Browse Articles

Chimeric virus-like particles carrying the CLEC17A carbohydrate-recognition domain significantly reduce Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus infection in Sf9 cells

Identification of a super enhancer associated gene signature for the prognosis prediction and regulatory mechanism exploration in breast cancer

Rare uniparental lineages reveal external ancestries in the gene pool of the Italian linguistic enclave of Grecìa Salentina

Management status of patients with chronic kidney disease across medical specialties in Japan: a real-world data analysis

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) contributes to poor renal and cardiovascular outcomes, necessitating early detection and intervention. The current study investigated the variability in CKD management practices across clinical specialties in Japan. Real-world electronic health records of 788,059 patients with suspected CKD between January 2004 and September 2021 were analyzed. Only 1.2% of patients received care in a nephrology department. However, nephrology involvement significantly increased the proportion of patients undergoing quantitative urine protein assessments and receiving a CKD diagnosis. This trend was evident in cardiology, urology, rheumatology, and endocrinology/metabolism departments, where nephrology involvement resulted in more frequent testing and earlier CKD diagnosis. Despite these benefits, the overall proportion of patients with nephrology involvement remains low, especially in the early stages of CKD. These findings highlight the considerable variability in CKD diagnosis and management approaches across clinical departments. Because quantitative urine protein assessment is critical for precise CKD diagnosis and patient care, strategies such as promoting interdepartmental collaboration with nephrology departments and establishing standardized diagnostic protocols tailored to individual specialties and facilities should be prioritized. Implementing such facility- and specialty-specific measures is crucial for enhancing early CKD detection and intervention, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in patients at risk of CKD progression.

Emotional design of new energy vehicle center consoles for elderly users based on entropy weighted TOPSIS and BPNN

Abstract With the increasingly serious issue of global population ageing, meeting the emotional needs of elderly users when interacting with the center consoles of new energy vehicles (NEVs) has become significant. At present, the design of NEV center consoles presents difficulties for elderly users in terms of both operation and usability. To ensure driving safety and comfort, console design must take into account the operational convenience and psychological experience of elderly users. Therefore, to design a center console that meets the emotional needs of elderly users, this study proposes a comprehensive methodological framework based on Kansei Engineering (KE), the entropy-weighted technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), and Backpropagation Neural Networks (BPNN), focusing on the elderly-oriented design of NEV center consoles. First, within the framework of KE, emotional evaluation indicators were collected and analysed based on the usage habits and Kansei requirements of elderly users. Second, entropy-weighted TOPSIS was applied to rank the morphological features of center consoles and to extract the key design features. Finally, a BPNN-based mapping model was constructed to link elderly users’ Kansei intentions with the critical design features of the center console. The experimental results show that, among the morphological configurations, the combination of center control screen Type II, co-driver entertainment screen Type II, control panel Type II, and center console outline Type II best satisfies the emotional needs of elderly users. By integrating KE, entropy-weighted TOPSIS, and BPNN, this study provides a more effective means of understanding and predicting user emotions, thereby supporting the design of NEV center consoles that better meet the emotional requirements of elderly users.

Superatomic or Not? A Case Study on Isostructural Au ₃ Ag ₂ and Au ₃ Cu ₂ Nanoclusters

Abstract Two bimetal nanoclusters, [Au 3 Ag 2 (Ppy 3 ) 6 ](NO 3 ) 3 ( Au 3 Ag 2 ) and [Au 3 Cu 2 (Ppy 3 ) 6 ](BF 4 ) 3 ( Au 3 Cu 2 ) have been synthesized with tri(2‐pyridyl)phosphine ( Ppy 3 ). Single crystal X‐ray structural analysis reveals that both have trigonal bipyramidal structures with three Au atoms at the waist and Ag/Cu atoms at the top and bottom vertices. Au 3 Ag 2 demonstrates much better stability than Au 3 Cu 2 in solution. Theoretical calculations indicate that Au 3 Ag 2 is the smallest well‐defined superatom while Au 3 Cu 2 is nonsuperatomic, even though they are isostructural and have the same number of valence electrons. This work highlights the influence of atom doping on the electronic structures and superatomic properties of metal nanoclusters.

Unraveling how digital transformation affects innovation capability in China’s smart manufacturing enterprises

Enantioselective Synthesis of Inherently Chiral Calix[4]arenes via Catalytic Asymmetric Lower‐Rim Functionalization

Abstract We report herein an efficient approach for the enantioselective synthesis of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes (ICCs) via chiral phosphoric acid (CPA)‐catalyzed lower‐rim asymmetric functionalization. With vinylidene ortho ‐quinone methides (VQMs) as the key intermediates, a stepwise asymmetric halo‐cyclization strategy was applied to construct diverse inherently chiral calix[4]arenes bearing multiple C─C axially stereogenic elements with high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities (up to 96% ee, all d.r. > 20:1). The obtained lower‐rim functionalized products underwent further photocatalytic transformations to access novel inherently chiral naphthofuran‐based calix[4]arene architectures. Further synthetic modifications and analysis of their photophysical/chiroptical properties demonstrated their potential in optoelectronic materials and related fields. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction proceeds via a stepwise process, with the stereoselectivity‐determining step occurring in the first VQMs‐mediated cyclization, and the second step constituting a chiral transfer process.

