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Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) is an α-glucosidase inhibitor with high food values. However, the complex and costly enrichment processes have greatly prevented its application. Herein, this study aimed to propose a simple and efficient enrichment process for DNJ from Morus alba L. extracts using cation exchange resins. The LSI and D113 resins were chosen due to their excellent adsorption and desorption properties. The adsorption characteristics agreed with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. This adsorption was chemisorption, spontaneous, endothermic and entropy-driven. Furthermore, the concentration and pH of the extracts, desorption solvent, breakthrough and elution curves, sample loading and elution rate were investigated to optimize the enrichment process by resin column chromatography. The results also showed that the purity of DNJ was improved to 44.00 % with a total recovery of 78.21 % using the LSI-D113 combination strategy. This research demonstrated the industrial feasibility of DNJ enrichment using cation exchange resins.

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The small Cys-rich protein metallothionein (MT) binds several metal ions in clusters within its two domains. While the affinity of MT for both toxic and essential metals has been well studied, the thermodynamics of this binding has not. We have used isothermal titration calorimetry measurements to quantify the change in enthalpy (ΔH) and change in entropy (ΔS) when metal ions bind to the two ubiquitous isoforms of MT. The seven Zn2+ that bind sequentially at pH 7.4 do so in two populations with different coordination thermodynamics, an initial four that bind randomly with individual tetra-thiolate coordination and a subsequent three that bind with bridging thiolate coordination to assemble the metal clusters. The high affinity of MT for both populations is due to a very favourable binding entropy that far outweighs an unfavourable binding enthalpy. This originates from a net enthalpic penalty for Zn2+ displacement of protons from the Cys thiols and a favourable entropic contribution from the displaced protons. The thermodynamics of other metal ions binding to MT were determined by their displacement of Zn2+ from Zn7MT and subtraction of the Zn2+-binding thermodynamics. Toxic Cd2+, Pb2+ and Ag+, and essential Cu+, also bind to MT with a very favourable binding entropy but a net binding enthalpy that becomes increasingly favourable as the metal ion becomes a softer Lewis acid. These thermodynamics are the origin of the high affinity, selectivity and domain specificity of MT for these metal ions and the molecular basis for their in vivo binding competition.

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A hydrogen (H2)-based membrane biofilm reactor (H2-MBfR) can reduce electron acceptors nitrate (NO3-), selenate (SeO42-), selenite (HSeO3-), and sulfate (SO42-), which are in wastewaters from coal mining and combustion. This work presents a model to describe a H2-driven microbial community comprised of hydrogenotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria that respire NO3-, SeO42-, HSeO3-, and SO42-. The model provides mechanistic insights into the interactions between autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria in a microbial community that is founded on H2-based autotrophy. Simulations were carried out for a range of relevant solids retention times (0.1 to 20 days) and with adequate H2-delivery capacity to reduce all electron acceptors. Bacterial activity began at an ∼0.6-day SRT, when hydrogenotrophic denitrifiers began to accumulate. Selenate-reducing and selenite-reducing hydrogenotrophs became established next, at SRTs of ∼1.2 and 2 days, respectively. Full nitrate, selenate, and selenite reductions were complete by an SRT of ∼5 days. Sulfate reduction began at an SRT of ∼10 days and was complete by ∼15 days. The desired goal of reducing nitrate, selenate, and selenite, but not sulfate, was achievable within an SRT window of 5 to 10 days. Autotrophic hydrogenotrophs dominated the active biomass, but non-active solids were a major portion of the solids, especially for an SRT ≥ 5 days.

