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Introduction: The dilatory response of healthy retinal arterioles to flicker-light (FL) provocation appears to be biphasic. The vessel diameter rapidly increases (acute phase) over 5–10 s, then barely increases thereafter (maintenance phase) until FL cessation. This reaction is usually characterised at a single point by two parameters: maximum dilation (MD) relative to baseline diameter (MD, %) and time to MD (RT, s). This paper describes the biphasic reaction of retinal arteries during FL provocation using a bi-linear function. Methods: Retinal arterioles from 45 adults were examined during flicker provocation. Each individual time course of arterial diameter change during FL provocation was characterised by a bi-linear equation and compared with MD and RT. Results: Slopes of the acute phase were 0.506%/s, and the maintenance phase was nearly flat (0.012%/s). The mean time at which the reaction changed from acute to maintenance phase was 7.4 s which is significantly different from RT (16.0 s). Mean dilation at this point (2.987%) was significantly different from MD (3.734%), but it was still 80% of MD in less than half of RT. Conclusion: Bi-linear fitting parameters better characterises the arterial dilatory response than MD and RT. Further stratification of clinical groups using bi-linear fitting may provide insight of the underlying physiology of vessel dilation for different pathologies. Introduction: The dilatory response of healthy retinal arterioles to flicker-light (FL) provocation appears to be biphasic. The vessel diameter rapidly increases (acute phase) over 5–10 s, then barely increases thereafter (maintenance phase) until FL cessation. This reaction is usually characterised at a single point by two parameters: maximum dilation (MD) relative to baseline diameter (MD, %) and time to MD (RT, s). This paper describes the biphasic reaction of retinal arteries during FL provocation using a bi-linear function. Methods: Retinal arterioles from 45 adults were examined during flicker provocation. Each individual time course of arterial diameter change during FL provocation was characterised by a bi-linear equation and compared with MD and RT. Results: Slopes of the acute phase were 0.506%/s, and the maintenance phase was nearly flat (0.012%/s). The mean time at which the reaction changed from acute to maintenance phase was 7.4 s which is significantly different from RT (16.0 s). Mean dilation at this point (2.987%) was significantly different from MD (3.734%), but it was still 80% of MD in less than half of RT. Conclusion: Bi-linear fitting parameters better characterises the arterial dilatory response than MD and RT. Further stratification of clinical groups using bi-linear fitting may provide insight of the underlying physiology of vessel dilation for different pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the esophagus. It is diagnosed in the setting of symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and an eosinophilic predominant infiltrate in the esophagus. The condition is rapidly increasing in incidence and prevalence and is commonly encountered in gastroenterology and allergy practices, emergency departments, and primary care settings. Over the past decade, there have been paradigm shifts in disease diagnosis and management, increases in knowledge about EoE risk factors, natural history, and pathogenesis, and development of validated outcome metrics. This updated American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Guideline uses Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology to make recommendations across domains of diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and assessment of response, and pediatric-specific considerations. Proton pump inhibitors, topical steroids, empiric diet elimination, a biologic, and esophageal dilation are all recommended treatments; feeding therapy is used adjunctively in children with food aversion or feeding dysfunction. Monitoring with clinical, endoscopic, and histologic assessments is recommended to assess for treatment response and follow patients over time with maintenance therapy. When evaluating and following patients with EoE, consideration should be given to assessing and controlling both the inflammatory and fibrostenotic aspects of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important tool for the execution of parallel algorithms and the simulation of interconnection networks is graph embedding. The quality of an embedding can be assessed using some cost metrics. The dilation and wirelength are the commonly used parameters. The Knödel graph W Δ , n is a minimum linear gossip network and has minimum broadcasting. It has n vertices, n Δ 2 edges, where n is even, and 1 ≤ Δ ≤ ⌊ log 2   n ⌋. In this study, we solve the dilation problem of embedding the Knödel graph into certain cube-like architectures such as hypercube, folded hypercube, and augmented cube. In [G. Fertin, A. Raspaud, A survey on Knödel graphs, Discrete Applied Mathematics 137 (2004) 173–195], it is proved that the dilation of embedding the Knödel graph W Δ , 2 Δ into the hypercube Q Δ is at most 4. In this study, we obtain an improved upper bound for dilation of embedding the Knödel graph into the hypercube and it is equal to 3. Also, we calculate the wirelength of embedding the Knödel graph into the above-said cube-like architectures using dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of brittle failure in rocks includes dilatancy and strain localization. To better understand this nucleation process, we analyze the evolution of the local three‐dimensional strain tensor using X‐ray tomograms acquired during triaxial compression experiments on granite and sandstone. The onset of the localization of the compaction, dilation, and shear strain occurs when ∼65% of the rock volume experiences dilation. Tracking the locations of the high strains throughout loading suggests that the deformation that occurs early in loading influences the location of the system‐sized fracture network that produces macroscopic failure. This influence is larger in the sandstone experiments than the granite experiments, likely due to the microstructure of the sandstone. These results have important implications for detecting precursors to catastrophic failure. Plain Language Summary: We investigate the fundamental processes that lead to brittle failure in rocks. We deform two common types of crustal rocks, granite and sandstone, under upper crustal stress conditions. As the stress applied to the rock increases, the rock tends to expand (dilate) more than compact, particularly as it approaches catastrophic, macroscopic failure. A larger portion of the rock undergoes dilation when the strain field starts to localize, indicating that accelerating dilation is a precursor to macroscopic failure. We observe different localization patterns in the rocks: in sandstone, strain localization progresses monotonically with increasing stress, whereas phases of delocalization can occur in the granite. Two competing models describe the development of the system‐sized fracture network that produces macroscopic failure: the network develops from (a) the coalescence of fractures that form early in loading, or from (b) the propagation of a process zone of interacting fractures through relatively intact rock. We find that the high strain events persist at the same location throughout the experiments more than expected by chance, particularly in experiments on sandstone. The results provide perhaps the most robust experimental confirmation yet that the fracture network that causes macroscopic failure evolves from the deformation that occurs earlier in loading. Key Points: X‐ray tomography quantifies the evolving spatial evolution of high strain events during brittle failureAt the onset of strain localization, on average 65% of the volume of the rock cores undergo dilationLocalized zones of high strain events persist in space from the onset of loading [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the dilation problem on (dual) frames for Krein spaces. We characterize Riesz bases for Krein spaces and equivalence ((J1,J2)-unitary equivalence) between frames for Krein spaces; prove that every frame (dual frame pair) for a Krein space can be dilated to a Riesz basis (dual Riesz basis pair) for a larger Krein space, and that the corresponding J-orthogonal complementary frame (J-joint complementary frame) is unique up to equivalence ((J1,J2)-joint equivalence). Also we illustrate that two equivalent Parseval frames for Krein spaces need not be (J1,J2)-unitarily equivalent and that not every Parseval frame can be dilated to a J-orthonormal basis for a larger Krein space, and derive a result on matrices of finite size as application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysphagia is a potential complication following anti-gastroesophageal reflux surgery (ARS), with challenging management. Endoscopic balloon dilation is recommended for patients with significant dysphagia from tight wraps or strictures. We aim to evaluate factors associated with the need for post-ARS dilation and the outcomes of balloon dilation. Additionally, we assessed the predictors of sustained clinical failure after dilation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent robotic or laparoscopic ARS between January 2012 and April 2023. Patients were divided based on whether they received balloon dilation using a through-the-scope wire-guided dilator. Excluded were