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Twenty undescribed species of Panorpa Linnaeus, 1758 from southwestern China share some morphological similarities such as basally constricted male abdominal segment VII, loss of median process in male gonostyli, and greatly developed female laterotergites IX with the little-known species Panorpa issikiana Byers, 1970. Therefore, the P. issikiana species group is established to include these species, with descriptions of the new species, a checklist, keys to the species, and a distributional map provided. These new species are: P. chenyandongi Wang sp. nov., P. dalangba Wang sp. nov., P. dimaluo Wang sp. nov., P. huadianba Wang & Zhao sp. nov., P. jinfo Wang sp. nov., P. jizushana Wang sp. nov., P. leiqilongi Wang sp. nov., P. luojishana Wang sp. nov., P. maershana Wang sp. nov., P. meihuashana Wang sp. nov., P. niaodiaoshana Wang sp. nov., P. shengyingfeng Wang & Zhao sp. nov., P. shimianensis Wang sp. nov., P. sicaura Wang sp. nov., P. vajra Wang sp. nov., P. vajroides Wang & Zhao sp. nov., P. weixiensis Wang sp. nov., P. wenhai Wang sp. nov., P. wolongensis Wang sp. nov., and P. yucheni Wang sp. nov. All of them are distributed in southwestern China, including Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan. In addition, their systematic positions are briefl y discussed. The historical problems of P. issikiana, the systematic position of this group in the genus Panorpa, and the relationships among its members are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have demonstrated that one can control the intrinsic activity of Ni metal toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by simply alloying Ni with different elements (i.e. Ti, Ge or Sn). The HER activities of Ni3M (M = Ti, Ge and Sn) series and Ni metal follow the order of Ni3Ti (η10 = 68 mV) > Ni3Sn (η10 = 122 mV) > Ni3Ge (η10 = 161 mV) > Ni (η10 = 273 mV). After normalizing their HER performances based on the roughness factor (RF), it was realized that Ni3Ti and Ni3Sn both exhibit higher intrinsic HER activities than that of Ni metal while Ni3Ge displays the worst HER performance. This trend was later rationalized by using density functional theory (DFT) calculation, which showed that blending Ni with Ti, Ge or Sn elements will alter the corresponding electronic structure and bonding scheme. Such a change in the bonding scheme (i.e. bonding state or antibonding state) will influence the adsorption energy of the H atom (ΔGHad) on an active site and is the main cause of the synergetic effect that results in the different HER efficiencies of Ni3M (M = Ti, Ge and Sn). Through the present case study, it was recognized that alloying is a simple yet effective strategy to promote the HER activity of an electrocatalyst. With a suitable combination between elements, it helps single metals (e.g. Co or Ni metal) exceed the limits on their intrinsic HER activities and has the potential to replace noble metals (e.g. Pt, Ir and Ru) in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on Geoscience Laser Altimeter System onboard the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat/GLAS) data, this paper analyzes the vertical accuracy of four kinds of digital elevation model (DEM)dataset in Hubei Province, and discusses the influence of the geographical factors (slope, aspect, geomorphic and land-use types) on DEM data accuracy. The results show that: (1) Among the four kinds of DEM data in Hubei Province, the ALOS World 3D -30 m (AW3D30) offers the highest data accuracy; (2) High slope and vegetation coverage will affect DEM data accuracy, and AW3D30 data accuracy is the least affected by this; (3) No obvious relationship has been found between data accuracy and aspect. In addition, using ICESat/GLAS data as reference, this paper also attempts to improve the vertical accuracy of DEM by employing five machine learning based methods, the results show that each DEM dataset obviously outperform themselves by using the models selected in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dicerapanorpa Zhong & Hua, 2013 previously comprised 20 known species that are endemic to central and southwestern China. Herein, I present new knowledge of this genus from northwestern Yunnan, including descriptions of four new species, Dicerapanorpa harmonia sp. nov., Dicerapanorpa huangguocongi sp. nov., Dicerapanorpa nakhi sp. nov., and Dicerapanorpa yangqichengi sp. nov. In addition, three little-known species, Dicerapanorpa tenuis Hu, Wang & Hua, 2019, Dicerapanorpa tjederi Carpenter, 1938, and Dicerapanorpa triclada (Qian & Zhou, 2001) are redescribed and illustrated based on new materials. An updated key to all known 24 species of Dicerapanorpa is provided, and a distributional map of Dicerapanorpa species from Yunnan is presented. The evolution and biology of Dicerapanorpa are briefl y discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of mirror-image proteins for the purpose of information barcoding and storage media is reported. [Display omitted] A mirror-image protein-based information barcoding and storage technology wherein D-amino acids are used to encode information into mirror-image proteins that are chemically synthesized is described. These mirror-image proteins were then fused into various materials from which information-encoded objects were produced. Subsequently, the mirror-image proteins were extracted from the objects using biotin-streptavidin resin-mediated specific enrichment and cleaved using an Ni(II)-mediated selective peptide cleavage. Protein sequencing was accomplished using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and then transcoded into the recorded information. We demonstrated the use of this technology to encode Chinese words into mirror-image proteins, which were then fused onto a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film and retrieved and decoded by LC-MS/MS sequencing. Compared to information barcoding and storage technologies using natural biopolymers, the mirror-image biopolymers used in our technology may be more stable and durable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panorpidae is the largest family of Mecoptera with approximately 500 described species in one extinct and eight extant genera. The phylogeny of Panorpidae was inferred from DNA sequences recently, but has not been comprehensively studied based on morphological characters to date. Here, the phylogeny of Panorpidae was analysed for 155 extant species in eight genera based on 182 morphological characters of adults under Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood, respectively, with two species of Choristidae and three species of Panorpodidae as outgroups. The resulting phylogenetic trees are overall consistent with those reconstructed in the molecular analyses, and support the monophyly of two major clades and all the extant genera except Panorpa and Neopanorpa, which may need further splitting. A new subfamily, Neopanorpinae subfam.n., is established to include Neopanorpa and Leptopanorpa, with all the other genera assigned to Panorpinae. Thirty‐two species groups (24 in Panorpa and eight in Neopanorpa) are recognized. We speculate that Panorpidae likely originated from East Asia, with independent dispersal events that probably