bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Interfacial Layers in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cho An‐Na , Park Nam‐Gyu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PCSs) are composed of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite as the light harvester. Since the first report on a long‐term‐durable, 9.7 % efficient, solid‐state perovskite solar cell, organic–inorganic halide perovskites have received considerable attention because of their excellent optoelectronic properties. As a result, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 22 % was certified. Controlling the grain size, grain boundary, morphology, and defects of the perovskite layer is important for achieving high efficiency. In addition, interfacial engineering is equally or more important to further improve the PCE through better charge collection and a reduction in charge recombination. In this Review, the type of interfacial layers and their impact on photovoltaic performance are investigated for both the normal and the inverted cell architectures. Four different interfaces of fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/electron‐transport layer (ETL), ETL/perovskite, perovskite/hole‐transport layer (HTL), and HTL/metal are classified, and their roles are investigated. The effects of interfacial engineering with organic or inorganic materials on photovoltaic performance are described in detail. Grain‐boundary engineering is also included because it is related to interfacial engineering and the grain boundary in the perovskite layer plays an important role in charge conduction, recombination, and chargecarrier life time.
Phytochemical Investigation, Antitumor Activity, and Hepatoprotective Effects of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Leaf Extract
Authors: El‐Nashar Heba A. S. , Eldahshan Omayma A. , Elshawi Omama E. , Singab Abdel Nasser B. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Preclinical Research

Nine known phenolic compounds were isolated from an aqueous methanolic extract of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Weight and Arn leaves (AFL) family Fabaceae. This extract of AFL contained approximately 169 mg gallic acid/g as assessed by HPLC. The AFL extract had marginal antitumor activity (IC50 > 200 µL/mL) but showed a concentration‐dependent hepatoprotective effect against CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity in vitro. Cell viability was increased, ALT and AST activity declined and reduced GSH concentration and SOD activity were restored as compared with silymarin. In vivo concurrent administration of AFL extract (500 mg/kg po) showed a hepatoprotective effect against gamma irradiation and CCl4 as evidenced by reduction of TNF‐α, interleukin‐6, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, DNA fragmentation, caspase‐3 activity, and downregulation of its m‐RNA level and decreased proapoptotic protein Bax expression. AFL extract enhanced glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, reduced glutathione concentrations and upregulated the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2. The extract could ameliorate hepatic injuries induced by gamma irradiation and CCl4 in rats suggesting potent hepatoprotective activity. Drug Dev Res 78 : 210–226, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproductive plasticity and landscape heterogeneity benefit a ground‐nesting bird in a fire‐prone ecosystem
Authors: Carroll J. Matthew , Hovick Torre J. , Davis Craig A. , Elmore Robert Dwayne , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDisturbance is critical for the conservation of rangeland ecosystems worldwide and many of these systems are fire dependent. Although it is well established that restoring fire as an ecological process can lead to increased biodiversity in grasslands and shrublands, the underlying mechanisms driving community patterns are poorly understood for fauna in fire‐prone landscapes. Much of this uncertainty stems from the paucity of studies that examine the effects of fire at scales relevant to organism life histories. We assessed the response of a non‐migratory ground‐dwelling bird to disturbance (i.e., prescribed fire) and environmental stochasticity over the course of a 4‐yr period, which spanned years of historic drought and record rainfall. Specifically, we investigated the nesting ecology of Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter Bobwhite) to illuminate possible avenues by which individuals respond to dynamic landscape patterns during a critical reproductive stage (i.e., nesting) in a mixed‐grass shrubland in western Oklahoma,USA. We found that Bobwhites exhibited extreme plasticity in nest substrate use among time since fire categories (TSF) and subsequently maintained high nest survival (e.g., 57–70%). Bobwhites were opportunistic in nest substrate use amongTSFcategories (i.e., 72% of nest sites in shrubs in 0–12 months post fire compared to 71% in herbaceous vegetation in >36 months post fire), yet nesting decisions were first filtered by similar structural components (i.e., vertical and horizontal cover) within the vicinity of nest sites regardless ofTSFcategory. Despite being a non‐migratory and comparatively less mobile ground‐nesting bird species, Bobwhites adjusted to dynamic vegetation mosaics on a fire‐prone landscape under stochastic climatic conditions that culminated in stable and high nest survival. Broadly, our findings provide a unique depiction of organism response strategies to fire at scales relevant to a critical life‐stage, a topic that has been previously understudied and poorly understood. We also demonstrate how doing so can better inform conservation practices aimed at restoring fire regimes on grassland and shrubland landscapes.
