Tuning Fork Research Articles

Label Free Detection of Programmed Death Ligand 1 Protein Biomarker by Quartz Tuning Fork-Based Biosensor

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed on the membrane of many types of cancer cells such as breast and lung cancer cells. PD-L1 helps the cancerous cells to escape the surveillance of the immune system. PD-L1 also exists in a soluble form, reaching detectable levels in cancer patient’s serum. The available detection techniques for PD-L1 are time and cost demanding, requiring advance instrumentations and efforts. To overcome the challenges of the current detection techniques, functionalized quartz tuning forks are employed as biosensors for the real-time detection of PD-L1. In this study, the QTF gold coated biosensors have been functionalized by Anti PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies as a probe layer. The functionalized QTF biosensors were tested against different concentrations of PD-L1 protein ranging from 0.05 up to 500 ng ml−1, with an incubation time of 15 min. It has been observed that the QTF resonance frequency shifted correlatively with the PD-L1 concentration. Testing of other proteins has not shown significant responses indicating the suitability of the probe layer’s selectivity for PD-L1. This result is expected to open the way for a fast and early yet simple approach for the possible discovery of cancer cells in initial stages, and cancer treatment monitoring.

Matched impedance amplifier design for shear-force acoustic near-field microscopy

Efficient detection of the acoustic signal constitutes the most critical aspect in Shear-force Acoustic Near-field Microscopy, for reliably characterize the dynamic response of confined fluids under shear stress. The near-field acoustic emission from the fluid is monitored as the probe gradually approaches to, and subsequently retracts from, the substrate. Herein we report a 7dB improvement in signal-to-noise sensitivity in detecting the acoustic emission from the fluid trapped between a flat sample and the apex of a tapered probe (the latter attached to a quartz tuning fork of 32 kHz resonance frequency). The new design capitalizes on the inherent capacitance of the SANM acoustic sensor (comprising a pile of piezoelectric plates) and a proper matching inductor/capacitance combination to, altogether connected in a tank-circuit fashion, optimize the sensor’s response at 32 kHz. A detailed construction of the circuit amplifier, as well as detailed frequency response bandwidth and noise characterization, is included herein.

Development of An Audio Frequency Meter with Arduino and MAX4466 Sound Sensor

Sound is one of the areas of study in physics education. Based on the data, it was found that there were difficulties in students' understanding and misconceptions in studying the concept of sound and its parameters. The aim of this research is to design a sound frequency measuring instrument that can visualize one of the parameters in the sound concept: frequency. The research carried out is a type of development research with a 4D model. The results of this research are a series of sound frequency measuring instruments based on Arduino and a Max4466 sound sensor. The validity of the tool was tested with an average validation value of 0.95 in a very good category. The results of calibration using a tuning fork show that the Audio Frequency Meter can consistently measure sound frequencies with an average measurement deviation of 0.514 Hz. Through the results of this research, it is hoped that it can become a reference in developing practical tools for sound concepts.

Optimized Design of Lithium Niobate Tuning Forks for the Measurement of Fluid Characteristic Parameters.

The unique double-cantilever beam structure and vibration mode of the tuning fork enable the measuring of fluid density and viscosity synchronously in a decoupling manner. Therefore, it is widely employed in oil and gas development and in petrochemical, food, textile, and other industries. In this paper, quality factors are used to characterize the energy losses of lithium niobate tuning forks when vibrating in a fluid, and the influence parameters, such as length, width, and thickness of the tuning fork arm, etc., of different quality factors are examined with a focus on the viscous quality factor of the fluid. The optimized design of lithium niobate tuning fork dimensions is carried out on this premise, and the analytical solution of the optimal dimension of the lithium niobate tuning fork in the air is obtained. Secondly, the optimal dimension of the lithium niobate tuning fork in fluids is given out by finite element simulation, and the sensitivity of the optimized fork to the viscosity of fluids is investigated. The results show that the optimized tuning fork has a higher quality factor, and thus has a larger parameter measurement range as well as being more sensitive to the change in the fluid density and viscosity. Therefore, the results are of great significance for guiding the preparation and practical application of lithium niobate tuning forks.

