Finger-like Morphology Research Articles

Growing bacterial colonies harness emergent genealogical demixing to regulate organizational entropy

Spatiotemporal organization of individuals within growing bacterial colonies is a key determinant of intraspecific interactions and colony-scale heterogeneities. The evolving cellular distribution, in relation to the genealogical lineage, is thus central to our understanding of bacterial fate across scales. Yet, how bacteria self-organize genealogically as a colony expands has remained unknown. Here, by developing a custom-built label-free algorithm, we track and study the genesis and evolution of emergent self-similar genealogical enclaves, whose dynamics are governed by biological activity. Topological defects at enclave boundaries tune finger-like morphologies of the active interfaces. The Shannon entropy of cell arrangements reduce over time; with faster-dividing cells possessing higher spatial affinity to genealogical relatives, at the cost of a well-mixed, entropically favorable state. Our coarse-grained lattice model demonstrates that genealogical enclaves emerge due to an interplay of division-mediated dispersal, stochasticity of division events, and cell-cell interactions. The study reports so-far hidden emergent self-organizing features arising due to entropic suppression, ultimately modulating intraspecific genealogical distances within bacterial colonies.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Modified Silica/Cellulose Acetate Nanocomposite Ultrafiltration Membrane for Phenol Removal from Wastewater

In addressing the critical environmental challenge of phenol pollution in water sources, this work studies phenol removal from wastewater using advanced ultrafiltration membranes. These membranes are enhanced with hydrophilic nanoparticles, specifically silica-based ones, to boost their efficiency and effectiveness. The process involves creating cellulose acetate (CA) mixed-matrix membranes, where silica nanoparticles are initially coated with a choline chloride-ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvent (DES). This composite is then incorporated into the CA membranes at varying concentrations of 0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 0.75 % by weight using phase inversion. The membranes are thoroughly examined for their structure and performance utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, pore size analysis, porosity assessment, and mechanical strength tests.Additionally, water flux and phenol removal performance tests were performed using a dead-end filtration setup at a pressure of 1 bar. Incorporating DES-modified nanofillers significantly enhances the membranes’ hydrophilicity and phenol removal efficiency. The internal structure exhibits a finger-like morphology with increased porosity and larger pore sizes. Notably, the membrane fabricated with 0.5 wt% modified nanoparticles showed the highest phenol removal (about 74 %) for 30 ppm aqueous phenol and water flux of 126.38 L m−2h−1. This indicates that using modified nanoparticles (DES-SiO2) in engineering ultrafiltration (UF) membranes results in an enhanced pore structure, improved chemical properties, and the effective removal of small molecules, including phenol.

Multiscale stiffness characterisation of both healthy and osteoporotic bone tissue using subject-specific data

Severe bone fractures are often treated by appending internal fixations. In unhealthy or osteoporotic patients, post-implantation bone fractures can occur due to external impact (e.g. from a fall), day-to-day activities in highly-osteoporotic cases and mismatches in the stiffness of bone and the implant’s biomaterial, since this causes stress concentrations. One approach to alleviating this problem is to use biomaterials that closely mimic the effective stiffness of real bone, thereby more seamlessly integrating the fixation. This requires to know the properties target (bone properties) and therefore, it highlights the relevance of the evaluation of the bone’s mechanical properties which is impractical via direct measurement. This work presents a methodology (multistage homogenisation) for predicting the anisotropic stiffness of bone given the porosity and mineral fraction, both of which are more readily obtained than the mechanical properties themselves. Unlike previous work we: (i) account for finger-like morphology of the mineral phase at the nanoscale; (ii) use microscopy data to model the osteon geometry and its curvilinear anisotropy at the microscale, and (iii) use data to define the trabecular (microCT) and cortical (microscopy) bone geometries at the mesoscale. The predicts have been shown to agree favourably with experimental data in the literature as well as previous modelling works. The results are summarised in a database containing anisotropic stiffness tensors applicable to a broad range of degrees of bone health (e.g. mineral fractions and mesoscale porosities); thus, this work is a contribution towards being able to design more robust patient-specific bone implants in practice.

Effect of Polymer Dissolution Temperature and Conditioning Time on the Morphological and Physicochemical Characteristics of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Membranes Prepared by Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation.

