Preparation of organically functionalized silica gel as adsorbent for copper ion adsorption

A novel adsorbent （AMPS-silica） was synthesized by bounding AMPS （2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid） onto silica surface, which functioned with γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane reagent. The adsorbent was characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurement, thermogravimetric analysis （TGA） and potentiometric titration analysis. The TGA result indicated that the surface modification reactions introduced some organic functional groups onto the surface of silica. The surface area of AMPSsilica was 389.7 m2/g. The adsorbent was examined for copper ion removal in series of batch adsorption experiments. Results showed that the adsorption of Cu2＋ onto AMPS-silica was pH dependent, and the adsorption capacity increased with increasing pH from 2 to 6. The adsorption kinetics showed that Cu^2＋ adsorption was fast and the data fitted well with a pseudo secondorder kinetic model. The adsorption of Cu^2＋ onto AMPS-silica obeyed both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, with r^2 = 0.993 and r^2 = 0.984, respectively. The maximum Cu^2＋ adsorption capacity was 19.9 mg/g. The involved mechanism might be the adsorption through metal binding with organic functional groups such as carboxyl, amino and sulfonic groups. Cu^2＋ loaded on AMPS-silica could be desorbed in HNO3 solution, and the adsorption properties remain stable after three adsorption-desorption cycles.

Synthesis and Characterization of Two New Organically Templated Open-framework Uranium Phosphites

Two organically templated uranium phosphites, （C4H12N）（UO2）（HPO3）（NO3） （Mr = 486.16） 1 and （C16H36N）2（UO2）2（H2PO3）2（HPO3）（NO3）2 （Mr= 1390.95） 2, were prepared by evaporation from aqueous solution of uranyl nitrate, phosphite acid and their respective organic ammonium hydroxids. Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy. In 1, pentagonal [UO7] bipyramids share comers with three [HPO3]2- tetrahedra and one edge with a [NO3]- anion to form [（UO2）- （HPO3）（NO3）]^- ladder-like chains parallel to the b axis. The structure of 2 is also based upon one-dimensional anionic [（UO2）2（H2PO3）2（HPO3）（NO3）2]2-chains of comer-sharing penta- gonal [UOT] bipyramids with [H2PO3]- and [HPO3] tetrahedra, which is still unknown in structural chemistry of uranium so far. Crystal data for 1： monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 21.808（7）, b = 6.9605（15）, c = 8.357（2） A, β = 98.327（15）°, V= 1255.2（6） A^3, Z = 4, Dc = 2.573 g/cm^3, F（000） = 888, μ = 13.086 mm^-1 the final R = 0.0418 and wR = 0.0906 （I 〉 2σ（I））; and those for 2： monoclinic, space group C2/c, a = 36.4549（8）, b = 14.5296（11）, c = 20.8253（11） A, β = 101.7440（8）°, V= 10799.7（10） A3, Z = 8, Dc= 1.711 g/cm^3, F（000） = 5424,μ = 6.144 mm^-1, the final R= 0.0368 and wR= 0.0865 （I〉 2σ（I））.

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Organically-templated Tungsten Heteropolyacid with a Microporous Structure

A microporous organically-templated tungsten heteropolyacid, (C2N2H10)2 [H2P2W18O62]?8H2O, with a new type was hydrothermally synthesized by using ethylenediamine as the structure-directing agent. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal data: monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 14.633(4), b = 19.432(5), c = 26.776(5) ?, β = 117.849(11)o, V = 6732(3) ?3, Z = 4, Mr = 4615.48, Dc = 4.554 g/cm3, μ(MoKα) = 30.781 mm-1, F(000) = 7976, the final R = 0.0678 and wR = 0.1359. The crystal of the title compound is constructed by Dawson anions and organic dications forming a novel “hollow” channel system.

Evaluation of Average Wall Thickness of Organically Modified Mesoporous Silica

The small angle X-ray scattering of organically modified MSU-X silica prepared by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) show negative deviation from Debye’s theory due to the existence of the organic interface layer. By exerting correction of the scattering negative deviation, Debye relation may be recovered, and the average wall thickness of the material may be evaluated.

