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Porcine teschovirus (PTV) is a member of the genus Teschovirus in the family Picornaviridae. Several novel PTVs in Teschovirus were identified in our previous study. To elucidate the taxonomic status of the species and subtypes, PTV-positive samples were inoculated into porcine kidney (PK-15) and swine testicular (ST) cells. A total of 58 PTV strains were successfully isolated and 21 different VP1 gene sequences were obtained. A phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene revealed that these PTV isolates comprised 11 genotypes, including 10 known genotypes (PTV 1–6, PTV 8–9, PTV 11, and Teschovirus B3), and a newly identified genotype. A nearly complete genome sequence of the novel PTV genotype isolate, PTV-SG2, was obtained. The homologies of the nucleotides and amino acids between PTV-SG2 and other PTVs were 69.7%–85.0% and 76.1%–90.4%, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis of the P1, polyprotein, and 3 CD genes revealed that PTV-SG2 belonged to a novel genotype within Teschovirus A, and a genetic divergence analysis of the novel PTV isolate further verified its taxonomic status. Based on the PTV naming convention, the novel PTV genotype identified in the present study was provisionally named PTV 19. Serum neutralization tests indicated that PTV 19 is a serotype-specific and completely different from previously reported PTV serotypes. Therefore, PTV 19 is a novel PTV serogroup. In conclusion, this study identified a PTV genotype and serotype within Teschovirus A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas hydrates have been found in the western continental margin of South China Sea, which are revealed by widespread bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs) imaged from a three-dimensional (3D) seismic volume near the Guangle carbonate platform in the western South China Sea. Fluid-escape structures (faults and gas chimneys) are originated below BSR were distinguished. A comprehensive model in three-level structure was proposed to depict the gas hydrate accumulation in the study area. In Level 1, regional major faults and gas chimneys provide the first pathways of upward migration of gas near basement. In Level 2, pervasive polygonal faults in carbonate layer promote the migration of gas. In Level 3, gases sourced from near-basement accumulate within shallow sediment layers and form gas hydrate above the unit with faults once appropriate temperature and pressure occur. The gas hydrates in the study area are mainly in microbial origin, and their accumulation occurs only when fluid-escape structures align in all the three levels. The proposed model of the gas hydrate accumulation in western SCS margin provides new insights for further studies in this poorly studied area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has emerged as a promising neural interface material, but the weak adhesion of PEDOT to substrates adversely affects its reliability and practical application. Although adhesive interfacial layers have been explored to enhance the adhesion of PEDOT, their poor conductivity seriously compromises the performance of neural electrodes. It is a great challenge to develop an adhesive interfacial layer with excellent electrical properties. Herein, utilizing the advantages of polyindole derivatives, conductive polymers which have various functional groups for potential interface bonding, a conductive, adhesive, and biocompatible poly(5‐nitroindole) (PIN‐5NO2) interfacial layer is developed to enhance the adhesion of PEDOT to metal electrodes. The conjugated PIN‐5NO2 with its superior electrical property can be prepared by electropolymerization of 5‐nitroindole; however, the electrografting of amino groups, which is reduced from nitro groups in 5‐nitroindole can provide strong adhesion with the gold (Au) substrate. With PIN‐5NO2 as an adhesive interfacial layer, the resultant Au/PIN‐5NO2/PEDOT electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical property, superb stability, and biocompatibility for high‐performance neural interface. The in vivo evaluation of Au/PIN‐5NO2/PEDOT electrocorticographic microelectrodes demonstrates superior capacity to capture the neural dynamics of the brain. The novel strategy would offer a new insight for the construction of high‐performance neural electrodes with high stability for neural interface application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porcine sapelovirus (PSV) infection can lead severe polioencephalomyelitis with high morbidity and mortality, which result in significant economic losses. Infection with the PSV is believed to be common yet limited information is available on the prevalence and molecular characterization of PSV in China. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence and genome of PSV strains identified in the western Jiangxi province of China. Results: A high specificity and sensitivity SYBR Green I-based RT-PCR method for PSV detection was developed. Two hundred and ninety four fecal samples were collected from December 2018 to March 2019 in 4 farms. An overall PSV-positivity rate of 11.22% (33/294) was detected with the real-time RT-PCR method, and a high infection rate and viral load of PSV were found in nursery pigs. In total, complete VP1 gene sequences of 11 PSV strains (PSV-YCs) were obtained. Homology comparisons of the VP1 gene of the 11 PSV-YCs with previously reported PSVs revealed nucleotide sequence identities ranging from 63% to 96.8%, and deduced amino acid sequence identities from 61.4% to 99.7%. Phylogenetic analyses based on the VP1 gene exhibited 2 main clades corresponding to PSV-1 and PSV-2, and all PSV-YCs prevalent in western Jiangxi belonged to the traditional genotype (PSV-1). In addition, the pairwise distances of VP1 gene sequences between PSV-YCs ranged from 0.009 to 0.198, which indicating that substantial genetic diversity among the PSVs in western Jiangxi. Conclusions: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of PSV in the Jiangxi province pig herds in China, and it is crucial to understand the epidemiology of the viruses in China. The results also provide an important theoretical foundation for diagnosis and early warning of epidemic diseases caused by PSVs prevailing in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is regarded as one of the effective technologies for in-situ hydrogen generation. A novel mesh-type γ-Al2O3/Al support was prepared by anodization technology. To decrease dimethyl ether (DME) yield in MSR system, magnesium was doped to the γ-Al2O3/Al to modify acidity. The results show that the acid density of the γ-Al2O3/Al support can be decreased from 1.423 μmol/m2 to 1.122 μmol/m2, resulting in the decrease in DME yield from 70.2 to 16.7%. Meanwhile, various CuMgx/γ-Al2O3/Al catalysts were prepared and the effects of MgO on the distribution and reducibility of CuO on the support were investigated. The results show that the dispersion of CuO was improved and reduction temperature was decreased with Mg doping. Finally, four pieces of mesh structured CuMg/γ-Al2O3/Al catalysts (4*8 cm2) were applied into the microreactor with the channel height of 2 mm. CuMg/γ-Al2O3/Al catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance with 100% methanol conversion, 98.2% hydrogen yield, without DME at 250 °C, 4000 mL/(g h) GHSV. Furthermore, the diffusion limitation was investigated by Damköhler number (Da), the results indicated the diffusion influence can be neglected in the microreactor over mesh-type catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teschovirus A is currently the sole species in the genus Teschovirus, whose members are divided into 13 subtypes: porcine teschovirus (PTV) 1–13. However, recent discoveries of novel PTV genotypes have suggested that a new species, "Teschovirus B", should be established. Here, we have identified six of the 19 known genotypes and two novel genotypes (PTV 17–18), revealing the high genetic diversity of the PTV subpopulation in indigenous pigs of western Jiangxi, China. Moreover, we determined the nearly complete genome sequences of PTV 17-SG9 and PTV 18-SG10. Together with PTV 1–13, these novel genotypes were confirmed to be members of the species Teschovirus A based on phylogenetic and genetic divergence analysis. Consequently, the species Teschovirus A now includes at least 15 PTV genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventionally, Porcine teschovirus (PTV) consists of 13 genotypes (PTV 1–13, which belong to Teschovirus A); however, several novel members including PTV 14–22 have been discovered recently. PTV 21 was identified as a novel Teschovirus species named Teschovirus B. In this study, almost all 22 reported PTV genotypes except PTV 6, 7, 12 and 20 were identified in the pig populations of western Jiangxi, China, which reflects the high genotype diversity. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, the nearly complete genome of PTV 22‐JiangX1 was first sequenced in the present study. The homology comparison of the polyprotein genes showed that PTV 22‐JiangX1 shared a relatively high nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence identities ranging from 78.3% to 82.0% and 84.6% to 89.3%, respectively, with PTV 19 and 21. Additionally, the PTV strain of JiangX1 represents genotype 22 with the PTV 19, and 21 strains proved to be members of Teschovirus B based on the phylogenetic and evolutionary divergence analyses. Finally, we determined that the novel Teschovirus B species comprises at least three PTV genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, core-shell structured poly (indole‑5‑carboxylic acid) @ poly (3, 4‑ethylenedioxythiophene) (PIn‑5‑COOH@PEDOT) composite was prepared by a facile two-step chemical oxidation method. The composite possesses large specific surface area, high stability, good electrical conductivity and redox activity, which was designed as label-free electrochemical immunosensing platform for the monitor of the prostate specific antigen (PSA). In this sensing system, PIn-5-COOH served as both signal molecule and antibody carrier. The coating PEDOT was used to enhance the conductivity and stability of PIn-5-COOH. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between PIn-5-COOH and PEDOT, the fabricated immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.01–25 ng mL−1 and low detection limit of 3.4 pg mL−1 (S/N = 3) for the assay of PSA, coupled with good selectivity, reproducibility and stability. The immunosensor is simple, sensitive, specific and reproducible, which could provide a potential approach for clinical diagnosis. Graphical abstract A sensitive label-free immunosensor for PSA was developed based on core-shell structure PIn-5-COOH@PEDOT nanocomposite. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Core-shell structured PIn-5-COOH@PEDOT composite was prepared. • A sensitive label-free immunosensor for PSA was constructed using PIn-5-COOH@PEDOT. • PIn-5-COOH served as both signal molecule and antibody carrier. • The immunosensor showed wide detection range and low detection limit. • The immunosensor can be utilized as a simple tool to detect PSA in real sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Structured CuNi/γ-Al 2 O 3 /Al catalyst exhibited a good stability in steam reforming of dimethyl ether (DME SR) system, but there was a high CO concentration in outlet gas (about 25%). For the problem, a series of CuNiFe/γ-Al 2 O 3 /Al catalysts with different Fe content were prepared through impregnation method. It is found that the CO concentration obviously decreased after the addition of Fe. When the loading amount of Fe was 12.5 wt%, the catalyst presented the best performance: the conversion of DME reached 100% and the H 2 yield was over 0.9 in both the microreactor and fixed-bed reactor. Furthermore, cross-flow channels and parallel-flow channels were built respectively by mesh-type catalyst and plate-type catalyst in the microreactor. The gas/solid mass transfer limitations in both flow channels were investigated by Damköhler number (Da). The results showed that the Da values of cross flow were always <0.01, while the values of parallel flow were >0.01. It indicated that the diffusion over mesh-type catalyst was less influenced by temperature and reactor height, making it a more appropriate choice for the microreactor. Highlights • Fe species optimized the particle size and dispersion of Cu. • Multifunctional monolithic CuNiFe/γ-Al 2 O 3 /Al catalyst was applied in a microreactor. • Influences of catalyst morphologies to mass transfer behavior were investigated through Da values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe a voltammetric immunosensor with antibody immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with N-doped graphene (N-GS), electrodeposited gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and chitosan (Chit). The preparation is simple and the thickness of the electrodeposited films can be well controlled. Due to the specific advantages of N-GS, AuNPs and Chit, the electrode has a large specific surface, improved conductivity, high stability. A new label-free immunosensor for the model antigen (alpha fetoprotein, AFP) detection was then designed by employing N-GS-AuNP-Chit as the antibody immobilization and signal amplification platform. Differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for the characterization of the stepwise assembly process. Under the optimized conditions, at a typical working potential of +0.20 V (vs. SCE), and by using hexacyanoferrate as an electrochemical probe, the immunosensor has a detection limit as low as 1.6 pg mL and a linear analytical range that extends from 5 pg mL to 50 ng mL. AFP was quantified in spiked human serum samples with acceptable precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a stable and sensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detecting α-fetoprotein (AFP) was proposed based on gold nanoparticles-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/Prussian blue-reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs-PEDOT/PB-rGO) nanocomposite as sensing substrate. PB was used as the electron transfer mediator to provide the electrochemical signal. By utilizing rGO as the supporting material for PB, the stability and intensity of the redox signal were greatly improved. The incorporation of highly conductive AuNPs-PEDOT can further enhance the electrochemical signal and its stability. Electrochemical test showed the anodic current of AuNPs-PEDOT/PB-rGO modified electrode could remain up to 89.45% after 100 cyclic voltammetries. The assembly of PB-rGO and AuNPs-PEDOT exhibited 3D nanostructure and showed high specific surface area, which could effectively capture the antibody of AFP. With the advantages of AuNPs-PEDOT/PB-rGO nanocomposite, the prepared immunosensor showed a sensitive response to AFP in a linear range from 0.01 to 50 ng mL − 1 with a low detection limit of 3.3 pg mL − 1 (S/N = 3). The proposed immunosensor also has been employed to determine AFP in human serum with satisfactory results. These excellent properties make the AuNPs-PEDOT/PB-rGO nanocomposite an ideal interface for efficient biomarkers detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outbreaks of diarrhea in piglets cause serious economic consequences in China. Diarrhetic fecal samples from 20 Hunan farm piglets were tested and found to be positive for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) by RT-PCR, although incubation with porcine kidney (PK-15) cells failed to produce infectious PEDV. Four porcine sapelovirus (PSV) strains (designated as PSV-HuNs) were isolated from four of the samples. Genomic sequence analysis revealed open reading frames encoding polyproteins of 2,331 (HuN1, 2 and 3) and 2,332 (HuN4) amino acids. Homology comparisons of the VP1 gene of the four Hunan strains with previously reported PSV strains revealed nucleotide sequence identities ranging from 74.2 to 98.6%, and deduced amino acid sequence identities from 79.5 to 98%. Phylogenetic analyses based on full-length and partial VP1 gene sequences showed that 3 of the PSV-HuN strains (HuN2, 3 and 4) clustered within a clade distinct from HuN1 as well as from all PSVs previously isolated in China, thereby showing that genetic diversity exists within Chinese PSVs. In addition, recombination analysis among PSVs indicates that a recombinant (HuN2 strain) exist in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detecting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based on three-dimensional (3D) gold nanoparticles/prussian blue-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (AuNPs/PB-PEDOT) nanocomposite, which was firstly synthesized by a simple redox reaction between the PB precursors and EDOT in an aqueous solution, followed by the electrochemical reduction of HAuCl 4 . The 3D nanocomposite not only possessed large surface area and favorable microenvironment, but also exhibited remarkable conductivity, stability and excellent biocompatibility. In addition, PB showed excellent redox properties. Then AuNPs/PB-PEDOT was used as both electron mediators and 3D matrices in the fabrication of immunosensor. FT-IR spectra were employed to confirm the formation of PB, PEDOT and PB-PEDOT. Significantly, the AuNPs/PB-PEDOT exhibited a 3D and hierarchically porous nanostructure, while the PB-PEDOT showed core-shell structure. The AuNPs/PB-PEDOT modified immunosensor showed good linearity with the concentration of CEA ranging from 0.05 to 40 ng mL −1 , and the detection limit was 0.01 ng mL −1 . Moreover, the prepared electrode displayed good selectivity, high stability and good repeatability, and showed great potential for application in real sample analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southern