Combined Promoting Effects of Specific Organic Functional Groups and Alumina Surface Characteristics for the Design of a Highly Efficient NiMo/Al_(2)O_(3) Hydrodesulfurization Catalyst

To prepare a highly efficient NiMo/Al_(2)O_(3) hydrodesulfurization catalyst,the combined effects of specific organic functional groups and alumina surface characteristics were investigated.First,the correlation between the surface characteristics of four different alumina and the existing Mo species states was established.It was found that the Mo equilibrium adsorption capacity can be used as a specific descriptor to quantitatively evaluate the changes in surface characteristics of different alumina.A lower Mo equilibrium adsorption capacity for alumina means weaker metal-support interaction and the loaded Mo species are easier to transform into MoS2.However,the Mo-O-Al bonds still exist at the metal-support interface.The introduction of cationic surfactant hecadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide(CTAB)can further improve Mo species dispersion through electrostatic attraction with Mo anions and interaction of its alkyl chain with the alumina surface;meanwhile,the introduction of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid(EDTA)can complex with Ni ions to enhance the Ni-promoting effect on Mo.Therefore,the NiMo catalyst designed using alumina with lower Mo equilibrium adsorption capacity and the simultaneous addition of EDTA and CTAB exhibits the highest hydrodesulfurization activity for 4,6-dimethyl dibenzothiophene because of its proper metal-support interaction and more well-dispersed Ni-Mo-S active phases.

Functional groups and seasonal diversity of crustacean zooplankton in adjacent waters of Haizhou Bay,South Yellow Sea

Zooplankton are important linkages in the food web and can respond nonlinearly to environmental changes.Marine organisms thrive from spring to summer.Thus,it is crucial to understand how ecological functions of zooplankton communities may shift under seasonal environmental changes during this period.Samples were collected from May to August(May,June-Ⅰ,June-Ⅱ,July-Ⅰ,July-Ⅱ,and August)in 2018 in Haizhou Bay,Jiangsu,East China for zooplankton and environmental variables.Crustaceans accounted for 75 out of 134 zooplankton taxa and 91.8%of total zooplankton abundance.The average abundance of crustacean varied between 2824.6±635.4 inds./m3 in July-Ⅱand 6502.7±1008.8 inds./m3 in June-Ⅱ.Multivariate analyses results showed that the dissimilarity of community increased gradually in the time series.Body length,feeding type,trophic group,and reproduction mode were used to investigate crustacean community functions.Trait-based functional groups contained species with similar ecological roles.Functional diversity fused the differences of species and trait.The proportion of large-sized species(2-5 mm)decreased with the increasing proportion of medium-sized species(1-2 mm).The proportion of current feeders increased with the drop in the proportion of mixed feeders.Parthenogenesis species increased with decreasing free spawners,and omnivores-carnivores increased with decreasing omnivoresherbivores.Generalized additive models suggested that temperature was the main driver of variations in crustacean zooplankton function.Seven identified functional groups varied with increasing temperature.Omnivorous-herbivorous copepods declined(90.0%-68.0%),whereas the parthenogenetic cladocerans increased(0-24.1%).The small egg-brooding ambush copepods fluctuated(6.5%-9.3%)with increasing water temperature.The other functional groups changed slightly.Functional diversity also varied according to temperature changes.The community structure and ecological function of crustacean zooplankton community showed gradual changes with increasing temperature from spring to summer.

States of graphene oxide and surface functional groups amid adsorption of dyes and heavy metal ions

Water pollution regarding dyes and heavy metal ions is crucial facing the world.How to effectively separate these contaminants from water has been a key issue.Graphene oxide(GO)promises the greenwater world as a long-lasting spotlight adsorbent material and therefore,harnessing GO has been the research hotspot for over a decade.The state of GO as well as its surface functional groups plays an important role in adsorption.And the way of preparation and structural modification matters to the performance of GO.In this review,the significance of the state of existence of stock GO and surface functional groups is explored in terms of preparation,structural modification,and adsorption.Besides,various adsorbates for GO adsorption are also involved,the discussion of which is rarely established elsewhere.

