Intact Interface Research Articles

Pancreatic Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor Presenting With Elevated DHEA and Testosterone

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN) of the pancreas are extremely rare epithelial tumor with low malignant potential, account for 1-2% of exocrine pancreatic tumors. When symptomatic, these tumors come to light due to mass affect on neighboring structures. Peculiarly, we encountered a healthy 34-year-old female who was found to have an elevated dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone level during evaluation of irregular menstrual cycles. She subsequently underwent a CT scan with no abnormalities of the adrenal glands; however, an indeterminate pancreatic tail mass was seen. MRI of abdomen further characterized the lesion as an enhancing pancreatic tail mass measuring up to 2.7 cm, that was concerning for pancreatic neoplasm. The patient underwent upper endoscopic ultrasound which confirmed a hypoechoic mass in the pancreatic tail, measuring 2.3 by 1.7 cm. An intact interface was seen between the mass and adjacent structures, suggesting a lack of invasion. Fine needle biopsy was performed and cytology revealed solid pseudopapillary tumor (Figures 1&2). The patient was advised to undergo distal pancreatectomy. Although there does to be a female predilection of SPNs, the underlying role of sex hormones (ie: estrogen and progesterone) in neoplasm growth or histogenesis remains unclear. One retrospective study, spanning 15 years, noted the clinical presentation was generally nonspecific. Abdominal or vague pain was seen in ˜70% of their patients and was followed by symptoms of tumor mass effects. SPNs are generally inactive on screening modalities such as tumor markers (ie: AFP, CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 125). Histochemically there is no evidence of pancreatic insufficiency, pancreatic parenchymal injury, abnormal liver function, or cholestasis. To our knowledge this is the first documented presentation with elevated DHEA and Testosterone level in an asymptomatic woman. Extensive workup reveled no secondary (including adrenal) etiology for her hormonal dysregulation. We recommend further review and investigation into this potential correlative relationship in an effort to guide future management of this unusual neoplasm.1319_A.tif Figure 1: No Caption available.1319_B.tif Figure 2: No Caption available.

Sn4P3/SbSn Nanocomposites for Anode Application in Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractA facile one‐pot solvothermal method has been developed to synthesize Sn4P3/SbSn nanocomposites with a side‐by‐side configuration in individual nanoparticles. We show that introducing SbSn to Sn4P3 in such a configuration can improve the cyclic stability of the phase‐pure Sn4P3 electrode without sacrificing its practical capacity, although the theoretical capacity of SbSn is lower than that of Sn4P3. The nanocomposite anode delivers a highest capacity of 614.7 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and shows superior capacity retention to the phase pure Sn4P3, SbSn, or physical mixture of Sn4P3&SbSn based anodes after long cycles. The intact interface between the Sn4P3 and SbSn in the nanocomposite and their synergetic effect play important roles in enhancing the electrochemical performance of the composite electrode.

Plasma electrolytic oxidation induced ‘local over-growth’ characteristic across substrate/coating interface: Effects and tailoring strategy of individual pulse energy

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings fabricated on 6061 aluminum alloy under different applied voltages (400 V, 500 V and 600 V) were used to investigate the plasma discharge induced ‘local over-growth’ characteristics across substrate/coating interface. The instant microdischarges across the local plasma channels induce the ‘micro molten pool’ products and then solidify rapidly to form ‘over-growth’ oxides region extending into substrate. A thin bonding layer composed of nanocrystalline and amorphous Al2O3 with a constant thickness of ~600 nm is always forming on the interface. The intact interface structure of the “local over-growth” characteristic patterns was presented perfectly by both microdischarge-sculpted substrate side ‘pits’ and electrochemically detached coating side ‘protrusions’. The patterns demonstrate that the over-growth ‘pits’ and ‘protrusions’ gradually grow up with increasing applied voltage, which is attributed to the larger discharge channels and molten pools caused by the increased size and intensity of plasma discharges. The speculative ‘over-growth’ mechanism of discharge event during plasma electrolytic oxidation process is described. This work provides insights to control ‘over-growth’ characteristics of substrate/coating interface by tailoring electrical parameters or electrolytes composition. And this strategy has a potential application to fabricate micro-nano structure or optimize outstanding performance of PEO coatings.

