Reinforcement Device Research Articles

A novel framework for ascertaining the safety factor and critical slip surface of 3D slopes reinforced with piles

The pile is a widely used reinforcement device in geotechnical engineering. For the present paper, we propose a new solution for calculating the safety factor (SF) of the 3D slope reinforced with piles and determining the critical slip surface (CSS) in the framework of minimum potential energy method. In particular, the mobilized shear stress on failure surface is determined by the equilibrium equation of forces operating on slip body. Meanwhile, the moving direction of 3D slope is equivalent to the direction of combined force acting on slip body. Additionally, the present method is combined with the genetic algorithm to identify CSS, and a novel criterion is proposed to locate the shape and position of CSS of a 3D slope using the total potential energy of landslide system as the objective function. The validation and comparison of results indicate that the SF obtained by the introduced method are close to reference solutions, and SF shows an obvious negative correlation with sliding direction (SD). It is also found that the support effect of pile is related to the pile location and the pile density. Meanwhile, the optimal pile position depends on the shape of failure surface and shear strength parameter of soil. Moreover, the effects of some parameters on SD of 3D slopes reinforced with piles are also studied.

Comparison of re-revision rate and radiological outcomes between Kerboull-type plate and metal mesh with impaction bone grafting for revision total hip arthroplasty

BackgroundThis study compared the re-revision rate and radiographic outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device (KT plate) with bulk structural allograft and metal mesh with impaction bone grafting (IBG).MethodsNinety-one hips of 81 patients underwent revision THA for American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) classification type III defects from 2008 to 2018. Of these, seven hips of five patients and 15 hips of 13 patients were excluded due to insufficient follow-up information (< 24 months) and large bone defects with a vertical defect height ≥ 60 mm, respectively. The current study compared the survival and radiographic parameters of 45 hips of 41 patients using a KT plate (KT group) and 24 hips of 24 patients using a metal mesh with IBG (mesh group).ResultsEleven hips (24.4%) in the KT group and 1 hip (4.2%) in the mesh group exhibited radiological failure. Moreover, 8 hips in the KT group (17.0%) required a re-revision THA, while none of the patients in the mesh group required a re-revision. The survival rate with radiographic failure as the endpoint in the mesh group was significantly higher than that in the KT group (100% vs 86.7% at 1-year and 95.8% vs 80.0% at 5-years, respectively; p = 0.032). On multivariable analysis evaluating factors associated with radiographic failure, there were no significant associations with any radiographic measurement. Of the 11 hips with radiographic failure, 1 (11.1%), 3 (12.5%), and 7 (58.3%) hips were of Kawanabe classification stages 2, 3, and 4, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that revision THA using KT plates with bulk structure allografts could provide poorer clinical outcomes than revision THA using a metal mesh with IBG. Although revision THA using KT plates with bulk structural allografts could set the true hip center, there is no association between a high hip center and clinical outcomes. The relationship between the position of the KT plate and the host bone might be considered more carefully.

Direct Cementation of Dual Mobility Cups Into the Bony Acetabulum in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes at a Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

BackgroundCemented dual mobility cups (DMCs) are commonly used in combination with acetabular reinforcement devices. Indeed, according to literature, direct cementation of metal-backed acetabular components into the bony acetabulum remains controversial as this technique is potentially associated with increased rates of aseptic loosening. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of DMC cemented into the bony acetabulum in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). MethodsA total of 49 THA (48 patients, mean age 78 years [range, 51 to 91]) performed with direct cementation of a DMC into the bony acetabulum were prospectively included in our total joint registry and retrospectively reviewed. The clinical outcome was assessed using the Harris hip score (HHS). The radiographic outcome included measurement of component positioning and occurrence and progression of demarcation around the cemented DMC. Complications were reported with a particular attention to cemented fixation failure and aseptic loosening. ResultsAt a 7-year mean follow-up (range, 5 to 8), the pre-to postoperative HHS improved from 47 (range, 30 to 58) to 92 points (range, 80 to 98) (P < .01). Nonprogressive and focalized demarcations were observed in 7 THA (14%). Importantly, no progressive demarcation or DMC aseptic loosening was observed. ConclusionDirect cementation of DMC into the bony acetabulum ensured a stable fixation with no progressive demarcation or aseptic loosening at midterm follow-up. Therefore, this technique can be selectively considered in primary THA, especially in elderly or frail patients to avoid potential mechanical failure of press-fit fixation due to altered bone quality or additional morbidity related to the use of acetabular reinforcement devices.

