Combined Morphological Analysis Research Articles

Formation mechanism and elimination method of joint defects in lattice structures printed by metal droplet deposition manufacturing

Benefiting from the dense inner microstructure and smooth bead-like surface morphology, metal droplet deposition manufacturing (MDDM) is advantageous in manufacturing small metallic lattice structures, which have great potential in advanced aerospace, energy, and robotics applications. However, the improper top-layer droplet distance leads to joint defects in the printed lattices and deteriorates the forming accuracy. Moreover, if the substrate temperature and inclined angle increase, joint defects may occur even if the top-layer droplets are at an ideal distance due to droplet oscillation. This work proposes a novel method to eliminate joint defects by re-placing the joint region droplets to an ideal center distance. To this end, the dynamics of top-layer droplets (impact, spread, recoil, and oscillation) were investigated by combining morphology analysis and high-speed photography (Ts = 673 K, θ = 45°). A theoretical model was established to obtain the parameter range of defect-free joints through a series of bifurcate lattice printing experiments. Then, the morphology and generation mechanism of cumulative joint defects in the lattices at higher temperatures and angles (Ts = 773 K, θ = 60°) were analyzed. A parameter window of joint morphology with different values of inclined angle, substrate temperature, and top-layer droplet distance was established for predicting potential defects in the printing trace. Next, a novel method was proposed to remove redundant droplets and re-place top-layer droplet coordinates into the ideal center distance. Furthermore, the printing strategy was expanded to multi-truss lattices using three-dimensional transformation matrixes. Finally, multiple cells bifurcate, triangular, and pyramid lattices were successfully printed with perfect joints. The height deviation of joint regions is <5 % of the droplet diameter, verifying the feasibility of the proposed strategy. This work represents a further step towards MDDM printing of high-quality truss lattice structures and other complex 3D architectures.

Choricystis and Lewiniosphaera gen. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae Chlorophyta), two different green algal endosymbionts in freshwater sponges

Associations of freshwater sponges with coccoid green algae have been known for a long time. Two types of coccoid green algae, which are commonly assigned as zoochlorellae, are recognized by morphology: small coccoids (< 3 μm) without pyrenoids and larger Chlorella-like algae (4–6 μm) with pyrenoids. Despite their wide distribution in some freshwater sponges, these green algae were never studied using a combined analysis of morphology and molecular phylogeny. We investigated several endosymbiotic strains isolated from different Spongilla species, which were available in culture collections. Phylogenetic analyses of SSU and ITS rDNA sequences revealed that the strain SAG 211-40a is a member of the Chlorellaceae and represents a new species of the newly erected genus Lewiniosphaera, L symbiontica. The phylogenetic position was confirmed by morphology and ITS-2 barcode. The endosymbionts without pyrenoid were identified as Choricystis parasitica by morphology and phylogenetic analyses. The comparison with free-living strains revealed the recognition of two new Choricystis species, C. krienitzii and C. limnetica, which were confirmed by molecular signatures in V9 region of SSU rDNA and ITS-2 barcode.

Diversity analysis of Selected &lt;em&gt;Solanum&lt;/em&gt; species in Sri Lanka using molecular and morphological descriptors

The family Solanaceae is composed of a broad list of species, which includes both commercial and wild accessions with enormous medicinal importance. The published phylogenies on Sri Lankan wild and naturalized Solanum spp. confers that S. hispidum, and S. torvum are sister species. However, this has not been proved using multiple barcoding markers. Moreover, S. torvum, an underutilized crop is expected to contain multiple varieties. However, varietal descriptions using morphological and DNA markers have not been done so far. Therefore, our study was aimed at accurate identification of four Solanum spp. found in Sri Lanka (S. torvum ‘Bindu’ and landraces S. hispidum and S. pubescens) using chloroplast marker based DNA barcoding combined with a morphological description. We used 29 quantitative and 22 qualitative parameters, comprised of vegetative and reproductive traits along with eight DNA barcoding markers. We sequenced rbcL and trnL-F to check the DNA polymorphisms. According to the combined morphological analysis of reproductive and vegetative parameters, the four species clustered separately. There were no separation observed between S. torvum and S. hispidum. Solanum pubescens diverged out and claddedwith old world nightshades in molecular analysis. These results are in line with published literature and validates that trnL-trnF could be used as a potential marker to carry out a combined DNA barcoding analysis with matK. However, trnL-trnF could not be used to discriminate between S. torvum and S. hispidum species.