Eff ects of stand condition and root density on fi ne-root dynamics across root functional groups in a subtropical montane forest

Fine roots play key roles in belowground C cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.Based on their distinct functions,fi ne roots are either absorptive fi ne roots(AFRs)or transport fi ne roots(TFRs).However,the function-based fi ne root dynamics of trees and their responses to forest stand properties remain unclear.Here,we studied the dynamics of AFRs and TFRs and their responses to stand conditions and root density in a subtropical montane mixed forest based on a 2-a root window experiment.Mean(±SE)annual production,mortality,and turnover rate of AFRs were 7.87±0.17 m m^(−2)a^(−1),8.13±0.20 m m^(−2)a^(−1)and 2.96±0.24 a^(−1),respectively,compared with 7.09±0.17 m m^(−2)a^(−1),4.59±0.17 m m^(−2)a^(−1),and 2.01±0.22 a^(−1),respectively,for TFRs.The production and mortality of fi ne roots were signifi cantly higher in high root-density sites than in low-root density sites,whereas the turnover of fi ne roots was faster in the low root-density sites.Furthermore,root density had a larger positive eff ect than other environmental factors on TFR production but had no obvious impact on AFR production.Tree species diversity had an apparent positive eff ect on AFR production and was the crucial driver of AFR production,probably due to a complementary eff ect,but had no evident impact on TFR.Both tree density and tree species diversity were positively correlated with the mortality of AFRs and negatively related to the turnover of TFRs,suggesting that higher root density caused stronger competition for rooting space and that plants tend to reduce maintenance costs by decreasing TFR turnover.These fi ndings illustrated the importance of root functional groups in understanding root dynamics and their responses to changes in environmental conditions.

Investigation into Protective Groups for Anilino Functionality upon Oxone-Mediated Oxidative Esterification

In the course of organic synthesis, particularly for multi-step synthesis or natural product total synthesis, the selection of appropriate protective groups for the intended functionality is crucial in order to achieve chemoselective synthetic goals. The development of many useful protective groups has been reported based on the functionality of the anilino group. Herein, we discuss our study of various protective groups and the processes we used to establish compatibility with anilino functionality via the implementation of Oxone-mediated oxidative esterification in methanol. The results and the details of our experiments are reported herein.

Stabilizing Buried Interface via Synergistic Effect of Fluorine and Sulfonyl Functional Groups Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

The interfacial defects and energy barrier are main reasons for interfacial nonradiative recombination.In addition,poor perovskite crystallization and incomplete conversion of PbI_(2) to perovskite restrict further enhancement of the photovoltaic performance of the devices using sequential deposition.Herein,a buried interface stabilization strategy that relies on the synergy of fluorine(F)and sulfonyl(S=O)functional groups is proposed.A series of potassium salts containing halide and non-halogen anions are employed to modify SnO_(2)/perovskite buried interface.Multiple chemical bonds including hydrogen bond,coordination bond and ionic bond are realized,which strengthens interfacial contact and defect passivation effect.The chemical interaction between modification molecules and perovskite along with SnO_(2) heightens incessantly as the number of S=O and F augments.The chemical interaction strength between modifiers and perovskite as well as SnO_(2) gradually increases with the increase in the number of S=O and F.The defect passivation effect is positively correlated with the chemical interaction strength.The crystallization kinetics is regulated through the compromise between chemical interaction strength and wettability of substrates.Compared with Cl−,all non-halogen anions perform better in crystallization optimization,energy band regulation and defect passivation.The device with potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide achieves a tempting efficiency of 24.17%.

