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Abstract Background Percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR) is the definitive therapy of choice for abdominal aortic aneurysms worldwide. However, current literature regarding the anatomic changes in the common femoral artery (CFA) post-PEVAR is sparse and contradictory, and a significant proportion of these studies did not control for the potential confounding effects of ethnicity. Thus, this study aims to investigate the anatomical effects of PEVAR on the CFA using an Asian study cohort. Methods Between January 2019 and September 2023, the records of 113 patients who received PEVAR were reviewed. Groins with previous surgical interventions were excluded. The most proximate pre- and postoperative CT angiography of patients receiving PEVAR via the Perclose ProGlide™ Suture-Mediated Closure System were retrospectively analysed for changes in both the CFA inner luminal diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD), the latter also encompassing the arterial walls. Access site complications within 3 months post-PEVAR were also recorded per patient. Results One hundred seventeen groins from 60 patients were included in this study, with 1 report of pseudoaneurysm. The CFA ID exhibited a 0.167 mm decrease (p-value = 0.0403), while the OD decreased by 0.247 mm (p-value = 0.0107). This trend persisted when the data was separately analysed with the common cardiovascular risk factors of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Conclusion Our analysis demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the CFA diameters post-PEVAR. However, the percentage changes were below established flow-limiting values, as reflected by the single access site complication reported. Hence, our findings give confidence in the safety profile of this procedure, even with the reported smaller baseline CFA lumen size in Asians. Moving forward, similar longer-term studies should be considered to characterise any late postoperative effects. Graphical Abstract

Background: Percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR) is the definitive therapy of choice for abdominal aortic aneurysms worldwide. However, current literature regarding the anatomic changes in the common femoral artery (CFA) post-PEVAR is sparse and contradictory, and a significant proportion of these studies did not control for the potential confounding effects of ethnicity. Thus, this study aims to investigate the anatomical effects of PEVAR on the CFA using an Asian study cohort. Methods: Between January 2019 and September 2023, the records of 113 patients who received PEVAR were reviewed. Groins with previous surgical interventions were excluded. The most proximate pre- and postoperative CT angiography of patients receiving PEVAR via the Perclose ProGlide™ Suture-Mediated Closure System were retrospectively analysed for changes in both the CFA inner luminal diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD), the latter also encompassing the arterial walls. Access site complications within 3 months post-PEVAR were also recorded per patient. Results: One hundred seventeen groins from 60 patients were included in this study, with 1 report of pseudoaneurysm. The CFA ID exhibited a 0.167 mm decrease (p-value = 0.0403), while the OD decreased by 0.247 mm (p-value = 0.0107). This trend persisted when the data was separately analysed with the common cardiovascular risk factors of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Conclusion: Our analysis demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the CFA diameters post-PEVAR. However, the percentage changes were below established flow-limiting values, as reflected by the single access site complication reported. Hence, our findings give confidence in the safety profile of this procedure, even with the reported smaller baseline CFA lumen size in Asians. Moving forward, similar longer-term studies should be considered to characterise any late postoperative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been three decades since pulsating heat pipes were first introduced and garnered more attention due to their uncomplicated structural design and superior heat transfer capabilities. The pulsating heat pipe of the original design is strongly affected by space orientation, which is connected with the influence of gravity. Even though more turns will hold pulsating heat pipe operational in any orientation, more space is needed to handle pulsating heat pipes, limiting its potential in space and the power electronics industry. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of pulsating heat pipe's progress based on the most recent findings of both experimental and theoretical investigations of parametric influence on pulsating heat pipe thermal performance in horizontal and top heating modes. It aims to identify research gaps in pulsating heat pipe functioning in different orientations. Additionally, a comparative analysis of pulsating heat pipe design features described in the existing literature is conducted to determine the most promising designs for orientation-independent pulsating heat pipe systems. It is concluded that the integration of design attributes, encompassing an uneven-turn design, a channel structure featuring alternating shapes and size of cross-section, and the utilization of nanofluids and binary mixtures as heat carriers are expected to serve as the basic reference for researchers aiming to achieve a stable pulsating heat pipe operation devoid of gravitational influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inner diameter measurement of the micro-hole was performed by a tactile microprobing system using a method of the local surface interaction force detection. The inner diameter of the micro-hole was calculated by the least square method based on the probing coordinates obtained by a custom-made micro-coordinate measuring machine. The dispersion of the probing coordinates was investigated by changing the probe approaching direction with respect to the normal direction of the inner side of the micro-hole. During the probing inside the micro-hole, it was confirmed that the dispersion of the probing coordinates increased when the disagreement between the probe approaching direction and the normal direction of the micro-hole at the measured point became large. The influence of the dispersion of the probing coordinates was evaluated through the uncertainty analysis of the inner diameter measurement. It was revealed that the uncertainty of the inner diameter measurement could be improved when limiting the disagreement between the probe approaching direction and the normal direction of the micro-hole to within ±pi/4 rad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shan-Shan Li,1,* Jian-Ming Li,2,* Ling-Ling Liu,1 Wei Liu,1 Hao Yang,1 Chun-Guang Feng1 1Department of Cardiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, 221009, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Cardiac Surgery, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, 221009, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Chun-Guang Feng, Department of Cardiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, 221009, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18936376559, Email fengcg8r@163.comObjective: The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing the success rate of distal transradial access (dTRA) for coronary intervention.Methods: A total of 246 patients who underwent either coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention in the Xuzhou Central Hospital were enrolled in this study. Access via the distal radial artery was the first choice for the procedure, and the success rate of this approach was recorded. All patients underwent color Doppler ultrasonography of the distal radial artery at the right anatomical snuff box in order to measure the artery diameter. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the success of the dTRA; 44 patients with unsuccessful punctures were assigned to the observation group and 202 patients with successful punctures acted as the control group. The basic clinical data of the two groups were recorded, and the differences between the two groups with respect to various indices were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to explore the factors influencing the success rate of dTRA.Results: Of the 246 patients, dTRA was achieved in 202, giving a puncture success rate of 82.11%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the success rate of dTRA was positively correlated with the diameter of the distal radial artery (odds ratio [OR] = 3.381, P = 0.005) and hypertension (OR = 2.427, P = 0.016), and negatively correlated with female gender (OR = 0.429, P = 0.036) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.325, P = 0.002).Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that hypertension and distal radial artery diameter have a positive effect on the success rate of dTRA, while diabetes and female gender have a negative effect.Keywords: distal radial artery, coronary angiography, color Doppler, inner diameter, puncture success rate, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, regression analysis

Synthesis of monodisperse hollow silica nanospheres, especially using a hard template route, has been shown to be successful, but a high yield is needed for this strategy to be used on an industrial scale. On the other hand, there is a research gap in the synthesis of hollow silica microspheres due to the popularity and easiness of the synthesis of silica nanospheres despite the larger spheres being beneficial in some fields. In this review, current trends in producing hollow silica nanospheres using hard templates, especially polystyrene, are briefly presented. Soft templates have also been used to make highly polydisperse hollow silica spheres, and complex designs have improved polydispersity. The effect of the main parameters on the coating is presented here to provide a basic understanding of the interactions between the silica and template surface in the absence or presence of surfactants. Surface charge, surface modification, parameters in the sol–gel method and interaction between the silica and templates need to be further improved to have a uniform coating and better control over the size, dispersity, wall thickness and porosity. As larger organic templates will