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Topic Review
Stacking
In chemistry, pi stacking (also called π–π stacking) refers to attractive, noncovalent interactions between aromatic rings, since they contain pi bonds. These interactions are important in nucleobase stacking within DNA and RNA molecules, protein folding, template-directed synthesis, materials science, and molecular recognition, although new research suggests that pi stacking may not be operative in some of these applications. Despite intense experimental and theoretical interest, there is no unified description of the factors that contribute to pi stacking interactions.
  • 2.1K
  • 31 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Palladium-Catalyzed Carboxylation Reactions
The efficient incorporation of carbon dioxide into an organic substrate (carboxylation) under catalytic conditions to give high value added molecules is one of the most important and fascinating areas of current organic synthesis. Carbon dioxide is a nonflammable, inexpensive and largely available C-1 feedstock. In fact, it allows converting an important waste (it is well known that carbon dioxide is produced in enormous amounts from the combustion of fossil fuels for the production of energy) into a variety of useful compounds, which can find application as fuels or in the pharmaceutical or material fields.
  • 2.1K
  • 06 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Cyclodextrins Modified/Coated Metal–Organic Frameworks
The introduction of cyclodextrins (CDs) via noncovalent bonds could improve various physiochemical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and expand their practical applications in aqueous solutions, for example, biocompatible CDs could improve the solubility of CDs-coated MOFs as a hybrid delivery system. And external-stimuli responsiveness of CDs-coated MOFs is key for widening applications in controlled drug releasing system, catalysis, detection, extraction and separation.
  • 2.1K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Phase-Change Materials
Phase-change materials (PCMs) are important photonic materials that have the advantages of a rapid and reversible phase change, a great difference in the optical properties between the crystalline and amorphous states, scalability, and nonvolatility. 
  • 2.1K
  • 19 May 2021
Topic Review
Thermoelectric Generators at Low Operating-Temperatures
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are a form of energy harvester and eco-friendly power generation system that directly transform thermal energy into electrical energy. The thermoelectric (TE) method of energy harvesting takes advantage of the Seebeck effect, which offers a simple solution for fulfilling the power-supply demand in almost every electronics system. A high-temperature condition is commonly essential in the working mechanism of the TE device, which unfortunately limits the potential implementation of the device.
  • 2.1K
  • 01 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Benzodiazepine Overdose
Benzodiazepine overdose describes the ingestion of one of the drugs in the benzodiazepine class in quantities greater than are recommended or generally practiced. The most common symptoms of overdose include central nervous system (CNS) depression, impaired balance, ataxia, and slurred speech. Severe symptoms include coma and respiratory depression. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment of benzodiazepine overdose. There is an antidote, flumazenil, but its use is controversial. Deaths from single-drug benzodiazepine overdoses occur infrequently, particularly after the point of hospital admission. However, combinations of high doses of benzodiazepines with alcohol, barbiturates, opioids or tricyclic antidepressants are particularly dangerous, and may lead to severe complications such as coma or death. In 2013, benzodiazepines were involved in 31% of the estimated 22,767 deaths from prescription drug overdose in the United States. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has subsequently issued a black box warning regarding concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioids. Benzodiazepines are one of the most highly prescribed classes of drugs, and they are commonly used in self-poisoning. Over 10 years in the United Kingdom, 1512 fatal poisonings have been attributed to benzodiazepines with or without alcohol. Temazepam was shown to be more toxic than the majority of benzodiazepines. An Australian (1995) study found oxazepam less toxic and less sedative, and temazepam more toxic and more sedative, than most benzodiazepines in overdose.
  • 2.1K
  • 16 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Curing
Curing is a chemical process employed in polymer chemistry and process engineering that produces the toughening or hardening of a polymer material by cross-linking of polymer chains. Even if it is strongly associated with the production of thermosetting polymers, the term "curing" can be used for all the processes where a solid product is obtained from a liquid solution, such as will PVC plastisols.
  • 2.1K
  • 26 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Reactivity
In chemistry, reactivity is the impulse for which a chemical substance undergoes a chemical reaction, either by itself or with other materials, with an overall release of energy. Reactivity refers to: The chemical reactivity of a single substance (reactant) covers its behavior in which it: The chemical reactivity of a substance can refer to the variety of circumstances (conditions that include temperature, pressure, presence of catalysts) in which it reacts, in combination with the: The term reactivity is related to the concepts of chemical stability and chemical compatibility.
  • 2.1K
  • 02 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Graphene
Graphene is the new generation material, which finds potential and practical applications in a vast range of research areas. It has unrivalled characteristics, chiefly in terms of electronic conductivity, mechanical robustness and large surface area, which allow the attainment of outstanding performances in many fields of materials science.
