Bridging Effects of Sulfur Anions at Titanium Oxide and Perovskite Interfaces on Interfacial Defect Passivation and Performance Enhancement of Perovskite Solar Cells.

Interfacial defects at the electron transport layer (ETL) and perovskite (PVK) interface are critical to the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stabilities of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) via significantly affecting the quality of both interface contacts and PVK layers. Here, we demonstrate a simple ionic bond passivation method, employing NaS solution treatment of the surface of titanium dioxide (TiO) layers, to effectively passivate the traps at the TiO/Cs(MAFA)Pb(BrI) PVK interface and enhance the performance of PSCs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and other characterizations show that the NaS treatment introduced S ions at the TiO/PVK interface, where S ions effectively bridged the TiO ETL and the PVK layer via forming chemical bonds with Ti atoms and with uncoordinated Pb atoms and resulted in the reduced defect density and improved the crystallinity of PVK layers.

Predatory Ability of (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) for Suppression of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The lepidopteran pest, (JE Smith), spread rapidly after its first detection in China and has caused significant yield loss to maize production in the southwestern part of the country. Although natural enemies of are present in the field, biological control using naturally distributed predators is ineffective because their underlying populations are too low. To enhance our understanding of the potential role of natural enemies in regulating this invasive pest, functional response experiments were conducted to quantify the response of two predators, (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), in terms of consumption of .

High-Performance Perovskite Betavoltaics Employing High-Crystallinity MAPbBr Films.

Long-life and self-powered betavoltaic batteries are extremely attractive for many fields that require a long-term power supply, such as space exploration, polar exploration, and implantable medical technology. Organic lead halide perovskites are great potential candidate materials for betavoltaic batteries due to the large attenuation coefficient and the long carrier diffusion length, which guarantee the scale match between the penetration depth of β particles and the carrier diffusion length. However, the performance of perovskite betavoltaics is limited by the fabrication process of the thick and high-crystallinity perovskite film.

Superhydrophobic and Recyclable Cellulose-Fiber-Based Composites for High-Efficiency Passive Radiative Cooling.

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) involves cooling down an object by simultaneously reflecting sunlight and thermally radiating heat to the cold outer space through the Earth's atmospheric window. However, for practical applications, current PDRC materials are facing unprecedented challenges such as complicated and expensive fabrication approaches and performance degradation arising from surface contamination. Herein, we develop scalable cellulose-fiber-based composites with excellent self-cleaning and self-cooling capabilities, through air-spraying ethanolic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) microparticle suspensions embedded partially within the microsized pores of the cellulose fiber to form a dual-layered structure with PTFE particles atop the paper.

Stabilizing LiNi Co Mn O Cathode by Doping Sulfate for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Residual sulfate (SO ) in precursor Ni Co Mn (OH) (pre-NCM) is commonly regarded as being harmful to Li[Ni Co Mn ]O (NCM) performance, leading to significant performance losses and also hampering the electrode fabrication. Therefore, manufacturers try their best to lower sulfate contents in pre-NCM. However, how the sulfate affects the cathode materials is not systematically studied.

Universal LNA Probe-Mediated Multiplex Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction for Ultrasensitive and Accurate Quantitative Analysis of Genetically Modified Organisms.

Multiplex and high-throughput assays are becoming the main trends in the development of new nucleic acid detection and quantification methods, such as those for genetically modified organism (GMO) analysis. Here, we report a novel universal LNA probe-mediated droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method (ULNA-ddPCR) for multiple DNA target quantification in GMOs. In ULNA-ddPCR, only one universal LNA probe is used for multiple DNA targets instead of using one to one TaqMan probe.

Development of Genomic DNA Certified Reference Materials for Genetically Modified Rice Kefeng 6.

The application of certified reference materials (CRMs) to genetically modified organism (GMO) detection is essential for guaranteeing the accuracy, comparability, and traceability of quantitative results over time and among laboratories. Clean leaves from GM rice Kefeng 6 were used as raw materials to develop a batch of genomic DNA (gDNA) CRMs. The optimized KF6/ duplex digital PCR was used for collaborative characterization of Kefeng 6 gDNA CRMs by eight qualified laboratories; this batch of gDNA CRMs was certified for two property values, namely, copy number ratio and copy number concentration, which were 1.

SnO-SnO heterostructural gas sensor with high response and selectivity to parts-per-billion-level NO at low operating temperature.

