Enrichment and Selection of Particles through Parallel Induced-Charge Electro-osmotic Streaming for Detection of Low-Abundance Nanoparticles and Targeted Microalgae.

Manipulation of micro- and nanoscale objects is an essential procedure in many detection and sensing applications, including disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring. Induced-charge electro-osmotic (ICEO) vortices present excellent advantages in the enrichment and selection of micro/nanoscale particles for downstream detection due to gentle conditions and contactless operation, but the application of this method is currently constrained by the throughput. Double-layer charging at the ends of bipolar electrodes can maintain a continuous flow of electric current in the fluidically isolated channels, which provides a feasible method to manipulate particles using parallel ICEO vortices, promoting throughput of particle manipulation without compromising efficiency and overcoming the complicated ohmic contact of electrodes. Encouraged by these, we put forward a novel method with parallel ICEO vortices to manipulate micro/nanoscale samples for downstream detection. First, we study the extension regulation of the low-frequency electric field and mediating effect of the open BPEs on the extended electric field and characterize electric equilibrium states of microparticles and their voltage dependence. Afterward, we leverage this method to enrich nanoparticles for detection of low-abundance nanoparticles with about 20- and 40-fold fluorescence intensities by integrating with a simple fiber-optic sensor. Furthermore, this technique is engineered for the selection of targeted microalgae to continuously detect their proliferation behaviors by combining with a homemade electrical impedance spectroscopy device. This method can reinforce the throughput of ICEO vortices and enables it to integrate with simple and economical sensors to accomplish disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring.

A new species and two new records of Argyresthia Hübner, [1825] (Lepidoptera: Argyresthiidae) from Hallasan National Park of Korea.

Argyresthia Hübner, [1825] is a genus of small to medium sized glossy moths which comprises more than 200 species worldwide, but the Korean fauna includes only eight previously known species. In this study, we describe one new species, A. (Argyresthia) brevalbella sp. nov., and report A. (A.) angusta Moriuti, 1969 and A. (Blastotere) densa Liu, Wang et Li, 2017 for the first time from the country. The three species were found in Hallasan National Park located in the southernmost province Jeju-do at altitudes between 900-1,300 m. The new species is externally very similar to A. (A.) longalbella Liu, Wang et Li, 2017 in having a fuscous forewing with a white dorsal band, but can be distinguished by the shape of the valva, saccus and phallus of the male genitalia. We provide photographs of adults and genitalia, differential diagnoses and DNA barcodes for the three species.

Implications of viral infections and oncogenesis in uterine cervical carcinoma etiology and pathogenesis.

Background: Uterine Cervical Carcinoma (UCC) is the most prevalent gynecological malignancy globally, with a rising incidence in recent years. Accumulating evidence indicates that specific viral infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), and human herpesvirus (HHV), may contribute to UCC development and progression. Understanding the complex interplay between viral infections and UCC risk is crucial for developing novel preventative and therapeutic interventions. Methods: This comprehensive review investigates the association between viral infections and UCC risk by examining the roles of various viral pathogens in UCC etiology and pathogenesis, and possible molecular mechanisms. Additionally, we evaluate current diagnostic methods and potential therapeutic strategies targeting viral infections for UCC prevention or treatment. Results: The prevention of UCC has been significantly advanced by the emergence of self-sampling for HPV testing as a crucial tool, allowing for early detection and intervention. However, an essential challenge in UCC prevention lies in understanding how HPV and other viral coinfections, including EBV, HBV, HCV, HHV, HIV, or their concurrent presence, may potentially contribute to UCC development. The molecular mechanisms implicated in the association between viral infections and cervical cancer development include: (1) interference of viral oncogenes with cellular regulatory proteins, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation and malignant transformation; (2) inactivation of tumor suppressor genes by viral proteins; (3) evasion of host immune responses by viruses; (4) induction of a persistent inflammatory response, contributing to a tumor-promoting microenvironment; (5) epigenetic modifications that lead to aberrant gene expression; (6) stimulation of angiogenesis by viruses; and (7) activation of telomerase by viral proteins, leading to cellular immortalization. Additionally, viral coinfections can also enhance oncogenic potential through synergistic interactions between viral oncoproteins, employ immune evasion strategies, contribute to chronic inflammation, modulate host cellular signaling pathways, and induce epigenetic alterations, ultimately leading to cervical carcinogenesis. Conclusion: Recognizing the implications of viral oncogenes in UCC etiology and pathogenesis is vital for addressing the escalating burden of UCC. Developing innovative preventative and therapeutic interventions requires a thorough understanding of the intricate relationship between viral infections and UCC risk.

