• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.41-47
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• 2022

Ag sintering technologies have received great attention as it was applied to the inverter of Tesla's electric vehicle Model III. Ag sinter bonding technology has advantages in heat dissipation design as well as high-temperature stability due to the intrinsic properties of the material, so it is useful for practical use of SiC and GaN devices. This study was carried out to understand the sinter joining temperature effect on the robust Ag sintered joints in air without pressure within 10 min. Electroplated Ag finished Cu dies (3 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm) and substrates (10 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm) were introduced, respectively, and nano Ag paste was applied as a bonding material. The sinter joining process was performed without pressure in air with the bonding temperature as a variable of 175 ℃, 200 ℃, 225 ℃, and 250 ℃. As results, the bonding temperature of 175 ℃ caused 13.21 MPa of die shear strength, and when the bonding temperature was raised to 200 ℃, the bonding strength increased by 157% to 33.99 MPa. When the bonding temperature was increased to 225 ℃, the bonding strength of 46.54 MPa increased by about 37% compared to that of 200 ℃, and even at a bonding temperature of 250 ℃, the bonding strength exceeded 50 MPa. The bonding strength of Ag sinter joints was directly influenced by changes in the necking thickness and interfacial connection ratio. In addition, developments in the morphologies of the joint interface and porous structure have a significant effect on displacement. This study is systematically discussed on the relationship between processing temperatures and bonding strength of Ag sinter joints.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.383-400
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• 2024

For a conventionally repaired frame-supported-transfer-slab (FSTS) reinforced concrete (RC) structure, both the transfer slab and the beam-to-column and transfer slab-to-column joints remain vulnerable to secondary earthquakes. Aimed at improving the seismic performance of a damaged FSTS RC structure, an innovative retrofitting scheme is proposed, which adopts the sector lead rubber dampers (SLRDs) at joints after the damaged FSTS RC structure is repaired by conventional approaches. In this paper, a series of quasi-static cyclic tests was conducted on a large-scale retrofitted FSTS RC structure. The seismic performance was evaluated and the key test results, including deformation characteristics, damage pattern, hysteretic behaviour, bearing capacity and strains on key components, were reported in detail. The test results indicated that the SLRDs started to dissipate energy under the service level earthquake, and thus prevented damages on the beam-to-column and transfer slab-to-column joints during the secondary earthquakes and shifted the plastic hinges away from the beam ends. The retrofitting scheme of using SLRDs also achieved the seismic design concept of 'strong joint, weak component'. The FSTS RC structure retrofitted by the SLRDs could recover more than 85% bearing capacity of its undamaged counterpart. The hysteresis curves were featured by the inverse "S" shape, indicating good bearing capacity and hysteresis performance. The deformation capacity of the damaged FSTS RC structure retrofitted by the SLRDs met the corresponding codified requirements for the case of the maximum considered earthquake, as set out in the Chinese seismic design code. The stability of the FSTS RC structure retrofitted by the SLRDs, which was revealed by the developed stains of the RC frame and transfer slab, was improved compared with the undamaged FSTS RC structure.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.55-62
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• 2024

Background: The serratus anterior (SA) is a muscle that performs protraction of the scapulothoracic joint and plays a role in stabilizing the scapula. Imbalances or weaknesses in SA activation are associated with a variety of shoulder dysfunctions, making selective SA strengthening important for rehabilitation. Objects: We aimed to compare the muscle activation of the pectoralis major (PM), SA, external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) during the push-up plus (PUP) exercise with isometric hip adduction (HA) and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM). Methods: Nineteen healthy male participants performed three PUP exercises: standard PUP, PUP with ADIM, and PUP with HA. Surface electromyography was used to measure and analyze the muscle activity for PM, SA, EO, and IO. Results: PUP with HA showed the lowest PM activity and highest SA activity, and no significant difference was observed between PUP and PUP with ADIM. PUP with ADIM showed significantly the highest EO and IO activity, followed by PUP with HA and PUP. Additionally, PUP with HA showed the lowest PM/SA ratio, and no significant difference was noted between PUP and PUP with ADIM. Conclusion: PUP with HA was able to show high SA muscle activity while reducing PM muscle activity. In addition, PUP with HA can lead to higher EO and IO muscle activity than standard PUP. This exercise could be used as a practical exercise method to selectively strengthen SA and improve scapular muscle stability during early shoulder rehabilitation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.287-295
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• 2023