have lower surface energy, the efficiency of the micro sphere synthesis needs to be improved. Control over the physical structure of hollow silica spheres will open up many opportunities for them to be extensively used in fields ranging from waste removal to energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transactions the Japan Society of Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers is the property of Japan Society of Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Context: Posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screws is commonly used for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). To reduce radiation exposure, methods other than computed tomography (CT) are desirable for preoperative determination of pedicle diameter.Purpose: Investigate the differences between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT measurements of pedicle diameter.Study Design: Cross-sectional research.Patient Sample: Twenty-one AIS Lenke type 1 patients (19 female and 2 males, mean age at surgery: 15.4 years) who underwent posterior spinal fusion between April 2009 and October 2019.Outcome Measures: Gap between CT and MRI pedicle diameters.Methods: The inner and outer diameters of the right and left pedicles from T1 to L3 were measured separately by two spine surgeons for statistical comparisons.Results: The respective minimum and maximum CT-MRI values were -3.7 mm and 4.7 mm for inner diameter and -4.6 mm and 5.3 mm for outer diameter. Regarding inter-examiner error, the probability of a 2 mm difference in measurement was less than 5% for both modalities. The probability of a 1 mm difference was also less than 5%, and that of a 3 mm or more difference was 2.1% for the inner diameter and 2.9% for the outer diameter. Whereas low body weight was significantly associated with measurement differences, pedicle laterality was not.Conclusions: MRI does not have the reliability to measure pedicle size in AIS patients at present. However, with advancements in image processing technology, the accuracy of pedicle size measurement by MRI may soon improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is evident that slight changes in the diameter of a vessel cause tremendous changes in its ability to conduct blood when the blood flow is streamline. The conduction of vessel increases in proportion to the diameter. Asymmetry of the vertebral arteries, with a larger left than right vessels has been described, but only few authors has recorded the dimensions. Aim: The present study was carried out to measure and compare Inner and Outer diameter of left and right vertebral artery. Material and Methods: 300 transverse annuli (sections) of vertebral artery were studied from 30 embalmed cadavers. Transverse annuli were processed and stained with Haematoxylin & Eosin. Stained slides were studied under the trinocular research microscope using 40x magnifications and the images obtained under microscope were transferred to computer and histological parameters were taken on computer images using Image-proplus software version 5.1. Inner and Outer diameter of transverse annuli were measured. Comparisons of left and right vertebral artery diameters were made using paired t test by SPSS version 15 software. Results: Inner diameter of left vertebral artery was 2.74 ± 0.46 mm and right vertebral artery was 2.64 ± 0.45 mm, the difference is statistically significant. Outer diameter of left vertebral artery was 3.16 ± 0.54 and right vertebral artery was 3.03 ± 0.51, hence the difference is statistically significant. Conclusion: The left sided vertebral artery was found to be dominant than the right side.

Ducted fuel injection spray is a new technology for reducing soot formation in heavy-duty diesel engines. In this work, the ducted fuel injection spray characteristics with different duct inner diameters and different standoff distances were investigated and compared with free spray. Duct inner diameter ranged from 1.5 to 4 mm, and standoff distance varied between 0.9 and 4.9 mm. Mie-scattering optical technique was used to characterize spray characteristics under various injection pressures in a constant-volume spray chamber. Ambient gas pressure of up to 6 MPa when spraying. The results showed that ducted fuel injection spray with smaller duct has better spray diffusion compared to those of ducted fuel injection sprays with larger ducts and free spray from the perspectives of spray tip penetration, spray cone angle and spray area. Increasing standoff distance could increase spray velocity. Ducted fuel injection spray with smaller duct formed a mushroom-shaped head and large-scale vortex flow close to the duct outlet. All the advantages of ducted fuel injection spray with smaller duct are interpreted as evidence of improving fuel--gas mixing quality significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was previously observed that two dimensional (2D) Doppler derived and real-time three-dimensional (RT-3D) directly measured valve areas were smaller than reported manufacturer sizes. It may be helpful to obtain the ranges of inner diameters (IDs) and the geometric orifice area (GOA) during evaluation of prosthetic mitral valves. In this