Varying Ion Concentrations Research Articles

Biological properties study of bioactive diopside prepared from local raw materials

In this study, it was synthesized of ultrafine-structured diopside granules using the sintering method from solid raw materials (Dolomite) at a temperature of 1300 °C for 2 hours. Following the preparation, the pawders were homogenized within the [200-400 um] range and then immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C for 2, 7, 14 and 21 days. Following different soaking durations, the samples were carefully extracted from the fluids using deionized water. Subsequently, they were air-dried at room temperature prior to examine the impact of immersion on their crystalline properties. This involved monitoring the variation in ion concentration and pH during the immersion periods, as well as using X-ray diffraction (XRD), characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis. The findings revealed the partial dissolution of ultrafine Structured diopside granules and the development of a layer of carbonate-hydroxyapatite (Ca10.00P6.00O26.14H2.60C0.02) on the surface of the samples after seven days of immersion, with a granular size estimated at Dnm=102.96 nm. This volume continued to increase with longer dipping durations, reaching Dnm=205.94 nm for samples immersed for 21 days. Finally, the results obtained suggest that ultrafine-structured diopside granules are promising candidates for bone regeneration.

Contrasting Responses of Ion Concentration Variations to Atmospheric Patterns in Central Himalayan Ice Cores

AbstractWe analyzed the water‐soluble chemical composition of an 81.2‐m‐long ice core collected in 2019 from 6,000 m elevation on a south‐facing glacier in the Nepal Himalaya. The ice core chronology is based on variability in nitrate and calcium ions, which reveal an apparently seasonal periodicity (with winter maxima) throughout the core's length. Two annual boundaries are consistent with the tritium peak representing nuclear tests conducted in 1963 CE and with the spike in sulfate ions due to the eruption of Krakatau in 1883 CE. The ice core spans 145 years from 1875 to 2019 CE. Dating uncertainties due to the layer counting methodology were estimated as year for 1963–2019 CE and years for 1875–1963 CE. Comparison with earlier ice cores drilled on the northern side of the Himalayas revealed that the ion components exhibit inverse correlations with two key climatic indices: the North Atlantic Oscillation and Southern Oscillation Index. Composite analysis of reanalysis climate data suggests that these inverse relationships reflect springtime pressure patterns, which show regional differences between the northern and southern sides of the Himalayan range.

Ultra-sensitive and accurate multi-ion detection in biofluids via organic electrochemical transistors.

As an emerging ionic sensor with low-voltage operation (<1V), biocompatibility, and stable operation in aqueous environments, organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have attracted significant research interest for various biofluid-related ion detection, where minor ion concentration variations can effectively reflect health or pathology states. However, OECT-based ion sensors are currently limited by restricted device transconductance gm and stabilites, which severely hinder their applications in actual ion sensing scenarios. Here, ultra-sensitive multi-ion sensors based on high-performance n-type vertical OECTs (accumulation mode, gm=58mS) for Na+, K+, and Ca2+ detection in a practical biofluid (effluent from continuous renal replacement therapy), are demonstrated with high accuracy and stability, which are comparable to conventional Roche method. High current sensitivities (14.0 mA/dec for Na+, 1.73 mA/dec for K+, 4.09 mA/dec for Ca2+, which is more than one order of magnitude larger than ever reported for ion-sensitive transistors), and accuracy (inaccuracy <18.5%), fast response times (<10s), and reversible sensing capability are accomplished by coupling micrometer size vertical channel structure with optimized ion-selective membranes. This work introduces a general approach for reliable ion detection and could be effectively extended to other biosensors with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Identifying the pattern of shallow groundwater hydrochemistry and its driving factors in a typical estuarine delta of Poyang Lake watershed, China: Insights into water quality assessment

