Deep Oscillation Research Articles

Packet-Pulse Dual Magnetron Sputtering

The paper presents the results of experimental study of the discharge formed by a dual (DU) magnetron sputtering system (MSS) with aluminum targets in the mode of packet-pulse magnetron sputtering of high power (called deep oscillation magnetron sputtering (DOMS) in foreign literature). A special feature of the discharge in the DOMS mode is the use of unipolar sequence of micropulses with short durations and high powers that form macropulse duration 1000–3000 μs. This mode of sputtering was previously used only in single MSS. In this paper, the DOMS mode is first investigated with a dual magnetron sputtering system. The main plasma parameters are measured using triple and single Langmuir probes. Dependences of plasma parameters on the parameters of the pulsed discharge power supply: voltage and current amplitudes, current density, and power density on the target surface are established. The results of experiments show that the use of the dual packet-pulse magnetron sputtering can significantly increase the plasma density and the ion current density on the substrate in comparison with the traditional DC and MF modes of magnetron sputtering. The ratio of the ion flux density to the flux density of neutral atoms, characterizing the degree of ion bombardment of the growing coating in the DU DOMS mode, reached a value of 28, whereas in the DC mode it was 0.8.

Unipolar and bipolar mode of deep oscillation magnetron sputtering

The paper presents the results of a study of the modes of dual deep oscillation magnetron sputtering. The use of packet pulse discharge power supply allowed to provide a high power density on the surface of the Al target 60–500 W·cm−2 and the ion current density on the substrate 4–20 mA·cm−2 during the duration of the macro pulse – 1 ms. In addition to the parameters of a pulsed power supply, the way of connecting the power source to the dual magnetron sputtering system and the vacuum chamber changed during the experiments. Targets of the magnetron sputtering system were isolated from the chamber or alternately connected to it. A change in the connection method led to a change in the anode area and such discharge parameters as: discharge current, plasma concentration, bias voltage, and ion current density on the substrate. It is shown that in the mode with a small area of the anode, the substrate is exposed to a higher energy impact in comparison with the regime when the anode had a large area.

Hard yet tough CrN/Si3N4 multilayer coatings deposited by the combined deep oscillation magnetron sputtering and pulsed dc magnetron sputtering

Hard yet tough coatings with simultaneously high hardness and toughness represent a new class of high-performance coatings, which are vital for tribological applications due to the enhanced surface/interface properties. In this work, CrN/Si3N4 multilayer coatings with various Si content were reactively deposited by the combined deep oscillation magnetron sputtering and pulsed dc magnetron sputtering. The as-deposited coatings exhibit smooth surface morphology, well-defined nc-CrN/a-Si3N4 interfaces, uniform thickness and highly dense architecture. Microstructure evolution is induced by Si content changing from scaly nanocolumnar to densely packed fibrous grains to tapered crystallites. These features allow the achievement of the increased properties in terms of high hardness of 30.6 GPa, H/E* of 0.099, H3/E*2 of 0.387, elastic recover We of 58.5% and fracture toughness KIC of 3.69 MPa·m1/2. Hard yet tough CrN/Si3N4 multilayer coatings show excellent tribological properties by enhanced cooperative deformability through energy dissipation and stress relaxation at well-arranged nc-CrN/a-Si3N4 interfaces to reduce crack initiation and propagation, and adhesion failure, thanks to the enhanced H, H/E*, H3/E*2, We and KIC. Meanwhile, under limited normal load conditions, uniform tribolayers (Cr2O3, FeO(OH), Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) caused by tribochemical reaction on the worn surface also act to make contributions towards reducing friction and wear as a lubricant.

