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Raji IO, Wen S, Li Y, Huang D, Shi X, Saparbaev A, Gu C, Yang C, Bao X. Benzo bis(Thiazole)-Based Conjugated Polymer with Varying Alkylthio Side-Chain Positions for Efficient Fullerene-Free Organic Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:36071-36079. [PMID: 34283560 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c07822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Alkylthio groups can be used to modulate energy levels and molecular packing of organic semiconductors, which makes it important in the design of materials for organic solar cell. However, its effect has not been sufficiently exploited as most of the studies report introducing an alkylthio group to the donor unit and seldom to the acceptor unit of donor-acceptor conjugated polymers. In this report, two alkylthio-substituted polymers, namely, PBB-TSA and PBB-TSD, with benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d']bis(thiazole) (BBT) as the acceptor unit and benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT) as the donor unit, were rationally designed, synthesized, and applied in organic photovoltaics. An alkylthio side chain was substituted on the BBT-accepting unit for PBB-TSA, while for PBB-TSD, the alkylthio side chain was substituted on the BDT donor unit. PBB-TSA and PBB-TSD show upshifted and downshifted energy levels, respectively, compared to the nonsulfur-substituted material. Both polymers exhibit dominate face-on orientation, while PBB-TSD exhibits higher crystallinity compared to PBB-TSA. With the contribution of lower energy level and beneficial film morphology, the device based on PBB-TSD/IT-4F has much higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.6%, whereas the PBB-TSA blend had a lower PCE of 10.7%. 1,8-Diiodooctane can effectively optimize the blend film morphology, and the effect on device performance has also been demonstrated in detail. This result indicates that introducing an alkylthio side chain into the donor or acceptor moieties would result in materials with different energy levels and thus would be utilized to match with various acceptors, achieving optimized performance in organic solar cells.
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Chen X, Lloyd S, Bao X. 156 MYC-CPSF-HNRNPA3 cooperation promotes epidermal progenitor maintenance through modulating intronic transcription termination. J Invest Dermatol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.02.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Bao X, Weiner J, Meckes O, Dommisch H, Schaefer AS. Entamoeba gingivalis Exerts Severe Pathogenic Effects on the Oral Mucosa. J Dent Res 2021; 100:771-776. [PMID: 33792418 PMCID: PMC8217899 DOI: 10.1177/00220345211004498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan Entamoeba gingivalis colonizes the healthy oral mucosa with a prevalence of 15%. Colonization can be asymptomatic, and it is considered not pathogenic. However, it is able to invade lacerated oral mucosa, where it ingests fragments of live cells, suggesting pathogenous potential. Here, we characterized the transcriptomes of gingival cells after infection with E. gingivalis using RNA sequencing and observed pathogen interaction with the epithelial monolayer barrier by scanning electron microscopy. In epithelial and fibroblast cells, strongest differential expression showed gene set “chemokines and inflammatory molecules in myeloid cells” (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.9, effect size 5.15, adjusted P = 3.1 × 10−19) and “cell cycle and growth arrest” (AUC = 0.91, effect size = 4.56, adjusted P = 4.8 × 10−9), respectively. The most upregulated genes were TNF (fold change 430) and IL8 (fold change 359) in epithelial cells and ZN331 (fold change 18) in fibroblasts. We showed that E. gingivalis killed live epithelial cells by trogocytosis, demonstrating strong pathogenic potential.
