Iron-Intercalated Zirconium Diselenide Thin Films from the Low-Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄Se)₂Zr(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂]₂

Transition metal chalcogenide thin films of the type FexZrSe2 have applications in electronic devices, but their use is limited by current synthetic techniques. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis and characterization of Fe-intercalated ZrSe2 thin films on quartz substrates using the low-pressure chemical vapor deposition of the single-source precursor [Fe(η5-C5H4Se)2Zr(η5-C5H5)2]2. Powder X-ray diffraction of the film scraping and subsequent Rietveld refinement of the data showed the successful synthesis of the Fe0.14ZrSe2 phase, along with secondary phases of FeSe and ZrO2. Upon intercalation, a small optical band gap enhancement (Eg(direct)opt = 1.72 eV) is detected in comparison with that of the host material

Accessing new 2D semiconductors with optical band gap: synthesis of iron-intercalated titanium diselenide thin films via LPCVD

Fe-doped TiSe2 thin-films were synthesized via low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of a single source precursor: [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄Se)₂Ti(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂]₂ (1). Samples were heated at 1000 °C for 1–18 h and cooled to room temperature following two different protocols, which promoted the formation of different phases. The resulting films were analyzed by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV/vis spectroscopy. An investigation of the Fe doping limit from a parallel pyrolysis study of FeₓTiSe₂ powders produced in situ during LPCVD depositions has shown an increase in the Fe–TiSe₂–Fe layer width with Fe at% increase. Powders were analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) involving Rietveld refinement and XPS. UV/vis measurements of the semiconducting thin films show a shift in band gap with iron doping from 0.1 eV (TiSe₂) to 1.46 eV (Fe₀.₄₆TiSe₂)

Interstitial Boron-Doped Anatase TiO2 Thin-Film on Optical Fibre: Atmospheric Pressure-Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition as the Key for Functional Oxides Coatings on Temperature-Sensitive Substrates

Temperature sensitive poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) optical fibres were coated with boron doped-anatase crystalline TiO2 thin films in a one-step atmospheric pressure-plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (AP-PECVD) process. Both the undoped and interstitial boron-doped TiO2 thin films showed photoactivity under UV irradiation, with the boron-doped thin films presenting higher photodegradation rates when compared to the undoped samples

Characterization of the Dispersal of Non-Domiciliated Triatoma dimidiata through the Selection of Spatially Explicit Models

Chagas disease is one of the most important neglected diseases in Latin America. Although insecticides have been successfully sprayed to control domiciliated vector populations, this strategy has proven to be ineffective in areas where non-domiciliated vectors immigrating from peridomestic or sylvatic ecotopes can (re-)infest houses. The development of strategies for the control of non-domiciliated vectors has thus been identified by the World Health Organization as a major challenge. Such development primarily requires a description of the spatio-temporal dynamics of infestation by these vectors, and a good understanding of their dispersal. We combined for the first time extensive spatio-temporal data sets describing house infestation dynamics by Triatoma dimidiata inside one village, and spatially explicit population dynamics models. The models fitted and predicted remarkably the observed infestation dynamics. They thus provided both key insights into the dispersal of T. dimidiata in this area, and a suitable mathematical background to evaluate the efficacy of various control strategies. Interestingly, the observed and modelled patterns of infestation suggest that interventions could focus on the periphery of the village, where there is the highest risk of transmission. Such spatial optimization may allow for reducing the cost of control, compensating for repeated interventions necessary for non-domiciliated vectors

Dopant stability in multifunctional doped TiO 2's under environmental UVA exposure

We present a UV irradiation study of three nanomaterials which have been investigated and published by peer review previously, specifically tantalum, tungsten and phosphorus doped TiO2. These nanomaterials have been previously synthesised, characterised and designed with specific applications in mind, from photo-catalysts to transparent conducting oxides (TCO's) for use in solar cells and touchscreens. We show in this work, using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that under sustained levels of environmental UVA Irradiation (0.42 mW cm−2) Ta5+ and W6+ substitutional doped TiO2 exhibits little to no variation in dopant concentration and distribution as a function of irradiation time. Interestingly P5+ and P3− co-doped TiO2 experiences a pronounced and nuanced change in dopant distribution and concentration across the surface through to the bulk as a function of irradiation time. Combined with our previous work with nitrogen doped TiO2, whereby 28 days of environmental UVA irradiation causes interstitial dopant loss and the attrition of functional properties, these results demonstrate that much is still to be understood regarding dopant stability in metal oxides such as TiO2 under environmental conditions