Considering the harmfulness of nitrogen dioxide (NO), it is important to develop NO sensors with high responses and low limits of detection. In this study, we synthesize a novel SnO-SnO heterostructure through a one-step solvothermal method, which is used for the first time as an NO sensor. The material exhibits three-dimensional flower-like microparticles assembled by two-dimensional nanosheets, -formed SnO-SnO heterostructures, and large specific surface area.

Development of a certified genomic DNA reference material for detection and quantification of genetically modified rice KMD.

Qualitative and quantitative detection of genetically modified products is inseparable from the application of reference materials (RMs). In this study, a batch of genomic DNA (gDNA) certified reference materials (CRMs) was developed using genetically modified rice Kemingdao (KMD) homozygotes as the raw material. The gDNA CRMs in this batch showed good homogeneity; the minimum sample intake was determined to be 2 μL.

Joint effects of cadmium and copper on Apis mellifera forgers and larvae.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are important ecological and agricultural resources. They are among the most widely available pollinators and provide products as well as services.

Mini-Disk Capillary Array Coupling with LAMP for Visual Detection of Multiple Nucleic Acids using Genetically Modified Organism Analysis as an Example.

Convenient, portable, and low-cost multiplex nucleic acid testing (NAT) systems are the trends in the fields of food safety, environmental microorganisms, molecular diagnosis, etc. In this study, we developed a novel system for visual monitoring of multiple nucleic acids combining a mini-disk capillary array (diameter = 17 mm, embedded with 6-10 capillaries), visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and quick DNA extraction called mDC-LAMP. The performance and applicability of mDC-LAMP in testing multiple nucleic acids were evaluated and verified employing genetically modified contents analysis as an example.

Comprehensive analysis of the molecular characterization of GM rice G6H1 using a paired-end sequencing approach.

Molecular characterization of exogenous DNA integrations in host genome is a key aspect in risk assessment of bioengineered crops. However, gaining a clear understanding of the molecular characters of a bioengineered crop using conventional techniques remains a challenging task. Herein, we report the full molecular characterization of one new transgenic rice event G6H1 via a paired-end sequencing approach and bioinformatics analysis pipelines.

Crack growth-driven wettability transition on carbon black/polybutadiene nanocomposite coatings via stretching.

Ordered topography patterns with a mechanical response are usually designed to achieve wettability switching by geometric parameter changes through mechanical stimuli. However, their fabrication often needs expensive and complicated micro/nano-fabrication processing (e.g.

Fengycin Produced by FZB42 Inhibits Growth and Mycotoxins Biosynthesis.

is a notorious pathogen that causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereal crops. It produces secondary metabolites, such as deoxynivalenol, diminishing grain quality and leading to lesser crop yield. Many strategies have been developed to combat this pathogenic fungus; however, considering the lack of resistant cultivars and likelihood of environmental hazards upon using chemical pesticides, efforts have shifted toward the biocontrol of plant diseases, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach.

Target SSR-Seq: A Novel SSR Genotyping Technology Associate With Perfect SSRs in Genetic Analysis of Cucumber Varieties.

Simple sequence repeats (SSR) - also known as microsatellites - have been used extensively in genetic analysis, fine mapping, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, as well as marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding and other techniques. Despite a plethora of studies reporting that perfect SSRs with stable motifs and flanking sequences are more efficient for genetic research, the lack of a high throughput technology for SSR genotyping has limited their use as genetic targets in many crops. In this study, we developed a technology called Target SSR-seq that combined the multiplexed amplification of perfect SSRs with high throughput sequencing.

Mesh-Like Carbon Nanosheets with High-Level Nitrogen Doping for High-Energy Dual-Carbon Lithium-Ion Capacitors.

Li-ion capacitors (LICs) have demonstrated great potential for bridging the gap between lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors in electrochemical energy storage area. The main challenge for current LICs (contain a battery-type anode as well as a capacitor-type cathode) lies in circumventing the mismatched electrode kinetics and cycle degradation. Herein, a mesh-like nitrogen (N)-doped carbon nanosheets with multiscale pore structure is adopted as both cathode and anode for a dual-carbon type of symmetric LICs to alleviate the above mentioned problems via a facile and green synthesis approach.

Sampling for DUS Test of Flower Colors of L. in View of Spatial and Temporal Changes of Flower Colorations, Anthocyanin Contents, and Gene Expression Levels.

