3D Sheet Research Articles

Non-simultaneous impact of droplet pairs on solid surfaces

This study delves into the dynamics of non-simultaneous droplet impacts on solid substrates, focusing on interactions between identical impacting droplets. Comparisons between non-simultaneous and simultaneous impacts are presented to understand the phenomena comprehensively. An in-house-built microcontroller-based droplet generator releases two equal-sized droplets on demand, allowing for simultaneous or non-simultaneous impacts. The interaction between impacting droplets generates an uprising sheet, whose characteristics vary with time lag between impacts, impact Weber number, and inter-droplet spacing. The evolution of central sheet characteristics, lamellae spreading dynamics, splashing mechanism, and secondary atomization is evaluated. Findings reveal that central sheet morphology varies with the time lag between impacts, transitioning from a two-dimensional (2D) “semilunar” sheet (vertical or inclined) with a linear base to a three-dimensional (3D) sheet with a curved base, increasing the probability of secondary atomization. The temporal evolution of the central sheet position, height, and inclination angle is governed by the momentum of spreading lamellae. A novel scaling law for maximum sheet extension and a theoretical expression for surface liquid spread are proposed, consistent with the measurements. The characteristics of secondary droplets generated during non-simultaneous impacts are similar to those from simultaneous impacts, with the size of the secondary droplets being one order of magnitude larger than those expected from isolated single-droplet impacts.

Polymer-Supported Graphene Sheet as a Vertically Conductive Anode of Lithium-Ion Battery.

The increasing demand for electric vehicles necessitates the development of cost-effective, mass-producible, long-lasting, and highly conductive batteries. Making this kind of battery is exceedingly tricky. This study introduces an innovative fabrication technique utilizing a laser-induced graphene (LIG) approach on commercial Kapton film to create hexagonal pores. These pores form vertical conduction paths for electron and ion transportation during lithiation and delithiation, significantly enhancing conductivity. The nongraphitized portion of the Kapton film makes it a binder-less, free-standing electrode, providing mechanical stability. Various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are utilized to confirm the transformation of a 3D porous graphene sheet from a commercial Kapton film. Cross-sectional SEM images verify the vertical connections. The specific capacity of 581 mAh g-1 is maintained until the end, with 99% coulombic efficiency at 0.1C. This simple manufacturing method paves the pathway for future LIG-based, cost-effective, lightweight, mass-producible, long-lasting, vertically conductive electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Mathematical Simulation for MHD Casson Convective Nanofluid Flow Induced by 3D Permeable Sheet with Chemical Effect

Objectives: Current manuscript focuses on examination of chemical reaction and heat generation impacts on 3D MHD non-Newtonian nanofluid flow with convective boundary conditions induced by permeable sheet. Additionally, Brownian motion, non-Newtonian heating and thermophoretic processes as used for this study. Methods: A computational programme, MATLAB has been used for solving the system of O.D.Es with the help of ODE45 solver. The Runge Kutta Fehlberg approach is implemented to calculate the answer to the expression for temperature, velocity, and nanoparticle concentration after the shooting process. Findings: For a variety of fluid parameters, the temperature, concentration of nanoparticles, and dimensionless velocities are shown and examined, including permeability parameter , magnetic , stretching ratio parameter , Lewis number , Brownian motion and Prandtl number , thermal Biot number , Casson fluid parameter , chemical reaction parameter . The temperature is found to increase with an enhance in the thermal Biot number and to reduce with a greater Prandtl number and stretching ratio parameter. Novelty: Although the immense significance and frequent use of nanofluids in industries and technology, no effort has been made to explore the chemical influence on MHD Casson fluid flow using a three-dimensional permeable sheet. Through similarity transformations, the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg technique converts mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations into ODEs and incorporates boundary conditions. Skin friction and the heat transmission rate past an extending surface, which have an impact on technology and production, can be predicted using the results of this study. Keywords: Chemical reaction, Buongiorno's model, Nanofluid, Biot numbers, 3D permeable sheet

Three-Dimensional Graphene Sheet-Carbon Veil Thermoelectric Composite with Microinterfaces for Energy Applications.

