We developed a novel interface engineering strategy for highly stable and efficient SnO2-based planar-perovskite solar cells.

A dopant–free polymeric hole transport material (HTM), RCP, based on benzo[1,2-b:4,5:b′]dithiophene and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole exhibited a high efficiency of 17.3% in a perovskite solar cell and maintained its initial efficiency for over 1400 hours.

BackgroundScrub typhus is a mite-borne febrile disease caused by O. tsutsugamushi infection. Recently, emergence of scrub typhus has attracted considerable attention in several endemic countries in Asia and the western Pacific. In addition, the antigenic diversity of the intracellular pathogen has been a serious obstacle for developing effective diagnostics and vaccine.Methodology/Principal findingsTo understand the evolutionary pathway of genotypic diversification of O. tsutsugamushi and the environmental factors associated with the epidemiological features of scrub typhus, we analyzed sequence data, including spatiotemporal information, of the tsa56 gene encoding a major outer membrane protein responsible for antigenic variation. A total of 324 tsa56 sequences covering more than 85% of its open reading frame were analyzed and classified into 17 genotypes based on phylogenetic relationship. Extensive sequence analysis of tsa56 genes using diverse informatics tools revealed multiple intragenic recombination events, as well as a substantially higher mutation rate than other house-keeping genes. This suggests that genetic diversification occurred via frequent point mutations and subsequent genetic recombination. Interestingly, more diverse bacterial genotypes and dominant vector species prevail in Taiwan compared to other endemic regions. Furthermore, the co-presence of identical and sub-identical clones of tsa56 gene in geographically distant areas implies potential spread of O. tsutsugamushi genotypes.Conclusions/SignificanceFluctuation and diversification of vector species harboring O. tsutsugamushi in local endemic areas may facilitate genetic recombination among diverse genotypes. Therefore, careful monitoring of dominant vector species, as well as the prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi genotypes may be advisable to enable proper anticipation of epidemiological changes of scrub typhus.

Although perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted enormous attention owing to their fascinating optoelectronic properties and solution processability, defects in PSCs, which adversely affect efficiency and stability, are still not completely resolved. Herein, a novel indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐based small molecule (SM) additive (IDTT‐ThCz), capable of interacting with perovskite layers, is developed. In particular, the IDTT‐ThCz, which can perform a surface passivation, is introduced into the perovskite layer to significantly suppress perovskite defects via antisolvent treatment. Furthermore, this facile surface passivation not only significantly improves the charge extraction capability, but also prevents perovskite degradation. The IDTT‐ThCz‐treated PSCs exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.5% and retains 95% of its initial PCE after 500 h storage under thermal condition (85 °C), representing the most remarkable efficiency as well as stability among the SM additives reported to date.

Orientia tsutsugamushi infection can cause acute lung injury and high mortality in humans; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we tested a hypothesis that dysregulated pulmonary inflammation and Tie2-mediated endothelial malfunction contribute to lung damage. Using a murine model of lethal O. tsutsugamushi infection, we demonstrated pathological characteristics of vascular activation and tissue damage: 1) a significant increase of ICAM-1 and angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) proteins in inflamed tissues and lung-derived endothelial cells (EC), 2) a progressive loss of endothelial quiescent and junction proteins (Ang1, VE-cadherin/CD144, occuludin), and 3) a profound impairment of Tie2 receptor at the transcriptional and functional levels. In vitro infection of primary human EC cultures and serum Ang2 proteins in scrub typhus patients support our animal studies, implying endothelial dysfunction in severe scrub typhus. Flow cytometric analyses of lung-recovered cells further revealed that pulmonary macrophages (MΦ) were polarized toward an M1-like phenotype (CD80 + CD64 + CD11b + Ly6G-) during the onset of disease and prior to host death, which correlated with the significant loss of CD31 + CD45-ECs and M2-like (CD206 + CD64 + CD11b + Ly6G-) cells. In vitro studies indicated extensive bacterial replication in M2-type, but not M1-type, MΦs, implying the protective and pathogenic roles of M1-skewed responses. This is the first detailed investigation of lung cellular PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES