A key pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease(PD)is that lysosomes are overwhelmed with cellular materials that need to be degraded and cleared.While the build-up of protein is characteristic of neurodegenerative...A key pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease(PD)is that lysosomes are overwhelmed with cellular materials that need to be degraded and cleared.While the build-up of protein is characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and is thought to reflect lysosome dysfunction,lipid accumulation may also contribute to and be indicative of severe lysosomal dysfunction.Much is known about the detrimental effects of glucosylceramide accumulation in PD lysosomes.展开更多
Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory v...Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory versus degenerative dichotomy.This was based on a broad misconception regarding essentially all neurodegenerative conditions,depicting the degenerative process as passive and immune-independent occurring as a late byproduct of active inflammation in the central nervous system(CNS),which is(solely)systemically driven.展开更多
Background:Corchorus olitorius L.(Malvaceae)is a green leafy vegetable widely consumed in the Middle East and valued for its rich nutritional content.Its essential oils,an important class of secondary metabolites,are ...Background:Corchorus olitorius L.(Malvaceae)is a green leafy vegetable widely consumed in the Middle East and valued for its rich nutritional content.Its essential oils,an important class of secondary metabolites,are of growing interest for potential use in cosmetics and fragrance industries due to their bioactive properties.Methods:Leaves of C.olitorius cultivated in Egypt were extracted using microwave-assisted hydrodistillation(MAHD)and conventional hydrodistillation(HD).The oils were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)to characterize their chemical profiles.In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate their anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities,and in silico studies were performed to predict the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of major constituents.Results:GC-MS analysis showed that aldehydes,alkanes,fatty alcohols,fatty acids,and their derivatives were the predominant compound classes in both oils.Notably,oxygenated diterpenes(11.22%)were present exclusively in the MAHD oil,while triterpenoids(16.37%)were found only in the HD oil.The MAHD oil demonstrated stronger In vitro anti-elastase(IC_(50)=42.5μg/mL)and anti-collagenase(IC_(50)=131.5μg/mL)activities compared to the HD oil(IC_(50)=66.7 and 206.8μg/mL,respectively),reflecting an approximate 36.3%improvement in elastase inhibition and 36.4%improvement in collagenase inhibition.In silico docking indicated that the triterpenoidβ-amyrin acetate showed the highest predicted binding affinity for porcine pancreatic elastase(PDB ID:6QEO,ΔG=−8.1 kcal/mol)and collagenase(PDB ID:456C,ΔG=−9.1 kcal/mol)among the major compounds analyzed.Conclusion:These findings demonstrate that MAHD is a greener and more efficient extraction method,yielding oil with enhanced enzyme inhibitory activity compared to conventional HD.The promising anti-elastase and anti-collagenase properties suggest that C.olitorius MAHD oil could serve as a potential candidate for anti-aging cosmetic formulations,following further validation.展开更多
Honeycombing Lung(HCL)is a chronic lung condition marked by advanced fibrosis,resulting in enlarged air spaces with thick fibrotic walls,which are visible on Computed Tomography(CT)scans.Differentiating between normal...Honeycombing Lung(HCL)is a chronic lung condition marked by advanced fibrosis,resulting in enlarged air spaces with thick fibrotic walls,which are visible on Computed Tomography(CT)scans.Differentiating between normal lung tissue,honeycombing lungs,and Ground Glass Opacity(GGO)in CT images is often challenging for radiologists and may lead to misinterpretations.Although earlier studies have proposed models to detect and classify HCL,many faced limitations such as high computational demands,lower accuracy,and difficulty distinguishing between HCL and GGO.CT images are highly effective for lung classification due to their high resolution,3D visualization,and sensitivity to tissue density variations.This study introduces Honeycombing Lungs Network(HCL Net),a novel classification algorithm inspired by ResNet50V2 and enhanced to overcome the shortcomings of previous approaches.HCL Net incorporates additional residual blocks,refined preprocessing techniques,and selective parameter tuning to improve classification performance.The dataset,sourced from the University Malaya Medical Centre(UMMC)and verified by expert radiologists,consists of CT images of normal,honeycombing,and GGO lungs.Experimental evaluations across five assessments demonstrated that HCL Net achieved an outstanding classification accuracy of approximately 99.97%.It also recorded strong performance in other metrics,achieving 93%precision,100%sensitivity,89%specificity,and an AUC-ROC score of 97%.Comparative analysis with baseline feature engineering methods confirmed the superior efficacy of HCL Net.The model significantly reduces misclassification,particularly between honeycombing and GGO lungs,enhancing diagnostic precision and reliability in lung image analysis.展开更多
The concept of the brain cognitive reserve is derived from the well-acknowledged notion that the degree of brain damage does not always match the severity of clinical symptoms and neurological/cognitive outcomes.It ha...The concept of the brain cognitive reserve is derived from the well-acknowledged notion that the degree of brain damage does not always match the severity of clinical symptoms and neurological/cognitive outcomes.It has been suggested that the size of the brain(brain reserve) and the extent of neural connections acquired through life(neural reserve) set a threshold beyond which noticeable impairments occur.In contrast,cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to adapt and reo rganize stru cturally and functionally to resist damage and maintain function,including neural reserve and brain maintenance,resilience,and compensation(Verkhratsky and Zorec,2024).展开更多
The remodeling of axonal connections following injury is an important feature driving functional recovery.The reticulospinal tract is an interesting descending motor tract that contains both excitatory and inhibitory ...The remodeling of axonal connections following injury is an important feature driving functional recovery.The reticulospinal tract is an interesting descending motor tract that contains both excitatory and inhibitory fibers.While the reticulospinal tract has been shown to be particularly prone to axonal growth and plasticity following injuries of the spinal cord,the differential capacities of excitatory and inhibitory fibers for plasticity remain unclear.As adaptive axonal plasticity involves a sophisticated interplay between excitatory and inhibitory input,we investigated in this study the plastic potential of glutamatergic(vGlut2)and GABAergic(vGat)fibers originating from the gigantocellular nucleus and the lateral paragigantocellular nucleus,two nuclei important for locomotor function.Using a combination of viral tracing,chemogenetic silencing,and AI-based kinematic analysis,we investigated plasticity and its impact on functional recovery within the first 3 weeks following injury,a period prone to neuronal remodeling.We demonstrate that,in this time frame,while vGlut2-positive fibers within the gigantocellular and lateral paragigantocellular nuclei rewire significantly following cervical spinal cord injury,vGat-positive fibers are rather unresponsive to injury.We also show that the acute silencing of excitatory axonal fibers which rewire in response to lesions of the spinal cord triggers a worsening of the functional recovery.Using kinematic analysis,we also pinpoint the locomotion features associated with the gigantocellular nucleus or lateral paragigantocellular nucleus during functional recovery.Overall,our study increases the understanding of the role of the gigantocellular and lateral paragigantocellular nuclei during functional recovery following spinal cord injury.展开更多
Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More r...Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More recently,advances in the development of Lecanemab,an anti-amyloid-βmonoclonal antibody,have shown positive results in reducing brain A burden and slowing cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in the Phase Ⅲ clinical trial(Clarity Alzheimer’s disease).Despite these promising results,side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities(ARIA)may limit its usage.ARIA can manifest as ARIA-E(cerebral edema or effusions)and ARIA-H(microhemorrhages or superficial siderosis)and is thought to be caused by increased vascular permeability due to inflammatory responses,leading to leakages of blood products and protein-rich fluid into brain parenchyma.Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease,and the blood-brain barrier becomes increasingly leaky as the disease progresses.In addition,APOE4,the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,is associated with higher vascular amyloid burden,increased ARIA incidence,and accelerated blood-brain barrier disruptions.These interconnected vascular abnormalities highlight the importance of vascular contributions to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.Here,we will closely examine recent research evaluating the heterogeneity of brain endothelial cells in the microvasculature of different brain regions and their relationships with Alzheimer’s disease progression.展开更多
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pa...Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pathological factor contributing to the progression of sarcopenia.However,the morphological and functional changes in mitochondria and their interplay in the degeneration of the neuromuscular junction during aging remain poorly understood.A defined systematic search of the Pub Med,Web of Science and Embase databases(last accessed on October 30,2024)was conducted with search terms including'mitochondria','aging'and'NMJ'.Clinical and preclinical studies of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuromuscular junction degeneration during aging.Twentyseven studies were included in this systematic review.This systematic review provides a summary of morphological,functional and biological changes in neuromuscular junction,mitochondrial morphology,biosynthesis,respiratory chain function,and mitophagy during aging.We focus on the interactions and mechanisms underlying the relationship between mitochondria and neuromuscular junctions during aging.Aging is characterized by significant reductions in mitochondrial fusion/fission cycles,biosynthesis,and mitochondrial quality control,which may lead to neuromuscular junction dysfunction,denervation and poor physical performance.Motor nerve terminals that exhibit redox sensitivity are among the first to exhibit abnormalities,ultimately leading to an early decline in muscle strength through impaired neuromuscular junction transmission function.Parg coactivator 1 alpha is a crucial molecule that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and modulates various pathways,including the mitochondrial respiratory chain,energy deficiency,oxidative stress,and inflammation.Mitochondrial dysfunction is correlated with neuromuscular junction denervation and acetylcholine receptor fragmentation,resulting in muscle atrophy and a decrease in strength during aging.Physical therapy,pharmacotherapy,and gene therapy can alleviate the structural degeneration and functional deterioration of neuromuscular junction by restoring mitochondrial function.Therefore,mitochondria are considered potential targets for preserving neuromuscular junction morphology and function during aging to treat sarcopenia.展开更多
Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to i...Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to its therapeutic properties,but its exact role and molecular mechanisms in treatment of reproductive dysfunction remain unclear.Methods:During this study,36 rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=6):control,CYP-induced(60 mg/kg),standard(leuprolide 3 mg/kg)and three treatment groups receiving aqueous,ethanolic,and oil extracts(50 mg/kg or 20 mL/kg)for post-toxicity induction.Results:The finding represented that exposure of CYP significantly increased oxidative stress,disrupted testicular architecture,and markedly reduced testosterone levels(P<0.05).Importantly,Crocus sativus L.treatment alleviated these changes by increasing the expression of Nrf2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2),restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and enhancing testicular histomorphology.Surprisingly,molecular docking established a high binding affinity of Crocus sativus L.phytoconstituents such as gallic acid,cinnamic acid and quercetin to the Nrf2-Keap1 complex.It is worth noting that,Crocus sativus L.exhibited a high level of protection against reproductive toxicity caused by CYP in male rats,which was mediated by the activation of Nrf2 pathway,reduction of oxidative damage,and favorable ADMET characteristics.Conclusion:Notably,this research provides a more valid,safe,and effective method of developing new drugs for reproductive disorders,however,further investigation is needed to support the research findings and implement it in clinical practice.展开更多
Supercapacitors are gaining popularity due to their high cycling stability,power density,and fast charge and discharge rates.Researchers are ex-ploring electrode materials,electrolytes,and separat-ors for cost-effecti...Supercapacitors are gaining popularity due to their high cycling stability,power density,and fast charge and discharge rates.Researchers are ex-ploring electrode materials,electrolytes,and separat-ors for cost-effective energy storage systems.Ad-vances in materials science have led to the develop-ment of hybrid nanomaterials,such as combining fil-amentous carbon forms with inorganic nanoparticles,to create new charge and energy transfer processes.Notable materials for electrochemical energy-stor-age applications include MXenes,2D transition met-al carbides,and nitrides,carbon black,carbon aerogels,activated carbon,carbon nanotubes,conducting polymers,carbon fibers,and nanofibers,and graphene,because of their thermal,electrical,and mechanical properties.Carbon materials mixed with conducting polymers,ceramics,metal oxides,transition metal oxides,metal hydroxides,transition metal sulfides,trans-ition metal dichalcogenide,metal sulfides,carbides,nitrides,and biomass materials have received widespread attention due to their remarkable performance,eco-friendliness,cost-effectiveness,and renewability.This article explores the development of carbon-based hybrid materials for future supercapacitors,including electric double-layer capacitors,pseudocapacitors,and hy-brid supercapacitors.It investigates the difficulties that influence structural design,manufacturing(electrospinning,hydro-thermal/solvothermal,template-assisted synthesis,electrodeposition,electrospray,3D printing)techniques and the latest car-bon-based hybrid materials research offer practical solutions for producing high-performance,next-generation supercapacitors.展开更多
