Implementing hardware primitives into cryptosystem has become a new trend in electronic community. Memristor, with intrinsic stochastic characteristics including the switching voltages, times and energies, as well as the fluctuations of the resistance state over time, could be a naturally good entropy source for cryptographic key generation. In this study, based on kinetic Monte Carlo Simulation, multiple Artificial Intelligence techniques, as well as kernel density map and time constant analysis, memristive spatiotemporal variability within graphene based conductive bridging RAM (CBRAM) have been synergistically analyzed to verify the inherent randomness of the memristive stochasticity. Moreover, the random number based on hardware primitives passed the Hamming Distance calculation with high randomness and uniqueness, and has been integrated into a Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) cryptosystem. The security of the holistic cryptosystem relies both the modular arithmetic algorithm and the intrinsic randomness of the hardware primitive (to be more reliable, the random number could be as large as possible, better larger than 2048 bits as NIST suggested). The spatiotemporal-variability-based random number is highly random, physically unpredictable and machine-learning-attack resilient, improving the robustness of the entire cryptosystem.

Silicon-based polarization-encoding quantum key distribution (QKD) has been extensively studied due to its advantageous characteristics of its low cost and robustness. However, given the difficulty of fabricating polarized independent components on the chip, previous studies have only adopted off-chip devices to demodulate the quantum states or perform polarization compensation. In the current work, a fully chip-based decoder for polarization-encoding QKD was proposed. The chip realized a polarization state analyzer and compensated for the BB84 protocol without the requirement of additional hardware, which was based on a polarization-to-path conversion method utilizing a polarization splitter-rotator. The chip was fabricated adopting a standard silicon photonics foundry, which was of a compact design and suitable for mass production. In the experimental stability test, an average quantum bit error rate of 0.59% was achieved through continuous operation for 10 h without any polarization feedback. Furthermore, the chip enabled the automatic compensation of the fiber polarization drift when utilizing the developed feedback algorithm, which was emulated by a random fiber polarization scrambler. Moreover, a finite-key secret rate of 240 bps over a fiber spool of 100 km was achieved in the case of the QKD demonstration. This study marks an important step toward the integrated, practical, and large-scale deployment of QKD systems.

With increasing challenges towards continued scaling and improvement in performance faced by electronic computing, mechanical computing has started to attract growing interests. Taking advantage of the mechanical degree of freedom in solid state devices, micro/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) could provide alternative solutions for future computing and memory systems with ultralow power consumption, compatibility with harsh environments, and high reconfigurability. In this review, MEMS/NEMS-enabled memories and logic processors were surveyed, and the prospects and challenges for future on-chip mechanical computing were also analyzed.

We present a theoretical investigation, based on the tight-binding Hamiltonian, of efficient electric-field-induced three-waves mixing (EFIM) in an undoped lattice-matched short-period superlattice (SL) that integrates quasi-phase-matched (QPM) SL straight waveguides and SL racetrack resonators on an opto-electronic chip. Periodically reversed DC voltage is applied to electrode segments on each side of the strip waveguide. The spectra of χxxxx(3) and of the linear susceptibility have been simulated as a function of the number of the atomic monolayers for “non-relaxed” heterointerfaces, and by considering all the transitions between valence and conduction bands. The large obtained values ofχxxxx(3) make the (ZnS)3/(Si2)3 short-period SL a good candidate for realizing large effective second-order nonlinearity, enabling future high-performance of the SLOI PICs and OEICs in the 1000-nm and 2000-nm wavelengths ranges. We have made detailed calculations of the efficiency of second-harmonic generation and of the performances of the optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The results indicate that the (ZnS)N/(Si2)M QPM is competitive with present PPLN technologies and is practical for classical and quantum applications.

