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The current study was carried out with a view to investigate the influence of a number of metallurgical parameters on the tensile properties and quality indices of two high strength Al-9%Si casting alloys, namely 354 and 359, containing 1.8% Cu-0.5%Mg and 0.5%Mg, respectively. For the purposes of validating their use in industrial applications, a solid database was created, based on the present study, to correlate the tensile properties and the quality indices of these alloys with the most common metallurgical parameters controlling the properties. The variables investigated include iron level; copper content; solution heat treatment conditions; and aging temperatures and times. Quality charts were used as an evaluation tool for selecting the optimum conditions to be applied in practice in order to develop high strength and optimum quality in 354- and 359-type castings.

This research demonstrates and compares the potential of two nonlinear ultrasound techniques, second harmonic generation (SHG) and nonlinear resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (NRUS). This research examines a set of thermally aged iron-copper (Fe-1.0% Cu) alloy specimens, which are used as surrogate specimens for radiation damage. It is found that both SHG and NRUS are sensitive to the growth of the copper precipitates, while the changes in the respective nonlinearity parameters are due to different mechanisms. This research demonstrates the potential use of both of these nonlinear ultrasound techniques.

OBJECTIVE. Altered concentrations of essential trace metals have been associated with the development of abdominal tumors. We developed a method to quantify trace metals (iron, copper, and zinc) using monochromatic data from commercially available dual-energy CT (DECT) implementations. CONCLUSION. Our data provide a foundation for the use of DECT for noninvasive quantification of essential trace metals. Minimum detectable concentrations of iron and zinc estimated with DECT overlap with in vivo hepatic concentrations reported in the literature.

Determining the relative distribution of each chemical form of the elements and their relationship with the physical, chemical, and clay mineralogical properties of soils can help researchers to achieve the sustainable agricultural management. The present study was conducted to evaluate the chemical forms of four micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in some surface and subsurface soils of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province and their relationship with the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of the soils. The results showed that the exchangeable and sorbed chemical forms of the studied elements were very low and negligible, but the residual, carbonate, and organic forms had the highest to lowest values of the chemical forms of these elements, respectively. Examination of the correlation of the chemical forms of these elements with soil properties showed the effective correlation of organic carbon values with the Zn chemical forms; also, there was a correlation between clay, silt, cation exchange capacity and calcium carbonate and the chemical forms of Cu, Fe and Mn. The correlation between the quantities of clay minerals and the chemical forms of these elements showed that the amounts of different forms of the studied elements were directly related to 2:1 clay silicate minerals (especially vermiculite). Evaluation of Fe and Mn chemical forms also showed that the amounts of these elements were higher in the soils with developed profiles (Alfisol and Mollisol), the wetter climate and zeric moisture regime rather than in soils with non-developed profiles (Entisols and Inceptisols) and a drier climate and a ustic moisture regime. In general, the results showed that variations of soil forming factors such as climate (as well as the total amount of each micronutrients), could be effective on the chemical forms of micronutrients (especially on Mn and Fe); these can be effective in the management of weakly to highly-developed soils orders.

Background: In Saudi Arabia, few studies have addressed iron, selenium and copper intake and status. Most studies on iron have focused on iron deficiency anemia rather than the intake of iron. Objective: To assess the relative validity and repeatability of a Zinc-food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for estimating the intakes of iron, copper and selenium in Saudi adults. Methods: Ninety-seven Saudi adults participated in this study. All participants completed the FFQ1 and a three-days (3d) Food Record (FR) to assess validity. After one month, the FFQ was administered again (FFQ2) to assess the repeatability. Results: Mean intakes of iron, copper and selenium estimated by FFQ1 were significantly higher than those from the 3d FR. Estimated intakes of iron and selenium by both methods were significantly correlated. The Bland-Altman analysis showed that the difference in iron intakes, as measured by the two methods, was similar across the range of intakes while the difference in copper and selenium intakes increased with an increase in the mean intake. No detectable differences were observed between FFQ1 and FFQ2 in estimating iron, copper and selenium intakes. For all nutrients, the intakes from both FFQs were highly correlated. Conclusion: The Zinc-FFQ showed reasonable relative validity and repeatability for estimating other micronutrients, such as iron, copper and selenium.

The removal efficiency of lead, iron, and copper ions from aqueous solutions with the use of zeolite, bentonite, and steel slag as adsorbents was investigated. Adsorption experiments were conducted...