Diamond-like carbon coatings deposited by deep oscillation magnetron sputtering in Ar-Ne discharges

In a previous work, the authors have shown that a recently developed variant of high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), called deep oscillation magnetron sputtering (DOMS), was suitable for the deposition of hard hydrogen-free DLC films with tribological properties comparable to DLC films deposited by other state of the art deposition processes. Adding Ne to the discharge gas has been shown to be an effective method to increase the ionization fraction of the sputtered carbon species in an HiPIMS discharge. In this work, the effect of adding Ne to the discharge gas on the film growth processes and on the tribological performance of the films.On the overall, the substitution of Ar by Ne in the discharge gas up to 50% results in a progressive transformation of the dense columnar microstructure obtained in pure Ar into a featureless one. On the other hand, the hardness of the films increases from 14 to 22 GPa while a progressive increase of the sp3 content of the films is detected by Raman spectroscopy. The addition of Ne to the discharge gas results in much lower specific wear rates, reaching a minimum value of 4 × 10−17 m3/Nm, without any significant increase of the films residual stresses. Moreover, the higher wear resistance of the Ne films is achieved with only a small increase of the coefficient of friction, which remains close to 0.15, i.e., within the range of typical values for DLC films tested in relatively humid conditions. Thus the tribological properties of the DLC films deposited in this work are already interesting for application in the automotive industry, such as for the replacement of the CrN coatings nowadays standardly deposited onto the piston rings of internal combustion engines.

Tribological behaviors in air and seawater of CrN/TiN superlattice coatings irradiated by high-intensity pulsed ion beam

Surface integrity and interface structure of coating materials play a key role in tribological and corrosion behaviors in harsh working environments in nuclear power plants. In this work, we focus on the investigations of tribological behaviors in air and seawater of CrN/TiN superlattice coatings deposited by the combined deep oscillation magnetron sputtering with pulsed dc magnetron sputtering, which were irradiated by high-intensity pulsed ion beam (HIPIB) with ion energy density of 1–3 J/cm2 and shot number of 1–5. At 1 J/cm2, the increased shot number leads to a broaden (111) peak of face-centered cubic crystal structure, indicating grain size refinement. At 3 J/cm2, the increased shot number results in the coarsening grain, and superlattice structure gradually disappeared at 2 shots, finally the coatings fell off from substrate at 5 shots. The highest hardness (H), H/E* (E*, effective Young’s modulus) and H3/E*2 of the coatings irradiated at 1 J/cm2 and 5 shots are achieved at 38.7 GPa, 0.1 and 0.387, respectively. The increased ion energy density and shot number result in the decrease in Rockwell C HF adhesion level from HF1 to HF6. At 1 Jcm−2 and 1 shot, tribological behavior of irradiated coatings in air was dominated by oxidative wear with coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.51 and specific wear rate of 4.2 × 10−7mm3N−1m−1. The irradiated coatings show excellent tribocorrosion properties in seawater with high open circuit potential of 0.32 V, low COF of 0.14 and specific tribocorrosion rate of 6.1 × 10−8mm3N−1m−1 without pitting corrosion under moderate HIPIB irradiation due to high surface integrity and stability of well-defined interfaces and dense microstructure. With an increase of energy density and shot number, wear mechanism in air changes to severe adhesive and oxidative wear, while tribocorrosion mechanism is gradually dominated by plough wear coupled with pitting corrosion.

Therapy with deep oscillations - principle, biological effects, review

The use of electrical energy for therapeutic medical purposes has been known since the 18th century and the first one applied to the patient is described by Johann Gottlob KrA¼ger in 1743. The development in the construction of medical equipment for electrotherapy results in an association of high therapeutic efficacy with mild, non-traumatic effect on biological tissues. The first applications in the clinical practice of an innovative, non-invasive, electromechanical therapeutic method based on electrostatic attraction, characterized by its deep and mild interaction with the tissue in the application area date back to m ore than two decades ago. This allows its use in the early post-traumatic phase, the early postoperative period and acute pain. DEEP OSCILLATION® is a widely used physiotherapeutic concept developed by Physiomed Elektromedizin AG - Germany, which received its first patent in 1988, and in 2002 was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The first generator apparatus deep oscillations HIVAMAT - 200 was developed in the early 19 80s at the Department of Physiotherapy at Amber Municipal Hospital of H.Seidel and W. Waldner. Тhe aim of this article is to provide a detailed overview based on a wide range of scientific publications, in chronological order, documented clinical applications and their outcomes, synthesizing the current knowledge of the effect of deep oscillations in a variety of pathological processes, and giving future guidelines in the use of this therapeutic method.

