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Most studies suggest that dose-specific radiation regimens are essential for optimal induction of cancer cell response. This study focused on determining β-radiation-absorbed dose (rad) effects on the cell viability, cytotoxicity, hypersensitivity, and cell death of K562 cells using experimental methods and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS).The K562 cells were cultured and irradiated with β-particles emitted from a strontium source in vitro, with the estimated daily activity of 1.238 μCi. The treated cells were radiated at least three times every day for 3 consecutive days. The cell viability and apoptosis were investigated in treated cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, DNA electrophoresis, Hoechst dye, and inverted microscope. The average absorbed doses were obtained by MCS (MCNPX code). To verify simulation and experimental results, we used a Geiger-Muller counter and estimated a scaling factor.The cytotoxic effects and cell death were induced in the treated groups via rad in a time-dependent manner. The highest apoptotic and cytotoxic effects were observed in cells after irradiation with β-particles for 120 min per day in 3 consecutive days. rads were determined using MCNPX code and cell survival rates were significantly reduced during irradiation periods. No significant hyper-radiosensitivity was found based on experimental and theoretical results.Despite the difficult calculation of the rad in the target cells and the scant information in this field, fortunately we have achieved significant theoretical data consistent with the experimental results. Our findings also introduced MCS as a better choice for evaluating of rad effects under different cellular conditions with high accuracy.

In this study, the free vibration of a composite sandwich plate reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) enclosed by piezoelectric layers is investigated using an analytical solution. In the framework of the first-order shear deformation plate theory, multilayer functionally graded graphene platelets-reinforced composite plate is assumed. Applying modified Halpin–Tsai model and rule of mixtures, the effective Young’s modulus, mass density and Poisson’s ratio of nanocomposites are predicted. In each individual layer, the weight fraction of GPL nanofillers illustrates a layer-wise variation along the thickness direction either uniformly or non-uniformly GPLs dispersed. Based on Maxwell’s equation, the electric potential in a piezoelectric layer is considered for open and closed circuit boundary conditions. Coupled governing equations of motion and boundary conditions are derived by using the Hamilton’s principle. Four auxiliary scalar functions are introduced to decouple the governing equations of motion and boundary conditions, which are solved analytically by employing Levy-type boundary conditions. The effects of GPLs weight fraction, GPLs distribution patterns, number of layers and aspect ratio are examined in detail. The results show that the best way to predict the most effective reinforcement is to distribute more GPLs with a larger surface area near the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. Besides, adding a small amount of GPLs as reinforcing nanofillers can significantly improve the stiffness of the plate.

Because of their low cost, low energy consumption, high performance, and exceptional electrical properties, nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes are suitable for use in many applications such as sensing systems. In this research work, a metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) structure based on a multiwall carbon nanotube/high-density polyethylene (MWCNT/HDPE) nanocomposite is introduced as a neutron sensor. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and infrared spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize the morphology and structure of the fabricated device. Current–voltage (I–V) characteristic modeling showed that the device can be assumed to be a reversed-biased Schottky diode, if the voltage is high enough. To estimate the depletion layer length of the Schottky contact, impedance spectroscopy was employed. Therefore, the real and imaginary parts of the impedance of the MSM system were used to obtain electrical parameters such as the carrier mobility and dielectric constant. Experimental observations of the MSM structure under irradiation from an americium–beryllium (Am–Be) neutron source showed that the current level in the device decreased significantly. Subsequently, current pulses appeared in situ I–V and current–time (I–t) curve measurements when increasing voltage was applied to the MSM system. The experimentally determined depletion region length as well as the space-charge-limited current mechanism for carrier transport were compared with the range for protons calculated using Monte Carlo n-particle extended (MCNPX) code, yielding the maximum energy of recoiled protons detectable by the device.