Micropattern Fabricated by Acropetal Migration Controlled through Sequential Photo and Thermal Polymerization.

Bottom-up patterning technology plays a significant role in both nature and synthetic materials, owing to its inherent advantages such as ease of implementation, spontaneity, and noncontact attributes, etc. However, constrained by the uncontrollability of molecular movement, energy interaction, and stress, obtained micropatterns tend to exhibit an inevitable arched outline, resulting in the limitation of applicability. Herein, inspired by auxin's action mode in apical dominance, a versatile strategy is proposed for fabricating precision self-organizing micropatterns with impressive height based on polymerization-induced acropetal migration. The copolymer containing fluorocarbon chains (low surface energy) and tertiary amine (coinitiator) is designed to self-assemble on the surface of the photo-curing system. The selective exposure under a photomask establishes a photocuring boundary and the radicals would be generated on the surface, which is pivotal in generating a vertical concentration difference of monomer. Subsequent heating treatment activates the material continuously transfers from the unexposed area to the exposed area and is accompanied by the obviously vertical upward mass transfer, resulting in the manufacture of a rectilinear profile micropattern. This strategy significantly broadens the applicability of self-organizing patterns, offering the potential to mitigate the complexity and time-consuming limitations associated with top-down methods.

Unraveling the distribution pattern and driving forces of soil microorganisms under geographic barriers.

The Altai Mountains (ALE) and the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM) in northern China are forest regions dominated by coniferous trees. These geographically isolated regions provide an ideal setting for studying microbial biogeographic patterns. In this study, we employed high-throughput techniques to obtain DNA sequences of soil myxomycetes, bacteria, and fungi and explored the mechanisms underlying the assembly of both local and cross-regional microbial communities in relation to environmental factors. Our investigation revealed that the environmental heterogeneity in ALE and GKM significantly affected the succession and assembly of soil bacterial communities at cross-regional scales. Specifically, the optimal environmental factors affecting bacterial Bray-Curtis similarity were elevation and temperature seasonality. The spatial factors and climate change impact on bacterial communities under the geographical barriers surpassed that of local soil microenvironments. The assembly pattern of bacterial communities transitions from local drift to cross-regional heterogeneous selection. Environmental factors had a relatively weak influence on myxomycetes and fungi. Both soil myxomycetes and fungi faced considerable dispersal limitation at local and cross-regional scales, ultimately leading to weak geographical distribution patterns.IMPORTANCEThe impact of environmental selection and dispersal on the soil microbial spatial distribution is a key concern in microbial biogeography, particularly in large-scale geographical patterns. However, our current understanding remains limited. Our study found that soil bacteria displayed a distinct cross-regional geographical distribution pattern, primarily influenced by environmental selection. Conversely, the cross-regional geographical distribution patterns of soil myxomycetes and fungi were relatively weak. Their composition exhibited a weak association with the environment at local and cross-regional scales, with assembly primarily driven by dispersal limitation.

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal four species of myxomycetes new to China.

Four species of myxomycetes (Arcyria pseudodenudata, Diderma europaeum, Lycogala irregulare, and Trichia armillata) new to China were observed via light microscope and scanning electron microscope, and detailed descriptions and illustrations are provided, along with comparisons with related species. Among them, A. pseudodenudata was discovered for the first time outside of the type locality, D. europaeum was discovered for the first time outside of Europe, and L. irregulare and T. armillata were reported again after being named. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear 18S rDNA and elongation factor-1 alpha sequences or nuclear 18S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences was performed to provide a molecular basis for morphological identification. These specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of Fungi of Nanjing Normal University.

Elsinochrome A induces cell apoptosis and autophagy in photodynamic therapy.

Elsinochrome A (EA) is a perylene quinone natural photosensitizer, photosensitizer under light excitation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce apoptosis, so can be used for treating tumors, that is so-called photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the molecular mechanism, especially related to apoptosis and autophagy, is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of EA-PDT-induced B16 cells apoptosis and autophagy. The action of EA-PDT on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the mitochondrial function were researched by fluorescence technique and Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Illumina sequencing, tandem mass tags Quantitative Proteomics and Western Blot studied the mechanism at the gene and protein levels. The results indicated that EA-PDT had excellent phototoxicity in vitro. EA could bind to the mitochondria. EA-PDT for 5 min caused MPTP opening, MMP decreasing and abnormal mitochondrial function with a concentration-dependent characteristic. EA-PDT resulted in an increase intracellular ROS and the number of autophagosomes. Caspase2, caspase9 and tnf were upregulated, and bcl2, prkn, atg2, atg9 and atg10 were downregulated. Our results indicated that EA-PDT induced cell apoptosis and autophagy through the mediation of ROS/Atg/Parkin. This study can provide enlightenment for exploring potential targets of drug development for the PDT of melanoma.

