Unveiling NiO/Perovskite Interfaces: Charge Transport and Device Performance in Perovskite Solar Cells.

NiO is a p-type semiconductor widely used as a hole transport material in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), yet the impact of fabrication methods on its interfacial properties and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study investigates how the fabrication process─nanoparticle precursor (NP NiO) and sputtering deposition (SP NiO)─and interfacial space charge effects influence charge transport and device performance in NiO/perovskite systems. SP NiO exhibits a higher Ni/Ni ratio and greater conductivity but induces significant hole depletion and band bending at the interface, leading to reduced open-circuit voltage and efficiency.

Pelota-mediated ribosome-associated quality control counteracts aging and age-associated pathologies across species.

Ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) is a pivotal biological process that governs the fidelity of messenger RNA (mRNA) homeostasis and protein synthesis. Defects in RQC are implicated in cellular dysfunction and proteotoxicity, but their impact on aging remains elusive. Here, we show that Pelota, the ribosome rescue factor, promotes longevity and protects against age-related pathological phenotypes in multiple metazoan species.

Roles of RNA modifications in aging and age-related diseases.

RNA modifications are key epigenetic alterations that play regulatory functions in RNA biology, including RNA stability and translation. Emerging evidence indicates that RNA modification is crucial for various physiological and pathological processes, including aging. This review describes functions of key RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), 2'-O-methylation (Nm), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, pseudouridylation (ψ), and N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), highlighting their roles in aging and age-associated diseases.

Unveiling the Importance of Lead Halide Perovskite Precursor Purity and Its Impact on Stability.

Perovskite precursor purity plays a crucial role in determining the characteristics and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This study systematically investigates the influence of precursor impurity levels on the material properties and device performance. High-purity precursors enhance grain growth and suppress the intermediate phase formation.

Neurotoxic effects of citronellol induced by the conversion of kynurenine to 3-hydroxykynurenine.

Citronellol is widely utilized in consumer products, including cosmetics, fragrances, and household items. However, despite being considered a relatively safe chemical, the health effects and toxicity mechanisms associated with exposure to high concentrations of citronellol, based on product content, remain inadequately understood. Here, we aimed to analyze the neurological effects of citronellol in zebrafish larvae using behavioral and histological analyses and elucidate the mechanisms underlying its neurotoxicity in vivo.

Fast and easy detection of hypochlorite by a smartphone-based fluorescent turn-on probe: Applications to water samples, zebrafish and plant imaging.

We have developed a fluorescent probe DBT-Cl ((E)-2-(2-(4-(diphenylamino)benzylidene) hydrazinyl)-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxoethan-1-aminium chloride) for ClO with an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) strategy depending on solvent polarity. DBT-Cl possessed a prominent solvatochromic emission property with intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) from the TPA (triphenylamine) to the amide group, which was studied by spectroscopic analysis and DFT calculations. These unique AIE properties of DBT-Cl led to the recognition of ClO with high fluorescent selectivity.

A colorimetric/ratiometric chemosensor based on an aggregation-induced emission strategy for tracing hypochlorite in vitro and in vivo.

Excessive levels of hypochlorite (ClO) negatively affect environmental and biological systems. Thus, it is essential to develop sensors that can identify ClO in various systems such as the environment and living organisms. In this study, we report the development and evaluation of a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) strategy-based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor 2,2'-(((1E,1'E)-[2,2'-bithiophene]- 5,5'-diylbis(methanylylidene))bis(hydrazin-1-yl-2-ylidene))bis(N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxoethan-1-aminium) chloride (BMH-2∙Cl) for detecting ClO.

The effects of dyes and bleaches on the sorption and desorption of trace elements in human hair.

Trace element concentrations and isotope ratios of hair reflect the blood levels at the time of hair formation, but can be affected by external factors such as dyeing, bleaching, and bathing. To investigate the effect of dyeing, bleaching, and bathing on hair, hair was immersed in tap water, and changes in trace element concentrations and the Sr isotope ratio were observed over time. During soaking, alkaline earth metals (Ca, Mg, and Sr) from tap water were gradually absorbed into the hair over time.

