Polylactide(PLA)films blended with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT)were hot melted using a twin screw extruder with the addition of triethyl citrate(TEC)as a plasticizer and toluene diisocyanate(TDI)as a ...Polylactide(PLA)films blended with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT)were hot melted using a twin screw extruder with the addition of triethyl citrate(TEC)as a plasticizer and toluene diisocyanate(TDI)as a compatibilizer.The synergistic effects of the two additives on the mechanical,thermal,and morphological properties of the PLA/PBAT blend films were investigated.The influence of TEC content on the plasticized PLA films and the effect of TDI’s presence on the PLA/PBAT blend films were also studied by comparing them with neat PLA.The results showed a pronounced increase in elongation at break of the plasticized PLA films with increasing TEC levels,but a slight reduction in thermal stability.Also,the addition of TEC and TDI to the blend system not only synergistically enhanced the tensile properties and tensile-impact strength of the PLA/PBAT blends,but also affected their crystallinity and cold crystallization rate,a result of the improvement of interfacial interaction between PLA and PBAT,including the enhancement of their chain mobility.The synergy of the plasticization and compatibilization processes led to the improvement of tensile properties,tensile-impact strength,and compatibility of the blends,accelerating cold crystallization without affecting crystallization.展开更多
Ethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, formamide, and urea were used as plasticizers for the preparation of thermoplastic starch（TPS） from corn starch. The properties of TPS were tested by analysis method. The results...Ethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, formamide, and urea were used as plasticizers for the preparation of thermoplastic starch（TPS） from corn starch. The properties of TPS were tested by analysis method. The results showed that TPSs were more highly plasticized with amines than alcohols. For the same type of plasticizer, the degree of plasticization decreased as the molecular weight of plasticizer increased. The relationship between plasticization degree and TPS properties was characterized and described by mechanical properties and water absorption. The experimental results showed that when the degree of plasticization increased, the tensile strength decreased and the elongation at breakage and water absorption increased.展开更多
A plasticizer triethylene glycol maleate（TEG-MA） was synthesized. The dominated monoester of moderate hydrophobicity with apparent oil-water partition coefficient of 0.042 in the product was confirmed by acid value ...A plasticizer triethylene glycol maleate（TEG-MA） was synthesized. The dominated monoester of moderate hydrophobicity with apparent oil-water partition coefficient of 0.042 in the product was confirmed by acid value determination, HPLC and FTIR. Its plasticizing effect on oxidized starch was manifested by crystallization, aging behaviour, moisture absorption, and mechanical performance. X-ray diffraction data showed that the relative crystallinity of the plasticized starch decreased. Both the crystal and the crystallinity of starch films were rarely changed in aging. Moisture absorption relied on the ester content and relative humidity. The elongation at break increased significantly with plasticizer content more than 10% in the matrix.展开更多
The additives present in polyvinyl chloride(PVC)materials are the major source of organic by-products during PVC degradation.The thermal stabilizer and plasticizer are the main additives that endow PVC with the requir...The additives present in polyvinyl chloride(PVC)materials are the major source of organic by-products during PVC degradation.The thermal stabilizer and plasticizer are the main additives that endow PVC with the required properties during its processing.However,these two additives easily migrate when samples are obtained by physical mixing of the additives with PVC.This causes the reduction of PVC sample efficacy and the increase in the formation of organic by-products in the radiolysis process.In this work,two kinds of grafted PVC samples(tungoil derivative grafted PVC and Atz grafted PVC,abbreviated as P-GT4 and P-AZ3)were synthesized by chemical grafting of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole(Atz)and tung-oil derivative on PVC,respectively.These two PVC samples were then blended at different mass ratios to obtain hybrid PVC materials with excellent plasticization,thermal stability and migration resistance ability.Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),discoloration,Congo red test and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)showed that when the mass ratio of P-GT4 to P-AZ3 in the mixed PVC resin was 1:3,the resulting P1:3-GT4-AZ3(P4)presented the best plasticization and thermal stability.The kinetics of thermal decomposition showed that the activation energy of P4 was much higher than that of the reference material[PVC/DOTP/CaSt2/ZnSt2,PVC/CZ41 for short]at mass lossα=20%and 80%.In addition,the leaching test showed that P4 material possessed excellent migration resistance ability.展开更多
Tributyl citrate （TBC） plasticizer has been selected to prepare the novel plasticized PC under different time and temperature. The TBC plasticization effect on PC T, mechanical properties and morphology has been inv...Tributyl citrate （TBC） plasticizer has been selected to prepare the novel plasticized PC under different time and temperature. The TBC plasticization effect on PC T, mechanical properties and morphology has been investigated by DMTA, DSC, tensile test and SEM. The results show that the TBC content in PC is controlled by plasticization time and temperature. The mass-loss test has conftnned a less lost rate of TBC in PC. The T declines gradually with increasing TBC content. The tensile modulus and strength of the plasticized PC also decrease with the increase of TBC content, and an approximate linear relationship is found to exist between the TBC content and the tensile modulus and strength. The SEM images show that significant changes have taken place on the surface and in the cross-section of plasticized thin PC sheet.展开更多
Pharmaceutical solid dosage forms are commonly coated to modify the release of drugs. Due to the disadvantages of coated single-unit dosage forms, such as occurrences of dose dumping and local irritation, coated multi...Pharmaceutical solid dosage forms are commonly coated to modify the release of drugs. Due to the disadvantages of coated single-unit dosage forms, such as occurrences of dose dumping and local irritation, coated multi-particulates are preferred.Coated multi-particulates can eventually be filled into capsules or compressed into tablets.展开更多
The photodegradation of thin films of poly (4-chlorostyrene) and poly (4-bromostyrene) with 265 nm radiation in the presence of oxygen and as a function of irradiation time has been studied mainly using fluorescence, ...The photodegradation of thin films of poly (4-chlorostyrene) and poly (4-bromostyrene) with 265 nm radiation in the presence of oxygen and as a function of irradiation time has been studied mainly using fluorescence, FT-IR, and UV-VIS spectroscopic techniques. The influence of phthalate and terephthalate plasticizers on photo-oxidative degradation was also investigated. Phthalate and terephthalate-plasticizers were found to increase the photodegradation processes in polymeric chains. On the other hand, the intensity of absorption was also found to increase with irradiation time and in the intensity of a new absorption band at longer wavelength. The appearance of new fluorescence bands in the irradiated polymer films can well indicate a possibility of photodegradation of polymer films. In addition, the observed increase in the intensities of the carbonyl and hydroxyl regions of the FT-IR spectra, providing evidence for the photodegradation as well as the photo-oxidation of polymeric chains. The increase in the analyzed ranges was attributed to the formation of alcohols, aliphatic ketones and to the increase in the number of (C=C) that resulted from hydrogen abstraction during chains - scission.展开更多