Ischemic stroke is a secondary cause of mortality worldwide,imposing considerable medical and economic burdens on society.Extracellular vesicles,serving as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery,exhibit excellent bioc...Ischemic stroke is a secondary cause of mortality worldwide,imposing considerable medical and economic burdens on society.Extracellular vesicles,serving as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery,exhibit excellent biocompatibility in vivo and have significant advantages in the management of ischemic stroke.However,the uncertain distribution and rapid clearance of extracellular vesicles impede their delivery efficiency.By utilizing membrane decoration or by encapsulating therapeutic cargo within extracellular vesicles,their delivery efficacy may be greatly improved.Furthermore,previous studies have indicated that microvesicles,a subset of large-sized extracellular vesicles,can transport mitochondria to neighboring cells,thereby aiding in the restoration of mitochondrial function post-ischemic stroke.Small extracellular vesicles have also demonstrated the capability to transfer mitochondrial components,such as proteins or deoxyribonucleic acid,or their sub-components,for extracellular vesicle-based ischemic stroke therapy.In this review,we undertake a comparative analysis of the isolation techniques employed for extracellular vesicles and present an overview of the current dominant extracellular vesicle modification methodologies.Given the complex facets of treating ischemic stroke,we also delineate various extracellular vesicle modification approaches which are suited to different facets of the treatment process.Moreover,given the burgeoning interest in mitochondrial delivery,we delved into the feasibility and existing research findings on the transportation of mitochondrial fractions or intact mitochondria through small extracellular vesicles and microvesicles to offer a fresh perspective on ischemic stroke therapy.展开更多
The involvement of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate in ce rebral ischemia and excitotoxicity is well-documented.Nevertheless,the role of non-excitatory amino acids in brain damage following a stroke ...The involvement of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate in ce rebral ischemia and excitotoxicity is well-documented.Nevertheless,the role of non-excitatory amino acids in brain damage following a stroke or brain trauma remains largely understudied.The release of amino acids by necrotic cells in the ischemic core may contribute to the expansion of the penumbra.Our findings indicated that the reversible loss of field excitato ry postsynaptic potentials caused by transient hypoxia became irreversible when exposed to a mixture of just four non-excitatory amino acids(L-alanine,glycine,L-glutamine,and L-serine)at their plasma concentrations.These amino acids induce swelling in the somas of neurons and astrocytes during hypoxia,along with permanent dendritic damage mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors prevented neuronal damage in the presence of these amino acids during hypoxia.It is likely that astroglial swelling caused by the accumulation of these amino acids via the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 exchanger and system N transporters activates volume-regulated anion channels,leading to the release of excitotoxins and subsequent neuronal damage through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation.Thus,previously unrecognized mechanisms involving non-excitatory amino acids may contribute to the progression and expansion of brain injury in neurological emergencies such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.Understanding these pathways co uld highlight new therapeutic targets to mitigate brain injury.展开更多
Groundwater and surface water contamination by PTE(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Ruashi and Annexe municipalities of Lubumbashi city.Analyses of seventy water samples collected from six drilled wells,eigh...Groundwater and surface water contamination by PTE(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Ruashi and Annexe municipalities of Lubumbashi city.Analyses of seventy water samples collected from six drilled wells,eight spade-sunk wells,one river and one spring in both municipalities in 2017 and 2018 were carried out by ICP-SF-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Sector Field Mass Spectrometry).Twenty PTEs including aluminum,arsenic,barium,bismuth,cadmium,cesium,chromium,cobalt,copper,iron,lead,manganese,molybdenum,nickel,strontium,thallium,tungsten,uranium,vanadium and zinc were detected at various concentrations in each one of the samples.Many samples had concentrations and mean concentrations of PTEs,such as aluminum,cadmium,copper,iron,lead,manganese,nickel and zinc,higher than the respective acceptable limits set for drinking water by the EU(European Union),the USEPA(United States Environmental Protection Agency),and the WHO(World Health Organization)standards.Most PTEs being deleterious to human health even at very low concentrations,people who use the groundwater and surface water to meet their water needs in both Ruashi and Annexe municipalities are at risk.展开更多
The development of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells(LT-SOFCs)is of significant importance for realizing the widespread application of SOFCs.This has stimulated a substantial materials research effort in developi...The development of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells(LT-SOFCs)is of significant importance for realizing the widespread application of SOFCs.This has stimulated a substantial materials research effort in developing high oxide-ion conductivity in the electrolyte layer of SOFCs.In this context,for the first time,a dielectric material,CaCu_(3)Ti_(4)O_(12)(CCTO)is designed for LT-SOFCs electrolyte application in this study.Both individual CCTO and its heterostructure materials with a p-type Ni_(0.8)Co_(0.15)Al_(0.05)LiO_(2−δ)(NCAL)semiconductor are evaluated as alternative electrolytes in LT-SOFC at 450–550℃.The single cell with the individual CCTO electrolyte exhibits a power output of approximately 263 mW cm^(-2) and an open-circuit voltage(OCV)of 0.95 V at 550℃,while the cell with the CCTO–NCAL heterostructure electrolyte capably delivers an improved power output of approximately 605 mW cm^(-2) along with a higher OCV over 1.0 V,which indicates the introduction of high hole-conducting NCAL into the CCTO could enhance the cell performance rather than inducing any potential short-circuiting risk.It is found that these promising outcomes are due to the interplay of the dielectric material,its structure,and overall properties that led to improve electrochemical mechanism in CCTO–NCAL.Furthermore,density functional theory calculations provide the detailed information about the electronic and structural properties of the CCTO and NCAL and their heterostructure CCTO–NCAL.Our study thus provides a new approach for developing new advanced electrolytes for LT-SOFCs.展开更多
Mineral fulvic acid(MFA)was used as an eco-friendly pyrite depressant to recover chalcopyrite by flotation with the use of the butyl xanthate as a collector.Flotation experiments showed that MFA produced a stronger in...Mineral fulvic acid(MFA)was used as an eco-friendly pyrite depressant to recover chalcopyrite by flotation with the use of the butyl xanthate as a collector.Flotation experiments showed that MFA produced a stronger inhibition effect on pyrite than on chalcopyrite.The separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite was realized by introducing 150 mg/L MFA at a pulp pH of approximately 8.0.The copper grade,copper recovery,and separation efficiency were 28.03%,84.79%,and 71.66%,respectively.Surface adsorption tests,zeta potential determinations,and localized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests showed that more MFA adsorbed on pyrite than on chalcopyrite,which weakened the subsequent interactions between pyrite and the collector.Atomic force microscope imaging further confirmed the adsorption of MFA on pyrite,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that hydrophilic Fe-based species on the pyrite surfaces increased after exposure of pyrite to MFA,thereby decreasing the floatability of pyrite.展开更多
