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In this study, the survival capacity (acid and bile salt tolerance, and adhesion to gut epithelial cells) and probiotic properties (enzyme activity-inhibition and anti-inflammatory activities, inhibition of adipogenesis, and stress hormone level reduction) of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5314, isolated from kimchi (Korean traditional fermented cabbage), were investigated. LRCC5314 exhibited very stable survival at pH 2 and in 0.2% bile acid with 89.9% adhesion to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells after treatment for 2 h. LRCC5314 also inhibited the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which are involved in elevating postprandial blood glucose levels, by approximately 72.9% and 51.2%, respectively. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with the LRCC5314 lysate decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and interferon-γ by 88.5%, 49.3%, 97.2%, and 99.8%, respectively, relative to those of the cells treated with LPS alone. LRCC5314 also inhibited adipogenesis in differentiating preadipocytes (3T3-L1 cells), showing a 14.7% decrease in lipid droplet levels and a 74.0% decrease in triglyceride levels, as well as distinct reductions in the mRNA expression levels of adiponectin, FAS, PPAR, C/EBPα, TNF-α, and IL-6. Moreover, LRCC5314 reduced the level of cortisol, a hormone with important effect on stress, by approximately 35.6% in H295R cells. L. plantarum LRCC5314 is identified as a new probiotic with excellent in vitro multifunctional properties. Subsequent in vivo studies may further demonstrate its potential as a functional food or pharmabiotic.

A Gram stain-negative, aerobic, motile by gliding, rod-shaped bacterial strain CAU 1569T was isolated from marine sediment on Shido Island in Incheon. It grew at 20–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, 7.0), 2–6% NaCl (w/v) (optimum, 2%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CAU 1569T formed a distinct lineage with only the type strain of Snuella. Strain CAU 1569T showed high similarity to S. lapsa KACC 14152T (95.8%), Mariniflexile gromovii KMM KCTC 12570T, Aestuariibaculum marinum KCTC 52521T (95.4%), A. suncheonense KACC 16186T (94.6%) and Yeosuana aromativorans KCCM 42019T (94.4%). The genome contained 57 contigs, 3,437 protein-coding gene, 3 rRNAs (5, 16, and 23S), 43 tRNAs, and with a 35.7 mol% G + C content. The DDH value between strain CAU 1569T and S. lapsa KACC 14152T was 39.4 ± 0.6%. The only isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). The major fatty acids were iso-C15:0, C15:1-iso G, and C17:0 iso 3-OH. Strain CAU 1569T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, aminoglycolipid, unidentified aminolipid, and three unidentified lipids. Based on phylogenetic, genomic, physiologic, and chemotaxonomic characterizations, strain CAU 1569T represents a novel Snuella species, which the name Snuella sedimenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type of strain is CAU 1569T (= KCTC 82409T = MCCC 1K05670T).

In the development of a reliable cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), it is crucial to clearly understand the structural degradation mechanism and its correlation with the electrochem...

Obesity, which has become a major public health problem, can arise from complex dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and immune responses, among other mechanisms. Some Lactobacillus strains effectively ameliorate obesity; however, the beneficial effects of Lactococcus spp., which are often used as dairy starters, remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of Lactococcus chungangensis CAU 28 using the 3T3-L1 cell line and obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Overall, administration of Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 effectively resolved obesity associated with weight gain and lipid accumulation. In differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 treatment significantly diminished the total lipid quantity, inhibited triglyceride formation, and prevented the proliferation of adipogenic transcription factors (fatty acid synthase, adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-α) associated with lipid accumulation. In the obesity mouse model, wherein the intake of Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 effectively reduced body weight gain, along with fat differentiation and accumulation (white fat; abdominal and subcutaneous). Furthermore, Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 increased serum adiponectin levels, decreased serum leptin levels, and effectively regulated adipokine secretion. It also increased the high-density lipoprotein:cholesterol ratio, reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduced the low-density lipoprotein:cholesterol ratio, and affected obesity-regulated inflammatory cytokines IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β. Additionally, Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 was associated with an increase in the CD3+CD4+CD8- phenotype among obese mice. Thus, the administration of Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 induced antiobesity effects, suggesting potential applications of this species as a supplement for obesity mitigation.

Kraft lignin (KL) was oxidized by peracetic acid, which is generated by mixing acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, to produce polycarboxylates for use as a plasticizer for cement paste. Peracetic acid cleaves the aromatic ring structure of KL and introduces carboxylate groups with ring-opened chain structure. After oxidation, the water-soluble fraction (Cx-lig) was obtained, and the performance of the Cx-lig as a plasticizer was compared with two commercial plasticizers, lignosulfonate (LS) and polycarboxylate ether (PCE). In mortar table tests, the increase in cement fluidity with the Cx-lig was greater than with LS and PCE. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, elemental analysis, and charge density analysis were used to determine the structure of the Cx-lig. Considering all the results, the Cx-lig had a polycarboxylate structure containing numerous carboxylate groups, and their high charge density was the key factor that caused the Cx-lig to increase the cement fluidity more than LS or PCE.

