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The properties and microstructure of Type 304L stainless steel produced by two additive manufacturing (AM) methods—directed energy deposition (DED) and powder bed fusion (PBF)—are evaluated and compared. Localized heating and steep temperature gradients of AM processes lead to significant residual stress and distinctive microstructures, which may be process-specific and influence mechanical behavior. Test data show that materials produced by DED and PDF have small differences in tensile strengths but clear differences in residual stress and microstructural features. Measured fatigue crack growth rates (FCGRs) for cracks propagating parallel to and perpendicular to the build directions differ between the two AM materials. To separate the influences of residual stress and microstructure, K-control test procedures with decreasing and constant stress intensity factor ranges are used to measure FCGRs in the near-threshold regime (crack growth rates ≤ 1 × 10−8 m/cycle). Residual stress is quantified by the residual stress intensity factor, Kres, measured by the online crack compliance method. Correcting the FCGR data for differences in Kres brings results for specimens of the two AM materials into agreement with each other and with results for wrought specimens, when the latter are corrected for crack closure. Differences in microstructure and tensile strength have an insignificant influence on FCGRs in these tests.

A novel approach for determining triaxial residual stress states by coupling energy dispersive X-ray diffraction and contour method measurements is provided and validated in a Ti‐5Al‐5V‐5Mo‐3Cr additive manufactured (AM) bridge sample. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD) can provide relatively fine spatial resolution (on the order of 10–100 µm) for mapping 3D elastic strain fields within a sample. However, for samples with dimensions larger than one or two centimeters the path length can get prohibitive as both constant wavelength and energy dispersive SXRD are based upon transmission measurements. As an example, for a plate-like sample geometry where the thickness is limited (less than a centimeter) it is trivial to measure the longitudinal and height direction elastic strain components with excellent in-plane spatial resolution (∼100 µm) and a somewhat lower through-thickness resolution (10–15 times larger) but obtaining the through thickness component is often not possible as the beam path must be parallel to one of the large dimensions of the plate. While small samples of low Z-number alloys (e.g., Ti or Al) allow determination of the three elastic strain components, this is often not the case for higher Z alloys (e.g., Fe or Ni) or large samples where some strain components can be indeterminable. To overcome these limitations, this work applies a combination of synchrotron X-ray diffraction and the contour method (a mechanical relaxation technique), to determine the triaxial stress state. This novel combination is demonstrated and validated in a relatively small additive manufactured sample where all three orthogonal strain components are accessible via X-ray diffraction for stress determination. The paper also explores methods for determining the strain-free lattice parameter, typically obtained from a small stress-free reference sample. This work shows that a small size AM sample is not stress free, producing unreliable magnitudes of strain and stress. Instead, a strain-free lattice parameter is determined using residual stress equilibrium conditions, which gives consistent strain and stress trends for both X-ray diffraction (alone) and the new diffraction-contour coupling technique. This demonstrates that the coupling technique can be confidently applied to samples to determine stress when path length (size or Z-number) prohibit determination of three orthogonal strain components via diffraction.

BackgroundCurrent minimally invasive fat reduction modalities use equipment that can cost thousands of U.S. dollars. Electrochemical lipolysis (ECLL), using low-cost battery and electrodes (approximately $10), creates acid/base within fat (width, approximately 3 mm), damaging adipocytes. Longitudinal effects of ECLL have not been studied. In this pilot study, the authors hypothesize that in vivo ECLL induces fat necrosis, decreases adipocyte number/viability, and forms lipid droplets.MethodsTwo female Yorkshire pigs (50 to 60 kg) received ECLL. In pig 1, 10 sites received ECLL, and 10 sites were untreated. In pig 2, 12 sites received ECLL and 12 sites were untreated. For ECLL, two electrodes were inserted into dorsal subcutaneous fat and direct current was applied for 5 minutes. Adverse effects of excessive pain, bleeding, infection, and agitation were monitored. Histology, live-dead (calcein, Hoechst, ethidium homodimer-1), and morphology (Bodipy and Hoechst) assays were performed on day 0 and postprocedure days 1, 2, 7, 14 (pig 1 and pig 2), and 28 (pig 2). Average particle area, fluorescence signal areas, and adipocytes and lipid droplet numbers were compared.ResultsNo adverse effects occurred. Live-dead assays showed adipocyte death on the anode on days 0 to 7 and the cathode on days 1 to 2 (not significant). Bodipy showed significant adipocyte loss at all sites ( P < 0.001) and lipid droplet formation at the cathode site on day 2 ( P = 0.0046). Histology revealed fat necrosis with significant increases in average particle area at the anode and cathode sites by day 14 (+277.3% change compared with untreated, P < 0.0001; +143.4%, P < 0.0001) and day 28 (+498.6%, P < 0.0001; +354.5%, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn vivo ECLL induces fat necrosis in pigs. Further studies are needed to evaluate volumetric fat reduction.Clinical relevance statementIn vivo ECLL induces adipocyte death and fat necrosis. ECLL has the potential to be utilized in body fat contouring.

This work develops a method to predict crack face contact under linear elastic conditions with application to fatigue crack growth in a residual stress bearing body. Residual stress changes the shape of the crack faces in a cracked body and can cause crack face contact that affects fatigue crack growth. Earlier work shows that the weight function can predict crack face shapes for applied or residual stress fields. The present work applies the weight function to compute a system of linear equations that can determine crack face contact pressure via quadratic programming. We validate the new method against the finite element method (FEM) in the context of fatigue crack growth in a single edge cracked beam having residual stress from prior elastic–plastic bending. The new method agrees with FEM over a range of crack sizes. Crack opening profiles agree when crack face contact is ignored (where the crack exhibits unrealistic over-closure) and when crack face contact is included. Stress intensity factors are also in agreement, comprising those due to applied loads, residual stress, and contact pressure. Being more efficient than FEM, the new crack face contract assessment method is useful for predicting residual stress effects in fatigue crack growth.

Damage tolerant structures require accurate fatigue crack growth rate models for life prediction. Central to these models are fracture mechanics similitude and empirically gathered growth rates. In this work, standard test methods failed to achieve similitude for 17-4PH stainless steel round-rod but succeeded for plate. Material product form differences are interrogated through constant ΔK tests, crack path analysis, residual stress (RS) characterization, and growth rate simulation. Analyses revealed that quench-induced RS in the round-rod promoted a non-planar, 3D crack path with closure effects. Strategies to mitigate the RS/path effects are evaluated by controlling constraint, closure, environment, and heat treatment.

Aluminum alloys used in monolithic parts for aerospace applications are subjected to distortion and residual stress (RS) generated by milling, affecting the product fatigue life. Particularly, the change in RS with depth (z) has a characteristic distribution with a maximum compressive RS at a z several tens of micrometers from the surface; however, the RS value depends on the measurement method used. In this study, the RS distribution with z from the surface after milling was measured for the AA7050-T7451 aluminum alloy by two-dimensional X-ray diffraction (2D method). The results were compared with those of four prior measurement methods, and the validity of 2D method was verified. The changes in subsurface RS with z showed similar distributions under all measurement conditions except when cos(α)-XRD was employed. The 2D method provides high repeatability. The in-plane RS distribution was also measured using 2D method to investigate the effect of milling conditions on this distribution. The RS values varied markedly depending on the measurement position, particularly at a small collimator diameter of 0.146 mm, allowing detection of localized extreme RS values. The maximum RS at z = 0 mm was − 85.6 MPa at a cutting speed of vc = 200 m/s and feed per tooth of fz = 0.05 mm, while it was − 16 MPa for vc = 450 m/s and 6.8 MPa for fz = 0.2 mm, revealing that the compressive RS changes to tensile RS as vc and fz increase.