In this study, a lab-scale microbial fuel cell (MFC) was constructed and power generation output was investigated for 45 days of operation. Nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) and Iron/copper nanoparticles (Cu/NZVI) were added to the anode chamber of the MFC with a concentration of 10 mg/L and their effects were investigated on the MFC performance. Results showed that the maximal power output density values increased by 43.33 % using copper/iron nanoparticles compared to the control MFC. Anode chamber was examined, and results proved that conductivity increased by 13.68% and 23.62% using NZVI and Cu/NZVI, respectively. The chemical oxygen demand COD was tested, and the removal efficiency reached 38.88%, 38.26%, and 52.40% for control, NZVI, and Cu/NZVI MFCs, respectively after 45 days of operation. This study highlights the effect of nanoparticles technology on power generation from activated sludge using microbial fuel cells (MFCs).

International audience; Despite the latest advances in catalysts efficiency, using one single catalytic activation mode can lead to considerable limitations. To overcome reactivity or selectivity issues, multi‐catalytic combinations can represent interesting alternatives. This manuscript reviews the recent transformations developed in my group through the combination between cheap iron or copper complexes and organo‐catalysis. Combining these activation modes enables considerable synthetic economies inconceivable by using one single catalyst. The strategies developed to combine efficiently different catalysts as well as the resulting synthetic applications are discussed.

Understanding of how the human organism functions has preoccupied researchers in medicine for a very long time. While most of the mechanisms are well understood and detailed thoroughly, medicine has yet much to discover. Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) are elements on which organisms, ranging from simple bacteria all the way to complex ones such as mammals, rely on these divalent ions. Compounded by the continuously evolving biotechnologies, these ions are still relevant today. This review article aims at recapping the mechanisms involved in Fe, Cu, and Zn homeostasis. By applying the knowledge and expanding on future research areas, this article aims to shine new light of existing illness. Thanks to the expanding field of nanotechnology, genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis and thalassemia can be managed today. Nanoparticles (NPs) improve delivery of ions and confer targeting capabilities, with the potential for use in treatment and diagnosis. Iron deficiency, cancer, and sepsis are persisting major issues. While targeted delivery using Fe NPs can be used as food fortifiers, chemotherapeutic agents against cancer cells and microbes have been developed using both Fe and Cu NPs. A fast and accurate means of diagnosis is a major impacting factor on outcome of patients, especially when critically ill. Good quality imaging and bed side diagnostic tools are possible using NPs, which may positively impact outcome.

With the depletion of high-grade ores, beneficiation of valuable minerals from mineral processing tailings attracts attentions of mining companies and researchers. Recovery of valuable sulfide mine...

Bimetallic nanoparticles consist of two different metallic elements, which have attracted enormous interest from both the scientific and industrial points of view. Bimetallic nanoparticles could de...

A multifunctional nanomaterial based wound healing matrix was fabricated by modified co-precipitation and chemical reduction method. The matrix was comprised of either a bimetallic Fe-Cu nanocomposite powder or a wound bed made up of absorbent cotton swab impregnated with bimetallic Fe-Cu nanocomposite. The detailed analytical studies of both dressing materials (powder and cotton bed) were carried out with transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, and bright field microscopy. Both the nanocomposite powder and the nanocomposite impregnated cotton swab exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant bacteria (such as methicillin-resistant

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze iron, copper and zinc concentrations in commercial foods and compare among food formats (dry, canned, raw), foods marketed by age category (adult 1+ years and senior 7+ years) and foods intended for adult maintenance vs all life stages.MethodsIn total, 112 commercial non-therapeutic food products marketed for healthy adult and senior cats were purchased in the USA. Foods were analyzed for their proximate composition. Trace mineral concentrations were measured using inductively coupled argon plasma–optical emission spectroscopy and described on a calculated metabolizable energy basis using standard modified Atwater values.ResultsMeasured iron (median 58.4 mg/1000 kcal [range 15.7–379.0]), copper (median 5.6 mg/1000 kcal [range 0.8–13.3]) and zinc (median 47.6 mg/1000 kcal [range 7.6–128.1]) concentrations were highly variable among cat foods. When all food products – regardless of their nutritional adequacy substantiation method – were compared with the Association of American Feed Control Officials regulatory minimums, 13/112 food products had a mineral deficiency, of which a majority (n = 11/13) were raw food products. Raw foods had significantly lower trace mineral concentrations compared with dry food products and, except for copper, canned food products. Cat foods marketed for senior cats had higher iron ( P = 0.019) and zinc ( P Conclusions and relevanceIron, copper and zinc concentrations in commercial non-therapeutic foods for adult and senior cats are highly variable. A minority of foods – mainly raw food products – were deficient in these minerals. It is unknown if some foods with high trace mineral concentrations could have adverse effects as studies are needed to establish safe upper limits for dietary intake of trace minerals in healthy cats.

