Effect of iodine incorporation on characteristic properties of cadmium telluride deposited in aqueous solution

The electrodeposition of polycrystalline I-doped CdTe was successfully performed from aqueous solutions containing cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2 and tellurium oxide (TeO2). The effects of different I-doping concentrations in the electrolytic bath on the deposited CdTe layers deposited were evaluated structurally, optically, morphologically and electronically using X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, photoelectrochemical cell measurement and direct-current (DC) conductivity test respectively. The XRD show reduction in the (111) cubic CdTe peak intensity and the calculated crystallite size of the CdTe:I layers above 5 ppm I-doping. At I-doping of 1000 ppm of the CdTe-bath and above, the deposition of only crystalline Te due to the formation of Cd-I complexes debarring the deposition of Cd and co-deposition of CdTe in aqueous solution was observed. Morphologically, reductions in grain size were observed above 5 ppm I-doping with high pinhole density and the formation of cracks within the CdTe:I layers. For the as-deposited CdTe:I layers, conduction type remained n-type across all the explored I-doping concentration of 200 ppm. For the CdCl2 and Ga2(SO4)2+CdCl2 treated CdTe:I layers, the transition from n- to p-type conductivity was observed for the CdTe:I baths doped with 20 ppm and above due to the reduced cadmium deposition on the substrate. The highest conductivity was observed at 5 ppm I-doping of the CdTe-bath. Observations made on the CdTe:I in aqueous solution differs from the non-aqueous solvent documented in the literature. These results are reported systematically in this communication

Effect of gallium doping on the characteristic properties of polycrystalline cadmium telluride thin film

Ga-doped CdTe polycrystalline thin films were successfully electrodeposited on glass/fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates from aqueous electrolytes containing cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2⸱4H2O) and tellurium oxide (TeO2). The effects of different Ga-doping concentrations on the CdTe:Ga coupled with different post-growth treatments were studied by analysing the structural, optical, morphological and electronic properties of the deposited layers using X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, photoelectrochemical cell measurement and direct-current conductivity test respectively. XRD results show diminishing (111)C CdTe peak above 20 ppm Ga-doping and appearance of (301)M GaTe diffraction above 50 ppm Ga-doping indicating the formation of two phases; CdTe and GaTe . Although, reductions in the absorption edge slopes were observed above 20 ppm Ga-doping for the as-deposited CdTe:Ga layer, no obvious influence on the energy gap of CdTe films with Ga-doping were detected. Morphologically, reductions in grain size were observed at 50 ppm Ga-doping and above with high pinhole density within the layer. For the as-deposited CdTe:Ga layers, conduction type change from n- to p- were observed at 50 ppm, while the n-type conductivity were retained after post-growth treatment. Highest conductivity was observed at 20 ppm Ga-doping of CdTe. These results are systematically reported in this pape

Sliding Wear Behavior of Al2O3-TiO2 Coatings Fabricated by the Suspension Plasma Spraying Technique

