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The alkylation of tetrazole and acetone under the catalysis of TfOH has been shown to be an efficient process with high levels of regioselective control. This protocol features simple and readily accessible starting materials, unique reaction mechanism, excellent compatibility with diverse functional groups. [Display omitted] • An effective process with high-level regioselective control: alkylation reaction of tetrazole and acetone catalyzed by TfOH. • The raw materials of this scheme are simple and easy to obtain, the reaction mechanism is unique, and it has good compatibility with different functional groups. The alkylation of tetrazole and acetone under the catalysis of TfOH has been shown to be an efficient process with high levels of regioselective control. This protocol features simple and readily accessible starting materials, unique reaction mechanism, excellent compatibility with diverse functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new measure of social media is constructed. • DCCA and time-delay DCCA are used to study the relationship between social media and stock market volatility. • Relationships between social media and stock market depend on the market status. The question of whether microblogging data is reflected in stock market in the internet era is an outstanding issue. Here, we propose a new measure (Sina Weibo Index) of microblogging data using daily posting, commenting and tagging activities for the specific stock index on the Sina Weibo platform. By using Granger causality tests and time-delay detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA), we find that the variation tendency of Sina Weibo Index is highly correlated with stock market volatility. Our results confirm the role played by Sina Weibo in the fluctuations of stock market, especially during the boom and crisis periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) mineral states in rain-fed arid regions of Northwest China are inefficient, and their levels of substitution and water-soluble states are far below the lowest threshold required for maize growth, resulting in frequent physiological diseases, restricting synthesis of kernel protein (CRP). Our study set up different levels of foliar spraying of Ca and Mg fertilizers before maize pollination to examine the response characteristics of physiological and biochemical indicators in kernel, and the driving process of CRP synthesis. The main findings were: (1) Ca and Mg significantly increased the levels of CRP and endogenous hormones, and the activities of defense enzymes and CRP synthesis enzymes, which decreased significantly and stabilized at the maturity stage of maize. (2) The synthesis and accumulation of CRP were synergistically regulated by endogenous hormones, defense enzymes, and CRP synthase enzymes, with the degree of regulation varying with the level of Ca and Mg supplementation. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) were the primary physiological driving indicators of CRP synthesis, with CRP having a significant synergistic relationship with CAT and a remarkable trade-off with other driving indicators. (3) The dominant driving pathway of CRP synthesis was "Ca, Mg-IAA or GA or ZR-CAT-GDH-CRP". Ca and Mg positively affected IAA and GA levels, and IAA and GA positively regulated CAT activity. However, CAT negatively regulated GDH levels, causing GDH to negatively influence the synthesis and accumulation of CRP and its components. The findings provide theoretical support for further study of inter-root endogenous hormones and soil microbe-driven processes in the regulation of maize quality by Ca and Mg. [Display omitted] • Ca and Mg significantly increased endogenous hormone and CRP levels, and enhanced the activities of defense enzymes. • IAA, GA, ZR, CAT, MDA, and GDH were the principal physiological driving indicators affecting CRP and its components. • CRP was significantly and positively regulated by CAT, which was opposed to the regulation of other driver indicators. • The dominant physiological pathway of Ca and Mg regulating CRP synthesis was "Ca, Mg–IAA or GA or ZR–CAT–GDH–CRP". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Novel TFNC membrane was designed for pervaporation dehydration. • Nanofibrous support facilitated tiled distribution of GO lamellae in PA matrix. • Trace GO skeleton in PA layer enhanced the membrane selectivity. • TFNC membrane showed high separation performance and good stability. Abstract Electrospun nanofibrous membrane as a supporting layer has attracted great interests in fabricating high performance composite membranes due to its interconnected porous structure. However, it's still a challenge to prepare an ultrathin and integrated skin layer on porous and undulating nanofibrous support, thereby restricting its application in pervaporation. Here, graphene oxide (GO) was introduced into amine aqueous phase to form an integrated and compact polyamide (PA) layer on nanofibrous substrate via interfacial polymerization (IP). Under the synergistic effect of high permeability of the nanofibrous scaffold and flexibility of GO lamellae, tiled GO lamellae acting as a skeleton got involved in the initial reaction for the construction of selective PA layer. By loading trace amount of GO in aqueous phase during IP, the selectivity of PA layer was enhanced significantly compared with that of pristine PA layer on nanofibrous scaffold. High permeate flux of 6593 g/m2h with a desirable separation factor of 1491 was achieved using the hybrid membrane with just 0.001 wt% of GO loading for pervaporation dehydrating 90 wt% isopropanol aqueous solution at 70 °C. These results indicated the feasibility of constructing a single homogeneous selective layer on nanofibrous support for high-performance pervaporation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The interannual ecosystem service value (ESV) increased slowly, and its geographical distribution fluctuated in a non-stationary pattern. • Significant value transformations existed among ecosystem service types and among land use types. • ESV was primarily positively governed by annual precipitation extremely negatively regulated by the synergistic effect of land use degree and population density. • The values of regulating, supporting, and cultural services interacted synergistically in significant ways. Geographic and temporal patterns of ecosystem service value (ESV) and their dynamic coupling response to human activity and climate change are critical for allocating land resources and maintaining healthy ecosystems in the loess hills. Based on five phases of land use data and climate data in Yan'an from 2000 to 2020, our study utilized the value-equivalent method and statistical analysis to systematically reveal the spatio-temporal dynamics of human activity and climate change, as well as their coupled driving mechanisms on ESV, and to establish and optimize synergy/trade-off strategies between them. The findings revealed that land use degree diminished between 2000 and 2020, population distribution increasingly widened. The precipitation fluctuated and increased, but the dryness trend persisted. Significant contributions were made by regulating services, supporting services, grassland, and forest to the interannual total ESV, which grew steadily at a rate of 6.89 % and reached 722.59 trillion in 2020. The total geographical distribution pattern of ESV was unstable, with a medium level of aggregation (0.02–0.06 trillion) in the northern districts and counties and a high level of aggregation (0.06–0.08 trillion) in the southwest and southeast on the grid scale of 1 km × 1 km. ESV had a highly significant synergistic relationship with annual precipitation (AP), but it showed pronounced trade-offs with population density (PD), comprehensive index of land use degree (LUI) and annual mean surface temperature (AMT). Simultaneously, there were profound synergies between the value of regulating, supporting, and cultural services. ESV was primarily positively governed by AP extremely negatively regulated by the synergistic effect of LUI and PD, the optimal regulatory thresholds of LUI, PD and AP for ESV levels of ≥0.06 trillion on the grid scale of 1 km × 1 km were 260, 30,000–50,000 people km−2, and 400–520 mm, respectively. Essentially, controlling the land use degree, expanding farmland and water areas, and stimulating climate humidification were crucial synergistic/trade-off strategies for further balancing and enhancing the value of various ecosystem service functions in sustainable ecological restoration of Yan'an. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study concerns the distribution of chlorine species in the gaseous phase and the condensed phase during gasification of corn straw. The gasification of corn straw was carried out in a downdraft fixed bed gasifier using air and steam as gasifying agents. The effects of the air equivalence ratio (ER) for corn straw, steam to biomass mass ratio (SB), biomass particle size (PS) and their interactions on the distribution of chlorides were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). The results indicate that ER and SB have a major effect on the distribution of gaseous chlorides, while ER and PS play the major role in affecting the distribution of chlorine retained in the condensed phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study concerns the distribution of sulfur species during the gasification of non-woody biomass. Experiments were carried out in a downdraft fixed bed gasifier using