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Insecticide resistance in Panonychus citri is a major obstacle to mite control in citrus orchards. Pyrethroid insecticides are continually used to control mites in China, although resistance to pyrethroids has evolved in some populations. Here, the resistance to the pyrethroid fenpropathrin was investigated and 7 out of 8 field‐collected populations of P. citri exhibited a high level of resistance, ranging from 171‐fold to 15 391‐fold higher than the susceptible (SS) comparison strain. Three voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) mutations were identified in the tested populations: L1031V, F1747L, and F1751I. Amplicon sequencing was used to evaluate the frequency of these mutations in the 19 field populations. L1031V and F1751I were present in all populations at frequencies of 11.6%–82.1% and 0.5%–31.8%, respectively, whereas the F1747L mutation was only present in 12 populations from Chongqing, Sichuan, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces. Introduction of these mutations singly or in combination into transgenic flies significantly increased their resistance to fenpropathrin and these flies also exhibited reduced mortality after exposure to the pyrethroids permethrin and β‐cypermethrin. Panonychus citri VGSC homology modeling and ligand docking indicate that F1747 and F1751 form direct binding contacts with pyrethroids, which are lost with mutation, whereas L1031 mutation may diminish pyrethroid effects through an allosteric mechanism. Overall, the results provide molecular markers for monitoring pest resistance to pyrethroids and offer new insights into the basis of pyrethroid actions on sodium channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The fruits of the genus Rosa, commonly known as rosehips, have attracted significant attention owing to their rich content of various bioactive compounds. However, their utility is generally secondary to the ornamental appeal of their flowers. This study aimed to explore the quality differences among tea‐scented rosehips found in Yunnan, China, including those of Rosa odorata var. odorata (RO), Rosa odorata var. gigantea (RG), and Rosa yangii (RY). Morphological characteristics, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of their fruits were evaluated. RESULTS: The study revealed significant variability in composition and biological activities based on fruit color. RO exhibited the highest levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and vitamin C, with the strongest antioxidant activity (10.99 μmol Trolox·g−1), followed by RG (7.91 μmol Trolox·g−1) and RY (6.52 μmol Trolox·g−1). This supports RO's potential as a functional food source. Untargeted metabolomics identified and quantified 502 metabolites, with flavonoids (171) and phenolic acids (147) as the main metabolites. The differential metabolites among the fruits are primarily enriched for flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. Insights into color formation supported the role of anthocyanins, flavones, and flavonols in fruit color variation. CONCLUSION: Tea‐scented rosehips offer vibrant colors and high nutritional value with potent biological activities. Rosa odorata var. odorata stands out as a functional food source owing to its rich bioactive compounds. These findings lay the groundwork for utilizing rosehips in functional foods, health supplements, and food additives, emphasizing the practical and beneficial applications of Rosa spp. independent of their ornamental value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the ongoing uplift and expansion of the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, the front edge of the Sichuan‐Yunnan rhombic block (SYB) has experienced intense tectonic activity and frequent seismicity. In this study, the fluid geochemistry in the primary active faults at the front edge of the SYB was investigated, with the aim of understanding the tectonic activity and intersection relationship between the Xiaojiang fault (XJF) and the Red River fault (RRF). Thermal spring water and gases exhibit a coupled spatial distribution relationship; relatively high ion concentrations and 3He/4He ratios (Rc/Ra ratios of 0.21 to 0.62Ra) are observed along the RRF, Qujiang fault (QJF), and Shiping‐Jianshui fault (SJF). Multidisciplinary research results have indicated that mantle‐derived intrusion has been detected in the crust beneath the QJF and SJF. The current tectonic activity in the front edge of the SYB remains intense, with compressive stresses shifting toward the western side of the XJF and accumulating on the QJF and SJF. This has led to the development of fractures, enhancing the water–rock interaction and deep‐derived gas