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[Display omitted] • Provide chromosome-level genome assemblies for BP (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris) and PM (Periophthalmus magnuspinnatus). • Confirm two specific chromosome fission events in the PM genome by synteny comparison and ancestral chromosome reconstruction. • Reveal molecular clues from the loss of some important genes (such as SCPP and aanat1a) in certain or all of the three mudskippers for the water-to-land adaptation. Mudskippers are a large group of amphibious fishes that have developed many morphological and physiological capacities to live on land. Genomics comparisons of chromosome-level genome assemblies of three representative mudskippers, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris (BP), Periophthalmus magnuspinnatus (PM) and P. modestus (PMO), may be able to provide novel insights into the water-to-land evolution and adaptation. Two chromosome-level genome assemblies for BP and PM were respectively sequenced by an integration of PacBio, Nanopore and Hi-C sequencing. A series of standard assembly and annotation pipelines were subsequently performed for both mudskippers. We also re-annotated the PMO genome, downloaded from NCBI, to obtain a redundancy-reduced annotation. Three-way comparative analyses of the three mudskipper genomes in a large scale were carried out to discover detailed genomic differences, such as different gene sizes, and potential chromosomal fission and fusion events. Comparisons of several representative gene families among the three amphibious mudskippers and some other teleosts were also performed to find some molecular clues for terrestrial adaptation. We obtained two high-quality haplotype genome assemblies with 23 and 25 chromosomes for BP and PM respectively. We also found two specific chromosome fission events in PM. Ancestor chromosome analysis has discovered a common fusion event in mudskipper ancestor. This fusion was then retained in all the three mudskipper species. A loss of some SCPP (secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein) genes were identified in the three mudskipper genomes, which could lead to reduction of scales for a part-time terrestrial residence. The loss of aanat1a gene, encoding an important enzyme (arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1a, AANAT1a) for dopamine metabolism and melatonin biosynthesis, was confirmed in PM but not in PMO (as previously reported existence in BP), suggesting a better air vision of PM than both PMO and BP. Such a tiny variation within the genus Periophthalmus exemplifies to prove a step-by-step evolution for the mudskippers' water-to-land adaptation. These high-quality mudskipper genome assemblies will become valuable genetic resources for in-depth discovery of genomic evolution for the terrestrial adaptation of amphibious fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have found many successful real-world applications, where the optimization problems are often subject to a wide range of uncertainties. To understand the practical behaviors of EAs theoretically, there are a series of efforts devoted to analyzing the running time of EAs for optimization under uncertainties. Existing studies mainly focus on noisy and dynamic optimization, while another common type of uncertain optimization, i.e., robust optimization, has been rarely touched. In this paper, we analyze the expected running time of the (1+1)-EA solving robust linear optimization problems (i.e., linear problems under robust scenarios) with a cardinality constraint k. Two common robust scenarios, i.e., deletion-robust and worst-case, are considered. Particularly, we derive tight ranges of the robust parameter d or budget k allowing the (1+1)-EA to find an optimal solution in polynomial running time, which disclose the potential of EAs for robust optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrasound velocity sensor was used to measure the metastable zone width. • The metastable zone width of NaNO 3 in the cooling crystallization process from high-saline wastewater system was determined. • The primary nucleation kinetics of NaNO 3 in the cooling crystallization process from high-saline wastewater was studied. For investigating the fractional crystallization process of high-saline wastewater from coal chemical industry, the primary nucleation kinetics of NaNO 3 during cooling crystallization was studied. 20 g NaCl/100 g H 2 O was added to simulate the high-saline environment, which resulted in a ternary NaCl-NaNO 3 -H 2 O mixture system. Based on the measured solubility and supersolubility in the temperature range from 288.09 to 311.70 K by using ultrasonic velocity sensor, the effects of stirring rate, cooling rate and presence of seed crystals on the metastable zone width (MSZW) were analyzed. The results showed that increasing the saturation temperature as well as increasing the stirring rate will make the MSZW of NaNO 3 narrow. This is mainly attributed to the intensification of mass transfer and diffusion, which promotes the crystal nucleation. By contrast, the change in the size of solute molecular clusters in the solution may lag behind the transformation of the solution state, so that the MSZW of NaNO 3 becomes wide when increasing the cooling rate. Meanwhile, because the addition of seed crystals is beneficial to induce the solution to start crystallization at a lower supersaturation, it always leads to the narrowing of MSZW, whereas the dosage has a relatively weak effect in the scope of experimental research. Furthermore, self-consistent Nývlt-like equation and classical 3D nucleation theory were used to study the primary nucleation kinetics of NaNO 3 during cooling crystallization process. Corresponding nucleation kinetic equations were regressed based on the experimental data. The activation energies E sat of NaNO 3 nucleation process fitted by these two models were 28.97 and 26.08 kJ/mol, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • An organic photoredox catalyst was developed for aqueous organocatalyzed ATRP. • Faster rate and higher initiator efficiency than its counterpart were observed. • Difference of oxidative and reductive quenching cycle was studied via kinetic model. • Current system enabled the polymerization through a "green" and sustainable way. Abstract A water-soluble organic photoredox catalyst, 3,7-methoxypolyethylene glycol 1-naphthalene-10-phenoxazine (Naph-PXZ-PEG), that can catalyze aqueous organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) via oxidative quenching cycle has been reported for the first time. Comparative studies of Naph-PXZ-PEG and EosinY involved aqueous organocatalyzed ATRP systems have been done via polymerization experiment and kinetic modeling approach. Results showed that the polymerization via oxidative quenching cycle in Naph-PXZ-PEG system proceeded much faster and higher initiator efficiency than the polymerization via reductive quenching cycle in Eosin Y system under same conditions. Detailed information of the Naph-PXZ-PEG was presented by experiments and density functional theory (DFT) simulation. A series of kinetics experiments under different catalyst loadings, initiator concentrations, "on-off" switch of light and chain extension have been conducted and confirmed the good controllability of the current system and high end-group fidelity. This work provides a systematic study on developing an effective water soluble organic catalyst for the preparation of the well-defined polymers by a "green" and sustainable ATRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF) is a complication of radiotherapy in thoracic cancer patients. Thalidomide (THD) has a therapeutic effect on fibrotic and inflammatory disorders. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of THD on RILF in mice and better understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the therapeutic effect. We found that THD mitigated the fibrosis caused by irradiation in mice. The action of THD on RILF was related to the elevation of low levels reactive oxygen species (ROS), which inhibited the transforming growth factor‑β (TGF‑β)/Smad3 signaling pathway through activation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Analysis of the therapeutic effect of THD using Nrf2-/- mouse model confirmed the role of Nrf2 in vivo. In addition, no radioprotective effect of THD on thoracic cancer cell lines was observed. In conclusion, these data showed that THD attenuated RILF in mice, which was mediated by Nrf2-dependent down-regulation of the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, suggesting THD as a potential novel agent for RILF prevention. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Thalidomide (THD) mitigated the fibrosis caused by irradiation in mice. • THD alleviated radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF) through suppression of TGF-β/Smad3 in an Nrf2-dependent manner. • No radioprotective effect of THD on thoracic cancer cell lines was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presented herein investigated an easy preparation, high performance, wavelength-modulated LSPR optical fiber chemosensor coated by gold nanospheres(AuNS) for Hg 2+ detection based on thymine-Hg 2+ -thymine base pair mismatches and the coupled plasmonic resonance effect.Utilizing electrostatic self-assembly method, the high density and dispersivity monolayer AuNS coated LSPR fiber sensor had the near field refractive index sensitivity up to 2016 nm/RIU. The single-strand probe DNA served as a binding element for free AuNS labelled-target DNA conjugates was attached to the monolayer AuNS by Au-S bond. In the present of Hg 2+ , the coupled plasmonic resonance band between monolayer AuNS and free AuNS was produced by thymine-Hg 2+ -thymine structure and leaded to red-shift of LSPR peak. Under the optimal conditions, the enlarged red-shift in peak of LSPR spectroscopy was linearly with the concentration of Hg 2+ in the range from 1.0 × 10 −9 to 5.0 × 10 −8 M with the coefficient of 0.976. The limit of detection was 0.7 nM(S/N = 3). The specificity of the sensor was proved high by evaluating the response to other heavy metal ions. The proposed fiber sensor provided a label-free, miniature, low-cost approach for the Hg 2+ detection and had potential in real environmental evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a significant and promising conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has attracted considerable attention in the last decade. This review aims at giving a comprehensive illustration about current progress on the synthesis and electrochemical sensing applications of PEDOT-based materials in environmental monitoring, food and drug analysis and health care. PEDOT-based materials, such as PEDOT, functionalized PEDOT and PEDOT composites were fabricated mainly by chemical polymerization and electrochemical polymerization. Various nanostructures with large surface area, high conductivity, fast electron transfer rate, hydrophobic interaction and good biocompatibility were displayed by the PEDOT-based materials. Synergetic effects were enhanced dramatically in electrochemical (bio) sensors by PEDOT composites, especially by those incorporated with versatile nanomaterials. Through this paper, we hope to attract attention from a wider community and inspire researchers to take advantage of PEDOT in approaching scientific challenges and developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementation with Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) has beneficial effects on aquatic animals. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of APS on the growth, innate immune response, and brain-gut axis of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The molecular weight and the monosaccharide composition of APS were analyzed. APS were added at concentration of 0 (control), 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 % in practical diets. Growth performance increased significantly under 0.05 to 0.20 % APS, with enhanced lipase and protease activities in intestinal tissues. Prawns receiving APS supplementation had significantly lower amounts of pathogenic intestinal bacteria (Vibrio and Aeromonas) and a markedly different microbial community structure compared with those of the control group. The fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and neurotransmitters γ-aminobutyric acid contents increased in the brains of prawns receiving APS, which was potentially associated with increased Lactobacillus and Bacillus levels. Prawns receiving APS supplementation displayed a significantly enhanced immune function (such as total hemocyte count, total protein concentration, phenoloxidase activity, serum agglutination titer, and lysozyme activity) and improved disease resistance to Vibrio anguillarum compared those in the control group. Thus, dietary APS positively affected the gut-brain axis by altering the microbiota composition, increasing the fecal SCFA content, and enhancing prawn immunity. • We have disclosed the details of polysaccharide APS and its characterization. • An appropriate dose of APS for the growth performance of prawn was determined. • Dietary APS improved the immune response and the resistance of prawn to Vibrio harveyi challenge. • Dietary ASP could enhance gut digestive enzyme activities and immune response by modulating gut bacterial • The fecal SCFAs and neurotransmitters γ aminobutyric acid contents increased in the brains of prawns receiving APS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A multi-scale modeling strategy was developed to investigate SET-ATRP. • Complicated SET process was revealed by DFT calculations. • Kinetic parameters of reactants, intermediates and products in SET reactions were estimated. • The effects of SET process on polymerization kinetics were elucidated by kinetic modeling. Mechano/sonochemically mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization has attracted great attention because of the novel electron transfer regulation process and high-efficient process intensification on mass transfer. Herein, a multi-scale modeling strategy combining quantum chemical calculation and kinetic modeling was developed for sonochemically induced electron transfer controlled atom transfer radical polymerization (SET-ATRP) to study the complicated SET process and its effects on polymerization. At the molecular scale, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to acquire the electron characteristic and structure–reactivity of the reactants, intermediates and products during SET process, which provides guideline to figure out the underlying mechanism. Results showed that DMSO•• generated under ultrasonication could react with free Me 6 TREN to induce electron transfer for the reduction of CuIIBr/L+ to produce CuI/L+, which is the key step for a successful polymerization. The corresponding elementary reaction rate coefficients were calculated by thermodynamic formulae combining transition state theory and Marcus theory. At the micro-scale, kinetic modeling based on method of moment was established to account for the role of SET process in regulating polymerization. Good agreements between the simulation results and experimental data confirmed the reliability of the as-developed multi-scale modeling strategy. More Me 6 TREN and CuIIBr/L+ resulted in more electron transfer and faster polymerization rate. This work provides an in-depth mechanism insights and kinetic understanding for SET-ATRP, which has a promising potential to promote its progress of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this issue of Developmental Cell , Hernández-Coronado et al. present genetic and pharmacological evidence that reveals the central role of plant glutamate receptor-like proteins (GLRs) in the tradeoff between wounding-triggered regeneration and defense, offering new strategies to improve plant regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mullite whisker reinforced porous anorthite ceramics have been fabricated by foam-gelcasting method. Effect of whisker content on thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of the prepared material has been studied. It is found that while thermal conductivity remains almost the same, compressive strength can be significantly improved by increasing whisker content. The results are discussed in terms of microstructures. It suggests that porous anorthite ceramics with both high mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity can be achieved by reinforcing with mullite whiskers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, reduced carboxylic graphene/palladium nanoparticles (rGN-COOH/PdNPs) modified ultramicroelectrode array (UMEA) was investigated and applied in electrochemical determination of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The UMEAs were fabricated by micro electro-mechanical system technique. The sensitive film of rGN-COOH/PdNPs was prepared by self-assembling of carboxylic graphene (GN-COOH), electroreducing the GN-COOH and electrodepositing the palladium nanoparticles on UMEA. This modification method is suitable to UMEA, which can immobilize the sensitive film on the designed sites and maintain the unique characteristics of UMEA. Compared with the sensitive film of GN-COOH, rGN-COOH and PdNPs, the sensitive film of rGN-COOH/PdNPs showed satisfied electroreduction performance to dissolved oxygen (DO). A BOD microsensor was fabricated based on the rGN-COOH/PdNPs modified UMEA. A good linear range from 1 to 30 mg/L for BOD determination was displayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ultrasonication-light was developed as coupled physical stimuli for solvent-free RDRP. • Ultrasonication enabled effective process intensification for different photocatalytic pathway. • Good controls over polymerizations were achieved even at high conversion. • Current system enabled the polymerization towards "green" and sustainability. Focusing on energy-saving and environmentally-friendly polymerization engineering, ultrasonication and light were employed as coupled physical stimuli to regulate solvent-free reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and iodine transfer polymerization (ITP). The solvent-free polymerizations of (meth)acrylate under different conditions were performed with good control even at high monomer conversion (>90%), yielding polymers with low values of dispersity and retention of chain-end functionality. Kinetic experiments and mechanistic insights confirmed that light triggered different photocatalytic pathways (e.g. oxidative quenching cycle for RAFT, reductive quenching cycle for ATRP, photogenerated radical species for ITP) to initiate and mediate the solvent-free polymerizations and ultrasonication was used as an effective process intensification method to improve the diffusive of photocatalysts and their derivatives to alleviate the diffusional limitations for keeping good control up to high monomer conversion. This as-developed strategy is proved to be an efficient technology to produce well-defined polymers without complicated processes of products separation from solvent and residual monomer removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents an electrochemical microsensor for simultaneous detection of copper (II) and lead (II) using an l-aspartic acid/l-cysteine/gold nanoparticle modified microelectrode. The microelectrode was fabricated by Micro Electro-Mechanical System technique. The complex of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and amino acid with carboxyl group was used as the selective ligand for metal ions. The microelectrode was firstly modified with AuNPs to increase the sensitive area of the working electrode. Subsequently, the AuNPs/gold electrode was modified with l-cysteine and then covalently linked with a monolayer of l-aspartic acid using glutaraldehyde. Electrochemical analysis of metal ions was achieved by using square wave voltammetry without stirring. The microsensor exhibited an excellent linear range from 5μgL−1 to 2000μgL−1 with the limit of detection of 1μgL−1. This metal ion detection method based on l-aspartic acid/l-cysteine/gold nanoparticle modified microelectrode is simple, sensitive and it could be used for electrochemical analysis of copper (II) and lead (II). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a micro multichannel immunosensor for hemoglobin-A1c level determination rapidly and conveniently. The micro immunosensor is composed of an integrated FET sensor chip and a disposable microelectrode-array chip based on CMOS and MEMS technique, respectively. Antibody immobilization methods, such as mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), seed mediated growth nano-gold and nano-gold wrapped with mixed SAMs are studied. The immunosensor fabricated by nano-gold wrapped with mixed SAMs immobilization method shows the highest sensitivity due to the uniform distribution of the nano-golds without aggregation, and the increase of biomolecules amount on the sensitive area of the micro electrode chip. Whole blood samples obtained from hospital were examined using this immunosensor. Relative standard deviation of 2.63% and recovery of 102.54% were achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A micro potentiometric immunosensor based on mixed SAMs wrapped nano-spheres array for the detection of hemoglobin-A1c level is presented in this paper. Nano-spheres array is prepared by wrapping nano-gold particle with mixed SAMs on the surface of micro immunosensor. Mixed SAMs make the nano-gold particles distribute uniformly without aggregation and render the signal less susceptible to noise. Based on this nano-spheres array, antibody is covalently immobilized on the immunosensor surface. The micro immunosensor, consisting of ISFET integrated chip and MEMS electrodes array is applied to measure hemoglobin-A1c level by detecting the concentration of hemoglobin-A1c and hemoglobin simultaneously. The responses of the immunosensor are linear