Early Penetration Research Articles

Early Penetrating Keratoplasty À Chaud May Improve Outcome in Therapy-Resistant Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

Long-standing acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) may result in corneal neovascularization, extension of the infiltrate to the limbus or sclera, broad peripheral synechiae, mature cataract or ischemic posterior segment inflammation. We investigated the impact of early emergency penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in therapy-resistant cases among the patients of a highly specialized tertiary care center. In this retrospective, observational cohort within a single institution, we collected data on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), epithelial wound healing, graft survival and secondary complications of AK patients who underwent PKP. A total of 23 eyes of 23 patients diagnosed with acute, therapy-resistant AK between 2006 and 2015 were enrolled. Postoperative combined topical treatment was tapered for 6-9months. Eyes were grouped based on preoperative disease duration as shorter (group 1) or longer (group 2) than the median. The median was 5.3 (0.66-36) months. The BCVA in group 1 (20/44 ± 20/18; 0.32 ± 0.18 logMAR) was significantly better than in group 2 (20/1200 ± 20/1133; 1.28 ± 0.89; logMAR); p = 0.015. Persisting epithelial defects occurred in 5 patients (50%) of group 1 and in 10 patients (77%) of group 2. In 5 eyes (group 2), no epithelial healing could be achieved. After 36months, graft survival (Kaplan-Meier) was 78% (18 grafts) for all patients (90% in group 1 and 44% in group 2). PKP à chaud within 5.3months after first symptoms of therapy-resistant AK seems to result in better final BCVA than delayed graft surgery if the disease is resistant to a classical topical triple therapy. In addition, early PKP may have a favorable impact on epithelial healing and graft survival. We thank the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for supporting the work of Prof. N. Szentmáry at the Department of Ophthalmology of Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg/Saar, Germany. We thank the University of Saarland for funding the medical writing assistance and the Rapid Service Fees. The funding organisation had no role in the design or conduct of this research.

BUDDHIST SYMBOLIC ON MEDIEVAL TOREUTICS OF SOUTH SIBERIA

Introduction . The aim of this article is to provide a historical, sociological and cultural study of the origin and semantics of the ornament on a number of bronze, copper, and silver artifacts, originating from archaeological excavations or random finds in the territory of Southern Siberia. There are archaeological collections in South Siberia museums which contain decorative and applied arts made of metal, having a similar shape, functional purpose and decorated with relief ornament, the compositional center of which is the so-called “endless knot” or “knot of happiness”. This ornament in a somewhat complicated form is preserved in the decorative and applied art of some peoples (Tuvans, Buryats) of the Sayan-Altai region until the present times. The objective of this article is to reveal the semantics of this ornament based on the analysis of Buddhist and Manichaean texts and images. The direct subject of paleosociological reconstructions in this work are the migrations of medieval ethnic groups (Uigurs, Yenisei Kyrgyz) ‑ carriers of this religious and ideological ideas. These ideas, being fixed in the objects of material culture, are the object of scientific analysis. Methods . In the work applied historical-genetic, retrospective methods and the method of art history analysis. Analysis . With the involvement of additional archaeological and historical sources, the ethnocultural context of the spread of Buddhist and Manichean beliefs is set against the backdrop of the struggle of the medieval Kyrgyz and the Uygur kaganate. The syncretism of religious representations of the population of this region (elements of Buddhism, Manichaeism, and shamanism) is proved. Traced the links with the cultural centers of Central and South Asia and the Middle East. The hypothesis of the early (VIII‑IX centuries) penetration of elements of Buddhism in Southern Siberia is substantiated. Conclusion . It is proved that the Buddhist symbol “knot of happiness” was borrowed by the syncretic Manichaean religion professed by the Uygurs and Kyrgyz, and brought last to the Sayan-Altai region of Southern Siberia.

