Dual-Parasitic Effect Enables Highly Reversible Zn Metal Anode for Ultralong 25,000 Cycles Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

The use of electrolyte additives is an efficient approach to mitigating undesirable side reactions and dendrites. However, the existing electrolyte additives do not effectively regulate both the chaotic diffusion of Zn2+ and the decomposition of H2O simultaneously. Herein, a dual-parasitic method is introduced to address the aforementioned issues by incorporating 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([EMIm]OTf) as cosolvent into the Zn(OTf)2 electrolyte. Specifically, the OTf- anion is parasitic in the solvent sheath of Zn2+ to decrease the number of active H2O. Additionally, the EMIm+ cation can construct an electrostatic shield layer and a hybrid organic/inorganic solid electrolyte interface layer to optimize the deposition behavior of Zn2+. This results in a Zn anode with a reversible cycle life of 3000 h, the longest cycle life of full cells (25,000 cycles), and an extremely high initial capacity (4.5 mA h cm-2), providing a promising electrolyte solution for practical applications of rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Temporal variations of bacterial and eukaryotic community in coastal waters-implications for aquaculture.

Despite increased attention to the aquaculture environment, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the significance of water quality. To address this knowledge gap, this study utilized high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA to examine microbial communities (bacteria and eukaryotes) in coastal water over different months through long-term observations. The goal was to explore interaction patterns in the microbial community and identify potential pathogenic bacteria and red tide organisms. The results revealed significant differences in composition, diversity, and richness of bacterial and eukaryotic operational taxonomic units (OTUs) across various months. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) demonstrated distinct temporal variations in bacterial and eukaryotic communities, with significant differences (P = 0.001) among four groups: F (January-April), M (May), S (June-September), and T (October-December). Moreover, a strong association was observed between microbial communities and months, with most OTUs showing a distinct temporal preference. The Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05) indicated significant differences in dominant bacterial and eukaryotic taxa among months, with each group exhibiting unique dominant taxa, including potential pathogenic bacteria and red tide organisms. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring changes in potentially harmful microorganisms in aquaculture. Network analysis highlighted positive correlations between bacteria and eukaryotes, with bacteria playing a key role in network interactions. The key bacterial genera associated with other microorganisms varied significantly (P < 0.05) across different groups. In summary, this study deepens the understanding of aquaculture water quality and offers valuable insights for maintaining healthy aquaculture practices. KEY POINTS: • Bacterial and eukaryotic communities displayed distinct temporal variations. • Different months exhibited unique potential pathogenic bacteria and red tide organisms. • Bacteria are key taxonomic taxa involved in microbial network interactions.

Bacterial community in Sinonovacula constricta intestine and its relationship with culture environment.

Although the importance of intestinal microbes to aquaculture animals has been recognized, the intestinal bacteria of Sinonovacula constricta and its culture environment are rarely studied. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to explore the intestinal bacterial communities of pond water, sediment, and S. constricta intestine. Significance analysis and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that there were significant differences in bacterial communities among animals' intestine, pond water, and sediment (p < 0.05). Venn analysis showed that intestinal bacteria shared a considerable number of OTUs (operational taxonomic units) with the sediment and water. SourceTracker analysis suggested that the contribution of sediment to the intestinal bacteria of S. constricta was much larger than that of rearing water. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the dominant bacterial taxa differed significantly between animals' intestines and the pond environment, and each of them has a unique bacterial composition. A network diagram indicated the complex positive and negative interactions between intestinal bacteria at the OTU level. Furthermore, BugBase analysis indicated that the bacterial contribution to potential pathogens in the animals' intestines is similar to that in sediments, suggesting that sediment was the main source of potential pathogens in S. constricta intestine. This study provided a theoretical basis for environmental regulation and disease prevention of S. constricta in aquaculture. KEY POINTS: • Culture environment had a significant effect on the intestinal bacterial community in S. constricta. • Sediment was a major source of intestinal bacteria and potentially pathogenic bacteria. • Complex positive and negative interactions existed between intestinal bacteria.

