Compact Structure Research Articles

Volumetric and morphometric analysis of the mastoid process for assessment of sexual dimorphism using cone-beam computed tomography: a pilot study for a new forensic approach

Volumetric and morphometric analysis of the mastoid process for assessment of sexual dimorphism using cone-beam computed tomography: a pilot study for a new forensic approach

Cohesin and condensin regulate chromosome topology and play an essential role in maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem cells

Cohesin and condensin, two related protein complexes, play essential roles in ensuring the accurate segregation of the genome into daughter cells during cell division. However, the interaction between cohesin and condensin in embryonic stem cells remains unclear, as does the specific function of the meiosis-specific cohesin complex. Cohesin maintains the cohesion of replicated sister chromatids until their separation at anaphase, whereas condensin facilitates the reorganization of chromosomes into a highly compact structure characteristic of mitosis. First, we found via ChIP-seq analysis that cohesins (SMC3, RAD21, and REC8) and condensin (SMC4) share DNA binding sites in close proximity and directly interact with the insulator protein CTCF. Second, siRNA-regulated SMC3 depletion led to nuclear accumulation of SMC4. Third, embryonic stem (ES) cells uniquely harbor cohesin complexes containing the meiotic kleisin subunit REC8. RAD21 knockdown increased the proportion of SMC3–REC8 complexes. Our findings indicate that cohesin and condensin make important contributions to the functions of the chromosomal organization, and that meiotic cohesin may be specifically required for the mitotic program in ES cells.

Design and theoretical analysis of a dual-core photonic crystal fibre temperature sensor with enhanced sensitivity across an extended temperature range

We present a novel dual-core photonic crystal fiber (DC-PCF) temperature sensor with a unique arrangement of circular air holes, enabling ultra-high sensitivity and stability. The DC-PCF features dual solid cores separated by a ring of air holes, functioning as dual waveguides. This highly birefringent structure operates on the principle of mode coupling between the two cores. The sensor is designed for temperature measurement by connecting one core to a broadband light source and the other to an optical spectrum analyzer. Numerical analysis and simulations using the finite element method (FEM) in COMSOL Multi-physics demonstrate its effectiveness over a broad 0–1400°C range. Due to its core asymmetry, the 8 cm-long DC-PCF sensor achieves a high-temperature sensitivity of 25 pm/°C, surpassing previous designs. Its compact and robust structure makes it a promising solution for precise high-temperature measurements, with significant potential for industrial applications.

A Fiber-Reinforced Poly(ionic liquid) Solid Electrolyte with Low Flammability and High Conductivity for High-Performance Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Construction of polymer-based solid electrolytes with both low flammability and high ionic conductivity for lithium-metal batteries is still a great challenge but highly desirable. Herein, we report on a series of fiber-reinforced poly(ionic liquid) solid electrolytes prepared through an in situ copolymerization of ionic liquid monomers (IL) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) units with different ratios inside a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber membrane. Such PAN/Poly-IL-PEGDA composite electrolytes demonstrate promising low flammability due to the excellent fire-resistant feature of the employed IL units. Moreover, it is remarkable to see that the optimized PAN/Poly-IL-PEGDA-1 electrolyte also exhibits highly dense structure with low thickness (31 μm), high ionic conductivity (0.32 mS cm-1 at 30 °C), and wide electrochemical window (up to 4.8 V). As a result, both LiFePO4//Li and NCM//Li full cells with such an electrolyte exhibit both excellent rate capability and cycling stability. This study provides a simple strategy for preparing composite polymer electrolytes with low flammability and high conductivity for high-performance lithium-metal batteries.

Compact Artificial Synapse-Neuron Module with Chemically Mediated Spiking Behaviors.

Neuromorphic electronic devices mimicking the structure and functionality of biological counterparts have shown promising applications in biorealistic computing and bioelectronic interfaces. However, current neuromorphic systems comprising synapses and neurons typically exhibit complex integrated structures and lack chemically mediated characteristics, hindering them from direct biointerfacing. Here, we report a compact artificial synapse-neuron module (ASNM) by seamlessly integrating an organic electrochemical synaptic transistor and a niobium dioxide Mott memristor, showing the chemically mediated synaptic plasticity and highly stable spiking characteristics (>1010 cycles). Sodium ions and dopamine neurotransmitter induce the short-term and long-term plasticity of synaptic transistors, respectively, thus enabling temporary and long-term modulation of the ASNM's firing frequency in a bioplausible range (0-100 Hz). Furthermore, we construct a chemically mediated artificial neuromuscular system based on the ASNM, which could replicate the learning processes of a shooting basketball. These results demonstrate that our ASNM could achieve multiple biorealistic functionalities including sensing, synaptic plasticity, and spiking in a compact structure, providing a promising way for direct biointerfacing.

