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Uncovering the relationship between metacognitive ability and learning engagement using a moderated mediation model
Climate-driven fuel-cost-based assessment of raw and torrefied biomass for greenhouse heating across different climatic regions of Korea
Evapotranspiration dynamics and their environmental drivers in a rainfed rice–wheat cropping system of a hilly region using eddy covariance technique
A novel exponential tension field for salt-and-pepper image denoising
Personalized talent cultivation and academic prediction framework for higher education based on the HA-GNN-LSTM architecture
Experimental evaluation of CO2 mineral trapping in Albian glauconite-bearing sandstone, Mangyshlak Basin, Kazakhstan
Quantifying HIV transmission in the context of armed conflict in the Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia: a dynamic risk equation model
An explainable hybrid deep learning framework for multi-source student employment prediction
Lead contamination fixation through CO2-based biomineralization
Abstract Ureolytic microbially-induced carbonate precipitation and ureolytic enzymatically-induced carbonate precipitation have been proposed in recent years as emerging environmentally friendly techniques for heavy metal fixation. However, they rely on the hydrolysis of urea for generating carbonate ions needed to immobilize heavy metal cations. In this study, for the first time, a novel alternative is proposed, and its feasibility for lead removal in aqueous solutions is examined. The method relies on direct CO 2 biocementation. Where contaminated solutions are exposed to CO 2 , and CO 2 hydration and formation of carbonate ions is biologically facilitated through (I) microbial strains capable of producing carbonic anhydrase enzyme (i.e., microbially-facilitated carbonation, MFC), and (II) an enzymatic solution containing bovine CA enzyme (i.e., enzymatically-facilitated carbonation, EFC). The results of atomic absorption spectrophotometry indicate up to 99% Pb removal achieved in both MFC and EFC, comparable to the control ureolytic test (98%). However, the former (proposed) techniques are ammonium-free and more environmentally benign. Furthermore, they provide a dual environmental benefit: a method for carbon capture through biomineralization and its utilization for heavy metal removal. The use of Tris buffer considerably enhanced the efficiency of enzymatically-facilitated carbonation for Pb removal (i.e., increasing it from 78% to 99%). The results of microfabric analysis of precipitates (i.e., SEM imaging, XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy) confirmed the formation of calcium and lead carbonates such as calcite, cerussite, and hydrocerussite, indicating potential removal mechanisms such as lead carbonate precipitation as well as Pb trapping inside calcium carbonate crystals.
Effort-reward imbalance and self-rated health with the mediating role of sleep quality and physical activity among healthcare workers
Safety analysis of water collection troughs in cooling towers based on wind tunnel tests
Differential Adsorption of Functional Groups by Ru/Co Driving Tandem Catalysis: Converting Furanic Molecules into Linear Alcohols
Abstract Supported bimetallic and multimetallic catalysts have been widely utilized in the catalytic conversion of biomass derivatives into linear alcohols. However, product selectivity and yield are directly influenced by the extent to which distinct adsorption behaviors toward functional groups of furan compounds are exhibited by different metals. Unfortunately, research on methodologies for evaluating such differences in adsorption capabilities across various metals remains limited. Herein, in this study, a series of catalysts were synthesized and their catalytic performance was systematically assessed. Among them, RuCo/SBA‐15 demonstrated the best performance, achieving complete conversion of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with a linear alcohol yield exceeding 80%. Combined with in situ FTIR, theoretical calculations, and kinetic simulations, the first direct evidence of significantly different adsorption abilities of Ru and Co toward functional groups in different furan compounds is provided by this work. By leveraging this property, tandem catalysis involving Ru and Co was successfully realized in this study, enabling the one‐pot conversion of furanic molecules to linear alcohols with a yield surpassing 80%, outperforming most previously reported catalytic systems. This research provides a new idea and theoretical reference for the technical development of converting biomass derivatives into linear alcohols.
