Superior Surface Research Articles

Boronic acid functionalized hierarchical covalent organic frameworks based on sacrificial template and thiol-ene click chemistry for the enhanced enrichment of glycoproteins.

Glycoproteins are closely related to the formation and development of many diseases and even cancer, it is necessary to design and develop a method for efficient isolation and enrichment of glycoproteins in biomedical sciences, and in particular biomarker research. In this work, a strategy has been developed for the synthesis of phenylboronic acid-modified hierarchical covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which were applied to selective enrichment of glycoproteins from complex biological samples. The metastable metal-organic framework (MOF) was utilized as a sacrificial template to prepare hierarchical COFs (HCOFs) with highly interconnected macro/meso/microprous channels, and subsequently the thiol-ene click chemistry was utilized to obtain 4-mercapto-phenylboronic acid-modified HCOFs. The resulting adsorbent has a superior specific surface area (778.61 m2·g-1), which increases the number of effective phenylboronic acid binding sites for glycoproteins and the interconnected macro/meso/microporous pores allow the biomacromolecular glycoproteins to enter the interior of the adsorbent material, making the enrichment process more efficient. The adsorbent material exhibited the highly selective properties and excellent adsorption capacity (1138 mg·g-1) for glycoprotein immunoglobulin G (IgG), providing a new way for efficient enrichment of glycoproteins in complex biological samples.

Achieving over 860 mV Open‐Circuit Voltage in Low‐Ag Wide‐Bandgap Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells Through Ion Diffusion and Band Structure Optimization

AbstractWide‐bandgap Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells offer excellent thermal stability and significant potential for tandem applications. However, conventional CdS buffer layers exhibit poor band alignment with wide‐bandgap absorbers, resulting in severe interface recombination losses. Similarly, employing Zn(O,S) alone as a buffer layer leads to insufficient surface inversion, limiting its effectiveness. Here, a tailored interface engineering strategy is introduced using a 30 nm Zn(O,S)/15 nm CdS bilayer structure. The high conduction band value of Zn(O,S) establishes an optimal spike contact with the wide‐bandgap absorber, effectively suppressing interface recombination. Simultaneously, Cd ions diffuse from the modified thin CdS film to the Zn(O,S) layer, which sequentially enhances surface inversion and facilitates efficient carrier extraction in synergy with Zn ions. Additionally, Zn(O,S) offers superior absorber surface cleaning effects, ensuring a more uniform phase and potential distribution. Collectively, these improvements contribute to reduced interface recombination losses and lower reverse saturation current, leading to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.35% and an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 866 mV in a 1.46 eV wide‐bandgap CIGS device, which is the highest Voc in wide bandgap CIGS solar cells with low Ag content [Ag]/([Ag]+[Cu]) (AAC). This work provides critical insights into the development of high‐efficiency wide‐bandgap CIGS solar cells.

Investigating the Influence of Laser-Etched Straight and Wavy Textures on Grinding Efficiency and Tool Quality of WC–Co Carbide Cutting Tools

WC–Co cemented carbide has been widely used as machining tool material due to its good mechanical properties. Grinding is an important process in the manufacture of cemented carbide tools. When grinding tools, there are problems such as excessive grinding force, small chip space, and poor lubrication and cooling performance, which in turn contribute to surface defects such as burrs, burns, and even edge damage such as edge chipping. These problems constrain the use of carbide tools, so that the cutting force is unstable and the machining surface quality is poor when the tool is in service. In this paper, straight-line and wavy-texture patterns were designed and formed on the surface of WC–Co tools using a picosecond laser. Grinding experiments were conducted on the ablated tool using a resin-bonded diamond wheel, and surface morphology, roughness, grinding force, and cutting edge quality were evaluated. Finally, turning experiments were conducted to compare the cutting performance of the tools after conventional and laser-assisted grinding. The experimental results showed that the tools with wavy texture showed superior surface and cutting edge quality, with 53.7% and 51.2% reduction in normal and tangential grinding forces, respectively, and 66.6% maximum reduction in edge chipping for the wavy textured tools. Therefore, this study not only reveals the advantages of laser-assisted grinding in machining WC–Co cutting tools, but also provides a valuable theoretical basis for realizing high-efficiency and low-loss tool machining.

