• Journal of the Korean Institute of Intelligent Systems
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.347-352
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• 2012

This paper presents a robotic foot mechanism based on truss structure for walking robots and analyzes its effectiveness for compliant walking. The specified foot mechanism has been modeled by observing the structure and behavior of human foot. The frame of bone used in the human foot is considered as a truss, and the ligaments of the human foot are represented as a simple stiffness element. So such a robotic foot has an advantage to moderate the impact of foot when a walking robot takes a step. As a result, it is practically expected that the proposed robotic foot mechanism can contribute to reduce the physical fatigue of walking robots.

• Journal of Korean Medical Ki-Gong Academy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.99-115
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• 2019

Introduction : In patient with ankylosing spondylitis, when bone formation progresses, spinal fusion occurs and joint motion is severely limited. We performed Medical Gi-gong and Korean medical therapies in patient with advanced ankylosing spondylitis with spinal fusion. Case : 46-year-old male with extensive spinal fusion at the cervical and lumbar spine complains of back pain, hip pain, joint stiffness, eye pain, and digestive problems. HLA-B27 (+), mSASSS is 70. Medical Gi-gong was done 311 days for 340 days. Acupuncture, cupping, and manual treatment were performed once every 5.9 days for one year. BASDAI improved from 5.3 to 4.3, BASFI from 4.3 to 3.7, and BASMI from 6.8 to 5.8. mSASSS did not change. Conclusions : Patients with advanced ankylosing spondylitis were treated with Medical Gigong and Korean medical therapies to achieve a slight improvement.

• Advances in biomechanics and applications
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2014

In this paper, a simple and accurate finite element model coupled to quasi-brittle damage law able to describe the multiple cracks initiation and their progressive propagation is developed in order to predict the complete force-displacement curve and the fracture pattern of human proximal femur under quasi-static load. The motivation of this work was to propose a simple and practical FE model with a good compromise between complexity and accuracy of the simulation considering a limited number of model parameters that can predict proximal femur fracture more accurately and physically than the fracture criteria based models. Different damage laws for cortical and trabecular bone are proposed based on experimental results to describe the inelastic damage accumulation under the excessive load. When the damage parameter reaches its critical value inside an element of the mesh, its stiffness matrix is set to zero leading to the redistribution of the stress state in the vicinity of the fractured zone (crack initiation). Once a crack is initiated, the propagation direction is simulated by the propagation of the broken elements of the mesh. To illustrate the potential of the proposed approach, the left femur of a male (age 61) previously investigated by Keyak and Falkinstein, 2003 (Model B: male, age 61) was simulated till complete fracture under one-legged stance quasi-static load. The proposed finite element model leads to more realistic and precise results concerning the shape of the force-displacement curve (yielding and fracturing) and the profile of the fractured edge.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.88 no.5
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• pp.501-519
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• 2023

This paper introduces a new hybrid structural connection joint that combines shear walls with section steel beams, fundamentally resolving the construction complexity issue of requiring pre-embedded connectors in the connection between shear walls and steel beams. Initially, a quasi-static loading scheme with load-deformation dual control was employed to conduct low-cycle repeated loading experiments on five new connection joints. Data was acquired using displacement and strain gauges to compare the energy dissipation coefficients of each specimen. The destruction process of the new connection joints was meticulously observed and recorded, delineating it into three stages. Hysteresis curves and skeleton curves of the joint specimens were plotted based on experimental results, summarizing the energy dissipation performance of the joints. It's noteworthy that the addition of shear walls led to an approximate 17% increase in the energy dissipation coefficient. The energy dissipation coefficients of dog-bone-shaped connection joints with shear walls and cover plates reached 2.043 and 2.059, respectively, exhibiting the most comprehensive hysteresis curves. Additionally, the impact of laminated steel plates covering composite concrete floors on the stiffness of semi-rigid joint ends under excessive stretching should not be disregarded. A comparison with finite element analysis results yielded an error of merely 2.2%, offering substantial evidence for the wide-ranging application prospects of this innovative joint in seismic performance.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.116-121
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• 2024

We investigated the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (BMSC-CM) on immortalized renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC/TERT1) in a fibrotic environment. To replicate the increased stiffness characteristic of kidneys in chronic kidney disease, we utilized polyacrylamide gel platforms. A stiff matrix was shown to increase α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels, indicating fibrogenic activation in RPTEC/TERT1 cells. Interestingly, treatment with BMSC-CM resulted in significant reductions in the levels of fibrotic markers (α-SMA and vimentin) and increases in the levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and aquaporin 7, particularly under stiff conditions. Furthermore, BMSC-CM modified microRNA (miRNA) expression and reduced oxidative stress levels in these cells. Our findings suggest that BMSC-CM can modulate cellular morphology, miRNA expression, and oxidative stress in RPTEC/TERT1 cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential in fibrotic kidney disease.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.189-198
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the clinical results of the Latarjet procedure for treating anterior shoulder instability combined with a glenoid bone defect. Materials and Methods: Between Oct. 2006 and May. 2007, fourteen patients underwent a Latarjet operation to treat their anterior shoulder instability combined with a glenoid bone defect. The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range: 12 to 19 months), and the average age at the time of surgery was 29.9-years-old (range: 19 to 44 years). There were 13 males and 1 female. Eight patients exhibited involvement of the right shoulder. The dominant arm was involved in 8 patients. Six patients had undergone a previous arthroscopic Bankart repair before their Latarjet operation and 2 patients had a history of seizure. Results: The average Rowe score improved from 51.8 to 80.2 with 9 excellent, 4 good, and 1 fair results. The average Korean shoulder score for instability improved from 61.6 to 82.1 postoperatively. The active forward flexion and external rotation at the side of the involved shoulder was an average of $8^{\circ}$ and $16^{\circ}$ less than that of the uninvolved shoulder. The muscle strength of the involved shoulder measured 78.7% in forward flexion and 82.5% in external rotation, as compared with that of the uninvolved shoulder. There was 1 case of dislocation, 1 transient subluxation, 2 fibrotic unions, 1 resorption of the transferred coracoid process, 1 intraoperative broken bone, 1 transient musculocutaneous nerve injury and 1 case of stiffness. Conclusion: The Latarjet procedure for treating anterior shoulder instability combined with a significant glenoid defect effectively restores function and stability through extending the articular arc at the expense of external rotation. We should be cautious to avoid or detect complications when performing coracoid transfer.

• Composites Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.98-104
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• 2012

In recent years, degenerative spinal instability has been effectively treated with a cage. However, little attention is focused on the stiffness of the cage. Recent advances in the medical implant industry have resulted in the use of medical carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) cages. The biomechanical advantages of using different cage material in terms of stability and stresses in bone graft are not fully understood. A previously validated three-dimensional, nonlinear finite element model of an intact L2-L5 segment was modified to simulate posterior interbody fusion cages made of CFRP and titanium at the L4-L5 disc with pedicle screw, to investigate the effect of cage stiffness on the biomechanics of the fused segment in the lumbar region. From the results, it could be found that the use of a CFRP cage would not only reduce stress shielding, but it might also have led to increased bony fusion.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2002

Large soft tissue defects around the knee joint are known to significantly diminish joint function. Severe soft tissue defects on the anterior aspect of the knee joint especially bring on significant joint motion limitation. Although simple split skin grafts can cover the skin defect, the progressing scar contracture of the grafted skin causes joint stiffness. One of the best solutions of large soft tissue defects around the knee joint is covering the defect with a good quality skin flap. Separated flaps with one vascular pedicle are good candidates for covering anterior and posterior aspects of the joint for example. Authors performed 12 cases of combined scapular and latissimus dorsi free flaps from 1984 to 2000. Among them, we experienced 5 cases of knee joint defect covering using the double free flap for coverage of the soft tissue defect with preservation of the knee joint function and satisfactory results. The system of flaps based on the subscapular artery and vein provides a variety of composite free flaps. The possible flaps that can be harvested based on this single vascular pedicle include the scapular and parascapular skin flap, the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscular flap, the lateral scapular bone flap, the latissimus dorsi-rib flap, and the serratus anterior-rib flap. This combined flap is available for multiple tissue defects or complex defects because it can be incorporated with skin, muscle and bone flaps. A main advantage is the independent vascular pedicles of each component, which allow freedom in orientation of each components. Consequently it can be freely applied to any form of three dimensional defects on the upper and lower extremities. The combination of scapular cutaneous flap and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap can be resurfaced for massive cutaneous defects on the extremities. We report the use of the combined scapular and latissimus dorsi free flap in five patients to reconstruct massive defects on the extremities with resultant improved joint function. There was no flap failure and minimal complications and disadvantages. The anatomy of this flap is reviewed and the indication and advantages are discussed. All of the five flaps survived and there was no scar contracture affecting the joint motion.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.137-142
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• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture with a locking compression plate(LCP). Materials and Methods: This study reviewed the results of 24 cases of a proximal humerus fracture treated with a LCP from January 2005 to April 2007, after a follow up of more than 12 months. There were 8 males and 16 females with a mean age of 68.9(33-90) years. The clinical results were evaluated using the Neer's evaluation criteria, and the radiographic results were evaluated using the bone union time and Paavoleinen method. Results: The mean time for bone union was 11.9 weeks. Using the Neer's functional evaluation, 21 cases of the 24 patients (87%) showed excellent or satisfactory results. Twenty two cases (91%) showed good results according to the Paavoleinen method. The complications encountered were metal failure (1 patient), AVN of the humeral head (1 patient) and joint stiffness (1 patient). Conclusion: The LCP demonstrated good results in the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture and has relatively fewer complications than other internal fixators.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.361-366
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• 1986

Fracture of the carpal scaphoid bone is the most common fracture of the carpus. Unfortunately. nonunion are common since the symptoms do not alert patients to seek early medical treatment and the diagnosis is easily missed. Fracture of the scaphoid is a common condition whose management remains controversial. The conservative treatment has many complications, these include inability to work while in plaster, stiffness of the wrist afterwards, muscle wasting, weakness and malunion. So various operative treatments of scaphoid fracture have been developed. Open reduction by use of screws suggested by Maclaughlin first in 1954. In 1984 a new and simple operative technique has been developed to provide rigid internal fixation for all types of fractures of the scaphoid by T.J. Herbert. This involves the use of a double-treaded bone screw which provides good fixation that, after operation, a plaster cast is rarely required and most patients are able to return to work within a few weeks. Authors have experienced 10 cases of scaphoid fracture and accomplished good result in all cases by internal fixation using Herbert screw. The results are as follows : Of these 10 fractures, 2 were fresh fractures and 8 were non unions of scaphoid fracture. In nonunion cases, the time interval between fracture and operation was from 5 months to 5 years. The postoperative immobilization period was average of 4 weeks. Short period of immobilization achieved early functional recovery of the wrist. The bony unions in roentgenogram were seen from 3 months to 9 months after operation. In 2 cases the fracture gap was seen after 9 months. But in these cases the symptoms such as pain and range of motion of wrist were improved.