Carrier multiplication in perovskite solar cells with internal quantum efficiency exceeding 100.

Carrier multiplication (CM) holds great promise to break the Shockley-Queisser limit of single junction photovoltaic cells. Despite compelling spectroscopic evidence of strong CM effects in halide perovskites, studies in actual perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are lacking. Herein, we reconcile this knowledge gap using the testbed Cs0.05FA0.5MA0.45Pb0.5Sn0.5I3 system exhibiting efficient CM with a low threshold of 2Eg (~500 nm) and high efficiency of 99.4 ± 0.4%. Robust CM enables an unbiased internal quantum efficiency exceeding 110% and reaching as high as 160% in the best devices. Importantly, our findings inject fresh insights into the complex interplay of various factors (optical and parasitic absorption losses, charge recombination and extraction losses, etc.) undermining CM contributions to the overall performance. Surprisingly, CM effects may already exist in mixed Pb-Sn PSCs but are repressed by its present architecture. A comprehensive redesign of the existing device configuration is needed to leverage CM effects for next-generation PSCs.

Evaluation of glymphatic-meningeal lymphatic system with intravenous gadolinium-based contrast-enhancement in cerebral small-vessel disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of using noninvasive neuroimaging methods in visualizing and evaluating the clearance of the glymphatic-meningeal lymphatic system (GMLS) in patients with arteriosclerotic cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD) and controls. METHODS: This observational study recruited patients with high-burden CSVD and controls (age 50-80 years). At multiple time points before and after intravenous administration of a contrast agent, three-dimensional (3D) brain volume T1-weighted imaging and 3D Cube T2-fluid attenuated inversion recovery imaging were performed to visualize and assess the clearance of the glymphatics and meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs). We measured the signal intensity ratio (SIR) of four regions of interest representing the glymphatics and mLVs at each time point. The clearance rate at 24 h (CR24h) and changes in the SIR from baseline to 24 h (∆SIR) were defined as the clearance function. The analysis of variance was used to evaluate the group differences after adjusting for hypertension. RESULTS: A total of 20 CSVD patients and 15 controls were included. Cortical periarterial enhancement and the enhancement of enlarged perivascular spaces in the basal ganglia were respectively observed in 11 (55.00%) and 16 (80.00%) CSVD patients, but in none of controls. All CSVD patients and most of controls (80.00%) showed cortical perivenous enhancement. Para-sinus enhancement was observed in all participants. CSVD patients showed lower CR24h and higher ∆SIR of the glymphatics and mLVs (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The impaired drainage of the GMLS in patients with high-burden CSVD could be visually evaluated using noninvasive neuroimaging methods with intravenous gadolinium-based contrast-enhancement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Dynamic intravenous contrast-enhanced MRI could visually evaluate the impaired drainage of the glymphatic-meningeal lymphatic system in patients with high-burden cerebral small-vessel disease and could help to explore a new therapeutic target. KEY POINTS: • Signal intensity changes in regions representing the glymphatic-meningeal lymphatic system (GMLS) can reflect the drainage function based on contrast-enhanced 3D-FLAIR and 3D T1-weighted MRI. • Impaired drainage of the GMLS in patients with high-burden CSVD can be visually evaluated using dynamic intravenous contrast-enhanced MRI. • This direct, noninvasive technique could serve as a basis for further GMLS studies and could help to explore a new therapeutic target in CSVD patients.

Durative sleep fragmentation with or without hypertension suppress rapid eye movement sleep and generate cerebrovascular dysfunction.

Either hypertension or chronic insomnia is the risk factor of developing vascular dementia. Durative hypertension can induce vascular remodeling and is used for modeling small vessel disease in rodents. It remains undetermined if the combination of hypertension and sleep disturbance exacerbates vascular dysfunction or pathologies. Previously, we found chronic sleep fragmentation (SF) dampened cognition in young mice without disease predispositions. In the current study, we superimposed SF with hypertension modeling in young mice. Angiotensin II (AngII)-releasing osmotic mini pumps were subcutaneously implanted to generate persistent hypertension, while sham surgeries were performed as controls. Sleep fragmentation with repetitive arousals (10 s every 2 min) during light-on 12 h for consecutive 30 days, while mice undergoing normal sleep (NS) processes were set as controls. Sleep architectures, whisker-stimulated cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes, vascular responsiveness as well as vascular pathologies were compared among normal sleep plus sham (NS + sham), SF plus sham (SF + sham), normal sleep plus AngII (NS + AngII), and SF plus AngII (SF + AngII) groups. SF and hypertension both alter sleep structures, particularly suppressing REM sleep. SF no matter if combined with hypertension strongly suppressed whisker-stimulated CBF increase, suggesting the tight association with cognitive decline. Hypertension modeling sensitizes vascular responsiveness toward a vasoactive agent, Acetylcholine (ACh, 5 mg/ml, 10 µl) delivered via cisterna magna infusion, while SF exhibits a similar but much milder effect. None of the modeling above was sufficient to induce arterial or arteriole vascular remodeling, but SF or SF plus hypertension increased vascular network density constructed by all categories of cerebral vessels. The current study would potentially help understand the pathogenesis of vascular dementia, and the interconnection between sleep and vascular health.

