bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Substrate Dependent Charge Transfer Kinetics at the Solid/Liquid Interface of Carbon‐Based Electrodes with Potential Application for Organic Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Werner Daniel , Alexander Thöny , Winkler Daniel , Apaydin Dogukan H. , Loerting Thomas , Portenkirchner Engelbert 
Published: October 2021

AbstractElectroactive organic semiconducting pigments represent a group of very promising electrode materials for the next generation of energy conversion and storage technologies. However, most pigments suffer from high solubility in organic electrolytes and poor electrical conductivity, which have severely impeded their practical applications. Among different strategies to improve their electrochemical performance, using conductive carbon substrates to form composite electrodes is one of the most used methods to solve these problems. In this work we investigate the role of conductive carbon substrates towards their charge transfer kinetics at the solid/liquid interface with potential application for organic sodium (Na)‐ion batteries. This study reveals that the role of conductive carbon is related not only to the optimal electronic path but also to the ionic path towards the electrode active material. Perylentetracarboxylicdiimide is used as the electrode active material coated on graphite/copper and carbon paper substrates. The morphology, structure, and chemical composition of our electrodes are investigated via scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. A thorough kinetic analysis is systematically implemented by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We performed a quantitative analysis of the resistance and capacitive components of the composite electrodes using the theory of the transmission line model and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with symmetric cells. Our results indicate that a decrease in pore resistance is key to achieve high charge transfer kinetics in electrochemical systems. This work will therefore contribute towards future, efficient electrode design with low pore resistance and high charge transfer kinetics. This may prove of great importance for the development of energy conversion and storage technologies, including heterojunction solar cells, electrocatalysts/photocatalysts for water splitting, carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction and lithium (Li)‐ and Na‐ion batteries.
Photoconductivity of Micrometer Long Organic Single Crystal Fiber Array Prepared by Evaporation‐Induced Self‐Assembled Method
Authors: Matsui Jun , Ebata Kazuki , Takeda Masaki , Hua Kim Ngan , Katagiri Hiroshi , Nakayama Ken‐ichi , Masuhara Akito , Yumusak Cigdem , Stadler Philipp , Sharber Markus Clark , White Matthew Schuette , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Yoshida Tsukasa , Furis Madalina 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMillimeter‐long organic fiber arrays of intramolecular charge transfer merocyanine HB194 dye were prepared by evaporation‐induced self‐assembled method. X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy indicated individual fibers are millimeter‐sized HB194 single crystals. The elimination of defects and structural disorder enabled photoluminescence microscopy studies that revealed the intramolecular charge transfer (CT), bandgap excitonic state is long‐lived and remains largely localized in the absence of π‐orbital stacking in the crystalline structure. These nanosecond lifetimes explain the observation of a photoconductivity response upon irradiation with a 633 nm laser due to dissociation of the delocalized CT exciton to free carriers. At the same time, the photo response was increased 4.5 times by coating of the HB194 fiber array with polyvinyl alcohol. This increase is attributed to the larger dielectric field around the fibers that further facilitates the band‐gap (CT) exciton dissociation.
Effect of Molecular Structure on Interfacial Electron Transfer Kinetics in the Framework of Classical Marcus Theory
Authors: Cho Inseong , Mozer Attila J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe factors affecting electron transfer at semiconductor electrodes sensitised with molecules and in contact with redox electrolytes have been studied for decades. Here, the influence of molecular structural factors enhancing or slowing down electron transfer rates at dye‐sensitised electrode interfaces are analysed by Marcus theory. Back electron transfer between TiO2 electrons and oxidised redox mediators are slowed down by reducing electronic coupling using alkyl chains or by minimising attractive intermolecular forces. Electron transfer between surface‐bound molecules and the electron donors, while generally also slowed down by alkyl chains, can also be enhanced by alkyl‐alkyl interactions. This review highlights the a priori difficult to predict effect of changing molecular structures on electron transfer. Systematic studies employing electron transfer measurements with fast time resolutions is needed to advance knowledge in this important area.
