In situ monitoring methods for selective laser melting additive manufacturing process based on images-A review

Selective laser melting(SLM)has been widely used in the fields of aviation,aerospace and die manufacturing due to its ability to produce metal components with arbitrarily complex shapes.However,the instability of SLM process often leads to quality fluctuation of the formed component,which hinders the further development and application of SLM.In situ quality control during SLM process is an effective solution to the quality fluctuation of formed components.However,the basic premise of feedback control during SLM process is the rapid and accurate diagnosis of the quality.Therefore,an in situ monitoring method of SLM process,which provides quality diagnosis information for feedback control,became one of the research hotspots in this field in recent years.In this paper,the research progress of in situ monitoring during SLM process based on images is reviewed.Firstly,the significance of in situ monitoring during SLM process is analyzed.Then,the image information source of SLM process,the image acquisition systems for different detection objects(the molten pool region,the scanned layer and the powder spread layer)and the methods of the image information analysis,detection and recognition are reviewed and analyzed.Through review and analysis,it is found that the existing image analysis and detection methods during SLM process are mainly based on traditional image processing methods combined with traditional machine learning models.Finally,the main development direction of in situ monitoring during SLM process is proposed by combining with the frontier technology of image-based computer vision.

Small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis in patients with deep corneal opacity:case series

AIM:To report the safety,efficacy,and accuracy of small-incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)or femtosecondassisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)for the correction of myopia or myopic astigmatism in patients with deep corneal opacity denoted by anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT).METHODS:Four patients with monocular corneal opacity(3 due to mechanical injury,1 due to a firecracker wound)were recruited and treated with refractive surgery(3 for SMILE,1 for FS-LASIK combined with limbal relaxing incision(LRI).Preoperative ocular manifestations,surgical details,postoperative visual outcomes,corneal opacity parameters,and corneal topography were analyzed.RESULTS:Preoperatively,spherical diopter ranged from-3.0 D to-4.75 D with cylinder ranging from-0.75 to-5.0 D,and corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA)ranging from 20/25 to 20/20.One eye’s corneal opacity was located in the central zone and three were in the mid-peripheral optical zone.Three patients underwent uneventful SMILE in both eyes,whilst one patient underwent FS-LASIK for high astigmatism in both eyes and LRI in the right eye.CDVA of the eye with corneal opacity ranged from 20/22to 20/20 one to six weeks postoperatively.Two patients achieved better CDVA and no patients lost Snellen lines.The postoperative diopter was within±0.75 D for all eyes.Significant edema existed above the corneal opacity in one eye and dissipated soon.No eccentric corneal topography or morphological anomaly of the corneal cap or flap was observed.CONCLUSION:The cases demonstrate that SMILE or FS-LASIK is safe and effective to treat myopic astigmatism combined with deep corneal opacity lesions after comprehensive preoperative evaluation and appropriate candidate selection.FS-LASIK combined with LRI is also sufficient for correcting high astigmatism due to corneal scarring.

Electrokinetic-mechanism of water and furfural oxidation on pulsed laser-interlaced Cu_(2)O and CoO on nickel foam

The electrocatalytic oxidation of biomass-derived furfural(FF)feedstocks into 2-furoic acid(FA)holds immense industrial potential in optics,cosmetics,polymers,and food.Herein,we fabricated Co O/Ni O/nickel foam(NF)and Cu_(2)O/Ni O/NF electrodes via in situ pulsed laser irradiation in liquids(PLIL)for the bifunctional electrocatalysis of oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and furfural oxidation reaction(FOR),respectively.Simultaneous oxidation of NF surface to NiO and deposition of CoO and/or Cu_(2)O on NF during PLIL offer distinct advantages for enhancing both the OER and FOR.CoO/NiO/NF electrocatalyst provides a consistently low overpotential of~359 m V(OER)at 10 m A/cm^(2),achieving the maximum FA yield(~16.37 m M)with 61.5%selectivity,79.5%carbon balance,and a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of~90.1%during 2 h of FOR at 1.43 V(vs.reversible hydrogen electrode).Mechanistic pathway via in situ electrochemical-Raman spectroscopy on CoO/NiO/NF reveals the involvement of phase transition intermediates(NiOOH and CoOOH)as surface-active centers during electrochemical oxidation.The carbonyl carbon in FF is attacked by hydroxyl groups to form unstable hydrates that subsequently undergo further oxidation to yield FA products.This method holds promise for large-scale applications,enabling simultaneous production of renewable building materials and fuel.

