Monodisperse and Uniform Mesoporous Silicate Nanosensitizers Achieve Low‐Dose X‐Ray‐Induced Deep‐Penetrating Photodynamic Therapy

X‐ray‐induced photodynamic therapy (X‐PDT) combines both the advantages of radiotherapy (RT) and PDT, and has considerable potential applications in clinical deep‐penetrating cancer therapy. However, it is still a major challenge to prepare monodisperse nanoscintillators with uniform size and high light yield. In this study, a general and rapid synthesis method is presented that can achieve large‐scale preparation of monodisperse and uniform silicate nanoscintillators. By simply adjusting the metal dopants, silicate nanoscintillators with controllable size and X‐ray‐excited optical luminescence (450–900 nm) are synthesized by employing a general ion‐incorporated silica‐templating method. To make full use of external radiation, the silicate nanoscintillators are conjugated with photosensitizer rose bengal and arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) peptide, making them intrinsically dual‐modal targeted imaging probes. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the silicate nanosensitizers can accumulate effectively in tumors and achieve significant inhibitory effect on tumor progression under low‐dose X‐ray irradiation, while minimally affecting normal tissues. The insights gained in this study may provide an attractive route to synthesize nanosensitizers to overcome some of the limitations of RT and PDT in cancer treatment.     

Breaking the Depth Dependence by Nanotechnology‐Enhanced X‐Ray‐Excited Deep Cancer Theranostics

The advancements in nanotechnology have created multifunctional nanomaterials aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy for cancer. However, the ability to target deep‐seated tumors remains one of the most critical challenges for certain nanomedicine applications. To this end, X‐ray‐excited theranostic techniques provide a means of overcoming the limits of light penetration and tissue attenuation. Herein, a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in nanotechnology‐enhanced X‐ray‐excited imaging and therapeutic methodologies is presented, with an emphasis on the design of multifunctional nanomaterials for contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging, X‐ray‐excited optical luminescence (XEOL) imaging, and X‐ray‐excited multimodal synchronous/synergistic therapy. The latter is based on the concurrent use of radiotherapy with chemotherapy, gas therapy, photodynamic therapy, or immunotherapy. Moreover, the featured biomedical applications of X‐ray‐excited deep theranostics are discussed to highlight the advantages of X‐ray in high‐sensitivity detection and efficient elimination of malignant tumors. Finally, key issues and technical challenges associated with this deep theranostic technology are identified, with the intention of advancing its translation into the clinic.     

NIR‐Responsive Polycationic Gatekeeper‐Cloaked Hetero‐Nanoparticles for Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Triple‐Combination Therapy of Cancer

Responsive multifunctional organic/inorganic nanohybrids are promising for effective and precise imaging‐guided therapy of cancer. In this work, a near‐infrared (NIR)‐triggered multifunctional nanoplatform comprising Au nanorods (Au NRs), mesoporous silica, quantum dots (QDs), and two‐armed ethanolamine‐modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate) with cyclodextrin cores (denoted as CD‐PGEA) has been successfully fabricated for multimodal imaging‐guided triple‐combination treatment of cancer. A hierarchical hetero‐structure is first constructed via integration of Au NRs with QDs through a mesoporous silica intermediate layer. The X‐ray opacity and photoacoustic (PA) property of Au NRs are utilized for tomography (CT) and PA imaging, and the imaging sensitivity is further enhanced by the fluorescent QDs. The mesoporous feature of silica allows the loading of a typical antitumor drug, doxorubicin (DOX), which are sealed by the polycationic gatekeepers, low toxic hydroxyl‐rich CD‐PGEA/pDNA complexes, realizing the co‐delivery of drug and gene. The photothermal effect of Au NRs is utilized for photothermal therapy (PTT). More interestingly, such photothermal effect also induces a cascade of NIR‐triggered release of DOX through the facilitated detachment of CD‐PGEA gatekeepers for controlled chemotherapy. The resultant chemotherapy and gene therapy for glioma tumors are complementary for the efficiency of PTT. This work presents a novel responsive multifunctional imaging‐guided therapy platform, which combines fluorescent/PA/CT imaging and gene/chemo/photothermal therapy into one nanostructure.     

