You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


Introduction
============

*Trollius chinensis* Bunge (Ranunculaceae) is a perennial herb widely distributed in northern China \[[@B1-molecules-15-07467]\]. Its flowers, known as Jinlianhua in China, have been used by Chinese people for a long time to treat respiratory infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and bronchitis \[[@B2-molecules-15-07467]\]. Phytochemical studies reported that these flowers mainly contain flavonoids such as vitexin, orientin, isoswertiajaponin and isoswertisin, phenolic acids such as veratric acid and proglobeflowery acid, as well as alkaloids such as trollisine, and some literature has demonstrated flavonoids and phenolic acids as their effective constituents \[[@B3-molecules-15-07467],[@B4-molecules-15-07467],[@B5-molecules-15-07467]\]. This paper deals with the isolation and structural elucidation of a new natural ceramide product named trolliamide, which was isolated as a chemical entity from this species for the first time.

Results and Discussion
======================

The compound was obtained as a white powder with the melting point of 116--118 °C. Its molecular formula was determined as C~42~H~83~NO~5~ by negative HRESIMS at *m/z* 680.6279 \[M-H\]^-^. On thin layer chromatography it was detected as a weak dark spot at 254 nm and a brown spot after spraying with 10% H~2~SO~4~. Its UV spectrum exhibited a strong peak at 243 nm, which is a characteristic band of amides. The IR spectrum demonstrated the existence of hydroxyl (3,215 cm^−1^), secondary amino (3,334 cm^−1^) and amide groups (1,622 cm^−1^) in addition to aliphatic chains (2,919 and 1,850 cm^−1^). All this evidence suggested that this compound is a ceramide, which was confirmed by its ^1^H- and ^13^C- NMR spectra. In the ^13^C NMR spectrum ([Table 1](#molecules-15-07467-t001){ref-type="table"}), the signals of three characteristic ceramide groups appeared at *δ* 175.2 (carbonyl), 52.9 (the carbon connecting the nitrogen atom), and 29.9 (the (CH~2~)~n~ signals). In the ^1^H-NMR spectrum ([Table 1](#molecules-15-07467-t001){ref-type="table"}), the strong (CH~2~)~n~ signals at *δ* 1.30 and two terminal methyl signals at *δ* 0.87 also confirmed the ceramidic nature of this compound.

molecules-15-07467-t001_Table 1

###### 

^1^H- and ^13^C-NMR spectral data (in C~5~D~5~N) of trolliamide.

  No.      ^1^H ^a)^*δ*, *J* in Hz                           ^13^C ^b)^ *δ*
  -------- ------------------------------------------------- ----------------
  1        4.48(1H, dd, 10.7, 6.7 )4.43(1H, dd, 10.7, 4.5)   62.0
  2        5.11(1H, m)                                       52.9
  3        4.61(1H, m)                                       76.8
  4        4.31(1H, m)                                       72.9
  5        2.00(2H, m)                                       33.8
  6        1.74(2H, m)                                       26.7
  7        2.16(2H, m)                                       33.3
  8        5.53(1H, m)                                       130.8
  9        5.53(1H, m)                                       130.7
  10       1.99(2H, m)                                       33.0
  11-15    1.30 -1.24                                        30.3-29.5
  16       1.30 -1.24                                        32.1
  17       1.30 -1.24                                        22.9
  18       0.87(3H, t, 6.0)                                  14.3
  1ʹ       \-                                                175.2
  2ʹ       4.35(1H, m)                                       72.4
  3ʹ       1.98(2H, m)                                       35.7
  4ʹ       1.76(2H, m)                                       25.8
  5ʹ-21ʹ   1.30-1.24                                         30.3-29.5
  22ʹ      1.30-1.24                                         32.1
  23ʹ      1.30-1.24                                         22.9
  24ʹ      0.87(3H, t, 6.0)                                  14.3
  NH       8.59(1H, d, 9.0)                                  

