bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact Fracture Simulation of Laminated Glass Based on Thick Shell Elements and a Cohesive Zone Model
Authors: Xia Wei , Yue Zhen , Zang Mengyan
Published: October 2023

Laminated glass is extensively used in automotive windshields, making it crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of its fracture mechanism to ensure driver and pedestrian safety in various windshield impact scenarios. Current research on the cohesive zone model of glass impact failure has encountered challenges related to accuracy and computational efficiency. This paper addresses these issues by utilizing the finite element software LS-DYNA, which integrates a cohesive zone model and thick shell (Tshell) elements to simulate and analyze the impact failure process of laminated glass. The combination of Tshell and cohesive elements was validated using a DCB example. Subsequently, the proposed method was applied to simulate the impact damage on an automobile’s front windshield, providing valuable insights from the obtained results. Finally, the influence of curvature, the number of layers, and the thickness ratio of each layer were investigated, leading to some valuable conclusions. Firstly, an increase in the thickness of the upper glass layer correlates with a decrease in the peak acceleration of the dummy-head model due to the ductility of PVB material. Secondly, when a curvature exists, the arched configuration of the windshield promotes higher resistance against impact, consequently leading to increased peak acceleration.
Effect of CM15 on Supported Lipid Bilayer Probed by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Walsh Olivia D. , Choi Leona , Sigdel Krishna P.
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial peptides are key components of the immune system. These peptides affect the membrane in various ways; some form nano-sized pores, while others only produce minor defects. Since these peptides are increasingly important in developing antimicrobial drugs, understanding the mechanism of their interactions with lipid bilayers is critical. Here, using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we investigated the effect of a synthetic hybrid peptide, CM15, on the membrane surface comprising E. coli polar lipid extract. Direct imaging of supported lipid bilayers exposed to various concentrations of the peptide revealed significant membrane remodeling. We found that CM15 interacts with supported lipid bilayers and forms membrane-spanning defects very quickly. It is found that CM15 is capable of remodeling both leaflets of the bilayer. For lower CM15 concentrations, punctate void-like defects were observed, some of which re-sealed themselves as a function of time. However, for CM15 concentrations higher than 5 µM, the defects on the bilayers became so widespread that they disrupted the membrane integrity completely. This work enhances the understanding of CM15 interactions with the bacterial lipid bilayer.
Anomaly Detection in WAAM Deposition of Nickel Alloys—Single-Material and Cross-Material Analysis
Authors: Rajesh Aditya , Ya Wei , Hermans Marcel
Published: October 2023

The current research work investigates the possibility of using machine learning models to deduce the relationship between WAAM (wire arc additive manufacturing) sensor responses and defect presence in the printed part. The work specifically focuses on three materials from the nickel alloy family (Inconel 718, Invar 36 and Inconel 625) and uses three sensor responses for data analysis, which are welding voltage, welding current and welding audio. Two different machine learning models are used—artificial neural networks (ANNs) and random forests (RF). The results for each of the materials, separately, indicate that the accuracies range from 60% to 90% and the correlation coefficient is less than 0.5 (indicating weak positive correlation), depending on the model and material. In addition to separate material analysis, a cross-material data analysis was formed to test the models’ general prediction capabilities. This led to predictions that are significantly worse, with accuracies ranging from 20% to 27% and very weak correlation coefficients (less than 0.1), indicating that the choice of material is still important as a boundary condition. Analysis of the results indicates that the relative importance of audio sensor response depends on the nature of defect formation. Random forests are found to perform the best for single material analysis, with the comparatively inferior performance of ANNs possibly being due to lack of sufficient datapoints.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties in the Sub-Critical Heat Affected Zone of AHSS Spot Welds Using Gleeble Thermal Simulator and Hollomon-Jaffe Model
Authors: Midawi Abdelbaset R. H. , Sherepenko Oleksii , Ramachandran Dileep Chandran , Akbarian Shima , Shojaee Mohammad , Zhang Tingting , Ghassemi-Armaki Hassan , Worswick Michael , Biro Elliot
Published: October 2023

