Fluorescence Analysis Research Articles

Hierarchical organization and skilled workforces for constructing the Tartessic earthen building at Casas del Turuñuelo (Guareña, Spain)

This article presents the results of the geoarchaeological study of earthen building materials used in a Tartessic public building at Casas del Turuñuelo. The construction dates back to the fifth century BCE and is one of the monumental buildings of Tartessic culture, characterized by its complex architecture, prestige goods, and intentional destruction after a feast and animal sacrifice. We applied an integrated methodology combining macro and micro approaches to investigate earthen construction processes, such as techniques, labour organization, workers’ specialization, and environmental exploitation. The sample mainly consists of mudbricks, but we also include other forms of earthen materials such as mud plasters, mud mortars, and geological soils for comparison. In total, 64 samples from different building parts were studied through X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, thin-section petrography, and CHN analyses. The results reveal that the workforce involved in the construction process used different resources and presented different skill levels, but was centrally planned and organized. This study reflects on the communities’ knowledge of the environment, the logistic effort and technical skill employed in the building process, and the existence of strong political structures capable of managing the erection of the complex Tartessic buildings.

Ore Characteristics and Distribution Based on Geological and Geophysical Features of the Tambang Sawah Low Sulfidation Epithermal Gold Prospect in Lebong District, Sumatra Island, Indonesia

Sumatra is recognized as one of the Indonesian islands with a big potential for mineral deposits particularly along the belt known as Neogene Sumatra gold axis. However, the publication of the gold resources is still restricted as regional/district scale maps or limited in some locations and internal company reports, hence, a detailed study on deposit scale remains limited. This study aims to document the deposit geology, ore characteristics and geophysical features of the Tambang Sawah prospect at Lebong district, Sumatra Island. The study was done by geological mapping, sampling, and analyzing of selected samples by petrographic, ore microscopic, X-Ray Diffraction, micro X-Ray Fluorescence and various geochemical analyses to identify ore characteristics. The geophysical survey was carried out using geomagnetic and induced polarization. Ore mineralization is manifested by various alteration types such as argillic, propylitic, and silicification, which suffered andesitic breccia and granite host-rocks. Gold mineralization is in the form of quartz veins with typical opening space filling textures such as colloform, crustiform, cockade, moss, comb, and brecciated. The main sulfides consist of pyrite, chalcopyrite, covelite, sphalerite and galena. Gold commonly occurs as free grains. Highest grade gold of up to 21.3 ppm is associated with colloform and cockade-crustiform quartz veins. Geophysical surveys indicate that gold mineralization is associated with low geomagnetic anomaly areas. The 3D modelling of the IP survey reveals that the ore mineralization may occur at 75m depth. Two target areas located at the northeastern and southwestern portions are recommended for a follow-up detailed exploration based on the mapped ore geology, ore characteristics, and geophysical anomalies.

Analysis of Cobalt Distribution and Co-Ni Correlation in Nickel Laterite Zonation in Tropical Region

Cobalt is a key metallic element required in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries in the electric car industry, which has led to increased demand for cobalt globally. Cobalt is found associated with laterite nickel deposits but generally at lower levels. This study aims to analyze the distribution of cobalt in the laterite zone, determine cobalt-rich zones, determine cobalt-forming minerals in the limonite, saprolite and bedrock zones. As well as determining the average cobalt content in each nickel laterite zone, and determining the correlation between Co and Ni in the laterite zone. The research methodology was carried out by conducting petrographic analysis on bedrock samples to determine cobalt-forming minerals. Furthermore, X-Ray Diffraction analysis was carried out on limonite and saprolite zone samples to determine the mineral content and cobalt-forming minerals. Furthermore, conduct X-Ray Fluorescence analysis at 12 drill points to determine the percentage of cobalt elements in each laterite zone. Based on the research results, it is known that the distribution of cobalt at 12 drill points has levels in the limonite zone ranging from 0.05-0.12% Co, saprolite zone 0.02-0.05% Co, and the bedrock zone ranges from 0.01-0.04% Co. So it can be concluded that the highest cobalt distribution is in the limonite zone and the average cobalt content in the limonite zone is 0.082%; saprolite zone is 0.029%; and bedrock zone is 0.02%. The mineral identified as the cobalt-forming mineral in the bedrock samples in the study area is the mineral antigorite. The Co-Ni correlation coefficient values range from 0.01 to 0.22.

The effect of autochthonous metal ions and humic substances on landfill leachate ozonation: Reactive oxygen species and 3D fluorescence analysis

This study investigated the ozonation process for landfill leachate treatment, focusing on the impact of autochthonous metal ions (Fe3+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Mg2+) and humic substances on the degradation of pollutants. Our findings revealed that the presence of these metal ions significantly enhanced the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH), especially for Fe3+, demonstrating the highest catalytic activity. However, the humic substance attenuated the signals of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly the superoxide radical (O2−) in the presence of Cu2+ and Mn2+. These suggested that metal ions could complex with humic substances and further inhibit ROS production. Despite this inhibition, Fe3+ maintained its ROS-generating capacity even in the presence of humic substances, indicating its potential as a robust catalyst in landfill leachate. Batch tests further demonstrated that Fe3+ had the most positive effect on the degradation of sodium humate, as evidenced by a significant reduction in fluorescence regional integration (FRI) values. An integrated membrane bioreactor (MBR) and ozonation system were conducted, which firstly processed activated sludge treatment in the MBR and then pumped into the ozonation system via a peristaltic pump. After ozonation, the leachate overflowed back into the MBR for further treatment, creating a closed-loop system. It was observed that there was a significant reduction in humic substances, with a decrease of 96.31% in the FRI. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) results corroborated these findings, which indicated a marked reduction in the abundance of humic-like substances C-BO-1 and C-BO-4 during the 17 days treatment period. This study revealed the pivotal role of microorganisms, ROS, metal ions, and humic substances in the treatment of landfill leachate. The metal ions presented in the leachate were confirmed to produce ROS during the ozonation process. However, a significant quantity of humic-like substances reduced the reactive ROS through complexation and consumption reactions. Simultaneously, microorganisms in the MBR system consumed humic substances such as C-BO-1 and C-BO-4, which promoted the degradation of contaminants in the landfill leachate. These insights provided implications for optimizing ozonation processes in leachate management, potentially leading to more efficient and environmentally sustainable waste disposal practices.

Inorganics and Printing Image Analysis by Micro X-ray Fluorescence Analysis in Base Paper and Printed Ink

Inorganics and Printing Image Analysis by Micro X-ray Fluorescence Analysis in Base Paper and Printed Ink

Virtual screening reveals fluorescent probes for detecting Pan-Zinc center activity in serum MMPs: A potential biomarker for early tumor screening

Early tumor screening is pivotal for enhancing tumor treatment efficacy and patient survival rates, yet identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection remains a challenge. Previous studies have explored different isoforms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in serum for their predictive value in tumor, but their results have been inconsistent. Herein, we introduce a novel fluorescent probe, C9 (N-oxide-8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid), designed to specifically label the pan zinc center activity of MMPs (PZCA-MMPs), which in a sense represents the overall MMPs activity in serum. The rational design of fluorescent probe C9 is based on its ability to bind the zinc ions in the structure of MMPs, facilitated by the oxides on hydroxyl (–OH) and nitro oxide (N→O) groups present in C9, as supported by theoretical calculations such as Gaussian and Schrödinger. Experimental validation confirmed its efficacy for detecting PZCA-MMPs in vitro and for fluorescence imaging of MMPs’ zinc ions in cellular contexts, validated through absolute integrated fluorescence intensity measurements at 510 nm. We also demonstrated through in vitro fluorescent analysis that neither metal ions nor abundant serum proteins such as albumin (BSA) and other metalloproteins interfere with the signal response of C9. Notably, in comparative analysis of serum samples from healthy controls and breast tumor patients, PZCA-MMPs showed a highly discriminatory area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.9377, surpassing established tumor biomarkers such as CA125, CA15-3, CA19-9, and CA72-4. In particular, for tumor patients, PZCA-MMPs can effectively distinguish between metastatic and non-metastatic patients (*P<0.05). Therefore, this provides a potential alternative biomarker for tumor screening. Future studies aim to further elucidate the clinical utility of PZCA-MMPs using a broader spectrum of clinical samples.