Pseudo-dynamic analysis of reinforced slope with anchor cables

The anchor cable is an excellent reinforcement device for enhancing slope performance subjected to earthquakes. Thus, this work combines the minimum potential energy principle with the pseudo-dynamic method and develops a novel approach to determining a reinforced slope safety factor (SF). Specifically, the mobilized shear stress on the slip surface is solved utilizing the moment equilibrium equation of the sliding mass. Moreover, the proposed scheme introduces the elastic foundation coefficient characterizing the soil’s compressibility. Subsequently, the potential energy equation is derived. Finally, the SF is calculated as the ratio of the anti-sliding moment to the sliding moment for evaluating the slope stability. The developed method is evaluated on four examples, with the results highlighting that our method is efficient and accurate. Meanwhile, we examine the influence of the variation of the axis forces on the SF when the foundation coefficient is smaller, revealing that the depth of the sliding mass is negatively correlated with the SF, while the landslide area and length of the sliding mass are positively correlated with the SF. Furthermore, this work also studies the influences of amplification factor, earthquake acceleration factor, anchored force, cohesion, and internal friction angle on the SF. Overall, this work provides suggestions for the design and construction management of reinforced slopes with anchor cables.

МЕТОД ПІДСИЛЕННЯ ЗАЛІЗОБЕТОННИХ МОСТОВИХ ОПОР УЛАШТУВАННЯМ БІТРАПЕЦЕІДАЛЬНОЇ ОБОЙМИ

The paper contains developed the method of reinforcement of reinforced concrete bridge supports by arrangement of reinforced concrete casing on the example of an emergency bridge structure located on the state road M-12 in the Gajsin town, Vinnitsa region. Have been proven that for the further long-term operation of bridge supports, in addition to the reinforcement device, it is also necessary to seal the expansion joints of the span structure located directly above the supports. Have been described the main components of intermediate bridge supports erected in Ukraine during the second half of the 20th century. Have been considered typical defects, which were occurred on the two-cantilever supports of bridge structures during long-term operation. Have been estimated the degree of danger of each of the defects. Have been proved the systemic nature of defects and damages of prefabricated reinforced concrete crossbars.&#x0D; Have been considered the probable causes of defects at the bridge supports are considered, namely, destruction of bridges expansion joints. As a result, regular, long-term non-project soaking of supports; violation of the solidity of the concrete protective layer of the working reinforcement of the cantilever parts of the crossbars due its overload; destruction of the mixture from the seams of monolithic semi-crossbars due to its low strength; reinforcement corrosion; loss of frost resistance of concrete; increase in dynamic influences. Have been considered the design and typical defects of standard prefabricated concrete trusses, which are installed on bridge supports for direct perception of loads from the span structure. Have been considered the standard methods of strengthening bridge supports and trusses, their advantages and disadvantages. The paper focuses on the importance and necessity of restoring the tightness of expansion joints by using modern Maurer type constructions in conjunction with the installation of waterproof monolithic or overhead plates of reinforced span structures. Have been proposed an original form of clips for double-console bridge supports in the form of double-trapezoids which significantly improve their architectural expressiveness and optimize the structural scheme of supports. Have been proposed to use self-compressing concrete to save material costs and time during the construction of temporary special and auxiliary devices (formwork) for monolithic casing. Have been proposed an effective methodology and a rational technological sequence for performing work on strengthening.&#x0D; Have been summarized the practical experience of performing construction and installation works on monolithic supports with self-compacting concrete mixes according to the method proposed by the authors of the article which were made according to the technology of Sika. Have been summarized the experience of bridge operation after sealing expansion joints and overhaul of bridge supports.

