Perovskite-organic tandem solar cells with indium oxide interconnect.

Multijunction solar cells can overcome the fundamental efficiency limits of single-junction devices. The bandgap tunability of metal halide perovskite solar cells renders them attractive for multijunction architectures1. Combinations with silicon and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), as well as all-perovskite tandem cells, have been reported2-5. Meanwhile, narrow-gap non-fullerene acceptors have unlocked skyrocketing efficiencies for organic solar cells6,7. Organic and perovskite semiconductors are an attractive combination, sharing similar processing technologies. Currently, perovskite-organic tandems show subpar efficiencies and are limited by the low open-circuit voltage (Voc) of wide-gap perovskite cells8 and losses introduced by the interconnect between the subcells9,10. Here we demonstrate perovskite-organic tandem cells with an efficiency of 24.0 per cent (certified 23.1 per cent) and a high Voc of 2.15 volts. Optimized charge extraction layers afford perovskite subcells with an outstanding combination of high Voc and fill factor. The organic subcells provide a high external quantum efficiency in the near-infrared and, in contrast to paradigmatic concerns about limited photostability of non-fullerene cells11, show an outstanding operational stability if excitons are predominantly generated on the non-fullerene acceptor, which is the case in our tandems. The subcells are connected by an ultrathin (approximately 1.5 nanometres) metal-like indium oxide layer with unprecedented low optical/electrical losses. This work sets a milestone for perovskite-organic tandems, which outperform the best p-i-n perovskite single junctions12 and are on a par with perovskite-CIGS and all-perovskite multijunctions13.

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of the Food Thought Suppression Inventory for Obese University Students.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Food Thought Suppression Inventory (FTSI) in overweight university students in Iran. METHODS: A sample of 233 overweight students were recruited from five universities in Tehran. Participants were asked to complete the Persian versions of FTSI, Binge Eating Scale, Thought Control Questionnaire, Rumination Response Scale, and Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics of participants were also collected. RESULTS: Validity of the Persian version of the FTSI was verified by the fitting indices of the proposed single-factor model of the main makers (χ2 = 112.75, df = 90, p = 0.052, χ2 / df = 1.25, goodness-of-fit index = 0.93, comparative fit index = 0.96, non-normed fitness index = 0.96, root mean score of error approximation = 0.032, and standardised root mean residual = 0.052). Internal consistency of the instrument was high, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88. CONCLUSION: The Persian version of the FTSI is a valid and reliable tool for screening patients in obesity clinics and for evaluating treatment outcomes.

Does Wolbachia Infection Change the Overwintering Ability of Trichogramma brassicae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)?

The overwintering ability of a biological control agent helps predict potential survival and establishment in natural conditions. Here, we compared the overwintering ability in sexual and asexual Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko, a key natural enemy of Lepidopteran pests in Iran over two consecutive winters in central Alborz Mountains. Our aim was to investigate the effect of Wolbachia infection on the overwintering rate of T. brassicae after emergence in the subsequent year. We also wanted to know whether there is any difference in the overwintering capacity of T. brassicae populations either in terms of exposure date or emergence date. Parasitized host eggs were exposed under outdoor conditions between 8 October and 27 November 2013 and between 8 October and 11 December 2014. Samples were checked weekly until adult emergence of overwintered individuals in the following spring, and proportion of adult emergence was recorded on each exposure date. Our results demonstrated that both populations were able to overwinter in natural conditions of central Alborz Mountains; however, sexual T. brassicae was more successful in overwintering than asexual one. No differences were observed in the emergence date and maximum emergence rate between two populations. Our study clearly identified a potential negative impact of Wolbachia on fitness of T. brassicae by a lower rate of emergence.

Quantum chaos in the Heisenberg spin chain: The effect of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction.

Using one-dimensional spin-1/2 systems as prototypes of quantum many-body systems, we study the emergence of quantum chaos. The main purpose of this work is to answer the following question: how the spin-orbit interaction, as a pure quantum interaction, may lead to the onset of quantum chaos? We consider the three integrable spin-1/2 systems: the Ising, the XX, and the XXZ limits and analyze whether quantum chaos develops or not after the addition of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. We find that depending on the strength of the anisotropy parameter, the answer is positive for the XXZ and Ising models, whereas no such evidence is observed for the XX model. We also discuss the relationship between quantum chaos and thermalization.

The effect of host nutritional quality on multiple components of Trichogramma brassicae fitness.