  • 2.1K
  • 09 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Poly(aryl-ether-ketone) Materials for Application in Dentistry
Poly(aryl-ether-ketone) materials (PAEKs), a class of high-performance polymers comprised of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). PEEK is a restorative dental material widely used for prosthetic frameworks due to its superior physical, mechanical, aesthetic, and handling features. Meanwhile, PEKK is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic embraced in the additive manufacturing market.
  • 2.1K
  • 16 May 2023
Topic Review
Solid Phase Extraction
Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is an extractive technique by which compounds that are dissolved or suspended in a liquid mixture are separated from other compounds in the mixture according to their physical and chemical properties. Analytical laboratories use solid phase extraction to concentrate and purify samples for analysis. Solid phase extraction can be used to isolate analytes of interest from a wide variety of matrices, including urine, blood, water, beverages, soil, and animal tissue. SPE uses the affinity of solutes dissolved or suspended in a liquid (known as the mobile phase) for a solid through which the sample is passed (known as the stationary phase) to separate a mixture into desired and undesired components. The result is that either the desired analytes of interest or undesired impurities in the sample are retained on the stationary phase. The portion that passes through the stationary phase is collected or discarded, depending on whether it contains the desired analytes or undesired impurities. If the portion retained on the stationary phase includes the desired analytes, they can then be removed from the stationary phase for collection in an additional step, in which the stationary phase is rinsed with an appropriate eluent. Many of the adsorbents/materials are the same as in chromatographic methods, but SPE is distinctive, with aims separate from chromatography, and so has a unique niche in modern chemical science.
  • 2.1K
  • 29 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Ionized Water
A water ionizer (also known as an alkaline ionizer) is a home appliance which claims to raise the pH of drinking water by using electrolysis to separate the incoming water stream into acidic and alkaline components. The alkaline stream of the treated water is called alkaline water. Proponents claim that consumption of alkaline water results in a variety of health benefits, making it similar to the alternative health practice of alkaline diets. Such claims violate basic principles of chemistry and physiology. There is no medical evidence for any health benefits of alkaline water. Extensive scientific evidence has completely debunked these claims. The machines originally became popular in Japan and other East Asian countries before becoming available in the United States and Europe.
  • 2.1K
  • 22 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Organobromine Flame Retardant Synergists
Organobromine flame retardants have been well-established for many years but because of environmental concerns have been under significant pressures to reduce their usage. However, these retardants are most always used in the presence of synergists, primarily those based on antimony compounds such as antimony III oxide, which also is associated with toxicological issues. This entry compares this with current available and potentially more environmentally sustainable synergists such as the zinc stannates and the more recently studied zinc tungstate, both of which also offer smoke suppressing properties.
  • 2.1K
  • 06 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Laser Shock Processing
Laser shock processing (LSP) is an advanced material surface hardening technology that can significantly improve mechanical properties and extend service life by using the stress effect generated by laser-induced plasma shock waves, which has been increasingly applied in the processing fields of metallic materials and alloys.
  • 2.0K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Lithium-Sulfur Redox Battery
The lithium-sulfur (Li-S) redox battery system is considered to be the most promising next-generation energy storage technology due to its high theoretical specific capacity (1673 mAh/g), high energy density (2600 Wh/kg), low cost, and environmentally friendly nature of sulfur. Though this system is deemed to be the next-generation energy storage device for portable electronics and electric vehicles, its poor cycle life, low coulombic efficiency, and low rate capability limit it from practical applications. These performance barriers were linked to several issues like polysulfide (LiPS) shuttle, inherent low conductivity of charge/discharge end products, and poor redox kinetics. Here, we review the recent developments made to alleviate these problems through an electrocatalysis approach, which is considered to be an effective strategy not only to trap the LiPS but also to accelerate their conversion reactions kinetics. Herein, the influence of different chemical interactions between the LiPS and the catalyst surfaces and their effect on the conversion of liquid LiPS to solid end products are reviewed. Finally, we also discussed the challenges and perspectives for designing cathode architectures to enable high sulfur loading along with the capability to rapidly convert the LiPS.
  • 2.0K
  • 21 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Cellulosic Ethanol Commercialization
Cellulosic ethanol commercialization is the process of building an industry out of methods of turning cellulose-containing organic matter into cellulosic ethanol for use as a biofuel. Companies, such as Iogen, POET, DuPont, and Abengoa, are building refineries that can process biomass and turn it into bioethanol. Companies, such as Diversa, Novozymes, and Dyadic, are producing enzymes that could enable a cellulosic ethanol future. The shift from food crop feedstocks to waste residues and native grasses offers significant opportunities for a range of players, from farmers to biotechnology firms, and from project developers to investors. As of 2013, the first commercial-scale plants to produce cellulosic biofuels have begun operating. Multiple pathways for the conversion of different biofuel feedstocks are being used. In the next few years, the cost data of these technologies operating at commercial scale, and their relative performance, will become available. Lessons learnt will lower the costs of the industrial processes involved.
