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Energy yield framework to simulate thin film CIGS solar cells and analyze limitations of the technology
AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive evaluation of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) solar technology, benchmarked against crystalline silicon (c-Si) PERC PV technology. Utilizing a newly developed energy yield model, we analyzed the performance of CIGS in various environmental scenarios, emphasizing its behavior in low-light conditions and under different temperature regimes. The model demonstrated high accuracy with improved error metrics of normalized mean bias error (nMBE) ~ 1% and normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) of ~ 8%–20% in simulating rack mounted setup and integrated PV systems. Key findings reveal that the CIGS technology, while slightly underperforming in integrated, low-irradiance setups, shows comparable or superior performance to c-Si PERC technology in high-irradiance and high-temperature conditions. A significant focus of the study was on the low-light performance of CIGS, where it exhibited notable voltage losses. Our research highlights the importance of reducing the diode ideality factor for enhancing CIGS power conversion efficiency, particularly In low-light conditions. These insights provide a pathway for future research and technological improvements, emphasizing defect engineering, passivation strategies to advance the understanding and application of the CIGS technology.
Aurophilic interaction-based aggregation of gem-digold(I) aryls towards high spin-orbit coupling and strong phosphorescence
UHPLC-MS/MS based comprehensive phenolic profiling, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Indian Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits
Steroid hormone-induced wingless ligands tune female intestinal size in Drosophila
Abstract Female reproduction comes at great expense to energy metabolism compensated by extensive organ adaptations including intestinal size. Upon mating, endocrine signals orchestrate a 30% net increase of absorptive epithelium. Mating increases production of the steroid hormone Ecdysone released by the Drosophila ovaries that stimulates intestinal stem cell (ISC) divisions. Here, we uncover the transcription factor crooked legs (crol) as an intraepithelial coordinator of Ecdysone-induced ISC mitosis. For the precise investigation of non-autonomous factors on ISC behaviour, we establish Rapport, a spatiotemporally-controlled dual expression and tracing system for the analysis of paracrine genetic manipulation while tracing ISC behaviour. Rapport tracing reveals that Ecdysone-induced Crol controls mitogenic Wnt/Wg-ligand expression from epithelial enterocytes activating ISC mitosis. Paracrine Wg stimulation is counterbalanced by Crol-repression of string/CDC25 and CyclinB autonomously in ISC. Rapport-based ISC tumours confirm paracrine stimulation through the Ecdysone-Crol-Wg axis on mitotic behaviour, whereas the autonomous anti-proliferative role of Crol in ISC is conserved in models of colorectal cancer. Finally, mathematical modelling corroborates increasing enterocyte numbers and Wnt/Wg-degradation to set a stable post-mating intestinal size. Together, our findings provide insights into the complex endocrine growth control mechanisms during mating-induced adaptations and might help untangling pleiotropic hormonal effects observed in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis.
Novel approach to enhance the efficiency of mortar against radiations by co-incorporation of lead and boron compounds with calcium chloride
AbstractFabrication of heavy density mortar using aggregates reinforced with available solid inorganic chemical additives is of a great importance as a protective layer to mitigate radiations in nuclear facilities. The effect of lead oxide and borax decahydrate on the hydration kinetics was evaluated by determining setting time, leachability and compressive strength. To speed up the reaction, 0.5% calcium chloride was added to all formulations, and then the results were compared to their blank counterparts. Once, the optimal compositions were explored, another batch of mortar were designed to increase efficiency against radioactive sources with different photon energies. After 28 days, bulk density, linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, tenth-value layer, and mean-free path in the field of 137Cs and51Co were considered. Similarly, macroscopic effective removal cross-section was evaluated using radioactive source-239Pu-α-9Be. According to the previous literature, adding 0.2% PbO to cement is the optimal ratio without affecting hydration kinetics and phase composition. The study explored that, co-incorporation of PbO with 0.5% CaCl2 increases the ratio to 2.5%, while enhancing physico-mechanical and radiological characteristics against radioactive sources. Also, formulation incorporating 0.5% borax with 0.5% CaCl2 had superior attenuation against neutrons compared to other competitors.
Methionine-driven methylation modification overcomes plasmid-mediated high-level tigecycline resistance
Thio-modified trianglimines, a novel group of chiral macrocyclic compounds of high structural dynamics
Abstract The embellishing of the macrocycle core with sulfur substituents of varied sterical requirements changes the structural dynamics of chiral, triangular polyimines. Despite their formal high symmetry, these compounds adopt diverse conformations, in which the macrocycle core represents a non-changeable unit. DFT calculations reveal that the mutual arrangement of sulfur-containing substituents is controlled mainly by sterical interactions. The presence of sulfur atoms affects the chiroptical properties of these compounds and causes a red shift of respective absorption bands compared to the basic trianglimine. Unexpectedly, the aromatic fragments attached to the sulfur atom have less impact on ECD spectra, visible only in particular spectral regions. Such a possibility to adapt various conformations is also seen in the crystalline phase; however, a stiff basic unit – the triangular macrocycle core – caused macrocycles’ self-assembly into columnar-like aggregates. In the crystal lattice, around the macrocycle having bulky SCPh 3 groups, a space filled with solvent is formed; however, the macrocycle’s internal cavity is closed and unavailable for guest molecules. Titration of the solutions of basic SBn-substituted imine and amine macrocycles by AgOTf results in significant changes in the ECD spectra, confirming possible binding interactions between macrocycle and metal cations.