occurred at least twice for the Indonesian fauna, five times for the Japanese fauna, twice for the western Palearctic fauna, and four times for the Nearctic fauna. This work has been registered in ZooBank: http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7B451D1E‐1DA3‐4D65‐B6BD‐4730B10416E5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 21 species of the genus Neopanorpa van der Weele, 1909 are currently recorded from the Himalayas and adjacent regions to which three are added herein. I provide a checklist, distributional map and key to these species, with descriptions of the three new species: Neopanorpa liuxingyuei sp. nov., Neopanorpa wuchaoi sp. nov., and Neopanorpa zhengyucheni sp. nov. from Tibet, China. The biology and biogeography for the 21 species of Neopanorpa from this region are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have systematically investigated the HER activity of the RE2Co17 (RE = Y, Pr, Gd, Tb, Ho and Er) series and revealed that their HER activities are highly correlated with the averaged Co–Co bond length of each compound. The HER performance follows the order of Gd2Co17 > Tb2Co17 > Pr2Co17 > Y2Co17 > Ho2Co17 > Er2Co17. This suggests that the unique feature of rare-earth metals, lanthanide contraction, can effectively alter the interatomic spacing and impact the corresponding HER activity. Additionally, Gd2Fe17 and Gd2Ni17 with different d electron density in the system were synthesized and comparison of their HER efficiencies is also discussed. Gd2Ni17 demonstrates the highest HER efficiency among all samples, and it only requires an overpotential (η) of 44 mV to acquire a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The theoretical calculation offers a clue that the H adsorption energy (GHad) for H atoms on Ni is lower than that on Co and Fe due to the high electron population in the antibonding state of the Ni atom. This well explains the origin of the synergistic effect for the high electrocatalytic HER of these iron triad intermetallics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The representatives of the enigmatic genus Leptopanorpa MacLachlan are characterized by exaggeratedly elongated male abdomens and are likely endemic to Java and Sumatra, Indonesia. Here, we present a taxonomical revision of 14 species of Leptopanorpa, including two new species: Leptopanorpa linyejiei sp. n. from West Java and Leptopanorpa majapahita sp. n. from East Java. A key to species of Leptopanorpa is provided. Leptopanorpa sieboldi MacLachlan is treated as a junior synonym of Leptopanorpa charpentieri (Burmeister), and Leptopanorpa pi decorata Lieftinck is synonymized with Leptopanorpa pi (van der Weele). Leptopanorpa peterseni Lieftinck is reported from Bali for the first time. In order to unravel the phylogeny of Leptopanorpa and other groups with elongated male abdomens, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference analyses were performed based on 61 morphological characters and partial sequences of one nuclear gene (28S ribosomal RNA) and two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and II). Thirty‐three species in Panorpoidea were selected as in‐group taxa and two species in Choristidae as out‐group taxa. The results highly support a monophyletic Leptopanorpa, which nests within a paraphyletic Neopanorpa van der Weele. Both parsimonious and Bayesian results suggest that Leptopanorpa can be divided into four subclades. We elucidated the evolutionary history of Leptopanorpa with regard to the paleogeological events of Sundaland and corroborated the multiple origins of elongated male abdomens in Panorpoidea. We also hypothesized that the ventral hook on the male abdominal sternum VI of L. linyejiei sp. n. is very likely used to control the female's abdomen during copulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the diagnostic value and imaging features of mammography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in breast ductal carcinoma in situ, 60 patients with 62 lesions were selected from 80 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ who were surgically treated and pathologically diagnosed in Huzhou Central Hospital from June 2017 to June 2019. All patients were examined by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and mammography within 2 w before the operation. The imaging features, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the two methods were analysed. Compared to mammography, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast ductal lesions was significantly better. In terms of imaging features, the contrast-enhanced ultrasound was significantly better than mammography in detecting the boundary and edge of lesions and calcification of lesions, but there was no significant difference between the two methods in the detection of size of the lesions. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound could provide a rapid, reliable, and accurate diagnostic basis for the diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ and it is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ in the clinic. Mammography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be combined to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of early diagnosis and screening of ductal carcinoma in situ, which is worthy of clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported are the synthesis and HER activity of M x Ni 1- x (M = Cr, Mo and W; x ≈ 0.2) alloy in acid and alkaline media. It was realized that doping group ⅥB element (Cr, Mo, W) in Ni metal matrix can greatly improve corresponding HER activity in both acid and alkaline electrolyte. Mo x Ni 1- x exhibits the highest HER activity among all samples in 1.0 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte, which it requires only 64 mV to reach current density of 10 mA/cm2. Calculated free-energy of ΔG H∗ for M x Ni 1- x (M = Cr, Mo and W) well explained their HER activity trend in acid and it follows the order of Mo x Ni 1- x > W x Ni 1- x > Cr x Ni 1- x. In alkaline condition, their HER activities all deteriorate except Cr x Ni 1- x. HER activity of Cr x Ni 1- x in 1.0 M KOH (η 10(base) = 106 mV) surpasses that in 1.0 M H 2 SO 4 (η 10(acid) = 160 mV) is quite unexpected. The DFT calculation suggesting the adsorbed OH holds the key and will alter the adsorption energy (ΔG H∗) of neighboring H atom on the surface in alkaline condition. This case study offers a good opportunity to investigate the factor to influence HER behavior of electrocatalyst in acid and alkaline media. HER activity of M x Ni 1- x (M = Cr, Mo and W; x ≈ 0.2) alloy behaves differently in acid and alkaline media. The DFT calculation suggesting the adsorbed OH holds the key and will alter the adsorption energy (ΔGH∗) of neighboring H atom on the surface. It well accounts for their HER activity in acid and alkaline media, which can possibly be applied in other system in the future. Image 1 • High purity of targeted alloys were synthesized by using rapid arc-melting method. • Mo x Ni 1- x (x ≈ 0.2) alloy delivers high HER activity (η 10 = 64 mV) in acid media. • Adsorption energy of H and OH on sample surface were explored by using DFT. • The role of adsorbed OH on sample surface toward HER activity is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of percutaneous microwave ablation and traditional operation on the curative effect, thyroid function and complications of benign thyroid nodule. 