Network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of scutellarin in the treatment of brain ischaemia and experimental verification of JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway.

Scutellarin is used to treat brain ischaemia. However, its underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanism of action of scutellarin in brain ischaemia through network pharmacology and experimental verification. The JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway was identified and experimentally verified. Expression of JAK2/STAT3 signalling related proteins in TNC-1 astrocytes with BV-2 microglia-conditioned medium (CM), CM + lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (CM + L), and CM pretreated with scutellarin + LPS (CM + SL) was analysed by Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining. Expression levels of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3 were evaluated in astrocytes pre-treated with AG490. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats was performed in different experimental groups to detect expression of the above biomarkers. Network pharmacology suggested that the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway is one of the mechanisms by which scutellarin mitigates cerebral ischaemic damage. In TNC-1 astrocytes, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 expression were significantly up-regulated in the CM + L group. Scutellarin promoted the up-regulation of various markers and AG490 neutralised the effect of scutellarin. In vivo, up-regulation of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 after ischaemia is known. These results are consistent with previous reports. Scutellarin further enhanced this upregulation at 1, 3, and 7 d after MCAO. Scutellarin exerts its therapeutic effects on cerebral ischaemia by activating the astrocyte JAK2/STAT3 signalling, which provides a firm experimental basis for its clinical application.

Scutellarin Acts via MAPKs Pathway to Promote M2 Polarization of Microglial Cells.

Scutellarin, an herbal agent, is known to possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In activated microglia, it has been reported that this is achieved through acting on the MAPKs, a key pathway that regulates microglia activation. This study sought to determine if scutellarin would affect the commonly described microglia phenotypes, namely, M1 and M2, thought to contribute to pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, respectively. This is in consideration of its potential effect on the polarization of microglia phenotypes that are featured prominently in cerebral ischemia. For this purpose, we have used an experimentally induced cerebral ischemia rat model and LPS-stimulated BV-2 cell model. Thus, by Western blot and immunofluorescence, we show here a noticeable increase in expression of M2 microglia markers, namely, CD206, Arg1, YM1/2, IL-4 and IL-10 in activated microglia both in vivo and in vitro. Besides, we have confirmed that Scutellarin upregulated expression of Arg1, IL-10 and IL-4 in medium supernatants of BV-2 microglia. Remarkably, scutellarin treatment markedly augmented the increased expression of the respective markers in activated microglia. It is therefore suggested scutellarin can exert the polarization of activated microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype. Because M1 microglia are commonly known to be proinflammatory, while M2 microglia are anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect, it stands to reason therefore that with the increase of M2 microglia which became predominant by scutellarin, the local inflammatory response is ameliorated. More importantly, we have found that scutellarin promotes the M2 polarization through inhibiting the JNK and p38 signaling pathways, and concomitantly augmenting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. This lends its strong support from observations in LPS activated BV-2 microglia treated with p38 and JNK inhibitors in which expression of M2 markers was increased; on the other hand, in cells subjected to ERK1/2 inhibitor treatment, the expression was suppressed. In light of the above, MAPKs pathway is deemed to be a potential therapeutic target of scutellarin in mitigating microglia mediated neuroinflammation in activated microglia.

Phosphate removal mechanism of a novel magnesium slag-modified coal gasification coarse slag adsorbent.

