Interfacial Domino Effect Triggered by ß-Alanine Cations Realized Highly Reversible Zinc-Metal Anodes.

Realizing durative dense, dendrite-free, and no by-product deposition configuration on Zn anodes is crucial to solving the short circuit and premature failure of batteries, which is simultaneously determined by the Zn interface chemistry, electro-reduction kinetics, mass transfer process, and their interaction. Herein, this work unmasks a domino effect of the ß-alanine cations (Ala+) within the hydrogel matrix, which effectively triggers the subsequent electrostatic shielding and beneficial knock-on effects via the specifical adsorption earliest event on the Zn anode surface. The electrostatic shielding effect regulates the crystallographic energetic preference of Zn deposits and retards fast electro-reduction kinetics, thereby steering stacked stockier block morphology and realizing crystallographic optimization. Meanwhile, the mass transfer rate of Zn2+ ions was accelerated via the SO4 2- anion immobilized caused by Ala+ in bulk electrolyte, finally bringing the balance between electroreduction kinetics and mass transfer process, which enables dendrite-free Zn deposition behavior. Concomitantly, the interfacial adsorbed Ala+ cations facilitate the electrochemical reduction of interfacial SO4 2- anions to form the inorganic-organic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase layer. The above domino effects immensely improve the utilization efficiency of Zn anodes and long-term stability, as demonstrated by the 12 times longer life of Zn||Zn cells (3650 h) and ultrahigh Coulombic efficiency (99.4 %).

Risk factors of bladder stones in neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: A real-world study.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence and risk factors for stone formation and recurrence in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in a real-world cohort. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients with NLUTD who underwent bladder stone treatment between 2010 and 2022. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were used to identify the potential risk factors for stone recurrence. Results: Among 114 patients included in the study, 30% experienced stone recurrence. The most common stone components were carbonate apatite phosphate and magnesium ammonium phosphate. The overall recurrence rate was 14 cases per 100 patient years. Neurogenic detrusor overactivity had the highest recurrence rate. Risk factors for stone recurrence in the multivariate analysis were intermittent and suprapubic catheterization, and recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI). Conclusions: Patients experienced multiple bladder stone recurrences. Close monitoring of bladder pressure and UTI with restrictive catheter application may reduce the risk of stone recurrence.

Interventional Imaging Systems in Radiology, Cardiology, and Urology: Energy Consumption, Carbon Emissions, and Electricity Costs.

BACKGROUND. The energy demand of interventional imaging systems has historically been estimated using manufacturer-provided specifications rather than directly measured. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the energy consumption of interventional imaging systems and estimate potential savings in the carbon emissions and electricity costs of such systems through hypothetical operational adjustments. METHODS. An interventional radiology suite, neurointerventional suite, radiology fluoroscopy unit, two cardiology laboratories, and two urology fluoroscopy units were equipped with power sensors. Power measurement logs were extracted for a single 4-week period for each radiology and cardiology system (all between June 1, 2022, and November 28, 2022) and for the 2-week period from July 31, 2023, to August 13, 2023, for each urology system. Power statuses, procedure time stamps, and fluoroscopy times were extracted from various sources. System activity was divided into off, idle (no patient in room), active (patient in room for procedure), and net-imaging (active fluoroscopic image acquisition) states. Projected annual energy consumption was calculated. Potential annual savings in carbon emissions and electricity costs through hypothetical operational adjustments were estimated using published values for Switzerland. RESULTS. Across the seven systems, the mean power draw was 0.3-1.1, 0.7-7.4, 0.9-7.6, and 1.9-12.5 kW in the off, idle, active, and net-imaging states, respectively. Across systems, the off state, in comparison with the idle state, showed a decrease in the mean power draw of 0.2-6.9 kW (relative decrease, 22.2-93.2%). The systems had a combined projected annual energy consumption of 115,684 kWh (range, 3646-26,576 kWh per system). The systems' combined projected energy consumption occurring outside the net-imaging state accounted for 93.3% (107,978/115,684 kWh) of projected total energy consumption (range, 89.2-99.4% per system). A hypothetical operational adjustment whereby all systems would be switched from the idle state to the off state overnight and on weekends (versus being operated in idle mode 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) would yield the following potential annual savings: for energy consumption, 144,640 kWh; for carbon emissions, 18.6 metric tons of CO2 equivalent; and for electricity costs, US$37,896. CONCLUSION. Interventional imaging systems are energy intensive, having high consumption outside of image acquisition periods. CLINICAL IMPACT. Strategic operational adjustments (e.g., powering down idle systems) can substantially decrease the carbon emissions and electricity costs of interventional imaging systems.