[EN] The friction and dry sliding wear behavior of alumina and alumina-titania near-nanometric coatings were examined. Coatings were obtained by the suspension plasma spraying technique. Dry sliding wear tests were performed on a ball-on-disk tribometer, with an Al2O3 ball as counterpart material, a normal load of 2 N, a sliding distance of 1200 m and a sliding speed of 0.1 m/s. The effect of including TiO2 in the fabricated coatings on friction coefficient behavior, wear rates and wear damage patterns was determined. The addition of TiO2 to the coatings was found to greatly increase wear resistance by, for example, 2.6-fold for 40 wt% of TiO2. The analysis of the wear surface was correlated with microstructural parameters, mechanical properties and wear rates.The authors wish to thank for the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MAT2012-38364-C03) and the Autonomous Government of Valencia for funding for the stay in SPCTS-UMR CNRS (France), and the French FCENANOSURF consortium funded by the French Ministry and Industry and local governments of Region Centre and Region Limousin.Klyatskina, E.; Espinosa Fernández, L.; Darut, G.; Segovia López, EF.; Salvador Moya, MD.; Montavon, G.; Agorges, H. (2015). Sliding Wear Behavior of Al2O3-TiO2 Coatings Fabricated by the Suspension Plasma Spraying Technique. Tribology Letters. 59(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-015-0530-5S19591Pawlowski, L.: The Science and Engineering of Thermal Spray Coatings. Wiley: Hoboken (2008)Lampe, Th, Eisenberg, S., Cabeo, E.R.: Plasma surface engineering in the automotive industry—trends and future prospective. Surf. Coat. Technol. 174–175, 1–7 (2003)Wang, Y., Jiang, S., Wang, M., Wang, S., Xiao, T.D., Strutt, P.R.: Abrasive wear characteristics of plasma sprayed nanostructured alumina/titania coatings. Wear 237, 176–185 (2000)Kabacoff, L.T.: Nanoceramic coatings exhibit much higher toughness and wear resistance than conventional coatings. AMPITAC Newslett. 6(1), 37–42 (2002)Wang, M., Shaw, L.L.: Effects of the powder manufacturing method on microstructure and wear performance of plasma sprayed alumina–titania coatings. Surf. Coat. Technol. 202, 34–44 (2007)Shaw, L.L., Goberman, D., Ren, R., Gell, M., Jing, S., Wang, Y., Xiao, T.D., Strutt, P.R.: The dependency of microstructure and properties of nanostructured coatings on plasma spray conditions. Surf. Coat. Technol. 130, 1–8 (2000)Dahotre, N.B., Nayak, S.: Nanocoatings for engine application. Surf. Coat. Technol. 194(1), 58–67 (2005)Sathish, S., Geetha, M., Aruna, S.T., Balaji, N., Rajam, K.S., Asokamani, R.: Sliding wear behavior of plasma sprayed nanoceramic coatings for biomedical applications. Wear 271, 934–941 (2011)Pawlowski, L.: Finely grained nanometric and submicrometric coatings by thermal sparing: a review. Surf. Coat. Technol. 202, 4318–4328 (2008)Xiao, D., Wang, Y., Strutt, P.: Fabrication and evaluation of plasma sprayed nanostructured alumina–titania coatings with superior properties. Mater. Sci. Eng. 301, 80–89 (2001)Tjong, S.C., Chen, H.: Nanocrystalline materials and coatings. Mater. Sci. Eng. 45, 1–88 (2004)Fauchais, P., Montavon, G., Bertrand, G.: From powders to thermally sprayed coatings. J. Therm. Spray Technol. 19, 56–80 (2010)Lima, R.S., Marple, B.R.: Thermal spray coatings engineered from nanostructured ceramic agglomerated powders for structural, thermal barrier and biomedical applications: a review. J. Therm. Spray Technol. 16, 40–63 (2007)Fauchais, P., Etchart-Salas, R., Delbos, C., Tognonvi, M., Rat, V., Coudert, J.F., Chartier, T.: Suspension and solution plasma spraying of finely structured layers: potential application to SOFCs. J. Phys. D Appl. Phys. 40, 2394–2406 (2007)Ramachandran, K., Selvajaran, V., Ananthapadmanabhan, P.V., Sreekumar, K.P.: Microstructure, adhesion, micro hardness, abrasive wear resistance and electrical resistivity of the plasma sprayed alumina and alumina–titania coatings. Thin Solid Films 315, 144–152 (1998)Lee, S.W., Morillo, C., Lira-Olivares, J., Kim, S.H., Sekino, T., Niihara, K., Hockey, B.J.: Tribological and microstructural analysis of Al2O3/13TiO2 nanocomposites to use in femoral head of hip replacement. Wear 225, 1040–1044 (2003)Dejang, N., Watcharapasorn, A., Wirojupatump, S., Niranatlumpong, P., Jiansirisomboon, S.: Fabrication and properties of plasma-sprayed Al2O3/TiO2 composite coatings: a role of nano-sized TiO2 addition. Surf. Coat. Technol. 