Length Of Stretch Research Articles

Using a Digital Microfluidic System to Evaluate the Stretch Length of a Droplet with a L-DEP and Varied Parameters

Digital microfluidics has become intensively explored as an effective method for liquid handling in lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems. Liquid dielectrophoresis (L-DEP) has many advantages and exciting prospects in driving droplets. To fully realize the potential benefits of this technique, one must know the droplet volume accurately for its distribution and manipulation. Here we present an investigation of the tensile length of a droplet subjected to a L-DEP force with varied parameters to achieve precise control of the volume of a droplet. Liquid propylene carbonate served as a driving liquid in the L-DEP experiment. The chip was divided into two parts: an electrode of width fixed at 0.1 mm and a total width fixed at 1 mm. Each had a variation of six electrode spacings. The experimental results showed that the stretching length decreased with decreasing electrode width, but the stretching length did not vary with an increased spacing of the electrode. When the two electrodes were activated, the length decreased because of an increase in electrode spacing. The theory was based on the force balance on a droplet that involved the force generated by the electric field, friction force, and capillary force. The theory was improved according to the experimental results. To verify the theoretical improvement through the results, we designed a three-electrode chip for experiments. The results proved that the theory is consistent with the results of the experiments, so that the length of a droplet stretched with L-DEP and its volume can be calculated.

Prediction Model of Build Rate of Push-the-Bit Rotary Steerable System

The accurate prediction of build rate of rotary steerable system (RSS) is the prerequisite for the precise control of wellbore trajectory and optimal design of the steerable tool. Push-the-bit RSS refers to a steerable drilling system that controls well trajectory through adjustment of stretch length of pushing block. Based on this feature, a three-dimensional mechanical model of push-the-bit RSS is established on the basis of the conventional steerable tool mechanical model while considering pushing force. Meanwhile, the effects of bit cutting performance and formation anisotropy are considered. Next, the lateral force method, inclination trend angle method, and ultimate build rate method based on zero lateral force are analyzed and a new ultimate build rate method based on zero lateral drilling penetration is built. A conversion coefficient is introduced to reflect the ratio of actual build rate to theoretical build rate. At last, the new model is applied to a case study. The new method is superior to other previous methods, because the effects of bit-rock interaction and actual drilling process are sufficiently considered. The influence mechanism of build rate includes “leverage effect,” “pendulum effect,” and “pushing effect.” The build rate of steerable tool is a comprehensive outcome of various effects, of which the “pushing effect” plays a dominant role. With the increase of weight on bit (WOB), the proportion of “leverage effect” increases, while the proportion of “pushing effect” decreases, and therefore the build rate decreases.

Are Force Enhancement after Stretch and Muscle Fatigue Due to Effects of Elevated Inorganic Phosphate and Low Calcium on Cross Bridge Kinetics?

Background and Objectives: Muscle fatigue is characterised by (1) loss of force, (2) decreased maximal shortening velocity and (3) a greater resistance to stretch that could be due to reduced intracellular Ca2+ and increased Pi, which alter cross bridge kinetics. Materials and Methods: To investigate this, we used (1) 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), believed to increase the proportion of attached but non-force-generating cross bridges; (2) Pi that increases the proportion of attached cross bridges, but with Pi still attached; and (3) reduced activating Ca2+. We used permeabilised rat soleus fibres, activated with pCa 4.5 at 15 °C. Results: The addition of 1 mM BDM or 15 mM Pi, or the lowering of the Ca2+ to pCa 5.5, all reduced the isometric force by around 50%. Stiffness decreased in proportion to isometric force when the fibres were activated at pCa 5.5, but was well maintained in the presence of Pi and BDM. Force enhancement after a stretch increased with the length of stretch and Pi, suggesting a role for titin. Maximum shortening velocity was reduced by about 50% in the presence of BDM and pCa 5.5, but was slightly increased by Pi. Neither decreasing Ca2+ nor increasing Pi alone mimicked the effects of fatigue on muscle contractile characteristics entirely. Only BDM elicited a decrease of force and slowing with maintained stiffness, similar to the situation in fatigued muscle. Conclusions: This suggests that in fatigue, there is an accumulation of attached but low-force cross bridges that cannot be the result of the combined action of reduced Ca2+ or increased Pi alone, but is probably due to a combination of factors that change during fatigue.

Temporal and latitudinal comparisons of reproductive parameters in a heavily exploited shark, the bonnethead, Sphyrna tiburo (L. 1758), in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

In the southern Gulf of Mexico, the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo, is one of the most frequently captured species in landings of small-scale fisheries. Based on the analysis of two fishery-dependent sampling periods (1993-1994 and 2007-2014), this study aimed to determine reproductive parameters and identify temporal differences between the two time periods. In the first sampling period, 776 males and 352 females with a size range of 28.0-120.0 cm total stretched length (LT ) were analysed, and in the second sampling period, 387 males and 432 females with a size range of 28.0-122.0 cm LT were analysed. The size at 50% maturity in the second sampling period was significantly different between sexes, 82.6 cm LT for females and 73.8 cm LT for males (no estimation was possible for the first sampling period). The size at 50% maternity was not different between sampling periods, 97.3 cm LT for the first sampling period and 99.0 cm LT for the second sampling period. Litter size varied from 3 to 19 embryos and the average was not statistically different in both periods, 10.1 (S.D. = 3.8) for the first sampling period and 11.3 (S.D. = 3.5) for the second sampling period. The female reproductive cycle is asynchronous, and it seems to be annual, with a gestation period of 5-6 months, and a consecutive ovarian cycle and gestation period. Temporal (between sampling periods) and latitudinal (southern Gulf versus northern regions) variations occur in the synchronicity of the reproductive cycle, temporal variation in the relationship between maternal length and litter size, and latitudinal variation in average size of mature sharks.

The configuration of the Pontus Euxinus in Ptolemy's Geography

Abstract. This article aims to explain how Ptolemy could have constructed a map of the Pontus Euxinus (Black Sea), as described in his Geography, under the assumption that his sources were similar to those that have come down to us. The method employed is based on the comparison of Ptolemy's data with corresponding information from other ancient sources, revealing the most conspicuous similarities and differences between them. Three types of information are considered as possible “constituent elements” of Ptolemy's map: latitudes, coastline lengths, and straight-line distances. It is argued that the latitudes Ptolemy used for the key points determining the overall shape of the Pontus (Byzantium, Trapezus, the mouth of the Borysthenes and the Cimmerian Bosporus, the mouth of the Tanais, etc.) were most likely inherited from earlier geographers (Eratosthenes, Hipparchus, and Marinus). In exactly the same way, Ptolemy's data on the circumference of the Pontus and the length of the coastal stretches between the key points (from the Thracian Bosporus to Cape Karambis, Sinope, Trapezus, and the mouth of the Phasis, etc.) closely correlate with the corresponding estimates reported by other geographers (Eratosthenes, Artemidorus, Strabo, Pliny, Arrian, and Pseudo-Arrian), which implies that Ptolemy drew on similar coastline length information. The shortening of Ptolemy's west coast of the Pontus (from the Thracian Bosporus to the mouth of the Borysthenes) relative to the corresponding distances reported by other sources is explained by his underestimation of the circumference of the Earth. The lengthening of Ptolemy's north-east Pontus coast (from the Cimmerian Bosporus to the mouth of the Phasis) can, in part, be accounted for by his attempt to incorporate the straight-line distances across the open sea reported by Pliny. Overall, Ptolemy's configuration of the Black Sea can be satisfactorily explained as a result of fitting contradictory pieces of information together that were inherited from earlier geographical traditions.

Optimization of nonlinear optical tweezers suitable to stretch DNA molecules without broken state

The positioning of the trapped bead and DNA’s stretching dynamics in the nonlinear optical tweezers are numerically simulated by finite difference method using general Langevin. From the performance of longitudinal position-pulling time curves of bead and evolution of forces controlled by average laser power, the trapping time, possible maximum stretched length, and laser intensity threshold of to broken DNA molecule are found. We also discussed the suitable conditions to avoid broken and overstretched states for longitudinally optical stretched DNA molecule. Finally, the optimized configuration of NOT for DNA molecules having different contour lengths is proposed.

3D control stretched length of lambda-phage WLC DNA molecule by nonlinear optical tweezers

In this paper, the general Langevin equations of motion for the polystyrene bead linked to the lambda-phage worm-like chain DNA molecule embedded in the fluid under the nonlinear optical tweezers is derived in 3D space. Using the finite difference method, the dynamical properties of the bead trapped by the nonlinear optical tweezers using a thin layer of Acid Blue 29 are numerically studied. Results in, the stretched length of the lambda-phage worm-like chain DNA molecule can be controlled in 3D space by finely tuning of the laser power.