degassing along the faults. The unmixing characteristics of fluids at the intersection area of these two faults suggest the absence of conduits for fluid migration between the faults. Owing to the lower gas 3He/4He ratios, lower shear strain rates, stable reservoir temperature field, and extremely low historical seismicity in the Indo‐Chinese block, it is speculated that the current movement of the XJF may not cut through the RRF and continue southward. Plain Language Summary: Fluids serve as carriers of information regarding deep activities, and are known to migrate along active faults. Additionally, fluid geochemistry is highly sensitive to tectonic activity. Given the intense tectonic activity and frequent seismicity experienced at the front edge of the Sichuan‐Yunnan rhombic block (SYB), our study focuses on investigating the fluid geochemical characteristics of the primary active faults in this region. Significant spatial differences in fluid chemistry are observed, particularly with respect to relatively high ion concentrations and mantle He values along the Red River fault (RRF), Qujiang fault (QJF), and Shiping‐Jianshui fault (SJF). Furthermore, the lack of conduits facilitating fluid migration between the Xiaojiang (XJF) and RRF is evident from the distinct unmixed characteristics of the fluids. Multidisciplinary results indicate the presence of mantle‐derived intrusion into the crust beneath the QJF and SJF. The compressive stresses have shifted toward the western side of the XJF and are accumulated on the QJF and SJF, resulting in the observed spatial variations in fluid geochemistry. Ultimately, these spatial differences can be attributed to the unique intersection relationship between the XJF and RRF. Key Points: Mantle‐derived intrusion has been detected in the crust beneath the Qujiang fault (QJF) and Shiping‐Jianshui fault (SJF)Tectonics remains active at the front edge of the Sichuan‐Yunnan block, and stresses accumulate on the QJF and SJFThe current movement of the Xiaojiang fault may not cut through the Red River fault and continue southward [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceropegia sunhangiana P.R.Luo and T.Deng, a new species from Qiaojia, northeast Yunnan, southwest China, is described and illustrated herein based on its morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. This species is similar to C. christenseniana, and C. sinoerecta but can be distinguished easily by its stem, indumentum, leaf, and floral features, especially the corolla shape and size, the corolla tube and lobe characters. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, trnL‐trnF, trnS‐trnG, psbA‐trnH and rps16 sequences shows that this new species belongs to C. sect. Chionopegia H.Huber with strong support, which was mutually verified by morphology analyses. A table including the morphological characters of related species and a dichotomous key to all 25 species of Ceropegia in China are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anninghe fault forms the eastern boundary of the Sichuan‐Yunnan block in Southwest China and has been identified as an earthquake gap zone. This study intends to construct the upper crustal shear wave velocity (Vs) structure beneath the Anninghe fault to understand its seismotectonics and potential large earthquake hazards. We deployed a dense seismic array along the southern central Anninghe fault valley. From the 3‐month continuous records, we calculated vertical‐component cross‐correlation functions (CCFs). However, the surface wave signals in the CCFs are intensely interfered by near zero‐time‐lag noise. We proposed a mode separation method based on the high‐resolution linear Radon transform, which suppressed the interfered noise and greatly enhanced the surface wave signals for ambient noise tomography of the Vs structure. The fine upper crustal structure reveals a distinct narrow low‐velocity belt within a depth of 3 km beneath the Anninghe fault zone. At deeper depths (4.5–8 km), the narrow low‐velocity belt shifts to the east and correlates with the distribution of local earthquakes. Combining previous results with our new findings, we presented a seismotectonic model of the southern central Anninghe fault, which interprets the narrow low‐velocity belt as a water‐contained fracture zone that forms a seismogenic zone at deeper depths under transpression. In addition, we demonstrated through scenario earthquake simulations that fine structures play a significant role in the assessment of earthquake hazards along the Anninghe fault. As such, this study provides a typical window into seismotectonics and large earthquake hazards in the active southeastern Tibetan Plateau. Plain Language Summary: The Anninghe fault is located