bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freeze‐Dried Mesenchymal Stem Cells: From Bench to Bedside. Review
Authors: Paresishvili Teona , Kakabadze Zurab
Published: November 2023

This review describes the freeze‐dried mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their ability to restore damaged tissues and organs. An analysis of the literature shows that after the lyophilization MSCs retain >80% of paracrine factors and that the mechanism of their action on the restoration of damaged tissues and organs is similar to the mechanism of action of paracrine factors in fresh and cryopreserved mesenchymal stem cells. Based on the own materials, the use of paracrine factors of freeze‐dried MSCs in vivo and in vitro for the treatment of various diseases of organs and tissues has shown to be effective. The study also discusses about the advantages and disadvantages of freeze‐dried MSCs versus cryopreserved MSCs. However, for the effective use of freeze‐dried MSCs in clinical practice, a more detailed study of the mechanism of interaction of paracrine factors of freeze‐dried MSCs with target cells and tissues is required. It is also necessary to identify possible other specific paracrine factors of freeze‐dried MSCs. In addition, develop new therapeutic strategies for the use of freeze‐dried MSCs in regenerative medicine and tissue bioengineering.
Antireflection Property and Corrosion Resistance of Black Ceramic Superhydrophobic Coatings on Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Xu Jinkai , Wang Guantong , Li Jian , Li Yiquan , Cai Qianqian , Lian Zhongxu , Yu Huadong
Published: November 2023

In this article, a black ceramic coating is produced on the surface of 7075 aluminum alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in a silicate electrolyte containing ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3). The PEO processed sample is further subjected to hydrothermal treatment (HT) and fluorination treatment (FT) to obtain a superhydrophobic PEO/HT/FT coating. The 21‐day air durability test and the tape stripping test show that the superhydrophobic surface shows excellent air durability and mechanical durability. The antireflection test study shows that the average antireflection of the PEO/HT/FT coating is as high as 96.6% in the wavelength range between 400 and 1000 nm. Furthermore, electrochemical test results show that the corrosion current density of the PEO/HT/FT coating decreases to 2.49 × 10−6 A cm−2, three orders of magnitude lower than the aluminum substrate, and the anticorrosion efficiency is as high as 99.87%. The preparation of PEO/HT/FT coating provides more methods for the wide application of Al alloy in aerospace field.
Poly(N‐methyl‐N‐vinylacetamide): A Strong Alternative to PEG for Lipid‐Based Nanocarriers Delivering siRNA
Authors: Berger Manon , Toussaint François , Ben Djemaa Sanaa , Maquoi Erik , Pendeville Hélène , Evrard Brigitte , Jerôme Christine , Leblond Chain Jeanne , Lechanteur Anna , Mottet Denis , Debuigne Antoine , Piel Géraldine
Published: November 2023

Lipid‐based nanocarriers have demonstrated high interest in delivering genetic material, exemplified by the success of Onpattro and COVID‐19 vaccines. While PEGylation imparts stealth properties, it hampers cellular uptake and endosomal escape, and may trigger adverse reactions like accelerated blood clearance (ABC) and hypersensitivity reactions (HSR). This work highlights the great potential of amphiphilic poly(N‐methyl‐N‐vinylacetamide) (PNMVA) derivatives as alternatives to lipid‐PEG for siRNA delivery. PNMVA compounds with different degrees of polymerization and hydrophobic segments, are synthesized. Among them, DSPE (1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine)‐PNMVA efficiently integrates into lipoplexes and LNP membranes and prevents protein corona formation around these lipid carriers, exhibiting stealth properties comparable to DSPE‐PEG. However, unlike DSPE‐PEG, DSPE‐PNMVA24 shows no adverse impact on lipoplexes cell uptake and endosomal escape. In in vivo study with mice, DSPE‐PNMVA24 lipoplexes demonstrate no liver accumulation, indicating good stealth properties, extended circulation time after a second dose, reduced immunological reaction, and no systemic pro‐inflammatory response. Safety of DSPE‐PNMVA24 is confirmed at the cellular level and in animal models of zebrafish and mice. Overall, DSPE‐PNMVA is an advantageous substitute to DSPE‐PEG for siRNA delivery, offering comparable stealth and toxicity properties while improving efficacy of the lipid‐based carriers by minimizing the dilemma effect and reducing immunological reactions, meaning no ABC or HSR effects.
Enzymatically Activatable Polymers for Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Ma Bin , Shi Jiahao , Zhang Yuhe , Li Zhili , Yong Haiyang , Zhou Ya‐Nan , Liu Shuai , A Sigen , Zhou Dezhong
Published: November 2023

The irregular expression or activity of enzymes in the human body leads to various pathological disorders and can therefore be used as an intrinsic trigger for more precise identification of disease foci and controlled release of diagnostics and therapeutics, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Advanced synthesis strategies enable the preparation of polymers with enzymatically activatable skeletons or side chains, while understanding enzymatically responsive mechanisms promotes rational incorporation of activatable units and predictions of the release profile of diagnostics and therapeutics, ultimately leading to promising applications in disease diagnosis and treatment with superior biocompatibility and efficiency. By overcoming the challenges, new opportunities will emerge to inspire researchers to develop more efficient, safer, and clinically reliable enzymatically activatable polymeric carriers as well as prodrugs.
Universal Strategy for Inorganic Nanoparticle Incorporation into Mesoporous Liquid Crystal Polymer Particles
Authors: Lee Geunjung , Park Geonhyeong , Park Jesse G. , Bak Yeongseo , Lee Changjae , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: November 2023