Measuring the mechanical properties of weld Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) remains one of the main challenges in the failure analysis of spot-welded components. Due to the small size of the HAZ and variation in the temperature history, different peak temperatures and cooling rates impose a range of phase transformations across the resistance spot weld. Among the HAZ sub-regions, the sub-critical HAZ (SCHAZ), which experiences temperatures below AC1 (350–650 °C), usually shows a reduction in the hardness in most of the modern AHSS grades due to the martensite tempering phenomenon. SCHAZ softening may lead to strain localization during loading. Therefore, it is important to characterize the local properties of the SCHAZ region to accurately predict RSW failure. However, it is not feasible to extract standard mechanical test specimens out of the SCHAZ of the spot-welded structure due to its small size. In this work, the SCHAZ of the spot weld for two AHSS, 3G-980 and PHS-1500, was simulated using a Gleeble® (Dynamic Systems Inc., 323 NY-355, Poestenkill, NY 12140, USA) 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator. An in-situ high-speed IR thermal camera was used to measure the entire temperature field during the Gleeble heat-treatment process, which allowed for the visualization of the temperature distribution in the gauge area. The temperature and hardness data were fit to a Hollomon-Jaffe (HJ) model, which enables hardness prediction in the SCHAZ at any given temperature and time. Using the HJ model, a heat treatment schedule for each material was chosen to produce samples with hardness and microstructure matching the SCHAZ within actual spot weld coupons. Tensile specimens were machined from the coupons heat treated using simulated heat treatment schedules, and mechanical testing was performed. The results showed that the 3G-980 SCHAZ has a slight increase in yield strength and tensile strength, compared to the base metal, due to the formation of fine carbides within the microstructure. In contrast, the SCHAZ of PHS-1500 showed a significant reduction in the yield and tensile strength with yield point elongation behavior due to the reduction of the martensite phase and an increase in carbide formation due to the tempering process.
Effects of Stress on Loss and Magnetic Properties of Fe80Co3Si3B10P1C3 Amorphous Iron Cores
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhang Guangqiang , Zhang Qian , Yu Haichen , Li Zongzhen , Song Su , Gu Mingyu , Zhou Shaoxiong , Qu Xuanhui
Published: October 2023

The research on how to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of amorphous motors has extensive coverage. This study systematically investigates the influence of internal stress induced by impregnation curing and interference fit on the soft magnetic properties and loss characteristics of Fe80Co3Si3B10P1C3 (CAF4) amorphous alloy iron cores. The amorphous iron core samples undergo analysis through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic performance testing equipment, flexible pressure sensors, and magnetostriction testers. The CAF4 amorphous iron core after impregnation curing (AIC) exhibits the lowest loss of P1.2T,1.5 kHz = 22.8 W/kg when annealed at 260 °C, representing a 21% increase compared to the pre-impregnation curing (BIC) state. Within the commonly utilized interference fit range, the loss growth rate of CAF4 amorphous iron cores is lower than that of Fe80Si9B11 (1K101). Likewise, at a frequency of 50 Hz and an excitation of 1000 A/m, the magnetostriction coefficient of CAF4 is smaller than that of 1K101. Within the typical interference fit range, the magnetization performance of CAF4 amorphous iron cores surpasses that of 1K101, favoring lightweight and compact motor designs and reducing copper losses. Consequently, CAF4 amorphous iron cores exhibit significant advantages when employed in motors.
Liquid Metal Embrittlement Cracking in Uncoated Transformation-Induced Plasticity Steel during Consecutive Resistance Spot Welding
Authors: Kim Jae Won , Manladan Sunusi Marwana , Mahmud Kaisar , Jin Woosung , Krishna Tejaswin , Ji Changwook , Nam Dae-Geun , Park Yeong-Do
Published: October 2023

In the automotive production line, a single pair of electrodes is employed to produce hundreds of consecutive welds before undergoing dressing or replacement. In consecutive resistance spot welding (RSW) involving Zn-coated steels, the electrodes undergo metallurgical degradation, characterized by Cu-Zn alloying, which impacts the susceptibility to liquid metal embrittlement (LME) cracking. In the present investigation, the possibility of LME crack formation in uncoated TRIP steel joints during consecutive RSW (involving 400 welds in galvannealed and uncoated TRIP steels) was investigated. The results have shown that different Cu-Zn phases were formed on the electrode surface because of its contamination with Zn from the galvannealed coating. Therefore, during the welding of the uncoated TRIP steel, the heat generated at the electrode/sheet interface would result in the melting of the Cu-Zn phases, thereby exposing the uncoated steel surface to molten Zn and Cu, leading to LME cracking. The cracks exhibited a maximum length of approximately 30 µm at Location A (weld center) and 50 µm at Location B (shoulder of the weld). The occurrence and characteristics of the cracks differed depending on the location as the number of welds increased due to the variation in Zn content. Type A cracks did not form when the number of welds was less than 280. Several cracks with a total length of approximately 30 μm were suddenly formed between 280 and 400 welds. On the other hand, type B cracks began to appear after 40 welds. However, the number and size of these exhibited inconsistency as the number of welds increased. Overall, the results have shown that small LME cracks can form even in uncoated steels during consecutive welding of Zn-coated and uncoated steel joints.
The Cerebellum’s Role in Affective Disorders: The Onset of Its Social Dimension
Authors: Stanca Stefano , Rossetti Martina , Bongioanni Paolo
Published: October 2023

