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Background and Objective: The study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of CT-guided microwave ablation (MWA) combined with 125 I seed implantation or bronchial arterial infusion (BAI) chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant pulmonary tumors., Methods: A total of 56 patients who underwent MWA, MWA combined with 125 I particle implantation, or MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer from January 2015 to June 2021 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. Among them, 21 patients were treated with MWA (MWA), 18 with MWA combined with 125 I seed implantation (MWA+ 125 I), and 17 with MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy (MWA+BAI). The short-term outcomes, complications, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score (Zubrod-ECOG-WHO, ZPS), survival, and factors related to survival were compared between the three groups., Results: The response rate of the MWA group (9.52%) was significantly lower than that of the MWA+ 125 I group (50.00%) and MWA+BAI chemotherapy group (47.06%), and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the MWA, MWA+ 125 I, and MWA+BAI chemotherapy groups was 47.62%, 55.56%, and 52.94%, respectively, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Three months after the treatment, the ZPS of the MWA+ 125 I and MWA+BAI chemotherapy groups was significantly lower than before treatment and significantly lower than that of the MWA group in the same period; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The median survival time of the MWA+ 125 I group was 18 (9.983, 26.017) months and that of the MWA+BAI chemotherapy group was 21 (0.465, 41.535) months, both of which were higher than that of the MWA group [11 (6.686, 15.314) months]; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis was performed on the factors related to survival and revealed treatment mode as a protective factor [HR = 0.433, 95% CI = (0.191, 0.984), p = 0.046]. Other factors, such as gender, age, and tumor size, did not independently affect survival., Conclusion: CT-guided MWA combined with 125 I seed implantation and MWA combined with BAI chemotherapy are safe and effective for the treatment of advanced lung cancer and metastatic lung cancer, and can control tumor progression and prolong survival time., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

This study investigates NaY9Si6O26 ceramics prepared through the solid‐phase method, focusing on their microwave dielectric properties and crystallographic characteristics. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals a hexagonal crystal structure for NaY9Si6O26 ceramics within the P63/m (176) space group. Rietveld refinement analysis precisely determines the lattice constants as a = b = 9.3423 Å, c = 6.7524 Å, and a unit cell volume of V = 510.3877 Å3. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy unveils a noteworthy correlation between the quality factor and the full width at half maximum of the A1g(O) mode at 878 cm−1. The structural attributes, including lattice fringes and diffraction patterns of hexagonal NaY9Si6O26 ceramics, are elucidated through transmission electron microscopy. Of significance are the microwave dielectric properties of NaY9Si6O26 ceramics sintered at 1465°C, revealing a relative permittivity (εr) of 10.42, an impressive Q × f product of 33 766 GHz (at f = 11.14 GHz), and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of −28.7 ppm/°C. This comprehensive investigation contributes to the understanding of both the structural and microwave dielectric characteristics of NaY9Si6O26 ceramics, with potential applications in advanced electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a silicate ceramic, CaY2Al4SiO12 (CYASO), with a low dielectric constant and low loss was prepared using traditional solid-state methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) refinement analysis shows that the CYASO material crystallized into a phase with an Ia-3d space group and an impurity peak. The orthogonal cubic structure of the CYASO ceramic was confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the structure exhibited an orderly layered arrangement. The internal microstructure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that the sample's relative density reached 97.8%. We discuss the correlation between the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Raman matrix corresponding to the vibration mode of the symmetric bending mode of AlO4 at the Raman shift of 855 cm−1 and the Q × f value. Additionally, the analysis focused on the various factors that influence the dielectric constant, including density, secondary phase, and porosity changes. The ceramics exhibited remarkable microwave dielectric properties (εr = 8.7, Q × f = 34,700 GHz, τf = −35 ppm/°C) when calcined at 1425°C. CYASO ceramic shows great capacity as a microwave dielectric