Search

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical application of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for anterior uveitis in dogs. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURES Client-owned dogs presenting with anterior uveitis and clinically healthy dogs were enrolled in this study. Included eyes were divided into 5 groups by flare grade and 3 groups by cell grade through slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Each eye was examined using SD-OCT following slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The ratio of aqueous signal intensity to air signal intensity, which is called the aqueous-to-air relative intensity (ARI) index, was used to evaluate the flare grade. Cell number, central corneal thickness (CCT), and the presence of keratic precipitates (KPs) were analyzed on SD-OCT. The OCT parameters, including ARI index, cell number, and CCT, were compared to the slit-lamp clinical flare and cell grade. RESULTS Thirty-six eyes with anterior uveitis and 27 healthy eyes were enrolled. The ARI index showed a significant correlation with clinical flare grade (rs = 0.811, p

Objective To confirm the feasibility of visualizing upper and lower proximal lacrimal canaliculi (LC) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Animals studied Eight eyes of four normal Beagle dogs. Procedures To obtain an upper proximal LC image, the head was turned in the opposite direction to the eye being imaged, and the medial part of the upper eyelid was everted to expose the LC. To obtain a lower LC image, the lower eyelid was everted just below the punctum. Using "angle mode", the scan line was placed parallel on the long axis of the LC. The inlet LC width (LCW) was measured. Artificial tears (AT) were instilled, and LCW was compared before and after AT instillation. Additionally, the return time to the initial LCW inlet width was recorded. Results Before AT instillation, there was a significant difference between the mean upper and lower LCW (91.8 ± 3.2 µm and 110.1 ± 8.4 µm, respectively). After AT instillation, the mean upper and lower LCW were 236.9 ± 27.7 µm and 238.4 ± 30.4 µm, respectively. Significant differences in the LCW before and after AT instillation in both the upper and lower LCWs were observed. The mean return time of the upper and lower LCW to their initial widths after AT instillation was within 4 min. Conclusions Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was an effective method for providing high-resolution images of the upper and lower proximal LC. This method enables observation of LC changes after instillation of eyedrops in veterinary clinical practice.

We demonstrated the thermally robust reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) papers and their application in electromagnetic interference shielding. In order to overcome the thermal durability shortcomings of electromagnetic wave shielding paper based on rGO nanomaterial, rGO/BNNT electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding paper having excellent thermal durability could be manufactured using BNNT nanomaterials having excellent chemical and thermal stability at high temperature. With the addition of a little BNNT, the durability against temperature can be increased by more than two times while there is little reduction in EMI performance.

Objective To evaluate the clinical relevance of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with three different rebound tonometers in an ex vivo analysis and clinical trials in dogs. Animals and procedures Ex vivo analysis and clinical trials were performed separately. For the ex vivo analysis, eight enucleated eyes were obtained from four Beagle dogs. IOP values measured with TONOVET® (TV‐IOP), TONOVET‐Plus® (TVP‐IOP), and SW‐500® (SW‐IOP) were compared with manometric IOPs. For clinical trials, each tonometer was evaluated separately, depending on whether TVP‐IOP was higher or lower than 14 mm Hg. One‐way repeatedmeasures analysis of variance, simple linear regression analysis, and Bland‐Altman plots were used for statistical analyses. Results In ex vivo analysis, TV‐IOP and TVP‐IOP were not significantly different from manometric IOP. However, SW‐IOP underestimated IOP compared to manometry. Higher discrepancy was observed in TV‐IOP and SW‐IOP with an increase in manometric IOP. In clinical trials, no significant difference was observed between TV‐IOP (9.73 ± 2.92) and TVP‐IOP (11.36 ± 2.23) when TVP‐IOP was lower than 14 mm Hg, but SW‐IOP (8.70 ± 3.03) was significantly lower than TVP‐IOP. TV‐IOP (15.96 ± 6.47) and SW‐IOP (13.09 ± 3.72) were significantly lower than TVP‐IOP (20.08 ± 6.60) when the IOP was higher than 14 mm Hg of TVP‐IOP. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the TONOVET® and TONOVET‐Plus® provide a useful approach for ex vivo analysis. In clinical trials, results of TV‐IOP and SW‐IOP were significantly lower than of TVP‐IOP when IOP was higher than 14 mm Hg of TVP‐IOP. The characteristics of rebound tonometers should be considered in clinical settings.

