bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impinging jet mixers: A review of their mixing characteristics, performance considerations, and applications
Authors: Devos Cedric , Mukherjee Saikat , Inguva Pavan , Singh Shalini , Wei Yi , Mondal Sandip , Yu Huiwen , Barbastathis George , Stelzer Torsten , Braatz Richard D. , Myerson Allan S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOptimal control over fast chemical processes hinges on the achievement of rapid and effective mixing. Impinging jet mixers are a unique class of passive mixing devices renowned for their exceptional ability to achieve rapid mixing at micro‐length scales, whilst offering the possibility of a high throughput. Comprising of two co‐linear jets flowing in opposite directions and colliding with each other within a small (usually confined) volume, these devices effectively intensify various mixing‐controlled processes in a reproducible manner. Impinging jet mixers find extensive use in both the chemical and pharmaceutical industry for a plethora of applications, such as reaction injection molding and precipitation processes. This review provides an overview of research related to impinging jet mixers, with an emphasis on the mixing characteristics and the influence of design and process parameters on the mixing performance. Lastly, specific applications for which these devices are exceptionally suited are discussed.
Differential effects of confinement‐induced reactive oxygen species accumulation on highly motile cancerous and non‐cancerous cells
Authors: Keith William Collins , Hemmati Farnaz , Vaghasiya Ravi Sureshbhai , Amiri Farshad , Mistriotis Panagiotis 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn vivo, migrating cells often encounter microenvironments that impose spatial constraints, leading to cell and nuclear deformation. As confinement‐induced DNA damage has been linked to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we sought to investigate the impact of oxidative stress on cell behavior within confined spaces. Using microchannel devices that enable control of the degree and duration of cell confinement, we demonstrate that confined migration increases ROS levels in both HT‐1080 fibrosarcoma cells and human dermal fibroblasts. Treatment with the antioxidant N‐Acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) counteracts confinement‐induced ROS accumulation, suppressing p53 activation and supporting cell survival in both cell lines. This intervention preferentially reduces dorsal perinuclear actin fibers in confined cancer cells. Loss of these fibers is associated with reduced nuclear rupture frequency and increased confined migration speed. Collectively, this work provides insights into the differential effects of ROS on cancerous and non‐cancerous cells and suggests that antioxidants may support tumor progression.
The Asymmetrical Fe−O−Se Bonds in Fe2O(SeO3)2 Boosting Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalytic Performance for Zinc‐Air Battery
Authors: Xu Hui‐Min , Yue Kai‐Hang , Song Lian‐Jie , Zhang Hong‐Cheng , Zhu Hong‐Rui , Zhang Zhi‐Jie , Li Gao‐Ren 
Published: September 2024

AbstractZinc‐air batteries (ZABs) have the advantages of high energy density and rich zinc raw materials. It is a low‐cost, green and sustainable energy storage device. At present, one of the key technologies that hinder the large‐scale application of ZABs is the design and fabrication oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) bifunctional catalysts with excellent performance, especially the non‐platinum‐based catalysts. Here N‐doped carbon‐coated Fe‐based selenium oxide catalyst Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC with high performance has been fabricated by a one‐step pyrolysis and then the electrochemical oxidization. The experimental results confirmed that the existence of Fe−O−Se bonds in Fe2O(SeO3)2 crystal phase of Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC, and the Fe−O−Se bonds could obviously enhance ORR and OER catalytic performance of Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC. Density functional theoretical calculations (DFT) confirmed that the Fe2O(SeO3)2 in Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC had a higher d‐band center of Fe atom and a lower p‐orbital coupling degree with its own lattice O atom than Fe2O3, which leads to Fe site of Fe2O(SeO3)2 being more likely to adsorb external oxygen intermediates. The Fe−O−Se bonds in Fe2O(SeO3)2 results in the modification of coordination environment of Fe atoms and optimizes the adsorption energy of Fe site for oxygen intermediates. Compared with Fe2O3/Fe3C@NC, the Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC showed the obvious enhancements of ORR/OER catalytic activities with a half‐wave potential of 0.91 V for ORR in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte and a low overpotential of 345 mV for OER at 10 mA cm−2 in a 1.0 M KOH electrolyte. The peak power density and specific capacity of Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC‐based ZABs are higher than those of Pt/C+RuO2‐ZABs. The above results demonstrate that the asymmetrical Fe−O−Se bonds in Fe2O(SeO3)2 plays a key role in improving the bifunctional catalytic activities of ORR/OER for ZABs.
