Types Of Junctions Research Articles

Preventive HIPEC in combination with perioperative FLOT versus FLOT alone for resectable diffuse type gastric and gastroesophageal junction type II/III adenocarcinoma \u2013 the phase III \u201cPREVENT\u201d- (FLOT9) trial of the AIO /CAOGI /ACO

BackgroundThe main reason for treatment failure after curative surgical resection of gastric cancer is intra-abdominal spread, with 40–50% peritoneal seeding as primary localization of recurrence. Peritoneal relapse is seen in 60–70% of tumors of diffuse type, compared to only 20–30% of intestinal type.Hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal Chemoperfusion (HIPEC) is an increasingly used therapy method for patients with peritoneal metastases. The preventive use of HIPEC could represent an elegant approach for patients (pts) before macroscopic peritoneal seeding, since pts. with operable disease are fit and may have potential risk of microscopic involvement, thus having a theoretical chance of cure with HIPEC even without the need for cytoreduction.No results from a PCRT from the Western hemisphere have yet been published.MethodsThis is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label study including a total of 200 pts. with localized and locally advanced diffuse or mixed type (Laurens’s classification) adenocarcinoma of the stomach and Type II/III GEJ.All enrolled pts. will have received 3–6 pre-operative cycles of biweekly FLOT (Docetaxel 50 mg/m2; Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2; Leucovorin 200 mg/m2; 5-FU 2600 mg/m2, q2wk).Pts will be randomized 1:1 to receive surgery only and postoperative FLOT (control arm) or surgery + intraoperative HIPEC (cisplatin 75 mg/m2 solution administered at a temperature of 42 °C for 90 min) and postoperative FLOT (experimental arm). Surgery is carried out as gastrectomy or transhiatal extended gastrectomy. Primary endpoint is PFS/DFS, major secondary endpoints are OS, rate of pts. with peritoneal relapse at 2 and 3 years, perioperative morbidity/mortality and quality of life.The trial starts with a safety run-in phase. After 20 pts. had curatively intended resection in Arm B, an interim safety analysis is performed.Recruitment has already started and first patient in was on January 18th, 2021.DiscussionIf the PREVENT concept proves to be effective, this could potentially lead to a new standard of therapy. On the contrary, if the outcome is negative, pts. with gastric cancer and no peritoneal involvement will not be treated with HIPEC during surgery.Trial registrationThe study is registered on June 25th, 2020 under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04447352; EudraCT: 2017-003832-35.

Key photovoltaic parameters of organohalide lead perovskite quantum dot intermediate band solar cell: A numerical investigation

In this work, a p-i-n junction type intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) model based on metal halide perovskite nanocrystals, specifically methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) quantum dot (QD) and methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) barrier is designed analytically for the revolutionary next-generation photovoltaic applications. TiO2 and Spiro-OMeTAD are considered as transport layer for electron and hole, respectively. The impact of QD size and dot spacing on the key parameters of MAPbI3 QD-IBSC is illustrated by showing the wave nature of charge carriers within the QDs and their barrier. In order to identify the number of miniband in a single regime, Schrödinger equation is solved as a function of host energy gap using Kronig–Penney model. From the characteristics of electronic wave functions, it is evident that varying the QD size and interdot spacing lead to formation of more than one IB. For any case, (100)-oriented fcc crystal lattice structure is assumed. Major performance indicators of the device such as photocurrent intensity Jsc, open circuit voltage Voc, fill factor, absorbance spectra, photoluminescence (PL) intensity, external quantum efficiency (%EQE) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) η have been delineated. Highest PCE of 26.03% is attained for QD size of 5 nm and interdot spacing of 0.5 nm under one sun and AM 1.5 solar irradiation.

