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Perylene diimides (PDIs) have received considerable attention as a versatile class of functional dyes owing to their flexible reaction sites and remarkable stability. Recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the fluorescence and photothermal conversion properties of PDI molecules. The interplay between radiative and nonradiative transitions controls the emission and heat generation processes in these molecules. This comprehensive overview summarizes the recent strategies for manipulating the structures of PDI molecules for fluorescence and photothermal conversion applications. Additionally, challenges and potential solutions associated with the usage of fluorescent and photothermal PDI molecules are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China experiences rapid economic development, tasks involving poverty alleviation, energy conservation and ecological protection need to be addressed. Whether poverty alleviation, energy conservation and ecological protection in China have coordinated development has become a question worth studying. Based on the coupling coordination degree model and the GM (1, 1) model, this paper calculates and forecasts the development level of poverty alleviation, energy conservation and ecological protection of 30 provinces (cities) in China and analyses the synergy of the three systems spatially and temporally. The results show that first, from 2010 to 2019, the development level of China's poverty alleviation system, energy conservation system and ecological protection system presented increasing trends, but regional differences could be seen in development trends. Second, the coupling coordination degree of the three systems in China showed an upwards trend. The average coupling coordination degree of 30 provinces (cities) rose from slight coordination in 2010 to moderate coordination in 2019. Third, in the following years, development level will still be on an upwards trend in the four regions of China from 2020 to 2025. The development level of the ecological protection system will be the highest in China, and poverty alleviation and energy conservation will rank second and third. Fourth, the coupling coordination degree of the three systems of 30 provinces (cities) in China will rise significantly, indicating that the development of the three systems in China will be more coordinated in the following years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel filter design for the single-output stochastic non-linear systems subjected to non-Gaussian noises and the proposed assumptions. Based on a state transformation, the unmeasurable states of the systems can be estimated where non-linear terms in the systems have been eliminated. It has been shown that the estimation error is linearly dynamical regarding to the presented vector-valued filter gain which can be optimised by minimising the entropy-based performance criterion. In addition, the convergence of the presented algorithm is analysed in mean-square sense and a numerical example is given to verify the effectiveness of the presented filtering algorithm. Meanwhile, the extended Kalman filter, unscented particle filter and minimum entropy filter are given for the comparisons of the filtering performance. Following the presented framework, some extensions of the presented filtering algorithm are discussed to indicate the flexibility of the filter design. The contribution of this paper can be summarised as establishing a novel minimum entropy filtering framework which consists of model transformation, entropy optimisation and convergence analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new control strategy for stochastic distribution shape tracking regarding non-Gaussian stochastic non-linear systems. The objective can be summarised as adjusting the probability density function (PDF) of the system output to any given desired distribution. In order to achieve this objective, the system output PDF has first been formulated analytically, which is time-variant. Then, the PDF vectorisation has been implemented to simplify the model description. Using the vector-based representation, the system identification and control design have been performed to achieve the PDF tracking. In practice, the PDF evolution is difficult to implement in real-time, thus a data-driven extension has also been discussed in this paper, where the vector-based model can be obtained using kernel density estimation (KDE) with the real-time data. Furthermore, the stability of the presented control design has been analysed, which is validated by a numerical example. As an extension, the multi-output stochastic systems have also been discussed for joint PDF tracking using the proposed algorithm, and the perspectives of advanced controller have been discussed. The main contribution of this paper is to propose: (1) a new sampling-based PDF transformation to reduce the modelling complexity, (2) a data-driven approach for online implementation without model pre-training, and (3) a feasible framework to integrate the existing control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular doping is vital to control the charge transport in organic/inorganic semiconductors, which provides an important technique to optimize the thermoelectric (TE) performance. Here, two organic borates with designed molecular structures, Ph 3 C+[B(C 6 F 5) 4 ]- and Ph 2 I+[B(C 6 F 5) 4 ]-, were employed as p-type dopants to enhance the TE performance of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The electrons are transferred from SWCNTs to the electron-deficient cations of the borates, resulting in charge-transfer complexes stabilized by [B(C 6 F 5) 4 ]-. Specifically, compared to the pristine SWCNTs, the borate-doped SWCNT films reveal enhanced power factors of 135.5 ± 8.4 μW m−1 K−2 for SWCNT/Ph 3 C+[B(C 6 F 5) 4 ]-, and 156.6 ± 7.2 μW m−1 K−2 for SWCNT/Ph 2 I+[B(C 6 F 5) 4 ]-. Moreover, the p-doped SWCNTs display good air and thermal stabilities due to the chemical inertness and thermal stability of the organic [B(C 6 F 5) 4 ]- anions. In addition, by immersion in organic solvent, the TE performance can be further increased. This work provides a novel strategy to achieve stable p-doped SWCNT films with excellent TE performance via rational molecular design of organic borate dopants. Novel organic p-type borate dopants were designed to achieve single-walled carbon nanotube hybrids with enhanced thermoelectric performance by effective electron transfer mechanism. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current research, achieving carbon neutrality has become a primary focus through the utilization of various conversion technologies that transform carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemicals or fuels. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as emerging crystalline organic polymers, offer distinct advantages in CO2 conversion compared to other materials. These advantages include controllable nanoscale pores, predefined functional units, editable framework structures, and rich conjugated systems. The unique characteristics of COFs make them highly promising electrocatalysts for CO2 conversion. This review provides a comprehensive overview of pioneering works and recent research on the utilization of COF‐based materials as electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the design principles for various reactive sites, skeleton structures, pore functionalities, 3D frameworks, morphologies, and composite materials of COFs, aiming to enhance electrocatalysis. Finally, this review presents some recommendations for material design, reaction mechanisms, and theoretical computations to enhance the understanding of reaction mechanisms further and facilitate the design of high‐performance COF‐based electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the development of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)‐based organic co‐crystals has attracted increasing interest due to their unique packing modes, optic‐electronic properties and various potential applications in electronic, optic‐electronic and magnetic devices. In this account, we mainly discuss the definition, classification, packing patterns, preparation methods, and applications of PAH‐based co‐crystals. Specifically, the main categories of PAH‐based organic co‐crystals, the frequent methods to prepare them, three main packing patterns, their optical and electrical properties, and their potential applications will be presented. Finally, an outlook of this field is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huang-Lian Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD), a famous traditional Chinese prescription constituted by Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae, Cortex Phellodendri and Fructus Gradeniae, has notable characteristics of dissipating heat and detoxification, interfering with tumors, hepatic diseases, metabolic disorders, inflammatory or allergic processes, cerebral diseases and microbial infections. Based on the wide clinical applications, accumulating investigations about HLJDD focused on several aspects: (1) chemical analysis to explore the underlying substrates responsible for the therapeutic effects; (2) further determination of pharmacological actions and the possible mechanisms of the whole prescription and of those representative ingredients to provide scientific evidence for traditional clinical applications and to demonstrate the intriguing molecular targets for specific pathological processes; (3) pharmacokinetic feature studies of single or all components of HLJDD to reveal the chemical basis and synergistic actions contributing to the pharmacological and clinically therapeutic effects. In this review, we summarized the main achievements of phytochemical, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles of HLJDD and its herbal or pharmacologically active chemicals, as well as our understanding which further reveals the significance of HLJDD clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anammox are unusual members of the microbial community contributing to N losses via anaerobic ammonium oxidation. Anammox use nitrite as a substrate and produce hydrazine as an intermediate product. Up to date, the effects of dissolved oxygen and moisture dynamics on anammox potential and microbial community in agricultural soils were poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the interaction of dissolved oxygen and moisture contents as factors affecting the soil anammox process. The experiment had four fertilization treatments i.e. Control (CK), Chemical fertilizer (CF), Pig composted manure plus chemical fertilizer (PMCF), and Straw returned to soil plus chemical fertilizer (SRCF) with different water contents, 70%-FC, Alternate wetting and drying (AWD), Flooding I (D.O 5.8 mg L−1), and Flooding II (D.O 2.6 mg L−1). 15N-isotopic tracer technique was used to evaluate the anammox and denitrification rates. The results showed that the anammox rate ranged from the lowest 0.56 nmol N 2 ·g−1·h−1 in CF (with 70% FC water) to the highest rate of 1.47 nmol N 2 ·g−1·h−1 in SRCF (with flooding II). In water treatments, the average lowest and highest anammox rates were in the 70% FC (0.61 nmol N 2 ·g−1·h−1) and Flooding II (1.14 nmol N 2 ·g−1·h−1), respectively. Moreover, under soil treatments, the minimum average anammox rate was found in the PMCF (0.76 nmol N 2 ·g−1·h−1) and maximum in the SRCF (1.01 nmol N 2 ·g−1·h−1). Interestingly, anammox genes copy numbers were highest in alternate wetting and drying conditions under all fertilizer treatments rather than in continuous flooding. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Ca. Brocadia was dominating while some of Ca. Jettenia was also present. In conclusion, alternate wetting and drying could increase the number of anammox bacteria and microbial diversity. Unlabelled Image • Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) can enhance Anammox rate and microbial diversity. • Consistently higher dissolved oxygen can inhibit the Anammox process/activity. • Long-term application of pig manure can decrease the Anammox activity. • Anammox activity has a positive relationship with hydrazine gene abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) is an important pathway in the microbial nitrogen cycle that allows ammonia to be oxidized by nitrite under anoxic conditions. Highlights • Seasonal shift in microbial community structure was observed through the incorporation of 13C-labeled urea into PLFAs. • The organic-inorganic compound fertilizer can enhance anammox activities and abundances of microbes. • PLFAs 14:0, 16:1ω9c, 16:1ω5c, 16:0, 18:1ω9c, and 18:0 could be used as the anammox biomarkers in paddy soil. • Bacteria played a significant role in metabolizing the 13C-matrix. Abstract An anaerobic incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the impacts of different fertilizer treatments on the activity and diversity of anaerobic bacteria combined anammox process. The treatments included no fertilization (CK), inorganic fertilization (IF), pig manure combined with inorganic fertilization (PF), and straw combined inorganic fertilization (SF) during wheat and rice seasons. Various 13C-PLFAs, especially 14:0, 16:1ω9c, 16:1ω5c, 16:0, 18:1ω9c, and 18:0, played significant roles in the anammox reaction and could be biomarkers of anammox. Additionally, fertilizer practices and seasonal changes could significantly affect soil properties, microbial biomass, and bacterial community structure. The abundance of total 13C and anaerobic microbes was higher in the PF and SF treatments than in the IF and CK treatments in the same season, indicating anaerobic activity and abundance can be enhanced by applying organic–inorganic compound fertilizers. The anammox microbial abundance, marked by the 13C-PLFAs 14:0, 16:1ω9c, 16:1ω5c, 16:0, 18:1ω9c, and 18:0, increased significantly during the crop rotation from the wheat season to the rice season. The proportions of bacteria were higher than those of fungi however the proportions of fungi were much higher than those of actinomycetes in all soils, suggest that fungi also play an important role in metabolizing the 13C-matrix with strong anaerobic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Significant progress on upconversion‐nanoparticle (UCNP)‐based probes is witnessed in recent years. Compared with traditional fluorescent probes (e.g., organic dyes, metal complexes, or inorganic quantum dots), UCNPs have many advantages such as non‐autofluorescence, high chemical stability, large light‐penetration depth, long lifetime, and less damage to samples. This article focuses on recent achievements in the usage of lanthanide‐doped UCNPs as efficient probes for biodetection since 2014. The mechanisms of upconversion as well as the luminescence resonance energy transfer process is introduced first, followed by a detailed summary on the recent researches of UCNP‐based biodetections including the detection of inorganic ions, gas molecules, reactive oxygen species, and thiols and hydrogen sulfide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, soil samples from the typical rice-wheat cropping system in Jiangsu Province, China, subjected to different fertilizer application treatments-no carbon (CK), urea (UR), straw (SR), pig manure (PM), starch (ST), and glucose (GL)-were used to determine potential anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) rate and its association with bacterial abundance, diversity, and activity by using DNA stable isotope probing combined with N isotope tracing and molecular techniques. The effects of different organic carbon sources on anammox were significant, in the following order: GL > ST, SR > UR > PM; anammox activity differed significantly across treatments; however, the C active anammox bacteria were only closely related to Ca. Brocadia. The anammox hydrazine synthase β subunit functional gene sequences were highly associated with the Candidatus genus Brocadia in PM and CK treatments. The different organic carbon sources had different inhibitory effects with anammox rate, which dropped from 3.19 to 1.04 nmol dinitrogen gas g dry soil h among treatments. About 4.2-22.3% of dinitrogen gas emissions were attributed to anammox and indicated that a specific population of anammox bacteria was present and varied with the addition of exogenous organic compounds in paddy soils, although a small part of dinitrogen gas was emitted from the soil via anammox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) and the representative active component triptolide show positive therapeutic effect on the autoimmune disorders and simultaneously ineluctable hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Combinational application of Panax notoginseng (PN) and Rehmannia glutinosa (RG) weakens the toxicity of TW according the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine. This article was aimed at the mechanism of decreasing toxicity of TW by the combinational application of PN and RG. Biochemical and pathohistological analysis were utilized to assess the toxicity on liver and kidney in rats administrated with TW, TW-PN, TW-RG and TW-PN-RG for 3 and 7 days. Meanwhile, the pharmacokinetics profiling of triptolide and wilforlide A was determined based on the plasma concentration analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). TW-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the marker for liver injury, was enhanced from 22.83 ± 1.29 to 40.73 ± 1.42 King's unit/100 mL (p < 0.01) at day 7. TW-PN-RG decreased the serum ALP of TW-treated rats at 30.15 ± 1.27 King's unit/100 mL (p < 0.01). For nephrotoxicity, TW pronouncedly elevated serum creatinine (SCr) in rats from 20.33 ± 1.77 to 49.82 ± 2.35 µmol/L (p < 0.01). However, rats treated with TW-PN-RG showed lower SCr at 30.48 ± 1.98 µmol/L (p < 0.01). Moreover, TW-PN-RG significantly decreased the TW-induced elevation of total bilirubin (T-BIL), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (Bun), and reversed the TW-resulted pathohistological characteristics of liver and kidney. The delayed time to reach Cmax (Tmax) and reduced maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of triptolide and wilforlide A were explored in rats with combinational formulas. Synergism of PN and RG obviously prolonged the half-life (t1/2) and apparent volume of distribution (Vd), but exerted no action on the clearance rate. The compatibility of TW, PN and RG influences intracorporal process of both triptolide and wilforlide A on the steps of absorption and tissue distribution contributing to less toxicity of TW on liver and kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process is globally an important nitrogen-cycling process mediated by specialized microbes. However, still little information is documented about anammox microbial community structure under agricultural soils. The anaerobic incubation experiment was conducted to study the impacts of different land use soils fertilized by C-urea on the activity and diversity of anammox bacteria using stable isotope to probe the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA-SIP). The C was preferentially incorporated in ratios PLFAs 16:1 ω7 c, 16:1 ω5 c, and 16:0. The results revealed that the abundance of the anammox bacteria (both hzs-β and hzo) were observed in vegetable soil V1 and paddy soils (R1 and R2) means that they were positively correlated with C-urea but were negatively correlated with NO -N and NH -N concentrations. Thus, C-PLFAs 16:1 ω7 c, 16:1 ω5 c, and 16:0 could be the biomarker as soil anammox. The anaerobic microbial community composition of soils under different land use systems was diverse, and V1, R1, and R2 had similar microbial diversity and higher microbial biomass. The principal component analysis between soil properties and gene abundance suggested that not only pH but also soil organic matter, available P, and available K were important factors for the anammox process. This study suggested that C-Urea-PLFA for anaerobic incubation was a simple method to study anammox microbial community structure through affecting the soil nutrients, and the different land use systems played important roles in determining the microbial composition of soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve nitrogen pollution in environmental water, two heterotrophic nitrifying and aerobic denitrifying strains isolated from acid paddy soil were identified as Achromobacter sp. strain HNDS-1 and Enterobacter sp. strain HNDS-6 respectively. Strain HNDS-1 and strain HNDS-6 exhibited amazing ability to nitrogen removal. When (NH 4) 2 SO 4 , KNO 3 , NaNO 2 were used as nitrogen resource respectively, the NH 4 +-N, NO 3 −-N, NO 2 −-N removal efficiencies of strain HNDS-1 were 93.31%, 89.47%, and 100% respectively, while those of strain HNDS-6 were 82.39%, 96.92%, and 100%. And both of them could remove mixed nitrogen effectively in low C/N (C/N = 5). Strain HNDS-1 could remove 76.86% NH 4 +-N and 75.13% NO 3 −-N. And strain HNDS-6 can remove 65.07% NH 4 +-N and 78.21% NO 3 −-N. A putative ammonia monooxygenase, nitrite reductase, nitrate reductase, assimilatory nitrate reductase, nitrate/nitrite transport protein and nitric oxide reductase of strain HNDS-1, while hydroxylamine reductase, nitrite reductase, nitrate reductase, assimilatory nitrate reductase, nitrate/nitrite transport protein, and nitric oxide reductase of strain HNDS-6 were identified by genomic analysis. DNA-SIP analysis showed that genes Nxr, nar G, nir K, nor B, nos Z were involved in nitrogen removal pathway, which indicates that the denitrification pathway of strain HNDS-1 and strain HNDS-6 was NO 3 −→NO 2 −→NO→N 2 O→N 2 during NH 4 +-N removal process. And the nitrification pathway of strain HNDS-1 and strain HNDS-6 was NO 2 −→NO 3 −, but the nitrification pathway of NH 4 +→ NO 2 − needs further studies. • Tow strains with heterotrophic nitrifying and aerobic denitrifying capability isolated from acidic paddy soil were identified as Achromobacter sp. strain HNDS-1 and Enterobacter sp. strain HNDS-6. • Strain HNDS-1 and strain HNDS-6 can effectively remove nitrogen. • Identified the N removal pathway of strain HNDS-1 and strain HNDS-6 by genome and DNA-Stable Isotope Probing analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberine exerts neuroprotective and modulates hypoxia inducible factor-1-alpha (HIF-1. Based on the role of HIF-1 in hypoxia preconditioning and association between HIF-1 and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), we hypothesized that berberine preconditioning (BP) would ameliorate the cerebral injury induced by ischemia through activating the system of HIF-1 and S1P. Adult male rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and rat primary cortical neurons treated with oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) with BP at 24h (40mg/kg) and 2h (10mol/L), respectively, were used to determine the neuroprotective effects. The HIF-1 accumulation, and S1P metabolism were assayed in the berberine-preconditioned neurons, and the HIF-1-mediated transcriptional modulation of sphingosine kinases (Sphk) 1 and 2 was analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation and real-time polymerase chain reaction. BP significantly prevented cerebral ischemic injury in the MCAO rats at 24h and 72h following ischemia/reperfusion. In OGD-treated neurons, BP enhanced HIF-1 accumulation with activation of PI3K/Akt, and induced S1P production by activating Sphk2 via the promotion of HIF-1-mediated Sphk2 transcription. In conclusion, BP activated endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms associated with the S1P/HIF-1 pathway and helped protect neuronal cells against hypoxia/ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance The key problem with toxic Chinese herbs in clinical applications is how to find the most effective method to reduce toxicity. This study focuses on discussing the mechanism of decreased hepatotoxicity by the usage compatibility of two commonly used traditional Chinese drugs that are used clinically: Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TW) and Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen (PN). Additionally, based on the results from using metabonomics technology, the usage compatibility with these two herbs that was originated from clinical experience is the first to clarify the rationality of the drug combination. Materials and methods Through a fast and effective HPLC method, plasma concentration–time profiles and triptolide distribution characteristics in liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney tissues were simultaneously determined in rats after oral administration of the aqueous extract of TW and TW-PN. The reduced hepatotoxicity data of the usage compatibility with TW and PN were also investigated, and then a UHPLC-QTOF/MS method was developed and validated for the explanation of the reduced hepatotoxicity mechanism. Results It was indicated that nine endogenous metabolites might be potential biomarkers for hepatotoxicity induced by TW. In addition, the plasma concentration–time profiles and the distribution characteristics of TP in rats were changed after oral administration of the aqueous extract of TW-PN, and simultaneously, the hepatotoxicity was obviously decreased. Conclusions The results indicated that usage compatibility with TW and PN was reasonable in clinical use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the mechanism of reducing hepatotoxicity with the combined use of TW and PN from clinical experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental bacteria have been revealed to be a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes and a potential pool of novel resistance genes in clinical pathogens. Recently, the soils, which have never been treated with antibiotics before have proved to contain the resistant bacterial strains. In this study, we assessed whether the soil that had not previously been influenced by antibiotics contained super-resistant bacteria or not. We identified super penicillin-resistant strains in four diverse soils containing up to 1000 mg/L penicillin compared to 100 mg/L, but none of super tetracycline resistant strains were detected in four soils containing up to 1000 mg/L tetracycline, which is the highest concentration of exogenous penicillin or tetracycline reported to date. Twenty bacterial isolates were selected, representing a diverse set of species in the genera Pseudomonas (85%) and Variovorax (15%); these bacteria showed multiple antibiotic resistance patterns for four or more antibiotics. Using polymerase chain reaction and sequence, we carefully examined the existence of antibiotic-resistance genes and integron genes in soils and strains. It was observed that the resistance genes tet(C) and blaTEM were fairly widely distributed in these super penicillin-resistant isolates, and 20% -- 50% of tested genes were found in the study soils. All the study sites provided great opportunities for horizontal resistance transfer. The antibiotic-resistant genes pool, which is potentially large and diverse, may have considerable implications for ecology and health. © 2015 Friends Science Publishers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that surfactants can control the shape and size of micro-/nanoparticles, they should be able to direct the growth of bulk crystals. This Minireview summarizes recent developments in the application of surfactants for the preparation of new crystalline inorganic materials, including chalcogenides, metal-organic frameworks, and zeolite analogues. The roles of surfactants in different reaction systems are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mit Blick darauf, dass Tenside die Form und Größe von Mikro ‐ und Nanopartikeln steuern können, sollten sie auch in der Lage sein, das Wachstum von makroskopischen Kristallen zu dirigieren. Dieser Kurzaufsatz fasst jüngste Entwicklungen bei der Verwendung von Tensiden zur Herstellung neuer kristalliner anorganischer Materialien aus dem Bereich der Chalkogenide, Metall ‐ organischen Gerüstverbindungen und Zeolithanaloga zusammen. Die Rolle der Tenside in den verschiedenen Reaktionssystemen wird diskutiert. Medien mit vielen Gesichtern: Da Tenside die Form und Größe von Mikro ‐ und Nanopartikeln steuern können, sind sie auch in der Lage, das Wachstum von makroskopischen Kristallen zu dirigieren. In diesem Kurzaufsatz werden jüngste Entwicklungen bei der Verwendung von Tensiden zur Synthese kristalliner anorganischer Materialien aus dem Bereich der Chalkogenide, MOFs und Zeolithanaloga zusammengefasst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an innovative decentralised control framework, designed to address stochastic dynamic complex systems that are influenced by multiple multiplicative noise factors. Our advanced approach builds upon the foundation of conventional Decentralised Fully Probabilistic Design (DFPD) by refining the Riccati equation to accommodate multiple noise sources effectively. By embracing the inherent stochastic nature of complex systems, our methodology fully characterises their dynamic behaviours using probabilistic state–space models, delivering a comprehensive representation of subsystem components. Importantly, the DFPD approach also incorporates system and input constraints by characterising their corresponding ideal distributions, ensuring optimal functionality and performance while adhering to permissible boundaries. To further enhance system performance, we introduce a probabilistic message passing architecture that enables seamless communication between neighbouring subsystems and promotes harmonised decision-making among local nodes. To demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed framework, we employ a three-inverted pendulum system as a numerical example and compare its performance to that of the conventional DFPD. Through this comparison, we showcase the advantages of our novel decentralised control approach in handling complex systems with multiple noise factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) provides a field-specific approach for dynamically applying nutrients to crops on an as-needed basis. The demand for bamboo in China cannot be met despite increases in domestic production and yield in recent years. Further increases in bamboo yield and improve ecological environment, with good economic returns, are feasible in most favorable growth environments of China through relatively straightforward adjustments in crop and nutrient management. We created a SSNM system for bamboo forestry starting in 2009. The influence of SSNM on nutrient availability and characteristics of soil microorganisms in comparison to the current farmer fertilizer practice (FFP) in a bamboo ( Phyllostachys pubescens ) forest was investigated from January to December 2011. The results showed that SSNM, in comparison to FFP, increased the average bamboo yield by approximately 4.3%. Fertilizer N, P, and K levels, however, decreased by 55%, 8%, and 16%, respectively. Higher resin N, P, and K availability by using FFP compared to SSNM indicated an accumulation of inorganic nutrients during periods when the bamboo demand for nutrients is low. These nutrients were, therefore, prone to large losses via runoff. Resin nutrient availability was shown to be a good indicator of plant nutrient uptake but not yield. Moreover, the addition of chemical fertilizer altered the microbial biomass C and N, the total amount of PLFA was higher via SSNM (295 nmol/g) than those via FFP (262 nmol/g), indicating SSNM also increased soil microbial activity. Overall, the SSNM system was found to reduce nutrient release to the environment while maintaining bamboo yields and soil ecological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The amount of DOM in solution by the ultisol was a linear function of the initial amount added to the soil water system. [•] The ultisol retained 19.9% of the total DOC and 41.7% of the total DON in solution. [•] A bamboo forest has a higher capacity than a pear orchard to retain DOC and DON. [•] The continuous application of high doses of organic manure, particularly rape cake, may saturate the DOC adsorptive sites. [•] Amorphous Fe and Al oxides play an important role in the adsorption capacity of both DOC and DON in ultisols. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a classical heat-clearing and detoxicating formula of traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used to treat stroke. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of HLJDT preconditioning on neurons under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Materials and methods: A stroke model of rats was obtained through MCAO. Following HLJDT preconditioning, the cerebral infarction volume, cerebral water content, and neurological deficient score were determined. Cerebral cortical neurons cultured in vitro were preconditioned with HLJDT and then subjected to OGD treatment. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from neurons was detected. The levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and PI3K/Akt signaling were analyzed by western blotting, and the levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant of the neurons and the plasma of MCAO rats were measured through a radioimmunological assay. The apoptosis and proliferation of neurons were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: HLJDT preconditioning significantly reduced the cerebral infarction volume and cerebral water content and ameliorated the neurological deficient score of MCAO rats. In addition, HLJDT preconditioning protected neurons against OGD. Increased HIF-1α, EPO, and VEGF levels and the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling were observed as a result of HLJDT preconditioning. Furthermore, HLJDT preconditioning was found to inhibit ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis and to promote neuron proliferation under conditions of ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusion: Both rats and neurons subjected to HLJDT preconditioning were able to resist ischemia/reperfusion or hypoxia injury through the inhibition of apoptosis and the enhancement of proliferation, and these effects were primarily dependent on the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and HIF-1α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a classical heat-clearing and detoxicating formula of traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used to treat stroke. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of HLJDT preconditioning on neurons under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Materials and methods: A stroke model of rats was obtained through MCAO. Following HLJDT preconditioning, the cerebral infarction volume, cerebral water content, and neurological deficient score were determined. Cerebral cortical neurons cultured in vitro were preconditioned with HLJDT and then subjected to OGD treatment. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from neurons was detected. The levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and PI3K/Akt signaling were analyzed by western blotting, and the levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant of the neurons and the plasma of MCAO rats were measured through a radioimmunological assay. The apoptosis and proliferation of neurons were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: HLJDT preconditioning significantly reduced the cerebral infarction volume and cerebral water content and ameliorated the neurological deficient score of MCAO rats. In addition, HLJDT preconditioning protected neurons against OGD. Increased HIF-1α, EPO, and VEGF levels and the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling were observed as a result of HLJDT preconditioning. Furthermore, HLJDT preconditioning was found to inhibit ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis and to promote neuron proliferation under conditions of ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusion: Both rats and neurons subjected to HLJDT preconditioning were able to resist ischemia/reperfusion or hypoxia injury through the inhibition of apoptosis and the enhancement of proliferation, and these effects were primarily dependent on the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and HIF-1α. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inspired by dative boron‐nitrogen (B←N) bonds proven to be the promising dynamic linkage for the construction of crystalline covalent organic polymers/frameworks (COPs/COFs), we employed 1,4‐bis(benzodioxaborole) benzene (BACT) and N,N′‐Di(4‐pyridyl)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxdiimide (DPNTCDI) as the corresponding building blocks to construct a functional COP (named as CityU‐25), which had been employed as an anode in rechargeable lithium ion batteries. CityU‐25 displayed an excellent reversible lithium storage capability of 455 mAh/g after 170 cycles at 0.1 A/g, and an impressive one of 673 mAh/g after 720 cycles at 0.5 A/g. These findings suggest that CityU‐25 is a standout candidate for advanced battery technologies, highlighting the potential application of this type of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by dative boron‐nitrogen (B←N) bonds proven to be the promising dynamic linkage for the construction of crystalline covalent organic polymers/frameworks (COPs/COFs), we employed 1,4‐bis(benzodioxaborole) benzene (BACT) and N,N′‐Di(4‐pyridyl)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxdiimide (DPNTCDI) as the corresponding building blocks to construct a functional COP (named as CityU‐25), which had been employed as an anode in rechargeable lithium ion batteries. CityU‐25 displayed an excellent reversible lithium storage capability of 455 mAh/g after 170 cycles at 0.1 A/g, and an impressive one of 673 mAh/g after 720 cycles at 0.5 A/g. These findings suggest that CityU‐25 is a standout candidate for advanced battery technologies, highlighting the potential application of this type of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the efficient emission of organic luminogens in both monomeric and various aggregated states remains a challenging task. In this work, the motion of an organic luminophores is synergistically regulated by introducing side alkyl chains with appropriate length and the aromatic rotor triphenylamine. This study finds that the incorporation of alkyl chains not only increased the rotational barriers in the molecule, but also influenced the packing modes. The as‐prepared organic luminogen, FIMPA‐C6, exhibited bright emissions in solution, polymorph, and amorphous states. Furthermore, the emission of FIMPA‐C6 can be widely tuned from yellow to deep red in different aggregated states. The exceptional luminescent properties of FIMPA‐C6 make it a promising functional dye for cellular imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd contamination, especially in farmland soil, can pose serious threats to human health as well as ecological security. Stabilization is an important strategy for agricultural soil Cd remediation. In this study, a Cd-resistant strain (Cupriavidus B-7) was isolated and loaded onto cow manure (CDB), rice straw (RSB) and pine wood biochar (PB) to investigate its effects on Cd stabilization by a 60-day pot experiment. Results indicated that the Cupriavidus