over the concentration range of 166.7–570ng/ml hemoglobin and 50–170.5ng/ml HbA1c. Whole blood sample obtained from hospital was also examined using this immunosensor. The low relative deviation shows that this micro immunosensor may provide an alternative tool for the determination of HbA1c level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel amperometric immunosensor for the detection of α-fetoprotein (AFP) based on the integration of microelectronic technology, mixed self-assembled monolayers (mixed SAMs), gold nanoparticles (nanogold) and enzyme amplification has been developed. Using microelectronic technology, an immunosensor was fabricated which has an “Au, Pt, Pt” three-microelectrode system and two microwells constructed by SU-8 photoresist on silicon wafer. Using mixed SAMs and nanogold, a mixed monolayer comprising cysteamine and 1,6-hexanedithiol was formed on the working electrode surface to assemble nanogold and further to immobilize AFP antibody for detecting AFP in human serum samples. The stepwise mixed SAMs and nanogold based immobilization procedure was characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry. The factors influencing the performance of the resulting immunosensor were studied in detail. After the addition of H2O2 and KI to the immunosensor incubated with AFP and further with horseradish peroxidase-labeled AFP antibody, the cathodic current varied linearly in concentration range of AFP from 15 to 350ng/ml with a detection limit of 5ng/ml. Moreover, the studied immunosensor has attractive advantages, such as miniaturization, compatibility with the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) techniques, high specificity, good reproducibility and long-term stability, which make it potentially attractive for clinical immunoassays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new silicon-based amperometric microelectrode biosensor with consecutive platinization and polymerization of pyrrole is designed and fabricated with bulk micromachining technology. The biosensor consists of a p-type silicon substrate, two respective Au microelectrodes fabricated in two respective in-device micropools formed by anisotropic silicon wet etching, and an SU-8 microreaction pool. To our knowledge, consecutive platinization and polymerization of pyrrole is the first such use for surface modification. The biosensor aims for low unit cost, small dimensions and compatibility with CMOS technology. Successful experimental results have been achieved for glucose detection. Compared to conventional amperometric biosensors and amperometric microelectrode biosensors made with surface micromachining technology, it has several advantages, such as smaller sensitive surface area (1mm × 1mm), lower detection limit (1 × 10-4M), larger linear range (1 × 10-4–1 × 10-2M), larger sensitivity per unit area (39.640nAmM-1mm-2), better reproducibility (3.2% RSD for five detections) and stability (relative remaining sensitivity per unit area kept well above 95% after being stored in a clean container at room temperature for a month), easier to be made into arrays and to be integrated with processing circuitry, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, doctors can find useful tips to discover semantic similarities to diagnostic tasks, natural biomedical language, and writing to obtain effective simulations. It proposes a concrete analytical framework for a considerable collection. It does some preliminary analysis using datasets extracted from the entire graduate entrance exam library. It has developed a web front end to demonstrate this method's practicality in the real-world context. The quickly extending field of enormous information examination is starting to assume a basic function in creating clinical practice and exploration. It gives a device to amass and retain a lot of organized and unstructured information created by the board, investigation, and current medical services frameworks. As of late, big data information examination has been applied to measures that help clinical administrations and illness investigation. The appropriation and R and D in this space are hampered by some key issues intrinsic in the huge information worldview. Basic Analysis of Images, Signals, and Genomics: In this article focus on these key challenges and discusses some of the three promising medical research areas. It targets large amounts of medical data, and the use of multimodal data from different sources has also been discussed in recent studies. Research Areas with the potential and significant impact in providing medical services are also being considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phenol and quinoline do not affect the morphology of NaNO 3 crystals. • Phenol and quinoline significantly affect the size of NaNO 3 crystals. • The effect of quinoline on crystal size is greater than that of phenol. • The influence mechanism of organics on crystal size is solute diffusion block. In this study, the effect of organic pollutants on the fractional crystallization of NaNO 3 from high-saline wastewater was investigated by experiments and theoretical methods. Prior to the investigation, the optimal condition of cooling rate, 10 K/h, stirring intensity, 200 rpm, and aging time, 10 min, were acquired for pursuing a high purity, large crystal particle and uniform size distribution. Based on the optimized process operation, different contents of organic contaminants represented by phenol and quinoline were added for NaNO 3 crystallization. It is clear that both phenol and quinoline have no effect on the product morphology, while their negative effects on the crystal size are significant. The averaged crystal size decrease from 717 μm to 162 μm, when the phenol content reaches 2.0%. Similarly, the addition of 0.2% quinoline cause an obvious decline of the mean size to 197 μm. The results of XRD characterization, carbon content analysis and infrared spectrum show that phase transformation, incorporation into crystal lattice and selective adsorption are not the main modification mechanisms for the influence of organic matters on the crystal size. Hence, the reduced crystal size is mainly attributed to the inhibition of solute diffusion caused by the presence of organic pollutants. This was further verified by the molecular dynamics simulation. The calculated results indicate that when the system contains 40 Na+ ions, 40 NO 3 − ions, 20 phenol or quinoline molecules, the diffusion coefficient of Na+ reduce by 8.67% and 30.86%, while the diffusion coefficient of NO 3 − decrease by 29.33% and 39.51%, respectively. Related results provide an important reference for the industrial process control of high-saline wastewater fractional crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AuNPs-PSSA composite film was in-situ and easily prepared by cyclic potential sweeps. • AuNPs-PSSA was much more sensitive for TBBPA detection than single AuNPs and PSSA. • Detection limit was 25 pM, and feasibility in wastewater samples was tested by HPLC. Developing a sensitive, simple and fast sensing system for 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is important because of its ubiquitousness and high toxicity. In this work, a gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and poly(sulfosalicylic acid) (PSSA) composite film (AuNPs-PSSA) is fabricated in-situ on an electrode surface via cyclic voltammetry scanning. The characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicate that the PSSA film is homogeneously decorated with AuNPs, and a highly uniform and thin composite film is obtained. Electrochemical tests reveal that the AuNPs-PSSA film exhibits larger active surface area, lower charge transfer resistance and higher accumulation efficiency toward TBBPA than single AuNPs and PSSA film. As a result, the oxidation signals and sensing sensitivity of TBBPA are significantly enhanced on the surface of the AuNPs-PSSA. The developed TBBPA sensing platform using AuNPs-PSSA composite film, with low detection limit (25 pM) and wide linear range (0.1−10 nM), is successfully utilized to measure TBBPA level in wastewater samples. The results are highly consistent with those that obtained from high-performance liquid chromatography. The preparation and reusability of the TBBPA sensor can be automatically achieved through CV scanning, providing a promising on-line monitoring system for wastewater samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface functional group plays an important role in H 2 S catalytic oxidization. However, the specific effect of each group species has seldom been investigated. For the first time, we revealed by experimental and theoretical methods that the pyrone group was the most valuable group. An increase in the pyrone-group amount obviously decreased the kinetic reaction order of H 2 S catalytic oxidization. The catalyst with the largest amount of pyrone group (0.1321 mmol·g−1) showed the lowest reaction order (0.5896) and activation energy (16.25 kJ·mol−1). By comparison, a catalyst with 0.0008 mmol·g−1 of pyrone group had a reaction order of just 1.1852 and an activation energy of 81.22 kJ·mol−1. The contribution of pyrone content to the kinetic reaction order had a negative correlation coefficient of −8.0665, which was three and five times larger than that of the quinone (−2.5568) and acidic groups (−1.7454), respectively. Moreover, density functional theory calculations showed that the pyrone group had the lowest energy gap (0.156 eV), far less than that (1.921 eV) of the carboxyl group. After H 2 S was adsorbed, the pyrone group had a Mulliken atomic charge of 0.510, which was larger than that (0.236) of the carboxyl group. In other words, the pyrone group showed the best ability to facilitate electron transfer. As a result, the catalyst with 0.1321 mmol·g−1 of the pyrone group removed 100% of the H 2 S (450 ppm). This amount was 42% higher than a catalyst with 0.0008 mmol·g−1 of the pyrone group. The main results of this work help to explain the mechanism of carbon material in various types of catalysis. Unlabelled Image • Carbons with different functional groups were used to catalyze H 2 S oxidization. • Both acidic and basic groups decreased reaction order and activation energy. • The pyrone group showed the best ability to facilitate electron transfer. • The carbon with a biggest amount of pyrone group showed the best activity. • Computational result also indicated the critical role of pyrone group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Step-scheme heterojunction ternary composite photocatalyst g-C 3 N 4 /TMCs/GO was designed. • Positive synergistic effect benefited adsorption capacity, charge transfer and light harvesting. • High-efficient photocatalytic capacity for the degradation of organic pollutant was obtained. • The S-scheme photocatalytic charge transfer mechanism was verified and discussed. Designing and constructing step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction structure has attracted wide attention on account of its particular photocatalytic performance on removing environmental pollutants. Herein, a novel ternary composite photocatalyst of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4)/TiO 2 mesocrystals (TMCs)/graphene oxide (GO) with S-scheme heterojunction structure was prepared by solvent evaporation method. A positive cooperative effect between the g-C 3 N 4 and TMCs was constructed to promote the light harvesting, while the GO was introduced to further improve the adsorption capacity and charge transfer efficiency, which favored the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline hydrochloride by the ternary composite having high-efficient photocatalytic capacity under visible light. Experiments and characterizations confirmed that the high-efficient photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the unique hierarchical structure of TMCs, high redox ability and enhanced efficiency of charge transfer through S-scheme route, well carrier mobility and adsorption capacity of GO, and promoted light harvesting of composite. The S-scheme charge transfer mechanism suggested that the photo-generated holes and electrons could be remained in lower CB and higher VB with stronger redox capacity. This work offered a paradigm for construction and design of novel photocatalyst with TiO 2 mesocrystal-based S-scheme heterojunction structure and high-efficient activity in organic pollutant degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallel operation is a significant and feasible method to compensate the insufficient capacity of single reciprocating-switcher energy recovery device (RS-ERD) in membrane desalination system. To grasp the operating characteristics in capacity expansion, three parallel schemes of RS-ERD, single-operation scheme, two-parallel scheme and three-parallel scheme, are investigated through the numerical simulation, experimental verification and theoretical parameterization. Results indicate that, the two-parallel scheme and three-parallel scheme achieve the flowrate continuity of low-pressure seawater and the flowrate fluctuation amplitudes in parallel RS-ERDs decrease by 50 % and 83 % respectively when compared with single-operation scheme. Parallel operation schemes also broaden the flowrate range with high efficiency for RS-ERD. To ensure the 95 % energy recovery efficiency, two-parallel and three-parallel schemes expand the maximum flowrates to 140 m3/h and 210 m3/h in contrast with the 70 m3/h of single-operation scheme. In addition, the two-parallel and three-parallel schemes of RS-ERD realize the much lower specific energy consumption (SEC) of 2.11 kWh/m3 and 2.09 kWh/m3 than the 2.23 kWh/m3 in single-operation scheme which contributes to the operating costs savings about 63,830 CNY and 75,778 CNY in one year. This research provides a new perspective in capacity expansion through the parallel operation of energy recovery devices. [Display omitted] • Three parallel schemes of RS-ERD are investigated in simulation and validation. • A parameterization method is introduced to evaluate the operating characteristics. • The flow continuity of LP fluids is achieved in the parallel operating schemes. • The parallel schemes broaden the flowrate range with high efficiency for RS-ERD. • The SEC and operating costs are quantified and evaluated for desalination system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Porous anorthite ceramics with an ultra-low thermal conductivity of 0.018W/mK have been fabricated by hydrous foam-gelcasting process and pressureless sintering method using γ-alumina, calcium carbonate and silica powders as raw materials. Microstructure and phase composition were analyzed by