102 cases of thyroid benign nodule were treated in our hospital from July 2016 to July 2018. According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into control group and experimental group, 51 cases in each group. The number of nodules before and after operation, the average volume of nodules, thyroid function [free triiodothyronine (FT3), total thyroxine (TT4), thyrotropin (TSH)] and the reduction rate of postoperative nodules were compared. Results: compared with the control group, the hospitalization time, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume and postoperative scar length in the experimental group were significantly reduced (P<0.05).Compared with the preoperative group, the number and average volume of nodules in the two groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05); compared with the control group, the number, average volume and reduction rate of nodules in the experimental group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with 17.65% (9/51) of the control group, the incidence of complications in the experimental group was 3.92 (2/51) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in TSH, FT3 and TT4 levels between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the preoperative level, TSH in the control group was significantly higher, FT3 and TT4 were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the preoperative, the SAS and SDS scores of the two groups were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the SAS score and SDS score of the experimental group were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the preoperative, the VAS scores of the two groups were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the VAS score of the experimental group was significantly lower (P<0.05). the effect of percutaneous microwave ablation is better than that of traditional operation. It can effectively protect the thyroid function and reduce the incidence of complications. It has high clinical value and can be further popularized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panorpidae is the most species‐rich family in Mecoptera with ca. 470 species in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the intergeneric phylogenetic relationships of Panorpidae remain unsatisfactorily resolved to date. Here, we used molecular and cytogenetic approaches to determine the phylogenetic relationships of Panorpidae in the evolutionary scenario of chromosomes, and estimated their divergence times using fossil‐calibrated Bayesian analysis. In total, 89 species representing all seven genera of Panorpidae were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic trees using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference based on the nuclear 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cox1 and cox2 genes. The results reveal that Panorpidae is a well‐supported monophyletic group that can be categorized into two major clades. Major Clade I comprises Neopanorpa and Leptopanorpa, and Major Clade II consists of all the other genera (Cerapanorpa, Dicerapanorpa, Furcatopanorpa, Panorpa and Sinopanorpa). Neopanorpa and Cerapanorpa are regarded as paraphyletic groups for the first time. BEAST analysis indicates that Panorpidae originated in the Lower Cretaceous approximately 122.5 Ma (96.8–149.3 Ma), and that most diversification occurred from the Selandian (59.8 Ma) to the Middle Pleistocene (0.6 Ma) in the Cenozoic. Cytogenetic data plotted on the cladogram show that the lineage differentiation of Panorpidae is closely related to the chromosomal evolution, especially the reduction of chromosome number. Our study suggests that a taxonomic revision of Panorpidae is urgently needed at the generic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a direct method of calculating the first-order sensitivity coefficients of chemical kinetics. Coupled first-order ordinary differential equations describing chemical kinetic systems; Structure of prediction matrix.

Panorpa Linnaeus, 1758 is the largest genus in the scorpionfly family Panorpidae. Herein we describe two new species from eastern China, Panorpa jinhuaensis sp. nov. from Jinhua, Zhejiang Province and Panorpa menqiuleii sp. nov. from Yuexi and Huoshan, Anhui Province. Panorpa wrightae Cheng, 1957 from Mount Mogan, Zhejiang Province is considered to be a junior subjective synonym of Panorpa mokansana Cheng, 1957 from the same locality. Panorpa mokansana Cheng, 1957 is redescribed and illustrated in detail. A key to species of Panorpa from eastern China is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus of Panorpidae, Megapanorpagen. nov., is erected for five new species, Megapanorpa grandissp. nov. (type species), M. absenssp. nov., M. gaokaiisp. nov., M. jiangorumsp. nov. and M. wanghongjianisp. nov. This genus is similar to Cerapanorpa Gao et al., 2016 in a single anal horn on the sixth tergum of male, but can be differentiated from the latter by the following characters: the seventh abdominal segment of male is constricted and stalk‐like at base, the subgenital plate of female with a pair of lateral plates, and the medigynium of female with a concealed axis. Keys to genera of Panorpidae and species of Megapanorpagen. nov. are presented. The morphology and function of anal horns in different genera and species have been discussed. Megapanorpa gen. nov. is erected from Oriental China with five new species. This genus is mainly characterized by a single anal horn on the sixth tergum of male, and a pair of lateral plates aside the subgenital plate of female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As financial derivative products and systemic risk management tools, stock index futures and options have been greatly developed and widely issued in many countries. Taking the Shanghai Stock Exchange 50 (SSE 50) Index and its derivatives as the research objects, we first analyze the lead–lag relationship between stock index, index futures and index options in the Chinese mainland stock market based on a thermal optimal path (TOP) method whose essence is a non-parametric methodology, and compare the results with two mature markets, namely the Hong Kong and US stock markets. We find: (I) In US and Hong Kong stock markets, the index future leads the index. The index option leads the index future when the index remains stable or in an up-trend, but their lead–lag relation reverses when the index collapses; (II) In the Chinese mainland stock market, the index leads the index future, and the index option leads the index future in the whole period of our investigation; (III) In all three markets, the index option leads the index when the index remains stable or in an up-trend, but their lead–lag relation reverses when the index collapses. Our work gives new and strong evidence that the lead–lag relationship varies in different markets and with different market conditions, which has an important contribution to the reveal of the price discovery function of derivative products. Highlights • Dynamic evolution of lead-lag relationship revealed by a non-parametric TOP method. • Index future