Approaching autonomous driving with cautious optimism: analysis of road traffic injuries involving autonomous vehicles based on field test data.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the patterns and associated factors of road traffic injuries (RTIs) involving autonomous vehicles (AVs) and to discuss the public health implications and challenges of autonomous driving. METHODS: Data were extracted from the reports of traffic crashes involving AVs. All the reports were submitted to the California Department of Motor Vehicles by manufacturers with permission to operate AV test on public roads. Descriptive analysis and χ2 analysis or Fisher's exact test was conducted to describe the injury patterns and to examine the influencing factors of injury outcomes, respectively. Binary logistic regression using the Wald test was employed to calculate the OR, adjusted OR (AOR) and 95% CIs. A two-tailed probability (p<0.05) was adopted to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: 133 reports documented 24 individuals injured in 19 crashes involving AVs, with the overestimated incidence rate of 18.05 per 100 crashes. 70.83% of the injured were AV occupants, replacing vulnerable road users as the leading victims. Head and neck were the most commonly injured locations. Driving in poor lighting was at greater risk of RTIs (AOR 6.37, 95% CI 1.47 to 27.54). Collisions with vulnerable road users or incidents happening during commute periods led to a greater number of victims (p<0.05). Autonomous mode cannot perform better than conventional mode in road traffic safety to date (p=0.468). CONCLUSIONS: Poor lighting improvement and the regulation of commute-period traffic and vulnerable road users should be strengthened for AV-related road safety. So far AVs have not demonstrated the potential to dramatically reduce RTIs. Cautious optimism about AVs is more advisable, and multifaceted efforts, including legislation, smarter roads, and knowledge dissemination campaigns, are fairly required to accelerate the development and acceptance.

Identification and Nematicidal Characterization of Proteases Secreted by Endophytic Bacteria Bacillus cereus BCM2.

The endophytic bacterium Bacillus cereus BCM2 has shown great potential as a biocontrol organism against Meloidogyne incognita, which causes severe root-knot diseases in crops. In our previous study, the metabolite of BCM2 showed high nematicidal activity against the M. incognita second-stage juveniles. However, the mechanism employed by endophytic bacteria to infect and kill nematodes is still unclear. Here, we investigate both the endophytic bacterial extracellular proteins with nematicidal activity and their mechanism of killing nematodes. The first step was detecting the nematicidal activities of crude proteins. The results show that the nematode mortality rate reached 100% within 72 h, and the crude proteins damaged both the cuticle and eggshell, before finally destroying the targets. This suggests possible proteinaceous pathogeny in BCM2. Throughout the process, the fine-detail changes in the nematode cuticle and the intestinal structure were observed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. These images show that BCM2 extracellular proteins did not damage the internal organization of the nematode but did severely damage its cuticle, which led to content leakage. From the crude proteins, chitosanase, alkaline serine protease, and neutral protease were purified and identified. The M. incognita-B. cereus BCM2 microenvironment simulation demonstrates that BCM2 adheres to the surface of nematodes and helps the metabolites that were produced by BCM2 to rapidly recognize and kill M. incognita. This relationship between plants, endophytic bacteria, and nematodes offers insight into the biological mechanisms that can be utilized for of nematode management.

Prevalence of child passenger restraint use in Shantou, China from 2012 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: Child passenger safety is an important public health problem in China. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of child passenger restraint use while riding in a car in the city of Shantou in China from 2012 to 2017. METHODS: Three large-scale cross-sectional observational studies were conducted in 2012, 2015 and 2017, respectively. The observation sites included randomly selected hospitals, kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools. The outcome measures included the changes in percentages of seating position (e.g., front vs. rear), whether sitting on lap, and use of child restraint systems (CRS) or seat belts by year and by age group. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to address the study aims. RESULTS: A total of 9858 commuting children aged 17 and younger were observed in passenger cars in Shantou, China during the study. The proportion of children aged 0-5 sitting on adult's lap decreased from 26.6% in 2012 to 24.6% in 2017, while the proportion of CRS use among the children sitting in the rear row increased among children aged 0-5 (from 0.7% in 2012 to 14.2% in 2017) and children aged 6-11 (from 0.7% in 2012 to 2.4% in 2017). Comparing children aged 0-11 in 2012, children in the same ages were less likely to sit in the front row in 2015 (OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.37, 0.48) and in 2017 (OR = 0.27, 95%CI = 0.23, 0.31). Children aged 0-11 were more likely to sit in the rear row with CRS use in 2015 (OR = 8.50, 95%CI = 5.44, 13.28) and in 2017 (OR = 10.95, 95%CI = 7.02, 17.08) comparing with children in the same ages in 2012. As for children aged 12-17, they were more likely to use seat belt in 2017 (OR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.06, 1.85) compared with those children in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: While child passenger safety behaviors improved from 2012 to 2017 in Shantou, China, more efforts are needed to protect child passengers from injuries.

