Influence of copper ions and calcium ions on adsorption of CMC on chlorite

The effects of copper ions and calcium ions on the depression of chlorite using CMC（carboxymethyl cellulose） as a depressant were studied through flotation tests,adsorption measurements,ζ potential tests and co-precipitation experiments.The results show that the electrostatic repulsion between the CMC molecules and the chlorite surfaces hinders the approach of the CMC to the chlorite while the presence of copper ions and calcium ions enhances the adsorption density of CMC.The action mechanisms of these two types of ions are different.Calcium ions can not adsorb onto the mineral surfaces,but they can interact with the CMC molecules,thus reducing the charge of the CMC and enhancing adsorption density.Copper ions can adsorb onto the mineral surfaces,which facilitates the CMC adsorption through acid/base interaction.The enhanced adsorption density is also attributed to the decreased electrostatic repulsion between the CMC and mineral surfaces as copper ions reduce the surface charge of both the mineral surfaces and the CMC molecules.

Highly Efficient and Selective Removal of Pb（II） ions by Sulfur-Containing Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles

A facile one-step co-precipitation method was demonstrated to fabricate amorphous sulfurcontaining calcium phosphate （SCP） nanoparticles, in which the sulfur group was in-situ introduced into calcium phosphate. The resulting SCP exhibited a noticeable enhanced performance for Pb（II） removal in comparison with hydroxyapatite （HAP）, being capable of easily reducing 20 ppm of Pb（II） to below the acceptable standard for drinking water within less than 10 min. Remarkably, the saturated removal capacities of Pb（II） on SCP were as high as 1720.57 mg/g calculated by the Langmuir isotherm model, exceeding largely that of the previously reported absorbents. Significantly, SCP displayed highly selective removal ability toward Pb（II） ions in the presence of the competing metal ions （Ni（II）, Co（II）, Zn（II）, and Cd（II））. Further investigations indicated that such ultra-high removal efficiency and preferable affinity of Pb（II） ions on SCP may be reasonably ascribed to the formation of rodlike hydroxypyromorphite crystals on the surface of SCP via dissolution-precipitation and ion exchange reactions, accompanied by the presence of lead sulfide precipitates. High removal efficiency, fast removal kinetics and excellent selectivity toward Pb（II） made the obtained SCP material an ideal candidate for Pb（II） ions decontamination in practical application.

Effects of clay and calcium ions on coal flotation

The microflotation of three single minerals,mixed coal–kaolinite and mixed coal–montmorillonite were examined to study the effects of clay and calcium ions on coal flotation.The results show that the ash content of flotation concentrate increases by 3%in the presence of clay minerals,and the ash content would further increase by 3%in co-presence of clay minerals and high concentration of Ca2+.Scanning electron microscope(SEM)images and elemental spectrum analysis indicate that fne clay particles that coat on the coal surface,which is called slime coating,can affect the coal flotation.The slime coating would be induced much more easily in the presence of Ca2+.

Bio-cementation for tidal erosion resistance improvement of foreshore slopes based on microbially induced magnesium and calcium precipitation

In most coastal and estuarine areas,tides easily cause surface erosion and even slope failure,resulting in severe land losses,deterioration of coastal infrastructure,and increased floods.The bio-cementation technique has been previously demonstrated to effectively improve the erosion resistance of slopes.Seawater contains magnesium ions(Mg^(2+))with a higher concentration than calcium ions(Ca^(2+));therefore,Mg^(2+)and Ca^(2+)were used together for bio-cementation in this study at various Mg^(2+)/Ca^(2+)ratios as the microbially induced magnesium and calcium precipitation(MIMCP)treatment.Slope angles,surface strengths,precipitation contents,major phases,and microscopic characteristics of precipitation were used to evaluate the treatment effects.Results showed that the MIMCP treatment markedly enhanced the erosion resistance of slopes.Decreased Mg^(2+)/Ca^(2+)ratios resulted in a smaller change in angles and fewer soil losses,especially the Mg^(2+)concentration below 0.2 M.The decreased Mg^(2+)/Ca^(2+)ratio achieved increased precipitation contents,which contributed to better erosion resistance and higher surface strengths.Additionally,the production of aragonite would benefit from elevated Mg^(2+)concentrations and a higher Ca^(2+)concentration led to more nesquehonite in magnesium precipitation crystals.The slopes with an initial angle of 53°had worse erosion resistance than the slopes with an initial angle of 35°,but the Mg^(2+)/Ca^(2+)ratios of 0.2:0.8,0.1:0.9,and 0:1.0 were effective for both slope stabilization and erosion mitigation to a great extent.The results are of great significance for the application of MIMCP to improve erosion resistance of foreshore slopes and the MIMCP technique has promising application potential in marine engineering.