Developing inorganic–organic composite polymers necessitates a new strategy for effectively controlling shape and optical properties while accommodating guest materials, as conventional polymers primarily act as  carriers that transport inorganic substances. Here, a universal approach is introduced utilizing mesoporous liquid crystal polymer particles (MLPs) to fabricate inorganic–organic composites. By leveraging the liquid crystal phase, morphology and optical properties are precisely controlled through the molecular‐level arrangement of the host, here monomers. The controlled host material allows the synthesis of inorganic particles within the matrix or accommodation of presynthesized nano‐inorganic particles, all while preserving the intrinsic properties of the host material. This composite material surpasses the functional capabilities of the polymer alone by sequentially integrating one or more inorganic materials, allowing for the incorporation of multiple functionalities within a single polymer particle. Furthermore, this approach effectively mitigates the drawbacks associated with guest materials resulting in a substantial enhancement of composite performance. The presented approach is anticipated to hold immense potential for various applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, and biosensing, addressing the evolving demands of the society.
Symmetry‐Induced Regulation of Pt Strain Derived from Pt3Ga Intermetallic for Boosting Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Gui Renjie , Cheng Han , Wang Minghao , Tai Xiaolin , Zhang Huijuan , Liu Congyan , Cao Xuemin , Chen Chen , Ge Min , Wang Huijuan , Zheng Xusheng , Chu Wangsheng , Lin Yue , Xie Yi , Wu Changzheng
Published: November 2023

Pt‐based fuel cell catalysts with excellent activity and stability for proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been developed through strain regulation in recent years. Herein, this work demonstrates that symmetry‐induced strain regulation of Pt surface of PtGa intermetallic compounds can greatly enhance the catalytic performance of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). With the strain environment varies derived from the lattice mismatch of analogous PtGa core but different symmetry, the Pt surface of the PtGa alloy and the Pt3Ga (Pmm) precisely realize 0.58% and 2.7% compressive strain compared to the Pt3Ga (P4/mmm). Experimental and theoretical results reveal that when the compressive stress of the Pt lattice increases, the desorption process of O* intermediates becomes accelerated, which is conducive to oxygen reduction. The Pt3Ga (Pmm) with high symmetry and compressive Pt surface exhibit the highest mass and specific activities of 2.18 A mgPt−1 and 5.36 mA cm−2, respectively, which are more than one order of magnitude higher than those of commercial Pt/C catalysts. This work demonstrates that material symmetry can be used to precisely modulate Pt surface stress to enhance the ORR, as well as provide a distinct platform to investigate the relationship between Pt compressibility and catalytic activity.
Extracellular Delivery of Functional Mitochondria Rescues the Dysfunction of CD4+ T Cells in Aging
Authors: Headley Colwyn A. , Gautam Shalini , Olmo‐Fontanez Angelica , Garcia‐Vilanova Andreu , Dwivedi Varun , Akhter Anwari , Schami Alyssa , Chiem Kevin , Ault Russell , Zhang Hao , Cai Hong , Whigham Alison , Delgado Jennifer , Hicks Amberlee , Tsao Philip S. , Gelfond Jonathan , Martinez‐Sobrido Luis , Wang Yufeng , Torrelles Jordi B. , Turner Joanne
Published: November 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction alters cellular metabolism, increases tissue oxidative stress, and may be principal to the dysregulated signaling and function of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the elderly. In this proof of principle study, it is investigated whether the transfer of functional mitochondria into CD4+ T cells that are isolated from old mice (aged CD4+ T cells), can abrogate aging‐associated mitochondrial dysfunction, and improve the aged CD4+ T cell functionality. The results show that the delivery of exogenous mitochondria to aged non‐activated CD4+ T cells led to significant mitochondrial proteome alterations highlighted by improved aerobic metabolism and decreased cellular mitoROS. Additionally, mito‐transferred aged CD4+ T cells showed improvements in activation‐induced TCR‐signaling kinetics displaying markers of activation (CD25), increased IL‐2 production, enhanced proliferation ex vivo. Importantly, immune deficient mouse models (RAG‐KO) showed that adoptive transfer of mito‐transferred naive aged CD4+ T cells, protected recipient mice from influenza A and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. These findings support mitochondria as targets of therapeutic intervention in aging.
Anionic Regulation and Heteroatom Doping of Ni‐Based Electrocatalysts to Boost Biomass Valorization Coupled with Hydrogen Production
Authors: Xu Penghui , Bao Zhenyu , Zhao Yujian , Zheng Lingxia , Lv Zhuoqing , Shi Xiaowei , Wang Hong‐En , Fang Xiaosheng , Zheng Huajun
Published: November 2023