Extended finite element-based cohesive zone method for modeling simultaneous hydraulic fracture height growth in layered reservoirs

In this study,a fully coupled hydromechanical model within the extended finite element method(XFEM)-based cohesive zone method(CZM)is employed to investigate the simultaneous height growth behavior of multi-cluster hydraulic fractures in layered porous reservoirs with modulus contrast.The coupled hydromechanical model is first verified against an analytical solution and a laboratory experiment.Then,the fracture geometry(e.g.height,aperture,and area)and fluid pressure evolutions of multiple hydraulic fractures placed in a porous reservoir interbedded with alternating stiff and soft layers are investigated using the model.The stress and pore pressure distributions within the layered reservoir during fluid injection are also presented.The simulation results reveal that stress umbrellas are easily to form among multiple hydraulic fractures’tips when propagating in soft layers,which impedes the simultaneous height growth.It is also observed that the impediment effect of soft layer is much more significant in the fractures suppressed by the preferential growth of adjoining fractures.After that,the combined effect of in situ stress ratio and fracturing spacing on the multi-fracture height growth is presented,and the results elucidate the influence of in situ stress ratio on the height growth behavior depending on the fracture spacing.Finally,it is found that the inclusion of soft layers changes the aperture distribution of outmost and interior hydraulic fractures.The results obtained from this study may provide some insights on the understanding of hydraulic fracture height containment observed in filed.

In-situ Characterization of Non-aqueous Nano-dispersion Systems by Freeze-etching TEM and Comparative Study with Laser Scattering Method

In-situ characterization of non-aqueous nano-dispersion systems（NANDS） by freeze-etching transmission electron microscope（FETEM） was reported.To improve just-for-once successive rate of specimen preparation and get good characterization results,an improving specimen preparation method of freezing etching was developed.Size,distribution and morphology of NANDS were directly visualized.Some information of particle dispersion feature and particle density can also be obtained.Reproductivity of the FETEM characterization is excellent.Comparing with laser scattering method,which is liable to give positive error especially for small size particle anchoring disperser,FETEM characterization can give more accurate measurement of particle size.Moreover,FETEM can give dispersion feature of nanoparticle in non-aqueous medium.

Optimized air-ground data fusion method for mine slope modeling

Refined 3D modeling of mine slopes is pivotal for precise prediction of geological hazards.Aiming at the inadequacy of existing single modeling methods in comprehensively representing the overall and localized characteristics of mining slopes,this study introduces a new method that fuses model data from Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAV)tilt photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning through a data alignment algorithm based on control points.First,the mini batch K-Medoids algorithm is utilized to cluster the point cloud data from ground 3D laser scanning.Then,the elbow rule is applied to determine the optimal cluster number(K0),and the feature points are extracted.Next,the nearest neighbor point algorithm is employed to match the feature points obtained from UAV tilt photogrammetry,and the internal point coordinates are adjusted through the distanceweighted average to construct a 3D model.Finally,by integrating an engineering case study,the K0 value is determined to be 8,with a matching accuracy between the two model datasets ranging from 0.0669 to 1.0373 mm.Therefore,compared with the modeling method utilizing K-medoids clustering algorithm,the new modeling method significantly enhances the computational efficiency,the accuracy of selecting the optimal number of feature points in 3D laser scanning,and the precision of the 3D model derived from UAV tilt photogrammetry.This method provides a research foundation for constructing mine slope model.

