You have accessJournal of UrologySurgical Technology & Simulation: Artificial Intelligence I (MP07)1 May 2024MP07-10 UNDERSTANDING 3D BIOMINERALIZATION OF HUMAN KIDNEY STONES WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Ava Mousavi, Jeff Gelb, Tianzhu Qin, Gerard Wong, Katarzyna Matusik, Michael Lun, Sheraz Gul, Frances Su, David Vine, Wenbing Yun, and Kymora B. Scotland Ava MousaviAva Mousavi , Jeff GelbJeff Gelb , Tianzhu QinTianzhu Qin , Gerard WongGerard Wong , Katarzyna MatusikKatarzyna Matusik , Michael LunMichael Lun , Sheraz GulSheraz Gul , Frances SuFrances Su , David VineDavid Vine , Wenbing YunWenbing Yun , and Kymora B. ScotlandKymora B. Scotland View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008728.41882.d7.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Kidney stones are small yet complex structures whose formation remains largely a mystery. Clarifying their structure can unveil crucial characteristics driving their genesis. However, traditional methods for microstructure analysis can be time-consuming and limited in their capabilities. Some of our preliminary work and other recent studies have indicated that bacterial species may have a role in kidney stone formation. This study introduces an innovative approach that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to significantly enhance the visualization of kidney stone microstructure, with the goal of shedding light on the mechanisms behind their biomineralization. METHODS: Human-derived kidney stone samples were collected and scanned through micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Dragonfly Object Research System (ORS) software's AI-based image processing was used to visualize and separate the features of one stone slice into four segments (pore, high intensity, low intensity and medium intensity). The AI model was trained to predict that segmentation twice more on different slides. Then, this training was applied to the entire dataset of stone images. RESULTS: The AI model generated- three dimensional images unveiled the intricate microstructure of kidney stones, revealing details not easily discernible through conventional methods. Similar morphological patterns were seen across all stone types: distinct areas of nucleation were visualized with surrounding organized biphasic lamellation (Figure 1). The layering pattern resembled that seen in bacteria-induced biomineralization. Porous void spaces permeated throughout the stone. CONCLUSIONS: The level of detail in this technique revealed patterns of nucleation and layering that resemble microbial mat formation observed in stromatolites, suggesting microbes may play a similar role in kidney stone formation. AI image segmentation offers promising advancements in Urological research. Download PPT Source of Funding: NIH/NIDDK K08DK13248601A NIH/NCATS KL2TR001882 © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e108 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Ava Mousavi More articles by this author Jeff Gelb More articles by this author Tianzhu Qin More articles by this author Gerard Wong More articles by this author Katarzyna Matusik More articles by this author Michael Lun More articles by this author Sheraz Gul More articles by this author Frances Su More articles by this author David Vine More articles by this author Wenbing Yun More articles by this author Kymora B. Scotland More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Reverse engineering of electronics is a rapidly growing field that is limited primarily by the tools available for performing inspection & data processing. 3D X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is a popular choice for electronics & semiconductor Failure Analysis (FA) applications, but has faced challenges such as metallic noise and artifacts limiting the reverse engineering community. Here, we present a novel high-resolution 3D X-ray imaging system, utilizing the technique of Angled CT. We demonstrate how this innovative imaging approach provides fast, sub-micron data volumes that overcome the beam hardening, inspection time, and sample size limitations imposed by conventional CT. The analysis is demonstrated using the reverse engineering of a commercially-available Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGA Printed Circuit Board (PCB) as the case study.