SEM and XRD respectively. Properties such as porosity, pore size distribution and thermal conductivity were measured. High porosity (69–91%) and low thermal conductivity (0.018–0.13W/mK) were obtained after sintering samples with different catalyst additions at 1300–1450°C. Porosity, pore size, pore structure and grain size had obvious effect on heat conduction, resulting in the low thermal conductivity. The experimental thermal conductivity data of porous anorthite ceramics were found to be fit well with the computed values derived from a universal model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the hottest topics in the field of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxide is to develop a catalyst with low cost, low toxicity, high activity, and good selectivity for N 2 to replace high-cost and high-toxic vanadium catalyst. In this work, low-cost spinel MFe 2 O 4 (M = Cu, Mn, and Zn) were synthesized, and applied in SCR. MnFe 2 O 4 exhibited the best activity (99.9%) and selectivity (95.7%) at 100 °C. In comparison, CuFe 2 O 4 was more suitable for SCR above 150 °C, and removed 94.3% of NO (950 ppm) together with a selectivity of 97.5% at the same time (150 °C). Detailed characterizations showed that the spinels were similar to each other in crystal structure, textural property, and micro-topography. Diffuse Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum indicated that the spinels all reduced nitric oxide by an Eley-Rideal mechanism. Mass spectrometry and density-functional-theory calculations revealed that different cation substitutions resulted in different abilities of NH 3 dehydrogenation and over oxidization. MnFe 2 O 4 had the lowest energy barrier (1.21 eV) for NH 3 dehydrogenation, resulting in the best activity. ZnFe 2 O 4 had a highest energy barrier (0.22 eV) for over oxidization of NH 3 , resulting in the best selectivity. After all, main result of this work is in favor of developing cleaner catalyst, and further works should be focused on coating the catalysts on monolithic support. [Display omitted] •Low-cost spinels were applied in low-temperature selective catalytic reduction. •Cu-containing spinel had lowest energy barrier for ammonia dehydrogenation. •The spinel also had highest energy barrier for over oxidization of ammonia. •The spinel thus had the optimized activity and selectivity at the same time. •It removed 94.3% of nitrogen oxide with nitrogen-selectivity of 97.5% at 150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report a novel micro-potentiometric hemoglobin (Hb) immunosensor based on electrochemically synthesized polypyrrole (PPy)–gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) composite. PPy–AuNPs film with AuNPs uniformly distributed in it was deposited on gold electrode surface by a simple and direct procedure, without the addition of any nanoparticles or reducing agent. And this generic method makes it possible to deposite different polymers on miniaturized electrodes. With the existence of AuNPs, the antibody immobilization onto the electrode surface was facilitated. Morphology study by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) confirms the presence of AuNPs in PPy. Based on an ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) integrated chip, a micro-potentiometric immunosensor for Hb and hemoglobin-A1c (HbA1c) has been constructed. The sensor response was linear over the concentration range 60–180μg/ml Hb and 4–18μg/ml HbA1c. The Hb concentration in whole blood samples has also been analysed, with a linear dose–response behavior between 125 and 197μg/ml and a sensitivity of 0.20mVμg−1 ml. The measuring ranges of the developed Hb and HbA1c immunosensors meet the clinical demand for measuring the HbA1c/Hb ratio of 5–20%. This sensor results in simple and rapid differential measurement of Hb and HbA1c, and has great potential to become an inexpensive and portable device for monitoring of diabetes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• We extracted 164 coding sequences for melatonin receptors (MTNRs) from 45 genomes. • Expansion of mtnr1a and mtnr1b in zebrafish was identified in other Cyprinifomes. • Putative domain region of MTNR1C did not exist at the earliest ancestor of mammals. • The C-terminal extension of MTNR1C in mammals is predicted to be proteoglycan 4. • Our research updates the knowledge of MTNRs in vertebrates. Melatonin receptors (MTNRs) play important roles in regulation of circadian rhythms and seasonal reproduction. However, their origin and evolution in vertebrates have not been investigated. Here, we performed a comprehensive examination by comparative genome mining of MTNRs in vertebrates. We successfully extracted 164 putative encoding sequences for MTNRs (including 57 mtnr1a , 59 mtnr1b and 48 mtnr1c) from 45 high-quality representative genomes. Interestingly, the putative expansions of mtnr1a and mtnr1b in zebrafish were also identified in other Cyprinifomes, but not in other orders of teleost. Using phylogenetic interference, we observed this expansion to be clustered into a primitive position of the Actinopterygii, which may be resulted from teleost-specific genome duplication. The C-terminal extension of MTNR1C, predicted to be proteoglycan 4 (PRG4), originated after the speciation of Monotremata or Marsupialia. Our present genomics survey provides novel insights into the evolution of MTNRs in vertebrates and updates our understanding of these proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elongation of very long-chain fatty acids 4 (Elovl4) proteins, belong to the fatty acyl elongase families that are involved in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis in animals. Thus far, very little is known about the roles of Elovl4 in fish. Previously, we reported an elovl4 gene named as elovl4b in rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus). In this study, a novel elovl4 -like gene with a 957-bp open reading frame encoding a 318 amino-acid protein, which shared 67.3% similarity with rabbitfish Elovl4b and more than 80% similarity with Elovl4a from other teleost, was identified in S. canaliculatus , and thus was termed as elovl4a. Multiple protein sequences alignment, gene synteny and phylogenetic analysis indicated that two obviously different elovl4 genes are widespread in various teleost. Different with elovl4b (mainly expressed in eye and slightly expressed in brain), rabbitfish elovl4a was primarily distributed in brain, slightly examined in eye and gonad tissues while hardly detectable in other tissues. The transcription of cerebral elovl4a was significantly higher in fishes cultured in seawater (32‰) than that of those maintained at a brackish water environment (15‰), when fishes were fed with a vegetable oil (VO) enriched diet. However, the transcriptional pattern was totally inverse when fishes were fed with a fish oil (FO) enriched diet. In the brackish water, diet types had no effect on the transcription of cerebral elovl4a. Whereas in seawater, the transcription of cerebral elovl4a was significantly higher in fishes fed with the VO diet in comparison with those fed with the FO diet. Our findings suggest that elovl4a can be regulated by both nutritional and osmotic factors, and it may play an important role in endogenous biosynthesis of LC-PUFA in the neural system of rabbitfish. This study may help us to