Five-year prospective fistula audit in a single center. TIG training negates consultant learning curve, but surgeons should beware the mid-range palatal defect

The aim of primary palatoplasty is to achieve optimum speech with minimal morbidity. Symptomatic fistulae are well-recognised complications of palatoplasty and may require additional surgical intervention, increasing the burden of care. Our aims were to better understand fistula experience in our unit and compare fistula rates between an established consultant and a newly appointed training interface group (TIG) trained consultant. Post-operative fistulae were prospectively and independently recorded by Cleft Clinical Nurse Specialists as part of routine 6-week post-operative reviews. Cleft type and intra-operative hard-soft palate junction (HSPJ) width were prospectively recorded by operating surgeons. Data were collated and analysed using Microsoft Excel. Between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018, 250 primary palatoplasties were performed. The overall fistula rate was 8% (0% SMCP, ICP 7%, UCLP 8%, BCLP 22%). Fistulae clustered in clefts with a mid-range HSPJ width of 12-16mm. Numerically, fistula rates remained similar over time despite increased unit activity (doubling of primary surgeries in 2017 and 2018). There was no significant difference in fistulae rates between surgeons (P>0.05). Overall fistulae rate compared favourably with published data. TIG fellowships were designed in the context of cleft surgery to address issues relating to steep operative learning curves. These data demonstrate that results from a newly appointed TIG-trained surgeon are comparable to that of an established TIG-trained surgeon. Data also suggest surgeons should be aware of the risk of fistulae in the mid-range palatal defect and in HSPJ widths of 12-16mm.

Kyphosis types of the spine cervical-thoracic junction

Introduction. The strengthening of thoracic kyphosis and forward head posture is one of the urgent problems of modern man. Such changes are most often detected for elderly and senile people. However, today these features are also detected for young people. Digital radiography can objectively assess the position of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. However, the criteria for reliably registering the position of the vertebrae of the cervicalthoracic junction have not yet been developed.The aim of the study — to develop a method for assessing the position of the vertebrae of the cervical-thoracic junction according to digital radiographs; to develop a typology of the vertebra positions of the cervical-thoracic junction; to study the frequency of vertebral position types for the cervical-thoracic junction for different age groups.Materials and methods. Spine X-ray images in the sagittal plane for 141 adult patients with dorsopathies were studied. The selection of patients was random and there were four age groups: 32 persons aged 21 to 45, 32 persons aged 46 to 59, 50 persons aged 60 to 74 and 21 persons aged 75 to 88 year-old. The study was conducted on PC screen, without the patient′s presence. A single digital X-ray image of the spine for each patient in the sagittal plane was obtained. On the combined digital radiograph, the occipital vertical was drawn along all parts of the spine, starting from the external hillock of the occipital bone downwards, and the anteroposterior CV–TV axes of the vertebrae (r axes) were applied. At the points of intersection of the axes with the occipital vertical, the perpendiculars to the axis were restored, and the angles between the perpendiculars and the vertical — the angles of the anteroposterior axes of the vertebrae (r angles) — were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using the MS Offi ce Excel 2007 and Statistica 12 software packages.Results. It was found that the values of the anteroposterior axe angles r of CVII–TIII vertebrae can serve as criteria for determining the spatial position of the cervical-thoracic junction vertebrae. There are 4 types of the shape of the cervical-thoracic junction. Type I is a straightened kyphosis («giraffe neck»); type II is physiological («harmonious»); type III — enhanced kyphosis («bear withers»); type IV–hyperkyphosis («buffalo hump»). Types III and IV are accompanied by a forward displacement of the head. Straightened cervical-thoracic junction kyphosis — type I — was diagnosed in 21 (15 %) people, 52 (37 %) patients were assigned to type II, another 48 (34 %) patients had type III, and 20 (14 %) patients had type IV cervical-thoracic junction kyphosis. In young patients aged 21 to 45, as well as in middle-aged patients aged 46 to 59, the most common type was the harmonious type II of cervical-thoracic junction, in elderly patients aged 60 to 74 — type III and close to it in frequency was type III. In elderly patients aged 75 to 88, the IV type of the position of the vertebrae of the cervical-thoracic junction prevailed in frequency.Conclusion. The proposed diagnostic method allows to register the type of the vertebra positions in cervicalthoracic junction for each patient. Four position types of the cervical-thoracic junction vertebrae were determined: straightened kyphosis «giraffe neck», physiological kyphosis «harmonious», enhanced kyphosis «bear withers» and hyperkyphosis «buffalo hump». Increased kyphosis and hyperkyphosis are accompanied by a forward head posture.