air and steam as oxidizing agents. Based on RSM (response surface methodology), the study investigated three operating parameters, including the ER (equivalence ratio), steam to biomass mass ratio (S:B) and biomass particle size. The independent factors were tested in the range of 0.2–0.4, 0.8–1.2 and 2.5–8.5 mm for the equivalence ratio, steam to biomass mass ratio and biomass particle size. The response variables investigated were gaseous sulfides, including H2S (hydrogen sulfide), COS (carbonyl sulfide), CH3SH (methyl mercaptan) and SO2 (sulfur dioxide), as well as the condensed phase of sulfur that retained in the fly ash and the bottom ash. The results indicate that the three operating conditions significantly affect the distribution of sulfur compounds, and the equivalence ratio is found to be the most important factor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel water-soluble polymer P1 functionalized with pyrazine Schiff-base derivative was successfully synthesized. As an efficient "turn-on" fluorescent chemosensor, P1 showed high selectivity and anti-interference ability for the detection of Al3+ ions in pure aqueous solutions. The detection limit of P1 for Al3+ ions was as low as 3.68 × 10−8 M. P1 displayed good detectability for Al3+ ions over a wide pH range of 5–10. The detection of Al3+ ions by P1 has been proven to have excellent reversibility by alternately adding Al3+ ions and EDTA to P1 aqueous solution. Furthermore, P1 could be applied to quantitative determination of Al3+ ions in real water samples. P1-based test strips were also facilely prepared for convenient on-site qualitative detection of Al3+ ions in realistic aqueous samples. [Display omitted] • A novel water-soluble "turn-on" fluorescent chemosensor P1 has been successfully developed. • P1 exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards Al3+ ions in pure aqueous solution. • P1-based test strips have been fabricated for convenient qualitative detection of Al3+ ions in realistic aqueous samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel Co 3 O 4 @CeO 2 nanofibrous membrane was prepared by the combination of interfacial defect engineering strategy and coaxial electrospinning for unusual levofloxacin degradation. Implanting active Co 3 O 4 into CeO 2 derived from Ce-UiO-66 created more oxygen vacancies and improved the interfacial interaction (electron transfer and specific surface area). In addition, accelerated redox recycling occurred on the catalyst surface because of the cooperation of Co sites and Ce sites. As a result, the optimal Co 3 O 4 @CeO 2 nanocomposite showed an unexpectedly improved degradation efficiency of levofloxacin with a rate constant higher than 6.9 times (CeO 2) and 2.6 times (Co 3 O 4), superior elimination (>98%) of antibiotic (norfloxacin, tetracycline and doxycycline hydrochloride) and dyes (methylene blue, rhodamine b, methyl orange and crystal violet). Moreover, C-type hollow structure nanofibers with increased reaction area were prepared by coaxial electrospinning to support nanoparticles for consecutive wastewater treatment. The prepared nanofibrous membrane with loading 50 wt% Co 3 O 4 @CeO 2 (PC50 NFMs) exhibited loose structure, resulting in 168.2 ± 12 L m−2 h−1 of permeability driven by gravity, while 164.2 L m−2 of levofloxacin was efficiently treated. Besides, the PC50 NFMs had satisfactory reusability and stability in real water bodies. This work paved a new avenue to control water pollution through the design of membranous catalysts. [Display omitted] • Active Co 3 O 4 was implanted into CeO 2 derived from Ce-UiO-66 via interfacial defect engineering strategy. • CC2 with improved electron transfer rate and specific surface area showed an enhanced degradation efficiency of levofloxacin. • PC50 NFMs with loose structure and hydrophilicity were prepared for the consecutive wastewater treatment. • PC50 NFMs showed considerable dynamic degradation efficiency, reusability and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The study concerns the pyrolysis kinetics of agricultural wastes, corn straw (CS) and rice husk (RH). Thermogravimetric experiments were carried out in a thermogravimetric analyzer under inert conditions, and operated at different heating rates ranging from 5 to 40K/min. As the increment of heating rates, the variations of characteristic parameters from the TG–DTG curves were determined. Iso-conversional Starink approach and Avrami theory were used to evaluate the kinetic parameters, including apparent activation energy and reaction order. For the range of conversion fraction investigated (20–80%), the apparent activation energy of CS initially increased from 98.715 to 148.062kJ/mol and then decreased to 144.387kJ/mol afterwards, whilst the apparent activation energy of RH increased