Straightforward Design Research Articles

Demonstration of dual Shapiro steps in small Josephson junctions.

Bloch oscillations in small Josephson junctions were predicted theoretically as the quantum dual to Josephson oscillations. A significant consequence of this prediction is the emergence of quantized current steps, so-called dual Shapiro steps, when synchronizing Bloch oscillations to an external microwave signal. These steps potentially enable a fundamental standard of current I, defined via the frequency f of the external signal and the elementary charge e, I=±n×2ef, where n is a natural number. Here, we realize this fundamental relation by synchronizing the Bloch oscillations in small Al/AlOx/Al Josephson junctions to sinusoidal drives with frequencies from 1 to 6 GHz and observe dual Shapiro steps up to I≈3 nA. Inspired by today's voltage standards and to further confirm the duality relation, we investigate a pulsed drive regime and observe an asymmetric pattern of dual Shapiro steps. This work confirms quantum duality effects in Josephson junctions and paves the way towards a range of applications in quantum metrology based on well-established fabrication techniques and straightforward circuit design.

CYpHER: catalytic extracellular targeted protein degradation with high potency and durable effect

Many disease-causing proteins have multiple pathogenic mechanisms, and conventional inhibitors struggle to reliably disrupt more than one. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) can eliminate the protein, and thus all its functions, by directing a cell’s protein turnover machinery towards it. Two established strategies either engage catalytic E3 ligases or drive uptake towards the endolysosomal pathway. Here we describe CYpHER (CatalYtic pH-dependent Endolysosomal delivery with Recycling) technology with potency and durability from a catalytic mechanism that shares the specificity and straightforward modular design of endolysosomal uptake. By bestowing pH-dependent release on the target engager and using the rapid-cycling transferrin receptor as the uptake receptor, CYpHER induces endolysosomal delivery of surface and extracellular targets while re-using drug, potentially yielding increased potency and reduced off-target tissue exposure risks. The TfR-based approach allows targeting to tumors that overexpress this receptor and offers the potential for transport to the CNS. CYpHER function was demonstrated in vitro with EGFR and PD-L1, and in vivo with EGFR in a model of EGFR-driven non-small cell lung cancer.

Development and Outlook for Self-priming Pumps

Background: Self-priming pumps are a type of general mechanical equipment that is widely used in the petroleum, chemical, electric power, metallurgy, mining, shipbuilding, light industry, agriculture, civil defense, and other departments, and they play an important role in the global economy. The pump system is the most common piece of equipment that consumes the most electricity, and reducing the energy consumption of the pump will save a significant amount of energy. Objective: For the benefit of scholars and engineers, this paper summarizes the most recent research on self-priming pumps, analyzes their solutions to the problem of reducing energy consumption, and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. Methods: The typical self-priming pump patents are outlined below based on the many functions of the improved self-priming pump structure, including pump body protection, high efficiency, and energy savings, ease of movement, and improved seal. The current self-priming pump patents are used to examine the development trend for these pumps. Results: The fundamental issues with self-priming pumps are outlined and studied through comparisons of various types and functions, and a future course for their development is suggested. Conclusion: The development of self-priming pump technology benefits from the improvement of self-priming pump structure. A self-priming pump with a straightforward design, automation, high efficiency, and energy conservation has a promising future.

A dual-stator threaded linear ultrasonic motor with preload mechanism.

The cylindrical ultrasonic motor, noted for its straightforward design, ease of miniaturization, and high precision, has significant potential in fields such as optics, healthcare, and precision engineering. However, miniaturization presents challenges, including diminished output force and complications in applying preloading stress. To address the reduced output force, this study presents a dual-stator, high-thrust cylindrical linear ultrasonic motor. This innovative motor features two stators, a mover, and a mechanism for applying preloading stress. A key design element is the parallel arrangement of the two stators along a threaded output shaft, separated by elastic components. This setup enables axial preloading via the threads' engagement. Simulations were conducted to refine the stators' parameters, assess their operational modes, and evaluate their in-plane paths. A prototype was subsequently built to test its impedance characteristics and mechanical performance. Test results showed that under a 200Vpp drive, the single-stator motor generated a maximum force of 4.3 N, while the dual-stator configuration produced 6.8 N. After applying preloading stress, the output force of the dual-stator motor increased to 9.4 N.