Efficient fabrication of zero taper µ-electrode using novel dry µ-electrical discharge turning

Micromachining is essential for producing components smaller than 1000 µm and is increasingly significant due to the trend toward miniaturizing industrial products. Tool-based micromachining techniques like µ-turning, µ-grinding, µ-EDM, and µ-ECM offer benefits in productivity, efficiency, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. Modern industrial products require high dimensional accuracy and superior surface finishes. µ-EDM is particularly promising for economically producing complex microfeatures with high precision. However, the high tool wear rate in µ-EDM requires on-machine microelectrode fabrication, which is essential for creating micro-sized holes and channels during µ-EDM operations. A major challenge lies in achieving high dimensional accuracy and minimal taper in microelectrodes. Additionally, there are health concerns related to hydrocarbons produced from liquid dielectrics. This research explores fabrication of microelectrodes using dry µ-ED Turning. Five machining strategies were employed, using stationary block electrical discharge turning (SB-EDT), moving block electrical discharge turning (MB-EDT), and their combinations to produce microelectrodes with improved surface finishes and minimal taper. Gaseous dielectrics significantly reduce harmful emissions and contamination, creating a safer working environment while minimizing environmental pollution. The taper issue was significantly mitigated in microelectrodes fabricated using MB-EDTd, achieving nearly zero taper with a surface finish of 2.04 µm. MB-EDTd also achieved highest material removal rate, producing a microelectrode with an average diameter of 428 µm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs and surface finish analyses were conducted to examine the effects of various parameters, such as discharge currents and linear feed speed. The findings highlight the potential of µ-EDM with gaseous dielectrics to enhance microelectrode fabrication process.

Morphological Characteristics of Inferior Pole Patellar Fractures and a Finite-Element Analysis Combined With a Retrospective Clinical Study of Anchor Suture and Titanium Cable Cerclage Treatment.

Inferior pole patellar fractures (IPPFs) pose a significant challenge due to their complex fracture patterns and high risk of complications associated with current treatment methods. This study aims to (1) characterize the fracture patterns of IPPFs using fracture mapping and (2) compare the biomechanical stability and clinical outcomes of treatment with anchor suture with patellar cerclage versus Kirschner-wire tension band combined with patellar cerclage. (1) A retrospective analysis was conducted on 61 patients with IPPF. For each case, fracture reduction was manually simulated, with fracture lines and fragments overlaid onto a complete patella template to identify fracture patterns. (2) Finite-element models were used to analyze the mechanical properties of anchor suture and titanium cable cerclage treatment and Kirschner-wire tension band combined with patellar cerclage in treating IPPFs. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed on 57 patients with IPPF (AO/OTA 34 A1) treated at our institution between January 1, 2023, and December 25, 2023. Of these, 18 patients underwent anchor suture and titanium cable cerclage (Group A), and 39 underwent Kirschner-wire tension band combined with patellar cerclage (Group B). We compared operative time, final knee range of motion, incidence of secondary surgery, postoperative complications, and functional recovery between the two groups based on medical records and follow-up results. (1) IPPFs were predominantly comminuted, with fracture lines on the anterior view concentrated laterally and near the superior surface of the inferior pole. Fracture lines became more sparse as they approached the distal patella. The posterior view was similar to the anterior, with the majority of fractures near the superior surface of the inferior pole. (2) Finite-element analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of displacement and stress. Operative time was similar between the groups (p > 0.05), as were final knee range of motion (p > 0.05) and postoperative Bostman scores (p > 0.05). Group A had no postoperative complications or readmissions, while Group B had two cases of hardware irritation and one case of knee joint infection. The fracture lines of IPPF are varied, often comminuted, and correlate with the mechanism of injury. Biomechanical and clinical outcomes suggest that anchor suture with patellar cerclage is a viable option for stabilizing IPPF. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06736639.