gradually from 50.492 to 88.994kJ/mol. With varied temperatures (517–697K), the corresponding value of reaction order was increased from 0.288 and 0.359 to 0.441 and 0.692, along with a decrease to 0.306 and 0.445, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the semi-arid Kerqin Sandy Land of north China, land desertification and frequent sand storms in the spring strongly affect the growth of grassland vegetation and crops, and give rise to large reductions in yield as a result of wind erosion and sand dune movement. To bring desertification under control and reduce its influence on grassland and farmlands, many measures have been developed and implemented for stabilizing mobile sand dunes and restoring desertified grasslands. This study was conducted from 1996 to 2003 to evaluate the effectiveness of desert land restoration after implementation of sand-fixing measures. The results showed that construction of straw checkerboards and planting of shrub seedlings significantly enhances topsoil development on the dune surface, increasing silt and clay content and facilitating accumulation of soil carbon and total N, as well as accelerating an increase in plant diversity, vegetation cover and plant density. These findings suggest that using straw checkerboards and planting shrubs are successful methods for mobile sand dune stabilization and desertified grassland restoration in semiarid regions. The mechanism creating these changes is a reduction in wind erosion and improvement of the soil environment for plants. In addition, our results showed that construction of straw checkerboards was slightly more effective in vegetation and soil restoration in comparison with planting shrub seedlings, especially at the primary stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The compound based on hemp straw carbon hydrothermal composite Ni/NiO nano-spherical particles is prepared. • The material of Ni/NiO/HHS-600 has displayed excellent electrochemical properties. • The capacity of Ni/NiO/HHS-600 can be maintained at 1200 mA h g−1 after 650 cycles at 2 C. The composite material composed of hemp straw carbon hydrothermal composite Ni/NiO nano spherical particles is designated as the anode material of lithium-ion battery. The Ni/NiO/HHS-600 material has displayed the best electrochemical properties, of which the first charge and discharge capacity is 2887.41 mA h g−1 and 1258 mA h g−1 respectively. The capacity can be maintained at 1200 mA h g−1 after 650 cycles at 2 C. It provides a direction for the lithium-ion battery to have excellent performance at high ratio. [Display omitted] Biomass derived carbon and its composites are widely used in lithium-ion batteries because of their simple process operation, environmental protection, low price and excellent performance. In this work, the composite of Ni/NiO nano spherical particles and hemp straw derived carbon showed a reversible lithium storage capacity of 1200 mA h g−1 after 650 cycles at a current density of 2 C (1 C = 718 mA g−1). Through transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope analysis, the results showed that Ni/NiO nano spherical particles were embedded on the surface of hemp straw carbon block. The excellent properties of the composite are attributed to the fact that biomass carbon can improve the overall conductivity and alleviate the structural strain caused by the change of Ni/NiO volume during charge and discharge. This work provides a new choice for biomass derived carbon loaded transition metals to prepare anode materials for lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High performance thin-film nanofibrous composite (TFNC) membranes with Turing structures were constructed by interfacial polymerization (IP) of trimesoyl chloride (TMC) and piperazine (PIP) tuned with high content salt (NaCl) in aqueous phase onto a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous mat for nanofiltration (NF). The concentration of salt in aqueous phase played a key role in the structural transition of polyamide (PA) membrane surfaces with two type Turing structures from the crossed ridge networks to crowed nodular arrays. The introduction of NaCl induced the uneven distribution of the IP reaction and could fine-tune the hydrophilicity and compactness of the formed ultrathin PA layer. The skillful manipulation of IP by regulating the NaCl content in aqueous phase enabled a great improvement in NF performance. Under 0.5 MPa, the flux of the optimized TFNC membrane (20.0 wt% NaCl in aqueous phase) reached 129.0 L m-2 h-1 (Na 2 SO 4 rejection was 99.1%) which was approximately 2.5 times greater than that of the original membrane fabricated without salt addition. Moreover, the resultant membrane exhibited excellent stability and anti-fouling properties for long-term