X-ray Techniques Research Articles

A self-healing plastic ceramic electrolyte by an aprotic dynamic polymer network for lithium metal batteries.

Oxide ceramic electrolytes (OCEs) have great potential for solid-state lithium metal (Li0) battery applications because, in theory, their high elastic modulus provides better resistance to Li0 dendrite growth. However, in practice, OCEs can hardly survive critical current densities higher than 1 mA/cm2. Key issues that contribute to the breakdown of OCEs include Li0 penetration promoted by grain boundaries (GBs), uncontrolled side reactions at electrode-OCE interfaces, and, equally importantly, defects evolution (e.g., void growth and crack propagation) that leads to local current concentration and mechanical failure inside and on OCEs. Here, taking advantage of a dynamically crosslinked aprotic polymer with non-covalent -CH3⋯CF3 bonds, we developed a plastic ceramic electrolyte (PCE) by hybridizing the polymer framework with ionically conductive ceramics. Using in-situ synchrotron X-ray technique and Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), we uncover that the PCE exhibits self-healing/repairing capability through a two-step dynamic defects removal mechanism. This significantly suppresses the generation of hotspots for Li0 penetration and chemomechanical degradations, resulting in durability beyond 2000 hours in Li0-Li0 cells at 1 mA/cm2. Furthermore, by introducing a polyacrylate buffer layer between PCE and Li0-anode, long cycle life >3600 cycles was achieved when paired with a 4.2 V zero-strain cathode, all under near-zero stack pressure.

Foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract in children: algorithm of management and choice of instruments for endoscopic removal

BACKGROUND: A foreign body (FB) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) may require either emergent removal or careful observation till its natural coming out. The effectiveness of endoscopic procedure (EP) in pediatrics depends on adequate medical knowledge and medical equipment. Not uncommon, endoscopists and surgeons from adult medical centers remove FB in children. Over the past decades, EP in the GIT has become the safest and most successful technique for FB diagnosis and removal. Up to now, there is no algorithm for managing and removing FB in children, or it does not always meet needs in clinical practice. To assess and choose the most optimal endoscopic equipment and instrumental accessories regarding child’s age, FB type and its harmful effects is still an important issue. AIM: To improve a management algorithm and selection of optimal equipment to ensure timely diagnostics and successful endoscopic removal of FBs from GIT in children. METHODS: A retrospective three-center analysis of children’s medical histories with suspected FBs in GIT from 2017 to 2020. The following parameters were analysed: clinical, X-ray and endoscopic diagnostic techniques depending on patient's age, FB location, its type and radiopacity, time before its removal, as well as type and effectiveness of endoscopic instrument, duration of endoscopic procedure, its effectiveness and complications, if any. RESULTS: 1173 children were taken in the study (boys n=676, girls n=497,) average age 3.5±3.3, (0–17 y.o.). FB diagnosis was confirmed in 1008 (100%) patients; endoscopy was performed in 756 (75%) cases; endoscopic removal — in 751 out of 756 cases. Surgeries were made to three children with giant trichobezoars and to two children with magnet objects which were complicated by perforation in one case and by intestinal obstruction in the other one. The performed retrospective analysis of children’s medical histories with suspected GIT FBs allowed to modify the algorithm of multidisciplinary approach to the management and endoscopic removal of swallowed objects. Examination by an ENT specialist and a pediatric surgeon was mandatory at the reception department. The pediatric surgeon formulated indications for X-ray examination in two projections. The confirmed fact of FB swallowing and X-ray findings could be indicators for CT scanning. After FB presence has been confirmed, the patient is jointly consulted by a pediatric surgeon, anesthesiologist and endoscopist so as to determine indications and time interval for removing a swallowed object endoscopically. Endoscopic instruments — net, rat tooth, forceps, loop and basket — turned out to be the most universal ones for removing four FB types, with the best average time of the procedure. There were no complications related to FB endoscopic removal. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm modification in child’s management and removal of GIT FB, the optimal choice of endoscopic equipment and manipulation accessories depending on patient’s age, FB location, type and its harm are key points to its successful and effective FB removal in children.

