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The proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is precisely regulated by extracellular environmental factors. In situ hypoxia, one of the key factors involved in the regulation of NSC characteristics, has attracted increasing amounts of attention. Numerous studies have demonstrated that hypoxia can significantly promote the formation of neurospheres and the proliferation of NSCs in vitro and that intermittent hypoxia can promote the proliferation of endogenous NSCs in vivo. In this article, the effects of different concentrations of oxygen on NSC proliferation and differentiation both in vivo and in vitro are reviewed, and the potential applications of hypoxia-preconditioned NSCs, as well as research progress and challenges in the treatment of central nervous system diseases, are further summarized. Here, the critical role of oxygen in the neurogenesis of NSCs is emphasized, and insights into the use of hypoxia to regulate NSC characteristics are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The instability of rock slope is still a very frequent geological disaster, which seriously affects people's life and production activities. Previous studies have mainly focused on deformation mechanism, prediction, and control of hard rock with single lithology, while there are limited studies on the theoretic computational method of the stability for soft–hard interbedded anti-inclined rock strata. In this study, a geomechanical model for the toppling failure of soft–hard-interbedded anti-inclined rock slope is established. The modes of failure for soft and hard rock strata are analyzed, the computational formula of the downward thrust for each anti-inclined rock stratum is derived, and the stability safety factor of each rock stratum is defined. A theoretical computational method for determining the potentially most dangerous failure surface of soft–hard-interbedded anti-inclined rock slope is proposed. By comparing with the existing research results, the theoretical solving method proposed in this study can well solve the location of the potentially most dangerous failure surface of soft–hard-interbedded anti-inclined rock slope. The potentially most dangerous failure surface of this kind of slope is approximately planar, and the angle between it and the normal plane of the rock strata is an acute angle within 30°. It provides theoretical support for the stability analysis of this kind of slope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species, Panisopsis (Panisopsis) garzeensis Zhong & Guo sp. nov. and Trichothyas (Neothyas) arcuata Zhong & Guo sp. nov. are described and illustrated from China. Both species belong to the subfamily Euthyadinae K. Viets, 1931. Panisopsis (Panisopsis) garzeensis Zhong & Guo sp. nov. represents a new recorded genus and subgenus for Chinese water mite fauna. Meanwhile, the diagnosis of the subgenus Neothyas Lundblad, 1941 was revised according to the new species, Trichothyas (Neothyas) arcuata Zhong & Guo sp. nov.The LSID of the article: http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3EC61C08-8EE8-4D03-8717-CDB5F0D28801The LSID of the Panisopsis (Panisopsis) garzeensis Zhong & Guo sp. nov.: http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:3A7497FE-A35C-4B9F-B230-D5CE7903B17CThe LSID of the Trichothyas (Neothyas) arcuata Zhong & Guo sp. nov.: http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:79BEA829-FB0A-4B1C-992B-59B9EF8E1212 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a main pathological hallmark of Parkinson's and related diseases, which are collectively known as synucleinopathies. Growing evidence has supported that the same protein can induce remarkably distinct pathological progresses and disease phenotypes, suggesting the existence of strain difference among α-syn fibrils. Previous studies have shown that α-syn pathology can propagate from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to the central nervous system (CNS) in a "prion-like" manner. However, the difference of the propagation potency from the periphery to CNS among different α-syn strains remains unknown and the effect of different generation processes of these strains on the potency of seeding and propagation remains to be revealed in more detail. Methods: Three strains of preformed α-syn fibrils (PFFs) were generated in different buffer conditions which varied in pH and ionic concentrations. The α-syn PFFs were intramuscularly (IM) injected into a novel bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mouse line that expresses wild-type human α-syn, and the efficiency of seeding and propagation of these PFFs from the PNS to the CNS was evaluated. Results: The three strains of α-syn PFFs triggered distinct propagation patterns. The fibrils generated in mildly acidic buffer led to the most severe α-syn pathology, degeneration of motor neurons and