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A rock physics based seismic interpretation workflow has been developed to extract volumetric rock properties from seismically derived P- and S-wave impedances, Ip and Is. This workflow was first tested on a classic rock physics velocity-porosity model. Next, it was applied to two case studies: a carbonate and a clastic oil field. In each case study, we established rock physics models that accurately relate elastic properties to the rock’s volumetric properties, mainly the total porosity, clay content, and pore fluid. To resolve all three volumetric properties from only two inputs, Ip and Is, a site-specific geology driven relation between the pore fluid and porosity was derived as a hydrocarbon identifier. In order to apply this method at the seismic spatial scale, we created a coarse-scale elastic and volumetric variables by using mathematical upscaling at the wells. By using Ip and Is thus upscaled, we arrived at the accurate interpretation of the upscaled porosity, mineralogy, and water saturation both at the wells and in a simulated vertical impedance section generated by interpolation between the wells.

Yiming Huang,1,* Xinran Wang,1,* Wenjing Li,1,* Feng Yue,1,2 Miao Wang,1 Feifan Zhou1,2 1State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Sanya, People’s Republic of China; 2One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Miao Wang; Feifan Zhou, Email wangm@hainanu.edu.cn; zhouff@hainanu.edu.cnPurpose: To avoid the biotoxicity and poor bioavailability of deferoxamine mesylate (DFO), an iron chelation for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a self-oriented DFO nanoparticle functionalized with Exendin-4 was developed, which can be targeted delivered into the lesion brain area to achieve synergistic effects against PD by iron chelation and inflammatory suppression.Methods: The self-oriented DFO nanoparticles (Ex-4@DFO NPs) were synthesized by double emulsion technique, and characterized in terms of the particle size, morphology and DFO encapsulation efficiency. The cellular internalization, biocompatibility and cytoprotection of NPs were assessed on BV-2 and SH-SY5Y cells. The brain targeting and therapeutic effect of NPs were investigated in MPTP-induced PD mice by near-infrared II fluorescence imaging and immunofluorescence staining, as well as mobility behavioral tests.Results: Ex-4@DFO NPs with a particle size of about 100 nm, showed great biocompatibility and cytoprotection in vitro, which inhibited the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential of SH-SY5Y cells and the release of inflammatory factors of BV-2 cells. In MPTP-induced PD mice, Ex-4@DFO NPs could penetrate the BBB into brain, and significantly mitigate the loss of dopaminergic neurons and inflammation in the substantia nigra, finally alleviate the mobility deficits.Conclusion: This self-oriented nanosystem not only improved the biocompatibility of DFO, but also enhanced therapeutic effects synergistically by ameliorating neuronal damage and neuroinflammation, showing a potential therapeutic strategy for PD. Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, deferoxamine mesylate, Exendin-4, nanoparticle system, brain targeting

Guo-Han Zhu,1,2,* Jing-Hui Hu,1,2,* Min-Yuan Zhuang,1,2,* Hai-Jing Shi,1,2 Feng Zhou,3 Hong Liu,4 Fu-Hai Ji,1,2 Ke Peng1,2 1Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Anesthesiology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ke Peng, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi St, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-159-6215-5989, Email pengke0422@163.comBackground: Patients undergoing laparoscopic renal surgery often experience significant postoperative pain. Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) provides effective postoperative pain control after laparoscopic procedures, while lidocaine administered intravenously also exerts analgesic effects for surgical patients. We design this trial to compare the effects of i.v. lidocaine infusion with QLB on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic renal surgery.Methods: In this randomized noninferiority trial, a total of 120 adult patients undergoing laparoscopic renal surgery will be randomized to receive either i.v. lidocaine or unilateral QLB for postoperative pain management. Lidocaine will be i.v. administered at 1.5 mg/kg (ideal body weight) over 10 min during anesthesia induction, followed by an infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/h intraoperatively and in a post-anesthesia care unit. Ultrasound-guided anterior QLB with 0.375% ropivacaine 30 mL will be conducted before the start of surgery. Patient-controlled i.v. sufentanil will be used for pain relief during the first 48 h after surgery. The primary outcome is the cumulative sufentanil consumption during 0– 24 h postoperatively, with a noninferiority margin of 5 μg. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity at rest and on coughing at 1, 6, 24, and 48 h postoperatively; sufentanil consumption within 24– 48 h after surgery; rescue analgesic use within 0– 48 h after surgery; nausea and vomiting within 0– 48 h postoperatively; and quality of recovery at 24 and 48 h after surgery.Discussion: The results of this trial will add to the clinical evidence for improving postoperative pain management in patients who undergo laparoscopic renal surgery.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400082974).Keywords: intravenous lidocaine, quadratus lumborum block, postoperative analgesia, quality of recovery, laparoscopic renal surgery