Pre‐delivery angiogenic factors and their association with peripartum perceived stress and pain in pre‐eclampsia with severe features and normotensive pregnancies
Authors: Ngene Nnabuike Chibuoke , Moodley Jagidesa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if any of maternal pre‐delivery soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1), placental growth factor (PIGF), or sFlt‐1/PIGF ratio correlate with either perceived stress scale (PSS) or verbal numeric rating scale (VNRS) pain scores.MethodsAmong 50 pregnant women with severe pre‐eclampsia and 90 normotensive pregnant women observed from 48 h or less before delivery until day 3 postpartum, correlations between the following were performed: (1) serum concentrations of each angiogenic factor (sFlt‐1, PIGF, and sFlt‐1/PIGF ratio) sampled within 48 h before childbirth and a four‐item PSS (pre‐delivery and one‐off 48–72 h postpartum score); (2) the same angiogenic factors above and VNRS ranging from 0 to 10; and (3) PSS and VNRS (both pre‐delivery and postpartum).ResultsIn the normotensive group, there was a positive correlation between sFlt‐1 and postpartum PSS (ρ +0.214 and P = 0.043), and between sFlt‐1/PIGF ratio and postpartum PSS (ρ +0.213 and P = 0.044). In the normotensive and severe pre‐eclampsia groups there were non‐significant negative correlations between PIGF and postpartum PSS (P > 0.096) and non‐significant positive correlations between pre‐delivery PSS and pre‐delivery VNRS (P > 0.053). Other correlations were uninformative.ConclusionMaternal pre‐delivery sFlt‐1/PIGF ratio in normotensive pregnancy is a promising biomarker for identifying risk of increased postpartum PSS to enable early counselling.
Risk characteristics, government subsidies and farmers' willingness to adopt water‐saving irrigation techniques*
Authors: Hu Lun , Channa Amanullah , Liu Xiaotong , Lakhan Ghulam Rasool , Meraj Muhammad , Lu Qian , Wang Qingjin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the mechanisms of risk preference, risk awareness and farmers' willingness to adopt water‐saving irrigation techniques in response to government subsidies. Data, collected from farmers in Gansu Province, China, were analysed using mediation and moderation effect models. The empirical evidence from this study indicates that willingness to adopt water‐saving irrigation techniques increased with an increase in government subsidies but decreased with risk awareness due to farmers' attitude of risk preferences. Secondly, the interaction between farmers' risk awareness and risk preference determines their willingness to adopt water‐saving irrigation techniques where risk awareness plays an intermediary role in both cases. Nevertheless, the cautionary role of risk awareness is more obvious, so risk‐averse farmers are significantly less willing to adopt irrigation techniques than risk preference farmers. Also, government subsidies have a significant moderating effect on farmers' risk preferences and risk awareness irrespective of their usage of farming techniques.
Hydrochemical characteristics and water quality indices‐based assessment of River Kali for agricultural irrigation in northern India*
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Patel Neelam , Jindal Tanu , Ranjan Manju Rawat , Pal Sumit , Ahirwal Jitendra , Dubey Swatantra Kumar 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHigh‐quality water is required to produce a greater crop yield. River water is a major source of irrigation; however, in several densely populated countries, it is severely polluted due to anthropogenic activities. We aim to assess the Kali River water quality from 17 sampling stations using hydrochemical characterization in western Uttar Pradesh during the pre‐ and post‐monsoon seasons. The suitability of river water quality for agricultural irrigation was determined by water quality indices such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), magnesium ratio (MR), and Kelley's index (KI). Results of the study showed that water quality in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, Cl−, SAR, and MR is moderately suitable for agricultural irrigation. However, only 64.7% (NO3−N), 88.2% (HCO3−), and 70.6% (B) samples in pre‐monsoon and 70.6% (NO3−N), 100% (HCO3−), and 64.7% (B) samples in post‐monsoon were acceptable for irrigation. In addition, 94.1%, 23.5%, and 70.6% of samples in pre‐monsoon and 82.4%, 17.6%, and 23.5% of samples in post‐monsoon analysed for Na%, RSC, PI, and KI, respectively, were found suitable for irrigation. The analysis of selected water quality parameters and water quality indices shows that Kali River water is polluted at the downstream side, and its suitability for agricultural irrigation varies with the season.
