The non-physical-contact property of lasers poses significant challenges for the alignment procedure in precision engineering. Particularly in galvanometer-based laser processing systems, the requirement for multiple-step coordinate conversion further complicates the alignment procedure, thereby increasing the potential for error accumulation. To address the alignment issues during galvanometer laser scanning, this paper proposes an alignment-error-free solution for full-in-situ imaging and laser processing system, which eliminates the alignment error at the principal level by skipping the coordinate conversion and directly extracting angular coordinates for laser scanning from the captured images. Compared with the existing galvanometer-based laser processing systems, the main advantage of the proposed method is its ability to achieve alignment-error-free without requiring calibration, making it particularly suitable for small-batch, highly customized, and complex processing tasks. This system specifically facilitates in-line inspection, detection, and measurement during laser fabrications. Furthermore, two experimental cases in pan-semiconductor manufacturing, which includes flexible printed circuits (FPC) cutting and Micro-LEDs defect detection, have been conducted to demonstrate the validation of the proposed full-in-situ processing system. Correspondingly, the current experimental comparisons highlight the superiority of the proposed system for simultaneously achieving a maximum range of 27 mm × 27 mm and a minimum resolution of 0.412 µm, with a maximum processing error <15 µm. Demonstrations in detecting and processing the complex patterns illustrate its exceptional capabilities in alignment-error-free laser processing for precision manufacturing.
Reconfigurable robots have been widely used in the fields of environmental exploration and multi-task applications, benefitting from their high adaptability and multi-functionality. The module size and reconfiguration strategy are two key factors determining the locomotion characteristics and application scenarios. Traditional reconfigurable robots face challenges in operating in narrow spaces due to the large individual modules that use complex drive and transmission mechanisms; the incompetent reconfiguration strategy limits the diversity of robot configurations and functions. Here we propose a novel high-integration module using built-in-ceramic actuation unit and construct a series of centimeter-scale piezo robots with a new reconfiguration strategy. The actuation unit achieves ultra-high locomotion speed (90.3 body length per second) and high carrying capability (31.6 times self-weight). The high-integration module, including control, communication and power-supply units, achieves a movement speed of 590 mm per second. Multi-position magnetic connection is designed to achieve the reconfiguration among the modules, and a method is proposed to help select suitable configuration for specific requirements. Such strategy enables the centimeter-scale piezo robot to cope with various flat work scenarios and achieve wireless image capture, exhibiting great potential for different applications. This work provides inspiration for structural design and functional realization in the field of miniature reconfigurable robots.
The backside power-delivery network (BSPDN) has emerged as a promising solution to address wiring congestion challenges in advanced nodes beyond the 3 nm technology threshold. In this study, we demonstrate a novel ruthenium (Ru)-based nano through-silicon via (n-TSV) interconnection technology fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate for BSPDN implementation. After fabricating a scallop-free n-TSV array with a high aspect ratio (AR) (10.4:1.0) using an advanced multi-step etching process, pure Ru metallization was achieved with a resistivity of 19.9 μΩ·cm. The double-side interconnection adopts a combination of an extreme wafer-thinning technique (final thickness: 500 nm; total thickness variation (TTV): < 15 nm) and a plasma-assisted all-dry revealing process, achieving high-precision n-TSV exposure from the backside of the substrate while preserving sidewall dielectric liner integrity (< 1 nm loss). A dry recess etch of Ru in n-TSVs was first developed, with significant selectivity (Ru-to-liner oxide ratio > 50:1), effectively eliminating the metallic sidewall residues. The further extracted average line resistance of the Ru-filled n-TSVs was as low as 29 Ω·μm−1. Finally, after 100 thermal cycling tests (–40 to 125 °C), the relative resistance change remained below 1%, demonstrating the superior reliability and stability of the Ru-based interconnects in the BSPDN. These advancements establish a robust interconnection solution for achieving energy-efficient three-dimensional integrated circuit architectures.
Due to low reflectance (5%–10%) of black asphalt pavement, most of the incident solar radiation (295–2500 nm) is absorbed and stored. This results in the high temperature (even exceeding 70 °C in summer) of the pavement surface, which leads to pavement diseases, exacerbates the heat island effect, and reduces human thermal comfort. Reflective pavement coating with high reflectance ranging from 20% to 80% is an effective way to solve the above problems. However, excessively improving the visible reflectance and ignoring the mixed reflection behavior (including specular and diffuse reflection properties) may cause glare problems and negatively affect road light environment safety. Therefore, precise control of reflectance is very significant. In this study, an automated test platform of reflection behavior was developed to investigate the mixed light reflection distribution pattern of reflective coating. Additionally, the impact of reflective coating on the light environment was explored. It was found that there was obvious specular reflection under conditions of a low incidence angle (less than 10°). Moreover, reflective coating could change the lightness index and specular reflection coefficient of traditional pavement. Finally, considering glare during the daytime and the nighttime illumination safety, the control indexes of reflective pavement coating were proposed. The visible reflectance and specular reflection coefficient should be lower than 22% and 1.5, respectively. The results will provide a theoretical basis for the precise and safe design of reflective pavement coatings to improve driving safety as well as the pavement light and thermal environment.
Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is an important technological path for realizing “carbon neutrality,” where carbon capture is one of the three key CCS technologies. At present, mature carbon capture technologies still have technical shortcomings and difficulties, such as low capture efficiency and high energy consumption, which limit their large-scale popularization and application. In this study, a solid–liquid phase change absorbent (PCA) system with isophorone diamine (IPDA) as the only carbon dioxide (CO2) capture carrier and ketone-based organic molecules as the phase change medium was developed. The solid–liquid PCA system has a wide range of applicability, with highly efficient CO2 capture (1.11 mol·mol−1) at concentrations ranging from typical values in air to those in coal-fired industrial emissions (400 to 150 000 ppm) and low-energy consumption regeneration, as revealed by a two-phase integrated engineering model. The CO2 absorption product IPDA(NHCOO−)2 was characterized by materials science analysis, molecular dynamics (MD) calculations and quantum chemistry. The results indicate that in noncyclic ketone-based phase-change media, the hydrogen bonding in IPDA(NHCOO−)2 is modulated by noncovalent bond interaction (NCI) forces to form a small-scale hydrogen-bonding network. These properties ensure that the product can be easily regenerated by low-temperature thermal treatment (333 K, 60 °C), and characterization and calculations revealed a reaction mechanism different from that of the aqueous system. The technoeconomic evaluation (TEA) results show that this type of ketone-based PCA has an obvious low-cost advantage over traditional carbon capture technologies. This study provides a new perspective on the application and practical feasibility of PCAs for direct air capture of carbon dioxide.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) denotes a chronic, advancing, and life-threatening lung disorder. Dysregulated cytokines, particularly those in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-associated signaling pathway, drive the pathological development of IPF. Natural products derived from traditional Chinese medicine hold great potential as promising therapeutic candidates for IPF. This study integrated machine learning (ML) with experimental validation to identify TGF-β/small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) pathway inhibitors from natural compounds. An in-house library was screened by means of a dual-luciferase reporter assay, revealing the flavonoid dihydromyricetin (DHM) as the most potent inhibitor. In vitro, DHM suppressed TGF-β1-triggered epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in A549 cells and fibroblast transdifferentiation in medical research council cell strain 5 (MRC-5) cells. In vivo, DHM attenuated fibrosis and inflammatory responses in a bleomycin (BLM)-triggered pulmonary fibrosis mouse model. Mechanistic studies revealed that DHM targets the type I TGF-β receptor (known as ALK5), reduces its membrane expression, binds directly to the receptor and represses its kinase activity, ultimately downregulating the TGF-β/ALK5 pathway. The present research is the first to report DHM as a TGF-β/SMAD inhibitor identified through ML with therapeutic efficacy against IPF. DHM’s anti-fibrotic effects are mediated through ALK5 blockade, suppressing downstream signaling, EMT, and fibroblast activation. These findings not only highlight DHM’s latent ability to act as a novel remedy for IPF but also underscore the utility of computational approaches in natural product drug discovery.
Aquatic products play a crucial role in fulfilling the growing demand of the world’s population for food and provide essential health benefits owing to their high protein and omega-3 fatty acid concentrations that are often lacking in land-based diets. The rapid expansion of aquaculture as a burgeoning food production system has resulted in considerable food safety challenges, particularly concerning the presence of intrinsic toxins (e.g., marine toxins), environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, microplastics, and pathogens), and regulatory issues. Notably, China’s maritime renaissance, which is reshaping the nation’s approach to food security and dietary structures, necessitates urgent solutions owing to its impact on one-fifth of the global population. In response to these pressing challenges, nanostructures have recently been investigated as promising tools for the detection and elimination of hazardous contaminants in aquaculture. Because of their large surface areas and adjustable physicochemical properties, nanostructures can be engineered with antibodies, aptamers, and functional ligands to function as indicators, signal amplifiers, photocatalysts, and separation tools across a wide range of targeted applications. This review presents the latest advancements in the application of nanostructures for safeguarding aquacultural environments and food products. It begins with an overview of aquacultural safety challenges and currently established solutions, followed by a comprehensive analysis of how diverse nanostructures are being utilized for the detection and elimination of hazardous substances from aquacultural systems and products. The review also presents a discussion on the integration of nanostructures into existing aquaculture practices, emphasizing the potential of nanostructures in revolutionizing hazard management by providing rapid, sensitive, and sustainable solutions. Finally, future perspectives on the integration of nanostructures for enhancing aquaculture safety are presented. By addressing both current challenges and future directions, this review underscores the transformative impact of nanostructures in fostering safer and more sustainable aquaculture, contributing to the advancement of global food security.