Planar Structure Research Articles

An efficient and improved algorithm for generating an equivalent planar architecture of the data vortex switch

The data vortex (DV) switch was originally designed as an all optical interconnection network for high performance computing (HPC) applications. It was highly scalable with low latency and high throughput, compared to traditional switches used for optical packet switching (OPS) and HPC applications. The equivalent planar (chained MIN) model of the DV, proposed in previous literature, is a planar diagrammatic conversion of a 3-D model of the DV network. In this paper, we will focus on exploring a new, efficient and improved generalized algorithm that enables the arrangement of routing pathways to be implemented as an equivalent planar architecture (EPA, chained MIN) of a DV to find all possible routes between each source and target node pair. The original 3-D architecture of any size can be converted to a planar structure more simply by using the new generalized equivalent planar architecture (EPA) algorithm. To verify the proposed EPA algorithm, it was tested with different input traffic loads and network sizes while keeping the active angle ‘A’ constant. Network performance parameters, including injection rate (throughput) and latency (mean hops), obtained from simulation results are also provided to confirm the validity of the proposed EPA algorithm. This new algorithm is versatile, simple and can be applied to networks of various sizes.

Accelerating Li-Ion Diffusion in LiFePO4 by Polyanion Lattice Engineering.

Despite the widespread commercialization of LiFePO4 as cathodes in lithium-ion batteries, the rigid 1D Li-ion diffusion channel along the [010] direction strongly limits its fast charge and discharge performance. Herein, lattice engineering is developed by the planar triangle BO3 3- substitution on tetrahedron PO4 3- to induce flexibility in the Li-ion diffusion channels, which are broadened simultaneously. The planar structure of BO3 3- may further provide additional paths between the channels. With these synergetic contributions, LiFe(PO4)0.98(BO3)0.02 shows the best performance, which delivers the high-rate capacity (66.8 mAhg-1 at 50 C) and long cycle stability (ultra-low capacity loss of 0.003% every cycle at 10 C) at 25°C. Furthermore, excellent rate performance (34.0 mAhg-1 at 40 C) and capacity retention (no capacity loss after 2500 cycles at 10 C) at -20°C are realized.

Enhancing light trapping for improved efficiency of perovskite solar cells: design and analysis

Abstract A hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is explored for its potential to achieve high-efficiency and cost-effective solar energy conversion, especially through improved light management. In this paper, COMSOL Multiphysics is utilized to explore PSCs with light trapping nanostructures which will enhance the optical and electrical properties. A nanometer-scale concave structure is proposed in this paper to direct and capture light. This configuration is compared to a planar structure to see how it affect PSCs optoelectronic performance. Electrical simulations showed that concave nanostructured PSCs increase carrier generation and collect more carriers. The short-circuit current rose from 3.91 mA for the planar structure to 4.95 mA for the concave structure. Power conversion efficiency for concave PSCs increased 11% compared to the planar construction after choosing optimal height of concave structure. Thus, the performance investigation by combined optical and electrical analysis of nanostructures shows that it has the ability to build high-efficiency PSCs with light-trapping approach.

Generation of bessel-like beam by a binary ultrasonic lens

Bessel beams have already been used in acoustic tweezers, ultrasonic medical imaging, and Doppler velocity estimation due to their non-diffractive and self-healing properties. We proposed a binary ultrasonic lens, with ultra-thin planar periodic structures for efficient conversion of the plane wave into a Bessel-like beam. The effectiveness of long-axis focusing has been demonstrated through simulations and experiments with FWHM of 8.5 mm and 9.5 mm around 10 mm. By varying the operating frequency of the incident wave from 1.9 MHz to 2.2 MHz, the position of the long-axis focusing point can be adjusted experimentally from 23.05 mm to 28.95 mm. Additionally, the beam generated by the binary ultrasonic lens can form a focused sound field when passing through multi-layered tissues and the self-healing capability of the Bessel-like beam has been numerically validated, showing strong robustness. This binary ultrasonic lens for a Bessel-like beam would conform better to ergonomic and miniaturization requirements, and expand versatile applications in clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Negative Thermal Expansion Realized by an Incomplete Bimaterial Ring

Incomplete bimaterial ring (a circular ring with a gap) capable of producing negative macroscopic thermal expansion is proposed and its behavior is analyzed. The ring exhibits negative thermal expansion (NTE) (in the plane of the ring) when the outer ring has higher thermal expansion coefficient than the inner one. When the thermal expansion coefficients are equal (monomaterial incomplete ring), the effective (macroscopic) planar thermal expansion becomes zero. (The complete thermal expansion will be positive but small.) It is the presence of the gap which is the basis of this thermal behavior. Similar effect can be achieved by spring or spiral structures where the role of the gap is played by the open ends. These structures will have higher stiffness than the incomplete bimaterial ring. The thermal expansion of the ring is characterized by the effective (macroscopic) coefficient of linear thermal expansion. The effective coefficient of linear thermal expansion depends on the temperature increase, making the thermal expansion nonlinear. Planar and 3D NTE structures are considered.