Improving and optimizing the target properties of ceramics via the high entropy strategy has attracted significant attention.Rare earth niobate is a potential thermal barrier coating(TBCs)material,but its poor high-te...Improving and optimizing the target properties of ceramics via the high entropy strategy has attracted significant attention.Rare earth niobate is a potential thermal barrier coating(TBCs)material,but its poor high-temperature phase stability limits its further application.In this work,four sets of TBCs high-entropy ceramics,(Sm_(1/5)Dy_(1/5)Ho_(1/5)Er_(1/5)Yb_(1/5))(Nb_(1/2)Ta_(1/2))O_(4)(5NbTa),(Sm_(1/6)Dy_(1/6)Ho_(1/6)Er_(1/6)Yb_(1/6)Lu_(1/6))(Nb_(1/2)Ta_(1/2))O_(4)(6NbTa),(Sm_(1/7)Gd_(1/7)Dy_(1/7)Ho_(1/7)Er_(1/7)Yb_(1/7)Lu_(1/7))(Nb_(1/2)Ta_(1/2))O_(4)(7NbTa),(Sm_(1/8)Gd_(1/8)Dy_(1/8)Ho_(1/8)Er_(1/8)Tm_(1/8)Yb_(1/8)Lu_(1/8))(Nb_(1/2)Ta_(1/2))O_(4)(8NbTa)are synthesized using a solid-state reaction method at 1650℃for 6 h.Firstly,the X-ray diffractometer(XRD)patterns display that the samples are all single-phase solid solution structures(space group C 2/c).Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)and the high-temperature XRD of 8NbTa cross-check that the addition of Ta element in 8HERN increases the phase transition temperature above 1400℃,which can be attributed to that the Ta/Nb co-doping at B site introduces the fluctuation of the bond strength of Ta-O and Nb-O.Secondly,compared to high-entropy rare-earth niobates,the introduction of Ta atoms at B site substantially reduce thermal conductivity(re-duced by 44%,800℃)with the seven components high entropy ceramic as an example.The low thermal conductivity means strong phonon scattering,which may originate from the softening acoustic mode and flattened phonon dispersion in 5–8 principal element high entropy rare earth niobium tantalates(5–8NbTa)revealed by the first-principles calculations.Thirdly,the Ta/Nb co-doping in 5–8NbTa systems can further optimize the insulation performance of oxygen ions.The oxygen-ion conductivity of 8NbTa(3.31×10^(−6)S cm^(−1),900℃)is about 5 times lower than that of 8HERN(15.8×10^(−6)S cm^(−1),900℃)because of the sluggish diffusion effect,providing better oxygen barrier capacity in 5–8NbTa systems to inhibit the overgrowth of the thermal growth oxide(TGO)of TBCs.In addition,influenced by lattice dis-tortion and solid solution strengthening,the samples possess higher hardness(7.51–8.15 GPa)and TECs(9.78×10^(−6)K−1^(-1)0.78×10^(−6)K^(−1),1500℃)than the single rare-earth niobates and tantalates.Based on their excellent overall properties,it is considered that 5–8NbTa can be used as auspicious TBCs.展开更多
Tin is a critical metal for various industries,making its recovery from low-grade cassiterite ores crucial.This study aimed to optimize the flotation recovery of cassiterite using multi-component collector systems.Sev...Tin is a critical metal for various industries,making its recovery from low-grade cassiterite ores crucial.This study aimed to optimize the flotation recovery of cassiterite using multi-component collector systems.Several collectors were initially selected through micro-flotation tests,leading to the identification of optimal proportions for a four-component collector system(SHA-OHA-SPA-DBIA in a 4:3:2:1 ratio).Molecular dynamics simulations and surface tension tests were used to investigate the micellar behavior of these collectors in aqueous solution.The adsorption characteristics were quantified using microcalorimetry,enabling the determination of collection entropy and changes in Gibbs free energy.The four-component collector system showed the highest entropy change and the most favorable Gibbs free energy,leading to a cassiterite recovery of above 90%at a concentration of 8.0×10^(5)mol/L.Various analytical techniques were employed to systematically characterize the adsorption mechanism.The findings revealed a positive correlation between the adsorption products formed by the multicomponent collectors on the cassiterite surface and the entropy changes.Industrial-scale testing of the high-entropy collector system produced a tin concentrate with an Sn grade of 6.17%and an Sn recovery of 82.43%,demonstrating its substantial potential for practical applications in cassiterite flotation.展开更多
As battery technology evolves and demand for efficient energy storage solutions,aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs)have garnered significant attention due to their safety and environmental benefits.However,the stability...As battery technology evolves and demand for efficient energy storage solutions,aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs)have garnered significant attention due to their safety and environmental benefits.However,the stability of cathode materials under high-voltage conditions remains a critical challenge in improving its energy density.This review systematically explores the failure mechanisms of high-voltage cathode materials in AZIBs,including hydrogen evolution reaction,phase transformation and dissolution phenomena.To address these challenges,we propose a range of advanced strategies aimed at improving the stability of cathode materials.These strategies include surface coating and doping techniques designed to fortify the surface properties and structure integrity of the cathode materials under high-voltage conditions.Additionally,we emphasize the importance of designing antioxidant electrolytes,with a focus on understanding and optimizing electrolyte decomposition mechanisms.The review also highlights the significance of modifying conductive agents and employing innovative separators to further enhance the stability of AZIBs.By integrating these cutting-edge approaches,this review anticipates substantial advancements in the stability of high-voltage cathode materials,paving the way for the broader application and development of AZIBs in energy storage.展开更多
Backfill is often employed in mining operations for ground support,with its positive impact on ground stability acknowledged in many underground mines.However,existing studies have predominantly focused only on the st...Backfill is often employed in mining operations for ground support,with its positive impact on ground stability acknowledged in many underground mines.However,existing studies have predominantly focused only on the stress development within the backfill material,leaving the influence of stope backfilling on stress distribution in surrounding rock mass and ground stability largely unexplored.Therefore,this paper presents numerical models in FLAC3D to investigate,for the first time,the time-dependent stress redistribution around a vertical backfilled stope and its implications on ground stability,considering the creep of surrounding rock mass.Using the Soft Soil constitutive model,the compressibility of backfill under large pressure was captured.It is found that the creep deformation of rock mass exercises compression on backfill and results in a less void ratio and increased modulus for fill material.The compacted backfill conversely influenced the stress distribution and ground stability of rock mass which was a combined effect of wall creep and compressibility of backfill.With the increase of time or/and creep deformation,the minimum principal stress in the rocks surrounding the backfilled stope increased towards the pre-mining stress state,while the deviatoric stress reduces leading to an increased factor of safety and improved ground stability.This improvement effect of backfill on ground stability increased with the increase of mine depth and stope height,while it is also more pronounced for the narrow stope,the backfill with a smaller compression index,and the soft rocks with a smaller viscosity coefficient.Furthermore,the results emphasize the importance of minimizing empty time and backfilling extracted stope as soon as possible for ground control.Reduction of filling gap height enhances the local stability around the roof of stope.展开更多
In recent years, the research advancements have high-lighted the critical role of the A-site cation in determining the optoelectronic and physicochemical properties of organicinorganic lead halide perovskites. Mixed-c...In recent years, the research advancements have high-lighted the critical role of the A-site cation in determining the optoelectronic and physicochemical properties of organicinorganic lead halide perovskites. Mixed-cation perovskites(MCPs) have been extensively used as absorber thin films in perovskite solar cells(PSCs), achieving high power conversion efficiencies(PCE) over 26%^([1, 2]).展开更多
文摘A key pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease(PD)is that lysosomes are overwhelmed with cellular materials that need to be degraded and cleared.While the build-up of protein is characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and is thought to reflect lysosome dysfunction,lipid accumulation may also contribute to and be indicative of severe lysosomal dysfunction.Much is known about the detrimental effects of glucosylceramide accumulation in PD lysosomes.