Field testing and performance optimization of a weld reinforcement device in heavy haul railways

The Bowed plates weld device (BPWD) is a new type of rail weld reinforcement device, which has been widely applied in heavy haul railway lines in China. It changes the service state and vibration characteristics of a weld. In order to explore the BPWD vibration influence on the track, static, and dynamic on-site tests were carried out on a heavy haul line. The vibration influence and spectrum characteristics of the track between BPWD and unplated weld (UW) was compared. At the same time, a 3D coupling model of heavy haul train-rail weld was established and optimization of service performance of the BPWD was carried out. The results showed that the average acceleration of rail, sleeper and ballast at the BPWDwere 52.7%, 43.5%, and 50.2% lower than that of UW. In comparison with UW, peak value of the periodic frequency spectrum and dominant frequency distribution in the BPWD track structure could be effectively reduced from rails to ballast. Length of 0.8 m for plate was found to be optimum in order to reduce the rail stress effectively. The material of the insulating interlayer should preferably be nylon.

Acetabular reconstruction after advanced acetabular metastasis resection: Modified Harrington technique with a Kerboull reinforcement device

The surgical treatment of acetabular bone metastases rests on total hip arthroplasty (THA). In the event of major bone defects, the reconstruction may prove challenging. Two complicating factors are the need to obtain a mechanically stable acetabulum and the unfeasibility of using an autograft to increase the bone stock. The technique described in 1981 by Harrington involves implanting steel rods to reinforce the pelvis before sealing the prosthetic cup. We have now been using this technique for several years, and based on our accumulated experience we introduced several substantial modifications. The most important among them is the use of a Kerboull acetabular reinforcement device (KARD) in addition to the iliac pins. This reinforcement of the acetabulum, which is widely used for THA, serves as the basis for guiding the reconstruction, while also facilitating the sealing of the prosthetic cup. Furthermore, we use centrally threaded rods to avoid secondary displacement. Finally, we routinely use a dual-mobility cemented cup to decrease the risk of dislocation. Here, we describe our acetabular reconstruction technique based on a modified Harrington technique, which is used for acetabular reconstruction in patients with advanced acetabular metastases managed at our French referral centre.

Genetic-Based Optimization of 3D Burch-Schneider Cage With Functionally Graded Lattice Material.

A Burch–Schneider (BS) cage is a reinforcement device used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision surgeries to bridge areas of acetabular loss. There have been a variety of BS cages in the market, which are made of solid metal. However, significant differences in structural configuration and mechanical behavior between bone and metal implants cause bone resorption and interface loosening, and hence lead to failure of the implant in the long term. To address this issue, an optimal design framework for a cellular BS cage was investigated in this study by genetic algorithm and topology optimization, inspired by porous human bone with variable holes. In this optimization, a BS cage is constructed with functionally graded lattice material which gradually evolves to achieve better mechanical behavior by natural selection and natural genetics. Clinical constraints that allow adequate bone ingrowth and manufacturing constraint that ensures the realization of the optimized implant are considered simultaneously. A homogenization method is introduced to calculate effective mechanical properties of octet-truss lattice material in a given range of relative density. At last, comparison of the optimum lattice BS cage with a fully solid cage and a lattice cage with identical element density indicates the validity of the optimization design strategy proposed in this article.

Suture Tape Reinforcement Device as an Independent Fixation Solution for Partial Syndesmosis Injuries

