Boehmeria nivea var. strigosa (Urticaceae), a new variety from Southwest China

Boehmeria nivea var.strigosa Zeng Y.Wu&Y.Zhao,a new variety of B.nivea(Urticaceae)from Southwest China,is here described based on evidence from morphology and molecular phylogeny.This new variety is mainly characterized by its green abaxial leaf blade,partly connate stipules,and densely patent strigose hairs on stems and potioles.The phylogenetic analysis based on rbc L,nrDNA and rbc L+nrDNA datasets,revealed that all individuals of B.nivea var.strigosa formed a monophyletic group.The conservation status of B.nivea var.strigosa is assessed as“Near Threatened”(NT)according to IUCN evaluation criteria.The discovery of this new variety is not only crucial for the taxonomy of ramie,but also provides reference for the exploration and utilization of ramie.

The relationship between the high-frequency performance of supercapacitors and the type of doped nitrogen in the carbon electrode

Nitrogen doping has been widely used to improve the performance of carbon electrodes in supercapacitors,particularly in terms of their high-frequency response.However,the charge storage and electrolyte ion response mechanisms of different nitrogen dopants at high frequencies are still unclear.In this study,melamine foam carbons with different configurations of surfacedoped N were formed by gradient carbonization,and the effects of the configurations on the high-frequency response behavior of the supercapacitors were analyzed.Using a combination of experiments and first-principle calculations,we found that pyrrolic N,characterized by a higher adsorption energy,increases the charge storage capacity of the electrode at high frequencies.On the other hand,graphitic N,with a lower adsorption energy,increases the speed of ion response.We propose the use of adsorption energy as a practical descriptor for electrode/electrolyte design in high-frequency applications,offering a more universal approach for improving the performance of N-doped carbon materials in supercapacitors.

Design,progress and challenges of 3D carbon-based thermally conductive networks

The advent of the 5G era has stimulated the rapid development of high power electronics with dense integration.Three-dimensional(3D)thermally conductive networks,possessing high thermal and electrical conductivities and many different structures,are regarded as key materials to improve the performance of electronic devices.We provide a critical overview of carbonbased 3D thermally conductive networks,emphasizing their preparation-structure-property relationships and their applications in different scenarios.A detailed discussion of the microscopic principles of thermal conductivity is provided,which is crucial for increasing it.This is followed by an in-depth account of the construction of 3D networks using different carbon materials,such as graphene,carbon foam,and carbon nanotubes.Techniques for the assembly of two-dimensional graphene into 3D networks and their effects on thermal conductivity are emphasized.Finally,the existing challenges and future prospects for 3D carbon-based thermally conductive networks are discussed.

Thermodynamic simulation of stepwise precipitation of NH_4VO_(3)and NaHCO_(3)from carbonating Na_(3)VO_(4)solution

Thermodynamic simulation was conducted to design a new process of stepwise precipitating NH_4VO_(3)and NaHCO_(3)from regulating the CO_(2)carbonation of Na_(3)VO_(4)solution.Firstly,a new V(V)speciation model for the aqueous solution containing vanadate and carbonate is established by using the Bromley-Zemaitis activity coefficient model.Subsequently,thermodynamic equilibrium calculations are conducted to clarify the behavior of vanadium,carbon,sodium,and impurity species in atmospheric or high-pressure carbonation.To ensure the purity and recovery of vanadium products,Na_(3)VO_(4)solution is initially carbonated to the pH of 9.3-9.4,followed by precipitating NH_4VO_(3)by adding(NH_4)_(2)CO_(3).After vanadium precipitation,the solution is deeply carbonated to the final pH of 7.3-7.5 to precipitate NaHCO_(3),and the remaining solution is recycled to dissolve Na_(3)VO_(4)crystals.Finally,verification experiments demonstrate that 99.1%of vanadium and 91.4%of sodium in the solution are recovered in the form of NH_4VO_(3)and NaHCO_(3),respectively.