Background: Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) is a common mechanism of recurrent elbow instability. While the essential lesion is a deficiency in the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL), there are often associated concomitant bony lesions, such as an Osborne-Cotterill lesions (posterior capitellar fractures) and marginal radial head fractures, that compromise stability. Currently, there is no standard treatment for posterior capitellar deficiency associated with recurrent PLRI. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of five patients with recurrent PLRI of the elbow associated with a posterior capitellar impaction fracture engaging with the radial head during normal range of motion. The patients were treated surgically with LUCL reconstruction or repair and off-label reconstruction of the capitellar joint surface using a small metal prosthesis designed for metatarsal head resurfacing (HemiCAP toe classic). Results: Five patients (three adolescent males, two adult females) were treated between 2007 and 2018. At a median follow-up of 5 years, all patients had complete relief of their symptomatic instability. No patients had pain at rest, but two patients had mild pain (visual analog scale 1-3) during physical activity. Three patients rated their elbow as normal, one as almost normal, and one as greatly improved. On short-term radiographic follow-up there were no signs of implant loosening. None of the patients needed reoperation. Conclusions: Recurrent PLRI of the elbow associated with an engaging posterior capitellar lesion can be treated successfully by LUCL reconstruction and repair and filling of the capitellar defect with a metal prosthesis. This treatment option has excellent clinical results in the short-medium term. Level of evidence: IV.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.247-256
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• 2024

Objective: This retrospective study evaluated the mandibular condyle position before and after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery performed with the mandibular condyle positioned manually in patients with mandibular prognathism using cone-beam computed tomography. Methods: Overall, 88 mandibular condyles from 44 adult patients (20 female and 24 male) diagnosed with mandibular prognathism due to skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) and Le Fort I performed using the manual condyle positioning method were included. Cone-beam computed tomography images obtained 1-2 weeks before (T0) and approximately 6 months after (T1) surgery were analyzed in three planes using 3D Slicer software. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 level. Results: Significant inward rotation of the left mandibular condyle and significant outward rotation of the right mandibular condyle were observed in the axial and coronal planes (P < 0.05). The positions of the right and left condyles in the sagittal plane and the distance between the most medial points of the condyles in the coronal plane did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Conclusions: While the change in the sagittal plane can be maintained as before surgery with manual positioning during the BSSRO procedure, significant inward and outward rotation was observed in the axial and coronal planes, respectively, even in the absence of concomitant temporomandibular joint disorder before or after the operation. Further long-term studies are needed to correlate these findings with possible clinical consequences.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.71-81
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• 2024

Purpose : In this study, we compared the effects of ankle, McKenzie, and cervical stabilization exercises in individuals with a forward head posture. Outcome measures investigated included the neck disability index, craniovertebral angle (CVA), cranial rotation angle (CRA), and thickness of the longus colli muscle (LC) and carotid artery (CA) post-intervention. Methods : The study included 20 individuals with a forward head posture, who were assigned to an experimental group (EG, individuals performed ankle exercises) or control group (CG, individuals performed McKenzie and cervical stabilization exercises). The EG intervention was specifically designed to enhance proprioception in the ankle joint and strengthen the ankle muscles to improve overall stability and function. In contrast, CG interventions aimed to improve neck muscle balance and cervical spine alignment. Paired t-tests were used to analyze intragroup changes and independent t-tests to determine intergroup differences pre-and post-intervention. The significance level for all statistical tests was set at α=.05. Results : We observed significant post-intervention improvements in both groups, specifically, in the CVA, CRA, and LC and CA thickness (p<.05). These results indicate that ankle, McKenzie, and cervical stabilization exercises were useful for neck posture correction, improved muscle balance, and enhanced blood flow to the neck. Conclusion : This study underscores the positive effects of ankle, McKenzie, and cervical stabilization exercises in individuals with a forward head posture. Our study highlights the benefits of these exercises for posture correction and overall neck health and the clinical effectiveness and usefulness of ankle exercises as an important intervention to improve forward head posture.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.281-293
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• 2020