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Liu X, Ma R, Wang Y, Du S, Tong J, Shi X, Li J, Bao X, Xia Y, Liu T, Yan H. Significantly Boosting Efficiency of Polymer Solar Cells by Employing a Nontoxic Halogen-Free Additive. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:11117-11124. [PMID: 33635064 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c22014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Traditional additives like 1,8-diiodooctane and 1-chloronaphthalene were successfully utilized morphology optimization of various polymer solar cells (PSCs) in an active layer, but their toxicity brought by halogen atoms limits their corresponding large-scale manufacturing. Herein, a new nontoxic halogen-free additive named benzyl benzoate (BB) was introduced into the classic PSCs (PTB7-Th:PC71BM), and an optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.43% was realized, while there was a poor PCE for additive free devices (4.83%). It was shown that BB additives could inhibit PC71BM's overaggregation, which increased the interface contact area and formed a better penetration path of an active layer. In addition, BB additives could not only boost the distribution of a PTB7-Th donor at the surface, beneficial to suppressing exciton recombination in inverted devices but also boost the crystallinity of a blend layer, which is conducive to exciton dissociation and charge transport. Our work effectively improved a device performance by using a halogen-free additive, which can be referential for industrialization.
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Bao X, Wang S, Housden R, Hajnal J, Rhode K. A Constant-Force End-Effector With Online Force Adjustment for Robotic Ultrasonography. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2021; 6:2547-2554. [PMID: 33748416 PMCID: PMC7968128 DOI: 10.1109/lra.2021.3061329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this letter, we propose a novel constant-force end-effector (CFEE) to address current limitations in robotic ultrasonography. The CFEE uses a parallel, motor-spring-based solution to precisely generate constant operating forces over a wide range and enable the ultrasound (US) probe to adapt to the abdominal contours autonomously. A displacement measurement unit was developed to realize the acquisition of probe position and precise control of the operating force. Moreover, the operating force can be adjusted online to maintain safety and continuity of operation. Simulations and experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance. Results show that the proposed CFEE can provide constant forces of 4-12 N with displacements of 0-8 mm. The maximum relative error of force generation is 8.28%, and the accuracy and precision for displacement measurement are 0.29 mm and ±0.16 mm, respectively. Various operating forces can be adjusted online during the same operation. Ultrasound images acquired by the proposed CFEE are of equally good quality compared to a manual sonographer scan. The proposed CFEE would have potential further medical applications.
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Li Y, Yu L, Chen L, Han C, Jiang H, Liu Z, Zheng N, Wang J, Sun M, Yang R, Bao X. Subtle Side Chain Triggers Unexpected Two-Channel Charge Transport Property Enabling 80% Fill Factors and Efficient Thick-Film Organic Photovoltaics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:100090. [PMID: 34557744 PMCID: PMC8454635 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2021.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To clearly show how important the impact of side chains on organic solar cells (OSCs) is, we designed three acceptors IDIC-CxPh (x = 4, 5, or 6) via subtle side-chain regulation. Despite this small change, significant distinctions were detected. IDIC-C4Ph devices achieve an optimal efficiency of 13.94% under thermal annealing, but thermal-assistant solvent-vapor annealing hugely suppresses the efficiencies to 10%. However, the C6Ph side chain endows extremely disordered stacking orientations, generating moderate efficiencies of ~12.50%. Excitingly, the IDIC-C5Ph affords an unexpected two-channel π-π charge transport (TCCT) property, boosting the fill factor (FF) by up to 80.02% and efficiency to 14.56%, ranking the best among five-ring fused-ladder-type acceptors. Impressively, the special TCCT behavior of IDIC-C5Ph enables 470 nm thick-film OSC with a high FF of up to 70.12% and efficiency of 13.01%, demonstrating the great promise in fabricating large-scale OSCs. OSCs are a promising technology to transform the solar energy to electricity This article reports an efficient TCCT photovoltaic material through subtle side-chain modification The TCCT property enables 13% efficiency with FF reaching 70% in 470 nm thick-film photovoltaics
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Gu YQ, Xia Y, Zhang SM, Bao X, Wu HM, Bian SS, Huang LY, Meng G, Niu KJ. [Method of dietary nutritional status assessment and its application in cohort study of nutritional epidemiology]. ZHONGHUA LIU XING BING XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA LIUXINGBINGXUE ZAZHI 2020; 41:1145-1150. [PMID: 32741185 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112338-20200110-00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Minimizing the burden on study subjects and assessing the general dietary nutritional status as accurately as possible are the basis of a nutritional epidemiological cohort study in the general population. While introducing the main dietary nutrition assessment methods, this paper manly describes the basic contents and principles for the development of food frequency questionnaire, and briefly illustrates the problems and solutions for the development of area specific food frequency questionnaires by taking the example of Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) cohort study. Finally, discusses preliminarily the necessity and possibility of developing a national food frequency questionnaire.
