Development and Future Challenges of Bio-Syncretic Robots

Bio-syncretic robots consisting of both living biological materials and non-living systems possess desirable attributes such as high energy efficiency, intrinsic safety, high sensitivity, and self-repairing capabilities. Compared with living biological materials or non-living traditional robots based on elec- tromechanical systems, the combined system of a bio-syncretic robot holds many advantages. Therefore, developing bio-syncretic robots has been a topic of great interest, and significant progress has been achieved in this area over the past decade. This review systematically summarizes the development of bio-syncretic robots. First, potential trends in the development of bio-syncretic robots are discussed. Next, the current performance of bio-syncretic robots, including simple movement and controllability of velocity and direction, is reviewed. The living biological materials and non-living materials that are used in bio-syncretic robots, and the corresponding fabrication methods, are then discussed. In addition, recently developed control methods for bio-syncretic robots, including physical and chemical control methods, are described. Finally, challenges in the development of bio-syncretic robots are discussed from multiple viewpoints, including sensing and intelligence, living and non-living materials, control approaches, and information technology.

Bromophenols from Marine Algae with Potential Anti-Diabetic Activities

Marine algae contain various bromophenols with a variety of biological activities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-diabetic effects. Here, we briefly review the recent progress in researches on the biomaterials from marine algae, emphasizing the relationship between the structure and the potential anti-diabetic applications. Bromophenols from marine algae display their hyper- glycemic effects by inhibiting the activities of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, ct-glucosidase, as well as other mechanisms.

巍山县森林资源消耗现状调查与管理对策

采取分类型抽样调查方法对云南省巍山县森林资源消耗情况进行调查。结果表明,全县森林资源消耗总量为76 760 m^3,其中县内资源63 683 m^3,县外购进商品材13 077 m^3,县内消耗中,商品性消耗11 783 m^3,占总消耗的18.5%;非商品性消耗51 466 m^3,占总消耗的80.82%,烧材消耗占消耗总量的84.50%。藉此分析消耗特点,提出降低森林资源低价值消耗的对策。

Vibration Fatigue Probabilistic Life Prediction Model and Method for Blade

Vibration fatigue is one of the main failure modes of blade.The vibration fatigue life of blade is scattered caused by manufacture error,material property dispersion and external excitation randomness.A new vibration fatigue probabilistic life prediction model(VFPLPM)and a prediction method are proposed in this paper.Firstly,as one-dimensional volumetric method(ODVM)only considers the principle calculation direction,a three-dimensional space vector volumetric method(TSVVM)is proposed to improve fatigue life prediction accuracy for actual threedimensional engineering structure.Secondly,based on the two volumetric methods(ODVM and TSVVM),the material C-P-S-N fatigue curve model(CFCM)and the maximum entropy quantile function model(MEQFM),VFPLPM is established to predict the vibration fatigue probabilistic life of blade.The VFPLPM is combined with maximum stress method(MSM),ODVM and TSVVM to estimate vibration fatigue probabilistic life of blade simulator by finite element simulation,and is verified by vibration fatigue test.The results show that all of the three methods can predict the vibration fatigue probabilistic life of blade simulator well.VFPLPM &TSVVM method has the highest computational accuracy for considering stress gradient effect not only in the principle calculation direction but also in other space vector directions.

Allelopathic Potential of Rice （Oryza sativa L.） Cultivars on Barnyard Grass （Echinochloa crus-galh~

Laboratory and greenhouse studies were conducted to assess the allelopathic potential of 12 rice cultivars on barnyard grass. Polyethylene glycol （PEG） was used to determine the influence of osmotic potential on the bioassay materials. Effect of different concentrations of stem, root, and leaf extracts of rice cultivars on seed germination, radicle and primary shoot length of barnyard grass seedlings, and rate of respiration of root pieces were investigated in the laboratory experiments. Shoot height and dry weight of weed stands were studied in the greenhouse, Also total peroxidase activity, chlorophyll pigment and mitotic index were determined. Results indicated that, among rice cultivars, Mehr, Tarom-mahali, G3, Nemat, and Shahpasand caused the most inhibition effects on investigated factors. Amol-3 showed the least negative effects on growth of seedlings and stands of barnyard grass. In laboratory, the Mehr cultivar demonstrated the maximum inhibitory effects by reducing barnyard grass seed germination percentage （88%）, radicle length （100%）, primary shoot length （83%）, and root respiration （85%） Cell division, expressed as mitotic index, was significantly reduced in the presence of rice aqueous extracts. Mehr cultivar had higher inhibitory effect on mitosis compared to Amol-3. In greenhouse, the same cultivar showed the maximum inhibitory effect by reducing barnyard grass height （45%） and dry weight （64%）. With increase in extract concentration, the inhibitory effect increased. Leaf extract from rice plants was more effective compared with the root and stem extracts. Comparison of rice cultivars and PEG indicated that any reduction in germination and growth of barnyard grass using rice extract concentrations of 5% and 10% must have been the result of allelochemicals in the extracts. Lower extract concentrations showed a more pronounced inhibitory effect in the laboratory as compared to the greenhouse studies. These results suggest that rice leaf extracts may be a source of natural herbicide.

Three-dimensional printing of β-tricalcium phosphate/calcium silicate composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Bioactive scaffolds with interconnected porous structures are essential for guiding cell growth and new bone formation. In this work, we successfully fabricated three-dimensional （3D） porous β-tricalcium phosphate （β-TCP）/calcium silicate （CS） composite scaffolds with different ratios by 3D printing technique and further investigated the physiochemical properties, in vitro apatite mineralization properties and degradability of porous β-TCP/CS scaffolds. Moreover, a series of in vitro cell experiments including the attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow stromal cells were conducted to testify their biological performances. The results showed that 3D printed β-TCP/CS scaffolds possessed of controllable internal porous structures and external shape. Furthermore, the introduction of CS decreased the shrinkage of scaffolds and improved the in vitro apatite formation activity and degradation rate. Meanwhile, compared with pure β- TCP scaffold, the β-TCP/CS composite scaffolds were more conducive to promote cell adhesion, spread and osteogenesis differentiation. However, when the content of CS was increased to 45%, the ions dissolution rate of the composite scaffolds was so high that leaded to the increase in pH value, which inhibited the proliferation of cells. Our results suggested that the introduction of appropriate CS into β-TCP bioceramic is an effective strategy to prepare bioactive 3D printed bioceramic scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration.

Synthesis,characterization and biological activity in vitro of FeCrAl(f)/HA asymmetrical biological functionally gradient materials

FeCrAl(f)/HA biological functionally gradient materials(FGMs) were successfully fabricated by the hot pressing technique.Scanning electron microscope(SEM),energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS) and bending strength test machine were utilized to characterize the microstructure,component,mechanical properties and the formation of the Ca-deficient apatite on the surface of these materials.The results indicate that an asymmetrical FeCrAl(f)/HA FGM,consolidating powders prepared by mixing HA with 3%–15%(volume fraction) is successfully prepared.Both of the matrix and FeCrAl fiber are integrated very tightly and bite into each other very deeply.And counter diffusion takes place to some extent in two phase interfaces.The elemental compositions of the FeCrAl(f)/HA FGM change progressively.Ca and P contents increase gradually with immersion time increasing,and thereafter approach equilibrium.The bone-like apatite layer forms on the materials surface,which possesses benign bioactivity,and the favorable biocompatibility can provide potential firm fixation between FeCrAl(f)/HA asymmetrical FGM implants and human bone.

BIOACTIVITY OF BIORESORBABLE OSTEOSYNTHETIC DEVICES MADE OF HYDROXYAPATITE/ POLY-DL-LACTIDE COMPOSITES: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Aim. To investigate the bioactivity of the self- designed biodegradable osteosynthetic devices made of resorbable hydroxyapatite microparticles/ poly- DL- lactide (HA/PDLLA) composites. Method. Forty- three rabbits with a transverse transcondylar osteotomy of the distal femur were fixed intramedullary by a HA/PDLLA rod, the duration of follow- up were 3， 6， 12, 24 and 36 weeks. Histological, scanning electron microscopic (SEM), energy dispersive X- ray (EDX) and biomechanical analyses were done. Results. Active new bone formation and direct bone- bonding were seen at the bone- implant interface. Generous apatite crystals deposited and grew on the surface of the composites at 3～ 6 weeks postoperation. The interfacial shear strength increased significantly. Conclusion. Through the incorporating of resorbable HA microparticles, specific bone- bonding and active osteogenic capacity is introduced. This kind of bioactivity, together with other properties such as sufficient mechanical strength, enhanced biocompatibility and radiopacity, which are intrinsically unobtainable in totally resorbable polymer/polymer systems, make the HA/PDLLA composites become a desirable material for the internal fixation of cancellous bone.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was effected by epoxy chloropropan on creating tissue engineered heart valves

