In present work, we focused on the improvement of short-circuit current density (Jsc) by using zinc-doped TiO2 (Zn-doped TiO2) as electron transport layer. Various Zn-doped TiO2 compact layers with ...different doping concentrations are prepared by sol-gel method followed thermal treatment, and they were then used to fabricate perovskite solar cell. Effects of zinc (Zn) on the power conversion efficiency (PCE), absorption behavior, crystal structure, electrical conductivity, and surface morphology are systemically elucidated. Charge carrier dynamics between perovskite active layer and titanium dioxide (TiO2) compact layer is discussed too. When the dopant concentration is less than 5.0mol%, the absorption behavior, electrical conductivity and charge separation efficiency increase with Zn doping concentration. In contrast, when the Zn dopant is 7.0mol%, it results in the decay of these properties mentioned. According to the optimized processing of perovskite solar cells, the Jsc is increased from 18.5 to 22.3mA/cm2 so as to the PCE is significantly improved from 11.3% to 14.0%.
Understanding how and why species evolve requires knowledge on intraspecific divergence. In this study, we examined intraspecific divergence in the endangered hot‐spring snake (Thermophis baileyi), ...an endemic species on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). Whole‐genome resequencing of 58 sampled individuals from 15 populations was performed to identify the drivers of intraspecific divergence and explore the potential roles of genes under selection. Our analyses resolved three groups, with major intergroup admixture occurring in regions of group contact. Divergence probably occurred during the Pleistocene as a result of glacial climatic oscillations, Yadong‐Gulu rift, and geothermal fields differentiation, while complex gene flow between group pairs reflected a unique intraspecific divergence pattern on the QTP. Intergroup fixed loci involved selected genes functionally related to divergence and local adaptation, especially adaptation to hot spring microenvironments in different geothermal fields. Analysis of structural variants, genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic load indicated that the hot‐spring snake population has declined to a low level with decreased diversity, which is important for the conservation management of this endangered species. Our study demonstrated that the integration of demographic history, gene flow, genomic divergence genes, and other information is necessary to distinguish the evolutionary processes involved in speciation.
New biomaterials with antitumor and tissue repair function have become increasingly important for the postoperative care of melanoma surgery, which could prolong the tumor‐free survival of patients ...while simultaneously facilitating the reconstruction of the trauma tissue. For this purpose, a bioresorbable composite scaffold is designed which is fabricated by depositing therapeutic amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC)‐based nanoformulations in gelatin/polycaprolactone (GP) nanofibers via electrospinning. The ACC nanoformulations are integrated with Fe2+‐preactivated bleomycin to deliver biocatalytically enhanced therapeutic effect while the hydrolysable ACC contents can act as proton scavengers to ameliorate the tumor tissue acidity in situ, leading to sustained inhibition on tumor recurrence and metastasis. The acid‐triggered ACC decomposition also releases Ca2+ to activate the downstream Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathways, which can cooperate with the healing effect of the GP substrate and accelerate wound regeneration. The nanoengineered scaffold can be useful as a supplementary treatment for the postoperative management of melanoma.
This study reports a bioresorbable nanocomposite scaffold as dressing materials for the treatment of surgical wounds after melanoma removal, which could inhibit the growth and metastasis of melanoma cells to prolong the tumor‐free survival of melanoma‐bearing mice while simultaneously facilitating the reconstruction of the trauma tissue, thus providing a cooperative benefit to overcome the clinical challenges associated with melanoma surgery.
Real-time, continuous, and long-term marine monitoring data benefits ocean research. This study developed a low-cost, multi-parameter, miniature wave buoy. High spatial and temporal resolution of sea ...surface parameters, including wind, waves, and current, can be obtained at low cost through the deployment of numerous buoys, thus forming an observation array. Tested in the laboratory water tank, the relative error of water surface slope measurement of the buoy was approximately 5.6% when the slope angle was less than 15°. For frequencies between 0.1 and 1.0 Hz, the measurement of slope spectrum was almost identical to that of the wave gauge. The buoy underestimated the slope spectrum between 1.0−1.56 Hz. A good relationship (r2 = 0.75) was obtained between wind speed at 10 m above sea surface (U10) and the low-pass-filtered mean square slope (LPMSS). After incorporating the wave age into the U10 inversion process, the root mean square error (RMSE) and BIAS were reduced to 1.15 m/s and 0.02 m/s, respectively. The 2D distribution of buoy-measured slope components was used to detect the wind direction, with an RMSE of 23.7°. The spectral tail slope steepened with increasing wind speed at low wind speeds (<7 m/s). A technical flow chart of the miniature wave buoy is proposed to observe the sea surface parameters. This miniature buoy will play an essential complementary role in the growing demand for sea state monitoring, especially in nearshore oceans.
•Developments on FO unit, process, performance enhancement were reviewed.•Flux enhancement, flow resistance reduction, novel draw solute were discussed.•Use of FO processes in substitution of vacuum ...suction in MBR was discussed.•Future research needs are highlighted.