MG-VTON: A Lightweight Virtual Try-on Model with Knowledge Distillation for Real-time Performance

In recent years, virtual try-on technology has seen a continuous surge in public visibility and has become a key tool for many companies to boost sales and enhance user experience. Existing virtual try-on methods are mainly divided into two categories: those based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and those based on diffusion models. GAN-based methods have been widely applied due to their compact model structures and fast execution speed, but there is still room for improvement in image quality and detail fidelity. In contrast, diffusion model-based methods excel in generating high-quality and realistic images, but their high computational complexity and slow inference speed limit their practicality in real-time applications. To address these issues, this paper proposes a lightweight and efficient virtual try-on model called MG-VTON that does not require human parsing. By introducing knowledge distillation techniques, we have streamlined the model to significantly improve computational efficiency and inference speed. Moreover, MG-VTON can still generate high-quality and realistic try-on effects without relying on human parsing. This work offers new insights for the further development of virtual try-on technology, enhancing the user experience and providing companies with more competitive solutions in digital apparel presentation and marketing.

Sandwich Composite Panels with Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Properties for Sustainable Buildings

Urbanization and population growth have heightened the need for sustainable, efficient building materials that combine acoustic and thermal insulation with environmental and economic sustainability. Sandwich composite panels have gained attention as versatile solutions, offering lightweight structures, high strength, and adaptability in construction applications. This study evaluates manual, semi-automatic, and automatic production methods, selecting the automatic process for its efficiency, precision, and suitability for large-scale production. Extensive characterization techniques, including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Thermogravimetry (DTG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and flammability tests, were employed to evaluate the morphological, thermal, acoustic, and fire-resistant properties of the panels. The P200 sample, produced automatically, demonstrated high acoustic absorption in the mid–high frequencies (2000–4000 Hz), strong interlayer adhesion, and low thermal conductivity (2.75 W/mK), making it effective for insulation applications. The flammability tests confirmed compliance with EPA 1030 standards, with a low flame propagation rate (1.55 mm/s). The TGA-DTG and DSC analyses revealed the thermal stability of the panel’s components, with distinct degradation stages being observed for the polyurethane core and non-woven textile layers. The FE-SEM analysis revealed a compact and homogeneous structure with strong adhesion between the core and textile layers. These results highlight the potential of sandwich composites as eco-friendly, high-performance materials for modern construction.

Study of self-bound anisotropic model in f(Q) gravity: An exact analytical stellar solution

This work aims to investigate the self-bound anisotropic solution for spherical objects within the [Formula: see text] gravity, where [Formula: see text] is called a nonmetric scalar. Initially, the equation of motion for gravity theory is obtained by using a linear representation of the function [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text], here parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are used. Subsequently, the acquired system of differential equations was solved by including a radial metric component in conjunction with the specific ansatz of the anisotropy factor. The values of the constants required for the solution were established by using the Schwarzschild (Anti-) de Sitter exterior solution. In order to assess the physical acceptability of a solution, it is necessary to examine several physical conditions, including the behavior of pressure, density, adiabatic index, and equilibrium conditions, for different values of the parameter ‘[Formula: see text]’ inside the star system. These requirements are visually represented by graphical analysis. The current solution meets all the physical requirements, indicating that it is a suitable model of a compact stellar structure.

Computational study of nitrogen-rich hexaazaadamantane cage compounds as potential energetic materials.

Nitrogen-rich carbocyclic cage compounds serve as versatile platforms for the design and development of explosives with tailored properties. Their compact and rigid structure due to efficient packing leads to high crystal density. Moreover, their structural characteristics and amenability to functionalization make them indispensable in the quest for more powerful and efficient energetic materials. Adamantane derivatives are promising candidates for high-energy materials due to their unique molecular structure and the ability to introduce explosophoric groups onto their scaffold. In this computational study, we investigated the effects of substitution of six different explosophoric groups on the hexaazaadamantane skeleton. We explore the incorporation of - N(O)- NNO2, - N(O)- NCN, - N3, - ONO2 - NO2, and - NH2 functionalities, renowned for their high-energy content and ability to enhance explosive properties. We predict the electronic structure, heat of formation, thermodynamic stability, impact sensitivity, and detonation performance of these azaadamantane derivatives. The results indicate that the nitrogen-rich adamantane-based cage structure, featuring - ONO2 functional groups along with - NH2 groups, exhibits excellent explosive properties and good impact sensitivity. Our computational approach enables the screening and design of novel energetic materials with superior explosive properties, offering insights into structural modifications that optimize energy release, sensitivity, and detonation characteristics. Density functional theory (DFT) using the Gaussian 16 software was used for all quantum chemical calculations. The optimization of the geometry of the designed compounds is performed at two different levels, e.g., B3LYP/6-311 + + G(d,p) and B3PW91/6-31G(d,p). Molecular surface and other properties are visualized using the Gaussview 6.0 software. The heat of formation (HOF) of the molecules is estimated using isodesmic reactions. The Multiwfn program was used for the calculation of molecular surface properties.

