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A coral-like film of nickel@nickel sulfide (Ni@NiS) was obtained on a conducting glass through an electrochemical method, in which the Ni functioned as a template. Three types of Ni thin films were electrodeposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates by a pulse current technique at the passed charge densities of 100, 200, and 300 mC cm−2, which rendered custard apple-like, coral-like, and cracked nanostructures, respectively. Subsequently, nickel sulfide films were coated on these Ni films by using a pulse potential technique. Due to the template effect of the Ni films, the composite films of Ni@NiS also assumed the same structures as those of their nickel templates. In each case of the films the particle of the film assumed a core–shell structure. The Ni@NiS coated FTO glasses were used as the counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The DSSC with the coral-like Ni@NiS film on its counter electrode exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency (η) of 7.84%, while the DSSC with platinum film on its counter electrode shows an η of 8.11%. The coral-like Ni@NiS film exhibits multiple functions, i.e., large surface area, high conductivity, and great electrocatalytic ability for iodine/triiodine (I−/I3−) reduction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and four-point probe technique were used to characterize the films. The photovoltaic parameters are substantiated using incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) curves, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization plots. The IPCE curves were further used to calculate theoretical short-current densities of the cells.

Prolonged static sitting in a wheelchair is associated with an increased risk of lower back pain. The wheelchair seating system is a key factor of this risk because it affects spinal loading in the sitting position. In this study, 7 dynamic sitting strategies (DSSs) are examined: lumbar prominent dynamic sitting (LPDS), back reclined dynamic sitting (BRDS), femur upward dynamic sitting (FUDS), lumbar prominent with back reclined dynamic sitting (LBDS), lumbar prominent with femur upward dynamic sitting (LFDS), back reclined with femur upward dynamic sitting (BFDS), and lumbar prominent with back reclined with femur upward dynamic sitting (LBFDS). The objective of this study was to analyze the biomechanical effects of these sitting strategies on lumbar-pelvic angles. Twenty able-bodied participants were recruited for the study. All participants performed LPDS, BRDS, FUDS, LBDS, LFDS, BFDS, and LBFDS in a random order. All lumbar-pelvic angle parameters, including the static lumbar angle, static pelvic angle, lumbar range of motion, and pelvic range of motion were measured and compared. Results show that LBDS and LBFDS enabled the most beneficial lumbar movements, although the difference between the 2 strategies was nonsignificant. BRDS and BFDS enabled the most beneficial pelvic movements, although the difference between the 2 strategies was nonsignificant. Among all the upright DSSs, LPDS and LFDS enabled the most beneficial lumbar and pelvic movements, although no significant difference was observed between these 2 strategies. We identified the effects and differences among 7 DSSs on lumbar-pelvic angles. Wheelchair users can choose the most suitable DSS that meets their needs. These findings may serve as a reference for practicing physicians or wheelchair users to choose an appropriate dynamic wheelchair seating system. ISRCTN12389808 , 18th November 2016, retrospectively registered.

A series polyurea/malonamide dendron (G0.5-G2.5) containing C10 alkyl chain located at the peripheral were prepared as dendritic building blocks via alternative addition and ring opening reactions. Afterward, G0.5, G1.5 and G2.5 consisting of azetidine-2,4-dione functional group was selected and reacted with 6-aminohexanoic to generate the corresponding acid anchor containing dendritic co-adsorbents (GA6-0.5, GA6-1.5 and GA6-2.5). The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were then fabricated using phenothiazine-based dyes (HL5) as sensitizer with different generations and concentrations of dendritic co-adsorbents to explore the effect on cell performances and interfacial charge properties. Upon addition 0.3 mM of GA6-2.5 co-adsorbent, the best efficiency was 6.66 ± 0.07%, with a current density (Jsc) of 12.88 ± 0.11 mA cm−2, an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.72 ± 0.00 V and a fill factor of 0.72 ± 0.00. This cell exhibits superior efficiency than the HL5 dye only (PCE = 5.67 ± 0.17%) and slightly higher than the standard 3 mM CDCA co-adsorbent based device (PCE = 6.33 ± 0.04%). In addition, this best efficiency of this cell reached 83% of the N719 standard cell. This study may pave a new way for achieving high-performance with low cost on DSSCs applications.