The pharmacist's professional identity: Preventing, identifying, and managing medication therapy problems as the medication specialist
Authors: Nelson Nicholas R. , Armistead Lori T. , Blanchard Carrie M. , Rhoney Denise H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPharmacy has long struggled to embrace a unified professional identity despite many leaders calling for such. With societal and scientific evolutions, the functions of the pharmacist have changed over time, often assuming multiple identity discourses. Pharmacy has also been seen as a very heterogeneous profession with product‐ and patient‐focused practitioners, contributing to the lack of a unifying identity. This commentary argues that to advocate for and promote our profession we must confront the brutal facts and realize the true state of pharmacy practice. The fact is that all areas of pharmacy practice, both product‐ and patient‐focused, have always shared a central theme which is and has been the pharmacist's professional identity: the prevention, identification, and management of medication therapy problems and their root causes as the medication specialist. Fully embracing this professional identity will help the profession assume a clear and unique role on the healthcare team in optimizing patient care and allow for meaningful practice‐based research, grounded in theory, which will improve the education of currently practicing and future pharmacists. A firm professional identity will also allow for a seamless continuation between pharmacist education and practice across a lifetime, strengthening the pharmacy profession as a whole.
Assessment of antimicrobial pharmacokinetics curricula across schools and colleges of pharmacy in the United States
Authors: Fong Gary , Chahine Elias B. , Justo Julie Ann , Narayanan Navaneeth , Heil Emily L. , Stover Kayla R. , Cho Jonathan C. , Jenkins Zachary N. , MacDougall Conan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionAdvances in technology and understanding of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships have prompted guideline updates and advances in precision dosing, but the role of clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) in pharmacy education remains inconsistent. Previous surveys of pharmacy school PK curricula revealed large variations in content, integration, and teaching tools but did not focus on antimicrobials or details of andragogy used.ObjectiveIdentify how antimicrobial PK is taught in pharmacy curricula across the United States, as well as instructor perceptions of current practices.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to 118 pharmacy programs across the United States in 2018. This 30‐minute questionnaire covered curriculum content, teaching strategies, assessment modalities, and perceptions.ResultsCompleted surveys were received from 53 programs (45% response rate) via relevant course coordinators. Among 35 traditional progressive curriculum programs (TPC), antimicrobial PK was taught in basic science (33, 94%), clinical PK (15, 43%), pharmacology (8, 23%), therapeutics (28, 80%), and skills lab courses (21, 65%). Among 18 integrated block curriculum programs (IBC), it was taught in foundations/principles (17, 94%), organ systems (12, 67%), and skills lab courses (9, 50%). On average, TPC programs had more courses with antimicrobial PK than IBC programs. Vancomycin and aminoglycosides were the most common antimicrobials taught (100%), while didactic lecturing was the predominant andragogy. Multiple choice was the primary assessment modality, being frequently used in 64% of TPC and 68% of IBC courses, respectively. Among respondents, 72% believed more time was needed to teach PK and 53% believed students were adequately prepared at the start of APPEs.ConclusionAntimicrobial PK instruction remains highly inconsistent in U.S. pharmacy schools and colleges. IBC programs may provide less opportunity for antimicrobial PK instruction, which conflicts with the desire for more instruction time. As clinical applications of antimicrobial PK change and expand, it is crucial that pharmacy education prioritizes PK education appropriately.
