bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reviving spent lithium‐ion batteries: The advancements and challenges of sustainable black mass recovery
Authors: Ran Yunjia , Yoon Songhak , Jöckel Dennis M. , Meles Neguse Samuel , Baek Sungho , Widenmeyer Marc , Balke‐Grünewald Benjamin , Weidenkaff Anke 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIdeally, once batteries reach their end‐of‐life, they are expected to be collected, dismantled, and converted into black mass (BM), which contains significant amounts of valuable metals. BM can be regarded as a sort of urban mine, where recyclers extract and reintroduce the materials into new battery manufacturing. Focusing on BM, this article discusses the necessity of BM recovery and current recycling situations. Although the benefits of recycling are widely acknowledged, many challenges and issues remain. The BM market is still in its infancy and relevant regulatory frameworks need to be updated with respect to the widespread use and advancement of lithium‐ion batteries. Current BM producing and processing technologies are gaining momentum and still have room for large improvements in terms of economic feasibility and environmental footprint. Finding solutions for these challenges in the end requires efforts from both researchers and industrial stakeholders with growing interests and long‐term patient engagement. Battery regulations and legal support are highly anticipated for industries to keep high levels of commitment to long‐term investments.
Regeneration of graphite from spent lithium‐ion batteries as anode materials through stepwise purification and mild temperature restoration
Authors: Ji Shaowen , Zhang Anlong , Hua Weiming , Yan Shuxuan , Chen Xiangping 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGraphite is one of the most widely used anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The recycling of spent graphite (SG) from spent LIBs has attracted less attention due to its limited value, complicated contaminations, and unrestored structure. In this study, a remediation and regeneration process with combined hydrothermal calcination was proposed to remove different impurities as value‐added resources from SG. This study focuses on the application of different removal methods for different impurity metals by hydrothermal and acid leaching under different conditions for the removal of Cu, Li, Co, Mn, and Ni from SG. Then, mild‐tempreture calcination of SG was performed to remove residual organic compounds. The regenerated graphite (RG) was found to have a better morphology structure and increased pore volume, which is more favorable for the embedding and desorption of lithium (Li) in graphite. In terms of electrochemical performance, the first discharge‐specific capacity of RG at 0.5 C is 359.40 mAh/g, with a retention of 353.49 mAh/g after 100 cycles (retention rate of 98.36%). This study can be a green and efficient candidate for the regeneration of graphite from spent lithium‐ion batteries as anode material by reduced restoration temperature, with different metal resources as by‐products.
Supporting adolescents' leisure time physical activity in low‐income areas: A qualitative systematic review of participant, parent and stakeholder perspectives on family and community interventions
Authors: Simonsen Camilla Bakkær , Egilstrød Barbara , Overgaard Charlotte , Agergaard Sine 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn low‐income communities, there is often a lack of resources and facilities for adolescents to engage in organized sports and leisure time physical activity. Therefore, different intervention strategies have been applied to promote physical activity. Yet, a systematic overview of the experiences of those involved in the interventions is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize participating adolescents', their parents' and other stakeholders' perspectives on family and/or community interventions that seek to support adolescents' leisure time physical activity in low‐income areas. Five databases were searched using PIICo (P [population], I [intervention], I [phenomena of interest], and Co [context]) to operationalize the review question. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Through a thematic synthesis inspired by Thomas and Harden, six themes were constructed: (1) developing relationships with a trustworthy adult coach, (2) meeting an inclusive approach: ‘A place for everyone’, (3) forming new friendships through fun sports activities, (4) receiving support through free services, (5) experiencing the neighbourhood as unsafe and (6) challenging life circumstances for adolescents' participation. The findings showed that coaches and other programme staff are significant for adolescents' positive experiences of the intervention and continuous participation. Furthermore, mutual trust, respect and coaches utilizing inclusive approaches were significant to the development of social bonds between peers and their coaches. However, life circumstances and the experience of an unsafe neighbourhood impacted the adolescents' attendance negatively. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Structures and Tumor Cell Lines Proliferation Activities of Triterpenes Isolated from Astilbe grandis
Authors: Shao Yuanling , Xu Chensen , Li Qing , Zhang Yu , Cai Zhuoer , Yu Haolin , Gu Minmin , Su Yunyun , Han Hongping , Liao Zhixin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA total of seven compounds, including four triterpene acids and three triterpene lactones, were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the roots of Astilbe grandis Stapf ex Wils. Two of the triterpene lactones (1–2) were never reported before and compounds 3–5 were isolated for the first time from the plant. The structures of these compounds were all identified by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1–2 were analyzed by 2D NMR and their absolute configurations were determined using experimental CD in comparison with calculated ECD values. The structure of compound 1 was also further confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1–7 on A549, Caco‐2, H460 and Skov‐3 tumor cells were all evaluated using CCK‐8. They all exhibited positive inhibitory effects on Caco‐2 tumor cells with IC50 less than10 μM, while the inhibitory effects on H460 tumor cells were more moderate. Unfortunately, they displayed little apparent cytotoxicity to the other two types of cells.
