• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.453-456
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• 2022

When the scrotal sac is entirely debrided following a Fournier gangrene, testes exposure poses unique challenges for the reconstructive surgeon. Despite the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is considered a workhorse in such context, aesthetic results are often suboptimal because of the lack of natural ptosis and patchwork appearance. We describe the use of a super-thin pedicled ALT flap for total scrotal reconstruction, modified according to a peculiar flap design and inset technique. A 42-year-old man was referred to our department for delayed total scrotal reconstruction 8 months after a Fournier gangrene extensive debridement. A super-thin pedicled ALT flap from the right thigh was designed: in the central portion of the ALT, a lateral skin paddle extension was marked to guarantee adequate posterior anchorage during insetting and ptosis of the scrotal sac. This particular flap arrangement has inspired the name "sombrero" as the shape is akin to the famous hat. No secondary refinements were needed, and the patient showed satisfying aesthetic and functional results at 12 months' follow-up. The ALT flap design "sombrero" modification proposed in this article can improve scrotum cosmesis and patient satisfaction in a single-stage single-flap procedure.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.189-210
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• 2022

Deployable structures have the ability to shift from a compact state to an expanded functional configuration. By extension, reconfigurability is another function that relies on embedded computation and actuators. Linkage-based mechanisms constitute promising systems in the development of deployable and reconfigurable structures with high flexibility and controllability. The present paper investigates the deployment and reconfigurability of modular linkage structures with a pin and a sliding support, the latter connected to a linear motion actuator. An appropriate control sequence consists of stepwise reconfigurations that involve the selective releasing of one intermediate joint in each closed-loop linkage, effectively reducing it to a 1-DOF "effective crank-slider" mechanism. This approach enables low self-weight and reduced energy consumption. A kinematics and finite-element analysis of different linkage systems, in all intermediate reconfiguration steps of a sequence, have been conducted for different lengths and geometrical characteristics of the members, as well as different actuation methods, i.e., direct and cable-driven actuation. The study provides insight into the impact of various structural typological and geometrical factors on the systems' behavior.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.370-375
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the hip joint muscle strength of patients with chronic back pain with lumbar instability and normal subjects. Design: A case control study. Methods: Five types of lumbar instability test were conducted on forty young women with chronic low back pain for more than six months, and those who had 3 or more positive tests were selected as subjects. To select chronic back pain patients with lumbar instability group, aberrant movement patterns during lumbar flexion test (FMT), prone instability test (PIT), posterior-anterior mobility test (PAT), passive lumbar extension test (PLE), and pressure bio-feedback (PBF) were applied. In addition, a digital muscle strength meter was used to measure the hip flexor, extensor, adductor, and abductor muscles of chronic low back pain patients with lumbar instability group (n=20) and normal subject group (n=20). Results: As a result of comparing the hip joint muscle strength between the chronic back pain patient group with lumbar instability and the normal group, there were significant differences in the hip extensor, abductor, and adductor muscles (p<0.05). Conclusions: Patients of chronic back pain with lumbar instability were found to have weak hip joint muscle strength. Therefore, this study suggest that include hip joint strength exercise for functional recovery of chronic back pain patients.

• Asia Marketing Journal
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.153-167
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• 2012

KB Kookmin Card has separated as an independent corporation from KB Kookmin Bank Credit Card Business Group on March, 2011. Ever since, KB Kookmin Card worked to build its own brand identity. The strategic preparation and conscientious implementations made KB Kookmin Card position in consumer's mind with a strong and unique brand image. Its new brand image was rooted in the inherited strengths of reliable and sincere image. However, it faced the challenge to compete in credit card industry in which most competitors had an advanced and sophisticated image. The strengths of KB Kookmin Card were also at the same time their limitations. KB Kookmin Card took a strategy that strengthened the strengths and improved the weaknesses. It focused on the core competence of being a people's sincere life supporter that helps people make savings from everyday events to make a good sum rather than being a lump sum benefit. The brand introduction strategy was implemented in 2011. The implementation focused on the activities that made internal as well as external customers be aware of the brand. Communication programs using a variety of media were executed to attain this goal. In 2012, second phase communication programs were introduced to elaborate the newly established brand image. It introduced many extended products as well as accessory programs which targeted the segments. Also, various CSR activities in many social domains helped consumers and the public to consider KB Kookmin Card an authentic, caring, trustworthy, and consistently-developing supporter in their everyday lives.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.132-138
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• 2023

Purpose: This study compared the effects of the elastic resistance and general training for college Taekwondo athletes, and investigated the biomechanical ability and lower extremity function according to the movement speed of the knee joint. Methods: Twenty university student Taekwondo athletes participated voluntarily in this study. The subjects performed general resistance training for four weeks, followed by elastic resistance training for another four weeks. The biomechanical parameters during the fast and slow isokinetic conditions, Y-balance ability, and vertical jump ability were measured three times: before training, after general resistance training, and after elastic resistance training. Statistical analysis was performed under isokinetic conditions and the intervention effect. Results: The biomechanical ability differed significantly between fast and slow isokinetic conditions (p<0.05). An analysis of the training method revealed a significant difference in the maximum knee extension speed and the posterior-lateral direction of the Y-balance test (p<0.05). Conclusion: Elastic resistance training had a more positive effect on the functional task performance than biomechanical factors related to muscular strength compared to general resistance training. In addition, speed-related knee biomechanical information of subjects with strong physical abilities could be utilized in sports physiotherapy.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.428-438
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• 2023