Circumscription of the Sibbaldia procumbens complex (Potentilleae: Rosaceae) in China based on evidence from simple sequence repeat markers and morphology

AbstractIn this study we aimed to delimit the boundaries of the Sibbaldia procumbens species complex, integrating morphological, geographical and molecular data at the population level. In total, 246 individuals were tested with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and individuals were classified into three clusters. Stable variation in the morphology of leaflets, episepal and achenes was found between individuals from eastern and western Tibet, and this corresponds to the observed genetic structure when K = 2. The combined analysis of morphology and SSRs suggests three species should be recognized in the complex in China (S. procumbens, S. cuneata and S. aphanopetala). The ranges of these three species are mostly geographically separate from each other. Sibbaldia aphanopetala has often been treated as a variety of S. procumbens, but here we restore it to species rank.

A new species of Lecanora (Ascomycota: Lecanoraceae) from mangrove in northeast Brazil identified using DNA barcoding and phenotypical characters

Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed a high diversity of unrecognized species of Lecanora s.l. in Brazil, with many near-cryptic species that require a combined analysis of morphology, secondary metabolites and molecular sequences for accurate delimitation. In this study, a new species of Lecanora is described which is morphologically close to L. achroa and L. helva. The new species was collected in the Guadalupe environmental protection area, located in the municipality of Barra de Sirinhaém, a mangrove region in the state of Pernambuco in the Brazilian Northeast. Lecanora parachroa sp. nov. agrees with L. achroa in morphological and anatomical features but differs in secondary chemistry, lacking usnic acid and 2′-O-methylperlatolic acid. Molecular data using the ITS barcoding marker suggest that commonly identified species in this group, including L. helva and L. leprosa, are collective taxa, each including several lineages.

Combined morphological and thermal analysis of lava flows: A way to boost understanding of emplacement dynamics

AbstractDuring emplacement, lavas modify the pre‐existing topography and release a large amount of heat. In spite of the relevance of both heat and mass release, combined morphological and thermal analyses have been seldom carried out at a flow‐field scale. Here, we consider a channelised lava flow unit formed at Mt Etna during the 2001 flank eruption, and we show that, by combining a morphological analysis of the pre‐ and post‐emplacement topography with the analysis of the syn‐eruptive thermal signature, critical insights about the processes driving mass and heat dissipation can be derived. Our results suggest that, in the considered lava flow, the pre‐emplacement slope controls heat dissipation and can influence the thickness of the final lava deposit, with possible implications for hazard assessment. The width of the lava channel, instead, appears less sensitive to the pre‐emplacement slope, and tends to regularly increase with increasing distance from the vent.

A structural review of foliar glands in Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae).

Extrafloral glands in Passifloraceae species have aroused the interest of many researchers because of their wide morphological diversity. The present work analyzed the foliar glands on 34 species of Passiflora from samples containing glands in the petiole and foliar blade fixed in 50% solution of formaldehyde-ethanol-acetic acid and stored in a 70% ethanol solution. For anatomical analyses, part of the material was embedded in Paraplast, longitudinally sectioned and double stained with safranin and astra blue. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was also carried out. To analyze the presence of sugars in the secretion of foliar glands, a glucose strip test was used. Based on the results of morphological, anatomical and glucose strip tests, the foliar secretory glands in Passiflora can be grouped into two categories: Type I glands, defined as nectaries, can be elevated or flattened, and can have a sugar content high enough to be detected by the glucose strip test analysis. Type II glands are elevated and did not show a positive reaction to the glucose strip test. From an anatomical viewpoint, glands characterized as extrafloral nectaries show a multistratified secretory epidermis, typically followed by two flat layers of nectariferous parenchyma with dense content. Internal to these layers, vascular bundles are immersed in the subsecretory parenchyma and terminate in phloem cells. On the other hand, type II glands show a single layer of elongated secretory epidermal cells. Internal to this single layer, parenchyma and vascular tissue with both phloem and xylem elements can be observed. The analyzed species show a wide diversity of gland shape and distribution, and the combined analysis of morphology, anatomy and preliminary tests for the presence of glucose in the exudate in different Passiflora subgenera suggests the occurrence of two categories of glands: nectaries and resin glands.

Multimodal MRI profiling of focal cortical dysplasia type II.