in Southwest China, and it has experienced a series of large earthquakes (M ≥ 7) during its history. However, the Anninghe fault has been silent for nearly 30 years; it has been suggested that there is a high risk of large earthquakes occurring there. To investigate the deep structural background and potential earthquake hazards associated with the Anninghe fault zone, we deployed a dense seismic array along this fault zone. During data processing, we proposed a method to eliminate coherent noise and enhance the signals considerably, which is essential for the subsequent tomography of the structures underneath. The final tomographic model shows that the Anninghe fault zone has a distinctively low seismic wave speed at shallow depths and dips to the east at deeper depths. As this observation agrees with the distribution of local earthquakes and previous findings, it may indicate the existence of a seismogenic zone capable of generating earthquakes. Additionally, we further demonstrated through simulations of large earthquakes that the high‐resolution model developed in this study is important for assessing earthquake hazards along the Anninghe fault. Key Points: A mode separation technique is proposed to suppress near zero‐time‐lag noise in cross‐correlation functions for ambient noise tomographyThe fine upper crustal Vs model reveals an apparent low‐velocity belt consistent with local earthquakes beneath the Anninghe fault zoneScenario earthquake simulations highlight the significance of fine structures in assessing large earthquake hazards [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue virus (DV) has occasionally emerged at epidemic levels in Yunnan, China. Vaccine development is limited by antibody‐dependent enhancement and a lack of good animal models. Thus, the study investigated cross infection based on maternal immunity in BALB/c mice and assessed the risk of cross infection by DV2‐D13113 and DV3‐YNWS2 epidemic virus strains. DV replicated within the organs of the BALB/c infant mice, even causing death. Particularly, DV3‐infected infant mice were at higher risk of severe disease if their mothers were infected with DV2. Although BALB/c adults and pups survived DV2/DV3 infection and produced anti‐DV antibodies after 5–8 days, extensive subcutaneous vascular leakage was observed after secondary DV infection. Furthermore, vascular permeability in the lung and kidney significantly increased in offspring born to heterotypic virus‐infected mothers. Thus, vascular leakage indicates severe DV infection. The results indicate that maternal immunity increases the severity of subsequent heterotypic infection. Additionally, secondary cross infection by D13113 and YNWS2 represents a risk of serious disease. This study has implications for studies of DV cross infection and vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indo‐Pacific warm pool affects the regional climatic conditions in Southeast Asia mediated by the Western Pacific (WP) and Indian Ocean (IO) monsoons, which are recognized as critical regulators of wildfires in this region. Our study explored the spatiotemporal effects of the warm pools on wildfire records in Yunnan, Southwest China. We showed the interannual records had a negative relationship with the simultaneous WP warm pool area index. The Ailao Mountains in the central Yunnan could be a geographical barrier that blocked the influences of the WP warm pool from the east side. For the intraannual changes, the wildfire number variations had a stronger connection to the IO warm pool dynamics than the WP. Our study provided the novel evidence on the teleconnection between the Indo‐Pacific warm pool dynamics and regional environmental processes in Yunnan, also indicating this area as a part of the transitional zone between the two warm pools. Plain Language Summary: The ocean warm pool is widely considered important to the regional climatic and environmental events. As the largest and most active warm pool, the Indo‐Pacific warm pool affects the climatic conditions in Southeast Asia mediated by the Western Pacific (WP) and Indian Ocean (IO) monsoons. However, in Southeast Asia, a global wildfire hotspot, the response of regional wildfire number to the warm pools has received limited attention yet, although the warm pools and monsoon dynamics are recognized as a critical regulator of wildfires in this region. We explored the warm pool effects on wildfire number in Yunnan, Southwest China. Our results showed the interannual dynamics of the wildfire number had a negative relationship with the simultaneous WP warm pool changes. The Ailao Mountains in central Yunnan could be a geographical barrier that blocked the influences of the WP warm pool from the east side. For the