1. Insights into the osteosarcoma microenvironment : multiscale analysis of structural and mineral heterogeneityFrancesca Rossi, Rydzyk Martyna Malgorzata, Luisa Barba, Emil Malucelli, Maria Elisabetta Federica Palamà, Chiara Gentili, Maddalena Mastrogiacomo, Alessia Cedola, Lucia Mancini, Murielle Salomè, Hiram Castillo Michel, Davide Maria Donati, Marco Gambarotti, Enrico Lucarelli, Michela Fratini, Stefano Iotti, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant and heterogeneous disease that typically originates in the long bones of children and adolescents. It is characterized by the presence of immature cells having an aggressive phenotype and rapid uncontrolled proliferation. OS progression induces significant molecular and cellular changes locally within the bone, resulting in the development of an abnormal tumor microenvironment (TME). The OS TME plays a crucial role in tumor progression and development, however, the precise effects of OS on bone structure and mineralization still remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the OS TME by analyzing samples from osteoblastic, parosteal, and periosteal osteosarcomas. Employing advanced synchrotron-based X-ray techniques, we performed a multiscale analysis to evaluate the structural and mineral complexity of tumor-affected bone. Our results revealed marked morphological differences among the osteosarcoma subtypes, while con- firming that biomineralization remains active through the production of hydroxyapatite (HA). X-ray diffraction identified two distinct hydroxyapatite crystalline phases across all samples, suggesting a critical behavior of minerals in bone. Additionally, we observed that the bone mineral structure in periosteal and parosteal osteosarcomas exhibited crystal deformations along the c-axis, whereas the osteoblastic osteosarcoma displayed a mineral profile comparable to control bone. Micro-X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy revealed the occurrence of a dysregulated biomineralization in the parosteal and periosteal subtypes, marked by the presence of calcium compounds different from HA, in contrast to the mature mineral state found in the osteoblastic variant. These findings highlight the complexity of osteosarcoma repercussion on bone tissue, offering new in- sights into the interactions within the OS TME. Ključne besede: osteosarcoma, biomineralization, XANES, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction, X-ray computed microtomography Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.06.2025; Ogledov: 114; Prenosov: 68
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2. On thermal safety characteristics of rechargeable alkaline batteries based on zinc and manganese dioxideWilson Ulises Rojas Alva, Lucia Mancini, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Emanuele Marini, Benedetto Bozzini, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: As lithium-ion technology's exhibits inherent issues with safety due to thermal runaway, a sustainable and cheaper alternative has been proposed in this work: the rechargeable alkaline battery chemistry. However, so far, the postulated safety of the new battery chemistry has not been demonstrated adequately. Therefore, a safety study is being carried out for rechargeable alkaline battery cells. This Short Communication paper is the first report on the thermal safety of Zn-MnO₂ CR2032 rechargeable alkaline battery coin cells. 100% charged coin cells were tested under thermal abuse conditions in a gravity-convection furnace to quantify the temperature at which the cell would go into thermal runaway. Morphological characterisation of pristine and tested cells was performed via laboratory-based X-ray computed microtomography. The onset temperature to thermal runaway for the rechargeable alkaline battery cells was found to be in the range of 290-380 °C, much higher than that reported in the literature for lithium-ion cells (150-200 °C) of similar capacity and geometry. These results emphasise that rechargeable alkaline battery technology has improved thermal stability compared to lithium-ion technology. Lastly, morphological analyses highlighted the variations of cell geometry brought about by thermal testing. Ključne besede: rechargeable alkaline battery, thermal runaway, battery degradation, MnO2, Zn, zinc, X-ray microtomography Objavljeno v DiRROS: 23.05.2025; Ogledov: 207; Prenosov: 134
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3. High-resolution correlative microscopy approach for nanobio interface studies of nanoparticle-induced lung epithelial cell damageRok Podlipec, Luka Pirker, Ana Krišelj, Gregor Hlawacek, Alessandra Gianoncelli, Primož Pelicon, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM) has become essential in life sciences due to advancements in imaging resolution, sensitivity, and sample preservation. In nanotoxicology─specifically, studying the health effects of particulate matter exposure─CLEM can enable molecular-level structural as well as functional analysis of nanoparticle interactions with lung tissue, which is key for the understanding of modes of action. In our study, we implement an integrated high-resolution fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and hyperspectral fluorescence imaging (fHSI), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultrahigh resolution