文摘Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory versus degenerative dichotomy.This was based on a broad misconception regarding essentially all neurodegenerative conditions,depicting the degenerative process as passive and immune-independent occurring as a late byproduct of active inflammation in the central nervous system(CNS),which is(solely)systemically driven.
基金Egyptian Science and Technology and Innovation Fund(STIFA)for the support of the study through grant No.46667 entitled“Sustainability of Lab Capacities of the Center of Drug Discovery Research and Development”.
文摘Background:Corchorus olitorius L.(Malvaceae)is a green leafy vegetable widely consumed in the Middle East and valued for its rich nutritional content.Its essential oils,an important class of secondary metabolites,are of growing interest for potential use in cosmetics and fragrance industries due to their bioactive properties.Methods:Leaves of C.olitorius cultivated in Egypt were extracted using microwave-assisted hydrodistillation(MAHD)and conventional hydrodistillation(HD).The oils were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)to characterize their chemical profiles.In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate their anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities,and in silico studies were performed to predict the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of major constituents.Results:GC-MS analysis showed that aldehydes,alkanes,fatty alcohols,fatty acids,and their derivatives were the predominant compound classes in both oils.Notably,oxygenated diterpenes(11.22%)were present exclusively in the MAHD oil,while triterpenoids(16.37%)were found only in the HD oil.The MAHD oil demonstrated stronger In vitro anti-elastase(IC_(50)=42.5μg/mL)and anti-collagenase(IC_(50)=131.5μg/mL)activities compared to the HD oil(IC_(50)=66.7 and 206.8μg/mL,respectively),reflecting an approximate 36.3%improvement in elastase inhibition and 36.4%improvement in collagenase inhibition.In silico docking indicated that the triterpenoidβ-amyrin acetate showed the highest predicted binding affinity for porcine pancreatic elastase(PDB ID:6QEO,ΔG=−8.1 kcal/mol)and collagenase(PDB ID:456C,ΔG=−9.1 kcal/mol)among the major compounds analyzed.Conclusion:These findings demonstrate that MAHD is a greener and more efficient extraction method,yielding oil with enhanced enzyme inhibitory activity compared to conventional HD.The promising anti-elastase and anti-collagenase properties suggest that C.olitorius MAHD oil could serve as a potential candidate for anti-aging cosmetic formulations,following further validation.
文摘Honeycombing Lung(HCL)is a chronic lung condition marked by advanced fibrosis,resulting in enlarged air spaces with thick fibrotic walls,which are visible on Computed Tomography(CT)scans.Differentiating between normal lung tissue,honeycombing lungs,and Ground Glass Opacity(GGO)in CT images is often challenging for radiologists and may lead to misinterpretations.Although earlier studies have proposed models to detect and classify HCL,many faced limitations such as high computational demands,lower accuracy,and difficulty distinguishing between HCL and GGO.CT images are highly effective for lung classification due to their high resolution,3D visualization,and sensitivity to tissue density variations.This study introduces Honeycombing Lungs Network(HCL Net),a novel classification algorithm inspired by ResNet50V2 and enhanced to overcome the shortcomings of previous approaches.HCL Net incorporates additional residual blocks,refined preprocessing techniques,and selective parameter tuning to improve classification performance.The dataset,sourced from the University Malaya Medical Centre(UMMC)and verified by expert radiologists,consists of CT images of normal,honeycombing,and GGO lungs.Experimental evaluations across five assessments demonstrated that HCL Net achieved an outstanding classification accuracy of approximately 99.97%.It also recorded strong performance in other metrics,achieving 93%precision,100%sensitivity,89%specificity,and an AUC-ROC score of 97%.Comparative analysis with baseline feature engineering methods confirmed the superior efficacy of HCL Net.The model significantly reduces misclassification,particularly between honeycombing and GGO lungs,enhancing diagnostic precision and reliability in lung image analysis.
文摘The concept of the brain cognitive reserve is derived from the well-acknowledged notion that the degree of brain damage does not always match the severity of clinical symptoms and neurological/cognitive outcomes.It has been suggested that the size of the brain(brain reserve) and the extent of neural connections acquired through life(neural reserve) set a threshold beyond which noticeable impairments occur.In contrast,cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to adapt and reo rganize stru cturally and functionally to resist damage and maintain function,including neural reserve and brain maintenance,resilience,and compensation(Verkhratsky and Zorec,2024).
基金supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG),TRR274(Project ID 408885537,Sy Nergy,EXC 2145/ID 390857198,to FMB)。
文摘The remodeling of axonal connections following injury is an important feature driving functional recovery.The reticulospinal tract is an interesting descending motor tract that contains both excitatory and inhibitory fibers.While the reticulospinal tract has been shown to be particularly prone to axonal growth and plasticity following injuries of the spinal cord,the differential capacities of excitatory and inhibitory fibers for plasticity remain unclear.As adaptive axonal plasticity involves a sophisticated interplay between excitatory and inhibitory input,we investigated in this study the plastic potential of glutamatergic(vGlut2)and GABAergic(vGat)fibers originating from the gigantocellular nucleus and the lateral paragigantocellular nucleus,two nuclei important for locomotor function.Using a combination of viral tracing,chemogenetic silencing,and AI-based kinematic analysis,we investigated plasticity and its impact on functional recovery within the first 3 weeks following injury,a period prone to neuronal remodeling.We demonstrate that,in this time frame,while vGlut2-positive fibers within the gigantocellular and lateral paragigantocellular nuclei rewire significantly following cervical spinal cord injury,vGat-positive fibers are rather unresponsive to injury.We also show that the acute silencing of excitatory axonal fibers which rewire in response to lesions of the spinal cord triggers a worsening of the functional recovery.Using kinematic analysis,we also pinpoint the locomotion features associated with the gigantocellular nucleus or lateral paragigantocellular nucleus during functional recovery.Overall,our study increases the understanding of the role of the gigantocellular and lateral paragigantocellular nuclei during functional recovery following spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82404892(to QY),82061160374(to ZZ)the Science and Technology Development Fund,Macao Special Administrative Region,China,Nos.0023/2020/AFJ,0035/2020/AGJ+2 种基金the University of Macao Research Grant,Nos.MYRG2022-00248-ICMS,MYRG-CRG2022-00010-ICMS(to MPMH)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.2024A1515012818(to ZZ)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,No.21623114(to ZZ).