A Twin Spiral Coil Phase Transfer Heat Exchanger for Storing Heat Should Be Designed and Tested in The Lab.

Abstract This in-depth study of thermal energy storage (TES) systems examines their function in resolving time, temperature, power, and location problems within the immense energy system design. With its incredible growth, TES creates a shadow over the future, projecting optimism for a better economy and more reliable energy infrastructure. The study is concentrated on a state-of-the-art heat exchanger that has circular double coils with various diameters, with a reliance on charging process amplification. The trial stage is decorated like a well-coordinated ensemble, integrating shell-and-tube design together with intense evaluation of varied tube morphologies, HTF flow designs, and protecting processes. The TES device effortlessly reveals its many components, such as a gas heater, control valves, a pump, a circular container with spiral HTF tubes, and a chorus of music. The PCM heat storage unit’s performance improved in two resonant cases that evaluated the effect of the HTF input temperature and coil charge in great detail. Case 2 and Case 1’s connections exhibit the significant heat absorption and PCM liquification by creating a web of various temperature differences while charging. With its improved temperature performance and straightforward design, Case 2 displays rapid removal and quicker charging periods. In addition, the study examines the HTF input parameters, which cast light on the constant HTF departure temperatures and demonstrate the importance of temperature during the charging opera. While the total energy storage rate rises with increasing temperatures, the expected scores are in accord with the mood fluctuations at the beginning and end of HTF. This review functions as a folder of vital insights, analyzing notes towards constructing PCM charging processes for higher energy storage efficiency - ultimately placing a limelight on the endless possibilities that TES systems predict in the present spectrum of energy uses.

Data-driven multi-objective optimization of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics in dual Savonius wind turbines using large eddy simulation and machine learning

Savonius rotor is a popular form of vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) for small-scale and urban applications because of its straightforward design and self-starting ability. Dual VAWTs present challenges in terms of wake interactions and noise, particularly in urban areas. Optimizing these parameters is essential for future wind energy adoption. This research is the first to analyze how the interaction of wakes from adjacent rotors, combined with a deflector, affects both the aerodynamic performance and noise levels of dual Savonius rotors. Large Eddy Simulation is applied, as it effectively captures detailed turbulent wind flows and their interactions with wind turbines. A multi-objective optimization method combining Machine Learning and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is developed to optimize rotors for maximum power efficiency and minimum noise, considering their wake interactions with a unique deflector system. First, the influence of geometric parameters on aerodynamics and aeroacoustics characteristics of rotors is analyzed, and the database is generated using Design of Experiment approach. Next, the CFD model is replaced by Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model established for predicting rotor performances. A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm method is used to optimize aerodynamics and aeroacoustics characteristics of rotors. Finally, optimal design parameters are identified from the Pareto front using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution decision-making method. The ANN model demonstrated high accuracy with an RANN2 of 0.995 and 0.971 for the average power coefficient (CP) and overall sound pressure level (OSPL) predictions, respectively. Multi-objective optimization revealed the best configuration of the deflector with bleed jets, improving the average CP up to 57.5% and reducing OSPL to an almost 5.2% compared to the dual rotor case at TSR = 0.8.

Priming of Cancer-Immunity Cycle by Alleviating Hypoxia-induced Ferroptosis Resistance and Immunosuppression

