Transfer-free, scalable vertical heterostructure FET on MoS2/WS2continuous films.

Taking into account the novel layered structure and unusual electronic properties of MoS2and WS2on the side the lack of dangling bonds between these two components and donor-acceptor linkage effects, growth of the MoS2/WS2vertical heterojunction film on the amorphous SiO2/Si substrate have created high demand. In this study, we reported the continuous, scalable, and vertical MoS2/WS2heterostructure film by using a sputtering without a transfer step. The WS2film was continuously grown on MoS2and eventually led to the formation of the MoS2/WS2vertical heterojunction film. Dozens of FETs fabricated on MoS2/WS2continuous heterojunction film were created on the same substrate in a single lithographic fabrication step, allowing them to be commercialized and not only used in research applications. RAMAN spectra proved the formation of the MoS2/WS2heterostructure film. In XPS measurements, it was shown that a separate MoS2and WS2layer was grown instead of the alloy structure. The polarity behavior of the MoS2/WS2heterostructure FET was found to be modulated with different drain voltages as p-type to ambipolar and finally n-type conductivity because of the transition of band structure and Schottky barrier heights at different drain voltages. Electron mobility (7.2 cm2V.s-1) and on/off ratio (104-105) exhibited by the MoS2/WS2heterostructure FETs displayed a more improved electrical performance than that of individual WS2, MoS2devices. It was observed that the mobility value of MoS2/WS2FET was approximately 514 times greater than WS2FET and 800 times greater than MoS2FET. Additionally, the MoS2/WS2FET on/off ratio was larger than 2 order MoS2FET and 1 order WS2FET. The film of continuous vertical heterojunctions as in the MoS2/WS2currents in the study would be a promising candidate for nanoelectronics fields. This work demonstrated the progress towards realizing carrier-type controlled high-performance MoS2/WS2heterojunction-based FETs for future logic devices.

Investigating the lower extremity-related anaerobic exercise capacity and functional status in adult patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVES: No studies examined the lower extremity-related anaerobic exercise capacity or functional status in adult patients with FMF. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with FMF (12 males) and 24 age-sex-matched healthy controls (13 males) were included in the study. Lower extremity-related anaerobic exercise capacity was assessed by using Wingate Anaerobic Test. Lower extremity-related functional status was examined by using 9-Step Stair Climb Test, 10-Repetition Chair Stand Test, and Six-Minute Walking Distance. Muscle strength of hip flexors, hip extensors, knee flexors, and knee extensors were evaluated by using a hand-held dynamometer. RESULTS: Patients with FMF had significantly poorer results in all anaerobic exercise capacity parameters and functional status assessments (P < 0.05), except muscle strength measurements (P > 0.05). Both average and peak anaerobic exercise capacities correlated significantly with all muscle strength measurements, 9-Step Stair Climb Test, 10-Repetition Chair Stand Test times, and Six-Minute Walk Distances (P < 0.05) in patients with FMF. CONCLUSION: Lower extremity-related anaerobic exercise capacity and functional status seem to be diminished in adult patients with FMF. Evaluating these parameters may be beneficial for planning more appropriate and individualized treatment regimens such as patient education and exercise counselling for patients with FMF.

Investigation of genotoxic effects of rhododendron honey using three mammalian bioassays in vivo.

Rhododendron honey (RH) is obtained from the rhododendron plants are grown in many regions around the world, causes poisoning in humans due to the grayanotoxin (GTX) compound in its structure. It is used by the public as a therapeutic for some diseases. It was aimed to study the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of RH in mouse bone-marrow and sperm cells by using three mammalian bioassays. 25, 50 and 75 mg kg-1 concentrations of RH given to male mice via gavage for 24 and 48 h treatment periods and its active ingredient Grayanatoxin (GTX-III) 0.01 mg kg-1 by i.p. injection. Chromosome aberrations (CA), polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE)/normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE), micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) and sperm abnormalities were investigated. The results demonstrated that all the tested concentrations of RH significantly induced total abnormal cell frequency including chromosomal breaks for two time periods. In the MN assay, 75 mg kg-1 RH and 0.01 mg kg-1 GTX-III significantly increased % MNPCE and significantly reduced PCE/NCE ratios after 24 and 48 h treatments on mice demonstrating potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effect. Although there was a concentration-related increase in the percentage of total sperm abnormalities, this increase was not statistically significant compared to control. As a result, microscopic genotoxicity and cytotoxicity marker tests showed that RH and its active ingredient GTX-III have potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effect on mice bone marrow cells. It is understood that RH that is used to treat some diseases by public, should be handled carefully and used in a controlled manner.HighlightsChromosome aberration, micronucleus and sperm morphology assays are recommended as reliable biological indicators.RH and its active ingredient GTX-III have potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effect on mice bone marrow cells.Significant changes were observed upon the treatment of 75 mg kg-1 MH for MN assay.