Study regionA typical estuarine delta of Gan−Xiu River within Poyang Lake watershed, situated in the north of Jiangxi Province, China Study focusAlthough groundwater is considered as a crucial water resource for social development and public health, it presents significant challenges in preventing the deterioration of groundwater quality in the seasonal floodplain regions. Hence, this study focuses on the spatiotemporal variations of ionic concentrations of shallow groundwater in an estuarine delta of Gan-Xiu River in Poyang Lake watershed, which is greatly complicated by complex hydrological regimes and intensive anthropogenic activities such as cropland fertilizer. The potential factors controlling the ionic concentrations were identified using self-organizing map clustering and Piper diagram approaches. Moreover, the overall water quality of shallow groundwater was assessed according to the ionic compositions. New hydrological insights for the region(1) Shallow groundwater chemistry was influenced by weathering silicate and carbonate from ionic and Gibbs plots, which is highly associated with the distribution of the carbonate rock fissure-karst aquifer in the study region. (2) The contribution of groundwater to river water varied from 53.2 % to 71.5 % via isotopic analysis, suggesting that groundwater dominate the component of river water. (3) Most samples from cluster types are suitable for drinking and irrigation use except for sites from Cluster 6, which were characterized by the higher concentrations of Cl−, NO3− and SO42−.

Dysprosium ion concentration variations and their comprehensive influence on the physical, structural and optical properties of multi-component borate glasses for luminescence tailoring

A set of Zinc Strontium Lithium Fluoroborate (ZSLFB) glasses with different concentrations of Dysprosium ions (Dy3+) was created using the melt quench technique. The presence of non-crystallinity and various functional groups have been confirmed via X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Infrared Fourier Transform FT-IR measurements, respectively. The band gap values obtained from Tauc plot were utilised to analyse the optical characteristics. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra display three well-defined intensity peaks at wavelengths of 481, 574, and 664 nm. The intensity of peaks exhibits an ascending trend until a concentration of 0.5 mol% of Dy3+ ions is reached, after which it decreases. The PL intensity maintains up to 82 % at 200° C to room temperature, showing excellent thermal stability. The Judd Ofelt (J-O) parameter values pursue the Ω2 > Ω6 > Ω4 pattern, which shows its asymptotic nature. The CIE coordinates were assessed and determined to fall inside the white region. The interaction in the non-radiative energy transfer process was elucidated by utilizing the Dexter theory and Inokuti-Hiryama (I-H) model.

Heterogeneous reservoir seepage characterized by geophysical, hydrochemical, and hydrologic methods

Seepage characterization from reservoirs is challenging for various environmental and water resource applications. Nonintrusive geophysical methods can achieve excellent detection results, but they cannot provide a quantitative description of the amount of seepage. Integrating geophysical methods with traditional hydrochemical and hydrologic methods enables simultaneous localization and quantitative analysis of heterogeneous reservoir seepage. Ground and waterborne electrical resistivity tomography are used to scan a reservoir under a typical cutoff wall antiseepage system, and the measurements reveal the northern preferential infiltration area. The hydrochemical results reveal that the seepage bypass of the cutoff wall has led to evident ion concentration variations in groundwater near the dam. Based on the geologic stratum information, the typical cutoff wall antiseepage system is divided into three scenarios for numerical simulation to calculate the seepage. The total seepage of the reservoir over 15 months is approximately 7.15 × 106 m3, which is consistent with traditional water budget methods. However, in the northern part of the reservoir, only 27% of the entire dam contributes 77% of the total seepage. All methods have confirmed that the heterogeneous seepage is caused by the absence of an antiseepage seal in the northern region, which should be a primary focus for future monitoring and operational efforts. With the geophysical results undergoing extensive cross-validation, the results from the preceding methods are comprehensively leveraged, effectively lowering uncertainties and overcoming the limitations of geophysical methods in quantitatively characterizing seepage.

Understanding the wettability alterations in carbonate reservoirs: Integrating experimental data and a surface complexation model for enhanced predictions

In this study, we developed a laboratory-based model to analyze wettability alteration in the oil–water-rock system. The selected Surface Complexation Model (SCM), based on experimental data, is refined through sensitivity analysis and comparison with experimental measurements, including zeta potential and contact angle. Our analysis indicates that, in addition to magnesium, calcium, and sulfate ions, the adsorption of sodium and chlorine on calcite surfaces, as well as sodium adsorption on oil surfaces, significantly affects electrostatic interactions and surface potential alterations. Consequently, the complexing reactions of these ions were incorporated into the model and adjusted based on sensitivity analysis. Moreover, surface complex reactions exhibit distinct behaviors in neutral, acidic, and alkaline environments. Therefore, different reactions were considered and sensitivity analyzed for oil and rock surfaces in neutral conditions. The model’s reliability was further validated by comparing predicted and experimental zeta potentials. Additionally, disjoining pressures were computed, and contact angles were simulated, demonstrating the model’s accuracy. Key findings include the successful modification of reaction parameters to achieve accurate results across different pH levels and ion concentrations. This confirms the applicability and reliability of the developed SCM for wettability alteration analysis, further supported by stability maps that consider varying ion concentrations and pH levels.