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) are the most frequent mental disorders whose indeterminate etiopathogenesis spurs to explore new aetiologic scenarios. In light of the neuropsychiatric symptoms characterizing Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome (CCAS), the objective of this narrative review is to analyze the involvement of the cerebellum (Cbm) in the onset of these conditions. It aims at detecting the repercussions of the Cbm activities on mood disorders based on its functional subdivision in vestibulocerebellum (vCbm), pontocerebellum (pCbm) and spinocerebellum (sCbm). Despite the Cbm having been, for decades, associated with somato-motor functions, the described intercellular pathways, without forgiving the molecular impairment and the alteration in the volumetric relationships, make the Cbm a new important therapeutic target for MDD and BD. Given that numerous studies have showed its activation during mnestic activities and socio-emotional events, this review highlights in the Cbm, in which the altered external space perception (vCbm) is strictly linked to the cognitive-limbic Cbm (pCbm and sCbm), a crucial role in the MDD and BD pathogenesis. Finally, by the analysis of the cerebellar activity, this study aims at underlying not only the Cbm involvement in affective disorders, but also its role in social relationship building.
A Nucleotide Metabolism-Related Gene Signature for Risk Stratification and Prognosis Prediction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on an Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Wei Tianfu , Liu Jifeng , Ma Shurong , Wang Mimi , Yuan Qihang , Huang Anliang , Wu Zeming , Shang Dong , Yin Peiyuan
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The in-depth study of genes and metabolites related to nucleotide metabolism will provide new ideas for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. This study integrated the transcriptome data of different cancer types to explore the characteristics and significance of nucleotide metabolism-related genes (NMGRs) in different cancer types. Then, we constructed a new HCC classifier and prognosis model based on HCC samples from TCGA and GEO, and detected the gene expression level in the model through molecular biology experiments. Finally, nucleotide metabolism-related products in serum of HCC patients were examined using untargeted metabolomics. A total of 97 NMRGs were obtained based on bioinformatics techniques. In addition, a clinical model that could accurately predict the prognostic outcome of HCC was constructed, which contained 11 NMRGs. The results of PCR experiments showed that the expression levels of these genes were basically consistent with the predicted trends. Meanwhile, the results of untargeted metabolomics also proved that there was a significant nucleotide metabolism disorder in the development of HCC. Our results provide a promising insight into nucleotide metabolism in HCC, as well as a tailored prognostic and chemotherapy sensitivity prediction tool for patients.
Real-Time Attitude Estimation for Spinning Projectiles by Magnetometer Based on an Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Zhang Ge , Zhang Xiaoming , Gao Lizhen , Liu Jun , Zhou Jie
Published: October 2023

The attitude measurement system based on geomagnetic information offers advantages such as small space requirements, fast response times, excellent resistance to high-overload conditions, and cost-effectiveness. However, during the flight process of a high-mobility guided spinning projectile, calculating attitude based on geomagnetic information often leads to non-unique solutions. To address this challenge, this paper proposes the Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter (AEKF) attitude estimation algorithm, based on geomagnetic vector information. Based on the analysis of the short-term attitude motion characteristics of the projectile, the Kalman state system equation and the nonlinear observation equation are established, along with real-time correction of the yaw angle and adaptive updates of parameters. The effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by simulations and experiments, demonstrating its ability to eliminate the dual solution problem inherent in traditional Single-Epoch algorithms. It notably improves the accuracy of pitch and roll angle estimation while providing precise estimates of attitude angular rates. Furthermore, the algorithm effectively mitigates the impact of magnetic disturbances on attitude determination. The proposed method has many potential applications in attitude measurement and navigation using geomagnetic data.
Acoustic Characterization of Transmitted and Received Acoustic Properties of Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Transducers Based on Matching Layer of Organosilicon Hollow Glass Microsphere
Authors: Xu Xinhu , Zhang Liang , Guo Hulin , Wang Xiaojie , Kong Lingcai
Published: October 2023

An air-coupled transducer was developed in this study, utilizing hollow glass microsphere-organosilicon composites as an acoustically matching layer, which demonstrated outstanding acoustic performance. Firstly, a comparison and analysis of the properties and advantages of different substrates was carried out to determine the potential application value of organosilicon substrates. Immediately after, the effect of hollow glass microspheres with different particle sizes and mass fractions on the acoustic properties of the matching layer was analyzed. It also evaluated the mechanical properties of the matching layer before and after optimization. The findings indicate that the optimized composite material attained a characteristic acoustic impedance of 1.04 MRayl and an acoustic attenuation of 0.43 dB/mm, displaying exceptional acoustic performance. After encapsulating the ultrasonic transducer using a 3D-printed shell, we analyzed and compared its emission and reception characteristics to the commercial transducer and found that its emission acoustic pressure amplitude and reception voltage amplitude were 34% and 26% higher, respectively. Finally, the transducer was installed onto a homemade ultrasonic flow meter for practical application verification, resulting in an accuracy rate of 97.4%.
Ceramic Materials Based on Clay and Soapstone Waste: Thermo-Mechanical Properties and Application
Authors: Ilyina Vera , Klimovskaya Ekaterina , Bubnova Tatiana
Published: October 2023

In order to assess the feasibility of utilizing soapstone waste, which is generated during the production of stone blocks for fireplaces and other energy-saving devices, the effect of its addition to clay on the technological and thermal properties of ceramic materials was investigated. Two local clays and soapstone processing waste were characterized using XRD, SEM-EDS, XRF, DTA-TG, and granulometric analysis. The linear firing shrinkage, water absorption, density, flexural strength, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and thermal shock resistance of the fired ceramic samples were analyzed. The results have shown that addition of soapstone waste to clay in an amount of 40 wt.% increases flexural strength, enhances thermal stability, and, additionally, reduces the thermal conductivity of the experimental samples. The technological properties of the final product meet the standard requirements for ceramic tiles.
Geochemistry, Chronology and Tectonic Implications of the Hadayang Schists in the Northern Great Xing’an Range, Northeast China
Authors: Na Fuchao , Song Weimin , Liu Yingcai , Fu Junyu , Wang Yan , Sun Wei
Published: October 2023