Cell structure development during cyclic deformation of near-[001] and near-[011] copper single crystals

Dislocation cell structures significantly influence the fatigue failure process. Research on the cell structures in multiple-slip-oriented copper single crystals has focused primarily on the [1‾11] orientation, whereas formation mechanisms and development processes of cell structures in [001] and [011] copper single crystals remain unclear. Therefore, this study examines the dislocation structures of near-[001] and near-[011] copper single crystals under cyclic deformation at high strain amplitudes. The cyclic stress–strain curve of the [011] crystals showed a distinct plateau at plastic shear strain amplitudes ≤7.5 × 10−3. In the plateau region, the dislocation structures consisted of cell structures along the (111) primary slip plane and matrix wall structures. Furthermore, (111) cell structures were formed in the single-slip deformation bands (DBs). After the plateau region, several types of new DBs could be observed due to the activation of multiple-slip systems. Multiple-slip DBs have a higher degree of plastic strain concentration than single-slip DBs, leading to the preferential formation of cell structures. For the near-[001] crystals, (111) cell structures were uniformly formed throughout the matrix, without the formation of DBs. The formation mechanism of the (111) cell boundary was independent of the stress axis and resulted from the interaction between the primary and coplanar slip systems.

Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of structural interlayers for rock masses during drilling process

With the continuous development of underground engineering construction in China, it is particularly important to study the identification of structural plane characteristics of rock masses. In this study, three types of pseudo-rock specimens with structural plane interlayers were fabricated to analyze the patterns of drilling parameter changes in rock bodies with structural planes during the drilling process and to explore the characterization and identification methods of rock body structural planes. Gneiss, granite, and sandstone were used as rock materials, with gypsum mortar as the interlayer material for the structural planes in these three types of specimens. The indoor digital drilling equipment was utilized for conducting indoor digital drilling experiments. The variation patterns of drilling parameters in rock bodies with structural surfaces under different interlayer inclinations and thicknesses were analyzed. The relationship between the ratio of the change in rotational speed and drilling speed during the stable phase of the upper rock mass and the peak torque and peak drilling pressure has been established. The relationship between the structural plane inclination angle and the ratio of change in rotational speed and drilling speed has been determined. By utilizing the variation in these ratios, the impacts of the structural plane inclination angle and the thickness of the structural plane on the peak torque and peak drilling pressure have been elucidated. The research results provide a theoretical basis for the stability evaluation of rock masses with structural planes under drilling action.

Present Scenario and Future Landscape of Payloads for ADCs: Focus on DNA-Interacting Agents

ADCs have emerged as a promising class of therapeutics, combining the targeting specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxic potency of small-molecule drugs. Although the majority of approved ADCs are still based on microtubule binder payloads, the recent success of topoisomerase I inhibitors has revitalized interest in the identification of novel agents overcoming present limitations in the field including narrow therapeutic window and chemoresistance. The success of DNA binders as payload for ADCs has been very limited, up to now, due, among other factors, to high hydrophobicity and planar chemical structures resulting in most cases in ADCs with a strong tendency to aggregate, poor plasma stability, and limited therapeutic index. Some of these molecules, however, continue to be of interest due to their favorable properties in terms of cytotoxic potency even in chemoresistant settings, bystander and immunogenic cell death effects, and known combinability with approved drugs. We critically evaluated several clinically tested ADCs containing DNA binders, focusing on payload physicochemical properties, cytotoxic potency, and obtained clinical results. Our analysis suggests that further exploration of certain chemical classes, specifically anthracyclines and duocarmycins, based on the optimization of physicochemical parameters, reduction of cytotoxic potency, and careful design of targeting molecules is warranted. This approach will possibly result in a novel generation of payloads overcoming the limitations of clinically validated ADCs.