leads index in US and Hong Kong, but it's opposite in Chinese mainland. • Index option leads the index in general, but it reverses when index collapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical diagnosis of femoral trochlear dysplasia primarily relies on imaging. In the past, plain imaging was the major source of diagnosis. The present study investigated the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the objective assessment of severe femoral trochlear dysplasia. A retrospective analysis was performed on knee MRIs from 30 normal subjects (30 knees) and 59 patients (61 knees) with severe femoral trochlear dysplasia based on the Dejour morphological classification. Cartilage and subchondral bone landmarks were used to compare a series of measurements between patient and control groups. These measurements included the femoral trochlear groove depth, sulcus angle, the lateral trochlear inclination, trochlear facet asymmetry, the femoral medial and lateral condyle symmetry, and the ratios between the femoral medial/lateral condyles and the maximal trochlear width. The measurement values based on the two types of landmarks were also compared within the patient and control groups, separately. In addition, the femoral trochlear groove depth, sulcus angle, lateral trochlear inclination and trochlear facet asymmetry of patients with different Dejour types were compared. Significant differences were observed in the femoral trochlear groove depth, sulcus angle, lateral trochlear inclination and trochlear facet asymmetry between the patient and control groups (P<0.05). Based on the two types of landmark, all indexes were significantly different (P<0.05; with the exception of lateral trochlear inclination) between the patient and control groups. Among patients with various Dejour types, the femoral trochlear groove depth, sulcus angle, lateral trochlear inclination and trochlear facet asymmetry demonstrated no significant differences. MRI exhibited advantages in revealing articular cartilage over conventional radiography and computed tomography. Therefore, cartilage landmarks in MRI images may be utilized to objectively evaluate femoral trochlear dysplasia in patients with severe femoral trochlear dysplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new scorpionfly species, Panorpa reflexa sp. n. and Panorpa parallela sp. n., are described and illustrated from Yunnan Province, China. Panorpa reflexa can be readily differentiated from its congeners by the 3-shaped parameres in male genitalia. Panorpa parallela is unique for its parallel parameres in male genitalia. The number of Panorpa species is raised to four in Yunnan Province, and to 113 throughout China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical protein synthesis can provide access to proteins with post-translational modifications or site-specific labelings. Although this technology is finding increasing applications in the studies of water-soluble globular proteins, chemical synthesis of membrane proteins remains elusive. In this report, a general and robust removable backbone modification (RBM) method is developed for the chemical synthesis of membrane proteins. This method uses an activated O-to-N acyl transfer auxiliary to install in the Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis process a RBM group with switchable reactivity toward trifluoroacetic acid. The method can be applied to versatile membrane proteins because the RBM group can be placed at any primary amino acid. With RBM, the membrane proteins and their segments behave almost as if they were water-soluble peptides and can be easily handled in the process of ligation, purification, and mass characterizations. After the full-length protein is assembled, the RBM group can be readily removed by trifluoroacetic acid. The efficiency and usefulness of the new method has been demonstrated by the successful synthesis of a two-transmembrane-domain protein (HCV p7 ion channel) with site-specific isotopic labeling and a four-transmembrane-domain protein (multidrug resistance transporter EmrE). This method enables practical synthesis of small- to medium-sized membrane proteins or membrane protein domains for biochemical and biophysical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of lead–lag relationship between stock index and stock index futures is of great importance for its wide application in hedging and portfolio investments. Previous works mainly use conventional methods like Granger causality test, GARCH model and error correction model, and focus on the causality relation between the index and futures in a certain period. By using a non-parametric approach—thermal optimal path (TOP) method, we study the lead–lag relationship between China Securities Index 300 (CSI 300), Hang Seng Index (HSI), Standard and Poor 500 (S&P 500) Index and their associated futures to reveal the variance of their relationship over time. Our finding shows evidence of pronounced futures leadership for well established index futures, namely HSI and S&P 500 index futures, while index of developing market like CSI 300 has pronounced leadership. We offer an explanation based on the measure of an indicator which quantifies the differences between spot and futures prices for the surge of lead–lag function. Our results provide new perspectives for the understanding of the dynamical evolution of lead–lag relationship between stock index and stock index futures, which is valuable for the study of market efficiency and its applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of studies on trace metals and metalloids (TMs) accumulations in peatlands have been reported in Europe and North America. Comparatively little information is available on peat chronological records of atmospheric TMs flux in China. Therefore, the objective of our study was to determine the concentrations and accumulation rates (ARs) of TMs in Motianling peatland from Great Hinggan Mountain, northeast China, and to assess these in relation to establish a historical profile of atmospheric metal emissions from anthropogenic sources. To meet these aims we analyzed 14 TMs (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Sb, Tl, and Zn) and Pb isotopes (206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb) using ICP-AES and ICP-MS, respectively, in three peat sections dated by 210Pb and 137Cs techniques (approximately spanning the last 200 years). There is a general agreement in the elemental concentration profiles which suggests that all investigated elements were conserved in the Motianling bog. Three principal components were discriminated by principal component analysis (PCA) based on Eigen-values >1 and explaining 85% of the total variance of element concentrations: the first component representing Ba, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Sr and Tl reflected the lithogenic source; the second component covering As, Cu and Sb, and Cd is associated with an anthropogenic source from ore mining and processing; the third component (Pb isotope, Pb and Zn) is affected by anthropogenic Pb pollution from industrial manufacturing and fossil-fuel combustion. The pre-industrial background of typical pollution elements was estimated as the average concentrations of TMs in peat samples prior