Over the years, various processing techniques have been explored to synthesize three-dimensional graphene (3DG) composites with tunable properties for advanced applications. In this work, we have demonstrated a new procedure to join a 3D graphene sheet (3DGS) synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with a commercially available carbon veil (CV) via cold rolling to create 3DGS-CV composites. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrical resistance, tensile strength, and Seebeck coefficient measurements were performed to understand various properties of the 3DGS-CV composite. Extrusion of 3DGS into the pores of CV with multiple microinterfaces between 3DGS and the graphitic fibers of CV was observed, which was facilitated by cold rolling. The extruded 3D graphene revealed pristine-like behavior with no change in the shape of the Raman 2D peak and Seebeck coefficient. Thermoelectric (TE) power generation and photothermoelectric responses have been demonstrated with in-plane TE devices of various designs made of p-type 3DGS and n-type CV couples yielding a Seebeck coefficient of 32.5 μV K-1. Unlike various TE materials, 3DGS, CV, and the 3DGS-CV composite were very stable at high relative humidity. The 3DGS-CV composite revealed a thin, flexible profile, good moisture and thermal stability, and scalability for fabrication. These qualities allowed it to be successfully tested for temperature monitoring of a Li-ion battery during charging cycles and for large-area temperature mapping.

A user-friendly toolkit to select and design multi-purpose grippers for modular robotic systems

Robotic grasping is a billion-dollar industry with significant growth potential for the next decade. Unsurprisingly, technology providers and integrators are increasingly assisting in optimising production efficiency by implementing industrial robots and the necessary end-effectors into production lines. However, still too often in today’s robotic applications, dedicated grippers are designed to perform single tasks therewith adversely increasing cycle times and robot cell spaces due to constantly switching grippers from a tool magazine. In order to reduce handling costs and to cope with mass customisation, versatile grasping of various objects with multi-purpose grippers is key in evolving to modular assembly systems.Nowadays, thoughtful selection and design of robotic grippers is still mainly restricted to expert knowledge due its ad hoc and multi-objective nature. However, gripper selection and design should be tailored to the properties of the objects to be grasped, and the tasks to be executed. As a result, current solutions often end up being partly appropriate and/or over-dimensioned. The use of software tools to support this complex decision-making process is needed but limited so far.This paper presents a user-friendly toolkit that assists in selecting appropriate robotic grippers for grasping pre-specified ranges of objects. For this, a web API has been established for accessing the available gripper database and selection methodology. Additionally, this toolkit assists in designing multi-functional jaws for impactive grippers, and lay-outing individually positioned astrictive grippers. The underlying optimiser will try to find the most ideal grasping points on each object in accordance with quality metrics and constraints, and this for each of the selected grippers. To demonstrate the functionality of the presented toolkit, two case studies on impactive and astrictive gripper designs have been worked out involving 3D mechatronic and 2D sheet metal parts.

Optimization of a Three-Dimensional Culturing Method for Assessing the Impact of Cisplatin on Notch Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC).

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer type, with cisplatin being a primary treatment approach. However, drug resistance and therapy failure pose a significant challenge, affecting nearly 50% of patients over time. This research had two aims: (1) to optimize a 3D cell-culture method for assessing the interplay between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in vitro; and (2) to study how cisplatin impacts the Notch pathway, particularly considering the role of CAFs. Using our optimized "3D sheet model" approach, we tested two HNSCC cell lines with different cisplatin sensitivities and moderate, non-mutated NOTCH1 and -3 expressions. Combining cisplatin with a γ-secretase inhibitor (crenigacestat) increased sensitivity and induced cell death in the less sensitive cell line, while cisplatin alone was more effective in the moderately sensitive line and sensitivity decreased with the Notch inhibitor. Cisplatin boosted the expression of core Notch signaling proteins in 3D monocultures of both lines, which was counteracted by crenigacestat. In contrast, the presence of patient-derived CAFs mitigated effects and protected both cell lines from cisplatin toxicity. Elevated NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 protein levels were consistently correlated with reduced cisplatin sensitivity and increased cell survival. Additionally, the Notch ligand JAG2 had additional, protective effects reducing cell death from cisplatin exposure. In summary, we observed an inverse relationship between NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 levels and cisplatin responsiveness, overall protective effects by CAFs, and a potential link between JAG2 expression with tumor cell survival.