A new membrane finite element based on the strain approach

Membrane elements with in-plane rotation are applicable for modeling thin planar structures that are only stressed by volume and surface loads acting in their plane. In this paper a new finite element designed for static and free vibration analysis, featuring a four-node configuration is presented. Each node incorporates two engineering displacements and a fictive rotation, aligning with strain approach principles. The displacements field of this element is based on the assumed functions for the various strains satisfying the compatibility equations. This developed element passed all benchmark tests in the case of bending and shear problems. In static analysis, the displacements, strains, and stresses are calculated, while the free vibration analysis aims to determine natural frequencies, including both axial and fundamental frequencies. The proposed membrane element is validate through a series of selected examples, demonstrating its effectiveness and accuracy. The results consistently indicate that the new element exhibits high performance and exactitude in both types of analysis.

An Ultra-Wideband Metamaterial Absorber Ranging from Near-Infrared to Mid-Infrared

This study focused on designing an ultra-wideband metamaterial absorber, consisting of layers of Mn (manganese) and MoO3 (molybdenum trioxide) arranged in a planar interleaving pattern, with a matrix square-shaped Ti (titanium) on the top MoO3 layer. Key features of this research included the novel use of Mn and MoO3 in a planar interleaving configuration for designing an ultra-wideband absorber, which was rarely explored in previous studies. MoO3 thin film served as the fundamental material, leveraging its favorable optical properties and absorption capabilities in the infrared spectrum. Alternating layers of Mn and MoO3 were adjusted in thickness and order to optimize absorptivity across desired wavelength ranges. Another feature is that the Mn and MoO3 materials in the investigated absorber had a planar structure, which simplified the manufacturing of the absorber. Furthermore, the topmost layer of square-shaped Ti was strategically placed to enhance the absorber’s bandwidth and efficiency. When the investigated absorber lacked a Ti layer, its absorptivity and bandwidth significantly decreased. This structural design leveraged the optical properties of Mn, MoO3, and Ti to significantly expand the absorption range across an ultra-wideband spectrum. When the Ti height was 280 nm, the investigated absorber exhibited a bandwidth with absorptivity greater than 0.9, spanning from the near-infrared (0.80 μm) to the mid-infrared (9.07 μm). The average absorptivity in this range was 0.950 with a maximum absorptivity of 0.989. Additionally, three absorption peaks were observed at 1010, 2510, and 6580 nm. This broad absorption capability makes it suitable for a variety of optical applications, ranging from near-infrared to mid-infrared wavelengths, including thermal imaging and optical sensing.

Twist disclinations mediated transformations in confined nematic liquid crystals

We studied numerically structural transformations in different confined nematic liquid crystals (LC) mediated by chargeless (twist) disclinations. Firstly, we focus on the role of twist disclinations in Moiré-type geometrical setup where LC is confined in a plane-parallel cell. We impose an azimuthal rotation to initially parallel wedge disclinations where the total topological charge of the system equals to zero. Two qualitatively different scenarii are observed depending on the cell thickness. In thin enough cells the disclinations touch in the mid-plane which enables continuous transformation into a final structure consisting of two twist disclinations confined to the limiting substrates. On the other hand, in thinner cells an additional chargeless loop is formed in the mid-plane. In this case, on rotating the initially parallel disclinations periodic structural reentrant behavior is observed. In cylindrical geometry we considered transformations between the initial metastable escaped radial structure with point defects (ERPD) into escaped radial (ER) or planar polar structure with line defects (PPLD). In both cases two nearby ring-like point defects within the ERPD structure collide and temporarily form a chargeless twist disclination loop. The latter in the ERPD-ER transformation shrinks and enables continuous transformation into the final thermodynamically stable structure. On the contrary, in the ERPD-PPLD transformation the twist loop, whose local structure matches PPLD configuration, increases and converts the system continuously into the global PPLD configuration. Detailed understanding of chargeless defect mediated transformations is beneficial for development of future switching devices based on continuous nematic structural transformations between LC structures exhibiting significantly different optical features.

Sesquiterpenes from the leaves of Artemisia argyi and evaluation of their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities

Two unreported sesquiterpenoids, 7-en-13-hytanaphallin (1) and 8´-en-achillinin C (2) along with two known sesquiterpenoid dimers were obtained from chloroform parts in the leaves of Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Vant, belonging to Asteraceae family. The planar structures and absolute configurations of two new compounds were characterized by HR-ESI-MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and electronic circular dichroism analyses. Two known sesquiterpenoids, argyinolide O (3) and (+)-8-acetylarteminolide (4), exhibited potent activities against NO production from LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 3.6 and 9.8 μM, respectively.

Dual planer PCF-SPR sensor based on Au-TiO2 composite nanostructure

A novel dual planer type PCF-SPR sensor based on Au-TiO2 composite nanostructure is proposed for the first time. In this sensor, a novel PCF structure was designed. The structure is composed of air holes of various diameters. A layer of nanogold film was platted on TiO2 nanopillar to form Au-TiO2 composite nanopillar. Then the Au-TiO2 composite nanopillar was embedded into the PCF. The geometrical parameters such as PCF air hole diameters, gold layer thickness, and TiO2 cylinder diameter were optimized, utilizing the finite-element method(FEM), and the performance of the optimized sensor was significantly improved. The maximum sensitivity was 30,000 nm RIU−1 in the refractive index range of 1.37–1.41. Unlike traditional array and planar structures, we have achieved high sensitivity refractive index sensing in PCF by using a single composite nanopillar. Due to its high sensitivity, the proposed PCF-SPR sensor is expected to find applications in biomolecular detection and chemical quantity detection.

Optimization of W-band interaction structure developed using three different micro-fabrication techniques.

In this paper, an experimental investigation has been performed for the three different micro-fabrication techniques for optimization in the development process of the W-band planar beam-wave interaction structure. The W-band planar beam-wave interaction structure has been developed using three different micro-fabrication methods, namely micro-EDM (electric discharge milling), wire-EDM, and micro-milling. The effect of each fabrication method on the developed structure is analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and ZETA 3D optical microscopy for their optimization. The experimental analysis has been performed for the developed W-band planar beam-wave interaction structure with an optimized process to achieve a dimensional deviation of less than 10μm and surface roughness of less than 50nm.

Chemical structures of polyketides and alkaloids isolated from a culture of fungus Curvularia moringae

Seven new polyketides [moringols I–VII (1–7)], a new alkaloid [moringamine I (8)], and seven known compounds (9–15) were isolated from the fungus Curvularia moringae JKYM-KR4. The planar chemical structures and relative configurations of the new compounds were elucidated by high-resolution mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and DP4+ analysis using the calculated 13C NMR chemical shifts. For moringols I and II (1 and 2), the planar chemical structures and relative configurations were confirmed using X-ray crystallography. The absolute configurations of 1–6 and 8 were determined by ECD calculations. Among the isolated compounds, terpestacin (14) moderately inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells.

Deformation and microregion fracture mechanisms in type 316L welded joint under isothermal and thermo-mechanical fatigue loadings

Isothermal (IF) and thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) tests were conducted on 316L welded joints to investigate the effects of phase angle (in-phase (IP), clockwise-diamond (CD), and out-of-phase (OP)) and mechanical strain amplitude (±0.4 %, ±0.5 %, ±0.6 %) on deformation and microregion fracture mechanisms. Results reveal that increasing strain amplitude induces a higher softening rate, reduced fatigue life, and more pronounced dynamic strain aging (DSA). Nevertheless, there is a complicated discrepancy in the cyclic deformation between various phase angles. At high strain amplitudes, local embrittlement along the austenite/δ-ferrite interface induces cracking in the weld metal (WM) under both IF and TMF loadings, with TMF life increasing with phase angle. At a lower strain amplitude of 0.4 %, however, fracture location migration and different TMF life were observed. Microstructural analysis reveals that during TMF a lower strain amplitude of 0.4 %, the microstructure in both base metal (BM) and WM evolves from simple planar structures to low-energy substructures, characterized by an increase in kernel average misorientation, geometrically necessary dislocations, and low-angle grain boundaries, together with a reduction in high-angle grain boundaries and twin boundaries. In the WM, increasing phase angle tends to reduce dislocation density and reproduces planar dislocation structures due to enhanced DSA, thereby lowering cellular structure maturity. Conversely, in the BM, dislocation proliferation and interaction intensify, enhancing cellular structure maturity and de-twinning effect, which reduces BM fracture resistance and causes fracture migration from the WM to the BM. Moreover, active DSA under CD loading improves deformation resistance in both microregions, prolonging fatigue life and contributing to the observed different TMF life.