Oxidation behaviour of TiSiN(Ag) films deposited by high power impulse magnetron sputtering

TiSiN coatings alloyed with increasing silver content were deposited for designing a self-lubricant coating with controlled lubricant element diffusion. Here, we report the influence of the Ag content on the oxidation behaviour of TiSiN(Ag) films deposited by HiPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) working in DOMS (Deep Oscillation Magnetron Sputtering) mode. In-situ high-temperature oxidation X-ray diffractograms allowed to observe the first signs of oxidation occurring at about ~ 850 °C with the appearance of the rutile TiO2 peaks. Observation of even distribution of silver was still possible on the un-oxidized part of the films, suggesting that the films offer an efficient barrier to the Ag diffusion. Dynamic-mode thermogravimetry analysis showed that silver addition does not change the onset point of oxidation of the coatings. However, the oxidation rate deteriorated with the presence of Ag. An unusual mass loss could be observed for the coatings with 6 and 10 at.% of Ag, as a result of silver evaporation/sublimation process. Results from isothermal thermogravimetry performed at 900 °C show two distinct regimes and corroborate the detrimental effect of the Ag on the oxidation resistance of the coatings. Nonetheless, in the un-oxidized part of the films, the silver continued to be homogeneously distributed confirming again the efficient barrier against Ag diffusion.

Effects of Deep Oscillation Therapy on Symptoms Associated with Eccentric Exercise-Induced Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) has debilitating symptoms that produces muscle damage and performance deficits among athletes. Deep oscillation therapy (DOT) is a therapeutic intervention that utilizes an electrostatic wave to create a deep oscillation massage at the cellular level with proposed physiological benefits. There is little evidence to support the use of DOT on exercise-induced DOMS. PURPOSE: Examine the effects of DOT on girth, pain pressure threshold (PPT), perceived pain, strength, and range of motion (ROM) following a bout of eccentric exercise-induced DOMS when compared to control. METHODS: Moderately active participants (age: 22±2.5 years; male: n=5, female: n=5) completed an eccentric exercise protocol for the elbow flexors to induce DOMS as part of a randomized counter-balance design study [Control group (C: no treatment) and a treatment group (T: DOT)]. T group received a 20-minute DOT treatment for 6 days. Visual analog scale assessed pain and a manual algometer assessed PPT and girth was measured at 3 sites on the bicep (5, 9, 13 cm proximal from the antecubital line). A goniometer assessed ROM for extension and flexion. Isokinetic dynameter measured strength for 2 maximum voluntary isometric contractions at 3 angles (30°, 90°, 130°). A 2 x 6 repeated measures ANOVA to examine differences for girth, PPT, perceived pain, ROM, maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) and maximum isokinetic contraction (MIC). RESULTS: A significant main effect was found for perceived pain and PPT between groups (P≤0.01; P=0.002); with significant interactions between days (P≤0.01; P≤0.01). Both displaying improvements for the T group. Girth was significantly different over time for both C and T (2.55 vs. 1.42, P=0.03) and T resulted in a reduction for days 2-6 (P=0.04). Mean ROM significantly changed over time, with Days 2-6 significantly less than Day 1 (P < 0.05), but no significant differences occurred between groups. No differences were found in MVC and MIC at any angles over time or between groups. However, MIC at 30° was decreased over time (5.68 and .41, P=0.001), with Day 2 significantly lower than Day 1 (mean difference 14.5±4.8, P=0.008), with a resulting increase for T when compared to C. CONCLUSION: There are positive effects from DOT on symptoms of exercise-induced DOMS.