Environmentally friendly metal oxide quantum dot (QD) nanostructures have become attractive alternative materials for replacing QDs containing toxic elements of Cd and Pb. Although many attempts have been proposed for optoelectronic applications of hybrid metal oxide QDs with tailored opto-electronic properties, the fabrication of heterogeneous QD–fullerene hybrids as an emissive material has been studied little for optoelectronic devices. Herein, we report the preparation of ZnO–fullerene C70 (ZnO–C70) QDs by a facile chemical reaction with a zero length linker and demonstrate whitish light-emitting diodes by fullerene induced multicolor emission from the ZnO–C70 QD heterostructure. The electroluminescence (EL) is attributed to three new emission features in the visible region that originate from the electron transitions from three split lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels of C70 molecules to the valence band of ZnO QDs. Compared with photoluminescence, the EL emission was red-shifted by 50–130 meV due to the interaction between ZnO–C70 QDs in the solid state. The energy levels of C70 were also suitably aligned to those of ZnO QDs with a lower electron transfer barrier of 0.22 eV, which offers an advantageous route for electron transport. Consequently, the environmentally friendly ZnO–C70 QDs with extraordinary properties promise great potential for use as novel encapsulating materials in the field of opto-electronic applications adopting QDs.

Background Dry eye disease (DED) cannot be diagnosed by a single test because it is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface. Although studies on various dry eye tests (DETs) in dogs have been reported, standard criteria have not been established except for the Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1). Objectives To establish reference values for DETs in dogs with normal STT-1 values (≥ 15 mm/min) and to analyze the correlation between DETs. Methods The STT-1 was performed in 10 healthy Beagle dogs (20 eyes). After 20 min, interferometry (IF) for estimating the lipid layer thickness (LLT) of the tear film, tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), and meibomian gland loss rate of the upper eyelid (MGLRU) and lower eyelid (MGLRL), were measured using an ocular surface analyzer. Results Mean values for STT-1, TMH, and NIBUT were as follows: 21.7 ± 3.4 mm/min, 0.41 ± 0.21 mm, and 19.1 ± 9.5 sec, respectively. The most frequent LLT range, measured by IF, was 30-80 nm (11 eyes), followed by 80 nm (5 eyes) and 80-140 nm (4 eyes). MGLRU ≤ 25% was measured in 11 eyes and 26%-50% in 9 eyes; MGLRL ≤ 25% in 8 eyes and 26%-50% in 12 eyes. Besides positive correlation between TMH and NIBUT (P = 0.038), there were no significant associations between DETs. Conclusions Data obtained in this study provided normative references that could be useful for diagnosing DED and for further research into correlation between DETs in dogs with DED.

Objective To investigate the relationship between topical administration of flurbiprofen plus corticosteroids versus corticosteroids alone following phacoemulsification and the development of postoperative glaucoma in dogs. Animal studied Thirty-eight/eighty-three (45.8%) eyes were prescribed topical flurbiprofen plus corticosteroids immediately postop while 45/83 (54.2%) eyes received topical corticosteroids alone. Procedures Logistic regression models were performed to analyze the relationship between topical flurbiprofen and development of glaucoma and to predict potential risk factors for postoperative glaucoma occurrence. Results Eighty-three eyes (65 dogs) were included. The mean age at surgery was 8.2 years, with even gender distribution. Increasing age at the time of surgery significantly increased the probability of postoperative glaucoma occurrence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.344, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.093-1.652; p = 0.005). Glaucoma occurred in 17/83 (20.5%) eyes; of these, 15/38 (39.5%) and 2/45 (4.4%) eyes were prescribed topical flurbiprofen plus corticosteroids and topical corticosteroids alone, respectively. Immediate postoperative use of topical flurbiprofen was significantly associated with an increased probability of postoperative glaucoma occurrence (OR = 19.183 [95% CI 3.367-109.286], p = 0.001). Conclusions Immediate postoperative use of topical flurbiprofen was a potential predisposing risk factor for the development of glaucoma following phacoemulsification. Restriction of postoperative use of topical flurbiprofen might decrease the possibility of postoperative glaucoma development in dogs.