The fabrication of 304L stainless welding wires with a diameter 1.6 mm by using electrochemical cold drawing(ECD)of bars with a diameter of 5.6 mm was investigated,as well as that via traditional cold drawing(TCD)for ...The fabrication of 304L stainless welding wires with a diameter 1.6 mm by using electrochemical cold drawing(ECD)of bars with a diameter of 5.6 mm was investigated,as well as that via traditional cold drawing(TCD)for comparison.The results indicated that the dilute H_(2)SO_(4)aqueous solution was an appropriate electrolyte for ECD,and increasing the H_(2)SO_(4)concentration and current density within a range improved the corrosion rate and uniformity,leading to an easier and more coordinated deformation through uniformly distributing geometrically necessary dislocations and curved large-angle grain boundaries,and decreasing their density,and thus,an enhanced electrochemical plasticization(EP).Under the optimized electrochemical parameters(0.5 mol L^(-1)H_(2)SO_(4)electrolyte and current density of 12.2 mA cm^(-2)),the average cumulative reduction rate required for annealing was up to~34%,obviously higher than~20%of TCD due to the decreased work-hardening from the EP,so that the number of annealing was significantly reduced from 10 of TCD to 5,when the drawing pass was 23.In addition,the surface of the ECD wire was distinctly smoother and brighter than that of the TCD one.These findings confirm the large potential in engineering applications of the ECD technology based on the EP effect.展开更多
Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications wit...Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming.Nonetheless,the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear.Therefore,this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system.The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed.Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases.In the nervous system,lactate plays an essential role.However,its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation.The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic,especially in lactylation modification,a key determinant in this process.Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications,such as N6-methyladenosine,acetylation,ubiquitination,and phosphorylation modifications,which are closely linked to several neurological disorders.In addition,exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.展开更多
Diamonds were formed in the mantle lithosphere,mostly at depths of 150~200km in the centres of Precambrian cratons,the buoyant ancient cores of continents.From there they were normally transported into the upper crust...Diamonds were formed in the mantle lithosphere,mostly at depths of 150~200km in the centres of Precambrian cratons,the buoyant ancient cores of continents.From there they were normally transported into the upper crust in kimberlite pipes whose diamonds are largely colourless and light yellow related to trace element N(Ia type),although brown,green,and more rarely blue-coloured diamonds are related to lattice defect and trace amounts of H,more rarely B and Ni.Pink diamonds are extremely rare in the approximately 90 diamondiferous pipes mined globally.Although small quantities have been discovered elsewhere,about 90%have been mined from the ca.1.3Ga Argyle diamond pipe in Western Australia,with the Arkhangelskaya diamond pipe in Russia the only other significant source.The pink colour at both Argyle and Arkhangelskaya is unrelated to trace elements and instead results from absorption of light from nanoscale(550nm)defects related to shear stress and plastic deformation.Macroscopically,defects are shown by glide planes,lamellae,and grain lines imposed on the originally colourless diamonds derived from their mantle source.The key question is why these defects were uniquely acquired in diamonds in the Argyle and Arkhangelskaya pipes.Unlike most diamondiferous pipes,Argyle is a rare diamondiferous volatile-rich lamproite pipe that was emplaced into the multiply deformed and rifted NNE-trending Halls Creek Orogen on the margin of the Kimberley Craton.Similarly,Arkhangelskaya in the Devonian Lomonosov kimberlite cluster is a volatile-rich low-Ti type kimberlite,a close relative to lamproite,that was emplaced into the multiply deformed Lapland-Kola Orogen on the rifted margin of the Kola Craton.These craton margins are underlain by subduction-induced volatile-enriched metasomatized mantle lithosphere in contrast to the more primeval mantle under craton centres.It is thus likely that shear stresses were exacerbated at Argyle and Arkangelskaya by rapid vertical emplacement of the anomalous volatile-enriched magmas at supercritical pressures and temperatures,that induced catastrophic phase separation of these volatiles and'mini seismic events'during rapid pressure drops during ascent from 200km depth to the surface.Such a mechanism is consistent with the presence of strongly resorbed and plastically deformed small brown industrial diamonds in the Argyle pipe.From a China perspective,it is potentially important that at 1.3Ga the alkaline Argyle pipe in northern Australia is placed adjacent to the North China Craton(NCC),with numerous world-class mineral deposits including the giant ca.1.4~1.2Ga alkaline Bayan Obo REE system on its margin.However,it is the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Craton and the Jiangnan Orogen with their lamproite pipes derived from metasomatized mantle lithosphere that present the most prospective regions for pink diamond occurrences.展开更多
The strength and damping properties of Co-Ni-Cr-Mo-based alloys with 0.5wt%Nb addition after various plastic deformation and heat treatment processes were investigated.Through Vickers hardness tests,free resonance You...The strength and damping properties of Co-Ni-Cr-Mo-based alloys with 0.5wt%Nb addition after various plastic deformation and heat treatment processes were investigated.Through Vickers hardness tests,free resonance Young's modulus measurements,and microstructure analysis,the effects of dislocation density,vacancy formation,and recrystallization on the alloy performance were clarified.Results indicate that increasing the rolling reduction enhances damping property due to higher dislocation density,whereas aging below the recrystallization temperature reduces damping property via dislocation pinning by the Suzuki effect.Recrystallization heat treatment restores the original structure and damping level.This alloy possesses tensile strength of approximately 1500 MPa and logarithmic decrement valueδ^(-1) in the range of 2×10^(-4)–3×10^(-4),demonstrating superior mechanical properties compared with the Ti-based alloys,which makes it an excellent candidate material for ultrasonic tools and medical applications.展开更多
