Single-mode quasi PT-symmetric laser with high power emission.

Large-area lasers are practical for generating high output powers. However, this often comes at the expense of lower beam quality due to the introduction of higher-order modes. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a new type of electrically pumped, large-area edge-emitting lasers that exhibit a high power emission (∼0.4 W) and a high-quality beam (M2∼1.25). These favorable operational characteristics are enabled by establishing a quasi PT-symmetry between the second-order mode of a large area two-mode laser cavity and that of a single-mode auxiliary partner cavity, i.e., by implementing a partial isospectrality between the two coupled cavities. This in turn enlarges the effective volume of the higher-order modes. As a result, a selective pump applied via current injection into the main laser cavity can provide a stronger modal gain to the fundamental mode, and thus lead to lasing in the single mode regime after filtering out higher order transverse modes. The reported experimental results confirm this intuitive picture and are in good agreement with both theoretical and numerical analysis. Above all, the employed material platform and fabrication process are compatible with the industrial standards of semiconductor lasers. This work provides the first clear demonstration, beyond previous proof-of-concept studies, of the utility of PT-symmetry in building laser geometries with enhanced performance and, at the same time, useful output power levels and emission characteristics.

Elimination of catastrophic optical mirror damage in continuous-wave high-power laser diodes using multi-section waveguides.

One of the persistent obstacles for high-power laser diodes (LDs) has been the catastrophic optical mirror damage (COMD), which limits the operating power level and lifetime of commercial high-power LDs. The output facet of LD reaches a critical temperature resulting in COMD, which is an irreversible device failure. Here, we fabricate multi-section LDs by tailoring the waveguide structure along the cavity that separates the output facet from the heat-generating lasing region. In this method, the LD waveguide is divided into electrically isolated laser and window sections along the cavity. The laser section is pumped at a high current to achieve high output power, and the window is biased at a low current with negligible heat generation. This design restricts the thermal impact of the laser section on the facet, and the window section allows lossless transport of the laser to the output facet. The lasers were operated continuous-wave up to the maximum achievable power. While standard LDs show COMD failures, the multi-section waveguide LDs are COMD-free. Our technique and results provide a pathway for high-reliability LDs, which would find diverse applications in semiconductor lasers.

Microcomputed tomography evaluation of white spot lesion remineralization with various procedures.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to use microcomputed tomography to evaluate the effects on white spot lesions of 3 remineralizing agents compared with artificial saliva (Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey). The agents were GC Tooth Mousse (GC International, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan), 50-ppm sodium fluoride solution (Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey), and Clinpro 5000 (3M ESPE Dental Products (St Paul, Minn). The experimental and control teeth were stored in artificial saliva. METHODS: Forty-four extracted premolars were divided into 4 groups of 11 teeth each (3 experimental groups and 1 control group). After white spot lesions were created on the teeth, a remineralizing agent was applied. Microcomputed tomography scanning was performed at the following times: T0 (sound enamel), T1 (day 0, when the white spot lesion was formed), T2 (day 15), and T3 (day 30). Volume, depth, surface area, and mineral density changes of the white spot lesions were evaluated at different time points using CTAn software (SkyScan; Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). RESULTS: GC Tooth Mousse and Clinpro 5000 improved all measurements after 30 days. However, Clinpro 5000 was not as effective in reducing lesion depth as it was in the other parameters. The artificial saliva group and the 50-ppm sodium fluoride solution did not show significant effects in the regression of the white spot lesions at the end of the 30-day experiment. CONCLUSIONS: GC Tooth Mousse and Clinpro 5000 were more effective in remineralization of white spot lesions than sodium fluoride solution and artificial saliva. They can be preferred for use clinically. Microcomputed tomography is a novel and effective method that shows promise in accurately evaluating white spot lesions and remineralization.

Synthesis and Optical Properties of Novel Red-Emitting PbNb2O6: Eu(3+) Phosphors.

Undoped and PbNb2O6:Eu(3+) (1.0 ≤ x ≤ 6.0 mol%) phosphors were synthesized at 1100 °C for 3.5 h by the conventional solid state reaction method. Synthesized PbNb2O6:Eu(3+) phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Photoluminescence (PL) analyses. The PL spectra showed series of excitation peaks between 350 and 430 nm due to the 4f-4f transitions of Eu(3+). For 395.0 nm excitation, emission spectra of Eu(3+) doped samples were observed at 591 nm (orange) and 614 nm (red) due to the (5)D0 â†’ (7)F1 transitions and (5)D0 â†’ (7)F2 transitions, respectively. PL analysis results also showed that the emission intensity increased by increasing Eu(3+) ion content. No concentration quenching effect was observed. The CIE chromaticity color coordinates (x,y) of the PbNb2O6:Eu(3+) phosphors were found to be in the red region of the chromaticity diagram.