Highly Defective Dark TiO_(2) Modified with Pt: Effects of Precursor Nature and Preparation Method on Photocatalytic Properties

The study focused on the modification with platinum of dark defective titania obtained via pulsed laser ablation. Both the method of Pt introduction and the nature of the Pt precursor were varied. All samples exhibited similar phase compositions, specific surface areas, and Pt contents. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy coupled with pulsed CO adsorption revealed increased dispersity when photoreduction and the hydroxonitrate complex (Me _(4) N) _(2) [Pt _(2) (OH) _(2) (NO _(3) ) _(8) ] were used. The sample featured a high content of single-atom species and subnano-sized Pt clusters. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the photoreduction method facilitated the appearance of a larger number of Pt ^(2+) states, which appeared owing to the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) eff ect of the transfer of electron density from the electron-saturated defects on the TiO _(2) surface to Pt ^(4+) . In the hydrogen evolution reaction, samples with a significant fraction of the Pt ^(2+) ionic component, capable of generating short-lived Pt^(0) single-atom sites under irradiation due to the SMSI eff ect, exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. The 0.5Pt(C)/TiO_(2) -Ph sample exhibited the highest hydrogen yield with a quantum efficiency of 0.53, retaining its activity even after 8 h of operation.

Which treatment protocol, among classical methods and/or various laser applications is the most effective in root canal disinfection, <i>in vitro</i>? A systematic review

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to answer the question “Which treatment protocol, am- ong classical methods and/or various laser applica- tions is the most effective in root canal disinfection, in vitro”. Materials and Methods: A MEDLINE, a Co- chrane and an Embase search (three specified search- es) were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) until June 2010, conducted on human teeth and published in English, German or French language, examining the root canal disinfection after the use of lasers with or without mechanical instru-mentation. Additionally, hand search was conducted and contact with authors, when needed. Results: The MEDLINE, the Cochrane and the EMBASE search identified 240, 28, and 35 published articles, respec-tively. Ten articles from the MEDLINE and 5 articles from the Cochrane search (that were also identified in the MEDLINE search) met the inclusion and va-lidity assessment criteria. In E. faecalis elimination, instrumentation of the root canal and diode laser/665 nanometer/1 Watt (diode laser/665 nm/1 W) irradia-tion with the combined effect of Methylene Blue (MB) as photosensitizing agent (logCFU/ml = 1636) seemed to be the best method. In P. aeruginosa and in A.naeslundii elimination, instrumentation of the root canal followed by irrigation with 5, 25% NaOCl (log-CFU/ml = 0) seemed to be the best method. In gen-eral, instrumentation of the root canal followed by irrigation with 5, 25% NaOCl (logCFU/ml = 0) and instrumentation of the root canal and Er: YAG laser/ 2940 nm/0.8 W irradiation (logCFU/ml = 1924) seemed to be the best (polymicrobial studies). Conclusions: There are treatment protocols with the assistance or not of laser irradiation that can eliminate E. faecalis, E. coli and S. aureus inside the root canal. However, there is a serious number of S. anginosus, F. nuclea-tum, A. naeslundii and P. aeruginosa that remain in-side the root canal even after laser irradiation. New research is needed in order to set a treatment proto-col effective in the root canal disinfection from all bac-teria that are related to endodontic origin pathology.

Comparison of GUF and Monte Carlo methods to evaluate task-specific uncertainty in laser tracker measurement