Stimulating a robust cancer-immunity cycle (CIC) holds promising potential for eliciting potent and enduring immune responses for cancer immunotherapy. However, designing a therapeutic nanomaterial capable of both enhancing tumor immunogenicity and mitigating immunosuppression is challenging and often associated with complicated design paradigms and immune-related adverse effects. Herein, a multienzyme-mimetic alloy nanosheet incorporating palladium (Pd) and iron (Fe) is developed, which can prime effective CIC by overcoming ferroptosis resistance for enhancing tumor immunogenicity and reprograming the tumor microenvironment for enhanced second near-infrared (NIR-II) photoimmunotherapy. The nanosheets accumulate in tumors when administered intravenously and counteract hypoxia through catalase-like oxygen production and subsequent reduction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, M2-like macrophages, regulatory T-cell, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. The surface plasmon resonance of the nanosheets enables NIR-II phototherapy and photoacoustic imaging, coupling with its ferroptosis and tumor microenvironment reprogram properties to synergize with anti-PD-L1 checkpoint blockade therapy to achieve excellent antitumor outcome. This study offers a strategy for localized tumor treatment and boosting the CIC through a straightforward and inexpensive nanomaterial design.

Terahertz photonic crystal fiber-based edible oil sensor: Performance evaluation and identification

This model introduced an innovative hollow-core optical waveguide with an octagonal core, specifically designed for rapid detection of various food oil contaminations is founded on the principles of Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF). By analyzing the refractive index (RI) variations between pure and contaminated oil, we evaluate other essential optical parameters. The characteristics inherent to the suggested food oil sensor are examined using COMSOL Multiphysics v6.1, employing the Finite Element Method (FEM). Highly precise mesh components are included to provide optimal simulation accuracy. The outcomes from the suggested sensor model demonstrate exceptionally strong relative sensitivity of 98.52 % for castor oil, 98.46 % for sunflower oil, 98.41 % for mustard oil, 98.32 % for olive oil, and 98.03 % for coconut oil, all measured at 2 THz. Additionally, the simulation shows a very low confinement loss of 2.37 × 10−12 cm-1, a numerical aperture of 0.242, effective area of 1.1459 × 10–7 m², and effective material loss of 0.0038 cm-1 for castor oil under optimal structural circumstances. The straightforward design of the PCF in the sensor indicates that it can be implemented with ease, given these standard performance indicators. Therefore, it is anticipated that this sensor will open improved avenues for detection and identification of several distinct food oil contaminations. It can be produced using standard fabrication processes.

Evaluation of magnetic orientation in dual-stator linear permanent magnet vernier machine for wave energy conversion

The Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine (PMVM) is favored for wave energy conversion due to its high torque production at low speeds and straightforward design. This study introduces the innovative Dual Stator Linear Permanent Magnet Vernier Machine (DSLPMVM) with concentrated winding. In this design, permanent magnets (PMs) are strategically placed on both the stator and a segmented translator, enhancing system reliability. The stator utilizes a simple PM layout, while the translator features a Halbach array. This research advances the DSLPMVM’s performance through the optimal placement and orientation of magnets, alongside a meticulous selection of tooth types. The paper rigorously evaluated all possible magnetic orientations and eight distinct stator tooth models. Detailed comparisons of flux linkage, back electromotive force (back-EMF), inductance, efficiency, power factor (PF), and force were conducted to identify the most effective designs.

Streamline-directed tunable deterministic lateral displacement chip: A numerical approach to efficient particle separation

In conventional Deterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD), the migration behavior of a particle of specific size is determined by the critical diameter (Dc), which is predefined by the device's geometry. In contrast to the typical approach that alters the angle between the pillar array and fluid streamlines by modifying the geometrical parameters, this study introduces a novel perspective that focuses on changing the direction of the streamlines. The proposed technique offers a tunable DLD chip featuring a straightforward design that allows for easy fabrication. This chip features one completely horizontal pillar array with two bypass channels on the top and bottom of the DLD chamber. The width of these bypass channels changes linearly from their inlet to their outlet. Two design configurations are suggested for this chip, characterized by either parallel or unparallel slopes of the bypass channels. This chip is capable of generating a wide range of Dc values by manipulating two distinct control parameters. The first control parameter involves adjusting the flow rates in the two bypass channels. The second control parameter entails controlling the slopes of these bypass channels. Both of these parameters influence the direction of particle-carrying streamlines resulting in a change in the path-line of the particles. By changing the angle of streamlines with pillar array, the Dc can be tuned. Prior to determining the Dc for each case, an initial estimation was made using a Python script that utilized the streamline coordinates. Subsequently, through FEM modeling of the particle trajectories, precise Dc values were ascertained and compared with the estimated values, revealing minimal disparities. By adjusting the flow rate and slope of the bypass channels, maximum Dc ranges of 4–10 μm and 8–13 μm can be achieved, respectively. This innovative chip enables the attainment of Dc values spanning from 0.5 to 14 μm.