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We present analytical results of fundamental properties of one-dimensional (1D) Hubbard model with a repulsive interaction. New results of the model with arbitrary external fields include: I) Using the exact solutions of the Bethe Ansatz equations of the Hubbard model, we first rigorously calculate the gapless spin and charge excitations, exhibiting exotic features of fractionalized spinons and holons. We then investigate the gapped excitations in terms of the spin string and the $k-\Lambda$ string bound states at arbitrary driving fields, showing subtle differences of spin magnons and charge $\eta$-pair excitations. II) For a high density and high spin magnetization region, i.e. near the quadruple critical point, we further analytically obtain the thermodynamical properties, dimensionless ratios and scaling functions near quantum phase transitions. III) Importantly, we give the general scaling functions at quantum criticality for arbitrary filling and interaction strength. These can directly apply to other integrable models. IV) Based on the fractional excitations and the scaling laws, the spin-incoherent Luttinger liquid (SILL) with only the charge propagation mode is elucidated by the asymptotic of the two-point correlation functions with the help of the conformal field theory. We also for the first time obtain the analytical result of the thermodynamics for the SILL. V) Finally, in order to capture deeper insight into the Mott insulator and interaction-driven criticality, we further study the double occupancy and propose its associated Contact and Contact susceptibilities through which an adiabatic cooling scheme based upon quantum criticality is proposed. In this scenario, we build up general relations among arbitrary external and internal potential driven quantum phase transitions, providing a comprehensive understanding of quantum criticality. Our methods offer rich perspectives of quantum integrability and offer promising guidance to future experiments with interacting electrons and ultracold atoms both with and without a lattice.

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Nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (Nitrate-DAMO) is a novel and sustainable process that removes both nitrogen and methane. Previously, the metabolic pathway of Nitrate-DAMO has been intensively studied with some results. However, the production and consumption of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the Nitrate-DAMO system were widely disregarded. In this study, a Nitrate-DAMO system was used to investigate the effect of operational parameters (C/N ratio, pH, and temperature) on N2O accumulation, and the optimal operating conditions were determined (C/N = 3, pH = 6.5, and temperature = 20 °C). In this study, an enzyme kinetic model was used to fit the nitrate nitrogen degradation and the nitrous oxide production and elimination under different operating conditions. The thermodynamic model of N2O production and elimination in the system also has been constructed. Multiple linear regression analysis found that pH was the most important factor influencing N2O accumulation. The Metagenomics sequencing results showed that alkaline pH promoted the abundance of Nor genes and denitrifying bacteria, which were significantly and positively correlated with N2O emissions. And alkaline pH also promoted the production of Mdo genes related to the N2O-driven AOM reaction, indicating that part of the N2O was consumed by denitrifying bacteria and the other part was consumed by the N2O-driven AOM reaction. These findings reveal the mechanism of N2O production and consumption in DAMO systems and provide a theoretical basis for reducing N2O production and greenhouse gas emissions in actual operation.

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Symmetry-breaking orders can not only compete with each other, but also be intertwined, and the intertwined topological and symmetry-breaking orders make the situation more intriguing. This work examines the archetypal correlated flat band model on a checkerboard lattice at fillingν=2/3and we find that the unique interplay between smectic charge order and topological order gives rise to two novel quantum states. As the interaction strength increases, the system first transitions from a Fermi liquid (FL) into FQAH smectic (FQAHS) state, where the topological order coexists cooperatively with smectic charge order with enlarged ground-state degeneracy and interestingly, the Hall conductivity isσxy=ν=2/3, different from the band-folding or doping scenarios. Further increasing the interaction strength, the system undergoes another quantum phase transition and evolves into a polar smectic metal (PSM) state. This emergent PSM is an anisotropic non-Fermi liquid, whose interstripe tunneling is irrelevant while it is metallic inside each stripe. Different from the FQAHS and conventional smectic orders, this PSM spontaneously breaks the two-fold rotational symmetry, resulting in a nonzero electric dipole moment and ferroelectric order. In addition to the exotic ground states, large-scale numerical simulations are also used to study low-energy excitations and thermodynamic characteristics. We find that the onset temperature of the incompressible FQAHS state, which also coincides with the onset of non-polar smectic order, is dictated by the magneto-roton modes. Above this onset temperature, the PSM state exists at an intermediate-temperature regime. Although theT = 0 quantum phase transition between PSM and FQAHS is first order, the thermal FQAHS-PSM transition could be continuous. We expect the features of the exotic states and thermal phase transitions could be accessed in future experiments.