Objectives To investigate the effects of epoxy chloropropan on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 （MMP-9）in creating tissue engineered heart valves（TEHV）,on the tissue structures of TEHV,and to study the effects of epoxy chloropropan on the calcification of TEHV.Methods The porcine aortic valve leaflets were digested and decellularized by using detergent and trypsin.Those treated with 0.3% glutaraldehyde for 48 hours were the control group;those treated with 3% epoxy choloropropan for 24 hours were the experimental group.The cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells（hBMSCs）were seeded onto the decellularized scaffolds of TEHV.The histological studies were done with pathological sections and scanning electron microscopy and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）were used to detect the expression of MMP-9.Results In the experimental group.the histology showed that the BMSCs grew well into the pores and formed a confluent layer in decellularized scaffolds;RT-PCR indicated significantly attenuated expressions of MMP-9,compared with the control（P〈0.05）.Conclusion The decellularized porcine aortic valves treated with 3% epoxy chloropropan may inhibit the expression of MMP-9;therefore epoxy chloropropan may prevent the calcification of tissue engineered heart valves.

Discussion on green building materials

With the continuous development of science and technology and constantly improve of the quality of life, most people are increasingly aware of the importance of the environment. According to the serious problem that resource consumption and environmental pollution caused by the traditional building materials, green building materials has been the support of the people. Because of its low consumption, less pollution, beneficial to human health, harmony with the environment and other excellent performance, the green building materials has a rapid development in recent years. This paper is based on the thinking of innovation, starting from the environment, energy saving point of view, analysis the advantages and shortcomings of green building materials, explore the developing trend and future of this new type of material.

Analysis on the Charm and Application of Modem Craflwork Art Design

Modern craflwork art, based on traditional craflwork art, with the constant development of the social production level, gradually forms; and they have a very close relationship. But, today＇ s modern craftwork art is not completed by hands and simple tools and doesn＇ t depend on the limited natural materials to cope with today＇ s human life needs, but it must be equipped with the beauty wisdom, industrial science and technology, economic ideas and production and manufacturing technology, so that it can produce the modern craftworks full of the era significance. This paper first analyzes the charm of modern craftwork art design, and then explains how to use the modern craftwork art design, which has a certain practical value and reference significance.

Culture： What to Teach and How to Teach It in an EFL Class

This paper discusses the question of the teaching of culture in an EFL （English as a Foreign Language） class. With the open door policy, an increasing number of people in China are learning English or some other language for various purposes. However, they often experience the frustration of failure in communication with foreigners which can sour relationships or business due to their ignorance of the target culture associated with the language they are learning or have learned. Therefore, teaching culture in foreign language classes and learning a second culture while learning a second language have become new slogans, or to be exact, new tasks in the field of English language teaching in China. But how to teach and what to teach remain problematic. The author holds that ＂central code＂ of a culture, i.e., people＇s way of life should be the focus in EFL teaching. Then choosing appropriate and authentic material containing aspects of culture is of great importance. Greater importance should be attached to mass media and multimedia materials and approaches. At the same time, attention should be paid to the cultural behaviour or belief of EFL teachers so as to make more effective teaching

Regeneration of grinding wheel active surface using high-pressure hydro-jet

The possibility of applying a high-pressure hydro-jet for renewal of the grinding wheel cutting ability was presented.This work was conducted in the internal cylindrical grinding process of the Titanium Grade 2 alloy,which belongs to the group of hard-to-cut materials.The analysis shows that the impact on the erosion effectiveness of the grinding wheel active surface(GWAS)depends upon the hydro-jet inclination angle and working pressure.Experimental results reveal that application of hydro-jet working pressure of 25 MPa allows for effective cleansing of the grinding wheel surface.Depending on the initial GWAS condition and the level of its smearing with chips of machined material,it is possible to increase the number of grinding wheel unevenness apexes by as much as 4.5 times.

