Interfacial Self-Assembly of Organized Ultrathin Films of Tripodal Metal-Terpyridyl Coordination Polymers as Luminophores and Heterogeneous Catalysts for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

Metal-directed interfacial self-assembly of well-defined coordination polymer (CP) ultrathin films can control the metal complex arrangement and distribution at the molecular level, providing a convenient route for the design and fabrication of novel opto-electrical devices and heterogeneous catalysts. Here, we report the assembly of two series of CP multilayers with the transition-metal ions of Fe2+, Co2+, Zn2+ and Tb3+ as connectors and tripodal terpyridyl ligands of 4,4',4″-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tris(1-(4-([2,2':6',2″-terpyridin]-4'-yl)benzyl)pyridin-1-ium) (TerPyTa) and 4,4',4″-(benzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(1-(4-([2,2':6',2″-terpyridin]-4'-yl)benzyl)pyridin-1-ium) (TerPyBen) as linkers at the air-water interface. The as-prepared Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films display strong luminescence, with the emission wavelength and relative intensity dependent on both the metal ions and linkers; among them, the Zn-TerPyTa and Zn-TerPyBen CPs give off the strongest luminescent emission centered at about 370 nm with an emission lifetime of approximately 0.2-0.3 ns. The Tb-TerPyTa CPs can give off emission at approximately 490, 546, 586, and 622 nm, attributed to the 5D4 to 7F3-6 electron transitions of typical Tb3+ ions. Finally, these CP LB films can act as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts for the CO2 reduction to selectively produce CO. The catalytic efficiency can be optimized by adjusting the experimental conditions (light sensitizer, electron donor, and water content) and CP composition (metal ion and ligand) with an excellent yield of up to 248.1 mmol g-1. In particular, it is revealed that, under the same conditions, the catalytic efficiency of the Fe-TerPyTa CP LB film is nearly 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the other metalated complexes investigated in the homogeneous system. UV-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry studies demonstrated that the dual active sites of Fe-terpyridine and TerPyTa units contribute to the enhanced catalytic activity. This work provides an effective method to introduce the earth-abundant metal complexes into CP films to construct efficient noble-metal-free photocatalysts for the CO2 reduction.

Interference Efficiency and Effects of Bacterium-mediated RNAi in the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

RNAi is an effective tool for gene function analysis and a promising strategy to provide environmentally friendly control approaches for pathogens and pests. Recent studies support the utility of bacterium-mediated RNAi as a cost-effective method for gene function study and a suitable externally applied delivery mechanism for pest control. Here, we developed a bacterium-mediated RNAi system in Spodoptera frugiperda based on four target genes, specifically, Chitinase (Sf-CHI), Chitin synthase B (Sf-CHSB), Sugar transporter SWEET1 (Sf-ST), and Hemolin (Sf-HEM). RNAi conducted by feeding larvae with bacteria expressing dsRNAs of target genes or injecting pupae and adults with bacterially synthesized dsRNA induced silencing of target genes and resulted in significant negative effects on growth and survival of S. frugiperda. However, RNAi efficiency and effects were variable among different target genes and dsRNA delivery methods. Injection of pupae with dsCHI and dsCHSB induced a significant increase in wing malformation in adults, suggesting that precise regulation of chitin digestion and synthesis is crucial during wing formation. Injection of female moths with dsHEM resulted in lower mating, fecundity, and egg hatching, signifying a critical role of Sf-HEM in the process of egg production and/or embryo development. Our collective results demonstrate that bacterium-mediated RNAi presents an alternative technique for gene function study in S. frugiperda and a potentially effective strategy for control of this pest, and that Sf-CHI, Sf-CHSB, Sf-ST, and Sf-HEM encoding genes can be potent targets.

Quantitative three-dimensional nondestructive imaging of whole anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria.

Anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria play a key role in the global nitrogen cycle and in nitrogenous wastewater treatment. The anammox bacteria ultrastructure is unique and distinctly different from that of other prokaryotic cells. The morphological structure of an organism is related to its function; however, research on the ultrastructure of intact anammox bacteria is lacking. In this study, in situ three-dimensional nondestructive ultrastructure imaging of a whole anammox cell was performed using synchrotron soft X-ray tomography (SXT) and the total variation-based simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique (TV-SART). Statistical and quantitative analyses of the intact anammox bacteria were performed. High soft X-ray absorption composition inside anammoxosome was detected and verified to be relevant to iron-binding protein. On this basis, the shape adaptation of the anammox bacteria response to iron was explored.

