High-cost Techniques Research Articles

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Microglial Phenotypes in the Murine Brain During Aging and Disease.

Microglia, the brain's primary resident immune cell, exists in various phenotypic states depending on intrinsic and extrinsic signaling. Distinguishing between these phenotypes can offer valuable biological insights into neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes. Recent advances in single-cell transcriptomic profiling have allowed for increased granularity and better separation of distinct microglial states. While techniques such as immunofluorescence and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) are available to differentiate microglial phenotypes and functions, these methods present notable limitations, including challenging quantification methods, high cost, and advanced analytical techniques. This protocol addresses these limitations by presenting an optimized cell preparation procedure that prevents ex vivo activation and a flow cytometry panel to distinguish four distinct microglial states from murine brain tissue. Following cell preparation, fluorescent antibodies were applied to label 1) homeostatic, 2) disease-associated (DAM), 3) interferon response (IRM), and 4) lipid-droplet accumulating (LDAM) microglia, based on gene markers identified in previous scRNA-Seq studies. Stained cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to assess phenotypic distribution as a function of age and sex. A key advantage of this procedure is its adaptability, allowing the panel provided to be enhanced using additional markers with an appropriate cell analyzer (i.e., Cytek Aurora 5 laser spectral flow cytometer) and interrogating different brain regions or disease models. Additionally, this protocol does not require microglial cell sorting, resulting in a relatively quick and straightforward experiment. Ultimately, this protocol can compare the distribution of microglial phenotypic states between various experimental groups, such as disease state or age, with a lower cost and higher throughput than scRNA-seq. Key features • Analysis of microglial phenotypes from murine brain without the need for cell sorting, imaging, or scRNA-seq. • This protocol can distinguish between homeostatic, disease-associated (DAM), lipid-droplet accumulating (LDAM), and interferon response (IRM) microglia from any murine brain region and/or disease model of interest. • This protocol can be modified to incorporate additional markers of interest or dyes when using a cell analyzer capable of multiple color detections.

Tuning the optical, electronic, and mechanical properties of inorganic Ca3PCl3 perovskite via biaxial strain

The outstanding advantages of inorganic halide perovskite solar cells, such as high efficiency, low cost, and simple manufacturing techniques, have lately attracted interest as prospective candidates in the field of photovoltaic technology. Due to its exceptional properties such as thermoelectric, optoelectronic, and elastic characteristics, lead-free Ca3PCl3 inorganic perovskites have recently attracted a lot of research attention in the green solar sector. In this study, we have used first-principles density functional theory to thoroughly analyze the strain-driven electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of Ca3PCl3. Band gap measurements at the Г-point of the unstrained planar Ca3PCl3 compound provided a value of 2.109 eV, indicating its direct band gap. However, the band gap of this perovskite may be adjusted upon applying biaxial strain. In addition, the variation in the absorption spectra and the dielectric function with photon energy have been observed to be red-shifted as a result of an increase in compressive strain. On the other hand, a blue shift occurred due to tensile strain. Ca3PCl3 perovskites can be tailored for solar applications due to its mechanical stability and higher degree of ductility, as shown by their strain-induced mechanical properties. Future uses in optoelectronics and solar cell design could benefit from the mechanical and optoelectronic characteristics of Ca3PCl3, which are strain sensitive.

Pyromellitic acid induced stable lithium ion batteries based on recycled silicon flakes

