医用高氮无镍奥氏体不锈钢的制备与生物相容性研究

主要探讨不同含氮量的无镍奥氏体不锈钢材料对血管内皮细胞及血小板粘附的影响。通过溶血率和血小板粘附试验考察不同含氮量的无镍奥氏体不锈钢材料的血液相容性;通过MTT试验和细胞粘附试验考察不同含氮量的无镍奥氏体不锈钢材料的细胞相容性。结果表明不同含氮量的无镍奥氏体不锈钢材料的溶血率都低于国家标准的5%,对血小板粘附的影响不显著;粘附在高氮无镍奥氏体不锈钢材料表面的血管内皮细胞数量均多于钛合金材料,且细胞生长状态良好;细胞毒性试验表明,不同含氮量的高氮无镍奥氏体不锈钢材料和对照组钛合金材料对血管内皮细胞没有产生明显的毒副作用。     

Titanium oxy-nitride films deposited on stainless steel by an ion beam assisted deposition technique

Surfaces of stainless steel SUS304 were coated with titanium oxy-nitride (TiON) films at temperatures of 400–770°C using an ion-beam assisted deposition technique constructed from an electron beam evaporator for Ti evaporation and a microwave ion source for ionizing nitrogen gas. The N ions were accelerated at energies of 0.5–2.0 keV. Most of the deposited TiON films consisted of (60–80)% TiN and (40–20)% TiO₂, and the fraction of TiO₂ increased with increasing substrate temperature. Hardness of the TiNO films varied in the range from 160 GPa to 260 GPa with increasing substrate temperature. The titanium oxy-nitride film could be deposited on stainless steel without a significant deterioration surface layer at 600°C. However, when TiNO films were deposited at temperatures higher than 700°C, the thickness of the TiNO films were significantly thinner and a thick layer containing nitride such as Cr₂N, CrFe, Fe₂N and Fe₄N was formed in a near surface region of stainless steel because more nitrogen diffused into stainless steel.     

Phase transitions and assortativity in models of gene regulatory networks evolved under different selection processes

We study a simplified model of gene regulatory network evolution in which links (regulatory interactions) are added via various selection rules that are based on the structural and dynamical features of the network nodes (genes). Similar to well-studied models of ‘explosive’ percolation, in our approach, links are selectively added so as to delay the transition to large-scale damage propagation, i.e. to make the network robust to small perturbations of gene states. We find that when selection depends only on structure, evolved networks are resistant to widespread damage propagation, even without knowledge of individual gene propensities for becoming ‘damaged’. We also observe that networks evolved to avoid damage propagation tend towards disassortativity (i.e. directed links preferentially connect high degree ‘source’ genes to low degree ‘target’ genes and vice versa). We compare our simulations to reconstructed gene regulatory networks for several different species, with genes and links added over evolutionary time, and we find a similar bias towards disassortativity in the reconstructed networks.     

Microstructures and wear properties of TiN-based cermet coating deposited on 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel by electrospark process

A simple and effective surface treatment technique, electrospark deposition (ESD), has been successfully applied to deposit TiN-based cermet coating on stainless steel substrate. The nitrided coating had an average thickness of about 30 μm and formed metallurgical bonding with the substrate. The microstructure of the coating was mainly composed of TiN phase and ferrite (α-FeCr) phase. Its microhardness reached 889HV. The experimental results demonstrated that the nitrided coating had an excellent sliding wear resistance because the hard TiN phase distributed in the coating increased the resistance to micro-cutting and plowing during the sliding wear test, which effectively improves the surface performance of stainless steel substrate.     

Electrophoretic deposition of composite hydroxyapatite-chitosan coatings

Cathodic electrophoretic deposition has been utilized for the fabrication of composite hydroxyapatite-chitosan coatings on 316L stainless steel substrates. The addition of chitosan to the hydroxyapatite suspensions promoted the electrophoretic deposition of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and resulted in the formation of composite coatings. The obtained coatings were investigated by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, potentiodynamic polarization measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was shown that the deposit composition can be changed by a variation of the chitosan or hydroxyapatite concentration in the solutions. Experimental conditions were developed for the fabrication of hydroxyapatite-chitosan nanocomposites containing 40.9–89.8 wt.% hydroxyapatite. The method enabled the formation of adherent and uniform coatings of thicknesses up to 60 μm. X-ray studies revealed that the preferred orientation of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in the chitosan matrix increases with decreasing hydroxyapatite content in the composite coatings. The obtained coatings provided the corrosion protection for the 316L stainless steel substrates.     

Exploration–exploitation trade-off features a saltatory search behaviour

Searching experiments conducted in different virtual environments over a gender-balanced group of people revealed a gender irrelevant scale-free spread of searching activity on large spatio-temporal scales. We have suggested and solved analytically a simple statistical model of the coherent-noise type describing the exploration–exploitation trade-off in humans (‘should I stay’ or ‘should I go’). The model exhibits a variety of saltatory behaviours, ranging from Lévy flights occurring under uncertainty to Brownian walks performed by a treasure hunter confident of the eventual success.     