Analysis of the clinical efficacy of tumor resection methods used in 20 patients with clavicular tumor.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively analyze the tumor resection method used in 20 patients with clavicular tumors and evaluate its clinical efficacy. METHODS: A total of 9 patients with clavicular benign tumors underwent intracapsular resection, and 11 patients with clavicular malignant tumors underwent tumor resection from May 2012 to May 2017. Of the 11 patients, 5 underwent clavicular reconstruction using the plate-cement complex. Surgical efficacy was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, Constant-Murley, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder outcome scores preoperatively until 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up care was 33.7 (12-71) months. Of the 20 patients, 3 patients died, 3 survived with tumor recurrence or metastasis, and 14 survived with no tumor recurrence. Among the 5 patients who underwent resection of malignant clavicular tumors and reconstruction, 2 underwent a re-operation because of a loose screw and plate displacement. In the functional assessment of the shoulder joint, patients with benign and malignant clavicular tumors showed significantly higher scores postoperatively compared with preoperative scores. For malignant clavicular tumors, no significant improvement was observed when comparing the non-reconstruction and reconstruction groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is an optimal treatment for clavicular tumors. In patients with benign clavicular tumors, simple intracapsular resection can achieve a satisfactory prognosis. Reconstruction of a clavicular defect after resection of a clavicular malignant tumor is not recommended.

Bodyweight-Related Polyandry in the Tobacco Cutworm Moth Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Recent studies on polyandry evolution have revolutionized our understanding of sexual selection. Therefore, study on traits in females, such as sensory perception and remating strategies, is expected to disclose a greater role of sexual selection in female evolution. Here, we tested how bodyweights of both sexes affected female and male remating behavior in Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Results show most (74.4%; unmated virgin females may be sexually immature) females and males mated the first time in the second scotophase after eclosion. In the subsequent scotophase, 41.9% once-mated females and 94.1% once-mated males mated the second time with a novel virgin mate. Analyses indicate that female remating probability significantly increased with the increase of her own and the second male's bodyweight but decreased with the increase of the first male's bodyweight, while bodyweights of both sexes have no significant effect on male remating probability. Considering the nature of the low level of polyandry (two times on average) and last male precedence in S. litura, we propose that 1) females are more choosy when remating, from which females will benefit indirectly by sequential mate comparison and remate to replace sperm from the previous mates with those from higher quality mates, and 2) males will generally like to remate with any possible females, from which males will gain direct benefit by siring more offspring. The outcome of polyandry rate is likely to be the result of male investment × female choice interactions.

The COL4A3 and COL4A4 Digenic Mutations in cis Result in Benign Familial Hematuria in a Large Chinese Family.

Mutations in the COL4A5 gene result in X-linked Alport syndrome, homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in COL4A3 or COL4A4 are responsible for autosomal recessive Alport syndrome, and heterozygous mutations in COL4A3 or COL4A4 cause autosomal dominant Alport syndrome or benign familial hematuria. Recently, the existence of a digenic inheritance in Alport syndrome has been demonstrated. We here report heterozygous COL4A3 and COL4A4 digenic mutations in cis responsible for benign familial hematuria. Using bioinformatics analyses and pedigree verification, we showed that COL4A4 c.1471C>T and COL4A3 c.3418 + 1G>T variants in cis are pathogenic and co-segregate with the benign familial hematuria. This result suggests that COL4A3 and COL4A4 digenic mutations in cis mimicking an autosomal dominant inheritance should be considered as a novel inheritance pattern of benign familial hematuria, although the disease-causing mechanism remains unknown.

Three Novel Heterozygous COL4A4 Mutations Result in Three Different Collagen Type IV Kidney Disease Phenotypes.