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Rationale: Tissue regeneration of skin and bone is an energy-intensive, ATP-consuming process that, if impaired, can lead to the development of chronic clinical pictures. ATP levels in the extracellular space including the exudate of wounds, especially chronic wounds, are low. This deficiency can be compensated by inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) supplied via the blood platelets to the regenerating site. Methods: The contribution of the different forms of energy derived from polyP (metabolic energy, mechanical energy and heat) to regeneration processes was dissected and studied both in vitro and in patients. ATP is generated metabolically during the enzymatic cleavage of the energy-rich anhydride bonds between the phosphate units of polyP, involving the two enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and adenylate kinase (ADK). Exogenous polyP was administered after incorporation into compressed collagen or hydrogel wound coverages to evaluate its regenerative activity for chronic wound healing. Results: In a proof-of-concept study, fast healing of chronic wounds was achieved with the embedded polyP, supporting the crucial regeneration-promoting activity of ATP. In the presence of Ca2+ in the wound exudate, polyP undergoes a coacervation process leading to a conversion of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, a crucial step supporting cell migration during regenerative tissue repair. During coacervation, a switch from an endothermic to an exothermic, heat-generating process occurs, reflecting a shift from an entropically- to an enthalpically-driven thermodynamic reaction. In addition, mechanical forces cause the appearance of turbulent flows and vortices during liquid-liquid phase separation. These mechanical forces orient the cellular and mineralic (hydroxyapatite crystallite) components, as shown using mineralizing SaOS-2 cells as a model. Conclusion: Here we introduce the energetic triad: metabolic energy (ATP), thermal energy and mechanical energy as a novel theranostic biomarker, which contributes essentially to a successful application of polyP for regeneration processes.

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In this study, we explore the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of a quantum system, specifically focusing on spin-1 quadrupole nuclei. By employing fundamental principles from quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, we aim to understand the behavior of the quadrupole spin-1 nuclei when subjected to external perturbations. Our analysis involves the investigation of the system's dynamic response to non-equilibrium conditions through the manipulation of a work parameter. By treating work as a random variable, we gather data from multiple cycles of finite duration, enabling us to compute the complete distribution of the work generated during this process. Through these finite-time non-equilibrium process data, we are able to determine equilibrium values for important quantities such as the difference in free energy between the initial and final states of the system. Additionally, we explore various properties of the system's work distribution.

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Efficient and stable red perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) demonstrate promising potential in high-definition displays and biomedical applications. Although significant progress has been made in device performance, meeting commercial demands remains a challenge in the aspects of long-term stability and high external quantum efficiency (EQE). Here, an in situ crystallization regulation strategy is developed for optimizing red perovskite films through ingenious vapor design. Mixed vapor containing dimethyl sulfoxide and carbon disulfide (CS2) is incorporated to conventional annealing, which contributes to thermodynamics dominated perovskite crystallization for well-aligned cascade phase arrangement. Additionally, the perovskite surface defect density is minimized by the CS2 molecule adsorption. Consequently, the target perovskite films exhibit smooth exciton energy transfer, reduced defect density, and blocked ion migration pathways. Leveraging these advantages, spectrally stable red PeLEDs are obtained featuring emission at 668, 656, and 648 nm, which yield record peak EQEs of 30.08%, 32.14%, and 29.04%, along with prolonged half-lifetimes of 47.7, 60.0, and 43.7 h at the initial luminances of 140, 250, and 270 cd m-2, respectively. This work provides a universal strategy for optimizing perovskite crystallization and represents a significant stride toward the commercialization of red PeLEDs.

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Advanced aqueous batteries are promising solutions for grid energy storage. Compared with their organic counterparts, water-based electrolytes enable fast transport kinetics, high safety, low cost, and enhanced environmental sustainability. However, the presence of protons in the electrolyte, generated by the spontaneous ionization of water, may compete with the main charge-storage mechanism, trigger unwanted side reactions, and accelerate the deterioration of the cell performance. Therefore, it is of pivotal importance to understand and master the proton activities in aqueous batteries. This Perspective comments on the following scientific questions: Why are proton activities relevant? What are proton activities? What do we know about proton activities in aqueous batteries? How do we better understand, control, and utilize proton activities?

