Buried interface molecular hybrid for inverted perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an "inverted" architecture are a key pathway for commercializing this emerging photovoltaic technology due to the better power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability as compared to the "normal" device structure. Specifically, PCEs of the inverted PSCs have exceeded 25% owing to the development of improved self-assembled molecules (SAMs)1-5 and passivation strategies6-8. Nevertheless, poor wettability and agglomerations of SAMs9-12 will cause interfacial losses, impeding further improvement in PCE and stability. Herein, we report on molecular hybrid at the buried interface in inverted PSCs by co-assembling a multiple carboxylic acid functionalized aromatic compound of 4,4',4''-nitrilotribenzoicacid (NA) with a popular SAM of [4-(3,6-dime-thyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz) to improve the heterojunction interface. The molecular hybrid of Me-4PACz with NA could substantially improve the interfacial characteristics. The resulting inverted PSCs demonstrated a record-certified steady-state efficiency of 26.54%. Crucially, this strategy aligns seamlessly with large-scale manufacturing, achieving the highest certified PCE for inverted mini-modules at 22.74% (aperture area: 11.1 cm2). Our device also maintained 96.1% of its initial PCE after more than 2,400 hours of 1-sun operation in ambient air.

Photonic convolution accelerator based on a hybrid integrated multi-wavelength laser array by photonic wire bonding for real-time image classification.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact and efficient photonic convolution accelerator based on a hybrid integrated multi-wavelength DFB laser array by photonic wire bonding. The photonic convolution accelerator operates at 60.12 GOPS for one 3 × 3 kernel with a convolution window vertical sliding stride of 1 and generates 500 images of real-time image classification. Furthermore, real-time image classification on the MNIST database of handwritten digits with a prediction accuracy of 93.86% is achieved. This work provides a novel, to the best of our knowledge, compact hybrid integration platform to realize the optical convolutional neural networks.

Suppressed Phase Segregation with Small A-Site and Large X-Site Incorporation for Photostable Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells.

Wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been widely used as the top cell of tandem solar cells. However, photoinduced phase segregation and high open-circuit voltage loss pose significant obstacles to the development of WBG PSCs. Here, a two-step small-size A-site and large-size X-site incorporation strategy is reported to modulate the lattice distortion and improve the film quality of WBG formamidinium-methylammonium (FAMA) perovskite films for photostable PSCs based on two-step deposition method. First, CsI with content of 0-20% is introduced to tune the lattice distortion and film quality of FAMA perovskite with a bandgap of 1.70 eV. Then, 4% RbI is incorporated to further modulate the perovskite growth and lattice distortion, leading to the suppression of photoinduced phase segregation in the resultant RbCsFAMA quadruple cation perovskites. As a result, the 20%CsI/4%RbI-doped device obtains a promising efficiency of 20.6%, and the corresponding perovskite film shows good photothermal stability. Even without encapsulation, the device can maintain 92% of its initial efficiency after 1000 h of continuous operation under 1 sun equivalent white light-emitting diode illumination.

Highly-reflective facet-coated multi-wavelength DFB laser array with exact wavelength spacings.

A distributed feedback (DFB) laser array of twenty wavelengths with highly reflective and anti-reflective (HR-AR) coated facets is both theoretically analyzed and experimentally validated. While the HR facet coating enhances high wall-plug efficiency, it inadvertently introduces a random facet grating phase, thereby compromising the lasing wavelength's predictability and the stability of the single-longitudinal-mode (SLM). In this study, two key advancements are introduced: first, the precisely spaced wavelength is achieved with an error of within ±0.2 nm using the reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique; second, the random grating phase on the HR-coated facet is compensated by a controllable distributed phase shift through a two-section laser structure. The SLM stability can be improved while the wavelength can be continuously tuned to the standard wavelength grid. The overall chip size is compact with an area of 4000 × 500 µm2. The proposed laser array has a light power intensity above 13 dBm per wavelength, a high side mode suppression ratio above 50 dB, and low relative intensity noise under -160 dB/Hz. These attributes make it apt for deployment in DWDM-based optical communication systems and as a light source for optical I/O.

Recent Advances in Interface Engineering for Enhanced Open-Circuit Voltage Regulation in Perovskite Solar Cells.

In recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their excellent photoelectric properties. However, several key performance parameters of these devices still fall short of their theoretical limits. Among these parameters, the regulation of open-circuit voltage (VOC ) has been a focal point of intensive research efforts, playing a pivotal role in advancing the efficiency of PSCs. This review first provides an overview of the generation and loss mechanism of VOC . It then discusses the significance of interface engineering in VOC regulation. Recent developments in high-efficiency PSCs realized via interface engineering have been summarized and categorized into three key areas: surface modification, interface structure optimization, and surface dimensional engineering. Finally, a comprehensive summary of past research in this domain and offered insights into the future prospects of enhancing VOC in PSCs is provided.

Early left ventricular systolic function is a more sensitive predictor of adverse events after heart transplant.

BACKGROUND: First-phase ejection fraction (EF1) is a novel measure of early changes in left ventricular systolic function. This study was to investigate the prognostic value of EF1 in heart transplant recipients. METHODS: Heart transplant recipients were prospectively recruited at the Union Hospital, Wuhan, China between January 2015 and December 2019. All patients underwent clinical examination, biochemistry measures [brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and creatinine] and transthoracic echocardiography. The primary endpoint was a combined event of all-cause mortality and graft rejection. RESULTS: In 277 patients (aged 48.6 ± 12.5 years) followed for a median of 38.7 [26.8-45.0] months, there were 35 (12.6%) patients had adverse events including 20 deaths and 15 rejections. EF1 was negatively associated with BNP (ß = -0.220, p < 0.001) and was significantly lower in patients with events compared to those without. EF1 had the largest area under the curve in ROC analysis compared to other measures. An optimal cut-off value of 25.8% for EF1 had a sensitivity of 96.3% and a specificity of 97.1% for prediction of events. EF1 was the most powerful predictor of events with hazard ratio per 1% change in EF1: 0.628 (95%CI: 0.555-0.710, p < 0.001) after adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain. CONCLUSIONS: Early left ventricular systolic function as measured by EF1 is a powerful predictor of adverse outcomes after heart transplant. EF1 may be useful in risk stratification and management of heart transplant recipients.

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction promotes PDGF-primed bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for myocardial protection in acute Myocardial Infarction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has emerged as a promising strategy for the targeted delivery of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the ischemic myocardium. However, the limited migration capacity and poor survival of MSCs remains a major therapeutic barrier. The present study was performed to investigate the synergistic effect of UTMD with platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) on the homing of MSCs for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: MSCs from male donor rats were treated with PDGF-BB, and a novel microbubble formulation was prepared using a thin-film hydration method. In vivo, MSCs with or without PDGF-BB pretreatment were transplanted by UTMD after inducing AMI in experimental rats. The therapeutic efficacy of PDGF-BB-primed MSCs on myocardial apoptosis, angiogenesis, cardiac function and scar repair was estimated. The effects and molecular mechanisms of PDGF-BB on MSC migration and survival were explored in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that the biological effects of UTMD increased the local levels of stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which promoted the migration of transplanted MSCs to the ischemic region. Compared with UTMD alone, UTMD combined with PDGF-BB pretreatment significantly increased the cardiac homing of MSCs, which subsequently reduced myocardial apoptosis, promoted neovascularization and tissue repair, and increased cardiac function 30 days after MI. The vitro results demonstrated that PDGF-BB enhanced MSC migration and protected these cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, PDGF-BB pretreatment promoted MSC migration and inhibited H2O2-induced MSC apoptosis via activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Furthermore, crosstalk between PDGF-BB and stromal-derived factor-1/chemokine receptor 4 (SDF-1/CXCR4) is involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that UTMD combined with PDGF-BB treatment could enhance the homing ability of MSCs, thus alleviating AMI in rats. Therefore, UTMD combined with PDGF-BB pretreatment may offer exciting therapeutic opportunities for strengthening MSC therapy in ischemic diseases.

PRMT3-Mediated Arginine Methylation of METTL14 Promotes Malignant Progression and Treatment Resistance in Endometrial Carcinoma.

Protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) plays essential roles in tumor initiation and progression, but its underlying mechanisms in the treatment sensitivity of endometrial cancer (EC) remain unclear and warrant further investigation. Here, a comprehensive analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas database and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium database identifies that PRMT3 plays an important role in EC. Specifically, further experiments show that PRMT3 inhibition enhances the susceptibility of EC cells to ferroptosis. Mechanistically, PRMT3 interacts with Methyltransferase 14 (METTL14) and is involved in its arginine methylation. In addition, PRMT3 inhibition-mediated METTL14 overexpression promotes methylation modification via an m6 A-YTHDF2-dependent mechanism, reducing Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) mRNA stability, increasing lipid peroxidation levels, and accelerating ferroptosis. Notably, combined PRMT3 blockade and anti-PD-1 therapy display more potent antitumor effects by accelerating ferroptosis in cell-derived xenograft models. The specific PRMT3 inhibitor SGC707 exerts the same immunotherapeutic sensitizing effect in a patient-derived xenograft model. Notably, blocking PRMT3 improves tumor suppression in response to cisplatin and radiation therapy. Altogether, this work demonstrates that PRMT3 depletion is a promising target for EC.