Sampling for DUS test of flower colors should be fixed at the stages and sites that petals are fully colored, and besides, flower colorations are uniform among individuals and stable for a period of time to allow testers to get consistent results. It remains a problem since spatial and temporal flower colorations are reported a lot but their change traits are little discussed. In this study, expression state, uniformity and stability of color phenotypes, anthocyanin contents, and gene expression levels were taken into account based on measurements at 12 development stages and three layers (inner, middle, and outer petals) of two varieties of L.

Development and strategy of reference materials for the DNA-based detection of genetically modified organisms.

The enforcement of GMO labeling regulations requires validated analytical methods and certified reference materials (CRMs). The early labeling regulations stipulated that the GMO content should be expressed as percentage, but did not specify what unit this percentage referred to. Two reference systems, using mass fraction and copy number ratio as measurement units, individually, are established for GMO analysis using different metrological traceability chains.

Design of a 3D-Porous Structure with Residual Carbon for High-Performance Ni-Rich Cathode Materials.

Recently, LiNiCoMnO has drawn much attention because of its high energy density. Here, 3D-porous LiNiCoMnO and the one with residual carbon have been synthesized using a resorcinol-formaldehyde-assisted sol-gel approach. Scanning electron microscopy images verify that the synthesized LiNiCoMnO possesses a 3D-porous morphology.

Silver-nanoparticles-loaded chitosan foam as a flexible SERS substrate for active collecting analytes from both solid surface and solution.

Here, we report a dual-use surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on a flexible three-dimensional (3D) chitosan foam, onto which silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are firmly immobilized through amino groups from chitosan chains. The SERS substrate can actively collect analytes either on solid surface by swabbing or in solution by adsorption. The compressible characteristic of chitosan foam enables easy removal of solvent through gentle pressing, which can achieve fast pre-concentrating of analytes before measurements.

Diversity in flower colorations of Ranunculus asiaticus L. revealed by anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in view of gene composition, gene expression patterns, and color phenotype.

Anthocyanin biosynthesis is one of the best studied secondary metabolisms. However, related pathways were generally concluded based on anthocyanin components; most studies focused on the backbone forming of anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, and pelargonidin) of model or commercial plants, while anthocyanin modification was less discussed, and non-model plants with abundant colorations were less researched either. Ranunculus asiaticus L.

A 2-year field trial reveals no significant effects of GM high-methionine soybean on the rhizosphere bacterial communities.

Genetically modified (GM) crops have brought various economic benefits but may also have adversely affected soil microorganisms. To examine whether transgenic high-methionine soybean ZD91 alters the bacterial community structure in the rhizosphere, we performed a 2-year follow-up study using the transgenic high-methionine soybean cultivar ZD91 and wild type cultivar ZD. The community composition and the relative abundance of bacteria in rhizosphere soil were determined by sequencing of the 16S rRNA amplicon.

Development and Interlaboratories Validation of Event-Specific Quantitative Real-Time PCR Method for Genetically Modified Rice G6H1 Event.

The transgenic rice G6H1 was a new event with the traits of herbicide-tolerance and insect-resistant. Herein, we developed one event-specific real-time PCR method with high specificity and sensitivity for G6H1 event quantitative analysis, and validated its performance on practical samples quantification through a collaborative ring trial. A total of eight laboratories participated in this validation and quantified three blind G6H1 powder samples including DNA extraction and real-time PCR analysis.

Transcriptomics Investigation into the Mechanisms of Self-Incompatibility between Pin and Thrum Morphs of .

Heteromorphic self-incompatibility (SI) is an important system for preventing inbreeding in the genus . However, investigations into the molecular mechanisms of SI are lacking. To explore the mechanisms of SI in , the pollen germination and fruiting rates of self- and cross-pollinations between pin and thrum morphs were investigated, and transcriptomics analyses of the pistils after pollination were performed to assess gene expression patterns in pin and thrum SI.

Defects and impurities induced structural and electronic changes in pyrite CoS: first principles studies.

Cobalt pyrite (CoS2) and related materials are attracting much attention due to their potential use in renewable energy applications. In this work, first-principles studies were performed to investigate the effects of various neutral defects and ion dopants on the structural, energetic, magnetic and electronic properties of the bulk CoS2. Our theoretical results show that the concentrations of single cobalt (VCo) and sulfur (VS) vacancies in CoS2 samples can be high under S-rich and S-poor conditions, respectively.