microgliosis in the spinal cord. Conclusions: The different α-syn conformers generated in different conditions exhibited strain-specific pathology and propagation patterns from the periphery to the CNS, which further supports the view that α-syn strains may be responsible for the heterogeneity of pathological features and disease progresses among synucleinopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reductholaspis Emberson is rediagnosed with the description of a new species, Reductholaspis longicorniculussp. nov. Shen & Yi from southwestern China. This is the first report of the genus Reductholaspis from the Oriental Region and the first described male for the genus. Reductholaspis longicorniculussp. nov. is distinguished from R. analis Hyatt & Emberson by the dorsal shield with 28 pairs of setae, posterior margin of the sternal shield with deep hollows lateral to iv2, latigynal sclerites well developed, metasternal plates ovate, all setae on coxae I–IV pilose, tarsus I with proximal pilose setae, and three pairs of lightly sclerotized platelets between the epigynal shield and anal shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes three new species of genus Cunaxoides, namely, C. reticulatus Chen & Jin sp. nov., C. kanasensis Chen & Jin sp. nov. and C. allokanasensis Chen & Jin sp. nov., which are described and figured from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Gamasodes pachysetis Yao & Jin sp. nov., is described based on deutonymphs and adults from Jiangsu and Taiwan provinces, China. A nominal species, Gamasodes spinigerTrägårdh, 1910, new to China, is redescribed also based on deutonymph and adults from Guizhou Province. A key to Gamasodes species of China is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Lepidocunaxoides (Acariformes: Cunaxidae) is recorded for the first time from China and the generic diagnosis is revised on the basis of both sexes of a new species, Lepidocunaxoides bomiensis Chen & Jin sp. nov.. The new species differs from the known species Lepidocunaxoides robustus Kalúz & Ermilov, 2019 by follows: palpal tibiotarsus claw unbranched apically and tibiotarsus with a proximal bifurcated seta; cheliceral seta and adoral setae absent; propodosomal shield concave anteromedially; tibia II with one bsl. Cunaxoides neopectinatusShiba, 1978 is transferred to Lepidocunaxoides based on the generic concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of Unionicola Haldeman, 1842 (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Unionicolidae) were collected between 2018 and 2019. Notably, Unionicola (Armatax) armata Walter, 1929, previously unrecorded in China, is now documented for the first time in the country. Additionally, Unionicola newsumi Wiles, 1999 has been reclassified and assigned to the new subgenus Vespicola within the genus Unionicola Haldeman, 1842. These findings also led to the establishment of three new subgenera: Micronodusgen. nov., Vespicolagen. nov., and Lingshuiataxgen. nov. including four species: Unionicola soluplatussp. nov. U. jinisp. nov. U. caudipessp. nov. and U. armatallasp. nov. This marks the first description and documentation of these subgenera and species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with two species of Scutascirus. Scutascirus hechiensis Chen & Jin sp. nov. is distinguished from the close species, S. pentascutellusCorpuz-Raros & Garcia, 1996 by the follows: basifemur IV with 2 sts; telofemora III with 4 sts and IV with 3 sts; genu IV with 6 sts; tibia I with 2 bsl and III with 1 bsl; tarsus I with 3 bsl. The male of Scutascirus triangulumLin, Zhang & Ji, 2001 is described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor), is an important biological control agent of Tetranychus urticae Koch in greenhouse crops. Oulenziella bakeri is an important alternative prey for the commercial production of N. californicus. To confirm that the predatory relationship between N. californicus and O. bakeri is beneficial to the reproduction of N. californicus, the functional and numerical responses of N. californicus to O. bakeri and T. urticae were compared when exposed to six prey densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 individuals) under laboratory conditions. An analysis of the logistic regression showed that the adult female N. californicus displayed a type II functional response when fed on O. bakeri and T. urticae eggs and nymphs. The proportion of the consumed prey by N. californicus to the total supplied prey declined, even though the absolute number of predation events increased as the prey density increased. The Holling disc equation revealed that N. californicus had greater attack rates on the eggs (0.86-1.03) and nymphs (0.73-0.93) of T. urticae than those of O. bakeri, which were (0.55–0.73) and (0.71–0.96), respectively. N. californicus had longer handling times for the eggs (0.05–0.09) and nymphs (0.07–0.12) of O. bakeri compared with those of T. urticae, which were (0.03–0.05) and (0.04–0.07), respectively. The numbers of eggs laid by N. californicus feeding on eggs and nymphs of T. urticae were greater than those feeding on O. bakeri; but as the density increased, the difference in the oviposition rates between the predators feeding on two mites decreased. The comparison of the functional and numerical responses of the predator to O. bakeri and T. urticae revealed that the former is a good alternative food in the commercial production of N. californicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Orangescirulinae, Orangescirula lii Chen & Jin sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It is characterized by having 2 claw-like setae, no solenidion and adorsal setae on palpal tibiotarsus, having 5 pairs of hysterogastral setae, 1 bsl and 5 sts on tibia III, 1 asl and 3 bsl on tarsus I. A key to adult females of Orangescirula of the world is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The erythraeid species can be assigned with larva or adult only, or both under current Erythraeidae taxonomy. The present study describes two new erythraeid species from Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (Oriental region). Marantelophus neodubifurcatussp. nov. is based on larvae that were off-host when collected, while Erythraeus (Zaracarus) mossesussp. nov. is based on a female adult, which was preying on an ant when collected, and larvae which were her offspring. The genus Marantelophus is divided into two species groups based on the odontus with or without a subterminal tooth, and M. neodubifurcatussp. nov. belongs to the group with the subterminal tooth. The larval members of the subgenus Erythraeus (Zaracarus) are divided into five species groups, and E. (Z.) mossesussp. nov. belongs to the group with the characters such that AL without swelling near bases, and fn BFe = 2-2-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] WPU surface sizing agents are synthesized with IPDI, PCL, DMPA and EDA. [•] Viscosity increases as NCO/OH molar ratio or DMPA content increases. [•] Particle size increases with NCO/OH molar ratio but decreases with DMPA content. [•] WPU emulsions show different properties as the chemicals-adding sequence varies. [•] The sized papers have much better physical properties than the unsized ones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new species of genus Coleoscirus, namely, C. muscus Chen & Jin sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on both sexes. In addition, we provide a key to adult females of Coleoscirus species from China. The article (A new species of Coleoscirus (Acariformes: Cunaxidae) from China) zoobank is provided below: The new taxa (genera and species) zoobank is provided below: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] WPU emulsions as surface sizing agents are synthesized with TDI and IPDI. [•] Particle size increases as the NCO/OH and TDI/IPDI molar ratio increase. [•] Viscosity increases as the NCO/OH molar ratio and DMPA content increase. [•] Water resistance increases as the NCO/OH and TDI/IPDI molar ratio increase. [•] The sized papers have much better mechanical properties than the unsized ones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: The bright red color of Erythraeid mites is conspicuous. The Erythraeid larvae are usually ectoparasitic on arthropods and easily observed. Both the genera Charletonia and Leptus are distributed worldwide. Charletonia has 86 species and Leptus has more than 240 species based on larvae, respectively. To date, two species of the genus Charletonia and 11 species of the genus Leptus have been reported from China. Here, four new species, Charletonia rectangia Xu and Jin sp. nov. collected from tropical rainforests in the Guangxi Province and Yunnan Province, Leptus (Leptus) bomiensis Xu and Jin sp. nov. from the Tibet Autonomous Region, where the altitude ranges from 2673 to 3374 m, Leptus (Leptus) longisolenidionus Xu and Jin sp. nov. from jungles in the Hainan Province (Hainan Island), and Leptus (Leptus) striatus Xu and Jin sp. nov. from Xishuangbanna tropical rainforests in the Yunnan Province. We believe that this study will contribute to further research on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the family. Four new species, Charletonia rectangia Xu and Jin sp. nov., Leptus (Leptus) bomiensis Xu and Jin sp. nov., Leptus (Leptus) longisolenidionus Xu and Jin sp. nov., and Leptus (Leptus) striatus Xu and Jin sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on larvae. All four new species are from biodiversity hotspots, L. (L.) bomiensissp. nov. from the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot, while the other three species from the Indo–Burma biodiversity hotspot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nickel-doped gold cluster anions, Au n Ni− (n =1–5), were investigated using the density functional