Inhibition of Filiform Corrosion on Organic-Coated Magnesium-Containing Galvanized Steel By Smart-Release Ion Exchange Pigments

Zinc-(1-2 w%) Magnesium-(1-2 w%) Aluminium coated galvanized steel presents a superior corrosion resistance over conventional galvanized steel as a result of the Al and Mg additions to the bulk composition of the coating. It has been previously demonstrated that cathodic delamination does not occur on organically-coated ZMA galvanized steel due to the unfavourable potential gradient formed between the intact interface and the defect. Contrary, the potential at the intact interface is more negative than the potential at the defect thus triggering anodic undermining in the form of filiform corrosion. Smart-release exchange pigments have been proven to be a promising approach towards the suppression of undermining corrosion. In the current research, the ability of hydrotalcite (HT) based pigments on the inhibition of induced filiform corrosion on organic coated ZMA galvanized steel has been investigated. This paper describes a systematic kinetic study on the inhibitory effect of anion exchange HT-based pigments on filiform corroding hot dipped Zn-(1-2 w%)Mg-(1-2 w%)Al galvanized steel. The samples were alkaline degreased in 1M KOH and 1M NaOH at 70oC and 3 min immersion time and were coated with a model organic coating of 15.5% PVB containing the exchange pigments via bar casting. Filiform corrosion was then initiated via scribing the samples and introducing a corrosive electrolyte in the defect. The kinetics of filiform corrosion were followed by optical recording over a period of six weeks. It is positively demonstrated that the addition of smart-release pigments in the organic coating greatly suppresses the rate of filiform corrosion. The inhibitory effect of the pigments has been further investigated by systematically varying the volume fraction of the pigment on the organic coating presenting the reduction of filiform corrosion rate with respect to the concentration of the pigment in the organic coating. The effect of anion exchange HT-based pigments on filiform kinetics is analysed and described in terms of an inhibition mechanism.

Airway Epithelial Cells Are Crucial Targets of Glucocorticoids in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma.

Although glucocorticoids (GCs) are a mainstay in the clinical management of asthma, the target cells that mediate their therapeutic effects are unknown. Contrary to our expectation, we found that GC receptor (GR) expression in immune cells was dispensable for successful therapy of allergic airway inflammation (AAI) with dexamethasone. Instead, GC treatment was compromised in mice expressing a defective GR in the nonhematopoietic compartment or selectively lacking the GR in airway epithelial cells. Further, we found that an intact GR dimerization interface was a prerequisite for the suppression of AAI and airway hyperresponsiveness by GCs. Our observation that the ability of dexamethasone to modulate gene expression in airway epithelial cells coincided with its potency to resolve AAI supports a crucial role for transcriptional regulation by the GR in this cell type. Taken together, we identified an unknown mode of GC action in the treatment of allergic asthma that might help to develop more specific therapies in the future.

Fe2 PO5 -Encapsulated Reverse Energetic ZnO/Fe2 O3 Heterojunction Nanowire for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Oxidation of Water.

Zinc oxide is regarded as a promising candidate for application in photoelectrochemical water oxidation due to its higher electron mobility. However, its instability under alkaline conditions limits its application in a practical setting. Herein, we demonstrate an easily achieved wet-chemical route to chemically stabilize ZnO nanowires (NWs) by protecting them with a thin layer Fe2 O3 shell. This shell, in which the thickness can be tuned by varying reaction times, forms an intact interface with ZnO NWs, thus protecting ZnO from corrosion in a basic solution. The reverse energetic heterojunction nanowires are subsequently activated by introducing an amorphous iron phosphate, which substantially suppressed surface recombination as a passivation layer and improved photoelectrochemical performance as a potential catalyst. Compared with pure ZnO NWs (0.4 mA cm-2 ), a maximal photocurrent of 1.0 mA cm-2 is achieved with ZnO/Fe2 O3 core-shell NWs and 2.3 mA cm-2 was achieved for the PH3 -treated NWs at 1.23 V versus RHE. The PH3 low-temperature treatment creates a dual function, passivation and catalyst layer (Fe2 PO5 ), examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TEM, photoelectrochemical characterization, and impedance measurements. Such a nano-composition design offers great promise to improve the overall performance of the photoanode material.

Optimization of Oxidation Temperature for Commercially Pure Titanium to Achieve Improved Corrosion Resistance

Thermal oxidation of commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) was carried out at different temperatures, ranging from 200 to 900 °C to achieve optimum corrosion resistance of the thermally treated surface in simulated body fluid. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize the oxides and assess their protective properties exposed in the test electrolyte. Maximum resistance toward corrosion was observed for samples oxidized at 500 °C. This was attributed to the formation of a composite layer of oxides at this temperature comprising Ti2O3 (titanium sesquioxide), anatase and rutile phases of TiO2 on the surface of cp-Ti. Formation of an intact and pore-free oxide-substrate interface also improved its corrosion resistance.