China, climate warming threatens rice production in double rice cropping systems. However, the actual responses of grain yield and quality of high-quality indica rice to climate warming in double rice cropping systems are still unclear. Therefore, a 2-year field post-anthesis warming experiment was conducted by using two high-quality indica rice cultivars (e.g., Qiliangyou2012, early rice; Taiyou398, late rice). The results showed that post-anthesis warming (PAW) increased the rice canopy daily mean temperatures from heading to maturity by an average of 1.9 °C and 2.0 °C over the two years in the early and late rice seasons, respectively. The grain yield, filled grain percentage, and grain weight were not affected by PAW for either early or late rice in the two years. For early rice, PAW decreased the head rice rate and setback, whereas it increased the chalky grain rate, chalkiness, peak viscosity, breakdown, pasting temperature, protein and most amino acid contents. Similarly, the head rice rate, amylose content, and setback of late rice were decreased, whereas the chalky grain rate, chalkiness, peak viscosity, breakdown, protein and most amino acid contents were increased under PAW conditions. These results suggested that PAW worsened the grain milling and appearance qualities and improved the rice eating and nutritional qualities for both early and late rice, while it reduced the cooking quality of early rice. This study provides new insight into improving the grain yield and quality of high-quality indica rice in a double rice cropping system under future climate warming conditions. • Post-anthesis warming (PAW) increased the rice canopy temperature by 1.6–2.4 °C. • PAW did not affect indica rice grain yield in a double rice cropping system. • PAW worsened the milling, appearance, and cooking qualities of indica rice. • PAW could improve the eating and nutritional qualities of indica rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu nanoparticle/graphene oxide/single walled carbon nanotube (CuNP/GO/SWCNT) composites were prepared by a facile electrodeposition method and used for constructing nonenzymatic glucose sensor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to characterize the morphology and structures of the samples. The electrocatalytic performance of CuNP/GO/SWCNT composites towards glucose oxidation was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and current–time measurements. Electrochemical results indicated that CuNP/GO/SWCNT electrode exhibited a higher electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose than CuNP, CuNP/GO and CuNP/SWCNT electrodes. This was because the GO/SWCNT composite as substrate material not only possessed excellent conductivity, but also provided large surface area for the high loading of the CuNPs. Meanwhile, the good dispersibility, independent and multi-layer structure of CuNP, could enhance the charge-transport properties, and afford more active sites for the catalytic oxidation of glucose. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor showed a high sensitivity of up to 930.07 μA mM − 1 cm − 2 , with a wide linear range of 1 μM to 4.538 mM and a low detection limit of 0.34 μM (S/N = 3). It also exhibited excellent stability, reproducibility, selectivity, and reliable measurement in real human blood samples. All of these excellent properties made the CuNP/GO/SWCNT composite material promising for the development of effective nonenzymatic glucose sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The responses of grain yield and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to climate warming in rice paddies are serious concerns for both global food security and climate change mitigation. However, the impact of free-air temperature increase (FATI) on grain yield and methane (CH 4) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions remains unclear for one of the most globally significant rice production practices: the double rice cropping system. Here, we conducted a two-year field experiment to examine the effect of FATI by infrared heaters on grain yield and CH 4 and N 2 O emissions in a double rice field in subtropical China. FATI increased rice canopy temperature by 2.0 °C and soil temperature by 1.2 °C on average but had no effect on either early or late rice yield production. FATI did not affect CH 4 emissions, but significantly increased N 2 O emissions in both the early and late rice seasons. Averaged across two years, N 2 O emissions increased by 0.3 kg ha−1 and 0.7 kg ha−1 in the warmed plots for the early and late rice seasons, respectively. Consequently, FATI enhanced the global warming potential (GWP) and GHG intensity (i.e., yield scaled GWP) in the double rice cropping system. In addition, warming increased the abundance of ammonia-oxidising bacteria, ammonia-oxidising archaea, and a nitrite reductase gene (nirS), but decreased that of a nitrous oxide reductase gene (nosZ). Our results indicate that warming by FATI does not affect grain yield and CH 4 emissions but stimulates N 2 O emissions in the double rice cropping system and therefore promotes a potential positive feedback with future climate warming. • Free-air temperature increase (FATI) with infrared heater was performed in a double rice field. • Moderate warming by FATI had no significant effect on rice yield. • Moderate warming by FATI did not significantly affect CH 4 emissions. • Moderate warming by FATI stimulated N 2 O emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the double rice cropping system, early/late season rice cultivars can be grown in both early and late seasons. However, the functional properties and starch structures of early/late-season rice between the early and late seasons are still unclear. Here, we conducted a field experiment with two typical early/late season rice cultivars. Compared to early rice, late rice had higher hardness and stickiness and lower peak viscosity, breakdown, and pasting temperature. The higher hardness, lower peak viscosity and breakdown of late rice were dominated by its higher amylose content (i.e., the proportion of amylose chains, DP 100–10000). The lower crystallinity and ratio of 1045/1022 cm−1 of late rice was due to its long and very long amylopectin branch chains (DP 25–70), resulting in a lower pasting temperature. We considered that the higher stickiness of late rice was due to a higher proportion of short and medium amylopectin branch chains (DP 6–24). Furthermore, the setback (short-term retrogradation) showed a significant difference between cultivars, which might be related to the difference in long amylopectin branch chains (DP 37–70) and their intermolecular interactions with amylose molecules. These findings are expected to provide important information for improving rice palatability and developing the rice industry of early/late season rice in the double rice cropping system. [Display omitted] • Early and late rice have different cooked rice textures and pasting properties. • The high hardness of late rice was dominated by its high amylose content. • The high stickiness of late rice depends on more short and medium branch chains. • Late rice has a less crystalline structure, resulting in a low pasting temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PEDOT:PSS as conductive dopant to crosslink various conductive polymers. • The conductive polymers studied include PAni, PPy, and PIn-X-NH 2 (X = 4, 5, 6, 7) • The conductivity of conductive polymer/PEDOT:PSS hydrogels is from 11.72 to 70.54 S m−1. • Conductive polymer/PEDOT:PSS hydrogels possesses good biocompatibility. • Good performance in in-situ detection of bioactive molecules released from living cells. Conductive hydrogels based on pure-phase conductive polymers have great promise in bioelectronic device and energy device application. However, commonly-used crosslinking agents for conductive polymers, such as phytic acid (PA), have low conductivities and therefore limit the improvement in the conductivity of conductive polymer hydrogels (CPHs). Herein, we explore a general approach using PEDOT:PSS as conductive dopant to crosslink various conductive polymers, including polyaniline (PAni), polypyrrole (PPy), and Poly-aminoindole (PIn-X-NH 2 , X = 4, 5, 6, 7). The synthesis mechanism of the conductive hydrogels is based on the electrostatic interaction between negatively charged SO 3 - groups in PEDOT:PSS and positively charged PAni, PPy, PIn-X-NH 2 polymer chains. In comparison with the CPHs crosslinked with PA, the CPHs crosslinked with PEDOT:PSS have much higher conductivities and greatly improved biocompatibilities, which are highly demanded for bioelectronics application. The CPHs crosslinked with PEDOT:PSS are demonstrated to serve as electroactive interfacial materials for in situ electrochemical sensing of bioactive molecules, such as dopamine and hydrogen peroxide, released