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Particulate nitrate is an important component of particulate matter and poses a significant threat to the ecosystem and human health. The gas-phase formation pathway of nitrate is extremely important, which mainly comprises the NO2 oxidation process triggered by OH radicals and the nitrate partitioning process. The response of nitrate to source emission reduction during different pollution periods remains unclear. Here, we applied the chemical kinetic and thermodynamics model to explore the importance oxidation process and partitioning process during different pollution periods based on high-time resolution observation data. The result indicated that with the aggravation of pollution, the partitioning process gradually ceases to be a limiting step in the formation of nitrates. The results of the influencing factor analysis indicate that NO2 concentration and aerosol pH values play a more significant role in the formation of nitrates. Specifically, during the clean period, nitrate formation is sensitive to both NO2 concentration and pH values, but during the pollution period, it becomes sensitive only to NO2 concentration. By combining source apportionment, we explored the response of nitrate formation to source emission reduction, and the results showed that the control of vehicle exhaust emissions and coal combustion sources is more effective in mitigating nitrate pollution. Additionally, this study also emphasized the importance of early prevention and control of pollution sources. This research provides scientific evidence for the precise management and control of nitrates.

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In an effort to pursue a green synthesis approach, the biosynthesis of nano-silver (nAg) using plant extracts has garnered significant attention, particularly for its antimicrobial resistance and medical applications, which have been the focus of numerous studies. However, there remains a gap in surface catalytic studies, especially regarding the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol. While some studies have addressed catalytic kinetics, thermodynamic aspects have been largely overlooked, leaving the catalytic mechanisms of biosynthesized nAg unclear. In this context, the present work offers a straightforward, eco-friendly, and efficient protocol to obtain nano-silver inspired by Musa paradisiaca L. peel extract. This nAg serves multiple purposes, including antimicrobial resistance and as an eco-catalyst for hydrogenation. Predominantly consisting of zero-valent silver with anisotropic polyhedral shapes, mainly decahedra with an edge length of 50 nm, this nAg demonstrated effective antimicrobial action against both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. More importantly, both kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol catalyzed by this bio-inspired nAg revealed that the rate-limiting step is not diffusion-limited. Instead, the adsorbed hydrogen and 4-nitrophenolate react together via electron transfer on the surface of the nAg. The activation energy of 26.24 kJ mol-1 indicates a highly efficient eco-catalyst for such hydrogenation processes.

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Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide globally, is accumulating in the environment and poses significant potential eco- and bio-toxicity risks. While natural attenuation of glyphosate has been reported, the efficacy varies considerably and the dominant metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), is potentially more persistent and toxic. This study investigated the bioelectrochemical system (BES) for glyphosate degradation under anaerobic, reductive conditions. Atomistic simulations using density functional theory (DFT) predicted increased thermodynamic favorability for the non-dominant C-P lyase degradation pathway under external charge, which suppressed AMPA production. Experimental results confirmed that cathodic poised potential (-0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl) enhanced glyphosate degradation (75 % in BES vs. ∼40 % in the control conditions after 37 days), and lowered the AMPA yield (0.52 mol AMPA yield per mol glyphosate removed in BES vs. 0.77-0.86 mol mol-1 in the control conditions). Geobacter lovleyi was likely the active species driving the C-P lyase pathway, as evidenced by the increase of its relative abundance, the upregulation of its extracellular electron transfer genes (most notably mtr) and the up-regulation of its phnJ and hcp genes (encoding C-P layse and hydroxylamine reductase respectively).

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In the present work, we propose an alternative approach for deriving the free energy formulation of a non-uniform system. Compared with the work of Cahn and Hilliard (1958 J.Chem. Phys.28258-67), our approach provides a more comprehensive explanation for the individual energy contribution in a non-uniform system, including entropy, interaction energy, and internal energy. By employing a fundamental mathematical calculus, we reformulate the local composition within the interface region. Utilizing the reformulated local composition as well as classic thermodynamic principles, we establish formal expressions for entropy, interaction energy, and the internal energy, which are functions of both composition and composition gradients. We obtain a comprehensive free energy expression for a non-uniform system by integrating these energy density formulations. The obtained free energy expression is consistent with the formula type of Cahn and Hilliard and prodives more deeper physical interpretation. Moreover, using the same approach, we derive formulations for elastic energy and electric potential energy in a non-uniform system. However, the proposed approach encounters a limitation in the special case of a non-uniform fluid contacting a solid substrate. Due to the significant difference in the length scales between the solid-fluid and fluid-fluid interfaces, the wall free energy formulation based on the aforementioned concept is unsuitable for this multi-scale system. To address this limitation, we reformulate the wall free energy as a function of the average composition over the solid-fluid interface. Additionally, the previous derivation relies on an artificial treatment of describing the composition variation across the interface by a smooth monotone function, while the true nature of this variation remains unclear. By utilizing the concept of average composition, we circumvent the open question of how the composition varies across the interface region. Our work provides a thorough understanding for the construction of free energy formulations for a non-uniform system in condensed matter physics.