Controlling Reactivity of Palladium Amides for Selective Carbonylation towards Urea and Oxamide Derivatives

Carbonylation reactions,crucial for carbonyl group incorporation,struggle with the inherent complexity of achieving selective mono-or double-carbonylation on single substrates,often due to competing reaction pathways.Herein,our study introduces a strategy employing palladium amides,harnessing their unique reactivity control,to direct the selective carbonylation of amines for the targeted synthesis of urea and oxamide derivatives.The palladium amide structure was elucidated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction.Controlled experiments and cyclic voltammetry studies further elucidate that the oxidation of palladium amide or its insertion into a carbonyl group diverges into distinct pathways.By employing sodium percarbonate as an eco-friendly oxidant and base,we have successfully constructed a switchable carbonylation system co-catalyzed by palladium and iodide under room temperature.The utilizing strategy in this study not only facilitates effective control over reaction selectivity but also mitigates the risk of explosions,a critical safety concern in traditional carbonylation methods.

Optical-neural Stimulation in Non-human Primates:Modulating Brain Function and Behavior

Optical-neural stimulation,which encompasses cutting-edge techniques such as optogenetics and infrared neurostimulation,employs distinct mechanisms to modulate brain function and behavior.These advanced neuromodulation techniques offer accurate manipulation of targeted areas,even selectively modulating specific neurons,in the brain.This makes it possible to investigate the cause-and-effect connections between neural activity and behavior,allowing for a better comprehension of the intricate brain dynamics towards complex environments.Non-human primates serve as an essential animal model for investigating these complex functions in brain research,bridging the gap between the basic research and clinical applications.One of the earliest optical studies utilizing optogenetic neuromodulation in monkeys was conducted in 2009.Since then,the optical-neural stimulations have been effectively applied in non-human primates.This review summarises recent research that employed optogenetics or infrared neurostimulation techniques to regulate brain function and behavior in non-human primates.The current state of optical-neural stimulations discussed here demonstrates their efficacy in advancing the understanding of brain systems.Nevertheless,there are still challenges that need to be addressed before they can fully achieve their potential.

Predicting the Degradability of Bioceramics through a DFT-based Descriptor

Bioceramics have attracted extensive attention for bone defect repair due to their excellent bioactivity and degradability.However,challenges remain in matching the rate between bioceramic degradation and new bone formation,necessitating a deeper understanding of their degradation properties.In this study,density functional theory(DFT)calculations was employed to explore the structural and electronic characteristics of silicate bioceramics.These findings reveal a linear correlation between the maximum isosurface value of the valence band maximum(VBM_(Fmax))and the degradability of silicate bioceramics.This correlation was subsequently validated through degradation experiments.Furthermore,the investigation on phosphate bioceramics demonstrates the potential of this descriptor in predicting the degradability of a broader range of bioceramics.This discovery offers valuable insights into the degradation mechanism of bioceramics and holds promise for accelerating the design and development of bioceramics with controllable degradation.

Performance of Lateral 4H-SiC Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches by Extrinsic Backside Trigger

Photoconductive semiconductor switch(PCSS)can be applied in pulsed high power systems and microwave techniques.However,reducing the damage and increasing the lifetime of silicon carbide(SiC)PCSS are still faced severe challenges.In this study,PCSSs with various structures were prepared on 4-inch diameter,500μm thick high-purity semi-insulating 4H-SiC substrates and their on-state resistance and damage mechanisms were investigated.It was found that the PCSS of an Au/TiW/Ni electrode system annealed at 950℃had a minimum on-state resistance of 6.0Ωat 1 kV bias voltage with a 532 nm and 170 mJ pulsed laser by backside illumination single trigger.The backside illumination single trigger could reduce on-state resistance and alleviate the damage of PCSS compared to the frontside trigger when the diameter of the laser spot was larger than the channel length of PCSS.For the 200 s trigger test by a 10 Hz laser,the black branch-like ablation on Au/TiW/Ni PCSS was mainly caused by thermal stress owing to hot carriers.Replacing metal Ni with boron gallium co-doped zinc oxide(BGZO)thin films annealed at 400℃,black branch-like ablation was alleviated while concentric arc damage was obvious at the anode.The major causes of concentric arc are both pulsed laser diffraction and thermal effect.