Measurement uncertainty plays an important role in laser tracking measurement analyses. In the present work, the guides to the expression of uncertainty in measurement(GUM) uncertainty framework(GUF) and its supplement, the Monte Carlo method, were used to estimate the uncertainty of task-specific laser tracker measurements. First, the sources of error in laser tracker measurement were analyzed in detail, including instruments, measuring network fusion, measurement strategies, measurement process factors(such as the operator), measurement environment, and task-specific data processing. Second, the GUM and Monte Carlo methods and their application to laser tracker measurement were presented. Finally, a case study involving the uncertainty estimation of a cylindricity measurement process using the GUF and Monte Carlo methods was illustrated. The expanded uncertainty results(at 95% confidence levels) obtained with the Monte Carlo method are 0.069 mm(least-squares criterion) and 0.062 mm(minimum zone criterion), respectively, while with the GUM uncertainty framework, none but the result of least-squares criterion can be got, which is 0.071 mm. Thus, the GUM uncertainty framework slightly underestimates the overall uncertainty by 10%. The results demonstrate that the two methods have different characteristics in task-specific uncertainty evaluations of laser tracker measurements. The results indicate that the Monte Carlo method is a practical tool for applying the principle of propagation of distributions and does not depend on the assumptions and limitations required by the law of propagation of uncertainties(GUF). These features of the Monte Carlo method reduce the risk of an unreliable measurement of uncertainty estimation, particularly in cases of complicated measurement models, without the need to evaluate partial derivatives. In addition, the impact of sampling strategy and evaluation method on the uncertainty of the measurement results can also be taken into account with Monte Carlo method, which plays a guiding role in measurement planning.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni-based composite coatings reinforced by in situ synthesized TiB_2 + TiC by laser cladding

A Ni-based composite coating reinforced by in situ synthesized TiB2 and TiC particles was fabricated on Ti6A14V by laser cladding. An attempt was made to correlate the thermodynamic predictions and experimental observation. The micro- structure and the microhardness profile across the coating were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）, and a hardness tester. It is found that the coating mainly consists of a large number of reinforcements （black blocky TiB2, flower-like or equiaxial TiC, and fine acicular CrB） and the 7 matrix. The hardness of TiB2, TiC, and CrB reinforcements is much higher than that of the 7 matrix. The dispersive distribu- tion of such high hardness reinforcements causes the increase in hardness of the whole coating. The average value of the hard- ness is approximately Hv0.2 700 in the coating. The hardness of the coating is obviously higher than that of the substrate due to the dispersion strengthening of reinforcements.

Microstructural characterization of titanium matrix composite coatings reinforced by in situ synthesized TiB + TiC fabricated on Ti6Al4V by laser cladding

Titanium-based composite coatings reinforced by in situ synthesized TiB and TiC particles between titanium and B4C were successfully fabricated on Ti6Al4V by laser cladding. Phase constituents of the coatings were predicted by thermodynamic calculations in the Ti-BnC-Al and Ti-B-C-Al systems, respectively, and were validated well by X-ray diffraction （XRD） analysis results. Microstructural and metallographic analyses were made by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and electron probe micro-analysis （EPMA）. The results show that the coatings are mainly composed of α-Ti cellular dendrites and the eutecticum in which a large number of needle-shaped TiB and a few equiaxial TiC particles are embedded. C is enriched in α-Ti cellular dendrites and far exceeds the theoretical maximum dissolubility, owing to the extension of saturation during laser cladding. The coatings have a good metallurgical bond with the substrate due to the existence of the dilution zone, in which a great amount of lamella β-Ti grains consisting of a thin needle-shaped martensitic microstructure are present and grow parallel to the heat flux direction; a few TiB and TiC reinforcements are observed at the boundaries of initial β-Ti grains.

Three-year results of small incision lenticule extraction and wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism

AIM： To compare and calculate the 3-year refractive results, higher-order aberrations （HOAs）, contrast sensitivity （CS） and dry eye parameters after small incision lenticule extraction （SMILE） and wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis （FS-LASIK） for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS： In this prospective, non-randomized comparative study, 78 eyes with spherical equivalent （SE） of -8.11±1.09 diopters （D） received a SMILE surgery, and 65 eyes with SE of -8.05±1.12 D received a wavefront-guided FS-LASIK surgery with the VisuMax femtosecond laser （Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany） for flap cutting. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, CS, HOAs, ocular surface disease index （OSDI） and tear break-up time （TBUT） were evaluated during a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS： The difference of uncorrected distance visual acuity （UDVA） postoperatively was achieved at lmo and at 3mo, whereas the difference of the mean UDVA between two groups at 3y were not statistically significant （t=-1.59, P=-0.13）. The postoperative change of SE was 0.89 D in the FS-LASIK group （t=5.76, P=0.00）, and 0.14 D in the SMILE group （t=-0.54, P=0.59） from lmo to 3y after surgery. At 3-year postoperatively, both HOAs and spherical aberrations in the SMILE group were obviously less than those in the FS-LASIK group （P=0.00）, but the coma root mean square （RMS） was higher in the SMILE group （0.59±0.26） than in the FS-LASIK group （0.29±0.14, P=0.00）. The mesopic CS values between two groups were not statistically significant at 3y postoperatively. Compared with the FS-LASIK group, lower OSDI scores and longer TBUT values were found in the SMILE group at Imo and 3mo postoperatively. With regard to safety, no eye lost any line of CDVA in both groups at 3y after surgery. CONCLUSION： Both SMILE and wavefront-guided FS- LASIK procedures provide good visual outcomes. Both procedures are effective and safe, but SMILE surgery achieve more stable long-term refractive outcome and better control of early postoperative dry eye as compared to FS-LASIK.

Corneal flap morphological analysis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in laser in situ keratomileusis with femtosecond lasers versus mechanical microkeratome

AIM: To assess and compare the flap morphology using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with Femto LDV femtosecond lasers versus Hansatome mechanical Microkeratome. METHODS: AS-OCT (Visante) was used to compare 1 month postoperatively the morphology of the flaps created with Femto LDV femtosecond lasers or Hansatome Microkeratome. The intendedfiap thickness was 110 mu m and 160 mu m respectively. The thickness of twenty-five points across each flap, which were 0mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm, and 3.5mm to the corneal vertex on the horizontal, vertical, 45 degrees and 135 degrees meridian respectively, was evaluated. RESULTS: One month postoperative, the central flap thickness in the Femto LDV group was 107.43 +/- 4.70 mu m, while 125.90 +/- 17.50 mu m in the Hansatome group. The difference between the actual and the expectedfiap thickness was 5.61 +/- 3.84 mu m and 31.52 +/- 12.27 mu m, respectively. The Hansatome group had presented a statistically significant result (P<0.001). Flap morphology showed a more regular planar shape in the Femto LDV group and a meniscus shape in the Hansatome group. CONCLUSION: AS-OCT is a direct and fast procedure to assess the flap morphology. The morphology by AS-OCT showed that the flaps created with Femto LDV femtosecond laser were more accurate and regular than the flaps created with Hansatome microkeratome.

Preparation of Al-Al_3Ti in situ composites by direct reaction method

Al-Al3Ti composites were prepared by a direct reaction method, in which Al3Ti was formed by the reaction of Ti and Al in aluminum alloy melt. The morphology of Al3Ti changes apparently from the fine particle, needle-like to large block with the increase of Al3Ti content. The addition of magnesium can markedly change the morphology of Al3Ti and reduce their size. Short rod-like Al3Ti was formed and homogeneous distribution was obtained with the addition of 3 wt.% Mg. The effect of Al3Ti and Mg on the microstructure of Al-Al3Ti composites and the mechanism were also discussed.

Using LaserSight Astrapro Planner 2.2 Z software in corneal topography-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia with asymmetric corneal shape

