Recent advances in cobalt phosphide-based materials for electrocatalytic water splitting:From catalytic mechanism and synthesis method to optimization design

Electrochemical water splitting has long been considered an effective energy conversion technology for trans-ferring intermittent renewable electricity into hydrogen fuel,and the exploration of cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts is crucial in making electrolyzed water technology commercially viable.Cobalt phosphide(Co-P)has emerged as a catalyst of high potential owing to its high catalytic activity and durability in water splitting.This paper systematically reviews the latest advances in the development of Co-P-based materials for use in water splitting.The essential effects of P in enhancing the catalytic performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction are first outlined.Then,versatile synthesis techniques for Co-P electrocatalysts are summarized,followed by advanced strategies to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of Co-P materials,including heteroatom doping,composite construction,integration with well-conductive sub-strates,and structure control from the viewpoint of experiment.Along with these optimization strategies,the understanding of the inherent mechanism of enhanced catalytic performance is also discussed.Finally,some existing challenges in the development of highly active and stable Co-P-based materials are clarified,and pro-spective directions for prompting the wide commercialization of water electrolysis technology are proposed.

Study on trifluoromethanesulfonic acid-promoted synthesis of daidzein: Process optimization and reaction mechanism

Daidzein has been widely used in pharmaceuticals,nutraceuticals,cosmetics,feed additives,etc.Its preparation process and related reaction mechanism need to be further investigated.A cost-effective process for synthesizing daidzein was developed in this work.In this article,a two-step synthesis of daidzein(Friedel–Crafts acylation and[5+1]cyclization)was developed via the employment of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid(TfOH)as an effective promoting reagent.The effect of reaction conditions such as solvent,the amount of TfOH,reaction temperature,and reactant ratio on the conversion rate and the yield of the reaction,respectively,was systematically investigated,and daidzein was obtained in 74.0%isolated yield under optimal conditions.Due to the facilitating effect of TfOH,the Friedel–Crafts acylation was completed within 10 min at 90℃ and the[5+1]cyclization was completed within 180 min at 25℃.In addition,a possible reaction mechanism for this process was proposed.The results of the study may provide useful guidance for industrial production of daidzein on a large scale.

Configuration Synthesis and Grasping Performance Analysis of Multi-Loop Coupling Capture Mechanism for Launch and Recovery of Torpedo-Shaped Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Research of capture mechanisms with strong capture adaptability and stable grasp is important to solve the problem of launch and recovery of torpedo-shaped autonomous underwater vehicles(AUVs).A multi-loop coupling capture mechanism with strong adaptability and high retraction rate has been proposed for the launch and recovery of torpedo-shaped AUVs with different morphological features.Firstly,the principle of capturing motion retraction is described based on the appearance characteristics of torpedo-shaped AUVs,and the configuration synthesis of the capture mechanism is carried out using the method of constrained chain synthesis.Secondly,the screw theory is employed to analyze the degree of freedom(DoF)of the capture mechanism.Then,the 3D model of the capture mechanism is established,and the kinematics and dynamics simulations are carried out.Combined with the capture orientation requirements of the capture mechanism,the statics and vibration characteristics analyses are carried out.Furthermore,considering the capture process and the underwater working environment,the motion characteristics and hydraulics characteristics of the capture mechanism are analyzed.Finally,a principle prototype is developed and the torpedo-shaped AUVs capture experiment is completed.The work provides technical reserves for the research and development of AUV capture special equipment.

Rapid Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Reishi and Their Antibacterial Activity and Mechanisms

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field in biomedical engineering with references to efficiency, safety, and cost-effective approaches. Herein, the objective of this study was to examine an innovative approach to rapidly synthesis silver nanoparticles from an aqueous extract of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (also known as reishi). The structural and dimensional dispersion of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from reishi was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. Additionally, the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from resihi were used to explore their potential antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results from this study revealed that the silver nanoparticles mediated by reishi adopted a spherical shape morphology with sizes, less than 100 nm and revealed strong absorption plasmon band at 440 nm. Furthermore, the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from reishi exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested S. aureus and M. luteus and E. coli and K. pneumoniae by altering their morphology which signifies their biomedical potential.

