bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The thermal stability and consolidation of perovskite variant Cs2SnCl6 using spark plasma sintering
Authors: Scott Spencer M. , Zhu Weiguang , Yao Tiankai , Vienna John D. , Ewing Rodney C. , Lian Jie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDefect perovskites, a category of air and moisture stable perovskite molecular salts, have gained attention for photovoltaics in the search of alternatives to the organic lead‐based photovoltaics which show exceptional photovoltaic performance but suffer significant environmental instability and toxicity of Pb. Defect perovskites also have exceptional structural flexibility and diverse crystal chemistry, and thus, display potentials as host phases for incorporating high amounts of halides such as iodine and chorine. In this study, pure Cs2SnCl6, a lead‐free defect perovskite variant, was synthesized through a solution‐based route that produced particles ranging from 200 to 500 nm. The thermal stability of the as‐synthesized Cs2SnCl6 powders was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), demonstrating stability up to 615°C, above which a phase decomposition occurs leading to the loss of constituent component of SnCl4. Consolidation of Cs2SnCl6 into dense pellets (≥94% theoretical density) was achieved via spark plasma sintering (SPS) at a low sintering temperature of 350°C. X‐ray diffraction confirms no phase decomposition in the SPS‐densified perovskite pellets as a result of rapid consolidation of the SPS sintering at a short duration and lower temperature, and the TGA analysis suggest a comparable thermal stability up to 627°C for the densified pellet, slightly better than the as‐synthesized powders. The thermal diffusivity of Cs2SnCl6 at room temperature was determined as 0.388 mm2·s−1 by laser flash measurement. This work further discussed the potential applications of the SPS‐densified Cs2SnCl6 beyond perovskite photovoltaics, introducing potential nuclear separations and waste forms for chlorine.
Improving the NIR light‐harvesting of perovskite solar cell with upconversion fluorotellurite glass
Authors: Tang Jianfeng , Zhang Yu , Zheng Guobin , Gou Jie , Wu Fei 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUpconversion glasses are capable of converting the sub‐bandgap NIR light into photons of a particular wavelength which can be efficiently utilized by solar cells. Herein, the Yb3+/Er3+ co‐doped fluorotellurite upconversion glasses were prepared. The most intense upconversion luminescence (UCL) under 980‐nm LD excitation was obtained in the glass with Yb3+‐to‐Er3+ molar ratio of 10:1. The dependences of UCL on the pump power and temperature were investigated. The UCL can be mainly attributed to the two‐photon involved energy transfer processes and is very stable to the change in temperature even when heated up to 200°C. The subsequent implementation of the glass as upconverter for a MAPbI3‐xClx‐based perovskite solar cell (PSC) resulted in an open circuit voltage of 0.83 V and a short circuit current density of 0.32 mA/cm2. This application of upconversion glass for enhancing the NIR light harvesting offers a promising way to improve the photo‐electric conversion efficiencies of PSCs.
In situ Raman spectroscopy of pressure‐induced phase transformations in polycrystalline TbPO4, DyPO4, and GdxDy(1−x)PO4
Authors: Musselman Matthew A. , Wilkinson Taylor M. , Haberl Bianca , Packard Corinne E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractXenotime DyPO4 and GdxDy(1−x)PO4 (x = 0.4, 0.5, 0.6) (tetragonal I41amd zircon structure) have been studied at ambient temperature under high pressures inside a diamond anvil cell with in situ Raman spectroscopy. The typical Raman‐active modes of the xenotime structure were observed at low pressures and the appearance of new Raman peaks at higher pressures indicated a phase transformation to a lower symmetry structure—likely monoclinic. Raman mode softening was observed, resulting in a line crossing at approximately 7‐8 GPa for each material and preceding the phase transformation. The onset of phase transformation for DyPO4 occurred at a pressure of 15.3 GPa. DyPO4 underwent a reversible phase transformation and returned to the xenotime phase after decompression. The transformation pressures of the solid solutions (GdxDy(1−x)PO4) were in the range 10‐12 GPa. The GdxDy(1−x)PO4 solid solutions yielded partially reversible phase transformations, retaining some of the high‐pressure phase spectrum while reforming xenotime peaks during decompression. The substitution of Gd into DyPO4 decreased the transformation pressure relative to pure DyPO4. The ability to modify the phase transformation pressures of xenotime rare‐earth orthophosphates by chemical variations of solid solutions may provide additional methods to improve the performance of ceramic matrix composites.
