Enhanced two-temperature model and its application in comprehensive analysis of femtosecond laser melting of gold, copper and their alloys.

Extensive research on ultrashort laser-induced melting of noble metals like Au, Ag and Cu is available. However, studies on laser energy deposition and thermal damage of their alloys, which are currently attracting interest for energy harvesting and storage devices, are limited. This study investigates the melting damage threshold (DT) of three intermetallic alloys of Au and Cu (AuCu, AuCu and AuCu) subjected to single-pulse femtosecond laser irradiation, comparing them with their constituent metals.

Stone ablation efficacy: a comparison of a thulium fibre laser and two pulse-modulated holmium:YAG lasers.

We present preliminary stone ablation rate results from an automated bench model using two pulse-modulated Ho:YAG lasers and a thulium fibre laser (TFL) in contact and non-contact modes. Ablation rate was assessed using automated apparatus that moved the laser fibre across flat BegoStone phantoms at a constant stone-to-fibre working distance (WD). Pre-soaked and unsoaked stones were used.

Genetic and epigenetic basis of psoriasis pathogenesis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose prevalence varies among different populations worldwide. It is a complex multi-factorial disease and the exact etiology is largely unknown. Family based studies have indicated a genetic predisposition; however they cannot fully explain the disease pathogenesis.

Impedance as a method to sense proximity at the electrode-retina interface.

Precise positioning of a stimulating electrode in the eye is not possible by simple visualization. However, reliable measurement of responses to retinal stimulation requires consistent positioning. The present study focuses on impedance measurement techniques to sense the proximity of the electrode to the retina.

Morphological alterations in retinal neurons in the S334ter-line3 transgenic rat.

The S334ter-line-3 rat is a transgenic model of retinal degeneration developed to express a rhodopsin mutation similar to that found in human retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. Previous studies have focused on physiological changes in retinal cells and higher centers of the visual system with this model of retinal degeneration. However, little is known about the morphological changes in retinal cells during the development of the S334ter-line-3 rat.

Immunocytochemical analysis of retinal neurons under electrical stimulation.

To function successfully, a retinal prosthesis needs to provide effective stimulation in a safe manner. To date, most studies have been dedicated to assessing proper stimulation parameters, for example, determining stimulus threshold. Few studies have looked at the effects of prolonged stimulation on retinal morphology.