Ultrasmall CoS nanoparticles embedded in heteroatom-doped carbon for sodium-ion batteries and mechanism explorations via synchrotron X-ray techniques

Transition metal sulfides have been regarded as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries(SIB).However,they face the challenges of poor electronic conductivity and large volume change,which result in capacity fade and low rate capability.In this work,a composite containing ultrasmall CoS(~7 nm)nanoparticles embedded in heteroatom(N,S,and O)-doped carbon was synthesized by an efficient one-step sulfidation process using a Co(Salen)precursor.The ultrasmall CoS nanoparticles are beneficial for mechanical stability and shortening Na-ions diffusion pathways.Furthermore,the N,S,and O-doped defect-rich carbon provides a robust and highly conductive framework enriched with active sites for sodium storage as well as mitigates volume expansion and polysulfide shuttle.As anode for SIB,CoS@HDC exhibits a high initial capacity of 906 mA h g^(-1)at 100 mA g^(-1)and a stable long-term cycling life with over 1000 cycles at 500 mA g^(-1),showing a reversible capacity of 330 mA h g^(-1).Meanwhile,the CoS@HDC anode is proven to maintain its structural integrity and compositional reversibility during cycling.Furthermore,Na-ion full batteries based on the CoS@HDC anode and Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)cathode demonstrate a stable cycling behavior with a reversible specific capacity of~200 m A h g^(-1)at least for 100 cycles.Moreover,advanced synchrotron operando X-ray diffraction,ex-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy,and comprehensive electrochemical tests reveal the structural transformation and the Co coordination chemistry evolution of the CoS@HDC during cycling,providing fundamental insights into the sodium storage mechanism.

The application of synchrotron X-ray techniques to the study ofrechargeable batteries

The increased use of rechargeable batteries in portable electronic devices and the continuous develop-ment of novel applications （e.g. transportation and large scale energy storage）, have raised a strong de-mand for high performance batteries with increased energy density, cycle and calendar life, safety andlower costs. This triggers significant efforts to reveal the fundamental mechanism determining batteryperformance with the use of advanced analytical techniques. However, the inherently complex character-istics of battery systems make the mechanism analysis sophisticated and difficult. Synchrotron radiationis an advanced collimated light source with high intensity and tunable energies. It has particular ad-vantages in electronic structure and geometric structure （both the short-range and long-range structure）analysis of materials on different length and time scales. In the past decades, synchrotron X-ray tech-niques have been widely used to understand the fundamental mechanism and guide the technologicaloptimization of batteries. In particular, in situ and operando techniques with high spatial and temporalresolution, enable the nondestructive, real time dynamic investigation of the electrochemical reaction,and lead to significant deep insights into the battery operation mechanism. This review gives a brief introduction of the application of synchrotron X-ray techniques to the inves-tigation of battery systems. The five widely implicated techniques, including X-ray diffraction （XRD）, PairDistribution Function （PDF）, Hard and Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy （XAS） and X-ray photoelectronspectroscopy （XPS） will be reviewed, with the emphasis on their in situ studies of battery systems during cycling.

Dynamic phase transition behavior of a LiMn_(0.5)Fe_(0.5)PO_(4) olivine cathode material for lithium-ion batteries revealed through in-situ X-ray techniques

LiMn_(0.5)Fe_(0.5)PO_(4) has attracted great interest due to its good electrochemical performance and higher operating voltages.This has led to a greater than 30 percent higher energy density than for commercial Li Fe PO4 olivine cathodes.Understanding the phase transition behaviors and kinetics of this material will help researchers to design and develop next generation cathodes for Li-ion batteries.In this study,we investigated non-equilibrium phase transition behaviors in a LiMn_(0.5)Fe_(0.5)PO_(4) cathode material during charge–discharge processes by varying current rates(C-rates)using synchrotron in-situ X-ray techniques.These methods included wide angle X-ray scattering(in-situ WAXS)and X-ray absorption spectroscopy(in-situ XAS).The WAXS spectra indicate that the phase transition of LiMn_(0.5)Fe_(0.5)PO_(4) material at slow C-rates is induced by a two-phase reaction.In contrast,at a high C-rate(5 C),the formation of an intermediate phase upon discharge is clearly observed.Concurrently,the oxidation numbers of the redox reactions of Fe^(2+)/Fe^(3+)and Mn^(2+)/Mn^(3+)were evaluated using in-situ XAS.This combination of synchrotron in-situ X-ray techniques gives clear insights into the non-equilibrium phase transition behavior of a LiMn_(0.5)Fe_(0.5)PO_(4) cathode material.This new understanding will be useful for further developments of this highly promising cathode material for practical commercialization.