A Gram stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, short, rod-shaped bacterial strain CAU 1482T was isolated from coal mine wastewater in Hongcheon, Korea. It grew well at 30 °C, pH 8.5, 2% NaCl (w/v). 16S rRNA-based phylogeny indicated that CAU 1482T forms a distinct lineage within Aureimonas with high similarity to Aureimonas frigidaquae CW5T (98.2%), Aureimonas altamirensis S21BT (98.0%), and Aureimonas glaciei B5-2T (96.3%). The predominant cellular fatty acids were C18:1 2-OH, C16:0, C18:1 ω7c, and/or C18:1 ω6c (summed feature 8), with Q-10 as the major isoprenoid quinone. The polar lipid profile comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, two unidentified aminolipids, and three unidentified lipids. The 3.9-Mb genome included 8 contigs and 3599 protein-coding genes with a 56.7 mol% G + C content. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain CAU 1482T and closely related strains of A. frigidaquae CW5T and A. altamirensis S21BT were 72.2‒72.4% and 18.7‒18.8%, respectively. These phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic data support CAU 1482T as a novel Aureimonas species, for which the name Aureimonas fodinaquatilis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1482T (= KCTC 62995T = NBRC 113692T).

High-Ni cathode materials with a layered structure generally suffer from structural instability induced by a highly reactive Ni component, especially at the surface. Crystalline LiNbO3, with excell...

To understand the effects of the biomass constituents for enzymatic hydrolysis, a tropical hardwood, Eucalyptus pellita, was employed to change the content of chemical constituents and regression assessment was progressed. The liquid hot water and acid-chlorite pretreatment controlled hemicellulose and lignin removal rate from 3.1 to 91.7% and from 4.4 to 99.1%, respectively. Total lignin in E. pellita (34.8%) was obviously reduced up to 9.0% under 4 g of sodium chlorite and 0.8 mL of acetic acid with 3 times loading. In this case, acid-insoluble lignin (2.4%) was entirely eliminated compared with that of E. pellita (29.0%), whereas acid-soluble lignin (6.6%) was preferably increased compared with of E. pellita (2.3%). The maximum glucose yield (87.5%) after the combined pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis were dramatically improved compared with that of liquid hot water pretreatment alone (28.2%). Meanwhile, a high glucose yield (83.9%) could also be obtained by acid-chlorite pretreatment alone. The adjusted R-squared value of hemicellulose and lignin removal rate (0.9285) and lignin removal rate alone (0.9063) with glucose yield was determined by linear regression analysis.

Selaginella tamariscina is a lycophyta species that survives under extremely dry conditions via the mechanism of resurrection. This phenomenon involves the regulation of numerous genes that play vital roles in desiccation tolerance and subsequent rehydration. To identify resurrection-related genes, we analyzed the transcriptome between dehydration conditions and rehydration conditions of S. tamariscina. The de novo assembly generated 124,417 transcripts with an average size of 1,000 bp and 87,754 unigenes. Among these genes, 1,267 genes and 634 genes were up and down regulated by rehydration compared to dehydration. To understand gene function, we annotated Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The unigenes encoding early light-inducible protein (ELIP) were down-regulated, whereas pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein (PPR), late embryogenesis abundant proteins (LEA), sucrose nonfermenting protein (SNF), trehalose phosphate phosphatase (TPP), trehalose phosphate synthase (TPS), and ABC transporter G family (ABCG) were significantly up-regulated in response to rehydration conditions by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis. Several studies provide evidence that these genes play a role in stress environment. The ELIP and PPR genes are involved in chloroplast protection during dehydration and rehydration. LEA, SNF, and trehalose genes are known to be oxidant scavengers that protect the cell structure from the deleterious effect of drought. TPP and TPS genes were found in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathways, which are essential sugar-signaling metabolites regulating plant metabolism and other biological processes. ABC-G gene interacts with abscisic acid (ABA) phytohormone in the stomata opening during stress conditions. Our findings provide valuable information and candidate resurrection genes for future functional analysis aimed at improving the drought tolerance of crop plants.

Interest in the beneficial effects of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs), a prebiotic supplement, on human health is increasing. The effects of 1-kestose, a key component of FOS, have been studied; however, the effects of kestose-enriched FOS on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the mechanism through which kestose-enriched FOS alleviated AD in OVA-sensitised Balb/c mice and compared the effects with those of normal FOS. Kestose-enriched FOS increased butyric and propionic acid levels in faeces to a significantly greater extent than did normal FOS. This increase was associated with increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Alistipes and decreased abundance of Prevotella. Furthermore, kestose-enriched FOS markedly decreased IgE levels and the counts of regulatory T cell-mediated T helper cell type 2, mast cells, and eosinophils. Thus, kestose-enriched FOS modulated the gut-skin axis by altering the intestinal microbiome and immune response, indicating its potential as a supplement for AD mitigation.

Transition metal vanadate material has attracted many battery researchers due to its layered type structure enabling facilitated lithium ion insertion/extraction and ability of vanadium to exist in multiple valence states. Cobalt vanadates have been receiving much research attention as superior anode candidates for use in lithium ion batteries with high specific capacity. Here, synthesis of 1-D nanofibers comprised of cobalt vanadate nanocrystals via electrospinning and subsequent thermal treatment in air atmosphere is reported. Heat treatment at various temperatures yielded Co3V2O8 nanocrystals-embedded nanofibers with low and high carbon contents, and carbon-free hollow Co3V2O8 nanofiber and their electrochemical properties were analyzed in detail. The discharge capacity of Co3V2O8 nanocrystals-embedded nanofiber with high carbon content, that with low carbon content, and carbon-free hollow Co3V2O8 nanofiber after 1200 cycles at a current density of 1 A g−1 were 541, 735, and 302 mA h g−1, respectively. Co3V2O8 crystals-embedded nanofiber with low carbon content showed the best rate performance; 422 mA h g−1 was achieved at a high current density of 10 A g−1.