use. This approach is easy to be connected with commercialized IP technology to prepare high-performance NF membranes. • NaCl was used as an additive in aqueous phase during interfacial polymerization. • Two type Turing structures of PA separating skin layer were formed. • The membrane exhibited high and stable nanofiltration performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodialysis membranes are critical components for hemodialysis process. Herein, we demonstrate a new kind of hemodialysis membrane based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun scaffold and heparin-poly(vinyl alcohol) (heparin-PVA) hydrogel coating. Manipulation of coating solution rheology by control of heparin content enabled the creation of membranes with sub-micron ridged surface topography. The results of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra confirmed that heparin was covalently incorporated in the hydrogel layer; meanwhile, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images gave clear evidence that the fabricated membranes had typical sub-micron ridge structure. The results revealed that the sub-micron ridged surface topography and heparin chemical modification synergistically endowed the membranes with excellent permeability, protein antifouling properties, anticoagulant activity, cytocompatibility, and dialysis performances. Especially, when the heparin/PVA weight ratio was 20%, the water flux of the membrane was 371.8 L/m2h. Its urea clearance was 86 mL/min, lysozyme clearance was 60 mL/min, and bovine serum albumin clearance was as less as 5.5 mL/min. Image 1 • Novel heparin-PVA/PAN TFNC hemodialysis membranes were obtained. • Sub-micron ridge structure was constructed on the TFNC membranes. • The TFNC membranes were modified by the combined physical and chemical modification. • Both biocompatibility and dialysis performance of the modified membrane was improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomacromolecules and their assemblies exhibit the great potential for biomimetic construction of novel and functional nanomaterials. In this work, sulfated silk nanofibrils (SSNFs) were firstly prepared with special designed sulfated silk fibroin molecule by a facile self-assembly technique, which were incorporated into the poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel. Then they were together coated on the electrospun polyacrlonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous scaffold to fabricate a novel PVA/SSNFs/PAN thin film nanofibrous composite (TFNC) membranes for hemodiafiltration. Combining the results from filtration and hemodiafiltration tests, it could be deduced that the formation of nanogaps between PVA matrix and SSNFs provided more nanochannels for water and uremic toxins to transport rapidly through the functional layer. Especially the incorporation of SSNFs into PVA hydrogel layer endowed PVA/SSNFs TFNC hemodiafiltration membranes with rapid mid-molecule toxins removal channels. PVA/SSNFs-5 could clear 65.7% of lysozyme, also maintaining 85.0% clearance of urea and 94.7% interception of BSA after 4 h of dialysis. In addition, the blood compatibility of PVA/SSNFs TFNC membranes was also enhanced after the introduction of biomimetic SSNFs due to the heparin-like structure of sulfated silk fibroin (SSF). The biomimetic assembly route demonstrated here represents a green and efficient way for designing various functional nanomaterials in bio-nanotechnologies. Image 1 • Biomimetic sulfated silk nanofibrils were firstly prepared by self-assembly. • Novel thin-film nanofibrous composite hemodiafiltration membranes were designed. • Rapid directional transport nanochannels were constructed. • Superior dialysis performance and hemocompatibility were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial traits variability at different nitrogen and snow addition treatments. Spatial traits variability is defined as an ellipsoid, representing the centroid ranges of spatial traits space in three-dimensional space. "control" is ambient treatment, "snow" is snow addition treatment, "nitrogen" is nitrogen addition treatment, and "snownitrogen" is the treatment of nitrogen combined with snow addition. • We developed a novel methodology on multi-traits hypervolume to analyze the centroid variance of traits space. • We studied the interactive effects of nitrogen pollution and snow on productivity and functional diversity. • We considered the combined effects of continuous nitrogen pollution and discontinuous snow addition. Nitrogen pollution effects on plant communities are well documented, however, most field researches on nitrogen pollution have failed to account for extraneous environmental factors and the interaction among changes in multiple stressors. In this study, we show the