bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stable Anion Exchange Membrane Bearing Quinuclidinium for High‐performance Water Electrolysis
Authors: Yin Liqiang , Ren Rong , He Lanlan , Zheng Wentao , Guo Yu , Wang Linqin , Lee Husileng , Du Jian , Li Zhiheng , Tang Tang , Ding Guoheng , Sun Licheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAnion exchange membranes (AEMs) are core components in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEM‐WEs). However, the stability of functional quaternary ammonium cations, especially under high temperatures and harsh alkaline conditions, seriously affects their performance and durability. Herein, we synthesized a 1‐methyl‐3,3‐diphenylquinuclidinium molecular building unit. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and accelerated aging analysis indicated that the quinine ring structure was exceedingly stable, and the SN2 degradation mechanism dominated. Through acid‐catalyzed Friedel–Crafts polymerization, a series of branched poly(aryl‐quinuclidinium) (PAQ‐x) AEMs with controllable molecular weight and adjustable ion exchange capacity (IEC) were prepared. The stable quinine structure in PAQ‐x was verified and retained in the ex situ alkaline stability. Furthermore, the branched polymer structure reduces the swelling rate and water uptake to achieve a tradeoff between dimensional stability and ionic conductivity, significantly improving the membrane's overall performance. Importantly, PAQ‐5 was used in non‐noble metal‐based AEM‐WE, achieving a high current density of 8 A cm−2 at 2 V and excellent stability over 2446 h in a gradient constant current test. Based on the excellent alkaline stability of this diaryl‐quinuclidinium group, it can be further considered as a multifunctional building unit to create multi‐topological polymers for energy conversion devices used in alkaline environments.
Efficient self healable blended cationic and anionic poly(ionic liquids) under ambient conditions
Authors: Dhukia Surbhi , Singh Gaje , Singh Vinay , Singh Vasundhara 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPoly(ionic liquid)‐based self‐healable electrolytes are getting tremendous attention owing to their quick self‐healing ability at ambient conditions without external stimulus, prominent safety, high mechanical strength, appreciably good conductivity, and no electrolyte leakage. Ionic interactions are much stronger and more dynamic, capable of imparting faster healing ability to the electrolyte. To exploit ionic interactions and non‐covalent hydrogen bonding simultaneously for faster self‐healing at ambient conditions. In the present work, free radical promoted copolymerization of 3‐methyl‐1‐vinylimidazolium iodide and sodium 4‐vinyl benzenesulfonate (VMeImI/SS) with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and ureidopyrimidinone methacrylate to obtain cationic poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and anionic poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) poly ionic liquid (PIL), respectively, as polymer electrolytes (PEs) have been achieved. The complete structural analysis of the copolymers by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DOSY‐NMR, and GPC was done. The ionic conductivity and self‐healing properties of the synthesized PEs, poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) were investigated, which gave encouraging results. For further enhancement of hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, poly (PEG‐UPy‐Im) and poly (PEG‐UPy‐SS) were blended in the ratio of 1:1, referred to as poly (Im‐SS), a binary blend, as a self‐healable oppositely charged polyelectrolyte. Poly(Im‐SS) exhibited self‐healing behavior in 15 min and 5 min at 25 and 60°C, respectively, without any external stimulus. Poly(Im‐SS) also exhibited exceptionally high ionic conductivity of 2.04 × 10−5 and 11.48 × 10−5 Scm−1 at 30 and 80°C, respectively. This unique approach of blending two oppositely charged PEs to create a binary blend has improved ionic conductivity and self‐healing capabilities. Because a poly‐ionic network forms in poly(Im‐SS) as a binary blend, the physical and chemical properties in terms of mechanical and thermal stability as well as water contact angle point to a synergistic effect of ion–ion, ion–dipole, and quadruple Hbonding. Thus, the designed copolymer electrolytes and their blend, present a new perspective to develop innovative and rapid self‐healable polyelectrolytes with significant ionic conductivity for advanced electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors.
