Genome-wide patterns of genetic variation in sweet and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

10.1186/gb-2011-12-11-r114Genome Biology1211-GNBL

Device Applications of Synthetic Topological Insulator Nanostructures

This review briefly describes the development of synthetic topological insulator materials in the application of advanced electronic devices. As a new class of quantum matter, topological insulators with insulating bulk and conducting surface states have attracted attention in more and more research fields other than condensed matter physics due to their intrinsic physical properties, which provides an excellent basis for novel nanoelectronic, optoelectronic, and spintronic device applications. In comparison to the mechanically exfoliated samples, the newly emerging topological insulator nanostructures prepared with various synthetical approaches are more intriguing because the conduction contribution of the surface states can be significantly enhanced due to the larger surface-to-volume ratio, better manifesting the unique properties of the gapless surface states. So far, these synthetic topological insulator nanostructures have been implemented in different electrically accessible device platforms via electrical, magnetic and optical characterizations for material investigations and device applications, which will be introduced in this review

A Semi-Floating Gate Memory with Tensile Stress for Enhanced Performance

With the continuous scaling down of devices, traditional one-transistor one-capacitor dynamic random access memory (1T-1C DRAM) has encountered great challenges originated from the large-volume capacitor and high leakage current. A semi-floating gate transistor has been proposed as a capacitor-less memory with ultrafast speed and silicon-compatible technology. In this work, a U-shaped semi-floating gate memory with strain technology has been demonstrated through TCAD simulation. Ultra-high operation speed on a timescale of 5 ns at low operation voltages (≤ 2.0 V) has been obtained. And the tensile stress induced in its channel region by using contact etch stop layer (Si3N4 capper layer) was found to significantly improve the drain current by 12.07%. Furthermore, this device demonstrated a favorable retention performance with a retention time over 1 s, and its immunity to disturbance from bit-line has also been investigated that could maintain data under the continuous worst writing disturbance operation over 10 ms

The effects of SDF-1 combined application with VEGF on femoral distraction osteogenesis in rats

Bone regeneration and mineralization can be achieved by means of distraction osteogenesis (DO). In the present study, we investigated the effect of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the new bone formation during DO in rats. Forty-eight Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into four groups of 12 rats each. We established the left femoral DO model in rats and performed a mid-femoral osteotomy, which was fixed with an external fixator. DO was performed at 0.25 mm/12 h after an incubation period of 5 days. Distraction was continued for 10 days, resulting in a total of 5 mm of lengthening. After distraction, the solution was locally injected into the osteotomy site, once a day 1 ml for 1 week. One group received the solvent alone and served as the control, and the other three groups were treated with SDF-1, VEGF, and SDF-1with VEGF in an aqueous. Sequential X-ray radiographs were taken two weekly. The regeneration was monitored with the use of micro-CT analysis, mechanical testing, and histology. Radiographs showed accelerated regenerate ossification in the SDF-1, VEGF, and SDF-1 with the VEGF group, with a larger amount of new bone compared with the control group, especially SDF-1 with the VEGF group. Micro-CT analysis and biomechanical tests showed Continuous injection of the SDF-1, VEGF, and SDF-1 with VEGF during the consolidation period significantly increased bone mineral density bone volume, mechanical maximum loading, and bone mineralization of the regenerate. Similarly, the expression of osteogenic-specific genes, as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction , was significantly higher in SDF-1 with the VEGF group than in the other groups. Histological examination revealed more new trabeculae in the distraction gap and more mature bone tissue for the SDF-1 with the VEGF group. SDF-1 and VEGF promote bone regeneration and mineralization during DO, and there is a synergistic effect between the SDF-1 and VEGF. It is possible to provide a new and feasible method to shorten the period of treatment of DO

Application of PVC pipes as an adjustable bilateral traction device in lower limb fractures

Abstract Objective To introduce a new type of simple adjustable bilateral bidirectional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube traction device and discuss the value of using this device before surgery in patients with lower limb fractures. Methods To introduce the manufacturing process of an adjustable bilateral traction device made of PVC pipes. From August 2018 to November 2019, the data of 36 patients with lower limb fractures who were treated with this traction device were retrospectively analysed. The treatment outcomes were analysed, including length of both lower limbs, fracture reduction, lower limb mobility, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, incidence of complications, and patient satisfaction. Results All patients were able to move the affected limb immediately after using the device. The patient's pain was significantly reduced, they were able to turn over freely during bed rest, and the length of the affected limb was restored to that of the healthy limb. Thirty-four (94.5%) patients were satisfied with the reduction of the fracture end, 2 (5.5%) patients with tibiofibular fractures showed angular displacement of the fractured end and satisfactory reduction after the position of the bone traction needle was adjusted; 7 (19.5%) patients developed deep vein thrombosis of the affected lower limb during traction; there was no decubitus or vascular nerve injury, and the overall complication rate was 25% (9/36). All the patients and their families were satisfied with the results of this treatment. Conclusion The aim of this study is to introduce a new type of traction device. It is advantageous in that it is light weight, low cost, easy to assemble, promotes immediate movement of the affected limb after assembly, improves patient comfort and can be used with a titanium steel needle for MRI examination under traction. In the clinical setting, it has been shown to be suitable for the temporary treatment of patients with lower leg fractures prior to surgery, particularly patients who, for various reasons, require nonsurgical treatment in the short term