In situ characterizations of solid-solid interfaces in solid-state batteries using synchrotron X-ray techniques

The solid-solid electrode-electrolyte interface represents an important component in solid-state batteries(SSBs),as ionic diffusion,reaction,transformation,and restructuring could all take place.As these processes strongly influence the battery performance,studying the evolution of the solid-solid interfaces,particularly in situ during battery operation,can provide insights to establish the structure-property relationship for SSBs.Synchrotron X-ray techniques,owing to their unique penetration power and diverse approaches,are suitable to investigate the buried interfaces and examine structural,compositional,and morphological changes.In this review,we will discuss various surface-sensitive synchrotron-based scattering,spectroscopy,and imaging methods for the in situ characterization of solid-solid interfaces and how this information can be correlated to the electrochemical properties of SSBs.The goal is to overview the advantages and disadvantages of each technique by highlighting representative examples,so that similar strategies can be applied by battery researchers and beyond to study similar solid-solid interface systems.

Microstructures and micromechanical behaviors of high -entropy alloys investigated by synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques: A review

High-entropy alloys(HEAs)possess outstanding features such as corrosion resistance,irradiation resistance,and good mechan-ical properties.A few HEAs have found applications in the fields of aerospace and defense.Extensive studies on the deformation mech-anisms of HEAs can guide microstructure control and toughness design,which is vital for understanding and studying state-of-the-art structural materials.Synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction are necessary techniques for materials science research,especially for in situ coupling of physical/chemical fields and for resolving macro/microcrystallographic information on materials.Recently,several re-searchers have applied synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to study the deformation mechanisms,phase transformations,stress behaviors,and in situ processes of HEAs,such as variable-temperature,high-pressure,and hydrogenation processes.In this review,the principles and development of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction are presented,and their applications in the deformation mechanisms of HEAs are discussed.The factors that influence the deformation mechanisms of HEAs are also outlined.This review fo-cuses on the microstructures and micromechanical behaviors during tension/compression or creep/fatigue deformation and the application of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction methods to the characterization of dislocations,stacking faults,twins,phases,and intergrain/interphase stress changes.Perspectives on future developments of synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction and on research directions on the deformation mechanisms of novel metals are discussed.

Exploring battery material failure mechanisms through synchrotron X-ray characterization techniques

Rechargeable battery cycling performance and related safety have been persistent concerns.It is crucial to decipher the capacity fading induced by electrode material failure via a range of techniques.Among these,synchrotron-based X-ray techniques with high flux and brightness play a key role in understanding degradation mechanisms.In this comprehensive review,we summarize recent advancements in degra-dation modes and mechanisms that were revealed by synchrotron X-ray methodologies.Subsequently,an overview of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray scattering techniques is introduced for charac-terizing failure phenomena at local coordination atomic environment and long-range order crystal struc-ture scale,respectively.At last,we envision the future of exploring material failure mechanism.

