A simple approach for the fabrication of perovskite solar cells in air

Vacuum-vapor assisted solution processing has been investigated as a simple and low cost method for preparing perovskite solar cells without a glove box. The devices were prepared in ambient air without using a high vacuum or an inert atmosphere. A maximum efficiency of 12.7% for planar perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) devices was obtained. The perovskite films could be stored in air (20 degrees C, similar to 50% humidity) for up to 14 days without discoloration or the appearance of crystalline lead iodide in the films. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Continuous low temperature synthesis of MAPbX<inf>3</inf> perovskite nanocrystals in a flow reactor

Perovskite nanocrystals prepared at room temperature using a simple flow reactor.</p

NGF-TrkA signaling dictates neural ingrowth and aberrant osteochondral differentiation after soft tissue trauma

Pain is a central feature of soft tissue trauma, which under certain contexts, results in aberrant osteochondral differentiation of tissue-specific stem cells. Here, the role of sensory nerve fibers in this abnormal cell fate decision is investigated using a severe extremity injury model in mice. Soft tissue trauma results in NGF (Nerve growth factor) expression, particularly within perivascular cell types. Consequently, NGF-responsive axonal invasion occurs which precedes osteocartilaginous differentiation. Surgical denervation impedes axonal ingrowth, with significant delays in cartilage and bone formation. Likewise, either deletion of Ngf or two complementary methods to inhibit its receptor TrkA (Tropomyosin receptor kinase A) lead to similar delays in axonal invasion and osteochondral differentiation. Mechanistically, single-cell sequencing suggests a shift from TGFβ to FGF signaling activation among pre-chondrogenic cells after denervation. Finally, analysis of human pathologic specimens and databases confirms the relevance of NGF-TrkA signaling in human disease. In sum, NGF-mediated TrkA-expressing axonal ingrowth drives abnormal osteochondral differentiation after soft tissue trauma. NGF-TrkA signaling inhibition may have dual therapeutic use in soft tissue trauma, both as an analgesic and negative regulator of aberrant stem cell differentiation