The complex thermal gradients of additive manufacturing (AM) result in residual stress and distinctive grain morphologies that influence mechanical performance and contribute to concern regarding the fatigue properties of AM parts. In this study, residual stress, microstructure, and fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) results were compared in AM Type 304L stainless steel produced by laser powder bed fusion (PBF) on different systems using similar process parameters. Residual stress measured in the build direction was remarkably consistent in all PBF builds. Backscatter electron large area images revealed similar grain morphologies in the different builds, all of which exhibited elongated grains in the build direction and inhomogeneous grain size and shape. Fatigue crack growth investigated both parallel and perpendicular to the build direction revealed higher measured crack growth rates in the near-threshold regime in both orientations of the PBF material compared to wrought material. The difference in near-threshold fatigue crack growth rates is attributed primarily to the influence of processing-induced residual stress quantified by the residual stress intensity factor. These values revealed consistent FCGR effects in each orientation across specimens extracted from different builds and were then used to reveal a convergence of the corrected FCGR data of all PBF and wrought specimens.

Localized heating and resulting temperature gradients during additive manufacturing (AM) create significant residual stress that influences mechanical behavior, such as fatigue performance. To quantify residual stress effects on fatigue crack growth in AM materials, crack growth rates parallel and perpendicular to the build direction in directed energy deposition (DED) Type 304L austenitic stainless steel were measured. The on-line crack compliance method was used to determine the residual stress intensity factor, Kres, while simultaneously collecting fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) data. Constant applied alternating stress intensity factor (constant ΔKapp) tests revealed the primary influence on measured FCGR is the orientation dependent Kres. Critical analysis of the compliance data from decreasing ΔKapp tests was used to quantify Kres, which was then used to correct FCGR data in the near-threshold regime. Results demonstrated that the fatigue response of DED Type 304L is inherently similar to that of annealed wrought Type 304/304L.

Chemical injuries to the cornea account for 11 to 22% of all ocular injuries. Acidic injuries are commonly due to sulfuric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and battery acids, while basic injuries are commonly due to sodium hydroxide, chlorine bleach, and ammonia products. We have previously studied potential-driven electrochemical clearing (P-ECC) for alkaline injuries. In this study, we investigated the use of P-ECC on both acidic and alkaline injuries to determine its effect on restoring corneal transparency. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed before and after P-ECC to determine adequate corneal clearing. Severity of chemical injury was measured through second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging. HCl or NaOH was applied to the corneas of New Zealand white rabbit globes. P-ECC was performed on opacified cornea while OCT imaging was simultaneously performed to evaluate depth resolved clarity. SHG imaging evaluated the structure of collagen before HCl or NaOH application and after P-ECC. Irrigation with water served as positive control. Native rabbit corneas were used as a negative control group. P-ECC induced clearing in the rabbit cornea, shown through OCT. Clearing occurred in regions where the working electrode made contact with the cornea. SHG imaging showed restoration of collagen fibril signal in P-ECC treated corneas compared to control. P-ECC is a potentially effective therapy for clearing acidic and alkaline corneal injuries. However, more ex-vivo experiments are required to determine the specific parameter for optimal clearing. In-vivo experiments are necessary to determine its potential for clinical use.

The challenges of conducting hyperacute stroke research and obtaining informed consent have been increasingly recognized within the stroke research community in recent years. Deferral of consent, in which a patient is enrolled in a trial and then provides consent at some point thereafter, is increasingly used to enroll patients into hyperacute stroke trials in Canada and Europe, although it is not permitted in the United States. Deferral of consent offers several potential advantages-quicker door-to-randomization, increased enrolment, decreased selection bias-but these must be balanced against the risk of enrolling patients against their wishes. We seek to minimize the attendant risks of deferral of consent by offering practical guidance regarding how to conduct acute stroke trials using deferral of consent. Building on existing guidelines and recent experiences with deferral of consent in acute stroke trials, we have developed a protocol for the use of deferral of consent that aims to maximize patient involvement while minimizing ethical and scientific risks.

