Fulleride superconductivity tuned by elastic strain due to cation compositional disorder.

Dynamical fluctuations of the elastic strain in strongly correlated systems are known to affect the onset of metal-to-insulator or superconducting transitions. Here we report their effect on the properties of a family of bandwidth-controlled alkali-intercalated fullerene superconductors. We introduce elastic strain through static local structural disorder in a systematic and controllable way in the fcc-structured K Cs C (with potassium content, 0.

Driving forces of proton-pumping rhodopsins.

Proton-pumping rhodopsins are light-driven proton transporters that have been discovered from various microbiota. They are categorized into two groups: outward-directed and inward-directed proton pumps. Although the directions of transport are opposite, they are active proton transporters that create an H gradient across a membrane.

Percentage of decline in individual proprioceptors in older adults.

[Purpose] Although standing balance and functions of each proprioceptor decline with age in older adults, data regarding the types and percentages of proprioceptors susceptible to decline are unavailable. In this study, we investigated the rate of decline in each proprioceptor area in older adults and also the effect of aging on the association between postural balance and proprioception. [Participants and Methods] This study performed between November 2012 and July 2022 included both young and older adults.

Design and Mechanistic Insights into α-Helical -Terphenyl Guanidines as Potent Small-Molecule Antifreeze Agents.

Ice formation is a critical challenge across multiple fields, from industrial applications to biological preservation. Inspired by natural antifreeze proteins, we designed and synthesized a new class of small-molecule antifreezes based on α-helical -terphenyl scaffolds with guanidine side chains. These -terphenyl guanidines , among the smallest molecules that mimic α-helical structures, exhibit potent ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity, similar to that of existing large α-helical antifreeze compounds.

The high-light-sensitivity mechanism and optogenetic properties of the bacteriorhodopsin-like channelrhodopsin GtCCR4.

Channelrhodopsins are microbial light-gated ion channels that can control the firing of neurons in response to light. Among several cation channelrhodopsins identified in Guillardia theta (GtCCRs), GtCCR4 has higher light sensitivity than typical channelrhodopsins. Furthermore, GtCCR4 shows superior properties as an optogenetic tool, such as minimal desensitization.

Planar Deposition via In Situ Conversion Engineering for Dendrite-Free Zinc Batteries.

Owing to the considerable capacity, high safety, and abundant zinc resources, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have been garnering much attention. Nonetheless, the unsatisfactory cyclic lifespan and poor reversibility originate from side reactions and dendrite obstacles to their practical applications. In addition to inhibiting the corrosion of aqueous electrolytes, regulating planar deposition is a key strategy to enhance their long-term stability.

Simple Fabrication and Unique Fiber Growth Mechanism of Copper(I) 4-Toluenethiolate-Based Fibrous Coordination Polymer.

Coordination polymers (CPs) exhibit various distinctive properties owing to the metals incorporated in their main chains. These properties make CPs appealing for applications in optoelectronic devices and sensors and as precursors for inorganic materials with controlled morphologies. However, only a few CPs form fibrous structures, and the fabrication methods require complicated procedures, thus, limiting their range of applications.

Atomic Layer Engineering of Ferroelectricity in Dion-Jacobson Perovskites.

Recent advances in "hybrid-improper" ferroelectricity in Dion-Jacobson (DJ)-type layered perovskites have caused renewed interest in the search for new ferroelectrics. Here, we present an approach for the tailored synthesis of a new homologous series of DJ-type layered perovskites Cs(BiSr)(TiNb)O. Starting from CsBiTiNbO ( = 3), higher-order homologous phases with = 4 and 5 were successfully synthesized by repeated solid-state calcination with SrTiO.

TBHP Promotes Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of SF Alkynes with Tetrahydroisoquinolines under Copper Catalysis.

We present a viable approach for the cross-dehydrogenative coupling of Het-SF-alkynes with tetrahydroisoquinolines under oxidative conditions, using TBHP and copper catalysts. These newly developed conditions boast enhanced yields and a more extensive range of substrates, demonstrating tolerance to various functional groups and addressing the limitations of earlier reports. Consequently, this method should increase opportunities for the exploration of SF-containing compounds and their potential applications in drug discovery, materials science, and as alternatives to PFAS.

Enhancing Medical Device Management with IoT Powerstrip.

Managing medical devices efficiently was a challenge, especially with manual methods proving error-prone amid staff shortages. To overcome these issues, we developed a novel IoT powerstrip device for tracking usage and location. This helps monitor devices in real-time, empowering more efficient management and utilization.

Application of natural zeolite adsorption in cooperation with photosynthesis for the post-treatment of microbial fuel cells.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology that directly converts organic matter (OM) in wastewater into electricity while simultaneously degrading contaminants. However, MFCs are insufficient for the removal of nitrogenous compounds. Therefore, the post-treatment of MFCs is essential.

Hemodynamic differences determining rupture and non-rupture in middle cerebral aneurysms after growth.

Background And Purpose: Intracranial aneurysm growth is a significant risk factor for rupture; however, a few aneurysms remain unruptured for long periods, even after growth. Here, we identified hemodynamic features associated with aneurysmal rupture after growth.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed nine middle cerebral artery aneurysms that grew during the follow-up period using computational fluid dynamics analysis.

Atomic-Scale Behavior of Perovskite-Supported Ir-Pd-Ru Nanoparticles under Redox Atmospheres.

