Developing fatigue-resistant ferroelectrics using interlayer sliding switching.

Ferroelectric materials have switchable electrical polarization that is appealing for high-density nonvolatile memories. However, inevitable fatigue hinders practical applications of these materials. Fatigue-free ferroelectric switching could dramatically improve the endurance of such devices. We report a fatigue-free ferroelectric system based on the sliding ferroelectricity of bilayer 3R molybdenum disulfide (3R-MoS2). The memory performance of this ferroelectric device does not show the wake-up effect at low cycles or a substantial fatigue effect after 106 switching cycles under different pulse widths. The total stress time of the device under an electric field is up to 105 s, which is long relative to other devices. Our theoretical calculations reveal that the fatigue-free feature of sliding ferroelectricity is due to the immobile charge defects in sliding ferroelectricity.

A comparative retrospective analysis: myocutaneous flap versus skin flap in V-Y medial epicanthal fold reconstruction.

Objectives: To evaluate the comparation of myocutaneous flap vs. skin flap in V-Y medial epicanthal fold reconstruction. Methods: The study, conducted from April 2017 to June 2022, involved two groups: group A, comprising 21 patients who underwent medial epicanthal fold restoration surgery using the V-Y advancement method with a skin flap, and group B, comprising 83 patients who underwent the same procedure, while with a myocutaneous flap for orbicularis oculi ring reconstruction. Intercanthal distances were measured preoperatively, recorded during preoperative and postoperative reviews, and assessed through a 4-point Likert satisfaction questionnaire. Results: A total of 104 patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. In group A, preoperative intercanthal distances ranged from 28.7 mm to 38.2 mm, increasing to 30.2 mm-40.6 mm postoperatively, with a mean increase of 3.0 mm (P < 0.05). In group B, preoperative distances ranged from 28.8 mm to 38.0 mm, increasing to 32.2 mm-41.5 mm postoperatively, with a mean increase of 3.9 mm (P < 0.05). Group B exhibited a higher overall satisfaction rate compared to group A. Conclusion: The myocutaneous flap V-Y procedure, employing the principle of orbicularis oculi ring reconstruction, achieves more stable postoperative results than the flap-only V-Y procedure. Consequently, it can be regarded as the preferred surgical technique.

The Integration of Two-Dimensional Materials and Ferroelectrics for Device Applications.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in functional devices based on two-dimensional (2D) materials, which possess exotic physical properties. With an ultrathin thickness, the optoelectrical and electrical properties of 2D materials can be effectively tuned by an external field, which has stimulated considerable scientific activities. Ferroelectric fields with a nonvolatile and electrically switchable feature have exhibited enormous potential in controlling the electronic and optoelectronic properties of 2D materials, leading to an extremely fertile area of research. Here, we review the 2D materials and relevant devices integrated with ferroelectricity. This review starts to introduce the background about the concerned themes, namely 2D materials and ferroelectrics, and then presents the fundamental mechanisms, tuning strategies, as well as recent progress of the ferroelectric effect on the optical and electrical properties of 2D materials. Subsequently, the latest developments of 2D material-based electronic and optoelectronic devices integrated with ferroelectricity are summarized. Finally, the future outlook and challenges of this exciting field are suggested.

High-Performance Sliding Ferroelectric Transistor Based on Schottky Barrier Tuning.

Sliding ferroelectricity associated with interlayer translation is an excellent candidate for ferroelectric device miniaturization. However, the weak polarization gives rise to the poor performance of sliding ferroelectric transistors with a low on/off ratio and a narrow memory window, which restricts its practical application. To address the issue, we propose a facile strategy by regulating the Schottky barrier in sliding ferroelectric semiconductor transistors based on γ-InSe, in which a high performance with a large on/off ratio (106) and a wide memory window (4.5 V) was ultimately acquired. Additionally, the memory window of the device can be further modulated by electrostatic doping or light excitation. These results open up new ways for designing novel ferroelectric devices based on emerging sliding ferroelectricity.

Individualized High Double Eyelid Fold Correction in Secondary Blepharoplasty: A Free-Style Design.