Röntgenröhren in der Medizintechnik

X‐Ray Tubes in Medical Imaging Applications The application of X‐rays in medical diagnostics has become an essential element in everyday life. Every hospital or imaging center uses X‐ray radiation to get an insight into the human body within shortest time. The technology which is used to take an image of the mandible or to create a full body scan of an emergency patient by computer tomography within a few seconds is the same. This article describes shortly the history of the invention of X‐rays. The creation of X‐rays is explained by a simple schematic. The relevance and function of the cathode to create free electrons is very important. The evolution form simple thermal filaments to electron field emitters is described. The innovation of liquid metal bearings is also essential to realize high power X‐ray tubes by effectively removing the heat from the anode. After a short excursion to the medical applications of X‐Ray imaging a completely new approach of X‐ray source is described.     

EPMA‐Analyse dünner PVD‐ und CVD‐Schichten

EPMA analysis of thin PVD and CVD layers Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA) is an X‐ray spectroscopic method for determining the chemical composition of solid substances in the near‐surface region. It has a high detection sensitivity, a high spatial resolution, an adjustable depth of analysis and is easy and accurate to quantify. Less well known is the fact that the EPMA is also able to analyze the chemical composition and layer thicknesses of thin multi‐layer systems non‐destructively and with only one single measurement. In particular, it is possible to determine, for example, the composition and thickness of a layer buried under one or more other layers. Conversely, with a known film thickness, the density of thin layers can be determined, a quantity that is generally difficult to access with thin layers. The following article describes the physical basics of EPMA analysis and compares them with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X‐ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), which are also widely used. The principle of so‐called thin film analysis for multilayer systems is explained, and the possibilities and limitations of this method are illustrated by a number of industrial application examples.     

Synchrotron‐Based Micro‐CT and Refraction‐Enhanced Micro‐CT for Non‐Destructive Materials Characterisation

X‐ray computed tomography is an important tool for non‐destructively evaluating the 3‐D microstructure of modern materials. To resolve material structures in the micrometer range and below, high brilliance synchrotron radiation has to be used. The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has built up an imaging setup for micro‐tomography and ‐radiography (BAMline) at the Berliner storage ring for synchrotron radiation (BESSY). In computed tomography, the contrast at interfaces within heterogeneous materials can be strongly amplified by effects related to X‐ray refraction. Such effects are especially useful for materials of low absorption or mixed phases showing similar X‐ray absorption properties that produce low contrast. The technique is based on ultra‐small‐angle scattering by microstructural elements causing phase‐related effects, such as refraction and total reflection. The extraordinary contrast of inner surfaces is far beyond absorption effects. Crack orientation and fibre/matrix debonding in plastics, polymers, ceramics and metal‐matrix‐composites after cyclic loading and hydro‐thermal aging can be visualized. In most cases, the investigated inner surface and interface structures correlate to mechanical properties. The technique is an alternative to other attempts on raising the spatial resolution of CT machines.     

Synthesis of BSA‐Coated BiOI@Bi2S3 Semiconductor Heterojunction Nanoparticles and Their Applications for Radio/Photodynamic/Photothermal Synergistic Therapy of Tumor

Developing an effective theranostic nanoplatform remains a great challenge for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Here, BiOI@Bi₂S₃@BSA (bovine serum albumin) semiconductor heterojunction nanoparticles (SHNPs) for triple‐combination radio/photodynamic/photothermal cancer therapy and multimodal computed tomography/photoacoustic (CT/PA) bioimaging are reported. On the one hand, SHNPs possess strong X‐ray attenuation capability since they contain high‐Z elements, and thus they are anticipated to be a very competent candidate as radio‐sensitizing materials for radiotherapy enhancement. On the other hand, as a semiconductor, the as‐prepared SHNPs offer an extra approach for reactive oxygen species generation based on electron–hole pair under the irradiation of X‐ray through the photodynamic therapy process. This X‐ray excited photodynamic therapy obviously has better penetration depth in bio‐tissue. What's more, the SHNPs also possess well photothermal conversion efficiency for photothermal therapy, because Bi₂S₃ is a thin band semiconductor with strong near‐infrared absorption that can cause local overheat. In vivo tumor ablation studies show that synergistic radio/photodynamic/photothermal therapy achieves more significant therapeutic effect than any single treatment. In addition, with the strong X‐ray attenuation and high near‐infrared absorption, the as‐obtained SHNPs can also be applied as a multimodal contrast agent in CT/PA imaging.     