We used magnesium slag (MS) as a calcium source for modifying coal gasification coarse slag (CGCS) in the presence of NaOH to prepare a novel phosphate adsorbent (MS-CGCS). Ca2SiO4 in MS reacts with NaOH during the high-temperature synthesis process, with sodium displacing a part of the calcium content in Ca2SiO4 and entering the mineral lattice to form Na2CaSiO4. Hydroxide ions reacted with calcium in Ca2SiO4 to generate Ca(OH)2 and decomposed into CaO at a high temperature. The two newly formed species participated in the phosphate removal. The MS-CGCS adsorbent showed good phosphate removal performance over a wide pH range, with a maximum phosphate adsorption capacity of 50.14 mg/g, which was significantly higher than that of other reported adsorbents. The Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models described the adsorption process well, indicating it being a monolayer and chemisorption process. The main mechanisms of phosphate removal are as follows: electrostatic interaction between the positively charged MS-CGCS and negatively charged phosphate ions; the inner-sphere complexation of oxides of metal, such as magnesium, aluminum, and calcium, with phosphate ions; and the precipitation of phosphate ions with calcium ions. Precipitation contributes to ~ 32% of the phosphate removal. This study provides a new method for the development of phosphate adsorbents while recycling CGCS and MS.

Keratinocyte TLR2 and TLR7 contribute to chronic itch through pruritic cytokines and chemokines in mice.

Although neuronal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) (e.g., TLR2, TLR3, and TLR7) have been implicated in itch sensation, the roles of keratinocyte TLRs in chronic itch are elusive. Herein, we evaluated the roles of keratinocyte TLR2 and TLR7 in chronic itch under dry skin and psoriasis conditions, which was induced by either acetone-ether-water treatment or 5% imiquimod cream in mice, respectively. We found that TLR2 and TLR7 signaling were significantly upregulated in dry skin and psoriatic skin in mice. Chronic itch and epidermal hyperplasia induced by dry skin or psoriasis were comparably reduced in TLR2 and TLR7 knockout mice. In the dry skin model, the enhanced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of pruritic CXCL1/2, IL-31, IL-33, ST2, IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were inhibited in TLR2-/- mice, while CXCL2, IL-31, and IL-6 were inhibited in TLR7-/- mice. In psoriasis model, the enhanced mRNA expression levels of pruritic CXCL1/2, IL-31, IL-33, ST2, IL-6, and TNF-α were inhibited in TLR2-/- mice, while CXCL1/2, IL-31, IL-33, ST2, IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α were inhibited in TLR7-/- mice. Incubation with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) peptidoglycan (PGN-SA) (a TLR2 agonist), imiquimod (a TLR7 agonist), and miR142-3p (a putative TLR7 agonist) were sufficient to upregulate the expression of pruritic cytokines or chemokines in cultured keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Finally, pharmacological blockade of C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 1/2 and high mobility group box protein 1 dose-dependently attenuated acute and chronic itch in mice. Together, these results indicate that keratinocyte TLR2 and TLR7 signaling pathways are distinctly involved in the pathogenesis of chronic itch.

A new species and new record of the leaf-mining genus Dactylotula Cockerell (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) from China.

Until recently, only two species of Dactylotula Cockerell, 1888 have been known. Dactylotula kinkerella (Snellen, 1876), feeding on Calamagrostis arenaria (L.) Roth (Poaceae), is distributed in Europe and the Asian part of Russia, while D. altithermella (Walsingham, 1903) was only recorded in Europe with host plant unknown. Here, we report Dactylotula for the first time in China represented by a new leaf-mining species described herein as D. phragmitella, sp. n., feeding on Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. (Poaceae). Most of the specimens were collected in the Yellow River Delta. Photos of the adult, wing venation, male and female genitalia, host plant, leaf mines and parasitoid wasps of the new species are provided. Additionally, DNA barcodes of the new species are provided and discussed along sequences of the other two congeneric species.

The leaf-mining genus Lyonetia Hbner from China, with descriptions of two new species (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Lyonetiidae).

So far, only five species of the genus Lyonetia Hbner, 1825 have been recorded in China. In this paper, we describe two new species: L. (Lyonetiola) blasta T. Liu, sp. n., and L. (Lyonetiola) duplistriata T. Liu, sp. n., and report a newly recorded species, L. (Lyonetia) ledi Wocke, 1859 from China. Autumnal forms, manifesting darker forewings, of L. (Lyonetia) clerkella (Linnaeus, 1758) were collected from Xizang at an altitude of 3650 m in summer. The distribution and host plants of L. (Lyonetia) clerkella (Linnaeus, 1758) and L. (Lyonetia) prunifoliella (Hbner, 1796) in China are summarized. Photos of adults, male and female genitalia are provided. Host plants, leaf mines and DNA barcodes are also provided when available.