  • 2.0K
  • 26 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Fatigue Crack Growth
The development of crack patterns is a serious problem affecting the durability of orthopedic implants and the prognosis of patients. This issue has gained considerable attention in the medical community in recent years. This literature focuses on the five primary aspects relevant to the evaluation of the surface cracking patterns, i.e., inappropriate use, design flaws, inconsistent elastic modulus, allergic reaction, poor compatibility, and anti-corrosiveness. The hope is that increased understanding will open doors to optimize fabrication for biomedical applications. The latest technological issues and potential capabilities of implants that combine absorbable materials and shape memory alloys are also discussed. 
  • 2.0K
  • 18 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Ionic Liquid Membranes
Heightened levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) have prompted research into techniques for their capture and separation, including membrane separation, chemical looping, and cryogenic distillation. Ionic liquids, due to their negligible vapour pressure, thermal stability, and broad electrochemical stability have expanded their application in gas separations.
  • 2.0K
  • 12 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Progestin
A progestin is a type of medication which is used most commonly in hormonal birth control and menopausal hormone therapy. They can also be used in the treatment of gynecological conditions, to support fertility and pregnancy, to lower sex hormone levels for various purposes, and for other indications. Progestins are used alone or in combination with estrogens. They are available in a wide variety of formulations and for use by many different routes of administration. Side effects of progestins include menstrual irregularities, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, acne, increased hair growth, and changes in liver protein production among others. Other side effects of progestins include an increased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and blood clots. At high dosages, progestins can cause low sex hormone levels and associated side effects like sexual dysfunction and an increased risk of bone fractures. Progestins are synthetic progestogens and have similar effects to those of the natural hormone progesterone. They act as agonists of the progesterone receptor, and have important effects in the female reproductive system (uterus, cervix, and vagina), the breasts, and the brain. In addition, many progestins also have other hormonal activities, such as androgenic, antiandrogenic, estrogenic, glucocorticoid, or antimineralocorticoid activity. They also have antigonadotropic effects and at sufficiently high dosages can strongly suppress sex hormone production. Progestins mediate their contraceptive effects both by inhibiting ovulation and by thickening cervical mucus, thereby preventing fertilization. They have functional antiestrogenic effects in certain tissues like the endometrium, and this underlies their use in menopausal hormone therapy. Progestins were first introduced for medical use in 1939. They started to be used in birth control in the 1950s. Around 60 progestins have been marketed for clinical use in humans or use in veterinary medicine. These progestins can be grouped into different classes and generations. Progestins are available widely throughout the world and are used in all forms of hormonal birth control and in most menopausal hormone therapy regimens.
  • 2.0K
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Aflatoxin
Aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens that are produced by certain molds (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus) which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains. They are regularly found in improperly stored staple commodities such as cassava, chili peppers, corn, cotton seed, millet, peanuts, rice, sesame seeds, sorghum, sunflower seeds, tree nuts, wheat, and a variety of spices. When contaminated food is processed, aflatoxins enter the general food supply where they have been found in both pet and human foods, as well as in feedstocks for agricultural animals. Animals fed contaminated food can pass aflatoxin transformation products into eggs, milk products, and meat. For example, contaminated poultry feed is suspected in the findings of high percentages of samples of aflatoxin-contaminated chicken meat and eggs in Pakistan. Children are particularly affected by aflatoxin exposure, which is associated with stunted growth, delayed development, liver damage, and liver cancer. An association between childhood stunting and aflatoxin exposure has been reported in some studies but could not be detected in all. Furthermore, a causal relationship between childhood stunting and aflatoxin exposure has yet to be conclusively shown by epidemiological studies, though such investigations are underway. Adults have a higher tolerance to exposure, but are also at risk. No animal species is immune. Aflatoxins are among the most carcinogenic substances known. After entering the body, aflatoxins may be metabolized by the liver to a reactive epoxide intermediate or hydroxylated to become the less harmful aflatoxin M1. Aflatoxins are most commonly ingested. However the most toxic type of aflatoxin, B1, can permeate through the skin. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action levels for aflatoxin present in food or feed is 20 to 300 ppb. The FDA has had occasion to declare both human and pet food recalls as a precautionary measure to prevent exposure. The term "aflatoxin" is derived from the name of one of the molds that produce it, Aspergillus flavus. It was coined around 1960 after its discovery as the source of "Turkey X disease". Aflatoxins form one of the major groupings of mycotoxins.
  • 2.0K
  • 28 Oct 2022
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