Plasmoid-mediated reconnection during nonlinear peeling–ballooning edge-localized modes

Plasmoid-mediated reconnection is investigated for nonlinear peeling–ballooning edge-localized modes (P-B ELMs). The formation of current sheets and the transition to 3D current sheet instability is demonstrated through fully nonlinear resistive MHD simulations of P-B ELMs in DIII-D discharges. Large-scale axisymmetric current sheets, as well as small-scale poloidally extended current sheets, are formed as the coherent P-B ELM filaments nonlinearly evolve. It is observed that, at high Lundquist numbers, these current sheets break during a reconnection burst, i.e. a secondary exponential growth of intermediate modes followed by relaxation due to the suppression of P-B drive.

Manufacturing energy and environmental evaluation of metallic sheets reshaping based on theoretical models and cradle-to-gate assessment

Origami sheet metal folding (OSM) is a cutting-edge method for forming a 3D sheet metal product employing a series of folding procedures from a 2-D flat metal sheet rather than using the conventional stamping process. OSM eliminates the need for presses and considerable energy usage during manufacturing by solely using a sequence of bends to shape the necessary geometry. OSM has the potential to supplant the current stamping method and be a disruptive fabrication process for metal manufacturing. Despite OSM's potential, there is not enough analysis to assess the OSM approach in terms of its energy efficiency and emission. Therefore, the added value of this study is to highlight the application of OSM in sheet metal folding and present the key distinctions between this method and stamping in the various production phases, including primary production, processing, manufacturing, and assembly. In order to assess the applicability of this approach and its merits compared to the conventional methods, an extensive analysis of its environmental impacts (energy consumption and CO2 emission) using theoretical models and the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was also carried out. A case study was presented for analyzing a floor panel of the vehicle with the derived theoretical model and LCA inventory data. The theoretical model for manufacturing energy of OSM was adopted from mathematical models for the CO2 laser cutting process to estimate the energy for laser cutting. Alternatively, the model considered a mathematical approximation developed for coated sheet steel to estimate the total energy consumed for OSM. Finite element analysis (FEA) was also used to generate a more precise energy estimate using a vehicle floor panel as a case study. The highlighted environmental impacts of OSM, including energy consumption and carbon emission, were finally compared to stamping. The results of the investigation revealed that the primary distinction between OSM and stamping methods is at the manufacturing phase. The use of the OSM approach significantly reduced energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions during the production of metal-based components by ∼94% and ∼92%, respectively. It can be concluded that OSM saves significant energy and produces fewer emissions than the stamping process and can be a potential candidate for sheet metal folding.

