Crystal Research Articles

Preparation, Characterization, Hirshfeld surface, Reduced density gradient analysis and transformation of 2,4-dinitroanisole with different crystal forms

The 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) is the new liquid phase carrier used widely in the melt cast explosive. DNAN has two crystal forms and there is relatively little research on two crystal forms. In this article α-DNAN and β-DNAN are prepared by cooling crystallization methods with different cooling rates and subjected to HPLC, IR, DSC, morphology and x-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. The ΔHm of β-DNAN is 17.651 kJ·mol−1 and the ΔHm of α-DNAN is 20.758 kJ·mol−1. According to Hirshfeld surface analysis, β-DNAN has 15.3 % O∙∙∙O contacts and 54.5 % O∙∙∙H contacts, while α-DNAN has 10.6 % O∙∙∙O contacts and 61.8 % O∙∙∙H contacts. The enrichment ratios for all contacts of α-DNAN and β-DNAN are calculated. The total interaction energy from energy framework of β-DNAN and α-DNAN are -107.9 kJ·mol−1 and -201.2 kJ·mol−1. The red color representing steric repulsive interactions is the same and the green color representing van der Waals interactions is different according to RDG analysis of α-DNAN and β-DNAN. From above four perspectives, it been proven that α-DNAN is more batter thermal stability than β-DNAN. The solvent non-solvent method can achieve α-DNAN transformation into β-DNAN. The β-DNAN transformation into α-DNAN is studied at 313.15 K, 323.15 K and 333.15 K. Comparing the two crystal transformation processes, α-DNAN transformation into β-DNAN is difficult, while β-DNAN transformation into α-DNAN is easy to achieve. This indicate crystal stability of β-DNAN is poor, while crystal stability of α-DNAN is good.

Use of magnetic fields to impact glass-transition and crystallization during manufacturing of ZBLAN optical fibers

ZBLAN (ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF) is the most stable glass among the Heavy Metal Fluoride (HMF) family and has a wide range of applications in medical industry, telecommunication, IR transmission, among others. But, due to crystal formation while manufacturing of ZBLAN fiber its theoretical minimum loss has not been achieved yet. Some techniques such as high cooling rate and microgravity conditions have been utilized to reduce the crystal formation but are challenging to implement during manufacturing of these fibers. Alternatively, magnetic field (MF), also a body force like gravity, is expected to influence the crystal formation mechanism and glass kinetics. In this work, ZBLAN glass is processed under magnetic fields of various intensities while simulating fiber drawing manufacturing process conditions. Then, the processed ZBLAN is analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) at varying scanning rates. Various glass kinetics parameters such as activation energy, fragility, and preferred crystallization mechanism in terms of Avrami parameter (n) have been analyzed. The glass transition temperature (Tg) increases for a given sample as scanning rate (β) increases. Samples processed under varying magnetic fields, at the same scanning rate, displayed higher glass transition temperatures. Also, when the magnetic field increases, the activation energy required for glass transition decreases, and the fragility index (m) decreases. There is also a preference for surface crystallization over volume crystallization. These results encourage application of magnetic fields for reducing crystal formation while processing ZBLAN glass.

Impregnate Carbonation: CO2-Guided In Situ Growth of Robust Superhydrophobic Structures on Concrete Surfaces.

Superhydrophobic surfaces applying on concrete can greatly improve the durability of concrete by preventing the damage from water. However, traditional design of superhydrophobic concrete surfaces by external coating encounters to problems of flaking and poor surface robustness, while that by adding hydrophobic agents or particles faces the challenges of strength damage of concrete. Drawing inspiration from the carbonation phenomenon of concrete, here a new design of in situ growing superhydrophobic structures on concrete is proposed: The concrete sample is impregnated into Mg2+-containing silane-water system with continuous CO2 injection. The contact angle of the concrete surface achieves 171.9° without obvious strength decrease after 120 min, which are mainly attributed to the formation of CaxMg1-xCO3 crystals with micro-nano-structures and the reduction of carbonates surface energy by silane. This superhydrophobic concrete structure can be divided into a superhydrophobic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic three layers structure, providing the stable water-proof protection under mechanical fatigue, capillary water absorption, UV aging, sulfate attack, and impurity water impact tests due to the in situ growing robust superhydrophobic structures. Furthermore, it captures 29.80gm-2 CO2 during the reaction process, providing new insights for the design and preparation of eco-friendly superhydrophobic concrete.