The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves gl...The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves global alterations,making understanding plastic responses triggered by local damage difficult.One key feature of the dentate gyrus is that it contains a well-defined neurogenic niche,the subgranular zone,and beyond neurogenesis,newly born granule cells may maintain a“young”phenotype throughout life,adding to the plastic nature of the structure.Here,we present a novel experimental model of local brain damage in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures that results in the activation of adjacent newly born granule cells.A small piece of filter paper was placed on the surface of the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus,which evoked a foreign body reaction of astrocytes,along with the activation of local young neurons expressing doublecortin.Forty-eight hours after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive cells increased in the subgranular zone in the direct vicinity of the foreign body,whereas overall increased doublecortin immunoreactivity was observed in the granule cell layer and molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.Foreign body placement in the pyramidal layer of the CA1 region evoked a comparable local astroglial reaction but did not lead to an increase in doublecortin-immunoreactive in either the CA1 region or the adjacent dentate gyrus.Seven days after foreign body placement in the dentate gyrus,the increase in doublecortin-immunoreactivity was no longer observed,indicating the transient activation of young cells.However,7 days after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive granule cells coimmunoreactive for calbindin was lower than that under the control conditions.As calbindin is a marker for mature granule cells,this result suggests that activated young cells remain at a more immature stage following foreign body placement.Live imaging of retrovirally green fluorescent protein-labeled newly born granule cells revealed the orientation and growth of their dendrites toward the foreign body placement.This novel experimental model of foreign body placement in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures could serve as a valuable tool for studying both glial reactivity and neuronal plasticity,specifically of newly born neurons under controlled in vitro conditions.展开更多
Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinso...Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,this plasticity is disrupted,leading to cognitive and motor deficits.This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Alzheimer's disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function,while Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control.Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar,focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms,neurogenesis,and therapeutic strategies,linking molecular insights to clinical applications.Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms,such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression,shows promise.Neurotrophic factors,advanced imaging techniques,and molecular tools(e.g.,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics)are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity.Current therapies,including dopamine replacement,deep brain stimulation,and lifestyle interventions,demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.In conclusion,enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases.Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.展开更多
Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining brain function,cognitive performance,and overall health.Despite over a century of research,the mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis-the process by...Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining brain function,cognitive performance,and overall health.Despite over a century of research,the mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis-the process by which the need for sleep accumulates during wakefulness and dissipates during sleep-remain incompletely understood.This article explores the latest advancements in sleep research,focusing on the role of synaptic plasticity in sleep homeostasis,as illuminated by Sawada et al.(2024).展开更多
Nonlinear static procedures are widely adopted in structural engineering practice for seismic performance assessment due to their simplicity and computational efficiency.However,their reliability depends heavily on ho...Nonlinear static procedures are widely adopted in structural engineering practice for seismic performance assessment due to their simplicity and computational efficiency.However,their reliability depends heavily on how the nonlinear behaviour of structural components is represented.The recent earthquakes in Albania(2019)and Türkiye(2023)have underscored the need for accurate assessment techniques,particularly for older reinforced concrete buildings with poor detailing.This study quantifies the discrepancies between default and user-defined component modelling in pushover analysis of pre-modern reinforced concrete structures,analysing two representative low-and mid-rise reinforced concrete frame buildings.The lumped plasticity approach incorporates moment-rotation relationships derived from actual member properties and reinforcement configurations,while the distributed plasticity approach uses software-generated default properties based on modern codes.Results show that the distributed plasticity models systematically overestimate both the strength and the deformation capacity by up to 35%compared to lumped plasticity models,especially in buildings with poor detailing and low concrete strength.These findings demonstrate that default software procedures,widely used in practice but not validated for pre-modern structures,produce dangerously unconservative seismic performance estimates.The study provides quantitative evidence of the critical need for tailored modelling strategies that reflect the actual conditions of the existing building stock.展开更多
Photoreforming poly(lactic acid)(PLA)plastics into pyruvic acid(PA)coupled with hydrogen evolution is of great significance for sustainable development.However,a significant challenge lies inα-OH bond cleaving of lac...Photoreforming poly(lactic acid)(PLA)plastics into pyruvic acid(PA)coupled with hydrogen evolution is of great significance for sustainable development.However,a significant challenge lies inα-OH bond cleaving of lactic acid(LA).Herein,CdS/Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12)composite is fabricated,bridged by Bi−S bonds,through in-situ growth of CdS nanoparticles on Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12)nanoflowers for the successive removal of hydrogen fromα-C in LA.In-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the S-scheme carriers transfer route and interfacial Bi−S bond in CdS/Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12).Consequently,the photo-electrons and holes with extended lifetimes and strong redox potential accumulate in the CdS conduction band and Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12)valence band,respectively,as evidenced by in-situ electron spin resonance and time-resolved photoluminescence.This facilitates the generation of·OH radicals,which further participate in the successive dehydrogenation reaction of LA.Consequently,the photoreforming efficiencies of converting PLA into PA and H_(2)by CdS/Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12)are 1.7 and 3.16 mmol g^(-1)h^(-1),which are respectively 2.8 and 22 times higher than that by pristine Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12).The present work provides a new approach for designing S-scheme to achieve hydrogen production and value-added conversion of plastics.展开更多
