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Soil erosion represents a primary threat to soil systems with adverse implications for ecosystem services, crop production, potable water and carbon storage. While numerous studies have quantified the spatial distribution of aboveground Biomass (AGB), soil erosion and soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), limited attention has been given to assessing the contributions of different land use types and especially crop types to AGB, soil erosion and SOC. In most studies, cropland is taken as a land use class, while detailed crop types and rotation patterns, and their effect on soil erosion and SOC, vary significantly. In this study, we used the Metronamica model to generate a detailed crop rotation and distribution map across the YRB and subsequently employed the Pan‐European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment (PESERA) model to simulate the spatial distribution of AGB, soil erosion and SOC on a monthly basis. PESERA model simulations indicate an average soil erosion rate across the entire YRB of 7.7 ton/ha/yr, with erosion hotspots concentrated in the Sichuan Basin and the central‐southern regions. The southwestern region and western Sichuan show elevated levels of AGB and SOC, while the eastern plains display lower levels. Erosion rates are lowest in areas designated as artificial land, pasture and grassland, whereas croplands and fruit tree plantations experience the highest erosion rates. In terms of crop types, the highest erosion rates and lowest AGB are observed under fallow and potato cultivation, while the lowest erosion rates and highest AGB are found in rice‐wheat rotation fields. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study taking detailed crop types and patterns into account while evaluating their effect at a relatively large scale (i.e., YRB). These findings can help to develop sustainable soil management and (cropping) conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We present a model analysis that quantifies the influence of anthropogenic emission variations on the recent (2005–2015) and future (2030) changes in national scale nitrogen deposition in China and the interacting relationships between their emissions and depositions. We find that the 0.39 Tg N yr−1 increase in the dry deposition of reduced nitrogen (NHx) during 2007–2015 is dominated by the decrease in sulfur dioxides (SO2) emissions, which reduces the formation of ammonium (NH4+) aerosols from gas‐phase ammonia (NH3). Although the decrease in SO2 emissions led to conversion from wet to dry deposition of NHx, the NH4+ wet deposition increased by 0.75 Tg N yr−1 with large interannual variations driven by precipitation. Different from NHx, the oxidized nitrogen (NOy) deposition increased by 1.6 Tg N yr−1 from 2005 to 2011 and decreased by 1.1 Tg N yr−1 from 2011 to 2015, following the changes in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Based on the national scale emission‐deposition relationship estimated from model sensitivity experiments, we find that future emission control would reduce the NOy deposition by 2.4 ± 0.08 to 3.4 ± 0.12 Tg N yr−1 (49%–73%), but only lead to small decreases of 0.93 ± 0.05 to 1.2 ± 0.06 Tg N yr−1 (9%–14%) in NHx deposition in China from 2015 to 2030. The decrease in NOx and SO2 emissions under future scenarios would enhance the NHx dry deposition over domestic China, diminishing the effectiveness of the NH3 emission control. The results emphasize that stricter strategies for controlling agricultural NH3 emissions should be taken to alleviate the adverse environmental impacts from atmospheric nitrogen deposition. Plain Language Summary: China is a hotspot of atmospheric nitrogen deposition over the world due to rapid industrialization and intensified agricultural production. Based on the atmospheric chemistry model experiments, we quantify the response of nitrogen deposition in China to recent and future changes in anthropogenic emissions. We find that from 2007 to 2015, the increase in NHx dry deposition is dominated by the reduction in sulfur dioxides (SO2) emissions, while the increase in ammonium (NH4+) wet deposition is due to the increase in precipitation. Different from NHx, the NOy deposition peaked around 2011 and then decreased following the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission reductions. Based on the future emission scenarios, we estimate that the future emission control in China can effectively reduce the NOy deposition by more than 49% but would only lead to a small decrease in NHx deposition in 2030 compared to 2015. This study highlights the importance of stricter strategies for controlling agricultural ammonia (NH3) emissions to alleviate the adverse environmental impacts from atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the future. Key Points: The decrease in SO2 emissions dominated the increase in NHx dry deposition flux from 2007 to 2015 in ChinaThe NOy deposition in China peaked around 2011 and then decreased following the NOx emission reductionsThe future emission control in China would effectively reduce the NOy deposition but only lead to small decrease in NHx deposition in 2030 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interpolation is one of the most critical factors affecting the quality of digital elevation models (DEM) generated from sampling point data. However, existing methods have not taken into full account that the interpolation function should be consistent with the density and direction characteristics of sampling points. Therefore, an adaptive DEM construction method based on nonparametric regression (AdpNPR‐DEM) is