Visible to near-infrared sensitization of silicon substrates via energy transfer from proximal nanocrystals: further insights for hybrid photovoltaics.

We provide a unified spectroscopic evidence of efficient energy transfer (ET) from optically excited colloidal nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) into Si substrates in a broad range of wavelengths: from visible (545 nm) to near-infrared (800 nm). Chemical grafting of nanocrystals on hydrogenated Si surfaces is achieved via amine-modified carboxy-alkyl chain linkers, thus ensuring complete surface passivation and accurate NQD positioning. Time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) has been measured for a set of CdSe/ZnS and CdSeTe/ZnS NQDs of various sizes and compositions grafted on Si and SiO2 substrates.

Spontaneous contractility of human placental vessels in vitro axipetal and isometric recording.

In vitro contractility of isolated cylindrical segments of chorial arteries and veins from 40 human term placentas was studied. Contractility was recorded by an isometrical and axipetal method. Spontaneous contractility was observed in 75% of the arteries and in 45% of veins.

Estriol serum levels, neonatal vitality and stromal villous edema in diabetic pregnancies.

Estriol serum levels, neonatal vitality and stromal villous edema were studied in diabetic pregnancies. The average serum estriol levels in diabetic patients whose placentas had villous edema was 26.45 +/- 9.