文摘Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More recently,advances in the development of Lecanemab,an anti-amyloid-βmonoclonal antibody,have shown positive results in reducing brain A burden and slowing cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in the Phase Ⅲ clinical trial(Clarity Alzheimer’s disease).Despite these promising results,side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities(ARIA)may limit its usage.ARIA can manifest as ARIA-E(cerebral edema or effusions)and ARIA-H(microhemorrhages or superficial siderosis)and is thought to be caused by increased vascular permeability due to inflammatory responses,leading to leakages of blood products and protein-rich fluid into brain parenchyma.Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease,and the blood-brain barrier becomes increasingly leaky as the disease progresses.In addition,APOE4,the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,is associated with higher vascular amyloid burden,increased ARIA incidence,and accelerated blood-brain barrier disruptions.These interconnected vascular abnormalities highlight the importance of vascular contributions to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.Here,we will closely examine recent research evaluating the heterogeneity of brain endothelial cells in the microvasculature of different brain regions and their relationships with Alzheimer’s disease progression.
基金supported by grants from Collaborative Research Fund(Ref:C4032-21GF)General Research Grant(Ref:14114822)+1 种基金Group Research Scheme(Ref:3110146)Area of Excellence(Ref:Ao E/M-402/20)。
文摘Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pathological factor contributing to the progression of sarcopenia.However,the morphological and functional changes in mitochondria and their interplay in the degeneration of the neuromuscular junction during aging remain poorly understood.A defined systematic search of the Pub Med,Web of Science and Embase databases(last accessed on October 30,2024)was conducted with search terms including'mitochondria','aging'and'NMJ'.Clinical and preclinical studies of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuromuscular junction degeneration during aging.Twentyseven studies were included in this systematic review.This systematic review provides a summary of morphological,functional and biological changes in neuromuscular junction,mitochondrial morphology,biosynthesis,respiratory chain function,and mitophagy during aging.We focus on the interactions and mechanisms underlying the relationship between mitochondria and neuromuscular junctions during aging.Aging is characterized by significant reductions in mitochondrial fusion/fission cycles,biosynthesis,and mitochondrial quality control,which may lead to neuromuscular junction dysfunction,denervation and poor physical performance.Motor nerve terminals that exhibit redox sensitivity are among the first to exhibit abnormalities,ultimately leading to an early decline in muscle strength through impaired neuromuscular junction transmission function.Parg coactivator 1 alpha is a crucial molecule that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and modulates various pathways,including the mitochondrial respiratory chain,energy deficiency,oxidative stress,and inflammation.Mitochondrial dysfunction is correlated with neuromuscular junction denervation and acetylcholine receptor fragmentation,resulting in muscle atrophy and a decrease in strength during aging.Physical therapy,pharmacotherapy,and gene therapy can alleviate the structural degeneration and functional deterioration of neuromuscular junction by restoring mitochondrial function.Therefore,mitochondria are considered potential targets for preserving neuromuscular junction morphology and function during aging to treat sarcopenia.
文摘Background:Epidemiological studies have confirmed that longer exposure to insecticides like cypermethrin(CYP)significantly increases the risk of male reproductive toxicity.Crocus sativus L.has been recognized due to its therapeutic properties,but its exact role and molecular mechanisms in treatment of reproductive dysfunction remain unclear.Methods:During this study,36 rats were randomly divided into six groups(n=6):control,CYP-induced(60 mg/kg),standard(leuprolide 3 mg/kg)and three treatment groups receiving aqueous,ethanolic,and oil extracts(50 mg/kg or 20 mL/kg)for post-toxicity induction.Results:The finding represented that exposure of CYP significantly increased oxidative stress,disrupted testicular architecture,and markedly reduced testosterone levels(P<0.05).Importantly,Crocus sativus L.treatment alleviated these changes by increasing the expression of Nrf2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2),restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and enhancing testicular histomorphology.Surprisingly,molecular docking established a high binding affinity of Crocus sativus L.phytoconstituents such as gallic acid,cinnamic acid and quercetin to the Nrf2-Keap1 complex.It is worth noting that,Crocus sativus L.exhibited a high level of protection against reproductive toxicity caused by CYP in male rats,which was mediated by the activation of Nrf2 pathway,reduction of oxidative damage,and favorable ADMET characteristics.Conclusion:Notably,this research provides a more valid,safe,and effective method of developing new drugs for reproductive disorders,however,further investigation is needed to support the research findings and implement it in clinical practice.
文摘Supercapacitors are gaining popularity due to their high cycling stability,power density,and fast charge and discharge rates.Researchers are ex-ploring electrode materials,electrolytes,and separat-ors for cost-effective energy storage systems.Ad-vances in materials science have led to the develop-ment of hybrid nanomaterials,such as combining fil-amentous carbon forms with inorganic nanoparticles,to create new charge and energy transfer processes.Notable materials for electrochemical energy-stor-age applications include MXenes,2D transition met-al carbides,and nitrides,carbon black,carbon aerogels,activated carbon,carbon nanotubes,conducting polymers,carbon fibers,and nanofibers,and graphene,because of their thermal,electrical,and mechanical properties.Carbon materials mixed with conducting polymers,ceramics,metal oxides,transition metal oxides,metal hydroxides,transition metal sulfides,trans-ition metal dichalcogenide,metal sulfides,carbides,nitrides,and biomass materials have received widespread attention due to their remarkable performance,eco-friendliness,cost-effectiveness,and renewability.This article explores the development of carbon-based hybrid materials for future supercapacitors,including electric double-layer capacitors,pseudocapacitors,and hy-brid supercapacitors.It investigates the difficulties that influence structural design,manufacturing(electrospinning,hydro-thermal/solvothermal,template-assisted synthesis,electrodeposition,electrospray,3D printing)techniques and the latest car-bon-based hybrid materials research offer practical solutions for producing high-performance,next-generation supercapacitors.
基金supported by the grants from University of Macao,China,Nos.MYRG2022-00221-ICMS(to YZ)and MYRG-CRG2022-00011-ICMS(to RW)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.2023A1515010034(to YZ)。
文摘Ischemic stroke is a secondary cause of mortality worldwide,imposing considerable medical and economic burdens on society.Extracellular vesicles,serving as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery,exhibit excellent biocompatibility in vivo and have significant advantages in the management of ischemic stroke.However,the uncertain distribution and rapid clearance of extracellular vesicles impede their delivery efficiency.By utilizing membrane decoration or by encapsulating therapeutic cargo within extracellular vesicles,their delivery efficacy may be greatly improved.Furthermore,previous studies have indicated that microvesicles,a subset of large-sized extracellular vesicles,can transport mitochondria to neighboring cells,thereby aiding in the restoration of mitochondrial function post-ischemic stroke.Small extracellular vesicles have also demonstrated the capability to transfer mitochondrial components,such as proteins or deoxyribonucleic acid,or their sub-components,for extracellular vesicle-based ischemic stroke therapy.In this review,we undertake a comparative analysis of the isolation techniques employed for extracellular vesicles and present an overview of the current dominant extracellular vesicle modification methodologies.Given the complex facets of treating ischemic stroke,we also delineate various extracellular vesicle modification approaches which are suited to different facets of the treatment process.Moreover,given the burgeoning interest in mitochondrial delivery,we delved into the feasibility and existing research findings on the transportation of mitochondrial fractions or intact mitochondria through small extracellular vesicles and microvesicles to offer a fresh perspective on ischemic stroke therapy.