Electrocatalytic biomass valorization coupled with hydrogen production provides an efficient and economical way to achieve a zero‐carbon economy. Ni‐based electrocatalysts are promising candidates due to their intrinsic redox capabilities, but the rational design of active Ni site coordination is still a huge challenge. Herein, the combined strategies of surface reconstruction and heteroatom doping are adopted to modify Ni3S2 pre‐catalysts and the obtained bimetallic catalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance toward 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation to 2,5‐furanedicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Specifically, the oxysulfide‐coordinated amorphous NiOOH (NiOOH‐SOx) active phase is in situ constructed following the anionic regulation mechanism, which endows numerous defects and unsaturated sites for anodic HMF oxidation. Cu heteroatom doping further modulates the electronic structure of active sites with abundant Lewis acidic sites, offering advanced capability for HMF adsorption. Several operando characterization techniques (in situ Raman, infrared, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies) are performed to disclose the reaction pathway and structure‐activity‐potential relationship. Theoretical results further demonstrate that Cu doping and oxyanionic regulation effectively modulate the local coordination environment of Ni sites and correspondingly tailor the intermediate adsorption behavior and then promote the reaction kinetics. Moreover, a two‐electrode system is assembled to pair HMF oxidation with cathode hydrogen production, demonstrating better energy conversion efficiency.
Membrane Screening for Iron–Chrome Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Mans Nico , van der Westhuizen Derik , Krieg Henning Manfred
Published: November 2023

Since the electrolyte in an iron chrome redox flow battery (ICRFB) is inexpensive, the cost of the separator can contribute up to 38% of the CapEx cost of an ICRFB. Since the membrane also influences the RFB performance, it is the aim of this study to screen various commercial ion‐exchange membranes (IEMs) and a microporous separator (MPS) in an ICRFB to identify possible alternative membranes to the currently used Nafion. The suitability of six cation (CEMs) and two anion exchange membranes (AEMs), as well as one MPS, is investigated. No discharge curves are attained with either of the AEMs, which probably result from the formation of an anionic FeCl4− species at the elevated operating temperatures (65 °C) used, confirming literature on the unsuitability of AEMs for ICRFBs. Similarly, although the MPS is stable in the ICRFB electrolyte, it yields a high capacity decay ascribed to excessive crossover. Whereas all six CEMs yield similar CE, VE, and EE values, the fumatech FS‐950 yields a comparable capacity decay but higher EE and capacity discharge than the currently used Nafion 117 counterpart. Due to the significant cost reduction, modified or customized MPS should be further evaluated.
Cesium Cyclopropane Acid‐Aided Crystal Growth Enables Efficient Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with a High Moisture Tolerance
Authors: Yue Yaochang , Yang Rongshen , Zhang Weichao , Cheng Qian , Zhou Huiqiong , Zhang Yuan
Published: November 2023

While all‐inorganic halide perovskites (iHPs) are promising photovoltaic materials, the associated water sensitivity of iHPs calls for stringent humidity control to reach satisfactory photovoltaic efficiencies. Herein, we report a moisture‐insensitive perovskite formation route under ambient air for CsPbI2Br‐based iHPs via cesium cyclopropane acids (C3) as a compound introducer. With this approach, appreciably enhanced crystallization quality and moisture tolerance of CsPbI2Br are attained. The improvements are attributed to the modified evaporation enthalpy of the volatile side product of DMA‐acid initiated by Cs‐acids. As such, the water‐involving reaction is directed toward the DMA‐acids, leaving the target CsPbI2Br perovskites insensitive to ambient humidity. We highlight that by controlling the C3 concentration, the dependence of power conversion efficiency (PCE) in CsPbI2Br devices on the humidity level during perovskite film formation becomes favorably weakened, with the PCEs remaining relatively high (>15 %) associated with improved device stability for RH levels changed from 25 % to 65 %. The champion solar cells yield an impressive PCE exceeding 17 %, showing small degradations (<10 %) for 2000 hours of shell storage and 300 hours of 85/85 (temperature/humidity) tests. The demonstrated C3‐based strategy provides an enabler for improving the long‐sought moisture‐stability of iHPs toward high photovoltaic device performance.
Evaluation of a high oleic soybean oil variety in lubricant and biodiesel applications
Authors: Winfield DeMichael D. , Cermak Steven C. , Evangelista Roque L. , Moser Bryan R. , McKinney Justin , Pantalone Vince
Published: November 2023

Soybean oil is an abundant commodity crop that has garnered attention for its use as a feedstock for sustainable materials. Soybean oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acid content, which can promote undesirable properties in biodiesel and lubricant applications. In this work, we characterized the fatty acid composition of commercial soybean oil along with two other soybean oil varieties, Ellis and TN18‐4110. Ellis and commercial soybean oils had similar fatty acid compositions, while TN18‐4110 was enriched in the monounsaturated oleic acid. Biodiesel and estolides were prepared from the three varieties and the relevant physical properties were measured. In comparison to commercial soybean diesel, both Ellis and TN18‐4110 exhibited unique advantages. As estolide‐based lubricants, all three varieties had advantageous cold flow properties, but TN18‐4110 also possessed excellent oxidative stability and lower viscosity. The physical properties and structural property relationships of the biodiesel and estolides are discussed.
Implications for Boards of Directors of the Supreme Court's SFFA Affirmative Action Decision
Authors: Odell Francesca , Park Jennifer Kennedy , Lee Charity , Walden Joshua
Published: November 2023

Francesca Odell, Jennifer Kennedy Park, Charity Lee, and Joshua Walden all work at international law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. In this article, they give a breakdown of how the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action will impact corporate boards of directors.
Synthesis and Anti‐Melanoma Activity of Acryloyl Pyridinone Analogues
Authors: Urbaniak Alicja , Bathula Chandramohan , Chauhan Jyoti , Rai Prateek , Thammathong Joshua , Clark Christopher , Heflin Billie , De Loose Annick , Avaritt Nathan , Rodriguez Analiz , Tackett Alan J. , Sen Subhabrata , Banerjee Souvik
Published: November 2023

