Abstract
Underwater solar cells (UWSCs) provide an ideal alternative to the energy supply for long‐endurance autonomous underwater vehicles. However, different from conventional solar cells situated ...on land or above water, UWSCs give preference to use wide bandgap semiconductors (≥1.8 eV) as light absorber to match underwater solar spectra. Among wide bandgap semiconductors, FAPbBr
3
perovskite is under prime consideration owing to its matching optical bandgap (≈2.3 eV), outstanding photoelectric properties, easier processability, etc. Unfortunately, for FAPbBr
3
solar cells, substantial interface defects greatly limit the charge carrier extraction efficiency, thus limiting the device performance, especially in underwater low‐light environments. This study employs a molecular self‐assembly strategy to effectively eliminate the interfacial defects. As a result, a great improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 6.44% to 7.49% is obtained, which is among the best efficiency reported for inverted FAPbBr
3
solar cells up to date. Besides, a champion PCE of 30% is obtained under 520 nm monochromatic light irradiation (4.8 mW cm
−2
). These results demonstrate that FAPbBr
3
solar cells present a tremendously promising application in UWSCs.
This paper presents an experimental investigation on the stress–strain behavior and the damage mechanism of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PFRC) under monotonic and cyclic compression. ...Fifty-four specimens for different fiber volume fractions and aspect ratios were tested. Acoustic emission (AE) technique was used to monitor the damage progression. The damage mechanism of concrete was analyzed based on the AE parametric analysis. The results show that the incorporation of polypropylene fiber (PF) has a positive effect on the monotonic and cyclic behaviors of concrete, especially for the post-cracking branch. The toughness and ultimate strain are enhanced and the performance degradation in terms of elastic stiffness and strength is alleviated by the addition of PF. However, PF has little influences on the plastic strain, and the damage process of concrete is mainly driven by the envelope strain. The effect of fiber volume fraction on the cyclic behavior of concrete shows more pronounced than that of aspect ratio. In addition, it is found from AE results that the damage, closely related to AE events, has a quick evolution just after the peak stress, with the AE hits having a concentrated release. The total amount of AE hits increases with increasing fiber volume fraction due to fiber pullout and sliding, while the concrete with fiber aspect ratio of 280 reaches the largest amount. Meanwhile, as substantiated by AE, the failure of PFRC shows an obvious shear mode, with shear cracks dominating the damage progression. Finally, a damage elasto-plastic model is developed to predict the monotonic and cyclic responses of PFRC and the prediction yields a fairly close estimation with experimental results.
Endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex subunit 10 (EMC10) is an evolutionarily conserved and multifunctional factor across species. We previously reported that Emc10 knockout (KO) leads to ...mouse male infertility. Emc10-null spermatozoa exhibit multiple aspects of dysfunction, including reduced sperm motility. Two subunits of a Na/K-ATPase, ATP1A4 and ATP1B3, are nearly absent in Emc10 KO spermatozoa. Here, two isoforms of EMC10 were characterized in the mouse testis and epididymis: the membrane-bound (mEMC10) and secreted (scEMC10) isoforms. We present evidence that mEMC10, rather than scEMC10, is required for cytoplasm sodium homeostasis by positively regulating ATP1B3 expression in germ cells. Intra-testis mEMC10 overexpression rescued the sperm motility defect caused by Emc10 KO, while exogenous recombinant scEMC10 protein could not improve the motility of spermatozoa from either Emc10 KO mouse or asthenospermic subjects. Clinically, there is a positive association between ATP1B3 and EMC10 protein levels in human spermatozoa, whereas no correlation was proven between seminal plasma scEMC10 levels and sperm motility. These results highlight the important role of the membrane-bound EMC10 isoform in maintaining cytoplasm sodium homeostasis and sperm motility. Based on the present results, the mEMC10-Na, K/ATPase α4β3 axis is proposed as a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of cytoplasmic sodium and sperm motility, and its components seem to have therapeutic potential for asthenospermia.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising candidates for next‐generation photovoltaics owing to their unparalleled power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Currently, approaches to further improve ...device efficiencies tend to focus on the passivation of interfacial defects. Although various strategies have been developed to mitigate these defects, many involve complex and time‐consuming post‐treatment processes, thereby hindering their widespread adoption in commercial applications. In this work, a concise but efficient in situ dual‐interface passivation strategy is developed wherein 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (MS) is employed as a precursor additive. During perovskite crystallization, MS can either be enriched downward through precipitation with SnO2, or can be aggregated upward through lattice extrusion. These self‐assembled MS species play a significant role in passivating the defect interfaces, thereby reducing nonradiative recombination losses, and promoting more efficient charge extraction. As a result, a PCE >25% (certified PCE of 24.84%) is achieved with substantially improved long‐term storage and photothermal stabilities. This strategy provides valuable insights into interfacial passivation and holds promise for the industrialization of PSCs.
In the preparation of formamidinium perovskite solar cells, use of the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulfonate (MS) precursor additive results in the spontaneous aggregation of MS molecules at both sides of the interface following perovskite crystallization. This process significantly mitigates the defect density at the interface and curbs the VOC loss. The optimal device prepared using the MS strategy attains a noteworthy power conversion efficiency of 25.12%.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is prevalent worldwide and is often challenged by treatment failure and recurrence due to resistance to radiotherapy. Here, we aimed to identify the elusive underlying ...molecular mechanisms of radioresistance in CRC.
Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify potential radiation-related genes. Colony formation and comet assays and multi-target single-hit survival and xenograft animal models were used to validate the results obtained from the bioinformatic analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the clinical characteristics of ALDH1L2. Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying radioresistance.
