Unexposed Areas Research Articles

Outboard Onset of Ross Orogen Magmatism and Subsequent Igneous and Metamorphic Cooling Linked to Slab Rollback during Late-Stage Gondwana Assembly

Changes in magmatism and sedimentation along the late Neoproterozoic-early Paleozoic Ross orogenic belt in Antarctica have been linked to the cessation of convergence along the Mozambique belt during the assembly of East-West Gondwana. However, these interpretations are non-unique and are based, in part, on limited thermochronological data sets spread out along large sectors of the East Antarctic margin. We report new 40Ar/39Ar hornblende, muscovite, and biotite age data for plutonic (n = 13) and metasedimentary (n = 3) samples from the Shackleton–Liv Glacier sector of the Queen Maud Mountains in Antarctica. Cumulative 40Ar/39Ar age data show polymodal age peaks (510 Ma, 491 Ma, 475 Ma) that lag peaks in U-Pb igneous crystallization ages, suggesting igneous and metamorphic cooling following magmatism within the region. The 40Ar/39Ar ages are similar to ages in other sectors of the Ross orogen, but younger than detrital mineral 40Ar/39Ar cooling ages indicative of older magmatism and cooling of unexposed inboard areas along the margin. Detrital zircon trace element abundances suggest that the widespread onset of magmatism in outboard localities of the orogen correlates with a ~560–530 Ma decrease in crustal thickness. The timing of crustal thinning recorded by zircon in magmas overlaps with other evidence for the timing of crustal extension, suggesting that the regional onset of magmatism with subsequent igneous and metamorphic cooling probably reflects slab rollback that coincided with possible global plate motion changes induced during the final assembly of Gondwana.

Evidence of Antibodies against the West Nile Virus and the Usutu Virus in Dogs and Horses from the Southeast of France

Every year, the world faces vector-borne diseases including arboviral (arthropod-borne viral) diseases caused by several, possibly fatal flaviviruses. The way they spread is related to a complex episystem involving several elements including vector abundance, animal carriers, and the flavivirus itself, which makes the disease difficult to manage. Here, we serologically screened 556 animals (358 dogs and 198 horses) using ELISA and a serum neutralisation test (SNT) for the anti-IgG antibodies directed against the West Nile (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) viruses. The animals investigated were split into two groups according to their exposure to the risk linked to the abundance of mosquitoes and migratory birds as well as the geographical distribution of arbovirus cases (458 animals from areas exposed to risk and 98 not exposed to risk). Overall, 25/310 dogs (8.1%) and 2/148 horses (1.3%) tested positive for SNT WNV and/or USUV in geographically exposed areas. Animals in unexposed areas were all negative. The geographical distribution of WNV seroprevalence in dogs was the same as the distribution of reported autochthonous human cases. Interestingly, a non-negligible seroprevalence caused by an as yet unidentified flavivirus other than WNV, USUV, or tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was detected in 18.6% (28/150) and 3.7% (4/106) of the investigated dogs and horses from the Hérault department, in the southeast of France, respectively. These data highlight the role of outdoor dogs as suitable sentinels for the evidence of WNV and USUV circulation in each area. In addition, the serological detection of an as yet unidentified flavivirus circulating in the Hérault department deserves greater attention, as this may constitute a serious threat to public and animal health.

Enlarged rete pegs with excessive accumulation of melanosomes leading to darker aging spots revealed by histomorphological measurements of internal structures of the epidermis.

Various histological studies of facial pigmented spot sites such as solar lentigo have been reported, but few studies have used quantitative indices by histomorphometric analysis of the internal structure of pigmented spot sites using non-invasive methods. In the present study, to quantitatively elucidate morphological changes in the epidermis in male, darker-pigmented spots and female, light-pigmented spots, indices that characterize the internal structure of the epidermis in pigmented spot sites were measured using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The darkness of pigmented spots on the cheeks of 69 women and 43 men was analysed using image analysis software. The L* value was calculated from RGB values obtained from facial images. The internal structures of pigmented spots on the cheeks of 13 subjects were observed by CLSM. Various parameters were measured using CLSM images from the surface of the stratum corneum to the bottom of the dermal papillae, including the thickness of the epidermis, melanosome content, and shape of the dermal papillae. Mean ΔL* values between pigmented spots and non-pigmented areas of male subjects were significantly increased in the 40s and 50s compared with those of female subjects. Conspicuous pigmented spots increased in the 40s in male subjects and the 50s in female subjects. In CLSM observations, significant increases in the thickness of the epidermis and melanosome content were confirmed in pigmented spots compared with surrounding non-pigmented areas. In particular, melanosome content in the male subject group with dark-coloured pigmented spots increased significantly to about eight times that of non-pigmented areas, and more than double that of the male subject group with light-coloured pigmented spots. From the measurements of quantitative parameters, morphological changes in the epidermis were clearly related to the surface colour tone of pigmented spots. Darker pigmented spot sites tended to show longer rete pegs in the epidermis. Accumulation of melanosomes in epidermal basal cells could be considered to increase with the degree of elongation of rete pegs at pigmented spot sites and, thus, induce darker pigmented spots.

