Structural Changes of NiFe Layered Double Hydroxides During the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: A Diffraction and Total Scattering Operando Study.

NiFe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. Here, operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray total scattering are used with Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis to investigate the atomic structure of the catalytically active material and follow structural changes under operating conditions. XRD shows an interlayer contraction under applied oxidative potential, which relates to a transition from the α-LDH to the γ-LDH phase.

Characterization of the effects of insoluble soybean polysaccharides on the formation and physicochemical properties of soybean isolate protein gel.

The effects of insoluble soybean polysaccharides (ISPS) on the formation and physicochemical properties of soybean protein isolate (SPI) gel were studied. As ISPS concentration increased, SPI suspensions showed reduced surface hydrophobicity and zeta-potential and enhanced thermal stability. However, the zeta-potential increased after gel formation.

A cost-effective oligo-based barcode system for chromosome identification in longan and lychee.

Oligonucleotide (Oligo)-based fluorescence hybridization (FISH) represents a highly effective methodology for identifying plant chromosomes. Longan is a commercially significant fruit species, yet lacking basic chromosomal markers has hindered its cytogenetic research. In this study, we developed a cost-effective oligo-based system for distinguishing chromosomes of longan ( Lour.

The highly allo-autopolyploid modern sugarcane genome and very recent allopolyploidization in Saccharum.

Modern sugarcane, a highly allo-autopolyploid organism, has a very complex genome. In the present study, the karyotype and genome architecture of modern sugarcane were investigated, resulting in a genome assembly of 97 chromosomes (8.84 Gb).

Design and control of a low-cost non-backdrivable end-effector upper limb rehabilitation device.

This paper presents GARD, an upper limb end-effector rehabilitation device developed for stroke patients. GARD offers assistance force along or towards a 2D trajectory during physical therapy sessions. GARD employs a non-backdrivable mechanism with novel motor velocity-control-based algorithms, which offers superior control precision and stability.

Pan-genome and phylogenomic analyses highlight Hevea species delineation and rubber trait evolution.

The para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is the world's sole commercial source of natural rubber, a vital industrial raw material. However, the narrow genetic diversity of this crop poses challenges for rubber breeding. Here, we generate high-quality de novo genome assemblies for three H.

Research Note: Rapid generation of a novel fowl adenovirus serotype 11 reverse genetic platform.

Fowl adenovirus serotype 11 (FAdV-11) is one of the main causative agents of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in broilers. Outbreaks of FAdV-11-related IBH have been increasingly reported in China and many other geographical areas worldwide. However, the critical virulence factors of FAdV-11 remain uncertain due to the lack of technical platforms for efficient manipulation of FAdV-11 genome.

Transcriptome and small RNA analysis unveils novel insights into the C gene regulation in sugarcane.

This study reveals miRNA indirect regulation of C genes in sugarcane through transcription factors, highlighting potential key regulators like SsHAM3a. C photosynthesis is crucial for the high productivity and biomass of sugarcane, however, the miRNA regulation of C genes in sugarcane remains elusive. We have identified 384 miRNAs along the leaf gradients, including 293 known miRNAs and 91 novel miRNAs.

Genomic investigation of duplication, functional conservation, and divergence in the LRR-RLK Family of Saccharum.

Background: Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) holds exceptional global significance as a vital crop, serving as a primary source of sucrose, bioenergy, and various by-products. The optimization of sugarcane breeding by fine-tuning essential traits has become crucial for enhancing crop productivity and stress resilience.

Formation of intermetallic PdIn nanoparticles: influence of surfactants on nanoparticle atomic structure.

Bimetallic nanoparticles have been extensively studied as electrocatalysts due to their superior catalytic activity and selectivity compared to their monometallic counterparts. The properties of bimetallic materials depend on the ordering of the metals in the structure, and to tailor-make materials for specific applications, it is important to be able to control the atomic structure of the materials during synthesis. Here, we study the formation of bimetallic palladium indium nanoparticles to understand how the synthesis parameters and additives used influence the atomic structure of the obtained product.

A near-complete genome assembly of the allotetrapolyploid Cenchrus fungigraminus (JUJUNCAO) provides insights into its evolution and C4 photosynthesis.

JUJUNCAO (Cenchrus fungigraminus; 2n = 4x = 28) is a Cenchrus grass with the highest biomass production among cultivated plants, and it can be used for mushroom cultivation, animal feed, and biofuel production. Here, we report a nearly complete genome assembly of JUJUNCAO and reveal that JUJUNCAO is an allopolyploid that originated ∼2.7 million years ago (mya).

