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Rechargeable Li−Cl2 battery is a promising high energy density battery system. However, reasonable cycle life could only be achieved under low specific capacities due to the sluggish oxidation of LiCl to Cl2. Herein, we propose an amine‐functionalized covalent organic framework (COF) with catalytic activity, namely COF−NH2, that significantly decreases the oxidation barrier of LiCl and accelerates the oxidation kinetics of LiCl in Li−Cl2 cell. The resulting Li−Cl2 cell using COF−NH2 (Li−Cl2@COF−NH2) simultaneously exhibits low overpotential, ultrahigh discharge capacity up to 3500 mAh/g and a promoted utilization ratio of deposited LiCl at the first cycle (UR−LiCl) of 81.4 %, which is one of the highest reported values to date. Furthermore, the Li−Cl2@COF−NH2 cell could be stably cycled for over 200 cycles when operating at a capacity of 2000 mAh/g at −20 °C with a Coulombic efficiency (CE) of ≈100 % and a discharge plateau of 3.5 V. Our superior Li−Cl2 batteries enabled by organocatalyst enlighten an arena towards high‐energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable Li−Cl2 battery is a promising high energy density battery system. However, reasonable cycle life could only be achieved under low specific capacities due to the sluggish oxidation of LiCl to Cl2. Herein, we propose an amine‐functionalized covalent organic framework (COF) with catalytic activity, namely COF−NH2, that significantly decreases the oxidation barrier of LiCl and accelerates the oxidation kinetics of LiCl in Li−Cl2 cell. The resulting Li−Cl2 cell using COF−NH2 (Li−Cl2@COF−NH2) simultaneously exhibits low overpotential, ultrahigh discharge capacity up to 3500 mAh/g and a promoted utilization ratio of deposited LiCl at the first cycle (UR−LiCl) of 81.4 %, which is one of the highest reported values to date. Furthermore, the Li−Cl2@COF−NH2 cell could be stably cycled for over 200 cycles when operating at a capacity of 2000 mAh/g at −20 °C with a Coulombic efficiency (CE) of ≈100 % and a discharge plateau of 3.5 V. Our superior Li−Cl2 batteries enabled by organocatalyst enlighten an arena towards high‐energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recovery of high‐purity tea saponin (TS), a promising non‐ionic surfactant with well‐documented properties, is one of the major challenges to broadening its industrial applications. In this study, an innovative and sustainable strategy for the highly‐efficient purification of TS was developed by using well‐designed highly‐porous polymeric adsorbents. RESULTS: The prepared Pp‐A with controllable macropores (~96 nm) and appropriate surface hydrophobic properties was found more favorable for achieving high adsorption efficiency towards TS/TS‐micelles. Kinetic results showed the adsorption follows the pseudo‐second‐order model (R2 = 0.9800), and the Langmuir model is more qualified to explicate the adsorption isotherms with Qe‐TS ~ 675 mg g−1. Thermodynamic studies revealed the monolayer adsorption of TS was an endothermic process that was conducted spontaneously. Interestingly, ethanol‐driven desorption (90% v/v ethanol) of TS was rapidly (< 30 min) complete due to the possible ethanol‐mediated disassembling of TS‐micelles. A possible mechanism that involves the interactions between the adsorbents and TS/TS‐micelles, the formation and disassembling of TS‐micelles was proposed to account for the highly efficient purification of TS. Afterwards, Pp‐A‐based adsorption method was developed to purify TS directly from industrial camellia oil production. Through selective adsorption, pre‐washing, and ethanol‐driven desorption, the applied Pp‐A enabled the direct isolation of high‐purity TS (~96%) with a recovery ratio > 90%. Notably, Pp‐A exhibited excellent operational stability and is of high potential for long‐term industrial application. CONCLUSION: Results ensured the practical feasibility of the prepared porous adsorbents in purifying TS, and the proposed methodology is a promising industrial‐scale purification strategy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic zinc (Zn) is considered as one of the most attractive anode materials for the post‐lithium metal battery systems owing to the high theoretical capacity, low cost, and intrinsic safety. However, the Zn dendrites and parasitic side reaction impede its application. Herein, we propose a new principle of regulating p‐band center of metal oxide protective coating to balance Zn adsorption energy and migration energy barrier for effective Zn deposition and stripping. Experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that benefiting from the uniform zincophilic nucleation sites and fast Zn transport on indium tin oxide (ITO), highly stable and reversible Zn anode can be achieved. As a result, the I−Zn symmetrical cell achieves highly reversible Zn deposition/stripping