Sesquiterpenoids from Euphorbia esula L.

Six undescribed sesquiterpene esters, euphoresulins A-F, along with fourteen known daucane analogues were isolated from the aerial parts of Euphorbia esula growing in Uzbekistan. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, with absolute configurations established by comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data, in addition to single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography. Euphoresulins A-F (1-6) presented sesquiterpene ester types of daucane for euphoresulins A-D (1-4) and aromadendrane for euphoresulins E-F (5-6).

Tripodal bisphenolate-bisphosphine ligands with hybrid hard/soft donors: titanium complexes and dinitrogen activation.

The design of multidentate ligands incorporating both hard and soft donors is of fundamental interest and importance in coordination chemistry. Here, we report a novel class of tetradentate dianionic bisphenolate-bisphosphine (PO) ligands featuring hybrid hard (phenolate) and soft (phosphine) donor atoms. Titanium(IV) and titanium(III) chloride complexes of the PO ligands were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, solution magnetic susceptibility measurements (Evans method) and EPR spectroscopy, revealing distorted octahedral geometries and providing insight into coordination modes and spin states.

Biomimetic Dual Asymmetric MXene-Based Nanofluidics for Advancing Osmotic Power Generation.

Nanofluidics-based reverse electrodialysis offers a promising approach for harnessing the osmotic energy that exists between saline and fresh water, thereby providing a sustainable source of power. Nevertheless, the key obstacle to realizing a commercially viable power output stems from inadequate ion permselectivity in nanofluidics. Here, we engineer dual asymmetric MXene-based composite nanofluidics (DA-MXCNs) composed of a negatively charged, porous MXene layer and a positively charged, confined MXene layer, which strategically incorporates asymmetric channel dimensions and opposing charge distributions.

Beeswax-modified halloysite nanotube composite aerogels as intelligent packaging materials for colorimetric monitoring of shrimp freshness in high-humidity environments.

This study describes a hydrophobic, structurally reinforced composite aerogel for intelligent packaging, prepared by incorporating beeswax-modified halloysite nanotubes and black rice anthocyanin as a pH indicator. The resulting aerogel exhibited a water contact angle of 121.35° ± 1.

Numerical research of slosh characteristics by baffles in the liquid helium portable tank.

This article addresses the challenges posed by the unique vapor-liquid physical properties of helium, specifically, focusing on the slosh of liquid helium caused by shaking during transportation. A three-dimensional model of a baffle structure is developed to prevent sloshing in the liquid helium portable tanks. Literature-based verification of simulation model via gas-liquid interface data shows <8.

Ice Nucleation Regulation by Nanoscale Surface Topography.

Heterogeneous ice nucleation, triggered by surfaces, profoundly impacts climate systems, biological processes, and technological applications. Classical nucleation theory (CNT) predicts that with curvature radii decreasing within 1 order of magnitude of the critical nucleus radius, convex surfaces should suppress nucleation and concave surfaces should promote nucleation; however, such regularity has not been observed explicitly in experiments, and there are even conflicting results. Here, we resolve this long-standing controversy by providing the first experimental evidence about the bidirectional regulation of ice nucleation from both liquid and vapor phases through precisely engineered convex (nanosphere) and concave (nanopore) surfaces.

Macrophage DGK-mediated phosphatidic acid remodeling aggravates acute liver failure.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a life-threatening condition associated with macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses. Effective therapies and drugs are still lacking to date. Here, we reveal that a derivative of xanthohumol, CAM12203, alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + d-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced ALF through limiting macrophage-mediated inflammation, with the most significant impact on interleukin-1 (IL-1) transcription.

TASK2-Inspired pH-Gating Polymeric Nanochannels with Multiple Interconvertible Permeability States by Synergistic Regulation of Conformation and Charge.

Biological ion channels can regulate finely the ion transmembrane permeation, with superhigh ion selectivity and on-off ion flux in response to external stimuli, for signal transduction and energy conversion. However, fabricating smart artificial nanochannels with analogous functions remain challenging by single design of structure or charge property. In vivo, function basis of pH-gated TWIK-related acid-sensitive K channel 2 (TASK2) channels is attributed to synergy control of geometrical conformation and surface potential for filter gates.

Effect of Metal-Metal Distance on the Performance of Dual-Atom Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction: A Density Functional Theory and Micro-kinetics Study.

Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) display excellent activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The dual-metal configuration allows for synergistic interactions and tailored adsorption of key intermediates, thereby breaking traditional OH-OOH scaling relations and enabling dissociative O activation pathways. Recent studies suggest that the metal-metal (M-M) distance within DACs critically influences their electronic structure and catalytic behavior; however, a deep understanding of M-M distance effects on ORR thermodynamics and kinetics is presently lacking.

Defect-engineered amorphous-like nanointerceptors for T MRI-Guided treatment of reperfusion injury.

Ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury is dominated by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage and uncontrolled inflammation, yet effective strategies for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment remain elusive. Herein, we report a defect-engineered amorphous-like MnCeO nanointerceptor with dual capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) -guided stroke diagnosis and ROS-scavenging therapy. The synergistic effect of the amorphous-like structure and Mn-Ce solid solution induces abundant oxygen vacancies and a disordered surface, significantly boosting ROS catalytic removal.

Photocatalytic Formamide Synthesis from Plastic Waste and Ammonia via C─N Bond Construction Under Mild Conditions.

Photocatalytic upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into value-added chemicals represents a sustainable route for plastic valorization. However, previous studies have solely focused on generating oxygenated compounds through intramolecular C─O bond transformations. Achieving heteroatom-containing important chemicals via intermolecular coupling reactions is still challenging.

Robust Flexible Superhydrophobic Film with Skin-Inspired Gradient Design.

Flexible superhydrophobic materials are attractive in separation technology, thermal management, anti-icing, and wearable electronics since their adaptability to curved surfaces and deformation. However, their fragility and high susceptibility to abrasion, caused by the destruction of micro/nano structures, remain significant challenges. A skin-inspired gradient design is proposed to combine flexibility and superhydrophobicity by facilitating the nanoparticle engulfment in polymer through pressure, electrostatic forces, and enhanced capillary forces.

Effect Evaluation and Mechanism Study of Polyether Surfactant-Assisted Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Oil Miscibility Based on the Visible Vanish of Interface Measurement Method.

Research on reducing the minimum miscible pressure (MMP) of CO and oil is imperative for the advancement of CO flooding, which can effectively enhance the recovery of low-permeability reservoirs and enable CO geological storage. However, the conventional methods of determining the MMP (e.g.

Bioinspired micro-nano photonic materials.

The development of micro- and nano-scale photonic materials represents a cornerstone of modern science and technology. Nature, as a master architect, has served us with the most compelling and time-tested innovations and bio-designs. From the vibrant iridescent wings of butterflies to the anti-reflective eyes of moths, biological systems have long perfected the art of light manipulation through intricate micro- and nanoscale architectures.

Wettability Regulated Two-Phase Flow of Supercritical CO and Water in Confined Nanochannels.

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO) has emerged as a promising agent in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) due to its ability to reduce interfacial tension and enhance oil mobility in reservoirs. Water is ubiquitous in oil reservoirs, yet the underlying mechanisms governing scCO transport in the presence of water within nanoscale channels remain inadequately understood. Using molecular dynamics simulations combined with analytical models, this study explores the two-phase flow behavior of scCO and water in confined nanochannels, emphasizing the effects of water saturation () and channel wettability.

Topology-Optimized 3D Metalloporphyrin Covalent Organic Framework for Photocatalytic CO Fixation.

Three-dimensional (3D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent promising photocatalytic platforms with accessible active sites, yet their development faces challenges in terms of structural diversity and synthetic complexity. Herein, a robust 3D metalloporphyrin COF with topology and 2-fold interpenetration is achieved by using high-connectivity metalloporphyrin, and different metal centers within the porphyrin units of 3D COFs lead to intriguing structural variations. Particularly, the 3D cobalt-porphyrin-based COF achieves efficient photocatalytic CO-to-CO conversion with a rate of 21 251.

Bioinspired Swimming Robots with 3D Biomimetic Shark Denticle Structures for Controlled Marangoni Propulsion.

Shark skin exhibits a well-defined multilayered architecture, consisting of three-dimensional denticles and an underlying dermal layer, which contributes to its passive drag reduction. However, the active drag reduction mechanisms of this interface remain largely unexplored. In this study, the Marangoni effect potentially arising from the active secretion of mucus on shark skin is investigated.