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most frequent surgical procedures in the knee joint, but despite the better understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, surgical reconstruction procedures still fail to restore rotational stability in 7%-16% of patients. Hence, many studies have attempted to identify the factors for rotational laxity, including the anterolateral ligament (ALL), but still showed controversies. Descriptions of the ALL anatomy are also confused by overlapping nomenclature, but it is usually known as a distinctive fiber running in an anteroinferior and oblique direction from the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the proximal anterolateral tibia, between the fibular head and Gerdy's tubercle. The importance of the ALL as a secondary restraint in the knee has been emphasized for successful ACL reconstructions that can restore rotational stability, but there is still some controversy. Some studies reported that the ALL could be a restraint to the tibial rotation, but not to anterior tibial translation. On the other hand, some studies reported that the role of ALL in rotational stability would be limited as a secondary structure because it bears loads only beyond normal biomechanical motion. The diagnosis of an ALL injury can be performed by a physical examination, radiology examination, and magnetic resonance imaging, but it should be assessed using a multimodal approach. Recently, ALL was considered one of the anterolateral complex structures, as well as the Kaplan fiber in the iliotibial band. Many studies have introduced many indications and treatment options, but there is still some debate. The treatment methods are introduced mainly as ALL reconstructions or lateral extra-articular tenodesis, which can achieve additional benefit to the knee stability. Further studies will be needed on the indications and proper surgical methods of ALL treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.143-147
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• 2005

Purpose: In case of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, graft tendon is generally fixed in tibial tunnel with knee extended. When reconstructing ACL using hamstring tendon, the authors aim to find out the effect of knee joint position during graft fixation on postoperative knee joint stability and range of motion. Materials and Methods: Prospective study was done on patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon from May 2002 to January 2003 We used Rigifix system (Mitek Product, Johnson and Johnson, USA) and Intrafix system for fixation. Thirty nine patients received ACL reconstruction during this period. Excluding 2 patients lost in the follow-up, 37 patients were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 14 months $(13{\sim}25months)$. Knee position was decided alternatively without any bias. Clinical evaluation was based on Lachman test, pivot shift test, Lysholm score, IKDC(international knee documentation committee) assessment and side to side KT-1000 maximal manual arthrometer difference. Results: After the last follow-up, average postoperative Lysholm score was 93.1 poins(65-98points). According to IKDC score, 26 cases were normal, 10 cases were nearly normal, 1 case was abnormal and we had no case of severe abnormality. The mean difference from the normal side was 2.5 mm under maximal manual loading KT-1000 arthrometer. According to postoperative Lachman test, 32 cases were normal,2 cases were grade I and 1 case was grade II. There were 34 cases of normal, 2 cases of grade I and 1 case of grade II. When using maximal manual KT-1000 arthrometer side to side difference, the difference from the normal side while fixing the tibia at 20'knee flexion was 2.3 mm and at full extention the difference was 2.7 mm. The range of motion at postoperative 1 year showed 5 degree flexion contracture in 1 case at 20 degrees knee flexion and 10 degrees of flexion limitation was observed in 2 cases at full extension. Conclusion: When ACL reconstruction using autogenous hamstring tendon, anterior laxity showed no difference in its stability between two groups. Tibial side fixation at full extension may be helpful in preventing flexion contracture due to overconstrained graft tendon.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.528-543
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• 2005