Purpose: Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a surgical technique used in the management of severe fractures of the knee joint and revision total knee arthroplasty. Limited research discusses the performance of the osteotomy and fixation of the TTO with screws. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of fragment shape and screw configuration on the mechanical behavior in the fixation of the TTO using the finite element (FE) method. Methods: FE TTO models with three fragment shapes and three screw configurations were developed. The three fragment shapes were a step cut, bevel cut, and straight cut. The screw configurations were two parallel horizontal and downward screws and two trapezoidal screws. A 1654-N upward tension force was applied on the tibia tubercle, and the distal end of the tibia was completely fixed. Results: The results indicated that the step cut resulted in higher stability than the bevel and straight cut, but the stress was higher as well. Among the screw configurations, two parallel downward screws resulted in the highest stability, given the same fragment shape. In the horizontal configuration, the step cut tibia developed the largest contact force to achieve stability of the bone fragment under loading. Conclusion: The fragment shape with a step cut and fixation with two parallel horizontal or downward screws are suggested for TTO, while the trapezoidal screw configuration is not suggested. Furthermore, the downward screw configuration is a suitable strategy to reduce bone stress.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment strategy for pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). Methods Clinical data of 15 PG patients (from Jan. 1995 to Dec. 2011) in Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and its clinical characteristics and therapy were studied. Results There were 15 PG patients, including 11(73.3%) males and 4(26.7%) females. In 15 patients, 8(53.3%) had the complication of systemic diseases, the ulcer area was 2.8%(0.5%-7.0%) of total body surface area (TBSA) before treatment and 1.2%(0.6%-2.0%) after treatment, and 7(46.7%) did not have the complication of systemic diseases, the ulcer area was 1.6%(1.0%-3.5%) TBSA before treatment and 0.4%(0.1%-0.9%) after treatment. The differences of ulcer area between patients with and without systemic diseases before and after treatment were both statistically significant (P

A quantum dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) is fabricated using a composite layer, consisting of ZnO nanowires and ZnO nanoparticles (CL-ZnO) as its semiconductor film. The diameter and the thickness of each ZnO nanowire (ZNW) are ∼100 nm and ∼6 μm, respectively. The structure and morphology of the films with ZnO nanoparticles (ZNPs), ZNWs, and CL-ZnO are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images. Cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) are deposited on the ZNWs, ZNPs, and CL-ZnO by a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) cycle. The highest efficiency (η) for the QDSSC sensitized by CdS (CdS-QDSSC) is obtained in the case of CL-ZnO photoanode, and this is attributed to significant improvement in the short-circuit photocurrent density (JSC) of the pertinent cell, which is 2.81- fold higher than that of the cell with ZNWs. Moreover, cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) are used as co-sensitizer along with the CdS QDs for the CL-ZnO semiconductor layer (film designated as CL-ZnO/CdS/CdSe), and the pertinent QDSSC showed much higher efficiency than the one obtained in the case of the cell using only CdS QDs as the sensitizer. Finally, a passivation layer of ZnS was deposited on the film of CL-ZnO/CdS/CdSe, and the cell with this film (CL-ZnO/CdS/CdSe/ZnS) showed an efficiency of 0.55%, the highest in this research. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS), UV–vis absorbance spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) curves are used to substantiate the explanations.

Aqueous dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are attractive due to their sustainability, the use of water as a safe solvent for the redox mediators, and their possible applications in photoelectrochemical water splitting. However, the higher tendency of dye leaching by water and the lower wettability of dye molecules are two major obstacles that need to be tackled for future applications of aqueous DSSCs. Sensitizers designed for aqueous DSSCs are discussed based on their functions, such as modification of the molecular skeleton and the anchoring group for better stability against dye leaching by water, and the incorporation of hydrophilic entities into the dye molecule or the addition of a surfactant to the system to increase the wettability of the dye for more facile dye regeneration. Surface treatment of the photoanode to deter dye leaching or improve the wettability of the dye molecule is also discussed. Redox mediators designed for aqueous DSSCs are also discussed. The review also includes quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells, with a focus on improvements in QD loading and suppression of interfacial charge recombination at the photoanode.