Exploring nitrogen reduction reaction mechanisms in electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis:A comprehensive review

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction(eNRR)holds significant promise as a sustainable alternative to the conventional large-scale Haber Bosch process,offering a carbon footprint-free approach for ammonia synthesis.While the process is thermodynamically feasible at ambient temperature and pressure,challenges such as the competing hydrogen evolution reaction,low nitrogen solubility in electrolytes,and the activation of inert dinitrogen(N_(2))gas adversely affect the performance of ammonia production.These hurdles result in low Faradaic efficiency and low ammonia production rate,which pose obstacles to the commercialisation of the process.Researchers have been actively designing and proposing various electrocatalysts to address these issues,but challenges still need to be resolved.A key strategy in electrocatalyst design lies in understanding the underlying mechanisms that govern the success or failure of the electrocatalyst in driving the electrochemical reaction.Through mechanistic studies,we gain valuable insights into the factors affecting the reaction,enabling us to propose optimised designs to overcome the barriers.This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various mechanisms involved in eNRR on the electrocatalyst surface.It delves into the various mechanisms such as dissociative,associative,Mars-van Krevelen,lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction and surface hydrogenation mechanisms of nitrogen reduction.By unravelling the intricacies of eNRR mechanisms and exploring promising avenues,we can pave the way for more efficient and commercially viable ammonia synthesis through this sustainable electrochemical process by designing an efficient electrocatalyst.

Synthesis and Coloring Mechanism of Metallic Glaze in R_(2)O-RO-Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)-P_(2)O_(5)System

A copper-red and silver-white metallic glaze of R_(2)O-RO-Al_(2)O_(3)-SiO_(2)-P_(2)O_(5)system was synthesized by adjusting the firing temperature and glaze components.The coloration mechanism of the metallic glaze was revealed via investigation of the microstructure of the glaze.Our research reveals that the metallic glaze with different colors is mainly due to the amount of Fe_(2)O_(3).The metallic glaze shows a silver-white luster due to a structural color ofα-Fe_(2)O_(3)crystals with a good orientation when the sample contains 0.0939 mol of Fe_(2)O_(3),maintaining temperatures at 1150℃for 0.5 h.The metallic glaze is copper-red which is dominated by the coupling of chemical and structural color ofα-Fe_(2)O_(3)crystals when the sample contains 0.0783 mol of Fe_(2)O_(3).After testing the amount of SiO_(2),we find that 4.0499 mol is the optimal amount to form the ceramic network,and 0.27 mol AlPO_(4)is the best amount to promote phase separation.

Synthesis of multifunctional additives for solid propellants:Structure,properties and mechanism

To simplify the composite propellant formulation and address the current issue of the single-functionality present in existing additives,the multi-cyano,amine-based polybutadiene(AEHTPB-CN)was prepared based on AEHTPB by adopting appropriate synthesis strategies.By replacing 10% of HTPB binder in the propellant formulation,it can effectively enhance the interfacial bond strength between the propellant binder matrix and solid fillers(AP(ammonium perchlorate)and RDX(cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine)),the mechanical properties of the HTPB/AP/RDX/Al propellant were superior to blank control propellant with an improvement of 35.4% in tensile strength,62.0% enhancement in elongation at break,and reduce the propellant burn rate by 10.7% with any energy loss.The function mechanism of AEHTPB-CN was systematically elucidated through experiments and computer simulation techniques.The results show that the tertiary amine group in AEHTPB-CN can react with AP to form ammonium ionic bonds,and the hydroxyl and cyano groups can form hydrogen bonding interactions with AP,which enables AEHTPB-CN to be firmly adsorbed on the AP surface through chemical and physical interactions.For RDX,the interfacial bonding effect of AEHTPB-CN is attributed to their ability to form C-H···N≡C weak hydrogen bonding interaction between the cyano group and RDX methylene group.