material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the microwave dielectric properties of Li2Y9(SiO4)6O2F ceramics, synthesized using the conventional solid-state method. By employing x-ray diffraction analysis and meticulous data refinement across various temperatures, we unequivocally confirm the hexagonal crystal structure of Li2Y9(SiO4)6O2F ceramics. The refined lattice parameters, observed at a sintering temperature of 1275°C, exhibit a = b = 9.33318 Å, c = 6.71725 Å, with a corresponding unit cell volume of V = 506.73529 Å3. In-depth scrutiny of the microstructure of the ceramics' grains using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals an optimal relative density of 96.2%. Subsequently, the study explores the impact of porosity, packing fraction, relative density, and Si-O bond valence (VSi-O) on the microwave dielectric properties of Li2Y9(SiO4)6O2F ceramics. Notably, the Li2Y9(SiO4)6O2F ceramic sintered at 1275°C demonstrates superior performance metrics, boasting an εr value of 14.28, a Q × f product of 16,760 GHz (at f = 9.4 GHz), and a temperature coefficient of frequency (τf) at 3.14 ppm/°C. This comprehensive investigation contributes valuable insights into optimizing the microwave dielectric characteristics of Li2Y9(SiO4)6O2F ceramics for potential applications in advanced electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural characteristics and microwave dielectric properties of SrBi2TeO7 ceramics intended for low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) applications were investigated. Comprehensive analyses were conducted using x-ray diffraction, structural refinement, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The findings demonstrated that SrBi2TeO7 ceramics possess a pure cubic structure. Scanning electron microscopy characterizes the grain microstructure, revealing a relative density of 95.5% for SrBi2TeO7 ceramic. Optimal microwave dielectric properties were achieved for SrBi2TeO7 ceramics calcined at 765°C, displaying a relative permittivity (εr) of 24.96, a Q × f value of 25,898 GHz (f = 6.6 GHz), and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of –80.7 ppm/°C. The combination of low sintering temperature and minimal dielectric loss renders these ceramics advantageous for utilization in LTCC materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the dielectric properties of Ba2Zr2Si3O12 ceramics, synthesized using the solid state method. The cubic crystal structure of Ba2Zr2Si3O12 ceramics was conclusively verified through the analysis of XRD patterns and subsequent structural refinement. Refined lattice parameters of a = b = c = 10.23178 Å were found, with a corresponding unit cell volume of V = 1071.159026 Å3. The grain microstructure of the ceramics was characterized using SEM, which showed density of 97.6% for the Ba2Zr2Si3O12 ceramic. The Si-O bond valences (VSi-O) were found to be closely related to the τf of the Ba2Zr2Si3O12 ceramics. The microwave dielectric properties of the Ba2Zr2Si3O12 ceramics sintered at 1490°C were ascertained to be εr = 15.08, Q × f = 14885 GHz (f = 9.9 GHz), and τf = −78.6 ppm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The color of freeze-dried carrots tends to be lighter than that of fresh ones, and the degree of color fading becomes more evident with longer storage time, thus affecting the sensory quality. To investigate the causes and alleviate the discoloration problem of freeze-dried carrots, this paper discusses various properties in terms of color, moisture content, enzyme activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and lipoxygenase, the content of color-related substances such as total phenols and total carotenoids, functional groups and microstructure. According to the correlation analysis, the discoloration of freeze-dried carrots was mainly due to enzymes. Polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and lipoxygenase were significantly correlated with L * and a *. Additionally, total phenols, carotenoids and moisture content also affected color. Freeze-dried carrot slices pretreated by the combination of microwave blanching at 700 W for 60 s and coated with 0.4% (w/w) pectin solution had the largest value of a * (16.44) and the smallest value of L * (77.69), which indicated the best color-protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the efficacy of sintering aid BaO–ZnO–Li2O–B2O3–SiO2 (BZLBS) on the sintering process at lower temperatures was verified for the Ca0.244Li0.3Nd0.404Ti0.96Al0.02Nb0.02O3 (CLNTAN) ceramics. Crystalline phases and dielectric properties of samples were systematically investigated as well. The results exhibited that the BZLBS apparently reduced the sintering temperature of CLNTAN by forming the liquid phase. Additionally, doping BALBS sintering aid not only reduced the sintering temperature, but also declined the dielectric constant (εr) and the quality factor (Q × f) for CLNTAN ceramic. Eventually, the microwave dielectric properties