Peri-Implant Distribution of Polyethylene Debris in Postmortem-Retrieved Knee Arthroplasties: Can Polyethylene Debris Explain Loss of Cement-Bone Interlock in Successful Total Knee Arthroplasties?

BackgroundLoss of mechanical interlock between cement and bone with in vivo service has been recently quantified for functioning, nonrevised, cemented total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). The cause of interlocking trabecular resorption is not known. The goal of this study is to quantify the distribution of PE debris at the cement-bone interface and determine if polyethylene (PE) debris is locally associated with loss of interlock. MethodsFresh, nonrevised, postmortem-retrieved TKAs (n = 8) were obtained en bloc. Laboratory-prepared constructs (n = 2) served as negative controls. The intact cement-bone interface of each proximal tibia was embedded in Spurr’s resin, sectioned, and imaged under polarized light to identify birefringent PE particles. PE wear particle number density was quantified at the cement-bone interface and distal to the interface, and then compared with local loss of cement-bone interlock. ResultsThe average PE particle number density for postmortem-retrieved TKAs ranged from 8.6 (1.3) to 24.9 (3.1) particles/mm2 (standard error) but was weakly correlated with years in service. The average particle number density was twice as high as distal (>5mm) to the interface compared to at the interface. The local loss of interlock at the interface was not related to the presence, absence, or particle density of PE. ConclusionPE debris can migrate extensively along the cement-bone interface of well-fixed tibial components. However, the amount of local bone loss at the cement-bone interface was not correlated with the amount of PE debris at the interface, suggesting that the observed loss of trabecular interlock in these well-fixed TKAs may be due to alternative factors.

Toward smart design of retinal drug carriers: a novel bovine retinal explant model to study the barrier role of the vitreoretinal interface

Retinal gene delivery via intravitreal injection is hampered by various physiological barriers present in the eye of which the vitreoretinal (VR) interface represents the most serious hurdle. In this study, we present a retinal explant model especially designed to study the role of this interface as a barrier for the penetration of vectors into the retina. In contrast to all existing explant models, the developed model is bovine-derived and more importantly, keeps the vitreous attached to the retina at all times to guarantee an intact VR interface. After ex vivo intravitreal injection into the living retinal explant, the route of fluorescent carriers across the VR interface can be tracked. By applying two different imaging methods on this model, we discovered that the transfer through the VR barrier is size-dependent since 40 nm polystyrene particles are more easily taken up in the retina than 100 and 200 nm sized particles. In addition, we found that removing the vitreous, as commonly done for culture of conventional explants, leads to an overestimation of particle uptake, and conclude that the ultimate barrier to overcome for retinal uptake is undoubtedly the inner limiting membrane. Damaging this matrix resulted in a massive increase in particle transfer into the retina. In conclusion, we have developed a highly relevant ex vivo model that maximally mimics the human in vivo physiology which can be applied as a representative test set-up to assess the potential of promising drug delivery carriers to cross the VR interface.

Nano-scale copper oxidation on leadframe surface

Copper oxidation studies were carried out by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) techniques. The growth of copper oxide occurs as a copper surface comes in an oxygen containing environment. The reaction sequence leading to oxidation of the copper surface is generally accepted to be oxygen chemisorption, nucleation and growth of the surface oxide and bulk oxide growth. HRTEM examination of the cross section of the oxidized copper sample revealed the interface region in between the copper and copper oxide. At high oxidation temperature, formation of micro-voids and separations were observed along this interface region. Poor adhesion at this interface region due to micro-voids and separation were found to be the root cause of delamination issue. EELS analysis determined that for regions with intact interface the oxidation system is Cu/CuO/Cu2O/CuO, however, in regions containing micro-voids or separation it is found to be Cu/Cu2O/CuO.

Amphipathicity Determines Different Cytotoxic Mechanisms of Lysine- or Arginine-Rich Cationic Hydrophobic Peptides in Cancer Cells.

