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This study investigated the photovoltaic properties and microstructure of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an ITO/SnO2/perovskite/HTL/Au electrode configuration, developed with varying sintering temperatures (100~200°C). The goal was to use SnO2 ink as the electron transport layer (ETL) by low-temperature sintering. TGA-DTA analysis was conducted to determine the optimum sintering temperature of the SnO2 ink and the photovoltaic properties were examined by solar simulator analysis. To analyze the microstructure, a 3D profiler, optical microscope, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. The TGA-DTA analysis results show that SnO2 ink was effectively sintered at the low temperature of 80°C and above. As for the photovoltaic(PV) properties, the PV efficiency was approximately 15% at 120~150°C, and increased to a maximum of 17.16% at 180°C, and then fell to 12% at 200°C. The RMS value, a representation of surface roughness, of the SnO2 layer according to sintering temperature incrementally decreased, reached its lowest at 180°C, before finally increasing. The microstructure analysis showed that the perovskite layer formed on the SnO2 at a sintering temperature of 180°C had a relatively greater grain size of 402 nm and a thickness of 432 nm, thereby improving the PSC’s PV properties. These results suggest it is possible to implement a PCS with SnO2 ETL by low temperature sintering process.

Since the first receiver independent exchange format (RINEX) version was released in 1989, it has gone through several versions, making the existing software, such as TEQC, incompatible with certain later versions. This study proposes a new Python package named PyRINEX, which is developed to batch process the most generally used versions of RINEX files, namely 2.0 and 3.0. The proposed package can be used to manage and edit numerous RINEX files as well as perform a GPS sensing data quality check function. PyRINEX can be easily imported into any Python IDE similar to any other open-source Python package, it also makes secondary development easy for users.

The stability of wild-type p53 is critical for its apoptotic function. In some cancers, wild-type p53 is inactivated by interaction with viral and cellular proteins, and restoration of its activity has therapeutic potential. Here, we identify homeobox Msx1 as a p53-interacting protein and show its novel function as a p53 regulator. Overexpression of homeobox Msx1 induced apoptosis of cancer cells harboring nonfunctional wild-type p53 and suppressed growth of human tumor xenografts in nude mice. The homeodomain of Msx1 functions as a protein-protein interacting motif rather than a DNA-binding domain and is essential for stabilization, nuclear accumulation, and apoptotic function of wild-type p53. The identification of a novel function of Msx1 as a p53 regulator may open new avenues for developing improved molecular therapies for tumors with a nonmutational p53 inactivation mechanism.

Supplementary Figures 1-4, with Legends from Homeobox Msx1 Interacts with p53 Tumor Suppressor and Inhibits Tumor Growth by Inducing Apoptosis

A porous ZrFe alloy specimen was prepared as a 6 × 3 mm (diameter × thickness) disk. The reaction of the ZrFe alloy was confirmed while the whole system was maintained at a target temperature, which was increased from 150 oC to 950 oC in a 99.999% low purity nitrogen atmosphere, consisting of 10 ppm of impurity gas. Surface color, pore size, stabilized layer, and phase change were confirmed with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Micro-Raman, according to temperature. The surface color of the ZrFe alloy changed from metallic silver to dark gray as the temperature increased. In the EDS and XPS results, nitrogen component was not observed, and oxygen content increased on each surface at the elevated temperatures. In this way, the ZrFe alloy was stabilized in a low purity nitrogen atmosphere, preventing rapid nitride reactions.

We confirm whether Zr powders can restrain a rapid nitrification reaction and offer a stable oxidation reaction according to temperatures in nitrogen gas purification. A pellet-type, porous Zr getter is prepared (diameter: 10 and thickness: 3 mm) using Zr powder with an average particle size of 45 μm. While maintaining the whole system, the Zr getter reaction is confirmed with an increase in temperature from 150 to 550 oC at increments of 100 oC under 99.999 % purity nitrogen atmosphere comprising of 10 ppm of impurity. Surface color, pore size, stabilized layer, and phase change are confirmed with optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, Micro-Raman, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) according to the Zr getter temperature. The surface color of the Zr getter changes from metallic silver to dark gray as temperature increases. In the EDS results, the nitrogen component is not observed, and oxygen content increases from each surface at elevated temperatures. The Raman and XRD results show the oxidation layer as a result of 350 oC annealing. Therefore, the Zr getter can be applied as a nitrogen getter under 5-nine purity nitrogen atmosphere after appropriate oxidized pre-stabilization process to prevent rapid nitrification reaction.

