Browse Articles

Ultrathin PtSe ₂ Nanowires in Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Abstract Platinum selenide (PtSe 2 ) has shown great potential for application in electrocatalysis. One‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures are particularly advantageous for enhancing catalytic performance, as they expose abundant active sites at the edges and enable rapid charge transport. However, the synthesis of 1D PtSe 2 nanostructures for efficient electrocatalysis remains a challenge. Here, we report the controllable synthesis of ultrathin (0.4–2.0 nm) PtSe 2 nanowires (NWs) using single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as a confined template via direct selenization by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The atom‐resolved electron microscope combined with spectroscopy and theoretical calculations revealed that PtSe 2 NWs grow anisotropically along the <110> direction inside the SWCNTs, possessing zigzag edges and higher thermodynamical stability. Owing to the rich‐edges with abundant unsaturated Pt atoms, the as‐prepared PtSe 2 NWs exhibit excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity at an extremely low Pt loading of 4.684 wt%, with an overpotential of 47 mV@10 mA cm −2 and a Tafel slope of 41.7 mV dec −1 . This work provides a novel strategy for synthesizing 1D ultrathin NWs and offers the potential to achieve low‐cost and efficient Pt‐based catalysts in the future.

Prediction of exosomal miRNA-based biomarkers for liquid biopsy

Frontispiece: Merging Photocatalysis with Chiral Lewis Acid Catalysis for Enantioselective Hydrosilylation/Hydrogermylation of Electron‐Deficient Alkenes

A Phenomenological Symmetry Rule for Chemical Reactivity Under Vibrational Strong Coupling

Abstract Symmetry is known to strongly influence the course of a chemical reaction. It has also been found to play a key role in vibrational strong coupling (VSC), where it can influence the outcome of chemical reactions or alter chemical equilibria. However, the precise nature of this effect and its extent remains elusive. To further explore the role of vibrational symmetry, we have investigated the equilibrium constants of different charge transfer complexes, in particular of isomers of trimethyl benzene belonging to different point groups from which a general symmetry rule emerges. We describe the strongly coupled system by a direct product of irreducible representations associated with the complexes and the cavity. As a consequence, the coupled vibration is associated with a new irreducible representation that projects differently on the reaction coordinate of the charge transfer complexation, reflecting the changes in the equilibrium constants. This phenomenological symmetry rule points to a general underlying framework for predicting the outcome of chemical reactivity under VSC.

Quality of life among patients with multiple sclerosis: association with disease acceptance, optimism, and health-promoting behaviors

A Single‐Molecule Junction Based on a Covalent Organic Cage

Abstract As the applications of molecular cages hinge on their properties, understanding the true nature of the cage structures is imperative. Single‐molecule conductance technique offered a unique opportunity to explore the property of an individual cage structure, yet the undefined cage‐electrode connection remains challenging. Herein, we designed a new single‐molecule junction based on covalent organic cages with sulfur atoms on the edges as defined anchor groups. Using scanning tunneling microscopy break junction method, the single‐molecule conductance was found at 10 −3.5 G ₀, indicating the formation of a stable junction by the cage. The investigation, combining control structures and theoretical studies, confirmed that the conductance signal originates from the connection between gold electrodes and sulfur atoms in adjacent benzothiadiazole groups. This well‐defined connection allowed us to analyze electron transport within the cage structure, providing new insights into the property investigation of functional cages.

Associations between physical activity and health-related quality of life among university students in Zhuhai, China

Abstract Physical inactivity is a major global public health concern, contributing to the rising burden of chronic diseases and mental health issues. Despite its known health benefits, physical activity levels remain insufficient, particularly among college students, posing significant risks to their physical and psychological well-being. To address this, a cross-sectional study with 406 university students was conducted in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China, including 280 females and 126 males, all aged between 18 and 21. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed through the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), which includes Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Kruskal–Wallis H Tests for differences between groups and Kendall’s Tau-b correlation tests for correlation, revealed that 17.24% of participants had low physical activity levels, with a higher prevalence among female students. Physical activity was positively associated with PCS scores in male students, indicating better physical health with higher activity levels. However, no significant correlation was found between physical activity and MCS scores, suggesting that mental health may be influenced by other factors such as academic stress and social support. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to promote active lifestyles and holistic well-being on campus.