intraannual dynamics, the wildfire record variations had a stronger connection to the IO warm pool dynamics than the WP. This study provided the novel evidences on the teleconnection of the Indo‐Pacific warm pool with the wildfire number in Yunnan, and also implied the regional effects of warm pool on those areas with climatic‐driven environmental processes. Key Points: The interannual change of wildfire number in Yunnan has a negative relationship with the simultaneous Western Pacific warm pool dynamicsThe intraannual wildfire variation in Yunnan connects more closely with the Indian Ocean warm pool dynamics than the Western PacificYunnan may be a part of the transitional zone between the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean warm pools, and also the two monsoons [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new wood‐inhabiting fungal species, Lyomyces niveus and L. ochraceoalbus spp. nov. are proposed based on a combination of morphological and molecular evidence. Lyomyces ochraceoalbus is characterised by resupinate basidiomata with tuberculate, cracking hymenial surface, clavate basidia with a median constriction, gathering numerous irregular crystals, and thin‐walled basidiospores with one or two globules. Lyomyces niveus is characterised by resupinate basidiomata, smooth to grandinioid hymenial surface, presence of three kinds of cystidia, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores. Sequences of the ITS and nLSU gene regions were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. The phylogenetic reconstruction of Schizoporaceae based on a concatenated ITS+nLSU dataset showed that the two new species are nested in Lyomyces. A second phylogenetic analysis, of the genus Lyomyces, demonstrated that multiple isolates of L. niveus forms a monophyletic lineage which is sister to a clade comprising L. crustosus, L. juniperi, L. ochraceoalbus and L. vietnamensis. Moreover, L. ochraceoalbus is closely related to L. crustosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Seasonal variation in community composition and species distributional ranges along elevational gradients remain poorly known but are essential to inform conservation. In this study, we aim to understand how species richness, community composition and elevational ranges of montane birds change between the breeding and the non‐breeding season. Location: The east slope of the southern Gaoligong Mountains, Yunnan, southwest China, elevational range: 700–3,400 m a.s.l.; latitudinal range: 24°56′–26°09′N. Methods: We compared species richness and community composition of birds in nine 300‐m elevational bands in the breeding (April–May) and non‐breeding (December–January) seasons. We also calculated seasonal elevational shifts of 97 species with sufficient data recorded in both seasons and assessed how species' traits influenced these shifts. Results: Species richness declined in high and low elevations between the breeding and the non‐breeding season. The temporal beta diversity shift from the breeding to the non‐breeding season was mainly caused by species losses rather than species gains in high‐ and low‐elevation communities. Communities in middle elevations showed a contrasting pattern, with seasonal composition change resulting mainly from species gains. We also found that species' seasonal distribution shifts were mainly associated with breeding elevation and diet. Notably, high‐ and middle‐elevation breeders and insectivores significantly shifted their elevational ranges downslope in the non‐breeding season. In addition, species that participate in mixed‐species flocks and that rely on forests also showed significant downslope shifts in the non‐breeding season. Main conclusions: These results show complex patterns of the interconnectedness of bird communities along the elevational gradient. Keeping forests at middle elevations intact appears especially important as they are used in winter by species that breed at both high and middle elevations. Furthermore, our results suggested conservation actions maintaining connectedness in low and middle elevations are urgently needed to conserve regional biodiversity and highlight the importance of seasonality in montane ecosystem research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane white leaf (SCWL) is a destructive new sugarcane disease that has spread rapidly throughout low‐latitude plateau regions of Yunnan Province, China. To determine the transmission mode of SCWL phytoplasma in this region, the transmission mode of SCWL phytoplasma was analysed in the Gengma sugarcane area of Lincang City, Yunnan Province, where SCWL is severe. Five susceptible sugarcane varieties were grown with phytoplasma‐infected and pathogen‐free