Low Mineral Research Articles

Comparative study of visible-light active BiOI and N,Pd-TiO2 photocatalysts: Catalytic ozonation for dye degradation

The increasing demand for clean water requires the development of simple, cheap, and efficient catalysts systems for water pollution remediation. To develop cheap yet efficient hybrid advanced oxidation processes for degradation of organic pollutants in water requires their systematic comparison under similar conditions to make informed decisions of economically feasible and sustainable systems. Visible light active single BiOI and N, Pd co-doped TiO2 were investigated for photocatalytic ozonation (PCO) for methylene blue (MB) degradation. Metal and non-metal co-doping improved morphology, band structure and active sites on the surface of TiO2 to shift its light absorption into the visible region. The degradation of MB with BiOI PCO and N,Pd-TiO2 PCO was practically similar but showed improvement of the ozonation mineralization efficiency. However, mineralization of MB on BiOI PCO surpassed that of N,Pd-TiO2 PCO due to band structure that influenced generated free radicals during the PCO processes. BiOI PCO system progressed through the existence and involvement of strongly oxidizing and non-selective hydroxyl radicals towards enhanced mineralization of dye and intermediates while N,Pd-TiO2 PCO was steered by the superoxide radical that is selective and had lower mineralization efficiency of formed intermediates despite its high initial degradation efficacy. The work demonstrated cheap and efficient visible light active semiconductors like BiOI as potential candidates for application in photocatalytic ozonation for real applications with matching activities to that of co-doped UV active semiconductors like TiO2. This work advances the use of visible light active semiconductors towards PCO based processes for environmental pollution remediation.

Two styles of melt-peridotite interactions in the upper mantle revealed by mantle xenoliths from northeastern China

To better constrain the mechanisms of interactions between different types of melts and mantle peridotites in the upper mantle of the big mantle wedge, we studied petrology, mineral chemistry, and temperatures recorded by major element and rare earth element (REE) for mantle xenoliths from the Wangqing area in the eastern part of northeastern China, and compared these data with those for xenoliths from the adjacent Jiaohe and Shuangliao areas. The Wangqing xenoliths, including olivine clinopyroxenite, wehrlite, orthopyroxenite, and websterite, generally contain clinopyroxene that is surrounding or replacing olivine. Mineral compositions of the xenoliths from northeastern China vary along melt–peridotite reaction trends, where the Wangqing xenoliths have lower mineral Mg#’s (77–85 in olivine and 81–87 in clinopyroxene) than the Jiaohe and Shuangliao peridotite and pyroxenite xenoliths. In addition, clinopyroxenes in the Wangqing samples have moderately elevated rare earth element contents and (La/Yb)N and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7035–0.7046), within the range of those for clinopyroxenes in the Jiaohe and Shuangliao samples. The REE temperatures of the Wangqing samples (1024–1253 °C) are higher than those of the Jiaohe and Shuangliao samples (844–1120 °C). Based on the differences in mineral chemistry and temperature, we conclude that the Jiaohe and Shuangliao peridotites and pyroxenites were mainly derived from lithospheric mantle accreted from carbonated regions of the asthenosphere, whereas the Wangqing wehrlites and pyroxenites were formed by reaction of lithospheric mantle peridotites with hot carbonated silicate melts. These results provide evidence for two different types interactions between of carbonate-related melts and mantle peridotite, which are important for understanding the chemical evolution of the upper mantle in the big mantle wedge of northeastern Asia.

The Rogdi knockout mouse is a model for Kohlschütter–Tönz syndrome

Kohlschütter–Tönz syndrome (KTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability, early-onset epileptic seizures, and amelogenesis imperfecta. Here, we present a novel Rogdi mutant mouse deleting exons 6–11- a mutation found in KTS patients disabling ROGDI function. This Rogdi−/− mutant model recapitulates most KTS symptoms. Mutants displayed pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures, confirming epilepsy susceptibility. Spontaneous locomotion and circadian activity tests demonstrate Rogdi mutant hyperactivity mirroring patient spasticity. Object recognition impairment indicates memory deficits. Rogdi−/− mutant enamel was markedly less mature. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed its hypomineralized/hypomature crystallization, as well as its low mineral content. Transcriptomic RNA sequencing of postnatal day 5 lower incisors showed downregulated enamel matrix proteins Enam, Amelx, and Ambn. Enamel crystallization appears highly pH-dependent, cycling between an acidic and neutral pH during enamel maturation. Rogdi−/− teeth exhibit no signs of cyclic dental acidification. Additionally, expression changes in Wdr72, Slc9a3r2, and Atp6v0c were identified as potential contributors to these tooth acidification abnormalities. These proteins interact through the acidifying V-ATPase complex. Here, we present the Rogdi−/− mutant as a novel model to partially decipher KTS pathophysiology. Rogdi−/− mutant defects in acidification might explain the unusual combination of enamel and rare neurological disease symptoms.