Bioavailability and Immunity Response in Broiler Breeders on Organically Complexed Zinc Supplementation

Two hundred and sixty four broiler breeder hens of 32 weeks of age were distributed randomly in four dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were T0: Broiler breeder ration containing 40 ppm zinc (basal 29.8 ppm + 10.2 ppm inorganic zinc), T1: T0 + organic zinc (zinc methionine) @ 20 ppm, T2: T0 + organic zinc @ 40 ppm and T3: T0 + organic zinc @ 60 ppm. The experiment was continued from 32 to 48 weeks of age. At 48 weeks, the weight of lymphoid organs, zinc levels in organs and immunity response were determined. The faecal zinc level was determined at monthly interval. The weight lymphoid organs of different treatment groups (both organic and inorganic zinc fed groups) of the broiler breeders did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The cellular immune response of breeder birds to PHA-P was significantly (P 0.05) higher in group T3 than the rest of treated groups. The antibody titre to SRBC differed among the treated groups. The zinc content of serum of broiler breeders of all the groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in all the periods of study. Zinc content in liver and tibia of broiler breeders in different dietary treatments of zinc differed significantly (P 0.05) with higher levels were obtained on increasing zinc concentration in the diet. The zinc level in the spleen and kidney of the broiler breeders in different dietary treatments did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The average zinc content in the faeces of broiler breeder during 35 to 43 week of age did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the treated groups. At 48 weeks of age, zinc content of the faeces of T3 was found to be significantly (P 0.05) higher than the rest of treated groups. Similarly, during the overall experimental period analysis, it was found that zinc levels in the faeces of T2 and T3 were significantly (P 0.05) higher than T1 and T0.

Analysis of Chemical and Biological Soil Properties in Organically and Conventionally Fertilized Apple Orchards

We compared chemical and biological properties of soils in organically and conventionally fertilized apple orchards in Nagano Prefecture (one of the major apple producing regions in Japan). Five apple orchards with different fertilizer management systems were used for this study. The total carbon and total nitrogen contents were higher in the organically fertilized orchard, while the total phosphorus and total potassium were at similar levels in both organically and conventionally fertilized orchards. The bacterial biomass did not differ between the two orchards, but the N circulation activity was clearly higher in the organically fertilized orchard from April to December. Total carbon from 50,000 to 60,000 mg/kg, total nitrogen at about 3000 to 4000 mg/kg, and a C/N ratio of 15 - 20 were suggested to be suitable conditions for a high level of apple production under an organic fertilizer management system.

The Fluxes of Organic C and N, and Microbial Biomass and Maize Yield in an Organically Manured Ultisol of the Guinea Savanna Agroecological Zone of Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of integrated use of agricultural wastes and a compound mineral fertilizer on the fluxes of soil nutrients. Agricultural wastes applied were: livestock manure (cow dung and poultry litter), shoots of Chromolaena odorata and Parkia biglosa (locust bean), Neem (Azadiracta inidca) seed powder/cake and melon shell. These materials were applied at zero (control), 100% (i.e. organic wastes applied at the recommended rates of 10 t/ha) and 70% of their recommended rates plus 30% of the recommended rate of the mineral fertilizer (NPK: 400 Kg/ha). Average values of soil organic carbon (SOC) were 1.94, 1.68, 1.36 and 1.38 for organic wastes alone, organic waste plus mineral fertilizer (NPK) and unamended control. Mineral N ( N plus N) pools were relatively high at 30 and 60 days after planting, and were significantly higher for organically amended soils (550) and wastes applied at reduced rates combined with 120 kg/ha mineral NPK (470) than the unamended control (277). Across sampling dates, SOC values were the highest in poultry manure and neem seed cake. The values of N plus exchangeable N which constitutes plant available nitrogen (PAN) were significantly higher for organically amended soils and wastes applied at reduced rates combined with 120 kg/ha mineral NPK than the unamended control. The % C microbial to C organic ratio was higher in organically amended soils. The temporal profile of SOC, NH4-N and NO3-N showed declines with time, the relationship was linear for SOC (Y = 0.18x + 1.07;R2 = 0.34), by a power function for N (Y = 48.084x-1.79;R2 = 0.91) and a polynomial function for NH4-N (Y = -28.75x + 130.65x - 57.25;R2 = 0.61). The time dynamics of microbial population (cfu) followed trends obtained for SOC.

