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Background: Gorals Naemorhedus resemble both goats and antelopes, which prompts much debate about the intragenus species delimitation and phylogenetic status of the genus Naemorhedus within the subfamily Caprinae. Their evolution is believed to be linked to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). To better understand its phylogenetics, the genetic information is worth being resolved. Results : Based on a sample from the eastern margin of QTP, we constructed the first reference genome for Himalayan goral Naemorhedus goral, using PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C technology. The 2.59 Gb assembled genome had a contig N50 of 3.70 Mb and scaffold N50 of 106.66 Mb, which anchored onto 28 pseudo chromosomes. A total of 20,145 protein-coding genes were predicted in the assembled genome, of which 99.93% were functionally annotated. Phylogenetically, the goral was closely related to muskox on the mitochondrial genome level and nested into the takin-muskox clade on the genome tree, rather than other so-called goat-antelopes. The cladogenetic event among muskox, takin and goral occurred sequentially during the late Miocene (~ 11 − 5 Mya), when the QTP experienced a third dramatic uplift with consequent profound changes in climate and environment. Several chromosome fusions and translocations were observed between goral and takin/muskox. The expanded gene families in the goral genome were mainly related to the metabolism of drugs and diseases, so as the positive selected genes. The Ne of goral continued to decrease since ~ 1 Mya during the Pleistocene with active glaciations. Conclusion: The high-quality goral genome provides insights into the evolution and valuable information for the conservation of this threatened group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coatings for solar energy absorption were prepared with spinel structure via plasma praying of vanadium tailings (VT) from a steel factory. Phase analyses of the VT powder and coating were performed with X-ray diffraction. The microstructures and compositions of the powder and coating were determined with scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The optical properties of these coatings were characterized with spectrophotometry and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The surface microstructure and roughness were imaged with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effects of surface morphology on the optical properties, including absorptivity and emissivity, were analyzed. The results showed that a large number of spinel structure phases were formed during spraying VT that consisted of metal oxides. The optical absorptivity (α) and emissivity (ε) of the coating has been tested. The spinel structure had excellent high temperature resistance and a stable thermal emission at medium and low temperatures. • Vanadium tailings were used for solar energy absorbing coatings. • The coatings had spinel phases were fabricated via plasma spraying. • The coating has high 93.79% absorptivity and stable thermal emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]