Herein, we demonstrate that two-dimensional (2D) CdSeS quantum dot monolayers (QDM) can strongly influence efficient charge transport and charge separation, improving the performance of inverted polymer solar cells (iPSCs). Also, for the first time we report the electronic band structure of CdSeS and CdSeS@ZnS QDs and an effective approach to apply the 2D QDM as an effective electron transport layer in iPSCs from work function studies. The iPSCs with the 2D CdSeS QDM showed maximum power conversion efficiencies of 8.83%, which were 26% higher than the reference. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements were performed to confirm the charge separation and electron transport behavior in the iPSCs with 2D QDMs. The PL decay time of the iPSCs with the CdSeS QDM at 720 nm was ∼60 ps, which is much faster than that of the iPSCs without the 2D QDM. The enhanced photovoltaic performance of the iPSCs with the 2D CdSeS QDM can be attributed to the effective charge separation and electron transport performance due to the high built-in voltage and fast exciton decay time from the 2D QDM.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been extensively used as a hole transport layer in many inverted polymer solar cell devices. However, its potential as an electron transport layer in a solar cell device has rarely been reported. In this paper, we demonstrate an iPSC with enhanced photovoltaic performance by the introduction of a MoS2 nanosheet (NS) interlayer. Herein, MoS2 NS thin films were uniformly deposited on a polyethylenimine ethoxylated polymer by an electrostatic interaction. The MoS2 NS interlayer in the iPSC device plays important roles as a sub-photo sensitizer and an electron transport layer and provides effective charge separation for the enhancement of device performance. iPSCs with MoS2 NSs based on bulk heterojunction active materials such as P3HT:PC60BM, PTB7:PC71BM and PTB7-Th:PC71BM showed maximum power conversion efficiencies of 3.54%, 8.12%, and 9.08%, respectively, which were 27%, 11%, and 15% higher than those of the reference, respectively. Furthermore, the enhanced photovoltaic performance and electron transport mechanism of the iPSCs with the MoS2 NSs were confirmed experimentally using finite-difference-time-domain modeling and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements. The computational simulation results showed that the light absorption of the iPSCs with the MoS2 NS interlayer was slightly better than that of the iPSCs without the MoS2 NS interlayer. The electron decay time of PTB7:PC71BM with the MoS2 NS interlayer at a wavelength of 700 nm was reduced to 60 ps from 100 ps of PTB7:PC71BM without the MoS2 NS interlayer. The efficient light absorption and electron transfer characteristics of MoS2 NSs significantly improved the photovoltaic conversion performance of the iPSC devices.

Hybrid organic-Red-Green-Blue (RGB) color quantum dots were incorporated into consolidated p(polymer)-i(RGB quantum dots)-n(small molecules) junction structures to fabricate a single active layer for a light emitting diode device for white electroluminescence. The semiconductor RGB quantum dots, as an intrinsic material, were electrostatically bonded between functional groups of the p-type polymer organic material core surface and the n-type small molecular organic material shell surface. The ZnCdSe/ZnS and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots distributed uniformly and isotropically surrounding the polymer core which in turn was surrounded by small molecular organic materials. In the present study, we have identified the mechanisms of chemical synthesis and interactions of the p-i-n junction nanocell structure through modeling studies by DFT calculations. We have also investigated optical, structural and electrical properties along with the carrier transport mechanism of the light emitting diodes which have a single active layer of consolidated p-i-n junction nanocells for white electroluminescence.

Transparent human hair-based textiles, which are founded on a natural resource, have been fabricated by an electrospinning technique. Transparent human hair-based textiles are very useful for transparent wearable electronics because they have unique optical properties in the visible light region such as transparency of over ∼85%. In order to apply wearable electronic devices with transparent textiles, we fabricated sandwich structures with transparent flexible light emitting diodes (LEDs) embedded in transparent nanofiber textile utilizing ZnO@graphene quantum dots (ZGQDs) and demonstrated the fabrication process and characterization of ZGQD LEDs with textiles. We believe that these results will inspire new methods in wearable electronics and raise the hope of achieving even higher efficiencies by means of development and control of transparent textile ordering.

The characteristics of a flexible write-once-read-many-times (WORM) memory fabricated with monolayered 0-dimensional (0D) CdSe–ZnS quantum dots (QDs) layers sandwiched between two insulating 2-dimensional (2D) hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) multilayers were investigated by electrical measurement method. The hBN/QDs monolayer/hBN structure was fabricated in a vertical stacked structure using a technique which control the formation of the QDs monolayer. QDs monolayer was formed by electrostatic interaction between the negative charge group on the CdSe–ZnS QDs surface and the positive charge group on the hBN surface. The device has a WORM characteristic due to the presence of QDs in the current-voltage (I–V) measurement. When a bias is applied, carriers were initially trapped by tunneling due to the QDs and then a conductive filament was formed in the hBN, which were not detrapped and exhibit characteristics of write-once-read-many-times memory. The maximum ON/OFF ratio of the current for the devices was as large as 4 × 10, and the endurance was 5 × 104 cycles, and a retention time was larger than 1 × 105 s. In order to explain the carrier transport mechanism and conductive filament of the WORM memory device caused by QDs, it through various methods such as I–V fitting data, simulation, and conductive AFM. Unlike the conventional conductive filament mechanism, through random diffusion such as Ag filament, the Au/hBN/QD/hBN/ITO/PET structures implemented a consistent conductive filament using Au metal and QDs active layer.

Optoelectronic devices with dual-function consisting of LEDs and OBDs, both containing ZnO QDs dispersed in a hybrid poly N-vinylcarbazole (PVK) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymer layer, were fabricated on indium-tin-oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates using a simple spin-coating technique. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the ZnO QDs were distributed around the PVK and the PMMA. The laminated devices showed the electroluminescence of LEDs and the electrical bistabilities of OBDs. To make the OBDs into the LEDs, a PEDOT:PSS hole injection layer and a PVK hole transport layer were inserted between the active layers and the electrodes, respectively. Luminescence mechanisms of the LEDs and operating mechanisms of the OBDs are described on the basis of the experimental results.