helium ion microscopy (HIM) and synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence (SR μXRF), to characterize the nanobio interface and to better elucidate the modes of action of lung epithelial cells response to known inflammatory titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 NTs). Morpho-functional assessment uncovered several mechanisms associated with extensive DNA, essential minerals, and iron accumulation, cellular surface immobilization, and the localized formation of fibrous structures, all confirming immunomodulatory responses. These findings advance our understanding of the early cellular processes leading to inflammation development after lung epithelium exposure to these high-aspect-ratio nanoparticles. Our high-resolution experimental approach, exploiting light, ion, and electron sources, provides a robust framework for future research into nanoparticle toxicity and its impact on human health. Ključne besede: nanobio interface, nanotubes, lung epithelium inflammation, synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.05.2025; Ogledov: 214; Prenosov: 72
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4. Mechanism of corrosion of cast aluminum-silicon alloys in seawater : Characterization and field testing of sol-gel-coated alloys in the Adriatic SeaIngrid Milošev, Barbara Kapun, Peter Rodič, Charly Carrière, Dimitri Mercier, Sandrine Zanna, Philippe Marcus, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: cast aluminium alloys, sol-gel coatings, field testing, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, marine immersion, Adriatic Sea Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.04.2025; Ogledov: 345; Prenosov: 92
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5. Mechanism of corrosion of cast aluminum-silicon alloys in seawater : Characterization and field testing of bare alloys in the Adriatic SeaIngrid Milošev, Barbara Kapun, Peter Rodič, Charly Carrière, Dimitri Mercier, Sandrine Zanna, Philippe Marcus, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: aluminum-silicon cast alloys, field testing, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, marine immersion, Adriatic Sea Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.04.2025; Ogledov: 234; Prenosov: 86
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6. Optimizing weld quality in dissimilar stainless steel joints for industrial applicationsD. Selvamuthukumaran, V. C. Uvaraja, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: dissimilar stainless steel, cold metal transfer (CMT) welding, Taguchi L9 optimization, TOPSIS, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), microhardness (HV0.5), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) Objavljeno v DiRROS: 21.02.2025; Ogledov: 219; Prenosov: 108
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7. On the thermal stability of multilayer optics for use with high X-ray intensitiesMargarita Zakharova, Zlatko Rek, Božidar Šarler, Saša Bajt, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: High-intensity X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) beams require optics made of materials with minimal radiation absorption, high diffraction efficiency, and high radiation hardness. Multilayer Laue lenses (MLLs) are diffraction-based X-ray optics that can focus XFEL beams, as already demonstrated with tungsten carbide/silicon carbide (WC/SiC)-based MLLs. However, high atomic number materials such as tungsten strongly absorb X-rays, resulting in high heat loads. Numerical simulations predict much lower heat loads in MLLs consisting of low atomic number Z materials, although such MLLs have narrower rocking curve widths. In this paper, we first screen various multilayer candidates and then focus on Mo2C/SiC multilayer due to its high diffraction efficiency. According to numerical simulations, the maximum temperature in this multilayer should remain below 300°C if the MLL made out of this multilayer is exposed to an XFEL beam of 17.5 keV photon energy, 1 mJ energy per pulse and 10 kHz pulse repetition rate. To understand the thermal stability of the Mo2C/SiC multilayer, we performed a study on the multilayers of three different periods (1.5, 5, and 12 nm) and different Mo2C to SiC ratios. We monitored their periods, crystallinity, and stress as a function of annealing temperature for two different heating rates. The results presented in this paper indicate that Mo2C/SiC-based MLLs are viable for focusing XFEL beams without being damaged under these conditions. Ključne besede: x-ray optics, multilayer Laue lens, thermal stability, numerical simulation Objavljeno v DiRROS: 20.12.2024; Ogledov: 339; Prenosov: 164
