bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: Siebert Barbara
Published: February 2013

In terms of rising energy costs and limited fossil fuels the solar energy becomes more and more important. In the last years a change of applications was visible: From energy plants on fields and grasslands only for producing energy to the so called BIPV (building integrated Photovoltaic). Here the PV acts not only for producing energy: Other purposes are e.g. acting as building envelope and/or acting as architectural element. In this paper the basics of PV are shortly presented. Other important points are the aspects of safety e.g. for overhead glazing and large façade systems with PV and aspects of static analysis. Finally some examples of BIPV are presented.
Modern Yurts Are Viable Options For Societal Facility Needs
Authors: Kicinski Stephen
Published: February 2013

Social Infrastructure encompasses many aspects, but affordable, functional, and sustainable facilities areprominent in any communities’ needs. Modern yurts (gers) are viable options to fulfillthese needs. They are affordable and sustainable through their minimal use of materials and ease of erection. They are beautiful, open structures, lending themselves to accessible and diverse functions. Through clever use of high-tech, high-strength materials, they are durable to most environmental challenges. Finally, they are adaptable to different site conditions and can be easily de-constructed and moved to another site.
The Development of Reliability-Based Design Guidelines and Prototype Design of Super Long-Span Bridges
Authors: Kim Ho-Kyung , Lee Myeong-Jae , Yang ByungHong , Song Byeong-Hoon , Lee HaeSung , Koh Hyun-Moo
Published: February 2013

To come up with the necessity of longer span for cable-supported bridges, a research program on the development of super long-span bridge technology was launched couple of years ago in Korea. The R&D program is planning to be continued to 2015. As a part of this program, the development of a reliability-based design technology is on-going with the consideration of lifetime-based design perspective. The use of high strength cable is one of the issues. The load and resistance factors as well as load combinations are determined considering the target reliability index and probability of failure. The return period of design loads are basically based on the lifetime of 200 year. Prototype designs are performed for the two potential sites of long-span bridges in Korea. One of them is planned as a suspension bridge with the main span length of 2,800m and the other as a cable-stayed bridge with the main span length of 1,200m. Both bridges were designed according to the conventional design guidelines to produce a baseline of current design practices. The applicability and economic efficiency of the proposed design guideline and the developed technologies are then estimated with comparing the products between the baseline and enhanced designs. An Intelligent Bridge Safety Pole is also invented and planning to be installed on the deck in order to enhance the safety of drivers by providing several informative data related to the bridge condition.
Structural Form Enhancement for Aesthetic Bridge Design
Authors: Hong Namhee K. , Koh Hyun-Moo , Hong Sung-Gul , Cho Kyung Sik
Published: February 2013

The significance of bridge aesthetics has been acknowledged among multidisciplinary participants over several decades. However, there exists a large gap among the participants because of their different perspectives. In order to reduce the gap the concept of force flow must be shared because many of existing bridges show that their elegant forms come from structural efficiency. This paper will discuss how to enhance structural forms based on the concept of force flow in an early design stage right after an artistic sketch is generated. This enhancement process includes the following tasks: (1) calling an artistic sketch into a Graphics window; (2) structural analysis of the sketch using parametric structural system; and (3) refinement of the structural shape considering structural behavior of the force flow. The parametric structural system must be predefined with an appropriate structural analysis tool. The main objectives of this paper are to address the two issues: (1) the development of a structural analysis tool supporting the structural analysis task for the communication among multidisciplinary participants and (2) the development of collaborative design paradigm among multidisciplinary participants useful in early design stages. The structural analysis tool will be implemented using graphic statics combined with the concept of dynamic graphics available through 3D Graphics software. It is expected that the proposed way of structural form enhancement using the structural analysis tool implemented directly using 3D Graphics software may reduce the gap deeply rooted among multidisciplinary participants.
Innovative Bridge Assessment Methods using Image Processing and Infrared Thermography Technology
Authors: Matsumoto Masato , Mitani Koji , Sugimoto Masanobu , Hashimoto Kazuaki , Miller Rick
Published: February 2013

Identifying appropriate applications for technology to assess the health and safety of bridges is an important issue for bridge owners around the world. Traditionally, highway bridge conditions have been monitored by visual inspection with structural deficiencies being manually identified and classified by qualified engineers and inspectors. With traditional on-site inspections, qualified inspectors are performing close-up visual inspections and sounding tests, often from crane suspended lifting cages or built-in inspection staging; invariably putting inspectors at some safety risk. The need for safer inspection methods calls for new innovations in bridge inspection technologies. One of the solutions for this issue is leveraging non-destructive technologies as well as experimental approaches for a more advanced and efficient inspection process. Due to advancements in technology and computer science, new technologies are becoming more and more cost effective, and some of the technologies are ready to be applied for on-site bridge assessment practices. Some technologies can contribute to reducing inspection costs by replacing part of the visual inspection or hammer sounding tests, while other technologies can provide additional information for bridge engineers to make a decision on optimum inspection intervals or more cost effective maintenance strategies. If we can improve data collection efficiencies and reduce the time required by inspectors in the field to make general structure condition assessments, more time will be available for these same inspectors to perform detailed hands-on inspections and/or to apply non- destructive testing technologies for pre-screened bridge elements in areas requiring close attention. NEXCO-West, one of major toll road operators in Japan has been working to develop efficient non- destructive highway bridge inspection methods using high quality digital image and Infrared (IR) thermography technologies. This paper describes the basic theory of these methods and results of

