Terminal Extension Research Articles

GaN-on-sapphire JTE-anode lateral field-effect rectifier for improved breakdown voltage (>2.5 kV) and dynamic RON

In high-power switching applications such as electric grids, transportation, and industrial electronics, power devices are supposed to have kilo-voltage (kV) level blocking capability. In this work, 1200-V gallium nitride (GaN) lateral field-effect rectifiers (LFERs) are demonstrated. The GaN-on-sapphire epitaxial structure is adopted to prevent vertical breakdown. To address electric field crowding, a p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN junction termination extension (JTE) is embedded in the anode region of the LFER. Comparing to the conventional LFER (Conv-LFER) fabricated on the same wafer, the JTE-anode LFER (JTE-LFER) achieves an improved breakdown voltage (>2.5 kV) and a lower dynamic ON-resistance (RON). The proposed p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN JTE offers a semiconductor-based solution (contrasted to the dielectric-based solution, i.e., field plate) to mitigate the high electric field, which is highly desirable for wide bandgap semiconductor power devices as it enhances the dielectric reliability.

Mitochondrial disorders are associated with morphological neuromuscular junction defects

We aimed to evaluate whether inherited mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with neuromuscular junction remodeling in patients with mitochondrial disorders.Muscle biopsies from 15 patients with mitochondrial disorders and 10 control patients were analyzed through immunostaining for various neuromuscular junction components. The patient group, with a mean age of 49.9 years, exhibited various mitochondrial disorders including chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes. Patients with mitochondrial disorders had a high percentage of remodeled (p=0.0001), neoformed (p=0.0049) and dilated (p=0.016) endplates. There was a trend toward an increased proportion of neuromuscular junctions with terminal Schwann cell extension in these patients (p=0.052). No significant difference was found in myofiber diameter between the groups. The observed neuromuscular junction defects varied widely across different mitochondrial disorder phenotypes and were present even without accompanying muscle weakness or neuropathy.This suggest that mitochondrial disorders are associated with a primary NMJ remodeling independent of muscle structural damage. Pathomechanisms underpinning this remodeling of the neuromuscular junction, as well as clinical factors predictive of this remodeling, remain to be fully characterized.

Postoperative Supine Sleeping Position Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Decreases Knee Flexion Contractures

Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an orthopaedic operation that improves quality of life and reduces pain in patients with disabling arthritis of the knee. One commonly recognized postoperative complication is flexion contracture of the knee. While early physical therapy and range of motion (ROM) exercises have helped improve ROM postoperatively, flexion contractures still remain a significant postoperative complication of TKA. This study evaluated postoperative sleeping position and its effect on terminal knee extension and ROM following primary TKA. We hypothesized that patients who slept in the supine position would achieve earlier knee extension and ROM when compared to those in the lateral recumbent position. Methods A total of 150 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were conducted by a single surgeon (JMC). Prospective data collection included assessments of preoperative range of motion (ROM), postoperative ROM, patient-reported outcome measures, and sleeping positions. Functional outcomes and patient-reported measures were compared between pre- and postoperative phases, as well as across different sleeping position groups. Results Postoperative follow up was a mean of 29.6 days. Mean postoperative terminal extension ROM at one month was 2.98 degrees in the supine group versus 6.03 degrees in the lateral group (P < 0.001). Overall, there was significant improvement in patient reported outcome measures (WOMAC, Oxford, and pain) after surgery, but no difference existed between sleeping groups. For knee extension, a two-way ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant interaction between the effects of surgery and sleep position (p = 0.0053). Conclusions Our results demonstrate that sleeping position does affect initial postoperative knee terminal extension; however, there is no effect on patient reported outcomes. We found a statistically significant difference in extension when comparing patients in the supine versus lateral group. Patients who slept in the lateral position lacked 6.03 degrees of extension which is greater than the 5 degrees threshold needed for normal gait mechanics. Conversely, those in the supine group only lacked 2.98 degrees of extension, allowing for normal gait mechanics. This study identifies an easy, effective means of increasing patient knee range of motion following TKA.