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; Basic Sciences/Biologics; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:A suture tape reinforcement device is designed for repair of syndesmotic injury. Its insertion in the fibular and tibial footprints of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) promises a dynamic constraint to external rotation, antero-posterior translation of fibula and diastasis of the syndesmosis in the coronal plane.We hypothesized that following fixation of transected syndesmosis with suture tape reinforcement, syndesmotic stability becomes similar to that of an intact syndesmosis.Methods:Fifteen non-paired fresh frozen cadaveric specimens amputated above the knee were included in this study. Assessment of the ankle syndesmosis was performed in six stages; 1) with all syndesmosis ligaments intact; 2) after transection of the AITFL, 3) the interosseous ligament, 4) subsequent fixation with suture tape reinforcement device, 5) transection of the posterior inferior syndesmotic ligament, and 6) after removal of the suture tape reinforcement device (complete ligament transection stage).Instability measurements included anterior and posterior tibiofibular spaces measured arthroscopically under 100N lateral stress using a bone hook, tibiofibular anteroposterior and posteroanterior translation in sagittal plane measured arthroscopically under sagittal stress of 100N, and anterior tibiofibular space measured directly with a caliper under external rotation torque of 7.5 Nm. Instability measurements taken after each fixation method were compared with the intact stage and to the complete ligament transection stage using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.Results:The suture tape reinforcement device was able to stabilize an AITFL- and the interosseous ligament-transected stage, similar to the intact stage, with respect to all measures of instability. As for the complete ligament transection stage, after suture tape reinforcement it remained unstable in the coronal plane, compared to the intact stage: there was an increase in anterior tibiofibular space without stress (1.7 mm vs 1.1 mm, p=0.005) and with stress (1.8 mm vs 1.1 mm, p=0.007), as well as in posterior tibiofibular space with stress (2.8 mm vs 1.6 mm, p=0.002).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that suture tape reinforcement device might be effective for fixation of partial syndesmotic injury, but not for complete syndesmotic injury. Future clinical research is needed to confirm this.

Revision total hip arthroplasty using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device and allogeneic structural bone graft.

One of the major problems in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is severe acetabular bone loss. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of revision THA using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device (KT plate) and allogeneic structural bone graft. This retrospective study evaluated 48 hips that underwent revision THA using a KT plate and allogeneic structural bone graft between 2008 and 2016, with a median follow-up of 6.2years (range 3-12.6years). Functional outcome was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score. Postoperative and follow-up radiographs were compared to assess migration and breakage of the implant. The mean JOA hip score improved from 45.6 (±16.3) points before surgery to 72.1 (±11.9) points at the most recent follow-up examination (p < 0.001). Two hips (4.2%) underwent re-revision THA because of cup loosening due to breakage of the KT plate. A total of 13 hips (27.1%) were classified as radiological failures. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that a Kawanabe classification of stage 4, which indicates massive bone defects in the weight-bearing area, was a risk factor for radiological failure (odds ratio: 4.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-26.35). A KT plate with an allogeneic structural bone graft is a useful method of acetabular reconstruction in revision THA that restores bone stock and improves hip function. Our findings indicated that a Kawanabe classification of stage 4 was a risk factor for radiological failure of the implant.

The Age of Hesitancy, Recognition, Reinforcement, and Interposition in Cochlear Implant Children in Ahvaz, Iran: A 5-year Study

Background: Delay in early detecting of hearing loss (HL) and aural interposition in children have intense impacts on their speech and language expansion, academic progress, social skills, and psychological status. Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to assess the age of hesitancy, recognition, reinforcement, and interposition in children with bilateral severe to deep hearing loss. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on children who were candidates for cochlear implant surgery at Khuzestan Cochlear Implantation Center, Ahvaz, Iran. The rehabilitative histories and children’s medical were utilized to record ages of hesitancy, recognition, reinforcement, and interposition for both groups of “high-risk” and “not-high-risk” children. Paired sample t-test was used to evaluate the middle ages of children between the “high-risk” and “not-high risk” groups. Results: A total of 389 children (205 boys and 184 girls) were included. The mean ages of hearing loss hesitancy, hearing loss recognition, fitting the hearing reinforcement devices, and interposition were 10.7 ± 7.1, 15.75 ± 9.4, 21.81 ± 8.1, and 26.32 ± 9.2 months, respectively. The average delays between the ages of hesitancy and recognition: 3.74 (P &lt; 0.0001); recognition and reinforcement: 5.05 (P &lt; 0.0001); reinforcement and interposition: 2.83 months (P &lt; 0.0001) were obtained. There were no significant statistical differences in terms of four studied ages among the high-risk (n = 129) and not-high risk (n = 260) children (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The outcomes showed that there is a significant improvement in the average ages of hearing loss hesitancy, recognition, reinforcement, and interposition in Iran. However, there is still an obvious difference between these ages and those recommended by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing.