Effect of Π‐Π Conjugation in Benzylammonium Cations on Crystal Structure, Morphology, Optical Properties, and Optoelectronic Performance of Bi‐Based Perovskite
Authors: Wang Xueze , Zhou Huawei , Zhang Xianxi 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBi‐based organic halides have attracted widespread attention as potential substitutes for lead‐based organic halide perovskites and have been explored and applied in many optoelectronic devices. The rational design of organic Bi‐based halides is a popular research topic. In this work, we used benzylammonium (BA) cations to synthesize BA3Bi2I9 (BBI) perovskite material and FA3Bi2I9 (FBI, FA [formamidinium]) as control. We observe that the benzene rings in BA cations overlap with each other due to the benzene rings Π‐Π conjugation in the crystal structure of BBI, which exhibits large interplanar spacing due to large BA ions. BBI has preferential orientation along the (020) crystal plane. Due to conjugation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) mapping images indicate that the surface of the BBI thin film is smoother and more uniform than that of the FBI thin film. We fabricated the device by growing thin films of BBI and FBI on ITO interdigital electrodes. The photodetector based on BBI SC exhibits stability and regularity with turning on/off of the light at different intensities (10, 20, 30, and 40 W m−2) and wavelengths (386, 397, 405, and 433 nm). The ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption and reflection spectrum analysis shows that BBI has a slightly wider bandgap than FBI. This study can provide some ideas for the design Π‐Π conjugation in organic metal halides.
Free‐radical emulsion copolymerization of styrene/1‐hexene in an autoclave: Synthesis and property evaluation
Authors: Remanan Sanjay , Al‐Harthi Mamdouh Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA copolymer based on styrene and 1‐hexene was synthesized using free‐radical emulsion polymerization. Reaction pressure has a significant influence on copolymer formation. There was a phase separation when styrene was copolymerized with 1‐hexene at lower pressure (1 bar) and a stable emulsion was observed under a pressurized reaction (4.5 bar). Additionally, a phase separation was also observed at a lower reaction pH (7.2) and was evidenced by the reduced pH value at the end of the copolymerization. H1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis showed the disappearance of methylene proton peak intensities in both styrene and 1‐hexene after the copolymerization reaction indicating the increased conversion of monomers in emulsion. Synthesized copolymer was also studied using the C13 NMR analysis. It was further analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The emulsion was destabilized by the synergistic action of acid and temperature to recover solid polymer. The applicability of the copolymer as a polymer modifier was studied by blending with commercial PS. Copolymer thermal properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Other properties such as emulsion particle size, droplet morphology, and the effect of pH were also investigated in this study.
Synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of a high‐efficiency fully biobased biodegradable plasticizer
Authors: Hou Boyou , Sun Yinan , Guo Yanlin , Zhang Wei , Shan Xueying , Cui Qianqian , Chen Zhendong , Ni Qingting , Li Jinchun 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDeveloping bio‐based plasticizers not only aids in the reduction of fossil fuel consumption but also presents a lower risk to human health. In this study, a fully biodegradable plasticizer—levulinate malate ethanol lactates (LMEL) was successfully synthesized from L‐lactic acid, DL‐malic acid, levulinic acid, and ethanol, and was compared with commercially plasticizers (acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and di‐2‐ethylhexyl terephthalate (DOTP)). 40 phr LMEL plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (40LMEL) yielded a remarkable elongation at break of 526.9%, compared with the pure PVC resin (4.5%), thereby significantly enhancing the flexibility of PVC. Moreover, the optical transparency of 40LMEL samples was found to be equivalent to PVC plasticized with three commercial plasticizers. Most importantly, compared with three commercial plasticizers, 40LMEL exhibited superior resistance to migration and volatility, with mass losses of 1.055% in H2O, 13.601% in n‐hexane, 14.636% in ethanol, and 1.496% in activated carbon, respectively. Soil degradation experiments have demonstrated that LMEL can be broken down by microorganisms in the soil into nontoxic aliphatic compounds (e.g., 4‐oxo‐pentanoic acid, and 4,5,7‐trihydroxy 2‐octenoic acid, et al.). Collectively, LMEL exhibited better overall performance than three commercial plasticizers. This work provides new options for the design of efficient fully bio‐based plasticizers.
Synergistic effects of dune sand‐based silica and alkali‐treated date palm fiber as efficient fillers for improving the properties of hybrid epoxy composites
Authors: Maou Samira , Meftah Yazid , Grohens Yves , Kervoelen Antoine , Magueresse Anthony , Selmani Wassila , Ferhad Fatima 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLignocellulosic fiber‐reinforced composites exhibit enhanced physical properties and eco‐friendliness, which has resulted in extended application of these biocomposite materials in important engineering sectors. In this study, we investigated the synergistic impacts of dune sand (DS)‐based silica (SiO2) and alkali‐treated date palm fiber (ADPF) fillers on the thermophysical and viscoelastic characteristics of epoxy (EP) hybrid composites. A hand layup procedure was employed to produce EP hybrid composites reinforced with 20 wt.% ADPF as well as 5, 7, and 10 wt.% DS. Compared to the other composite samples, the EP matrix reinforced with 20 wt.% ADPF and 10 wt.% DS (HC5) exhibited better thermal (Tmax = 380°C, Tg = 63.13°C) and dynamic mechanical properties (storage modulus = 2700 MPa). Additionally, Cole–Cole plots revealed the excellent interaction between ADPF, DS, and epoxy matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements further confirmed that the development of an effective interface between DS particles, ADPF fiber, and epoxy matrix caused a decrease in water absorption (1.5%). The best wetting conditions with the lowest thickness swelling (2.8%) were obtained by increasing the DS content up to 10 wt.%. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that, owing to their superior dynamic mechanical characteristics, hybrid composites containing 10 wt.% DS may be employed in important aircraft and aeronautic applications.
Advanced PEI/PAN Membrane to Suppress Zinc Dendrite Growth in Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Hussain Arshad , Mohamed Mostafa M. , Omer Aijaz Muhammad , Rezaul Karim Mohammad , Saeed Alzahrani Atif , Abdul Aziz Md. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are a potential new technology in energy storage due to their high energy density, affordability, and environmental friendliness. The development of AZIBs is still hampered by unchecked zinc dendrite formation during cycling, which results in an unstable interface, a short cycling life, and a considerable capacity decline with security issues. Herein, we demonstrate a novel nanofiber membrane based on polyetherimide‐polyacrylonitrile (PEI/PAN) polymer via electrospinning method with entangled nanofibers for AZIBs applications. The as‐fabricated PEI/PAN membrane has a homogeneous, tortuous, and linked porous structure, high porosity, and superior electrolyte wettability. The resulting PEI/PAN membrane exhibits a decent thermal stability of 200 °C and a strong ionic conductivity of up to 5.3×10−4 S cm−1. This membrane gives Zn/Zn symmetric cells an ultralong cycle life of more than 250 hours at 3 mA cm−2. In the meantime, the MnO2/Zn cell outperforms commercial filter paper regarding cycle stability and rate performance. This work demonstrates the design of a straightforward technique to fabricate advanced nanofiber membranes for AZIBs to modify Zn2+ deposition behavior and improve Zn dendrite resistance.
