Chemistry-mechanics-geometry coupling in positive electrode materials: a scale-bridging perspective for mitigating degradation in lithium-ion batteries through materials design.

Despite their rapid emergence as the dominant paradigm for electrochemical energy storage, the full promise of lithium-ion batteries is yet to be fully realized, partly because of challenges in adequately resolving common degradation mechanisms. Positive electrodes of Li-ion batteries store ions in interstitial sites based on redox reactions throughout their interior volume. However, variations in the local concentration of inserted Li-ions and inhomogeneous intercalation-induced structural transformations beget substantial stress.

Data science enables X-ray vision.

In their recent publication in , the authors proposed a novel workflow to derive compositional and stress maps for positive electrode materials of Li-ion batteries from hyperspectral X-ray imaging data. They describe their interdisciplinary collaboration, the elements that sustain such collaborations, and their effect on the flourishing of the domain and data science.

Multivariate hyperspectral data analytics across length scales to probe compositional, phase, and strain heterogeneities in electrode materials.

The origins of performance degradation in batteries can be traced to atomistic phenomena, accumulated at mesoscale dimensions, and compounded up to the level of electrode architectures. Hyperspectral X-ray spectromicroscopy techniques allow for the mapping of compositional variations, and phase separation across length scales with high spatial and energy resolution. We demonstrate the design of workflows combining singular value decomposition, principal-component analysis, k-means clustering, and linear combination fitting, in conjunction with a curated spectral database, to develop high-accuracy quantitative compositional maps of the effective depth of discharge across individual positive electrode particles and ensembles of particles.

Protocolized Training of Advanced Practice Providers for Robotic Surgery Improves the Quality of Intraoperative Assistance.

Background: The expansion of robotic surgery requires identifying factors of competent robotic bedside assisting. Surgical trainees desire more robotic console time, and we hypothesized that protocolized robotic surgery bedside training could equip Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) to meet this growing need. No standardized precedent exists for training APPs.

Cation reordering instead of phase transitions: Origins and implications of contrasting lithiation mechanisms in 1D ζ- and 2D α-VO.

Substantial improvements in cycle life, rate performance, accessible voltage, and reversible capacity are required to realize the promise of Li-ion batteries in full measure. Here, we have examined insertion electrodes of the same composition (VO) prepared according to the same electrode specifications and comprising particles with similar dimensions and geometries that differ only in terms of their atomic connectivity and crystal structure, specifically two-dimensional (2D) layered α-VO that crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group and one-dimensional (1D) tunnel-structured ζ-VO crystallized in a monoclinic space group. By using particles of similar dimensions, we have disentangled the role of specific structural motifs and atomistic diffusion pathways in affecting electrochemical performance by mapping the dynamical evolution of lithiation-induced structural modifications using ex situ scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements, and phase-field modeling.

Custom 3D-printed Titanium Implant for Reconstruction of a Composite Chest and Abdominal Wall Defect.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing of implantable materials is a recent technological advance that is available for clinical application. The most common medical application of 3D printing in plastic surgery is in the field of craniomaxillofacial surgery. There have been few applications of this technology in other areas.

Assessing the role of vanadium technologies in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and enabling the energy transition.

The decarbonization of heavy industry and the emergence of renewable energy technologies are inextricably linked to access to mineral resources. As such, there is an urgent need to develop benchmarked assessments of the role of critical elements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we explore the role of vanadium in decarbonizing construction by serving as a microalloying element and enabling the energy transition as the primary component of flow batteries used for grid-level storage.

Chemotherapy and Abdominal Wall Closure Technique Increase the Probability of Postoperative Ventral Incisional Hernia in Patients With Colon Cancer.

Background: Chemotherapy is associated with postoperative ventral incisional hernia (PVIH) after right hemicolectomy (RHC) for colon cancer, and abdominal wall closure technique may affect PVIH. We sought to identify clinical predictors of PVIH.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent RHC for colon cancer from 2008-2018 and later developed PVIH.

Punching above its weight: life cycle energy accounting and environmental assessment of vanadium microalloying in reinforcement bar steel.

Steel-reinforced concrete is ubiquitously used in construction across the world. The United Nations estimates that the worldwide energy consumption of buildings accounts for 30-40% of global energy production, underlining the importance of the judicious selection of construction materials. Much effort has focused on the use of high-strength low-alloy steels in reinforcement bars whose economy of materials use is predicated upon improved yield strengths in comparison to low-carbon steels.

The current state of robotic retromuscular repairs-a qualitative review of the literature.

Background: The management of ventral incisional hernias (VIH) has undergone many iterations over the last 5 years due to evolution in surgical techniques and advancement in robotic surgery. Four general principles have emerged: mesh usage, retromuscular mesh placement, primary fascial closure, and usage of minimally invasive techniques when possible. The application of robotic retromuscular repairs in VIH allow these principles to be applied simultaneously.

Predictors of Failed Transcystic Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration: Analysis of Multicenter Integrated Health System Database.

Background: The aim of this study is to report our experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and validate the experts' opinion about anatomical predictors of failed transcystic LCBDE (TLCBDE) approach.

Methods: Patients undergoing LCBDE at Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals (2005-2015) were included. Predictors of failed TLCBDE were identified using bivariate analysis.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis found at time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Analysis of a large integrated health care system database.

Background: We compared endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for managing choledocholithiasis found at time of cholecystectomy.

Methods: One hundred and five LCBDE (2005-2015) were compared to 195 LC/ERCP (2014-2015) from the Southern California Kaiser Permanente database.

Results: LC/ERCP was more effective at clearing the CBD (98% vs.

How often does computed tomography change the management of acute appendicitis?

Computed tomography (CT) diagnoses appendicitis accurately, but few studies evaluate how often CT changes the management of appendicitis. Consultations for appendicitis were evaluated by surgeons and assigned to groups: high, indeterminate, and low suspicion. After assignment, CT was reviewed if completed or ordered if desired by the surgeon and changes in plans were noted.