Measurement of O and Ti atom displacements in TiO2 during flash sintering experiments
Authors: Yoon Bola , Yadav Devinder , Raj Rishi , Sortino Emanuele , Ghose Sanjit , Sarin Pankaj , Shoemaker Daniel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn‐situ flash experiments on rutile TiO2 were performed at the synchrotron at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Pair distribution function analysis of total X‐ray scattering measurements yielded mean‐square atomic displacements of oxygen and titanium atoms during the progression of the 3 stages of flash. The displacements are measured to be far greater for oxygen atoms than for titanium atoms. These large displacements may signal an “elastic softening” of the lattice, which, recently, has been predicted as a precursor to the onset of flash.
Competition between densification and microstructure development during spark plasma sintering of B4C–Eu2O3
Authors: Sairam Kannan , Vishwanadh Bathula , Sonber Jitendra K. , Murthy Tammana S. R. Ch. , Majumdar Sanjib , Mahata Tarasankar , Basu Bikramjit 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe densification of nonoxide ceramics has been a known challenge in the field of engineering ceramics. The amount and type of sinter‐aid together with sintering conditions significantly influence the densification behavior and microstructure in nonoxide ceramics. In this perspective, the present work reports the use of Eu2O3 sinter‐aid and spark plasma sintering towards the densification of B4C. The densification is largely influenced by the solid‐state sintering reactions during heating to 1900°C. Based on the careful analysis of the heat‐treated powder mixture (B4C–Eu2O3) and sintered compacts, the competitive reaction pathways are proposed to rationalize the formation of EuB6 as dominant microstructural phase. An array of distinctive morphological features, including intragranular and intergranular EuB6 phase as well as characteristic defect structures (asymmetric twins, stacking faults and threaded dislocations) are observed within dense B4C matrix. An attempt has been made to explain the competition between microstructure development and densification.
Impact of in‐hospital blood pressure variability on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Hassan Ayman Khairy Mohamed , Abd–El Rahman Hatem , Mohsen Kerolos , Dimitry Salwa R. 
Published: December 2017

To evaluate the impact of blood pressure variability (BPV) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome, short‐term BPV was estimated by using weighted standard deviation of 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring readings. The primary outcome was in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Overall, 200 patients (mean age, 58.6 years; 27.5% women; 38% with diabetes mellitus; and 47% smokers) were divided into low and high BPV groups based on the median value (9.45). Patients in the high BPV group were more likely to have in‐hospital MACE compared with patients with low BPV (47% vs 27%, P = .003). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis of incidence of MACE showed that BPV (odds ratio, 2.4; confidence interval, 1.2–4.5 [P = .008]) and presence of type II diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.6; confidence interval, 1.2–5.3 [P = .008]) were the only independent predictors of in‐hospital MACE derived mainly by hypertensive emergencies. BPV could be an important risk factor for in‐hospital MACE in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Comparison of morning vs bedtime administration of the combination of valsartan/amlodipine on nocturnal brachial and central blood pressure in patients with hypertension
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Hoshide Satoshi , Yano Yuichiro , Kanegae Hiroshi , Kario Kazuomi 
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of morning and bedtime administration of valsartan/amlodipine combination therapy (80/5 mg) on nocturnal brachial and central blood pressure (BP) measured by ambulatory BP monitoring in patients with hypertension. This was a 16‐week prospective, multicenter, randomized, open‐label, crossover, noninferiority clinical trial. Patients underwent 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring at randomization, at switching, and at the end of the study. Twenty‐three patients (mean age, 68.0 years) were studied. The difference in nocturnal brachial systolic BP between the morning and bedtime administrations of combination valsartan/amlodipine was −3.2 mm Hg, and the two‐sided 95% confidence interval ranged from −6.8 to 0.4 mm Hg. The difference in nocturnal central systolic BP was −4.0 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, −7.6 to −0.4 mm Hg). The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval was below the margin of 3.0 mm Hg in both nocturnal brachial and central systolic BP, confirming the noninferiority of morning administration to the bedtime administration of valsartan/amlodipine combination therapy.