Navigating the pathways:TAR-DNA-binding-protein-43 aggregation,axonal transport,and local synthesis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathology

Neurons are highly polarized cells with axons reaching over a meter long in adult humans.To survive and maintain their proper function,neurons depend on specific mechanisms that regulate spatiotemporal signaling and metabolic events,which need to be carried out at the right place,time,and intensity.Such mechanisms include axonal transport,local synthesis,and liquid-liquid phase separations.Alterations and malfunctions in these processes are correlated to neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).

Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Depression mechanism of sulfite ions on sphalerite and Pb^(2+)activated sphalerite in the flotation separation of galena from sphalerite

The depression mechanism of sulfite ions on sphalerite and Pb^(2+)activated sphalerite in the flotation separation of galena from sphalerite still lacked in-depth insight.Therefore,the depression mechanism of sulfite ions on sphalerite and Pb^(2+)activated sphalerite in the flotation separation of galena from sphalerite was further systematically investigated with experiments and density functional theory(DFT)calculations.The X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy(XPS)results,DFT calculation results,and frontier molecular orbital analysis indicated that sulfite ions were difficult to be adsorbed on sphalerite surface,suggesting that sulfite ions achieved depression effects on sphalerite through other non-adsorption mechanisms.First,the oxygen content in the surface of sphalerite treated with sulfite ions in creased,which enhanced the hydrophilicity of the sphalerite and further increased the difference in hydrophilicity between sphalerite and galena.Then,sulfite ions were chelated with lead ions to form PbSO_(3)in solution.The hydrophilic PbSO_(3)was more easily adsorbed on sphalerite than galena.The interaction between sulfite ions and lead ions could effectively inhibit the activation of sphalerite.In addition the UV spectrum showed that after adding sulfite ions,the peak of perxanthate in the sphalerite treated xanthate solution was significantly stronger than that in the galena with xanthate solution,indicating that xanthate interacted more readily with sulfite ions and oxygen mo lecules within the sphalerite system,leading to the formation of perxanthate.However,sulfite ions hardly depressed the flotation of ga lena and could promote the flotation of galena to some extent.This study deepened the understanding of the depression mechanism o sulfite ions on sphalerite and Pb^(2+)activated sphalerite.

Insights into kinetics and reaction mechanism of acid-catalyzed transesterification synthesis of diethyl oxalate

The catalytic performance of different acidic catalysts for diethyl oxalate synthesis from the one-step transesterification of dimethyl oxalate and ethanol was evaluated.The effects of different factors(e.g.,acidity,electron accepting capacity,cations type and crystalline water)on the catalytic activity of acidic catalysts were investigated respectively.It was proposed and confirmed that the transesterification reaction catalyzed by a Lewis acid(FeCl3)and a Bronsted acid(H2SO4)follows a first-order kinetic reaction process.In addition,the Lewis acid-catalyzed transesterification processes with different ester structures were used to further explore and understand the speculated reaction mechanism.This work enriches the theoretical understanding of acid-catalyzed transesterification reactions and is of great significance for the development of highly active catalysts for diethyl oxalate synthesis,diminishing the industrial production cost of diethyl oxalate,and developing downstream bulk or high-value-added industrial products.

Deactivation mechanism of CaO in a flow type dimethyl carbonate synthesis process

It is well known that calcium oxide (CaO) has better catalytic efficiency than most heterogeneous catalysts in many transesterification reactions. However, the gradual deactivation problem prevents its large-scale application in industry. In this paper, the deactivation mechanism of CaO in a fixed-bed reactor is investigated based on the transesterification reaction of propylene carbonate and methanol. The leaching amount of CaO during the reaction was estimated by the concentration of Ca in the products. The pretreated and recovered catalysts were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TG-MS and SEM-EDS. It is evident from experiments and characterization that the deactivation process of CaO is accompanied by the leaching of calcium species and the generation of CaCO3, which are also verified by DFT calculations. At high temperature and high weight hourly space velocity, the deactivation was attributed to the formation of dense CaCO3 shell, which prevents the contact between the feedstock and the active species inside.