#5842 ULTRASOUND AND 3D IMAGING CHARACTERISATION OF A RAT MODEL OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract Background and Aims Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a congenital fibrocystic disorder where cysts are primarily forming within the kidneys causing enlargement, loss of kidney function and resulting in chronic kidney disease for which there is no curative treatment. Consequently, PKD is classified as a medical condition with high unmet therapeutic need. Animal models with improved clinical translatability can optimally inform about potential clinical efficacy of novel drug candidates for PKD. The polycystic kidney (PCK) rat is an established genetic model of PKD with natural history and renal histologic abnormalities that resemble the human disease. Gubra has established a PCK rat breeding program to enable fast turnaround time of preclinical drug discovery studies for PKD. In this study, we have characterised disease progression in the PCK rat to aid in designing future pharmacological intervention studies. Method Male PCK (PCK/CrljCrl-Pkhd1pck/Crl) and control (CRL:CD(SD)) rats (Charles River) were randomised into groups based on body weight at the age of 10 weeks. At the age of 17 and 25 weeks, rats underwent ultrasound assessment of kidney volume, urine collection for quantification of albuminuria, and plasma sampling for analysis of urea and creatinine levels. At termination, whole kidneys were harvested and total kidney volume, cyst number and cyst volume were analysed using quantitative 3D light sheet imaging. Results Compared to age-matched control rats, PCK rats displayed marked albuminuria which was significantly increased at week 25 of age. Whereas plasma urea was progressively increased at both time points, plasma creatinine increased at week 25. Ultrasound measurements revealed that total kidney volume progressive increased compared to control rats. 3D Light sheet imaging enabled whole-kidney counting of cysts and quantification of cyst volume as wells as the total kidney volume that closely correlated to kidney ultrasound results. Conclusion The PCK rats displays histological hallmarks of PKD, characterized by age-dependent progressive increases in biomarkers of kidney injury, kidney hypertrophy and cyst formation. In vivo ultrasound and ex vivo quantitative whole-kidney 3D light sheet imaging is highly instrumental for detailed assessment of progressive disease in the PCK rat. The renal histopathological markers may serve as key histological endpoints for assessment of therapeutic effects of preclinical drug candidates in this translational rat model of PKD.

Accounting in digital business security: a transformational approach

Introduction. The article examines the features of accounting and reporting for digital assurance of business efficiency based on a modern approach. It has been proven that the goal of digitization is achieved under the conditions of digital transformation of existing and creation of new sectors of the economy, as well as restructuring of spheres of life into new, more efficient and modern ones. Accordingly, the reconstruction of the national economy and the development of innovative infrastructure require an appropriate level of capital investments, these can be both external and internal investments in the investment-attractive innovative infrastructure of the economy. The investment attraction process is preceded by the stage of presenting generalized accounting information about the prospects for changes in the business's economic potential, both for the short-term and the long-term perspective in a reporting format that cannot be provided by traditional public financial reporting. However, such information content contains n-dimensional actuarial reporting, which serves as the basis of value-oriented management and draws its content from the actuarial accounting system. The peculiarities of drawing up a 3D Balance Sheet (Statement of Financial Status) and a 3D Statement of Financial Results (Report on Total Income) based on business operations without drawing up accounting records are outlined. It has been proven that the traditional accounting paradigm has long since acquired a digital format of generalization of information through the prism of modern information technologies, then a new innovative step for its development in the context of mass digitization and the digital economy should be an innovative N-dimensional 5D interpretation of the spatial representation of generalized accounting information, which is expedient digital visa in the environment of Ukrainian software products "Master: Accounting", "Dilovod" or "ISpro". The purpose of the article is to investigate the specifics of the theoretical, methodological and practical principles of actuarial accounting for the information provision of real and potential investors, as well as other capital providers, through the prism of actuarial reporting, which eliminates agency contradictions between business owners (shareholders) and top management managers, which will contribute to the effective reconstruction of Ukraine's economy. The main research hypothesis is related to the assumption that actuarial accounting is able to provide interested parties with the most complete, systematic, verified and adequate to their requests Method (methodology). Includes general scientific methods - elements of the theory of logic; methods of theoretical generalization and abstract science; methods of comparison and grouping; classification method. The results. As a result of the conducted research, elements of scientific novelty were obtained, which are as follows: it is proposed to actively introduce an innovative type of accounting - actuarial, in the format of an n-dimensional actuarial accounting paradigm for domestic economic entities in the conditions of the digital economy. Which in terms of content meets the requirements of real and potential investors. The course, within the framework of such a strategy of successful post-war reconstruction and strategic business development, will contribute not only to an active movement in the direction of digitalization of society, but will also ensure an innovative transformation of the accounting system. Therefore, the practical significance of the conducted research lies in the development of recommendations for filling out financial statements, bypassing the stage of drawing up accounting records at domestic enterprises, which will contribute to the prompt and objective assessment of the impact of each business operation on changes in the structure of the Balance Sheet (Statement of Financial Position) and the Report on Financial results (Report on total income) in the actuarial accounting system.