Spin-transfer torque switching probability of CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB magnetic tunnel junctions beyond macrospin

We present an empirical description of experimental spin-torque switching probability for the CoFeB/MgO/CoFeB type of magnetic tunnel junctions beyond macrospin limit, parametrizing measurement data for direct comparison with the corresponding macrospin asymptote expression. We show that, near 35 nm in diameter, spin-torque switching speed in these tunnel devices is faster than macrospin-limit predictions. These devices have a faster reduction of switching error rate versus spin-torque drive amplitude than macrospin. While the functional form similar to macrospin can still describe experimental data satisfactorily, the parameters no longer correspond to materials values. Instead they reflect the nonuniform nature of the switching process. Further, the parameters depend on the resistance-area product ${r}_{A}$ of the junction, with higher ${r}_{A}$ causing a steeper slope of switching error versus switching current. This ${r}_{A}$ dependence could not originate from low-bias spin-dependent tunneling. These observations suggest that, in addition to nonuniform nonlinear dynamics during switching, it is also important to consider higher-order dynamic processes, including a high-bias tunnel electron's spin-flip scattering, voltage-induced change to interface magnetism, and possibly Joule heating.

Performance Evaluation of a Hybrid Roundabout Using a Microscopic Simulation

Roundabouts are one of the safest types of intersections. There are a number of roundabout types in literature. Each roundabout type is distinguished by some characteristics. To design more efficient junctions, hybrid roundabouts can be created by combining their required characteristics geometrically. In this study, the safety feature of the turbo junction type and the easing up the traffic density feature of the hamburger junction have been combined. Some geometric parameters and layout details of the proposed hybrid roundabout are given, and its performance was simulated in a signalised 4-leg roundabout as the most frequently used intersection in Antalya. The performance of the proposed hybrid roundabout was compared with the status in 2016 and the current status in 2017 and beyond of the roundabout through AIMSUN transport simulation software. In regard to performance analysis, delay time, travel time, speed, density, fuel consumption, number of stops, queuing, carbon emission were analysed for all statuses and compared. In addition, traffic safety analysis has been performed for all statuses and compared. Results show that the overall average performance of the proposed roundabout increases by 40% and 41.8% in comparison with the statutes in 2016, 2017 and beyond, respectively. The proposed roundabout is 41% safer than the status in 2016, and the accident risk is lower by 18.5% than the current status.

Influence of hormonal imbalance on the integrity of seminiferous epithelium in the testes of adult rats chronically exposed to letrozole and rats exposed to soya isoflavones during the prenatal period, lactation, and up to sexual maturity

The structural integrity of the germ cells in the seminiferous epithelium and the correct process of spermatogenesis are made possible by proteins that participate in the formation of different types of junctions. This study was performed on samples of the testes of 4 groups (2 experimental and 2 corresponding control) of male Wistar rats. In the first experimental group, the adult rats received letrozole – a nonsteroidal inhibitor of cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom). The second experimental group was exposed to soya isoflavones during the prenatal period, lactation, and up to sexual maturity. The aim of this study was to examine the immunoexpression of β-catenin, N-cadherin, occludin, connexin43, annexin V, and advanced glycation end products (AGE) in the seminiferous epithelium of rat testes with chronic estrogen deficiency and of rats exposed to soya isoflavones. Series of sections of the testes were stained using PAS and silver impregnation. Moreover, immunohistochemistry tests were performed. A semi-quantitative determination of protein immunoexpression was performed using Image J. The number of annexin V positive Sertoli cells per tubule were counted manually. Comparisons between the experimental and corresponding control groups were performed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. The most common alterations were prematurely sloughed germ cells in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and invaginations of the seminiferous tubules. We observed a lower number of annexin V positive Sertoli cells and a lower expression of N-cadherin and occludin in the seminiferous epithelium of both groups of rats with hormonal imbalances. Moreover, a higher expression of AGE, a lower expression of connexin 43 and a lower amount of reticular fibers in the basal lamina of seminiferous tubules was present in rats treated with letrozole and a higher expression of β-catenin was found in rats exposed to soya isoflavones. The hormonal imbalance between androgens and estrogens resulted in a decreased number of annexin V positive Sertoli cells. This may be associated with a failed clearance of apoptotic germ cells that leads to disturbances in the blood-testis-barrier (BTB) by affecting the expression of junctional proteins in the seminiferous epithelium. Moreover, a decreased level of estrogens was also associated with an increased expression of AGEs and with a changed composition of basal lamina in the seminiferous tubules of rats. These changes could lead to germ cell sloughing and invaginations of the seminiferous tubules.