This work reports on the production of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent and water as non-solvent. The influence of the processing conditions in the morphology, surface characteristics, structure, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated for polymer dissolution temperatures between 25 and 150 °C and conditioning time between 0 and 10 min. Finger-like pore morphology was obtained for all membranes and increasing the polymer dissolution temperature led to an increase in the average pore size (≈0.9 and 2.1 µm), porosity (≈50 to 90%) and water contact angle (up to 80°), in turn decreasing the β PVDF content (≈67 to 20%) with the degree of crystallinity remaining approximately constant (≈56%). The conditioning time did not significantly affect the polymer properties studied. Thus, the control of NIPS parameters proved to be suitable for tailoring PVDF membrane properties.

Developing a Thin Film Composite Membrane with Hydrophilic Sulfonated Substrate on Nonwoven Backing Fabric Support for Forward Osmosis.

This study describes the fabrication of sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) as a super-hydrophilic substrate for developing a composite forward osmosis (FO) membrane on a nonwoven backing fabric support. SPES was prepared through an indirect sulfonation procedure and then blended with PES at a certain ratio. Applying SPES as the substrate affected membrane properties, such as porosity, total thickness, morphology, and hydrophilicity. The PES-based FO membrane with a finger-like structure had lower performance in comparison with the SPES based FO membrane having a sponge-like structure. The finger-like morphology changed to a sponge-like morphology with the increase in the SPES concentration. The FO membrane based on a more hydrophilic substrate via sulfonation had a sponge morphology and showed better water flux results. Water flux of 26.1 L m−2 h−1 and specific reverse solute flux of 0.66 g L−1 were attained at a SPES blend ratio of 50 wt % when 3 M NaCl was used as the draw solution and DI water as feed solution under the FO mode. This work offers significant insights into understanding the factors affecting FO membrane performance, such as porosity and functionality.

Fabrication of zinc doped aluminium oxide/polysulfone mixed matrix membranes for enhanced antifouling property and heavy metal removal

Heavy metal removal from water resources is essential for environmental protection and the production of safe drinking water. In this direction, Zinc doped Aluminium Oxide (Zn:Al2O3) nanoparticles were incorporated into Polysulfone (PSf) to prepare mixed matrix membranes for the efficient removal of heavy metals from water. These Zn:Al2O3 nanoparticles prepared by the solution combustion method have a very high surface area (261.44 m2/g) with an approximate size of 50 nm. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy analysis showed that the Al and Zn were in +3 and + 2 oxidation states, respectively. Cross-sectional Scanning Electron Microscopy images revealed the finger-like morphology and porous nature of the membranes. In this study, the optimum loading amount of Zn:Al2O3 nanoparticles was determined. Synthesized membranes showed enhanced hydrophilicity, surface charge, and porosity, which enabled the removal of arsenic and lead with efficiencies of 87% and 98%, respectively. A study of the antifouling properties carried out at various pressures with a feed solution containing Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) showed 98.4% of flux recovery ratio and reusability up to three continuous cycles. Moreover, this work demonstrates a rational design of novel mixed matrix membranes exhibiting characteristics of hydrophilicity, surface charge, and porosity adequate to realize the efficient removal of heavy metals.

Anti-fouling piezoelectric PVDF membrane: Effect of morphology on dielectric and piezoelectric properties

Piezoelectric membrane serves as an alternative to vibratory shear-enhanced process, which potentially offers lower cost of operation as the source of agitation is the membrane itself. The effect of morphology on dielectric and piezoelectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes prepared via non-solvent induced phase separation method was investigated. The membranes were fabricated using different solvents: N,N-dimethylformamide (PVDF-DMF), 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (PVDF-NMP) and triethyl phosphate (PVDF-TEP). Dielectric strength analysis and piezo-response force microscopy (PFM) revealed that PVDF-DMF, displaying finger-like morphology, presented highest dielectric strength and desired piezoelectric properties. The presence of macrovoids in PVDF-NMP resulted in weak dielectric strength. Electrical poling was performed, enhancing the piezoelectric properties of membranes. No noticeable change in microstructure was observed for PVDF-NMP after poling. However, cross-section morphology of PVDF-DMF visibly changed from finger-like to drop-like cavities. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and PFM showed improvements in fraction of β phase and piezoelectric coefficient d33 after poling. Cross-flow filtration experiments using colloidal silica were performed to investigate effect of electrical signal (10 Vpp, 500 Hz) on the membranes. It showed negligible effect on performance of unpoled PVDF-DMF, while 46% increase in critical flux and 66% reduction in transmembrane pressure increase (dTMP/dt) was observed for poled PVDF-DMF under electrical signal.