Exploring the intratumoral heterogeneity of DNA ploidy in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is morphologically and molecularly heterogeneous. Genomic heterogeneity might be mirrored by variability in DNA ploidy. Aneuploidy is a hallmark of genomic instability and associated with tumor aggressiveness. Little attention has been paid to the biological significance of the diploid tumor cell population that often coexists with aneuploid populations. Here, we investigated the role of DNA ploidy in tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution. METHODS: Three radical prostatectomy specimens with intratumoral heterogeneity based on nuclear features on H&E were selected. DNA content of each subpopulation was determined by DNA image cytometry and silver in situ hybridization (SISH). Genomic evolution was inferred from array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Additionally, immunohistochemistry was used to examine the stemness-associated marker ALDH1A1. RESULTS: Nuclear morphology reliably predicted DNA ploidy status in all three cases. In one case, aCGH analysis revealed several shared deletions and one amplification in both the diploid and the aneuploid population, suggesting that these populations could be related. In the other two cases, a statement about relatedness was not possible. Furthermore, ALDH1A1 was expressed in 2/3 cases and exclusively observed in their diploid populations. CONCLUSIONS: In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate the feasibility to predict the DNA ploidy status of distinct populations within one tumor by H&E morphology. Future studies are needed to further investigate the clonal relationship between the diploid and the aneuploid subpopulation and test the hypothesis that the aneuploid population is derived from the diploid one. Finally, our analyses pointed to an enrichment of the stemness-associated marker ALDH1A1 in diploid populations, which warrants further investigation in future studies.

Patient-derived organoids identify tailored therapeutic options and determinants of plasticity in sarcomatoid urothelial bladder cancer.

Sarcomatoid Urothelial Bladder Cancer (SARC) is a rare and aggressive histological subtype of bladder cancer for which therapeutic options are limited and experimental models are lacking. Here, we report the establishment of a long-term 3D organoid-like model derived from a SARC patient (SarBC-01). SarBC-01 emulates aggressive morphological, phenotypical, and transcriptional features of SARC and harbors somatic mutations in genes frequently altered in sarcomatoid tumors such as TP53 (p53) and RB1 (pRB). High-throughput drug screening, using a library comprising 1567 compounds in SarBC-01 and conventional urothelial carcinoma (UroCa) organoids, identified drug candidates active against SARC cells exclusively, or UroCa cells exclusively, or both. Among those, standard-of-care chemotherapeutic drugs inhibited both SARC and UroCa cells, while a subset of targeted drugs was specifically effective in SARC cells, including agents targeting the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) pathway. In two independent patient cohorts and in organoid models, GR and its encoding gene NR3C1 were found to be significantly more expressed in SARC as compared to UroCa, suggesting that high GR expression is a hallmark of SARC tumors. Further, glucocorticoid treatment impaired the mesenchymal morphology, abrogated the invasive ability of SARC cells, and led to transcriptomic changes associated with reversion of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, at single-cell level. Altogether, our study highlights the power of organoids for precision oncology and for providing key insights into factors driving rare tumor entities.

Water vapor thermal therapy of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction: efficacy and safety analysis of a real-world cohort of 211 patients.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the efficacy, safety and durability outcomes of water vapor thermal therapy with Rezum in a real-world cohort of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostate obstruction. METHODS: Consecutive, unselected patients undergoing Rezum treatment between January 2014 and August 2022 were candidates for this pragmatic, observational, longitudinal, single-center cohort study. Pre- and perioperative data were descriptively summarized. The primary outcome was surgical efficacy, determined by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) Score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR) volume and prostate volume (PV) at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and > 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 211 patients were enrolled for analysis. Overall, catheter removal was successful in 92.4% of patients after a median of 5 days. A preoperative catheter and the presence of a median lobe increased the risk of unsuccessful catheter removal. In total, 5.7% of patients were reoperated after a median of 407 days. Comparing baseline to the longest median follow-up, the postoperative IPSS decreased significantly by 65.7%, the QoL Score declined by 66.7% (both until a maximum median of 4.5 years) and Qmax improved by 66.7% (until 3.9 years). Post-void residual volume and PV were reduced by 85.7% (3.7 years) and 47% (4.0 years), respectively. Clavien-Dindo complication ≤ II occurred in 11.8%. CONCLUSION: Rezum is a safe minimally invasive treatment option in a real-world patient cohort with a beneficial improvement of micturition symptoms and voiding function during follow-up.