High prevalence of subclinical cerebral infarction in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Cogswell Rebecca J. , Norby Faye L. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Chen Lin Y. , Solomon Scott , Shah Amil , Alonso Alvaro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimsUndetected atrial fibrillation (AF) may be common in the heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) population, and failure to detect this may lead to the missing of opportunities to prevent associated subclinical cerebral infarctions (SCIs) and cognitive decline.Methods and resultsWe studied 1527 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, who underwent echocardiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and detailed cognitive assessment during 2011–13. Prevalences of SCI as detected by brain MRI were compared among the following groups: participants with no HFpEF/no AF; those with no HFpEF/AF; those with HFpEF/no AF, and those with HFpEF/AF. Cognitive scores were also compared. Prevalences of HFpEF and AF in this sample were 13.2% and 5.7%, respectively. Participants with HFpEF but no prior diagnosis of AF had a high prevalence of SCI by brain MRI (29.3%), which was similar to those in the no HFpEF/AF (24.5%) and HFpEF/AF (23.5%) groups, but higher than that in the no HFpEF/no AF subjects (17.3%). The odds of having SCI were higher in participants with HFpEF/no AF than in the no HFpEF/no AF group even after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.06–2.30). Individuals with HFpEF and SCI had lower cognitive scores than the reference (no HFpEF/no SCI) and HFpEF/no SCI groups.ConclusionsSubclinical cerebral infarctions were prevalent in subjects in the ARIC cohort with HFpEF and no prior AF diagnosis and are associated with measurable cognitive deficits. Although other sources of emboli may be possible, these data suggest that paroxysmal AF may be underdiagnosed in this population. There may be a role for earlier anticoagulation in patients with HFpEF.
In vivo neutralization of α4 and β7 integrins inhibits eosinophil trafficking and prevents lung injury during tropical pulmonary eosinophilia in mice
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Sharma Aditi , Srivastava Mrigank 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntegrins regulate leukocyte trafficking during homeostasis and inflammatory conditions. However, the role of α4 and β7 integrins in guiding eosinophil transmigration into the lungs during filarial manifestation of Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia (TPE) has not been explored. In this study, mice exhibiting TPE manifestations were administered with in vivo neutralizing antibodies against integrins α4 and β7 or their combination and immuno‐pathological parameters were evaluated. Results show an intact lung barrier, significantly lower lung inflammation and reduced eosinophil counts in the Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of mice receiving anti‐α4+β7 treatment. Reduced eosinophil peroxidase and β‐hexosaminidase activity, downregulation of inflammatory genes, lower production of inflammatory lipid intermediates like prostaglandins E2 and D2, leukotriene B4 and cysteinyl leukotrienes were also noted in anti‐α4+β7 treated mice. Reduced accumulation of central memory, effector memory, regulatory T cells and lower production of IL‐4, IL‐5, and TGF‐β were other cardinal features of anti‐α4+β7 treated mice lungs. Flow cytometry‐sorted lung eosinophils from anti‐α4+β7 treated mice showed higher apoptotic potential, downregulated anti‐apoptotic gene Bcl‐2, and exhibited reduced F‐actin polymerization and calcium influx as compared to IgG controls. In summary, neutralization of α4+β7 integrins impairs the transmigration, activation and survival of eosinophils and reduces TPE induced pathology in mice lungs.
