Enhanced Chemisorption and Catalytic Effects toward Polysulfides by Modulating Hollow Nanoarchitectures for Long-Life Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Hollow nanostructures with intricate interior and catalytic effects hold great promise for the construction of advanced lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein, a double-shelled hollow polyhedron with inlaid cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen-doped carbon (Co/NC) nanodots (Co-NC@Co9 S8 /NPC) is reported, which is acquired by using imidazolium-based ionic-polymer-encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 as a core-shelled precursor. The Co/NC nanodots promote redox kinetics and chemical adsorbability toward polysulfides, while the interconnected double shells serve as a nanoscale electrochemical reaction chamber, which effectively suppresses the polysulfide shuttling and accelerates ion/electron transport. Benefiting from structural engineering and reaction kinetics modulation, the Co-NC@Co9 S8 /NPC-S electrode exhibits high cycling stability with a low capacity decay of 0.011% per cycle within 2000 cycles at 2 C. The electrode still shows high rate performance and cyclability over 500 cycles even in the case of high sulfur loading of 4.5 mg cm-2 and 75 wt% sulfur content. This work provides one type of new hollow nanoarchitecture for the development of advanced Li-S batteries and other energy storage systems.

Fecal DNA isolation and degradation in clam Cyclina sinensis: noninvasive DNA isolation for conservation and genetic assessment.

BACKGROUND: To avoid destructive sampling for conservation and genetic assessment, we isolated the DNA of clam Cyclina sinensis from their feces. DNA electrophoresis and PCR amplification were used to determine the quality of fecal DNA. And we analyzed the effects of different conditions on the degradation of feces and fecal DNA. RESULTS: The clear fecal DNA bands were detected by electrophoresis, and PCR amplification using clam fecal DNA as template was effective and reliable, suggesting that clam feces can be used as an ideal material for noninvasive DNA isolation. In addition, by analyzing the effects of different environmental temperatures and soaking times on the degradation of feces and fecal DNA, we found that the optimum temperature was 4 °C. In 15 days, the feces maintained good texture, and the quality of fecal DNA was good. At 28 °C, the feces degraded in 5 days, and the quality of fecal DNA was poor. CONCLUSIONS: The clam feces can be used as an ideal material for noninvasive DNA isolation. Moreover, the quality of fecal DNA is negatively correlated with environmental temperature and soaking time.

The Interfacial Electronic Engineering in Binary Sulfiphilic Cobalt Boride Heterostructure Nanosheets for Upgrading Energy Density and Longevity of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

High gravimetric, areal and volumetric capacities together with long lifetime are key indexes for the applications of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries in compact space. The sulfur host materials play pivotal roles in the practical deployment. Herein, one type of new heterostructure nanosheets composed of cobalt boride (CoB) on nitrogen, boron-codoped porous carbon (NBC), which is constructed through molten salt-assisted strategy using ZIF-67-encapsulated ZIF-8 as precursors is reported on. Benefiting from strong interfacial electronic interactions between binary sulfiphilic CoB and porous NBC, the CoB/NBC-S electrode exhibits the excellent cycling stability with low average capacity decay of 0.013% in ultralong 1500 cycles at high rate of 5 C. Remarkably, the electrode with high sulfur content of 82 wt% and high sulfur loading of 5.8 mg cm-2 delivers gravimetric capacity of 1309 mA h g-1 , areal capacity of 7.59 mA h cm-2 , and volumetric capacity of 1355 mA h cm-3 at 0.1 C. The favorable electrochemical performance can rival with the state-of-the-art of those in the reported nanosheets-based sulfur cathodes. This study provides new methodology for the design of heterostructure nanosheets of metal borides to achieve energy density and longevity of Li-S batteries.

The Electrostatic Attraction and Catalytic Effect Enabled by Ionic-Covalent Organic Nanosheets on MXene for Separator Modification of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

It is of great significance to mediate the redox kinetics and shuttle effect of polysulfides in pursuit of high-energy-density and long-life lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, a new strategy is proposed based on the electrostatic attraction and catalytic effect of polysulfides for the modification of the polypropylene (PP) separator. Guanidinium-based ionic-covalent organic nanosheets (iCON) on the surface of Ti3 C2 is presented as a coating layer for the PP separator. The synergetic effects of Ti3 C2 and iCON provide new platforms to suppress the shuttle effect of polysulfides, expedite the redox kinetics of sulfur species, and promote efficient conversion of the intercepted polysulfides. The functional separator endows carbon nanotube/sulfur cathodes with excellent electrochemical performance. The average capacity decay per cycle within 2000 cycles at 2 C is as low as 0.006%. The separator is even effective in the case of sulfur content of 90 wt% and sulfur loading of 7.6 mg cm-2 ; the reversible capacity, areal capacity, and volumetric capacity at 0.1 C are as high as 1186 mA h g-1 , 9.01 mA h cm-2 , and 1201 mA h cm-3 , respectively. This work provides a promising approach toward separator modification for the development of high-performance Li-S batteries.

Ammonia-free fabrication of ultrafine vanadium nitride nanoparticles as interfacial mediators for promoting electrochemical behaviors of lithium-sulfur batteries.

Transition metal nitrides are promising mediators for improving the electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, but the synthesis of ultrafine and durable nanoparticles in the absence of ammonia gas is still a great challenge. Herein, we reported a new method for the fabrication of ultrafine vanadium nitride (VN) nanoparticles uniformly embedded into N-doped porous carbon using a main-chain imidazolium-based ionic polymer (ImIP) containing metavanadate anions as a precursor. ImIP not only serves as sole carbon and nitrogen sources, but also effectively inhibits the aggregation and coalescence of VN nanoparticles during pyrolysis. Benefiting from the ultrafine particle size, high polarity and good electrocatalytic effects of VN, both redox kinetics of sulfur species and chemical adsorbability toward polysulfides are greatly expedited. The resultant electrode exhibits superior cycling stability with a low average capacity decay rate of 0.035% for 1200 cycles at a high rate of 5 C. This work develops a facile ammonia-free approach to fabricate ultrafine VN nanoparticles for improving electrochemical behaviors of Li-S batteries.

cDNA sequence and tissues expression analysis of lipoprotein lipase from common carp (Cyprinus carpio Var. Jian).

A full-length cDNA coding lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was cloned from liver of adult common carp (Cyprinus carpio Var. Jian) by RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approaches. The cDNA obtained was 2,411 bp long with a 1,524 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 507 amino acids. This amino acid sequence contains two structural regions: N-terminus (24-354 residues) and C-terminus (355-507 residues). Before N-terminus, 1-23 residues is signal peptide, 6-23 residues is transmembrance helix. At N-terminus, some conversed functional sites were found, including two N-linked glycosylation sites Asn(41) and Asn(88); one catalytic triad Ser(174), Asp(198) and His(283); one conserved heparin-binding site Arg(321) to Arg(324) (RKNR); eight cysteines residues Cys(69) and Cys(82), Cys(258) and Cys(281), Cys(306) and Cys(325), Cys(317) and Cys(320) which are involved in four disulfide bridges; one polypeptide "lid" that participates in substrate specificity. At C-terminus, Asn(401) is another N-linked glycosylation site, and Trp(434) and Trp(435) (WW) is lipid-binding site. The amino acid sequence has a high similarity, and shows similar structural features to LPL of other species. Tissue distribution of LPL mRNA in liver, head kidney, mesenteric adipose tissue, heart and white muscle of common carp was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR method using beta-actin gene as internal control. The result showed that the expressions of LPL mRNA were detected in all examined tissues of common carp. The expression levels of LPL in the mesenteric adipose tissue was highest among these tissues, following in liver and head kidney, and the lowest expression was found in heart and white muscle.