Operando XAFS Reveals Dynamic Structural Evolution of Pt Single-Atom Catalysts for Efficient Chlorine Electrosynthesis.

Metal single-atom catalysts (SACs) with near-100% metal utilization and flexible coordination environments are promising candidates for electrochemical chlorine evolution reaction (CER) to produce valuable Cl-a key raw material for plastics manufacturing, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals. However, it remains challenging to assess specific coordination environments for structure-activity relationships and monitor their dynamic structural evolution under catalytic reaction conditions. Herein, operando X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) revealed distinct dynamic structural evolution on the low-coordinated Pt site, compared to the conventional PtN site.

Space-Confined Synthesis of Sulfonated Covalent Organic Framework‒Polymer Membranes for Enhanced Osmotic Energy Conversion.

Osmotic energy, an infinite, clean energy source, can be efficiently harnessed through reverse electrodialysis using ion-selective membranes. While polymeric membranes are excellent candidates due to their solution-processability and scalability, their non-uniform pore architecture and high resistance limit their power density output. Here, an in situ space-confined synthesis strategy is proposed to fabricate sulfonated covalent organic frameworks within a sulfonated polymeric network, resulting in interconnected, well-defined ion channels.

Jatrophane diterpenes from Euphorbia Sororia enhance chemotherapy drugs sensitivities in P-gp-induced multidrug resistance cells.

Investigating P-glycoprotein modulators with pharmacology effects and low toxicity to enhance P-gp-mediated chemotherapeutic drugs sensitivity against drug resistance cells is considered as one of the most feasible strategies to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR). Jatrophane diterpenes obtained from the fructus of Euphorbia Sororia have demonstrated to exhibit MDR reversal abilities with low toxicity. In this study, we developed a method for purifying and enriching Jatrophane diterpenes, and evaluated the toxicity and MDR reversal potential.

Crumpled polyethyleneimine nanofiltration membranes regulated by thermocapillary effect for efficient magnesium-lithium separation.

The advancement of lithium (Li) extraction from brines is crucial for boosting Li production capacity and meeting the growing demands of emerging energy markets. However, the presence of symbiotic ions, particularly magnesium ions (Mg), poses significant challenges. Although conventional nanofiltration (NF) membranes have demonstrated considerable potential in magnesium-lithium (Mg/Li) separation, they often face the inherent trade-off between membrane permeance and salt rejection.

Direct Synthesis of Amide-Linked COFs via Ester-Amine Exchange Reaction.

Achieving both crystallinity and stability is challenging for covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as the reversible reaction required for enhancing crystallinity compromises stability. Amide linkages, a type of chemically stable bond for COF construction, are predominantly synthesized via postmodifications. This work presents a direct and convenient method for synthesizing highly crystalline amide-linked COFs via the ester-amine exchange reaction.

Long-range order enhance performance of patterned blue quantum dot light-emitting diodes.

Quantum dot light-emitting diodes show great potential for next-generation displays. Although film quantum dot light-emitting diodes have achieved or approached efficiency and stability standards for commercial applications, patterned quantum dot light-emitting diodes, particularly blue quantum dot light-emitting diodes, still face challenges in both efficiency and stability. Traditional patterning methods often lead to defects and disorder, causing non-radiative recombination and reduced performance.

Solar-driven defluorination via hydroxyl radical spillover for complete mineralization of organofluorine pollutants without fluoride byproducts.

The recalcitrance of fluorinated organic pollutants-featuring robust Csp²-F and Csp³-F bonds-poses critical challenges to aquatic ecosystems due to their extreme persistence and bioaccumulation. Whereas current destruction strategies suffer from high energy consumption and non-selective, here we present a solar-powered mineralization strategy utilizing cerium oxide/mesoporous silica (CeO/mSiO) heterojunction photocatalysts for complete defluorination of organofluorine contaminants, including fluorinated e-waste, fluoro-antibiotics and perfluorinated surfactant. Under visible light irradiation, the optimized 5%CeO/mSiO achieved 91.

Ultrahigh thermoelectricity obtained in classical BiSbTe alloy processed under super-gravity.

Thermoelectric materials allow direct conversion between heat and electricity and may be useful for power generation or solid-state refrigeration. However, improving thermoelectric performance is challenging because of the strong coupling between the electrical and thermal transport properties. We demonstrate a new super-gravity-field re-melting fabrication technology that synergistically optimizes the thermoelectric performance.