Electric-Field-Enhanced Electroluminescence Color Tuning of Colloidal Type-II Tetrapods.

Color-tunable electroluminescence (EL) from a single emitting material can be used to develop single-pixel multicolor displays. However, finding materials capable of broad EL color tuning remains challenging. Herein, we report the observation of broad voltage-tunable EL in colloidal type-II InP/ZnS quantum-dot-seeded CdS tetrapod (TP) LEDs. The EL color can be tuned from red to bluish white by varying the red and blue emission intensities from type-II interfaces and arms, respectively. The capacitor device proves that an external electric field can enhance the color tuning in type-II TPs. COMSOL simulations, numerical calculations, and transient absorption measurements are performed to understand the underlying photophysical mechanism. Our results indicate that the reduced hole relaxation rate from the arm to the quantum dot core can enhance the emission from the CdS arms, which is favorable for EL color tuning. This study provides a novel method to realize voltage-tunable EL colors with potential in display and micro-optoelectronic applications.

Carriers, Quasi-particles, and Collective Excitations in Halide Perovskites.

Halide perovskites (HPs) are potential game-changing materials for a broad spectrum of optoelectronic applications ranging from photovoltaics, light-emitting devices, lasers to radiation detectors, ferroelectrics, thermoelectrics, etc. Underpinning this spectacular expansion is their fascinating photophysics involving a complex interplay of carrier, lattice, and quasi-particle interactions spanning several temporal orders that give rise to their remarkable optical and electronic properties. Herein, we critically examine and distill their dynamical behavior, collective interactions, and underlying mechanisms in conjunction with the experimental approaches. This review aims to provide a unified photophysical picture fundamental to understanding the outstanding light-harvesting and light-emitting properties of HPs. The hotbed of carrier and quasi-particle interactions uncovered in HPs underscores the critical role of ultrafast spectroscopy and fundamental photophysics studies in advancing perovskite optoelectronics.

Predictors and outcome of early neurological deterioration after endovascular thrombectomy: a secondary analysis of the DIRECT-MT trial.

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty regarding the predictors of early neurological deterioration (END) after endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Limited studies have focused on the effect of END on functional outcome. Our aim was to determine the predictors of END after endovascular thrombectomy in AIS and its effect on functional outcome at 90 days. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the DIRECT-MT trial. Patients who failed to complete endovascular thrombectomy were additionally excluded. END was defined as ≥4-point increase in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score between admission and 24 hours after endovascular thrombectomy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors for END and its effect on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. RESULTS: Of 591 patients enrolled, 111 (18.8%) had postoperative END, which was associated with higher ordinal mRS score at 90 days (adjusted common OR (aOR) 6.968, 95% CI 4.444 to 10.926). Non-modifiable factors included baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (aOR 0.883, 95% CI 0.790 to 0.987), systolic blood pressure (aOR 1.017, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.028), glucose level (aOR 1.178, 95% CI 1.090 to 1.273), collateral status (aOR 0.238, 95% CI 0.093 to 0.608), occlusion site (aOR 0.496, 95% CI 0.290 to 0.851) and the presence of an anterior communicating artery (aOR 0.323, 95% CI 0.148 to 0.707). Admission-to-groin puncture time (aOR 1.010, 95% CI 1.003 to 1.017), general anesthesia (aOR 2.299, 95% CI 1.193 to 4.444), number of passes (aOR 1.561, 95% CI 1.243 to 1.961) and contrast extravasation (aOR 6.096, 95% CI 1.543 to 24.088) were modifiable predictors for END. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative END is associated with adverse functional outcome. Several non-modifiable and modifiable factors can predict END and support future treatment decision-making to improve the potential utility of endovascular thrombectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: DIRECT-MT ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03469206.

