In existing ceramic mold manufacturing processes, inorganic binder systems (Si-Na, two-component system) are applied to ensure the effective firing strength of the ceramic mold and core. These inorganic binder systems makes it possible to manufacture a ceramic mold and core with high dimensional stability and effective strength. However, as in general sand casting processes, when molten metal is injected at room temperature, there is a limit to the production of thin or complex castings due to reduced fluidity caused by the rapid cooling of the molten metal. In addition, because sodium silicate generated through the vitrification reaction of the inorganic binder is converted into a liquid phase at a temperature of 1,000 °C. or higher, it is somewhat difficult to manufacture parts through high-temperature casting. Therefore, in this study, a high-strength ceramic mold and core test piece with effective strength at high temperature was produced by applying a Si-Na-Ti three-component inorganic binder. The starting particles were coated with binary and ternary inorganic binders and mixed with an organic binder to prepare a molded body, and then heat-treated at 1,000/1,350/1,500 °C to prepare a fired body. In the sample where the two-component inorganic binder was applied, the glass was liquefied at a temperature of 1,000 °C or higher, and the strength decreased. However, the firing strength of the ceramic mold sample containing the three-component inorganic binder was improved, and it was confirmed that it was possible to manufacture a ceramic mold and core via high temperature casting.

Laser photobiostimulation (LPBS) is one of the recent additions to therapeutic procedures used in chronic pain management. Though widely used, a clear understanding of its mechanism of action was not disclosed. In addition, the energy density that produces maximal benefit has not yet been established. The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of LPBS on pain relief in rat and to determine treatment dosage. Eight, 8-week old female, Sprague-Dawley rats were employed. All subjects were assigned to one of four groups: a sham laser group, a 0.4 laser group, a 2.0 laser group, and a 6.0 laser group. Ga-As laser (904 nm wavelength) of three different energy densities (0.4, 2.0, 6.0 ) was applied on a tail acupuncture point and tail-flick latencies were measured five times pre-and post-treatment as following schedules: 30 minutes, 1 hour. 24 hours. 48 hours, and 7 days later. An increase in pain threshold was demonstrated following LPBS, employing rat tail-flick test. LPBS of 2.0 produced hypoalgesia of rapid onset and short duration (1 hour, 24 hours) while the response to 6.0 was delayed and lasted longer (48 hours, 7 days). LPBS of 0.4 did not produce any hypoalgesia.