Increasing research and development works have been made to develop forward osmosis (FO) processes as a cost-effective substitute for energy intensive water vacuum suction facility in submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR) applications. Perceived to be a spontaneous water driven process without external applied pressures, the FO has been applied in lab and pilot scales for wastewater bioremediation. This paper reviewed the state-of-the-art developments on the FO unit, the process, and ways of enhancing process performance, particularly on the aspects of flux enhancement, flow resistance reduction, and draw solute with low reverse salt diffusion, which are relevant to enhanced osmotic MBR performance. The perspective to realize the use of FO processes in revision of currently existing energy intensive osmotic MBR processes is discussed with research needs being highlighted.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the transmission dynamic modeling of dengue fever in subtropical Taiwan by the contributing temperature-dependent entomological parameters of Aedes ...aegypti. A vector–host transmission model was used to explore the temperature variation of pre-adult mosquito maturation, oviposition rate, adult mosquito death rate, and virus incubation rate in the mosquito. Sensitivity analysis, by transmissible biting rate and the initial mosquito population, was adapted to observe features of the epidemic. This study showed that the entomological parameter estimates are positively correlated with a gradual temperature increase, but not with pre-adult mosquito maturation rate and mosquito death rate, indicating the limitation of pre-adult mosquito maturation rate. Results show that the temperature climate factor was indeed important and influenced the dynamic modeling of the vector–host interaction. Results from our simulation also suggest that the greatest risk of dengue transmission occurs at temperatures equal to 28°C. In the future, these results could be used for control measures modeling and cost-effectiveness analysis.
► We investigated the transmission dynamics of dengue fever in subtropical Taiwan. ► Transmissible biting rate and the initial mosquito population were adapted to observe features of the epidemic. ► The greatest risk of dengue transmission occurs at temperatures equal to 28°C.
Recently, plasmonic copper sulfide (Cu2–x S) nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted much attention as materials for photothermal therapy (PTT). Previous reports have correlated photoinduced cell death to ...the photothermal heat mechanism of these NCs, and no evidence of their photodynamic properties has been reported yet. Herein we have prepared physiologically stable near-infrared (NIR) plasmonic copper sulfide NCs and analyzed their photothermal and photodynamic properties, including therapeutic potential in cultured melanoma cells and a murine melanoma model. Interestingly, we observe that, besides a high PTT efficacy, these copper sulfide NCs additionally possess intrinsic NIR induced photodynamic activity, whereupon they generate high levels of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo acute toxic responses of copper sulfide NCs were also elicited. This study highlights a mechanism of NIR light induced cancer therapy, which could pave the way toward more effective nanotherapeutics.
Abstract
Aberrant cell cycle machinery and loss of the CDKN2A tumor suppressor locus make CDK4/6 a potential target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, a vast majority of PDAC cases ...do not harbor a durable response to monotherapy of CDK4/6 inhibitor. Utilizing remote loading to co-encapsulate CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib (PAL) and an autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), we demonstrate a ratiometrically designed mesoporous silica nanoformulation with synergistic efficacy in subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC mouse models. The synergism is attributed to the effective intratumoral buildup of PAL/HCQ, which otherwise exhibit distinctly different circulatory and biodistribution profile. PAL/HCQ co-delivery nanoparticles lead to the most effective shrinkage of PDAC compared to various controls, including free drug mixture. Immunohistochemistry reveals that PAL/HCQ co-delivery nanoparticles trigger anti-apoptotic pathway after repetitive intravenous administrations in mice. When combined with a Bcl inhibitor, the performance of co-delivery nanoparticles is further improved, leading to a long-lasting anti-PDAC effect in vivo.
Reptiles exhibit a wide variety of skin colors, which serve essential roles in survival and reproduction. However, the molecular basis of these conspicuous colors remains unresolved.
We investigate ...color morph-enriched Asian vine snakes (Ahaetulla prasina), to explore the mechanism underpinning color variations. Transmission electron microscopy imaging and metabolomics analysis indicates that chromatophore morphology (mainly iridophores) is the main basis for differences in skin color. Additionally, we assemble a 1.77-Gb high-quality chromosome-anchored genome of the snake. Genome-wide association study and RNA sequencing reveal a conservative amino acid substitution (p.P20S) in SMARCE1, which may be involved in the regulation of chromatophore development initiated from neural crest cells. SMARCE1 knockdown in zebrafish and immunofluorescence verify the interactions among SMARCE1, iridophores, and tfec, which may determine color variations in the Asian vine snake.
This study reveals the genetic associations of color variation in Asian vine snakes, providing insights and important resources for a deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms related to reptilian coloration.
ABSTRACT Luminous debris disks of warm dust in the terrestrial planet zones around solar-like stars were recently found to vary, which is indicative of ongoing large-scale collisions of rocky ...objects. We use Spitzer 3.6 and 4.5 m time-series observations in 2012 and 2013 (extended to 2014 in one case) to monitor five more debris disks with unusually high fractional luminosities ("extreme debris disk"), including P1121 in the open cluster M47 (80 Myr), HD 15407A in the AB Dor moving group (80 Myr), HD 23514 in the Pleiades (120 Myr), HD 145263 in the Upper Sco Association (10 Myr), and the field star BD+20 307 ( 1 Gyr). Together with the published results for ID8 in NGC 2547 (35 Myr), this makes the first systematic time-domain investigation of planetary impacts outside the solar system. Significant variations with timescales shorter than a year are detected in five out of the six extreme debris disks we monitored. However, different systems show diverse sets of characteristics in the time domain, including long-term decay or growth, disk temperature variations, and possible periodicity.
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