Changes in electronic structure within NiSx (0.60 < x < 1.53) compound series

In this article, changes in electronic properties of NiSx series of films with different sulfur content (x = S/Ni) are studied using X-ray (XPS) and ultra-violet (UPS) photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. NiSx (0.60 < x < 1.53) films are synthesized on native oxide of Si(111) substrates via reactive deposition of Ni and S in an ultra-high vacuum chamber by varying the sulfur pressures and substrate temperatures. The binding energy (BE) of Ni2p3/2 core level, the separation between the Ni2p3/2 main peaks and satellite peaks, and the Ni3d valence band binding energies are all found to vary nearly linearly with the sulfur content in NiSx series of compounds, suggesting a direct dependence of Ni electronic charge on the sulfur content. The shift of the Ni3d and S3p states (to higher and lower BE, respectively) with an increase in the S content provides experimental confirmation of the theoretical prediction previously reported (Wen et al., 2020) [1]. All NiSx films showed density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level, indicating their metallic nature. The Ni2p3/2 binding energy shift of NiSx films are much smaller than that of oxide-based compounds, confirming the significantly more covalent nature of the sulfides. NiSx film grown on Si (111) substrate showed nickel silicide interface formation. This study provides information on the growth and trends in the electronic properties of NiSx relevant for their applications in catalysis, energy storage, and electronic devices.

In Situ Stabilization of Bi Nanoparticles into the Nanopores of Modified Montmorillonite: Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts for Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol.

Here, we report the in situ generation of Bi nanoparticles (BiNPs) into a nanoporous matrix by impregnation of bismuth chloride and subsequent reduction with sodium borohydride. The nanoporous matrix was created by acid activation of natural montmorillonite clay under controlled conditions with the aim that it may serve as a host for BiNPs. The characterization of stabilized BiNPs was done by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX) techniques. The TEM study reveals that the BiNPs with an average particle size of 7.16 nm are well-distributed on the surface of the acid-activated montmorillonite clay. The synthesized BiNPs exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in aqueous medium with remarkable results. The degradation of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) at 25 °C, in the presence of sodium borohydride, brought about almost 100% conversion in 6 min with a rate constant of 0.20098 s-1 that follows the pseudo-first-order kinetics.

Combustion Characteristics and Performance of Nanoflower Structure AlB2@AP Energetic Composites

ABSTRACT Boron-based solids have garnered significant attention due to their high calorific value. However, during combustion, the formation of boron oxide (B₂O₃) on the surface hinders the interaction between the oxidizing components and the internal active boron (B), thereby limiting its reactivity and combustion efficiency. Modifying boron-based solids represents an effective strategy for overcoming the limitations associated with fuel energy release efficiency. In this study, a shell-structured AlB₂@AP composite was designed and fabricated utilizing etching and recrystallization methods. The structure comprises AlB₂ as the core, B as the middle shell, and AP as the embedded outer shell. The key strategy involves employing an etching process to augment the reactive surface area of boron on the aluminum diboride surface, while also coating it with ammonium perchlorate (AP) to enhance the composite particles. This innovative approach demonstrates that the etching method can effectively utilize the boron present in AlB₂. The composite particles were characterized and analyzed for morphology employing a scanning electron microscope and X-ray techniques. Thermal analysis indicated that the decomposition stage of AP facilitated the oxidation of etched AlB₂, moreover, as the AP coating content increased, the temperature at which vigorous reactions initiated occurred earlier. In combustion experiments, the maximum combustion temperatures of AlB₂@10AP, AlB₂@20AP, and AlB₂@30AP increased by 36.4%, 15.1%, and 3.8%, respectively. The combustion formulation prepared with elemental boron exhibited different characteristics. The average combustion temperatures increased by 33.1%, 23.4%, and 14.4%, respectively. The combustion durations were reduced by 60.8%, 33.7%, and 31.7%, respectively. AlB2@AP is anticipated to further enhance its applications in propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.

