Copper Metabolism and Cuproptosis:Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Copper is an essential trace element,and plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes within the human body.During normal metabolism,the human body maintains copper homeostasis.Copper deficiency or excess can adversely affect cellular function.Therefore,copper homeostasis is stringently regulated.Recent studies suggest that copper can trigger a specific form of cell death,namely,cuproptosis,which is triggered by excessive levels of intracellular copper.Cuproptosis induces the aggregation of mitochondrial lipoylated proteins,and the loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins.In neurodegenerative diseases,the pathogenesis and progression of neurological disorders are linked to copper homeostasis.This review summarizes the advances in copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in the nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases.This offers research perspectives that provide new insights into the targeted treatment of neurodegenerative diseases based on cuproptosis.

Detection of Al, Mg, Ca, and Zn in copper slag by LIBS combined with calibration curve and PLSR methods

The precise measurement of Al, Mg, Ca, and Zn composition in copper slag is crucial for effective process control of copper pyrometallurgy. In this study, a remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS) system was utilized for the spectral analysis of copper slag samples at a distance of 2.5 m. The composition of copper slag was then analyzed using both the calibration curve(CC) method and the partial least squares regression(PLSR) analysis method based on the characteristic spectral intensity ratio. The performance of the two analysis methods was gauged through the determination coefficient(R^(2)), average relative error(ARE), root mean square error of calibration(RMSEC), and root mean square error of prediction(RMSEP). The results demonstrate that the PLSR method significantly improved both R^(2) for the calibration and test sets while reducing ARE, RMSEC, and RMSEP by 50% compared to the CC method. The results suggest that the combination of LIBS and PLSR is a viable approach for effectively detecting the elemental concentration in copper slag and holds potential for online detection of the elemental composition of high-temperature molten copper slag.

Role of copper chelating agents: between old applications and new perspectives in neuroscience

The role of copper element has been an increasingly relevant topic in recent years in the fields of human and animal health, for both the study of new drugs and innovative food and feed supplements. This metal plays an important role in the central nervous system, where it is associated with glutamatergic signaling, and it is widely involved in inflammatory processes. Thus, diseases involving copper(Ⅱ) dyshomeostasis often have neurological symptoms, as exemplified by Alzheimer's and other diseases(such as Parkinson's and Wilson's diseases). Moreover, imbalanced copper ion concentrations have also been associated with diabetes and certain types of cancer, including glioma. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive overview of recent results that show the importance of these metal ions in several pathologies, mainly Alzheimer's disease, through the lens of the development and use of copper chelators as research compounds and potential therapeutics if included in multi-target hybrid drugs. Seeing how copper homeostasis is important for the well-being of animals as well as humans, we shortly describe the state of the art regarding the effects of copper and its chelators in agriculture, livestock rearing, and aquaculture, as ingredients for the formulation of feed supplements as well as to prevent the effects of pollution on animal productions.

Purification of copper foils driven by single crystallization

High-purity copper(Cu) with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, is crucial in modern technological applications, including heat exchangers, integrated circuits, and superconducting magnets. The current purification process is mainly based on the zone/electrolytic refining or anion exchange, however, which excessively relies on specific integrated equipment with ultra-high vacuum or chemical solution environment, and is also bothered by external contaminants and energy consumption. Here we report a simple approach to purify the Cu foils from 99.9%(3N) to 99.99%(4N) by a temperature-gradient thermal annealing technique, accompanied by the kinetic evolution of single crystallization of Cu.The success of purification mainly relies on(i) the segregation of elements with low effective distribution coefficient driven by grain-boundary movements and(ii) the high-temperature evaporation of elements with high saturated vapor pressure.The purified Cu foils display higher flexibility(elongation of 70%) and electrical conductivity(104% IACS) than that of the original commercial rolled Cu foils(elongation of 10%, electrical conductivity of ~ 100% IACS). Our results provide an effective strategy to optimize the as-produced metal medium, and therefore will facilitate the potential applications of Cu foils in precision electronic products and high-frequency printed circuit boards.