Infection process and host responses to Elsinoë ampelina, the causal organism of grapevine anthracnose

Grape anthracnose, caused by Elsinoe ampelina, is an important fungal disease during grape production. Little is known about the interactions of grape-E.ampelina compared with other grapevine fungal diseases. This study used potted seedlings of Vitis vinifera ‘Red Globe’ and E. ampelina to investigate their interactions under greenhouse conditions. The infection process of E. ampelina in the young leaves of grape was observed from 0 to 6 days post-inoculation (dpi) under microscope. Results showed that the first symptom on grape leaves were observed at 3 dpi. The rates of conidial germination on grape leaves were 23.4, 73.2, and 85.6% at 1, 2, and 3 dpi, respectively. Early penetration occurred in the epidermal cells with or without forming appressoria at 2 dpi. E. ampelina enlarged in intercellular spaces at 2–3 dpi and began to enter intracellular spaces from 3 dpi. New conidia were produced in acervuli on the leaf surface from 6 dpi. The ultrastructural observation revealed defense responses in infected host cells, including collapse of cell walls and chloroplasts, changes in the number of mitochondria, plasmolysis, and cell death. Overall, these results provide a detailed understanding of the grape-E.ampelina interaction and theoretical bases for infection pathway of grape anthracnose.

The Use of Biodegradable Mulches in Pepper Production in the Southeastern United States

Plasticulture systems with polyethylene (PE) mulch and drip tape are common for production of peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) in the United States because of their soil warming, moisture conservation, and other advantageous effects. However, disadvantages include disposal costs and plastic pollution of the environment and temperature stress in warm climates with black mulch. Use of biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) is becoming more common, as they provide the same benefits of PE mulch without the disposal problems. In 2017 and 2018, we conducted experiments in Knoxville, TN, comparing production of pepper fruit with five different BDM [one white-on-black (WOB) and four black], one black PE mulch, one brown creped, paper mulch, and bare ground control treatments. We also measured the durability and effectiveness of weed suppression of the different mulches over the growing season compared with a hand-weeded bare ground control. Most mulches were degraded, with 40% to 60% of the soil exposed by the end of the season, with the exception of the paper mulch, which was completely degraded at the end of both seasons. Yields were similar among treatments in 2017, with the exception of Naturecycle, which had the lowest yield. Weed pressure was severe, especially in 2018, largely due to early penetration of all mulches except paper by nutsedge. Due to the early and season-long weed pressure and heat stress in black mulches, there were fewer healthy plants in all black-colored mulch treatments in 2018, leading to reduced yields in these treatments. Paper mulch was the only treatment that prevented nutsedge growth; therefore, this treatment and the hand-weeded bare ground treatment had the greatest yields in 2018. WOB also had yields comparable with paper and bare ground plots in 2018, likely due to the cooling effect of the white mulch. The results suggest that in hot climates and in fields infested with nutsedge, paper mulches perform best for midseason pepper cultivation due to the cooling effects and superior weed control.

Colonial Intrusion and Stages of Colonialism in Chinua Achebe’sThings Fall Apart

Abstract:Chinua Achebe’s first novel,Things Fall Apart, has continued to offer—perhaps much more than his third novel,Arrow of God—the most vivid account of the process of early colonial penetration in Africa. This study examinesThings Fall Apartthrough an analytical and conceptual framework that illuminates the five stages of colonialism in Africa. These five stages (exploration, expropriation, appropriation, exploitation, and justification) were necessary in order for colonialism to become both aneffectivetoolfordomination and asuccessfultoolofdomination; as such, they provide powerful glimpses into Achebe’s fictional representation of the cataclysm embodied by colonial intrusion, not only within the confines of the fictional Igbo universe that he depicts, but also throughout a sub-Saharan African world whose cultural and sociopolitical ethos were shaken to their core. An analysis of these stages, therefore, leads to an understanding of colonialism that defines it not as a series of specific historical events, spaces, and places, but rather as aprocessor aseries of psycho-historical processeswith a certain number of inescapable features that conspired to make it an effective tool of and forsustainedpolitical, cultural, and economic domination in sub-Saharan Africa. Achebe’s novel can be used as a tool that can help to decipher and foreground thepsycho-historical processesinherent in what, ultimately, may be called “the psychology of colonialism.”