The Effectiveness of Deep Oscillation Therapy on Reducing Swelling and Pain in Athletes With Acute Lateral Ankle Sprains.

Clinical Scenario: Ankle sprains are the most prevalent athletic-related musculoskeletal injury treated by athletic trainers, often affecting activities of daily living and delaying return to play. Most of these cases present with pain and swelling in the ankle, resulting in decreased range of motion and strength deficits. Due to these impairments, proper treatment is necessary to avoid additional loss of play and prevent future injuries. Recently, there has been an increased use of deep oscillation therapy by clinicians to manage pain and swelling following a variety of injuries, including ankle sprains. However, very little evidence has been produced regarding the clinical effectiveness of deep oscillation therapy, limiting its application in therapeutic rehabilitation of acute lateral ankle sprains. Clinical Question: Is deep oscillation therapy effective in reducing pain and swelling in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains compared with the current standard of care protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation? Summary of Key Findings: The literature was searched for studies of level 2 evidence or higher that investigated deep oscillation therapy on pain and inflammation in patients with lateral ankle sprains. Three randomized control trials were located and appraised. One of the 3 studies demonstrate a reduction in pain following 6weeks of deep oscillation therapy compared with the standard of care or placebo interventions. The 2 other studies, 1 utilizing a 5-day treatment and the other a 1 time immediate application, found no differences in deep oscillation therapy compared with the standard of care. Clinical Bottom Line: There is inconclusive evidence to support the therapeutic use of deep oscillation therapy in reducing pain and swelling in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains above and beyond the current standard of care. In addition, the method of treatment application and parameters used may influence the effectiveness of deep oscillation therapy. Strength of Recommendation: Level B.

The Effects of Deep Oscillation Therapy for Individuals with Lower-Leg Pain

Purpose: Lower extremity (LE) pain accounts for 13-20% of injuries in the active population. LE pain has been contributed to inflexibility and fascial restrictions. Deep oscillation therapy (DOT) has been proposed to improve range of motion and reduce pain following musculoskeletal injuries. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effectiveness of DOT on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and pain in individuals with and without lower-leg pain. Methods: We used a single blind, pre-post experimental study in a research laboratory. Thirty-two active participants completed this study. Sixteen individuals reporting lower-leg pain and sixteen non-painful individuals completed the study. Participants received a single session of DOT performed by one researcher to their affected limb or matched limb. The intervention parameters included a 1:1 mode and 70-80% dosage. The intervention began by stimulating the lymphatic channels at the cisterna chyli, the inguinal lymph node, and the popliteal lymph node at a frequency of 150 Hz all for a minute each. Next, the researcher treated the triceps surae complex for 11 minutes at three different frequencies. Finally, the participant was treated distal to the popliteal lymph node at 25 Hz for 5 minutes. The main outcome measures included pain using the VAS and ankle dorsiflexion ROM with the weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and F-test comparisons between and within groups. Results: The average WBLT measures for all participants increased 0.6 cm, which not to the minimal detectable change for passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Significant differences from pre-post measures were identified for pain on the VAS. Conclusion: While increases in ROM were identified, the difference was not clinically important. DOT was successful in decreasing lower-leg pain

TiSiN(Ag) films deposited by HiPIMS working in DOMS mode: Effect of Ag content on structure, mechanical properties and thermal stability