Microplastics(MPs)are ubiquitous and pose an environmental risk.This review examined MP pollution in terrestrial ecosystems from a myriad of poorly understood sources.Knowledge regarding the occurrence sources,migrati...Microplastics(MPs)are ubiquitous and pose an environmental risk.This review examined MP pollution in terrestrial ecosystems from a myriad of poorly understood sources.Knowledge regarding the occurrence sources,migration behaviors,ecotoxicology,absorption mechanisms,and effects of MPs has also been fully summarized.Microplastics interact with contaminants,such as antibiotics,pesticides,heavy metals,etc.,and may act as vectors for contaminant transfer in terrestrial ecosystems.The transportation and retention of MPs in soil are governed by interactions among their inherent properties,such as size,shape,surface charge,and density.Interestingly,MP migration into soil is lacking research.The MPs and nanoplastics were also found in edible fruits and vegetables.The MP contamination in soil affects ecosystems,causing soil structure changes,fertility reduction,and pollutant leaching into groundwater.The MP concentration lies in the range of 43-2443 and 40-43000 items kg-1in agricultural and urban soils,respectively.This review provides a comprehensive roadmap for future research and a framework for soil MP risk assessment.Future studies on the uptake,accumulation,and translocation of MPs and their associated toxins by plants are essential for evaluating their risks to food security and human health.Research on MPs in terrestrial habitats lacks comprehensive data on their long-term persistence,degradation pathways,and interactions with soil components under varying environmental conditions.Additionally,limited understanding exists regarding MP impacts on soil biodiversity,pollutant mobility,and plant uptake,highlighting the need for innovative detection methods and effective pollution abatement strategies.展开更多
The combination of photo-and bio-catalysis in one-pot enables sustainable,visible-light driven cascade reactions for the synthesis of valueadded chiral chemicals under mild conditions.Despite the attractiveness of mer...The combination of photo-and bio-catalysis in one-pot enables sustainable,visible-light driven cascade reactions for the synthesis of valueadded chiral chemicals under mild conditions.Despite the attractiveness of merging the redox capability of heterogeneous photocatalysts with the excellent enantioselectivity of enzymes,developing such a reaction under one-pot conditions poses a challenge due to catalyst incompatibility.In this study,a cadmium sulfide(CdS)-enzyme composite was engineered for one-pot conversion of plastic-derived lactate into chiral compounds.By coating CdS onto alginate beads,its redox capability for the oxidation of lactate in water under visible light was preserved.The generated pyruvate subsequently underwent enantioselective transformation catalyzed by encapsulated enzymes within the beads,producing(R)-acetoin,L-alanine,or(R)-phenylacetylcarbinol.The core-shell structure of the CdS-enzyme composite protects the enzymes against radical attacks and facilitates recycling,yielding 81% of(R)-acetoin achieved after four reaction cycles.Additionally,we demonstrated an upcycling process converting post-consumer polylactic acid cups into(R)-acetoin.This work introduces a novel approach for integrating photocatalysts and enzymes to synthesize chiral chemicals from end-of-life plastics.展开更多
Moving from the most recent results on Foxg1 biology,we first summarize the available information on some special pleiotropic effectors of neurodevelopmental interest,involved in controlling both transcription and pos...Moving from the most recent results on Foxg1 biology,we first summarize the available information on some special pleiotropic effectors of neurodevelopmental interest,involved in controlling both transcription and post-transcriptional steps of gene expression.Then,after further analysis of the literature,we report evidence that,not strictly limited to neurodevelopmental effectors,such pleiotropy also applies to other transcription factors,involved in physiology and homeostasis.Furthermore,through the systematic analysis of a major public protein-protein interaction database,we gather strong evidence that the involvement of“canonical”transcription factors in post-transcriptional control of gene expression could be a pervasive phenomenon,characterizing hundreds of effectors.Finally,we discuss the biological significance of these findings and propose three evolutionary mechanisms that may have contributed to such an unexpected scenario.展开更多
This study investigated microplastics(MPs)sized 10–5000μm across stages of a conventional municipal wastewater treatment plant using multiple analytical techniques.Samples were collected via pumping and filtration,t...This study investigated microplastics(MPs)sized 10–5000μm across stages of a conventional municipal wastewater treatment plant using multiple analytical techniques.Samples were collected via pumping and filtration,treated with the Fenton reaction for wet peroxidation,and separated by density separation.Analysis employed Focal Plane Array Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FPA micro-FTIR),a widely used technique in MPs analysis,alongside the less common Laser Direct Infrared Spectroscopy(LDIR),providing complementary data on particle composition,shape,size,and colour.To enhance insights,spectroscopic methods were supplemented with Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(TD-GC/MS),calibrated for specific polymers,to quantify MPs by mass and assess removal efficiency.Wastewater treatment effectively reduced MPs.In influent samples,concentrations reached 72 MPs/L(FTIR),2117 MPs/L(LDIR),and 177μg/L(TD-GC/MS).Primary treatments removed 41%–55%,while the wastewater treatment plant effluent contained 1 MPs/L(FTIR),93 MPs/L(LDIR),and 2μg/L(TD-GC/MS),reflecting 96%–99%removal efficiency.Activated sludge showed concentrations of 123 MPs/L(FTIR),10,800 MPs/L(LDIR),and 0.3 mg/g dry weight(TD-GC/MS),underscoring its role in MPs capture.However,sludge dewatering released significant MPs into centrifuge rejected water:484 MPs/L(FTIR),23,000 MPs/L(LDIR),and 1100μg/L(TD-GC/MS).These results highlight the effectiveness of conventional treatments in MPs removal and the critical role of sludge in capturing these contaminants.However,sludge dewatering poses a risk of reintroducing MPs into the environment.Effective sludge management should prioritize nutrient recovery and biomass valorisation to mitigate these risks and minimise harmful environmental impacts.展开更多
基金financially supported by Development and Promotion of Science and Technology Talents (DPST) (No. 013/2559)
文摘Polylactide(PLA)films blended with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT)were hot melted using a twin screw extruder with the addition of triethyl citrate(TEC)as a plasticizer and toluene diisocyanate(TDI)as a compatibilizer.The synergistic effects of the two additives on the mechanical,thermal,and morphological properties of the PLA/PBAT blend films were investigated.The influence of TEC content on the plasticized PLA films and the effect of TDI’s presence on the PLA/PBAT blend films were also studied by comparing them with neat PLA.The results showed a pronounced increase in elongation at break of the plasticized PLA films with increasing TEC levels,but a slight reduction in thermal stability.Also,the addition of TEC and TDI to the blend system not only synergistically enhanced the tensile properties and tensile-impact strength of the PLA/PBAT blends,but also affected their crystallinity and cold crystallization rate,a result of the improvement of interfacial interaction between PLA and PBAT,including the enhancement of their chain mobility.The synergy of the plasticization and compatibilization processes led to the improvement of tensile properties,tensile-impact strength,and compatibility of the blends,accelerating cold crystallization without affecting crystallization.