Effects of strontium ranelate on sutural bone formation: a histological and immunohistochemical study.

AIM: Rapid maxillary expansion is performed to correct a skeletal transverse deficiency of the maxilla, which is a frequently- encountered orthodontic anomaly. Strontium ranelate (SrR) is a novel agent that has a dual action, involving anti-resorptive and bone-forming effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemically applied SrR on osteoblastic bone formation after maxillary expansion on the mid-palatal suture of rats using histological and immunohistochemical tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 Wistar rats were randomly divided into two equal groups. In all animals, five-day inter-premaxillary expansion was applied and maintained for a seven-day retention period, during which 625mg/kg/day SrR diluted with saline solution was administered orally to the experimental group. The rats were sacrificed and the tissues prepared for histological and immunohistochemical examinations after the retention period. RESULTS: Osteoblastic activity and the width of the blood vessels in the suture area were significantly increased in the SrR group compared with the control group (p < 0.051. Ossification was also observed to be active under light microscopy by staining with hematoxylin and eosin in the experimental group. Immunohistochemical labelling performed using osteonectin, osteocalcin, TGF-P and VEGF antibodies revealed significant immunoreactivity in the experimental group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that SrR contributed to stimulatory osteogenesis in the expansion region. Therefore, a retention period may be shortened and relapse possibly reduced, following the application of SrR after the expansion.

Temperature increase during orthodontic bonding with different curing units using an infrared camera.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of different curing units and light-tip tooth surface distances on the temperature increase generated during orthodontic bonding, using an infrared camera (IR) and artificial neural networks (ANN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two freshly extracted human premolar teeth were used. Metallic orthodontic brackets were bonded to the buccal surfaces of the teeth and thermal records were taken using an IR camera and ANN. Brackets were cured with a light-emitting diode (LED) and high intensity halogen (HQTH). Teeth were divided into four groups according to the curing units (LED and HQTH) and curing distances (from tooth surface and 10 mm away from tooth surface). The results were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey HSD test. RESULTS: The ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests revealed that temperature changes were influenced by the type of light source and exposure times. All groups revealed significant differences between each other (p < 0.001). The highest surface temperature increase was gained from curing with a LED unit from the tooth surface (11.35°C ± 0.91°C). The lowest surface temperature increase was gained from curing with a HQTH unit 10 mm away from the tooth surface (2.57°C ± 0.6°C). CONCLUSION: The LED unit induced significantly higher temperature changes than did the HQTH. The temperature increase during orthodontic bonding was increased with long exposure time. A shorter light-tip tooth surface distance leads to greater increases in temperature.

The comparison of facial estethics between orthodontically treated patients and their parents.

Orthodontists emphasize the importance of facial esthetics while planning a treatment, and orthodontist state that orthodontics have more than expected effects on dentofacial esthetics. The facial esthetics of treated patients and their parents was analyzed and compared to define facial growth and to use in forensic sciences. Our study was applied to 45 orthodontic patients who were treated in our clinic and their untreated parents. The patients were divided into Classes I, II, and III groups according to their malocclusions. Pre- and posttreatment changes, pretreatment facial esthetics of the paitents and its accordance with their parents, and the calculation of heritability tests were performed. After the statistics, for pre- and posttreatment changes, all the groups except Class I revealed significant changes. There were significant correlations of patients for the heritability values and pretreatment esthetic in accordance with parents, but there were more correlations of fathers when compared to mothers. The facial esthetics in adolescences is related with so many factors, not only related with one factor. The facial esthetics in fact includes the aim of evaluation of facial properties partly or totally. Because orthodontic treatments affect facial esthetics, performing similar studies for the treatment outcomes, capabilities, and borders is important.