Adsorption of Potassium and Calcium Ions by Variable Charge Soils

Interactions of potassium and calcium ions with four typical variable charge soils in South China were examined by measuring pK-0.5pCa value with a potassium ion-selective electrode and a calcium ion-selective electrode,and pK value with a potassium ion-selective electrode.The results showed that adsorption of potassium and calcium ions increased with soil suspension pH,and the tendency of the pK-0.5pCa value changing with pH differed with respect to pH range and potassium to calcium ratio.Adsorption of equal amount of calcium and potassium ions led to release of an identical number of protons,suggesting similar adsorption characteristics of these two ions when adsorbed by variable charge soils.Compared with red soil,latosol and lateritic red soil had higher adsorption selectivities for calcium ion.The red soil had a greater affinity for potassium ion than that for calcium ion at low concentration,which seems to result from its possession of 2:1 type minerals,such as vermiculite and mica with a high affinity for potassium ion.The results indicated that adsorption of potassium and calcium ions by the variable charge soils was chiefly caused by the electrostatic attraction between the cations and the soil surfaces.Moreover,it was found that sulfate could affect the adsorption by changing soil surface properties and by forming ion-pair.

Comparative study on simultaneous removal of calcium and sulfate ions from flotation recycling water by aluminum hydroxide

Due to the environmental policies and economic reasons,the water used in some flotation operations of complex sulfide ores is recirculated,causing the ion concentration of some species to increase over time,affecting the flotation of the minerals of interest.In this work,an experimental and thermodynamic analysis of the synthetic solutions was presented with a high content of calcium and sulfate ions.The study focused on evaluating the use of two aluminum compounds for the precipitation of Ca^(2+)and SO_(4)^(2−)in the form of ettringite.The amorphous aluminum hydroxide was found to be more efficient than the crystalline one,giving rise to 83%calcium and 91%sulfate removal.The XRD analysis of the solids showed the main reaction product of ettringite,accompanied by small amounts of calcite,due to the absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide.The final solution after the chemical treatment showed residual calcium and sulfate concentrations below 200 mg/L.Finally,the kinetics of calcium removal appeared to correspond to a second order reaction with respect to calcium concentration,with an apparent activation energy of 53.48 kJ/mol,which may suggest that the ettringite precipitation process is governed by the chemical reaction.

Potassium and calcium channels in different nerve cells act as therapeutic targets in neurological disorders

The central nervous system, information integration center of the body, is mainly composed of neurons and glial cells. The neuron is one of the most basic and important structural and functional units of the central nervous system, with sensory stimulation and excitation conduction functions. Astrocytes and microglia belong to the glial cell family, which is the main source of cytokines and represents the main defense system of the central nervous system. Nerve cells undergo neurotransmission or gliotransmission, which regulates neuronal activity via the ion channels, receptors, or transporters expressed on nerve cell membranes. Ion channels, composed of large transmembrane proteins, play crucial roles in maintaining nerve cell homeostasis. These channels are also important for control of the membrane potential and in the secretion of neurotransmitters. A variety of cellular functions and life activities, including functional regulation of the central nervous system, the generation and conduction of nerve excitation, the occurrence of receptor potential, heart pulsation, smooth muscle peristalsis, skeletal muscle contraction, and hormone secretion, are closely related to ion channels associated with passive transmembrane transport. Two types of ion channels in the central nervous system, potassium channels and calcium channels, are closely related to various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. Accordingly, various drugs that can affect these ion channels have been explored deeply to provide new directions for the treatment of these neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on the functions of potassium and calcium ion channels in different nerve cells and their involvement in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, autism, and rare disorders. We also describe several clinical drugs that target potassium or calcium channels in nerve cells and could be used to treat these disorders. We concluded that there are few clinical drugs that can improve the pathology these diseases by acting on potassium or calcium ions. Although a few novel ion-channelspecific modulators have been discovered, meaningful therapies have largely not yet been realized. The lack of target-specific drugs, their requirement to cross the blood–brain barrier, and their exact underlying mechanisms all need further attention. This review aims to explain the urgent problems that need research progress and provide comprehensive information aiming to arouse the research community's interest in the development of ion channel-targeting drugs and the identification of new therapeutic targets for that can increase the cure rate of nervous system diseases and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions in other systems.