Understanding the different effects of 4d-transition metals on the performance of Li-rich cathode Li2MnO3 by first-principles.

The poor cycling performance of Li-rich cathode Li2MnO3, a promising cathode for next-generation Li-ion batteries, limits its commercial applications. Transition metal (TM) doping is widely applied to optimize the electrochemical performance of Li2MnO3, where the d valence electrons of the TM play a crucial role. Nevertheless, the rule of the doping effect of TM with various numbers of d electrons has not been well summarized. In this work, 4d-TMs (Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru and Rh) are selected as dilute doping elements for Li2MnO3 to evaluate their effect on the performance of Li2MnO3 through first-principles calculations. The calculations indicate that as the number of 4d electrons increases, the doped TM transforms from an electrochemically inert state (Zr and Nb) to an electrochemically active state (Mo, Ru and Rh) in Li2MnO3. Meanwhile, the orbital hybridization between the 4d electrons of the TM and the 2p electrons of O becomes stronger from Zr to Rh, which promotes the co-oxidation of the TM and O for charge compensation and alleviates the excessive oxidation of O, thus enhancing the stability of O. Moreover, the oxidation of the doped TM and lattice Mn during charging can trigger a decrease in the initial average delithiation potential. Although the 4d-TMs exhibit slight promoting or inhibiting effects on Li diffusion, no obvious rule related to the number of d electrons has been found. Our work highlights the rule of the doping effect of TMs with different 4d electrons on the electrochemical performance of Li2MnO3 and would facilitate a better design of Li2MnO3 cathode materials.

The impact of robotic-assisted transperineal biopsy of the prostate on erectile function.

BACKGROUND: Prostate biopsy represents one of the most frequently performed urologic procedures worldwide and therefore presupposes knowledge on potential effects like on the erectile function, especially in extensive or repeated biopsies. The robotic-assisted biopsy system (Mona Lisa) offers a minimal invasive approach via only two incision points ensuring maximal accuracy combined with protection of the neurovascular bundle of the prostate. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to analyse the impact of robotic-assisted transperineal biopsy of the prostate on the erectile function. METHODS: Our prospective study analyses the outcomes of 210 patients, who had undergone minimal-invasive, transperineal robotic-assisted biopsy of the prostate at the University Hospital Basel from January 2020 to March 2022 and provided sufficient data. Of these, 157 (74.8%) were included in final analysis. RESULTS: Mean (range) age, prostate volume, PSA and IIEF-5 score at baseline were 63.8 years (46.1-83.6), 46.4 ml (9-310), 13.2 ng/ml (0.2-561), and 18.8 points (6-25), respectively. EF before and 1 month after intervention was assessed with the IIEF-5 questionnaire for the whole cohort. No significant change of IIEF-5 was observed for the whole cohort with a mean (± SD) decrease of 0.4 (± 3.1) points. Except for patients > 69 years, subgroup analysis revealed no change of IIEF-5 in statistically significant manner for all subgroups. Number of biopsy cores (< 20 and ≥ 20), previous biopsies and active surveillance showed no significant influence. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the minimally invasive and highly precise robotic technique can spare the erectile function without limiting the extent of biopsy and without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Safety profile of robotic-assisted transperineal MRI-US-fusion guided biopsy of the prostate.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted transperineal MRI-US-fusion guided biopsy of the prostate is a novel and highly accurate procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the MonaLisa prostate biopsy system in terms of safety, tolerability, and patient-related outcomes. Methods: This prospective study included 228 patients, who had undergone Robotic-assisted transperineal MRI-US-fusion guided biopsy of the prostate at the University Hospital Basel between January 2020 and June 2022. Peri-operative side effects, functional outcomes and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results: Mean pain score on the day of biopsy was 1.3 points on VAS, which remained constant on the day after biopsy. Overall, 32 of 228 patients (14%) developed grade I complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification. No higher-grade complications occurred. Gross haematuria, hematospermia and acute urinary retention occurred in 145/228 (63.6%), 98/228 (43%) and 32/228 (14%) patients, respectively. One patient (0.4%) developed urinary tract infection. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted transperineal MRI-US-fusion guided biopsy of the prostate performed under general anesthesia is a safe and well tolerated procedure. This technique allows to omit perioperative prophylaxis and at the same time minimizes the risk of infectious complications. We attribute the favorable risk profile and tolerability to the minimal invasive approach via two entry points.