Large cell acanthoma in a 10-year-old child: A case report

Introduction: Large cell acanthoma (LCA) is a rare benign tumor of epidermal origin. It is mainly seen on sun-exposed areas such as the head and extremities of older patients. Histopathologically, LCA is characterized by acanthosis and keratinocytes that are twice as large as normal cells. We herein report a case involving a child diagnosed with LCA on an unexposed area of skin. Case presentation: A 10-year-old boy presented with a rough, painless light brown papule on his right chest that had been present for 11 months. He underwent surgical resection and pathological examination, and the histopathological findings were consistent with LCA. Discussion: LCA is common in adults but rare in children. It is difficult to differentiate from solar lentigo, actinic keratosis, or seborrheic keratosis because of its atypical clinical presentation. Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and cellular-resolution full-field optical coherence tomography can be used as auxiliary examinations, but pathological biopsy is still required to confirm the diagnosis. Conclusion: LCA is not limited to adults and exposed areas. This case reminds us that LCA may occur in children and that close attention is required for its identification.

Association of environmental exposure to chromium with differential DNA methylation: An epigenome-wide study.

Introduction: Previous studies have reported that chromium (Cr)-induced epigenetic alterations and DNA methylation play a vital role in the pathogenesis of diseases induced by chromium exposure. Epigenomic analyses have been limited and mainly focused on occupational chromium exposure; their findings are not generalizable to populations with environmental Cr exposure. Methods: We identified the differential methylation of genes and regions to elucidate the mechanisms of toxicity related to environmental chromium exposure. DNA methylation was measured in blood samples collected from individuals in Cr-contaminated (n = 10) and unexposed areas (n = 10) by using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation850K array. To evaluate the relationship between chromium levels in urine and CpG methylation at 850 thousand sites, we investigated differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by using linear models and DMRcate method, respectively. The model was adjusted for biologically relevant variables and estimated cell-type compositions. Results: At the epigenome-wide level, we identified five CpGs [cg20690919 (p FDR =0.006), cg00704664 (p FDR =0.024), cg10809143 (p FDR =0.043), cg27057652 (p FDR =0.047), cg05390480 (p FDR =0.024)] and one DMR (chr17: 19,648,718-19,648,972), annotated to ALDH3A1 genes (p < 0.05) as being significantly associated with log2 transformed urinary chromium levels. Discussion: Environmental chromium exposure is associated with DNA methylation, and the significant DMPs and DMR being annotated to cause DNA damage and genomic instability were found in this work. Research involving larger samples is required to further explore the epigenetic effect of environmental chromium exposure on health outcomes through DNA methylation.

Selective thermal neutron transmutation doping with Gd masks in GaN semiconductors

For the first time, selective neutron transmutation doping was successfully performed on GaN through Gd masks, showing the feasibility of patternable doping through neutron irradiations. In collaborating with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, GaN with Gd masks was irradiated by directional neutrons. By using the Gd properties with high neutron absorption cross-sections, it was confirmed that the area covered by Gd masks on GaN was completely shielded from neutrons, and the uncovered area was doped with the generated Ge and 14C. Property differences were clearly identified in various ways when comparing the area exposed by neutrons and the area unexposed by neutrons. The discoloration by the ejected protons and elastic scattering of neutrons appeared only in the exposed area while the unexposed area remained the same as before irradiation. The aspect ratio of the patterned profile of GaN was estimated by comparing patterns on the front and backside. From energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra and secondary ion mass spectrometry measurement, the concentration difference between Ge and 14C as well as the exact concentration of produced 14C was also checked. Schottky barrier diodes on the selectively doped GaN were fabricated and investigated to study the electrical properties.