Tailoring MXene Thickness and Functionalization for Enhanced Room‑Temperature Trace NO_(2) Sensing

In this study,precise control over the thickness and termination of Ti3C2TX MXene flakes is achieved to enhance their electrical properties,environmental stability,and gas-sensing performance.Utilizing a hybrid method involving high-pressure processing,stirring,and immiscible solutions,sub-100 nm MXene flake thickness is achieved within the MXene film on the Si-wafer.Functionalization control is achieved by defunctionalizing MXene at 650℃ under vacuum and H2 gas in a CVD furnace,followed by refunctionalization with iodine and bromine vaporization from a bubbler attached to the CVD.Notably,the introduction of iodine,which has a larger atomic size,lower electronegativity,reduce shielding effect,and lower hydrophilicity(contact angle:99°),profoundly affecting MXene.It improves the surface area(36.2 cm^(2) g^(-1)),oxidation stability in aqueous/ambient environments(21 days/80 days),and film conductivity(749 S m^(-1)).Additionally,it significantly enhances the gas-sensing performance,including the sensitivity(0.1119Ωppm^(-1)),response(0.2% and 23%to 50 ppb and 200 ppm NO_(2)),and response/recovery times(90/100 s).The reduced shielding effect of the–I-terminals and the metallic characteristics of MXene enhance the selectivity of I-MXene toward NO2.This approach paves the way for the development of stable and high-performance gas-sensing two-dimensional materials with promising prospects for future studies.

Spherical Functions on Fuzzy Lie Group

Let G be a locally compact Lie group and its Lie algebra. We consider a fuzzy analogue of G, denoted by called a fuzzy Lie group. Spherical functions on are constructed and a version of the existence result of the Helgason-spherical function on G is then established on .

Understanding Dual-Polar Group Functionalized COFs for Accelerating Li-Ion Transport and Dendrite-Free Deposition in Lithium Metal Anodes

Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)have attracted wide attentions because of their high theoretical specific capacity and low electrochemical potential.However,the growth of lithium dendrites seriously affects the practical application of LMBs.Thus,the lithium-philic carbonyl and carboxy dualgroup-modified covalent organic framework(COF-COOH)is designed to coat the polypropylene(PP)separator(COF-COOH@PP separator),realizing the regulation of ion transport and uniform lithium deposition.The plentiful and negative charge sites in the COF-COOH can suppress the diffusion of the freely movable lithium salt anion by the electrostatic interaction.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations demonstrate that the COF-COOH possesses the function of anchoring anion and desolvation.Consequently,the Li^(+)transference number(0.7),ion conductivity(0.64 mS cm^(-1)),and desolvating of Li^(+)are obviously improved by using the COF-COOH@PP separator.The modified Li-Li symmetric battery delivers stable cycle for more than 1000 h and lower voltage hysteresis(0.02 V).This dendrite-free deposition strategy holds great promise for practical application of Li metal anodes.

Superior electrocatalytic negative electrode with tailored nitrogen functional group for vanadium redox flow battery

Development of electrodes with high electrocatalytic activity and stability is essential for solving problems that still restrict the extensive application of vanadium redox flow batteries(VRFBs).Here,we designed a novel negative electrode with superior electrocatalytic activity by tailoring nitrogen functional groups,such as newly formed nitro and pyridinic-N transformed to pyridonic-N,from the prenitrogen-doped electrode.It was experimentally confirmed that an electrode with pyridonic-N and nitro fuctional groups(tailored nitrogen-doped graphite felt,TNGF) has superior electrocatalytic acivity with enhanced electron and mass transfer.Density functional theory calulations demonstrated the pyridonic-N and nitro functional groups promoted the adsorption,charge transfer,and bond formation with the vanadium species,which is consistent with expermental results.In addition,the V2+/V3+redox reaction mechanism on pyridonic-N and nitro functional groups was estabilised based on density functional theory(DFT) results.When TNGF was applied to a VRFB,it enabled enhanced-electrolyte utilization and energy efficiencies(EE) of 57.9% and 64.6%,respectively,at a current density of 250 mA cm^(-2).These results are 18.6% and 8.9% higher than those of VRFB with electrode containing graphitic-N and pyridinicN groups.Interestingly,TNGF-based VRFB still operated with an EE of 59% at a high current density of300 mA cm^(-2).The TNGF-based VRFB exhibited stable cycling performance without noticeable decay of EE over 450 charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 250 mA cm^(-2).The results of this study suggest that introducing pyridonic-N and nitro groups on the electrode is effective for improving the electrochemical performance of VRFBs.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging study of group independent components underpinning item responses to paranoid-depressive scale