The Late Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Xing’an block in the eastern Central Asian orogenic belt has long been the subject of debate. In this paper, a comprehensive study of U-Pb zircon ages, Lu-Hf isotopes and whole-rock elemental analyses was carried out on Hadayang schists. Representative samples of the epidote-biotite-albite schist and biotite-albite schist yielded the weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 360 ± 2 Ma and 355 ± 3 Ma, respectively. This indicated the presence of Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous intermediate-basic rocks in the eastern Xing’an block. The Hadayang schists exhibited a Na-rich, tholeiitic and calc-alkaline affinity in composition with low Mg# (35.2–53.0), Cr (23.7–86.5 ppm), Ni (21.1–40.0 ppm) and Co (12.1–30.6 ppm). They were characterized by enrichment of LILEs, depletion of HFSEs and highly positive zircon εHf(t) values (the average values were +8.93 and +9.29, respectively). The magma source of the Hadayang schists was a mantle that consisted of both spinel and garnet lherzolite, with a partial melting degree of 1%–5%, and it had undergone fractional crystallization of olivine, orthopyroxene and plagioclase. The Hadayang schists, together with other Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous intermediate-basic magmatic rocks in the eastern Xing’an block, were formed in an intracontinental extension tectonic setting similar to that of the North American Basin and Range basalt. Moreover, Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous ophiolite under a similar tectonic background in the western Xing’an block has been reported. We believe that the Xing’an block would have been in the stage of intracontinental extension during the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous.
The Uptake of Actinides by Hardened Cement Paste in High-Salinity Pore Water
Authors: Stietz Janina , Amayri Samer , Häußler Verena , Scholze Raphael , Reich Tobias
Published: October 2023

The interaction of the actinides Pu(III), Am(III), Np(V), Np(VI), and U(VI) with hardened cement paste (HCP) prepared from ordinary Portland cement was investigated by batch experiments in a diluted caprock solution (I = 2.5 M) as a function of the solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio (0.5–20.0 g L−1) and pH (10–13). Independent of the oxidation state of the actinides, strong sorption was observed with Rd values between 104 and 5 × 105 L kg−1. For the hexavalent actinides U(VI) and Np(VI), a decrease in sorption was observed with increasing pH, which could be due to the formation of the AnO2(OH)42− species. CE-ICP-MS measurements of the supernatant solution from the U(VI) batch sorption experiment at pH ≥ 10 indicate that UO2(OH)3− and UO2(OH)42− dominate the speciation. Pu LIII-edge XANES and EXAFS measurements showed oxidation of Pu(III) to Pu(IV) when interacting with HCP. Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases effectively immobilize Pu(IV) by incorporating it into the CaO layer. This was observed in a C-S-H sample with C/S = 1.65 and HCP at pH 12.7. Compared to data published in the literature on the retention of actinides on HCP at low ionic strength, the influence of high ionic strength (I = 2.5 M) on the sorption behavior was insignificant.
Evolution from Carbonate Platform to Pelagic Environments in the South Iberian Paleomargin (Pliensbachian–Early Toarcian, Early Jurassic): Carbonate Features and Isotope Geochemistry
Authors: Nieto Luis M. , Molina José M. , Ruiz-Ortiz Pedro A. , Fraguas Ángela , Reolid Matías
Published: October 2023