Children with atopic dermatitis may have unacknowledged contact allergies contributing to their skin symptoms
Authors: Simonsen A.B. , Johansen J.D. , Deleuran M. , Mortz C.G. , Skov L. , Sommerlund M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundWhether children with atopic dermatitis have an altered risk of contact allergy than children without atopic dermatitis is frequently debated and studies have been conflicting. Theoretically, the impaired skin barrier in atopic dermatitis (AD) facilitates the penetration of potential allergens and several authors have highlighted the risk of underestimating and overlooking contact allergy in children with atopic dermatitis.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of contact allergy in Danish children with atopic dermatitis and explore the problem of unacknowledged allergies maintaining or aggravating the skin symptoms.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 100 children and adolescents aged 5–17 years with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis were patch tested with a paediatric series of 31 allergens.ResultsThirty per cent of the children had at least one positive patch test reaction, and 17% had at least one contact allergy that was relevant to the current skin symptoms. The risk of contact allergy was significantly correlated to the severity of atopic dermatitis. Metals and components of topical skincare products were the most frequent sensitizers.ConclusionPatch testing is relevant as a screening tool in the management of children with atopic dermatitis as they may have unacknowledged contact allergies contributing to or maintaining their skin symptoms. Children with atopic dermatitis seem to be at greater risk of sensitization to certain allergens including metals and components of skincare products.
Safety and efficacy of apremilast through 104 weeks in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who continued on apremilast or switched from etanercept treatment: findings from the LIBERATE study
Authors: Reich K. , Gooderham M. , Bewley A. , Green L. , Soung J. , Petric R. , Marcsisin J. , Cirulli J. , Chen R. , Piguet V. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundApremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.ObjectiveTo evaluate long‐term efficacy and safety of apremilast in biologic‐naive patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and safety of switching from etanercept to apremilast in the phase 3b LIBERATE trial.MethodsTwo hundred fifty patients were randomized to placebo, apremilast 30 mg BID or etanercept 50 mg QW through Week 16; thereafter, all patients continued or switched to apremilast through Week 104 (extension phase). Skin, scalp and nail involvement at Weeks 16, 52 and 104 were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI; 0–72), Scalp Physician Global Assessment (ScPGA; 0–5) and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI; 0–8); patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; 0–32) and pruritus visual analog scale (VAS; 0–100 mm).ResultsThe apremilast‐extension phase (Weeks 16–104) included 226 patients in the placebo/apremilast (n = 73), apremilast/apremilast (n = 74) and etanercept/apremilast (n = 79) groups, and at Week 104, 50.7%, 45.9% and 51.9% of these patients, respectively, maintained ≥75% reduction from baseline in PASI score (based on last‐observation‐carried‐forward analysis). Across treatment groups, ScPGA 0 (clear) or 1 (minimal) was achieved by 50.0%–59.2% of patients; NAPSI mean change from baseline was −48.1% to −51.1%; DLQI score ≤5 was achieved by 66.0%–72.5% of patients; and pruritus VAS mean change from baseline was −24.4 to −32.3. AEs in ≥5% of patients (diarrhoea, nausea, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection and headache) did not increase with prolonged apremilast exposure.ConclusionsApremilast demonstrated significant and sustained improvements in skin, scalp, nails and PROs (pruritus and quality of life) over 104 weeks in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Safety was consistent with the known safety profile of apremilast.