method B3LYP with relativistic effective core potentials (RECP) and LANL2DZ basis set. The possible stable geometrical configurations with their electronic states are determined, and many of them in electronic configurations with a high spin multiplicity. The stability trend of the anionic clusters is compared to that of neutral clusters. Our results show that the one excess electron is strong enough to modify the known growth pattern and stability trend of the neutral Au n Ni clusters, and indicate that the stability and electron affinity of the clusters alter with odd-even oscillations as a function of the number of gold atoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wetting of electroless nickel by the eutectic SnAgCu solder alloy was investigated in the as-deposited and annealed conditions. In the as-deposited state, P content in the nickel had a minimal effect on the solderability of the electroless nickel. Upon annealing, numerous nickel phosphide particles precipitated out of the electroless nickel with a high-P content. The presence of these phosphide precipitates reduced the solderability of the electroless nickel both in terms of the wetting force and wetting kinetics. While weakening in the wetting force is related to the inferior contact condition, the slower wetting kinetics is explained in terms of the reduction in the dissolution rate of the electroless nickel from non-soluble phosphide particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ab initio method based on density-functional theory has been used to investigate the Au n Pd− (n=1–5) cluster anions. The possible stable geometrical configurations with their electronic states are determined, and the energy gaps between the HOMO and LUMO of the ground states are investigated. Our results show that the one excess electron is strong enough to modify the known growth pattern of the neutral Au n Pd clusters, and indicate that the larger is the Au n Pd cluster, the smaller are the distortions by the one excess electron. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four new species, Abrolophus quadrapexicis Xu & Jin sp. nov., Grandjeanella dianensis Xu & Jin sp. nov., Leptus (Leptus) trisolenidionus Xu & Jin sp. nov. and Hirstiosoma tibetensis Xu & Jin sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on larvae. The species Hirstiosoma sadafae (Amin, Khanjani & Nadri) comb. nov. is transferred from the genus Sphaerotarsus to Hirstiosoma based on gnathosoma with two pairs barbed hypostomalae (as and bs), as and bs almost equal in length. H. tibetensissp. nov. and G. dianensissp. nov. are from the Tibetan Plateau (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau), a unique geographical unit of the highest altitude in the world. The described H. tibetensissp. nov. from the Tibetan Plateau represents a newly recorded subfamily from China, namely Hirstiosomatinae (Smarididae) with the genus Hirstiosoma. The genus Grandjeanella including six species distributed in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia (Sulawesi), is new to China and the Eurasian continent as G. dianensissp. nov. found in the southern Tibetan Plateau (Gaoligongshan National Natural Reserve). In China Abrolophus has been known from the Oriental realm, A. quadrapexicissp. nov. makes it cover both the Palaearctic and Oriental realm of China. L. (L.) trisolenidionussp. nov. belongs to the phalangii species group and torresianus species subgroup, which contains three species previously known in Oceania (Australia) and South America (French Guiana) and here is the first report in Asia (China). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Erythraeid mite members are large, larvae usually parasitize other arthropods, whereas the nymphs and adults are free-living predators of a small insect. Free-living adults/nymphs and parasitic larvae vary greatly in morphology, and classification is usually treated independently. To date, more than 850 species of erythraeid mites have been recorded. Among them, more than 580 species were described only as larvae. Eatoniana Cambridge, 1898 is a small genus within Erythraeidae comprising, 10 valid species worldwide, three species of which were only reported based on larvae. Erythraeus Latreille, 1806 includes 123 species distributed worldwide, with 69 species reported based on larvae alone. Here, two new species, Eatoniana nanlingensis Xu and Jin sp. nov. from Guangdong Province and Erythraeus (Erythraeus) kunyuensis Xu and Jin sp. nov. from Shandong Province, are described based on larval stage. We believe that the study will contribute to further studies on the taxonomy and phylogeny of Erythraeidae. The species Eatoniana yangshuonicus (Haitlinger) comb. nov. is transferred from the genus Erythraeus to Eatoniana based on the basifemoral setal formula 2-2-1. Two new species, Eatoniana nanlingensis Xu and Jin sp. nov. and Erythraeus (Erythraeus) kunyuensis