Yuxuan Yao,1– 3 Hong Zhao,4 Hua Lu,5 Xiaoli Liu,6 Hui Liu,7 Zhanli Fu,8 Chunyue Li,1 Fude Zhou,1– 3 Wanyin Hou,1– 3 Sufang Shi1– 3 1Department of Nephrology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Infectious Disease, Center for Liver Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Nephrology, Xingtai People’s Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Pathology, Xingtai People’s Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Pathology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Wanyin Hou; Hong Zhao, Peking University First Hospital, Xicheng District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 10-83575685, Email helenwanyin@bjmu.edu.cn; zhaohong_pufh@bjmu.edu.cnAbstract: Q fever, an infectious zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, remains prevalent in China. Systemic infections can result in renal or hepatic complications; however, it is rare for both the kidneys and liver to be simultaneously affected. We present a case of a patient who exhibited fever, rapid deterioration in renal function, thrombocytopenia, and severe ascites. Renal biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis, while liver biopsy demonstrated non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) identified the presence of Coxiella burnetii in both venous blood and liver tissue samples. Notably, the patient’s renal insufficiency and ascites showed a positive response to treatment for chronic Q fever. These findings provide valuable insights into the limited understanding of kidney and liver diseases associated with Q fever. Advanced diagnostic technologies, including mNGS and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), have been employed to identify Coxiella burnetii infection.Keywords: Coxiella burnetii, acute kidney injury, non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, biopsies

Zhengguang Zhang,1,2,* Min Li,3,* Xiaolong Zhang,4,* Fuqiong Zhou1 1Central Laboratory, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 4The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhengguang Zhang; Fuqiong Zhou, Email zhengguangzhang@njucm.edu.cn; zhoufuqiong@njucm.edu.cnAbstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) encompass a diverse group of chemically reactive molecules or ions distinguished by their substantial oxidative potential. Empirical studies have shown that the targeted administration of high toxic concentrations of ROS can effectively induce tumor cell death in various types. Numerous bioactive ingredients derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), recognized for their ROS-inducing properties, have demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity. Nonetheless, their clinical application has been hindered by challenges such as low solubility, limited bioavailability, and poor selectivity. Multifunctional nanoformulations possess the potential to overcome these challenges and enhance the anticancer efficacy of ROS-inducing active compounds. Through extensive searches of various academic databases and a thorough review and screening of relevant literature, this study aims to systematically summarize and generalize multiple active ingredients in TCM that induce ROS generation, along with their multifunctional nanoformulations, from various perspectives. The objective is to provide new insights and references for fundamental cancer research and clinical treatments. Furthermore, we acknowledge that although numerous active ingredients and their nanoformulations in TCM have demonstrated ROS-inducing and anti-tumor potentials, potentially offering novel strategies for tumor therapy, the underlying mechanisms require further comprehensive investigation.Keywords: traditional Chinese medicine, nanoformulation, reactive oxygen species, cancer