proposed, which incorporates an adaptive kernel that changes according to local landform types. The method first estimates local terrain features, and second the dominant orientation of the local gradients. The orientation information adaptively "steers" the local kernel to produce elongated, elliptical contours that spread along the directions of local terrain features. The effectiveness of the AdpNPR‐DEM is verified based on directional features, the number of sampling points, and typical landform types. The results show that, compared with triangulated irregular network (TIN), natural neighbor interpolation (NNI), and the Australian National University digital elevation model (ANUDEM) interpolation method, AdpNPR‐DEM has the highest accuracy for all landform types and a better level of robustness. Our method improves the quality of DEM in areas with complex landforms. It could significantly promote the high‐quality production of DEMs, and also promisingly broaden and deepen its applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video synopsis offers the possibility to compress long‐term video objects into a short‐term playback. This is beneficial for the quick retrieval and expression of numerous video objects in a virtual geographic environment. However, existing methods do not consider the spatiotemporal relationships among video objects in different cameras. To overcome this problem, we propose optimal virtual viewpoint‐based multi‐camera video synopsis, which involves: locating the camera position and the field of view; constructing a video image observability model to enumerate the observable camera combinations; constructing an evaluation model to optimally select the observable combinations and obtain the virtual viewpoint group; and setting the parameters of the video object display to obtain a multi‐camera video synopsis of a geographic scene. Experimental results showed that our method achieved the rapid display of global motion across cameras with numerous video objects, and always outperformed separate camera‐based video synopsis expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize mechanical properties of five pecan oils and one olive oil using a texture analyzer compared to a rotational viscometer; the results were linked to fatty acid profile and total polyphenol content. The seven texture parameters (firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, viscosity index, and stickiness at 5 s, stickiness at 30 s, and delta stickiness) showed significant difference (p ≤.05) among the six oils. Overall, olive oil had higher texture analysis values and significantly higher rotational viscosity than pecan oils. Chemically, C18 fatty acids accounted for approximately 90% of the total fatty acids in the five pecan oils. Olive oil had a higher amount of long‐chain, unsaturated fatty acids. Total polyphenols in pecan oils were 8–15 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g, while olive oil contained 27.2 mg GAE/100 g. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant, positive relationship between "consistency" texture and rotational viscosity measurement. Mechanical properties (seven texture parameters and rotational viscosity) were partially correlated to fatty acid profile, though no universal pattern was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT Na‐S) batteries are gaining extensive attention as attractive alternatives for large‐scale energy storage, due to low cost and high abundancy of sodium and sulfur in nature. However, the dilemmas regarding soluble polysulfides (Na2Sn, 4 ≤ n ≤ 8) and the inferior reaction kinetics limit their practical application. To address these issues, we report the activated porous carbon fibers (APCF) with small sulfur molecules (S2–4) confined in ultramicropores, to achieve a reversible single‐step reaction in RT Na‐S batteries. The mechanism is investigated by the in situ UV/vis spectroscopy, which demonstrates Na2S is the only product during the whole discharge process. Moreover, the hierarchical carbon structure can enhance areal sulfur loading without sacrificing the capacity due to thorough contact between electrolyte and sulfur electrode. As a consequence, the APCF electrode with 38 wt% sulfur (APCF‐38S) delivers a high initial reversible specific capacity of 1412 mAh g−1 and 10.6 mAh cm−2 (avg. areal sulfur loading: 7.5 mg cm−2) at 0.1 C (1 C = 1675 mA g−1), revealing high degree of sulfur utilization. This study provides a new strategy for the development of high areal capacity RT Na‐S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and MRI features of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody‐positive cerebral cortical encephalitis. Methods: To summarize the clinical manifestations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and diagnosis and treatment of two children diagnosed with MOG antibody‐positive cortical encephalitis in our hospital, and to analyze all of the literature on MOG antibody‐positive associated cerebral cortical encephalitis published in the last 10 years. Results: A total of 24 patients, 20 adults, and 4 children were included. The main symptoms of all observed patients were as follows: seizures 20/24 (83%), headache 18/24 (75%), fever 13/24 (54%), and increased cell number in cerebrospinal fluid 22/24 (92%). The main radiological sign was enhanced FLAIR signal in cortical 24/24 (100%), including enhanced fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal in unilateral cortical 20/24 (83%). Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of MOG antibody‐positive cerebral cortical encephalitis are complex and varied, and long‐term follow‐up is needed to clarify the prognosis and recurrence, providing reference for the clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet‐reduced nitrogen (NH4+) is the main component of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. Due to the poor coverage of ground‐based measurements, it is still challenging to characterize the global wet‐reduced NH4+ deposition. Here we utilize NH3 measurements from satellite retrievals (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) to estimate global wet NH4+ deposition at 0.1° grids for nine years (2008–2016). We achieve this by developing a novel approach by calculating the feedback ratio between wet NH4+ concentration in precipitation and atmospheric NH3 columns using a global chemistry transport model (GEOS‐Chem). Satellite‐based wet NH4+ concentration and deposition is relatively highly correlated with the ground‐based measurements (r = 0.88 and bias = 12% for wet deposition). The largest increase in the satellite‐derived wet NH4+ deposition occurs in southern China (>0.5 kg N ha−1 yr−1), followed by northeastern India, North America, and Western Europe. The proposed method is simple, fast, and effective in estimating wet NH4+ deposition using the satellite observations without depending on the ground‐based measurements for constructing the models. It is particularly helpful in estimating wet NH4+ deposition over regions with few monitoring sites. Our unique satellite‐derived wet NH4+ deposition can be applied for evaluating its impacts on ecosystems in the future. Key Points: We present a novel approach for estimating wet‐reduced nitrogen deposition globallyThe proposed satellite‐based model shows better performance than the global atmospheric modelsThe largest increase of wet reduced nitrogen deposition occurs in southern China, followed by northeastern India, North America, and Western Europe [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can significantly influence the soil carbon cycle, however, their impacts on desert soils are still unclear. Here, a field control experiment, using in‐growth mesocosms, was conducted to quantitatively assess the contribution of AMF and ephemeral plants to ecosystem respiration (Re) and methane (CH4) flux in the Gurbantunggut Desert in China, from April to May 2017. Ephemeral plant biomass was significantly increased by AMF infection. Re was significantly positively correlated with AMF infection rate, whereas CH4 flux was significantly negatively correlated. The contribution of AMF to Re was up to 24%, comparable to the contribution of non‐AMF microbial respiration, which accounted for up to 36%, whereas the respiration of ephemeral plants accounted for 40%. Variation in Re was most strongly associated with soil organic carbon and soil available potassium concentrations and soil temperature. Non‐AMF microorganisms accounted for most of the CH4 flux (up to 85%). In contrast, AMF only accounted for 15% of total CH4 flux. The CH4 flux was significantly influenced by soil NO3−‐N content, soil moisture, soil temperature and soil NH4+‐N content. Overall, AMF significantly influenced Re and CH4 flux, and also enhanced the growth of ephemeral plants, which have an important role in the carbon cycle in desert ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperate desert soils are an important source of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O). However, it is uncertain how N2O emissions respond to warming, increased rainfall and nitrogen (N) addition in such soils. A multifactorial field manipulation study was carried out in the Gurbantunggut Desert, China's second largest desert, to investigate how these factors influence desert soil N2O emissions and to assess inter‐year variation. In our 3‐year study, under current climatic conditions, the annual flux of N2O in this temperate desert soil was 0.13 ± 0.02 kg N ha−1 yr−1, with the period of no plant growth contributing 43% of the annual emission. Surprisingly, there was no significant change in annual N2O flux under warming (+1°C) or increased precipitation (30%, +60 mm yr−1). In contrast, N2O emissions were significantly affected by extreme drought followed by precipitation. Additional N input, at 30 or 60 kg N ha−1 yr−1, greatly elevated annual N2O emission by 55–133%. The combined impact of N deposition and increasing rainfall on N2O emission was greater than that of any single factor, except for N deposition. This suggests that N2O emissions in this desert are driven primarily by soil available N content and are less sensitive to variations in soil temperature and moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current studies on video trajectory retrieval focus on the retrieval and analysis of image content, neglecting the gap between the spatiotemporal continuity of retrieval conditions and the spatiotemporal discontinuity of multi‐camera video trajectories. In this study, we propose a method for the spatiotemporal retrieval of dynamic video object trajectories in geographic scenes. Based on the camera calibration, the proposed method organizes the scene, cameras, and trajectories, constructs the spatiotemporal constraints, and queries the trajectories using two measures: camera‐by‐camera retrieval and global trajectory retrieval. The proposed method was verified through experiments, and the results demonstrate that both measures can query trajectories effectively and reduce the spatiotemporal video review range under different spatiotemporal constraints. Furthermore, compared with camera‐by‐camera retrieval, global trajectory retrieval can reduce the spatiotemporal video review range further and return more accurate results. The proposed method may provide support for the spatial analysis and understanding of surveillance video data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Kelly et al.