Pressure stimulated currents in rocks and their correlation with mechanical properties

The spontaneous electrification of marble samples was studied while they were subjected to uniaxial stress. The Pressure Stimulated Current (PSC) technique was applied to measure the charge released from compressed Dionysos marble samples, while they were subjected to cyclic loading. The experimental results demonstrate that, in the linear elastic region of the sample, no PSC is recorded, while beyond the stress limit (s>0.60), observable variations appear, which increase considerably in the vicinity of sample failure, reaching a maximum value just before the failure. The emitted current is reduced on each loading cycle and it has a reciprocal dependence to the normalized Young modulus. The MCD model, applied out of the vicinity of sample failure explains successfully the above findings. The existence of a "memory-like" behavior of the sample, could justify the weakness or absence of electrical earthquake precursors, during an aftershock sequence

A Case of Clinically Diagnosed ANCA Negative Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Granulomatosis with polyangitis (GPA) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis comprising of inflammation of small and medium-sized vessels.1 It typically presents with involvement of the upper and lower airways as well as the kidneys. If left untreated, end-organ damage may occur. Hematological investigations typically demonstrate the presence of antinuclear cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA).2 Here, we discuss an unusual presentation of ANCA negative GPA, presenting initially with nasal symptoms

Microdebrider-Assisted Rhinophyma Excision

Rhinophyma represents a progressive deformity of the nose which leads to cosmetic disfigurement and has a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. This pathological entity originates from hyperplasia of sebaceous gland tissue, connective tissue, and vessels of the nose and is associated with rosacea and more specifically, stage III rosacea. Surgical treatment is the method of choice. We present five cases of rhinophyma that we treated with microdebrider-assisted excision. The procedure was divided in two main steps: scalpel excision of the main bulk of the rhinophyma and then further contouring with the microdebrider. All patients had weekly follow-up for the first four weeks, and then three-monthly. All patients had uneventful recovery and satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. No postoperative infections or other complications were reported in our case series. The use of the microdebrider reduces the operating time, preserves the islands of skin regeneration, and allows finer manipulations than the standard scalpel techniques. Microdebrider-assisted rhinophyma excision is a safe approach, with good aesthetic results. Larger series of patients need to be examined in order to establish the value of the method.</jats:p

Clival Mucocele: A Rare Yet not Forgotten Pathology

Primary clival mucoceles are a rare clinical entity that usually represents an incidental finding on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scanning. There are only a few reports in the literature of patients who presented with vague symptoms such as headaches, facial paresthesia, and numbness. Clival mucoceles can also be secondary, by extension of a sphenoid mucocele to the clivus. We present a case of primary clival mucocele, aiming to highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. </jats:p

A Case of Invasive Sinonasal Carcinosarcoma: The Importance of Early Detection

Sinonasal carcinosarcomas represent rare neoplasms, with aggressive character and unfavourable prognosis. We present a case of extensive sinonasal carcinosarcoma extending into the anterior cranial fossa and into the orbit and also a review of the current international literature regarding this rare yet aggressive neoplasm. There is currently a lack of specific guidelines on the optimal management of sinonasal carcinosarcoma and the treatment represents a challenge for the clinician. The key message that we would like to disseminate to our colleagues is the importance of suspicion and early detection, as well as the necessity to adopt a holistic approach when counselling patients

Visualizing Buried Local Carrier Diffusion in Halide Perovskite Crystals via Two-Photon Microscopy.

Halide perovskites have shown great potential for light emission and photovoltaic applications due to their remarkable electronic properties. Although the device performances are promising, they are still limited by microscale heterogeneities in their photophysical properties. Here, we study the impact of these heterogeneities on the diffusion of charge carriers, which are processes crucial for efficient collection of charges in light-harvesting devices. A photoluminescence tomography technique is developed in a confocal microscope using one- and two-photon excitation to distinguish between local surface and bulk diffusion of charge carriers in methylammonium lead bromide single crystals. We observe a large dispersion of local diffusion coefficients with values between 0.3 and 2 cm2·s-1 depending on the trap density and the morphological environment-a distribution that would be missed from analogous macroscopic or surface measurements. This work reveals a new framework to understand diffusion pathways, which are extremely sensitive to local properties and buried defects

Speech Therapy in the Treatment of Globus Pharyngeus: Development of a Mobile Application to Improve Patient Access

Introduction: Globus pharyngeus is a well-known disorder accounting for 3-4% of ENT referrals. Various treatment strategies have been proposed for this condition, including speech and language therapy. The aim of this article is to highlight the evidence-based approach to the development of a mobile application to improve patient access to speech therapy as a treatment for globus pharyngeus. Patients and Methods: A literature search was performed to identify articles exploring the use of speech therapy as a management option for this disorder. A survey of speech and language therapists (SLT) in the UK to determine patient access to this treatment and their views on the development of a mobile application is also described. Results: Four studies were identified, including one randomised controlled study. All articles demonstrate a significant improvement in symptoms following the use of speech therapy. SLTs from 27 departments responded to the survey. The globus pharyngeus patient workload was variable and in excess of 1000 patients per year in some departments. Most respondents supported the development of a mobile application for speech therapy for use by globus pharyngeus patients. Conclusion: Speech therapy is an effective treatment for globus pharyngeus patients. Speech therapy is not available in all NHS Trusts in England and some SLT departments have a high workload. Alternative methods for the delivery of this effective treatment should be considered including the use of mobile applications. It is important to rule out the possibility of upper aerodigestive tract malignancy before referring a patient for speech therapy

Fabrication of Nanostructured GaAs/AlGaAs Waveguide for Low-Density Polariton Condensation from a Bound State in the Continuum

Exciton-polaritons are hybrid light-matter states that arise from strong coupling between an exciton resonance and a photonic cavity mode. As bosonic excitations, they can undergo a phase transition to a condensed state that can emit coherent light without a population inversion. This aspect makes them good candidates for thresholdless lasers, yet short exciton-polariton lifetime has made it difficult to achieve condensation at very low power densities. In this sense, long-lived symmetry-protected states are excellent candidates to overcome the limitations that arise from the finite mirror reflectivity of monolithic microcavities. In this work we use a photonic symmetry protected bound state in the continuum coupled to an excitonic resonance to achieve state-of-the-art polariton condensation threshold in GaAs/AlGaAs waveguide. Most important, we show the influence of fabrication control and how surface passivation via atomic layer deposition provides a way to reduce exciton quenching at the grating sidewalls