State-of-the-art capacity and stability of the silicon (Si) anode already meet the requirments of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the high-cost techniques hinder its practical applications. Herein, we developed a facile strategy to greatly enhance the electrochemical performance of the recycled Si material worked with commercial carboxymethyl cellulose : styrene butadiene rubber and conductive material. In that, small amount of pyromellitic acid (PA) with multi-carboxylic groups as the additive played a key role by passivating the Si surface, forming 3-dimensional crosslink network structure and anchoring the electrode onto Cu current collector. Thus, the side-reactions between Si-electrolyte and volume expansion during charge-discharge process were effectively suppressed. Moreover, the addition of PA also increased the porosity of the electrode by altering the compositions distribution, and the introduction of Ni2+ as the complexant can further enhance these effects. As a matter of fact, the Si-anode exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance with an initial charge capacity of 2325.0 mAh g−1 and a charge capacity retention of 1268.8 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 1000 mA g−1, corresponding to an average decay rate of 0.091% per cycle. Additionally, a capacity of 1079.7 mAh g−1 can be still achieved at a high current density up to 10,000 mA g−1. The performance surpassed that reported in the literatures using similar Si-flakes and are comparable to that using nanoSi and complicated technique. Overall, our work enabled a simple and cost-effective way for the practical application of Si materials.

Computationally-efficient optimization of the remanence angles of permanent magnet circuits for magnetic refrigeration

Permanent magnets are used in many engineering fields, but their high cost and restricted availability demand optimization techniques to generate high magnetic fields over large areas with minimal material. This paper advances an optimization technique for magnetic circuits composed of NdFeB and iron wedges. The remanence angles of each magnetized block are optimized to generate a desired magnetic waveform in the air gap, a critical parameter of the magnetocaloric cooling response in magnetic refrigerators. An advantage of the proposed method is that the number of finite element simulations is twice the number of magnetized blocks, often capped due to cost reasons. Therefore, the method can fully optimize a given geometry in a few minutes. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional models are developed and compared, and the full three-dimensional model is used to design the magnetic circuit for an actual magnetic refrigerator, capable of achieving 1.1T in the high field region. An encouraging agreement is observed between the modeling results and the local experimental magnetic field measured within the air gap. The most significant deviations between simulated and measured values, never higher than 40%, are observed in the region where the magnetic field gradient is the steepest and are likely caused by manufacturing imperfections that are hard to control, such as magnetization magnitude and direction deviations and localized self-demagnetization. Deviations between experimental data and numerical results smaller than 20% are observed in the high field region.

Cooperative game theory approach to develop an incentive mechanism for biopesticide adoption through farmer producer organizations

Biopesticides have been recognized as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides in controlling agricultural pests for plants and reducing harmful chemical residues. However, small and marginal farmers are facing challenges while adopting biopesticides, namely, high cost and complicated application techniques, resulting in a low level of farmer acceptance. Accordingly, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), voluntarily formed by farmers, develop mutual technical assistance among their members to solve the technical problems of biopesticide adoption. This study assumes that as a new form of farmer cooperative, FPOs have the potential to promote biopesticide adoption through the implementation of collective pesticide adoption (CPA). Along this line, this paper uses a cooperative game-based hybrid method to develop an incentive mechanism of biopesticide adoption for FPOs to implement CPAs. First, we construct a CPA decision model for mixed pesticides (i.e., biopesticides and chemical pesticides) based on multichoice goal programming (MCGP) to compromise the conflicting objectives regarding cost efficiency and chemical residue reduction, thereby obtaining the optimal total cost of pesticide adoption. Second, recognizing the optimal total adoption cost as a baseline, we devise a cooperative game-based cost allocation scheme to maintain farmers' voluntary participation in FPOs. This study demonstrates that the CPA implemented based on our proposed models can at least match if not surpass the economic and environmental performance of farmers' independent pesticide adoption (IPA). We further demonstrate that the proposed cooperative game solution is more suitable for the FPO's cost allocation issue than the eminent solutions, such as the Shapley value.

The impact of process parameters on the responses of a diesel engine running on biodiesel-diesel blend: An optimization study

The study sought to investigate the combined impact of parsley biodiesel blend (PSB) proportion, engine speed, and load on diesel engine parameters. The obtained result revealed that an increase in the proportion of PSB blend as the load increases, led to a rise in brake thermal efficiency (BTE), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and a decline in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), carbon monoxide (CO) and brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) but no interactive effect of both factors hydrocarbon (HC). Also, varying the engine speed and proportion of PSB blend declined BSFC, BSEC, HC, and NOx bur raised BTE and CO. A blend of 20.22%, engine speed of 1483.39 rpm, and engine load of 95.88% were the best variables for the tested engine to achieve better performance and reduced emission utilizing the desirability-based method. The projected values for BTE, BSFC, BSEC, CO, HC, and NOx responses were 20.61%, 0.32 kg/kWh, 6.14 MJ/kW, 0.08963%, 18.28 ppm, and 347.72 ppm respectively. Furthermore, for the tested engine, the engine speed was determined to be the most significant variable (with the most influence) when compared to the engine load and fuel blend. This study is beneficial to researchers and organizations working on improving engine performance and reduction of toxic emissions to the environment. The optimization study can also help overcome the high cost and lengthy experimental techniques.

Enzyme-free colorimetric nanosensor for the rapid detection of lactic acid in food quality analysis

Lactic acid is an essential organic chemical in food, clinical, chemical, and bioprocessing industries. We are reporting for the first time, a rapid and facile enzyme-free colorimetric sensor for the detection of lactic acid (LA) in food samples using nitrophenol ( p -NP) added copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). The responses of p -NP (5 mmol/L) to lactic acid in the presence of CuNPs were reported by analysing the UV-VIS absorption spectra in an aqueous solution. CuNPs were synthesized by the chemical reduction method and were identified to be in the Cubic phase using XRD analysis. The sample characterization studies were performed using the SEM, UV for obtaining good optical and selective lactic acid-sensing properties. The sensing mechanism is due to the aggregation responses of CuNPs conjugated p -NP in the presence of lactic acid as seen in the UV-VIS absorption spectra shift studied in an aqueous solution. The absorption spectrum of p -NP exhibited one intense band at 402 nm in the presence of CuNPs. Although the addition of lactic acid may cause π –π* transitions led to a hypsochromic shift (blue shift) with a subtle decrease in the wavelength from 402 to 315 nm, the solution underwent from being colored (greenish-yellow) to colorless. The stoichiometric ratio of a binding event is explained using Job's plot. The naked eye colorimetric response of the sensor-enabled detection limit of lactic acid to 0.33 mM. The sensor studies were compared with standard LC-MS/MS revealing a good recovery (95%) in food samples. This method is facile and alternate to the current high-cost techniques and enzymatic sensors. Schematic illustration of colorimetric sensor- CuNPs assisted catalytic reduction of p -nitrophenol (colored) to p -aminophenol (colorless) with the exposure of lactic acid. • Nonenzymatic colorimetric nanosensor for lactic acid detection. • The visual detection of trace amounts of lactic acid as low as 0.33 mM. • Sensor is based on the catalytic activity of copper nanoparticles. • Application of developed sensor for real time food sample analysis.

Ionic‐Liquid‐Perovskite Capping Layer for Stable 24.33%‐Efficient Solar Cell

AbstractMetal‐halide perovskite has emerged as an effective photovoltaic material for its high power conversion efficiency (PCE), low cost and straightforward fabrication techniques. Unfortunately, its long‐term operational durability, mainly affected by halide ion migration and undercoordinated Pb2+ is still the bottleneck for its large‐scale commercialization. In this work, an ionic liquid (IL) is designed to effectively cap the grain surface for improved stability and reduced trap density. More specifically, the Br− in the IL passivates the undercoordinated Pb2+ by chemically bonding to it, resulting in a thin layer of ionic‐liquid‐perovskite formed on the surface, leading to improved photovoltaic performance and better stability. Specifically, the solar cell exhibits an open‐circuit voltage of 1.192 V and PCE of 24.33% under one‐sun illumination with negligible hysteresis, and a large area (10.75 cm2) integrated module achieves PCE of 20.33%. Moreover, the bare device maintains over 90% of its initial efficiency after 700 h of aging at 65 °C. It also shows outstanding stability with only about 10% degradation after being exposed to the ambient environment for 1000 h. The superior efficiency and stability demonstrate that the present IL passivating strategy is a promising approach for high‐performance large area perovskite solar cell applications.