Efficient C-N coupling in electrocatalytic urea generation on copper carbonate hydroxide electrocatalysts

Urea generation through electrochemical CO_(2) and NO_(3)~-co-reduction reaction(CO_(2)NO_(3)RR)is still limited by either the low selectivity or yield rate of urea.Herein,we report copper carbonate hydroxide(Cu_2(OH)_2CO_(3))as an efficient CO_(2)NO_(3)RR electrocatalyst with an impressive urea Faradaic efficiency of45.2%±2.1%and a high yield rate of 1564.5±145.2μg h~(-1)mg_(cat)~(-1).More importantly,H_(2) evolution is fully inhibited on this electrocatalyst over a wide potential range between-0.3 and-0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode.Our thermodynamic simulation reveals that the first C-N coupling follows a unique pathway on Cu_2(OH)_2CO_(3) by combining the two intermediates,~*COOH and~*NHO.This work demonstrates that high selectivity and yield rate of urea can be simultaneously achieved on simple Cu-based electrocatalysts in CO_(2)NO_(3)RR,and provide guidance for rational design of more advanced catalysts.

Effects of cold rolling path on recrystallization behavior and mechanical properties of pure copper during annealing

The recrystallization behavior,grain boundary characteristic distribution,and mechanical properties of pure Cu sheets that were subjected to different cold rolling paths,and then annealed at 400°C for 10,30,60,and 420 min,were investigated.Different rolling paths changed the grain boundary orientations of cold-rolled copper,causing recrystallized grains to nucleate and grow in an oriented manner.However,the evolution of the texture indicated that cold-rolled copper with different rolling paths did not show an obvious preferred orientation after annealing.The RD-60 specimen exhibited the smallest grain size(6.6μm).The results indicated that the grain size and low-ΣCSL grain boundaries worked together to provide RD-60 samples with appropriate mechanical properties and high plasticity.The yield strength,ultimate tensile strength,and elongation of RD-60 sample were 81 MPa,230 MPa,and 49%,respectively.These results could provide guidance for tuning the microstructures and properties of pure Cu foils,as well as designing fabrication routes for pure Cu foils through processes such as rolling and drawing.

Design of low-alloying and high-performance solid solution-strengthened copper alloys with element substitution for sustainable development

Solid solution-strengthened copper alloys have the advantages of a simple composition and manufacturing process,high mechanical and electrical comprehensive performances,and low cost;thus,they are widely used in high-speed rail contact wires,electronic component connectors,and other devices.Overcoming the contradiction between low alloying and high performance is an important challenge in the development of solid solution-strengthened copper alloys.Taking the typical solid solution-strengthened alloy Cu-4Zn-1Sn as the research object,we proposed using the element In to replace Zn and Sn to achieve low alloying in this work.Two new alloys,Cu-1.5Zn-1Sn-0.4In and Cu-1.5Zn-0.9Sn-0.6In,were designed and prepared.The total weight percentage content of alloying elements decreased by 43%and 41%,respectively,while the product of ultimate tensile strength(UTS)and electrical conductivity(EC)of the annealed state increased by 14%and 15%.After cold rolling with a 90%reduction,the UTS of the two new alloys reached 576 and 627MPa,respectively,the EC was 44.9%IACS and 42.0%IACS,and the product of UTS and EC(UTS×EC)was 97%and 99%higher than that of the annealed state alloy.The dislocations proliferated greatly in cold-rolled alloys,and the strengthening effects of dislocations reached 332 and 356 MPa,respectively,which is the main reason for the considerable improvement in mechanical properties.