on-site applications for deteriorating concrete bridge structures.
Target Safety Criteria for School Gymnasium Structure
Authors: Kanda Jun
Published: February 2013

The safety criteria for building structures are provided in regulations as minimum requirements. Then people usually do not pay attentions to the level of safety. However the local conditions for the seismic activity, soil conditions and social behaviour are rather different. The appropriate safety level has to be based on the demands of stakeholders including clients and users. The target safety criteria for school gymnasium are discussed as an example. The minimum total expected cost principle is applied as a tool for the discussion.
Economic Feasibility of Long Span Cable Bridges with Application of High Performance Steel and Wire
Authors: Kim Hee Sung , Ko Joon Sang , Yoo Dong Ho , Kang Soo Chang , Lee Jong Kwan
Published: February 2013

To study an economic feasibility with respect to the application of high-performance steel and high strength wire for long span cable bridges, structural analyses and trial designs were performed.

In order to compare trial design with previous real design, the practical cable bridges, which type are suspension and cable stayed, were selected. Based upon design method and appropriate assumption, decrease of wire/steel weight and construction cost are evaluated.

The results showed that the steel weight and construction cost could be reduced certainly by using high performance steel and high strength wire, although the design stresses of some plates in box girder are not governed by material strength due to the stability of stiffened plates and the limitation of minimum plate thickness or specification for bridges.
Structural Design and Behaviour of PSC Beams Prestressed with 2160MPa / 2400MPa Steel Strand
Authors: Kim Jin-Kook , Seong Taek-Ryong , Lee Jong-kwan
Published: February 2013

This paper introduces newly developed 2160MPa / 2400MPa steel strand for prestressing and its application to PSC girders. Diameter of the strand is 15.2mm which is generally used in Asia and America. Nominal tensile strengths are increased up to 300kN and 333kN for 2160MPa and 2400MPa strand, respectively, from 261kN of 1860MPa strand. This paper reviews the feasibility in structural design aspect of the high strength strands, especially in terms of long-term prestressing losses due to creep, shrinkage of concrete and relaxation of steel. First, the structural design using simplified equations of KHBDC(Korea Highway Bridge Design Code) was compared with numerical analysis result using MIDAS for PSC beam with 2160MPa PS strand. Then, long-term prestressing losses calculated from design equations of KHBDC, Eurocode2 were compared for 35m long PSC beam according to the strength of PS strand(1860MPa/2400MPa). The comparison presented that simplified equations of KHBDC were conservative with no regards to the strength of PS strands and the high strength strands reduce long-term prestressing losses.
Fundamental Study on Arrangement of Bolted Patch Plate for Repairing Fatigue Crack
Authors: Pan Chao , Yamagchi Takashi , Mitsugi Yukiko , Hashimoto Kunitaro , Sugiura Kunitomo , Kondo Akihisa
Published: February 2013

In Japan, bolted patch plate method is often used for repairing the steel member with a fatigue crack on the bridge. However, it is not clear that how to arrange bolted patch plate for repairing fatigue clack rationally and effectively. In this paper, study aims to investigate the influence of bolted patch plate arrangement for fatigue strength considering that the bolted patch plate has been slipped by a severe earthquake.
Parametric Study on Safety Factor for Cable Slip in Four-span Suspension Bridges
Authors: Kim Hee Sung , Sohn Yun Ki , Yoo Dong Ho
Published: February 2013

Multi-span suspension bridges have many advantages with respect to constructability, cost and aesthetic aspect, compared to 3-span suspension bridges, because the number of anchorages can be reduced. However, there are not enough design experiences for such bridge type so that various studies for multi-span suspension bridge must be carried out. Especially, the slip between cable and saddle on the top of middle pylon is one of the most important factors in the design phase.

In this paper, parametric analyses were performed to examine the variation of safety factor for cable slip according to design variables, such as sag ratio, stiffness of middle pylon and girder for 4-span suspension bridge. Eventually, the followings were obtained.

As the sag ratio or the stiffness of middle pylon decreases, the safety factor for cable slip increased. When the self-weight of stiffening girder increased, the safety factor also increased.
New Concept for Main Cable of Suspension Bridge
Authors: Konno Shinichi
Published: February 2013

Aerial Spinning (AS) method and Prefabricated Parallel Wire Strand (PWS) method have been used for a parallel wire cable of a suspension bridge. These two methods to be adopted have been selected by the conditions and situations of the project. This paper discusses the actual facts on these two methods based on the experiences of the author, and proposes the improvements of the system and the erection methodology of a suspension bridge cable.