Intelligence analysis of drug nanoparticles delivery efficiency to cancer tumor sites using machine learning models
Biosynthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles fabricated using cell-free supernatant of Pseudomonas fluorescens for antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and photocatalytic applications
Super-enhancer-driven SLCO4A1-AS1 is a new biomarker and a promising therapeutic target in glioblastoma
DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes expression in lung cancer and its correlation with different clinicopathologic parameters
AbstractLung cancer (LC) is a crucial rapidly developing disease. In Egypt, it is one of the five most frequent cancers. Little is known about the impact of deleted mismatch repair genes and its correlation to clinicopathological characteristics. This study evaluates immunohistochemical expression of the mismatch repair genes (PMS2), (MSH2), (MLH1) & (MSH6) & its correlation with clinicopathologic parameters & prognosis of LC. Age was higher with lost MLH1 & PMS2 but HTN was higher with lost four markers. Smoking was associated with expression of MLH1 & PMS2. A progressive course was associated with lost MSH2 & MSH6. Suprarenal metastasis was associated with lost all markers but bone metastasis was associated with lost MSH2 & MSH6. All the markers were significantly correlated with each other, with perfect correlations between MSH6 & MSH2 and between MLH & PMS2. Median overall survival among cases with lost markers was significantly lower than patients with preserved markers. We recommend evaluation of the four proteins as a biomarker that could guide LC therapy. In-depth biological research is imperative to elucidate the precise roles and mechanisms of these markers. This will advance management strategies and even guide immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for LC.
Spatial transcriptomics unveils estrogen-modulated immune responses and structural alterations in the ectocervical mucosa of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate users
AbstractThe injectable contraceptive, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), is associated with compromised cervical mucosal barriers. High-resolution spatial transcriptomics is applied here to reveal the spatial localization of these altered molecular markers. Ectocervical tissue samples from Kenyan sex workers using DMPA, or non-hormonal contraceptives, underwent spatial transcriptomics and gene set enrichment analyses. Integrated systemic estradiol levels and bulk tissue gene expression data from a larger cohort enhanced the study’s scope. Unsupervised clustering unveiled four epithelial and seven submucosal layers, showcasing spatially restricted and diverse functional epithelial responses, and a less structured submucosal spatial ordering. DMPA associated with mucosal-wide immunoglobulin gene upregulation, verified by CD20+ B-cell immunostaining, and upregulated immune markers adjacent to the basal membrane. Downregulated genes represented spatially restricted disrupted epithelial barrier integrity and submucosal extracellular matrix dysfunction. The transcriptional profile was associated with markers of estrogen regulation. Collectively, our findings reveal estrogen-modulated distinct ectocervical transcriptional profiles associated with DMPA usage. While upregulation of immunoglobulin genes occurs throughout the mucosa, activation of innate immune responses and dysregulation of barrier integrity markers are spatially restricted. These results extend previous analyses using bulk transcriptomics and provide insights into the molecular landscape influenced by DMPA, shedding light on contraceptive effects and health implications.
Shanxi province food security evaluation research
Mycosynthesis of chitosan-selenium nanocomposite and its activity as an insecticide against the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis
AbstractThe cotton leafworm, Spodoptra littoralis, causes great damage to cotton crops. A new, safer method than insecticide is necessary for its control. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are metalloid nanomaterial, with extensive biological activities. They have low toxicity and can be used safely in plant disease management. In this study, we successfully bio-fabricated selenium nanoparticles and chitosan-selenium nanocomposite (Ch-SeNPs) using a fungal cell-free filtrate of Penicillium griseofulvum. The biosynthesized nanomaterials were initially detected optically by the formation of a red color in the solution mixture and the appearance of a strong plasmon resonance peak at 240–300 nm. The biosynthesized nanomaterials were fully characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy dispersive X-ray, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. We tested the anti-insect activities of SeNPs, and Ch-SeNPs against larvae of S. littoralis compared to spore suspensions of P. griseofulvum. The results indicated that Ch-SeNPs followed by SeNPs gave a significantly higher mortality percentage than the spore suspension of the tested fungus. The highest production of all biosynthesized nanomaterials was detected after 7 days at 40 °C under alkaline conditions (pH 9). The average size diameter of SeNPs and Ch-SeNPs were 91.25 and 67.41 nm with zeta potential − 8.05 and + 41 mV, respectively. Both Ch-SeNPs and SeNPs gave high mortality rates and low values of LC50 and LC90 for both larvae and pupae. Ch-SeNPs showed stronger activity against S. littoralis than SeNPs and spore suspension at all experimental conditions. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated their safety against honeybee populations. The current study reveals the significant ultrastructure impact of SeNPs on larvae. These findings suggest that selenium nanoparticles and nanocomposite can be fabricated with a costless easy route using fungal filtrate, and they can be used safely in pest control systems that are safe for honeybee populations. It is the first report about the application of Ch-SeNPs as an anti-insect agent.