Decoding molecular mechanisms:brain aging and Alzheimer's disease

The complex morphological,anatomical,physiological,and chemical mechanisms within the aging brain have been the hot topic of research for centuries.The aging process alters the brain structure that affects functions and cognitions,but the worsening of such processes contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders,such as Alzheimer's disease.Beyond these observable,mild morphological shifts,significant functional modifications in neurotransmission and neuronal activity critically influence the aging brain.Understanding these changes is important for maintaining cognitive health,especially given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions that affect cognition.This review aims to explore the age-induced changes in brain plasticity and molecular processes,differentiating normal aging from the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease,thereby providing insights into predicting the risk of dementia,particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy in spinal cord injury:regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Regulated cell death is a form of cell death that is actively controlled by biomolecules.Several studies have shown that regulated cell death plays a key role after spinal cord injury.Pyroptosis and ferroptosis are newly discovered types of regulated cell deaths that have been shown to exacerbate inflammation and lead to cell death in damaged spinal cords.Autophagy,a complex form of cell death that is interconnected with various regulated cell death mechanisms,has garnered significant attention in the study of spinal cord injury.This injury triggers not only cell death but also cellular survival responses.Multiple signaling pathways play pivotal roles in influencing the processes of both deterioration and repair in spinal cord injury by regulating pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and autophagy.Therefore,this review aims to comprehensively examine the mechanisms underlying regulated cell deaths,the signaling pathways that modulate these mechanisms,and the potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord injury.Our analysis suggests that targeting the common regulatory signaling pathways of different regulated cell deaths could be a promising strategy to promote cell survival and enhance the repair of spinal cord injury.Moreover,a holistic approach that incorporates multiple regulated cell deaths and their regulatory pathways presents a promising multi-target therapeutic strategy for the management of spinal cord injury.

Facile synthesis of C2 or C3-(cycloheptatrienyl)-substituted indoles

Cycloheptatriene is a privileged structural motif present in many bioactive compounds,pharmaceutical agents and natural products,especially in a large number of core structures of sesquiterpenoids.Herein,a mild and efficient synthetic approach was reported for access of a series of C2 or C3-(cycloheptatrienyl)-substituted indoles.A wide range of functional groups can be well tolerated in this transformation,especially including hydroxyl,halo,carboxylic acid and its derivative groups.Based on these results,a rational mechanism via electrophilic substitution of indoles with tropylium tetrafluoroborate is proposed.

Synthesis of lutetium hydrides at high pressures

High-pressure synthesis of lutetium hydrides from molecular hydrogen(H_(2))and lutetium(Lu)is systematically investigated using synchrotron X-ray diffraction,Raman spectroscopy,and visual observations.We demonstrate that the reaction pathway between H_(2)and Lu invariably follows the sequence Lu→LuH_(2)→LuH_(3)and exhibits a notable time dependence.A comprehensive diagram representing the formation and synthesis of lutetium hydrides as a function of pressure and time is constructed.Our findings indicate that the synthesis can be accelerated by elevated temperature and decelerated by increased pressure.Notably,two critical pressure thresholds at ambient temperature are identified:the synthesis of LuH_(2)from Lu commences at a minimum pressure of~3 GPa,while~28 GPa is the minimum pressure at which LuH_(2)fails to transform into LuH_(3)within a time scale of months.This underscores the significant impact of temporal factors on synthesis,with the reaction completion time increasing sub-linearly with rising pressure.Furthermore,the cubic phase of LuH_(3)can be obtained exclusively through compressing the trigonal LuH_(3)phase at~11.5 GPa.We also demonstrate that the bandgap of LuH_(3)slowly closes under pressure and is noticeably lower than that of LuH_(2).

