Search Results (279)

The complexity of stroke pathophysiology, involving intricate neurovascular interactions and dynamic cellular responses, has long challenged the development of effective preclinical models. Traditional 2D cultures and animal models often fail to fully recapitulate human-specific features, limiting translational success. Emerging 3D systems, particularly brain assembloids and organ-on-a-chip platforms, are offering new opportunities to create more physiologically relevant stroke models. Assembloids, which integrate multiple brain-region-specific organoids, enable the study of interregional connectivity and complex cellular responses under ischemic conditions. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by mimicking key tissue interfaces such as the blood–brain barrier and incorporating controlled fluid dynamics, enable a dynamic and highly customizable microenvironment with real-time monitoring capabilities. This review introduces and characterizes these two cutting-edge platforms (assembloids and organ-on-chip technologies), exploring their potential in stroke research while also discussing current challenges that need to be addressed for their broader adoption in translational applications. Full article

As demand for high-performance energy storage grows across grid and mobility sectors, multivalent ion batteries (MVIBs) have emerged as promising alternatives to lithium-based systems due to their potential for higher volumetric energy density and material abundance. This review comprehensively examines recent breakthroughs in magnesium, zinc, aluminum, and calcium-based battery chemistries, with a focus on overcoming barriers related to slow ion transport, limited reversibility, and electrode degradation. Advances in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte formulations, including solvation shell engineering, interfacial passivation, and dual-zone ion transport, are discussed for their role in improving compatibility and cycling stability. Particular focus is placed on three high-impact innovations: solvation-optimized Mg-ion systems for improved mobility and retention, interface-engineered Zn-ion batteries enabling dendrite-free operation, and sustainable Al-ion technologies targeting grid-scale deployment with eco-friendly electrolytes and recyclable materials. Cross-cutting insights from operando characterization techniques and AI-guided materials discovery are also evaluated for their role in accelerating MVIB development. By integrating fundamental materials innovation with practical system design, multivalent ion batteries offer a compelling path toward next-generation, safer, and more sustainable energy storage platforms. Full article

Terahertz (THz) waves, situated between the infrared and microwave regions, possess distinctive properties such as non-contact, high penetration, and high resolution. These properties render them highly advantageous for non-destructive thickness measurement of multilayer structural materials. In comparison with conventional ultrasound or X-ray techniques, THz thickness measurement has the capacity to acquire thickness data for multilayer structures without compromising the integrity of the specimen and is characterized by its environmental sustainability. The extant THz thickness measurement techniques principally encompass time-domain spectroscopy, frequency-domain spectroscopy, and model-based inversion and deep learning methods. A variety of methodologies have been demonstrated to possess complementary advantages in addressing subwavelength-scale thin layers, overlapping multilayer interfaces, and complex environmental interferences. These methodologies render them suitable for a range of measurement scenarios and precision requirements. A wide range of technologies related to this field have been applied in various disciplines, including aerospace thermal barrier coating inspection, semiconductor process monitoring, automotive coating quality assessment, and oil film thickness monitoring. The ongoing enhancement in system integration and continuous algorithm optimization has led to significant advancements in THz thickness measurement, propelling it towards high resolution, real-time performance, and intelligence. This development offers a wide range of engineering applications with considerable potential for future growth and innovation. Full article

The study of Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays is made possible by space telescopes that allow for the recording of signals generated by Extensive Air Showers (EAS) on the night side of the Earth’s atmosphere. One of the requirements for these telescopes is the detection of very low photon fluxes, achievable using the latest generation SiPMs characterized by high intrinsic gains, low power consumption, low weight, and robustness against accidental exposure to light. Despite these advantages, some technological issues still need to be addressed, such as the radiation hardness for operation in space. Therefore, the design of a SiPM-based focal surface for UHECR detection must consider the space qualification of SiPM arrays, with the development of compact arrays optimized for low dead-area focal surfaces. SiSMUV (SiPM-based Space Monitor for UV light) is a project dedicated to developing a compact and modular UV detector for use in space telescopes designed to study the fluorescence and Cherenkov signals produced by Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECRs). Each SiSMUV module incorporates a matrix of SiPMs, a readout ASIC (Radioroc by Weeroc), and an FPGA into a monolithic block. This design enables the acquisition and processing of signals from the sensors. The system can connect to a PC for standalone operation or with back-end electronics for integration into more complex systems. In this paper, we will describe the prototype electronics, the experimental setup and the measurements performed to obtain parameters such as the gain of the SiPMs, and their photon detection efficiency (PDE). We will also present the firmware developed to interface with the readout ASIC and to transmit data to other peripherals. Full article