Assessing efficacy of standard impregnation techniques on die-cast aluminum alloys using X-ray micro-CT

Utilizing lightweight Al alloys in various industrial applications requires achieving precise pressure tightness and leak requirements.Vacuum pressure impregnation(VPI)with thermosetting polymers is commonly used to address leakage defects in die-cast Al alloys.In this study,the efficacy of the VPI technique in sealing alloy parts was investigated using a combination of nondestructive micro X-ray computed tomography(micro XCT)and a standard leak test.The results demonstrate that the commonly used water leak test is insufficient for determining the sealing performance.Instead,micro XCT shows distinct advantages by enabling more comprehensive analysis.It reveals the presence of a low atomic number impregnates sealant within casting defects,which has low grey contrast and allows for visualizing primary leakage paths in 3D.The effective atomic number of impregnated resin is 6.75 and that of Al alloy is 13.69 by dual-energy X-ray CT.This research findings will contribute to enhancing the standard VPI process parameters and the properties of impregnating sealants to improve quality assurance for impregnation in industrial metals.

Clinical diagnostic advances in intestinal anastomotic techniques:Hand suturing,stapling,and compression devices

The development of intestinal anastomosis techniques,including hand suturing,stapling,and compression anastomoses,has been a significant advancement in surgical practice.These methods aim to prevent leakage and minimize tissue fibrosis,which can lead to stricture formation.The healing process involves various phases:hemostasis and inflammation,proliferation,and remodeling.Mechanical staplers and sutures can cause inflammation and fibrosis due to the release of profibrotic chemokines.Compression anastomosis devices,including those made of nickel-titanium alloy,offer a minimally invasive option for various surgical challenges and have shown safety and efficacy.However,despite advancements,anastomotic techniques are evaluated based on leakage risk,with complications being a primary concern.Newer devices like Magnamosis use magnetic rings for compression anastomosis,demonstrating greater strength and patency compared to stapling.Magnetic technology is also being explored for other medical treatments.While there are promising results,particularly in animal models,the realworld application in humans is limited,and further research is needed to assess their safety and practicality.

Understanding Pseudocapacitance Mechanisms by Synchrotron X-ray Analytical Techniques

Pseudocapacitive materials that store charges via reversible surface or near-surface faradaic reactions are capable of overcoming the capacity limitations of electrical double-layer capacitors.Revealing the structure–activity relationship between the microstructural features of pseudocapacitive materials and their electrochemical performance on the atomic scale is the key to build high-performance capacitor-type devices containing ideal pseudocapacitance effect.Currently,the high brightness(flux),and spectral and coherent nature of synchrotron X-ray analytical techniques make it a powerful tool for probing the structure–property relationship of pseudocapacitive materials.Herein,we report a comprehensive and systematic review of four typical characterization techniques(synchrotron X-ray diffraction,pair distribution function[PDF]analysis,soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy,and hard X-ray absorption spectroscopy)for the study of pseudocapacitance mechanisms.In addition,we offered significant insights for understanding and identifying pseudocapacitance mechanisms(surface redox pseudocapacitance,intercalation pseudocapacitance,and the extrinsic pseudocapacitance phenomenon in battery materials)by combining in situ hard XAS and electrochemical analyses.Finally,a perspective for further depth of understanding into the pseudocapacitance mechanism using synchrotron X-ray analytical techniques is proposed.

The Application of Analytical Techniques to Alpha-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms including cognitive impairment and mood disorders. A hallmark of PD is the accumulation of alpha-synuclein, a presynaptic neuronal protein that aggregates to form Lewy bodies, leading to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. The study of alpha-synuclein and its pathological forms is crucial for understanding the etiology of PD and developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Analytical techniques play a pivotal role in elucidating the structure, function, and aggregation mechanisms of alpha-synuclein. Biochemical methods such as Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are employed to detect and quantify alpha-synuclein in biological samples, offering insights into its expression levels and post-translational modifications. Imaging techniques like immunohistochemistry and positron emission tomography (PET) allow for the visualization of alpha-synuclein aggregates in tissue samples and in vivo, respectively, facilitating the study of its spatial distribution and progression in PD Spectroscopic methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, provide detailed structural information on alpha-synuclein and its isoforms, aiding in the identification of conformational changes associated with aggregation. Emerging techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and single-molecule fluorescence enable high-resolution structural analysis and real-time monitoring of alpha-synuclein aggregation dynamics, respectively. The application of these analytical techniques has significantly advanced our understanding of the pathophysiological role of alpha-synuclein in PD. They have contributed to the identification of potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and the evaluation of therapeutic interventions targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation. Despite technical limitations and challenges in clinical translation, ongoing advancements in analytical methodologies hold promise for improving the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of Parkinson’s disease through a deeper understanding of alpha-synuclein pathology.

