Proximity effect model of ultra-narrow NbN strips

We show that narrow superconducting strips in superconducting (S) and normal (N) states are universally described by the model presenting them as lateral NSN proximity systems in which the superconducting central band is sandwiched between damaged edge-bands with suppressed superconductivity.The width of the superconducting band was experimentally determined from the value of magnetic field at which the band transits from the Meissner state to the static vortex state. Systematic experimental study of 4.9 nm thick NbN strips with widths in the interval from 50 nm to 20 ${\mu}$m, which are all smaller than the Pearl's length, demonstrates gradual evolution of the temperature dependence of the critical current with the change of the strip width

Enhancement of superconductivity in NbN nanowires by negative electron-beam lithography with positive resist

We performed comparative experimental investigation of superconducting NbN nanowires which were prepared by means of positive-and negative electron-beam lithography with the same positive tone Poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) resist. We show that nanowires with a thickness 4.9 nm and widths less than 100 nm demonstrate at 4.2 K higher critical temperature and higher density of critical and retrapping currents when they are prepared by negative lithography. Also the ratio of the experimental critical-current to the depairing critical current is larger for nanowires prepared by negative lithography. We associate the observed enhancement of superconducting properties with the difference in the degree of damage that nanowire edges sustain in the lithographic process. A whole range of advantages which is offered by the negative lithography with positive PMMA resist ensures high potential of this technology for improving performance metrics of superconducting nanowire singe-photon detectors

Zeeman Perturbed 63^{63}Cu Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance Study of the Vortex State of YBa2_2Cu3_3O7−δ_{7-\delta}

We report a $^{63}$Cu nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) study of the vortex state for an aligned polycrystalline sample of a slightly overdoped high-$T_c$ superconductor YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{7-\delta}$ ($T_{c}\sim$92 K) at a low magnetic field of 96 mT along the c axis, near a lower critical field $H_{c1}$. We observed the frequency distribution of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time $^{63}T_1$ in the Zeeman-perturbed $^{63}$Cu NQR spectrum below $T_c$. The characteristic behavior of 1/$^{63}T_1$, taking the minimum values with respect to temperature and frequency, indicates the significant role of antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations in the Doppler-shifted quasiparticle energy spectrum inside and outside vortex cores.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Photoconductive Detectors with Fast Temporal Response for Laser Produced Plasma Experiments

Processes during laser plasma experiments typically have time scales that are less than 100 ps. The measurement of these processes requires X-ray detectors with fast temporal resolution. We have measured the temporal responses and linearity of several different Xray sensitive Photoconductive Detectors (PCDs). The active elements of the detectors investigated include both diamond (natural and synthetic) and GaAs crystals. The typical time responses of the GaAs PCDs are approximately 60 ps, respectively. Some characterizations using X-ray light from a synchrotron light source are presented

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the VISA-A questionnaire for German-speaking Achilles tendinopathy patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Achilles tendinopathy is the predominant overuse injury in runners. To further investigate this overload injury in transverse and longitudinal studies a valid, responsive and reliable outcome measure is demanded. Most questionnaires have been developed for English-speaking populations. This is also true for the VISA-A score, so far representing the only valid, reliable, and disease specific questionnaire for Achilles tendinopathy. To internationally compare research results, to perform multinational studies or to exclude bias originating from subpopulations speaking different languages within one country an equivalent instrument is demanded in different languages. The aim of this study was therefore to cross-cultural adapt and validate the VISA-A questionnaire for German-speaking Achilles tendinopathy patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>According to the "guidelines for the process of cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures" the VISA-A score was cross-culturally adapted into German (VISA-A-G) using six steps: Translation, synthesis, back translation, expert committee review, pretesting (n = 77), and appraisal of the adaptation process by an advisory committee determining the adequacy of the cross-cultural adaptation. The resulting VISA-A-G was then subjected to an analysis of reliability, validity, and internal consistency in 30 Achilles tendinopathy patients and 79 asymptomatic people. Concurrent validity was tested against a generic tendon grading system (Percy and Conochie) and against a classification system for the effect of pain on athletic performance (Curwin and Stanish).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The "advisory committee" determined the VISA-A-G questionnaire as been translated "acceptable". The VISA-A-G questionnaire showed moderate to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.60 to 0.97). Concurrent validity showed good coherence when correlated with the grading system of Curwin and Stanish (rho = -0.95) and for the Percy and Conochie grade of severity (rho 0.95). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for the total VISA-A-G scores of the patients was calculated to be 0.737.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The VISA-A questionnaire was successfully cross-cultural adapted and validated for use in German speaking populations. The psychometric properties of the VISA-A-G questionnaire are similar to those of the original English version. It therefore can be recommended as a sufficiently robust tool for future measuring clinical severity of Achilles tendinopathy in German speaking patients.</p

Photoconductive Detectors with Fast Temporal Response for Laser Produced Plasma Experiments.

Processes during laser plasma experiments typically have time scales that are less than 100 ps. The measurement of these processes requires X-ray detectors with fast temporal resolution. We have measured the temporal responses and linearity of several different X-ray sensitive Photoconductive Detectors (PCDs). The active elements of the detectors investigated include both diamond (natural and synthetic) and GaAs crystals. The typical time responses of the GaAs PCDs are approximately 60 ps, respectively. Some characterizations using X-ray light from a synchrotron light source are presented

ICON 2019: International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus: Clinical Terminology

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.Background Persistent tendon pain that impairs function has inconsistent medical terms that can influence choice of treatment.1 When a person is told they have tendinopathy by clinician A or tendinitis by clinician B, they might feel confused or be alarmed at receiving what they might perceive as two different diagnoses. This may lead to loss of confidence in their health professional and likely adds to uncertainty if they were to search for information about their condition. Clear and uniform terminology also assists inter-professional communication. Inconsistency in terminology for painful tendon disorders is a problem at numerous anatomical sites. Historically, the term ‘tendinitis’ was first used to describe tendon pain, thickening and impaired function (online supplementary figure S1). The term ‘tendinosis’ has also been used in a small number of publications, some of which were very influential.2 3 Subsequently, ‘tendinopathy’ emerged as the most common term for persistent tendon pain.4 5 To our knowledge, experts (clinicians and researchers) or patients have never engaged in a formal process to discuss the terminology we use. We believe that health professionals have not yet agreed on the appropriate terminology for painful tendon conditions.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

The role of red yeast rice (RYR) supplementation in plasma cholesterol control: a review and expert opinion

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