[3] first reported the molecular mechanism of Bombay and para-Bombay phenotypes in 1994, the para-Bombay phenotype was confirmed to be caused by mutation of I FUT1 i gene. Keywords: blood group genomics; hematology-red cells; immunohematology (RBC serology, blood groups) EN blood group genomics hematology-red cells immunohematology (RBC serology, blood groups) E45 E46 2 08/16/23 20230801 NES 230801 The I FUT1 i ( I H i ) gene is located on chromosome 19, and encodes the H antigen in erythrocytes. To further clarify the molecular basis for the para-Bombay phenotype in this individual, DNA sequencing analysis of I FUT1 i gene was conducted, which showed that the individual was heterozygous for I FUT1 i c.325 414dup, which was a novel I FUT1 i mutation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The objective of the current study was to estimate productivity costs due to metastatic breast cancer (mBC) via productive time lost among survivors and potential life-years lost from premature mortality among 3 age groups: younger (aged 18-44 years), midlife (aged 45-64 years), and older (aged ≥65 years) women.Methods: The authors estimated the number of work and home productivity days missed due to mBC by age group using data from the 2000 to 2016 National Health Interview Survey. Years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to mBC were calculated for each age group using 2015 National Vital Statistics System data. The authors valued both sources of lost productivity time using the Current Population Survey and prior studies.Results: The per-woman value of lost productive days (work and home) due to mBC ranged from $680 for older women to $5169 for younger women. In 2015, the value of lost work and home productivity days associated with mBC nationally was $67 million for younger women, $246 million for midlife women, and $66 million for older women. YPLL were highest among midlife women (403,786 life-years), followed by older women (248,522 life-years) and younger women (95,943 life-years). Midlife women were found to have the highest market value of YPLL ($4.1 billion), followed by younger women ($1.6 billion) and older women ($527 million).Conclusions: The results of the current study demonstrated that mBC generates a high economic burden through lost productivity, especially among midlife women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a puzzle as to why more severe haze formed during the New Year Holiday in 2020 (NYH‐20), when China was in an unprecedented state of shutdown to contain the coronavirus (COVID‐19) outbreak, than in 2019 (NYH‐19). We performed a comprehensive measurement and modeling analysis of the aerosol chemistry and physics at multiple sites in China (mainly in Shanghai) before, during, and after NYH‐19 and NYH‐20. Much higher secondary aerosol fraction in PM2.5 were observed during NYH‐20 (73%) than during NYH‐19 (59%). During NYH‐20, PM2.5 levels correlated significantly with the oxidation ratio of nitrogen (r2 = 0.77, p < 0.01), and aged particles from northern China were found to impede atmospheric new particle formation and growth in Shanghai. A markedly enhanced efficiency of nitrate aerosol formation was observed along the transport pathways during NYH‐20, despite the overall low atmospheric NO2 levels. Plain Language Summary: In China, there are multiple cases (e.g., the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai) when combustion‐related emissions (e.g., NOx) were actively, and successfully, reduced to transiently improve air quality. During the extended Chinese Lunar New Year holiday in 2020 (between 24 January and 10 February), whole China was in an unprecedented state of shutdown, because most people were contained in their homes to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Mobility, energy demand, and industrial output remained far below their normal levels. Nevertheless, widespread haze pollution still occurred over Eastern China. To elucidate haze formation mechanisms, we performed comprehensive and continuous measurements of aerosol chemistry and physics in and out of Shanghai before, during, and after the Chinese New Year Holiday in 2019 and 2020, respectively. We argue that the synergistic effects of long‐range transport and atmospheric chemistry leading to the efficient conversion of NOx to particulate nitrate were the key of haze formation during the Chinese New Year Holiday of the COVID‐19 outbreak in Shanghai. Key Points: Higher concentrations and distinct compositions of aerosol particles were observed during the COVID‐19 shutdownFast formation of secondary inorganic aerosol contributed to high aerosol mass loadingLonger‐range, regional transport facilitated and enhanced particulate nitrate formation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of the soluble polysulfides (Na2Sn, 4 ≤ n ≤ 8) causes poor cycling performance for room temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries. Moreover, the formation of insoluble polysulfides (Na2Sn, 2 ≤ n < 4) can slow down the reaction kinetics and terminate the discharge reaction before it reaches the final product. In this work, coffee residue derived activated ultramicroporous coffee carbon (ACC) material loading with small sulfur molecules (S2–4) as cathode material for RT Na–S batteries is reported. The first principle calculations indicate the space confinement of the slit ultramicropores can effectively suppress the formation of polysulfides (Na2Sn, 2 ≤ n ≤ 8). Combining with in situ UV/vis spectroscopy measurements, one‐step reaction RT Na–S batteries with Na2S as the only and final discharge product without polysulfides formation are demonstrated. As a result, the ultramicroporous carbon loaded with 40 wt% sulfur delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 1492 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C (1 C = 1675 mA g−1). When cycled at 1 C rate, the carbon–sulfur composite electrode exhibits almost no capacity fading after 2000 cycles with 100% coulombic efficiency, revealing excellent cycling stability and reversibility. The superb cycling stability and rate performance demonstrate ultramicropore confinement can be an effective strategy to develop high performance cathode for RT Na–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone for the treatment of Chinese schizophrenic patients. Methods: Hospitalized schizophrenia patients aged 18–65 were randomized to 6 weeks of double‐blind, double‐dummy, flexible‐dose treatment with lurasidone (40 or 80 mg/day) or risperidone (2, 4 or 6 mg/day). Efficacy was evaluated using a non‐inferiority comparison of lurasidone relative to risperidone based on week 6 change in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score. Safety assessments included adverse events, clinical laboratory measures, and electrocardiograms. Results: Four hundred and forty‐four patients were screened to obtain an intent‐to‐treat sample of 384 patients, of whom 54 patients discontinued treatment prior to 6 weeks. Lurasidone met the criteria for non‐inferiority versus risperidone on the PANSS total score. Adjusted mean (SE) change at week 6 on the PANSS total score was −31.2 (1.0) and −34.9 (1.0) in the lurasidone and risperidone group, respectively. The mean difference score was 3.7, and the upper boundary of the 95%‐confidence interval (1.0–6.3) was less than the prespecified margin of 7.0. No clinically meaningful between‐treatment group differences were evident on secondary efficacy measures, including PANSS positive, PANSS negative, Clinical Global Impression scale – Severity, and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia scales. The incidence of adverse events was lower for lurasidone vs risperidone for extrapyramidal symptoms (17.0% vs 38.2%), akathisia (7.2% vs 13.6%), prolactin increase (3.1% vs 14.1%), and weight increase (0.5% vs 5.2%). Conclusion: Lurasidone was found to be non‐inferior to risperidone on the primary endpoint with minimal effects on weight, metabolic parameters, or prolactin levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of livestock and poultry manure to produce biogas can not only improve environmental problems, but also effectively utilize waste. In order to maximize the resource utilization of livestock and poultry manure, the AD experiments of mixing cow dung, deer manure, and mushroom fungus were carried out. The changes of AD biogas production (daily and cumulative biogas production), CH4 content, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), pH at different temperatures (20, 35, and 50°C), and mixing ratios were studied, and the optimum reaction conditions were discussed. Results show that with the increase in temperature the biogas production rate and the cumulative biogas production at each proportions increase. At 20°C, the amount of biogas generated is very small. Under different proportions of raw materials, the cumulative biogas production first increased and then decreased. The best biogas production is at a temperature of 50°C and a proportion of cow dung, deer manure, and mushroom fungus is 0.3:0.4:0.3. The unit total solid biogas production rate reached 0.23 L·g−1. The mixed fermentation of livestock manure and mushroom fungus made up for the inadequacy of its separate fermentation performance and was also an effective method to improve the biogas rate and comprehensive utilization rate of livestock manure. The results of this study are of great significance in promoting the utilization of livestock and poultry manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the utilization of grease has attracted more and more attention. This article presents a simple method that efficiently cleaves methyl oleate‐derived methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate (a) to give high yields of methyl 9‐oxononanoate (d) with nonanal (c) as co‐product. A WO3/MCM‐41 catalyst is prepared via direct mixed‐gel synthesis. The catalyst is tested in the oxidative cleavage of a to produce d which can be used as a polymer precursor or an important feedstock. The effects of WO3 loading, temperature, time, H2O2/a molar ratio, catalyst/a weight ratio, and t‐BuOH/a weight ratio on the a conversion and d yield are examined using single‐factor experiments. The optimal reaction conditions are determined by orthogonal experiments. The optimal WO3 loading, temperature, time, H2O2/a molar ratio, catalyst/a weight ratio, and t‐BuOH/a weight ratio are 35%, 80 °C, 20 min, 1.3, 0.04, and 0.5, respectively. Under these conditions, the a conversion and d yield reach 99.4 and 78.4%, respectively. In addition, the catalyst shows no significant decrease in activity after being reused three times. Moreover, the reaction mechanism is studied based on the product distribution over time. Practical Applications: Few studies on methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate used as the raw material to give methyl 9‐oxononanoate and nonanal are found. Because the ethylene oxide bond is more unstable than the carbon–carbon double bond, the oxidative cleavage of methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate is easier than cleavage of methyl oleate that allows the oxidative cleavage to be done under milder conditions. Methyl 9‐oxononanoate can be