基金Funded by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(DL13CB13)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project(No.2014M550178)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31200442)
文摘Ethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, formamide, and urea were used as plasticizers for the preparation of thermoplastic starch（TPS） from corn starch. The properties of TPS were tested by analysis method. The results showed that TPSs were more highly plasticized with amines than alcohols. For the same type of plasticizer, the degree of plasticization decreased as the molecular weight of plasticizer increased. The relationship between plasticization degree and TPS properties was characterized and described by mechanical properties and water absorption. The experimental results showed that when the degree of plasticization increased, the tensile strength decreased and the elongation at breakage and water absorption increased.
基金Funded by Science and Technology Support Project of Sichuan Province(Nos.2014GZ0136 and 2015GZ0176)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51603134)
文摘A plasticizer triethylene glycol maleate（TEG-MA） was synthesized. The dominated monoester of moderate hydrophobicity with apparent oil-water partition coefficient of 0.042 in the product was confirmed by acid value determination, HPLC and FTIR. Its plasticizing effect on oxidized starch was manifested by crystallization, aging behaviour, moisture absorption, and mechanical performance. X-ray diffraction data showed that the relative crystallinity of the plasticized starch decreased. Both the crystal and the crystallinity of starch films were rarely changed in aging. Moisture absorption relied on the ester content and relative humidity. The elongation at break increased significantly with plasticizer content more than 10% in the matrix.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21905117)Guangxi Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Engineering of Forest Products(GXFK2203)and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20201128)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD).
文摘The additives present in polyvinyl chloride(PVC)materials are the major source of organic by-products during PVC degradation.The thermal stabilizer and plasticizer are the main additives that endow PVC with the required properties during its processing.However,these two additives easily migrate when samples are obtained by physical mixing of the additives with PVC.This causes the reduction of PVC sample efficacy and the increase in the formation of organic by-products in the radiolysis process.In this work,two kinds of grafted PVC samples(tungoil derivative grafted PVC and Atz grafted PVC,abbreviated as P-GT4 and P-AZ3)were synthesized by chemical grafting of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole(Atz)and tung-oil derivative on PVC,respectively.These two PVC samples were then blended at different mass ratios to obtain hybrid PVC materials with excellent plasticization,thermal stability and migration resistance ability.Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),discoloration,Congo red test and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)showed that when the mass ratio of P-GT4 to P-AZ3 in the mixed PVC resin was 1:3,the resulting P1:3-GT4-AZ3(P4)presented the best plasticization and thermal stability.The kinetics of thermal decomposition showed that the activation energy of P4 was much higher than that of the reference material[PVC/DOTP/CaSt2/ZnSt2,PVC/CZ41 for short]at mass lossα=20%and 80%.In addition,the leaching test showed that P4 material possessed excellent migration resistance ability.
基金Funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(No.2010CDB04604)
文摘Tributyl citrate （TBC） plasticizer has been selected to prepare the novel plasticized PC under different time and temperature. The TBC plasticization effect on PC T, mechanical properties and morphology has been investigated by DMTA, DSC, tensile test and SEM. The results show that the TBC content in PC is controlled by plasticization time and temperature. The mass-loss test has conftnned a less lost rate of TBC in PC. The T declines gradually with increasing TBC content. The tensile modulus and strength of the plasticized PC also decrease with the increase of TBC content, and an approximate linear relationship is found to exist between the TBC content and the tensile modulus and strength. The SEM images show that significant changes have taken place on the surface and in the cross-section of plasticized thin PC sheet.
文摘Pharmaceutical solid dosage forms are commonly coated to modify the release of drugs. Due to the disadvantages of coated single-unit dosage forms, such as occurrences of dose dumping and local irritation, coated multi-particulates are preferred.Coated multi-particulates can eventually be filled into capsules or compressed into tablets.
文摘The photodegradation of thin films of poly (4-chlorostyrene) and poly (4-bromostyrene) with 265 nm radiation in the presence of oxygen and as a function of irradiation time has been studied mainly using fluorescence, FT-IR, and UV-VIS spectroscopic techniques. The influence of phthalate and terephthalate plasticizers on photo-oxidative degradation was also investigated. Phthalate and terephthalate-plasticizers were found to increase the photodegradation processes in polymeric chains. On the other hand, the intensity of absorption was also found to increase with irradiation time and in the intensity of a new absorption band at longer wavelength. The appearance of new fluorescence bands in the irradiated polymer films can well indicate a possibility of photodegradation of polymer films. In addition, the observed increase in the intensities of the carbonyl and hydroxyl regions of the FT-IR spectra, providing evidence for the photodegradation as well as the photo-oxidation of polymeric chains. The increase in the analyzed ranges was attributed to the formation of alcohols, aliphatic ketones and to the increase in the number of (C=C) that resulted from hydrogen abstraction during chains - scission.
基金supported by Major Science and Technology Project of Gansu Province(Grant No.23ZDGA010)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51971105).