Xu and Jin sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on larvae. Eatoniana nanlingensis sp. nov. from the Oriental region (Guangdong Province), Er. (Er.) kunyuensis sp. nov. from the Palaearctic region (Shandong Province). An updated key to larval species of the genus Eatoniana of the world is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief introduction of Chinese Hygrobatidae taxonomy is reviewed. A new species, Sinibates xinyaoae Li, Smit & Guo sp. nov. from Hainan province is described representing a new genus Sinibates Li, Smit & Guo gen. nov. A second species, Hygrobates (Minibates) cf. dobriyali Pešić & Smit, 2019, from Hunan province represents a new subgenus, Minibates Li, Smit & Guo subgen. nov. inHygrobates. The other new species, Mixobates neoamurensis Li & Guo sp. nov. from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region adds a newly recorded genus, Mixobates Thor, 1905 from China. Text: LSID Genus:Sinibates Li, Smit & Guo gen. nov.: LSID Species:Sinibates xinyaoae Li, Smit & Guo sp. nov.: LSID Subgenus:Minibates Li, Smit & Guo subgen. nov.: LSID Species:Mixobates neoamurensis Li & Guo sp. nov.: LSID [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports two new species of genus Neoscirula, namely, N. bambus Chen & Jin sp. nov. from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and N. pananensis Chen & Jin sp. nov. from Zhejiang province, which are described and illustrated. A key to adult females of Neoscirula species of the China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of genus Pseudoscirus Wurlitzer & Rocha, 2021, P. menglaensis Chen & Jin sp. nov. is described, which represents a newly recorded genus Pseudoscirus to China. And a key to species (adult females) of Pseudoscirus is given in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diplogyniopsis fluctuosumsp. nov. associated with passalid beetles is described based on females from China on undermined passalid beetles, as well as on females and males from Thailand on Aceraius helferi (Coleoptera: Passalidae). The species represents the second known species of Diplogyniopsis Trägårdh, prompting us to redefine the genus diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Momonides neolandbergi Li & Guo sp. nov. is described in detail, which is the fifth species all over the world in Momonidinae Lundblad, 1941, Momoniidae K. Viets, 1926. The family and subfamily are newly recorded for Chinese fauna. The new species are recorded by camera, optical microscope, and scanning electron microscope. Publication:New species: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brief introduction of Chinese Limnesiidae taxonomy is provided. Adults of two new species, Limnesia (Limnesia) lupingae Li & Guo sp. nov. and Limnesia (Limnesia) macrophthalma Li & Guo sp. nov., from Heilongjiang and Hubei provinces respectively, are described in detail. Subtle structures are recorded with scanning electron micrographs. In addition, deutonymphs of two new species are also described in detail and compared with the adults in discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abrolophus diaoluoensis Xu & Jin sp. nov. with a comb-like seta and palpfemur with a distinct projection is described and illustrated based on larvae from arbours of Hainan Province, China. The genus Abrolophus is new for the fauna of Hainan Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A known species, Scirula papilataLin, 1997 based on samples collected from Hubei Province, China, is redescribed with the detailed illustration and the first description of males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study used the functional Lactobacillus acidophilus producing α-amylase, protease, phytases and β-mannanase to carry out cooperative fermentation of soybean meal. The effects of the inoculating amount, fermentation temperature, fermentation time and the ratio of water to material on the content of acid-soluble protein were studied by the single factor experiment. On this basis, through Box-Behnken design experiment, the quadratic regression model was established, and the optimal fermentation conditions were the inoculated amount of bacterial liquid of 12.3%, the fermentation time of 78.9 h, the fermentation temperature of 36.8 °C, and the ratio of water to material of 0.9 L/kg. Under these conditions, the crude protein content increased by 15.13%, the acid-soluble protein content increased by 66.91%, hemicellulose content decreased by 24.93%, the free amino acid content was 11.62 times higher before fermentation, the trypsin inhibitor content decreased by 91.68%, the urease activity decreased by 95.67%, the phytic acid content decreased by 83.87%, and the viable bacteria count in fermented soybean meal was 1.37x1010 CFU/g. The study indicates that the composite strain fermentation mode can effectively improve the nutrient composition of soybean meal and remove antinutrient