Investigation of the Morphological, Structural, and Vibrational Behaviour of Graphite Nanoplatelets

This work investigated the morphological, structural, and vibrational properties of graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) that were produced by ultrasonication. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and Raman spectroscopy identified 120-nm-thick GNP crystallites and 50–2000 μm2 plates with different areas and shapes. Extensive exfoliation was observed by transmission electron microscopy with abundant multi and some monolayer GNPs. X-ray diffractometry confirmed 43 GNP layers along the c -axis. Rietveld X-ray analysis indicated a GNP crystal lattice with stacks of parallel two-dimensional graphene layers and tightly bound hybridized carbon atoms stacked in a translational …ABAB… sequence in hexagonal rings. Raman scattering indicated well-defined GNPs with few defects and no oxide content. All analytical results reveal that GNPs could have significant potential application in electrically conductive reinforcement devices.

RESEARCH ON ASEISMIC BEHAVIOR OF STRAIGHT TENON JOINTS REINFORCED BY SMA STRINGS IN ANCIENT TIMBER BUILDINGS

The semi-rigid mortise-tenon joints in the wooden structures of ancient buildings are often destroyed before beams and columns under major earthquakes, which are the important positions for reinforcement and protection. A new type of shape memory alloy (SMA) preventive reinforcement device is designed, and low-cyclic loading tests are carried out on five reinforced joints and one unreinforced joint. The failure modes, moment-rotation relationship, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation, self–centering ability and deformation capacity of the joints reinforced by SMA strings with different numbers and different pretension strains are studied. A calculation method for bending capacity of straight tenon joints reinforced by SMA strings is established. The results show that the bending capacity of the joints after SMA reinforcement is improved. The maximum bending capacity of the reinforced joint is 1.49 times that of the unreinforced joint. Compared with the unreinforced joint, the strength degradation of the reinforced joints is not serious, which indicates that the SMA strings can still continue to provide the bending capacity for the joints when the rotation is large. The maximum rotational stiffness of the reinforced joint is 2.24 times that of the unreinforced joint. With the increase of the rotation of joints, the energy dissipation of unreinforced joint gradually decreases, however the energy dissipation of reinforced joints increases first and then decreases. At the same rotation, the relative residual deformation decreases with the increase of numbers and of pretension strains of SMA strings, and the self-centering ability is enhanced. The results of research can provide a reference for the preventive conservation of the mortise-tenon joints in ancient timber structures.

A study on the buckling behavior of in-service large open-topped oil-storage tanks

Oil storage tank is a typical thin-walled structure which is prone to buckling under external load. In this paper, the buckling behavior of the in-service open-topped oil-storage tank under wind loads is studied by analyzing four large in-service oil-storage tanks of 50000–150000 cubic meters. First, the general buckling behavior of oil-storage tanks under the external pressure without reinforcement device is analyzed by linear buckling. And the calculation accuracy of three calculation formulas for the critical buckling load of the storage tanks under uniform pressure is compared. Then the nonlinear buckling analysis is carried out by using the arc-length method, and the results show that the imperfection of the classical buckling mode has a significant influence on the buckling behavior of the storage tanks without reinforcement device. Finally, this paper focuses on the influence of wind girder and other reinforcement device on the buckling behavior of the tank, as well as the strengthening mechanism of the stored liquid on the in-service oil-storage tank. The results show that the reinforcement device affects the buckling behavior of the oil-storage tank by strengthening the stiffness of the tank top, while the stored liquid increases the stiffness of the tank bottom. Compared with the oil-storage tank without reinforcement device, the reinforcement effect of liquid on an oil tank equipped with a reinforcement device is more significant.