Excellent quality acquisition of myofibrillar protein in red shrimp (Solenocera crassicornis) based on regulating the oxidation degree of atmospheric cold plasma treatment.

Myofibrillar protein (MP) is essential for the texture and taste of shrimp surimi products. The reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) produced by atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) might cause oxidative modification of MP. In this study, the effect of different ACP treatment times on the properties of red shrimp MP was investigated in detail. The mild oxidation induced by ACP treatment for 1 min (ACP-1 min) promoted the unfolding and refolding of the MP structure, which was manifested as a transition from α-helix to β-sheets. Compared with other groups, more hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in the ACP-1 min group might enhance the interactions between the myosin heavy chain and actin, which was conducive to the formation of a regular and dense three-dimensional network structure. Person correlation analysis revealed that ROS/RNS mediated the changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of MP. In addition, ACP-1 min has high Ca2+-ATPase activity, which reflected that MP maintained structural integrity. While excessive oxidation in the ACP treatments for 3 min and 5 min reduced MP robustness. The stable internal structure in ACP-1 min group gave the MP excellent texture profile (1.79 mJ of adhesiveness and 0.89 mm of springiness) and rheological characteristics (0.373 MPa of storage modulus). Overall, the excellent quality of MP could be obtained by regulating the oxidation degree of ACP, which would provide valuable information for the in-depth and efficient processing of shrimp products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fully printed ultrathin embedded electronics package for wide band gap power semiconductor devices using multimaterial inkjet additive manufacturing

Abstract High-density electronics packaging requires fabrication of intricate conductive and dielectric features within a dense three-dimensional structure. Simultaneous deposition of both conductive and insulative printing materials using multimaterial additive manufacturing (AM) provides new opportunities to fabricate electronics packages with complex designs. This article reports the first demonstration of fully printed power die-embedded electronics package for wide band-gap devices. For this purpose, multimaterial inkjet AM was used to print a 0.5-mm thick electronics package for gallium nitride (GaN) power chips. The conductive parts of the package, including traces and vias, were printed using a high electrical conductivity silver ink, while a polyimide ink was used to print dielectric parts. The electrical characterization tests showed the reasonable performance of the printed package. While the conventional embedded packaging includes many steps such as laminating, plating, and drilling, which creates significant material waste and environmental issues, the proposed AM approach is done in a single step without material waste.

Density inversion method combining dense residuals and Bi-LSTM structure

Density inversion method combining dense residuals and Bi-LSTM structure

A Parameter-Driven Approach to Modulating Chemical Composition in Prussian Blue Analogues Cathodes for Sodium-ion Batteries.

This study explores how various experimental factors, such as temperature, viscosity, and stirring speed, affect Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) material's structural properties and electroneutrality. These factors influence key attributes like sodium ions, vacancies, and water content, which is governed by electroneutrality. Higher temperatures, faster stirring, low viscosity, and high Na+ concentration enhance Na+ incorporation because of the sufficient Na+ supplement, leading to a dense monoclinic structure with fewer vacancies and lower water content. In contrast, lower temperatures, slow stirring, high viscosity, and low Na+ concentration lead to less monoclinic or cubic structures with more vacancies and higher water content. Adding carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) increases viscosity, enables lower Na+ diffusion, and renders less Na+ incorporation. As a result, an intermediate structure forms with balanced Na+ and water content, bridging the cubic and monoclinic forms. The electrochemical performance of cubic structures (PW-Cub) is superior, demonstrating better C-rate performance with distinct charge-discharge plateaus than monoclinic structures acquired at high temperatures (PW-Mc-HT). The PW-Mc-HT shows the mixed redox reactions between Fe2+/Fe3+ and Mn2+/Mn3+. This study reveals the root cause for the variation in PBAs' chemical composition and provides a guideline for synthesizing high-quality PBAs for sodium-ion batteries.