Numerical investigation of Lower Tuscaloosa Sandstone and Selma Chalk caprock under geological CO2 sequestration conditions: mineral precipitation and permeability evolution
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Soong Yee , Dilmore Robert M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA numerical model was developed using CrunchFlow to simulate reactive transport and porosity and permeability changes of sandstone and carbonate rock samples taken from the Lower Tuscaloosa Formation and the Selma Chalk Formation, Jackson County, MS, USA. The model predicted a permeability decrease from 2190 mD to 2038 mD for the Lower Tuscaloosa Sandstone sample in a static batch reactor after 180 days of exposure to CO2‐saturated brine, which is consistent with measured permeability results. The model predicted a negligible permeability change from 2.00 mD to 2.08 mD for the Selma Chalk carbonate sample after 180 days of exposure to CO2‐saturated brine. Based on model prediction, key mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions in the Lower Tuscaloosa Sandstone sample include dissolution of quartz, chlorite, and feldspar, as well as precipitation of amorphous silica and kaolinite. For the Selma Chalk carbonate sample, key predicted reactions include dissolution of calcite, quartz and chlorite, and precipitation of kaolinite and amorphous silica. Initial porosity, initial feldspar content and the exponent n value (related to pore structure and tortuosity) used in permeability calculations were three important factors affecting permeability evolution of sandstone samples under CO2 sequestration conditions. The small permeability change predicted for both the Lower Tuscaloosa Sandstone and the Selma Chalk caprock after exposure to CO2‐saturated brine suggests that poro‐permeability changes during CO2 injection into the Lower Tuscaloosa Formation are not likely to significantly affect reservoir and seal quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution integrated calcareous plankton biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy at the Oligocene–Miocene transition in Southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Gennari Rocco , Persico Davide , Turco Elena , Villa Giuliana , Iaccarino Silvia Maria , Florindo Fabio , Lurcock Pontus C. , de Santana dos Anjos Zerfass Geise 
Published: July 2017

After the formalization of the base of the Miocene in the Lemme‐Carrosio section (Italy) at the base of Subchron C6Cn.2n, the calcareous plankton biostratigraphy was refined in several open ocean Deep Sea Drilling Project/Ocean Drilling Program sites. However, high‐resolution quantitative biostratigraphic studies, integrating planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils, are still lacking for the time interval spanning the Oligocene–Miocene transition. Here, we present a reinvestigation of Deep Sea Drilling Project Hole 516F (Rio Grande Rise) and 4 oil wells drilled by Petróbras Brasileiro SA in the Campos Basin (SW Atlantic Ocean). We identified 12 planktonic foraminiferal and 18 calcareous nannofossil bioevents that have been integrated with an updated magnetostratigraphy of Hole 516F allowing the correlation with the GPTS and the identification of the Oligocene/Miocene boundary (base of Subchron C6Cn.2n) between the Top ofSphenolithus delphixand the Base of commonParagloborotalia kugleri. Furthermore, our results give new insights on the reliability of major calcareous plankton events across the Oligocene–Miocene transition: (a) theSphenolithus ciperoensisTop, theS. delphixBase and Top, and theSphenolithus cometaBase are reliable events at a global scale; (b) the Bases ofGloboquadrina dehiscensandSphenolithus disbelemnos > 4 μm are correlatable events only within the study sector of the SW Atlantic Ocean; and (c) theGloboturborotalita ciperoensisTop,Globoturborotalita angulisuturalisTop, andSphenolithus procerusBase are diachronous. Finally, previously unreported biostratigraphic data, such as the distribution range ofS. disbelemnos < 4 μm andSphenolithuscf.S. pseudoheteromorphus, theTenuitellinata praestainforthiacme interval, and the Top of commonGlobigerinoides primordiuswere identified in the Campos Basin.
