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Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells represent a commercially successful photovoltaic technology, with an annual production capacity approaching 20 GW. However, improving the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) remains challenging. This study aims to deepen the understanding of charge carrier recombination in CdTe solar cells and to explore alternative dynamical characterization methods that address the limitations found in conventionally used time‐resolved photoluminescence for CdTe solar cells. Transient photovoltage and transient photocurrent techniques are utilized to investigate charge carrier dynamics under conditions resembling real‐world solar cell operation. The results reveal that an effective nonradiative recombination lifetime of 580 ns dominates the charge dynamics at VOC values below 850 mV. Above this threshold, radiative recombination becomes significant, with a radiative recombination coefficient of 1.1 × 10−9 cm3 s−1. Additionally, the stationary charge carrier density at 1 sun is determined to be around 1 × 1014 cm−3. By accurately determining both radiative and nonradiative recombination, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of carrier dynamics in high‐performing CdTe devices and paves the way for improving the VOC and performance of CdTe solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Electroacupuncture (EA) at the Lianquan (CV23) could alleviate swallowing dysfunction. However, current knowledge of its neural modulation focused on the brain, with little evidence from the periphery. Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) is an ion channel predominantly expressed in sensory neurons, and acupuncture can trigger calcium ion (Ca2+) wave propagation through active TRPV1 to deliver signals. The present study aimed to investigate whether TRPV1 mediated the signal of EA to the primary sensory cortex (S1) during regulation of swallowing function. Methods: Blood perfusion was evaluated by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and neuronal activity was evaluated by fiber calcium recording and c‐Fos staining. The expression of TRPV1 was detected by RNA‐seq analysis, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. In addition, the swallowing function was assessed by in vivo EMG recording and water consumption test. Results: EA treatment potentiated blood perfusion and neuronal activity in the S1, and this potentiation was absent after injecting lidocaine near CV23. TRPV1 near CV23 was upregulated by EA‐CV23. The blood perfusion at CV23 was decreased in the TRPV1 hypofunction mice, while the blood perfusion and the neuronal activity of the S1 showed no obvious change. These findings were also present in post‐stroke dysphagia (PSD) mice. Conclusion: The TRPV1 at CV23 after EA treatment might play a key role in mediating local blood perfusion but was not involved in transferring EA signals to the central nervous system (CNS). These findings collectively suggested that TRPV1 may be one of the important regulators involved in the mechanism of EA treatment for improving swallowing function in PSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post‐stroke dysphagia (PSD), a common and serious disease, affects the quality of life of many patients and their families. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been commonly used effectively in the treatment of PSD, but the therapeutic mechanism is still under exploration at present. We aim to investigate the effect of the nucleus tractus solitarus (NTS) on the treatment of PSD by EA at Lianquan (CV23) through the primary motor cortex (M1). Methods: C57 male mice were used to construct a PSD mouse model using photothrombotic technique, and the swallowing function was evaluated by electromyography (EMG) recording. C‐Fos‐positive neurons and types of neurons in the NTS were detected by immunofluorescence. Optogenetics and chemical genetics were used to regulate the NTS, and the firing rate of neurons was recorded via multichannel recording. Results: The results showed that most of the activated neurons in the NTS were excitatory neurons, and multichannel recording indicated that the activity levels of both pyramidal neurons and interneurons in the NTS were regulated by M1. This process was involved in the EA treatment. Furthermore, while chemogenetic inhibition of the NTS reduced the EMG signal associated with the swallowing response induced by activation of M1 in PSD mice, EA rescued this signal. Conclusion: Overall, the NTS was shown to participate in the regulation of PSD by EA at CV23 through M1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the Holocene sedimentary evolution of the Pearl River associated delta–estuary–shelf system, high‐resolution seismic data were acquired from Lingdingyang Bay to the inner shelf. A Pearl‐derived Holocene subaqueous clinoform developed over the pre‐Holocene incised