BACKGROUND: High crease correction is difficult to achieve in secondary blepharoplasty. Currently, patients tend to have more precise requirements for crease-lowering procedures, such as low in-fold or low out-fold creases. For the out-fold crease, the height of the central crease is similar with the height of the medial crease, whereas for the in-fold crease, the height of the medial crease is lower than the height of the central crease. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the authors developed a strategy to create low in-fold or out-fold creases to satisfy patients' individualized requirements. METHODS: The medical records of patients who received crease-lowering secondary blepharoplasty from January 2015 to January 2021 were reviewed. The results were grouped by preoperative condition (high in-fold/out-fold) and patients' expectations for postoperative outcome (low in-fold/out-fold). Preoperative and postoperative images were collected, and patient satisfaction, complications and revisions were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 297 consecutive patients were included in this study with an average follow-up duration of 12.3 months. Eighteen patients had high in-fold creases, and 279 patients had high out-fold creases. Regarding patients with high out-folds, 233 patients wanted to have low out-folds, and 46 patients wanted to have low in-folds. Two hundred and sixty-six (89.6%) patients were satisfied with their results. Complications included complete crease loss (n = 3, 1.0%), partial crease loss (n = 5, 1.7%), multiple creases (n = 6, 2.0%), asymmetric creases (n = 7, 2.4%), and upper eyelid skin laxity (n = 10, 3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This flexible, novel technique for customizing low out-fold or in-fold creases is reliable in high double-eyelid crease correction based on preoperative upper eyelid skin tightness, scar positions, and the patient's expected double-eyelid crease shape. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Sliding induced multiple polarization states in two-dimensional ferroelectrics.

When the atomic layers in a non-centrosymmetric van der Waals structure slide against each other, the interfacial charge transfer results in a reversal of the structure's spontaneous polarization. This phenomenon is known as sliding ferroelectricity and it is markedly different from conventional ferroelectric switching mechanisms relying on ion displacement. Here, we present layer dependence as a new dimension to control sliding ferroelectricity. By fabricating 3 R MoS2 of various thicknesses into dual-gate field-effect transistors, we obtain anomalous intermediate polarization states in multilayer (more than bilayer) 3 R MoS2. Using results from ab initio density functional theory calculations, we propose a generalized model to describe the ferroelectric switching process in multilayer 3 R MoS2 and to explain the formation of these intermediate polarization states. This work reveals the critical roles layer number and interlayer dipole coupling play in sliding ferroelectricity and presents a new strategy for the design of novel sliding ferroelectric devices.

Re-positioning pretarsal tissue layers for double-eyelid surgery: 6-year experience.

Double-eyelid surgery is a very common practice in East Asian patients. The differential distribution of pretarsal tissue layers is considered to be the anatomical mechanism of natural Asiatic single eyelid, it is possible to form double-eyelid crease by re-positioning the pretarsal structure layers. The author presents a new double-eyelid surgery based on re-positioning of the pretarsal structure layers without tissue removal. Over a 6-year period, 1440 patients underwent new double-eyelid surgeries. With the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle incised, the pre-pretarsal levator aponeurosis fascia fibroadipose was first dissected to form a fibroadipose flap, and then repositioned with the eyelid lower lip orbicularis oculi muscle flap. The new composite structure was anchored at 3 points on the pretarsal levator aponeurosis fascia; the skin was sutured to form a smooth crease. Post-operative outcome and follow-up data were analyzed. Patients were followed up for an average of 2 years. esthetic outcomes were satisfactory for 97.91% of patients, who enjoyed new double upper eyelids with smooth creases and invisible incision lines. Outcomes were unsatisfactory for 2.08% of patients (double-eyelid regression, 0.76%; asymmetric creases, 1.32%). All patients who were not satisfied with their esthetic outcomes underwent second correction surgery. This new Pan-flap technique focuses on the correct dissection and repositioning of differentially thickened pre-pretarsal levator aponeurosis fascia fibroadipose tissue in East Asian patients. This new technique can generate broader and tighter attachment between pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle and levator aponeurosis fascia, and form smooth double-eyelid crease without pretarsal soft tissue removal.

Double Eyelid Shape Preference: A Large Sample Survey.