1440TiP Preventive HIPEC in combination with perioperative FLOT versus FLOT alone for resectable diffuse type gastric and gastroesophageal junction type II/III adenocarcinoma: The phase III “PREVENT” trial of the AIO/CAOGI/ACO

Peritoneal relapse is seen in 60-70% of tumors of diffuse type gastric cancer (gc), compared to only 20-30% of intestinal type according to Laurens`s classification. Hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal Chemoperfusion (HIPEC) is an increasingly used therapy method for patients with peritoneal metastases. The preventive use of HIPEC could represent an elegant approach for signet ring cell gc patients (pts) before macroscopic peritoneal seeding has happened, since patients with operable disease are fit and may have potential risk of microscopic involvement, thus having a theoretical chance of cure with HIPEC even without the need for cytoreduction.

Beyond the Anderson rule: importance of interfacial dipole and hybridization in van der Waals heterostructures

Vertical stacking of two-dimensional materials with weak van der Waals (vdW) interactions has laid the ground for breakthroughs in physics as well as in technological applications. Although vdW interactions dominate interlayer binding, interlayer electronic coupling may not be negligible and can lead to properties beyond the superposition of constituent monolayers. Here, studying heterobilayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides (MQ 2; M = Mo, Ni, Pt; Q = S, Se) by means of density functional theory calculations, we show two mechanisms that influence the band gaps of vdW heterostructures beyond the Anderson rule: (1) interfacial hybridization (mainly involving out-of-plane states, such as chalcogen p z -states), which leads to an upshift in the valence band maxima and accordingly a decrease in the band gap. (2) Formation of an interfacial electric dipole, resulting in an effective gap increase in type-II junctions. While the former is material specific, depending on the proximity of p z -states to each other and the valence band maxima, the latter can be generally described using a model based on the charge density decay outside the monolayers and the pristine band edge positions with respect to the vacuum level, irrespective of junction type.

Effect of junction type on the vibroacoustic response of a system of plates

Modelling of junctions is one of the most challenging tasks in vibroacoustics, especially for Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA), where the results heavily depend on the damping (DLF) and coupling loss factors (CLF). Also, it is an interesting question to determine that to what extent does the DLF or CLF contribute to the overall vibroacoustic characteristics of a structure? The aim of this paper is to investigate via measurements and SEA simulations the effect of the ratio of DLF and CLF on the response of a system for various junctions, such as riveting, bolting, line and point welding, between two steel plates. Loss matrices are determined experimentally by the Power Injection Method in the 200-1600 Hz frequency range. The simulation was performed in the ESI VA One software by using its analytical CLF formulations and compared to experimental data. For the reference case, a bended plate structure was considered, representing an ideal junction between two subsystems. This was equipped with damping foils to ensure the same weight and then compared to the results from other joints. Results showed that increasing the CLF could be more effective than focusing on increasing the DLF.