For parasitoids, the host represents the sole source of nutrients for the developing immature. Subsequently, host quality is an important factor affecting immature development and the resulting fitness of the emerging parasitoid, with impacts on fecundity, longevity and offspring sex ratio. Host age is an integral component of host quality and a key factor in host selection by the female parasitoid. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of decreasing host quality (determined by increasing host age) on adult life history traits (size, wing loading, longevity, and fecundity) and nutritional reserves (protein, lipid and glycogen concentrations) of the parasitoid Trichogramma brassicae. Higher quality hosts resulted in the production of larger offspring with increased resource reserves and enhanced mobility. One-day-old eggs contained significantly more protein and triglyceride than 25- and 45-day-old eggs. Quality of host and fitness of reared wasps decreased due to host aging. Parasitoids reared on 1-day-old hosts were larger, with greater fecundity and longevity, a reduced wind loading index, and produced a higher proportion of female offspring when compared with those reared on 25- and 45-day-old hosts. In addition, wasps reared on 1-day-old hosts contained higher energy resources, as determined by triglyceride, glycogen and protein reserves, which are essential to successful offspring production. One-day-old hosts can therefore be considered as the best age for producing wasps with greater fitness, since they contain the highest amount of protein, glycogen, and triglyceride. This has implications for the mass rearing of T. brassicae and enhancing the efficacy of this biological control agent.

Effect of Adjunctive Celecoxib on BDNF in Manic Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy: a Randomized Double Blind Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The possible effect of inflammatory factors on decreasing BDNF has been proposed in the literature. There is conflicting evidence regarding association between BDNF level alteration and treatment response in depressive patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This study investigated the effects of celecoxib in manic patients undergoing ECT on treatment response and BDNF levels. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, clinical trial included 35 manic patients who received either celecoxib (200 mg twice daily) or placebo, from one day before the 1(st) ECT session throughout the 6(th) session. BDNF levels were measured at baseline, 1(st), 3(rd) and 6(th) ECT sessions. Young mania rating scale was used to assess treatment response. RESULTS: Adding celecoxib was not associated with a significant rise in BDNF levels following ECT. No difference was noted between groups in terms of treatment response. No significant association was found between changes in BDNF levels and patients' responses. DISCUSSION: Adjuvant celecoxib did not significantly affect the BDNF level or the treatment response following ECT in manic patients.

A comparative study on the functional response of Wolbachia-infected and uninfected forms of the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma brassicae.

Trichogramma species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are haplo-diploid egg parasitoids that are frequently used as biological control agents against lepidopteran pests. These wasps display two reproductive modes, including arrhenotoky (bisexuality) and thelytoky (unisexuality). Thelytokous forms are often associated with the presence of endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria. The use of thelytokous wasps has long been considered as a way to enhance the efficacy of biological control. The present study investigates the potential of a thelytokous Wolbachia-infected and an arrhenotokous uninfected Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko strain as inundative biocontrol agents by evaluating their functional response towards different egg densities of the factitious host, the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). The results revealed a type II functional response for both strains in which parasitism efficiency decreases with host egg density because of an increasing host handling time. A model with an indicator variable was used to compare the parameters of Holling's disc equation in different data sets. It was demonstrated that the two strains did not differ in host attack rate. However, the Wolbachia-infected strain did have an increased host handling time when compared to the bisexual strain. Some applied aspects of the findings are discussed.

Fludarabine and busulfan as a myeloablative conditioning regimen for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in high- and standard-risk leukemic patients.

Busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BuCy) are currently the most widely used myeloablative regimen to treat malignancies with allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Fludarabine has considerable efficacy in both immunosuppression and tumor cells killing with a minimal extramedullary toxicity. We evaluated the efficacy of 40 mg/m(2) fludarabine i.v. for 5 days and busulfan 4 mg/kg/day p.o. for 4 days as myeloablative conditioning regimen in 70 patients (median age 24 years) with acute leukemia or chronic phase of myelogenous leukemia. They all had human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donors. The patients received 10 mug/kg granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), 24 h after stem cell infusion until engraftment occurred. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis included 3 mg/kg cyclosporine-A i.v. from day -2 to +6 followed by 12 mg/kg p.o. until day +60. The median time of neutrophil recovery (>0.5 x 109/l) and platelet recovery (>20 x 109/l) were 10 and 12 days, respectively. Mucositis (93%) and hepatic toxicity (16%) resolved with conservative therapy. The incidence of acute GVHD grade I-II and III-IV were 38.6 and 15.7% respectively. Overall survival and disease-free survival were 71 and 64% respectively with 17 months median follow-up for surviving patients. We conclude that FluBu may be used as a substitute for BuCy with almost the same efficacy and with a lower transplant adverse effect but to increase anti-leukemic effects, especially in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, it needs some modifications.

Effect of some diets on Macrolophus pygmaeus rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) fitness under laboratory conditions.

Fitness parameters of omnivore predatory bug Macrolophus pygmaeus were studied on various diets consisting of green peach aphid Myzus persicae + eggplant leaf disc, eggs of Ephestia kuehniella + eggplant leafdisc, pollen + eggplant leaf disc, eggs of E. kuehniella + pollen + eggplant leaf disc. The experiments were began from 1- day nymphs until 32-day adults. The tests were done at 25 degress C, 65+/-5% RH, 16L: 8D h photoperiod. The results showed that adding floral material to the animal prey (eggs of E. kuehniella) containing treatment shortened the nymphal development time. The highest rate of mortality of M. pygmaeus nymphs was observed on pollen + eggplant leaf disc. The sex ratio of emerged adults was similar between treatments. The preoviposition period was the same in a ll treatments. T he fecundity of M . pygmaeuswas affected by feeding diets. Females fed on eggs of E. kuehniella + pollen + eggplant leaf disc have highest rate of fecundity. Based on results, diet of E. kuehniella eggs + pollen + eggplant leaf disc is the most suitable diet for rearing of this predatory insect. Obtained results somehow were expectable due to the high nitrogen extent, vitamins and mineral materials found in the pollen.

Olfactory response of the predatory bug, Orius albidipennis to volatile blends of strawberry and cucumber infested by spider mite.

Herbivore induced plant volatiles (HIPV) that cause by plant because of pest feeding can affect on the searching behavioral response of natural enemies. We investigated the response of generalist predator Orius albidipennis Reut (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) to volatiles from strawberry and cucumber leaves which infested with the spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Y-tube olfactometer under ambient laboratory conditions. Our results suggest that O. albidipennis is able to discriminate between volatiles emitted by infested plant versus uninfested plant and show the ability of predatory bugs to use odours related to prey presence to locate them.

Cyclosporin A and mini short-term methotrexate vs cyclosporin A as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis in patients with beta thalassemia major undergoing allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation.

We compared the effects of cyclosporin A (CsA) alone as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis vs cyclosporine with short-course methotrexate (MTX) in patients with thalassemia. In all, 140 patients were enrolled in this study. The first group, of 50 patients, received CsA alone at 3 mg/kg i.v. from day -2 to +5 followed by 12.5 mg/kg p.o., which was tapered according to the patient's condition. The other group, of 90 patients, received the combination of CsA+MTX in which CsA was used with the above-mentioned dose and MTX was on 10 mg/m(2) day +1 and 6 mg/m(2) on days +3 and +6. Incidence of acute GVHD grade II-IV in the CsA group was 78% and in the CsA+MTX group was 52.2%, which was statistically significant (P=<0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of chronic GVHD between the two groups. The mean neutrophil engraftment to 0.5 x 10(9)/l was 14 and 23 days for CsA group and CsA+MTX group, respectively (P=<0.001). There were no significant differences for platelet recovery between the two groups. Graft failure in the CsA and CsA+MTX groups was seven (14%) and nine (10%) patients, respectively (P=0.58). Overall survival in the CsA and CsA+MTX groups was 77 and 85%, respectively. Disease-free survival in the CsA and CsA+MTX groups were 58 and 80%, respectively.

Sublethal effects of imidacloprid and pymetrozine on the life table parameters of Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae).

In this study we report the sublethal effects of recommended concentrations of imidacloprid and pymetrozine on cotton aphid's reproduction. Fecundity life table parameters for AG were studied on cucumber under conditions of 25+/-1 degrees C, 70+/-5% RH and photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D). Leaf discs of cucumber immersed in the recommended concentrations of the above mentioned insecticides and controls and the new born female was released on the lower surface of leaf discs. Values of parameters such as adult longevity and daily fecundity rate were recorded. Standard error of population growth parameter was calculated using the Jacknife method. The results show that these two insecticides significantly reduce life table parameters compared with control.

Transgenic-Bt potato plant resistance to the colorado potato beetle affect the aphid parasitoid Aphidius nigripes.

Using the biotechnological plant resistance for herbivore control with less reliance on chemicals in integrated pest management (IPM) programs critically depends on predictable interactions with no-target organisms of various trophic levels. Plant resistance to insect pests based on recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis could interfere with natural enemies of non target pests. Performance of the potato aphid parasitoid Aphidius nigripes was studied on the 'Superior-BT line transgenic for the CryllIA toxin of B. thuringiensis, resistance to the Colorado potato beetle; and none transformed 'Superior' line which served as control. Parasitoid survival was significantly lower on the 'Superior-BT' line compared to control. Adult females were largest on 'Superior' and smallest on BT potatoes. This difference was reflected on parasitoid fecundity, which was lowest on 'Superior-BT', and highest on Superior. The results indicate that factor of potato resistance to the Colorado potato beetle affected the fitness of a parasitold of the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae, a secondary pest of potato. The effects on the parasitoid were complex but were generally interpretable in terms of host aphid quality variation among potato lines used as food by the aphids during parasitoid development.

Preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of a Verticillium lecanii isolate in the control of Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).

Thrips tabaci is a polyphagous pest that attacks many different crop and ornamental plant species. Recently, the need to reduce the use of insecticides in the control of thrips is more and more increasing. On that account, the possibility to make use of the entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii (DAOM198499) was evaluated in laboratory conditions. Suspension of 10(3) to 10(7) conidia/ml grown in liquid culture medium with a control (distilled water) treated on second larval stage of T. tabaci in controlled condition (16L: 8D photoperiod, 25 +/- 1 degrees C temperature, 98% RH in first 48h and 70% RH in next days). Preliminary results showed that mortality in lethal suspension (10(7) conidia/ml) of V. lecanii after 24 hours and 2-7 days in lower suspension appears. This suggests that strine DAOM 198499 of V. lecanii has the ability to control T. tabaci in greenhouse conditions.

Pathogenicity of the fungus, Verticillium lecanii, to the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Hom.: Aphididae).

Pathogenicity of the hyphomycete, Verticillium lecanii (DAOM 198499), was investigated to aphid, Myzus persicae under laboratory conditions. Analysis of lethal effect of six various concentrations 0, 10(4), 10(5), 10(6), 10(7) and 10(8) conidia/ml of V. lecanii against third nymphal stage of M. persicae, indicated significant mortality on aphids. Mean comparisons showed that there was significant difference between treatments. Three days after treatment, aphid mortality observed and after 12 days minimal mortality was 17.77 in control and maximum was 100 percent related to 10(7) and 10(8) conidia/ml. LC50 and LT50 values were estimated by probit analysis and life test. LC50 value for aphid mortality was 1.4 x 10(4) conidia/ml, LT50 values for concentrations 10(4), 10(6), 10(6), 10(7) and 10(8) conidla/ml was 10, 10, 9, 8 and 6 days, respectively. In this experiment, net reproduction rate of aphid's (R0) decreased significantly when concentration increased. These observations showed that V. lecanii (DAOM 198499) can be an active biological agent against aphids.

Seasonal occurrence and relative abundance of aphids on potato plants with classical and transgenic characters of resistance to Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say).

The seasonal abundance and dynamics of potato-infesting aphids were studied in two seasons, on potato Solanum tuberosum L. with various types of transgenic and classical resistance to primary pests, especially the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). The lines tested were the NewLeaf potato, a transgenic expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis CryIIIA toxin (BTT); NYL 235-4 a parental line derived from S. berthaultii (NYL) with a high density of glandular trichomes; and a transgenic line expressing oryzacystatln I (OCI), a proteinase inhibitor gene from rice; potatoes from two commercial cultivars, Superior and Kennebec, served as controls. Over the two seasons, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) and, to a lesser extent, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) were by far the most abundant aphids observed in the experimental plots. M. persicae was observed relatively late in the season, and was most abundant on the Kennebec-OCI potato. Macrosiphum euphorbiae was more regular over seasons, and its highest densities were observed on the NYL 235-4 line. The population of M. euphorbiae showed markedly different patterns on the five lines studied, which was clearly related to potato plant phenology. Density of M. euphorbiae was observed on the NYL 235-4 line, in late July and early August.

The frequency of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in the eastern Mediterranean area of Turkey.

In this study we evaluated the frequency of pseudoexfoliation syndrome, the percentages of glaucoma and senile cataract in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and the percentages of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in patients with glaucoma and senile cataract in the Eastern Mediterranean area of Turkey. We examined 1356 persons over 40 years of age. Frequency of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in the greater than or equal to 50 years old age band was 7.2%, and there was a statistically significant difference between the sexes. Over 60 years of age, the frequency of pseudoexfoliation syndrome was 11.2%, the percentage of glaucoma in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome was 34.3%, the percentage of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in patients with glaucoma was 46.9%, the percentage of cataract in persons with pseudoexfoliation syndrome was 88.1%, and the percentage of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in persons with cataract was 17.7%. The differences between the percentage of glaucoma and cataract in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome, were both statistically significant (p less than 0.001).