The author recommends to apply the PWS method with further improvement rather than the AS method, since the PWS method is basically superior to the AS method from the viewpoint of the quality of installed cable and the capability for improvement. The new concepts on the improvement of PWS herein proposed are (i) to assemble wires as a PWS at construction site, (ii) to make partial bend unlike the conventional straight PWS and (iii) to use the separate reference strand for sag adjustment.
Dynamic Response of Concrete Cable-Stayed Bridges due to Cable Rupture
Authors: Shin Soobong , Go Hyeong Gyu , Kim Jaecheon , Kim Yuhee , Cheung Jinhwan
Published: February 2013

This paper aims to analytically investigate the effects of cable rupture on the dynamic responses of concrete cable-stayed bridges. Analytical methods for simulating the cable rupture using a time history function have been examined and the dynamic amplification factor (DAF) is considered as a design criterion. The calculated DAFs from a concrete cable-stayed bridge were compared with those from a typical steel composite one. DAFs were calculated for member forces of the deck system and stay cables. The comparison verified that the current design guideline for DAF may be reliable in general sense but underestimate DAFs in some parts of concrete cable-stayed bridges.
Design Concept of Steel-Concrete Composite Slab Using an Adhesive
Authors: Ogawa Atsushi , Yoshitake Isamu , Watada Yasuo , Kim Yail J.
Published: February 2013

A steel-concrete composite slab using an adhesive has been developed in our previous study. The composite system may be designed simply and provide economical advantage compared with conventional systems having mechanical shear connectors. This paper describes a design method for the composite slab conforming to Japanese design code. Effectiveness of the system is discussed from an economic point of view. By employing the composite system, the construction cost of bridge deck can be decreased to 86-94 % of the cost of conventional system.
A Statistical Approach to Long-Span Bridge Usability Assessment
Authors: Lee Sungsu , Kim Youngmin , Kim JunYeong
Published: February 2013

Wind is the ultimate enemy of long-span bridges and bridge engineers have been through enormous amount struggle and efforts to overcome un-determined and unknown loading caused by wind.

Collapse of Tacoma Narrow Bridge enabled a quantum leap in bridge design practice in analyzing dynamic loading and stability. While much of the efforts to reduce the possibility of wind-related disaster have been put into the bridges in use, less attention has been paid to usability of the bridges. Motivated by increasing interests in cost effectiveness in construction and lacking of clear and quantified methodology for assessing the usability of long span bridges, this paper intends to quantify the wind vulnerability of the long span bridge by using a statistical approach of risk assessment. In this study, risk, defined as convolution of hazard and vulnerability, is used as a scale of usability. Wind speed record from meteorological observations is statistically modeled to form wind hazard while the structural vulnerability for the usability is established from probability analysis of dynamic behaviors of scaled model of long-span bridge in wind tunnel. The results show that the convoluted risk can be interpreted as days and months of inoperative condition due to wind environment both in mean speed and gust.
Vehicle Weight Estimation using Bridge Bearing with Embedded Piezoelectric Material
Authors: Jang Won-Seo , Ha Dong-Ho , Choo Jinkyo F. , Goo Nam Seo , Kim Dae-Hyun
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a new method to estimate vehicle weight by using piezoelectric material embedded in the bridge bearings. A piezoelectric material one that produces an electric charge when a mechanical stress is applied. The bearing has been conceived by introducing adequately a piezoelectric material within conventional steel pot bearing or rubber elastomeric bearing. This piezoelectric material not only supplies the electrical power required for the operation of the embedded sensors but can also be used to perform real time control of the passage of overloaded trucks by adopting built-in load measuring function.

Compared to other vehicle weight identifying system, the advantage of this method is that it is possible to install without additional work, since it is installed as a component of the bridge. Besides, its power generation capacity (energy harvesting) is also providing a new energy source that can be exploited to supply power to the monitoring system for gathering database of vehicle weight. Dynamic vehicle loads induce vibrations depending on bridge's natural frequency and vehicle's velocity. This study demonstrated that vehicle weight estimation is properly performed through analytical solution and numerical analysis when vehicle load is measured by the bridge bearing.
Vibration Properties of 24 old Railway Bridges of Same Structure
Authors: Matsuoka Kodai , Kaito Kiyoyuki
Published: February 2013

