Chinese University of Hong Kong

Determining the number of factors in high-dimensional factor modeling is essential but challenging, especially when the data are heavy-tailed. In this paper, we introduce a new estimator based on the spectral properties of Spearman sample correlation matrix under the high-dimensional setting, where both dimension and sample size tend to infinity proportionally. Our estimator is robust against heavy tails in either the common factors or idiosyncratic errors. The consistency of our estimator is established under mild conditions. Numerical experiments demonstrate the superiority of our estimator compared to existing methods.

INTRODUCTION The SORL1 locus exhibits protective effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) across ancestries, yet systematic studies in diverse populations are sparse. METHODS Logistic regression identified AD‐associated SORL1 haplotypes in East Asian (N = 5249) and European (N = 8588) populations. Association analysis between SORL1 haplotypes and AD‐associated traits or plasma biomarkers was conducted. The effects of non‐synonymous mutations were assessed in cell‐based systems. RESULTS Protective SORL1 variants/haplotypes were identified in the East Asian and European populations. Haplotype Hap_A showed a strong protective effect against AD in East Asians, linked to less severe AD phenotypes, higher SORL1 transcript levels, and plasma proteomic changes. A missense variant within Hap_A, rs2282647‐C allele, was linked to a lower risk of AD and decreased expression of a truncated SORL1 protein isoform. DISCUSSION Our transethnic analysis revealed key SORL1 haplotypes that exert protective effects against AD, suggesting mechanisms of the protective role of SORL1 in AD. Highlights We examined the AD‐protective mechanisms of SORL1 in the general population across diverse ancestral backgrounds by jointly analyzing data from three East Asian cohorts (ie, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Japan) and a European cohort. Comparative analysis unveiled key ethnic‐specific SORL1 genetic variants and haplotypes. Among these, the SORL1 minor haplotype, Hap_A, emerged as the primary AD‐protective factor in East Asians. Hap_A exerts significant AD‐protective effects in both APOE ε4 carriers and non‐carriers. SORL1 haplotype Hap_A is associated with cognitive function, brain volume, and the activity of specific neuronal and immune‐related pathways closely connected to AD risk. Protective variants within Hap_A are linked to increased SORL1 expression in human tissues. We identified an isoform‐specific missense variant in Hap_A that modifies the function and levels of a truncated SORL1 protein isoform that is poorly investigated.

Luminescent nanoclusters (NCs) have attracted much attention because of their superior photophysical properties; however, the design of dynamic NCs with reversible structural change is highly challenging. Herein, we synthesize a kind of dynamic luminescent NCs through Schiff base crosslinking between triethylenetetramine (TETA) and tannic acid at room temperature. The proposed NCs have an excitation‐independent blue emission, and the maximum emission is available at about 458 nm with two excitation centers. Furthermore, the crosslinking degree of the NCs can be effectively adjusted by TETA and their formation is a kinetic‐control process. Most importantly, the proposed NCs show a property of pH‐controlled reversible depolymerization and polymerization, accompanied by a cyclic “on‐off‐on” photoswitching, which is directly attributed to pH‐stimulated reversible C=N bond cleavage and re‐formation. Because of the reversible structure change properties, the dynamic NCs have been well used in reversible information encryption. This new finding provides not only us with a powerful strategy to study the structure–properties relationship of luminescent NCs but also a design idea for constructing smart optical nanomaterials.

Atropisomers with multiple stereogenic axes have attracted much attention due to their increasing significance in the fields of natural products, chiral materials, and drug discoveries. However, the catalytic stereoselective construction of axially chiral ring scaffolds with more than two axes on a single benzene ring remains a challenging task. Herein, we present an efficient method for synthesizing triaxially chiral polysubstituted naphthalene scaffolds via sequential Ni(II)‐catalyzed Diels–Alder reaction of isobenzofurans and TfOH‐promoted dehydrative aromatization reaction. Using 1,3‐biarylisobenzofurans and β‐aryl‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated N‐acyl pyrazoles as modular reaction partners, a series of naphthalenes with 1,3,4‐triaxes were synthesized with excellent enantioselectivities and diastereoselectivities. Furthermore, by attaching two pyrene chromophores to this novel triaxially chiral ring scaffold, a circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)‐active dye exhibiting a remarkable luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum = ‒0.019) and high fluorescence quantum efficiency (ØFL = 0.29) was obtained, highlighting the potential applications of atropisomers with multiple stereogenic axes in the design of chiroptical organic materials.

Atropisomers with multiple stereogenic axes have attracted much attention due to their increasing significance in the fields of natural products, chiral materials, and drug discoveries. However, the catalytic stereoselective construction of axially chiral ring scaffolds with more than two axes on a single benzene ring remains a challenging task. Herein, we present an efficient method for synthesizing triaxially chiral polysubstituted naphthalene scaffolds via sequential Ni(II)‐catalyzed Diels–Alder reaction of isobenzofurans and TfOH‐promoted dehydrative aromatization reaction. Using 1,3‐biarylisobenzofurans and β‐aryl‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated N‐acyl pyrazoles as modular reaction partners, a series of naphthalenes with 1,3,4‐triaxes were synthesized with excellent enantioselectivities and diastereoselectivities. Furthermore, by attaching two pyrene chromophores to this novel triaxially chiral ring scaffold, a circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)‐active dye exhibiting a remarkable luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum = ‒0.019) and high fluorescence quantum efficiency (ØFL = 0.29) was obtained, highlighting the potential applications of atropisomers with multiple stereogenic axes in the design of chiroptical organic materials.