seedcane in 2018–2019, and then, systematic comparisons of newly emerging and ratoon crops were carried out. Comparisons using insect‐proof netting were also performed to confirm the role of insect vectors. The average rate of disease in newly emerging and ratoon crops grown with phytoplasma‐infected seedcane was 11.7%–72.9%, while in plants grown with pathogen‐free seedcane, 0% disease was observed. Moreover, the average rate in plants grown with pathogen‐free seedcane under insect‐proof netting was also 0%. These results suggest that the main transmission mode of SCWL phytoplasma was seedcane with phytoplasma in Gengma sugarcane area (SCWL serious occurrence area) of Lincang City, Yunnan Province. These findings provide a foundation for further studies of sugarcane phytoplasma disease, as well as a scientific basis for the effective prevention and control of SCWL in low‐latitude plateau regions in Yunnan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bengge biotite aegirine‐augite syenite (BAS) is located in the southern part of Yidun Arc, eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau area. It is an integral part of the Bengge ultrapotassic rocks (UPR), an alkalic complex mainly consisting of BAS, biotite pyroxene syenite (BPS), and biotite syenite (BS). Geochronological studies including zircon LA‐ICPMS U–Pb dating and biotite 40Ar/39Ar dating have been conducted on the Bengge BAS to constrain its emplacement age. The zircon U–Pb dating yields a wide range of ages from 209 ± 2 Ma to 239 ± 2 Ma, with the concordia 206Pb/238U age being 228 ± 8.9 Ma (MSWD = 0.13). Meanwhile, the biotite 40Ar/39Ar dating yields a plateau age of 205.7 ± 1.5 Ma. The whole‐rock Zr‐saturation temperature (Tzir‐sat) of the Bengge BAS has shown to be very low (86 ± 13°C to 634 ± 13°C), which is much lower than Ti‐in‐zircon temperature (>758°C) of the zircons used for U–Pb dating. This indicates that the zircons in the Bengge BAS are inherited, and they were already present in the BAS melts before the melts became Zr‐saturated. Similarly, the Tzir‐sat of the Bengge BPS and BS are 346 ± 14°C ~ 549 ± 13°C and 281 ± 14°C ~ 525 ± 13°C, respectively, which is also too low for magmatic zircon crystallization in the melts. The inherited zircons of Bengge BAS have typical features of magmatic zircon, with high (Sm/La)N ratios (2.54–819), Ce/Ce* ratios (4.77–304) and low La concentration. Low εHf (T) values (−5.0 to 0.42) and high U/Yb (0.67–12.6) values imply that the inherited zircons (209–239 Ma) in the Benge BAS are derived from an early arc‐magma system of the Yidun Arc. The biotite 40Ar/39Ar dating constrains the Bengge BAS emplacement age at 205.7 ± 1.5 Ma, the time when the arc‐magma activity had ceased, and a regional geodynamic transition in the Yidun Arc from convergence to back‐arc spreading had started. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photos by C. Luo, W. Su, and J. G. Pausas, respectively, in the Yunnan Province of China. gl In the Yunnan Province, I P. yunnanensis i occurs in two growth forms: as a tree and as a shrub. Fire ecology, pine shrublands, Pinusyunnanensis, postfire resprouting, serotiny, Yunnan Keywords: fire ecology; pine shrublands; Pinusyunnanensis; postfire resprouting; serotiny; Yunnan EN fire ecology pine shrublands Pinusyunnanensis postfire resprouting serotiny Yunnan 1 4 4 05/05/21 20210501 NES 210501 The Yunnan Province of China is wet and warm enough to support magnificent forests. However, many mountains in the region are covered by a shrubland formation dominated by an unusual pine, the shrubby and multistemmed I Pinus yunnanensis i (Yunnan pine; Fig. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, the heterogeneity of adsorption pores in middle and high rank coal samples were analyzed by using low temperature N2 and CO2 adsorption technology and fractal theory. The following results were achieved. 1) According to the results of volume and surface fractal dimension, meso‐pores can be classified into Mep‐1, Mep‐2, and Mep‐3, respectively. Micro‐pore can be classified into Mip‐1, Mip‐2, and Mip‐3, respectively. 2) Pore types play an important role in affecting the heterogeneity of meso‐pores. The volume heterogeneity (VHY) of Mep‐1 is simpler than that of Mep‐2 and Mep‐3 in type A samples. However, the VHY of Mep‐1 becomes gradually larger than that of Mep‐2 and Mep‐3 from type A to type B and C. The VHY of open pore in the same diameter is higher than that of semi‐open or closed pore. Meanwhile, the surface heterogeneity (SHY) of types A and B samples is significantly larger than that of type C, the SHY of semi‐open or closed pores is more complicated than that of open pores. 