Ultraviolet-based bonding for perfluoropolyether low aspect-ratio microchannels and hybrid devices.

Producing solvent-resistant microfluidic devices is a challenge for analytical chemistry and biochemistry. We demonstrate a simple and low-cost fabrication approach for the realization of solvent-resistant microchannels based on perfluoropolyether elastomers, exhibiting very low aspect ratios (0.01). The strength of the microchannels sealing is evaluated through the maximum internal pressure (1.52 MPa) prior to device failure, due to delamination at the bonded interface. This approach allows the elastic properties of silicone elastomers, suitable for high quality external connections, to be combined with the non-swelling character of perfluoropolyethers

Organic Light‐Emitting Nanofibers by Solvent‐Resistant Nanofluidics

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Anomalous evolution of broadband optical absorption reveals dynamic solid state reorganization during eumelanin build-up in thin films

The origin of eumelanin optical properties remains a formidable conundrum preventing a detailed understanding of the complex photo-protective role of these widespread natural pigments and the rational design of innovative bioinspired materials for optoelectronic applications. Here we report the unusual kinetic and thickness-dependent evolution of the optical properties of black eumelanin polymers generated by spontaneous aerial polymerization of 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) thin films (0.1-1 μm), consistent with peculiar solid state reorganization mechanisms governing broadband absorption. The complete reversal of eumelanin UV-visible transmittance spectrum curvature on passing from 0.2 to 0.5 μm thick films, the marked increase in visible extinction coefficients with increasing film thickness and the higher UV extinction coefficients in slowly vs. rapidly generated polymers concur to support distinct dynamic regimes of solid-state molecular reorganization at the nanoscale level and to do affect the development of broadband visible absorption. Solid state control of molecular reorganization disclosed herein may delineate new rational strategies for tuning optical properties in eumelanin thin films for optoelectronic applications

Chemical ear peeling: a simple technique for the treatment of chronic external otitis: how we do it

[NFew conditions encountered by otolaryngologists are as frustrating as chronic otitis externa and recurrent exacerbation presents a special challenge for the attending physician. The disease may be extremely therapy-resistant: a great many patients report chronic suffering from otitis externa with inadequate and inefficacious treatment attempts.1 Current medical treatment is based on topical application of steroids, antibiotics and external auditory canal cleansing.2 Moreover, there are no long-term outcome data on medical management.3 In this study we present, showing the short- and longterm clinical outcomes, a new, safe and simple therapeutic technique for the management of chronic otitis externa: chemical ear peeling (CEP).o abstract available

Video-Assisted Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background. The results of video-assisted thyroidectomy (VAT) were evaluated in a large series of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), especially in terms of completeness of the surgical resection and short-to-medium term recurrence. Methods. The medical records of all patients who underwent video-assisted thyroidectomy for PTC between June 1998 and May 2009 were reviewed. Results. Three hundred fifty-nine patients were included. One hundred twenty-six patients underwent concomitant central neck node removal. Final histology showed 285 pT1, 26 pT2, and 48 pT3 PTC. Lymph node metastases were found in 27 cases. Follow-up was completed in 315 patients. Mean postoperative serum thyroglobulin level off levothyroxine was 5.4 ng/mL. Post operative ultrasonography showed no residual thyroid tissue in all the patients. Mean post-operative 131I uptake was 1.7%. One patient developed lateral neck recurrence. No other recurrence was observed

Sub-50-nm conjugated polymer dots by nanoprinting.

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Room temperature polariton condensation from Whispering gallery modes in CsPbBr3 microplatelets

Room temperature (RT) polariton condensate holds exceptional promise for revolutionizing various fields of science and technology, encompassing optoelectronics devices to quantum information processing. Using perovskite materials like all-inorganic CsPbBr3 single crystal provides additional advantages, such as ease of synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with existing semiconductor technologies. In this work, we show the formation of whispering gallery modes (WGM) in CsPbBr3 single crystals with controlled geometry, synthesized using a lowcost and efficient capillary bridge method. Through the implementation of microplatelets geometry, we achieve enhanced optical properties and performance thanks to the presence of sharp edges and a uniform surface, effectively avoiding non-radiative scattering losses caused by defects. This allows us not only to observe strong light matter coupling and formation of whispering gallery polaritons, but also to demonstrate the onset of polariton condensation at RT. This investigation not only contributes to the advancement of our knowledge concerning the exceptional optical properties of perovskite-based polariton systems, but also unveils prospects for the exploration of WGM polariton condensation within the framework of a 3D perovskite-based platform, working at RT. The unique characteristics of polariton condensate, including low excitation thresholds and ultrafast dynamics, open up unique opportunities for advancements in photonics and optoelectronics devices