Microstructure and Oxidation Behavior of ZrB_(2)-SiC Ceramics Fabricated by Tape Casting and Reactive Melt Infiltration

ZrB_(2)-based ceramics typically necessitate high temperature and pressure for sintering,whereas ZrB_(2)-SiC ceramics can be fabricated at 1500℃using the process of reactive melt infiltration with Si.In comparison to the conventional preparation method,reactive synthesis allows for the more facile production of ultra-high temperature ceramics with fine particle size and homogeneous composition.In this work,ZrSi_(2),B4C,and C were used as raw materials to prepare ZrB_(2)-SiC via combination of tape casting and reactive melt infiltration herein referred to as ZBC ceramics.Control sample of ZrB_(2)-SiC was also prepared using ZrB_(2) and SiC as raw materials through an identical process designated as ZS ceramics.Microscopic analysis of both ceramic groups revealed smaller and more uniformly distributed particles of the ZrB_(2) phase in ZBC ceramics compared to the larger particles in ZS ceramics.Both sets of ceramics underwent cyclic oxidation testing in the air at 1600℃for a cumulative duration of 5 cycles,each cycle lasting 2 h.Analysis of the oxidation behavior showed that both ZBC ceramics and ZS ceramics developed a glassy SiO_(2)-ZrO_(2) oxide layer on their surfaces during the oxidation.This layer severed as a barrier against oxygen.In ZBC ceramics,ZrO_(2) is finely distributed in SiO_(2),whereas in ZS ceramics,larger ZrO_(2) particles coexist with glassy SiO_(2).The surface oxide layer of ZBC ceramics maintains a dense structure because the well-dispersed ZrO_(2) increases the viscosity of glassy SiO_(2),preventing its crystallization during the cooling.Conversely,some SiO_(2) in the oxide layer of ZS ceramics may crystallize and form a eutectic with ZrO_(2),leading to the formation of ZrSiO_(4).This leads to cracking of the oxide layer due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients,weakening its barrier effect.An analysis of the oxidation resistance shows that ZBC ceramics exhibit less increase in oxide layer thickness and mass compared to ZS ceramics,suggesting superior oxidation resistance of ZBC ceramics.

A review of the catalytic preparation of mesophase pitch

Because of its high purity and excellent orientation, mesophase pitch is a superior precursor for high-performance car-bon materials. However, the preparation of top-notch mesophase pitch faces challenges. Catalytic polycondensation at low temperat-ures is more favorable for synthesizing mesophase pitch, because it circumvents the high-temperature free radical reaction of other thermal polycondensation approaches. The reaction is gentle and can be easily controlled. It has the potential to significantly im-prove the yield of mesophase pitch and easily introduce naphthenic characteristics into the molecules, catalytic polycondensation is therefore a preferred method of synthesizing highly spinnable mesophase pitch. This review provides a synopsis of the selective pre-treatment of the raw materials to prepare different mesophase pitches, and explains the reaction mechanism and associated research advances for different catalytic systems in recent years. Finally, how to manufacture high-quality mesophase pitch by using a cata-lyst-promoter system is summarized and proposed, which may provide a theoretical basis for the future design of high-quality pitch molecules.

First Asian Paleocene pantolambdid pantodont(Mammalia)and its implications to intercontinental faunal exchange

Pantodonta was one of the first groups of eutherians to evolve at the beginning of Cenozoic era,including the largest herbivores at that time.Pantodonta shows considerable diversity during the Paleocene and Eocene,with most of the species having been discovered in Asia and North America.Here,we report on a new pantodont,represented by lower jaws with well-preserved dentition,discovered from the Middle Paleocene Nongshan Formation of the Nanxiong Basin,Guangdong Province,China.Its unique dental and mandibular characteristics distinguish it well from any known Asian pantodont,but are quite consistent with North American taxa,especially Pantolambda and Titanoides.The new specimen is identified as Nanxiongilambda yei gen.et sp.nov.,characterized by the combination of the following morphological features:thick and robust mandible with a conspicuous anteroexternal flange,high positioned condyloid process,posteriorly protruding angular process,robust but not elongated lower canines,double-rooted p1,small but distinct talonids on posterior lower premolars,talonids nearly as wide as trigonids on lower molars,and m3 with a well-developed hypoconulid and a distinct entoconid.The new discovery marks the first record of a pantolambdid pantodont outside of North America,suggesting a broader geographical distribution and intercontinental dispersal of this clade during the Paleocene.Considering the more primitive Pantolambda only found from Torrejonian to early Tiffanian NALMA(equivalent to middle-late Shanghuan to early Nongshanian ALMA),which is slightly earlier than Nanxiongilambda(early Nongshanian ALMA),pantolambdids have likely undergone a particular wave of migration from North America to Asia during the Early-Middle Paleocene.Previous researches have suggested that pantodonts had dispersed only from Asia to North America during the Early Paleocene,but our new specimen indicates the biotic dispersal may have occurred in the opposite direction.The new specimen also contributes to the renewal of the evolutionary history of pantodonts and provides further insights into the migration and dispersal of Paleocene mammals.