those with pre-existing achalasia, other dilation devices, or inadequate follow-up. Results: Of 1002 patients, 69 underwent 94 postoperative dilations, and the remainder were controls. The dilation cohort was older (63.78 vs. 56.14 years, P = 0.032) and had more magnetic sphincter augmentations (MSA) (P = 0.004), a prior history of ARS (P = 0.039), and a higher rate of laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.009) compared to controls. Of all dilations, 54 (57.5%) patients reported immediate dysphagia improvement, and 39 (41.5%) had sustained improvement. Sixteen (23.2%) patients required reoperation, primarily for hiatal hernia recurrence or slipped wrap. Multivariable logistic regression showed that MSA (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01–0.46, P = 0.031) and requiring multiple dilations (OR 0.16, CI 0.03–0.68) predicted sustained dilation failure. Conclusions: Factors including older age, history of prior ARS, and MSA are correlated with higher post-ARS dilation rates. Although dilation improves symptoms in approximately half of patients initially, one-fourth may eventually require reoperation, mostly due to a slipped wrap or hernia recurrence. Thus, in cases of persistent dysphagia, consideration for surgical failure is important, and further imaging and workup are warranted. Patients who undergo MSA and those who have more than one dilation are more likely to experience dilation failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity is a state in which VSMCs undergo phenotypic switching from a quiescent contractile phenotype into other functionally distinct phenotypes. Although emerging evidence suggests that VSMC plasticity plays critical roles in the development of vascular diseases, little is known about the key determinant for controlling VSMC plasticity and fate. Methods and results We found that smooth muscle cell-specific deletion of Lkb1 in tamoxifen-inducible Lkb1flox/flox ; Myh11-Cre/ERT2 mice spontaneously and progressively induced aortic/arterial dilation, aneurysm, rupture, and premature death. Single-cell RNA sequencing and imaging-based lineage tracing showed that Lkb1 -deficient VSMCs transdifferentiated gradually from early modulated VSMCs to fibroblast-like and chondrocyte-like cells, leading to ossification and blood vessel rupture. Mechanistically, Lkb1 regulates polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (Ptbp1) expression and controls alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase muscle (PKM) isoforms 1 and 2. Lkb1 loss in VSMC results in an increased PKM2/PKM1 ratio and alters the metabolic profile by promoting aerobic glycolysis. Treatment with PKM2 activator TEPP-46 rescues VSMC transformation and aortic dilation in Lkb1flox/flox ; Myh11-Cre/ERT2 mice. Furthermore, we found that Lkb1 expression decreased in human aortic aneurysm tissue compared to control tissue, along with changes in markers of VSMC fate. Conclusion Lkb1, via its regulation of Ptbp1-dependent alterative splicing of PKM, maintains VSMC in contractile states by suppressing VSMC plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reservoir properties of super-heavy oil reservoirs in fluvial sedimentation are relatively poor, with high heterogeneity directly affecting the steam injection rate and expansion velocity of the steam chamber in the SAGD process. In order to significantly improve SAGD production performance, a combination of laboratory testing and physical simulation experiments was used to analyze the changes in reservoir-rock structure, rock geomechanical characteristics, and porosity and permeability during high-pressure injection, through rock geomechanics testing, core-flood experiment, and SEM scanning analysis. Large-scale two-dimensional physical simulation experiments were designed to analyze the effect of different injection agents in assisting the expansion of steam chambers. The experimental results showed that, with the increase in injection pore pressure, the reservoir permeability increased from 2.74 D to 4.56 D, and the contact between rock particles became looser after expansion, indicating a significant improvement in reservoir properties through high-pressure-injection-induced dilation. The results of the two-dimensional physical simulation experiments demonstrated that the solvent-assisted steam-chamber dilation speed was further increased compared with the conventional huff-n-puff dilation. Cyclic gas-injection volume can be increased from 0.16 PV in pure-steam injection cases to 0.32 PV. The hybrid-agent system of solvent-plus-gas can produce the dual positive effect of solvent dissolution and gas diffusion, more effectively improve the steam-chamber expansion speed, enhance the phased oil-recovery degree by 23.41%, and increase the oil/steam ratio from 0.27 to 0.33, indicating encouraging potentials in improving heavy oil and bitumen production performance by the dilation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anorectal malformation (ARM) is one of the most common congenital disorders that is treated by pediatric surgeons. Many methods of definitive surgery were introduced to achieve good functional outcomes. Several prognostic factors have been reported to influence the bowel functional outcomes of children with ARM after operation. Krikenbeck scoring system is the most common scoring in assessing functional outcomes of children with ARM. Here, we investigated the prognostic variables for bowel functional outcomes in children with ARM after operation using the Krickenbeck score. Methods: A cross-sectional design was performed using medical records of children with ARM who underwent operation from 2012 until 2016. The prognostic factors included age at definitive surgery, type of surgery, presence of wound dehiscence, and dilation. Results: There were 72 ARM patients involved in this study: 38 males and 34 females. Most (60%) patients achieved voluntary bowel movement (VBM), but only 5.6% and 9.7% of subjects suffered from soiling and constipation after definitive surgery. Patients who underwent dilation showed an 11-fold higher possibility of achieving VBM than patients without dilation. Interestingly, the relationship almost reached a significant association (p=0.057). None of the prognostic factors affected the constipation and soiling rate in children with ARM after operation (p>0.05). Conclusion: Most ARM patients reveal relatively good functional outcomes after definitive surgery. Our study shows that dilation might benefit the VBM of ARM patients following definitive surgery. It is necessary to conduct a more extensive multicenter study to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic duct (PD) dilation could be presented in both benign and malignant diseases. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a sensitive modality that provides both structural assessment and tissue sampling. This study aims to explore the importance of PD dilation as a potential indicator related to various pancreatobiliary pathologies identified via EUS. Methods: Among 3109 subjects who underwent EUS, 599 had evidence of dilated PD and met the inclusion criteria of this retrospective study. Also, the patients underwent EUS fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) to evaluate the etiology when required. All data were extracted from patients' medical records to perform statistical analysis. Results: The study sample revealed 64% being male with a median age was 65-years. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma was the most common etiology diagnosed in 236 patients (39.4%), followed by sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) in 13% of subjects. Ampullary carcinoma, common bile duct stone, and cholangiocarcinoma were found at 9.5%, 8.8%, and 6.8%, respectively. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom seen in 440 (73.4%) patients. Opium consumption was reported in 170 (28.4%) subjects. Opium consumption was significantly more prevalent in patients with SOD (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We suggest that PD dilation could be associated with a wide range of pancreaticobiliary pathologies, especially pancreatic neoplasms. In this regard, PD dilation should be considered as a crucial indicator of pancreatic neoplasm despite it may be associated with no clear etiologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anastomotic stricture is a common complication following esophageal atresia (EA) repair, substantially affecting the patient's quality of life (QoL). Multiple dilations are often required to maintain the appropriate diameter of the esophagus, leading to ongoing challenges. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of oral viscous budesonide (OVB) in prolonging the time between symptom recurrence and subsequent dilation. Methods: We carried out a retrospective single-center study for pediatric patients (0-18 years) who had undergone recurrent esophageal dilations (=3) following EA repair and initiated treatment with OVB (1 mg/day <10 years, otherwise 2 mg/day). Efficacy of treatment was determined by assessing a dysphagia symptom score (DSS) =1 for at least 3 months. Recurrence time to dysphagia and dilation were analyzed according to Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Of 29 patients screened, 19 were enrolled: 19/19 were responsive to OVB and 13/19 (68%) didn't required further dilations. The median time between dilations was significantly prolonged compared to the pre-treatment period [30 months vs 2months; p<0.01] as well as the time to dysphagia relapse [18months vs 1 month; p<0.01]. Conclusion: Topical budesonide has proven to be an effective treatment for recurrent esophageal stricture in repaired EA. Further investigation is required to assess the long-term sustained response of symptoms to topical steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a discrete element method (DEM) study of confined shear flow to explore its nonlinear behavior. As a supplement to the analog experiments, the DEM simulation facilitates to capture of the behavior of confined shear flow and allows a detailed analysis of the microscopic mechanisms of granular matter. Using DEM, we perform a series of simulations with different boundary conditions applied during the shear processes. We first extend our understanding of the side friction effect in the confined shear flow, and the physical friction parameter of the sidewall is also evaluated to ensure the efficiency of simulation and its viability in subsequent studies. We then demonstrate how the velocity profile of the particle assemblage depends on the level of the overlying pressure and applied shear velocity. It is found that the linearized velocity profile is mainly generated by the enhancement of uniformity of the normal stress network in the spatial distribution. We specifically investigate the dilation within the particle assemblage and two distinct mechanisms emerged, which depend on the overlying pressure and the applied shear velocity, that is, the rate-dependent dilation and the rolling-induced densification. As a consequence, strong links have been built to demonstrate the underlying microscopic mechanisms that trigger the macroscopic nonlinear behaviors, including the velocity profile and the dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic incisional therapy (EIT) for benign anastomotic strictures. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate stricture recurrence after EIT following esophagectomy or gastrectomy. Methods: A systematic search of databases was performed up to April 2nd, 2023, after selection of key search terms with the research team. Inclusion criteria included human participants undergoing EIT for a benign anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy or gastrectomy, age ≥ 18, and n ≥ 5. Our primary outcome was the incidence of stricture recurrence among patients treated with EIT compared to dilation. Our secondary outcome was the stricture-free duration after EIT and rate of adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.4.1 using a Mantel–Haenszel random-effects model. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots and the Egger test. Results: A total of 2550 unique preliminary studies underwent screening of abstracts and titles. This led to 33 studies which underwent full-text review and five studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed reduced odds of overall stricture recurrence (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13–0.92, p = 0.03; I2 = 71%) and reduced odds of stricture recurrence among naïve strictures (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.17–0.59, p = 0.0003; I2 = 0%) for patients undergoing EIT compared to dilation. There was no significant difference in the odds of stricture recurrence among recurrent strictures (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.12–3.28, p = 0.58; I2 = 81%). Meta-analysis revealed a significant increase in the recurrence-free duration (MD 42.76, 95% CI 12.41–73.11, p = 0.006) among patients undergoing EIT compared to dilation. Conclusion: Current data suggest EIT is associated with reduced odds of stricture recurrence among naïve anastomotic strictures. Large, prospective studies are needed to characterize the safety profile of EIT, address publication bias, and to explore multimodal therapies for refractory strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The French National Society of Gastroenterology was at the initiative of drafting recommendations for the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults. A working group has drawn up 30 recommendations based on the most up-to-date data from the international scientific literature on the following themes: diagnosis, therapeutic objectives, initial treatment, esophageal dilation, maintenance treatment. For each recommendation, the GRADE methodology made it possible to determine the level of evidence (high, moderate, low, very low) and a strong or conditional level of recommendation. After two rounds of voting all the recommendations proposed reached an agreement of more than 80 % of voters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Animals Studied Procedures Results Conclusions To determine the mydriatic effect of topical 10% phenylephrine with 10 mg/mL rocuronium bromide and compare this protocol with and without pretreatment with proparacaine.Ten client‐owned pet adult eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).All turtles were sedated with 8 mg/kg alfaxalone intramuscularly. One group of four turtles received four 20 μL drops of 10% phenylephrine and four 20 μL drops of rocuronium bromide in the right eye. Another group of four turtles received one standard drop of proparacaine followed by four 20 μL drops of 10% phenylephrine and four 20 μL drops of rocuronium bromide in the right eye. Two control group turtles received four 20 μL drops of saline in the right eye. The left eye was untreated in all turtles. Drops of the same type were separated by 2 min while drops of different types were separated by 5 min. Pupil size was recorded at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 360 min after administration of the final drop.Treatment with 10% phenylephrine and rocuronium bromide resulted in pupil diameter changes from baseline that were statistically significant from zero at 60, 90, and 120 min in the non‐proparacaine group and 90 min in the proparacaine group. The time to peak effect was 90 min in the proparacaine group and 75 min in the non‐proparacaine group. Saline‐treated pupils in the control group decreased in diameter over the study period. Overall, the treated eyes of the proparacaine group and non‐proparacaine group were not different from each other, but both dilated more than the control group.Rocuronium bromide and 10% phenylephrine can produce effective and safe mydriasis in eastern box turtles, but there was wide interindividual variation in effectiveness. Proparacaine did not improve the mydriatic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let 0 < ρ ≤ 2 and w ρ (X) be the operator radius of a bounded linear Hilbert space operator X. In this paper we present characterizations of operators satisfying w ρ (X) ≤ 1. We also give an expression for the ρ -radii based on the numerical radius of a certain 2 × 2 block matrix. This enables us to investigate the properties of the operator radii w ρ (⋅). In particular, we obtain lower and upper bounds for the operator radii. In addition, we define a norm on Hilbert space operators, which generalizes the operator radii and prove some basic properties of this norm. Our results extend or improve some theorems due to Ando [4] , Bhatia–Jain [9] and Kittaneh [19]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the three-dimensional (3D) radar detection range has played an essential role in the layout of devices such as aircraft and drones. To compensate for the shortcomings of three-dimensional calculations for radar terrain masking, a new calculation method is proposed for assessing the terrain occlusion of radar detection range. First, the high-dimensional electromagnetic data after discretization are modeled based on the tensor data structure, and the tensor grid dilation operator is constructed. Then, the dilation process begins from the overlapping section of the radar detection range and terrain, and it is adjusted by the terrain occlusion judgment factor and the dilation judgment factor to obtain the obstructed part due to the terrain. Finally, the actual radar detection range under terrain occlusion is obtained. The simulation results show that the method proposed in this paper can adapt to different grid sizes and terrain shapes, significantly enhancing computational efficiency while maintaining internal features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monitoring the oxygenation status is crucial during general anesthesia to ensure patient safety. Although noninvasive pulse oximetry is commonly used to monitor percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2), it may not accurately reflect changes in oxygen partial pressure when the latter is excessively high or low. The oxygen reserve index (ORi) provides real-time information about the oxygen reserve status. Case: We present a case of successful management of subglottic stenosis using balloon bronchoscopy in an infant with a left ventricular assist device implantation under ORi monitoring to predict hypoxemia during the surgical procedure. Conclusions: Utilizing ORi monitoring during anesthesia for procedures involving apnea in critically ill infants can help predict impending desaturation before a drop in SpO2 occurs, allowing anesthesiologists to effectively anticipate and manage the apnea period. Continuous ORi monitoring offers valuable insights during surgical procedures, especially in infants with compromised respiratory and cardiovascular functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aneurysm is defined as a localized dilation of a blood vessel or heart. It