Background: Metals, silicon, and homocysteine are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. B vitamin therapy lowers homocysteine and slows brain atrophy and cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Objective: Examine metals and silicon as predictors of cognition/brain atrophy in MCI, their interaction with homocysteine and cysteine, and how B vitamins affect these relationships. Methods: MCI participants (n = 266, 77.6-year-old, 60.7% female) in VITACOG trial were randomized to receive daily folic acid (0.8 mg)/vitamin B12 (0.5 mg)/vitamin B6 (20 mg) (n = 133) or placebo for two years. At baseline and end-of-study, cranial MRIs were obtained from 168 participants, cognition was analyzed by neuropsychological tests, and serum iron, copper, arsenic, aluminum, and silicon quantified by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 196 participants. Data were analyzed by bivariate and multiple regression. Results: Baseline iron, cysteine, and homocysteine were significantly associated with brain atrophy rate. Homocysteine effects on brain atrophy rate were modified by iron and cysteine. At baseline, iron, copper, aluminum, and silicon were significantly associated with one or more domains of cognition: semantic memory, verbal episodic memory, attention/processing speed, and executive function. At end-of-study, baseline iron, copper, aluminum, and silicon predicted cognition in at least one domain: semantic memory, verbal episodic memory, visuospatial episodic memory, attention/processing speed, and global cognition in the placebo but not the B vitamin group. Conclusion: Disparate effects of serum iron, copper, aluminum, silicon, and homocysteine on cognition and brain atrophy in MCI suggest that cognitive impairment is independent of brain atrophy. These factors showed domain-specific associations with cognition, which were abrogated by B vitamin therapy.

A total of 4269 beard samples were collected from the same person every day over a 12-year period and analyzed by PIXE using a standard-free method. It was found that the concentrations of copper and zinc showed certain short-term changes but did not show a noticeable long-term trend over the study period, with only iron showing a slightly decreasing tendency with age. All of these elements showed clear yearly variations with a cycle of a few years possibly due to periodic metabolic changes in the subject’s body or long-term changes in eating habits. In contrast, however, selenium showed clear seasonal variations. Its concentration significantly increased in the summer and decreased in the winter, just as was observed with arsenic and mercury. This suggests that most of the subject’s selenium intake was from marine products, whose supply and consumption were increased in the summer. These findings confirmed that beard analyses are useful not only for evaluating essential-element intake but also for estimating the relationship between the body-element concentrations and ingestion of certain foods.

In today's global economy, sustainable resource management requires a consumption perspective of resource use and insight into actual resource use through the global supply chain. The estimated global amount of used and unused extraction caused by mineral extraction of iron, copper, and nickel more than doubled from 1990 to 2013 (iron, 2.8-6.7 Pg; copper, 2.7-5.5 Pg; nickel, 0.19-0.60 Pg). By incorporating global material flow into a global link input-output model (GLIO, a hybrid multiregional IO model), we estimated the total used and unused extraction caused by iron, copper, and nickel mining induced by Japanese final demand to be 0.44, 0.52, and 0.043 Pg in 2011, respectively, equivalent to 7.1% of the total global extraction amount caused by iron mining, 11% of the amount caused by copper mining, and 10% of the amount caused by nickel mining. Whereas the world extraction total caused by iron, copper, and nickel mining rapidly increased from 2005 to 2011, the extraction amount induced by Japanese final demand for the same period either stayed about the same (iron) or decreased slightly (copper, 99% of the 2005 amount; nickel, 92%).

The natural and anthropogenic sources of iron, copper, and zinc in water streams in the Republic of Bashkortostan are considered. Statistical analysis of long-term hydrochemical monitoring data was used to establish the spatial year-to-year and annual regularities in metal concentrations in water streams. The acceptability of river water quality for different types of water use was estimated. The exceedance probabilities of metal MAC values in streams were evaluated.