effect of eutrophication via nitrogen deposition and altered snowfall on the productivity and traits space of an Inner Mongolian grassland where is recovered from abandoned farmland for 13 years. This multi-year factorial experiment allowed us to test the independent and interactive effects of nitrogen and snow deposition within this ecosystem. We simulated nitrogen pollution (added nitrogen) and extremely snowfall (added snow) to each plot for three years. After the third year, only nitrogen was added for the next two years to keep a continuous N-pollution condition. We measured changes in aboveground net primary production (ANPP), occupied functional traits space (OFS), and the centroid range of OFS (spatial traits variability, STV) at community level. Our results showed that the interaction between continuous nitrogen pollution and fluctuated snow have different effects on ANPP and functional diversity (indicated by OFS and STV). In nitrogen and nitrogen combined with snow treatment, its ANPP increased, while its OFS increased in 2010 but decreased in 2012 and 2014. Increases in snow did not affect ANPP and OFS, but significantly impacted spatial traits variability. Snow addition corresponded with decreasing the spatial traits variability in 2010, followed by increasing in 2012 and 2014. The results indicate N-Pollution on grassland ecosystem cannot be interpreted only by ANPP, especially when N-pollution interacted with changes of other extremely stressors such as snowfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel polyamide (PA) thin film nanofibrous composite (TFNC) nanofiltration membrane consisted of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous substrate, gelatin interlayer and polyamide barrier layer was fabricated by reverse interfacial polymerization (IP-R). The prepared PA separating layer was ultrathin, crumpled, and defect-free, which was benefited from the synergistic interaction of the gelatin nanofibrous interlayer and trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The ultrafine gelatin nanofibrous interlayer could absorb and react with TMC in n-hexane, regulating the rising speed of the n-hexane under aqueous phase for the formation of the polyamide layer. Significantly, the nanofiltration performance of TFNC membranes was tuned by changing the deposition amount of gelatin in the nanofibrous interlayer. The flux of the optimized TFNC membrane was up to 135.6 L m − 2 h−1 (about 98.1% Na 2 SO 4 rejection) under 0.5 MPa, which was nearly triple fold of that of the membrane prepared at the same condition by interfacial polymerization (IP–F). This work may provide an efficient and facile approach to fabricate high performance nanofiltration membranes with unique structures. • A novel PA TFNC membrane was prepared by reverse interfacial polymerization. • The gelatin interlayer played a vital role in the formation of PA selective layer. • The crumpled PA skin layer enabled the augment of water flux of TFNC membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric hemodialysis (HD) membranes with limited porosities, tortuous pores, and broad pore size distributions suffer from a trade-off between permeability-i.e., how fast toxins pass through the membranes-and selectivity-i.e., to what extent necessary proteins are retained. Here, a novel thin-film nanofibrous composite (TFNC) membrane, composed of an electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous support layer and a chemically cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) separation layer filled with heparin functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Hep-g-pMWCNTs), was demonstrated for efficient and safe HD application. Combining dialysis simulation experiments and pore-flow model, we demonstrated that the formation of free nanogaps at the interface between Hep-g-pMWCNTs and PVA matrix provided additional directional nanochannels for toxins to transport. The membranes showed efficient toxins removal without sacrificing selectivity (with the urea clearance of 88.2%, lysozyme clearance of 58.6%, and bovine serum albumin retention of 98.4% in a 4 h simulating dialysis). Especially, the efficiency in removing middle molecule toxins increased obviously compared with the values reported to date. Besides, the membranes exhibited excellent hemocompatibility: high resistance to protein adsorption, suppressed platelet adhesion, favorable anticoagulant activity, limited hemolysis ratio, and low complement activation. These facts suggested that the Hep-g-pMWCNTs/PVA/PAN TFNC membranes with superior comprehensive performances presented great potential for HD application. Image 1 • Novel TFNC membranes containing toxin transport nanochannels were obtained. • Heparin functionalized MWCNTs were synthesized via a biomimetic