Browse Articles

Sustainable closed-loop supply chain management for a two-warehouse system with trade-credit and emissions constraints under dynamic demand

An Ultrastable Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Framework With Two‐Dimensional Pores for Rapid Adsorption Kinetics and Efficient Xe/Kr Separation

ABSTRACT Developing hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) for highly efficient Xe/Kr separation is an attractive alternative for producing high‐purity noble gases. However, its practical application is hampered by insufficient binding sites and intrinsically slow adsorption kinetics. We herein report a microporous HOF (HOF‐TBPDM) featuring the unique two‐dimensional (2D) and size‐matched pore architecture, which enables the rapid diffusion of Xe and high‐efficiency Xe/Kr separation. Specifically, HOF‐TBPDM achieves a high Xe uptake and a record Xe/Kr IAST selectivity (26.9) at 298 K and 1 bar. Especially, the kinetic adsorption results confirm the 2D pores lead to the rapid Xe diffusion rate. Dynamic breakthrough experiments indicate that after one cycle of separation operation 4.8 mol kg −1 high‐purity Kr (>99.99%) and 1.0 mol kg −1 Xe (>99.9%) can be directly obtained. The dynamic selectivity calculated from desorption process is as high as 16.5, which exceeds all the reported porous organic materials. Gas‐loaded crystal data combined with molecular modeling clearly reveal that the size‐matched pores within HOF‐TBPDM induce a stronger polarization effect on Xe than Kr, leading to preferential binding of Xe molecules. Overall, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of 2D pore in HOFs for balancing thermodynamic adsorption and kinetic diffusion, providing a viable strategy for advanced Xe/Kr separation.

Study on wind resistance performance of high-rise corridor building based on quasi-steady static aeroelastic analysis method

Helical Ladder Bottlebrush Polymers With Tunable Helicity and Circularly Polarized Luminescence

ABSTRACT Helical ladder polymers possess rigid, helically fused backbones that confer distinctive chiroptical properties, yet their integration into polymer brush architectures remains highly challenging. Here, we report the first synthesis of bottlebrush polymers with a helically fused ladder backbone, achieved through acid‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization followed by controlled ATRP grafting‐from polymerization. By integrating a single‐handed ladder scaffold with flexible, water‐soluble PNIPAM side chains, the resulting architecture markedly enhances the processability and structural tunability of helical ladder polymers. Moreover, the traditional helical ladder, long regarded as completely rigid and static, has been found to exhibit dynamic transition properties. This change was caused by conformational triggering of the thermally driven binaphthyl dihedral angles, which was quantitatively confirmed by the thermodynamic dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations, demonstrating the hierarchy of the transition from axial chirality to helical chirality. Overall, this work establishes a promising synthetic method for helical ladder bottlebrush polymers and demonstrates their potential as versatile platforms for designing dynamic chiral materials.

Whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the endophytic fungus Alternaria alternata Y-2 from Leymus chinensis

A Circular and Tacticity‐Independent Crystalline Mono‐Substituted Nylon‐6 Platform: Unexpected Large Positional Effects on Crystallizability and Performance

ABSTRACT Seeking recyclable, more sustainable alternatives to nylon 6 has drawn much attention, but achieving its variants with both crystallinity and enhanced recyclability still remains a challenge. Here, by utilizing bio‐derivable mono‐substituted racemic lactam monomers, we reveal surprisingly large effects of methyl substitution positions on the nylon‐6 backbone on crystallizability, thermomechanical performance, and recyclability of the resulting atactic nylon‐6 variants. While γ‐methyl substitution gives an amorphous nylon, all other four methyl‐substitution positions (α, β, δ, and ε) afford, unexpectedly, crystalline nylons with melting temperatures ranging from 145°C to 200°C and tunable mechanical performance from being stiff and strong (α, ε) to ductile (β, δ). Investigations reveal that the crystallinity of atactic nylons arises independently of stereoregularity, which is driven by the amide backbone with robust hydrogen‐bonding interactions and countered by the chain flexibility regulated by the substitution position. These nylons can be chemically recycled back to their parent monomers with high isolated yields up to 92%, enabling a circular, tacticity‐independent crystalline nylon platform.

The root exudates of wild tomato compared to a modern variety maintain elevated soluble soil phosphorous by interacting with rhizosphere microbiota

Freestanding Ordered Intermetallic Nanomembranes Released from Etchable Oxide Templates

Geminal Difunctionalization of Ketones via C─S Bond Insertion of Photogenerated Donor–Donor Diazo Compounds

ABSTRACT Geminal difunctionalization of carbonyl‐derived building blocks represents a versatile strategy for the rapid generation of sp 3 ‐rich molecular architectures. In this context, diazo compounds provide a powerful platform for installing two distinct functional groups, yet the reaction space for carbonyl‐derived donor–donor diazo systems remains underdeveloped. Here, we report a metal‐free migratory insertion of diazo compounds into C─S bonds of sulfonyl cyanides, enabling the simultaneous installation of sulfone and nitrile functionalities at a single carbon center. Key to this transformation is the in situ generation of highly reactive diazo intermediates via photochemical decomposition of bench‐stable oxadiazolines derived from ketones. This substantially expands the accessible coupling partner space, previously limited to aldehydes or boronic acids. The reaction exhibits broad functional group, water, and air tolerance, delivers high yields, and provides excellent diastereoselectivity in constrained cyclic systems. Compatibility with both batch and continuous‐flow processing, as well as its application to a realistic medicinal chemistry combinatorial library synthesis, highlights the practical utility of the method.