A major challenge for clinical management of melanoma is the prevention and treatment of metastatic disease. Drug discovery efforts over the last 10 years have resulted in several drugs that improve the prognosis of metastatic melanoma; however, most patients develop early resistance to these treatments. We designed and synthesized, through a concise synthetic strategy, a series of hybrid olefin‐pyridinone compounds that consist of structural motifs from tamoxifen and ilicicolin H. These compounds were tested against a human melanoma cell line and patient‐derived melanoma cells that had metastasized to the brain. Three compounds 7 b, 7 c, and 7 g demonstrated promising activity (IC50=0.4–4.3 μM). Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that 7 b and 7 c induce cell cycle arrest predominantly in the G1 phase. Both 7 b and 7c significantly inhibited migration of A375 melanoma cells; greater effects were demonstrated by 7 b. Molecular modelling analysis provides insight into a plausible mechanism of action.
Boosting CO2 Electroreduction to Multi‐carbon Products via Oxygen‐rich Vacancies and Ce4+−O2−−Cu+ Structure in Cu/CeO2 for Stabilizing Cu+
Authors: Fang Minghui , Xia Wei , Han Shitao , Yao Ting , Wang Min , Zhou Dawei , Dong Xue , Yang Jiahao , Jia Shuaiqiang , He Mingyuan , Wu Haihong , Han Buxing
Published: November 2023

Cu is a promising electrocatalyst for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to produce high‐value C2+ products. Due to the fierce competition of the hydrogen evolution reaction, the slow diffusion of CO2, and the high energy barrier of the C−C coupling reaction, it is still challenging to achieve high activity and high selectivity to produce multi‐carbon products on copper‐based electrocatalysts. In this work, we synthesized Cu/CeO2 catalysts with varying amounts of Cu doping, aiming at effectively converting CO2 into C2+ products through electroreduction. At a copper doping level of 9.77 wt%, the catalyst exhibited a current density of 16.8 mA cm−2 using a standard H‐type cell, achieving a C2+ faradaic efficiency (FE) of 78.3 %. Through additional experiments and material characterization, we confirmed that controlling the Cu loading on the surface of CeO2 is an effective way to regulate the ratio of Cu+ to Cu0 active sites and the number of oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, the strong electron interaction between Ce4+−O2−−Cu+ structure can stabilize Cu+ species and enhance the overall stability of the catalyst. This strategy enhances the selectivity towards C2+ products and effectively suppresses the competing hydrogen evolution reaction.
The role of short‐term temperature variability and light in shaping the phenology and characteristics of seagrass beds
Authors: Wong Melisa C. , Dowd Michael
Published: November 2023

Seagrass beds inhabit highly heterogeneous temperature regimes that characterize the marine nearshore. Temperature directly influences seagrasses and also provides indirect information on other ecologically relevant environmental variables. Multiple temperature processes operate on seasonal and sub‐seasonal timescales (i.e., hours to months) and include variation from seasonal air–sea heat fluxes, advective heat transport from upwelling and tidal circulation, and daily heating and cooling of shallow waters. Despite this, seagrass–temperature studies typically only examine a single isolated temperature process, often seasonal heating/cooling or marine heatwaves. Furthermore, elucidation of relationships between different short‐term temperature processes and seagrass metrics could provide insights into biologically relevant temperature metrics for seagrasses. Here, we examine the effects of multiple short‐term temperature processes on Zostera marina beds in Atlantic Canada, by describing the seasonal phenology of bed characteristics, plant morphology, and physiology across different temperature regimes and by identifying relationships between different temperature and seagrass metrics. We also include water depth as a proxy for light availability. Four distinct short‐term temperature processes (median temperature, growing degree day [heat accumulation], daily temperature range, and time in the optimal temperature range [5–23°C]) were used to categorize temperature regimes across our study sites as warm and highly variable, or cool and less variable. We found that both temperature regime and light availability were important for leaf area index (LAI) and shoot density, which both decreased with increasing depth yet had the strongest seasonal differences and maximum rates of increase (shoot density) or lowest values and maximum rates of decrease (LAI) in warm and highly variable temperature regimes. These temperature regimes were also associated with seasonal patterns in number of leaves, reduced leaf lengths and number of leaves per shoot, and thinner rhizomes with less carbohydrate storage. Generalized additive models (GAMs) for each seagrass metric using the four temperature processes indicated that while median temperature displayed expected relationships with almost every seagrass metric, inclusion of other temperature processes revealed additional insights not evident from median temperature alone. Our study shows that different sources of short‐term temperature variation influence seagrass properties and that accounting for these will improve our understanding of the temperature–seagrass interaction.
Rational design of polymer‐based particulate vaccine adjuvants
Authors: Huete‐Carrasco Jorge , Lynch Roisin I. , Ward Ross W. , Lavelle Ed C.
Published: November 2023

