A binder-free ice template method for vertically aligned 3D boron nitride polymer composites towards thermal management.

Hexagonal boron nitride (BN) is an attractive filler candidate for thermal interface materials, but the thermal conductivity enhancement is limited by the anisotropic thermal conductivity of BN and disordered thermal pathways in the polymer matrix. Herein, a facile and economic ice template method is proposed, wherein BN modified by tannic acid (BN-TA) directly self-assemble to form vertically aligned nacre-mimetic scaffold without additional binders and post-treatment. The effects of the BN slurry concentration and the ratio of BN/TA on three-dimensional (3D) skeleton morphology are fully investigated.

Self-supporting electrocatalyst constructed from in-situ transformation of Co(OH) to metal-organic framework to Co/CoP/NC nanosheets for high-current-density water splitting.

Transition metal phosphide (TMP) emerges as a promising electrocatalyst for overall water splitting (OWS). However, conventional TMP materials require exogenous metal ions to participate in coordination reactions, which usually suffer from active site blocking, pronounced intrinsic impedance, and inevitable catalyst shedding at high current density. Herein, a novel in-situ construction strategy has been developed to grow N-doped carbon (NC) enwrapped Co/CoP nanosheets directly onto Co foam (abbreviated as CoF) through a three-step transformation of Co to Co(OH) to Co-Metal-Organic Framework (Co-MOF) to Co/CoP/NC.

Interface and electronic structure regulation of Mo-doped NiSe-CoSe heterostructure aerogel for efficient overall water splitting.

Transition metal selenides (TMSes) with cubic pyrite-type crystal structure have been widely explored as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), but the insufficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance hinders the application of overall water splitting. Herein, we designed and prepared a Mo doped NiSe-CoSe heterostructure aerogel as bifunctional electrocatalyst via facile spontaneous gelation and selenium vapor deposition. The active sites on the heterointerface possessed desirable Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption, leading to better HER performance than single NiSe or CoSe.

Multistage interfacial engineering of 3D carbonaceous NiP nanospheres/nanoflowers derived from Ni-BTC metal-organic frameworks for overall water splitting.

The regulation of the multi-dimensional interface plays an important role in optimizing the electron transport and gas mass transfer during catalysis, which is conducive to promoting the electrocatalytic process. Herein, a self-supporting electrode has been developed with the multistage interface within 3D NiP@C nanospheres/nanoflowers arrays derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as template skeletons and precursors. The constructed nanosphere interface protrudes outward to optimize the contact with the electrolyte while the nanoflower lamellar connection promotes rapid electron transfer and exposes more active sites, and accelerates the gas diffusion with the abundant interspace channels.

How should congenital absence of cruciate ligaments be treated? A case report and literature review.

Background: Hypoplasia of bilateral cruciate ligaments is a rare congenital malformation. The diagnosis of such diseases and indications for the various treatment options require further analysis and discussion.

Case Summary: The patient is a 26-year-old Chinese woman who has been suffering from knee pain since the age of 8 years, 2-3 episodes a year.

Protective effect of Shenmai injection on knee articular cartilage of osteoarthritic rabbits and IL-1β-stimulated human chondrocytes.

Shenmai injection (SMI) has been widely used as a therapy to treat a number of diseases. However, its anti-osteoarthritic properties have not yet been fully investigated. In the present study, the protective effect of SMI on knee articular cartilage of anterior cruciate ligament transected rabbits and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-stimulated human chondrocytes was investigated.

Genomic architecture of heterosis for yield traits in rice.

Increasing grain yield is a long-term goal in crop breeding to meet the demand for global food security. Heterosis, when a hybrid shows higher performance for a trait than both parents, offers an important strategy for crop breeding. To examine the genetic basis of heterosis for yield in rice, here we generate, sequence and record the phenotypes of 10,074 F lines from 17 representative hybrid rice crosses.