Statement of problem: Repeated delivery and removal of abutment cause some changes such as wear, scratch or defect of hexagonal structure. It may increase the value of rotational freedom(RF) between hexagonal structures. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate surface changes and rotational freedom between the external hexagon of the implant fixture and internal hexagon of abutment after repeated delivery and removal under SEM and toolmaker's microscope. Materials and methods: Implant systems used for this study were 3i and Avana. Seven pail's of implant fixture, abutment and abutment screws for each system were selected and all fixtures were perpendicularly mounted in liquid unsaturated polyesther with dental surveyor. Each one was embedded beneath the platform of fixture. Surfaces of hexagonal structure before repeated closing and opening of abutment were observed using SEM and rotational freedom was measured by using toolmaker's microscope. Each abutment was secured to the implant future by each abutment screw with recommended torque value using a digital torque controller and was repeatedly delivered and removed by 20 times respectively. After experiment, evaluation for the change of hexagonal structures and measurement of rotational freedom were performed. Result : The results were as follows; 1. Wear of contact area between implant fixture and abutment was considerable in both 3i and Avana system. Scratches and defects were frequently observed at the line-angle of hexagonal structures of implant fixture and abutment. 2. In the SEM view of the external hexagon of implant fixture, the point-angle areas at the corner edge of hexagon were severely worn out in both systems. It was more notable in the case of 3i systems than in that of Avana systems. 3. In the SEM view of the internal hexagon of abutment, Gingi-Hue abutment of 3i systems showed severe wear in micro-stop contacts that were machined into the corners to prevent rotation and cemented abutment of Avana systems showed wear in both surface area adjacent to the corner mating with external hexagon of implant fixture. 4 The mean values of rotational freedom between the external hexagon of the implant fixture and internal hexagon of abutment were 0.48$\pm$0.04$^{\circ}$ in pre-tested 3i systems and 1.18$\pm$0.25$^{\circ}$ after test, and 1.80$\pm$0.04$^{\circ}$ in pre-tested Avana systems and 2.61$\pm$0.16$^{\circ}$ after test. 5. Changes of rotational freedom after test shouted statistical)y a significant increase in both 3i and Avana systems(P<0.05, paired t-test). 6. Statistically, there was no significant difference between amount of increase in the rotational freedom of 3i systems and amount of increase in that of Avana ones(P>0.05, unpaired t-test). Conclusion: Conclusively, it was considered that repeated delivery and remove of abutment by 20 times would not have influence on screw joint stability. However, it caused statistically the significant change of rotational freedom in tested systems. Therefore, it is suggested that repeated delivery and remove of abutment should be minimal as possible as it could be and be done carefully Additionally, it is suggested that the means or treatment to prevent the wear of mating components should be devised.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.165-172
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of intratunnel fixation in the tibial side on the arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with quadruple hamstring tendon at the second look arthroscopy. Materials and Method: From Dec 1999 to May 2005, we arthroscopically reexamined 32 cases who had been done arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with quadruple hamstring tendons. Hamstring tendons of all cases were fixed at femoral side with RigidfixTM. At the tibial side hamstring tendons were fixed only Post-tie (Group I) or Post-tie combined with IntrafixTM (Group II). At the time of second look arthroscopy mean age of cases was 30 years and mean duration for second look arthroscopy was 21.3 months. We analyzed the results with IKDC score, KT-1000 arthrometer under anesthesia, Telos stress radiography, tibial tunnel widening on the radiography and second look arthroscopic findings. Results: Group II had more superior than group I at side to side differences with KT-1000 and Telos stress radiograph, IKDC score, but the differences were insignificant. At arthroscopic evaluation, Group ll also had more superior than group I at graft tension and graft appearance, graft synovialization, but the differences were insignificant. Tibial tunnel widening in the knee AP radiograph was 2.3 mm in Group I and 1.7 mm in Group II and the difference was significant. (P=0.042) Conclusions: Additional procedure of tibial intratunnel fixation in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with autogenous hamstring tendon significantly prohibited from tibial tunnel widening but clinical results, radiologic joint stability, findings in second look arthroscopy were insignificantly different. We concluded that Post-tie itself induced satisfactory clinical results, joint stability and graft maturation and that tibial tunnel widening did not affect the results.