TiSiN(Ag) coatings with Ag contents ranging from 0 to 29 at.% were designed as promising materials to allow long term solid lubrication during dry machining operations. Here, we report the influence of Ag additions on the properties of TiSiN(Ag) films deposited by high power impulse magnetron sputtering- HiPIMS, working in deep oscillation magnetron sputtering mode – DOMS. Introduction of silver pellets on the target progressively increases the Ag concentration on the films, influencing the deposition rate, structure and morphology of the films. All the coatings display crystalline peaks assigned to a TiN fcc NaCl type structure. Ag additions to the reference TiSiN film, significantly broadens the TiN diffraction peaks and abruptly decreases the grain size of the TiN crystallites from 24 nm to 11–7 nm. Grain size was then found to be independent of the silver content on the films. Hardness and Young's modulus of the coatings decreased with increasing Ag additions mainly due to the increase of this soft phase on the microstructure. An increase in the peak power was observed when 6 at.% Ag was added which revealed a transition from a columnar to a very compact morphology, a decrease of the deposition rate and an increase of the lattice parameter for this coating. A reverse in the morphology is then perceived for the higher Ag concentration (29 at.%). Annealing treatment didn't present any significant changes in the structure/phase composition or mechanical properties of the coatings. Elemental maps and profiles allowed perceiving the formation of a very thin dual layer where a top Ag rich layer is formed due to the diffusion of silver from the Ag deficient TiSiN layer below.

Effect of Physical Methods of Lymphatic Drainage on Postexercise Recovery of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes.

Physical methods are reported to be important for accelerating skeletal muscle regeneration, decreasing muscle soreness, and shortening of the recovery time. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the physical methods of lymphatic drainage (PMLD) such as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), the Bodyflow (BF) therapy, and lymphatic drainage by deep oscillation (DO) on postexercise regeneration of the forearm muscles of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Eighty MMA athletes aged 27.5 ± 6.4 years were allocated to 4 groups: MLD, the BF device, DO therapy, and the control group. Blood flow velocity in the cephalic vein was measured with the ultrasound Doppler velocity meter. Maximal strength of the forearm muscles (Fmax), muscle tissue tension, pain threshold, blood lactate concentration (LA), and activity of creatine kinase were measured in all groups at rest, after the muscle fatigue test (post-ex) and then 20 minutes, 24, and 48 hours after the application of PMLD. The muscle fatigue test reduced Fmax in all subjects, but in the groups receiving MLD, DO, and BF significantly higher Fmax was observed at recovery compared with post-ex values. The application of MDL reduced the postexercise blood LA and postexercise muscle tension. The lymphatic drainage methods, whether manual or using electro-stimulation and DO, improve postexercise regeneration of the forearm muscles of MMA athletes. The methods can be an important element of therapeutic management focused on optimizing training effects and reducing the risk of injuries of the combat sports athletes.

SHORT TERM EFFECTS OF LOW-FREQUENCY AND LOW INTENSITY ELECTROSTATIC FIELD IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread disease among adult population and is one of the major public health problems. OA is leading cause of disability the joints of lower limbs: knee and hip. As global life expectancy increases, it predicted that OA will be the leading cause of damage resulting in permanent disability. In cases of OA a reduction in cartilage tissue is observed, which is radiographically demonstrated by narrowing of the joint space and bone changes, osteophytes and subchondral bone sclerosis. However, a significant proportion of patients with radiological evidence of gonarthritis do not report joint pain. It is important to evaluate the changes occurring in the surrounding tissues. Muscle weakness of m. quadriceps femoris may occur before pain and impaired joint function. The development and application of new non-pharmacological methods in the rehabilitation of degenerative joint diseases is particularly important.Purpose: To establish the short-term therapeutic effects of treatment with Low-frequency and Low-intensive electrostatic field, applied through Deep Oscillation® method and complex of therapeutic exercises in rehabilitation of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.Materials and methods: We conducted a one-year observational study involving 23 patients with clinical symptoms and radiologically proven II and III stage according Kellgren-Lawrence gonarthritis, aged between 42 and 78 years, were observed. 15 of them were women average age 61.73±12.9 years vs 8 - males average age 61.75±9.6 years (p=0.997). The duration of the current pain-episode was 1.7±0.7 months. The treatment was conducted in 10 sessions and included: Low-frequency and Low-intensity electrostatic field and complex therapeutic exercises.Results: The results were evaluated before and after completion of therapeutic course by assessing pain (VAS) at rest, when walking, climbing and descending on stairs, Manual Muscle Testing, Measurment of the knee joint circumference, Test Range of Motion and WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, V.LK 3.1. were tracked. For processing statistical data SPSS v.13 was used. There was a statistically significant reduction of pain syndrome at rest (p&lt;0.001), walking (p&lt;0.001), descending stairs (p&lt;0.001), climbing (p&lt;0.001). Reduction of knee joint circumference (p&lt;0.001). Increasing the range of flexion before Ме (Range) from 105º (90º-120º) versus 120º (100º-125º) after therapy. Reduced deficiency at an extension from 3.48 ± 4.38 before therapy to recovery of the extension. Improved total WOMAC Index (p&lt;0.001), Stiffness (p&lt;0.001) and Function (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: The short-term effects of the application of Low-frequency and Low-intensive electrostatic field in complex with therapeutic exercises show reduction of clinical symptoms and improvement of daily functional activity in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis. Reduction of pain of rest and physical activity (walking, descending and climbing stairs) is observed, oedema is reduced, joint range of motion increases, immediately after completion of the therapeutic course. Because of the small number of patients included in the study for better objectifying of the effects of the low-frequency and low-intensity electrostatic field, the studies should continue.