^a)^ 300 MHz; ^b)^ 75 MHz

The entire structure of this compound ([Figure 1](#molecules-15-07467-f001){ref-type="fig"}) was established by 1D and 2D NMR spectra in combination with the MS data. With the help of the HMQC spectrum, the ^1^H-NMR signal at *δ* 5.11(1H, m) was assignable to H-2, which correlated with signals at *δ* 4.48 (1H, dd, *J* = 10.7 Hz, 6.7 Hz, H-1), 4.43(1H, dd, *J* = 10.7 Hz, 4.5 Hz, H-1) and 4.61(1H, m, H-3) in the ^1^H-^1^H COSY spectrum. C-1 and C-3 were assigned to the signals at *δ* 62.0 and 76.8, respectively, on the basis of the HMQC spectrum. C-3 correlated with the signal at *δ* 4.31 (1H, m, H-4) in the HMBC spectrum, indicating C-3 and C-4 of chain A were hydroxylated. The C-2ʹ (*δ* 72.4) of chain B was also demonstrated to be hydroxylated from the correlation between the carbonyl signal at *δ* 175.2(C-1ʹ) and *δ* 4.35 (1H, m, H-2ʹ). Thus, the structural fragments were confirmed based on above information. The full composition of chains A and B was determined on the basis of fragmentation pattern in the EI-MS spectrum. In the EI-MS spectrum, the molecular ion peak at *m/z* 681 and a dehydrated molecular ion peak at *m/z* 663 also confirmed its molecular weight. In accordance with the literature \[[@B6-molecules-15-07467]\], the length of chains A and B was determined based on *m/z* 280 (the fragment ion of chain A after dehydration) and *m/z* 384 (the fragment ion of chain B after McLafferty rearrangement of its carbonyl). The ^13^C-NMR signals at *δ* 130.8 (C-8) and 130.7 (C-9) demonstrated the presence of a double bond in the molecule. This double bond was determined to be *trans* on the grounds of the allylic chemical shifts at *δ* 33.3(C-7) and 33.0 (C-10) \[[@B6-molecules-15-07467]\], and was located at C-8 and C-9 of chain A because of the HMBC correlation between H-6 \[*δ* 1.74 (2H, m)\] and C-8, as well as between H-4 and C-6 (*δ* 26.7). In summary, the structure was identified as 2-hydroxy-tetracosanoic acid (2,3-dihydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-heptadec-7-enyl)-amide. Although this compound was first discovered by Kraus when he analyzed the mixture of the extract of *Urtica dioica* through GC-MS \[[@B7-molecules-15-07467]\], as far as we know, it is the first time that this compound is isolated as the pure entity from plants.

![The structure of trolliamide.](molecules-15-07467-g001){#molecules-15-07467-f001}

Experimental
============

General
-------

The melting point was measured on an XT-4A digital melting point apparatus without correction. The IR spectrum (film) was recorded on a Thermo Nicolet Nexus 470 FT-IR spectrophotometer. The UV spectrum was obtained on a Varian Cary Eclipse 300 spectrophotometer using chloroform as the solvent. NMR spectra were determined on a JEOL JNM 300 spectrometer (at 300 MHz for ^1^H-NMR and 75 MHz for ^13^C-NMR) with the solvent as internal standard. HR-ESI-MS spectrum was measured on a Bruker APEX mass spectrometer. Silica gel (200--300 mesh) used in column chromatography was provided by Qingdao Marine Chemistry Co. Ltd. Analytical TLC was conducted on silica gel GF~254~ plates (manufactured by Merck) and preparative TLC was performed on self-made silica gel GF~60~ plates.

Plant Material
--------------

The flowers of *Trollius chinensis* were obtained from the Anguo Chinese crude drug market in Hebei Province of China, and authenticated by Dr. Rufeng Wang as flowers of the title plant. A voucher specimen was deposited in the herbarium of School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.

Extraction and Isolation
------------------------

The dried flowers of *T. chinensis* (2 kg) were extracted with 95% aqueous ethanol (20 L) under reflux, and the resulting solution was concentrated *in vacuo* to yield 331 g of crude extract. The crude extract was suspended in water (1 L), and petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and *n*-butanol (each 1 L × 3 times) were added successively to partition it into four parts, namely, petroleum ether (92 g), ethyl acetate (48 g), *n*-butanol (82 g) and water soluble (109 g) parts. The petroleum ether soluble part was subjected to silica gel column chromatography eluted with a petroleum ether-acetone gradient from 20:1 to 1:1 to afford fractions A to F, of which fraction C was further separated by silica gel column chromatography eluted with petroleum ether-acetone from 15:1 to 1:1 to yield subfractions C-1--C-9. Subfraction C-4 was separated by preparative TLC developed by petroleum ether-acetone 3:1 to yield the title compound (25 mg).

Trolliamide
-----------

White powder, mp116--118 °C; negative HRESIMS *m/z* 680.6279 \[M+H\]^-^ (calcd for C~42~H~82~NO~5~, 680.6271); EI-MS *m/z*: 681 (M)^+^, 663 (M-H~2~O)^+^, 456, 439, 408, 384, 356, 280, 262, 239, 185, 155, 139, 129, 125, 98, 97, 83, 60, 57; UV (CDCl~3~) λ~max~: 243 nm; IR (KBr) ν~max~: 3,334 (NH), 3,215 (OH), 2,919, 2,850 (CH), 1,622 (C=O), 1,545, 1,467 (-CH=CH-), 1.357, 1.271, 1.067, 1.021, 964, 723 cm^−1^;^1^H- and ^13^C-NMR(C~5~D~5~N), see [Table 1](#molecules-15-07467-t001){ref-type="table"}.

Conclusions
===========

In summary, this compound is identified as the structure described above by its spectral data including UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR. This is the first time that a ceramide is isolated and identified from *Trollius chinensis* Bunge, which may be in favor of the advanced research and development of this traditional herbal drug.

This work was supported by NSFC (No. 81073018), Free Topic Project of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (No. 522/0100600091), and National Scientific and Technological Major Special Project of China (No. 2009ZX09313-008).

*Sample Availability:* Sample of the compound 2-hydroxy-tetracosanoic acid(2,3-dihydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-heptadec-7-enyl)-amide is available from the authors.