3) Coal rank mainly affects the heterogeneity of micro‐pores. The heterogeneity of type A is always smaller than that of type B and C. The VHY of Mip‐1 is more complicated than that of Mip‐2 and Mip‐3 in the same samples, and the sensitivity of the VHY of Mip‐1 and Mip‐2 to the degree of coal rank is smaller than that of Mip‐3. Meanwhile, the SHY of Mip‐1 and Mip‐2 is simpler than that of Mip‐3 in the same sample, the SHY of micro‐pores remains stable as the pore size decreases, and the affect of coalification level on SHY decreases with the decrease in pore diameter. Full‐scale fractal characterization has enabled quantitative characterization of adsorption pore properties and provided useful information with regards to the similarity of pore features in different coal reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debris‐flow runout is a fascinating process to understand due to its implications for downstream alluvial fans. Based on the propagation‐deposition behaviors of the Dongyuege (DYG) debris flow, in Yunnan, the effect of biofilms on channel surfaces on debris‐flow runout is investigated in laboratory flumes with two different internal surfaces: surfaces are lined with granite slabs (Model I) and gravel (Model II), respectively. Our results show that biofilms can significantly reduce frictional resistance to flows. They increase flow velocities, slow down the deceleration of the snouts, prolong runout distances, and subsequently extend the areas covered with resulting deposits, thus greatly assisting the propagation of experimental debris flows. Slippery biofilms consisting mainly of diatoms and their extracellular mucus (ECM) reduce the contact friction between the flume‐beds and the overlying fluids, and greatly promote the propagation of tested flows. Well‐developed biofilms are found on the underwater channel surfaces of the DYG Creek. Acting as lubricating layers, they likely played a key role in the DYG debris‐flow runout. Most of the debris transported during the DYG event was deposited on overbanks, and the sediment that caused the disaster was transported to the populated fan region through the stream‐bed clad in the thick biofilms. Owing to their impacts on the development and width of the temporary debris dam breach, the stream‐bed covered with biofilms became a direct contributor to the debris‐flow hazard. Because of the ubiquitous presence of biofilms on mountain stream‐bed surfaces, the development of perennial streamflows can be viewed as an indicator of gully susceptibility to debris flows threatening creek fans. The underwater areas of pre‐event channel cross‐sections should be regarded as slip or low‐friction boundaries, and the parts above stream‐levels can be viewed as no‐slip boundaries. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In total, 366 birds representing 55 species in 24 families and eight orders, were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) in two high‐altitude localities in Yunnan Province, China. In Ailaoshan, almost all of the birds examined were resident passeriforms, of which 36% were parasitized by chewing lice. In Jinshanyakou, most birds were on migration, and included both passerine and non‐passerine birds. Of the passerine birds caught in Jinshanyakou, only one bird (0.7%) was parasitized by chewing lice. The prevalence of Myrsidea and Brueelia‐complex lice on birds caught in Ailaoshan was higher than in previous reports. Of the chewing lice identifiable to species level, three represent new records for China: Actornithophilus hoplopteri (Mjöberg, 1910), Maculinirmus ljosalfar Gustafsson & Bush, 2017 and Quadraceps sinensis Timmermann, 1954. In total, 17 new host records are included, of which we describe two as new species in the Brueelia‐complex: Guimaraesiella (Cicchinella) ailaoshanensissp. nov. ex Schoeniparus dubius dubius (Hume, 1874) and G. (C.) montisodalissp. nov. ex Fulvetta manipurensis tonkinensis Delacour & Jabouille, 1930. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9FC3D8EE‐2CED‐4DBE‐A1DB‐471B71260D27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reconstruct the apparatus architecture of the gondollelid conodont Nicoraella kockeli based on fused clusters from the early Middle Triassic (middle Anisian, Pelsonian) of Luoping County, east Yunnan Province, south‐west China. This material was characterized non‐invasively using synchrotron x‐ray tomographic microscopy and the ensuing data analysed using computed tomography, allowing us to infer the composition, homologies and architectural arrangement of elements within the apparatus. Much of the original three‐dimensional architecture of the apparatus is preserved and our apparatus reconstruction is the best characterized of any taxon within the superfamily Gondolelloidea. This allows us to test architectural