The 10-year follow-up of a community-based cohort of people with diabetes: The incidence of foot ulceration and death.

Identifying people with diabetes who are likely to experience a foot ulcer is an important part of preventative care. Many cohort studies report predictive models for foot ulcerations and for people with diabetes, but reports of long-term outcomes are scarce. We aimed to develop a predictive model for foot ulceration in diabetes using a range of potential risk factors with a follow-up of 10 years after recruitment. A new foot ulceration was the outcome of interest and death was the secondary outcome of interest. A 10-year follow-up cohort study. 1193 people with a diagnosis of diabetes who took part in a study in 2006-2007 were invited to participate in a 10-year follow-up. We developed a prognostic model for the incidence of incident foot ulcerations using a survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards model. We also utilised survival analysis Kaplan-Meier curves, and relevant tests, to assess the association between the predictor variables for foot ulceration and death. At 10-year follow-up, 41% of the original study population had died and more than 18% had developed a foot ulcer. The predictive factors for foot ulceration were an inability to feel a 10 g monofilament or vibration from a tuning fork, previous foot ulceration and duration of diabetes. The prognostic model shows an increased risk of ulceration for those with previous history of foot ulcerations, insensitivity to a 10 g monofilament, a tuning fork and duration of diabetes. The incidence of foot ulceration at 10-year follow-up was 18%; however, the risk of death for this community-based population was far greater than the risk of foot ulceration.

Miniaturized and highly-sensitive fiber-optic photoacoustic gas sensor based on an integrated tuning fork by mechanical processing with dual-prong differential measurement

A proof-of-concept gas sensor based on a miniaturized and integrated fiber-optic photoacoustic detection module was introduced and demonstrated for the purpose of developing a custom tuning-fork (TF)-enhanced photoacoustic gas sensor. Instead of piezoelectric quartz tuning fork (QTF) in conventional quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS), a low-cost custom aluminum alloy TF fabricated by mechanical processing was employed as a photoacoustic transducer and the vibration of TF was measured by fiber-optic Fabry-Pérot (FP) interferometer (FPI). The mechanical processing-based TF design scheme greatly increases the flexibility of the TF design with respect to the complex and expensive manufacture process of custom QTFs, and thus it can be better exploited to detect gases with slow vibrational-translational (V-T) relaxation rates and combine with light sources with poor beam quality. The resonance frequency and the quality factor of the designed custom TF at atmospheric pressure were experimentally determined to be 7.3 kHz and 4733, respectively. Dual-prong differential measurement method was proposed to double the photoacoustic signal and suppress the external same-direction noise. After detailed optimizing and investigating for the operating parameters by measuring H2O, the feasibility of the developed sensor for gas detection was demonstrated with a H2O minimum detection limit (MDL) of 1.2 ppm, corresponding to a normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of 3.8 × 10−8 cm−1 W/Hz1/2, which are better than the QTF-based photoacoustic sensors. The proposed gas sensing approach combined the advantages of QEPAS and fiber-optic sensing, which can greatly expand the application domains of PAS-based gas sensors.

Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of the combination of lidocaine + phenazone in the local therapy of acute otitis media at the doperforative stage in adults

Introduction. Acute otitis media is a widespread multifactorial disease characterized by inflammatory changes in the mucosa of all parts of the middle ear. One of the most important tasks in the early stages of the disease is adequate anesthesia of patients. The article provides a retrospective assessment of the efficacy (speed of analgesia) and tolerability of topical use of Otipax® (lidocaine + phenazone) in adult patients with acute otitis media before perforation, the timing of its use is justified.Aim. To assess the efficacy and tolerability of topical Otipax® in adult patients with pre-perforated acute otitis media prescribed by a physician in routine practice.Materials and methods. Outpatient maps of 50 adult patients with acute otitis media were analyzed.Results. In almost all 50 patients after the use of Otipax®, the analgesic effect occurred after 3 minutes. The analgesic effect remained on average for 35–40 minutes, then the pain gradually resumed, but in dynamics there was a decrease in its intensity. Hearing loss and ear congestion were initially noted in all patients, by the 3rd visit these complaints persisted, but their intensity was significantly lower, on the 10th day of observation there were no subjectively impaired hearing in any of the patients, which corresponded to acumetric and tuning fork data. The anti-inflammatory effect of Otipax® after a day provided a significant decrease in the intensity and area of hyperemia and infiltration of the eardrum. After 10 days, almost all patients had no otoscopic signs of otitis media. No adverse events were reported during the follow-up period.Conclusions. The use of Otipax® (lidocaine + phenazone) ear drops complies with the clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in 2021 for the treatment of patients with acute otitis media before perforation, effectively and safely, is the method of choice for reducing ear pain in patients already at the primary appointment.

