Phase-coherent transport in catalyst-free vapor phase deposited Bi2_2Se3_3 crystals

Free-standing Bi$_2$Se$_3$ single crystal flakes of variable thickness are grown using a catalyst-free vapor-solid synthesis and are subsequently transferred onto a clean Si$^{++}$/SiO$_2$ substrate where the flakes are contacted in Hall bar geometry. Low temperature magneto-resistance measurements are presented which show a linear magneto-resistance for high magnetic fields and weak anti-localization (WAL) at low fields. Despite an overall strong charge carrier tunability for thinner devices, we find that electron transport is dominated by bulk contributions for all devices. Phase coherence lengths \l_\phi as extracted from WAL measurements increase linearly with increasing electron density exceeding $1 \mu$m at 1.7 K. While \l_\phi is in qualitative agreement with electron electron interaction-induced dephasing, we find that spin flip scattering processes limit \l_\phi at low temperatures.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Gender-related differences in reliability of thorax, lumbar, and pelvis kinematics during gait in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

Objective To evaluate test-retest reliability of trunk kinematics relative to the pelvis during gait in two groups (males and females) of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) using three-dimensional motion capture system. Methods A convenience sample of 40 NCLBP participants (20 males and 20 females) was evaluated in two sessions. Participants were asked to walk with self-selected speed and kinematics of thorax and lumbar spine were captured using a 6-infrared-cameras motion-analyzer system. Peak amplitude of displacement and its measurement errors and minimal detectable change (MDC) were then calculated. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were relatively constant but small for certain variables (lower lumbar peak flexion in female: inter-session ICC=0.51 and intra-session ICC=0.68; peak extension in male: inter-session ICC=0.67 and intra-session ICC=0.66). The measurement error remained constant and standard error of measurement (SEM) difference was large between males (generally �4.8°) and females (generally �5.3°). Standard deviation (SD) was higher in females. In most segments, females exhibited higher MDCs except for lower lumbar sagittal movements. Conclusion Although ICCs were sufficiently reliable and constant in both genders during gait, there was difference in SEM due to difference in SD between genders caused by different gait disturbance in chronic low back pain. Due to the increasing tendency of measurement error in other areas of men and women, attention is needed when measuring lumbar motion using the method described in this study. © 2018 by Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine

Gender-related differences in reliability of thorax, lumbar, and pelvis kinematics during gait in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain

Objective To evaluate test-retest reliability of trunk kinematics relative to the pelvis during gait in two groups (males and females) of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) using three-dimensional motion capture system. Methods A convenience sample of 40 NCLBP participants (20 males and 20 females) was evaluated in two sessions. Participants were asked to walk with self-selected speed and kinematics of thorax and lumbar spine were captured using a 6-infrared-cameras motion-analyzer system. Peak amplitude of displacement and its measurement errors and minimal detectable change (MDC) were then calculated. Results Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were relatively constant but small for certain variables (lower lumbar peak flexion in female: inter-session ICC=0.51 and intra-session ICC=0.68; peak extension in male: inter-session ICC=0.67 and intra-session ICC=0.66). The measurement error remained constant and standard error of measurement (SEM) difference was large between males (generally �4.8°) and females (generally �5.3°). Standard deviation (SD) was higher in females. In most segments, females exhibited higher MDCs except for lower lumbar sagittal movements. Conclusion Although ICCs were sufficiently reliable and constant in both genders during gait, there was difference in SEM due to difference in SD between genders caused by different gait disturbance in chronic low back pain. Due to the increasing tendency of measurement error in other areas of men and women, attention is needed when measuring lumbar motion using the method described in this study. © 2018 by Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine