Textured Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells Achieving Over 30% Efficiency Promoted by 4-Fluorobenzylamine Hydroiodide.

Monolithic textured perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs) are expected to achieve maximum light capture at the lowest cost, potentially exhibiting the best power conversion efficiency. However, it is challenging to fabricate high-quality perovskite films and preferred crystal orientation on commercially textured silicon substrates with micrometer-size pyramids. Here, we introduced a bulky organic molecule (4-fluorobenzylamine hydroiodide (F-PMAI)) as a perovskite additive. It is found that F-PMAI can retard the crystallization process of perovskite film through hydrogen bond interaction between F- and FA+ and reduce (111) facet surface energy due to enhanced adsorption energy of F-PMAI on the (111) facet. Besides, the bulky molecular is extruded to the bottom and top of perovskite film after crystal growth, which can passivate interface defects through strong interaction between F-PMA+ and undercoordinated Pb2+/I-. As a result, the additive facilitates the formation of large perovskite grains and (111) preferred orientation with a reduced trap-state density, thereby promoting charge carrier transportation, and enhancing device performance and stability. The perovskite/silicon TSCs achieved a champion efficiency of 30.05% based on a silicon thin film tunneling junction. In addition, the devices exhibit excellent long-term thermal and light stability without encapsulation. This work provides an effective strategy for achieving efficient and stable TSCs.

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) deficiency promotes hepatocarcinogenesis via induction of Akr1c18 expression and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Pregnane X receptor (PXR), a xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor, plays a critical role in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous substances in the liver. Here, we investigate whether PXR plays a role in pathogenesis of HCC. We show that liver tumors were developed in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-treated in PXR knockout (KO) mice. Hepatic levels of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C18 (Akr1c18), a prostaglandin synthase of catalyzing reduction of PGH2 to PGF2α, were significantly elevated in DEN-treated PXR KO mice. Hepatic mRNA levels of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), cyclin D1 (Ccnd1), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly increased in DEN-treated PXR KO mice. Other members of Akr1c family, liver metabolizing enzymes including Cyp1a2, Cyp2b10 and Cyp3a11, and bile acid synthesis enzyme Cyp7a1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in DEN-treated PXR KO mice. Our findings revealed that PXR deficiency promoted DEN-induced HCC in mice via induction of Akr1c18 expression and PGF2α levels and the increased PGF2α levels synthetized by Akr1c18 enhanced hepatocytes proliferation and induced inflammatory cytokine production, which accelerated liver tumor development after DEN treatment, suggesting that PXR deficiency may create a microenvironment that is more prone to DEN-induced liver tumors and targeting PXR and Akr1c18 to reduce PGF2α biosynthesis may be a potential and novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Hyperbaric Lidocaine Aggravates Diabetic Neuropathic Pain by Targeting p38 MAPK/ERK and PINK1/Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Hyperbaric lidocaine (HL), a local anesthetics drug, has neurotoxicity. The present study aims to study the effect and molecular mechanisms of HL on spinal nerve injury in DNP. METHODS: The DNP rat model was established through a high-fat-glucose diet in combination with Streptozotocin (STZ) administration. SB203580 and PD98059 were utilized to inhibit p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and the thermal paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were tested to evaluate rats' mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end Labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to evaluate the pathological changes and neuron apoptosis in spinal cord tissues of L4-5. Western blotting analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay were used to measure the levels of proteins and mRNAs, respectively. RESULTS: PWT and PWL were decreased in DNP rats with serious spinal nerve injury. HL administration downregulated the PWT and PWL and aggravated spinal nerve injury in DNP rats, but isobaric lidocaine had no effects on these changes. Meanwhile, p38 MAPK/ERK signaling and PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-mediated mitophagy were activated in DNP, which was enhanced by HL but not isobaric lidocaine. Blocking p38 MAPK/ERK signaling could effectively attenuate HL-induced spinal nerve injury and inhibit mitophagy. CONCLUSION: In summary, HL can aggravate spinal cord tissue damage in DNP rats by inducing PINK1-mediated mitophagy via activating p38 MAPK/ERK signaling. Our data provide a novel insight that supports the potential role of p38 MAPK/ERK signaling in acting as a therapeutic target for HL-induced neurotoxicity.

