Adaptive color transfer from images to terrain visualizations.

Terrain mapping is not only dedicated to communicating how high or steep a landscape is but can also help to indicate how we feel about a place. However, crafting effective and expressive elevation colors is challenging for both nonexperts and experts. In this paper, we present a two-step image-to-terrain color transfer method that can transfer color from arbitrary images to diverse terrain models. First, we present a new image color organization method that organizes discrete, irregular image colors into a continuous, regular color grid that facilitates a series of color operations, such as local and global searching, categorical color selection and sequential color interpolation. Second, we quantify a series of subjective concerns about elevation color crafting, such as the "lower, higher" principle, color conventions, and aerial perspectives. We also define color similarity between images and terrain visualizations with aesthetic quality. We then mathematically formulate image-to-terrain color transfer as a dual-objective optimization problem and offer a heuristic searching method to solve the problem. Finally, we compare elevation colors from our method with a standard color scheme and a representative color scale generation tool based on four test terrains. The evaluations show that the elevation colors from the proposed method are most effective and that our results are visually favorable. We also showcase that our method can transfer emotion from images to terrain visualizations.

Effect of epidural labor analgesia on maternal and infant outcomes in parturients with gestational diabetes mellitus-A prospective cohort study.

Background: The occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is caused by a variety of factors and associated with increased risks of several adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants. However, the effects of epidural labor analgesia in parturients with GDM on maternal and infant outcomes have not been characterized. Methods: According to parturients' choice, they were divided into the epidural group (n = 133) and no epidural (control) group (n = 135). Data for relative variables in the perinatal period were collected, and the potential associations of epidural labor analgesia with infant outcomes were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: The rate of neonatal admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for hypoglycemia was higher in the epidural group (7.52%) than in the control group (1.48%; P < 0.05). Epidural labor analgesia and drug-based diabetes control were independent predictors of the rate of neonate transfer to the NICU for hypoglycemia. Conclusion: Epidural labor analgesia was associated with an increased risk of neonatal transfer to the NICU for hypoglycemia. Thus, monitoring of neonatal blood glucose levels after administration of epidural labor analgesia in parturients with GDM may be beneficial.Trial registration: The study was registered in the China Clinical Registration Center (Registration No. ChiCTR-OOC-17013164, Registered on 30 October 2017).

Highly Oxidation-Resistant Electrolyte for 4.7†V Sodium Metal Batteries Enabled by Anion/Cation Solvation Engineering.

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) are considered as promising battery system due to abundant Na sources. However, poor compatibility between electrolyte and cathode severely impedes its development. Herein, we proposed an anion/cation solvation strategy for realizing 4.7 V resistant SMBs electrolyte with NaClO4 and trimethoxy(pentafluorophenyl)silane (TPFS) as dual additives (DA). The ClO4 - can rapidly transfer to the cathode surface and strongly coordinate with Na+ to form stable polymer-like chains with solvents. Meanwhile, TPFS can preferentially enter into the PF6 - anion solvation sheath for reducing PF6 -solvent interaction and effectively scavenge adverse electrolyte species for protecting electrode electrolyte interphases. Thus, such electrolyte elevates the oxidative stability of carbonate electrolytes from 3.77 to 4.75 V, and enables Na||Na3 V2 (PO4 )2 O2 F (NVPF) battery with a capacity retention of 93 % and an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.6 % after 500 cycles at 4.7 V.

Formation of NaF-Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Na Anode through Additive-Induced Anion-Enriched Structure of Na+ Solvation.

High-capacity sodium (Na) anodes suffer from dendrite growth due to the high reactivity, which can be overcome through inducing a stable NaF-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, we propose an additive strategy for realizing the anion-enriched structure of Na+ solvation to obtain a NaF-rich SEI. The electron-withdrawing acetyl group in 4-acetylpyridine (4-APD) increases the coordination number of PF6 - in the Na+ solvation sheath to facilitate PF6 - to decompose into NaF. Thus, the NaF-rich SEI with high mechanical stability and interfacial energy is formed to repress the growth of Na dendrites. With the 4-APD-contained electrolyte, the symmetric Na||Na cells show excellent cycling performance over 360 h at 1.0 mA cm-2 . Meanwhile, excellent stability is also achieved for Na||Na3 V2 (PO4 )2 O2 F full cells with high Coulombic efficiency (97 %) and capacity retention (91 %) after 200 cycles.

Separator-Wetted, Acid- and Water-Scavenged Electrolyte with Optimized Li-Ion Solvation to Form Dual Efficient Electrode Electrolyte Interphases via Hexa-Functional Additive.

The performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is determined by many factors from the bulk electrolyte to the electrode-electrolyte interphases, which are crucially affected by electrolyte additives. Herein, the authors develop the heptafluorobutyrylimidazole (HFBMZ) as a hexa-functional additive to inhibit the dendrite growth on the surface of lithium (Li) anode, and then improve the cycling performance and rate capabilities of Li||LiNi0.6 Co0.2 Mn0.2 O2 (NCM622). The HFBMZ can remove the trace H2 O and HF from the electrolyte, reducing the by-products on the surface of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and inhibiting the dissolution of metal ions from NCM622. Also, the HFBMZ can enhance the wettability of the separator to promote uniform Li deposition. HFBMZ can make Li+ easy to be desolvated, resulting in the increase of Li+ flux on Li anode surface. Moreover, the HFBMZ can optimize the composition and structure of SEI. Therefore, the Li||Li symmetrical cells with 1 wt% HFBMZ-contained electrolyte can achieve stable cycling for more than 1200 h at 0.5 mA cm-2 . In addition, the capacity retention rate of the Li||NCM622 can reach 92% after 150 cycles at 100 mA g-1 .

Unveiling the Role of Li+ Solvation Structures with Commercial Carbonates in the Formation of Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Lithium Metal Batteries.

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), determined by the components of electrolytes, can endow batteries with the ability to repress the growth of Li dendrites. Nevertheless, the mechanism of commercial carbonates on in situ-generated SEI and the consequential effect on cycling performance is not well understood yet, although some carbonates are well used in electrolytes. In this work, quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics are used to reveal the formation mechanisms of SEI with carbonate-based electrolyte additives on the atomic level. It is confirmed that the Li-coordinated carbonate species are the leading participant of SEI formation and their impact on battery performance is clarified. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) exhibits a completely different behavior from vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), and vinylene carbonate (VC). High reduction potential Li+ -coordinated additives, e.g. FEC and VEC can dominate the formation of SEI by excluding propylene carbonate (PC) and LiPF6 from the decomposition, and the corresponding Li||Li symmetric cells show enhanced long-term performance compared with those with pure PC electrolyte, while the low reduction priority additives (e.g., EC and VC) cannot form a uniform SEI by winning the competitive reaction.

Optimizing Electrode/Electrolyte Interphases and Li-Ion Flux/Solvation for Lithium-Metal Batteries with Qua-Functional Heptafluorobutyric Anhydride.

The safety and electrochemical performance of rechargeable lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) are primarily influenced by the additives in the organic liquid electrolytes. However, multi-functional additives are still rarely reported. Herein, we proposed heptafluorobutyric anhydride (HFA) as a qua-functional additive to optimize the composition and structure of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The reduction/oxidation decomposition of the fluorine-rich HFA facilitate uniform inorganic-rich SEI and compact cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) formation, which enables stable lithium plating during charge and suppresses the dissolution of transition-metal ions. Moreover, HFA optimizes the Li-ion solvation for stable Li plating/stripping and serves as the surfactant to enhance the wettability of the separator by the electrolyte to increase Li-ion flux. The symmetric Li∥Li cell with 1.0 wt % HFA electrolyte had an excellent cycling performance over 340 h at 1.0 mA cm-2 with a capacity of 0.5 mAh cm-2 while the Li∥NCM622 cell maintained high capacity retention after 250 cycles and outstanding rate performance even at 15 C.

Electrolytes enriched by potassium perfluorinated sulfonates for lithium metal batteries.

Lithium (Li) metal is widely considered as a promising anode for next-generation lithium metal batteries (LMBs) due to its high theoretical capacity and lowest electrochemical potential. However, the uncontrollable formation of Li dendrites has prevented its practical application. Herein, we propose a kind of multi-functional electrolyte additives (potassium perfluorinated sulfonates) from the multi-factor principle for electrolyte additive molecular design (EDMD) view to suppress the Li dendrite growth. The effects of these additives are revealed through experimental results, molecular dynamics simulations and first-principles calculations. Firstly, K+ can form an electrostatic shield on the surface of Li anode to prevent the growth of Li dendrites. Secondly, potassium perfluorinated sulfonates can improve the activity of electrolytes as co-conductive salts, and lower the electro-potential of Li nucleation. Thirdly, perfluorinated sulfonate anions not only can change the Li+ solvation sheath structure to decrease the desolvation energy barrier and increase the ion migration rate, but also can be partly decomposed to form the superior solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Benefited from the synergistic effects, an outstanding cycle life over 250 h at 1 mA cm-2 is achieved in symmetric Li||Li cells. In particular, potassium perfluorinated sulfonate additives (e.g., potassium perfluorohexyl sulfonate, denoted as K+PFHS) can also contribute to the formation of high-quality cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). As a result, Li||LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 full cells exhibit significantly enhanced cycling stability. This multi-factor principle for EDMD offers a unique insight on understanding the electrochemical behavior of ion-type electrolyte additives on both the Li metal anode and high-voltage cathode.

Gradient Solid Electrolyte Interphase and Lithium-Ion Solvation Regulated by Bisfluoroacetamide for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries.