This paper studies ten Subbetic (Betic External Zones) stratigraphic sections spanning the Pliensbachian–early Toarcian time interval. Eight lithofacies were distinguished: crinoidal limestones, peloidal limestones, breccias, cherty limestones, nodular limestones, hardground surfaces and condensed levels, marls and marly limestone alternance, and dark marls. The biostratigraphy matches data from ammonite and calcareous nannofossil zonations. In addition, we analyzed C and O isotopes from bulk samples from three of the studied sections in which the lower Toarcian sedimentation crops out. The demise of the Lower Jurassic shallow platform developed in the South Iberian Paleomargin was a complex process driven by rifting, which led to tilted blocks giving way to different sedimentary environments. The tectonic stages occurred in the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian transition (R1), toward the lower part of the Ibex Zone (FO of the Biscutum grande, R2), in the Ibex–Davoei zones boundary (FO of Lotharingius barozii, R3), in the lower–upper Pliensbachian (R4), and in the lower boundary of the NJT4d nannofossil Subzone (R5) (Lavinianum Zone, upper Pliensbachian). After this last phase, sedimentation became pelagic in origin throughout the basin, represented by the sections studied. However, the isotope data show no clear record of the different C-isotopic events, though the Davoei–Margaritatus Event, the late Pliensbachian Event, and the Pliensbachian–Toarcian Boundary Event (PTBE) could be cautiously identified. These geochemical features are explained by the convergence of marine currents from Panthalassa (through the Hispanic Corridor) and Tethys.
57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction of Annealed Highly Metamict Perrierite: Activation Energy and Recrystallization Processes
Authors: Malczewski Dariusz , Grabias Agnieszka , Dziurowicz Maria , Krzykawski Tomasz
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the results of 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis of highly metamict perrierite (REE,Ca,Th)4(Fe2+,Mg)2(Ti,Fe3+)3Si4O22 after annealing in argon from 673 to 1273 K for one hour. Radioactive elements in metamict minerals damage crystal structure on geologic time scales primarily due to recoil nuclei from α-decay of 238U, 232Th, 235U, and their daughter products. Metamict minerals are widely used in geochronology and can serve as natural analogs for the study of radiation effects in high-level nuclear waste. Analyses were performed on fragments of a perrierite sample collected from granitoids near Amherst, Virginia (USA). Electron microprobe and gamma-ray spectrometry recorded Fe concentrations of 4.7 wt.% and Th and U concentrations of 0.64 and 0.06 wt.%, respectively. The calculated total absorbed α-dose was 7.8 × 1015 α-decay mg−1. The Mössbauer spectrum of the untreated sample can be fitted to two Fe2+ and two Fe3+ doublets in octahedral coordination with a relative ΣFe2+/ΣFe of 0.63. For samples annealed at 1173 K and 1273 K, spectra show a decrease in the total contribution of Fe2+ to 0.58 due to dehydroxylation associated with the simultaneous oxidation of post-metamict Fe2+ to Fe3+. In the examined perrierite, Fe2+ occurs in structural positions B and C(1). The broad, predominant Fe3+ doublet observed in the spectrum of the unannealed sample splits into two components at 973 K interpreted to represented positions C(1) and C(2) in the perrierite structure. The Mössbauer spectra show a prominent decrease in the width of the high-energy absorption peak representing Fe2+ components with increasing temperature. The variation in the width of this peak versus the annealing temperature seems to be an indicator of thermally induced recrystallization. Based on the exponential dependence of the derivative function of the parameter with the inverse temperature and using an Arrhenius plot, an activation energy (EA) of 0.73 eV was determined for thermally-induced recrystallization. Corresponding XRD data show progressive recrystallization with increasing annealing temperature. The XRD pattern of the fragment annealed at 1273 K indicates that highly metamict perrierite recrystallized to the pre-metamict state that can be indexed to the C2/m space group.
The Enhanced Performance of Neuromorphic Computing Hardware in an ITO/ZnO/HfOx/W Bilayer-Structured Memory Device
Authors: Noh Minseo , Ju Dongyeol , Cho Seongjae , Kim Sungjun
Published: October 2023

This study discusses the potential application of ITO/ZnO/HfOx/W bilayer-structured memory devices in neuromorphic systems. These devices exhibit uniform resistive switching characteristics and demonstrate favorable endurance (>102) and stable retention (>104 s). Notably, the formation and rupture of filaments at the interface of ZnO and HfOx contribute to a higher ON/OFF ratio and improve cycle uniformity compared to RRAM devices without the HfOx layer. Additionally, the linearity of potentiation and depression responses validates their applicability in neural network pattern recognition, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) behavior is observed. These findings collectively suggest that the ITO/ZnO/HfOx/W structure holds the potential to be a viable memory component for integration into neuromorphic systems.
Ecotoxicity Assessment of Graphene Oxides Using Test Organisms from Three Hierarchical Trophic Levels to Evaluate Their Potential Environmental Risk
Authors: Németh Imre , László Krisztina , Bulátkó Anna , Vaszita Emese , Molnár Mónika
Published: October 2023

After more than a decade of studying the ecotoxicity of graphene oxide nanomaterials (nGOs), it has been concluded that there is limited information available regarding the environmental risk of graphene-based materials. Since existing ecotoxicological studies of nanomaterials have produced contradictory results, it is recommended that case-by-case studies should be conducted to evaluate their effects. This can be carried out by employing several methods, testing species from different trophic levels, and conducting community studies. Our goal was to evaluate the toxicity effects of two GOs (AF 96/97 and PM 995) derived from different graphite precursors on various test organisms from diverse trophic levels (bacteria, protozoa, a freshwater microbial community, plants, and invertebrate animals) in aquatic environments. We compared the effects of both nGO types and estimated the predicted no-effect environmental concentration (PNEC) values to determine their potential environmental risk. Our findings demonstrated the need for a complex ecotoxicity toolkit since the ecotoxicity results varied based on the test organism, the selected endpoints, and the test method used. Additionally, we found that toxicity effects were dependent on the concentration and characteristics of the specific nGO type used, as well as the exposure time. We estimated the PNEC values for GO AF 96/97 and GO PM 995 in the aquatic compartment to be 8 ng/L and 4 ng/L, respectively. Even after applying the worst-case scenario approach, the tested nGOs pose no environmental risk.
Auxiliary Diagnostic Signal for Deep-Level Detection
Authors: Ahn Il-Ho , Lee Dong Jin , Kim Deuk Young
Published: October 2023

