing for the alignments and the overlay measurements using convex or concave structures, bar or slit structures, and special designed structures in M2 trench photo process. We also investigated the copper filled keys on M1 trench layer as alternative alignment targets.

Parallel-plate-type scanning detectors with metallic and resistive cathodes and strip anodes have been successfully used for medical imaging. In this study, we manufactured an X-ray image sensor that can be used to obtain scanning images, by using the plasma display panel (PDP) fabrication process. And we investigated the characteristics of linear scanning sensors that use gas-based detector modules. We evaluated the electric signal generated by the ionization of electrons and positive ions in the sensor for various gas mixtures — Xe (100), Xe/CO2 (90/10), and Xe/CO2 (80/20) — at atmospheric pressure. We also fabricated a data acquisition system (DAS) and acquired X-ray scanning images with our imaging system developed in this study.

Global pattern density effects on aluminum alloy etching were quantitatively analyzed for sub-0.25 μm technology logic devices. We found that etching the metal layer with one pattern density while applying the plasma activation parameters optimized for the other pattern density often results in inferior performance, even if the minimum design rules of both layers are the same. Additional studies show that the aluminum etch rate has an almost linear relationship to the pattern density of the etched metal layer when all the activation parameters are fixed. This evokes the necessity that the plasma activation parameters be optimized properly with the pattern density of each metal layer as well as with the minimum design rule. We speculate that these pattern density effects are caused by the variation of etching environment that is solely determined by effective etchants density and their effective residence time. Thus it may be possible to alleviate the global pattern density effects by controlling the plasm...

Bone grafts are an integral and important aspect of craniofacial reconstruction. Ribs, tibia, and iliac bone have traditionally used as donor site but each of these has various problems, however using to the calvarial bone as a donor site has several advantage. These are as follows ; there are abundance of material, easy to reach the donor site through coronal incision, minimal pain of donor area, less functional inability, shorter hospitalization, no need of immobilization, hidden scar at donor site, no secondary deformity and appropriate curvature obtained properly selected. From march to December 1987, we experienced three cases of autogenous calvarial bone graft such as congenital saddle nose deformity, fibrous dysplasia on the right side frontal bone, and deviated nose. The results were very excellent without any significant complication. The detail technique of autogenous calvarial bone graft and its advantages compared with the traditional methods of bone grafts are discussed.