Novel 3D plate-like g-C3N4/BiOCl heterojunction as a highly efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of carbofuran in wastewater under visible light irradiation

The g-C3N4/BiOCl (gCN-BCl) heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized using a low-temperature precipitation method for effective photocatalytic degradation of carbofuran (CBF). All gCN-BCl composites demonstrate greater efficacy in removing CBF compared to its individual constituents. The synergistic effect of incorporating the 0D structured BiOCl onto the 2D structured g-C3N4 was comprehensively examined using various microscopic, X-ray, and spectroscopic analytical techniques. Additionally, optical and photoelectrochemical analyses were conducted. The findings validated that the interaction between the two semiconductors at the heterointerfaces enhanced remarkable physical and structural stability, promoted high charge separation and transfer properties, and improved photocatalytic degradation. Under optimal conditions, 5-gCN-BCl (0.25 g/L) achieved a CBF (5 mg/L) removal efficiency of 95.7 % under visible light irradiation of 120 min, achieving 3.1- and 5.9-times higher degradation rate than the pure BiOCl and g-C3N4, respectively. The radical trapping experiments indicated that the h+ and •O2− were the primary reactive species involved in the CBF degradation. Furthermore, the potential toxicity of CBF and its intermediates was assessed, revealing that the photocatalytic degradation process significantly lowered the ecotoxicity of pesticide wastewater. The potency of 5-gCN-BCl was also evaluated in tap water and real wastewater samples, with CBF degradation efficiencies of 85.8 %, 47.6 %, and 38.7 % in tap water, municipal, and pesticide industry wastewater, respectively. Additionally, artificial neural network (ANN) modeling was employed to predict and optimize the photocatalytic degradation process, providing further insights into the system’s performance. The outcomes of this work offer valuable insights into the development of heterojunction photocatalysts with superior stability and efficacy for eliminating pesticides from water bodies.

Impact of Dilute DIO Additive on Local Microstructure of Fluorinated, pNDI-Based Polymer Solar Cells.

The performance of all-polymer solar cells is often enhanced by incorporating solvent additives during solution processing. In particular, blends based on the model all-polymer system PBDBT:N2200 have been shown to have increased short-circuit current and fill factor when processed with dilute diiodooctane (DIO). However, the morphological mechanism that drives the increase in performance is often not well understood due to limitations in common characterization techniques. In this study, it is shown that a combination of X-ray techniques with cryogenic high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis can provide a quantitative and spatially resolved picture of polymer chain orientation and alignment in all-polymer blends. It is found that DIO induces vertical phase separation in PBDBT-2F:F-N2200 and increases donor crystallite thickness in the pi-stacking direction leading to an acceptor-rich film surface. However, it is also shown that DIO does not disrupt the formation of face-on donor-acceptor interfaces. These findings suggest that dilute DIO primarily affects crystalline domain formation in single component regions as opposed to mixed regions; thus, dilute DIO can impact vertical charge transport pathways without sacrificing donor-acceptor interfacial connectivity.

Breast cancer imaging-clinical experience with two-dimensional-shear wave elastography: A retrospective study.

Breast cancer morbidity has been increasing worldwide, but treatments are improving. The therapeutic response depends on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed. Therefore, early diagnosis has never been more essential for successful treatment and a reduction in mortality rates. Radiology plays a pivotal role in cancer detection, and advances in ultrasound (US) palpation have shown promising results for breast cancer imaging. The addition of two-dimensional-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) US in the routine breast imaging exam can increase early cancer detection and promote better surveillance. To evaluate the clinical applications of 2D-SWE US in breast cancer detection and its combination with other imaging modalities. The 200 consecutive female patients aged 50-80 were examined to evaluate palpable breast lesions. All patients underwent mammography, bright mode (B-mode) US, and 2D-SWE followed by US-guided biopsy in two consecutive sessions. Combining B-mode and shear wave US imaging with X-ray mammography revealed 100% of the suspicious lesions, resulting in greater sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value. The result improves compared to either B-mode or 2D-SWE alone (P = 0.02). Combining 2D-SWE with conventional US and X-ray techniques improves the chance of early cancer detection. Including 2D-SWE in regular breast imaging routines can reduce the need for biopsies and improve the chance of early cancer detection and survivability with the proper line of therapy.

