Feature Article Research Articles

Feature Article: Rethinking the UK's fiscal rules is a key to unlock growth

Feature Article: Rethinking the UK's fiscal rules is a key to unlock growth

Feature Article: What the pandemic has taught us about inflation

Feature Article: What the pandemic has taught us about inflation

Feature Article: Investment outlook improves but remains patchy

Feature Article: Investment outlook improves but remains patchy

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Quantum dots

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Aleksey I. Ekimov (prize share 1/3), Louis E. Brus (prize share 1/3), and Moungi G. Bawendi (prize share 1/3) for groundbreaking inventions in the field of nanotechnology, i.e., for the discovery and synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals, also termed quantum dots, that exhibit size-dependent physicochemical properties enabled by quantum size effects. This feature article summarizes the main milestones of the discoveries and developments of quantum dots that paved the road to their versatile applications in solid-state lighting, display technology, energy conversion, medical diagnostics, bioimaging, and image-guided surgery.

Royalty and Its Representation in Popular Culture

Royalty and Its Representation in Popular Culture

A coming-of-age story: adult neurogenesis or adolescent neurogenesis in rodents?

It is surprising that after more than a century using rodents for scientific research, there are no clear, consensual, or consistent definitions for when a mouse or a rat becomes adult. Specifically, in the field of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, where this concept is central, there is a trend to consider that puberty marks the start of adulthood and is not uncommon to find 30-day-old mice being described as adults. However, as others discussed earlier, this implies an important bias in the perceived importance of this trait because functional studies are normally done at very young ages, when neurogenesis is at its peak, disregarding middle aged and old animals that exhibit very little generation of new neurons. In this feature article we elaborate on those issues and argue that research on the postnatal development of mice and rats in the last 3 decades allows to establish an adolescence period that marks the transition to adulthood, as occurs in other mammals. Adolescence in both rat and mice ends around postnatal day 60 and therefore this age can be considered the onset of adulthood in both species. Nonetheless, to account for inter-individual, inter-strain differences in maturation and for possible delays due to environmental and social conditions, 3 months of age might be a safer option to consider mice and rats bona fide adults, as suggested by The Jackson Labs.

Allure of HFIP in Unsaturated Carbon−Carbon Bond Functionalization

AbstractHexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) stands out as a versatile solvent in synthetic chemists’ repertoire, facilitating a diverse array of intricate chemical reactions. It demonstrates a multifaceted role that extends beyond conventional uses and, in many cases, the mechanism appears to be complicated. This feature article elucidates the significance of HFIP in the context of Lewis and Brønsted acid‐catalyzed reactions with a specific emphasis on the regio‐ and stereoselective functionalization of unsaturated carbon‐carbon bonds.

Writing for Publication in The Language Teacher: The Why and How of the Peer Review Process

JALT offers members opportunities to publish articles on language teaching in Japan and gain insights from reading those articles, which are distributed through our member publications, The Language Teacher (TLT) and JALT Journal. However, teachers relatively new to writing for publication may find shepherding their manuscripts through to successful publication in one of JALT’s flagship publications intimidating. In this invited TLT Feature Article, we overview TLT’s peer review process, including the roles of staff who interact with authors and the timelines for review and publication, as well as common issues that authors face in seeking to publish peer-reviewed content. Through this article we hope to clarify the peer review process and, thus, better prepare prospective authors to submit their own content to one of TLT’s two peer-reviewed columns.

Rapid polythioether synthesis and thioether network formation using thiol-yne chemistry of electron-deficient alkynes

The preparation of polythioethers has gained importance again after the development of click chemistry reactions. The thiol-X reactions, i.e., thiol-ene reactions based on free radical mechanism facilitated by light or heat, and thiol-Michael and thiol-epoxy reactions, which are the main synthetic pathways for the synthesis of polymers (linear, hyperbranched (HB), and network) with thioether linkages and meet most of the features of click reactions strategy, have currently been revisited. For a while, our group has focused on synthesizing linear, HB, and network polythioethers based on electron-deficient alkyne-containing precursors. We have shown that electron-deficient alkyne-containing monomers and polymers offer a suitable platform for thiol-Michael (i.e., thiol-yne) click reactions to yield linear, HB, and network structures rapidly under ambient conditions. The central structure in these polythioether syntheses is electron-deficient alkyne bonds of acetylenedicarboxylates, which are then reacted with dithiols in chloroform through an organobase 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) at ambient temperatures. Moreover, acetylenedicarboxylates are functionalized using copper-free azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction followed by reacting with multifunctional allyl and SH derivatives through thiol-ene photopolymerization resulting in polymeric networks with thioether linkages. This feature article highlights our contribution to the synthesis of linear, HB, and network polythioether based on various electron-deficient alkyne precursors.