Preparation and Mechanical Properties of UV-Curable Epoxy Acrylate/Modified Aramid Nanofiber Nanocomposite Films.

In order to enhance the mechanical properties of UV-curable epoxy acrylate (EA)-based coatings, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate modified aramid nanofibers (T-ANFs) were synthesized and used as nanofillers to prepare EA/T-ANF nanocomposite films. The morphology of T-ANFs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The chemical structure of T-ANFs was analyzed via infrared spectroscopy, confirming successful grafting of methyl methacryloyloxy groups onto the surface of aramid nanofibers (ANFs). Real-time infrared spectroscopy was employed to investigate the influence of ANFs and T-ANFs on the photopolymerization kinetics of the EA film. The results revealed that the addition of ANFs and T-ANFs led to a decrease in the photopolymerization rate during the initial stage but had little impact on the final double bond conversion, with all samples exhibiting a conversion rate of over 83%. The incorporation of ANFs improved the tensile strength of the films while significantly reducing their Young's modulus. In contrast, the addition of T-ANFs led to a substantial increase in both tensile stress and Young's modulus of the films. For instance, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the 0.1 wt% of T-ANF film increased by 52.7% and 41.6%, respectively, compared to the pure EA film. To further study the dispersion morphology and reinforcement mechanism, the cross-sectional morphology of the films was characterized by scanning electron microscopy.

10×10 Gbs directly modulated DFB laser array based on the REC technique.

We proposed and experimentally demonstrated a directly modulated distributed feedback (DFB) laser array with a transmission rate of 100 Gbps (10c h a n n e l s×10G b p s). The grating design is based on the reconstruction equivalent chirp (REC) technique, which enables precise control of the channel wavelength spacing to 100 GHz, as specified in the ITU-DWDM standard. DFB laser arrays incorporating the REC technique demonstrate excellent consistency performance, with a side-mode suppression ratio exceeding 48 dB, threshold current of approximately 20 mA, and modulation bandwidth of greater than 13 GHz at a bias current of 100 mA. We evaluated the laser's performance by loading a 10 Gbps nonreturn-to-zero signal onto the laser using direct modulation and transmitting it over a 10 km single-mode fiber. Based on our experimental results, the proposed DFB laser array is promising to be utilized in the next generation of low-cost, 100 Gbps DWDM communication systems.

Precise management system for chronic intractable pain patients implanted with spinal cord stimulation based on a remote programming platform: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (PreMaSy study).

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a surgical technique used in patients with chronic intractable pain, and its effectiveness and safety have been validated by multiple studies. However, to maintain an optimal and steady long-term effect is still challenging. Here, we report a new management paradigm integrating smartphone application and remote programming. Chronic pain patients with SCS implants can monitor their pain status on the phone and change stimulation parameters accordingly. The PreMaSy study is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of this precise management system. METHODS: Patients with chronic intractable pain will be screened for eligibility, and 82 participants are anticipated to be enrolled in this trial. After the electrode implantation, the stimulation effectiveness will be tested. Participants with a reduction of more than 50% in the visual analog scale (VAS) will receive implantation of an implantable pulse generator and randomized (1:1) into the experimental group or control group. All participants will be asked to take online follow-ups and complete assessments using a smartphone application. Daily pain characteristic assessments and monthly quality of life questionnaires are integrated into the App, and participants will be required to complete these assessments. The daily VAS for pain intensity will be monitored and a threshold will be set based on baseline VAS score. The interventional appointment will be scheduled once the threshold is reached. The primary outcome is the health condition and quality of life assessed by the five-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Utility values of EQ-5D-5L will be assessed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months post-operative. DISCUSSION: The PreMaSy study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel App-based, patient-centered, self-assessment management system for chronic intractable pain. A randomized controlled trial is designed to test the non-inferiority of this precise management system compared to the monthly online follow-ups. It is also expected to yield valuable experiences regarding precision medicine. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05761392. Registered on March 07, 2023.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of rupture of mitral valve papillary muscle.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of echocardiography in diagnosing papillary muscle rupture (PMR) of the mitral valve, and summarize the characteristic echocardiographic features of different types. METHODS: Echocardiograms of 13 PMR patients confirmed by surgery in Wuhan Union Hospital between January 2009 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and their preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was compared with surgical findings. RESULTS: A total of 9020 patients underwent mitral valve repair or replacement surgery during the study period including 13 (0.14%) for PMR. Of the 13 PMRs, 8 cases were partial PMR(P-PMR), 5 cases were complete PMR(C-PMR); 3 cases were anterolateral PMR, and 10 were posteromedial PMR. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the preoperative TTE were 99.9%, 53.8% and 99.9% respectively. Echocardiographic features of 10 patients (5-C-PMR and 5 P-PMR) with detailed TTE and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data included: both anterior and posterior leaflets prolapse (C-PMR 60% vs P-PMR 60%); flail leaflet (C-PMR100% vs P-PMR 40%); All C-PMRs and P-PMRs have severe, eccentric and lateral regurgitation; flail attachment (chordae tendinae and ruptured PM) at the tip of prolapsed leaflet (C-PMR100% vs P-PMR 60%); high-echo masses resembled "champagne glasses" in 100% of the C-PMR; high-echo masses resembled "lotus-seedpod" in 60% and "dumbbell-shaped" torn PM in remaining 40% of the P-PMR. CONCLUSIONS: Different PMR subtypes have different echocardiographic characteristics. Combining TTE and TEE can accurately identify the typical features of PMR such as ipsilateral hemipetal leaflet prolapse, high-echoic mass at the tip of the leaflet, massive eccentricity and lateral regurgitation.