may have either a congenital or an acquired origin and occurs in both humans and animals. Cardiac aneurysms are rare, and are characterized by sacculations of the cardiac wall. The present case report describes the macroscopic and microscopic findings of an aneurysm affecting both ventricles of the heart in a dog. A 7-year-old mixed-breed female dog with osteosarcoma on the left pelvic limb was euthanized and submitted to the veterinary pathology laboratory for necropsy. Macroscopically, besides the lesions in the link, the pericardial sac was adhered to the pericardial surface of the heart and there were two sacculations in both ventricles which communicated widely with the respective ventricle. Microscopically, fibrous tissue adhered to the pericardium, atrophy and necrosis of the cardiomyocytes with replacement by adipocytes were observed in addition to hyperplasia of the tunica media of arterioles and thrombosis. A diagnosis of acquired biventricular cardiac aneurysm was made based on the necropsy findings and microscopic lesions in the heart. We emphasize the importance of performing a necropsy and examining tissues histologically for the diagnosis of this rare condition. Ventricular aneurysms should be included in the differential diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let E denote the set of all unital entanglement breaking (UEB) linear maps defined on an operator system S ⊂ M d and, mapping into M n. As it turns out, the set E is not only convex in the classical sense but also in a quantum sense, namely it is C ⁎ -convex. The main objective of this article is to describe the C ⁎ -extreme points of this set E. By observing that every EB map defined on the operator system S dilates to a positive map with commutative range and also extends to an EB map on M d , we show that the C ⁎ -extreme points of the set E are precisely the UEB maps that are maximal in the sense of Arveson ([1] and [2]) and that they are also exactly the linear extreme points of the set E with commutative range. We also determine their explicit structure, thereby obtaining operator system generalizations of the analogous structure theorem and the Krein-Milman type theorem given in [8]. As a consequence, we show that C ⁎ -extreme (UEB) maps in E extend to C ⁎ -extreme UEB maps on the full algebra. Finally, we obtain an improved version of the main result in [8] , which contains various characterizations of C ⁎ -extreme UEB maps between the algebras M d and M n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of employing a Eustachian tube video endoscope with a supporting balloon as a viable treatment and examination option for patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction. Methods: A study involving nine fresh human cadaver heads was conducted to investigate the potential of balloon dilatation Eustachian tuboplasty using a Eustachian tube video endoscope and a supporting balloon catheter. The Eustachian tube cavity was examined with the Eustachian tube video endoscope during the procedure, which involved the dilatation of the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube with the supporting balloon catheter. Results: The utilisation of the Eustachian tube video endoscope in conjunction with the supporting balloon catheter demonstrated technical ease during the procedure, with no observed damage to essential structures, particularly the Eustachian tube cavity. Conclusion: This newly introduced method of dilatation and examination of the Eustachian tube cavity using a Eustachian tube video endoscope and the supporting balloon is a feasible, safe procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the utility and outcomes of available endourologic options to treat ureteral stricture after kidney transplantation (KT). Methods: A systematic review was carried out for all English language articles from 2000 to 2023 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) standards using EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Google scholar, and Cochrane library. The search term combination for the string was follows: [(Ureteral stricture) OR (ureter stenosis) OR (ureteral stenosis) OR (Stricture ureter) OR (Narrowing ureter) OR (Ureter restriction) OR (ureteral restriction) OR (ureteral narrowing) OR (ureteral obstruction) OR (ureter obstruction) OR (obstructing ureter) OR (obstructive ureter) OR (narrow ureter) OR (ureteral narrow)] AND [(kidney transplant) OR (transplanted kidney) OR (transplant) OR (transplantation)] AND [(management) OR (Robotic) OR (laser) OR (stent) OR (dilatation) OR (dilation) OR (endoscopic) OR (endourological) OR (Urologic) OR (laparoscopic) OR (surgery) OR (treatment)]. Case reports, review articles, animal and laboratory studies were excluded. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Results: A total of 1102 relevant articles published from 2000 to 2023 were found. After screening of titles and abstracts, a total of 19 articles were included in our systematic review. Ureteral stent/nephrostomy placement, balloon dilatation (ureteroplasty) with or without laser was used as initial approaches whereas follow-up and success rate were analyzed among other parameters. Conclusions: The management of ureteral strictures after KT is challenging and selecting the most appropriate treatment is crucial for successful outcomes. Our review suggests that, an endourologic management is a safe option with good long-term outcomes, especially in short and early strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is the evaluation of the distribution of Paclitaxel (PTX) released by a coated balloon in the layers of rabbit's urethra. Methods: 18 rabbits were included. A Laser Device was used for the stricture formation. After two weeks, dilation of the strictured urethra was performed by using Advance 35LP PTA balloons and Advance 18 PTX PTA balloons. The experimental models were divided into 3 groups. The group A included two rabbits without any intervention except for the stenosis procedure. Group B compromised six rabbits that underwent dilation with Advance 35LP PTA balloons. Group C consisted of 10 rabbits to which dilation with both Advance 35LP PTA balloons and Advance 18 PTX PTA balloons was applied. Histological evaluation and Immunohistochemistry were performed on all specimens. Results: Inflammation, fibrosis and ruptures were detected in the specimens of the study. In specimens of Group C the decrease of inflammation and fibrosis rate was greater. Anti-PTX antibody was detected in the epithelium, lamina propria and smooth muscle layer of all specimens of urethras that have been harvested immediately and 1 day after the dilation with Advance 18 PTX PTA balloon and it was not observed in any layer of the urethral wall of the rest of the examined specimens of Group C. Conclusions: PTX's enrichment was detected in the smooth muscle layer of all specimens that have been harvested immediately and 24h after the dilation with Advance 18 PTX PTA balloons. PTX may play an inhibitive role in the recurrence of the stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of faults to show earthquake‐generating slip instabilities depends not only on the intrinsic frictional properties of the fault zone, but also on the elasticity of the surrounding material. A velocity‐weakening fault is expected to show increasingly unstable frictional behavior with decreasing local elastic stiffness around the fault zone. Fault zone roughness can cause slip in the shear direction to be accompanied by fault‐normal movement, modulated by fault‐normal elastic properties, however these effects are poorly understood. Here, we systematically vary the stiffness surrounding the fault in both the shear‐parallel and fault‐normal directions, to investigate the origin of slip instabilities and changes in friction constitutive properties. We confirm the transition from stable sliding through slow slip to stick‐slip due to reduced fault‐parallel stiffness, and that the occurrence of different types of slip events can be explained by the ratio between shear and critical stiffness. In contrast, reducing the fault‐normal stiffness produces stick‐slip instabilities under conditions where the conventional critical stiffness criterion predicts stable sliding, and does not produce transitional slow slip events. Our data suggest that: (a) the stability criterion for frictional slip should be modified to incorporate fault‐normal stiffness, and (b) the unexpected slip instabilities may represent wrinkle‐like slip pulses, possibly due to a stiffness asymmetry introduced by lowering the fault normal stiffness on one side of the fault. This implies that earthquakes may occur when the fault‐normal stiffness, or bulk modulus for natural faults, is decreased and/or asymmetric across the fault zone, both of which may be common in nature. Plain Language Summary: Earthquakes occur on fault planes, but whether a fault will show stable sliding or host earthquakes, or their lab equivalent called "stick‐slip", depends only partly on the fault properties but also on how the fault and the surrounding rock respond to stress changes (the stiffness). Previous studies have shown that the transition between stick‐slip instabilities and stable sliding along a fault, can be triggered by changing the stiffness in the direction along the fault plane. However, faults commonly also have movement perpendicular to the fault plane, for example, if the fault surface is very rough, and therefore we study the effect of stiffness changes both