Lanthanzirkonat: ein innovatives Wärmedämmschichtmaterial. Lanthanum zirconate: an innovative Thermal Barrier Material

This paper presents the work of the research project AiF‐13114 N/1. Within the scope of this project coating systems from Lanthanum Zirconate and Y ttria s tabilised Z irconia (YSZ) were developed by use of E lectron B eam P hysical V apour D eposition (EB‐PVD). In addition, the potentials of Lanthanum Zirconate and YSZ as thermal barrier coatings within gas turbines were examined. Basis of the coating development was the use of powdery Lanthanum and YSZ, that were vaporised in a PVD‐machine from a double‐grooved cupreous crucible. Process parameters are evaluated to gain long lasting, columnar Lanthanum Zirconate EB‐PVD coatings with high stability, low heat conductivity a higher sintering inertness, that offer the opportunity to increase the temperature within the first stage of a gas turbine system [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Therefor YSZ ‐ commonly used as conventional thermal barrier coating ‐ was used as a reference system during the tests. As base material Inconel Alloy 600 (a nickel‐based superalloy) was applied. The microstructure and the topography of the developed coating systems were characterized with the help of scanning electron microscopy. Nanoindentation proved to be a measurement method in order to define the stiffness distribution along the columns. The thermal cycle durability was determined via thermal cycle test.     

Contact stress analysis on the X‐shape ring

A X‐ring is a loop of elastomer with X‐shaped cross‐section used as a mechanical seal or gasket. Such a X‐ring is designed to be seated in a groove and is compressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating a seal at the interface. The seal is designed to have line contact between the X‐ring and sealing faces. This allows a high local stress, able to contain high pressure, without exceeding the yield stress of the X‐ring shell body. This study aims to detect the contact stress and the deformed shape of a X–shaped ring shell under various compression conditions. For this analysis, four experiments were conducted to obtain material properties of the elastomer. The contact stress analysis is performed by applying material properties that we obtained through experiments. A contact stress analysis is carried out by finite element analysis.     

Design of control charts with m‐of‐m runs rules

This paper investigates economic–statistical properties of the X? charts supplemented with m‐of‐m runs rules. An out‐of‐control condition for the chart is either a point beyond a control limit or a run of m‐of‐m successive points beyond a warning limit. The sampling process is modeled by a Markov chain with 2m states. The steady‐state probability for each state and the average run length (ARL) from each state of the Markov chain are derived in explicit formulas. Then the stationary average run length (SALR) is derived so as to develop an economic–statistical model. Using this model, the design parameters are optimized by minimizing the cost function with constraints on the average time to signal (ATS). The X? chart supplemented with m‐of‐m runs rules is compared with the Shewhart X? chart in terms of the SARL and the cost function. Sensitivity of the design parameters with respect to the cost function is also analyzed. General guidelines for implementing the X? chart with m‐of‐m runs rules are presented from those observations. It should be emphasized that supplementing run rules may provide feasible and efficient solutions even if the sample size is limited, while the Shewhart X? chart may not. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Both pelvic radiography and lateral abdominal radiography correlate well with coronary artery calcification measured by computed tomography in hemodialysis patients: A cross‐sectional study

Introduction Lateral abdominal radiograph is suggested as an alternative to coronary artery computed tomography (CT) in evaluating vascular calcification. Simple scoring systems including pelvic radiograph scoring and abdominal scoring system were utilized to study their correlation with coronary artery calcification. Methods In 106 MHD patients, coronary artery CT, lateral abdominal, and pelvic radiograph were taken. The Agatston scoring system was applied to evaluate the degree of coronary artery calcification which was categorized according to Agatston coronary artery calcification score (CACS) ≥ 30, ≥100, ≥400, and ≥1000. Abdominal aortic calcification was scored by 4‐scored and 24‐scored systems. Pelvic artery calcification was scored by a 4‐scored system. Sensitivities and specificities of abdominal aortic calcification scores and pelvic artery calcification scores to predict different categories of coronary artery calcification were analyzed. We studied the diagnostic capability of abdominal aorta calcification and pelvic artery calcification to predict different CACS categories by calculating likelihood ratios. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to determine the area under the curve for each of these testing procedures. Findings The prevalence was 48(45.3%), 15 (14.2%), 11 (10.4%), 11 (10.4%), and 11 (10.4%) for CACs > 0, ≥30, ≥100, ≥400, and ≥1000, respectively. The degree of CACs was positively correlated with patient age, prevalence of diabetes, abdominal aorta scores, and pelvic calcification scores. The areas under the curves for different CACS by all X‐ray scoring systems were above 0.70 except pelvic 4‐scored system for diagnosing CACS ≥30, without significant difference (P > 0.05). Discussion Both lateral abdominal and pelvic plain radiographs were demonstrated as acceptable alternatives to CT in evaluating vascular calcification.     