Seasonal natural organic matter removal and implications for disinfection by-product formation at the Koka water treatment plant: Upper Awash, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the seasonal performance of the Koka water treatment plant in removing natural organic matter (NOM) and the implications for disinfection by-product (DBP) formation potential. Raw and treated water samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons and analyzed using physicochemical parameters and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results revealed significant seasonal variations in raw water (RW) quality, with higher turbidity, pH, temperature, conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and UV254 absorbance during both seasons and across treatment processes. The NOM removal efficiency of the treatment plant was poor, with mean TOC removal of 46 and 43% and DOC removal of 15.8 and 15.2% during dry and wet seasons, respectively. The sedimentation unit demonstrated negative TOC removal, indicating NOM accumulation likely due to biochemical reactions in the unit. Fluorescence analysis and the correlation between specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) and DBP formation potential suggest a higher risk of DBP formation in chlorinated drinking water. These findings highlight the influence of seasonal variations, RW quality, and the treatment process dynamics on the plant's performance in removing NOM. There is a need to implement adaptable strategies to enhance NOM removal, accounting for seasonal fluctuations in RW quality.

A fluorescently-doped thermoplastic polymer as a proof-of-principle device for the detection and capture of H2S and its HS− anion

Mono and dinuclear Zn(salen-type) complexes 1 and 2 are presented as efficient sensing and adsorption materials for HS-. The addition of HS− provokes colorimetric and fluorometric changes, useful for optical absorption and fluorescence analyses. Moreover, the limit of detection for HS− for both complexes falls in the sub-micromolar range of concentration. The adsorption/desorption process of HS- nanoporous crystalline sulfonated polyphenyleneoxide (NC-sPPO) films doped with Zn(salen-type) complexes and an interesting recycling-potential of this system in the detection of hydrogen sulfide, even over time, was proven. The presented results provide proof-of-principle that a fluorescent complex immobilized in a suitable thermoplastic polymer could be the right material to use in a HS- measuring device that might lead to new developments in the field of optical sensing.

Eco-friendly synthesis and antibacterial potential of chitosan crosslinked-EDTA silver nanocomposite (CCESN)

This study presents a novel and eco-friendly approach for synthesizing silver nanocomposite at room temperature. The method utilizes chitosan derived from snail (Archachatina marginata) shell waste crosslinked with EDTA as a combined reducing and capping agent. The existence of silver nanoparticles in the composite was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TEM, SEM, XRD, and analyses revealed that the silver nanoparticle has a face-centered cubic structure with an average size of 45.30 nm respectively. EDX and EDXRF showed characteristic silver peaks confirming the formation of silver nanoparticles in the composite while TGA indicated that silver nanoparticles contributed to good thermal stability of the composite. The formation of silver nanoparticles was indicated by a brown color transformation and an ultraviolet visible (UV Vis) absorption peak at 435 nm. The synthesized nanocomposite demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus saprophyticus DSM 18669 and Escherichia coli O157 strains, with S. saprophyticus showing higher susceptibility. This highlights the potential of chitosan-EDTA silver nanocomposites as alternative antimicrobial agents.

Investigation of the expression of Cis P-tau and Pin1 proteins following air pollution induction in the brain tissue of C57BL/6 mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disease in which environmental factors play a role. Among environmental factors, air pollution is a vital issue in modern life. Despite extensive considerations, it remains uncertain how pollution mediates neurodegeneration in AD. Beta-amyloids and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins are the two main pathological markers that have been studied in AD so far. Tau protein is basically a phosphoprotein whose functions are controlled by phosphorylation. The function of tau protein is to be located on the surface of microtubules and stabilize them. Studies have shown that phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) exists in cis and trans conformations at Thr231, among which cis is highly neurotoxic. The Pin1 enzyme performs the conversion of cis to trans or vice versa. In this study, an experimental mouse model was designed to investigate the formation of cis p-tau by inducing air pollution. In this way, mice were randomly exposed to pollution at 2-week, 1-month, and 2-month intervals. We investigated the formation of phosphorylated cis tau form during air pollution on mouse brains using Western blots and immunofluorescence. The fluorescent imaging results and Western blotting analysis of mouse brains revealed a significant accumulation of cis p-tau in pollution-treated mice models compared to the healthy control mice. According to Western blot results, air pollution induction caused a significant decrease in Pin1 protein. The results clearly show that the tauopathy observed during air pollution is mediated through the formation of cis tau. Our findings unravel tauopathy mysteries upon pollution and would help find a possible therapeutic target to fight the devastating disorder caused by modern life.

