CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-29DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090771
Yujian Shen, Zhongjie Zhu, Qingjie Xiao, Kanglei Ye, Qisheng Wang, Yue Wang, Bo Sun
{"title":"Predicting X-ray Diffraction Quality of Protein Crystals Using a Deep-Learning Method","authors":"Yujian Shen, Zhongjie Zhu, Qingjie Xiao, Kanglei Ye, Qisheng Wang, Yue Wang, Bo Sun","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090771","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090771","url":null,"abstract":"Over the past few decades, significant advancements in protein crystallography have led to a steady increase in the number of determined protein structures. The X-ray diffraction experiment remains one of the primary methods for investigating protein crystal structures. To obtain information about crystal structures, a sufficient number of high-quality crystals are typically required. At present, X-ray diffraction experiments on protein crystals primarily rely on manual selection by experimenters. However, each experiment is not only costly but also time-consuming. To address the urgent need for automatic selection of the proper protein crystal candidates for X-ray diffraction experiments, a protein-crystal-quality classification network, leveraging the ConvNeXt network architecture, is proposed. Subsequently, a new database is created, which includes protein crystal images and their corresponding X-ray diffraction images. Additionally, a novel method for categorizing protein quality based on the number of diffraction spots and the resolution is introduced. To further enhance the network’s focus on essential features of protein crystal images, a CBAM (Convolutional Block Attention Module) attention mechanism is incorporated between convolution layers. The experimental results demonstrate that the network achieves significant improvement in performing the prediction task, thereby effectively enhancing the probability of high-quality crystals being selected by experimenters.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Structural Insights into Phycocyanin Langmuir–Blodgett Multilayers via Serial Femtosecond Crystallography with X-ray Free-Electron Laser","authors":"Eugenia Pechkova, Fabio Massimo Speranza, Paola Ghisellini, Stefano Fiordoro, Cristina Rando, Roberto Eggenhöffner","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090767","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090767","url":null,"abstract":"Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) with X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has revolutionized classical X-ray diffraction experiments by utilizing ultra-short, intense, and coherent X-ray pulses. However, the SFX approach still requires thousands of nearly identical samples, leading to significant protein consumption. We propose utilizing Langmuir–Blodgett protein multilayers, which are characterized by long-range order, thermal stability, and the ability to induce protein crystallization, even in proteins that cannot be crystallized by conventional methods. This study aimed to combine the intrinsic properties of Langmuir–Blodgett multilayers with advanced XFEL techniques at the Linac Coherent Light Source. Since the macromolecule organization can be explored in nano or 2D crystals exploiting the properties of SFX–XFEL radiation that enable the capture of high-resolution diffraction images before radiation damage occurs, we propose Langmuir–Blodgett protein nanofilm technology as a novel approach for direct “on-chip” protein sample preparation. The present study extends previous investigations into Langmuir–Blodgett phycocyanin multilayer nanofilms using synchrotron radiation cryo-EM microscopy and second-order nonlinear imaging of chiral crystal (SONICC) experiments. We also examined the thermal stability of phycocyanin Langmuir–Blodgett multilayered films deposited on Si3N4 membranes to evaluate structural changes occurring at 150 °C compared with room temperature. Phycocyanin Langmuir–Blodgett films are worthy of investigation in view of their suitability for tissue engineering and other applications due to their thermal integrity and stability as the results of the present investigation reveal.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-29DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090769
Justina Gaidukevic, Jurgis Barkauskas
{"title":"Advanced Technologies in Graphene-Based Materials","authors":"Justina Gaidukevic, Jurgis Barkauskas","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090769","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090769","url":null,"abstract":"Graphene-based materials, including single layer graphene, laser-induced graphene, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide, have become cornerstones of modern materials science due to their exceptional properties and wide range of potential applications [...]","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-29DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090770
Atef Iqbal, Egill Skúlason, Younes Abghoui