Single molecule dynamics in a virtual cell: a three-dimensional model that produces simulated fluorescence video-imaging data

The analysis of single molecule imaging experiments is complicated by the stochastic nature of single molecule events, by instrument noise and by the limited information which can be gathered about any individual molecule observed. Consequently, it is important to cross check experimental results using a model simulating single molecule dynamics (e.g. movements and binding events) in a virtual cell-like environment. The output of such a model should match the real data format allowing researchers to compare simulated results with the real experiments. The proposed model exploits the advantages of ‘object-oriented’ computing. First of all, the ability to create and manipulate a number of classes, each containing an arbitrary number of single molecule objects. These classes may include objects moving within the ‘cytoplasm’; objects moving at the ‘plasma membrane’; and static objects located inside the ‘body’. The objects of a given class can interact with each other and/or with the objects of other classes according to their physical and chemical properties. Each model run generates a sequence of images, each containing summed images of all fluorescent objects emitting light under given illumination conditions with realistic levels of noise and emission fluctuations. The model accurately reproduces reported single molecule experiments and predicts the outcome of future experiments.     

Electrophoretic deposition of chitosan

The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of chitosan on metallic substrates was investigated. The electrophoretic mobility of the natural biopolymer in aqueous solution as a function of pH was studied. Because the protonation/deporotonation of chitosan is pH-dependent, the electrophoretic mobility and deposition rate is shown to increase with increasing pH from 2.9 to 4.1. The film growth rate is estimated to vary in the range 0.02–0.08 µm/s depending on the pH value. At high growth rates (> 0.05 µm/s), a porous film is obtained due to hydrogen entrapment. The EPD method developed here is applicable for the surface modification of metal implants by chitosan to develop novel bioactive coatings.     

Electroless preparation of macroporous Cu thin film from large-scale-orderly colloid monolayer

A facile method to fabricate the highly ordered colloid monolayer of a large scale is demonstrated. The colloidal template involves the ordered array of ∼ 100 nm silica colloids functioned with 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) by spin coating on the silicon wafer etched square pattern with an ∼ 100 nm depth. Based on the new nanostructure, highly ordered macroporous Cu thin film can be prepared from Pd nanoparticles-based electroless deposition. By the deposition time, the macroporous thin film of various thicknesses can be prepared. Additionally, the Cu film with (111) strong texture is deposited on the gold substrate of single crystalline (111) orientation.     

Surface free energy of nickel and stainless steel at temperatures above the melting point

The surface tension (liquid-state surface free energy) of pure nickel and type 304 stainless steel was measured in a narrow temperature range above the melting point by the sessile drop method. The temperature coefficients of surface free energy in the liquid state were found to be –1.76 erg cm^–2 C^–1 for nickel and –2.48 erg cm^–2 C^–1 for stainless steel. These values are shown to be a factor of 2 larger than those previously determined for the solid surface free energies of nickel and stainless steel, but have the same sign. The latent heats of fusion of nickel and 304 stainless steel were determined by comparison of variations of solid and liquid-state surface energies with temperature and found to be 292 and 284 erg cm^–2 respectively. Measurement of the contact angle for a nickel sessile drop on thoria and a stainless steel sessile drop on alumina showed a decrease in the angle with an increase in temperature.     

Yield stress of duplex stainless steel specimens estimated using a compound Hall–Petch equation

In this study, the 0.2% yield stress of duplex stainless steel was evaluated using a compound Hall–Petch equation. The compound Hall–Petch equation was derived from four types of duplex stainless steel, which contained 0.2–64.4 wt% δ-ferrite phase, had different chemical compositions and were annealed at different temperatures. Intragranular yield stress was measured with an ultra-microhardness tester and evaluated with the yield stress model proposed by Dao et al. Grain size, volume fraction and texture were monitored by electron backscattering diffraction measurement. The k_γ constant in the compound equation for duplex stainless steel agrees well with that for γ-phase SUS316L steel in the temperature range of 1323–1473 K. The derived compound Hall–Petch equation predicts that the yield stress will be in good agreement with the experimental results for the Cr, Mn, Si, Ni and N solid-solution states. We find that the intragranular yield stress of the δ-phase of duplex stainless steel is rather sensitive to the chemical composition and annealing conditions, which is attributed to the size misfit parameter.     

