Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) show promising properties for applications as structural materials in high-temperature applications, such as high solidus temperature and high strength. Improving their density, oxidation resistance, and room temperature ductility are still the aims of research in alloy development. In this study, Al-rich diffusion coatings by pack cementation are developed for three different alloys in the system Al-Cr-Mo-Ta-Ti in order to improve their high-temperature oxidation resistance. Equimolar AlCrMoTaTi, Al-rich Al3CrMoTaTi, and Ti-rich AlCrMoTaTi3 are synthesized by vacuum arc melting with subsequent milling to powder, consolidation to bulk material by field-assisted sintering technology/spark plasma sintering (FAST/SPS), and homogenization heat treatment. The applied aluminizing coatings are investigated by gravimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Experimental analyses are supplemented by CALPHAD simulations. Compact, uniform, and adhesive Al-rich diffusion coatings are produced on all three substrate RHEAs and exhibit single-layered D022 Al3(Cr,Mo,Ta,Ti) intermetallic compound analogous to Al3Ti in the binary Al-Ti system. Isothermal oxidation at 1000 °C for 48 h in ambient air results in the formation of 1–2 µm thin protective single-layered alumina scale—in contrast to multi-layered oxide scales in uncoated condition—and mass gains as low as binary Al3Ti and Ni-based superalloys.
Several studies have attempted to clarify the role of exosomes and/or microvesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) (collectively indicated as extracellular vesicles: MSCs-EVs) in pulmonary fibrosis. Depending on their origin and on the micro-environmental context, MSCs-EVs may support or attenuate the fibrotic invasion of the lung, a hallmark of all Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs). Indeed, EVs have emerged as pivotal intercellular mediators and their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications have been suggested. We aim here to elucidate the dual role of MSCs-derived exosomes and microvesicles: the contribution to pulmonary fibrosis progression, exerted by the MSCs-EVs originated from resident MSCs, or the potential therapeutic activity of those generated from healthy MSCs. Actually, MCSs-EVs appear as the frontiers of cell-free therapy and nano-medicine research in a great number of pre-clinical studies, but developments are needed to optimize and standardize their isolation, production and delivery. Interestingly, since the respiratory system directly communicates with the external environment, lung treatment could be approached by MSCs-EVs nebulization as a preferential administration route, integrating targeted pulmonary delivery with an enhanced patient’s compliance. Hence MSCs-EVs may contribute to ILD pathogenesis, display a potential as biomarkers, and still hold promise as therapeutic agents to reduce lung fibrosis. However further researches are needed to validate their clinical application.
The grass ring phenomenon remains an interesting and enduring puzzle. Previous research has proposed various mechanisms, including Environmental stress and physical disturbance, Nutrient and water depletion, and the Self-Organization hypothesis, to explain ring formation. However, this process is highly complex and dynamic, hindering the development of a unified theory. This is primarily because grass rings of different origins, and even those at different developmental stages, are influenced by diverse factors. Furthermore, existing studies have often been limited to isolated cases, which highlights the need for more comprehensive, global-scale studies. Through a systematic analysis of publications, this review proposes three claims. First, they are classified based on genetic origin into single and multiple individual origins, which align with formation driven primarily by death-based and growth-based formation modes, respectively. Second, the grass ring is essentially a superorganism. Third, although grass rings are globally widespread, their formation mechanisms in regions above 4000 m remain elusive. Future research should prioritize key directions, including quantifying complete life cycles and elucidating mechanisms of high-altitude formation. This requires establishing international monitoring networks that integrate multi-omics with hyperspectral remote sensing to predict how grass rings develop under global climate change.
The aggregation and leaching of nanoparticles often reduce catalytic activity and hinder the long-term application of catalysts. Here, we synthesis a hollow Ni/SiO2-AEH catalyst with small Ni nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated by nickel phyllosilicate (NiPS) via an ammonia evaporation-hydrothermal method. Compared with the Ni/SiO2-AE only synthesized via ammonia evaporation method, the Ni/SiO2-AEH catalyst after further hydrothermal treatment possesses more nickel phyllosilicate (NiPS) species, which enhances the stability of Ni NPs through the strong metal-support bonding (Si–O–Ni) in NiPS. By controlling the size of Ni NPs to 3.6 nm along with the presence of NiPS, we find that Ni/SiO2-AEH displays superior catalytic performance for maleic anhydride (MA) hydrogenation and vanillin hydrodeoxygenation, achieving yields of 97% for succinic anhydride (SA) and 99% for 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (MMP), respectively. Importantly, the deactivation of Ni/SiO2-AEH is remarkably suppressed, with only a slight decrease in activity after five or six runs. The excellent catalytic activity and stability of phyllosilicate materials imply an extensive application in other industrial catalytic reactions.
Museum collections are essential for scientific research and are diverse in nature. They include human remains and associated information. Many experience discomfort due to historical legacies and procurement practices that are often not openly discussed, which, in an age that advocates Open Science, need open discussion. Within Open Science, open Data Sharing and the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) are key guidelines for research data decisions—emphasizing “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”. This manuscript explores how data management and Open Science practices may impact on human ancestral remains, risking perpetuating practices of human remains objectification, reinforcing historical violence through digital means, if not balanced with restrictive access protocols. There is a growing concern for data care and stewardship amongst museums and allied institutions, and although the argument is based on the fairness of sharing and conscious, ethical sharing, source collection and associated data need to be questioned at its origins. Hence, the emphasis is placed on CARE principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) prioritising dignity, sovereignty, relationality, and ethics, moving from data accumulation and universal openness toward context-driven, community-controlled, and ethically reflexive stewardship. This approach advocates restraint, challenging museums, researchers, and funders to reconsider the objectification of ancestors and the ethical responsibilities surrounding their digital and material legacies. Ethical issues no longer relate solely to ancestral remains; they extend to their data and metadata across matters related to governance, circulation, “ownership?”, and repatriation. Alongside FAIR, one must practice CARE, and above all, allow for detachment and critical thinking.