Self-Assembled FeSe2 Microspheres with High-Rate Capability and Long-Term Stability as Anode Material for Sodium- and Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium- and potassium-ion batteries have attracted intensive attention recently as low-cost alternatives to lithium-ion batteries with naturally abundant resources. However, the large ionic radii of Na+ and K+ render their slow mobility, leading to sluggish diffusion in host materials. Herein, hierarchical FeSe2 microspheres assembled by closely packed nano/microrods are rationally designed and synthesized through a facile solvothermal method. Without carbonaceous material incorporation, the electrode delivers a reversible Na+ storage capacity of 559 mA h g-1 at a current rate of 0.1 A g-1 and a remarkable rate performance with a capacity of 525 mA h g-1 at 20 A g-1 . As for K+ storage, the FeSe2 anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 393 mA h g-1 at 0.4 A g-1 . Even at a high current rate of 5 A g-1 , a discharge capacity of 322 mA h g-1 can be achieved, which is among the best high-rate anodes for K+ storage. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the favorable morphological structure and the use of an ether-based electrolyte during cycling. Moreover, quantitative study suggests a strong pseudocapacitive contribution, which boosts fast kinetics and interfacial storage.

The intestinal bacterial community of healthy and diseased animals and its association with the aquaculture environment.

Although increasing levels of attention have been targeted towards aquaculture-associated bacteria, the bacterial community of animal intestines and its relationship with the aquaculture environment need to be further investigated. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to analyze the bacterial community of pond water, sediment, and the intestines of diseased and healthy animals. Our data showed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant taxa of bacteria across all samples and accounted for more than 90% of the total sequence. Difference analysis and Venn diagrams showed that most of the intestinal bacterial OTUs (operational taxonomic units) of diseased and healthy animals were the same as those of sediment and water, indicating that the aquaculture environment was the main source of intestinal bacteria. Compared with healthy animals, a considerable reduction of OTUs was evident in diseased animals. Welch's t test showed that the dominant bacterial taxa in sediment, water, and animal intestine were significantly different (p < 0.05) and each had its own unique dominant microorganisms. In addition, differences between the intestinal bacteria of healthy and diseased animals were represented by potential probiotics and pathogens, such as Bacillus, Vibrio, Oceanobacillus, and Lactococcus. Principal component analysis (PcoA) showed that a similar environment shaped a similar microbial structure. There was a large difference in the spectrum of intestinal bacteria in diseased animals; furthermore, the spectrum of intestinal bacteria in diseased animals was very different from the environment than in healthy animals. This study provides a theoretical basis for a relationship between the intestinal bacteria of healthy and diseased animals and the environment and provides guidance for environmental regulation and disease prevention in aquaculture areas.

Metagenomic Analysis of the Effect of Enteromorpha prolifera Bloom on Microbial Community and Function in Aquaculture Environment.

Enteromorpha prolifera blooms considerably affected coastal environments in recent years. However, the effects of E. prolifera on microbial ecology and function remained unknown. In this study, metagenomic sequencing was used to investigate the effect of E. prolifera bloom on the microbial communities and functional genes in an aquaculture environment. Results showed that E. prolifera bloom could significantly alter the microbial composition and abundance, and heterotrophic bacteria comprised the major groups in the E. prolifera bloom pond, which was dominated by Actinomycetales and Flavobacteriales. The study indicated that viruses played an important role in shaping the microbial community and diversity during E. prolifera bloom. These viruses affected various dominant microbial taxa (such as Rhodobacteraceae, Synechococcus, and Prochlorococcus), which produced an obvious impact on potential nutrient transformation. Functional annotation analysis indicated that E. prolifera bloom would considerably shift the metabolism function by altering the structure and abundance of the microbial community. E. prolifera bloom pond had the low ability of potential metabolic capabilities of nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphate, whereas promoted gene abundance of genetic information processing. These changes in the microbial community and function could produce serious effect on aquaculture ecosystem.

Graphene oxide wrapped Cu3V2O7(OH)2 · 2H2O nanocomposite with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion storage.