An Impact-Driven Enhanced Tuning Fork for Low-Frequency Ambient Vibration Energy Harvesting: Modeling, Simulation, and Experiment

An Impact-Driven Enhanced Tuning Fork for Low-Frequency Ambient Vibration Energy Harvesting: Modeling, Simulation, and Experiment

Identifying trajectories and predictors of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms, physical functioning, and falls across treatment and recovery in adults treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy: the PATTERN observational study protocol (NCT05790538)

BackgroundChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating and dose-limiting side effect of systemic cancer therapy. In many cancer survivors, CIPN persists after treatment ends and is associated with functional impairments, abnormal gait patterns, falls, and diminished quality of life. However, little is known regarding which patients are most likely to develop CIPN symptoms that impair mobility and increase fall risk, when this risk develops, or the optimal timing of early intervention efforts to mitigate the impact of CIPN on functioning and fall risk. This study will address these knowledge gaps by (1) characterizing trajectories of symptoms, functioning, and falls before, during, and after treatment in adults prescribed neurotoxic chemotherapy for cancer; and (2) determining the simplest set of predictors for identifying individuals at risk for CIPN-related functional decline and falls.MethodsWe will enroll 200 participants into a prospective, observational study before initiating chemotherapy and up to 1 year after completing chemotherapy. Eligible participants are aged 40–85 years, diagnosed with stage I-III cancer, and scheduled to receive neurotoxic chemotherapy. We perform objective assessments of vibratory and touch sensation (biothesiometry, tuning fork, monofilament tests), standing and dynamic balance (quiet stance, Timed-Up-and-Go tests), and upper and lower extremity strength (handgrip dynamometry, 5-time repeated chair stand test) in the clinic at baseline, every 4–6 weeks during chemotherapy, and quarterly for 1 year post-chemotherapy. Participants wear devices that passively and continuously measure daily gait quality and physical activity for 1 week after each objective assessment and self-report symptoms (CIPN, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, pain, cognition, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and falls via weekly electronic surveys. We will use structural equation modeling, including growth mixture modeling, to examine patterns in trajectories of changes in symptoms, functioning, and falls associated with neurotoxic chemotherapy and then search for distinct risk profiles for CIPN.DiscussionIdentifying simple, early predictors of functional decline and fall risk in adults with cancer receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy will help identify individuals who would benefit from early and targeted interventions to prevent CIPN-related falls and disability.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05790538) on 3/30/2023.

Unveiling the double-peak structure of quantum oscillations in the specific heat

Quantum oscillation phenomenon is an essential tool to understand the electronic structure of quantum matter. Here we report a systematic study of quantum oscillations in the electronic specific heat Cel in natural graphite. We show that the crossing of a single spin Landau level and the Fermi energy give rise to a double-peak structure, in striking contrast to the single peak expected from Lifshitz-Kosevich theory. Intriguingly, the double-peak structure is predicted by the kernel term for Cel/T in the free electron theory. The Cel/T represents a spectroscopic tuning fork of width 4.8kBT which can be tuned at will to resonance. Using a coincidence method, the double-peak structure can be used to accurately determine the Landé g-factors of quantum materials. More generally, the tuning fork can be used to reveal any peak in fermionic density of states tuned by magnetic field, such as Lifshitz transition in heavy-fermion compounds.