Optical facet coatings for high-performance LWIR quantum cascade lasers atλ∼8.5μm

We report on the performance improvement of long-wave infrared quantum cascade lasers(LWIR QCLs)by studying and optimizing the anti-reflection(AR)optical facet coating.Compared to the Al2O3 AR coat⁃ing,the Y_(2)O_(3)AR coating exhibits higher catastrophic optical mirror damage(COMD)level,and the optical facet coatings of both material systems have no beam steering effect.A 3-mm-long,9.5-μm-wide buried-heterostruc⁃ture(BH)LWIR QCL ofλ~8.5μm with Y_(2)O_(3)metallic high-reflection(HR)and AR of~0.2%reflectivity coating demonstrates a maximum pulsed peak power of 2.19 W at 298 K,which is 149%higher than that of the uncoated device.For continuous-wave(CW)operation,by optimizing the reflectivity of the Y_(2)O_(3)AR coating,the maximum output power reaches 0.73 W,which is 91%higher than that of the uncoated device.

Ecological environmental quality evaluation and driving factor analysis of the Lijiang River Basin,based on Google Earth Engine

For regional ecological management,it is important to evaluate the quality of ecosystems and analyze the underlying causes of ecological changes.Using the Google Earth Engine(GEE)platform,the remote sensing ecological index(RSEI)was calculated for the Lijiang River Basin in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for 1991,2001,2011,and 2021.Spatial autocorrelation analysis was employed to investigate spatiotemporal variations in the ecological environmental quality of the Lijiang River Basin.Furthermore,geographic detectors were used to quantitatively analyze influencing factors and their interaction effects on ecological environmental quality.The results verified that:1)From 1991 to 2021,the ecological environmental quality of the Lijiang River Basin demonstrated significant improvement.The area with good and excellent ecological environmental quality in proportion increased by 19.69%(3406.57 km^(2)),while the area with fair and poor ecological environmental quality in proportion decreased by 10.76%(1860.36 km^(2)).2)Spatially,the ecological environmental quality of the Lijiang River Basin exhibited a pattern of low quality in the central region and high quality in the periphery.Specifically,poor ecological environmental quality characterized the Guilin urban area,Pingle County,and Lingchuan County.3)From 1991 to 2021,a significant positive spatial correlation was observed in ecological environmental quality of the Lijiang River Basin.Areas with high-high agglomeration were predominantly forests and grasslands,indicating good ecological environmental quality,whereas areas with low-low agglomeration were dominated by cultivated land and construction land,indicating poor ecological environmental quality.4)Annual average precipitation and temperature exerted the most significant influence on the ecological environmental quality of the basin,and their interactions with other factors had the great influence.This study aimed to enhance understanding of the evolution of the ecological environment in the Lijiang River Basin of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and provide scientific guidance for decision-making and management related to ecology in the region.