Effects of the Endophytic Bacteria Bacillus cereus BCM2 on Tomato Root Exudates and Meloidogyne incognita Infection.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) cause serious crop losses worldwide. The colonization of tomato roots by endophytic bacteria Bacillus cereus BCM2 can greatly reduce Meloidogyne incognita damage, and tomato roots carrying BCM2 were repellent to M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2). Here, the effects of BCM2 colonization on the composition of tomato root exudates was evaluated and potential mechanisms for BCM2-mediated M. incognita control explored using a linked twin-pot assay and GC-MS. On water agar plates, J2 preferentially avoided filter paper treated with tomato root exudates (organic phase only) from plants inoculated with BCM2, visiting these 67.1% less than controls. In a linked twin-pot assay, BCM2 treatment resulted in a 42.0% reduction in the number of nematodes in the soil, a 43.3% reduction in the number of galls and a 47.7% decrease in the density of M. incognita in root tissues. Analysis of root exudate composition revealed that BCM2 inoculation increased the number of components in exudates. Among these, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, 3,3-dimethyloctane, and n-tridecane secretions markedly increased. In repellency trials on water agar plates, J2 avoided 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, n-tridecane, and 3,3-dimethyloctane at concentrations of 4 mmol/liter. In a linked twin-pot assay, inoculation with 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol or 3,3-dimethyloctane reduced the number of nematodes in the soil (by 54.9 and 70.6%, respectively), the number of galls (by 53.7 and 52.4%), and the number of M. incognita in root tissues (by 67.5 and 36.3%). BCM2 colonization in tomato roots affected the composition of root exudates, increasing the secretion of substances that appear to be repellent, thus decreasing M. incognita J2 infection of roots.

The Life Cycle of Didymium laxifilum and Physarum album on Oat Agar Culture.

The plasmodial slime molds is the largest group in the phylum Amoebozoa. Its life cycle includes the plasmodial trophic stage and the spore-bearing fruiting bodies. However, only a few species have their complete life cycle known in details so far. This study is the first reporting the morphogenesis of Didymium laxifilum and Physarum album. Spores, from field-collected sporangia, were incubated into hanging drop cultures for viewing germination and axenic oat agar plates for viewing plasmodial development and sporulation. The spores of D. laxifilum and P. album germinated by method of V-shape split and minute pore, respectively. The amoeboflagellates, released from spores, were observed in water film. The phaneroplasmodia of two species developed into a number of sporangia by subhypothallic type on oat agar culture. The main interspecific difference of morphogenesis was also discussed.

Endophytic Bacillus cereus Effectively Controls Meloidogyne incognita on Tomato Plants Through Rapid Rhizosphere Occupation and Repellent Action.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), which cause severe global agricultural losses, can establish a special niche in the root vascular cylinder of crops, making them difficult to control. Endophytic bacteria have great potential as biocontrol organisms against Meloidogyne incognita. Three endophytic bacteria were isolated from plant tissues and showed high nematicidal activity against M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) in vitro. The gyrB gene sequence amplification results indicated that the three isolates were Bacillus cereus BCM2, B. cereus SZ5, and B. altitudinis CCM7. The isolates colonized tomato roots rapidly and stably during the colonization dynamic experiment. Three pot experiments were designed to determine the potential of three endophytic bacterial isolates on control of root-knot nematodes. The results showed that the preinoculated B. cereus BCM2 experiment significantly reduced gall and egg mass indexes. The inhibition ratio of gall and egg mass was up to 81.2 and 75.6% on tomato roots and significantly enhanced shoot length and fresh weight. The other two experiments with inoculated endophytic bacteria and M. incognita at the same time or after morbidity had lower inhibition ratios compared with the preinoculated endophytic bacteria experiment. The confocal laser-scanning microscopy method was used to further study the possible mechanism of endophytic bacteria in the biocontrol process. The results showed the localization pattern of the endophytic bacteria B. cereus BCM2-(str')-pBCgfp-1 in tomato root tissues. Root tissue colonized by endophytic bacteria repelled M. incognita J2 infection compared with the untreated control in a repellence experiment. We isolated an endophytic B. cereus strain that stably colonized tomato and controlled M. incognita effectively. This strain has potential for plant growth promotion, successful ecological niche occupation, and M. incognita J2 repellent action induction. It plays an important role in endophytic bacteria against root-knot nematodes.