Influence of crystalline structure on rf dissipation in superconducting niobium

Bulk niobium is the most common material used in the fabrication of rf superconducting cavities for accelerators. Predicting and reducing the rf surface dissipation in these cavity structures is mandatory, since it has a tremendous cost impact on the large accelerator projects. In this paper the author hopes to demonstrate that sources of dissipation usually attributed to external causes (mainly flux trapping during cooldown and hydrides precipitates) are related to the same type of crystalline defects that affect the local superconducting properties and can be at the source of early vortex penetration at the surface. We also want to show how these types of defects can explain some of the discrepancies observed from other laboratories in niobium cavity doping experiments. Understanding the origin and the role of these defects could provide direction for improving material specifications as well as improving fabrication control from sheet material to completed cavity. In particular, we will demonstrate that dislocation entanglements, due to the fabrication damage layer, have the strongest impact for the pinning behavior of trapped flux, as well as hydrogen segregation in cavity niobium. The author wishes to present to the superconducting radio frequency (SRF) accelerator community the synthesis of experimental results scattered in the literature, completed with some personal results. The results of this effort provide a new perspective on recently published work in the domain of SRF cavity doping and sensitivity to trapped flux during cooldown. I will also try to draw whenever possible, some conclusions about other types of superconductors used for SRF applications including $\mathrm{Nb}/\mathrm{Cu}$ thin films and to discuss their possible change of behavior with field or frequency. I will concentrate on surface and material science aspects since the experimental results on rf cavities have already been treated elsewhere.

Interface infectious keratitis after anterior and posterior lamellar keratoplasty. Clinical features and treatment strategies. A review

Interface infectious keratitis (IIK) is a novel corneal infection that may develop after any type of lamellar keratoplasty. Onset of infection occurs in the virtual space between the graft and...

Canopy factors influencing sunburn and fruit quality of Japanese plum (Prunus salicinaLindl.)

High irradiance and high temperatures decrease Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) quality by causing sunburn. We manipulated orchard conditions to determine how resultant light and temperature affected fruit quality and sunburn. In the 2013/14 season, early summer pruning, late pruning and a no pruning control were applied in an ‘African Delight’ plum orchard trained to a staggered V trellising system in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. In 2014/15, 20% shade net was incorporated during the hottest part of the season in a split plot design. Shade net and a no shade net control formed the main plots while pruning treatments were subplots. Photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), fruit surface temperature (FST) and sunburn were progressively assessed on two hourly intervals on typically hot days for upper, mid and lower canopy positions. PPF and FST generally decreased from top to bottom of the canopy. Upper canopy positions had bigger and softer fruit with higher sunburn incidence and higher total soluble solids (TSS). Fruit that developed sunburn received >50% PPF of full sun on average while average FST exceeded 35°C. Early summer pruning improved early light penetration but enabled vegetative regrowth for filtered light during the hottest part of the season resulting in bigger and redder fruit with higher TSS and low sunburn. Delayed pruning increased sunburn with no increase in fruit size, while the control delayed fruit maturity and reduced fruit size. The shade net reduced sunburn caused by delayed summer pruning. While it was apparent that proper timing of orchard light manipulation is essential, the use of shade net still has to be evaluated over the entire growing season to ascertain its full value.

Laterally pre-compressed SiC tiles against long rod impact

Abstract A combined experimental and computational study was carried out to investigate ballistic performance of laterally preload compressed SiC tile against long rod impact. A 100 × 100 b y 20 mm thick SiC tile was pushed into a 5 mm thick steel frame at high temperature of 430 °C so that after cool down to room temperature, the lateral preload compressive stress was developed in the SiC tiles. Depth of penetration tests of the SiC tiles with and without pre-stress were performed, where tungsten alloy long rods at a nominal velocity of 1240 m/s were launched to hit the SiC tiles backed by the steel blocks. Compared with the SiC tiles without any pre-stress, the pre-compressed SiC tiles were found to reduce significantly the residual penetration in the backing block. Simulations were carried out using the LS-dyna hydrocode, taking account of preload stress. The simulations showed that the lateral preload compression strengthened the intact SiC tiles and dwell occurred in the early penetration stage, eroding the striking long rod efficiently.