Rechargeable battery research often involves improving electrodes to electrolyte materials with new chemistry with the end goals to lower cost, extend cycle life, higher energy densities and better safety. Advancements in battery and fuel cell research require the understanding of the complex interplay of several components and factors in a battery ecosystem. It calls for an integrated and multimodality approach involving several new analytical techniques which have to be capable of probing the batteries electrochemistry, structures and composition at different length and time scales, several of which have to be performed non destructively (ex-situ, in situ and in operando). Because of the need to study these in operando or at higher resolution or sensitivity, conventional lab based x-ray techniques are often inadequate. Most of this research is currently performed through synchrotron X-ray techniques. These include: X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) to probe changes in oxidation states, bond lengths and coordination numbers of electrochemistry during charge-discharge cycles. XAS comprise XANES (X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy) & EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure). They provide information on element-specific changes in oxidation state and local atomic structure. Such microscopic descriptors are crucial for elucidating charge transfer and structural changes associated with bonding or site mixing, two key factors in evaluating state of charge and modes of cell failure or catalytic efficiency. Another major technique is synchrotron X-ray Imaging at multiple lengthscales, from micrometers to 10s of nanometers through 3D X-ray Microscopy (XRM) to determine structural changes and degradation over time of the complex system, from the electrodes, separators, current collectors to binders. Trace level elemental composition at the ppm or sub-ppm level can be studied through high sensitivity synchrotron X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (s-XRF)- to track the migration of metallic ions from cathode to anode during charge-discharge cycle or to investigate cross contamination during manufacturing. Unfortunately, many of these X-ray techniques such as XAS has to be performed almost exclusively at synchrotron X-ray light sources, where beamtime is infrequent and experiment time-frames are limited. As a consequence, high level battery, fuel cell or catalyst research in many research institutions have been largely curtailed. In this talk, we will discuss the advancements made in high flux, tunable lab x-ray sources and high efficiency optics for enabling novel synchrotron-equivalent XAS, XRM and XRF techniques in the laboratory. Breakthrough correlative applications through these suite of tools in the field of battery research and catalysts are now feasible in your own laboratory 24/7, without the constraint of limited access nor the research continuity challenges at synchrotron beamlines. Measurements results (including in operando) will be illustrated for conventional NMC batteries to novel solid-state lithium air batteries and next generation battery materials.

X-ray imaging (2D & 3D) has been one of the primary non-destructive analysis methods for electronic packages and printed circuit boards (PCB) for over three decades. The continually shrinking features and growth of heterogeneous packaging and wafer-level packaging drive urgent demand for even higher resolution but on larger samples, including larger packages and on wafers. Currently, gaps in non-destructive 2D and 3D imaging in failure analysis exist due to lack of resolution to resolve sub-micron defects typically found in most cracks or voids in microbumps less than 30 microns in diameter and on low contrast materials such as defects in organic substrates. The larger form factors of samples including modern heterogeneous packages, PCB, wafers adds yet another layer of difficulty, and submicron lengthscale defects on such samples are far beyond the resolution power of most existing 2D or 3D X-ray tools. Conventional, high resolution 3D X-ray tools are designed to inspect small packages, but as sample size increases, the time to detect small defects in large packages or PCB may run into several hours or days, rendering this application impractical. We describe a novel 3D X-ray tool that overcome the sample size and speed limitation of traditional X-ray imaging systems. Time to obtain a sub-micron resolution imaging on a region of interest in a package, pcb or 300 mm can be completed within a few minutes. The rapid multiresolution capabilities are also well suited for construction analysis or reverse engineering from packages to pcbs.

Aqueous Zn-ion battery is a promising technology for electrochemical energy storage. The formation of Zn dendrites, however, can jeopardize the cell cycle life and thus, hinders the industrial adoption of this technology. A fundamental understanding of the kinetic mechanisms is crucial for improving the Zn-ion battery. Here, in situ and operando X-ray microscopy methods are utilized to visualize the Zn plating and stripping behaviors under different electrochemical conditions. It is demonstrated that the substrate curvature, local morphology, electrochemical protocols, and the surface chemistry can collectively affect the Zn plating behavior. These results provide new insights for developing the next-generation dendrite-free and long-span aqueous Zn-ion battery.

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) is a broadly adopted technology for energy storage. With increasing demands to improve the rate capability, cyclability, energy density, safety, and cost efficiency, it is crucial to establish an in-depth understanding of the detailed structural evolution and cell-degradation mechanisms during battery operation. Here, we present a laboratory-based high-resolution and high-throughput X-ray micro-computed laminography approach, which is capable of in situ visualizing of an industry-relevant lithium-ion (Li-ion) pouch cell with superior detection fidelity, resolution, and reliability. This technique enables imaging of the pouch cell at a spatial resolution of 0.5 μm in a laboratory system and permits the identification of submicron features within cathode and anode electrodes. We also demonstrate direct visualization of the lithium plating in the imaged pouch cell, which is an important phenomenon relevant to battery fast charging and low-temperature cycling. Our development presents an avenue toward a thorough understanding of the correlation among multiscale structures, chemomechanical degradation, and electrochemical behavior of industry-scale battery pouch cells.