Assessment of a Nondestructive Method for Rapid Discrimination of Moroccan Date Palm Varieties via Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometric Models

Morocco is an important world producer and consumer of several varieties of date palm. In fact, the discrimination between varieties remains difficult and requires the use of complex and high-cost techniques. We evaluated in this work the potential of mid-IR (MIR) spectroscopy and chemometric models to discriminate eight date palm varieties. Four chemometric models were applied for the analysis of the spectral data, including principal-component analysis (PCA), support-vector machine discriminant analysis (SVM-DA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and partial-least-squares (PLS) analysis. MIR spectroscopic data were recorded from the wavenumber range 4000-600 cm-1, with a spectral resolution of 4 cm-1. The discriminant analysis was performed by LDA and SVM-DA with a 100% correct classification rate for the date mesocarp. PLS analysis was applied as a complementary chemometric tool aimed at quantifying moisture content; the validation of this model shows a good predictive capacity with a regression coefficient of 84% and a root-mean-square error of cross-validation of 0.50. The present study clearly demonstrates that MIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric approaches constitutes a promising analytical method to classify date palms according to their varietal origin and to establish a regression model for predicting moisture content. An alternative analytical method to discriminate date palm cultivars by FTIR-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy coupled with chemometric approaches is described.

Definition of CVD Graphene Micro Ribbons with Lithography and Oxygen Plasma Ashing

This work presents the definition of CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) Graphene Micro Ribbons (GMRs) with traditional Photolithography and Oxygen Plasma Ashing, where: (i) CVD Graphene Micro Ribbons were defined in parallel and serpentine patterns; (ii) The defined width dimensions of GMRs are between 0.23 µm and 10 µm; (iii) The empirical calibration curve between physical and mask widths of GMRs was obtained; (iv) With our method, Graphene Field-Effect Transistors, GFETs, can be fabricated with parallel GMRs as conduction channel between source and drain. It is important to notice that parallel channels are used in Silicon Nano Wires 3D Transistors, such as FinFETs. Our method is based on low-cost lithography, compared to commonly found in the literature, based on the definition of graphene patterns by Electron Beam Lithography (high cost and low repeatability techniques). Also, graphene's good quality characteristics remain after GMRs fabrication, as proven by Raman spectroscopy. In conclusion, our method to define the GMRs is suitable for GFET technology.

Binder-assisted electrostatic spray deposition of LiCoO2 and graphite films on coplanar interdigitated electrodes for flexible/wearable lithium-ion batteries

Flexible battery technologies have lately attracted much attention in the field of wearable electronics. A coplanar interdigitated electrode design encompasses the merits of bending tolerance and increased kinetics owing to shortened diffusion length for applications in these batteries. However, the fabrication of a coplanar patterned electrode remains a challenge because the conventional slurry casting method is unsuitable. In this study, we present a new process to prepare an interdigitated coplanar electrode using binder-assisted electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) without vacuum or high-cost techniques. Using the binder-assisted ESD method, it is possible to deposit powder of any type or size. Moreover, this approach is versatile and universal for application to the design of any coplanar cell configuration and is achieved using a binder-assisted dispersion method based on a commercially available active material. A full-cell flexible battery is fabricated with a coplanar interdigitated electrode using a LiCoO2 cathode and graphite anode. The low cost, simplicity, efficacy, and flexibility of this method are very promising attributes in the design and fabrication of flexible/wearable batteries.