Iron, Cu and Zn stable isotope systems are applied in constraining a variety of geochemical and environmental processes. Secondary reference materials have been developed by the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (CAGS), in collaboration with other participating laboratories, comprising three solutions (CAGS-Fe, CAGS-Cu and CAGS-Zn) and one basalt (CAGS-Basalt). These materials exhibit sufficient homogeneity and stability for application in Fe, Cu and Zn isotopic ratio determinations. Reference values were determined by inter-laboratory analytical comparisons involving up to eight participating laboratories employing MC-ICP-MS techniques, based on the unweighted means of submitted results. Isotopic compositions are reported in per mil notation, based on reference materials IRMM-014 for Fe, NIST SRM 976 for Cu and IRMM-3702 for Zn. Respective reference values of CAGS-Fe, CAGS-Cu and CAGS-Zn solutions are as follows: δ56Fe = 0.83 ± 0.06 and δ57Fe = 1.20 ± 0.12, δ65Cu = 0.57 ± 0.05, and δ66Zn = -0.79 ± 0.12 and δ68Zn = -1.65 ± 0.24, respectively. Those of CAGS-Basalt are δ56Fe = 0.15 ± 0.05, δ57Fe = 0.22 ± 0.05, δ65Cu = 0.12 ± 0.07, δ66Zn = 0.17 ± 0.11, and δ68Zn = 0.34 ± 0.21 (2s).

The Lala Fe-Cu deposit is a typical iron-oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposit of the Kangdian region, southwestern China. Structural controls on the orebodies are suggested but not well-understood. Herein, structural analysis is conducted in the Luodang open-pit of the Lala deposit. It reveals that the Lala deposit has undergone multiple deformation events. The D1 stage is the earliest and corresponds to a late Paleoproterozoic rifting, resulting in the Hekou Group (host rock) deposition and the development of bedding-parallel foliation. The D2 event is syn-mineralization and coincident with an ESE-trending compression. During the D2 compression, the bedding-parallel foliations were preferentially dilated and facilitated ore-forming fluid infiltration, ore replacement and the infilling of bedding-parallel veins. As the compression continues, folding via flexural-slip has enhanced the bedding-parallel veining and, moreover, has induced further dilation along the fold hinges, where “saddle-reef” type ore shoots have been developed. The D3 event represents an ESE-directed extension, which has induced an overprint of the mineralization, characterized by biotite-sulfide veins crosscutting the stratiform ores at high angle. The E-W trending structures, faults and folds probably represent a post-mineralization north-south compression (D4). In combination with previous paragenetic and geochronological studies, the D2 and D3 mineralization is inferred to occur at ca. 1.05 Ga and ca. 0.83 Ga respectively. The timing and corresponding stress regimes of the deformation events are more consistent with a tectonic model that suggests the late-Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic (1.05 Ga–0.85 Ga) Yangtze block is in the process of amalgamation with the Cathaysia and in favor of horizontal compression, whereas the post-0.85 Ga Yangtze is dominated by rifting and extensional stress regime, with possible links to the Rodinia breakup. Structural interpretation of the Lala deposit demonstrates that (1) bedding-parallel shearing, (2) transitional ductile-brittle condition and (3) mildly elevated fluid pressure are the essential factors corresponding to the development of strata-bound replacement-style IOCG mineralization and carries implications for other comparable IOCG deposits.

Iron-copper bimetals for Fenton-like catalysis were developed, due to efficient enhancement of catalytic activity by iron-copper synergy. However, deviation exists in mechanism analysis of multi-effect catalysis. In this study, a new in-situ strategy of shielding Fe(II) and Cu(I) from further reaction by trapping agents was developed, for analysis of iron catalysis alone, copper catalysis alone and synergistic effect in bimetallic catalyst systems. Inhibition efficiency and influence of trapping agents on Fe(II)/Cu(I) catalysis were quantitatively evaluated for reliability confirmation and method correction. The possible application scope was identified as pH of 4–6, and this strategy was available for analysis of five different groups of catalysts. The potential superiority and difference of the proposed strategy compared with current ex-situ strategy were also analyzed. The overestimation (12.1%–35.4%) of copper catalysis and biased analysis (0.1%–12.6%) of iron catalysis by ex-situ strategy can be alleviated, thereby improving accuracy for synergistic effect. In summary, this study proposed a new strategy to improve the understanding of iron-copper bimetallic catalysis, which can provide reference for other polymetallic catalysis analysis development.