Cold Ion-Molecule Reactions in the Extreme Environment of a Coulomb Crystal.

Coulomb crystals provide a unique environment in which to study ion-neutral gas-phase reactions. In these cold, trapped ensembles, we are able to study the kinetics and dynamics of small molecular systems. These measurements have connections to chemistry in the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and planetary atmospheres. This Feature Article will describe recent work in our laboratory that uses Coulomb crystals to study translationally cold, ion-neutral reactions. We provide a description of how the various affordances of our experimental system allow for detailed studies of the reaction mechanisms and the corresponding products. In particular, we will describe quantum-state resolved reactions, isomer-dependent reactions, and reactions with a rarely studied, astrophysically relevant ion, CCl+.

Advances in 4-cyanobiphenyl tethered discotic oligomers and supermolecular liquid crystalline materials

ABSTRACT A novel family of rod-like liquid crystals designed by Prof. G.W. Gray having nematic phase has been extensively used to make stable informative liquid crystal displays. These 4’-alkyl- and 4’-alkoxy-4-cyanobiphenyl molecules were created using his extensive understanding of liquid crystal chemical structure and physical properties. Following the discovery of this family of nematogens for display applications, the development of liquid crystal molecule designing and synthesising has resulted in the emergence of a broad new family of functional liquid crystals. This feature article presents the review of reports on the liquid-crystalline behaviour of 4-cyanobiphenyl-based oligomeric systems, which are ‘in-between’ polymeric and low molar mass systems and exhibit distinct molecular structures.

Understanding the Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces of Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents.

Developing unconventional electrolytes such as ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has led to remarkable advances in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices. However, the understanding of the electrode-electrolyte interfaces of these electrolytes, specifically the liquid structure and the charge/electron transfer mechanism and rates, is lacking due to the complexity of molecular interactions, the difficulty in studying the buried interfaces with nanometer-scale resolution, and the distribution of the time scales for the various interfacial events. This Feature Article outlines the standing questions in the field, summarizes some of the exciting approaches and results, and discusses our contributions to probing the electrified interfaces by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and neutron reflectivity (NR). The related findings are analyzed within electrical double-layer models to provide a framework for studying ILs, DESs, and, more broadly, the concentrated hydrogen-bonded electrolytes.

Tiny but Mighty: Nanoscale Materials in Plant Disease Management.

Nanoscale materials are promising tools for managing plant diseases and are becoming important players in the current agritech revolution. However, adopting modern methodologies requires a broad understanding of their effectiveness in solving target problems and their effects on the environment and food chain. Furthermore, it is paramount that such technologies are mechanistically and economically feasible for growers to adopt in order to be sustainable in the long run. This Feature Article summarizes the latest findings on the role of nanoscale materials in managing agricultural plant pathogens. Herein, we discussed the benefits and limitations of using nanoscale materials in plant disease management and their potential impacts on the environment and global food security.

The power of metaoperational linguistics: a reappraisal of english grammar

This feature article presents a new approach to the teaching of grammar in universities, based on Metaoperational Linguistics. Tackling one of the most important chapters of English grammar, the teaching of tenses, it aims to show (1) the importance of teaching grammar in context; (2) the importance of investing linguistic research in this pedagogical process; and most importantly, (3) the prerogative of understanding how a language works in order to master it. In other words, when students know how language works, they learn it easily and effectively, and they master the use of grammatical forms in context. In fact, it is the teaching pedagogy which is at stake here: a pedagogy that addresses students’ intelligence and cognitive capacities in order to motivate them and help them become autonomous learners and skilled communicators.

Analytical chemistry in front of the curtain!

This feature article discusses the enabling role of analytical chemistry in important fields of research and development such as life science, material sciences and environmental sciences. It comments on the often limited visibility of analytical sciences in the public perception and suggests ways to overcome this shortcoming and to create bigger impact.