Effect of deep oscillation as a recovery method after fatiguing soccer training: A randomized cross-over study

Background/ObjectiveIn soccer the recovery time between matches is often not long enough for complete restoration. Insufficient recovery can result in reduced performance and a higher risk of injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of Deep Oscillation (DO) as a recovery method. MethodsIn a randomized crossover study including 8 male soccer players (22 ± 3.3 years) the following parameters were evaluated directly before and 48 h after a fatiguing soccer-specific exercise: Maximum isokinetic strength of the leg and hip extensors and flexors (Con-Trex® Leg Press, Physiomed, Germany), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during isokinetic testing (Borg scale 6–20), creatine kinase (CK) serum levels and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS; visual analogue scale 1–10). By random allocation, half of the group performed a DO self-treatment twice daily (4 applications of 15min each), whilst the other half received no intervention. 4 weeks later a cross-over was conducted. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare treatment versus control. ResultsA significant treatment effect was observed for maximum leg flexion strength (p = 0.03; DO: 125 ± 206 N vs. CG: −115 ± 194; p = 0.03) and for RPE (DO: −0.13 ± 0.64; vs. CG: +1.13 ± 1.36; p = 0.03). There was a trend to better recovery for maximum leg extension strength (DO: −31 ± 165 N vs. CG: −138 ± 212; p = 0.028), CK values (DO: 72 ± 331 U/ml vs. CG: 535 ± 797 U/ml; p = 0.15) and DOMS (DO: 3.4 ± 1.5 vs. CG: 4.1 ± 2.6; p = 0.49). ConclusionIn the present study we found significant effects of DO on maximum leg flexion strength and perceived rate of exertion. Other variables showed a consistent trend in favour of DO compared with the control without significance. DO seems to be a promising method to accelerate the time-course of peripheral recovery of muscle which should be addressed in larger studies in future. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03411278, 18.01.2018 (during the study).