channel/valley network. Overlying the Holocene ravinement surface, progradational highstand and acoustically semi‐transparent or transparent transgressive system tracts are separated by a maximum flooding surface. Restricted and thick in‐channel/in‐valley retrogressive deposits represent an earlier transgressive deposit. Displaying a westward‐oriented along‐shore extent, the highstand sediment accumulated asymmetrically within 30 m water depths, corresponding to a modern hydrodynamic environment. The wedge‐shaped highstand unit thickened landward with a depocentre (>15 m) located in western Lingdingyang Bay, possibly because of higher sediment trap efficiency inside the salinity front. Preliminary analyses suggest that the Pearl River has been trapping sediment to fill its extensive estuarine system for most of the Holocene and its sediment trap efficiency is greater since the sea‐level highstand. Since ca 7.5 ka bp, the total volume of highstand sediment accumulated in the entire delta‐estuary‐shelf dispersal system was approximately 128.36 × 109 m3. The calculated highstand riverine sediment flux was 16.01 to 16.50 Mt/yr. This value is equivalent to approximately one‐fifth of the flux that occurred prior to widespread dam construction and likely related to late‐Holocene intensified anthropogenic influence in South China. Since ca 7.5 ka bp, only ca 35% of the Pearl‐derived sediment has been dispersed to offshore shelf areas from the delta‐estuary system. With the dramatic decrease in river sediment discharge in recent decades, a larger fraction of Pearl‐derived sediment transported to the shelf might have been interrupted and changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar modules (PSMs) have shown remarkable photovoltaic potentials, but they still suffer from large power conversion efficiency (PCE) loss on scale‐up and instability due to inferior uniformity and crystallization over large areas. Herein, the scalable production of efficient and stable PSMs using a suite of all‐scalable fabrication methods featuring a two‐step blade/dip‐coating approach to deposit the perovskite absorber layer is demonstrated. Rubidium chloride is introduced to embed (PbI2)2RbCl complex seeds in the first‐deposited PbI2 precursor, which assists in uniform crystallization of the perovskite layer with high crystallinity and reduced defect density over large areas. Following the optimization of RbCl additives, a champion PSM with 17.9% PCE on a 7.6 × 7.6 cm2 substrate with a 37 cm2 aperture area is achieved. Moreover, the RbCl‐incorporated PSMs demonstrate excellent reproducibility and stability under continuous 1 sun illumination. This work shows that the two‐step blade/dip coating is a promising method for producing high‐efficiency and stable PSMs on an industrially relevant scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great deal of interest in increasing the energy yield from thin film solar cells by implementing bifacial operation. However, deleterious band bending and high interface recombination at the back transparent electrode can cause problems. Herein, it is investigated how bifacial thin film devices perform when illuminated through the front, back, and simultaneously through both interfaces using numerical modeling. It is shown that the downward band bending near the back interface is reduced during illumination when the carrier concentration is low. This effect is not found when the doping is relatively high, but the minority carrier distribution is still modified. Under either condition, the power generated under bifacial illumination exceeds the sum of the power generated when the illumination is solely from the back or the front. It is also shown that the back‐illuminated device performance is independent of the angle at which the light enters the back of the device, which provides accommodation for scattered light. Finally, the power enhancement is calculated for bifacial devices relative to front‐illuminated devices, and is shown that any significant loss in frontside power generation is difficult to overcome with back illumination under real‐world albedo conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual‐function fluorescent probe (Probe 1) was developed in this work for the separate detection of pH value and formaldehyde (HCHO). Probe 1 could recognize HCHO and the pH value from the amino group. The colour of the probe solution was changed from grey blue to light blue with the increase in the pH value, and luminous intensity became larger with the increase in formaldehyde concentration. The curve function relationship between fluorescence intensity and the pH value was also determined. A smartphone containing a colour detector for imaging was used to record the values of the three primary colours (R value, G value, and B value) for the probe solution in formaldehyde. Importantly, there was a linear functional relationship between the B*R/G value with HCHO concentration. Therefore, the probe