High-power tapered two-section distributed feedback laser based on a chirped sampled grating.

We propose and theoretically study a two-section high-power distributed feedback (DFB) laser with three equivalent phase shifts (3EPSs). A tapered waveguide with a chirped sampled grating is introduced to amplify the output power and keep a stable single-mode operation. The simulation exhibits the maximum output power and side mode suppression ratio of a 1200 µm length two-section DFB laser as high as 306.5 mW and 40 dB, respectively. Compared with traditional DFB lasers, the proposed laser has a higher output power, which may benefit wavelength division multiplexing transmission systems, gas sensors, and large-scale silicon photonics.

Real-Time Navigation with Guide Template for Pedicle Screw Placement Using an Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Device: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Objective: This study aims to explore the real-time navigation with guide template using an augmented reality head-mounted device (ARHMD) for pedicle screw placement. Methods: The spatial coordinate relationships between augmented reality images and real objects were established through the custom-made guide template, and the registration and tracking were completed using an ARHMD. The feasibility and accuracy of this method were verified by pedicle screw placement in 2 lumbar models. According to the Gertzbein-Robbins grading scale, the accuracy of pedicle screw placement was assessed. The navigation errors were estimated by measuring the deviation values of entry point and trajectory angle. Results: A total of 20 pedicle K-wires were placed into L1-L5 in 2 lumbar models, which were successfully completed, with an average time of 11.5 min per model and 69 s per screw. The overall K-wires placement accuracy was 100% (20 screws). The navigation error was 2.77 ± 0.82 mm for the deviation value of entry point, and 3.03° ± 0.94° for the deviation value of trajectory angle. Conclusions: The application of an ARHMD combined with guide template for pedicle screw placement is a promising navigation approach.

Biventricular longitudinal strain as a predictor of functional improvement after D-shant device implantation in patients with heart failure.

Background: The creation of an atrial shunt is a novel approach for the management of heart failure (HF), and there is a need for advanced methods for detection of cardiac function response to an interatrial shunt device. Ventricular longitudinal strain is a more sensitive marker of cardiac function than conventional echocardiographic parameters, but data on the value of longitudinal strain as a predictor of improvement in cardiac function after implantation of an interatrial shunt device are scarce. We aimed to investigate the exploratory efficacy of the D-Shant device for interatrial shunting in treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and to explore the predictive value of biventricular longitudinal strain for functional improvement in such patients. Methods: A total of 34 patients were enrolled (25 with HFrEF and 9 with HFpEF). All patients underwent conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiogram (2D-STE) at baseline and 6 months after implantation of a D-Shant device (WeiKe Medical Inc., WuHan, CN). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) were evaluated by 2D-STE. Results: The D-Shant device was successfully implanted in all cases without periprocedural mortality. At 6-month follow-up, an improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was observed in 20 of 28 patients with HF. Compared with baseline, patients with HFrEF showed significant reduced left atrial volume index (LAVI) and increased right atrial (RA) dimensions, as well as improved LVGLS and RVFWLS, at 6-month follow-up. Despite reduction in LAVI and increase in RA dimensions, improvements in biventricular longitudinal strain did not occur in HFpEF patients. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that LVGLS [odds ratio (OR): 5.930; 95% CI: 1.463-24.038; P = 0.013] and RVFWLS (OR: 4.852; 95% CI: 1.372-17.159; P = 0.014) were predictive of improvement in NYHA functional class after D-Shant device implantation. Conclusion: Improvements in clinical and functional status are observed in patients with HF 6 months after implantation of a D-Shant device. Preoperative biventricular longitudinal strain is predictive of improvement in NYHA functional class and may be helpful to identify patients who will experience better outcomes following implantation of an interatrial shunt device.