Orbital Coupling‐Engineered Coordination‐Unsaturated CuAg Nanochains Drives Spontaneous Electrocatalytic Acetylene Semihydrogenation and Zn‐C ₂ H ₂ Batteries

Abstract Electrocatalytic semihydrogenation of acetylene (C 2 H 2 ) offers a mild and sustainable pathway for ethylene production, yet it faces critical challenges including competitive C─C coupling for 1,3‐butadiene due to insufficient proton supply and hydrogen evolution under high current densities. To address these limitations, we design a coordination‐unsaturated CuAg bimetallic catalyst with cross‐linked nanochains (Cu 0.5 Ag CNCs), which synergistically regulates proton dynamics, maintaining high activity from 0.1 to 0.6 A cm −2 and achieving an ethylene Faradaic efficiency of 95.1% at 0.5 A cm −2 . Mechanistic studies reveal that the introduction of Cu makes the d‐band center in Cu 0.5 Ag CNCs upshift toward the Fermi level, strengthening orbital coupling with C 2 H 2 and creating a high *H demand surface. In situ spectroscopic and density functional theory analyses demonstrate that coordination‐unsaturated Cu‐Ag interfacial sites promote spontaneous C 2 H 2 hydrogenation, especially bypassing formation barriers of *C 2 H 2 and *C 2 H 3 . This thermodynamic superiority originates from sufficient proton supply and exothermic *H consumption for C 2 H 2 hydrogenation. Furthermore, the catalyst enables a Zn‐C 2 H 2 battery with a power density of 2.12 mW cm −2 , showcasing dual functionality in electrosynthesis and energy storage. Our work establishes a paradigm for coordination unsaturated bimetallic catalyst design through orbital coupling engineering, providing atomic‐level insights into proton‐mediated reaction control for sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Sustainable recovery of copper from wastewater via zinc cementation enhanced by natural chalcone-based accelerators

Abstract This study presents an eco-friendly strategy to enhance copper ion recovery from industrial wastewater through zinc cementation, utilizing natural chalcone-derived pyrazolo-quinoxaline compounds as organic accelerators. These bio-based additives notably improve recovery efficiency by promoting dendritic copper deposition, which enhances surface reactivity and mass transfer rates. For the first time, this research combines quantum chemical analysis with a dimensionless model (Sh = 0.81Sc^0.33Re^0.47) to explain the mechanism of chalcone-assisted cementation, proposing a sustainable and mechanistically grounded approach for metal recovery.

Insect applications to open wounds by chimpanzees in the wild: first insights from East African chimpanzees

Abstract Medicative behaviours are widespread among animals, and chimpanzees in the wild may exhibit a newly identified form involving the application of insects to open wounds. To date, insect applications to wounds have only been reported in a single community of Central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes). Thus, we report observations of similar behaviours in Eastern chimpanzees (P. t. schweinfurthii) of the Ngogo chimpanzee population, in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Between November 2021 and July 2022, we observed six individuals (three males, three females) applying flying insects to their own wounds (N = 5) and, in one instance, to the wound of a conspecific. These observations demonstrate a generally consistent sequential pattern of insect applications in both Eastern and Central chimpanzees. Although the extent and potential medicinal function of this behaviour remain unclear, we propose three hypotheses to inform future research, focusing on insect selectivity, social transmission, and prosociality. In conclusion, the findings suggest that insect applications are more widespread than currently documented, and provide a basis for investigating their acquisition, social dynamics, and potential relevance to the evolution of human medicinal behaviours.

Novel COL4A3–COL4A5 variants and digenic inheritance in pediatric Alport syndrome from Southwestern China

Synthesis of a Library of <i>N</i> ‐monofluoromethyl Compounds from <i>N</i> ‐monofluoromethyl Carbamoyl/Thiocarbamoyl Fluorides

Abstract The distinctive chemical properties of fluorine atoms have enabled fluorine‐containing compounds to make significant strides in the pharmaceutical and materials fields. However, due to the very limited synthetic methods, the enormous potential of N ‐monofluoromethyl compounds has not yet been unlocked. In this study, we present an operationally simple and practical protocol for various largely underexplored N ‐monofluoromethyl compounds, utilizing two powerful and isolable building blocks: N ‐CH 2 F thio carbamoyl fluorides and N ‐CH 2 F carbamoyl fluorides. Additionally, the reactivity of fluorine atoms located at different positions of the two building blocks toward nucleophilic substitution was investigated both experimentally and theoretically.

Lysionotin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating AMPK/Nrf2 pathway

Parameter optimization of key components in seed-metering device for pre-cut seed stems of Pennisetum hydridum