Novel Role of Calcium-Sensitive Receptors in Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Proliferation of Pulmonary Vein Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective:Vascular remodeling due to chronic hypoxia(CH)occurs not only in the pulmonary arteries but also in the pulmonary veins.Pulmonary vascular remodeling arises from the proliferation of pulmonary vascular myocytes.However,the mechanism by which CH induces the proliferation of pulmonary vein smooth muscle cells(PVSMCs)is unknown.This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which CH affects the proliferation of PVSMCs.Methods:PVSMCs were isolated from rat distal pulmonary veins and exposed to CH(4%O2,60h),and the expression of the calcium-sensitive receptor(CaSR)was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation viability of the cells,and the changes in the intracellular calcium concentration were detected by laser confocal scanning technique.Results:CaSR expression was present in rat distal PVSMCs,and CaSR protein expression was upregulated under hypoxia.The positive regulator spermine not only enhanced CH-induced CaSR upregulation but also enhanced CH-induced increase in cell viability and calcium ion concentration.The negative CaSR regulator NPS2143 not only attenuated CH-induced CaSR upregulation but also inhibited CH-induced cell viability and calcium ion concentration.Conclusion:CaSR-mediated hyperproliferation is a novel pathogenic mechanism for the development of proliferation in distal PVSMCs under CH conditions.

Elevated extracellular calcium ions accelerate the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells and decrease cisplatin sensitivity

Hepatoblastoma is the most frequent liver malignancy in children.HepG2 has been discovered as a hepatoblastoma-derived cell line and tends to form clumps in culture.Intriguingly,we observed that the addition of calcium ions reduced cell clumping and disassociated HepG2 cells.The calcium signal is in connection with a series of processes critical in the tumorigenesis.Here,we demonstrated that extracellular calcium ions induced morphological changes and enhanced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HepG2 cells.Mechanistically,calcium ions promoted HepG2 proliferation and migration by up-regulating the phosphorylation levels of focal adhesion kinase(FAK),protein kinase B,and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.The inhibitor of FAK or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinaseⅡ(CaMKⅡ)reversed the Ca2+-induced effects on HepG2 cells,including cell proliferation and migration,epithelial-mesenchymal transition protein expression levels,and phosphorylation levels of FAK and protein kinase B.Moreover,calcium ions decreased HepG2 cells'sensitivity to cisplatin.Furthermore,we found that the expression levels of FAK and CaMKⅡwere increased in hepatoblastoma.The group with high expression levels of FAK and CaMKⅡexhibited significantly lower ImmunoScore as well as CD8+T and NK cells.The expression of CaMKⅡwas positively correlated with that of PDCD1 and LAG3.Correspondingly,the expression of FAK was negatively correlated with that of TNFSF9,TNFRSF4,and TNFRSF18.Collectively,extracellular calcium accelerates HepG2 cell proliferation and migration via FAK and CaMKⅡand enhances cisplatin resistance.FAK and CaMKⅡshape immune cell infiltration and responses in tumor microenvironments,thereby serving as potential targets for hepatoblastoma.

Luminometric Studies of Yeast Response to Complex Environmental Calcium Variations Demonstrate Sensing of External Calcium Ion Changes

The response of yeast to sharp environmental increases in calcium concentration has been extensively studied. However, systematic studies of the response under more general changes are still lacking. Only limited exploration of cellular responses has been conducted where calcium concentration is decreased. This article describes a set of luminometric experiments that monitor the cytosolic calcium concentration under changing external concentration conditions. As a decrease in external calcium concentrations requires the use of large sample volumes, the experiments require the use of equipment adapted for this purpose. We describe the modification of commercial luminometric equipment to make the exploration possible. We explore the yeast cellular behavior when an increase in external calcium concentration is followed by a decrease in external calcium concentration. We compare these results with those from the case of a double pulse of concentration increase. Results from the experiment show that the first, concentration increasing pulse produces the well-known sharp increase in cytosolic calcium followed by calcium sequestration to return to a cytosolic concentration near its initial condition. Surprisingly, the calcium decrease step shows similar results with a cytosolic increase followed by a return to lower levels. The results suggest the presence of a calcium sensing mechanism regulating calcium influx from external sources. This mechanism would produce channel opening as a response to any changes in external concentration, be it an enhancement or a depletion.