perpendicular and parallel to the fault plane. We confirm previous observations when changing the stiffness parallel to the fault plane, but also observe unexpected stick‐slip instabilities when we decrease the stiffness perpendicular to the fault plane. This means that: (a) we have to adjust the stiffness criterion where stick‐slip instabilities are expected to include the fault‐normal stiffness, and (b) the unexpected stick‐slip instabilities at low fault perpendicular stiffness may be a different type of slip instability, called wrinkle‐like slip pulses, that may occur when one side of the fault is stiffer than the other. Key Points: Reduced fault‐normal stiffness alone can cause stick‐slip instabilities, but not slow slip in quartz gougeSystematically reducing both fault‐normal and shear‐parallel stiffness shows highly irregular slip eventsAdapting the critical stiffness criterion for fault‐normal stiffness shows slip instabilities are more likely [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear inverse problem of exponential data fitting is separable since the fitting function is a linear combination of parameterized exponential functions, thus allowing to solve for the linear coefficients separately from the nonlinear parameters. The matrix pencil method, which reformulates the problem statement into a generalized eigenvalue problem for the nonlinear parameters and a structured linear system for the linear parameters, is generally considered as the more stable method to solve the problem computationally. In Section 2 the matrix pencil associated with the classical complex exponential fitting or sparse interpolation problem is summarized and the concepts of dilation and translation are introduced to obtain matrix pencils at different scales. Exponential analysis was earlier generalized to the use of several polynomial basis functions and some operator eigenfunctions. However, in most generalizations a computational scheme in terms of an eigenvalue problem is lacking. In the subsequent Sections 3–6 the matrix pencil formulation, including the dilation and translation paradigm, is generalized to more functions. Each of these periodic, polynomial or special function classes needs a tailored approach, where optimal use is made of the properties of the parameterized elementary or special function used in the sparse interpolation problem under consideration. With each generalization a structured linear matrix pencil is associated, immediately leading to a computational scheme for the nonlinear and linear parameters, respectively from a generalized eigenvalue problem and one or more structured linear systems. Finally, in Section 7 we illustrate the new methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myotomy length in type 3 achalasia is generally tailored based on segment of spasticity on high‐resolution manometry (HRM). Potential of length of tertiary contractions on barium esophagram (BE) or length of thickened circular muscle on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to guide tailored myotomy is less understood. This study aimed to assess agreement between spastic segments lengths on HRM, BE, and EUS among patients with type 3 achalasia. Methods: This retrospective study included adults with type 3 achalasia on HRM between November 2019 and August 2022 who underwent evaluation with EUS and/or BE. Spastic segments were defined as HRM—distance between proximal borders of lower esophageal sphincter and high‐pressure area (isobaric contour ≥70 mmHg); EUS—length of thickened circular muscle (≥1.2 mm) from proximal border of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to the transition to a non‐thickened circular muscle; BE—distance between EGJ to proximal border of tertiary contractions. Pairwise comparisons assessed for correlation (Pearson's) and intraclass correlation classification (ICC) agreement. Key Results: Twenty‐six patients were included: mean age 66.9 years (SD 13.8), 15 (57.7%) male. Spastic segments were positively correlated on HRM and BE with good agreement (ICC 0.751, [95% CI 0.51, 0.88]). Spastic segments were negatively correlated with poor agreement on HRM and EUS (ICC −0.04, [−0.45, 0.39]) as well as BE and EUS (ICC −0.03, [−0.47, 0.42]). Conclusions & Inferences: Length of spastic segment was positively correlated on HRM and BE while negatively correlated when compared to EUS, supporting the common use of HRM and highlighting the uncertain role for EUS in tailoring myotomy length for type 3 achalasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice disease profoundly impacts crop growth and yield. Early disease detection is crucial for effective crop care and treatment. Automated extraction of diseased regions from rice leaves is essential for enhancing automated disease identification systems. In this study, we propose an innovative approach that enhances deep learning (DL) segmentation architecture (UNet) by incorporating dilated convolution, EfficientNetB4, and pixelwise logical AND operation. We focus on three prevalent rice diseases: bacterial leaf blight, brown spot, and leaf smut. Manual ground truth mask images are generated for each disease. A comparative analysis demonstrates the superior performance of the modified architectures over their unmodified counterparts. Notably, the modified UNet model stands out, achieving a mean loss of 0.3018 and a mean dice coefficient of 0.6785 which is a significant improvement compared to conventional UNet model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powder Mixing continues being of great importance in the field of particle technology because of the challenge to get homogeneous mixtures at a large scale. However, it is still moderately understood because of the complexity of designing 3D experiments that consider all the factors affecting the powder flow and powder mixing, hindering the acquisition of enough data that would provide a basic conception of powder behavior. This study involves a simple granular material mixing system of low friction that has five walls, where two of them are high friction moving walls following a cyclic function, and the others are non-friction static walls. The purpose was to create a complete set of 3D experiments of powder distribution to have a better insight into the inside mixing behavior as a function of the initial powder filling level. Experiments at different filling heights were run, obtaining the best mixing at the highest filling level. It was obtained a non-mixing zone with a triangle shape highly affected by the column particle weight. The increase of the vertical component of the resultant force produced by the acrylic motion walls causes a high momentum transfer in the x, y and z directions resulting in a decrease in the no-mixing zone. It was found an asymptotic behavior of the triangle height as a function of the initial filling height of the powders which indicates that values above a limited initial filling level will not have a significant effect on the triangle. A filling height increment of 100 % from 3.81 to 7.62 cm causes an increase in the mixing of 4.44 %. DEM simulations for mixing in the low-shear equipment were run to compare the experimental work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand variations and experiences of vaginal lengthening internationally in individuals with congenital underdevelopment of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina or Müllerian agenesis In this study, we used a cross-sectional mixed-methods design incorporating quantitative and qualitative questionnaires. Adults with Müllerian agenesis completed questionnaires with quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions about their vaginal lengthening experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis. Of 616 respondents meeting inclusion criteria (representing 40 countries), 46% (n = 284) reported no vaginal lengthening intervention. Vaginal lengthening was commonly reported by participants from North America and Europe (59%) and less commonly by participants from Africa, Asia, and South America (16%). Of those who had undergone vaginal lengthening, 72% reported dilator use, 34% coital dilation, and 39% surgery. Four major themes were identified in response to the open-ended vaginal lengthening experience question: (1) difficult physical symptoms, (2) practical and psychosocial challenges, (3) intimate relationships and sexual satisfaction, and (4) impact of experiences with healthcare providers. This study highlights vaginal lengthening practices internationally and shared themes related to significant challenges and positive experiences. The findings show room for improvement in the counseling and care surrounding vaginal lengthening. Future research should investigate factors that influence decision-making about vaginal lengthening and work toward international consensus on best care practices in Müllerian agenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The fate of the aorta after tube graft replacement remains unclear. Aim: We investigated the evolution of aortic dilatation after non-aortic cardiac operations and the dimensions of the root and arch after ascending aorta replacement. Material and methods: From 252 patients with aortic dilatation operated on between January 2010 and June 2019, 160 were followed with CT angiography. Two groups were formed according to the initial operation. Group I (n = 36) included patients with a dilated aorta, unreplaced during different indication cardiac surgery. Group II (n = 124) included patients receiving tube graft aorta replacement with or without aortic valve replacement. Mean preoperative and follow-up diameters of the different aortic segments were compared in both groups using the two-sided paired t-test for repeated measurements. Results: Eighteen patients died during follow-up, with one death occurring during reoperation for a false aneurysm of the distal anastomosis on the aortic arch. There was no other re-operation for aortic aneurysm, rupture or dissection. In group I the aortic arch diameter increased slightly, while the rest of the aortic segments remained stable. In group II the aortic root diameter decreased slightly while the aortic arch remained stable. Conclusions: Ascending aorta replacement with a tube graft remodeled the aortic root and did not allow progressive dilatation of the aortic arch. In patients with moderate ascending aorta dilatation, the unreplaced ascending aorta and aortic root remained relatively stable but the aortic arch increased slightly during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the correlation between the dwelling time for a ureteral stent placed for passive dilation after impassable ureteroscopy and success and complications. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was made of patients who underwent stent placement after impassable ureteroscopy and a repeat ureteroscopy due to kidney stones. A total of 161 patients were included in the study between 2015 and 2022. Demographic, clinical, preoperative, and perioperative data were collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed on the data showing a significant difference in the univariate analyses performed to determine the predictive factors of ureteroscopy after the stent dwelling period in terms of stone-free status and perioperative complications. Results: Stone-free status was achieved in 110 (68.3%) of 161 patients, and perioperative complications were observed in 41 (25.4%). Factors that affected the stone-free status were determined as the dwelling time and the S-ReSC score, while factors affecting perioperative complications were the stent dwelling time and the operation time. The stone-free rates were observed to increase from 46.4% in the first 2 weeks to 72.9% after the 2nd week, an increase of 1.5-fold. Perioperative complications were determined at the rate of 17.5% during the first 5 weeks and increased 2.1-fold to 37.5% after the 5th week. Conclusion: It can be recommended that great care is taken during the stent dwelling period and ureteroscopy should be performed within 5 weeks (14–35 days) but no earlier than 2 weeks, so as not to affect the success of the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate estimation of the frictional resistance of interfaces between soils and geosynthetics plays a central role in stability and serviceability of geosynthetic reinforced earth structures. Contamination with hydrocarbons generally impairs soil geotechnical properties; however, its effect on the behavior of soil-geosynthetic interfaces has seldom been examined precisely. For this reason, an extensive series of direct shear tests was performed to investigate the consequence of gas-oil contamination on the mobilization of shear strength and volume change response of gas-oil contaminated angular sand in contact with woven geotextile (WGTX). Complementary tests on the interfaces between glass beads as a replicate for sands with high degree of sphericity and roundness in contact with WGTX were also performed to explore the effect of particle shape. Gas-oil contamination is observed to causes decrease of the peak and critical state friction and dilation angles in both the sand-WGTX and glass bead-WGTX interfaces. However, gas-oil contamination-induced decrease in the frictional efficiency in the glass bead-WGTX interfaces was greater than that in the angular sand-WGTX interfaces. Calibration of a state-dependent sand-structure interface model against the laboratory data of gas-oil contaminated soils-WGTX interfaces results in a reasonable agreement between the model simulations and the laboratory data. • A laboratory study on influence of gas-oil contamination on the behavior of sand-woven geotextile interfaces was reported. • Contamination of sand with gas-oil led to a decrease in the peak and critical stateshear strengths/friction angles of sand-WGTX interfaces. • Gas-oil contamination intensified initial contraction and mitigated subsequent dilation in medium and dense sand-WGTX interfaces. • An interface model can simulate the behavior of gas-oil contaminated sand-WGTX interface over a wide range of states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neither the shear transfer behavior of unreinforced hydraulic concrete structures nor experimental procedures for its determination have been standardized in recent building codes and regulations. This poses uncertainty for the assessment of the integrity of hydraulic structures. This paper adapts direct shear tests, which are an established method in rock mechanics, for the assessment of unreinforced concrete joints and expands the evaluation method through recognizing surface inclination as a contribution to the coefficient of friction. The evaluation is subsequently performed on direct shear test results performed on specimens taken from a lock built in the early 20th century. Based on the initial state of the concrete joints—intact or cracked bond—results for the basic friction angle and the inclination angle are discussed. Using entire shear stress‐deformation‐curves as opposed to singular values was found to yield more stable results of shear transfer parameters and additional insight on the validity of the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenomenology and theology continue to induce interdisciplinary analysis of selfhood and spiritual experience. In what follows, I discuss minimalist and maximalist phenomenologies. The latter opens up space for phenomenology to be informed by the theological concept of mystery. A maximalist phenomenology makes possible a particular variety of selfhood, what I call the dilated or middle-voiced subject, which belongs neither to pure passivity of recent French phenomenology nor to the strong agency of Cartesian and Kantian legacies. Such a middle-voiced structure facilitates the given to be received in the act of dilation or expansion of the self. The final section discusses the implications this may hold for spiritual experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial organization of deformation may provide key information about the timing of catastrophic failure in the brittle regime. In an ideal homogenous system, deformation may continually localize toward macroscopic failure, and so increasing localization unambiguously signals approaching failure. However, recent analyses demonstrate that deformation, including low‐magnitude seismicity, and fractures and strain in triaxial compression experiments, experience temporary phases of delocalization superposed on an overall trend of localization toward large failure events. To constrain the conditions that promote delocalization, we perform a series of X‐ray tomography experiments at varying confining pressures (5–20 MPa) and fluid pressures (0–10 MPa) on Westerly granite cores with varying amounts of preexisting damage. We track the spatial distribution of the strain events with the highest magnitudes of the population within a given time step. The results show that larger confining pressure promotes more dilation, and promotes greater localization of the high strain events approaching macroscopic failure. In contrast, greater amounts of preexisting damage promote delocalization. Importantly, the dilative strain experiences more systematic localization than the shear strain, and so may provide more reliable information about the timing of catastrophic failure than the shear strain. Plain Language Summary: The ability of deformation, such as fractures and strain, to spatially cluster or localize produces a wide range of geologic features on Earth, such as crustal fault networks and plate tectonics. Previous work demonstrates that deformation can evolve toward more localized distributions. However, recent analyses show that deformation can temporarily decrease in localization. These decreases in localization complicate efforts to use the spatial organization of seismicity, e.g., as a precursor of approaching large earthquakes. The factors that promote phases of delocalization remain unconstrained. Here, we perform a series of experiments to identify the factors that control the delocalization of local strain events within low porosity, Westerly granite rock cores. We find that both the confining pressure, indicative of depth within the crust, and the amount of preexisting damage of the rock cores control the amount of localization that the strain events experience, and the phases of delocalization. Increasing confining pressure produces more localization of the high strain events. More preexisting damage produces more delocalization. Key Points: Digital volume correlation of X‐ray tomograms reveals strain localization in triaxial compression experimentsLarger confining pressure promotes localization approaching macroscopic failureMore preexisting damage promotes episodes of delocalization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacologic mydriasis, or pupillary dilation, is achieved using various agents, and is an important component of a comprehensive eye examination. Of the