Pharmacokinetic study of iptacopan and its two acyl glucuronide metabolites in monkey plasma by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Jingchu , Liu Shanshan , Jia Chenglin , Li Jiacheng , Zhang Zhihui , Chen Jian , Cao Yongbin , Ma Chao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this study, a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for the determination of iptacopan and two acyl glucuronidation metabolites in monkey plasma. The plasma sample was precipitated with acetonitrile and then separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) using 0.1% formic acid and 5 mM ammonium acetate in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The mass spectrometry (MS) detection was performed in positive multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode with precursor‐to‐production transitions. The developed assay was validated over the range of 1–2000 ng/mL for three analytes with correlation coefficient (r) more than 0.99. The validation parameters including accuracy, precision, carryover effect, matrix effect, recovery, and stability were all within the acceptable limits. The validated method has been applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of iptacopan and its two acyl glucuronidation metabolites in monkey plasma. After intravenous administration, iptacopan showed low clearance (2.75 mL/min/kg) in monkey plasma. After oral administration, the bioavailability was 55.43%. The exposure (AUC0−t) of direct acyl glucuronide (AG) of iptacopan accounts for 9.73% of the iptacopan plasma exposure. The AUC0−t of AG of dealkylated metabolite of iptacopan was present at a lower level, accounting for 0.5% of the iptacopan plasma exposure.
A comparison of the efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy and Beck cognitive therapy on the depression and anxiety of patients recovering from COVID‐19: A pilot study
Authors: Khajehnezhad Maryam , Veshki Sahar Khanjani 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundDepression and anxiety are prevalent psychological symptoms among COVID‐19 survivors. This study compared the efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and Beck cognitive therapy (BCT) in addressing these issues.MethodsForty‐five COVID‐19 survivors were randomly assigned to one of three groups: MBCT, BCT or a control. Pre‐ and postintervention assessments, using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), were conducted. Both interventions consisted of eight 90‐minute sessions.ResultsAn ANCOVA analysis revealed that BCT was more effective than MBCT in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. Both interventions led to significant improvements, but no significant differences were observed between post‐test and follow‐up.ConclusionBCT is a promising intervention for depression and anxiety in COVID‐19 survivors. Facilities providing cognitive therapy should be integrated into healthcare settings to support mental health recovery.
When the screen deepens the sense of connectedness: What therapists have found effective in successful cases of teletherapy
Authors: Werbart Andrzej , Dominicus Eric , Sheahan Luke , Philips Björn 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to explore therapists' new‐found experiences of what works in successful cases of teletherapy.DesignThis was a qualitative study of therapists' experiences, making their implicit knowledge explicit and systematised.MethodsTwelve therapists were recruited via posts on social media and via the interviewers' professional networks. The therapists were interviewed at their office or via Zoom using a semi‐structured interview guide. The interviews were analysed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe therapists described a number of interacting favourable factors, together contributing to successful remote treatments. Establishing a good therapeutic relationship and cooperation was a general success factor common to in‐person and remote treatments. Specific factors included well‐functioning communication technology, co‐creating a sense of co‐presence, safeguarding therapeutic boundaries adjusted to the remote setting, finding ways of compensating for the loss of several cues available in an in‐person setting and the patient being motivated for a remote therapeutic endeavour.ConclusionsIn the successful cases, therapists in this study seem to have developed specific skills to counteract the inherent challenges and to benefit from the advantages specific to the remote setting. In the post‐pandemic era, when hybrid and remote therapeutic modalities become increasingly common, these specific skills and mechanisms have to be included in psychotherapy training programmes, supervision and continuing education.