The effect of tooth bleaching on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets using self-etching primer systems.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 10% carbamide peroxide and 38% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets using self-etching primer systems. METHODS: Forty five freshly extracted human premolar teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 teeth each: control (group 1), 10% carbamide peroxide at-home bleached (group 2), and 38% hydrogen peroxide in-office bleached (group 3). Three weeks later, all brackets were bonded using a self-etching primer system. The shear bond strength of these brackets was measured and recorded in MPa. Adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were determined after the brackets failed. Data were analyzed using Kruskal- Wallis test, pairwise comparisons were made using the Mann-Whitney U test and ARI scores were analyzed using a chi-square test at a significance level of P<.05. RESULTS: The shear bond strengths of group 1 (mean: 17.7 ± 9.7 MPa) were significantly higher (P<.05) than those of group 3 (mean: 9.9 ± 5.4 MPa). No significant differences were found between group 2 (mean: 12.3 ± 4.7) and either group 1 or group 3 (P>.05). ARI scores did not differ significantly among the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching does not significantly reduce shear bond strength values. In contrast, use of 38% hydrogen peroxide bleaching significantly reduces these values.

Comparison of retention characteristics of Essix and Hawley retainers.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the retention characteristics of Essix and Hawley retainers. METHODS: Adolescents undergoing fixed appliance treatment at 2 centers were recruited for this study. Twenty-two patients (16 women and 6 men) wore Essix retainers (Essix group) while 20 (14 women and 6 men) wore Hawley retainers (Hawley group). The mean retention time was 1 year, and the mean follow-up recall time for both groups was 2 years. Two qualified dental examiners evaluated the blind patient data. Maxillary and mandibular dental casts and lateral cephalograms were analyzed at 4 stages: pretreatment (T1), post-treatment (T2), post-retention (T3), and follow-up (T4). RESULTS: The results revealed that Essix appliances were more efficient in retaining the anterior teeth in the mandible during a 1-year retention period. The irregularity index increased in both arches in both groups after a 2-year post-retention period. The mandibular arch lengths increased during treatment and tended to return to their original value after retention in both groups; however, these changes were statistically significant only in the Hawley group. Cephalometric variables did not show any significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The retention characteristics of both Essix and Hawley retainers are similar.

Geometrically enhanced morphology-dependent resonances of a dielectric sphere.

The effect that geometrical resonances of orbiting internally reflecting rays have on the morphology-dependent resonances of microspheres is investigated heuristically and numerically using generalized Lorenz-Mie theory. Angularly resolved off-axis Gaussian beam elastic scattering spectra are presented. The results obtained show that the elastic scattering intensity of morphology-dependent resonances is noticeably enhanced in the vicinity of the geometrical resonance scattering angles.

Risk factors for postoperative ileus.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine extended postoperative ileus and its risk factors in patients who have undergone abdominal surgery, and discuss the techniques of prevention and management thereof the light of related risk factors connected with our study. METHODS: This prospective study involved 103 patients who had undergone abdominal surgery. The effects of age, gender, diagnosis, surgical operation conducted, excessive small intestine manipulation, opioid analgesic usage time, and systemic inflammation on the time required for the restoration of intestinal motility were investigated. The parameters were investigated prospectively. RESULTS: Regarding the factors that affected the restoration of gastrointestinal motility, resection operation type, longer operation period, longer opioid analgesics use period, longer nasogastric catheter use period, and the presence of systemic inflammation were shown to retard bowel motility for 3 days or more. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that unnecessary analgesics use in patients with pain tolerance with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, excessive small bowel manipulation, prolonged nasogastric catheter use have a direct negative effect on gastrointestinal motility. Considering that an exact treatment for postoperative ileus has not yet been established, and in light of the risk factors mentioned above, we regard that prevention of postoperative ileus is the most effective way of coping with intestinal dysmotility.

Effects of thermocycling on the degree of cure of two lingual retainer composites.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thermocycling on the degree of cure (DC) and water sorption behavior of two lingual retainer composites. A total of 50 composite specimens, 5 mm diameter and 2 mm height, were prepared using Light Cure Retainer (LCR) (Reliance) and Transbond Lingual Retainer (TLR) (3M Unitek). After 40-second curing with a halogen light and after 24-hour water storage, the composite specimens were subjected to different thermocycling regimes. Absorbance peaks to monitor the DC were recorded using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, while water sorption was calculated in microg/mm(3). On DC, significant differences among the different thermocycling regimes were observed only for the TLR specimens (p<0.05). On water sorption behavior, an increase in the number of thermal cycles resulted in increased water sorption for both composites, but the statistical differences in these groups were not significant. On the effect of thermocycling up to 20,000 cycles, present findings showed that LCR was less affected than TLR. Further, LCR exhibited higher DC and lower water sorption values than TLR after thermal cycling.