Spatial distributions of strontium isotope ratios in human hair and tap water from South Korea.

Natural variations of Sr/Sr ratios in biological samples, such as human hair, provide a biological record of provenance. Spatial distribution maps reflecting heterogeneity in isotopic signatures across large geographical regions are helpful for discerning the provenance and mobility of organisms. In this national-scale study conducted across South Korea, we investigated the spatial distribution patterns of Sr/Sr ratios in human hair and tap water samples to determine their spatial variabilities and the relationships of isotopic signatures between hair and tap water.

Dietary homogenization and spatial distributions of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios in human hair in South Korea.

Dietary homogenization has progressed worldwide due to westernization and the globalization of food production systems. We investigated dietary heterogeneity in South Korea by examining the spatial distribution of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) isotope ratios using 264 human hair samples. Overall, variation in isotope values was small, indicating low dietary heterogeneity.

Stereoselective Formal Hydroamidation of Si-Substituted Arylacetylenes with DIBAL-H and Isocyanates: Synthesis of ()- and ()-α-Silyl-α,β-unsaturated Amides.

An efficient and stereoselective method for the synthesis of ()- and ()-α-silyl-α,β-unsaturated amides and its synthetic applications are presented herein. The solvent-controlled hydroaluminations of Si-substituted alkynes with DIBAL-H generate diastereomerically enriched alkenylaluminum reagents that are directly reacted with isocyanates at ambient temperature to afford α-silyl-α,β-unsaturated amides in high yields with retained stereoselectivity. In particular, this process enables the synthesis of a broad range of ()-α-silyl-α,β-unsaturated amides, which are the less studied isomers.

Anti-Bacterial Effect of CpG-DNA Involves Enhancement of the Complement Systems.

CpG-DNA activates the host immune system to resist bacterial infections. In this study, we examined the protective effect of CpG-DNA in mice against () K1 infection. Administration of CpG-DNA increased the survival of mice after K1 infection, which reduces the numbers of bacteria in the organs.

Peritoneal Cells Mediate Immune Responses and Cross-Protection Against Influenza A Virus.

Intraperitoneal inoculation with live influenza A virus confers protection against intranasal infections in mice and ferrets. However, the responses of peritoneal cells to influenza A virus have not been investigated. Here we show that intraperitoneal inoculation with A/WSN/1933 (H1N1) virus induced virus-reactive IgG production in the peritoneal cavity in mice.

Copper-Catalyzed Propargylic Reduction with Diisobutylaluminum Hydride.

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of allenes through selective copper-catalyzed hydride addition to propargylic chlorides using commercially available diisobutylaluminum hydride has been developed. This transformation, which is promoted by a readily accessible N-heterocyclic carbene-copper complex, provides a wide range of new and versatile functionalized allenes in good to excellent yields with high regio- and stereoselectivities.

The evaluation of cost-of-illness due to use of cost-of-illness-based chemicals.

Objectives: This study is conducted to estimate the cost paid by the public suffering from disease possibly caused by chemical and to examine the effect on public health.

Methods: Cost-benefit analysis is an important factor in analysis and decision-making and is an important policy decision tool in many countries. Cost-of-illness (COI), a kind of scale-based analysis method, estimates the potential value lost as a result of illness as a monetary unit and calculates the cost in terms of direct, indirect and psychological costs.

Value of a statistical life estimation of carcinogenic chemicals for socioeconomic analysis in Korea.

Objectives: To protect public health from risk, the Minister of Environment in Korea legislated an act concerning the registration and evaluation of chemical substances. In this study, we estimated the value of a statistical life (VSL) of carcinogenic chemicals to evaluate the socioeconomic analysis in Korea.

Methods: The estimation of the health benefit can be calculated through an individual's VSL and willingness to pay (WTP).