Anterior Pelvic Tilt in MRI VS X-Rays. Which is more Sensitive?

The assessment of anterior pelvic tilt (APT) is crucial in diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal disorders. This paper evaluates the sensitivity of measuring APT using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray techniques. By comparing the two modalities, we aim to determine the advantages and limitations of each in clinical practice. Our findings suggest that MRI offers greater sensitivity in measuring APT, providing valuable insights for clinicians in selecting the appropriate imaging modality.

Functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals with a potent antimalarial compound: Synthesis, characterization, and biological studies

Cellulosic materials, such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), are biocompatible, biodegradable and have unique and fascinating biomedical applications. Calxinin (CXN), a potent multistage antimalarial compound was functionalised with CNCs to improve biocompatibility and enhance the bioactivity of the resulting CNC-CXN nano-conjugate. Elemental analysis, powder X-ray, SEM, AFM, Infrared, and solid-state NMR spectroscopic techniques confirmed the composition of novel CNC-CXN nano-conjugate. Next, CNC-CXN nano-conjugate did not exhibit apparent cytotoxic effects on the sensitive Vero E6 cell line up to a concentration of 4.66 μg/μl. The CNC-CXN nano-conjugate was also evaluated for its preliminary efficacy on Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) malaria parasite and showed a 50 % inhibitory concentration value of 0.02 μg/μl. Overall, the selectivity index (SI) of the CNC-CXN nano-conjugate significantly improved to 233, indicating its suitability for further validation studies in animal models.

Elemental analysis and micromorphological patterns of tooth/restoration interface of three ion-releasing class V restorations

ObjectivesTo evaluate and compare the ion-releasing capability of three different restorative systems at the restoration/tooth interface elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray technique. Additionally, micromorphological patterns of the restoration/tooth interfaces was investigated.Materials and methodsEighteen freshly extracted sound human premolars were collected for the study. The premolars were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 6) based on the type of restorative materials used: Giomer (Beautifill II), ion-releasing composite (Activa Presto), and RMGI (Riva Light Cure). Half of the specimens in each group were tested after 24 h (the “immediate group”), while the remaining half were tested after 6 months of storage in deionized water (the “delayed group”). Standardized box-shaped cavities along the cervical area of teeth crowns and restored them with the assigned restorative material following manufacturers’ instructions. The specimens were sectioned buccolingually into 2 halves. One half of each specimen was subjected to elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray technique (EDX), while the remaining half was sputter coated and underwent micromorphological analysis of the restoration/tooth interface using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The collected data from elemental analysis test were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsThe two-way ANOVA test showed significant differences in both phosphorus and calcium levels among the tested restorative systems (p < 0.05). In the immediate subgroup, RMGI recorded the highest phosphorus level (0.1527), followed by the ion-releasing composite (0.1172), while Giomer exhibited the least levels (0.0326) (p < 0.05). The ion-releasing composite group had the highest calcium level (0.2797), followed by RMGI (0.248), and Giomer (0.2385) respectively (p < 0.05). In the delayed subgroups, Giomer recorded the highest phosphorus level (0.1526), followed by the ion-releasing composite (0.1058), and RMGI group (0.0466) respectively (p < 0.05). RMGI had the highest calcium level (0.2801), followed by the ion-releasing composite (0.2659), and Giomer had the lowest level (0.1792) (p < 0.05). The micromorphological analysis of the restoration/tooth interfaces showed good adaptation between the composite and tooth substrate in different restorative groups.ConclusionsThe ion-releasing capability of the three restorative systems appears to be comparable. The rate of mineral release and diffusion is affected by time and composition.

A simulation study of MR-guided proton therapy system using iron-yoked superconducting open MRI: a conceptual study.