BACKGROUND Our study expand upon a large body of evidence in the field of neuropsychiatric imaging with cognitive,affective and behavioral tasks,adapted for the functional magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)(fMRI)experimental environment.There is sufficient evidence that common networks underpin activations in task-based fMRI across different mental disorders.AIM To investigate whether there exist specific neural circuits which underpin differ-ential item responses to depressive,paranoid and neutral items(DN)in patients respectively with schizophrenia(SCZ)and major depressive disorder(MDD).METHODS 60 patients were recruited with SCZ and MDD.All patients have been scanned on 3T magnetic resonance tomography platform with functional MRI paradigm,comprised of block design,including blocks with items from diagnostic paranoid(DP),depression specific(DS)and DN from general interest scale.We performed a two-sample t-test between the two groups-SCZ patients and depressive patients.Our purpose was to observe different brain networks which were activated during a specific condition of the task,respectively DS,DP,DN.RESULTS Several significant results are demonstrated in the comparison between SCZ and depressive groups while performing this task.We identified one component that is task-related and independent of condition(shared between all three conditions),composed by regions within the temporal(right superior and middle temporal gyri),frontal(left middle and inferior frontal gyri)and limbic/salience system(right anterior insula).Another com-ponent is related to both diagnostic specific conditions(DS and DP)e.g.It is shared between DEP and SCZ,and includes frontal motor/language and parietal areas.One specific component is modulated preferentially by to the DP condition,and is related mainly to prefrontal regions,whereas other two components are significantly modulated with the DS condition and include clusters within the default mode network such as posterior cingulate and precuneus,several occipital areas,including lingual and fusiform gyrus,as well as parahippocampal gyrus.Finally,component 12 appeared to be unique for the neutral condition.In addition,there have been determined circuits across components,which are either common,or distinct in the preferential processing of the sub-scales of the task.CONCLUSION This study has delivers further evidence in support of the model of trans-disciplinary cross-validation in psychiatry.

Effect of acidic surface functional groups on Cr(Ⅵ) removal by activated carbon from aqueous solution

The activated carbon with high surface area was prepared by KOH activation.It was further modified by H2SO4 and HNO3 to introduce more surface functional groups.The pore structure of the activated carbons before and after modification was analyzed based on the nitrogen adsorption isotherms.The morphology of those activated carbons was characterized using scanning electronic microscopy （SEM）.The surface functional groups were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）.The quantity of those groups was measured by the Boehm titration method.Cr（VI） removal by the activated carbons from aqueous solution was investigated at different pH values.The results show that compared with H2SO4,HNO3 destructs the original pore of the activated carbon more seriously and induces more acidic surface functional groups on the activated carbon.The pH value of the solution plays a key role in the Cr（VI） removal.The ability of reducing Cr（VI） to Cr（III） by the activated carbons is relative to the acidic surface functional groups.At higher pH values,the Cr（VI） removal ratio is improved by increasing the acidic surface functional groups of the activated carbons.At lower pH values,however,the acidic surface functional groups almost have no effect on the Cr（VI） removal by the activated carbon from aqueous solution.

