A Bezel-Less Tetrahedral Image Sensor Formed by Solvent-Assisted Plasticization and Transformation of an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Framework.

A method for transforming planar electronic devices into 3D structures under mechanically mild and stable conditions is demonstrated. This strategy involves diffusion control of acetone as a plasticizer into a spatially designed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) framework to both laminate membrane-type electronic devices and transform them into a desired 3D shape. Optical, mechanical, and electrical analysis reveals that the plasticized region serves as a damper and even reflows to release the stress of fragile elements, for example, an Au interconnect electrode in this study, below the ultimate stress point. This method also gives considerable freedom in aligning electronic devices not only in the neutral mechanical plane of the ABS framework, which is the general approach in flexible electronics, but also to the top surface, without inducing electrical failure. Finally, to develop a prototype omnidirectional optical system with minimal aberrations, this method is used to produce a bezel-less tetrahedral image sensor.

Enhancement of ultraviolet-beam generation through a double walk-off compensation.

We propose a novel walk-off-compensation method for ultraviolet-light-source development. A walk-off occurring in the frequency mixing of infrared and green beams is doubly compensated for using an external walk-off compensator and a nonlinear-material set with internal walk-off-compensation arrangement. We theoretically and experimentally verified that our method can improve the power and beam shape of the output ultraviolet beam.

Novel valsartan-loaded solid dispersion with enhanced bioavailability and no crystalline changes.

With the aim of developing a novel valsartan-loaded solid dispersion with enhanced bioavailability and no crystalline changes, various valsartan-loaded solid dispersions were prepared with water, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Effects of the weight ratios of SLS/HPMC and carrier/drug on both the aqueous solubility of valsartan and the drug-release profiles of solid dispersions were investigated. The physicochemical properties of solid dispersions were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The bioavailability of the solid dispersions in rats was evaluated compared to valsartan powder and a commercial product (Diovan). Unlike the conventional solid dispersion system, the valsartan-loaded solid dispersion had a relatively rough surface and did not change the crystalline form of the drug. It was suggested that the solid dispersions were formed by attaching hydrophilic carriers to the surface of the drug, thus changing from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic form without changing the crystalline form. The drug-loaded solid dispersion composed of valsartan/HPMC/SLS at a weight ratio of 3/1.5/0.75 improved the drug solubility by about 43-fold. It gave a higher AUC, C(max) and shorter T(max) compared to valsartan powder and the commercial product. The solid dispersion improved the bioavailability of the drug in rats by about 2.2 and 1.7-fold in comparison with valsartan powder and the commercial product, respectively. Thus, the valsartan-loaded solid dispersion would be useful for delivering poorly water-soluble valsartan with enhanced bioavailability and no crystalline changes.

Clinical analysis of right anterior segmentectomy for hepatic malignancy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Combined resection of segments 5 and 8, or right anterior segmentectomy, is one of the most difficult hepatic resections because of the danger of bleeding from the two major hepatic veins, the middle and right hepatic veins, during hepatectomy. We describe here the operative procedure and clinical analysis of right anterior segmentectomy in 35 patients with hepatic malignancy. METHODOLOGY: Between March 1993 and December 2004, 35 patients underwent right anterior segmentectomy for hepatic malignancy. The technique used was based on the extraglissonian approach and parenchymal Kelly crushing, during which the two major hepatic veins were almost fully exposed. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients had hepatocellular carcinoma, one had peripheral cholangiocellular carcinoma, and one had primary hepatic sarcoma. The mean operation time was 331 +/- 73 minutes and the mean transfusion of packed RBC was 1.09 +/- 1.57 pints. There was one in-hospital death as a result of sepsis and hepatic failure. The cumulative 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates were 94%, 72% and 62%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For surgeons who accurately know the anatomy of the liver, this procedure is safe and suitable in selected patients with hepatic malignancies and may increase the survival rate.