The solubility of molybdenum in Fe–Cu and Fe–Sn melts and the growth kinetics of Mo6Fe7 layer at the molybdenum–melt interface at 1200°C are examined. The solubility of molybdenum in these melts is well described by the following equations: lgCMo = (–3.957 ± 0.176) + (25.77 ± 7.94) XFe –– (143.02 ± 77.92) XFe 2 (Fe–Cu melt) and lgCMo = (–2.783 ± 0.011) + (7.563 ± 0.111) XFe –– (10.844 ± 0.245) XFe 2 (Fe–Sn melt). The melt composition (atomic fractions) in the three-phase Mo–Mo6Fe7–melt equilibrium is established: 6.4 · 10–3 Fe, 1.64 · 10–4 Mo, and Cu being the rest (Fe–Cu melt); 0.046 Fe, 3.48 · 10–3 Mo, and Sn being the rest (Fe–Sn melt). The substantial difference between the growth rate constants in the melts, kFe–Sn >> kFe–Cu, at the same iron activity a Fe is attributed to the effect of admixtures (Cu and Sn) on the growth of the Mo6Fe7 layer. Data on the solubility of molybdenum in Fe–Cu and Fe–Sn melts and the growth kinetics of Mo6Fe7 in these melts are obtained for the first time.

[EN] Bimetallic iron and copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) supported on hydroxylated diamond (D3) exhibits an improved activity for the heterogeneous Fenton phenol degradation under natural or simulated sunlight irradiation with respect to analogous monometallic samples or than analogous FeCu NPs on graphite, activated carbon and P25 TiO2 semiconductor. FeCu/D3 catalyst exhibits good recyclability and stability especially working at pH 6. Overall, the high activity of the Fe20Cu80(0.2 wt%)/D3 catalyst is mainly due to the combination of the high activity of reduced copper species decomposing H2O2 to HO center dot radical, while Fe2+ allows the regeneration of these reduced copper species., S.N. thanks financial support by the Fundacion Ramon Areces (XVIII Concurso Nacional para la Adjudicacion de Ayudas a la Investigacion en Ciencias de la Vida y de la Materia, 2016), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades RTI2018-099482-A-I00 project and Generalitat Valenciana grupos de investigacion consolidables 2019 (ref: AICO/2019/214) project. H.G. thanks financial support by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Severo Ochoa SEV2016 and RTI2018-890237-CO2-1) and Generalitat Valenciana (Prometeo 2017/083) is also gratefully acknowledged.

An injection form of the mineral complex consisting of a mixture of iron, zinc and copper nanopowders has been proposed. According to the results of studies the injection form of the drug based on metal nanopowders belongs to the V-VI class of practically non-toxic, relatively harmless drugs by Hodge and to the 5th class of toxicity in accordance with GOST 32644-2014.

Fenton catalysts composed of Fe3O4/CuO nanoparticles were synthesized using co-precipitation method for the purpose of decolorization of wastewater. A high dye removal efficiency of 94 % was achieved with 20 wt% Fe3O4/CuO composition at ambient conditions and a reaction time of 90 min. Catalytic activity analysis reveal that nanoparticles with 20 wt% Fe3O4/CuO composition outperform those with 10 wt% and 30 wt% nanoparticles toward removal of methylene blue (MB) dye due to their higher surface area and smaller nano-structural size. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using XRD, EDS, FE-SEM and BET techniques. The results confirm the formation of nano-sized particles with distinct pore size and surface area. The sample with 20 wt% Fe3O4/CuO showed higher surface area in comparison with other synthesized catalysts (e.g. hybrid 10 and 30 wt% Fe3O4/CuO, single Fe3O4 and CuO oxides). Additionally, the effects of the catalyst amount, solution pH, dosage of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and reaction time on the catalytic performance of 20 wt% Fe3O4/CuO were evaluated. The optimum conditions to achieve the highest color removal efficiency (i.e. 94 %) were obtained at pH = 7, 50 mL reaction solution containing 10 mg/L methylene blue, 16 mmol/L of hydrogen peroxide, 0.08 g of catalyst and the reaction time of 90 min. The synthesized catalyst shows great structural stability and reusability with a dye removal efficiency higher than 90 % after five successive reaction runs. The experimental results further highlight the efficient use of hybrid metal oxides as catalysts for the removal of organic compounds from industrial wastewaters.

Hydroxide precipitation is the most widely used heavy metal wastewater treatment method. However, the metal hydroxide sludge produced must be treated concurrently. In this paper, an integra...

