SUPS

Abstract: Supercharged unfolded polypeptides (SUPs) are exploited for controlling ice nucleation via tuning the nature of charge and charge density of SUPs. The results show that positively charged SUPs facilitate ice nucleation, while negatively charged ones suppress it. Moreover, the charge density of the SUP backbone is another parameter to control it.

Abstract: Recombinant supercharged polypeptides (SUPs) with low cytotoxicity are developed and applied to rejuvenate the lubrication of naturally occurring salivary conditioning films (SCFs). SUPs with 72 positive charges adsorbed and rigidified the SCFs and recruited mucins to form a hydrated layer. These SCFs with SUPs have higher mechanical strength and sustain lubricating effect for longer duration compared with only SCFs.

Abstract: We disclose novel photovoltaic device physics and present details of device mechanisms by investigating perovskite solar cells (PSCs) incorporating Cu9S5@SiO2 supraparticles (SUPs) into Spiro-OMeTAD based hole transport layers (HTLs). High quality colloidal Cu9S5 nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared using a hot-injection approach. Multiple Cu9S5 NCs were further embedded in silica to construct a Cu9S5@SiO2 SUP. Cu9S5@SiO2 SUPs were blended into Spiro-OMeTAD based HTLs with different weight ratios. Theoretical and experimental results show that the very strong light scattering or reflecting properties of Cu9S5@SiO2 SUPs blended in the PSC device in a proper proportion distribute to increase the light energy trapped within the device, leading to significant enhancement of light absorption in the active layer. Additionally, the incorporated Cu9S5@SiO2 SUPs can also promote the electrical conductivity and hole-transport capacity of the HTL. Significantly larger conductivity and higher hole injection efficiency were demonstrated in the HTM with the optimal weight ratios of Cu9S5@SiO2 SUPs. As a result, efficient Cu9S5 SUPs based PSC devices were obtained with average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.21% at an optimal weight ratio of Cu9S5 SUPs. Compared with PSC solar cells without Cu9S5@SiO2 SUPs (of which the average PCE is 14.38%), a remarkable enhancement over 26% in average PCE was achieved. This study provides an innovative approach to efficiently promote the performance of PSC devices by employing optically stable, low-cost and green p-type semiconductor SUPs.

Abstract: T he question of sponsorship is a difficult one in medicine as it is in otherfields. The RoyalAustralasian College of Physicians has already grappled with this issue in exploring itsrelationship with the pharmaceutical industry' and is at present revising the guidelines. The Royal College of Physicians in England has also been examining therelationshipamong the College, individual physicians and the pharmaceutical industry. Sponsorshipcan take many forms, for instance, most medical journalsdepend, to a variable extent, uponsupport from the pharmaceutical industry through advertisements.The Medical Journal ofAustralia receivespartof its income from such advertisements which are subjected to close scrutiny beforepublication.As do our sister journals we try not to be influenced editorially by this income, but we recognize that the possibility exists. In this regard the most recent guidelines to be formulatedand implemented by theAustralianPharmaceutical ManufacturersAssociation\"are a great advance and should be applauded. Research sponsorship in Australia is available from a large number of sources, which have been reduced a little in the last year or two by thewithdrawalof the Life Insurance Medical Research Fund and the Australian Associated Brewers. At one end of the spectrum are the government agencies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council and theAustralianResearch Grants Scheme.At the other end of the spectrum are organizationsthat profit from products that damage health, such as the tobacco industry, which sponsors theAustralian Tobacco ResearchFoundation.The middle ground is held by commercialorganizationsthat are engaged primarily in making money from particular products rather than in the promotionof health. Market research has shown these companies that linking their products or their image to health and research is good for sales. Deciding where an individual or a group should stand in relationto the various forms of sponsorshipis a complexmatter.As the Editor of The New England Journal of Medicine observed:' One does not have to assumethat researchers are venal to appreciatethat they may be affected (consciously or unconsciously)by economicincentives,which caninfluencethe way they design orconducttheir studies,how they interpret the results, or how and when they chooseto report them. We have recently been exposed to a public THE MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA Vol. 144 June 9, 1986