Insight into failure mechanisms of rainfall induced mudstone landslide controlled by structural planes: From laboratory experiments

The role of structural planes in controlling mudstone landslides is a key issue in the study of the geo-disasters in the Loess Plateau of China. In this study, the effects of sliding-control structures on the mechanisms of mudstone landslides are investigated via three model experiments with different slope structures. The results show that the hydrological response and failure mode of the experimental slope vary with the structural conditions. The vertical joints serve as preferential seepage paths, which accelerate rainfall infiltration, resulting in earlier responses of volumetric water content and pore water pressure. With the incorporation of vertical joints, the slope failure mode tends to transform from shallow failure to deep-seated failure. The presence of a weak interlayer leads to significant increases in the velocity and runout of the sliding mass. The variation in the slope failure extent and deformation characteristics with varying sliding-control structures further changes the temporal and spatial distributions of volumetric water content and pore water pressure. The different slope failure modes correspond to different sliding-control mechanisms, which are dominated by the types of structural planes and their interactions with hydrological responses. In the action of these mechanisms, pore water pressure and seepage force play significant roles in the reduction of effective stress and shear strength.

Correlative Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy identifies glycogen rich deposits correlated with local structural defects in long bones of type IV osteogenesis imperfecta patients

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic bone disease occurring in approximately 1 in 10,000 births, usually as a result of genetic mutation. OI patients suffer from increased fracture risk and - depending on the severity of the disease - deformation of the limbs, which can even lead to perinatal death.Despite extensive studies, the way in which the genetic mutation is translated into structural and compositional anomalies of the tissue is still an open question. Different observations have been reported, ranging from no structural (or chemical) differences to completely chaotic bone structure and composition.Here, we investigated bone samples from two adolescent OI-IV patients, focusing on the bone structure and chemistry in naturally occurring fractures. The exposed fracture plane allows the investigation of the structure and composition of the weakest bone plane. We do so by combining scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging with chemical information from Raman microscopy.The exposed fracture planes show different regions within the same tissue, displaying normal osteonal structures next to disorganized osteons and totally disordered structures, while the collagen mineralization in all cases is similar to that of a healthy bone.In addition, we also detected significant amounts of depositions of glycogen-rich, organic, globules of 250-1000nm in size. These depositions point to a role of cellular disfunction in the disorganization of the collagen in qualitative OI.Overall, our results unite multiple, sometimes contradicting views from the literature on qualitative OI.

Maximizing light absorption and photocurrent in organic solar cells by aligning intrinsic absorption peaks with Fabry-Perot resonances

We provide a physical interpretation of the mechanism by which maximum light absorption is achieved in organic solar cells (OSCs) through the tailoring of Fabry-Perot (FP) resonances. Overlapping the intrinsic absorption peaks of the active layer with the FP resonances in a planar OSC structure maximizes light absorption, leading to the highest short-circuit current density (JSC). The OSC with a 119 nm-thick active layer of PTB7-Th:IEICO-4F, where intrinsic absorption peaks occur at wavelengths of 715 nm and 885 nm, exhibits fundamental FP resonant modes at wavelengths of 500, 715, 750, and 850 nm. The strong electric field intensity generated by the FP resonance coincides with the intrinsic absorption peaks of the active layer at 715 nm and 885 nm, leading to an experimentally observed JSC of 26.50 mA/cm2. Optical admittance analyses are conducted to investigate the reduced reflection associated with enhanced light absorption. These results provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanism for designing multilayer photonic and optoelectronic devices. This design principle is general and can be applied to various optoelectronic devices, such as photovoltaics, sensors, and photodetectors across a wide range of wavelengths.

Fluorescence and colorimetric dual-mode sensing of copper ions and fingerprint visualization by benzimidazole derivatives

In this paper, the molecular fluorescence probe H containing an imidazole structure was designed and synthesized by forming a ring between two amino groups and one aldehyde group. The synthesized probe H exhibits a Stokes shift of 144 nm with fluorescence emission at 555 nm and excitation at 411 nm. The fluorescence of probe H was quenched by the addition of Cu2+ and accompanied a red-shift of ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectrum. Probe H reveals good selectivity and high sensitivity to Cu2+ in the fluorescence and UV–Vis absorption spectrum. And the limit of detection (LOD) for Cu2+ by fluorescence and UV–Vis spectrum methods were 0.14 nmol L−1 and 1.34 μmol L−1, respectively. The binding ratio of probe H and Cu2+ is 1:1 according to the Job’s plot equation. High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and density function theory (DFT) calculations proved that the solvent acetonitrile and anionic chloride ion participated in the formation of H-Cu2+ complex. Furthermore, the established fluorescence analytical method was successfully applied for the detection of Cu2+ and spiked recovery experiments in tap water and mineral water. In addition, the probe exhibited outstanding solid-state fluorescence because of its excellently planar structure, and displayed a secondary fingerprint structure in the application of fingerprint detection.