Effects of Calcium Ions on Thermodynamic Properties of Mixed Bilirubin/Cholesterol Monolayers

The mixed monolayer behavior of bilirubin/cholesterol was studied through surface pressure-area （π-A） isotherms on aqueous solutions containing various concentrations of calcium ions. Based on the data of π-A isotherms, the mean area per molecule, collapse pressure, surface compressibility modulus, excess molecular areas, free energy of mixing, and excess free energy of mixing of the monolayers on different subphases were calculated. The results show an expansion in the structure of the mixed monolayer with Ca^2＋ in subphase, and non-ideal mixing of the components at the air/water interface is observed with positive deviation from the additivity rule in the excess molecular areas. The miscibility between the components is weakened with the increase of concentration of Ca^2＋ in subphase. The facts indicate the presence of coordination between Ca^2＋ and the two components. The mixed monolayer, in which the molar ratio of bilirubin to cholesterol is 3：2, is more stable from a thermodynamic point of view on pure water. But the stable 3：2 stoichiometry complex is destroyed with the increase of the concentration of Ca^2＋ in subphase. Otherwise, the mixed monolayers have more thermodynamic stability at lower surface pressure on Ca^2＋ subphase.

Effects of anti-CD4 antibody treatment on calcium ions influx in peanut-sensitized C3H/HeJ mice

The precise mechanism underlying the effects of anti-CD4 antibody and calcium ions(Ca^(2+)) in peanut allergy remains unknown.C3 H/HeJ mice sensitized with peanut protein extract(PPE)were injected with anti-CD4 antibodies for 4 weeks.Stimulation with PPE increased the specific immunoglobulin E(IgE),cytokine,histamine,and mMcp-1 levels,upregulated decorin(Dcn)expression,induced Ca^(2+) inflow in the spleen,and augmented the expression of the transcription factors GATA-3 and Foxp3,which resulted in Th2 and Treg cell activation.Notably,the Ca^(2+) levels were positively correlated with the histamine,interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,and IL-13 levels,and negatively correlated with IL-10 levels.However,administration of anti-CD4 antibodies markedly alleviated allergic symptoms,activated T cells,and reduced Ca^(2+) inflow,cytokine,histamine,mMcp-1,and the IgHG3,CXCLI2,MMP2 and FABP4 gene.Our results indicated that anti-CD4 antibodies can ameliorate PPE-induced allergy,which is probably related to the suppression of Ca^(2+) inflow,and inhibiting histamine,cytokine and IgHG3,CXCL12,MMP2,and FABP4,thus exerting a protective effect against PPEsensitized food allergy.

Unsaturated transport properties of water molecules and ions in graphene oxide/hydrated calcium silicate nanochannels:from basic principles to complex environmental performance effects

The problems of traditional concrete such as brittleness,poor toughness and short service life of concrete engineering under acid rain or marine environment need to be solved urgently.Hydrated calcium silicate(C-S-H)is a key component to improve the mechanical properties and durability of concrete.However,the traditional method of concrete material design based on empirical models or comparative tests has become a bottleneck restricting the sustainable development of concrete.The synthesis method,molecular structure and properties of C-S-H were systematically described in this paper;The interface structure and interaction of graphene oxide/calcium silicate hydrate(C-S-H/GO)were discussed.On this basis,the saturated and unsaturated transport characteristics of ions and water molecules in C-S-H/GO nanochannels under the environment of ocean and acid rain were introduced.The contents of this review provide the basis for improving the multi-scale transmission theory and microstructure design of concrete.It has important guiding significance for analyzing and improving the service life of concrete in complex environment.

Effects of MCI-186 on intracellular calcium ion concentration and membrane fluidity of hippocampal neurons in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

The present study observed the effects of MCI-186 on the intracellular calcium ion concentration （[Ca2＋]i） and membrane fluidity of hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） model rats to validate the neuroprotective effects of MCI-186. Compared with normal and sham-operated rats, the escape latency was obviously prolonged, spanning platform times were obviously reduced, [Ca2＋]i was increased, and microviscosity η value was increased in AD rats. MCI-186 at 0.5 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL obviously shortened escape latency, increased spanning platform times and decreased [Ca2＋]i and microviscosity η values in AD rats at 7 and 17 days after induction of the model. The differences in the above-mentioned indices between normal and MCI-186-treated rats were statistically significant. MCI-186 at 0.2 mg/mL yielded better curative effects than 0.5 mg/mL MCI-186. These findings suggest that MCI-186 improves learning and memory abilities in AD rats by decreasing [Ca2＋]i and increasing membrane fluidity of hippocampal neurons.