Difference in the Concentration of Macro Elements between Organically and Conventionally Grown Vegetables

Although the quality of organic crops has been intensively studied for over three decades, there is still a lack of conclusive data that can prove the superiority of organic crops over conventional ones. There is no doubt that the organic food is safer due to the lack of pesticide residues;however, it is still not entirely sure whether vegetables and fruits produced in this way are better in the context of nutritional values. The study of commonly used vegetables in the European diet was performed to evaluate the difference in concentration of macro nutrients such as Ca, Mg, Na, N, K and P between organic and conventional crops. Additionally, the soil analysis was performed on the material from two growing systems. The results showed that organically cultivated vegetables had generally a higher level of macro nutrients. Also, soil samples showed higher content of these elements in the organically treated soil. From all vegetables, the highest concentrations of macro elements were found in parsley leaves and celery roots.

Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization Kinetics from Organically-Amended Upland Purplish Soil

The application of organic amendments in upland soils may influence soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization, which are very important for understanding plant nutrition. However, the kinetics of C and N mineralization from organically amended upland purplish soils has been poorly studied. Therefore, this study investigates C and N mineralization kinetics in organically amended upland purplish soils. Incubation experiments were conducted using soil samples collected from experimental plots that have been under long-term organic amendment fertilization, which includes: Organic manure (OM), crop residues (CR), combined organic manure with inorganic fertilizers (OMNPK), combined crop residue with inorganic fertilizers (CRNPK), conventional inorganic fertilizer (NPK), and no fertilizer (CK). The results showed that organically amended treatments increased C and N mineralization rates by 8 - 24% and 17 - 33%, respectively, compared with NPK. Likewise, the amount of potentially mineralizable carbon (Co) and nitrogen (No) increased by 4 - 9% and 15 - 20%, respectively, compared to the conventional NPK treatment. The rate constants for labile C (kC) and N (kN) were 6 - 29% and 3 - 27% higher than the NPK treatment, respectively. In addition, the initial potential rate of C (Co × kC) and N (No × kN) in organically amended soils were 10 - 37% and 18 - 52% higher compared to NPK. This study tried to show that the mechanisms of N supply was direct application of mineral N fertilizer and mineralization of organic N, while the N retention was reducing soil active N loss and storing more active N in cropland of purplish soil. These results suggest that the long-term application of organic amendments to upland soils may increase nutrient bioavailability.

Multifunctional organically modified graphene with super-hydrophobicity

In order to bring graphene materials much closer to real world applications, it is imperative to have simple, efficient and eco-friendly ways to produce processable graphene derivatives. In this study, a hydrophilic low-temperature thermally functionalized graphene and its super-hydrophobic organically modified graphene derivative were fabricated. A unique structural topology was found and some of the oxygen functionalities were retained on the thermally functionalized graphene surfaces, which facilitated the subsequent highly effective organic modification reaction and led to the super-hydrophobic organically modified graphene with multi functional applications in liquid marbles and polymer nanocomposites. The organic modification reaction also restored the graphenic conjugated structure of the thermally functionalized graphene, particularly for organic modifiers having longer alkyl chains, as confirmed by various characteri- zation techniques such as electrical conductivity measurements, ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The free-standing soft liquid marble was fabricated by wrapping a water droplet with the super-hydrophobic organically modified graphene, and showed potential for use as a microreactor. As for the polymer nanocomposites, a strong interfacial adhesion is believed to exist between an organic polymer matrix and the modified graphene because of the organophilic coating formed on the graphene base, which resulted in large improvements in the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposites with the modified graphene, even at very low loading levels. A new avenue has therefore been opened up for large-scale production of processable graphene derivatives with various practicable applications.

