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Statistics has played an increasingly important role in applied linguistics research. However, little research has been available that sheds light on statistical literacy among early‐career researchers of applied linguistics. The study reported in this article surveyed statistical literacy, attitudes toward statistics, and statistics self‐efficacy among Chinese applied linguistics research students and further examined the inter‐variable relationships. Based on analyses of the cross‐sectional survey of 211 master's students, we found that: (1) the students' overall statistical literacy was not satisfying; (2) although they thought positively of statistics, they were not particularly confident with statistics; (3) the three experience‐related variables—the number of statistics courses taken, quantitative research orientation, and self‐training—were important predictors of statistical literacy, attitudes toward statistics, and statistics self‐efficacy; and (4) statistics self‐efficacy seemed to mediate the relationship between attitudes toward statistics and statistical literacy. We discussed these findings in relation to improving statistics courses in applied linguistics program in China and to statistics learning and teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new research task, suggestion mining increasingly gained attention in recent years. However, it is still open and challenging due to complex semantics, large diversity of domains, and the absence of large labeled and balanced datasets. More importantly, most of the research is focused on English in-domain suggestion mining. But as compared to English, Chinese suggestion has more abundant expression forms, showing many different characteristics, so it is the necessity to carry out suggestions mining research in Chinese environment. In this work, the performances of several classification models for Chinese suggestion mining were compared. Firstly, a Chinese suggestion mining corpus was constructed for open domain, and then trained several models for the suggestion mining, which included both traditional machine learning models (feature engineering-based models) and deep learning models. Our results demonstrated that these models can successfully classify Chinese sentences into two classes: suggestion and non-suggestion. The results of this study can guide future research in Chinese open domain suggestion mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We establish the local-in-time existence of a solution to the non-resistive magneto-micropolar fluids with the initial data u0 ∈ Hs−1+ε, w0 ∈ Hs−1 and b0 ∈ Hs for s > 3 2 and any 0 < ε < 1. The initial regularity of the micro-rotational velocity w is weaker than velocity of the fluid u. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) alone does not improve overall survival (OS) in recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). The angiopoiein (Ang)-TIE2 system may play a role in tumor survival under VEGF inhibition. We conducted a phase 2, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of bevacizumab plus trebananib (a novel Fc fusion protein that sequesters Ang1/Ang2) over bevacizumab alone in rGBM.Methods: Patients ≥18 years of age with a Karnofsky performance status ≥70 and GBM or variants in first or second relapse were randomized to bevacizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks plus trebananib 15 mg/kg every week or bevacizumab plus placebo. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS).Results: After an initial 6-patient lead-in cohort confirmed the safety of combining bevacizumab and trebananib, 115 eligible patients were randomized to the control (n = 58) or experimental treatment (n = 57). In the control arm, 6-month PFS was 41.1%, median survival time was 11.5 months (95% CI, 8.4-14.2 months), median PFS was 4.8 months (95% CI, 3.8-7.1 months), and radiographic response (RR) was 5.9%. In the experimental arm, 6-month PFS was 22.6%, median survival time was 7.5 months (95% CI, 6.8-10.1 months), median PFS was 4.2 months (95% CI, 3.7-5.6 months), and RR was 4.2%. The rate of severe toxicities was not significantly different between arms.Conclusion: The combination of bevacizumab and trebananib was well tolerated but did not significantly improve 6-month PFS rate, PFS, or OS for patients with rGBM over bevacizumab alone. The shorter PFS in the experimental arm with a hazard ratio of 1.51 (P = .04) suggests that the addition of trebananib to bevacizumab is detrimental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the three–dimensional full compressible Navier–Stokes system with density–temperature–dependent viscosities in smooth bounded domains. For the case when the velocity u and absolute temperature θ admit the Dirichlet boundary condition, the strong solutions exist globally in time provided that ‖ ∇ u 0 ‖ L 2 2 + ‖ ∇ θ 0 ‖ L 2 2 is suitably small. Through some time–weighted a priori estimates, the main difficulties caused by the density–temperature–dependent viscosities and the bounded domain are overcome. Moreover, the time–uniform upper bounds for the L p –norm of the gradient of the density are obtained, which is of independent interest for compressible fluids when initial vacuum is allowed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, lithium ions inserted crystalline carbon nitrides (LCCN) with different defect concentrations are prepared by elaborately regulating the mass transfer process in thermal polymerization. It is revealed that there is no conventional exciton–polarons‐induced exciton dissociation mechanism in LCCN due to the weak coupling between excitons and phonons. On the contrary, excitons continue to trap/detrap through defect‐induced traps, which weakens the Coulomb force between electron–hole pairs, thereby accelerating exciton dissociation. It is worth emphasizing that this is the first systematic research on the exciton dissociation characteristics and photocatalytic activity of LCCN of poly(heptazine imide) structure. A strategy of assisting exciton dissociation through defect‐induced traps to address the inherently high exciton binding energy and low exciton dissociation efficiency issues in polymer photocatalysts is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-resolution insight on the continental chemical weathering during the Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE). • Four continental chemical weathering peaks identified from the CIA* and kaolinite values. • Enhanced weathering increased nutrients input and primary production in the lake and triggered the dysoxic conditions during the CPE. • Volcanism driving climatic perturbations led to enhanced continental chemical weathering during the CPE. The arid climate of the Late Triassic was interrupted by a particularly humid episode known as the Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE; ca. 234–232 million years ago). The CPE is often linked to eruptions in the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province (LIP), and is assumed to have led to global warming, enhanced weathering, water deoxygenation, and biotic changes. However, direct evidence for a temporal link between volcanic activity and chemical weathering has not yet been established due to the lack of comprehensive records across the CPE. In this study, geochemical and mineralogical analyses are applied to a lacustrine stratigraphic succession of the Jiyuan Basin (North China) that captures the CPE in high resolution. We identify four distinct pulses of enhanced continental chemical weathering characterized by elevated Chemical Index of Alteration values and kaolinite contents. These peaks in continental weathering coincide with Hg/TOC enrichments and negative organic carbon isotope excursions that mark four short (∼400 kyr) but intense pulses of Wrangellia LIP volcanism. In combination with signs of increased humidity, our findings provide direct