Near-field transmission matrix microscopy for mapping high-order eigenmodes of subwavelength nanostructures.

As nanoscale photonic devices are densely integrated, multiple near-field optical eigenmodes take part in their functionalization. Inevitably, these eigenmodes are highly multiplexed in their spectra and superposed in their spatial distributions, making it extremely difficult for conventional near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) to address individual eigenmodes. Here, we develop a near-field transmission matrix microscopy for mapping the high-order eigenmodes of nanostructures, which are invisible with conventional NSOM.

The association between paralytic side and health-related quality of life in facial palsy: a cross-sectional study of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008-2012).

Background: Facial palsy is known to have correlations with low level of quality of life. However, little is known about the association between preference based health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and paralytic side of facial palsy.

Methods: This study used Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008-2012) data, only when the facial palsy examination had been included in the survey contents.

Physical, mechanical and water barrier properties of yuba films incorporated with various types of additives.

Background: To apply yuba as an edible film, we evaluated film properties after adding various additives, including plasticizer (glycerol and sorbitol), cross-linking agent (oxidized ferulic acid), emulsifier (sodium pyrophosphate), thicker (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) and lipid (beeswax), alone or in combination (sodium pyrophosphate and sorbitol; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and glycerol; and beeswax and glycerol).

Results: The addition of beeswax and oxidized ferulic acid enhanced the water resistance of the film, showing a decreased solubility in water and swelling ratio. The results for tensile strength and elongation showed opposite trends, except for sorbitol, sodium pyrophosphate, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and glycerol.

Author Correction: Maximizing energy coupling to complex plasmonic devices by injecting light into eigenchannels.

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.

Maximizing energy coupling to complex plasmonic devices by injecting light into eigenchannels.

Surface plasmon polaritons have attracted broad attention in the optoelectronics field due to their ability to merge nanoscale electronics with high-speed optical communication. As the complexity of optoelectronic devices increases to meet various needs, this integration has been hampered by the low coupling efficiency of light to plasmonic modes. Here we present a method to maximize the coupling of far-field optical waves to plasmonic waves for arbitrarily complex devices.

Control of randomly scattered surface plasmon polaritons for multiple-input and multiple-output plasmonic switching devices.

Merging multiple microprocessors with high-speed optical networks has been considered a promising strategy for the improvement of overall computation power. However, the loss of the optical communication bandwidth is inevitable when interfacing between optical and electronic components. Here we present an on-chip plasmonic switching device consisting of a two-dimensional (2D) disordered array of nanoholes on a thin metal film that can provide multiple-input and multiple-output channels for transferring information from a photonic to an electronic platform.

Far-field control of focusing plasmonic waves through disordered nanoholes.

Control of near-field waves is the key to going beyond the diffraction limit in imaging and manipulating target objects. Here we present the focusing of plasmonic waves, a type of near-field waves, by the wavefront shaping of far-field waves. We coupled far-field waves to a random array of holes on a thin gold film to generate speckled plasmonic waves.

The efficacy and safety of a proposed herbal moisturising cream for dry skin and itch relief: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial--study protocol.

Background: Moisturisers prevent and treat dry skin. They can also protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture, and mask imperfections. Herbal medicines or their extracts have been available as topical formulations and cosmetics.

Hwangryunhaedoktang in adult patients with atopic dermatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-centre trial--study protocol.

Background: Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic relapsing eczematous skin disease with increasing prevalence and rising costs. It has a clear impact on a patient's quality of life. Many patients are worried about the use of usual care techniques, such as corticosteroids and antihistamine due to the widespread fear of adverse effects.

The role of prophylactic cerclage in preventing preterm delivery after electrosurgical conization.

Objective: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes after electrosurgical conization.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 56 singleton pregnancies after electrosurgical conization of the uterine cervix. Of the 56 cases, 25 women underwent prophylactic cerclage with McDonald procedure (cerclage group), and 31 were managed expectantly (expectant group).

Bojungikgitang and banhabaekchulchonmatang in adult patients with tinnitus, a randomized, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled trial--study protocol.

Background: Tinnitus is the perception of hearing a sound for which there is no external acoustic source. It is often associated with sudden, temporary hearing loss and has a clear impact on a patient's quality of life. Despite numerous trials, there are no treatments that can be considered well established in terms of providing replicable long-term tinnitus reduction.