from living cells. Our novel strategy for the fabrication of CPHs with commercially available PEDOT:PSS as conductive crosslinking dopant would provide great opportunities in the construction of highly conductive hydrogels for versatile applications in bioelectronics and energy devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FATI facility increased canopy temperature by 1.4–2.1 °C in a double rice cropping system. • Experimental warming changed the starch fine structure of indica rice. • Experimental warming deteriorated cooking and eating quality of indica rice starch. To evaluate the actual response of rice starch physicochemical properties to climate warming, a field warming experiment was conducted with four indica rice cultivars using free-air temperature increase (FATI) facility in a double rice cropping system. FATI facility increased rice canopy temperature by 1.4–2.1 °C during the entire growth period. The responses of starch physicochemical properties to experimental warming were basically consistent for both early and late rice. On average, experimental warming increased the starch relative crystallinity, granule average diameter, and amylopectin average chain length by 14.3%, 6.9%, and 2.4%, respectively. These resulted in starch with lower swelling power, water solubility, and pasting viscosity, but higher gelatinization temperatures and gelatinization enthalpy. Our study indicated that experimental warming affected the rice starch physicochemical properties, and would provide some useful information on how to guide the rice starch end use in food and non-food industries under climate warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high stability of redox signal is one of the most crucial factors in construction of electrochemical immunosensors. However, the redox-active species usually show low stability and poor conductivity, which inhibits their application in electrochemical immunosensors. In this work, we report that the conductive polymer poly(indole-5-carboxylic acid) (PIn-5-COOH) possesses ultra-high redox stability. The redox signal of PIn-5-COOH could remain 96.03% after 500 cyclic voltammery (CV) cycles in buffer solution with pH of 6.2, while the redox signals in most of the previous reports only remained less than 90% after 50 CV cycles. Our mechanism investigation indicated that the ultra-high redox stability of PIn-5-COOH should be attributed to its stable structure. The electrochemical immunosensors fabricated with PIn-5-COOH/MWCNTs-COOH nanocomposite showed a wide linear range from 0.001 ng mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 and a low detection limit of 0.33 pg mL−1 for the detection of alpha fetoprotein. This study opens up a new avenue for the construction of electrochemical immunosensors with ultra-stable redox signal. Image 1 • PIn-5-COOH possessed ultra-high redox stability with 96.03% retention rate after continuous 500 cyclic voltammery cycles. • The ultra-high redox stability of PIn-5-COOH is attributable to its structure stability. • The electrochemical immunosensors showed a wide linear range from 0.001 ng mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 for the detection of AFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision hill-drop direct seeding using mechanical drilling is a unique direct seeding technique employed in south China that offers advantages such as excellent grain yield and high lodging resistance. Improving yield and lodging-related traits is essential for efforts to improve mechanically direct-seeded rice (MDSR) production. Seeding rates (SR) and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate are two of the main factors affecting grain yield and lodging resistance under MDSR production. However, little information about double-season MDSR production in south China is available. Here, we evaluated yield and lodging risk for two rice cultivars Huanghuazhan, HHZ, lodging-resistant; Xiangyaxiangzhan, XYXZ, lodging-susceptible across two consecutive growing seasons under two under two seeding rates (LSR, 30 cm × 18 cm; HSR, 30 cm × 12 cm) and three N fertilization rates (N1 = 100 kg ha−1, reduced N; N2 = 150 kg ha−1, normal N; and N3 = 200 kg ha−1, enhanced N). We found that increased SR and N fertilization rate improved grain yield and increased lodging risk. SR and N were consistently and positively related to plant height (PH), gravity center height (GCH), the length from the broken basal internode to the panicle tip (SL), the fresh plant weight of the plant part above the broken point (FW), and the length of the two basal internodes. SR and N decreased breaking force (F) and breaking strength (BM), driving increased lodging risk as reflected by increases in lodging index (LI) values. Culm diameter (CD) and culm wall thickness (CWT) did not respond consistently to SR and N treatments. Correlation analysis revealed that PH, GCH, the length of first and second basal internodes, FW, and bending moment for the whole plant (WP) were positively correlated with LI, while F and BM were negatively associated with LI. These findings suggest that the increased lodging risk resulting from high SR could be mitigated by applying appropriate rates of N; that is, this work suggests that grain yield can be maximized and lodging risk minimized by increasing SR while decreasing N fertilization rate. Seasonal differences in the effects of SR and N fertilization should be considered to achieve a high grain yield and maintain high lodging resistance. Our study suggests that increasing SR and decreasing N fertilization can enhance rice grain yield while improving lodging resistance for both varieties. Optimizing grain yield by increasing SR while reducing lodging risk by lowering N application rates may maintain lodging resistance and improve grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly‐acquired seismic data reveal widespread carbonate deposits covering a large part of the northwestern South China Sea margin. Three carbonate platforms are identified to have developed on the topographic highs inherited from tectonic deformation and volcanic accretion. Across the carbonate platforms, the Miocene strata are characterized by high‐amplitude seismic reflections and distinct platform architecture that overlaps older strata. The Guangle and Xisha carbonate platforms grew on faulted blocks due to South China Sea continental rifting, while the Zhongjian carbonate platform developed on a structural high induced by early Miocene volcanism. During the late Miocene, partial drowning resulted in the inhibition of platform growth, eventual platform drowning and termination of most carbonate deposition. The drowning of the Guangle and Zhongjian carbonate platforms is shown by the supply of siliciclastic sediments during the late Miocene and seems to be closely linked to late Neogene volcanic activity, whilst the drowning of the Xisha carbonate platform is primarily related to relative eustatic changes. Our results imply that tectonic activity, volcanism and eustasy are the dominant controls on the evolution of carbonate platforms on the northwestern margin of the South China Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The starch multiscale structure, physiochemical properties, grain quality and cooked rice texture of high-quality early and late indica were analyzed under nitrogen panicle fertilizer (low panicle fertilizer, LPF; middle panicle fertilizer, MPF; high panicle fertilizer, HPF) treatments and their internal relations were investigated. Compared to the MPF treatment, the starch granules in HPF and LPF had more surface-proteins and irregular voids for high-quality early and late indica rice cultivars, respectively. Nitrogen panicle fertilization application increased amylopectin medium and long chains as well as protein content, resulting in higher relative crystallinity and gelatinization temperatures. Moderate changes in starch multistructures and physicochemical properties such as branching degree, amylopectin medium chain, and pasting viscosities derived from MPF treatment significantly improved processing, appearance qualities and cooked rice texture. Additionally, the decrease in starch branching, gelatinization temperatures, and granule uniformity along with an increase in large granules, breakdown, and △H gel under MPF treatment were the main reasons for improving rice textural properties. • Middle nitrogen panicle fertilization (MPF) improved cooked rice texture. • MPF treatment improved processing quality by increasing amylopectin medium and long chains. • MPF improved appearance quality by increasing starch pasting properties. • The improvement in cooked rice texture was due to increasing ∆H gel under MPF. • Protein attached to starch granules surface under HPF treatment decreased ∆H gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the dynamic characteristics of electric vehicles, this