Negative Differential Resistance, Memory and Reconfigurable Logic Functions based on Monolayer Devices derived from Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Electro-polymerizable Thiophene-EDOT Units

We report on hybrid memristive devices made of a network of gold nanoparticles (10 nm diameter) functionalized by tailored 3,4(ethylenedioxy)thiophene (TEDOT) molecules, deposited between two planar electrodes with nanometer and micrometer gaps (100 nm to 10 um apart), and electropolymerized in situ to form a monolayer film of conjugated polymer with embedded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Electrical properties of these films exhibit two interesting behaviors: (i) a NDR (negative differential resistance) behavior with a peak/valley ratio up to 17, and (ii) a memory behavior with an ON/OFF current ratio of about 1E3 to 1E4. A careful study of the switching dynamics and programming voltage window is conducted demonstrating a non-volatile memory. The data retention of the ON and OFF states is stable (tested up to 24h), well controlled by the voltage and preserved when repeating the switching cycles (800 in this study). We demonstrate reconfigurable Boolean functions in multiterminal connected NP molecule devices.Comment: Full manuscript, figures and supporting information, J. Phys. Chem. C, on line, asap (2017

Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles with Electropolymerizable π-Conjugated Systems for a Neuro-inspired Memristive Nanoparticle Organic Synapse-Transistor

Nanoparticle Organic Memory Field-Effect Transistors (NOMFET) are molecule-based devices that exhibit the main behavior of a biological spiking synapse. This behavior is obtained by virtue of the combination of two properties of the NOMFET: the transconductance gain of the transistor and the memory effect due to the presence of nanoparticles (NPs) which are used as nanoscale capacitors to store the electrical charges, and which are embedded into an organic semiconducting layer [1]. Thus, the transconductance of the transistor can be dynamically tuned by the amount of charge in the NPs. In this context, we present here a novel method for the elaboration of NOMFET active materials based on the electrochemical deposition of gold NPs grafted with alkanethiol-terminated π-conjugated precursors combining low oxidation potential and high reactivity. The straightforward electropolymerization of these new precursors leads to the formation of a semiconducting network in which the electronic and transport properties and the charging/discharging speed of the gold NPs can be modulated. Such hybrid material could advantageously replace the pentacene layer generally used in NOMFETs. This novel approach is based on previously demonstrated enhancement of charge-tunneling across monolayers of SAMs of alkanethiol-bithiophenic systems on a planar gold surface after electrochemical conversion into more extended conjugated systems [2]. The synthesis of the precursors and nanoparticles will be described and the morphology and electronic properties of the hybrid electropolymerized films will be discussed with regard to the behavior of the resulting NOMFET-devices. [1] F. Alibart, S. Pleutin, D. Guerin, C. Novembre, S. Lenfant, K. Lmimouni, C. Gamrat, D. Vuillaume, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2010, 20, 330-337. [2] M. Oçafrain, T. K. Tran, P. Blanchard, S. Lenfant, S. Godey, D. Vuillaume, J. Roncali, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2008, 18, 2163-2171

A case of chronic progressive Lyme encephalitis as a manifestation of late Lyme neuroborreliosis

A 54-year-old female living in Europe presented with gait ataxia, dizziness, and bilateral hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed non-specific white matter changes. The patient's condition gradually deteriorated over two years without diagnosis. The patient continued to decline cognitively and neurologically with worsening ataxia and upper motor neuron signs. Repeat MRI showed worsening white matter changes. Lumbar puncture, not previously done, showed positive Lyme testing. Treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone resulted in marked neurological improvement. Four years after symptom, the patient has short-term memory deficits and chronic fatigue, but is otherwise neurologically, cognitively, and functionally intact. Follow up MRI findings remain largely unchanged. Because cases of intraparenchymal or encephalopathic neuroborreliosis in America are lacking, so are treatment options. We present a rare case and discuss our experience with antibiotic treatment. This case lends evidence to define optimal treatment of this disease, imperative for hastening neurological recovery

Optimization of Electronic Transport at the Nanoscale through the Formation of Molecular Junctions within Composite Electrodes for Li-battery

National audienc

An investigation into CLIL-related sections of EFL coursebooks : issues of CLIL inclusion in the publishing market

The current ELT global coursebook market has embraced CLIL as a weak form of bilingual education and an innovative component to include in General English coursebooks for EFL contexts. In this paper I investigate how CLIL is included in ELT coursebooks aimed at teenaged learners, available to teachers in Argentina. My study is based on the content analysis of four series which include a section advertised as CLIL-oriented. Results suggest that such sections are characterised by (1) little correlation between featured subject specific content and school curricula in L1, (2) oversimplification of contents, and (3) dominance of reading skills development and lower-order thinking tasks. Through this study, I argue that CLIL components become superficial supplements rather than a meaningful attempt to promote weak forms of bilingual education

Predictors of failed attendances in a multi-specialty outpatient centre using electronic databases.

BACKGROUND: Failure to keep outpatient medical appointments results in inefficiencies and costs. The objective of this study is to show the factors in an existing electronic database that affect failed appointments and to develop a predictive probability model to increase the effectiveness of interventions. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on outpatient clinic attendances at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore from 2000 to 2004. 22864 patients were randomly sampled for analysis. The outcome measure was failed outpatient appointments according to each patient's latest appointment. RESULTS: Failures comprised of 21% of all appointments and 39% when using the patients' latest appointment. Using odds ratios from the mutliple logistic regression analysis, age group (0.75 to 0.84 for groups above 40 years compared to below 20 years), race (1.48 for Malays, 1.61 for Indians compared to Chinese), days from scheduling to appointment (2.38 for more than 21 days compared to less than 7 days), previous failed appointments (1.79 for more than 60% failures and 4.38 for no previous appointments, compared with less than 20% failures), provision of cell phone number (0.10 for providing numbers compared to otherwise) and distance from hospital (1.14 for more than 14 km compared to less than 6 km) were significantly associated with failed appointments. The predicted probability model's diagnostic accuracy to predict failures is more than 80%. CONCLUSION: A few key variables have shown to adequately account for and predict failed appointments using existing electronic databases. These can be used to develop integrative technological solutions in the outpatient clinic

Synthesis and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Electropolymerizable or Optically Switchable π-Conjugated Systems

International audienc