Universal Metasurfaces for Complete Linear Control of Coherent Light Transmission.

Recent advances in metasurfaces and optical nanostructures have enabled complex control of incident light with optically thin devices. However, it has thus far been unclear whether it is possible to achieve complete linear control of coherent light transmission, that is, independent control of polarization, amplitude, and phase for both input polarization states, with just a single, thin nanostructure array. Here, it is proved possible, and a universal metasurface is proposed, a bilayer array of high-index elliptic cylinders that possesses a complete degree of optical freedom with fully designable chirality and anisotropy. The completeness of achievable light control is mathematically shown with corresponding Jones matrices, new types of 3D holographic schemes that were formerly impossible are experimentally demonstrated, and a systematic way of realizing any input-state-sensitive vector linear optical device is presented. The results unlock previously inaccessible degrees of freedom in light transmission control.

Effects of Kinesio Taping with Squat Exercise on the Muscle Activity, Muscle Strength, Muscle Tension, and Dynamic Stability of Softball Players in the Lower Extremities: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Knee injuries are common among female softball players, and the stability of the lower extremities and the strength of the knee are essential factors for them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping with squat exercise (KTSE) on lower extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability of softball players. METHODS: In this study, 40 softball players were randomly assigned to the KTSE group and sham taping with squat exercise (SKTSE) group. All subjects were tested three times a week for 6 weeks, i.e., for a total of 18 times. To evaluate the lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, and muscle tone of the lower extremities, as well as dynamic stability, we used Noraxon Mini DTS, a digital muscular meter from JTech Medical, MyotonPRO, and the side hop test (a clinical evaluation method), respectively. These items were measured before the experiment and 6 weeks after the start of the experiment. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant differences in lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability (p < 0.05). After the experiment, significant effects on lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability were observed in the KTSE group compared with in the SKTSE group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: KTSE did not have a negative effect on all items of the functional performance test. KTSE improved lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability.

Acoustic feature of barks of ovariohysterectomized and intact German Shepherd bitches.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of ovariohysterectomy on vocalization during territorial aggression of German Shepherd dogs. Sixteen clinically healthy dogs of 5 to 10 months old were assigned randomly to one of two groups: ovariohysterectomy or control. Their behaviors and vocalizations induced by the approach of a strange with a strange dog were recorded using digital camcorder at four and five months after surgery and were analysed. When territorial aggression was induced, dogs in ovariohysterectomized group showed more offensive territorial aggression. The bark was the most frequent vocalization. In this study, the average number of barks was 45 times in ovariohysterectomized group, and 26 times in the control group. The pitch of vocalization was significantly lower in ovariohysterectomized group than control group. First formant, second formant, third formant, and fourth formant frequency in ovariohysterectomized group, which represent the degree of sound energy in specific frequency, were lower than those of control group. Ovariohysterectomy of bitches may influence the frequency of aggressive vocalization and affect the acoustic feature of dogs' vocalization. Analysis of vocalization could be a useful method of evaluating the dogs' intention.