Regional variation in the flexural properties of the equine hoof wall

The equine hoof wall is a hard, keratinous structure that transmits forces generated when the hoof connects the ground to the skeleton of the horse. During locomotion the hoof capsule is known to deform, resulting in an inward curvature of the dorsal wall and expansion of the heels. However, while researchers have studied the tensile and compressive properties, there is a lack of data on the flexural properties of the hoof wall in different locations around the hoof capsule. In this study, the flexural properties and hydration status of the hoof wall were investigated in two orthogonal directions, in different locations around the hoof capsule. The hoof was divided into three regions: the dorsal-most aspect (toe), the medial and lateral regions (quarters) and the heels caudally. Beams were cut both perpendicular (transverse) and parallel (longitudinal) to the orientation of the tubules. Differences in the mechanical properties were then investigated using three-point bending tests. There were considerable differences in the flexural properties around the hoof capsule; transverse beams from the heel were 45% more compliant than those from the toe region. This corresponded with changes in the hydration of the hoof wall; beams from the heel region were more hydrated (28.2 ± 0.60%) than those from the toe (24.2 ± 0.44%; P < 0.01). Regional variation in the water content is thought to help explain differences in the flexural properties. Mechanical data are further discussed in relation to variation in the structure and loading of the hoof wall

Albanian Fiscal Deficit during the Global Financial Crisis: Structural or Cyclic?

This work is one of the first attempts to empirically investigate the impact of the global financial crisis in Albanian public finance indicators. Fiscal deficits have widened abruptly over the last years, starting from and following the course of the global financial crisis. Evaluating the extent to which structural or cyclical factors may have contributed to this trend is important for assessing the future developments, as well as to establish appropriate fiscal policies. An empirical investigation of the impact of global financial crisis on public finance in Albania was carried out in this paper by employing a multiple linear regression, using quarterly time series data for the period between 2007 and 2014. General government data utilized in this research have been compiled according to international standards, enabling international comparability of statistics and analysis results. The findings reveal the existence of both structural and cyclical factors in the determination of Albanian general government deficit. The analysis results show that government capital investments and GDP growth have significant impact on fiscal deficit in Albania. Furthermore, the rise in the deficit level can be related in large part to structural factors including large inappropriately financed public investments and spending in general, energy sector issues and social security financing gap. Meanwhile, part of the rise in fiscal deficits appears to be related to various cyclical factors including changes in output growth and may be expected to reverse alongside the economic recovery. The results suggest a reduction in the deficit after recovering from global financial crisis, but still registering high values due to structural factors of the Albanian economy. Thus, fiscal policy should aim the consolidation of public finances and the reduction of fiscal risks to the sustainability of the budget. As a result, priority should be given to the resolution of structural issues, coupled with policies that aim at economic growth and development. Keywords: Fiscal deficit, GDP growth, fiscal policy, Global financial crisi

All-Optical Delay of Images using Slow Light

Two-dimensional images carried by optical pulses (2 ns) are delayed by up to 10 ns in a 10 cm cesium vapor cell. By interfering the delayed images with a local oscillator, the transverse phase and amplitude profiles of the images are shown to be preserved. It is further shown that delayed images can be well preserved even at very low light levels, where each pulse contains on average less than one photon.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

High efficiency photon counting using stopped light

Single-photon detection and photon counting play a central role in a large number of quantum communication and computation protocols. While the efficiency of state-of-the-art photo-detectors is well below the desired limits, quantum state measurements in trapped ions can be carried out with efficiencies approaching 100%. Here, we propose a method that can in principle achieve ideal photon counting, by combining the techniques of photonic quantum memory and ion-trap fluorescence detection: after mapping the quantum state of a propagating light pulse onto metastable collective excitations of a trapped cold atomic gas, it is possible to monitor the resonance fluorescence induced by an additional laser field that only couples to the metastable excited state. Even with a photon collection/detection efficiency as low as 10%, it is possible to achieve photon counting with efficiency approaching 100%.Comment: 4 page

Propagation of Raman-matched laser pulses through a Bose-Einstein condensate

We investigate the role of non-uniform spatial density profiles of trapped atomic Bose-Einstein condensates in the propagation of Raman-matched laser pulses under conditions for electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). We find that the sharp edged axial density profile of an interacting condensate (due to a balance between external trap and repulsive atomic interaction) is advantageous for obtaining ultra slow averaged group velocities. Our results are in good quantitative agreement with a recent experiment report [Nature {\bf 397}, 594 (1999)].Comment: 19 pages, 11 figures, to be published in Opt. Commu

Theoretical Study of Fast Light with Short sech Pulses in Coherent Gain Media

We investigate theoretically the phenomenon of so-called fast light in an unconventional regime, using pulses sufficiently short that relaxation effects in a gain medium can be ignored completely. We show that previously recognized gain instabilities, including superfluorescence, can be tolerated in achieving a pulse peak advance of one full peak width.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures; Replaced with revised version accepted by JOSA

Physical IC debug ─ backside approach and nanoscale challenge

Physical analysis for IC functionality in submicron technologies requires access through chip backside. Based upon typical global backside preparation with 50&ndash;100 &micro;m moderate silicon thickness remaining, a state of the art of the analysis techniques available for this purpose is presented and evaluated for functional analysis and layout pattern resolution potential. A circuit edit technique valid for nano technology ICs, is also presented that is based upon the formation of local trenches using the bottom of Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) as endpoint for Focused Ion Beam (FIB) milling. As a derivative from this process, a locally ultra thin silicon device can be processed, creating a back surface as work bench for breakthrough applications of nanoscale analysis techniques to a fully functional circuit through chip backside. Several applications demonstrate the power and potential of this new approach