The effect of tourniquet usage on cement penetration in total knee arthroplasty: A prospective randomized study of 3 methods.

Background:It is a randomized study to compare cement penetration on x-rays after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among 3 different ways to use tourniquets; application during the surgery, application only with implantation prosthesis and with no tourniquet use.Methods:A total 69 knees of 59 patients were included in the study in a quasirandom manner. Each patient had physical exams and standard radiographic evaluations at 6 weeks after the TKA procedure. Outcome evaluations included visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Knee Society Scores (KSS), blood transfusion, and drainage status after surgery for all groups. For radiographic review, the tibial plateau was divided into zones in the anterior–posterior and lateral views, according to the Knee Society Scoring System.Results:The average age of the patients who were eligible for the study was 65.05 (range 46–81) years. All 59 patients included in the study were female patients. Group 1 consisted of 24 patients who had TKA with use of a tourniquet during the entire operation. Group 2 consisted of 20 patients who had TKA with use of tourniquet only at the time of cementing and group 3 consisted of 25 patients with no use tourniquet. There is no significant difference in early cement penetration among the groups (group 1 2.50 mm, group 2 2.28 mm, group 3 2.27 mm; group 1 vs 2 P = .083, group 1 vs 3 P = .091, group 2 vs 3 P = .073). There is no significant difference for postoperative drainage among the 3 groups (group 1 245 mL, group 2 258.76 mL, group 3 175.88 mL; group 1 vs 2 P = .081, group 1 vs 3 P = .072, group 2 vs 3 P = .054). There was no need to transfuse more than 1 unit in any patient. The VAS score was significantly higher (group 1 3.58, group 2 1.55, group 3 1.52; group 1 vs 2 P = .022, group 1 vs 3 P = .018, group 2 vs 3 P = .062) and KSS was significantly lower in the tourniquet group (group 1 63, group 2 79, group 3 82; group 1 vs 2 P = .017, group 1 vs 3 P = .02, group 2 vs 3 P = .082).Conclusion:We do not suggest long-duration tourniquet use, which can lead higher pain scores and reduce functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty.

Mammography screening: A major issue in medicine

Mammography screening: A major issue in medicine

Spatio-temporal evolution of diesel sprays at the early start of injection

The impact of injector life on the spatio-temporal evolution of fuel spray quality was optically investigated using high speed imaging techniques. Both new and used injectors, which had been used in intense operation for up to 90,000 miles, were considered in this investigation. Used injectors are prone to wear, deposit formation, and altered internal nozzle flow. High resolution SEM images clearly portray the presence of carbonaceous deposits both at the injector tip as well as within the holes of used injectors. Investigations revealed that used injectors tend to produce a chaotic hole-to-hole variation at the start of each injection, resulting in an asymmetric early fuel spray penetration pattern in the first 500μs. Often those sprays that suffered a reduced spray tip penetration rate at the start of injection also showed off-axis transient expansions, and those sprays appeared to be bulky compared to other sprays. Following the early asymmetric spray penetration phase of injection the retarded sprays undergo rapid acceleration with time, and this transformed the early asymmetric spray pattern into a nearly uniform spray pattern from all the orifices in the quasi-steady state regime. The hole-to-hole penetration variations and the resultant asymmetric spray structure at the early start are therefore short lived transient phenomena. However if the radial expansion of the spray is large during the early phase, the radially expanded plume remains almost at the same radial location due to lack of local axial momentum, even after different time instants of spray tip propagation. This appears as a bulge to the spray and can eventually end up as a stationary local pocket of fuel vapor close to the nozzle for the entire duration of injection. This may alter the ignition, flame lift-off and entrainment characteristics of sprays injected from used or deposit rich injectors.

