Li1-yNi0.5Mn0.4Ti0.1O2 (y=0 and 0.5) was synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction, XAFS, and SQUID measurements. The samples were single-phase and adopted the alpha-NaFeO2 structure. ...Li1-yNi0.5Mn0.4Ti0.1O2 (y=0 and 0.5) can be represented as Li(Ni2+0.5Mn4+0.4Ti4+0.1)O2 and Li0.5(Ni3+0.5Mn4+0.4Ti4+0.1)O2, respectively. Structural analysis demonstrated that the lattice parameter a decreased from 2.895 to 2.856 A, the lattice parameter c increased from 14.317 to 14.509 A, and the Ni-O bond length decreased from 2.06 to 1.94 A with de-lithiation. The low occupation of Ni on the 3a site was confirmed from the ferromagnetic behavior caused by the 180 deg Ni2+(3a)-O-Mn4+(3b)-O-Ni2+ (3a) superexchange interaction. These results indicated that lithium de-intercalation from LiNi0.5Mn0.4Ti0.1O2 was controlled mainly by changing the valence state of Ni from 2+ to 3+.
Two siblings with ileal atresia are described; one boy presented with ileal perforation and the other with meconium peritonitis, diagnosed by antenatal ultrasonography. The site and type of atresia, ...complications and associated anomalies of reported cases among siblings also are discussed.
The authors created a new artificial anal sphincter using a shape memory alloy (AS-SMA) to treat fecal incontinence and evaluated its validity.
AS-SMA consists of 2 Ti-Ni plates to sandwich the ...intestine and generates a pressure of 55 mm Hg at its resting position. With the electric power supply, the 2 metals bend to form an almondlike shape making a maximum gap of 33 mm between each other at the temperature of 55°C. The device was attached to the colostomy in a piglet and was operated several times a day for 1 month. Fecal continence, bowel movements, and general condition of the piglet were recorded. After the experiment, tissue damage around the device was investigated.
Fecal continence was obtained while the device was in the resting position. When it was operated, bowel movements were observed. The bowel movements to operations ratio was 82:105 (78%). During the experiment, the animal had neither abdominal distension nor vomiting. At the autopsy, there was mild inflammation and shallow burns around the device. No compression injury was detected.
AS-SMA achieved fecal continence of the colostomy. With reduction of the associated side effects, it would be a potential substitute for an impaired anal sphincter.
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