Cryogenic electronics refers to the devices and circuits operated at cryogenic temperatures (below 123.15 K), which are made from a variety of materials such as insulators, conductors, semiconductors, superconductors and topological materials. The cryogenic electronics are endowed with some unique advantages that cannot be realized in room temperature, including high computing speed, high power performance and so on. Choosing the appropriate refrigeration technology is critical for achieving the best performance of the cryogenic electronics. In this review, the cryogenic technology was divided into non-optical refrigeration and optical refrigeration, where non-optical refrigeration technologies are relatively conventional refrigeration technologies, while optical refrigeration is an emerging research field for the cooling of the chips. In the current work, the fundamental principles, applications and development prospects of the non-optical refrigeration was introduced, also the research history, fundamental principles, existing problems and application prospects of the optical refrigeration was thoroughly reviewed.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of advanced radio frequency (RF) filter technologies available in miniature chip or integrated circuit (IC) form for wireless communication applications. The RF filter technologies were organized according to the timeline of their introduction, in conjunction with each generation of wireless (cellular) communication standards (1G to 5G). This approach enabled a clear explanation of the corresponding invention history, working principles, typical applications and future development trends. The article covered commercially successful acoustic filter technologies, including the widely used surface acoustic wave (SAW) and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters, as well as electromagnetic filter technologies based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) and integrated passive device (IPD). Additionally, emerging filter technologies such as IHP-SAW, suspended thin-film lithium niobate (LiNbO₃ or LN) resonant devices and hybrid were also discussed. In order to achieve higher performance, smaller form factor and lower cost for the wireless communication industry, it is believed that fundamental breakthroughs in materials and fabrication techniques are necessary for the future development of RF filters.

In order to mitigate global warming, the international communities actively explore low-carbon and green development methods. According to the Paris Agreement that came into effect in 2016, there will be a global stocktaking plan to carry out every 5 years from 2023 onwards. In September 2020, China proposed a "double carbon" target of carbon peaking before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. Achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals requires accurate carbon emissions and carbon absorptions. China's existing carbon monitoring methods have insufficient detection accuracy, low spatial resolution, and narrow swath, which are difficult to meet the monitoring requirement of carbon sources and sinks monitoring. In order to meet the needs of carbon stocktaking and support the monitoring and supervision of carbon sources and sinks, it is recommended to make full use of the foundation of the existing satellites, improve the detection technical specifications of carbon sources and sinks monitoring measures, and build a multi-means and comprehensive, LEO-GEO orbit carbon monitoring satellite system to achieve higher precision, higher resolution and multi-dimensional carbon monitoring. On this basis, it is recommended to strengthen international cooperation, improve data sharing policy, actively participate in the development of carbon retrieval algorithm and the setting of international carbon monitoring standards, establish an independent and controllable global carbon monitoring and evaluation system, and contribute China's strength to the global realization of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

CO₂ capture is a process with a high energy consumption, and its large-scale implementation should be based on comprehensive analysis of its impact on the energy, economy, and environment. The process of injecting CO₂ into existing oil fields is a well-known enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) technique. Using CO₂ as a working fluid to recover oil can compensate for the energy consumption of the capture and transport processes, increasing the feasibility of CO₂ capture while achieving carbon sequestration. In this study, a full-chain CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) system based on the post-combustion capture method is deconstructed and coupled. A full-chain energy consumption calculation software is developed, and optimization analysis of the energy consumption system is conducted. The energy budget of the oil displacement utilization is deconstructed, and the advantages of the water alternating gas (WAG) method are clarified from an energy budget point of view. The analysis reveals that the benefits of CO₂-EOR are far greater than the energy consumption of other CCUS processes, and CCUS-EOR is a CO₂ utilization method with positive energy benefits. Based on the simulation of the effects of N₂ and CH₄ on the recovery factor, a multi-well combined injection-production method is proposed, and the reasons for increasing profit are analyzed.