Highly efficient luminescence in bulk transparent Sr2GdF7:Tb3+ glass ceramic for potential X-ray detection

The urgent demand for radiation detection in diverse applications boosts extensive investigations on scintillators. However, the current scintillating materials are mostly limited to mono-crystals with high cost, restricted volume and time-consuming fabrication techniques. Here, we report an efficient and transparent Tb3+-doped Sr2GdF7 glass ceramic (GC) prepared via simple melt-quenching method, and its optical response to X-ray. By incorporating Tb3+ into crystallized Sr2GdF7 inside a typical aluminosilicate glasses, highly enhanced green emission was observed under UV and X-ray excitation. After thermal treatment, the internal and external photo-luminescence quantum yields can be as high as 59.1 and 26.4%, respectively, with the high transparency (65%@550 nm) preserved. More interestingly, this composite material, combining the advantages of oxide glasses and fluoride crystals, presents strong X-ray excited luminescence (XEL). Its XEL intensity is 194% of that of commercial BGO scintillator. Evidenced by detailed optical and structural properties, it can be concluded that rare earth ions activated bulk oxyfluoride glass ceramics with unique merits, such as low-cost, high efficiency and intense radio-luminescence, could be alternative scintillating materials for high energy ray detection.

Polymer-derived SiOC replica of material extrusion-based 3-D printed plastics

A promising method for obtaining ceramic components with additive manufacturing (AM) is to use a two-step process of first printing the artifact in polymer and then converting it to ceramic using pyrolysis to form polymer derived ceramics (PDCs). AM of ceramic components using PDCs has been demonstrated with a number of high-cost techniques, but data is lacking for fused filament fabrication (FFF)-based 3-D printing. This study investigates the potential of lower-cost, more widespread and accessible FFF-based 3-D printing of PDCs. Low-cost FFF machines have a resolution limit set by the nozzle width, which is inferior to the resolutions obtained with expensive stereolithography or selective laser sintering AM systems. However, to match the performance a partial PDC conversion is used here, where only the outer surface of the printed polymer frame is converted to ceramic. Here the FFF-based 3-D printed sample is coated with a preceramic polymer and then it is converted into the corresponding PDC sample with a high temperature pyrolysis process. A screening experiment is performed on commercial filaments to obtain ceramic 3-D prints by surface coating both hard thermoplastics: poly lactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate (PC), nylon alloys, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and co-polyesters; and flexible materials including: flexible PLA, thermoplastic elastomer and thermoplastic polyurethane filaments. Mass and volume changes were quantified for the soaking and pyrolysis steps to form a hollow ceramic skin. All 3-D printing materials extruded at 250 microns successfully produced hollow ceramics skins of less than 100 microns. Details on the advantages and disadvantages of the different 3-D printing polymer precursors are discussed for this processing regime. The novel results developed here can be used to choose FFF-based polymers to use for PDC processing on a wide range of applications such as heat exchangers, heat sinks, scaffoldings for bone tissue growth, chemical/ gas filters and custom scientific hardware.

PMMC Flap Revisited and its Clinical Outcome in 150 Patients

Pectoralis myocutaneous flap remains the workhorse for the reconstruction of large defects in the head and neck region despite free flaps gaining popularity; because of its drawbacks such as long operating hours, high cost and special skill techniques, it is not used in most of the institutions. Even in our institution, free tissue transfers are carried out on a regular basis, but there is a definite scope and role for PMMC flap in reconstruction. We present our experience with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in terms of postoperative complications, donor site morbidity, flap survival and long-term healing of the flap. In this study, 150 patients who underwent pectoralis myocutaneous flap reconstruction from 2008 to 2016 were analysed for postoperative complications like donor site morbidity, flap survival and long-term healing of the flap. On analysis of our data, it was found that the most common complication was wound dehiscence, which was seen in 25 patients(16%), followed by orocutaneous fistula in 15 (10%), wound infection and partial skin margin necrosis, which was seen in a maximum of 12 each(8%), hematoma in 5 (3%), and donor site wound dehiscence in 5 (3%), and there was no case of total flap failure or carotid blowout. We conclude that PMMC flap along with its modifications is the most cost-effective and associated with least complications.