Cationic amphipathic peptides (CAPs) are known to be able to cause membrane destabilization and induce cell death, yet how the hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, and lysine(K)/arginine(R) composition synergistically affect the peptide activity remains incompletely understood. Here, we designed a panel of peptides based on the well-known anticancer peptide KLA. Increasing hydrophobicity enhanced the cytotoxicities of both the K- and R-rich peptides. Peptides with an intact amphipathic helical interface can cause instant cell death through a membrane lysis mechanism. Interestingly, rearranging the residue positions to minimize amphipathicity caused a great decrease of cytotoxicity to the K-rich peptides but not to the R-rich peptides. The amphipathicity-minimized R-rich peptide 6 (RL2) (RLLRLLRLRRLLRL-NH2) penetrated the cell membrane and induced caspase-3-dependent apoptotic cell death. We found that the modulation of hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, and K/R residues leads to distinct mechanisms of action of cationic hydrophobic peptides. Amphipathicity-reduced, arginine-rich cationic hydrophobic peptides (CHPs) may represent a new class of peptide therapeutics.

Behavior of tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten based on single fiber push-out study

To overcome the intrinsic brittleness of tungsten (W), a tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten-composite material (Wf/W) is under development. The composite addresses the brittleness of W by extrinsic toughening through the introduction of energy dissipation mechanisms. These mechanisms allow the reduction of stress peaks and thus improve the materials resistance against crack growth. They do not rely on the intrinsinc material properties such as ductility. By utilizing powder metallurgy (PM) one could benefit from available industrialized approaches for composite production and alloying routes. In this contribution the PM method of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is used to produce Wf/W samples containing W fibers coated with an Er2O3 interface. Analysis of the matrix material demonstrates a dense tungsten bulk, a deformed fiber and a deformed, but still intact interface layer. Metallographic analysis reveals indentations of powder particles in the interface, forming a complex 3D structure. Special emphasis is placed on push-out tests of single fiber HIP samples, where a load is applied via a small indenter on the fiber, to test the debonding and frictional properties of the Er2O3 interface region enabling the energy dissipation mechanisms. Together with the obtained experimental results, an axisymmetric finite element model is discussed and compared to existing work. In the HIP Wf/W composites the matrix adhesion is rather large and can dominate the push-out behavior. This is in contrast to the previously tested CVD produced samples.

Galectin-1 dimers can scaffold Raf-effectors to increase H-ras nanoclustering.

Galectin-1 (Gal-1) dimers crosslink carbohydrates on cell surface receptors. Carbohydrate-derived inhibitors have been developed for cancer treatment. Intracellularly, Gal-1 was suggested to interact with the farnesylated C-terminus of Ras thus specifically stabilizing GTP-H-ras nanoscale signalling hubs in the membrane, termed nanoclusters. The latter activity may present an alternative mechanism for how overexpressed Gal-1 stimulates tumourigenesis. Here we revise the current model for the interaction of Gal-1 with H-ras. We show that it indirectly forms a complex with GTP-H-ras via a high-affinity interaction with the Ras binding domain (RBD) of Ras effectors. A computationally generated model of the Gal-1/C-Raf-RBD complex is validated by mutational analysis. Both cellular FRET as well as proximity ligation assay experiments confirm interaction of Gal-1 with Raf proteins in mammalian cells. Consistently, interference with H-rasG12V-effector interactions basically abolishes H-ras nanoclustering. In addition, an intact dimer interface of Gal-1 is required for it to positively regulate H-rasG12V nanoclustering, but negatively K-rasG12V nanoclustering. Our findings suggest stacked dimers of H-ras, Raf and Gal-1 as building blocks of GTP-H-ras-nanocluster at high Gal-1 levels. Based on our results the Gal-1/effector interface represents a potential drug target site in diseases with aberrant Ras signalling.

Intracellular Impedance Measurements Reveal Non-ohmic Properties of the Extracellular Medium around Neurons

Determining the electrical properties of the extracellular space around neurons is important for understanding the genesis of extracellular potentials, as well as for localizing neuronal activity from extracellular recordings. However, the exact nature of these extracellular properties is still uncertain. Here, we introduce a method to measure the impedance of the tissue, one that preserves the intact cell-medium interface using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in vivo and in vitro. We find that neural tissue has marked non-ohmic and frequency-filtering properties, which are not consistent with a resistive (ohmic) medium, as often assumed. The amplitude and phase profiles of the measured impedance are consistent with the contribution of ionic diffusion. We also show that the impact of such frequency-filtering properties is possibly important on the genesis of local field potentials, as well as on the cable properties of neurons. These results show non-ohmic properties of the extracellular medium around neurons, and suggest that source estimation methods, as well as the cable properties of neurons, which all assume ohmic extracellular medium, may need to be reevaluated.

Effects of Preheated Composite on Micro leakage-An in-vitro Study.