A stripping solution with ferric ions and hydrogen peroxide oxidants, and sodium chloride complex agent is suggested for use with 18 K yellow and red gold alloys. After stripping for 5 min, strippi...

The properties of 6 mM urea added perovskite solar cells (PSCs) according to ZrO2 electron transport layer (ETL) thicknesses of 204, 221, 254, and 281 nm were examined. A solar simulator was used to characterize the photovoltaic properties of the cell. Optical microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope were used for the microstructure analysis, and a 3D profiler was used to analyze surface roughness. UV-VIS-NIR was used to analyze transmittance. From the photovoltaic analysis result, an energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of 14.93% was exhibited by the cell with a 221 nm-ZrO2 layer and added urea. From the analysis result of microstructure and surface roughness, 384 nm grain size was obtained through appropriate surface roughness of base layer for perovskite growth and the grain size coarsening by the urea under the 221 nm-ZrO2 condition. For this reason, ECE increased as the resistance of the grain boundary decreased. When the thickness of the ETL was increased above 250 nm-ZrO2, the ECE decreased due to the reduction in light transmittance, and light reaching the perovskite layer. Therefore, the ECE of PCS could be enhanced by selecting a ZrO2 layer with the appropriate thickness and the addition of urea.

The photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a carbon electrode fabricated using different annealing processes are investigated. Perovskite formation (50 oC, 60 min) using a hot-plate and an oven is carried out on cells with a glass/fluorine doped TiO2/TiO2/ZrO2/carbon structure, and the photovoltaic properties of the PSCs are analyzed using a solar simulator. The microstructures of the PSCs are characterized using an optical microscope, a field emission scanning electron microscope, and an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). Photovoltaic analysis shows that the energy conversion efficiency of the samples fabricated using the hot-plate and the oven processes are 2.08% and 6.90%, respectively. Based on the microstructure of the samples and the results of the EPMA, perovskite is formed locally on the carbon electrode surface as the γ-butyrolactone (GBL) solvent evaporates and moves to the top of the carbon electrode due to heat from the bottom of the sample during the hot plate process. When the oven process is used, perovskite forms evenly inside the carbon electrode, as the GBL solvent evaporates extremely slowly because heat is supplied from all directions. The importance of the even formation of perovskite inside the carbon electrode is emphasized, and the feasibility of oven annealing is confirmed for PSCs with carbon electrodes.

A stripping solution with thiourea, iron(III) sulfate, and sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS) was employed to strip Ni-based 14 karat white gold alloys, and the formation of the NiS byproduct and elimination of passivation were investigated in the presence of 0.0-0.2 g/L SDS. White gold alloy samples with a flat shape were cast by gypsum investment and were stripped using the prepared stripping solution. Subsequently, the surface morphology, elimination of the passivation layer, weight loss, microstructure, elemental composition, and electrochemical properties of the samples were analyzed by optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, precision scale, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry, respectively. It was found that passivation layers of the as-cast samples were removed by the suggested stripping solution. Upon the addition of SDS, the stripped sample showed a bright silver color without NiS, while the sample showed a dark tarnished appearance due to NiS formation without SDS. The weight loss ratio decreased with increasing SDS content and stabilized at 0.2 % for SDS concentrations exceeding 0.15 g/L, and the sample showed a uniformly etched microstructure. EDS results showed that NiS was formed without SDS addition, while linear sweep voltammetry results indicated that NiS formation was restrained upon SDS addition because SDS suppresses the formation of formamidine disulfide from thiourea. Thus, the suggested thiourea stripping with SDS addition was successfully applied to Ni-based 14 karat white gold alloys.