BACKGROUND: Double eyelid blepharoplasty is a popular procedure among Asian population. Double eyelid shape is important to achieving high satisfaction rate. Currently, there lacks large sample survey and detailed analysis on preferred double eyelid shape. This study aims to investigate the double eyelid shape preference using the "in-fold," "on-fold," and "out-fold" classification and analyze the preferred shape of different demographic groups. METHODS: A large sample survey was conducted with a questionnaire of nine questions in three sections: demographic characteristics, desired double eyelid shape, and assessment of the classification. The preference for each type of double eyelid shape was analyzed and compared among different groups. RESULTS: A total of 11153 (9698 female and 1455 male) respondents finished the questionnaire, including 382 plastic surgeons. In-fold double eyelid was the most popular choice overall. Out-fold was the least preferred, except for specific groups such as actors and heavy makeup wearers. No significant difference was observed between the preference of patients and plastic surgeons. The majority of respondents cared much about postoperative double eyelid shape and considered the classification useful. CONCLUSIONS: In-fold was the most preferred double eyelid shape, especially for patients who met one or more of the following criteria: male, older than 40, divorced, or housewives. However, heavy makeup wearers or actors/actresses tend to prefer out-fold double eyelids. The "in-fold," "on-fold," and "out-fold" classification was precise and beneficial to doctor-patient communication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Emerging Phases of Layered Metal Chalcogenides.

Layered metal chalcogenides, as a "rich" family of 2D materials, have attracted increasing research interest due to the abundant choices of materials with diverse structures and rich electronic characteristics. Although the common metal chalcogenide phases such as 2H and 1T have been intensively studied, many other unusual phases are rarely explored, and some of these show fascinating behaviors including superconductivity, ferroelectrics, ferromagnetism, etc. From this perspective, the unusual phases of metal chalcogenides and their characteristics, as well as potential applications are introduced. First, the unusual phases of metal chalcogenides from different classes, including transition metal dichalcogenides, magnetic element-based chalcogenides, and metal phosphorus chalcogenides, are discussed, respectively. Meanwhile, their excellent properties of different unusual phases are introduced. Then, the methods for producing the unusual phases are discussed, specifically, the stabilization strategies during the chemical vapor deposition process for the unusual phase growth are discussed, followed by an outlook and discussions on how to prepare the unusual phase metal dichalcogenides in terms of synthetic methodology and potential applications.

Reversible modification of ultra-broadband luminescence in transparent photonic materials through field-induced nanoscale structural transformation.

The development of integrated multifunctional materials with transparent characteristics meets the requirements of optoelectronics and communication. The coupling of stimuli-responsive materials has become a frequently considered strategy. Experimentalists not only search for photonic materials with excellent physical and chemical properties, but also pursue precise and reversible spectral modification. In this study, the luminescent center Ni2+ is artificially introduced into the transparent LiNbO3 nanoferroelectric photonic materials. The Ni2+ ion-based transparent photonic materials exhibit novel complete ultra-broadband emission in the whole near-infrared region. Until now, the ultra-broadband emission was realized by codoping of several active doping ions. In addition, the emission intensity and wavelength of the luminescent center are modified accurately and reversibly by field-induced nanoscale structural transformation. The Ni2+ ion-based transparent nanoferroelectric photonic materials provide an easy way to develop tunable lasers and ultra-broadband optical amplifiers.

Mild to moderate blepharoptosis correction: Outcomes of levator aponeurosis posterior layer plication.

Conventional levator aponeurosis plication is a widely accepted technique for correction of mild to moderate ptosis. However, this method is associated with a high recurrence rate. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of levator aponeurosis posterior layer plication technique for correction of mild to moderate ptosis.A convenience sampling approach was used to recruit 450 patients with mild to moderate blepharoptosis at the Guangzhou Eye-Nose-Face Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Hospital between August, 2015 and December, 2017. All participants were treated with levator aponeurosis posterior layer plication technique. The primary outcome was the postoperative change in marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1). The paired t test was used to determine the clinical efficacy. Outcomes were assessed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.The mean preoperative MRD1 was 1.7 ±â€Š0.5 mm, and the mean postoperative MRD1 at 6-month follow-up was 3.7 ±â€Š0.4 mm (P < .0001). According to the postoperative survey, 427 (94.9%) patients were satisfied with surgical outcomes.This modified levator aponeurosis plication technique is a simple and effective procedure for correction of mild to moderate blepharoptosis. It results in good MRD1 and high patient satisfaction.