RECENT UPDATES IN THE RIGHT DECISION AND MANAGEMENT OF “SMALL PENIS SYNDROME”

Background and objective Many men tend to desire a larger penis than women want because it symbolizes masculinity and sexual prowess. Micropenis is a normally developed penis with at least 2.5 standard deviations below the mean size in stretched length for age. Unlike micropenis, small penis syndrome (SPS) refers to uncomfortable feelings about one’s penis size, even though penis size does not fall within the micropenis category. Some men seriously worry or feel ashamed of their penis size, and they may meet the diagnosis criteria of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Unlike micropenis, the differential diagnosis of BDD is very important, because it is associated with high rates of committing suicide. In particular, when combined with BDD, it is known that poor outcomes after cosmetic interventions are expected. Several validated assessment tools are available to differentiate SPS and the degree of BDD, but they are still controversial. Furthermore, many physicians are performing cosmetic interventions on patients who have not been fully assessed and counseled by a psychologist, thereby leading to unsatisfactory results. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the definition of disease for penis size and review its diagnosis and treatment. This will be helpful both for physicians to enable them to provide adequate counseling and treatment and for patients to help them avoid unsatisfactory treatment.

Characterisation of Morphic Sensors for Body Volume and Shape Applications.

Stretchable conductive materials are originally conceived as radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, and, under stretch, they generally function as distributed strain-gauges. These commercially available conductive elastomers have found their space in low power health monitoring systems, for example, to monitor respiratory and cardiac functions. Conductive elastomers do not behave linearly due to material constraints; hence, when used as a sensor, a full characterisation to identify ideal operating ranges are required. In this paper, we studied how the continuous stretch cycles affected the material electrical and physical properties in different embodiment impressed by bodily volume change. We simulated the stretch associated with breathing using a bespoke stress rig to ensure reproducibility of results. The stretch rig is capable of providing constant sinusoidal waves in the physiological ranges of extension and frequency. The material performances is evaluated assessing the total harmonic distortion (THD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), correlation coefficient, peak to peak (P-P) amplitude, accuracy, repeatability, hysteresis, delay, and washability. The results showed that, among the three controlled variables, stretch length, stretch frequency and fabric width, the most significant factor to the signal quality is the stretch length. The ideal working region is within 2% of the original length. The material cut in strips of >3 mm show more reliable to handle a variety of stretch parameter without losing its internal characteristics and electrical properties.

Intraosseous Arteriovenous Malformations in the Extremities Managed with Coils and Absolute Ethanol Treatment

The extremity intraosseous arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare high flow vascular lesions for which the treatment remains challenging. The aim of the study wasto assess treatment methods, interim results, and complications of coils and absolute ethanol in managing extremity intraosseous AVMs via direct puncture approach. From 2009 to 2017, 12 patients (mean age, 27.5years; range, 3-54years) with extremity intraosseous AVMs underwent staged coils and absolute ethanol treatment via the direct puncture approach. All patients were symptomatic before the procedure as per the Schobinger staging system. The mechanical detachable coils and undetachable coils were used first followed by the injection of absolute ethanol used as a sclerosant agent via a direct puncture approach. Follow-up evaluation (6 to 72months; mean, 23.5months), including imaging and symptoms and signs, was performed in all patients. Twenty-seven absolute alcohol procedures were performed for patients with intravascular sclerosis (range: 1-3, mean: 2) with one procedure required per patient (n=2), 2 per patient (n=5), or 3 per patient (n=5). The average stretched length of the total coils per patient was 843.33cm. The amount of absolute ethanol used ranged from 10mL to 45mL (mean, 25.69mL) in a single session. Nine of twelve patients (75%) exhibited complete responses, and 3 patients (25%) exhibited partial responses. One patient experienced minor complication of transient motor nerve injury and completely recovered half a month later. No major complications occurred. The study provides strong evidence, suggesting that direct puncture and coils with absolute ethanol approach is an effective and safe treatment in patients with extremity intraosseous AVMs, yielding minor complications and good results.

Three-dimensional material point method modeling of runout behavior of the Hongshiyan landslide

This study presents a field-scale simulation of the Hongshiyan landslide in China. It uses an advanced numerical approach (material point method (MPM)) and a constitutive model (the Drucker–Prager model + μ(I) rheological relation) for the three-dimensional (3D) simulation. The performance of the developed MPM model is validated with laboratory-scale experimental data on granular collapse before being applied to field-scale analyses. ArcGIS data are used to create a 3D MPM model of the soil body with complicated geometry. Although the developed model can describe the multiple phases of granular flow, it focuses on the runout behavior of the landslide in this work. The landslide is assumed to have occurred suddenly due to an earthquake, and global sudden failure rather than progressive failure is modeled. The MPM simulation results match reasonably well with the measured post-earthquake topography (e.g., deposit height of about 120 m and stretch length of about 900 m in the river) and landslide duration of about 1 min. The velocity of the sliding mass increases rapidly during flow, especially in the first 20 s. The velocity profiles along the depth direction at different locations of the sliding body exhibit an exponential distribution similar to that of a Bagnold-type profile, indicating that the sliding body is fully mobilized. The rate-dependent dissipation parameter β used in the model significantly influences the runout behavior (e.g., flow speed, velocity distribution, and deposit shape).