Enhancing the Performance of Nanocrystalline Nickel Cathodes via Electrodeposition for Use in Ni-Zn Batteries: Morphological and Crystallographic Structure Optimization

Abstract Rechargeable Ni-Zn batteries are gaining interest owing to their adequate performance for achieving net-zero carbon goals, low cost, and safety. However, the nickel electrode still faces significant challenges due to its limited stability and low capacity. This study investigates the development and comparison of different nickel morphologies using electrodeposition techniques. Ni nanostructures with different surface morphologies have been successfully electrodeposited by using direct (DC), pulsed (PC), and pulsed reverse (PRC) current techniques. The physical and electrochemical properties of these structures were investigated. Notably, the electrodeposition method significantly impacted the morphology and electrochemical performance of the prepared Ni nanostructures. Among the obtained structures, the PRC-deposited coating displayed a unique nano-rod morphology, exceptional uniformity, highest surface oxygen content (61.51%), and lowest surface roughness (5.12 nm). Furthermore, electrochemical measurements revealed that this structure possesses the lowest coating resistance (459.6 Ω.cm-1), minimal corrosion potential (5 mV vs SCE), enhanced oxidation/reduction peaks, the longest charge/discharge time, and highest discharge (26.2 mF.cm-2) areal capacity. These findings suggest that the Ni nanorod structure exhibits superior surface and electrochemical properties. This work offers valuable insights into how morphology and structure affect the electrochemical performance and capacity of nickel electrodes, advancing battery technologies.

Recent Contributions to the Development of Barrel End-Mill Machining Technologies for Titanium Alloys in the Aerospace Context

This study investigates the utilization of barrel end-mills in machining titanium alloys for aerospace applications. It involves a comprehensive review of the relevant literature and a preliminary experimental investigation, incorporating the influence of measurement direction on surface roughness and the behavior of cutting forces. The primary objective is to assess the performance and efficiency of these end-mills when machining challenging materials and to identify optimal cutting strategies. This paper emphasizes the significance of titanium alloys in the aerospace sector, due to their exceptional mechanical properties, and the problems encountered in their processing. It also highlights the advantages of barrel end-mills, such as enhanced accessibility and superior surface finish. Through a combination of literature review, practical experimentation under controlled conditions, and statistical analysis, this study investigates the surface roughness of the Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy, confirming a significant difference between longitudinal and transverse roughness. The preliminary experiment revealed that the average values of longitudinal and transverse roughness were 0.237 µm and 0.263 µm, respectively. The coefficients of variation indicated a greater variation in longitudinal roughness (19.79%) compared to transverse roughness (18.61%). This study’s conclusions provide a solid foundation for future research into machining titanium alloys with barrel end-mills, contributing to the optimization of manufacturing processes and the enhancement of aerospace component performance.

A Radiation-Based Analytical Model for the Computation of Temperature in the Arc Column of Submerged Arc Additive Manufacturing (SAAM) Process

Abstract Submerged Arc Additive Manufacturing (SAAM) is an advanced Wire Arc-based Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technique known for its uniform deposition structure, high deposition rate, and superior surface finish. However, it is difficult and expensive to experimentally investigate the arc column in SAAM due to its submerged nature under flux. This paper presents an effective alternative: developing a radiation-based analytical model to predict the complex temperature distribution within the SAAM arc column. It focuses on the radiation heat transfer phenomenon since the temperatures attained inside the arc column are beyond the melting temperature of the material involved, and the presence of granular flux and slag intensifies the effect of the same. The model incorporates key input process parameters like wire diameter, stick-out length, current, voltage, and travel speed alongside design parameters like bead width, penetration depth, and material reinforcement. The double ellipsoidal heat source model is the foundation for generating the temperature profile. The predicted temperature profile resembles the double ellipsoid in other arc welding-based additive manufacturing techniques. The model's predictions showed a deviation of approximately 14% from experimental results, validating its effectiveness. Extensive parametric studies were carried out using the developed model. It was observed that longer stick-out lengths dampened temperature variations, while higher currents confined the affected zone further. Increased travel speed reduces the heating and cooling rate, while voltage behaves the opposite way. This analytical approach offers a cost-effective alternative for optimizing process parameters to achieve desired dimensions and deposition quality.