基金supported by MICIU(grant number PID2021-128133NB-100/AEI/FEDER10.13039/501100011033 to JMHG)by the National Institutes of Health(grant number R01 NS083858 to SAK)+1 种基金the Intramural Grants Program IGPP00057(to SAK)VIC enjoys a FPU contract from the Comunidad de Madrid(PIPF-2022/SAL-GL-25948)。
文摘The involvement of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate in ce rebral ischemia and excitotoxicity is well-documented.Nevertheless,the role of non-excitatory amino acids in brain damage following a stroke or brain trauma remains largely understudied.The release of amino acids by necrotic cells in the ischemic core may contribute to the expansion of the penumbra.Our findings indicated that the reversible loss of field excitato ry postsynaptic potentials caused by transient hypoxia became irreversible when exposed to a mixture of just four non-excitatory amino acids(L-alanine,glycine,L-glutamine,and L-serine)at their plasma concentrations.These amino acids induce swelling in the somas of neurons and astrocytes during hypoxia,along with permanent dendritic damage mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors prevented neuronal damage in the presence of these amino acids during hypoxia.It is likely that astroglial swelling caused by the accumulation of these amino acids via the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 exchanger and system N transporters activates volume-regulated anion channels,leading to the release of excitotoxins and subsequent neuronal damage through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation.Thus,previously unrecognized mechanisms involving non-excitatory amino acids may contribute to the progression and expansion of brain injury in neurological emergencies such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.Understanding these pathways co uld highlight new therapeutic targets to mitigate brain injury.
基金funding received from UNESCO-SIDA Project as well as Professor Martine Leermakers and Professor Willy Baeyens for their financial help to analyze the water samples in their laboratory at VUB.Acknowledgements
文摘Groundwater and surface water contamination by PTE(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Ruashi and Annexe municipalities of Lubumbashi city.Analyses of seventy water samples collected from six drilled wells,eight spade-sunk wells,one river and one spring in both municipalities in 2017 and 2018 were carried out by ICP-SF-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Sector Field Mass Spectrometry).Twenty PTEs including aluminum,arsenic,barium,bismuth,cadmium,cesium,chromium,cobalt,copper,iron,lead,manganese,molybdenum,nickel,strontium,thallium,tungsten,uranium,vanadium and zinc were detected at various concentrations in each one of the samples.Many samples had concentrations and mean concentrations of PTEs,such as aluminum,cadmium,copper,iron,lead,manganese,nickel and zinc,higher than the respective acceptable limits set for drinking water by the EU(European Union),the USEPA(United States Environmental Protection Agency),and the WHO(World Health Organization)standards.Most PTEs being deleterious to human health even at very low concentrations,people who use the groundwater and surface water to meet their water needs in both Ruashi and Annexe municipalities are at risk.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)supported this work under Grant No.32250410309,11674086,51736006,and 51772080funding from Science and Technology Department of Jiangsu Province under Grant No.BE2022029Shenzhen University under Grant No.86902/000248 also supported part of this work.
文摘The development of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells(LT-SOFCs)is of significant importance for realizing the widespread application of SOFCs.This has stimulated a substantial materials research effort in developing high oxide-ion conductivity in the electrolyte layer of SOFCs.In this context,for the first time,a dielectric material,CaCu_(3)Ti_(4)O_(12)(CCTO)is designed for LT-SOFCs electrolyte application in this study.Both individual CCTO and its heterostructure materials with a p-type Ni_(0.8)Co_(0.15)Al_(0.05)LiO_(2−δ)(NCAL)semiconductor are evaluated as alternative electrolytes in LT-SOFC at 450–550℃.The single cell with the individual CCTO electrolyte exhibits a power output of approximately 263 mW cm^(-2) and an open-circuit voltage(OCV)of 0.95 V at 550℃,while the cell with the CCTO–NCAL heterostructure electrolyte capably delivers an improved power output of approximately 605 mW cm^(-2) along with a higher OCV over 1.0 V,which indicates the introduction of high hole-conducting NCAL into the CCTO could enhance the cell performance rather than inducing any potential short-circuiting risk.It is found that these promising outcomes are due to the interplay of the dielectric material,its structure,and overall properties that led to improve electrochemical mechanism in CCTO–NCAL.Furthermore,density functional theory calculations provide the detailed information about the electronic and structural properties of the CCTO and NCAL and their heterostructure CCTO–NCAL.Our study thus provides a new approach for developing new advanced electrolytes for LT-SOFCs.
基金supported by Fundamental Research Projects of Yunnan Province,China(Nos.202101BE070001-009,202301AU070189).
文摘Mineral fulvic acid(MFA)was used as an eco-friendly pyrite depressant to recover chalcopyrite by flotation with the use of the butyl xanthate as a collector.Flotation experiments showed that MFA produced a stronger inhibition effect on pyrite than on chalcopyrite.The separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite was realized by introducing 150 mg/L MFA at a pulp pH of approximately 8.0.The copper grade,copper recovery,and separation efficiency were 28.03%,84.79%,and 71.66%,respectively.Surface adsorption tests,zeta potential determinations,and localized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests showed that more MFA adsorbed on pyrite than on chalcopyrite,which weakened the subsequent interactions between pyrite and the collector.Atomic force microscope imaging further confirmed the adsorption of MFA on pyrite,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that hydrophilic Fe-based species on the pyrite surfaces increased after exposure of pyrite to MFA,thereby decreasing the floatability of pyrite.
基金support from Yunnan Major Scientific and Technological Projects(No.202302AG050010)Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects(Nos.202101AW070011 and202101BE070001–015)+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52303295)Project Funds of“Xingdian Talent Support Program”.
