Large enhancements in optoelectronic efficiencies of nano-plastically stressed conjugated polymer strands.

The photoluminescence (PL) of well dispersed molecules of a conjugated polymer, poly[2-methoxy-5-((2'-ethylhexyl)oxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene] (MEH-PPV), in an optically inert matrix manifested dramatic increases when the individual molecular strands were fully stretched. The PL increase rose with stretching and may reach several folds when the mechanical strain of the matrix polymer went beyond 550%. Strong polarization effects indicate that stretching individual polymer chains was responsible for the PL enhancement.

Transthoracic echocardiographic diagnosis of a type C interrupted aortic arch in an adult.

Interrupted aortic arch is the complete loss of luminal continuity between the ascending aorta and the descending aorta and accounts for 1% of all congenital heart disease. Of the affected patients, 75% die within the first month of life and about 90% within the first year if not surgically treated. We report a case of an echocardiographic diagnosis of a type C interrupted aortic arch in an adult who presented with exertional dyspnea and angina after a recent coronary event.