study, we aimed to provide reference dimensional parameters of bileflet mitral mechanical prosthetic valves. Patients with recent mitral valve replacement were examined by 2D and RT-3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the early postoperative period when the presence of pannus overgrowth was unlikely. Measurements of 2D IDs, 3D hinge to hinge (HHD) and edge to edge diameters (EED) and 3D GOA were obtained and compared with reported manufacturer sizes and areas. This study enrolled 126 patients with mitral prosthetic valves (38 ATS, 42 Carbomedics, 46 St. Jude Medical, all bileaflet). The measured 2D and 3D IDs and GOA were significantly smaller than reported manufacturer sizes in the majority of the valve sizes. This RT-3D TEE-guided study provides ranges of reference values for directly measured IDs and GOA of the three most commonly used mechanical mitral prosthetic valve types for the first time in a relatively large series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Online haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) has been associated with increased survival. To date, the influence of the inner diameter of the hollow fibers of the dialyzer on convective volume has not been well established. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of increasing the inner diameter of the dialyzer on the convective volume and removal capacity. Material and methods: We included 16 patients in postdilutional OL-HDF. Each patient was analyzed in 4 sessions in which the inner diameter varied; 185 μm (FX60 Cordiax and FX80 Cordiax) vs. 210 μm (FX600 Cordiax and FX800 Cordiax). Different solutes were measured at the beginning and end of each dialysis session. Results: No differences in the convective volume were found with an increased inner diameter: 32.3 ± 3.1 vs. 31.8 ± 3.6 L/session (FX60 vs. FX600) and 33.7 ± 4.3 vs. 33.5 ± 3.8 L/session (FX80 vs. FX800). The reduction ratios also did not differ: urea 83.7 ± 4.5 vs. 84.1 ± 3.4 for FX60 and FX600, and 82.7 ± 4.1 vs. 83.6 ± 3.8 for FX80 vs. FX800; creatinine similar 78.2 ± 5.6 vs. 77.8 ± 4.6 and 77.1 ± 5.4 vs. 78.1 ± 4.9; β2-microglobulin 82.2 ± 4.3 vs. 82.9 ± 4.2, and 82.9 ± 4.7 vs. 84.0 ± 3.8; myoglobin 71.0 ± 10 vs. 70.2 ± 9 and 72.8 ± 11 vs. 75.0 ± 10; prolactin 70.4 ± 9 vs. 68.1 ± 9, and 72.2 ± 10 vs. 73.4 ± 8.2; and α1-microglobulin 22.9 ± 10 vs. 21.6 ± 10, and 26.5 ± 12 vs. 28.8 ± 11, respectively. Conclusion: The increase in the inner diameter of the hollow fibers did not result in improved convective volume and removal capacity.

A two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT) is a heat transfer device that effectively transfers heat through the phase change of a working fluid. While the working fluid circulates smoothly in a nominal TPCT, compact TCPT has a greater shear force effect between the upward vapor flow and the falling liquid. The inner diameter and type of working fluid significantly affect the confinement effect, but the effects of the inner diameter on the confinement remain unclear. In the case of Co > 0.5, the TPCT was fully confined, so the heat was dominantly transferred by axial conduction through the confined bubbles and liquid slugs. For Co < 0.5, the working fluid circulated smoothly, and the heat was mainlytransferred by latent heat. In the unconfined case, the heat transfer coefficient at the evaporator slightly increased at high Co owing to the mixing effect within the liquid pool. In the condenser, the cold surface was covered with liquid at high Co values owing to the re-rising of falling liquid by the high shear rate. As a result, the overall thermal resistance of the TPCT increased at high Co values due to the significant degradation in the thermal performance of the condenser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Bubble dynamic behaviour has a significant influence on methane bioconversion because a gas mixture including methane and oxygen is usually supplied into a bioreactor with a methane oxidizing bacteria suspension via capillary orifice, forming bubbles. In the work, bubble dynamic behaviours at various capillary orifices were experimentally visualized, as well as the movement of microorganisms was observed during bubble formation evolution. The experimental results showed the chemotaxis effect and the bubble expansion as two key factors affecting the movement of microorganisms in the bioreactor with methane oxidizing bacteria suspension. At the incline angle of 90°, the equivalent departure diameter and departure volume were the smallest, while the departure time was the shortest. With increasing inner diameter, the equivalent departure diameter and departure volume increased, but the waiting time was the longest and the departure time was the shortest at the inner diameter of 0.3 mm. In addition, the successive inrush of bubbles forming at the capillary orifice with 90° incline angle and 0.1 mm inner diameter resulted in the shock of the gas‐liquid interface, affecting the bubble dynamic behaviour. The results in this work contribute to the design of a high‐productivity bioreactor with an optimized aeration system for enhancing mass transfer of methane from the bubble to the bacteria suspension and