Increase In Diameter Research Articles

Morphological changes in polyester prosthesis geometry after open aortic repair

ObjectivesAim of this study was to assess geometrical changes of implanted Dacron grafts following open surgical ascending aortic replacement.MethodsGeometrical Dacron graft changes were analysed during the postoperative follow-up of 215 who received ascending aortic surgery between 02/2010 and 12/2020. Data was analysed using a linear mixed effects model over long-term follow-up.ResultsOne-hundred forty-five (67%) patients of our cohort were male, with a median age of 61 years 52–71.5). Most patients had a history of hypertension (79%). Proximal diameter of the implanted grafts grew at a rate of 0.251 cm (0.181–0.328 cm; p < 0.001) per year. In contrast, distal diameter stayed constant over time (0.019 cm; -0.048–0.135 cm; p = 0.366), while prosthesis length measured at the centreline decreased at a rate of -0.835 cm (-0.969 cm - -0.581 cm; p < 0.001) per year.ConclusionIn contrast to the native aorta, Dacron grafts seem to decrease in length over time. At the same time, there is a significant increase in proximal diameter. The specific dimensional changes, and differences to the nominal graft dimensions, should be considered at the time of graft implantation to ensure a durable platform for secondary aortic interventions.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.IRB04/02/2021 (No. 20-1302)

Thermal and pH Sensitive Blends Formed by Chitosan and Poly(N‐Vinylcaprolactam)

Abstract The development of smart polymeric films capable of responding to external and internal stimuli is of great interest in the biomedical and industrial fields for applications that require controlled drug release through pH variation, thermal stimuli, or both. This study aimed to develop and characterize polymeric blends composed by chitosan (CS) and poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) with dual thermal and pH responsiveness. The films were prepared by solution casting using different CS/PNVCL ratios (90/10, 70/30, and 50/50) and characterized by ATR‐FTIR, TGA, DSC, SEM, s‐SNOM, contact angle, opacification, and swelling tests. FTIR and s‐SNOM confirmed interaction and partial miscibility between the polymers. The films exhibited thermoresponsiveness, changing from transparent to opaque in temperatures from 25 °C to 32 °C, depending on composition. The pH responsiveness analysis indicated that the films demonstrated a greater increase in diameter (more than 80%), when subjected to acidic solution. The blend films presented Tg values of 72.38 °C, 140.41 °C, and 142.22 °C for the CS/PNVCL compositions 90/10, 30/70, and 50/50, respectively, intermediate to those observed for the pure precursor polymers (68.74 °C for CS and 182.39 °C for PNVCL). To the best of our knowledge, studies on solid polymeric systems responsive to pH and temperature, like those developed in this work, have not been performed.

Modelling of strain effects in core/shell QDs with tight binding theory and k.p effective mass approximation

Abstract Reliable predictions of the potential of nanoscale semiconductor heterostructures for nanodevice fabrication require accurate theoretical models and precise numerical calculations to assess how strain affects their electronic, optical and structural properties. The second nearest neighbour (2NN) sp3s* tight binding model and the four-band k.p effective mass approximation are employed to analyze impact of strain on the optical, electronic and structural properties in nanoscale spherical CdSe and ZnSe-based core/shell quantum dots (QDs) in this study. According to our analysis, when the shell diameter increases linearly, keeping the core diameter constant, core bandgaps increase parabolically in ZnSe/ZnS and CdSe/Cd(Zn)S QDs but decrease parabolically in ZnSe/CdS QDs. Furthermore, with a constant shell diameter, an increase in core diameter results in a parabolic decrease of core bandgaps in all four QD types. The proposed model can serve as an effective design tool for simulating nanoscale core/shell heterostructures in quantum dot-based nanodevices.

Research on the spray characteristics of the fan nozzle based on coupled analysis of the internal and external flow fields

The spray angle and distribution uniformity of fan nozzles mainly determine spray characteristics in precision spraying agriculture. However, unreasonable structural parameters make it challenging to achieve the desired controllability of the spray angle and distribution uniformity. To address this challenge, this study investigates the influence of the four structural parameters on the spray angle and distribution uniformity in terms of the inner chamber diameter and length and grooving angle and depth through the orthogonal and single-factor experimental designs. Results show that the increase in the inner chamber diameter and the grooving angle contribute to an expansion of the spray angle compared with the others. Increasing the inner chamber diameter brings about the reduction of energy dissipation within the internal flow field, and the grooving angle generates the decreased velocity decay of droplets in the external flow field. Compared with the grooving angle, the inner chamber diameter enhances the uniformity of spray distribution due to reduced velocity difference and the uniform velocity distribution in the external flow field. Overall, the inner chamber diameter is the potential parameter for controlling the spray angle and distribution uniformity in precision spraying agriculture.