Thin basement membrane nephropathy (TBMN), autosomal dominant Alport syndrome (ADAS), and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are kidney diseases that differ in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Nevertheless, they may result from the same causative genes. Here, we report 3 COL4A4 heterozygous mutations (p.Gly208Arg, p.Ser513Glufs*2, and p.Met1617Cysfs*39) that lead to 3 different collagen type IV kidney disease phenotypes, manifesting as TBMN, ADAS, and FSGS. Using bioinformatics analyses and pedigree verification, we show that these novel variants are pathogenetic and cosegregate with TBMN, ADAS, and FSGS. Furthermore, we found that the collagen type IV-associated kidney disease phenotypes are heterogeneous, with overlapping pathology and genetic mutations. We propose that COL4A4-associated TBMN, ADAS, and FSGS should be considered as collagen type IV kidney disease subtypes that represent different phases of disease progression.

Field implementation of long-distance quantum key distribution over aerial fiber with fast polarization feedback.

Quantum key distribution with polarized qubits has not yet been realized over the aerial fiber, due to rapid polarization changes. Here, we report our recent work towards quantum communication through an aerial fiber channel. We designed a fast polarization feedback module featuring high efficiency, fast speed, and good stability. With this module, we implemented long-distance quantum key distribution over different types of aerial fiber links based on polarization encoding. Our work takes a significant step towards the application of quantum communications in complex environments.

1.25 GHz sine wave gating InGaAs/InP single-photon detector with a monolithically integrated readout circuit.

InGaAs/InP single-photon detectors (SPDs) are the key devices for applications requiring near-infrared single-photon detection. The gating mode is an effective approach to synchronous single-photon detection. Increasing gating frequency and reducing the module size are important challenges for the design of such a detector system. Here we present for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, an InGaAs/InP SPD with 1.25 GHz sine wave gating (SWG) using a monolithically integrated readout circuit (MIRC). The MIRC has a size of 15 mm×15 mm and implements the miniaturization of avalanche extraction for high-frequency SWG. In the MIRC, low-pass filters and a low-noise radio frequency amplifier are integrated based on the technique of low temperature co-fired ceramic, which can effectively reduce the parasitic capacitance and extract weak avalanche signals. We then characterize the InGaAs/InP SPD to verify the functionality and reliability of the MIRC, and the SPD exhibits excellent performance with 27.5% photon detection efficiency, a 1.2 kcps dark count rate, and 9.1% afterpulse probability at 223 K and 100 ns hold-off time. With this MIRC, one can further design miniaturized high-frequency SPD modules that are highly required for practical applications.

[FTIR study of the influence of leaf senescence on magnoliaceae cluster analysis].

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with hierarchical cluster analysis was used to study the influence of leaf senescence on magnoliaceae cluster. FTIR spectra of young, mature and old yellow leaves were obtained from 14 species trees belonging to the three magnoliaceae subtribes. Results showed that the infrared spectra of the three subtribes plant leaves were similar, only with minor differences in the absorption intensity of several peaks. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on the second derivative infrared spectra in the range 1800-700 cm(-1). The HCA results showed that the cluster based on mature leaves is better than that based on young and old yellow leaves. Our study suggests that it should be cautious to select leaf sample while using leaf spectra for classification.

Decomposition of methylamine on nitrogen atom modified Mo(100): a density functional theory study.

Three possible pathways for C-N bond breaking in methylamine have been investigated over clean Mo(100) and nitrogen atom-modified Mo(100) surfaces with a nitrogen coverage of 0.25 monolayer (ML) (N-Mo(100)) firstly, and the C-N bond breaking following the intramolecular hydrogen transfer from the CH3 to NH2 is excluded owing to the high barriers. Then methylamine decomposition starting with C-H, N-H, and C-N scission over the nitrogen atom-modified Mo(100) surface with a nitrogen coverage of 0.5 ML (2N-Mo(100)) has been systematically investigated, and the decomposition network has been mapped out. The thermochemistry and energy barriers for all the elementary steps, starting with C-H, N-H, and C-N scission, and sequential reactions from the resulting intermediates, are presented here. The most likely decomposition path is H3CNH2→ H2CNH2 + H → HCNH2 + H + H → CNH2 + H + H + H → C + NH2 + H + H + H → C + NH3 + H2→ C + NH3(g) + H2(g). For the decomposition reactions involved in the likely decomposition path, there is a linear relationship between the energy of transition state and the energy of final state. For the reverse processes of the dehydrogenation of CH, NH, NH2, it is found that there is a linear relationship between the barrier and the valency of A (A[double bond, length as m-dash]C, N, and NH).