subsequent methane bioconversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Mono-capillary optics have been applied to increase the performance of X-ray instruments. However, performance of a mono-capillary optic strongly depends on the shape accuracy, which is determined by the diameters of the inner hollow of the capillary along the axial direction. OBJECTIVE: To precisely determine the inner diameter of the capillary optic used in X-ray imaging technique, which aims to replace the conventional method using a visible microscope. METHODS: High spatial resolution X-ray images of the mono-capillary optic were obtained by a synchrotron radiation beamline. The inner diameter of the mono-capillary optic was measured and analyzed by the pixel values of the X-ray image. RESULT: Edge enhancement effect was quite useful in determining the inner diameter, and the accuracy of the diameter determination was less than 1.32 μm. Many images obtained by scanning the mono-capillary optic along the axial direction were combined, and the axial profile, consisting of diameters along the axial direction, was obtained from the combined image. The X-ray imaging method could provide an accurate measurement with slope error of±19 μrad. CONCLUSIONS: Applying X-ray imaging technique to determine the inner diameter of a mono-capillary optic can contribute to increasing fabrication accuracy of the mono-capillary optic through a feedback process between the fabrication and measurement of its diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nefrologia is the property of Revista Nefrologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Newly developed 3D scanning optical endoscopic probe consists of φ1.5mm quartz pipe and 2 micro motors that run inside and conduct helical 3D scanning. This research looks into the possibility of accurately measuring the inner wall of extremely small diameter object by combining 3D scanning endoscopic optical probe and OCT (optical coherence tomography). Conventionally, precision measurement of such extreme inner diameter size was not possible due to influence of what is called “fluctuation of light” and “mechanical run-out of the measuring instrument itself” in axial and radial direction. In the new method, the inner wall of quartz pipe is measured in advance by calibration work, and the inner wall of the object is measured based on the quartz pipe. Applying this method, we succeeded in measuring with standard variation 0.07μｍ(σ) repeatedly. This new method also features auto-correction of the incline angle between the optical probe and the measuring object by computing, which prevents setting error and variation.

A new method for fast diameter measurement of coaxial holes is studied. The paper describes a multi-layer measuring rod that installs a single laser displacement sensor (LDS) on each layer. This method is easy to implement by rotating the measuring rod, and immune from detecting the measuring rod’s rotation angles, so all diameters of coaxial holes can be calculated by sensors’ values. While revolving, the changing angles of each sensor’s laser beams are approximately equal in the rod’s radial direction so that the over-determined nonlinear equations of multi-layer holes for fitting circles can be established. The mathematical model of the measuring rod is established, all parameters that affect the accuracy of measurement are analyzed and simulated. In the experiment, the validity of the method is verified, the inner diameter measuring precision of 28 μm is achieved by 20 μm linearity LDS. The measuring rod has advantages of convenient operation and easy manufacture, according to the actual diameters of coaxial holes, and also the varying number of holes, LDS’s mounting location can be adjusted for different parts. It is convenient for rapid diameter measurement in industrial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oscillating heat pipe (OHP) is a new member in the family of heat pipes, and it has great potential applications in energy conservation. However, the fluid flow and heat transfer in the OHP as well as the fundamental effects of inner diameter on them have not been fully understood, which are essential to the design and optimization of the OHP in real applications. Therefore, by combining the high-speed visualization method and infrared thermal imaging technique, the fluid flow and thermal performance in the OHPs with inner diameters of 1, 2 and 3 mm are presented and analyzed. The results indicate that three fluid flow motions, including small oscillation, bulk oscillation and circulation, coexist or, respectively, exist alone with the increasing heating load under different inner diameters, with three flow patterns occurring in the OHPs, viz. bubbly flow, slug flow and annular flow. These fluid flow motions are closely correlated with the heat and mass transfer performance in the OHPs, which can be reflected by the characteristics of infrared thermal images of condensers. The decrease in the inner diameter increases the frictional flow resistance and capillary instability while restricting the nucleate boiling in OHPs, which leads to a smaller proportion of bubbly flow, a larger proportion of short slug