To characterize in vivo MRI signatures of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIA and type IIB through combined analysis of morphology, intensity, microstructure, and function. We carried out a multimodal 3T MRI profiling of 33 histologically proven FCD type IIA (9) and IIB (24) lesions. A multisurface approach operating on manual consensus labels systematically sampled intracortical and subcortical lesional features. Geodesic distance mapping quantified the same features in the lesion perimeter. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between MRI and histology, while supervised pattern learning was used for individualized subtype prediction. FCD type IIB was characterized by abnormal morphology, intensity, diffusivity, and function across all surfaces, while type IIA lesions presented only with increased fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal and reduced diffusion anisotropy close to the gray-white matter interface. Similar to lesional patterns, perilesional anomalies were more marked in type IIB extending up to 16 mm. Structural MRI markers correlated with categorical histologic characteristics. A profile-based classifier predicted FCD subtypes with equal sensitivity of 85%, while maintaining a high specificity of 94% against healthy and disease controls. Image processing applied to widely available MRI contrasts has the ability to dissociate FCD subtypes at a mesoscopic level. Integrating in vivo staging of pathologic traits with automated lesion detection is likely to provide an objective definition of lesional boundary and assist emerging approaches, such as minimally invasive thermal ablation, which do not supply tissue specimen.

Genomic Analyses of Cladophialophora bantiana, a Major Cause of Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis Provides Insight into Its Lifestyle, Virulence and Adaption in Host

Cladophialophora bantiana is a dematiaceous fungus with a predilection for causing central nervous system (CNS) infection manifesting as brain abscess in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. In this paper, we report comprehensive genomic analyses of C. bantiana isolated from the brain abscess of an immunocompetent man, the first reported case in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The identity of the fungus was determined using combined morphological analysis and multilocus phylogeny. The draft genome sequence of a neurotrophic fungus, C. bantiana UM 956 was generated using Illumina sequencing technology to dissect its genetic fundamental and basic biology. The assembled 37.1 Mb genome encodes 12,155 putative coding genes, of which, 1.01% are predicted transposable elements. Its genomic features support its saprophytic lifestyle, renowned for its versatility in decomposing hemicellulose and pectin components. The C. bantiana UM 956 was also found to carry some important putative genes that engaged in pathogenicity, iron uptake and homeostasis as well as adaptation to various stresses to enable the organism to survive in hostile microenvironment. This wealth of resource will further catalyse more downstream functional studies to provide better understanding on how this fungus can be a successful and persistent pathogen in human.

Hypnea musciformis (Cystocloniaceae) from the Yucatan Peninsula: morphological variability in relation to life-cycle phase

:Hypnea musciformis is one of the most studied species of the genus Hypnea. It has a wide geographic range along the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans that would be consistent with an extensive intraspecific variation in morphology. Hypnea musciformis has been previously reported on coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula; however, neither morphological characterization nor molecular studies have been done for Gulf of Mexico or Mexican Caribbean populations. For the first time, we present a detailed morphoanatomical description of the tetrasporophytic, gametophytic and carposporophytic phases and its reproductive structures for this region, including the description of the male gametophyte. Mexican Caribbean samples showed morphological variation in branching pattern, branch abundance and branchlet types, and this was attributed to life-history phase and the reproductive status of the thalli. Molecular analysis of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase gene and the 5′ region of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene markers allows us to confirm the unique genetic identity of Mexican specimens. The analysis of H. musciformis collected in different tropical areas showed a high degree of intraspecific variation and suggested the necessity of a combined analysis of morphology and different gene markers for a better understanding of its taxonomy and phylogeny.

Extension of the distribution range of Hypnea stellulifera (Cystocloniaceae, Rhodophyta) to the South Atlantic: Morphological and molecular evidence

Hypnea stellulifera was, until now, considered endemic to tropical Asia. Here, we report for the first time the expansion of its distribution to the Atlantic Ocean on the basis of collections from the northeast of Brazil. Comparison of morphological features of our specimens with Asian specimens of H. stellulifera and molecular data analysis allow us to confirm its identification. Samples analyzed in this study represent the first assessment of Hypnea sequences collected in a tropical area from South America. Among the three genes analyzed (the mitochondrial cox1 and the plastidial UPA and rbcL), UPA was the most conserved, and the cox1 was the most variable marker. Despite this, all three markers were efficient as DNA barcoding markers for Hypnea. In our phylogenetic analysis, H. stellulifera had a sister relationship with the clade that includes H. cornuta, H. musciformis, H. flagelliformis, and H. chordacea. Our results demonstrate that the analysis of Hypnea species collected at large geographic distances and/or in different tropical areas reveals a higher degree of intraspecific variation as well as decreased interspecific divergence among distinct species from closer areas. These findings corroborate the necessity of a combined analysis of morphology and different genetic markers for a better understanding of taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Hypnea.