Study on the Impact of Mg-Channeled Implantation on Junction Termination Extension for GaN Vertical Power Devices Using TCAD Simulation

Study on the Impact of Mg-Channeled Implantation on Junction Termination Extension for GaN Vertical Power Devices Using TCAD Simulation

Prevalence of internal iliac artery anatomical variants in a Mexican population

The internal iliac artery arises as a terminal extension of the common iliac artery and supplies blood to the pelvic region. This study aims to identify the anatomic variations of the internal iliac artery (IIA) in a Mexican population sample. This is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study. A total of 81 angiographies via the femoral artery approach performed on patients undergoing various medical procedures were included. Variations in the IIA branching patterns were identified by evaluating the angiographic images and grouped according to Adachi’s classification into five types (I–V). A total of 139 hemipelvises were analyzed (78 right and 61 left). The frequencies of each type of variation were as follows: Type I (71.2%), Type II (10.79%), Type III (0 cases), Type IV (0.7%), Type V (12.94%), and unclassified (4.31%). The most frequent anatomical variants of the IIA in the western Mexican population sample were Type I, followed by Types V and II. Even though Type V is rare in most populations, it was the second most frequent variant in this study. Understanding the variants of the IIA branching pattern is necessary for performing invasive procedures in the pelvic region with precision and minimizing complications.

Expanding the dose window of step-etched space-modulated JTE for ultrahigh voltage 4H-SiC devices

A step-etched space-modulated junction termination extension (SE-SM-JTE) is proposed for ultrahigh voltage (≥10 kV) 4H-SiC devices in this work. The proposed structure creates a stepped effective JTE dose profile by introducing the step etching into space-modulated JTE (SM-JTE), which shows great merits in the compromises of the JTE dose window, termination efficiency, termination area, and the complexity of the fabrication process. According to the TCAD simulation results, the SE-SM-JTE with a length of 300 μm (3 times the drift layer thickness) obtains a wide implantation dose window of ±47 % above 12 kV, achieving a wide tolerance to JTE dose and surface fixed charge. The maximum breakdown voltage (BV) of the proposed SE-SM-JTE is 13.8 kV, exhibiting a termination efficiency of 92 %. Moreover, the proposed JTE structure requires only a single ion implantation and subsequent two etchings, which facilitates the fabrication feasibility in ultrahigh voltage 4H-SiC devices.

Increased rate of surgery for loss of motion following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during COVID-19

ObjectivesTo investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with loss of motion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19). MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing primary ACLR between March 2017 and November 2022 by a senior high-volume orthopaedic surgeon was performed. Exclusion criteria included revision ACLR, multiligamentous knee surgery, and age <14 years. The COVID-19 group was categorized according to the United States Centers for Disease Control Public Health Emergency declaration dates (January 31, 2020–May 11, 2023). To minimize confounding variables associated with the early stages of COVID-19, patients who underwent ACLR between December 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020 were excluded. Loss of motion was defined using the International Knee Documentation Committee criteria for loss of motion of the knee (i.e. an extension deficit >5° or flexion deficit >15° compared to the contralateral knee) 3–12 months after ACLR or as requiring surgery to restore motion within 12 months of ACLR. ResultsA total of 336 individuals who underwent 352 primary ACLRs (164 pre-COVID-19, 188 during COVID-19) were included (mean age: 25.2 ​± ​10.6 years, 44% female). The overall rate of postoperative loss of motion was 15% (n = 53), and 9% (n = 31) required surgery to restore motion within 12 months of ACLR. More patients underwent surgery for loss of motion during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19, which was statistically significant (12% (n = 23) vs 5% (n = 8), respectively, P = 0.02). However, a statistically significant difference in the rate of loss of motion was not detected (18% (n = 33) vs 12% (n = 20), respectively, P = 0.16). A statistically significant increased median time from injury to ACLR was observed during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 (55 vs 37 days, P <0.01). More patients were unable to achieve terminal extension (0°) at minimum 9 months postoperatively during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 (10% vs 3%, P = 0.04) and motion was worse at this interval (0°–136° vs −2°–138°, P <0.01). ConclusionSurgery for loss of motion following ACLR was more common during COVID-19. Decreased access to elective medical care, changed activity level, psychological effects, or COVID-19 itself may explain the increased rate of surgery for loss of motion during COVID-19. Level of evidenceCase series; level IV.