Differences in the nutritional quality of improved finger millet genotypes in Ethiopia

Improved crop genotypes are constantly introduced. However, information on their nutritional quality is generally limited. The present study reports the proximate composition and the concentration and relative bioavailability of minerals of improved finger millets of different genotypes. Grains of finger millet genotypes (n = 15) grown in research station during 2019 and 2020 in Ethiopia, and replicated three times in a randomized complete block design, were analysed for proximate composition, mineral concentration (iron, zinc, calcium, selenium), and antinutritional factors (phytate, tannin and oxalate). Moreover, the antinutritional factors to mineral molar ratio method was used to estimate mineral bioavailability. The result shows a significant genotypic variation in protein, fat and fibre level, ranging from 10% to 14.6%, 1.0 to 3.8%, and 1.4 to 4.6%, respectively. Similarly, different finger millets genotypes had significantly different mineral concentrations ranging from 3762 ± 332 to 5893 ± 353 mg kg−1 for Ca, 19.9 ± 1.6 to 26.2 ± 2.7 mg kg−1 for Zn, 36.3 ± 4.6 to 52.9 ± 9.1 mg kg−1 for Fe and 36.6 ± 11 to 60.9 ± 22 µg kg−1 for Se. Phytate (308–360 µg g−1), tannin (0.15–0.51 mg g−1) and oxalate (1.26–4.41 mg g−1) concentrations were also influenced by genotype. Antinutritional factors to minerals molar ratio were also significantly different by genotypes but were below the threshold for low mineral bioavailability. Genotype significantly influenced mineral and antinutritional concentrations of finger millet grains. In addition, all finger millet genotypes possess good mineral bioavailability. Especially, the high Ca concentration in finger millet, compared to in other cereals, could play a vital role to combating Ca deficiency. The result suggests the different finger millet genotypes possess good nutrient content and may contribute to the nutrition security of the local people.

СОСТАВ И УСЛОВИЯ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ АЗОТНО-КРЕМНИСТЫХ ТЕРМ АМГИНСКОЙ ГРУППЫ (СЕВЕРО-ВОСТОК ПРИМОРСКОГО КРАЯ)

The article presents new data on the ionic, microcomponent and isotopic composition of thermal waters of the Amga group classified as sodium-bicarbonate waters characterized by low mineralization (up to 0.2 g/l), high contents of silica (up to 24 mg/l), lithium, tungsten and molybdenum, and pH = 8.5–9.7. The influence of neotectonics and Quaternary magmatism on the composition and conditions of formation of nitrogen-siliceous thermal waters is shown. Using δD and δ18O values in thermal and background waters, their atmogenic origin was proved, and the source area of mineral waters was identified. The calculated deep reservoir temperature of 77–81°С indicates the formation of resources in the crust at significant depths (as much as 2.5 km). The efficiency of using the multicomponent geothermometry method for low-temperature reservoirs is shown.

Relationship between coronary artery disease with dyslipidaemia and trace mineral intake: a cross-sectional analysis of the Shika study

Abstract Although the relationship between dyslipidaemia (DL) and coronary artery disease (CAD) or between trace minerals intake and CAD is well known separately, the exact nature of this relationship remains unknown. We hypothesize that the relationship between trace mineral intake and CAD may differ depending on whether or not the individual has DL. The present study analysed the relationships among trace mineral intake, DL, and CAD in middle-aged and older adults living in Shika town, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. This study included 895 residents following the exclusion of those with genetic risk carriers for familial hypercholesterolemia. Trace mineral intake was evaluated using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Interactions were observed between DL and CAD with zinc (p = 0.004), copper (p = 0.010), and manganese intake (p < 0.001) in a two-way analysis of covariance adjusted for covariates such as sex, age, body mass index, and current smokers and drinkers. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that zinc (odds ratio (OR): 0.752; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.606, 0.934; p = 0.010), copper (OR: 0.175; 95% CI: 0.042, 0.726; p = 0.016), and manganese (OR: 0.494; 95% CI: 0.291, 0.839; p = 0.009) were significant independent variables for CAD in the dyslipidaemic group. The present results suggest that DL with a low trace mineral intake is associated with CAD. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm this relationship.