204, 1651–1657 (2010)Yimaz, S.: An evaluation of plasma sprayed coatings based on Al2O3 and Al2O3–13wt% TiO2 with bond coat on pure titanium substrate. Ceram. Int. 35, 2017–2022 (2009)Fervel, V., Normand, B., Coddet, C.: Tribological behavior of plasma sprayed Al2O3-based cermet coatings. Wear 230(1), 70–77 (1999)Vargas, F., Ageorges, H., Fauchais, P., López, M.E.: Mechanical and a tribological performance of Al2O3 coatings elaborated by flame and plasma spraying. Surf. Coat. Technol. 205, 1132–1136 (2010)Bacciochini, A., Ilavsky, J., Montavon, G., Denoirjean, A., Ben-ettouil, F., Valette, S., Fauchais, P., Wittmann-teneze, K.: Quantification of void network architectures of suspension plasma-sprayed (SPS) yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coatings using ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS). Mater. Sci. Eng. 528, 91–102 (2010)ASTM International: ASTM G99-03: Standard test method for wear testing with a pin-on-disc apparatus. ASTM annual book of standards. ASTM International: West Conshohocken (2003)Lancaster, K.: The influence of substrate hardness on the formation and endurance of molybdenum disulphide films. Wear 10, 103–107 (1967)Fauchais, P., Rat, V., Delbos, C., Fazilleau, J., Coudert, J.F., Chartier, T., Bianchi, L.: Understanding of suspension plasma spraying of finely structured coatings for SOFC. IEEE Plasma Sci. 33(2), 920–930 (2005)Bannier, E., Vicent, M., Rayón, E., Benavente, R., Salvador, M.D., Sánchez, E.: Effect of TiO2 addition on the microstructure and nanomechanical properties of Al2O3 suspension plasma sprayed coatings. Appl. Surf. Sci. 316, 141–146 (2014)Darut, G., Klyatskina, E., Valette, S., Carles, P., Denoirjean, A., Montavon, G., Ageorges, H., Segovia, F., Salvador, M.D.: Architecture and phases composition of suspension plasma sprayed alumina–titania sub-micrometer-sized coatings. Mater. Lett. 67, 241–244 (2012)Fauchais, P., Montavon, G.: Latest developments in suspension and liquid precursor thermal spraying. J. Therm. Spray Technol. 19(1–2), 226–239 (2010)Darut, G., Ben-Ettouli, F., Denoirjean, A., Montavon, G., Ageourges, H., Fauchais, P.: Dry sliding behavior of sub-micrometer-sized suspension plasma sprayed ceramic oxide coatings. J. Therm. Spray Technol. 19, 275–285 (2010)Tingaud, O., Bacciochini, A., Montavon, G., Denoirjean, A., Fauchais, P.: Suspension DC plasma spraying of thick finely-structured ceramic coatings: process manufacturing mechanisms. Surf. Coat. Technol. 203, 2157–2161 (2009)Guesama, S., Bounazef, M., Nardin, P., Sahraoui, T.: Wear behavior of alumina–titania coatings: analysis of process and parameters. Ceram. Int. 32, 13–19 (2006)Espinosa-Fernández, L., Borrell, A., Salvador, M.D., Gutierrez-Gonzalez, C.F.: Sliding wear behavior of WC–Co–Cr3C2–VC composites fabricated by conventional and non-conventional techniques. Wear 307, 60–67 (2013)Zhang, J., Moslehy, F.A., Rice, S.L.: A model for friction in quasi-steady-state. Part I. Derivation. Wear 149, 1–12 (1991)Zhang, J., Moslehy, F.A., Rice, S.L.: A model for friction in quasi-steady-state sliding Part II. Numerical results and discussion. Wear 149, 13–25 (1991)Bolelli, G., Cannilo, V., Lusvarghi, L., Manfredini, T.: Wear behaviour of thermally sprayed ceramic oxide coatings. Wear 261, 1298–1315 (2006)Normand, B., Fervel, V., Coddet, C., Nikitine, V.: Tribological properties of plasma sprayed alumina–titania coatings: next term role and control of the microstructure. Surf. Coat. Technol. 123, 278–287 (2000)Hutchings, I.: Tribology: friction and wear of engineering materials. Mater. Des. 13, 187 (1992)Ahn, J., Hwang, B., Song, E.P., Lee, S., Kim, N.J.: Correlation of microstructure and wear resistance of Al2O3–TiO2 coatings plasma sprayed with nanopowders. Metall. Mater. Trans. A 37, 1851–1860 (2006)Erickson, L.C., Hawthorne, H.M., Troczynski, T.: Correlations between microstructural parameters, micromechanical properties and wear resistance of plasma sprayed ceramic coatings. Wear 250, 569–575 (2001)Song, E.P., Ahn, J., Lee, S., Kim, N.J.: Microstructure and wear resistance of nanostructured Al2O3–8 wt%TiO2 coatings plasma-sprayed with nanopowders. Surf. Coat. Technol. 201, 1309–1315 (2006)Tucker Jr., R.C.: ASM Handbook Volume 5A: Thermal Spray Technology. ASM International, Materials Park (2013)Stachowiack, G.W., Batchelor, A.: Engineering Tribology Handbook. Elsevier-Butterworth-Heineman: Oxford (2005)Fischer, T.E., Zhu, Z., Kim, H., Shin, D.S.: Genesis and role of wear debris in sliding wear of ceramics. Wear 245, 53–60 (2000)Lima, R.S., Moureau, C., Marple, B.R.: HVOF-sprayed coatings engineered from mixtures of nanostructured and submicron Al2O3–TiO2 powders: an enhanced wear performance. J. Therm. Spray Technol. 16, 866 (2007