We propose and demonstrate that temperature-dependent curve-fitting error values of the Schottky diode I–V curve in the forward regime can be an auxiliary diagnostic signal as the temperature-scan Capacitance DLTS (CDLTS) signals and helps to work time-efficiently with high accuracy when using the Laplace Transform (LT)–DLTS or Isothermal Capacitance transient spectroscopy (ICTS) method. Using Be-doped GaAs showing overlapping DLTS signals, we verify that the LT–DLTS or ICTS analysis within a specific temperature range around the characteristic temperature Tpeak coincides well with the results of the CDLTS and Fourier Transform DLTS performed within the whole temperature range. In particular, we found that the LT–DLTS signals appeared intensively around Tpeak, and we confirmed it with the ICTS result. The occurrence of the curve fitting error signal is attributed to the relatively increased misfit error by the increased thermal emission from the deep-level trap in the case near the Tpeak, because the applied transport model excludes defect characteristics.
Luminescent Behavior of Sb3+-Activated Luminescent Metal Halide
Authors: Huang Tao , Zou Bingsuo
Published: October 2023

Metal halide perovskites have unparalleled optoelectronic properties and broad application potential and are expected to become the next epoch-making optoelectronic semiconductors. Although remarkable achievements have been achieved with lead halide perovskites, the toxicity of lead inhibits the development of such materials. Recently, Sb3+-activated luminescent metal halide perovskite materials with low toxicity, high efficiency, broadband, large Stokes shift, and emission wavelengths covering the entire visible and near-infrared regions have been considered one of the most likely luminescent materials to replace lead halide perovskites. This review reviews the synthesis, luminescence mechanism, structure, and luminescence properties of the compounds. The basic luminescence properties of Sb3+-activated luminescent metal halide perovskites and their applications in WLED, electroluminescence LED, temperature sensing, optical anti-counterfeiting, and X-ray scintillators are introduced. Finally, the development prospects and challenges of Sb3+-activated luminescent metal halide perovskites are discussed.
Integrated Logic Circuits Based on Wafer-Scale 2D-MoS2 FETs Using Buried-Gate Structures
Authors: Lee Ju-Ah , Yoon Jongwon , Hwang Seungkwon , Hwang Hyunsang , Kwon Jung-Dae , Lee Seung-Ki , Kim Yonghun
Published: October 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), stand out due to their atomically thin layered structure and exceptional electrical properties. Consequently, they could potentially become one of the main materials for future integrated high-performance logic circuits. However, the local back-gate-based MoS2 transistors on a silicon substrate can lead to the degradation of electrical characteristics. This degradation is caused by the abnormal effect of gate sidewalls, leading to non-uniform field controllability. Therefore, the buried-gate-based MoS2 transistors where the gate electrodes are embedded into the silicon substrate are fabricated. The several device parameters such as field-effect mobility, on/off current ratio, and breakdown voltage of gate dielectric are dramatically enhanced by field-effect mobility (from 0.166 to 1.08 cm2/V·s), on/off current ratio (from 4.90 × 105 to 1.52 × 107), and breakdown voltage (from 15.73 to 27.48 V) compared with a local back-gate-based MoS2 transistor, respectively. Integrated logic circuits, including inverters, NAND, NOR, AND, and OR gates, were successfully fabricated by 2-inch wafer-scale through the integration of a buried-gate MoS2 transistor array.
Medical Imaging Technology for Micro/Nanorobots
Authors: Liu Xuejia , Jing Yizhan , Xu Chengxin , Wang Xiaoxiao , Xie Xiaopeng , Zhu Yanhe , Dai Lizhou , Wang Haocheng , Wang Lin , Yu Shimin
Published: October 2023

Due to their enormous potential to be navigated through complex biological media or narrow capillaries, microrobots have demonstrated their potential in a variety of biomedical applications, such as assisted fertilization, targeted drug delivery, tissue repair, and regeneration. Numerous initial studies have been conducted to demonstrate the biomedical applications in test tubes and in vitro environments. Microrobots can reach human areas that are difficult to reach by existing medical devices through precise navigation. Medical imaging technology is essential for locating and tracking this small treatment machine for evaluation. This article discusses the progress of imaging in tracking the imaging of micro and nano robots in vivo and analyzes the current status of imaging technology for microrobots. The working principle and imaging parameters (temporal resolution, spatial resolution, and penetration depth) of each imaging technology are discussed in depth.
Comment on Pashchanka, M. Conceptual Progress for Explaining and Predicting Self-Organization on Anodized Aluminum Surfaces. Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 2271
Authors: Heinschke Silvio , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: October 2023

In the review article “Conceptual Progress for Explaining and Predicting Self-Organization on Anodized Aluminum Surfaces” [...]
Editorial for the Special Issue “Nanomaterials Ecotoxicity Evaluation”
Authors: Zhu Xiaoshan , Zhao Jian
Published: October 2023

Nanotechnology has made enormous progress over the last few decades, and the current use of nanomaterials is rapidly increasing [...]
Influence of Different Carrier Gases, Temperature, and Partial Pressure on Growth Dynamics of Ge and Si Nanowires
Authors: Forrer Nicolas , Nigro Arianna , Gadea Gerard , Zardo Ilaria
Published: October 2023