Integration of InSAR and numerical modelling to assess tailings pond slope deformation affected by reservoir water

Closing Electron Transfer Loop to Boost Electrocatalytic Urea Synthesis

Abstract The electrocatalytic C─N coupling of carbon dioxide and nitrate presents a promising approach for environmentally friendly urea synthesis. In this work, we propose a strategy to boost efficient and durable urea synthesis by coupling the electrochemical and chemical steps. Utilizing fullerene (C 60 ) as a redox‐active electron mediator during the electrochemical reduction process, we effectively inhibit the irreversible reduction deactivation of positively charged copper (Cu δ+ ) active sites. The electron‐accepting fullerene form ions (C 60 n– ) that engage in a spontaneous chemical redox reaction with nitrate ions, producing nitrite ions and regenerating neutral C 60 (C 60 n– + NO 3 – → C 60  + NO 2 – ). This recycling mechanism closes the electron transfer loop while optimizing the overall reaction pathway. The urea yield rate is dramatically increased to 385.9 mmol h −1 g −1 , accompanied by long‐term durability. Our findings provide a valuable framework for designing highly efficient electrocatalyst for coupling reactions, advancing the field of sustainable urea synthesis.

Transfer learning and AI technology for family school community collaborative model research in university network security management

Comparison of prevalence of fatty liver disease according to the different nomenclatures of NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD in a large Iranian Population-based study

Ternary phase optimized indomethacin nanoemulsion hydrogel for sustained topical delivery and improved biological efficacy

Exploring the temporal dynamics between parental exercise support and adolescents’ physical activity intentions and behaviors: a cross-lagged analysis

CXCL12 and CXCL13 as potential biomarkers for disease severity and recurrence in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

Abstract To examine chemokine expression in children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and evaluate its clinical utility for early warning and prognosis. Five hospitalised RSV bronchiolitis children and five matched controls were studied. To validate findings, 50 RSV infants and 30 controls were assessed for recurrent wheezing after 1 year. Blood leukocyte RNA-seq identified RSV-associated hub genes via GO/KEGG analysis, with flow cytometry confirming chemokine expression. Twelve hub genes were identified, with 712 differentially expressed genes (292 upregulated, 420 downregulated). RSV patients showed elevated CXCL2, CXCL12, CXCL13, CCL13, and CCL24 ( P  < 0.05). CXCL12 was higher in moderate-to-severe cases (Area Under the Curve, AUC = 0.835, 95% CI 0.714–0.956, P  < 0.05), while CXCL13 was elevated in recurrent wheezers (AUC = 0.851, 95% CI 0.711–0.991, P  < 0.05). CXCL12 predicted severity, and CXCL13 predicted recurrence (ROC-confirmed, P  < 0.05). CXCL12 and CXCL13 may serve as biomarkers for assessing RSV bronchiolitis severity and predicting recurrence, aiding early clinical evaluation and prognosis.

Improving Oxygen Electroreduction Efficiency of Porous Silicon‐based Catalysts via Atomic Iron Site‐Induced Lattice Expansion

Abstract Developing non‐noble metal‐based catalysts as alternatives to precious metals for the 4 electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic conditions is crucial in advancing practical proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) technology. A significant challenge in designing these electrocatalysts is to suppress metal leaching and optimize the adsorption and dissociation free energy of oxygen intermediates during the reaction. Herein, a carbon‐encapsulated porous silicon (Si) featuring single iron (Fe) sites was developed as an effective ORR catalyst through a one‐step thermal reduction process using silica nanoparticles as precursors. This catalyst exhibited both impressive activity with half‐wave potentials ( E 1/2 ) of 0.88 V and 0.95 V, alongside robust stability showing minimal decay of 7 and 4 mV after 40,000 potential cycles under acidic and alkaline conditions, respectively. Additionally, as a cathode catalyst in PEMFCs, it reached a peak power density of 0.63 W cm −2 in a 1.0 bar H 2 –O 2 condition, while maintaining notable durability at a constant potential of 0.5 V over a duration of 100 h. Spectroscopic characterizations and theoretical calculations demonstrated that iron atoms were effectively integrated into the crystal lattice of porous Si, resulting in the formation of stable Si─Fe bonds that inhibited the leaching of Fe and the formation of *OOH intermediates, thereby enhancing the ORR performance. This approach facilitates the design of efficient and stable ORR catalysts, which hold significant implications for the advancement of next‐generation PEMFCs.

