Comparative study of thulium fiber laser versus holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for ureteric stone management with semi-rigid ureteroscopy: A prospective, single-center study

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of thulium fiber laser(TFL)and holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet(Ho:YAG)laser for ureteric stone management with semi-rigid ureteroscopy.Methods:In a prospective study from January 2020 to December 2021,we compared 40 patients in each group who underwent semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy with TFL and that with Ho:YAG laser.Stone volume,stone density,stone fragmentation rates,total lasing time,total operative time,endoscopic vision,retropulsion and stone free rates were analyzed in both groups and compared.Results:Mean stone volume was comparable in the TFL group and the Ho:YAG laser group(282.45[standard deviation,SD 139.79]mm3 vs.279.49[SD 312.52]mm3;p=0.964).Mean stone density was also comparable in the TFL group and the Ho:YAG laser group(1135.30[SD 317.04]Hounsfield unit vs.1131.75[SD 283.03]Hounsfield unit;p=0.959).The mean stone fragmentation rates calculated as stone volume divided by lasing time were 25.85(SD 10.61)mm3/min and 21.37(SD 14.13)mm3/min in the TFL group and the Ho:YAG laser group,respectively(p=0.113).The mean total lasing time(10.15[SD]4.69 min vs.11.43[SD 4.56]min;p=0.222),mean operative time(25.13[SD 9.51]min vs.25.54[SD 10.32]min;p=0.866),and mean total hospital stay(2.62[SD 0.77]days vs.2.61[SD 0.84]days;p=0.893)were comparable in the TFL group and in the Ho:YAG group.The vision was better and retropulsion was less in the TFL group.The stone-free rate at 1 month postoperatively was slightly better in the TFL group(100%vs.90%;p=0.095).

Determination of Compositions and Stability Constants of Holmium and Yttrium Complexes with Tribromoarsenazo by Linear Regression Method

According to the appearing of isosbestic point in the absorption spectra of Ho/Y-Tribromoarsenazo (TBA)systems,the complexation reaction is considered to be M+nL=ML_n.A method has been proposed based on it for calculating the mole fraction of free complexing agent in the solutions from spectral data.and two linear regression formula have been introduced to determine the composition,the molar absorptivity,the conditional stability constant of the complex and the concentration of the complexing agent. This method has been used in Ho-TBA and Y-TBA systems.Ho^(3+)and Y^(3+)react with TBA and form 1: 2 complexes in HCl-NaAc buffer solution at pH 3.80.Their molar absorptivities determined are 1.03×10~8 and 1.10×10~8 cm^2·mol^(-1),and the conditional stability constants(logβ_2)are 11.37 and 11.15 respectively.After considering the pH effect in TBA complexing,their stability constants(log β_2^(ahs))are 43.23 and 43.01. respectively.The new method is adaptable to such systems where the accurate concentration of the complexing agent can not be known conveniently.

Optimal interval for delayed retrieval surgery with reciprocating morcellators after enucleation of giant prostatic hyperplasia in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate

Objective:The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of reciprocating morcellation for removing giant benign prostatic hyperplasia during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate,investigate whether performing morcellation as a two-stage procedure improves tissue retrieval efficiency,and seek to determine the optimal interval between the two surgeries.Methods:This study included nine cases of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate with an enucleated prostate weight exceeding 200 g,indicative of substantial prostate enlargement.Morcellation was performed on Day 0(n=4),Day 4(n=1),Day 6(n=1),and Day 7(n=3).The intervals were compared regarding the morcellation efficiency,beach ball presence,and pathology.Results:The mean estimated prostate volume was 383(range 330e528)mL;the median enucleation weight was 252(interquartile range[IQR]222,342)g;and the median enucleation time was 83(IQR 62,100)min.The mean morcellation efficiency was 1.44(SD 0.55)g/min on Day 0 and 13.69(SD 2.46)g/min on day 7.The morcellation efficiency was 4.15 g/min and 10.50 g/min on Day 4 and Day 6,respectively,with significantly higher in the two-stage group compared to one-stage group(11.0 g/min vs.1.5 g/min;p=0.014).Efficiency was strongly correlated with intervals(p<0.001);the incidences of beach balls were 100%(4/4)and 60%(3/5)in the immediate and two-stage surgery groups,respectively.Conclusion:The efficiency of two-stage morcellation with reciprocating morcellators was highly related to the postoperative interval,with the maximum efficiency reached on Day 7.

