DMSO-promoted α-bromination of α-aryl ketones for the construction of 2-aryl-2-bromo-cycloketones.

A DMSO-promoted practical one-step α-bromination reaction of α-aryl ketones with NBS has been developed for the construction of 2-aryl-2-bromo-cycloketones. The desired regioselective α-bromination products were isolated in moderate to good yields, with a maximum tested scale of 15 mmol. Notably, ketamine derivatives could be smoothly synthesized in two steps.

Efficacy and safety of wet cupping in the treatment of neurodermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by intense itching and skin thickening due to neurological dysfunction. Its persistent nature poses a challenge to effective treatment, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Wet cupping therapy is increasingly being used in clinics to manage neurodermatitis, so it is imperative to assess the evidence regarding its effectiveness and safety.

Experimental study on the drag reduction performance of sodium alginate in saline solutions.

Since the discovery of the turbulence drag reduction phenomenon over 70 years ago, it has been recognized that the addition of small quantities of drag-reducing agents to fluids can significantly decrease wall shear stress, thereby enhancing fluid pumpability. In many applications, the fluids often contain salts, such as those used in fracturing processes within the petroleum sector. The aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the effects of salinity, flow rate, and polymer concentration on the drag reduction performance of sodium alginate in circular pipes.

Laser scribed proton exchange membranes for enhanced fuel cell performance and stability.

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) offer solutions to challenges intrinsic to low-temperature PEMFCs, such as complex water management, fuel inflexibility, and thermal integration. However, they are hindered by phosphoric acid (PA) leaching and catalyst migration, which destabilize the critical three-phase interface within the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This study presents an innovative approach to enhance HT-PEMFC performance through membrane modification using picosecond laser scribing, which optimises the three-phase interface by forming a graphene-like structure that mitigates PA leaching.

Water-Enabled Electricity Generation by a Smooth Liquid-Like Semiconductor Coating Surface.

Water energy-converting techniques that focus on interfacial charge separation and transfer have aroused significant attention. However, the water-repelling nature leads to a less dense liquid layer and a sharp gradient of liquid velocity, which limits its output performance. Here, a water sliding generator (WSG) based on a smooth liquid-like/semiconductor surface (SLSS) is developed that harnesses the full advantage of liquid sliding friction.