Epileptic brain network mechanisms and neuroimaging techniques for the brain network

Epilepsy can be defined as a dysfunction of the brain network,and each type of epilepsy involves different brain-network changes that are implicated diffe rently in the control and propagation of interictal or ictal discharges.Gaining more detailed information on brain network alterations can help us to further understand the mechanisms of epilepsy and pave the way for brain network-based precise therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.An increasing number of advanced neuroimaging techniques and electrophysiological techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging-based fiber tra ctography,diffusion kurtosis imaging-based fiber tractography,fiber ball imagingbased tra ctography,electroencephalography,functional magnetic resonance imaging,magnetoencephalography,positron emission tomography,molecular imaging,and functional ultrasound imaging have been extensively used to delineate epileptic networks.In this review,we summarize the relevant neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiological techniques for assessing structural and functional brain networks in patients with epilepsy,and extensively analyze the imaging mechanisms,advantages,limitations,and clinical application ranges of each technique.A greater focus on emerging advanced technologies,new data analysis software,a combination of multiple techniques,and the construction of personalized virtual epilepsy models can provide a theoretical basis to better understand the brain network mechanisms of epilepsy and make surgical decisions.

Surgical techniques to prevent delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Delayed gastric emptying(DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). DGE represents impaired gastric motility without significant mechanical obstruction and is associated with an increased length of hospital stay, increased healthcare costs, and a high readmission rate. We reviewed published studies on various technical modifications to reduce the incidence of DGE. Data sources: Studies were identified by searching Pub Med for relevant articles published up to December 2022. The following search terms were used: “pancreaticoduodenectomy”, “pancreaticojejunostomy”, “pancreaticogastrostomy”, “gastric emptying”, “gastroparesis” and “postoperative complications”. The search was limited to English publications. Additional articles were identified by a manual search of references from key articles. Results: In recent years, various surgical procedures and techniques have been explored to reduce the incidence of DGE. Pyloric resection, Billroth II reconstruction, Braun's enteroenterostomy, and antecolic reconstruction may be associated with a decreased incidence of DGE, but more high-powered studies are needed in the future. Neither laparoscopic nor robotic surgery has demonstrated superiority in preventing DGE, and the use of staplers is controversial regarding whether they can reduce the incidence of DGE. Conclusions: Despite many innovations in surgical techniques, there is no surgical procedure that is superior to others to reduce DGE. Further larger prospective randomized studies are needed.

Bicuspidization Using the Open-Sleeve Technique for Congenital Aortic Stenosis during Infancy

Congenital aortic stenosis(cAS)frequently requires intervention during the neonatal or infantile period.However,surgical repair is challenging because of the narrow surgical space.We performed bicuspidization using the open-sleeve technique for cAS with a unicuspid aortic valve in two patients.Postoperatively,the patients were doing well without reintervention for the aortic valve for 8 and 6 years,respectively.Their aortic annular diameter increased along with somatic growth.Bicuspidization for neonates or infancy can be performed safely using the open-sleeve technique as its midterm results have been satisfactory.

Recent Advance in Synaptic Plasticity Modulation Techniques for Neuromorphic Applications

Manipulating the expression of synaptic plasticity of neuromorphic devices provides fascinating opportunities to develop hardware platforms for artifi-cial intelligence.However,great efforts have been devoted to exploring biomimetic mechanisms of plasticity simulation in the last few years.Recent progress in various plasticity modulation techniques has pushed the research of synaptic electronics from static plasticity simulation to dynamic plasticity modulation,improving the accuracy of neuromorphic computing and providing strategies for implementing neuromorphic sensing functions.Herein,several fascinating strategies for synap-tic plasticity modulation through chemical techniques,device structure design,and physical signal sensing are reviewed.For chemical techniques,the underly-ing mechanisms for the modification of functional materials were clarified and its effect on the expression of synaptic plasticity was also highlighted.Based on device structure design,the reconfigurable operation of neuromorphic devices was well demonstrated to achieve programmable neuromorphic functions.Besides,integrating the sensory units with neuromorphic processing circuits paved a new way to achieve human-like intelligent perception under the modulation of physical signals such as light,strain,and temperature.Finally,considering that the relevant technology is still in the basic exploration stage,some prospects or development suggestions are put forward to promote the development of neuromorphic devices.