Double Torsion Coil Feeding Structure for Patch Antennas

A new feeding structure for patch antennas is proposed in this paper. The feeding structure is formed by a double torsion coil (DTC) with one end electrically connected to the ground. The maximum stretch length of the coil is around half of the wavelength of the center frequency. The winding direction of the coil is reversed at the middle point of the coil. The DTC is able to produce two coaxial equivalent magnetic dipoles polarized in the same direction, which can not only excite the TM01 mode of a patch antenna but also create another resonance, leading to a wideband impedance bandwidth. The working mechanism is explained in this paper by physics intuition. To validate the new feeding structure, a linear-polarized and a dual-polarized patch antenna prototypes working in the 3.5 GHz band are designed, manufactured, and measured. It is found that the linear-polarized patch antenna can achieve a bandwidth of 25% standing-wave ratio (SWR < 2) and 9.5 dBi average gain with stable radiation patterns and low cross polarization over the impedance bandwidth. The new feeding structure has a high potential for wideband massive multiple-input and multiple-output (M-MIMO) arrays of 5G and future wireless communication systems.

Embolotherapy for High-Flow Arteriovenous Malformations in the Hands Using Absolute Ethanol with Coil-Assisted Dominant Outflow Vein Occlusion

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the management, outcomes, and technical and clinical safety of coil-assisted dominant outflow vein (DOV) occlusion for the ethanol embolization of high-flow arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the hands. Materials and MethodsBetween March 2013 and October 2016, 12 consecutive patients with AVMs with DOVs underwent ethanol embolization combined with detachable and pushable coil-assisted DOV occlusion. All patients completed the course of clinical follow-up (range: 14–57 months; mean: 36.7 months), and imaging follow-up (range: 8–25 months; mean: 16.6 months) results from the final treatment session were available for 8 patients. The therapeutic effects, degree of devascularization, and complications at the time of follow-up arteriography were evaluated as the clinical outcomes. ResultsThe patients underwent 23 ethanol embolization procedures (range: 1–3; mean, 1.9) with 24 detachable coils and 223 pushable coils. The average stretched length of the total coils per patient was 320.17 cm. Seven of 12 patients (58.3%) exhibited complete responses, and 5 patients (41.7%) exhibited partial responses. Minor complications, including blistering and focal swelling, occurred in all 12 patients (100%) but showed spontaneous and complete recovery. No major complications occurred. ConclusionsEthanol embolization has the potential to control high-flow hand AVMs by using coil-assisted DOV occlusion with an acceptable risk of minor and major complications.

Fill Factor Effects in Highly-Viscous Non-Isothermal Rubber Mixing Simulations

Abstract A finite volume technique in a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is employed in this study to simulate transient, incompressible, non-Newtonian and non-isothermal rubber mixing. The simulation processes are conducted in a two-dimensional(2D) domain, where a mixing chamber partially-filled with rubber is equipped with a pair of two-wing non-intermeshing counter-rotating rotors. The main objective is to assess the effect of different fill factors of rubber on dispersive and distributive mixing characteristics by simulating 15 revolutions of the rotors rotating at 20 min−1. 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80% and 90% are the six different fill factors chosen for the study. An Eulerian multiphase method has been applied to solve for the two different phases, rubber and air. The non-Newtonian property of rubber is handled using the shear rate dependent Carreau-Yasuda model, along with an Arrhenius function to include the temperature dependency. In addition to the governing equations related to the conservation of mass, momentum and energy, the volume of fluid (VOF) method is chosen to track the interface between air and rubber. With regard to the results, flow patterns, thermal distributions, viscosity behavior and volume fraction are analyzed for the different fill factors. In addition, dispersive and distributive mixing behavior is also assessed in detail using Lagrangian statistics, such as mixing index, cumulative distribution of maximum shear stress, cluster distribution index (CDI), scale of segregation (SOS) and length of stretch (LOS), calculated from massless particles. Both the Eulerian and Lagrangian results showed that fill factors between 70% and 80% presented the most reasonable and efficient mixing scenario, and also exhibited the best dispersive and distributive mixing characteristics combined.