Effects of different factors on fly ash-based functional soil and its oat grass cultivation.

Using fly ash as the main matrix for plant ecological restoration is effective for constructing a sustainable and ecological environment. The relevant properties of functional soil change due to different factors. Based on the orthogonal experiment of functional soil and the pot experiment of oat grass, fly ash was used as the matrix material for functional soil. Afterward, MX (large granules dispensing certain nutrients), SJJXWS (a water-retaining agent), and AF (a nutrient conditioner) additives were added to study the physical, chemical, and agronomic properties of functional soil, such as the emergence rate and weight of plants. The results showed the high pH and conductivity of functional soil, implying alkaline soils with high salinity. The contents of organic matter and available phosphorus and potassium were relatively high, indicating its high nutrient content. Further analysis revealed that the MX was the key factor affecting functional soil's electrical conductivity and evaporation, and thus, the corresponding plant emergence rate, plant weight, and other related indicators. The influence of each factor on the corresponding plant emergence rate, plant weight, and other indicators of functional soil was arranged in the order of MX (large granules dispensing certain nutrients), SJJXWS (a water-retaining agent), and AF (a nutrient conditioner). The optimum additive ratio in functional soil was 0.45 t·hm-2 of MX, 0.12 t·hm-2 of SJJXWS, and 1.65 t·hm-2 of AF. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for further development of functional soil for ecological cycle restoration purposes.

Individuals with Bipolar Disorder Have a Higher Level of Homocysteine Than Major Depressive Disorder: A Retrospective Chart Review and Observational Study.

Purpose: Previous studies suggest that homocysteine (Hcy) may be involved in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) by influencing glutamatergic transmission, inflammation, and other mechanisms. There are no established biomarkers to distinguish BD from MDD. This study aims to compare Hcy levels between BD and MDD. Patients and Methods: We collected medical records of patients aged 14-75 admitted to the hospital from January 1 to July 1, 2022 with a discharge diagnosis of MDD or BD, including all examinations of patients at admission (acute phase) and discharge (non-acute phase). We measured Hcy levels in healthy controls (HC). Results: The analysis included 104 patients with MDD, 103 patients with BD, and 80 HC. Hcy levels were higher in the MDD and BD group than in the HC group and higher in the BD group than in the MDD group, both in the acute and non-acute phases (all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Hcy levels between the psychotropic medication users and non-users in the BD or MDD group (all P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis only for the MDD and BD group indicated that the likelihood of BD diagnosis was significantly associated with Hcy levels (in the acute phase: OR = 1.052, P = 0.016; in the non-acute phase: OR = 1.101, P < 0.001) after controlling for gender, age, and metabolic indicators. Conclusion: Our study suggests that Hcy levels were elevated in MDD and BD patients and were higher in BD patients than in MDD patients, which provides evidence for a possible relationship between one-carbon metabolism and the pathogenesis of BD. Besides, Hcy may be one of the potential biomarkers to distinguish BD from MDD.

A study of the solidification and stability mechanisms of heavy metals in electrolytic manganese slag-based glass-ceramics.

To better solve the waste pollution problem generated by the electrolytic manganese industry, electrolytic manganese slag as the main raw material, chromium iron slag, and pure chemical reagents containing heavy metal elements mixed with electrolytic manganese slag doping. A parent glass was formed by melting the slag mixture at 1,250°C, which was, thereafter, heat-treated at 900°C to obtain the glass-ceramic. The results from characterizations showed that the heavy metal elements in the glass-ceramic system were well solidified and isolated, with a leakage concentration at a relatively low level. After crystallization, the curing rates of harmful heavy metals all exceed 99.9%. The mechanisms of heavy metal migration, transformation, and solidification/isolation in glass-ceramic curing bodies were investigated by using characterization methods such as chemical elemental morphological analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and electron microprobe. The most toxic Cr and Mn elements were found to be mainly kept in their residual state in the glass-ceramic system. It was concluded that the curing mechanism of the heavy metals in a glass-ceramic can either be explained by the chemical curing induced by bonding (or interaction) during phase formation, or by physical encapsulation. Characterization by using both Transmission electron microscopy and EPMA confirmed that Cr and Mn were mainly present in the newly formed spinel phase, while the diopside phase contained a small amount of Mn. Zn, Cd, and Pb are not found to be concentrated and uniformly dispersed in the system, which is speculated to be physical coating and curing.