Measurement of micropore by resonant probe with microsphere

A micro–nano coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is an instrument for high-precision measurement of micro-precision parts. The top of its probe is a microsphere with a diameter of tens to hundreds of micrometres. When the probe microsphere touches the part for measurement, its accuracy is affected by the surface morphology of the microsphere. A tuning fork resonant probe used for micro–nano CMMs is used to measure the contour of the micropore in automotive fuel injection nozzles in this study. Combined with the self-made optical fiber microsphere cross-sectional circle parameters at the top of the tuning fork probe, precise measurement of micropore diameter and roundness is achieved. During the experiment, the microsphere and micropore were measured by two independent systems, and thus, the error caused by the initial measurement angle of the microsphere and micropore is evaluated. The experimental results indicate that the measured micropore diameter is 194.542 µm and the roundness is 2.551 µm. The error caused by the initial measurement angle evaluated by the cubic Hermitian interpolation method can be ignored relative to the measurement results. The micropore structure parameters are precisely measured by the resonant probe combined with the morphology information of its top microsphere in this study, providing a research method for improving the measurement accuracy of micro–nano CMMs by combining microsphere morphology features.

Patient experiences and outcomes in a virtual healing setting: A feasibility study.

How do participants with anxiety receiving distance healing using tuning forks, experience healing sessions? What outcomes do they spontaneously report? Modified grounded theory, using single interviews to learn about experiences with distant sound healing. Standardized open-ended, qualitative interviews of 30-minute length were conducted after the intervention and analyzed using an inductive and iterative process for identifying themes, categories, and patterns in qualitative data. Single-arm, pilot feasibility study of Biofield Tuning (BT) for anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic delivered at a distance facilitated by Zoom (without video). A total of 15 participants were recruited to this study: 13 completed all quantitative aspects, and the 12 who completed the interviews are reported here. The 30-minute qualitative interviews were designed to understand the impact of virtual BT sessions on the participant's experience, anxiety, and within the larger context of their life. The Self-Assessment of Change measured subjective shifts pre and post treatment. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed using otter.ai. Two researchers read all the transcripts, identified key themes within the broader experience of sessions and outcomes categories, and came to consensus on key themes using a qualitative research analysis approach. Participants were surprised by the degree to which they felt sensations and heard tuning fork changes. They commented on the accuracy of the healers' perceptions and comprehension of their life experiences. Participants reported positive shifts in perceptions of themselves and their surroundings, both interpersonally and in response to triggers. The patients' own words provide insight into the lived experiences of healing, and guide future research.

New temperature measurement method based on light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy.

A new temperature measurement method based on light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy (LITES) was demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, in this manuscript. According to the thermoelastic effect of quartz tuning fork (QTF), this technique retrieves the temperature on the basis of the resonance signal of QTF. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) combined with the dual-line method was used to achieve temperature measurement. A QTF with high-frequency selectivity and high-quality factor (Δf0 = 2.5 Hz, Q-factor = 13104.9) was used as the detection element to suppress noise and improve the signal level. Two absorption lines of water vapor (H2O) located at 7153.749 cm-1 and 7154.354 cm-1 were selected as the target line. A single distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser was used to cover the two selected absorption lines simultaneously to reduce the complexity of the sensor system. A tube furnace capable of covering a temperature range from 400°C to 1000°C was adopted to verify the performance of this method. The relative error of the measured temperature was less than 5%, which indicated that the LITES temperature sensor has excellent detection accuracy. Compared to the widely used TDLAS temperature measuring method, this LITES-based technique has the merits of low cost, has no wavelength limitation, and is expected to be applied on more occasions.

Dual-band light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy utilizing an antiresonant hollow-core fiber-based gas absorption cell

In this paper, dual-band gas detection using a combination of the light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy (LITES) and an antiresonant hollow-core fiber-based (ARHCF) gas absorption cell is demonstrated. The broad wavelength operation capability of a standard 32 kHz quartz tuning fork and the self-developed fiber-based gas absorption cell was exploited to demonstrate quasi-simultaneous detection of N2O and CO2, at 4570 nm (2188.2 cm−1) and 2006 nm (4985.9 cm−1), respectively. The signal analysis was based on the wavelength modulation spectroscopy technique, allowing to achieve a noise equivalent absorption coefficient (NEA) of 8.6 × 10–7 cm−1 and 1.7 × 10–6 cm−1 for N2O and CO2, respectively. The results indicate that the combination of ARHCFs with the LITES method is well suited for the design of broadband gas detectors and show remarkable potential in the fabrication of miniaturized, versatile and relatively inexpensive gas sensors operating over a wide spectral range, thus allowing multigas detection.