Clonorchis sinensis is commonly found in East Asian countries. Clonorchiasis is prevalent in these countries and can lead to various clinical symptoms. In this study, we used overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system to isolate a cDNA encoding the choline transporter of C. sinensis (CsChT). We subsequently characterized recombinant CsChT. Expression of CsChT in X. laevis oocytes enabled efficient transport of radiolabeled choline, with no detectable uptake of arginine, α-ketoglutarate, p-aminohippurate, taurocholate, and estrone sulfate. Influx and efflux experiments showed that CsChT-mediated choline uptake was time- and sodium-dependent, with no exchange properties. Concentration-dependent analyses of revealed saturable kinetics consistent with the Michaelis-Menten equation, while nonlinear regression analyses revealed a Km value of 8.3 µM and a Vmax of 61.0 pmol/oocyte/h. These findings contribute to widen our understanding of CsChT transport properties and the cascade of choline metabolisms within C. sinensis.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.71-74
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• 2024

This report presents a unique case of checkrein deformities in both halluces following isolated intramuscular sarcoidosis, a rare occurrence given the infrequent musculoskeletal involvement in sarcoidosis. Typically resulting from flexor hallucis longus tendon entrapment by scar tissue post-trauma, the checkrein deformity reported in this paper presented with unusual metatarsophalangeal joint flexion and interphalangeal joint extension during ankle dorsiflexion. A 49-year-old woman with a history of intramuscular sarcoidosis presented with a great toe deformity and discomfort while wearing shoes, leading to a diagnosis of dynamic deformity, possibly attributed to tendon tethering by sarcoidosis. Surgical treatments, including abductor hallucis muscle intratendinous tenotomy, flexor hallucis longus Z-plasty lengthening, Weil osteotomy, and Kirschner wire fixation, significantly improved the functional scores and patient discomfort. This report underscores the importance of recognizing dynamic deformities and the potential for rare diseases, such as sarcoidosis, to cause such conditions, highlighting the need for careful diagnosis and tailored surgical intervention for atypical checkrein deformities.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 2017

Profitability of farmers has decreased mainly owing to low price while the gross amount of mushroom production has increased continuously in South Korea. In this regard, analyzing patterns of mushroom consumption is believed to be meaningful. We used a panel data set consisting of 667 families, from 2010 to 2015. Based on the panel data, mushroom consumption patterns of people living in city areas were examined. Multiple descriptive analysis methods and frequency analysis approaches were adopted in this study in terms of time and space dimensions, demographic properties, and purchase behaviors. The findings of this studyshow that mushroom purchase is highly dependent on seasonal events, which implies that the product consumption timing is predictable. In addition, yearly purchase amount patterns reflect that superstores have become the major mushroomtrading venues. This directly supports the need to establish supply chain capabilities for mushroom farmers so that they gain more bargaining power against enterprise-type groceries. Finally, functional features of mushroom can be linked with marketing promotion because purchase patterns demonstrate potential needs for healthcare food in mushroom categories. Based on the analyzed patterns, this paper provides insightful implications for policy makers who want to promote mushroom consumption.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.155-164
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• 2012

The chemical components in different parts of Artemisia argyi was investigated to provide industrial possibilities as functional foods The analysis result of proximate composition in leaves, stems and roots of Artenisia argyi was substantially as follows. The crude protein contents were 19.87, 6.14 and 5.68%, the crude lipid contents were 4.56, 1.30 and 1.20%, the crude fiber contents were 16.80, 29.70 and 29.45%, respectively. The major mineral components in Artemisia argyi were potassium, calcium and magnesium. Contents of potassium and calcium in leaves were 4,270.24 and 617.64 mg/100 g, respectively, they were more than double the contents of root. Sucrose and glucose as main free sugars were detected in the leaves and roots. However, glucose and fructose were identified in the stem. Total amino acids showed 17 amino acids. Contents of total amino acid in the leaves was the highest as 4,864.11mg/100g, and the stems and roots showed 1,953.99 and 1,601.73mg/100g, respectively. The major amino acids in the leaves and stems were proline(963.91 and 407.52mg/100g) and aspartic acid(577.38 and 299.17mg/100g), respectively. Glutamic acid(206.34mg/100g) and arginine(193.23mg/100g) were main amino acids in the roots. The major fatty acids in all parts were linoleic acid($C_{18:2}$), behenic acid($C_{22:0}$), and palmitic acid($C_{16:0}$). Eupatilin(35.0mg/100g) and jaceosidin (107.63mg/100g) as physiological compounds contents were higher in leaves than other parts.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of Acutrak screw fixation for radial head fracture (Mason type 2) without considering the safe Bone of radial head. Materials and Methods: Consecutive seven radial head fracture of Mason type II underwent internal fixation with Acutrak screws from May 2001 to February 2003. The mean follow-up period was 1.2years (ranged, $6 months{\sim}2.5 years$). The mean age of patients was 47 years old (ranged, $36{\sim}60years$ old). The cause of injury were fall down -4 cases and traffic accident -3 cases. The results were evaluated by Mayo Clinic results scoring system. Results: Functional Rating Index of Mayo Clinic was excellent- 2 cases and good- 5 cases. There were no nonunion, loosening, heterotopic ossification, infection or degenerative changes. The postoperative range of motion in elbow joint is nearly full for flexion, extension, pronation and supination in this study Conclusion: Consideration of safe zone is not necessary when Acutrak screws are used for radial head fracture. It seems to be a useful method that Acutrak screw fixation for radial head fracture (Mason type II) could achieve good radiologic and clinical results without influencing proximal radio-ulnar joint and has powerful fixation.