In the health monitoring, it is important to solve the problem of space domain that detects an abnormal bridge which needs observation in consideration of varying of the monitoring indexes that homogeneous bridges have. In order to detect the certain abnormalities, it is need to compare relatively vibration characteristics of many bridges. This study aims at offering the fundamental information which contributes to the decision-making problem. Authors identified the vibration properties that are natural frequency and vibration modes of a 24 steel railway bridge that has been used for 86 years. The 24 spans have the same structure and are used under the same loading condition and almost the same environmental condition. Identified vibration characteristics (up to 70Hz for 12 modes) were compared, and it was found that there are no significant differences in natural frequencies among the 24 bridges and even after 86 years of operation.
Construction Supervion and Control of Double-Walled Steel Cofferdam for Xin Zao Extra-large Pearl River Bridge
Authors: Li Guo Ming , Wang Bing , Xia Zheng Zhi
Published: February 2013

The paper describes in detail the supervisory calculation and site monitoring supervision on the double-walled steel cofferdams which were built for main piers of the Xin Zao extra-large Pearl Bridge in nearby Guangzhou City, and briefly introduces the researches on during study and gathers experience on actual tests of load, material, press, displacement of the steel cofferdam.
Moolchand extradosed bridge for Delhi metro
Authors: Montens Serge , Mauris Georges , Jain Piush , Shahid Mohammad , Mhedden Abdelghani , Kataria Rajan
Published: February 2013

The Moolchand bridge is located on the Delhi metro line 3 extension. It crosses a highway and a roadway with a high traffic.

No intermediate pier could be placed on the highway, so a long span was required. The clearance was limited, so SYSTRA proposed an extradosed bridge, with the following spans: 51 - 65.5 - 51m. About half of the bridge is curved in plane view.

The deck is nearly the same box-girder prestressed deck as for the typical spans, in order to use the same precast segments formwork for construction optimization, and also for a better architectural continuity. The pylons and the deck are embedded with the main piers. The main span was built by cantilever.
Structural performance of precast segmental composite pier cap
Authors: Shim Chang-Su , Kim Dong-Wook , Kong Davon
Published: February 2013

Prefabrication technologies are making bridge building safer and less disruptive to the environment and traveling public, making bridge designs more constructible and, improving the quality and durability by shifting work to a more controllable environment. Modular bridge substructures with concrete-filled steel tube (CFT) piers and composite pier caps were suggested to realize accelerated bridge construction. The precast segmental pier cap consists of a composite pier table and precast prestressed segments on the table. The pier table has embedded steel section to mitigate stress concentration by small tubes. Each bridge pier has four or six CFT columns which connect to the pier cap. Shear strength of the pier cap was obtained by extending vertical reinforcing bars from the table to the precast segment. Transverse prestressing was introduced to control tensile stresses by service loadings. Structural performance of the proposed modular system was evaluated by static tests. Limit states of the composite pier cap were satisfied by continuous reinforcing bars and prestressing tendons. Standardized modular substructures can be effectively utilized for the fast replacement or construction of bridges.
Application of Spatial Grid Model in Structural Analysis of Concrete Box Girder Bridges
Authors: Xu Dong , Zhao Yu
Published: February 2013

For concrete box girder with wide transverse edge cantilevers, different analysis method (single beam model, plane grillage analogy, three-dimensional finite element model) has its merits and limited applicability. Therefore a need exists for a simple method of elastic analysis of thin-walled concrete box girders, while retaining sufficient accuracy for reinforcement design. A new method- spatial grid model-is proposed, which can consider out-of-plane bending and in-plane membrane effect. Clear analysis of spatial behaviour (including shear lag effect, statically indeterminate shear flow distribution and local flexural effect) can be obtained from the proposed model. Application of the proposed model in a single-span concrete box girder bridge is shown in this paper. The method is shown to give excellent agreement when compared to an elaborate three-dimensional shell finite element model.
Tension Force Estimation of Cables in Cable Supported Bridges with Considering Initial Curvature Shortening Effect
Authors: Choi Dong-Ho , Park Wan-Soon
Published: February 2013

In the maintenance of cable-supported bridges, estimating cable tension is the most important procedure. For this procedure, some formulas have been used. However, the results estimated using these formulas are not accurate because they was developed using a variety of assumptions. The major reason for the inaccuracy of existing formulas is the neglect of the initial curvature shortening effect. As the slenderness ratio of the cable increases, this effect is strengthened. If the cable is supported by the immovable ends, the stretching force induced by the initial curvature shortening effect results in a tension force to the cable. In this paper, a new method is proposed to increase accuracy in estimating the total tension force of the cable. The total tension force is calculated with considering the initial deflection curve, the initial curvature shortening effect, and the nonlinear oscillation of the cable. The verification result for a cable-stayed bridge showed that the initial curvature shortening effect should be considered to estimate the total tension force of the cable and that the new method gives more rational estimates compared with the existing formulas.
The Development and Application of a Long Span Spliced Girder with Joint Block
Authors: Kim Dong-Seok , Ahn Jeong-Saeng , Park Young-Suk , Kim Chul-Young
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the development of a spliced girder which is called ‘SegBeam’ is introduced. SegBeam use the ‘joint block’ which composes the splicing end part of a segment and is made of higher strength concrete than the other part of segment. The joint block is used for easy match casting and resisting the stress concentration during splicing process with post tensioning. Also, joint block enables to make a variable length of segment as the joint block fabricated in advance can be moved in the form of the segment. To verify the performance, full-scale load test of a 60m-long SegBeam is carried out. The structural safety of SegBeam is guaranteed under the load exceeding the ultimate design load of the girder. The applications of the SegBeam in the real construction field are also introduced.
analytical study on Influence factors to evaluates The thermal properties of donut type biaxial hollow slab
Authors: Cho Hae-Jeong , Chung Joo-Hong , Lee Seung-Chang , Choi Chang-Sik
Published: February 2013

