Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are a valuable tool to monitor changes in viral genomes and determine the genetic heterogeneity of viruses. In this study, NGS was applied to clinical poultry samples from Jordan to detect eleven H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV). All of the viruses tested belonged to Middle East A genetic group of G1 lineage. Deep sequencing demonstrated a high degree of heterogeneity of glutamine and leucine residues at position 226 in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, which increases specificity to either avian or mammalian-type receptors. Moreover, additional amino acid changes in PB1, PA, M1, M2, and NS1 were identified among the viruses tested. Compared to single gene amplification, application of NGS for surveillance and characterization of H9N2 LPAIV provides a complete genetic profile of emerging isolates and better understanding of the potential of zoonotic transmissions to mammals.
Nickel-rich layered oxide cathode materials (LiNixTM(1-x)O2 where x > 0.8) are of great interest because they offer increased capacity compared to current commercial materials while maintaining compatibility with supply chain and production processes already in place. However, recent studies have shown that these materials in their current form are unsuitable for commercial applications due to the accelerated degradation caused by replacing more stable transition metals with the relatively unstable nickel. While various strategies have already been proposed to mitigate this issue, the fundamental degradation mechanism still needs to be better understood to inform the design of the next generation of nickel-rich cathode materials. In this work, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) is combined with titration mass spectrometry (TiMS) to measure gases evolved in a lithium half-cell during cycling as well as surface species which evolve gas upon addition of strong acid to an extracted cathode. Along with qualitative observations of particle cracking by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), these results reveal correlations between particle cracking, electrolyte reactivity, and carbonate oxidation and deposition on the changing cathode surface in nickel-rich cathode materials.
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