Electrical Activity During Slow-Wave Sleep and the Relationship With Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Arteriosclerotic Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

PURPOSE: We sought to analyze EEG spectral power during slow-wave sleep among patients with arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) compared with community-dwelling individuals. We also sought to determine the relationship between EEG activity and the severity of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVSs). METHODS: Consecutive subjects with arteriosclerotic CSVD ( n = 36) and community-dwelling individuals ( n = 26) between 50 and 80 years of age were included. Nocturnal polysomnography was performed, and EEG spectral analysis was conducted during slow-wave sleep using the F4/M1 and C4/M1 channel. Regionalized EPVSs in the basal ganglia and centrum semiovale were assessed on a validated 4-point visual rating scale (0 = none, 1 = 1-10, 2 = 11-20, 3 = 21-40, and 4 = >40) using MRI. RESULTS: CSVD group showed lower delta:beta ratios in the frontal ( P = 0.017) and central ( P = 0.038) regions after adjusting for age, sex, mini-mental state examination score, and arousal index. The significance still remained in the frontal region when including age, sex, mini-mental state examination, and apnea-hypopnea index as covariates ( P = 0.037). Among patients with arteriosclerotic CSVD, decreased delta power ( P = 0.031) and theta power ( P = 0.034) in the frontal region were associated with a higher degree of EPVSs in the centrum semiovale rather than in the basal ganglia. Delta power in the central region showed an extremely weak association with EPVSs in the centrum semiovale ( P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with arteriosclerotic CSVD, the intrusion of high-frequency EEG activity into slow-wave sleep was identified, and slow-wave activity during slow-wave sleep might be negatively associated with the severity of EPVSs in the centrum semiovale. Further studies are required to corroborate the conclusions.

Strain propagation in layered two-dimensional halide perovskites.

Impulsive light excitation presents a powerful tool for investigating the interdependent structural and electronic responses in layered two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites. However, detailed understanding of the nonlinear lattice dynamics in these soft hybrid materials remains limited. Here, we explicate the intrinsic strain propagation mechanisms in 2D perovskite single crystals using transient reflection spectroscopy. Ultrafast photoexcitation leads to the generation of strain pulses via thermoelastic (TE) stress and deformation potential (DP) interaction whence their detection proceed via Brillouin scattering. Using a two-temperature model together with strain wave propagation, we discern the TE and DP contributions in strain generation. Hot carrier cooling plays a dominant role in effecting the weak modulation amplitude. Out-of-plane lattice stiffness is reduced by the weak van der Waals bond between organic layers, resulting in a slow strain propagation velocity. Our findings inject fresh insights into the basic strain properties of layered perovskites critical for manipulating their functional properties for new applications.

The Association Between Glymphatic System Dysfunction and Cognitive Impairment in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

The mechanism of cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) remains unknown. The glymphatic system dysfunction, which has been demonstrated to influence cognitive impairment, can be evaluated by diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (ALPS index). We explored whether cognitive impairment in CSVD is associated with glymphatic clearance dysfunction. In this study, 133 patients with CSVD were enrolled and underwent neuropsychological test batteries as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They were then categorized into a CSVD with cognitive impairment (CSVD-CI) group and a cognitively normal CSVD (CSVD-CN) group. The ALPS index and four CSVD markers [white matter lesions (WMLs), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), lacunes, and perivascular spaces (PVSs)] were also assessed. Univariate analysis showed that the ALPS index was significantly different between the CSVD-CN (n = 50) and CSVD-CI groups (n = 83) (p < 0.001). This difference remained significant (95% CI < 0.001-0.133) after adjusting for six common risk factors (age, education, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol abuse) as well as CSVD markers. The ALPS index was independently linearly correlated with global cognitive function, executive function, attention function, and memory after adjusting for the aforementioned six risk factors or CSVD markers. Our results suggest that glymphatic system impairment is independently related to cognitive impairment in patients with CSVD.

Understanding the Structure and Energy Transfer Process of Undoped Ultrathin Emitting Nanolayers Within Interface Exciplexes.