The virtual cure for real‐world prejudice? Secondary transfer effects of intergroup contact in virtual reality
Authors: Tassinari Matilde , Harjunen Ville Johannes , Cocco Veronica Margherita , Vezzali Loris , Jasinskaja‐Lahti Inga 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe secondary transfer effect (STE) of intergroup contact posits that contact with one social group may reduce prejudice not only towards contacted but also non‐contacted groups. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to facilitate intergroup contact on a large scale, but its effectiveness in generating the STE of intergroup contact has not been studied before. In two pre‐registered studies conducted in Finland and Italy, we examined whether cooperative (positive) contact in VR between participants' White avatar and an avatar representing a person with African ethnic background had an extended effect on more positive attitudes towards other non‐contacted minority groups. Study 1 (N = 53) revealed that positive contact with a Black avatar in VR decreased explicit prejudice towards secondary non‐contacted outgroups (Middle Eastern people, Muslims, homosexual people, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and immigrants) via attitude generalization but not via intergroup anxiety. Study 2 (N = 132) expanded the design of Study 1 by including a competitive (negative) contact situation to test the STE of both positive and negative contact in VR. The findings of Study 2 showed a trend towards improvement in explicit attitudes towards one secondary outgroup (East Asian people) for positive contact as compared to negative contact. Overall, our findings show the potential of VR contact to alleviate generalized prejudice through the STE of positive intergroup contact. However, caution must be exercised, as competitive activities in VR are common and may have detrimental effects on intergroup attitudes. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Natural α‐Methylene‐γ‐Butyrolactone Analogues: Synthesis and Evaluation of Isoaurone Derivatives as Antifungal Agents
Authors: Li Luwei , Chen Guangyou , Gu Huiping , Lei Peng , Gao Yanqing , Ma Zhiqing , Feng Juntao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn order to develop novel, efficient and green fungicides, a series of novel isoaurone derivatives were designed and synthesized, which were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, high‐resolution mass spectra and melting points. The target compounds showed different inhibitory activities against seven plant pathogenic fungi. Compounds 1, 12, 17, 20, 22, 24 and intermediate A showed more than 90 % inhibition rates against S. s at 50 mg/L. Interestingly, compound 22 and intermediate A showed the great inhibitory effect against S. s with EC50 values of 4.65 and 4.24 mg/L, which were better than the lead compound isoaurone (EC50=15.62 mg/L). The EC50 values of compounds 17 and 24 against B. c were 13.94 and 22.13 mg/L. Moreover, compound 19 displayed significant antifungal activity against G. g with the EC50 value of 11.88 mg/L. Theoretical calculations by DFT revealed that the α, β‐unsaturated carbonyl bond and the benzyl ring are very importantly linked to the strength of the fungicidal activity. Therefore, this study identified a valuable antifungal lead compound for further development of green fungicides.
Previously Published Phosphatase Probes have Limited Utility Due to their Unspecific Reactivity
Authors: ter Brake F. H. G. , van Luttikhuizen S. A. F. M. , van der Wel T. , Gagestein B. , Florea B. I. , van der Stelt M. , Janssen A. P. A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study explores the use of activity‐based protein profiling to study protein tyrosine phosphatases. With the discovery of allosteric SHP2 inhibitors, this enzyme family has resurfaced as interesting drug targets. Therefore, we envisioned that previously described direct electrophiles and quinone methide‐based traps targeting phosphatases could be applied in competitive activity‐based protein profiling assays. This study evaluates three direct electrophiles, specifically, a vinyl sulfonate, a vinyl sulfone, and an α‐bromobenzylphosphonate as well as three quinone methide‐based traps as activity‐based probes. For all these moieties it was previously shown that they could selectively engage in assays with purified or overexpressed phosphatases in bacterial lysates. However, this study demonstrates that probes based on these moieties all suffer from unspecific labelling. Direct electrophiles were either unspecific or not activity‐based, while quinone methide‐based traps showed dependence on phosphatase activity but also resulted in unspecific labelling due to diffusion after activation. This phenomenon, termed ′bystander’ labelling, occurred even with catalytically inactive SHP2 mutants. We concluded that alternative strategies or chemistries are needed to apply activity‐based protein profiling in phosphatase research. Moreover, this study shows that quinone methide‐based designs have limited potential in probe and inhibitor development strategies due to their intrinsic reactivity.