Search

The title compound, bis[μ-2,2′-(4H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diyl)diacetato]bis[diaquacopper(II)] dihydrate, [Cu2(C6H5N3O4)2(H2O)4]·2H2O, is a dinuclear octahedral CuII triazole-based complex. The central copper atoms are hexa-coordinated by two nitrogen atoms in the equatorial positions, two equatorial oxygen atoms of two carboxylate substituents in position 3 and 5 of the 1,2,4-triazole ring, and two axial oxygen atoms of two water molecules. Two additional solvent water molecules are linked to the title molecule by O—H⋯N and O⋯H—O hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is built up from the parallel packing of discrete supramolecular chains running along the a-axis direction. Hirshfeld surface analysis suggests that the most important contributions to the surface contacts are from H⋯O/O⋯H (53.5%), H⋯H (28.1%), O⋯O (6.3%) and H⋯C/C⋯H (6.2%) interactions. The crystal studied was twinned by a twofold rotation around [100]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to systematize and expand knowledge about copper-containing composite materials as hybrid ion exchangers, in this study, fine metallic copper particles were dispersed within the matrix of a carboxyl cation exchanger (CCE) with a macroporous and gel-type structure thanks to the reduction of Cu2O particles precipitated within the matrix earlier. It was possible to introduce as much as 22.0 wt% Cu0 into a gel-type polymeric carrier (G/H#Cu) when an ascorbic acid solution was used to act as a reducer of Cu2O and a reagent transforming the functional groups from Na+ into the H+ form. The extremely high shrinkage of the porous skeleton containing –COOH groups (in a wet and also dry state) and its limited affinity for water protected the copper from oxidation without the use of special conditions. When macroporous CCE was used as a host material, the composite material (M/H#Cu) contained 18.5 wt% Cu, and copper particles were identified inside the resin beads, but not on their surface where Cu2+ ions appeared during drying. Thermal analysis in an air atmosphere and under N2 showed that dispersing metallic copper within the resin matrix accelerated its decomposition in both media, whereby M/H#Cu decomposed faster than G/H#Cu. It was found that G/H#Cu contained 6.0% bounded water, less than M/H#Cu (7.5%), and that the solid residue after combustion of G/H#Cu and M/H#Cu was CuO (26.28% and 22.80%), while after pyrolysis the solid residue (39.35% and 26.23%) was a mixture of carbon (50%) and metallic copper (50%). The presented composite materials thanks to the antimicrobial, catalytic, reducing, deoxygenating and hydrophobic properties of metallic copper can be used for point-of-use and column water/wastewater treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To deepen the integration of information technology and experimental teaching, and to advance the reform and innovation of chemical experiment instruction, this article employs virtual simulation technology to investigate a dual-pathway blended learning model, exemplified by the synthesis and differential thermal analysis of the copper glycine complex. This approach marks a shift in chemistry experiment teaching from a closed to an open model, establishing a two-dimensional framework of “process and outcome” and a tripartite integration of “virtual and real, theoretical and practical, online and offline” activities. It implements a diversified experimental teaching evaluation method through “pre-lab online preparation, in-lab experimental operation, and post-lab summary and analysis”, fostering students’ self-directed learning and exploratory skills. This method facilitates the transition from passive to constructive knowledge acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the heavy metal pollution status of the agricultural soils in Ramhormoz Plain, Khuzestan province, Iran. A total of 54 samples from the depths (0–20 cm) of the soil were collected from the selected areas in (March) 2021. According to the obtained results, the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Al in soil samples were 1.3, 0.68, 60, 10.6, 0.01, 218, 23, 3.65, 14 and 0.58 mg/kg, respectively, in which As showed significant soil contamination and Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Al moderate contamination according to the calculation of contamination factor (CF). PCA analysis revealed that both anthropogenic and natural sources of pollution like agricultural and transport activities contributed to the enrichment of study area. Investigation of ecological risk indicated that Ramhormoz Plain was categorized as a high risk area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During copper matte smelting, a lag exists in the analysis of the smelting results, leading to the production parameters not being effectively adjusted in time. As the first smelting process in copper pyrometallurgy, the optimization of the amount of raw material, as well as the prediction and adjustment of slag and matte phases, has become an extremely important step. To address this issue, this study analyzed copper smelting parameters, such as the copper content in the slag, matte grade, slag ratio, and Fe/SiO2 ratio. The Bayesian optimization support vector regression (BO-SVR) model was used to predict the copper content in the slag and matte grade by combining plant production data with machine learning. The data features of the relevant copper smelting parameters were extracted using the BO-SVR model, and the data were fitted to obtain the interaction relationship functions between the variables. The relationships between several variables in the copper smelting process were interpreted in combination with a theoretical analysis and applied in practice. The results showed that the model's prediction of melting results resolves the issues of lagging and adjustment of the smelting process. The model can provide insights for the analysis and adjustment of critical parameters in the smelting process and promote the development of intelligent analysis and control of copper matte smelting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesized a class of ligands that feature single (L1) and dual amine-bis(triazole) chelates (L2 with a 1,3-phenylene linker and L3 with a 1,5-naphthalene linker). Our findings which were derived from UV–Vis titrations, crystal structure analysis of relevant copper complexes, and DFT calculations indicate the formation of both mononuclear CuBr(L1) and dinuclear (μ-Ln)(CuBr)2 (Ln = L2 and L3) complexes. The catalytic activities of CuBr/Ln, in combination with TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl) co-catalyst and NMI (N-methylimidazole) for aerobic alcohol oxidation, reveal the following activity trend: CuBr/L3 > CuBr/L2 > CuBr/L1. Furthermore, electrochemical data from in-situ generated CuBr complexes suggest that the higher catalytic performance of CuBr/L3 is attributed to the presence of less stable mixed-valence and more reducible Cu(I)-L3-Cu(II) species compared to Cu(I)-L2-Cu(II). This difference is a result of weaker σ interactions between Cu–Namine, larger bridging π systems, and a longer Cu···Cu distance in the presence of L3. Additionally, the catalyst system, CuBr/L3/TEMPO/NMI, efficiently promotes the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde at room temperature in CH3CN with a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 38 h−1 at 1 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure behavior and the failure mechanisms of the copper tube used in the air conditioning heat exchanger were analyzed using macrostructure and microstructure examination and the chemical composition analysis of the corrosion products. Results showed that the corrosion of the exterior surface of the copper tube should be responsible for the failure of the air conditioning heat exchanger. The chemical compositions of the corrosion products mainly included Cu, O, C, P, S, Cl, and so forth. The corrosion mechanisms were electrochemical corrosion under the circumstances of a humid environment, oxygen, and some corrosive medium. The corrosive media were organic carboxylic acids, Cl−, H2S, and SO2, which came from air pollutants, the combustion of fuels, the automobile exhaust, and the industrial waste gas. One or more electrochemical corrosion destroyed the integrity of the copper tube and led to the failure of the air conditioning heat exchanger in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.