Infrared attenuation due to phase change from amorphous to crystalline observed in astrochemical propargyl ether ices.

Astrochemical ices are known to undergo morphological changes, from amorphous to crystalline, upon warming the ice from lower (10 K) to higher temperatures. Phase changes are mostly identified by the observation of significant changes in the InfraRed (IR) spectrum, where the IR bands that are broad in the amorphous phase are narrower and split when the ice turns crystalline. To-date all the molecules that are studied under astrochemical conditions are observed to follow such a behaviour without significant attenuation in the IR wavelength. However, in this paper we report a new observation when propargyl ether (C3H3OC3H3) is warmed from the amorphous phase, at 10 K, through the phase transition temperature of 170 K, the crystalline ice being found to strongly attenuate IR photons at the mid-IR wavelengths.

Qualitative observation of reversible phase change in astrochemical ethanethiol ices using infrared spectroscopy.

Here we report the first evidence for a reversible phase change in an ethanethiol ice prepared under astrochemical conditions. InfraRed (IR) spectroscopy was used to monitor the morphology of the ice using the SH stretching vibration, a characteristic vibration of thiol molecules. The deposited sample was able to switch between amorphous and crystalline phases repeatedly under temperature cycles between 10K and 130K with subsequent loss of molecules in every phase change. Such an effect is dependent upon the original thickness of the ice. Further work on quantitative analysis is to be carried out in due course whereas here we are reporting the first results obtained.

Tibial polyethylene failure after primary porous-coated anatomic total knee arthroplasty. Aids to diagnosis and revision.

Recognizing and providing effective treatment for polyethylene failure after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are challenging problems. The range of presenting symptoms and the usefulness of diagnostic tests are examined, and the outcome of surgical treatment of patients with tibial polyethylene failure is reported. From a consecutive series of 209 Primary Porous-Coated Anatomic (Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ) TKAs performed between 1984 and 1987, 18 cases (9%) required revision surgery. No patient experienced polyethylene failure prior to 48 months, and the average time to revision was 81 months after index TKA. The follow-up period after revision surgery averaged 24 months. Symptoms began after a period of good function, and preceded revision by an average of 8 months. The most common presenting symptom was swelling (89%), followed by stiffness (72%), pain (67%), and clicking (38%) or instability (22%). Single leg standing anteroposterior radiographs were most effective, demonstrating polyethylene failure by a change to increasing varus and narrowing of the polyethylene space in 16 of 18 cases. Arthroscopic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis in two cases. Five cases required tibial tubercle osteotomy for exposure, and 15 required complete synovectomy. Exchange of the damaged heat-pressed polyethylene insert with a machined insert was performed in 14 cases, exchange plus tibial tray revision in 3 cases, and complete knee revision in 1 case. Revision surgery successfully restored pain-free function and improved range of motion in 16 of 18 cases. Survivorship analysis showed an 11% failure rate at 8 years after index procedure. Regular follow-up evaluation for the Primary Porous-Coated Anatomic TKA is suggested.