NEMS-based optical phase modulator fabricated on silicon-on-insulator

We present a compact low-power optical phase modulator on Silicon-On-Insulator consisting of an under-etched slot waveguide. By applying a voltage of 15V across a 9mum long slot waveguide an optical phase change of 60deg was observed

Phalloplasty in biological men with penile insufficiency

The Summary Introduction Phalloplasty for penile insufficiency in biological men differs from trans-men by incorporating native tissue. The study objective was to report surgical and functional outcomes of phalloplasty in biological men. Patients & methods Phalloplasty was performed with a radial free forearm (RFFA) or pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. The tube-within-tube technique was used for urethroplasty. Complications <30 d postoperative were categorized according to Clavien-Dindo. Results 30 patients, median (IQR) age of 21 (18-30)y, were included. 17 patients (57%) had penile insufficiency due to exstrophy or hypospadias surgeries, 7 patients (23%) due to sexual development disorders. In 16 patients RFFA was used. 19 patients needed urethroplasty, the rest catheterized through stoma. Median follow-up was 33 (14-80)mo. Within 30 d postoperative, 1 patients (3.3%) had Clavien-Dindo II and 6 patients (20%) Clavien-Dindo III complications. On long-term, 10 patients (33%) developed fistula, 6 needing urethroplasty. 7 patients (23%) had urethral strictures, all needing surgical intervention. All patients but one (98%) had erogenous sensitivity in the neo-phallus. All urethroplasty patients reported antegrade ejaculation. 16 patients (84%) voided through the urethra. 21 patients (70%) had an erectile device implanted. Conclusion RFFA and ALT result in good erogenous sensitivity but fistulas and strictures are frequent

Розрахунок параметрів фланцевої муфти для ремонту газопроводів

Рассмотрено использование конструкции фланцевой муфты для ремонта трубопроводов. Для нескольких вариантов конструкций муфты, установленной на трубопроводе с дефектом, выполнены расчеты методом конечных элементов и проведен сравнительный анализ результатов. Связь трубы с цилиндрической частью муфты смоделирована при помощи учитывающих трение нелинейных элементов скольжения. Проведена оценка способности различных конструкций муфт компенсировать дефект. Показано, что способ ремонта фланцевыми муфтами целесообразно использовать при глубине дефекта до 50% от номинальной толщины стенки трубопровода.The using of a flange coupling construction for pipelines repair is considered. For several variants of flange coupling constructions established on the pipeline with defect computations by a finite element method and comparison analysis of results are performed. The connection of pipe to cylindrical part of coupling is simulated by non-linear slide elements with friction. The estimation of ability of various coupling constructions to compensate defect is examined. It is shown, that the flange coupling repair method is expedient for application with depth of defect to 50% nominal pipeline wall thicknes

Ultracompact phase modulator based on a cascade of NEMS-operated slot waveguides fabricated in silicon-on-insulator

Phase modulation is one of the key functionalities in an integrated photonics circuit. In the silicon photonics platform, several approaches have been undertaken. The thermooptic effect is slow and relatively power hungry, whereas a carrier-based approach is fast (9 Gb/s) but lossy and weak. Integration of other (e. g., electrooptic) materials typically struggles with fabrication issues that limit the effect. Here, we present a nanoelectromechanical systems-based approach. By applying a voltage over a freestanding slot waveguide, the slot width will change, resulting in an effective index change and thus a phase change. Using a cascaded structure, the effect can be enlarged without reducing the speed. A phase change of 40 degrees was observed for a voltage of 13 V over a cascade of three 5.8-mu m-long freestanding slots. The expected speed is in the MHz range

Chest surgery for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals

Chest surgery can greatly facilitate the experience of living in a gender role. For transfeminine chest surgery, most surgeons recommend a 12-month period of feminizing hormone therapy before breast augmentation. For those who already have some breast volume owing to hormone treatment, lipofilling can be a good option. Transmasculine chest surgery includes mastectomy and creation of a male chest. Preoperative parameters to be evaluated include breast volume, degree of excess skin, nipple-areola complex size and position, and skin elasticity. The algorithm the authors developed and modified can help choose from 5 techniques, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing male chest

Initial experience with a novel hybrid vascular graft for peripheral artery disease

This report describes the successful use of a new hybrid vascular graft as a conduit for above knee femoro-popliteal bypass surgery. The graft consists of a proximal (heparin coated) expanded polytetrafluoroethylene section but ends distally as a nitinol reinforced self-expandable stent that is covered and constrained, allowing a sutureless distal anastamosis. With this graft the creation of above knee bypasses in situations where lesions extend to the popliteal artery behind the knee, or in cases where the above knee popliteal artery is severely calcified is still possible. This avoids the necessity of an infragenicular bypass with potentially inferior long-term patency rates, especially when no autologous venous bypass material is available