Synergistic Improvement of Narrow Bandgap PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells through Surface Ligand Engineering, Near-Infrared Spectral Matching, and Enhanced Electrode Transparency.

The tunability of the energy bandgap in the near-infrared (NIR) range uniquely positions colloidal lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) as a versatile material to enhance the performance of existing perovskite and silicon solar cells in tandem architectures. The desired narrow bandgap (NBG) PbS QDs exhibit polar (111) and nonpolar (100) terminal facets, making effective surface passivation through ligand engineering highly challenging. Despite recent breakthroughs in surface ligand engineering, NBG PbS QDs suffer from uncontrolled agglomeration in solid films, leading to increased energy disorder and trap formation. The limited NIR transparency of commonly used indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and inadequate NIR radiation from commercially available solar simulators further compromise the true performance of NBG PbS QDs in solar cells. Here, we employ a hybrid ligand strategy based on inorganic cadmium halide and organic thiol molecules, leading to the partial substitution of surface Pb atoms with Cd heteroatoms. This hybrid ligand strategy substantially reduces undesired QD fusion in solid films, improving the photophysical and electronic properties. By modulating the thickness of the ITO layer and managing refraction loss through a ZnO layer coating, we improved NIR transparency to above 80%. We combine an NIR light source with a solar simulator to achieve near-ideal spectral matching for a broader range with standard AM1.5G illumination. Enhancements in surface passivation of QDs, improvements in NIR transparency of electrodes, and a spectral matched light source setup help us achieve solar cell power conversion efficiencies of 12.4%, 4.48%, and 1.37% under AM 1.5G, perovskite filter, and silicon filter illuminations, respectively. A record open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.54 V and short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 38.5 mA/cm2 are achieved under AM 1.5G illumination. We attribute these advancements in photovoltaic parameters to the reduction in Urbach tail states and intermediate trap density originating from superior surface passivation of QDs.

Differential bone and vessel type formation at superior and dura periosteum during cranial bone defect repair

The cranial mesenchyme, originating from both neural crest and mesoderm, imparts remarkable regional specificity and complexity to postnatal calvarial tissue. While the distinct embryonic origins of the superior and dura periosteum of the cranial parietal bone have been described, the extent of their respective contributions to bone and vessel formation during adult bone defect repair remains superficially explored. Utilizing transgenic mouse models in conjunction with high-resolution multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPLSM), we have separately evaluated bone and vessel formation in the superior and dura periosteum before and after injury, as well as following intermittent treatment of recombinant peptide of human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH), Teriparatide. Our results show that new bone formation along the dura surface is three times greater than that along the superior periosteal surface following injury, regardless of Teriparatide treatment. Targeted deletion of PTH receptor PTH1R via SMA-CreER and Col 1a (2.3)-CreER results in selective reduction of bone formation, suggesting different progenitor cell pools in the adult superior and dura periosteum. Consistently, analyses of microvasculature show higher vessel density and better organized arterial-venous vessel network associated with a 10-fold more osteoblast clusters at dura periosteum as compared to superior periosteum. Intermittent rhPTH treatment further enhances the arterial vessel ratio at dura periosteum and type H vessel formation in cortical bone marrow space. Taken together, our study demonstrates a site-dependent coordinated osteogenic and angiogenic response, which is determined by regional osteogenic progenitor pool as well as the coupling blood vessel network at the site of cranial defect repair.

Schmorl's nodes in two 19th-20th century Spanish osteological collections from Valladolid and Granada.

