Nanowire-based smart windows combining electro- and thermochromics for dynamic regulation of solar radiation.

Smart window is an attractive option for efficient heat management to minimize energy consumption and improve indoor living comfort owing to their optical properties of adjusting sunlight. To effectively improve the sunlight modulation and heat management capability of smart windows, here, we propose a co-assembly strategy to fabricate the electrochromic and thermochromic smart windows with tunable components and ordered structures for the dynamic regulation of solar radiation. Firstly, to enhance both illumination and cooling efficiency in electrochromic windows, the aspect ratio and mixed type of Au nanorods are tuned to selectively absorb the near-infrared wavelength range of 760 to 1360 nm. Furthermore, when assembled with electrochromic W18O49 nanowires in the colored state, the Au nanorods exhibit a synergistic effect, resulting in a 90% reduction of near-infrared light and a corresponding 5 °C cooling effect under 1-sun irradiation. Secondly, to extend the fixed response temperature value to a wider range of 30-50 °C in thermochromic windows, the doping amount and mixed type of W-VO2 nanowires are carefully regulated. Last but not the least, the ordered assembly structure of the nanowires can greatly reduce the level of haze and enhance visibility in the windows.

[Isolating sperm cells and preparing DNA from mixture sample].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of preparing and analyzing DNA of sperm cells from sample mixtures. METHODS: Sperm cells were captured by micromanipulation method, DNA template was prepared from these sperm cells, and then amplified by multiple displacement amplification (MDA). RESULTS: High-yield of highly integrated DNA was produced by MDA from very small amount of DNA template of 20 sperm cells. The DNA could be amplified at least 30,000-fold, and the length of most the DNA segments were greater than 15 kb, providing sufficient amount of short tandem repeat (STR) products for DNA genotyping. CONCLUSION: The micromanipulation method is efficient to isolate sperm cells from sample mixtures and multiple displacement amplification can provide sufficient amount of DNA products for STR genotyping. The method seems to be feasible in detecting DNA from rape cases.

Retention rates of levetiraceram in Chinese children and adolescents with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Levetiracetam (Lev) is a new antiepileptic drugs, proved to be effective and tolerance in regulatory trials, but these controlled trials do not always predict how useful a drug will be in day to day clinical practice, Retention rates can provide a better indication of efficacy and tolerability in everyday use. METHODS: Totally 124 patients with more than 3 months disease course were enrolled in the study from June 2007 to December 2007. The LEV dose ranged from 10 to 60 mg/kg per day. Follow up visit were performed at 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 36 months, and treatment effects, adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: The LEV retention rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 93.5% (116/124), 84.7% (105/124), 65.3% (81/124), and 58.9% (73/124), respectively. The predominant causes of withdrawal were lack of efficacy (62.7%) and serious adverse effects (17.6%). In addition, 48.6% (51/105), 60.5% (49/81) and 72.6% (53/73) patients were seizure-free for 12 months, 24 months and 36 months, respectively. In this study, 75 (60.5%) patients experienced at least one side effect. The most common side effects observed were irritability 38.7% (29/75), somnolence 17.3% (13/75), learning disability 16.0% (12/75), anorexia 17.3% (13/75), somnipathy 13.3% (10/75), and abnormal behavior 13.3% (10/75). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed the high retention rate of LEV in Chinese children and adolescents with epilepsy.