Skin cancer prevention campaign in childhood: survey based on 3676 children in Brazil
Authors: Criado P.R. , Ocampo‐Garza J. , Brasil A.L.D. , Belda Junior W. , Di Chiacchio N. , de Moraes A.M. , Parada M.B. , Rabay F.O. , Moraes Junior O. , Rios R.S. , da Silva C.S. , Ferreira F.C.S. , Mandelbaum S.H. , Vasconcellos C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and objectivesPrimary skin cancer prevention campaigns are essential and more effective among children, not only because of the importance of sun exposure effects during this period, but also because this age is when individuals are developing behaviours. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology – Regional State of Sao Paulo developed and conducted the programme named ‘The Sun, Friend of Childhood’, a school health education and disease prevention project for children and parents. Our objective was to evaluate the cognitive and behavioural effects of the children and parents before and after an education model‐based intervention of sun protection.MethodsWe carried out a study on a school population of Social Service of Industry – Regional State of São Paulo, from the first to the fifth years of the regular course (6–10 years). Our educational project was planned to be based on two children's learning tools (comic magazine and a DVD cartoon). Questionnaires in relation to habits and knowledge in sun exposure were applied to the children (3776) before and (2748) after the intervention. A questionnaire was applied to 3663 parents regarding personal details and habits of their children.ResultsAccording to the McNemar's statistical test, all changes in the children in acquiring new knowledge about good practices for sun exposure were statistically significant.ConclusionsEducative sun exposure programmes in childhood are a relevant tool to modify the history of life for next generations, to concern the skin cancer and good health practices.
Consensus on the management of patients with psoriatic arthritis in a dermatology setting
Authors: Gisondi P. , Altomare G. , Ayala F. , Conti A. , Dapavo P. , De Simone C. , Foti C. , Idolazzi L. , Lubrano E. , Malara G. , Marchesoni A. , Olivieri I. , Parodi A. , Peris K. , Piaserico S. , Salvarani C. , Scarpa R. , Girolomoni G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with psoriasis (PsO). Early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention are crucial for limiting PsA progression and prevention of disability. Dermatologists are in a privileged position to detect early PsA. The management of patients with PsA in the dermatology setting is widely variable.ObjectiveTo provide practical recommendations for the management of patients with PsA in the dermatology setting including early diagnosis and treatment.MethodsA consensus document was written by an expert panel composed by dermatologists (n = 12) and rheumatologists (n = 6). Eleven highly relevant questions were selected and elaborated with answers/statements based on a narrative literature review. The resulting document was discussed in a face‐to‐face meeting adopting a nominal group technique to reach consensus (i.e. 100% agreement) using the Delphi method.ResultsA consensus was achieved in defining the following: the clinical characteristics differentiating inflammatory and non‐inflammatory signs and symptoms of joint disease; the most important differential diagnoses of PsA in clinical practice; the most useful screening questionnaires, serum laboratory tests and imaging techniques for the detection of early PsA; the criteria for dermatologist to refer patients with PsO to rheumatologist; the criteria for the diagnosis of PsA; the selection of the indices that the dermatologist could use for measuring the activity and severity of PsA in clinical practice; when systemic steroids and/or intra‐articular steroid injections are indicated in the treatment of PsA. Finally, systemic treatments including synthetic and biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs to be considered for the treatment of PsA have been reported.ConclusionsThe implementations of these practical recommendations could be very helpful for the management of patients with PsA in the dermatology setting including early diagnosis and treatment.