UPLC-MS based metabonomics revealed the protective effects of Buyang Huanwu decoction on ischemic stroke rats.

Objective: Storke is a leading cause of death and disability affecting million people worldwide, 80% of which is ischemic stroke (IS). Recently, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have received great attentions in treating IS due to their low poisonous effects and high safety. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD), a famous and classical Chinese prescription, has been used for treating stroke-induced disability for centuries. Yet, its underlying mechanism is still in fancy. Methods: We first constructed an IS model by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Then, a metabonomics study on serum samples was performed using UHPLC-QTOF/MS, followed by multivariate data analysis including principal components analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA). Results: Metabolic profiling of PCA indicated metabolic perturbation caused by MCAO was regulated by BHD back to normal levels, which is in agreement with the neurobehavioral evaluations. In the OPLS-DA, 12 metabolites were screened as potential biomarkers involved in MCAO-induced IS. Three metabolic pathways were recognized as the most relevant pathways, involving one carbon pool by folate, sphingolipid metabolism and inositol phosphate metabolism. BHD significantly reversed the abnormality of 7 metabolites to normal levels. Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the effect of BHD on IS at the metabolite level and to reveal the underlying mechanisms of BHD, which is complementary to neurobehavioral evaluation. In a broad sense, the current study brings novel and valuable insights to evaluate efficacy of TCMs, to interpret the action mechanisms, and to provide the theoretical basis for further research on the therapeutic mechanisms in clinical practice.

Clinical application of computed tomographic volumetric imaging in postoperative lung function assessment in patients with lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness of the computed tomographic (CT) volumetric analysis in postoperative lung function assessment and the predicting value for postoperative complications in patients who had segmentectomy for lung cancer. METHODS: CT scanning and pulmonary function examination were performed for 100 patients with lung cancer. CT volumetric analyses were performed by specific software, for the volume of the inspiratory phase (Vin), the mean inspiratory lung density (MLDin), the volume of expiratory phase (Vex), and the mean lung density at expiratory phase (MLDex). Pulmonary function examination results and CT volumetric analysis results were used to predict postoperative lung function. The concordance and correlations of these values were assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and Pearson correlation analysis, respectively. Multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was executed to assess the associations of CT data with complication occurrence. RESULTS: Correlations between CT scanning data and pulmonary function examination results were significant in both pre- and post-operation (0.8083 ≤ r ≤ 0.9390). Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and the ratio of FVC and FEV1 estimated by CT volumetric analyses showed high concordance with those detected by pulmonary function examination. Preoperative (Vin-Vex) and (MLDex- MLDin) values were identified as predictors for post-surgery complications, with hazard ratios of 5.378 and 6.524, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CT volumetric imaging analysis has the potential to determine the pre- and post-operative lung function, as well as to predict post-surgery complication occurrence in lung cancer patients with pulmonary lobectomy.

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi alleviates Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea and its modulatory effects on the gut microbiota.

The growing incidence of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) underscores the urgency for potent treatments. This research delves into the therapeutic potential of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae) root (SR) in addressing CDAD and its influence on gut microbiota. Using a CDAD mouse model and fidaxomicin as a control, SR's impact was measured through diarrhea symptoms, colonic histopathology, and C. difficile toxin levels. Employing the PacBio platform, 16S rRNA full-length gene sequencing analyzed the gut microbial composition and the effect of SR. Results revealed SR considerably alleviated diarrhea during treatment and restoration phases, with a marked decrease in colonic inflammation. C. difficile toxin levels dropped significantly with SR treatment (P < 0.001). While SR didn't augment gut microbiota's overall abundance, it enhanced its diversity. It restored levels of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, reduced Akkermansia spp. and Enterococcus spp. proportions, and modulated specific bacterial species' abundance. In essence, SR effectively mitigates CDAD symptoms, curtails inflammatory reactions, and beneficially restructures gut microbiota, suggesting its potential in advanced CDAD clinical intervention.

Enhancing Ultraviolet Stability and Performance of Wide Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells Through Ultraviolet Light-Absorbing Passivator.