Finite element analysis of heat assisted incremental sheet forming process

ABSTRACT Incremental sheet forming is a flexible method to produce 3D sculptured sheet metal parts without expensive and dedicated tools. The present work studies the behaviour of sheets with low ductility undergoing forming under warm conditions. The material selected is Ti6Al4 V titanium alloy which is very hard to deform at room temperature. The temperature of around 500 - 700°C, i.e. below the recrystallisation temperature, is provided to the sheet. In this numerical simulation, a predefined temperature of 500°C is provided initially to the sheet in the predefined field using ABAQUS® software to carry out the test runs. With the increase in temperature, the ductility of the material increases, and the sheet becomes easy to form. The analysis is carried out at a temperature range of 500 - 700°C with different process parameters, viz. step depth, wall angle, and constant tool diameter. Von-Mises stresses, forming depth, and thickness distribution at various input process parameters were studied in the present work. The results obtained show that the fracture depth and thickness distribution increase with a decrease in the mesh size and step depth, whereas they decrease with the decrease in the temperature and increase in the wall angle.

Acid sphingomyelinase deactivation post-ischemia promotes brain angiogenesis and remodeling by small extracellular vesicles

Antidepressants have been reported to enhance stroke recovery independent of the presence of depressive symptoms. They have recently been proposed to exert their mood-stabilizing actions by inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide. Their restorative action post-ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) still had to be defined. Mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion or cerebral microvascular endothelial cells exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation were treated with vehicle or with the chemically and pharmacologically distinct antidepressants amitriptyline, fluoxetine or desipramine. Brain ASM activity significantly increased post-I/R, in line with elevated ceramide levels in microvessels. ASM inhibition by amitriptyline reduced ceramide levels, and increased microvascular length and branching point density in wildtype, but not sphingomyelinase phosphodiesterase-1 ([Smpd1]−/−) (i.e., ASM-deficient) mice, as assessed by 3D light sheet microscopy. In cell culture, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and desipramine increased endothelial tube formation, migration, VEGFR2 abundance and VEGF release. This effect was abolished by Smpd1 knockdown. Mechanistically, the promotion of angiogenesis by ASM inhibitors was mediated by small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released from endothelial cells, which exhibited enhanced uptake in target cells. Proteomic analysis of sEVs revealed that ASM deactivation differentially regulated proteins implicated in protein export, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix interaction. In vivo, the increased angiogenesis was accompanied by a profound brain remodeling response with increased blood–brain barrier integrity, reduced leukocyte infiltrates and increased neuronal survival. Antidepressive drugs potently boost angiogenesis in an ASM-dependent way. The release of sEVs by ASM inhibitors disclosed an elegant target, via which brain remodeling post-I/R can be amplified.

Usability of deep learning pipelines for 3D nuclei identification with Stardist and Cellpose

Segmentation of 3D images to identify cells and their molecular outputs can be difficult and tedious. Machine learning algorithms provide a promising alternative to manual analysis as emerging 3D image processing technology can save considerable time. For those unfamiliar with machine learning or 3D image analysis, the rapid advancement of the field can make navigating the newest software options confusing. In this paper, two open-source machine learning algorithms, Cellpose and Stardist, are compared in their application on a 3D light sheet dataset counting fluorescently stained proliferative cell nuclei. The effects of image tiling and background subtraction are shown through image analysis pipelines for both algorithms. Based on our analysis, the relative ease of use of Cellpose and the absence of need to train a model leaves it a strong option for 3D cell segmentation despite relatively longer processing times. When Cellpose's pretrained model yields results that are not of sufficient quality, or the analysis of a large dataset is required, Stardist may be more appropriate. Despite the time it takes to train the model, Stardist can create a model specialized to the users' dataset that can be iteratively improved until predictions are satisfactory with far lower processing time relative to other methods.