Effects of 8-Week Hatha Yoga Training on Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers in Healthy, Female Chinese Subjects: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

We aimed to determine the effects of an 8 wk Hatha yoga training on blood glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, endothelial microparticles (EMPs), and inflammatory status in healthy, lean, and female Chinese subjects. A total of 30 healthy, female Chinese subjects were recruited and randomized into control or yoga practice group. The yoga practice included 8 wks of yoga practice (2 times/wk) for a total of 16 times.

Depot-specific effects of treadmill running and rutin on white adipose tissue function in diet-induced obese mice.

White adipose tissue (WAT) is a critical organ involved in regulating metabolic homeostasis under obese condition. Strategies that could positively affect WAT function would hold promise for fighting against obesity and its complications. The aim of the present study is to explore the effects of treadmill exercise training and rutin intervention on adipose tissue function from diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and whether fat depot-specific effects existed.

[Analysis of Porosity in the Fixed Dental Prostheses].

Fixed dental prostheses with ceramic were widely used in people for their good strength and aesthetics. As the defect of the products wil lead to failure in prostheses, good quality is essential in daily use. Accroding to analysis the date of the fixed dental prostheses in porosity test, and link with the shape and location of the pores, we have the result that the reject ratio of the fixed dental prostheses in porosity is exceed 40%, the main unqualified category is that big pores with diameter greater than 150 mm exist in ceramic.

Effects of treadmill running and rutin on lipolytic signaling pathways and TRPV4 protein expression in the adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice.

To explore the effects of rutin and exercise on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced disrupted lipolytic signaling, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) and its associated protein expression, and whether depot-specific effects existed. C57BL/6J mice were randomized into five groups: chow group, HFD, HFD plus rutin intervention group (HR), HFD combined with treadmill running group (HE), and HFD combined with treadmill running and rutin intervention group (HRE). At the end of the 16-week intervention, lipolytic markers, AMPK signaling pathways, TRPV4, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α + β (PGC-1α + β) from adipose tissue were measured by western blotting.

Genomic analysis of hybrid rice varieties reveals numerous superior alleles that contribute to heterosis.

Exploitation of heterosis is one of the most important applications of genetics in agriculture. However, the genetic mechanisms of heterosis are only partly understood, and a global view of heterosis from a representative number of hybrid combinations is lacking. Here we develop an integrated genomic approach to construct a genome map for 1,495 elite hybrid rice varieties and their inbred parental lines.

Resistin induces lipolysis and suppresses adiponectin secretion in cultured human visceral adipose tissue.

Resistin is an adipokine secreted from adipose tissue, which is likely involved in the development of obesity and insulin resistance via its interaction with other organs, as well as affecting adipose tissue function. The impact of resistin treatment on lipolysis and adiponectin secretion in human visceral adipose tissue is currently unknown. Mesenteric adipose tissue samples were obtained from 14 male subjects [age 54±6 yr, body mass index (BMI) 23.

Development of allele-specific multiplex PCR to determine the length of poly-T in intron 8 of CFTR.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutation analysis has been implemented for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) carrier screening, and molecular diagnosis of CF and congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). Although poly-T allele analysis in intron 8 of CFTR is required when a patient is positive for R117H, it is not recommended for routine carrier screening. Therefore, commercial kits for CFTR mutation analysis were designed either to mask the poly-T allele results, unless a patient is R117H positive, or to have the poly-T analysis as a standalone reflex test using the same commercial platform.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on the level of circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Vitamin D might elicit protective effects against cardiovascular disease by decreasing the level of circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammatory marker. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the association of vitamin D supplementation with circulating hs-CRP level. A systematic literature search was conducted in September 2013 (updated in February 2014) via PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library to identify eligible studies.

Bis[O,O'-bis-(4-tert-butyl-phen-yl) di-thio-phosphato-κ(2) S,S']bis-(pyridine-κN)lead(II).

In the title compound, [Pb(C20H26O2PS2)2(C5H5N)2], the Pb(II) ion is coordinated by two S,S'-bidentate anions and two pyridine mol-ecules. The PbN2S4 coordination geometry approximates to a penta-gonal bipyramid with one equatorial site vacant. The N atoms occupy the axial sites.