The properties and H2O adsorption characteristics of two types of zeolites (3A and 13X) with the same shape but different element composition were identified. These zeolites are used in gas purification processes to manufacture 9N ultra-pure inert gases for semiconductor process applications. To analyze the shape and microstructure of the zeolites, an optical microscope and FE-SEM were used. EDS, micro-Raman, and XRD analysis were conducted to analyze their compositions and properties. BET analysis was performed to identify their specific surface areas. Finally, a breakthrough analysis was conducted at room temperature. Based on the results of the optical and microstructure analyses, the cylindrical shaped 3A and 13X were determined to be composed of 2.5-um polyhedrons and 1.4-um massive shapes, respectively. The results of the compositional analysis showed that the main components of both zeolites were Si and Al, whereas K and Na existed in 3A and 13X, respectively. The results of the specific surface area analysis demonstrated that the surface area of 13X was 32 times larger than that of 3A. Specifically, the total specific surface areas were 22.42 and 720.33 m2/g for 3A and 13X, respectively. The results of the H2O adsorption characteristic analysis showed that the H2O concentration of 13X was 1.33 times higher than that of 3A. Therefore, with respect to using zeolite for gas purification process applications, 13X might be more suitable to achieve excellent specific surface area and remarkable H2O adsorption.

Changes in the pore size, porosity, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity of closed-pore foam glass with a pore size of 450 µm upon the addition of 0–24 wt% of polysiloxane at a low sintering temperature of 750 °C were investigated. Micro-Raman analysis demonstrated the uniform dispersion of polysiloxane after sintering, and it was confirmed that the entire foam glass processed to have closed pores. With increasing polysiloxane, the pore size decreased from 452 μm to 131 μm, and the porosity decreased from 62% to 41%. The compressive strength increased from 2.0 to 5.7 MPa, and the thermal conductivity also increased from 0.146 to 0.233 W/m·K. However, when more than 15 wt% of polysiloxane was added, the thermal conductivity exceeded 0.160 W/m·K, rendering unsuitable as an insulating material. Therefore, we fabricated closed-pore foam glass with proper pore size and porosity, a strength of 4.1 MPa, and a low thermal conductivity below 0.160 W/m·K by adding 15 wt% of polysiloxane at a low sintering temperature.

As a blowing agent, 2–10 wt% of nanocarbon (NC) was added 10 µm glass powder (CaO, MgO, Al2O3, SO3, 83 wt%-SiO2) and sintered at 700–900°C to fabricate foamed glasses with closed pores that were 62–2200 µm. Optical microscopy was used to examine the microstructure and pore size. Compressive strength tester and a heat flow meter were used to examine the changes in mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. The microstructure examination results showed that was performed at 700°C, 297.9–351.3 µm pores were fabricated, and the porosity was 57–63 % in the sample that contained 6–10 wt% NC. At sintering temperatures above 750°C, the pore size increased as the NC content and the sintering temperature increased. The thermal conductivity was maintained at less than 0.28 W/m‧K. Therefore, it is possible to use 6–8 wt% NC as a blowing agent in glass material to produce foamed glass that has closed pores of approximately 500 µm with better or equivalent compressive strength and thermal conductivity properties than existing 1000 µm grade foamed glass, despite being sintered at a temperature of approximately 100°C lower.

The changes in mechanical properties and thermal conductivities of fiber reinforced foam glass produced by adding 0 ~ 50 wt% basalt-fibers to 10 µm glass powder containing 6 wt% nano-carbon via low-temperature sintering at 750 °C were examined. The prepared basalt-fibers had an aspect ratio of 70.88. To study the microstructure of the foam glass, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were conducted. To assess the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the sample, a compressive strength tester and a heat flowmeter were used, respectively. The sample was confirmed to have closed pores up to the addition of 15 wt% basalt-fiber, with open pores being observed from 20 wt% or more. Microstructure analysis showed that the sample was shown to have dense basalt-fiber clusters with an even distribution of pores at 13 wt% basalt-fibers, whereas irregular pores formed with more basalt-fiber addition. Compressive strength was increased by approximately 48 % compared to the sample without basalt-fiber addition while the sample with 13 wt% basalt-fibers showed gradual improvement up to a total of 2.96 MPa and then a gradual decrease with more addition. The thermal conductivity was seen to increase from 0.16 to 0.28 W/m·K with increasing basalt-fiber addition; nevertheless, the properties were suitable for using the samples as a thermal insulator.