Crystallization ripening and erosion of calcium oxalate under the effect of bacteria and a polymer materials surface.

As typical examples of pathological biomineralization, urinary stones and stent encrustation have been associated with bacteria, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effect of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus on the nucleation and growth of calcium oxalate crystals both in solution and on material surfaces in vitro was investigated. Both bacteria can promote calcium oxalate crystallization, and E. coli shows a prominent ability to boost the nucleation and growth rate. Interestingly, we discovered an Ostwald ripening phenomenon after the initial nucleation on the material surfaces, where larger particles emerge upon the disappearance of small nuclei particles, evident in the case of S. aureas. Over an extended period of time, erosion and disintegration of the crystals was observed when bacteria were involved. Based on these understandings, we developed a new functional surface by synthesizing an antibacterial polypeptoid in-house and utilizing polyurethane as the substrate material. This surface exhibits a synergistic effect that inhibits the formation of calcium oxalate crystals. This study helps to elucidate the role of bacteria in calcium oxalate biomineralization and supports further development of treatment approaches such as anti-encrustation polymer materials.

Bioguided isolation of anti-inflammatory and anti-urolithiatic active compounds from the decoction of Cissus gongylodes leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Cissus gongylodes has traditionally been used in the diet of indigenous people in Brazil and in traditional medicine for kidney stone removal and inflammatory diseases. The active compounds responsible for these pharmacological activities are unknown. Aim of the StudyThis study aims to isolate, for the first time, the compounds in the decoction of C. gongylodes leaves responsible for their anti-inflammatory and anti-urolithiatic ethnopharmacological properties. Materials and MethodsThe most active fractions of the C. gongylodes leaf decoction were fractionated using SPE-C18 and the compounds were purified through HPLC-UV-DAD. The decoction fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-urolithiatic activities. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using an ex vivo assay in human blood induced by LPS and calcium ionophore, measuring inflammatory mediators, PGE2 and LTB4. The anti-urolithiatic activity was evaluated using an in vitro experimental model with human urine to determine the dissolution of the most recurrent calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. Additionally, the decoction was chemically characterized through metabolomic analysis using UHPLC-ESI-HRMS. ResultsThe isolated compounds from the decoction of C. gongylodes, including rutin, eriodictyol 3’-O-glycoside, and isoquercetin, have demonstrated significant multi-target actions. These components act as anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting the release of main inflammatory mediators, PGE2 and LTB4. Additionally, they exhibit anti-urolithiatic properties, promoting the dissolution of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. Furthermore, the characterization of the decoction by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS revealed a high content of flavonoids, mainly glycosylated flavonoids. ConclusionsThe results support the traditional use of C. gongylodes decoction, identifying the compounds responsible for its anti-inflammatory and anti-urolithiatic effects. The decoction fractions and isolated compounds exhibited dual anti-inflammatory activity, effectively inhibiting key inflammatory pathways and potentially presenting fewer adverse effects while also promoting the dissolution of CaOx crystals associated with urolithiasis. The multi-target action displayed by C. gongylodes is particularly desirable in the treatment of urolithiasis, as inflammation and PGE2 production precede and contribute to the formation of CaOx crystals in the kidneys. Based on these actions, C. gongylodes emerges as a potent source of active compounds for the development of new treatments for urolithiasis.