Fei Zhou,1,2 Liyuan Liu,1,2 Fei Wang,1,2 Lixiang Yu,1,2 Yujuan Xiang,1,2 Chao Zheng,1,2 Shuya Huang,1,2 Zhen Yang,1 Zhigang Yu1,2 1Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Translational Medicine of Breast Disease Prevention and Treatment, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Zhigang Yu, Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-531-85875048, Email yzg@medmail.com.cnPurpose: Periductal mastitis (PDM) is a chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast with an unknown etiology, and it is difficult for clinicians to differentiate it from granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM), although they have different treatment strategies and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the differences in their clinicopathologic features to inform treatment strategies.Patients and Methods: Between 2011 and 2020, 121 patients diagnosed with PDM and 57 patients with GLM were retrospective analysis. Patient data were extracted on demographics, clinical presentation, pathologic characteristics, treatments and clinical response. Histopathological evaluations were performed on core needle biopsy specimens. Immunohistochemical stains using antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, and CD138 was performed to define immune cell infiltration.Results: PDM patients had a higher median age compared to GLM patients (38 vs 32, p< 0.001). PDM was primarily located in the areolar area, while GLM predominantly affected the peripheral quadrant of the breast (56.20% vs 75.44%, p< 0.001). Histopathologically, more ductal dilatation (90.08% vs 3.51%, p< 0.001), ductal wall thickening (47.93% vs 1.75%, p< 0.001), and ductal rupture (44.63% vs 5.26%, p< 0.001) were observed in PDM. GLM presented with significantly more granuloma (94.74% vs 10.74%, p< 0.001), microabscess (68.42% vs 28.93%, p< 0.001), and lipid vacuole (40.35% vs 8.26%, p< 0.001) formation than PDM. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant presence of CD20+ B lymphocytes in PDM and a higher prevalence of CD8+ T lymphocytes in GLM, indicating differing immune responses. Treatment outcomes varied, with PDM patients responding well to surgery and anti-mycobacterial therapy, while GLM patients showed favorable responses to steroid therapy.Conclusion: PDM is a specific entity with a similar clinical presentation but distinct histopathological features and immune profiles to GLM. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and optimize therapeutic approaches for these breast inflammatory conditions.Keywords: etiology, granulomatous lobular mastitis, immunology, pathology, periductal mastitis

Liuping Cui,1,2 Ran Liu,1 Fubo Zhou,1 Yumei Liu,1 Bing Tian,1 Ying Chen,2,&ast; Yingqi Xing1,3,4,&ast; 1Department of Vascular Ultrasound, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China; 3Beijing Diagnostic Center of Vascular Ultrasound, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Center of Vascular Ultrasound, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yingqi Xing, Department of Vascular Ultrasonography, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Road, Beijing, Xicheng District, 100053, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18610047846, Email xingyq2009@sina.comPurpose: Intraplaque neovascularization, assessed using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), is associated with ischemic stroke. It remains unclear whether detection of intraplaque neovascularization combined with color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) provides additional value compared with CDUS alone in assessing ischemic stroke risk. Therefore, we investigated the clinical value of combined CEUS, CDUS, and clinical features for ischemic stroke risk stratification.Patients and Methods: We recruited 360 patients with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis between January 2019 and September 2022. Patients were examined using CDUS and CEUS. Covariates associated with ischemic stroke were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The discrimination and calibration were verified using the C-statistic and Hosmer–Lemeshow test. The incremental value of intraplaque neovascularization in the assessment of ischemic stroke was analyzed using the Delong test.Results: We analyzed the data of 162 symptomatic and 159 asymptomatic patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, respectively. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, we constructed a nomogram using intraplaque neovascularization, degree of carotid stenosis, plaque hypoechoicity, and smoking status, with a C-statistic of 0.719 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.666– 0.768) and a Hosmer–Lemeshow test p value of 0.261. The net reclassification index of the nomogram was 0.249 (95% CI: 0.138– 0.359), and the integrated discrimination improvement was 0.053 (95% CI: 0.029– 0.079). Adding intraplaque neovascularization to the combination of CDUS and clinical features (0.672; 95% CI: 0.617– 0.723) increased the C-statistics (p=0.028).Conclusion: Further assessment of intraplaque neovascularization after CDUS may help more accurately identify patients at risk of ischemic stroke. Combining multiparametric carotid ultrasound and clinical features may help improve the risk stratification of patients with ischemic stroke with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis.Plain Language Summary: We studied whether using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to detect intraplaque neovascularization could help better determine the risk of ischemic stroke. We compared the combined use of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and CEUS with CDUS alone in patients with more than 50% carotid narrowing. Our findings showed that combining clinical details, CDUS, and CEUS was more effective (0.719 vs 0.672). This means that CEUS provides extra insight when gauging ischemic stroke risk compared with CDUS alone. This could help in accurately identifying patients at high risk of stroke. However, more extensive studies are needed to fully understand the role of these tests in the evaluation of stroke risk. Keywords: atherosclerosis, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, vulnerable plaque, carotid ultrasound