to 1830 AD and with a 207Pb/206Pb ratio close to 1.9. ARs and enrichment factors (EFs) of TMs suggested enhanced metal concentrations near the surface of the peatland (in peat layers dated from the 1980s) linked to an increasing trend since the 2000s. This pollution pattern is also fingerprinted by the Pb isotopic composition, even after the ban of leaded gasoline use in China. Emissions from coal and leaded gasoline combustions in northern China are regarded as one of the major sources of anthropogenic Pb input in this region; meanwhile, the long-distance transportation of Pb-bearing aerosols from Mongolia should be also taken into consideration. The reconstructed history of TMs' pollution over the past ca. 200 years is in agreement with the industrial development in China and clearly illustrates the influence of human activities on local rural environments. This study shows the utility of taking multi-cores to show the heterogeneity in peat accumulation and applying PCA, EF and Pb isotope methods in multi-proxies analyses for establishing a high resolution geochemical metal record from peatland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the definitions of osmotic pressure (Posm) in different well-circulated college science textbooks. Motivated by the discussion of a team of disciplinary experts from several disciplines, we examined 20 textbooks in biology, chemistry, physics, animal/plant physiology, biochemistry, and physical biochemistry. The analysis shows that the definitions or descriptions of Posm in these textbooks include five categories: three categories of conceptual definition (CD) of the term and two categories of quantitative measure (QM) of the variable. The three main categories of CD are: (a) Posm is the force that pulls/drives water across a selectively permeable membrane into a solution with a higher solute concentration; (b) Posm is the external pressure required to stop, prevent, or reverse osmosis; and (c) Posm is the internal pressure of a solution or substance that develops through osmosis under volume constraint. The two categories of QM are: (a) Posm is proportional to the solute (or water) concentration (gradient) across a selectively permeable membrane, and (b) Posm is measured through the additional pressure applied to stop osmosis. Connections and possible inconsistencies among these different definitions or descriptions across disciplines are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cartilage regeneration is a promising potential therapy for articular cartilage defects and adult stem cells serve a key role in regenerative medicine. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been identified as an alternative source of adult stem cells in recent years and can be differentiated into numerous types of cell, including chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteoblasts. However, their clinical use is restricted by the proliferation of cells, and their tendency to dedifferentiate. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently emerged as a potential bioactive material to promote cell proliferation and differentiation, based on the release of growth factors. In the current study, the effect of autologous PRP on the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of ADSCs was examined. The results indicated that PRP promotes ADSC proliferation and suggested that PRP leads to chondrogenic differentiation of ADSCs in vitro. When co-cultured with chondrocytes, the ADSCs on three-dimensional PRP scaffolds were able to form neocartilage, with positive staining of safranine O, which indicated the production of glycosaminoglycan, and type II collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next generation of survey telescopes would yield measurements of billions of galaxies, which would cause inefficient, high cost when using CPU. To address this problem, this paper proposed using the graphics processing units (GPUs) in processing the universe computing problems. Firstly, it studied two cosmological calculations, the two-point angular correlation function and the aperture mass statistic. Then, it implemented the two algorithms on the GPU by constructing code, and using CUDA. Finally, it compared the calculation speeds with comparable code run on the CPU. Experimental results indicate that the calculation speeds, using GPUs, has been significantly improved comparing with using CPUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new synthetic methodfor peptide thioesters is described usingFmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis (Fmoc-SPPS). This method employsa novel enamide motif to facilitate irreversible intramolecular N-to-Sacyl migration, which can efficiently afford the desired peptide thioesters(3 h, 30 °C) under the final trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) cleavageconditions. The acyl-transfer-mediated approach for synthesis of peptidethioesters tolerated different C-terminal residues and was used tosynthesize human C–C motif chemokine 11 (hCCL11) via nativechemical ligation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti 2 Cu, TiCu and TiCu 4 were synthesized and their electrocatalytic activities for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were investigated. The hydrogen overpotential observed at 10 mA/ cm2 (η 10) followed the order Ti 2 Cu (η 10 = −215 mV) > TiCu (η 10 = −182 mV) > TiCu 4 (η 10 = −170 mV). The hydrogen adsorption energy (∆G Had) on Cu site of TiCu 4 is exergonic and close to optimal position (i.e. ∆G Had = 0). A synergistic effect was proposed to account for the excellent HER performance of these Ti Cu binary intermetallics compounds that could replace PGM and achieve Midas touch in the future. [Display omitted] • High purity of Ti 2 Cu, TiCu and TiCu 4 were synthesized by using rapid arc-melting technique. • Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) study on Ti 2 Cu, TiCu and TiCu 4 in alkaline media. • HER activity of Ti 2 Cu, TiCu and TiCu 4 were explored by using density functional theory. • Synergistic effect for these Ti Cu binary intermetallics toward HER activity was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total chemical synthesis provides a unique approach for the access to uncontaminated, monodisperse, and more importantly, post-translationally modified membrane proteins. In the present study we report a practical procedure for expedient and cost-effective synthesis of small to medium-sized membrane proteins in multimilligram scale through the use of automated Fmoc chemistry. The key finding of our study is that after the attachment of a removable arginine-tagged backbone modification group, the membrane protein segments behave almost the same as ordinary water-soluble peptides in terms of Fmoc solid-phase synthesis, ligation, purification, and mass spectrometry characterization. The efficiency and practicality of the new method is demonstrated by the successful preparation of Ser64-phosphorylated M2 proton channel from influenza A virus and the membrane-embedded domain of an inward rectifier K+ channel protein Kir5.1. Functional characterizations of these chemically synthesized membrane proteins indicate that they provide useful and otherwise-difficult-to-access materials for biochemistry