understand the effects of nutritional and osmotic factors on the LC-PUFA biosynthesis, as well as contribute to the optimization or enhancement of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in teleost. • A novel elovl4 gene (elovl4a) was characterized in rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus. • Gene synteny and phylogenetic analysis revealed that two elovl4 isotypes are widely spread in fish. • The S. canliculatus elovl4a was primary distributed in brain, eye, and gonad. • Both nutritional and osmotic factors could regulate the transcription of S. canliculatus elovl4a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic-driven rotary energy recovery device (HD-RERD) has attracted considerable attention in membrane desalination for energy conservation. Plentiful studies have typically aimed at the operating performance in specific working conditions which fail to evaluate the energy flows holistically. This paper focuses on the revelation of energy conversion and dissipation in HD-RERD by exploring the operating performances under multiple conditions, which pays close attention to the hydraulic driven, internal leakage, salinity mixing and energy efficiency. The results indicate that the rotor speed follows the cubic function and varies from 0 rpm to 742 rpm within the flowrate range of 70 m3/h. A linear function appears in internal leakage within the pressure scope of 7.00 MPa. The salinity mixing leads to the extra energy consumption in HD-RERD which is about 10.71 kJ/(m3/h) at the flowrate of 70 m3/h. In addition, the ratios of dissipation energy to total energy conversion are about 0.46 % 1.53 % and 1.46 % for hydraulic driven, internal leakage and pressure losses respectively at the pressure and flowrate of 7.00 MPa and 70 m3/h. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the energy conversion in HD-RERD for researchers and engineers. [Display omitted] • The hydraulic driven characteristic is investigated in simulation and validation. • The internal leakage is explored in wide pressure and rotational speed range. • The energy flows in HD-RERD are systematically researched and interpreted. • The energy dissipation in each conversion process is quantified and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable sweat electrochemical sensors have attracted wide attention due to their advantages of non-invasive, portable, real-time monitoring, etc. However, existing sensors still have some problems with efficient sweat collection. Microfluidic channel technology and electrospinning technology are commonly used to collect sweat efficiently, but there are some limitations such as complex channel design and multiple spinning parameters. Besides, existing sensors are mostly based on flexible polymers, such as, PET, PDMS, PI and PI, which have limited wearability and permeability. Based on the above, all fabric and dual-function flexible wearable sweat electrochemical sensor is proposed in this paper. This sensor uses fabric as the raw material to implement the directional transport of sweat and the multi-component integrated detection dual functions. Meanwhile, the high-efficiency collection of sweat is obtained by a Janus fabric, wherein one side of the selected silk is superhydrophobic graft treated and the other side is hydrophilic plasma treated. Therefore, the resulting Janus fabric can effectively transfer sweat from the skin side to the electrode, and the minimum sweat droplet can reach 0.2 μL to achieve micro-volume collection. Besides, the patterned sensor, made of silk-based carbon cloth, is fabricated using a simple laser engraving, which could detect Na+, pH, and glucose instantaneously. As a result, these proposed sensors can achieve good sensing performance and high-efficiency sweat collection dual functionality; moreover, it has good flexibility and comfortable wearability. [Display omitted] • The flexible substrate, electrode and sweat collection layers are all made of fabric. • Full-fabric sweat sensors have good flexibility and wearability. • Full-fabric sweat sensors have the dual functions of sweat collection and detection. • Janus fabric can achieve micro-volume sweat collection of 0.2 μL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is an international regulatory index for evaluating organic water pollution, which requires to be rapidly detected. In this paper, a microbial electrode for rapid BOD sensing has been developed. Carboxyl graphene (GN-COOH) and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been co-electrodeposited on the electrode and microorganisms ( Bacillus subtilis ) have been immobilized onto the modified electrode through covalent bonding. The modification process has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), fluorescence microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The AuNPs with an average particle size of 30 nm are dispersed in the GN-COOH film. The co-electrodeposited film not only facilitates the electron transfer between electrode and reagents, but also creates a biocompatible microenvironment and a rough surface with more sites for cell immobilization. Compared with the traditional BOD electrode including immobilized microbial film and oxygen permselective membrane, the B. subtilis /rGN-COOH-AuNPs/Au electrode simplifies the structure for more effective mass transfer. After modification parameters’ optimization, the response time for detection has been shortened to 3 min. The proposed BOD electrode shows a linear range from 2 to 15 mg/L, indicating its potential in BOD rapid detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) sensor based on a single layer of immobilized microorganisms on electrode for fast detection is investigated. Instead of the previous two-layer structure of oxygen permselective membrane and microorganism membrane, a single layer structure using electrodes as the support for microorganism immobilization has been studied. Amino functional groups on the surface of microorganisms have been bonded with carboxyl modified electrodes. Without extra supports for immobilization, mass transfer resistances are reduced, which facilitates fast current response. B acillus subtilis cells with high biodegradation ability are obtained after 12 h cultivation. The immobilization process has been investigated by CV and EIS. B. subtilis cultivation time, response time and linear range have been optimized. The proposed sensor can reach equilibrium in 5 min which has the advantage for real-time BOD determination in the future. The linear range is 5–30 mg/l with correlation coefficient of 0.978 and limit of detection of 1.65 mg/l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) embedded in chitosan (CHI) film, well-dispersed and smaller in size (about 10 nm), were fabricated by one-step electrodeposion on Au microelectrode in solution containing chitosan and chloride trihydrate. The nano-structure CHI-AuNPs composite film offers abundant amine groups, good conductivity, excellent biocompatibility and stability for antibody immobilization. The combination of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) with immobilized antibody introduces a barrier to electron transfer, resulting in current decreasement. The morphologies and characterizations of modified microelectrodes were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The proposed