Vaccination is considered one of the major milestones in modern medicine, facilitating the control and eradication of life‐threatening infectious diseases. Vaccine adjuvants are a key component of many vaccines, serving to steer antigen‐specific immune responses and increase their magnitude. Despite major advances in the field of adjuvant research over recent decades, our understanding of their mechanism of action remains incomplete. This hinders our capacity to further improve these adjuvant technologies, so addressing how adjuvants induce and control the induction of innate and adaptive immunity is a priority. Investigating how adjuvant physicochemical properties, such as size and charge, exert immunomodulatory effects can provide valuable insights and serve as the foundation for the rational design of vaccine adjuvants. Most clinically applied adjuvants are particulate in nature and polymeric particulate adjuvants present advantages due to stability, biocompatibility profiles, and flexibility in terms of formulation. These properties can impact on antigen release kinetics and biodistribution, cellular uptake and targeting, and drainage to the lymphatics, consequently dictating the induction of innate, cellular, and humoral adaptive immunity. A current focus is to apply rational design principles to the development of adjuvants capable of eliciting robust cellular immune responses including CD8+ cytotoxic T‐cell and Th1‐biased CD4+ T‐cell responses, which are required for vaccines against intracellular pathogens and cancer. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of how particulate adjuvants, especially polymer‐based particulates, modulate immune responses and how this can be used as a guide for improved adjuvant design.
NAMPT regulates mitochondria function and lipid metabolism during porcine oocyte maturation
Authors: Guo Xin , Jiao Le , Yi Yang , Zhang Hao‐Lin , Liu Ya‐Xi , Wang Zi‐Yu , Sun Shao‐Chen
Published: November 2023

Oocyte maturation defect can lead to maternal reproduction disorder. NAMPT is a rate‐limiting enzyme in mammalian NAD+ biosynthesis pathway, which can regulate a variety of cellular metabolic processes including glucose metabolism and DNA damage repair. However, the function of NAMPT in porcine oocytes remains unknown. In this study, we showed that NAMPT involved into multiple cellular events during oocyte maturation. NAMPT expressed during all stages of porcine oocyte meiosis, and inhibition of NAMPT activity caused the cumulus expansion and polar body extrusion defects. Mitochondrial dysfunction was observed in NAMPT‐deficient porcine oocytes, which showed decreased membrane potential, ATP and mitochondrial DNA content, increased oxidative stress level and apoptosis. We also found that NAMPT was essential for spindle organization and chromosome arrangement based on Ac‐tubulin. Moreover, lack of NAMPT activity caused the increase of lipid droplet and affected the imbalance of lipogenesis and lipolysis. In conclusion, our study indicated that lack of NAMPT activity affected porcine oocyte maturation through its effects on mitochondria function, spindle assembly and lipid metabolism.
Obtaining cumin (Cuminum Cymminum) essential oils by steam distillation. Part I: investigation of operation parameters on essential oil yield and distribution of oil composition
Authors: Yazıcı Ömer , Sevgili Lutfullah M.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The effect of pretreatment (grinding), packing material (raschig rings) and vacuum on the yield and the component distribution of the essential oil of cumin during steam distillation was investigated. Concurrently, kinetic studies were conducted to examine the essential oil yield.

RESULTS

At the end of 120 min, the yield under normal conditions was 0.79, 1.26, 1.90 and 2.36 for nonground and 20‐, 40‐ and 80‐s ground cumin seeds, respectively. Equivalent figures in a vacuum were 0.64, 1.56 and 1.95 for nonground, 40‐ and 80‐s ground cumin seeds, respectively. When raschig rings were used, the yield value was 1.99 and 2.06 under normal and vacuum conditions, respectively, for cumin seeds ground for 80 s. Under normal conditions, the cumin aldehyde percentages of the nonground sample, and the 40‐ and 80‐s ground samples was 51.31, 33.59 and 32.54, respectively, and under vacuum, 70.00, 49.02 and 40.59, respectively. Six kinetic models were applied with sufficient R2 values. Drug release models were first applied to kinetic data successfully.

Conclusion

Grinding cumin seeds in a blender increased the essential oil yield up to three‐fold and Raschig rings as a packing material also contributed to this increase. The effect of complex mechanisms such as sample positioning and flow regime on the essential oil yield during the washing stage was observed. Although there was minimal difference (3.8%) in the yield values for the experiments with nonground cumin samples, the slight variation in essential oil yield observed in the experiments with each ground cumin sample may be attributed to the particle distribution, positioning and flow regime. So, five cases were determined depending on positioning. Cumin aldehyde has the highest composition in all time intervals after 10 min at the fractional distillation under vacuum. However sabinene was relatively higher only in the early time interval at 0‐10 min. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The effects of quinoa bran dietary fiber on glucose and lipid metabolism and hepatic transcriptome in obese rats
Authors: Ge Yunfei , Shi Yu , Wei Chunhong , Uthamapriya Rajavel Arumugam , Wu Yunjiao , Cao LongKui
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

As a complex chronic metabolic disease, obesity not only affects the quality of human life but also increases the risk of various other diseases. Therefore, it is important to investigate the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic effects of dietary interventions that counteract obesity.