Influence of early fluid overload on bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low-birth-weight infants.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the influence of fluid overload on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low-birth-weight infants (VLBWI) within 1 week after birth. Methods: This was a retrospective case control study conducted in the Jingzhou Central Hospital. The clinical data of VLBWI (with a birth weight [BW] < 1,500 g and 26 weeks ≤ gestational age [GA] < 32 weeks) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of this hospital from January 2016 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 157 cases were enrolled and divided into a BPD group (n = 60) and a non-BPD group (n = 97) according to whether BPD was present. The general condition, fluid intake, and fluid overload of the two groups of neonates within 1 week after birth were compared. The logistic regression was used to assess the association between infant characteristics and BPD. The ROC curve was used to assess how well the 7 day cumulative fluid overload predicted BPD, and to identify an optimal cut off for prediction. Results: The comparison of the patients' general condition revealed that the neonates in the BPD group had a younger GA, lower BW, lower 5-min Apgar score, longer duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, and higher incidence of intrauterine infections and administration of surfactants (P < 0.05). The differences in the other indicators were not statistically significant between the two groups. The logistic regression analysis revealed that a younger GA, the presence of intrauterine infection, and a 7-day cumulative fluid overload were the risk factors for the development of BPD. A ROC curve was plotted with the 7-day cumulative fluid overload as the test variable and BPD as the status variable. The area under the curve was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.664-0.826, P = 0.042), with a sensitivity of 76.7% and a specificity of 70.1%, corresponding to a 7-day cumulative fluid overload of 36.2%. Conclusion: A younger GA, the presence of intrauterine infection, and a 7-day cumulative fluid overload were risk factors for the development of BPD. A 7 day cumulative fluid overload threshold of 36.2% best predicted the development of BPD.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with massive ascites as the first symptom: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is an extremely rare tumor with nonspecific clinical manifestations, which is extremely difficult to diagnose. Herein, we reported a case of MPM in the abdominal cavity with massive short-term ascites as the first symptom. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old woman presented to the hospital with abdominal pain, distention, and shortness of breath that persisted for 15 d. The serum CA-125 level was 1075 U/mL. The abdominal computed tomography showed massive ascites and no obvious tumor lesions. The pathological examination of the ascitic fluid showed numerous heterotypic cells with some papillary structures. The immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization showed the deletion of CDX2 (-), WT-1 (-), Ki-67 (about 10% +), CEA (-), Glut-1 (+++), desmin (-), PD-L1 (-), and CDKN2A (P16). The final diagnosis was MPM. The patient refused tumor cytoreductive surgery and received two cycles of cisplatin plus pemetrexed bidirectional chemotherapy. In the second cycle, she received an additional cycle of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy due to massive recalcitrant ascites. She died of disease progression 2 mo after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In case of massive unexplained ascites, the possibility of MPM should not be excluded to avoid misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.

Early Glaucoma Detection by Using Style Transfer to Predict Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Distribution on the Fundus Photograph.

Objective: We aimed to develop a deep learning (DL)-based algorithm for early glaucoma detection based on color fundus photographs that provides information on defects in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and its thickness from the mapping and translating relations of spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) thickness maps. Design: Developing and evaluating an artificial intelligence detection tool. Subjects: Pretraining paired data of color fundus photographs and SD-OCT images from 189 healthy participants and 371 patients with early glaucoma were used. Methods: The variational autoencoder (VAE) network training architecture was used for training, and the correlation between the fundus photographs and RNFL thickness distribution was determined through the deep neural network. The reference standard was defined as a vertical cup-to-disc ratio of ≥0.7, other typical changes in glaucomatous optic neuropathy, and RNFL defects. Convergence indicates that the VAE has learned a distribution that would enable us to produce corresponding synthetic OCT scans. Main Outcome Measures: Similarly to wide-field OCT scanning, the proposed model can extract the results of RNFL thickness analysis. The structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) were used to assess signal strength and the similarity in the structure of the color fundus images converted to an RNFL thickness distribution model. The differences between the model-generated images and original images were quantified. Results: We developed and validated a novel DL-based algorithm to extract thickness information from the color space of fundus images similarly to that from OCT images and to use this information to regenerate RNFL thickness distribution images. The generated thickness map was sufficient for clinical glaucoma detection, and the generated images were similar to ground truth (PSNR: 19.31 decibels; SSIM: 0.44). The inference results were similar to the OCT-generated original images in terms of the ability to predict RNFL thickness distribution. Conclusions: The proposed technique may aid clinicians in early glaucoma detection, especially when only color fundus photographs are available.