Abstract 3650: Trace'n'Seq: Assessing neuronal infiltration and its impact in pancreatic ductal carcinoma

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive tumor entity with dismal prognosis. PDAC is characterized by an extensive desmoplastic stroma and the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been recognized to play crucial roles in tumor development, therapy resistance, progression and metastasis. Although different cell types of the TME have been molecularly analyzed, tumor-infiltrating neurons could not be considered so far, because their cell bodies are located in adjacent ganglia of the peripheral nervous system and thus they are not part of the tumor mass (Demir, Thiel et al, Nature Cancer 2020; Demir, Thiel et al. Cancer Cell 2020). One of the unique features of PDAC is the strong infiltration by nerve fibers which correlates directly with tumor malignancy. In recent years it has been shown that either neurotransmitters secreted by neurons, or modulators of neuronal infiltration secreted by cancer cells can influence tumor growth. Here we use 3D light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging (LSFM) of full tissue cleared PDAC specimen of tumors growing in genetically engineered mouse models or patient-derived xenograft models. Our data showthat these PDACs are innervated by a complex array of sensory and sympathetic neurons. To molecularly analyse neurons innervating the tumor mass, we have developed a novel approach we termed Trace’n’seq. This combines retrograde axonal tracing and FACS analysis with single cell RNA sequencing with the aim to identify, isolate and analyse hundreds of traced neurons infiltrating tumors or their respective healthy organs. Thereby, we have identified previously undescribed neuronal cell types and provide a landscape of sympathetic and sensory nerves innervating the healthy pancreas as well as PDAC. Our single cell transcriptomic analysis revealed signs of reprogramming of neuronal behaviour orchestrated by the tumor cells. These datasets combined with single cell profiling of PDAC cells and its associated stroma provide a first complete, unbiased insight into neurons infiltrating both healthy pancreas and PDAC. Based on a comprehensive interactome analysis of the interplay between tumor cells, stroma and the neurons, we have identified various candidate genes involved in tumor-nerve signalling. We are currently performing gain-and loss- of function approaches to dissect the role of individual factors. In summary, with Trace'n'seq, we have developed a novel technology pipeline to isolate tissue innervating neurons to investigate the role of neuronal infiltration in the development and progression of PDAC. Citation Format: Vera Thiel, Simon Renders, Jasper Panten, Julian Mochayedi, Rienk Offringa, Martin Sprick, Andreas Trumpp. Trace'n'Seq: Assessing neuronal infiltration and its impact in pancreatic ductal carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3650.

Preparation and Characterization of Electric Double-Layer Capacitors Having a 3D Stainless-Steel Fiber Sheet as the Current Collector.

One strategy to improve the performance of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) is changing the current collector material. In this study, a three-dimensional porous current collector comprising stainless-steel fibers is fabricated using a relatively simple method. Capacitor properties of the EDLC using this unique current collector are characterized by cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge tests. The voltammograms of the EDLC develop a more butterfly shape and an increased specific capacity at higher electrolyte concentrations. It shows reversible charge–discharge potential profiles, little capacity degradation (∼98% of the initial capacity at 1000th cycle), and a good rate performance at higher electrolyte concentrations (90% capacity retention for 2.5 times increase in discharge current). Its capacitance values (95–99 F g–1) are roughly twice the specific capacitance of an EDLC using the flat stainless-steel plate current collector (51 F g–1) without any performance degradation even at a higher loading of electrode active materials. Based on the AC impedance analysis, these good properties are attributed to the reduction in several resistances compared to the case of a flat stainless-steel plate: (i) the contact resistance between the electrode active material and the current collector, (ii) the resistance of the electrolyte in the finely branched space formed by the fibers and the active material, and (iii) the resistance in the diffusion layer. Increasing the electrolyte concentration further reduces the latter two resistances and the bulk electrolyte resistance, resulting in higher performance of the EDLC using the stainless-steel fiber sheet current collector.