Evolution of larval competitiveness and associated life‐history traits in response to host shifts in a seed beetle
Authors: Fox C. W. , Messina F. J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractResource competition is frequently strong among parasites that feed within small discrete resource patches, such as seeds or fruits. The properties of a host can influence the behavioural, morphological and life‐history traits of associated parasites, including traits that mediate competition within the host. For seed parasites, host size may be an especially important determinant of competitive ability. Using the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, we performed replicated, reciprocal host shifts to examine the role of seed size in determining larval competitiveness and associated traits. Populations ancestrally associated with either a small host (mung bean) or a large one (cowpea) were switched to each other's host for 36 generations. Compared to control lines (those remaining on the ancestral host), lines switched from the small host to the large host evolved greater tolerance of co‐occurring larvae within seeds (indicated by an increase in the frequency of small seeds yielding two adults), smaller egg size and higher fecundity. Each change occurred in the direction predicted by the traits of populations already adapted to cowpea. However, we did not observe the expected decline in adult mass following the shift to the larger host. Moreover, lines switched from the large host (cowpea) to the small host (mung bean) did not evolve the predicted increase in larval competitiveness or egg size, but did exhibit the predicted increase in body mass. Our results thus provide mixed support for the hypothesis that host size determines the evolution of competition‐related traits of seed beetles. Evolutionary responses to the two host shifts were consistent among replicate lines, but the evolution of larval competition was asymmetric, with larval competitiveness evolving as predicted in one direction of host shift, but not the reverse. Nevertheless, our results indicate that switching hosts is sufficient to produce repeatable and rapid changes in the competition strategy and fitness‐related traits of insect populations.
The ameliorative effect of fluoxetine on neuroinflammation induced by sleep deprivation
Authors: Xia Maosheng , Li Xiaowei , Yang Li , Ren Jiaan , Sun Guangfeng , Qi Shuang , Verkhratsky Alexei , Li Baoman 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIt is well known that sleep disorders are harmful to people's health and performance, and growing evidence suggests that sleep deprivation (SD) can trigger neuroinflammation in the brain. The nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat protein‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is reported to be relevant to the neuroinflammation induced by SD, but the regulatory signaling that governs the NLRP3 inflammasome in SD is still unknown. Meanwhile, whether the regulatory action of antidepressants in astrocytes could affect the neuroinflammation induced by SD also remains obscure. In this study, we were the first to discover that the antidepressant fluoxetine, a type of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor widely used in clinical practice, could suppress the neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis induced by SD. The main findings from this study are as follows: (i) SD stimulated the expression of activated NLRP3 inflammasomes and the maturation of IL‐1β/18 via suppressing the phosphorylation of STAT3 in astrocytes; (ii) SD decreased the activation of AKT and stimulated the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β, which inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3; (iii) the NLRP3 inflammasome expression stimulated by SD was partly mediated by the P2X7 receptor; (iv) an agonist of STAT3 could significantly abolish the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes induced by an agonist of the P2X7 receptor in primary cultured astrocytes; (v) the administration of fluoxetine could reverse the stimulation of NLRP3 inflammasome expression and function by SD through elevating the activation of STAT3. In conclusion, our present research suggests the promising possibility that fluoxetine could ameliorate the neuronal impairment induced by SD.
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An emerging role of astrocytes in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Price Brittani R. , Norris Christopher M. , Sompol Pradoldej , Wilcock Donna M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractVascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is understood to be the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, and is also a frequent comorbidity with Alzheimer's disease. While VCID is widely acknowledged as a key contributor to dementia, the mechanistic underpinnings of VCID remain poorly understood. In this review, we address the potential role of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of VCID. The vast majority of the blood vessels in the brain are surrounded by astrocytic end‐feet. Given that astrocytes make up a significant proportion of the cells in the brain, and that astrocytes are usually passively connected to one another through gap junctions, we hypothesize that astrocytes are key mediators of cognitive impairment because of cerebrovascular disease. In this review, we discuss the existing body of literature regarding the role of astrocytes at the vasculature in the brain, and the known consequences of their dysfunction, as well as our hypotheses regarding the role astrocytes play in VCID.
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This article is part of the Special Issue “Vascular Dementia”.