The plant genome exhibits a significant amount of transcriptional activity, with most of the resulting transcripts lacking protein-coding potential. Non-coding RNAs play a pivotal role in the development and regulatory processes in plants. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which exceed 200 nucleotides, may play a significant role in enhancing plant resilience to various abiotic stresses, such as excessive heat, drought, cold, and salinity. In addition, the exogenous application of chemicals, such as abscisic acid and salicylic acid, can augment plant defense responses against abiotic stress. While how lncRNAs play a role in abiotic stress tolerance is relatively well-studied in model plants, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of this function in horticultural crop plants. It also delves into the potential role of lncRNAs in chemical priming of plants in order to acquire abiotic stress tolerance, although many limitations exist in proving lncRNA functionality under such conditions.

Actinidia arguta, known as hardy kiwifruit, is a widely cultivated species with distinct botanical characteristics such as small and smooth-fruited, rich in beneficial nutrients, rapid softening and tolerant to extremely low temperatures. It contains the most diverse ploidy types, including diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid, octoploid, and decaploid. Here we report a haplotype-resolved tetraploid genome (A. arguta cv. ‘Longcheng No.2’) containing four haplotypes, each with 40,859, 41,377, 39,833 and 39,222 protein-coding genes. We described the phased genome structure, synteny, and evolutionary analyses to identify and date possible WGD events. K_s calculations for both allelic and paralogous genes pairs throughout the assembled haplotypic individuals showed its tetraploidization is estimated to have formed ~ 1.03 Mya following Ad-α event occurred ~ 18.7 Mya. Detailed annotations of NBS-LRRs or CBFs highlight the importance of genetic variations coming about after polyploidization in underpinning ability of immune responses or environmental adaptability. WGCNA analysis of postharvest quality indicators in combination with transcriptome revealed several transcription factors were involved in regulating ripening kiwi berry texture. Taking together, the assembly of an A. arguta tetraploid genome provides valuable resources in deciphering complex genome structure and facilitating functional genomics studies and genetic improvement for kiwifruit and other crops.

Most of the carbon found in fruits at harvest is imported by the phloem. Imported carbon provide the material needed for the accumulation of sugars, organic acids, secondary compounds, in addition to the material needed for the synthesis of cell walls. The accumulation of sugars during fruit development influences not only sweetness but also various parameters controlling fruit composition (fruit “quality”). The accumulation of organic acids and sugar in grape berry flesh cells is a key process for berry development and ripening. The present review presents an update of the research on grape berry development, anatomical structure, sugar and acid metabolism, sugar transporters, and regulatory factors.

Michelia alba DC is a highly valuable ornamental plant of the Magnoliaceae family. This evergreen tropical tree commonly grows in Southeast Asia and is adored for its delightful fragrance. Our study assembled the M. alba haplotype genome MC and MM by utilizing Nanopore ultralong reads, Pacbio Hifi long reads and parental second-generation data. Moreover, the first methylation map of Magnoliaceae was constructed based on the methylation site data obtained using Nanopore data. Metabolomic datasets were generated from the flowers of three different species to assess variations in pigment and volatile compound accumulation. Finally, transcriptome data were generated to link genomic, methylation, and morphological patterns to reveal the reasons underlying the differences between M. alba and its parental lines in petal color, flower shape, and fragrance. We found that the AP1 and AP2 genes are crucial in M. alba petal formation, while the 4CL, PAL, and C4H genes control petal color. The data generated in this study serve as a foundation for future physiological and biochemical research on M. alba, facilitate the targeted improvement of M. alba varieties, and offer a theoretical basis for molecular research on Michelia L.