Optimal design of pseudo-vertical Schottky diode with n-type junction terminal extension structure

In the study, a pseudo-vertical Schottky barrier diode (pVSBD) with n-type junction terminal extension (JTE) is proposed. The impacts of key parameters, including cover distance, junction depth, and stretch distance, are evaluated on the electrical characteristics of the designed pVSBD. In the designed device, the homoepitaxial pn-junction constructed with n-type JTE and p- drift layer can reshape the electric field and alleviate the electric field crowding around the corner of Schottky contact, which enables the p- drift layer withstand the higher reverse bias voltage. Thus, the blocking capacity of the pVSBD device is improved, and the maximum breakdown voltage of 2885 V can be obtained. Meanwhile, it is also shown that the doping concentration of n-type diamond termination can influence the electrical characteristics obviously. The trade-off between the breakdown voltage and the specific ON-state resistance is considered in the paper. The pVSBD device with high blocking voltage can be realized based on the proposed pVSBD structure.

Design and evaluation of β-Ga2O3 junction barrier schottky diode with p-GaN heterojunction

A novel design for a junction barrier Schottky (JBS) diode based on a p-GaN/n-Ga2O3 heterojunction is proposed, exhibiting superior static characteristics and a higher breakdown capability compared to the traditional Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diode (SBD). By utilizing wide-bandgap p-type GaN, the β-Ga2O3 JBS diodes demonstrate a turn-on voltage (V on ) of approximately 0.8 V. Moreover, a breakdown voltage (V br ) of 880 V and a specific on-resistance (R on,sp ) of 3.96 mΩ·cm2 are achieved, resulting in a Baliga’s figure of merit (BFOM) of approximately 0.2 GW /cm 2. A forward current density of 465 A cm−2 at a forward voltage of 3 V is attained. The simulated reverse leakage current density remains low at 9.0 mA cm−2 at 800 V. Floating field rings, in conjunction with junction termination extension (JTE), were utilized as edge termination methods to attain a high breakdown voltage. The impact of β-Ga2O3 periodic fin width fluctuations on the electrical characteristics of JBS was investigated. Due to the enhanced sidewall depletion effect caused by p-type GaN, the forward current (I F ) and reverse current (I R ) decrease when the β-Ga2O3 periodic fin width decreases. The findings of this study indicate the remarkable promise of p-GaN/n-Ga2O3 JBS diodes for power device applications.

Automatic generation of knee kinematic models from medical imaging

Background and ObjectiveThree-dimensional spatial mechanisms have been used to accurately predict passive knee kinematics, and have shown potential to be used in optimized multibody kinematic models. Such multi-body models are anatomically consistent and can accurately predict passive knee kinematics, but require extensive medical image processing and thus are not widely adopted. This study aimed to automate the generation of kinematic models of tibiofemoral (TFJ) and patellofemoral (PFJ) joints from segmented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compare them against a corresponding manual pipeline. MethodsFrom segmented MRI of eight healthy participants (four females; aged 14.0 ± 2.6 years), geometric parameters (i.e., articular surfaces, ligament attachments) were determined both automatically and manually, and then assembled into TFJ and PFJ kinematic models to predict passive kinematics. The TFJ model was a six-link mechanism with deformable ligamentous constraints, whereas PFJ was a modified hinge. The ligament length changes through TFJ flexion were prescribed to literature strain profile. The geometric parameters were optimized to ensure physiological kinematic predictions through a Multiple Objective Particle Swarm Optimization. ResultsGeometric parameters showed strong agreement between automatic and manual pipelines (median error of 2.8 mm for anatomical landmarks and 1.5 mm for ligament lengths). Predicted TFJ and PFJ kinematics from the two pipelines were not statistically different, except for tibial superior/inferior translation near terminal TFJ extension. The TFJ kinematics predicted from the automatic pipeline had mean errors of 3.6° and 12.4° for adduction/abduction and internal/external rotation, respectively, and <7 mm mean translational error compared to the manual pipeline. Predicted PFJ had <9° mean rotational errors and <6 mm mean translational errors. ConclusionsThe automatic pipeline developed and presented here can predict passive knee kinematics comparable to a manual pipeline, but removes laborious manual processing and provides a systematic approach to model creation.

Effects of Isometric Hold Exercise with Passive Terminal Knee Extension in Restoring Quadriceps Function after ACL Reconstruction – Research design and methods

Effects of Isometric Hold Exercise with Passive Terminal Knee Extension in Restoring Quadriceps Function after ACL Reconstruction – Research design and methods

Comparison of Terminal Elbow Extension between Humans and Baboons (Papio anubis).

