Gels formed via metal–ligand coordination typically have very low branch functionality, f, as they consist of ∼2–3 polymer chains linked to single metal ions that serve as junctions. Thus, these materials are very soft and unable to withstand network defects such as dangling ends and loops. We report here a new class of gels assembled from polymeric ligands and metal-organic cages (MOCs) as junctions. The resulting ‘polyMOC’ gels are precisely tunable and may feature increased branch functionality. We show two examples of such polyMOCs: a gel with a low f based on a M2L4 paddlewheel cluster junction and a compositionally isomeric one of higher f based on a M12L24 cage. The latter features large shear moduli, but also a very large number of elastically inactive loop defects that we subsequently exchanged for functional ligands, with no impact on the gel's shear modulus. Such a ligand substitution is not possible in gels of low f, including the M2L4-based polyMOC.

Recent research suggests that strength-based parenting-the tendency for parents to see and encourage children to use their strengths-relates to lower stress and higher life satisfaction in adolescents. The current study tests whether strength-based parenting, in conjunction with a teenager's strengths use, influences the teenager's subjective wellbeing, and whether a growth mindset moderates the relationship between strength-based parenting and strengths use. Three hundred and sixty three adolescents (M age = 13.74, 51% female) completed questionnaire measures of strength-based parenting, strengths use, subjective wellbeing (life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect), Extraversion, Neuroticism, and two aspects of growth mindset. A hierarchical regression using latent variables found that strengths use and strength-based parenting were both significant independent predictors of subjective wellbeing, over and above the effects of extraversion and neuroticism. A mediation analysis found that strengths use partially mediated the relationship between strength-based parenting and subjective wellbeing. Finally, a novel measure of strengths mindset significantly moderated the relationship between strength-based parenting and strengths use. These results suggest that adolescents who see their parents as strength-based report greater strengths use (especially when they have a growth mindset about their strengths) and greater subjective wellbeing.

Covalent conjugation of water-soluble polymers to proteins is critical for evading immune surveillance in the field of biopharmaceuticals. The most common and long-standing polymer modification is the attachment of methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG), termed PEGylation, which has led to several clinically approved pharmaceuticals. Recent data indicate that brush-type polymers significantly enhance in vitro and in vivo properties. Herein, the polymer conformation of poly-(ethylene glycol) is detailed and compared with those of water-soluble polyacrylate and polynorbornene (PNB) when attached to icosahedral virus-like particles. Small-angle neutron scattering reveals vastly different polymer conformations of the multivalent conjugates. Immune recognition of conjugated particles was evaluated versus PEGylated particles, and PNB conjugation demonstrated the most effective shielding from antibody recognition.