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are widely accepted as one of the alternatives for the graphite anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to the high specific capacity and facile synthesis of nanoscale materials facilitating fast ionic transfer. However, the lower electronic conductivity always impedes the application of TMOs. Herein, we report a graphene oxide wrapped layer-structured Cu3V2O7(OH)2 · 2H2O nanocomposite (CVO/GO) synthesized via an in situ co-precipitation method. It is corroborated that the introduction of GO not only provides more active sites for lithium-ion storage, but also improves the charge transfer rate of the electrode, issuing an enhanced electrochemical performance. As expected, the CVO/GO nanocomposite exhibits an ultrahigh specific capacity of 870 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 compared with CVO nanoparticles. Even at a high current density of 5 A g-1, a specific capacity of 158 mA h g-1 could be achieved for the CVO/GO nanocomposite.

Ti3C2T x MXene decorated with Sb nanoparticles as anodes material for sodium-ion batteries.

A large family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, MXene, has demonstrated potential applications for electrochemical energy storage. 2D MXene sheets may buffer large volume changes and form a 3D conductive network to facilitate the electronic transfer of working electrodes. However, multilayer Ti3C2T x material could only deliver a moderate capacity in sodium ion battery cells, below the requirement of commercial applications. Herein, we decorated multilayer MXene (Ti3C2T x ) with Sb nanoparticles (NPs) via a facile solution-phase method, in which Sb NPs with a diameter of about 5-10 nm are absorbed on the surface of MXene layers by the electrostatic attraction action. The hybrid material Ti3C2T x @Sb-0.5 delivers a higher reversible capacity of 200 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 than that of pure Ti3C2T x (90 mA h g-1), and shows a much better capacity retention of nearly 98% after 500 cycles compared with Sb NPs. Also, it achieves superior rate performance (remaining a capacity of 127 mA h g-1 at 2 A g-1) and excellent long-term stability (a capacity retention of almost 92.3% after 8000 cycles). These results indicate that Ti3C2T x @Sb-0.5 possess a potential for high-performance sodium ion batteries anodes.

High Rate Capability and Enhanced Cyclability of Na3 V2 (PO4 )2 F3 Cathode by In†Situ Coating of Carbon Nanofibers for Sodium-Ion Battery Applications.

A facile chemical vapor deposition method is developed for the preparation of carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite Na3 V2 (PO4 )2 F3 @C as cathodes for sodium-ion batteries. In all materials under investigation, the optimized composite content, denoted as NVPF@C@CNF-5, shows excellent sodium storage performance (86.3 % capacity retention over 5000 cycles at 20 C rate) and high rate capability (84.3 mA h g-1 at 50 C). The superior sodium storage performance benefits from the enhanced electrical conductivity of the working electrode after formation of a composite with CNF. Furthermore, the full cell using NVPF@C@CNF-5 and hard carbon as the cathode and anode, respectively, demonstrates an impressive electrochemical performance, realizing an ultrahigh rate charge/discharge at a current rate of 30 C and long-term stability over 1000 cycles. This approach is facile and effective, and could be extended to other materials for energy-storage applications.

Exploration of Spinel LiCrTiO4 as Cathode Material for Rechargeable Mg-Li Hybrid Batteries.

Mg-Li hybrid batteries have attracted wide interest in recent years because of their potential safety as well as their cost benefit and high volumetric capacity. However, slow kinetic properties strongly hinder their commercial application. In this study, we have prepared spinel LiCrTiO4 by a solid-state reaction and have conducted a comprehensive study aimed at improving the performance of Mg-Li hybrid batteries by optimizing the dual-salt electrolyte. LiCrTiO4 has been found to show reversible discharge/charge capacities of 178 and 169 mA h g-1 in electrolytes of 1 m LiCl and 0.3 m APC (all-phenyl-complex), respectively. When the concentration of APC was increased to 0.4 m, LiCrTiO4 showed a high capacity retention of 95 % after 30 cycles. In addition, no phase transition could be observed for an LiCrTiO4 electrode in a dual-salt system, suggesting high electrochemical reversibility. Ex situ EDX and SEM studies have indicated that only Li+ ions are inserted into the cathode side, while Mg2+ ions are reversibly deposited on the surface of Mg metal without dendrite-like growth, indicative of good safety of the Mg-Li hybrid batteries.