Enhanced powder characteristics of succinic acid through crystallization techniques for food industry application

During crystallization, succinic acid, an important food additive, exhibit severe agglomeration behaviour, uneven crystal size distribution (CSD), and irregular crystal morphology, resulting in poor powder flow properties. This paper presents an innovative approach to optimize succinic acid crystallization through investigation of novel blade milling method, seeding, and inclusion of green additive, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). CTAB for crystal habit regulation and formation of desired cubic-like morphology. We employ Mask R-CNN, a deep learning-based image analysis tool to quantitatively assess crystal and powder flow properties. Results demonstrate that the inclusion of 0.5 wt% CTAB with two-stage cooling method yields uniform CSD ranging from 30 μm to 160 μm and improves powder properties, reducing the agglomeration degree by 46% and caking ratio to only 6.78%, indicating a decreased tendency for clumping. The integration of crystallization with the proposed deep learning framework not only improves succinic acid food functionality but also showcases highly efficient method for optimizing crystal properties, setting new standard for food crystallization processes. It has been adequately presented with real-time high-precision analysis of CSD, agglomeration, etc, facilitating rapid screening for optimized food quality improvements.

Influence of the pressure of compacted glass powders on the final structure of sintered glass-ceramics

In reported investigation we studied sintered glass-ceramics from a model diopside glass with moderate crystallization ability by in-situ optical dilatometeric experiments. The initial glass was ground and sieved below 75 μm. Then thus prepared powders were pressed with different pressures between 50 and 250 MPa. In this way were obtained samples out of pressed powders with different initial porosities determined with gas pycnometry. Then the samples were heat treated in a contactless horizontal optical dilatometer and their porosities were measured one more time. Both pressed green samples and synthesized glass-ceramics were analyzed further with X-Ray micro tomography.We observed that the densification of all samples completes in the same moment which corresponds to the formation of a critical percentage crystal phase. Notwithstanding the continuation of the crystallization process, we obtain materials with different percentage of residual porosity. Then no volume variation of the system is observed. This approach is well demonstrated by the first derivative of the shrinkage curves with time.After the end of the shrinkage of the system, the crystallization leads to the formation of crystallization induced porosity (called by us CIPs) observed here.

The Origin of Magnetofossil Coercivity Components: Constraints From Coupled Experimental Observations and Micromagnetic Calculations

AbstractBiogenic magnetite crystals produced by magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) and associated magnetofossils in sediments are characterized by variable morphologies, grain sizes, and chain structures. Magnetofossils are widely used in paleomagnetic and paleoenvironmental studies, but the complex magnetofossil shapes and particle arrangements significantly affect magnetic properties, hampering their magnetic detection and proxy interpretation. Here we perform coupled experimental and micromagnetic modeling analyses of typical magnetofossil‐rich sediments, where the effects of magnetofossil crystal forms and microstructures on magnetic properties can be quantitatively separated. Since the in situ magnetofossil chain structures in sediments remain poorly known, we compare results from magnetic measurements and micromagnetic simulations based on realistic magnetofossil shapes and grain size distributions. Our results suggest that bullet‐shaped magnetofossils certainly contribute to the biogenic hard (BH) coercivity component with a minor contribution from elongated prismatic particles, and collapsed equidimensional grains to the biogenic soft (BS) component. Micromagnetic simulations with different collapse models of bullet‐shaped magnetofossils produce variable FORC (first‐order reversal curve) central‐ridge contributions with similar coercivity distributions. Sensitivity test suggests that samples containing different forms of magnetofossils can produce the BH coercivity component if the proportion of the bullet‐shaped particles is more than ∼2%. Magnetofossil assemblages with a higher proportion of bullet‐shaped particles have higher coercivities, squareness ratios, and larger BH contents. Our data shed new light on understanding the origin of magnetofossil coercivity components and the in situ magnetofossil microstructures in sediments, which is widely useful for interpreting magnetofossil proxy signals in geological records.

