Dein Shaw^1,2, Chih-Ren Huang², Li-Cheng Huang²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.11, No.3, pp. 229-242, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2009.011.229

Abstract In this study, a method for designing an in-plane, free-form, beam-type spring for use in a lower-limb orthosis was developed. A spring designed by this method follows a predefined relationship between loading and displacement. To facilitate the analysis of the spring, it was divided into several beam segments. The stiffness equations related to loading (including moment and force) and displacements (linear and rotation) of each beam segment were found to follow a modified (non-linear) Castigliano's second theorem (NCST) and were assembled by using the continuity of nodal points of neighbouring curve segments. Using the proposed… More >

E.J. Sapountzakis¹, V.G. Mokos²

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.10, No.1, pp. 1-40, 2009, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2009.010.001

Abstract In this paper the boundary element method is employed to develop a displacement solution for the general transverse shear loading problem of composite beams of arbitrary constant cross section. The composite beam (thin or thick walled) consists of materials in contact, each of which can surround a finite number of inclusions. The materials have different elasticity and shear moduli and are firmly bonded together. The analysis of the beam is accomplished with respect to a coordinate system that has its origin at the centroid of the cross section, while its axes are not necessarily the… More >

Richard W. Casey¹, Jack Barkin²

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.15, Suppl.4, pp. 71-77, 2008

Abstract Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can have signifi cant benefi cial effects in the appropriate hypogonadal male patient. Testosterone defi ciency is common in primary care practice and recognition of the signs and symptoms of this abnormality will allow physicians to choose appropriate interventions. The symptoms of clinical hypogonadism include muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes and a reduced libido. Signs include a reduced muscle mass, osteoporosis, anemia and increased adiposity.
While routine screening for testosterone defi ciency, determination of testosterone levels in high risk populations, including obesity and diabetes, will help the clinician direct TRT to More >

Gregory R. Hanson, Lester S. Borden, Jr., Doug D. Backous, Stephen W. Bayles, John M. Corman

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.15, No.2, pp. 3990-3993, 2008

Abstract Introduction: With nerve-sparing techniques, patients undergoing a radical prostatectomy may avoid the morbidity of erectile dysfunction. Certain patients who are not candidates for nerve-sparing procedures may be eligible for nerve interposition grafts. While bilateral cavernosal nerve grafting after radical prostatectomy has shown efficacy, the effect of unilateral nerve grafting following prostatectomy remains unclear. We evaluate a large group of patients who underwent a unilateral cavernosal nerve replacement.
Methods: Forty patients underwent unilateral nerve sparing surgery with concomitant contralateral cavernosal nerve replacement. Patients were selected for this procedure based upon preoperative nomogram risk assessment, endorectal MRI evidence… More >

K. Lee¹ and S.W. Lee ²

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.34, No.3, pp. 253-272, 2008, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2008.034.253

Abstract A geometrically nonlinear assumed strain formulation is used to develop a nine-node solid shell element with quadratic displacement through the thickness. The transversely quadratic element allows direct use of the constitutive equations developed for three-dimensional solids, which is convenient when material nonlinearity is involved. The nodal degrees of freedom associated with the quadratic terms in the assumed displacement through the thickness are statically condensed out at the element level. The results of numerical tests conducted on selected example problems demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the present approach. For the cases involving linear elastic material, More >

Y. C. Shiah¹, C. L. Tan², V.G. Lee³

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.34, No.3, pp. 205-226, 2008, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2008.034.205

Abstract The main impediment to the development of efficient algorithms for the stress analysis of 3D generally anisotropic elastic solids using the boundary element method (BEM) and the local boundary integral equation (LBIE) meshless method over the years is the complexity of the fundamental solutions and the computational burden to evaluate them. The ability to analytically simplify and reduce them into as explicit a form as possible so that they can be directly computed will offer significant cost savings. In addition, they facilitate easy implementation using existing numerical algorithms with the above-mentioned methods that have been More >

C.E. Majorana¹, V.A. Salomoni

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.33, No.1, pp. 49-84, 2008, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2008.033.049

Abstract A dynamic analysis of a thin shell finite element undergoing large displacements and rotations is here presented. The constitutive model adopted derives from the coupling of an hyperelastic basic model fulfilling a De Saint Venant-Kirchhoff criterion with a scalar damage function depending on the maximum value of a suitable strain measure attained through the deformation history; then plastic effects are included using an isotropic/kinematic hardening law. A conservative time integration scheme for the non-linear dynamics of the hyperelastic damaged-plastic thin shell is applied. The main characteristic of the scheme is to be conservative, since it More >

G. M. Kulikov¹, S. V. Plotnikova¹

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.28, No.1, pp. 15-38, 2008, DOI:10.3970/cmes.2008.028.015

Abstract This paper presents a robust non-linear geometrically exact four-node solid-shell element based on the first-order seven-parameter equivalent single-layer theory, which permits us to utilize the 3D constitutive equations. The term "geometrically exact" reflects the fact that geometry of the reference surface is described by analytically given functions and displacement vectors are resolved in the reference surface frame. As fundamental shell unknowns six displacements of the outer surfaces and a transverse displacement of the midsurface are chosen. Such choice of displacements gives the possibility to derive strain-displacement relationships, which are invariant under arbitrarily large rigid-body shell More >

E. Ferretti¹, A. Di Leo¹

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.7, No.2, pp. 59-80, 2008, DOI:10.3970/cmc.2008.007.059

Abstract The main assumption on the basis of the identifying model of the effective law, developed by the Author, is the impossibility of considering the specimen as a continuum, when an identifying procedure from load-displacement to stress-strain in uniaxial compression is attempted. Actually, a failure mechanism with propagation of a macro-crack was found to activate from the very beginning of the uniaxial compression test forth. This leads to considering the acquired displacements as composed by two quotes: one constitutive, due to the material strain, and one of crack opening. Since the ratio between these two quotes… More >

Mathew C. Raynor¹, Culley C. Carson², Matthew D. Pearson², Jeffrey W. Nix²

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.14, Suppl.6, pp. 63-68, 2007

Abstract A steady decline in androgen levels occurs in males as they age. Evidence suggests that this decline may be at least partially responsible for a variety of physical and mental changes associated with the aging process. For instance, abnormally low levels of androgens can lead to profound changes in bone density, body composition, as well as sexual and cognitive function. Testosterone replacement has been shown to produce improvements in many of these areas. However, this practice is not without risks, both proven and theoretic. Also, the diagnosis of androgen deficiency and the decision to treat More >