and independent evidence that Wrangellia LIP eruptions significantly altered CPE chemical weathering rates in response to global warming and wetting. The lake experienced eutrophication and water deoxygenation after each volcanic pulse but the swift recovery of carbon isotopes suggests that the system rapidly returned to conditions prior to the volcanic perturbation. Organic carbon burial facilitated by widespread dysoxic and anoxic waters, and CO 2 consumption via enhanced weathering likely played crucial roles in the rapid climatic recovery after each volcanic pulse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To validate whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after neoadjuvant androgen suppression (neoAS) is associated with long-term outcome after neoAS and external beam radiation therapy (RT) with concurrent short-term androgen suppression (AS) in patients with prostate cancer.Methods and Materials: This study included 2404 patients. The patients were treated with neoAS before RT and concurrent AS (without post-RT AS) and were pooled from NRG Oncology/RTOG trials 9202, 9408, 9413, and 9910. Multivariable models were used to test associations between the prespecified dichotomized post-neoAS, pre-RT PSA level (≤0.1 vs >0.1 ng/mL) groupings, and clinical outcomes.Results: The median follow-up for surviving patients was 9.4 years. The median post-neoAS, pre-RT PSA level was 0.3 ng/mL, with 32% of patients having levels ≤0.1 ng/mL. Race, Gleason score, tumor stage, node stage, pretreatment PSA level, and duration of neoAS were associated with the groups of patients with PSA levels ≤0.1 and >0.1 ng/mL. In univariate analyses, post-neoAS, pre-RT PSA level >0.1 ng/mL was associated with increased risks of biochemical failure (hazard ratio [HR], 2.04; P < .0001); local failure (HR, 2.51; P < .0001); distant metastases (HR, 1.73; P = .0006); cause-specific mortality (HR, 2.36; P < .0001); and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.24; P = .005). In multivariable models that also included baseline and treatment variables, post-neoAS, pre-RT PSA level >0.1 ng/mL was independently associated with increased risk of biochemical failure (HR, 2.00; P < .0001); local failure (HR, 2.33; P < .0001); and cause-specific mortality (HR, 1.75; P = .03).Conclusions: Patients with a PSA level >0.1 ng/mL after neoAS and before the start of RT had less favorable clinical outcomes than patients whose PSA level was ≤0.1 ng/mL. The role of post-neoAS, pre-RT PSA level relative to PSA levels obtained along the continuum of medical care is not presently defined but could be tested in future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Porous Fe2O3 nanostructures were synthesized through electrospinning of Fe (NO3)3/polyvinylpyrrolidone followed by calcination in air. The morphology of the resultant Fe2O3 was tuned by changing the ratio between Fe (NO3)3 and the polymer matrix. The performance of these nanostructures as counter electrodes in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was investigated. It was found that nanotubes exhibit significantly higher catalytic efficiency toward reducing I−/I3− electrolytes than nanorods and nanobelts, showing a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 4.0%, also superior to a range of transition metal oxides. Furthermore, the nanotube‐based counter electrode showed lower resistance than other Fe2O3 nanostructures. These results were attributed to the high specific surface area (90.2 m2 g−1) of the nanotubes, which provides a large reaction site and can promote the charge transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The low cost and ease of mass production make Fe2O3 nanotube a promising candidate to replace Pt as the counter electrode in DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Various carbon-based materials with tunable porous structure, high surface area and good conductivity were widely used in energy storage devices. In this work, porous carbon nanosheets/particle composites were pyrolyzed directly from abundant and inexpensive waste litchi shell via a simple KOH activation method. High specific capacitance of 222.0 F g−1 at current density of 0.1 A/g and excellent rate performance were obtained when the prepared porous carbon nanosheets/particle composites served as supercapacitor electrode. In addition, the composites material exhibits favorable cycling stability of 97.3% after 5000 cycles at current density of 1 A/g, suggesting the promising application for high-performance supercapacitors. The presented method may provide an easy, economical and scalable strategy in synthesizing of 2D based carbon materials derived from biomass for energy storage devices. Highlights • Porous carbon nanosheets/particle composite was prepared by KOH activating method. • Cheap and abundant waste litchi shell was employed as the carbon source. • Promising capacitance of 222.0 F g−1 can be obtained at current density of 0.1 A/g. • Favorable cycling stability of 97.3% after 5000 cycles at current density of 1 A/g was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the global well-posedness of strong and classical solutions for the 3D nonhomogeneous incompressible micropolar equations with vacuum. We prove that the problem (1.1)–(1.5) has a unique global strong/classical solution (ρ , u , w) , provided μ 1 is sufficiently large, or ∥ ρ 0 ∥ L ∞ or ∥ ρ 0 1 / 2 u 0 ∥ L 2 2 + ∥ ρ 0 1 / 2 w 0 ∥ L 2 2 is small enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, we consider the initial boundary value problem for the one-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations for viscous compressible and heat-conducting fluids in a bounded domain with the Robin boundary condition on temperature. There are few results until now about global existence of regular solutions to the full Navier–Stokes equations with the Robin boundary condition on temperature. By the analysis of the effect of boundary dissipation, we derive the global existence of classical solution to the corresponding initial boundary value problem with large initial data and vacuum. This result could be viewed as the first one on the global well-posedness of classical solutions to the full Navier–Stokes equations in a bounded domain with the Robin boundary condition on temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Only retrospective data are available for low-dose-rate (LDR) salvage prostate brachytherapy for local recurrence after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). The primary objective of this prospective phase 2 trial (NCT00450411) was to evaluate late gastrointestinal and genitourinary adverse events (AEs) after salvage LDR brachytherapy.Methods and Materials: Eligible patients had low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer before EBRT and biopsy-proven recurrence >30 months after EBRT, with prostate-specific antigen levels <10 ng/mL and no regional/distant disease. The primary endpoint was grade 3 or higher late treatment-related gastrointestinal or genitourinary AEs occurring 9 to 24 months after brachytherapy. These AEs were projected to be ≤10%, with ≥20% considered unacceptable. All events were graded with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Multivariate analyses investigated associations of pretreatment or treatment variables with AEs.Results: One hundred patients from 20 centers were registered from May 2007 to January 2014. The 92 analyzable patients had a median follow-up of 54 months (range, 4-97) and a median age of 70 years (interquartile range [IQR], 65-74). The initial Gleason score was 7 in 48% of patients. The median dose of EBRT was 74 Gy (IQR, 70-76) at a median interval of 85 months previously (IQR, 60-119). Only 16% had androgen deprivation at study entry. Twelve patients (14%) had late grade 3 gastrointestinal/genitourinary AEs, with no treatment-related grade 4 or 5 AEs. No pretreatment variable predicted late AEs, including prior EBRT