• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.182-190
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of open kinetic chain exercise (OKCE) and closed kinetic chain exercise (CKCE) using knee reposition sensing on balance, strength, and knee joint reposition sense (JPS) in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Twenty-nine hemiplegic patients participated in this study. Participants were randomly divided into 3 groups, CKCE, OKCE, and controls, with 9, 10, and 10 participants, respectively. The CKCE group completed CKCE using knee reposition sensing, whereas the OKCE group completed OKCE using knee reposition sensing. The control group completed conventional physical therapy. Results: Significant differences between the CKCE and OKCE groups were apparent for all outcomes except the functional reaching test. The CKCE group displayed significant improvements in knee JPS versus the OKCE and control groups (p<0.01). The OKCE group displayed significant improvements in knee extensor muscle strength versus the CKCE and control groups (p<0.05). The CKCE and OKCE groups displayed significantly improvements in static balance versus the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: CKCE and OKCE improved balance, strength, and knee JPS. Additionally, CKCE might provide a more useful intervention benefit than OKCE for increasing knee JPS, a weight-bearing task. OKCE was sufficient to improve the knee extensor muscle strength.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.215-221
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• 2017

An electromagnetic (EM) wave absorber reduces the possibility of radar detection by minimizing the radar cross section (RCS) of structures. In this study, a radar absorbing structure (RAS) was applied to the leading edge of a blended wing body aircraft to reduce RCS in X-band (8.2~12.4GHz) radar. The RAS was composed of a periodic pattern resistive sheet with conductive lossy material and glass-fiber/epoxy composite as a spacer. The applied RAS is a multifunctional composite structure which has both electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing ability and load-bearing ability. A two dimensional unit absorber was designed first in a flat-plate shape, and then the fabricated leading edge structure incorporating the above RAS was investigated, using simulated and free-space measured reflection loss data from the flat-plate absorber. The leading edge was implemented on the aircraft, and its RCS was measured with respect to various azimuth angles in both polarizations (VV and HH). The RCS reduction effect of the RAS was evaluated in comparison with a leading edge of carbon fabric reinforced plastics (CFRP). The designed leading edge structure was examined through static structural analysis for various aircraft load cases to check structural integrity in terms of margin of safety. The mechanical and structural characteristics of CFRP, RAS and CFRP with RAM structures were also discussed in terms of their weight.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.135-140
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of distal femoral osteotomy for distal femoral varus and medial patellar luxation (MPL) grade 4 in small-breed dogs. Radiographs and medical records were reviewed to collect data and plan the surgery in small-breed dogs with MPL grade 4. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was also performed in cases of severe bone deformities. Signalment, weight, medial patellar luxation and lameness grade, radiographic bone union, complications, pre- and postoperative femoral varus angle, passive range of motion, static weight bearing distribution and visual analogue scale scores were recorded. Thirteen corrective distal femoral osteotomies were performed with ancillary and additional procedures in 9 dogs; 4 dogs had staged bilateral procedures; and four stifles were suspected to have partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. One stifle underwent patellar groove replacement. The mean ± SD pre- and postoperative femoral varus angles were 109.15°± 3.71° and 96.30°± 2.97°, respectively. Significant improvements in passive range of motion, thigh circumference and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were observed. There was no reluxation of the patella. This study suggests that distal femoral osteotomy with traditional and additional procedures provided satisfactory outcomes in patient healing and functional recovery in small-breed dogs with excessive femoral varus angles.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.63-72
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• 2022

Purpose : Several studies have investigated the effects of dynamic stretching (DS) and self-mobilization (SM), however, studies comparing the two interventions are rare. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of DS and SM on ankle strength, dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), and balance to determine which is superior. Methods : Thirty-two healthy young adults participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (SM and DS). DS was performed for the purpose of stretching the medial gastrocnemius muscle. For the SM group, ankle joint SM was performed in three ways. For all participants, the following measurements were performed as pre- and post-tests: isometric strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor, weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) to evaluate DFROM, Tetrax system to evaluate static balance, and y balance test (YBT) to evaluate dynamic balance. Differences before and after the intervention within each group were compared using paired t-test. Also, the variable's variation was compared between groups using an independent t-test. Results : Significant differences were found in ankle dorsiflexor strength, WBLT, YBT, weight distribution index (WDI) (pillow and opened eyes; PO), and stability index (ST) (normal and closed eyes; NC) before and after intervention in the SM group (p<.05). In the DS group, significant differences were found in ankle dorsiflexor and plantar flexor strength, WBLT, YBT anterior, WDI (normal and opened eyes; NO, PO), and ST (NO, NC, PO, pillow and closed eyes) before and after the intervention (p<.05). Ankle plantar flexor strength and WDI (PO) were significantly different between groups. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, DS or SM can be considered as a possibility for selective use according to variables for improving ankle joint function (DFROM, muscle strength, balance).