Both the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have announced a ban against the use of anchored putters that went into effect at the start of the 2016 season. However, the benefit of an anchored putter has been debated but never tested. The purpose of this study was to determine if the anchored putter aids players in making more accurate putts. Twenty-four (9 male and 15 female) novice and 14 expert male participants putted with both a standard length putter and a long belly anchored putter 1 m and 4 m away from the hole. Novices produced a shorter back swing and controlled the putter head velocity more accurately with the belly putter compared with the standard putter. Therefore, while long term practice effect is yet to be determined, a short-term benefit of using a belly putter was found.

A new way to simultaneously grow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ultrathin graphite on copper (Cu) foils has been investigated. This one-step growth process yields three-dimensional networks of CNTs on graphitic layers (3D CNTs/G) on Cu foils. Their synthesis conditions and growth mechanism are discussed in detail taking their structural properties into account. Individual CNTs and the 3D CNTs/G networks by means of an in-situ conductive atomic force microscope inside a scanning electron microscope are electrically characterized. Time-resolved photoluminescence demonstrated fast charge transfer and high carrier collection efficiency superior to two-dimensional ultrathin graphite only. Their facile and tunable growth and excellent electrical properties show that the 3D CNTs/G are strongly attractive for various applications such as solar cells, sensors, supercapacitors, photovoltaics, power generation, and optoelectronics. ispartof: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS vol:9 issue:1 ispartof: location:England status: published

The purpose of this study was to develop effective dental hygiene chews for cats based on the anatomical features of the dentition and patterns of chewing motion. All cats were volunteered for dental prophylaxis followed by dental impressions using yellow stone and alginate under general anesthesia. Twenty parameters related to dentition were defined in order to compare dental impressions using digital caliper. For the chewing motion study, patterns of chewing motion were identified based on recordings made with a digital camera. Ten cats (4 domestic shorthairs, 2 Russian blues, 1 American shorthair, 1 Persian, 1 Turkish Angora, and 1 Devon Rex) were recruited for the study. The parameters related to teeth and oral size were similar among the studied cats. Chewing motion can be described as more of a guillotine-like motion rather than a crushing motion, with cats chewing 3-7 times before swallowing. The chewing pattern of cats involves shearing for a short period of time followed by immediate swallowing. Therefore, the overall size of the dental hygiene chew could be determined based on the measurement of the oral size for inducing chewing. The surface details of the dental hygiene chew could be designed for prevention and removal of dental calculus and plaque in cats considering the anatomical teeth parameters. Dental hygiene chews customized for cats considering the different anatomical features of their teeth might be effective for oral care.

Achieving perfect light absorption at a subwavelength-scale thickness has various advantageous in terms of cost, flexibility, weight, and performance for many different applications. However, obtaining perfect absorbers covering a wide range of wavelengths regardless of incident angle and input polarization without a complicated patterning process while maintaining a small thickness remains a challenge. In this paper, we demonstrate flat, lithography-free, ultrahigh omnidirectional, polarization-independent, broadband absorbers through effective dispersion engineering. The proposed absorbers show day-integrated solar energy absorption up to 96%, which is 32% better than with lossy semiconductor/metal absorbers. The proposed simple yet effective method can be applied to light absorption thin film structures based on various types of highly lossy semiconductor materials, including emerging 2D materials.

Electrospinning used to fabricate eco-friendly, transparent, human hair-based nanofibers (NFs) using natural resources such as keratin (which is found in hair, wool, feather, nails, and horns). These NF-based textiles are very useful in making transparent, wearable electronics, as they possess unique optical properties in the visible light regions, such as transparency exceeding 85%. The resulting environmentally friendly, hair-based NFs were investigated through various methods. In order to study transparent property of optically transparent NFs for applying transparent wearable devices, we fabricated transparent flexible consolidated sandwich structures embedded in NF textiles with polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs). The devices exhibit the fabrication process and characterization of consolidated textiles and PLEDs by using various color emission type of polymer. Also, we investigated a comparison between PLEDs without textiles and consolidated PLEDs with textile. When used white, red, and yellow polymer in this consolidated textile/LEDs/textile structures, the performances of device was obtained from a spectrally white, red, and yellow color light with a maximum luminance of 2781, 2430, and 6305 cd/m 2 at 13, 11, and 10 V, respectively. The LED characteristics of the consolidated PLEDs with textile maintained similar device efficiencies of PLEDs without textiles.