The oxidation of uranium dioxide is a complicated process, depending on factors including humidity, temperature, and microstructure. To further determine the characteristics of this process, UO2 particles were allowed to age and agglomerate under 98% relative humidity at room temperature for 378 days. A focused ion beam (FIB) section of this agglomeration was then measured at the O K-edge, U N5-edge, and C K-edge using the scanning transmission x-ray microscope (STXM) at the Advanced Light Source. O K-edge and U N5-edge x-ray absorption measurements allowed for the elemental and chemical species mapping of the agglomerates and indicated the formation of schoepite at the submicrometer scale in specific locations. Non-negative matrix factorization was employed to elucidate the main components at the O K-edge, which were uranyl (schoepite) formed primarily at the interface of the sample with controlled atmosphere, a UO2-like bulk component present in the majority of the sample, and an oxygen species present at the surface of the FIB section, which is likely adsorbed water. STXM spectromicroscopy measurements at the U N5-edge measurements also confirmed the location of oxidized uranium. This analysis is a valuable insight into the formation of schoepite on UO2 and shows the sensitivity to and utility of STXM spectromicroscopy for uranium speciation.

Journal Article Understanding 3D Biomineralization in Human Kidney Stones with Correlative X-Ray Micro-CT & X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy Get access Kymora Scotland, Kymora Scotland UCLA Health, Endourology and Stone Disease, Los Angeles, CA, United States Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Gerard Wong, Gerard Wong UCLA, Department of Bioengineering, Los Angeles, CA, United States Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Katarzyna Matusik, Katarzyna Matusik Sigray, Inc., Concord, CA, United States Corresponding author: kmatusik@sigray.com Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Michael Lun, Michael Lun Sigray, Inc., Concord, CA, United States Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Sheraz Gul, Sheraz Gul Sigray, Inc., Concord, CA, United States Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Frances Su, Frances Su Sigray, Inc., Concord, CA, United States Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar David Vine, David Vine Sigray, Inc., Concord, CA, United States Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Jeff Gelb, Jeff Gelb Sigray, Inc., Concord, CA, United States Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Wenbing Yun Wenbing Yun Sigray, Inc., Concord, CA, United States Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Microscopy and Microanalysis, Volume 28, Issue S1, 1 August 2022, Pages 288–289, https://doi.org/10.1017/S1431927622001957 Published: 01 August 2022

This article provides an overview of a commercial 3D X-ray system, explaining how it acquires high-resolution images of submicron defects in large intact samples. It presents examples in which the system is used to reveal cracks in thin redistribution layers, voids in organic substrates, and variations in TSV metallization on 300-mm wafers. As the authors explain, each scan can be done in as little as a few minutes regardless of sample size, and the resulting images are clear of the beam hardening artifacts that often cause problems in failure analysis and reverse engineering.

Multicontrast X-ray imaging with high resolution and sensitivity using Talbot-Lau interferometry (TLI) offers unique imaging capabilities that are important to a wide range of applications, including the study of morphological features with different physical properties in biological specimens. The conventional X-ray TLI approach relies on an absorption grating to create an array of micrometer-sized X-ray sources, posing numerous limitations, including technical challenges associated with grating fabrication for high-energy operations. We overcome these limitations by developing a TLI system with a microarray anode-structured target (MAAST) source. The MAAST features an array of precisely controlled microstructured metal inserts embedded in a diamond substrate. Using this TLI system, tomography of a Drum fish tooth with high resolution and tri-contrast (absorption, phase, and scattering) reveals useful complementary structural information that is inaccessible otherwise. The results highlight the exceptional capability of high-resolution multicontrast X-ray tomography empowered by the MAAST-based TLI method in biomedical applications.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) feature structural and chemical complexities across a broad range of length scales.

X-ray ptychography imaging at synchrotron facilities like the Advanced Photon Source (APS) involves controlling instrument hardwares to collect a set of diffraction patterns from overlapping coherent illumination spots on extended samples, managing data storage, reconstructing ptychographic images from acquired diffraction patterns, and providing the visualization of results and feedback. In addition to the complicated workflow, ptychography instrument could produce up to several TB's of data per second that is needed to be processed in real time. This brings up the need to develop a high performance, robust and user friendly processing software package for ptychographic data analysis. In this paper we present a software framework which provides functionality of visualization, work flow control, and data reconstruction. To accelerate the computation and large datasets process, the data reconstruction part is implemented with three algorithms, ePIE, DM and LSQML using CUDA-C on GPU.

The manufacturing of commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) involves a number of sophisticated production processes. Various cell defects can be induced, and, depending on their structural and chemical characteristics, they could lead to acute failure and/ or chronic degradation. Although tremendous efforts have been devoted to develop a robust quality control (QC) procedure, the functional role of the cell defects is not well understood. Here, we address this question through a systematic experimental study of commercial 186 50-type LIBs that have failed the QC inspection due to a self-discharging effect. We identify and recover the defective regions from the cell and conduct a comprehensive investigation from the chemical, structural, and morphological perspectives. Our results reveal how the structural defects affect the cell performance, which is highly important to industry-scale battery production.

