Effect of Gallium Substitution on Lithium-Ion Conductivity and Phase Evolution in Sputtered Li7-3 xGa xLa3Zr2O12 Thin Films.

Replacing the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion batteries with thin-film solid-state lithium-ion conductors is a promising approach for increasing energy density, lifetime, and safety. In particular, Li7La3Zr2O12 is appealing due to its high lithium-ion conductivity and wide electrochemical stability window. Further insights into thin-film processing of this material are required for its successful integration into solid-state batteries. In this work, we investigate the phase evolution of Li7-3 xGa xLa3Zr2O12 in thin films with various amounts of Li and Ga for stabilizing the cubic phase. Through this work, we gain valuable insights into the crystallization processes unique to thin films and are able to form dense Li7-3 xGa xLa3Zr2O12 layers stabilized in the cubic phase with high in-plane lithium-ion conductivities of up to 1.6 × 10-5 S cm-1 at 30 °C. We also note the formation of cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 at the relatively low temperature of 500 °C.

[Aortic valve insufficiency in Crohn disease]. / Aortenklappeninsuffizienz bei Morbus Crohn.

We report on a 39-year-old man with Crohn's disease who was admitted with cardiogenic shock after a short history of progressive dyspnea. Echocardiographic examination (transthoracic echocardiography) showed severe aortic regurgitation, mild mitral regurgitation, and enlargement of the sinus of Valsalva and of the ascending aorta at the level of the right pulmonary artery. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 30%. After aortic valve replacement, histologic examination of the ascending aorta showed chronic aortitis resembling syphilitic aortitis (serology for syphilis was negative) and HLA B27 related aortitis. The aortic valve showed deformation and thickening of the cusps by fibrous tissue without evidence of endocarditis. The patient remained well after surgery and echocardiographic examination 6 months later showed normal function of the aortic valve prosthesis. The diameter of the sinus of Valsalva and of the ascending aorta was slightly bigger, possibly indicating ongoing destruction. The left ventricular ejection fraction nearly normalized. It seems possible that this type of aortitis, characterized by its proximity to the valve ring, is another extraintestinal cardiac manifestation of Crohn's disease. The possibility of ongoing destruction of the sinus of Valsalva and of the ascending aorta after valve replacement makes regular echocardiographic control necessary.