The occurrence of metallic copper and redistribution of copper in the shocked Suizhou L6 chondrite

Copper possesses very strong chacophile properties,but under the conditions found in meteorites,its behavior is like that of siderophile elements.The Suizhou meteorite is a highly shocked L6 chondrite.Troilite and taenite are considered the main primary carrier of copper in this meteorite,and the post-shock thermal episode is considered the main reason that elemental Cu migrates from its original host phase and forms metallic grains.The Suizhou meteorite contains a few very thin shock melt veins.The occurrence and behavior of metallic copper in this meteorite were studied by optical microscopic examination,electron microprobe analyses,and high-resolution X-ray elemental intensity mapping.Our results show that metallic copper is abundant in the Suizhou chondritic rock.Metallic copper grains adjacent to small troilite grains inside FeNi metal are the most common occurrence,and those at the FeNi metal–troilite interface are the second most common case.The metallic copper grains occurring at the interface of FeNi metal/troililte and silicate are rather rare.Metallic copper grains are not observed within the Suizhou shock veins,Instead,Cu in elemental form is transferred through shock metamorphism into FeNi metal+troilite intergrowths.Four diff erent occurrence types of Cu in the FeNi metal+troilite intergrowths have been identifi ed:the concentrations of Cu in the FeNi+FeS intergrowths for four occurrence types are rather close,we estimate it might be lower than 1 wt%.

Acid mine drainage activation mechanism on lime-depressed pyrite flotation from copper sulfide ore

The lime-depressed pyrite from Cu differential flotation tailings with acid mine drainage(AMD)as a natural activator was recovered.The effect of AMD on lime-depressed pyrite flotation was investigated by a series of laboratory flotation tests and surface analytical techniques.Flotation test results indicated that AMD could effectively activate the pyrite flotation with a sodium butyl xanthate(SBX)collector,and a high-quality sulfur concentrate was obtained.Pulp ion concentration analysis results indicated that AMD facilitated desorption of Ca~(2+)and adsorption of Cu~(2+)on the depressed-pyrite surface.Adsorption measurements and contact angle analysis results confirmed that adding AMD improved the adsorption amount of SBX collector on the pyrite surface and increased the contact angle by 31°.Results of Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that AMD treatment promoted the formation of hydrophobic species(S~0 hydrophobic entity and copper sulfides)and the removal of hydrophilic calcium and iron species on the pyrite surface,which reinforced the adsorption of collector.The findings of the present research provide important theoretical basis and technical support for a cleaner production of copper sulfide ores.

Laser-Constructing 3D Copper Current Collector with Crystalline Orientation Selectivity for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries

The practical application of lithium(Li)metal anodes in high-capacity batteries is impeded by the formation of hazardous Li dendrites.To address this challenge,this research presents a novel methodology that combines laser ablation and heat treatment to precisely induce controlled grain growth within laser-structured grooves on copper(Cu)current collectors.Specifically,this approach enhances the prevalence of Cu(100)facets within the grooves,effectively lowering the overpotential for Li nucleation and promoting preferential Li deposition.Unlike approaches that modify the entire surface of collectors,our work focuses on selectively enhancing lithiophilicity within the grooves to mitigate the formation of Li dendrites and exhibit exceptional performance metrics.The half-cell with these collectors maintains a remarkable Coulombic efficiency of 97.42%over 350 cycles at 1 mA cm^(−2).The symmetric cell can cycle stably for 1600 h at 0.5 mA cm^(−2).Furthermore,when integrated with LiFePO4 cathodes,the full-cell configuration demonstrates outstanding capacity retention of 92.39%after 400 cycles at a 1C discharge rate.This study introduces a novel technique for fabricating selective lithiophilic three-dimensional(3D)Cu current collectors,thereby enhancing the performance of Li metal batteries.The insights gained from this approach hold promise for enhancing the performance of all laser-processed 3D Cu current collectors by enabling precise lithiophilic modifications within complex structures.