Evolving random fractal Cantor superlattices for the infrared using a genetic algorithm

Ordered and chaotic superlattices have been identified in Nature that give rise to a variety of colours reflected by the skin of various organisms. In particular, organisms such as silvery fish possess superlattices that reflect a broad range of light from the visible to the UV. Such superlattices have previously been identified as ‘chaotic’, but we propose that apparent ‘chaotic’ natural structures, which have been previously modelled as completely random structures, should have an underlying fractal geometry. Fractal geometry, often described as the geometry of Nature, can be used to mimic structures found in Nature, but deterministic fractals produce structures that are too ‘perfect’ to appear natural. Introducing variability into fractals produces structures that appear more natural. We suggest that the ‘chaotic’ (purely random) superlattices identified in Nature are more accurately modelled by multi-generator fractals. Furthermore, we introduce fractal random Cantor bars as a candidate for generating both ordered and ‘chaotic’ superlattices, such as the ones found in silvery fish. A genetic algorithm is used to evolve optimal fractal random Cantor bars with multiple generators targeting several desired optical functions in the mid-infrared and the near-infrared. We present optimized superlattices demonstrating broadband reflection as well as single and multiple pass bands in the near-infrared regime.     

Electrophoretic deposition infiltration of metallic fabrics with a boehmite sol for the preparation of ductile-phase-toughened ceramic composites

The infiltration of commercially available metallic fibre mats by a boehmite sol using the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique was investigated. The nanosized boehmite particles were positively charged in a colloidal suspension at pH 4 and migrated upon application of an electric field to the metallic fabric acting as the negative electrode. Three different type 316L stainless steel fabrics were considered and it was found that the quality of the infiltration depended on the fibre architecture. The EPD parameters, i.e., the applied voltage and deposition time, were optimized for obtaining a high solids loading in between the fibre tows and a firm adherent deposit. The infiltrated fibre mats, being of high quality, i.e., low macroporosity and absence of significant microcracking, serve as prepregs for the manufacture of alumina matrix composites reinforced with a two- or three-dimensional metallic phase. © 1998 Chapman & Hall     

A search game model of the scatter hoarder's problem

Scatter hoarders are animals (e.g. squirrels) who cache food (nuts) over a number of sites for later collection. A certain minimum amount of food must be recovered, possibly after pilfering by another animal, in order to survive the winter. An optimal caching strategy is one that maximizes the survival probability, given worst case behaviour of the pilferer. We modify certain ‘accumulation games’ studied by Kikuta & Ruckle (2000 J. Optim. Theory Appl.) and Kikuta & Ruckle (2001 Naval Res. Logist.), which modelled the problem of optimal diversification of resources against catastrophic loss, to include the depth at which the food is hidden at each caching site. Optimal caching strategies can then be determined as equilibria in a new ‘caching game’. We show how the distribution of food over sites and the site-depths of the optimal caching varies with the animal''s survival requirements and the amount of pilfering. We show that in some cases, ‘decoy nuts’ are required to be placed above other nuts that are buried further down at the same site. Methods from the field of search games are used. Some empirically observed behaviour can be shown to be optimal in our model.     

On the reliability of seasonal climate forecasts

Seasonal climate forecasts are being used increasingly across a range of application sectors. A recent UK governmental report asked: how good are seasonal forecasts on a scale of 1–5 (where 5 is very good), and how good can we expect them to be in 30 years time? Seasonal forecasts are made from ensembles of integrations of numerical models of climate. We argue that ‘goodness’ should be assessed first and foremost in terms of the probabilistic reliability of these ensemble-based forecasts; reliable inputs are essential for any forecast-based decision-making. We propose that a ‘5’ should be reserved for systems that are not only reliable overall, but where, in particular, small ensemble spread is a reliable indicator of low ensemble forecast error. We study the reliability of regional temperature and precipitation forecasts of the current operational seasonal forecast system of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, universally regarded as one of the world-leading operational institutes producing seasonal climate forecasts. A wide range of ‘goodness’ rankings, depending on region and variable (with summer forecasts of rainfall over Northern Europe performing exceptionally poorly) is found. Finally, we discuss the prospects of reaching ‘5’ across all regions and variables in 30 years time.     

Shape-memory surfaces for cell mechanobiology

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are a new class of smart materials, which have the capability to change from a temporary shape ‘A’ to a memorized permanent shape ‘B’ upon application of an external stimulus. In recent years, SMPs have attracted much attention from basic and fundamental research to industrial and practical applications due to the cheap and efficient alternative to well-known metallic shape-memory alloys. Since the shape-memory effect in SMPs is not related to a specific material property of single polymers, the control of nanoarchitecture of polymer networks is particularly important for the smart functions of SMPs. Such nanoarchitectonic approaches have enabled us to further create shape-memory surfaces (SMSs) with tunable surface topography at nano scale. The present review aims to bring together the exciting design of SMSs and the ever-expanding range of their uses as tools to control cell functions. The goal for these endeavors is to mimic the surrounding mechanical cues of extracellular environments which have been considered as critical parameters in cell fate determination. The untapped potential of SMSs makes them one of the most exciting interfaces of materials science and cell mechanobiology.     