Structural Insights on the Role of Halogen Bonding in Protein MEK Kinase‐Inhibitor Complexes
Authors: Milesi Pietro , Baldelli Bombelli Francesca , Lanfrancone Luisa , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio , Metrangolo Pierangelo , Terraneo Giancarlo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractKinases are enzymes that play a critical role in governing essential biological processes. Due to their pivotal involvement in cancer cell signaling, they have become key targets in the development of anti‐cancer drugs. Among these drugs, those containing the 2,4‐dihalophenyl moiety demonstrated significant potential. Here we show how this moiety, particularly the 2‐fluoro‐4‐iodophenyl one, is crucial for the structural stability of the formed drug‐enzyme complexes. Crystallographic analysis of reported kinase‐inhibitor complex structures highlights the role of the halogen bonding that this moiety forms with specific residues of the kinase binding site. This interaction is not limited to FDA‐approved MEK inhibitors, but it is also relevant for other kinase inhibitors, indicating its broad relevance in the design of this class of drugs.
Legal apprenticeships: Enhancing capabilities, wellbeing, and diversity in the profession?
Authors: Casey Caroline , Mountford‐Zimdars Anna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis original study presents findings from a study of members of the first cohort of legal degree apprentices. Introduced in the UK in 2016, legal degree apprenticeships (LAs) remove uncertainty towards legal qualification in an otherwise competitive graduate recruitment environment and could help to increase social mobility into the professions. We examine the impact of the LA pathway on the development of wellbeing and capabilities of apprentices and traditional law students through the following research questions: does it enhance wellbeing when instead of loans, debt and insecurity, aspiring lawyers have a salary, no debt and secure job prospects through an apprenticeship pathway to qualification; and does using a capability framework offer a meaningful lens for understanding the experiences on different pathways? The analysis adopts a capabilities approach, intersected with an inequalities lens, to explore interviews with 23 aspiring solicitors, from different social backgrounds and at different stages of progression on the traditional university and LA pathways in England. The interviews explored access to and experiences of both pathways, particularly how participants were able to develop and convert their social and cultural resources into key capabilities. This provided a meaningful way to make sense of participants’ experiences. Capabilities were enhanced for LA students by removing stress and uncertainty around employment. This wellbeing gain was corroded for some by long commutes into work—often centred in London. Future quantitative research could establish whether, on balance, the majority of LA students experience an overall wellbeing gain. The capability framework usefully showed how across the LA and university pathways, all participants valued agency and developing all capabilities. Social capital was a key resource for creating opportunity and a desired capability that participants sought to develop.
The effect of pre‐body donor quizzes on student performance in a hybrid anatomy course
Authors: Berrios Barillas Reivian , Bove Allyn 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLearning human anatomy is essential for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education. Body donors are traditionally utilized to understand content, but in a hybrid learning environment, students have limited time to use body donors. To improve body donor access and learning, we created online synchronous pre‐body donor activities. The impact of these online strategies on students' subsequent exams and final grade were investigated in a non‐randomized, observational study. These activities were hypothesized to positively influence students' anatomy performance. In a 16‐week semester, DPT students (case [n = 91], control [n = 22]) participated in a hybrid program of asynchronous/synchronous online learning and two in‐person immersions. Measures included student course grades and teaching surveys. Spearman's rho correlations analyzed the relationship between four pre‐body donor quizzes to body donor exams, written exams, and final course grade. Mann–Whitney U tests assessed differences in grades between cohorts. A linear regression model examined the influence of pre‐body donor quizzing on exams/final grades. Correlation tests revealed a strong relationship between the average pre‐body donor quiz score and both the first written exam and final course grade (p = 0.0001). The case group achieved significantly higher scores than the control group on the first in‐person body donor exam (p = 0.011), the second written exam (p = 0.0001), and the final grade (p = 0.004). The pre‐body donor quizzes predicted performance on the subsequent in‐person body donor exams, written exams, and the final grade. Implementation of online pre‐body donor learning activities was associated with increased academic performance among hybrid DPT students and may aid in learning anatomy concepts for clinical practice.