Cost-effectiveness analysis of pemetrexed versus docetaxel in the second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in Spain: results for the non-squamous histology population

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to conduct a cost-effectiveness evaluation of pemetrexed compared to docetaxel in the treatment of advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for patients with predominantly non-squamous histology in the Spanish healthcare setting.MethodsA Markov model was designed consisting of stable, responsive, progressive disease and death states. Patients could also experience adverse events as long as they received chemotherapy. Clinical inputs were based on an analysis of a phase III clinical trial that identified a statistically significant improvement in overall survival for non-squamous patients treated with pemetrexed compared with docetaxel. Costs were collected from the Spanish healthcare perspective.ResultsOutcomes of the model included total costs, total quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), total life years gained (LYG) and total progression-free survival (PFS). Mean survival was 1.03 years for the pemetrexed arm and 0.89 years in the docetaxel arm; QALYs were 0.52 compared to 0.42. Per-patient lifetime costs were € 34677 and € 32343, respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were € 23967 per QALY gained and € 17225 per LYG.ConclusionsPemetrexed as a second-line treatment option for patients with a predominantly non-squamous histology in NSCLC is a cost-effective alternative to docetaxel according to the € 30000/QALY threshold commonly accepted in Spain

Comparative Toxicity of Nanoparticulate CuO and ZnO to Soil Bacterial Communities

The increasing industrial application of metal oxide Engineered Nano-Particles (ENPs) is likely to increase their environmental release to soils. While the potential of metal oxide ENPs as environmental toxicants has been shown, lack of suitable control treatments have compromised the power of many previous assessments. We evaluated the ecotoxicity of ENP (nano) forms of Zn and Cu oxides in two different soils by measuring their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. We could show a direct acute toxicity of nano-CuO acting on soil bacteria while the macroparticulate (bulk) form of CuO was not toxic. In comparison, CuSO4 was more toxic than either oxide form. Unlike Cu, all forms of Zn were toxic to soil bacteria, and the bulk-ZnO was more toxic than the nano-ZnO. The ZnSO4 addition was not consistently more toxic than the oxide forms. Consistently, we found a tight link between the dissolved concentration of metal in solution and the inhibition of bacterial growth. The inconsistent toxicological response between soils could be explained by different resulting concentrations of metals in soil solution. Our findings suggested that the principal mechanism of toxicity was dissolution of metal oxides and sulphates into a metal ion form known to be highly toxic to bacteria, and not a direct effect of nano-sized particles acting on bacteria. We propose that integrated efforts toward directly assessing bioavailable metal concentrations are more valuable than spending resources to reassess ecotoxicology of ENPs separately from general metal toxicity

How Sensory Experiences Affect Adolescents with an Autistic Spectrum Condition within the Classroom

Sensory processing difficulties are consistently reported amongst individuals with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC); these have a significant impact on daily functioning. Evidence in this area comes from observer reports and first-hand accounts; both have limitations. The current study used the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP; Brown and Dunn in The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile: self questionnaire. Pearson, 2002a), and a qualitative questionnaire to investigate sensory issues in school children with ASC. The AASP found that the participants’ mean scores were outside normal parameters. Participants reported difficulties in at least one sensory domain, with hearing affecting them the most. Content analysis revealed sensory sensitivity to affect the participant’s learning and that sensory experiences were largely negative. Results suggest that schools need to create sensory profiles for each individual with ASC

Genome-wide analysis of genetic susceptibility to language impairment in an isolated Chilean population