Ultrafine Ti3C2 MXene Nanodots-Interspersed Nanosheet for High-Energy-Density Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Nanostructured carbon materials have been extensively used for encapsulating sulfur and improving cyclic stability of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, but high carbon content and low packing density greatly limit their volumetric energy density. Herein, we present MXene-based Ti3C2T x (T x stands for the surface terminations) nanodots-interspersed Ti3C2T x nanosheet (TCD-TCS) to accomplish spatial immobilization and conversion of high-loaded sulfur species. Rich surface polar sites in TCD-TCS enhance structural integrity of the resultant electrode, while the absence of the carbon-based materials and conductive additives results in high tap density of the cathode materials. The TCD-TCS/S electrode exhibits an almost theoretical discharge capacity at a medium sulfur loading of 1.8 mg cm-2. Notably, ultrahigh volumetric capacity (1957 mAh cm-3) and high areal capacity (13.7 mAh cm-2) are synchronously achieved at a high sulfur loading of 13.8 mg cm-2. The mechanism study of sulfur evolution during discharge process highlights the importance of the integration of MXene-based nanodots and nanosheets in Li-S batteries. This proposed methodology holds great promise for the development of various high-performance energy storage materials.

Study on sequences of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers of clams belonging to the Veneridae family (Mollusca: Bivalvia).

The first and second internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) regions of the ribosomal DNA from four species, Meretrix meretrix L., Cyclina sinensis G., Mercenaria mercenaria L., and Protothaca jedoensis L., belonging to the family Veneridae were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The size of the ITS1 PCR amplification product ranged from 663 bp to 978 bp, with GC contents ranging from 60.78% to 64.97%. The size of the ITS1 sequence ranged from 585 bp to 900 bp, which is the largest range reported thus far in bivalve species, with GC contents ranging from 61.03% to 65.62%. The size of the ITS2 PCR amplification product ranged from 513 bp to 644 bp, with GC contents ranging from 61.29% to 62.73%. The size of the ITS2 sequence ranged from 281 bp to 412 bp, with GC contents ranging from 65.21% to 67.87%. Extensive sequence variation and obvious length polymorphisms were noted for both regions in these species, and sequence similarity of ITS2 was higher than that of ITS1 across species. The complete sequences of 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene were obtained by assembling ITS1 and ITS2 sequences, and the sequence length in all species was 157 bp. The phylogenetic tree of Veneridae clams was reconstructed using ITS2-containing partial sequences of both 5.8S and 28S ribosomal DNA as markers and the corresponding sequence information in Arctica islandica as the outgroup. Tree topologies indicated that P. jedoensis shared a close relationship with M. mercenaria and C. sinensis, a distant relationship with other species.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Japanese threadfin bream, Nemipterus japonicus (Teleostei, Nemipteridae).

The complete mitochondrial sequence of the Japanese threadfin bream, Nemipterus japonicus has been determined. The circle genome is 16,995 bp in size, and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The gene order and composition of N. japonicus was similar to that of most other teleosts. The base composition of H-strand is 28.11% (A), 28.02% (T), 16.64 % (G) and 27.24 % (C), with an AT content of 56.12%. All genes are encoded on the heavy strand with the exception of ND6 and eight tRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome of N. japonicus presented will be in favor of resolving phylogenetic relationships within the family Nemipteridae and the Perciformes.

The first mitochondrial genome of Coelomactra antiquata (Mollusca: Veneroida: Mactridae) from Guangxi (China) and potential molecular markers.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Coelomactra antiquata (Guangxi, in China, GX) was determined. It is 16 801 bp in length and is the first representative from this province. The mitochondrial genome encodes 35 genes, including 12 PCGs, two ribosomal RNA, and 21 transfer RNA genes. Atp8 and trnSer(UCN) genes are missing, compared with the typical gene content of animal mitochondrial genomes. Three (cob, nad1, nad4, and nad6) of the 12 PCGs in the mitochondrial genome initiate with the ATA, while other PCGs start with ATG. Two PCGs (atp6 and nad4L) end with incomplete stop codons (T-), and the remaining ones have complete stop codons (TAA or TAG). The largest non-coding region of the C. antiquata (GX) contains one section of tandem repeats (5 × 99 bp). Among all PCGs and rRNAs, the nad5 gene contains the maximum polymorphic sites (430), followed by nad4 (261) and cox2 (240). Two ribosomal RNA genes (srRNA and lrRNA) and cox1 are most conservative. The proportions of polymorphic sites in six genes (nad4, nad2, nad6, nad5, cox2, and nad3) are more than 20% (ranging from 20.25% to 25.21%). These high variable genes can be used as molecular markers in the population genetic analysis of the species.