Bioinspired Bouligand-Structured Cellulose Nanocrystals/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Hydrogel for Enhanced Impact Resistance.

Impact-protective materials are gaining importance because of the widespread occurrence of impact damage. Hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates owing to their lightweight and flexible nature. However, achieving soft impact-resistant hydrogels with exceptional stiffness, strength, and toughness remains a challenge. Inspired by the Bouligand structure found in the smasher dactyl club of stomatopods, we propose a straightforward multiscale hierarchical structural design strategy. This strategy integrates self-assembly and salting-out techniques to enhance the impact resistance of soft hydrogels. Rigid cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) self-assemble into Bouligand-like structures within soft poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix via supramolecular interactions. This rational structural design combines the CNC Bouligand structure with a cross-linked network of soft PVA crystalline domains, resulting in a composite hydrogel with impressive mechanical properties: high tensile fracture strength (30.2 MPa), elastic modulus (62.7 MPa), and fracture energy (75.6 kJ m-2), surpassing those of other tough hydrogels. Moreover, the multiscale hierarchical structure facilitates various energy dissipation mechanisms, including crack twisting, tortuous crack paths, and PVA chain orientation, resulting in notable force attenuation (80.4%) in the composite hydrogel. This biomimetic design strategy opens new avenues for developing soft and lightweight impact-resistant materials.

Synergistically Improved Crystallinity and Molecular Doping Ability of Polythiophene-Diketopyrropyrrole Derivatives by m-Trifluoromethylbenzene Containing Side Chains for Improved Thermoelectric Materials.

m-Trifluoromethylbenzene (FB) groups have been widely employed in various fields; however, no studies have reported the use of FB in side chains to enhance the carrier mobility and molecular doping of conjugated polymers. In this study, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we discovered that FB groups can effectively bind to [FeCl4]-, the counterion of the p-type dopant FeCl3, thereby increasing doping ability. Consequently, FB groups were incorporated into the side chains of thiophene-diketopyrrolopyrrole-based donor-acceptor (D-A)-conjugated polymers, and a series of random conjugated polymers were synthesized (denoted as PDPPFB-x, where x represents the molar ratio of the FB side chain). The findings revealed that an appropriate number of FB groups can decrease the π-π stacking distances, enhance the films' crystallinity, and consequently improve the charge transfer ability. Furthermore, after doping with FeCl3, the UV-vis-NIR spectra indicated that the doping efficiency was augmented by increasing the molar fraction of the FB side chain. Among these polymers, PDPPFB-10 exhibited the highest conductivity and power factor, which were 2.0 and 1.5 times higher than those of PDPPFB-0, respectively. These results illustrated a straightforward molecular design strategy for enhancing the crystallinity and conductivity of conjugated polymers, thereby expanding the way to optimize their thermoelectric performance.

A Circular Ring Patch Antenna for Breast Cancer Detection Based on Return Loss and VSWR

Breast cancer is a serious condition that affects women and requires timely identification. Various methods such as magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, digital mammography, and computer-aided detection are used for this purpose. However, these techniques have their drawbacks. To address this issue, a new approach is proposed and detailed in this paper. In this novel method, a circular patch antenna is employed to detect tumors in a breast phantom. The analysis of return loss and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) helps in identifying the presence of tumors. High-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software is employed to design and simulate the antenna for an ultra-wideband (3.1 – 10.6 GHz) frequency of 5.2 GHz, along with a breast phantom with and without a tumor. The antenna is independently simulated on both the breast phantoms with and without tumors. Rogers RT/duroid 5880 (tm) dielectric material is employed to design the antenna, with overall dimensions of 30 × 20 × 0.8 mm3. It possesses a dielectric constant of 2.2, a tangent loss of 0.02, and a thickness of 0.8 mm. The ring slot and partial ground plane techniques are employed to increase the overall effectiveness of the antenna. The properties of the antenna, such as return loss and VSWR, change when simulated with and without a tumor. The presence of a tumor within the breast is clearly indicated by the alterations in return loss and VSWR. The antenna proposed exhibits remarkable efficacy in the detection of tumors owing to its inconspicuous features, straightforward design, petite dimensions, and ideal impedance matching.

Proposing an Affordable Plasma Device for Polymer Surface Modification and Microbial Inactivation.

This study proposes an affordable plasma device that utilizes a parallel-plate dielectric barrier discharge geometry with a metallic mesh electrode, featuring a straightforward 3D-printed design. Powered by a high-voltage supply adapted from a cosmetic plasma device, it operates on atmospheric air, eliminating the need for gas flux. Surface modification of polyethylene treated with this device was characterized and showed that the elemental composition after 15 min of plasma treatment decreased the amount of C to ~80 at% due to the insertion of O (~15 at%). Tested against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, the device achieved a reduction of over 99% in microbial load with exposure times ranging from 1 to 10 min. Simultaneously, the Vero cell viability remained consistently high, namely between 91% and 96% across exposure times. These results highlight this device's potential for the surface modification of materials and various infection-related applications, boasting affordability and facilitating effective antimicrobial interventions.

Low temperature rotary Stirling engine: Conceptual design and theoretical analysis

The use of low-temperature energy sources for electricity generation demands a dual focus: a substantial enhancement in the efficiency of energy conversion devices and a reduction in system production costs. Particularly in scenarios where low-temperature energy sources are scarce, this factor can be pivotal in facilitating widespread adoption of such technologies. The Stirling engine emerges as a promising solution capable of meeting these articulated expectations, owing to its straightforward design and utilization of non-toxic, non-flammable, and cost-effective working mediums. This paper introduces a novel concept of a rotary Stirling engine, exhibiting significant potential for operation with low-temperature energy sources. Additionally, an analytical model of the engine is presented, enabling simulations of its operation under varying supply temperatures and geometric configurations. To analyse the impact of internal leaks on the net efficiency and net power of the engine, a modified adiabatic model was introduced. It was observed that utilizing identical heat exchangers for heat supply at 250 °C and 100 °C could lead to a decline in net efficiency from 8 % to 3 % for the worst case. Furthermore, an analysis was performed to assess the impact of the heater’s overall heat transfer coefficient and engine rotational speed on both net efficiency and net mechanical power for a heat supply temperature of 200 °C.

A Wideband Polarization-Insensitive Bistatic Radar Cross-Section Reduction Design Based on Hybrid Spherical Phase-Chessboard Metasurfaces

A wideband polarization-insensitive bistatic radar cross-section (RCS) reduction design under linear and circular polarization incidence is proposed based on spherical-chessboard metasurfaces. A new metasurface element with wideband characteristics was designed, including a double split-ring structure, single-layer media, and metal board. In the proposed RCS-reduction design, the Pancharatnam–Berry (P-B) phase theory is applied with the designed metasurface element to realize phase distribution mimicking the low-scattering sphere, and thus realizing RCS reduction. In addition, the chessboard configuration is combined with spherical phase distribution to further improve the performance of monostatic and bistatic RCS reduction. Finally, the proposed RCS reduction design can not only realize wideband RCS reduction but also exhibit polarization-insensitive characteristics. It realized 10 dB monostatic and bistatic RCS reduction in a frequency band ranging from 8.5 to 21 GHz (84.8% relative bandwidth) under linear polarization (LP) and circular polarization (CP) incidence. The straightforward and efficient design method of the hybrid spherical chessboard can effectively avoid the complex and time-consuming optimization process in RCS-reduction design.