A uniform surface coating and control over residual Li on the surface of high-Ni layered transition metal oxides is crucial for development of highly reliable and high-performance cathode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). To suppress undesirable side reactions at the surface of high-Ni layered transition metal oxides, we propose a one-pot TiO2 surface coating process using a bifunctional hybrid solution. We demonstrate that the uniformity and thickness of a TiO2 coating layer can be controlled, and residual Li can be simultaneously reduced during the surface coating process. Structural and electrochemical characterizations support the utilization of an essential bifunctional hybrid solution composed of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and tetrabutyl-ammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) in water for introducing a uniform TiO2 coating layer and eliminating undesirable Li residues on the surface without yielding significant structural degradation. Our approach provides a practical guide to develop advanced cathode materials and simplify the synthetic process for mass production.

This study analyzed the effect of organic solvent extractives on the classification of wood species via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). In our previous research, five species of Korean softwood were classified into three groups (i.e., Cryptomeria japonica (cedar)/Chamaecyparis obtuse (cypress), Pinus densiflora (red pine)/Pinus koraiensis (Korean pine), and Larix kaempferi (Larch)) using an NIR-based principal component analysis method. Similar tendencies of extractive distribution were observed among the three groups in that study. Therefore, in this study, we qualitatively analyzed extractives extracted by an organic solvent and analyzed the NIR spectra in terms of the extractives’ chemical structure and band assignment to determine their effect in more detail. Cedar/cypress showed a similar NIR spectra patterns by removing the extractives at 1695, 1724, and 2291 nm. D-pinitol, which was detected in cedar, contributed to that wavelength. Red pine/Korean pine showed spectra changes at 1616, 1695, 1681, 1705, 1724, 1731, 1765, 1780, and 2300 nm. Diterpenoids and fatty acid, which have a carboxylic group and an aliphatic double bond, contributed to that wavelength. Larch showed a catechin peak in gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy analysis, but it exhibited very small NIR spectra changes. The aromatic bond in larch seemed to have low sensitivity because of the 1st overtone of the O-H bond of the sawdust cellulose. The three groups sorted via NIR spectroscopy in the previous research showed quite different compositions of extractives, in accordance with the NIR band assignment. Thus, organic solvent extractives are expected to affect the classification of wood species using NIR spectroscopy.

The main purpose of this study was simultaneous production of glucose, ethanol organosolv lignin (EOL), and furfural for total utilization of lignocellulosic biomass to improve economics of biorefinery. The glucose production (37.1 g, under conditions of 160 °C with 1% sulfuric acid) was significantly increased after organosolv pretreatment, dissolving 11.4 g of the initial hemicellulose-derived sugars and 22.6 g of the initial lignin. Progressively, organosolv lignin precipitation and furfural production processes were conducted using the liquid hydrolysates obtained after organosolv pretreatment. 12 g of EOL (at 160 °C, 1% sulfuric acid) was yielded with the remaining residues of soluble lignin-derived compounds in the liquid hydrolysates. Also, 7.9 g of furfural (at 160 °C, 1% sulfuric acid) was observed after additional acid-catalyzed treatment from the liquid hydrolysates. Consequently, a high yield of glucose, EOL and furfural can be obtained simultaneously using ethanol organosolv pretreatment.

Eucalyptus pellita is known as attractive biomass, and it has been utilized for eucalyptus oil, furniture, and pulp and paper production that causes a significant amount of byproducts. Liquid hot water treatment depending on combined severity factor (CSF) was subjected to isolate hemicellulose fraction from E. pellita and to produce xylooligosaccharides (XOS). The xylan extraction ratio based on the initial xylan content of the feedstock was maximized up to 77.6% at 170 °C for 50 min condition (CSF: 1.0), which had accounted for XOS purity of 76.5% based on the total sugar content of the liquid hydrolysate. In this condition, the sum of xylobiose, xylotriose, and xylotetraose which has a low degree of polymerization (DP) of 2 to 4 was determined as 80.6% of the total XOS. The highest XOS production score established using parameters including the xylan extraction ratio, XOS purity, and low DP XOS ratio was 5.7 at CSF 1.0 condition. XOS production score evaluated using the CSF is expected to be used as a productivity indicator of XOS in the industry (R-squared value: 0.92).

The synthesis of dimeric products from monoterpene hydrocarbons has been studied for the development of renewable high-density fuel. In this regard, the conversion of &alpha, pinene in turpentine over stannic chloride molten salt hydrates (SnCl4&middot, 5H2O) as a catalyst was investigated, and the reaction products were analyzed with gas chromatography/flame ionization detector/mass spectrometer (GC/FID/MS). Overall, the content of &alpha, pinene in a reaction mixture decreased precipitously with an increasing reaction temperature. Almost 100% of the conversion was shown after 1 h of reaction above 90 &deg, C. From &alpha, pinene, dimeric products (hydrocarbons and alcohols/ethers) were mostly formed and their yield showed a steady increase of up to 61 wt% based on the reaction mixture along with the reaction temperature. This conversion was thought to be promoted by Br&oslash, nsted acid activity of the catalyst, which resulted from a Lewis acid-base interaction between the stannic (Sn(IV)) center and the coordinated water ligands. As for the unexpected heteroatom-containing products, oxygen and chlorine atoms were originated from the coordinated water and chloride ligands of the catalyst. Based on the results, we constructed not only a plausible catalytic cycle of SnCl4&middot, 5H2O but also the mechanism of catalyst decomposition.

Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis among young children worldwide. However, agents specifically designed to treat rotavirus infection have not been developed yet. In this study, the anti-rotavirus and anti-inflammatory effects of genipin, a chemical compound found in the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, were evaluated. Genipin had an antiviral effect against the human rotavirus Wa and SA-11 strains in vitro, and it inhibited two distinct stages of the viral replication cycle: attachment and penetration (early stage) in pre-treatment and assembly and release (late stage) in post-treatment. Additionally, genipin downregulated nitric oxide synthase and pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and rotavirus-infected Caco-2 cells. Oral administration of genipin before and after viral infection with the murine rotavirus epidemic diarrhea of infant mice strain led to a reduced duration of diarrhea and faecal viral shedding and to decreased destruction of the enteric epithelium. Genipin could have potential as a natural compound with preventive and therapeutic effects against infection and colitis caused by rotavirus.

This study was conducted to investigate the degradation characteristics of kraft lignin (KL) during peracetic acid (PAA) treatment, and to produce potentially valuable polymers of low molecular weight lignin by controlling the reaction conditions. For the peracetic acid treatment, acetic acid (AA) and hydrogen peroxide (HP) were directly mixed at ratios of 4:1, 1:1, and 1:4 (v/v) and employed as reaction media. After PAA treatment of kraft lignin at 80 °C, complete dissolution of the lignin and reduction in the molecular weight were observed. When the PAA reaction was performed at high HP concentration (1:4, v/v), the aromatic lignin skeleton opened and converted to a structure containing large amounts of carboxyl groups. On the other hand, the treatment at high AA concentration (4:1, v/v) decomposed lignin while maintaining its aromatic structure. Hence, we demonstrated that the selective production of lignin-derived polymers can be controlled depending on PAA and HP concentrations.

A facile Mn surface doping process is proposed to improve the thermal and structural stabilities of Ni-rich layered cathode materials (Ni ≥ 80%) for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Herein, we demonstrate that the surface structure of the Ni-rich layered cathode materials can be stabilized by the introduction of a thin Mn-rich surface layer. This layer effectively reduces the direct exposure of the highly reactive Ni on the surface of the cathode materials, thus enhancing thermal stability and mitigating side reactions associated with highly reactive Ni that causes the loss of reversible capacity. In practice, the Mn surface-doped Ni-rich layered cathode material exhibits a high specific capacity with an improved cycling stability even at a high temperature (60 °C). We believe that our simple approach offers more opportunities to upscale production without any extra caution.

In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of Lactococcus chungangensis CAU 28, a bacterial strain of nondairy origin, on alcohol metabolism in rats treated with ethanol, focusing on alcohol elimination and prevention of damage and comparing the effects with those observed for Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis ATCC 19435. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered 20% ethanol and 3 substrates (freeze-dried cells, cream cheese, and yogurt) containing Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 or Lc. lactis ssp. lactis ATCC 19435, which were provided 1 h before or 1 h after ethanol ingestion. Blood samples were collected from the tail veins of the rats at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after ingestion of ethanol, Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 substrate, or Lc. lactis ssp. lactis ATCC 19435 substrate. Alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations in the Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 substrate-treated rats were significantly reduced in a time-dependent manner compared with those in the Lc. lactis ssp. lactis ATCC 19435 substrate-treated rats. Among the experimental groups, treatment with cream cheese before ingestion of 20% ethanol was found to be the most effective method for reducing both alcohol and acetaldehyde levels in the blood. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in the Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 substrate-treated rats were significantly lower than those in the positive controls. Moreover, in the Lc. chungangensis CAU 28 cream cheese-treated group, rats showed a reduction of liver enzymes by up to 60%, with good effectiveness observed for both pre- and post-ethanol ingestion. These results suggested that intake of lactic acid bacteria, particularly in Lc. chungangensis CAU 28-supplemented dairy products, may reduce blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations, thereby mitigating acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity by altering alcohol-metabolizing enzyme activities.

The essential oils from four Korean domestic gymnosperm species (red pine, white pine, cypress, and cedar) were examined in this study to understand the fuel characteristics based on their terpene compositions. The elemental composition, heating value, density at 20 °C, energy density, flash point, and kinematic viscosity at 40 °C of each woody essential oil were analyzed based on their terpene composition. The major elements in all woody essential oils investigated in this study were carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The woody essential oils were composed of more than 80% carbon and less than 10% oxygen due to the presence of terpene derivatives (terpene alcohols and terpene acetates). With respect to minor elements, sulfur contents did not satisfy the quality standard (10 ppm). Among the four woody essential oils, both red pine oil and white pine oil showed slightly lower higher heating values (HHVs; 44.09 MJ/kg and 44.13 MJ/kg, respectively) than diesel fuel. There was a negative correlation between oxygen content and HHV. Density was raised by an increase in the average number of carbon atoms and/or the terpene derivative contents and ranged from 0.875 g/mL for red pine oil to 0.924 g/mL for cedar oil. Based on their higher densities than diesel fuel and although they had lower HHVs, higher energy densities (38.59–39.18 MJ/L) were observed, with the exception of cypress oil. All the woody essential oils satisfied the quality standard for flash point (>40 °C). These flash points should consider both the average number of carbon atoms and terpene derivatives. In contrast, the kinematic viscosity of the essential oils was only affected by the number of carbon atoms. Cedar oil (6.1 mm2/s) had the largest kinematic viscosity followed by cypress oil (2.7 mm2/s), white pine oil (1.6 mm2/s), and red pine oil (1.4 mm2/s). By considering all assessed properties, a terpene mixture similar to the essential oil from red pine oil or white pine oil was deemed the most appropriate alternative biodiesel candidate though its viscosity and sulfur content must be improved.