High rate reactive sputtering of Al2O3 coatings by HiPIMS

High rate reactive sputtering of insulating metal oxide coatings, e.g. alumina (Al2O3), by high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) is of strong interests, as the increased ionization of target species in a HiPIMS process can be used to improve the structure and properties of the coatings. The challenges for reactive sputtering of Al2O3 using HiPIMS include arc suppression on the target surface and low deposition rates due to target poisoning. In this study, AlxOy coatings were reactive sputtered by deep oscillation magnetron sputtering (DOMS), one version of HiPIMS, which generates large oscillatory micro-pulses within long modulation pulses. The process stability was evaluated by measuring micro arc counts on the target at different combinations of on and off times of the oscillatory micro-pulses. Virtually arc-free depositions for Al2O3 were observed by utilizing combinations of short oscillation micro-pulse on time (<4 μs) and longer oscillation micro-pulse off time (>40 μs) at a peak target current of 130 A. The mechanisms of generating arc-free discharge for insulating coating reactive sputtering using deep oscillatory micro-pulses are discussed. The hysteresis behavior with open-loop for reactive sputtering of AlxOy using DOMS was studied. The closed-loop control for reactive sputtering was achieved by controlling the oxygen partial pressure (PO2) using the feedback signal from a remote penning plasma emission monitoring sensor, which generates an ionized sample plasma away from the deposition zone. The deposition rate, microstructure, and mechanical and optical properties of the AlxOy coatings deposited at different PO2 in the transition region were investigated. Up to 56% of the metallic deposition rate has been achieved for obtaining stoichiometric Al2O3 coatings by controlling the PO2 around 0.0143 Pa. The DOMS Al2O3 coatings show improved mechanical properties and optical transmission as compared to those obtained by pulsed dc magnetron sputtering reported in the literature.

Deposition of AlN films for acoustic biosensors by deep oscillation magnetron sputtering: effect of bias voltage

The present study showed that Deep Oscillation Magnetron Sputtering (DOMS) has an excellent potential to produce AlN films for biosensing applications. However, careful control of the process parameters is required to attain the desired features. Al/AlN/Al films deposited via DOMS on Si wafers were extensively characterized to assess this potential. The resulting microstructures were examined by glancing angle x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive microanalysis, atomic force microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that there is a strong effect of the bias voltage (Vb) applied to the substrate on the structure of the Al/AlN/Al films and that it can be divided in two regimes. The low Vb regime produced the best features of the AlN films for the present application. These included a strong (002) orientation, low residual stress, and uniform surface roughness. In the high Vb regime, these features degraded. The effects were associated to the nature and energy of the impinging species as a function of Vb.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of five PRM programmes on functional autonomy and phantom pain in patients after lower limb amputation

Our objective was to realize a comparative evaluation of five PRM programmes of care in patients after transfemoral amputation. During last years a total of 105 amputees were observed and investigated - in-patients of the Clinic/Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM). Patients were randomized into five treatment groups consisting of 21 patients each. All patients received a transfemoral amputation 1 to 6 months before rehabilitation, with stump pain and phantom pain. All patients gave written informed consent. All patients received a complex rehabilitation programme including physical therapy and patients’ education. We accentuate on: analytic exercises for hip muscles, post-isometric relaxation for ilio-psoas muscle, strengthening exercises for the paravertebral and abdominal muscles; balance and gait training. In group 1 we applied too drug therapy - paravertebral infiltrations. Patients of groups 2 & 3 received a complex rehabilitation programme, including a preformed physical modality [Deep Oscillation (DO) or LASER]. In groups 4 and 5 we applied combined analgesic techniques (gr 4 = infiltrations and DO, gr 5 = infiltrations and laser). For statistical evaluation we used t -test (ANOVA) and Wilcoxon rank test (non-parametrical correlation analysis), performed using SPSS package (statistical significance - if P -value < 0.05). The comparative analysis of results shows a significant improvement of the symptoms of the patients, concerning: quality of life and functional autonomy (Mc Gill quality of life questionnaire); pain (Visual analogue scale, faces scale and evaluation of stump tenderness), and depression (scale of Zung). Best results were obtained in groups 4 and 5. We could recommend the complex program for functional recovery of amputees.

