Strong coupling between nanoscale metamaterials and phonons

We use split ring resonators (SRRs) at optical frequencies to study strong coupling between planar metamaterials and phonon vibrations in nanometer-scale dielectric layers. A series of SRR metamaterials were fabricated on a semiconductor wafer with a thin intervening SiO(2) dielectric layer. The dimensions of the SRRs were varied to tune the fundamental metamaterial resonance across the infrared (IR) active phonon band of SiO(2) at 130 meV (31 THz). Strong anticrossing of these resonances was observed, indicative of strong coupling between metamaterial and phonon excitations. This coupling is very general and can occur with any electrically polarizable resonance including phonon vibrations in other thin film materials and semiconductor band-to-band transitions in the near to far IR. These effects may be exploited to reduce loss and to create unique spectral features that are not possible with metamaterials alone.     

Expression and clinical role of protein of regenerating liver (PRL) phosphatases in ovarian carcinoma

The present study analyzed the expression and clinical role of the protein of regenerating liver (PRL) phosphatase family in ovarian carcinoma. PRL1-3 mRNA expression was studied in 184 tumors (100 effusions, 57 primary carcinomas, 27 solid metastases) using RT-PCR. PRL-3 protein expression was analyzed in 157 tumors by Western blotting. PRL-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in effusions compared to solid tumors (p < 0.001), and both PRL-1 and PRL-2 were overexpressed in pleural compared to peritoneal effusions (p = 0.001). PRL-3 protein expression was significantly higher in primary diagnosis pre-chemotherapy compared to post-chemotherapy disease recurrence effusions (p = 0.003). PRL-1 mRNA expression in effusions correlated with longer overall survival (p = 0.032), and higher levels of both PRL-1 and PRL-2 mRNA correlated with longer overall survival for patients with pre-chemotherapy effusions (p = 0.022 and p = 0.02, respectively). Analysis of the effect of laminin on PRL-3 expression in ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro showed dose-dependent PRL-3 expression in response to exogenous laminin, mediated by Phospholipase D. In contrast to previous studies associating PRL-3 with poor outcome, our data show that PRL-3 expression has no clinical role in ovarian carcinoma, whereas PRL-1 and PRL-2 expression is associated with longer survival, suggesting that PRL phosphatases may be markers of improved outcome in this cancer.     

Non-contact inspection of internal threads of machined parts

During the manufacturing process of mass-produced automotive parts, millions of internal threads are produced annually by each automaker. The manufacturers invest a lot of effort and resources to improve the quality of the threads by inspecting their features, mainly by using manual contact gages. The majority of manufactured threads are used in threaded joints that assemble two mechanical parts. However, there are threads that have additional functionality, for example, an automotive spark plug. Recently, automotive designers have found that the angular direction of the spark plug inside the combustion chamber affects the efficiency of the engine. Hence, the manufacturers are interested in measuring the exact position of the thread starting point, allowing them to position the plug in the right direction during the plug assembly process. Our technique allows precise measurement of the thread starting point and meets this requirement. In order to improve the quality of internal threads, it is essential to measure the threads dimensional features. It is also important to inspect its internal surface for defects such as the existence of burrs, thread discontinuities, or internal porosity defects. The paper introduces two novel non-contact electro-optical techniques for inspecting small-size internal threads. The first one enables in-process internal thread geometrical measurements using a high-precision laser sensor which utilizes a motorized periscope. The second technique is based on image processing and uses innovative machine vision; a line-scan technique which uses a CCD camera with a “sight pipe” panoramic optical device. The two methods are complementary; together they allow the practical inspection of all needed features of the internal thread. The methods were tested successfully.