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Han J, Wang X, Huang D, Yang C, Yang R, Bao X. Employing Asymmetrical Thieno[3,4-d]pyridazin-1(2H)-one Block Enables Efficient Ternary Polymer Solar Cells with Improved Light-Harvesting and Morphological Properties. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Roth-Carter Q, Godsel L, Koetsier J, Broussard J, Burks H, Fitz G, Huffine A, Amagai S, Lloyd S, Kweon J, Tsoi L, Swindell W, Urciuoli G, Missero C, Bao X, Gudjonsson J, Green K. 225 Desmoglein 1 deficiency in knockout mice impairs epidermal barrier formation and results in a psoriasis-like gene signature in E18.5 embryos. J Invest Dermatol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.03.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Soultati A, Verykios A, Panagiotakis S, Armadorou KK, Haider MI, Kaltzoglou A, Drivas C, Fakharuddin A, Bao X, Yang C, Yusoff ARBM, Evangelou EK, Petsalakis I, Kennou S, Falaras P, Yannakopoulou K, Pistolis G, Argitis P, Vasilopoulou M. Suppressing the Photocatalytic Activity of Zinc Oxide Electron-Transport Layer in Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells with a Pyrene-Bodipy Interlayer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:21961-21973. [PMID: 32364365 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c03147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Organic solar cells based on nonfullerene acceptors have recently witnessed a significant rise in their power conversion efficiency values. However, they still suffer from severe instability issues, especially in an inverted device architecture based on the zinc oxide bottom electron transport layers. In this work, we insert a pyrene-bodipy donor-acceptor dye as a thin interlayer at the photoactive layer/zinc oxide interface to suppress the degradation reaction of the nonfullerene acceptor caused by the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide. In particular, the pyrene-bodipy-based interlayer inhibits the direct contact between the nonfullerene acceptor and zinc oxide hence preventing the decomposition of the former by zinc oxide under illumination with UV light. As a result, the device photostability was significantly improved. The π-π interaction between the nonfullerene acceptor and the bodipy part of the interlayer facilitates charge transfer from the nonfullerene acceptor toward pyrene, which is followed by intramolecular charge transfer to bodipy part and then to zinc oxide. The bodipy-pyrene modified zinc oxide also increased the degree of crystallization of the photoactive blend and the face-on stacking of the polymer donor molecules within the blend hence contributing to both enhanced charge transport and increased absorption of the incident light. Furthermore, it decreased the surface work function as well as surface energy of the zinc oxide film all impacting in improved power conversion efficiency values of the fabricated cells with champion devices reaching values up to 9.86 and 11.80% for the fullerene and nonfullerene-based devices, respectively.
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Wang X, Han J, Huang D, Wang J, Xie Y, Liu Z, Li Y, Yang C, Zhang Y, He Z, Bao X, Yang R. Optimized Molecular Packing and Nonradiative Energy Loss Based on Terpolymer Methodology Combining Two Asymmetric Segments for High-Performance Polymer Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:20393-20403. [PMID: 32286056 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c01323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a random terpolymer methodology combining two electron-rich units, asymmetric thienobenzodithiophene (TBD) and thieno[2,3-f]benzofuran segments, is systematically investigated. The synergetic effect is embodied on the molecular packing and nanophase when copolymerized with 1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c']dithiophene-4,8-dione, producing an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.2% in IT-4F-based NF-PSCs, which outperformed the corresponding D-A copolymers. The balanced aggregation and better interpenetrating network of the TBD50:IT-4F blend film can lead to mixing region exciton splitting and suppress carrier recombination, along with high yields of long-lived carriers. Moreover, the broad applicability of terpolymer methodology is successfully validated in most electron-deficient systems. Especially, the TBD50/Y6-based device exhibits a high PCE of 15.0% with a small energy loss (0.52 eV) enabled by the low nonradiative energy loss (0.22 eV), which are among the best values reported for polymers without using benzodithiophene unit to date. These results demonstrate an outstanding terpolymer approach with backbone engineering to raise the hope of achieving even higher PCEs and to enrich organic photovoltaic materials reservoir.
