Search

A family of ferric catecholate complexes exhibiting unusual magnetic properties is described.

X-ray photodynamic therapy (XPDT) is aimed at the treatment of deep-located malignant tumors thanks to the high penetration depth of X-rays. In XPDT therapy, it is necessary to use materials that effectively absorb X-rays and convert them into visible radiation-nanophosphors. Rare-earth elements, fluorides, in particular, doped BaGdF5, are known to serve as efficient nanophosphor. On the other hand, the particle size of nanophosphors has a crucial impact on biodistribution, cell uptake, and cytotoxicity. In this work, we investigated various Tb:Gd ratios in the range from 0.1 to 0.5 and optimized the terbium content to achieve the maximum luminescence under X-ray excitation. The effect of temperature, composition of the ethylene glycol/water solvent, and the synthesis technique (solvothermal and microwave) on the size of the nanophosphors was explored. It was found that the synthesis techniques and the solvent composition had the greatest influence on the averaged particle size. By varying these two parameters, it is possible to tune the size of the nanophosphor particles, which make them suitable for biomedical applications.

The long-term performance of batteries depends strongly on the 3D morphology of electrode materials. Morphological changes, i.e., particle fracture and surface deterioration, are among the most prominent sources of electrode degradation. A profound understanding of the fracture mechanics of electrode materials in micro- and nanoscale dimensions requires the use of advanced in situ and operando techniques. In this paper, we demonstrate the capabilities of laboratory X-ray microscopy and nano X-ray computed tomography (nano-XCT) for the non-destructive study of the electrode material’s 3D morphology and defects, such as microcracks, at sub-micron resolution. We investigate the morphology of Na0.9Fe0.45Ti1.55O4 sodium iron titanate (NFTO) cathode material in Li-ion batteries using laboratory-based in situ and operando X-ray microscopy. The impact of the morphology on the degradation of battery materials, particularly the size- and density-dependence of the fracture behavior of the particles, is revealed based on a semi-quantitative analysis of the formation and propagation of microcracks in particles. Finally, we discuss design concepts of the operando cells for the study of electrochemical processes.

This study investigated the effect of boron-doped and undoped diamond coatings on the cutting performance of cobalt cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) drills when drilling CFRP. Three types of diamond coating, as boron-doped microcrystalline (B-MCD), boron-doped nanocrystalline (B-NCD), and undoped nanocrystalline (NCD), were deposited on specially designed for drilling of CFRP one-shot drills by the hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) method. The coating characteristics, such as surface morphology, roughness, carbon structure, and interfacial adhesion, were investigated. Then cutting tests were carried out, and the tool’s flank wear, thrust force, and torque were evaluated. For comparison of cutting performance, non-coated WC-Co drills were used in the tests as well. Furthermore, drilled holes were inspected in terms of peel-up and push-out delamination. According to the results, the B-MCD coated drill presented advantages in tool life, and quality of drilled holes over the NCD and B-NCD coated drills. Also, the results confirmed the adhesion enhanced effect of diamond coating to WC-Co substrate through boron doping of the layer.

Intelligent auto-reclosing technology is an effective method for mitigation of switching overvoltages that occur during reclosing of power lines with shunt reactors. The idea of this technology is to precision control the moment when the power line is energized to reduce the intensity of electromagnetic transients that induce overvoltages. In this paper, we consider the application features of the theory of intelligent auto-reclosing of long transmission lines with shunt reactors in a three-phase auto-reclosing cycle. The principles of choosing line phases energizing moments are investigated and the optimal strategy of three-phase intelligent auto-reclosing is proposed. In contrast to the known strategy, the new strategy takes into account both the inter-phase coupling effect and the influence of the spread of circuit breaker operation time on. The modeling proved better efficiency of the new strategy compared with a known strategy of intelligent auto-reclosing and significant advantages over traditional metal-oxide surge arresters, even if a spread of circuit breaker operation time exists.

The report outlines the general principles of building relay protection devices with their inherently developed intelligence created by deep learning neural networks. It is shown that the functioning of such a smart device in the pace of the emergency process development in the protected electrical system is not constrained by the complexity of solving the problem of training a neural network. The entire computationally complexity procedure for selecting supporting precedents for deep learning of a neural network, developing and playing out a full set of simulation modeling scenarios, and confirming the effectiveness of device training is performed, as before, at the design stage. In contrast to the characteristics of classical relays, which use a limited number of geometric figures (circles, ellipses, polygons, etc.) on a plane to form the tripping characteristics, Smart Protection Devices present their characteristics in the multidimensional space of tracked emergency mode parameters. An important feature of such devices is the absence of a branched rigid logic computing scheme, and its intelligence has access to characteristics of any complexity because the classification of the current mode of the protected electrical system and the decision making by a new generation relay protection device is based on discriminant functions with developed nonlinear cores. It is demonstrated that, despite the use of discriminant functions that are complex in terms of design principles, the functioning of Smart Protection Devices does not require an avantgarde computing environment.