RESULTS

In this study, we extracted soluble (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from quinoa bran using an enzymatic method and further investigated their effects on lipid metabolism and blood lipid levels in obese rats. Quinoa bran dietary fiber showed significantly reduced body weight, blood glucose level, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to those in the model group of obese rats. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lower in the IDF group, demonstrating that IDF improved liver injury more significantly than SDF, which was consistent with the analysis of liver tissue sections. IDF supplementation significantly improved the oxidation resistance of obese rats by decreasing malondialdehyde and increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels compared to the high‐fat diet group levels. Transcriptome analysis showed that IDF caused hepatic changes in genes (Ehhadh, PPARα, FADS, CPT1, CPT2, SCD‐1, Acadm, and CYP7A1) related to fatty acid degradation, and this result coincided with that of the gene expression validation result.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our research offers crucial data for the logical development of dietary fiber from quinoa bran with nutritional purposes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Flocking of a locally interacting multi‐agent system with a unit speed constraint
Authors: Jin Chunyin , Li Shuangzhi
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we study the flocking behavior of a locally interacting multi‐agent system with a unit speed constraint. Using the spectral gap of a connected stochastic matrix, together with an elaborate estimation on perturbations of a linearized system, we obtain a sufficient condition imposed only on initial data and model parameters to guarantee flocking and further show that the system achieves a consensus at an exponential rate.
Dual‐band sub‐6‐GHz frequency filtering with optically transparent single‐layer dual‐polarized smart surface
Authors: Can Sultan
Published: November 2023

Optically transparent dual‐band frequency‐selective surfaces (FSSs) are promising candidates to address the specific design challenges of the Internet of Things. This paper demonstrates their potential by discussing different configurations of the two single‐layer FSS designs on an innovative optically transparent polyvinyl chloride surface material. First, FSS cells consist of two cross dipoles placed forming angles of , where each rotated dipole structure parallel to the other. Then, in the second design, each one of the two cells is mirrored to enable polarization control for each band. As a proof‐of‐concept, five prototypes of each design having a unit cell size of are fabricated through a combination of cost‐effective printing and shearing. The manufactured prototypes yield more than 93% transparency and robust dual‐band performance. Moreover, more than 20 and 40 dB isolation for lower‐ and upper‐frequency bands are achieved from the fabricated prototypes. High‐transparency, cost‐effectiveness, and robust high performance in terms of suppression make both structures suitable for sub‐6‐GHz fifth generation applications.
Political uncertainty and corporate investment: Evidence from India
Authors: Bagow Sajad , Altaf Nufazil
Published: November 2023

This article examines the relationship between political uncertainty and corporate investments in India. Using the data of 771 non‐financial Indian firms for the period 2007 Q1 to 2020 Q4 and for three general elections, 2009, 2014, and 2019, the study confirms a significant negative impact of political uncertainty on corporate investments and a pronounced impact of political uncertainty on corporate investment in closely contested elections. Also, we find that corporate investment tends to rise post‐election. Additionally, we find that the negative relationship between political uncertainty and corporate investment is more pronounced for politically sensitive industries and firms facing higher financial constraints.
Preparation of a thermally conductive phase‐change coating with good anti‐corrosion
Authors: Hu Cheng , Li Yang‐Chang‐Yao , Hu Yu , Zhao Zheng‐Bai , Bu Ming‐Sheng , Li Qi‐Yuan , Du Xiang‐Yun , Liao Yun‐Hong , Wang Xiao , Li Wei‐Li
Published: November 2023

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a widely available and environmentally friendly phase change material known for its high energy storage capacity. However, its application in various industries is limited due to slow heat absorption and release, poor mechanical properties, and inadequate weather resistance. PEG was blended with waterborne epoxy resin (WER) to improve its mechanical properties and weather resistance. Furthermore, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and boron nitride (BN) were incorporated into the WER/PEG resin substrate to prepare WER/PEG/BN@GNP coatings, resulting in enhanced thermal conductivity. When the GNP content was 0.5 wt%, the WER/PEG/BN@GNP coatings performed excellent anti‐corrosion. Otherwise, the leakage of PEG under heat‐cool cycling was addressed by the preparation of WER/PEG/BN@GNP coatings, as well as the low rates of heat absorption and release. In this work, the preparation method successfully combines the phase‐change characteristics of PEG, the outstanding mechanical properties of WER, and the high thermal conductivity of BN and GNP. The WER/PEG/BN@GNP coatings present significant potential for practical applications.

Highlights

A new coating is prepared by incorporation of BN/GNP into PEG/WER matrix.

The prepared coating performs phase change and good heat conduction efficiency.

The phase‐transition leakage of PEG is resolved by the combination with WER.

The synergy of BN and GNP fillers can enhance thermal conductivity effectively.

The prepared coating exhibits insulation and anti‐corrosion at low GNP content.
Thienyltriazine Based Star Molecules: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Rani Kumar Neha , Agrawal Abhijeet R. , Choudhury Aditya , Zade Sanjio S.
Published: November 2023

Thienyltriazine (TT) is a C3h symmetric system consisting of an acceptor core and donor arms. Here we report the design, synthesis and characterization of a series of aryl (naphthalene, NP; benzodithiophene, BDTP; BODIPY, BDPY; hexyl thiophene, HT; imidazole, IMZ; indole, IN) functionalized thienyltriazine containing star molecules (TTNP, TTBDTP, TTBDPY, TTHT, TTIMZ and TTIN). The electronic properties of these compounds in the solution were studied by ultraviolet‐visible absorption and emission spectroscopies, and cyclic voltammetric studies. The star molecule (SM) consisting of thienyltriazine and BDPY unit (TTBDPY) shows the most red‐shifted absorption and emission wavelength indicative of its most extended conjugation. The results of the experimental observations reveal that changing the nature of the peripheral aryl unit helps to efficiently tune the optical properties of the resulting system.
Re‐Designing Cellulosic Core–Shell Composite Fibers for Advanced Photothermal and Thermal‐Regulating Performance
Authors: Zhang Zihuan , Mao Hui , Kong Yuying , Niu Panpan , Zheng Jieyuan , Liu Pingwei , Wang Wen‐Jun , Li Yuanyuan , Yang Xuan
Published: November 2023

