Theoretical optimization of micropillar arrays for structurally stable bioinspired dry adhesives

Inspired by the excellent adhesion performances of setae structure from organisms,micro/nano-pillar array has become one of the paradigms for adhesive surfaces.The micropillar arrays are composed of the resin pillars for adhesion and the substrate with different elastic modulus for supporting.The stress singularity at the bi-material corner between the pillars and the substrate can induce the failure of the micropillar-substrate corner and further hinder the fabrication and application of micropillar arrays,yet the design for the stability of the micropillar array lacks systematical and quantitative guides.In this work,we develop a semi-analytical method to provide the full expressions for the stress distribution within the bi-material corner combining analytical derivations and numerical calculations.The predictions for the stress within the singularity field can be obtained based on the full expressions of the stress.The good agreement between the predictions and the FEM results demonstrates the high reliability of our method.By adopting the strain energy density factor approach,the stability of the pillar-substrate corner is assessed by predicting the failure at the corner.For the elastic mismatch between the pillar and substrate given in this paper,the stability can be improved by increasing the ratio of the shear modulus of the substrate to that of the micropillar.Our study provides accurate predictions for the stress distribution at the bi-material corner and can guide the optimization of material combinations of the pillars and the substrate for more stable bioinspired dry adhesives.

Decreased LDHB expression in breast tumor cells causes NK cell activation and promotes tumor progression

Objective: Abnormal metabolism is the underlying reason for breast cancer progression. Decreased lactate dehydrogenase B(LDHB) has been detected in breast cancer but the function of LDHB remains unknown.Methods: Western blot was used to analyze LDHB expression in breast cancer cells. The impact of LDHB on tumor cell migration and invasion was determined using Transwell assays, wound healing assays, and a mouse lung metastasis model. Subcutaneous tumor formation, a natural killer(NK) cell cytotoxicity assay, and flow cytometry evaluated NK cell activation. Immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time PCR detected NK cell activation markers. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated the effect of immune cell infiltration on prognosis. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis determined NK cell activation scores. A support vector machine predicted the role of LDHB in NK cell activation.Results: In this study we showed that LDHB inhibits the breast cancer cell metastasis and orchestrates metabolic reprogramming within tumor cells. Our results revealed that LDHB-mediated lactic acid clearance in breast cancer cells triggers NK cell activation within the tumor microenvironment. Our findings, which were confirmed in a murine model, demonstrated that LDHB in tumor cells promotes NK cell activation and ultimately results in the eradication of malignant cells. Clinically, our study further validated that LDHB affects immune cell infiltration and function. Specifically, its expression has been linked to enhanced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and improved patient survival. Furthermore, we identified LDHB expression in tumors as an important predictor of NK cell activation, with strong predictive ability in some cancers.Conclusions: Our results suggest that LDHB is a promising target for activating the tumor immune microenvironment in breast cancer, where LDHB-associated lactic acid clearance leads to increased NK cell activity. This study highlights the critical role of LDHB in regulating immune responses and its potential as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Numerical investigation of geostress influence on the grouting reinforcement effectiveness of tunnel surrounding rock mass in fault fracture zones

Grouting is a widely used approach to reinforce broken surrounding rock mass during the construction of underground tunnels in fault fracture zones,and its reinforcement effectiveness is highly affected by geostress.In this study,a numerical manifold method(NMM)based simulator has been developed to examine the impact of geostress conditions on grouting reinforcement during tunnel excavation.To develop this simulator,a detection technique for identifying slurry migration channels and an improved fluid-solid coupling(FeS)framework,which considers the influence of fracture properties and geostress states,is developed and incorporated into a zero-thickness cohesive element(ZE)based NMM(Co-NMM)for simulating tunnel excavation.Additionally,to simulate coagulation of injected slurry,a bonding repair algorithm is further proposed based on the ZE model.To verify the accuracy of the proposed simulator,a series of simulations about slurry migration in single fractures and fracture networks are numerically reproduced,and the results align well with analytical and laboratory test results.Furthermore,these numerical results show that neglecting the influence of geostress condition can lead to a serious over-estimation of slurry migration range and reinforcement effectiveness.After validations,a series of simulations about tunnel grouting reinforcement and tunnel excavation in fault fracture zones with varying fracture densities under different geostress conditions are conducted.Based on these simula-tions,the influence of geostress conditions and the optimization of grouting schemes are discussed.