POTENTIOMETRIC TITRATION OF CALCIUM IN SEAWATER

By using calcium ion selective elatrode (Ca ISE) as indicating electrode, saturated calomel electrode (SCE) as reference electrode and EGTA as titrant, calcium in seawater was determined by potentiometric titration in borate buffer solution. This method can reduce observation errors in the determination of the endpoint, and thus provide better analytical precision(<0.08%) than present complexometric titration.

Effect of Different Kinds of Zinc (Ⅱ) on Early Hydration of Calcium Aluminate Cement

The early hydration of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) with different kinds of zinc (II),such as ZnSO4g7H2O,ZnO,Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and ZnCl2,was analyzed.Changes in consistency,setting time,hydration heat flow,hydration heat amount,ion concentration in solution,and hydration products were found upon the addition of different Zn^2+.The water consumption of standard consistency of CAC is decreased with different Zn^2+.Zn^2+ can delay the initial hydration of CAC.The induction period of cement with Zn^2+ is longer than that of CAC,especially the reaction time of the acceleration period is extended.Zn^2+ can promote hydration hydrate of CAC at 24 h.The characteristic diffraction peaks of CA and CA2 in CAC with different Zn^2+ are significantly reduced.It can inhibit the formation of CAH10 and promote the formation C3AH6 and AH3 in hydration products at 24 h.

Negative regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor on free calcium ion levels following facial nerve injury

Previous studies have demonstrated that muscarinic, and nicotinic receptors increase free Ca2＋ levels in the facial nerve nucleus via various channels following facial nerve injury. However, intracellular Ca2＋ overload can trigger either necrotic or apoptotic cell death. Gamma-aminobutyric acid （GABA）, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, exists in the facial nerve nucleus. It is assumed that GABA negatively regulates free Ca2＋ levels in the facial nerve nucleus. The present study investigated GABA type A （GABAA） receptor expression in the facial nerve nucleus in a rat model of facial nerve injury using immunohistochemistry and laser confocal microscopy, as well as the regulatory effects of GABAA receptor on nicotinic receptor response following facial nerve injury. Subunits α1, α3, α5, β1, β2, δ, and γ3 of GABAA receptors were expressed in the facial nerve nucleus following facial nerve injury. In addition, GABAA receptor expression significantly inhibited the increase in nicotinic receptor-mediated free Ca2＋ levels in the facial nerve nucleus following facial nerve injury in a concentration-dependent fashion. These results suggest that GABAA receptors exhibit negative effects on nicotinic receptor responses following facial nerve injury.

Interaction of ions in water system containing copper-zinc alloy for boiler energy saving

Copper-zinc alloy element for boiler energy saving was put in the intake of simulated boiler system to investigate the interaction and transfer of ions in water system both theoretically and experimentally.The fouling was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and energy dispersive X-ray detector(EDX).The results show that the transfer of calcium and magnesium ions in heat-transfer-surface-water system is affected by zinc ions dissolved from the alloy because of primary battery reaction.Some calcium ions of calcium carbonate crystal are replaced by zinc ions,the growth of aragonite crystal nucleus is retarded,and the transition of calcium carbonate from aragonite to calcite is hampered.

Identification of key pathways and gene expression in the activation of mast cells via calcium flux using bioinformatics analysis

Mast cells are the main effector cells in IgE-associated allergic disorders,and we have reported that mucosal mast cells(MMCs)play a more important role in the development of food allergy(FA).IgE with antigen or calcium ionophore stimulation can lead to the activation of MMCs via a calcium-dependent pathway.The purpose of the present study was to identify gene signatures with IgE/antigen(dinitrophenyl-bovine serum albumin,DNP-BSA)or calcium ionophore(A23187)on the activation of MMCs.Differentially expressed genes between the two types of samples were identified with microarray analysis.Gene ontology functional and pathway enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes were performed using the database for annotation,visualization,and integrated discovery software.The results showed that IgE/antigen and A23187 could induce degranulation,increase vacuoles,and elevate the cytosolic calcium concentration in MMCs.Furthermore,GeneChip analysis showed that the same 134 mRNAs were altered with IgE/DNP-BSA and A23187,suggesting that DNP-BSA/IgE and A23187 affect the same signal pathway partly in degranulation.KEGG analysis showed that the data were enriched in NF-κB,TNF,MAPK,transcription factor activity,DNA binding,and nucleic acid binding,suggesting that activation of MMCs is a complex process.The results provide new insights on MMCs activation.