Revealing the different effects of VIB transition metals X (X = Cr, Mo, W) on the electrochemical performance of Li-rich cathode Li2MnO3 by first-principles calculations.

Transition metal (TM) doping is widely applied to optimize the electrochemical performance of Li2MnO3, a promising cathode material of next-generation Li-ion batteries. The effect of doping on the performance of Li2MnO3 can vary with the elemental period of the doped TM. However, the rules of the different effects have not been well summarized, especially for TM elements within the same group. In this work, the effects of TM element (Cr, Mo, and W in group VIB) dilute doping on the electrochemical performance of Li2MnO3 are investigated through first-principles calculations. The results show that Mo and W can induce more obvious local lattice distortion. Although Cr, Mo and W doping can improve the electrochemical activity of Li2MnO3, they modify the charge compensation mechanism in different ways. At the initial stage of delithiation, both Cr and O undergo significant oxidation, and Mo can act as the main oxidation center, while W can trigger the electrochemical activity of Mn around it. The O ions around Mo and W are more stable during the delithiation due to the mild oxidation and the strong bonding of Mo-O and W-O. Furthermore, Cr, Mo and W dilute doping can promote the interlayer diffusion of Li at the initial charging state, which is gradually enhanced with the increase of the period of the doped elements, but Mo and W doping would hinder the intralayer diffusion of Li near the doping sites during further delithiation process. Our results highlight the difference in the effects of TM (in the same group) doping on the performance of Li2MnO3 and would facilitate fast and good design of Li-rich cathodes.

Long-Term Oncological Efficacy of Retroperitoneoscopic Radical Nephrectomy of Localized Renal Cell Cancer pT1-3 (≤12 cm).

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Multiobjective Optimization of Laser Polishing of Additively Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V Parts for Minimum Surface Roughness and Heat-Affected Zone.

Metal parts produced by additive manufacturing often require postprocessing to meet the specifications of the final product, which can make the process chain long and complex. Laser post-processes can be a valuable addition to conventional finishing methods. Laser polishing, specifically, is proving to be a great asset in improving the surface quality of parts in a relatively short time. For process development, experimental analysis can be extensive and expensive regarding the time requirement and laboratory facilities, while computational simulations demand the development of numerical models that, once validated, provide valuable tools for parameter optimization. In this work, experiments and simulations are performed based on the design of experiments to assess the effects of the parametric inputs on the resulting surface roughness and heat-affected zone depths. The data obtained are used to create both linear regression and artificial neural network models for each variable. The models with the best performance are then used in a multiobjective genetic algorithm optimization to establish combinations of parameters. The proposed approach successfully identifies an acceptable range of values for the given input parameters (laser power, focal offset, axial feed rate, number of repetitions, and scanning speed) to produce satisfactory values of Ra and HAZ simultaneously.

Ab initio molecular dynamics study on the disordered Li-Ga-Sn system.

The eutectic Ga91.6Sn8.4 liquid metal could serve as the anode in Li-ion batteries to avoid dendrite growth issue and volume expansion, and maintain a good cycle life. However, the microstructure and the basic physical properties of the lithiated Ga91.6Sn8.4 are ignored in experiments and still unclear. In this work, we assume that a disordered structure is formed in the initial stage of lithiation of Ga91.6Sn8.4, and the structure, equilibrium density, thermal expansion coefficient, mixing enthalpy, self-diffusion coefficient and viscosity of the disordered Li-Ga-Sn system are investigated systematically by ab initio molecular dynamics. The radial distribution function, structure factor and bond angle distribution function are calculated to obtain local structure information. Our calculations show that the lithiation of Ga91.6Sn8.4 is exothermic, and for most cases, the diffusion coefficients for Li, Ga and Sn decrease with increasing Li content. Based on structural information and diffusion coefficients, we reveal that the lithiation of Ga91.6Sn8.4 will make the liquid Ga91.6Sn8.4 alloy form a solid-like structure. With the increase of Li content, it is more likely to form a solid-like structure. Furthermore, our simulations reveal that the chemical interaction of Li-Sn and Li-Ga is stronger than that of Ga-Sn, and Li is prone to combine with Sn firstly in the lithiation process of Ga91.6Sn8.4.