The broad and fascinating properties of nanowires and their synthesis have attracted great attention as building blocks for functional devices at the nanoscale. Silicon and germanium are highly interesting materials due to their compatibility with standard CMOS technology. Their combination provides optimal templates for quantum applications, for which nanowires need to be of high quality, with carefully designed dimensions, crystal phase, and orientation. In this work, we present a detailed study on the growth kinetics of silicon (length 0.1–1 μm, diameter 10–60 nm) and germanium (length 0.06–1 μm, diameter 10–500 nm) nanowires grown by chemical vapor deposition applying the vapour–liquid–solid growth method catalysed by gold. The effects of temperature, partial pressure of the precursor gas, and different carrier gases are analysed via scanning electron microscopy. Argon as carrier gas enhances the growth rate at higher temperatures (120 nm/min for Ar and 48 nm/min H2), while hydrogen enhances it at lower temperatures (35 nm/min for H2 and 22 nm/min for Ar) due to lower heat capacity. Both materials exhibit two growth regimes as a function of the temperature. The tapering rate is about ten times lower for silicon nanowires than for germanium ones. Finally, we identify the optimal conditions for nucleation in the nanowire growth process.
The Enhancement of Acylcarnitine Metabolism by 5-Heptadecylresorcinol in Brown Adipose Tissue Contributes to Improving Glucose and Lipid Levels in Aging Male Mice
Authors: Zhang Kuiliang , Jiang Lei , Xue Lamei , Wang Yu , Sun Yujie , Fan Mingcong , Qian Haifeng , Wang Li , Li Yan
Published: October 2023

5-Heptadecylresorcinol (AR-C17), a primary biomarker of whole grain (WG) consumption, has been demonstrated to improve the thermogenic activity of aging mice. However, the intricate regulatory mechanism is not fully understood. This study conducted metabolomics analysis on young and aging mice with or without AR-C17 administration after cold exposure. The results showed that the aging mice displayed lower levels of acylcarnitine (ACar) in their plasma compared with the young mice during cold exposure, and 150 mg/kg/day of AR-C17 administration for 8 weeks could increase the plasma ACar levels of aging mice. ACar has been reported to be an essential metabolic fuel for the thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue (BAT). AR-C17 had similar effects on the ACar levels in the BAT as on the plasma of the aging mice during cold exposure. Furthermore, the aging mice had reduced ACar metabolism in the BAT, and AR-C17 could improve the ACar metabolism in the BAT of aging mice, thereby promoting the metabolic utilization of ACar by BAT. Moreover, the glucose and lipid levels of aging mice could be improved by AR-C17. This study revealed a deeper metabolic mechanism involved in the AR-C17-mediated thermogenic regulation of BAT, providing a new theoretical basis for the nutrition and health benefits of WG.
The Relationship between Cadmium Exposure and Mortality in Postmenopausal Females: A Cohort Study of 2001–2018 NHANES
Authors: Shi Jia-Wei , Fan Deng-Xuan , Li Ming-Qing
Published: October 2023

Cadmium is one of the most harmful elements to human health, and the health of postmenopausal females is an important public health issue. However, the correlation between exposure to cadmium and the survival status of postmenopausal women is currently not fully clear. This research intended to explore the correlation between cadmium exposure and mortality among postmenopausal females using a representative sample of the population in the U.S. We drew upon the data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2018). Cox’s proportional hazards models and a restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) model were utilized to analyze the correlation between blood and urine cadmium and the mortality of postmenopausal women. Stratified analyses also were conducted to identify the highest risk factor of mortality for the participants. The mean concentration of blood cadmium was 0.59 μg/L, and the mean concentration of urine cadmium was 0.73 μg/g creatinine. Higher cadmium concentrations in blood and urine were significantly related to an increase in all-cause mortality for postmenopausal females after adjustment for multivariate covariates. Furthermore, there was a linear positive correlation between urine cadmium concentrations and cancer mortality, while there was no correlation between blood cadmium and cancer death. The correlation between cadmium concentrations and all-cause mortality is stronger in older, more overweight women with a history of hypertension or smoking. We propose that cadmium remains an important risk factor of all-cause and cancer mortality among postmenopausal females in the U.S. Further decreases in cadmium exposure in the population can promote the health of postmenopausal women and prolong their lifespan.
Dietary Assessment for Weight Management and Health Maintenance
Authors: Reche-García Cristina , Hernández Morante Juan José , Morillas-Ruiz Juana M.
Published: October 2023

An adequate dietary assessment is essential for improving the eating habits of the population and preventing health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases [...]
Simultaneous Quantification of Seven Antifungal Agents in Human Serum Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Wenjing , Li Yang , Cai Junlong , Wang Yue , Liu Yanan , Hu Hankun , Liu Liang
Published: October 2023

