Polarized light microscopy and spectroscopy of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes

Polarized light microscopy (PLM) is used to image individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) suspended in air across a slit opening. The imaging contrast relies on the strong optical anisotropy typical of SWNTs. We combine PLM with a tunable light source to enable hyperspectral excitation spectroscopy and nanotube chirality assignment. Comparison with fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy confirms the assignment made with PLM. This represents a versatile new approach to imaging SWNTs and related structures.      

Ligand‐Free Synthesis of Aluminum‐Doped Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals and their Use as Optical Spacers in Color‐Tuned Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells

The color of polymer solar cells using an opaque electrode is given by the reflected light, which depends on the composition and thickness of each layer of the device. Metal‐oxide‐based optical spacers are intensively studied in polymer solar cells aiming to optimize the light absorption. However, the low conductivity of materials such as ZnO and TiO₂ limits the thickness of such optical spacers to tenths of nanometers. A novel synthesis route of cluster‐free Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) nanocrystals (NCs) is presented for solution processing of highly conductive layers without the need of temperature annealing, including thick optical spacers on top of polymer blends. The processing of 80 nm thick optical spacers based on AZO nanocrystal solutions on top of 200 nm thick polymer blend layer is demonstrated leading to improved photocurrent density of 17% compared to solar cells using standard active layers of 90 nm in combination with thin ZnO‐based optical spacers. These AZO NCs also open new opportunities for the processing of high‐efficiency color tuned solar cells. For the first time, it is shown that applying solution‐processed thick optical spacer with polymer blends of different thicknesses can process solar cells of similar efficiency over 7% but of different colors.     

The Endolysosomal System: The Acid Test for SARS-CoV-2

This review aims to describe and discuss the different functions of the endolysosomal system, from homeostasis to its vital role during viral infections. We will initially describe endolysosomal system’s main functions, presenting recent data on how its compartments are essential for host defense to explore later how SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) and other coronaviruses subvert these organelles for their benefit. It is clear that to succeed, pathogens’ evolution favored the establishment of ways to avoid, escape, or manipulate lysosomal function. The unavoidable coexistence with such an unfriendly milieu imposed on viruses the establishment of a vast array of strategies to make the most out of the invaded cell’s machinery to produce new viruses and maneuvers to escape the host’s defense system.     

L'Alphabétisation technoscientifique et la démocratisation de la démocratie

Résumé

La métaphore du changement de guide proposée par Fensham (2002a) constitue un véritable faux‐fuyant. Cette solution aux présumés problèmes d'une alphabétisation technoscientifique pour tous et toutes fait l'impasse sur une interrogation plus générale à propos de la socialite des technosciences. Ainsi, l'auteur reconduit la séculaire séparation entre le monde de la science et celui de la société, qui justifie que seuls des ? experts ?, scientifiques ou sociétaux, puissent servir de médiateurs entre ces univers incommensurables. Il élimine donc d'emblée, en évoquant la complexité des problèmes, la possibilité pour les citoyens et les citoyennes ordinaires de s'engager dans les controverses sociotechniques qui traversent inévitablement nos sociétés. En conséquence, il se rabat sur une forme d'alphabétisation technoscientifique à deux vitesses ; l'une pour la populace, l'autre pour une élite qui, à terme, aura le privilège de pénétrer dans l'univers mystérieux et ésotérique de la science. Autrement dit, les contenus des curriculums pourront varier sans que la hiérarchie sociale des savoirs, de même que les pouvoirs forcément politiques des experts, soient menacés.     

Éditorial: Enfin,une voix canadienne!

Abstract

This article investigates some of the specific features involved in accommodating the idea of actual infinity as it appears in set theory. It focuses on the conceptions of two individuals with sophisticated mathematics background, as manifested in their engagement with variations of a well-known paradox: the ping-pong ball conundrum. The APOS theory is used as a framework to interpret participants’ efforts to resolve the paradoxes. The cases discussed focus on how transfinite subtraction may be conceptualized, and they suggest that there is more to accommodating the idea of actual infinity than the ability to act on a completed object—rather, it is the manner in which objects are acted upon that is also significant.     

Modeling of Particle Emission During Dry Orthogonal Cutting

Because of the risks associated with exposure to metallic particles, efforts are being put into controlling and reducing them during the metal working process. Recent studies by the authors involved in this project have presented the effects of cutting speeds, workpiece material, and tool geometry on particle emission during dry machining; the authors have also proposed a new parameter, named the dust unit (D _u), for use in evaluating the quantity of particle emissions relative to the quantity of chips produced during a machining operation. In this study, a model for predicting the particle emission (dust unit) during orthogonal turning is proposed. This model, which is based on the energy approach combined with the microfriction and the plastic deformation of the material, takes into account the tool geometry, the properties of the worked material, the cutting conditions, and the chip segmentation. The model is validated using experimental results obtained during the orthogonal turning of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, AISI 1018, AISI 4140 steels, and grey cast iron. A good agreement was found with experimental results. This model can help in designing strategies for reducing particle emission during machining processes, at the source.     

Do personality problems improve during psychodynamic supportive–expressive psychotherapy? Secondary outcome results from a randomized controlled trial for psychiatric outpatients with personality disorders.

Studies involving patients with personality disorders (PDs) have not focused on improvement of core aspects of the PD. The authors examined changes in quality of object relations, interpersonal problems, psychological mindedness, and personality traits in a sample of 156 patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) PD diagnoses being randomized to either manualized or nonmanualized dynamic psychotherapy. Effect sizes adjusted for symptomatic change and reliable change indices were calculated. The authors found that both treatments were equally effective at reducing personality pathology. Only in neuroticism did the nonmanualized group do better during the follow-up period. The largest improvement was found in quality of object relations. For the remaining variables, only small and clinically insignificant magnitudes of change were found. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Determination of Amylose in Cereal and Non-Cereal Starches by a Colorimetric Assay: Collaborative Study

An improved colorimetric method, based on the well-known reaction between amylose and iodine, is described. Native starch is dissolved in ureadimethylsulfoxide and the resulting solution defatted with ethanol. An aliquot of the lipid-free solution is then reacted with iodine and the absorbance of the blue-coloured amylose-iodine complex measured, thus determining the iodine-binding capacity of starch (Blue Value). A collaborative study was conducted, according to official guidelines, to determine the method's repeatability and reproducibility: 8 participants were each sent 8 starch samples from different botanic origin for duplicate analysis. Statistical evaluation of the results gave good precision results, with an average repeatability relative standard deviation of 2.1% and an average reproducibility relative standard deviation of 5.6%. The method is, therefore, suitable to determine precisely the amylose content of native starch.