models for gondolelloids and prioniodinins, more generally, as well as the functional interpretations based upon them. In particular, we reject a recent functional interpretation of the conodont feeding apparatus which was based on a biomechanically‐optimized inference of apparatus architecture in a close gondolelloid relative of Nicoraella. Nevertheless, our architectural model provides a foundation for future functional interpretations of gondolleloids and prioniodinins, more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical drainage patterns adjacent to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau differed markedly from those of today. We examined the relationship between drainage history and geographic patterns of genetic variation in the Yunnan spiny frog, Nanorana yunnanensis, using approximately 981 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA partial sequences from protein-coding genes ND1 and ND2, and intervening areas including complete tRNAIle, tRNAGln and tRNAMet. Two null hypotheses were tested: (i) that genetic patterns do not correspond to the development of drainage systems and (ii) that populations had been stable and not experienced population expansion, bottlenecking and selection. Genealogical analyses identified three, major, well-supported maternal lineages, each of which had two sublineages. These divergent lineages were completely concordant with six geographical regions. Genetic structure and divergence were strongly congruent with historical rather than contemporary drainage patterns. Most lineages and sublineages were formed via population fragmentation during the rearrangement of paleodrainage basins in the Early Pliocene and Early Pleistocene. Sympatric lineages occurred only in localities at the boundaries of major drainages, likely reflecting secondary contact of previously allopatric populations. Extensive population expansion probably occurred early in the Middle Pleistocene accompanying dramatic climatic oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are 18 km of Kunming–Bangkok Highway passing through the Mengyang Nature Reserve of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve in Yunnan Province, China. From September 2005 to September 2006 the impact of this highway on movement of wild Asian elephants between the eastern and western part of the nature reserve was studied using track transecting, rural surveys and direct monitoring. Our results showed that the number of crossroad corridors used by Asian elephants diminished from 28 to 23 following the construction of the highway. In some areas, the elephant activity diminished or even disappeared, which indicated a change in their home ranges. The utilization rate of artificial corridors was 44%. We also found that elephants prefered artificial corridors that were placed along their original corridors. During the research, wild elephants revealed their adaptation to the highway. They were found walking across the highway road surface many times and for different reasons. We suggest that the highway management bureau should revise their management strategies to mitigate the potential risks caused by elephants on the road for the safety of the public and to protect this endangered species from harm. It is also very important to protect and maintain current Asian elephants corridors in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Yunnan Province, located in southwest China, is one of the poorest province in China. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is about twice the national average (56.2/100 000 live births), and in remote mountainous regions, the rate is five times higher. This study aimed to examine the progress in reduction of maternal mortality in the 1990s and early 2000s and the factors associated with this reduction in Yunnan. Design A population-based, longitudinal, ecological correlation study. Setting A remote province of China with a proportionately large indigenous population. Population Populations at county, prefecture and provincial level. Methods Using maternal mortality data collected at the province, prefecture/region and county levels, trend and time series analyses and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 13). Main outcome measure MMR and its change over time. Results MMR declined substantially in the 1990s at a rate of 3.0% per year. Utilisation of prenatal and obstetric care increased and was significantly correlated with the declining trend in MMR. Hospital delivery was a strong predictor of MMR, independent of social and economic development. Both low income and illiteracy were significantly associated with increased MMR. Conclusions Declines in maternal mortality in Yunnan over the past 14 years