Liquid-precursor-intermediated synthesis of atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides.

With the rapid development of integrated electronics and optoelectronics, methods for the scalable industrial-scale growth of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials have become a hot research topic. However, the control of gas distribution of solid precursors in common chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is still a challenge, resulting in the growth of 2D TMDs strongly influenced by the location of the substrate from the precursor powder. In contrast, liquid-precursor-intermediated growth not only avoids the use of solid powders but also enables the uniform distribution of precursors on the substrate through spin-coating, which is much more favorable for the synthesis of wafer-scale TMDs.

Hybrid Biomaterial with Conjugated Growth Factors and Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Ectopic Bone Formation.

Bone is a highly vascularized tissue and efficient bone regeneration requires neovascularization, especially for critical-sized bone defects. We developed a novel hybrid biomaterial comprising nanocalcium sulfate (nCS) and fibrin hydrogel to deliver mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), to promote neovascularization and bone formation. MSC and growth factor(s)-loaded scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously into mice to examine their angiogenic and osteogenic potential.

Perceptions of dental professionals and laypeople to altered maxillary incisor crowding.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine how sensitive dental specialists and laypeople are to maxillary incisor crowding when viewed from the front.

Methods: Computer technology was used to create a series of photographs of the incisors of a smiling woman viewed from the front. The photographs showed varying degrees of maxillary incisor crowding classified according to Little's irregularity index (LII).