Yttrium‐and nitrogen‐doped NiCo phosphide nanosheets for high‐efficiency water electrolysis

Engineering high‐performance and low‐cost bifunctional catalysts for H_(2)(hydrogen evolution reaction[HER])and O_(2)(oxygen evolution reaction[OER])evolution under industrial electrocatalytic conditions remains challenging.Here,for the first time,we use the stronger electronegativity of a rare‐Earth yttrium ion(Y^(3+))to induce in situ NiCo‐layered double‐hydroxide nanosheets from NiCo foam(NCF)treated by a dielectric barrier discharge plasma NCF(PNCF),and then obtain nitrogen‐doped YNiCo phosphide(N‐YNiCoP/PNCF)after the phosphating process using radiofrequency plasma in nitrogen.The obtained NYNiCoP/PNCF has a large specific surface area,rich heterointerfaces,and an optimized electronic structure,inducing high electrocatalytic activity in HER(331mV vs.2000mA cm^(−2))and OER(464mV vs.2000mA cm^(−2))reactions in 1MKOH electrolyte.X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory quantum chemistry calculations reveal that the coordination number of CoNi decreased with the incorporation of Y atoms,which induce much shorter bonds of Ni and Co ions and promote long‐term stability of N‐YNiCoP in HER and OER under the simulated industrial conditions.Meanwhile,the CoN‐YP_(5) heterointerface formed by plasma N‐doping is the active center for overall water splitting.This work expands the applications of rare‐Earth elements in engineering bifunctional electrocatalysts and provides a new avenue for designing highperformance transition‐metal‐based catalysts in the renewable energy field.

Ureteroscopy with Holmium: YAG Laser—A Initial Study in the Urology Department of the Pr Bocar Sidy Sall University Hospital of Kati

Introduction: Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery which provides access to the ureter, pyelon and calyceal cavities via the urethra and the bladder. Laser ureteroscopy uses the laser as an energy source to treat the stone and eliminate it naturally. Minimally invasive endoscopic methods are struggling to become popular in sub-Saharan African countries, especially for the upper urinary tract. The objective of our work was to report the results of our first laser ureteroscopy experience in the department. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study running from December 1, 2023 to February 19, 2024. Included in our study was any case of upper urinary tract stone operated by Laser ureteroscopy. The characteristics of the lithiasis were determined by CT scan. Sterilization of urine was verified by carrying out a cytobacteriological examination of urine. Ureteral lithiasis was approached by semi-rigid ureteroscopy. Renal lithiasis was immediately addressed by flexible ureteroscopy. Ureteroscopy was coupled with a Holmium YAG laser. A double J ureteral catheter was placed after the operation. A 230 µm laser fiber was used in each case with a generator with a power of 35 watts (Storz Calculase III type). An access sheath was used in all cases of flexible ureteroscopy. The parameters studied were: sociodemographic characteristics, lithiasis (site, size, number, density, topography), type of anesthesia, duration of laser use, duration of intervention, postoperative outcomes. Data entry and analysis were carried out using the software (Word 2016 and SPSS). Result: We collected 30 cases of laser ureteroscopy. The average age was 37 years with extremes of 9 and 79 years. The male gender was more represented. The most common age group was 24-39 years old. Renal colic was the most frequent reason for admission, 12 patients (40%). On physical examination, lumbar tenderness was present in 47% (14 patients). ECBU was positive in 4 patients (13%). CT scan was performed in all our patients before the intervention. The average stone size was 12 mm and the largest was 23 mm. The majority of stones, i.e. 59% (18 patients), had a density greater than 1000 HU. The stone was unique in 19 patients (63%). The location of the stone was pyelic in 8 patients or 27%. An impact on the upper urinary tract was found in 16 of our patients or 53%. General anesthesia was used in 25 patients (83%). A digital flexible ureteroscopy was used in 24 patients and a semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) in 6 patients. Full-course fragmentation was the most used therapeutic method, 9 patients or 32%. The average duration of interventions was 61 minutes. Drainage by double J catheter at the end of the procedure was performed in all our patients. The length of hospitalization was 24 hours. Only one case of failure in the USSR was recorded, and one case of failure was in the semi-rigid URS. Conclusion: Laser ureteroscopy is an effective minimally invasive surgery in the management of lithiasis of the upper urinary tract. It significantly reduces the length of hospitalization. Mastery of this technique and the acquisition of the equipment necessary for its implementation is an undeniable asset in the management of renal and ureteral lithiasis.