Crack face contact in X‐FEM using a segment‐to‐segment approach

In this study, we propose a segment‐to‐segment contact formulation (mortar‐based) that uses Lagrange's multipliers to establish the contact between crack faces when modeled with the extended finite element method (X‐FEM) in 2D problems. It is shown that, in general, inaccuracies arise when the contact is formulated following a point‐to‐point approach. This is due to the non‐linear character of the X‐FEM interpolation along the crack faces that leads to crack face interpenetration. However, the segment‐to‐segment approach optimizes the fulfilment of the contact constraints along the whole crack segment, and in practice the contact is modeled precisely. Convergence studies for mesh sequences have been performed, showing the advantages of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Long‐Range Nanoparticle Surface‐Energy‐Transfer Ruler for Monitoring Photothermal Therapy Response

A recent gold nanotechnology‐driven approach opens up a new possibility for the destruction of cancer cells through photothermal therapy. Ultimately, photothermal therapy may enter into clinical therapy and, as a result, there is an urgent need for techniques to monitor the tumor response to therapy. Driven by this need, a nanoparticle surface‐energy‐transfer (NSET) approach to monitor the photothermal therapy process by measuring a simple fluorescence intensity change is reported. The fluorescence intensity change is due to the light‐controlled photothermal release of single‐stranded DNA/RNA via dehybridization during the therapy process. Time‐dependent results show that just by measuring the fluorescence intensity change, the photothermal therapy response during the therapy process can be monitored. The possible mechanism and operating principle of the NSET assay are discussed. Ultimately, this NSET assay could have enormous potential applications in rapid, on‐site monitoring of the photothermal therapy process, which is critical to providing effective treatment of cancer and multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections.     

Flexible,Printable Soft‐X‐Ray Detectors Based on All‐Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dots

Metal halide perovskites represent a family of the most promising materials for fascinating photovoltaic and photodetector applications due to their unique optoelectronic properties and much needed simple and low‐cost fabrication process. The high atomic number (Z) of their constituents and significantly higher carrier mobility also make perovskite semiconductors suitable for the detection of ionizing radiation. By taking advantage of that, the direct detection of soft‐X‐ray‐induced photocurrent is demonstrated in both rigid and flexible detectors based on all‐inorganic halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) synthesized via a solution process. Utilizing a synchrotron soft‐X‐ray beamline, high sensitivities of up to 1450 µC Gy_air^?1 cm^?2 are achieved under an X‐ray dose rate of 0.0172 mGy_air s^?1 with only 0.1 V bias voltage, which is about 70‐fold more sensitive than conventional α‐Se devices. Furthermore, the perovskite film is printed homogeneously on various substrates by the inexpensive inkjet printing method to demonstrate large‐scale fabrication of arrays of multichannel detectors. These results suggest that the perovskite QDs are ideal candidates for the detection of soft X‐rays and for large‐area flat or flexible panels with tremendous application potential in multidimensional and different architectures imaging technologies.     

Defektanalyse von a‐C‐ und CNx‐Schichten mittels Röntgen‐Photoemissions‐Elektronenmikroskopie (X‐PEEM)

Carbon and carbon nitride films are widely used as protective overcoats. Especially in magnetic hard disk drive industry there is a need for wear resistant and corrosion preventing overcoats with a thickness of some few nanometers. X‐ray Photoemission Electron Microscopy is a versatile tool to analyze carbon overcoats among others. Information about local bonding environment can be achieved by recording X‐ray Absorption Near Edge Structures (XANES). CVD DLC, a‐C and CN_x coating have been analyzed. The fractions of sp²‐hybridized carbon atoms have been determined for a‐C overcoats and its correlation to mechanical properties could be shown. A scratch test has been performed on a CN_x overcoat on a magnetic disk and analyzed with X‐PEEM afterwards.     

Ergebnisse von Sol‐Gel‐Beschichtungen auf austenitischem CrNi‐Stahl

Results from sol‐gel coatings on austenitic CrNi steel Thin aliuminia films were applicated on austenitic CrNi steel by sol‐gel‐process and tested with several examinations. The phase transformation and the measuring of residual stresses in the coatings were investigated by X‐ray diffraction. This research was completed by wear tests.     