Resin composites have been the pinnacle of direct esthetic restorations ever since its discovery. However, it comes with its own disadvantages. Post-operative sensitivity and marginal discoloration frequently occur due to polymerization shrinkage and micro leakage, which is the major cause of failure in resin composite restorations. To evaluate the effects of preheated composite at different temperatures on microleakage. A total of 60 extracted non-carious human premolars were collected and class 1 cavity (1.5x4x 3mm) was prepared in each and were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=20) was filled with microhybrid resin composite (Heraeus Charisma Smile) at room temperature. Group 2 (n=20) was filled with the same resin composite which was preheated to 50°C and Group 3 (n=20) was filled with resin composite preheated to 60°C. Teeth were subjected to a thermocycling regime (500X, 5 - 55°C), followed by a dye infiltration by immersing in basic fuschin for 24 hours. The tooth was sectioned longitudinally and the extent or absence of micro-leakage was determined by the amount of dye penetration along the resin composite-tooth interface using a confocal microscope. There was minor micro-leakage detected at the occlusal margin of the control tooth specimen. The sample with preheated composite restoration at 50°C showed an intact tooth-restoration interface with no micro leakage. However, the preheated composite at 60°C showed large amount of microleakage. Under the current limitation of the study, preheated composite at 50°C showed the least micro-leakage.

Cooperative Activity of BRAF F595L and Mutant HRAS in Histiocytic Sarcoma Provides New Insights into Oncogenic BRAF Signaling

Activating BRAF mutations, in particular V600E/K, drive many cancers, including a substantial proportion of systemic histiocytic disorders, and mutant BRAF-selective inhibitors are promising therapeutics for these diseases. Activating BRAF alleles are considered mutually exclusive with mutations in RAS family members, whereas inactivating BRAF mutations in the D(594)F(595)G(596) motif can coexist with oncogenic RAS and cooperate via transactivation of wildtype RAF proteins and paradoxical MEK/ERK activation. Due to the increasing use of global approaches to tumor genomic profiling, many non-V600 BRAF mutations are being detected whose functional consequences and therapeutic actionability are often unknown. We used several in vitro experimental systems, including Braf-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts expressing a regulatable HRAS oncogene, to determine the biochemical properties and cellular effects of a largely uncharacterized mutation, F595L, in the DFG motif of the BRAF activation segment that was identified by clinical exome sequencing in a patient with histiocytic sarcoma and multiorgan involvement and also occurs as somatic alteration in colorectal adenoma or carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, urothelial cancer, melanoma, and neuroblastoma and as germline mutation in cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. In addition, we investigated the interaction between BRAF F595L and a concomitant HRAS Q61R allele, which was present in the same tumor cell clone and occurs as acquired alteration in multiple tumor types and as inherited variant in Costello syndrome. Unlike previously described DFG motif mutants, BRAF F595L is a gain-of-function variant with intermediate activity towards MEK that, in sharp contrast to BRAF V600E, requires an intact dimer interface for downstream signaling. Furthermore, BRAF F595L does not act paradoxically, but nevertheless cooperates with mutant HRAS to induce maximal activity of the MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Of immediate clinical relevance, BRAF F595L shows divergent responses to the mutant BRAF-selective inhibitors vemurafenib and dabrafenib, whereas signaling driven by BRAF F595L with and without mutant HRAS is efficiently blocked by the pan-RAF inhibitors sorafenib and AZ628 and the MEK inhibitor trametinib. Consistent with this, sorafenib treatment led to abrogation of aberrant MEK/ERK signaling in the index case with histiocytic sarcoma driven by BRAF F595L and HRAS Q61R. Mutation data from patients and cell lines, representing 18 different tumor entities, show that BRAF F595L as well as other BRAF mutants with intermediate signaling activity coincide with mutant RAS in at least 40% and 23% of cases, respectively. These data define a distinct class of activating BRAF mutations that cooperate with oncogenic RAS in a non-paradoxical fashion, extend the spectrum of patients with systemic histiocytoses and other malignancies who are candidates for therapeutic blockade of the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, and underscore the value of comprehensive genomic profiling for uncovering the vulnerabilities of individual tumors. DisclosuresOff Label Use: Administration of sorafenib in a patient with histiocytic sarcoma.