Effect of Gold Nanoparticle Radiosensitization on DNA Damage Using a Quartz Tuning Fork Sensor.

The development of sensor technology enables the creation of DNA-based biosensors for biomedical applications. Herein, a quartz tuning fork (QTF) sensing system was employed as a transducer for biomedical applications to address indirect DNA damage associated with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and enhance the effectiveness of low-dose gamma radiation in radiation therapy. The experiment included two stages, namely during and after irradiation exposure; shift frequencies (Δf) were measured for 20 min in each stage. During the irradiation stage, the QTF response to DNA damage was investigated in a deionized aqueous solution with and without 100 nm GNPs at different concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 µg/mL). Upon exposure to gamma radiation for 20 min at a dose rate of 2.4 µGy/min, the ratio of Δf/ΔT indicates increased fork displacement frequencies with or without GNPs. Additionally, DNA damage associated with high and low GNP concentrations was evaluated using the change in the resonance frequency of the QTF. The results indicate that GNPs at 15 and 10 µg/mL were associated with high damage-enhancement ratios, while saturation occurred at 20 µg/mL. At 15 µg/mL, significant radiotherapy enhancement occurred compared to that at 10 µg/mL at 10 min after exposure. In the post-irradiation stage, the frequency considerably differed between 15 and 10 µg/mL. Finally, these results significantly depart from the experimental predictions in the post-radiation stage. They exhibited no appreciable direct effect on DNA repair owing to the absence of an environment that promotes DNA repair following irradiation. However, these findings demonstrate the potential of enhancing damage by combining GNP-mediated radiation sensitization and biosensor technology. Thus, QTF is recommended as a reliable measure of DNA damage to investigate the dose enhancement effect at various GNP concentrations.

Quartz tuning fork biosensor: A potential tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection

Portable, fast, and practical devices are important in the fight against epidemic diseases. The lack of readily available small-scale commercial solutions prompted us to delve deeper into this research effort. Investment in Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF)-based biosensor research is significant due to its seamless integration with miniaturised and portable devices. Within the scope of this study, a new, cost-effective, and versatile frequency analyser designed for detecting diseases, compatible with screens of different sizes, has been introduced. The modified QTF sensor occured mass-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS-NP) detection with remarkable simplicity, sensitivity, and selectivity. The developed QTF-based biosensor has an impressive linear detection range ranging from 5 to 200 ng/mL and an exceptionally low limit of detection (LOD) value of 1.72 ng/mL. The sensitivity of the developed QTF-based biosensor was obtained as 50 Hz/1 μM. The biosensor response was then evaluated in commercial human serum sample. After 15 days of storage, these biosensors retained approximately 93.7 % of their initial activity. Additionally, a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) comprehensively characterised the electrode surface.

A novel electrochemical approach to biosensing applications: Quartz tuning forks as working electrodes for immunosensors

Although cutting-edge technology has improved our understanding of many cancers, the diagnostic and treatment options available still need to be improved. Electrochemical biosensors play a key role as the most suitable platform used for this purpose. Quartz tuning forks (QTF) sensors have recently become the most valuable components for frequency measurements, with high stability, sensitivity, and low power consumption. No paper has previously been reported on the functionalization and isolation of QTF for biomarker determination using electrochemical methods, marking this research as unique for being the first to investigate the response and sensitivity of QTFs in these applications. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT), an important biomarker of cardiovascular disease, a four-step surface modification was performed to the prepared QTFs’ prongs. The surface was investigated in detail utilizing cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The results showed that the QTF-based immunosensor's limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.81 fg/mL, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.24 fg/mL, with a detection range of 0.5–1500 fg/mL. The results confirmed that QTFs have unique electrode capacity in point-of-care diagnostic devices. Most importantly, due to their excellent sensitivity and low cost, QTF transducers are predicted to be widely used as a unique electrode to detect many biomarkers in EIS and CV-based electrochemical biosensors.

