ABSTRACT
AIM: Archaeological objects are often recovered in blocks since highly porous materials and unstable and highly decayed objects cannot always be uncovered undamaged or time and resources for classic uncovering are lacking. Therefore, clinical computed tomography (CT) combined with freely available software solutions should be tested as a simple and fast method for visualizing and analyzing archaeological finds as an alternative to time-consuming restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As an example, a block with a shield boss was selected from a block excavation and examined by means of CT. Using the freely available software 3D-Slicer (https://www.slicer.org/), the shield boss and handle were segmented in the surrounding soil with different tools. They were then digitally reconstructed and then restored using Meshmixer (Autodesk Inc., San Francisco, CA). A 3D print was generated based on the reconstructed model of the shield boss. RESULTS: The individual steps of CT examination of the block recovery, segmentation, reconstruction, and 3D printing were successfully performed. Based on the restored fragments of the shield boss, it was possible to date the object and to determine the initial properties of the find non-destructively without classic restoration. CONCLUSION: Radiological imaging combined with digital reconstruction and 3D printing makes it possible to determine decisive characteristics of the archaeological find before it is uncovered and restored, which is a time-consuming process. This opens up new opportunities for cooperation between radiology and archaeology for the evaluation and analysis of archaeological finds. KEY POINTS: · "The transfer of medical technology, digital image processing and 3D printing to archaeology has been demonstrated.". · "The digital restoration and reconstruction of archaeological objects using CT images is possible.". · "Medical imaging could make a significant contribution to the investigation and reconstruction of archaeological objects.". CITATION FORMAT: · Frohwerk E, Dürr A, Fiebich M etâal. Radiology meets archaeology: digital restoration and 3D printing using CT data. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2023; DOI: 10.1055/a-2206-5741.
ABSTRACT
The present study compares the physico-chemical properties of non-aqueous liquid electrolytes based on NaPF6, NaClO4 and NaCF3SO3 salts in the binary mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The ionic conductivity of the electrolytes is determined as a function of salt concentration and temperature. It is found that the electrolytes containing NaClO4 and NaPF6 exhibit ionic conductivities ranging from 5 mS cm(-1) to 7 mS cm(-1) at ambient temperature. The electrochemical stability window of the different electrolytes is studied by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements with respect to a variety of working electrodes (WE) such as glassy carbon (GC), graphite and a carbon gas diffusion layer (GDL). Electrolytes containing NaPF6 and NaClO4 are found to be electrochemically stable with respect to GC and GDL electrodes up to 4.5 V vs. Na/Na(+), with some side reactions starting from around 3.0 V for the latter salt. The results further show that aluminium is preferred over different steels as a cathode current collector. Copper is stable up to a potential of 3.5 V vs. Na/Na(+). In view of practical Na-ion battery systems, the electrolytes are electrochemically tested with Na0.7CoO2 as a positive electrode. It is inferred that the electrolyte NaPF6-EC : DMC is favorable for the formation of a stable surface film and the reversibility of the above cathode material.
ABSTRACT
This work reports on the cell chemistry of a room temperature sodium-oxygen battery using an electrolyte of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme) and sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate (NaSO3CF3, sodium triflate). Different from lithium-oxygen cells, where lithium peroxide is found as the discharge product, sodium superoxide (NaO2) is formed in the present cell, with overpotentials as low as 100 mV during charging. Several analytical methods are used to follow the cell reaction during discharge and charge. Changes in structure and morphology are studied by SEM and XRD. It is found that NaO2 grows as cubic particles with feed sizes in the range of 10-50 µm; upon recharge the particles consecutively decompose. Pressure monitoring during galvanostatic cycling shows that the coulombic efficiency (e(-)/O2) for discharge and charge is approx. 1.0, the expected value for NaO2 formation. Also optical spectroscopy is identified as a convenient and useful tool to follow the discharge-charge process. The maximum discharge capacity is found to be limited by oxygen transport within the electrolyte soaked carbon fiber cathode and pore blocking near the oxygen interface is observed. Finally electrolyte decomposition and sodium dendrite growth are identified as possible reasons for the limited capacity retention of the cell. The occurrence of undesired side reactions is analyzed by DEMS measurements during cycling as well as by post mortem XPS investigations.
ABSTRACT
In the search for room-temperature batteries with high energy densities, rechargeable metal-air (more precisely metal-oxygen) batteries are considered as particularly attractive owing to the simplicity of the underlying cell reaction at first glance. Atmospheric oxygen is used to form oxides during discharging, which-ideally-decompose reversibly during charging. Much work has been focused on aprotic Li-O(2) cells (mostly with carbonate-based electrolytes and Li(2)O(2) as a potential discharge product), where large overpotentials are observed and a complex cell chemistry is found. In fact, recent studies evidence that Li-O(2) cells suffer from irreversible electrolyte decomposition during cycling. Here we report on a Na-O(2) cell reversibly discharging/charging at very low overpotentials (< 200 mV) and current densities as high as 0.2 mA cm(-2) using a pure carbon cathode without an added catalyst. Crystalline sodium superoxide (NaO(2)) forms in a one-electron transfer step as a solid discharge product. This work demonstrates that substitution of lithium by sodium may offer an unexpected route towards rechargeable metal-air batteries.
ABSTRACT
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its precursor lesions, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), display a ductal phenotype. However, there is evidence in genetically defined mouse models for PDAC harbouring a mutated kras under the control of a pancreas-specific promoter that ductal cancer might arise in the centroacinar-acinar region, possibly through a process of acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM). In order to further elucidate this model of PDAC development, an extensive expression analysis and molecular characterization of the putative and already established (PanIN) precursor lesions were performed in the Kras(G12D/+) ; Ptf1a-Cre(ex1/+) mouse model and in human tissues, focusing on lineage markers, developmental pathways, cell cycle regulators, apomucins, and stromal activation markers. The results of this study show that areas of ADM are very frequent in the murine and human pancreas and represent regions of increased proliferation of cells with precursor potential. Moreover, atypical flat lesions originating in areas of ADM are the most probable precursors of PDAC in the Kras(G12D/+); Ptf1a-Cre(ex1/+) mice and similar lesions were also found in the pancreas of three patients with a strong family history of PDAC. In conclusion, PDAC development in Kras(G12D/+); Ptf1a-Cre(ex1/+) mice starts from ADM and a similar process might also take place in patients with a strong family history of PDAC.