Incorporate gene signature profiling into routine molecular testing.

The success of gene and gene expression profiling, such as the Onco DX® test for breast cancer patients, demonstrates that as technology becomes more sophisticated molecular diagnostics will continue to play a more important role in disease management in the future. Such promises have been and continue to be enabled by advances in real-time PCR, microarray detection platforms and next generation sequencing technologies. Practical adoption of new technologies into routine clinical care, however, has not always been a smooth ride.

Allelic discrimination of cis-trans relationships by digital polymerase chain reaction: GJB2 (p.V27I/p.E114G) and CFTR (p.R117H/5T).

Purpose: : To distinguish the cis-trans relationship of two sequence changes and to arrive at an accurate molecular diagnosis for autosomal recessive disorders, methods such as Sanger sequencing cannot differentiate whether sequence changes are in cis or trans. In addition, most techniques theoretically appropriate for allelic discrimination depend on the specific identified sequence changes for assay design, need extensive optimization, or may not be suitable. We developed a method that does not fully depend on the specific nucleotide changes.

Mutation analysis of SLC26A4 for Pendred syndrome and nonsyndromic hearing loss by high-resolution melting.

Pendred syndrome and DFNB4 (autosomal recessive nonsyndromic congenital deafness, locus 4) are associated with autosomal recessive congenital sensorineural hearing loss and mutations in the SLC26A4 gene. Extensive allelic heterogeneity, however, necessitates analysis of all exons and splice sites to identify mutations for individual patients. Although Sanger sequencing is the gold standard for mutation detection, screening methods supplemented with targeted sequencing can provide a cost-effective alternative.

Ultrasensitive detection of drug-resistant pandemic 2009 (H1N1) influenza A virus by rare-variant-sensitive high-resolution melting-curve analysis.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), an oral neuraminidase inhibitor, has been widely used to treat pandemic 2009 (H1N1) influenza A. Although a majority of 2009 (H1N1) influenza A virus remains oseltamivir susceptible, the threat of resistance due to the His275Tyr mutation is highlighted by the limitations of alternative therapies and the potential for rapid, global fixation of this mutation in the circulating influenza A virus population. In order to better understand the emergence of resistance, we developed a rare-variant-sensitive high-resolution melting-curve analysis method (RVS-HRM) that is able to detect the His275Tyr oseltamivir resistance mutation to 0.

An optical-manipulation technique for cells in physiological flows.

We have developed a technique to manipulate human red blood cells (RBCs) in hydrodynamic flows. This method applies optical tweezers to trap and move microbead-attached RBCs in a liquid medium at various speeds, while it significantly minimizes laser heating and photon-induced stress for normal operation with laser-trapped cells. Computational fluid dynamics is applied to simulate flow-induced shear stress over the cell membrane and to correlate quantitatively the forces with the cell deformations.

Colorectal cancers in patients with the (9A/6A) polymorphism of TGFBR1 exhibit lesser inter-(simple sequence repeat) PCR genomic instability and present clinically at greater age.

TGFbeta is involved in the response to DNA damage and signaling the cell cycle checkpoint response, in large part achieved by modulating the activity of the ATM kinase. We have investigated if the presence of a common polymorphism in the TGFbeta receptor TGFBR1 might impact genomic instability in human colorectal cancer. In order to obtain statistically significant numbers of patients with the lesser polymorphism, 177 colorectal cancer patients were genotyped for either the major form of the TGFBR1 receptor gene, homozygous for an internal segment of 9 alanines (9A/9A), or the lesser form, heterozygous for the polymorphism containing 6 alanines (9A/6A).

Analysis of inter-(simple sequence repeat) PCR products from human colorectal cancers.

Genomic instability is a fundamental characteristic of solid tumors, and understanding genomic instability should significantly clarify the process of tumorigenesis. We adapted the sampling technique of inter-(simple sequence repeat) PCR [inter-(SSR) PCR] to measure genetic alterations between simple sequence repeats in colorectal tumors. It becomes important to precisely define both normal and altered inter-(SSR) PCR products.