Molecular dynamics study of thermal conductivities of cubic diamond,lonsdaleite,and nanotwinned diamond via machine-learned potential

Diamond is a wide-bandgap semiconductor with a variety of crystal configurations,and has the potential applications in the field of high-frequency,radiation-hardened,and high-power devices.There are several important polytypes of diamonds,such as cubic diamond,lonsdaleite,and nanotwinned diamond(NTD).The thermal conductivities of semiconductors in high-power devices at different temperatures should be calculated.However,there has been no reports about thermal conductivities of cubic diamond and its polytypes both efficiently and accurately based on molecular dynamics(MD).Here,using interatomic potential of neural networks can provide obvious advantages.For example,comparing with the use of density functional theory(DFT),the calculation time is reduced,while maintaining high accuracy in predicting the thermal conductivities of the above-mentioned three diamond polytypes.Based on the neuroevolution potential(NEP),the thermal conductivities of cubic diamond,lonsdaleite,and NTD at 300 K are respectively 2507.3 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1),1557.2 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1),and 985.6 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1),which are higher than the calculation results based on Tersoff-1989 potential(1508 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1),1178 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1),and 794 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1),respectively).The thermal conductivities of cubic diamond and lonsdaleite,obtained by using the NEP,are closer to the experimental data or DFT data than those from Tersoff-potential.The molecular dynamics simulations are performed by using NEP to calculate the phonon dispersions,in order to explain the possible reasons for discrepancies among the cubic diamond,lonsdaleite,and NTD.In this work,we propose a scheme to predict the thermal conductivity of cubic diamond,lonsdaleite,and NTD precisely and efficiently,and explain the differences in thermal conductivity among cubic diamond,lonsdaleite,and NTD.

Structural evolution of low-dimensional metal oxide semiconductors under external stress

Metal oxide semiconductors(MOSs) are attractive candidates as functional parts and connections in nanodevices.Upon spatial dimensionality reduction, the ubiquitous strain encountered in physical reality may result in structural instability and thus degrade the performance of MOS. Hence, the basic insight into the structural evolutions of low-dimensional MOS is a prerequisite for extensive applications, which unfortunately remains largely unexplored. Herein, we review the recent progress regarding the mechanical deformation mechanisms in MOSs, such as CuO and ZnO nanowires(NWs). We report the phase transformation of CuO NWs resulting from oxygen vacancy migration under compressive stress and the tensile strain-induced phase transition in ZnO NWs. Moreover, the influence of electron beam irradiation on interpreting the mechanical behaviors is discussed.

Tailoring sulfur-doped and nitrogen-defective carbon nitride nanosheets for efficient photo-controlled radical polymerizations

Despite the challenges that remain,the synergistic adjustment of various microstructures and photochemical parameters of graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4))in photocatalytic reactions holds promises for improving catalytic efficiency and reducing energy consumption.Herein,sulfur-doped and nitrogen-defective g-C_(3)N_(4)(n-SC_(3)N_(x))nanosheets were designed and elaborately synthesized.The resultant n-SC_(3)N_(x)possessed a precisely defined 2D layer structure with extensive porosity and incremental specific surface area.Enhanced photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer(PET-RAFT)polymerization of vinyl monomers with low dispersity,excellent temporal control and high chain-end fidelity was achieved under mild blue light irradiation in a nondegassed system.Owing to their ultrathin nanostructures with nitrogen defects and sulfur dopants,n-SC_(3)N_(x)was capable of catalyzing RAFT polymerization in aqueous solutions at significantly accelerated rates,which were nearly 8 times faster compared to bulk g-C_(3)N_(4).The ease of separation and efficient reusability in subsequent polymerizations was enabled by the heterogeneous nature of n-SC_(3)N_(x).The appeal of this approach was illustrated by the fact that utilizing a reusable and metal-free photocatalyst in aqueous environments allowed for the synthesis of polymers with molecular weight up to 300 kg mol^(-1) and a dispersity of 1.32.