Niosomal l-carnitine and quercetin improve sperm quality and testicular function in atrazine-induced reproductive toxicity in rats
Abstract Atrazine (ATZ), a frequently employed herbicide, is classified as one of the environmental pollutants that play a pivotal role in progression of male infertility. L-carnitine (LC) and quercetin (QT) possess antioxidant properties, rendering them viable additional treatments for male infertility. Additionally, specialized drug delivery systems, such as niosomes, enhance the distribution of hydrophilic pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative potential of LC and QT, administered in conventional and niosomal formulations, against ATZ-induced testicular dysfunction in adult male albino rats. Thirty rats were randomly assigned to six experimental groups: control, ATZ, ATZ + LC, ATZ + LC-loaded niosomes (LCLN), ATZ + QT, and ATZ + QT-loaded niosomes (QTLN). Treatments were administered orally for 56 consecutive days. Biochemical analyses, sperm evaluations, gene expression assessments, and histopathological measures were conducted. ATZ exposure significantly decreased absolute and relative seminal vesicle weights, impaired sperm motility, viability, morphology and count, and reduced circulating testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations. Moreover, ATZ markedly elevated malondialdehyde levels, suppressed the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), and downregulated the transcription of key steroidogenic genes ( HSD3B , StAR and CYP11A1 ). Histopathological assessment further revealed pronounced degenerative changes in the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate. Co-administration of LC or QT, particularly in niosomal formulations, significantly attenuated these deleterious effects. They restored sperm quality, re-established redox homeostasis, normalized steroidogenic gene expression, and preserved the structural integrity of reproductive tissues. In conclusion, niosomal formulations of LC and QT confer superior protective efficacy against ATZ-induced testicular toxicity compared to their conventional counterparts, underscoring their therapeutic potential as targeted interventions against environmental toxicants.
Numerical simulation of geomechanical responses during horizontal-well cyclic thermal stimulation of natural gas hydrates
Abstract Thermal huff-and-puff production using horizontal wells offers a promising strategy to overcome the limitations of depressurization in low-permeability marine gas hydrate reservoirs, where slow pressure propagation and insufficient heat supply constrain gas recovery. However, its productivity and geomechanical response are governed by strongly coupled thermal–hydraulic–mechanical–chemical processes, the underlying mechanisms of which remain poorly constrained. Here, based on reservoir parameters from the Shenhu area of the South China Sea, we develop a three-dimensional, two-way coupled THMC model and validate it against data from the second field production test. The model is then used to systematically investigate the effects of soaking time and reservoir permeability on production performance and multiphysics responses. The results show that neglecting geomechanical feedback substantially overestimates reservoir flow capacity and gas production potential. An optimal soaking time exists at approximately 20 days: moderate soaking improves heat-use efficiency and promotes hydrate dissociation, whereas excessive soaking intensifies heat loss into surrounding formations and the overburden, thereby weakening the stimulation effect. Increasing reservoir permeability markedly enlarges the mobilized reservoir volume and enhances gas production, but also amplifies the magnitude and spatial extent of formation subsidence. Overall, the coordinated optimization of moderate soaking and reservoir stimulation is critical for balancing productivity enhancement with geomechanical safety. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding THMC coupling mechanisms and optimizing operational parameters in thermal huff-and-puff production of marine gas hydrates.
Potassium dichromate induces dose-dependent nephrotoxicity through oxidative stress-mediated downregulation of renal aquaporins and upregulation of KIM-1
Breaking the Hypoxia Barrier: Supramolecular Nanoassemblies Empower Photodynamic Therapy of Tumors
ABSTRACT Supramolecular chemistry provides an efficient and transformative strategy for the modular integration of diverse active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into nanoassemblies through weak, reversible noncovalent interactions, combining the native features of the original molecules with additional functionalities derived from supramolecular structures. Thanks to ultra‐high photosensitizer or API loading, on‐demand delivery, facile multifunction integration, scalability, and potentially simplified regulatory pathways, supramolecular nanoassemblies markedly enhance the clinical translatability of nanomedicine. In particular, rational design of these systems can overcome hypoxia barriers, revitalizing photodynamic therapy (PDT) against tumors. Despite clinical approval of PDT for cancer therapy over four decades ago, it has yet to achieve widespread adoption as a first‐line modality, largely due to the technological bottleneck of tumor hypoxia. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances in supramolecular nanoassemblies for hypoxic tumor PDT, categorizing them into four key design principles: enriching intratumoral oxygen levels, minimizing oxygen dependence, leveraging tumor hypoxia, and enabling PDT‐involved synergistic therapies. We also discuss the intrinsic properties, advantages, and building motifs of supramolecular nanoassemblies. Finally, we highlight current challenges and future perspectives, aiming to broaden the research landscape and accelerate clinical and commercial translation.