文摘The fabrication of 304L stainless welding wires with a diameter 1.6 mm by using electrochemical cold drawing(ECD)of bars with a diameter of 5.6 mm was investigated,as well as that via traditional cold drawing(TCD)for comparison.The results indicated that the dilute H_(2)SO_(4)aqueous solution was an appropriate electrolyte for ECD,and increasing the H_(2)SO_(4)concentration and current density within a range improved the corrosion rate and uniformity,leading to an easier and more coordinated deformation through uniformly distributing geometrically necessary dislocations and curved large-angle grain boundaries,and decreasing their density,and thus,an enhanced electrochemical plasticization(EP).Under the optimized electrochemical parameters(0.5 mol L^(-1)H_(2)SO_(4)electrolyte and current density of 12.2 mA cm^(-2)),the average cumulative reduction rate required for annealing was up to~34%,obviously higher than~20%of TCD due to the decreased work-hardening from the EP,so that the number of annealing was significantly reduced from 10 of TCD to 5,when the drawing pass was 23.In addition,the surface of the ECD wire was distinctly smoother and brighter than that of the TCD one.These findings confirm the large potential in engineering applications of the ECD technology based on the EP effect.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071383,82371392(to BN)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China(Key Project),No.ZR2020KH007(to BN)+1 种基金“Taishan Scholar Distinguished Expert Program”of Shandong Province,No.tstp20231257(to BN)Health Commission Science and Technology Plan Project of Jinan,No.2023-1-8(to YZ).
文摘Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming.Nonetheless,the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear.Therefore,this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system.The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed.Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases.In the nervous system,lactate plays an essential role.However,its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation.The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic,especially in lactylation modification,a key determinant in this process.Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications,such as N6-methyladenosine,acetylation,ubiquitination,and phosphorylation modifications,which are closely linked to several neurological disorders.In addition,exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.
文摘Diamonds were formed in the mantle lithosphere,mostly at depths of 150~200km in the centres of Precambrian cratons,the buoyant ancient cores of continents.From there they were normally transported into the upper crust in kimberlite pipes whose diamonds are largely colourless and light yellow related to trace element N(Ia type),although brown,green,and more rarely blue-coloured diamonds are related to lattice defect and trace amounts of H,more rarely B and Ni.Pink diamonds are extremely rare in the approximately 90 diamondiferous pipes mined globally.Although small quantities have been discovered elsewhere,about 90%have been mined from the ca.1.3Ga Argyle diamond pipe in Western Australia,with the Arkhangelskaya diamond pipe in Russia the only other significant source.The pink colour at both Argyle and Arkhangelskaya is unrelated to trace elements and instead results from absorption of light from nanoscale(550nm)defects related to shear stress and plastic deformation.Macroscopically,defects are shown by glide planes,lamellae,and grain lines imposed on the originally colourless diamonds derived from their mantle source.The key question is why these defects were uniquely acquired in diamonds in the Argyle and Arkhangelskaya pipes.Unlike most diamondiferous pipes,Argyle is a rare diamondiferous volatile-rich lamproite pipe that was emplaced into the multiply deformed and rifted NNE-trending Halls Creek Orogen on the margin of the Kimberley Craton.Similarly,Arkhangelskaya in the Devonian Lomonosov kimberlite cluster is a volatile-rich low-Ti type kimberlite,a close relative to lamproite,that was emplaced into the multiply deformed Lapland-Kola Orogen on the rifted margin of the Kola Craton.These craton margins are underlain by subduction-induced volatile-enriched metasomatized mantle lithosphere in contrast to the more primeval mantle under craton centres.It is thus likely that shear stresses were exacerbated at Argyle and Arkangelskaya by rapid vertical emplacement of the anomalous volatile-enriched magmas at supercritical pressures and temperatures,that induced catastrophic phase separation of these volatiles and'mini seismic events'during rapid pressure drops during ascent from 200km depth to the surface.Such a mechanism is consistent with the presence of strongly resorbed and plastically deformed small brown industrial diamonds in the Argyle pipe.From a China perspective,it is potentially important that at 1.3Ga the alkaline Argyle pipe in northern Australia is placed adjacent to the North China Craton(NCC),with numerous world-class mineral deposits including the giant ca.1.4~1.2Ga alkaline Bayan Obo REE system on its margin.However,it is the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Craton and the Jiangnan Orogen with their lamproite pipes derived from metasomatized mantle lithosphere that present the most prospective regions for pink diamond occurrences.
文摘The strength and damping properties of Co-Ni-Cr-Mo-based alloys with 0.5wt%Nb addition after various plastic deformation and heat treatment processes were investigated.Through Vickers hardness tests,free resonance Young's modulus measurements,and microstructure analysis,the effects of dislocation density,vacancy formation,and recrystallization on the alloy performance were clarified.Results indicate that increasing the rolling reduction enhances damping property due to higher dislocation density,whereas aging below the recrystallization temperature reduces damping property via dislocation pinning by the Suzuki effect.Recrystallization heat treatment restores the original structure and damping level.This alloy possesses tensile strength of approximately 1500 MPa and logarithmic decrement valueδ^(-1) in the range of 2×10^(-4)–3×10^(-4),demonstrating superior mechanical properties compared with the Ti-based alloys,which makes it an excellent candidate material for ultrasonic tools and medical applications.