The first representative of Coelomactra antiquata mitochondrial genome from Liaoning (China) and phylogenetic consideration.

Coelomactra antiquata is a famous delicacy and a promising new candidate for aquaculture, which belongs to the family Mactridae (Mollusca: Veneroida). The complete mitochondrial genome of C. antiquata (Liao Ning province, in China, LN) was finished, which is the first representative from this province. The results showed that the total length of LN-mtDNA sequence is 16,797 bp and the content of A + T is 65.01%. It encodes 35 genes, including 12 protein-coding genes, 21 transfer RNA genes and two ribosomal RNA genes. All coding genes are encoded on the heavy strand. Compared with the typical gene content of animal mitochondrial genomes, atp8 and trnSer(UCN) genes are missing in the mitochondrial genome. The complete mitochondrial genome contains 26 non-coding regions (1598 bp), one major non-coding region consists of 1046 bp in which 4.9 tandem repeat sequences (99bp per sequence) was observed. The phylogenetic tree showed that Liaoning population was clustered into one clade with Shandong (Rizhao, Jiaonan and Jimo) and Guangxi (Beihai) populations, meanwhile all of them are far from the Fujian populations (Pingtan, Zhangzhou and Changle). So, Liaoning, Shandong and Guangxi populations have a close relationship. Actually, Fujian is located between Liaoning, Shandong and Guangxi. So, the result challenges the previously assumed relevance between geographic distance and genetic distance. The genetic distance of Liaoning C. antiquata and Fujian (Changle, Zhangzhou and Pingtan) C. antiquata (0.176-0.177) is greater than the genetic distance between Mytilus galloprovincialis and Mytilus trossulus (0.160). The genetic difference of Liaoning population and Fujian populations has reached species level.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the spotted scat Scatophagus argus (Teleostei, Scatophagidae).

The complete mitochondrial sequence of the spotted scat Scatophagus argus has been determined using long amplification polymerase chain reaction (LA-PCR). The total length of sequence is 16,778 bp, and includes 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 1 control region. The base composition of H-strand is 27.23% (A), 27.54% (T), 16.22% (G) and 28.81% (C), with an AT content of 55.08%. The arrangement of genes in S. argus is identical to that of other fish species. All genes are encoded on the heavy strand with the exception of ND6 and eight tRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome of S. argus presented here will contribute to resolve phylogenetic relationships within the family Scatophagidae and the Perciformes.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the redeye mullet Liza haematocheila (Teleostei, Mugilidae).

The complete mitochondrial sequence of the redeye mullet Liza haematocheila has been determined. The circle genome is 16,822 bp in size, and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and a control region. The gene order and composition of L. haematocheila was similar to that of most other teleosts. The base composition of H-strand is 26.42% (A), 26.38% (T), 16.72% (G) and 30.47% (C), with an AT content of 52.8%. All genes are encoded on the heavy strand with the exception of ND6 and eight tRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome of L. haematocheila presented will be in favor of resolving phylogenetic relationships within the family Scatophagidae and the Mugiliformes.

Mitogenomics reveals two subspecies in Coelomactra antiquata (Mollusca: Bivalvia).

The mitochondrial genome sequence of Coelomactra antiquata (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in Zhangzhou (zz-mtDNA) was fully sequenced and compared with that in Rizhao (rz-mtDNA) in this study. A tRNA (tRNA (Met) ) located between tRNA (Ala) and cox1 genes was identified in zz-mtDNA but not in rz-mtDNA. The largest non-coding region (NCR; MNR) contained 11 copies 99nt tandem repeat sequences exclusively in rz-mtDNA, while the second largest NCR with 400 bp between tRNA (Ala) and tRNA (Met) in zz-mtDNA was absent in rz-mtDNA. Secondary structures of ZZ and RZ C. antiquata rRNAs are significantly different. The mitochondrial genomic characteristics clearly indicate that there are at least two subspecies in C. antiquata.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the clam Mactra veneriformis (Bivalvia: Mactridae): has a unique non-coding region, missing atp8 and typical tRNA Ser.