Propagation characteristics of pyrolysis gas/air rotating detonation wave laden with solid particles

The rotating detonation combustor is a promising approach to consume the incompletely burned gases laden with solid particles that are produced by solid propellants. The present study numerically investigates the propagation characteristics of the pyrolysis gas rotating detonation laden with solid particles. The parametric effects of solid particles on the detonation are analyzed, including the particle type, size, and mass loading ratio. Results show that particles tend to concentrate behind the contact surface-slip line under the effect of the velocity shear layer. Then, the low-temperature region forms due to the substantial heat absorption. The massive exchange of momentum and energy between particles and the gas phase in these regions also promotes the occurrence of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, leading to the disruption of the velocity shear layer. With the increase in particle mass loading ratio, the detonation propagation speed decreases, and the two variables are almost linearly related. For the combustible carbon particles case with a mass loading ratio of 10.0%, the excessive temperature drops near the triple point leads to intermittent local quenching, which further reduces the propagation speed. An increase in particle diameter leads to a rise in the detonation propagation speed due to higher heat absorption and momentum absorption, and the speed roughly decreases linearly with the reciprocal of the particle diameter. In the study, when the particle diameter is large enough (dp≥5 μm or St&amp;gt;1), the influence of particles on the flow field is nearly negligible.

Bond strength of steel bars in steel-fibre-reinforced normal and self-compacting concretes

Pull-out tests were conducted to assess the bond stresses between two different sizes of steel bars and normal concrete (NC) and self-compacting concrete (SCC) with and without steel fibres (SFs), considering different conditions. The results showed that the pull-out capacities of the pre-cracked specimens were reduced by 20.4% when compared with uncracked specimens. Moreover, the pre-cracked NC specimens exhibited 10% lower tensile strength than their SCC counterparts. In addition, the specimens with SF had a higher bond stress than those without SF. Additionally, an increase in bar diameter from 12 mm to 16 mm led to a 22% improvement in bond stress. In summary, the addition of SFs to concrete generally enhanced the bond stress between the rebars and the concrete, with macro SFs exhibiting a particularly notable effect, leading to an 18% increase in bond. ACI 318-19 was found to produce conservative results of the developed steel bar length with safety margins of 120% and 79% for regular and pre-cracked specimens when compared with the expressions proposed in this work. Comparing available test results with the proposed models, the test results were very close to or more than the proposed models' results, depending on the bar diameter.

Microsatellite Peak Shifts in Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Fragment Length Data Correlate With Microsatellite Instability Degree and Vary With Mismatch Repair Gene Defects and Tumor Size.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) arises from mismatch repair-deficiency (MMR-d) and is a predictor of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy response. Although MSI diagnostics typically yield a binary classification (MSI or microsatellite stable), the molecular phenotype likely represents a continuum. We explored whether MSI follows a quantitative spectrum, reflecting the extent and severity of microsatellite alterations, and whether it holds clinical significance. To quantitatively assess MSI, we evaluated the length of MSI peak shifts from polymerase chain reaction-based fragment length data in two cohorts (combined N = 237) of hereditary (Lynch syndrome) and sporadic MMR-d colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). We examined whether MSI peak shift lengths in diagnostic markers BAT25, CAT25, BAT26, and BAT40 correlate with specific MMR defects, histologic and clinical features, and coding microsatellite (cMS) mutations, potentially reflecting antigen load. MSI peak shift lengths varied among MMR-d CRCs and were influenced by the specific underlying MMR defect, such as germline mutations in MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2, or somatic MLH1 promotor hypermethylation. Hereditary MSH6-deficient CRCs exhibited shorter peak shifts compared with hereditary MLH1-deficient and MSH2-deficient CRCs. Longer MSI peak shifts were associated with larger tumor sizes (odds ratio of 1.3 for every 1-cm increase in tumor diameter) and number of cMS mutations per tumor (P = 8.73e-09). Our findings demonstrate that (1) MSI peak shift lengths differ among MMR-d CRCs, (2) this variation is influenced by the specific MMR defect, and (3) this variation correlates with tumor size and number of cMS mutations. These findings suggest that a quantitative MSI classification could enhance clinical utility, with potential, for instance, in predicting disease progression and ICB therapy response.

LES evaluation of hydrogen explosion disaster in interconnected vessels

LES evaluation of hydrogen explosion disaster in interconnected vessels

The Impact of Common-to-External Iliac Arterial Diameter Ratio on Mid- to Long-Term Patency of Kissing Aortoiliac Stents.