Phase field study of pitting corrosion: Electrochemical reactions and temperature dependence

This study presents a new phase field model of pitting corrosion for metal materials, encapsulating the transport of ionic species and electrochemical reactions in the electrolyte, and the effect of temperature on corrosion kinetics is incorporated by relating the interface kinetics parameter to the temperature. The Allen-Cahn and Cahn-Hilliard equations, along with the Poisson’s equation, is established to govern phase transformation, ions diffusion and electrostatic potential distribution, respectively. The model is validated by conducting several benchmark numerical studies. Simulation results demonstrate that within the temperature range of 10 °C to 20 °C, the model closely matches experimental data and result from sharp interface model. Additionally, the model effectively reproduces the pit shapes observed in experiments and captures variations in ion concentrations within the electrolyte. Several examples of the model simulating corrosion problems with complex evolving morphologies are provided.

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Controlling Factors of the Mingyong River Water of the Meili Snow Mountains, China

The hydrochemical characteristics of rivers are affected by many natural factors, such as the nature of watershed bedrock, watershed environment, vegetation, and human activities. Examining the hydrochemistry of a river can provide insights into the baseline hydrological conditions, the geochemical environment, and the overall water quality of the river. In order to examine the hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors of the water in the Mingyong River, a total of 154 water samples were gathered from the glacier meltwater, midstream, and downstream regions. Firstly, the findings revealed that the dominant cations are Ca2+ and Mg2+, while the dominant anions are HCO3− and SO42−. The mass concentration order of cations is Ca2+ &gt; Mg2+ &gt; Na+ &gt; K+, and for anions, it is HCO3− &gt; SO42− &gt; NO3− &gt; Cl−. The average concentration of TDS in the river water is 81.69 mg·L−1, with an average EC of 163.63 μs·cm−1 and an average pH of 8.99. Temporal variations in ion concentrations exhibit significant disparities between the glacier melting and accumulation periods. High ion concentration values are primarily observed during the glacier accumulation period, while values decrease during the glacier melting period due to increased precipitation. The river water in the study region is categorized as (HCO3− + SO42−)-(Ca2+ + Mg2+) type. Secondly, the Pearson correlation analysis indicates clear relationships between different parameters, indicating that the major ions were mostly influenced by materials from the Earth’s crust. The primary principal source of solutes in the water of the Mingyong River is rock weathering. The cations and anions present in the river water are derived from the breakdown of carbonate rocks and the dissolving of substances from silicate rocks. However, the influence of carbonate rocks is more significant compared to that of silicate rocks. Finally, the Mingyong River water is suitable for agricultural irrigation with minimal land salinization damage, making it appropriate for agricultural purposes but not suitable for people and animals to drink from directly.

Depth profile study of LaAl1‐xCrxO3/SrTiO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.6, and 1) using time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS)

The conducting two‐dimensional electron gas (2DEG) behavior in LaAlO3 (LAO)/SrTiO3 (STO) and their associated mechanisms from various aspects have brought tremendous attention in the concerned area of research. To correlate the 2DEG behavior with their compositions, we have performed time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) depth profile analysis of thin films of Cr‐doped LAO/STO system as LaAl1‐xCrxO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.6 and 1) deposited over TiO2 terminated STO substrate, which includes two parent compounds LAO/STO (metallic) and LCO/STO (insulating). The uniform decrease of La and Al concentration at the interface of LAO/STO (metallic) system and in the contrary the nonuniformity of La and Cr concentration in LCO/STO (insulating) system have been highlighted. The uniform variation of ionic concentration at the interface of LAO/STO may increase the career concentrations to make the system metallic. The upward and downward diffusion at the interfaces of intermediate compositions varies differently from their parent ones due to the mixing of Al and Cr. Our results may help to understand the conducting nature of LAO/STO system for future developments and applications in such system.

Revealing the potential of cyclic amine morpholine (MOR) for CO2 capture through a comprehensive evaluation framework and rapid screening experiments

The present study comprehensively evaluates the CO2 capture performance of morpholine (MOR) at concentrations of 2 M, 5 M, and 7 M, comparing its effectiveness against conventional amines, monoethanolamine (MEA) and 2-(methylamino)ethanol (MAE). The assessment criteria include CO2 absorption rate, desorption rate, cyclic capacity, regeneration energy consumption, and relative economic cost. Utilizing 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology, we analyzed the variations in ion concentration of the amine solvents under different CO2 loadings to reveal the reaction mechanisms of MOR with CO2. Our results demonstrate that MOR outperforms MEA and MAE in CO2 capture performance, particularly excelling in desorption efficiency. At a concentration of 7 M, MOR exhibited a 357.86% increase in average desorption rate and a 46% larger cyclic capacity compared to MEA. Additionally, MOR showed a 33.33% reduction in regeneration energy consumption and a 7.89% decrease in relative economic cost. The comprehensive evaluation method developed in this study indicates that MOR, with its high thermal stability and low corrosivity, maintains excellent CO2 capture performance at high amine concentrations, suggesting it as a promising absorbent for industrial applications. The findings contribute to the optimization of amine-based CO2 capture technologies and provide a robust framework for the selection and assessment of amine solvents, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective carbon capture solutions.

Preparation of Conductive Cellulose Coated with Conductive Polymer and Its Application in the Detection of pH and Characteristic Substances in Sweat.

Rich biological information in sweat provides great potential for health monitoring and management. However, due to the complexity of sweat, the development of environmentally friendly green electronic products is of great significance to the construction of ecological civilization. This study utilized a simple combination of polystyrene sulfonate sodium (PSS) and filter paper (FP) to prepare cellulose materials coated with conductive polymers, developing an electrochemical sensor based on the modified materials. The mechanical and electrochemical properties of the fabricated PSS/FP membrane were optimized by adjusting the feeding dosage of PSS. The realized PSS/FP composite containing 7% PSS displayed good conductivity (9.1 × 10-2 S/m), reducing electric resistance by 99.2% compared with the original FP membrane (6.7 × 10-4 S/m). The stable current of the membrane in simulated sweat under different pH environments is highly correlated with the pH values. Additionally, when the membrane is exposed to simulated sweat with varying ion concentrations, the current signal changes in real time with the concentration variations. The response time averages around 0.3 s.

Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis of neuron models with ion concentration dynamics.

This paper provides a comprehensive and computationally efficient case study for uncertainty quantification (UQ) and global sensitivity analysis (GSA) in a neuron model incorporating ion concentration dynamics. We address how challenges with UQ and GSA in this context can be approached and solved, including challenges related to computational cost, parameters affecting the system's resting state, and the presence of both fast and slow dynamics. Specifically, we analyze the electrodiffusive neuron-extracellular-glia (edNEG) model, which captures electrical potentials, ion concentrations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl-), and volume changes across six compartments. Our methodology includes a UQ procedure assessing the model's reliability and susceptibility to input uncertainty and a variance-based GSA identifying the most influential input parameters. To mitigate computational costs, we employ surrogate modeling techniques, optimized using efficient numerical integration methods. We propose a strategy for isolating parameters affecting the resting state and analyze the edNEG model dynamics under both physiological and pathological conditions. The influence of uncertain parameters on model outputs, particularly during spiking dynamics, is systematically explored. Rapid dynamics of membrane potentials necessitate a focus on informative spiking features, while slower variations in ion concentrations allow a meaningful study at each time point. Our study offers valuable guidelines for future UQ and GSA investigations on neuron models with ion concentration dynamics, contributing to the broader application of such models in computational neuroscience.

Molecular and electrostatic origins of mixed salt partitioning phenomena in uncharged poly(ethylene oxide)-based membranes

Despite the increasing interest in membranes for water purification and resource recovery from aqueous electrolyte mixtures, few studies rigorously investigate the influence of salt solution composition (e.g., mole fraction and total salt concentration) on membrane material properties such as partition coefficients. Here, we systematically investigate the influence of solution composition on the partitioning of ionic species from binary aqueous salt solutions into crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate membranes at fixed ionic strength. These results are compared to partition coefficients observed for pure salt solutions. We observe large systematic deviations between the pure salt and mixed salt ion partition coefficients, indicating that the single salt partition coefficients that are often reported do not describe the more complex and realistic mixed salt scenario. Free energy calculations from molecular dynamics simulations, coupled with equilibrium thermodynamic modeling, indicate that mixed salt partitioning trends result from (i) different ions exhibiting different affinities for the membrane and (ii) the constraint of global electrical neutrality within the membrane. With this physical insight, we develop a simple approach to predicting the concentration of various ions in a membrane equilibrated with a mixed salt solution which requires no adjustable parameters.

Lactate/Hydroxycarboxylic Acid Receptor 1 in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications-Exercise Perspective.

Lactate has a novel function different from previously known functions despite its traditional association with hypoxia in skeletal muscle. It plays various direct and indirect physiological functions. It is a vital energy source within the central nervous system (CNS) and a signal transmitter regulating crucial processes, such as angiogenesis and inflammation. Activating lactate and its associated receptors elicits effects like synaptic plasticity and angiogenesis alterations. These effects can significantly influence the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle, potentially impacting cognitive performance. Decreased cognitive function relates to different neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), ischemic brain injury, and frontotemporal dementia. Therefore, lactic acid has significant potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders. Exercise is a method that induces the production of lactic acid, which is similar to the effect of lactate injections. It is a harmless and natural way to achieve comparable results. Animal experiments demonstrate that high-intensity intermittent exercise can increase vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, thus promoting angiogenesis. In vivo, lactate receptor-hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCAR1) activation can occur by various stimuli, including variations in ion concentrations, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level elevations, and fluctuations in the availability of energy substrates. While several articles have been published on the benefits of physical activity on developing Alzheimer's disease in the CNS, could lactic acid act as a bridge? Understanding how HCAR1 responds to these signals and initiates associated pathways remains incomplete. This review comprehensively analyzes lactate-induced signaling pathways, investigating their influence on neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline. Consequently, this study describes the unique role of lactate in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Modeling and characterization of shallow aquifer water based on ion concentrations to salinity variations using multivariate statistical approach

Water chemistry data (1965–2015) from the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers in Nueces and Kleberg counties of Texas were analyzed to assess the hydrogeochemical processes based on variations in ion concentrations affecting groundwater salinity levels in those coastal aquifers. A further aim of this study was to identify a proxy using major-ion concentrations to predict groundwater salinity. Correlation analysis suggests that the hydrogeochemical processes operating in these aquifers differ significantly. In principal component analyses, the first three principal components explain 91% and 94.8% of the total variabilities of the variation of groundwater chemistry in the Evangeline and Chicot aquifers, respectively. The rotated factors (factors 1, 2, and 3) using the varimax rotation method implied that depth control and salinity variations predominantly cause the highest variabilities in water chemistry in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers in the study area. Results showed depth control on water quality parameters was more pronounced in the Evangeline aquifer compared to the Chicot aquifer. Stepwise elimination of the least significant predictors to identify the proxy for groundwater salinity revealed chloride (Cl) could be the most significant predictor to estimate groundwater salinity variations in both aquifers. However, regression models generated from 75% of the training datasets predicted total dissolved solid (TDS) variations with 78% and 43% accuracies in Chicot and Evangeline aquifers, indicating that Cl can be considered the proxy for the Chicot aquifer only but not suitable for the Evangeline aquifer in the study area.

The Mechanism of Mineral Dissolution on the Development of Red-Bed Landslides in the Wudongde Reservoir Region