RETRACTED: Nuclear Structure Study of Odd-Odd Yttrium Nuclei within Interacting-Boson Fermi-Fermion Model (IBFFM)

Short Retraction NoticeThe paper does not meet the standards of "Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics". This article has been retracted to straighten the academic record. In making this decision the Editorial Board follows COPE's Retraction Guidelines. The aim is to promote the circulation of scientific research by offering an ideal research publication platform with due consideration of internationally accepted standards on publication ethics. The Editorial Board would like to extend its sincere apologies for any inconvenience this retraction may have caused.Editor guiding this retraction: Prof. Wen-Xiu Ma (EiC of JAMP)The full retraction notice in PDF is preceding the original paper, which is marked "RETRACTED".

Fabrication of SiC fibres from yttrium-containing polycarbosilane

The yttrium as a sintering aid was introduced into polycarbosilane（PCS） to prepare yttrium-containing PCS（PYCS）.Two types of yttrium-containing SiC fibres,the SiC（OY） fibres and the SiC（Y） fibres,were fabricated with PYCS.The structural evolution and the associated properties on changing from SiC（OY） to SiC（Y） fibres during the sintering process were studied.The chemical composition of the SiC（OY） fibres is SiC1.53O0.22Y0.005 with an amorphous structure.The composition of SiC（Y） fibres is SiC1.23O0.05Y0.005.The fibres are composed of a large number of β-SiC crystallites with a size of 50 nm and a small amount of α-SiC crystalline.The tensile strength and fracture toughness of the SiC（OY） fibres are 2.25 GPa and 2.37 MPa·m1/2,respectively,and 1.61 GPa,1.91 MPa·m1/2,respectively for SiC（Y） fibres.The SiC（Y） fibres have a higher thermal stability than the SiC（OY） fibres.

Study on the Acute Toxicity of Rare Earth Yttrium to Earthworms under the Stress of Leaching Agent Ammonium Sulfate

This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of rare earth ion yttrium under the stress of leaching agent ammonium sulfate （NH4）2SO4. [Method] By using earthworms as indicator organisms of environmental pol ution, acute toxic ef-fects of rare earth yttrium on earthworms under the stress of ammonium sulfate were investigated with filter paper contact method. [Result] Under single stress of rare earth yttrium, the semi-lethal concentration after 48 and 24 h was LC50=213.41 mg/L and LC50=322.63 mg/L, respectively. ② Under single stress of ammonium sul-fate, the semi-lethal concentration after 48 h and 24 h was LC50=13.89 g/L and LC50=15.05 g/L, respectively. ③ In combined treatment of low concentration （10 g/L） of ammonium sulfate and different doses of rare earth yttrium, the semi-lethal con-centration after 48 and 24 h was LC50=198.65 g/L and LC50=399.85 g/L, respective-ly; in combined treatment of middle concentration （14 g/L） of ammonium sulfate and different doses of rare earth yttrium, the semi-lethal concentration after 48 and 24 h was LC50=167.3 mg/L and LC50=256.73 mg/L, respectively; in combined treatment of high concentration （20 g/L） of ammonium sulfate and different doses of rare earth yttrium, the semi-lethal concentration after 48 h and 24 h was LC50=31.03 mg/L and LC50=127.65 mg/L, respectively. [Conclusion] Low concentration of ammonium sulfate could reduce the toxicity of rare earth yttrium to earthworms and produce certain antagonism against rare earth yttrium; middle concentration ammonium sulfate in-creased the toxicity of rare earth yttrium to earthworms and produced relatively sig-nificant synergistic effects; high concentration ammonium sulfate significantly in-creased the toxicity of rare earth yttrium to earthworms. Compared with ammonium sulfate, dead earthworms exposed to rare earth yttrium were more easily fractured, and living earthworms showed insensitive response to acupuncture.