Merkel cell carcinoma of an atypical presentation: A case report and literature review

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. It is a rare and aggressive tumor characterized by a high frequency of local recurrence, regional nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, and a low survival rate. Its diagnosis is challenging due to its rarity and it may be clinically mistaken for other skin cancers. It requires an incisional biopsy and confirmation by histology and immunohistochemical staining. This case illustrates an uncommon presentation of MCC in a 53-year-old young adult in an unexposed area of the right gluteal region. It is a rare cutaneous tumor that should be diagnosed and treated precociously given the aggressive nature of MCC and the limited therapeutic options for metastatic tumors. Herein, we urge physicians to suspect this diagnosis in front of any rapidly growing skin tumor, even in an unusual location, to provide the patient with appropriate treatment and improve the overall survival rate.

Extreme-Ultraviolet Excited Scintillation of Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskites

Inorganic–Organic lead halide materials have been recognized as potential high-energy X-ray detectors because of their high quantum efficiencies and radiation hardness. Surprisingly little is known about whether the same is true for extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) radiation, despite applications in nuclear fusion research and astrophysics. We used a table-top high-harmonic generation setup in the XUV range between 20 and 45 eV to photoexcite methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) and measure its scintillation properties. The strong absorbance combined with multiple carriers being excited per photon yield a very high carrier density at the surface, triggering photobleaching reactions that rapidly reduce the emission intensity. Concurrent to and in spite of this photobleaching, a recovery of the emission intensity as a function of dose was observed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements of XUV-exposed and unexposed areas show that this recovery is caused by XUV-induced oxidation of MAPbBr3, which removes trap states that normally quench emission, thus counteracting the rapid photobleaching caused by the extremely high carrier densities. Furthermore, it was found that preoxidizing the sample with ozone was able to prolong and improve this intensity recovery, highlighting the impact of surface passivation on the scintillation properties of perovskite materials in the XUV range.

Biomacromolecule-based agent for high-precision light-based 3D hydrogel bioprinting

Light-based 3D bioprinting is an emerging technology to engineer cellular constructs toward functional tissues. However, there is still an urgent need for materials with high printing resolution and allow cell-laden printing. Here, we report a biomacromolecule additive, which can efficiently improve the photocuring resolution of commonly used bioinks, mainly by inhibiting the free radical polymerization at unexposed areas during patterned photoinitiation. Fine structures can be manufactured by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing and the resolution can reach a 10 μm level. Besides, CSNB can increase the mechanical property of amino-containing materials. CSNB reduces cytotoxicity by avoiding the burst release of photoabsorbers and shows good biocompatibility. GelMA/CSNB bioink was used to print multicell-laden hydrogels with complex patterns and supported the proliferation of encapsulated cells. CSNB thus represents a biocompatible bioink additive that provides an easy approach to improving printing resolution and supports cell-laden printing with multiple cell types.

Parasitosis con manifestaciones dermatológicas

Skin lesions are a common reason for travelers who return from tropical and subtropical areas to seek a medical evaluation. Among ill travelers evaluated upon their return, dermatological diseases are the third most common problem (after fever and acute diarrhea). Chronic dermatological problems such as chronic dermatitis can worsen in a tropical climate. The differential diagnosis of skin lesions that occur during or after a trip is extensive and includes both infectious (virus, bacteria, fungi, helminths, protozoa) and non-infectious (burns, allergic reactions, trauma) causes. The distribution, clinical characteristics of the lesion and associated symptoms, its location (exposed or unexposed areas), the patient's immune status, and a medical history of certain risky activities along with the time that has passed since returning, the duration of the trip, and the destination can help guide a suspected diagnosis. The purpose of this update is to identify the most common parasitic dermatological diseases related to travel and describe the epidemiological and geographic aspects as well as the clinical characteristics, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Impact of Dermatophytosis on the Quality of Life in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi

Abstract&#x0D; Objectives: To determine the impact of dermatophytosis on quality of life (QoL) of patients at tertiary care hospital, Karachi.&#x0D; Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive research was piloted in the Departments of Dermatology and Microbiology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi, a leading public tertiary care hospital during the July 2019 to December 2019. The patients &lt;16 years aged were excluded from this study. The KOH (10%) wet mount was performed for fungal hyphae and spore observation in specimens. Quality of life was determined by dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scores and their association with different variables was evaluated by using t-test and Fisher test.&#x0D; Results: A total of 300 dermatophytosis patients were analyzed. The majority of the patients were of no education category. The active age group (16-30 years) showing higher frequency (138; 46.0%) and followed by age group of 31-50 years (126; 42.0%)). In present study DLQI score mean was 13.4 ± 7.3. Unexposed area was the main site 249 (83.0%). Dermatophytosis has effect on the quality of life (QoL) in majority (98.7%) of the patients. The DLQI score was significantly higher in unexposed and both sites involvement (P &lt; 0.001). DLQI score was not affected by the age, sex, literacy, addiction and other demographic variables.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study revealed that dermatophytosis has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) in these patients.&#x0D;

Spontaneous patterning method utilizing transformation of UV-curable emulsion

A self-organizing structure is important for imparting functions and simplifying the manufacturing process. The development of spontaneous structures with a roll-to-roll process capability is a challenging task. We propose a novel patterning method utilizing the destruction of the emulsion structure. An oil-in-water (O/W) UV-curable emulsion liquid film was partially exposed to UV, resulting in aggregation and immobilization of the emulsion in the medium. Emulsion droplets in the unexposed area are coalesced by removing water. Coalesced emulsion droplets expand and spontaneously permeate into the pores formed in the aggregated structure of UV-cured emulsion particles, causing an uneven structure. An uneven pattern can be formed by direct UV exposure of the liquid film and the subsequent drying process without requiring a development process.

Patterning characteristic control of sol-gel-derived random-structure oligomeric silsesquioxanes having a diazonaphthoquinone derivative

Positive photosensitive materials prepared by adding a diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ) derivative to matrices of oligomeric silsesquioxanes (oligo-SQs) with random structures, including only a phenyl (Ph) substituent or both Ph and methyl (Me) substituents (wherein the Ph group content is over 50 mol. %), exhibit a high patterning ability (i.e., a high-resolution pattern formation under 10 μm). One cause of such a high patterning ability is the particularly low solubility of unexposed areas in an alkaline developer, caused by the DNQ derivative-containing oligo-SQs having over 50 mol. % of Ph group content. However, the effects of the exposed areas on the alkaline dissolution behavior, which can be another factor of high patterning ability, have not been examined yet. In this study, the effects of the Me group content on the alkali solubility of the exposed areas on the optimum exposure dose (Eop), the resolution limit, and the pattern shape were examined for a positive photosensitive material having over 50 mol. % of Ph group content. As a result, the resolution did not change with increasing Me group content but the Eop decreased, and the pattern shape tended to change from showing a protruding defect in the central portion to having a normal taper shape. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations for the oligo-SQ model compounds suggested the formation of a new hydroxyl (OH) group domain that includes Me groups in oligo-SQs with increasing Me group content. This new type of OH group domain differs from that derived from oligo-SQs possessing only Ph groups. Moreover, the results suggested that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding was weaker in the new domain than in the domain from oligo-SQs containing only the Ph groups and that the intermolecular interaction between the domain and the DNQ was also weak. The weak intermolecular interaction seemed to be the cause of the high alkali solubility in the exposed areas.

Distribution Prediction of Shale Deformation Structures in Tectonically Complex Area Based on Relationship Between Geological Structures and Shale Deformation