could be used as a rapid tool for the detection of formaldehyde. More importantly, Probe 1 was successfully used to detect formaldehyde in an actual distilled liquor sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Easy‐to‐form tin vacancies at the buried interface of tin‐lead perovskites hinder the performance of low‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, a synergistic strategy by incorporating potassium citrate (PC) into the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole‐transport layer to passivate the buried interface of Sn‐Pb PSCs is reported. PC neutralizes the acidity of PEDOT:PSS and stabilizes the perovskite front surface, enhancing device stability. Citrate moieties coordinate with Sn2+ on the buried perovskite surface, preventing Sn2+ oxidation and suppressing defect formation. Additionally, potassium cations incorporate into Sn‐Pb perovskites, enhancing crystallinity and passivating halide defects. The combined benefits enable efficient low‐bandgap Sn‐Pb PSCs with a power conversion efficiency of 22.7% and a high open‐circuit voltage of 0.894 V. Using this method, 26.1% efficiency for all‐perovskite tandem solar cells is demonstrated. These results emphasize the significance of buried interface passivation in developing efficient and stable Sn‐Pb PSCs and all‐perovskite tandem solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, antimony sulfoselenide (Sb2(S, Se)3) thin‐film solar cells are fabricated by a hydrothermal method followed by a post‐deposition annealing process at different temperatures and the impact of the annealing temperature on the morphological, structural, optoelectronic, and defect properties of the hydrothermally grown Sb2(S, Se)3 films is investigated. It is found that a proper annealing temperature leads to high‐quality Sb2(S, Se)3 films with large crystal grains, high crystallinity, preferred crystal orientation, smooth and uniform morphology, and reduced defect density. These results show that suppressing deep‐level defects is crucial to enhance solar cell performance. After optimizing the annealing process, Sb2(S, Se)3 solar cells with an improved power conversion efficiency 2.04 to 8.48% are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River deltas have long been considered important carbon sinks. However, the presence of shallow gas and the processes of delta erosion caused by diminished sediment supplies could reduce the strength of the carbon sink. In this study, based on historical bathymetric data and a data set obtained from a seismic survey, we investigate the response of gas‐charged deposits in the Yangtze subaqueous delta to seabed erosion. A conservative estimate of the total methane reserves of 0.55–4.35 × 1011 mol was obtained in the delineated gassy area of ∼3,800 km2. The seismic and bathymetric data reveal a prominent erosional belt at water depths ranging from 5 to 20 m and extending from the southwestern to northeastern nearshore areas of the Yangtze subaqueous delta. Erosion is severe in the south and slight in the north due to differences in the hydrodynamic conditions, sediment erodibility, and sensitivity to sediment reduction. Seabed erosion reduces the thickness of the cap bed and the overburden pressure at the gas front, making it easier for gas to seep through the sediment column and bypass the anaerobic oxidation of methane. The good agreement between the elevated methane concentrations and the erosional belts and the spatial coincidence between the shallower gas front and pockmarks indicate that seabed erosion accelerates gas seepage activities. In the context of global deltaic degradation, the increasing greenhouse gas emissions from deltaic deposits are worthy of further attention. Plain Language Summary: River deltas have played an important role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations throughout geological history. High sediment accumulation rates and organic carbon contents in delta areas can lead to the formation of abundant biogenic methane in deltaic sediments, termed "shallow gas," when the methane concentration exceeds the solubility level and free gas is present. In recent decades, the erosion of river deltas induced by diminished riverine sediment supplies has been a worldwide problem. The impact of seabed erosion caused by sediment starvation on gas‐charged deposits is unclear. To understand the influence of seabed erosion on gas‐charged deposits, we conducted seismic surveys in the Yangtze subaqueous delta area. The data reveal the distribution of shallow gas and its seepage activities. An analysis of our data and historical bathymetric data showed that where severe erosion occurs, gas flow can easily seep through the overlying sediment to the water column due to a decrease in the sediment thickness and overburden pressure. Since river deltas worldwide share the same fate of sediment starvation and erosion, there is a need to evaluate the magnitude and significance of increasing methane