and biophysics studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The dynamical evolution of two-component Bose–Einstein condensates trapped in cylindrical well is numerically investigated by solving the coupled Gross–Pitaevskii equations. We illustrate that, due to intercomponent interaction and different initial component populations ( ), different numbers of ring dark (gray) solitons are generated in two components at same time. These solitons have density zeros (minima) accompanied with phase jumps, which cause large superfluid velocities. We also illustrate that at phase jump points ring dark solitons have zero superfluid currents, while ring gray solitons have large superfluid currents. They are unstable and will evolve into other soliton states after a brief time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chemical synthesis of proteins provides synthetic chemists with an interesting challenge and supports biological research through the generation of proteins that are not produced naturally. Although it offers advantages, studies of solid phase peptide synthesis have established limits for this technique: researchers can only prepare peptides up to 50 amino acids in length in sufficient yields and purity. Therefore, researchers have developed techniques to condense peptide segments to build longer polypeptide chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The robustness of 3D-printed mini-tablets as a platform to administer milligram dosages, intended for age-specific therapy, without the need of tablet splitting while maintaining similar release profiles, was investigated. Griseofulvin, as a model poorly water-soluble drug, and hydroxypropyl cellulose along with Kollicoat Protect as polymers were used to prepare filaments at 1–20% drug concentrations via hot-melt extrusion (HME). Higher drug concentrations served for testing the feasibility of a reduced number of mini-tablets to be administered. A reliable dose titration in the range 0.19–3.91 mg at a high accuracy (R2 of 0.999) was achieved through composite unit (multi-unit) mini-tablets. All mini-tablets produced had excellent content uniformity and their label claim values were within the acceptable range, proving that HME processing followed by 3D printing promotes content uniformity even for mini-tablets containing low drug doses (0.19 mg). Remarkably, the proposed approach allowed achieving similar drug release profiles via composite unit mini-tablets as well as single mini-tablets at high drug concentrations. In contrast, split tablets demonstrated different release behaviors, attributed to their size and shape differences. Overall, the distinct advantages of mini-tablets to provide dose flexibility while maintaining similar release profiles was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method was developed for the screening of 172 veterinary drugs in traditional Chinese medicine Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The samples were pretreated by a modified QuEChERS method. A Zorbax Eclipse plus C18 column (1.8 μm, 3.0 × 150 mm2, Agilent) was used for the separation of analytes by gradient elution. All analytes were detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring mode. Good linearity with R  ≥ 0.99 was exhibited for all analytes within the respective range. The recoveries of all monitored analytes ranged from 55.4 to 127.6% at three spiked levels (limit of quantitation—LOQ, 2-fold LOQ, 10-fold LOQ), with relative standard deviations <17.8%. The estimated LOQ levels were 0.2–20 μg/kg. The application of this method provides a reference for the safety control of traditional Chinese medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigate theoretically the symmetry breaking and tunneling dynamics in a mixture of three Zeeman states of spinor Bose–Einstein condensate in a one-dimensional triple-well potential. We demonstrate several novel density profiles of symmetric and asymmetric ground states of the three Zeeman states in the phase diagram of the plane, where and are the coefficients of the spin-independent and spin-dependent interactions. The variation of density as a function of at fixed , which clearly shows the transition among distinct types of symmetric and asymmetric ground states, is also illustrated. In addition, the tunneling dynamics of spinor Bose–Einstein condensate in a one-dimensional triple-well potential is also demonstrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An operationally simple method for the synthesis of peptide thioesters is developed using standard Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis procedures. The method relies on the use of a premade enamide-containing amino acid which, in the final TFA cleavage step, renders the desired thioester functionality through an irreversible intramolecular N-to-S acyl transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new approach is described for the general Fmoc-based solid-phase synthesis of (glyco)peptide aryl thioesters. A peptide alkyl oxoester obtained by standard Fmoc-based chain elongation undergoes an O-to-S acyl shift, and is followed by alkyl thioester exchanges with a large excess of aryl thiol, affording the corresponding peptide aryl thioester. The newly developed methodology is useful for the chemical synthesis of post-translationally modified proteins because of its compatibility with standard Fmoc-SPPS conditions. In addition, the peptide aryl thioesters are essential intermediates for chemical synthesis of proteins by kinetically controlled convergent strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent studies have suggested that reduced endothelial progenitor subpopulation in lectin-binding and DiLDL-uptaking cell (EPC subpopulation) number and activity was associated with EPC subpopulation senescence that involved telomerase activity and telomere length. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) has been shown to augment a variety of cellular functions of EPC subpopulation and subsequently contribute to ischemic neovascularization. Therefore, we investigated whether SDF-1α might be able to prevent senescence of EPC subpopulation and also investigated the effects of SDF-1α on the telomerase activity and telomere length. EPC subpopulation were isolated from peripheral blood and characterized. After ex vivo prolonged cultivation, EPC subpopulation became senescent as determined by acidic β-galactosidase staining. SDF-1α dose-dependently inhibited the onset of EPC subpopulation senescence. Moreover, SDF-1α increased proliferation and colony-forming activity of EPC subpopulation. SDF-1α also increased telomerase activity and telomere length, which was accompanied with upregulation of the catalytic subunit, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Whereas these effects of SDF-1α on telomerase activity and expression of hTERT mRNA were significantly attenuated by CXCR4-specific peptide antagonist (AMD3100) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (LY294002). In conclusions, SDF-1α delays the onset of EPC subpopulation senescence, which may be related to the activation of telomerase and elongation of telomere length. The inhibition of EPC subpopulation senescence and induction of EPC subpopulation proliferation by SDF-1α