Fracture impaction is a surgical technique used to support the fractured humerus with locking plate or intramedullary nail when treating proximal humeral fractures. However, few studies have investigated the mechanical difference between fracture impaction with locking plate and with intramedullary nail. The mechanism of fracture impaction to increase stability is still unclear. The aim of this study was to use numerical methods to compare the biomechanical effect of treating proximal humeral fracture. Six different humerus models, including intact and fractured humeri with various fixation patterns were used in this study. Fracture impaction was simulated by moving the distal fragment of the humeral shift upwards directly until touching the inferior surface of the proximal fragment. We also considered both poor- and normal-quality bone in the simulation. Results confirmed that fracture impaction increases fracture stabilityand decreases peak stress in both implant and bone. Also, fracture impaction and plating with medial shift of the humeral shaft provides the highest stability. The metallic implant shared loading with the bone in the impacted models, while implants sustained all the loading alone in the nonimpacted models. Based on the results, the technique of fracture impaction is suggested for both nail and plate to reduce stresses on bone and implants and to increase structural stability. Furthermore, impaction with medial shift of the humeral shaft with plate is found to achieve the highest stability when treating proximal humeral fractures.

This study numerically investigated the deformation of titanium elastic nails prebent at various degrees during implantation into the intramedullary canal of fractured bones and the mechanism by which this prebending influenced the stability of the fractured bone. Three degrees of prebending the implanted portions of the nails were used: equal to, two times, and three times the diameter of the intramedullary canal. Furthermore, a simulated diaphyseal fracture with a 5-mm gap was created in the middle shaft portion of the bone fixed with two elastic nails in a double C-type configuration. End caps were simulated using a constraint equation. To confirm that the simulation process is able to present the mechanical response of the nail inside the intramedullary, an experiment was conducted by using sawbone for validation. The results indicated that increasing the degrees of nail prebending facilitated straightening the nails against the inner aspect of canal after implantation, with increase in stability under torsion. Furthermore, reducing nail prebending caused a larger portion of the nails to move closer to the loading site and center of bone after implantation; the use of end caps prevented the nail tips from collapsing and increased axial stability. End cap use was critical for preventing the nail tips from collapsing and for increasing the stability of the nails prebent at a degree equal to the diameter of the canal with insufficient frictional force between the nail and canal. Therefore, titanium elastic nail prebending in a double C-type configuration with a degree three times the diameter of the canal represents a superior solution for treating transverse fractures without a gap, whereas that with a degree equal to the diameter of the intramedullary canal and combined with end cap use represents an advanced solution for treating comminuted fractures in a diaphyseal long bone fracture.

A solution growth method for the deposition of Cu-doped zinc–indium–sulfide (ZnIn 2 S 4 ) semiconductor film electrodes is presented. The structural, optical, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of samples were studied as a function of Cu content in samples. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the cubic ZnIn 2 S 4 phase of an undoped sample was obtained. No Cu alloys or other binary compounds that included the Cu element were present in Cu-doped ZnIn 2 S 4 samples. Images from a scanning electron microscope and atomic ratios of elements in samples obtained from the energy dispersion analysis of X-ray reveal a change in surface morphology and composition for Cu-doped ZnIn 2 S 4 samples. The direct energy band gaps, indirect energy band gaps, and thicknesses of samples prepared in this study varied in the ranges 2.07–2.58 eV, 1.60–2.06 eV, and 521–879 nm, respectively. The maximum photoelectrochemical response of samples in 0.5 M K 2 SO 4 aqueous solution reached 1.15 mA cm −2 at an external potential of +1.0 V vs. an Ag/AgCl reference electrode under illumination using a 300-W Xe lamp with light intensity kept at 100 mW cm −2 . The experimental results show that Cu doping with Cu/(Cu+Zn) atomic ratio of 0.08 in samples improves the performance of the ZnIn 2 S 4 photoabsorber for PEC applications.