emissions associated with delta erosion in the context of global warming. Key Points: A seismic study identified extensive gas accumulation and active seepages in Holocene subaqueous deltaic depositsWhere severe erosion occurs, gas chimneys extend close to the seabed and potentially develop into pockmarksSeabed erosion aggravates gas seepage in the subaqueous delta [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A double reaction site fluorescent probe (probe PPEO) was developed. The probe detects hydrazine by reaction with an α, β‐unsaturated ketone and o‐aminophenyl. Probe PPEO was a rare two reaction site hydrazine fluorescent probe. The strategy of double reaction sites can improve the atomic utilization of the probe. The limit of detection (LOD) of probe PPEO for hydrazine was 10.40 nM, which below the limited standard. The fluorescence of the probe solution changes from colourless to yellowish‐brown with different concentrations of N2H4. Furthermore, probe PPEO can be used to detect the content of N2H4 in tap water, river water and mineral water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel D−π−A type fluorescent probe (probe 1) was developed for water content detection in organic solvents. By analyzing the relationship between fluorescence and water content, the probe was successfully applied to determine trace water content in tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, 2‐butanone, acetone, dimethylformamide, and acetonitrile. High water content in THF and ethyl acetate was associated with a gradual colour change from yellowish green to earthy yellow. The red/green value had a linear relationship with the water content in THF and ethyl acetate. There was a linear relationship between the red/blue value and water content in 2‐butanone and acetone. Furthermore, probe 1 could be used for human serum albumin detection. Unexpectedly, probe 1 had a different colour response in deuterated and nondeuterated solvents, and had different fluorescence intensity and fluorescence emission wavelength. Probe 1 is rare tool that can distinguish between deuterated and nondeuterated reagents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem and one of the leading causes of all‐cause mortality. However, the pathogenic mechanisms and intervention methods for CKD progression are not fully understood. Experimental Approach: Plasma from patients with uraemia and from healthy controls (n = 30 per group) was analysed with LC‐MS/MS‐based non‐targeted metabolomics to identify potential markers of uraemia. These potential markers were validated in the same cohort and a second cohort (n = 195) by quantitative analysis of the markers, using LC‐MS/MS. The most promising marker was identified by correlation analysis and further validated using HK‐2 cells and mouse models. Key Results: Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) was identified as a promising marker among the 18 potential markers found in the first cohort, and it was optimally correlated with renal function of CKD patients in the second cohort. Treatment of HK‐2 cells with TMAO decreased cell viability and up‐regulated expression of α‐smooth muscle actin. In mice, a TMAO‐containing diet decreased kidney mass and increased protein expression of α‐smooth muscle actin. Also, control of TMAO production by inhibiting its biosynthetic pathway with 3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐butanol or disrupting gut microbiota function with an antibiotic cocktail, attenuated renal injury in a murine model of CKD. Conclusion and Implications: Our data show that decreased TMAO production could be a new strategy to attenuate the progression of renal injury in CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solvatochromic fluorescent probe (probe 1) with D‐π‐A molecular configuration was developed. Probe 1 exhibited excellent polarity sensitivity. The ET (30) value of solvents demonstrated a good linear relationship with the Stokes shift of probe 1 except for DMSO. Moreover, the linear correlation coefficient value reached 0.97. The probe demonstrated different colors based on the type of solvents. With the increase in solvent polarity, the color gradually changed from blue to earthy yellow. It has a linear functional relationship between the B value (Blue, the blue primary color of light in RGB) and ET (30) values of the solvent existed. It provided strong support for the rapid determination of solvent polarity. In addition, probe 1 can be used for the determination of alcohol levels in Baijiu by smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A luminous intensity variation fluorescent probe (Probe 1) for the detection of ferric ion was developed. The quantitative range of Fe3+ content detected was 0–600 μM with the limit of detection at 0.76 μM. Furthermore, after 20 min of Fe3+ addition, the intensity of the luminescence of Probe 1 solution gradually decreased with increase in Fe3+ concentration. In addition, the B and G values of these images showed a linear relationship with Fe3+ concentration (0–500 μM). Probe 1 was successfully used for the rapid determination of Fe3+ concentration in real samples. This study demonstrates that Probe 1 is an excellent tool for the rapid determination of Fe3+ content in real samples using a smart phone without professional equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) can be patterned on a variety of substrates using a laser scriber/cutter. The quality and morphology of LIG is currently analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Here a method is presented to enable analysis of LIG in real‐time during the synthesis using a microphone attached to the laser writing head, followed by a simple acoustic signal processing scheme. It is demonstrated that it is possible to use the same energy input to simultaneously drive the conversion process and probe the formation of LIG in situ by applying Fourier and integral analyses, thus allowing rapid, high‐throughput determination of the local quality and morphology of the produced LIG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is a promising low‐cost photovoltaic material with a 1D crystal structure. The grain orientation and defect passivation play a critical role in determining the performance of polycrystalline Sb2Se3 thin‐film solar cells. Here, a seed layer is introduced on a molybdenum (Mo) substrate to template the growth of a vertically oriented, columnar Sb2Se3 absorber layer by closed space sublimation. By controlling the grain orientation and compactness of the Sb2Se3 seeds, obtain high‐quality Sb2Se3 absorber layers with passive Sb2Se3/Mo interfaces is obtained, which in turn improve the transport of photoexcited charge carriers through the absorber layer and its interfaces. Post‐deposition annealing of absorber layers in ambient air is further utilized to passivate the defects in Sb2Se3 and enhance the quality of the front heterojunction. As a result of systematic processing optimization, Sb2Se3 planar heterojunction solar cells are fabricated in substrate configuration with a champion power conversion efficiency of 8.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction: Few people have reported whether there are sex differences in blood lipids and lipid ratios in type 2 diabetic foot (T2DF) patients in China. This study attempts to identify the contribution to sex‐specific differences in blood lipids and lipid ratios in these patients. Materials and Methods: In this case–control study, we explore 306 patients with T2DF as the study group and 306 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as the control group. Patients were diagnosed according to the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes–2014 (American Diabetes Association). Blood lipid and lipid ratios were determined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Results: We studied male patients with T2DF who were aged 68.00 years (18.00 years) and females who were aged 73.50 years (19.00 years); 61.76% of the patients were men. Men had higher body mass index and glycated hemoglobin levels than women. Compared with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, T2DF patients had significant differences in total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL‐C and apolipoprotein (apo)B/apoA‐I ratios. HDL‐C, triglyceride, apoA‐I and apoB/apoA‐I ratio showed cardiovascular disease risk in men, whereas total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apoB, and the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL‐C and total cholesterol/HDL‐C ratios were better predictors in women. The apoB/apoA‐I ratio odds ratio values were 2.18 (95% confidence interval 1.17–4.41) and 2.14 (95% confidence interval 1.14–4.00) in male patients with T2DF before and after adjusting for age, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusions: T2DF patients present sex‐specific differences in their blood lipid and lipid ratios, especially in the apoB/apoA‐I ratio, which could be a better indicator for cardiovascular disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent probe (Probe 1) for the visible colorimetric detection of tyrosinase (Tyr) was developed. The quantitative range of detection of Tyr activity detected was 0 to 800 u/mL with the detection limit (LOD) was 5.00 u/mL. The probe solution emitted increasing yellow‐green luminescence with increasing Tyr activity, which was observed under a 365 nm UV lamp. In addition, the green (G) and red (R) values of these photos had a linear relationship with the activity of Tyr. Probe 1 could be used for the quantitative and quantification detection of Tyr activity in real fruits samples using a smartphone. Colorimetry with catechol as the substrate was used to determine the accuracy of this method. This work shows that Probe 1 can be used for the quantitative detection of Tyr using just a smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between atmospheres