Symptom burden as a driver of decisional regret in long‐term oropharyngeal carcinoma survivors
Authors: Goepfert Ryan P. , Fuller C. David , Gunn G. Brandon , Hanna Ehab Y. , Lewin Jan S. , Zaveri Jhankruti S. , Hubbard Rachel M. , Barrow Martha P. , Hutcheson Katherine A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to characterize decisional regret and its association with symptom burden in a large cohort of oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) survivors.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was administered to 1729 OPC survivors. Survey items included a multisymptom inventory and a validated decisional regret inventory. Associations between regret and symptom scores were analyzed to determine and rank symptom drivers of decisional regret.ResultsNine hundred seventy‐two patients responded reporting a low level of decisional regret overall, although 15.5% communicated “moderate to strong” regret. Overall symptom score and treatment group were statistically significant predictors of decisional regret. Relative to other symptoms, difficulty swallowing and feeling sad were the strongest drivers of decisional regret.ConclusionOPC survivors provide a robust description of their long‐term outcomes with 15.5% expressing “moderate to high” regret that was significantly associated with late symptom burden and multimodality treatment. Difficulty swallowing was the strongest driver of decisional regret.
Temporal bone chondroblastoma: Imaging characteristics with pathologic correlation
Authors: Park Sun‐Won , Kim Ji‐hoon , Park Ji Hoon , Moon Kyung Chul , Paeng Jin Chul , Choi Byung Se , Lee Younghen , Kim Jae Hyoung , Yoo Roh‐Eul , Kang Koung Mi , Kim Soo Chin , Choi Seung Hong , Yun Tae Jin , Sohn Chul Ho 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundChondroblastoma commonly involves the temporal bone in the craniofacial region, but its imaging features have not been elucidated. This study aimed to describe the imaging features of temporal bone chondroblastoma with their pathologic correlation.MethodsRadiopathologic correlation was performed in 5 patients with temporal bone chondroblastoma from our database and in 11 patients identified through a PubMed search.ResultsThe cases of temporal bone chondroblastoma commonly involve the squamous part, temporal and infratemporal fossae, temporomandibular joint, and tympanic cavity, with the following features: high attenuation with calcification; heterogeneity; low signal intensity on T2‐weighted imaging with enhancement; a smooth interface to the brain; and strong hypermetabolism on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. The heterogeneous low signal intensity on T2‐weighted imaging was correlated with various histopathologic components, including calcification and hemosiderin deposition.ConclusionTemporal bone chondroblastoma usually forms as an expansile, heterogeneous, hypermetabolic mass in the middle cranial fossa, frequently with low signal intensity on T2‐weighted imaging, reflecting various degrees of calcification and hemosiderin deposition.
The impact of changes in China's family patterns on family pension functions
Authors: Su Zhongxin , Hu Z. , Peng Xizhe 
Published: July 2017

SummaryUsing data from the Chinese census and the China Statistical Yearbook, this paper will analyze the historical changes and future trends of family households in China over the past 30 years and explore the changes of family pension functions and corresponding policies. Our analysis yielded 3 notable results. First, in family size miniaturization and structural simplification, 1‐ and 2‐generation family households are the main body of contemporary China. Second, for family aging and changes in living patterns, which primarily manifest as an increase in; the proportion of elderly households and in middle‐aged and elderly people in the family, the elderly model and the “multigenerational model” have become the 2 major residence models for the elderly in China. Third, nontraditional families have emerged in large numbers, such as the exclusively elderly family, empty nest family, grandparents family, Double Income, No Kids (DINK) family, older single family, and single‐parent family. We argue that in the process of simplification, China's family structure is increasingly showing characteristics of networking. The change in family patterns entails the restoration of traditional functions and taking on new functions of the family by issuing relevant social policies. Only when these social policies are based on family functions and demands can they provide effective help to social members, particularly regarding the family's responsibilities to parent children and support the elderly.