GC‐MS AND Chemometric Analysis of the Essential Oils Obtained from Mexican Commercial Chamomilla Recutita Teas
Authors: Pérez‐Vásquez Araceli , Peña‐Álvarez Araceli , Mata Rachel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe essential oils prepared by hydrodistillation of twenty‐one brands of German chamomile (S1–S21) commercialized in Mexico were analyzed by GS‐MS. Altogether, twenty‐four different compounds were identified in the analyzed samples, varying from 77 to 100 % of the total composition. Multivariate analyses were applied to explore similarity/dissimilarity and correlation between all samples; the results revealed a strong correlation among samples S4, S5, and S7–S21 due to the presence of (Z)‐en‐yn‐dicycloether [(Z)‐tonghaosu], α‐bisabolol, β‐farnesene, β‐eudesmol, and xanthoxylin. The samples S1–S3 and S6 were clustered separately. Samples S1, S3, and S6 were characterized by their higher content of bisabolol oxide A (38.78 %, 51.84 %, and 70.46 %, respectively) as most known chemotypes of German chamomile, but only S1 and S3 contained chamazulene. Finally, S2 differed from the others because of its high content of (E)‐anethole (62.28 %), suggesting a case of adulteration or substitution of the crude drug employed for manufacturing the product.
The First Comprehensive Chemical Profiling of Vachellia gummifera (Willd.) Kyal. & Boatwr., a Plant with Medicinal Value
Authors: Kisiriko Musa , Noleto‐Dias Clarice , Bitchagno Gabin T. M. , Naboulsi Imane , Anastasiadi Maria , Terry Leon A. , Sobeh Mansour , Beale Michael H. , Ward Jane L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVachellia gummifera (Willd.) Kyal. & Boatwr. is a medicinal plant endemic to Morocco that has no documented studies on its chemical composition. In this study, the chemical composition of the water/methanol (4 : 1) extracts of air‐dried leaf and stem samples of Moroccan V. gummifera was determined using UHPLC‐MS and NMR. In total, over 100 metabolites were identified in our study. Pinitol was the major compound in both the leaf and stem extracts, being significantly more abundant in the former. Asparagine and 3‐hydroxyheteroendrin were the second most abundant compounds in the stem and leaf extracts, respectively, though both compounds were present in each tissue. The other compounds included flavonoids based on quercetin, and phenolic derivatives. Eucomic acid, only identified in the stems and was the major aromatic compound distinguishing the leaf and stem profiles. Quercetin 3‐O‐(6′′‐O‐malonyl)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside was identified as the major flavonoid in the leaves but was also present in the stems. Other malonylated derivatives that were all flavonol glycosides based on myricetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin in addition to quercetin were also identified. This is the first report of eucomic acid and malonylated compounds in Vachellia species. This report provides valuable insights into the chemotaxonomic significance of the Vachellia genus.
Degradation meets development: Implications in β‐cell development and diabetes
Authors: Ashok Akshaya , Kalthur Guruprasad , Kumar Anujith 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPancreatic development is orchestrated by timely synthesis and degradation of stage‐specific transcription factors (TFs). The transition from one stage to another stage is dependent on the precise expression of the developmentally relevant TFs. Persistent expression of particular TF would impede the exit from the progenitor stage to the matured cell type. Intracellular protein degradation‐mediated protein turnover contributes to a major extent to the turnover of these TFs and thereby dictates the development of different tissues. Since even subtle changes in the crucial cellular pathways would dramatically impact pancreatic β‐cell performance, it is generally acknowledged that the biological activity of these pathways is tightly regulated by protein synthesis and degradation process. Intracellular protein degradation is executed majorly by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and Lysosomal degradation pathway. As more than 90% of the TFs are targeted to proteasomal degradation, this review aims to examine the crucial role of UPS in normal pancreatic β‐cell development and how dysfunction of these pathways manifests in metabolic syndromes such as diabetes. Such understanding would facilitate designing a faithful approach to obtain a therapeutic quality of β‐cells from stem cells.