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition in which genetic predisposition interacts with environmental factors. Among these, the gut microbiota has emerged as a crucial modulator of the microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA), influencing neuroinflammation, neurotransmission, and behavior. This review aims to provide an updated and integrative overview of the relationship between gut microbiota, diet, and neurodevelopment in ASD. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between 2010 and 2025. Original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in English were included. Results: Evidence from human and animal studies supports a strong association between gut dysbiosis and ASD-related behaviors. Alterations in microbial composition, characterized by reduced Bifidobacterium and Prevotella and increased Clostridium spp., have been linked to impaired intestinal barrier function, chronic inflammation, and altered production of microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan derivatives. Discussion: Maternal dysbiosis, nutritional imbalances, and perinatal stressors may further modulate fetal neurodevelopment through immune and epigenetic pathways. Emerging data suggest that dietary modulation, targeted nutritional interventions, functional foods, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics could help restore microbial balance and improve neurobehavioral outcomes. Conclusions: The gut microbiota represents a key biological interface between environment, metabolism, and neurodevelopment. It is, therefore, necessary to transform current knowledge about the microbiota and neurodevelopment into clinical, social, and health actions that offer real solutions to people with ASD and their families. From this perspective, focusing on prevention, promoting healthy lifestyles, and integrating new technologies represent the true tools for building a more sustainable and inclusive healthcare system. Full article

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy storage technologies due to their high energy density and improved safety. To achieve this goal, the development of solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and low interfacial resistance is essential. In recent years, composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) have garnered extensive attention due to their ability to combine the intrinsic flexibility of polymers with the enhanced ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness provided by inorganic fillers. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), characterized by tunable pore structures, high surface areas, and excellent thermal and mechanical stability, are considered ideal fillers for constructing MOF–polymer composite electrolytes (MPCEs). This review summarizes the performance enhancement mechanisms of MPCEs and strategies for electrode–electrolyte interface stability. First, the primary preparation methods of MPCEs are introduced. Subsequently, the roles of MOFs in regulating ionic transport, suppressing dendrite growth, improving electrochemical stability, and optimizing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer are discussed. In addition, various interface engineering strategies are highlighted, including in situ polymerization of the polymer matrix, in situ growth of MOF fillers, integration of liquid plasticizers forming gel-like ionic conductor, and design of composite electrode to enhance interfacial compatibility and stability. Finally, the significant challenges and future research directions of MPCEs are outlined. This review provides valuable insights into the rational design of MPCEs and offers guidance for the development and practical application of high-performance SSBs. Full article

Chinese lacquer, a natural polymer with exceptional durability and cultural significance, has been widely used since the Warring States period. This review examines recent advances in lacquer identification techniques and their role in cultural heritage conservation. Drawing on five representative case studies—the B54 Japanese armor, Ba lacquerware from Lijiaba, a Qing Dynasty folding fan, Ryukyu lacquerware, and late Joseon objects—we show how integrated analytical approaches combining microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, and biochemical methods provide critical insights into composition, degradation, and conservation strategies. Key findings highlight (1) the effectiveness of multi-technique analysis in characterizing complex lacquer–metal interfaces and layered structures; (2) the recognition of regional and chronological variations in lacquer formulations, highlighting the need for standardized authentication protocols and shared databases; and (3) the promise of non-destructive technologies to reduce sampling and improve aging simulations. By critically synthesizing these case studies, the review highlights both methodological successes and persistent challenges, such as ethical constraints of sampling and limited understanding of long-term degradation. Ultimately, lacquer is positioned at the intersection of material science and cultural preservation, offering a transferable framework for global heritage protection. Future directions include hyperspectral imaging, bioinspired consolidants, and computational modeling to advance non-invasive diagnostics and sustainable conservation. Full article