Investigating Protein Binding with the Isothermal Ligand‐induced Resolubilization Assay
Authors: Prout‐Holm Riley A. , van Walstijn Cerissa C. , Hitsman Alana , Rowley Michael J. , Olsen Jonas E. , Page Brent D. G. , Frankel Adam 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTarget engagement assays typically detect and quantify the direct physical interaction of a protein of interest and its ligand through stability changes upon ligand binding. Commonly used target engagement methods detect ligand‐induced stability by subjecting samples to thermal or proteolytic stress. Here we describe a new variation to these approaches called Isothermal Ligand‐induced Resolubilization Assay (ILIRA), which utilizes lyotropic solubility stress to measure ligand binding through changes in target protein solubility. We identified distinct buffer systems and salt concentrations that compromised protein solubility for four diverse proteins: dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), nucleoside diphosphate‐linked moiety X motif 5 (NUDT5), poly [ADP‐ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1), and protein arginine N‐methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1). Ligand‐induced solubility rescue was demonstrated for these proteins, suggesting that ILIRA can be used as an additional target engagement technique. Differences in ligand‐induced protein solubility were assessed by Coomassie blue staining for SDS‐PAGE and dot blot, as well as by NanoOrange, Thioflavin T, and Proteostat fluorescence, thus offering flexibility for readout and assay throughput.
Chemo‐Enzymatic Derivatization of Glycerol‐Based Oligomers: Structural Elucidation and Potential Applications
Authors: Raboni Francesco , Galatini Andrea , Banfi Luca , Riva Renata , Pellis Alessandro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSwitching from oil‐based to bio‐based feedstocks to ensure the green transition to a sustainable and circular future is one of the most pressing challenges faced by many industries worldwide. For the cosmetics and personal and house care industries there is a strong drive to accelerate this transition from the customers that starts favoring the purchase of naturally derived and bio‐degradable products over the traditionally available products. In this work we developed a series of fully biobased macromolecules constituted of a glycerol‐based oligoester backbone. Based on the subsequent derivatization with fatty acids or peptides, the resulting products may find application as emulsifiers, wetting agents, and potential vectors for the delivery of bioactive peptides. All steps of the resulting macromolecules were conducted following the green chemistry principles with no toxic or environmentally damaging compounds that were used in the overall production process.
Co‐Pyrolysis of a Binary Blend of Solid Biowastes in a Fixed‐Bed Reactor for Bio‐Oil and Carbon Adsorbent Production
Authors: Saleh Luban A. , Al-Layla Neam M. T. , Saeed Sara K. , Altamer Mawra H. , Fadhil Abdelrahman B. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe essential objective of this work was to co‐pyrolyze a binary mixture of date and cherry seeds in a fixed‐bed reactor. The experimental variables influencing the output of products, such as the pyrolysis temperature, pyrolysis duration, particle size, and heating rate, were optimized. The maximum liquid fraction yield (55.55 % with a bio‐oil yield of 29.70 %) was attained at 500 °C for 60 min at a heating rate of 40 °C min−1 and a particle size of 0.25 mm. The Fourier transform infrared and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry results revealed that the bio‐oil was predominantly composed of oxygenated hydrocarbons, primarily higher acids (52.05 %), esters (23.67 %), and phenols (13 %). Biochar was converted into activated carbon, which possessed a Brunaer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area of 1055.55 m2g−1. The amorphous structure of this carbon was confirmed by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction measurements.