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Humidification and dehumidification are among the most important desalination technologies, in which humidifiers and dehumidifiers are the key components. Previous research has mainly focused on overall system improvement, but few studies have focused on the thermodynamic limitations of the humidification and dehumidification processes. By introducing temperature and enthalpy effectiveness, the thermodynamic limits have been explored. It was successfully established that there are three operating states for the humidifier and dehumidifier. The analytical expressions of enthalpy and temperature effectiveness boundary values in each state were obtained. The results of visualizing the influence of mass flow ratio, inlet temperature, inlet and outlet relative humidity, and pressure on the feasible range of enthalpy and temperature effectiveness were presented. This study explores the thermodynamic limits of heat and mass transfer equipment that can be applied to other types of humidification and dehumidification equipment.

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This research aimed to explore binding interactions between pea protein isolate (PPI) and selected strawberry flavorings including vanillin, γ-decalactone, furaneol, and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol within an aqueous system. The results showed that binding affinities of PPI with all various functional group of flavor compounds decreased as temperature increased from 5 °C to 25 °C. Notably, at 25 °C, γ-decalactone displayed the highest binding affinity, followed by vanillin, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and furaneol. Lowest binding was observed for furaneol, explained by its greater lipophilicity (lower partition coefficient values or LogP value) and molecular structure in each functional group in the flavor compounds. Thermodynamically, the interaction between PPI and each selected flavor compound was spontaneous, with evidence suggesting primary forces being hydrophobic interactions or hydrogen bonding/van der Waals forces. Computational molecular docking further confirmed these interaction types. This research provides insights into the interactions between PPI and strawberry flavorings, aiding in the selection of optimal flavor compound proportion for protein-rich products.

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The article details a feasibility study of removing Brilliant Green (BG), a mutagenic dye from an aqueous solution by adsorption using low-cost coriander seed spent as a by-product in the nutraceutical industry. The study includes an analysis of the parameters that affect the adsorption process. The variables that have been identified include pH, dye concentration, process temperature, adsorbent amount, and particle size of the adsorbent. To obtain information on the adsorption process and to design the mechanism of the adsorption system on experimental equilibrium, 10 isotherm models, namely, Langmuir, Freundlich, Jovanovic, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Sips, Redlich-Peterson, Toth, Vieth-Sladek, Brouers-Sotolongo, and Radke-Prausnitz were applied. It was discovered that the experimental adsorption capacity, qe, was roughly 110 mg g-1. The result has a maximum adsorption of 136.17 mg g-1 as predicted by Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm. Diffusion film models, Dumwald-Wagner and Weber-Morris models, and pseudo-first- and second-order models, were used to determine the adsorption kinetics. It was realized that the adsorption kinetics data fit into a pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic analysis with a reduced enthalpy change suggests a physical process. The values of the thermodynamic parameters ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0 demonstrated an endothermic and nearly spontaneous process of adsorption. The small valuation of ΔH0 specifies that the process is physical. FTIR spectroscopy and SEM imaging were used to confirm that the BG dye had been adsorbing on the adsorbent surface. The study concludes that NICSS is an effective adsorbent to extract BG dye from wastewater solutions, offers insights into numerous dye and adsorbent interaction possibilities and indicates that the process can be scaled to fit into the concept of circular economy.