Unraveling gluten protein compositions of einkorn, emmer, and spelt grown in the Lyon region in France
Authors: Correa Sofía , Lepagneul Justine , Thomas Mathieu , Mayaud Laurence , Hamant Olivier , Samson Marie‐Françoise , Charreyre Marie‐Thérèse 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMinor species of wheat, including einkorn (Ei), emmer (Em), and spelt (Sp), are believed to have different gluten compositions compared to common wheat (CW). Given the limited research on these resources, and as a result of a collaboration with a collective of farmers, we aimed to provide insights into their gluten compositions. We focused on varieties readily accessible to farmers and bakers within the region of Lyon, France.FindingsWe compared gluten compositions in 31 wheat varieties, revealing significantly lower glutenin and protein aggregate contents in Ei and Em than in CW. Similar trends, though milder, were observed for Sp. Additionally, we observed intra‐species variability, especially for Em, and identified varieties within each species with noteworthy protein profiles.ConclusionsEach species showed characteristic protein contents, yet with intraspecies variability. Utilizing an innovative approach to analyze the full information provided by chromatograms, we successfully identified varieties with unusual characteristics.Significance and NoveltyThe specific protein compositions of Ei and Em, and to a lower extent Sp, may impact their processability and digestibility. Our study also highlights that considering complete chromatographic profiles can reveal differences that remain unnoticed when using traditional analytical approaches.
The effect of Lactococcus lactis CICC 23610 fermentation on the physicochemical properties and flavor formation of oat beverage
Authors: Cheng Yuliang , Yu Qian , Xia Xiuhua , Qian Jiaqin , Xu Qinwei , Yu Hang , Guo Yahui , Xie Yunfei , Yao Weirong , Qian He 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesProbiotic fermentation may contribute to enhancing the flavor and nutrients of grain beverages. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis CICC 23610) fermentation on the physicochemical properties, flavor formation, and metabolomics of oat beverages.FindingsResults showed that L. lactis CICC 23610 grew rapidly in oat substrate and brought a surge in acidity, apparent viscosity, and β‐glucan content. The final amount of lactic acid, sweet amino acids, and umami amino acids metabolites was also increased. Meanwhile, 15 volatile flavor components (VFCs) were identified as key aroma compounds in fermented oat beverages. The levels of 2,3‐butanedione, propionic acid, hexanoic acid, and heptanone rose, giving the beverage a tart, creamy, and sweet flavor, and the undesirable odors of hexanal, n‐octanal, nonanal, and 2‐pentylfuran were reduced. In addition, significant differences in metabolites based on untargeted metabolomics analyses of oat beverages before and after fermentation were mainly focused on organic acids, fatty acids, and short peptides. The sensory analysis showed that the overall acceptability of fermented oat beverages was significantly improved.ConclusionsIt could be concluded that the effects of free amino acids (FAAs), organic acids, and VFCs on flavor were mainly reflected in three indicators of odor, acidity, and umami.Significance and NoveltyThe encouraging results confirmed that probiotic fermentation is a promising method to enhance the overall quality of oat beverages, providing valuable insights into future industrial upgrades of grain beverages.
The Divalent Lanthanoid Triflates Ln(CF3SO3)2(CH3CN) (Ln=Sm, Eu): Structure, Luminescence, and Magnetism
Authors: Flosbach Niko T. , Rasche Bertold , Rochels Leonhard , Disch Sabrina , Wickleder Claudia , Adlung Matthias , Fischer Pia , Wickleder Mathias S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe reaction of the trivalent lanthanoide triflates Ln(OTf)3 (Ln=Sm, Eu; OTf=CF3SO3−) with the respective metals in acetonitrile leads to the Ln(II)‐triflates Eu(OTf)2(CH3CN) (monoclinic, P21/n, Z=4, a=1053.54(1), b=610.28(5), c=1946.92(2) pm, β =98.611(4)) and Sm(OTf)2(CH3CN) (monoclinic, P21/n, Z=4, a=1054.41(4), b=612.16(2), c=1952.65(7) pm, β =98.524(2)). The isotypic strontium compound Sr(OTf)2(CH3CN) (monoclinic, P21/n, Z=4, a=1056.39(5), b=610.05(3), c=1950.1(1) pm, β =98.900(2)°) has been obtained from SrCO3 and triflic acid. The compounds have been investigated by X‐ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy, luminescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, thermal analysis, and magnetic measurements.