Alloying effects on the reactivity of Pd are ensemble dominated

In this paper the geometric (“ensemble”) and electronic (“ligand”) effects of alloying on surface reactivity and catalysis are considered. The effect of alloying on the behaviour of Pd, both in single crystal form, and as a nanoparticulate catalyst is discussed. The first case concerns Pd alloyed with Cu, and here the reactivity with formic acid and ethanol is modified by the presence of Cu. However, both Cu and Pd maintain their elemental integrity for the reactions, and it is shown that the main alloying effect is one of dilution of Pd atoms, rather than by global electronic factors such as d-band shifting and filling. Similarly, when Pd is alloyed with Au, then the adsorption characteristics (sticking probability and uptake) for CO, O2, ethene and acetaldehyde are dominated by changes in the surface arrangement of the two atoms. Au mainly acts as an adsorption blocker, but to different degrees depending upon the nature of the adsorbing molecule and its demand for particular ensemble sizes. Finally, nanoparticulate Pd is considered, and the effect of alloying on high pressure methanol synthesis from CO2 and H2 is outlined. Pd on its own is not very selective, instead it mainly produces CO and methane. However, by supporting on oxides such as ZnO, Ga2O3 and In2O3 and by reducing in hydrogen, the Pd forms alloys, which then results in high selectivity to methanol. Again, this is ascribed to the dilution of the Pd ensembles at the surface, which are the cause of methane production.

Crystal Form Affecting DC Conductivity of Polybutene and Its Copolymer Insulation

Crystal Form Affecting DC Conductivity of Polybutene and Its Copolymer Insulation

Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Performance of Bi2S3/Rice Husk-Based Activated Carbon Composites As Lithium Ion Battery Anodes

This study investigates the impact of hydrothermal duration on bismuth sulfide/activated carbon composites (Bi2S3/AC) by varying the duration to 8, 24, and 48 hours. The primary aim is to delineate the composite characteristics and electrochemical performance of Bi2S3/AC composites, aiming to produce anodes for lithium-ion batteries with high capacity, excellent cyclic stability, and minimal volume expansion. Activated carbon derived from rice husks was synthesized via a carbonization process and chemical activation using H3PO4 as an activator. Subsequently, the synthesis of Bi2S3/AC composites used bismuth nitrate pentahydrate and thiourea precursors through the hydrothermal method that involved three variations of hydrothermal duration: 8, 24, and 48 hours, denoted as BC8, BC24, and BC48, respectively. The FTIR test indicates the presence of Bi-S, C=C, and C-O groups in the three composite products, signifying the existence of bismuth sulfide and activated carbon. The XRD result reveals orthorhombic crystal forms in the composites, while the SEM-EDX mapping illustrates particle morphologies resembling flower-like shapes. These compositions comprise Bi 74.16%, S 11.37%, and C 10.43%. The GSA test suggests a mesoporous pore size in these composites. In final result, BC24 exhibits the highest electrical and ionic conductivity, measuring 2.12 × 10−3 S.cm−1 and 2.057 × 10−4 S.cm−1, respectively. The CV data of the BC24 composite indicates two reduction and oxidation peaks in the first cycle. Charge-discharge test on the BC24 composite exhibits a specific charge capacity of 445.51 mAh/g and a discharge capacity of 364.24 mAh/g.

Effects of interesterification with solid base catalyst on physicochemical properties of lard and high-oleic sunflower oil blends

Interesterified blends of lard (LA) and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) were prepared by using a self-synthesized solid base catalyst (K2CO3/GCN). The effect of interesterification on the physicochemical properties of blends was investigated by analyzing the triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, slip melting point (SMP), solid fat content (SFC), thermal properties, crystal polymorphism, and micromorphology. The results proved that interesterification significantly modified the physicochemical properties of the blends. The interesterified products had lower SMPs and steeper SFC curves than the individuals. The interesterified product (CIE-5:5) had the widest plastic range (5.7-18.6°C), and its increase rate of OPO and OPL total content was up to 38%. The differential scanning calorimetry melting and cooling thermograms showed an obvious change after interesterification. These changes were mostly due to the alternations in TAG compositions. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction results indicated that the crystal form of blends transformed from β′ to β-form after interesterification. Because of the transformation of crystal polymorphism, the micromorphology of interesterified blends differed greatly from the physical blends at the same ratio. The changes in crystal morphology are beneficial for the application of LA-HOSO blends. This work provides an alternative option for extending the use of native lard and high-oleic sunflower oil.