Mid-term result of acetabular reconstruction using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device with hydroxyapatite impaction

The aim of this study is to investigate the mid-term results of 29 hips in 26 patients who underwent acetabular reconstruction using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device and impaction with hydroxyapatite (HA) granules. The acetabular bone defects were AAOS type II for six hips and type III for 23 hips. The mean Merle d’Aubigné clinical scores were significantly improved after operation. Six hips developed implant migration and breakage, and five of six hips were revised after an average of 5.5 (range 2.0–8.8) years. All hips with thickness of the grafted HA less than 10 mm were stable. As the HA became thicker, the failure rate were significantly increased. The Kaplan–Meier survival rates at 10 years were 73.2%, with 100% and 67.0% for AAOS type II and III defect respectively as the end point was failure condition. Reconstruction using a Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device and impaction with HA granules was an alternative method in the absence of adequate allografts.

Experimental Study on Pulse Detonation Engine with Two-Phase Inhomogeneous Mixture

In order to investigate the effects of fuel distribution on the operation of two-phase pulse detonation engine (PDE), a series of cold flow and multicycle PDE experiments was carried out with 9 mixing schemes. Homogeneity degree with fuel distribution considered in terms of space and time was proposed to quantitatively evaluate the mixing of liquid fuel and air by particle image velocimetry (PIV) in cold flow experiments. Operation stability of multicycle PDE was presented by statistical analysis of peak pressure at the outlet of a detonation tube. The relationship between operation stability and homogeneity degree was quantitatively elaborated. These experimental results indicated that not only using mixing reinforcement devices (such as pore plate and reed valve) was fuel distribution improved but also the effect of inlet ways on the homogeneity degree was weakened. The homogeneity degree of fuel distribution ζ=0.72 was a critical value for stable working of multicycle PDE. When homogeneity degree was lower than 0.72, stable state was not maintained and detonation wave in some cycles was not established due to poor fuel distribution. Therefore, it is necessary to hold homogeneity degree larger than 0.72 to achieve stable operation of PDE. These results contribute to enhancing the operation stability and offering guidelines for the design of PDE’s mixing scheme.

PASS versus MBT™ for evaluation of anchorage control in three-dimensional measurements: a randomized controlled trial.

Growth and development might lead to anchorage loss during orthodontic treatment, such as the mesial drift of molars, the compensation characteristics of upper molars following mandibular growth, or the angulation of molars before treatment. Different anchorage reinforcement devices have been developed to prevent mechanical anchorage loss, but the anchorage loss resulting from physiological factors should also be taken into account. To explore the efficacy of a new strategy to control physiologic anchorage compared with that of the conventional straight-wire appliance. Randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants of Han ethnicity were randomized into the physiologic anchorage spee-wire system (PASS) group or McLaughlin-Bennett-Trevisi (MBT™) straight-wire group by minimization random allocation. The eligibility criteria were patients with a Class I or II molar relationship, permanent dentition (11-35 years old), fixed appliances involving the extraction of at least two upper first premolars, and medium or maximum anchorage requirements. Pre-treatment and post-treatment dental casts were scanned into digital casts and measured using a blinded method. Mesial displacements of the upper first molars were considered as the primary outcome for evaluating anchorage control. Measurements were taken for subgroups based on age. Data from 60 participants were analysed. The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between groups. Mesial displacement of the upper first molar (in mm) was 2.96 ± 1.52 in the PASS group and 2.70 ± 1.66 in the MBT group (P = 0.521). The variation in incisor torque was -6.94 ± 6.35 degree in the PASS group and -11.76 ± 7.65 degree in the MBT group (P = 0. 010). The incisor retraction (in mm) was 4.24 ± 1.99 and 5.67 ± 2.27 in the PASS and MBT groups, respectively (P = 0.012). Adverse effects were not documented in any patient. The study was a single-centre study. Compared with the MBT group, the PASS group without additional anchorage devices could attain well anchorage control by considering the dentoalveolar compensation of anchor teeth. This RCT was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR-TRC-13003260.