Genetic screening of SCNN1B and SCNN1G genes in early-onset hypertensive patients helps to identify Liddle syndrome

ABSTRACTBackground: Liddle syndrome is an autosomal dominant form of monogenic hypertension. Phenotypic variability makes it difficult to identify patients with Liddle syndrome, resulting in misdiagnosis and severe complications at early age. Objectives: To identify mutation in SCNN1B and SCNN1G genes in an adolescent with suspicious Liddle syndrome and his family members and to explore the screening target subjects of Liddle syndrome. Methods: Genetic analysis of the C-terminus of SCNN1B and SCNN1G genes was conducted in an adolescent, with treatment-resistant hypertension and hypokalemia, who was suspected of having Liddle syndrome, and his family members. A Medline research of the reported cases with Liddle syndrome was also performed. Results: A recurrent SCNN1B mutation, c.1853C>A (p.P618H), was detected in the 19-year-old male patient, and family screening identified five additional members who were heterozygous for the mutation. The diagnosis of Liddle syndrome was made in all affected individuals. Despite the phenotypic variability, a systematic review of 54 reported index cases revealed the early-onset hypertension, aged no more than 30 years, as a common feature. Conclusions: Genetic screening for Liddle syndrome should be considered in hypertensive subjects with early penetrance, maybe no more than 30 years, after exclusion of common secondary causes of hypertension.

A study on tip penetration velocity and radial expansion of reacting diesel sprays with different fuels

The reacting diesel spray structure was investigated using n-dodecane, n-heptane and one binary blend of Primary Reference Fuels (80% n-heptane and 20% iso-octane in mass) based on the existing database from previous experimental results from Schlieren imaging technique in a constant pressure combustion chamber. The spray tip velocity was derived from the derivative of tip penetration versus time. The operating conditions and the injector used (single axially-oriented hole, 89mm-diameter) were chosen following the guidelines of the Engine Combustion Network. A 1D spray model was also applied here to support the analysis of experimental results. Parametric variations of injection pressure, ambient temperature and oxygen concentration have been performed for each fuel. Analysis of radial expansion and reacting tip velocity was performed in terms of an average spray radial increase (ΔR‾) and a constant (k) defining the tip penetration velocity. k values of reacting cases are always bigger than those from inert ones for both experimental and theoretical results. Based upon this parameter, quasi-steady tip penetration under the investigated conditions seems not to be affected by ambient temperature, oxygen content or fuel cetane number. Three cases with different fuels and similar ignition delay and lift-off length were further analyzed, which shows that the reactivity of the mixture has an effect on the transition timing from inert to reacting states, as well as on the initial penetration stages, but not on the quasi-steady phase. Apart from the similar tip velocity during quasi-steady phase, the full transient evolution of the tip is highly similar. The fact that this full overlap does not occur for other operating conditions indicates that early penetration stages are highly affected by the transient chemistry development, which largely depends on fuel cetane number.

Gas turbine advanced power systems to improve solid oxide fuel cell economic viability

Abstract Coupling a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with a gas turbine provides a substantial increment in system efficiency compared to the separate technologies, which can potentially introduce economic benefits and favor an early market penetration of fuel cells. Currently, the economic viability of such systems is limited by fuel cell short lifetime due to a progressive performance degradation that leads to cell failure. Mitigating these phenomena would have a significant impact on system economic feasibility. In this study, the lifetime of a standalone, atmospheric SOFC system was compared to a pressurized SOFC gas turbine hybrid and an economic analysis was performed. In both cases, the power production was required to be constant over time, with significantly different results for the two systems in terms of fuel cell operating life, system efficiency, and economic return. In the hybrid system, an extended fuel cell lifetime is achieved while maintaining high system efficiency and improving economic performance. In this work, the optimal power density was determined for the standalone fuel cell in order to have the best economic performance. Nevertheless, the hybrid system showed better economic performance, and it was less affected by the stack cost.