It is assumed that hyperextension of the elbow joint beyond 0° in humans is due to local ligament and other soft tissue laxity. The common extant old-world olive baboon (Papio anubis), with a quadrupedal gait, commonly has a mild elbow joint flexion contracture. This study compares anatomic and functional roles of the olecranon-coronoid notch angle of the proximal ulna and the anterior direction of its opening on terminal elbow extension in humans and baboons. Active terminal elbow extension was measured in 211 elbows of skeletally mature humans using the neutral zero method. Passive elbow extension and radiographs were performed on 60 extremities of 30 anesthetized baboons. The mean olecranon-coronoid notch angle for humans and baboons was 22.2 ± 6.0° and 11.3 ± 3.2°, respectively (P < 0.001). Mixed effect regression analysis showed that the magnitude of the angle was a significant predictor of terminal elbow extension (P < 0.001) when accounting for species. Also, the causal mediation analysis showed that 18% of the difference in terminal elbow extension between species could be attributed to the olecranon-coronoid notch angle (P < 0.001). Anatomic dissection of 16 baboon arms showed that sectioning of all the anterior soft tissue structures increased mean terminal elbow extension from -18.2 ± 5.9° to -7.1 ± 6.0° and that further elbow extension was blocked primarily by the intact humeroulnar joint. The size of the notch angle and the positioning of its anterior proximal opening played a significant role in deciding terminal elbow extension in both species.

An Advanced Knee Simulator Model Can Reproducibly Be Used for Ligament Balancing Training during Total Knee Arthroplasty.

A critical and difficult aspect of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is ligamentous balancing for which cadavers and models have played a large role in the education and training of new arthroplasty surgeons, although they both have several shortcomings including cost, scarcity, and dissimilarity to in vivo ligament properties. An advanced knee simulator (AKS) model based on computed tomography (CT) scans was developed in the setting of these challenges with cadavers and previous models. In this study, we compared the ligament balancing between AKS and human cadaveric knees to assess the validity of using the AKS for ligament balancing training during TKA. A CT scan of a TKA patient with varus deformity was used to design the AKS model with modular components, using three-dimensional printing. Three fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons used technology-assisted TKA procedure to plan and balance three cadaver knees and the AKS model. Medial and lateral laxity data were captured using manual varus and valgus stress assessments for cadavers and the model in an extension pose (10 degrees of flexion from terminal extension) and between 90 and 95 degrees for flexion. After preresection assessments, surgeons planned a balanced cruciate-retaining TKA. Following bony cuts and trialing, extension and flexion ligament laxity values were recorded in a similar manner. Descriptive statistics and Student's t-tests were performed to compare the cadavers and model with a p-value set at 0.05. Preresection medial/lateral laxity data for both extension and flexion were plotted and showed that the highest standard deviation (SD) for the cadavers was 0.67 mm, whereas the highest SD for the AKS was 1.25 mm. A similar plot for trialing demonstrated that the highest SD for the cadavers was 0.6 mm, whereas the highest SD for the AKS was 0.61 mm. The AKS trialing data were highly reproducible when compared with cadaveric data, demonstrating the value of the AKS model as a tool to teach ligament balancing for TKA and for future research endeavors.

The Effect of Postoperative Sleeping Position on Knee Extension and Range of Motion Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an orthopaedic operation that improves quality of life and reduces pain in patients with disabling arthritis of the knee. One commonly recognized complication is flexion contracture of the knee. Early physical therapy helps prevent flexion contracture and improve range of motion (ROM) postoperatively. This study evaluated postoperative sleeping position and its effect on terminal knee extension and ROM following primary TKA. We hypothesized that patients who slept in the supine position would achieve earlier knee extension and greater ROM when compared to those in the lateral recumbent position. A total of 150 consecutive primary TKAs were performed by a single surgeon (J.M.C.) from April 2014 to December 2014. The data were collected prospectively to determine preoperative ROM, postoperative ROM, and sleeping position. Mean postoperative terminal extension ROM at 1 month was 2.9 degrees in the supine group versus 6.0 degrees (p<.001) in the lateral group. No significant demographic differences between the two groups at baseline were found. Our results demonstrate that sleeping position affects initial postoperative terminal extension, however, not overall ROM. We found a statistically significant difference in extension when comparing patients in the supine versus lateral group. Patients who slept in the lateral position lacked 6 degrees of extension which is greater than the 5 degrees needed for normal gait mechanics. Those in the supine group lacked 2.9 degrees of extension, allowing for normal gait mechanics. This study identifies an easy, effective means of increasing patients initial ability to achieve knee extension and satisfaction following TKA.