The objective of this paper is to find the influence factor on the thermal properties of biaxial hollow slab by finite element results using ANSYS program. The parametric analysis which includes existence of hollow shape, type of hollow shape, internal covering thickness between hollow shape and steel was carried out. As a result of this study, the existence of hollow shape has effect of resisting heat transfer within concrete slab and increasing temperature of bottom bars. Also, distance between hollow shape and steel may influence on the concentration effective of temperature for bottom of biaxial hollow slab.
Experimental and numerical analysis on dynamic responses of UHPC cable-stayed pedestrian bridge
Authors: Lee Jungwhee , Park Jaegyun , Chin Won-Jong , Kim Young-Jin , Kim Byung Suk , Jang Jeong-Hwan
Published: February 2013

The first cable-stayed pedestrian bridge using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been designed and constructed in Korea, and this bridge was equipped with TMD(Tuned mass damper) to reduce excessive vibration and increase serviceability. To validate the performance of the TMD, a number of experimental human loading tests and corresponding numerical simulations were performed. Explicit dynamic code, LS-DYNA was utilized to simulate the experimental tests, using a wheel with 6-shoes designed to mimic a pedestrian’s walk or run. Through the experimental and numerical investigation, reduction of peak acceleration and increase of damping ratio is confirmed as expected. In this paper, procedures and results of numerical simulation is presented and compared with experimental results.
Bering Glacier surge 2011: analysis of laser altimeter data
Authors: Herzfeld Ute C. , McDonald Brian , Stachura Maciej , Griffin Hale Robert , Chen Phillip , Trantow Thomas
Published: February 2013

The Bering Glacier–Bagley Icefield system in Alaska is currently surging (2011). Large-scale elevation changes and small-scale elevation-change characteristics are investigated to understand surge progression, especially mass transport from the pre-surge reservoir area to the receiving area and propagation of the kinematic surge wave as manifested in heavy crevassing characteristic of rapid, brittle deformation. This analysis is based on airborne laser altimeter data collected over Bering Glacier in September 2011. Results include the following: (1) Maximal crevasse depth is 60 m, reached in a rift that separates two deformation domains, indicative of two different flow regimes. Otherwise surge crevasse depth reaches 20–30 m. (2) Characteristic parameters of structural provinces are derived by application of geostatistical classification. Parameters include significance and spacing of crevasses, surface roughness and crevasse-edge curvature (indicative of crevasse age). A classification based on these parameters serves to objectively discriminate structural provinces, indicative of surge progression down-glacier and up-glacier. (3) Elevation changes from 2011 and 2010 altimetry show 40–70 m surface lowering in the reservoir area in lower central Bering Glacier and 20–40m thickening near the front in Tashalich arm. Combining elevation changes with results of crevasse profilometry and pattern analysis, the rapid progression of the surge can be mathematically–physically reconstructed.
Comparative analysis of morphological, mineralogical and spectral properties of cryoconite in Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland, and Canada Glacier, Antarctica
Authors: Tedesco M. , Foreman C.M. , Anton J. , Steiner N. , Schwartzman T.
Published: February 2013

We report the results of a comparative analysis focusing on grain size, mineralogical composition and spectral reflectance values (400-2500 nm) of cryoconite samples collected from Jakobshavn Isbræ, West Greenland, and Canada Glacier, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. The samples from the Greenland site were composed of small particles clumped into larger rounded agglomerates, while those from the site in Antarctica contained fragments of different sizes and shapes. Mineralogical analysis indicates that the samples from Jakobshavn Isbræ contained a higher percentage of quartz and albite, whereas those from Canada Glacier contained a higher percentage of amphibole, augite and biotite. Spectral measurements confirmed the primary role of organic material in reducing the reflectance over the measured spectrum. The reflectance of the samples from the Antarctic site remained low after the removal of organic matter because of the higher concentration of minerals with low reflectance. The reflectance of dried cryoconite samples in the visible region was relatively low (e.g. between ∼0.1 and ∼0.4) favouring increased absorbed solar radiation. Despite high reflectance values in the shortwave infrared region, the effect of the presence of cryoconite is negligible at infrared wavelengths where ice reflectance is low.
Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence - An Overview
Authors: Rahman Nusrat , Nasrin Begum , Laila Tarafder Runa , Nahar Khairun , Shamsunnahar P A , Chowdhury Saleha Begum
Published: February 2013