Buckling analysis of open-topped steel tanks under external pressure

Oil storage tanks are typically thin-walled structures which are susceptible to buckling under external load. This paper explores the buckling behavior of two in-services 100,000 m3 open-topped tanks under external load by finite element simulation. The finite element analyses are first carried out to explore the stability of in-services tanks under the uniform external pressure and the wind load. And comparison with that three formulae which uses for calculating the critical buckling load of the tank under uniform external pressure. Then carried out the nonlinear buckling analysis by arc-length method, the results show that for in-services tanks, the linear elastic bifurcation analysis also is a good signal for the buckling load. Finally, this paper focus on the influence of wind girders and other reinforcement devices on the buckling behavior of in-services tanks and the strengthening mechanism of the stored liquid to in-service tanks with reinforcement devices. The reinforcement device affects the buckling behavior of the oil-storage tank by strengthening the stiffness of the top of the tank. However, the stored liquid through increasing the stiffness of the bottom of tanks to add the stability of tanks. And the result shows that compared to the oil-storage tank without reinforcement devices. The strengthening effect of the liquid on the tank containing reinforcement devices is more significant.

Reabsorbable Pins can Reinforce an Early Sternal Stability After Median Sternotomy in Young Children with Congenital Heart Disease

We evaluated the efficacy of bioresorbable sternal reinforcement device (poly-L-lactide sternal pins) on sternal healing after median sternotomy in young children (with body weight less than 10kg) with congenital heart disease (CHD). Data from 85 patients, who underwent CHD surgery through median sternotomy from October 2016 to May 2018, were collected and analyzed. Sternal pins were utilized in 85 patients (10mm × 1mm × 1mm for patients with body weights less than 5kg and 15mm × 2mm × 2mm for those weighing between 5 and 10kg) in addition to sternum closure with Ethicon PDSTMII running sutures (Group A), while 84 patients received the Ethicon sternal closure (Group B) with no pins. The occurrence of sternal dehiscence, anterior-posterior displacement, and high-low displacement was evaluated by physical examination and three-dimensional computed tomography at one month postoperatively. No anterior-posterior sternal displacement (0%) was observed in Group A, while 10 anterior-posterior displacements (11.9%) were observed in Group B (P < 0.01). The number of sternal caudal-cranial displacements in Groups A and B was 4 (4.71%) and 5 (5.35%), respectively (P = 0.870). While no sternal dehiscence (0%) was observed in Group A, 7 out of 84 patients (8.33%) in Group B exhibited obvious sternal dehiscence (P < 0.01). The bioresorbable poly-L-lactide sternal pins reduced an anterior-posterior sternal displacement and sternal dehiscence, which was accompanied by a significant improvement of an early sternal fixation.

The utility of the Stapler with PGA sheet for pulmonary wedge resection: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Air leakage is a common complication after pulmonary wedge resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of staple line reinforcement in reducing air leakage after pulmonary wedge resection. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent pulmonary wedge resection. The patients were classified into 2 groups; the Stapler with polyglycolic acid sheet was used for the reinforced and the Stapler without polyglycolic acid sheet was used for the non-reinforced group. The patients were matched one-to-one based on a propensity score that comprised several patient characteristics. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to compare patient outcomes. A total of 291 patients who met the inclusion criteria were investigated. There were 165 in the reinforced group and 126 patients in the non-reinforced group. Propensity score analysis generated 104 matched pairs of patients in both the reinforced and the non-reinforced groups. The rate of non-placement of chest tube was significantly higher in the reinforced group than in the non-reinforced group (61.5% vs. 36.5%; P<0.001). The rate of postoperative air leakage was higher in the non-reinforced group than in the reinforced group (13.5% vs. 1.9%, P<0.001). On logistic regression analysis, not using the reinforcement device was one of the independent factors related to pulmonary air leakage after pulmonary wedge resection (OR: 8.58, P<0.001). The use of the Stapler with polyglycolic acid sheet during pulmonary wedge resection increased the rate of intraoperative chest tube removal and reduced the rate of postoperative air leakage.