Sensitive Light-Induced Thermoelastic Spectroscopy-Based Oxygen Sensor With a Perovskite-Modified Quartz Tuning Fork

Sensitive Light-Induced Thermoelastic Spectroscopy-Based Oxygen Sensor With a Perovskite-Modified Quartz Tuning Fork

Vibration perception among children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-tooth disease and implications for foot posture

BackgroundAlterations in vibration perception among children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease might explain observed changes in foot posture. Therefore, this cross-sectional study compared the vibration perception of the lower limbs in youths with and without Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and verified the cut-off value of the distal vibration perception for the Charcot-Marie-Tooth group. In addition, associations between dynamic plantar pressure, vibration perception and isometric muscle strength were investigated. MethodsParticipants aged 9–18 (Charcot-Marie-Tooth group n = 32; Typical group n = 32) had vibration perception measured by a 128-Hz graduated tuning fork. The static and dynamic foot posture were evaluated by the Foot Posture Index and pressure distribution measuring system, respectively. For the Charcot-Marie-Tooth group, a hand-held dynamometer evaluated the isometric muscle strength of the lower limbs. FindingsChildren with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease presented impaired vibration perception at the distal phalanx of the hallux and head of the first metatarsal compared to their typically developing peers, while adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease showed impairment in all the tested regions compared to their typically developing peers. The cut-off value for vibration perception for participants with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease was 5.7, considering the original grade of the tuning-fork 128 Hz. Among the associations established for the Charcot-Marie-Tooth group, a greater vibration perception at the distal phalanx of the hallux was associated with a longer rearfoot contact time (β = 31.02, p = 0.04). InterpretationThese new findings may guide the clinical evaluation and rehabilitation treatment for children and adolescents with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Detection of Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Aqueous Solutions Using Quartz Tuning Fork Sensors Modified with Calix[4]arene Methoxy Ester Self-Assembled Monolayers: Experimental and Density Functional Theory Study.

Quartz tuning forks (QTFs), which were coated with gold and with self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of a lower-rim functionalized calix[4]arene methoxy ester (CME), were used for the detection of benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene in water samples. The QTF device was tested by measuring the respective frequency shifts obtained using small (100 µL) samples of aqueous benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene at four different concentrations (10-12, 10-10, 10-8, and 10-6 M). The QTFs had lower limits of detection for all three aromatic hydrocarbons in the 10-14 M range, with the highest resonance frequency shifts (±5%) being shown for the corresponding 10-6 M solutions in the following order: benzene (199 Hz) > toluene (191 Hz) > ethylbenzene (149 Hz). The frequency shifts measured with the QTFs relative to that in deionized water were inversely proportional to the concentration/mass of the analytes. Insights into the effects of the alkyl groups of the aromatic hydrocarbons on the electronic interaction energies for their hypothetical 1:1 supramolecular host-guest binding with the CME sensing layer were obtained through density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the electronic interaction energies (ΔIEs) using B3LYP-D3/GenECP with a mixed basis set: LANL2DZ and 6-311++g(d,p), CAM-B3LYP/LANL2DZ, and PBE/LANL2DZ. The magnitudes of the ΔIEs were in the following order: [Au4-CME⊃[benzene] > [Au4-CME]⊃[toluene] > [Au4-CME]⊃[ethylbenzene]. The gas-phase BSSE-uncorrected ΔIE values for these complexes were higher, with values of -96.86, -87.80, and -79.33 kJ mol-1, respectively, and -86.39, -77.23, and -67.63 kJ mol-1, respectively, for the corresponding BSSE-corrected values using B3LYP-D3/GenECP with LANL2dZ and 6-311++g(d,p). The computational findings strongly support the experimental results, revealing the same trend in the ΔIEs for the proposed hypothetical binding modes between the tested analytes with the CME SAMs on the Au-QTF sensing surfaces.