Mast Cells Trigger Disturbed Bone Healing in Osteoporotic Mice
Authors: Fischer Verena , Ragipoglu Deniz , Diedrich Johanna , Steppe Lena , Dudeck Anne , Schütze Konrad , Kalbitz Miriam , Gebhard Florian , Haffner-Luntzer Melanie , Ignatius Anita 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
Mast cells are important tissue-resident sensor and effector immune cells but also play a major role in osteoporosis development. Mast cells are increased in numbers in the bone marrow of postmenopausal osteoporotic patients, and mast cell–deficient mice are protected from ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss. In this study, we showed that mast cell–deficient Mcpt5-Cre R-DTA mice were protected from OVX-induced disturbed fracture healing, indicating a critical role for mast cells in the pathomechanisms of impaired bone repair under estrogen-deficient conditions. We revealed that mast cells trigger the fracture-induced inflammatory response by releasing inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6, midkine (Mdk), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), and promote neutrophil infiltration into the fracture site in OVX mice. Furthermore, mast cells were responsible for reduced osteoblast and increased osteoclast activities in OVX mice callus, as well as increased receptor activator of NF-κB ligand serum levels in OVX mice. Additional in vitro studies with human cells showed that mast cells stimulate osteoclastogenesis by releasing the osteoclastogenic mediators Mdk and CXCL10 in an estrogen-dependent manner, which was mediated via the estrogen receptor alpha on mast cells. In conclusion, mast cells negatively affect the healing of bone fractures under estrogen-deficient conditions. Hence, targeting mast cells might provide a therapeutic strategy to improve disturbed bone repair in postmenopausal osteoporosis. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Cinacalcet Improves Bone Parameters Through Regulation of Osteoclast Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Autophagy, and Apoptotic Pathways in Chronic Kidney Disease–Mineral and Bone Disorder
Authors: Chiu Hui-Wen , Hou Yi-Chou , Lu Chien-Lin , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Liu Wen-Chih , Shyu Jia-Fwu , Chang Jia-Feng , Zheng Cai-Mei 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
The possible mechanisms underlying the quantitative and qualitative effects of cinacalcet on bone were explored in a chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) mouse model in relation to the influence of the interactions among the osteoclast (OC) endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy and apoptosis pathways on OC differentiation. Body weight and biochemical parameters improved significantly in the CKD + cinacalcet groups compared to the CKD group. Micro–computed tomography (μCT) revealed both cortical and trabecular parameters deteriorated significantly in the CKD group and were reversed by cinacalcet in a dose-dependent manner. Nanoindentation analysis of bone quality proved that both cortical hardness and elastic modulus improved significantly with high dose cinacalcet treatment. In vitro studies revealed that cinacalcet inhibited receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK)–induced OC differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner through a close interaction between activation of caspase-related apoptosis, reversal of OC autophagy through the protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, and attenuation of the OC ER stress/CREBH/NFATc1 signaling pathway. Cinacalcet improves both bone quantity and bone quality in CKD mouse model and inhibits OC differentiation through regulation of the interactions among the apoptosis, ER stress, and autophagy pathways within OCs. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Evaluation of l‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid‐based ultrashort cationic lipopeptides as potential antimicrobial and anticancer agents
Authors: de Boda Ramoncito Luis B. , Caluag Carl Angelo M. , Dante Rachelle Anne S. , Petate Art Gersun J. , Candaza Hermie Patrice T. , Rivera Windell L. , Jacinto Sonia D. , Sabido Portia Mahal G. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUltrashort cationic lipopeptides (USCLs) are amphiphiles that exhibit antimicrobial and anticancer activity. They are composed of an aliphatic chain attached to a positively charged peptide group consisting of a few amino acid residues. Here, we report the activity of a series of l‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid (Dab)‐rich USCLs with varying N‐acyl chain length and charge against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, colon, breast, and lung epithelial cancer cell lines. USCLs with chain lengths of 14–18 carbons showed significant antimicrobial activity with C16‐conjugated peptides being the most active against E. coli and S. aureus, and C18‐conjugated peptides being the most active against C. albicans. Doubly charged USCLs with aliphatic tails that are 14 carbon atoms and longer showed more potent anticancer activity compared to their triply charged counterparts. C14‐Dab2‐NH2 displayed little toxicity to normal cells, and selectivity to microbial and cancer cells over normal cells. Its structural simplicity, bioactivity, nontoxicity, and selectivity make it a promising therapeutic agent.
