Release Of Stores Research Articles

Integration of photo/magnetic responsive composite phase change materials with polyurethane sponge for sustainable and efficient cleanup of crude oil spills

The efficient remediation of viscous oil spills is still a global challenge in practice due to the poor fluidity caused by their high viscosity. The adsorbents with in situ heating characteristics are regard as potential candidate for rapid and efficient crude oil spills cleanup. Although solar-assisted heating is the cleanest and most energy-efficient way, the great variation of sunlight intensity with the season and location is an obstacle to its practical application. To promote oil adsorption and enhance energy utilization efficiency, we constructed a novel adsorbent with simultaneous photo/magnetic-thermal response, and importantly phase change materials (PCMs) as thermal energy storage unit were introduced into the adsorbents. The Co/CNTs with high graphitization as efficient sunlight absorbers can significantly improve the photothermal conversion capacity of the adsorbent, resulting in rapid oil adsorption under solar illumination. Besides, benefiting from the superior magnetic response of Co particles encapsulated in the carbon skeleton, the adsorbent also enables efficient oil adsorption under alternating magnetic field. Most importantly, thanks to the cross-connected network structure of CNTs derived from the carbonization of ZIF-67, the PEG was well anchored in the Co/CNTs particles, which allows the adsorbent to store thermal energy and release heat for sustained cleanup of the oil spills when the energy input is insufficient. The adsorbent integrates with superior photo/magnetic-thermal conversion and thermal storage functions provides an innovative solution for efficient and energy-saving remediation of crude oil spills and breaks new grounds of PCMs applications.

Performance of tube heat pipe solar collector with phase change material for seawater desalination system

Abstract Unlimited seawater resources resulted for utilization of desalination systems using seawater treatment process emerges as a promising technology for addressing the continually escalating need for freshwater. At present, the most notable desalination processes that are reverse osmosis, membrane distillation, multistage desalination, multiple-effect distillation, and electrodialysis, require energy generated by fossil fuels to obtain fresh water. Among the noteworthy sources of renewable energy, solar energy stands out with its manifold applications. The use of solar energy has strong advantages, such as a low maintenance and operation costs. In this study, a novel solar desalination system is introduced, which integrates tube heat pipe solar collector (THP-SC) equipped with phase change material (PCM). The aim of this research is to evaluate the performance of THP-SC equipped with PCM and without PCM. The feedwater sample used is water. Parameters measured for 24 hours were temperature, solar radiation, ambient air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The greatest recorded solar radiation at noon (11.52 a.m.) is 900 W/m2 while the maximum recorded ambient temperature at 12.45 p.m. is 35.2°C. The experimental study showed that from morning to afternoon (06.00-15.00), the temperature of the evaporator section of the heat pipe on the THP-SC without PCM (46.70-56.21°C) was higher than the temperature of the evaporator section of the heat pipe on the THP-SC with PCM (33.18-44.43°C). This is because solar radiation will heat the PCM first before heating the heat pipe. PCM can store heat energy and release it at night. This can be seen from the water temperature in THP-SC with PCM (28.39-36.03) which is higher than the water temperature in THP-SC without PCM (27.17-34.01) at night, but the temperature difference is not significant. This can be caused by the large amount of heat lost to the environment in THP-SC with PCM, it is best to coat the heat pipe tube with insulation and create a vacuum to reduce heat loss.

Comparing different operating regimes of a Dicke quantum battery

In this paper, we consider a quantum battery, namely a miniaturized device able to store energy and release it on-demand. In the so-called Dicke configuration, it is made of [Formula: see text] two-level systems embedded into a cavity which plays the role of charger. In this context, we compare two different situations, namely: the resonant regime, where the energy of the two-level systems is the same as the one of the photons trapped in the cavity, and the off-resonant regime, where the photons are way more energetic. We observe that, while the energy stored per two-level system is comparable in the two cases, the average charging power, despite showing the same asymptotic superextensive scaling, is strongly suppressed in the latter. This analysis will help to orient future experimental implementations of these devices.