--Clinical testing for Wilson disease (WD) is potentially challenging. Measuring the fraction of labile bound copper (LBC) to total copper may be a promising alternative diagnostic tool with better sensitivity and speci- ficity than some current biomarker approaches. A dual filtration--based inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICPMS) assay to measure LBC in serum was developed. Objective.--To establish a reference interval for LBC and LBC to total copper (LBC fraction) in a healthy adult population, and to examine associations between total copper, LBC, and LBC fraction with age, sex, menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy, and supplement use. Design.--Serum samples were collected from healthy male (n = 110) and female (n = 104) patients between the ages of 19 and 80 years. Total copper and LBC were analyzed using ICP-MS. Results were used to calculate the LBC fraction. Reference intervals were calculated for the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles for both LBC and LBC fraction. Results.--The reference intervals for LBC were determined to be 13 to 105 ng/mL and 12 to 107 ng/mL for female and male patients, respectively. The reference intervals for the LBC fraction were 1.0% to 8.1% and 1.2% to 10.5% for female and male patients, respectively. No significant associations were found regarding age, menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy, or vitamin and supplement use. Conclusions.--Sex-specific reference intervals have now been established for LBC and LBC fraction. These data in conjunction with further testing of WD populations can be used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of LBC fraction in screening, monitoring, and diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria use diverse strategies and molecular machinery to maintain copper homeostasis and to cope with its toxic effects. Some genetic elements providing copper resistance are acquired by horizontal gene transfer; however, little is known about how they are controlled and integrated into the central regulatory network. Here, we studied two copper-responsive systems in a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas paraeruginosa and deciphered the regulatory and cross-regulation mechanisms. To do so, we combined mutagenesis, transcriptional fusion analyses and copper sensitivity phenotypes. Our results showed that the accessory CusRS two-component system (TCS) responds to copper and activates both its own expression and that of the adjacent nine-gene operon (the pcoA2 operon) to provide resistance to elevated levels of extracellular copper. The same locus was also found to be regulated by two core-genome-encoded TCSs—the copper-responsive CopRS and the zinc-responsive CzcRS. Although the target palindromic sequence–ATTCATnnATGTAAT–is the same for the three response regulators, transcriptional outcomes differ. Thus, depending on the operon/regulator pair, binding can result in different activation levels (from none to high), with the systems demonstrating considerable plasticity. Unexpectedly, although the classical CusRS and the noncanonical CopRS TCSs rely on distinct signaling mechanisms (kinase-based vs. phosphatase-based), we discovered cross-talk in the absence of the cognate sensory kinases. This cross-talk occurred between the proteins of these two otherwise independent systems. The cusRS-pcoA2 locus is part of an Integrative and Conjugative Element, and was found in other Pseudomonas strains where its expression could provide copper resistance under appropriate conditions. The results presented here illustrate how acquired genetic elements can become part of endogenous regulatory networks, providing a physiological advantage. They also highlight the potential for broader effects of accessory regulatory proteins through interference with core regulatory proteins. Author summary: Two-component regulatory systems play a key role in bacterial life by detecting and integrating a wide range of signals, allowing bacteria to continuously monitor and adapt to a changing environment. They weave a complex network with a few highly interconnected phosphorelays and numerous cross-regulations. Our study reveals connections between zinc and copper homeostasis in a pathogenic bacterium, with cross-regulation observed for three independent and closely related transcriptional regulators, CzcR, CopR and CusR. Zinc and copper play a major role in host-pathogen interactions, and bacteria that synergize their responses to the two elements can harness a growth advantage and enhanced fitness in specific conditions. We also observed unexpected cross-talk between the core genome-encoded CopRS system and the horizontally acquired CusRS system, although the phosphorylation state of the response regulators is controlled differently by cognate sensory kinases. This plasticity observed within the two signaling systems ensures a normal regulatory response to the copper signal required to maintain copper homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic swimming exercise and vitamin E administration on elemental levels in the bone tissue of epileptic rats. Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups: Control, Swimming, Swimming + vitamin E, Swimming + Epilepsy, Swimming + Epilepsy + vitamin E, and Epilepsy. Vitamin E was administered to the animals chronically by gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg every other day for 3 months. Epileptiform activity was induced with penicillin in animals 24 hours after the last vitamin E intake. The exercise program consisted of daily 30-minute swimming sessions. At the end of the treatment period, the levels of calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, lead, and zinc (µg/gram tissue) in bone tissue samples were measured using an atomic emission device. Results: The results showed that all epileptic groups had significantly lower bone chromium levels compared to the control groups (p<0.05). The epileptic, and epileptic swimming groups had the lowest levels of bone calcium, magnesium, and zinc (p<0.05). Vitamin E administration resulted in a significant increase in bone calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels in the epileptic swimming group with vitamin E compared to the epileptic and epileptic swimming groups. (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the study show that the administration of vitamin E improves calcium, magnesium, and zinc metabolism in the deteriorated bone tissue of the epileptic rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of kiwifruit canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), largely relies on copper pesticides. After epidemics of kiwifruit canker in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, we comprehensively surveyed isolates of Psa biovars 1 (Psa 1) and 3 (Psa 3) for copper resistance from 2002 to 2019. In Psa 1, copper-resistant isolates drastically increased in 2006 and onward during the survey from 2002 to 2008 and were frequently found in 2017. By contrast, copper-resistant Psa 3 isolates emerged soon after its first identification in 2014 and spread to different orchards with an isolation ratio of about 10%. Identification of copper resistance-related genes by whole-genome resequencing revealed that cop genes from Psa 