A Novel Tapered Doping Tail Modulated Single Junction Termination Extension for High Voltage 4H-SiC Devices

A Novel Tapered Doping Tail Modulated Single Junction Termination Extension for High Voltage 4H-SiC Devices

Manual Therapy Versus Exercise Therapy in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee -A Comparative Study

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy versus exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis in terms of decreasing pain HYPOTHESIS • Null Hypothesis: There may be no significant difference in the effectiveness of manual therapy and exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis • Alternate Hypothesis: There may be significant difference in the effectiveness of manual therapy and exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis INTERVENTION Group A: MANUAL THERAPY Manual physiotherapy protocol consisted of Treatment is done for two sessions per week for four weeks. Knee Mandatory interventions: 1. Knee flexion, non-thrust Antero-posterior directed force to the tibia, 2. Tibio-femoral joint ,non-thrust 3. Knee extension, non-thrust Postero-anterior directed force to the tibia 4. Tibio-femoral joint, non-thrust 5. Patellar gliding force, non-thrust 6. Manual stretch to quadriceps, hamstring, triceps surae muscle groups 7. Soft tissue manipulation ,quadriceps and Peripatellar connective tissue, hamstring, hip adductor and triceps surae muscles groups Treatment is done for two sessions per week for four weeks. Group B: EXERCISE THERAPY This group performed a closely supervised standardized knee exercise program at twice a week for four weeks at eight treatment sessions. This program consists of active range of motion exercise for knee, muscle strengthening exercise for hip and knee, muscle stretching for lower limbs and riding a stationary bike. Aerobic exercises • Up to 10 minutes stationary bicycle or walk. Stretching exercises: • Standing calf stretch – 3 repetitions with 30 sec hold • Supine hamstring stretch -3 repetitions with 30 sec hold • Prone quadriceps stretch –3 repetitions with 30 sec hold Range of motion exercises: • In long sitting position, • Knee mid flexion to end range extension – two 30 sec bouts with 3 sec hold at end range • In long sitting position, knee mid flexion to end range flexion – two sec bouts with 3 sec hold at end range Strengthening exercises: • Static quad sets in knee extension –one set of 10 repetitions with 6 sec hold,10 sec rest between repetitions. • Short arc terminal extension exercises for the knee joint. • Quadriceps non-weight bearing progressive resistance exercises with weighted cuffs. • Supine Straight Leg Rise (SLR) Neuro muscular control exercises: Closed chain progression: • Seated leg press – one 30 sec bout • Standing weight –shifting exercises • Side- stepping • Step ups • Forward-backward and shuttle – walking drills RESULTS: Knee function of all patients increased significantly after the 4-week intervention program in both the groups of MANUAL THERAPY and EXERCISE THERAPY but Group A Manual therapy improved more significantly when compared to Group B Exercise therapy. CONCLUSION: Treatment effect was more in the patients received Manual therapy when compared to Exercise therapy. This finding suggest that Manual therapy can be useful intervention supplement in patients with osteoarthritis of knee.

The effects of different anode manufacturing methods on deep levels in 4H-SiC p+n diodes

The manufacture of bipolar junctions is necessary in many 4H-SiC electronic devices, e.g., junction termination extensions and p+in diodes for voltage class &amp;gt;10 kV. However, the presence of electrically active levels in the drift layer that act as minority charge carrier lifetime killers, like the carbon vacancy (VC), undermines device performance. In the present study, we compared p+n diodes whose anodes have been manufactured by three different methods: by epitaxial growth, ion implantation, or plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). The identification of the electrically active defects in the drift layers of these devices revealed that a substantial concentration of VC is present in the diodes with epitaxial grown or ion implanted anode. On the other hand, no presence of VC could be detected when the anode is formed by PIII and this is attributed to the effects of strain in the anode region. Our investigation shows that PIII can be a useful technique for the manufacture of bipolar devices with a reduced concentration of lifetime killer defects.