converted to a monomer of high‐value polymers and is also an important feedstock in the production of chemicals. The co‐product nonanal is a natural spice which can be used in the fragrance industry. The results show that the reaction time is short and methyl 9‐oxononanoate yield is high under mild reaction conditions. The method in this study can also be widely used in other oxidative cleavage reactions of epoxides. Methyl 9,10‐epoxystearate is used as the raw material to produce methyl 9‐oxononanoate with nonanal as co‐product using WO3/MCM‐41 as catalyst and H2O2 as oxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As one of the important ingredients in lithium‐sulfur battery, the binders greatly impact the battery performance. However, conventional binders have intrinsic drawbacks such as poor capability of absorbing hydrophilic lithium polysulfides, resulting in severe capacity decay. This study reports a new type of binder by polymerization of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether with polyethylenimine, which enables strongly anchoring polysulfides for high‐performance lithium sulfur batteries, demonstrating remarkable improvement in both mechanical performance for standing up to 100 g weight and an excellent capacity retention of 72% over 400 cycles at 1.5 C. Importantly, in situ micro‐Raman investigation verifies the effectively reduced polysulfides shuttling from sulfur cathode to lithium anode, which shows the greatly suppressed shuttle effect by the polar‐functional binder. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis into the discharge intermediates upon battery cycling reveals that the hydrophilic binder endows the sulfur electrodes with multidimensional Li‐O, Li‐N, and S‐O interactions with sulfur species to effectively mitigate lithium polysulfide dissolution, which is theoretically confirmed by density‐functional theory calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Safety, nontoxicity, and durability directly determine the applicability of the essential characteristics of the lithium (Li)‐ion battery. Particularly, for the lithium–sulfur battery, due to the low ignition temperature of sulfur, metal lithium as the anode material, and the use of flammable organic electrolytes, addressing security problems is of increased difficulty. In the past few years, two basic electrolyte systems are studied extensively to solve the notorious safety issues. One system is the conventional organic liquid electrolyte, and the other is the inorganic solid‐state or quasi‐solid‐state composite electrolyte. Here, the recent development of engineered liquid electrolytes and design considerations for solid electrolytes in tackling these safety issues are reviewed to ensure the safety of electrolyte systems between sulfur cathode materials and the lithium‐metal anode. Specifically, strategies for designing and modifying liquid electrolytes including introducing gas evolution, flame, aqueous, and dendrite‐free electrolytes are proposed. Moreover, the considerations involving a high‐performance Li+ conductor, air‐stable Li+ conductors, and stable interface performance between the sulfur cathode and the lithium anode for developing all‐solid‐state electrolytes are discussed. In the end, an outlook for future directions to offer reliable electrolyte systems is presented for the development of commercially viable lithium–sulfur batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The “shuttle effect” that stems from the dissolution of polysulfides is the most fatal issue affecting the cycle life of lithium‐sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In order to suppress the “shuttle effect,” a new strategy of using a highly lithium ion conductive lithium fluoride/graphene oxide (LiF/GO) solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) to mechanically prevent the lithium dendrite breakthrough is reported. When utilized in Li–S batteries, the LiF/GO SEI coated separator demonstrates significant feature in mitigating the polysulfide shuttling as observed by in situ UV–vis spectroscopy. Moreover, the restrained “shuttle effect” can also be confirmed by analysis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and characterization of lithium dendrites, which indicates that no insulating layer of solid Li2S2/Li2S is found on lithium anode surface. Furthermore, the LiF/GO SEI layer puts out good lithium ion conductivity as its lithium ion diffusion coefficient reaches a high value of 1.5 × 10−7 cm2 s−1. These features enable a remarkable cyclic property of 0.043% of capacity decay per cycle during 400 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Improving nitrogen (N) management for greater agricultural output while minimizing unintended environmental consequences is critical in the endeavor of feeding the growing population sustainably amid climate change. Enhanced‐efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) have been developed to better synchronize fertilizer N release with crop uptake, offering the potential for enhanced N use efficiency (NUE) and reduced losses. Can EEFs play a significant role in helping address the N management challenge? Here we present a comprehensive analysis of worldwide studies published in 1980–2016 evaluating four major types of EEFs (polymer‐coated fertilizers PCF, nitrification inhibitors NI, urease inhibitors UI, and double inhibitors DI, i.e. urease and nitrification inhibitors combined) regarding their effectiveness in increasing yield and NUE and reducing N losses. Overall productivity and environmental efficacy depended on the combination of EEF type and cropping systems, further affected by biophysical conditions. Best