The corneal stroma consists of orthogonally stacked collagen-fibril lamellae that determine the shape of the cornea and provide most of the refractive power of the eye. We have applied electromechanical reshaping (EMR), an electrochemical platform for remodeling cartilage and other semirigid tissues, to change the curvature of the cornea as a potential procedure for nonsurgical vision correction. EMR relies on short electrochemical pulses to electrolyze water, with subsequent diffusion of protons into the extracellular matrix of collagenous tissues; protonation of immobilized anions within this matrix disrupts the ionic-bonding network, leaving the tissue transiently responsive to mechanical remodeling. Re-equilibration to physiological pH restores the ionic matrix, resulting in persistent shape change of the tissue. Using ex vivo rabbit eyes, we demonstrate here the controlled change of corneal curvature over a wide range of refractive powers with no loss of optical transparency. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), combined with second-harmonic generation (SHG) and confocal microscopy, establish that EMR enables extremely fine control of corneal contouring while maintaining the underlying macromolecular collagen structure and stromal cellular viability, positioning electrochemical vision therapy as a potentially simple and ultralow-cost modality for correcting routine refractive errors.

BackgroundAccurate and repeatable measurement of high-grade glioma (HGG) enhancing (Enh.) and T2/FLAIR hyperintensity/edema (Ed.) is required for monitoring treatment response. 3D measurements can be used to inform the modified Response Assessment in Neuro-oncology criteria. We aim to develop an HGG volumetric measurement and visualization AI algorithm that is generalizable and repeatable.MethodsA single 3D-Convoluted Neural Network, NS-HGlio, to analyze HGG on MRIs using 5-fold cross validation was developed using retrospective (557 MRIs), multicentre (38 sites) and multivendor (32 scanners) dataset divided into training (70%), validation (20%), and testing (10%). Six neuroradiologists created the ground truth (GT). Additional Internal validation (IV, three institutions) using 70 MRIs, and External validation (EV, single institution) using 40 MRIs through measuring the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of Enh., Ed. ,and Enh. + Ed. (WholeLesion/WL) tumor tissue and repeatability testing on 14 subjects from the TCIA MGH-QIN-GBM dataset using volume correlations between timepoints were performed.ResultsIV Preoperative median DSC Enh. 0.89 (SD 0.11), Ed. 0.88 (0.28), WL 0.88 (0.11). EV Preoperative median DSC Enh. 0.82 (0.09), Ed. 0.83 (0.11), WL 0.86 (0.06). IV Postoperative median DSC Enh. 0.77 (SD 0.20), Ed 0.78. (SD 0.09), WL 0.78 (SD 0.11). EV Postoperative median DSC Enh. 0.75 (0.21), Ed 0.74 (0.12), WL 0.79 (0.07). Repeatability testing; Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.95 Enh. and 0.92 Ed.ConclusionNS-HGlio is accurate, repeatable, and generalizable. The output can be used for visualization, documentation, treatment response monitoring, radiation planning, intra-operative targeting, and estimation of Residual Tumor Volume among others.

ObjectivesTraditional fat contouring is now regularly performed using numerous office- based less invasive techniques. However, some limitations of these minimally invasive techniques include high cost or limited selectivity with performing localized contouring and reduction of fat. These shortcomings may potentially be addressed by electrochemical lipolysis (ECLL), a novel approach that involves the insertion of electrodes into tissue followed by application of a direct current (DC) electrical potential. This results in the hydrolysis of tissue water creating active species that lead to fat necrosis and apoptosis. ECLL can be accomplished using a simple voltage-driven system (V-ECLL) or a potential-driven feedback cell (P-ECLL) both leading to water electrolysis and the creation of acid and base in situ. The aim of this study is to determine the long-lasting effects of targeted ECLL in a Yucatan pig model.MethodsA 5-year-old Yucatan pig was treated with both V-ECLL and P-ECLL in the subcutaneous fat layer using 80:20 platinum:iridium needle electrodes along an 8 cm length. Dosimetry parameters included 5 V V-ECLL for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, and -1.5 V P-ECLL, -2.5 V P-ECLL, -3.5 V P-ECLL for 5 minutes. The pig was assessed for changes in fat reduction over 3 months with digital photography and ultrasound. After euthanasia, tissue sections were harvested and gross pathology and histology were examined.ResultsV-ECLL and P-ECLL treatments led to visible fat reduction (12.1%-27.7% and 9.4%-40.8%, respectively) and contour changes across several parameters. An increased reduction of the superficial fat layer occurred with increased dosimetry parameters with an average charge transfer of 12.5, 24.3, and 47.5 C transferred for 5 V V-ECLL for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, respectively, and 2.0, 11.5, and 24.0 C for -1.5 V P-ECLL, -2.5 V P-ECLL, -3.5 V P-ECLL for 5 minutes, respectively. These dose-dependent changes were also evidenced by digital photography, gross pathology, ultrasound imaging, and histology.ConclusionsECLL results in selective damage and long-lasting changes to the adipose layer in vivo. These changes are dose-dependent, thus allowing for more precise contouring of target areas. P-ECLL has greater efficiency and control of total charge transfer compared to V-ECLL, suggesting that a low-voltage potentiostat treatment can result in fat apoptosis equivalent to a high-voltage DC system.