Synthesis,characterization and properties of organically compounded bentonite by molecular intercalation process

A new process for manufacturing organically compounded bentonite was devcloped successfully based on the organic intercalation andlayered structure of bentonitc.The main steps in the proposed process included wet sodium activation of bentonite ore,organic com-pounding and high-pressure roll grinding.The optimum procedure is recommended as follows:5 mass%of sodium carbonate powderand 30 wt.%water are added to activate the bentonite ore for 24 h to prepare activated bentonice;0.5 wt.%of organic molecules are adiedinto the activated bentonite for organic compounding for 12 h:then,the high-pressure rollgrinding is followed to treat the organicallycompounded bentonice;:and finally,drying and fine prinding are performed for prenaring the final organically compounded bentoniteprodiuct with 10 wt.%moisture and 98% passing 0.074 mm.The obtained organically compounded bentonite was characterized usingan X-ray diffractometer,a scanning electron microscope and anX-ray photoelectron spectrometer.To confirm the effect of organicallycompounded bentonite on green balls,the pelletizing tests were carried out.The rexsults showed that high-pressure roll grinding can notonly enhance the ability of the crystal layer to hold the combined water.but also strengthen the intercalation compounding of the organicadditive,which is beneficial for the formation of a fiber-interlaced structure of the organically compounded bentonite and improvesthe quality index of the bentonite itself.Also,the organically compounded bentonite is helpiul to improve the indexes of green balls.

Fluorescent AIE dots encapsulated organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles for two-photon cellular imaging

2,3-Bis(4-(phenyl(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)amino)phenyl) fumaronitrile (TPE-TPA-FN or TTF), which possesses aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic, is doped in organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles. By increasing the weight ratio of TTF to the precursor of silica nanoparticles (the quantities of the precursors were kept the same), the fluorescence intensity of nanoparticles increased correspondingly, due to the formation of larger AIE dots in the cores of ORMOSIL nanoparticles. The fluorescent and biocompatible nanoprobes were then utilized for in vitro imaging of HeLa cells. Two-photon fluorescence microscopy clearly illustrated that the nanoparticles have the capacity of nucleus permeability, as well as cytoplasm staining towards tumor cells. Our experimental results may offer a promising method for fast and bright fluorescence imaging, as well as bio-molecule/drug delivery to cell nucleus.

Multilevel analysis of the central-peripheral-target organ pathway:contributing to recovery after peripheral nerve injury

Peripheral nerve injury is a common neurological condition that often leads to severe functional limitations and disabilities.Research on the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve injury has focused on pathological changes at individual injury sites,neglecting multilevel pathological analysis of the overall nervous system and target organs.This has led to restrictions on current therapeutic approaches.In this paper,we first summarize the potential mechanisms of peripheral nerve injury from a holistic perspective,covering the central nervous system,peripheral nervous system,and target organs.After peripheral nerve injury,the cortical plasticity of the brain is altered due to damage to and regeneration of peripheral nerves;changes such as neuronal apoptosis and axonal demyelination occur in the spinal cord.The nerve will undergo axonal regeneration,activation of Schwann cells,inflammatory response,and vascular system regeneration at the injury site.Corresponding damage to target organs can occur,including skeletal muscle atrophy and sensory receptor disruption.We then provide a brief review of the research advances in therapeutic approaches to peripheral nerve injury.The main current treatments are conducted passively and include physical factor rehabilitation,pharmacological treatments,cell-based therapies,and physical exercise.However,most treatments only partially address the problem and cannot complete the systematic recovery of the entire central nervous system-peripheral nervous system-target organ pathway.Therefore,we should further explore multilevel treatment options that produce effective,long-lasting results,perhaps requiring a combination of passive(traditional)and active(novel)treatment methods to stimulate rehabilitation at the central-peripheral-target organ levels to achieve better functional recovery.