dose and elapsed interval. Higher V100 (percentage of prostate enclosed by prescription isodose) predicted both occurrence of late AEs (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.52; P = .03) and earlier time to first occurrence (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.34; P = .02).Conclusions: This prospective multicenter trial reports outcomes of salvage LDR brachytherapy for post-EBRT recurrence. The rate of late grade 3 AEs did not exceed the unacceptable threshold. The only factor predictive of late AEs was implant dosimetry reflected by V100. Efficacy outcomes will be reported at a minimum of 5-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphic abstract This work presents a facile and efficient one-pot melting-assisted and solvent-free method to prepare low-cost N-rich polymer SFRH. Furthermore, the polymer derived N-enriched porous carbon could be used for highly selective mixed-gas separation, CO 2 storage and PSA. Highlight • Facile one-pot and solvent-free method to preparation. • N-doped porous carbons. • Outstanding gas mixture selectivity. • Excellent pressure/vacuum swing adsorption (P/VSA) working capacity. • 10-fold scaled up production. Abstract A facile one-pot melting-assisted and solvent-free method was successfully developed for the first time for preparing nitrogen-containing polymers. Followed by activation at temperatures ranging from 600 to 800 °C led to the formation of N-rich microporous carbons possessing narrow pore size distribution (ca. 0.5–3 nm), high specific surface area (ca. 1021.4–3657.0 m2 g−1), large pore volume (ca. 0.43–2.00 cm3 g−1) and high nitrogen content (ca. up to 5.11 wt%). Particularly, the porous carbons exhibited outstanding CO 2 adsorption capacity of 2.65 and 7.38 mmol g−1 at 273 K and 0.15 and 1 bar, respectively; meanwhile, it also exhibited extremely large CO 2 storage capacity of 22.06 mmol g−1 at 298 K and 20 bar. Moreover, the outstanding CO 2 /N 2 , CO 2 /CH 4 and CH 4 /N 2 selectivity up to 36.5, 6.9 and 5.1 at 298 K and 1 bar were achieved. The determinant factors on CO 2 capture at 0.15, 1 and 20 bar were carefully investigated. Furthermore, this method could be 10-fold scaled up to produce almost identical high-performance carbons. For real-world applications, pressure/vacuum swing adsorption (P/VSA) working capacity, gas-mixture transit breakthrough experiment, and recycle feasibility are evaluated. Thus, these novel materials are promising candidates for CO 2 capture from dilute gas mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper is concerned with the 3D nonhomogeneous incompressible magneto-micropolar equations with density-dependent viscosity and vacuum in smooth bounded domains. We prove that the system has a unique global smooth solution under the assumption that the initial energy is suitably small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A novel robust phosphate-functionalized metal-organic framework material ZU-801 with one-dimensional pore channels embellished by phosphate anions and methyl functional groups for the efficient capture of low concentrations of SO 2. • A novel robust phosphate-functionalized MOF is designed for SO 2 capture. • The tailored pore sizes and chemical environment for the capture of low concentrations of SO 2. • Ultrahigh selectivity of SO 2 /CO 2 (1 4 5) and SO 2 /N 2 (>1 × 104). • Excellent practical SO 2 capture ability even at 383 K or in humid environments. The need to decrease environmental pollution, reduce energy consumption and produce high-purity chemicals has become an increasingly important driving force for sulfur dioxide (SO 2) capture. The efficient capture of low concentrations of SO 2 , a highly corrosive acid gas that is not typically present in high concentrations in industrial settings, is a major challenge. Herein, a novel phosphate-functionalized metal–organic framework, ZU-801, is designed with precisely controlled pore sizes and chemical environment to achieve excellent adsorption capacity for SO 2 (1.44 mmol g−1 at 0.002 bar, 2.00 mmol g−1 at 0.01 bar) and high IAST selectivities for SO 2 /CO 2 (1 4 5), which provides great potential for selective capture of SO 2. ZU-801 shows excellent stability to air, water, SO 2 , strong acid and strong base solutions, and it is thermally stable up to 733 K. Additionally, ZU-801 exhibits outstanding separation ability in removing SO 2 from SO 2 /CO 2 mixtures at temperature as high as 383 K or in humid environments. This work demonstrates the potential of designing ion-functionalized ultramicroporous materials with tailored pore sizes and porous chemical environments for efficient capture and separation of SO 2 and sheds light on designing stable high-performance materials that operate at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is notably challenging to fabricate controllable heteroatom-doped porous carbons for both highly effective mixed-gas separation and supercapacitor electrodes. In this work, novel algae-derived nitrogen-containing porous carbons were prepared as bifunctional materials. The pore structure of obtained carbons could be easily tailored by altering activation temperature or porogen/biomass ratio. The as-prepared porous carbon has a very high specific surface area of 1538.7 m 2  g −1 and a large pore volume of 0.99 cm 3  g −1 with a high N content of 2.77 wt%. As a solid-state adsorbent, the algae-derived carbon has an excellent CO 2 adsorption capacity of 5.7 and 3.9 mmol g −1 at 273 and 298 K, respectively. The extraordinarily high CO 2 /N 2 , CO 2 /CH 4 , and CH 4 /N 2 selectivity are demonstrated by the ideal adsorption solution theory (IAST) calculation and dynamic adsorption breakthrough experiments. As an electroactive material, the porous carbon exhibits outstanding capacitive performance in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, with the specific capacitance of 287.7 and 190.0 F g −1 at 0.2 A g −1 in a three- and two-electrode system, respectively. Furthermore, the obtained carbon shows outstanding rate capability of 79.3% at 10 A g −1 and unprecedented cycling stability with 98% capacitance retention at 10 A g −1 after 8000 cycles as coin cell. This report introduces a biomass-derived and low-cost pathway to design porous carbon materials for efficient solid adsorbents and supercapacitive electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the 3D incompressible nematic liquid crystal equations in smooth bounded domains, where the velocity u and macroscopic molecular orientation d admit the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary condition respectively. Global-in-time strong solution is proved to exist when the basic energy is suitably small. The initial vacuum is allowed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the 3D incompressible MHD equations with density-dependent viscosity in smooth bounded domains. Through time-weighted a priori estimates, the global existence of strong solutions is established under the assumption that the initial energy is suitably small. This generalizes previous results for the 3D Navier–Stokes equations in Huang and Wang (2015) and Zhang (2015), which need ‖ ∇ u 0 ‖ L 2 to be small. The initial vacuum is allowed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with the long time behavior for the compressible micropolar fluids with a potential external force in R 3 . Under the smallness assumption on both the initial perturbation and the external force in some Sobolev spaces, the optimal convergence rates of the solution and its first order derivative in L 2 -norm are obtained when the initial perturbation is bounded in L 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The ship hull surface can be reconstructed using the RBF neural network to map the scattered points cloud. • The RBF neural network model for surface fitting can transform into the NURBS surface form, satisfying the actual engineering requirements of CAD systems. • The RBF neural