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In our pursuit of high-performance lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes, we developed a hybrid electrospun membrane consisting of MoO3 nanorods (MoO3 NRs) integrated with carbon nanofibers (CNFs), termed MoO3@CNFs. Serving as an anode, this membrane boasts several advantages. Firstly, it capitalizes on the novel structure of MoO3@CNFs, enabling rapid ion/electron transport pathways. Secondly, due to the carbon skeleton, MoO3 is protected from coming into direct contact with the electrolyte. Thirdly, the consistent internal structure of MoO3@CNFs enhances conductivity. Experimental findings reveal that the anode with a relatively low MoO3 content, specifically 33%MoO3@CNFs (comprising 33%MoO3 NRs), achieves a reversible specific capacity of 657 mAh g−1 after 140 cycles at a low current density of 0.2 A g−1, demonstrating superior high-rate electrochemical kinetics and extended cycling life. Kinetic analysis indicates contributions from surface capacitance processes and diffusion-controlled insertion. Our approach not only facilitates the acquisition of various one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure composites but also propels novel research in ultrafast rechargeable lithium-ion battery electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) is an amino acid derivate that comes from the amino acid phenylalanine. There are increasing studies showing that the level of PAGln is associated with the risk of different cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we discussed the metabolic pathway of PAGln production and the quantitative measurement methods of PAGln. We summarized the epidemiological evidence to show the role of PAGln in diagnostic and prognostic value in several cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure, coronary heart disease/atherosclerosis, and cardiac arrhythmia. The underlying mechanism of PAGln is now considered to be related to the thrombotic potential of platelets via adrenergic receptors. Besides, other possible mechanisms such as inflammatory response and oxidative stress could also be induced by PAGln. Moreover, since PAGln is produced across different organs including the intestine, liver, and kidney, the cross-talk among multiple organs focused on the function of this uremic toxic metabolite. Finally, the prognostic value of PAGln compared to the classical biomarker was discussed and we also highlighted important gaps in knowledge and areas requiring future investigation of PAGln in cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable production of value-added N-heterocycles from available biomass allows to reduce the reliance on fossil resources and creates possibilities for economically and ecologically improved synthesis of fine and bulk chemicals. Herein, we present a unique Ru1CoNP/HAP surface single-atom alloy (SSAA) catalyst, which enables a new type of transformation from the bio-based platform chemical furfural to give N-heterocyclic piperidine. In the presence of NH3 and H2, the desired product is formed under mild conditions with a yield up to 93%. Kinetic studies show that the formation of piperidine proceeds via a series of reaction steps. Initially, in this cascade process, furfural amination to furfurylamine takes place, followed by hydrogenation to tetrahydrofurfurylamine (THFAM) and then ring rearrangement to piperidine. DFT calculations suggest that the Ru1CoNP SSAA structure facilitates the direct ring opening of THFAM resulting in 5-amino-1-pentanol which is quickly converted to piperidine. The value of the presented catalytic strategy is highlighted by the synthesis of an actual drug, alkylated piperidines, and pyridine. The synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles from biomass is scarcely known. Here, the authors report a strategy for the N-heterocyclic piperidines synthesis by one-pot amination of the bio-based furfural utilizing a Ru1CoNP/HAP surface single-atom alloy catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to predict the change of cutting force in ball helical milling of titanium alloy, considering the kinematics of helical milling and the geometric model of a ball end cutter, the cutting process is divided into three stages, cutting-in, steady, and cutting-out stages, and the shape and volume of undeformed chip in different stages are described. Then, according to the oblique cutting theory and the principle of maximum shear stress, the constraint relationships among the parameters such as friction angle, shear angle, and shear stress in the micro-element are established. Thus, based on the position parameters at different stages, a three-direction full life-cycle cutting force model is presented, and the cutting force coefficients are identified and characterized as Weibull functions of instantaneous undeformed chip thickness. Finally, the predicted cutting forces are compared with the experimental values. The results show that the average and maximum errors are less than 19% which verify the accuracy of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in egg yolk physical structure, induced by thermal processing at temperatures between 65 – 85 °C, significantly correlate to alterations in lipid bioaccessibility measured using a multi-compartment, in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion system (TIM-1). The cumulative free fatty acid (FFA) bioaccessibility fits a shifted logistic model and obtains bioaccessibility parameters, including maximum bioaccessibility, induction time, and the rate constant at each cook temperature. FFA bioaccessibility decreased from 25 – 29% for raw yolks compared to 20 – 24% for eggs cooked to 85 °C, and the induction time increased significantly from 138 – 156 min for raw yolks compared to 158 – 184 min for 85 °C cooked yolks. Lipid bioaccessibility negatively correlates to storage modulus (G′) and protein intermolecular β-sheets content; while, peak enthalpy and native protein content positively correlate with lipid bioaccessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been declared to be harmful to human kidney. However, whether activation of the autophagic pathway plays key roles in the nephrotoxicity caused by PM2.5 exposure is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of kidney damage after PM2.5 exposure in vivo and in vitro. Results: In the present study, statistically significant alterations in water intake, urine flow rate and mean blood pressure were observed between the concentrated PM2.5 (PM2.5) group and the filtered air (FA) group. Exposed animals showed severe edema of renal tubular epithelial cells, capillary congestion, reduction of the glomerular urinary space and early pro-fibrotic state. Moreover, significant increases in the levels of early kidney damage markers were observed in the exposed rats and these animals exhibited more apoptosis rate in kidney cells. In addition, PM2.5 exposure activated the autophagic pathway, as evidenced by LC3-I to LC3-II conversion, activation of P62 and beclin-1. All of these effects are in concurrence with the presence of more autophagosomes both in vivo and in vitro after PM2.5 exposure. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings indicated that PM2.5 induced renal function impairment via the activation of the autophagic pathway in renal tubular epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]