Flexible roles of TiO2 in enhancing carrier separation for the high photocatalytic performance of water treatment under different spectrum sunlight

Construction of heterogeneous-photocatalysts is an effective mean for enhancing charge separation, however, the specific roles of the individual components have not been thoroughly explored. In this article, a heterogeneous-photocatalyst, TiO2/MoO3-x, was constructed, revealing that the two components, TiO2 and MoO3-x, play varying roles under different light spectra. Under full spectrum light, an S-scheme mechanism was achieved, which preserved the high oxidizing and reducing property of MoO3-x and TiO2, facilitating an augmented generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under visible light, the MoO3-x functioned as the donor of hot electrons and the TiO2 served as the receptor platform for these electrons. The presence of the interfacial electric field enabled the transfer of hot electrons, leading to an enhanced ROS generation. Consequently, the TiO2/MoO3-x achieved high photocatalytic activity under both full spectrum and visible light. The optimized TiO2/MoO3-x catalyst demonstrated outstanding antibacterial efficacy, achieving eradication rates of 98.1 % for Staphylococcus aureus, and 99.6 % for Escherichia coli respectively. Additionally, it exhibited substantial degradation activity with a rate of 0.028 min−1 for Rhodamine B (50 mg/L). Furthermore, the TiO2/MoO3-x membrane removed approximately 81.2 % of bacteria from surface water, underscoring the potential of the designed membrane in water purification systems. This article explored the distinct roles and corresponding charge transfer mechanisms of the TiO2 and MoO3-x under full spectrum or visible light, offering innovative ideas for the design of full-spectrum photocatalysts with high efficiency. The straightforward design of membrane-based filtering device demonstrated wide applications for treating wastewater for the removal of dye and bacterial contamination.

Synthesis and evaluation of lipoic acid – donepezil hybrids for Alzheimer’s disease using a straightforward strategy

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a progressive loss of neurons and synaptic connections in the cholinergic system. Oxidative stress contributes to neuronal damages and to the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Therefore, antioxidants have been widely studied to mitigate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and among these, lipoic acid has demonstrated a neuroprotective effect. Here, we present the synthesis, the molecular modelling, and the evaluation of lipoic acid–donepezil hybrids based on O-desmethyldonepezil. As compounds 5 and 6 display a high inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 7.6 nM and 9.1 nM, respectively), selective against butyrylcholinesterase, and a notable neuroprotective effect, slightly better than that of lipoic acid, the present study suggests that O-desmethyldonepezil could serve as a platform for the straightforward design of donepezil hybrids.

Nanoscale temperature sensors based on MIM waveguide coupling and ring-embedded nanostructures

This study presents a novel refractive index sensor based on Fano resonance, incorporating a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide coupled with a circular ring structure (CRC). Using finite element method analysis, we investigated the propagation properties of the sensor. To evaluate their influence on sensor performance, we systematically varied the parameters of each Circular Resonant Cavity structure component, including the refractive index, employing a controlled variable approach. At its optimal configuration, the sensor achieves a maximum sensitivity of 3,240 nm/RIU and a figure of merit (FOM) of 57.9. With its high sensitivity, straightforward design, and suitability for temperature detection, the refractive index sensor holds promise for diverse applications.

Approaching the Intrinsic Limits of Short Channel Vertical Organic Electrochemical Transistors.

Vertical architectures for organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), due to their submicrometer channel lengths, have presented themselves as a straightforward design approach for achieving high gm/τ ratios, a figure of merit that assesses the performance of the devices by virtue of their transconductance (gm = dID/dVGS) and switching time constant (τ). However, as the practical limitations of the geometries are overcome, the influence of parasitic phenomena becomes more dominant and limits the performance of the device. One approach to reduce the detrimental effects of parasitic resistance in the drain-source circuit is to use a four-point sourcing technique. Here, vertical OECTs are fabricated with four-point structures to approach the intrinsic limit of these devices. It is shown that this approach improves the saturation behavior of the devices, closing the gap between measured gm and intrinsic transconductance gmi at their peak values. Overall, the results discussed here provide insight into the effects of parasitic resistance on OECTs, which in contrast to field-effect transistors, are not as extensively documented.