Concurrent occurrence of adenocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the prostate:Coexistence mechanisms from multiple perspectives

This article discusses the coexistence of prostate adenocarcinoma and prostate urothelial carcinoma.Combining existing literature and research results,the potential mechanisms of the co-occurrence of these two cancers are explored,including the role of androgen receptor,gene mutations,and their complex interactions in cell signaling pathways,etc.Also,the hypothesis of prostate cancer transformation into urothelial carcinoma is explained from some perspectives,including tumor multipotent stem cell differentiation,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,mesenchymal-epithelial transition,and other mechanisms.Ultimately,the goal is to provide more accurate diagnoses and more personalized treatments in clinical practice,as well as to lay the foundation for improving patient prognoses in the future.

Two paths, one goal: mechanism of calcium homeostasis to balance plant growth and immunity

Calcium(Ca^(2+))is an essential nutrient and a cellular signal in plants.The level of free Ca^(2+)in the apoplast is~10,000-fold higher than that in the cytoplasm at the resting state.This large Ca^(2+)level gradient across the membrane between the interior and exterior can cause Ca^(2+)overload and toxicity.Plants have evolved mechanisms to export Ca^(2+)out of the cytoplasm or store it in intracellular organelles,such as endoplasmic reticulum(ER),mitochondria,and vacuole.Additionally,Ca^(2+)-binding proteins,including those containing the most common Ca^(2+)-binding EF-hand domains,maintain the cytosolic Ca^(2+)level by directly binding them,thus participating in Ca^(2+)homeostasis.Ca^(2+)/H+exchangers(CAXs,antiporter)and Ca^(2+)-ATPases(ACAs)are responsible for transferring Ca^(2+)from the cytosol to either the external space or intracellular stores(Bose et al.,2011).However,it is still unknown how these Ca^(2+)-scavenging transporters are activated when the cytosolic Ca^(2+)level is elevated to threshold levels.An“auto-regulatory”mechanism to scavenge excess cytosolic Ca^(2+),providing a guarding system to maintain cytosolic Ca^(2+)homeostasis in plants.

Acupuncture for postoperative ileus:Advancement and underlying mechanisms

Postoperative ileus(POI)remains a prevalent and significant challenge following abdominal surgeries,precipitating patient distress,prolonged hospital stays,and escalated medical expenditures.Conventionally addressed via pharmacological interventions,POI is increasingly being explored through adjunctive therapeutic strategies,with acupuncture gaining recognition as a promising option.Acupuncture has demonstrated encouraging potential in promoting gastrointestinal motility in patients with POI.Moreover,recent research has shed light on the therapeutic mechanisms underlying its efficacy.This article aims to present a comprehensive overview of acupuncture as a treatment for POI,highlighting advancements in clinical research and recent elucidations of its mechanistic underpinnings.It aspires to contribute a pivotal reference point for scholars and enthusiasts keen on garnering a deeper understanding of acupuncture’s role in managing POI.

Research progress on the physiological,biochemical and molecular regulatory mechanisms of fruit tree responses to high-temperature stress

Fruit trees face various adverse environmental factors,such as extreme hydrothermal changes,soil salinization and low precipitation,leading to different types of stress.High temperature is one of the main factors affecting the growth of fruit trees,and an appropriate ambient temperature is a necessary condition for the normal growth and development of fruit trees.Since the 20th century,due to the intensification of the greenhouse effect and global warming,there has been a significant increase in the occurrence and duration of extreme hot weather in summer has been occurring frequently and for longer durations.Thus,the growth and production of fruit trees are affected by severe hightemperature stress.Therefore,this paper primarily summarized the impacts of high-temperature stress on fruit growth and development,flowering,fruiting,fruit setting and quality.It also discussed the physiological and biochemical responses of fruit trees to high-temperature stress,research progress on the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways underlying fruit tree resistance to heat or high temperature,and research on the investigation of relevant metabolites of fruit trees under stress conditions.The future research directions were discussed,and prospects and potential difficulties were proposed to serve a reference for further investigation on the high-temperature tolerance of fruit trees.