network has better anti-noise performance in the surface reconstruction. • The RBF neural network has strong ability in the surface hole repairment. The ship hull surface reconstruction based on three-dimensional scattered points cloud is vital to Computer-Aided Design modeling of ship reverse engineering. There are several problems with traditional methods: the preprocessing of a large-scale scattered points cloud is complicated, and the result is susceptible to noise. Because of the "black box" characteristic, the surface reconstruction based on neural networks cannot apply to the practical engineering. To address these issues, combining the Radial Basis Function neural network and Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline interpolation algorithm, a new ship hull surface reconstruction method was proposed, which can satisfy the standard geometric model description in Computer-Aided Design system. Firstly, the Radial Basis Function neural network was used to pre-fit the three-dimensional scattered points cloud. Then the mathematical model of the surface was mapped. Finally, based on the bilinear interpolation algorithm, the mathematical model was transformed to a Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline surface to apply to the ship practical engineering. In addition, by comparing our method with the traditional method, the advantages of our method in surface reconstruction quality and surface repair ability were verified, which provided a new way for the application of Radial Basis Function neural network in ship reverse engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis C virus ( HCV) induces a high rate of chronic infection via dysregulation of host immunity. We have previously shown that T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein-3 (Tim-3) is up-regulated on monocyte/macrophages (M/M φ) during chronic HCV infection; little is known, however, about the transcription factor that controls its expression in these cells. In this study, we investigated the role of transcription factor, T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), in Tim-3 expression in M/M φ in the setting of HCV infection. We demonstrate that T-bet is constitutively expressed in resting CD14+ M/M φ in the peripheral blood. M/M φ from chronically HCV-infected individuals exhibit a significant increase in T-bet expression that positively correlates with an increased level of Tim-3 expression. Up-regulation of T-bet is also observed in CD14+ M/M φ incubated with HCV+ Huh7.5 cells, as well as in primary M/M φ or monocytic THP-1 cells exposed to HCV core protein in vitro, which is reversible by blocking HCV core/ gC1qR interactions. Moreover, the HCV core-induced up-regulation of T-bet and Tim-3 expression in M/M φ can be abrogated by incubating the cells with SP600125 - an inhibitor for the c-Jun N-terminal kinase ( JNK) signalling pathway. Importantly, silencing T-bet gene expression decreases Tim-3 expression and enhances interleukin-12 secretion as well as signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 phosphorylation. These data suggest that T-bet, induced by the HCV core/ gC1qR interaction, enhances Tim-3 expression via the JNK pathway, leading to dampened M/M φ function during HCV infection. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for Tim-3 regulation via T-bet during HCV infection, providing new targets to combat this global epidemic viral disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breakup of Pangaea and the rapid opening of the Ligurian and Central Atlantic oceans during the Middle Jurassic resulted in widespread volcanism accompanied by significant shifts in global environments, climates, and floras. Although major volcanism is a plausible driver of such global changes, linking these phenomena in the Middle Jurassic is hindered by a lack of detailed sedimentary records from which to evaluate cause and effect. Here, we link Middle Jurassic environmental, climatic, and floral changes with volcanism using records from the Dameigou section of the Qaidam Basin on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. High-resolution chemostratigraphic (δ13C org patterns) and biostratigraphic (palynological fossils) data reveal three negative organic carbon isotope excursions (NCIE) at the Aalenian-Bajocian boundary, the Bajocian-Bathonian boundary, and in the middle of the Callovian, respectively. The first two NCIEs (NCIE-I and NCIE-II) were accompanied by relatively warm and humid climatic conditions and coal accumulation. In contrast, the third NCIE (NCIE-III) was accompanied by warm but dry climatic conditions, a decrease in coal accumulation, a decline in plant diversity, the significant decline in fern spore diversity and abundance, and a rapid increase in the abundance of Classopolli s pollen (based on petrological, palynological, PCA, Hydrophyte/Xerophyte ratio, and nMDS data). Four sedimentary mercury anomalies (Hg/Al 2 O 3 spikes) have temporal coincidence with the three NCIEs and climate warming events, suggesting a volcanic origin for these. We suggest that volcanism was a key driver of Middle Jurassic change, with major pulses releasing large amounts of CO 2 and Hg into the atmosphere, resulting in Hg loading, NCIEs, climatic warming, and floral changes in terrestrial strata. Our multi-proxy study provides new insights into the links between volcanism and terrestrial environmental, climatic, and floral changes during the Middle Jurassic. • Middle Juarssic terrestrial environmental and floral record from Qaidam Basin. • Negative δ13C org excursions and Hg peaks identify middle Jurassic volcanism. • Negative δ13C org excursions, climatic warming, and floral changes correspond to volcanism. • Volcanism important driver for changes in terrestrial environment, climate and flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Permian-Triassic Mass Extinction (ca. 252 Ma; PTME) is the most severe biocrisis of the Phanerozoic in both the oceans and on land. The crisis saw the collapse of terrestrial ecosystems in low, mid and high latitudes. Although terrestrial plant losses have been implicated as a driver of concurrent changes in terrestrial sedimentary environments and facies (e.g., fluvial style and/or grain size), the relationship between extinction and environmental change in the North China Plate (NCP) remains uncertain due to a paucity of plant macrofossils. We explore the relationship between terrestrial environments and changes in plant communities using a combination of sedimentology, palynology, geochemistry, mineralogy and charcoal data from a terrestrial succession in the Yiyang Coalfield located in the southern NCP. Our multiproxy approach places the end-Permian Terrestrial Collapse (EPTC) at the base of bed 20, below the level of the main (marine) PTME at the top of bed 21. The EPTC manifested as a rapid loss of vegetation accompanied by climatic warming and frequent wildfires. The main PTME was accompanied by warming, spikes in the Chemical Index of Alteration (corrected CIA, CIA*) and sedimentary Ni (Ni/Al) concentrations, and a transition from arid floodplain to fluvial facies in the sedimentary record. Our results reveal a rapid increase in charcoal content, rapid decline of spore-pollen content, disappearance of plant macro-fossils, rapid decline in TOC content, the onset of a negative δ13C org excursion, and a shift in lithology from grayish-green sandstone and mudstone to purplish-red mudstone, suggesting that wildfires induced by global warming during the early eruption phase of the Siberian Traps Large Igneous Province triggered terrestrial ecosystem collapse in the NCP prior to the PTME. Plant extinctions during the EPTC were accompanied by changes in sedimentology and environment, but there was no abrupt change in fluvial styles. Temporal coincidence suggests that shifts in end-Permian terrestrial ecosystems toward those tolerant of warmer and more environmentally stressed