The photovoltaic properties of TiO2 used for the electron transport layer in perovskite solar cells(PSCs) are compared according to the particle size. The PSCs are fabricated and prepared by employing 20 nm and 30 nm TiO2 as well as a 1:1 mixture of these particles. To analyze the microstructure and pores of each TiO2 layer, a field emission scanning electron microscope and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET) method are used. The absorbance and photovoltaic characteristic of the PSC device are examined over time using ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectroscopy and a solar simulator. The microstructural analysis shows that the TiO2 shape and layer thicknesses are all similar, and the BET analysis results demonstrate that the size of TiO2 and in surface pore size is very small. The results of the photovoltaic characterization show that the mean absorbance is similar, in a range of about 400-800 nm. However, the device employing 30 nm TiO2 demonstrates the highest energy conversion efficiency(ECE) of 15.07 %. Furthermore, it is determined that all the ECEs decrease over time for the devices employing the respective types of TiO2. Such differences in ECE based on particle size are due to differences in fill factor, which changes because of changes in interfacial resistance during electron movement owing to differences in the TiO2 particle size, which is explained by a one-dimensional model of the electron path through various TiO2 particles.

Previously, we demonstrated that the homeoprotein Msx1 interaction with p53 inhibited tumor growth by inducing apoptosis. However, Msx1 can exert its tumor suppressive effect through the inhibition of angiogenesis since growth of the tumor relies on sufficient blood supply from the existing vessels to provide oxygen and nutrients for tumor growth. We hypothesized that the inhibition of tumor growth by Msx1 might be due to the inhibition of angiogenesis. Here, we explored the role of Msx1 in angiogenesis. Overexpression of Msx1 in HUVECs inhibited angiogenesis, and silencing of Msx1 by siRNA abrogated its anti-angiogenic effects. Furthermore, forced expression of Msx1 in mouse muscle tissue inhibited vessel sprouting, and application of an Ad-Msx1-transfected conditioned medium onto the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) led to a significant inhibition of new vessel formation. To explore the underlying mechanism of Msx1-mediated angiogenesis, yeast two-hybrid screening was performed, and we identified PIASy (protein inhibitor of activated STAT Y) as a novel Msx1-interacting protein. We mapped the homeodomain of Msx1 and the C-terminal domain of PIASy as respective interacting domains. Consistent with its anti-angiogenic function, overexpression of Msx1 suppressed the reporter activity of VEGF. Interestingly, PIASy stabilized Msx1 protein, whereas deletion of the Msx1-interacting domain in PIASy abrogated the inhibition of tube formation and the stabilization of Msx1 protein. Our findings suggest the functional importance of PIASy-Msx1 interaction in Msx1-mediated angiogenesis inhibition.

We propose a speedy two-step deposit process to form an Au electrode on hole transport layer(HTL) without any damage using a general thermal evaporator in a perovskite solar cell(PSC). An Au electrode with a thickness of 70 nm was prepared with one-step and two-step processes using a general thermal evaporator with a 30 cm source-substrate distance and 6.0 × 10−6 torr vacuum. The one-step process deposits the Au film with the desirable thickness through a source power of 60 and 100 W at a time. The two-step process deposits a 7 nm-thick buffer layer with source power of 60, 70, and 80 W, and then deposits the remaining film thickness at higher source power of 80, 90, and 100W. The photovoltaic properties and microstructure of these PSC devices with a glass/FTO/TiO2/perovskite/ HTL/Au electrode were measured by a solar simulator and field emission scanning electron microscope. The one-step process showed a low depo-temperature of 88.5 oC with a long deposition time of 90 minutes at 60 W. It showed a high depo-temperature of 135.4 oC with a short deposition time of 8 minutes at 100 W. All the samples showed an ECE lower than 2.8% due to damage on the HTL. The two-step process offered an ECE higher than 6.25% without HTL damage through a deposition temperature lower than 88 oC and a short deposition time within 20 minutes in general. Therefore, the proposed two-step process is favorable to produce an Au electrode layer for the PSC device with a general thermal evaporator.