浅谈低年级学生口语交际能力的培养

根据国家教育部针对《新课程标准》的要求,对低年级学生的培养,特别是口语交际能力方面的培养,要有很强的专业性和重视性。本人经过多年的实践和教学积累,得出如下几点经验,在这里提出来与大家交流:

Mineralization regulation and biological influence of bioactive glass-collagen-phosphatidylserine composite scaffolds

Biomimetic scaffolds are appealing products for the repair of bone defects using tissue engineering strategies.In the present study,novel biomimetic composite scaffolds,with similar properties to natural bone,were prepared,blended and cross-linked with bioactive glass,type I collagen and phosphatidylserine.When exposed to cell culture solution in the absence of a cellular source,the composite scaffolds form crystals with octahedral structure.These crystals are similar to the products derived from MC3T3-E1 cell mineralization within the composite scaffolds,with respect to both composition and morphology.Furthermore,crystals with octahedral structure were observed to develop into plate-like hydroxyapatite.The bio-mineralization behavior of the composite scaffolds is likely influenced by inorganic components.Finally,a rabbit tibia defect model shows that the highly bioactive properties of the investigated composites result in excellent bone repair.

Controlled/living ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone catalyzed by phosphoric acid

The bulk ring-opening polymerization （ROP） of ε-caprolactone （ε-CL） by various phosphoric acids using phenylmethanol as the initiator was conducted. 1, 1＇-bi-2-Naphthol （BINOL）-based phosphoric acid was found to be an effective organocatalyst for ROP leading to polyesters at 90℃. The overall conversion to poly（ε-caprolactone） was more than 96% and poly（ε-caprolactone） with Mw of 8400 and polydispersity index of 1.13 was obtained. IH NMR spectra of oligomers demonstrated the quantitative incorporation of the protic initiator in the polymer chains and showed that transesterification reactions did not occur to a significant extent. The controlled polymerization was indicated by the linear relationships between the number-average molar mass and monomer conversion or monomer-to-initiator ratio. In addition, the present protocol provided an easy-to-handle, inexpensive and environmentally benign entry for the synthesis of biodegradable materials as well as polyesters for biomedical applications.

Effect of treatment process on consolidation efficiency of fugitive dust cemented by bio-activated cementitious material based on CO2 capture

As a new green and environmental material, bio-activated cementitious material is attracting extensive attention. This study confirmed that the bio-activated cementitious material could mineralize and cement fugitive dust into the cal- cite-consolidation-layer based on CO2 capture and utilization. The results illustrated that treatment processes （non-pressure spraying, pressure spraying, non-pressure blending and pressure blending） had a strong effect on the microstructure and prop- erties of calcite-consolidation-layer. According to the analysis of X-ray diffraction （XRD） and Fourier transform infrared （FTIR）, calcite was prepared by bio-activated cementitious material during the cementation process. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and thermogravimetric-differenfial scanning calorimetry （TG-DSC） were adopted to measure the corresponding variation of porous characteristics and calcite content caused by different treatment processes. The results indi- cated that the microstructure of calcite-consolidation-layer from the spraying process had lower porosity and higher content of calcite than from blending processes. In addition, the mechanical properties of calcite-consolidation-layer were also tested. The hardness and compressive strength, which reached 19.5 GPa and 0.6 MPa, respectively, of calcite-consolidation-layer from the pressure spraying process were higher than those from the other three treatment processes. Compared with the non-treatment process, the four treatment processes had superior wind erosion resistance. Under the wind speed of 12 m/s, the mass loss of calcite-consolidation-layer from the pressure spraying process decreased from 2150.2 to 23.8 g/（m^2 h）.

Purely organic optoelectronic materials with ultralong-lived excited states under ambient conditions

The exponential growth of utilizing synthetic organic molecules in optoelectronic applications poses strong demands for rational control over the excited states of the materials. The manipulation of excited states through molecular design has led to the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices with tunable emission colors, high quantum efficiencies and efficient energy/charge transfer processes. Recently, a significant breakthrough in lifetime tuning of excited states has been made;the purely organic molecules were found to have ultralonglived excited state under ambient conditions with luminescence lifetimes up to 1.35 s, which are several orders of magnitude longer than those of conventional organic fluorophores. Given the conceptual advance in understanding the fundamental behavior of excited state tuning in organic luminescent materials, the investigations of organic ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence(OURTP) should provide new directions for researches and have profound impacts on many different disciplines. Here, we summarized the recent understandings on the excited state tuning, the reported OURTP molecules and their design considerations,the spectacular photophysical performance, and the amazing optoelectronic applications of the newly emerged organic optoelectronic materials that free of heavy metals.