AIM:To determine the clinical outcomes of laser insitu keratomileusis(LASIK)treatments using LaserSight AstraPro Planner 2.2 Z software for myopia with asymmetric corneal shape.METHODS:Four hundred and eighty-five eyes[243patients;spherical equivalent(SE),-5.93±1.88 diopters(D)]were treated with asymmetric ablations using LaserSight SLX laser(version 5.3,300Hz)were retrospectively analyzed and LaserSight AstraPro Planner2.2 Z software.Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuities(UCVA),spherical equivalent(SE)refraction,pachymetry,and corneal asphericity(Q value)and decentration were evaluated.RESULTS:At 12mo postoperatively,the decimal UCVA was 1.0 or better in 449(92.6%)eyes.Two eyes(0.4%)lost 1 line of the decimal best spectacle-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),316(65.2%)did not change,149(30.7%)gained 1 line,and 18(3.7%)gained 2 lines or more after surgery.Three hundred and thirty-two eyes(68.5%)were within 0.5 D in SE.The mean tissue saving ablation depth was 4.28±2.86(0-16)μm(median,4μm).The mean attempted remaining central corneal thickness was435.79±29.56μm,the mean postoperative pachymetry was 444.94±28.93μm.The mean preoperative Q value was-0.19±0.18,the postoperative was 0.30±0.48(P=0.000).The mean postoperative decentration was 0.39±0.19 mm.CONCLUSION:Topography-guidedLASIKwithAstraPro Planner 2.2 Z custom ablation planning software in an asymmetric ablation mode was an effective,safe,predictable,and stable refractive procedure for the myopia with asymmetric corneal topography.

Comparison of visual acuity of the patients on the first day after sub-Bowman keratomileusis or laser in situ keratomileusis

AIM：To compare recovery of the visual acuity in patients one day after sub-Bowman keratomileusis（SBK）or laser in situ keratomileusis（LASIK）.· METHODS：Data from 5923 eyes in 2968 patients that received LASIK（2755 eyes） or SBK（3168 eyes） were retrospectively analyzed.The eyes were divided into 4groups according to preoperative spherical equivalent：between-12.00 to-9.00 D,extremely high myopia（n =396,including 192 and 204 in SBK and LASIK groups,respectively）;-9.00 to-6.00 D,high myopia（n=1822,including 991 and 831 in SBK and LASIK groups,respectively）,-6.00 to-3.00 D,moderate myopia（n=3071,including 1658 and 1413 in SBK and LASIK groups,respectively）,and-3.00 to 0.00 D,low myopia（n =634,including 327 and 307 in SBK and LASIK groups,respectively）.Uncorrected logMAR visual acuity values of patients were assessed under standard natural light.Analysis of variance was used for comparisons among different groups.· RESULTS：Uncorrected visual acuity values were0.0115±0.1051 and 0.0466±0.1477 at day 1 after operation for patients receiving SBK and LASIK,respectively（P〈0.01）;visual acuity values of 0.1854±0.1842,0.0615±0.1326,-0.0033±0.0978,and-0.0164±0.0972 were obtained for patients in the extremely high,high,moderate,and low myopia groups,respectively（P〈0.01）.In addition,significant differences in visual acuity at day 1 after operation were found between patients receiving SBK and LASIK in each myopia subgroup.· CONCLUSION：Compared with LASIK,SBK is safer and more effective,with faster recovery.Therefore,SBK is more likely to be accepted by patients than LASIK for better uncorrected visual acuity the day following operation.

Supervised descent method for weld pool boundary extraction during fiber laser welding process

In order to obtain a high-quality weld during the laser welding process, extracting the characteristic parameters of weld pool is an important issue for automated welding. In this paper, the type 304 austenitic stainless steel is welded by a 5 kW high-power fiber laser and a high-speed camera is employed to capture the topside images of weld pools. Then we propose a robust visual-detection approach for the molten pool based on the supervised descent method. It provides an elegant framework for representing the outline of a weld pool and is especially efficient for weld pool detection in the presence of strong uncertainties and disturbances. Finally, welding experimental results verified that the proposed approach can extract the weld pool boundary accurately, which will lay a solid foundation for controlling the weld quality of fiber laser welding process.