The objective of this study was to prepare a feedstock, which xylose should be highly solubilized and most of the glucose remained in the solid fraction, for supercritical water hydrolysis (SCWH). Response surface methodology (RSM) with two independent variables (reaction time and sulfuric acid concentration) was adopted to find suitable conditions for pretreatment using a simple apparatus an autoclave for massive production. Based on the results of the RSM experiments, higher xylose contents were obtained in the liquid fraction after dilute acid pretreatment at 121 °C for 60 min with 6.82% H2SO4 (condition #8 (18.0%)) and at 121 °C for 102.3 min with 4% H2SO4 (condition #6 (16.0%)). To preventing corrosion of the apparatus, condition #6 was modified by prolonging the reaction time to 105 min, which led to a xylose content of 17.6% in the liquid fraction. Furthermore, structural degradation of the solid fraction was observed, indicating a positive effect for sugar production via SCWH.

Simple fabrication of CoMoO4 and CoMoO4-C microspheres containing several tens of vacant nanorooms by spray pyrolysis is described. The successful introduction of internal nanorooms was achieved by the phase segregation of dextrin applied in the spray solution as a deformable template. These uniquely structured microspheres enabled the facile penetration of liquid electrolyte and effectively alleviated stress resulting from the huge volume change that occurs during the cycling of Li-ion storage devices. The initial discharge capacity of the CoMoO4 microspheres with vacant nanorooms was 1235 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, and its capacity retention after 100 cycles measured from the second cycle was 99%. The CoMoO4 microspheres with vacant nanorooms showed superior cycling and rate performances compared to that of the CoMoO4 microspheres with dense structures. The vacant nanorooms of the CoMoO4-C microspheres were well maintained after selenization to form CoSe2-MoSe2/C composite microspheres. The CoSe2-MoSe2/C composite microspheres with vacant nanorooms showed superior Na-ion storage performances compared to that of the carbon-free CoSe2-MoSe2 microspheres with dense structures.

Nanostructured metal selenides with a variety of morphologies are crucial for fabricating porous, hollow metal-oxide nanomaterials by nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion. Herein, SnSe-SnO2 composite powders and SnSe nanospheres were synthesized via one-pot spray pyrolysis by optimizing the concentration of the Se precursor in the spray solution; these were then used to fabricate sunflower-like SnO2 and hollow SnO2 nanospheres, respectively, via nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion. Post-treatment of the SnSe-decorated SnO2 under air produced sunflower-like SnO2, in which ray and disk florets consisting of hollow nanoplates and dense nanospheres, respectively, were present. The mean diameter of the homogeneous hollow SnO2 nanospheres was 150 nm. The hollow morphology shortens the diffusion length, increasing the contact area between the electrolyte and voids and buffering large volume changes during repeated cycling. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the hollow SnO2 nanospheres showed excellent cycling and rate performances. The discharge capacity of the hollow SnO2 nanospheres, after 500 cycles from 0.001 V to 3.0 V, was 1043 mA h g-1, at a current density of 3.0 A g-1. The hollow SnO2 nanospheres showed a high reversible capacity of 638 mA h g-1, even at current density as high as 10 A g-1.

As host materials for efficient selenium storage and utilization, porous carbon materials with optimized and suitable pore structures are important in the development of high-performance Li–Se batteries. Herein, the synergetic effect of micro- and mesopores of carbon materials on the conversion reaction of loaded chain-structured Sen is studied for superior Li–Se batteries. Carbon microspheres with well-developed micro- and mesopores are synthesized by spray pyrolysis. Carbon–vanadium oxide composite microspheres synthesized by spray pyrolysis transform into microporous carbon microspheres (P-carbon) by etching of vanadium oxide. An additional post-treatment of the spray-pyrolysis product at 400 °C yields carbon microspheres (A4-carbon) with well-developed micro- and mesopores by etching of vanadium oxide. The presence of both micro- and mesopores in carbon is desirable to achieve a fast conversion reaction of Sen in the Se-loaded carbon microspheres. The Se-loaded carbon microspheres with well-developed micro- and mesopores (A4-carbon/Se) exhibit higher capacities and stable long-term cycling performances compared with similar microspheres with only micropores (P-carbon/Se). The discharge capacities of P-carbon/Se and A4-carbon/Se at the 500th cycle at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 are 403 and 582 mA h g−1, respectively. Moreover, A4-carbon/Se microspheres exhibit a stable reversible capacity of 343 mA h g−1 after 2000 cycles even at a high current density of 2.0 A g−1; their capacity retention calculated from the 3rd cycle is 87%.