A giant ascending aortic aneurysm associated with a ruptured sinus of valsalva into the right atrium: Role of multimodality imaging.

A giant ascending aortic aneurysm associated with a ruptured sinus of Valsalva is rare. A 53-year-old male patient successfully underwent Bentall procedure after multimodality imaging which enable the correct diagnosis to be established and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography provides additional information on the surgical planning.

Anti-inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effects of Platelet-derived Growth Factor-BB on Osteoarthritis Rat Models.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and challenging joint disease that mainly affects the diarthrodial joints. Traditionally, except for surgery for severe cases, treatments for OA mainly focus on relieving pain and improving joint function. However, these treatments are not effective for cartilage repair and induce only symptomatic relief. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, a member of the PDGF cytokine family, has been proved to have effects on protecting the chondrocytes via multiple mechanisms. In this study, we further focused on the effects of PDGF-BB on OA and found that PDGF-BB could attenuate OA development by inhibiting inflammation and enhancing cell proliferation via JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, and p38 signaling pathways and PKA-mediated regulation of SOX-9/RunX-2. This article demonstrates the feasibility of PDGF-BB application as a treatment for OA. This is the first article that reports that PDGF-BB attenuates OA development via PKA-mediated regulation of SOX-9 and RunX-2.

Design and Gesture Optimization of a Soft-Rigid Robotic Hand for Adaptive Grasping.

Soft robotic hands are inherently safer and more compliant in robot-environment interaction than rigid manipulators, but their flexibility and versatility still need improving. In this article, a gesture adaptive soft-rigid robotic hand is proposed. The robotic hand has three pneumatic two-segment fingers. Each finger segment is driven independently for flexible gesture adjustment to match up with different object shapes. The palm is constructed by a rigid skeleton driven by a soft pneumatic spring. It provides a firm support, large workspace, and independent force control for the fingers. Geometry model of the robotic hand is established, based on which a grasping gesture optimization algorithm is adopted. The fingers achieve optimal contact with objects by performing maximal curving similarity with the object outlines. Experiment shows that the soft-rigid robotic hand provides adaptive and reliable grasping for objects of different sizes, shapes, and materials with optimized gestures.

ATAD2 Upregulation Promotes Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in Endometrial Cancer and Is Associated with Its Immune Infiltration.

Background: Endometrial cancer is one of the three major gynecologic malignancies, and its incidence continues to rise. ATPase family AAA structural domain-containing protein 2 (ATAD2) is an ATPase protein, which is an independent factor for poor prognosis in endometrial cancer. However, its role in the disease is yet to be determined. Methods: The Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database was used to assess ATAD2 expression in pan-cancer, and the relevance of ATAD2 expression in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) in clinical settings was obtained using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and UALCAN analysis. In addition, the Human Protein Atlas database was used to assess ATAD2 protein expression in UCEC. Furthermore, in vitro molecular biology and in vivo functional experiments were employed to ascertain the effect of ATAD2 expression on tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. UALCAN was used to screen for ATAD2 coexpressed genes, and Sangerbox was utilized to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of these coexpressed genes. Finally, the TIMER, Tumor Immune System Interaction and Drug Bank (TISIDB), and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the relationship between ATAD2 and immune infiltration. Results: ATAD2 is highly expressed in a variety of tumors, and in UCEC, it plays the role of a protooncogene. Basic experiments revealed that ATAD2 promotes vascular endothelial growth factor expression in endometrial cancer and affects tumor growth and angiogenesis. In addition, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that ATAD2-associated genes were chiefly enriched in certain signaling pathways, such as herpes simplex virus 1 infection and that ATAD2 was associated with immune infiltration in UCEC. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that ATAD2 promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis in endometrial cancer. Furthermore, ATAD2 is associated with immune infiltration and is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target.