Effect of PCEs with Different Functional Groups on the Performance of Cement Paste

The adsorption behaviors and dispersing properties of polycarboxylate superplasticizer(PCE) with different functional groups were systematically analyzed to reveal the theory and methods of modifying PCE molecular structures and regulating PCE performances. By substituting carboxylic groups with sulfonic groups, ester groups or acylamino groups, respectively, modified PCEs with different functional groups were synthesized. Results show that introducing low amount of ester groups or sulfonic groups into the PCE molecules has no negative effects on the fluidity of cement paste, while introducing acylamino groups into PCE molecules significantly weakens the fluidity of cement paste. At low amount(when the molar ratio of sodium methallyl sulfonate to TPEG is lower than 0.4), the rapid adsorption of sulfonic groups onto the cement particles contributes to the high dispersing performance of the sulfonic group modified PCEs. When the substitution ratio of acrylic acid by sulfonic acid is higher than 0.4, the viscosity and the yield stress of cement paste increases sharply. Redundant sulfonic groups lead to the excessive charge density of the PCE, which contributes to the inhomogeneous adsorption on the cement grains and hence results in the decline of the dispersing performance. Substitution of carboxylic group by acylamino group or ester group slightly changes the viscosity as well as the yield stress of cement paste. Introducing sulfonic group into PCE molecule improves the adsorption behavior of PCEs, while introducing ester group or acylamino group into PCE depresses the adsorption properties.

The Trace Elements are Bounded by Organic Functional Groups in Coal:A Studying Result Based on FTIR Analysis

The relationship between trace elements in coal and organic functional groups of coal, also some of aromatic structure, was investigated by using curve fitting of infrared spectra. Cluster analysis was also performed according to the degree of affinity of organic groups to the trace elements. The results show that there is a possibility that trace elements, especially LREE, were bound to peripheral organic functional groups of middle rank coal macromolecule. The most possible functional group that binds trace element is the hydroxyl, and to the less degree, the asymmetric -CH3 and 〉CH2 stretching, -CH3 stretching, etc. The degree of affinity of trace elements to different functional groups varies. The tendency obeys the natural structural changing law of trace elements-- the periodic law. The deviation of some trace elements from this regular trend is attributed to the deviation of intrinsic ＂confusion degree＂ （conventional molar entropy） of the matter system of coal basin, which is affected by the inner and outer factors during the evolution.

Effect of Graphene Surface Functional Groups on the Mechanical Property of PMMA Microcellular Composite Foams

The functional groups on graphene sheets surface affect their dispersion and interfacial adhesion in polymer matrix. We compared the mechanical property of polymethymethacrylate (PMMA) microcellular foams reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to investigate this influence of functional groups. RGO sheets were fabricated by solvent thermal reduction in DMF medium. UV-Vis, FT-IR and XPS analyses indicate the difference of oxygen-containing groups on GO and RGO sheets surface. The observation of SEM illustrates that the addition of a smaller number of GO or RGO sheets causes a fine cellular structure of PMMA foams with a higher cell density(about 1011 cells/cm3) and smaller cell sizes (about 1 -2 jim) owing to their remarkable heterogeneous nucleation effect. Compared to GO reinforced foams, the RGO/PMMA foams own lower cell density and bigger cell size in their microstructure, and their compressive strength is lower even when the reinforcement contents are the same and the foam bulk density is higher, These results indicate that the oxygen-containing groups on GO sheets' surface are beneficial to adhere CO2 to realize a larger nucleation rate, and their strong interaction with PMMA matrix improves the mechanical property of PMMA foams.

Three-dimensional visualization of the functional fascicular groups of a long-segment peripheral nerve

The three-dimensional（3D） visualization of the functional bundles in the peripheral nerve provides direct and detailed intraneural spatial information. It is useful for selecting suitable surgical methods to repair nerve defects and in optimizing the construction of tissue-engineered nerve grafts. However, there remain major technical hurdles in obtaining, registering and interpreting 2D images, as well as in establishing 3D models. Moreover, the 3D models are plagued by poor accuracy and lack of detail and cannot completely reflect the stereoscopic microstructure inside the nerve. To explore and help resolve these key technical problems of 3D reconstruction, in the present study, we designed a novel method based on re-imaging techniques and computer image layer processing technology. A 20-cm ulnar nerve segment from the upper arm of a fresh adult cadaver was used for acetylcholinesterase（ACh E） staining. Then, 2D panoramic images were obtained before and after ACh E staining under the stereomicroscope. Using layer processing techniques in Photoshop, a space transformation method was used to fulfill automatic registration. The contours were outlined, and the 3D rendering of functional fascicular groups in the long-segment ulnar nerve was performed with Amira 4.1 software. The re-imaging technique based on layer processing in Photoshop produced an image that was detailed and accurate. The merging of images was accurate, and the whole procedure was simple and fast. The least square support vector machine was accurate, with an error rate of only 8.25%. The 3D reconstruction directly revealed changes in the fusion of different nerve functional fascicular groups. In conclusion. The technique is fast with satisfactory visual reconstruction.