and oceans plays an important role in the global climate. In a field experiment of atmospheric flows over the Gulf Stream, when the wind blew from the cold water to the warm water, we observed a near‐surface jet over the warm water. We then conducted direct numerical simulations and large‐eddy simulations of atmospheric turbulence in the vicinity of the front and captured the near‐surface jet in simulations for the first time. Analyses of the data obtained from the high‐resolution three‐dimensional simulations revealed the dominant generation mechanisms of the near‐surface jet, which are the strong vertical mixing by the enhanced streamwise rolls and the mean downward motion. Around the near‐surface jet, the magnitude of the negatively valued Richardson number significantly increases, indicating the dominance of buoyancy effects in the flow dynamics there. The development of the near‐surface jet suggests that the Monin‐Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) needs to be modified in representing marine atmospheric boundary layers over sea surface temperature fronts. Key Points: A near‐surface jet in the atmospheric surface layer across an oceanic temperature front is discovered from measurement and simulationThe enhanced vertical mixing and mean downward motion based on time and spanwise averaging lead to the generation of the near‐surface jetThe buoyancy effects are found to dominate the flow dynamics around the near‐surface jet [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a type of steep‐slope transistor, a Dirac‐source field‐effect transistor (DS‐FET) provides both high performance and sub‐60 mV dec−1 subthreshold swing (SS) at room temperature. However, only p‐type DS‐FETs are experimentally demonstrated, and n‐type DS‐FETs for constructing complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) logic circuits are lacking. Here, the first experimental demonstrations of n‐type DS‐FETs and tunneling FETs (TFETs) based on a graphene/carbon nanotube heterojunction with a Sc drain are provided. The as‐fabricated n‐type DS‐FETs present a minimum SS as low as 37 mV dec−1 at room temperature and a high I60 of 2.6 µA µm−1 (Vds = 0.1 V), which reflect an advantage in the on‐state performance of more than two orders of magnitude over the TFETs. In addition, the Gm/Ids ratio reaches 70 V−1, which breaks the physical limit (38.5 V−1) and reflects the ultrahigh transconductance efficiency of the transistor for analog applications. The realization of n‐type DS‐FETs not only opens a door to achieving CMOS DS‐FETs for future high‐energy‐efficiency digital electronics and high‐performance analog electronics but also further verifies the validity and universality of device physics for DS‐FETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical properties such as interface energy barriers, defect energy levels, and densities dictate the performance of thin film solar cells. Here, we show that these properties can be quantified in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin‐film solar cells using admittance spectroscopy‐based techniques. Our results reveal that the electrical properties in CdTe thin‐film solar cells depend on both buffer material and the fabrication atmosphere. We find that only a negligible front contact barrier exists at the CdS/CdTe front junction regardless of the fabrication atmospheres, while an obvious front barriers are observed at the ZnMgO (ZMO)/CdTe junctions. Both CdS/CdTe and ZMO/CdTe solar cells exhibit back contact barrier. The energy level of defects is shallower in CdS/CdTe cells than in ZMO/CdTe cells. The fabrication atmosphere influences the electrical properties, i.e., an oxygen‐free atmosphere reduces the front and back barrier heights and lowers the energy level of defects. The results provide critical insights for understanding and optimizing the performance of CdTe thin‐film solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defects present in the absorber layer largely dictate photovoltaic device performance. Recently, a binary photovoltaic material, Sb2Se3, has drawn much attention due to its low-cost and nontoxic constituents and rapid performance promotion. So far, however, the intrinsic defects of Sb2Se3 remain elusive. Here, through a combined theoretical and experimental investigation, we revealed that shallow acceptors, SeSb antisites, are the dominant defects in Sb2Se3 produced in an Se-rich environment, where deep donors, SbSe and VSe, dominate in Sb2Se3 produced in an Se-poor environment. We further constructed a superstrate CdS/Sb2Se3 thin-film solar cell achieving 5.76% efficiency through in situ Se compensation during Sb2Se3 evaporation and through careful optimization of absorber layer thickness. The understanding of intrinsic defects in Sb2Se3 film and the demonstrated success of in situ Se compensation strategy pave the way for further efficiency improvement of this very promising photovoltaic technology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) solar