Recent Advances in Regulating Metal−Silica Interaction for Boosting Heterogeneous Catalytic Performance

Abstract Heterogeneous catalysts are extensively utilized in the modern chemical industry, with catalytic processes primarily occurring on the surfaces of nanocrystals. Construction of an optimum surface/interface is of significant importance in regulating the catalytic performance. Strong metal‐support interactions (SMSI) have been proven to be an efficient strategy to modulate the electronic and geometric properties of the supported nanocrystals by forming a thin amorphous coating layer and a new metal bond. The classical SMSI typically occurred on reducible metal oxides (TiO 2 , CeO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , and Fe 2 O 3 ) under a reduction environment. Nevertheless, the SMSI effect could be successfully engineered for the inert oxides (Al 2 O 3 , MgO, and SiO 2 ) under much more severe conditions owing to the inertness of hard‐to‐reduce oxides compared with reducible oxides. Over the past few decades, it has been observed that the amorphous encapsulation layer could be induced under much higher temperatures, as well as the formation of a metal–Si bond, which significantly promotes various catalysis. In this review, we focus on the construction of metal–silica interaction and the dynamics of structure evolution of the metal crystals under certain reaction conditions, while highlighting their unique features in heterogeneous catalytic processes.

A Heterogenised Molecular Electrocatalyst for Round‐the‐Clock Green Hydrogen Production by Solar‐Electrolyser and Zinc–Air Batteries

Abstract Solar energy‐driven seawater electrolysis presents a sustainable method for producing high‐purity green hydrogen to address the energy crisis. Developing a robust electrocatalyst for seawater splitting is crucial for green fuel production with solar integration. This study introduces a silica‐anchored cobaloxime system as a multifunctional electrocatalyst for overall seawater splitting in conjunction with photovoltaic cells. The system achieves a solar‐to‐hydrogen generation efficiency of 14%, a power conversion efficiency of 17.4%, and a round‐trip energy efficiency of 80%. A single‐stack electrolyser using this catalyst produces an average of 0.82 mmol h −1 of green hydrogen and 0.44 mmol h −1 of oxygen, with a hydrogen conversion efficiency of approximately 80 kWh kg −1 under natural sunlight. The same catalyst also shows bidirectional O 2 reduction and evolution activity, enabling solar energy storage through a rechargeable zinc–air battery (RZAB). A photovoltaic‐RZAB‐electrolyser triad was established for indirect green hydrogen production using stored renewable energy. The catalyst‐containing RZAB system is effectively charged by a photovoltaic (PV) cell, achieving 25% energy efficiency, and facilitates seawater splitting without sunlight at an energy conversion efficiency of 84%. The strategic application of the catalyst as a multifunctional electrocatalyst enables sustainable green hydrogen production both during the day and night under practical conditions.

Reductive Cross‐Coupling of Alcohol Derivatives with Chlorosilanes via Pyridines‐Promoted Si─Cl Activation

Abstract The development of efficient approaches mediated by silyl radicals for constructing C─Si bonds is of great interest and importance, yet methods to generate these intermediates from readily available chlorosilanes remain scarce. Herein, we report a new strategy for silyl radical generation via pyridines‐promoted reductive Si─Cl activation of chlorosilanes and demonstrate its application in the reductive cross‐coupling with a wide array of benzyl, allyl, and propargyl alcohol derivatives. This protocol offers an efficient and step‐economical route for the synthesis of diverse benzyl‐, allyl‐, and allenylsilanes, featuring broad substrate scope and easy scalability. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the coupling reaction was initiated by the reductive Si─Cl activation of chlorosilanes with magnesium promoted by pyridine derivatives, which generates silyl radicals. These silyl radicals subsequently mediate the deoxygenation of alcohol derivatives to form carbon radicals, culminating in C─Si radical–radical cross‐coupling.

Side‐Chain Macrocyclization in Ahp‐Bicyclodepsipeptides Biosynthesis Involves Cytochrome P450‐Catalyzed Sequential Aromatic Hydroxylation and C─N Coupling

Abstract We report the biosynthesis of FR901277 ( 1 ) and delmomycin A2 ( 2 ), two 3‐amino‐6‐hydroxypiperidone (Ahp)‐containing bicyclodepsipeptides featuring an N‐C bridge linking the citrulline and tyrosine residues. This intriguing side‐chain macrocyclization is catalyzed by Dlm16, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP450), through a sequential process initiated by ortho‐hydroxylation of the tyrosine ring, followed by intramolecular C─N coupling between the resulting catechol moiety and the terminal NH 2 of the ureido group. Structure‐function analyses and site‐directed mutagenesis confirmed the catalytic importance of identified key residues, enabling the proposal of plausible macrocyclization mechanisms. Functional characterization of eight additional Dlm16 homologs further revealed a CYP450 subfamily capable of catalyzing C─N bond formation, underscoring the prevalence of this unusual macrocyclization in cyclodepsipeptide biosynthesis. Our work highlights nature's strategies for macrocycle construction and provides another example of CYP450‐catalyzed C─N coupling via direct C─H functionalization.