Self-Assembled CoS Nanoflowers Wrapped in Reduced Graphene Oxides as the High-Performance Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

It remains a big challenge to identify high-performance anode materials to promote practical applications of sodium-ion batteries. Herein, the facile synthesis of CoS nanoflowers wrapped in reduced graphene oxides (RGO) is reported, and their sodium storage properties are systematically studied in comparison with bare CoS. The CoS@RGO nanoflowers deliver a high reversible capacity of 620 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 and superior rate capability with discharge capacity of 329 mAh g-1 at 4 A g-1 , much higher than those of the bare CoS. Evidenced by electrochemical impedance spectra and ex-situ SEM images, the improvement in the sodium storage performance is found to be due to the introduction of RGO which serves as a conducting matrix, to not only increase the kinetic properties of CoS, but also buffer the volume change and maintain the integrity of working electrodes during (de)sodiation processes. More importantly, the pseudocapacitive contribution of more than 89 % is only observed in the CoS@RGO nanocomposites, owing to the enhanced specific area and surface redox behavior.

Electrochemical Performance and Storage Mechanism of Ag2 Mo2 O7 Micro-rods as the Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Ag2 Mo2 O7 micro-rods are prepared by one-step hydrothermal method and their lithium electrochemical properties, as the anode for lithium-ion batteries, are comprehensively studied in terms of galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and rate performance measurements. The electrode delivers a high reversible capacity of 825 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 and a superior rate capability with a discharge capacity of 263 mAh g-1 under the high current density of 2 Ag-1 . The structural transition and phase evolution of Ag2 Mo2 O7 were investigated by using ex situ XRD and TEM. The Ag2 Mo2 O7 electrode is likely to be decomposed into amorphous molybdenum, Li2 O, and metallic silver based on the conversion reaction. Silver nanoparticles are not involved in the subsequent electrochemical cycles to form a homogeneous conducting network. Such in situ decomposition behavior provides an insight into the mechanism of the electrochemical reaction for the anode materials and would contribute to the design of new electrode materials in future.

Nano-particle assembled porous core-shell ZnMn2O4 microspheres with superb performance for lithium batteries.

Porous ZnMn2O4 microspheres were prepared via a facile co-precipitation method followed by calcination at various temperatures and evaluated as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The sample prepared at 600 °C outperformed the other samples in terms of electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity, high-rate capability, and excellent cycling performance. The capacity of the sample remained as high as 999 mAh g-1 at a current rate of 100 mA g-1 after 50 cycles-one of the best ever reported for ZnMn2O4-based materials. A high reversible capacity of 400 mAh g-1 was retainable at a current density of 2000 mA g-1 after 2500 cycles. A novel electrochemical reaction mechanism of ZnMn2O4 anodes was established and investigated at length. The Mn3O4 observed during the charge process was largely responsible for the enhanced performance, as confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The relatively large surface area, abundant porosity, large ion exchange space, and strong mechanical stability of the porous connected 3D framework were responsible for the unique oxidation/reduction Mn2+ â†” Mn3+ process we observed.

Electrochemical Properties and Sodium-Storage Mechanism of Ag2 Mo2 O7 as the Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Silver molybdate, Ag2 Mo2 O7 , has been prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction. Its electrochemical properties as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been comprehensively examined by means of galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and rate performance measurements. At operating voltages between 3.0 and 0.01 V, the electrode delivered a reversible capacity of nearly 190 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 20 mA g(-1) after 70 cycles. Ag2 Mo2 O7 also demonstrated a good rate capability and long-term cycle stability, the capacity reaching almost 100 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 500 mA g(-1) , with a capacity retention of 55 % over 1000 cycles. Moreover, the sodium storage process of Ag2 Mo2 O7 has been investigated by means of ex situ XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and HRTEM. Interestingly, the anode decomposes into Ag metal and Na2 MoO4 during the initial discharge process, and then Na(+) ions are considered to be inserted into/extracted from the Na2 MoO4 lattice in the subsequent cycles governed by an intercalation/deintercalation mechanism. Ex situ HRTEM images revealed that Ag metal not only remains unchanged during the sodiation/desodiation processes, but is well dispersed throughout the amorphous matrix, thereby greatly improving the electronic conductivity of the working electrode. The "in situ" decomposition behavior of Ag2 Mo2 O7 is distinct from that of chemically synthesized, metal-nanoparticle-coated electrode materials, and provides strong supplementary insight into the mechanism of such new anode materials for SIBs and may set a precedent for the design of further materials.

Lithium-Rich Layered Oxide Li1.18 Ni0.15 Co0.15 Mn0.52 O2 as the Cathode Material for Hybrid Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Li-rich layered oxide Li1.18 Ni0.15 Co0.15 Mn0.52 O2 (LNCM) is, for the first time, examined as the positive electrode for hybrid sodium-ion battery and its Na(+) storage properties are comprehensively studied in terms of galvanostatic charge-discharge curves, cyclic voltammetry and rate capability. LNCM in the proposed sodium-ion battery demonstrates good rate capability whose discharge capacity reaches about 90 mA h g(-1) at 10 C rate and excellent cycle stability with specific capacity of about 105 mA h g(-1) for 200 cycles at 5 C rate. Moreover, ex situ ICP-OES suggests interesting mixed-ions migration processes: In the initial two cycles, only Li(+) can intercalate into the LNCM cathode, whereas both Li(+) and Na(+) work together as the electrochemical cycles increase. Also the structural evolution of LNCM is examined in terms of ex situ XRD pattern at the end of various charge-discharge scans. The strong insight obtained from this study could be beneficial to the design of new layered cathode materials for future rechargeable sodium-ion batteries.

Cu3 V2 O8 Nanoparticles as Intercalation-Type Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Cu3 V2 O8 nanoparticles with particle sizes of 40-50 nm have been prepared by the co-precipitation method. The Cu3 V2 O8 electrode delivers a discharge capacity of 462 mA h g(-1) for the first 10 cycles and then the specific capacity, surprisingly, increases to 773 mA h g(-1) after 50 cycles, possibly as a result of extra lithium interfacial storage through the reversible formation/decomposition of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film. In addition, the electrode shows good rate capability with discharge capacities of 218 mA h g(-1) under current densities of 1000 mA g(-1) . Moreover, the lithium storage mechanism for Cu3 V2 O8 nanoparticles is explained on the basis of ex situ X-ray diffraction data and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses at different charge/discharge depths. It was evidenced that Cu3 V2 O8 decomposes into copper metal and Li3 VO4 on being initially discharged to 0.01 V, and the Li3 VO4 is then likely to act as the host for lithium ions in subsequent cycles by means of the intercalation mechanism. Such an "in situ" compositing phenomenon during the electrochemical processes is novel and provides a very useful insight into the design of new anode materials for application in lithium-ion batteries.

Assembly of SnSe Nanoparticles Confined in Graphene for Enhanced Sodium-Ion Storage Performance.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted much interest as a low-cost and environmentally benign energy storage system, but more attention is justifiably required to address the major technical issues relating to the anode materials to deliver high reversible capacity, superior rate capability, and stable cyclability. A SnSe/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite has been prepared by a facile ball-milling method, and its structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties have been characterized and compared with those of the bare SnSe material. Although the redox behavior of SnSe remains nearly unchanged upon the incorporation of RGO, its electrochemical performance is significantly enhanced, as reflected by a high specific capacity of 590 mA h g(-1) at 0.050 A g(-1) , a rate capability of 260 mA h g(-1) at 10 A g(-1) , and long-term stability over 120 cycles. This improvement may be attributed to the high electronic conductivity of RGO, which also serves as a matrix to buffer changes in volume and maintain the mechanical integrity of the electrode during (de)sodiation processes. In view of its excellent Na(+) storage performance, this SnSe/RGO nanocomposite has potential as an anode material for SIBs.