cells possess the advantages of absorption into the infrared, solution processing, and multiple exciton generation, making them very competitive as a low-cost photovoltaic alternative. Employing an n-i-p ZnO/tetrabutylammonium (TBAI)-PbS/ethanedithiol (EDT)-PbS device configuration, the present study reports a 9.0% photovoltaic device through ZnMgO electrode engineering and graphene doping. Sol-gel-derived Zn0.9Mg0.1O buffer layer shows better transparency and higher conduction band maximum than ZnO, and incorporation of graphene and chlorinated graphene oxide into the TBAI-PbS and EDT-PbS layer respectively boosts carrier collection, leading to device with significantly enhanced open circuit voltage and short-circuit current density. It is believed that incorporation of graphene into PbS CQD film as proposed here, and more generally nanosheets of other materials, would potentially open a simple and powerful avenue to overcome the carrier transport bottleneck of CQD optoelectronic device, thus pushing device performance to a new level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the sources of particulate organic matter (POM) and the impact of Three Gorges Dam (TGD), two large lakes and erosion processes on determining the composition and flux of POM in low water discharge periods along the middle and lower Changjiang, suspended particulate samples were collected along the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang (Yangtze River) in January 2008. Organic geochemistry of bulk sediment (particulate organic carbon, organic carbon to nitrogen molar ratio (C/N), stable carbon isotope (δ13C) and grain size) and biomarker of bulk sediment (lignin phenols) were measured to trace the sources of POM. The range of C/N ratios (6.4-8.9), δ13C (−24.3‰ - −26.2‰) and lignin phenols concentration Λ8 (0.45 mg/100 mg OC-2.00 mg/100 mg OC) of POM suggested that POM originated from the mixture of soil, plant tissue and autochthonous organic matter (OM) during the dry season. POM from lakes contained a higher portion of terrestrial OM than the mainstream, which was related to sand mining and hydropower erosion processes. A three end-member model based on δ13C and Λ8 was performed. The results indicated that soil contributed approximately 50% of OM to the POM, which is the dominant OM source in most stations. POM composition was affected by total suspended matter (TSM) and grain size composition, and the direct OM input from two lakes and channel erosion induced OM. The lower TSM concentration in January 2008 was mainly caused by seasonal variations; the impact from the TGD in the dry season was relatively small. A box model indicated that more than 90% of the terrestrial OM transported by the Changjiang in January 2008 was from the middle and lower drainage basins. Channel erosion induced OM, and contributions from Poyang Lake were the major terrestrial OM sources in the dry season. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a facile and low-cost routine for the selective synthesis of vanadium oxides by hydrothermal treatment of V2O5 sol. Our experiments found a defined phase evolution sequence [V2O5 → V3O7 ·H2O → VO2 (B) → VO2 (A) → VO2 (M)] that is strongly dependent on the hydrothermal temperature, pressure, and reaction time. A mechanism for the formation of the vanadium oxides based on the oriented attachment (OA) growth model is proposed and discussed. The VO2 (A + M) phase and the pure VO2 (M) phase each show an abrupt change in infrared transmittance with temperature, which demonstrates their potential for applications in the field of energy conservation, and the modulation in the infrared properties of the VO2 (M) phase, thanks to its high purity, is far more prominent than that of the mixture phase VO2 (A + M). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myostation (MSTN), which is primarily expressed in muscle, plays an important role in myogenic and adipogenic cells. However, there is little information about whether MSTN displays different roles between adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and muscle satellite cells (MSCs). The two kinds of cells can both exist in the muscle and differentiate into adiposities. In this research, we isolated ADSCs and MSCs from porcine fat tissues and semitendinosus muscle, respectively, to investigate the effect of MSTN on the adipogenesis of those cells. ADSCs and MSCs were treated with recombinant human MSTN during the induction of adipogenesis or before the induction of differentiation. Then, we evaluated adipogenesis by Oil Red O staining and assessed the expression patterns of adipocyte-specific fatty acid binding protein ( aP2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ( PPAR) γ using real-time polymerase chain reaction methods. Our results indicated that the treatment with MSTN before or during the induction of differentiation in MSCs could both inhibit the adipogenesis. However, the treatment with MSTN only during the induction of differentiation in ADSCs could suppress the adipogenesis. Those results showed that MSTN had different roles in the adipogenesis of ADSCs and MSCs. It can shed new light on the origin of adipocyte located in muscle. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteinuria is a well-established exacerbating factor of chronic kidney diseases. However, the harmful effects of protein overload on podocytes and the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the effects of high concentrations of albumin on podocytes and investigated the role of CD2AP (CD2-associated protein) in albumin overload-induced podocyte apoptosis. Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of BSA. In addition, CD2AP eukaryotic expression vector or siRNA (small interfering RNA) was transfected into podocytes before they were exposed to BSA. Podocyte apoptosis, expressions of active caspase-3 (p17) and CD2AP, and the distribution of F-actin cytoskeleton were detected by flow cytometry, Western-blot analysis and fluorescent staining respectively. It was found that exposure of podocytes to BSA induced podocyte apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner that was accompanied by up-regulation of active caspase-3, the disruption of F-actin cytoskeleton, and decreased expression of CD2AP. Transfection of CD2AP eukaryotic expression vector into podocytes increased CD2AP expression, partially restored F-actin distribution, blocked active caspase-3 expression and inhibited podocyte apoptosis. In contrast, transfection of CD2AP siRNA deteriorated the above changes induced by BSA. It is concluded that protein overload induces podocyte apoptosis via the down-regulation of CD2AP and subsequent disruption of cytoskeleton of podocytes, and CD2AP may play an important role in protein overload-induced podocyte injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LTR retrotransposons are abundant repetitive elements in the human genome, but their functions remain poorly understood. Here, we report the function and regulatory mechanism of an ERV‐9 LTR retrotransposon‐derived lncRNA called p53‐regulated lncRNA for homologous recombination (HR) repair 1 (PRLH1) in human cells. PRLH1 is highly expressed in p53‐mutated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples and promotes cell proliferation in p53‐mutated HCC cells, and its transcription is promoted by NF‐Y and suppressed by p53. Mechanistically, PRLH1 specifically binds to an uncharacterized domain of RNF169 through two GCUUCA boxes in its 5′ terminal region to form a DNA repair complex that supplants 53BP1 at double‐strand break (DSB) sites and then promotes the initiation of HR repair. Notably, PRLH1 is essential for the stabilization of RNF169, acting as an RNA platform to recruit and assemble HR protein factors. This study characterizes PRLH1 as a novel HR‐promoting factor and provides new insights into the function and mechanism of LTR retrotransposon‐derived lncRNAs. Synopsis: PRLH1, a p53‐suppressed lncRNA, promotes the initiation of homologous recombination repair by forming a stable RNA‐protein complex with RNF169 that displaces 53BP1 at double‐strand breaks. The expression of PRLH1, an ERV‐9 LTR retrotransposon‐derived lncRNA, is promoted by NF‐Y and suppressed by wild‐type p53.PRLH1 interacts with an uncharacterized domain of RNF169 through two GCUUCA boxes in its 5′ terminal region.PRLH1 stabilizes RNF169 to suppress the recruitment of 53BP1 to DSB sites and to promote HR repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An appropriate electrical back contact in CdTe solar cells is crucial to achieving high power conversion efficiency. In this work, a facile back surface treatment method for CdTe solar cells using hydroiodic acid (HI) is developed, and the effects of HI etching on the CdTe surfaces investigated. The electrical properties of the CdTe absorber and interfaces are characterized by current–voltage, capacitance–voltage, admittance spectroscopy, and complex capacitance spectroscopy measurements. The HI‐etched devices show slightly higher apparent carrier concentrations than the control devices, suggesting an increased copper doping in the CdTe absorber. The potential barrier height of the back contact is reduced from 0.430 to 0.368 eV after the HI‐treatment, accompanied by reduced contact resistance and carrier recombination. Additionally, the HI‐treatment eliminates a defect signature at 0.409 eV. The HI‐treatment effects lead to improved power conversion efficiency through enhancement of the fill factor, the short circuit current, and open circuit voltage. Electrical characterizations reveal that CdTe surface etching using diluted hydrogen iodide removes native oxides and/or chlorides produced during the CdCl2 treatment, and creates a Te‐rich surface layer, which reduces the back barrier height and improves the performance of the resulting CdTe solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]