The influence of nutritional habits, body mass index and intestinal microbiota in mastocytosis on clinical symptoms using conventional culture and next generation sequencing.

Mastocytosis is a rare neoplastic disease of the bone marrow associated with the proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in various internal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. There are few studies describing the gut microbiome of patients with mastocytosis using next generation sequencing supported using traditional culture methods. The aims of the study were, firstly, the determination of nutrition habits, composition of the intestinal microflora and BMI in mastocytosis, and secondly, analysis of mastocytosis severity and symptoms depending on the composition of the intestinal microflora. The study included 47 patients with indolent systemic mastocytosis and 18 healthy controls. All participants gave their informed consent to participate in the study. The study consisted of 3 parts: I-clinical assessment, II - examination of the intestinal microflora using the biochemical method, III - 16S rRNA sequencing. The nutrition habits and BMI of mastocytosis patients were similar to controls; however, most patients with mastocytosis had a low dietary vitamin and mineral content. As many as 94.5% of patients had too little fiber intake and mineral content. The most common cause of the abnormal stool test result with traditional culture was a titer of E. coli <106 . The low richness of microbiota species indicated by the Simpson index was observed in mastocytosis, p=0.04. There were no significant differences in the composition of the intestinal microflora depending on the type of mastocytosis; however, the tryptase level correlated with the amount of Suterella, Barnesiellaceae, Eubacterium, Odoribacter, and Anaerostipes. The nutritional habits and BMI of mastocytosis patients are similar to the general population, except for too little fiber intake and mineral content. The gastrointestinal symptoms of mastocytosis patients may be related to the low richness of microbiota species and the amount of Suterella, Barnesiellaceae, Eubacterium, Odoribacter, Anaerostipes, which correlated with tryptase levels.

Biomorphological traits and leaf dry matter content are important to plant persistence in a highly unstable volcanic ground

The colonisation of newly formed territories by plants during primary succession is a crucial stage in the formation of ecosystems. Adaptations of species to withstand harsh environment allow them to survive and form pioneer communities. We analysed ten categorical and quantitative plant traits to examine their role in plant resistance to substrate instability in primary volcanic habitats. The research questions were: 1) which plant traits enable plants to persist under the most unstable ground conditions?; 2) what are the ecological strategies of species that grow under the condition of stress, such as low mineral nutrition, coupled with intense disturbance, such as unstable ground? The research was conducted on the Tolbachinsky Dol plateau in Kamchatka, Russia, on loose volcanic sediments of the 1975 eruption. At altitudes ranging from 700 m a.s.l. to 1000 m a.s.l., 40 sample plots were established along the gradients of altitude and degrees of ground instability. The species composition of vascular plants and the percentage cover of species, as well as other habitat characteristics, were assessed. Linear models were used to investigate the relationship between traits and ground instability. The principal component analysis was used to identify groups of characteristic traits. Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) had the largest explained variance. The LDMC community weighted means decreased with increasing disturbance (ground instability). A whole set of categorical traits, i.e. plant functional types, characterised the adaptation of plants to unstable ground. These characteristics include life-form (according to Serebryakov classification), density of shoots arrangement, morphology of underground organs, and, to a lesser extent, dispersal mode. The study analysed 45 species, and it was found that only four of them were adapted to perform under conditions of high substrate instability. The study showed that the mutual interaction of a suite of biomorphological traits and leaf density characteristics formed a syndrome of pioneer species adapted to unstable ground. The ecological strategies of the majority of species in the studied communities were characterised by the predominance of the stress-tolerant strategy, explained by the extremely poor mineral nutrition in the primary habitats. Under conditions of both low nutrient availability and high disturbance intensity, species with a mixed stress-tolerant-ruderal strategy are favoured. In the gradient of increasing disturbance, the role of the ruderal axis increased while stress tolerance decreased. However, the role of ecological strategy may be weakened by the presence of other important adaptive traits.