An attempt has been made to link the concept of circular economy through design and execution of the experiments in the laboratory scale. The following highlights will justify the newer approach adopted by the authors.The experiments are designed by intention to suit the concept of circular economy.The use of NICSS, a nutraceutical industrial spent, which has no feed, fertilizer, or fuel value suits the sustainability concept.The reuse of "waste" from the remediation process replaces the "end-of-life" concept in circular economy.

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Objective: In addition to the well-established advantage that strengthened pelvic musculature increases urethral resistance in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients, intra-vaginal electrical stimulation (iVES) has been shown in preclinical studies to improve bladder capacity via the pudendal-hypogastric mechanism. This study investigated whether iVES also benefits bladder storage in SUI patients by focusing on compliance, a viscoelastic parameter critically defining the bladder's storage function, in a clinical study. Moreover, the potential involvement of stimulation-induced neuromodulation in iVES-modified compliance was investigated by comparing the therapeutic outcomes of SUI patients treated with iVES to those who underwent a trans-obturator tape (TOT) implantation surgery, where a mid-urethral sling was implanted without electric stimulation. Patients and methods: Urodynamic and viscoelastic data were collected from 21 SUI patients treated with a regimen combining iVES and biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle training (iVES-bPFMT; 20-min iVES and 20-min bPFMT sessions, twice per week, for 3 months). This regimen complied with ethical standards. Data from 21 SUI patients who received TOT implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Mean compliance (Cm), infused volume (Vinf), and threshold pressure (Pthr) from the pressure-flow/volume investigations were assessed. Results: Compared with the pretreatment control, iVES-bPFMT consistently and significantly increased Cm (18/21; 85%, p = 0.017, N = 21) and Vinf (16/21; 76%, p = 0.046; N = 21) but decreased Pthr (16/21; 76%, p = 0.026, N = 21). In contrast, TOT implantation did not result in consistent or significant changes in Cm, Vinf, or Pthr (p = 0.744, p = 0.295, p = 0.651, respectively; all N = 21). Conclusion: Our results provide viscoelastic and thermodynamic evidence supporting an additional benefit of iVES-bPFMT to bladder storage in SUI patients by modifying bladder compliance, possibly due to the potentiated hypogastric tone, which did not occur in TOT-treated SUI patients.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02185235 and NCT05977231.

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Macroion-counterion interaction is essential for regulating the solution behaviors of hydrophilic macroions, as simple models for polyelectrolytes. Here, we explore the interaction between uranyl peroxide molecular cluster Li68K12(OH)20[UO2(O2)OH]60 (U60) and multivalent counterions. Different from interaction with monovalent counterions that shows a simple one-step process, isothermal titration calorimetry, combined with light/X-ray scattering measurements and electron microscopy, confirm a two-step process for their interaction with multivalent counterions: an ion-pairing between U60 and the counterion with partial breakage of hydration shells followed by strong U60-U60 attraction, leading to the formation of large nanosheets with severe breakage and reconstruction of hydration shells. The detailed studies on macroion-counterion interaction can be nicely correlated to the microscopic (self-assembly) and macroscopic (gelation or phase separation) phase transitions in the dilute U60 aqueous solutions induced by multivalent counterions.

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The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype powerplant (SPP) will be a first-of-a-kind powerplant-its prime objective is to export electrical power, to the national power transmission system ('grid'), above 100 MWe. As part of a wider issue, addressing the STEP concept design, this article seeks to explore how electrical power will be generated from a spherical tokamak heat source. Accordingly, the following key functions of the SPP power infrastructure are reviewed.Cooling the tokamak: cooling the tokamak while extracting useful thermal energy.Generating power: conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy (power generation).Managing energy: management of the site-wide distribution, storage and energy export.In each of these areas, the design scope, challenges and solution spaces have been discussed. This has shaped the design of the SPP power infrastructure, which in turn has ensured a powerplant design focused on operability and performance. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the SPP will achieve its prime objective in generating net power, which is enabled by a unique power infrastructure. Confidence in the ability to generate net power will be refined as the design matures. Finally, this article recommends key opportunities that STEP could use to improve power generation and reduce the parasitic load of the SPP.This article is part of the theme issue 'Delivering Fusion Energy - The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)'.