Nanoscopic synchrotron X-ray imaging was performed on scalp hair samples of patients with breast cancer and healthy individuals to investigate any structural differences as diagnostic tool. Hair strands were divided into 2-3 segments along the strands from root to tip, followed by imaging either in projection or in CT scanning with a monochromatic 6.78-keV X-ray using zone-plate optics with a resolving power of 60 nm. All the examined cancer hairs exhibited medulla loss with cancer stage-dependent pattern; complete loss, discontinuous or trace along the strands. In contrast, medullas were well retained without complete loss in the healthy hair. In the CT-scanned axial images, the cortical spindle compartments had no contrast in the healthy hair, but appeared hypointense in contrast to the surrounding hyperintense cortical membrane complex in the cancer hair. In conclusion, observation of medulla loss and cortical membrane enhancements in the hair strands of breast cancer patients demonstrated structural variations in the cancer hair, providing a new platform for further synchrotron X-ray imaging study of screening breast cancer patients.
Cellulose nitrates were used for folklore artifacts(ornamental beads and pipes in hatstrings, frames of eyeglasses, ornamental eyeglass cases, headband ornaments, and jeogori buttons) between the 19th and 20th centuries; however, they are susceptible to cracking, crazing, embrittlement, and crumbling due to deterioration. To consolidate and adhere deteriorated cellulose nitrate folklore artifacts, water-soluble acrylic emulsion adhesives were investigated. For consolidation, Plextol D 498, which has the lowest viscosity in low concentrations, was used. In adhesive films whose glass transition temperature(Tg) is lower than room temperature, the tensile stress and modulus decreased and the strain increased; therefore, the flexibility was high. The Plextol D 498 and Plextol D 498 and Dispersion K 52 films maintained their adhesiveness and flexibility after artificial-sunlight-accelerated ageing, and Plextol D 498 and Dispersion K 52 films hardly caused yellowing. Plextol D 498 was the most stable for accelerating ageing. A low concentration of Plextol D 498 emulsion resulted in the best permeability on the surface of cellulose nitrate, compared with other acrylic emulsions. To prevent ornamental hatstrings from cracking, crazing, embrittlement, and crumbling, a Plextol D 498 emulsion was used.
Lithium secondary batteries have been widely used in the portable electric devices as power source. Recently it is expected that the realm of its applications expands to the markets such as energy storage medium of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), electric vehicle (EV). Cathode active material is crucial in terms of performance, durability, capacity of lithium secondary batteries. It is urgent to develope the technology for mass production of cathode material to cope with the markets' demands in the near future. In this study, a calcination furnace running in real production line is modelled in 3D, and the thermal flow and gas flow after chemical reaction in the furnace is analyzed through numerical computations. Based on the results, it is shown that large volume of CO2 gas is generated from chemical reaction. High concentration of CO2 gas and it's stagnation is clearly found from the reactant containers in which the reaction occur to the bottom area of the furnace. It is also studied that 15% or more CO2 mol fraction could affect to proper formation of LiCoO2 through TGA-DSC analysis. The solutions to evacuate carbon dioxide from the furnace are suggested through the change of furnace design and operating condition as well. Keywords : Secondary battery, cathode material, calcination furnace, LiCoO2
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