The main purpose of this study was to produce succinic acid from hemicellulose in lignocellulosic biomass by successive process without purification as a biorefinery concept. Liquid hot water (LHW) treatment was conducted to extract water soluble hemicelluloses from Quercus mongolica to produce furfural from lignocellulosic biomass. Additional acid catalyzed dehydration was conducted to liquid hydrolysate from LHW treatment for furfural production. At 170 °C of reaction temperature, 42% of furfural yield was achieved from pentose in liquid hydrolysate. This Acid treated liquor (ATL) was treated with hydrogen peroxide to oxidize furfural to C4 dicarboxylic acid such as succinic or maleic acid. Main product was succinic acid which is produced by oxidation of furfural, and minor amount of maleic acid was produced via oxidation. The xylose was degraded to furfural and then oxidized to succinic acid, while acid soluble lignin inhibited succinic acid production by reacting with intermediates of succinic acid. This results indicated that hemicellulose rich liquid hydrolysate has potential to source for succinic acid without further purification.

Hollow Co3O4 nanosphere aggregate/N-doped graphitic carbon (HCO/NGC) composite powders, exhibiting excellent Li-ion storage performances, were prepared by applying metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-67 cubes were reduced to produce Co/NGC composite powders. The Co/NGC composite powders were oxidized to produce cubic HCO/NGC composite powders, in which the hollow Co3O4 nanospheres were uniformly covered with a NGC layer. The Co nanocrystals transformed into hollow nanospheres during oxidation via the nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion process. The unique composite structure accommodates mechanical stress owing to the void spaces within the Co3O4 nanospheres; it also prevents structure collapse during cycling owing to the presence of the NGC matrix. Thus, the cubic hollow powders exhibited excellent electrochemical performances when used as an anode material in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Following 250 cycles, the HCO/NGC composite powders with 11 wt% NGC delivered a discharge capacity of 1030 mA h g− 1 at a current density of 1 A g− 1. In addition, the composite powders delivered a discharge capacity of 738 mA h g− 1 even at a high current density of 10 A g− 1.

Filamentous fungi are able to differentiate morphologically and adapt the metabolism to internal and external cues. One major regulator is the so-called velvet protein, VeA, best studied in Aspergillus nidulans. The protein interacts with several other proteins to regulate light sensing, the balance between asexual and sexual development, penicillin biosynthesis or mycotoxin production. Here, we characterized a novel VeA-interacting protein, VipA. The 334 amino acid long protein comprises a FAR1-like DNA-binding domain, known from plant transcription factors like FHY3 (Far-red elongated hypocotyl 3). VipA interacted not only with VeA, but also with the WC orthologue LreA in the nuclei and with the phytochrome FphA in the cytoplasm. Conidia and cleistothecia formation was similarly affected in a vipA-deletion strain as in an fphA mutant. However, the effect was less pronounced, suggesting a modulating and not an essential role in light sensing. In addition, VipA modulated heme biosynthesis in response to light through association with the hemB promoter, the gene encoding 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase. After illumination of A. nidulans mycelia with white light the intracellular heme concentration increased by 30% in comparison to a vipA-deletion mutant. Hence, VipA couples heme biosynthesis to the illumination conditions.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the glucan conversion rate after enzymatic hydrolysis depending on the treatment methods and conditions with changes in the chemical composition of treated solid fraction of Jabon Merah. The glucan conversion rate (17.4%) was not significantly improved after liquid hot water treatment (1st step) even though most of the hemicellulose was dissolved into liquid hydrolysate. Subsequently, dilute acid, organosolv, and peracetic acid treatment (2nd step) was conducted under various conditions to enhance glucan conversion. Among the 2nd step treatment, the glucan conversion rate of organosolv (max. 46.0%) and peracetic acid treatment (max. 65.9%) was increased remarkably through decomposition of acid-insoluble lignin (AIL). Finally, the glucan conversion rate and AIL content were highly correlated, which was revealed by the R-squared value (0.84), but inhibitory factors including cellulose crystallinity must be considered for advanced glucan conversion from highly recalcitrant biomasses, such as Jabon Merah.

Amorphous GeO 2 -GeO-C (GeO x -C) composite powders, containing a small amount of the GeC phase, are prepared by a one-pot spray pyrolysis process. The GeO x -C composite powders have a completely spherical shape and are non-aggregated. The Ge 3d components in the XPS spectrum of the composite occupy 53.3%, 40.1%, and 6.6% of the total for GeO 2 , GeO, and GeC, respectively. The amount of amorphous carbon in the GeO x -C composite powder is estimated at 18.3%, based on the TG and XPS analysis. The initial discharge and charge capacities of the GeO x -C composite powders at a current density of 1 A g −1 are 1873 and 908 mA h g −1 , respectively. The discharge capacities of the GeO x -C composite and commercial GeO 2 powders for the 1200th cycle are 723 and 169 mA h g −1 , respectively, and their corresponding capacity retentions from the 2nd cycle are 70.1% and 19.0%, respectively. The high structural stability of the composite during repeated lithium insertion and desertion processes results in excellent long-term cycling performance.