Hydrologic response to future land use change in the Upper Mississippi River Basin by the end of 21st century
Authors: Rajib Adnan , Merwade Venkatesh 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study demonstrates the spatial variation in hydrologic processes across the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) by the end of 21st century, by ingesting FOREcasting Scenarios (FORE‐SCE) of Land‐use Change projections into a physics‐based hydrologic model—Soil and Water Assessment Tool. The model is created for UMRB (440,000 km2), using the National Landcover Database of year 2001 and climate data of 1991–2010. Considering 1991–2010 as the baseline reference period, FORE‐SCE projections of year 2091 under three scenarios (A1B, A2, and B1 from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) are separately assimilated into the calibrated model, whereas climate input is kept the same as in the baseline. Modeling results suggest an increase of 0.5% and 3.5% in the average annual streamflow at the basin outlet (Grafton, Illinois) during 2081–2100, respectively, for A1B and A2, whereas for B1, streamflow would decrease by 1.5%. Under the “worst case” A2 scenario, 6% and 133% increase, respectively, in agricultural and urban areas with 30% depletion of forest and grassland would result into 70% increase in surface runoff, 20% decrease in soil moisture, and 4% decrease in evapotranspiration in certain parts of the basin. Conversion of cropland, forest, or grassland to perennial hay/pasture areas would lower surface runoff by 25% especially in the central region, whereas persistent forest cover in the northern region would cause up to 7% increase in evapotranspiration. The ecosystem in the lower half of UMRB is likely to become adverse, as dictated by a composite water–energy balance indicator. Future land use change extents and resultant hydrologic responses are found significantly different under A2, A1B, and B1 scenarios, which resonates the need for multi‐scenario ensemble assessments towards characterizing a probable future. The spatial variation of hydrologic processes as shown here helps to identify potential “hot spots,” giving ways to adopt more effective policy alternatives at regional level.
Demonstration of complete bacterial‐killing in water at a very high flow‐rate: use of a surface‐enhanced copper nanoparticle with activated carbon as a hybrid
Authors: Biswas Pritam , Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo address the objective of disinfecting water, copper nanoparticles (Cu‐NPs) have been synthesized and impregnated on activated carbon (AC). This material when packed in a continuous column can potentially satisfy the need of a household‐scale water disinfection unit.RESULTSAccordingly, Cu‐NPs of 6.11 nm mean diameter were deposited in the form of discrete NPs, on plasma treated AC, with a Cu loading of 2.1 wt%, in Cu‐AC. Selective impregnation of Cu‐NPs was achieved on the external surface of plasma treated AC, as plasma treatment generates surface function groups on the AC surface. The superior qualities of the hybrid achieved complete killing of 104 CFU mL‐1 of E. coli cells in only 10 min contact, on using 8 mg mL‐1 of Cu‐AC in batch mode. A flow‐column (8 cm diameter and 25 cm height) designed on the basis of this batch contact time achieved disinfected water at a high flow rate of 4.13 L h‐1, even when operated non‐stop, over 7 days. Simultaneously, it maintained a very low steady state Cu concentration (83.7 μg L‐1) in the disinfected water, much below the permissible limit of 1000 μg L‐1 for drinking water.CONCLUSIONThis study achieved: (i) selective impregnation of Cu‐NPs on AC with controlled degree of oxidation; (ii) maximum flow rate of E. coli‐free drinking water in a continuously operating column, packed with Cu‐AC granules; and (iii) complete E. coli cell‐killing and Cu concentration within the permissible limit for drinking water over a very long duration. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Reasons for the preference of clinic visits to self‐medication by common cold patients in Japan
Authors: Tsutsumi Madoka , Shaku Fumio , Ozone Sachiko , Sakamoto Naoto , Maeno Tetsuhiro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundMany Japanese visit medical institutions for common cold treatment, which can cause congestion in these institutions and an increase in medical expenses, although the common cold can be treated sufficiently through self‐medication. Therefore, to elucidate the reasons individuals with common colds do not use over‐the‐counter (OTC) medication, we conducted an investigation using a self‐administered inquiry sheet to determine reasons for clinic visits and for the avoidance of OTC medication.MethodsThe study was of patients with self‐diagnosed common cold symptoms using an anonymous self‐report questionnaire.ResultsOf the 471 patients administered the questionnaire, 442 responded. The analysis was focused on the 37 patients who responded that they had considered using OTC medication before coming to the clinic but decided against it and came to the clinic instead. The majority responded positively saying that they felt reassured when seen by a physician (91.9%) and that their common cold was cured more rapidly (89.2%).ConclusionsIt can be presumed that many patients with common colds visit medical institutions because they feel reassured and feel that their symptoms improve at a quicker rate. The findings of this study indicated that there is a need for accurate information and relief from anxiety for patients regarding the common cold.