Identification and expression analysis of a new invertebrate lysozyme in Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus).

Lysozyme is an important component of the innate immunity system against invading pathogens. An invertebrate (i-type) lysozyme from the hepatopancreas of Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus (Mj-ilys) was identified. The full-length cDNA of Mj-ilys was 580bp with a 429 bp open reading frame encoding a 142 amino acid polypeptide. The encoded polypeptide was predicted to have a 17 amino acid signal peptide, and a 125 amino acid mature protein with a theoretical mass of 14.099 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.18. A Destabilase conserved domain was predicted in Mj-ilys amino acid sequences which may be stable by 10 cysteine residues forming 5 disulfide bonds. Mj-ilys may loss the muramidase and isopeptidase activities due to the lack of the key catalytic residues. Mj-ilys had high homologous of 80-82% with i-type lysozymes of penaeid shrimps. It was first grouped with other i-type lysozyme of shrimps and crabs in a phylogenetic tree predicted by the Neighbor-Joining method. Mj-ilys mRNA was expressed mainly in hepatopancreas and almost undetectable in other tissues. The mRNA expression of Mj-ilys were all found from fertilized eggs to post-larvae of 17 days (PL17), and its expression exhibited significant differences among each developmental stage. After white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge (3.6 × 10(8) virions/µl), the time-dependent expression pattern of Mj-ilys in hepatopancreas and gills showed significantly different. These results indicated that Mj-ilys is potentially involved in the ontogenesis and immune defense in Kuruma shrimp.

P2-NaCo(0.5)Mn(0.5)O2 as a Positive Electrode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

As a promising positive electrode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), layered sodium oxides have attracted considerable attention in recent years. In this work, stoichiometric P2-phase NaCo(0.5)Mn(0.5)O2 was prepared through the conventional solid-state reaction, and its structural and physical properties were studied in terms of XRD, XPS, and magnetic susceptibility. Furthermore, the P2-NaCo(0.5)Mn(0.5)O2 electrode delivered a discharge capacity of 124.3 mA h g(-1) and almost 100% initial coulombic efficiency over the potential window of 1.5-4.15 V. It also showed good cycle stability, with a reversible capacity and capacity retention reaching approximately 85 mA h g(-1) and 99%, respectively, at the 5 C rate after 100 cycles. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry and ex situ XRD were employed to explain the electrochemical behavior at the different electrochemical stages. Owing to the applicable performances, P2-NaCo(0.5)Mn(0.5)O2 can be considered as a potential positive electrode material for SIBs.

Identification and expression analysis of a novel stylicin antimicrobial peptide from Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus).

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of the innate immune system and function as the first line of defense against invading pathogens. In current study we identified, cloned and characterized a novel stylicin AMP from Kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus (Mj-sty). The full-length cDNA of Mj-sty was 428 bp with an open reading frame of 315 bp that encoded 104 amino acids. The theoretical molecular mass of mature Mj-sty was 8.693 kDa with an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.79. A proline-rich N-terminal region and a C-terminal region contained 13 cysteine residues were identified. Genomic sequence analysis with respect to its cDNA showed that Mj-sty was organized into two exons interrupted by one intron. Tissue-specific expression revealed that Mj-sty was mainly transcribed in gills and hemocytes. Expression of Mj-sty in early developmental stages demonstrated that Mj-sty mRNA were present from fertilized eggs to post-larvae of 17 days (PL17), and the expression levels showed a significant variation in different developmental stages. After challenge of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the time-dependent expression pattern of Mj-sty in both gills and hepatopancrease showed down-regulation at the early hours of infection, subsequently up-regulation and down-regulation, and then up-regulation at the end hours to almost the half of the controls. The results indicate that Mj-sty is potentially involved in the ontogenesis and immune responses against WSSV.