scenarios include: (i) DI used in grassland (n = 133), averaging 11% yield increase, 33% NUE improvement, and 47% decrease in aggregated N loss (sum of NO3‐, NH3, and N2O, totaling 84 kg N/ha); (ii) UI in rice‐paddy systems (n = 100), with 9% yield increase, 29% NUE improvement, and 41% N‐loss reduction (16 kg N/ha). EEF efficacies in wheat and maize systems were more complicated and generally less effective. In‐depth analysis indicated that the potential benefits of EEFs might be best achieved when a need is created, for example, by downward adjusting N application from conventional rate. We conclude that EEFs can play a significant role in sustainable agricultural production but their prudent use requires firstly eliminating any fertilizer mismanagement plus the implementation of knowledge‐based N management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has been shown to decrease biodiversity and change nutrient cycles in terrestrial ecosystems. However, our understanding of ecological responses to chronic N addition and ecological recovery of grassland from N enrichment is limited. Here we present evidence from an 11-year grassland experiment with a range of N addition rates (0, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 kg N·ha−1·yr−1) in Inner Mongolia, China. Chronic N addition led to a reduction in species richness, Shannon diversity index, and soil pH and an increase in aboveground biomass, foliar N, and soil mineral N. High N addition rates (240 and 480 kg N·ha−1·yr−1) showed significant effects in the first and second years, which stabilized over time. Nitrogen addition at low rates (30 and 60 kg N·ha−1·yr−1) took longer (e.g., three years or more) to achieve significant effects. The negative impacts of high N addition (480 kg N·ha−1·yr−1) were reduced and species richness, Shannon diversity index, and soil pH showed a limited but rapid recovery with the cessation of N addition. Our findings suggest serious and cumulative impacts of N addition on plant and soil communities but the potential for partial system recovery over time if N inputs decline or cease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An oxygen-enabled germanium anode for lithium-ion batteries has been obtained for the first time through the local electron-stimulated reaction of oxygen molecules with gaseous germanium. Benefiting from the incorporation of oxygen atoms, this material can effectively suppress the agglomeration of germanium particles, tolerate the substantial volume change, and reduce the strain/stress generated during lithiation/delithiation. As demonstrated, the oxygen-enabled germanium anode shows significantly enhanced electrochemical performance compared to the untreated germanium anode. The oxygen-enabled electrode exhibits a high reversible lithium-storage capacity (≈1200 mAh g−1), extremely robust cycle life, and superior rate capability. The proposed concept presented in this work is feasible and valuable for other group IV materials (Si, Sn), potentially leading to high-performance electrochemical energy-storage and conversion devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT High gravity (HIGEE) technology, which uses centrifugal force to intensify mass transfer, has been applied to chemical processing industries. A rotating packed bed is a conventional HIGEE with a rotor filled with packings. A rotating zigzag bed (RZB) is a novel HIGEE with a rotor containing coupled rotational-stationary baffles as discrete steps, which are called HIGEE trays, to provide gas-liquid contact. RZB power consumption is mainly the power requirement for liquid flow. With the ideal liquid flow in an RZB rotor, this study develops a model that can predict the power requirement for ideal liquid flow at zero gas flow. The power requirement for liquid flow is equal to the model-predicted power requirement multiplied by two departure coefficients of real liquid and gas. Experiments were performed in two RZBs by using air-water system, and the consumption with gas rate, liquid rate, and rotational speed was measured. The departure coefficient of real liquid increased with increasing liquid rate and rotational speed, and its value at the greatest liquid rate ranged from 1.14 to 1.28 at various rotational speeds. The departure coefficient of gas increased with increasing gas rate and decreased with increasing liquid rate and rotational speed. The value of the departure coefficient of gas at the greater gas rate ranged from 1.36 to 2.80 at various liquid rates and rotational speeds. The power requirement for liquid flow in RZB was approximately 2.5 times as that of rotating packed bed, so the RZB power consumption should be given more attention. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study (Wolf et al., 2010) suggests that short-lived pulses of N2O emission during spring thaw dominate the annual N2O budget and that grazing decreases N2O emissions during the spring thaw. To verify this we conducted year-round N2O flux measurements from June 2010 to May 2011 in Tianshan alpine grassland in central Asia. No pulse emissions of N2O were found at grazing management sites and nitrogen addition sites during the spring thaw. The contribution of the spring thaw to the total annual N2O budget was small and accounted for only 6.6% of the annual fluxes, with winter emissions accounting for 16.7% and growing season emissions accounting for 76.7%. The difference in N2O emissions attributable to grazing management was not significant ( P > 0.05). Nitrogen input tended to increase N2O emissions at N addition sites during the grass growing season compared with those at unfertilized sites. N2O fluxes showed a significant correlation with air temperature and also with both soil temperature and soil water content at 10 cm depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studies the effects of global warming potential and greenhouse gas intensity in irrigated cropping systems in northeastern Colorado. A no-till (NT) cropping systems study initiated in 1999 to evaluate soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration potential in irrigated agriculture was used in this study to make trace of gas flux measurements for 3 years to facilitate a complete greenhouse gas accounting of global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI). These multi-year data suggest that there is year-to-year variability in trace gas exchange, as demonstrated by Dobbie et al. (1999) in other systems and inter-annual variability in SOC exchange as well.