flow, a poorer thermal performance, and easier dry-out of working fluid. In addition, when compared with the 2 mm OHP, the increasing role of gravity induces the thermosyphon effect and weakens the 'bubble pumping' action, which results in a little smaller and bigger thermal resistances of 3 mm OHP under small and bulk oscillation of working fluid, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a hemodialysis membrane that sufficiently removes both small-sized toxins and the middle molecule is essential. Protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) are involved in an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality; however, their removal pathway has not been explored yet. Herein, this work aimed to fabricate novel hemodialysis membranes under different inner diameters (ID) with approaching two classes: high-flux (M#1, M#2) and high molecular weight retention onset (MWRO) (M#3, M#4). The results showed that membrane with smaller ID (M#1: 218 μm) performed a superior removal of small molecules i.e., urea: 266,394 mg/m2 and creatinine: 11,985 mg/m2. Spinning conditions, such as bore and dope solution flowrate, had a significant impact on pore size distribution, porosity, and dimensions, but not entirely on the membrane structure. These factors are crucial to govern the efficiency of uremic toxin clearance and the level of protein loss/leaking. Consequently, a high MWRO of M#4 at 13,998 Da favored enhanced removal of middle molecules, resulting in lysozyme removal of 5120 mg/m2 and a high sieving coefficient of β2 -microglobulin (0.91). A minimized loss (2.46 g/session) and minor leaking (0.08 g/session) of protein were attained in M#4 e.g., MWRO class. Notably, we first explored the removal pathway of protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) with i) Free Form-PBUTs removal by diffusion ii) Free Form-PBUTs removal by adsorption iii) Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-PBUTs conjugate adsorption on a membrane, and iv) Leaking of BSA-PBUTs conjugate to the dialysate. Our high-flux and MWRO membranes removed hippuric acid of 2911 mg/m2; 3476 mg/m2, indoxyl sulfate of 1640 mg/m2; 1452 mg/m2, p-cresol of 3,1469 mg/m2; 3702 mg/m2, respectively. Overall, our study proposes a promising membrane for hemodialysis application that exhibited either higher flux or high molecular weight retention onset compared to commercial membranes. Their properties facilitate an increase in the removal of middle molecules but still retain a minimized loss of protein and minor leakage. [Display omitted] • High-flux and high MWRO-based hemodialysis membranes were fabricated successfully. • Hollow fiber membrane with smaller ID enhanced removal of small-sized toxins. • Dimension and the pore size distribution of membrane are governed by dope and bore solution flowrates. • Molecular weight retention onset (MWRO) was increased to 16,773 Da. • A high sieving coefficient (0.91–0.94) of β2 -microglobulin was attained in MWRO membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the bamboo charcoal tube derived from the carbonization of the bamboo tube was employed as the anode. The effect of inner diameter of bamboo charcoal tube anodes was experimentally investigated on the microbial fuel cells (MFCs) performance to obtain an optimal structure. After successful star-up, bamboo charcoal tube anodes with different inner diameters (1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm in inner diameter were named as MFC-D1, MFC-D1.5, MFC-D2 and MFC-D3) resulted in various voltage output. However, MFC-D2 and MFC-D3 still kept stable output while the MFC-D1 and MFC-D1.5 performances had a significant drop for a long-term operation (after operation for 30 days). Scanning electron microscope and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicated that the reduction in the powder density for MFC-D1 and MFC-D1.5 attributed to a compact and thicker biofilm on the anode surface leading to the increased the internal resistance of MFCs. Furthermore, compared with other anodes, the highest power density (3303 W/m 3 ) for MFC-D2 suggested that the tubular bamboo charcoal with 2 mm in diameter was more suitable for electricity generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During the operation of the brakes the behavior of the brake fluid in the brake piping is one element that has a large effect on feel and on transient pressure characteristics. This paper investigates the effect of fitting a brake pipe with different inner diameters to each wheel at the rear axle on the brake performance. Theoretical analysis and road tests were conducted and applied on a Fiat 128 vehicle to investigate the changes in brake efficiency and brake force balance. The theoretical and experimental results showed the improvement of the car brake efficiency and the brake balance when fitting a brake pipe with the same inner diameter for each rear wheel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hybrid catalysts have been prepared by the immobilization of a Rh diamine complex on four multiwall carbon nanotubes of different inner diameter (average inner diameter ranging from 4 to 10nm). The complex has been tethered to the support by the