The Late Miocene‘ovibovin’bovids in Eurasia

During the Late Miocene,numerous medium to large-sized herbivores,that resemble the living Ovibos in skeletal morphology,dispersed throughout the Holarctic realm and comprised eleven genera:Lantiantragus,Shaanxispira,Tsaidamotherium,Criotherium,Mesembriacerus,Hezhengia,Urmiatherium,Parurmiatherium,Plesiaddax,Sinotragus,and Prosinotragus.These genera are primarily found in eastern Asia,in which nine genera are found in northern China,as well as in countries in eastern Europe and western Asia.They are distinguished by unique characteristics,including a perpendicular braincase,specialized horn cores,and a robust basioccipital.Previous studies have often classified these‘ovibovin’bovids as part of the conventional subfamily/tribe Ovibovinae/Ovibovini,along with extant Ovibos.Nevertheless,an increasing number of studies do not support the monophyly of the subfamily/tribe Ovibovinae/Ovibovini,nor is a close relationship likely between these Late Miocene‘ovibovin’bovids and extant Ovibos.Among the eleven genera of‘ovibovin’bovids,Plesiaddax,Hezhengia,and Urmiatherium are often considered to have a very close relationship and conventionally form the tribe Urmiatheriini.However,previous phylogenetic analyses do not support the monophyly of Urmiatheriini.This paper presents a summary of the transmutation of the terms Ovibovidae/Ovibovinae/Ovibovini/Ovibovina,the temporal and spatial distribution of the Late Miocene‘ovibovin’bovids in Eurasia,the principal characteristics of these taxa,and the previous phylogenetic analyses.

A Hybrid Dung Beetle Optimization Algorithm with Simulated Annealing for the Numerical Modeling of Asymmetric Wave Equations

In the generalized continuum mechanics(GCM)theory framework,asymmetric wave equations encompass the characteristic scale parameters of the medium,accounting for microstructure interactions.This study integrates two theoretical branches of the GCM,the modified couple stress theory(M-CST)and the one-parameter second-strain-gradient theory,to form a novel asymmetric wave equation in a unified framework.Numerical modeling of the asymmetric wave equation in a unified framework accurately describes subsurface structures with vital implications for subsequent seismic wave inversion and imaging endeavors.However,employing finite-difference(FD)methods for numerical modeling may introduce numerical dispersion,adversely affecting the accuracy of numerical modeling.The design of an optimal FD operator is crucial for enhancing the accuracy of numerical modeling and emphasizing the scale effects.Therefore,this study devises a hybrid scheme called the dung beetle optimization(DBO)algorithm with a simulated annealing(SA)algorithm,denoted as the SA-based hybrid DBO(SDBO)algorithm.An FD operator optimization method under the SDBO algorithm was developed and applied to the numerical modeling of asymmetric wave equations in a unified framework.Integrating the DBO and SA algorithms mitigates the risk of convergence to a local extreme.The numerical dispersion outcomes underscore that the proposed SDBO algorithm yields FD operators with precision errors constrained to 0.5‱while encompassing a broader spectrum coverage.This result confirms the efficacy of the SDBO algorithm.Ultimately,the numerical modeling results demonstrate that the new FD method based on the SDBO algorithm effectively suppresses numerical dispersion and enhances the accuracy of elastic wave numerical modeling,thereby accentuating scale effects.This result is significant for extracting wavefield perturbations induced by complex microstructures in the medium and the analysis of scale effects.

Osteology of Turfanodon bogdaensis (Dicynodontia)

Within the dicynodont genus Turfanodon,there are two recognized species,T.bogdaensis and T.jiufengensis.Both species are known by relatively complete cranial materials,but the mandibles and most postcranial bones have been described only for T.jiufengensis.This paper reports new dicynodont specimens from Turpan,Xinjiang,referring them to T.bogdaensis.They can clearly be differentiated from T.jiufengensis by the flatter lateral surface of the snout region,a prominent swelling on the lateral dentary shelf,and the rounded femoral head.The diagnosis of Turfanodon is revised.The combination of a flat circumorbital rim,posterior portion of anterior pterygoid rami with converging ventral ridges,and a possible autapomorphy,a deep notch on scapula forming procoracoid foramen,are confirmed.It also differentiated from all dicynodonts other than Myosaurus,Kembawacela and Lystrosaurus by having accessory ridges lateral to the median palatal ridge.