Ultraviolet light (UV) has caused tremendous damage to perovskite solar cells (PSCs), degrading the perovskite and shortening their lifetime. Defects act as non-radiative recombination sites, accelerate the degradation process, reduce the efficiency of the device and weaken the stability of solar cell. In this work, to realize efficient and stable p-i-n wide bandgap solar cells under UV, a synergetic strategy utilizing UV light-absorbing passivator, (Trifluoroacetyl) benzotriazole (TFABI), enhance UV photostability and regulate the defect passivation is proposed. By using TFABI, the degradation of the perovskite absorption layer under UV light is suppressed, spectral response is enhanced and the Pb vacancy defects are passivated. As a result, the target device achieves an efficiency of 21.54%, exhibiting excellent long-term stability under 365 nm UV irradiation. After 60 h of irradiation, it retains 85% of its initial value (60 mW cm-2 , RH 25-30%, 25 °C).

Diffusible Capping Layer Enabled Homogeneous Crystallization and Component Distribution of Hybrid Sequential Deposited Perovskite.

Nowadays, the development of wide-bandgap perovskite by thermal evaporation and spin-coating hybrid sequential deposition (HSD) method has special meaning on textured perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. However, the common issues of insufficient reaction caused by blocking of perovskite capping layer are exacerbated in HSD, because evaporated precursors are usually denser with higher crystallinity and the widely used additive-assisted microstructure is also difficult to access. Here, a facile "diffusible perovskite capping layer" (DPCL) strategy to solve this dilemma is presented. With DPCL, crystallization alleviation of perovskite and more diffusion channels of organic salts can be realized simultaneously, contributing to a homogenization process. The resultant perovskite films exhibit complete conversion, uniform crystallization, enhanced quality, and reduced defect, leading to obvious improvements in device efficiency, repeatability, and stability. This work offers a way to promote the development of textured tandems a step further.

Prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with severe stroke are at high risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but this severe complication was often under-diagnosed and rarely explored in stroke patients. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, early predictors, and outcomes of ARDS in severe stroke. METHODS: This prospective study included consecutive patients admitted to neurological intensive care unit (neuro-ICU) with severe stroke, including acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The incidence of ARDS was examined, and baseline characteristics and severity scores on admission were investigated as potential early predictors for ARDS. The in-hospital mortality, length of neuro-ICU stay, the total cost in neuro-ICU, and neurological functions at 90 days were explored. RESULTS: Of 140 patients included, 35 (25.0%) developed ARDS. Over 90% of ARDS cases occurred within 1 week of admission. Procalcitonin (OR 1.310 95% CI 1.005-1.707, P = 0.046) and PaO2/FiO2 on admission (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.979-0.993, P < 0.001) were independently associated with ARDS, and high brain natriuretic peptide (OR 0.994, 95% CI 0.989-0.998, P = 0.003) was a red flag biomarker warning that the respiratory symptoms may be caused by cardiac failure rather than ARDS. ARDS patients had longer stays and higher expenses in neuro-ICU. Among patients with ARDS, 25 (62.5%) were moderate or severe ARDS. All the patients with moderate to severe ARDS had an unfavorable outcome at 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: ARDS is common in patients with severe stroke, with most cases occurring in the first week of admission. Procalcitonin and PaO2/FiO2 on admission are early predictors of ARDS. ARDS worsens both short-term and long-term outcomes. The conflict in respiratory support strategies between ARDS and severe stroke needs to be further studied.

Quantum metric and metrology with parametrically-driven Tavis-Cummings models.

We study the quantum metric in a driven Tavis-Cummings model, comprised of multiple qubits interacting with a quantized photonic field. The parametrical driving of the photonic field breaks the system's U(1) symmetry down to a Z2 symmetry, whose spontaneous breaking initiates a superradiant phase transition. We analytically solved the eigenenergies and eigenstates, and numerically simulated the system behaviors near the critical point. The critical behaviors near the superradiant phase transition are characterized by the quantum metric, defined in terms of the response of the quantum state to variation of the control parameter. In addition, a quantum metrological protocol based on the critical behaviors of the quantum metric near the superradiant phase transition is proposed, which enables greatly the achievable measurement precision.