Identification of low-voltage phase lines using IEC 61850 and K-means clustering

Accurate phase line topology identification of LV lines facilitates the handling of line faults, which is of great significance for the safe and stable operation of distribution networks. In this paper, we model and analyze the LV lines based on graph theory, and propose a phase line relationship identification scheme based on the combination of HPLC and k-means clustering for the problem of missing or dynamically changing phase line relationships of LV lines in the station area. Aiming at the known phase-line relationship in the station area such as distribution panel, two phase-line configuration schemes, Terminal extension and new phase-line description logical node PPLD, are proposed. The area is divided by combining the configuration information of IEC 61850 SCL and the information of metering automation system. If HPLC is configured in the unknown region, HPLC is used to identify the phase line relationship. If HPLC is not configured, k-means based algorithm is used for correlation analysis between voltage measurements. Example results from a place in Shandong show that the accuracy of the method proposed in this paper is 93.96 % on average, which is higher compared to the existing methods.Significance: Accurate identification of phase-line relationships in LV lines is essential for optimising load through phase-change switches. In this study, we propose a novel phase line relationship identification scheme that combines HPLC and k-means algorithm based on the existing equipment in the station area. Leveraging the known topology within the existing equipment (LTU, switchboard, etc.) in the station area, we introduce two phase line configuration schemes, Terminal extension (extending the known phase line relationship) and the new phase line description logical node PPLD (a novel approach for configuring known phase line relationships). Additionally, we suggest a method of regional division to recognise phase line relationships in unknown regions. If HPLC is configured, it is used for phase line identification; otherwise, a k-means based algorithm analyses voltage measurements. By tailoring identification schemes to the actual characteristics of the station area, we significantly reduce the amount of data to be identified, improving accuracy and resource efficiency.

A tight anterosuperior intercondylar notch may increase the risk of cyclops syndrome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a quadruple semi-tendinosus short autograft

BackgroundCyclops syndrome is loss of terminal knee extension caused by a fibrous nodule developed in the anterior intercondylar notch. The many known risk factors include preoperative motion-range limitation, tibial tunnel malposition, and tight hamstrings. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether intercondylar notch size was associated with the risk of cyclops syndrome or graft tear after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a quadruple semi-tendinosis autograft. The secondary objective was to determine whether intercondylar notch size was associated with functional outcomes. HypothesisA narrow intercondylar notch is associated with higher risks of cyclops syndrome and poor functional outcomes. MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction by quadruple semi-tendinosus autograft were included retrospectively. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans were assessed by a single senior surgeon, who determined the conventional notch width index (NWI) and the anterior NWI (aNWI) for each patient. ResultsThe 120 included patients had a mean follow-up of 2.4±0.8 years. Among them, 20 (16.7%) experienced cyclops syndrome and 7 (5.8%) graft rupture. At last follow-up, 26 (21.7%) had not returned to sports and only 47 (39.2%) had returned to sports at the pre-injury level. The mean Lysholm score was 87.9±13.5 and the main subjective IKDC score was 84±13. A narrow notch was significantly associated with lower likelihoods of returning to sports (p=0.001), returning to the same sport (p<0.0001), and returning to the pre-injury sport level (p=0.004). By multivariate analysis, only the aNWI index was significantly associated with the risk of cyclops syndrome (p<0.0001). An aNWI index lower than 0.18 had 85% sensitivity and 78% specificity for predicting cyclops syndrome. ConclusionA narrow anterosuperior intercondylar notch may increase the risk of cyclops syndrome after ACL reconstruction using a quadruple semi-tendinosus graft but is not associated with the risk of graft rupture. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective observational cohort study.

Multi-Step junction termination extension design and simulation study for 4H-SiC Schottky barrier diode

This paper presents a structure for designing Junction Termination Extension (JTE) in Silicon Carbide (SiC) power devices, particularly for Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBD). The P-type island composite multi-step JTE configuration has been developed by optimizing the number, length, and thickness of JTE steps. The JTE with step number of 4 and step length of 8 μm (SBD-n4L8) achieved a breakdown voltage of 1626 V at the same drift layer thickness of 10 μm, outperforming other step-based JTE structures. At reverse voltage of 1200 V, the SBD-n4L8 demonstrates a decrease in reverse leakage current with a uniform step-like current distribution profile. Subsequent analysis of the underlying mechanisms showed that, with step thickness of 2 μm, the SBD-n5L8 located at the corner and edge of the terminal region significantly reduced the peak electric field by more than 12.6 %.