基金funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftungsupported by DFG (SCH W534/6-1 to SWS)
文摘The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is a plastic structure that displays modifications at different levels in response to positive stimuli as well as to negative conditions such as brain damage.The latter involves global alterations,making understanding plastic responses triggered by local damage difficult.One key feature of the dentate gyrus is that it contains a well-defined neurogenic niche,the subgranular zone,and beyond neurogenesis,newly born granule cells may maintain a“young”phenotype throughout life,adding to the plastic nature of the structure.Here,we present a novel experimental model of local brain damage in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures that results in the activation of adjacent newly born granule cells.A small piece of filter paper was placed on the surface of the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus,which evoked a foreign body reaction of astrocytes,along with the activation of local young neurons expressing doublecortin.Forty-eight hours after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive cells increased in the subgranular zone in the direct vicinity of the foreign body,whereas overall increased doublecortin immunoreactivity was observed in the granule cell layer and molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.Foreign body placement in the pyramidal layer of the CA1 region evoked a comparable local astroglial reaction but did not lead to an increase in doublecortin-immunoreactive in either the CA1 region or the adjacent dentate gyrus.Seven days after foreign body placement in the dentate gyrus,the increase in doublecortin-immunoreactivity was no longer observed,indicating the transient activation of young cells.However,7 days after foreign body placement,the number of doublecortin-immunoreactive granule cells coimmunoreactive for calbindin was lower than that under the control conditions.As calbindin is a marker for mature granule cells,this result suggests that activated young cells remain at a more immature stage following foreign body placement.Live imaging of retrovirally green fluorescent protein-labeled newly born granule cells revealed the orientation and growth of their dendrites toward the foreign body placement.This novel experimental model of foreign body placement in organotypic entorhino-hippocampal cultures could serve as a valuable tool for studying both glial reactivity and neuronal plasticity,specifically of newly born neurons under controlled in vitro conditions.
基金financially supported by King Abdulaziz University,Deanship of Scientific Research(DSR)。
文摘Neuronal plasticity,the brain's ability to adapt structurally and functionally,is essential for learning,memory,and recovery from injuries.In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,this plasticity is disrupted,leading to cognitive and motor deficits.This review explores the mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and its effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Alzheimer's disease features amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles that impair synaptic function,while Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons affecting motor control.Enhancing neuronal plasticity offers therapeutic potential for these diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed,Scopus,and Google Scholar,focusing on studies of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.Data synthesis identified key themes such as synaptic mechanisms,neurogenesis,and therapeutic strategies,linking molecular insights to clinical applications.Results highlight that targeting synaptic plasticity mechanisms,such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression,shows promise.Neurotrophic factors,advanced imaging techniques,and molecular tools(e.g.,clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and optogenetics)are crucial in understanding and enhancing plasticity.Current therapies,including dopamine replacement,deep brain stimulation,and lifestyle interventions,demonstrate the potential to alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes.In conclusion,enhancing neuronal plasticity through targeted therapies holds significant promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases.Future research should integrate multidisciplinary approaches to fully harness the therapeutic potential of neuronal plasticity in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
基金supported by Japan Society forthe Promotion of Science(JSPS)Grants-in-Aidfor Scientific Research(KAKENHI)(20H05894,20H05903,21K15136,22K21351,23H02518A,23H02663,and 23K18147 to SS),JST-CREST(JPMJCR24T4 to SS),the World PremierInternational Research Center Initiative(WPI)fromthe Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Scienceand Technology(MEXT)to SS(WPI-IIIS),the TopRunners in Strategy of Transborder AdvancedResearches(TRiSTAR)by the MEXT to SSJapanAgency for Medical Research and Development(AMED)(JP21zf0127005 to SS),Cell ScienceResearch Foundation Grant to YI,38th Brain ScienceFoundation Research Grant to YI,Research Granton Biogenic Amines and Neurological Diseases(Sumitomo pharma)to YI.
文摘Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining brain function,cognitive performance,and overall health.Despite over a century of research,the mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis-the process by which the need for sleep accumulates during wakefulness and dissipates during sleep-remain incompletely understood.This article explores the latest advancements in sleep research,focusing on the role of synaptic plasticity in sleep homeostasis,as illuminated by Sawada et al.(2024).
文摘Nonlinear static procedures are widely adopted in structural engineering practice for seismic performance assessment due to their simplicity and computational efficiency.However,their reliability depends heavily on how the nonlinear behaviour of structural components is represented.The recent earthquakes in Albania(2019)and Türkiye(2023)have underscored the need for accurate assessment techniques,particularly for older reinforced concrete buildings with poor detailing.This study quantifies the discrepancies between default and user-defined component modelling in pushover analysis of pre-modern reinforced concrete structures,analysing two representative low-and mid-rise reinforced concrete frame buildings.The lumped plasticity approach incorporates moment-rotation relationships derived from actual member properties and reinforcement configurations,while the distributed plasticity approach uses software-generated default properties based on modern codes.Results show that the distributed plasticity models systematically overestimate both the strength and the deformation capacity by up to 35%compared to lumped plasticity models,especially in buildings with poor detailing and low concrete strength.These findings demonstrate that default software procedures,widely used in practice but not validated for pre-modern structures,produce dangerously unconservative seismic performance estimates.The study provides quantitative evidence of the critical need for tailored modelling strategies that reflect the actual conditions of the existing building stock.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52161145409,21976116)SAFEA of China("Belt and Road"Innovative Talent Exchange Foreign Expert Project No.2023041004L)+1 种基金(High-end Foreign Expert Project No.G2023041021L)Alexander-von-Humboldt Foundation of Germany(Group-Linkage Program).
文摘Photoreforming poly(lactic acid)(PLA)plastics into pyruvic acid(PA)coupled with hydrogen evolution is of great significance for sustainable development.However,a significant challenge lies inα-OH bond cleaving of lactic acid(LA).Herein,CdS/Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12)composite is fabricated,bridged by Bi−S bonds,through in-situ growth of CdS nanoparticles on Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12)nanoflowers for the successive removal of hydrogen fromα-C in LA.In-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the S-scheme carriers transfer route and interfacial Bi−S bond in CdS/Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12).Consequently,the photo-electrons and holes with extended lifetimes and strong redox potential accumulate in the CdS conduction band and Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12)valence band,respectively,as evidenced by in-situ electron spin resonance and time-resolved photoluminescence.This facilitates the generation of·OH radicals,which further participate in the successive dehydrogenation reaction of LA.Consequently,the photoreforming efficiencies of converting PLA into PA and H_(2)by CdS/Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12)are 1.7 and 3.16 mmol g^(-1)h^(-1),which are respectively 2.8 and 22 times higher than that by pristine Bi_(4)Ti_(3)O_(12).The present work provides a new approach for designing S-scheme to achieve hydrogen production and value-added conversion of plastics.