Energizing current of low-loaded highlycompensated power lines with shunt reactors mainly consists of an aperiodic component, and for a long time has not zerocrossing points. The modern SF6 circuit breaker fails to trip such power line immediately after energizing if unexpected fault or protection relay malfunction occurs because of commutation inability of aperiodic current. This leads to a long arc burning, and eventually to the breaker damage. The paper studies the transients during the commutation of the lowloaded power line and conditions when the amplitude of aperiodic component exceeds a safe level. The study shows that effective prevention of circuit breaker failure may be achieved using controlled switching technology assuming precision control a line energizing moment. The optimal reclosing moment is located near a beat minimum of the circuit breaker voltage and corresponds to the phase of supply voltage, at which the initial amplitude of the energizing current aperiodic component does not exceed the amplitude of the fundamental component. Reclosing of power line at the proposed optimal moment guarantees the safety of commutation for the circuit breaker and ensures mitigation of switching overvoltages.

In the present study, the biochar derived from sunflower husks was used as a mediator in the heterogeneous Fenton process. The physical and chemical characteristics were studied in terms of specific surface area, elemental contents, surface morphology, surface functional groups, thermal stability, and X-ray crystallography. The main aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of biochar in a heterogeneous Fenton process catalyzed by hematite toward the degradation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in Haplic Chernozem. The Fenton-like reaction was performed at a pH of 7.8 without pH adjustment in chernozem soil. The effects of operating parameters, such as hematite dosage and H

LiCoPO

Purpose To determine the patterns of progression after 68Ga prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-ligand positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-guided radiation therapy (RT) for recurrent oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Methods and Materials One hundred and eight patients with increased prostate-specific antigen levels, who received 68Ga-PSMA-ligand PET/CT-guided RT for recurrent oligometastatic disease after primary therapy for PCa were included. The biochemical progression-free survival and distant disease-free survival after PSMA-ligand PET/CT-guided RT were determined. The patterns of progression were determined using renewed 68Ga-PSMA-ligand PET/CT in patients with biochemical progression and compared with the clinical target volume of the 68Ga-PSMA-ligand PET/CT-guided RT. The frequency of infield and outfield relapses was recorded. Results A total of 97.2% (105 of 108) of patients showed a decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels after RT and were classified as biochemical responders. After the median follow-up of 18 months, 43.5% (47 of 108) of the patients experienced biochemical progression, resulting in an estimated biochemical progression-free survival of 16 months. Renewed 68Ga-PSMA-ligand PET/CT allowed localization of recurrent disease in 91.7% (33 of 36) of patients. Analysis of the patterns of progression resulted in a cumulative infield relapse rate of 12.1% (4 of 33) and a cumulative outfield relapse rate of 87.9% (29 of 33). The resultant median disease-free survival was 11 months. In terms of the pattern of progression, we observed a shift in the pattern of metastases toward skeletal involvement and distant lymph node metastases. Of these patients, 45.5% (15 of 33) were treated with further RT to delay initiation or escalation of systemic therapies. Conclusion PSMA-ligand PET/CT-guided RT for relapsed PCa with limited tumor burden allowed individualization of treatment approaches, provided effective local control, and resulted in considerably prolonged biochemical progression-free survival. As indicated by the PSMA-ligand PET/CT-based patterns of progression, repeated PET/CT-guided RT may represent a treatment option in well-selected patients with relapse after RT for oligometastatic disease.

Coal slurry is an essential component of mining operations, accounting for more than half of operating costs. Dewatering technology is simultaneously confronted with obstacles and possibilities, and it may yet be improved as the crucial step for reducing the ultimate processing cost. Coagulation/flocculation is used as a dewatering process that is reasonably cost-effective and user-friendly. This paper reviews application of different coagulants/flocculants and their combinations in dewatering mechanisms. In this context, various polymeric flocculants are discussed in the coal slurry in depth. Many operational parameters that influence the performance of coal slurry flocculation are also presented. Furthermore, a discussion is provided on the mechanism of flocculants’ interaction, the strategy of combining flocculants, and efficient selection methods of flocculants. Finally, coagulation/flocculation remaining challenges and technological improvements for the better development of highly efficient treatment methods were highlighted, focusing on the intricate composition of slurry and its treatment difficulties.

The optimization of the electrolyte composition for a canonical cathode such as LiCoPO4 olivine. The implemented succinic anhydride within a liquid electrolyte LiPF6 and dissolved in carbonate/diethyl considerably improves the discharge capacity of the electrode are shown. The introduction of succinic anhydride into the solid/electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is responsible for the improved electrochemical performance of the electrode. We used LiCoPO4@C-ZrO2 as a cathode to prove the concept. The observed results could be applied for a wide range of cathodes. Moreover, the proposed additive to the electrolyte could help evaluate the performance of the materials without the side effects of the electrolyte.