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Vasilopoulou M, Yusoff ARBM, Kuganathan N, Bao X, Verykios A, Polydorou E, Armadorou KK, Soultati A, Papadimitropoulos G, Haider MI, Fakharuddin A, Palilis LC, Kennou S, Chroneos A, Argitis P, Davazoglou D. A carbon-doped tantalum dioxyfluoride as a superior electron transport material for high performance organic optoelectronics. NANO ENERGY 2020; 70:104508. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.104508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Li J, Liang Z, Li X, Li H, Wang Y, Qin J, Tong J, Yan L, Bao X, Xia Y. Insights into Excitonic Dynamics of Terpolymer-Based High-Efficiency Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells: Enhancing the Yield of Charge Separation States. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:8475-8484. [PMID: 31965782 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b20364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ternary copolymerization strategy is considered an effective method to achieve high-performance photovoltaic conjugated polymers. Herein, a donor-acceptor1-donor-acceptor2-type random copolymer, named PBDTNS-TZ-BDD (T1), containing one electron-rich unit alkylthionaphthyl-flanked benzo[1,2-b/4,5-b'] di-thiophene (BDTNS) as D and two electron-deficient moieties benzo[1,2-c/4,5-c']dithiophene-4,8-dione (BDD) and fluorinated benzotriazole as A, was synthesized to investigate the excitonic dynamic effect. Also, the D-A-type alternating copolymer PBDTNS-BDD (P1) was also prepared for a clear comparison. Although the UV-Vis spectra and energy levels of P1 and T1 are similar, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of the related devices are 11.50% (T1/ITIC) and 8.89% (P1/ITIC), respectively. The reason for this is systematically investigated and analyzed by theoretical calculation, photoluminescence, and pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy. The density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculation results show that the terpolymer T1 with a lower exciton binding energy and a longer lifetime of spontaneous luminescence can synergistically increase the number of excitons reaching the donor/acceptor interface. The results of the pump-probe transient absorption spectroscopy show that the yield of charge separation of T1/ITIC is higher than that of the P1/ITIC blend film, and improved PCE could be achieved via copolymerization strategies. Moreover, the fabrication of the T1-based device is also simple without any additive or postprocessing. Therefore, it provides a promising and innovative method to design high-performance terpolymer materials.
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Bao X, Wiehe R, Dommisch H, Schaefer A. Entamoeba gingivalis Causes Oral Inflammation and Tissue Destruction. J Dent Res 2020; 99:561-567. [DOI: 10.1177/0022034520901738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A metagenomics analysis showed a strongly increased frequency of the protozoan Entamoeba gingivalis in inflamed periodontal pockets, where it contributed the second-most abundant rRNA after human rRNA. This observation and the close biological relationship to Entamoeba histolytica, which causes inflammation and tissue destruction in the colon of predisposed individuals, raised our concern about its putative role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Histochemical staining of gingival epithelium inflamed from generalized severe chronic periodontitis visualized the presence of E. gingivalis in conjunction with abundant neutrophils. We showed that on disruption of the epithelial barrier, E. gingivalis invaded gingival tissue, where it moved and fed on host cells. We validated the frequency of E. gingivalis in 158 patients with periodontitis and healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction and microscopy. In the cases, we detected the parasite in 77% of inflamed periodontal sites and 22% of healthy sites; 15% of healthy oral cavities were colonized by E. gingivalis. In primary gingival epithelial cells, we demonstrated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction that infection with E. gingivalis but not with the oral bacterial pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis strongly upregulated the inflammatory cytokine IL8 (1,900 fold, P = 2 × 10–4) and the epithelial barrier gene MUC21 (8-fold, P = 7 × 10–4). In gingival fibroblasts, we showed upregulation of the collagenase MMP13 (11-fold, P = 3 × 10–4). Direct contact of E. gingivalis to gingival epithelial cells inhibited cell proliferation. We indicated the strong virulence potential of E. gingivalis and showed that the mechanisms of tissue invasion and destruction are similar to the colonic protozoan parasite E. histolytica. In conjunction with abundant colonization of inflamed periodontal sites and the known resistance of Entamoeba species to neutrophils, antimicrobial peptides, and various antibiotics, our results raise the awareness of this protozoan as a potential and, to date, underrated microbial driver of destructive forms of periodontitis.
