A two-layered approach to communicative artifacts

A key issue in social intelligence design is the realization of artifacts that can fluently communicate with people. Thus, we proposed a two-layered approach to enhance a robot’s capacity of involvement and engagement. The upper layer flexibly controls social interaction by dynamic Bayesian networks (DBN) representing social interaction patterns. The lower layer improves the robustness of the system by detecting rhythmic and repetitive gestures. We designed a listener robot that can follow and record humans’ explanation on how to assemble and/or disassemble a bicycle. The implementation of this system is described by assembling the key algorithms presented in this paper.     

Protective Effect of Water-Soluble C60 Fullerene Nanoparticles on the Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of the Muscle Soleus in Rats

The biomechanical parameters of muscle soleus contraction in rats and their blood biochemical indicators after the intramuscular administration of water-soluble C₆₀ fullerene at doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg 1 h before the onset of muscle ischemia were investigated. In particular, changes in the contraction force of the ischemic muscle soleus, the integrated power of the muscle, the time to achieve the maximum force response, the dynamics of fatigue processes, and the parameters of the transition from dentate to smooth tetanus, levels of creatinine, creatine kinase, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase, and parameters of prooxidant–antioxidant balance (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, and reduced glutathione and catalase) were analyzed. The positive therapeutic changes in the studied biomechanical and biochemical markers were revealed, which indicate the possibility of using water-soluble C₆₀ fullerenes as effective prophylactic nanoagents to reduce the severity of pathological conditions of the muscular system caused by ischemic damage to skeletal muscles.     

基于穴位点体温差别的药效监测系统设计

设计了一种通过检测生物活性点与皮肤完整区域之间温度差来监测药物疗效并优化心理疾病治疗的系统。该系统通过实时监控服药计量,以及时调整药量,从而提高治疗的有效性。系统采用两电极 Foll方法结合中该地形解剖参考点找到生物活性点,通过 DS18B20测量温度,利用 ATmega 32单片机对温度进行处理并实时显示温度差,进而通过温度差反应药效。本文数据证实了温差指标 BAP C7、Gi4与评估心理疾病严重程度的神经尺度之间的相关性。实验结果表明,温度差指标能够作为衡量药效的标准,通过监测温度差可以有效实现心理疾病药效的监测。     

Characteristics of copper-clad aluminum rods prepared by horizontal continuous casting

An innovative horizontal continuous casting method was developed and successfully used to prepare copper-clad aluminum (CCA) rods with a diameter of 85 mm and a sheath thickness of 16 mm. The solidification structure and element distribution near the interface of the CCA ingots were investigated by means of a scanning electron microscope, an energy dispersive spectrometer, and an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer. The results showed that the proposed process can lead to a good metallurgical bond between Cu and Al. The interface between Cu and Al was a multilayered structure with a thickness of 200 μm, consisting of Cu₉Al₄, CuAl₂, α-Al/CuAl₂ eutectic, and α-Al + α-Al/CuAl₂ eutectic layers from the Cu side to the Al side. The mean tensile-shear strength of the CCA sample was 45 MPa, which fulfills the requirements for the further extrusion process. The bonding and diffusion mechanisms are also discussed in this paper.     

Synthesis,Structure, Properties,and Applications of Bimetallic Nanoparticles of Noble Metals

Bimetallic nanoparticles of noble metals are of high interest in imaging, biomedical devices, including nanomedicine, and heterogeneous catalysis. Synthesis, properties, characterization, biological properties, and practical applicability of nanoparticles on the basis of platinum group metals and the coin metals Ag and Au are discussed, also in comparison with the corresponding monometallic nanoparticles. In addition to the parameters that are required to characterize monometallic nanoparticles (mainly size, size distribution, shape, crystallographic nature, surface functionalization, charge), further information is required for a full characterization of bimetallic nanoparticles. This concerns the overall elemental composition of a bimetallic nanoparticle population (ratio of the two metals) and the internal distribution of the elements in individual nanoparticles (e.g., the presence of homogeneous alloys, core–shell systems, and possible intermediate stages). It is also important to ensure that all particles are identical in terms of elemental composition, that is, that the homogeneity of the particle population is given. Macroscopic properties like light absorption, antibacterial effects, and catalytic activity depend on these properties. The currently available methods for a full characterization of bimetallic nanoparticles are discussed, and future developments in this field are outlined.     

Tailoring terpenoid plasma polymer properties by controlling the substrate temperature during PECVD

Polymers derived from natural, minimally‐processed materials have recently emerged as a more sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers, with promising applications in biocompatible and biodegradable devices. Plasma‐enhanced deposition is well‐suited to one‐step, fast, and efficient synthesis of highly crosslinked inert polymers directly from natural resources, however, fabrication of biologically active polymers remains a challenge. Plasma processing parameters influence the properties such as surface energy, roughness, morphology, and chemical composition of deposited polymers and thus their final applications. This article reports on the important role of substrate temperature (T_S) in the chemical composition, wettability, refractive index, and crosslinking density of plasma polymers derived from terpenoids. Experiments are conducted as a function of deposition power P_d, and substrate temperature, T_S. T_S varied from 40 to 280 °C and is externally controlled. Atomic force microscopy analysis reveals the change in deposition mechanism attributed to shadowing effect at higher T_S and P_d. Increase in band gap (E_g) with high T_s deposition for terpenoid based plasma polymers is observed. Swelling behavior analyzed by in situ ellipsometry affirms the enhanced crosslink density with increasing deposition rate. Fourier transform infrared analysis exhibits the formation of additional chemical moieties with increasing T_S. Increase in deposition rate with increasing T_S at higher P_d supports the theory of direct incorporation of depositing particles as dominant mechanism of plasma polymerization in this study. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45771.     

Deliberate Individual Change Framework for Understanding Programming Practices in four Oceanography Groups

Computing affects how scientific knowledge is constructed, verified, and validated. Rapid changes in hardware capability, and software flexibility, are coupled with a volatile tool and skill set, particularly in the interdisciplinary scientific contexts of oceanography. Existing research considers the role of scientists as both users and producers of code. We focus on how an intentional, individually-initiated but socially-situated, process of uptake influences code written by scientists. We present an 18-month interview and observation study of four oceanography teams, with a focus on ethnographic shadowing of individuals undertaking code work. Through qualitative analysis, we developed a framework of deliberate individual change, which builds upon prior work on programming practices in science through the lens of sociotechnical infrastructures. We use qualitative vignettes to illustrate how our theoretical framework helps to understand changing programming practices. Our findings suggest that scientists use and produce software in a way that deliberately mitigates the potential pitfalls of their programming practice. In particular, the object and method of visualization is subject to restraint intended to prevent accidental misuse.