Dinickel-silicide (Ni2Si)/glass was employed as a counter electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) device. Ni2Si was formed by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at 700 oC for 15 seconds of a 50 nm-Ni/50 nm-Si/glass structure. For comparison, Ni2Si on quartz was also prepared through conventional electric furnace annealing (CEA) at 800 oC for 30 minutes. XRD, XPS, and EDS line scanning of TEM were used to confirm the formation of Ni2Si. TEM and CV were employed to confirm the microstructure and catalytic activity. Photovoltaic properties were examined using a solar simulator and potentiostat. XRD, XPS, and EDS line scanning results showed that both CEA and RTA successfully led to tne formation of nano thick- Ni2Si phase. The catalytic activity of CEA-Ni2Si and RTA-Ni2Si with respect to Pt were 68 % and 56 %. Energy conversion efficiencies (ECEs) of DSSCs with CEA-Ni2Si and RTA-Ni2Si catalysts were 3.66 % and 3.16 %, respectively. Our results imply that nano-thick Ni2Si may be used to replace Pt as a reduction catalytic layer for a DSSCs. Moreover, we show that nanothick Ni2Si can be made available on a low-cost glass substrate via the RTA process.

Jeongho Song, Yunyoung Noh, Minkyoung Choi, Kwangbae Kim, and Ohsung Song* Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea Abstract: We prepared working electrodes with blocking layers containing 0.0∼0.5 wt% Au nano powder to improve the energy conversion efficiencies (ECEs) of a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). TEM, FE-SEM, and AFM were used to characterize microstructure. XRD and micro-Raman were used to determine the phase and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of the blocking layer with Au nano powder. A solar simulator and a potentiostat were used to confirm the photovoltaic properties of the DSSC with the Au nano powder. From the results of the microstructure analysis, we confirmed that the Au nano powder had particle sizes of less than 70 nm, dispersed uniformly on the blocking layer. Based on the phase and composition analysis, we identified the presence of Au, and the Raman intensity increased as the amount of Au was increased. The photovoltaic results showed that the ECE reached 5.52% with the Au addition, compared to an ECE of 5.00% without the Au addition. This enhancement was due to the increased LSPR of the blocking layer with the Au addition. Our results suggest that we might improve the efficiency of a DSSC by the proper addition of Au nano powder on the blocking layer. †(Received November 24, 2015; Accepted February 22, 2016)

We prepared polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads with a particle size of 80 nm to improve the energy conversion efficiency (ECE) by increasing the effective surface area and the dye absorption ability of the working electrodes (WEs) in a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). We prepared the TiO2 layer with PMMA beads of 0.0~1.0 wt%; then, finally, a DSSC with 0.45 cm2 active area was obtained. Optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the microstructure of the TiO2 layer with PMMA. UV-VIS-NIR was used to determine the optical absorbance of the WEs with PMMA. A solar simulator and a potentiostat were used to determine the photovoltaic properties of the PMMA-added DSSC. Analysis of the microstructure showed that pores of 200 nm were formed by the decomposition of PMMA. Also, root mean square values linearly increased as more PMMA was added. The absorbance in the visible light regime was found to increase as the degree of PMMA dispersion increased. The ECE increased from 4.91% to 5.35% when the amount of PMMA beads added was increased from 0.0 to 0.4 wt%. However, the ECE decreased when more than 0.6 wt% of PMMA was added. Thus, adding a proper amount of PMMA to the TiO2 layer was determined to be an effective method for improving the ECE of a DSSC.

We added 0 ~ 5 wt% YBO₃:Eu 3+ nano powders in a scattering layer of a working electrode to improve the energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). FESEM and XRD were used to characterize the microstructure and phase. PL and micro Raman were used to determine the fluorescence and the composition of YBO₃:Eu 3+ phosphor. A solar simulator and a potentiostat were used to confirm the photovoltaic properties of the DSSC with YBO₃:Eu3+. From the results of the microstructure and phase of the fabricated YBO₃:Eu 3+ nano powders, we identified YBO₃:Eu 3+ having particle size less than 100 nm. Based on the microstructure and micro Raman results, we confirmed the existence of YBO3:Eu3+ in the scattering layer and found that it was dispersed uniformly. Through photovoltaic properties results, the maximum ECE was shown to be 5.20%, which can be compared to the value of 5.00% without YBO₃:Eu 3+ . As these results are derived from conversion of light in the UV range into visible light by employing YBO₃:Eu 3+ in the scattering layer, these indicate that the ECE of a DSSC can be enhanced by employing an appropriate amount of YBO₃:Eu 3+ .