1 isolates in 2017 were almost identical to those from Psa 1 isolates from the late 1980s. On the contrary, in Psa 3 isolates, we found two different sets of cop genes. One of them was closely related to those from other Pseudomonas species, and the other to those from P. syringae pv. tomato. Notably, copper-sensitive Psa1 and 3 isolates had copAB and copRS homologs but no homologs of copCD. Despite the diversity in cop gene sequences, PCR detection of copCD sequences from different lineages matched perfectly with their copper resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Analysis of zinc and copper levels in the tissues of wild animals, including mallard ducks, is important for assessing the degree of contamination of the environment with these elements. This problem is worth addressing with regard to the safety of consumers of game meat. It was concluded from the study that the Leszno hunting district is more polluted than the Siedlce hunting district. The significantly higher average zinc and copper concentrations in the liver of mallards harvested in this hunting district may have been influenced by fertilization of crop fields with fertilizers containing these elements and by extraction of ore containing zinc and copper minerals. Statistically significant differences were also shown in the average level of copper in the leg muscles of males compared to females. The research material included selected muscles and liver of mallard ducks obtained in two research areas. A total of 28 mallards were obtained for the study—six males and six females from the Siedlce hunting district and eight males and eight females from the Leszno hunting district. Zinc and copper concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). It was concluded from the study that the Leszno hunting district is more polluted than the Siedlce hunting district. Among the examined tissues of mallard ducks from both hunting districts, the highest content of zinc and copper was found in the liver. In this organ, birds shot in the Leszno hunting district were characterized by a significantly higher content of these elements compared to birds shot in the Siedlce hunting area. The significantly higher average zinc and copper concentrations in the liver of mallards harvested in this hunting district may have been influenced by fertilization of crop fields in this area with fertilizers containing these elements and by extraction of ore containing zinc and copper minerals in the Legnica-Głogów Copper District. This is an important problem with regard to the safety of consumers of game meat. It was shown that the tissues of male mallards were characterized by higher average levels of zinc and copper than those of females, but the differences were statistically significant only in the case of the average copper content in the leg muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Since the 1920s, Zambia's mining sector has experienced growth, which has increased the number of mine workers employed in the industry. Consequently, the potential for occupational exposure and prevalence of occupational diseases have also increased. Unfortunately, Zambia does not currently have legislative guidelines for workplace air monitoring and compliance. This study's objectives were to evaluate copper miners' personal exposure to respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and to assess workplace compliance using the European Standard for workplace air monitoring and measurement (EN689:2018). Methods This cross-sectional study collected 100 personal respirable dust exposure samples at a Zambian copper mine in 2023. These samples were weighed using NIOSH method 0600 and analyzed for crystalline silica using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (KBr pellet) (NIOSH method 7602). Additionally, 253 respirable dust exposure measurements collected at the mine between 2017 and 2022 were included for comparison. Results The median respirable dust exposure for the 2023 exposure measurements was 0.200 mg/m3 (95th percentile 2.871 mg/m3) compared to 0.400 mg/m3 (95th percentile 3.050 mg/m3) for the historic data. The median RCS exposure was 0.012 mg/m3 (95th percentile 0.163 mg/m3). Using EN689:2018, it was found that from 15 work areas, only six work areas complied with the standard for respirable dust exposure and only seven work areas complied with the standard for RCS exposure. Conclusions At the mining site, several work areas had substantial exposure to respirable dust and RCS. Therefore, management needs to prioritize these areas when implementing control measures to reduce dust exposure. For the Zambia mining industry to manage exposure to respirable dust and RCS, it is necessary to implement standardized monitoring strategies. This study has demonstrated that EN689:2018 can be used successfully to determine compliance among Zambian mining work areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central European Agriculture is the property of Journal of Central European Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on investigating the presence of occult type 1 renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in patients with Wilson's disease (WD) using the ammonium chloride test. Topics include the evaluation of seven WD patients for type 1 RTA, the methodology and results of the ammonium chloride challenge test, and the finding that 42 present of the patients exhibited impaired urine acidification despite showing no clinical symptoms of type 1 RTA.

In this computational study, the electronic structure changes along the oxidative and reductive quenching cycles of a homoleptic and a heteroleptic prototype Cu(I) photoredox catalyst, namely, [Cu(dmp)2]+ (dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and [Cu(phen)(POP)]+ (POP = bis [2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether), are scrutinized and characterized using quasi-restricted orbitals (QROs), electron density differences, and spin densities. After validating our density functional theory-based computational protocol, the equilibrium geometries and wavefunctions (using QROs and atom/fragment compositions) of the four states involved in photoredox cycle (S0, T1, Dox, and Dred) are systematically and thoroughly described. The formal ground and excited state ligand- and metal-centered redox events are substantiated by the QRO description of the open-shell triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) (d9L−1), Dox (d9L0), and Dred (d10L−1) species and the corresponding structural changes, e.g., flattening distortion, shortening/elongation of Cu–N/Cu–P bonds, are rationalized in terms of the underlying electronic structure transformations. Among others, we reveal the molecular-scale delocalization of the ligand-centered radical in the 3MLCT (d9L−1) and Dred (d9L−1) states of homoleptic [Cu(dmp)2]+ and its localization to the redox-active phenanthroline ligand in the case of heteroleptic [Cu(phen)(POP)]+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the optimization of quantitative analysis and extraction of copper from rocks in Oman. The focus is on enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of these processes for sustainable mining operations. The research employs Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to identify the optimal conditions for extracting copper using phosphoric acid boiling and thermite mixture methods. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is employed to characterize the extracted samples and understand the mineralogical compositions. The RSM analysis revealed the optimal conditions for copper extraction using phosphoric acid boiling. X-ray diffraction analysis of the extracted copper samples showed that the majority of the copper was extracted as metallic Copper (Cu). The optimization of these processes is crucial for improving the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations in the country. X-ray diffraction analysis provides valuable insights into the mineralogical composition of the extracted samples, which can be used to optimize the extraction processes further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel experimental laboratory technique for the flow of miniature cumulative jet of copper and without using explosives, is described. To perform the microcumulative tests, miniature cylindrical specimens with conical pits were used. The dynamic loading of the specimens was performed using a gas gun with a striker accelerated up to speeds of 800 m/s. The optimal specimen geometry and testing regimes, including the focal distance during microcumulation testing, were then determined. The influence of the structural condition of the sample material on the parameters of the cumulative jet has been demonstrated A preliminary analysis of the effects of copper purity and processing regimes on the ultimate dynamic plasticity characteristics was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research displays the green synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs). The aqueous solution of Spirulina platensis (blue green algae) source was used as a reducing and capping agent and this study assessed the cytotoxicity of Ag- and CuO-NPs on three cancer cell cultures: A549 (lung cancer), HCT (human colon cancer), Hep2 (laryngeal carcinoma cancer) and normal cell (WISH). For NPs characterization, the UV/Vis spectroscopy was used where their formation and crystallinity were proven with $$\lambda $$ λ max values for Ag- and CuO-NPs of 425 and 234 nm, respectively. According to X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Ag-NPs were spherical in shape (size 2.23–14.68 nm) and CuO-NPs were small (size 3.75–12.4 nm). Zeta potential analysis showed the particles potential, which was recorded by −14.95 ± 4.31 mV for Ag-NPs and −21.63 ± 4.90 mV for CuO-NPs. After that, Ag- and CuO-NPs were assessed for anticancer properties against A549, HCT, Hep2 and WISH. IC50 of Ag-NPs recorded 15.67, 12.94, 3.8 and 10.44 µg/ml for WISH, A549, HCT and Hep2, respectively. IC50 for CuO-NPs was recorded as 32.64, 54.59, 3.98 and 20.56 µg/ml for WISH, A549, HCT and Hep2 cells, respectively. Safety limits for WISH and A549 were achieved 98.64% by 2.44 µg/ml and 83.43% by 4.88 µg/ml of Ag-NPs, and it was found to be 97.94% by 2.44 µg/ml against HCT, while that for Hep2 is 95.9% by 2.44 µg/ml. Concerning the anticancer effect of CuO-NPs, the safety limit was recorded as 88.70% by 2.44 and 98.48% by 4.88 µg/ml against WISH and A549, while HCT reached 89.92% by 2.44 µg/ml and Hep2 was 83.33% by 4.88 µg/ml. Green nanotechnology applications such as Ag-NPs and CuO-NPs have numerous benefits of ecofriendliness and compatibility for biomedical applications such as anticancer effects against cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this review article is to present a retrospective analysis of copper applications focusing on ions and nanoparticles as broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Copper nanoparticles are presented as an alternative to rising antibiotic resistance. The basic mechanisms of bacterial, fungal, and viral inactivation, which explain their potential, are presented. The green biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using biomaterials is also presented and considered a very promising trend for future biotechnology and medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the colonists who made up the Virginia Company of London established James Fort on the banks of the James River in 1607, they brought with them sheets of scrap copper. Based in large part on the experience of the earlier Roanoke Colony, the English knew that copper was a highly prized material among Native peoples of the Chesapeake, and they brought it with them as a trade item. Artifacts made from European smelted copper (impure copper and copper alloy) have been found at contact period sites (ca. AD 1607-1680) throughout Virginia, and James Fort has long been hypothesized to be the primary distribution point for that material. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the elemental composition of a sample of smelted copper artifacts from James Fort (1607-ca. 1625), as well as samples of copper artifacts from five Native sites in central Virginia. We also analyzed a sample of copper artifacts from another well-known European fort site--Fort San Juan (1567-1568) in North Carolina. The results suggest that although a portion of the smelted copper that circulated through Native networks in Virginia came from James Fort, the rest of it possibly came from English, French, or Dutch distribution points to the northeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee is one of the most popular non-alcoholic beverages, consumed as a raw material in different food sectors. The popularity of coffee is induced by its pleasant flavor, taste, and highly nutritious nature. However, the absorption of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through preharvest, harvesting, and post-harvest stages makes it a potentially rich source. Essential elements are potentially toxic at a higher concentration than required for the human body to work. PTEs intake through food systems may lead to health risks, including mutagenicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, and embryotoxic effects. Different analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, electromigration, and electrochemical. are used for PTEs content determination of coffee. Considering the importance of PTEs in human health and the worldwide popularity of coffee, their monitoring of coffee is crucial. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the classification, prevalence, and determination techniques of PTEs in different coffee types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueologia is the property of Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The detection and real-time monitoring of temperature parameters are important, and indium oxide-based thin film thermocouples can be integrated on the surface of heaters because they operate normally under harsh conditions and provide accurate online temperature monitoring. The higher stability and appropriate optical and electrical properties of In2O3 make it very suitable as an electrode material for thermocouple sensors. This work demonstrates that copper doping can alter the optical and electrical properties of In2O3 films and regulate the output performance of thermocouples. Copper-doped In2O3 thin films were prepared using the magnetron co-sputtering method. The doping concentration of Cu was controlled using direct current (DC) power. An In2O3/Pt thermocouple sensor was prepared, and the optoelectronic and thermocouple properties were adjusted by changing the copper doping content. The thickness valve of the thin film sample was 300 nm. The results of the X-ray diffraction suggested that the structure of the doped In2O3 thin films was cubic. The results of the energy-dispersive X-ray analysis revealed that Cu was doped into the In2O3 thin films. All deposited films were n-type semiconductor materials according to Hall effect testing. The 4.09 at% Cu-doped thin films possessed the highest resistivity (30.2 × 10−3 Ω·cm), a larger carrier concentration (3.72 × 1020 cm−3), and the lowest carrier mobility (0.56 cm2V−1s−1). The optical band gap decreased from 3.76 to 2.71 eV with an increase in the doping concentration, and the transmittance of the film significantly reduced. When the DC power was increased, the variation range of Seebeck coefficient for the In2O3/Pt thermocouple was 152.1–170.5 μV/°C, and the range of thermal output value was 91.4–102.4 mV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a letter published in the Annals of Hematology. The authors conducted a systematic analysis of copper, zinc, and selenium levels in patients with JAK2 V617F-positive myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). They found that the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation was associated with higher copper and zinc levels but lower selenium levels. Additionally, they observed that copper levels were higher in essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV) patients, while zinc levels were higher in all three MPN entities. However, selenium levels were lower in all three entities compared to healthy controls. The authors suggest that these findings provide testable hypotheses for the role of copper, zinc, and selenium in MPNs and raise questions about the potential clinical justification for nutritional supplementation with these elements in JAK2 V617F-positive MPNs. [Extracted from the article]