Investigation of critical factors influencing the underestimation of hearing loss predicted by the ISO 1999 predicting model.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors influencing the underestimation of noise-induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS) among manufacturing workers, providing baseline data for revising noise exposure standard. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was designed with 2702 noise-exposed workers from 35 enterprises from 10 industries. Personal noise exposure level(LAeq,8h) and noise kurtosis level were determined by a noise dosimeter. Questionnaires and hearing loss tests were performed for each subject. The predicted NIPTS was calculated using the ISO 1999:2013 model for each participant, and the actual measured NIPTS was corrected for age and sex. The factors influencing the underestimation of NIPTS were investigated. RESULTS: The predicted NIPTS at each test frequency (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6kHz) and mean NIPTS at 2, 3, 4, and 6kHz (NIPTS2346) using the ISO 1999:2013 model were significantly lower than their corresponding measured NIPTS, respectively (P < 0.001). The ISO model significantly underestimated the NIPTS2346 by 12.36 dB HL. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that noise exposure level, exposure duration, age, and kurtosis could affect the degree of underestimation of NIPTS2346. The generalized additive model (GAM) with (penalized) spline components showed nonlinear relationships between critical factors (age, exposure duration, noise level, and kurtosis) and the underestimated NIPTS2346.The underestimated NIPTS2346 decreased with an increase in exposure duration (especially over ten years). There was no apparent trend in the underestimated NIPTS2346 with age. The underestimated NIPTS2346 decreased with the increased noise level [especially > 90 dB(A)]. The underestimated NIPTS2346 increased with an increase in noise kurtosis after adjusting for the noise exposure level and exposure duration and ultimately exhibiting a linear regression relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The ISO 1999 predicting model significantly underestimated the noise-induced hearing loss among manufacturing workers. The degree of underestimation became more significant at the noise exposure condition of fewer than ten years, less than 90 dB(A), and higher kurtosis levels. It is necessary to apply kurtosis to adjust the underestimation of hearing loss and consider the applying condition of noise energy metrics when using the ISO predicting model.

Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Huangqi Decoction Against Radiation-Induced Bystander Effects / Efectos Protectores y Mecanismos de la Decocción de Huangqi Contra los Efectos Secundarios Inducidos por la Radiación

SUMMARY: The 12C6+ heavy ion beam irradiation can cause bystander effects. The inflammatory cytokines, endocrine hormones and apoptotic proteins may be involved in 12C6+ irradiation-induced bystander effects. This study characterized the protective effects and mechanisms of Huangqi decoction (HQD) against 12C6+ radiation induced bystander effects. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation model, and high-dose/medium-dose/low-dose HQD groups. HE staining assessed the pathological changes of brain and kidney. Peripheral blood chemical indicators as well as inflammatory factors and endocrine hormones were detected. Apoptosis was measured with TUNEL. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was determined with real-time PCR and Western blot.Irradiation induced pathological damage to the brain and kidney tissues. After irradiation, the numbers of white blood cells (WBC) and monocyte, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-2, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and PCNA decreased. The damage was accompanied by increased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as well as increased neuronal apoptosis. These effects were indicative of radiation-induced bystander effects. Administration of HQD attenuated the pathological damage to brain and kidney tissues, and increased the numbers of WBC, neutrophils, lymphocyte and monocytes, as well as the expression of IL-2, CRH and PCNA. It also decreased the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, CORT and ACTH as well as neuronal apoptosis. HQD exhibits protective effects against 12C6+ radiation-induced bystander effects. The underlying mechanism may involve the promotion of the production of peripheral blood cells, inhibition of inflammatory factors and apoptosis, and regulation of endocrine hormones.

La irradiación con haz de iones pesados 12C6+ puede provocar efectos secundarios. Las citoquinas inflamatorias, las hormonas endocrinas y las proteínas apoptóticas pueden estar involucradas en los efectos secundarios inducidos por la irradiación 12C6+. Este estudio caracterizó los efectos y mecanismos protectores de la decocción de Huangqi (HQD) contra los efectos externos inducidos por la radiación 12C6+. Las ratas Wistar se dividieron aleatoriamente en grupos control, modelo de irradiación de iones pesados 12C6+ y grupos de dosis alta/media/baja de HQD. La tinción con HE evaluó los cambios patológicos del cerebro y el riñón. Se detectaron indicadores químicos de sangre periférica, así como factores inflamatorios y hormonas endocrinas. La apoptosis se midió con TUNEL. La expresión del antígeno nuclear de células en proliferación (PCNA) se determinó mediante PCR en tiempo real y transferencia Western blot. La irradiación indujo daños patológicos en los tejidos cerebrales y renales. Después de la irradiación, disminuyó el número de glóbulos blancos (WBC) y monocitos, y la expresión de interleucina (IL)-2, hormona liberadora de corticotropina (CRH) y PCNA. El daño estuvo acompañado por una mayor expresión de IL-1β, IL-6, corticosterona (CORT) y hormona adrenocorticotrópica (ACTH), así como un aumento de la apoptosis neuronal. Estas alteraciones fueron indicativas de efectos inducidos por la radiación. La administración de HQD atenuó el daño patológico a los tejidos cerebrales y renales, y aumentó el número de leucocitos y monocitos, así como la expresión de IL-2, CRH y PCNA. También disminuyó la expresión de IL-1β, IL-6, CORT y ACTH, así como la apoptosis neuronal. HQD exhibe mecanismos protectores contra los efectos externos inducidos por la radiación 12C6+. El mecanismo subyacente puede implicar la promoción de la producción de células sanguíneas periféricas, la inhibición de factores inflamatorios y la apoptosis y la regulación de hormonas endocrinas.