De Novo Transcriptome Assembly in Shiraia bambusicola to Investigate Putative Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Hypocrellin A.

Shiraia bambusicola is a species of the monotypic genus Shiraia in the phylum Ascomycota. In China, it is known for its pharmacological properties that are used to treat rheumatic arthritis, sciatica, pertussis, tracheitis and so forth. Its major medicinal active metabolite is hypocrellin A, which exhibits excellent antiviral and antitumor properties. However, the genes involved in the hypocrellin A anabolic pathways were still unknown due to the lack of genomic information for this species. To investigate putative genes that are involved in the biosynthesis of hypocrellin A and determine the pathway, we performed transcriptome sequencing for Shiraia bambusicola S4201-W and the mutant S4201-D1 for the first time. S4201-W has excellent hypocrellin A production, while the mutant S4201-D1 does not. Then, we obtained 38,056,034 and 39,086,896 clean reads from S4201-W and S4201-D1, respectively. In all, 17,923 unigenes were de novo assembled, and the N50 length was 1970 bp. Based on the negative binomial distribution test, 716 unigenes were found to be upregulated, and 188 genes were downregulated in S4201-D1, compared with S4201-W. We have found seven unigenes involved in the biosynthesis of hypocrellin A and proposed a putative hypocrellin A biosynthetic pathway. These data will provide a valuable resource and theoretical basis for future molecular studies of hypocrellin A, help identify the genes involved in the biosynthesis of hypocrellin A and help facilitate functional studies for enhancing hypocrellin A production.

Diversity of endophytic fungi associated with the foliar tissue of a hemi-parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis.

Foliar fungal endophytes are an important plant-associated fungal group. However, little is known about these fungi in hemi-parasitic plants, a unique plant group which derive nutrients from living plants of its hosts by haustoria while are photosynthetic to some degree. In this paper, the endophytic fungi in the leaves of a species of hemi-parasitic plant, Macrosolen cochinchinensis, were studied by both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. By culture-dependent method, a total of 511 isolates were recovered from 452 of 600 leaf fragments (colonization rate = 75.3 %) and were identified to be 51 taxa. Valsa sp. was the most abundant (relative abundance = 38.4 %), followed by Cladosporium sp. 1 (13.5 %), Ulocladium sp. (4.3 %), Phomopsis sp. 2 (3.7 %), Hendersonia sp. (3.5 %), and Diaporthe sp. 4 (3.5 %). The Shannon index (H') of the isolated endophytic fungi was 2.628, indicating a moderate diversity. By culture-independent method, Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium sp., Mycosphaerella sp., Acremonium strictum, and Tremella sp. were detected. To our knowledge, the Tremella species have never been detected as endophytes so far. In addition, a cloned sequence was not similar with any current sequence in the Genbank, which may represent a novel species. Altogether, this study documented endophytic fungal assemble in the leaves of M. cochinchinensis which was worthy of our attention, and may expand our knowledge about endophytic fungi within the photosynthetic tissues of plants.

Association of depression with inflammation in hospitalized patients of myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between depression and inflammatory markers in patients admitted to the hospital for myocardial infarction. METHODS: Inflammatory cytokines, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed in a group of 75 depressed participants (score of ≥ 12) and compared to a control group of 75 nondepressed participants (score < 12), all who had been admitted to the hospital for myocardial infarction. The presence of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Beck Depressive Symptoms Inventory II Scale (BDI-II). RESULTS: Depressed myocardial infarction participants had significantly greater levels of TNF-α (t = 2.070, P < 0.05) compared with control myocardial infarction participants. The BDI-II score was positively correlated with TNF-α levels (r = 0.222, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the presence of depressive symptoms is positively associated with TNF-α levels among patients who have suffered from myocardial infarction.

Community structure and assembly of myxomycetes in northern Chinese forests under geographic barriers.