This study examines how age at death, sex, and socio-historical context relate to the frequency, location, and severity of Schmorl's nodes. The sample comprised thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of 192 skeletons from two contemporary documented osteological collections from Spain, in Valladolid and Granada, both of which contain individuals who died during the second half of the 20th century. Schmorl's nodes were recorded on the superior and inferior surfaces of vertebral bodies and their location was categorized in one of three areas: center, canal, and periphery. The prevalence of Schmorl's nodes was 57.42 % for the Valladolid collection and 67.39 % for Granada, with no significant differences between collections. Statistically significant differences were found between the sexes, but age at death did not correlate with the presence of the lesion. This analysis supports the absence of a direct relationship between the pathology and the aging process, but shows a greater predisposition in male individuals, suggesting that vertebral morphology and/or physical activity might be key etiological factors. This research enhances our understanding of the etiology of Schmorl's nodes by highlighting sex as a key variable and suggesting a lack of association with age. The absence of data on occupational activity prevents correlating this variable with the presence of Schmorl's nodes. Conduct studies on geometric morphometric data to corroborate the evolutionary hypothesis proposed by other authors.

Five-Axis Printing of Continuous Fibers on the Mold

This paper explores a five-axis printing method designed to improve the fabrication of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTPCs), essential for producing lightweight, complex structures in advanced manufacturing. Traditional CFRTPC placement techniques often face challenges with precision, scalability, and optimal fiber orientation, especially in customized, small-scale applications. The proposed five-axis printing technique overcomes these issues by enabling precise fiber orientation and the production of robust spatial structures using 3D-printed molds compatible with CFRTPCs. Validation through three-point bending and surface quality tests revealed that five-axis printed cylindrical-lattice samples, with fibers oriented at 45°, exhibited superior mechanical properties and surface quality. The five-axis printed samples achieved a load-to-weight ratio 27% higher than traditional samples and maintained their shape even under significant deformation. Surface quality improved significantly, with roughness values reduced from 37.63 µm to approximately 12 µm. This method advances CFRTPC applications in industries requiring complex, lightweight components.

Interface Mechanism of Promoting Low-Rank Coal Flotation by Characteristic Groups in Hydrophilic Moieties of Cationic-Anionic Surfactants.

Flotation is an interfacial process involving gas, liquid, and solid phases, where polar ionic promoters significantly influence both gas-liquid and solid-liquid interfaces during low-rank coal (LRC) flotation. This study examines how the structures of hydrophilic groups in cation-anion mixed promoters affect the interfacial flotation performance of LRC pulp using flotation tests, surface tension tests, wetting heat tests, and molecular dynamics simulations. Results indicate that cation-anion mixed promoters enhance the LRC floatability to varying degrees. When the cationic hydrophilic head contains a benzyl group and the anionic head contains an ethoxy group, both the floatability and selectivity improve. These mixed promoters exhibit superior surface activity compared to single ionic solutions, particularly with ethoxy-containing anions, which demonstrate an increased density and viscoelasticity at the gas-liquid interface. The combination of a benzyl cation and an ethoxy anion results in dense adsorption at the solid-liquid interface, maximizing wettability differences between organic matter and mineral surfaces. This is attributed to hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions between the promoter and the coal surface, enhancing adsorption selectivity. Hydrophobic chains shield polar sites on the LRC surface, promoting water molecule diffusion and providing sites for nonpolar oil molecule adsorption, thereby improving LRC flotation performance.

Efficacy of SAVE: A Novel Maxillary Protraction Device-A Finite Element Analysis.

This study describes a novel device known as "SAVE" to effectively protract the deficient maxilla in class III malocclusion by quantifying and evaluating the changes in the maxilla through a finite element analysis (FEA). The patented novel SAVE device was three-dimensionally modeled using Autodesk Fusion 360. An existing computed tomography (CT) scan of a patient exhibiting class III malocclusion was used to generate a finite element (FE) model. The total number of nodes was 8,49,682 and 5,30,716 elements. The material of choice for the appliance was medical-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer. The loading was performed to simulate maxillary protraction (after assigning material properties). The loading forces of 3.5, 5.5, and 9 N were simulated on each side with 30° angulations to the occlusal plane. The color changes in terms of areas of maximum (red) and minimum (blue) deformation. The FEA results with protraction forces of 3.5, 5.5, and 9 N showed deformation of the maxilla in the forward and downward directions. Equivalent von Mises stress on the SAVE appliance showed stress on the superior surface of the main frame and on the area below the struts where the force module was attached. In relation to the implant, the stress concentration was on the posterior and superior area around the implant. The FEM analysis force vectors showed a forward and downward deformation of the maxilla with counterclockwise rotation, supporting the fact that the novel appliance could bring about effective maxillary protraction in a shorter duration. Shetty S, T NB, Amin V, et al. Efficacy of SAVE: A Novel Maxillary Protraction Device-A Finite Element Analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(12):1377-1382.