Relevance of Bacteria in Causing Rain and Snow.

The Earth's climate is influenced by both natural phenomena (solar fluctuations, oceanic patterns, volcanic eruptions, and tectonic movements) and human activities (deforestation, CO and CO2 emissions, and desertification), all of which contribute to ongoing climate change and the resulting global warming. However, human actions are a major factor in exacerbating global warming and amplifying its adverse impacts worldwide. . With rising temperatures, water evaporation from water bodies and soils intensifies, leading to heightened water scarcity, particularly in drought-prone regions. This scarcity compounds rainfall deficits, posing significant challenges. Precipitation, essential for the biosphere's hydrological cycle, replenishes much of the world's freshwater. It occurs when condensed water vapor in the atmosphere falls back to Earth as rain, drizzle, sleet, graupel, hail, or snow due to gravity. Literature highlights the indispensable role of bacterial populations in this process, termed bio-precipitation. This phenomenon begins with bacterial colonization on plant surfaces, with colonies subsequently dispersed into the atmosphere by winds, triggering ice crystal formation. Through their ice nucleating property, these bacteria facilitate the growth of larger ice crystals, which eventually melt and precipitate as rain or snow. This mechanism aids in nutrient transfer from clouds to soil or vegetation. Pseudomonas syringae stands out as the most notable microorganism exhibiting this ice-nucleation property, serving as the primary source of ice nucleators driving bio-precipitation. Despite limited literature on "rain and snow-causing bacteria," this review comprehensively explores the conceptual background of bio-precipitation, the involved bioprocesses, and the critical role of bacteria like P. syringae, offering insights into future research directions.

X-Band Radar and Surface-Based Observations of Cold-Season Precipitation in Western Colorado’s Complex Terrain

Abstract Hydrologic processes associated with intermountain cold-season precipitation in the Upper Colorado River basin have important impacts on avalanche forecasting and water resource management. However, traditional weather radar networks struggle with observations in this complex terrain. Data collected during the Study of Precipitation, the Lower Atmosphere, and the Surface for Hydrometeorology (SPLASH) and its sister campaign, Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory (SAIL) in the East River watershed of western Colorado, are used to examine a multistorm period from 23 December 2021 to 1 January 2022 that contributed 35% of the total winter precipitation in this watershed. Dual-polarization X-band radar and disdrometer measurements show ∼30-mm differences in precipitation amount at two sites in proximity over four distinct storm events within the period. Wind patterns, synoptic forcings, microphysical characteristics of precipitation, and surface meteorology are analyzed to explain the observed spatial variability of cold-season precipitation in complex mountainous terrain. Analysis shows that differences over time within this event are mainly accounted for by synoptic forcings, such as frontal passages; differences between sites are accounted for by the impact of variations in local wind patterns on precipitation microphysics. Patterns of surface precipitation intensity are compared and found to be correlated with X-band radar signatures; a relationship between a strong dendritic growth stage and intense low-density surface precipitation is reinforced by this study. This relationship demonstrates the importance of particle growth mechanisms on surface snowfall patterns in high-altitude complex terrain, underscoring the importance of realistic microphysical parameterizations. Significance Statement The amount and density of snowpack from western Colorado winter storms have significant impacts on water resources in the Upper Colorado River basin. Snowpack characteristics are affected by small-scale differences in how snow forms in the atmosphere. These differences are hard to study in the complex terrain of the Rockies, but data from the SPLASH and SAIL field campaigns allows us to investigate how snow crystal formation and mountain-driven wind patterns affect snow near the surface. Our study finds that snow crystal growth varies over small space and time scales and is likely controlled by the terrain beneath a given location and resultant local wind patterns. These results imply that predicting snowpack in the Rockies requires properly representing local wind patterns and crystal growth processes in models.

Methodological approaches in vitrification: Enhancing viability of bovine oocytes and invitro-produced embryos.