Electrospinning-hot pressing technique for the fabrication of thermal and electrical storage membranes and its applications

The combination of electrospinning and hot pressing,namely the electrospinning-hot pressing technique(EHPT),is an efficient and convenient method for preparing nanofibrous composite materials with good energy storage performance.The emerging composite membrane prepared by EHPT,which exhibits the advantages of large surface area,controllable morphology,and compact structure,has attracted immense attention.In this paper,the conduction mechanism of composite membranes in thermal and electrical energy storage and the performance enhancement method based on the fabrication process of EHPT are systematically discussed.Moreover,the state-of-the-art applications of composite membranes in these two fields are introduced.In particular,in the field of thermal energy storage,EHPT-prepared membranes have longitudinal and transverse nanofibers,which generate unique thermal conductivity pathways;also,these nanofibers offer enough space for the filling of functional materials.Moreover,EHPT-prepared membranes are beneficial in thermal management systems,building energy conservation,and electrical energy storage,e.g.,improving the electrochemical properties of the separators as well as their mechanical and thermal stability.The application of electrospinning-hot pressing membranes on capacitors,lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),fuel cells,sodium-ion batteries(SIBs),and hydrogen bromine flow batteries(HBFBs)still requires examination.In the future,EHPT is expected to make the field more exciting through its own technological breakthroughs or be combined with other technologies to produce intelligent materials.

Pretreatment and analysis techniques development of TKIs in biological samples for pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic drug monitoring

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)have emerged as the first-line small molecule drugs in many cancer therapies,exerting their effects by impeding aberrant cell growth and proliferation through the modulation of tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling pathways.However,there exists a substantial inter-individual variability in the concentrations of certain TKIs and their metabolites,which may render patients with compromised immune function susceptible to diverse infections despite receiving theoretically efficacious anticancer treatments,alongside other potential side effects or adverse reactions.Therefore,an urgent need exists for an up-to-date review concerning the biological matrices relevant to bioanalysis and the sampling methods,clinical pharmacokinetics,and therapeutic drug monitoring of different TKIs.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in pretreatment methods,such as protein precipitation(PPT),liquid-liquid extraction(LLE),solid-phase extraction(SPE),micro-SPE(μ-SPE),magnetic SPE(MSPE),and vortex-assisted dispersive SPE(VA-DSPE)achieved since 2017.It also highlights the latest analysis techniques such as newly developed high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS)methods,capillary electrophoresis(CE),gas chromatography(GC),supercritical fluid chromatography(SFC)procedures,surface plasmon resonance(SPR)assays as well as novel nanoprobes-based biosensing techniques.In addition,a comparison is made between the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches while presenting critical challenges and prospects in pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic drug monitoring.

A General Analytic Approximation Technique for the Modified Bessel Functions with Fractional Order Iv (x), Applied to I1/6(x) and I1/7(x)

A general technique to obtain simple analytic approximations for the first kind of modified Bessel functions. The general procedure is shown, and the parameter determination is explained through the applications to this particular case I1/6(x)and I1/7(x). In this way, it shows how to apply the technique to any particular orderν, in order to obtain an approximation valid for any positive value of the variable x. In the present method power series and asymptotic expansion are simultaneously used. The technique is an extension of the multipoint quasirational approximation method, MPQA. The main idea is to look for a bridge function between the power and asymptotic expansion of the I1/6(x), and similar procedure for I1/7(x). To perform this, rational functions are combined with hyperbolic ones and fractional powers. The number of parameters to be determined for each case is four. The maximum relative errors are 0.0049 for ν=1/6, and 0.0047 for ν=7. However, these relative errors decrease outside of the small region of the variables, wherein the maximum relative errors are reached. There is a clear advantage of this procedure compared with any other ones.