are as follows: εr = 104.7, Q × f = 2560 GHz and τf = − 2.1 ppm/°C (sintered at 950 °C). The results demonstrated that the CLNTAN ceramic doped with 4 wt% BZLBS is a potential LTCC ceramic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, microwave (MW) sintering method is employed to synthesize far-red (FR) emission ZnGa 2 O 4 :Cr3+ phosphor at a lower sintering temperature (900 °C), comparing with the conventional high temperature solid-state sintering (SS) method. Micrometer-size phosphor particles with smooth morphology are obtained due to the MW-induced small temperature gradient between the constituent particles upon the local dielectric volumetric heating. The MW sintering ZnGa 2 O 4 :Cr3+ phosphor exhibited excitable properties at the wavelengths of 260 nm, 410 nm and 550 nm, and the intensity of photoluminescence excitation (PLE) at 260 nm showed a dramatic enhancement, which is 2–3 times higher than that of SS sintering sample due to MW "non-thermal effect" in reducing the defect amount in the ZnGa 2 O 4 host latices. These results together with decay time, thermal quenching and color coordinate evaluations showed that synthesis of FR emission ZnGa 2 O 4 :Cr3+ by MW-sintering method has advantages of high efficiency, energy saving and least environmental threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiourea was employed as nitrogen source to synthesize BCNO phosphors by a simple microwave heating route. The phase structure, chemical composition, and the dependence of photoluminescent properties on the carbon content and incident excitation light for as-prepared BCNO phosphors were investigated in detail. Non-crystalline powder samples constituted by B, C, N, O elements with a slight of S dopant were identified for the prepared BCNO phosphors. Tunable luminescence induced by carbon content and incident excitation light implies the obtained non-crystalline BCNO phosphors could be used as an excellent candidate for LED conversion phosphor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the desulfurization performance of sorbents at a low cost, modified semicoke-supported zinc oxide sorbents were prepared for hot coal gas by calcining the precursors using microwave and conventional heating. The desulfurization performances of these sorbents were evaluated over a fixed-bed reactor. The effects of microwave-assisted calcination temperature and time on the properties of sorbents were also investigated. These sorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption. The results show that the sorbents calcined by microwave exhibited a much higher sorbent utilization and desulfurization efficiency than those heated by conventional method. Compared to conventional heating, even and rapid heating of microwave led to smaller crystal size and better dispersion of active species. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller results confirm that microwave irradiation modified the microstructure improved the pore structure (an increase in the specific surface area and pore volume), thus facilitating the gas-solid interactions during the desulfurization processes. A higher concentration of elements Zn and O was observed on the surface of sorbents by XPS analysis, facilitating the reaction of active species with HS. The performance of the sorbents heated by microwave irradiation appeared to be stable over multiple sulfidation-regeneration cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduced a novel low-loss tungstate ceramic, La 7 Nb 3 W 4 O 30 (LNWO), synthesized using the solid-state techniques. The structural analysis of the La 7 Nb 3 W 4 O 30 ceramic material, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and followed by detailed structural refinement, validated its rhombohedral structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to confirm the ordered layer arrangement characteristic of the rhombohedral structure. The internal structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with the sample's relative density reaching 97.5 %. The correlation between the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Raman matrix at 901 cm−1 corresponding to the symmetric bending mode vibrations of WO 5 and the Q × f value was discussed. Furthermore, the main factors affecting the dielectric constant, including density, bond valence, secondary phases, and variations in porosity, were analyzed. Encouragingly, the ceramic showed significant microwave dielectric properties when it was sintered at 1425 °C (ε r = 23.68, Q × f = 26,687 GHz (f = 7.2 GHz), τ f = −35.2 ppm/°C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Li 4 AlSbO 6 (LASO) microwave dielectric ceramic with a monoclinic structure and space group C12/c1 was successfully prepared using traditional solid-state methods. When the sintering temperature was 1200 °C, it had excellent microwave dielectric properties, with ε r = 8.2, Q × f = 22,098 GHz, and τ f = −15.53 ppm/°C. Raman spectroscopy analysis showed