Role of Histamine in the Regulation of Calcium and Actin Dynamics in Collecting Duct Cells

Background. Histamine is a nitrogen-based molecule that has established involvement in allergic reactions and immune responses. The levels of histamine are increased in renal pathologies, such as nephrotic syndrome, diabetic nephropathy, acute renal failure, and end stage kidney disease. We have previously shown that all 4 histamine receptors (HR1 to HR4) are abundant in the kidney, and histamine exposure can affect levels of intracellular Ca2+ in the collecting ducts. Calcium signaling is an important regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in these cells, and thus, affects their structure and integrity; however, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the role that histamine may play in this mechanism. In this study, we hypothesized that histamine exposure induces Ca2+ release and leads to reorganization of F-actin cytoskeleton in the cortical collecting duct cells. Methods. Immunofluorescent staining of cultured cells, in combination with the Western blotting, were utilized to characterize the renal expression of HRs and enzymes of the histaminergic system (HiS). The effects of histamine were tested in cultured mouse cortical collecting duct cells (mpkCCD). Functional live confocal imaging was used to detect changes in intracellular Ca2+ level (Fluo 8, 490/525 nm). Actin cytoskeleton rearrangements were assessed by F-actin staining with rhodamine-phalloidin. Images were analyzed in FIJI (NIH). Differences between the groups were assessed with 1-way ANOVA; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results. IHC and Western blotting showed that all four HRs as well as HiS components are expressed in the mpkCCD cells. Acute application of histamine (100 uM) led to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ level which was predominantly regulated by extracellular influx, with a minor component of intracellular store release. Next, we blocked HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4 with loratadine (5uM), ranitidine (10 uM), iodophenpropit (500 nM), and A943931 (100 nM), respectively, to discern the involvement of specific HRs. We demonstrated that HR1, HR3, HR4 but not HR2 are involved in mediating the influx of Ca2+ in response to histamine. When mpkCCD cells were incubated with 100 uM histamine for 4 hours, we observed formation of the F-actin stress-fibers in the submembrane space. Conclusions. We have shown that collecting duct cells express HRs as well as HiS enzymes, indicating presence of a fully functional HiS. Our data revealed that histamine exposure leads to an influx of Ca2+ in these cells, which is mediated via H1R, H3R, and H4R. Additionally, histamine induced actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, suggesting its role in maintenance of renal epithelial cell structure. Our findings highlight the relationship between histamine, calcium regulation, and actin cytoskeleton dynamics in the renal epithelial cells, offering insights into future therapeutic strategies. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Loose-patch clamp analysis applied to voltage-gated ionic currents following pharmacological ryanodine receptor modulation in murine hippocampal cornu ammonis-1 pyramidal neurons.

The loose-patch clamp technique was first developed and used in native amphibian skeletal muscle (SkM), offering useful features complementing conventional sharp micro-electrode, gap, or conventional patch voltage clamping. It demonstrated the feedback effects of pharmacological modification of ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated Ca2+ release on the Na+ channel (Nav1.4) currents, initiating excitation-contraction coupling in native murine SkM. The effects of the further RyR and Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) antagonists, dantrolene and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), additionally implicated background tubular-sarcoplasmic Ca2+ domains in these actions. We extend the loose-patch clamp approach to ion current measurements in murine hippocampal brain slice cornu ammonis-1 (CA1) pyramidal neurons. We explored the effects on Na+ currents of pharmacologically manipulating RyR and SERCA-mediated intracellular store Ca2+ release and reuptake. We adopted protocols previously applied to native skeletal muscle. These demonstrated Ca2+-mediated feedback effects on the Na+ channel function. Experiments applying depolarizing 15ms duration loose-patch clamp steps to test voltages ranging from -40 to 120mV positive to the resting membrane potential demonstrated that 0.5mM caffeine decreased inward current amplitudes, agreeing with the previous SkM findings. It also decreased transient but not prolonged outward current amplitudes. However, 2mM caffeine affected neither inward nor transient outward but increased prolonged outward currents, in contrast to its increasing inward currents in SkM. Furthermore, similarly and in contrast to previous SkM findings, both dantrolene (10μM) and CPA (1μM) pre-administration left both inward and outward currents unchanged. Nevertheless, dantrolene pretreatment still abrogated the effects of subsequent 0.5- and 2-mM caffeine challenges on both inward and outward currents. Finally, CPA abrogated the effects of 0.5mM caffeine on both inward and outward currents, but with 2mM caffeine, inward and transient outward currents were unchanged, but sustained outward currents increased. We, thus, extend loose-patch clamping to establish pharmacological properties of murine CA1 pyramidal neurons and their similarities and contrasts with SkM. Here, evoked though not background Ca2+-store release influenced Nav and Kv excitation, consistent with smaller contributions of background store Ca2+ release to resting [Ca2+]. This potential non-canonical mechanism could modulate neuronal membrane excitability or cellular firing rates.

The ion channel TRPV5 regulates B-cell signaling and activation.

