Tuning the work functions of graphene quantum dot-modified electrodes for polymer solar cell applications

The graphene quantum dot (GQD) is a new kind of anode/cathode interlayer material for polymer solar cells (PSCs). The key requirement for a cathode interlayer (CIL) is a low work function. In this article, aiming at application as a CIL for PSCs, we report a general approach to tune the work function of GQD-modified electrodes using alkali metal cations, e.g. Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺. For ITO electrodes modified with these GQDs containing alkali metal cations, the work function can be finely tuned within the range of 4.0-4.5 eV. Owing to their low work function, GQDs containing K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ can be used as CILs for PSCs. Their device performance is fairly comparable to that of the state-of-the-art CIL material ZnO. This work provides a rational approach to tune the properties of GQD and to design solution-processable electrode interlayer materials for organic electronic devices.

A preliminary study on the therapeutic effects of a calcium antagonist (diltiazem) on primary congestive cardiomyopathy. A clinical survey of 15 cases

The clinical effects of diltiazem in 15 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy were observed. Symptoms were controlled in 66% and cardiac enlargement improved in 73.3%. There was a decrease in cardiac silhouette on X-ray in 18.82 +/- 3.2% (p less than 0.01), with an increase of EF(%), CO, CI and a decrease of TPR on two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiogram (p less than 0.01). Prior to treatment, the cardiac status of 8 cases was grade III and 7 cases grade IV; after treatment 1 case was grade I, 8 grade II, 5 grade III and 1 grade IV. This improvement might be due to the blockade of calcium channels and the fact that diltiazem has the least negative inotropic effect among the calcium antagonists. The dosage, route of administration, and prevention of side effects are discussed.

Studies on the transmission of human hepatitis A virus to stump-tailed monkey

The newly-caught stump-tailed monkeys (Macaca speciosa) with negative antibody to hepatitis A were inoculated with human hepatitis A virus. The following findings were observed in the monkeys after inoculation: (i) the elevation of activities of the serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzyme (LDH5), (ii) the seroconversion of antibody to hepatitis A virus. (iii) the shedding of hepatitis A antigen in feces. These findings show that the stump-tailed monkey (Macaca speciosa) is susceptible to infection of human hepatitis A virus. The virus recovered from the feces of the infected monkey, named as Hang-zhou A-1A strain of hepatitis A virus, has experienced two generations of successful transmission in monkeys.