[Effect of Buyang Huanwut decoction on apoptosis of splenocytes in rats with sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the change in number of spleen T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte, apoptotic splenocytes and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein in rats with sepsis; to study the effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) on the immune function in rats with sepsis. METHODS: One hundred and eighty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group (n=30), model group (n=50), BYHWD treatment group (n=50) and BYHWD prevention group (n=50) . Sepsis model was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The rats of BYHWD treatment group and BYHWD prevention group were given BYHWD (1 g/ml) 15 ml/kg at 30 minutes after surgery, and 3 days before surgery, once a day, respectively. The rats were sacrificed and their spleens were harvested at 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 hours after reproduction of the model. Morphological changes in spleen, the expression of T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte, apoptotic cells, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined in all the groups. RESULTS: By light microscopy, it was found that white pulp became atrophic and splenic nodules destroyed after CLP. The pathology was most obvious in model group, followed by BYHWD treatment group, and least obvious in prevention group. CD4(+) T lymphocyte, CD40 B lymphocyte and Bcl-2 protein expression in model group were obviously reduced compared with those of sham operation group, but the number of apoptotic cells and Bax protein expression were elevated, reaching their nadir or peak 24 hours after the surgery [the optical densities (A value): CD4(+) T lymphocyte: 18.28±4.57 vs. 98.60±18.18; CD40 B lymphocyte: 26.96±6.26 vs. 104.87±30.97; Bcl-2 protein expression: 20.23±11.75 vs. 149.67±5.24; apoptotic cells: 241.75±44.79 vs. 14.67±5.24; Bax protein expression: 128.75±44.79 vs. 5.34±4.26, all P<0.01], then they gradually increase or decrease. CD8(+) T lymphocyte count did not significantly changed . The results showed that BYHWD could markedly elevate the level of CD4(+) T lymphocyte and CD40 B lymphocyte, and lower the protein expression of apoptotic cells and Bax. There were no significant changes in the CD8(+) T lymphocyte and Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, the results in the BYHWD prevention group were better than those in BYHWD treatment group (A value: CD4(+) T lymphocyte: 94.12±15.45 vs. 72.37±8.00; B lymphocyte: 90.46±13.34 vs. 55.66±4.23; apoptotic cells: 27.63±9.91 vs. 40.83±16.09; Bax protein expression: 11.63±5.91 vs. 30.83±16.09, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Ninety-six hours after CLP, the above indexes gradually approached to the level of the sham operation group. Correlation analysis showed that cell apoptosis and Bax were positively correlated (r=0.522, P=0.000), but cell apoptosis and Bcl-2 showed negative correlation (r=-0.659, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: BYHWD improves the immunological suppression in rats with sepsis by lowering apoptosis of CD4(+) T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte in spleen, and its underlying mechanism may be that BYHWD produce a decrease of apoptosis through Bax.

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as treatment for upper vaginal leiomyoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is an emerging technique in the area of minimally invasive surgery. Vaginal leiomyoma is a rare benign tumor, with only a few cases being reported in the literature. we demonstrate a novel approach for excision of a vaginal leiomyoma via vNOTES. To ensure reproducibility and replicability akin to a standardized procedure, we have provided a step-by-step video description of the use of vNOTES for upper anterior vaginal myomectomy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 35-year-old female (G2P0A2) presented with a tumor in the upper anterior vaginal wall, which gradually increased in size. DIAGNOSIS: A vaginal examination revealed a swollen area approximately 3-cm in diameter on the upper anterior vaginal wall. The swelling was mobile and solid. All other vitals were normal. Transvaginal ultrasound detected a 3.0 × 3.4 cm hypoechogenic mass on the superior vaginal wall, and a preoperative diagnosis of the vaginal tumor was confirmed. INTERVENTIONS: The upper vaginal leiomyoma treated using transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. OUTCOMES: The procedure lasted for 20 min, and the postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: vNOTES can be a promising alternative to traditional vaginal surgery for upper vaginal disease due to advantages such as excellent exposure, easy access and precise suturing. However, more studies are needed to assess its long-term efficacy.