The prediction of the metal cluster within a coordination polymer or complex, as well as the dimensionality of the resulting polymer or complex (i.e., 0D, 1D, 2D, or 3D), is often challenging. This is the case for Ph2P(CH2)mPPh2 ligands (1 ≤ m ≤ 8) and CuX salts, particularly for X = I. This work endeavors a systematic statistical analysis combining studies in the literature and new data, mapping the nature of the resulting CuI aggregates with eight different diphoshphines in 2:1, 3:2, 1:1, 2:3, and 1:2 CuI:Ph2P(CH2)mPPh2 molar ratios as a function of m, which lead to either pure products or mixtures. Several trends are made relating stoichiometry and chain length to the CuI cluster formed (i.e., globular vs. quasi-planar). Four new X-ray structures were determined: [Cu3I2(L1)3]I, Cu3I3(L2)2, Cu2I2(L6)2, and Cu4I4(L8)2, where m is, respectively, 1, 2, 6, and 8, in which the CuxIy central aggregates adopt triangular bipyramid, diamond, rhomboid, and cubane shaped motifs, respectively. Photophysical measurements assisted the establishment of trends considering the paucity of the crystallographic structures. During this study, it was also found that the 0D-complex Cu2I2(Ph2P(CH2)5PPh2)2 exhibits thermally activated delayed fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The works of literature evaluating the eco-environmental risks posed by metals in agricultural areas in developing countries remains limited. This study sought to evaluate the environmental and ecological risks posed by metals in the intensively cultivated areas of the Amik Plain as well as to determine the origins of the metals. For this purpose, 137 soil samples were taken from agricultural production areas of the Amik Plain, and 11 metals (Al, Fe, Ni, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd and As) were examined in the samples. As Ni had the highest average enrichment factor (EF) value (8.04) when compared with the other metals, the soils were found to be significantly enriched with Ni. The Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis showed that the Zn concentration was controlled by lithogenic sources, while the Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu concentrations were controlled by both anthropogenic and lithogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the development of the global copper market using sentiment analysis to analyse the opinions, feelings, and subjectivities of the research subject. Particular attention is paid to one of the most important international mining companies in the world, Freeport-McMoRan. Texts related to Freeport-McMoRan and the relevant copper market were processed using MS Excel software and artificial intelligence, specifically recurrent neural networks. Sentiment analysis was followed by regression analysis to track the copper price trend over the same period. Confirmed the existence of inverse relationship between the copper price and the results of the sentiment analysis performed. Positive results of the sentiment analysis affect the sentiment of the copper market, thereby affecting the copper price with a time lag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper metal was analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) using a K-Alpha instrument from Thermo Scientific that employed an Al K-alpha x-ray source (1486.6 eV). The sample was the copper standard on the instrument sample stage that was sputtered with Ar+ to remove its oxide layer and hydrocarbon contamination. Shown in this work are the survey spectrum and high-resolution Cu 2p, Cu L3M45M45, Cu 3s, Cu 3p, O 1s, C 1s, and Ar 2p narrow scans. Narrow and survey scans were collected at 60 and 200 eV pass energy, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuproptosis is a manner of cell death which is related to the homeostasis of copper ions in the cellular environment and is expected to open a new direction of anti-tumor therapy. However, the studies on cuproptosis and copper homeostasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are still limited. In this study, we identified new cuproptosis and copper homeostasis related genes (CHRGs) which were effective in stratifying genotyping clusters with survival differences based on transcriptomic data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) further expands the screening boundary of CHRGs, and finally we established a 10-CHRGs-based prognostic signature using lasso-penalized cox regression method, which were validated in GSE30219. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis revealed these genes are potential regulators of modulating immunotherapy efficacy, drug resistance, tumor microenvironment infiltration, and tumor mutation patterns. Lastly, the scRNA-seq datasets GSE183219 and GSE203360 offers the evidences that CHRGs signature are mainly distributed in cancer epithelial cells, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) also confirmed the differential expression of these genes between normal lung cell line and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Collectively, our findings revealed new cuproptosis and copper homeostasis related genotyping clusters and genes which may play important roles in predicting prognosis, influencing tumor microenvironment and drug efficacy in LUAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new dinuclear complex, [Cu2I2(Pz)2(Phen)2] (I) was synthesized by solution method based on HPz, Phen and CuI2, where HPz is pyrazole and Phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, respectively. On this basis, complex I was characterized by IR spectra and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (CCDC no. 2169849). We also studied Hirshfeld surface of the title complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The copper transporter (COPT/Ctr) gene family plays a critical part in maintaining the balance of the metal, and many diverse species depend on COPT to move copper (Cu) across the cell membrane. In Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Medicago sativa, Zea mays, Populus trichocarpa, Vitis vinifera, and Solanum lycopersicum, a genome-wide study of the COPT protein family was performed. To understand the major roles of the COPT gene family in Kandelia obovata (Ko), a genome-wide study identified four COPT genes in the Kandelia obovata genome for the first time. The domain and 3D structural variation, phylogenetic tree, chromosomal distributions, gene structure, motif analysis, subcellular localization, cis-regulatory elements, synteny and duplication analysis, and expression profiles in leaves and Cu were all investigated in this research. Structural and sequence investigations show that most KoCOPTs have three transmembrane domains (TMDs). According to phylogenetic research, these KoCOPTs might be divided into two subgroups, just like Populus trichocarpa. KoCOPT gene segmental duplications and positive selection pressure were discovered by universal analysis. According to gene structure and motif analysis, most KoCOPT genes showed consistent exon–intron and motif organization