A new genus Socifera gen. nov. of Argyresthiidae (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea) from Hainan Island, China.

A new genus Socifera gen. nov. of Argyresthiidae is established. The diagnostic characters against Argyresthia Hbner, [1825] are listed. Socifera is endemic to Hainan, a tropical island in southern China. The type species Socifera asymmetra Liu Li, sp. nov. is described. The adult, venation, abdominal structures, male and female genitalia are illustrated.

Anti-diabetic effects of linarin from Chrysanthemi Indici Flos via AMPK activation.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of linarin, a flavonoid extracted from Chrysanthemi Indici Flos (CIF), and its potential mechanisms. Methods: The effects of linarin on cell viability and glucose consumption in HepG2 cells were measured. Meanwhile, monosodium glutamate (MSG) mouse model was constructed to monitor the changes of insulin tolerance, glucose tolerance, triglyceride and cholesterol. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, p-ACC, PEPCK and p-GS were detected by Western blot. Results: Linarin could increase the relative glucose consumption of HepG2 cells, improve insulin tolerance and glucose tolerance, and decrease the levels of triglyceride and cholesterol of MSG mice. Simultaneously, the expression levels of p-AMPK and p-ACC in HepG2 cells and the liver tissue of MSG mice were increased, while the expression levels of PEPCK and p-GS were decreased after treatment with linarin. Conclusion: Insulin resistance could be ameliorated by linarin in type 2 diabetes, and its mechanism may be related to AMPK signaling pathway.

Recent Progress in Functionalized Coatings for Corrosion Protection of Magnesium Alloys-A Review.

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys, which have good mechanical properties and damping capacities, are considered as potential candidate materials in the industrial field. Nevertheless, fast corrosion is the main obstacle that seriously hinders its wide applications. Surface modification is an available method to avoid the contact between corrosive media and Mg substrates, thus extending the service life of Mg-based materials. Generally, manufacturing a dense and stable coating as physical barriers can effectively inhibit the corrosion of Mg substrates; however, in some complex service environments, physical barrier coating only may not satisfy the long-term service of Mg alloys. In this case, it is very important to endow the coating with suitable functional characteristics, such as superhydrophobic and self-healing properties. In this review, the various surface treatments reported are presented first, followed by the methods employed for developing superhydrophobic surfaces with micro/nanostructuring, and an overview of the various advanced self-healing coatings, devolved on Mg alloys in the past decade, is further summarized. The corresponding preparation strategies and protection mechanisms of functional coatings are further discussed. A potential research direction is also briefly proposed to help guide functional strategies and inspire further innovations. It is hoped that the summary of this paper will be helpful to the surface modification of Mg alloys and promote the further development of this emerging research field.

First Report of the Immature Stages of the Leaf-Mining Genus Subclemensia Kozlov, 1987 (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae), with a Re-Illustration of the Type Species and a Generic Concept Discussion Based on Immature Characters.

The immature stages of primitive Lepidoptera can provide quite different but often useful morphological evidence and synapomorphies from those of adults. Incurvariidae is one of the most primitive lineages of extant Lepidoptera, which is species-poor but highly diverse, but half of the genera lack any information on immature stages. New knowledge on the immature stages of the family is expected to provide useful morphological evidence and synapomorphies to stabilize the generic nomenclature. Subclemensia Kozlov, 1987 is one of the monotypic genera in Incurvariidae. In this study, the immature stages of the type species of Subclemensia are reported for the first time. The leaf mine, host plant and its biological characteristics are also provided. DNA barcodes were generated to aid the species delimitation. The adult male and female genitalia are re-illustrated by color photography to supplement the original line drawings. The generic concepts of Subclemensia and other related genera are discussed based on immature characters.