{"title":"Understanding the Mechanistic Pathways of N2 Reduction to Ammonia on (110) Facets of Transition Metal Carbides","authors":"Atef Iqbal, Egill Skúlason, Younes Abghoui","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090770","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090770","url":null,"abstract":"The conversion of molecular dinitrogen into ammonia under mild conditions is a significant pursuit in chemistry due to its potential for sustainable and clean ammonia production. The electrochemical reduction of N2 offers a promising route for achieving this goal with reduced energy consumption, utilizing renewable energy sources. However, the exploration of effective electrocatalysts for this process, particularly at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, remains under exploration. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive investigation of potential catalysts for nitrogen electro-reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions. Using density functional theory calculations, we explore the (110) facets of rock salt structures across 11 transition metal carbides. Catalytic activity is evaluated through the construction of free energy diagrams for associative, dissociative, and Mars–van Krevelen reaction mechanisms. Additionally, we assess material stability against electrochemical poisoning and decomposition of parent metals during operation. Our findings suggest that a few of the candidates are promising for nitrogen reduction reactions, such as TaC and WC, with moderate onset potentials (−0.66 V and −0.82 V vs. RHE) under ambient conditions.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"105 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-29DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090773
Qian Sun, Xiaojun Tan, Mingjun Ding, Bo Cao, Takeshi Iwamoto
{"title":"A Review of Additively Manufactured Iron-Based Shape Memory Alloys","authors":"Qian Sun, Xiaojun Tan, Mingjun Ding, Bo Cao, Takeshi Iwamoto","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090773","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090773","url":null,"abstract":"Iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs), traditionally manufactured, are favored in engineering applications owing to their cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication. However, the conventional manufacturing process of Fe-SMAs is time-consuming and raw-material-wasting. In contrast, additive manufacturing (AM) technology offers a streamlined approach to the integral molding of materials, significantly reducing raw material usage and fabrication time. Despite its potential, research on AMed Fe-SMAs remains in its early stages. This review provides updated information on current AM technologies utilized for Fe-SMAs and their applications. It provides an in-depth discussion on how printing parameters, defects, and post-printing microstructure control affect the mechanical properties and shape memory effect (SME) of AMed Fe-SMAs. Furthermore, this review identifies existing challenges in the AMed Fe-SMA approach and proposes future research directions, highlighting potential areas for development. The insights presented aim to guide improvements in the material properties of AMed Fe-SMAs by optimizing printing parameters and enhancing the SME through microstructure adjustment.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-29DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090772
Lei Huang, Ke Wang, Wenjun Meng, Zhixia Wang, Pengtao Liu
{"title":"Study on the Wear Resistance Performance of the Hot-Rolled BTW1/Q345 Composite Plate under Different Annealing Temperatures","authors":"Lei Huang, Ke Wang, Wenjun Meng, Zhixia Wang, Pengtao Liu","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090772","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090772","url":null,"abstract":"Wear-resistant steel/carbon steel composite plates not only have the double performance advantages of high strength and wear resistance but can also reduce energy consumption and production costs. Based on a 50% reduction rate, the wear resistance of the BTW1/Q345 composite was studied at different annealing temperatures, and the dry friction and wear tests of the BTW1/Q345 composite at different annealing temperatures were carried out using RETC MFT-5000. By using the white-light interference three-dimensional surface profiler, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and backscattered electron diffraction (EBSD) technology, we carried out a detailed analysis of the macroscopic and microscopic morphology and wear mechanism of wear traces at different annealing temperatures. The effects of the annealing process on the thickness and composition of the wear layer were studied, and the causes of wear failure were analyzed based on the results of scanning electron microscopy. It was found that as the annealing temperature gradually increased, the particle size near the scratch of BTW1 in the wear-resistant layer of the composite plate became smaller. On this basis, the effects of different annealing temperatures on the friction and wear characteristics of the composite plate were further studied. At the annealing temperature of 860 ° C, the wear resistance of the material was the best.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-28DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090763
Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Asif Ur Rehman, Marwan Khraisheh, Metin U. Salamci, Rashid Ur Rehman, Uzair Sajjad, Carmen Ristoscu, Andrei C. Popescu, Mihai Oane, Ion N. Mihailescu
{"title":"Additive Manufacturing: Experiments, Simulations, and Data-Driven Modelling","authors":"Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Asif Ur Rehman, Marwan Khraisheh, Metin U. Salamci, Rashid Ur Rehman, Uzair Sajjad, Carmen Ristoscu, Andrei C. Popescu, Mihai Oane, Ion N. Mihailescu","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090763","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090763","url":null,"abstract":"Additive manufacturing (AM) has profoundly impacted modern engineering and materials science by enabling unparalleled control over microstructures, customization, and material properties [...]","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-28DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090766