B-cell activation triggers the release of endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores through the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) pathway resulting in calcium influx by calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels on the plasma membrane. B-cell-specific murine knockouts of SOCE do not impact humoral immunity suggesting that alternative channels may be important. We identified a member of the calcium-permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family, TRPV5, as a candidate channel expressed in B cells by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) screen. To further investigate the role of TRPV5 in B-cell responses, we generated a murine TRPV5 knockout (KO) by CRISPR-Cas9. We found TRPV5 polarized to B-cell receptor (BCR) clusters upon stimulation in a PI3K-RhoA-dependent manner. TRPV5 KO mice have normal B-cell development and mature B-cell numbers. Surprisingly, calcium influx upon BCR stimulation in primary TRPV5 KO B cells was not impaired; however, differential expression of other calcium-regulating proteins, such as ORAI1, may contribute to a compensatory mechanism for calcium signaling in these cells. We demonstrate that TRPV5 KO B cells have impaired spreading and contraction in response to membrane-bound antigen. Consistent with this, TRPV5 KO B cells have reduced BCR signaling measured through phospho-tyrosine residues. Lastly, we also found that TRPV5 is important for early T-dependent antigen specific responses post-immunization. Thus, our findings identify a role for TRPV5 in BCR signaling and B-cell activation.

Investigation of platelet activation and calcium store release by a topical hemostatic xerogel dressing for improved blood clotting

AbstractAdequate topical hemostatic dressings are required as first‐line approach for reduction of uncontrolled hemorrhage, a leading cause of mortalities. Platelets play a major role during blood clotting to prevent hemorrhage during injuries. Here, we demonstrate the mechanisms activated through protease activating receptor 1 (PAR1), a platelet membrane protein in response to a porous composite xerogel dressing incorporating SiNPs (size 122 ± 10 nm) and calcium (2.5 mM), characterized by scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The composite displayed 13.9‐fold improved blood clotting index in comparison to commercial dressing. The composite displayed increased platelet aggregation due to development of well‐formed pseudopodia as compared to bare xerogel, SFLLRN (a thrombin mimic), adenosine di‐phosphate (a platelet activator), and heparin (a thrombin inhibitor). Further, PAR1 gene was significantly upregulated in model A549 epithelial cell line (1.2‐fold) and human platelets (1.4‐fold). The composite enhanced calcium release and its extrusion in A549 cells. Upregulation of PAR1 on the platelet surface and calcium release are crucial for platelet shape change and aggregation. The data indicate that xerogel composite containing SiNPs and calcium enhanced blood clotting through activation of PAR1. Such dressings can provide a potential hemostatic solution to reduce blood loss, disability, and mortality during surgery and trauma care.

Numerical investigation on thermal performance of phase change materials embedded in functionally graded metal foam

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) technology based on phase change materials (PCMs) embedded in metal foam has recently become a popular method to store thermal energy and release it to other processes with thermal energy demand, which has been applied in solar energy, electronic devices, waste heat recovery, etc. In this study, we proposed a novel design of metal foam with porosity changing over the horizontal and vertical coordinates. The thermal resistance model method was applied to explore the heat transfer mechanism and linear porosity was proved to be able to improve the convection intensity in different stages of melting. Also, metal foam with horizontal linear porosity or vertical linear porosity can both shorten the total melting time and increase the average power density, while composite linear porosity can combine the enhancing effect of these two structures and achieve an optimal enhancing effect. The optimal linear porosity gradient can enhance the average power density by 15.8 % compared to those of uniform porosity. Furthermore, the heat storage performance of linear porosity with different enclosure aspect ratios was also discussed. The linear porosity structure was proved to be able to balance the nonuniformity of melting caused by natural convection.

Light/X-ray/ultrasound activated delayed photon emission of organic molecular probes for optical imaging: mechanisms, design strategies, and biomedical applications.

Conventional optical imaging, particularly fluorescence imaging, often encounters significant background noise due to tissue autofluorescence under real-time light excitation. To address this issue, a novel optical imaging strategy that captures optical signals after light excitation has been developed. This approach relies on molecular probes designed to store photoenergy and release it gradually as photons, resulting in delayed photon emission that minimizes background noise during signal acquisition. These molecular probes undergo various photophysical processes to facilitate delayed photon emission, including (1) charge separation and recombination, (2) generation, stabilization, and conversion of the triplet excitons, and (3) generation and decomposition of chemical traps. Another challenge in optical imaging is the limited tissue penetration depth of light, which severely restricts the efficiency of energy delivery, leading to a reduced penetration depth for delayed photon emission. In contrast, X-ray and ultrasound serve as deep-tissue energy sources that facilitate the conversion of high-energy photons or mechanical waves into the potential energy of excitons or the chemical energy of intermediates. This review highlights recent advancements in organic molecular probes designed for delayed photon emission using various energy sources. We discuss distinct mechanisms, and molecular design strategies, and offer insights into the future development of organic molecular probes for enhanced delayed photon emission.