Kinesio taping or just taping in shoulder subacromial impingement syndrome? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To verify effects of kinesio taping (KT) in shoulder subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) when compared to sham taping applied in the same way with KT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized as group 1 (n = 21) KT group and group 2 (n = 20) sham-taping group. Taping was applied every three days, three times during the study period. We assessed all the patients at baseline, at the end of the taping period (12th day), and at one-month post-intervention. We assessed pain on the 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). Shoulder range of motion (ROM), Constant Scores, and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) scores were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 41 participants, 13 were males (32%) and 28 were females (68%). The mean age was 45 ± 15 years (range 20-65 years). We documented a significant decrease in VAS for nocturnal pain, and Constant Score in both groups. The KT group showed additional significant change in NHP pain and physical activity scores. CONCLUSION: KT and sham taping generated similar results regarding pain and Constant Scores.

Kinesio taping or sham taping in knee osteoarthritis? A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare effects of kinesio taping with sham taping at the end of 3 consecutive taping periods in knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: 41 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to American College of Rheumatology were randomized to receive either KT or sham taping. Baseline evaluations included a visual analog scale (VAS) for activity and nocturnal pain, Lequesne index for functional assessment and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) for the quality of life. Taping was applied every four days, three times, and all of the assessments were repeated at the end of the treatment period. RESULTS: In both groups VAS for activity pain, VAS for nocturnal pain, Lequesne index score, NHP score decreased significantly. NHP energy scores were different significantly between the groups in favor of sham taping at the end of the 12-day period. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate inconclusive evidence of a beneficial effect of kinesio taping over sham taping in knee osteoarthritis.

Assessment of the relationship between postural stability and sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of postural stability and sleep disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Frequency of falls in the last 6 months in 48 fibromyalgia and 32 control subjects were recorded. Postural stability was assessed by static posturography device (Tetrax, Sunlight Medical Ltd., Israel). Functional assessment consisted of lower-body strength; one-leg stance test were applied to all subjects. Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), sleep quality numeric rating scale (NRS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were inquired. The number of falls in the last 6 months was significantly higher in the fibromyalgia group. Mean total value of stability indexes was 201.7 ± 70.9 vs. 162.6 ± 29.6 in fibromyalgia and control subjects (p < 0.05). NRS and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were significantly higher in fibromyalgia patients. It was detected that there were significant relationships between fall risk and NRS scores (r = 0.565), and FIQ fatigue subscores (r = 0.560) (both p < 0.05). Worse postural performance and fall risk found in the fibromyalgia patients compared to controls were related with the sleep quality in the last 24 h and level of fatigue.

The effect of arm sling on balance in patients with hemiplegia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an arm sling on balance in patients with, hemiplegia following a stroke. Twenty-six patients with hemiplegia (11 men, 15 women) who had, shoulder subluxation were enrolled in the study. Balance was evaluated by the Berg Balance Scale, the, Functional Reach test, and a static balance index which was measured by the Kinesthetic Ability, Trainer 3000. Balance tests were performed twice, with arm sling and without arm sling use. Results of, this study show that the Berg Balance Scores and static balance index ameliorated with arm sling use (p=0.005 and p=0.004, respectively). Likewise, the Functional Reach test was better when performed with an arm sling (p=0.039). In conclusion, arm slings have a beneficial effect on balance in patients, with hemiplegia. An arm sling may be applied for its possible beneficial effect on balance especially in, the early phases of stroke rehabilitation while the upper extremity is still flaccid and arm swing is, reduced.

Muscular and condylar response to rapid maxillary expansion. Part 1: electromyographic study of anterior temporal and superficial masseter muscles.

INTRODUCTION: In this prospective clinical study, we investigated the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the anterior temporal and superficial masseter muscles. METHODS: The sample included 18 subjects (11 girls, 7 boys; mean age, 12.54 years) with unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbites involving 3 or more posterior teeth. There was no control group in this study because of the short observation period. The EMG activity was recorded simultaneously from both muscles during swallowing a sip of water and unilateral gum chewing. RESULTS: The mean EMG (mEMG) activities of the right and left anterior temporal muscles showed no statistically significant difference during swallowing and unilateral chewing. The mEMG activities of the right and left masseter muscles showed a statistically significant difference at unilateral chewing (P <0.01). There were a decrease of the mEMG activities for both muscles after RME and an increase during the observation period for unilateral chewing (P <0.05). Swallow-related mEMG activities of both muscles showed increases after RME and during the observation period (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RME affected the EMG activities of the anterior temporal and superficial masseter muscles during swallowing and unilateral chewing. These findings suggest that the alterations in the EMG activities of these muscles should be considered in both the treatment and the the stability of maxillary transverse deficiencies.