environments were driven by concurrent Siberian Traps volcanism. • Lithology and palynology records of end-Permian terrestrial ecosystem collapse • End-Permian terrestrial ecosystem collapse occurs in the Sunjiagou Formation. • No abrupt fluvial style transition accompanies end-Permian terrestrial collapse. • End-Permian terrestrial collapse predates marine Permian-Triassic mass extinctions. • Two short-duration humid episodes interrupted long-term arid to semi-arid climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with density-dependent viscosity in a smooth bounded domain. The global well-posedness of strong solutions is established for the case when the bound of density is suitably small, or when the total mass is small with large oscillations. The vacuum is allowed in both cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper primarily studies the large-time behavior of solutions to the Cauchy problem on the compressible micropolar fluid system which is a generalization of the classical Navier–Stokes system. The asymptotic stability of the steady state with the strictly positive constant density, the vanishing velocity, and micro-rotational velocity is established under small perturbation in regular Sobolev space. Moreover, it turns out that both the density and the velocity tend time-asymptotically to the corresponding equilibrium state with rate ( 1 + t ) − 3 / 4 in L 2 and the micro-rotational velocity also tends to the equilibrium state with the faster rate ( 1 + t ) − 5 / 4 in L 2 norm. The proof is based on the spectrum analysis and time-weighted energy estimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si/Ni 3 Si-encapulated carbon nanofiber composites are synthesized by a facile one-pot electrospinning method and employed as three-dimensional network structured anode materials for lithium ion batteries. It is demonstrated that the composite exhibited increased cycling performance with a reversible capacity of 1132.4 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles, which is 45% higher compared to the bare Si. The improved battery performance is attributed to the alloying of Si with Ni, which could effectively alleviate the volume expansion during lithium insertion/extraction. In addition, the formation of one dimensional nanofiber in which Si/Ni 3 Si nanoparticles are well distributed not only increases the electronic conductivity, but also enhances the mechanical strength of the electrodes, resulting in increased cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we prove the global regularity to the 3D nonhomogeneous incompressible magnetohydrodynamic equations. Let ϱ 0 , m 0 and H 0 be the initial density, momentum and magnetic field, respectively. We establish a unique strong solution on R 3 × ( 0 , T ) for any 0 < T < ∞ under the assumption that the viscosity coefficient μ > 0 is sufficiently large, or ‖ | m 0 | 2 / ϱ 0 ‖ L 1 2 + ‖ H 0 ‖ L 2 2 or ‖ ∇ u 0 ‖ L 2 2 + ‖ H 0 ‖ H 1 2 is small enough. Moreover, if the given data are more regular and satisfy an additional compatibility condition for the existence of strong solution, then we show that the strong solution is indeed a classical one. Moreover, the weak–strong uniqueness of solutions is also obtained, which generalizes the result in [13] to the case of vacuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing use of integrated tasks in English as a Foreign language (EFL) academic contexts, few attempts have been made to develop reliable and valid instruments to measure integrated writing self-efficacy. To address this research gap, this study developed and validated a scale of self-efficacy for L2 reading-to-write tasks in an EFL academic context. Three dimensions were posited to underlie the construct of L2 reading-to-write self-efficacy (L2RWSE), including self-regulation efficacy, discourse synthesis self-efficacy, and writing conventions self-efficacy. This theoretical underpinning informed the development of the L2RWSE scale. A series of three studies were conducted to interrogate the validity of the scale, involving a total of 1414 participants. Findings from the first two studies, based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis respectively, supported our hypothesis that the scale consisted of the three dimensions. Results of multigroup CFA indicated that the scale functioned equivalently on two groups of participants from key and non-key universities. Findings from Study 3 demonstrated that students' L2RWSE had significant predictive effects on their performance on an integrated reading-to-write task. While shedding light on the construct of L2 integrated writing self-efficacy, the study has important implications for integrated writing assessment and pedagogy. • L2 reading-to-write self-efficacy (L2RWSE) was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. • A 19-item L2RWSE scale was developed and validated involving 1404 EFL student writers. • Students' L2RWSE significantly predicted their performance on a reading-to-write task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the global existence of classical solutions to the three-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes equations with a density-dependent viscosity coefficient (λ = λ(ρ)). For the general initial data, which could be either vacuum or non-vacuum, we prove the global existence of classical solutions, under the assumption that the viscosity coefficient μ is large enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Substantial investment in electronic health records ( EHRs) has provided an unprecedented opportunity to use clinical decision support ( CDS) to increase guideline adherence. To inform efforts to maximize adoption, we characterized the adoption of an otitis media ( OM) CDS system, the impact of performance feedback on adoption, and the effects of adoption on guideline adherence. Study Setting A total of 41,391 OM visits with 108 clinicians at 16 pediatric practices between February 2009 and August 2010. Study Design Prospective cohort study of EHR-based CDS adoption during OM visits, comparing clinicians receiving performance feedback to none. CDS was available to all physicians; use was voluntary. Data Collection Extraction from a common EHR. Principal Findings Clinicians and practices used the CDS system for a mean of 21 percent (range: 0-85 percent) and 17 percent (0-51 percent) of eligible OM visits, respectively. Clinicians who received performance feedback reports summarizing CDS use and guideline adherence had a relative increase in CDS use of 9.0 percentage points compared to others ( p = .001). CDS adoption was associated with increased OM guideline adherence. Effects were greatest among clinicians with the lowest adherence prior to the study. Conclusions Performance feedback increased CDS adoption, but additional strategies are needed to integrate CDS into primary care workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper focuses on a novel method of developing one-sample confidence bands for survival functions from right censored data. The approach is model-based, relying on a parametric model for the conditional expectation of the censoring indicator given the observed minimum, and derives its strength from easy access to a good-fitting model among a plethora of choices available for binary response data. The substantive methodological contribution is in exploiting a semiparametric estimator of the survival function to produce improved simultaneous confidence bands. To obtain critical values for computing the confidence bands, a two-stage bootstrap approach that combines the classical bootstrap with the more recent model-based regeneration of censoring indicators is proposed and a justification of its asymptotic validity is also provided. Several different confidence bands are studied using the proposed approach. Numerical studies, including robustness of the proposed bands to misspecification, are carried out to check efficacy. The method