Equilibrium analysis of solvent extraction of yttrium (Ⅲ) and europium (Ⅲ) from hydrochloric acid with P_(507)

For the accurate prediction of equilibrium distribution ratios of rare earth metals during solvent extraction under non-ideal conditions, the extraction equilibria of yttrium （Ⅲ） and europium （Ⅲ） from the hydrochloric acid solutions with P507 in Shellsol D70 were studied. A chemically-based model was established and the extraction equilibrium constants were determined by the nonlinear least squares method. The proposed model involves the cation exchange reaction and the solvation extraction in the low and high acidity regions, respectively. In the model, the nonideality of the aqueous phase and was corrected by considering the complexation of the metals with Cl- and by replacing with its effective concentration, respectively. This model was verified by fair agreement between the calculated metal distribution ratios and those experimentally obtained in the single metal systems. The feed concentrations for the systems are in wide ranges of the metal （up to 0.1 mol/L）, hydrochloric acid （0.07-3.00 mol/L） and the extractant （0.25-1.00 mol/L）. The model enables the engineering prediction of the equilibrium distribution ratios with good accuracy in a binary metal system.

Occurrences of Yttrium in Soil and Its Potential Impacts on Paddy Rice Triticum aestivum

[Objective] The effects of yttrium nitrate （YNO3） on biomass and antioxi- dant systems of paddy rice （Yttrium （Y）; Oxidative stress; Dismutases （SOD）; Per- oxidases （POD）, Catalases （CAT）, Paddy rice （Triticum aestivum）） together with the occurrences of Y in soils were investigated to assess its ecotoxicological effects on plant. [Method]Y solutions with various concentrations were sprinkled on soil sam- ples, which were well mixed and then put into culture dishes to culture paddy rice seeds for further evaluation. [Result] The results indicated that 25-100 mg/kg Y treatments significantly increased the biomass （total weight, root weight, shoot weight and leaf weight）, chlorophyll （CHL） content and protein content of paddy rice, whereas 200-800 mg/kg Y treatments had a converse effect. Similarly, biomarker for the antioxidant systems including superoxide dismutases （SOD）, peroxidases （POD） and catalases （CAT） all exhibited similar trends in both shoots and roots of paddy rice. At the same time, the malonaldehyde （MDA） content increased at from 25 to 100 mg/kg and decreased with concentrations of Y from 100 to 800 mg/kg in both shoots and roots of paddy rice. This indicated that Y could stimulate the growth of plant at low concentration, but inhibit the growth at relatively high concen- tration. [Conclusion] The levels of Y were 641＋49, 328_＋16 and 473_＋40 mg/kg in soils collected from mining area, farmland and navel orange orchard respectively. The levels of Y in the investigated area were higher than the benefit level （100 mg/kg）, which could cause low biomass as well as low activity of SOD, POD and CAT in paddy rice. Therefore, a more careful use of Y is necessary in crop management.

Yttrium掺杂La_(0.67)Ca_(0.33)MnO_3的X射线衍射研究

制备了Yttrium掺杂的La0.67Ca0.33MnO3多晶样品.通过室温下的X射线衍射,用Rietveld精修方法得到它的结构特性.随着Yttrium成分的增加,或者La位阳离子的平均半径的降低,八面体倾斜变形度增加.Mn-O-Mn键的键角随Yttrium成分的增加而增加.Mn-O键的平均键长在整个过程中相对保持不变,但单个Mn-O键长和Mn-O-Mn键角反映出室温下Yttrium掺杂LCMO合作Jahn-Teller效应的存在.

