High frequency characterization of Si N dielectrics for artificial magnetoelectric devices.

Unlabelled: Charge mediated magnetoelectric coupling mechanism in artificial multiferroics originates from interfacial charge modulation or ionic movement at a magnetic/dielectric interface. Despite the existence of several dielectric/ferroelectric systems that can be used in charge mediated artificial multiferroic systems, producing suitable systems with fast time responses still remains a challenge. Here we characterize the frequency response of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric (low strain) Si N thin film membranes, which can potentially be used as the dielectric layer in magnetoelectric devices, to determine the impact of depletion layers, charge traps and defect mobility on the high frequency (up to 100 MHz) interfacial charge modulation via screening.

Functional limitations after lateral column lengthening osteotomy of the calcaneus are associated with lower quality of life.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify limitations in sagittal ankle range of motion (ROM) at least two years after lateral column lengthening osteotomy of the calcaneus (LLC) and their implications regarding quality of life.

Methods: Fifteen patients with a mean follow-up of 80 ± 27 months after LLC and 15 age-matched healthy persons participated in this study. Ankle joint complex ROM in plantarflexion and dorsiflexion was measured bilaterally using a goniometer and fluoroscopy (patients only).

On the Oxidation State of Cu O upon Electrochemical CO Reduction: An XPS Study.

The encouraging selectivity of copper oxides for the electroreduction of CO into ethylene and alcohols has led to a vivid debate on the possible relation between their operando (sub-)surface oxidation state (i. e. fully reduced or partially oxidized) and this distinct reactivity.

[Medial foot and ankle instability].

The deltoid or medial collateral ligament consisting of superficial and deep components together with the spring ligament is the primary stabilizer of the ankle joint. Injuries of these anatomical structures are more frequent than assumed but are nevertheless often overlooked. Inadequate treatment can lead to chronic pain, instability, hindfoot deformities and ankle arthritis.

The natural initiation and progression of osteoarthritis in the anterior cruciate ligament deficient feline knee.

Objective: The aim of this study was to document the natural history of development and long-term progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in the feline knee after minimally invasive anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection.

Design: ACL transections of the left knee joint of 14 skeletally mature cats were performed. Radiographic scores, tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint space and anterior tibial translation were assessed before, immediately and every 3 months after ACL transection (longest follow-up: 93 months).

Lithium insertion into silicon electrodes studied by cyclic voltammetry and operando neutron reflectometry.

Operando neutron reflectometry measurements were carried out to study the insertion of lithium into amorphous silicon film electrodes during cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments at a scan rate of 0.01 mV s-1. The experiments allow mapping of regions where significant amounts of Li are incorporated/released from the electrode and correlation of the results to modifications of characteristic peaks in the CV curve.

SnO Model Electrode Cycled in Li-Ion Battery Reveals the Formation of LiSnO and LiSnO Phases through Conversion Reactions.

SnO is an attractive negative electrode for Li-ion battery owing to its high specific charge compared to commercial graphite. However, the various intermediate conversion and alloy reactions taking place during lithiation/delithiation, as well as the electrolyte stability, have not been fully elucidated, and many ambiguities remain. An amorphous SnO thin film was investigated for use as a model electrode by a combination of postmortem X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy supported by density functional theory calculations and scanning electron microscopy to shed light on these different processes.

Survival of the Scandinavian total ankle replacement (STAR): results of ten to nineteen years follow-up.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate survival and clinical outcome of the Scandinavian total ankle replacement (STAR) prosthesis after a minimum of ten years up to a maximum of 19 years.

Methods: Fifty STAR prostheses in 46 patients with end stage ankle osteoarthritis operated between 1996 and 2006 by the same surgeon (MH) were included. Minimal follow-up was ten years (median 14.

Painful stress reaction in the posterior subtalar joint after resection of os trigonum or posterior talar process.

Introduction: The resection of os trigonum or posterior talar process as treatment for posterior ankle impingement is an established operation. However, the authors encountered several painful stress reactions in the posterior subtalar joint during follow-up resulting in persisting incapacity to do sports.

Methods: From March 2011 to July 2015, 29 patients with 30 feet were operated (22 endoscopic, 8 open resections).

Radiographic Study of Pes Planovarus.

Background: Depending on the direction of the subtalar joint, a foot deformity generally tends towards pronation (pes planovalgus) or supination (pes cavovarus). However, the combination of hindfoot varus and flat midfoot/forefoot (pes planovarus) is an exception to this rule. Pes planovarus has so far only been referred to in connection with Müller-Weiss disease and congenital disease.

Mid-term functional outcome of a total arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Background: Arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is an alternative treatment option for end-stage hallux rigidus to the current gold standard of arthrodesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the mid-term functional outcome of an anatomically shaped prosthesis for the first metatarsophalangeal joint using pedobarography.