An advanced materials solution utilizing the concept of "smart catalysts" could be a game changer for today's automotive emission control technology, enabling the efficient use of precious metals via their two-way switching between metallic nanoparticle forms and ionic states in the host perovskite lattice as a result of the cyclical oxidizing/reducing atmospheres. However, direct evidence for such processes remains scarce; therefore, the underlying mechanism has been an unsettled debate. Here, we use advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy to reveal the atomic-scale behaviors for a LaFePdO-supported Ir-Pd-Ru nanocatalyst under fluctuating redox conditions, thereby proving the reversible dissolution/exsolution for Ir and Ru but with a limited occurrence for Pd.

Low-temperature FTIR spectroscopy of the L/Q switch of proteorhodopsin.

Rhodopsins are photoreceptive membrane proteins containing a retinal chromophore, and the color tuning mechanism in rhodopsins is one of the important topics. Color switch is a color-determining residue at the same position, where replacement of red- and blue-shifting amino acids in two wild-type rhodopsins causes spectral blue- and red-shifts, respectively. The first and most famous color switch in microbial rhodopsins is the L/Q switch in proteorhodopsins (PRs).

Exploring Indonesian actinomycete extracts for anti-tubercular compounds: Integrating inhibition assessment, genomic analysis, and prediction of its target by molecular docking.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the foremost cause of infectious fatality globally. The primary global challenge in combatting TB lies in addressing the emergence of drug-resistant variants of the disease. However, the number of newly approved agents for treating TB has remained remarkably low over recent decades.

Synthesis and Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Alkyl Amine-Boranes. A Boryl Radical-Enabled Strategy.

Alkyl organoborons are powerful materials for the construction of C()-C() bonds, predominantly via Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling. These species are generally assembled using 2-electron processes that harness the ability of boron reagents to act as both electrophiles and nucleophiles. Herein, we demonstrate an alternative borylation strategy based on the reactivity of amine-ligated boryl radicals.

Possibility of two-dimensional ordering of cryptochrome 4a from European robin.

Cryptochrome (Cry) in some species could act as a quantum senser to detect the inclination angle of geomagnetic field, the function of which attributes the magnetic sensitivity of spins of unpaired electrons in radical pair (RP) in CRY generated by blue light irradiation. However, the effect of blue light on the structure and molecular behavior of Cry has not been well investigated. We conducted the size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses to inspect the molecular structure and behavior of cryptochrome 4a (ErCry4a) from European robin, a representative magnetosensory animal.

Reliable Stenosis Detection Based on Thrill Waveform Analysis Using Non-Contact Arteriovenous Fistula Imaging.

Hemodialysis therapy is an extracorporeal circulation treatment that serves as a substitute for renal function. In Japan, patients receive this efficient four-hour treatment, three times per week, allowing them to maintain a social life nearly equivalent to that of healthy individuals. Before the treatment, two punctures are performed to establish extracorporeal circulation, and a high blood flow rate is essential to ensure efficient therapy.

Artificial Intelligence Imaging Diagnosis Using Super-Resolution and Three-Dimensional Shape for Lymph Node Metastasis of Low Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study From a Single Center.

Background: Although accurate preoperative diagnosis of lymph node metastasis is essential for optimizing treatment strategies for low rectal cancer, the accuracy of present diagnostic modalities has room for improvement.

Objective: The study aimed to establish a high-precision diagnostic method for lymph node metastasis of low rectal cancer using artificial intelligence.

Design: A retrospective observational study.

Novel Lewis Acid-Base Interactions in Polymer-Derived Sodium-Doped Amorphous Si-B-N Ceramic: Towards Main-Group-Mediated Hydrogen Activation.

Interest is growing in transition metal-free compounds for small molecule activation and catalysis. We discuss the opportunities arising from synthesizing sodium-doped amorphous silicon-boron-nitride (Na-doped a-SiBN). Na cations and 3-fold coordinated B moieties were incorporated into an amorphous silicon nitride network via chemical modification of a polysilazane followed by pyrolysis in ammonia (NH) at 1000 °C.

FTIR study of light-induced proton transfer and Ca binding in T82D mutant of TAT rhodopsin.

Proton transfer reactions play important functional roles in many proteins, such as enzymes and transporters, which is also the case in rhodopsins. In fact, functional expression of rhodopsins accompanies intramolecular proton transfer reactions in many cases. One of the exceptional cases can be seen in the protonated form of marine bacterial TAT rhodopsin, which isomerizes the retinal by light but returns to the original state within 10 s.

Encapsulating Nickel-Iron Alloy Nanoparticles in a Polysilazane-Derived Microporous Si-C-O-N-Based Support to Stimulate Superior OER Activity.

The in situ confinement of nickel (Ni)-iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) in a polymer-derived microporous silicon carboxynitride (Si-C-O-N)-based support is investigated to stimulate superior oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity in an alkaline media. Firstly, we consider a commercial polysilazane (PSZ) and Ni and Fe chlorides to be mixed in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and deliver after overnight solvent reflux a series of Ni-Fe : organosilicon coordination polymers. The latter are then heat-treated at 500 °C in flowing argon to form the title compounds.

Why Is Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Insensitive to Liquid Water?

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is widely recognized as a remarkably powerful analytical technique that enables trace-level detection of organic molecules on a metal surface in aqueous systems with negligible spectral interference of water. This insensitivity of SERS to liquid water is violated in a restrictive manner under specific electrochemical conditions. However, the origin of such different SERS sensitivities to liquid water remains unclear.