Conventional metallic foam processing seeks to maximize uniformity in pore size, relative density, and other aspects of foam structure in order to minimize property variation associated with the statistical nature of foams, and thereby increase their reliability in service. However, property uniformity is in many cases an inefficient approach to meeting overall design criteria, as demonstrated ...

This paper considers the use of bioinspired functionally graded structures in the design of dental multi-layers that are more resistant to sub-surface crack nucleation. Unlike existing dental crown restorations that give rise to high stress concentration, the functionally graded layers (between crown materials and the joins that attach them to dentin) are shown to promote significant reductions...

This review shows introduction of glycoclusters using carbosilanes as core scaffolds, preparations of glycoclusters and their excellent properties as well as functions. Since a dendrimer has unique advantages such as single molecular weight, regularity of structure and easy control of shape and size, dendrimers are utilized in various research areas. Results of syntheses and biological evaluati...

The Electrochemical Society Interface • Fall 2001 here has been tremendous recent interest in the design and assembly of porous nanostructured materials.1 Synthetic approaches range from coordination-polymer formation to surfactant-templated alumino-silicate growth to semiconductor nanoparticle aggregation, while functions include chemical catalysis, chemical sensing, energy storage, and energy...

Melanin biopolymers are currently the focus of growing interest for a broad range of applications at the cutting edge of biomedical research and technology. This Special Issue presents a collection of papers dealing with melanin-type materials, e.g., polydopamine, for classic and innovative applications, offering a stimulating perspective of current trends in the field. Besides basic scientists...

Natural materials, such as bone, integrate living cells composed of organic molecules together with inorganic components. This enables combinations of functionalities, such as mechanical strength and the ability to regenerate and remodel, which are not present in existing synthetic materials. Taking a cue from nature, we propose that engineered 'living functional materials' and 'living material...

Let A be a graded C∗-algebra. We characterize Kasparov’s K-theory group K̂0(A) in terms of graded ∗-homomorphisms by proving a general converse to the functional calculus theorem for self-adjoint regular operators on graded Hilbert modules. An application to the index theory of elliptic differential operators on smooth closed manifolds and asymptotic morphisms is discussed.