Vacuum-Formed 3D Printed Electronics: Fabrication of Thin, Rigid and Free-Form Interactive Surfaces

Vacuum-forming is a common manufacturing technique for constructing thin plastic shell products by pressing heated plastic sheets onto a mold using atmospheric pressure. Vacuum-forming is ubiquitous in packaging and casing products in the industry, spanning fast moving consumer goods to connected devices. Integrating advanced functionality, which may include sensing, computation and communication, within thin structures is desirable for various next-generation interactive devices. Hybrid additive manufacturing techniques like thermoforming are becoming popular for prototyping freeform surfaces owing to their design flexibility, speed and cost-effectiveness. This paper presents a new hybrid method for constructing thin, rigid and free-form interconnected surfaces via fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing and vacuum-forming that builds on recent advances in thermoforming circuits. 3D printing the sheet material allows for the embedding of conductive traces within thin layers of the substrate, which can be vacuum-formed but remain conductive and insulated. This is an unexplored fabrication technique within the context of designing and manufacturing connected things. In addition to explaining the method, this paper characterizes the behavior of vacuum-formed 3D printed sheets, analyses the electrical performance of printed traces after vacuum-forming, and showcases a range of sample artefacts constructed using the technique. In addition, the paper describes a new design interface for designing conformal interconnects that allows designers to draw conductive patterns in 3D and export pre-distorted sheet models ready to be printed.

Edinger-Westphal peptidergic neurons enable maternal preparatory nesting.

SummaryOptimizing reproductive fitness in mammalians requires behavioral adaptations during pregnancy. Maternal preparatory nesting is an essential behavior for the survival of the upcoming litter. Brain-wide immediate early gene mapping in mice evoked by nesting sequences revealed that phases of nest construction strongly activate peptidergic neurons of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus in pregnant mice. Genetic ablation, bidirectional neuromodulation, and in vitro and in vivo activity recordings demonstrated that these neurons are essential to modulate arousal before sleep to promote nesting specifically. We show that these neurons enable the behavioral effects of progesterone on preparatory nesting by modulating a broad network of downstream targets. Our study deciphers the role of midbrain CART+ neurons in behavioral adaptations during pregnancy vital for reproductive fitness.

Kinetic Plasma Turbulence Generated in a 3D Current Sheet With Magnetic Islands

In this article we aim to investigate the kinetic turbulence in a reconnecting current sheet (RCS) with X- and O-nullpoints and to explore its link to the features of accelerated particles. We carry out simulations of magnetic reconnection in a thin current sheet with 3D magnetic field topology affected by tearing instability until the formation of two large magnetic islands using particle-in-cell (PIC) approach. The model utilizes a strong guiding field that leads to the separation of the particles of opposite charges, the generation of a strong polarization electric field across the RCS, and suppression of kink instability in the “out-of-plane” direction. The accelerated particles of the same charge entering an RCS from the opposite edges are shown accelerated to different energies forming the “bump-in-tail” velocity distributions that, in turn, can generate plasma turbulence in different locations. The turbulence-generated waves produced by either electron or proton beams can be identified from the energy spectra of electromagnetic field fluctuations in the phase and frequency domains. From the phase space analysis we gather that the kinetic turbulence may be generated by accelerated particle beams, which are later found to evolve into a phase-space hole indicating the beam breakage. This happens at some distance from the particle entrance into an RCS, e.g. about 7di (ion inertial depth) for the electron beam and 12di for the proton beam. In a wavenumber space the spectral index of the power spectrum of the turbulent magnetic field near the ion inertial length is found to be −2.7 that is consistent with other estimations. The collective turbulence power spectra are consistent with the high-frequency fluctuations of perpendicular electric field, or upper hybrid waves, to occur in a vicinity of X-nullpoints, where the Langmuir (LW) can be generated by accelerated electrons with high growth rates, while further from X-nullponts or on the edges of magnetic islands, where electrons become ejected and start moving across the magnetic field lines, Bernstein waves can be generated. The frequency spectra of high- and low-frequency waves are explored in the kinetic turbulence in the parallel and perpendicular directions to the local magnetic field, showing noticeable lower hybrid turbulence occurring between the electron’s gyro- and plasma frequencies seen also in the wavelet spectra. Fluctuation of the perpendicular electric field component of turbulence can be consistent with the oblique whistler waves generated on the ambient density fluctuations by intense electron beams. This study brings attention to a key role of particle acceleration in generation kinetic turbulence inside current sheets.