B-7-loaded biochar (labelled as CDBB, PBB and RSBB) reduced the CaCl2-extractable Cd by 43.06–59.78%, which was significantly superior to individual applications of Cupriavidus B-7 and biochar. Likewise, the soil physicochemical properties, urease, catalase and phosphatase activities were improved, indicating improved soil health. Consequently, dry weights of pakchoi's shoot and root were increased by 938.9–1230.9% and 149.1–281.2%, respectively, by applying CDBB, PBB and RSBB. Meanwhile, the Cd accumulation in pakchoi shoots decreased by 38.06–50.75%. Notably, the RSBB exhibited an optimal performance on pakchoi growth promotion and Cd accumulation alleviation. The structural equation model indicated the synergistic effect on pakchoi growth promotion and Cd accumulation decreased between biochar and Cupriavidus B-7. Our research provides some new insights into the development of strategies for green and sustainable remediation of Cd-contaminated soil. Highlights: A Cd resistant Cupriavidus B-7 (B-7) was isolated from copper mining soil Biochar, B-7 and their conbination were used to remediate Cd polluted soil Biochar loaded B-7 outperformed individual treatments for Cd stabilization Biochar loaded B-7 alleivated the Cd uptake and promoted pakchoi growth [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali metals (e.g. Li, Na, and K) and multivalent metals (e.g. Zn, Mg, Ca, and Al) have become star anodes for developing high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and excellent conductivity. However, the inevitable dendrites and unstable interfaces of metal anodes pose challenges to the safety and stability of batteries. To address these issues, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as emerging materials, have been widely investigated due to their regular porous structure, flexible molecular design, and high specific surface area. In this minireview, we summarize the research progress of COFs in stabilizing metal anodes. First, we present the research origins of metal anodes and delve into their advantages and challenges as anodes based on the physical/chemical properties of alkali and multivalent metals. Then, special attention has been paid to the application of COFs in the host design of metal anodes, artificial solid electrolyte interfaces, electrolyte additives, solid‐state electrolytes, and separator modifications. Finally, a new perspective is provided for the research of metal anodes from the molecular design, pore modulation, and synthesis of COFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing the films of N‐containing unsubstituted poly(p‐phenylene) (PPP) films for diverse applications is significant and highly desirable because the replacement of sp2 C atoms with sp2 N atoms will bring novel properties to the as‐prepared polymers. In this research, an electrochemical‐dehalogenation polymerization strategy is employed to construct two N‐containing PPP films under constant potentials, where 2,5‐diiodopyridine (DIPy) and 2,5‐dibromopyrazine (DBPz) are used as starting agents. The corresponding polymers are named CityU‐23 (for polypyridine) and CityU‐24 (for polypyrazine). Moreover, it is found that both polymers can form films in situ on different conductive substrates (i.e., silicon, gold, ITO, and nickel), satisfying potential device fabrication. Furthermore, the as‐obtained thin films of CityU‐23 and CityU‐24 exhibit good performance of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction with the overpotential of 212.8 and 180.7 mV and the Tafel slope of 157.0 and 122.4 mV dec−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new intelligent recognition method for concrete ultrasonic detection based on wavelet packet transform and a convolutional neural network (CNN). To validate the proposed data-based method, a case study is presented where the K-fold cross-validation was adopted to produce the performance analysis and classification experiments. Moreover, three evaluation indicators, precision, recall, and F-score, are calculated for analyzing the classification performance of the trained models. As a result, the obtained four-classifying CNN reaches more than 99% detection accuracy while the lowest recognition accuracy is not less than 92.5% on the testing dataset for the six-classifying CNN model. Compared with the existing stochastic configuration network (SCN) models, the presented method achieves the design objective with better recognition performance. The calculation results of the six-classifying and five-classifying models and related research clearly indicate the remaining challenging tasks for intelligent recognition algorithms in extracting features and classifying mass data from various concrete defects precisely and efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The selection range of the activation function could be expanded by the GLIT method. • A tolerance solution theorem based upon neural network system is given and proved. • The input could fall into the specified interval in the sense of probability. • The GLIT method is more suitable for high-dimension data. Weight initialization of neural networks has an important influence on the learning process, and the selection of initial weights is related to the activation interval of the activation function. It is proposed that an improved and extended weight initialization method for neural network with asymmetric activation function as an extension of the linear interval tolerance method (LIT), called 'GLIT' (generalized LIT), which is more suitable for higher-dimensional inputs. The purpose is to expand the selection range of the activation function so that the input falls in the unsaturated region, so as to improve the performance of the network. Then, a tolerance solution theorem based upon neural network system is given and proved. Furthermore, the algorithm is given about determining the initial weight interval. The validity of the theorem and algorithm is verified by numerical experiments. The input could fall into any preset interval in the sense of probability under the GLIT method. In another sense, the GLIT method could provide a theoretical basis for the further study of neural networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AWD could partially abandon the denitrification, but can assist anammox bacteria while providing a substrate (nitrite). • AWD cycle duration does matter more than any other factor. • High throughput sequencing with cd-1 nitrite reductase gene (an-nirS) revealed a higher diversity of anammox community. The anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (anammox) are the hidden culprit behind the excessive nitrogen loss under a favorable environment, since their detection and abundance get disturbed by several unknown factors. This study intends to find the gap between actual anammox working capacity under different water conditions and fertilizers in the laboratory. The 15N-isotopic tracer technique was used to measure anammox and denitrification rate, and anammox community structure was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing with cytochrome cd-1 nitrite reductase functional gene (an_nirS gene, initially found in Candidatus Scalindua). The experiment consisted of four treatments, i.e., (I) CK_ Control, (II) UR_Urea, (III) PM_Pig Manure, and (IV) SRF_ Slow release fertilizer, under two water conditions, i.e., (a) Continuous flooding_ CF, (b) Alternate wetting and drying_ AWD. Results showed that anammox under CF decreased over time by −40.24%, and denitrification increased up to 39.25%. However, anammox activity under AWD increased up to 10.62% with the availability of NO 2 –, and surprisingly accompanied by the reduction in denitrification loss (-31.97%), being the most critical factor. We found that soil nifH and AOB genes were strongly favorable for anammox activity, while we observed the presence of anammox and AOB