Micromechanical testing and property upscaling of planetary rocks:A critical review

Knowledge of the mechanical behavior of planetary rocks is indispensable for space explorations.The scarcity of pristine samples and the irregular shapes of planetary meteorites make it difficult to obtain representative samples for conventional macroscale rock mechanics experiments(macro-RMEs).This critical review discusses recent advances in microscale RMEs(micro-RMEs)techniques and the upscaling methods for extracting mechanical parameters.Methods of mineralogical and microstructural analyses,along with non-destructive mechanical techniques,have provided new opportunities for studying planetary rocks with unprecedented precision and capabilities.First,we summarize several mainstream methods for obtaining the mineralogy and microstructure of planetary rocks.Then,nondestructive micromechanical testing methods,nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy(AFM),are detailed reviewed,illustrating the principles,advantages,influencing factors,and available testing results from literature.Subsequently,several feasible upscaling methods that bridge the micro-measurements of meteorite pieces to the strength of the intact body are introduced.Finally,the potential applications of planetary rock mechanics research to guiding the design and execution of space missions are environed,ranging from sample return missions and planetary defense to extraterrestrial construction.These discussions are expected to broaden the understanding of the microscale mechanical properties of planetary rocks and their significant role in deep space exploration.

Foldcore Structures with Origami Initiators for Energy-Absorbing Sandwich Panels

Origami foldcore structures can be used in thin-walled sandwich panels to provide unique advantages over traditional honey-comb structures.For instance,their continuously connected space is available for flowing through cooling liquid or compact pipeline placement.However,origami foldcores suffer from relatively low-energy absorption.This paper proposes a new design of energy-absorbing foldcore structures for sandwich panels,including the geometric design,experimental tests,numerical parametric study,and theoretical estimation of energy absorption.Origami initiators are introduced to the Miura foldcores to induce a failure mode with more transverse folds,which is not common for regular foldcore structures.As a result,60%higher energy absorption and tunable load uniformity can be achieved.

Effects of twin orientation and twin boundary spacing on the plastic deformation behaviors in Ni nanowires

Spreading twins throughout nano metals has been proved to effectively mediate the mechanical behaviors in face-centered-cubic(fcc)metals.However,the experimental investigation concerning the roles of twin boundary(TB)during deformation is rarely reported.Here,with the joint efforts of in-situ nanomechani-cal testing and theoretical studies,we provide a systematic investigation regarding the effects of TB orien-tation(θ,the angle between tensile loading direction and the normal of TB)and spacing on deformation mechanisms in Ni nanowires(NWs).As compared with single-crystalline counterparts,it is found that nano-twinned(nt)NWs withθ∼0°exhibit limited ductility,whereas TB can serve as an effective block-age to the dislocation propagation.In contrast,in nt NWs withθ∼20°and 55°,TB migration/detwinning induced by TB-dislocation reaction or partial dislocation movement dominates the plasticity,which con-tributes to enhanced NW ductility.Regarding nt NWs withθ∼90°,dislocations are found to be able to transmit through the TBs,suggesting the limited effect of TB on the NW stretchability.Furthermore,de-creasing TB spacing(λ)can facilitate the detwinning process and thus greatly enhance the ductility of NW withθ∼55°.This study uncovers the distinct roles that TB can play during mechanical deforma-tions in fcc NWs and provides an atomistic view into the direct linkage between macroscopic mechanical properties and microscopic deformation modes.