with an extremely low overpotential of 9 mV and a superior lifespan over 4000 h. The Cu/I−Zn asymmetrical cell exhibits a long lifetime of over 4000 cycles with high average coulombic efficiency of 99.9 %. Furthermore, the assembled I−Zn/AC full cell exhibits an excellent lifetime for 70000 cycles with nearly 100 % capacity retention. This work provides a general strategy and new insight for the construction of efficient Zn anode protection layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic zinc (Zn) is considered as one of the most attractive anode materials for the post‐lithium metal battery systems owing to the high theoretical capacity, low cost, and intrinsic safety. However, the Zn dendrites and parasitic side reaction impede its application. Herein, we propose a new principle of regulating p‐band center of metal oxide protective coating to balance Zn adsorption energy and migration energy barrier for effective Zn deposition and stripping. Experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that benefiting from the uniform zincophilic nucleation sites and fast Zn transport on indium tin oxide (ITO), highly stable and reversible Zn anode can be achieved. As a result, the I−Zn symmetrical cell achieves highly reversible Zn deposition/stripping with an extremely low overpotential of 9 mV and a superior lifespan over 4000 h. The Cu/I−Zn asymmetrical cell exhibits a long lifetime of over 4000 cycles with high average coulombic efficiency of 99.9 %. Furthermore, the assembled I−Zn/AC full cell exhibits an excellent lifetime for 70000 cycles with nearly 100 % capacity retention. This work provides a general strategy and new insight for the construction of efficient Zn anode protection layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the formation encirclement problem of multiple quadrotors subjected to semi‐Markov jump switching topologies under consensus strategy. A target encirclement control algorithm is designed to achieve an enclosed formation, which drives autonomous quadrotors around the target so the target can't get away. Afterward, we propose a decentralized consensus‐based control protocol to realize the encirclement of the target quadrotor, where onboard miniature computers carry out all necessary computations. Notably, the quadrotor is modeled by a double integrator and the switching topology is described by a signed graph subjected to the semi‐Markov jump process. Whereafter, some criteria in the form of linear matrix inequalities are constructed based on the Lyapunov stability theory to achieve encirclement behavior. Ultimately, the proposed approach is verified by a comparison simulation and two flight experiments with three follower quadrotors enclosing a leader quadrotor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZBs) show promises for large‐scale energy storage. However, the zinc utilization rate (ZUR) is generally low due to side reactions in the aqueous electrolyte caused by the active water molecules. Here, we design a novel solvation structure in the electrolyte by introduction of sulfolane (SL). Theoretical calculations, molecular dynamics simulations and experimental tests show that SL remodels the primary solvation shell of Zn2+, which significantly reduces the side reactions of Zn anode and achieves high ZUR under large capacities. Specifically, the symmetric and asymmetric cells could achieve a maximum of ∼96 % ZUR at an areal capacity of 24 mAh cm−2. In a ZUR of ∼67 %, the developed Zn−V2O5 full cell can be stably cycled for 500 cycles with an energy density of 180 Wh kg−1 and Zn‐AC capacitor is stable for 5000 cycles. This electrolyte structural engineering strategy provides new insight into achieving high ZUR of Zn anodes for high performance AZBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZBs) show promises for large‐scale energy storage. However, the zinc utilization rate (ZUR) is generally low due to side reactions in the aqueous electrolyte caused by the active water molecules. Here, we design a novel solvation structure in the electrolyte by introduction of sulfolane (SL). Theoretical calculations, molecular dynamics simulations and experimental tests show that SL remodels the primary solvation shell of Zn2+, which significantly reduces the side reactions of Zn anode and achieves high ZUR under large capacities. Specifically, the symmetric and asymmetric cells could achieve a maximum of ∼96 % ZUR at an areal capacity of 24 mAh cm−2. In a ZUR of ∼67 %, the developed Zn−V2O5 full cell can be stably cycled for 500 cycles with an energy density of 180 Wh kg−1 and Zn‐AC capacitor is stable for 5000 cycles. This electrolyte structural engineering strategy provides new insight into achieving high ZUR of Zn anodes for high performance AZBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amine‐functionalized covalent organic framework with catalytic activity is demonstrated to significantly decrease the oxidation barrier and accelerate the oxidation kinetics of LiCl in a rechargeable Li‐Cl2 battery. The developed battery exhibits low overpotential and ultrahigh discharge capacity with good stability in a wide temperature range, as reported by Wei Chen, Shenxiang Zhang et al. in their Research Article (e202315931)...By Yan Xu; Mingming Wang; Muhammad Sajid; Yahan Meng; Zehui Xie; Lidong Sun; Jian Jin; Wei Chen and Shenxiang ZhangReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