Effect of yttrium on the microstructure of a semi-solid A356 Al alloy

The semi-solid slurry of an A356 Al alloy, which was grain-fined by yttrium, was manufactured by low temperature pouring, The effects of grain-refining on the morphology and the grain size of the primary α phase in the semi-solid A356 Al alloy were researched. The results indicate that the semi-solid A356 AI alloy with particle-like and rosette-like primary α-Al can be prepared by low temperature pouring from a liquid grain-refined A356 alloy. The grain size and particle morphology of primary α-Al in the A356 Al alloy are markedly improved by the addition of 0.5 wt,% Y. The fining mechanism of Y on the morphology and grain size of the primary α-Al in the semi-solid A356 Al alloy was delved.

Effect of Yttrium Addition on Microstructures and Room Temperature Tensile Properties of Ti-47Al Alloy

The microstructures and room temperature tensile properties of a series of Ti-47Al-xY （x = 0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7% and 1.0%（atom fraction）） were investigated systemically. Results show that both the grain size and lamellar spacing decrease remarkably with the increase of Y content. When the content of Y is greater than 0.1%, most of the Y elements accumulate along the grain boundaries and some fine particles are uniformly dispersed within the grains in the form of YAl2 compound because of the low solubility and segregation of Y in TiAl alloys. Grain-boundary seg- regation of Y element is more prominent with the increase of Y addition. Good tensile properties are obtained when Y addition ranges from 0.3 % to 0.5 %. The refinement of grain and lamellar structures and dispersion of YAl2 within the grains contribute to the improvement of tensile properties. On the other hand, for high Y-added alloys （over 0.5% Y）, tensile properties are obviously deteriorated due to brittle cleavage fracture of the coarse YAl2 network.

Research on cathode material of Li-ion battery by yttrium doping

Modification of LiFePO4, LiMn2O4 and Li1＋xV3O8 by doping yttrium was investigated. The influences of doping Y on structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of cathode materials were investigated systematically. The results indicated that the mechanisms of Y doping in three cathode materials were different, so the influences on the material performance were different. The crystal structure of the three materials was not changed by Y doping. However, the crystal parameters were influenced. The crystal parameters of LiMn2O4 became smaller, and the interlayer distance of （100） crystal plane of Li1-xV3O8 was lengthened after Y doping. The grain size of Y-doped LiFePO4 became smaller and grain morphology became more regular than that of undoped LiFePO4. It indicated that Y doping had no influence on crystal particle and morphology of LiMn2O4. The morphology of Li1＋xV3O8 became irregular and its size became larger with the increase of Y. For LiFePOaand Li1＋xV3O8, both the initial discharge capacities and the cyclic performance were improved by Y doping. For LiMn2O4, the cyclic performance became better and the initial discharge capacities declined with increasing Y doping.

Aging characteristic of Cu-0.6Cr-0.15Zr-0.05Mg-0.02Si alloy containing trace rare earth yttrium

The aging characteristic of Cu-0.6Cr-0.15Zr-0.05Mg-0.02Si alloy containing trace rare earth yttrium was investigated. The results showed that Cu-0.6Cr-0.15Zr-0.05Mg-0.02Si alloy obtained good comprehensive performance after 80% rolling and then aging at 480℃ for 1 h; the hardness and electrical conductivity reached HV 150 and 85.5% IACS, respectively. Increasing aging temperature accelerated aging precipitation. The time for attaining peak hardness was postponed, the precipitates were finer （2-4 nm）, and the interparticle spacing was shorter due to yttrium addition. The hardness and electrical conductivity of the Y-containing alloy after 80% deformation and then aging at 480℃ for 45 min reached HV 174 and 82.1% IACS, respectively.

