Stabilization Mechanism Research Articles

Transient stabilization of human cardiovascular progenitor cells from hPSCs in vitro reflects stage-specific heart development in vivo.

Understanding the molecular identity of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cardiac progenitors and mechanisms controlling their proliferation and differentiation, is valuable for developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Here we show that chemical modulation of Histone Acetyl Transferases (HATs; by IQ-1) and WNT (by CHIR99021), synergistically enable the transient and reversible block of directed cardiac differentiation progression on hPSCs. The resulting stabilized cardiovascular progenitors (SCPs) are characterized by ISL1pos/KI-67pos/NKX2-5neg expression. In the presence of the chemical inhibitors, SCPs maintain a proliferation quiescent state. Upon small molecules removal SCPs resume proliferation and concomitant NKX2-5 upregulation triggers cell-autonomous differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Directed differentiation of SCPs into the endothelial and smooth muscle lineages confirms their full developmental potential typical of bona fide cardiovascular progenitors. Single-cell RNAseq-based transcriptional profiling of our in vitro generated human SCPs notably reflects the dynamic cellular composition of E8.25-E9.25 posterior second heart field (pSHF) of mouse hearts, hallmarked by NR2F2 expression. Investigating molecular mechanisms of SCP stabilization, we found that the cell-autonomously regulated Retinoic Acid (RA) and BMP signaling is governing SCPs transition from quiescence towards proliferation and cell-autonomous differentiation, reminiscent of a niche-like behavior. The chemically defined and reversible nature our stabilization approach provides an unprecedented opportunity to dissect mechanisms of cardiovascular progenitors' specification and reveal their cellular and molecular properties.

Evidence for the differential efficacy of yaw and pitch gaze stabilization mechanisms in people with multiple sclerosis.

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) who report dizziness often have gaze instability due to vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) deficiencies and compensatory saccade (CS) abnormalities. Herein, we aimed to describe and compare the gaze stabilization mechanisms for yaw and pitch head movements in PwMS. Thirty-seven PwMS (27 female, mean ± SD age = 53.4 ± 12.4 years old, median [IQR] Expanded Disability Status Scale Score = 3.5, [1.0]. We analyzed video head impulse test results for VOR gain, CS frequency, CS latency, gaze position error (GPE) at impulse end, and GPE at 400 ms after impulse start. Discrepancies were found for median [IQR] VOR gain in yaw (0.92 [0.14]) versus pitch-up (0.71 [0.44], p < 0.001) and pitch-down (0.81 [0.44], p = 0.014]), CS latency in yaw (258.13 [76.8]) ms versus pitch-up (208.78 [65.97]) ms, p = 0.001] and pitch-down (132.17 [97.56] ms, p = 0.006), GPE at impulse end in yaw (1.15 [1.85] degs versus pitch-up (2.71 [3.9] degs, p < 0.001), and GPE at 400 ms in yaw (-0.25 [0.98] degs) versus pitch-up (1.53 [1.07] degs, p < 0.001) and pitch-down (1.12 [1.82] degs, p = 0.001). Compared with yaw (0.91 [0.75]), CS frequency was similar for pitch-up (1.03 [0.93], p = 0.999) but lower for pitch-down (0.65 [0.64], p = 0.023). GPE at 400 ms was similar for yaw and pitch-down (1.88 [2.76] degs, p = 0.400). We postulate that MS may have preferentially damaged the vertical VOR and saccade pathways in this cohort.

Type of pectin affects the functionality of potato protein-pectin conjugates in emulsions

This study investigated the effect of the molecular structure of pectin on conjugate formation and its functionality in plant protein-based emulsions. For this purpose, high-methoxylated, low-methoxylated, amidated citrus pectin and their mixtures with potato protein were vacuum-dried at defined process conditions. The change in free amino groups, colour and molecular weight distribution assessed conjugation. The side reaction, such as pectin degradation, was monitored by the degree of methoxylation, galacturonic acid content and intrinsic viscosity. In addition, FT-IR and hydrophobicity measurements were performed to determine the changes in chemical structure due to the occurring reactions. The ζ-potential, solubility and oil droplet size reflected the functionality of the conjugated samples.The results confirm that, apart from the conjugation of protein and pectin, where the most significant decrease in free amino groups was obtained with an increasing degree of methoxylation or presence of amide groups, undesirable degradation of pectin occurring, resulting in a broad molecular weight distribution of the conjugate samples. The conjugate formation was the highest with amidated pectin. The FT-IR measurements confirmed the formation of Maillard conjugates. The FT-IR spectra showed a decrease in the intensity signals of amide I and amide II and the formation of new C–N bond maxima. In addition, the conjugation caused the shift of the protein's isoelectric point to the acidic environment, resulting in higher solubility and improved emulsion stability at the isoelectric point of the protein.Regarding emulsion stability, the conjugates with amidated pectin performed best and achieved the narrowest oil droplet size distribution over a wider pH range. Emulsion-stabilising properties of conjugates with high- and low-methoxylated pectin differed only slightly. To better understand the underlying mechanisms for emulsion stabilisation, future research will focus on the interfacial properties of the conjugates as determined by interfacial shear rheology and pendant drop analysis.

Soil organic matter priming: The pH effects.

Priming of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition by microorganisms is a key phenomenon of global carbon (C) cycling. Soil pH is a main factor defining priming effects (PEs) because it (i) controls microbial community composition and activities, including enzyme activities, (ii) defines SOM stabilization and destabilization mechanisms, and (iii) regulates intensities of many biogeochemical processes. In this critical review, we focus on prerequisites and mechanisms of PE depending on pH and assess the global change consequences for PE. The highest PEs were common in soils with pH between 5.5 and 7.5, whereas low molecular weight organic compounds triggered PE mainly in slightly acidic soils. Positive PEs up to 20 times of SOM decomposition before C input were common at pH around 6.5. Negative PEs were common at soil pH below 4.5 or above 7 reflecting a suboptimal environment for microorganisms and specific SOM stabilization mechanisms at low and high pH. Short-term soil acidification (in rhizosphere, after fertilizer application) affects PE by: mineral-SOM complexation, SOM oxidation by iron reduction, enzymatic depolymerization, and pH-dependent changes in nutrient availability. Biological processes of microbial metabolism shift over the short-term, whereas long-term microbial community adaptations to slow acidification are common. The nitrogen fertilization induced soil acidification and land use intensification strongly decrease pH and thus boost the PE. Concluding, soil pH is one of the strongest but up to now disregarded factors of PE, defining SOM decomposition through short-term metabolic adaptation of microbial groups and long-term shift of microbial communities.

Remediation effect of walnut shell biochar on Cu and Pb co-contaminated soils in different utilization types

Biochar, with its dual roles of soil remediation and carbon sequestration, is gradually demonstrating great potential for sustainability in agricultural and ecological aspects. In this study, a porous biochar derived from walnut shell wastes was prepared via a facile pyrolysis coupling with in-situ alkali etching method. An incubation study was conducted to investigate its performance in stabilizing copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) co-contaminated soils under different utilization types. The biochar effectively decreased the bioavailable Cu (8.5–91.68%) and Pb (5.03–88.54%), while increasing the pH, CEC, and SOM contents in both soils. Additionally, the results of sequential extraction confirmed that biochar promoted the transformation of the labile fraction of Cu and Pb to stable fractions. The mechanisms of Cu and Pb stabilization were found to be greatly dependent on the soil types. For tea plantation yellow soil, the main approach for stabilization was the complexation of heavy metals with abundant organic functional groups and deprotonation structure. Surface electrostatic adsorption and cation exchange contributed to the immobilization of Cu and Pb in vegetable-cultivated purple soil. This research provides valuable information for the stabilization of Cu and Pb co-contaminated soils for different utilization types using environmentally-friendly biochar.

In vitro and in vivo studies of a biodegradable Zn-4Ag-0.1Sc alloy with high strength-elongation product, cytocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation, and anti-infection properties for guided bone-regeneration membrane applications

Zinc-silver (Zn-Ag) alloys are generally promising guided bone-regeneration membrane (GBRM) materials due to their moderate degradability, osteogenic differentiation, and antibacterial properties. However, Zn-Ag alloys often display microstructural inhomogeneity and mechanical instability due to the formation of coarse Ag-rich second phases. In this study, Zn-4Ag and Zn-4Ag-0.1Sc (denoted ZA and ZAS, respectively) were comparatively investigated, and the ZAS exhibited a suitable degradation rate, high strength-elongation product, cytocompatibility, antibacterial capacity, and in vitro and in vivo osteogenic properties, making it highly appropriate for GBRM applications. Among all the as-cast and hot-rolled (HR) samples, the HR ZAS had the highest ultimate tensile strength of ∼260.5 MPa, tensile yield strength of ∼202.0 MPa, and elongation of ∼72.7%. The HR ZAS also exhibited a higher degradation rate of ∼36.5 µm/a in Hanks’ solution than those of the HR ZA, while its diluted extract was more cytocompatible and capable of osteogenic differentiation toward both MG-63 and MC3T3-E1 cells. The HR ZAS showed an exceptionally effective antibacterial ability against S. aureus in both in vitro antibacterial testing and in vivo subcutaneous infection models. Further, the HR ZAS demonstrated better osteogenic and histocompatibility properties than those of pure Zn in a rat skull defect model.

Utilisation of biomass ash after high-temperature treatment for strengthening purple soil under various curing conditions

As a renewable energy source, biomass has the potential to replace non-renewable, fossil fuels. However, the disposal of the waste biomass ash (generated during energy generation) needs to be studied. While prior studies attempted to utilise composite additives containing biomass ash for soil, the introduction of other additives, such as cement, was an environmental burden. By employing biomass ash composition as the sole additive for strengthening purple soil under various curing conditions using high-temperature treatment, this study maximised its utilisation. The results showed that the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) varied across different curing conditions as the biomass ash content increased. After high temperature treatment at 800 ℃, the biomass ash consistently reinforced purple soil under all the curing conditions. However, the biomass ash stabilisation mechanism differed between dry and humid curing conditions. Under dry curing conditions, the UCS increase depended on the cementing effect of soluble salt and/or insoluble calcite; under humid curing conditions, the UCS change was attributed to the damage to clay minerals, contact mode, and cementing effects of multiple components. Therefore, the 800 ℃ temperature-treated biomass ash can be used alone to reinforce purple soil, inhibiting the soil-water loss. This study presents a novel avenue for utilising waste, biomass ash, with considerable implications for environmental protection and soil stabilisation.

Anthocyanins as Natural Food Colorings: The Chemistry Behind and Challenges Still Ahead.

Anthocyanins are polyphenolic O-glycosides widely responsible for the bright red, purple, and blue colors in the plant kingdom, including a great variety of fruits and vegetables. Hence, they have attracted considerable scientific and industrial interest as potential natural food colorings. However, individual anthocyanins are intrinsically reactive molecules combining electrophilic, nucleophilic, and electron-donating properties. This reactivity may be not only a source of color diversity with, for instance, the formation of new pigments upon winemaking and storage but also a cause of great color instability involving a combination of reversible and irreversible mechanisms (e.g., water addition, autoxidation) leading to colorless products. Hence, using anthocyanin-rich plant extracts as food colorings requires a deep understanding of these color-damaging mechanisms and, no less importantly, of the color-stabilizing mechanisms developed by plants, including π-stacking interactions (self-association, copigmentation), metal binding, and a combination of both. The potential of anthocyanins from deeply colored vegetables, typically acylated by hydroxycinnamic acid residues, will be emphasized in that respect. Moreover, food-grade biopolymers (proteins, polysaccharides) may provide suitable matrices for ready-to-use formulations of anthocyanins as food colorings. In this short review, the mechanisms of color loss and color stabilization are discussed as a function of anthocyanin structure and environment, and some challenges still ahead are outlined.

A novel distributed finite-time economic dispatch for DC microgrids with time delays

This paper delineates an advanced distributed control paradigm for finite-time generation cost optimization in DC Microgrids (MGs), taking into account time delays. Firstly, to enhance system stability with time delays, Artstein's reduction approch is utilized to convert the time-delayed system into an equivalent delay-free model. Subsequently, a finite-time consensus-based distributed algorithm for cost optimization is formulated to equilibrate the incremental costs (ICs) of all distributed generators (DGs) in a predefined convergence time, while adhering to the DGs' capacity limits. Moreover, a distributed control mechanism for finite-time voltage stabilization is developed for sustaining the balance between the generated powers and consumptions across the MG. Rigorous convergence analysis proves that the proposed controller maintains finite-time stability. The efficacy of this innovative control strategy is substantiated through a series of comprehensive case studies.Top of Form

Coal gasification slag for preparation of environmentally friendly superabsorbent composites with rapid water absorption and salt tolerance

It is crucial to design the novel low-cost and salt-tolerant superabsorbent for safeguarding food security and achieving sustainable agriculture. Herein, the porous superabsorbent composites with excellent salt tolerance were fabricated by redox-initiated grafting polymerization using water-based Pickering foam template co-stabilized with solid waste of coal gasification slag and plant particles Sapindus mukorossi pericarp. The stabilization mechanism of Pickering foams, swelling performance and salt-resistance of porous superabsorbent composites were studied in detail. Due to the abundant porous structure and the presence of coal gasification slag, the obtained superabsorbent composites exhibited rapid swelling rate and excellent water absorption capability, and the maximum water absorption in distilled water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution reached 910 g/g and 126 g/g after 30 min, respectively. As 1.5 wt% the optimal superabsorbent composites was added into the saline-alkali soil, the growth of cabbages was significantly improved, and the plant height and chlorophyll content increased by 45.0% and 12.5%, respectively. This work served as a significant reference for preparing novel environmentally friendly water-saving materials for arid saline-alkali soil improvement.

MILD combustion stabilization issues through the analysis of hysteresis behaviors: The case of new energy carriers

MILD combustion processes are renewed to reveal a strong resilience to extinction phenomena and/or instabilities, whereas the oxidation process is stabilized trough ignition phenomena. Under MILD conditions, igni-diffusive and/or perfectly mixed kernels, forming during the mixing process between hot products and fresh reactants, are so much diluted and pre-heated to escape classical feed-back flammable flames stabilization mechanisms, while ignition and extinction events merge in a unique condition through “anhysteretic” behaviors. So far, considering methane as reference fuel, it has been largely demonstrated the mentioned “anhysteretic” condition is very conservative and defines a sub-domain of MILD combustion processes, following Cavaliere and de Joannon's definition. Furthermore, the coincidence of ignition and extinction phenomena can occur also preserving hysteresis phenomena. In turns, this condition strongly enlarges the stabilization domain of MILD combustion processes, starting from the upper branch of the hysteresis behaviors to the real extinction, with characteristic unstable loci to consider as further/last opportunity to promote stable operative conditions through the formation of local thermo-kinetic conditions in the combustion chamber during hot products/fresh reactants mixing process (injection configuration/burner design), or by forced ignition events. The hysteresis behaviors of renewable/alternative fuels, relevant within the decarbonization policies of several energy sectors, are thoroughly discussed under MILD conditions through numerical studies in model reactors in order to shed light on common and/or different features, and outline practical rules towards the definition of stable MILD combustion domains. Results show that, as MILD combustion is a chemical kinetics-driven processes, stability issues have to be discussed in relation to fuel nature, albeit with common behavior can be derived. The coincidence between extinction/ignition phenomena is reached for extremely diluted conditions, already ascribable to MILD combustion conditions, thus defining a small sub-domain of the process. This condition can be reached through “hysteretic” or “anhysteretic” behaviors.

Temporary immobilization methods for closed low-energy ankle fracture-dislocations: comparative analysis of a retrospective cohort.

Ankle fracture-dislocations (AFD) often necessitate staged management involving temporary external fixation (EF) due to mechanical instability or blistering. However, limited literature exists on the optimal temporary immobilization method for low-energy closed AFD. This study compared baseline patient and fracture characteristics, along with clinical and radiological outcomes between AFD initially immobilized with EF versus splinting. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients with AFD temporarily immobilized using EF or splinting, followed by definitive open reduction and internal fixation. Quality of reduction (QOR) was assessed for each patient post-initial immobilization and after the definitive surgery. The study encompassed 194 patients: 138 treated with a splint (71.1%) and 56 (28.9%) with EF. Secondary loss of reduction had occurred in three patients who were splinted (2.2%). The mean ages in the EF and splint groups were 63.2 and 56.1years, respectively (p = 0.01). Posterior malleolus fracture (PMF) and blisters were more prevalent in EF patients (69.6% vs. 43.5% for PMF and 76.8% vs. 20.3% for blisters, respectively; p = 0.05 and p < 0.01). Postoperative complication rates were 8.9% for EF versus 10.9% for splinting (p = 0.69). Satisfactory final QOR was attained in 79.8% of patients treated with a splint versus 64.3% with EF (p = 0.02). Patients immobilized by EF presented with poorer baseline characteristics and had more unstable injuries. Nevertheless, postoperative complication rates were comparable. Thus, EF appears to be a valuable tool for standardizing outcomes in AFD patients with a less favorable prognosis.

High‐Energy Nitrogen Rings Stabilized by Superatomic Properties

AbstractHow to stabilize nitrogen‐rich high‐energy‐density molecules under conventional conditions is particularly important for the energy storage and conversion of such systems and has attracted extensive attention. In this work, the theoretical study shows for the first time that the stabilization mechanism of the nitrogen ring conforms to the superatomic properties at the atomic level. This result occurs because the stabilized anionic nitrogen rings generally exhibit planar high symmetry and the injected electrons occupy the superatomic molecular orbitals (SAMOs) of the nitrogen rings. According to these results, the typical stabilized anionic nitrogen ring structures N64−, N5−, and N42− are identified, which possess delocalized molecular orbitals with the same symmetry as the atomic orbitals and electron arrangement consistent with the electron shell arrangement of the atom. On this basis, a pathway is further designed to stabilize nitrogen rings by introducing metal atoms as electron donors to form neutral ThN6, LiN5, and MgN4 structures, thereby replacing the anionization of systems. This study highlights the importance of developing nitrogen‐rich energetic materials from the perspective of superatoms.

Bioenergetics and mitochondrial deregulation underlie self-sustained persistency of atrial fibrillation in an ovine model

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) often transitions from paroxysmal to more sustained forms in a 4-15/100 person-year range(1). It is well-recognized from both clinical and animal studies that some individuals undergo this transition much more readily than others, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Purpose To identify potential differences in atrial bioenergetics between animals developing stable AF (AF-S) versus those resistant to this transition (AF-R) in a sheep AF-model. Methods AF was induced through repeated bursts of atrial tachystimulation (2). Stability of AF was monitored with telemetry. In-vivo electrophysiological remodeling was assessed via contact mapping. Metabolic and bioenergetic remodeling were evaluated using frozen left atrial appendage (LAA) tissues and isolated LAA mitochondria. Results AF-S sheep developed stable (&amp;gt;24-hour self-sustained) AF after 13 (range 5-22) days on average, whereas AF-R sheep failed to develop stable AF despite 120-day tachystimulation. Contact mapping and histological analysis revealed similar electro-anatomical remodeling in AF-S and AF-R groups, with the only significant difference observed in the decrease of activation time and conduction velocity in the AF-S atria. Both AF-S and AF-R animals displayed a notable increase in mitochondrial mass. Proteomic analysis showed significant differences in metabolism-related proteins and pathways between AF-S and AF-R, in particular concerning the anaplerotic supplementation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle at the level of α-ketoglutarate. Furthermore, compared to AF-R, AF-S LAA exhibited a 45% increase in succinate content, and a 23% decrease in ATP and Creatine Phosphate (PCr) content, suggesting a pathological metabolic alteration linked to a bioenergetic default. AF-S mitochondria presented abnormal succinate-oxidation, associated with a significant 20% decrease in ATP-synthesis rate, 22% increase in ROS-production, mitochondrial-membrane hyperpolarization, and decreased Complex I/II specific activity ratio. AF-S mitochondria alterations were prevented by complex I inhibitor S1QEL1.1, hinting to a participation of mitochondrial ROS into the mechanism of AF stabilization. In vivo acute intravenous perfusion of succinate in rats made them more susceptible to more frequent (OR 35 CI=[1.63-449.80]) and longer AF episodes upon treansesophageal stimulation; this vulnerability to AF was prevented by intraperitoneal pretreatment with SQEL1.1. Conclusions Resistance to AF-stabilization is associated with specific bioenergetic remodeling. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into AF-resistance and might open avenues for novel therapeutic strategies for AF-management.

Spider-silk-inspired strong and tough hydrogel fibers with anti-freezing and water retention properties

Ideal hydrogel fibers with high toughness and environmental tolerance are indispensable for their long-term application in flexible electronics as actuating and sensing elements. However, current hydrogel fibers exhibit poor mechanical properties and environmental instability due to their intrinsically weak molecular (chain) interactions. Inspired by the multilevel adjustment of spider silk network structure by ions, bionic hydrogel fibers with elaborated ionic crosslinking and crystalline domains are constructed. Bionic hydrogel fibers show a toughness of 162.25 ± 21.99 megajoules per cubic meter, comparable to that of spider silks. The demonstrated bionic structural engineering strategy can be generalized to other polymers and inorganic salts for fabricating hydrogel fibers with broadly tunable mechanical properties. In addition, the introduction of inorganic salt/glycerol/water ternary solvent during constructing bionic structures endows hydrogel fibers with anti-freezing, water retention, and self-regeneration properties. This work provides ideas to fabricate hydrogel fibers with high mechanical properties and stability for flexible electronics.

First-principles thermodynamic investigation on the α phases in TiO and TiNb binary system.

O and Nb are two representative alloying elements of Ti to form high-temperature and corrosion resistance α Ti alloys. The investigation on the thermodynamic characteristics of α Ti-O and Ti-Nb has attracted much attention in recent years. However, in this regard, a satisfied experimental technique or modeling scheme is still yet to be developed due to the appearance of a variety of oxides in Ti-O and the mechanical instability present in Ti-Nb. Herein, we combined first-principles calculations with the cluster expansion method to investigate the ground-state characteristics for α Ti-O and α Ti-Nb systems. The atomic bonding interactions in these two systems were first revealed based on the calculated electronic structures. Afterward, the Debye-Grüneisen model and Monte Carlo simulations were employed together to investigate the thermodynamic properties of α phases in these two systems, and the effect of vibrational entropy on the order-disorder transition temperatures of the phases in α Ti-O system was first examined. A good agreement with experimentally reported phase boundaries is obtained in the Ti-Nb system by handling the mechanical instabilities introduced by the highly distorted structures. In addition, the cluster expansion coefficients for the Ti-O and Ti-Nb system offer a good starting point to investigate the phase equilibrium in Ti-Nb-O ternary alloy. We also believe the insights provided here would be helpful for those who would like to seek an efficient scheme they are confident with to investigate the phase thermodynamic properties of other hcp Ti-based alloys.

Directed Instability as a Mechanism for Fabricating Multistable Twisting Microstructure

Herein, The study of multistable structures, particularly those that can twist, has attracted significant attention in recent years. This ability to transition between multiple stable geometries of these structures paves the way for advances in diverse applications, such as morphing structures and robot actuation mechanisms. Conventional methods of designing and fabricating these structures often involve complex and resource‐intensive fabrication processes, which restrict their widespread adoption and limit their miniaturization. Here, we present a novel inflatable multistable twisting structure, based on helical folds of an elastic tube. Our fabrication approach utilizes directed mechanical instability as a method for a rapid fabrication, which is readily implemented at various length scales. We developed a theoretical model for the deformation of the bistable helical elements comprising the twisting structure, and compared the theoretical results to the experimental data. Furthermore, we demonstrate our fabrication methodology using a variety of polymers, including medical grade polymers, as well as various inner radii ranging from 5 mm to 44 μm and thicknesses of the tubes’ walls ranging from 250 μm to 19 μm.

Efficient incorporation of highly migratory thallium into struvite structure: Unraveling the stabilization mechanisms from a mineralogical perspective

The remediation of high-concentration thallium (Tl+) contaminated wastewater is a critical environmental concern. Current research emphasizes the effectiveness of adsorption and oxidation methods for Tl+ treatment, yet challenges persist in enhancing their performance. This study explores the feasibility of emergency Tl+ wastewater treatment and elucidates the mechanisms of Tl+ incorporation into mineral structures, with a focus on the struvite mineral as a framework for Tl+ integration via NH4+ ion exchange. To assess the efficacy and mechanisms of Tl+ immobilization, we utilized comprehensive analytical techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG), and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The findings reveal that struvite adsorbs Tl+ onto its surface, followed by an ion exchange process between monovalent cations (NH4+/K+) within the structure and Tl+. Ultimately, Tl+ is incorporated in the form of a (NH4,Tl)MgPO4 solid solution within the structure, achieving a remarkable maximum incorporation capacity of 320.56 mg/g, which significantly surpasses the capacity of typical adsorbents. The findings demonstrate significant Tl+ incorporation, validating the approach for emergency wastewater treatment and suggesting the potential of mineralogy in environmental remediation. This research contributes to advancing heavy metal wastewater treatment strategies, offering a foundation for further investigation.

Unveiling ductile, rare-earth-free structural materials: A DFT exploration of MnTi and MnZr

This paper presents a theoretical exploration of the electronic, structural, and mechanical attributes inherent in three rare-earth-free intermetallic compounds, namely, MnTi, MnZr, and MnHf. Employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the Implementation of projector augmented wave (PAW); our investigation adopts the supercell approach to meticulously determine the structural and mechanical properties of these materials. The findings reveal that MnTi and MnZr exhibit intrinsic ductility, positioning them as viable contenders for applications demanding high-strength structures. In contrast, MnHf demonstrates mechanical instability. This study provides promising insights into the mechanical characteristics of MnTi and MnZr, underscoring their potential as sustainable structural materials, given the abundance and non-toxic nature of their constituents. The research findings presented herein contribute to the understanding of rare-earth-free intermetallics, offering valuable information for applications in materials science and engineering.

Colyophilized Sugar-Polymer Dispersions for Enhanced Processing and Storage Stability.

Sucrose and trehalose pharmaceutical excipients are employed to stabilize protein therapeutics in a dried state. The mechanism of therapeutic protein stabilization is dependent on the sugars being present in an amorphous solid-state. Colyophilization of sugars with high glass transition polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and poly(vinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate) (PVPVA), enhances amorphous sugar stability. This study investigates the stability of colyophilized sugar-polymer systems in the frozen solution state, dried state postlyophilization, and upon exposure to elevated humidity. Binary systems of sucrose or trehalose with PVP or PVPVA were lyophilized with sugar/polymer ratios ranging from 2:8 to 8:2. Frozen sugar-PVPVA solutions exhibited a higher glass transition temperature of the maximally freeze-concentrated amorphous phase (Tg') compared to sugar-PVP solutions, despite the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVPVA being lower than PVP. Tg values of all colyophilized systems were in a similar temperature range irrespective of polymer type. Greater hydrogen bonding between sugars and PVP and the lower hygroscopicity of PVPVA influenced polymer antiplasticization effects and the plasticization effects of residual water. Plasticization due to water sorption was investigated in a dynamic vapor sorption humidity ramping experiment. Lyophilized sucrose systems exhibited increased amorphous stability compared to trehalose upon exposure to the humidity. Recrystallization of trehalose was observed and stabilized by polymer addition. Lower concentrations of PVP inhibited trehalose recrystallization compared to PVPVA. These stabilizing effects were attributed to the increased hydrogen bonding between trehalose and PVP compared to trehalose and PVPVA. Overall, the study demonstrated how differences in polymer hygroscopicity and hydrogen bonding with sugars influence the stability of colyophilized amorphous dispersions. These insights into excipient solid-state stability are relevant to the development of stabilized biopharmaceutical solid-state formulations.