Influence of transient intraocular pressure elevation during laser in situ keratomileusis on rabbit retina thickness

AIMTo utilize tissue micro measurement to study the effect of transient high intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by different durations of suction during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on rabbit retina thickness.METHODSSixty healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into a control group, and 3 negative-pressure suction groups (20s group, 45s group, and 3min group) and each group was comprised of 15 rabbits (30 eyes); the latter 3 groups were the transient high IOP models. The retinal tissue around the papilledema was separated. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was carried out to generate slices for light microscopy. The changes in the retina thickness values of each layer were measured for all animals in each group at different postoperative recovery periods and compared with the values recorded for the animals in the control group. The thickness of the retinal tissue showed a normal distribution. The ANOVA was performed by using SPSS13.0 statistic software.RESULTSIn the comparison between the 20s and 45s negative-pressure suction groups and the control group, no significant differences were observed, except at 14d. Significant difference was observed between the 3min negative-pressure suction group and the control group, and the retina thickness value of each layer reached a peak at 14d after repair.CONCLUSIONConventional negative suction during LASIK may not lead to significant changes in retinal tissue thickness; however, if the suction duration is increased to 3min, it will cause significant changes in retinal tissue thickness.

Microstructure and Wear Resistance of in situ NbC Particles Reinforced Ni-based Alloy Composite Coating by Laser Cladding

The in situ synthesized NbC particles reinforced Ni-based alloy composite coating was produced by laser cladding a precursor mixture of Ni-based alloy powder, graphite and niobium powders on a steel substrate. The microstructure, phase composition and wear property of the composite coating were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and dry sliding wear test. The experiment results show that the composite coating is homogeneous and free from cracks, and about 0.8 mm thick. The microstructure of the composite coating is mainly composed of NbC particles, CrB type chromium borides, 7-Ni primary dendrites, and interdendritic eutectics. CrB phases often nucleate and grow on the surface of NbC particles or in their close vicinity. NbC particles are formed via in situ reaction between niobium and graphite in the molten pool during the laser cladding process and they are commonly precipitated in three kinds of morphologies, such as quadrangle, cluster, and flower-like shape. Compared with the pure Ni- based alloy coating, the microhardness of the composite coating is increased about 38%, giving a high average hardness of HV0.21000, and the wear rate of the composite coating is decreased by about 32%, respectively. These are attributed to the presence of in situ synthesized NbC particles and their well distribution in the coating.

Laser in situ keratomileusis in adult patients with anisometropic amblyopia

AIM: To evaluate the increase in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in adults with anisometropic amblyopia. · METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients diagnosed with anisometropic amblyopia at the time of refractive evaluation who underwent LASIK were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with at least a two-line difference of visual acuity (VA) between the eyes with a spherical refractive error difference of at least 3.00 diopters (D) or an astigmatic difference of at least 2.00D were included. Patients with any other possible reason for amblyopia other than anisometropia or those who had undergone previous amblyopia treatment were excluded. Amblyopic eyes with myopia or myopic astigmatism were considered as group 1, hypermetropia or hypermetropic astigmatism constituted group 2, and mixed astigmatism patients comprised group 3. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), subjective manifest refraction, and CDVA were analyzed at 1 week and 1 month, 3, and 6 months. ·RESULTS: The study included 57 eyes of 57 patients. There were 33 eyes in group 1, 12 eyes in group 2, and 12 eyes in group 3. The preoperative mean values for spherical equivalent of subjective manifest refraction (SE) in groups 1, 2, and 3 were (-4.66±1.97)D, (4.40±1.00)D, and (0.15±1.05)D, respectively. Mean CDVA improved 0.1 log units (1 line LogMAR) at 6 months (P 【0.05). Sixteen eyes (28%) exhibited an improvement in CDVA in week 1. Fourteen eyes (25% ) experienced two or more lines of CDVA improvement at month 6. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of CDVA (P 】0.05). Moreover, age, the amount ofpreoperative refractive error, and the levels of preoperative corrected and UDVA had no effect on postoperative CDVA improvement (P 】0.05). · CONCLUSION: Correction of refractive errors with LASIK produced significant CDVA improvement in adult patients with anisometropic amblyopia and no previous amblyopia treatment.