Source and behavior of pyroclastic density currents generated by Vulcanian-style explosions of Popocatépetl volcano (Mexico) on 22 January 2001

Since 1994 Popocatépetl volcano has extruded 85 lava domes, each of which has been destroyed by Vulcanian-style explosions. The paroxysmal Vulcanian explosion of 22 January 2001 has been unique by generating multiple pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). Scientists and Civil Protection authorities have used those PDCs to remap the high-risk hazard zone of the volcano, although little study has been carried out to understand the generation and evolution of those PDCs. Here, we examine 38 stratigraphic sections and analyze the granulometry, componentry, vesicularity, and petrology (glass, melt inclusions in plagioclase) of collected samples to interpret the origins of the Vulcanian explosions and the PDC behavior. The 22 January event generated two series of dense PDCs that detached from the base of the eruption column. The first set of PDCs traveled northwest across a glacier on the volcano, partially scouring and melting the ice that hours later generated a lahar. Two pulses of these PDCs were confined within a large ravine, surpassed the slope break, and traveled up to 3 km away from the vent. The deposits are matrix-supported throughout their extent. The second set of PDCs traveled to the northeast, mainly as unconfined currents that split into two lobes prior to the slope break. The farthest traveled current followed a western ravine and reached the forest 3.5 km from the summit. The eastern lobe buried a local hiking hut and reached 2.1 km. The deposits from these northeastern currents are massive and block-supported. All deposits (volume of 5.71 × 105 m3) have finger-like morphology with levees and frontal snouts. All PDCs flowed as a dense basal granular current with turbulent upper clouds at minimum speeds of 7–10 m/s.The components of the deposits are, in order of abundance, black scoria (53–62 wt% SiO2), banded scoria, pumice (63 wt% SiO2), dome lithics (60–61 wt% SiO2), accidental lithics, and free crystals. Juvenile pumice and scoria contain phenocrysts of plagioclase (An47±10), clinopyroxene (En48±3), orthopyroxene (En64±1), ilmenite, and titanomagnetite set in a rhyolitic glass (pumice clast; 74.39 wt% SiO2) or microlite-rich matrix (scoria clast). The dome lithics also contain these phenocrysts as well as rare olivine phenocrysts (Fe2+/(Fe2 + Mg) = 0.1). Dissolved H2O-CO2 contents in melt inclusions hosted by pumice-plagioclase phenocrysts suggest the felsic magma was stored at depths of 2–4 km. Thus, the 2001 event was triggered by the injection of mafic magmas into a small volume of felsic magma, probably forming dikes left from the previous eruptive episode. We propose that the Vulcanian-explosions tap a column of magma (~2 km depth) equivalent to the volume that contained the felsic dikes. This mechanism has been acting during the destruction of all summit domes of the ongoing eruption of the volcano.

Spatially Quasi-periodic Finger-like Auroras during Substorms

Abstract North–south-aligned discrete auroras are common phenomena during substorms. A quasi-periodic form of such auroras distributed azimuthally in the nightside resembles a finger-like morphology. They were noticed in sawtooth-time substorms, but have not yet been paid much attention during other geomagnetic times. In this study, we investigate the longitudinal periodicity of those auroras for different types of substorms using IMAGE data from 2001 to 2003. Using an automated detection algorithm, we identified multiple north–south-aligned thin auroral structures in auroral images and found that their average center and length in latitude, and longitudinal wavelength (∼25°) are essentially the same. However, the occurrent rates for finger-like auroras are substantially different, 83%, 64%, and 18% for sawtooth-time substorms, storm-time substorms and isolated substorms, respectively. Therefore, statistical results indicate that finger-like auroras occur in favor of geomagnetically more active times. Combining our data analysis and previous simulations, we suggest that interchange instability is a possible mechanism of spatially quasi-periodic finger-like auroras when a substorm injection happens in a very wide local time. It is particularly important to point out that the sawtooth events not only have a temporal periodicity as defined in particle injections, but also have a spatial periodicity as observed in auroral morphology for the majority of them.