We prepared a working electrode (WE) coated with 0 ~ 50 nm-thick indium gallium zinc oxide(IGZO) by using RF sputtering to improve the energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to analyze the microstructure and composition of the IGZO layer. UV-VISNIR spectroscopy was used to determine the transparency of the WE with IGZO layers. A solar simulator and a potentiostat were used to confirm the photovoltaic properties of the DSSC with IGZO layer. From the results of the microstructural analysis, we were able to confirm the successful deposition of an amorphous IGZO layer with the expected thickness and composition. From the UV-VIS-NIR analysis, we were able to verify that the transparency decreased when the thickness of IGZO increased, while the transparency was over 90% for all thicknesses. The photovoltaic results show that the ECE became 4.30% with the IGZO layer compared to 3.93% without the IGZO layer. As the results show that electron mobility increased when an IGZO layer was coated on the TiO₂ layer, it is confirmed that the ECE of a DSSC can be enhanced by employing an appropriate thickness of IGZO on the TiO₂ layer.

We prepared a working electrode (WE) with a blocking layer (BL) containing 0 ~ 0.5 wt% Ag nano powders to improve the energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). FESEM and micro-Raman were used to characterize the microstructure and phase. UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy was employed to determine the adsorption of the WE with Ag nano powders. A solar simulator and a potentiostat were used to confirm the photovoltaic properties of the DSSC with Ag nano powders. From the results of the microstructural analysis, we confirmed that Ag nano powders with particle size of less than 150 ㎚ were dispersed uniformly on the BL. Based on the phase and adsorption analysis, we identified the existence of Ag and found that the adsorption increased when the amount of Ag increased. The photovoltaic results show that the ECE became 4.80% with 0.3 wt%-Ag addition compared to 4.31% without Ag addition. This improvement was due to the increase of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the BL resulting from the addition of Ag. Our results imply that we might be able to improve the efficiency of a DSSC by proper addition of Ag nano powder to the BL.

Blocking layers with nano carbon blacks (NCBs) were prepared by adding 0.0 ~ 0.5 wt% NCBs to the TiO₂ blocking layer. Then, dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with a 0.45 ㎠ active area. TEM and micro-Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the microstructure and phases of the NCBs, respectively. Optical microscopy and AFM were used to analyze the microstructure of the TiO₂ blocking layer with NCBs. UV-VIS-NIS spectroscopy was used to determine the band gap of the TiO₂ blocking layer with NCBs. A solar simulator and potentiostat were used to determine the photovoltaic properties and impedance of DSSCs with NCBs. The energy conversion efficiency (ECE) increased from 3.53 to 6.20 % when the NCB content increased from 0.0 to 0.3 wt%. This indicates that the effective surface area and electron mobility increased in the TiO₂ blocking layer with NCBs. However, the ECE decreased when the NCB content was increased to over 0.4 wt%. This change occurred because the effective electron transport area decreased with the addition of excessive NCBs to the TiO₂ blocking layer. The results of this study suggest that the ECE of DSSCs can be enhanced by adding the appropriate amount of NCBs to the TiO₂ blocking layer.

Ni-P coatings with different P content were deposited on the surface of diamond powders with a particle size of about 200 μm by electroless plating. The Ni-Pcoated diamond powders were then annealed at 900 °C in vacuum for 1 h followed by cleaning. The etching properties of the coated diamond powders were investigated. The amount of the Na2H2PO4·H2O reductant was adjusted to obtain Ni-P coating layers with a P content of 5 and 7 wt%. After the coating for 5, 15, and 60 min, the vacuum annealing and coated layer removal processes were carried out. In each process, the microstructure of the coatings was examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The elemental compositions of the coating surfaces were examined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Ni-P coating layers were evenly coated on the entire surface of the diamond powders, and the coating thickness was proportional to the root square of the coating time. The thickness of the coatings with high P content was two times higher than that of the coatings with low P content for the same coating time. The surface analysis results after annealing revealed that the coatings layer was initially consisted of spherical grain size of 3um. With an increase in the reductant content and coating time, Ni aggregation was observed along with the formation of Ni-Sn-P intermetallic compounds. With an increase in the P content and coating time, the thickness of the Ni-P coating layers increased. However, the etching ratio of the diamond surface decreased, while the etching depth increased. Therefore, the diamond etching profile could be controlled by Ni-P coating process condition.