approach. • The membranes exhibited efficient toxins removal without sacrificing selectivity. • The membranes showed low protein adsorption and good blood compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a flower-like Fe(OH) 3 @Co 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 catalyst was prepared via the confinement effects provided by L-phenylalanine, which favored the heterostructure construction of active iron centers (Fe(OH) 3) anchored on the Co 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 nanosheet supports. Benefiting from the created electron-transfer interface and dual metal active sites, the limitation of redox cycling was broken and exhibited highly efficient catalytic activities, the optimal Fe(OH) 3 @Co 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 catalyst showed comparable catalytic performance for the degradation of dye (degradation degree of 99% methylene blue and orange II within 18 min). In addition, the prepared catalysts were employed for the efficient removal of antibiotics (tetracycline (98.9%), norfloxacin (92.5%) and doxycycline hyclate (90.2%). Besides, the preferred nanofibrous composite membranes prepared by combination of nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) with Fe(OH) 3 @Co 2 (OH) 2 CO 3 catalysts possessed considerable potential for large-scale MB removal (treatment capacity of 238.5 L m −2 and permeability of 191.8 L m −2 h − 1 driven by gravity) and stability (182.7 L m −2 of treatment capacity was achieved in the third run). The strategy of construction of rapid interface-redox on the heterogenous catalysts was designed to enhance catalytic performance, which provided a promising chance for the efficiently large-scale removal of dyes and antibiotics. [Display omitted] • The L-phenylalanine was set as structure-directing agents. • The construction of dual reaction sites promoted PMS activation to generate ROSs. • The Fe(OH) 3 @Co(OH) 2 CO 3 nanoparticles exhibited comparable catalytic activities. • The Fe(OH) 3 @Co(OH) 2 CO 3 NFMs showed considerable dynamic treatment efficiency and stability for MB-containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying niche space occupation based on assessments of multiple resource utilization traits can improve an understanding of plant species coexistence within communities of varying resource availability. We used an ‘occupied functional niche space (OFS)’ method based on multiple leaf traits to examine how plant communities accommodate changes in water availability within a desert-steppe ecotone spanning a limited geographic region. Our study area (western Inner Mongolia) spanned a range of conditions from highly water-limited (desert, D) to less water-limited (desert steppe, S), with two areas capturing the ecotonal boundary between these two vegetation types – partial desert (pD) and partial desert steppe (pS). We tested whether environmental filtering, heterogeneity, or limiting similarity drove trait convergence versus divergence of OFS across a desert-steppe ecotone. We quantified changes in plant community weighted means of both functional (specific leaf area and leaf dry matter content) and stoichiometric (leaf nitrogen content and leaf carbon concentration) leaf traits. OFS in the ecotonal areas (pS and pD) had larger volumes than the most mesic (S) subregion. However, divergence in the centroid of OFS was apparent for the driest (D) subregion, relative to the other three sub-regions. Underlying changes to OFS were changes in plant functional types, with more functional groups found in D and the fewest in S. For community-weighted leaf traits, SLA was highest in the ecotone area (pD and pS), while lowest in D. Further, community weighted means based on leaf dry matter content in D was the highest of all sub-regions, while both community weighted means based on leaf nitrogen content and community weighted means based on leaf dry matter content decreased as precipitation decreased, consistent with expectations. Our results suggest that communities alter both the volume and the centroid of functional trait space to adjust to decreasing water resource availability. We posit that limiting similarity (i.e. competitive exclusion) in water-resource use traits among species, supported by changes in life histories, led to OFS divergence in the ecotonal areas (pS and pD) and D, while environmental filtering may have led to convergence of OFS within the most mesic region (S) as water-stress lessons. In total, our results contribute knowledge as to how plant communities alter trait space in resource acquisition across climatic gradients, and underscores the utility of multi-trait approaches in understanding patterns of species coexistence in response to climatic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]