within the same group. In addition, we found five hormones and four stress- and seven light-responsive cis-elements in the KoCOPTs promoters. The expression studies revealed that all four genes changed their expression levels in response to copper (CuCl2) treatments. In summary, our study offers a thorough overview of the Kandelia obovata COPT gene family's expression pattern and functional diversity, making it easier to characterize each KoCOPT gene's function in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, electrical fire accidents have been frequent. Due to the lack of quantitative research on the metallographic analysis of wire melt marks, there is insufficient basis for physical evidence of identification of some electrical fires. To study the characteristics of melt marks of copper core PVC-insulated single-core flame-retardant wire short-circuit and fire-induced accidents, the electrical fault simulation experimental device was used to simulate primary and secondary short-circuit faults, and a gasoline torch was used to simulate high-temperature fire conditions and extract the metal melt marks produced by the experiments. The metallurgical microscope and Image-Pro-Plus software were used to measure the size and shape characteristics of grains and pores and to quantitatively analyze the metallurgical organization characteristics of the melt marks under different conditions. The results indicate that the primary short-circuit melt traces have fine grains with an average diameter of 13.14–17.87 μm, mainly concentrated in 0–800 μm2, dominated by dendrites with fine grain boundaries and excitation layer structure. They have fewer pores and regular shape, mainly concentrated in 0–1500 μm2. The secondary short-circuit fusion trace grains are mainly cytosolic and columnar grains, with an average diameter of 15.72–22.30 μm, mainly concentrated in 200–1200 μm2, sparse grains and coarse grain boundaries. They have more pores, larger volume, and irregular shape, mainly concentrated in 1000–3500 μm2. The fire fusion marks have coarse grain types, mainly equiaxed crystals, with average diameter mainly concentrated in 16–28 μm and grain area mainly concentrated in 600–1800 μm2. The fusion marks only have small pores or shrinkage holes distributed in the surface layer, and fewer internal pores and shrinkage holes. The results of the study can play an important role in the identification of the physical evidence of electrical fire and the determination of the cause of fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive function has inevitable decline with advancing age in nature, and age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) is of increasing concern to aging population. Scarce study has involved the associations between hair trace elements and ARCD in older adults, especially in centenarians and oldest-old adults. This study was to investigate the associations between hair trace elements and ARCD in centenarians and oldest-old adults. Methods: Based on the household registration information of centenarians and oldest-old adults provided by the Civil Affairs Department of Hainan Province, China, the investigators conducted a one-to-one household survey among centenarians (≥100 years old) and oldest-old adults (80–99 years old). All 50 centenarians had a median age of 103 years and females accounted for 68.0%. All 73 oldest-old adults aged 80–99 years had a median age of 90 years and females accounted for 82.2%. Basic information were obtained with questionnaire interview, physical examination, biological test and hair collection by pre-trained local doctors and nurses. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to measure hair trace elements. All data in this study comes from China. Age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, smoking, drinking, hemoglobin, albumin, fasting blood pressure, zinc, chromium, copper, selenium, iron, manganese, strontium, lead, magnesium, potassium, and barium were simultaneously included in multivariate Logistic regression analysis. One adjusted model was done with all hair trace elements together. Results: Zinc and chromium levels were significantly lower in participants with ARCD than those without ARCD (P < 0.05 for all). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that zinc [odds ratio (OR): 0.988, 95%confidence interval (95%CI): 0.977–0.999] and chromium (OR: 0.051, 95%CI: 0.004–0.705) were associated with a reduced likelihood of ARCD (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Hair zinc and chromium levels were associated with a reduced likelihood of ARCD in centenarians and oldest-old adults. Further studies are necessary to verify if zinc and chromium supplementation has the potential to improve cognitive function and prevent ARCD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is a long-standing method for the exploration of electronic structures of transition ion complexes. The difficulty of its analysis varies considerably, not only with the nature of the spin system, but more so with the relative magnitudes of the magnetic interactions to which the spin is subject, where particularly challenging cases ensue when two interactions are of comparable magnitude. A case in point is the triplet system S = 1 of coordination complexes with two unpaired electrons when the electronic Zeeman interaction and the electronic zero-field interaction are similar in strength. This situation occurs in the X-band spectra of the thermally excited triplet state of dinuclear copper(II) complexes, exemplified by copper acetate monohydrate. In this study, applicability of the recently developed low-frequency broadband EPR spectrometer to S = 1 systems is investigated on the analysis of multi-frequency, 0.5–16 GHz, data from [Cu(CH3COO)2H2O]2. Global fitting affords the spin Hamiltonian parameters gz = 2.365 ± 0.008; gy = 2.055 ± 0.010; gx = 2.077 ± 0.005; Az = 64 gauss; D = 0.335 ± 0.002 cm−1; E = 0.0105 ± 0.0003 cm−1. The latter two define zero-field absorptions at ca. 630, 7730, and 10,360 MHz, which show up in the spectra as one half of a sharpened symmetrical line. Overall, the EPR line shape is Lorentzian, reflecting spin-lattice relaxation, which is a combination of an unusual, essentially temperature-independent, inverted Orbach process via the S = 0 ground state, and a Raman process proportional to T2. Other broadening mechanisms are limited to at best minor contributions from a distribution in E values, and from dipolar interaction with neighboring copper pairs. Monitoring of a first-order double-quantum transition between 8 and 35 GHz shows a previously unnoticed very complex line shape behavior, which should be the subject of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the analyses of nano-twinned copper (Cu) films deposited through magnetron sputtering on silicon carbide (SiC) chips. The investigation encompasses the utilization of a chromium (Cr) adhesive layer coupled with varying voltage bias conditions. The goal is to comprehensively examine the influence of the adhesive layer and negative bias voltages, contributing to an enhanced understanding of materials engineering and bonding technologies for advanced applications. The formation of a nano-twinned structure and (111) surface orientation can be properly controlled by applied substrate bias. High-density nanotwinned structures were introduced into Cu films sputtered on SiC substrates with 82.3% of (111) orientation proportion at −150 V, much higher than the Cu film sputtered with another substrate bias. It is concluded that the sputtered Cu nanotwinned film formed with −150 V bias voltage has the potential to be employed as the interlayer for low-temperature direct bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a recognized potentially malignant oral condition linked to the consumption of areca nut. Chewing areca nut has been shown to elevate soluble copper levels in mouth fluids. Materials and Methods: Participants: The study included a panel of 30 patients with OSMF from Rama Dental College, Kanpur, India, and 30 nonareca chewing individuals serving as controls. Tissue Sample Collection and Analysis: Buccal mucosal biopsies were obtained from both OSMF patients and controls. The tissue copper concentrations were quantified using mass absorption spectrometry (MAS). Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) was employed to identify the presence and distribution of copper in the tissue. Statistical Analysis: Statistical comparisons were performed using appropriate methods, with a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: MAS analysis revealed that the mean tissue copper level was 6.2 ± 3.1 micrograms per gram (μg/g) in OSMF specimens (n = 30), slightly higher than the 4.5 ± 2.0 μg/g in the nonareca chewing controls (n = 30) (P = 0.1). EDX analysis showed distinct copper peaks in both the epithelium (22/23) and connective tissue (18/23) of OSMF specimens compared to control biopsies. These findings were corroborated by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) in a subset of samples. Conclusion: The study revealed higher copper concentrations in buccal mucosal tissue of OSMF patients from Rama Dental College, Kanpur, suggesting a potential connection between copper and the initiation of OSMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study concentrates on the facile fabrication of copper doped Gd2O3 nanoparticles by facile chemical route. The materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, PSA, SEM, EDAX and UV-visible spectroscopy. The optical band gap (Eg) was found to be in the range of 3.10–4.29 eV. The materials exhibited better photocatalytic efficiency in degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light. Among the materials studied, 0.075 g Gd1.70Cu0.30O3-δ photocatalyst material has degraded 82% of RhB at a pH of 4.3 in 80 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the micromorphology and dynamic evolution law of copper aluminum composite interface evolution, ultra-high temperature laser Confocal microscopy (CLSM) was used to observe and analyze the evolution of copper aluminum interface in situ, and then SEM, EDS and other advanced material analysis methods were used to observe the micromorphology of the composite layer, and study the composition of the interface layer and the formation process of the copper aluminum composite interface. The results indicate that the formation of the copper aluminum composite interface layer is mainly related to the mutual diffusion of copper aluminum atoms and the interface reaction between copper and aluminum. The bonding of the copper aluminum composite interface is mainly related to the melting of the metal surface of the interface layer and the mutual diffusion of copper aluminum atoms, which is the main mechanism of the copper aluminum composite interface bonding. The intermetallic compound is mainly Al2Cu. In situ, observation of copper aluminum composite interface shows that there is a clear and relatively flat boundary between copper and the interface layer, while the boundary between aluminum and the interface layer is not straight, which is caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient, Lattice constant and hardness between intermetallic compounds and matrix and between intermetallic compounds. At the same time, it was found that there is a certain relationship between the visual changes of the copper aluminum composite interface image and reaction-diffusion migration during in-situ observation using a confocal laser scanning high-temperature microscope. Moreover, under no pressure, the oxide layer and interface inclusions can seriously affect the interface bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS) has become a powerful technique for in situ Cu isotopic analysis in natural geological samples. Cu isotopic compositions in natural chalcopyrites have been used to reveal aspects of the mineralization processes directly. However, internationally or commercially available matrix‐matched chalcopyrite reference materials for mass fractionation correction or quality control purposes are still lacking for in situ Cu isotopic analysis using LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS. Methods: Three natural chalcopyrites 14ZJ12‐1, JGZ‐29 and JGZ‐78, and one copper metal GBW02141 with different Cu isotopic compositions were investigated as potential microanalytical reference materials by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS. Ga element was used as an internal standard to correct the mass fractionation of Cu isotopes during LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS analysis. Results: A large number of Cu isotope ratio measurements using femtosecond LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS were conducted and produced good intermediate precision of δ65CuNIST976 (0.07–0.08‰, 2 standard deviations), demonstrating the homogeneous Cu isotopic distribution in the recommended samples. The mean δ65CuNIST976 values of −0.21 ± 0.04‰, 0.46 ± 0.04‰, −0.06 ± 0.04‰ and 0.11 ± 0.05‰ (2 standard deviations) in 14ZJ12‐1, JGZ‐29, JGZ‐78 and GBW02141, respectively, were obtained using solution‐MC‐ICP‐MS in the four recommended samples. Conclusions: Here, we describe three natural chalcopyrites 14ZJ12‐1, JGZ‐29, JGZ‐78, and one copper metal GBW02141 as the potential Cu isotopic reference materials for LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS analysis. Our analyses demonstrate that these recommended materials have a high degree of elemental and isotopic homogeneity, indicating that they are suitable for microanalysis techniques for data quality assurance or interlaboratory calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spain, knowledge about public attitudes towards the police is limited compared to other countries. This study contributes to fill gaps in the literature by examining a wide range of correlates of police legitimacy. Using data from the Spanish sample (N = 1,885) of the European Social Survey (ESS) Round 5, we estimate multivariate regression models with two measures of police legitimacy as outcome variables: moral alignment (α =.81) and duty to obey the police (α =.86). Correlates encompass a range of attitudinal measures, including those related to police activity, the sociopolitical and institutional context, and personal characteristics of the respondents. The results show that, in Spain, as in other countries, police legitimacy is primarily influenced by perceptions of procedural fairness and effectiveness. In addition, the study found that variables such as political orientation and attitudes towards the sociopolitical context are also relevant. These findings suggest that people's views of the police are linked to broader social and political factors, beyond their interactions with the police. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-Methylbenzoic acid (3-mbH) and 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) reacted with a copper(II) salt forming a new mixed ligand complex, aqua(2,2'-bipyridine-k²N,N')bis(3-methylbenzoato)-k²O,O';kO-copper(II) 0.68-hydrate, [Cu(C8H7O2)2(C10H8N2)(H2O)]·0.68H2O or [Cu(3-mb)2(bipy)(H2O)].0.68H2O. The coordination environment of CuII is a distorted octahedron. The metal atom is attached to two 3-mb moieties, which bind in monodentate and bidentate fashions. One of the 3-mb units is disordered. The coordination environment is completed by one bipy ligand and a water molecule. A second water molecule is outside the coordination sphere of the CuII atom and its occupancy refined to 0.68. The structure consists of chains along the b-axis direction formed by complex units joined via hydrogen bonds between the coordinated water molecule and an O atom of a coordinated 3-mb unit. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most abundant contacts are H...H (56.8%), H...C/C...H (21.7%) and H...O/O...H (13.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption behavior of gold from copper–tartrate–thiosulfate solutions with ion-exchange resins was studied in this paper. Experimental parameters include resin dosage, pH, temperature, copper, tartrate, and thiosulfate concentration. A moderate increase in resin dosage, pH, temperature, and tartrate concentration is beneficial for gold adsorption, but an excessive tartrate concentration or higher temperature depresses the adsorption process. Increasing copper and thiosulfate concentrations may competitively occupy the active sites on the resin surface, leading to a reduction in the gold adsorption capacity. The XPS and FT-IR analyses indicate that copper and gold on the resin after adsorption mainly exist in the form of Cu+ and Au+, and sulfur mainly exists in the form of SO42− and S2O32−. This implies that the use of resin for gold recovery from thiosulfate leachate may face critical challenges because there is inevitably a higher content of copper and thiosulfate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The versatility of FSW as a joining technique for ferrous and non-ferrous metals depends on fine-tuned process parameters. To date, reports of mixed success exist in the literature on apt-tuning these parameters due to the elusive knowledge of their interdependencies. Hence, this paper aims to unravel the linkages in selecting apt process parameters vis-à-vis the FSW's tool and workpieces' properties. First, the study identifies bottlenecks hindering generalizations of the impact of process variables. Then, through data abstraction and exploratory analyses of copper and aluminium alloy welds, it statistically reviews the process parameters that produced defect-free welds, highlighting linkages within the process parameters, workpiece properties, and the ensued joint properties. The result shows the mastery of the art of FSW over the past decades, albeit with inept scientific links between the workpieces' properties and optimal process parameters. This suggests the need for in-depth comparative studies on pure metal joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The overuse of antibiotics leads to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microbes which causes high mortality worldwide. Therefore, the synthesis of new active compounds has multifunctional activities are the main challenge. Nanotechnology provides a solution for this issue. Method: The endophytic fungal strain Aspergillus terreus BR.1 was isolated from the healthy root of Allium sativum and identified using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis. The copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were synthesized by harnessing the metabolites of the endophytic fungal strain. The UV-Visble spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission electron micrscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential (ζ) were used for the characterization of synthesized CuO-NPs. The activity against different pathogenic bacteria and Candida species were investigated by agar well-diffusion method. The biocombatibility and anticancer activity were assessed by MTT assay method. The scavenging of DPPH was used to investigate the antioxidant activity of synthesized CuO-NPs. Results: Data showed the successful formation of crystalline nature and spherical shape CuO-NPs with sizes in the ranges of 15–55 nm. The EDX reveals that the as-formed sample contains ions of C, O, Cl, and Cu with weight percentages of 18.7, 23.82, 11.31, and 46.17%, respectively. The DLS and ζ-potential showed high homogeneity and high stability of synthesized CuO-NPs with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.362 and ζ-value of − 26.6 mV. The synthesized CuO-NPs exhibited promising antibacterial and anti-Candida activity (concentration-dependent) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the ranges of 25–50 µg mL–1. Moreover, the fungal mediated-CuO-NPs targeted cancer cells of MCF7 and PC3 at low IC50 concentrations of 159.2 ± 4.5 and 116.2 ± 3.6 µg mL–1, respectively as compared to normal cells (Vero and Wi38 with IC50 value of 220.6 ± 3.7 and 229.5 ± 2.1 µg mL–1, respectively). The biosynthesized CuO-NPs showed antioxidant activity as detected by the DPPH method with scavenging percentages of 80.5 ± 1.2% at a concentration of 1000 µg mL–1 and decreased to 20.4 ± 4.2% at 1.9 µg mL–1 as compared to ascorbic acid (control) with scavenging activity of 97.3 ± 0.2 and 37.5 ± 1.3% at the same concentrations, respectively. Conclusion: The fungal mediated-CuO-NPs exhibited promising activity and can be integrated into various biomedical and theraputic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear hydrogen production is experiencing an unprecedented momentum worldwide, in response to the increasing demand for clean large-scale hydrogen production in line with the outcomes of the UN Conference of the Parties (COP26). A seamless integration of several innovative nuclear designs including Small Modular Reactors with steam Rankine cycle and the cogeneration of Hydrogen using thermochemical water-splitting cycles (e.g., the Cu–Cl cycle) is possible for a complete solution of hydrogen, oxygen, and electric power generation. In this paper, a process and flow sheet for large-scale hydrogen production by CuCl electrolysis at 50 tonnes per day is proposed and analyzed. The scaled-up process and flow sheet is based on lab-scale experience with 50 l/h hydrogen generation. Pressurized Cu–Cl electrolysis and basic electrolysis are reported to support the scaling up parameters, assumptions, and considerations. Based on determined sizing parameters and energy analysis, the Cu–Cl cycle consumes substantially less primary energy (thermal) than water electrolysis, which makes it a serious competitor, despite its obvious higher investment cost in the hardware. • Flow sheet for large scale hydrogen production by CuCl electrolysis is analyzed. • Consideration of pressurized Cu–Cl electrolysis is discussed and analyzed. • Cu–Cl cycle consumes substantially less primary energy than water electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common malignancies in oral cavity. Hence, presenting methods for early diagnosis and find the etiologic factors of oral SCC are important. Saliva analysis can be used to discover various conditions because of its noninvasive methods. Copper as a useful metal has been used by men since ancient times. The level of copper increases when the cancerous changes occur in addition to biopsy, an alternative method for examining oral lesions is exfoliative cytology. The primary objective of this study was to determine the salivary copper level and cytomorphologic changes of oral mucosa among three study groups. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 15 individuals with oral SCC, 15 workers exposed to copper, and 15 healthy individuals. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The exfoliative smears were prepared by brush biopsy and stained by Papanicolaou and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) staining methods. Data analysis using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal--Wallis test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was a significant difference in mean salivary copper (P = 0.008), cytomorphology of oral mucosa, and AgNOR among the three groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results suggested that occupational exposure to copper increases the salivary levels of this element and causes changes in mucosal cells. Since this increase was very high and evidence of nuclear activity was seen in this group and in oral SCC patients, exposure to copper should be considered an important risk factor for oral mucosal changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]