Mating-Induced Trade-Offs upon Egg Production versus Fertilization and Offspring's Survival in a Sawfly with Facultative Parthenogenesis.

Investigation of mating-induced trade-offs between reproduction and survival is conducive to provide evolutionary insights into reproductive strategies and aging. Here, we used RNAseq and bioinformatics to reveal mating-induced changes of genes and pathways related to reproduction and survival in female Cephalcia chuxiongica, a pine defoliator with facultative parthenogenesis and long larval dormancy. Results showed that mating induced substantial downregulation on genes and pathways associated to immunity, stress response, and longevity. However, mating induced divergent reproductive response, with downregulation on genes and pathways related to egg production while upregulation on genes and pathways related to egg fertilization. Considering the nature of limited resources in adults, low fecundity, and egg protection behavior in C. chuxiongica, we suggest that mating triggers trade-offs between reproduction and survival in this insect and females of this species may have evolved specific strategies to adapt to the environmental and hosts' conditions, e.g., restrict whole fecundity to ensure higher fertilization and offspring's survival. Moreover, mating induced significant responses on genes and pathways that play important roles in vertebrate reproduction while their function in insects are unclear, such as the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway; the significant regulation after mating suggests that their function may be evolutionarily conserved in animal kingdom.

[Spatial heterogeneity of soil fungal diversity in area with presence of Stellera chamaejasme on the degraded alpine meadow]. / é€€åŒ–é«˜å¯’è‰ç”¸ç‹¼æ¯’å‘ç”ŸåŒºåœŸå£¤çœŸèŒå¤šæ ·æ€§çš„ç©ºé—´å˜å¼‚.

Stellera chamaejasme is one of the most serious weeds in Qinhai-Tibetan Plateau, the rapid expansion of which exerts an increasing effect on the alpine meadow ecosystem. With high-throughput sequencing technology, geostatistics and GIS method, the spatial heterogeneity of soil fungal diversity in Stellera occurrence area and the spatial correlation between Stellera coverage and soil fungal diversity were investigated in a typical degraded alpine meadow of the Qilian Mountain. Compared to no-Stellera area, the fungi richness in Stellera area decreased, the dominance increased, and the α-diversity reduced. The difference of fungal species composition enhanced and ß-diversity significantly increased. The spatial pattern of soil fungal diversity was affected by the invasion of Stellera, resulting in higher fragmentation in occurrence area. Spatial heterogeneity of species composition increased remarkably, and spatial stability of α-diversity and ß-diversity decreased. The portion of positive correlation and negative correlation interlaced, indicating no clear spatial correlation between Stellera coverage and soil fungal diversity. Our results indicate that the spatial pattern of soil fungal diversity was affected by the interaction of soil and vegetation in Stellera invaded meadows.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the black-winged fly, Felderimyia fuscipennis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and its phylogenetic relationship within family Tephritidae.

The black-winged fly, Felderimyia fuscipennis (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an insect pest of bamboo shoot, mainly distributed in Thailand, Malaysia and Yunnan Province and Guangxi Autonomous Region, China. The complete sequence of the mitogenome of F. fuscipennis has been determined in this study. The whole mitogenome sequence is 16,536 bp in length, which totally contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a non-coding region (putative control region, CR). The phylogeny indicates that F. fuscipennis of subfamily Trypetinae was monophyletic and clearly separated from both Dacinae and Tephritinae with high bootstrap value supported.

Complete mitochondrial genome of melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera:Tephritidae) from Kunming, Southwest China and the phylogeny within subfamily Dacinae.

The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera:Tephritidae) is an important invasive pest and distributed throughout tropical, subtropical countries and areas. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of the fly with 15, 685 base pair in length, which includes 37 genes (the large and small ribosomal RNA subunits, 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 genes encoding mitochondrial proteins) and a non-coding A + T-rich control region. Molecular phylogeny indicated that there was a high bootstrap value supported among Z. cucurbitae and Z. tau belonging to the Z. tau complex.