Proton-conducting ionic liquid-based Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell membranes: The key role of ionomer-ionic liquid interaction

The paper deals with the synthesis and characterisation of proton-conducting ionic liquids (PCILs) and their polymer electrolytes obtained by blending modified Nafion membranes with different concentrations of PCILs. The PCILs are obtained by the neutralization of triethylamine with different organic acids. The first part of the paper studies the influence of acidity and acid structure on PCIL thermal and electrochemical performance, while the second part examines membrane conductivity and reveals it to depend more on PCIL structure than on its intrinsic conductivity. At 130 °C, conductivities exceeding 10 mS cm⁻¹ were obtained in fully anhydrous conditions.     

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of liquid and semi-liquid dairy matrixes

Protein digestion in two liquid dairy matrixes with different heat treatments (pasteurized and sterilized milks) and in one semi-liquid dairy matrix (stirred-yogurt) was investigated using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model. After buccal digestion, significantly lower amount of soluble proteins were measured in yogurt than in both milks. This difference between dairy matrixes decreased during gastric digestion and disappeared at the end of the duodenal digestion upon the proteolytic action of pepsin and pancreatin. Electrophoresis pattern of digested mixtures showed that casein digestion began at the gastric phase and was slower for pasteurized milk than sterilized milk and yogurt. At the end of duodenal digestion, no more intact caseins were present in all the dairy matrixes while faint bands of whey proteins were still visible for pasteurized milk and yogurt. The release of free amino acids during the duodenal phase varied according to their nature (acid, basic, neutral or hydrophobic) and seems to be governed by the specificity of the enzymes. These results suggest that the severity of milk's heat treatment influences the kinetics of protein digestion, mainly during the gastric phase, and that the impact of processing has to be considered to study protein digestion in dairy products.     

Mechanisms of weight maintenance under high- and low-protein, low-glycaemic index diets

Scope: Weight maintenance after intended weight loss is a challenge in an obesogenic environment. In a large multicentre dietary intervention study (DiOGenes), it has recently been demonstrated that a high‐protein/low‐glycaemic index (HP/LGI) diet was slightly more efficient in maintaining weight loss than low‐protein/LGI or high‐GI (LP/LGI or HGI) diets. Here, we use a proteomic approach to assess the molecular mechanisms behind this positive effect. Methods and results: A subset of the most successful (weight loser, n=12) and unsuccessful (weight re‐gainer, n=12) individuals consuming the LGI diets with either high‐ or low‐protein content (HP or LP/LGI), following an initial calorie deficit run‐in weight loss phase, were analyzed at the plasma protein level. Proteomic analysis revealed 18 proteins regulated after 6 months of the dietary weight maintenance phase. Furthermore, 12 proteins were significantly regulated as a function of success rate under an HP diet, arising as candidate biomarkers of mechanisms of successful weight maintenance under an HP/LGI diet. Pregnancy‐zone protein (PZP) and protein S (PROS1) were revealed as novel biomarkers of weight maintenance showing opposite effects. Conclusion: Semantic network analysis of the 12 regulated proteins revealed that under an HP/LGI an anti‐atherogenic effect and alterations of fat metabolism were associated with the success of maintaining the initial weight loss.     

Truth,trust, and civic duty: Cultural factors in citizens' perceptions of mobile phone apps and social media in disasters

This study investigates how citizens perceive the role of mobile phone apps specifically designed for disaster communication, and how these perceptions may differ from perceived roles and functions of social media in disaster‐related tasks/situations. Focusing on trust in authorities and technology use, results suggest that social media use not only fosters trust via shared narratives and collective sense‐making but may also improve trust relationships through local authorities assuming the function of a trustworthy information provider. In disaster apps usage, trust between citizens and authorities is generated through perceptions of shared responsibility rather than shared narratives. Apps were seen as mechanisms that reveal authorities' general willingness to share control, which may help overcome citizens' perceptions that they are distrusted by authorities.     

Si and Ge‐Based Anode Materials for Li‐, Na‐, and K‐Ion Batteries: A Perspective from Structure to Electrochemical Mechanism

Silicon and germanium are among the most promising candidates as anodes for Li‐ion batteries, meanwhile their potential application in sodium‐ and potassium‐ion batteries is emerging. The access of their entire potential requires a comprehensive understanding of their electrochemical mechanism. This Review highlights the processes taking place during the alloying reaction of Si and Ge with the alkali ions. Several associated challenges, including the volumetric expansion, particle pulverization, and uncontrolled formation of solid electrolyte interphase layer must be surmounted and different strategies, such as nanostructures and electrode formulation, have been implemented. Additionally, a new approach based on the use of layered Si and Ge‐based Zintl phases is presented. The versatility of this new family permits the tuning of their physical and chemical properties for specific applications. For batteries in particular, the layered structure buffers the volume expansion and exhibits an enhanced electronic conductivity, allowing high power applications.