Nectins and Nectin-like molecules in synapse formation and involvement in neurological diseases

Synapses are interneuronal junctions which form neuronal networks and play roles in a variety of functions, including learning and memory. Two types of junctions, synaptic junctions (SJs) and puncta adherentia junctions (PAJs), have been identified. SJs are found at all excitatory and inhibitory synapses whereas PAJs are found at excitatory synapses, but not inhibitory synapses, and particularly well developed at hippocampal mossy fiber giant excitatory synapses. Both SJs and PAJs are mediated by cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Major CAMs at SJs are neuroligins-neurexins and Nectin-like molecules (Necls)/CADMs/SynCAMs whereas those at PAJs are nectins and cadherins. In addition to synaptic PAJs, extrasynaptic PAJs have been identified at contact sites between neighboring dendrites near synapses and regulate synapse formation. In addition to SJs and PAJs, a new type of cell adhesion apparatus different from these junctional apparatuses has been identified and named nectin/Necl spots. One nectin spot at contact sites between neighboring dendrites at extrasynaptic regions near synapses regulates synapse formation. Several members of nectins and Necls had been identified as viral receptors before finding their physiological functions as CAMs and evidence is accumulating that many nectins and Necls are related to onset and progression of neurological diseases. We review here nectin and Necls in synapse formation and involvement in neurological diseases.

Oral Versus Gastrointestinal Mucosal Immune Niches in Homeostasis and Allostasis

Different body systems (epidermis, respiratory tract, cornea, oral cavity, and gastrointestinal tract) are in continuous direct contact with innocuous and/or potentially harmful external agents, exhibiting dynamic and highly selective interaction throughout the epithelia, which function as both a physical and chemical protective barrier. Resident immune cells in the epithelia are constantly challenged and must distinguish among antigens that must be either tolerated or those to which a response must be mounted for. When such a decision begins to take place in lymphoid foci and/or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues, the epithelia network of immune surveillance actively dominates both oral and gastrointestinal compartments, which are thought to operate in the same immune continuum. However, anatomical variations clearly differentiate immune processes in both the mouth and gastrointestinal tract that demonstrate a wide array of independent immune responses. From single vs. multiple epithelia cell layers, widespread cell-to-cell junction types, microbial-associated recognition receptors, dendritic cell function as well as related signaling, the objective of this review is to specifically contrast the current knowledge of oral versus gut immune niches in the context of epithelia/lymphoid foci/MALT local immunity and systemic output. Related differences in 1) anatomy 2) cell-to-cell communication 3) antigen capture/processing/presentation 4) signaling in regulatory vs. proinflammatory responses and 5) systemic output consequences and its relations to disease pathogenesis are discussed.

Correlated Imaging of the Equine Hyoid Apparatus Using CT, Micro-CT, and Histology.

Background: Detailed radiological evaluation of the normal hyoid apparatus by computed tomography (CT) has not yet been conducted. Thus, it is unclear what type of junction connects the different parts of the equine hyoid apparatus.Objectives: To describe the normal CT anatomy of the equine hyoid apparatus, and to determine the junction type that connects the different parts of the hyoid apparatus.Study Design: Combination of retrospective study and prospective cadaver study.Methods: The medical records of horses that underwent head CT scans from 2009 to 2018 were retrieved. Inclusion criteria for the CT scans were visibility of at least two of the four junctions of the hyoid apparatus. CT images were analyzed in three different planes. Additionally, 10 cadaver heads were processed using CT, micro-CT of selected joints, and histology of all joints.Results: CT scans of 200 horses fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The tympanohyoid cartilage consisted of hyaline cartilage. Areas of mineralization within the cartilage were visible on CT scans as early as 2 years of age. The epihyoid was not fused with the stylohyoid in one-third of the horses. All horses younger than 2.5 years showed three ossification centers of the basihyoid, and all horses younger than 1.5 years had a non-fullydeveloped lingual process. In total, 10 of 11 horses between 1.5 and 3 years had separate ossification centers of the lingual process. We found a synchondrosis between the styloid process and the stylohyoid bone. The basihyoid and thyrohyoid, as well as the stylohyoid and epiyhoid were connected by a synostosis in two-thirds of the horses. The remaining parts were connected to one another by synovial joints.Main limitations: The junctions studied by histologic examination were from older horses, therefore growing patterns of different bones could not be totally clarified.Conclusion: The temporohyoid joint is a synchondrosis. The epihyoid is an ossification center of the stylohyoid and fuses with the stylohyoid in two-thirds of horses. The lingual process has a separate ossification center.