A Compact‐Solvation Electrolyte Under Low Concentration for High‐Energy Density and Stable Potassium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractThe development of potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) faces significant challenges due to the lack of suitable electrolytes to achieve satisfactory energy density and long‐term stability. This work reports an innovative compact‐solvation electrolyte (CSE) strategy leveraging ionic liquid‐induced manipulation of solvation structures under low concentration for high‐performance PIBs. The CSE, formulated with a low‐salt concentration of 0.8 M, simultaneously exhibits compact solvation structures with abundant F‐rich anions, high‐ionic conductivity, and low‐desolvation energy. These features lead to enhanced K‐storage thermodynamics and kinetics through the formation of a robust KF‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) as well as accelerated K+ transport kinetics. Consequently, the graphite electrode in CSE delivers a high‐reversible capacity of 252 mAh g−1 with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.5% after 300 cycles at 50 mA g. Furthermore, the designed CSE enables the Prussian blue||graphite full cell to operate for over 1450 cycles at 50 mA g−1, maintaining an impressive capacity retention of 88%. This work represents a significant advance in the development of safe and compatible electrolytes for advanced PIBs.

Design and validation of A 30 ghz 8 × 8 slot antenna array with ridge waveguide pins/holes layers

This paper presents an 8 × 8-element slot antenna array optimized for 30 GHz band applications, achieving high gain, wide impedance bandwidth, and high efficiency. The array employs a pin/hole-based design, which enables a compact structure and reduces fabrication complexity and cost, as it eliminates the need for electrical contact between its three primary layers: the metal radiating slot plate, a sub-array cavity layer, and a ridge waveguide feed network layer. The corporate feed network is realized through an array of pins and guiding ridges integrated into a metal plate, effectively distributing power to the radiating elements. A double transition from ridge waveguide to rectangular waveguide, leading to a 2.92 mm coaxial connector, ensures efficient feeding. Each component, including the radiating elements, cavity layer, power dividers, and transitions, is designed and optimized to maintain a low reflection coefficient (|S11| < -10 dB) across the 25–35 GHz frequency range. The 8 × 8 array is fabricated using standard milling techniques. The measured impedance matching bandwidth of approximately 33% is obtained, covering the entire 25-to-35 GHz range. The array consistently demonstrates a gain of over 23 dBi validating its performance for high-frequency applications.

Reasonable Intake and Exhaust Processes Scheduling of Two‐Stroke Free Piston Linear Generator for Intelligent New Energy Vehicles

ABSTRACTConsidered a promising power plant offering 25% higher efficiency than conventional reciprocating engines, the free piston linear generator (FPLG) has garnered significant attention due to its breakthrough design that eliminates the crank‐connecting rod, thereby achieving enhanced efficiency. However, this structural innovation is a double‐edged sword, while having the advantages such as compact structure and short transfer path to reduce energy loss, it inevitably makes the stability of the system sensitive to the operating parameters of the intake and exhaust process, which is extremely easy to lead to instability shutdown or knock. Aiming at scheduling the intake and exhaust processes rationally for system stabilization, a fast numerical method is proposed, which is different from the existing research methods. It does not need to rely on extremely time‐consuming and complex CFD models, while taking into account the intake and exhaust processes as a whole rather than treating each as a separate part. The fast numerical method mainly consists of four steps. First, the gas mass variations in‐cylinder and in‐port due to fuel injection quality are defined. Second, gas flow is established in the valve geometry and operation pressure. Employed gas mass and gas flow, the intake pressure, the exhaust pressure, the allowable duration, and the time consumption would be settled. Third, the total power subsection is used to compute certain fuel quality. Finally, the piston dynamics are applied to calculate piston displacement for objecting valve operation and piston velocity for simulating FPLG output power. The results show that the cyclic fuel injection quality is 42–53 mg for the output power about 12.5 kW, and total efficiency about 35.5%; the intake pressure would be not less than 1.83 atm when the compression ratio is from 8 to 10 and the exhaust pressure ranges from 3.78 to 6 atm.

Compact ultra-wideband microstrip MIMO antenna with triple notch-based characteristic

Abstract This paper presents the design of a novel ultra-wideband (UWB) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna with triple-band notches. In the proposed design, two antenna elements are positioned within a 38 × 29 mm2 area, using a common ground plane. I-, C-, and U-shaped slots are incorporated to reject frequencies in the WiMAX, WLAN, and X bands, respectively. Good isolation between the radiator elements is achieved through the implementation of the Defective Ground Structures (DGS) technique and the addition of L-stubs to the ground plane. The proposed MIMO antenna exhibits low isolation, below −20 dB, across its operating band. Moreover, the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) and diversity gain (DG) values of the designed antenna are less than 0.025 and greater than 9.98 dB, respectively. The scattering parameters and radiation characteristics of the proposed MIMO antenna were tested through a fabricated prototype. The MIMO antenna shows promise for UWB applications due to its compact structure and notch-band features.