Advances in designing efficient electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction from a theoretical perspective.

Ammonia (NH3), an important raw material for producing fertilizers and useful chemicals, plays a crucial role in modern human society. As the Haber-Bosch process is energy- and emission-intensive, it is critical to develop a green and energy-efficient route for massive NH3 production under ambient conditions. The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction to ammonia (eNO3-RR) is a potential way for producing NH3 while harmonizing the nitrogen cycle. In this feature article, we summarize the advances in designing eNO3-RR electrocatalysts from a theoretical perspective. First, the mechanisms and pathways of the eNO3-RR are summarized. Then, the recently developed electrocatalysts, including Cu-based catalysts, single-atom catalysts (SACs), dual-atom catalysts (DACs), and MXene catalysts, are categorically discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects of designing highly efficient eNO3-RR catalysts through theoretical simulations are discussed. This feature article will provide valuable guidance for the future development of advanced eNO3-RR electrocatalysts for NH3 production.

Advances in electrocatalytic dehydrogenation of ethylamine to acetonitrile.

The electrocatalytic dehydrogenation of ethylamine (EDH), owing to its high hydrogen content, holds broad prospects in electrochemical hydrogen (H2) production, H2 storage, and addressing energy issues, thus deserving wide attention. In this feature article, we first summarized the fundamentals of thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic EDH and reviewed the recent state-of-the-art advances in catalyst research, specifically platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts and non-PGM catalysts. We systematically discussed the potential applications of electrocatalytic EDH in energy storage and conversion. Finally, we provide our perspective on the key challenges and future developments in this field. We believe this feature article will offer helpful guidance for oriented design and optimization of stable and efficient catalysts for electrocatalytic EDH and related energy applications.

Trap suppression in ordered organic photovoltaic heterojunctions.

The high trap density (generally 1016-1018 cm-3) in organic solar cells (OSCs) brings about the localization of charge carriers and reduced charge carrier lifetime, mainly due to the weak intermolecular interactions of organic semiconductors resulting in their relatively poor crystallinity, which leads to low charge carrier mobilities and intense non-radiative recombination, thus impeding the further improvement of power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Therefore, trap suppression is crucial to boost the performance of OSCs, and improving the crystallinity of donor/acceptor materials and enhancing the molecular order in devices can contribute to the trap suppression in OSCs. In this feature article, we summarize the recent advances of trap suppression in OSCs by material design and device engineering, and further outline possible development directions for trap suppression to enhance PCEs of OSCs.

Iron content in aerosol particles and its impact on atmospheric chemistry.

Atmospheric aerosol effects on ecological and human health remain uncertain due to their highly complex and evolving nature when suspended in air. Atmospheric chemistry, global climate/oceanic and health exposure models need to incorporate more realistic representations of aerosol particles, especially their bulk and surface chemistry, to account for the evolution in aerosol physicochemical properties with time. (Photo)chemistry driven by iron (Fe) in atmospheric aerosol particles from natural and anthropogenic sources remains limited in these models, particularly under aerosol liquid water conditions. In this feature article, recent advances from our work on Fe (photo)reactivity in multicomponent aerosol systems are highlighted. More specifically, reactions of soluble Fe with aqueous extracts of biomass burning organic aerosols and proxies of humic like substances leading to brown carbon formation are presented. Some of these reactions produced nitrogen-containing gaseous and condensed phase products. For comparison, results from these bulk aqueous phase chemical studies were compared to those from heterogeneous reactions simulating atmospheric aging of Fe-containing reference materials. These materials include Arizona test dust (AZTD) and combustion fly ash particles. Also, dissolution of Fe and other trace elements is presented from simulated human exposure experiments to highlight the impact of aerosol aging on levels of trace metals. The impacts of these chemical reactions on aerosol optical, hygroscopic and morphological properties are also emphasized in light of their importance to aerosol-radiation and aerosol-cloud interactions, in addition to biogeochemical processes at the sea/ocean surface microlayer upon deposition. Future directions for laboratory studies on Fe-driven multiphase chemistry are proposed to advance knowledge and encourage collaborations for efficient utilization of expertise and resources among climate, ocean and health scientific communities.

Feature Article: A soft landing may be in sight, but expect turbulence

Feature Article: A soft landing may be in sight, but expect turbulence