Power Injection Method-based evaluation of the effect of binding technique on the Coupling Loss Factors and Damping Loss Factors in Statistical Energy Anal-ysis simulations

Measurement results on the Damping Loss Factor (DLF) and Coupling Loss Factor (CLF) between two steel plates is presented for 19 different junction types. The junctions involve joining technologies as line welding, point welding, bolting, riveting, gluing or their combinations, with parameters, such as spac-ing between the junction points or the angle between the plates varying. From the measurement results the DLF and CLF values were calculated by the Power Injection Method for the purposes of being ap-plied in Statistical Energy Analysis simulations. Four excitations were applied at each subsystem by impact hammer, while the response was recorded at sixteen response points at each subsystem. The measured CLF values were compared to each other from various aspects. Data were compared to the results obtained from SEA simulations by using the built-in analytical formulas. In general, good com-parison was observed, although the results appeared to be somewhat dependent on the frequency band. Finally, it was examined whether replacing the DLF values with data obtained for an uncoupled flat plate as well the CLF values with data from analytical formulas leads to acceptable accuracy of the re-sults.

Super-resolved local recruitment of CLDN5 to filtration slits implicates a direct relationship with podocyte foot process effacement.

Under healthy conditions, foot processes of neighbouring podocytes are interdigitating and connected by an electron‐dense slit diaphragm. Besides slit diaphragm proteins, typical adherens junction proteins are also found to be expressed at this cell‐cell junction. It is therefore considered as a highly specialized type of adherens junction. During podocyte injury, podocyte foot processes lose their characteristic 3D structure and the filtration slits typical meandering structure gets linearized. It is still under debate how this change of structure leads to the phenomenon of proteinuria. Using super‐resolution 3D‐structured illumination microscopy, we observed a spatially restricted up‐regulation of the tight junction protein claudin‐5 (CLDN5) in areas where podocyte processes of patients suffering from minimal change disease (MCD), focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) as well as in murine nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis and uninephrectomy DOCA‐salt hypertension models, were locally injured. CLDN5/nephrin ratios in human glomerulopathies and NTS‐treated mice were significantly higher compared to controls. In patients, the CLDN5/nephrin ratio is significantly correlated with the filtration slit density as a foot process effacement marker, confirming a direct association of local CLDN5 up‐regulation in injured foot processes. Moreover, CLDN5 up‐regulation was observed in some areas of high filtration slit density, suggesting that CLND5 up‐regulation preceded the changes of foot processes. Therefore, CLDN5 could serve as a biomarker predicting early foot process effacement.

Concurrent Imaging of Surface-Enhanced Raman and Mie Scattering from Built-in Nanogap Plasmonic Particles.

We report a bimodal imaging method that can spatially resolve and concurrently correlate SERS and background-free Mie scattering signals. By examining two types of nanoparticle assemblies with different types of plasmonic junctions, namely raspberry-like metamolecules (raspberry-MMs) containing intraparticle nanogaps and groups of Au nanocubes forming interparticle gaps, we were able to rapidly screen SERS-active particles among the entire population of nanoparticles. Ratiometric analysis of SERS/Mie scattering revealed distinct behaviors for these intra- and interparticle nanogaps. In particular, raspberry-MMs showed a high fraction of SERS-active particles with the SERS intensity essentially insensitive to the nanoparticle aggregation state and a predictable environmental dependence. In comparison, nanocube clusters exhibited highly heterogeneous SERS/Mie scattering ratios and unpredictable intensity fluctuations but higher maximum SERS intensity. This dual-imaging approach constitutes an in situ visualization tool that enables simultaneous and stoichiometric analysis of dual signals consisting of elastic and inelastic scattering, which can significantly improve the reliability of SERS measurements.