Nanoencapsulation of Organic Phase Change Materials in Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) for Energy Storage and Conversion.

This work focuses on the encapsulation of two organic phase change materials (PCMs), hexadecane and octadecane, through the formation of nanocapsules of the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) obtained by oxidative polymerization in miniemulsion. The energy storage capacity of nanoparticles is studied by preparing polymer films on supporting substrates. The results indicate that the prepared systems can store and later release thermal energy in the form of latent heat efficiently, which is of vital importance to increase the efficiency of future thermoelectric devices.

Hybridized Renewable Energy for Smart Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Systems

Wind and sunlight are increasingly being exploited as energy supplies that never run out. Additionally, renewable energy resources, including sun, wind, and geothermal heat, are being used for different technologies. It was considered the use of hybridized wind-solar energy resources in smart vehicle technology. A thorough understanding of an integrated framework of the hybridized renewable energy for smart vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems is essential and required to further identify and perhaps maximize existing opportunities. Aiming to develop a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system where the smart vehicle runs on stored sunshine and wind energy, and vehicle batteries store energy and release it to the electricity grid in peak demand periods. To achieve this aim, mathematical models for solar and wind systems were created and entire 24-h simulations were run for case studies of three smart vehicles, which were assessed for different scenarios and circumstances, using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. The estimated values obtained were home load 10 MW, power factor 0.15 MVA, industrial load 0.16 MVA, and smart car-to-grid, solar panel farm, and wind farm power of 4 MW, 8 MW, and 4.5 MW, respectively. Therefore, the hybridized wind-solar energy sources were applicable for all three smart vehicles considered.

Soil legacy nutrients contribute to the decreasing stoichiometric ratio of N and P loading from the Mississippi River Basin.

Human-induced nitrogen-phosphorus (N, P) imbalance in terrestrial ecosystems can lead to disproportionate N and P loading to aquatic ecosystems, subsequently shifting the elemental ratio in estuaries and coastal oceans and impacting both the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The N:P ratio of nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River Basin increased before the late 1980s driven by the enhanced usage of N fertilizer over P fertilizer, whereafter the N:P loading ratio started to decrease although the N:P ratio of fertilizer application did not exhibit a similar trend. Here, we hypothesize that different release rates of soil legacy nutrients might contribute to the decreasing N:P loading ratio. Our study used a data-model integration framework to evaluate N and P dynamics and the potential for long-term accumulation or release of internal soil nutrient legacy stores to alter the ratio of N and P transported down the rivers. We show that the longer residence time of P in terrestrial ecosystems results in a much slower release of P to coastal oceans than N. If contemporary nutrient sources were reduced or suspended, P loading sustained by soil legacy P would decrease much slower than that of N, causing a decrease in the N and P loading ratio. The longer residence time of P in terrestrial ecosystems and the increasingly important role of soil legacy nutrients as a loading source may explain the decreasing N:P loading ratio in the Mississippi River Basin. Our study underscores a promising prospect for N loading control and the urgency to integrate soil P legacy into sustainable nutrient management strategies for aquatic ecosystem health and water security.

Photonic Integrated Quantum Memory in Rare‐Earth Doped Solids

AbstractAn optical quantum memory is a device that can store photonic quantum information and release it after a controlled time. It is an essential component for overcoming channel losses in large‐scale quantum networks. Optical quantum memories have been demonstrated with various physical systems including atomic gases, single atoms in optical cavities, and rare‐earth‐ion doped solids. Now, quantum memories are marching toward miniaturization and integration for large‐scale practical applications. Solid state systems stand as a natural choice due to the physical stability and ease of micro or nano fabrication using well‐established techniques. In the past decade, considerable efforts have been devoted to developing photonic integrated quantum memories, that is, quantum memories based on micro/nano‐photonic structures manufactured in solids. Remarkable performances have been achieved with integrated quantum memories, with the advantages of lower laser/electric power requirements, small volumes, large storage densities, and easy implementations. In this article, the basic concepts of optical quantum memories, the state‐of‐the‐art technologies for fabricating integrated quantum memories in rare‐earth ions doped crystals, and recent advances are introduced, and the roadmap for developing practically useful devices for applications in quantum networks is discussed.