This study was to establish the interrelation between chemical compositions and near infrared (NIR) spectra for the classification on distinguishability of domestic gymnosperms. Traditional wet chemistry methods and infrared spectral analyses were performed. In chemical compositions of five softwood species including larch (Larix kaempferi), red pine (Pinus densiflora), Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), cypress (Chamaecyparis obtu-sa), and cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), their extractives and lignin contents provided the major information for distinction between the wood species. However, depending on the production region and purchasing time of woods, chemical compositions were different even though in same species. Especially, red pine harvested from Naju showed the highest extractive content about 16.3%, whereas that from Donghae showed about 5.0%. These results were expected due to different environmental conditions such as sunshine amount, nutrients and moisture contents, and these phenomena were also observed in other species. As a result of the principal component analysis (PCA) using NIR between five species (total 19 samples), the samples were divided into three groups in the score plot based on principal component (PC) 1 and principal component (PC) 2; group 1) red pine and Korean pine, group 2) larch, and group 3) cypress and cedar. Based on the chemical composition results, it was concluded that extractive content was highly relevant to wood class-ification by NIR analysis.

We report a facile, cost effective, and environmentally friendly green chemistry method for preparing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Rubus crataegifolius bge (RCB) fruit extract. The amount of the fruit extract used was found to be important parameters in the growth of AgNPs. In this study, the effect of RCB fruit extract on the synthesis of AgNPs was studied using UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering analyses were performed to characterize the RCB fruit extract-stabilized AgNPs. The formation of the AgNPs was confirmed by the color change of the reaction medium and the absorbance peak observed at 420 nm. The XRD analysis confirmed the face centered cubic structure of the AgNPs. The catalytic property of the as-synthesized AgNPs was analyzed for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol.

For improving the economic efficiency of the biorefining concept, selective decomposition and separation of biomass components is indispensable. In this respect, a sequential pretreatment process consisting of liquid hot water treatment and diluted peracetic acid (PAA) treatment was proposed for total utilization of lignocellulosic woody biomass. During the liquid hot water treatment, hemicellulose can be decomposed efficiently without significant loss of cellulose and lignin, implying the possibility for xylooligomer production by thermochemical treatment. In the PAA treatment, lignin was successfully degraded and liquefied using a 50% diluted PAA solvent, suggesting the possibility of dicarboxylic acid production. After the sequential process proposed in this study, the cellulose accessibility to the enzyme could be maximized by inducing selective deconstruction of hemicellulose and lignin.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is correlated with alcohol consumption, and ALD progression depends on various factors. Some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are beneficial for mitigating ALD. However, the valuable effects of LAB-derived dairy products remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of Lactococcus chungangensis CAU 1447 dry cells (CAU 1447) and cream cheese derived from CAU 1447 on ALD progression following long-term alcohol consumption in rats. Oral administration of CAU 1447 and CAU 1447 cream cheese significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and triglyceride levels. We found that CAU 1447 and CAU 1447 cream cheese downregulated mRNA encoding various cytokines and antioxidative factors in the liver. Oral CAU 1447 cream cheese administration increased short-chain fatty acid, butyrate, and acetate levels in feces. Thus, administration of CAU 1447 and CAU 1447 cream cheese induced hepatoprotective effects, indicating potential applications as a supplement for ALD mitigation.

Micron-sized Co3O4 hollow powders consisting of size controlled hollow nanospheres are prepared by applying Ostwald ripening and Kirkendall effect to the spray pyrolysis process. The Co-C composite powders uniformly dispersed with different sizes of metallic Co nanocrystals are formed by reduction of the cobalt oxide-carbon composite powders prepared using spray pyrolysis. Subsequent oxidation of the Co-C composite powders with filled structures forms the micron-sized Co3O4 hollow powders consisting of size controlled hollow nanospheres. The mean sizes of the Co3O4 hollow nanospheres oxidized from Co-C composite powders formed at reduction temperatures of 400, 600, and 800 °C are 37, 55, and 73 nm, respectively. The discharge capacities of the Co3O4 powders formed from the Co-C composite powders reduced at temperatures of 400, 600, and 800 °C for the 300th cycle are 644, 702, and 660 mA h g−1, respectively, and their capacity retentions calculated from the second cycle are 81, 86, and 84%, respectively. The porous-structured Co3O4 powders formed from the Co-C composite powders reduced at 800 °C show slightly better rate performance than those of the other two samples.

Hollow CuO nanopowders are prepared using a simple spray drying process that relied on nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion; these nanopowders have potential applications in lithium-ion batteries. Citric acid is used as both the carbon source material and chelating agent and plays a key role in the preparation of the hollow nanopowders. The formless Cu–C composite that formed as an intermediate product transforms into slightly aggregated CuO hollow nanopowders after post-treatment at 300 and 400 °C under an air atmosphere. The CuO hollow nanopowders exhibit higher initial discharge capacities and better cycling performances than those of the filled-structured CuO nanopowders, which are prepared at a post-treatment temperature of 500 °C under an air atmosphere. The discharge capacities of the CuO nanopowders post-treated at 300, 400, and 500 °C for the 150 th cycle at a current density of 1 A g −1 are 793, 632, and 464 mA h g −1 , respectively, and their capacity retentions calculated from the maximum discharge capacities are 88, 80, and 73%, respectively. The CuO nanopowders with hollow structures exhibit better structural stability for repeated lithium insertion and desertion processes than those with filled structures.