that the FWHM of the strong peak at 691 cm−1 reflected the variation trend of Q × f value and was opposite to the variation trend of Q × f value. Additionally, the augmentation in the Q × f value can be attributed to a higher relative density. As per the bond valence analysis, ε r is closely connected to the rattling and compressing effects of A-site cations, and the higher ε theo than ε r in Li 4 AlSbO 6 can be attributed to the strong compression effect induced by Li+. Additionally, τ f may be influenced by both the Sb–O bond and relative density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the synthesis and characterization of rare earth germanate La 4 GeO 8 ceramics, employing the solid-phase reaction method, with a focus on their microwave dielectric properties and crystallographic characteristics. The research employs X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to ascertain the orthorhombic crystal structure within the Pnma space group. Rietveld refinement analysis precisely determines the lattice constants (a = 18.3006 Å, b = 7.6697 Å, c = 5.8513 Å) and unit cell volume (V = 821.28429 Å3). Raman spectroscopy provides insights into the correlation between the quality factor (Q × f) and the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of the A g (O) mode at 733 cm⁻1. A notable highlight of the study is the exceptional microwave dielectric performance of La 4 GeO 8 ceramic sintered at 1540 °C, characterized by a relative dielectric constant (ε r) of 13.24, a Q × f product of 47,826 GHz at 10.16 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of frequency (τ f) of −82.3 ppm/°C. This comprehensive investigation offers valuable insights into the structural and microwave dielectric properties of AB-type rare earth germanate La 4 GeO 8 ceramics, underscoring their potential in advanced dielectric material applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ① A novel Nd 2 CaSnO 6 microwave dielectric ceramic was first discovered: ε r = 20.65, Q × f = 27,523 GHz, and τ f = –36.0 ppm/°C. • ② We analyzed the relationship between Raman spectroscopy and microwave dielectric properties. • ③ TEM analysis confirmed the double perovskite structure of Nd 2 CaSnO 6 ceramics. • ④ SEM images revealed the microstructure of the ceramic grains, with the maximum relative density reaching 97.5 %. This study elucidates the synthesis of a new class of Nd 2 CaSnO 6 microwave dielectric ceramics employing the conventional solid-phase method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Rietveld refinement analysis revealed that the Nd 2 CaSnO 6 material crystallized into a single phase with an P21/n (14) space group. The double perovskite structure Nd 2 CaSnO 6 ceramics was confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the structure exhibits a layered arrangement that is orderly. The internal microstructure was characterized using SEM, which showed that the sample's relative density reached 97.5 %. We discuss the correlation between FWHM and Q × f value of the Raman matrix at the Raman shift of 650.1 cm–1. Additionally, the main factors affecting the dielectric constant were analyzed, including density, secondary phase and porosity changes, etc. The ceramics exhibited remarkable microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 20.65, Q × f = 27523 GHz, and τ f = –36.0 ppm/ °C) when sintered at 1390 °C, indicating their potential as a microwave dielectric material. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramics of Y 2 GaSbO 7 (YGSO) were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The ceramics were confirmed by XRD and TEM to exhibit the Fd-3 m (227) space group and a cubic pyrochlore structure within the temperature range of 1420–1500 °C. XPS verified that the valence states of Y, Ga, and Sb in the ceramics were + 3, + 3, and + 5, respectively. Additionally, the relationship between the FWHM of the notable peak at 775 cm−1 and the Q × f value was elucidated through Raman spectroscopic analysis. The analysis of the P-V-L theory revealed that the Sb-O bond is crucial in determining ε r , while the values of τ f and Q × f are affected by the Y-O bond. At 1460 °C, YGSO ceramics obtained the maximum relative density (97.5%) and the best microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 14.78, Q × f = 50,153 GHz, and τ f = –22.3 ppm/°C). • For the first time, a Y 2 GaSbO 7 microwave dielectric ceramic with a pyrochlore structure was discovered. • The Raman spectra of the ceramics were analyzed, and the valence state was studied using XPS. • TEM analysis confirmed the cubic structure of Y 2 GaSbO 7 ceramics. • SEM images revealed the microstructure of the ceramic grains, with the maximum relative density reaching 97.5%. • The relationship between α , f i , E b , U b , and the dielectric properties of Y 2 GaSbO 7 ceramics was examined using P-V-L theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrrole/nano-exfoliated graphite composites were synthesized