in vitro may importantly improve the functional activity of EPC subpopulation for potential cell therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 223:757–763, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid increase in the use of databases, the problem of missing values inevitably arises. The techniques developed to recover these missing values effectively should be highly precise in order to estimate the missing values completely. The mining of association rules can effectively establish the relationship among items in databases. Therefore, discovered association rules are usually applied to recover the missing values in databases. This study presents a Fast Recycle Combined Association Rules (FRCAR) method to fill in the missing values. FRCAR applies a technique to recycle sub-frequent itemsets and bit-arrays to discover more association rules than the Missing Value Completion (MVC) approach. The experimental result demonstrates that FRCAR results in a higher recovery rate and higher recovery accuracy for missing values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pollen diagram from a 6.62 m sediment sequence in Lake Erhai in northwest Yunnan, China was obtained to examine the roles of climate change and human impact on the development of the Erhai lake-catchment system since 12950 cal. yr BP. The record extends back into the Younger Dryas, where the dominance of Betula and deciduous Quercus points to a relatively cold and wet winter climate. After 11 750 cal. yr BP, a warming climate coupled with enhanced summer monsoon precipitation results in the expansion of Tsuga and evergreen broadleaved trees (Cyclobalanopsis, Lithocarpus and Castanopsis). An increase in evergreen oaks and dry-tolerant species after 10 320 cal. yr BP suggests a greater seasonality in rainfall, reflecting a southward shift in the winter front across the region. This trend of increasing temperatures and seasonality is seen to continue through into the mid-Holocene and the onset of the Holocene optimum. A marked decline in arboreal taxa coupled with increased levels of grass (Poaceae) and other disturbance taxa provides the first evidence for human impact in the catchment at c. 6370 cal. yr BP. This early phase of forest clearance leads to the collapse of the natural altitudinal vegetation gradient that existed in the catchment from the Lateglacial. The subsequent expansion of secondary pine forest suggests that these early clearances were part of a sustained period of shifting agriculture. Archaeological and historical records for the region point to a gradual increase in immigration into the region throughout the late Holocene. The increased pressure on the catchment is reflected in the pollen record by a series of clearance phases, which increase in intensity after 2140 cal. yr BP, linked presumably to intensification of agriculture and early urbanization. This trend continues through the last millennium, before a sharp increase in arboreal pollen at the top of the core reflects a phase of reforestation that took place in the catchment over the last 25 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multi-proxy analysis of a sediment core from Qinghai Lake, including pollen, carbonate, TOC, TN and δ13C of organic matter, was used to document regional climatic changes during the last 18,000 years. Climate was very cold and dry before 16.9cal.kyrBP. The warm and wet period, which began at about 14.1cal.kyrBP, culminated at 6.5cal.kyrBP and came to its end at about 4.5cal.kyrBP. After that, the climate gradually became colder and drier. During the transitional period from the Late Glacial to the Holocene the climate fluctuated frequently. The short-term climatic oscillations, including the Bølling, Alleröd, Younger Dryas and the cooling event at ca. 8.2cal.kyrBP, appear to be recorded in the Qinghai Lake sedimentary record. The climatic evolution in the Qinghai Lake area during the past 18,000 years indicates that solar insolation changes on the ten-thousand-year scale are the likely driving force of the East-Asia monsoon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chemical binders have been demonstrated to be a cost-effective measure to prrevent fugitive dust. Fugitive dust is a typical air pollution source produced by construction activities. From the engineering application point of view, an approach using dimensionless analysis with a multivariable regression method based on total suspended particulate (TSP) experimental data is worth exploring to predict the prevention efficiencies of chemical binders. This paper examines four-month prevention efficiencies of chemical binders using a comprehensive empirical framework with auxiliary theoretical analysis. A series of field-analogous experiments was carried out to measure TSP using high volume air samples in an artificial wind tunnel system for three general chemical binders. The short-term prevention efficiency was affected primarily by wind velocity, mass concentration of the chemical binder, spray intensity, silt content, and prevention duration. Correlated with these primary parameters, a useful equation is proposed to estimate the short-term prevention efficiencies that would be valid under the appropriate conditions suggested by this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the flow on a mobile bed in an open channel, sand ripple often appears after the sediment begins to move. Different scholars have different views on the formation of sand ripples. This paper holds that as the ripple in general is very small, its formation is due to the instability of the laminar flow or the evolution of the small-scale coherent structures in the sublayer adjacent to the wall of the open channel. When the shear stresses caused by the disturbing waves or the coherent structure near the bed surface boundary and the water flow itself are greater than the shields stresses, responses on the bed surface appear and the sand ripple forms. If the frequency of the shear stress caused by the disturbance is close to the natural frequency of the sand grains that produced resonance, such a phenomenon is called the “detection property” of the sediment. It is at this point that the maximum resonance appears and the sand ripple develops rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which calculated the distribution coeffient of ostracod valves from the genus Limnocythere cf. inopinata in Daihai in Inner Mongolia, China, to quantitatively reconstruct the lake's paleosalinity. Primary mechanism of paleosalinity reconstruction in lacustrine deposit environment; Measurement of strontium-calcium levels of the ostracod valves and the lake water; Results and discussion.

Examines data rate optimization in synchronous circuits. Reciprocal clock period of the circuits; Development of a method to reschedule any designed synchronous circuit into one with preassigned clock period; Numbers of latches between the connected function elements.

Presents a comparison of five algorithms for atmospheric chemical model from accuracy, efficiency and programming based on Carbon-Bond Mechanism-IV. Description of the algorithm used in the test; Computer time of classical Gear code and sparse-matrix Gear type method; Comparison of programming of chemical scheme.