Effect of Yttrium on Microstructure and Properties of High Temperature Alloys

The effect of yttrium on the microstructure and properties of Ti5.5Al3.5Sn3.0Zr1Nb03Mo03Si (IMI 829) and Ti14Al21Nb high temperature alloys was studied by using optical microscope, SEM and mechanical property testing devices. The results show that the microstructure and grains of the two alloys can be fined by adding yttrium. For IMI8290.2Y alloy, the favorable mechanical properties at room temperature and creep properties at 550 are obtained, and the high temperature mechanical properties of Ti14Al21Nb0.1Y alloy are improved as well.

Synthesis of Yttrium Oxide Nanocrystal via Solvothermal Process

Y2O3 nanomaterials have been widely used in transparent ceramics and luminescent devices. Recently there are many studies focusing on controlling the size and morphology of Y2O3 in order to obtain better materials performance. In present study, yttrium oxyhydroxide precursor was synthesized via a facile solvothermal process through the dissolution-re-crystallization mechanism of Y2O3 raw powders in the ethylenediamine solvent, then nanosized yttrium oxide crystal was prepared from the precursor through post heat treatment process. The effects of solvothermal treatment temperature, holding time, solvent kinds and post heat treatment parameters on crystalline structure, grain shape and size of nanocrystal were investigated by XRD, TEM and TGA-DTA measurements. TEM images reveal that the morphology of product after post heat treatment at 460℃for 12 h is rice-like nanocrystal. XRD shows that this product is pure cubic Y2O3 cphase. Present study reveals that high purity Y2O3 with rice-like morphology can be easily prepared with average size around 30 nm under suitable post heat treatment parameters. In addition, the effects of solvents such as water and ethanol etc. on the crystal structure and morphology were also investigated. It is suggested that dissolution-recrystallization process may be the main mechanism for the formation of nano-sized YOOH precursors under solvothermal reaction condition, and the ethylenediamine solvent is likely to play an important role in controlling the transformation process of yttria precursors to the Y2O3 nanocrystal.

Effect of Yttrium on High Temperature Oxidation Resistance ofa Directionally Solidified Superalloy

The effect of rare earth element yttrium on the high temperature oxidation resistance of a directionally solidified Ni-base superalloy was studied with scanning electron microscopy(SEM), energy dispersive spectrum(EDS)and X-ray diffraction(XRD)techniques. The results show that the oxidation resistance of the alloy is substantially improved by adding proper amount of yttrium.

Addition of cerium and yttrium to ferritic steel weld metal to improve hydrogen trapping efficiency

The applicability of Ce and Y as promising candidate elements to form irreversible traps in weld metal was investigated by thermal desorption spectroscopy(TDS) with gas chromatography(GC). The precise nature of the precipitate particles newly formed in the weld metal by the addition of Ce and Y to a certain alloy system was characterized. Moreover,the hydrogen trapping efficiency expressed as the reduction of the diffusible hydrogen in the weld metal was analyzed. The results showed that the addition of Ce and/or Y to this alloy system led to the formation of a mixed type of(Ce,Ti)-based oxide,(Y,Ni)-based carbide,or(Ce,Y,Ti)-based oxide particles. Because of the high activation energy of the mixed type of particles(≥ 150 k J/mol),the trapping efficiency for hydrogen was considered to be sufficiently high to effectively reduce the diffusible hydrogen content.

ASTUDY OF VALENCE OF YTTRIUM IN Y_2O_3 Mo CATHODE

The valenceofelementyttrium of Y2 O3 Mocathode materialhasbeenstudied by usingther mal weight analysis, X ray diffraction analysis, Scanning electron microscopy and X rayphotoelectronspectrum . It hasbeen provedthatyttrium oxidecan bereduced by molybdenum carbide. Thereaction between powdered Y2 O3 and Mo2 Ccan happen at 1173 , and Y2 O3may bereduced to metallicyttrium . Afterthepowder mixtureof Y2 O3 and Mo2 Cwasheat treated at1873 K, Yttrium existsin two kinds of chemicalstate- yttrium of zero valence and yttrium ofthreevalences.