Effect of applied potential on the performance of an electroactive methanogenic biocathode used for bioelectrochemical CO2 reduction to CH4
Authors: Vasiliadou Ioanna A , Kalogiannis Achilleas , Spyridonidis Apostolos , Katsaounis Alexandros , Stamatelatou Katerina 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDBiogas can be upgraded to biomethane, which can be used as vehicle fuel and natural gas substitute. Bioelectrochemical biogas upgrade is an innovative alternative to energy‐consuming physicochemical processes and bio‐upgrade methods which require H2 supply. Bioelectrochemical biogas upgrade is conducted by methanogenic microorganisms that convert CO2 into CH4, in the biocathode of a bioelectrochemical system (BES), using electric current as energy source. The aim of the present work was to study the efficiency of an H‐type BES in the conversion of CO2 into CH4, by applying different potentials at the electromethanogenic biocathode.RESULTSThe H‐type BES was operated in a three‐electrode configuration (working: graphite rod; counter: Pt/Ti; reference: Ag/AgCl) with a potentiostat, which set the biocathode's potential initially at −0.7 V versus a standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) and monitored the current demand. Based on cyclic voltammetry runs, a highly electroactive methanogenic biocathode was developed in a short time. The methane production rate (MPR) at a cathode potential of −0.7 V versus SHE was 31.1 mmol m−2 d−1, with an electron capture efficiency of 77.6%. The efficiency of the BES was reduced by applying a potential of −0.5 V versus SHE at the biocathode, resulting in negligible CH4 production. The BES achieved its maximum performance at a potential of −0.9 V versus SHE with a MPR of 53.8 mmol m−2 d−1 and an electron capture efficiency of 86%. The CO2 consumption rate achieved was 0.8 mmol d−1.CONCLUSIONSThe H‐type BES achieved an effective biolectrochemically driven methane production, while the biocathode electroactive behavior was evaluated during the whole operation of the system. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Bioresource potential of Tetradesmus obliquusUJEA_AD: critical evaluation of biosequestration rate, biochemical and fatty acid composition in BG11 media
Authors: Ahiahonu Elvis K , Anku William W , Roopnarain Ashira , Green Ezekiel , Govender Penny P , Serepa‐Dlamini Mahloro H 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicroalgae biomass is regarded as one of the most promising renewable biomass energy resources with the potential as a sustainable biological climate change mitigation agent, raw material for commercially valuable products and fossil fuel replacement. In view of that, this study isolated, identified and evaluated the potential of an indigenous freshwater green microalga strain, Tetradesmus obliquus UJEA_AD, collected from Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg, South Africa.RESULTSMorphological analysis and sequencing of the rbcL biomarker aided in identification of the isolate as T. obliquus. Tetradesmus obliquus UJEA_AD was further batch‐cultivated autotrophically in BG11 medium and examined for biomass accumulation, CO2 biofixation rate, biochemical composition and fatty acid production. The results showed a maximum biomass accumulation of 2.78 ± 0.019 g L−1 with biomass productivity of 0.153 ± 0.001 g L−1 day−1 and specific growth rate of 0.13 ± 0.004 day–1 as well as CO2 biofixation rate of 0.265 ± 0.002 gCO2 L−1 day−1. The biochemical data of the isolate revealed 27.17% ± 0.021% carbohydrate, 38.00% ± 0.15% protein and 31.2% ± 0.80% lipids; with primary fatty acids such as palmitic acid (34.26% ± 2.02%), linolenic acid (18.08 ± 5.29), trans‐13‐octadecenoic acid (12.32 ± 0.92) and phytol, 2‐methylbutanoate (12.31 ± 1.02).CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that T. obliquus UJEA_AD is capable of producing bioproducts of economic value with an excellent CO2 bio‐mitigation potential when cultivated at optimum conditions in an autotrophic mode. Moreover, lipid extracted from T. obliquus UJEA_AD met the biodiesel quality standards of the USA and EU, making the isolate a promising commercial biodiesel feedstock. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).