study describes the use of existing basic parameters of a specific electric vehicle to optimize the performance parameters of an asynchronous motor. In addition, a theoretical reference of such an asynchronous motor is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of benzo[ b ]naphthofurans (BNFs) and benzo[ b ]naphthothiophenes (BNTs) and their geochemical significance have been investigated for a set of delta-lacustrine mudstone samples from the Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea. BNF and BNT isomers in source rock extracts are identified in the m / z 218 and m / z 234 mass chromatograms of the aromatic fractions, respectively. The relative content of BN12F and BN21T increases as the increasing of burial depth and maturity, which is corresponding to relative higher calculated thermostability among the BNF and BNT isomers. Two maturity parameters, BNFR (abundance of BN12F relative to BN21F) and BNTR (abundance of BN21T relative to BN12T), both correlate well with vitrinite reflectance (Ro%), suggesting that these parameters are potential indicators for assessment of source rock maturity (Ro>0.5%). BNTR is more suitable for the mature stage (Ro<1.0%), as errors in measurement increase in overmature stage due to the low abundance of BN12T. The significant correlation between BNFs and DBF indicates their similar origin, likely an oxic environment with higher plant input. The thermal instability of BNFs at the overmature stage suggests that they may be converted to other compounds at high thermal maturity. The absolute concentrations of BNTs show a growing trend as maturity increases, indicating a thermal origin. BNTs may be generated from phenylnaphthalene isomers by incorporating a sulfur atom into biphenyl during catagenesis. This study achieves a better understanding of the occurrence and significance of BNFs and BNTs in sedimentary organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we obtain charged Taub-NUT-AdS black holes in f(R) gravity with the Maxwell term and deduce its thermodynamic first law. The holographic complexity of the black hole with inner and outer horizons is then studied using the “complexity equals action” (CA duality). We get a complexity growth rate considering all the contributions, including the bulk, boundary, and joint terms. At late times, the complexity growth rate can be expressed in a compact form which is significantly influenced by the Misner string and the correction from the f(R) gravity. Also, our result can reduce to that of the charged Taub-NUT-AdS black hole in Einstein-Maxwell gravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the technique of Microfabrication, such as deep silicon dry etching, lithography, etc. Si-PIN neutron detectors with porous microstructure have been successfully fabricated. In order to lower the leakage current, the key fabrication processes, including the Al windows opening, deep silicon etching and the porous side wall smoothing, have been optimized. The cross-section morphology and current-voltage characteristics have been measured to evaluate the microfabrication processes. With the optimized conditions presented by the measurements, a neutron detector with a leakage current density of 2.67 μA cm−2 at a bias of −20 V is obtained. A preliminary neutron irradiation test with 252Cf neutron source has also been carried out. The neutron irradiation test shows that the neutron detection efficiency of the microstructured neutron detectors is almost 3.6 times higher than that of the planar ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen management, especially panicle nitrogen fertilization (PNF), can affect cooked rice textures by altering starch quality, but the details are unclear. In this study, the starch multi-level structures, physicochemical properties and cooked rice textures of indica under different nitrogen managements were analysed and their internal relations were investigated. With an increase in PNF, large granules, amylopectin short chains, amylose content, thermal temperatures, setback, and hardness first exhibited decreasing trends and then increasing trends, which were relatively lower under moderate PNF (N3), whereas α-1,6 linkage, relative crystallinity, protein content, enthalpy of gelatinization (△H gel), peak viscosity, breakdown and stickiness exhibited the opposite trends. N3 treatment significantly increased △H gel and breakdown and decreased setback, hardness and chewiness, suggesting that it might contribute to better starch thermal stability and pasting properties, ultimately improving cooked rice texture. Nitrogen management affected the texture of cooked rice mainly by improving starch multi-level structures, thermal and pasting viscosities. [Display omitted] • Moderate panicle nitrogen fertilization (N3) treatment decreased the starch large granule. • N3 treatment increased the α-1,6 linkage, amylopectin long chains and relative crystallinity. • N3 treatment improved the starch thermal stability, pasting viscosities and taste of cooked rice. • The amylopectin long chain, breakdown and gelatinization enthalpy altered the taste of cooked rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that most patients after PCI cannot adhere to the cardiac rehabilitation program. The survey found that due to the lack of secondary prevention of cardiac rehabilitation, the phenomenon of drug reduction and withdrawal after PCI is very common after discharge, leading to recurrence of the patient's disease or worsen and repeated hospitalizations, so continuity of care is very important. In this paper, in addition to proposing a network care continuum with artificial intelligence handler in order to improve the healthcare system and provide new ideas for improving the postoperative recovery of CHD patients, we analyze the impact of PCI on the coronary heart disease patients' PCI postoperative quality of life. In the method part, this article introduces the concepts of continuation care and PCI after surgery, introduces the marker delivery algorithm in the field of artificial intelligence, and introduces the SF-36 scale for patient quality of life analysis. This article designs an experiment combining artificial intelligence processors to carry out network continuity care for patients and divides 100 eligible patients into an experimental group and a control group. In the analysis part, the two groups of patients were analyzed in terms of general data comparison, physical function, biochemical indicators, quality of life, and dependence. It can be seen from the experimental analysis that the anxiety and depression of the two groups of subjects have different degrees of decline. The HAMA value of the experimental group is 9.06 ± 0.77 , and the HAMD value is 9.18 ± 1.20 , which is significantly lower than that of the control group, P < 0.05. It can be seen that the use of network continuation care can reduce the negative emotions of patients more than general care. Through psychological counseling and postoperative follow-up, it can improve the optimism and positive emotions of the patients, reduce the negative emotions of the patients, and improve it to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most widely consumed staple crop for approximately half of the world's population. Many interactions take place in paddy soil, particularly in the rice mycorrhizosphere region. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil microbe interactions are among the most important and influential processes that occur, as they significantly influence the plant growth and soil structure properties. Their interactions may be of crucial importance to the sustainable, low-input productivity of paddy ecosystems. In this study, we summarize the major groups of microbial communities interacting with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rice mycorrhizosphere, and discuss the mechanisms involved in these arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and microbe interactions. We further highlight the potential application of arbuscular mycorrhizal mutualism in paddy fields, which will be helpful for the production of bioinoculants in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A series of novel stereoregular one-handed helical poly(phenylacetylene) derivatives ( PPA-1 and PPA-1a∼g) bearing l-phenylglycinol and its phenylcarbamate residues as pendants was synthesized for use as chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for HPLC, and their chiral recognition abilities were evaluated using 13 racemates. The phenylcarbamate residues include an unsubstituted phenyl, three chloro-substituted phenyls (3-Cl, 4-Cl, 3,5-Cl2), and three methyl-substituted phenyls (3-CH3, 4-CH3, 3,5-(CH3)2). The acidity of the phenylcarbamate N-H proton and the hydrogen bonds formed between the N-H groups of the phenylcarbamate residues were dependent on the type, position, and the number of substituents on the phenylcarbamate residues. The chiral recognition abilities of these polymers significantly depended on the dynamic helical conformation of the main chain with more or less regularly arranged pendants. The chiral recognition abilities seem to be improved by the introduction of substituents on the phenylcarbamate residues, and PPA-1d bearing the more acidic N-H groups due to the 3,5-dichloro substituents, exhibited a higher chiral recognition than the others. PPA-1d showed an efficient chiral recognition for some racemates, and baseline separation was possible for racemates 5, 11, 12, and 15. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 809-821 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• s-MWCNTs) as a conductive crosslinker can improve the conductivity of PPy hydrogel. • PPy/s-MWCNTs hydrogel shows excellent biocompatibility. • PPy/s-MWCNTs hydrogel can serve as biosensors for in situ sensing of living cells. Conductive hydrogels, a class of novel polymeric material that combine the electronic conductivity of intrinsically conductive materials and diverse functionalities of hydrogels, are promising candidates for a range of applications in bioelectronics. However, poor conductivity and biocompatibility of conventional conducting hydrogels compromise the reliable function of hydrogel bioelectronic devices. Herein, we report the development of a conjugated polypyrrole (PPy) hydrogel with conductive sulfonated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (s-MWCNTs) as crosslinking agent. The electrostatic interaction between -SO 3 - groups of s-MWCNTs and nitrogen groups of PPy facilitates the hydrogel gelation, and the conductivity of PPy/s-MWCNTs hydrogel with interconnected 3D conducting network is measured to be 30 S m−1. Furthermore, the in vitro cytocompatibility results suggest that the proposed PPy/s-MWCNTs hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility. For bioelectronics applications, the PPy/s-MWCNTs hydrogels were demonstrated to serve as highly sensitive electrochemical biosensors for in situ detection of biomolecules released from living cells and cell-substrate impedance biosensors for real-time monitoring of cell proliferation. Our strategy for assembling conjugated polymer hydrogel with conductive crosslinker would offer new insight for the construction of highly conductive hydrogels for various potential applications in bioelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CuZnO/Al 2 O 3 /Al catalysts exhibit superior activity and stability in MSR. • Self-activation-induced ZnO encapsulation of copper nanoparticles is first discovered. • The optimal Cu+/Cu0 ratio allows a remarkable improvement of the MSR activity. • Cu 2 O/ZnO synergistic sites significantly reduce the activation energy barrier of the rate-determining step. The CuZnO catalyst with excellent low-temperature catalytic activity is widely used in methanol steam reforming (MSR). Here, a series of CuZnO/γ-Al 2 O 3 /Al catalysts were prepared by a two-step impregnation method using structured γ-Al 2 O 3 /Al support. The unique synergistic effect of Cu 2 O/ZnO on MSR was found by the experimental and numerical investigation. The experimental characterization results show that the decoration of ZnO can regulate the content of Cu+ on the catalytic surface, and the increase of Cu+ shortens the self-activation response time of the catalyst. During the self-activation process, ZnO-encapsulated Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) surface induced by strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) was observed. The encapsulation not only inhibited the agglomeration of Cu NPs but also formed a large number of new Cu 2 O/ZnO synergistic sites. Furtherly, the numerical calculation show that the Cu 2 O/ZnO synergistic sites significantly reduced the activation energy of methoxy dehydrogenation (the rate-determining step of MSR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is an enteric bacterium causing yersiniosis in humans. The existing Yersinia pseudotuberculosis detection methods are time-consuming, requiring a sample pretreatment step, and are unable to discriminate live/dead cells. The current work reports a phage-based electrochemical biosensor for rapid and specific detection of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. The conductive poly(indole-5-carboxylic acid), reduced graphene oxide, and gold nanoparticles are applied for surface modification of the electrode. They possess ultra-high redox stability and retain 97.7% of current response after performing 50 consecutive cycles of cyclic voltammetry.The specific bacteriophages vB_YepM_ZN18 we isolated from hospital sewage water were immobilized on modified electrodes by Au-NH2 bond between gold nanoparticles and phages. The biosensor fabricated with nanomaterials and phages were utilized to detect Yersinia pseudotuberculosis successfully with detection range of 5.30 × 102 to 1.05 × 107 CFU mL−1, detection limit of 3 CFU mL−1, and assay time of 35 min. Moreover, the biosensor can specifically detect live Yersinia pseudotuberculosis without responding to phage-non-host bacteria and dead Yersinia pseudotuberculosis cells. These results suggest that the proposed biosensor is a promising tool for the rapid and selective detection of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in food, water, and clinical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although oxidative stress has been demonstrated to mediate acute ethanol-induced changes in autophagy in the heart, the precise mechanism behind redox regulation in acute ethanol heart disease remains largely unknown. Methods: Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with ethanol (3 g/kg/day) for 3 consecutive days. The effects of ethanol on cultured primary cardiomyocytes and H9c2 myoblasts were also studied in vitro. Levels of autophagic flux, cardiac apoptosis and function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, NOX4, and NOX2 were examined. The NOX4 gene was knocked down with NOX4 siRNA. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that schisandrin B inhibited acute ethanol-induced autophagy and sequent apoptosis. In addition, schisandrin B treatment improved cardiac function in ethanol-treated mice. Furthermore, NOX4 protein expression was increased during acute ethanol exposure, and the upregulation of NOX4 was significantly inhibited by schisandrin B treatment. The knockdown of NOX4 prevented ROS accumulation, cell autophagy, and apoptosis. Conclusion: These results highlight that NOX4 is a critical mediator of ROS and elaborate the role of the NOX4/ROS axis in the effect of schisandrin B on autophagy and autophagy-mediated apoptosis in acute ethanol exposure, which suggests a therapeutic strategy for acute alcoholic cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deinagkistrodon acutus is a venomous pit viper commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine; farming these snakes has become a major industry. In 2017, an outbreak of fatal diarrhoea among farm‐raised D. acutus in Hunan Province caused the deaths of 5,600 snakes within 3 weeks. We isolated a brand‐new sequence type of Aeromonas hydrophila (ST516) from lesions and confirmed that this bacterium was the causal agent of the outbreak. Snakes infected with the bacterium in the laboratory showed similar clinical symptoms to those of snakes in the original outbreak. We also tested bacterial virulence in Kunming mice to examine the likelihood of zoonosis. Isolates were pathogenic to mice, causing diarrhoea within 4 hr post‐challenge, which indicates that the bacterium can potentially infect mammals. Environmental analysis showed that polluted spring water likely caused the diarrhoea in snakes. This study is the first to report on a large‐scale outbreak of fatal diarrhoea in farm‐raised snakes, originating in a pathogen that can infect mammals. These results should raise awareness regarding potential anthropozoonosis among poikilotherms, mammals, and humans; appropriate prevention or control methods should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Baicalin largely alleviated the symptoms of systolic and diastolic pressures and reduced urine protein. • Baicalin protected against liver and kidney cells apoptosis. • Baicalin effected the apoptotic proteins expression of liver and kidney tissue in JEG-3 cells and rat preeclampsia model. Abstract The incidence of acute liver and kidney injury in pregnancy is companied by Preeclampsia (PE), which has remained a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity, and mortality. Therefore, a significant treatment to protect against liver and kidney injury of PE requires new drugs to develop potential therapeutic benefits to the clinic. Baicalin played protection role on inhibition of cell apoptosis which is a potential drug for keep liver and kidney from acute injury on PE patients. In this study, we made PE rat disease model with liver and kidney acute injury, and then used low-, medium-, and high-dose of Baicalin to treat PE rat, respectively. We found that Baicalin attenuated acute injury symptoms and inhibited apoptosis of rat liver and kidney tissues. The intervention of Baicalin increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein XIAP and Bcl-2, reduced the expression of apoptotic protein Caspase-9 in rat liver; and similarly, Baicalin increased the expression of Bcl-2, while inhibited Caspase-9 and AT1 in rat kidney. Interestingly, Baicalin intervention with medium dose showed a better function for inhibiting apoptosis. Our data suggests that Baicalin is a potentially therapeutic candidate for preventing liver and kidney damage, which shed a light on therapeutic benefit for PE rat models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming often affects crop yield and greenhouse gas emissions from cropland. However, the effects of warming on rice yield and methane (CH 4) emissions from rice paddies in the tropical double-rice cropping systems are still unknown. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment to investigate the effect of warming on rice growth and CH 4 emissions in a Chinese tropical double-rice cropping system, using the free air temperature increase facility. The results showed that warming did not affect the rice plant biomass, but significantly reduced the early rice yield by 5.0% and late rice yield by 6.5%. Warming trended to increase CH 4 emissions, especially in the flooded stage of early rice seasons. Warming significantly stimulated the abundance of methanogens and methanotrophs, and CH 4 production and oxidation potential by 93.3%, 84.3%, 29.3% and 66%, respectively. Warming non-significantly increased the soil dissolved organic carbon concentrations, but significantly reduced the soil NH 4 + concentrations. Warming significantly increased yield-scaled CH 4 emissions by 7–41%. Our findings suggest that warming may reduce rice yield but increase CH 4 emissions from the Chinese tropical double-rice cropping systems and underline the need for agricultural practices of higher rice yield and lower CH 4 emissions. • The study was conducted in a Chinese tropical double-rice system. • Warming trended to increase CH 4 emissions, especially in the flooded stage. • Warming increased the abundances of methanogens and methanotrophs. • Warming significantly reduced rice yield and increased yield-scaled CH 4 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) has been widely prevailing in China since the first report in 2001, causing huge economic losses to the pig industry. In the present study, 674 samples were collected from 2006 to 2016 in Hunan province, and 62% were positive for PCV2. An increase was observed from 2006 to 2011 (72.1%-89.1%), and a decrease was observed from 2012 to 2016 (78.9%-36.8%). The prevalence of genotype PCV2a, PCV2b, and PCV2d was 0, 44.7% and 67%, respectively. During 2006-2007, PCV2b was the main genotype circulating in Hunan, while, in 2008, PCV2d became the predominant one. Coinfection with PCV2b and PCV2d was observed frequently, and the positive rates of coinfection ranged from 6.3% to 18.9% during 2006-2016. The complete genome was sequenced for 54 positive samples, and four were identified as PCV2b-1, 22 as PCV2b-2, four as PCV2d-1 and 24 as PCV2d-2, based on phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome and ORF2 region. Recombination analysis using the complete genome sequences of these isolates revealed a high recombination rate of 27.7% (17/54), and showed that recombination occurred mainly in the ORF1 region. This shows that the prevalence of PCV2 has clearly decreased in recent years and that PCV2d has become a predominant genotype since 2008. In addition, frequent recombination events were observed in the PCV2 isolates from Hunan, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive Pb(II) sensor was fabricated based on Co 3 O 4 /reduced graphene oxide/chitosan (Co 3 O 4 /rGO/chitosan) nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The Co 3 O 4 /rGO material was synthesized through in situ growth of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) on GO and subsequent hydrazine reduction process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that Co 3 O 4 NPs with a diameter of around 100 nm are attached on rGO sheets. The structures and compositions of Co 3 O 4 /rGO were further characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Many experimental parameters, such as pH value, deposition time and deposition potential were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the calibration plot for Pb(II), with data acquired at − 0.556 V ( vs . SCE) is linear in the concentration range from 1.0 to 200.0 nM. Combining the good conductivity and high surface area of rGO, strong Pb(II) adsorption ability of Co 3 O 4 NPs, and excellent Pb(II) complex-forming ability of chitosan, the nanocompsite provides a sensitive Pb(II) senor with a detection limit of 0.35 nM. Moreover, the positively charged chitosan can interact with the negatively charged rGO to increase the stability of Co 3 O 4 /rGO nanocomposite. The hybrid nanocomposite Pb(II) senor provides new opportunity for vegetable analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of 3D seismic data from the Zhongjiannan Basin in the western margin of the South China Sea (SCS) reveals seismic evidence of gas hydrates and associated gases, including pockmarks, a bottom simulating reflector (BSR), enhanced reflection (ER), reverse polarity reflection (RPR), and a dim amplitude zone (DAZ). The BSR mainly surrounds Zhongjian Island, covering an area of 350 km 2 in this 3D survey area. The BSR area and pockmark area do not match each other; where there is a pockmark developed, there is no BSR. The gas hydrate layer builds upward from the base of the stability zone with a thickness of less than 100 m. A mature pockmark usually consists of an outside trough, a middle ridge, and one or more central pits, with a diameter of several kilometers and a depth of several hundreds of meters. The process of pockmark creation entails methane consumption. Dense faults in the study area efficiently transport fluid from large depths to the shallow layer, supporting the formation of gas hydrate and ultimately the pockmark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ancient gully system was revealed in the Northwest South China Sea using high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) seismic data. They are straight, regular, and intensely spaced sediment transporting routines, and are much smaller in size than channels. The gully system was distributed on the margin slope of the peri-carbonate platform in the middle Miocene. Two different types of gullies were identified based on the variation in the seismic response. Among them, most of the gullies are filled by low seismic amplitude reflectors, except a unique one, developed on the east slope of the study area, and is characterised by high seismic amplitude reflectors. The head of this gully reaches the carbonate platform, which provides carbonate clasts to the gully. The other gullies, expressing low seismic amplitude reflectors, develop limitedly on the slope of the carbonate platform and seldom receive source sediments from the carbonate platform. The gullies sit on the polygonal faults of middle Miocene, exhibit same strike with larger-scale linear ones of polygonal faults. These linear polygonal faults elongate from northwest to southeast, perpendicular to the slope contours, and in the same direction as the gullies. The coincidence between gullies and polygonal faults exhibits that the formation of gullies has been triggered mainly by the polygonal fault system (PFS) in the middle Miocene. These findings suggest that the middle Miocene carbonate platform provides favourable fine-grained lithology conditions for the formation of the PFS, while the linear polygonal faults initiate the gully system peri-carbonate platforms. Subsequently, the following gravity flows shape the initial configuration into the final features, while different provenances and different types of gravity flows create various characteristics of gullies. • Ancient gully system around the carbonate platform is characterized using seismic data. • The linear polygonal faults initiated the gully system peri-carbonate platforms. • The diverse filling features imply the western and eastern gullies experienced different synsedimentary geological events. • The entire evolutionary process of gully systems is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts Development of selective methods for the detection of mercury (Hg 2+ ) has received tremendous attention in modern chemical research due to its health hazard and persistence in environment. In this paper, the electrochemical determination of Hg 2+ at trace level based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanorods/graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (PEDOT/GO/GCE) is reported. PEDOT/GO nanocomposite has been proposed via a simple liquid–liquid interfacial polymerization approach. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were employed to characterize the morphology and structure of the as-prepared PEDOT/GO. The results revealed that PEDOT with a nanorods-like structure anchored on the surface of GO nanosheets, which could enhance the electro-active sites of the nanocomposite. Differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV) was applied to determine low concentrations of Hg 2+ on PEDOT/GO/GCE. Experimental conditions, including accumulation time, pH values and deposition potential were optimized. In optimal conditions, a good linear relationship was found between peak currents and the concentration of Hg 2+ in 10.0 nM-3.0 μM range. The detection limit was estimated to be 2.78 nM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Finally, the applicability for Hg 2+ determination in tap water samples was successfully demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates that Au–PEDOT/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (Au–PEDOT/rGO) can be rapidly synthesized through a facile, cost-effective one-pot method with chloroauric acid as the oxidant and NaBH 4 as the reductant successively. The morphology, composition and structure of the obtained composites were confirmed by SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman and XPS characterizations. The Au–PEDOT/rGO modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) showed significantly improved charge transfer efficiency and high electrocatalytic activity toward caffeic acid (CA) oxidation as compared to bare GCE and Au-PEDOT modified electrode. Under optimized conditions, the Au–PEDOT/rGO constructed sensors exhibited a wide linear range of 0.01–46 μM with the correlation coefficient of 0.9926 and a detection limit as low as 0.004 μM for the detection of CA. To validate its possible application, the present sensor was also illustrated with satisfactory anti-interference performance, high reproducibility and sensitivity for the determination of CA in red wine sample. The prepared Au–PEDOT/rGO nanocomposite is a promising electrode material for the determination of CA in red wines or other CA-containing food and beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic heavy-metal ions are well known to be severely harmful to human health. Therefore, the development of fast and sensitive methods for their detection has drawn a great attention in recent years. Herein, a sensitive electrochemical platform for the simultaneous determination of Cd 2 + , Pb 2 + , Cu 2 + , and Hg 2 + has been constructed based on N-doped graphene (NG) modified electrode using differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV). NG was synthesized by a facile, efficient and green electrochemical method. The structure and composition of NG were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS) techniques, chronocoulometry and N 2 adsorption–desorption measurements. The NG modified electrode showed excellent catalytic activity for selective detection of Cd 2 + , Pb 2 + , Cu 2 + , and Hg 2 + due to its particular structure and unique electronic properties. Under optimal conditions, the limits of detection were estimated to be 0.05 μM for Cd 2 + and Hg 2 + , 0.005 μM for Pb 2 + and Cu 2 + , respectively. Finally, the method was applied to the simultaneous detection of trace metal ions in the tap water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) based voltammetric sensors have drawn considerable attentions due to their simple preparation process and outstanding electrochemical properties. While quite a lot of work suffers from problems in terms of sensitivity and cycling stability. Here, we demonstrate that the reduction extent of ERGO displays a crucial role in enhancing sensitivity and preventing electrode fouling. To illustrate this, partially reduced and relatively complete reduced ERGO films were prepared via the electrochemical method. The reduction extent was controlled by performing cyclic voltammetry with varieties of reduction cycle numbers. Results indicated that partially reduced ERGO film with 5 reduction cycle numbers (ERGO 5 ) showed the highest sensitivity towards electrochemical oxidation of isoniazid (INZ) among all the ERGO films with different reduction extents, and acquired better electrode stability as compared with ERGO 15 . Under the optimal conditions, the peak currents on ERGO 5 modified electrode increased linearly with the concentrations of INZ in the range of 0.09–100 μM. The detection limit of INZ reached 15 nM (S/N = 3). The present work has a guidance meaning in developing ERGO based sensors for detecting other electroactive analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/β-cyclodextrin (PEDOT/β-CD) was prepared by the oxidation of EDOT with FeCl 3 using β-CD as substrate. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It was found PEDOT/β-CD clusters were uniformly distributed, and hold an enhanced surface-to-volume ratio. The electrocatalytic performance of the nanostructured PEDOT/β-CD toward hyperoside and shikonin was investigated, which revealed that PEDOT/β-CD performed a better electrocatalytic activity than pure PEDOT. Thus, PEDOT/β-CD clusters were proposed as electrochemical sensing platform to detect hyperoside and shikonin. This simple PEDOT/β-CD complex demonstrated very sensitive and selective hyperoside and shikonin detection capability, as well as high reproducibility and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel stereoregular helical poly(phenylacetylene)derivatives (PPA-Pheand PPA-Phg) with anamide linkage bearing l-phenylalanine and l-phenylglycineethyl ester pendants were synthesized for use as chiral stationaryphases (CSPs) in HPLC. The polymers showed different chiral recognitionabilities depending on the coating solvents. Both PPA-Pheand PPA-Phgexhibited higher chiral recognitions whencoated with CHCl3by having preferable conformations. Theirchiral recognition abilities depended on their molecular weight andoptical rotations which were influenced by the polymerization solventsand monomer concentration. PPA-Pheand PPA-Phgshowed rather different chiral recognitions, indicating that thebenzyl group of the former and the phenyl group of the latter alsoplay important roles in the chiral recognition. A few racemates werecompletely separated on PPA-Pheor PPA-Phgwith separation factors comparable or higher than those obtainedon the popular polysaccharide-based CSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mesh-type CuFeMg/Al 2 O 3 structural catalyst coupled with microreactor with enhanced mass transfer effect. • CuFe electronic interaction shortens the start-up time of in-situ self-activation of the catalyst. • CuFeMg/Al 2 O 3 exhibiting excellent stability and a commercially competitive hydrogen production rate. • The introduction of Fe strengthens the adsorption and dissociation energy for H 2 O in the MSR. The metal-oxide interaction has been proven to have extremely favorable effects on the improvement of adsorption strength tuning and catalytic performance. FeO x was found to reduce the reaction energy barrier of Cu-based catalyst in methanol steam reforming (MSR) by DFT calculation. Herein, a mesh-type CuFeMg/Al 2 O 3 structural catalyst was synthesized and applied to MSR to explore the FeO x modification effect. In the microreactor, the catalyst showed 97.8% hydrogen yield and 2.5 times the hydrogen production efficiency of commercial catalysts. The in-situ start-up time of the catalyst without pre-reduction requires only 18 min, which is nearly 98% less time-saving compared to commercial catalysts. Meanwhile, the activity of the catalyst was basically stable in the 100-hour durability evaluation. The characterization analysis confirmed that FeO x not only enhanced the adsorption and activation capability of H 2 O but facilitated the rearrangement of electrons. CuFe electronic interaction had high-efficiency synergy in MSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and efficient route for the synthesis of 1,6-disubstituted-3-cyclohexylmethoxy-β-carboline derivatives via the Minisci reaction has been described with good yields and selectivity. A novel series of β-carboline derivatives with various substituents at 1-, 3-, and 6-positions were designed and synthesized from the starting material (±)-tryptophan on the basis of harmine chemical structure. The mechanism of the 1-substituted β-carboline derivatives by means of a nucleophilic radical was also described, and the x-ray analysis confirmed the structures of 11-7. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]