Autonomous, untethered gait-like synchronization of lobed loops made from liquid crystal elastomer fibers via spontaneous snap-through

The transition from one equilibrium state to another via rapid snap-through can store elastic energy and release it as kinetic energy for rapid motion as seen in Venus flytrap and hummingbird to catch insects mid-flight. They are explored in soft robotics for repeated and autonomous motions. In this study, we synthesize curved liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fibers as the building blocks that can undergo buckling instability upon heated on a hot surface, leading to autonomous snap-through and rolling behaviors. When they are connected into lobed loops, where each fiber is geometrically constrained by the neighboring ones, they demonstrate autonomous, self-regulated, and repeated synchronization with a frequency of ~1.8 Hz. By adding a rigid bead on the fiber, we can fine-tune the actuation direction and speed (up to ~2.4 mm/s). Last, we demonstrate various gait-like locomotion patterns using the loops as the robot's legs.

The NMDA receptor regulates integrin activation, ATP release and arterial thrombosis through store-operated Ca2+ entry in platelets.

Platelet activation and thrombus formation is crucial for hemostasis, but also trigger arterial thrombosis. Calcium mobilization plays an important role in platelet activation, because many cellular processes depend on the level of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+](i)), such as integrin activation, degranulation, cytoskeletal reorganization. Different modulators of Ca2+ signaling have been implied, such as STIM1, Orai1, CyPA, SGK1, etc. Also, the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) was identified to contribute to Ca2+ signaling in platelets. However, the role of the NMDAR in thrombus formation is not well defined. In vitro and in vivo analysis of platelet-specific NMDAR knock-out mice. In this study, we analyzed Grin1fl/fl-Pf4-Cre+ mice with a platelet-specific knock-out of the essential GluN1 subunit of the NMDAR. We found reduced store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), but unaltered store release in GluN1-deficient platelets. Defective SOCE resulted in reduced Src and PKC substrate phosphorylation following stimulation of glycoprotein (GP)VI or the thrombin receptor PAR4 followed by decreased integrin activation but unaltered degranulation. Consequently, thrombus formation on collagen under flow conditions was reduced ex vivo, and Grin1fl/fl-Pf4-Cre+ mice were protected against arterial thrombosis. Results from human platelets treated with the NMDAR antagonist MK-801 revealed a crucial role of the NMDAR in integrin activation and Ca2+ homeostasis in human platelets as well. NMDAR signaling is important for SOCE in platelets and contributes to platelet activation and arterial thrombosis. Thus, the NMDAR represents a novel target for anti-platelet therapy in cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Cover Feature: “Catch‐Store‐Release” Strategy for the Stabilization of 4,4′‐Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (4,4′‐MDI) (Chem. Eur. J. 30/2023)

4,4’-Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (4,4’-MDI) is a key diisocyanate linker in the production of polyurethanes. 4,4’-MDI is thermally unstable, undergoing dimerization to unreactive and insoluble uretdione. The “catch–store–release” strategy presented in the Research Article by S. Groysman and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300924) allows 4,4’-MDI to be stabilized in the form of an imidazolium amidate that is produced by the coordination of two equivalents of N-heterocyclic carbene. The complex can be released by heating with CuCl (with or without sulfur); this forms a CuI carbene/urea complex and restores MDI. Artwork by the authors with help from Mary Iverson.

Orai, RyR, and IP3R channels cooperatively regulate calcium signaling in brain mid-capillary pericytes

Pericytes are multifunctional cells of the vasculature that are vital to brain homeostasis, yet many of their fundamental physiological properties, such as Ca2+ signaling pathways, remain unexplored. We performed pharmacological and ion substitution experiments to investigate the mechanisms underlying pericyte Ca2+ signaling in acute cortical brain slices of PDGFRβ-Cre::GCaMP6f mice. We report that mid-capillary pericyte Ca2+ signalling differs from ensheathing type pericytes in that it is largely independent of L- and T-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Instead, Ca2+ signals in mid-capillary pericytes were inhibited by multiple Orai channel blockers, which also inhibited Ca2+ entry triggered by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) store depletion. An investigation into store release pathways indicated that Ca2+ transients in mid-capillary pericytes occur through a combination of IP3R and RyR activation, and that Orai store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is required to sustain and amplify intracellular Ca2+ increases evoked by the GqGPCR agonist endothelin-1. These results suggest that Ca2+ influx via Orai channels reciprocally regulates IP3R and RyR release pathways in the ER, which together generate spontaneous Ca2+ transients and amplify Gq-coupled Ca2+ elevations in mid-capillary pericytes. Thus, SOCE is a major regulator of pericyte Ca2+ and a target for manipulating their function in health and disease.