An Insight Survey on Sensor Errors and Fault Detection Techniques in Smart Spaces

The widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed various sectors globally, making themmore intelligent and connected. However, this advancement comes with challenges related to the effectiveness ofIoT devices. These devices, present in offices, homes, industries, and more, need constant monitoring to ensuretheir proper functionality. The success of smart systems relies on their seamless operation and ability to handlefaults. Sensors, crucial components of these systems, gather data and contribute to their functionality. Therefore,sensor faults can compromise the system’s reliability and undermine the trustworthiness of smart environments.To address these concerns, various techniques and algorithms can be employed to enhance the performance ofIoT devices through effective fault detection. This paper conducted a thorough review of the existing literature andconducted a detailed analysis.This analysis effectively links sensor errors with a prominent fault detection techniquecapable of addressing them. This study is innovative because it paves theway for future researchers to explore errorsthat have not yet been tackled by existing fault detection methods. Significant, the paper, also highlights essentialfactors for selecting and adopting fault detection techniques, as well as the characteristics of datasets and theircorresponding recommended techniques. Additionally, the paper presents amethodical overview of fault detectiontechniques employed in smart devices, including themetrics used for evaluation. Furthermore, the paper examinesthe body of academic work related to sensor faults and fault detection techniques within the domain. This reflectsthe growing inclination and scholarly attention of researchers and academicians toward strategies for fault detectionwithin the realm of the Internet of Things.

Improving the Segmentation of Arabic Handwriting Using Ligature Detection Technique

Recognizing handwritten characters remains a critical and formidable challenge within the realm of computervision. Although considerable strides have been made in enhancing English handwritten character recognitionthrough various techniques, deciphering Arabic handwritten characters is particularly intricate. This complexityarises from the diverse array of writing styles among individuals, coupled with the various shapes that a singlecharacter can take when positioned differently within document images, rendering the task more perplexing. Inthis study, a novel segmentation method for Arabic handwritten scripts is suggested. This work aims to locatethe local minima of the vertical and diagonal word image densities to precisely identify the segmentation pointsbetween the cursive letters. The proposed method starts with pre-processing the word image without affectingits main features, then calculates the directions pixel density of the word image by scanning it vertically and fromangles 30° to 90° to count the pixel density fromall directions and address the problem of overlapping letters, whichis a commonly attitude in writing Arabic texts by many people. Local minima and thresholds are also determinedto identify the ideal segmentation area. The proposed technique is tested on samples obtained fromtwo datasets: Aself-curated image dataset and the IFN/ENIT dataset. The results demonstrate that the proposed method achievesa significant improvement in the proportions of cursive segmentation of 92.96% on our dataset, as well as 89.37%on the IFN/ENIT dataset.

Randomization Strategies in Image Steganography Techniques:A Review

Image steganography is one of the prominent technologies in data hiding standards.Steganographic system performance mostly depends on the embedding strategy.Its goal is to embed strictly confidential information into images without causing perceptible changes in the original image.The randomization strategies in data embedding techniques may utilize random domains,pixels,or region-of-interest for concealing secrets into a cover image,preventing information from being discovered by an attacker.The implementation of an appropriate embedding technique can achieve a fair balance between embedding capability and stego image imperceptibility,but it is challenging.A systematic approach is used with a standard methodology to carry out this study.This review concentrates on the critical examination of several embedding strategies,incorporating experimental results with state-of-the-art methods emphasizing the robustness,security,payload capacity,and visual quality metrics of the stego images.The fundamental ideas of steganography are presented in this work,along with a unique viewpoint that sets it apart from previous works by highlighting research gaps,important problems,and difficulties.Additionally,it offers a discussion of suggested directions for future study to advance and investigate uncharted territory in image steganography.