This study introduces an efficient process that combines a gas phase reaction method and nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion for the large-scale production of metal-oxide hollow nanopowders. Core-shell-structured NiO@SiO 2 nanopowders prepared by flame spray pyrolysis are transformed into hollow NiO@SiO 2 nanopowders via a nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion process. The SiO 2 coating layer plays a key role in preventing the sintering and growth of the Ni or NiO nanopowders during the preparation process. The mean size of hollow core and shell thickness of the hollow NiO nanopowders are 11 and 7 nm, respectively. At a current density of 0.5 A g −1 , the NiO@SiO 2 nanopowders with hollow and filled structures exhibit 100th cycle discharge capacities of 885 and 338 mA h g −1 , respectively. In addition, the hollow NiO@SiO 2 nanopowders, which exhibit low charge transfer resistances and fast Li-ion diffusion rates, also show better cycling and rate performance than the nanopowders with filled structures.

The synthesis of hollow CuO nanopowders by a salt-assisted spray drying process applying nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion is introduced. The electrochemical properties of the hollow CuO nanopowders for lithium-ion storage are also investigated. The first step of post-treatment of the spray-dried powders under a reducing atmosphere forms spherical and hollow NaCl powders embedded with Cu nanocrystals. Further post-treatment of the Cu–NaCl composite powders under an air atmosphere forms the spherical and hollow NaCl powders embedded with the hollow CuO nanopowders. Oxidation of the Cu nanocrystals under an air atmosphere produces hollow CuO nanopowders by nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion. The spherical and hollow CuO–NaCl composite powder transforms into ultrafine hollow CuO nanopowders by complete washing with distilled water to remove NaCl. The initial discharge and charge capacities of the hollow CuO nanopowders for lithium-ion storage at a current density of 1 A g−1 are 1077 and 781 mA h g−1, respectively. The reversible discharge capacity of the hollow CuO nanopowders for the 700th cycle is 803 mA h g−1.

Three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanotube (CNT)-multicomponent metal oxide composite microspheres with non-aggregation characteristics are prepared using a simple one-pot spray pyrolysis process, applying water-soluble metal salt and oxidized CNT fibers. The hierarchical porous 3D structure of the CNT is formed by networking the flexible CNTs with a high aspect ratio during the drying stage of a droplet. Subsequently, the Zn and Ge salts are deposited over the CNTs to form the ZnO-CNT and GeO 2 -CNT composite microsphere. Decomposition of Zn and Ge salts into their respective oxides and the conversion reaction to form Zn 2 GeO 4 at 700 °C, produce the Zn 2 GeO 4 -CNT composite microsphere. The initial discharge capacities of the Zn 2 GeO 4 , Zn 2 GeO 4 -CNT, ZnO-CNT, and GeO 2 -CNT microspheres, at a current density of 1.5 A g −1 , are 1351, 1211, 1387, and 1631 mA h g −1 , respectively, and their discharge capacities at the 300 th cycle are 415, 762, 261, and 480 mA h g −1 , respectively. The CNT-Zn 2 GeO 4 composite microspheres, selected as the first target material, show electrochemical properties superior to those of the bare Zn 2 GeO 4 , CNT-ZnO, and CNT-GeO 2 composite microspheres. The synergetic effect of the multicomponent composition of Zn 2 GeO 4 and the CNT support result in excellent Li-ion storage properties of the Zn 2 GeO 4 -CNT composite microspheres.

Ultrafine core-shell NiO@SiO 2 nanopowders with various shell thicknesses were prepared by one-pot flame spray pyrolysis. The mean diameters of the NiO nanoparticles with 0, 2, and 5 wt% SiO 2 were 13, 10, and 9 nm, respectively. The coating of the NiO nanopowders with amorphous SiO 2 was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The initial discharge capacities of the NiO nanopowders with 0, 2, and 5 wt% SiO 2 at a current density of 1 A g −1 were 1123, 1165, and 1145 mA h g −1 , with corresponding initial Coulombic efficiencies of 66, 63, and 69%, respectively. The discharge capacities of the NiO nanopowders with 0, 2, and 5 wt% SiO 2 after 150 cycles were 440, 669, and 554 mA h g −1 , with capacity retentions from the second cycle of 58, 74, and 68%, respectively. The structural stability of the core-shell NiO@SiO 2 nanoparticles during repeated Li charging and discharging improved the cycling and rate performances of the electrodes as compared with those containing bare NiO nanopowders.

This study optimizes furfural production from pentose released in the liquid hydrolysate of hardwood using an aqueous biphasic system. Dilute acid pretreatment with 4% sulfuric acid was conducted to extract pentose from liquid Quercus mongolica hydrolysate. To produce furfural from xylose, a xylose standard solution with the same acid concentration of the liquid hydrolysate and extracting solvent (tetrahydrofuran) were applied to the aqueous biphasic system. A response surface methodology was adopted to optimize furfural production in the aqueous biphasic system. A maximum furfural yield of 72.39% was achieved at optimal conditions as per the RSM, a reaction temperature of 170 &deg, C, reaction time of 120 min, and a xylose concentration of 10 g/L. Tetrahydrofuran, toluene, and dimethyl sulfoxide were evaluated to understand the effects of the solvent on furfural production. Tetrahydrofuran generated the highest furfural yield, while DMSO gave the lowest yield. A furfural yield of 68.20% from pentose was achieved in the liquid hydrolysate of Quercus mongolica under optimal conditions using tetrahydrofuran as the extracting solvent. The aqueous and tetrahydrofuran fractions were separated from the aqueous biphasic solvent by salting out using sodium chloride, and 94.63% of the furfural produced was drawn out through two extractions using tetrahydrofuran.