Effect of overlap rates on forming quality and properties of laser cladding Ni40A-WC composite coatings

Abstract To investigate the effect of the overlap rates on quality, microstructure and mechanical properties of the cladding layer, the Ni40A-WC composite coating on the surface of H13 steel was prepared by laser cladding technology, and the surface morphology, crack defects, microstructure, microhardness, friction and wear of composite coatings with different overlap rates was detailed characterized and analyzed. The results show that the overlap rates is a key parameter that affects the quality and performance of coatings, and Ni40A-WC coating with flat surface, compact structure and significantly improved mechanical properties can be obtained by appropriate overlap rates. With the increase of the overlap rates, the WC particles in the coating increased, the hard phase diffraction peak intensity of Cr7C3, W2C and Cr23C6 in the microstructure increased, and the microhardness and wear resistance also increased. The mean hardness of the coating at 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% overlap rates increases 1.01, 1.16, 1.17 and 1.71 times of the hardness of H13 substrate, respectively, and the wear rate decreases by about 57%, 65%, 74% and 83%, respectively.

Pistol Ribozyme-Driven Catalytic Spherical Nucleic Acid Integrates Gene and Chemotherapy for Enhanced Cancer Therapy.

Gene-targeted therapies are revolutionizing cancer treatment due to their high specificity and low toxicity. Among these, ribozymes hold promise as independent gene therapy agents capable of directly cleaving target mRNAs. The pistol ribozyme, discovered in 2015, stands out for its compact structure and robust cleavage activity, making it a promising candidate for RNA silencing under physiological conditions. However, its clinical application is limited by nuclease susceptibility and biological barrier penetration. To overcome these obstacles, this study presents an innovative gene-regulation strategy incorporating engineered pistol ribozymes into a spherical nucleic acid (SNA) nanocarrier. This catalytic SNA nanocarrier, built on a DNA core-shell framework, combines the ribozyme with doxorubicin (Dox) to form the ApRz-CS/Dox nanoplatform. The design of ApRz-CS/Dox features a homopolymerized DNA core and a reticular DNA shell, enhancing stability. Tumor-targeting aptamers are arranged on its surface, directing it specifically to cancer cells. Within the target cells, the ribozyme is released in response to overexpressed miR-21, facilitating the cleavage of polo-like kinase 1 mRNA. This integrated approach effectively combines gene therapy with the chemotherapeutic effects of Dox, addressing the challenges associated with the delivery of newly developed nucleic acid drugs and offering a promising strategy for enhanced cancer treatment.

Improvement of hydrophysical properties of modified heavy-duty concrete working in severe operating conditions

Requirements for concrete used in the manufacture of structures operating in harsh operating conditions are different from those for concrete used in industrial and civil construction. Such special requirements are primarily due to difficult operating conditions, in particular for tunnel structures. Under the influence of a whole range of aggressive environmental factors, this type of structure is partially or completely destroyed, which in turn reduces their design service life. Therefore, a necessary condition for increasing their durability is the creation of a modified dense concrete structure with improved hydrophysical properties: low rates of water absorption, capillary suction, water resistance and high frost resistance. Currently, there are developments in strengthening and protecting such structures with materials with an increased degree of resistance to aggressive factors, for example, polymer compositions. However, polymer concretes have not found wide distribution due to their scarcity and high cost, so today the main building material in the construction of tunnel structures remains concrete and reinforced concrete. Thus, obtaining heavy concretes operating in harsh conditions with increased performance properties by modifying its structure is an urgent task. Objective: To establish the positive effect of complex modification together with a micro-reinforcing component on the hydrophysical properties of heavy concrete. Object: heavy concrete with a complex modifier (superplasticizer + polymer + metakaolin), reinforced with wollastonite for tunnel structures. Research results: A positive effect of complex modification on the properties of heavy concrete was established by reducing the content of binder (cement) and replacing it with metakaolin, which allows improving the hydrophysical characteristics: water absorption - 1.8%; water resistance grade - W14, with a sufficient margin of safety and frost resistance (F more than 600 cycles), which makes it possible to use this composition in practice to obtain building structures with specified characteristics operating under high loads and an aggressive environment, in particular, for tunnel structures.