Composite ceramic-metal coatings by means of combined electrophoretic deposition and galvanic methods

A method based on the combination of electrophoretic and galvanic deposition techniques has been developed to fabricate metal-ceramic composite coatings on metallic substrates. A ZrO₂-Ni composite coating with interpenetrating microstructure was produced on stainless steel plates. For electrophoretic deposition of the ceramic component, a non-aqueous suspension consisting of zirconia nanoparticles, ethanol and addition of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was optimised by electrokinetic sonic amplitude (ESA) measurements. The zirconia deposits were partially sintered to create an open porous structure (porosity = 40–50%), which was subsequently filled with Ni by galvanic deposition. The bonding strength between the composite coating and the stainless steel substrate was improved by a final heat-treatement at 950°C for 3 h which promoted the diffusion of Ni into the steel substrate and the formation of a diffusion interlayer. The high adhesion strength of the composite coating to the stainless steel substrate after the diffusion bonding heat-treatment was confirmed by 3-point flexural strength tests. The coating exhibited a homogeneous interpenetrating microstructure with hardness values >6 GPa.     

Properties of neuronal facilitation that improve target tracking in natural pursuit simulations

Although flying insects have limited visual acuity (approx. 1°) and relatively small brains, many species pursue tiny targets against cluttered backgrounds with high success. Our previous computational model, inspired by electrophysiological recordings from insect ‘small target motion detector’ (STMD) neurons, did not account for several key properties described from the biological system. These include the recent observations of response ‘facilitation’ (a slow build-up of response to targets that move on long, continuous trajectories) and ‘selective attention’, a competitive mechanism that selects one target from alternatives. Here, we present an elaborated STMD-inspired model, implemented in a closed loop target-tracking system that uses an active saccadic gaze fixation strategy inspired by insect pursuit. We test this system against heavily cluttered natural scenes. Inclusion of facilitation not only substantially improves success for even short-duration pursuits, but it also enhances the ability to ‘attend’ to one target in the presence of distracters. Our model predicts optimal facilitation parameters that are static in space and dynamic in time, changing with respect to the amount of background clutter and the intended purpose of the pursuit. Our results provide insights into insect neurophysiology and show the potential of this algorithm for implementation in artificial visual systems and robotic applications.     

Deposition of diamond-like carbon films on the inner surface of narrow stainless steel tubes

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited on the inner surface of 304-type stainless steel tube with an inner diameter of 10 mm by DC glow discharge plasma. The influence of the deposition time, pressure and the ratios of CH₄ in CH₄/Ar gas mixture on the DLC film deposition were investigated. The images of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) show that the DLC films are featureless and free of porosity. Fibre-like structure was recognized on the film surface by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The film deposition rate decreases with increasing the deposition time. Relative higher deposition rate (40 nm/min) can be obtained at 20-30 Pa, higher and lower pressure will significantly decrease the deposition rate. Raman spectrum analysis shows that the films deposited in 30 min at 20-30 Pa have more sp³ content. The corrosion resistance of the films was measured by potentiodynamic polarization test. The DLC films deposited on the inner surface of the 304-type stainless steel tube significantly improve its corrosion resistance.     

Atomic force microscopy of the morphology and mechanical behaviour of barnacle cyprid footprint proteins at the nanoscale

Barnacles are a major biofouler of man-made underwater structures. Prior to settlement, cypris larvae explore surfaces by reversible attachment effected by a ‘temporary adhesive’. During this exploratory behaviour, cyprids deposit proteinaceous ‘footprints’ of a putatively adhesive material. In this study, footprints deposited by Balanus amphitrite cyprids were probed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in artificial sea water (ASW) on silane-modified glass surfaces. AFM images obtained in air yielded better resolution than in ASW and revealed the fibrillar nature of the secretion, suggesting that the deposits were composed of single proteinaceous nanofibrils, or bundles of fibrils. The force curves generated in pull-off force experiments in sea water consisted of regions of gradually increasing force, separated by sharp drops in extension force manifesting a characteristic saw-tooth appearance. Following the relaxation of fibrils stretched to high strains, force–distance curves in reverse stretching experiments could be described by the entropic elasticity model of a polymer chain. When subjected to relaxation exceeding 500 ms, extended footprint proteins refolded, and again showed saw-tooth unfolding peaks in subsequent force cycles. Observed rupture and hysteresis behaviour were explained by the ‘sacrificial bond’ model. Longer durations of relaxation (>5 s) allowed more sacrificial bond reformation and contributed to enhanced energy dissipation (higher toughness). The persistence length for the protein chains (L_P) was obtained. At high elongation, following repeated stretching up to increasing upper strain limits, footprint proteins detached at total stretched length of 10 µm.