Salicylic acid (SA) is a multi-functional phytohormone, regulating diverse processes of plant growth and development, especially triggering plant immune responses and initiating leaf senescence. However, the early SA signaling events remain elusive in most plant species apart from Arabidopsis, and even less is known about the multi-facet mechanism underlying SA-regulated processes. Here, we report the identification of a novel regulatory module in cucumber, CsNPR1-CsWRKY11, which mediates the regulation of SA-promoted leaf senescence and ROS burst. Our analyses demonstrate that under SA treatment, CsNPR1 recruits CsWRKY11 to bind to the promoter of CsWRKY11 to activate its expression, thus amplifying the primary SA signal. Then, CsWRKY11 cooperates with CsNPR1 to directly regulate the expression of both chlorophyll degradation and ROS biosynthesis related genes, thereby inducing leaf de-greening and ROS burst. Our study provides a solid line of evidence that CsNPR1 and CsWRKY11 constitute a key module in SA signaling pathway in cucumber, and gains an insight into the interconnected regulation of SA-triggered processes.

Improving the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) requires deep understanding of the reactive transport processes inside the catalyst layers (CLs). In this study, a particle-overlapping model is developed for accurately describing the hierarchical structures and oxygen reactive transport processes in CLs. The analytical solutions derived from this model indicate that carbon particle overlap increases ionomer thickness, reduces specific surface areas of ionomer and carbon, and further intensifies the local oxygen transport resistance (R_other). The relationship between R_other and roughness factor predicted by the model in the range of 800-1600 s m^-1 agrees well with the experiments. Then, a multiscale model is developed by coupling the particle-overlapping model with cell-scale models, which is validated by comparing with the polarization curves and local current density distribution obtained in experiments. The relative error of local current density distribution is below 15% in the ohmic polarization region. Finally, the multiscale model is employed to explore effects of CL structural parameters including Pt loading, I/C, ionomer coverage and carbon particle radius on the cell performance as well as the phase-change-induced (PCI) flow and capillary-driven (CD) flow in CL. The result demonstrates that the CL structural parameters have significant effects on the cell performance as well as the PCI and CD flows. Optimizing the CL structure can increase the current density and further enhance the heat-pipe effect within the CL, leading to overall higher PCI and CD rates. The maximum increase of PCI and CD rates can exceed 145%. Besides, the enhanced heat-pipe effect causes the reverse flow regions of PCI and CD near the CL/PEM interface, which can occupy about 30% of the CL. The multiscale model significantly contributes to a deep understanding of reactive transport and multiphase heat transfer processes inside PEMFCs.

Ammonia is emerging as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in combustion systems, aiding in the reduction of carbon emissions. However, its use faces challenges, including NOx emissions and low flame speed. Innovative approaches and technologies have significantly advanced the development and implementation of ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel. This review explores current advancements in using ammonia as a fuel substitute, highlighting the complexities that various systems need to overcome before reaching full commercial maturity in support of practical decarbonising global strategies. Different from other reviews, this article incorporates insights of various industrial partners currently working towards green ammonia technologies. The work further addresses fundamental complexities of ammonia combustion, crucial for its practical and industrial implementation in various types of equipment.

Multi-stage reverse electrodialysis (MSRED) offers a promising way for efficient salinity gradient energy harvesting. Here, an improved model of the MSRED system under serial control strategy is proposed. The technical-economic analysis is conducted with considering discount, depreciation and different regional tax and electricity price levels under the maximum net power output conditions. Results reveal that net power output and energy efficiency both increase first with increasing stage numbers, reach their maximum values, and then decrease. For 5 M/0.05 M solutions, the optimal net power output of 4.98 kW is obtained at the stage number n = 12. The optimal stage number corresponding to the maximum net power increases with increasing feed solution concentrations. Due to the compromise between net power generation and capital cost, there exist optimal stage numbers leading to the lowest LCOE and largest NPV, respectively. Higher feed solution concentration can significantly decrease the system LCOE and increase the NPV. The optimal stage number corresponding to the maximum NPV increases with increasing feed solution concentrations. In Germany, for 5 M/0.05 M solutions, the lowest LCOE of 0.061 €·kWh⁻¹ is achieved at n = 3 while the highest NPV over the system lifecycle of 52,005 € is obtained at n = 8. Lower tax, higher electricity price, appropriate membrane price and stage numbers, and high salinity gradient sources can significantly accelerate the commercial completeness of the MSRED systems.