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions We aimed to characterize and investigate the safety and efficacy of Plonmarlimab, a novel anti‐granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (anti‐GM‐CSF) neutralizing antibody, on the treatment of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life‐threatening systemic inflammatory disease, in pre‐clinical models.The binding affinity was evaluated using Biacore. The neutralizing activity was measured through the blockade of ligand–receptor interaction, inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation and suppression of TF‐1 cell proliferation. The efficacy of Plonmarlimab was evaluated in a humanized MAS model, which was established by engrafting human umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells into NOG‐EXL mice. Additionally, the safety profile of Plonmarlimab was investigated in cynomolgus monkeys.At the molecular level, Plonmarlimab showed sub‐nanomolar binding affinity with human GM‐CSF and effectively blocked the binding of GM‐CSF to its receptor. At the cellular level, Plonmarlimab dose‐dependently inhibited intracellular STAT5 phosphorylation and suppressed GM‐CSF‐induced TF‐1 proliferation. In the UCB‐engrafted NOG‐EXL MAS mouse model, Plonmarlimab treatment significantly ameliorated disease progression, demonstrated by the improvements in body weight loss, anaemia and some histopathological features. Furthermore, Plonmarlimab was well tolerated up to 150 mg/kg weekly in monkeys with no reported adverse effects.Plonmarlimab is a highly potent GM‐CSF blocking antibody and has demonstrated promising efficacy in a pre‐clinical MAS model with a favourable safety profile, supporting its clinical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using high‐capacity and metallic Li‐free lithium sulfide (Li2S) cathodes offers an alternative solution to address serious safety risks and performance decay caused by uncontrolled dendrite hazards of Li metal anodes in next‐generation Li metal batteries. Practical applications of such a cathode, however, still suffer from low redox activity, unaffordable cost, and poor processability of infusible and moisture‐sensitive Li2S. Herein, these difficulties are addressed by developing a molecular cage–engaged strategy that enables low‐cost production and interfacial engineering of Li2S cathodes for rechargeable Li2S//Si cells. An efficient chemisorption–electrocatalytic interface is built in extremely nanostructured Li2S cathodes by harnessing the confinement/separation effect of metal–organic molecular cages on ionic clusters of air‐stable, soluble, and low‐cost Li salt and their chemical transformation. It effectively boosts the redox activity toward Li2S activation/dissociation and polysulfide chemisorption–conversion in Li‐S batteries, leading to low activation voltage barrier, stable cycle life of 1000 cycles, ultrafast current rate up to 8 C, and high areal capacities of Li2S cathodes with high mass loading. Encouragingly, this highly active Li2S cathode can be applied for constructing truly workable Li2S//Si cells with a high specific energy of 673 Wh kg−1 and stable performance for 200 cycles at high rates against hollow nanostructured Si anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel‐rich layered materials LiNi1‐x‐yMnxCoyO2 are promising candidates for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion battery cathodes. Unfortunately, they suffer from capacity fading upon cycling, especially with high‐voltage charging. It is critical to have a mechanistic understanding of such fade. Herein, synchrotron‐based techniques (including scattering, spectroscopy, and microcopy) and finite element analysis are utilized to understand the LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 material from structural, chemical, morphological, and mechanical points of view. The lattice structural changes are shown to be relatively reversible during cycling, even when 4.9 V charging is applied. However, local disorder and strain are induced by high‐voltage charging. Nano‐resolution 3D transmission X‐ray microscopy data analyzed by machine learning methodology reveal that high‐voltage charging induced significant oxidation state inhomogeneities in the cycled particles. Regions at the surface have a rock salt–type structure with lower oxidation state and build up the impedance, while regions with higher oxidization state are scattered in the bulk and are likely deactivated during cycling. In addition, the development of micro‐cracks is highly dependent on the pristine state morphology and cycling conditions. Hollow particles seem to be more robust against stress‐induced cracks than the solid ones, suggesting that morphology engineering can be effective in mitigating the crack problem in these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]