genes co-existing at the same time in paddy soil. The high-throughput sequencing with an_nirS functional gene showed a much higher diversity of anammox genera ever reported, mostly uncultured and unidentified. We concluded that water management is more prominent than fertilizer for anammox, and the most critical factor is the duration of AWD cycle, because of short term air supply could boost anammox activity and gene abundance, and could reduce denitrifier activity as well as nirK gene abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel discrete neutral Cd17 sulfide cluster (denoted CMM-9) with seven corners has been synthesized by slow diffusion of methanol into a mixed solution (DMF/CS2 = 1:1, weight ratio) containing an ionic starting material CMM-4. The structures of CMM-4 and CMM-9 are determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data collected at 150 K. The structure of the new Cd17 cluster is distinctly different from the well-known C1 cluster that also has 17 Cd sites. The UV/Vis spectrum of the new cluster CMM-9 revealed a maximum absorption at 305 nm in DMF solution, which is slightly red-shifted compared to the regular C1 cluster (C1, [Cd17S4(SPh)28]2-, with a maximum absorption at 296 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of the Zintl compound K4Ge9 with Te and Ga2Te3 in ethytenediamine (en) at 190°C gave the germanium polytelluride ([Ga(en)3]2[(GeTe)2(Te5)6-(Te8)4-])n (1). The single-crystal structure analysis revealed that 1 has two different polytelluride fragments: cross-shaped 36-e- TeTe46- anions and boat-shaped 52-e- Te84- rings. The new material is a p-type semiconductor at room temperature and switches to n-type at 380 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing single crystals of covalent organic polymers (COPs) for single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis is very important and highly desirable because such strategy provides a deep understanding of crystallization kinetics and the structure‐property relationship of COPs. Based on the strategy that dynamic covalent bonds can allow self‐correction of structures during crystal growth, single crystals of two COPs (CityU‐15 and CityU‐16) based on dative boron‐nitrogen (B─N) bonds have been successfully obtained. Detailly, tetra(4‐pyridyl)tetrathiafulvalene (TTF(py)4) and tetra(4‐pyridyl)porphine (TPYP) are employed as N‐donor ligands to react with 1,4‐bis(benzodioxaborole) benzene to prepare single crystals of COPs, named as CityU‐15 and CityU‐16, respectively. CityU‐16 exhibits enhanced stability compared to CityU‐15, and the size of CityU‐16 single crystals can reach up to 0.7 cm. CityU‐15 shows good recyclability and reveals noticeable photosensitivity upon iodine doping. After treatment with iodine, both crystals display obvious color changes. Specially, the device based on I2‐treated CityU‐15 exhibits excellent low‐voltage operation and low energy consumption of 3.3 fJ, facilitating the development of artificial vision. This work highlights the successful introduction of functional groups into B‐N‐containing COPs, opening up new avenues for expanding their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart materials based on stimuli-fluorochromic π-conjugated solids (SFCSs) have aroused significant interest due to their versatile and exciting properties, leading to advanced applications. In this review, we highlight the recent developments in SFCS-based smart materials, expanding beyond organometallic compounds and light-responsive organic luminescent materials, with a discussion on the design strategies, exciting properties and stimuli-fluorochromic mechanisms along with their potential applications in the exciting fields of encryption, sensors, data storage, display, green printing, etc. The review comprehensively covers single-component and multi-component SFCSs as well as their stimuli-fluorochromic behaviors under external stimuli. We also provide insights into current achievements, limitations, and major challenges as well as future opportunities, aiming to inspire further investigation in this field in the near future. We expect this review to inspire more innovative research on SFCSs and their advanced applications so as to promote further development of smart materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helical morphologies are widely observed in nature, however, it is very challenging to prepare artificial helical polymers. Especially, precisely understanding the structure information of artificial metal‐free helical covalent inorganic polymers via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis is rarely explored. Here, we successfully prepare a novel metal‐free helical covalent inorganic polymer ({[Te(C6H5)2] [PO3(OH)]}n, named CityU‐10) by introducing angular anions (HOPO32−) into traditional tellurium‐oxygen chains. The dynamic reversibility of the reaction is realized through the introduction of organic tellurium precursor and the slow hydrolysis of polyphosphoric acid. High‐quality and large‐size single crystals of CityU‐10 have been successfully characterized via SCXRD, where the same‐handed helical inorganic polymer chains form a pseudo‐two‐dimensional layer via multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The left‐handed layers and right‐handed layers alternatively stack together through weak hydrogen bonds to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. The single crystals of CityU‐10 are found to display promising optical properties with a large birefringence. Our results would offer new guidelines for designing and preparing new crystalline covalent polymers through tellurium‐based chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helical morphologies are widely observed in nature, however, it is very challenging to prepare artificial helical polymers. Especially, precisely understanding the structure information of artificial metal‐free helical covalent inorganic polymers via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis is rarely explored. Here, we successfully prepare a novel metal‐free helical covalent inorganic polymer ({[Te(C6H5)2] [PO3(OH)]}n, named CityU‐10) by introducing angular anions (HOPO32−) into traditional tellurium‐oxygen chains. The dynamic reversibility of the reaction is realized through the introduction of organic tellurium precursor and the slow hydrolysis of polyphosphoric acid. High‐quality and large‐size single crystals of CityU‐10 have been successfully characterized via SCXRD, where the same‐handed helical inorganic polymer chains form a pseudo‐two‐dimensional layer via multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The left‐handed layers and right‐handed layers alternatively stack together through weak hydrogen bonds to form a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. The single crystals of CityU‐10 are found to display promising optical properties with a large birefringence. Our results would offer new guidelines for designing and preparing new crystalline covalent polymers through tellurium‐based chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrated advantages of organic electrode materials and potassium metal make the organic potassium‐ion batteries (OPIBs) promising secondary batteries. This review summarizes the latest research progress on OPIBs according to the different types of electrode materials (namely, organic small molecules compounds, polymers, and frameworks (metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs)). Additionally, the research prospects and outlook for OPIBs are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive dysfunction increases as menopause progresses. We previously found that estrogen receptors (ERs) contribute to dyslipidemia, but the specific relationship between ERs, dyslipidemia and cognitive dysfunction remains poorly understood. In the present study, we analyzed sequencing data from female