Strain‐Release Driven Arsenium Ion Bond Insertion

Abstract Although it marks a cornerstone of pnictogenium ion [R 2 Pn] + reactivity, the insertion of arsenium ions [R 2 As] + into non‐polar bonds remains highly challenging. Herein, a synthetic approach is developed, which circumvents the limitations of insertion reactivity of [R 2 As] + (e.g., formal redox state of +V at As) via alleviation of ring strain in the substrate. Thus, unlocking arsenium ion bond insertion delivers the ring‐expanded complexes [{L n M}(η 3 ‐Pn 3 AsCy 2 ][TEF] ({L n M} = Cp ‴ Ni, Pn = P ( 1 ); {L n M} = {CpMo(CO) 2 }, Pn = P ( 2 ), As ( 5 ); Cp ‴  = 1,2,4‐ t Bu 3 C 5 H 2 , [TEF] −  = [Al{OC(CF 3 ) 3 } 4 ] − ). Computational analysis of the reaction mechanism and quantum crystallographic investigation of 1 highlight the release of ring strain as the crucial driving force for this reactivity. This rational is corroborated by the isolation of the arsenium ion coordinated [{CpMo(CO) 2 } 2 (μ,η 2:2 ‐P 2 AsCy 2 )][TEF] ( 3 ) as well as the phosphenium ion inserted [{CpMo(CO) 2 }(η 3 ‐As 3 PPh 2 )][TEF] ( 4 ).

All polymer ligand strategy enables highly stable spectra-pure green-emitting perovskites

Machine learning method for predicting line-shapes of Fano resonances induced by bound states in the continuum

Abstract We consider resonances induced by symmetry protected bound states in the continuum in dielectric gratings with in-plane mirror symmetry. It is shown that the shape of the resonance in transmittance is controlled by two parameters in a generic formula which can be derived in the framework of the coupled mode theory. It is numerically demonstrated that the formula encompasses various line-shapes including asymmetric Fano, Lorentzian, and anti-Lorentzian resonances. It is confirmed that the transmittance zeros are always present even in the absence up-down symmetry. At the same time reflectance zeros are not generally present in the single mode approximation. It is found that the line-shapes of Fano resonances can be predicted to a good accuracy by the random forest machine learning method which outperforms the standard least square methods approximation in error by an order of magnitude in error with the training dataset size $$N\approx 10^4$$ .

Experimental study on the pore structure and permeability characteristics of clay soil under freezing–thawing cycles

IL-13/IL-13Rα2 axis promotes proliferation of angiosarcoma cells

Abstract Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The role of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and its receptors in angiosarcoma pathogenesis has been largely unknown. We first reanalyzed transcriptomic data from a published angiosarcoma cohort and found IL13RA2 mRNA elevated in angiosarcoma versus normal tissue. In addition, high IL13RA2 expression was significantly associated with increased nonsynonymous mutations. We next detected high IL-13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2) expression in angiosarcoma cell lines and patient samples compared to other cell types and benign vascular tumors. Moreover, histological analysis showed the presence of IL-13 in the angiosarcoma microenvironment. Functional studies using angiosarcoma cell lines, MO-LAS-B cells, revealed the promoting effect of IL-13 on cell proliferation. The effect was inhibited by siRNA-mediated knockdown of IL13RA2 or neutralizing antibodies against IL-13, suggesting the impact of IL-13/IL-13Rα2 axis in the angiosarcoma proliferation. In addition, IL-13 stimulation increased mRNA levels of IL13RA2 and VEGFA , suggesting an underlying positive feedback mechanism, which was attenuated by a STAT6 inhibitor. These findings highlight the importance of the IL-13/IL-13Rα2 axis in angiosarcoma progression and its potential as a novel therapeutic target for this challenging malignancy.

In Situ Electrochemical Reconstruction of Cation‐Vacancy‐Enriched Ni@Ni ₂ P Particles in Hollow N‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers for Efficient Nitrate Reduction

Abstract Electrochemical nitrate (NO 3 − ) reduction to ammonia (NH 3 ) under ambient conditions is promising to promote the artificial nitrogen cycling. Despite the development of transition metal‐based catalysts, their incident in situ electrochemical reconstruction always leads to the ambiguity of veritable active sites and reaction mechanisms. In this work, we report an approach to encapsulate Ni@Ni 2 P particles with cationic Ni vacancies in hollow N‐doped carbon nanofibers (designated Ni@Ni 2‐ x P@N‐CNFs) for electrocatalytic NO 3 − reduction to NH 3 and have investigated their surface reconstruction and reaction mechanisms using various in situ electrochemical characterizations and theoretical calculations. Specially, the regulation of cationic Ni vacancy concentration in the three defective Ni@Ni 2‐ x P@N‐CNFs catalysts leads to the 3.92‐fold NH 3 yield rate difference at −0.2 V versus RHE. During the electrocatalytic reaction process, new amorphous Ni(OH) 2 and NiOOH species form on the surface of Ni@Ni 2‐ x P@N‐CNFs and the stable amorphous Ni(OH) 2 species benefits the generation of more active hydrogen (*H) for hydrogenation with NO 3 − . This is further verified by the different reaction rate‐determining steps on the pristine and reconstructed defective catalysts. Integration of the optimized defective catalyst as cathode into a stable aqueous Zn–NO 3 –battery provides high power density and Faraday efficiency for NH 3 .