The plethora of treatment modalities available for the treatment of female stress urinary  incontinence reflects the uncertainty in the pathophysiology of this condition and the mechanism  of cure. No single treatment method is suitable for all patients. For best results, many factors  must be considered before choosing the treatment method most suited to the particular  patient. This review examines the various treatment options available and attempts to set out  criteria for choice of treatment. The role of conservative treatment has been deliberately  highlighted especially for young and well motivated women with mild to moderate urinary stress  incontinence before surgical treatment is used. The role and limitations of well established  surgical procedures like Burch colposuspension and urethroplasty and the most recently  introduced procedures like TVT/TOT,collagen implants ,laparascopic colposuspension and  the role of artificial urinary sphinter are also examined DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i1.13759 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(1) : 37-44
A Case Report: Hysterectomy in Eleventh Months Infant
Authors: Nahar Shamsun , Das Bishwajit , Sofdar Gulshan , Sharkar Mrinal Kumar
Published: February 2013

Endometrial carcinoma in an infant is a very rare condition; it typically occurs in elderly patients; approximately 88% are postmenopausal at the time of diagnosis1. Classically, Endometrial carcinoma affects the obese, nulliparous, infertile, hypertensive and diabetic white women, but usually can be occur in the absence of all these factors. Estrogens are   implicated as causative factor in endometrial carcinoma because a high incidence of this disease in patients with presumed attention in oestrogen metabolism and   in those who take exogenous estrogens. Polycystic   ovarian disease and Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary can produce high level of oestrogens but are rare cause of hyperestrogenism and endometrial   carcinoma2.Gonadal dysgenesis can also be associated with endometrial adenocarcinoma3. Embrional vaginal carcinoma are most commonly   seen in very young girls. The tumour usually involves the vagina , the cervix may be affected as well, particularly in an older child. Batryoids sarcoma arises   from the submucosal tissue and rapidly spread beneath   an intact vaginal epithelium and bulges as polypoid   growth. Three types of vaginal and cervical tumour may appear during childhood & early teens,   endometrial carcinoma occur most often in young children. Carcinoma arising in a remnant of a mesonephric duct occurs more often in girls of 3 yrs   of age or older4. Clear cell adenocarcinoma of   nulliparous origin often associated with a history of antenatal exposure of DES ( Diethylestilbestrol ). But   no clear cut evidence is detected in infant or childhood   endometrial carcinoma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i1.13760 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(1) : 45-47
Abstracts Vol.26(1)
Authors: Chowdhury Saleha Begum
Published: February 2013

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i1.13762 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(1) : 50-57
Editorial Vol.26(2)
Authors: Chowdhury Saleha Begum
Published: February 2013

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i2.13780 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(2) : 62-63
Effect of Different Methods of Induction on the Mode of Delivery and Fetal Outcome
Authors: Buhari Nabila Aminu , Ahmed Sumayya Lugman , Sohrabi Nastaran Redha , Ogunsola Hidayat Yetunde , Shaikh Riwana B , Sharbatti Shatha Al , Mathew Elsheba
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To study various methods of induction of labor and their effect on mode of delivery  and fetal outcome.Methods: 104 pregnant women induced in Gulf Medical College hospital from August to   November 2009 were included. Mothers were observed from the start of their induction and  followed up till they were discharged. The methods of induction compared were the use of prostaglandin, oxytocin, prostaglandin and oxytocin combined and artificial rupture of membranes.Results: Out of 104 pregnant women, 86 (89%) had normal vaginal delivery. Of these, 36 (41.9%) were induced with combination of prostaglandin and oxytocin, 32 (37.2%) with prostaglandin, 14 (16.2%) with oxytocin, and 4 (4.6%) with artificial rupture of membranes. 13 (12.5%) mothers delivered through caesarean section of these, 7 (53.8%) mothers were induced with prostaglandin, 3 (23%) with prostaglandin and oxytocin, 2 (15.3%) with oxytocin alone, and 1 (7.7%) with artificial rupture of membranes. Induction of labor with combination of prostaglandin and oxytocin was found to be the most effective method. Duration of labor between primigravidas and multigravidas were significantly different with primigravidas having longer duration of labor with mean time of 12.47 hours while multigravidas had 9.16 hours.Conclusion: Induction of labor with combination of prostaglandin and oxytocin was found to be the most effective method in this study with very good progressing to normal vaginal delivery. Further research is needed on a larger scale to compare other methods of labor induction on parturient to be able to recommend the most effective method of labor induction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i2.13785 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(2) : 81-85
Maternal Risk Factors for Perinatal Mortality
Authors: Yousuf Nusrat Ara , Yousuf Ismat Ara , Talukder Noor Uddin , Kutubi Afroza , Nahar Parveen Akhter Shamsun , Hena Samsunnahar Begum
Published: February 2013

Objective: This prospective clinical study was designed on maternal risk factors for perinatal  mortality.Material and Methods: This is cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics  & Gynae and Department of pediatrics Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, during the period from 1st July 2008  30th June 2009. Here study population were all fresh & macerated stillborn & early neonatal death cases during the study period. For  convenience sampling total 100 cases were studied for this study during the study period.Results: During this period 8398 deliveries were done & there were 715 perinatal deaths. In Sylhet region neonatal mortality rate is higher (53 /1000 total birth) than our national neonatal  mortality rate (37/1000 total birth) (BDHS, 2007). From this study it was revealed that most  important maternal risk factor for perinatal mortality was pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and obstructed labour.Conclusion: Perinatal mortality rate serves as the most sensitive index of maternal and neonatal care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i2.13786 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(2) : 86-91
Case report on Textiloma of Uterus
Authors: Begum Rahima , Khanum Shakila
Published: February 2013

A 30years of old hypothyroid lady , presented with foul smelling excessive whitish per vaginal discharge, associated with itching in vulva & pain in the lower abdomen following caesarean section 3 months back. Her uterus was palpably enlarged and firm. USG revealed bulky uterus with wall echo shadow sign. A CT scan of whole abdomen was done that revealed intrauterine textiloma. During laparotomy huge amount of pus came out through wound and a mob was found within uterine cavity. Textiloma is a rare problem of surgery arising from retained gauze during operation. Careful counting of surgical gauze before closure and identification by newer techniques is required to prevent this iatrogenic complication DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i2.13791 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(2) : 100-102
Increased Reprogramming of Human Fetal Hepatocytes Compared with Adult Hepatocytes in Feeder-Free Conditions
Authors: Hansel Marc C. , Gramignoli Roberto , Blake William , Davila Julio , Skvorak Kristen , Dorko Kenneth , Tahan Veysel , Lee Brian R. , Tafaleng Edgar , Guzman-Lepe Jorge , Soto-Gutierrez Alejandro , Fox Ira J. , Strom Stephen C.
Published: February 2013

Hepatocyte transplantation has been used to treat liver disease. The availability of cells for these procedures is quite limited. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) may be a useful source of hepatocytes for basic research and transplantation if efficient and effective differentiation protocols were developed and problems with tumorigenicity could be overcome. Recent evidence suggests that the cell of origin may affect hiPSC differentiation. Thus, hiPSCs generated from hepatocytes may differentiate back to hepatocytes more efficiently than hiPSCs from other cell types. We examined the efficiency of reprogramming adult and fetal human hepatocytes. The present studies report the generation of 40 hiPSC lines from primary human hepatocytes under feeder-free conditions. Of these, 37 hiPSC lines were generated from fetal hepatocytes, 2 hiPSC lines from normal hepatocytes, and 1 hiPSC line from hepatocytes of a patient with Crigler–Najjar syndrome, type 1. All lines were confirmed reprogrammed and expressed markers of pluripotency by gene expression, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and teratoma formation. Fetal hepatocytes were reprogrammed at a frequency over 50-fold higher than adult hepatocytes. Adult hepatocytes were only reprogrammed with six factors, while fetal hepatocytes could be reprogrammed with three (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG) or four factors (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, LIN28 or OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, C-MYC). The increased reprogramming efficiency of fetal cells was not due to increased transduction efficiency or vector toxicity. These studies confirm that hiPSCs can be generated from adult and fetal hepatocytes including those with genetic diseases. Fetal hepatocytes reprogram much more efficiently than adult hepatocytes, although both could serve as useful sources of hiPSC-derived hepatocytes for basic research or transplantation.
Performance and Mechanism of Neuroleukin in the Growth and Survival of Sertoli Cell-Induced Neurons in a Coculture System
Authors: Deng Lei , Shi Bingyang , Zhuang Yingping , Chu Ju , Shi Xiaolin , Zhang Siliang , Guo Meijin
Published: February 2013

Sertoli cells (SCs), which are recognized as the “nurse cells” of the testis due to their important biofunctions, have been used in cotransplantation with neurons in cell therapy. However, it is not clear whether SCs influence neuronal communication and survival. In this study, we showed that approximately 60% of cortical neural stem cells (NSCs) cocultured with SCs differentiated into mature neurons. In addition, the neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival rates were significantly enhanced in the coculture system compared with differentiated neurons induced by a differentiation medium. The neuroleukin (NLK) secretion of SCs was also identified at the RNA and protein level, and the roles of NLK in neuromorphology and physiological regulation were systematically investigated for the first time. These results not only highlight the significance of paracrine regulation of NSCs by SCs but also confirm the role NLK plays in the differentiation and survival of NSCs. Finally, we proposed a possible hypothesis for the mechanism of NLK in the growth and survival of SC-induced neurons based on Western blotting results, which is that NLK secreted by SCs activates the Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk, Jak/Stat, and PI3K/Akt pathways, but not the NF-κB pathway, in neurons resulting in their growth and survival.
Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis with Blount Staples and Eight-Plates in Pigs
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios D. , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Dovris Dimitris , Vlasis Konstantinos , Burghart Rolf , Soucacos Panayotis N. , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J. , Herzenberg John E.
Published: February 2013

Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis is a relatively minor surgical procedure in the growing child to allow guided growth to correct angular deformities. Blount staples (Stryker Howmedica, Kiel, Germany) have been used effectively for the past 50 years for physeal stapling; their limitations are poor mechanical purchase and easy extrusion from bone, implant breakage, and potential for physeal damage and permanent closure. Recently, an alternative device to Blount staples called the eight-Plate (Orthofix, McKinney, Texas) has been presented for hemiepiphysiodesis and guided growth. Their theoretical advantages over Blount staples include higher stability, faster correction of the deformity, and fewer complications.

We performed a study in a pig model to compare the rate of angular deformity correction and implant extrusion after hemiepiphysiodesis with Blount staples and eight-Plates. In all animals, medial hemiepiphysiodesis was performed in the right proximal tibia with the eight-Plate and the left proximal tibia with the Blount staple. The medial slope angle, medial tibial plateau angle, proximal implant angle, distal implant angle, and distance of the body of the implant from the medial tibial cortex were measured on radiographs of the knee joints performed every 4 weeks. The angles of correction showed statistically significantly earlier effect on physeal guided growth of the eight-Plates compared to the Blount staples. Implant displacement/extrusion was statistically significantly lower for the eight-Plate. In this animal model, eight-Plates are significantly more effective than Blount staples for guided growth after temporary hemiepiphysiodesis.
Inter- and Intraobserver Reliability in Radiographic Assessment of Degenerative Disk Disease
Authors: Zook Jason , Djurasovic Mladen , Crawford Charles , Bratcher Kelly , Glassman Steven , Carreon Leah
Published: February 2013

Clinicians use descriptive classification systems when treating patients with low back pain as an adjunct to surgical decision making. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes, including Modic changes, the presence of a high-intensity zone, and internal disk desiccation, are commonly used descriptors. The question remains whether different clinicians interpret these terms similarly. This study evaluated the inter- and intraobserver reliability of commonly used MRI classifications in patients presenting with low back pain.

Sixty-six patients who underwent lumbar spine fusion surgery at a single multiphysician spine specialty practice for degenerative disk disease were identified. For each surgical level, the following MRI variables were determined independently by 3 fellowship-trained spine surgeons: presence or absence of high-intensity zone and/or internal disk desiccation, presence and classification of disk herniation, Modic grade, and disk height. Each surgeon reviewed the same set of MRI studies a second time at least 2 weeks from the first reading. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was determined using multiobserver Kappa coefficients. Intraobserver reliability ranged from 0.563 to 0.988, with greatest agreement in determining disk height. The greatest interobserver agreement was for determining Modic changes (0.819).

Controversy remains on the criteria for diagnosing degenerative disk disease. In patients presenting with low back pain diagnosed with degenerative disk disease, the inter- and intraobserver reliability with use of several common MRI diagnostic tools was substantial. These data imply that clinicians interpret these findings in a reproducible fashion and interpret these terms similarly.
Intramedullary Nails for Long Bone Metastases: Why Do They Fail?
Authors: Miller Benjamin J. , Soni Emily E. Carmody , Gibbs C. Parker , Scarborough Mark T.
Published: February 2013

Metastatic disease to long bones is common and often requires stabilization to treat or prevent fracture. Intramedullary fixation is used in many metaphyseal and diaphyseal lesions. The goal of this study was to investigate the causes of and risk factors for reconstructive failure in intramedullary fixation of metastatic disease. We performed a retrospective review of 112 consecutive reconstructions for metastatic disease treated with an isolated intramedullary nail. There were 81 reconstructions in the femur, 25 in the humerus, and 6 in the tibia. All included patients were followed until death or reconstructive failure. All surviving patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Ten failures required construct revision. Median time to revision was 17.9 months (range, 3–93 months). The causes of failure included surgeon error, tumor progression, nonunion, and hardware failure. Patients with short survival times (
P
<.001) or a diagnosis of lung cancer (
P
=.029) were unlikely to fail. Revision was required in 6 solitary lesions (
P
=.012), 3 cases of lymphoma (
P
=.002), 3 cases of progressive renal cell carcinoma (
P
=.040), and 2 radiation-associated fractures (
P
=.007).

Intramedullary stabilization is a successful operation for appropriate lesions. Failures may be minimized with proper implant selection and surgical technique, resection or curettage of renal cell carcinoma, avoidance of radiation-associated fractures, and overestimating patient survival.