Flexible fibers and textiles featuring photothermal conversion and storage capacities are ideal platforms for solar‐energy utilization and wearable thermal management. Other than using fossil‐fuel‐based synthetic fibers, re‐designing natural fibers with nanotechnology is a sustainable but challenging option. Herein, advanced core–shell structure fibers based on plant‐based nanocelluloses are obtained using a facile co‐axial wet‐spinning process, which has superior photothermal and thermal‐regulating performances. Besides serving as the continuous matrix, nanocelluloses also have two other important roles: dispersing agent when exfoliating molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and stabilizer for phase change materials (PCM) in the form of Pickering emulsion. Consequently, the shell layer contains well‐oriented nanocelluloses and MoS2, and the core layer contains a high content of PCM in a leak‐proof encapsulated manner. Such a hierarchical cellulosic supportive structure leads to high mechanical strength (139 MPa), favorable flexibility, and large latent heat (92.0 J g−1), surpassing most previous studies. Furthermore, the corresponding woven cloth demonstrates satisfactory thermal‐regulating performance, high solar‐thermal conversion and storage efficiency (78.4–84.3%), and excellent long‐term performance. In all, this work paves a new way to build advanced structures by assembling nanoparticles and polymers for functional composite fibers in advanced solar‐energy‐related applications.
A Self‐Assembled 3D/0D Quasi‐Core–Shell Structure as Internal Encapsulation Layer for Stable and Efficient FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Yang Chao , Wang Zhen , Li Gu , Yang Zhengchi , Wen Xinyang , Hu Xiaowen , Jiang Yue , Feng Shien‐Ping , Chen Yiwang , Zhou Guofu , Liu Jun‐Ming , Gao Jinwei
Published: November 2023

FAPbI3 perovskites have garnered considerable interest owing to their outstanding thermal stability, along with near‐theoretical bandgap and efficiency. However, their inherent phase instability presents a substantial challenge to the long‐term stability of devices. Herein, this issue through a dual‐strategy of self‐assembly 3D/0D quasi‐core–shell structure is tackled as an internal encapsulation layer, and in situ introduction of excess PbI2 for surface and grain boundary defects passivating, therefore preventing moisture intrusion into FAPbI3 perovskite films. By utilizing this method alone, not only enhances the stability of the FAPbI3 film but also effectively passivates defects and minimizes non‐radiative recombination, ultimately yielding a champion device efficiency of 23.23%. Furthermore, the devices own better moisture resistance, exhibiting a T80 lifetime exceeding 3500 h at 40% relative humidity (RH). Meanwhile, a 19.51% PCE of mini‐module (5 × 5 cm2) is demonstrated. This research offers valuable insights and directions for the advancement of stable and highly efficient FAPbI3 perovskite solar cells.
A Novel Bubble‐based Microreactor for Enhanced Mass Transfer Dynamics toward Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Liu Hengyuan , Liu Yingzhe , Yu Xude , Huang Xintong , Zhang Jingwei , Chen Zhuo , Xu Jianhong
Published: November 2023

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) is a promising method for sustainable ammonia production. Although the majority of studies on the eNRR are devoted to developing efficient electrocatalysts, it is critical to study the influence of mass transfer because of the poor N2 transfer efficiency. Herein, a novel bubble‐based microreactor (BBMR) is proposed that efficiently promotes the mass transfer behavior during the eNRR using microfluidic strategies. The BBMR possesses abundant triphasic interfaces and provides spatial confinement and accurate potential control, ensuring rapid mass transfer dynamics and improved eNRR performance, as confirmed by experimental and simulation studies. The ammonia yield of the reaction over Ag nanoparticles can be enhanced to 31.35 µg h−1 mgcat.−1, which is twice that of the H‐cell. Excellent improvements are also achieved using Ru/C and Fe/g‐CN catalysts, with 5.0 and 8.5 times increase in ammonia yield, respectively. This work further demonstrates the significant effect of mass transfer on the eNRR performance and provides an effective strategy for process enhancement through electrode design.
Protein‐Loaded Cellular Nanosponges for Dual‐Biomimicry Neurotoxin Countermeasure
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Wang Dan , Shen Wei‐Ting , Kai Mingxuan , Yu Yiyan , Peng Yifei , Xian Nianfei , Fang Ronnie H. , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Liangfang
Published: November 2023