Exploring technological opportunities by linking technology and products: Application of morphology analysis and text mining

Abstract The technological opportunity discovery (TOD) can be divided into two types: anticipating new technology and applying existing technology. The latter is useful for small and medium companies, which have weak technology forecasting capability. Thus, this research aims to suggest the methodology for the TOD based on existing technology by using morphology analysis and text mining. The extracted results of TOD are classified into three categories based on the types of product — existing, applied, and heterogeneous product. To illustrate the process and validate the utility of application, LED heat dissipation technology and LED lamps are selected as the technology and product for the illustration. The method contributes to suggest a semi-automated normative method for technology forecasting by combining morphology analysis and text mining.

Cost-Effectiveness of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in Patients with Atypical Cytology for the Detection of Urothelial Carcinoma

Patients with atypical cytology and equivocal or negative cystoscopy pose a challenge due to uncertainty about the presence of cancer. We determined the cost-effectiveness of using fluorescence in situ hybridization assays to determine the need for biopsy in patients with atypical cytology and equivocal or negative cystoscopy. Data from 2 large prospective studies evaluating the usefulness of fluorescence in situ hybridization in the setting of atypical cytology to detect urothelial carcinoma were combined. The data were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity for the UroVysion fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in various clinical scenarios. Cost data were obtained from our institution and Medicare reimbursement rates. Evaluations with or without bladder biopsy and with or without upper tract evaluation were considered. The study included 263 patients with atypical cytology and equivocal (62) or negative (201) cystoscopy. In patients with equivocal cystoscopy (assuming biopsy was performed in the operating room) biopsy based on fluorescence in situ hybridization results saved $1,740 per patient ($3,267 vs $1,527 per patient) and avoided 42 biopsies compared to biopsy in all patients. If office based biopsies were used then cost savings using fluorescence in situ hybridization results were $95 per patient. Among patients with negative cystoscopy biopsy based on fluorescence in situ hybridization resulted in costs savings of $2,241 per patient, avoiding 167 biopsies, compared to biopsy in all patients. Assuming office based biopsy, the cost savings were $216 per patient. The decision to perform biopsy based on fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in patients with atypical cytology and equivocal or negative cystoscopy was associated with a significant decrease in bladder cancer associated costs.

The Use of Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to Explore Protein Expression Variation within Individual Renal Cell Cancers

Currently there is no curative treatment for metastatic clear cell renal cell cancer, the commonest variant of the disease. A key factor in this treatment resistance is thought to be the molecular complexity of the disease. Targeted therapy such as the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-sunitinib have been utilized, but only 40% of patients will respond, with the overwhelming majority of these patients relapsing within 1 year. As such the question of intrinsic and acquired resistance in renal cell cancer patients is highly relevant. In order to study resistance to TKIs, with the ultimate goal of developing effective, personalized treatments, sequential tissue after a specific period of targeted therapy is required, an approach which had proved successful in chronic myeloid leukaemia. However the application of such a strategy in renal cell carcinoma is complicated by the high level of both inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, which is a feature of renal cell carcinoma as well as other solid tumors. Intertumoral heterogeneity due to transcriptomic and genetic differences is well established even in patients with similar presentation, stage and grade of tumor. In addition it is clear that there is great morphological (intratumoral) heterogeneity in RCC, which is likely to represent even greater molecular heterogeneity. Detailed mapping and categorization of RCC tumors by combined morphological analysis and Fuhrman grading allows the selection of representative areas for proteomic analysis. Protein based analysis of RCC is attractive due to its widespread availability in pathology laboratories; however, its application can be problematic due to the limited availability of specific antibodies. Due to the dot blot nature of the Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA), antibody specificity must be pre-validated; as such strict quality control of antibodies used is of paramount importance. Despite this limitation the dot blot format does allow assay miniaturization, allowing for the printing of hundreds of samples onto a single nitrocellulose slide. Printed slides can then be analyzed in a similar fashion to Western analysis with the use of target specific primary antibodies and fluorescently labelled secondary antibodies, allowing for multiplexing. Differential protein expression across all the samples on a slide can then be analyzed simultaneously by comparing the relative level of fluorescence in a more cost-effective and high-throughput manner.