Heavy minerals of the aeolian sediments in the East Slovak Basin (Western Carpathians) – Implications for their origin, transport process and sedimentary history

Aeolian sediments usually indicate glacial or periglacial arid-climate conditions, and knowledge of their sedimentary character and mineral composition can reveal the locality’s palaeo-environment and palaeo-geographic history. Reconstruction is provided by heavy-mineral surface micro-textural and geochemical analysis, and this detected the source area, source rocks and transport conditions for the Würmian wind-blown sands which form several dune types in the East Slovak Basin. The heavy-mineral morphology, surface micro-textures and low mineral maturity of the aeolian sediments preserve traces of past sub-aquatic environments and local aeolian transport. The heavy-mineral geochemistry suggests initial detrital derivation from local sources. This was formed by re-worked and re-mobilised Magura Nappe flysch sandstones in the Western Carpathians, with likely contribution of the Pieniny Klippen Belt flysch sediments indicated in sporadic pyrope-rich garnet. The associated detrital pyroxene and amphibole geochemistry denotes primary andesite source rocks which dominate lithology in the surrounding Neogene volcanic mountain chains. These are the Slanské vrchy, Vihorlatské vrchy and Zemplínske vrchy Mountains. The further occurrence of detrital hydrogrossular indicates derivation from contact-metamorphic zones associated with the volcanic rocks. Although different garnet types in the distinct dune profile zones may have resulted from heavy mineral re-sorting during active dune movement, they suggest sources changed by local wind directions. Orientation of basic linear features of the dunes derived from the digital terrain model indicates (paleo)wind generally from the north.

Mallomonas rimosa sp. nov. (Synurales, Chrysophyceae)—a rare tropical species from Vietnam

A new species, Mallomonas rimosa sp. nov., is described from Vietnam based on silica-scale morphology observed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Mallomonas rimosa belongs to section Torquatae and is most similar to M. eoa, M. prora, M. serrata, M. scrobiculata, M. pumilio var. dispersa, M. caverna, and M. lanalhuensis. The main distinctive features of scales of the newly described species are the shield ornamentation with small, circular, and evenly spaced pits and the single row of papillae on each side of the anterior flange. Mallomonas rimosa was found in water bodies with acidic conditions, low mineralization, and high temperature.

An unusual case of low concentration mineral brines in the geothermal waters from Beiuș Basin (Northwestern Romania)

The aim of the BrineRIS project is to explore brines in RIS countries potential for critical metal extraction In the frame of this project the concentration of mineral brines in three geothermal wells located in the Beiuș Basin (northwestern Romania) was determined by analyzing the water from the wells. Until recently no reliable trace element data were available from Beiuș basin. Following the new analyses, the geothermal water extracted by TRANSGEX SA company from wells F-3001H, F-3003H, and F-3005H revealed exceptionally low concentrations of associated chemical compounds. The Li-concentration is only ~ 22 – 32 µg/l. Zn, I, Rb and As present in similar concentrations, while other trace elements (e.g. Co, V, Ti) are below detection limit. The Sr (~ 540 – 680 µg/l), Ba (~ 170 – 200 µg/l) and B (~ 70 – 100 µg/l) concentrations are slightly elevated, but still low. Therefore, the water in this "geothermal reservoir" can be classified as relatively potable, but it is not appropriate for critical metal extraction. In this paper, some documented concentrations from previous years have been compared to recent concentrations. In addition, the relationship between geology and water chemistry is emphasized in order to determine the reason for the absence of solutes that were expected to be found in this water.

Structural analysis of global mineral governance system from the perspective of country

The uneven spatial distribution of mineral resources necessitates the construction of mature global mineral governance system to ensure rational allocation of mineral resources. To this end, it is essential to analyze the structure of the global mineral governance system to provide a theoretical basis for the construction. The governance actor is the crucial element in driving the governance process, and country serves as the most central actor. Therefore, clarifying the roles and statuses of different countries in the governance system will be helpful to analyze the structure of the governance system. In the context of advancing globalization, a complex cooperative relationship has been presented between countries based on international organizations. Thus, we establish a national cooperation network based on the principle of the co-existence of countries in international organizations, to quantify these relationships between countries and identify the role and status of different countries, as well as the country communities in the cooperation network, by combining the characteristics of the countries in the network with the actual performance in the organizations. The research findings are as follow: (1) The UK, Germany, France, Sweden, and Canada play pivotal roles in promoting international cooperation as well as leading governance in the governance system. (2) Emerging economies are more actively engaged in these organizations and can promote international cooperation, but lack the capacity to assume leadership roles in governance. (3) The U.S. and China have a stronger ability to lead than to cooperate in the governance system. (4) Most African and South American countries, as well as some European nations, are marginalized in the governance system. (5) Countries with the same needs and similar economic and political conditions belong to the same community: The European countries and the U.S., consumer with a high level of economic and political development but low mineral resource endowment are in the first community. Canada, Australia, and certain African and South American countries, producers with high mineral resource endowments are in the second community. Most African and South American countries with lower levels of economic and political development are in the third group.