Purpose: Clinical and biomechanical studies have reported that using supportive screws and a wire instead of the common Kirschner wires for modified tension band wiring improves the stability of fractured patellae. However, the effect of screw proximity on the fixation of a fractured patella remains unclear. Therefore a numerical study was conducted to examine the effects of screw proximity on biomechanical responses in a simulated patellar fracture fixed using two parallel cannulated screws and anterior tension band wiring. Methods: A patellar model with a transverse fracture and loads simulating patellar tendon forces applied on the patella were used in the present simulation. The surgical fixation consisted of two 4.0-mm parallel partially threaded cannulated screws with a figure-of-eight tension band made using a 1.25-mm stainless steel wire. Biomechanical responses at two screw proximities, 5 and 10 mm from the leading edge of the patella, were investigated. Results: Superficial screw placement (5 mm) yielded higher stability, lower wire loads, and lower bone contact pressures than the deep placement (10 mm). The deep placement of screws exerted a higher load on the wire but a lower force on the screw than superficial placement did. Conclusion: This is the first numerical study to examine the effects of screw location on the fixation of a fractured patella using cannulated screws and tension band wiring. Considering the favorable biomechanical responses, superficial placement (5 mm below the leading edge of the patella) is recommended for screw insertion when treating a transverse fractured patella.

This paper is mainly devoted to a comparative study of two iterative least-squares finite element schemes for solving the stationary incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with velocity boundary condition. Introducing vorticity as an additional unknown variable, we recast the Navier–Stokes problem into a first-order quasilinear velocity–vorticity–pressure system. Two Picard-type iterative least-squares finite element schemes are proposed to approximate the solution to the nonlinear first-order problem. In each iteration, we adopt the usual L 2 least-squares scheme or a weighted L 2 least-squares scheme to solve the corresponding Oseen problem and provide error estimates. We concentrate on two-dimensional model problems using continuous piecewise polynomial finite elements on uniform meshes for both iterative least-squares schemes. Numerical evidences show that the iterative L 2 least-squares scheme is somewhat suitable for low Reynolds number flow problems, whereas for flows with relatively higher Reynold...

Highly efficient zinc compounds (Zn3N2, ZnO, ZnS, and ZnSe) have been investigated as low-cost electrocatalysts for the counter electrodes (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Among them, Zn3N2 and ZnSe are introduced for the first time in DSSCs. The zinc compounds were separately mixed with a conducting binder, poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS), and thereby four composite films of Zn3N2/PEDOT:PSS, ZnO/PEDOT:PSS, ZnS/PEDOT:PSS, and ZnSe/PSS were coated on the tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates through a simple drop-coating process. In the composite film, nanoparticles of the zinc compound form active sites for the electrocatalytic reduction of triiodide ions, andPSS provides a continuous conductive matrix for fast electron transfer. By varying the weight percentage (5-20 wt %) of a zinc compound with respect to the weight of thePSS, the optimized concentration of a zinc compound was found to be 10 wt % in all four cases, based on the photovoltaic performances of the corresponding DSSCs. At this concentration (10 wt %), the composites films with Zn3N2 (Zn3N2-10), ZnO (ZnO-10), ZnS (ZnS-10), and ZnSe (ZnSe-10) rendered, for their DSSCs, power conversion efficiencies (η) of 8.73%, 7.54%, 7.40%, and 8.13%, respectively. The difference in the power conversion efficiency is explained based on the electrocatalytic abilities of those composite films as determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel polarization plots, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The energy band gaps of the zinc compounds, obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, were used to explain the electrocatalytic behaviors of the compounds. Among all the zinc-based composites, the one with Zn3N2-10 showed the best electrocatalytic ability and thereby rendered for its DSSC the highest η of 8.73%, which is even higher than that of the cell with the traditional Pt CE (8.50%). Therefore, Zn3N2 can be considered as a promising inexpensive electrocatalyst to replace the rare and expensive Pt.