Characterization and In Vitro Behavior of PEO Coated Mg Modified with Antibacterial Ag(I) and Cu(II) Complexes
Authors: Tsimafeyeva Kseniya A. , Starykevich Maksim , Snihirova Darya , Blawert Carsten , Scharnagl Nico , Schuster Anke , Gavras Sarkis , Luthringer‐Feyerabend Bérengère J. C. , Zheludkevich Mikhail L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe use of Mg‐based biomaterials with a number of their advantageous properties are overshadowed by uncontrollable metal corrosion. Moreover, the use of implants goes alongside with the threat of pathogens‐associated complications. In this study, PEO coated Mg biomaterial loaded with antibacterial Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes is produced and tested to meet both appropriate protective characteristics as well as sufficient level of antibacterial activity. To achieve a suitable level of anticorrosion protection phosphate and fluoride‐phosphate electrolytes are used in the PEO process. Investigation of the surface thickness and morphology done by means of cross‐section analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) assay show precedence of the fluoride containing PEO coating and make it the material of choice for further modification with Ag(I) and Cu(II) complexes. The presence of the complexes on the PEO surface is confirmed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) are used to estimate the complexes’ chemical state and depth of penetration in the coating surface. Based on the results of antibacterial assay, the modified coatings are found to be active against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
Plasma Technology for Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Liang Xinqi , Liu Ping , Qiu Zhong , Shen Shenghui , Cao Feng , Zhang Yongqi , Chen Minghua , He Xinping , Xia Yang , Wang Chen , Wan Wangjun , Zhang Jun , Huang Hui , Gan Yongping , Xia Xinhui , Zhang Wenkui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract“Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality” is an important strategic goal for the sustainable development of human society. Typically, a key means to achieve these goals is through electrochemical energy storage technologies and materials. In this context, the rational synthesis and modification of battery materials through new technologies play critical roles. Plasma technology, based on the principles of free radical chemistry, is considered a promising alternative for the construction of advanced battery materials due to its inherent advantages such as superior versatility, high reactivity, excellent conformal properties, low consumption and environmental friendliness. In this perspective paper, we discuss the working principle of plasma and its applied research on battery materials based on plasma conversion, deposition, etching, doping, etc. Furthermore, the new application directions of multiphase plasma associated with solid, liquid and gas sources are proposed and their application examples for batteries (e. g. lithium‐ion batteries, lithium‐sulfur batteries, zinc‐air batteries) are given. Finally, the current challenges and future development trends of plasma technology are briefly summarized to provide guidance for the next generation of energy technologies.
Empowering energy‐water nexus with cutting‐edge MnS2:CoS:Al2S3 thin film deposited through physical vapour deposition
Authors: Gul Mahwash Mahar , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Thomas Andrew Guy , Tighezza Ammar Mohamed 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe objective of this study is to thoroughly investigate the synthesis and application of a thin film MnS2:CoS:Al2S3. To produce the thin film, diethyldithiocarbamate as a source of sulphur through a technique called physical vapour deposition was utilized. A wide range of analytical techniques were used to examine the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the fabricated material. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystallite size 26.4 nm with a crystallinity of 77%. The optical properties determined the band gap energy to be 4.02 eV. Cabbage‐like assemblies were confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy unveiled distinct core level peaks associated with Mn 2p, Al 2p, Co 2p, and S 2p. To evaluate the electrochemical properties of the material, voltammetry measurements were conducted. The results from these experiments revealed an exceptional specific capacitive performance with a value of 792.6 Fg−1. This outstanding performance, coupled with the notable stability of the thin film during multiple cycles, positions it as a highly promising candidate for various energy storage applications. Furthermore, an extensive investigation was carried out to assess the photocatalytic capabilities of the fabricated material. Its efficiency in degrading different environmental pollutants was carefully evaluated.
Feroxyhyte – from synthesis and characterization to application
Authors: Wiśniewska Małgorzata , Wawrzkiewicz Monika , Urban Teresa , Chibowski Stanisław , Rzepa Grzegorz , Hałabuza Justyna , Bajda Tomasz 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFeroxyhyte (δ‐FeOOH) was synthesized and characterized using X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), and low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption‐desorption measurements. Its potential application as adsorbent of an anionic and cationic dyes such as C.I. Acid Violet 1 (AV1) and C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) was investigated by determining the adsorption capacities based on the Langmuir (36.6 mg/g for AV1 and 187 mg/g for BB3), Freundlich and Dubinin‐Radushkevich isotherm models. Adsorption of AV1 and BB3 by δ‐FeOOH drops with the presence of additives such as cationic and anionic surfactants (CTAB, SDS) and ionic polymers (PAA, PEI). The surface and electrokinetic properties of examined suspensions were also described. They include determination of the solid surface charge density and the zeta potential, as well as values of point of zero charge and isoelectric point of feroxyhyte particles without and with adsorbed layers of organic substances. Their analysis made possible to propose the most probable structure of electrical double layer formed at the iron mineral/aqueous solution interface.