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have great potential for display, lighting, and near-infrared (NIR) applications due to their outstanding advantages such as high efficiency, low power consumption, and flexibility. Recently, it has been found that the ultrathin emitting nanolayer technology plays a key role in OLEDs with simplified structures through the undoped fabricated process, and exciplex-forming hosts can enhance the efficiency and stability of OLEDs. However, the elementary structure and mechanism of the energy transfer process of ultrathin emitting nanolayers within interface exciplexes are still unclear. Therefore, it is imminently needed to explore the origin of ultrathin emitting nanolayers and their energy process within exciplexes. Herein, the mechanism of films growing to set ultrathin emitting nanolayers (<1 nm) and their energy transfer process within interface exciplexes are reviewed and researched. The UEML phosphorescence dye plays a key role in determining the lifetime of excitons between exciplex and non-exciplex interfaces. The exciplex between TCTA and Bphen has longer lifetime decay than the non-exciplex between TCTA and TAPC, facilitating exciton harvesting. The findings will be beneficial not only to the further development of OLEDs but also to other related organic optoelectronic technologies.

Construction and Validation of a Glioma Prognostic Model Based on Immune Microenvironment.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to construct a prognostic model based on the different immune infiltration statuses of the glioma samples. METHODS: Glioma-associated dataset was assessed from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to classify the glioma samples. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was introduced to the glioma samples for immune infiltration analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to evaluate patients' prognoses. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different sample groups were screened using limma package. Univariate Cox, LASSO Cox, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to construct the prognostic model. The prediction performance of the model was examined by plotting a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and GSEA was introduced to screen the differently activated pathways between high- and low-risk groups. RESULTS: The glioma samples were classified into 3 clusters where the different immune infiltration and survival statuses were presented among the clusters. 123 immune-related DEGs were screened from the differential expression analyses, and based on these DEGs, an 8-gene prognostic model was constructed. The ROC curve exhibited an optimal performance of the prognostic model, and GSEA showed that ECM-receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades, cytokine receptor pathways, and viral protein interaction with cytokine were differently activated between the two risk groups. CONCLUSION: The current study screened an immune-associated gene set by classifying and differential analysis, followed by constructing an 8-gene prognostic model based on the screened genes.

EP3 Receptor Deficiency Improves Vascular Remodeling and Cognitive Impairment in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

Aging and hypertension are major risk factors for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Anti-hypertensive therapy has achieved effective; however, incomplete results in treating CSVD, suggesting the need for additional treatments. Targeting abnormal inflammatory responses has become a topic of research interest. Small artery remodeling is the main pathological feature of CSVD. Inhibition of the E-prostanoid 3 (EP3) receptor has been shown to attenuate vascular remodeling in peripheral organs; however, little is known about its role in CSVD. Therefore, we investigated whether the deletion of EP3 attenuates the development of CSVD in an animal model-- stroke-prone renovascular hypertensive rat (RHRsp). We found that the cerebral small arteries of RHRsp exhibited increased EP3 expression. Despite no alleviation of hypertension, the deletion of EP3 still attenuated the cerebral small artery remodeling of RHRsp, as evidenced by reduced overexpression of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the vessel. In vitro experiments indicated that EP3 deletion regulated the expression of ECM by downregulating TGF-ß1/Smad signaling. Furthermore, the Morris water maze test and magnetic resonance test demonstrated that EP3 knockout attenuated cognitive impairment of the RHRsp, possibly through increased cerebral blood flow. Together, our results indicate that the deletion of EP3 attenuates vascular remodeling and vascular cognitive impairment induced by hypertension, and blockade of the EP3 receptor may be a promising strategy for the treatment of CSVD.

Relation of middle cerebral artery flow velocity and risk of cognitive decline: A prospective community-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Hemodynamic parameters measured by the Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD) are related to cognitive impairment in many cross-sectional studies, but the longitudinal evidence is scarce. In this study, we aim to verify the association between flow velocity of Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) and the longitudinal cognitive decline in community dwelling older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were administered TCD examination at the baseline. The Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), Mean Flow Velocity (MFV), and Pulsatility Index (PI) of MCA segments on left middle (LmMCA), left proximal (LpMCA), right middle (RmMCA), and right proximal (RpMCA) were obtained. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were conducted at both baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen participants without dementia were followed up for 6.3 years in average. The mean annual rate of decline in the MMSE score was 0.15 (min to max: -1.0 to 1.2). LpMCA PSV (ß = -0.0034, r = -0.231, P = 0.022) and LpMCA MFV (ß = -0.0049, r = -0.217, P = 0.031) were inversely associated with annual rate of decline in the MMSE score after adjusting for age, gender, education year, APOE ε4, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Blood flow velocity of left proximal MCA was inversely related to global cognitive decline. Cerebral blood flow velocity may impact the cognitive function.

Genetic origin of sporadic cases and RNA toxicity in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease.