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Gkini K, Verykios A, Balis N, Kaltzoglou A, Papadakis M, Adamis KS, Armadorou KK, Soultati A, Drivas C, Gardelis S, Petsalakis ID, Palilis LC, Fakharuddin A, Haider MI, Bao X, Kennou S, Argitis P, Schmidt-Mende L, Coutsolelos AG, Falaras P, Vasilopoulou M. Enhanced Organic and Perovskite Solar Cell Performance through Modification of the Electron-Selective Contact with a Bodipy-Porphyrin Dyad. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:1120-1131. [PMID: 31829007 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b17580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Photovoltaic devices based on organic semiconductors and organo-metal halide perovskites have not yet reached the theoretically predicted power conversion efficiencies while they still exhibit poor environmental stability. Interfacial engineering using suitable materials has been recognized as an attractive approach to tackle the above issues. We introduce here a zinc porphyrin-triazine-bodipy donor-π bridge-acceptor dye as a universal electron transfer mediator in both organic and perovskite solar cells. Thanks to its "push-pull" character, this dye enhances electron transfer from the absorber layer toward the electron-selective contact, thus improving the device's photocurrent and efficiency. The direct result is more than 10% average power conversion efficiency enhancement in both fullerene-based (from 8.65 to 9.80%) and non-fullerene-based (from 7.71 to 8.73%) organic solar cells as well as in perovskite ones (from 14.56 to 15.67%), proving the universality of our approach. Concurrently, by forming a hydrophobic network on the surface of metal oxide substrates, it improves the nanomorphology of the photoactive overlayer and contributes to efficiency stabilization. The fabricated devices of both kinds preserved more than 85% of their efficiency upon exposure to ambient conditions for more than 600 h without any encapsulation.
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Kang X, Zhou D, Wang Q, Zhu D, Bao X, Yuan X, Liu F, Li Y, Qiao S, Yang R. Rational Design of Low Band Gap Polymers for Efficient Solar Cells with High Open-Circuit Voltage: The Profound Effect of Me and Cl Substituents with a Similar van Der Waals Radius. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:48155-48161. [PMID: 31777242 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b18278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Generally, low band gap material-based photovoltaic devices have reduced open circuit voltage (VOC), and realizing the trade-off between the low band gap (Eg < 1.6 eV) and high VOC (>0.9 V) could be critical to give efficient polymer solar cells, especially for high-performance semitransparent PSCs and tandem solar cells. Although lots of efforts have been made to address the issue, most results have not been gratifying. In this work, the polymer PTBTz-Cl based on the chlorination method and efficient thiazole-induced strategy was designed and synthesized, aiming at the deep HOMO energy level, and the enhanced backbone planarity caused by the weak noncovalent Cl···S interaction. In addition, the methyl-substituted polymer PTBTz-Me was constructed as the reference due to the similar van der Waals radius of the side chain (CH3: 0.20 nm vs Cl: 0.18 nm). Encouragingly, in comparison with that of PTBTz-2, the newly synthesized polymers exhibit the red-shifted absorption spectra ranging from 300 to 770 nm, with an obviously reduced Eg of ∼1.6 eV. However, the function of Cl and Me substituents is different. Compared to the polymer PTBTz-Me, PTBTz-Cl exhibits a lower HOMO value, stronger crystallinity, and more compact intramolecular interactions. Consequently, the polymer PTBTz-Cl exhibits excellent photovoltaic performance with a notable VOC of 0.94 V and a power conversion efficiency of 10.35%, which is ∼11% higher than the 9.12% efficiency based on PTBTz-Me, and is also one of the highest values among polymer/fullerene solar cells. Moreover, a smaller photo energy loss (Eloss) of 0.64 eV is achieved, which is rare among the current high-performance polymer systems.