Cryopreservation of bovine oocytes and embryos is essential for long-term preservation and widespread distribution of genetic material, particularly in bovine invitro embryo production, which has witnessed substantial growth in the past decade due to advancements in reproductive biotechnologies. Among current cryopreservation methods, vitrification has emerged as the preferred cryopreservation technique over slow freezing for preserving oocytes and invitro-produced (IVP) embryos, as it effectively addresses membrane chilling injury and ice crystal formation. Nonetheless, challenges remain and a simple and robust vitrification protocol that guarantees the efficiency and viability after warming has not yet been developed. Furthermore, although slow cooling can easily be adapted for direct transfer, an easier and more practical vitrification protocol for IVP embryos is required to allow the transfer of IVP embryos on farms using in-straw dilution. In addition, the susceptibility of bovine oocytes and embryos to cryoinjuries highlights the need for novel strategies to improve their cryotolerance. This manuscript examines various methodological approaches for increasing the viability of bovine oocytes and IVP embryos during vitrification. Strategies such as modifying lipid content or mitigating oxidative damage have shown promise in improving cryotolerance. Additionally, mathematical modelling of oocyte and embryo membrane permeability has facilitated the rational design of cryopreservation protocols, optimizing the exposure time and concentration of cryoprotectants to reduce cytotoxicity.

Modelling nematic liquid crystal in fractal dimensions

In this paper we present a fractal Berreman's model which account for azimuthal surface anchoring of nematic liquid crystals which play a leading role nowadays in biomedical field and pharmaceutical controlled release dosage forms. The model is based on the concept of "product-like fractal measure" in anisotropic media which permits to describe liquid crystals formation in terms of fractal dimensions. It was observed that fractal dimensions affect both the polar azimuthal angle and the Franck excess elastic energy density of the distortion. For fractal dimensions close to unity, our analysis reveals the emergence of fluctuations and large deformations in the dynamical variables of the theory which suggest the presence of non-linear elastic instabilities or emergence of defect structures in liquid crystals. These fluctuations fade away for fractal dimensions much less than unity. We have evaluated the elastic energy per unit of area which is found to depend on the square of the fractal dimension. This leads to a decrease of the saturation voltage which is necessary to reduce the elastic energy of liquid crystals films in order to minimize the elastic energy. This reduction may describe nematic liquid crystals free from deformations, singularities or weak anchoring surfaces.

Piper attenuatum leaves extract reduced renal crystallization formation in urolithiasis might be due to probable interaction with uromodulin protein: An evidence based in vivo and in silico studies

Urolithiasis can cause excruciating pain and hardly managed by allopathic medicine without surgery. Recently, many of research on validation of traditional medicinal plants provided a hope for management of urolithiasis. In this context, we have found a gap between traditional claims and scientific validation on use of Piper attenuatum (P. attenuatum) towards mangement of renal caliculi. Therefore, present study was planned to determine anti-urolithiatic efficacy of ethanol extract of P. attenuatum (EEPA) leaves on ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis on male Wistar rats. Further, study pertaining to phytochemical analysis followed by molecular docking of selected bioactive phytochemicals of P. attenuatum against human uromodulin (a key potential biomarkers relevant for renal function and chronic kidney disease including urolithiasis) protein. As a result, EEPA (400 mg/kg/bw) was found to significantly improves various urinary (volume: 7.19 ± 0.11 ml/24 hr; calcium: 6.15 ± 0.51 mg/dl; phosphate: 7.83 ± 0.56 mg/dl and oxalate: 1.78 ± 0.03 mg/dl) and serum parameters (creatinine: 1.85 ± 0.04 mg/dl; uric acid: 1.65 ± 0.08 mg/dl and blood urea nitrogen or BUN: 32.20 ± 1.41 mg/dl), when compared with negative control group followed by reverse in changes as an evidence of histological studies. Additionally, molecular docking studies revealed higher binding affinity to some selected phytoconstituents against human uromodulin enzyme. It was further concluded that EEPA leaves exhibits significant antiurolithiatic activity due to presence of aristolactam A II, cepharadione A and B, piperolactam A, norcepharadione B and pipoxide chlorohydrin via strong binding efficiency with uromodulin protein.