Evolution of the Microstructure of Intermetallic Compounds Formed on Mild Steel During Hot Dipping in Molten Aluminum Alloy Baths

Hot-dip aluminum coating technique has been applied to improve the high-temperature oxidation resistance of steels. This method is adopted widely due to the low cost and good performance. The purpose of this paper is to study the formation of intermetallic layers during the hot dipping of mild steel into a molten aluminum bath. Mild steel specimens were immersed into molten aluminum alloy baths at 750 °C for 1 h, 2 h and 3 h. Intermetallic compounds were analyzed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. This study was completed by microhardness testing. The results showed that the hot-dip aluminized layer was divided into an outer pure aluminum or aluminum–silicon topcoat and an intermetallic layer. In the bath of pure aluminum, the intermetallic layer was the thickest and consisted of an outer FeAl3 layer and an inner Fe2Al5 layer adjacent to the steel substrate with tongue-/finger-like morphology, while in the Al–Si alloy bath, the thickness of the intermetallic layer decreased substantially and the interface intermetallic/steel substrate becomes flat. The ternary phases Al8Fe2Si and Fe3Al2Si3 are identified in addition to FeAl3 and Fe2Al5. The microhardness testing recorded high values of the intermetallic layers, up to 800Hv01, which confirms the high brittleness of the intermetallic compounds.

Modification of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane using ultrasonic-assisted functionalized MoS2 for treatment of oil refinery wastewater

In this research, bulk MoS2 was exfoliated and functionalized using ultrasonic irradiation. The prepared nanolayered MoS2 was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The nanolayered MoS2 was applied as a hydrophilic additive for modification of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membrane. The MoS2/PES nanocomposite membranes with various contents of MoS2 were fabricated using non-solvent induced phase-inversion method. Finger-like morphology was observed for fabricated membranes in cross-section SEM images. According to the results of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis, the optimum nanocomposite membrane represented highest average surface roughness and consequently highest efficient area for filtration compared with other nanocomposite membranes. The contact angle analysis confirmed hydrophilicity improvement of PES membrane by embedding nanolayered MoS2. The performance of the PES membrane was optimized in the presence of appropriate content of the hydrophilic nanolayered MoS2 (0.2 wt%). The pure water flux and flux recovery ratio of the 0.2 wt% MoS2/PES nanocomposite membrane were respectively 45% and 30% higher than that of the bare PES membrane. Finally, the optimized nanocomposite membrane was used for the treatment of oil refinery wastewater. The flux of the bare and optimum nanocomposite membrane was reached to 58% and 73% of their initial flux after160 min of filtration. This confirmed better fouling resistance performance of optimum nanocomposite membrane compared with the bare one. The COD and the turbidity of the wastewater were decreased from 240 mg/L and 12.2 NTU to 40.8 mg/L and 2.1 NTU, respectively, after 160 min filtration by optimum nanocomposite membrane.

Investigations of the peritectic reaction and transformation in a hypo-peritectic steel: Using high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry

The present work focuses on the peritectic reaction and transformation in a commercial hypo-peritectic steel. This multiple phase transformation was studied by means of the high temperature confocal scanning laser microscopy (HTCSLM) and the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The results indicate that the technique of combining HTCSLM and DSC can effectively distinguish and characterize the peritectic reaction and transformation. The results of these two methods verify and complement each other in interpreting the peritectic reaction and transformation. In situ observation of HTCSLM reveals that the austenite → δ-ferrite transformation during the continuous heating firstly occurred around the inclusion and at austenite grain boundary. The emerging δ/γ interfaces travel through previous γ grains by a finger-like morphology. With further heating, the unstable liquid phase formed by the peritectic reaction transforms into the δ-ferrite phases again. These stable δ-ferrite phases subsequently melt into liquid phase. During the peritectic solidification, in situ observation reveals that the peritectic reaction is firstly observed to occur at the junction interface of the liquid phase and δ-ferrite phase. The γ intermediate phase propagates and thickens toward the liquid phase side and the δ-ferrite phase side in the subsequent peritectic transformation. The δ-ferrite and γ phases were observed to coexist in solid phase when the peritectic transformation finishes. Based on the linear regression of DSC results, it is found that the activation energy of the peritectic reaction is larger than that of the other phase transformations during heating, but it is on the contrary during cooling.