Neurotoxins present a substantial threat to human health and security as they disrupt and damage the nervous system. Their potent and structurally diverse nature poses challenges in developing effective countermeasures. In this study, a unique nanoparticle design that combines dual‐biomimicry mechanisms to enhance the detoxification efficacy of neurotoxins is introduced. Using saxitoxin (STX), one of the deadliest neurotoxins, and its natural binding protein saxiphilin (Sxph) as a model system, human neuronal membrane‐coated and Sxph‐loaded metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosponges (denoted “Neuron‐MOF/Sxph‐NS”) are successfully developed. The resulting Neuron‐MOF/Sxph‐NS exhibit a biomimetic design that not only emulates host neurons for function‐based detoxification through the neuronal membrane coating, but also mimics toxin‐resistant organisms by encapsulating the Sxph protein within the nanoparticle core. The comprehensive in vitro assays, including cell osmotic swelling, calcium flux, and cytotoxicity assays, demonstrate the improved detoxification efficacy of Neuron‐MOF/Sxph‐NS. Furthermore, in mouse models of STX intoxication, the application of Neuron‐MOF/Sxph‐NS shows significant survival benefits in both therapeutic and prophylactic regimens, without any apparent acute toxicity. Overall, the development of Neuron‐MOF/Sxph‐NS represents an important advancement in neurotoxin detoxification, offering promising potential for treating injuries and diseases caused by neurotoxins and addressing the current limitations in neurotoxin countermeasures.
Delafossite CuAlO2 Modification‐Induced Synergistic Passivation Effects for Heterojunction Interface and Absorber toward Efficient Kesterite Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Junjie , Liu Ruijian , Sun Huanhuan , Meng Xiuqing , Han Boyang , Wang Rensheng , Chi Dan , Wang Ting , Yao Bin , Song Yanping , Huang Shihua
Published: November 2023

Achieving a high‐quality heterojunction interface (HEI) and absorber is crucial for the efficient Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells. Herein, an alternative and feasible passivation strategy aiming to harness synergistic passivation effects (SPE) by introducing CuAlO2 (CAO) into HEI is developed. During the selenization process, interdiffusion of HEI elements occurs between absorber and CAO, resulting in the anticipated inversion of electrical properties from p‐ to n‐type in the shallow bulk of absorber and enabling the construction of a homogeneous field passivation. Moreover, the Cu‐poor characteristic of CAO promotes the formation of a thicker Cu‐deficient shallow bulk, thereby facilitating the increased Na diffusion from soda lime glass substrate to both absorber and HEI. This behavior contributes to passivating dangling bonds within absorber grain boundaries and HEI, as well as promoting grain growth and reducing local potential fluctuations. Consequently, carrier recombination at absorber and HEI is depressed simultaneously, leading to a more than 10% efficiency device with a remarkably low open‐circuit voltage deficit of ≈0.3 V. The impact of SPE and mechanism underpinning device performance improvement are comprehensively investigated. The findings provide valuable insights for achieving high‐quality HEI and absorbers with effectively suppressed recombination, thus enabling efficient CZTSSe solar cells.
Targeted Passivation of Perovskite Defects Using Multifunctional 2D Composite Nanostructures to Reduce Recombination Losses in Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Hu Wanting , Yu Miao , Wang Lixue , Hu Ting , Wang Fengyou , Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Qiong , Qu Xin , Yu Zhaoliang , Liu Huilian , Fan Lin , Yang Lili
Published: November 2023

Defect‐induced recombination dynamics remain an essential factor hindering the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, an upgraded solvent posttreatment strategy is proposed to simultaneously improve the quality and related electronic properties of absorbers by introducing the black phosphorus–graphene oxide (BP–GO) composites with a unique microscopic heterojunction stacking structure, high charge mobility, tunable bandgap, and excellent surface chemical properties into the grain boundaries and surface of the perovskite. The BP–GO composites block the layer‐to‐layer diffusion of active ions while directionally passivating uncoordinated defects in the perovskite, thereby accelerating the carrier extraction/transfer at the perovskite interface, ultimately significantly reducing the nonradiative recombination and interfacial charge recombination losses of the devices. The BP–GO composites improve Oswald ripening, guaranteeing the formation of high‐crystallinity and large‐grain perovskites, thereby significantly enhancing the lattice stability, interface quality, and light‐harvesting capacity of the absorbers. Benefiting from the synergistic action of the unique lattice structure of BP–GO, excellent passivation/isolation effect, and enhanced charge dynamics, the photovoltaic output performance of the BP–GO‐modified PSCs is significantly higher than that of conventional n–i–p planar PSCs, and the corresponding unencapsulated device exhibits good stability. This work provides theoretical and technical guarantees for achieving more efficient and stable planar PSCs.
Magnesium Anchoring Strategy for Stabilizing Graphene‐Hosted Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Liu Yaoyao , Cui Chao , Deng Lequan , Wang Zhaofen , Dong Lutan , Dong Huitong , Zhao Xiaoru , Song Ke-Peng , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong , Wang Shuhua , Chen Hao
Published: November 2023

Lithium metal‐graphene host composite is a promising anode material for high‐energy‐density Li battery owing to its three‐dimensional structure, micro‐level controllable thickness and ultrahigh specific capacity. However, we discover that the hydroxyl/carboxyl functional groups in the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) host are likely to be reduced into lithium carbonate composition in the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI), which resulted in severe lithium dendrite growth that deteriorate its electrochemical performances. Here, we develop a magnesium anchoring strategy that selectively bond the Mg ion with the hydroxyl/carboxyl groups in rGO host, generating an electrolyte‐derived lithium fluoride‐dominant SEI instead of oxygen groups‐derived, lithium carbonate‐dominant SEI. By anchoring 0.60% of Mg in the rGO host using a facile compositing‐pyrolysis approach, Li dendrite growth in anode can be significantly suppressed, and the cycling stability of Li metal full cells can be prolonged by 200%. These findings give new insight into the mechanism of SEI formation in Li metal anode, and provide a new design strategy for restraining the reduced reaction of hydroxyl/carboxyl groups in graphene to stabilize the composite anode of lithium metal battery.