hippocampus and normal breast aspirate samples from normal and Alzheimer's disease (AD) women, and the results suggest that abnormal ERs signaling is associated with dyslipidemia and cognitive dysfunction. We replicated a mouse model of dyslipidemia and postmenopausal status in LDLR−/− mice and treated them with β-estradiol or simvastatin, and found that ovariectomy in LDLR−/− mice led to an exacerbation of dyslipidemia and increased hippocampal apoptosis and cognitive impairment, which were associated with reduced estradiol levels and ERα, ERβ and GPER expression. In vitro, a lipid overload model of SH-SY-5Y cells was established and treated with inhibitors of ERs. β-estradiol or simvastatin effectively attenuated dyslipidemia-induced neuronal apoptosis via upregulation of ERs, whereas ERα, ERβ and GPER inhibitors together abolished the protective effect of simvastatin on lipid-induced neuronal apoptosis. We conclude that decreased estrogen and its receptor function in the postmenopausal stage promote neuronal damage and cognitive impairment by exacerbating dyslipidemia, and that estrogen supplementation or lipid lowering is an effective way to ameliorate hippocampal damage and cognitive dysfunction via upregulation of ERs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium ion‐batteries (SIBs) are considered as a class of promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) to overcome their drawbacks of limited sources and safety problems. However, the lack of high‐performance electrode materials hinders the wide‐range commercialization of SIBs. Comparing to inorganic counterparts, organic electrode materials, which are benefitted from flexibly designable structures, low cost, environmental friendliness, and high theoretical gravimetric capacities, should be a prior choice. Here, a covalent organic polymer (COP) based material (denoted as CityU‐9) is designed and synthesized by integrating multiple redox motifs (benzoquinone and thioether), improved conductivity (sulfur induction), and intrinsic insolubility (rigid skeleton). The half‐cell SIBs exhibit ultrahigh specific capacity of 1009 mAh g−1 and nearly no capacity drop after 650 cycles. The first all‐COP symmetric full‐cell shows high specific capacity of 90 mAh g−1 and excellent rate capability. This work can extend the selection of redox‐active moieties and provide a rational design strategy of high‐performance novel organic electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing an efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst with low platinum (Pt) consumption is crucial for the cost reduction of energy devices, such as electrolyzers. Herein, nanoflower‐like carbon‐encapsulated CoNiPt alloy catalysts with composition segregation are designed by pyrolyzing morphology‐controlled and Pt‐proportion‐tuned metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The optimized catalyst containing 15% CoNiPt NFs (15%: Pt mass percentage, NFs: nanoflowers) exhibits outstanding alkaline HER performance with a low overpotential of 25 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, far outperforming those of commercial Pt/C (47 mV) and the most advanced catalysts. Such superior activity originates from an integration of segregation alloy and Co‐O hybridization. The nanoflower‐like hierarchical structure guarantees the full exposure of segregation alloy sites. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the segregation alloy components not only promote water dissociation but also facilitate the hydrogen adsorption process, synergistically accelerating the kinetics of alkaline HER. In addition, the activity of alkaline HER is volcanically distributed with the surface oxygen content, mainly in the form of Co3dO2p hybridization, which is another reason for enhanced activity. This work provides feasible insights into the design of cost‐effective alkaline HER catalysts by coordinating kinetic reaction sites at segregation alloy and adjusting the appropriate oxygen content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Paddy soil is one of the main sources of global nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions via multiple pathways regulated by different microbes. However, the relative contributions of N2O production pathways with the addition of organic carbon (C) in different paddy soils are poorly understood. Methods: 15N-stable isotope and acetylene (C2H2) inhibition were used to differentiate the relative contributions of autotrophic and heterotrophic nitrification (ANF and HNF) and denitrification (DNF) to N2O emissions in two paddy soils (acid vs. neutral soil) with glucose addition. Results: HNF and DNF were the main N2O pathways which contributed between 85% to 100% of the total N2O production at 70% water filled pore space. Low soil pH inhibited soil nitrification and the activity of ammonia oxidizers compared with neutral paddy soil. Glucose reduced nitrification rate and stimulated N2O production significantly, mainly via DNF in the two paddy soils. Moreover, glucose increased the relative contribution of DNF to total N2O production in the first 7 days and total N2O amounts from HNF over the 14-day incubation. Conclusions: HNF and DNF rather than ANF dominated the N2O emissions regardless of soil pH. Glucose had a positive effect on N2O emissions by influencing HNF and DNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc batteries usher in a renaissance due to their intrinsic security and cost effectiveness, bespeaking vast application foreground for large‐scale energy storage system. However, uncontrolled dendrite growth along with hydrogen evolution severely restricts its reversibility and stability for practical application. Herein, the surface of Zn metal is reconstructed with metallic particles (In, Sn, In0.2Sn0.8) to diminish surface defects and regulate Zn deposition behavior. The alloyed In–Sn greatly activates the Zn surface for lower Zn adsorption energy barrier to expedite plating kinetics and confine Zn aggregation. Dense and uniform deposition of Zn on the reconstructed surface significantly prevents the Zn substrate from dendrites growth for catastrophic damage. Meanwhile, alloy layer embodies high hydrogen evolution overpotential, ensuring high plating and stripping efficiency for Zn anode. Consequently, In0.2Sn0.8 reconstructed surface realizes long‐term lifespan up to 1800 h with low polarization (12 mV) at the condition of 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. When paired with sodium vanadate (NVO) cathode, the full cell steady operates for a high‐capacity retention of 94.0% after 5000 cycles at 5 A g−1. This study provides new insights into the surface‐defects dependent Zn deposition process and offers a guide for constructing stable surface for dendrite‐free Zn growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane computing is a branch of natural computing which has been extended to solve various optimization problems. A hybrid mode membrane-computing-based algorithm (HMMCA) is proposed in this paper to solve complex unconstrained optimization problems with continuous variables. The algorithmic framework of HMMCA translates from its distributed cell-like membrane structure and communication rule. A non-deterministic evolutionary programming method and two computational rules are applied to enhance the computational performance. In a numerical simulation, 12 benchmark test functions with different variables are used to verify the algorithmic performance. The test results and comparison with three other algorithms illustrate its effectiveness and superiority. Moreover, a case study on a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system parameter optimization problem is applied to validate its practicability. The results of the simulation and comparison with seven other algorithms demonstrate its practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]