Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad M. Rahman, David W. Law, Indubhushan Patnaikuni, Chamila Gunasekara, Morteza Tahmasebi Yamchelou
Summary: This study investigated the activation of clay through calcination at different temperatures and durations for the production of alkali-activated material (AAM). The results showed that calcination at 120 and 750 degrees Celsius led to increased strength compared to untreated clay. Specimens with 10% alkali dosage performed better than those with 15%, with the conversion of Al (IV) identified as the primary factor for strength enhancement.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Muhammad Riaz Ahmad, Mehran Khan, Aiguo Wang, Zuhua Zhang, Jian-Guo Dai
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of using flue gas residues (FGR) and commercial sodium silicate (CSS) as hybrid activators (HA) for the preparation of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). The results showed that the use of hybrid activators led to the formation of more C-A-S-H gel compared to the control paste, which contained a higher amount of N-A-S-H gel. The analysis also revealed the presence of calcium-rich cross-linked gel (C-(N)-A-S-H) in all the pastes.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Juho Rasmus, Katja Ohenoja, Paivo Kinnunen, Mirja Illikainen
Summary: Sodium-rich green liquor dregs (GLD), a common residue in pulp mills, have been studied as an alternative alkali source for blast furnace slag (BFS) mortar. Thermal treatment at 525 degrees C was used to remove organic carbon and improve the reactivity of GLD. Results showed that GLD can be used as a secondary alkali source in alkali-activated materials, but further research is needed.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Katarina S. Stevanovic, Bogdana Cepkenovic, Strahinja Krizak, Miroslav Z. Zivic, Natasa V. Todorovic
Summary: Studies on ion currents in filamentous fungi are necessary for comprehensive understanding of their physiology. Cytoplasmic droplets (CDs) derived from Phycomyces blakesleeanus are a useful model system for investigating ion currents in native membranes, particularly those mediated by unidentified channels. The dominant current, osmotically activated anionic current with outward rectification (ORIC), in CDs exhibits functional similarity to vertebrate volume regulated anionic current (VRAC). This study further characterizes the ORIC in CDs, including its regulation, ion selectivity, and single channel behavior, and proposes its potential role in anion efflux during cell volume regulation in filamentous fungi.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mohammed Ibrahim, Mohammed Maslehuddin
Summary: Alkali activated binders are emerging as alternatives to Portland cement, synthesized from aluminosilicate materials with complex factors affecting their properties. While their mechanical characteristics are equal to or better than Portland cement, aspects such as long-term durability and fire-resistance still require further investigation and understanding.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Wendan Han, Yuanhang Li, Kaki Raveendra Babu, Jing Li, Yuhai Tang, Yong Wu, Silong Xu
Summary: In this reaction, cyclic amidines act as C,N-bisnucleophiles for cyclization, while olefins play a dual role as reactants and oxidants.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
R. Rakesh Kumar Reddy, Subhash C. Yaragal, Anil sagar Srinivasa
Summary: The primary objective of this study is to develop an eco-friendly one-part alkali-activated concrete (OPAAC) by incorporating a combination of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and micro silica. The mechanical properties and CO2 emissions of OPAAC with different proportions and alternative aggregates are thoroughly examined. The results show that OPAAC with 40% FA replaced with GGBS, 50% RCAs, and 50% FCSAs demonstrates the most favourable mechanical properties and exhibits lower CO2 emissions.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Maryam Hojati, Farshad Rajabipour, Aleksandra Radlinska
Summary: Alkali activated Cement (AAC) is an environmentally friendly alternative to ordinary portland cement (OPC) for construction. This study investigated the long-term durability of AAC, particularly in relation to shrinkage and creep under constant load. The results showed that AAC with a high slag content had a larger time-dependent response and drying shrinkage. Additionally, high curing temperature affected the creep response and reduced the viscous behavior of AAC.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yidi Wang, Na Zhang, Yi Zhou, Chao Li, Jihan Zhao, Yihe Zhang
Summary: Photocatalysis technology has great potential in environmental pollution control, with researchers embedding it into building materials for antibacterial, self-cleaning, and purification functions. Alkali activated cementitious material (AACM) serves as an alternative carrier for photocatalysts due to its unique 3D network structure. The detailed introduction of photocatalytic mechanisms, chemical reactions of AACM, and research progress of photocatalyst/AACM composites is discussed, along with the application prospects and urgent issues.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Wei Wang, Takafumi Noguchi, Ippei Maruyama
Summary: The ASR behavior of AAS/AAFA mortars was investigated and compared with OPC mortars, revealing that ASR-induced expansion in AAS mortar bars occurred earlier than in OPC mortar bars due to the early participation of reactive silica from aggregates in alkali-activation. The Ca/Si ratio of amorphous ASR products in AAS mortars was lower, while Al/Si and Na/K ratios were higher than that of OPC mortars.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Katja Traven, Wolfgang Wisniewski, Mark Cesnovar, Vilma Ducman
Summary: This study provides a detailed analysis of the interfaces between lightweight aggregates and alkali-activated foam matrices, as well as the properties of these matrices produced using industrial slags and fly ash. The goal of these materials is to replace cement with alkali-activated waste, reducing environmental impact.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mami Kato, Yasunori Takayama, Masataka Sunagawa
Summary: TMEM16A is a calcium-activated chloride channel with important roles in physiological and pathological pain processes. Liquiritigenin can activate TMEM16A and reduce pain perception, showing potential pharmacological effects.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jiawei Lei, Wei Wee Law, En-Hua Yang