Thermal, chemical and mechanical characterization of Azadirachta indica tree gum

This study focuses on the comprehensive thermal, chemical, and mechanical characterization of neem gum, a natural, colorless, tasteless polysaccharide obtained from Azadirachta indica tree’s trunk. The collection process of gum involves manual extraction from crude neem tree exudates, followed by thorough cleaning and homogenization with water. A portion of the resulting gum is then filtered, allowed to thicken, and naturally dried for subsequent mechanical testing. Various analytical techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine the thermal properties, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) to find the functional groups, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis (µ-XRF) to decide the elemental composition, microhardness, tensile, flexural, and compression tests to determine the mechanical properties, are employed in this study. The thermal and mechanical properties of neem gum have been relatively unexplored, and this highlights the novelty and importance of this research. The results are analyzed and compared with other natural tree gums. The pH of 5.07 shows that the gum is slightly acidic in nature, and the peaks obtained from thermal analysis demonstrate that it doesn’t have a melting point. The microhardness value, tensile strength, flexural strength, and compressive strength of neem gum are 238.64 MPa, 1.0155 MPa, 1.899 MPa, and 1.1023 MPa, respectively. This research provides valuable insights into the diverse characteristics and potential applications of neem gum in various fields. It is being used in the pharmaceutical industry. It can also be used as a cap for cutting tools, such as drill bits, after manufacturing, during transportation to protect their sharp edges from damage.

An Innovative Bio-Vehicle for Resveratrol and Tocopherol Based on Quinoa 11S Globulin-Nanocomplex Design and Characterization.

Nanocomplexes, which possess immense potential to function as nanovehicles, can link diverse ligand compounds. The objective of the present study was to design and characterize resveratrol (RSV)- and tocopherol (TOC)-loaded 11S quinoa seed protein nanocomplexes. Firstly, molecular docking was performed to describe the probable binding sites between protein and ligands, and binding energies of -5.6 and -6.2 kcal/mol were found for RSV and TOC, respectively. Isothermal titration calorimetry allowed us to obtain the thermodynamic parameters that described the molecular interactions between RSV or TOC with the protein, finding the complexation process to be exothermic and spontaneous. 11S globulin intrinsic fluorescence spectra showed quenching effects exerted by RSV and TOC, demonstrating protein-bioactive compound interactions. The application of Stern-Volmer, Scatchard, and Förster resonance energy transfer models confirmed static quenching and allowed us to obtain parameters that described the 11S-RSV and 11S-TOC complexation processes. RSV has a higher tendency to bind 11S globulin according to ITC and fluorescence analysis. Secondly, the protein aggregation induced by bioactive compound interactions was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy, with diameters <150 nm detected by both techniques. Finally, it was found that the antioxidant capacity of a single 11S globulin did not decrease; meanwhile, it was additive for 11S-RSV. These nanocomplexes could constitute a real platform for the design of nutraceutical products.

The fitness of pelargonium cuttings affects the relationship between the photochemical activity of the photosynthetic apparatus and rooting ability

Pelargoniums cultivated for ornamental purposes rely on efficient vegetative propagation. This study researched applicability of chlorophyll fluorescence for validating the physiological conditions of pelargonium cuttings. Results indicated a correlation between the chlorophyll fluorescence and rooting potential. The ET0/RC values were negatively correlated with the rooting efficiency between the varieties and the duration of cold storage. A negative correlation was observed between OJIP parameters, representing energy flow in thylakoids, and chlorophyll content in cuttings with lower nutritional status. The phenomenological energy fluxes for leaf cross-sections and the number of active PSII reaction centers in the not-excited state (RC/CS0) increase with raised chlorophyll concentration. This imply the influence of rooting ability on the demand for photoassimilates in pelargonium cuttings, which can be detected early on through chlorophyll fluorescence analysis but not chlorophyll content measurements. Chlorophyll fluorescence evaluation, along with specific OJIP test parameters such as the performance indices PIABS and PItotal, prove useful for predicting rooting efficiency in relation to the nutritional status of cuttings, suggesting the effects of cuttings cold storage and discerning varietal differences in rooting. This study establishes the pragmatic application of chlorophyll fluorescence assessment for elucidating the physiological intricacies of pelargonium cuttings and factors influencing rooting efficiency.

The transmembrane domain of the rice small protein OsS1Fa1 is responsible for subcellular localization and drought tolerance.