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate 1) the difference in static lower extremity alignment (SLEA) according to a history of lateral ankle sprain (LAS), 2) to identify SLEA factors affecting LAS, and 3) to present the cut-off value and 4) the usefulness and limitations of the SLEA measurement. Method: This case-control study recruited 88 men (age: 27.78±4.69 yrs) and 39 women (age: 24.62±4.20 yrs) subjects with and without LAS. SLEA measurement protocol included Q angle, tibiofemoral angle, genu recurvatum, rear foot (RF) angle, tibal varum and torsion, navicular drop, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM). Independent t-test, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis. Results: Men with a history of LAS had significantly smaller Q angles both in standing and in supine position, while women with a history of LAS had significantly greater DF ROM in non-weight bearing (NWB; p < 0.05). Logistic regression model suggests tibial varum (OR = 0.779, p = 0.021) and WB DF ROM (OR = 1.067, p = 0.045) were associated with LAS in men. In case of women, there were no significant SLEA factors for LAS, however, ROC curve analysis revealed standing RF angle (AUC = 0.647, p = 0.028) and NWB DF ROM (AUC = 0.648, p = 0.026) could be affecting factors for LAS. Conclusion: There are differences in SLEA according to the history of LAS, furthermore, the identified items were different by sex. In case of men, tibial varum and WB DF ROM affect LAS occurrence. Standing RF angle and NWB DF ROM of women could be a predictor for LAS. However, since the sensitivity and specificity in most of the SLEA measurements are low, kinematic in dynamic tasks should be considered together for a more accurate evaluation of LAS risk.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 1999

Soft tissue defect on heel area of the foot present difficult problems particularly because of anatomic property of plantar surface of the foot. There is a paucity of available local tissue in the foot for coverage. In addition to having little expandable tissue, the foot's plantar surface has a unique structure, making its replacement especially challenging. Plantar skin is attached to the underlying bone by fibrous septa, preventing shear of the soft-tissue surfaces from the underlying skeleton. Plantar surface of foot is in constant contact with the environment. Protective sensibility also would be maintained or restored in the ideal reconstruction. So the ideal flap for reconstruction of the heel should include thin, durable hairless skin with potential for reinnervation. The aim of this article is to present a clinical experience of free lateral arm neurosensory flap for reconstruction of the heel. From March 1995 to December 1997, a total 16 lateral arm free flaps were performed to soft tissue defects on the weight-bearing area of the hindfoot. we used tibial nerve as recepient nerve in 11 and calcaneal branch of tibial nerve in 5 for restoration of sensibility of flap. All cases survived completely. A static two-point discrimination of 14 to 34mm was detected in the flap. Radial nerve palsy which was caused by hematoma in donor site occured in one case, but recorverd in 3 weeks later completely. In conclusion, the lateral arm free flaps are versatile, reliable and sensible cutaneous flap and especially indicated for soft tissue defect on plantar surface of the hindfoot which are not good indications for other better-known flaps.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.316-321
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• 2020

PURPOSE. The stress distribution and microgap formation on an implant abutment structure was evaluated to determine the relationship between the direction of the load and the stress value. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two types of three-dimensional models for the mandibular first molar were designed: bone-level implant and tissue-level implant. Each group consisted of an implant, surrounding bone, abutment, screw, and crown. Static finite element analysis was simulated through 200 N of occlusal load and preload at five different load directions: 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60°. The von Mises stress of the abutment and implant was evaluated. Microgap formation on the implant-abutment interface was also analyzed. RESULTS. The stress values in the implant were as follows: 525, 322, 561, 778, and 1150 MPa in a bone level implant, and 254, 182, 259, 364, and 436 MPa in a tissue level implant at a load direction of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60°, respectively. For microgap formation between the implant and abutment interface, three to seven-micron gaps were observed in the bone level implant under a load at 45 and 60°. In contrast, a three-micron gap was observed in the tissue level implant under a load at only 60°. CONCLUSION. The mean stress of bone-level implant showed 2.2 times higher than that of tissue-level implant. When considering the loading point of occlusal surface and the direction of load, higher stress was noted when the vector was from the center of rotation in the implant prostheses.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.539-548
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• 2022

Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) are one of the most important and widely used lateral load-bearing systems. The reason for this is easier execution than reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls, faster construction time, and lower final weight of the structure. However, the main drawback of SPSWs is premature buckling in low drift ratios, which affects the energy absorption capacity and global performance of the system. To address this problem, two groups of SPSWs under cyclic loading were investigated using the finite element method (FEM). In the first group, several series of circular rings have been used and in the second group, a new type of SPSW with concentric circular rings (CCRs) has been introduced. Numerous parameters include in yield stress of steel plate wall materials, steel panel thickness, and ring width were considered in nonlinear static analysis. At first, a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model was validated using three sets of laboratory SPSWs and the difference in results between numerical models and experimental specimens was less than 5% in all cases. The results of numerical models revealed that the full SPSW undergoes shear buckling at a drift ratio of 0.2% and its hysteresis behavior has a pinching in the middle part of load-drift ratio curve. Whereas, in the two categories of proposed SPSWs, the hysteresis behavior is complete and stable, and in most cases no capacity degradation of up to 6% drift ratio has been observed. Also, in most numerical models, the tangential stiffness remains almost constant in each cycle. Finally, for the innovative SPSW, a relationship was suggested to determine the shear capacity of the proposed steel wall relative to the wall slenderness coefficient.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2009.09a
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• pp.133-144
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• 2009

Incheon Bridge, 18.4 km long sea-crossing bridge, will be opened to the traffic in October 2009 and this will be the new landmark of the gearing up north-east Asia as well as the largest & longest bridge of Korea. Incheon Bridge is the integrated set of several special featured bridges including a magnificent cable-stayed girder bridge which has a main span of 800 m width to cross the navigation channel in and out of the Port of Incheon. Incheon Bridge is making an epoch of long-span bridge designs thanks to the fully application of the AASHTO LRFD (load & resistance factor design) to both the superstructures and the substructures. A state-of-the-art of the geotechnologies which were applied to the Incheon Bridge construction project is introduced. The most Large-diameter drilled shafts were penetrated into the bedrock to support the colossal superstructures. The bearing capacity and deformational characteristics of the foundations were verified through the world's largest static pile load test. 8 full-scale pilot piles were tested in both offshore site and onshore area prior to the commencement of constructions. Compressible load beyond 30,000 tonf pressed a single 3 m diameter foundation pile by means of bi-directional loading method including the Osterberg cell techniques. Detailed site investigation to characterize the subsurface properties had been carried out. Geotextile tubes, tied sheet pile walls, and trestles were utilized to overcome the very large tidal difference between ebb and flow at the foreshore site. 44 circular-cell type dolphins surround the piers near the navigation channel to protect the bridge against the collision with aberrant vessels. Each dolphin structure consists of the flat sheet piled wall and infilled aggregates to absorb the collision impact. Geo-centrifugal tests were performed to evaluate the behavior of the dolphin in the seabed and to verify the numerical model for the design. Rip-rap embankments on the seabed are expected to prevent the scouring of the foundation. Prefabricated vertical drains, sand compaction piles, deep cement mixings, horizontal natural-fiber drains, and other subsidiary methods were used to improve the soft ground for the site of abutments, toll plazas, and access roads. Light-weight backfill using EPS blocks helps to reduce the earth pressure behind the abutment on the soft ground. Some kinds of reinforced earth like as MSE using geosynthetics were utilized for the ring wall of the abutment. Soil steel bridges made of corrugated steel plates and engineered backfills were constructed for the open-cut tunnel and the culvert. Diverse experiences of advanced designs and constructions from the Incheon Bridge project have been propagated by relevant engineers and it is strongly expected that significant achievements in geotechnical engineering through this project will contribute to the national development of the longspan bridge technologies remarkably.