Summary: Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a major durability issue in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete, and previous studies suggest that alkali-activated slag (AAS) concrete is less susceptible to ASR. This study found that a deficiency of calcium hydroxide is one controlling factor for the low ASR expansion of AAS mortars. The addition of calcium hydroxide substantially increased ASR expansion in AAS mortars, indicating its role in facilitating the gelation and formation of ASR products.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Mugahed Amran, Roman Fediuk, Hakim S. Abdelgader, G. Murali, Togay Ozbakkaloglu, Y. Huei Lee, Y. Yong Lee
Summary: Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) and steel fibers together have great potential in modern construction due to their superior bond strength and good interaction, leading to improved tensile strength and durability. Additional research is needed to further explore the application possibilities of fiber-reinforced alkali-activated concrete (FR-AAC) in different environmental conditions.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Cuifang Lu, Zuhua Zhang, Caijun Shi, Ning Li, Dengwu Jiao, Qiang Yuan
Summary: This paper comprehensively reviews the rheological properties of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) and the influence of composition factors on their rheology, providing guidance for future research directions in the field of AAM workability and mechanical requirements.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Di Kang, Bowen Li, Lei Luo, Wenbing Jiang, Qiumin Lu, Mingqing Rong, Ren Lai
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shilong Yang, Fan Yang, Bei Zhang, Bo Hyun Lee, Bowen Li, Lei Luo, Jie Zheng, Ren Lai
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yalan Han, Bowen Li, Ting-Ting Yin, Cheng Xu, Rose Ombati, Lei Luo, Yujie Xia, Lizhen Xu, Jie Zheng, Yaping Zhang, Fan Yang, Guo-Dong Wang, Shilong Yang, Ren Lai
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rose Ombati, Lei Luo, Shilong Yang, Ren Lai
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lei Luo, Yunfei Wang, Bowen Li, Lizhen Xu, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Jie Zheng, Fan Yang, Shilong Yang, Ren Lai
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bowen Li, Jonathan R. Silva, Xiancui Lu, Lei Luo, Yunfei Wang, Lizhen Xu, Aerziguli Aierken, Zhanserik Shynykul, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Anna Luo, Jian Yang, Deyuan Su, Fan Yang, Jianmin Cui, Shilong Yang, Ren Lai
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2019)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhihao Yao, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Yalan Han, Jingmei Hu, Anna Luo, Lei Luo, Jie Zheng, Yuhua Tian, Ren Lai
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yalan Han, Anna Luo, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Pitchayakarn Takomthong, Jingmei Hu, Chantana Boonyarat, Lei Luo, Ren Lai
Summary: Citrusinine-II, an acridone alkaloid isolated from Atalantia monophylla, was found to selectively inhibit the TRPV3 channel with potential efficacy in alleviating both chronic and acute itch. It also showed significant analgesic effects with minimal side effects, making it a promising candidate for the development of anti-pruritus drugs.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Tian-Zhen Xie, Lei Luo, Yun-Li Zhao, Hao Li, Mei-Ling Xiang, Xu-Jie Qin, Ying-Jie He, Yan-Yan Zhu, Zhi Dai, Zhao-Jie Wang, Xin Wei, Ya-Ping Liu, Li-Xing Zhao, Ren Lai, Xiao-Dong Luo
Summary: Two distinctive alkaloids with unique fused ring structures were isolated from Veratrum grandiflorum, showing potent analgesic effects in vivo, likely by inhibiting Ca(V)2.2 voltage-gated calcium channels.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lei Luo, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Ren Lai
Summary: The venom of wasps contains various bioactive components, including peptides and proteins, which possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anticoagulant activities. These bioactive peptides and proteins may be potential sources of pharmaceutically active molecules. However, the venom can also cause allergic reactions and tissue damage.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Luo, Aili Wang, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Ren Lai, Lei Luo
Summary: Centipedes are ancient and successful venomous animals, with their venoms targeting ion channels in the nervous system. Understanding the mechanism of neurotoxins acting on ion channels contributes to the knowledge of centipede venoms and channel functions. The unique structure and selective activities of centipede venom peptides make them potential research tools and biological drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yalan Han, Peter Muiruri Kamau, Ren Lai, Lei Luo
Summary: Venoms are complex mixtures of biologically active molecules, including peptides, proteins, polyamide, and enzymes, widely produced by venomous organisms. Through long-term evolution, venomous animals have developed highly specific and diverse peptides and proteins that target key physiological elements. Centipedes, as typical venomous arthropods, rely on their toxins for predation and defense. Despite frequent reports of centipede bites, the composition and effects of centipede venoms remain largely unknown. However, with advancements in molecular biology and structural biology, research on the bioactive peptides and proteins in centipede venoms has deepened.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Peter Muiruri Kamau, Hao Li, Zhihao Yao, Yalan Han, Anna Luo, Hao Zhang, Chantana Boonyarat, Chavi Yenjai, James Mwangi, Lin Zeng, Shilong Yang, Ren Lai, Lei Luo
Summary: Pain is a common reason for seeking medical care, leading to negative impacts on mental health and social life. This study identifies toddaculin as a potential inhibitor of the Ca(V)3.2 channel, which reduces excitability of neurons and pain behaviors. The binding pocket of toddaculin on the Ca(V)3.2 channel may be a promising target for drug design.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Shilong Yang, Fan Yang, Bei Zhang, Bo Hyun Lee, Bowen Li, Lei Luo, Jie Zheng, Ren Lai
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2018)