The importance of genetic counseling and genetic screening: a case report of a 16-year-old boy with resistant hypertension and severe hypokalemia

Liddle's syndrome, an autosomal dominant form of monogenic hypertension, is characterized by salt-sensitive hypertension with early penetrance, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, suppression of plasma rennin activity and aldosterone secretion, and a clear-cut response to epithelial sodium channel blockers but not spironolactone therapy. Here, we describe the case of a 16-year-old boy patient with resistant hypertension (maintain 170–180/100–110 mm Hg after administration four kinds of antiypertensive drugs) and severe hypokalemia. After a series of checks, we exclude primary aldosteronism and renal artery stenosis and other diseases. Finally, the Liddle syndrome was diagnosed because of the DNA sequencing found that the proband's mother and himself had mutations P616L (c.1847 C>T) in the SCNN1B gene. Liddle syndrome should be considered as a cause of hypertension in children or adolescents particularly with suppressed renin activity. Early diagnosis and appropriately tailored treatment avoid complications of long-term unrecognized or inappropriately managed hypertension. Genetic testing has made it possible to make accurate diagnoses and develop tailored therapies for mutation carriers. The role of genetic testing and genetic counseling in establishing the early diagnosis of Liddle's syndrome is important.

A rare case of congenital corneal clouding with anterior staphyloma of the eye

There are only few case reports of congenital anterior staphyloma, an extremely rare condition. We report a case of congenital anterior staphyloma presenting as corneal clouding. A preterm girl baby was noted at birth to have bilateral corneal opacity with left sided microcornea. Ophthalmological evaluation revealed anterior staphyloma in right eye &total leucomatous corneal opacity in left eye. Despite antiglaucoma treatment, right sided bupthalmos & corneal thinning worsened. Corneal transplant was done at 7 months of age & baby improved symptomatically.Congenital anterior staphyloma occurs due to developmental aberration or secondary to inflammation. There are various genetic, metabolic, developmental & idiopathic causes of congenital corneal clouding like congenital glaucoma, birth trauma, peters anomaly, dermoid tumors, sclerocornea, infectious/inflammatory processes, metabolic causes & excess prenatal maternal consumption of alcohol. Complete evaluation of congenital corneal clouding include slit lamp biomicroscopy, funduscopy, tonometry, gonioscopy, ultrasonography, photo screening, ultrasound biomicroscopy & CT scanning in selected cases. Treatment is primarily surgical followed by management of amblyopia & optical therapy. Early penetrating keratoplasty, primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy & corneal grafting are associated with a favorable visual outcome. Early identification of ophthalmological problems in infancy & prompt intervention is mandatory for conditions like congenital corneal clouding.

English

The effect of two rhizobacteria, Pantoea agglomerans and Bacillus subtilis on parasitism of the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne javanica on eggplants was evaluated in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. The impacts of the bacteria application as seed treatment, root dipping, and soil drench on early nematode penetration into plant roots, as well as, on eggplant growth were tested. The number of penetrated second stage juveniles of M. javanica was significantly reduced after P. agglomerans and B. subtilis application at concentration of 108 CFU ml-1. P. agglomerans increased the eggplant fresh shoot and root weight following seed treatment. In the greenhouse experiment the bacteria were applied alone and in combination with a carbamate nematicide, Oxamyl (Vydate®). P. agglomerans was able to suppress M. javanica development into plant roots through a first half of eggplant cropping season. At the end of cropping season B. subtilis significantly reduced root gall index and number of nematode juveniles in soil and roots. This bacterium applied in combination with Oxamyl was the most efficient against M. javanica reproduction. Thereby, B. subtilis might be considered as a good candidate for biological or integrated control of the root knot nematodes. Key words: Bacillus subtilis, Pantoea agglomerans, biological control, plant growth, gall index, root knot nematode.

Economic viability of Stratified Medicine concepts: An investor perspective on drivers and conditions that favour using Stratified Medicine approaches in a cost-contained healthcare environment