Morphologic signatures in submarine canyons and gullies, central USA Atlantic continental margins

The accumulation of bathymetric and seismic data on many continental margins has provided valuable new insights into variability of seascape morphology. The present challenge is in finding appropriate manners to characterise that morphology so that variations between areas and between potential influences can be recorded. In this paper, we employ hypsometry (area-elevation analysis) and present parameters derived from 65 hypsometric curves which represent distinct slope-basin shapes, based on data from the central USA Atlantic continental slope. The distinction of morphologic signatures has derived from the statistical moments, such as skewness and kurtosis, in describing the hypsometric curves of the submarine basins. Moreover, basin geometry in planview and network structure, have shown to be remarkably well reflected in the shape of the hypsometric curve. Based on the combined analysis of morphology and submarine processes and scenarios, we propose that concave hypsometry is characteristic of trellis networks that probably initiated by sporadic erosion by sedimentary flows, spilling over the shelf edge. The convex hypsometry that characterises poor- to well- developed dendritic networks, heading at or below the shelf break, is attributed to retrograde erosion and sediment fallout events, respectively. These results present initial step in helping to infer submarine processes from morphology, and provide initial information about the environmental scenarios for areas where the erosional record is unknown.

Combined Evaluation of Frequency Doubling Technology Perimetry and Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy for Glaucoma Detection Using Automated Classification

To develop a diagnostic setup with classification rules for combined analysis of morphology [Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT)] and function [frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry] measurements. We used 2 independent case-control studies from the Erlangen eye department as learning and test data for automated classification using random forests. One eye of 334 open angle glaucoma patients and 254 controls entered the study. All individuals underwent HRT scanning tomography of the optic disc, FDT screening, conventional perimetry, and evaluation of fundus photographs. Random forests were learned on individuals of the Erlangen glaucoma registry (102 preperimetric patients, 130 perimetric patients, 161 controls). The classification performances of random forests and built-in classifiers were examined by receiver operator characteristic analysis on an independent second cohort of individuals (47 preperimetric patients, 55 perimetric patients, 93 controls). HRT measurements had a higher diagnostic power for early glaucomas and FDT perimetry for glaucoma patients with visual field loss. A combination of all parameters using automated classification was superior to single tests in comparison to the diagnostic instrument with the higher diagnostic power in the respective group. Highest sensitivities at a fixed specificity (95%) in the patients of the present test population were: HRT=32%, FDT=19%, combined analysis=47% in preperimetric patients and HRT=76%, FDT=89%, combined analysis=96% in perimetric patients. The feasibility of machine learning for medical diagnostic assistance could be demonstrated in patients from 2 independent study populations. A predictive model using automated classification is able to combine the advantages of morphology and function, resulting in a higher diagnostic power for glaucoma detection.

Secondary Phases Present in Spray Formed Al-10.5Zn-2.0Mg-1.5Cu Alloy

Al-10.5Zn-2.0Mg-1.5Cu alloy was produced by spray forming (SF) technique. The initial microstructure, particularly secondary phases, present in the as-SFed alloy was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with attached energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicated that the equiaxed α-Al grains have an average size of about 18-20 μm in diameter. The intergranular phase was identified as MgZn2 by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, which was also distributed in the grain interior as well as Al2Mg3Zn3. A needle-like Al23Cu(FeCrMn)4 precipitate was detected. The combined analysis of morphology and crystallographic structure suggested that the Al23Cu(FeCrMn)4 grew along its long axis of &lt;001&gt; orientation. The refinement of the intergranular phases occurred, which is probably due to a decreased amount of eutectic liquid phase finally solidifying on a large area of grain boundaries.

Combined analysis of morphology and fluorescence in situ hybridization significantly increases accuracy of bladder cancer detection in voided urine samples

ObjectivesTo evaluate a combined analysis approach that involves cytologic evaluation and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for detecting cancer cells in voided urine samples using an automated scanning station. MethodsVoided urine samples from 41 patients suspected of having transitional cell carcinoma were stained with May-Grünwald Giemsa stain, scanned for atypical or suspicious cells, destained, and hybridized with a mixture of fluorescent-labeled probes. Samples were tested using either the UroVysion probe or by a mix of chromosomes 3, 7, and 17 centromeric probes. A case was regarded as positive when at least one cell was abnormal in both aspects, morphology and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Patients were evaluated concomitantly by cytology, cytoscopy, and biopsy, if indicated. ResultsOverall, 26 samples were positive by combined analysis. Biopsy-proven transitional cell carcinoma was positive by combined analysis in all cases (100%) and in 13 cases (61.9%) by cytology (P = 0.0133). The advantage of the combined analysis was noted mostly in low-grade and superficial tumors for which the sensitivity of cytology reached 30% (P = 0.023) and 27.27% (P = 0.0133), respectively. Specificity was 100%. ConclusionsOur results have shown that combined analysis for the presence of transitional cell carcinoma cells is a powerful tool, providing high sensitivity and specificity, and may offer a new scheme for bladder cancer management.

