CdSe/ZnTe type-II quantum dots (QDs) synthesized via the CdO precursor are reported. Spectroscopic and femtosecond dynamic measurements reveal that the rate of photoinduced electron/hole spatial separation decreases with increases in the size of the core, and it is independent of the thickness of the shell in the CdSe/ZnTe QDs. The results are consistent with the binding strength of the electron and hole confined at the center of CdSe. The correlation between the core/shell size and the electron/hole spatial separation rate resolved in this study may provide valuable information for applications where rapid photoinduced carrier separation followed by charge transfer into a matrix or electrode is crucial, such as in photovoltaic devices.

The preparation and characterization (elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, and cyclic voltammetry) of the new compounds MM(TiPB)(4), where MM = MoW and W(2) and TiPB = 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzoate, are reported. Together with Mo(2)(TiPB)(4), previously reported by Cotton et al. (Inorg. Chem. 2002, 41, 1639), the new compounds have been studied by electronic absorption, steady-state emission, and transient absorption spectroscopy (femtosecond and nanosecond). The compounds show strong absorptions in the visible region of the spectrum that are assigned to MMdelta to arylcarboxylate pi* transitions, (1)MLCT. Each compound also shows luminescence from two excited states, assigned as the (1)MLCT and (3)MMdeltadelta* states. The energy of the emission from the (1)MLCT state follows the energy ordering MM = Mo(2) > MoW > W(2), but the emission from the (3)MMdeltadelta* state follows the inverse order: MM = W(2) > MoW > Mo(2). Evidence is presented to support the view that the lower energy emission in each case arises from the (3)MMdeltadelta* state. Lifetimes of the (1)MLCT states in these systems are approximately 0.4-6 ps, whereas phosphorescence is dependent on the MM center: Mo(2) approximately 40 micros, MoW approximately 30 micros, and W(2) approximately 1 micros.

Based on 15-crown-5 functionalized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), we report a novel fluorogenic sensor to probe K+ ions in H2O; recognition of K+ can be achieved via the Förster type of energy transfer between two different color QDs, so that [K+] of the order of 10(-6) M can be promptly detected.

The rational design and synthesis of CdSe/CdTe/ZnTe (core-shell-shell) type-II quantum dots are reported. Their photophysical properties are investigated via the interband CdSe-->ZnTe emission and its associated relaxation dynamics. In comparison to the strong CdSe (core only) emission (lambda(max) approximately 550 nm, Phi(f) approximately 0.28), a moderate CdSe-->CdTe emission (lambda(max) approximately 1026 nm, Phi(f) approximately 1.2 x 10(-3)) and rather weak CdSe-->ZnTe interband emission (lambda(max) approximately 1415 nm, Phi(f) approximately 1.1 x 10(-5)) are resolved for the CdSe/CdTe/ZnTe structure (3.4/1.8/1.3 nm). Capping CdSe/CdTe with ZnTe results in a distant electron-hole separation between CdSe (electron) and ZnTe (hole) via an intermediate CdTe layer. In the case of the CdSe/CdTe/ZnTe structure, a lifetime as long as 150 ns is observed for the CdSe-->ZnTe (1415 nm) emission. This result further indicates an enormously long radiative lifetime of approximately 10 ms. Upon excitation of the CdSe/CdTe/ZnTe structure, the long-lived charge separation may further serve as an excellent hole carrier for catalyzing the redox oxidation reaction.

Background and Aim The reliable method to stratify the gastric cancer risk after Helicobacter pylori eradication remains an elusive goal. Methods Mass eradication of H. pylori began in 2004 in a high‐risk population. After eradication, a screening program involving first‐stage serological tests (pepsinogen‐I, pepsinogen‐II, H. pylori immunoglobin G, and gastrin‐17) and second‐stage endoscopic examination was launched in 2015–2018. Index lesions included gastric cancer or extensive premalignant lesions. We evaluated the performance of the serological tests to “rule in” and “rule out” the risk based on positive and negative likelihood ratios, respectively. The methylation levels of microRNA‐124a‐3 in the stomach were measured to indicate genetic damage. Results Among 6512 invited subjects, 3895 (59.6%) participated. Both gastrin‐17 and pepsinogen tests were normal in 3560 (91.4%) subjects; 206 (5.3%) gastrin‐17 and 129 (3.3%) pepsinogen tests were abnormal. Years after eradication, the severity of gastritis had fallen greatly, and extensive premalignant lesions or gastric cancer frequently occurred in newly non‐atrophic‐appearing mucosa. Pepsinogen testing could moderately predict atrophic gastritis (positive likelihood ratio: 4.11 [95% confidence interval: 2.92–5.77]; negative likelihood ratio: 0.14 [0.10–0.19]). Gastrin‐17 was not useful (0.66 and 1.20, respectively). However, pepsinogen testing poorly predicted the index lesions (2.04 [1.21–3.42] and 0.57 [0.34–0.95]). DNA methylation levels in the post‐eradication mucosa were more discriminative for predicting index lesions (3.89 [2.32–6.54] and 0.25 [0.15–0.42]). Conclusions After eradication, pepsinogen false‐negative results become more frequent because histology is improved but genetic damage may persist. Direct testing for genetic damage offers better discrimination.