An amine‐functionalized covalent organic framework with catalytic activity is demonstrated to significantly decrease the oxidation barrier and accelerate the oxidation kinetics of LiCl in a rechargeable Li‐Cl2 battery. The developed battery exhibits low overpotential and ultrahigh discharge capacity with good stability in a wide temperature range, as reported by Wei Chen, Shenxiang Zhang et al. in their Research Article (e202315931)...By Yan Xu; Mingming Wang; Muhammad Sajid; Yahan Meng; Zehui Xie; Lidong Sun; Jian Jin; Wei Chen and Shenxiang ZhangReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

The recently discovered "Trim‐Away" mechanism opens a new window for fast and selective degradation of endogenous proteins. However, the in vivo and clinical application of this approach is hindered by the requirement of special skills and equipment needed for the intracellular delivery of antibodies. Here, an antibody conjugated polymer nanogel system, nanogel‐facilitated protein intracellular specific degradation (Nano‐ERASER), for intracellular delivery and release of antibody, and degradation of a specific endogenous protein is developed. After being delivered into cells, the antibody is released and forms a complex with its target protein, and subsequently binds to the Fc receptor of Tripartite motif 21 (TRIM21). The resulting complex of target protein/antibody/TRIM21 is then degraded by the proteasome. The efficacy of Nano‐ERASER is validated by depleting GFP protein in a GFP expressing cell line. Furthermore, Nano‐ERASER successfully degrades the coatomer protein complex ζ1, a vital protein for cancer cells, and kills those cells while sparing normal cells. Benefitting from its convenience and targeted delivery merit, Nano‐ERASER technique is promising in providing a reliable tool for endogenous protein function study as well as paves the way for novel antibody‐based Trim‐Away therapeutic modalities for cancer and other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human granulosa cells in different stages are essential for maintaining normal ovarian function, and granulosa cell defect is the main cause of ovarian dysfunction. To address this problem, it is necessary to induce functional granulosa cells at different stages in vitro. In this study, we established a reprogramming method to induce early‐ and late‐stage granulosa cells with different steroidogenic abilities. We used an AMH‐fluorescence‐reporter system to screen candidate factors for cellular reprogramming and generated human induced granulosa‐like cells (hiGC) by overexpressing FOXL2 and NR5A1. AMH‐EGFP+ hiGC resembled human cumulus cells in transcriptome profiling and secreted high levels of oestrogen and progesterone, similar to late‐stage granulosa cells at antral or preovulatory stage. Moreover, we identified CD55 as a cell surface marker that can be used to isolate early‐stage granulosa cells. CD55+ AMH‐EGFP‐ hiGC secreted high levels of oestrogen but low levels of progesterone, and their transcriptome profiles were more similar to early‐stage granulosa cells. More importantly, CD55+ hiGC transplantation alleviated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a mouse model. Therefore, hiGC provides a cellular model to study the developmental program of human granulosa cells and has potential to treat PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered as attractive energy storage systems with great promise owing to their low cost, environmental friendliness and high safety. Nevertheless, cathode materials with stable structure and rapid diffusion of zinc ions are in great demand for AZIBs. In this work, a new kind of potassium vanadate compound (KV3O8) is synthesized with fibrous morphology as an excellent cathode material for AZIBs, which shows outstanding electrochemical performance. KV3O8 exhibits a high discharge capacity of 556.4 mAh g−1 at 0.8 A g−1, and the capacity retention is 81.3% at 6 A g−1 even after a long cycle life of 5000 cycles. The excellent performance of the KV3O8 cathode is benefited from the structural stability, sufficient active sites, and high conductivity, which is revealed by in situ X‐ray diffraction and various other characterizations. This work offers a new design strategy into fabricating high efficiency cathode materials for AZIBs