Field test of quantum key distribution over aerial fiber based on simple and stable modulation.

We have developed a simple time-bin phase encoding quantum key distribution system, using the optical injection locking technique. This setup incorporates both the merits of simplicity and stability in encoding, and immunity to channel disturbance. We have demonstrated the field implementation of quantum key distribution over long-distance deployed aerial fiber automatically. During the 70-day field test, we achieved approximately a 1.0 kbps secure key rate with stable performance. Our work takes an important step toward widespread implementation of QKD systems in diverse and complex real-life scenarios.

Time-bin phase-encoding quantum key distribution using Sagnac-based optics and compatible electronics.

In this work, we present a new time-bin phase-encoding quantum key distribution (QKD), where the transmitter utilizes an inherently stable Sagnac-type interferometer, and has comparable electrical requirements to existing polarization or phase encoding schemes. This approach does not require intensity calibration and is insensitive to environmental disturbances, making it both flexible and high-performing. We conducted experiments with a compact QKD system to demonstrate the stability and secure key rate performance of the presented scheme. The results show a typical secure key rate of 6.2 kbps@20 dB and 0.4 kbps@30 dB with channel loss emulated by variable optical attenuators. A continuous test of 120-km fiber spool shows a stable quantum bit error rate of the time-bin basis within 0.4%∼0.6% over a consecutive 9-day period without any adjustment. This intrinsically stable and compatible scheme of time-bin phase encoding is extensively applicable in various QKD experiments, including BB84 and measurement-device-independent QKD.

Observation of a Superradiant Phase Transition with Emergent Cat States.

Superradiant phase transitions (SPTs) are important for understanding light-matter interactions at the quantum level, and play a central role in criticality-enhanced quantum sensing. So far, SPTs have been observed in driven-dissipative systems, but the emergent light fields did not show any nonclassical characteristic due to the presence of strong dissipation. Here we report an experimental demonstration of the SPT featuring the emergence of a highly nonclassical photonic field, realized with a resonator coupled to a superconducting qubit, implementing the quantum Rabi model. We fully characterize the light-matter state by Wigner matrix tomography. The measured matrix elements exhibit quantum interference intrinsic of a photonic mesoscopic superposition, and reveal light-matter entanglement.

Integrative transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the mechanisms of light-induced pigmentation in purple waxy maize.

Introduction: Waxy maize, mainly consumed at the immature stage, is a staple and vegetable food in Asia. The pigmentation in the kernel of purple waxy maize enhances its nutritional and market values. Light, a critical environmental factor, affects anthocyanin biosynthesis and results in pigmentation in different parts of plants, including in the kernel. SWL502 is a light-sensitive waxy maize inbred line with purple kernel color, but the regulatory mechanism of pigmentation in the kernel resulting in purple color is still unknown. Methods: In this study, cyanidin, peonidin, and pelargonidin were identified as the main anthocyanin components in SWL502, evaluated by the ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method. Investigation of pigment accumulation in the kernel of SWL502 was performed at 12, 17, and 22 days after pollination (DAP) under both dark and light treatment conditions via transcriptome and metabolome analyses. Results: Dark treatment affected genes and metabolites associated with metabolic pathways of amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, and galactose, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid and terpenoid backbone, and ABC transporters. The expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, such as 4CL2, CHS, F3H, and UGT, was reduced under dark treatment. Dynamic changes were identified in genes and metabolites by time-series analysis. The genes and metabolites involved in photosynthesis and purine metabolism were altered in light treatment, and the expression of genes and metabolites associated with carotenoid biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, MAPK signaling pathway, and plant hormone signal transduction pathway were induced by dark treatment. Light treatment increased the expression level of major transcription factors such as LRL1, myc7, bHLH125, PIF1, BH093, PIL5, MYBS1, and BH074 in purple waxy maize kernels, while dark treatment greatly promoted the expression level of transcription factors RVE6, MYB4, MY1R1, and MYB145. Discussion: This study is the first report to investigate the effects of light on waxy maize kernel pigmentation and the underlying mechanism at both transcriptome and metabolome levels, and the results from this study are valuable for future research to better understand the effects of light on the regulation of plant growth.