Long-Term Outcome of Non-antireflux Robotic-Assisted Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Ureter Reimplantation in Ureteral Obstruction.

Purpose: Although robot-assisted laparoscopic ureter reimplantation (RALUR) is a recognized alternative to open and laparoscopic ureter reimplantation in treating distal ureteral obstruction, there are limited data on long-term efficacy and safety outcomes of non-antireflux RALUR. We assessed patients undergoing RALUR, evaluating operative, functional, and safety determinants. Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing non-antireflux RALUR between April 2015 and January 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome endpoint was recurrent distal ureteral obstruction. Results: Mean follow-up was 41.3 months (95% confidence interval, 33.3-49.2; range 2-82). Among the 26 included patients, none developed recurrent distal ureteral obstruction. Kidney function in terms of serum creatinine level (72.0 µmol/L vs 71.0 µmol/L, p = 0.988) and glomerular filtration rate (92.0 mL/min vs 91.0 mL/min, p = 0.831) was stable between the preoperative period and the last follow-up. Renal pelvis dilatation decreased significantly postoperatively, from grade 2 to grade 0 (p < 0.001). Most patients (73.1%) remained free from any clinical symptoms of reflux during the follow-up. No recurring urinary tract infections were reported. The rate of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥II) was 23.1%. All complications resolved without sequelae. Conclusions: Non-antireflux RALUR appears to be safe and effective in the management of distal ureteral obstruction. There was no recurrent ureteral obstruction after RALUR in our cohort during a mean follow-up of more than 3 years. Non-antireflux reimplantation did not seem to have any notable impact on renal function during the follow-up period.

Indication for Active Surveillance in the Era of MRI-Targeted Prostate Biopsies.

INTRODUCTION: Active surveillance (AS) strategies were established to avoid overtreatment of low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Low tumor volume represents one indication criteria; however, applying this criterion after MRI-targeted prostate biopsies may lead to overestimation of tumor volume; wherefore, patients suitable for AS would be exposed to the risk of overtreatment. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 318 patients in which PCa was detected by MRI-TRUS fusion prostate biopsy. Classic and extended indication for AS included Gleason 6 and Gleason 3 + 4 cancer, respectively. We assessed the effect of targeted biopsies and temporary rating strategies on eligibility for AS and developed new "composite" algorithms to more accurately assess eligibility for AS. RESULTS: Forty-four (13.8%) and 60 (18.9%) of the 318 patients qualified for AS according to "classic" and "extended" criteria, respectively. Application of the "composite 1" definition led to AS eligibility of 52 of 248 patients (20.97%) in the classic and of 77 of 248 patients (31.05%) in the "extended" group. CONCLUSIONS: We could demonstrate that classic algorithms led to ineligibility of patients for AS. We propose a new rating algorithm to improve tumor assessment for a more accurate indication for AS.

Catalytic Hydrogen Evolution of NaBH4 Hydrolysis by Cobalt Nanoparticles Supported on Bagasse-Derived Porous Carbon.

As a promising hydrogen storage material, sodium borohydride (NaBH4) exhibits superior stability in alkaline solutions and delivers 10.8 wt.% theoretical hydrogen storage capacity. Nevertheless, its hydrolysis reaction at room temperature must be activated and accelerated by adding an effective catalyst. In this study, we synthesize Co nanoparticles supported on bagasse-derived porous carbon (Co@xPC) for catalytic hydrolytic dehydrogenation of NaBH4. According to the experimental results, Co nanoparticles with uniform particle size and high dispersion are successfully supported on porous carbon to achieve a Co@150PC catalyst. It exhibits particularly high activity of hydrogen generation with the optimal hydrogen production rate of 11086.4 mLH2∙min-1∙gCo-1 and low activation energy (Ea) of 31.25 kJ mol-1. The calculation results based on density functional theory (DFT) indicate that the Co@xPC structure is conducive to the dissociation of [BH4]-, which effectively enhances the hydrolysis efficiency of NaBH4. Moreover, Co@150PC presents an excellent durability, retaining 72.0% of the initial catalyst activity after 15 cycling tests. Moreover, we also explored the degradation mechanism of catalyst performance.