Comparative study on the performance of co-extruded hollow fiber solid oxide fuel cell fuelled with hydrogen and methane

In this study, the effects of two fuel types, i.e., hydrogen and methane on the electrochemical performance of the co-extruded triple layer hollow fiber, were systemically studied. The triple layer hollow fiber consisted of electrolyte/active functional layer (AFL)/anode was fabricated by single-step phase-inversion-based co-extrusion technique prior to the sintering process at temperature range of 1400 to 1500 °C. The hollow fibers were characterized by three-point bending test, gas tightness test, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electrochemical performance test was carried out at temperatures of 700–800 °C by flowing fuel at 20 ml/min. Based on the results attained, the gas tightness and bending test are improved by the increase of sintering temperature. SEM results show that the finger-like morphology length around 100 μm is obtained. In addition, the AFL layer located in the middle layer of the hollow fiber has its own finger like which forms sandwich-like structure with the anode layer. The open circuit voltage is recorded at 1.05 V with the highest power density obtained at 0.6 W cm−2 by using hydrogen. By changing the fuel into methane gas, the highest power density is achieved at 0.8 W cm−2. This is due to the methane that carries more hydrogen molecule. This indicates that the methane fuel can be utilized in hollow fiber SOFC systems.

Microstructure of localized corrosion front on Mg alloys and the relationship with hydrogen evolution

Actively propagating localized corrosion fronts on pure Mg, Mg-Zn-Ca-Mn, and Mg-Y alloys in NaCl aqueous solutions were investigated by site-specific characterization techniques. Regardless of alloy microstructure and polarization conditions, rising streams of hydrogen bubbles were observed predominantly at the propagating corrosion fronts. Localized corrosion propagated inside the alloys, underneath a surface corrosion film, and exhibited a finger-like morphology at the corrosion region/alloy interface. Hydrogen evolution was found to be related to the formation of corrosion products and followed local anodic dissolution of Mg. Localized corrosion morphology strongly varied with the underlying Mg alloy microstructure and chemistry.

Negatively charged polysulfone membranes with hydrophilicity and antifouling properties based on in situ cross-linked polymerization.

Polysulfone (PSf) membrane has been widely used in water separation and purification, although, membrane fouling is still a serious problem limiting its potential. We aim to improve the antifouling of PSf membranes via a very simple and efficient method. In this work, antifouling PSf membranes were fabricated via in situ cross-linked polymerization coupled with non-solvent induced phase separation. In brief, acrylic acid (AA) and vinyltriethoxysilane (VTEOS) were copolymerized in PSf solution, then directly casted into membranes without purification. With the increase of monomers concentration, the morphology of the as-cast membranes changed from a finger-like morphology to a fully sponge-like structure due to the increased viscosity and decreased precipitation rate of the polymer solutions. Meanwhile, the hydrophilicity and electronegativity of modified membranes were highly improved leading to inhibited protein adsorption and improved antifouling property. Furthermore, in order to further find out the different roles player by AA and VTESO, the modified membrane without VTEOS was prepared and characterized. The results indicated that AA is more effective in the membrane hydrophilicity improvement, VTEOS is more crucial to improve membrane stability. This work provides valuable guidance for fabricating PSf membranes with hydrophilicity and antifouling property via in situ cross-linked polymerization.

Morphological Stability of δ-Ferrite/γ Interphase Boundary in Carbon Steel

The morphological changes of the δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary have been observed in situ with a high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscope (HTCSLM) during δ/γ transformations (δ → γ and γ → δ) of Fe-0.06 wt pct C-0.6 wt pct Mn alloy, and a kinetic equation of morphological stability of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary has been established. Thereafter, the criterion expression for morphological stability of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary was established and discussed, and the critical migration speeds of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundaries are calculated in Fe-C, Fe-Ni, and Fe-Cr alloys. The results indicate that the δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary is very stable and nearly remains absolute planar all the time during γ → δ transformation in Fe-C alloy. The δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary remains basically planar during δ → γ transformation when the migration speed is lower than 0.88 μm/s, and the interphase boundary will be unstable and exhibit a finger-like morphology when the migration speed is higher than 0.88 μm/s. The morphological stability of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary is primarily controlled by the interface energy and the solute concentration gradient at the front of the boundary. During the constant temperature phase transformation, an opposite temperature gradient on both sides of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary weakens the steady effect of the temperature gradient on the boundary. The theoretical analysis of the morphological stability of the δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary is coincident with the observed experimental results utilizing the HTCSLM. There is a good agreement between the theoretical calculation of the critical moving velocities of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundaries and the experimental results.

Crystal Morphology of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) on Amorphous Poly(vinylphenol) Substrate.