Radiotherapy platforms integrated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been significantly successful and widely used in X-ray therapy over the previous decade. MRI provides greater soft-tissue contrast than conventional X-ray techniques, which enables more precise radiotherapy with on-couch adaptive treatment planning and direct tracking of moving tumors. The integration of MRI into a proton beam irradiation system (PBS) is still in the research stage. However, this could be beneficial as proton therapy is more sensitive to anatomical changes and organ motion. In this simulation study, we considered the integration of PBS into the 0.3-T superconducting open MRI system. Our proposed design involves proton beams traversing a hole at the center of the iron yoke, which allows for a reduced fringe field in the irradiation nozzle while maintaining a large proton scan field of the current PBS. The shape of the bipolar MRI magnets was derived to achieve a large MRI field-of-view. To monitor the beam position and size accurately while maintaining a small beam size, the beam monitor installation was redesigned from the current system. The feasibility of this system was then demonstrated by the treatment plan quality, which showed that the magnetic field did not deteriorate the plan quality from that without the magnetic field for both a rectangular target and a prostate case. Although numerous challenges remain before the proposed simulation model can be implemented in a clinical setting, the presented conceptual design could assist in the initial design for the realization of the MR-guided proton therapy.

Isoliquiritigenin mitigates intervertebral disc degeneration induced by oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment through a PPARγ-dependent pathway

ObjectivesOxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis play significant roles in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), ultimately contributing to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). This study investigates the potential of isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural extract known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerotic properties, to alleviate IVDD. MethodsThe viability of NPCs treated with ISL and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Various techniques, including Western blot, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry, were employed to measure the expression of ECM components, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis-related proteins. Mitochondrial function was evaluated through Western blot and IF analyses. Network pharmacology predicted ISL targets, and the expression levels of PPARγ were assessed using the aforementioned methods. The role of PPARγ in the therapeutic effects of ISL on IVDD was examined through siRNA knockdown. The therapeutic impact of ISL on puncture-induced IVDD in rats was evaluated using X-ray, MRI, and histological staining techniques. ResultsIn vitro, ISL reduced oxidative stress in NPCs, restored mitochondrial function, inhibited apoptosis, and improved the ECM phenotype. In vivo, ISL slowed the progression of IVDD in a rat model. Further analysis revealed that ISL enhances PPARγ activity and promotes its expression by direct binding, contributing to the delay of IVDD progression. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that ISL effectively treats puncture-induced IVDD in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress, restoring mitochondrial function, and reducing NPC apoptosis through a PPARγ-dependent mechanism. By balancing ECM synthesis and degradation, ISL presents a novel therapeutic approach for IVDD and identifies a promising target for treatment.

A Cubic Pure Half-Spinor Approach to High Performance Photon-Counting Computerized X-ray Tomography – Transcendence of the Brauer Mirror Symmetry Functor –

The goal of this paper is to present a spectral theory of advanced photon-counting computerized X-ray tomography, which is a promising microelectronical semiconductor wafer X-ray technique on the verge of becoming clinically feasible and has the potential to dramatically alter the clinical application of computer-aided medical diagnosis in the upcoming decades. In analogy to the deep fact that any real division algebra has dimension 1, 2, 4 or 8, the isogeneous third Galois cohomological, mirror symmetrical approach to high spatial resolution spectral photon-counting computerized tomography establishes that the exceptional Lie group Spin(8,R)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ extrm{Spin}(8,\\mathbb {R})$$\\end{document} is the only one of the spin group spectrum {Spin(n,R)∣n≥1}\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\{\ extrm{Spin}(n,\\mathbb {R})\\mid n \\ge 1\\}$$\\end{document} to admit a triality automorphism. It is the exceptional phenomenon of triality which is able to produce by the spin representation theory of the exceptional Lie group of octonions O\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathbb {O}$$\\end{document} the spectral shaped digital signals of spectral photon-counting computerized X-ray tomography. Similarly to spin echo magnetic resonance tomography, the mathematical approach to spectral high performance computerized tomography is based on the isogeneously invariant, projectively weighted, symplectic coadjoint orbit picture Lie(N)∗/CoAd(N)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathfrak {Lie}(\\mathcal {N})^*/\ extrm{CoAd}(\\mathcal {N})$$\\end{document} of the real 3-dimensional Heisenberg unipotent Lie group N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcal {N}$$\\end{document} of type GL(3,R)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ extrm{GL}(3,\\mathbb {R})$$\\end{document}, and its solvable diamond toric Lie group extension.