Preparation of sucrose-derived activated carbon in one pot with desirable hierarchically porous structure for efficient dyes removal

Sugar is an excellent raw material for activated carbon preparation because of its wide availability, sustainability, and low mineral content. Herein, we developed an easy method for preparing sucrose-derived activated carbon (SAC) with desirable hierarchically porous structures by combining the foaming of molten sucrose, dual-templating (K2C2O4·H2O and CaCO3), and sequential etching by dual-templating activators at elevated temperatures. As an adsorbent, SAC–800 has a high specific surface (1594 m2/g), with rich both micro- and mesopores (microsurface vs external surface area is 812 and 782 m2/g). As a result of its desirable hierarchically porous structures, it adsorbs dyes fast and efficiently, attributed to the rich specific surface area that favors adsorption capability and pore size distribution that affects mass transport and adsorption speed. The adsorption for Rhodamine B and Congo Red is spontaneous and endothermic process. The adsorption capacities reach 357 and 780 mg/g for Rhodamine B and Congo Red, respectively, while the rate constants for adsorption (ka) and desorption (kd) for Rhodamine B are 4.23 × 10–3 L/(mg·min) and 0.12 L/min, and 1.02 × 10–3 L/(mg·min) and 5.6 × 10–3 L/min for Congo Red. With the easy preparation procedure and the desirable hierarchically porous structures, sucrose-derived activated carbons are promising candidates for potential practical applications.

Assessing temporal changes in the quantity and quality of shallow groundwater in the Biebrza valley in the 21st century

Wetlands play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle, controlling flood generation, dry season flows, and water quality. This emphasizes the part of the Biebrzański National Park in protecting naturally valuable habitats. Our research aimed to assess (quantitatively and qualitatively) the state of groundwater affecting the condition of wetlands. The analyses carried out in 2021 were compared with the results of hydrological and hydro-chemical mapping of the first groundwater level from 1998.Quaternary formations serve as the main groundwater reservoir in the Biebrza Valley. These formations consist of pore water located at shallow depths, usually ranging from 0.5 to 10.95 meters. Most often, the first aquifer occurred at 1–3 meters deep. No significant reduction was observed when comparing the current water table levels with data from 1998. More than half of the surveyed dug wells are used for economic purposes. The Biebrza River is an outflow for shallow groundwater, as the hydroizohypses system indicates.The shallow groundwater resources in the Biebrzański National Park include mainly low and medium mineralization waters. A significant increase in the concentration of nitrogen compounds (NH4+-N, NO2−-N, and NO3–N), phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon was recorded. This trend is evident in areas with intensive cattle breeding and is associated with excessive use of manure and slurry. The research confirmed the mosaic nature of the chemical composition observed in 1998 and the wide range of variability of the chemical properties of shallow groundwater.

The Role of Low Mineral Water Consumption in Reducing the Mineral Density of Bones and Teeth: A Narrative Review.

Low mineral water has gained increasing attention due to its potential health implications concerning bone mineral density (BMD) and dental health. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems to purify waterare in use extensively, and these systems, in addition to removingimpurities from water,also remove92-99% of beneficial minerals like calcium, lead, fluoride, magnesium, and iron. These mineralsare essential for maintaining optimalmineral density of teeth and bones, thereby preserving bone and teeth health. Most of these mineral components are physically larger than water molecules and are trapped by the semi-permeable membrane of RO filters when drinking water is filtered through it. The resultant water is of very poor mineral content, and studies have shown that this water, when consumed, can absorb minerals from the body and eliminate the same through urine. The combined synergistic effect of consumption of low mineral water along with minerals being excreted has been shown to cause demineralization of bones and teeth, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and dental caries. This review tries to address the ill effects of consuming low mineral water along with preventive strategies to overcome its much-concealed adverse effects.

Evidence supporting an evolutionary trade-off between material properties and architectural design in Anolis lizard long bones.