The objective of this paper is to validate a measurement-driven, model-based approach to estimate residual stress (RS) in samples machined from quenched aluminum stock. Model input is derived from measurement of RS in the parent stock. Validation is performed for prismatic T-sections removed from bars at different locations. We find RS predicted agrees with RS measured, by contour and neutron diffraction methods, with root-mean-square model-measurement difference of 22 MPa. Follow-on work (in Part 2) applies the RS estimation to samples representative of aircraft structures and examines the effects of RS on fatigue crack growth in the RS-bearing samples.

This paper assesses the accuracy of fatigue crack growth (FCG) predictions for high-strength aluminum samples containing residual stress (RS) and complex two-dimensional cracks subjected to constant amplitude load. FCG predictions use linear-elastic, multi-point fracture mechanics. A first prediction includes RS estimated by the model described in Part 1; a second prediction includes RS measured by the contour method. FCG test data show a significant influence of RS. Ignoring the RS results in a +60% error in predicted FCG life (non-conservative). Including RS improves predictions of crack growth significantly (errors better than +26% (estimated RS) and −14% (measured RS)).

Like all educational institutions, community colleges rapidly shifted to online instruction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about what factors shaped individual college responses. This survey of distance education leaders (N = 45) in the California community colleges system aimed to: (a) characterize pre-COVID distance education resources, emergency responses to the pandemic, and readiness for online instruction in the fall, and (b) determine how pre-COVID distance education resources, emergency responses, and fall readiness relate to each other. We find wide variability in pre-COVID distance education resources. These preexisting resources were related to institutions' responses: Colleges with fewer pre-COVID resources focused on foundational efforts such as creating online student services, while institutions with greater pre-COVID resources offered somewhat broader responses to training students and faculty in skills to successfully transition online. Finally, although colleges improved their readiness for continued remote instruction in the fall term in terms of training faculty and providing students with technology to access classes, respondents estimated that roughly a third of students would still face barriers accessing remote classes.

To examine the influence of residual stress on mechanical performance, specifically fatigue crack growth resistance, additively manufactured (AM) Type 304L stainless steel produced by directed energy deposition (DED) was evaluated and compared to conventional wrought Type 304/304L stainless steel. Increasing and decreasing alternating stress intensity factor (ΔK) tests were used to assess fatigue crack growth behavior over a range of crack growth rates in the near threshold regime (

Thin-walled milled monolithic aluminum workpieces are common in the aerospace industry, because of their advantages such as favorable material properties, established design methods, good machinability, known performance and reliable inspection techniques. Machining-induced residual stresses (MIRS) and initial bulk residual stresses (IBRS) are known to be the key factor for causing distortion of those workpieces. In this study the effect of both types, the milling path strategy and the wall thickness on the distortion is analyzed. A developed 3D linear elastic finite element (FEM) model, considering both types of RS as input, and predicting the resulting part distortion, is extended by using the true milling path as well as all RS contained in the entire workpiece. The simulation outcome is validated by experiments and distortion minimization techniques are derived. The results show that the model predicts the distortion shape and level for different wall thicknesses and milling strategies with a high accuracy. The experiments indicated that the distortion of low IBRS parts with 3 mm wall-thickness could be minimized by 42% by only changing the milling path. The simulation highlighted, that for smaller wall thicknesses, the distortion minimization potential is even higher (e.g. 2 mm wall thickness: up to 69% distortion minimization). For high IBRS parts, milling the inverse form of the predicted shape on the backside of the workpiece represents an alternative, which led up to a reduction of the distortion by 77%. In general, three main categories for precontrol distortion techniques can be identified as the process parameters, the part topology and the process strategy.