Exceptional modulation of upconversion and downconversion near-infrared luminescence in Tm/Yb-codoped ferroelectric nanocomposite by nanoscale engineering.

The emission properties of lanthanide ions have been extensively investigated for their interesting physical processes and enormous applications. Conventional strategies have been used to modify luminescence properties such as temperature, pressure, and modifying components. However, the traditional methods are volatile and irreversible, which is unconducive for some optoelectronic applications. In this article, the electromechanical softness of the ferroelectric lattice is employed, which makes the strong coupling relationship between the electric field and the photonic properties of lanthanide ions. The emission intensity of the Tm3+:3H4-4H6 and 3F4-4H6 transitions was exceptionally enhanced by 2.6 and 3.2 times via ferroelectric polarization, respectively. Meanwhile, the luminescence response presents excellent reversibility and nonvolatility. This study provides a unique proposal for designing highly integrated stimuli-responsive photonic materials toward a variety of applications.

Effect of Notoginsenoside R1 on autologous adipose graft in rats.

Autologous fat particle transplantation has been widely used by surgeons. The present study evaluated the effect of Notoginsenoside R1 (NR1) treatment on rat autologous fat graft, along with the quality and retention rates. Male Sprague­Dawley rats (n=60) received fat particle auto­transplantation from the left abdominal cavity into lateral dorsum. A total of 14 days after surgery, NR1 in different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) was injected into rats, following which blood and fat graft samples were harvested at days 7, 14 and 28. Assessments were carried out by hematoxylin and eosin staining, western blotting, ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The survival rate of fat grafts was increased in three experimental groups, as detected by weight measurement. Histological scoring demonstrated that there were significant differences in tissue integrity between the 100 mg/kg/day group and the other 3 groups. hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, angiotensin and S100 levels in the 100 mg/kg/day NR1 group was increased compared with the other 2 treatment groups; however, all 3 treatment groups demonstrated increased expression of these proteins compared with the control group. Additionally, cluster of differentiation (CD)68 exhibited negative expression and CD31 showed weakly positive expression in all three experiments, as assessed by IHC. In conclusion, 100 mg/kg/day NR1 may potentially promote the retention rate and enhance the quality of autologous fat grafts via increasing vascularity in the recipient site. These results implicate NR1 as a therapeutic strategy for the improvement of outcome following fat graft surgery.

Retrospective Analysis of the Effect of Hering's Law on Outcomes of Surgical Correction of Ptosis.

INTRODUCTION: Several factors may influence aesthetic outcomes of ptosis surgery, especially in patients with asymmetrical ptosis. We retrospectively assessed the effect of Hering's law on surgical outcomes of patients with asymmetrical ptosis. METHODS: Patients with mild to moderate asymmetrical ptosis (N = 300) who underwent advancement or plication of upper eyelid aponeurosis between January 2014 and July 2016 were enrolled. Fifty patients (group A) underwent surgery without taking into consideration the impact of Hering's law. Of these, 35 patients with unilateral ptosis (subgroup A1) underwent standard surgery on the contralateral side, whereas 15 patients with bilateral ptosis (subgroup A2) were first operated on the milder side followed by the more severely affected side.In 250 patients (group B), surgery was performed taking cognizance of the implications of Hering's law. These included 100 patients with unilateral ptosis (B1) and 150 with bilateral ptosis (B2). Difference in bilateral palpebral fissure symmetry by less than 0.5 mm was considered as satisfactory outcome. RESULTS: Duration of postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 24 months. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved over 60% of patients in group A (A1, 60.6%; A2, 66.67%) and in 96% of patients in group B (B1, 95%; B2, 96.67%). Patients with unsatisfactory outcomes underwent repair according to Hering's law after 3 months and obtained good results. CONCLUSIONS: Application of Hering's law may improve outcomes of corrective surgery in patients with asymmetric ptosis.