Ultra‑Transparent and Multifunctional IZVO Mesh Electrodes for Next‑Generation Flexible Optoelectronics

Mechanically durable transparent electrodes are essential for achieving long-term stability in flexible optoelectronic devices.Furthermore,they are crucial for applications in the fields of energy,display,healthcare,and soft robotics.Conducting meshes represent a promising alternative to traditional,brittle,metal oxide conductors due to their high electrical conductivity,optical transparency,and enhanced mechanical flexibility.In this paper,we present a simple method for fabricating an ultra-transparent conducting metal oxide mesh electrode using selfcracking-assisted templates.Using this method,we produced an electrode with ultra-transparency(97.39%),high conductance(Rs=21.24Ωsq^(−1)),elevated work function(5.16 eV),and good mechanical stability.We also evaluated the effectiveness of the fabricated electrodes by integrating them into organic photovoltaics,organic light-emitting diodes,and flexible transparent memristor devices for neuromorphic computing,resulting in exceptional device performance.In addition,the unique porous structure of the vanadium-doped indium zinc oxide mesh electrodes provided excellent flexibility,rendering them a promising option for application in flexible optoelectronics.

Genistein:a possible solution for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Neurodegenerative diseases are defined as disorders resulting from the slow and progressive loss of function and eventual death of neural cells that result from the primary pathology of nervous tissue.They can lead to severe nervous system dysfunction,eventually affecting multiple organs and systems.Several hundred neurodegenerative diseases have been described,and owing to their prevalence,severity.

Translational machinery and translation regulation in axon regeneration

Over the centuries,the regeneration field has been puzzled by the dual response of the central nervous system(CNS-brain,spinal cord,cranial nervesⅠandⅡ)and the peripheral nervous system(PNS that refers to all the nerves that innervate muscles,skin,organs,bones among others).Even Ramon y Cajal had noticed that an injury to the PNS often leads to axon regrowth,in contrast to the CNS.

Exploiting fly models to investigate rare human neurological disorders

Rare neurological diseases,while individually are rare,collectively impact millions globally,leading to diverse and often severe neurological symptoms.Often attributed to genetic mutations that disrupt protein function or structure,understanding their genetic basis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies.To investigate the underlying pathogenesis of these conditions,researchers often use non-mammalian model organisms,such as Drosophila(fruit flies),which is valued for their genetic manipulability,cost-efficiency,and preservation of genes and biological functions across evolutionary time.Genetic tools available in Drosophila,including CRISPR-Cas9,offer a means to manipulate gene expression,allowing for a deep exploration of the genetic underpinnings of rare neurological diseases.Drosophila boasts a versatile genetic toolkit,rapid generation turnover,and ease of large-scale experimentation,making it an invaluable resource for identifying potential drug candidates.Researchers can expose flies carrying disease-associated mutations to various compounds,rapidly pinpointing promising therapeutic agents for further investigation in mammalian models and,ultimately,clinical trials.In this comprehensive review,we explore rare neurological diseases where fly research has significantly contributed to our understanding of their genetic basis,pathophysiology,and potential therapeutic implications.We discuss rare diseases associated with both neuron-expressed and glial-expressed genes.Specific cases include mutations in CDK19 resulting in epilepsy and developmental delay,mutations in TIAM1 leading to a neurodevelopmental disorder with seizures and language delay,and mutations in IRF2BPL causing seizures,a neurodevelopmental disorder with regression,loss of speech,and abnormal movements.And we explore mutations in EMC1 related to cerebellar atrophy,visual impairment,psychomotor retardation,and gain-of-function mutations in ACOX1 causing Mitchell syndrome.Loss-of-function mutations in ACOX1 result in ACOX1 deficiency,characterized by very-long-chain fatty acid accumulation and glial degeneration.Notably,this review highlights how modeling these diseases in Drosophila has provided valuable insights into their pathophysiology,offering a platform for the rapid identification of potential therapeutic interventions.Rare neurological diseases involve a wide range of expression systems,and sometimes common phenotypes can be found among different genes that cause abnormalities in neurons or glia.Furthermore,mutations within the same gene may result in varying functional outcomes,such as complete loss of function,partial loss of function,or gain-of-function mutations.The phenotypes observed in patients can differ significantly,underscoring the complexity of these conditions.In conclusion,Drosophila represents an indispensable and cost-effective tool for investigating rare neurological diseases.By facilitating the modeling of these conditions,Drosophila contributes to a deeper understanding of their genetic basis,pathophysiology,and potential therapies.This approach accelerates the discovery of promising drug candidates,ultimately benefiting patients affected by these complex and understudied diseases.