reaction of the –Si(OCH3)3 functionality in the rhodium complex with phenol type –OH groups on the support surface, that have been created by oxidation with air. The hybrid catalysts have been tested in the hydrogenation of cyclohexene and carvone. In general terms, the obtained hybrid catalysts are more active than the Rh complex in homogeneous phase and they are recyclable. It has been found that the nanotubes dimensions have an influence in the catalytic properties. In the case of the thinner nanotubes (inner Ø∼4nm) the support has not a positive effect while the catalysts prepared with nanotubes of inner diameter around 7nm give the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polymer monolithic columns with I.D. between 100 and 320μm were prepared by in-situ polymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene in fused silica capillaries. The effects of monolithic column I.D. on the separation of proteins in reversed-phase capillary-liquid chromatography under gradient elution were systemically studied. The loading capacity was positively proportional to the volume of the stationary phase. It was found that the smaller diameter columns showed better performance for protein separation. The minimum plate height decreases from 34.99μm (320μm I.D. column) to 5.39μm (100μm I.D. column) for a retained protein. After studying the three parameters of the Van Deemter equation, it was interpreted that the smaller diameter can provide less flow resistance and the better performance may also be improved by the increasing of the effective diffusion. This conclusion was also supported by the data of separation permeability and breakthrough curves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two kinds of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different inner diameter (less than 10nm: CNTs-1 and between 60 and 100nm: CNTs-2) were used as catalyst supports. The platinum particles were simply deposited on the outside surface (CNTs-1) and inside (CNTs-2) and were easily reduced to Pt0 by refluxing. The catalysts exhibit high activities in the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde which contains both Ce:glyph name="dbnd" />O bonds. But the selectivity of these two catalysts was quite different under same reaction conditions. The high selective hydrogenation of Cs observed over catalyst 3%Pt/CNTs-2, while the completely hydrogenation of both Ce:glyph name="dbnd" />O bonds was found over catalyst 3%Pt/CNTs-1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, an experimental study regarding the natural circulation in connected vertical rectangular loops is presented. Typically, the geometry of the natural circulation loops (NCL) is rectangular or toroidal and the analysis is focused on the thermo-hydraulic behaviour of a single working loop. In this study, a new approach referred to several NCLs simultaneously operated was investigated. In the experimental setup, the lower heated sections of the NCLs are connected. The tests were carried out by varying the internal diameter of the loops to investigate the influence of the mutual interaction between two adjacent NCLs. The data were analyzed by the modified Vijayan's correlation showing a good agreement. A simple relationship is proposed to normalize the data both in terms of inner tube diameter and heat sink temperature. The results obtained with two NCLs characterized by different internal diameters could be considered as the first attempt to try optimizing several connected NCLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of different MWCNTs diameter on mechanical properties of cement-based materials was studied. • The effect of different MWCNTs diameter on microstructure of cement-based materials was studied. • The relations between MWCNT' diameter, porosity and mechanical properties of cement-based materials was analyzed. This paper is intended to investigate the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different inner diameters on the mechanical properties (flexural strength and compressive strength) and microstructures of cement-based materials. Three kinds of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with diameter of 10–20 nm, 20–40 nm and 40–60 nm were ready to reinforce cement-based materials. And each batch incorporated 0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.5 wt% MWCNTs by cement weight. To obtain a uniform distribution of MWCNTs in the cement-based materials, the effects of ultrasonic dispersion time and intensity on the properties of MWCNTs cement-based materials were studied. In addition, the relationships between mechanical properties, porosity and diameter of MWCNTs were investigated. Experimental results showed that the improvements of flexural strength and compressive strength of cement-based materials were altered by increasing the diameter of MWCNTs. Microstructure analysis by SEM and MIP tests indicated that MWCNTs with diameter of 10–20 nm have the best effect on optimizing pore structure. The results of this study were useful to determine the diameter and content of MWCNTs required for optimum pore structure and maximum strength enhancement of cement-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]