Understanding the transient dynamics of interlinked social-ecological systems (SES) is imperative for assessing sustainability in the Anthropocene. However, how to identify critical transitions in real-world SES remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we present an evolutionary framework to characterize these dynamics over an extended historical timeline. Our approach leverages multidecadal rates of change in socioeconomic data, paleoenvironmental, and cutting-edge sedimentary ancient DNA records from China's Yangtze River Delta, one of the most densely populated and intensively modified landscapes on Earth. Our analysis reveals two significant social-ecological transitions characterized by contrasting interactions and feedback spanning several centuries. Initially, the regional SES exhibited a loosely connected and ecologically sustainable regime. Nevertheless, starting in the 1950s, an increasingly interconnected regime emerged, ultimately resulting in the crossing of tipping points and an unprecedented acceleration in soil erosion, water eutrophication, and ecosystem degradation. Remarkably, the second transition occurring around the 2000s, featured a notable decoupling of socioeconomic development from ecoenvironmental degradation. This decoupling phenomenon signifies a more desirable reconfiguration of the regional SES, furnishing essential insights not only for the Yangtze River Basin but also for regions worldwide grappling with similar sustainability challenges. Our extensive multidecadal empirical investigation underscores the value of coevolutionary approaches in understanding and addressing social-ecological system dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirror‐image proteins (D‐proteins) are useful in biomedical research for purposes such as mirror‐image screening for D‐peptide drug discovery, but the chemical synthesis of many D‐proteins is often low yielding due to the poor solubility or aggregation of their constituent peptide segments. Here, we report a Lys‐C protease‐cleavable solubilizing tag and its use to synthesize difficult‐to‐obtain D‐proteins. Our tag is easily installed onto multiple amino acids such as DLys, DSer, DThr, and/or the N‐terminal amino acid of hydrophobic D‐peptides, is impervious to various reaction conditions, such as peptide synthesis, ligation, desulfurization, and transition metal‐mediated deprotection, and yet can be completely removed by Lys‐C protease under denaturing conditions to give the desired D‐protein. The efficacy and practicality of the new method were exemplified in the synthesis of two challenging D‐proteins: D‐enantiomers of programmed cell death protein 1 IgV domain and SARS‐CoV‐2 envelope protein, in high yield. This work demonstrates that the enzymatic cleavage of solubilizing tags under denaturing conditions is feasible, thus paving the way for the production of more D‐proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirror‐image proteins (D‐proteins) are useful in biomedical research for purposes such as mirror‐image screening for D‐peptide drug discovery, but the chemical synthesis of many D‐proteins is often low yielding due to the poor solubility or aggregation of their constituent peptide segments. Here, we report a Lys‐C protease‐cleavable solubilizing tag and its use to synthesize difficult‐to‐obtain D‐proteins. Our tag is easily installed onto multiple amino acids such as DLys, DSer, DThr, and/or the N‐terminal amino acid of hydrophobic D‐peptides, is impervious to various reaction conditions, such as peptide synthesis, ligation, desulfurization, and transition metal‐mediated deprotection, and yet can be completely removed by Lys‐C protease under denaturing conditions to give the desired D‐protein. The efficacy and practicality of the new method were exemplified in the synthesis of two challenging D‐proteins: D‐enantiomers of programmed cell death protein 1 IgV domain and SARS‐CoV‐2 envelope protein, in high yield. This work demonstrates that the enzymatic cleavage of solubilizing tags under denaturing conditions is feasible, thus paving the way for the production of more D‐proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

D‐peptide ligands can be screened for therapeutic potency and enzymatic stability using synthetic mirror‐image proteins (D‐proteins), but efficient acquisition of these D‐proteins can be hampered by the need to accomplish their in vitro folding, which often requires the formation of correctly linked disulfide bonds. Here, we report the finding that temporary installation of natural O‐linked‐β‐N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) groups onto selected D‐serine or D‐threonine residues of the synthetic disulfide‐bonded D‐proteins can facilitate their folding in vitro, and that the natural glycosyl groups can be completely removed from the folded D‐proteins to afford the desired chirally inverted D‐protein targets using naturally occurring O‐GlcNAcase. This approach enabled the efficient chemical syntheses of several important but difficult‐to‐fold D‐proteins incorporating disulfide bonds including the mirror‐image tumor necrosis factor alpha (D‐TNFα) homotrimer and the mirror‐image receptor‐binding domain of the Omicron spike protein (D‐RBD). Our work establishes the use of O‐GlcNAc to facilitate D‐protein synthesis and folding and proves that D‐proteins bearing O‐GlcNAc can be good substrates for naturally occurring O‐GlcNAcase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

D‐peptide ligands can be screened for therapeutic potency and enzymatic stability using synthetic mirror‐image proteins (D‐proteins), but efficient acquisition of these D‐proteins can be hampered by the need to accomplish their in vitro folding, which often requires the formation of correctly linked disulfide bonds. Here, we report the finding that temporary installation of natural O‐linked‐β‐N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) groups onto selected D‐serine or D‐threonine residues of the synthetic disulfide‐bonded D‐proteins can facilitate their folding in vitro, and that the natural glycosyl groups can be completely removed from the folded D‐proteins to afford the desired chirally inverted D‐protein targets using naturally occurring O‐GlcNAcase. This approach enabled the efficient chemical syntheses of several important but difficult‐to‐fold D‐proteins incorporating disulfide bonds including the mirror‐image tumor necrosis factor alpha (D‐TNFα) homotrimer and the mirror‐image receptor‐binding domain of the Omicron spike protein (D‐RBD). Our work establishes the use of O‐GlcNAc to facilitate D‐protein synthesis and folding and proves that D‐proteins bearing O‐GlcNAc can be good substrates for naturally occurring O‐GlcNAcase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: It has been reported that members from all vertebrate classes occasionally attempt copulations with dead male or female individuals, but until now no reliable report exists that insects too may show such necrophilic behaviour. We observed and described how a male cicada from Jinxiu town in southern China repeatedly tried to mate with a dead male conspecific. There are several ways to explain this unusual behaviour, but we believe that possibly a lack of females, the somewhat larger than normal size of the dead male individual and the latter's passivity have been involved. This is the first report of a male insect mounting a dead male and attempting to copulate with it. The unusual case of a male Cryptotympana atrata cicada from China attempting to mate with a dead male conspecific is described and illustrated. Although hitherto unreported, necrophilic behaviour in the form of an attempted necrocoitus, involving dead male or female corpses, may not be as isolated a case as has been previously assumed, but it does not seem to have been mentioned earlier in the entomological literature. Although the described behaviour could have been an expression of a lack of opportunity to locate a cooperative female, several other possibilities, referred to in the Discussion, exist and should not be dismissed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]