A complete gap-free diploid genome in Saccharum complex and the genomic footprints of evolution in the highly polyploid Saccharum genus.

A diploid genome in the Saccharum complex facilitates our understanding of evolution in the highly polyploid Saccharum genus. Here we have generated a complete, gap-free genome assembly of Erianthus rufipilus, a diploid species within the Saccharum complex. The complete assembly revealed that centromere satellite homogenization was accompanied by the insertions of Gypsy retrotransposons, which drove centromere diversification.

Chemical Insights into the Formation of Colloidal Iridium Nanoparticles from In Situ X-ray Total Scattering: Influence of Precursors and Cations on the Reaction Pathway.

Iridium nanoparticles are important catalysts for several chemical and energy conversion reactions. Studies of iridium nanoparticles have also been a key for the development of kinetic models of nanomaterial formation. However, compared to other metals such as gold or platinum, knowledge on the nature of prenucleation species and structural insights into the resultant nanoparticles are missing, especially for nanoparticles obtained from IrCl precursors investigated here.

An inactivated novel chimeric FAdV-4 containing fiber of FAdV-8b provides full protection against hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome and inclusion body hepatitis.

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) and FAdV-8b are causative agents of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) and inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), respectively. HHS and IBH co-infections were often reported in clinical, yet there are no commercially available bivalent vaccines for prevention and control of both FAdV-4 and -8b. In the present study, a chimeric FAdV-4 was firstly generated by substituting fiber-1 of FAdV-4 with fiber of FAdV-8b.

Nanocomposite Concept for Electrochemical Preparation of Pt-Au Alloy Nanoparticles for Formic Acid Oxidation.

Herein, we report a straightforward approach for the preparation of Pt-Au alloy nanoparticles from Pt + Au/C nanocomposites using monometallic colloidal nanoparticles as starting blocks. Four different compositions with fixed Pt content and varying Pt to Au mass ratios from 1:1 up to 1:7 were prepared as formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) catalysts. The study was carried out in a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) setup.

The Role of Hexon Amino Acid 188 Varies in Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 Strains with Different Virulence.

Hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) induced by fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) has caused huge economic losses to poultry industries. The key genes responsible for different virulence of FAdV-4 strains are not fully elucidated. Previous studies indicated that hexon of pathogenic FAdV-4 has a conserved arginine (R) at position 188, and a conserved isoleucine (I) is present at this position in reported nonpathogenic FAdV-4.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor Family Revealed Their Potential Roles in the Flowering Process in Longan ().

Longan ( Lour.) is a productive fruit crop with high nutritional and medical value in tropical and subtropical regions. The gene family is one of the most widespread plant transcription factor (TF) families participating in the flowering regulation.

Surfactant-free syntheses and pair distribution function analysis of osmium nanoparticles.

A surfactant-free synthesis of precious metal nanoparticles (NPs) performed in alkaline low-boiling-point solvents has been recently reported. Monoalcohols are here investigated as solvents and reducing agents to obtain colloidal Os nanoparticles by using low-temperature (<100 °C) surfactant-free syntheses. The effect of the precursor (OsCl or HOsCl), precursor concentration (up to 100 mM), solvent (methanol or ethanol), presence or absence of a base (NaOH), and addition of water (0 to 100 vol %) on the resulting nanomaterials is discussed.

Treatment efficacy of Lianhua Qingwen capsules for eraly-stage COVID-19.

Objective: To systematically determine the effect of Lianhua Qingwen Capsules on the early antiviral and anti-inflammatory action against COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) and its applicational value in the treatment of COVID-19.

Methods: The clinical data of 66 early-mid-stage COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals in Guangzhou between January 2020 and April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients receiving Lianhua Qingwen Capsule treatment were assigned to the observation group (n=33) and those given conventional therapy were included in the control group (n=33).

Comparative Analysis of the MADS-Box Genes Revealed Their Potential Functions for Flower and Fruit Development in Longan ().

Longan ( Lour.) is an important economic crop widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions, and flower and fruit development play decisive effects on the longan yield and fruit quality formation. MCM1, AGAMOUS, DEFICIENS, Serum Response Factor (MADS)-box transcription factor family plays important roles for the flowering time, floral organ identity, and fruit development in plants.

Hypervirulent FAdV-4 infection induces activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in chicken macrophages.

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is the primary causative agent of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) causing great economic losses to the world poultry industry. The exact factors responsible for the pathogenesis of hypervirulent FAdV-4 have not been completely elucidated. Hypervirulent FAdV-4 infection induces inflammatory damages in accompany with a high level of proinflammatory interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) secretion in a variety of organs.