029 Biomechanical Effects of Rear Tip Extenders on Inflatable Penile Implants: A Cadaveric Study

It is speculated by many penile prosthesis implanters that rear tip extenders (RTEs) negatively affect axial loading so they should be avoided if possible but many implanters use RTE to assist with exit tubing angle thus justify their presence. However, the biomechanical effects of RTEs in the body have not been reported. In this study, two groups of Coloplast Titan inflatable penile implant (IPP) IPP-RTE pairs of total length of 20 and 24cm, respectively with lengths of RTEs ranging from 0, 2 and 4cm have been investigated to provide experimental evidence. 3 cadavers were obtained. Penile stretch length, corporal length, and pendulous shaft dimensions were obtained. Artificial erections and cavernosograms were performed on the 3 cadavers and one was excluded for Peyronie’s disease. The IPPs were surgically placed into two fresh cadavers via a penoscrotal technique by a high volume surgeon. The implants were confirmed to be placed correctly using fluoroscopy. The IPPs were assessed by column compression and cantilever deflection. A biomechanical evaluation of the properties of each IPP-RTE pairs inside the fibroelastic tunica albuginea was based on industry standard methods for assessment at 1034mmHg (20psi) fill pressure. X-ray images were obtained before and after kink formation.

Identification of a Helical Segment within the Intrinsically Disordered Region of the PCSK9 Prodomain

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of lipid metabolism by degrading liver LDL receptors. Structural studies have provided molecular details of PCSK9 function. However, the N-terminal acidic stretch of the PCSK9 prodomain (Q31–T60) has eluded structural investigation, since it is in a disordered state. The interest in this region is intensified by the presence of human missense mutations associated with low and high LDL-c levels (E32K, D35Y, and R46L, respectively), as well as two posttranslationally modified sites, sulfated Y38 and phosphorylated S47. Herein we show that a segment within this region undergoes disorder-to-order transition. Experiments with acidic stretch-derived peptides demonstrated that the folding is centered at the segment Y38–L45, which adopts an α-helix as determined by NMR analysis of free peptides and by X-ray crystallography of peptides in complex with antibody 6E2 (Ab6E2). In the Fab6E2–peptide complexes, the structured region features a central 2 1/4-turn α-helix and encompasses up to 2/3 of the length of the acidic stretch, including the missense mutations and posttranslationally modified sites. Experiments with helix-breaking proline substitutions in peptides and in PCSK9 protein indicated that Ab6E2 specifically recognizes the helical conformation of the acidic stretch. Therefore, the observed quantitative binding of Ab6E2 to native PCSK9 from various cell lines suggests that the disorder-to-order transition is a true feature of PCSK9 and not limited to peptides. Because the helix provides a constrained spatial orientation of the missense mutations and the posttranslationally modified residues, it is probable that their biological functions take place in the context of an ordered conformational state.

TWO-DIMENSIONAL NONISOTHERMAL NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF SPEED RATIO EFFECTS ON DISPERSION AND DISTRIBUTION IN HIGH-VISCOSITY PARTIALLY FILLED RUBBER MIXING

ABSTRACT Two-dimensional, transient, and nonisothermal computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted for high-viscosity rubber mixing in a two-wing rotor-equipped partially filled chamber of fill factor 75%. Calculations presented assess the effect of three differential speeds or speed ratios of the two rotors for the rubber mixing process: 1.0 (also called even speed), 1.125, and 1.5. A Eulerian multiphase model, the volume of fluid technique, is employed to simulate two different phases, rubber and air, by calculating the free surface between the two phases, in addition to the main governing equations such as the continuity, momentum, and energy equations. To characterize the non-Newtonian, highly viscous rubber under nonisothermal conditions, the shear rate–dependent Carreau-Yasuda model along with an Arrhenius function are employed. A set of massless particles is introduced into the chamber to calculate several parameters related to dispersive and distributive mixing characteristics. Specifically, the mixing index and maximum shear stress are analyzed for the dispersive nature, whereas cluster distribution index and length of stretch are calculated for investigating the distributive nature of the mixing process. Also, the temporal viscous heat generation rate, a good indication of the temperature rise throughout the domain, which is critical in the process and equipment design, is analyzed here. Results showed that the 1.125 speed ratio was the most efficient in terms of distributive mixing and heat generation.