is illustrated using two lung cancer data sets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: SnSb–Ag/Carbon nanonube (CNT) composites materials are synthesised using chemical reduction methods. The microstructure, morphologies and electrochemical properties of these materials are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), constant current charge/discharge tests and cyclic voltammetry tests. The results indicate that Ag promotes the entire charge–discharge process during the complex multi-step reaction process and, to some extent, prevent the reunion of nanoparticles. At the same time, CNTs, with a large space volume and form a network structure, prevent particles aggregation and increase the buffer space between the alloy particles, which greatly reduce the diffusion distance of lithium ions and the occurrence of lithium trapping in the active electrode materials. CNTs also have excellent mechanical properties and toughness, they effectively buffer enormous stresses during the volume expansion of alloy particles, weakening the forces between the particles and reducing the rate of formation of powder particles. All these factors cause the SnSbAg0.1/6% CNT composites exhibit excellent cycle life by controlling the lithiation of the anode material; the reversible capacity for the 50th cycle is 639.6 mAh g−1 between 0.05 and 1.5 V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The electronic structures of a LiFePO4 (010) surface adsorbed with C are studied by a first-principles method based on DFT. The results show that the system is more stable when the LiFePO4 (010) surface is cut through Li atoms. PDOS analysis shows that the electronic structure of atoms in the sub-surface is similar to that of atoms in the bulk. The unpaired electrons in Fe-d orbital play a key role in the changes in the microelectronic structure; these changes lower the band gap and generate new bands that favor the transfer of electrons. Atom C reacts with Fe by chemisorptions when C is adsorbed on the outermost layer. Therefore, the materials may have better electrochemical properties by the improvement of diffusion of both electrons and Li ions when limiting the crystal growth with C coating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A molecular dynamics simulation method was used to study the effects of the microstructure on the solidification process of different cooling rates in the MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass–ceramics with cordierite as the main crystalline phase. The reasons for changes in the microstructure during the solidification process were analysed by the radial distribution function curve, the bond angular distribution, the coordination number and the volume changes. The results showed that the cooling rate greatly affected the crystallisation process and the glass transition process. When the cooling rate was too fast, the atoms could not undergo a massive displacement before they were “frozen”, and the ability of atoms to achieve an equilibrium position was limited. Some amorphous phases were formed as a result of the disorder of the atomic arrangement, then some crystalline phase precipitated from the vitreous, and a glass–ceramic material was eventually formed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new promising phosphor material established on Eu3+ doped monoclinic (SrAl2Si2O8)/tetragonal (Sr2Al2SiO7) composite with controllable photoluminescence (PL) has been successfully synthesized using one-pot processing technology. Completely phase-separated SrAl2Si2O8/Sr2Al2SiO7 can be achieved in a single matrix starting from single-source precursors. In this work, a series of composite phosphor samples (including 50 mol%(SrAl2Si2O8)–50 mol%(Sr2Al2SiO7): 2, 6, 10, and 14 mol% Eu) were obtained after thermal treatment at 1300 °C for 36 h. The SrAl2Si2O8/Sr2Al2SiO7:Eu composites yield red (c. 616 nm) and blue (c. 440 nm) emission light when excited by near-UV 380 nm light. The crystal structures were investigated by X-ray diffraction after phase separation, and showed relatively small changes in lattice parameters. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance for the composites showed red and blue emissions originating from Eu3+ and Eu2+ ions, which served as two different but coexisting activators due to the different crystal structural characteristics in Sr2Al2SiO7 and SrAl2Si2O8, respectively. The energy transfer between Eu3+ and Eu2+ in the same matrix tends to cause the alternating changes in the relative intensity of red and blue emitting lights with varied Eu concentration. As a result, controllable luminescence over the whole visible region can be obtained by doping appropriate rare earth contents or tailoring initial compositions of the precursors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Molecular dynamics technique has been employed to investigate the relationship between the intrinsic structure and transport properties of lithium ions in LiFePO4 cathode materials. The results show that it is more favorable for Li ion diffusion when crystalline LiFePO4 grows along specific [100] directions, which may cause higher lithium diffusivity through a one dimensional [010] migration path. The change of Li ion diffusivity with temperature reveals that higher temperatures result in higher disorder of the atoms (or ions) and makes Li–O bonding relatively weaker, suggesting that Li diffusion is influenced by the microstructure of LiFePO4, particularly the bonding strength between Li and O atoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Layered LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 was synthesized by co-precipitation method, and a series of polypyrrole–LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 composites were then prepared by polymerizing pyrrole monomers on the surface of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. The bare sample and composites were subjected to analysis and characterization by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical properties of the composites were investigated with galvanostatic charge–discharge test and AC impedance measurements, which show that the formed coats of polypyrrole (PPy) significantly decrease the charge-transfer resistance of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2. And the composite containing 2.0wt% PPy exhibits a good electrochemical performance, its specific discharge capacity is 182mAhg−1 at 0.1C rate and voltage limits of 2.8–4.6V, while the capacity of the bare sample is only 134mAhg−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LiFePO4 has become a highly promising cathode material for use in the next generation of lithium-ion batteries, in which metal-doping is typically employed to improve the electrochemical properties. However, it is always difficult to resolve the issue that how the doping element and its position cause the microstructural changes and eventually influence the material properties. In this work, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of a series of metal-doped LiFePO4 were simulated by software MS Reflex to investigate those factors since XRD is a typical technique for the study of crystal structures. The effect of simulation conditions, doping position, and types of doping elements were discussed. The results revealed that: (1) the suitable step size should be 0.02° or less, and the simulation position had little influence on the XRD pattern; (2) the peak intensity changed with doping position, and had been affected more evidently at the Li-site compare with the Fe-site; (3) there was a close relationship between the doping elements and peak intensities in XRD patterns, and the variation degree of the peak intensity increased linearly with the atomic number of doping elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The LiFePO4 precursor was synthesized using a precipitation with raw materials LiOH·H2O, (NH4)2HPO4 and FeSO4·7H2O. The