Horizontal‐, Vertical‐, and Cross‐Conjugated Small Molecules: Conjugated Pathway‐Performance Correlations along Operation Mechanisms in Ternary Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells

A family of the SM‐axis series based on benzo[1,?2‐?b:4,?5‐?b′]?dithiophene and 3‐ethylrhodanine (RD) units with structurally different π‐conjugation systems are synthesized as a means to understand the structure–property relationship of conjugated pathways in ternary non‐fullerene organic solar cells (NF‐OSCs) as a third component. The optical and electrochemical properties of the SM‐axis are highly sensitive both to the functionalized direction and to the number of RD groups. Enhanced power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of over 11% in ternary devices are obtained by incorporating optimal SM‐X and SM‐Y contents from PBDB‐T:ITIC binary NF‐OSCs, while a slightly lower PCE is observed with the addition of SM‐XY. The results of in‐depth studies using various characterization techniques demonstrate that working mechanisms of SM‐axis‐based ternary NF‐OSCs are distinctly different from one another: an energy‐transfer mechanism with an alloy‐like model for SM‐X, a charge transfer with the same model for SM‐Y, and an energy transfer without such a structure for SM‐XY. As extension of the scope, a SM‐X‐based ternary NF‐OSC in the PM6:IT4F system also shows a greatly enhanced PCE of over 13%. The findings provide insights into the effects of conjugated pathways of organic semiconductors on mechanisms of ternary NF‐OSCs, advancing the understanding for synthetic chemists, materials engineers, and device physicists.     

Real‐Time Tracking of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticle Self‐Assembly

The spontaneous self‐assembly process of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in a fast‐drying colloidal drop is observed in real time. The grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS) technique is employed for an in situ tracking of the reciprocal space, with a 3 ms delay time between subsequent frames delivered by a new generation of X‐ray cameras. A focused synchrotron beam and sophisticated sample oscillations make it possible to relate the dynamic reciprocal to direct space features and to localize the self‐assembly. In particular, no nanoparticle ordering is found inside the evaporating drop and near‐surface region down to a drop thickness of 90 µm. Scanning through the shrinking drop‐contact line indicates the start of self‐assembly near the drop three‐phase interface, in accord with theoretical predictions. The results obtained have direct implications for establishing the self‐assembly process as a routine technological step in the preparation of new nanostructures.     

Low Dose of X‐Ray‐Excited Long‐Lasting Luminescent Concave Nanocubes in Highly Passive Targeting Deep‐Seated Hepatic Tumors

Chromium‐doped zinc gallate, ZnGa₂O₄:Cr³⁺ (ZGC), is viewed as a long‐lasting luminescence (LLL) phosphor that can avoid tissue autofluorescence interference for in vivo imaging detection. ZGC is a cubic spinel structure, a typical agglomerative or clustered morphology lacking a defined cubic shape, but a sphere‐like feature is commonly obtained for the nanometric ZGC. The substantial challenge remains achieving a well‐defined cubic feature in nanoscale. The process by which dispersed and well‐defined concave cubic ZGC is obtained is described, exhibiting much stronger LLL in UV and X‐ray excitation for the dispersed cubic ZGC compared with the agglomerative form that cannot be excited using X‐rays with a low dose of 0.5 Gy. The cubic ZGC reveals a specific accumulation in liver and 0.5 Gy used at the end of X‐ray excitation is sufficient for imaging of deep‐seated hepatic tumors. The ZGC nanocubes show highly passive targeting of orthotopic hepatic tumors.     

Kidney embolization induces prompt organ response in a 86‐year‐old patient with MGRS‐related AL‐amyloidosis

Despite substantial improvements following the introduction of novel agents and antibodies, amyloid light‐chain (AL)‐amyloidosis still carries a grim prognosis. Here, we report on the case of a severely frail 86‐year‐old patient suffering from monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS)‐associated AL‐amyloidosis with a diuretic‐refractory nephrotic syndrome. In this patient, treatment with bortezomib–dexamethasone effectively induced a serological response, but was unfortunately poorly tolerated and failed to promote renal recovery fast enough to prevent secondary complications. Facing ongoing nephrotic syndrome, we performed unilateral kidney embolization and observed a substantial improvement of hypoalbuminemia accompanied by a significant gain in overall quality of life despite the necessity for thrice weekly dialysis. It can be concluded that systemic drugs in MGRS typically do not lead to instantaneous organ recovery but may initially rather be associated with substantial treatment‐related morbidity. In this setting, unilateral renal artery embolization is effective to treat nephrotic syndrome and its secondary complications. The risk of potentially adverse effects, including post‐embolization syndrome, can be minimized by unilateral embolization, still noting that also one‐sided renal ablation has to be balanced against the requirement for life‐long renal replacement therapy. Prospective controlled trials in a more comprehensive cohort will be needed to estimate the overall benefit of kidney embolization relative to novel agent therapies in frail patients with MGRS‐related AL‐amyloidosis.