Systemic antifungal agents are essential for high-risk patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or cancer chemotherapy because of the rapid increase in opportunistic fungal infections. Therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial to ensuring the efficacy and safety of antifungal agents owing to their pharmacokinetic variability. In the present study, we developed and validated a quantitative method for the simultaneous detection of seven commonly used antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, isavuconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Methanol (containing 0.1% formic acid) was used for protein precipitation and only 50 μL of serum was required for the analysis. Chromatographic separation was conducted using a Waters Acquity UPLC C8 column, and one stable isotope-labeled agent and two analogs were used as internal standards. The calibration curves ranged from 0.1 to 50 μg/mL for all agents, and the correlation coefficient (R2) for all calibration curves was above 0.9835. The intra-day precision (1.2–11.2%), inter-day precision (2.4–13.2%), and mean bias values (−10.9 to 13.6%) were within an acceptable range of ±15%. Successful implementation of the developed method in clinical practice would facilitate the effective monitoring of these antifungal agents.
Exploiting Pharma 4.0 Technologies in the Non-Biological Complex Drugs Manufacturing: Innovations and Implications
Authors: Malheiro Vera , Duarte Joana , Veiga Francisco , Mascarenhas-Melo Filipa
Published: October 2023

The pharmaceutical industry has entered an era of transformation with the emergence of Pharma 4.0, which leverages cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing processes. These hold tremendous potential for enhancing the overall efficiency, safety, and quality of non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs), a category of pharmaceutical products that pose unique challenges due to their intricate composition and complex manufacturing requirements. This review attempts to provide insight into the application of select Pharma 4.0 technologies, namely machine learning, in silico modeling, and 3D printing, in the manufacturing process of NBCDs. Specifically, it reviews the impact of these tools on NBCDs such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, glatiramer acetate, iron carbohydrate complexes, and nanocrystals. It also addresses regulatory challenges associated with the implementation of these technologies and presents potential future perspectives, highlighting the incorporation of digital twins in this field of research as it seems to be a very promising approach, namely for the optimization of NBCDs manufacturing processes.
Preparation and Microscopic Mechanical Characterization of L-Methionine-Based Polyphosphazene Fibrous Mats for Vascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wang Meng , Mequanint Kibret
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility of poly[(α-amino acid ester) phosphazene] electrospun fibers based on the ethyl ester of L-methionine (PαAPz-M), a material with potential applications in tissue engineering. We utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) to evaluate the fiber mechanical characteristics and calculate its Young’s modulus, revealing it to closely mimic the stiffness of a natural extracellular matrix (ECM). We also studied the degradation behavior of PαAPz-M scaffolds over 21 days, showing that they maintain the highly porous structure required for tissue engineering. Further evaluation of mesenchymal multipotent 10T1/2 cell and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) behavior on the scaffolds demonstrated significant cell viability, proliferation, and successful MSC differentiation into smooth muscle cells. Expression of collagen and elastin by MSCs on the fiber mats highlighted potential ECM formation during scaffold degradation, confirming PαAPz-M as a promising material for vascular tissue engineering.
Sensing Forests Directly: The Power of Permanent Plots
Authors: Phillips Oliver L.
Published: October 2023

The need to measure, monitor, and understand our living planet is greater than ever. Yet, while many technologies are applied to tackle this need, one developed in the 19th century is transforming tropical ecology. Permanent plots, in which forests are directly sensed tree-by-tree and species-by-species, already provide a global public good. They could make greater contributions still by unlocking our potential to understand future ecological change, as the more that computational and remote technologies are deployed the greater the need to ground them with direct observations and the physical, nature-based skills of those who make them. To achieve this requires building profound connections with forests and disadvantaged communities and sustaining these over time. Many of the greatest needs and opportunities in tropical forest science are therefore not to be found in space or in silico, but in vivo, with the people, places and plots who experience nature directly. These are fundamental to understanding the health, predicting the future, and exploring the potential of Earth’s richest ecosystems. Now is the time to invest in the tropical field research communities who make so much possible.
Radial Oxygen Loss from the Roots of Mangrove Seedlings Enhances the Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Mai Zhimao , Wang Hui , Wang Youshao , Chen Qiqi , Lyu Lina , Wei Xing , Zhou Weiwen , Cheng Hao
Published: October 2023

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil poses a significant global environmental concern, particularly in coastal wetlands. Mangrove ecosystems exhibit enormous potential in environmental purification; however, the underlying mechanisms involved in the degradation of pollutants (e.g., PAHs) remain ambiguous. In the present investigation, a soil pot experiment was conducted with the addition of pyrene to evaluate the effect of radial oxygen loss (ROL) from roots on PAH degradation using three mangrove seedlings (Rhizophora stylosa, Aegiceras corniculatum, and Avicennia marina). The results showed that mangrove plantation can significantly promote the efficiency of pyrene removal. As for the three mangrove species studied, the greatest removal rate (90.75%) was observed in the soils associated with A. marina, followed by A. corniculatum (83.83%) and R. stylosa (77.15%). The higher PAH removal efficiency of A. marina can be partially attributed to its distinctive root anatomical structure, characterized by a thin exodermis and high porosity, which facilitates ROL from the roots. The results from qPCR further demonstrate that ROL is beneficial for promoting the abundance of PAH-ring hydroxylating dioxygenase gene, leading to a higher removal efficiency. Additionally, Rhizobiales, Defferrisomatales, and Ardenticatenales may also play important roles in the process of pyrene degradation. In summary, this study provides evidence for elucidating the mechanism of PAH removal from the perspective of ROL, thereby contributing valuable insights for species selection during mangrove restoration and remediation.