The Wudongde reservoir region exhibits a notable prevalence of landslides within the red-bed reservoir stratum. The red bed is a clastic sedimentary rock layer dominated by red continental deposits. It is mainly composed of sandstone, mudstone, and siltstone. The lithology is diverse and uneven. In this study, we delve into the impact of mineral dissolution on the development of red-bed landslides in the reservoir area by utilizing the Xiaochatou landslide as a representative case study. Considering the inherent susceptibility of red-bed formations to erosion, collapse, and softening when exposed to water, an investigation was conducted to examine the consequences of mineral dissolution on landslides occurring in these areas. We conducted a mineral analysis and an identification of rock samples from the Xiaochatou landslide site, revealing alternating layers of sandstone and mudstone. Sandstone and conglomerate specimens were immersed in deionized water, and advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ion chromatography (IC), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis were used to examine the effects of water immersion. We also employed the hydrogeochemical simulation software PHREEQC to understand the dissolution mechanism of gypsum during soaking. Our findings reveal that sandstone and conglomerates harbor a notable quantity of gypsum, which readily dissolves in water. Prolonged immersion leads to erosion cavities within the sandstone, thereby augmenting its permeability. The concentration of SO42− ions in the soaking solution emerges as the highest, followed by Ca2+ and Na+. The notable significance is the dissolution of gypsum, whose intricate mechanism is contingent upon diverse environmental conditions. Variations in ion concentration profoundly influence the saturation index (SI) value, with the pH value playing a crucial role in shifting the reaction equilibrium. Regarding the deformation mode of the landslide, it manifests as a combination of sliding compression and tension cracking. The fracture surface of the landslide assumes a step-like configuration. As the deformation progresses, the mudstone layer takes control over the sliding process, causing the sandstone to develop internal narrow-top and wide-bottom cracks, which propagate upward until the stability of the slope rock mass is compromised, resulting in its rupture. In this manuscript, we delve into the dissolution traits of red-bed soft rock in the Wudongde reservoir area, using a landslide case as a reference. We simulate this rock’s dissolution under environmental water influences, examining its interaction with diverse water types through rigorous experiments and simulations. This study’s importance lies in its potential to shed light on the crucial engineering characteristics of red-bed soft rock.

Phase Transitions of Naphthalene-2,3-carbonitride Steered by Solvent Effects and Metal Ion Concentration Variation.

The delicate regulation of structural phase transition can provide advanced approaches for fabricating desired and well-organized nanoarchitectures on surfaces. Introduction of metal ions into pure organic systems can facilitate the phase transition from hydrogen-bonded structures to metal-organic structures by coordinating with organic molecules. However, it remains a challenge to attain a phase transition dominated by variable metal coordination configurations through adjustment of the metal ion concentration. Herein, we report the phase transitions of naphthalene-2,3-carbonitride (2,3-DCN) molecules on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) under varying solvents and Cu2+ ion concentrations. By integrating data from scanning tunneling microscopy imaging and density functional theory calculations, it is demonstrated that phase transitions of 2,3-DCN occur through forming diverse coordination configurations where Cu2+ ions can coordinate with 2,3-DCN and 1-nonanoic acid or Cl- ions to form different ligand components with a coordination number of 4 when varying the molar ratios of 2,3-DCN to Cu2+ ion in the 1-nonanoic acid solvent. However, in the case of 1-heptanoic acid as a solvent, the self-assembly structure of 2,3-DCN only changes via the alteration of hydrogen bonding sites and Cu2+ ions do not coordinate with 2,3-DCN molecules. These findings provide valuable insights into the coordination behavior of metal ions in different solvents.

Calcium Signaling and the Response to Heat Shock in Crop Plants.

Climate change and the increasing frequency of high temperature (HT) events are significant threats to global crop yields. To address this, a comprehensive understanding of how plants respond to heat shock (HS) is essential. Signaling pathways involving calcium (Ca2+), a versatile second messenger in plants, encode information through temporal and spatial variations in ion concentration. Ca2+ is detected by Ca2+-sensing effectors, including channels and binding proteins, which trigger specific cellular responses. At elevated temperatures, the cytosolic concentration of Ca2+ in plant cells increases rapidly, making Ca2+ signals the earliest response to HS. In this review, we discuss the crucial role of Ca2+ signaling in raising plant thermotolerance, and we explore its multifaceted contributions to various aspects of the plant HS response (HSR).

In situ mapping of electrochemical activity and oxygen evolution side reaction distribution in aqueous redox flow batteries

In aqueous redox flow batteries (ARFBs), the redox reaction of K4[Fe(CN)6]/K3[Fe(CN)6] is commonly applied as an active material for the positive electrode. Its performance is restrained by inhomogeneous electrochemical activity and oxygen evolution side reactions. The activity of both the redox reaction and the side reaction lacks two-dimensional detection method. In this study, ion concentration variations on the electrode surface are converted into refractive index changes by a total internal reflection (TIR) imaging system, which enables characterization of the two-dimensional distributions of surface activity and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) onset potential on the ARFBs positive electrode. This method can obtain the two-dimensional maps of parameters of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the onset potential of the OER. We validate the feasibility of this method by examining three different electrodes and an electrochemical stability test. This work offers a characterization tool for developing homogeneous electrodes with enhanced activity, high reversibility, and minimized OER side reactions.