Are Fibrous Cortical Defects (FCDs) and Non-Ossifying Fibromas (NOFs) Only Radiological Findings? The Relationship between Radiological/Clinical Findings and Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Fibrous cortical defect (FCD) and non-ossifying fibroma (NOF) are incidentally recognised and benign developmental lesions. The objective of this study was to ascertain the clinical manifestations and symptoms of FCDs/NOFs in children and adolescent patients, to characterise the lesions radiologically using X-ray and MRI techniques, and to determine the relationship between physical activity and the condition. Methods: The study included patients under the age of 18 with radiological lesions on their extremities. The lesions were classified as FCD or NOF in accordance with the distinctive imaging features. For each lesion, the bone involved, the site involved, the size of the lesion, and the type of lesion (according to the Ritschl classification) were recorded. In the anamnesis, the patient's presenting complaint, the character of the pain, if any, and the level of activity were investigated. Pain was quantified using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the 21-Numbered Circle VAS (21-NCVAS). The 21-Numbered Circle Activity Scale (21-NCAS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were employed for the assessment of physical activity. Results: The study included 34 lesions in 28 children (14 girls/14 boys). There was no difference in age between girls and boys (p = 0.45). According to Ritschl's classification, 18 (52.9%) lesions were stage A, 9 (26.5%) were stage B, and 7 (20.6%) were stage C. The lesion size increased with increasing Ritschl stage (p < 0.02). The main presenting complaint was pain (n = 13, 49.9%). In 21.4% of the children (n = 6), lesions were detected incidentally on radiographs. According to IPAQ, 39.3% of the children were physically inactive. There was a significant negative correlation between 21-NCAS and Ritschl stage (r = -0.51, p < 0.05). Activity decreased as the Ritschl stage increased. There was a significant negative correlation between 21-NCAS and VAS (r = -0.69, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Spontaneous pain was observed in 49.9% of patients diagnosed with FCD/NOF. No correlation was identified between lesion size and the presence or severity of pain. As the severity of pain and Ritschl stage increased, there was a corresponding decrease in physical activity.

Classification of Electronic Waste Components through X-ray and Neutron-Based Imaging Techniques.

In modern society, the amount of e-waste is growing year by year. Waste electronic items are complex, highly heterogeneous systems, containing organic material as well as several exotic, valuable, toxic, mostly metallic elements. In this study, the potential of X-ray and neutron radiography to reveal the inner structure of various complex e-waste was investigated. The images obtained using the two techniques were evaluated together to investigate the possibility of a more efficient segmentation of the individual components. The advantages and limitations of the two methods were identified for the studied waste types. X-ray radiography was found to be preferable for the identification of small metallic parts and for revealing the internal structure of e-waste with thick plastic coatings. Neutron radiography allowed for the identification of several components that did not provide sufficient contrast with X-ray imaging due to their similar X-ray attenuation compared to their surroundings. The combination of the two methods opens up new opportunities and could provide much more effective segmentation than either method alone.

Impact of Nickel on Iridium-Ruthenium Structure and Activity for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction under Acidic Conditions.