The tungsten oxide nonvolatile memory devices were fabricated using the photothermal in-situ oxidation method. The photothermal in-situ oxidation method can monitor the oxidation process in real time. Raman spectra revealed that tungsten oxides were formed by thermal oxidation. The ON/OFF ratio of the current bistability for the device was as large as ~ 102 at a 2 V reading voltage, and the cycling endurance of the ON/OFF switching for the devices was stable without noticeable degradation. Memory mechanisms for device are described using fitted the I–V curves.

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has drawn great attention for its versatile applications in electronics and photonics, and precise estimation of its thickness is critical in many situations. We propose a rapid and broad range (10–500 nm) in situ thickness estimation method for transparent hBN and SiO2 layers on the Si substrate using Raman peak intensity ratios at two wavenumbers and optical microscopy image analysis. We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate our method for a wide range of hBN layer thicknesses, and the estimated results show excellent agreement with the measured results with a percentile estimation error of 2.5%.

We demonstrate the ZnO@graphene core@shell quantum dot (ZGQDs) fabricated by selectively engineering of oxygenated functional groups on the graphene shells with eco-friendly keratin textile for transparent and flexible UV photodetector devices. The ZGQDs with the octylamine (ZGQDs-OA) and the graphene sheet were employed as an active material and an electron transport channel. The functional groups on the surrounding graphene shell in ZGQDs were passivated by the OA, resulting in a good absorbance in UV light and excellent carrier transport properties. The passivation of the functional groups on the graphene shell by OA drastically enhanced the photocurrent. Optical transmittance of the ZGQDs-OA/graphene sheets/PMMA/keratin nanofiber textile composites structures was approximately 77% at the visible spectrum range. Current–voltage (I-V) and current–time (I-t) measurements on the UV photodetector under illumination state in bending condition exhibited the excellent ON/OFF switching states and stability. The photosensitivity and responsivity of the photodetector with ZGQDs-OA were found to be around 13.10 and 68.64 μAmW−1, respectively, which is much higher than that without the passivation. The improved performance of the photodetector with ZGQDs-OA could be attributed to the efficient electron transport to the electrode by the passivation of the graphene on ZnO QDs.

Video display of a model has been widely used as an observational learning tool; yet, the use of patch-light techniques that can highlight key features of motion has been seldom used. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of patch-light display for use in observational learning of the golf swing. Twenty-two novice golf participants were randomly assigned to three groups: video, patchlight, and control. Each participant performed 100 golf pitch shots, and 20 shots 24 hours later (retention). After each 10 shots, participants observed a recorded model perform 10 shots either in traditional video or patch-light format, or waited for a brief time period (control). Participants did not observe the model during retention. The patch-light group was neither more accurate nor more consistent than the video group or control. We believe that the familiarity of the task may have overridden any observational learning effect.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute occlusion of the ICA is often associated with poor outcomes and severe neurologic deficits. This study was conducted to evaluate outcome of the occluded ICA and efficacy of recanalization under protective flow arrest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute ICA occlusion were identified from the prospectively collected data base. We assessed NIHSS(o), occlusion type (cardioembolism vs atherosclerosis), occlusion level (supraclinoid-terminal, petrocavernous, or bulb-cervical), recanalization degree (TICI), and efficacy of recanalization (protective flow arrest vs nonprotection) leading to better outcome. RESULTS: Successful recanalization (TICI ≥ 2) was obtained in 90% of patients and good recovery (mRS ≤ 2) in 60% of patients. Good outcome was related to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission (P < .001), TICI (P < .007), occlusion type (P = .022), and occlusion level (P = .038). Poor initial patient status, less recanalization, cardioembolism, and supraclinoid-terminal occlusion were associated with poor prognosis. Application of protective flow arrest led to better outcome in the distal ICA segment than in the bulb-cervical segment. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the initial patient status and successful recanalization, the occlusion level or type of the occluded ICA could affect clinical outcome. In this study, treatment benefits of protective flow arrest were accentuated in patients with ICA occlusion above the bulb-cervical segment.

When standing sideways to the ball, it becomes very difficult to see the veridical line of putt to the target and players often misread the direction. The purpose of the study was to determine if using a line on the ball aids putting. Twenty-four expert and twenty-four novice players each made a total of 40 putts, 10 putts each with and without using a line on the ball at distances of 1 m and 4 m away from the hole. When using a line on the ball, players were asked to stay behind the ball, align the ball line toward the target line, and then make the putt. Using a ball line did not aid in any aspects of putting including bias, accuracy, and consistency. In addition, experts who use ball line neither align nor perform better than those who do not use the ball line.

We discuss subwavelength-scale semiconductor metal-optic resonators placed on the metal substrate with various top metal plate sizes. Albeit with large optical losses, addition of metal layers converts a leaky semiconductor nano-block into a highly-confined optical cavity. Optically pumped lasing action is observed with the extended top metal layer that can significantly suppress the radiation losses. Careful investigation of self-heating effects during the optical carrier injection process shows the importance of temperature-dependent material properties in the laser rate equation model and the overall laser performances.