Atomistic and continuum modeling of 3D graphene honeycombs under uniaxial in-plane compression

Using large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in conjunction with continuum modeling, the deformation behaviors of three-dimensional (3D) graphene honeycomb structures under uniaxial in-plane compression have been systematically investigated. The stress-strain responses of graphene honeycombs were found to be dependent on the loading direction, prism size and lattice orientation, but little affected by the junction type. Two critical deformation events, i.e., elastic buckling and structural collapse, were identified, with the associated local and global structural changes associated at these critical events clarified. Continuum models accounting for the effect of lattice orientation and size-dependent yielding have been developed to quantitatively predict the threshold stresses for those critical deformation events. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the overall stress-strain curve of graphene honeycomb can also be reasonably well predicted via continuum modeling, albeit deviation at large strains due to effect of junction on cell wall bending. The present study provides critical mechanistic understanding and predictive tools for optimizing and designing 3D graphene honeycombs in small-scale applications.

Viscoelastic behaviour of rapid and slow self-healing hydrogels formed by densely branched arabinoxylans from Plantago ovata seed mucilage

We report rheological characterisation of hydrogels formed by highly substituted brush-like arabinoxylans from Plantago ovata seed mucilage. Two arabinoxlyan fractions with similar molecular weight and linkage compositions are chosen to form gels with distinct rheological properties but a similar network structure. Small and large amplitude oscillatory shear rheology is used to characterise the sol-gel transition as a function of temperature and concentration. Differences in rheology and gelation of the two hydrogels are found to be associated with the different proportion of ‘slow’- and ‘fast’-dissociating junctions stabilised by hydrogen bonds, with the ‘fast’-dissociating junctions playing an important role in rapid self-healing of the gel. Based on the temperature dependence of storage modulus and time–temperature superposition principle in combination with the Arrhenius equation, the activation energies of junction zone dissociation are estimated to be 402–480 kJ/mol and 97–144 kJ/mol for the ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ junction types, respectively.

Dual Modular Titanium Alloy Femoral Stem Failure Mechanisms and Suggested Clinical Approaches

Titanium (Ti) alloys have been proven to be one of the most suitable materials for orthopaedic implants. Dual modular stems have been introduced to primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) to enable better control of the femoral offset, leg length, and hip stability. This systematic review highlights information acquired for dual modular Ti stem complications published in the last 12 years and offers a conclusive discussion of the gathered knowledge. Articles referring to dual modular stem usage, survivorship, and complications in English were searched from 2009 to the present day. A qualitative synthesis of literature was carried out, excluding articles referring solely to other types of junctions or problems with cobalt-chromium alloys in detail. In total, 515 records were identified through database searching and 78 journal articles or conference proceedings were found. The reasons for a modular neck fracture of a Ti alloy are multifactorial. Even though dual modular stems have not shown any clinical benefits for patients and have been associated with worse results regarding durability than monolithic stems, some designs are still marketed worldwide. Orthopaedic surgeons should use Ti6Al4V dual modular stem designs for primary THA in special cases only.

Improvement of ZnO/Si Heterojunctions With a Coaxial Circular Transmission Line Model Applicable to Both Ohmic and Schottky

Investigating heterointerfaces with test structures is crucial for fabricating electronic and photonic devices. Recently, we proposed and developed a PbS colloidal quantum dot/ZnO/Si hybrid infrared detector for infrared-sensitive optoelectronic devices on silicon-based large-scale integrated circuits. The conventional circular transfer length method (CTLM) is commonly used for evaluating Ohmic contact. To apply the CTLM to a heterointerface junction, we propose a coaxial CTLM (CCTLM) that includes a circular electrode in the middle and doughnut-shaped outer contact electrodes. The proposed test structure can be identified and quantitatively analyzed for the junction type (Ohmic or Schottky) by changing the electrode area. By using the CCTLM test structure for n-type ZnO/n-type Si heterojunctions and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements, we identified the heterojunction as the Schottky type via the CCTLM and estimated the band diagram of the heterojunction.