Chaoe Zhou,1,&ast; Jun Li,2,&ast; Fude Zhou,3 Lei Huang,4 Xinmin Liu,1 Haichao Li5 1Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xinmin Liu, Department of Geriatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Tel +86-10-8357-2128, Beijing, 100034, People’s Republic of China, Email lxm2128@163.com Haichao Li, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Tel +86-10-8357-2128, Beijing, 100034, People’s Republic of China, Email lhch91767@sina.comAbstract: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is an acute, rare and potentially fatal drug reaction. To date, limited studies have reported secondary Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) infection during the treatment of DRESS syndrome. A 53-year-old man was admitted to the hospital due to a persistent fever lasting for 5 days. He had a medical history of hypertension, psoriasis, urticaria, and had recently been treated with carbamazepine for nerve spasm two weeks ago. After admission, the patient presented with a high fever accompanied by chills, abdominal pain, bilateral upper limb muscle pain, and generalized lymph nodes enlargement. Laboratory tests revealed elevated eosinophils and atypical lymphocytes. Subsequently, the patient developed multiple internal organ complications, including oliguria, elevated serum creatinine, liver enzymes, and cardiac troponin I. Based on diagnostic criteria, the patient was diagnosed with DRESS syndrome. To manage the DRESS syndrome, the patient was successively or simultaneously prescribed methylprednisolone, cyclosporin and intravenous immunoglobulin, resulting in an improvement of the condition. However, during the treatment, the patient was infected with Pneumocystis jirovecii. Despite targeted therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, primaquine and clindamycin successively, no remission was observed. Chest CT scans exhibited multiple exudations in both lungs, indicative of interstitial pneumonia. Unfortunately, the patient’s oxygenation progressively declined, leading to his untimely demise. This rare case further highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of the risk of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection in DRESS syndrome patients treated with long-term and high-dose glucocorticoid therapy.Keywords: DRESS syndrome, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, carbamazepine, glucocorticoid therapy, case report

Ju Kuang, Zhihai Luo, Fu Zhou Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Banan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Fu Zhou, Tel +86-17702395630, Email 1163629567@qq.comAbstract: A 66-year-old male patient diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer received chemotherapy and immunotherapy, resulting in successful tumor control. However, the patient subsequently experienced a fever and rapid progression of the pulmonary cavity. Despite sampling bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS), the cause remained unidentified. Adding bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to sense metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) confirmed the infection caused by actinomycetes. The patient’s condition improved after active anti-infection treatment. This case was further analyzed and discussed through a comprehensive literature review, focusing on molecular microbiological diagnosis and treatment processes. The points outlined were as follows: the advancement of molecular microbiology has gradually reduced the challenges associated with diagnosing rare infectious diseases such as pulmonary actinomycosis. Additionally, in immunodeficient individuals, certain infectious diseases with a chronic course may exhibit acute and aggressive characteristics, which is of concern to all colleagues. Currently, tNGS and mNGS are widely employed in clinical settings as practical tools for diagnosing infectious diseases. Notably, these two methods are not substitutes for each other but complement each other.Keywords: pulmonary actinomycosis, lung cancer, targeted next-generation sequencing, metagenomic next-generation sequencing