and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic aluminum is an attractive anode owing to its high specific capacity, earth abundance, and low cost. However, the poor reversibility of Al deposition/dissolution and Al dendrites have impeded its deployment. Herein, a strategy for constructing a lattice‐matching layer (LML) to regulate the behavior of Al deposition/dissolution is demonstrated. Various experiments and theoretical calculations validate that gold LML as an example can significantly enhance the nucleation density and reduce average particle size, which achieve highly reversible, dendrite‐free, durable, and anode‐free Al anodes. The metallic Al shows stable Al deposition/dissolution on Au@Ti substrate for more than 4500 h with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.92%, which is a record‐high reported value. Furthermore, the anode‐free full cell based on Au@Ti anode and expanded graphite cathode exhibits outstanding long‐term stability for 900 cycles with the capacity retention rate of 80%. This study provides an effective strategy to enhance the reversibility and utilization of the Al anode, which provides inspiration for advanced Al batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overgrazing in semiarid grassland is a major cause of vegetation degradation. Understanding the changes in seedling patterns driven by grazing is crucial to unveiling mechanisms of plant community regeneration and succession in grazed grassland. However, the dynamics of seedling emergence and species diversity under grazing are rarely studied. This study used periodical field investigation to examine the variation in seedling emergence, plant diversity, species composition, and seedling survival of herbaceous plants under four grazing intensities, including light (LG), moderate (MG), heavy (HG), and non‐grazed (NG), in a semiarid sandy grassland. The results showed that seedling number and density were significantly higher in HG plots, while the seedling survival rate was significantly lower in HG, and that seedling emergence dynamics varied with grazing. Seventy‐five percent of the seedlings in HG emerged during early spring in April, while approximately 50% of the seedlings in LG, MG, and NG emerged in May. Differences in species richness and diversity varied with growth stages and the diversity was always higher in LG than in other grazing habitats during the main growing season. Annual forb seedlings increased while annual grass seedlings decreased after grazing with no perennial grass seedlings in HG. Our study suggests that high seedling emergence but low seedling survival rate, and simple species composition especially the disappearance of perennial plants caused by HG may be an important factor leading to vegetation degradation in the semiarid grazed grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil carbon (C) is comprised of a continuum of organic compounds with distinct ages (i.e., the time a C atom has experienced in soil since the C atom entered soil). The contribution of different age groups to soil C efflux is critical for understanding soil C stability and persistence, but is poorly understood due to the complexity of soil C pool age structure and potential distinct turnover behaviors of age groups. Here, we build upon the quantification of soil C transit times to infer the age of C atoms in soil C efflux (aefflux) from seven sequential soil layer depths down to 2 m at a global scale, and compare this age with radiocarbon‐inferred ages of C retained in corresponding soil layers (asoil). In the whole 0–2 m soil profile, the mean aefflux is 194211021 (mean with 5%–95% quantiles) year and is just about one‐eighth of asoil (14767172547 year), demonstrating that younger C dominates soil C efflux. With increasing soil depth, both aefflux and asoil are increased, but their disparities are markedly narrowed. That is, the proportional contribution of relatively younger soil C to efflux is decreased in deeper layers, demonstrating that C inputs (new and young) stay longer in deeper layers. Across the globe, we find large spatial variability of the contribution of soil C age groups to C efflux. Especially, in deep soil layers of cold regions (e.g., boreal forests and tundra), aefflux may be older than asoil, suggesting that older C dominates C efflux only under a limited range of conditions. These results imply that most C inputs may not contribute to long‐term soil C storage, particularly in upper layers that hold the majority of new C inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc–chlorine battery with high discharge voltage and attractive theoretical energy density is expected to become an important technology for large‐scale energy storage. However, the practical application of Zn–Cl2 batteries has been restricted due to the Cl2 cathode with sluggish kinetics and low Coulombic efficiency (CE). Here, an aqueous Zn–Cl2 battery using an inexpensive and effective MnO2 redox adsorbent (referred to Zn‐Cl2@MnO2 battery) to modulate the electrochemical performance of the Cl2 cathode is developed. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the existence of the intermediate state Clads free radical catalyzed by MnO2 on the Cl2 cathode contributes to the charge storage capacity, which is the key to modulate the electrode and improve the electrochemical performance. Further analysis of the Cl2 cathode kinetics discloses the adsorption and catalytic roles of the MnO2 redox adsorbent. The Zn–Cl2@MnO2 battery displays an enhanced discharge voltage of 2.0 V at a current density of 2.5 mA cm−2, and stable 1000 cycles with an average CE of 91.6%, much superior to the conventional Zn–Cl2 battery with an average CE of only 66.8%. The regulation strategy to the Cl2 cathode provides opportunities for the future development of aqueous Zn‐Cl2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc (Zn) battery with remarkable advantages of high safety, low cost, and high reversibility is highly applauded in next‐generation low‐speed electric vehicles and large‐scale energy storage applications. However, Zn anode suffers from a series of unfavorable reactions, hindering its progress toward industrialization. Herein, a functionalized hydrogel film is designed using polydopamine and polyacrylamide crosslinking (PDAM) as the Zn protective layer to stabilize the Zn anode. Benefiting from the strong interaction of Zn2+ with PDAM, the primary solvation shell of Zn2+ is regulated by PDAM into the form of PDAM–Zn2+‐5H2O. This remodeling prevents Zn dendrite growth and inhibits water‐induced side reactions. As a result, the Zn–MnO2 battery using PDAM‐coated Zn anode exhibits excellent cycling stability, demonstrating over 1150 cycles at an areal capacity of 5 mAh cm−2 with an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 96.5%. For a scaled‐up PDAM@Zn–MnO2 pouch cell with a capacity of 80 mAh, stable cycling of over 200 cycles with an average CE of 91.9% is achieved. The superior Zn–MnO2 battery enabled by the functionalized hydrogel protective film enlightens an arena toward next‐generation energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shortening the duration of the viral shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is critical to controlling viral transmission, alleviating the burden on the healthcare system, and ultimately mitigating the impact of the pandemic. This randomized, single‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of gargling with plasma‐activated water (PAW) on prolonged viral shedding in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Omicron variants. Sixty‐two subjects, aged 18–80 years and infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, were recruited at two coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐designated hospitals in Shaanxi from January to March 2022. Primary outcomes included cumulative conversion rates, incidence of adverse reactions, and biosafety parameters. Results suggested that PAW gargling treatment might contribute to reducing the duration of SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta and Omicron variant infections and alleviating symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case of a 76-year-old male with 5-month palpitations who was rushed to a hospital for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) to discuss the mechanism of an irregular tachycardia atrial cycle length and activation sequence with relatively constant ventricular cycle length. Also cited are his possible differential diagnosis like single tachycardia (atrial tachycardia/flutter) and independent double tachycardias.

Summary: To broaden the application of hulless barley grass polysaccharide (HBGP), the effect of HBGP on wheat flour and starch physicochemical properties was investigated in this study. Peak viscosity (from 545 to 230 cP), swelling power (from 7.4 to 6.9 g/g) and amylose leaching (from 6.2% to 1.1%) of wheat starch decreased when 20% HBGP was present. Rheological property results showed that K (from 22 to 5.5 Pa·sn) and G′max (from 13 to 6.6 kPa) decreased, and TG′max (from 78 °C to 86 °C) and n (from 0.377 to 0.468) increased when the proportion of HBGP increased from 5% to 20%. Addition of 20% HBGP reduced RDS content (from 85% to 64%) but increased RS content (from 10% to 30%) of starch. HBGP induced higher magnitude of decline for viscosity, swelling power and amylose leaching in wheat flour. This study showed that the presence of HBGP had significant impacts on the physicochemical properties of wheat flour and wheat starch. It will provide more information for food processors in developing functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical conversion of nitrate pollutants into value‐added ammonia is