Nitrogen-doping boosts ^(*)CO utilization and H_(2)O activation on copper for improving CO_(2) reduction to C_(2+) products

To improve the electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO_(2)) to multi-carbon (C_(2+)) products is of great importance.Here we developed a nitrogen-doped Cu catalyst,by which the maximum C_(2+) Faradaic efficiency can reach 72.7%in flow-cell system,with the partial current density reaching 0.62 A cm^(-2).The in situ Raman spectra demonstrate that the *CO adsorption can be strengthened on such a N-doped Cu catalyst,thus promoting the *CO utilization in the subsequent C–C coupling step.Simultaneously,the water activation can be well enhanced by N doping on Cu catalyst.Owing to the synergistic effects,the selectivity and activity for C_(2+) products over the N-deoped Cu catalyst are much improved.

Preliminary Investigation of Copper(II) Ion Binding or Complex Coordination in Lysozeme Molecules

Hydrophobic Val derivative Schiff base copper(II) complexes and dipeptide (AlaAla, GlyGly) derivative Schiff base copper(II) complexes were introduced into egg white lysozyme. X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed amino acid derivative Schiff base copper(II) complexes were obtained. Herein we discuss primarily on the binding mode of copper(II) of the complexes obtained with egg white lysozyme. The electron density of copper(II) ions was confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The Val derivative Schiff base copper(II) complex was weakly bound at Arg114 of egg white lysozyme. In other copper(II) complexes, binding of copper(II) ions with dissociated ligands to various residues was observed. The binding sites of copper(II) ions were compared with computational scientific predictions.

2023年LIS期刊论文研究方法应用态势

研究方法的选择和运用影响研究的深度和可靠性,对科学研究发展十分重要。文章在总结LIS领域方法论研究的基础上,将LIS领域常用的研究方法整理、汇总、编码,以LIS领域11种TOP期刊2023年收录的论文为数据源,统计分析LIS期刊论文的研究方法应用态势,探讨LIS学科性质、研究对象、作者学科背景等因素对研究方法的影响。研究发现:LIS领域论文使用的研究方法内容不断演进,跨学科和新兴理论方法以及多元研究方法的应用促进了研究的深入和丰富。

热处理对Mg-3Sn-2Al-1Zn-5Li合金耐蚀性能的影响

对Mg-3Sn-2Al-1Zn-5Li合金进行了不同方式的热处理。利用电化学测试研究了不同热处理状态合金在3.5%NaCl溶液中的腐蚀电化学行为,并通过扫描电镜、能谱以及X射线衍射分析了合金腐蚀形貌及腐蚀产物的成分。结果表明:经固溶处理和时效处理后,合金的耐蚀性能有所提高,并且固溶态的Mg-3Sn-2Al-1Zn-5Li合金有着最佳的耐蚀性能;合金的腐蚀特征为丝状腐蚀,腐蚀产物主要为Mg(OH)_(2)。

电流密度、温度、阴极孔隙率和N_(2)溶解度因子对Li-N_(2)电池放电性能的影响

Li-N_(2)电池是一种具有电化学固氮功能的新型储能系统,文章利用有限元软件COMSOL耦合多物理场建立的电化学模型能揭示各因素对其放电性能的影响。模拟结果表明:放电电流密度、温度、阴极孔隙率和电解液中的N_(2)溶解度因子对Li-N_(2)电池的放电性能均有影响;较大的放电电流密度会降低该电池的电压和容量;阴极孔隙率和电解液中的N_(2)溶解度因子是影响该电池电压和容量的关键性因素,提高阴极孔隙率和电解液中的N_(2)溶解度因子均能增加该电池的电压和容量;电池放电的平台电压随温度升高而升高,但放电容量几乎不受温度影响。

基于铁锈红和废锂箔制备LiFePO_(4)/C正极材料的储锂性能

磷酸铁锂电池的需求大、市场垄断而导致原材料价格日益高涨。以铁锈红和废锂箔为原材料,采用磷酸铁工艺制备了LiFePO_(4)/C粉末,并测试其电化学储锂性能。结果表明:LiFePO_(4)/C粉末由粒径尺寸为110~400nm的颗粒组成,在1.0C循环350圈后的可逆比容量和容量保持率分别为129.7mAh/g和98.0%,与商业LiFePO_(4)正极材料性能相当。可见,该结果降低了LiFePO 4的制备成本,有利于循环经济和可持续发展。