Pressure-preserved coring enables in situ encapsulation of deep coal samples at the borehole bottom. By effectively reducing gas desorption, it supports reliable reserve assessment. Achieving reliable pressure-preserved sealing within the confined space of drilling tools remains a critical technical challenge in the field. Focusing on the pressure controller, this study investigates three key aspects: configuration design, sealing interface behavior, and structural performance. The investigation employs both theoretical modeling and laboratory experiments. First, a geometric configuration design methodology was proposed for the pressure controller using intersecting contact and tapered sealing principles. This was followed by the creation of a spatial motion interference prediction model for the assemblies. Secondly, the contact behavior of intersecting sealing interfaces was studied; analysis of the failure mechanisms showed that the design achieves a pressure-preserved capacity of about 24 MPa. Finally, laboratory tests validated the sealing performance of the pressure controller. The tests confirmed that seal ring failure is characterized by high-pressure extrusion, which is caused by an increased sealing clearance. The research findings elucidate the sealing formation mechanism of the pressure controller, establishing a theoretical foundation for advancing pressure-preserved coring technologies in coalbed methane and gas hydrate exploration and development. Full article

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) implemented in the paradigm of the Internet of Things (IoT) are characterized by a large number of distributed sensor nodes that make measurements in-the-field and communicate with other sensor nodes and servers in the cloud by means of wireless technology. Sensor-to-microcontroller direct interface (SMDI) is a technique used for the measurement of resistive sensors without the use of an ADC. In SMDI-based measurements, the sensor is directly interfaced with the digital input–output pins of the general-purpose input–output (GPIO) interface of microcontrollers and FPGAs. Compared with the measurements performed with an ADC, SMDI is characterized by lower cost and lower power consumption. In this paper, the impact of noise on the accuracy of resistive sensor measurements using SMDI is investigated. This study was carried out by LTSpice electrical-level simulations and validated by preliminary experimental measurements, where a set of resistances in the range from 100 Ω to 10 kΩ were measured by SMDI under different levels of noise. For each operative condition, the simulations were also carried out in the case of measurements performed with a 12-bit ADC, and the achieved accuracy for the measured resistances was compared with the results achieved by SMDI. The results have shown that noise can seriously impact the measured accuracy of resistive sensors by SMDI and, unlike the ADC measurements, the accuracy cannot be improved by averaging on multiple measurements. A mitigation strategy to estimate the noise level and to improve the measurement accuracy of resistive sensors by SMDI was also proposed. Full article

The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at low operating temperatures is critical for public health, environmental monitoring, and industrial safety, yet it remains a significant challenge for conventional sensor technologies. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly versatile precursors for creating advanced sensing materials. This review critically examines the transformation of MOFs into functional catalytic interfaces for low-temperature chemiresistive VOC sensing. We survey the key synthetic strategies, with a focus on controlled pyrolysis, that enable the conversion of insulating MOF precursors into semiconducting derivatives with tailored porosity, morphology, and catalytically active sites. This review establishes the crucial synthesis-structure-performance relationships that govern sensing behavior, analyzing how factors like calcination temperature and precursor composition dictate the final material’s properties. We delve into the underlying chemiresistive sensing mechanisms, supported by evidence from advanced characterization techniques such as in situ DRIFTS and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which elucidate the role of oxygen vacancies and heterojunctions in enhancing low-temperature catalytic activity. A central focus is placed on the persistent challenges of achieving high selectivity and robust performance in complex, real-world environments. We critically evaluate and compare strategies to mitigate interference from confounding gases and ambient humidity, including intrinsic material design and extrinsic system-level solutions like sensor arrays coupled with machine learning. Finally, this review synthesizes the current state of the art, identifies key bottlenecks related to stability and scalability, and provides a forward-looking perspective on emerging frontiers, including novel device architectures and computational co-design, to guide the future development of practical MOF-derived VOC sensors. Full article

Quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation display technologies owing to their high color purity and external quantum efficiency. Despite rapid advancements in device performance, operational stability and long-term reliability remain critical challenges, particularly for cadmium-free and blue-emitting QLEDs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the degradation mechanisms of QLEDs, emphasizing the relationship between environmental factors, such as moisture, oxygen, and thermal stress, and excitonic factors, including charge-injection imbalance, Auger recombination, and interface deterioration. We further highlight the role of nondestructive characterization techniques, including impedance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transient photoluminescence, transient electroluminescence, transient absorption, and electroabsorption spectroscopy, in probing real-time charge dynamics and material degradation. By integrating the insights from these operando analyses, this review offers a detailed perspective on the origins of device degradation and provides guidance for rational design strategies aimed at enhancing the operational stability and commercialization potential of QLEDs. Full article