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is a promising technology to produce hydrogen directly from renewable electricity sources due to its high power density and potential for dynamic operation. Widespread application of PEMWE is, however, currently limited due to high cost and low efficiency, for which high loading of expensive iridium catalyst and high OER overpotential, respectively, are important reasons. In this study, we synthesize highly dispersed IrRu nanoparticles (NPs) supported on antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) to maximize catalyst utilization. Furthermore, we study the effect of adding various amounts of Ni to the synthesis, both in terms of catalyst structure and OER activity. Through characterization using various X-ray techniques, we determine that the presence of Ni during synthesis yields significant changes in the structure of the IrRu NPs. With no Ni present, metallic IrRu NPs were synthesized with Ir-like structure, while the presence of Ni leads to the formation of IrRu oxide particles with rutile/hollandite structure. There are also clear indications that the presence of Ni yields smaller particles, which can result in better catalyst dispersion. The effect of these differences on OER activity was also studied through rotating disc electrode measurements. The IrRu-supported catalyst synthesized with Ni exhibited OER activity of up to 360 mA mgPGM -1 at 1.5 V vs RHE. This is ∼7 times higher OER activity than the best-performing IrO x benchmark reported in the literature and more than twice the activity of IrRu-supported catalyst synthesized without Ni. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to further elucidate the origin of the observed activity enhancement, showing no improvement in intrinsic OER activity for hollandite Ir and Ru compared to the rutile structures. We, therefore, hypothesize that the increased activity measured for the IrRu supported catalyst synthesized with Ni present is instead due to increased electrochemical surface area.

IAEA fostering of the development and applications of nuclear analytical techniques for Heritage Science

The IAEA Physics Section is strongly involved in the development and utilization of accelerator-based analytical techniques, which are powerful tools for the characterization of cultural and natural heritage objects and materials. Various activities are carried out with the purpose to build capacity, strengthen capabilities, transfer knowledge and foster networking in the field of heritage science. In addition, access to different X-ray fluorescence spectrometers and other analytical techniques is provided at the Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory (part of the IAEA Physics Section), and access to ion beam accelerators and synchrotron light is facilitated thanks to collaborations with Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) in Croatia and the Elettra Sincrotrone facility in Italy, respectively. Member States are also supported on their Research and Development programmes, as well as through the technical cooperation projects. This paper aims to provide a broad overview about how the IAEA Physics Section is engaged in the field of heritage science, promoting the safe, reliable, and effective use of ion beam, X-ray and neutron-based techniques for the characterization and preservation of cultural and natural heritage through its global networks and partners.

Structural and Electrical Studies of Polycrystalline Pr𝑥Y1−𝑥FeO3 Materials Prepared Through Sol-Gel Route

Objectives: Investigations on structural, morphological and electrical studies of Pr substituted YFeO3 samples synthesized through sol-gel route are presented in this paper. Methods: PrxY1-xFeO3 (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) samples are synthesized by sol-gel auto combustion method. Structural characterization of the samples is done by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Electrical properties are studied by J-E and Ln J-Ln E measurements. Findings: Rietveld refined XRD structural analysis shows sharp intense peaks indicating the crystalline nature of the samples and all the samples possess distorted orthorhombic structure with space group Pbnm. FESEM analysis shows non-uniform nature of grain size with increasing porosity. EDX data confirms elemental composition, weight and atomic percentage of the prepared samples which further confirms their purity. The leakage current density increases with increase in Pr doping. The slopes of Ln J-Ln E graphs of all the samples are in the range of 1.11 to 1.51 confirming that Ohmic conduction is predominant conduction mechanism. Novelty: Investigations on the effect of Pr substitution on electrical properties of single phase YFeO3­ samples reveal that the substitution of Pr in YFeO3 decreases the ferroelectric nature of the samples. Keywords: Sol-gel method, XRD, FESEM, EDX, Electrical Properties

Real-time study of radiation damage in monocrystalline diamond sensors

Being an excellent radiation hard material, diamond is preferred as an ionizing radiation sensor in radiation harsh environments. In this study, radiation damage from a beam of 67.5 MeV protons at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory on the campus of the University of California, Davis, was used to determine exposure lifetime in detectors made from a thinned (∼ 40 μm) monocrystalline CVD (chemical vapor deposition) diamond substrate. The sensor response was sampled in real time as the sensor was exposed to a total fluence of ∼ 4×1016 / cm2, yielding an overall damage constant of k = (3.3 ± 0.3) × 10-18 cm2 / p-μm. Damage levels were later confirmed using a non-destructive x-ray technique at the LINAC Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Results are presented on the real-time degradation of the charge collection efficiency as a function of proton fluence.