Two new species of Bucculatrix Zeller from southeast China (Lepidoptera: Bucculatricidae).

Two new species of the genus Bucculatrix Zeller, 1839, B. coadnata sp. n. and B. nigerivalva sp. n., from southeast China are described herein. Male adult and genitalia are described and illustrated. Both species share remarkably reduced and/or fused valva in the male genitalia. DNA barcodes of the holotypes are also provided for aiding species identification.

Morphological Structure and Distribution of Hairiness on Different Body Parts of Apis mellifera with an Implication on Pollination Biology and a Novel Method to Measure the Hair Length.

Bees play a very important role in pollination, especially western honey bees, which contribute upwards of billions of dollars concerning crop pollination. Hairiness plays an important role in pollination success by transporting pollen, and pollen intake, but there is a lack of detailed studies on the morphological mechanisms. The hairiness trait is barely discussed in pollinator trait analysis because of the lack of systematic techniques used to measure hairiness. This paper reports a novel method that is used to measure the hair length of different body parts of a western honey bee through a stereomicroscope equipped with live measurement module software. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to update the knowledge regarding the hair structure of a western honey bee. We explained different types of hairs, hair branches, and their distributions on different body parts, which are discussed in detail. A positive correlation was found between hair length and the number of branches on all body parts. Five types of branches were observed, and these branches vary with different body parts. Our study provides sufficient details about the hair morphology of the western honey bee and a new methodology for measuring hair length. This methodology will improve the knowledge about understanding the pollination efficiency of the western honey bee.

Leaf-mining moths of the genus Phyllonorycter Hübner(Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae: Lithocolletinae) associated with Malvaceae in China, with descriptions of one new species.

Until recently, only one species of Phyllonorycter Hübner, 1822 has been known to feed on Malvaceae in China, i. e. the lime leaf miner P. issikii (Kumata, 1963) associated with Tilia spp. Here we describe a new species, Phyllonorycter bilobae T. Liu sp. n., found in Shaanxi and Shandong provinces in China feeding on Grewia biloba var. biloba G. Don and G. biloba var. parviflora (Bunge) Hand.-Mazz. (Malvaceae). Images of the adult, male and female genitalia, host plant, and the leaf mines of the new species are provided. Additionally, detailed distribution data of P. issikii in Shandong province (China) is given.

Preparation and Characterization of the Functional Properties of Synthetic Aggregates from Silico-Manganese Slag.

A large number of natural aggregates are used in the field of construction materials, resulting in the exhaustion of natural aggregates. Therefore, looking for an alternative will slow down the consumption of natural aggregates. The sintering method not only consumes a lot of energy to prepare aggregates but also produces a lot of pollutants. In this study, silico-manganese (SM) slag was dried, ground into powder, and used as raw material. Solid and liquid alkaline activator methods were used to prepare SM slag non-burning aggregate (SMNA) by the cold bonding method. The effects of grinding time, amounts of solid and liquid alkaline activators, curing temperature, and the amount of added fly ash on aggregate properties were investigated. The aggregate microstructure was characterized by XRD, SEM, and FTIR methods, and the toxic leaching analysis of aggregate was performed. The results showed that with a fixed amount of liquid activator (16.2% wt.) and solid activator (15% wt.) and fly ash (20% wt.), respectively, and curing was performed at room temperature, the aggregate properties were optimal: the bulk density of 1236.6-1476.9 kg/m3 and the water absorption lower than 4.9-5.5%. The apparent density was 1973.1-2281.6 kg/m3, and the bulk crushing strength was 24.7-27.9 MPa. The XRD, SEM, and FTIR results indicated that amorphous gel could be formed from SM under an alkaline activator, improving the aggregate strength. The results of toxic leaching showed that the aggregate prepared from SM exhibited environmentally friendly characteristics. The SMNA was obtained via the simple and low-energy consumption production process, paving the new way toward large-scale utilization of SM.