Diamond anvil cell techniques have been improved to allow access to the multimegabar ultrahigh-pressure region for exploring novel phenomena in condensed matter. However, the only way to determine crystal structures of materials above 100 GPa, namely, X-ray diffraction (XRD), especially for low Z materials, remains nontrivial in the ultrahigh-pressure region, even with the availability of brilliant synchrotron X-ray sources. In this work, we perform a systematic study, choosing hydrogen (the lowest X-ray scatterer) as the subject, to understand how to better perform XRD measurements of low Z materials at multimegabar pressures. The techniques that we have developed have been proved to be effective in measuring the crystal structure of solid hydrogen up to 254 GPa at room temperature [C. Ji et al., Nature 573, 558-562 (2019)]. We present our discoveries and experiences with regard to several aspects of this work, namely, diamond anvil selection, sample configuration for ultrahigh-pressure XRD studies, XRD diagnostics for low Z materials, and related issues in data interpretation and pressure calibration. We believe that these methods can be readily extended to other low Z materials and can pave the way for studying the crystal structure of hydrogen at higher pressures, eventually testing structural models of metallic hydrogen. (C) 2020Author(s).

It is possible to reinforce structures and components using carbon fibres for applications in electronics and medicine, but most commonly used in reinforcing resin fibre composites for personal protection equipment and light weight constructions. Carbon fibres act as stress redistributors while having increased electrical and thermal conductivities. These properties could also be utilized in metal matrixes, if the fibres are properly fused to the metal and the structure remains intact. Another recently developed high potential carbon structure, carbon nanotube- (CNT) yarns, has similar but even greater mechanical properties than common carbon fibres. Via laser cladding, these reinforcing materials could be used in a plethora of applications, either locally (or globally) as surface treatments or as structural reinforcements using multi-layer laser cladding (additive manufacturing). The challenges of embedding carbon fibres or CNT-yarns in a CuAl mixture and SnPb solder wire using lasers are here investigated using high speed imaging and SEM. It is revealed that the carbon fibres have very high buoyancy in the molten metal and quickly degrades when irradiated by the laser. Wetting of the fibres is shown to be improved by a Tungsten coating and embedding of the structures after processing are evaluated using SEM and Raman spectroscopy.

TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxylradical)-mediated oxidation nanofibers (TOCNF), as a biocompatible and bioactive material, have opened up a new application of nanocellulose for the removal of water contaminants. This development demands extremely sensitive and accurate methods to understand the surface interactions between water pollutants and TOCNF. In this report, we investigated the adsorption of metal ions on TOCNF surfaces using experimental techniques atthe nano and molecular scales with Cu(ii) as the target pollutant in both aqueous and dry forms. Imaging with in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), together with a study of the physiochemical properties of TOCNF caused by adsorption with Cu(ii) in liquid, were conducted using the PeakForce Quantitative NanoMechanics (PF-QNM) mode at the nano scale. The average adhesion force between the tip and the target single TOCNF almost tripled after adsorption with Cu(ii) from 50 pN to 140 pN. The stiffness of the TOCNF was also enhanced because the Cu(ii) bound to the carboxylate groups and hardened the fiber. AFM topography, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) mapping and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the TOCNF were covered by copper nanolayers and/or nanoparticles after adsorption. The changes in the molecular structure caused by the adsorption were demonstrated by Raman and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). This methodology will be of great assistance to gain qualitative and quantitative information on the adsorption process and interaction between charged entities in aqueous medium.

Superelastic hard carbon particles widely varying in structure and properties have been studied by instrumented microindentation technique. The carbon particles up to 200 μm in size were produced by fullerene collapse upon high-pressure high-temperature treatment of metal–fullerene powder mixture with simultaneous sintering of metal matrix composite materials (CM) reinforced by the particles. The structure and properties of the carbon particles were controlled by changing synthesis parameters and the state (composition and structure) of the parent fullerite crystals. The specific features of the instrumented indentation behaviour of the particles were studied as a function of their hardness. Mechanical properties of the particles tested at loads of up to 1970 mN exhibit an indentation size effect, which becomes more pronounced with increasing hardness of the carbon particles. Upon holding at a constant load, the fullerene-derived carbon particles undergo unrecoverable deformation, and the indentat...

Herein, a reduced graphene oxide–zinc oxide (rGO–ZnO) hybrid nanocomposite (1 wt% rGO) is synthesized and heat treated at different temperatures, aimed at modulating the intrinsic bulk/surface defe ...

To determine the patterns of progression afterOne hundred and eight patients with increased prostate-specific antigen levels, who receivedA total of 97.2% (105 of 108) of patients showed a decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels after RT and were classified as biochemical responders. After the median follow-up of 18 months, 43.5% (47 of 108) of the patients experienced biochemical progression, resulting in an estimated biochemical progression-free survival of 16 months. RenewedPSMA-ligand PET/CT-guided RT for relapsed PCa with limited tumor burden allowed individualization of treatment approaches, provided effective local control, and resulted in considerably prolonged biochemical progression-free survival. As indicated by the PSMA-ligand PET/CT-based patterns of progression, repeated PET/CT-guided RT may represent a treatment option in well-selected patients with relapse after RT for oligometastatic disease.

For the elliptic equation 2l− th order with constant (and only) real coefficients considered boundary value problem of the job normal derivatives the (kj − 1)− order, j = 1, …, l, where 1 ≤ k1< …