BACKGROUND: GGC repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC has been recently linked to neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) via unknown disease mechanisms. Herein, we explore the genetic origin of the sporadic cases and toxic RNA gain-of-function mechanism in NIID. METHODS: Multiple genetic screenings were performed on NIID individuals and their available family members. Methylation status of blood DNA, NOTCH2NLC mRNA level from muscle biopsies and RNA foci from skin biopsies of NIID individuals or asymptomatic carriers were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: In two sporadic NIID families, we identified two clinically and pathologically asymptomatic fathers carrying large GGC repeat expansion, above 300 repeats, with offspring repeat numbers of 172 and 148, respectively. Further evaluation revealed that the GGC repeat numbers in the sperm from two asymptomatic fathers were only 63 and 98, respectively. The CpG island in NOTCH2NLC of the asymptomatic carriers was hypermethylated, and accordingly, the NOTCH2NLC mRNA levels were decreased in the asymptomatic fathers. GGC repeat expansion RNA formed RNA foci and sequestered RNA binding proteins into p62 positive intranuclear inclusions in NIID individuals but not in the control or asymptomatic carrier. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested the GGC repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC might have a disease-causing number ranging from ~41 to ~300 repeats. The contraction of GGC repeat expansion in sperm could be a possible mechanism for the paternal-biased origin in some sporadic or recessive inherited NIID individuals. The toxic RNA gain-of-function mechanism was identified to be involved in the pathogenicity of this disease.

Decreased nocturnal heart rate variability and potentially related brain regions in arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease.

BACKGROUND: To assess heart rate variability (HRV) among patients with arteriosclerotic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) by comparing with control subjects, and to determine whether HRV parameters were related to structural alterations in brain regions involved in autonomic regulation among CSVD patients. METHODS: We consecutively recruited subjects aged between 50 and 80 years who visited the Stroke Prevention Clinic of our hospital and have completed brain magnetic resonance imaging examination from September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2019. Polysomnography and synchronous analyses of HRV were then performed in all participants. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between HRV parameters and CSVD. Participants were invited to further undergo three-dimensional brain volume scan, and the voxel based morphometry (VBM) analysis was used to identify gray matter atrophy. RESULTS: Among 109 participants enrolled in this study, 63 were assigned to the arteriosclerotic CSVD group and 46 to the control group. Lower standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN, OR = 0.943, 95% CI 0.903 to 0.985, P = 0.009) and higher ratio of low to high frequency power (LF/HF, OR = 4.372, 95% CI 1.033 to 18.508, P = 0.045) during the sleep period were associated with CSVD, independent of traditional cerebrovascular risk factors and sleep disordered breathing. A number of 24 CSVD patients and 21 controls further underwent three-dimensional brain volume scan and VBM analysis. Based on VBM results, SDNN during the awake time (ß = 0.544, 95% CI 0.211 to 0.877, P = 0.001) and the sleep period (ß = 0.532, 95% CI 0.202 to 0.862, P = 0.001) were both positively related with gray matter volume within the right inferior frontal gyrus only among CSVD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased nocturnal HRV is associated with arteriosclerotic CSVD independent of traditional cerebrovascular risk factors and sleep disordered breathing. The structural atrophy of some brain regions associated with cardiac autonomic regulation sheds light on the potential relationship. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: ChiCTR1800017902 . Date of registration: 20 Aug 2018.

Electronic States Modulation by Coherent Optical Phonons in 2D Halide Perovskites.

Excitonic effects underpin the fascinating optoelectronic properties of 2D perovskites that are highly favorable for photovoltaics and light-emitting devices. Analogous to switching in transistors, manipulating these excitonic properties in 2D perovskites using coherent phonons could unlock new applications. Presently, a detailed understanding of this underlying mechanism remains modest. Herein, the origins of the carrier-phonon coupling in 2D perovskites using transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy are explicated. The exciton fine structure is modulated by coherent optical phonons dominated by the vibrational motion of the PbI6 octahedra via deformation potential. Originating from impulsive stimulated Raman scattering, these coherent vibrations manifest as oscillations in the TA spectrum comprising of the generation and detection processes of coherent phonons. This two-step process leads to a unique pump- and probe-energy dependence of the phonon modulation determined by the imaginary part of the refractive index and its derivative, respectively. The phonon frequency and lattice displacement of the inorganic octahedra are highly dependent on the organic cation. This study injects fresh insights into the exciton-phonon coupling of 2D perovskites relevant for emergent optoelectronics development.