On the surface roughness of 316L stainless steel fabricated using L-PBF additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers numerous advantages over traditional fabrication methods such as manufacturing complex parts. However, a significant limitation lies in the restricted surface quality, hindering its widespread use. While parts produced through conventional manufacturing techniques such as milling and grinding typically have an average roughness (Ra) value of less than 1–2 μm, those manufactured using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) AM usually fall within the range of 10 to 30 μm. Surface roughness plays a critical role in various applications, as certain uses necessitate superior surface quality to prevent premature failure due to surface-induced cracking. Subpar surface quality not only compromises the strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of parts but also impacts the precision of the fabricated components. Therefore, it is imperative to optimize the fabrication process and enhance the surface quality of metal parts. Moreover, the surface quality of each layer dictates the bonding strength between adjacent layers and process stability, as a high-quality preceding surface is essential for ensuring the integrity of subsequent layers. Consequently, surface roughness significantly influences process stability and the properties of metal parts produced through LPBF. This work aims at evaluating surface roughness of as printed 316L stainless steel parts made using LPBF AM process and their effects on tensile properties of the produced samples. Microscopic analyses are done to evaluate the roughness (including Ra, Rq, and Sa parameters) at different locations to evaluate the effects of different printing parameters on their size distributions. In addition, the macro-mechanical behaviour of the as printed samples is compared with the ones with polished surface.

Optimization of process parameters to minimize circularity error and surface roughness in fused deposition modelling (FDM) using Taguchi method for biomedical implant fabrication

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) has emerged as a pivotal additive manufacturing technology that enables the creation of complex geometries with high precision and repeatability, particularly in the fabrication of biomedical implants. The functional additive manufacturing components, such as custom prosthetics, dental implants, and surgical guides, are expected to have dimensional accuracy and superior surface finish to ensure biocompatibility, osseointegration, and optimal tissue-implant interaction. This study aimed to optimize the FDM process parameters to minimize circularity error and surface roughness (Ra) using the Taguchi method, with a focus on biomedical implant fabrication. The printing temperature, printing speed, and layer thickness were identified as significant factors affecting circularity and Ra. Orthogonal arrays of Taguchi L9 were devised with three levels of each factor. Circularity and Ra were measured on the printed specimens, which included biomedical implant prototypes. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio response analysis determined the optimal parameter combinations. Results showed that the most dominant factor for circularity error reduction was build orientation, while layer thickness had the highest influence on Ra. The confirmation runs validated that the Taguchi-optimized parameters reduced the circularity error by 42% and Ra by 67% compared to default settings. Therefore, the Taguchi method proved effective in identifying the ideal process combinations for biomedical implant fabrication. The findings can help FDM users in the biomedical sector minimize dimensional errors and improve surface finish quality, ultimately enhancing the performance and reliability of medical implants.

Upcycling Waste Cotton Cloth into a Carbon Textile: A Durable and Scalable Layer for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Applications

In our investigation, we unveil a novel, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method for crafting a bio-derived electrode using discarded cotton fabric via a carbonization procedure, marking its inaugural application in a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). Our findings showcase the superior reaction surface area, heightened carbon content, and enhanced catalytic prowess for vanadium reactions exhibited by this carbonized waste cloth (CWC) electrode compared to commercially treated graphite felt (TT-GF). Therefore, the VRFB system equipped with these custom electrodes surpasses its treated graphite felt counterpart (61% at an equivalent current) and achieves an impressive voltage efficiency of 70% at a current density of 100 mA cm−2. Notably, energy efficiency sees a notable uptick from 58% to 67% under the same current density conditions. These compelling outcomes underscore the immense potential of the carbonized waste cotton cloth electrode for widespread integration in VRFB installations at scale.