The structures and components of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) are extremely important to influence the performance of full cells, which is determined by the formulation of electrolyte used. However, it is still challenging to control the formation of high-quality SEI from structures to components. Herein, we designed bisfluoroacetamide (BFA) as the electrolyte additive for the construction of a gradient solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) structure that consists of a lithophilic surface with C-F bonds to uniformly capture Li ions and a LiF-rich bottom layer to guide the rapid transportation of Li ions, endowing the homogeneous deposition of Li ions. Moreover, the BFA molecule changes the Li+ solvation structure by reducing free solvents in electrolyte to improve the antioxidant properties of electrolyte and prevent the extensive degradation of electrolyte on the cathode surface, which can make a superior cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) with high-content LiF.

2020 Roadmap on Carbon Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion.

Carbon is a simple, stable and popular element with many allotropes. The carbon family members include carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, graphene, graphite, graphdiyne and hard carbon, etc. They can be divided into different dimensions, and their structures can be open and porous. Moreover, it is very interesting to dope them with other elements (metal or non-metal) or hybridize them with other materials to form composites. The elemental and structural characteristics offer us to explore their applications in energy, environment, bioscience, medicine, electronics and others. Among them, energy storage and conversion are extremely attractive, as advances in this area may improve our life quality and environment. Some energy devices will be included herein, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium sulfur batteries, sodium-ion batteries, potassium-ion batteries, dual ion batteries, electrochemical capacitors, and others. Additionally, carbon-based electrocatalysts are also studied in hydrogen evolution reaction and carbon dioxide reduction reaction. However, there are still many challenges in the design and preparation of electrode and electrocatalytic materials. The research related to carbon materials for energy storage and conversion is extremely active, and this has motivated us to contribute with a roadmap on 'Carbon Materials in Energy Storage and Conversion'.

NASICON-Structured NaTi2(PO4)3 for Sustainable Energy Storage.

Several emerging energy storage technologies and systems have been demonstrated that feature low cost, high rate capability, and durability for potential use in large-scale grid and high-power applications. Owing to its outstanding ion conductivity, ultrafast Na-ion insertion kinetics, excellent structural stability, and large theoretical capacity, the sodium superionic conductor (NASICON)-structured insertion material NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) has attracted considerable attention as the optimal electrode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and Na-ion hybrid capacitors (NHCs). On the basis of recent studies, NaTi2(PO4)3 has raised the rate capabilities, cycling stability, and mass loading of rechargeable SIBs and NHCs to commercially acceptable levels. In this comprehensive review, starting with the structures and electrochemical properties of NTP, we present recent progress in the application of NTP to SIBs, including non-aqueous batteries, aqueous batteries, aqueous batteries with desalination, and sodium-ion hybrid capacitors. After a thorough discussion of the unique NASICON structure of NTP, various strategies for improving the performance of NTP electrode have been presented and summarized in detail. Further, the major challenges and perspectives regarding the prospects for the use of NTP-based electrodes in energy storage systems have also been summarized to offer a guideline for further improving the performance of NTP-based electrodes.

Nitrogen, Fluorine, and Boron Ternary Doped Carbon Fibers as Cathode Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries.

Zinc-air batteries with high-density energy are promising energy storage devices for the next generation of energy storage technologies. However, the battery performance is highly dependent on the efficiency of oxygen electrocatalyst in the air electrode. Herein, the N, F, and B ternary doped carbon fibers (TD-CFs) are prepared and exhibited higher catalytic properties via the efficient 4e- transfer mechanism for oxygen reduction in comparison with the single nitrogen doped CFs. More importantly, the primary and rechargeable Zn-air batteries using TD-CFs as air-cathode catalysts are constructed. When compared to batteries with Pt/C + RuO2 and Vulcan XC-72 carbon black catalysts, the TD-CFs catalyzed batteries exhibit remarkable battery reversibility and stability over long charging/discharging cycles.

Research on characteristic spectrum extracting and matching for high-fidelity reproduction.

Reconstructing the spectrum rapidly and accurately is the key to the research on high-fidelity reproduction. A characteristic spectrum extracting and matching method for high-fidelity printing is proposed aiming at the problem of complex conversion between spectrum and ink combination caused by multi-color. The method filters and extracts feature bands of primary ink through derivative spectrum, and a characteristic spectrum multi-threshold coding method is proposed. Considering the problem of subarea judgment in hi-fi printing, an average derivative spectrum is taken as characteristic spectrum of each subarea and a spectrum matching method between target spectrum and average derivative spectrum of sub-spaces is proposed. The results show that the feature bands extracted can represent spectral characteristic of primary color significantly and the precision of color conversion model based on feature bands is higher than the model based on full bands. The spectrum matching method can achieve a high accuracy in sub-space judgments and greatly improve the efficiency of color convention. The spectrum extracting and matching method has the high practicability.