Mactra veneriformis (Bivalvia: Mactridae) is one commonly cultured bivalve species in the western Pacific Ocean. In the current study, the complete mitrochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the clam M. veneriformis was determined. The M. veneriformis mt genome is 16,854 bp in length and encodes 34 genes on the same strand, including 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 20 transfer RNA genes. The length of 12 PCGs is 11,358 bp, which accounts for 67.4% in whole mt genome. The proportion is similar to other clams' mt genomes and within those of bivalves mt genomes. Gene order (which is the same as that of RZ C. antiquata) of M. veneriformis mt genome is compared with that of other veneroids. Compared with the typical gene content of animal mt genomes, atp8 and two tRNA(Ser) genes are missing in the mt genome. All non-coding regions are 1978 bp in length, among them the longest one is speculated as the control region, which is located between the tRNA(His) and tRNA(Arg). The secondary largest non-coding region (NCR(664)) between the tRNA(Gln) and tRNA(Thr) in the M. veneriformis mt genome contains one section of tandem repeats (125 nt × 5.2 or 249 nt × 2.6). The tandem repeats account for 97.89% (650/664) of the NCR(664), which is a unique characteristic of the M. veneriformis mt non-coding regions compared with those of other veneroids.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Membranipora grandicella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida) determined with next-generation sequencing: the first representative of the suborder Malacostegina.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has proven a valuable platform for fast and easy obtaining of large numbers of sequences at relatively low cost. In this study we use shot-gun sequencing method on Illumina HiSeq 2000, to obtain enough sequences for the assembly of the bryozoan Membranipora grandicella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida) mitochondrial genome, which is the first representative of the suborder Malacostegina. The complete mitochondrial genome is 15,861 bp in length, which is relatively larger than other studied bryozoans. The mitochondrial genome contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs and 20 transfer RNAs. To investigate the phylogenetic position and the inner relationships of the phylum Bryozoa, phylogenetic trees were constructed with amino acid sequences of 11 PCGs from 30 metazoans. Two superclades of protostomes, namely Lophotrochozoa and Ecdysozoa, are recovered as monophyletic with strong support in both ML and Bayesian analyses. Somewhat to surprise, Bryozoa appears as the sister group of Chaetognatha with moderate or high support. The relationship among five bryozoans is Tubulipora flabellaris + (M. grandicella + (Flustrellidra hispida + (Bugula neritina + Watersipora subtorquata))), which supports for the view that Cheilostomatida is not a natural, monophyletic clade. NGS proved to be a quick and easy method for sequencing a complete mitochondrial genome.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Coelomactra antiquata (Mollusca: Bivalvia): The first representative from the family Mactridae with novel gene order and unusual tandem repeats.

The complete mitochondrial genome plays an important role in the accurate inference of phylogenetic relationships among metazoans. Mactridae, also known as trough shells or duck clams, is an important family of marine bivalve clams in the order Veneroida. Here we present the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Xishishe Coelomactra antiquata (Mollusca: Bivalvia), which is the first representative from the family Mactridae. The mitochondrial genome of C. antiquata is of 17,384bp in length, and encodes 35 genes, including 12 protein-coding, 21 transfer RNA, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. Compared with the typical gene content of animal mitochondrial genomes, atp8 and tRNAS(2) are missing. Gene order of the mitochondrial genome of C. antiquata is unique compared with others from Veneroida. In the mitochondrial genome of the C. antiquata, a total of 2189bp of non-coding nucleotides are scattered among 26 non-coding regions. The largest non-coding region contains one section of tandem repeats (99 bp×11), which is the second largest tandem repeats found in the mitochondrial genomes from Veneroida. The phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial genomes support the monophyly of Veneridae and Lucinidae, and the relationship at the family level: ((Veneridae+Mactridae)+(Cardiidae+Solecurtidae))+Lucinidae. The phylogenetic result is consistent with the morphological classification. Meanwhile, bootstrap values are very high (BP=94-100), suggesting that the evolutionary relationship based on mitochondrial genomes is very reliable.