A New Minimal Invasive Technique in the Treatment of Resistant Plantar Fasciitis by Percutaneous Partial Plantar Fasciotomy, Drilling of the Calcaneus and Resection of Calcaneal Spur

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of plantar heel pain that may cause significant discomfort and disability. Many surgical techniques were involved in treatment like open plantar fasciotomy, endoscopic techniques, and percutaneous fasciotomy. This study was conducted to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of resistant plantar fasciitis by a new minimal invasive technique of combined percutaneous partial plantar fasciotomy, drilling of the calcaneus and resection of the calcaneal spur. Methods: Between June 2013 and July 2015, twenty-five patients presented by resistant plantar fasciitis had undergone a minimal invasive surgery by percutaneuos partial plantar fasciotomy, drilling of the calcaneus and resection of the calcaneal spur. Results: Heel pain was relieved within an average of 4 weeks (range: 3-8 weeks). Postoperatively twenty two 88% patients were rated as having excellent results, three patients 12% were rated as having good results and no patients 0% were rated as having a poor result without any improvement. Conclusion: This technique compares favorably with other reported open surgical procedures and other minimal invasive and high-cost techniques. It is a relatively safe, short procedure, with a rapid learning curve and it is not associated with serious complications.

Determination of Chromium (VI) in Airborne Particulate Matter by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

ABSTRACTHexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is a well-established carcinogen associated with lung, nasal, and sinus cancer. Cr(VI) threshold limit values in workroom air have been recently lowered. Consequently, the currently available analytical methods are insufficiently sensitive or high cost. In this paper, a simple, cost-effective, sensitive, and reproducible method using solid-phase extraction with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry for determination of hexavalent chromium in airborne samples is reported. The method validation included selectivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision. Interferences from other ions likely to be present in airborne samples, including trivalent chromium, were tested and selectivity was demonstrated. The detection and quantification limits were, respectively, as low as 0.1 and 0.4 µg L−1. The linearity ranged from 0.5 to 50.0 µg L−1, with a regression coefficients exceeding 0.998. The extraction recovery exceeded 98%. The developed method was successfully compared with a reference spectrophotometric method. The performances achieved were similar to ion chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography approaches. The novel method was tested on airborne samples collected from the workplace. The method’s performance suggests that it may be an alternative to high-cost techniques for monitoring occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium.

Thick tungsten layer coating on ferritic-martensitic steel without interlayer using a DC vacuum plasma spray and a RF low pressure plasma spray method

Tungsten has been attracted as one of promising candidates for plasma-facing materials in a next fusion reactor because of its many advantages. However, since the tungsten is difficult to machine and requires high cost techniques for joining to various substrates, alternative methods such as plasma spray coating have been developed. In this work, therefore, we coated thick tungsten layer on a ferritic-martensitic steel by a 60kW radio-frequency low pressure plasma spray system and a 55kW direct-current vacuum plasma spray system. Thick tungsten coating over 2mm using both systems without any interlayer was obtained by inserting a substrate preheating process. We also discussed the characteristics of coated tungsten layers such as hardness, micro-structure, porosity, surface morphology, and crystal structure which were investigated using Vickers hardness tester, field emission scanning electron microscopy, microscope, 3-dimensional surface measuring system, and X-ray diffraction, respectively.

Grain yield losses in yellow-rusted durum wheat estimated using digital and conventional parameters under field conditions