OsS1Fa1, a homologue of spinach S1Fa, is a small protein in rice that contains four distinct conserved motifs and participates in drought tolerance. However, the biological functions of these conserved motifs have not been characterized to date. Therefore, we investigated the roles of these conserved domains in the localization and cellular function of OsS1Fa1. We analysed the subcellular localization of OsS1Fa1 using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), following particle bombardment and bacterial infiltration. An E.coli in vivo reconstituted sumoylation assay was conducted to investigate sumoylation of OsS1Fa1. We characterized the function of the transmembrane domain of OsS1Fa1 in drought tolerance using transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Fluorescence analysis showed that OsS1Fa1 localized to the nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes. Mutation and cell fractionation analyses revealed that the membrane localization domain determined the subcellular localization of OsS1Fa1. The rice homologue OsS1Fa2 and Arabidopsis orthologs AtS1Fa1, AtS1Fa2, and AtS1Fa3 also exhibited similar localization patterns as OsS1Fa1. Sumoylation analysis demonstrated that OsS1Fa1 was conjugated with the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO). Transgenic analysis showed that overexpression of OsS1Fa1(TMm1), a mutant form of the transmembrane domain of OsS1Fa1, in Arabidopsis did not enhance drought stress tolerance, whereas OsS1Fa1 overexpression improved the drought tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis. Our data indicate that rice and Arabidopsis S1Fa1 proteins localize in the nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes, and that transmembrane domain determines subcellular localization and plays an important role in drought stress tolerance.

Exploring the effects of whey protein components on the interaction and stability of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside.

Anthocyanins are susceptible to degradation due to external factors. Despite the potential for improved anthocyanin stability with whey protein isolate (WPI), the specific effects of individual components within WPI on the stability of anthocyanins have yet to be studied extensively. This study investigated the interaction of WPI, β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lactoferrin (LF) with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), and also considered their effects on stability. Fluorescence analysis revealed static quenching effects between C3G and WPI, β-Lg, BSA, and LF. The binding constants were 1.923 × 103 L · mol⁻¹ for WPI, 24.55 × 103 L · mol⁻¹ for β-Lg, 57.25 × 103 L · mol⁻¹ for BSA, and 1.280 × 103 L · mol⁻¹ for LF. Hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic attraction were the predominant forces in the interactions between C3G and WPI and between C3G and BSA. Hydrophobic interaction was the main binding force in the interaction between C3G and β-Lg and between C3G and LF. The binding of C3G with WPI, β-Lg, BSA, and LF was driven by different thermodynamic parameters. Enthalpy changes (∆H) were -38.76 kJ · mol⁻¹ for WPI, -17.59 kJ · mol⁻¹ for β-Lg, -16.09 kJ · mol⁻¹ for BSA, and 39.50 kJ · mol⁻¹ for LF. Entropy changes (∆S) were -67.21 J · mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ for WPI, 3.72 J · mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ for β-Lg, 37.09 J · mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ for BSA, and 192.04 J · mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ for LF. The addition of C3G influenced the secondary structure of the proteins. The decrease in the α-helix content suggested a disruption and loosening of the hydrogen bond network structure. The presence of proteins enhanced the light stability and thermal stability (stability in the presence of light and heat) of C3G. In vitro simulated digestion experiments demonstrated that the addition of proteins led to a delayed degradation of C3G and to improved antioxidant capacity. The presence of WPI and its components enhanced the thermal stability, light stability, and oxidation stability of C3G. Preheated proteins exhibited a more pronounced effect than unheated proteins. These findings highlight the potential of preheating protein at appropriate temperatures to preserve C3G stability and bioactivity during food processing. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

CdS/g-C3N5 for heterogeneous catalytic degradation of hazardous pollutants

CdS, as an important photocatalytic degradation material, exhibits certain limitations. In our study, carbon nitride/cadmium sulfide (C3N5/CdS) nanocomposites were synthesized via an in-situ method, and the crystalline structure, composition, and morphology of the hybrid samples were evaluated using various techniques. The development of the Z-scheme heterojunction in the C3N5/CdS composite photocatalyst facilitated more effective separation of photogenerated charges, resulting in higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency. Under visible light irradiation at 425 nm, the composite with a 1:1 ratio exhibited the best degradation performance, achieving degradation rates of 93.8% for methyl orange solution and 96.8% for rhodamine B solution. Additionally, the introduction of C3N5 significantly reduced the photocorrosion of CdS. These experimental results were confirmed by fluorescence analysis, surface photovoltage (SPV) measurements, electrochemical tests, etc.