Synthesis and Adsorption Properties of Polystyrene-supported Chelating Resins Containing Heterocyclic Functional Groups

A series of new chelating resins with incorporating heterocyclic functional groups： pyridine, thiadizole, benzothizole into macroporous chloromethylated polystyrene were synthesized via hydrophilic spacer arm of polyethylene glycol containing sulfur. These chelating resins were found to show high adsorption capacities for Ag^＋, Hg^2＋, Au^3＋ and Pd^2＋, and the presence of spacer arm can enhance adsorption ability due to increase the hydrophilicity of the chelating resins.

Board-invited review: Sensitivity and responses of functional groups to feed processing methods on a molecular basis

In complex feed structures, there exist main chemical functional groups which are associated with nutrient utilization and availability and functionality. Each functional group has unique molecular structure therefore produce unique molecular vibration spectral profile. Feed processing has been used to improve nutrient utilization for many years. However, to date, there was little study on processing-induced changes of feed intrinsic structure and functional groups on a molecular basis within intact tissue. This is because limited research technique is available to study inherent structure on a molecular basis. Recently bioanalytical techniques： such as Synchrotron Infrared Microspectroscopy as well as Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform molecular spectroscopy have been developed. These techniques enable to detect molecular structure change within intact tissues. These techniques can prevent destruction or alteration of the intrinsic protein structures during processing for analysis. However, these techniques have not been used in animal feed and nutrition research. The objective of this review was show that with the advanced technique, sensitivity and responses of functional groups to feed processing on a molecular basis could be detected in my research team. These functional groups are highly associated with nutrient utilization in animals.

Nb_(2)CT_(x) MXene: High capacity and ultra-long cycle capability for lithium-ion battery by regulation of functional groups

MXenes are well known for their potential application in supercapacitors due to their high-rate intercalation pseudocapacitance and long cyclability.However,the reported low capacity of pristine MXenes hinders their practical application in lithium-ion batteries.In this work,a robust strategy is developed to control the functional groups of Nb_2 CT_x MXene.The capacity of pristine Nb_2 CT_x MXene can be significantly increased by Li~+ intercalation and surface modification.The specific capacity of the treated Nb_2 CT_x is up to 448 mAh g^(-1) at 0.05 A g^(-1),and at a large current density of 2 A g^(-1) remains a high reversible capacity retention rate of 75% after an ultra-long cycle of 2000 cycles.These values exceed most of the reported pristine MXenes(including the most studied Ti_3 C_2 T_x) and carbon-based materials.It demonstrates that this strategy has great help to improve the electrochemical performance of pristine MXene,and the results enhance the promise of MXenes in the application of lithium-ion batteries.

Synthesis and Adsorption Properties of Chelating Resins Containing Sulfoxide and Heterocyclic Functional Groups

Several of new chelating resins containing sulfoxide and heterocyclic functional groups （3-aminopyridine and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole） based on macroporous chloromethylated polystyrene were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and infrared spectra. Their adsorption capacities towards Zn^2＋, Cu^2＋, Pb^2＋, Hg^2＋ and Ag^＋ at pH 3.0 and 6.0 were investigated in detail. It was found that the adsorption capacities of the resins containing bis[（3-pyridylaminoethyl）sulfoxide or （2-benzothiazolylthioethyl）sulfoxide for the above ions were higher than that on ones containing single above-mentioned groups.