文摘Improving and optimizing the target properties of ceramics via the high entropy strategy has attracted significant attention.Rare earth niobate is a potential thermal barrier coating(TBCs)material,but its poor high-temperature phase stability limits its further application.In this work,four sets of TBCs high-entropy ceramics,(Sm_(1/5)Dy_(1/5)Ho_(1/5)Er_(1/5)Yb_(1/5))(Nb_(1/2)Ta_(1/2))O_(4)(5NbTa),(Sm_(1/6)Dy_(1/6)Ho_(1/6)Er_(1/6)Yb_(1/6)Lu_(1/6))(Nb_(1/2)Ta_(1/2))O_(4)(6NbTa),(Sm_(1/7)Gd_(1/7)Dy_(1/7)Ho_(1/7)Er_(1/7)Yb_(1/7)Lu_(1/7))(Nb_(1/2)Ta_(1/2))O_(4)(7NbTa),(Sm_(1/8)Gd_(1/8)Dy_(1/8)Ho_(1/8)Er_(1/8)Tm_(1/8)Yb_(1/8)Lu_(1/8))(Nb_(1/2)Ta_(1/2))O_(4)(8NbTa)are synthesized using a solid-state reaction method at 1650℃for 6 h.Firstly,the X-ray diffractometer(XRD)patterns display that the samples are all single-phase solid solution structures(space group C 2/c).Differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)and the high-temperature XRD of 8NbTa cross-check that the addition of Ta element in 8HERN increases the phase transition temperature above 1400℃,which can be attributed to that the Ta/Nb co-doping at B site introduces the fluctuation of the bond strength of Ta-O and Nb-O.Secondly,compared to high-entropy rare-earth niobates,the introduction of Ta atoms at B site substantially reduce thermal conductivity(re-duced by 44%,800℃)with the seven components high entropy ceramic as an example.The low thermal conductivity means strong phonon scattering,which may originate from the softening acoustic mode and flattened phonon dispersion in 5–8 principal element high entropy rare earth niobium tantalates(5–8NbTa)revealed by the first-principles calculations.Thirdly,the Ta/Nb co-doping in 5–8NbTa systems can further optimize the insulation performance of oxygen ions.The oxygen-ion conductivity of 8NbTa(3.31×10^(−6)S cm^(−1),900℃)is about 5 times lower than that of 8HERN(15.8×10^(−6)S cm^(−1),900℃)because of the sluggish diffusion effect,providing better oxygen barrier capacity in 5–8NbTa systems to inhibit the overgrowth of the thermal growth oxide(TGO)of TBCs.In addition,influenced by lattice dis-tortion and solid solution strengthening,the samples possess higher hardness(7.51–8.15 GPa)and TECs(9.78×10^(−6)K−1^(-1)0.78×10^(−6)K^(−1),1500℃)than the single rare-earth niobates and tantalates.Based on their excellent overall properties,it is considered that 5–8NbTa can be used as auspicious TBCs.
基金supported by Yunnan Science and Technology Leading Talent Project(No.202305AB350005)。
文摘Tin is a critical metal for various industries,making its recovery from low-grade cassiterite ores crucial.This study aimed to optimize the flotation recovery of cassiterite using multi-component collector systems.Several collectors were initially selected through micro-flotation tests,leading to the identification of optimal proportions for a four-component collector system(SHA-OHA-SPA-DBIA in a 4:3:2:1 ratio).Molecular dynamics simulations and surface tension tests were used to investigate the micellar behavior of these collectors in aqueous solution.The adsorption characteristics were quantified using microcalorimetry,enabling the determination of collection entropy and changes in Gibbs free energy.The four-component collector system showed the highest entropy change and the most favorable Gibbs free energy,leading to a cassiterite recovery of above 90%at a concentration of 8.0×10^(5)mol/L.Various analytical techniques were employed to systematically characterize the adsorption mechanism.The findings revealed a positive correlation between the adsorption products formed by the multicomponent collectors on the cassiterite surface and the entropy changes.Industrial-scale testing of the high-entropy collector system produced a tin concentrate with an Sn grade of 6.17%and an Sn recovery of 82.43%,demonstrating its substantial potential for practical applications in cassiterite flotation.
基金supported by the Exchange Program of Highend Foreign Experts of Ministry of Science and Technology of People’s Republic of China(No.G2023041003L)the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education(No.23JK0367)+1 种基金the Scientific Research Startup Program for Introduced Talents of Shaanxi University of Technology(Nos.SLGRCQD2208,SLGRCQD2306,SLGRCQD2133)Contaminated Soil Remediation and Resource Utilization Innovation Team at Shaanxi University of Technology。
文摘As battery technology evolves and demand for efficient energy storage solutions,aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs)have garnered significant attention due to their safety and environmental benefits.However,the stability of cathode materials under high-voltage conditions remains a critical challenge in improving its energy density.This review systematically explores the failure mechanisms of high-voltage cathode materials in AZIBs,including hydrogen evolution reaction,phase transformation and dissolution phenomena.To address these challenges,we propose a range of advanced strategies aimed at improving the stability of cathode materials.These strategies include surface coating and doping techniques designed to fortify the surface properties and structure integrity of the cathode materials under high-voltage conditions.Additionally,we emphasize the importance of designing antioxidant electrolytes,with a focus on understanding and optimizing electrolyte decomposition mechanisms.The review also highlights the significance of modifying conductive agents and employing innovative separators to further enhance the stability of AZIBs.By integrating these cutting-edge approaches,this review anticipates substantial advancements in the stability of high-voltage cathode materials,paving the way for the broader application and development of AZIBs in energy storage.
基金the funding support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52304101 and 52004206)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2023MD734215)。
文摘Backfill is often employed in mining operations for ground support,with its positive impact on ground stability acknowledged in many underground mines.However,existing studies have predominantly focused only on the stress development within the backfill material,leaving the influence of stope backfilling on stress distribution in surrounding rock mass and ground stability largely unexplored.Therefore,this paper presents numerical models in FLAC3D to investigate,for the first time,the time-dependent stress redistribution around a vertical backfilled stope and its implications on ground stability,considering the creep of surrounding rock mass.Using the Soft Soil constitutive model,the compressibility of backfill under large pressure was captured.It is found that the creep deformation of rock mass exercises compression on backfill and results in a less void ratio and increased modulus for fill material.The compacted backfill conversely influenced the stress distribution and ground stability of rock mass which was a combined effect of wall creep and compressibility of backfill.With the increase of time or/and creep deformation,the minimum principal stress in the rocks surrounding the backfilled stope increased towards the pre-mining stress state,while the deviatoric stress reduces leading to an increased factor of safety and improved ground stability.This improvement effect of backfill on ground stability increased with the increase of mine depth and stope height,while it is also more pronounced for the narrow stope,the backfill with a smaller compression index,and the soft rocks with a smaller viscosity coefficient.Furthermore,the results emphasize the importance of minimizing empty time and backfilling extracted stope as soon as possible for ground control.Reduction of filling gap height enhances the local stability around the roof of stope.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52462032, 62274018, 52462031)Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province (202501AT070353, 202101BE070001-049)+2 种基金the Xinjiang Construction Corps Key Areas of Science and Technology Research Project (2023AB029)the Tianchi Talent Program of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (2024, Jiangzhao Chen)the Key Project of Chongqing Overseas Students Returning to China Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support Plan (cx2023006)。
文摘In recent years, the research advancements have high-lighted the critical role of the A-site cation in determining the optoelectronic and physicochemical properties of organicinorganic lead halide perovskites. Mixed-cation perovskites(MCPs) have been extensively used as absorber thin films in perovskite solar cells(PSCs), achieving high power conversion efficiencies(PCE) over 26%^([1, 2]).