Diagnostic accuracy and clinical implications of robotic assisted MRI-US fusion guided target saturation biopsy of the prostate.

MRI-targeted prostate biopsy improves detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa). However, up to 70% of PCa lesions display intralesional tumor heterogeneity. Current target sampling strategies do not yet adequately account for this finding. This prospective study included 118 patients who underwent transperineal robotic assisted biopsy of the prostate. We identified a total of 58 PCa-positive PI-RADS lesions. We compared diagnostic accuracy of a target-saturation biopsy strategy to accuracy of single, two, or three randomly selected targeted biopsy cores and analysed potential clinical implications. Intralesional detection of clinically significant cancer (ISUP ≥ 2) was 78.3% for target-saturation biopsy and 39.1%, 52.2%, and 67.4% for one, two, and three targeted cores, respectively. Target-saturation biopsies led to a more accurate characterization of PCa in terms of Gleason score and reduced rates of significant cancer missed. Compared to one, two, and three targeted biopsy cores, target-saturation biopsies led to intensified staging procedures in 21.7%, 10.9, and 8.7% of patients, and ultimately to a potential change in therapy in 39.1%, 26.1%, and 10.9% of patients. This work presents the concept of robotic-assisted target saturation biopsy. This technique has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and thus individual staging procedures and treatment decisions.

Intrinsic Defects in LiMn2O4: First-Principles Calculations.

Spinel LiMn2O4 has attracted wide attention due to its advantages of a high-voltage plateau, good capacity, environmental friendliness, and low cost. Due to different experimental synthesis methods and conditions, there are many intrinsic point defects in LiMn2O4. By means of first-principles calculations based on a reasonable magnetic configuration, we studied the formation energies, local structures, and charge compensation mechanism of intrinsic point defects in LiMn2O4. The formation energies of defects under the assumed O-rich equilibrium conditions were examined. It was found that O, Li, and Mn vacancies, Mn and Li antisites, and Li interstitial could appear in the lattice at some equilibrium conditions, but Mn interstitial is hard to form. The charge was compensated mainly by adjusting the oxidation state of Mn around the defect, except for the defects at the 8a Wyckoff site. The binding energies between point defects were calculated to shed light on the clustering of point defects. Furthermore, the diffusion of Li ions around the defects was discussed. Cation antisites led to a decrease of the Li diffusion barrier but O vacancy caused an increase of the barrier. This study provides theoretical support for understanding point defects in spinel LiMn2O4.

Controversies in EUS: Do we need miniprobes?

This is the fifth in a series of papers entitled "Controversies in EUS." In the current paper, we deal with high-resolution catheter probes, otherwise known as EUS miniprobes (EUS-MPs). The application of miniprobes for early carcinomas in the entire intestinal tract, for subepithelial lesions, and for findings in the bile duct and pancreatic duct as well as endobronchial use is critically discussed. Submucous lesions, especially in the colon, but also early carcinomas in special cases are considered the most important indications. The argument is illustrated by numerous examples.

First-principles study of Mn antisite defect in Li2MnO3.

Lithium-rich layered Li2MnO3is regarded as a new generation cathode material for lithium-ion batteries because of its high energy density. Due to the different preparation methods and technological parameters, there are a lot of intrinsic defects in Li2MnO3. One frequently observed defect in experiments is Mn antisite defect (MnLi). In this work, we study the energetics and electronic properties involving MnLiin Li2MnO3through first-principles calculations. We find that MnLican reduce the formation energy of Li vacancies around it, but increase that of O vacancies, indicating that MnLicould suppress the release of O around it and facilitate capacity retention. Both O and Mn near the MnLican participate in charge compensation in the delithiation process. Furthermore, the effect of MnLion the migration of Li and Mn is investigated. All possible migration paths are considered and it is found that MnLimakes the diffusion energy barrier of Li increased, but the diffusion energy barriers of Mn from transition metal layer to Li layer are decreased, especially for the migration of the defect Mn. The insight into the defect properties of MnLimakes further contribution to understand the relationship between intrinsic defects and electrochemical properties of Li2MnO3.