We have shown that chronic administration of the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) agonist Pam3CSK(4) prevents diabetes in NOD mice by inducing TLR2 tolerance of dendritic cells (DCs). We have also reported that a novel dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitor, DA-1229, could increase beta cell mass. Here we investigated whether a combination of DPP4 inhibition, with beneficial effects on beta cell mass, and TLR2 tolerisation, protecting beta cells from autoimmune destruction, could treat a model of established type 1 diabetes.Diabetic NOD mice were treated with 100 μg Pam3CSK(4), administered three times a week for 3 weeks, in combination with feeding with chow containing 0.3% DA-1229. Beta cell mass and proliferation were studied by immunohistochemistry. DC tolerance was assessed by studying diabetogenic CD4(+) T cell priming after adoptive transfer and expression of costimulatory molecules on DCs by flow cytometry.We observed reversal of diabetes in NOD mice by Pam3CSK(4)+DA-1229 but not by either Pam3CSK(4) or DA-1229 alone. Beta cell mass and the number of proliferating beta cells were significantly enhanced by Pam3CSK(4)+DA-1229, but not by either Pam3CSK(4) or DA-1229 alone. Diabetogenic T cell priming by DCs and upregulation of costimulatory molecules after ex vivo stimulation were attenuated in mice treated with Pam3CSK(4)+DA-1229, indicating DC tolerance. The relative proportions of CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, B cells, DCs, macrophages and regulatory T cells, and T-helper polarisation were unchanged by treatment with Pam3CSK(4)+DA-1229.These data demonstrate that a combination of TLR2 tolerisation and DPP4 inhibition can reverse early-onset diabetes in NOD mice.

The stability of wild-type p53 is critical for its apoptotic function. In some cancers, wild-type p53 is inactivated by interaction with viral and cellular proteins, and restoration of its activity has therapeutic potential. Here, we identify homeobox Msx1 as a p53-interacting protein and show its novel function as a p53 regulator. Overexpression of homeobox Msx1 induced apoptosis of cancer cells harboring nonfunctional wild-type p53 and suppressed growth of human tumor xenografts in nude mice. The homeodomain of Msx1 functions as a protein-protein interacting motif rather than a DNA-binding domain and is essential for stabilization, nuclear accumulation, and apoptotic function of wild-type p53. The identification of a novel function of Msx1 as a p53 regulator may open new avenues for developing improved molecular therapies for tumors with a nonmutational p53 inactivation mechanism.

During carcinogenesis, NF-gammaB mediates processes associated with deregulation of the normal control of proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Thus, suppression of NF-gammaB has been linked with chemoprevention of cancer. Accumulating findings reveal that heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone and a component of the IgammaB kinase (IKK) complex that plays a central role in NF-gammaB activation. HSP90 also stabilizes key proteins involved in cell cycle control and apoptosis signaling. We have determined whether the exogenous administration of isoflavone-deprived soy peptide prevents 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumorigenesis and investigated the mechanism of action. Dietary administration of soy peptide (3.3 g/rat/day) significantly reduced the incidence of ductal carcinomas (50%), the number of tumors per multiple tumor-bearing rats (49%; P0.05), and extended the latency period of tumor development (8.07+/-0.92 weeks) compared to control diet animals (10.80+/-1.30; P0.05). Our results have further demonstrated that soy peptide (1) dramatically inhibits the expression of HSP90, thereby suppressing signaling pathway leading to NF-gammaB activation; (2) induces expression of p21, p53, and caspase-3 proteins; and (3) inhibits expression of VEGF. In agreement with our in vivo data, soy peptide treatment inhibited the growth of human breast MCF-7 tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. Taken together, our in vivo and in vitro results suggest chemopreventive and tumor suppressive functions of isoflavone-deprived soy peptide by inducing growth arrest and apoptosis.