The biotrophic fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is the causal agent of the yellow rust in wheat. Between the years 2010–2013 a new strain of this pathogen (Warrior/Ambition), against which the present cultivated wheat varieties have no resistance, appeared and spread rapidly. It threatens cereal production in most of Europe. The search for sources of resistance to this strain is proposed as the most efficient and safe solution to ensure high grain production. This will be helped by the development of high performance and low cost techniques for field phenotyping. In this study we analyzed vegetation indices in the Red, Green, Blue (RGB) images of crop canopies under field conditions. We evaluated their accuracy in predicting grain yield and assessing disease severity in comparison to other field measurements including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and canopy temperature. We also discuss yield components and agronomic parameters in relation to grain yield and disease severity. RGB-based indices proved to be accurate predictors of grain yield and grain yield losses associated with yellow rust (R2=0.581 and R2=0.536, respectively), far surpassing the predictive ability of NDVI (R2=0.118 and R2=0.128, respectively). In comparison to potential yield, we found the presence of disease to be correlated with reductions in the number of grains per spike, grains per square meter, kernel weight and harvest index. Grain yield losses in the presence of yellow rust were also greater in later heading varieties. The combination of RGB-based indices and days to heading together explained 70.9% of the variability in grain yield and 62.7% of the yield losses.

Advances in radiotherapy and targeted therapies for rectal cancer

The last decade witnessed a significant progress in understanding the biology and immunology of colorectal cancer alongside with the technical innovations in radiotherapy. The stepwise implementation of intensity-modulated and image-guided radiation therapy by means of megavolt computed tomography and helical tomotherapy enabled us to anatomically sculpt dose delivery, reducing treatment related toxicity. In addition, the administration of a simultaneous integrated boost offers excellent local control rates. The novel challenge is the development of treatment strategies for medically inoperable patient and organ preserving approaches. However, distant control remains unsatisfactory and indicates an urgent need for biomarkers that predict the risk of tumor spread. The expected benefit of targeted therapies that exploit the tumor genome alone is so far hindered by high cost techniques and pharmaceuticals, hence hardly justifying rather modest improvements in patient outcomes. On the other hand, the immune landscape of colorectal cancer is now better clarified with regard to the immunosuppressive network that promotes immune escape. Both N2 neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) emerge as useful clinical biomarkers of poor prognosis, while the growing list of anti-MDSC agents shows promising ability to boost antitumor T-cell immunity in preclinical settings. Therefore, integration of genetic and immune biomarkers is the next logical step towards effective targeted therapies in the context of personalized cancer treatment.

Editorial

Welcome to this special edition of X-ray spectrometry in forensics! The X-ray spectrometry technique scanning electron microscope energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDS) is widely used by forensic laboratories for the examination of trace evidence. The technique is used in the international standard for gunshot residue analysis and is also used for the analysis of fibres, hair, glass and paint specimens, to name a few. The technique has gained increasing popularity since the 1970s because of its low cost, non destructive nature, ease of operation and interpretation. In this edition, we will see how complementary X-ray spectrometry methods may assist the forensic investigations of the future. In particular, Galli et al. show how portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices are used in the related field of cultural heritage and how some of the advantages of portable XRF might be translated to forensic samples. On this theme, Fonseca et al. will show how XRF can be used to estimate shooting distance, and Ernst et al. outline a protocol for forensic glass analysis by using XRF. On a larger scale to tube XRF, synchrotron XRF (SXRF) has been recently used in a murder case in Japan, and Kawai gives an interesting account of the Jury's interpretation of the SXRF data from two experts, adding his own interpretation to the data, highlighting the complexity of interpretation of XRS spectra in a forensic context. Nakai et al. will show how a soil database is being constructed in Japan by using SXRF, outlining a new and useful application of the technique in forensic science. As SEM-EDS is a noteworthy force in forensics, optimisation and modification of the technique are essential to meet increasing demands from police organisations for high throughput, low cost and robust analytical techniques. Levin et al. meet these demands in the context of high throughput gunshot residue analysis by capitalising on new developments in instrumentation. Their article provides a guide, which will be useful for other forensic laboratories interested in installing silicon drift detectors. In complement to this article, French et al. use SEM-EDS to look at the possibility of secondary transfer of gunshot residue under various circumstances, putting the spotlight on the interpretation of gunshot residue evidence in the courts. It is evident from this edition that X-ray spectrometry techniques have a great range of potential and exciting new applications, which could have a significant impact on police investigations.