Is transdermal nitroglycerin application effective in preventing and healing flap ischaemia after modified radical mastectomy?

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of local nitroglycerin application in preventing and treating flap complications after modified radical mastectomy in a large patient cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 2008, 6426 patients undergoing surgery for stage II breast cancer were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients were randomised into treatment and control groups. In the treatment group a nitroglycerin preparation (Nitroderm) was applied to the flap area. Major complications, recovery periods, menopausal status, additional diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerotic heart disease) and adverse effects related to nitroglycerin use were recorded. RESULTS: The recovery rate without major complications was statistically significantly higher in the nitroglycerin-treated group than in the controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that topical nitroglycerin reduces flap complications after breast surgery.

Angular photogrammetric analysis of the soft tissue facial profile of Turkish adults.

One of the most important components of orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning is the evaluation of the patient's soft tissue profile. The aim of this study was to develop angular photogrammetric standards for Class I Anatolian Turkish males and females. A random sample of 100 Turkish individuals (46 males and 54 females; ages 19-25 years) was obtained. The photographic set-up consisted of a tripod that held a 35 mm camera and a primary flash. The camera was used in its manual position and photographic records were taken of the subjects in natural head posture. The photographic records, 35 mm slide format, were digitized and analyzed using the Quick Ceph Image software program for Windows. Twelve measurements were digitally analyzed on each photograph. For statistical evaluation a Student's t-test was performed and the reliability of the method was analyzed. The results were compared with reported norms of facial aesthetics. The nasofrontal (G-N-Prn), nasal (Cm-Sn/N-Prn), vertical nasal (N-Prn/TV), and nasal dorsum (N-Mn-Prn) angles showed statistically insignificant gender differences (P>0.05). The nasolabial angle (Cm-Sn-Ls) demonstrated large variability. Gender differences were present in the mentolabial (Li-Sm-Pg) and cervicomental (G-Pg/C-Me) angles. The mentolabial angle showed a high method error and large variability. Facial (G-Sn-Pg) and total facial (G-Prn-Pg) convexity angles were similar, while Cm-Sn-Ls angle range was larger compared with other angles. The mean values obtained from this sample can be used for comparison with records of subjects with the same characteristics and following the same photogrammetric technique. Angular photogrammetric profile analysis can provide the orthodontist with a way of determining problems associated with various soft tissue segments of the face.

Conventional and high intensity halogen light effects on water sorption and microhardness of orthodontic adhesives.

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that when the equivalent total light energy is irradiated to three orthodontic adhesive resins, there is no difference between the microhardness and water sorption values regardless of the curing light sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were divided into six groups according to the combination of three orthodontic adhesives (Kurasper F, Light-Bond, Transbond XT) and two light intensities (quartz tungsten halogen [QTH] and high intensity quartz tungsten halogen [HQTH]). One half of each of the 40 samples of three adhesive pastes was polymerized for 20 seconds by a QTH light source, and the other half was polymerized for 10 seconds by a HQTH light source. Water sorption was determined and Vickers hardness was established with three measurements per sample at the top, center, and bottom. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with multiple comparisons (Tukey-HSD). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found among all adhesives for water sorption and hardness values cured with QTH and HQTH. The HQTH curing unit resulted in higher values than did the QTH. The highest water sorption values were observed for Kurasper F cured with HQTH and the lowest value was observed for Transbond XT cured with QTH. For microhardness Light-Bond cured with HQTH produced the highest values, and Transbond XT cured with QTH produced the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: When the equivalent total light energy is irradiated to three orthodontic adhesive resins, there are significant differences between the microhardness and water sorption values cured with the QTH and HQTH light source. The null hypothesis is rejected.

The effect of johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) densities on cotton yield.

Cotton is an important crop in Turkey. Johnsongrass is one of the worst weeds in cotton fields worldwide. Field experiments were carried out in 1992, 1997 and 2002 to show the effect of johnsongrass densities on cotton yield. Johnsongrass densities were 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 plants per 8 m and 0, 3, 6, 8, 11, 14 and 22 plants per 4 m of cotton row. Data were fitted to equations Y = 1/(a+b*X8) in 1997 and 2002 for the number of johnsongrass in 8 m of row length and Y = 1/(a+b*X4(-1/2)) in 1992 and 1997 for the number of johnsongrass in 4 m of row length. Cotton yield was affected by all johnsongrass densities. One johnsongrass plant in 8 m of cotton row decreased cotton yield 4.82 and 9.42% in 1997 and 2002, respectively.