The study of myxomycete biogeography has a long-standing history and has consistently drawn scholarly interest. Nevertheless, studies focusing specifically on the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of myxomycete diversity are relatively limited, with even fewer investigating the mechanisms driving the generation and maintenance of myxomycete diversity. Therefore, this study selected two geographically distant sampling sites within northern Chinese forests to investigate myxomycete species composition, community structure, environmental drivers, and assembly patterns under geographic barriers. We established plots in the Altai Mountains (ALE) and the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM), gathered bark and litter, and conducted 80-day moist chamber cultures of myxomycetes. Additionally, myxomycete specimens were collected in the field simultaneously to supplement the data set. This study collected 541 myxomycete specimens belonging to 73 species from 28 genera, spanning 12 families and eight orders. The ALE and the GKM had 20 identical species, accounting for 27% of the total species. Myxomycetes from both regions exhibited abundant occurrence 18 days after cultivation, with the quantity on bark substrates notably higher than on litter. Arcyria pomiformis and Comatricha elegans were the most common species in moist chamber cultures. Mantel test outcomes revealed that environmental factors had no significant impact on myxomycete community similarity between the two areas, aligning with findings from the neutral community model analysis, indicating a predominant influence of stochastic processes on myxomycete community structure in moist chamber cultures. This study represents the first application of a quantitative framework to analyze myxomycete community assembly cultivated in moist chambers.

The evaluation of four nano-formulations loaded-Elsinochrome A on characteristics and in vitro cytotoxicity effect.

Elsinochrome A (EA) is a naturally occurring photosensitizer with potential applications in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for various malignancies. Despite its promising therapeutic properties, the poor solubility of EA hampers its effective utilization in clinical settings. To circumvent this limitation, we engineered four distinct nano-formulations: PLGA/EA nanoparticles (NPs), CMC-PLGA/EA NPs, mPEG-PCL/EA nanomicelles (NMs), and LHP-CHOL/EA nanoliposomes (NLs), all designed to enhance the solubility of EA. A comparative evaluation of these formulations, based on metrics such as particle size, Zeta potential, drug loading efficiency, and encapsulation efficiency, identified PLGA/EA NPs and mPEG-PCL/EA NMs as the most efficacious candidates. Subsequent in vitro investigations into the drug release kinetics under varying pH conditions and the impact on cell viability and apoptosis in A549 and MCF-7 cell lines were conducted. Remarkably, the maximum drug release for PLGA/EA NPs and mPEG-PCL/EA NMs was recorded at 62.5% and 70.8% in an acidic environment (pH 5.7), respectively. Upon exposure to 460 nm light, PLGA/EA NPs induced a significant reduction in A549 cell viability to 13.8% and an apoptosis rate of 93.8%, whereas mPEG-PCL/EA NMs elicited a decrease in MCF-7 cell viability to 12.8% and an apoptosis rate of 73.0%.

Deformation-Induced Photoprogrammable Pattern of Polyurethane Elastomers Based on Poisson Effect.

Elastomers with high aspect ratio surface patterns are a promising class of materials for designing soft machines in the future. Here, a facile method for fabricating surface patterns on polyurethane elastomer by subtly utilizing the Poisson effect and gradient photocrosslinking is demonstrated. By applying uniaxial tensile strains, the aspect ratio of the surface patterns can be optionally manipulated. At prestretched state, the pattern on the polyurethane elastomer can be readily constructed through compressive stress, resulting from the gradient photocrosslinking via selective photodimerization of an anthracene-functionalized polyurethane elastomer (referred to as ANPU). The macromolecular aggregation structures during stretching deformation significantly contribute to the fabrication of high aspect ratio surface patterns. The insightful finite element analysis well demonstrates that the magnitude and distribution of internal stress in the ANPU elastomer can be regulated by selectively gradient crosslinking, leading to polymer chains migrate from the exposed region to the unexposed region, thereby generating a diverse array of surface patterns. Additionally, the periodic surface patterns exhibit tunable structural color according to the different stretching states and are fully reversible over multiple cycles, opening up avenues for diverse applications such as smart displays, stretchable strain sensors, and anticounterfeiting devices.

Photochemical Design for Diverse Controllable Patterns in Self-Wrinkling Films.