文摘Microplastics(MPs)are ubiquitous and pose an environmental risk.This review examined MP pollution in terrestrial ecosystems from a myriad of poorly understood sources.Knowledge regarding the occurrence sources,migration behaviors,ecotoxicology,absorption mechanisms,and effects of MPs has also been fully summarized.Microplastics interact with contaminants,such as antibiotics,pesticides,heavy metals,etc.,and may act as vectors for contaminant transfer in terrestrial ecosystems.The transportation and retention of MPs in soil are governed by interactions among their inherent properties,such as size,shape,surface charge,and density.Interestingly,MP migration into soil is lacking research.The MPs and nanoplastics were also found in edible fruits and vegetables.The MP contamination in soil affects ecosystems,causing soil structure changes,fertility reduction,and pollutant leaching into groundwater.The MP concentration lies in the range of 43-2443 and 40-43000 items kg-1in agricultural and urban soils,respectively.This review provides a comprehensive roadmap for future research and a framework for soil MP risk assessment.Future studies on the uptake,accumulation,and translocation of MPs and their associated toxins by plants are essential for evaluating their risks to food security and human health.Research on MPs in terrestrial habitats lacks comprehensive data on their long-term persistence,degradation pathways,and interactions with soil components under varying environmental conditions.Additionally,limited understanding exists regarding MP impacts on soil biodiversity,pollutant mobility,and plant uptake,highlighting the need for innovative detection methods and effective pollution abatement strategies.
基金We thank MOE Tier-2 project(MOE-T2EP10221-0020)from Ministry of EducationSingapore and the National Research Foundation,Singapore,NRF Investigatorship(NRFI07-2021-0015)for the financial support.
文摘The combination of photo-and bio-catalysis in one-pot enables sustainable,visible-light driven cascade reactions for the synthesis of valueadded chiral chemicals under mild conditions.Despite the attractiveness of merging the redox capability of heterogeneous photocatalysts with the excellent enantioselectivity of enzymes,developing such a reaction under one-pot conditions poses a challenge due to catalyst incompatibility.In this study,a cadmium sulfide(CdS)-enzyme composite was engineered for one-pot conversion of plastic-derived lactate into chiral compounds.By coating CdS onto alginate beads,its redox capability for the oxidation of lactate in water under visible light was preserved.The generated pyruvate subsequently underwent enantioselective transformation catalyzed by encapsulated enzymes within the beads,producing(R)-acetoin,L-alanine,or(R)-phenylacetylcarbinol.The core-shell structure of the CdS-enzyme composite protects the enzymes against radical attacks and facilitates recycling,yielding 81% of(R)-acetoin achieved after four reaction cycles.Additionally,we demonstrated an upcycling process converting post-consumer polylactic acid cups into(R)-acetoin.This work introduces a novel approach for integrating photocatalysts and enzymes to synthesize chiral chemicals from end-of-life plastics.
基金supported by SISSA(intramural funding to AM)International FOXG1 Research Foundation(Grant to AM)+1 种基金Italian Ministery of University and Research(Grant PRIN222022M95RC7 to AM)Fondazione Telethon(Grant GMR22T2018 to AM).
文摘Moving from the most recent results on Foxg1 biology,we first summarize the available information on some special pleiotropic effectors of neurodevelopmental interest,involved in controlling both transcription and post-transcriptional steps of gene expression.Then,after further analysis of the literature,we report evidence that,not strictly limited to neurodevelopmental effectors,such pleiotropy also applies to other transcription factors,involved in physiology and homeostasis.Furthermore,through the systematic analysis of a major public protein-protein interaction database,we gather strong evidence that the involvement of“canonical”transcription factors in post-transcriptional control of gene expression could be a pervasive phenomenon,characterizing hundreds of effectors.Finally,we discuss the biological significance of these findings and propose three evolutionary mechanisms that may have contributed to such an unexpected scenario.
基金the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research for funding his PhD scholarship(37th Cycle Ph D Programmes supported by ESF REACT-EU funds,National Operational Programme on Research and Innovation)CSGI(Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase-Center for Colloid and Surface Science),Florence(Italy)for financial support.
文摘This study investigated microplastics(MPs)sized 10–5000μm across stages of a conventional municipal wastewater treatment plant using multiple analytical techniques.Samples were collected via pumping and filtration,treated with the Fenton reaction for wet peroxidation,and separated by density separation.Analysis employed Focal Plane Array Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FPA micro-FTIR),a widely used technique in MPs analysis,alongside the less common Laser Direct Infrared Spectroscopy(LDIR),providing complementary data on particle composition,shape,size,and colour.To enhance insights,spectroscopic methods were supplemented with Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(TD-GC/MS),calibrated for specific polymers,to quantify MPs by mass and assess removal efficiency.Wastewater treatment effectively reduced MPs.In influent samples,concentrations reached 72 MPs/L(FTIR),2117 MPs/L(LDIR),and 177μg/L(TD-GC/MS).Primary treatments removed 41%–55%,while the wastewater treatment plant effluent contained 1 MPs/L(FTIR),93 MPs/L(LDIR),and 2μg/L(TD-GC/MS),reflecting 96%–99%removal efficiency.Activated sludge showed concentrations of 123 MPs/L(FTIR),10,800 MPs/L(LDIR),and 0.3 mg/g dry weight(TD-GC/MS),underscoring its role in MPs capture.However,sludge dewatering released significant MPs into centrifuge rejected water:484 MPs/L(FTIR),23,000 MPs/L(LDIR),and 1100μg/L(TD-GC/MS).These results highlight the effectiveness of conventional treatments in MPs removal and the critical role of sludge in capturing these contaminants.However,sludge dewatering poses a risk of reintroducing MPs into the environment.Effective sludge management should prioritize nutrient recovery and biomass valorisation to mitigate these risks and minimise harmful environmental impacts.