The liver is an immune organ, especially an immune tolerance organ. The critical shortage of donor organs and disease models for the treatment of end‐stage liver failure underscores the urgent need for the generation of liver organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Notably, significant advancements have been made in the study of liver organoids over the past decade. The construction of liver organoids has transitioned from single cell type to multicellular models, and from two‐dimensional to three‐dimensional cultures. Here we provide the progress surrounding the different liver organoids culture techniques from 3D printing to organ‐on‐chip, as well as focuses on the present and future applications of liver organoids, and then to present challenges and perspectives ahead for further advancement.

Background Even though robust evidence suggests the high prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) in China, EDs in China are characterized by low diagnosis rates, delayed treatment-seeking, and ineffective treatments. Given that listening to patients’ perspectives and lived experiences is crucial to improving our understanding of EDs in the Chinese context, an investigation of the perceived causes of EDs in Chinese individuals with EDs represents a key step in improving the prevention and treatment of EDs in China. Aims To explore the perceived causes of EDs based on data from a sample of Chinese social media users with self-reported EDs, with a particular focus on the Zhihu platform. Methods We extracted and analyzed data through content analysis. Eight specific causes that could be classified into two groups were coded, including individual factors (e.g., “body image and eating”) and sociocultural factors (e.g., “media and cultural ideals”). Results A total of 2079 entries regarding self-reported EDs were retained for content analysis (14.7% were anorexia nervosa, 37.6% were bulimia nervosa, and 47.7% were binge-eating disorder). More than 90% of users with self-reported EDs claimed causes belonging to individual factors, while 35–51% of users claimed sociocultural factors. “Body image and eating” (68–87%) and “psychological and emotional problems” (65–67%) were the most commonly claimed specific causes, while “traumatic life events” (13–14%), “genetics and biology” (7–13%), and “sports and health” (9–12%) were the least claimed. Chi-square independent tests showed that users with different self-reported EDs disproportionately claimed certain causes. Conclusions Using large-scale social media data, findings provide a deeper understanding of the perceived causes of EDs in the Chinese context from individuals with self-reported EDs and highlight the variations in perceived causes across different self-reported ED types.

This article challenges the prevalent Asia-West binarism within Asian contextual theology, advocating for a “disidentification” approach to constructing Asian practical theology. The author argues that defining Asian identity solely in opposition to the West limits the scope and vision of the field. Instead, drawing on lessons learned from decades of engagement with Asian contextual theologies, the author proposes a more nuanced approach that is mindful of the hybridity and plurality of Asian experiences. The article critiques the essentialist understanding of “Asia” which homogenizes the diverse cultures and contexts within the continent. As an alternative, the author proposes “disidentification,” a concept borrowed from Michel Pêcheux, which encourages a critical and selective engagement with both local and global resources. This approach allows for fluid and open-ended constructions of identity that resist simplistic binaries. To facilitate this approach, the author identifies five globally relevant discourses as potential dialogical partners for Asian practical theology: Relationality, The Divine Nature of Humanity, Critical Ecclesiology, Diasporicity, and Decoloniality/ Postcolonialism. These five discourses, interconnected and relevant across various Asian contexts, offer a starting point for developing a globally engaged Asian practical theology. The author emphasizes that this list is not exhaustive, encouraging further exploration of other globally constructed discourses. By moving beyond the Asia-West binarism, Asian practical theology can foster a more inclusive and dynamic engagement with lived faith in all its complexities.

Achieving efficient and stable hydrogen evolution reactions in alkaline conditions is crucial for hydrogen production. In this study, a RuIr/Co(SA)NC‐P catalyst featuring RuIr alloys alongside P‐doping and CoNx sites is developed. RuIr alloying optimizes the electronic structure between Ru and Ir, promoting electron transfer from Ru to Ir. P‐doping further modulates the electronic properties of RuIr alloys, optimizing hydrogen binding energy and weakening Ru─OH binding energy, facilitating rapid H2 generation and OHad transfer. Meanwhile, CoNx promotes water dissociation, providing a fast proton delivery path for RuIr alloys. The catalyst exhibits enhanced HER activity with a low overpotential of 20 mV at 10 mA cm⁻², a Tafel slope of 20.4 mV dec⁻¹, and a turnover frequency of 19.5 H2 s⁻¹ at 150 mV overpotential. Moreover, catalyst stability is improved 8 times by mitigating RuIr alloy dissolution/agglomeration via P‐doping. This work introduces a promising approach for developing efficient and stable HER electrocatalysts.

Redox balance is essential for sustaining normal physiological metabolic activities of life. In this study, we present a photocatalytic system to perturb the balance of NADH/NAD⁺ in oxygen-free conditions, achieving photocatalytic therapy to cure anaerobic bacterial infected periodontitis. Under light irradiation, the catalyst TBSMSPy⁺ can bind bacterial DNA and initiate the generation of radical species through a multi-step electron transfer process. It catalyzes the conversion from NADH to NAD⁺ (the turnover frequency up to 60.7 min⁻¹), inhibits ATP synthesis, disrupts the energy supply required for DNA replication, and successfully accomplishes photocatalytic sterilization in an oxygen-free environment. The catalyst participates in the redox reaction, interfering with the balance of NADH/NAD⁺ contents under irradiation, so we termed this action as photoinduced redox imbalance. Additionally, animal experiments in male rats also validate that the TBSMSPy⁺ could effectively catalyze the NADH oxidation, suppress metabolism and stimulate osteogenesis. Our research substantiates the concept of photoinduced redox imbalance and the application of photocatalytic therapy, further advocating the development of such catalyst based on photoinduced redox imbalance strategy for oxygen-free phototherapy.