Deciphering the evolutionary biology of freshwater fish using multiple approaches – insights for the biological conservation of the Vairone (Leuciscus souffia souffia)

The organisation of genetic variability is ofprimary importance in designing conservationstrategies. In this context, the conservationunits are often defined using the concept ofEvolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) whatcould appear as a useful guide but are veryrarely used. Another difficulty arises whenspecies hybridise as it is the case in cyprinidfishes for which the debate joins discussionson the species definitions. For example, thevairone, Leuciscus souffia (Teleostei:Cyprinidae) is a protected species (IUCN, Bernconvention, Habitat directive) but currentlegislation does not take into account itsambiguous taxonomic status, neither its geneticvariability nor its ecological preferences. Inthis paper, we examine the genetic structureand phylogeography of the subspecies Leuciscus souffia souffia in its range(France) with a combination of morphology,allozymes and mitochondrial DNA sequences usinganalyses mainly based on AMOVA and nested cladeanalysis. We then decipher the evolutionarybiology of this fish as the combined analysisof morphology, nuclear and mitochondrialmarkers displays decoupling betweenmorphological homogeneity and moderate geneticdifferentiation, suggesting that ManagementUnits (following Moritz' definition) should bedesigned. We conclude by proposing directionsboth for the protection of endangeredpopulations and for the conservation ofevolutionary potential based on theevolutionary dynamics found for the examinedpopulations in the light of the most-often useddefinitions of ESUs.

High grade and non-high grade ductal carcinoma in situ on dynamic MR mammography: characteristic findings for signal increase and morphological pattern of enhancement.

The objective of this review is to describe characteristic MR mammographic findings for signal increase and morphological patterns of enhancement in pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and to differentiate between high grade and non-high grade lesions. The dynamic MR examination (1.5 T unit, contrast enhanced T(1) weighted two dimensional fast field echo, 96 ms repetition time, 5.0 ms echo time, 80 degrees flip angle) of 39 consecutive patients with pure DCIS was evaluated retrospectively. Categories were defined for signal increase (C1=normal, C2=slow, continuous, C3=strong initial and slow further increase, C4=strong initial increase followed by a plateau phenomenon, and C5=strong initial increase followed by a washout phenomenon) and morphological patterns (M0=no pattern observed, M1=linear or linear-branched, M2=segmental dotted or granular, M3=segmental homogeneous, and M4=focal spot-like). Time-intensity curves showing a C4 and C5 signal increase were considered suspicious for malignancy. All cases were correlated with histology. 62% of all tumours had a plateau or washout (C4, C5), 77% showed a strong initial signal increase (C3-C5). On evaluation of time-intensity curves alone MR mammography (MRM) findings were suspicious for malignancy in 62% of all DCIS cases. A segmental enhancement was found in 82% of all enhancing tumors and the M2 pattern in 73%. In a combined analysis of signal increase and morphology, 70% of non-high grade and 92% of high grade DCISs were correctly described as suspicious. The difference between non-high grade and high grade DCIS was not significant (p=0.148), while significant differences were found between G1 and G3 DCISs and between G1 and G2 DCISs (p<0.05). All G2 and G3 DCISs showed noticeable signal enhancement. The mean histological tumour size of non-high grade DCISs was smaller than that for high grade DCIS (p<0.05). The hallmark of DCIS on dynamic MRM was unilateral segmental enhancement, most commonly with a granular dotted morphology (M2). Hormone effects need to be considered as the main differential diagnosis. Signal enhancement kinetics similar to invasive carcinoma were seen in the majority of cases. A combined analysis of morphological pattern and signal enhancement considerably improved rate of detection. G2 and G3 DCISs were correctly diagnosed with a significantly higher rate of detection (92%) than G1 DCIS (53%) (p<0.05). Different average size of G1, G2 and G3 DCIS on pathology cannot be excluded as a reason for differences found. Normal MRM seems to exclude high grade DCIS.