Bioinformatic analysis, in vitro, and in vivo experiments revealed that ALDH1L2 is a radiation-related gene, and a decrease in its expression induces radioresistance in CRC cells by inhibiting ROS-mediated apoptosis. Patients with low ALDH1L2 expression exhibit resistance to radiotherapy. Mechanistically, ALDH1L2 interacts with thioredoxin (TXN) and regulates the downstream NF-κB signaling pathway. PX-12, the TXN inhibitor, overcomes radioresistance due to decreased ALDH1L2.
Our results provide valuable insights into the potential role of ALDH1L2 in CRC radiotherapy. We propose that the simultaneous application of TXN inhibitors and radiotherapy would significantly ameliorate the clinical outcomes of patients with CRC having low ALDH1L2.
The mechanisms underlying late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE) remain unknown. Metabolic disturbances have been implicated as a primary factor in LOPE development. Lipids have been shown to have great ...clinical value in recent years. This study aimed to use lipidomics to provide evidence for the etiology and potential therapeutic approaches for LOPE. Twenty patients with LOPE and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Placental lipidomic data were acquired using liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the data were analyzed by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and statistical methods. Of 1508 identified lipids, 226 were differentially expressed between the LOPE and control groups. In the LOPE group, the abundance of most unsaturated triglycerides (TG) increased, whereas that of other lipids, including phosphatidylcholine (PC), sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylserine (PS) increased. The WGCNA implied that the correlation network module of lipids was highly related to clinical traits. Pathway analysis revealed that these dysregulated lipids are closely related to glycerophospholipid metabolism. Lipidomics may help identify the pathogenesis underlying placental dysfunction in LOPE patients and provide potential therapeutic targets in the future.
•A lipidomic analysis of LOPE placenta was conducted in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).•Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify significant clinical modules.•The abundances of most unsaturated triglyceride (TG) were significantly increased in LOPE.•We discuss the metabolic dysregulation of late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE).
The realm of cancer therapy has been profoundly altered with the emergence of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, providing improved survival prospects for many patients with some cancers. ...However, the challenge of achieving efficient or sustained therapeutic benefits underscores the critical imperative to optimize ICB strategies. This review elucidates the pivotal role of predictive biomarkers in optimizing precision ICB therapy, deciphering the intricate dynamics associated with the response heterogeneity. Furthermore, it critically examines the application of nanotechnology-driven drug delivery as a promising avenue to amplify ICB efficacy, facilitating controlled and targeted drug release. Recognizing the comprehensive and dynamic interplay among tumor cells, immune cells, and stromal cells has catalyzed the transformative advances in reverse translational research. This approach enables researchers to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of ICB therapy, therapeutic responses, and resistance mechanisms. The convergence of predictive biomarkers, revolutionary nanotechnology, and reverse translational research emerges as an indispensable focal point, propelling the frontiers of precision oncology within the complex landscape of ICB therapy.
•CV quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of pepsin in a combined mechanism.•The conformational change of pepsin was induced by CV.•Electrostatic interaction was nonnegligible for the stability of ...CV-pepsin binding process.•Tyr75, Tyr189 and Asp215 residues made a great contribution towards the binding process.•The activity of pepsin was activated by CV.
As a well-known triphenylmethane dye, crystal violet (CV) has received extensive concerns owing to its harmful influence on human health. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme in the stomach that plays a crucial part in several physiological and pathological process. This research aimed to use spectroscopic experiments, computer simulation and enzyme activity assays to investigate the influence of CV on the functions and structure of pepsin from the perspective of binding. Fluorescence and UV–vis spectra confirmed the complex formation between CV and pepsin. Ka was in the order of 104 M−1, implying a moderate affinity between CV and pepsin. Multi non-covalent interactions played a crucial part in this binding process. The conformational alterations of pepsin caused by CV were reflected in β-sheet content reducing, and the presence of CV caused an activation of pepsin. The outcomes of molecular docking indicated that the interaction of Tyr75/Tyr189 with CV is the major cause for the fluorescence quenching phenomenon of pepsin. For molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, the CV-pepsin and free pepsin systems reached equilibrium in 40 ns. In addition, the compactness of pepsin changed after interacting with CV, which was in line with the results of solvent experiment. From the above results, CV has effects on the properties of pepsin, which may provide novel insights into the toxicological study of CV.
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To evaluate the effect of prepuncture on the double-tract percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) under ultrasound guidance for renal staghorn calculi.
Double-tract or even multi-tract is necessary for ...the treatment of staghorn calculi. However, intraoperative injury, exudation, bleeding, and influence of original tract might lead to difficulty in second puncture, thus prolonging operating time, and even lead to puncture failure. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 178 patients with renal staghorn calculi who received double-tract PCNL in our department. Sixty-three patients received non–prepuncture double-tract PCNL (group A) and 115 patients underwent prepuncture double-tract PCNL (group B). In group A, the second tract was established after failing to further fragment by the first tract. In group B, based on the preoperative computed tomography, intravenous pyelography, and intraoperative ultrasound images, 2 optimal punctual positions were set. The first guidewire was manipulated in the pelvicalyceal system after successful puncture. However, we routinely performed the other puncture and a preplaced second wire was put into the collecting system as a potential second tract.
The mean operating time was longer in group A than that in group B (P = .033). There was no statistical difference between group A and group B in postoperative instant stone-free rate and final stone-free rate. In the non–prepuncture double-tract PCNL group, blood transfusion rate was 7.9% (5/63) and it was only 1.7% (2/115) in the prepuncture double-tract PCNL group (P = .042).
In the treatment of renal staghorn calculi, prepuncture double-tract PCNL can shorten operating time and reduce the occurrence of blood transfusion events. This new method might be worth generalizing.
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