Harnessing the spontaneous surface instability of pliable substances to create intricate, well-ordered, and on-demand controlled surface patterns holds great potential for advancing applications in optical, electrical, and biological processes. However, the current limitations stem from challenges in modulating multidirectional stress fields and diverse boundary environments. Herein, this work proposes a universal strategy to achieve arbitrarily controllable wrinkle patterns via the spatiotemporal photochemical boundaries. Utilizing constraints and inductive effects of the photochemical boundaries, the multiple coupling relationship is accomplished among the light fields, stress fields, and morphology of wrinkles in photosensitive polyurethane (PSPU) film. Moreover, employing sequential light-irradiation with photomask enables the attainment of a diverse array of controllable patterns, ranging from highly ordered 2D patterns to periodic or intricate designs. The fundamental mechanics of underlying buckling and the formation of surface features are comprehensively elucidated through theoretical stimulation and finite element analysis. The results reveal the evolution laws of wrinkles under photochemical boundaries and represent a new effective toolkit for fabricating intricate and captivating patterns in single-layer films.

Dynamic Optical Encryption Fueled via Tunable Mechanical Composite Micrograting Systems.

Optical grating devices based on micro/nanostructured functional surfaces are widely employed to precisely manipulate light propagation, which is significant for information technologies, optical data storage, and light sensors. However, the parameters of rigid periodic structures are difficult to tune after manufacturing, which seriously limits their capacity for in situ light manipulation. Here, a novel anti-eavesdropping, anti-damage, and anti-tamper dynamic optical encryption strategy are reported via tunable mechanical composite wrinkle micrograting encryption systems (MCWGES). By mechanically composing multiple in-situ tunable ordered wrinkle gratings, the dynamic keys with large space capacity are generated to obtain encrypted diffraction patterns, which can provide a higher level of security for the encrypted systems. Furthermore, a multiple grating cone diffraction model is proposed to reveal the dynamic optical encryption principle of MCWGES. Optical encryption communication using dynamic keys has the effect of preventing eavesdropping, damage, and tampering. This dynamic encryption method based on optical manipulation of wrinkle grating demonstrates the potential applications of micro/nanostructured functional surfaces in the field of information security.

Species diversity of corticolous myxomycetes in Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve, China.

The species diversity of corticolous myxomycetes on 4 vegetation types in the Tianmu Mountain National Natural Reserve, eastern China, was examined from 2011 to 2012. A total of 1440 moist chamber cultures were prepared with bark samples, which yielded several hundred collections representing 42 species in 20 genera. It was found that 79% of cultures produced some evidence (either plasmodia or fruiting bodies) of myxomycetes. Eight species (Comatricha elegans, Cribraria confusa, Licea pusilla, Cribraria microcarpa, Collaria arcyrionema, Licea biforis, Arcyria cinerea, and Clastoderma debaryanum) were abundant (exceeding 3% of all records), but about a third of all species were classified as rare. Species richness (S = 33) and diversity (exp[H'] = 16.60, S/G = 1.74) of corticolous myxomycetes were the most diverse in the deciduous broadleaf forest. The species recorded from coniferous forest showed the lowest species richness (S = 21) but the highest evenness (J' = 0.91). The cluster analyses were based on the Bray-Curtis similarity matrix, and the results indicated that corticolous myxomycete assemblages were distributed by a seasonal and annual pattern. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that season and pH were key factors in determining species distribution.

Distribution, assembly, and interactions of soil microorganisms in the bright coniferous forest area of China's cold temperate zone.

The bright coniferous forest area in the cold temperate zone of China is a terrestrial ecosystem primarily dominated by low mountain Larix gmelinii trees. Limited information is available regarding the assembly mechanisms and interactions of microbial communities in the soil in this region. This study employed high-throughput techniques to obtain DNA from myxomycetes, bacteria, and fungi in the soil, evaluated their diversity in conjunction with environmental factors, associated them with the assembly process, and explored the potential interaction relationships between these microorganisms. The findings of our study showed that environmental factors had a more significant influence on the α and ß diversity of bacteria compared to myxomycetes and fungi. Microbial communities were influenced by environmental selection and geographical diffusion, although environmental selection appeared to have a more significant impact than geographical diffusion. Our study suggested that different microorganisms exhibited unique evolutionary patterns and may have different assembly modes within phylogenetic groups. Myxomycetes and fungi exhibited a similar assembly process that was mainly influenced by stochastic dispersal limitation and drift. In contrast, bacteria's assembly process was primarily influenced by stochastic drift and deterministic homogeneous selection. The community of myxomycetes and fungi is greatly influenced by spatial distribution and random events, while bacteria have a relatively stable population composition in specific regions and may also be subject to environmental constraints. Finally, this study revealed that Humicolopsis cephalosporioides, a fungus that exclusively resided in cold environments, may play a critical role as a keystone species in maintaining molecular ecological networks and was considered a core member of the microbiome.