Seung-Heon Choi, Young-Ran Yoo, Young-Sik Kim
{"title":"Semiconductive Tendency of the Passive Film Formed on Super Austenitic Stainless Steel SR-50A in Acidic or Alkaline Chloride Solutions","authors":"Seung-Heon Choi, Young-Ran Yoo, Young-Sik Kim","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090766","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090766","url":null,"abstract":"Stainless steel is widely used in various industrial fields due to its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. The key to this corrosion resistance is the thin passive film that naturally forms on the metal surface. Passive films are characterized by oxide film theory and adsorption theory, each uniquely explaining the structure and mechanism of the protective film on the metal surface. Research on the semiconductive properties of passive films on stainless steel offers diverse viewpoints, classifying theories into the point defect model and the bipolar fixed charge-induced passivity. Specific changes in passive film attributes that lead to degradation, however, are not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the inner and outer layers of the passive film on super austenitic stainless steel SR-50A under various conditions in acidic and alkaline chloride environments. The interpretations of these results were based on the point defect model and the bipolar model for the passivation mechanism, and correlations between p-type and n-type semiconductor properties and passivation behavior were examined. The surface of the stainless steel forms a passive film comprising two layers with p-type and n-type semiconductive properties, independent of the pH of the solutions. The corrosion resistance increases as the p-type and n-type semiconductive tendencies become more balanced, consequently enhancing the properties of the passive film.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-28DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090765
Kevin D. Vallejo, Zachery E. Cresswell, Volodymyr Buturlim, Brian S. Newell, Krzysztof Gofryk, Brelon J. May
{"title":"Synthesis of Samarium Nitride Thin Films on Magnesium Oxide (001) Substrates Using Molecular Beam Epitaxy","authors":"Kevin D. Vallejo, Zachery E. Cresswell, Volodymyr Buturlim, Brian S. Newell, Krzysztof Gofryk, Brelon J. May","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090765","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090765","url":null,"abstract":"Rare-earth nitrides are an exciting family of materials with a wide variety of properties desirable for new physics and applications in spintronics and superconducting devices. Among them, samarium nitride is an interesting compound reported to have ferromagnetic behavior coupled with the potential existence of p-wave superconductivity. Synthesis of high-quality thin films is essential in order to manifest these behaviors and understand the impact that vacancies, structural distortions, and doping can have on these properties. In this study, we report the synthesis of samarium nitride monocrystalline thin films on magnesium oxide (001) substrates with a chromium nitride capping layer using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). We observed a high-quality monocrystalline SmN film with matching orientation to the substrate, then optimized the growth temperature. Despite the initial 2 nm of growth showing formation of a potential samarium oxide layer, the subsequent layers showed high-quality SmN, with semiconducting behavior revealed by an increase in resistivity with decreasing temperature. These promising results highlight the importance of studying diverse heteroepitaxial schemes and open the door for integration of rare-earth nitrides and transition metal nitrides for future spintronic devices.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"59 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-08-28DOI: 10.3390/cryst14090764
Yingdi Wang, Yunhai Su, Zhiyong Dai
{"title":"Effect of Solution and Aging Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 625 Deposited Metal","authors":"Yingdi Wang, Yunhai Su, Zhiyong Dai","doi":"10.3390/cryst14090764","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090764","url":null,"abstract":"Inconel 625 deposited metal was prepared by gas metal arc welding. The solid solution treatment temperature was set at 1140 °C for 4 h using the DSC test method, followed by secondary aging at 750 °C/4 h and 650 °C/24 h. The specimens in the prepared state and after heat treatment were subjected to high temperature tensile at 600 °C, respectively. The fracture morphology, thermal deformation behavior, and strengthening mechanism of the samples in different states were analyzed. The results showed that the stress–strain curves of the deposited metals exhibited obvious work-hardening behavior at 600 °C. The solid solution and aging heat-treated samples have higher tensile and yield strength, but the plasticity is obviously lower than that of the deposited metal. It was also found that the γ″ phase and M23C6 carbides, as well as the continuous stacking faults in the alloy, were the main reasons for the increase in tensile strength of the solution and aging heat-treated sample.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142202535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}