appear to reflect health, social and economic interventions implemented in the 1990s. The association of hospital delivery with maternal mortality may be due to the effective management of severe pregnancy and birth complications. Low income and illiteracy were associated with MMR but primarily through their impact on the use of prenatal and obstetric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dipteronia dyerana is a rare endemic from south-eastern Yunnan Province (China) that is known from only five natural populations, two of which occur outside a nature reserve. To obtain base-line information of the population structure, history and conservation of the species, we investigated patterns of genetic diversity within and among all natural populations, in addition to an ex situ conserved population, using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) DNA markers. Across all populations surveyed, average within-population diversity was remarkably low (e.g., 0.088 for Nei's gene diversity), with populations from outside the nature reserve maintaining the highest amounts of genetic diversity. Among all neural populations, high genetic differentiation (GST = 0.375) was detected, together with an isolation-by-distance pattern. Past habitat fragmentation, restricted gene flow and, to a lesser extent, genetic drift are proposed to be the determinant factors responsible for the low genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation observed, although reproductive-ecological factors, such as a mixed-mating system and low seedling recruitment due to inbreeding, might also play a role. We strongly recommend in situ conservation of those D. dyerana populations occurring outside the nature reserve, as they contain the highest proportion of the species total ISSR fragment diversity, which might be eventually relevant for local adaptation. Our data further indicate that the ex situ conserved population insufficiently represents the genetic diversity present in the species. It is therefore suggested to sample at least four natural populations to cover a reasonable proportion (≥95%) of the species' genetic variation for ex situ conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zircon U-Pb Ages of the Muchang Alkali Granites in Zhenkang Block, Western Yunnan: Implication for the Time Limit on Tectono-Magmatic Activities. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is the most common sensorineural disorder and one of the most common human defects. Autosomal recessive inheritance accounts for a huge percentage of familial cases. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful molecular diagnostic strategy for NSHL. The combination of a microarray gene chip and NGS can better delineate the etiology and genetic cause of deafness in many cases. Methods: One hundred and thirty‐one unrelated students with NSHL who attend a special education school in Yunnan Province were recruited. Firstly, four common deafness‐related genes (GJB2, GJB3, SLC26A4, and mtDNA 12S rRNA) were evaluated for mutations using a microarray kit. Furthermore, 227 known human deafness genes were sequenced to identify the responsible genetic variant of the proband in three Chinese families with autosomal recessive hearing loss. The mutational status of family members of the probands was validated by Sanger sequencing. Results: Five novel variants were found in three families using NGS. In family 1, we identified compound heterozygosity at the MYO15A (OMIM, #600316), including an duplication variant c.3866dupC, p.His1290Alafs*25 and a 3‐bp deletion (c.10251_10253del, p.Phe3420del), resulting in protein length changes and premature protein truncation, respectively. In family 2, two affected siblings from a consanguineous Chinese Dai family harbored an c.1274G>C, p.Arg425Pro missense variant in the OTOF (OMIM, #601071). In family 3, we identified compound heterozygosity for c.129_130del, p.His43Glnfs*28 and c.76_79del, p.Lys26* in the RDX gene (OMIM, #611022). Conclusion: Five novel variants were found in three families with NSHL. Our findings extend the mutational spectrum in deafness‐related genes and will help physicians in better understanding the etiology of hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which focuses on the uranium-lead (U-Pb) dating of zircon by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry on the Guyong Granites from the Tengchong Block, Western Yunnan in China, and its geological significance. The results of the study indicate that Guyong Granites were emplaced during the Late Cretaceous period.

An abstract of the article "The Potash Mine Features and the Geophysical Response Features at Mengyejing Area, Yunnan," by Yu Changqing and colleagues is presented.