The alteration of shale structures and properties induced by tectonic activities is an important factor restricting the efficient utilization of shale gas resources. Predicting the distributions of shale deformation structures is of significance for the potential evaluation and favorable area optimization of shale resources in tectonically complex areas. Taking the Wufeng–Longmaxi shale of the southern Sichuan Basin as the research object, deformation observations of shale outcrops and shale core samples were conducted to reveal the distribution patterns of shale deformation structures in fault and fold structures. On this basis, the distribution rules of shale deformation structures in the unexposed areas were predicted by considering the structural framework of the study area. Our research indicated that faults can cause structural deformation in a limited area and that the influences of reverse faults were relatively more significant. Shale near the fault planes of reverse faults usually showed intense folding deformations, with well-developed bedding-parallel and crumpled cleavages. Strong deformation structures (crumpled, mylonitized, scaly, fractured-crumpled, and flaky structure) were distributed. Structural deformations in shale near normal faults were mainly characterized by the increase of tectonic fractures, and shale usually showed cataclastic structure. In the areas affected by strike-slip faults, bedding-perpendicular fractures and the fractures high-angle oblique to bedding planes were well developed. Folds can cause shale to deform in a larger area than faults. Shale in core zones usually displayed strong deformation structures. In the core–limb transitional areas of folds, shale mainly developed bedding-parallel and bedding-perpendicular fractures, and shale usually displayed platy and cataclastic structure. The observed structural deformations in fold limbs were generally weak, and shale usually showed primary structure and weak brittle deformation structures. According to the structural framework of the study area, it is predicted that strong deformation structures are mainly distributed in the core zones of anticlines (especially the tight and closed ones) and near the fault planes of large-scale reverse faults, while medium-intensity brittle deformation structures (platy and cataclastic structure) are distributed in core–limb transitional areas of anticlines and near the normal and strike-slip faults. In the limbs of anticlines and the areas controlled by synclines (mostly wide and gentle), shale mainly shows primary structure and weak brittle deformation structures.

A Rare Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presented with Multiple Discharging Sinus Over the Posterior Aspect of Left Thigh

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common cutaneous malignancy. The most important etiological factor is chronic exposure to the ultraviolet rays and hence exposed areas of the body are the most common site of squamous cell carcinoma. It is very uncommon for SCC to occur at unexposed areas of the body, and it is usually associated with long standing ulcers, sinus or immunosuppression. Here we are reporting a rare of Squamous Cell carcinoma which developed from multiple discharging sinus over the posterior aspect of left thigh in a 67 year old male.

Dermatoscopy in the Diagnosis of Vulvar Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignancy commonly in white people, but in less than 1% of cases it may appear on unexposed areas, like the perineal and anal regions. Vulvar BCC is often diagnosed late because it grows slowly and tends to be asymptomatic, with no specific physical findings. Here, we present a rare Latin patient with a 10-year history of vulvar BCC with dermatoscopic and histopathologic findings. Case report: A 65-year-old Latin woman presented with a nodule on her left labium majus, which she first noted 10 years ago, and that had grown slowly but constantly. She also reported a 20-year history of pruritus and occasional pain. Physical examination showed a 3.5 cm × 3.0 cm erythematous lesion with a central rough without inguinal lymphadenopathy. Contact dermatoscopy (Dermalite DL3 Gen.) showed one blurred cluster of arborising vessels in a pinkish background with white homogeneous areas and lines radial converging. An incisional biopsy was realized, and histopathology diagnosed BCC. Discussion: Vulvar BCC is a rare malignancy that affects mainly Caucasian women over 70 years of age. The most common etiology for BCC is ultraviolet radiation, but as the vulva is unexposed its cause is unclear. Mutations in tumor suppressor and regulatory genes such as p53 are present in 50% of cases. Gorlin syndrome, chronic radiation, chronic arsenic exposure, xeroderma pigmentosum, and immunosuppression have been considered as risk factors. Conclusion: Vulvar BCC characteristics are the same as other cutaneous forms, featuring blue ovoid nests and arborizing telangiectasia, confused with inflammatory diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis, and chronic infection (especially if it is accompanied by pruritus), this makes diagnosis complex, with a delay of 5 to 6 years on average, with an average size of 2.1 cm. Diagnosis is enhanced with dermatoscopy, as the preferred treatment for most BCC cases is wide surgical excision.

A multicenter retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathological characteristics of 1188 cases of actinic keratosis in different ultraviolet radiation intensity areas of China

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous disease, caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV). To analyze the clinical and pathological characteristics of AK in four areas with different ultraviolet radiation intensities. 1188 diagnosed AK patients, from January 2000 to July 2015, in dermatology department of four hospitals were collected. The UV intensity of hospital located cities from high to low is Kunming, Yinchuan, Shenyang and Nanjing. The information comes from medical records, and the pathological types and Keratinocyte Intraepithelial Neoplasia (KIN) grades were checked by two experienced pathologists. All information was conducted a retrospective multicenter research. The patients were mainly middle-aged and elderly female, which was in direct contrast to the majority of men in European. The age of onset in Kunming group was lower than that in Yinchuan Group (p=0.013) and Nanjing Group (p<0.01). The course of disease in Kunming group was significantly shorter than that in Nanjing Group (p<0.001). The lesions were almost located in the exposed area. The proportion of unexposed areas in Shenyang group was significantly higher than that in other groups (p<0.001). There were statistical differences in pathological morphological classification among the four groups. These differences were not affected by age and gender. The number of KIN III grade patients in Shenyang group was significantly higher than that in other three groups (p<0.05). The Asian patients were mainly female. The clinical characteristics of AK are closely related to UV intensity, and environmental pollution, lifestyle, religious beliefs and other factors are also related.