Adaptive dynamic building envelope integrated with phase change material to enhance the heat storage and release efficiency: A state-of-the-art review

the research of PCMs in the field of building energy efficiency has developed rapidly over the past decade. The static PCM-built envelopes cannot flexibly adjust their heat storage and release according to the changes in weather conditions and occupants’ demands, resulting in low heat storage and release efficiency. The application of the adaptive dynamic building envelope integrated with PCM (ADBEIPCM) addresses this problem. This paper systematically reviewed the ADBEIPCMs for the first time, including their system configuration, working principles, control strategies, and system performance. The research methods and the PCM properties were also well summarized. The results show that the ADBEIPCM can store solar energy and release heat in time to reduce building load and improve comfort mainly by rotating, moving, flipping, and controlling the state of vents. This review divided the ADBEIPCMs into two categories: opaque envelopes and transparent envelopes. The experiment studies and simulation studies accounted for 15.28% and 84.62% of the research on opaque envelopes, and each accounted for 50% of the research on transparent envelopes. But onsite monitoring studies on transparent envelopes only accounted for 25%. In the design of ADBEIPCM, the main encapsulation method of PCM was macro-encapsulation, and the type of PCM was mainly organic. This review analyzed the shortcomings of existing studies and gave recommendations for engineers, architects, and scholars. Future research should focus on the development of novel PCMs with high strength and stability, the development of artificial intelligence-based short-term control strategies, and the development of ADBEIPCM based on bionic technology and powered by renewable energies.

Taking up the quest for novel molecular solar thermal systems: Pros and cons of storing energy with cubane and cubadiene.

Molecular solar thermal (MOST) systems are working their way as a possible technology to store solar light and release it when necessary. Such systems could, in principle, constitute a solution to the energy storage problem characteristic of solar cells and are conceived, at a first instance, as simple molecular photoswitches. Nevertheless, the optimization of their different required properties is presently limiting their technological scale up. From the chemical perspective, we need to design a novel MOST system based on unconventional photoswitches. Here, by applying multi-configurational quantum chemistry methods, we unravel the potentialities of ad hoc-designed molecular photoswitches, which aim to photoproduce cubane or cubadiene as high-energy isomers that can be thermally (or eventually catalytically) reverted to the initial structure, releasing their stored energy. Specifically, while cubane can be photoproduced via different paths depending on the reactant tricycle diene conformation, an undesired bicyclic by-product limits its application to MOST systems. An evolution of this starting design toward cubadiene formation is therefore proposed, avoiding conformational equilibria and by-products, considerably red shifting the absorption to reach the visible portion of the solar spectrum and maintaining an estimated storage density that is expected to overcome the current MOST reference system (norbornadiene/quadricyclane), although consistently increasing the photoisomerization energy barrier.

Eccentric and concentric exercises induce different adaptions in adipose tissue biology.

Alterations in adipose tissue (AT) metabolism related to inflammation and adipokine's production lead to perturbations in its capacity to store lipids and release fatty acids (FA) during feeding/fasting transition or during exercise. Exercise has a beneficial effect on AT metabolism, but conventional trainings are not always suitable for patients with functional limitations. Dynamic eccentric (ECC) exercise prevents the accumulation of AT and may then overcome those limitations. Consequently, this study aimed at investigating AT's adaptations after ECC training. Nine-week-old male rats were randomly assigned to a control sedentary or three-trained groups for which treadmill slopes modulated exercise oxygen consumption (VO2) and mechanical work (n = 15 per group): (1) + 15% uphill-concentric group (CONC), (2) - 15% downhill group (ECC15, same mechanical work as CONC) and (3) - 30% downhill group (ECC30, same VO2, or oxygen cost as CONC). Body composition and energy expenditure (EE) were measured before and after 8weeks of training. Subcutaneous AT was collected to study total FA profile and gene expression. Higher total EE was driven by lean mass gain in trained animals. In AT, there was a decrease in arachidonic acid with CONC or ECC15 training. Increased adiponectin, leptin, lipases, Glut4 and Igf1 mRNA levels in ECC15 group suggested major metabolic adaption in AT. In conclusion, ECC could induce beneficial modifications in AT fatty acid profile and the expression of key genes related to metabolism and insulin sensitivity.