The Impact of Common-to-External Iliac Arterial Diameter Ratio on Mid- to Long-Term Patency of Kissing Aortoiliac Stents.

Hydrogen-rich water enhances vegetable growth and fruit quality by regulating ascorbate biosynthesis.

Hydrogen-rich water enhances vegetable growth and fruit quality by regulating ascorbate biosynthesis.

Effect of tourniquet time and nerve diameter change on nerve damage in upper extremity surgery interventions.

Effect of tourniquet time and nerve diameter change on nerve damage in upper extremity surgery interventions.

Simulating the effects of climate change on the growth and management of uneven-aged Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) in Hyrcanian forests of Iran

Abstract Adaptive management approaches are needed to maintain and improve forests’ resilience to future climatic changes. Climate sensitive forest increment models are the crucial tools to evaluate the performance of the adaptive strategies in forest management under climate change. Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) is the most dominating and commercially important tree species in Hyrcanian forests of Iran, the main source of timber production, biodiversity conservation, and eco-tourism. Consequently, this study aims to achieve three primary objectives: (1) to develop a climate-sensitive tree increment and yield model for oriental beech forests (2) to predict the increment and yielding of these forests in the future under climate change (IPCC scenarios), and (3) to analyze the resilience of four alternative management strategies including business as usual (BAU) and logging ban. We re-calibrated a single-tree diameter and height increment, and tree survival models using forest measurement data from permanent plots with five-year interval and from 1988 to 2018. By validating the models, three climate change scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 as well as four harvest strategies (logging ban, intensified logging (50% above BAU), and decreased logging (50% &lt; BAU), and BAU) were applied for the simulation of increment and survival probability of single trees in a selected site. Our findings indicate that climate change, particularly increased drought stress under the RCP8.5 scenario, significantly reduces the increment and survival probability of beech trees. However, under RCP2.6 and RCP4.5, we observed a slight increase in increment. Implementing a logging ban as a management strategy emerged as the most resilient alternative for these forests, potentially fostering an increase in both diameter (up to 5.93 cm) and height increment (up to 3.12 m) until the final period. These findings lend support to the existing forest policy of enforcing a ten-year logging ban in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran.

Mesiodistal and buccolingual crown diameters of permanent teeth

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine normative values for mesiodistal and buccolingual crown diameters of permanent teeth in the Turkish population and compare them with values reported in previous studies for other populations and the Turkish population.Materials and methodsThe mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of permanent teeth were measured using digital calipers from dental cast models of 200 patients. The data analysis was conducted employing the SPSS 21 package software. The descriptive statistics were obtained for all parameters. Student t-test was utilized to compare the measurements between male and female patients. A paired t-test was used to compare the right and left side teeth. The significance level was set at 0.05.ResultsA total of 4800 teeth were measured. Men’s tooth sizes were larger than women’s tooth sizes. A stronger sexual dimorphism was observed in the buccolingual diameter in comparison to the mesiodistal diameter. No clinically significant differences were observed between antimeric teeth. In the maxilla and mandible, the first molars were found to have the largest mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters, whereas mandibular central teeth had the smallest diameters.ConclusionsCurrent norm values of mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of permanent teeth in the Turkish population were established. The norm values presented are close to the tooth dimensions in studies carried out on other populations. Compared to previous studies, there is an increase in mesiodistal diameters in the Turkish population, with this increase being more pronounced in males. The mean mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of permanent teeth can be useful for orthodontists, prosthodontists, anatomists, anthropologists, and forensic dentistry specialists.

Phenotypic and transcriptomic analysis reveals key genes associated with plant height in rubber tree and functional characterization of the candidate gene HbFLA11.

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is an important species in global natural rubber production. However, the mechanisms regulating the height of rubber trees remain poorly understood. In previous work, the dwarf mutant MU73397 was obtained through ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis. Compared to the wild-type CATAS73397, MU73397 exhibited significantly reduced plant height and stem diameter, slower xylem development, and decreased cellulose and lignin content. Phytohormone analysis revealed that gibberellin levels were reduced in both the apex and stem of MU73397, while jasmonic acid was increased in the apex and auxin was reduced in the stem. These differences in hormone levels may contribute to the dwarf phenotype. Transcriptome analysis identified nine key genes related to cell wall biosynthesis and hormone signaling, namely, FLA11 (Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein 11), TUBB1 (Tubulin Beta 1), TUBB6 (Tubulin Beta 6), CESA7 (cellulose synthase A 7), TUBA4 (Tubulin Alpha 4), LAC17 (Laccase 7), CTL2 (Chitinase-like protein 2), IRX9 (Irregular xylem 9), and KOR (korrigan). Overexpression of HbFLA11 in transgenic poplar resulted in significant increases in plant height and stem diameter. Gibberellin signaling genes and cell wall biosynthesis genes were significantly upregulated in the transgenic lines. These results suggest that HbFLA11 is involved in gibberellin signaling and cell wall biosynthesis, thereby regulating plant growth. This study provides valuable genetic resources and research foundations for targeted trait breeding in rubber tree.