non-enzyme and label-free immunosensor exhibited high sensitive amperometric response to AFB 1 concentration in two linear ranges of 0.1 to 1 ng mL −1 and 1 to 30 ng mL −1 , with the detection limit of 0.06 ng mL −1 (S/N=3). The immunoassay was also applied for analysis of maize samples spiked with AFB 1 . Considering the sample extraction procedure, the linear range and limit of detection were assessed to be 1.6–16 ng mL −1 and 0.19 ng mL −1 respectively. The simple method showed good fabrication controllability and reproducibility for immunosensor design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for determination of trace mercury in water is developed. The method is performed by extracting mercury firstly with ionic liquids (ILs) and then detecting the concentration of mercury in organic media with anodic stripping voltammetry. Liquid-liquid extraction of mercury(II) ions by four ionic liquids with N -octylpyridinium cations ([OPy] + ) was studied. N -octylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate and N -octylpyridinium trifluoromethylsulfonate were found to be efficient and selective extractant for mercury. Temperature controlled dispersive liquid phase microextraction (TC-DLPME) technique was utilized to improve the performance of preconcentration. After extraction, precipitated IL was diluted by acetonitrile buffer and mercury was detected by differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV) with gold disc electrode. Mercury was enriched by 17 times while interfering ions were reduced by two orders of magnitude in the organic media under optimum condition. Sensitivity and selectivity for electrochemical determination of mercury were improved by using the proposed method. Tap, pond and waste water samples were analyzed with recoveries ranging from 81% to 107% and detection limit of 0.05 μg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing highly efficient electromagnetic (EM) absorbers with a broad bandwidth remains a major challenge for reducing EM pollution originating from the ever-rising electronic and telecommunication devices. Designing core-shell structures containing a magnetic core and dielectric shell could be an effective strategy to tackle this problem. Herein, we report a surface modification strategy to synthesize the FeSiAl/phosphate core-shell materials with unique rodlike structure through a facile surface passivation process. Multilevel phosphate shells are in situ introduced for significantly facilitating the EM absorbing performance by inducing multiple interfacial polarizations and obtain ideal impedance matching. Direct evidence of the morphology and microstructure evolution of resultant FeSiAl/phosphate composites correlated to the EM properties has been systematically investigated. Due to intense synergistic effects between magnetic and dielectric loss, exceptional microwave dissipation capacity can be achieved over an ultra-wide absorption bandwidth of 9.8 GHz at 2.5 mm. • The microstructure evolution at high temperatures has been elaborated at different scales by the focused ion beam technology. • Core-shell structure enhanced the dielectric loss ability by inducing multiple interfacial polarizations and achieved ideal impedance matching. • Superb dissipation capacity has been achieved over an ultra-wide range of 9.8 GHz attributed to the magnetic-dielectric synergistic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Regio- and stereoselective C10β–H functionalization of sinomenine, an economically available natural immunomodulating alkaloid, has been studied, developed and successfully applied to the synthesis of new immunosuppressive sinomenine derivatives in a protecting-free fashion. Regioselective oxidation of sinomenine with (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (DIB) in water provided a single stable benzoquinone derivative 4, and subsequent 1,6-conjugated addition of 4 with alcohols, amines, and thiols afforded a new series of C10β–H functionalized sinomenine derivatives stereoselectively. Some derivatives with a newly introduced 10β-bezenesulfanyl substituent exhibited much higher TNF-α inhibitory potency than their natural parent sinomenine. This work opens a convenient access to novel sinomenine derivatives with medicinal interests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• rGO network in polymer matrix was easily tuned by the loading of rGO. • Formed rGO network was determined by a facile method. • The anticorrosion mechanism as function of rGO network was investigated. A facile method of measuring electrical conductivity was developed to characterize the formation of rGO network in polymer matrix. The electrical conductivity, barrier and anticorrosion of PVP@rGO/epoxy nanocomposite coating were investigated as function of rGO' loading. When the electrical conductivity sharply increased to be seven orders, it indicated the formation of rGO network in polymer matrix in the loading of 0.75wt%. Furthermore, it also confirmed that although a conducting rGO network could effectively hinder the diffusion of electrolytes, yet it also accelerated corrosion at the interface. This strategy dose not only provide a facile method to determine the formation of rGO network in polymer matrix, but also proposes a new insight about effect of rGO' loading on anticorrosion of polymer coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widely distributing in aquaculture waters, ammonia threatens the survival of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) when its concentration become very high. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ammonia tolerance in this economically important fish have not been well uncovered. In this work, based on genome resequencing of a natural population of 300 individuals, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify those loci that are associated with the ammonia resistance. Multiple association analysis methods were employed to verify the accuracy and reliability of our GWAS results. A total of 2,783,352 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, in which 25 SNPs were determined to be correlated with the ammonia tolerance. Interestingly, more than half of these notable SNPs were clustered on the chromosomes 9 and 16. According to their localization in our genome assembly, we founda total of 7 candidate genes, including complement component 3 (c3), clusterin (clu), SCO-spondin (sspo), carboxypeptidase A6 (cpa6), ephrin type-B receptor 3 (ephb3), plexin A2 (plxna2), and serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase family member 3 (sgk3). Among them, the sgk3 gene may be critical since it has been reported to activate many ion channels and transporters, suggesting its potential to transport ammonium (NH 4 +) ex vivo for decreasing ammonia toxicity. The SNPs in this study therefore provide valuable foundation for future marker-assisted selection, which may improve ammonia tolerance to breed high-quality orange-spotted grouper and other fish species. • GWAS with both MLM and FarmCPU was used to identify SNPs associated with ammonia tolerance in orange-spotted grouper. • We identified 25 ammonia-resistant SNPs and 7 candidate genes, and sgk3 gene may be involved in ammonia excretion. • This study will provide valuable genomic resources for future marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]