Anatomical and clinical factors associated with multiple-stage embolization of brain arteriovenous malformation as a stand alone treatment

Catalytic Asymmetric Construction of Si‐Chiral Silabicyclo[3.3.1]Nonanes Using Functionalized Prochiral Silacyclohexanones

ABSTRACT The development of chiral three‐dimensional, sp 3 ‐rich architectures to facilitate the discovery of potent functional molecules is at the forefront of synthetic chemistry. However, facile synthesis of saturated and bridged Si‐chiral silacycles remains elusive due to a lack of pluripotent Si‐prochiral platforms capable of diversity‐oriented asymmetric synthesis. Herein, we report the invention of functionalized prochiral 4,4‐disubstituted silacyclohexanones (FPDSs) as platforms for the modular synthesis of multifunctional sp 3 ‐rich Si‐chiral sila‐bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes. The FPDS platforms are readily accessible via a newly established tandem S N 2‑substitution/Krapcho‑decarboxylation sequence as a key step to silacyclohexanone core. The utility of FPDS is demonstrated in catalytic asymmetric synthesis of diverse Si‐chiral sila‐bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes via desymmetric intramolecular aldol reaction, tandem imine formation/Mannich, or Wittig/Michael sequence by chiral enamine catalysis, as well as α‐arylation by cooperative chiral enamine/palladium catalysis. Notably, this represents the first stereoselective method to produce functionalized sp 3 ‐rich Si‐chiral bridged silacycles and the first asymmetric organo/metal cooperative catalysis for forging Si‐chirality.

Perfluorocarbon nanodroplets are cytocompatible with osteoblast-lineage cells and modulate in vitro osteoclastogenesis differentially in normoxia and hypoxia

Abstract Perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFC NDs) are submicrometre particles comprising a liquid perfluorocarbon core stabilised by a phospholipid shell, with emerging potential for therapeutic targeted gas delivery and drug delivery. While related PFC microbubbles have demonstrated promise in drug delivery applications, including bone repair, the biological effects and translational relevance of PFC nanodroplets in skeletal systems remain untested. This study investigated the effects of nanodroplets on bone cell viability in vitro and on osteoclastogenesis under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used to assess nanodroplet association with skeletally-relevant MC3T3-E1 and Saos-2 osteoblastic cell lines, human bone-marrow-derived stromal cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived osteoclasts. Cellular viability and differentiation were evaluated using Alamar Blue, TRAP, and DAPI staining. Long-term (12-day) nanodroplet exposure significantly reduced osteoclast number in both normoxia and hypoxia, whereas short-term exposure in hypoxia increased osteoclast formation. Importantly, nanodroplets did not adversely affect osteoblastic viability. In summary, these findings indicate that PFC nanodroplets are compatible with key skeletal cell populations and can modulate osteoclastogenesis in a context-dependent manner, supporting their potential as vehicles for bone-targeted gas or drug delivery.

Forcing the Side‐on π‐Coordination of a C≡C Triple Bond to Technetium Using the <i>As</i> , <i>CC</i> , <i>As</i> Alkyne Pincer Ligand 1,2‐Bis(2‐(diisopropylarsaneyl)‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)Ethyne

ABSTRACT Alkyne complexes are known for transition metals across the d‐block with exception of the radioelement technetium despite considerable synthetic efforts. DFT calculations suggest that this is not inherent to the transition metal but a consequence of the overall ligand sphere. The arsenic‐based tolane ligand 1,2‐bis(2‐(diisopropylarsaneyl)‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethyne (L i Pr ) forces a coordination of the central alkyne moiety onto the metal through ligand design. The stable, crystalline Tc(III) and Tc(V) alkyne complexes mer ‐[Tc III Cl 3 (κ 4 ‐ As , CC , As ‐L i Pr )], mer ‐[Tc V NX 2 (κ 4 ‐ As , CC , As ‐L i Pr )] (X = Cl, Br) and cis,trans , mer ‐[Tc V N(CN)Cl(κ 4 ‐ As , CC , As ‐L i Pr )] alongside their rhenium homologs mer ‐[Re V Cl 3 (κ 4 ‐ As , CC , As ‐L i Pr )] and mer ‐[Re V NCl 2 (κ 4 ‐ As , CC , As ‐L i Pr )] have been prepared and fully characterized. According to spectroscopic and DFT analyses, the technetium complexes represent robust, classical 2e − alkyne complexes, while a different situation was found for mer ‐[Re V Cl 3 (κ 4 ‐ As , CC , As ‐L i Pr )] with a formally oxidized metal ion and reduced 4e − donor ligand. This has general implications for π‐ligand coordination in group 7 and potentially for neighboring elements. Successful translation to the medicinally relevant nuclear isomer 99m Tc proves the viability of alkyne donors as building blocks for stable chelation of technetium at the tracer level.