a feasible way to achieve artificial nitrogen cycle. However, the development of electrocatalytic nitrate‐to‐ammonia reduction reaction (NO3−RR) has been hampered by high overpotential and low Faradaic efficiency. Here we develop an iron single‐atom catalyst coordinated with nitrogen and phosphorus on hollow carbon polyhedron (denoted as Fe−N/P−C) as a NO3−RR electrocatalyst. Owing to the tuning effect of phosphorus atoms on breaking local charge symmetry of the single‐Fe‐atom catalyst, it facilitates the adsorption of nitrate ions and enrichment of some key reaction intermediates during the NO3−RR process. The Fe−N/P−C catalyst exhibits 90.3 % ammonia Faradaic efficiency with a yield rate of 17980 μg h−1 mgcat−1, greatly outperforming the reported Fe‐based catalysts. Furthermore, operando SR‐FTIR spectroscopy measurements reveal the reaction pathway based on key intermediates observed under different applied potentials and reaction durations. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the optimized free energy of NO3−RR intermediates is ascribed to the asymmetric atomic interface configuration, which achieves the optimal electron density distribution. This work demonstrates the critical role of atomic‐level precision modulation by heteroatom doping for the NO3−RR, providing an effective strategy for improving the catalytic performance of single atom catalysts in different electrochemical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical conversion of nitrate pollutants into value‐added ammonia is a feasible way to achieve artificial nitrogen cycle. However, the development of electrocatalytic nitrate‐to‐ammonia reduction reaction (NO3−RR) has been hampered by high overpotential and low Faradaic efficiency. Here we develop an iron single‐atom catalyst coordinated with nitrogen and phosphorus on hollow carbon polyhedron (denoted as Fe−N/P−C) as a NO3−RR electrocatalyst. Owing to the tuning effect of phosphorus atoms on breaking local charge symmetry of the single‐Fe‐atom catalyst, it facilitates the adsorption of nitrate ions and enrichment of some key reaction intermediates during the NO3−RR process. The Fe−N/P−C catalyst exhibits 90.3 % ammonia Faradaic efficiency with a yield rate of 17980 μg h−1 mgcat−1, greatly outperforming the reported Fe‐based catalysts. Furthermore, operando SR‐FTIR spectroscopy measurements reveal the reaction pathway based on key intermediates observed under different applied potentials and reaction durations. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the optimized free energy of NO3−RR intermediates is ascribed to the asymmetric atomic interface configuration, which achieves the optimal electron density distribution. This work demonstrates the critical role of atomic‐level precision modulation by heteroatom doping for the NO3−RR, providing an effective strategy for improving the catalytic performance of single atom catalysts in different electrochemical reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to infer the allocation of belowground net primary productivity (BNPP) to sequential soil depths down to 2 m across the globe at a 1 km resolution and assess underlying environmental drivers. Location: Global. Time Period: Contemporary (1932–2017). Major Taxa Studied: Terrestrial plants. Methods: Global datasets including field net primary production (NPP, i.e., the difference between plant assimilated and respired carbon) from 725 soil profiles, root biomass and its depth distribution from 559 soil profiles were compiled and used to infer the depth distribution of BNPP across the globe and digitally map depth‐resolved BNPP globally at 1 km resolution. Drivers of the depth distribution of BNPP were evaluated using machine learning‐based models. Results: Global average BNPP allocated to the 0–20 cm soil layer is estimated to be 1.1 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, accounting for ~60% of total BNPP. Across the globe, the depth distribution of BNPP varies largely, and more BNPP is allocated to deeper layers in hotter and drier regions. Edaphic, climatic and topographic properties (in order of importance) explain >80% of such variability; and the direction and magnitude of the influence of individual properties are soil depth‐ and biome‐dependent. Main Conclusions: The findings suggest that mean annual temperature and precipitation are the two most important factors regulating BNPP across the globe. Soil properties such as soil actual evaporation and total nitrogen also play a vital role in regulating the depth distribution of BNPP. The maps of BNPP provide global benchmarks of depth‐resolved BNPP for the prediction of whole‐profile soil carbon dynamics across biomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil biogeochemical processes may present depth‐dependent responses to climate change, due to vertical environmental gradients (e.g., thermal and moisture regimes, and the quantity and quality of soil organic matter) along soil profile. However, it is a grand challenge to distinguish such depth dependence under field conditions. Here we present an innovative, cost‐effective and simple approach of field incubation of intact soil cores to explore such depth dependence. The approach adopts field incubation of two sets of intact soil cores: one incubated right‐side up (i.e., non‐inverted), and another upside down (i.e., inverted). This inversion keeps soil intact but changes the depth of the soil layer of same depth origin. Combining reciprocal translocation experiments to generate natural climate shift, we applied this incubation approach along a 2200 m elevational mountainous transect in southeast Tibetan Plateau. We measured soil respiration (Rs) from non‐inverted and inverted cores of 1 m deep, respectively, which were exchanged among and incubated at different elevations. The results indicated that Rs responds significantly (p <.05) to translocation‐induced climate shifts, but this response is depth‐independent. As the incubation proceeds, Rs from both non‐inverted and inverted cores become more sensitive to climate shifts, indicating higher vulnerability of persistent soil organic matter (SOM) to climate change than labile components, if labile substrates are assumed to be depleted with the proceeding of incubation. These results show in situ evidence that whole‐profile SOM mineralization is sensitive to climate change regardless of the depth location. Together with measurements of vertical physiochemical conditions, the inversion experiment can serve as an experimental platform to elucidate the depth dependence of the response of soil biogeochemical processes to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of simultaneous and sequential bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (Si‐BSSNHL and Se‐BSSNHL, respectively). Design: Retrospective case–control study. Setting: A single tertiary referral centre. Participants: Patients diagnosed with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (USSNHL), Si‐BSSNHL, or Se‐BSSNHL between September 2018 and November 2019. Main outcome measures: Demographic and clinical characteristics, audiological features, laboratory results and hearing recovery were analysed for intergroup comparisons. Prognostic factors for BSSNHL were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic analyses between the overall and no‐recovery groups. Results: Compared to the USSNHL group, a larger final pure‐tone average (PTA) (H = 38.0 and 53.8, respectively, both adjusted p‐value (p adj) <.05), lower hearing gain (H = −70.8 and − 74.6, respectively, both p adj <.001) and higher homocysteine levels (H = 46.8, 58.8, respectively, both p adj <.05) were observed in the Si‐BSSNHL and Se‐BSSNHL groups, while the rate of positive vestibular tests and proportion of tinnitus were lower in the Se‐BSSNHL group (χ2 = 8.5 and 38.1, respectively, both p adj <0.05). The USSNHL group showed a significant difference in the degree of deafness and therapeutic outcome in the Se‐BSSNHL and Si‐BSSNHL groups, respectively (χ2 = 12.4, p adj <.05; χ2 = 13.6; p adj <.05). Hypertension (95% confidence interval, 1.014–28.623, p <.05) and onset days (95% confidence interval, 0.007–0.626, p <.05) were associated with the therapeutic effects of BSSNHL. Conclusions: Higher homocysteine levels in BSSNHL may implicate microvascular disorders as a causative factor of BSSNHL. Hypertension and onset days were associated with the prognosis of BSSNHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the association between thromboelastography and the clinical features as well as the prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Design: Single‐centre, retrospective study. Setting: A hospital in China. Participants: In total, 133 patients presented with SSNHL within 2 weeks before the study, who did not receive treatment. Main Outcome Measures: The patients' medical history was collected. Audiological, imaging and haematological examinations were performed before treatment. Patients with abnormal thromboelastography were re‐examined 1 week after treatment, and efficacy was evaluated 1 month after treatment. The chi‐squared test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the association between factors, such as vertigo, degree and type of hearing loss, vestibular function, inner ear MRI results, thromboelastography and efficacy of treatment. Results: Thromboelastography was correlated with prognosis (p = 0.049) and degree (p = 0.030) and type of hearing loss (p = 0.013) in patients with SSNHL. The R (p = 0.002) and angle values (p = 0.010) correlated with prognosis. The MA (p = 0.022) and G values (p = 0.020) correlated with the degree of hearing loss. The R (p = 0.033) value correlated with inner ear MRI results, and the ΔG (p = 0.010) value correlated with fibrinogen levels. ΔThromboelastography (p = 0.032) was correlated with the prognosis of patients with abnormal thromboelastography results. Logistic regression analysis showed that thromboelastography correlated with prognosis (p = 0.013), and Δthromboelastography correlated with the prognosis of patients with abnormal thromboelastography results (p = 0.013) and vertigo (p = 0.016). Conclusion: Thromboelastography is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of SSNHL with the R and angle values playing a major role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg batteries utilizing divalent Mg2+ as charge carriers have been attracting significant attention for energy storage owing to their uniqueness in terms of low cost, high safety, and high energy density. However, the short cycling life arising from the accumulation of a passivation layer on the Mg anode prohibits their further development. Here, a new strategy to suppress the accumulation of the passivation layer is presented, thus stabilizing the Mg anode by constructing a robust interfacial layer using organic solvent‐in‐water electrolytes. The organic solvents decompose on the Mg anode to form a MgO, polyether Mg enriched organic‐inorganic hybrid interfacial layer, preventing free water attack to the Mg anode. In addition, the organic solvent forms an H‐bond with H2O to suppress the water activity and therefore protecting the Mg anode. As an illustration to benefits of the solvent‐in‐water electrolytes, a Mg‐MnO2 battery that is coupled by a MnO2 cathode in Mn2+/MnO2 chemistry with the Mg anode is developed. The Mg‐MnO2 battery exhibits a well‐maintained discharge plateau at ≈2.5 V and a discharging capacity of ≈500 mAh g−1 over 1000 cycles. This result highlights the feasibility to stabilize the Mg anode by interface engineering through the solvent‐in‐water electrolyte design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolytic MnO2–Zn batteries with economic advantages and high energy density are viable candidates for large‐scale energy storage. However, the spontaneous reactions between acidic electrolytes and Zn metal anode cause severe proton‐induced hydrogen evolution which is difficult to avoid. Herein, a proton‐barrier separator (PBS) based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is fabricated via the Hofmeister effect for preventing hydrogen evolution. Experiments and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the concentrated sulfate enables PVA chains to form a discontinuous hydrogen bond network as well as isolated hydrophilic cavities. This unique feature can effectively obstruct proton migration to impede proton‐induced hydrogen evolution, but allow for fast Zn2+ transfer with excellent stability. Electrolytic MnO2–Zn batteries with PBS deliver high energy retention (91.2% after 200 cycles) and largely enhanced rate performance (20 C) in a high areal capacity of 6.67 mAh cm−2 with a very low cost ($1 m−2) as compared to commercial anion exchange membranes (8 C). This work sheds light on new avenues for the development of stable electrolytic MnO2–Zn batteries by deploying PBS for preventing hydrogen evolution through a cost‐effective fabrication method, which is a universal approach that can be applied to design other stable aqueous metal‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To improve the shortness of the current purification technology of steviol glycosides (SG) extract, a two‐step purification procedure consisting of chitosan precipitation and reversed‐phase chromatography (RPC) was investigated. The impurity‐to‐SG ratio in the SG extract obtained from non‐destructive soaking was 5:1 ~ 6:1. It was found that 80.90% of the impurities could be removed by RPC using 20% (v/v) ethanol solution as the eluent with a high SG recovery of 96.98%. When 25% ethanol was applied, the SG recovery was reduced to 71.23%. An adsorption test using D280 anionic resin suggested that the impurities were negatively charged; thus, chitosan was used to co‐precipitate the impurities. An optimal decolourisation result of ~ 70% was obtained at 0.06 g·g−1 (w/w, to solids in extract) chitosan addition, shaking at 28 °C for 1 h. Afterwards, the extract was further purified by RPC. The total removal rate of impurities was increased to 91.20%, and the SG recovery was 85.15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid Electrolyte Interface Regulated by Solvent-in-Water Electrolyte Enables High-Voltage and Stable Aqueous Mg-MnO2 Batteries (Adv. Mg anodes, Mg-MnO 2 batteries, MnO 2 cathodes, solid electrolyte interfaces, solvent-in-water electrolytes The regulated Mg anode enables highly stable aqueous Mg-MnO SB 2 sb batteries with a high discharge voltage of 2.5 V and a greatly improved specific capacity of 500 mAh g SP -1 sp for over 1000 cycles. [Extracted from the article]