Excessively long wheelchair sitting has caused low back pain. This study was investigating the biomechanical effects of adjusting femoral, pelvic and lumbar supports during wheelchair sitting. The lumbar angles and pelvic angles were investigated using kinetic angle measurements system. Thirty participants with no known low back pain history were tested. The research results revealed that when lumbar and pelvic supports were simultaneously employed with the thickness of the supports remaining the same, the lumbar angle is closer to the angle in standing and the pelvic angle resembles the upright sitting angle in comparison with the other two support conditions. In conclusions, sitting with femoral support, pelvic support and lumbar support, the pelvic and lumbar angles was fit for the user of wheelchair, which could potentially reduce low back pain.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are fabricated using low-cost materials and a simple fabrication process; these advantages make them attractive candidates for research on next generation solar cells. In this type of solar cell, dye-sensitized metal oxide electrodes play an important role for achieving high performance since the porous metal oxide films provide large specific surface area for dye loading and the dye molecule possesses broad absorption covering the visible region or even part of the near-infrared (NIR). Recently, metal-free sensitizers have made great progress and become the most potential alternatives. This review mainly focuses on recent progress in metal-free sensitizers for applications in DSSCs. Besides, we also briefly report DSSCs with near-infrared (NIR) organic sensitizers, which provide the possibility to extend the absorption threshold of the sensitizers in the NIR region. Finally, special consideration has been paid to panchromatic engineering, co-sensitization, a key technique to achieve whole light absorption for improving the performance of DSSCs.

Two types of fluorene-based organic dyes featuring T-shape/rod-shape molecular configuration with phenothiazine donor and cyanoacrylic acid acceptor have been synthesized and characterized as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells. Phenothiazine is functionalized at either nitrogen (N10) or carbon (C3) to obtain T-shape and rod-like organic dyes, respectively. The effect of structural alternation on the optical, electrochemical, and the photovoltaic properties is investigated. The crystal structure determination of the dye containing phenyl linker revealed cofacial slip-stack columnar packing of the molecules. The trends in the optical properties of the dyes are interpreted using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) computations. The rod-shaped dyes exhibited longer wavelength absorption and low oxidation potentials when compared to the corresponding T-shaped dyes attributable to the favorable electronic overlap between the phenothiazine unit and the rest of the molecule in the former dyes. However, the T-shaped dyes showed better photovoltaic properties due to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level favorable for electron injection into the conduction band of TiO2 and appropriate orientation of the phenothiazine unit rendering effective surface blocking to suppress the recombination of electrons between the electrolyte I3(-) and TiO2. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigations provide further support for the variations in the electron injection and transfer kinetics due to the structural modifications.

The dynamic hip-screw (DHS) system is a common implant for fixation of proximal femur fractures. During assembly, it has been recommended to remove the compression screw after initial compression has been obtained; however, related complications had been reported. So far, the role of compression screw in the reconstructed stability of hip fractures as well as the mechanical strength of the DHS system has rarely been mentioned. This study investigated the function of this screw in the DHS system during fracture healing. Based on the FE method, six numerical models of proximal femur were employed to analyze the mechanical response of a DHS implant with various fracture types and different fixation strategies (with or without a compression screw). The displacement of the femur head and peak von Mises stress were selected as indices of the stability of a fractured femur stabilized by a DHS device and of the risk of implant failure, respectively. Our results showed that a retained compression screw increased reconstructed structural stiffness, reducing the displacement of the femur head. This screw also helped to lessen mechanical failure of side plate by reducing the peak von Mises stress around the connection between the barrel and side plate. Both findings were evident in the proximal femur fracture involving the intertrochanteric part, and even more obvious in the setting of bony defects. Thus, we recommend the maintenance of compression screw in the DHS system while treating the intertrochanteric fracture, particularly in cases with bony defects.

The phenomenon of protein randomly associating among themselves during MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric measurements is manifest on all the proteins tested here. The magnitude of this random association seems to be protein-dependent. However, a detailed mathematical analysis of this process has not been reported so far. Here, binomial and multinomial equations are used to analyze the relative populations of multimer ions formed by random protein association during MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric measurements. Hemoglobin A (which consists of two α-globins and two β-globins) and biotinylated insulin (which contains intact, singly biotinylated, and doubly biotinylated insulin) are used as the test cases for two- and three-component protein systems, respectively. MALDI-TOF spectra are acquired using standard MALDI-TOF techniques and equipment. The binomial distribution matches the relative populations of multimer ions of Hb A perfectly. For biotinylated insulin sample, taking lesser relative populations for doubly biotinylated insulin and intact insulin compared with singly biotinylated insulin into account, the relative populations of multimer ions of the biotinylated insulin confirms the prediction of multinomial equation. The pairs of unrelated proteins such as myoglobin, avidin, and lysozyme show lesser intensities for heteromultimers than for homomultimers, indicating weaker propensities to associate between different proteins during MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric measurements. Contrary to the suggestion that the multimer ions are formed in the solution phase prior to MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric measurement through multistage sequential reactions of the aggregation of protein molecules, we postulate that multimer ions of proteins are formed after the protein molecules have been vaporized into the gas phase through the assistance of the laser and matrix.