Methods: Ten patients (12 affected feet; age at surgery: 62.

Total Arthroplasty of the Metatarsophalangeal Joint of the Hallux.

Background: The current gold standard in the treatment of severe hallux rigidus is arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP-I) joint. We present the results of a new 3-component MTP-I prosthesis. We determined (1) the intraoperative and perioperative complications; (2) survivorship of prosthesis components and rate of secondary surgeries for any reason; (3) prosthetic component stability and radiographic alignment; (4) the degree of pain relief; and (5) the midterm functional outcomes including radiographic range of motion (ROM).

Medial malleolar osteotomy for the treatment of talar osteochondral lesions: anatomical and morbidity considerations.

Purpose: Osteochondral lesions of the talus are often located posteromedially requiring open surgery to facilitate solid and complete osteochondral reconstruction. The aim of the study was to identify the optimal anatomical site for medial malleolar osteotomy based on the criteria of minimal cartilage damage (Study I) and to report on the morbidity in patients receiving osteotomy performed at the previously identified site (Study II).

Methods: For Study I, cartilage coverage of the tibiofibular ankle joint facet was measured in 40 cadaveric ankles (20 cadaver specimens).

Ankle fusion with a trabecular metal spacer and an anterior fusion plate.

We present a novel operative technique for ankle joint fusion in a case of severe talar bone loss. Fusion was achieved with a trabecular metal spacer combined with a single anterior, anatomically preshaped, angular, stable plate. Excellent postoperative results with good bone consolidation and preservation of lower leg length were present shown at 1 year of follow-up.

Revision Subtalar Joint Fusion With a Porous Metal Spacer and an Intramedullary Nail: A Case Report.

Nonunion of hindfoot arthrodesis can be difficult to successfully treat and will often require bone graft techniques. Large amounts of autogenous bone graft can be difficult to procure and will be associated with donor site morbidity. The use of porous metal implants has been shown to satisfactorily bridge segmental bone defects and to work in conjunction with allogeneic bone graft material, without the risks associated with autogenous bone graft donor site morbidity.

Ankle salvage surgery with autologous circular pillar fibula augmentation and intramedullary hindfoot nail.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with an intramedullary hindfoot nail is an established procedure for fusion of the ankle and subtalar joints. In cases involving ankle bone loss, such as in failed total ankle replacement, it can be difficult to salvage with sufficient bone restoration stability and a physiologic leg length and avoiding below the knee amputation. In addition to the alternatives of using a structural allograft or metal bone substitution, we describe the use of autologous ipsilateral circular pillar fibula augmentation in tibiotalocalcaneal retrograde nail arthrodesis combined with a ventral (anterior) plate in a prospective series of 6 consecutive cases with a mean follow-up duration of 26 ± 9.

Supramalleolar osteotomies for degenerative joint disease of the ankle joint: indication, technique and results.

Patients with varus or valgus hindfoot deformities usually present with asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis. In-vitro biomechanical studies have shown that varus or valgus hindfoot deformity may lead to altered load distribution in the tibiotalar joint which may result in medial (varus) or lateral (valgus) tibiotalar joint degeneration in the short or medium term. The treatment of asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis remains challenging, because more than half of the tibiotalar joint surface is usually preserved.

Do skeletal muscle properties recover following repeat onabotulinum toxin A injections?

Onabotulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is a frequently used treatment modality to relax spastic muscles by preventing acetylcholine release at the motor nerve endings. Although considered safe, previous studies have shown that BTX-A injections cause muscle atrophy and deterioration in target and non-target muscles. Ideally, muscles should fully recover following BTX-A treatments, so that muscle strength and performance are not affected in the long-term.

Long-term repetitive mechanical loading of the knee joint by in vivo muscle stimulation accelerates cartilage degeneration and increases chondrocyte death in a rabbit model.

Background: Excessive chronic loading is thought to be one factor responsible for the onset of osteoarthritis. For example, studies using treadmill running have shown an increased risk for osteoarthritis, thereby suggesting that muscle-induced joint loading may play a role in osteoarthritis onset and progression. However, in these studies, muscle-induced loading was not carefully quantified.

The effects of electrical stimulation exercise on muscles injected with botulinum toxin type-A (botox).

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a frequently used treatment modality for a variety of neuromuscular disorders. It acts by preventing acetylcholine release at the motor nerve endings, inducing muscle paralysis. Although considered safe, studies suggest that BTX-A injections create adverse effects on target and non-target muscles.

Sputtered cathodes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells: insights into potentials, challenges and limitations.

The level of Pt loadings in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) is still one of the main hindrances for implementation of PEFCs into the market. Therefore, new catalyst and electrode preparation methods such as sputtering are of current interest, because they allow thin film production and have many cost saving advantages for electrode preparation. This paper summarises some of the most important studies done for sputtered PEFCs, including non carbon supported electrodes.