The lithium-ion battery has demonstrated tremendous economic and social impacts. Upon battery operation under different conditions, lithium changes its chemical state and physical formation, leading to undesired side reactions, e.g., lithium dendrite growth that degrades the cell performance and causes safety concerns. In situ detection and visualization of lithium metal in functional batteries could offer insights with both scientific and industrial significance but remain a frontier challenge. Here, we demonstrate in situ three-dimensional imaging of lithium whisker using a grating-interferometry-based tricontrast X-ray microtomography method. Our approach explicitly reveals the micromorphology of the electrochemically developed porous lithium whisker with micrometer-level spatial resolution while offering sensitivity to the nanoporosity that is smaller than the nominal resolution limit. Our result reveals valuable structural information on the lithium whisker that is otherwise inaccessible. This method is also readily applicable to a broad range of battery research, including all-solid-state batteries.

Talbot-Lau interferometry (TLI) provides additional contrast modes for x-ray imaging that are complementary to conventional absorption radiography. TLI is particularly interesting because it is one of the few practical methods for realizing phase contrast with x-rays that is compatible with large-spot high power x-ray sources. A novel micro array anode structured target (MAAST) x-ray source offers several advantages for TLI over the conventional combination of an extended x-ray source coupled with an absorption grating including higher flux and larger field of view, and these advantages become more pronounced for x-ray energies in excess of 30 keV. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to determine the optimal parameters for a MAAST source for use with TLI. It was found that the both spatial distribution of x-ray production and the number of x-ray produced in the MAAST have a strong dependence on the incidence angle of the electron beam.

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Antidot lattices are potential candidates to act as bit patterned media for data storage as they are able to trap nanoscale magnetic domains between two adjacent holes. Here, we demonstrate the combination of micromagnetic modeling and x-ray microscopy. Detailed simulation of these systems can only be achieved by micromagnetic modeling that takes thermal effects into account. For this purpose, a Landau–Lifshitz–Bloch approach is used here. The calculated melting of magnetic domains within the antidot lattice is reproduced experimentally by x-ray microscopy. Furthermore, we compare conventional scanning transmission x-ray microscopy with resolution enhanced ptychography. Hence, we achieve a resolution of 13 nm. The results demonstrate that ptychographic imaging can also recover magnetic contrast in the presence of a strong topological variation and is generally applicable toward magnetic samples requiring ultimate resolution.

Our future bioeconomy depends on increased utilization of renewable lignocellulosic biomass. Controlling the diffusion of chemicals, such as inorganic ions, within secondary plant cell walls is central to many biomass applications. However, insufficient understanding of intra-cell-wall diffusion within secondary plant cell walls is hindering the advancement of many lignocellulosic biomass applications. In this work, X-ray fluorescence microscopy was used to measure diffusion constants of K+, Cu2+, and Cl- diffusing through loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) cell wall layers under 70%, 75%, or 80% relative humidity (RH). Results revealed that diffusion constants increased with RH, the larger Cu2+ diffused more slowly than the K+, and the Cl- diffusion constant was the same as that for the counter cation, indicating cations and anions diffused together to maintain charge neutrality. Comparison with electrical conductivity measurements showed that conductivity is being controlled by ion mobility over these RH. The results further support that intra-cell-wall diffusion of inorganic ions is a Fickian diffusion process occurring through rubbery amorphous polysaccharides, which contradicts previous assertions that intra-cell-wall diffusion is an aqueous process occurring through water pathways. Researchers can now utilize polymer science approaches to engineer the molecular architecture of lignocellulosic biomass to optimize properties for specific end uses.

Nanoporous metals fabricated by dealloying have a unique bi-continuous, sponge-like porous structure with ultra-high surface area. The unique properties of these materials, especially nanoporous gold, have numerous potential applications in sensors and actuators and in energy-related applications such as catalytic materials, super-capacitors, and battery supports. The degree of porosity and size of the metal ligaments are critical parameters that determine many properties and thus govern the functionalities of nanoporous metals in many applications including energy storage and conversion. We used Fresnel coherent diffractive imaging combined with tomographic reconstruction to quantify the nanoscale three-dimensional spatial distribution and homogeneity of the porosity and ligament size within a bulk sample of nanoporous gold. The average porosity and its standard deviation along the axial direction through the sample were determined, as well as the characteristic feature size and its standard deviation. The result shows that free corrosion is an effective way to create homogeneous nanoporous metals with sample sizes on the order of 1 μm. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4046414]