[en] In this paper, based on the exact analytical solution of axisymmetric deformation of the circular membrane fixed at its edge under the action of uniformly-distributed loads, we propose a new method to be able to simultaneously determine Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of elasticity for thin films. We also present a set of exact formulas used for simultaneously determining Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of elasticity for free-standing thin films or coating thin films without residual stresses or pre-tension. This method has the advantages of simplicity and reliability, and it doesn't involve the substrate effect

[en] We report on the formation of two-dimensional monolayer AgTe crystal on Ag(111) substrates. The samples are prepared in ultrahigh vacuum by deposition of Te on Ag(111) followed by annealing. Using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and low electron energy diffraction (LEED), we investigate the atomic structure of the samples. The STM images and the LEED pattern show that monolayer AgTe crystal is formed on Ag(111). Four kinds of atomic structures of AgTe and Ag(111) are observed: (i) flat honeycomb structure, (ii) bulked honeycomb, (iii) stripe structure, (iv) hexagonal structure. The structural analysis indicates that the formation of the different atomic structures is due to the lattice mismatch and relief of the intrinsic strain in the AgTe layer. Our results provide a simple and convenient method to produce monolayer AgTe atomic crystal on Ag(111) and a template for study of novel physical properties and for future quantum devices. (paper)

[en] Bulk iridium ditelluride (IrTe₂) is a layered material and is known for its interesting electronic and structural properties, such as large spin–orbit coupling, charge ordering, and superconductivity. However, so far there is no experimental study about the fabrication of monolayer IrTe₂. Here we report the formation of IrTe₂ monolayer on Ir(111) substrate by direct tellurization method. Scanning tunneling microscope (STM) images show the coexistence of 1/5 phase and 1/6 phase structures of IrTe₂ at room temperature. We also obtained STM images showing distorted stripe feature under low temperatures. This stripe feature is possibly induced by the strain between the IrTe₂ monolayer and the metal substrate. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the IrTe₂ monolayer has strong interaction with the underlying Ir(111) substrate. (rapid communication)

[en] Fullerenes (C_6_0) and metallofullerenes (Gd@C_8_2) have similar chemical structure, but the bio-effects of both fullerene-based materials are distinct in vivo. Tracking organic carbon-based materials such as C_6_0 and Gd@C_8_2 is difficult in vivo due to the high content of carbon element in the living tissues themselves. In this study, the biodistribution and metabolism of fullerenes (C_6_0 and Gd@C_8_2) radiolabeled with "6"4Cu were observed by positron emission tomography (PET). "6"4Cu–C_6_0 and "6"4Cu–Gd@C_8_2 were prepared using 1, 4, 7, 10-tetrakis (carbamoylmethyl)-1, 4, 7, 10-tetra-azacyclodo-decanes grafted on carbon cages as a chelator for "6"4Cu, and were obtained rapidly with high radiochemical yield (≥90%). The new radio-conjugates were evaluated in vivo in the normal mouse model and tissue distribution by small animal PET/CT imaging and histology was carried out. The PET imaging, the biodistribution and the excretion of C_6_0 and Gd@C_8_2 indicated that C_6_0 samples have higher blood retention and lower renal clearance than the Gd@C_8_2 samples in vivo and suggested that the differences in metabolism and distribution in vivo were caused by the structural differences of the groups on the fullerene cages though there is chemical similarity between C_6_0 and Gd@C_8_2. (paper)

[en] Graphical abstract: The metronidazole released from PCL/gelatin core/sheath nanofiber membranes can effectively inhibit the colonization of anerobic bacteria. - Highlights: • Core/sheath PCL/gelatin nanofiber membrane loaded with metronidazole in a wide range of drug loading (5–35 wt.%) were successfully fabricated in good quality. • The encapsulation of gelatin can effectively alleviate the initial burst release of drugs. • The membrane can inhibit the growth of bacteria as the drug content reaches 10% (w/w), and the bacterial inhibition ability can effectively last at least 4 weeks. • The encapsulation of gelatin can overcome the disadvantage of PCL's hydrophobicity, which can effectively promote the adhesion and proliferation of cells. - Abstract: Here, with the aim of inhibiting inflammation during guided tissue regeneration membrane (GTRM) implant surgery, coaxial electrospinning was used to fabricate drug-loaded core/sheath nanofiber GTRMs capable of controlled drug release. Various amounts of the anti-inflammatory agent metronidazole (MNA) were encapsulated into the core/sheath nanofibers (where PCL was the core, gelatin the sheath, and the gelatin shell was crosslinked with genipin) in order to establish the minimal drug content necessary to achieve the appropriate anti-inflammatory effect. By using TEM and SEM, the core/sheath structure was confirmed. In vitro drug disolution results showed that the core/sheath nanofibers exhibited sustained release profiles that were superior to those nanofibers produced by blending electrospinning. Additionally, the membrane significantly inhibited the colonization of anaerobic bacteria. Furthermore, with gelatin as a shell, the core/shell nanofiber membranes showed improved hydrophilicity, which resulted in better cell adhesion and proliferation without cytotoxicity. Therefore, in this study, a simple and effective coaxial electrospinning approach was demonstrated for the fabrication of anti-inflammatory GTRMs capable of providing controlled drug release