Mutations in the GJB2 gene [which encodes connexin 26 (Cx26)] are the most common causes of hereditary hearing loss in humans, and previous studies showed postnatal development arrest of the organ of Corti in different Cx26-null mouse models. To explore the pathological changes and the mechanism behind the cochlear abnormalities in these mice further, we established transgenic mouse models by c...

BACKGROUND Due to the increased emergence of antimicrobial resistance, alternatives to minimize the usage of antibiotics become attractive solutions. Biophysical manipulation of material surface topography to prevent bacterial adhesion is one promising approach. To this end, it is essential to understand the relationship between surface topographical features and bactericidal properties in orde...

Controlling topological defects in 3D liquid crystal phases is a crucial element in the development of novel devices, from blue-phase displays to passive biochemical sensors. However, it remains challenging to realize the 3D topological conditions necessary to robustly and arbitrarily direct the formation of defects. Here, using a series of short pillar arrays as topological templates, we demon...

BACKGROUND Short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation (SSPI) is used for unstable burst fractures to correct deformity and stabilize the spine for fusion. However, pedicle screw loosening, pullout, or breakage often occurs due to the large moment applied during spine motion, leading to poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of a newly designed device, the Trans-Endpla...

The gob-side entry driving is in low pressure area, which bears less support and easy to maintain, so it widely used. Taking the thick coal seam of Dongtan Coal Mine as an example, reasonable size pillar section roadway are numerically simulated by combining numerical with measurement, designed. According distribution lateral stress working face, eight pillars different sizes By simulating comp...

Microfluidic channels with integrated pillars are fabricated on SU8 and PDMS substrates to understand the capillary flow. Microscope in conjunction with highspeed camera is used to capture the meniscus front movement through these channels for ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, respectively. In parallel, numerical simulations are conducted, using volume of fluid method, to predict the capillary flo...

This paper presents substantial improvements of the colloidal photolithography technique (also called microsphere lithography) with the goal of better controlling the geometry of the fabricated nano-scale structures-in this case, hexagonally arranged nanopillars-printed in a layer of directly photopatternable sol-gel TiO₂. Firstly, to increase the achievable structure height the photosensitive ...

AIMS This study aimed to analyze the clinical factors related to the failure of bone grafting through a window at the femoral head-neck junction. METHODS In total, 119 patients (158 hips) underwent bone grafting for treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The patients were classified by their ARCO staging and CJFH classification. All patients were clinically and radiographically ...

The secondary lamellae of the gill filaments are the sites of gas exchange in fish gills. They are mainly composed of 2 epithelial sheets joined together by pillar cells. These cells are characterized by collagen columns contained in infoldings of the cell membrane and oriented perpendicular to the epithelial sheets. The gill is the first organ to which the blood flows from the heart and within...