Multifunctional Additive CdAc2 for Efficient Perovskite-Based Solar Cells.

Polycrystalline perovskite films fabricated on flexible and textured substrates often are highly defective, leading to poor performance of perovskite devices. Finding substrate-tolerant perovskite fabrication strategies is therefore paramount. Herein, this study shows that adding a small amount of Cadmium Acetate (CdAc2 ) in the PbI2 precursor solution results in nano-hole array films and improves the diffusion of organic salts in PbI2 and promotes favorable crystal orientation and suppresses non-radiative recombination. Polycrystalline perovskite films on the flexible substrate with ultra-long carrier lifetimes exceeding 6 µs are achieved. Eventually, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.78% is obtained for single-junction flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs). Furthermore, it is found that the strategy is also applicable for textured tandem solar cells. A champion PCE of 29.25% (0.5003 cm2 ) is demonstrated for perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs) with CdAc2 . Moreover, the un-encapsulated TSCs maintains 109.78% of its initial efficiency after 300 h operational at 45 °C in a  nitrogen atmosphere. This study provides a facile strategy for achieving high-efficiency perovskite-based solar cells.

Inorganic Perovskite Surface Reconfiguration for Stable Inverted Solar Cells with 20.38% Efficiency and Its Application in Tandem Devices.

Inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) have garnered attention in tandem solar cells (TSCs) due to their suitable bandgap and impressive thermal stability. However, the efficiency of inverted IPSCs has been limited by the high trap density on the top surface of inorganic perovskite film. Herein, a method for fabricating efficient IPSCs by reconfiguring the surface properties of CsPbI2.85 Br0.15 film with 2-amino-5-bromobenzamide (ABA) is developed. This modification not only exhibits the synergistic coordination of carbonyl (C=O) and amino (NH2 ) groups with uncoordinated Pb2+ , but also the Br fills halide vacancies and suppresses the formation of Pb0 , effectively passivating the defective top surface. As a result, a champion efficiency of 20.38%, the highest efficiency reported for inverted IPSCs to date is achieved. Furthermore, the successful fabrication of a p-i-n type monolithic inorganic perovskite/silicon TSCs with an efficiency of 25.31% for the first time is demonstrated. Crucially, the unencapsulated ABA-treated IPSCs shows enhanced photostability, retaining 80.33% of its initial efficiency after 270 h, and thermal stability (maintain 85.98% of its initial efficiency after 300 h at 65 °C). The unencapsulated ABA-treated TSCs also retains 92.59% of its initial efficiency after 200 h under continuous illumination in ambient air.

Structural Elucidation and Cytotoxic Activity of New Monoterpenoid Indoles from Gelsemium elegans.

Two new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, gelselegandines F (1) and G (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Gelsemium elegans. Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic techniques and quantum chemical calculations. The ECD calculations were conducted at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level and NMR calculations were carried out using the Gauge-Including Atomic Orbitals (GIAO) method. Structurally, the two new compounds possessed rare, cage-like, monoterpenoid indole skeletons. All isolated compounds and the total alkaloids extract were tested for cytotoxicity against four different tumor cell lines. The total alkaloids extract of G. elegans exhibited significant antitumor activity with IC50 values ranging from 32.63 to 82.24 ug/mL. In order to discover anticancer leads from the active extraction, both new indole compounds (1-2) were then screened for cytotoxicity. Interestingly, compound 2 showed moderate cytotoxicity against K562 leukemia cells with an IC50 value of 57.02 uM.