Investigating the oxidation behavior of Mg-Zn alloy: Effects of heating rates, gas flow, protective atmosphere, and alloy composition

Magnesium-zinc alloys offer promising lightweight properties but are prone to oxidation during high-temperature processing and usage. In this study, the oxidation behavior of Mg-Zn alloy was examined according to the inert gas type flow rate, heating rate and alloy amount. Initially, alloys were produced by adding zinc at weight percentages of 0.5%, 1.5%, and 2% using the casting method. The alloys were characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses, revealing the formation of dendritic Mg-Zn intermetallic within the alloy. The oxidation behavior of these alloys was examined via differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), considering factors such as heating rate, gas flow rate, type of protective atmosphere, and amount of alloying element. The results indicated that the onset temperature of oxidation decreased with increasing heating rate. The effect of gas flow rate varied depending on the heating rate and the type of gas. Under a nitrogen atmosphere, conditions with a heating rate of 20°C∙min‒1 and a gas flow rate of 5 cm3∙min‒1 resulted in the least oxidation. In an argon atmosphere, a gas flow rate of 5 cm3∙min‒1 was found to be sufficient to prevent oxidation. However, at a gas flow rate of 1 cm3∙min‒1, a heating rate of 20°C∙min‒1 was more effective in preventing oxidation. The alloying element (zinc) likely reduced oxidation, particularly at the 1.5% addition level, possibly due to the formation of intermetallic compounds.

Malachite green dye removal with aluminosilicate nanopowder from aluminum dross and silicomanganese slag

Malachite green is a persistent, bioaccumulative, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic dye that poses significant risks in water sources, making its removal from water a critical necessity. This study aims to fabricate a sorbent comprising amorphous aluminosilicate nanopowder utilizing silicomanganese slag (SMS) and secondary aluminum dross (SAD) waste materials to remediate dye-contaminated water. The silica and alumina components of the SMS and SAD were extracted as sodium silicate and sodium aluminate leachates, respectively, through an effective hydrometallurgical conversion process. An empirical formula of Al2O3·2.3SiO2 was deduced from the X-ray fluorescence analysis of the synthesized material. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern indicated the amorphous nature of the synthesized aluminosilicate, with no evidence of nanocrystals or ordered clusters observed via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on TEM micrographs, the aluminosilicate particles ranged in size from 20 to 80 nm. The synthesized aluminosilicate nanopowder was utilized to treat wastewater containing malachite green dye, demonstrating a remarkable dye removal efficiency of 97% after a 15-min contact time using 30 mg of adsorbent in a 30 mL dye solution at 200 rpm. The methodology proposed in this study could facilitate the production of amorphous aluminosilicate powder as a high-value product from industrial waste. Studies on its reusability demonstrated that it could remove over 90% of the dye after three cycles of use.

Capillary Flow-Based One-Minute Quantification of Amyloid Proteolysis.

Quantifying the formation and decomposition of amyloid is a crucial issue in the development of new drugs and therapies for treating amyloidosis. The current technologies for grasping amyloid formation and decomposition include fluorescence analysis using thioflavin-T, secondary structure analysis using circular dichroism, and image analysis using atomic force microscopy or transmission electron microscopy. These technologies typically require spectroscopic devices or expensive nanoscale imaging equipment and involve lengthy analysis, which limits the rapid screening of amyloid-degrading drugs. In this study, we introduce a technology for rapidly assessing amyloid decomposition using capillary flow-based paper (CFP). Amyloid solutions exhibit gel-like physical properties due to insoluble denatured polymers, resulting in a shorter flow distance on CFP compared to pure water. Experimental conditions were established to consistently control the flow distance based on a hen-egg-white lysozyme amyloid solution. It was confirmed that as amyloid is decomposed by trypsin, the flow distance increases on the CFP. Our method is highly useful for detecting changes in the gel properties of amyloid solutions within a minute, and we anticipate its use in the rapid, large-scale screening of anti-amyloid agents in the future.

Multivariate analysis and genome wide association mapping for chlorophyll fluorescence and grain number per panicle under high temperature stress in rice

Multivariate analysis and genome wide association mapping for chlorophyll fluorescence and grain number per panicle under high temperature stress in rice