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An Escherichia coli -produced human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 bivalent vaccine (Cecolin) was prequalified by WHO in 2021. This study aimed to compare the immunogenicity of the E coli -produced HPV 9-valent vaccine Cecolin 9 (against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) with Gardasil 9. This was a randomised, single-blind trial conducted in China. Healthy non-pregnant women aged 18–26 years, who were not breastfeeding and with no HPV vaccination history, were enrolled in the Ganyu Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, China). Women were stratified by age (18–22 years and 23–26 years) and randomly assigned (1:1) using a permutated block size of eight to receive three doses of Cecolin 9 or Gardasil 9 at day 0, day 45, and month 6. All participants, as well as study personnel without access to the vaccines, were masked. Neutralising antibodies were measured by a triple-colour pseudovirion-based neutralisation assay. The primary outcomes, seroconversion rates and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) at month 7, were analysed in the per-protocol set for immunogenicity (PPS-I). Non-inferiority was identified for the lower limit of the 95% CI of the GMC ratio (Cecolin 9 vs Gardasil 9) at a margin of 0·5 and a seroconversion rate difference (Cecolin 9–Gardasil 9) at a margin of –5%. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04782895) and is completed. From March 14 to 18, 2021, a total of 553 potential participants were screened, of which 244 received at least one dose of Cecolin 9 and 243 received at least one dose of Gardasil 9. The seroconversion rates for all HPV types in both groups were 100% in the PPS-I, with the values of the lower limits of 95% CIs for seroconversion rate differences ranging between –1·8% and –1·7%. The GMC ratios of five types were higher than 1·0, with the highest ratio, for HPV 58, at 1·65 (95% CI 1·38–1·97), and those of four types were lower than 1·0, with the lowest ratio, for HPV 11, at 0·79 (0·68–0·93). The incidence of adverse reactions in both groups was similar (43% [104/244] vs 47% [115/243]). Cecolin 9 induced non-inferior HPV type-specific immune responses compared with Gardasil 9 and is a potential candidate to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer by allowing for global accessibility to 9-valent HPV vaccinations, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. National Natural Science Foundation, Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation, Xiamen Science and Technology Plan Project, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences of China, and Xiamen Innovax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The chain-like organic compounds with conjugated structure have the potential to become high temperature superconductors. Here, we show that p -quinquephenyl containing five phenyl rings connected in para position is superconducting when the compound is doped by potassium, with a critical temperature of 7.3K. The dc magnetic susceptibility measurements provide solid evidence for the presence of Meissner effect in potassium-doped p -quinquephenyl. The real part of the ac susceptibility shows exactly same transition temperature as that in dc magnetization, and the imaginary part of nearly zero value after transition implies the realization of zero-resistivity. The crystal structure prediction identifies the superconducting phase as K p 3 -quinquephenyl with P 2 1 space-group, a layered structure. The occurrence of bipolarons revealed by Raman spectra guarantees potassium metal intercalated into p -quinquephenyl and suggests the important role of this elementary excitation played on superconductivity. Graphical abstract Superconductivity with T c = 7.3 K in potassium-doped p -quinquephenyl. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Single crystals of Y7Co6Sn23 and RE5Co6Sn18 (RE=Sc, Ho) have been obtained by solid-state reactions of the corresponding pure elements in welded tantalum tubes at high temperature. Their crystal structures have been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Y7Co6Sn23 belongs to the Ho7Co6Sn23 type and crystallizes in the trigonal space group P-3m1 (No. 164) whereas RE5Co6Sn18 (RE=Sc, Ho) adopt the Tb5Rh6Sn18 type structure and crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I41/acd (No. 142). Their structures all feature a three-dimensional (3D) anionic framework based on [CoSn6] trigonal prisms. The structure of Y7Co6Sn23 is made from the ordinal stacking one type of 2D slab composed of the same [CoSn6] trigonal prisms via corner-sharing, forming two types of narrow tunnels along the c-axis, which are occupied by Y or residual Sn atoms. The 3D structure of RE5Co6Sn18 is built up from alternately stacking two types of 2D slabs, which are composed of different [CoSn6] trigonal prisms via corner-sharing and Sn–Sn bonds, respectively. The RE and residual Sn atoms are located in the spacers of the 3D framework. Band structure calculations indicate that Y7Co6Sn23 and Sc5Co6Sn18 are metallic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Oka varicella vaccine strain remains neurovirulent and can establish lifelong latent infection, raising safety concerns about vaccine-related herpes zoster. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a skin-attenuated and neuro-attenuated varicella vaccine candidate (v7D vaccine). We did this randomised, double-blind, controlled, phase 2a clinical trial in Jiangsu, China. Healthy children aged 3–12 years with no history of varicella infection or vaccination were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive a single subcutaneous injection of the v7D vaccine at 3·3 log 10 plaque forming units (PFU; low-dose v7D group), 3·9 log 10 PFU (medium-dose v7D group), and 4·2 log 10 PFU (high-dose v7D group), or the positive control varicella vaccine (vOka vaccine group). All the participants, laboratory personnel, and investigators other than the vaccine preparation and management staff were masked to the vaccine allocation. The primary outcome was assessment of the geometric mean titres (GMTs) and seroconversion rates of anti-varicella zoster virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) induced by different dose groups of v7D vaccine at 0, 42, 60, and 90 days after vaccination in the per-protocol set for humoral immune response analysis. Safety was a secondary outcome, focusing on adverse events within 42 days post-vaccination, and serious adverse events within 6 months after vaccination. This study was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000034434. On Aug 18–21, 2020, 842 eligible volunteers were enrolled and randomly assigned treatment. After three participants withdrew, 839 received a low dose (n=211), middle dose (n=210), or high dose (n=210) of v7D vaccine, or the vOka vaccine (n=208). In the per-protocol set for humoral immune response analysis, the anti-varicella zoster virus IgG antibody response was highest at day 90. At day 90, the seroconversion rates of the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of v7D vaccine and the positive control vOka vaccine group were 100·0% (95% CI 95·8–100·0; 87 of 87 participants), 98·9% (93·8–100·0; 87 of 88 participants), 97·8% (92·4–99·7; 91 of 93 participants), and 96·4% (89·8–99·2; 80 of 83 participants), respectively; the GMTs corresponded to values of 30·8 (95% CI 26·2–36·0), 31·3 (26·7–36·6), 28·2 (23·9–33·2), and 38·5 (31·7–46·7). The v7D vaccine, at low dose and medium dose, elicited a humoral immune response similar to that of the vOka vaccine. However, the high-dose v7D vaccine induced a marginally lower GMT compared with the vOka vaccine at day 90 (p=0·027). In the per-protocol set, the three dose groups of the v7D vaccine induced a similar humoral immune response at each timepoint, with no statistically significant differences. The incidence of adverse reactions in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of v7D vaccine was significantly lower than that in the vOka vaccine group (17% [35 of 211 participants], 20% [41 of 210 participants], and 13% [27 of 210 participants] vs 24% [50 of 208 participants], respectively; p=0·025), especially local adverse reactions (10% [22 of 211 participants], 14% [30 of 210 participants] and 9% [18 of 210 participants] vs 18% [38 of 208 participants], respectively; p=0·016). None of the serious adverse events were vaccine related. The three dose groups of the candidate v7D vaccine exhibit similar humoral immunogenicity to the vOka vaccine and are well tolerated. These findings encourage further investigations on two-dose vaccination schedules, efficacy, and the potential safety benefit of v7D vaccine in the future. The National Natural Science Foundation of China, CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and Beijing Wantai. For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structural, elastic and electronic properties of BiI3 are investigated using the first-principles pseudopotential calculations within the framework of density functional theory. The calculated equilibrium structural parameters agree well with the experimental values. The results show that rhombohedral R-3 structure is low enthalpy structure at zero pressure. R-3 structure will transform into SbI3-type structure (space group P21/c) at about 7.0GPa. At zero pressure, BiI3 with R-3 symmetry meets the mechanical stability criteria, but BiI3 with P-31m symmetry is an unstable one mechanically. For R-3 structure, the obtained bulk, shear, and Young’s moduli are 25.6, 15.3 and 38.3GPa, respectively. BiI3 presents large elastic anisotropy. Debye temperature of R-3 structure calculated is 181K. The metallization pressure of R-3 structure is about 133GPa and that of predicted high pressure phase P21/c structure is about 61GPa, indicating BiI3’s potential application as a nuclear radiation detector under high pressure environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new strategy for preparation of Cu 2 ZnSn(S x Se 1−x) 4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells from a two-step sulfurization of Cu-Zn-Sn-Se precursors is introduced. • A highest efficiency of 8.55% for CZTSSe solar cells prepared by sulfurization by far has been achieved. • A sulfur rich CZTSSe layer was obtained at grain boundaries which is proposed to beneficial by forming a hole barrier at grain boundary to reduce the recombination. A new strategy for preparation of Cu 2 ZnSn(S x Se 1−x) 4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells by a two-step sulfurization of Cu-Zn-Sn-Se precursors is introduced. The growth evolution of the CZTSSe films has been characterized compositionally and structurally and the growth mechanism has been revealed. A single-phase CZTSSe film without any secondary phase was observed with a solar cell efficiency of 8.55%. A sulfur rich CZTSSe layer was obtained at grain boundaries which is proposed to be beneficial by forming a hole barrier at grain boundary to reduce the recombination. This solar cell is further characterized using photoluminescence (PL) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) and drive-level capacitance profiling (DLCP) technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The highest conversion efficiency of Cu(In,Y)Se 2 solar cell with non-toxic SnS 2 buffer reaches 25.32%. • Y doping can improve the photoelectric performance of CuInSe 2 , even better than CIGSe. • Cu(In,Y)Se 2 with the broadband gap is a promising candidate for top cell of tandem cells. To explore material solutions for improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of copper based thin film solar cells, we systematically study the CuInSe 2 doped by Y element containing shell-unfilled 4d electrons. The crystal and electronic structures are investigated by the first-principles calculations and the device performance with Y-doped CuInSe 2 as absorber is simulated by employing SCAPS-1D software. And the matching between different buffer layers and absorber is also examined. The result shows that the substitution of Y for In can increase the band gap and make the valence bands flatting, which increases the density of states at Fermi level and effective masses of electrons and holes while decreases the carrier mobility. Two doping cases with the band gap of 1.262 and 1.465 eV are considered promising candidates for the absorber and exhibit the PCE higher than 23.6% of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) 2. CdS, SnS 2 , ZnMgO, and Zn(S,O) can all serve as buffer layers for Y-doped CuInSe 2 devices and the impact of their thickness on conversion efficiency is analyzed. From the perspective of achieving the same efficiency, the thickness of SnS 2 buffer layer can be reduced to 30 nm. The highest conversion efficiency of device based on Cu(In,Y)Se 2 absorber with the band gap of 1.465 eV reaches 25.32%, which demonstrates excellent performance of broadband gap photovoltaic cells using as a top cell of tandem cells. The results suggest that, by doping yttrium and adjusting thickness of buffer and absorber layers, the conversion efficiency of copper based thin film solar cells is able to further be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of high temperature organic magnets is one attractive topic in the fields of physics, chemistry, and material science. Here, we show that by using a two-step method - ultrasound treatment and low temperature annealing, room temperature ferromagnetism can be produced in naphthalene, the simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisted of two fused benzene rings. The existence of hydrogen after processing naphthalene suggests that the observed ferromagnetism can be attributed to carbon dangling bonds on naphthalene molecules. This is supported by theoretical simulations showing that two separated dangling bonds prefer the ferromagnetic ordering. Our finding opens a window for the systematic search of new high temperature organic magnets in the large family of hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structures of actinium dihydride (AcH 2 ) in a wide pressure range of 0–200 GPa have been investigated by using an unbiased structure searching method coupling with first-principles density functional calculations. A series of pressure-induced phase transitions are predicted for AcH 2 , as Fm -3 m → P 4 2 / mmc → Imma → P 6/ mmm , and the calculated pressures of the phase transitions are 12, 27, and 68 GPa. Under pressure, the coordination number of H atom increases and the nature of chemical bonds changes. The electronic band structures show that all of the competitive phases are metallic. The pressure-induced charge transfer drives the phase transition. Phonon calculations show the competitive phases are thermodynamically stable within their favored pressure range. Our results elucidate the phase transition mechanisms of AcH 2 under pressure, and have major implications for the high-pressure behaviors of actinide and rare-earth metal dihydrides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] High-pressure behavior of α-UH3 has been studied using first-principles calculations. [•] The α-UH3 is stable up to 20GPa from elastic constants. [•] Under pressure, the high-frequency vibration modes shift upward. [•] The entropy and heat capacity increase with pressure increasing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, potassium-ion battery (PIB) has attracted growing attention as an alternative material for lithium-ion battery (LIB). However, due to the large size of potassium ions, the exploration of novel anode materials is still an open issue. Based on first-principles calculations, we systematically investigated the intercalation of potassium ions into three nitrogen containing organics, as anode materials for PIBs. The stable K-intercalated structures, formation energies, and theoretical specific capacities as well as voltage steps have been analyzed. Without obvious change of inner structure in organic molecule, the nitrogen containing anode can have a high theoretical specific capacity of over 1400 mAh/g. Moreover, the three electrode materials have a good rate performance in electronic conductivity and ion conductivity, with diffusion barriers lower than 0.25 eV. The remarkable electrochemical performance of these organics shows that they are promising PIB anodes. [Display omitted] • The theoretical capacity of C 8 H 6 N 2 , C 10 H 8 N 2 , and C 14 H 11 N are 1442, 1129, and 1110 mAh/g for PIBs. • The structure of organic molecules remain stable with different K doping levels. • Low open circuit voltage for anodes and fast ion transfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]