Refining search terms for nanotechnology

The ability to delineate the boundaries of an emerging technology is central to obtaining an understanding of the technology’s research paths and commercialization prospects. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the case of nanotechnology (hereafter identified as “nano”) given its current rapid growth and multidisciplinary nature. (Under the rubric of nanotechnology, we also include nanoscience and nanoengineering.) Past efforts have utilized several strategies, including simple term search for the prefix nano, complex lexical and citation-based approaches, and bootstrapping techniques. This research introduces a modularized Boolean approach to defining nanotechnology which has been applied to several research and patenting databases. We explain our approach to downloading and cleaning data, and report initial results. Comparisons of this approach with other nanotechnology search formulations are presented. Implications for search strategy development and profiling of the nanotechnology field are discussed.

Highlights of New Strategies to Increase the Efficacy of Transition Metal Complexes for Cancer Treatments

Although important progress has been made, cancer still remains a complex disease to treat. Serious side effects, the insurgence of resistance and poor selectivity are some of the problems associated with the classical metal-based anti-cancer therapies currently in clinical use. New treatment approaches are still needed to increase cancer patient survival without cancer recurrence. Herein, we reviewed two promising—at least in our opinion—new strategies to increase the efficacy of transition metal-based complexes. First, we considered the possibility of assembling two biologically active fragments containing different metal centres into the same molecule, thus obtaining a heterobimetallic complex. A critical comparison with the monometallic counterparts was done. The reviewed literature has been divided into two groups: the case of platinum; the case of gold. Secondly, the conjugation of metal-based complexes to a targeting moiety was discussed. Particularly, we highlighted some interesting examples of compounds targeting cancer cell organelles according to a third-order targeting approach, and complexes targeting the whole cancer cell, according to a second-order targeting strategy.     

第十一届全国周培源大学生力学竞赛"理论设计与操作"团体赛冠军队设计方案

本文主要介绍了清华大学代表队在第十一届全国周培源大学生力学竞赛"理论设计与操作"团体赛中的解题思路、操作过程和设计方案,简要总结了此次参赛的经验和教训。     

Guide to Semi-Quantitative Non-Targeted Screening Using LC/ESI/HRMS

Non-targeted screening (NTS) with reversed phase liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/HRMS) is increasingly employed as an alternative to targeted analysis; however, it is not possible to quantify all compounds found in a sample with analytical standards. As an alternative, semi-quantification strategies are, or at least should be, used to estimate the concentrations of the unknown compounds before final decision making. All steps in the analytical chain, from sample preparation to ionization conditions and data processing can influence the signals obtained, and thus the estimated concentrations. Therefore, each step needs to be considered carefully. Generally, less is more when it comes to choosing sample preparation as well as chromatographic and ionization conditions in NTS. By combining the positive and negative ionization mode, the performance of NTS can be improved, since different compounds ionize better in one or the other mode. Furthermore, NTS gives opportunities for retrospective analysis. In this tutorial, strategies for semi-quantification are described, sources potentially decreasing the signals are identified and possibilities to improve NTS are discussed. Additionally, examples of retrospective analysis are presented. Finally, we present a checklist for carrying out semi-quantitative NTS.     

杂多铌氧簇聚物的研究进展

多铌氧簇聚物是多金属氧簇聚物的重要组成部分,具有丰富多样的结构类型,在碱催化、光催化产氢等方面具有广泛的应用前景,吸引了越来越多化学工作者的关注。本文系统地综述了主族元素(ⅢA/ⅣA/ⅤA/ⅥA族)为杂原子的杂多铌氧簇聚物和过渡元素(V/Fe/Cu)为杂原子的杂多铌氧聚合物的研究进展,主要包括化合物的合成策略、结构调控、性质及应用的探索。此外,对当前杂多铌氧簇聚物的发展所面临的挑战进行了总结,并对其后续的发展进行了展望。