Sc对铸造Al-Li合金组织及力学性能的影响

铸造Al-Li合金可用于成型复杂薄壁构件,在航空航天、国防军工等领域具有广阔的应用前景。细化铸造Al-Li合金组织,提高合金强塑性对其实际应用具有重要意义。本文通过金属型铸造制备不同Sc含量的Al-2Li-2Cu-0.5Mg-xSc合金,分析了Sc含量对合金组织及力学性能的影响规律。结果表明,随着Sc含量逐渐增加,合金晶粒由树枝晶向近等轴晶转变,晶粒尺寸逐渐减小。δ'(Al_(3)Li)相倾向于以Al_(3)Sc相为形核核心,形成Al_(3)(Li, Sc)复合粒子,这些粒子在变形过程中不易被位错切过,减少了Al_(3)Li粒子引起的共面滑移。当添加0.3%Sc(质量分数)时,合金具有较好的综合力学性能,经过175℃/32 h的峰值时效处理后,屈服强度、抗拉强度和伸长率分别可以达到381.3 MPa、449.5 MPa和5.8%。

察尔汗北部东陵湖Li、B资源分布特征与物质来源

柴达木盆地盐湖锂、硼资源是青海省建设世界级盐湖产业基地的重要资源组成部分,盆地内接续性锂、硼资源储量的增加意义重大。柴达木盆地东南部的察尔汗盐湖锂、硼资源差异分布明显,位于察尔汗盐湖北部的东陵湖,近两年勘查工作揭露其湖表卤水和湖区晶间卤水LiCl品位(315.16 mg/L)和B_(2)O_(3)品位(429.32 mg/L)均超过边界品位。本文以东陵湖湖表卤水、钻孔晶间卤水、承压卤水、浅层钻孔(0~8 m)盐类沉积物为研究对象,分析研究了东陵湖不同卤水和钻孔沉积物的锂、硼含量特征,并与察尔汗盐湖锂、硼含量分布特征对比,结合盆地补给河流和尾闾盐湖的Li^(+)含量和δ^(11)B值,分析了东陵湖锂、硼资源元素分布特征与物质来源,主要得出如下结论:①东陵湖湖表卤水(61.91 mg/L)和湖区钻孔晶间卤水(27.05 mg/L)的Li^(+)含量最高,而与察尔汗盐湖别勒滩区段(204.48 mg/L)相比,其Li含量低3.3~7.6倍;东陵湖湖表卤水的B^(3+)平均含量为177.25 mg/L,钻孔晶间卤水和承压卤水的B^(3+)平均含量为81.65 mg/L,较之察尔汗盐湖,东陵湖不同卤水硼含量普遍较高。②东陵湖11个钻孔沉积物样品Li^(+)含量介于1×10^(-6)~8.24×10^(-6)之间,B3+含量在0.005%~0.024%之间,湖区钻孔沉积物锂含量高于凹地钻孔;钻孔沉积剖面石盐层和碎屑层沉积物Li、B含量无明显变化。③东陵湖与察尔汗盐湖锂、硼含量空间分布差异明显,东陵湖较察尔汗盐湖别勒滩区段明显贫锂,较达布逊、察尔汗和霍布逊区段更富硼,总体表现为富硼贫锂的特征。④东陵湖δ^(11)B介于+20.33‰~+29.17‰之间,平均为+24.23‰,与柴北缘补给河流和Ca-Cl水补给形成的盐湖均位于高δ^(11)B端元区,结合东陵湖不同卤水样品的Ca^(2+)与Li^(+)、B^(3+)相关性研究,认为东陵湖锂、硼资源元素与含盐溶质具有相似的物源,高硼低锂的元素分布特征和高δ^(11)B值显示东陵湖地区水文补给来源与柴北缘水文体系有关,主要物质来源受察尔汗盐湖北部断裂带Ca-Cl水的补给。