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8. Sulfur speciation in Li–S batteries determined by operando laboratory X-ray emission spectroscopyAva Rajh, Alen Vižintin, Joanna Hoszowska, Robert Dominko, Matjaž Kavčič, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: In this work, operando sulfur X-ray emission measurementson a Li−S battery cathode were performed using a laboratory setup as analternative to more common synchrotron radiation based absorptionstudies. Photoexcitation by an X-ray tube was used. Valence-to-core Kβ X-ray emission spectra were recorded with a wavelength dispersive crystalspectrometer in von Hamos geometry, providing excellent energyresolution and good detection efficiency. The setup was used to recordex situ S Kβ emission spectra from S cathodes from the Li−S battery andalso under operando conditions. Average S oxidation state within thebattery cathode during battery cycling was determined from the shape ofthe Kβ emission spectra. A more detailed S species characterization wasperformed by fitting a linear combination of previously measuredlaboratory synthesized standards to the measured spectra. Relative amounts of different S species in the cathode were determinedduring the cycling of the Li−S battery. The main advantage of X-ray emission spectroscopy is that it can be performed onconcentrated samples with S loading comparable to a real battery. The approach shows great promise for routine laboratory analysisof electrochemical processes in Li−S batteries and other sulfur-based systems under operando conditions. Ključne besede: X-ray emission spectroscopy, lithium−sulfur batteries, operando measurements, oxidation state, von Hamos spectrometer Objavljeno v DiRROS: 19.12.2024; Ogledov: 394; Prenosov: 180
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9. Direct reconstruction of wet foam from sparse-view, dynamic X-ray CT scansJens Renders, Lucia Mancini, Jan De Beenhouwer, Jan Sijbers, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: X-ray imaging of wet foam dynamics with a high temporal resolution (e.g., 3D videos with a 10 Hz frame rate) requires fast rotation of either the foam sample or the X-ray gantry. This, however, strongly limits the number of X-ray projections per rotation that can be acquired. As a result, conventional computed tomography reconstruction methods generate 3D images with severe undersampling artefacts, complicating subsequent foam analysis. Herein, BubSub, a novel tomographic reconstruction approach that reconstructs a 4D (3D plus time) dynamic image of wet foam bubbles from sparse-view X-ray projections by leveraging prior knowledge about the evolving foam structure, is introduced. BubSub adapts a collection of subdivision surfaces with spherical topology to represent liquid–gas interfaces of foam bubbles. Estimation of bubble positions and shapes at each time point is achieved by minimizing the projection distance in relation to the measured projections. BubSub operates efficiently with minimal memory usage, exhibits robustness against noise, and provides accurate reconstructions, even when the available projections are limited, as evidenced by various experiments using both simulated and real wet foam X-ray data. Ključne besede: redki pogledi, dinamika pene, rentgenska mikrotomografija, tomografska rekonstrukcija, sparse views, foam dynamics, X-ray microtomography, tomographic reconstruction Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.12.2024; Ogledov: 851; Prenosov: 934
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10. Identifying crystal nucleation mechanisms in a synthetic trachybasalt: a multimodal approachStefano Peres, Thomas A. Griffiths, Fabio Colle, Stefano Iannini Lelarge, Matteo Masotta, Alessio Pontesilli, Lucia Mancini, Rainer Abart, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: To develop new criteria to distinguish different crystal nucleation mechanisms in silicate melts, we performed crystallization experiments using a synthetic hydrous (2 wt% H2O) trachybasalt and combined three-dimensional information from synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography with two-dimensional mapping of crystallographic orientation relationships (CORs) using electron backscatter diffraction. Crystallization experiments were performed at 400 MPa by cooling the melt from 1300 °C to resting temperatures of 1150 and 1100 °C and maintaining isothermal conditions for 30 min and 8 h. Three distinct titanomagnetite (Tmt) populations formed: (1) skeletal crystals, isolated or partially embedded in clinopyroxene (Cpx); (2) anhedral crystals, always attached to Cpx; (3) flattened needle-shaped crystals, embedded in Cpx. These morphologically different Tmt populations formed in response to one cooling event, with varying nucleation mechanisms and at different undercooling conditions. The clustered three-dimensional distribution of population 2 and 3 Tmt grains and the high proportion of Tmt-Cpx interfaces sharing CORs indicate that these Tmt grains heterogeneously nucleated on Cpx. The near-random three-dimensional distribution of (often isolated) population 1 Tmt grains, together with the low proportion of Tmt-Cpx interfaces sharing CORs, imply their isolated, possibly homogeneous nucleation, potentially followed by heterogeneous nucleation of Cpx on population 1 Tmt. Heterogeneous nucleation in slightly to moderately undercooled magmas should affect the sequence of crystallization as well as morphology and clustering of crystals, which may actively contribute to the variation of rheological parameters like viscosity. Finally, observed intra- and inter-sample variations in Tmt-Cpx COR frequencies indicate the potential for this parameter to record further petrological information. Ključne besede: experimental petrology, nucleation mechanisms, X-ray microtomography, crystal clustering, heterogeneous nucleation Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.12.2024; Ogledov: 314; Prenosov: 238
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