Ga doped Ni3S2 ultrathin nanosheet arrays supported on Ti3C2-MXene/Ni foam: An efficient and stable 3D electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction

Exploring cost-efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is still a huge challenge in the electrochemical energy conversion technology. In this work, Gallium (Ga)-doped Ni3S2 nanosheet arrays grown on Ti3C2-MXene/nickel foam (Ga–Ni3S2/Ti3C2/NF) have been synthesized by a successive hydrothermal and sulfidization process. The Ga doping modulates the electronic structure of Ni3S2, so tuning the adsorption energies of oxygen intermediate (∗OOH). The Ga–Ni3S2/Ti3C2/NF delivers outstanding catalytic activities toward OER with an overpotential of 340 mV at 100 mA cm−2, and exhibits superior electrochemical durability. The excellent OER performance of Ga–Ni3S2/Ti3C2/NF can be ascribed to the 3D sheet arrays morphology and optimized electronic structure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations also demonstrate that electronic disturbance attributed to Ga doping effectively improves the activity of Ni sites, leading to stronger binding strength of ∗OOH intermediate at Ni sites nearby Ga. This study provides insights into the fabrication of advanced electrocatalysts for application.

Development of 3D Physics Learning Media using Augmented Reality for First-year Junior High School Students

This study aims to produce 3D physics learning media in Indonesian first-year Junior High Schools (SMP/MTs) using Augmented Reality (AR). This research development uses the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluate) model. The development stage was carried out at the Physics Education Laboratory of the FKIP University of Riau and the implementation stage was carried out on 30 first-year students of SMPN 30 Pekanbaru. The 3D learning media validation sheet instrument by using AR consists of four assessment aspects, namely; (1) design aspects, (2) pedagogical aspects, (3) content aspects, and (4) technical aspects. Validation was carried out by six validators consisting of 2 material experts, 2 media experts, and 2 physics teachers. The results of six-validator assessment provide an average for each aspect as follows; (1) the design aspect has an average of 4.43 which is categorized as very valid, (2) the pedagogical aspect has an average of 4.42 very valid categories, (3) the content aspect has an average of 4.38 very valid categories, and (4) the technical aspect has an average of 4.51 which is also categorized as very valid. Overall the average validity for the four aspects of the assessment is 4.43 very valid categories. After the 3D physics learning media was developed, it was then declared feasible by the experts, the implementation phase of 3D physics learning media or small-scale trials on students was carried out to see the students' responses to 3D physics learning media. The student response test was carried out using a student response questionnaire containing 10 statements consisting of 6 aspects of assessment. The results of the students' responses at the implementation stage showed that 67% of the 30 students thought that 3D learning media using AR was very good for use in the learning process. Then 33% of 30 students think that 3D learning media using AR is good for use in the learning process. Certainly the 3D physics learning media product is suitable for use in the physics learning process in Junior High Schools.