Optofluidic manipulation mechanisms have been successfully applied to micro/nano-scale assembly and handling applications in biophysics, electronics, and photonics. Here, we extend the laser-based optofluidic microbubble manipulation technique to achieve hybrid integration of compound semiconductor microdisk lasers on the silicon photonic circuit platform. The microscale compound semiconductor block trapped on the microbubble surface can be precisely assembled on a desired position using photothermocapillary convective flows induced by focused laser beam illumination. Strong light absorption within the micro-scale compound semiconductor object allows real-time and on-demand microbubble generation. After the assembly process, we verify that electromagnetic radiation from the optically-pumped InGaAsP microdisk laser can be efficiently coupled to the single-mode silicon waveguide through vertical evanescent coupling. Our simple and accurate microbubble-based manipulation technique may provide a new pathway for realizing high precision fluidic assembly schemes for heterogeneously integrated photonic/electronic platforms as well as microelectromechanical systems.

In this study, the movement of sediment particles around a bridge pier was investigated using the OpenFOAM software. The object is to track the transport of sediment particles and get insight of scour hole forming processes around bridge piers. A three dimensional hydrodynamic model coupling with fluid-particle transport over mobile bed, CFDEM coupling open source, was used in this study. The motion of particles was resolved using a discrete element model (DEM), and the flow field was simulated by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. To verify the simulated results of scour depth, experiments were conducted in an open channel flume by using a high speed camera. Flow velocity was obtained around the piers after processing the images captured by the camera. To verify the simulated results, the experiment data were compared with the simulated results of sediment transport and scour depth. This integrated numerical and experimental study allows the authors to investigate sediment dynamic at the particle scale.

Optical feedback mechanisms are often obtained from well-defined resonator structures fabricated by top-down processes. Here, we demonstrate that two-dimensional networks of metallic nanowires dispersed on the semiconductor slab can provide strong in-plane optical feedback and, thus, form randomly-distributed Fabry-Pérot-type resonators that can achieve multi- or single-mode lasing action in the near infrared wavelengths. Albeit with their subwavelength-scale cross-sections and uncontrolled inter-nanowire distances, a cluster of nearly parallel metal nanowires acts as an effective in-situ reflector for the semiconductor-metal slab waveguide modes for coherent optical feedback in the lateral direction. Fabry-Pérot type resonance can be readily developed by a pair of such clusters coincidentally formed in the solution-processed random nanowire network. Our low-cost and large-area approach for opportunistic random cavity formation would open a new pathway for integrated planar light sources for low-coherence imaging and sensing applications.

Organic bistable devices (OBDs) fabricated utilizing CuInS2 (CIS)/ZnS core–shell-type quantum dots (QDs) blended with a poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) layer were fabricated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates by using a spin-coating technique. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the CIS/ZnS QDs were distributed over the surface of the PVK layer. Current–voltage (I–V) curves for the Al/PVK + [CIS/ZnS QDs]/ITO/PET devices at 300 K showed that the maximum ON/OFF ratio of the current bistability for the OBDs was as large as 3.9 × 104. Memory mechanisms for the OBDs fabricated on PET substrates are described on the basis of the I–V results.

Organic bistable devices (OBDs) based on [6,6]-phenyl-C85 butyric acid methyl ester ([84]PCBM) embedded in a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) layer were fabricated by using a simple spin-coating technique. Atomic force microscope images showed that the surface roughness of the [84]PCBM:PMMA composite layer was uniform. Current density–voltage curves for the memory device showed a current bistability. The maximum ON/OFF ratio of the current bistability of the OBDs was as large as 10 3 . Write–read–erase–read characteristics showed OBDs with rewriteable nonvolatile memories, and the retention time of the OBDs was about 10 4 s. The ON state and the OFF state for 20 randomly-chosen cells demonstrated the high reproducibility of the fabricated OBDs.

The theory of direct perception suggests that observers can accurately judge the mass of a box picked up by a lifter shown in a point-light display. However, accurate perceptual performance may be limited to specific circumstances. The purpose of the present study was to systematically examine the factors that determine perception of mass, including display type, lifting speed, response type, and lifter's strength. In contrast to previous research, a wider range of viewing manipulations of point-light display conditions was investigated. In Experiment 1, we first created a circumstance where observers could accurately judge lifts of five box masses performed by a lifter of average strength. In Experiments 2–5, we manipulated the spatial and temporal aspects of the lift, the judgement type, and lifter's strength, respectively. Results showed that mass judgement gets worse whenever the context deviates from ideal conditions, such as when only the lifted object was shown, when video play speed was changed, or when lifters of different strength performed the same task. In conclusion, observers’ perception of kinetic properties is compromised whenever viewing conditions are not ideal.