Strong size effect on deformation twin-me diate d plasticity in body-centered-cubic iron

Deformation twinning serves as an important mode of plastic dissipation processes in nanoscale body-centered cubic(BCC)metals,but its origin and spatio-temporal features are mysterious.Here,applying in situ tensile experiments,we report a strong size effect on mediating the twinning behaviors and twin boundary(TB)-dislocation interaction mechanisms in BCC iron(Fe)nanowires(NWs).There exists a critical diameter(d)of∼2.5 nm,above which the deformation twinning rather than dislocation slip dominates the plasticity.Unlike the traditional reflection TBs,the intermediate isosceles TBs are consis-tently observed as mediated by the 1/12<111>partial dislocations.Moreover,we uncover two distinct TB-related deformation mechanisms,including twin variant re-orientation and TB cracking for NWs with d<17 nm and d>17 nm,respectively.Further molecular dynamics and statics simulations provide the basic underlying mechanisms for size-dependent plasticity,which have been largely overlooked in previous experimental investigations.Our findings highlight the importance of grain size in mediating the deformation behaviors in Fe,serving as possible guidance for exploring single-crystalline and poly-crystalline Fe-based materials(e.g.steel)with optimized mechanical performance.

Versatile optical manipulation of trions,dark excitons and biexcitons through contrasting exciton-photon coupling

Various exciton species in transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),such as neutral excitons,trions(charged excitons),dark excitons,and biexcitons,have been individually discovered with distinct light-matter interactions.In terms of valley-spin locked band structures and electron-hole configurations,these exciton species demonstrate flexible control of emission light with degrees of freedom(DOFs)such as intensity,polarization,frequency,and dynamics.However,it remains elusive to fully manipulate different exciton species on demand for practical photonic applications.Here,we investigate the contrasting light-matter interactions to control multiple DOFs of emission light in a hybrid monolayer WSe2-Ag nanowire(NW)structure by taking advantage of various exciton species.These excitons,including trions,dark excitons,and biexcitons,are found to couple independently with propagating surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs)of Ag NW in quite different ways,thanks to the orientations of transition dipoles.Consistent with the simulations,the dark excitons and dark trions show extremely high coupling efficiency with SPPs,while the trions demonstrate directional chiral-coupling features.This study presents a crucial step towards the ultimate goal of exploiting the comprehensive spectrum of TMD excitons for optical information processing and quantum optics.

Chiral discrimination of small substituents in biaryl atropisomer construction:enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral 1-azafluorene via Ni-catalyzed[2+2+2]cycloaddition

Construction of axially chiral 1-azafluorenes via nickel-catalyzed[2+2+2]cycloaddition of alkynes and(o-alkynyl)benzyl nitriles is described.This strategy enables enantioselective discrimination of two sterically similar ortho substituents,such as H and F,during the construction of tri-ortho-substituted biaryl atropisomers.Mechanistic studies including the stereochemistry model and the stability of the atropenantiomers toward racemization are provided.The unique steric hindrance provided by 1-azafluorene skeleton and the fine chiral cavity of the nickel catalyst are key to achieving high enantioselectivity.

Orientation-dependent ductility and deformation mechanisms in body-centered cubic molybdenum nanocrystals

The knowledge regarding anisotropic mechanical behaviors in nanoscale body-centered cubic (bcc) metals remains obscure. Herein, we report the orientation-dependent ductility in bcc Mo nanocrystals (NCs), which exhibit poor ductility along [110] direction but possess relatively better ductility along the [001] and [112] orientations. The origin of different deformability can be traced down to the distinct deformation mechanisms: the unexpected crack nucleation and propagation induce premature fractures in [110]-oriented NCs;in contrast, deformation twinning could contribute to the enhanced ductility in [001]-oriented NCs;interestingly, we find the activation of multiple dislocation slips in [112]-oriented NCs with the highest ductility. Further molecular dynamics simulations provide deeper insights into the defect dynamics that are closely interlinked with experimental observations. Our findings advance the basic understanding of orientation-dependent mechanical properties and help to guide endeavors to architecture the microstructures of bcc metals with enhanced ductility.