Microstructure and tribological behavior of TiAlSiN coatings deposited by deep oscillation magnetron sputtering

AbstractDevelopment of pulsed‐techniques aimed to generate highly ionized target species and high plasma density opens up a new way to tailor composition, structure, and properties of coatings. In this work, TiAlSiN coatings have been deposited at various negative substrate biases (Vs) using deep oscillation magnetron sputtering by sputtering a TiAlSi compound target in Ar/N2 mixtures. The increase in Vs from −30 to −120 V resulted in a decrease in (111)‐preferred orientation and grain size, together with the increase in residual stress and rough morphology. The nc‐TiAlN/a‐Si3N4 nanocomposite structure was obtained in coatings. The highest hardness and Young's modulus reached 42.4 and 495 GPa at −120 V, respectively. However, at −60 V, the coatings with the highest H/E* and H3/E*2 ratios of 0.095 and 0.332 exhibited excellent adhesion with above HF1 level, the lowest coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.35 and specific wear rate of 2.1 × 10−7 mm3 N−1 m−1. Wear mechanism changed from the mixture of severe adhesive, oxidative and abrasive wear to mild oxidative wear to severe oxidative wear. TiAlSiN coatings with high hardness and H/E* and H3/E*2 ratios exhibited the decrease in COF and wear rate due to refined grains in uniform distribution, which well promoted oxide layers formed on sliding contact surface.

Our experience with using Deep Oscillation in early rehabilitation of patients with arthoplasty of the knee joint

Ставното ендопротезиране е сред най-разпространените съвременни операции в ортопедията и травматологията. Физиотерапията и рехабилитацията са финалната фаза на ендопротезирането и са от изключителна важност както за темповете, така и за степента на функционалното възстановяване. Дълбоките осцилации (DEEP OSCILLATION) са патентована терапевтична процедура, използваща резониращи вибрации на тъканите с минимален външен механичен ефект и доказано обезболяващо, антифибротично, противооточно и противовъзпалително действие. Целта на настоящото проучване е да се проследи ефектът от комплексното приложение на дълбоките осцилации и кинезитерапията върху редуцирането на отока, намаляване на болковата симптоматика и възстановяване обема на движение при пациенти след алопластика на колянна става. Проучването е проведено върху 50 пациенти, от които 21 мъже и 30 жени, разпределени в 2 групи по 25 човека, на случаен принцип - експериментална група (ЕГ) и контролна група (КГ), всичките след алопластика на колянна става. Получените резултати доказаха, че дълбоките осцилации са ефективен метод за отстраняване на отока, потискане на болката и възпалението и увеличаване на обема на движение при ранната рехабилитация на пациенти след алопластика на колянната става. Комбинираното приложение на дълбоки осцилации и кинезитерапия дава по-добри резултати по отношение на сроковете и степента на възстановяване на функцията на колянната става след ендопротезиране.

The Effect of Deep Oscillation Therapy in Fibrocystic Breast Disease. A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: Fibrocystic breast disease is the most widespread disorder in women during their phase of sexual maturity. Deep oscillation (DO) therapy has been used on patients who have undergone an operation for breast cancer as a special form of manual lymphatic drainage.&#x0D; Method: Experimental, prospective case-control studies were conducted in 401 women diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease. The sample was selected at random and was divided into three groups, a study group and two control groups.&#x0D; Results: Pain was reduced in the three therapies applied. This was statistically significant in the study group. The sonography study presented a predominance of its fibrous form. Upon completion of the treatment a resolution of the fibrosis was observed in the study group. The women were using their bra in an incorrect manner.&#x0D; Conclusions: Pain was reduced in the three therapies applied. In the study group this reduction was statistically significant. It is possible to verify the magnitude of the resonant vibration in the connective tissue from surface to deep layers by viewing the effect of the deep oscillations through the use of diagnostic ultrasound. The most frequent sonographic finding was fibrosis. Deep oscillation therapy produces a tissue-relaxing, moderate vasoconstriction effect, favours local oedema reabsorption and fibrosis reduction. A factor that may affect breast pain is incorrect bra use. The majority of women studied were using their bra incorrectly.