This research is concerned with the application of the active linear actuator to the active vibration control of structure. The active linear actuator will be mounted on the sub-frame so that it can cancel the excitation transferred from the engine. Accelerometer mounted on the sub-frame detects the vibration and its signal is fed into the DSP controller where the control algorithm is installed. The output of the DSP controller is connected to the driver which amplifies the DSP output. In general, the pulse width modulation power amplifier is used to drive the voice-coil type actuator. This study shows the dynamic characteristics of the active linear actuator and active vibration control experimental results.

We present details of a 1×4 angled multimode interferometer (de)multiplexer, integrated with a microdisk laser as a demonstration of the way in which the compound semiconductor lasers can be coupled to silicon devices for a multitude of applications.

We discuss the rapid in situ hydrothermal synthesis of metal oxide materials based on the photothermal superheating of light-absorbing metal layers for simple and facile on-demand placement of semiconductor materials with micrometer-scale lateral resolution. Localized heating from pulsed and focused laser illumination enables ultrafast growth of metal oxide materials with high spatiotemporal precision in aqueous precursor solution. Among many possible electronic and optoelectronic applications, the proposed method can be used for laser-based in situ real-time soldering of separated metal structures and electrodes with functionalized semiconductor materials. Resistive electrical interconnections of metal strip lines as well as sensitive UV detection using photohydrothermally grown metal oxide bumps are experimentally demonstrated.

JOPERD • Volume 77 No. 7 • September 2006 L ike those who hear the catch phrase on Donald Trump’s TV reality show The Apprentice, many coaches are hearing those dreaded words “You’re fi red!” On the reality show, the stakes are high because the eventual winner receives a position overseeing one of Trump’s multimillion-dollar business ventures and a six-fi gure salary. While the stakes for high school coaches may seem small in comparison, their jobs are arguably more signifi cant because of a coach’s ability to affect the lives and futures of the nation’s youths. American coaches’ jobs hinge on the results of competitive activities that are highly spontaneous and unpredictable (Edwards, 1973). “What makes the position of coach even more unique is the fact that these competitive activities are highly visible and the results of the competitions are publicly reported and discussed” (Coakley, 1994, p. 194). Though Coakley was referring to college coaches, we believe the analogy holds true for high school coaches as well. Of course, not all high school coaches face the same degree of pressure. Pressure to win may vary depending on factors such as the sport, school size, level of competition, school tradition, level of administrative support or community support, or the degree of parental involvement. In today’s hyper-competitive environment, parent-coach confrontations are becoming much more prevalent. Apparently parents think it is their right to have regular, sometimes inappropriate, contact with coaches. More often these confrontations go beyond their original intent, at times leading to violence. In Connecticut, the parent of a high school softball player clubbed the coach in the back of the head with an aluminum bat for suspending his daughter for missing a game. A few days before the Connecticut incident, a girls high school rugby coach in California was punched and kicked unconscious by a group of parents when the coach tried to break up a fi ght between a parent and a referee (Pennington, 2005). In Texas, a 45-year-old father, who had been barred from attending the local high school football games for shoving and verbally abusing his son’s coaches, critically wounded the head coach/athletics director at his son’s high school (CNN.com, 2005). It seems that a win-at-all-costs attitude has become common in high school athletics. Based on anecdotal reports, fans and parents often seem to have unrealistic expectations for the coaches of their children. Because the pressure seems to be increasing, it is important to closely examine patterns of nonrenewal and the reasons for it in high school coaching.

Similarities and differences with previous studies show the contemporary face of coaching pressure.

We demonstrate tungsten oxide semiconductor nanostructures fabricated by photothermal oxidation processes on the suspended metal nano-layer. The electrical conductivities of the nanobeam structures are measured against the temperature to validate their metal/semiconductor material properties.

We report room-temperature lasing from an optically pumped subwavelength-scale cylindrical InGaAsP pillar surrounded by circular Bragg reflectors on a metal substrate with a dielectric spacer layer. By taking advantage of wide in-plane photonic bandgaps and proper vertical antiresonances, three dielectric Bragg pairs produce a sufficient optical feedback capable of low threshold lasing from the fundamental TE011 mode. A large spontaneous emission coupling into the lasing mode is obtained from the cavity-enhanced Purcell effects and effective suppression of nonlasing modes.

We propose a modified nanopatch cavity with a cuboidal semiconductor sandwiched between extended metal planes. Experimental results show the quality factor of ~200 can be achieved with an effective mode volume of ~0.0064 cubic wavelength.

We report a photonic bandedge laser using subwavelength-scale pillars with a metal reflector plane bonded on the silicon substrate. Surface-emitting operation near the gamma point of the photonic band diagram is observed at 77 K.

