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BackgroundDry eye is a common disease worldwide, and animal models are critical for the study of it. At present, there is no research about the stability of the extant animal models, which may have negative implications for previous dry eye studies. In this study, we observed the stability of a rabbit dry eye model induced by the topical benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and determined the valid time of this model.Methods and FindingsEighty white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. One eye from each rabbit was randomly chosen to receive topical 0.1% BAC twice daily for 2 weeks (Group BAC-W2), 3 weeks (Group BAC-W3), 4 weeks (Group BAC-W4), or 5 weeks (Group BAC-W5). Fluorescein staining, Schirmer's tests, and conjunctival impression cytology were performed before BAC treatment (normal) and on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 after BAC removal. The eyeballs were collected at these time points for immunofluorescence staining, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and electron microscopy. After removing BAC, the signs of dry eye in Group BAC-W2 lasted one week. Compared with normal, there were still significant differences in the results of Schirmer's tests and fluorescein staining in Groups BAC-W3 and BAC-W4 on day 7 (P<0.05) and in Group BAC-W5 on day 14 (P<0.05). Decreases in goblet cell density remained stable in the three experimental groups at all time points (P<0.001). Decreased levels of mucin-5 subtype AC (MUC5AC), along with histopathological and ultrastructural disorders of the cornea and conjunctiva could be observed in Group BAC-W4 and particularly in Group BAC-W5 until day 21.ConclusionsA stable rabbit dry eye model was induced by topical 0.1% BAC for 5 weeks, and after BAC removal, the signs of dry eye were sustained for 2 weeks (for the mixed type of dry eye) or for at least 3 weeks (for mucin-deficient dry eye).

Abstract-Electrical properties of thin-film transistors with ZnO channels which was deposited by rf magnetron sputtering at various oxygen partial pressures [p(O 2 )] were investigated. Negative shift of turn-on voltage with "hump" was observed, and donor-like traps were generated at intermediate energy levels from conduction band when the ZnO channel was deposited at the p(O 2 ) below a critical pressure. Thermal desorption spectroscopy study revealed that the donor-like traps were generated when the ZnO film changed from O-rich to Zn-rich condition. The Zn related native defects would be possible origin of the donor-like traps generated intermediate energy levels in the ZnO TFTs.

Although it is a preliminary and uncontrolled study, topical application of AME is effective in reducing inflammation, promoting reepithelization in the treatment of chemical burns, especially for mild to moderate acute cases.

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The load distribution analysis plays a significant role in the performance evaluation of cycloid speed reducer. However, current analytical models usually ignore elastic deformation, clearances, or assembly errors. These factors must be considered for realistic performance evaluation of cycloid speed reducer. This paper proposes an analytical model for cycloid speed reducer based on unloaded tooth contact and load distribution analyses. The proposed model can predict the loads on various components of the speed reducer in the presence of clearances and eccentricity errors. The results are compared with those predicted by the cycloid speed reducer model based on theoretical geometry. The effect of radial and pin-hole clearances as well as eccentricity errors, on some key design factors, such as contact stress, transmission error, gear ratio, and load on bearing, is investigated. This study can be used to assist the optimal design of cycloid speed reducers.

Intense green cathodoluminescence (CL) was obtained from zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures prepared by a post-treatment of ZnO film deposited on a silicon (Si) substrate in a reducing gas ambient at a low temperature of 450 C. The green emission peak was centered at around 500 nm with a CL luminance as high as 10580 Cd/m 2 at an excitation voltage of 10 kV. The strong green emission was ascribed to the increase in the oxygen vacancies on the surface of the fluted hexagonal cone nanostructures formed on the ZnO film during the annealing process.