kinetics of synthesis olivine LiFePO4 was studied by using a differential thermal analysis (DTA) at different heating rates. The average activation energy of the reaction where the precursor form olivine LiFePO4 was 239.39kJmol−1, calculated by Doyle–Ozawa and Kissinger methods. The reaction order, frequency factor, rate equation and kinetic equation of the reaction were determined by the Kissinger method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The sample synthesized by the precursor sintered for 6h at 550°C shows a single-phase, regular morphology, well-distributed particle sizes and good electrochemical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of high energy/power density and long lifespan device is always the frontier direction and attracts great research attention in the energy storage fields. Zinc‐ion capacitors (ZICs), as an integration of zinc‐ion batteries and supercapacitors, have been widely regarded as one of the viable future options for energy storage, owing to their variable system assembly method and potential performance improvement. However, the research of ZICs still locate at initial stage until now, and how to construct the suitable systems for different condition is still challenging. Herein, the recent advance in the rational design of ZICs is reviewed in order to construct related theory including compatible principle and design paradigm. It starts with a systematically summary of the fundamental theory as well as the motivation. Then, the electrode materials are classified into capacitor‐type and battery‐type based on the storage mechanism, and the design strategies and progress of these two‐type candidates are comprehensively discussed, aiming to reveal the inherent relationship between the performance of devices and the component as well as architecture of electrode materials. Beyond that, the future perspectives in this emerging field are also given, expecting to guide the construction of high‐performance ZICs for practical applications and boost its development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing artificial protective layers is an effective strategy to address the issue of dendrites for aqueous Zn‐metal batteries (ZMBS). However, drawbacks such as rough microscopic morphology, excessive thickness, and single functionality remain, limiting the attainment of a stable zinc anode. Herein, a novel multifunctional organic–inorganic hybrid artificial protective layer is produced by splicing inorganic fragments onto organic materials in situ using a chemical sewing. The protective layer is well‐compatible and also retains the function of organic and inorganic materials, which not only inhibits dendrite production but also alleviates Zn corrosion. The Si─OH bond of the zincophilic group enables planar Zn deposition while forming hydrogen bonds with water, suppressing water activity near the anode and reducing the hydrogen evolution reaction. As expected, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with a protective layer provides high cycling stability of more than 1960 h at 1 mA cm−2, which is about 28 times higher than that of the symmetric cell assembled without the protective layer. More importantly, a Zn||V2O5 full cell with an ultra‐long lifetime has been achieved with an artificial protective layer. This work provides a potential viable path to achieve long‐lived ZMBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zinc (Zn) anode in zinc‐ion batteries suffers from potential defects such as wild dendrite growth, severe Zn corrosion, and violent hydrogen evolution reaction, inducing erratic interfacial charge transfer kinetics, which eventually leads to electrochemical failure. Here, collagen, a biomacromolecule, is added to achieve the reconstruction of the electrolyte hydrogen‐bonding network and the modification of the derived Zn interface. Benefiting from the electronegativity advantage of amino groups (‐NH2) in collagen, the Zn (002) crystal plane is preferentially exposed and the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) rich in ZnF2 and Zn3N2 promotes the rapid charge transfer of Zn anode. Thence, an impressive cumulative capacity of 7,500 mAh cm−2 at 30 mA cm−2 is achieved and the assembled Zn|VO2 cell exhibited robust cycle reversibility even when subject to a maximum current of 100 A g−1 and an ultra‐long cycle life of 20,000 cycles at 50 A g−1, with a single‐cycle capacity loss as low as 0.0021%. Such a convenient strategy of solvent sheathing regulation and derived interfacial manipulation opening up a promising universal approach toward long‐life and high‐rate Zn anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐cost, high‐voltage‐platform, and high‐capacity MnO2 is the most promising cathode candidate for developing high‐energy‐density aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. However, the Buckets effect of runaway phase transition and irreversible dissolution restricts the electrochemical performance of MnO2. To address this issue, this report presents a bottom‐up targeted assembly concept driven by Gibbs free energy for the design of a robust Ni‐MnO2‐xFx host via Ni2+ pre‐intercalation coupled with fluorine doping. The Gibbs free energy of the host is regulated by the coordination of interlayer reinforcement and interfacial defect repair, which prevents the "layer‐to‐spinel" transition and inhibits dissolution during long‐term cycling. As expected, this cathode provides superior H+/Zn2+ storage performance across a wide temperature range. A capacity of 180.4 mAh g−1 is retained after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1, a high specific capacity of 293.9 mAh g−1 is retained after 250 cycles at 50 °C and 2 A g−1, and a capacity of 144.5 mAh g−1 is retained after 3000 cycles at 0 °C and 0.5 A g−1. This work provides new insights into the design of stable aqueous battery‐compatible hosts for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries as well as other battery chemistries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high electronic conductivity and tailorable structural properties of MXene materials make them promising candidates for energy storage. However, their poor chemical instability and self‐stacking effect greatly limit their application, especially in aqueous systems. Here, using a eutectic etching approach, hydroxylated borophene is used as a trifunctional mediator to construct robust Ti3C2Tx‐based MXene/B self‐assembled film electrodes for zinc‐ion capacitors (ZICs). Due to this mediator, the as‐formed strong interfacial binding within the heterostructure can give rise to an integrated modification effect and promote high‐efficiency interface energy storage. One is to strengthen the thermodynamic stability of local Ti─O bonds and inhibit the irreversible degradation of MXene; two is to enlarge the interface space of the MXene electrode and boost the ion transport; three is to improve the interfacial Zn2+ trapping ability without affecting Zn2+ migration on the MXene surface. Thus, the MXene/B electrode exhibits a high areal capacitance (537.9 mF cm−2) at a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2 and an extraordinary cycling stability at 1 mA cm−2, with 99.64% retention after 40 000 cycles, which far surpasses that of most previous reports. This work provides a pathway for overcoming the interface storage limit of MXene electrodes to construct high‐performance ZICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of electrode compatible with wide‐temperature, fast‐charging, and long‐lifespan aqueous zinc‐ion batteries is a great challenge that urgently needs addressing. However, the mismatch between runaway host dissolution and high interfacial hydrophilicity within electrode is a contradictory problem that restricts their electrochemical performance. In this report, take the typical vanadium diselendie (VSe2) host for example, by employing the natural polymer bacterial cellulose (BC) as the