Application of tensor CSAMT with high-power orthogonal signal sources in Jiama porphyry copper deposit,South Tibet

The Jiama porphyry copper deposit in Tibet is one of the proven supergiant copper deposits in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at present,with the reserves of geological resources equivalent to nearly 20×10^(6) t.However,it features wavy and steep terrain,leading to extremely difficult field operation and heavy interference.This study attempts to determine the effects of the tensor controlled-source audiomagnetotellurics(CSAMT)with high-power orthogonal signal sources(also referred to as the high-power tensor CSAMT)when it is applied to the deep geophysical exploration in plateaus with complex terrain and mining areas with strong interference.The test results show that the high current provided by the highpower tensor CSAMT not only greatly improved the signal-to-noise ratio but also guaranteed that effective signals were received in the case of a long transmitter-receiver distance.Meanwhile,the tensor data better described the anisotropy of deep geologic bodies.In addition,the tests also show that when the transmitting current reaches 60 A,it is still guaranteed that strong enough signals can be received in the case of the transmitter-receiver distance of about 25 km,sounding curves show no near field effect,and effective exploration depth can reach 3 km.The 2D inversion results are roughly consistent with drilling results,indicating that the high-power tensor CSAMT can be used to achieve nearly actual characteristics of underground electrical structures.Therefore,this method has great potential for application in deep geophysical exploration in plateaus and mining areas with complex terrain and strong interference,respectively.This study not only serves as important guidance on the prospecting in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau but also can be used as positive references for deep mineral exploration in other areas.

Dietary copper supplementation modulates performance and lipid metabolism in meat goat kids

Forty-eight male Lezhi black goat kids with similar body weight((12.09±1.70)kg)and age((60±5)d)were used to determine the effect of dietary copper(Cu),in the form of reagent grade Cu sulfate(CuSO4∙5H2O),on performance,serum lipid profile,and the relative mRNA abundance of genes involved in lipid metabolism.Goat kids were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups.Each treatment consisted of 12 replicate pens with each pen containing one goat kid.Treatment groups received the basal diet with no supplemental Cu(control),basal diet plus 10 mg of Cu kg^(-1)of dry matter(DM),basal diet plus 20 mg of Cu kg^(-1)of DM,or basal diet plus 30 mg of Cu kg^(-1)of DM.Goats were housed individually in pens and fed a high-concentrate pelleted diet for 60 d.Average daily gain,average daily feed intake and feed:gain of goats were not affected by dietary Cu supplementation(P>0.10).No differences were detected in serum total cholesterol,triglyceride,and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations of goat kids fed with different Cu concentrations(P>0.05).However,serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased linearly(P=0.01)as the concentration of dietary Cu increased.Intramuscular fat content of longissimus muscle increased(P=0.002)quadratically and liver Cu concentrations increased(P<0.001)linearly as dietary Cu concentration increased.Compared with the control,dietary supplementation of 20 mg Cu kg^(-1)DM decreased the relative mRNA abundance of fatty acid-binding protein 4(P=0.01)and lipoprotein lipase(P=0.05),and tended to decrease the relative mRNA abundance of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I(P=0.06)in longissimus muscle of goats.The relative mRNA abundance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(P<0.001),carnitine acetyltransferase(P=0.001),and carnitine palmitoyltransferase Ⅰ(P=0.001)were also decreased in liver by Cu supplementation.These results indicate that dietary supplementation of Cu modified lipid metabolism by increasing muscular fat and decreasing serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol,and the modification might be associated with the reduction of relative mRNA abundance of genes for oxidation of long-chain fatty acid in muscle and liver of Lezhi black goat kids.