Role of capping agent on structure, composition and optical properties of ZnO nano-thin films for antibacterial activities

A study on the generation of traditional patterns in the perspective of AIGC–ancient Egyptian patterns as an example

Anomeric‐Effect‐Guided Saturated Weakly Solvating Electrolytes for Ultrastable High‐Voltage Sodium Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Sodium metal batteries are promising for next‐generation energy storage, leveraging low‐cost sodium and highly reversible sodium metal anodes enabled by ether‐based electrolytes. However, the low oxidative stability of ether solvents severely limits the energy density of sodium metal batteries. Current strategies are focused on strengthening solvent interactions to improve stability or film‐forming electrolyte additives. Here, we propose an approach of designing saturated weakly solvating electrolytes (SWSEs) based on non‑fluorinated ethers and reveal that the overall oxidative stability is commonly governed by the weak solvents and anions. The SWSE saturates at 1 M, far below the concentrations required in locally high‑concentration electrolytes. Moreover, we identify ether solvents exhibiting the anomeric effect possess the notably enhanced oxidative stability through systematic molecular screening. Consequently, the SWSE based on the weak solvent of 1,3‐dioxane enables 1000 stable cycles of the sodium metal cell with the high cutoff voltage of 4.5 V. A practical sodium metal pouch cell consisting of a Na 0.67 Ni 0.33 Mn 0.67 O 2 cathode with the mass loading of 13.4 mg cm −2 and a thin‐foil sodium metal anode achieves stable cycling at 4.3 V. This work introduces a new strategy for developing high‐voltage sodium metal batteries and is expected to inspire advances in other high‐voltage metal batteries.

How the sausage is made: Testing the effectiveness of an informative video in promoting sustainable food consumption

Ordered Ba ₂ EuIrO ₆ Double Perovskite With Active Ir─O _bri ─Eu Unit for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution in PEMWE

ABSTRACT The design of a low‐Ir‐loading anode catalyst with high activity and stability is crucial for the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), yet it remains a formidable challenge. Herein, an ordered Ba 2 EuIrO 6 double perovskite is demonstrated as a promising anode material for catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid electrolyte. The Ba 2 EuIrO 6 achieves a low overpotential of 250 mV at 10 mA cm −2 and high mass activity with 1.39 A mg −1 toward OER, outperforming BaIrO 3 and commercial IrO 2 catalysts. It is discovered that the oxygen bridged Ir─O bri ─Eu unit in Ba 2 EuIrO 6 plays a critical role as the catalytically active center. In situ spectroscopic studies, isotope labeling measurements and theoretical calculations reveal that the Ir─O bri ─Eu units possess strong proton affinity for proton capture from OOH* and OH*, triggering the bridging oxygen‐mediated deprotonation mechanism to break traditional scaling relationships during the OER. Furthermore, the incorporation of Eu modulates the Ir d z2 orbital to increase the spin density of adsorbed oxygen, accelerating ─OH attack and reducing the energy barrier for OOH* formation. The Ba 2 EuIrO 6 ‐loading PEMWE delivers over 1.0 A cm −2 at only 1.67 V and operates stably for 350 h at 1.0 A cm −2 , demonstrating its good potential for practical applications.

Study on the factor reduction of rockburst risk in coal mines

Bimetallic Ni ₃ Fe/Ni ₂ Fe ₂ N Catalyst With Optimized <i>d</i> ‐Band Center for High‐Efficiency Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

ABSTRACT Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) face significant challenges for practical application, primarily due to the sluggish reaction kinetics and pronounced shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). This study proposes a synergistic strategy involving doping engineering and controlled nitridation‐induced electronic state modulation to fabricate a Ni 3 Fe/Ni 2 Fe 2 N composite as an efficient sulfur host material. This rational design integrates the strong catalytic activity of the metal alloy (Ni 3 Fe) with the high electrical conductivity of the nitride (Ni 2 Fe 2 N), enabling effective anchoring and conversion of polysulfides. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and analysis results of XAFS and XPS confirm that an upshifted d‐ band center and modulated electronic states significantly enhance reaction kinetics and catalytic activity. In situ Raman spectroscopy and DRT analysis directly demonstrate the exceptional capability of the material to suppress the polysulfide shuttle effect. The battery exhibits remarkable cycling stability, achieving 1000 cycles with an ultralow decay rate of 0.045% per cycle. The outstanding performance is retained even under conditions as harsh as a high sulfur loading (4.3 mg cm −2 ) and low temperature (−10°C). This work not only presents a high‐performance catalyst but also provides new insights into the design of LSB catalysts via electronic state modulation.