In biology, "many-to-one mapping" occurs when multiple morphological forms can meet a particular functional demand. Knowledge of this mapping is crucial for understanding how selection on performance shapes the evolution of morphological diversity. Past research has focused primarily on the potential for geometrically alternative morphological designs to produce equivalent performance outcomes. Here, we ask whether the material properties of biological tissues hold similar potential. Through a phylogenetic comparative study of Anolis lizards, we show that the architectural design and mineral density of the femur trade off in a many-to-one functional system, yielding a morphospace featuring parallel isolines in size-relative bending strength. Anole femur evolution has largely tracked a narrow band of strength isolines over phylogenetic timescales, suggesting that geometry and mineral content shape the course of macroevolution through compensatory effects on performance. Despite this conserved evolutionary relationship, insular and continental species evolve strong bones differently, likely reflecting underlying ecological differences. Mainland anoles, which exhibit fast-paced life histories, typically have femora with lower mineralization and thinner walls than island species, which exhibit the opposite strategy. Together, our results reveal an overlooked dimension in the relationship between form and function, expanding our understanding of how many-to-one mapping can shape patterns of phenotypic diversity.

Prospective life cycle assessment of sodium‐ion batteries made from abundant elements

AbstractBatteries are enablers for reducing fossil‐fuel dependency and climate‐change impacts. In this study, a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of large‐scale production of two different sodium‐ion battery (SIB) cells is performed with a cradle‐to‐gate system boundary. The SIB cells modeled have Prussian white cathodes and hard carbon anodes based only on abundant elements and thus constitute potentially preferable options to current lithium‐ion battery (LIB) cells from a mineral resource scarcity point of view. The functional unit was 1 kWh theoretical electricity storage capacity, and the specific energy density of the cells was 160 Wh/kg. Data for the cathode active material come from a large‐scale facility under construction and data for the SIB cell production is based on a large‐scale LIB cell gigafactory. For other SIB cell materials, prospective inventory data was obtained from a generic eight‐step procedure developed, which can be used by other LCA practitioners. The results show that both SIB cells indeed have considerably lower mineral resource scarcity impacts than nickel‐manganese‐cobalt (NMC)‐type LIB cells in a cradle‐to‐gate perspective, while their global warming impacts are on par. Main recommendations to SIB manufacturers are to source fossil‐free electricity for cell production and use hard carbon anodes based on lignin instead of phenolic resin. Additionally, since none of the assessed electrolytes had clearly lower cradle‐to‐gate impacts than any other, more research into SIB electrolyte materials with low environmental and resource impacts should be prioritized. An improvement of the SIB cell production model would be to obtain large‐scale production data specific to SIB cells.

Enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of low-cost core-shell structured microcrystalline graphite/Cu composites

In the past, microcrystalline graphite (MG) was mainly used for the preparation of carbon enhancers and flame retardant, and is a low value-added inorganic mineral. There are very few reports of MG being compounded with Cu to produce friction materials. Carbon coated microcrystalline graphite/Cu (Carbon@MG/Cu) composites were prepared by coating MG with phenolic resin and mixing it with Cu. The effect of the phenolic resin coating on the mechanical and tribological properties of the composites was investigated by comparison with pure Cu, microcrystalline graphite/Cu (MG/Cu). The hardness and flexural strength of pure Cu were 39.8 HV and 72.3 MPa, respectively. The protection of the amorphous carbon shells led to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of Carbon@MG/Cu, with hardness and flexural strengths of 72.3 HV and 103.8 MPa. The poor bonding between the MG and Cu severely affects its mechanical properties. Pure Cu has the highest wear rate (10.6 × 10−7(mm3/(N∙m)), while Carbon@MG/Cu has a stable coefficient of friction (0.19) and the lowest wear rate (4.3 × 10−7 (mm3/(N∙m)) compared to pure Cu and MG/Cu. We provide a method to prepare graphite/Cu composites with high mechanical and tribological properties based on low-cost MG, which helps to solve the problem of reuse of MG and increase its industrial added value.