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Wang X, Han J, Jiang H, Liu Z, Li Y, Yang C, Yu D, Bao X, Yang R. Regulation of Molecular Packing and Blend Morphology by Finely Tuning Molecular Conformation for High-Performance Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:44501-44512. [PMID: 31674175 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b14981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The asymmetric thienobenzodithiophene (TBD) structure is first systematically compared with the benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT) and dithieno[2,3-d:2',3'-d']benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (DTBDT) units in donor-acceptor (D-A) copolymers and applied as the central core in small molecule acceptors (SMAs). Specific polymers including PBDT-BZ, PTBD-BZ, and PDTBDT-BZ with different macromolecular conformations are synthesized and then matched with four elaborately designed acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) SMAs with structures comparable to their donor counterparts. The resulting polymer solar cell performance trends are dramatically different from each other and highly material-dependent, and the active layer morphology is largely governed by polymer conformation. Because of its more linear backbone, the PTBD-BZ film has higher crystallinity and more ordered and denser π-π stacking than those of the PBDT-BZ and PDTBDT-BZ films. Thus, PTBD-BZ shows excellent compatibility with and strong independence on the SMAs with varied structures, and PTBD-BZ-based cells deliver high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10-12.5%, whereas low PCE is obtained by cells based on PDTBDT-BZ because of its zigzag conformation. Overall, this study reveals control of molecular conformation as a useful approach to modulate the photovoltaic properties of conjugated polymers.
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Cao X, Gu Y, Fu J, Vu TQC, Zhang Q, Liu L, Meng G, Yao Z, Wu H, Bao X, Zhang S, Wang X, Sun S, Zhou M, Jia Q, Song K, Wu Y, Niu K. Excessive daytime sleepiness with snoring or witnessed apnea is associated with handgrip strength: a population-based study. QJM 2019; 112:847-853. [PMID: 31297519 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcz178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is emerging as an important public health problem, and evidences have determined that poor sleep is associated with muscle strength, but the potential effects of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), snoring and witnessed apnea on handgrip strength have not been evaluated. AIM We aimed to examine the association between EDS, snoring, witnessed apnea and muscle strength in an adult population. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 19 434 adults. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. EDS was assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale, snoring and witnessed apnea during sleep were reported through simple yes/no questions. Analysis of covariance was carried out to determine the association between EDS with snoring or witnessed apnea and muscle strength. RESULTS The means (95% confidence interval) for average handgrip strength/body weight (kg/kg) across symptoms categories were 0.396 (0.333-0.472), 0.393 (0.330-0.467), 0.396 (0.333-0.471) and 0.386 (0.325-0.460) (P < 0.0001), respectively. Similar results were observed with maximal handgrip strength/body weight (kg/kg). CONCLUSIONS Self-reported EDS accompanied with snoring or apnea is associated with lowest handgrip strength, independently of confounding factors. Whether improvement of EDS, snoring and apnea, can ameliorate age-associated decline in muscle strength warrants further studies.