The crystalline morphology and orientation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) thin film on the poly(vinylphenol) (PVPh) sublayer with different thickness was studied by atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. PVPh sublayer influences the morphology of PHB greatly. Although edge-on lamellae form on both Si and PVPh surfaces at relatively lower crystallization temperature, the morphology of them is quite different. It appears as sheaflike edge-on lamellar morphology on PVPh sublayer. In addition, the edge-on lamellae prefer to form on the PVPh sublayers at much higher crystallization temperature compared with that on Si wafer. The PVPh layer thickness also influences the crystalline morphology of PHB. On a 30 nm thick PVPh layer, sheaflike edge-on lamellae form in a wide range of crystallization temperatures. When the PVPh thickness increases to 65 nm, fingerlike morphology is observed when the crystallization temperature is lower than 95 °C. The fingerlike morphology is caused by a diffusion-limited aggregation process, and it requires an optimum condition. Thickness ratio between PHB and PVPh sublayer and temperature are two key factors for the formation of fingerlike morphology.

Squamous Papilloma over Lid Margin: An Uncommon Presentation

ABSTRACT Papilloma is a histopathological term describing tumors of a classical finger-like or cauliflower morphology. Though benign, they carry profound malignancy potential and can present at numerous anatomical locations, such as skin, cervix, esophagus, respiratory tract, breast duct, etc. Papillomas over conjunctiva are not frequently encountered and carry special significance. A 60-year-old diabetic female presented with a left upper lid marginal sessile mass of 9 months duration with mild epiphora and foreign body sensation. On examination, a solitary, fleshy, sessile, polypoidal mass measuring 1 × 1 cm was seen, with irregular cauliflower-like surface present over lateral aspect of left upper lid, firm in consistency with raised edges. Visual acuity in right eye was 6/18→6/9 and left eye 6/36→6/9, intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14.6 mm Hg in both eyes by Schiotz tonometry. Complete excision of the lesion employing microsurgical technique with close apposition of lid margin using 6-0 Vicryl sutures was done under local anesthesia (LA). Histopathological examination revealed stratified squamous epithelium forming papillae with variable goblet cells supported by prominent branching fibrovascular cores in the center. A satisfactory cosmetic result was achieved. Follow-up of 6 months did not reveal any recurrence. A satisfactory functional and cosmetic result achieved. Squamous papillomas over lid margin are uncommon presentations. Even though benign they carry morbidity potential in the form of chronic epiphora, corneal erosions, and lid deformities if inadequately managed. How to cite this article Goyal E, Gupta P, Dokania A, Rizvi Y. Squamous Papilloma over Lid Margin: An Uncommon Presentation. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(3):128-130.

Facile and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Finger-Like Co₃O₄ Nanorods for Electrochemical Energy Storage.

Co3O4 nanorods were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method. Eco-friendly deionized water rather than organic solvent was used as the hydrothermal media. The as-prepared Co3O4 nanorods are composed of many nanoparticles of 30–50 nm in diameter, forming a finger-like morphology. The Co3O4 electrode shows a specific capacitance of 265 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 in a supercapacitor and delivers an initial specific discharge capacity as high as 1171 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 in a lithium ion battery. Excellent cycling stability and electrochemical reversibility of the Co3O4 electrode were also obtained.

The Effect of High Temperature Thermal Cycling on Near-Surface Sulphur Partitioning in Gamma and Gamma Prime Phases and Its Implications on Sulphur Segregation in Coated Ni-Base Superalloys

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was used to study the near-surface segregation of sulphur during; (a) the thermal processing stages (diffusion annealing after application of Pt bond coat and after secondary ageing following subsequent deposition of the Y2O3-stabilised ZrO2 top coat) and (b) thermal cycling in the Ni-base superalloy, CMSX4. In the thermal processing stages, an increased segregation of sulphur was observed within the upper regions of the Pt bond coat after diffusion annealing, while following secondary ageing, the sulphur segregation in this layer became heterogeneous with discrete pockets of enrichment (≫1 ppm) and regions of depletion (≪1 ppm). During thermal cycling, partitioning of sulphur occurred to the Pt-enriched γ′ region characterised by the finger-like morphology, while examination of TBC spalled specimens showed significant depletion of sulphur within the substrate in the vicinity of the surface. The reservoir for sulphur-depletion within the substrate was definitively identified as the Pt-enriched γ′ region. A quantitative method for the calculation of sulphur-segregation at the surface in terms of mono-layers is presented.