Hongxia Wang,1,&ast; Fating Zhou,2,&ast; Zhilin Li,1 Yulan Ding,1 Qian Wen,1 Quanxing Tang1 1Department of General Practice, People’s Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 2Emergency Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Hongxia Wang, Department of General Practice, People’s Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China, Email HongXia.W@hotmail.comBackground: Streptococcus constellatus rarely causes pyopneumothorax, which is a serious state and requires a surgery. However, not every patient can tolerate surgery and individualized solutions are needed. Furthermore, many known situations are risk factors of S. constellatus infection, but S. constellatus pyopneumothorax associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has not been reported.Case Presentation: We present the case of a 74-year-old male with multiple encapsulated pyopneumothorax caused by S. constellatus. Given his respiratory failure, we provided two-stage percutaneous right empyema radiography for catheter drainage in the radiology interventional department instead of surgery. Moreover, an occult Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was discovered in the patient, which was possibly associated with S. constellatus pyopneumothorax. Levothyroxine was administered to improve his situation.Conclusion: To our knowledge, it is the first case described in this context. We provided an alternative treatment for S. constellatus encapsulated pyopneumothorax in patient who might not tolerate surgery. We also revealed the possible relationship between S. constellatus pyopneumothorax and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.Keywords: radiology interventional, Streptococcus constellatus, pyopneumothorax, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

For the Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II) project at SLAC, a 1.3 GHz superconducting rf (SRF) linac is being constructed that will generate 4 GeV electron bunches at a high repetition rate to drive x-ray free electron lasers. The LCLS-II electron source, which comprises the first three meters of the electron injector, includes two normal-conducting, continuous-wave rf cavities: a one-cell, 185.7 MHz gun and a two-cell, 1.3 GHz buncher. It also includes a gun load-lock system that allows photocathodes to be changed under vacuum. The components in this beam-line section were designed and built by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory based on experience from their advanced photoinjector experiment program. In combination with the SLAC UV laser system, the electron source is designed to produce beam rates up to 1 MHz with average currents up to initially. The source was installed in mid-2018, well in advance of the SRF linac, which is now nearing completion. The source was commissioned over a two-year period, and this paper presents results including electron beam and dark current characterization.

The dehydrogenation of 2,3-butanediol (BDO) to 3-hydroxybutanone (HBO) was studies over Li cation-doped CuZnAl catalysts. The catalyst samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, H -TPR and SEM techniques. The characterization results showing that doping with Li cation obviously modified the surface morphology of CuZnAl catalysts; decreased the reduction temperature of CuZnAl catalysts; and finally increased the amount of Cu active sites. The reaction results showing that, Li modified CuZnAl catalysts obviously enhanced the selectivity of the dehydrogenation of BDO to HBO by inhibiting the dehydration of BDO. The Li(2%)–Cu(44%)–Zn(38%)–Al(16%) exhibited the highest activity for dehydrogenation of BDO, with the conversion rate of BDO is 72.4% and the selectivity of HBO is 95.9% at 260 °C. This catalyst shows excellent stability for more than 100 h without significant deactivation. 2

Recently, alloys have been widely utilized as protection layers for homogenized Li growth. However, the protective mechanisms for different alloys are not clearly understood. Herein, guided by the binary phase diagrams, Mg, Au, Zn, Al, Fe, and Cu protective layers have been selected for study of their protective abilities and mechanisms. The selected metals can be classified into three categories according to the nature of their associated alloy protective layers: (1) metals with high solubility in Li while not forming any intermediate line compounds, e.g., Mg, which is good for fast Li stripping; (2) metals with limited solid solubility but forming stable line compounds with Li upon the lithiation, e.g., Au, Zn, and Al, where the formed stable line compounds LixAu, LixZn, and LixAl will hamper Li kinetics; (3) metals with negligible mutual solubility and no line compound formation with Li, e.g., Fe and Cu, which block the Li stripping path and therefore result in the highest polarization voltage.

The very-high-frequency gun (VHF-Gun) is a new concept photo-injector developed and built at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) for generating high-brightness electron beams capable of driving X-ray free electron lasers (FELs) at MHz-class repetition rates. The gun that purposely uses established and mature radiofrequency and mechanical technologies has demonstrated over the last many years the capability of reliably operating in continuous wave mode at the design accelerating fields and required vacuum and mechanical performance. The results of VHF-Gun technology demonstration were reported elsewhere [Sannibale et al., Phys. Rev. Spec. Top.-Accel. Beams 15, 103501 (2012)]; here in this paper, we provide and analyze examples of the experimental results of the first high-brightness beam tests performed at the Advanced Photo-injector EXperiment test facility at LBNL that demonstrated the gun capability of delivering the beam quality required for driving high repetition rate X-ray FELs.