We demonstrate room-temperature operation of a metallodielectric semiconductor laser with circular Bragg reflectors and a bottom metal plane. Experimental results show that the quality factor of ∼1300 and the effective threshold of 12 µW.

We report on the use of non-imaging reflectors to improve the collection efficiency of fluorescence detection systems. Half-sphere mirrors redirect the isotropic fluorescent emission toward the photodetector, and significantly enhance the fluorescence signal.

Residual force enhancement (RFE) is a term describing the observation that muscle tension during a contraction that includes a stretch and hold remains above that during an isometric contraction at the hold length. RFE has been observed during in vitro and in vivo experiments, but results involving voluntary contractions are mixed, particularly with respect to large muscles. The purpose of this study was to determine if RFE can be observed in large muscles such as knee extensors and flexors at joint configurations corresponding to the ascending and descending limbs of the muscle force–length curve. Two groups of twenty participants (ten males and ten females per group) performed maximum voluntary contractions on a Biodex machine in purely isometric conditions and in isometric conditions immediately following eccentric stretch. Knee extension trials were performed at 40° (short muscles) and 100° (long muscles) flexion from full extension (0°), and knee flexion trials were performed at 70° (short muscles) and 10° (long muscles) flexion. Stretch-isometric trials terminated at these angles following 30° of eccentric motion at 30°/s. Statistically-significant RFE was observed for both tasks at long-muscle joint configurations, but was not observed for either task at short-muscle joint configurations. Passive torque enhancement was also observed following muscle relaxation at long-muscle joint configurations for both tasks, but for only knee flexion at short-muscle joint configurations. These results reinforce for voluntary contractions of large muscles the RFE behavior observed in smaller muscles, and provide further evidence that RFE occurs primarily on the descending limb of the muscle force–length curve.

The purpose of this study was to determine the sources of visual information used by highly skilled tennis players in anticipating their opponent's shots. In Experiment 1, motion analysis of the strokes showed that the relative motion between the racquet and forearm was different between the ground strokes and lobs, but there were no reliable kinematic differences when shot direction was varied. In Experiment 2, 12 skilled tennis players observed the opponent hitting strokes in a normal video or in a point-light display with different segments occluded. Players' anticipation accuracy was not degraded by the use of the point-light display. Occluding the racquet and forearm significantly reduced the participant's ability to determine the type of stroke produced.

It has been shown that human observers can estimate the weight of a box from the observation of a point-light display of a lifting motion. We asked observers to report the weight of the box and the effort produced by five lifters ranging in size and strength to determine if observers can perceive lifter size. In experiment 1, five or six weights from each of five lifters were shown to fourteen observers in a random order. Observers showed less error in estimating the amount of effort each lifter produced than in estimating the actual weight of the box. In experiment 2, the lifters were presented individually to forty observers to remove any effect observing a previous lift might have had on estimating the subsequent lift by a different lifter. The results showed an improvement in estimated weight but not in estimated effort. In experiment 3, the actual size of the lifters was given to thirty-four observers, and the estimations of both weight and effort improved. In experiment 4, observers did not improve when observing practice trials and estimating either only weight or only effort. The results from the four experiments suggest that observers are more sensitive to lifter's effort than to the weight lifted, and that observers tend to use changes in the velocity profile of the lift when making their estimates.

Prior electromyographic (EMG) analyses of the tennis serve have focused on the muscles in the hitting arm and shoulder region. This preliminary study aimed to examine the muscle activation patterns of selected lower trunk muscles during three different types of tennis serve - flat, topspin, and slice. Five male highly skilled tennis players completed 10 trials for each type of serve. Surface EMG electrodes were used to monitor the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and lumbar erector spinae (ES) muscles. For each subject, the two trials with the highest self-reported ratings were analysed. Average EMG levels during each phase of a tennis serve for each muscle were analysed using a non-parametric ANOVA design. No major differences in muscle activation pattern were found across different serve types, and bilateral differences in muscle activation were more pronounced in RA and EO than in IO and ES muscles. The abdominal muscles were more active in the topspin than in the other two types of serves during the upward swing of the racket. An appreciable amount of abdominal/low back and bilateral co-activation was observed during certain phases of the serve. The co-activation of lower trunk muscles may help to stabilise the lumbar spine during the arch back and forward swing phases of the serve. The results reinforce the importance of abdominal and low back exercises in the strength and rehabilitation programs designed for tennis players.

We report a partially directional microdisk semiconductor laser with subwavelength-scale boundary perturbations for asymmetric backscattering of counterpropagating whispering gallery modes. Unlike the previous approaches based on optical bistability, the directionality and chirality of the laser modes can be fine-tuned and partially controlled by adjusting the dimension, shape, and relative positions of Rayleigh scatterers on the microdisk perimeter. The controlled directionality is investigated using numerical simulations and experiments for wavelength-scale microdisk resonators with an azimuthal mode number of 5.