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia: to treat or not a threat? A clinical and evidence-based approach to the management of hyperuricemia in the context of cardiovascular diseases.

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is defined by serum uric acid levels above 6.2 mg/dl in women and 7 mg/dl in men. In the presence of monosodium urate crystal formation and articular inflammation, hyperuricemia may become symptomatic (namely nephrolithiasis and gout). Uric acid results from purine catabolism and is at the centre of a complex metabolic interplay that involves oxidative stress, inflammation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and insulin resistance. Uric acid levels present a continuous relation with conditions like hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are reported to have an impact on risk of cardiovascular events. However, whether elevated uric acid is a causal agent and thus a possible therapeutic target is still uncertain and matter of further investigation. Treating symptomatic hyperuricemia involves lowering uric acid drugs and controlling inflammation. Urate-lowering agents are well tolerated but show minimal impact on cardiovascular events in patients with gout. Use of direct-acting urate-lowering agents in asymptomatic hyperuricemia associated with cardiovascular diseases does not warrant a clear benefit, whereas addressing cardiovascular issues with guideline-recommended therapies lowers uric acid and reduces the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Regular assessment of uric acid and clinical symptoms is advised before starting and renewing a urate-lowering treatment.

A Simulation-Based Optimization of Heat Pump Air Circulation Evaporating Separation System for Saline Wastewater Treatment

Recycling salt and water from saline wastewater is crucial for environmental preservation, resource conservation, and social economy sustainability. The heat pump air circulation evaporating separation (HP-ACES) system for saline wastewater treatment is proposed. Nevertheless, it is discovered that the system evaporation efficiency (SEE) is low and solid crystalline salt does not precipitate during the experiment. Therefore, an established and validated mathematical model of the HP-ACES system is provided and the average relative errors of the system evaporation rate (SER) and SEE are 5.3% and 7%, respectively. The theoretical analysis of the non-optimized system indicates that the main cause of the low SEE of the HP-ACES system during the test is incorrect cooling water flow. Hence, the system optimization scheme is presented and the comparison of the HP-ACES system’s performances before and after optimization is conducted. Results demonstrate that the SEE of the optimized HP-ACES system has been greatly improved (optimized system: 0.62 to 2.46 kg/kWh, non-optimized system: 0.77-0.91 kg/kWh). Additionally, there is almost no change in the yield and composition of the solid crystalline salt when the inlet air temperature of spray separation tower is above 90 °C.

Controlled growth of ruthenium dioxide nanostructures in borosilicate glass melts

Ruthenium, a fission product generated during the fission of uranium oxide fuel in a reactor, interacts with alkali metals such as sodium in the upper layer of the cold cap, forming a sodium ruthenate intermediate (NaxRuyOz), which promotes the crystallization of acicular RuO2 within the glass melt. During vitrification, RuO2 predominantly settles at the bottom of the melt owing to its high density and low solubility, significantly increasing both the conductivity and viscosity of the glass melt. Herein, the formation of NaxRuyOz, along with the chemical reactions promoting the crystallization of RuO2 in the waste glass, was comprehensively investigated. The results of X-ray diffraction and X-ray spectroscopy indicate that lamellar and granular Na3RuO4 do not form directly through the reaction between NaNO3 and RuO2 but rather through an intermediate stage from Na2RuO4. This reaction critically affects the morphology of RuO2 within the waste glass. The uncalcined mixture of NaNO3 and RuO2 was found to interact with the glass melt, forming granular RuO2 crystals, whereas the reaction of Na3RuO4 with the glass melt was found to lead to the formation of acicular RuO2 crystals. The results of X-ray absorption fine structure analysis indicate that the valence state of Ru in NaRu-BSG is slightly higher than that in reference RuO2, which was attributed to the presence of trace amounts of Na3RuO4 in the glass.