multifunctional mediator, a design paradigm of self‐assembly hybrid electrode with efficient tandem electrochemistry is presented. Theoretical and experimental research confirmed that such BC‐mediated hybrid structure exhibits multiple functions to well balance the cathode dissolution and storage kinetics. Impressively, such an electrode displayed an excellent rate capability (1–50 A g−1), and an unexpected record‐lifespan of 45 000 cycles. Beyond that, it also shows a good temperature‐tolerance ability, remaining the high specific capacities of 120 and 288 mAh g−1 (at 10 A g−1) after 3000 cycles at −25 and 50 °C, respectively. Note that such approach is also applicable to the high‐voltage platform MnO2 and I2 hosts, demonstrating its potential for universality. This discovery can provide a new design principle of robust electrode for advanced aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The late Permian was the acme of Pangea assembly, with collision and subduction of global plates accompanied by major changes in atmospheric composition, paleoclimates and paleoenvironments of the Earth's surface system. These events are extensively recorded in marine successions from the Tethys, but much less are known from continental successions that typically lack high-resolution stratigraphic control. In order to reveal these fluctuations in terrestrial strata and their relationship with the End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME), we investigate continental δ13C org , mercury and nickel concentrations, wildfire, and climate change proxies from the late Permian Changhsingian stage to Early Triassic Induan stage in the Yuzhou coalfield in the North China Plate (NCP). Results show two negative organic carbon isotope excursions (CIE) within the Changhsingian aged Sunjiagou Formation, the first (CIE I, 2.2‰) during mid-Changhsingian and a second, larger, excursion (CIE-II, 2.7‰) near the end of the Changhsingian that coincides with the peaks in the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) value and extinction of plant species. We infer CIE-II to be the global negative excursion of δ13C org associated with the EPME. Arid climates prevailed in the study area from the Changhsingian to the early Induan inferred from the low kaolinite contents and weak continental weathering, except for two short-duration episodes with higher humidity that correspond with CIE-I and CIE-II. Extremely high fusinite content (x̄ = 63.1%) and its increasing abundance through the Changhsingian indicates that frequent wildfires may have been a direct cause for both the destruction of terrestrial vegetation ecosystems and the rapid decline of terrestrial biodiversity at the EPME. We consider that terrestrial ecosystems may have played an important role in the extinction of marine communities at the EPME. This represents the first time the EMPE has been demonstrated in the NCP based on combined evidence from negative carbon isotope excursion, concurrent weathering trends, Ni/Al ratio and biotic extinctions, representing an important step in accurately identifying and correlating the EPME in continental settings from the NCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-cost and facile one-pot method for porous carbon preparation. • Ultrahigh specific surface area, large pore volume, and rich N-contents. • Outstanding C3 and C2 adsorption capacity. • High IAST selectivity and adsorbent S value in VSA process for C 3 H 8 /CH 4 and C 2 H 6 /CH 4 separation. • C 2 H 6 -selective adsorbent for C 2 H 6 /C 2 H 4 separation. Light hydrocarbons are important alternative energy sources and raw materials, thus developing efficient adsorbents is of great importance for separating each C1/C2/C3 component in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process. Herein, we selected low-cost and ultrafast-growing algae as the precursor and applied the facile one-pot method to prepare N-doped porous carbons. The obtained algae-derived N-doped porous carbons (ANPCs) showed ultrahigh specific surfaces areas of 1437–3177 m2 g−1, large pore volumes of 0.637–2.18 cm3 g−1, and rich N-heteroatom content of 1.74–10.37 wt%. Moreover, the ANPC samples exhibited outstanding C 3 H 8 (11.5 mmol g−1), C 3 H 6 (11.3 mmol g−1), C 2 H 6 (6.84 mmol g−1), and C 2 H 4 (5.71 mmol g−1) adsorption capacities with excellent IAST separation selectivities of C3/C1 (189), C2/C1 (15.3), and C3/C2 (9.81) at 298 K and 1.0 bar. Impressively, ANPC-1-800 showed the C 2 H 6 -selective adsorption feature that is much more favorable in C 2 H 4 /C 2 H 6 separation. Furthermore, the detailed evaluation of VSA working parameters, dynamic breakthrough experiment, and adsorption cycle experiment confirmed that the ANPCs are potent and promising adsorbents for practical light hydrocarbon separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultramicroporous carbon obtained by in-situ ionic activation. • Porous carbons with uniform and narrow pore size distribution. • Outstanding CO 2 capacity & high selectivity for CO 2 /N 2 , CO 2 /CH 4 , CH 4 /N 2 separation. • A record-high adsorbent selective parameter (S) for VSA process. Developing highly selective, cycle reliable, and moisture resistant adsorbents is of great importance for gas separation. It is very challenging to control and optimize pore sizes within the ultramicroporous ranges (<0.7 nm), especially for biomass-derived carbons. Moreover, porous carbons featured with random micropore sizes usually exhibited inferior gas separation performances. Herein, we developed an in-situ ionic activation method, in which the chemically bonded K+ ions that are uniformly distributed in the carbon precursor are able to create ultramicroporous carbons with uniform and narrow pore size distributions. Thus, the obtained carbons exhibited high CO 2 uptakes (4.17 mmol g−1) and selectivities (333.2 and 34.9) for CO 2 /N 2 (15v/85v) and CO 2 /CH 4 (40v/60v) separation at ambient conditions. The dynamic breakthrough experiments clearly demonstrate their superior and applicable gas-mixture separation performances. Upon the detailed evaluation of vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) working parameters, a record-high adsorbent selective parameter (S) of 1906.4 is obtained. Hence, the in-situ ionic activation approach is an effective method for preparing ultramicroporous carbons with narrow and uniform pore size distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries compatible with a wide temperature range and long cycle lifespan show great application prospects but are greatly limited by the unstable electrode‐electrolyte interfaces and mismatched electrolytes. This report presents the pathway of succinamic acid (SA) additive‐induced built‐in trimodal molecular interaction for constructing sustainable aqueous zinc batteries. As confirmed, such trimodal molecular interaction falls into the following patterns: the binding state of the H─F bond between SA and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder, the micellar aggregation state in aqueous electrolyte, and the spontaneous adsorption state at Zn anode–electrolyte interface. Benefiting from the above synergistic effect, the Zn electrode shows a highly reversible deposition/stripping behavior over the wide temperature range (−10–50 °C) when paired with the optimized electrolyte. Specially, an impressive 3530 h‐cycle lifespan of the Zn symmetrical cell is achieved at the conditions of 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Beyond that, significantly improved storage capability and cycle performance are demonstrated in both aqueous Zn‐MnO2 and Zn‐I2 batteries. Given the good balance between the working temperature range, ionic conductivity, and Zn2+ transfer number of this trace molecule‐mediated electrolyte, this design paradigm provides new insights into developing advanced aqueous batteries, including but not limited to zinc‐based systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]