Conventional and high-intensity halogen light effects on polymerization shrinkage of orthodontic adhesives.

The objectives of this study were to compare the polymerization shrinkage of three orthodontic adhesives. In addition we wanted to determine the effectiveness of the high-intensity quartz tungsten halogen (HQTH) in curing orthodontic adhesives on polymerization shrinkage with that of the quartz tungsten halogen (QTH). A total of 120 glass ring molds were prepared using a low-speed saw. The internal surface of the glass rings were roughened and etched. Adhesive pastes were placed into the glass molds, which were sandwiched between two glass slides. Samples were divided into six groups according to the combination of three orthodontic adhesives (Kurasper F, Light Bond, and Transbond XT) and two light intensities. One half of each 40 samples of three adhesive pastes was polymerized for 20 seconds by a QTH (Hilux 350), and the other half was polymerized for 10 seconds by a HQTH (Optilux 501). The volumetric polymerization shrinkage for each system was measured through the specific density method modified by Puckett and Smith. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance for intergroup comparisons. The HQTH-curing unit resulted in a more polymerization shrinkage than did the QTH for all investigated adhesives. However, no statistically significant differences were found. The highest shrinkage was observed for Light Bond cured with HQTH (1.59 +/- 0.82%), and the lowest value was observed for Transbond XT cured with QTH (1.23 +/- 0.60%). There are no significant differences in polymerization shrinkage of the three investigated orthodontic adhesives when polymerized with a QTH or a HQTH.

The effect on shear bond strength of different antimicrobial agents after acid etching.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the application of different primers containing antibacterial agents (Micro Prime, Seal&Protect, and Gluma Desensitizer) can affect the shear bond strength (SBS) of an orthodontic resin composite. Seventy-two crowns of extracted lower human incisors were mounted in acrylic resin leaving the buccal surface of the crowns parallel to the base of the moulds. The teeth were randomly distributed into three experimental and one control group, each containing 18 teeth. In each experimental group, the primers were applied to the etched enamel surfaces. In the control group, no antibacterial primer was used. An orthodontic composite resin was applied to the surface into cylindrical-shaped plastic matrices after application of an orthodontic adhesive primer (Transbond XT). For shear bond testing, a stubby-shaped force transducer apparatus (Ultradent) was applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute to each specimen at the interface between the tooth and the composite until failure occurred. A Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA and a Mann-Whitney U-test with a Bonferroni adjustment were used for statistical analysis. There was no significant difference between Seal&Protect (27.98 +/- 8.73 MPa) and the control (35.15 +/- 7.85 MPa) (P > 0.05). However, Gluma (21.61 +/- 7.96 MPa) and Micro Prime (14.89 +/- 5.55 MPa) caused a decrease in bond strength (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between Seal&Protect and Gluma (P > 0.05). As triclosan containing Seal&Protect did not cause a significant decrease in bond strength, it can potentially be used under an orthodontic resin composite to obtain an antibacterial effect. However, further in vivo studies are required.

Effects of camouflage treatment on dentofacial structures in Class II division 1 mandibular retrognathic patients.

The aims of this study were to determine the changes in the dentofacial structures of Class II division 1 mandibular retrognathic patients treated with bilateral extraction of the upper first premolars, and to compare pre- and post-treatment values with the cephalometric norms of Anatolian Turkish adults. The Class II division 1 subjects included 20 males and 33 females (mean age: 17.08 +/- 1.03 years). All received comprehensive orthodontic treatment using an edgewise appliance and appropriate headgear. Lateral cephalograms were taken at the beginning and end of treatment. Twenty-five (14 linear and 11 angular) measurements were analysed on each radiograph. Each cephalogram was traced and digitized. For statistical evaluation, paired and independent-samples t-tests were performed. When the pre- and post-treatment measurements were compared, statistically significant differences were found for nine of 25 measurements. During treatment the facial axis, U1-SN ( degrees ), U1-NA (mm), U1-NA ( degrees ), H angle and upper lip to E plane measurements decreased, while N-ANS, interincisal angle and upper lip to Steiner S line increased. No statistically significant gender differences were found. Significant improvements were determined in ANS-Me and L1-APo measurements compared with Turkish norms. However, statistically significant deterioration was found in values related to point A, upper incisor and lower lip measurements. The findings demonstrates that camouflage treatment in Class II, mandibular retrognathic subjects has characteristic skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects on the dentofacial complex.