The role of endomembrane homeostasis in vascular calcification

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality, with cardiovascular calcification as a prominent predictor and contributor. Microcalcifications in thin fibrous caps of atherosclerotic plaques create biomechanical instability, leading to plaque vulnerability. Recent work indicated that cellular-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are pivotal for microcalcification nucleation. EVs can originate from the endolysosomal system, and FYVE-Type Zinc Finger Containing Phosphoinositide Kinase (PIKfyve), a lipid kinase, plays a key role in the endolysosomal maturation. Purpose We hypothesize that alterations in endomembrane homeostasis will modulate EV cargo and, thereby, vascular calcification. Methods and Results In calcified arteries and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), we observed increased PIKfyve expression. Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) - the substrate of PIKfyve - was decreased in cellular membranes of calcifying SMCs (-40%) and recovered by Apilimod, a small molecule PIKfyve inhibitor. Apilimod prevented matrix mineralization and collagen network formation in calcifying SMCs (Fig. 1A) accompanied by reduced pro-collagen 1A1 secretion (-90%). Apilimod inhibited tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) – an early marker of SMC calcification on mRNA, protein and activity level. PIKfyve silencing using siRNA showed similar results. Furthermore, Apilimod caused a dose-dependent increase of EV release assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (Fig. 1B). Analysis of the EV cargo demonstrated that Apilimod reduces TNAP protein abundance and activity (-60%) - a characteristic cargo that may determine EV calcification potential. Apilimod-induced EVs exhibited lower mineral content and reduced aggregation potential assessed by osteosense-based flow cytometry and turbidity assays. Next, we performed transcriptome and kinome analyses to discover the underlying mechanism of PIKfye-mediated SMC calcification. These data revealed a link to adipocyte-like differentiation and SMC phenotype specifying pathways. Validation supported increased expression of adipogenic transcription factors (CEBPA, PPARG),genes of the cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism pathways (FABP3, CD36) and enhanced fatty acid (C12) uptake (Fig. 1A) by Apilimod; while SMC-specific markers (ACTA2, SM22) and key SMC transcription factors (GATA6, MYOCD) were downregulated. Finally, in Ldlr-deficient mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet for 15 weeks, Apilimod application for 5 weeks increased PI3P levels (1.6-fold) and decreased vascular calcification (Fig. 1C), but did not alter plaque size or collagen content in atherosclerotic plaques. Conclusion Disrupting endolysosomal maturation with Apilimod promotes the release of EVs with reduced calcification potential and induces a phenotypic adaption towards adipocyte-like SMCs, causing reduced SMC calcification. Anti-arteriosclerotic effects of Apilimod in vivo remain to be further investigated.Figure

422 Mineral Content of Invaded Grassland Forages Is Affected By Precipitation and Management

Abstract Mineral content of grazed forage influences overall health, growth and reproduction of cattle and promotes maximum cattle productivity. However, grassland mineral content may not always meet cattle requirements throughout the grazing season and can be affected by precipitation of the season. Most of the Northern Great Plains grassland is invaded by exotic perennial grass species that have a uniform growth habit and response to precipitation. Growth habitat can be controlled by grazing or mowing, which may alter mineral content. No studies have examined the combined effects of mowing and drought on forage mineral concentration of invaded grassland. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine mineral concentration of forage in rangeland pastures in seasons of low compared with normal precipitation and mowing status and model recommendations for mitigating low mineral content. This study was conducted at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, North Dakota USA. Pastures were sampled across several years and pasture locations, with enclosed plots mowed or not mowed in April, to simulate early season mobgrazing or clipping. Quarter- meter quadrats were taken every two weeks of the grazing seasons from plots in each pasture, one year dry and the other normal. Samples were analyzed for macrominerals and trace minerals via ICP-aa spectroscopy. Forage mineral content was analyzed as a completely randomized design using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC). Total ash content was different by year (P = 0.0053) but not affected by mowing (P = 0.21). Potassium and phosphorus were not different due to mowing, nor effected by precipitation. Calcium was affected by mowing (P = 0.0065) and tended be affected by precipitation (P = 0.11). Zinc, copper, molybdenum, manganese and iron were all found to be significantly affected by precipitation (P &amp;lt; 0.001). When applied to a beef nutrient requirement model, Ca and P were generally adequate to meet recommended amounts for lactating cows based on a May-calving 1,200-pound cow most months of the season but did not meet needs of a 1400 lb. cow and calf. Forage phosphorus content was significantly less in June of each year, but adequate the rest of the season, suggesting targeting phosphorus supplementation for only the least months would save on mineral costs. Understanding forage mineral fluctuations across the grazing season may provide producers with tools to make the best supplementation strategies and use the most appropriate mineral formulations to maximize performance and reduce input cost.