Synthesis of Superbulky Amide Ligands by Addition of Polar Reagents to Sila–Imine
Authors: Knüpfer Christian , Klerner Lukas , Raucheisen Michael , Langer Jens , Harder Sjoerd 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe chemistry of extremely bulky amide ligands is troubled by difficulties in deprotonation of the parent amine. As an alternative route to superbulky amide reagents, the addition of polar reagents to a sila–imine has been investigated. Attempts to synthesize the superbulky amide anion (tBu3Si)2N− by addition of tBuLi to tBu2Si=N(SitBu3) failed and gave tBu3Si(tBu2HSi)NLi and isobutene. Reaction of the sila–imine with KOtBu successfully led to tBu3Si[tBu2(tBuO)Si]NK which crystallized as a separated ion–pair. Reaction with the slightly bulkier KOAd (Ad=1‐adamantyl) led in presence of THF to ether ring–opening. Reaction with tBuOH gave tBu3Si[tBu2(tBuO)Si]NH but this amine cannot be easily deprotonated. Reaction with (BDI*)MgnBu in presence of THF gave (BDI*)Mg+ ⋅ (THF)2 and the non–coordinating anion tBu3Si[tBu2(nBu)Si]N−; BDI*=ß‐diketiminate ligand HC[C(tBu)N−DIPP]2, DIPP=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl. Reaction of Mg(nBu)2 with tBu2Si=N(SitBu3) led to a Mg complex with one amide ligand: tBu3Si[tBu2(nBu)Si]N−. The other superbulky amide anion isomerized by internal deprotonation of a tBu‐substituent to give a primary carbanion that is also coordinated to Mg. Although the amide–to–carbanion isomerization is highly contrathermodynamic, it allows for coordination of both anions to a single Mg center. The new bulky amides are rare cases of halogen–free weakly coordinating anions.
CFD‐ANN coupling model simulation of gas–solid feeding design for ternary biomass mixtures in bubbling fluidized bed gasifier
Authors: Soanuch Chaiwat , Pareek Vishnu , Piumsomboon Pornpote , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe performance of continuous feeding fluidized bed reactors is significantly influenced by their design. These reactors can effectively operate with a wide range of biomass mixtures. Therefore, it is imperative to carefully design the gas distributor plate and solid tube inlet to ensure stable fluidization and uniform distribution of fluidizing gas and solid particles within the reactor. This study investigated the impact of gas–solid feeder design in bubbling fluidized bed gasifier for biomass mixtures on system hydrodynamics, employing a computational fluid dynamics–artificial neural network (CFD‐ANN) coupling model to achieve more realistic simulations. A 2k factorial experimental design was adopted to inquire the impact of gas and solid feeding systems. The responses under investigation included the gas–solid mixing index and the solid residence time, both of which hold pivotal roles in specific chemical processes related to biomass utilization in fluidized bed technology. All cases were successfully simulated, and the results uncovered that the position and length of the solid inlet tube wielded a significant influence on reactor performance, particularly concerning solid residence time. Furthermore, the designs of the gas distributor were identified as critical factors capable of enhancing system turbulence and mixing. In summary, the results showed the potential for enhancing reactor performance through the optimization of gas–solid feeding systems and underscored the efficacy of the ANN drag model in simulating continuous biomass gasification systems.
Breaking gender stereotypes in management practices: Promoting paternity leave
Authors: Min Jungwon , Kim Gyunhee 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines the promotion of paternity leave by focusing on the role of female directors on boards. Drawing on insights from the literature on the upper echelons theory and strategic leadership, we argue that efforts to break gender stereotypes in upper‐echelon positions, particularly through female representation on boards, can promote paternity leave. Analyzing data from 633 Japanese firms between 2017 and 2021 with pooled regression models revealed that a high proportion of female directors promoted paternity leave. Additionally, it implied that the proportion of female department managers can strengthen the positive effects of female directors on paternity leave promotions. Our results contribute to the theory and practice of gender equality in organizations by providing implications for promoting crucial management practices that may be hindered by gender stereotypes.