medications available to achieve mydriasis, the most favourable are those with a rapid onset and a low risk of causing side effects. The current standard of care is to administer multiple drops of different medications to achieve mydriasis. However, a number of innovations in the field are addressing this shortcoming. Fixed-combination eyedrop therapy has been suggested as a more efficient method, with the potential to cause fewer side effects. Additionally, novel drug delivery devices have been devised to further improve efficiency and decrease waste by delivering smaller volume drops with greater precision. Two devices of current interest are the Nanodropper (Nanodropper, Inc., Rochester, MN, USA) and Optejet® (MydCombi™; Eyenovia, Inc., New York, NY, USA). Recent studies of these devices have shown their ability to achieve similar levels of mydriasis as conventional medications without additional side effects. Furthermore, the Optejet has shown in two phase III trials that fixed-combination therapy is able to achieve greater pupil dilation compared with the current standard. This review provides an overview of pharmacologic dilation and reviews these emerging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a "structured system" of equations, each equation depends on a specified subset of the variables. In this article, we explore properties common to "almost every" system with a fixed structure and how the properties can be read from the corresponding connection graph. A solution p of a system F(p) = c is called robust if it persists despite small changes in F. We establish methods for determining robustness that depends on the structure, as expressed in the properties of the corresponding directed graph of the structured system. The keys to understanding linear and nonlinear structured systems are subsets of variables that we call forward and backward bottlenecks. In particular, when robustness fails in a structured system, it is due to the existence of a unique "backward bottleneck" that we call a "minimax bottleneck." We present a numerical method for locating the minimax bottleneck. We show how to remove it by adding edges to the graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We numerically investigate the flow dynamics in a model of a dilated thoracic aorta, and compare the flow features with the case of a prosthetic replacement in its ascending part. The flow is characterized by an inlet jet which impacts the aortic walls and sweeps toward the aortic arch. Secondary flows generated by the transvalvular jet evolve downstream into a helical flow. The small curvature radius at the end of the aortic arch induces flow separation and vortex shedding in the initial part of the descending aorta, during the systole. The implantation of a prosthesis determines several modifications in the global and local flow patterns. An increase of the pulse wave velocity in the aorta leads to larger pressures inside the vessel, due to the geometrical and rigidity modifications. The sweeping jet is more aligned along the axial direction and propagates faster along the aortic arch. Consequently, a stronger separation of the flow downstream of the aortic arch is observed. By also exploiting manifold analysis, we identify regions characterized by near-wall disordered flows which may present intense accumulation and drop of concentration of biochemicals. These regions are localized downstream of the prosthetic replacement, in the aortic arch, and may be more prone to a new emergence of vessel dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct shear (DS) is a common geotechnical laboratory test used to determine strength and deformation properties of rock discontinuities, such as normal and shear stiffness, peak and residual shear strength, and dilation. These are used as inputs for discontinuous geomechanical numerical models to simulate discontinuities discretely and shear strength is often expressed by Mohr–Coulomb, Patton, or Barton–Bandis constitutive models. This paper presents a critical review of the different boundary conditions and procedural techniques currently used in practice, summarizes previous contributions, addresses their impacts on interpreted results for rock engineering design, and introduces clarifying terminology for shear strength parameters. Based on the review, the authors advise that constant normal stress is best suited for discrete numerical-model-based rock engineering design in dry conditions, but constant normal stiffness should be considered where fluid permeability is of interest. Multi-stage testing should not be used to obtain peak shear strength values except for stage 1, because of accumulating asperity damage with successive shear stages. Nevertheless, if multi-stage testing must be employed due to limited budget or specimen availability, guidance is presented to improve shear strength results with limited displacement techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate renal parenchymal trauma of two-step dilation compared to the conventional Amplatz gradual dilation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy on a porcine model. Materials and Methods: A nonpapillary percutaneous access tract was established under fluoroscopic guidance in both kidneys of four female pigs. On the right kidney of each pig, gradual dilation was performed using an Amplatz dilator set with a gradual dilation to 30 Fr, whereas on the left, a two-step dilation was utilized using only 16 Fr and 30 Fr dilators. Two of the animals were euthanized immediately after the procedure and the remaining two 1 month later. The pigs that were kept alive underwent a contrast-enhanced computed tomography immediately, 15, and 30 days postoperatively. A dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (CT) were also performed after the last CT and afterward, the pigs were sacrificed. All kidneys were harvested for pathohistological examination. Results: The follow-up radiologic imaging showed similar parenchymal damage caused by the compared dilation techniques and an expected reduction in scar size in the later scans. No scar was identified by DMSA in any kidney. Gross and microscopic examinations conducted both on the kidneys that were harvested immediately after the procedure and the ones from the animals that were left to heal, revealed no significant differences in tissue damage, grade of fibrosis, or inflammation depending on the dilation method. Conclusions: Our study showed no inferior outcomes caused by two-step dilation compared to gradual dilation regarding renal parenchymal damage following a nonpapillary puncture. In fact, postoperative imaging findings suggested a trend toward better healing and less scar tissue when the two-step method was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of a graph embedding problem when simulating one interconnection network in another interconnection network is characterized by the influential parameter of wirelength. Obtaining the minimum wirelength in an embedding problem determines the quality of that embedding. In this paper, we obtained the convex edge partition of 3-Ary n-Cubes and the minimized wirelength of the embeddings of both 3-Ary n-Cubes and circulant networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any defective matrix M in C n × n has a diagonalizable dilation M , but it is not guaranteed that M preserves the eigenvalues or is a power dilation of M. We construct a diagonalizable dilation with a predictable eigenstructure that retains the eigenvalues of M. Although the construction is not a direct power dilation of M , we show that the powers of M can still be easily computed using the powers of M , and furthermore, this method can be used to compute matrix functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the noninferiority of 10.4 μl of eye drops eluted with a commercially available eye drop adapter, the Nanodropper (Nanodropper, Inc), on pupillary dilation and cycloplegia in children compared with the standard of care (SOC), 50 μl of eye drops. Prospective randomized trial. Pediatric patients scheduled for routine pupillary dilation at the University of California, San Francisco, at the Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic were enrolled. Each participant provided 1 eye for the intervention group (Nanodropper) and 1 eye for the control group (SOC). Participants were randomized to receive small-volume dilating drops in 1 eye (Nanodropper) and SOC dilating drops in the other eye. Dilation was performed using 1 drop each of 1% cyclopentolate, 1% tropicamide, and 2.5% phenylephrine. Refraction and pupillometry were obtained before and 30 minutes after dilation. A noninferiority analysis was performed to assess change from before to after dilation in spherical equivalent and in pupil constriction percentage and maximum pupil diameter after dilation. Spherical equivalent, maximum pupil diameter, and pupil constriction percentage. One hundred eyes of 50 patients were included, with a mean ± standard deviation age of 9 ± 3 years. After controlling for baseline measurements, the spherical equivalent after dilation was 0.05 diopter (D) more (95% confidence interval [CI], –0.28 to 0.37 D) in the Nanodropper arm, which did not achieve noninferiority. Maximum pupil diameter after dilation was lower in the Nanodropper group (mean, –0.01 mm; 95% CI, –0.20 to –0.03), which did achieve noninferiority. Constriction percentage after dilation was 0.57 percentage points more (95% CI, –1.38 to 2.51 percentage points) in the Nanodropper group, which did not achieve noninferiority. Administration of eye drops using a small-volume adapter demonstrated similar efficacy to SOC in a pediatric population. Strict noninferiority was met only for pupillary dilation and not for cycloplegia or constriction percentage; however, the small differences in the effect of the Nanodropper versus SOC on all primary outcomes were not clinically significant. We conclude that small-volume eye drops have the potential to decrease unnecessary medical waste and medication toxicity while maintaining therapeutic effect. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of therapy in eosinophilic esophagitis is to achieve both clinical and histological remission. It is assumed (though not completely demonstrated) that histological remission may avoid the fibrotic evolution of the disease, i.e. development of stenosis and food impaction. International guidelines recommend 3 types of first line treatments: proton pump inhibitors, topic steroids, and elimination diet. The development of orodispersible budesonide tablets represent a significant progress for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis. Esophageal dilatations may be proposed to patients with ongoing strictures despite therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localized zones of Roan Breccia with very large clasts, termed écaille, occur throughout the arcuate Lufilian Arc of Central Africa. The breccia zones consist of mineralized Mines Subgroup rocks with Roches Argilo-Talcqueuses (R.A.T.) at their base. Several of these areas, such as Mashitu/Tenke-Fungurume, Kamoya-Kambove and Shinkolobwe, contain significant Cu and Co resources. A new model, termed the Thrust Belt Boudinage model, ascribes their formation and mineralization to localized lateral extension of the fold-and-thrust belt as the arc flexed during its development. Roan Breccia-rich areas, termed Double Cuspate Zones (DCZs), initiated from early, major, strike-perpendicular fractures. These progressively dilating areas became sumps for detritus shed from — and pushed ahead of — advancing thrust units. Detritus entrained into the base of advancing thrust units, which adopted a pseudo-lamination, was incorporated into R.A.T. Over-riding thrust units were locally unsupported by these dilating Roan Breccia-filled DCZs, resulting in delamination of the highly fractured, pervasively veined and mineralized lower portions of the Mines Subgroup, which slumped into DCZs at various attitudes. These écaille preserve disharmonic folding, with respect to longer-wavelength Kundelungu Group folds that are evident on Lufilian Arc maps. DCZs bear a remarkable resemblance to zones of foliation boudinage, suggesting that they were low-pressure depositional sites for metal- and brine-rich fluids. The process is encapsulated in a physically-and geologically-accurate animation video. While the new model does not replace the role of halite-rich fluids transporting mineralization, it obviates the requirement for very large volumes of salt transporting écaille physically and en masse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we fully characterize maximal representations of a C*-correspondence, thereby strengthening several earlier results. We demonstrate the maximality criteria through diverse examples. We also describe the noncommutative Choquet boundary and provide additional counterexamples to Arveson's hyperrigidity conjecture following the counterexample recently found by the author and Dor-On. Furthermore, we identify several classes of correspondences for which the hyperrigidity conjecture holds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-diameter steel pipe pile foundations, typically known as monopiles, are currently the dominant foundation solution for supporting offshore wind turbines. The design of monopiles in sandy seabed is typically based on p-y curves derived for fully drained conditions. However, in reality, the drainage condition around a monopile under cyclic loading, at least during each single loading cycle, is generally undrained. To verify the applicability of the design methods based on fully drained condition, this study conducted a series of finite element analyses examining the effect of drainage condition on the monopile soil-pile interaction in sandy seabed. Based on the analyses in four sands which are of different relative densities and particle size distributions, it is found that, for medium dense to very dense sands that exhibit dilative response upon shearing, the effect of drainage conditions can be practically ignored within the range of load relevant for practical engineering. For loose sands or sands with considerable fines that exhibit contractive response upon shearing, the drainage conditions have negligible effect on the soil-pile interaction stiffness at low to modest load levels; however, the undrained conditions can lead to lower capacities. This implies that the current design approach which assumes fully drained soil response is still acceptable for the FLS design in such soil conditions. However, for the ULS design, assumption of drained soil response may lead to overestimation of the lateral bearing capacity and assessment of the actual drainage condition and its influence on soil-pile interaction on a project-specific basis is warranted for such cases. • Effect of drainage condition on soil-pile interaction in four types of representative sands is examined systematically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indirect consequences of COVID-19 in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are not known. Aim: To determine the impact of COVID-19-related endoscopy cancellations on outcomes in EoE patients. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed whether adult EoE patients who had routine endoscopy scheduled from mid-March 2020 to May 2020 (pandemic start) were canceled or proceeded, and if canceled, ultimately returned. We extracted clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data for their pre-COVID procedure as well as the next procedure performed, if a patient returned. Outcomes included histologic response (< 15 eos/hpf) and endoscopic severity. Those with delayed care were compared to those who returned as scheduled. Results: Of 102 patients identified, 75 had procedures canceled, and 20 (27%) never returned. For the 55 who were canceled but returned, mean time between procedures was 1.1 ± 0.7 years with a delay of 0.5 ± 0.3 years. While treatment rates were similar between the pre- and delayed post-COVID EGD, more patients required a dilation after their return (71% vs 58%; p = 0.05) and their esophageal diameter had significantly decreased (16.8 mm to 15.0 mm; p < 0.001). Of 17 individuals who did not have stricture, narrowing, or dilation pre-pandemic, during their next endoscopy 5 (29%) had a stricture, 1 (6%) had a narrowing, and 7 (41%) required dilation. Conclusion: Of EoE patients with canceled endoscopies during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, > 25% never returned for care, which is a previously unmeasured impact of the pandemic. Those who returned had > 1 year between procedures with progression of fibrotic features and need for esophageal dilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the role of the chromatic information in CT scans in COVID-19 detection and we aim to confirm the inclusion of the artificial intelligence findings in assisting COVID-19 diagnosis. This paper proposes a freezing-based convolutional neural network learning using a morphological transformation of CT images to classify COVID-19 cohorts to help in prognostication pneumonia disease monitoring. The experiments made on the collected CT images from previous works have proven to be a powerful aid to recognize the lesions in CT images which works at comprehensively greater accuracy and speed. The proposed CNN architecture has reflected the viral proliferation in infected patients and archives an accuracy of 87.56% with an improvement by 3% compared to the baseline method on the available database of CT images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact pulsed eddy current testing probe is being developed for the online dilation measurement of test specimens, examined in the high-temperature environment of material testing reactors. The probe has to be canned with metallic clad to protect it from the corrosive sodium-potassium coolant medium present in the material testing reactor. Electromagnetic modelling of the probe was carried out to compute the distribution of time-dependent eddy current density in the vicinity of the probe. It is understood that the slope of the pulsed eddy current signals in the specific time zone where the lift-off point of intersection occurs show a good correlation to the distance between the face of the probe and the test specimen. This paper discusses the experimental study of employing different measurement methodologies at room temperature with the canned pulsed eddy current probe to evaluate its feasibility for dilation measurement. It is observed that a phenomenon of a divergence of signals, akin to the lift-off point of intersection, occurs just after the transient part of the pulsed eddy current signals. Slope analysis of these diverging pulsed eddy current signals was carried out for characterisation of the probe in the air medium as well as the metallic medium present in the gap between the probe face and the test specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]