Improving Medical Image Segmentation Using Test-Time Augmentation with MedSAM

Medical image segmentation is crucial for diagnostics and treatment planning, yet traditional methods often struggle with the variability of real-world clinical data. Deep learning models, like the Segment Anything Model (SAM), have been proposed as a powerful tool that helps to delimit regions using a prompt. This work proposes a methodology to improve the quality of the segmentation by integrating test-time augmentation (TTA) with the SAM for medical applications (MedSAM) by using random circular shifts, addressing challenges such as misalignments and imaging variability. The method generates several input variations during inference that are combined after, improving robustness and segmentation accuracy without requiring retraining. Evaluated across diverse computed tomography (CT) datasets, including Medical Segmentation Decathlon (MSD), KiTS, and COVID-19-20, the proposed method demonstrated consistent improvements in Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and Normalized Surface Dice (NSD) metrics. The highest performances were 93.6% DSC and 97% NSD. Notably, it achieved superior boundary precision and surface alignment in complex regions like the pancreas and colon, outperforming baseline models, including MedSAM and DeepLabv3+. The approach is computationally feasible, leveraging a balance of augmentation intensity and segmentation accuracy.

Tough and Functional Hydrogel Coating by Electrostatic Spraying.

Hydrogel coatings impart superior surface properties to materials, but their application on large and complicated substrates is hindered by two challenges: limited wetting conditions and intricate curing processes. To overcome the challenges, lyophilized adhesive hydrogel powders (LAHPs) are developed, which consist of poly(acrylic acid-co-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate) crosslinked with chitosan. These powders are electrostatic sprayed onto substrates to address wetting issues and rehydrated to form bulk hydrogel coatings to circumvent curing challenges. This approach enables the application of hydrogel coatings with a smooth surface and adjustable thickness on various materials, irrespective of category, geometry, or size. The coatings exhibit remarkable mechanical properties (strength of 2.62MPa, elastic modulus of 6.84MPa, and stretchability exceeding 3 folds) and robust adhesion (adhesion energy ≈900Jm-2) through a three-step bonding process involving electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and covalent bonding. Notably, these coatings confer multiple functional attributes to the substrate, including lubricity, hydrophilicity, nucleation inhibition, and pH-responsive actuation. Moreover, incorporating LAHPs with functional agents or rehydrating with functional solutions opens possibilities for diverse functional hydrogel coatings, such as thermal responsiveness and NH3 indication. Leveraging the virtues of simplicity, flexibility, convenience, and broad applicability, this strategy presents an enticing pathway for the widespread applications of hydrogel coatings.

Analysis of Honing Material Removal Rate and Surface Quality Using Electroplated Oilstone.

The manufacturing precision of electro-hydraulic servo valve sleeves is critical to the performance and longevity of the valves. To ensure the service life of these valves, the valve sleeve is typically made from high-hardness martensitic stainless steel, which is considered a hard-to-cut material. Current honing methods often suffer from inefficiency and instability. This study compares the honing processes using electroplated and sintered oilstones, emphasizing processing efficiency and surface quality. Initially, the morphology of the oilstones was examined. Equivalent honing depth and material removal rate per unit width were developed to characterized material removal. The influence of various parameters on honing depth and material removal rates was explored, along with the surface morphology and roughness after honing. The results indicated that electroplated oilstones achieved a material removal rate 2.5 times higher than sintered oilstones. In contrast, sintered oilstones produced superior surface quality. To optimize both surface quality and efficiency, we proposed a sequential honing method: using electroplated oilstones for significant material removal followed by sintered oilstones for surface finishing, which enhanced efficiency by 1.6 times. Electroplated oilstone has broad application prospects in the field of precision and efficient machining of hydraulic components.