factors, so as to improve the utilization rate of soybean meal and provide a reference for the industrial production of fermented soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The female and male of Parasitus quadrichaetus Ma & Cui, 1999 are described for the first time. They show that this species is correctly placed in Parasitus sensu lato and not Coprocarpais Hrúzová & Fenďa, 2018. The deutonymph is also redescribed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species, Caeculisoma allopenlineatus Xu & Jin sp. nov., Dambullaeus jianfengensis Xu & Jin sp. nov., Iguatonia seemani Xu & Jin sp. nov. and Iguatonia xinfengi Xu & Jin sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on larvae ectoparasitic on insects (Hemiptera) from Hainan Province, China. The genus Iguatonia is reported for the first in China. New data for Caeculisoma penlineatus Xu & Jin, 2019 are given. Keys to world species of larval Caeculisoma, Dambullaeus and Iguatonia are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dambullaeus hainanensis Xu & Jin sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on larvae ectoparasitic on Delphacidae (Hemiptera) from Hainan Island, China. A modified generic diagnosis of larval Dambullaeus is provided and a key to the species of larval Dambullaeus is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Oligonychus are redescribed: O. baipisongisMa & Yuan, 1976 and O. chamaecyparisaeMa & Yuan, 1976. Moreover, O. hainanensisMa, Yuan & Lin, 1979 is here recognized as a junior synonym of O. biharensis (Hirst, 1924), which is also redescribed here based on adult females, males and deutonymphs. The redescription of O. baipisongis is based on holotype and paratypes, the types of O. chamaecyparisae could not be located but the species is described from male and female material collected by En-Pei Ma in 1978 from Lanzhou City, Xi-An City and Xining City. The dorsal setae in O. baipisongis show remarkable sexual dimorphism. The difference between the aedeagi of O. chamaecyparisae and Oligonychus perditusPritchard & Baker, 1955 are discussed. All three species are diagnosed, illustrated with line drawings and photographs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caeculisoma semispinus Xu & Jin sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on larvae ectoparasitic on Typhlocybinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Chongqing Municipality, Hubei Province and Hunan Province, China. A key to the larval species of the genus Caeculisoma of the world is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mites, the second largest arthropod group, exhibit rich phenotypic diversity in the development of appendages (legs). For example, the fourth pair of legs (L4) does not form until the second postembryonic developmental stage, namely the protonymph stage. These leg developmental diversities drive body plan diversity in mites. However, little is known about the mechanisms of leg development in mites. Hox genes, homeotic genes, can regulate the development of appendages in arthropods. Three Hox genes, Sex combs reduced (Scr), Fushi tarazu (Ftz) and Antennapedia (Antp), have previously been shown to be expressed in the leg segments of mites. Here, the quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR shows that three Hox genes are significantly increased in the first molt stage. RNA interference results in a set of abnormalities, including L3 curl and L4 loss. These results suggest that these Hox genes are required for normal leg development. Furthermore, the loss of single Hox genes results in downregulating the expression of the appendage marker Distal-less (Dll), suggesting that the three Hox genes can work together with Dll to maintain leg development in Tetranychus urticae. This study will be essential to understanding the diversity of leg development in mites and changes in Hox gene function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with two new species, Atractides (Atractides) bitergumus Zhang & Guo sp. nov. and Atractides (Tympanomegapus) tergumus Zhang & Guo sp. nov., and a new record of a species, Atractides (Atractides) incertus, from Hainan Province, P. R. China. These species are described and illustrated in detail. Article: Atractides (Atractides) bitergumus: Atractides (Tympanomegapus) tergumus: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of genus Cunaxa, namely, C. papilla Chen & Jin sp. nov. and C. striata Chen & Jin sp. nov. are described and illustrated. C. papilla Chen & Jin sp. nov. was collected in Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong province, China. It's similar to C. magoebaensis Den Heyer, 1979, but differs from it by the long finger-like apophysis on the palp telofemur, propodosomal shield with fine papillae and c1, c2, d1, e1, f1 and h1 situated on small platelets. C. striata Chen & Jin sp. nov. was collected in Qingchuan County, Sichuan province and Zhaoqing City, Guangdong province, China. It's similar to C. yaylensisSergeyenko, 2009, but differs from it by the propodosomal shield with broken striae, c1 longer than or equal to f1 and h1 in length, f1 extending beyond the base of h1 and two pairs of hysterogastral setae (hgs1–hgs2). A key to adult females of Cunaxa species of the China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platytetranychus xuzhouensis Wang and Ma 1987 is redescribed and combined as Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma) comb. nov. based on the protonymph, deutonymph, male and holotype female specimens from En-Pei Ma's collections. Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma) comb. nov. can be distinguished from other members of Eotetranychus by the distinct shape of the aedeagus and tarsus I with one tactile seta proximal to duplex setae. The ontogenetic changes in leg chaetotaxy in Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma) comb. nov. are given and discussed. Additional trends and reductive chaetotaxy of the leg segments suggest that Eotetranychus xuzhouensis (Wang and Ma) comb. nov. has its own basic larval-protonymphal pattern of setal additions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The importance of the composition of an energy-restricted diet in the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is unknown. Objectives In this study we aimed to investigate the benefits of a novel dietary treatment (50% calorie restriction diet composed of yogurt, fruit, and vegetables [CR-YD]) in mice with MetS. Methods Forty 7-wk-old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10/group) that were fed for 14 wk ad libitum with a normal diet (ND; 10%:70%:20% energy from fat: carbohydrate: protein) or for 12 wk with a high-fat diet (HFD; 60:20:20) or the HFD followed by 2 wk of feeding with a 50% calorie-restricted HFD (CR-HFD) or YD (CR-YD, 21.2%:65.4%:13.4% energy). Body weight, fat deposition, hepatic steatosis, serum concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, and glucose homeostasis were assessed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to validate the roles of gut microbiota in MetS. Results The HFD group had 50% greater body weight and 475% greater fat deposition than the ND group (P  < 0.05). Compared with the HFD group, the CR-HFD and CR-YD groups had 22% and 31% lower body weight and 49% and 75% less fat deposition, respectively (P  < 0.05). Compared with the CR-HFD group, the CR-YD group had 11% lower body weight, 96% less fat deposition, 500% less hepatic steatosis, 75% lower glucose, and 450% more hepatic Akkermansia bacteria (P  < 0.05). The CR-YD group also had 50% lower histopathology scores and 1.35-fold higher levels of Claudin4 than the CR-HFD group (P  < 0.05). The HFD + CR-YD fecal group had 10.6% lower body weight, 119% lower steatosis, and 17.9% lower glucose (P  < 0.05) than the HFD + CR-HFD fecal group. Conclusions Compared with CR alone, the CR-YD diet has a better therapeutic effect in mice with HFD-induced MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dyneogamasus is transferred to the subfamily Pergamasinae, and the generic diagnosis is revised. A new mite species, Dyneogamasus serratus Yao & Jin sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on females from Fujian province, China. A key to the known species of the genus is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a detailed description of all instars of Parasitus yuensis Ma & Lin, based on collected specimens from haystack, rotten leaves or the body surface of millipedes, and on laboratory reared specimens. The female is redescribed, male and immature instars are described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspongopus chinensis Dallas is used as a traditional Chinese medicine as well as an edible insect. Although its anti-tumor effects have been observed, the anti-tumor active component(s) in the hemolymph of A. chinensis remains unknown. In this study, a combination usage of ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, FPLC and RP-HPLC to separate and purify active peptides was performed based on the proliferation of the human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cell line treated with candidates. One peptide (MW = 2853.3 Da) was isolated from the hemolymph of A. chinensis. A total of 24 amino acid residues were continuously determined for the active peptide: N′-ECGYCAEKGIRCDDIHCCTGLKKK-C′. In conclusion, a peptide that can inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells in the hemolymph of A. chinensis was purified in this study, which is homologous to members of the spider toxin protein family. These results should facilitate further works for this peptide, such as the cloning of genes, expression in vitro by prokaryotic or eukaryotic systems, more specific tests of anti-tumor activity, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a new species of genus Parabonzia and newly recorded genus Bonzia from China. Parabonzia bioxys Chen & Jin sp. nov., which is described and illustrated based on adult females collected from rotten wood in Hainan Province, China, differs from all other Parabonzia by the dorsal seta of the palp telofemur having two tines instead of three or more (most species) or being unbranched (P. mindanensisCorpuz-Raros, 1996). Bonzia halacaroidesOudemans, 1927 is redescribed based on adult females collected from fallen leaves in Jiangxi Province and Chongqing City, China, which represents a newly recorded genus BonziaOudemans, 1927 to China and adds more details and new illustrations to its original description. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper further enriches the taxonomic study of Feltriidae Viets, 1926 in China since it was first reported by Yi & Jin in 2011. Seven species, Feltria hanmaensis sp. nov., Feltria pesici sp. nov., Feltria pseudoparva sp. nov., Feltria expendis sp. nov., Feltria yinjiangensis sp. nov., Feltria neoflatheadensis sp. nov. and Feltria glandulosa sp. nov., are described as new to science; Feltria minuta Koenike, 1892 is new to the Chinese water mite fauna. In addition, some slit organs of these species are photographed by SEM (scanning electron microscope) and illustrated in detail by optical microscope to provide material for exploiting valuable character in specific identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to endure starvation is important for predatory mite survival and its effectiveness as biological control agent. We studied the longevity and functional response of the prodator mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregaor) under starvation stress. N. californicus individuals were treated as three groups: the mites were provided with nothing (group I), with fresh bean leaves (group II), and with water (group III) to the larvae, protonymphs, deutonymphs, adult males and females. Functional response of N. californicus to Tetranychus urticae Koch eggs was evaluated after starvation for 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Results showed that all life stages of N. californicus in group III had the longest survival time among the three groups. Adult females had the strongest ability to endure starvation with a mean survival time of 8.16 d. Females had the ability to lay eggs, but the number of eggs laid was less than a mean of 1.2 eggs per female in the three starvation groups. N. californicus exhibited a Holling's Type II functional response at all hunger levels. The handling time (Th) and attack rate (α) of the predator were not significantly different in all hunger levels. Predation rate of starved 0 h to 72 h initially increased and then decreased. The highest predation rate was recorded when the predators were starved for 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chaetotaxy is an important character especially in mites and can be applied in species diagnosis, phylogenetics, ontogeny, and so on. Chaetotaxic ontogeny of Bdella was carried out through comparing both immature and adult descriptions of eight Bdella species, including a new species, B. xinisp. nov., from China. Based on these species, chaetotaxy changes in Bdella mainly focused on ventral hypostomal setae (vh), setae on palpal basifemur, aggenital setae (ag), genital setae (g), anal setae (ad) and leg setae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new water mites species of the genus Sperchon Kramer, 1877 from China, Sperchon synsetus sp. nov. and Sperchon xiaoqikongensis sp. nov. are described and illustrated in this article. Sperchon synsetus sp. nov. differs from known species of the genus in the following: cuticle covered with very fine spinules arranged in polygonal pattern and each polygon with an annular line inside; two peg-like setae fused at the base on the ventral side of P-IV. Sperchon xiaoqikongensis sp. nov. is characterized by cuticle covered with scale-shaped papillae; P-II with an obtuse projection bearing three setae and A1 setae is plumose. To the present, 18 species of the genus Sperchon have been described from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The density functional method PW91P86 with relativistic effective core potentials (RECPs) and LANL2DZ basis set has been used to investigate the possible stable geometrical configurations and relative stabilities of the lowest-lying isomers of rhodium-doped gold clusters, Au n Rh (n=1–8). Several low-lying isomers were determined. The results indicate that the ground-state Au n Rh, n=1–8, clusters have planar structures except for n=5 and 8. The stability trend of the Au n Rh clusters shows that the clusters with even numbers of atoms are more stable than the clusters with odd numbers of atoms, indicating that the Au5Rh cluster is a magic cluster with high chemical stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]