Specific language impairment (SLI) is an unexpected deficit in the acquisition of language skills and affects between 5 and 8% of pre-school children. Despite its prevalence and high heritability, our understanding of the aetiology of this disorder is only emerging. In this paper, we apply genome-wide techniques to investigate an isolated Chilean population who exhibit an increased frequency of SLI. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) mapping and parametric and non-parametric linkage analyses indicate that complex genetic factors are likely to underlie susceptibility to SLI in this population. Across all analyses performed, the most consistently implicated locus was on chromosome 7q. This locus achieved highly significant linkage under all three non-parametric models (max NPL=6.73, P=4.0 × 10−11). In addition, it yielded a HLOD of 1.24 in the recessive parametric linkage analyses and contained a segment that was homozygous in two affected individuals. Further, investigation of this region identified a two-SNP haplotype that occurs at an increased frequency in language-impaired individuals (P=0.008). We hypothesise that the linkage regions identified here, in particular that on chromosome 7, may contain variants that underlie the high prevalence of SLI observed in this isolated population and may be of relevance to other populations affected by language impairments

Predicting the onset of anxiety syndromes at 12 months in primary care attendees. The PredictA-Spain study

Background: There are no risk algorithms for the onset of anxiety syndromes at 12 months in primary care. We aimed to develop and validate internally a risk algorithm to predict the onset of anxiety syndromes at 12 months. Methods: A prospective cohort study with evaluations at baseline, 6 and 12 months. We measured 39 known risk factors and used multilevel logistic regression and inverse probability weighting to build the risk algorithm. Our main outcome was generalized anxiety, panic and other non-specific anxiety syndromes as measured by the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders, Patient Health Questionnaire (PRIME-MD-PHQ). We recruited 3,564 adult primary care attendees without anxiety syndromes from 174 family physicians and 32 health centers in 6 Spanish provinces. Results: The cumulative 12-month incidence of anxiety syndromes was 12.2%. The predictA-Spain risk algorithm included the following predictors of anxiety syndromes: province; sex (female); younger age; taking medicines for anxiety, depression or stress; worse physical and mental quality of life (SF-12); dissatisfaction with paid and unpaid work; perception of financial strain; and the interactions sex*age, sex*perception of financial strain, and age*dissatisfaction with paid work. The C-index was 0.80 (95% confidence interval = 0.78–0.83) and the Hedges' g = 1.17 (95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.29). The Copas shrinkage factor was 0.98 and calibration plots showed an accurate goodness of fit. Conclusions: The predictA-Spain risk algorithm is valid to predict anxiety syndromes at 12 months. Although external validation is required, the predictA-Spain is available for use as a predictive tool in the prevention of anxiety syndromes in primary care.This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Health (grant FIS references: PI041980, PI041771, PI042450 and PI06/1442) and the Andalusian Council of Health (grant references: 05/403 and 06/278); as well as the Spanish Network of Primary Care Research ‘redIAPP’ (RD06/0018), the ‘Aragón group’ (RD06/0018/0020), the ‘Baleares group’ (RD07/0018/0033), and the ‘SAMSERAP group’ (RD06/0018/0039)

Metacarpal trabecular bone varies with distinct hand-positions used in hominid locomotion

Trabecular bone remodels during life in response to loading and thus should, at least in part, reflect potential variation in the magnitude, frequency and direction of joint loading across different hominid species. Here we analyse the trabecular structure across all non-pollical metacarpal distal heads (Mc2-5) in extant great apes, expanding on previous volume of interest and whole-epiphysis analyses that have largely focussed on only the first or third metacarpal. Specifically, we employ both a univariate statistical mapping and a multivariate approach to test for both inter-ray and interspecific differences in relative trabecular bone volume fraction (RBV/TV) and degree of anisotropy (DA) in Mc2-5 subchondral trabecular bone. Results demonstrate that while DA values only separate Pongo from African apes (Pan troglodytes, Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla), RBV/TV distribution varies with the predicted loading of the metacarpophalangeal (McP) joints during locomotor behaviours in each species. Gorilla exhibits a relatively dorsal distribution of RBV/TV consistent with habitual hyper-extension of the McP joints during knuckle-walking, whereas Pongo has a palmar distribution consistent with flexed McP joints used to grasp arboreal substrates. Both Pan species possess a disto-dorsal distribution of RBV/TV, compatible with multiple hand postures associated with a more varied locomotor regime. Further inter-ray comparisons reveal RBV/TV patterns consistent with varied knuckle-walking postures in Pan species in contrast to higher RBV/TV values toward the midline of the hand in Mc2 and Mc5 of Gorilla, consistent with habitual palm-back knuckle-walking. These patterns of trabecular bone distribution and structure reflect different behavioural signals that could be useful for determining the behaviours of fossil hominins