Photon-Modulated Bond Covalency of [Sm(II)(η-CH)].

Lanthanides are widely assumed not to form covalent bonds due to the localized nature of their 4f valence electrons. This work demonstrates that the ionic bond of Sm(II) with cyclononatetraenyl (η-CH) in [Sm(η-CH)] can be modulated and becomes more covalent by photon-induced transfer of Sm 4f electrons to Sm 5d orbitals. This photon-induced change in bonding properties facilitates a subsequent reconfiguration of [Sm(η-CH)].

Nanostructure and dynamics of N-truncated copper amyloid-β peptides from advanced X-ray absorption fine structure.

An X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) electrochemical cell was used to collect high-quality XAS measurements of N-truncated Cu:amyloid-β (Cu:Aβ) samples under near-physiological conditions. N-truncated Cu:Aβ peptide complexes contribute to oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's patients' brains. However, the redox properties of copper in different Aβ peptide sequences are inconsistent.

Using XAS to monitor radiation damage in real time and post-analysis, and investigation of systematic errors of fluorescence XAS for Cu-bound amyloid-β.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a promising technique for determining structural information from sensitive biological samples, but high-accuracy X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) requires corrections of systematic errors in experimental data. Low-temperature XAS and room-temperature X-ray absorption spectro-electrochemical (XAS-EC) measurements of N-truncated amyloid-β samples were collected and corrected for systematic effects such as dead time, detector efficiencies, monochromator glitches, self-absorption, radiation damage and noise at higher wavenumber (). A new protocol was developed using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data analysis for monitoring radiation damage in real time and post-analysis.

High-accuracy transmission and fluorescence XAFS of zinc at 10 K, 50 K, 100 K and 150 K using the hybrid technique.

The most accurate measurements of the mass attenuation coefficient for metals at low temperature for the zinc K-edge from 9.5 keV to 11.5 keV at temperatures of 10 K, 50 K, 100 K and 150 K using the hybrid technique are reported.

Knowledge, attitudes and self-perceived competencies on palliative care among medical officers at National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka.

Introduction: Though palliative care is an essential component in the continuum of cancer care, it is still at an evolving phase in Sri Lanka.

Objective: To identify knowledge, attitude, self-perceived competencies in practicing palliative care and factors associated among medical officers in National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among doctors in National Cancer Institute in 2020/21 using self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes and self-perceived competencies on palliative care.