PurposeCorneal chemical injuries (CCI) obscure vision by opacifying the cornea; however, current treatments may not fully restore clarity. Here, we investigated potential-driven electrochemical treatment (P-ECT) to restore clarity after alkaline-based CCI in ex vivo rabbit corneas and examined collagen fiber orientation changes using second harmonic generation (SHG).MethodsNaOH was applied to the corneas of intact New Zealand white rabbit globes. P-ECT was performed on the opacified cornea while optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging (∼35 frames per second) was simultaneously performed. SHG imaging evaluated collagen fiber structure before NaOH application and after P-ECT. Irrigation with water served as a control.ResultsP-ECT restored local optical clarity after NaOH exposure. OCT imaging shows both progression of NaOH injury and the restoration of clarity in real time. Analysis of SHG z-stack images show that collagen fibril orientation is similar between control, NaOH-damaged, and post-P-ECT corneas. NaOH-injured corneas flushed with water (15 minutes) show no restoration of clarity.ConclusionsP-ECT may be a means to correct alkaline CCI. Collagen fibril orientation does not change after NaOH exposure or P-ECT, suggesting that no irreversible matrix level fiber changes occur. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism for corneal clearing and to ascertain the optimal electrical dosimetry parameters and electrode designs.Translational relevanceOur findings suggest that P-ECT is a potentially effective, low-cost treatment for alkaline CCI.

ObjectivesMinimally invasive fat sculpting techniques are becoming more widespread with the development of office-based devices and therapies. Electrochemical lipolysis (ECLL) is a needle-based technology that uses direct current (DC) to electrolyze tissue water creating acid and base in situ. In turn, fat is saponified and adipocyte cell membrane lysis occurs. The electrolysis of water can be accomplished using a simple open-loop circuit (V-ECLL) or by incorporating a feedback control circuit using a potentiostat (P-ECLL). A potentiostat utilizes an operational amplifier with negative feedback to allow users to precisely control voltage at specific electrodes. To date, the variation between the two approaches has not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess current and charge transfer variation and lipolytic effect created by the two approaches in an in vivo porcine model.MethodsCharge transfer measurements from ex vivo V-ECLL and P-ECLL treated porcine skin and fat were recorded at -1 V P-ECLL, -2 V P-ECLL, -3 V P-ECLL, and -5 V V-ECLL each for 5 min to guide dosimetry parameters for in vivo studies. In follow-up in vivo studies, a sedated female Yorkshire pig was treated with both V-ECLL and P-ECLL across the dorsal surface over a range of dosimetry parameters, including -1.5 V P-ECLL, -2.5 V P-ECLL, -3.5 V P-ECLL, and 5 V V-ECLL each treated for 5 min. Serial biopsies were performed at baseline before treatment, 1, 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment. Tissue was examined using fluorescence microscopy and histology to compare the effects of the two ECLL approaches.ResultsBoth V-ECLL and P-ECLL treatments induced in-vivo fat necrosis evident by adipocyte membrane lysis, adipocyte denuclearization, and an acute inflammatory response across a 28-day longitudinal study. However, -1.5 V P-ECLL produced a smaller spatial necrotic effect compared to 5 V V-ECLL. In addition, 5 V V-ECLL produced a comparable necrotic effect to that of -2.5 V and -3.5 V P-ECLL.ConclusionsV-ECLL and P-ECLL at the aforementioned dosimetry parameters both achieved fat necrosis by adipocyte membrane lysis and denuclearization. The -2.5 V and -3.5 V P-ECLL treatments created spatially similar fat necrotic effects when compared to the 5 V V-ECLL treatment. Quantitatively, total charge transfer between dosimetry parameters suggests that -2.5 V P-ECLL and 5 V V-ECLL produce comparable electrochemical reactions. Such findings suggest that a low-voltage closed-loop potentiostat-based system is capable of inducing fat necrosis to a similar extent compared to that of a higher voltage direct current system.