Powder Metallurgical Tungsten Fiber-Reinforced Tungsten

The composite material tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten (Wf/W) addresses the brittleness of tungsten by extrinsic toughening through introduction of energy dissipation mechanisms. These mechanisms allow the release of stress peaks and thus improve the materials resistance against crack growth. Wf/W samples produced via chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) indeed show higher toughness in mechanical tests than pure tungsten. By utilizing powder metallurgy (PM) one could benefit from available industrialized approaches for composite production and alloying routes. In this contribution the PM method of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is used to produce Wf/W samples. A variety of measurements were conducted to verify the operation of the expected toughening mechanisms in HIP Wf/W composites. The interface debonding behavior was investigated in push-out tests. In addition, the mechanical properties of the matrix were investigated, in order to deepen the understanding of the complex interaction between the sample preparation and the resulting mechanical properties of the composite material. First HIP Wf/W single-fiber samples feature a compact matrix with densities of more than 99% of the theoretical density of tungsten. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis further demonstrates an intact interface with indentations of powder particles at the interface-matrix boundary. First push-out tests indicate that the interface was damaged by HIPing.

THEORETICAL MODEL FOR DOUBLE-SKINNED CONCRETE-FILLEDSTEEL-TUBULAR COLUMNS WITH EXTERNAL CONFINEMENT

Recent advances in the production of super-fine cement and filler technology has made the production of high-strength concrete (HSC) of 120 MPa practicable in the industry. Nonetheless, the application of such HSC in real construction is still limited. One of the reasons that inhibits the use of HSC is the brittleness, which causes HSC structures to fail explosively if the concrete confinement is not adequate. The traditional method of installing transverse steel as confinement is not feasible in HSC structures, as the steel will be too congested to ensure proper concrete placing. To overcome the problem, double-skinned high-strength concrete-filled-steel-tubular (HSCFST) columns has been advocated, which could provide large, continuous and uniform confinement to HSC. However, a major shortcoming of the double-skinned HSCFST columns is the imperfect interface bonding that occurs at the elastic stage that reduces the elastic strength and stiffness of columns. To improve the situation, the authors have verified previously that using external steel rings on the outer steel tube can successfully restrict the dilation of HSCFST columns and thus restore an intact interface bonding condition. As a continued study, the authors will in this paper develop a theoretical model for predicting the uni-axial load-carrying capacity of doubled-skinned HSCFST columns.

Chemical Shift Artifact on Steady-State MRI Sequences for Detection of Vesical Wall Invasion in Placenta Percreta.

Antenatal diagnosis of the invasiveness of a placenta percreta helps in planning the surgical approach, reducing blood loss and morbidity. Doppler sonography is the mainstay diagnostic modality with a sensitivity of 80-95%. With the advent of high magnetic field MRI techniques, there has been recent interest in evaluation of placenta by MRI. On an extensive PUBMED search, we could not find any citations describing imaging, ultrasound, or MRI features to evaluate vesical wall invasion by placenta percreta. We attempt to evaluate transmyometrial vesical wall invasion by placenta percreta using chemical shift artifact as a marker of intact bladder-myometrial interface on steady-state MRI sequences. This is a prospective observational study, conducted at a university hospital. We have compiled clinico-radiological criteria for diagnosis of invasive placentae based on the existing body of evidences, in four patients. We further go on to analyze a specific proposed sign on a newly introduced MR imaging sequence i.e., loss of chemical shift artifact (India ink line) on steady-state GRE sequence (TrueFISP), to diagnose transmyometrial vesical invasion in placenta percreta. Though the sample size is small, the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value of the proposed sign for the purpose was 100 %. Loss of chemical shift artifact (India ink line) on steady-state GRE sequences at the vesico-myometrial junction in case of invasive placentae confirms vesical wall invasion, a prospective diagnoses of which can help in planning the surgical protocol and preventing potentially fatal blood loss.

Retraction Note: Investigation of coating delamination on steels by surface topography and Volta potential difference

Corrosion-induced delamination of an epoxy coating on the AISI/SAE 1045 carbon steel was studied under a humid atmospheric condition (temperature of 25 °C, one standard atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity of 90 %) by the technique of scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM). Surface-polished 1045 samples were first cold coated with the epoxy and then subject to the atmospheric corrosion under the humid atmospheric condition. At specified time intervals, surface Volta potential of the samples was measured using the SKPFM over the dry surface of epoxy coating. The map of Volta potentials demonstrated high contrasts among three characteristic zones: intact steel-epoxy interface, delaminated interface, and interface with active corrosion, which based on a rigorous calibration procedure were then linked to the actual corrosion potential of the steel (measured using a potentiostat w.r.t. a saturated calomel electrode). The SKPFM was found to be able to provide a mean of direct and nondestructive detection of early active corrosion and coating delamination of steels at a submicroscopic resolution, which outperformed the conventional electrochemical techniques for such purposes.