Translocator protein and neurodegeneration: insights from Alzheimer’s disease

The 18 kDa translocator protein(TSPO)located on the outer mitochondrial membrane regulates several key cellular processes including mitochondrial homeostasis,cholesterol transport,apoptosis,cell proliferation,and maintenance of mitochondrial health(Rupprecht et al.,2022,2023).TSPO is expressed in both peripheral organs and the central nervous system,with a more pronounced expression in tissues that produce steroids.The main reason why TSPO has garnered so much attention is because it plays a key role in neurosteroidogenesis by transferring cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane,which is the rate-limiting step in neurosteroid synthesis.A cholesterol-recognizing amino acid consensus domain has been identified in the cytosolic C terminus of the TSPO protein by both in vitro and site-directed mutagenesis experiments(Li et al.,2001).However,the role of TSPO in the process of neurosteroid synthesis has been challenged by several studies,particularly TSPO knockout models,which suggest that TSPO removal does not affect the phenotype or the system’s viability(Tu et al.,2014).However,ligands targeting TSPO have been shown to enhance levels of neurosteroids which suggests that neurosteroidogenesis is one of the major functional roles mediated by the TSPO protein.

Constructing Donor–Acceptor‑Linked COFs Electrolytes to Regulate Electron Density and Accelerate the Li^(+)Migration in Quasi‑Solid‑State Battery

Regulation the electronic density of solid-state electrolyte by donor–acceptor(D–A)system can achieve highly-selective Li^(+)transportation and conduction in solid-state Li metal batteries.This study reports a high-performance solid-state electrolyte thorough D–A-linked covalent organic frameworks(COFs)based on intramolecular charge transfer interactions.Unlike other reported COFbased solid-state electrolyte,the developed concept with D–A-linked COFs not only achieves electronic modulation to promote highly-selective Li^(+)migration and inhibit Li dendrite,but also offers a crucial opportunity to understand the role of electronic density in solid-state Li metal batteries.The introduced strong electronegativity F-based ligand in COF electrolyte results in highlyselective Li^(+)(transference number 0.83),high ionic conductivity(6.7×10^(-4)S cm^(−1)),excellent cyclic ability(1000 h)in Li metal symmetric cell and high-capacity retention in Li/LiFePO_(4)cell(90.8%for 300 cycles at 5C)than substituted C-and N-based ligands.This is ascribed to outstanding D–A interaction between donor porphyrin and acceptor F atoms,which effectively expedites electron transferring from porphyrin to F-based ligand and enhances Li^(+)kinetics.Consequently,we anticipate that this work creates insight into the strategy for accelerating Li^(+)conduction in high-performance solid-state Li metal batteries through D–A system.

Longitudinal assessment of peripheral organ metabolism and the gut microbiota in an APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease not only affects the brain,but also induces metabolic dysfunction in peripheral organs and alters the gut microbiota.The aim of this study was to investigate systemic changes that occur in Alzheimer’s disease,in particular the association between changes in peripheral organ metabolism,changes in gut microbial composition,and Alzheimer’s disease development.To do this,we analyzed peripheral organ metabolism and the gut microbiota in amyloid precursor protein-presenilin 1(APP/PS1)transgenic and control mice at 3,6,9,and 12 months of age.Twelve-month-old APP/PS1 mice exhibited cognitive impairment,Alzheimer’s disease-related brain changes,distinctive metabolic disturbances in peripheral organs and fecal samples(as detected by untargeted metabolomics sequencing),and substantial changes in gut microbial composition compared with younger APP/PS1 mice.Notably,a strong correlation emerged between the gut microbiota and kidney metabolism in APP/PS1 mice.These findings suggest that alterations in peripheral organ metabolism and the gut microbiota are closely related to Alzheimer’s disease development,indicating potential new directions for therapeutic strategies.