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Mehta S, Fiorelli R, Li J, Bao X, DeRogatis A, Pennington-Krygier C, Kim S, Sanai N. Phase 0 trial of ceritinib in brain metastases and recurrent glioblastoma. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz243.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Sanai N, Tien AC, Li J, Bao X, DeRogatis A, Fujita Y, Pennington-Krygier C, Kim S, Mehta S. A phase 0/II clinical trial of a CDK4/6 inhibitor in aggressive meningioma patients. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz243.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Tien A, Li J, Bao X, DeRogatis A, Fujita Y, Pennington-Krygier C, Kim S, Mehta S, Sanai N. OS8.1 A phase 0/2 clinical trial of a CDK4/6 inhibitor in aggressive meningioma patients. Neuro Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz126.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
New approaches are urgently needed for aggressive meningiomas, which remain largely incurable. Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) has been identified as a master transcription factor in aggressive meningiomas and Cyclin D-dependent Kinases (CDK) are positive regulators of cell-cycle entry, promoting tumorigenesis through FOXM1 activation. We evaluated the tumor pharmacokinetics (PK), tumor pharmacodynamics (PD), and preliminary clinical response of ribociclib, a selective CDK4/6-inhibitor, in aggressive meningioma patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Eight aggressive WHO Grade II/III meningioma patients with intact RB expression were enrolled and administered oral ribociclib daily (900mg) for 5 days prior to tumor resection. Plasma, tumor, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected at 2, 8, or 24 h after the last dose. Total and unbound drug concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. PD effects, including RB and FoxM1 phosphorylation, were compared to matched archival tissue. Patients with PK and PD responses in tumor tissue, defined as unbound ribociclib concentration > 5-fold in vitro IC50 (0.04µM) and >20% decrease in pRB levels, respectively, were enrolled into an exploratory Phase 2 cohort.
RESULTS
The median CSF concentration of ribociclib was 0.25 µM. In tumor tissue, the median unbound ribociclib concentration was 1.36 µM and the median unbound tumor-to-plasma ratio was 5.34. Suppression of G1-to-S phase was inferred in tumors with declining FoxM1 phosphorylation (50%), RB phosphorylation (38%), and cellular proliferation (75%). Four patients demonstrated concurrent PK and PD responses and were graduated to continuous ribociclib therapy. At one year, two of these patients (one Grade II and one Grade III) demonstrate partial responses per RANO criteria.
CONCLUSION
Ribociclib achieves pharmacologically-active concentrations in aggressive meningioma tissue. Target modulation was demonstrated by a decrease in FOXM1-mediated tumor proliferation. Further investigation of ribociclib as a therapeutic strategy for aggressive meningiomas is warranted.
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Fiorelli R, Li J, Bao X, DeRogatis A, Pennington-Krygier C, Kim S, Mehta S, Sanai N. OS4.2 Phase 0 trial of Ceritinib in brain metastasis and recurrent glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz126.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Ceritinib is an orally bioavailable, small molecule inhibitor for ALK/IGFR1/FAK, which are highly expressed in glioblastoma and brain metastases. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that ceritinib has activity in central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, but to date there is no direct evidence in patients. This study assessed the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of ceritinib in recurrent glioblastoma and brain metastasis patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three brain metastasis and seven glioblastoma patients with high expression of pSTAT5b/pFAK/pIGFR1 were enrolled and treated with oral ceritinib daily (750 mg) for 10 days prior to tumor resection. Plasma, tumor, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected at ~ 4 and 24 h following the last dose. Total and unbound drug concentrations were determined using LC-MS/MS. PD response was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of pALK, pFAK, pIGFR1, and pIRS1 staining in treated tumor and matched archival tissues.
RESULTS
Ceritinib was highly bound to human plasma protein (median fraction unbound (Fu), 1.4%) and to brain tumor tissue (median Fu, 0.073% and 0.14% in enhancing and non-enhancing regions respectively). There was a large interindividual variability in drug CNS penetration, with the median unbound concentrations in enhancing, non-enhancing, and CSF of 0.040, 0.006, and 0.012 µM, respectively. The median unbound tumor-to-plasma ratio was 2.44 and 0.33 in enhancing and non-enhancing areas, respectively. In one patient with brain metastasis, drug binding to enhancing tumor was significantly lower (Fu, 1.62%), resulting in a higher unbound drug tumor concentration and CSF concentration as compared to those in glioblastoma patients. In all patients, no changes in PD markers were detected.