Aponeurosis of the levator palpebrae superioris in Chinese subjects: A live gross anatomy and cadaveric histological study.

An accurate understanding of the anatomy of the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis (LPSA) is critical for successful blepharoplasty of aponeurotic ptosis. We investigated the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the LPSA.This prospective live gross anatomy study enrolled 200 adult Chinese patients with bilateral mild ptosis undergoing elective blepharoplasty. Full-thick eyelid tissues and sagittal sections from the eyelid skin to the conjunctiva were examined with Masson trichrome staining or antismooth muscle actin (SMA) immunohistochemistry.Gross anatomy showed that the space between the superficial and deep layers of the LPSA could be accessed after incising the overlying superficial fascia, by retracting the white line. Adipose layers were clearly observed in 195 out of 200 patients with bilateral mild ptosis, among which 180 cases had the superficial layer connected to the uncoated adipose. Fifteen cases had the superficial layer connected to the smoothly coated layer, and 5 cases had the superficial layer directly connected to the deep loose fiber, almost without adipose. In previously untreated patients, the LPSA space was located beneath the intact orbital septum. In those with previous surgeries, it was beneath the superficial layer of the LPSA, underlying the destructed orbital septum. Cadaveric histology showed that the deep layer of the LPSA extended into the anterior layer of the tarsal plate and the superficial layer reflexed upward in continuity with the vertical orbital septum. An occult space existed between the 2 layers of the LPSA, with a smooth lining on the deep layer. The superficial layer of the LPSA was SMA-immunonegative but the deep layer was slightly immunopositive for SMA. An occult anatomic space exists between the superficial and deep layers of the LPSA, in proximity to the superior tarsal plate margin. Recognition of the more anatomically significant LPSA deep layer may help improve the aesthetic outcome of blepharoplasty.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway is involved in pingyangmycin­induced growth inhibition, apoptosis and reduction of invasive potential in EOMA mouse hemangioendothelioma cells.

Pingyangmycin (PYM), a glycopeptide antibiotic, has been recommended as a stand treatment for hemangioma. However, the underlying mechanisms of its anti­tumor effects have remained elusive. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of PYM on the biological behavior of the EOMA mouse hemangioendothelioma cell line and investigate the possible mechanisms. The effects of PYM on EOMA cell viability were determined by an MTT assay, apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometric analysis, and cell invasion ability was determined using a Transwell invasion assay. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism of action of PYM, the expression of angiogenic signaling proteins was determined by western blot analysis. PYM treatment (0.5­500 µg/ml) inhibited cell growth in a time- and dose­dependent manner. PYM at 100 µg/ml significantly induced apoptosis and reduced the invasive ability of EOMA cells. Effects of PYM on cell viability, apoptosis and invasion ability were completely blocked by co­treatment with phosphoinositide 3­kinase (PI3K) activator insulin­like growth factor­1 (IGF­1). Furthermore, treatment with PYM reduced the expression of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt. In conclusion, the present study indicated that the PI3K/Akt pathway is likely to be involved in the anti-cancer effects of PYM on EOMA cells.

[Check ligament suspension for correction of congenital severe blepharoptosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical result of check ligament suspension for correction of congenital severe blepharoptosis. METHODS: Since Jan. 2010 to Nov. 2010, 15 eyes in 15 cases with congenital severe blepharoptosis were treated with the check ligament suspension. Palpebral aponeurosis was exposure by opening fascia palpebral during blepharoplasty. Palpebral aponeurosis was cut off about 5 mm above the tarsus. The check ligament was seen in the intermuscular space between the segment of levator and the anterior one third of superior rectus attached to the conjunctival fornix. Congenital blepharoptosis could be corrected by suturing the check ligament and levator palpebrae superior to the upper margin of tarsal plate with 3-0 silk thread. Double eyelid plasty was carried out in the end. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 3-11 months with good cosmetic result. All the cases could close their eyes in 15 to 30 days with no complication. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this technique is quite successful in raising the level of the upper eyelid in severe congenital blepharoptosis. The check ligament moves in a similar direction as the natural movement of levator muscle, so both the postoperative static and dynamic appearance of the upper lid is more natural.