Strong self-trapping by deformation potential limits photovoltaic performance in bismuth double perovskite.

Bismuth-based double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 is regarded as a potential candidate for low-toxicity, high-stability perovskite solar cells. However, its performance is far from satisfactory. Albeit being an indirect bandgap semiconductor, we observe bright emission with large bimolecular recombination coefficient (reaching 4.5 ± 0.1 × 10-11 cm3 s-1) and low charge carrier mobility (around 0.05 cm2 s-1 V-1). Besides intermediate Fröhlich couplings present in both Pb-based perovskites and Cs2AgBiBr6, we uncover evidence of strong deformation potential by acoustic phonons in the latter through transient reflection, time-resolved terahertz measurements, and density functional theory calculations. The Fröhlich and deformation potentials synergistically lead to ultrafast self-trapping of free carriers forming polarons highly localized on a few units of the lattice within a few picoseconds, which also breaks down the electronic band picture, leading to efficient radiative recombination. The strong self-trapping in Cs2AgBiBr6 could impose intrinsic limitations for its application in photovoltaics.

Kineticist: Kinetic Sculpture Design Using Multilevel Skeletons.

This article presents a rapid parametric design system of the rotary kinetic sculpture. The multilevel skeletons enable users to model propeller-like units rapidly, arrange and deform them collaboratively, and generate transmission mechanisms automatically without any specialized machine knowledge. Experimental results show that our system can help users get diverse rotary kinetic sculptures effectively.

The dynamic change of phenotypic markers of smooth muscle cells in an animal model of cerebral small vessel disease.

BACKGROUND: The pathological character of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is the dysfunction of cerebral small arteries caused by risk factors. A switch from the contractile phenotype to the synthetic phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) can decrease the contractility of arteries. The alteration of the vascular wall extracellular matrix (ECM) is found to regulate the process. We speculated that SMCs phenotype changes may also occur in CSVD induced by hypertension and the alteration of ECM especially fibronectin and laminin may regulate the process. METHOD: Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used as a CSVD animal model. SMCs phenotypic markers and the ECM expression of the cerebral small arteries of SHR at different ages were evaluated by immunofluorescence. The phenotype changes of primary brain microvascular SMCs cultured on laminin-coating dish or fibronectin-coating dish were evaluated by western blot. RESULT: A switch from the contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype in SHR at 10 and 22 weeks of age was observed. Meanwhile, increased expression of fibronectin and a temporary decline of laminin was found in small arteries of SHR at 22 weeks. In vitro experiments also convinced that SMCs cultured on a fibronectin-coating dish failed to maintain contractile phenotype. While at 50 weeks, significant drops of both synthetic and contractile phenotypic markers were witnessed in SHR, with high expressions of four kinds of ECM. CONCLUSION: SMCs in cerebral small arteries exhibited a switch from the contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype during the chronic process of hypertension and aging. Moreover, the change of fibronectin and laminin may regulate the process.

Postoperative Functional Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Two Types of Adult Moyamoya Diseases.

BACKGROUND: To determine the functional outcomes in each period for adult ischemic and hemorrhagic Moyamoya disease (MMD) patients and identify prognostic factors. METHODS: The current retrospective study reviewed consecutive adult MMD patients surgically treated from January 2012 to June 2017. Perioperative clinical data were collected and follow-up was conducted via telephone interviews. Functional outcomes and prognostic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 219 ischemic MMD patients (268 hemispheres) and 157 hemorrhagic patients (193 hemispheres) were included. The median follow-up time was 18 months (3-69 months). MMD type had no significant effect on the modified Rankin Scale(mRS) score at discharge. Perioperative complications (P = 0.004) and the mRS score at baseline (P < 0.001) were risk factors correlated with the short-term functional outcomes in both groups, while diabetes mellitus (DM, P = 0.022) also played a role in the ischemic group. During the follow-up period, functional outcomes obviously improved in both groups, but two groups showed nonproportional cumulative curves for favorable functional outcomes (log-rank test, P = 0.483). Stroke recurrence (P < 0.001) and mRS at discharge (P < 0.001) were common factors related with long-term functional outcomes in two types of MMD patients. Particularly, female patients with ischemic MMD were more likely to have higher mRS scores (P = 0.028) and Suzuki stage was positively associated with long-term functional outcomes in hemorrhagic group (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: MMD type had no significant effect on prognosis while both types of MMD patients showed overall significant improvements in functional outcomes after surgery. Different types of MMD patients have distinct prognostic factors for short-term and long-term functional outcomes.