Growth Performance of Vitex parviflora Juss. and Swietenia macrophylla King in an Abandoned Mining Area at Barangay Maibu, Butuan City, Philippines

This study evaluated the growth performance of V. parviflora and S. macrophylla planted in an abandoned small-scale mining site in Barangay Maibu, Butuan City, Philippines. This study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with growth parameters including height increment, stem diameter increment, and the number of leaves of the seedlings measured over a five-month period. Soil analysis revealed acidic conditions (pH 5.11), low organic matter levels, and nitrogen and phosphorus. Results showed that S. macrophylla exhibited greater height growth (3.96 cm) and stem diameter increase (0.78 cm) compared to V. parviflora (0.72 cm and 0.072 cm, respectively). The number of leaves also increased more in S. macrophylla (10) than in V. parviflora (5). Among the parameters measured, only the height growth showed a statistically significant difference between the two species. In contrast, the differences in stem diameter and number of leaves were not statistically significant. S. macrophylla demonstrated better adaptability and potential for rehabilitating degraded mining sites compared to the other species. However, it is recommended that future studies lengthen the duration to evaluate seasonal fluctuations, long-term growth performance, and possible soil amendment techniques to improve site rehabilitation and forest restoration outcomes. Keywords: abandoned mining site, growth performance, reforestation, Swietenia macrophylla, Vitex parviflora

Technology of preparation of sleeve ends before pilgrims rolling

The paper considers the issues of improvement of hot pilgrim rolling of pipes by means of preparation of front and rear ends of sleeves. The presence of a gap between the sleeve and mandrel increases transverse variance and reduces pipe accuracy during pilgrim rolling. In the present article the issues of preparation of the front and rear ends of the sleeves to ensure the alignment of the sleeve and mandrel in the process of Pilgrim rolling are comprehensively considered. The preparation of the front ends of the sleeves is proposed to be carried out on a slant-rolling piercing mill by idle rollers of the swaging device located on the output side of the piercing mill. In the work a new technology of preparation of front ends of sleeves providing their reduction by idle rollers without compression along the thickness of the sleeve wall is proposed. The concept of a running-in device characterised by lower metal intensity and, accordingly, capital expenditures is proposed. By means of the sliding line method the forces acting on the idle rollers during reduction of the front ends of the sleeves are determined. The questions of preparation of back ends of sleeves before pilgrim rolling of pipes are considered. The back end of the sleeve after piercing has reduced outer and inner diameters, which makes it difficult to charge the mandrel into the sleeve, increasing the gap between them, which adversely affects the deformation of metal by rolls during pilgrim rolling, increasing the differentiality of pipes. To facilitate loading of the mandrel into the sleeve, the piercing technology is used with the mandrel moving in the direction opposite to the sleeve movement when the rear end of the workpiece approaches the rolls. As a result, it is possible to provide thinning of the sleeve wall in the direction towards its rear end with an increase in the internal diameter at the rear end, which facilitates the conditions of mandrel loading into the sleeve. Thinning of the wall of the rear end of the sleeve due to the convergence of the rolls of the piercing mill can reduce the volume and mass of the separated pilgrim head. To facilitate the loading of the mandrel into the sleeve with the prepared front end at the out-of-station charging section of the piercing mill, the calibration of the front end of the mandrel with a cylindrical shape is proposed, while ensuring the minimum tension between the front end of the sleeve and the mandrel for centring between them. The proposed technology of centring the rear end of the sleeve on the mandrel, which provides for the presence of a conical belt adjacent to the head of the mandrel. The parameters of the conical belt of the mandrel are determined taking into account the gap between the mandrel and the sleeve with its constant value along the length of the sleeve. Charging of the mandrel with a new calibration of the front end and a conical belt adjacent to the head with the help of a hydraulic cylinder of the priming press at the section of off-stage charging ensures centring of the front and rear ends of the sleeve on the mandrel.

Laser Versus Rotational Atherectomy in Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Procedural Success and Safety.