Regulating crystal phase of TiO_(2) to enhance catalytic activity of Ni/TiO_(2) for solar-driven dry reforming of methane

Ni/TiO_(2) catalyst is widely employed for photo-driven DRM reaction while the influence of crystal structure of TiO_(2) remains unclear.In this work,the rutile/anatase ratio in supports was successfully controlled by varying the calcination temperature of anatase-TiO_(2).Structural characterizations revealed that a distinct TiO_(x) coating on the Ni nanoparticles(NPs)was evident for Ni/TiO_(2)-700 catalyst due to strong metal-support interaction.It is observed that the TiOx overlayer gradually disappeared as the ratio of rutile/anatase increased,thereby enhancing the exposure of Ni active sites.The exposed Ni sites enhanced visible light absorption and boosted the dissociation capability of CH4,which led to the much elevated catalytic activity for Ni/TiO_(2)-950 in which rutile dominated.Therefore,the catalytic activity of solar-driven DRM reaction was significantly influenced by the rutile/anatase ratio.Ni/TiO_(2)-950,characterized by a predominant rutile phase,exhibited the highest DRM reactivity,with remarkable H_(2) and CO production rates reaching as high as 87.4 and 220.2 mmol/(g·h),respectively.These rates were approximately 257 and 130 times higher,respectively,compared to those obtained on Ni/TiO_(2)-700 with anatase.This study suggests that the optimization of crystal structure of TiO_(2) support can effectively enhance the performance of photothermal DRM reaction.

The application of metal-organic frameworks and their derivatives for lithium-ion capacitors

There is an urgent need for lithium-ion capacitors(LICs)that have both high energy and high power densities to meet the continuously growing energy storage demands.LICs effectively balance the high energy density of traditional rechargeable batteries with the superior power density and long life of supercapacitors(SCs).Nevertheless,the development of LICs is still hampered by limited kinetic processes and capacity mismatch between the cathode and anode.Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)and their derivatives have received significant attention because of their extensive specific surface area,different pore structures and topologies,and customizable functional sites,making them compelling candidate materials for achieving high-performance LICs.MOF-derived carbons,known for their exceptional electronic conductivity and large surface area,provide improved charge storage and rapid ion transport.MOF-derived transition metal oxides contribute to high specific capacities and improved electrochemical stability.Additionally,MOF-derived metal compounds/carbons provide combined effects that increase both the capacitive and Faradaic reactions,leading to a superior overall performance.The review begins with an overview of the fundamental principles of LICs,followed by an exploration of synthesis strategies and ligand selection for MOF-based composite materials.It then analyzes the advantages of original MOFs and their derived materials,such as carbon materials and metal compounds,in enhancing LIC performance.Finally,the review discusses the major challenges faced by MOFs and their derivatives in LIC applications and offers future research directions and recommendations.

Rational Synthesis of Crystalline Covalent Triazine Framework with Methylthio Pendant Arms for Efficient Mercury(Ⅱ)Adsorption

The interest in curtailing environmental pollution issues through physical separation processes has inspired an extensive search for novel nanoporous materials with exceptional adsorption capabilities.Covalent triazine frameworks(CTFs),emerged as a class of crystalline covalent organic frameworks(COFs),have been widely examined for various separation applications,owing to their large porosity,high stability,and rich nitrogen(N)doping.The development of CTFs for efficient adsorption of mercury(Ⅱ)(Hg^(2+))is of great importance for the field,whereas it is rarely attempted,on account of limited synthetic strategies and unknown structural-property relations of conventional CTFs derived from ionothermal approaches.Herein,we report rational synthesis of a crystalline CTF with methylthio pendant arms for efficient removal of Hg^(2+)with an exceptional capacity of 751 mg·g^(-1),ranking at the top among previously-reported adsorbents.This work may open up new possibility in the synthesis of COFs for various separations.

Engineering The Neck Hinge Reshapes The Processive Movement of Kinesin-3

Objective In kinesin-3,the neck coil correlates with the following segments to form an extended neck that contains a characteristic hinge diverse from a proline in KIF13B to a long flexible linker in KIF1A.The function of this neck hinge for controlling processive movement,however,remains unclear.Methods We made a series of modifications to the neck hinges of KIF13B and KIF1A and tested their movement using a single-molecule motility assay.Results In KIF13B,the insertion of flexible residues before or after the proline differentially impacts the processivity or velocity,while the removal of this proline increases the both.In KIF1A,the deletion of entire flexible neck hinge merely enhances the processivity.The engineering of these hinge-truncated necks of kinesin-3 into kinesin-1 similarly boosts the processive movement of kinesin-1.Conclusion The neck hinge in kinesin-3 controls its processive movement and proper modifications tune the motor motility,which provides a novel strategy to reshape the processive movement of kinesin motors.