A ReaxFF Potential for Modeling Organic Matter Degradation with Oxybromine Oxidants
Authors: Hur Jaewoong , Abousleiman Younane N. , Hull Katherine L. , Qomi Mohammad Javad Abdolhosseini 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOxidation of organic matter with oxybromine oxidants is ushering in a new era of enhanced hydrocarbon recovery. While these potent reagents are being tested in laboratory and field experiments, there is a pressing demand to delineate the molecular processes governing oxidation reactions at geological depth. Here, we parameterize a ReaxFF potential to model the oxidative decompositions of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of water‐NaBr solutions that contain oxybromine (BrOn)− oxidizers. Our parameterization results in a reliable empirical bond‐order potential that accurately calculates bond energies, exhibiting an RMSE of ∼1.18 eV, corresponding to 1.36 % average error. Reproducing bond dissociation and binding energies from Density Functional Theory (DFT), our parameterization proves transferable to aqueous environments. This H/C/O/Na/Br ReaxFF potential accurately reproduces the oxidation pathways of small hydrocarbons with oxybromine oxidizers. This force field captures proton and oxygen transfer, C−C bond tautomerization, and cleavage, leading to ring‐opening and chain fragmentation. Molecular dynamic simulations demonstrate the oxidative degradation of aromatic and aliphatic kerogen‐like moieties in bulk solutions. We envision that such reactive force fields will be useful to understand better the oxidation reactions of organic matter formed in geological reservoirs for enhanced shale gas recovery and improved carbon dioxide treatments.
Absolute Photoionization Cross Section and Dissociative Ionization Pathways of Alpha‐Pinene
Authors: Rodriguez Ryan , Taatjes Craig A. , Meloni Giovanni 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe absolute photoionization cross section of the monoterpenoid, alpha‐pinene (AP), is presented together with the relative photoionization cross sections of its dissociative fragments for the first time. Experiments are performed via multiplexed vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron photoionization (PI) mass spectrometry in the 8.0–11.0 eV energy range. Experimental work is conducted at the Advanced Light Source of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dissociative fragments were identified at m/z 121, 94, 93, 92, and 80. The photoionization cross section for the parent mass at 11.0 eV was determined to be 17±4 Mb with a total ionization cross section of 92±23 Mb at the same photon energy. Experimental appearance energies of dissociative ionization fragments and potential dissociative ionization pathways calculated at the G4 level of theory are presented as well.
Optimized and Scalable Precoating‐Free Reprogramming of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells into iPSCs
Authors: Fiacco Elisabetta , Landi Sara , Zasso Jacopo , Ambrosini Chiara , Faga Giovanni 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHuman disease modeling has been profoundly transformed by the introduction of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), marking the onset of a new era. This ground‐breaking development offers a tailored framework for generating pluripotent cells from any individual, effectively enabling the development of cellular models for the study of human physiology and diseases on an unprecedented scale. Although technologies for iPSCs generation have advanced rapidly over the past two decades, protocols for reprogramming patient‐derived somatic cells into stem cells still pose a major challenge for the development of automated pipelines capable of generating iPSCs at scales that are cost‐effective, reproducible, and easy to implement. Most methods commonly rely on extracellular matrix protein mixtures or synthetic substrates to promote efficient proliferation of iPSCs. Nonetheless, employing these substances entails a laborious and time‐consuming process, as the culture surface requires coating treatments before cell seeding. Here we describe a method for reprogramming blood‐derived mononucleated cells that eliminates the need to precoat culture surfaces for the entire experimental flow. This procedure is suitable for fresh or frozen purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and allows seeding of reprogrammed cells in a culture medium containing a fragment of laminin‐511, regardless of the method of reprogramming employed. Our protocol incorporates a streamlined workflow that optimizes key factors, including cell density, culture medium composition, and iPSC culture propagation techniques. Using a precoating‐free approach, we eliminate the time‐consuming steps, while our optimized subcloning method improves the scalability of the protocol, making it suitable for large‐scale applications. Additionally, the automation‐friendly nature of our protocol allows for high‐throughput processing, reducing the labor and costs associated with manual handling. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Miniaturized and time efficient precoating‐free reprogramming of fresh or frozen PBMCsAlternate Protocol: Erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) enrichment and reprogramming into iPSCs using Sendai viral vectorsBasic Protocol 2: Picking and precoating‐free optimized expansion of iPSC clones
Seven‐level single‐source switched capacitor inverter with triple boosting capability and high reliability
Authors: Zaid Mohammad , Moonis Ahmad Rafey , Sarwar Adil , Iqbal Atif , Tayyab Mohammad 
Published: January 2024

SummaryA single‐source switched capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) topology utilizing only 10 switches and 1 diode with the capability of generating seven output voltage levels and a triple voltage boosting factor is proposed in this paper. The converter has capacitors that are self‐balanced and do not require any additional circuitry. The multicarrier sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is used to generate various switching signals for the 10 switches. Moreover, the reliability analysis using the Markov model has been carried out to assess the lifespan of power electronic components used in the proposed converter. The converter's performance is analyzed when an open circuit fault occurs in one or multiple switches. Power loss and efficiency in the converter are calculated by PLECS software using thermal modeling. The efficiency of SCMLI was found to be 97.6% for a 300 W load. The inverter working is verified by building a 500 W prototype in the lab. The experimental results in steady‐state and dynamic conditions agree with the theoretical and simulation analysis.