Predictors of Recovery from Prenatal Depressive Symptoms from Pregnancy Through Postpartum

Abstract Background: Identifying predictors of the course of depressive symptoms from pregnancy through postpartum is important to inform clinical interventions. Methods: This longitudinal study investigated predictors of recovery from prenatal elevated depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. Forty-one pregnant women completed demographic, interpersonal, and psychosocial self-report assessment measures at 32 weeks of gestation and again 12 weeks postpartum. Results: Of those with elevated depressive symptoms, defined as a Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score ≥10, at the prenatal baseline, 39% (n=16) recovered to nonelevated symptom levels postpartum, whereas 61% (n=25) experienced sustained elevated symptoms. Women who recovered evidenced significantly lower baseline depression severity and more frequent engagement in physical activity and cohabitated with a romantic partner. In multiparous women (n=25), history of past postpartum depression (PPD) differentiated between those with transient and those with persisting symptoms, although history of lifetime depression did not. None of the additional demographic, interpersonal, or psychosocial variables investigated differentiated between groups. Logistic regression analysis showed prenatal depression severity and exercise frequency as predictors of recovery postpartum. Conclusions: Results suggest most women will not experience spontaneous recovery. Women with prenatal heightened symptom severity and previous experiences with PPD are acutely vulnerable to experience sustained symptoms. In contrast, having a cohabitating partner and engagement in prenatal exercise predicted symptom improvement. Physical exercise may be an important clinical recommendation, as it may improve mood. Given the small sample size, these results are preliminary. Implications and future research recommendations are discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/98461/1/jwh%2E2010%2E2266.pd

Submillimeter Studies of Prestellar Cores and Protostars: Probing the Initial Conditions for Protostellar Collapse

Improving our understanding of the initial conditions and earliest stages of protostellar collapse is crucial to gain insight into the origin of stellar masses, multiple systems, and protoplanetary disks. Observationally, there are two complementary approaches to this problem: (1) studying the structure and kinematics of prestellar cores observed prior to protostar formation, and (2) studying the structure of young (e.g. Class 0) accreting protostars observed soon after point mass formation. We discuss recent advances made in this area thanks to (sub)millimeter mapping observations with large single-dish telescopes and interferometers. In particular, we argue that the beginning of protostellar collapse is much more violent in cluster-forming clouds than in regions of distributed star formation. Major breakthroughs are expected in this field from future large submillimeter instruments such as Herschel and ALMA.Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the conference "Chemistry as a Diagnostic of Star Formation" (C.L. Curry & M. Fich eds.

Revision and Update of the Consensus Definitions of Invasive Fungal Disease From the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) remain important causes of morbidity and mortality. The consensus definitions of the Infectious Diseases Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group have been of immense value to researchers who conduct clinical trials of antifungals, assess diagnostic tests, and undertake epidemiologic studies. However, their utility has not extended beyond patients with cancer or recipients of stem cell or solid organ transplants. With newer diagnostic techniques available, it was clear that an update of these definitions was essential. METHODS: To achieve this, 10 working groups looked closely at imaging, laboratory diagnosis, and special populations at risk of IFD. A final version of the manuscript was agreed upon after the groups' findings were presented at a scientific symposium and after a 3-month period for public comment. There were several rounds of discussion before a final version of the manuscript was approved. RESULTS: There is no change in the classifications of "proven," "probable," and "possible" IFD, although the definition of "probable" has been expanded and the scope of the category "possible" has been diminished. The category of proven IFD can apply to any patient, regardless of whether the patient is immunocompromised. The probable and possible categories are proposed for immunocompromised patients only, except for endemic mycoses. CONCLUSIONS: These updated definitions of IFDs should prove applicable in clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiologic research of a broader range of patients at high-risk

Deeper Understanding of Interstitial Boron-Doped Anatase Thin Films as A Multifunctional Layer Through Theory and Experiment

Thin films of interstitial boron-doped anatase TiO2, with varying B concentrations, were deposited via one-step atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) on float glass substrates. The doped films showed a remarkable morphology and enhanced photoactivity when compared to their undoped analogues. The TiO2:B films also presented enhanced conductivity and electron mobility as measured by a Hall effect probe as well as a high adherence to the substrate, stability and extended lifetime. The structure and composition of the different samples of TiO2:B films were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (D-SIMS). Hybrid density functional theory was used to explore the defect chemistry of B-doped anatase and to understand the experimental results