Synthesis and Properties of Aromatic-Terminated Diacetylene Organogelators and Their Application to Photopatterning of Polydiacetylenes.

A series of simply structured diacetylene-diamide-based gelators (DAGs) with aromatic terminals were synthesized, and their gelation and subsequent photopolymerization abilities were analyzed. DAGs with an adequate spacer length (n) and tolyl terminals (DA-Tn) interacted with aromatic solvents, such as benzene and xylenes, at elevated temperatures. During the subsequent cooling process, the DAGs interacted with each other through CH-π interactions at their terminal positions. They also formed one-dimensional hydrogen bonding arrays through secondary amides, leading to stable organogels. These gels polymerized into π-conjugated polydiacetylenes (PDAs) under ultraviolet irradiation. In the p-xylene gels of DA-Tn, the spacer length exerted characteristic odd-even effects on the photopolymerization rates over a certain range (n = 3-6), which can be explained by periodic changes in the uniformity of the molecular packing modes. When the gelling solvent was changed to cyclohexane, the gelation and photopolymerization abilities were greatly improved because the DA-Tn gel networks became highly crystallized and transparent to ultraviolet light (254 nm). The ultimate conversion to PDA from DA-T8/cyclohexane gels was 45.2 wt %. Applying photolithographic techniques to the DAG with excellent photopolymerizability in the film state, we successfully fabricated microscale photopatterns of PDA. We also established a convenient removal process (development process) of DA monomers in unexposed areas. The resulting PDA patterns were quite stable to ambient light stimuli.

Therapeutic Impact and Management of Persistent Head and Neck Atopic Dermatitis in Dupilumab-Treated Patients

Background: Localization of atopic dermatitis (AD) in exposed areas such as the hands, head, and neck has been considered as a negative factor impacting on dupilumab response, although a comparison of exposed versus unexposed areas is not currently available. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical response to dupilumab depending on the presence or persistency of AD skin manifestations in specific body areas. Methods: The study retrospectively collected clinical and demographic data of adult patients affected by moderate to severe AD. Based on the anatomical sites involved, 5 subcohorts of patients were identified. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in the study. Disease amelioration was detected during the study period, although baseline head/neck and hand localization was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of achieving an Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) ≤1. In addition, patients with head/neck persistency showed a significantly lower response when compared to patients without persistency of head/neck AD in terms of both mean EASI and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) reduction. Conclusion: AD localization in exposed areas at the baseline and AD persistency at the head/neck may have a negative impact on certain treatment response parameters to dupilumab therapy.

In situ monitoring of polymer 3D printing using ultrasonic Lamb waves generated by a 3D printed wedge

The additive manufacturing (AM) of polymers has become increasingly popular in industry to create complex geometries for parts while maintaining low manufacturing costs. Rapid nonuniform cooling introduced during the printing process can lead to part warping and delamination which are precursors to part failure and/or poor part quality. Previous researchers have integrated online monitoring techniques such as optical or thermal sensors. These techniques are limited to monitoring exposed areas of the part leaving unexposed areas unmonitored. In this work, ultrasound has been implemented to monitor the inaccessible areas where defects can originate. An in situ guided wave-based ultrasonic inspection system was implemented into the test setup to detect delamination during printing. A 3D printed ultrasonic wedge was designed to generate S0 guided waves that were received by a broadband pinducer. The wedge was printed onto a plate of 6061 aluminum acted as the print bed for the experiments. A 3D printed part was printed between the transducers, which was continuously monitored for signs of delamination. This presentation will report on precursors to part delamination that are difficult or impossible to sense using previous methods. This work seeks to reduce 3D part failures and, thus, polymer waste associated with 3D printing.