The evolution of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has improved the management of complex coronary lesions, particularly in heart failure patients. Laser atherectomy (LA) and rotational atherectomy (RA) are used to treat in-stent restenosis and calcified stenosis. Both techniques share similar indications and risks, but direct comparisons of their efficacy and safety are limited. This review examines procedural success, complication rates, and clinical outcomes of RA and LA. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched to retrieve studies between 2015 and 2025. Primary outcomes included procedural success, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and complications, including dissection and perforation. Random-effects models were used for analysis, with subgroup analyses based on lesion type and complexity. Fourteen studies were included in our meta-analysis (LA: 6 studies; RA: 8 studies). LA showed a procedural success rate of 96.3%, higher than RA (93.3%). The increase in lumen diameter after the procedure was statistically significantly higher in LA (mean difference: 6.71 mm²; 95% CI: (6.64-6.79); p < 0.001) as compared to RA (mean difference: -27.90 mm²; 95% CI: (-27.95,-27.85); p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that RA worked better on severely calcified lesions that required stentablation. Complication rates were similar between the two techniques (1.2% for LA vs. 1.5% for RA; p = 0.21). LA provides better procedural success and lumen gain in heart failure patients with complex coronary lesions. However, RA remains superior for stentablation in non-dilatable, calcified lesions. Both techniques have similar safety profiles, suggesting the need for individualized treatment based on patient and lesion characteristics.

Changes in Pore Structure and Gas Adsorption–Desorption Characteristics of Coal Under High-Voltage Electric Pulses

High-voltage electrical pulses (HVEPs), a new technology designed to enhance the permeability of coal seams, have received significant attention for their application in gas extraction from low-permeability coal seams. This study designed a high-pressure adjustable electrical pulse experimental system to investigate the effects of HVEPs on the pore structure and gas adsorption–desorption characteristics of bituminous coal samples. The results revealed that HVEPs effectively restructured pore morphology in coal samples through the opening of previously sealed and partially enclosed pores. This led to a significant increase in the average pore diameter, total pore volume, and porosity. However, the increase in total specific surface area was minimal. Moreover, the connectivity of pores was continuously enhanced. As the discharge voltage increased, the pore structure significantly improved. However, HVEP treatment slightly increased the adsorption pores (micropores and transition pores) and significantly increased the seepage pores (mesopores and macropores), which facilitated the free flow of gas within the coal samples. Additionally, HVEP treatment significantly reduced both the adsorption rate and the maximum gas adsorption capacity of the coal samples, indicating a strong inhibitory effect of HVEPs on gas adsorption. Conversely, HVEPs significantly increased the gas desorption capacity and desorption rate, suggesting that HVEPs facilitated the rapid desorption and release of gas from the coal samples. Furthermore, HVEP treatment increased the gas diffusion coefficient of the coal samples, which reduced their resistance to free diffusion after desorption and promoted gas extraction from the coal seam.

Study on the Movement and Distribution Patterns of Sand Particles in a Vane-Type Multiphase Pump

In oilfield operations, produced fluids consist of complex mixtures including heavy oil, sand, and water. Variations in sand particle parameters and operational conditions can significantly impact the performance of multiphase pumps. To elucidate the movement patterns of sand particles within a vane-type multiphase pump, this study employs the Discrete Phase Model (DPM) to investigate the effects of different sand particle parameters and operational conditions on the internal flow characteristics. The study found that: sand particle diameter, flow rate, rotational speed, and oil content significantly influence the trajectories of the solid–liquid two-phase flow, the motion characteristics of sand particles, and the vortices in the liquid flow field. As sand particle diameter increases, their radial and axial momentum first rise and then decline. Both radial and axial momentum are positively correlated with sand concentration. An increase in flow rate, higher rotational speed, and lower oil content all lead to greater fluctuations in the radial momentum curve of sand particles inside the impeller. Larger sand particles are predominantly distributed near the inlet, while smaller particles are more concentrated at the outlet. Higher sand concentrations and non-spherical particles increase particle distribution within the flow passages, with the guide vane channels exhibiting the most pronounced accumulation—reaching a maximum concentration of 6260 kg/m3 due to elevated sand loading. Increasing flow rate, rotational speed, or oil content significantly reduces sand concentration in the flow channel, promoting more efficient particle transport. Conversely, lower inlet sand concentration, non-spherical particles, reduced flow rate, decreased rotational speed, and higher oil content all result in fewer large particles in the flow passage. The findings provide important guidance for improving the wear resistance of vane-type multiphase pumps.

Novel translational porcine large animal model for Arrhythmia-Induced Cardiomyopathy (AICM): bridging pathomechanisms to therapeutic innovations

Novel translational porcine large animal model for Arrhythmia-Induced Cardiomyopathy (AICM): bridging pathomechanisms to therapeutic innovations