CONCLUSION
Ceritinib is highly bound to plasma proteins and tumor tissues. Unbound drug concentrations achieved in brain metastasis and glioblastoma are unlikely sufficient for target modulation.
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Chen X, Lloyd S, Kweon J, Gamalong G, Bao X. 280 Transcription termination modulates human epidermal proliferation and differentiation. J Invest Dermatol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.07.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Hou M, Bao X, Luo F, Chen X, Liu L, Wu M. HMGA2 Modulates the TGFβ/Smad, TGFβ/ERK and Notch Signaling Pathways in Human Lens Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Curr Mol Med 2019; 18:71-82. [PMID: 29974827 DOI: 10.2174/1566524018666180705104844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Multiple signaling pathways coordinately promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lens epithelial cells (LECs), where transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-mediated signaling plays a central role. But the mechanism of crosstalk among these pathways remains obscure. The objective of this study is to investigate the regulatory effect of the high mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) on the signaling pathways in lens fibrosis. METHODS The human anterior capsulorhexis specimens were collected. The human SRA01/04 LEC line was cultured and treated with recombinant human TGFβ2 (5ng/ml). For inhibition of signaling pathways, a selective inhibitor SB431542, U0126 or DAPT was added to LECs respectively. The specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) were transfected to LECs for gene silence. The mRNAs expressions were measured by realtime PCR and the proteins expressions were determined by western blot and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS HMGA2 and EMT markers α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), fibronectin (FN) and collagen type I (Col I) were overexpressed in human ASC specimens and TGFβ2 stimulated EMT in LECs. While blockage of EMT by a selective inhibitor of TGFβ/Smad, TGFβ/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or Notch signaling pathway could significantly inhibited HMGA2 protein expression. And silence of HMGA2 by siRNA could significantly inhibit TGFβ2 induced expression of EMT markers including FN, Col I, collagen type IV (Col IV), key transcription factors Snail and Slug, and remarkably upregulate the epithelial markers E-cadherin and tight junction protein (ZO-1). In addition, silence of HMGA2 gene could abrogate TGFβ2 induced phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3 as well as ERK1/2. Blockage of HMGA2 could also inhibit the upregulation of Jagged1, Notch2, and Notch3 induced by TGFβ2. CONCLUSION This study indicated that HMGA2 functions as a shared effector in TGFβ2- induced lens fibrosis, modulating the signaling network necessary for EMT in a positive feedback loop.
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Dai Z, Yang A, Bao X, Yang R. Facile Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensing for Glucose Based on Cu 2O-BSA Nanoparticles Modified GCE. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E2824. [PMID: 31238594 PMCID: PMC6631518 DOI: 10.3390/s19122824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transition-metal nanomaterials are very important to non-enzymatic glucose sensing because of their excellent electrocatalytic ability, good selectivity, the fact that they are not easily interfered with by chloride ion (Cl-), and low cost. However, the linear detection range needs to be expanded. In this paper, Cu2O-bovine serum albumin (BSA) core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for the first time in air at room temperature by a facile and green route. The structure and morphology of Cu2O-BSA NPs were characterized. The as-prepared Cu2O-BSA NPs were used to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in a Nafion matrix. By using cyclic voltammetry (CV), the influence from scanning speed, concentration of NaOH, and load of Cu2O-BSA NPs for the modified electrodes was probed. Cu2O-BSA NPs showed direct electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of glucose in 50 mM NaOH solution at 0.6 V. The chronoamperometry result showed this constructing sensor in the detection of glucose with a lowest detection limit of 0.4 μM, a linear detection range up to 10 mM, a high sensitivity of 1144.81 μAmM-1cm-2 and reliable anti-interference property to Cl-, uric acid (UA), ascorbic acid (AA), and acetaminophen (AP). Cu2O-BSA NPs are promising nanostructures for the fabrication of non-enzymatic glucose electrochemical sensing devices.
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