using an in situ intercalation polymerization of pyrrole into the layers of expanded graphites. The morphologies and nanostructures of obtained composites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Results showed that the in situ intercalation polymerization of pyrrole cation into the layers of expanded graphites could separate graphite into nano-exfoliated graphite sheets. The interactions between polypyrrole and the graphite sheet were also confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The fabricated nanocomposites polypyrrole/nano-exfoliated graphite-1.5 showed obvious improvement in microwave absorption compared with those of the polypyrrole or the expanded graphite itself. With a thickness of 2.7 mm, the optimal absorption peak reached −48 dB at 13.4 GHz and the bandwidth corresponding to the reflection loss at −10 dB was 3.4 GHz (from 13.2 to 16.6 GHz). The minimum RL reached −34 dB with a thickness of 2.5 mm for Polypyrrole/nano-exfoliated graphite-1.5. Moreover, it could be observed that the absorption bandwidth with RL below −10 dB was obtained in the frequency range of 5–18 GHz for polypyrrole/nano-exfoliated graphite-1.5 with a thickness of 2–5 mm. This would open a path toward the fabrication of microwave absorption materials of light-weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the synthesis of Na 3 Zr 2 Si 2 PO 12 (NZSP) solid electrolytes is demonstrated through a low temperature and rapid microwave sintering process and its application in Na-ion batteries is investigated. The quickly and uniformly heating of microwave sintering can inhibit the excessive grain growth significantly, resulting in the fine grained NZSP electrolyte with high relative density of 96%. The obtained NZSP electrolyte sintered by microwave heating at 850 °C for 30 min shows high room temperature ionic conductivity of 2.511 × 10−4 S cm−1, which is comparable to that of sample synthesized by solid-state sintering method at 1200 °C for 720 min. The application of the resultant NZSP electrolyte in Na-ions batteries is evaluated by assembling Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 /C|NZSP|Na solid sodium battery. Discharge specific capacity of 75.7 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention rate of 81.97% is recorded after 100 cycles at 0.5C. This work reports the microwave sintering synthesis of NZSP solid electrolyte with fascinating advantages of energy-saving and time-saving, driving the application of inorganic solid electrolyte in solid batteries. • NZSP solid electrolyte was synthesized by the microwave sintering method. • Good ceramic quality was obtained due to uniformly heating of microwave sintering. • The NZSP electrolyte delivered high ionic conductivity of 2.511 × 10−4 S cm−1. • Excellent cycling stability was recorded for the NZSP electrolyte applied in SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to achieve a more efficient dehydration process along with low undesirable quality decrease for cream mushroom soup (CMS) by combining microwave pre-gelatinization (MPG) with infrared freeze-drying (IRFD). Wheat flour was gelatinized using a microwave heating unit for different times, and was used in CMS formulations. Freeze drying (FD) was carried out using conventional as well as IRFD and drying time, energy consumption and product quality characteristics (flavor, viscosity of rehydrate juice; moisture absorption and crystallinity of dried soup solid) of CMS were studied. Compared to FD, IRFD reduced the drying time and energy consumption by 23.81% and 28.43%, respectively. The microwave pre-gelatinization of wheat flour and subsequent use in IRFD, while in comparing with single infrared freeze drying, did not affect drying time and energy consumption; however, it significantly improved the flavor and viscosity of soup upon rehydration, and reduced the tendency to retrogradation. The microwave pre-gelatinization time of 120 s at 8 W/g energy level was found to be the most suitable condition for microwave pre-gelatinization of wheat flour. Undesirable decrease of viscosity in starch containing soup and high energy consumption of traditional freeze-drying limit the large-scale industrial production of freeze-dried starch containing product. Therefore, inhibiting viscosity reduction and reducing production cost are the crucial steps for industrial production of freeze-dried cream mushroom soup. Microwave pre-gelatinization and infrared freeze-drying have made outstanding contributions on improving starch stability and reducing drying energy consumption, respectively, which caters to the preferences of industrial production and can be used in industrial production of freeze-dried instant cream mushroom soup. • Drying for complex food system was studied. • Infrared freeze-drying improved the drying efficiency of creamy mushroom soup. • Microwave pre-gelatinize improved the quality of dried creamy mushroom soup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]