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Technetium (Tc), atomic number 43, is an element that humans cannot freely use even in the 21st century because Tc is radioactive and has no stable isotope. In this report, we present molybdenum-ruthenium-carbon solid-solution alloy (Mo x Ru 1- x C y ) nanoparticles (NPs) that are expected to have an electronic structure similar to that of technetium carbide (TcC y ). Mo x Ru 1- x C y NPs were synthesized by annealing under a helium/hydrogen atmosphere following thermal decomposition of metal precursors. The obtained NPs had a solid-solution structure in the whole composition range. Mo x Ru 1- x C y with a cubic structure (down to 30 atom % Mo in the metal ratio) showed a superconducting state, and the transition temperature ( T c ) increased with increasing Mo composition. The continuous change in T c across that of TcC y indicates the continuous control of the electronic structure by solid-solution alloying, leading to pseudo-TcC y . Density functional theory calculations indicated that the synthesized Mo 0.53 Ru 0.47 C 0.41 has a similar electronic structure to TcC 0.41 .

We report the synthesis of MoRu solid-solution alloy nanoparticles using carbonyl complexes as a precursor through thermal decomposition. Alloying Ru with an early transition metal, Mo, leads to an electronic structure change, resulting in an enhancement of the catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction, which overtook that of the Pt catalyst.

We report novel PtW solid-solution nanoparticles (NPs) produced through electrochemical cleaning of core/shell PtW@WO 3 NPs. The resulting PtW NPs achieved a record hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance as a class of Pt-based solid-solution alloys. A current density of 10 mA cm -2 was reached with an overpotential of 19.4 mV, which is significantly lower than that of a commercial Pt catalyst (26.3 mV). The PtW NPs also exhibited long-term stability. Theoretical calculations revealed that negatively charged Pt atoms adjacent to a W atom provide favorable hydrogen adsorption energies for the HER, realizing significantly enhanced HER activity.

Transition metal nanoparticles (NPs) are promising materials for use as catalysts in many processes, although they are easily oxidized under ambient conditions. In this communication, a novel synthetic method is proposed for producing zero-valent iron (Fe) NPs by laser ablation under atmospheric conditions using the reducing properties of a formate-based ionic liquid solvent. The valence state of Fe was confirmed using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The Fe NPs adopt a face centered cubic structure after synthesis, which gradually transforms to a body centered cubic structure after one month. The method can be extended to the synthesis of other transition metal NPs that are easily oxidized.

Background . A risk factor associated with stroke onset is chronic kidney disease (CKD). To prevent stroke reoccurrence, it is necessary to strictly manage blood pressure, lipids, and plasma glucose. Therefore, some cases are forced to polypharmacy, elderly patients in particular. Polypharmacy often leads to adverse drug reactions and has the potential to negatively affect the rehabilitation of stroke patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of polypharmacy using a functional independence measure (FIM). Methods . A total of 144 stroke patients with CKD were included in the present analysis. We divided stroke patients into those taking six or more drugs (polypharmacy group) and those taking less than six drugs (nonpolypharmacy group) upon admission. Patient background features, laboratory data, and FIM scores were compared. Results . FIM-Motor (FIM-M) efficiency, age, and diabetes mellitus were positively associated with polypharmacy. FIM-M efficiency in the polypharmacy group was significantly lower than in the nonpolypharmacy group. Conclusion . Polypharmacy interferes with the effect of rehabilitation in stroke patients with CKD. Pharmacists and doctors should make efforts to optimize medications to be able to respond to the outcome of each patient., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflict of interests to declare with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.