We fabricated a highly efficient (with a solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency (η) of 8.1%) Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The counter electrode was made of cobalt sulfide (CoS) nanoparticles synthesized via surfactant-assisted preparation of a metal organic framework, ZIF-67, with controllable particle sizes (50 to 320 nm) and subsequent oxidation and sulfide conversion. In contrast to conventional Pt counter electrodes, the synthesized CoS nanoparticles exhibited higher external surface areas and roughness factors, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) element mapping, and electrochemical analysis. Incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) results showed an increase in the open circuit voltage (VOC) and a decrease in the short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) for CoS-based DSSCs compared to Pt-based DSSCs, resulting in a similar power conversion efficiency. The CoS-based DSSC fabricated in the study show great potential for economically friendly production of Pt-free DSSCs.

Background: The plantar fascia is a primary arch supporting structure of the foot and is often stressed with high tension during ambulation. When the loading on the plantar fascia exceeds its capacity, the inflammatory reaction known as plantar fasciitis may occur. Mechanical overload has been identified as the primary causative factor of plantar fasciitis. However, a knowledge gap exists between how the internal mechanical responses of the plantar fascia react to simple daily activities. Therefore, this study investigated the biomechanical responses of the plantar fascia during loaded stance phase by use of the finite element (FE) modeling. Methods: A 3-dimensional (3-D) FE foot model comprising bones, cartilage, ligaments, and a complex-shaped plantar fascia was constructed. During the stance phase, the kinematics of the foot movement was reproduced and Achilles tendon force was applied to the insertion site on the calcaneus. All the calculations were made on a single healthy subject. Results: The results indicated that the plantar fascia underwent peak tension at preswing (83.3% of the stance phase) at approximately 493 N (0.7 body weight). Stress concentrated near the medial calcaneal tubercle. The peak von Mises stress of the fascia increased 2.3 times between the midstance and preswing. The fascia tension increased 66% because of the windlass mechanism. Conclusion: Because of the membrane element used in the ligament tissue, this FE model was able to simulate the mechanical structure of the foot. After prescribing kinematics of the distal tibia, the proposed model indicated the internal fascia was stressed in response to the loaded stance phase. Clinical Relevance: Based on the findings of this study, adjustment of gait pattern to reduce heel rise and Achilles tendon force may lower the fascia loading and may further reduce pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness plays a crucial role in cell mechanobiology. Culturing cells in 3D better recapitulates the in vivo conditions. However, there are few platforms allowing measurements of the dynamics of 3D ECM stiffness resulting from cell remodeling activities. Ultrasound shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) is a promising tool to evaluate the spatiotemporal change of ECM stiffness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of quantifying changes of ECM stiffness in a 3D cell culturing system using SWEI. Collagen-based 3D cell culture complexes suitable for SWEI were developed. The cell-culturing complex was mounted to a SWEI system consisting of a 20 MHz push transducer for shear wave (SW) generation and a 40 MHz imaging transducer motorized by a mechanical scanner. The change of complex thickness resulting from cell remodeling was determined by B-mode images. A spatiotemporal map of matrix displacement resulting from SW propagation was generated and converted into a k-space map by 2D discreet fast Fourier transform. The dispersion curve, defined as the function of SW speeds with respect to frequencies, was fitted by viscoelastic models to estimate the shear moduli. Using this novel SWEI platform, we successfully demonstrated changes of matrix stiffness and structure when culturing the system with different cancer and normal cell lines. The cultured cells actively remodeled the ECM with significant contraction of matrix, with that a higher degree of matrix contraction corresponded to a larger shear modulus. Biochemical tests revealed the matrix stiffening mediated by human adenocarcinoma cells CL1-5 mainly resulted from cell contraction and cross-linking of the matrix proteins. Our results indicate the potential of our system in identifying the mechanistic details of various pathological conditions that are associated with change of matrix stiffness.