New-generation batteries are attracting increasing interest in response to today’s energy storage challenges, as evidenced by the steady rise in scientific publications on the topic. However, their industrial deployment remains limited due to the complexity of aging mechanisms, which are still poorly understood and difficult to control. While several promising developments have emerged in laboratory settings, they remain too immature to be scaled up. These aging processes, which directly affect the performance, safety, and lifespan of battery systems, also determine their technical and economic viability. This review offers a comparative analysis of aging phenomena—both specific to individual technologies and common across systems—drawing on findings from accelerated testing, post-mortem analyses, and modeling. It highlights critical failures such as interface instability, loss of active material, and mechanical stress, while also identifying shared patterns and the unique features of each technology. By combining experimental data with theoretical approaches, the article proposes an integrated framework for understanding and prioritizing aging mechanisms by technology type. It underscores the limitations of current characterization techniques, the urgent need for harmonized testing protocols, and the importance of standardized data sharing. Finally, it outlines possible avenues for improving the understanding and mitigation of aging phenomena. Full article

As the scaling of silicon-based CMOS technology approaches its physical limits, two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged as promising alternatives for future electronic devices. Among them, MoS₂ is a leading candidate due to its fascinating semiconducting nature and compatibility with CMOS processes. However, high contact resistance at the metal–MoS₂ interface remains a major bottleneck, limiting device performance. In this study, we report the fabrication and characterization of graphene–MoS₂ (Gr–MoS₂) lateral heterostructure FETs, where monolayer graphene, synthesized by inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD), is directly used as the source and drain. Bilayer MoS₂ is selectively grown along graphene edges via edge-guided CVD, forming a chemically bonded in-plane junction without transfer steps. Electrical measurements reveal that the Gr–MoS₂ FETs exhibit a threefold increase in average field-effect mobility (3.9 vs. 1.1 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹) compared to conventional MoS₂ FETs. Y-function analysis shows that the contact resistance is significantly reduced from 85.8 kΩ to 20.5 kΩ at V_G = 40 V. These improvements are attributed to the replacement of the conventional metal–MoS₂ contact with a graphene–metal contact. Our results demonstrate that lateral heterostructure engineering with graphene provides an effective and scalable strategy for high-performance 2D electronics. Full article

In this study, we investigate the improvement of physical and electrical characteristics in 4H-silicon carbide (SiC) MOS capacitors using Aluminum Oxynitride (AlON) thin films fabricated via Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition (PEALD). AlON thin films are grown on SiC substrates using a high ratio of NH₃ and O₂ as nitrogen and oxygen sources through PEALD technology, with improved material properties and electrical performance. The AlON films exhibited excellent thickness uniformity, with a minimal error of only 0.14%, a high refractive index of 1.90, and a low surface roughness of 0.912 nm, demonstrating the precision of the PEALD process. Through XPS depth profiling and electrical characterization, it was found that the AlON/SiC interface showed a smooth transition from Al-N and Al-O at the surface to Al-O-Si at the interface, ensuring robust bonding. Electrical measurements indicated that the SiC/AlON MOS capacitors demonstrated Type I band alignment with a valence band offset of 1.68 eV and a conduction band offset of 1.16 eV. Additionally, the device demonstrated a low interface state density (D_it) of 7.6 × 10¹¹ cm⁻²·eV⁻¹ with a high breakdown field strength of 10.4 MV/cm. The results highlight AlON’s potential for enhancing the performance of high-voltage, high-power SiC devices. Full article

As 3D stacking technologies advance, low-temperature hybrid Cu bonding has become essential for fine-pitch integration. This study focuses on evaluating Pd nanolayers deposited by electroless plating (ELP) on Cu surfaces and compares them to electroplated (EP) Pd to assess their suitability for hybrid bonding. Pd nanolayers (5~7 nm) were deposited on Cu films, and their surface morphology, crystallinity, and chemical composition were characterized using AFM, TEM, GIXRD, and XPS. EP-Pd layers exhibited lower roughness and larger grain size, acting as effective Cu diffusion barriers. In contrast, ELP-Pd layers showed small grains, higher surface roughness, and partial Cu diffusion and oxidation. At 200 °C, both Pd layers enabled bonding, but ELP-Pd samples achieved more uniform and continuous interfaces with thinner copper oxide layers. Shear testing revealed that ELP-Pd samples exhibited higher average bonding strength (20.58 MPa) and lower variability compared to EP-Pd (16.47 MPa). The improved bonding performance of ELP-Pd is attributed to its grain-boundary-driven diffusion and uniform interface formation. These findings highlight the potential of electroless Pd as a passivation layer for low-temperature hybrid Cu bonding and underscore the importance of optimizing pre-bonding surface treatments for improved bonding quality. Full article