RationaleStratified Medicine (SM) is becoming a natural result of advances in biomedical science and a promising path for the innovation-based biopharmaceutical industry to create new investment opportunities. While the use of biomarkers to improve R&D efficiency and productivity is very much acknowledged by industry, much work remains to be done to understand the drivers and conditions that favour using a stratified approach to create economically viable products and to justify the investment in SM interventions as a stratification option. ConceptIn this paper we apply a decision analytical methodology to address the economic attractiveness of different SM development options in a cost-contained healthcare environment. For this purpose, a hypothetical business case in the oncology market has been developed considering four feasible development scenarios. ConclusionsThe article outlines the effects of development time and time to peak sales as key economic value drivers influencing profitability of SM interventions under specific conditions. If regulatory and reimbursement challenges can be solved, decreasing development time and enhancing early market penetration would most directly improve the economic attractiveness of SM interventions. Appropriate tailoring of highly differentiated patient subgroups is the prerequisite to leverage potential efficiency gains in the R&D process. Also, offering a better targeted and hence ultimately more cost-effective therapy at reimbursable prices will facilitate time to market access and allow increasing market share gains within the targeted populations.

Novel Catalyst-Layer Structures with Rationally Designed Catalyst/Ionomer Interfaces and Pore Structures Aided By Catalyst Functionalization

The cost and durability of the electro-catalysts used in the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are two critical factors affecting the early market penetration for both transportation and stationary applications. Although progress has been made in the rational designs of highly active ORR electro-catalysts with excellent performance characterized by rotating disc electrode (RDE), [1, 2] there still remains a huge challenge to implement these RDE findings into an actual membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for PEMFC systems. Because the ORR performance is largely influenced by the ionomer/catalyst interface within the catalyst layers of a MEA, the “ideal” interface should contain 100% ionomer coverage for maximizing catalyst utilization. In addition, the thickness of ionomer film over the catalyst nanoparticles should be optimal to facilitate gas diffusion and water balance without sacrificing its protonic conductivity. Additionally, the appropriate pore structure in the catalyst layer is also necessary for providing transport paths for both reactants (O2 and H2) to reach reaction sites as well as allow water mobility throughout the catalyst layer. In some of the more conventional MEA fabrication processes, the ionomer coverage of the catalyst particles can be partial or non-uniform. This is partly due to the lack of control of ionomer deposition onto the catalyst surface. As a consequence, some of the catalyst becomes electrochemically inactive. Furthermore, insufficient ionomer coverage suppresses the amount of H+ transport, thus impacting the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). On the other hand, the aggregation of ionomer with increasing ionomer content (to increase catalyst coverage) in a catalyst layer leads to a thicker ionomer film, which results in an increased gas and water diffusional barrier. We will present a novel approach to construct an innovative ionomer/catalyst interface with high ionomer coverage and a thin ionomer layer. This is done by an electrostatic charge attraction of a negatively charged “-SO3 -” on the surface of ionomer particles and a positively charged “-NH3 +” on the surface of catalyst particles (catalyst surface charge is realized by chemically grafting different functional groups via diazonium reaction). In our approach, the improved ionomer/catalyst interface is formed during the ink preparation. Using a unique method of combined ultra-small angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) and cryo-TEM, we observed a significant increase on carbon aggregate size after the NH3 +- functionalized carbon black (CB) particles were mixed with Nafion ionomer, whereas only a negligible size change was observed when SO3 - functionalized CB was used. These results suggest that the coulombic attraction facilitates the mixing of catalyst and ionomer. The ionomer/catalyst interface was characterized by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) combined with Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. Figure 1(b) shows the EDS mapping of F distribution for both NH3 +-CB and SO3 --CB. We will report on the performance of MEAs using this approach. Reference [1] C. Chen, Y. Kang, Z. Huo, Z. Zhu, W. Huang, H.L. Xin, J.D. Snyder, D. Li, J.A. Herron, M. Mavrikakis, M. Chi, K.L. More, Y. Li, N.M. Markovic, G.A. Somorjai, P. Yang, V.R. Stamenkovic, Highly Crystalline Multimetallic Nanoframes with Three-Dimensional Electrocatalytic Surfaces, Science, 343 (2014) 1339-1343. [2] X. Huang, Z. Zhao, L. Cao, Y. Chen, E. Zhu, Z. Lin, M. Li, A. Yan, A. Zettl, Y.M. Wang, X. Duan, T. Mueller, Y. Huang, High-performance transition metal–doped Pt3Ni octahedra for oxygen reduction reaction, Science, 348 (2015) 1230-1234. Figure 1