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Deletion or mutation of the TRPS1 gene leads to the tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndromes type I or type III. In this article, we describe a Chinese patient affected with type I TRPS and showing prominent pilar, rhinal and phalangeal abnormalities. Mutational screening and sequence analysis of TRPS1 gene revealed a previously unidentified four-base-pair deletion of nucleotides 1783-1786 (c.1783_1786delACTT). The mutation causes a frame shift after codon 593, introducing a premature stop codon after 637 residues in the gene sequence. This deletion is an unquestionable loss-of-function mutation, deleting all the functionally important parts of the protein. Our novel discovery indicates that sparse hair and metacarpal defects of tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndromes in this patient are due to this TRPS1 mutation. And this data further supports the critical role of TRPS1 gene in hair and partial skeleton morphogenesis.

To investigate the efficacy, adverse reaction and prognosis of liquid nitrogen freezing combined with 5-aminolaevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) in the treatment of condyloma acuminatum in men.We collected medical histories and conducted physical examinations for 35 male patients with condyloma acuminatum in the outpatient department, and treated them by liquid nitrogen freezing combined with ALA-PDT every 7-10 days. We recorded the skin lesions and adverse events each time and followed up the patients at 4 and 24 weeks after treatment.The 35 patients were aged 17-71 (median 31) years, and their average course of disease was 30-180 (mean 60) days. The skin lesion area was reduced remarkably after 3 times of liquid nitrogen freezing combined with ALA-PDT, 16-140 (median 38) mm2 for the first time, 6-63 (median 13) mm2 for the second, and 0-10 (median 3) mm2 for the third, with statistically significant differences (P0.01). Two cases (5.7%) relapsed at 4 weeks and 4 cases (11.4% ) at 24 weeks.Liquid nitrogen freezing combined with ALA-PDT is better than either liquid nitrogen freezing or ALA-PDT alone for the treatment of condyloma acuminatum in men.

Novel organic sensitizers comprising one or two fluorenylidene moieties in the donor part of triarylamine, cyanoacrylic acid as the acceptor/anchoring group and a fluorene and oligothiophene spacer in a D–π–A architecture have been synthesized and characterized as sensitizers for nanocrystalline TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells. Their optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties are compared with the electron accepting dicyanovinyl unit containing the organic sensitizer. Incorporation of the fluorenylidene moiety dominates the optical properties of the dyes in terms of relatively broad and high molar extinction coefficient absorption when compared to the dicyanovinyl derivatives. Theoretical investigations using TDDFT simulations indicate that the trends in the excitation energies are consistent with the solution spectral data for higher wavelength absorption and the lower wavelength absorptions attributed to the amine to auxiliary acceptor charge transfer. The electrochemical properties are influenced by the number of fluorenylidene chromophores and the electron richness of the linking segment. The dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated using fluorenylidene-based sensitizers showed higher power conversion efficiency than the dicyanovinyl derivatives attributed to their higher photocurrent density. A fluorenylidene-based dye exhibited a high power conversion efficiency of 6.13% under full sunlight (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm−2).

A composite film of titanium disulfide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (TiS2/PEDOT:PSS) was deposited on a indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) conducting substrate by the drop coating technique, as the counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). TiS2 particles were well distributed in the polymer matrix of PEDOT:PSS and served as an electrocatalyst material for the redox reaction of iodide/triiodide ions (I−/I3−) with high conductivity and attractive catalytic ability. The TiS2/PEDOT:PSS composite CE showed good uniformity and provided a large electrochemical surface area, which resulted in a high cell efficiency (η) of 7.04%. The high efficiency of the cell with the TiS2/PEDOT:PSS composite CE could be a potential choice for replacing the expensive Pt CE. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the morphology of different CEs, including Pt, bare TiS2, bare PEDOT:PSS and the TiS2/PEDOT:PSS composite. The catalytic ability and electrochemical properties of the CEs were quantified by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Tafel plots and rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements. The high cell efficiency of DSSCs with the TiS2/PEDOT:PSS composite CE was verified by the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) curves.