Electric-current-assisted sintering (ECAS) is a novel process that can potentially replace the conventional sintering method. It is hypothesized that the process can reduce the sintering time and can be used in situ; thus, can be more cost effective. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of direct current on the sintered properties of iron-copper powder metal. Experiments were conducted at various conditions to determine the optimal process parameters for this particular powder metal. The parameters investigated were electric current levels and energizing time. Experiments also included sintering the powder using a conventional furnace. Samples from both types of experiments were compared to determine the metallurgical differences due to the sintering process. Mechanical and microstructure examination were conducted to aid in determining the feasibility of ECAS.

To investigate the possibility of an association between serum levels of zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) and advanced keratoconus (KCN).In this study, 50 patients with advanced KCN and 50 control subjects were included. Plasma levels of Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Se were compared between the groups.Mean ± SD age of the patients in the case and control groups was 29.3 ± 3.5 and 28.9 ± 5.9 years, respectively (P = 0.669). Among serum parameters, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in serum levels of Ca, Mg, and Fe (P0.05), whereas serum levels of Zn and Cu were significantly lower in the case group than the control group [65.92 ± 7.90 vs. 87.36 ± 13.64 μg/dL and 78.48 ± 11.96 vs. 116.34 ± 20.87 μg/dL, respectively (both P0.001)] as well as the serum level of Se [79.76 ± 19.16 vs. 87.41 ± 15.91 μg/dL (P = 0.032)].The lower serum levels of Zn, Cu, and Se in patients with advanced KCN compared with healthy controls indicate the possible role of antioxidants in the etiopathogenesis of KCN, which points to early treatment of this progressive degenerative disease with supplementation therapy, rather than keratoplasty techniques.

A method is proposed for activated sintering of a sprayed iron powder by the coalescence of pressed particles through fine-grained layers based on iron–copper nanodispersed (ND) additions. The mechanical properties of composite materials containing 2% Fe–Cu ND addition are higher than those of the materials prepared from a mixture of standard powders by a factor of 1.5.

In August 2010, iron (Fe) and Fe and copper (Cu) addition incubation experiments were conducted at two low Fe stations (P20 and P26) along Line P, off the western coast of British Columbia, to investigate Cu physiology in Fe- and Fe-light co-limited phytoplankton. Chlorophyll a concentrations ([Chl a]), maximum variable fluorescence yield (Fv/Fm), and Fe uptake rates by the Cu-dependent high-affinity Fe transport system (HAFeTS) were measured. Additions of Fe resulted in an increase in [Chl a] and Fv/Fm at both stations compared with the controls, regardless of light availability, and confirmed that the phytoplankton communities were Fe-limited. Uptake of Fe by the HAFeTS in both incubations increased with the addition of Fe, and likely reflects luxury Fe uptake and storage. While the in situ inorganic Cu concentrations were similar to those that can induce Cu-limitation in laboratory cultures, increasing Cu availability had no effect on biomass accumulation during both incubations, regardless of Fe availability or light regime. At P26, additions of 1 nmol L−1 CuSO4 resulted in a short-term increase in Fv/Fm of the phytoplankton community, and an increase in Fe uptake rates by large phytoplankton (>5 μm), but only when light was not limiting. These data confirm a complex interaction between light, Fe and Cu physiology in indigenous phytoplankton communities, and suggest that these interactions may be both spatially heterogeneous and different for different phytoplankton size classes.

A new approach to the selective synthesis of (E)-vinyl sulfones has been developed via a Fe/Cu co-catalyzed sulfonylation of arylpropiolic acid or phenylacetylene with sulfonyl hydrazides. A variety of vinyl sulfones have been obtained in moderate to good yields, comparable to the best results reported so far. The inexpensive Fe/Cu co-catalyzed method features a simple experimental procedure and good tolerance of substrate.

Essential trace elements play pivotal roles in numerous structural and catalytic functions of proteins. Adequate intake of essential trace elements from the daily diet is indispensable to the maintenance of health, and their deficiency leads to a variety of conditions. However, excessive amounts of these trace elements may be highly toxic, and in some cases, may cause damage by the production of harmful reactive oxygen species. Homeostatic dysregulation of their metabolism increases the risk of developing diseases. Specific transport proteins that facilitate influx or efflux of trace elements play key roles in maintaining the homeostasis. Recent elucidation of their crucial functions significantly facilitated our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) absorption in the small intestine. This paper summarizes their absorption mechanisms, with a focus on indispensable functions of the molecules involved in it, and briefly discusses the mechanisms of homeostatic control of each element at the cellular and systemic levels.