NON-ISOTHERMAL EFFECTS IN PARTIALLY FILLED RUBBER MIXING SIMULATIONS OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

ABSTRACT A finite volume technique is used to analyze the isothermal and non-isothermal flow behavior for the rubber mixing process in a two-dimensional, partially filled (75%) internal mixer, which consists of two counterrotating rotors rotating at 20 rpm. In order to capture the interface between air and rubber, an Eulerian multiphase model called volume of fluid (VOF) has been employed here. The transient flow behavior was accomplished by a sliding mesh technique, and the highly viscous, non-Newtonian properties of the rubber have been characterized using the Bird–Carreau model. Most of the previous computational fluid dynamic (CFD)-based investigations of rubber mixing assumed isothermal flow, and consequently negligible viscous heat generation, temperature rise, and viscosity drop associated with heat generation. Hence, a non-isothermal simulation is carried out, and results are compared with those of an equivalent isothermal simulation. In addition, dispersive and distributive mixing characteristics are assessed using statistics calculated from particle tracks generated by a set of massless and neutral particles that have been injected in the simulation. For this purpose, quantities such as the cumulative distribution of maximum shear stress, length of stretch, and cluster distribution index are calculated and compared between isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. Results showed a significant difference between the isothermal and non-isothermal simulations, thus making the isothermal assumption critical. Also, the non-isothermal simulation predicted better mixing during the entire mixing cycle.

Penile length is preserved after implant surgery.

To investigate if there is a correlation between penile size measured preoperatively and erect penis after penile implant surgery (PI). A common cause of patient dissatisfaction after PI is caused by patients complaining that surgery has shortened the penis. It has been suggested that stretched penile length preoperatively is almost the same after surgery when the prosthesis is in erect status. However, no comprehensive data supports this theory. This prospective study was done to investigate this theory. Standardised measurements of stretched penile length and girth were performed in theatre before PI implantation then re-measured at the end of the procedure with the penis in the erect position. We recorded type of PI, cylinder lengths and malleable rod diameters. All patients had data recorded on body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HTN), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ), and Peyronie's disease (PD). In all, 133 patients were assessed; 88 (66.2%) had a malleable penile prosthesis (MPP) and 45 (33.8%) an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). The median age and BMI were 56years and 30kg/m2 , respectively. In all, 40 (30.1%) patients had HTN, 37 (27.8%) had PD, and 89 (66.9%) were diabetic. The mean (SD) pre-implant stretched length was 12.8(1.8)cm. The mean (SD) flaccid girth was 10.3(1.2)cm. Postoperatively, the mean (SD) erect length and girth were 13.1(1.7)cm and 11.3(1.3)cm, respectively. Overall, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in both the mean (SD) length at +0.36(0.63)cm, and girth at +1.04(1.02)cm. Patients who had an IPP, had a greater increase in both length (mean [SD] 0.62[0.72]cm) and girth (mean [SD] 1.7[1.0]cm) compared to those who had a MPP (mean [SD] 0.22[0.53]cm and 0.7[0.87]cm, respectively) (P<0.05). We investigated correlations between pre- and postoperative outcomes related to BMI, HTN, diabetes, and PD. None of these variables affected outcome. PI surgery does not significantly decrease penile size compared to the preoperative assessment. The outcome was not affected by co-morbidities. The preoperative length and girth correlated well with the immediate postoperative erect penis, although girth was not necessarily comparable in this series of patients measured under anaesthesia. Recording penile dimensions in the clinic and agreeing these with patients' preoperatively may be a way of improving satisfaction levels with this surgery.

Shake table testing of a miniature steel building with ductile‐anchor, uplifting‐column base connections for improved seismic performance

SummaryPrevious research has demonstrated that uplifting‐column or rocking building systems may exhibit improved seismic performance, including reductions in total base shear and decreased residual drift, when compared with systems rigidly connected to the foundation. These beneficial effects may be due to lengthened periods, activation of rocking modes, and energy dissipation of base fuse elements. In the current work, several configurations of a miniature steel building with different combinations of base connection and traditional superstructure fuse strength and stiffness were subjected to identical earthquake motions to evaluate differences in demands and performance. The uplifting base connections incorporate highly ductile concrete anchors with long stretch lengths, allowing robust connection performance and easy replacement of damaged connection elements following the seismic event, an advantage over previously tested systems. Testing and dynamic numerical analysis indicates that ductile anchor uplifting systems may reduce total base shear by over 20%, as well as reducing residual structural drift by more than 80%.