Molecular cloning and tissue distribution of lipoprotein lipase full-length cDNA from Pengze crucian carp (Carassius auratus var. Pengze).

A full-length cDNA coding lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was cloned from liver of adult Pengze crucian carp (Carassius auratus var. Pengze) by RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approaches. The cDNA obtained was 1877 bp long with a 1524 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 507 amino acids, including a putative signal peptide of 23 amino acids long. The deduced amino acid sequence has a high similarity and shows similar structural features to LPL of other species. The LPL protein has a calculated molecular mass of 57.7 kDa and isolectric point of 7.85. Tissue distribution of LPL mRNA in mesenteric adipose tissue, liver, heart, head kidney and white muscle of adult Pengze crucian carp was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR method using beta-actin gene as internal control, the result showed that this gene was ubiquitously expressed in all tissues tested with the highest abundance in mesenteric adipose tissue, following in head kidney and liver, and the lowest expression was found in heart and white muscle.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea): the first representative from the subclass Aspidochirotacea with the echinoderm ground pattern.

Complete mitochondrial genome plays an important role in the accurate revelation of phylogenetic relationships among metazoans. Here we present the complete mitochondrial genome sequence from a sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), which is the first representative from the subclass Aspidochirotacea. The mitochondrial genome of A. japonicus is 16,096 bp in length. The heavy strand consists of 31.8% A, 20.2% C, 17.9% G, and 30.1% T bases (AT skew=0.027; GC skew=0.062). It contains thirteen protein-coding genes (PCGs), twenty-two transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. There are a total of 3793 codons in all thirteen mitochondrial PCGs, excluding incomplete termination codons. The most frequently used amino acid is Leu (15.77%), followed by Ser (9.73%), Met (8.62%), Phe (7.94%), and Ala (7.28%). Intergenetic regions in the mitochondrial genome of A. japonicus are 839 bp in total, with three relatively large regions of Unassigned Sequences (UAS) greater than 100 bp. The gene order of A. japonicus is identical to that observed in the five studied sea urchins, which confirms that the gene order shared by the two classes (Holothuroidea and Echinoidea) is a ground pattern of echinoderm mitochondrial genomes. Bayesian tree based on the cob gene supports the following relationship: (outgroup, (Crinoids, (Asteroids, Ophiuroids, (Echinoids, Holothuroids)))).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the ridgetail white prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda Holthuis, 1950 (Crustacean: Decapoda: Palaemonidae) revealed a novel rearrangement of tRNA genes.

The complete mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequence was determined for a ridgetail white prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda Holthuis, 1950 (Crustacea: Decopoda: Palaemonidae). The mt genome is 15,730 bp in length, encoding a standard set of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes, which is typical for metazoans. The majority-strand consists of 33.6% A, 23.0% C, 13.4% G, and 30.0% T bases (AT skew=0.057; GC skew=-0.264). A total of 1045 bp of non-coding nucleotides were observed in 16 intergenic regions, including a major A+T rich (79.7%) noncoding region (886 bp). A novel translocation of tRNA(Pro) and tRNA(Thr) was found when comparing this genome with the pancrustacean ground pattern indicating that gene order is not conserved among caridean mitochondria. Furthermore, the rate of Ka/Ks in 13 protein-coding genes between three caridean species is much less than 1, which indicates a strong purifying selection within this group. To investigate the phylogenetic relationship within Malacostraca, phylogenetic trees based on currently available malacostracan complete mitochondrial sequences were built with the maximum likelihood and Bayesian models. All analyses based on nucleotide and amino acid data strongly support the monophyly of Decapoda. The Penaeidae, Reptantia, Caridea, and Meiura clades were also recovered as monophyletic groups with strong statistical support. However, the phylogenetic relationships within Pleocyemata are unstable, as represented by the inclusion or exclusion of Caridea.