A New Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae)from Sichuan Province, Southwest China, with a Diagnostic Key of Scincella Species in China

The genus Scincella Mittleman,1950 of the family Scincidae currently includes 38 species."To date,however,taxonomic assessment remains challenging.Here,phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of four mitochondrial genes supported a putative new species from Sichuan Province,Southwest China,as an independent lineage.Uncorrected genetic distance of 16S rRNA between the new species and closest congener was 8%,and the population was morphologically distinguishable from all other known congeners.We herein describe the Scincella population as anew species based on both phylogeny and comparative morphology.The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters:(1)body slender,mediumsized,snout-vent length 35.0-62.1 mm;(2)infralabials seven,rarely eight;(3)supraciliaries 5-7;(4)tympanum deeply sunk without lobules;(5)midbody scale-row counts 27-30;(6)dorsal scales smooth and enlarged,paravertebral scale-row counts 60-75,ventral scalerow counts 46-59,gulars 25-30;(7)upper edge of lateral longitudinal stripes relatively straight with six rows of dorsal scales in middle;(8)number of enlarged,undivided lamellae beneath fingerⅣ9-11,number of enlarged,undivided lamellae beneath toeⅣ13-16;(9)ventral side of tail densely ornamented with dark brown or black spots;and(10)grayish-brown discontinuous regular dorsal stripes 5-7,distinct black dorsolateral stripes,starting from posterior corner of eye and continuing to lateral side of tail.A diagnostic key to all Scincella members from China is also provided The new species is currently only known from Wenchuan and Lixian counties,Sichuan Province,China,and brings the number of Scincella species in China to 12.This study emphasizes the incompleteness of knowledge on herpetodiversity in China.

A new species of the genus Triplophysa (Cypriniformes： Nemacheilidae), Triplophysa daochengensis, from Sichuan Province, China

Triplophysa daochengensis sp. nov. is described from the Daocheng River, a northern tributary of the Jinsha River in Sichuan Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characters： body smooth and scales absent; lateral line complete; caudal peduncle compressed, depth unchanging; head length equal to caudal-peduncle length; lower jaw shovel-shaped; dorsal-fin origin anterior to pelvic-fin origin and closer to the tip of the snout than to the caudal-fin base, last unbranched ray hard; pelvic-fin tip not reaching anus; posterior chamber of gas bladder absent; intestine of spiral type with three winding coils.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in esophageal carcinoma in Tangshan,China

AIM:to study the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV) in esophageal carcinoma in tangshan,China,a high-incidence area.METHODS:Formalin-fixed,paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 198 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from 2011 to 2013 were obtained from a pathology department in Tangshan.DNA was extracted from all198 specimens to detect HPV by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).β-globin PCR was performed to check the quality of the DNA extraction procedure.PCR was performed to detect a wide range of HPV types,and type-specific PCR was performed to detect HPV types16 and 18.Negative and positive controls were used for HPV 16 and 18 detection.RESULTS:the DNA extraction method in this study appeared to be more effective than other previously reported methods.After DNA extraction,more than98%of the tissue specimens had an acceptable result in the DNA qualification test(β-globin PCR).the overall prevalence of HPV in tumor tissues by GP6+/GP5+PCR was 79.79%,and the prevalence of HPV types16 and 18 was 40.40%and 47.47%,respectively.PCR demonstrated the presence of HPV,and direct sequencing confirmed the HPV genotypes.All HPVpositive PCR products were checked by DNA sequence analysis using DNAman and compared with the known HPV sequences listed in the basic Local Alignment Search tool database to evaluate the HPV types.this analysis confirmed the presence of HPV types 16 and18.CONCLUSION:DNA of high-risk HPV types 16 and 18is present in esophageal tumors,implicating HPV as a possible etiologic factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Study on Landscape Pattern Based on Landsat-8 in the Center of Chengdu City, China

Study on landscape spatial pattern in the center of Chengdu City is based on the Landsat-8 image by using 3S technique and spatial pattern analysis software Fragstats 3.3. The results showed that there covered an area of 193.92 km2 in the center of Chengdu City. 55.24% of the total area was made up of buildings, covering an area of 107.12 km2, and the overall landscape of impervious ground-based. There were 22,666 patches;29.67% of the patches were roads. The human interference of buildings, roads and green space was a maximum;fragmentation of the highest was green space. The fragmentation of overall urban landscape was high;the diversity was low;the value of Shannon’s diversity index was 0.63;the value of Shannon’s evenness index was 0.70. All kinds of landscape distribution were not balanced, and lack of connectivity. This research puts important reference for creating good urban landscape space and restoring the natural ecological environment in the western regions of China.

The Research on Land-Use Change and Ecological Environment Effect of Urban Landscape in China

The rapid expansion of urban construction land has become the major characteristic of urban land-use change in China today. Meanwhile, the rapid urbanization process has led to the great changes of urban landscape in China, and it also has had certain impacts on environmental factors such as climate, soil, hydrology, biodiversity, etc., then it has made the overall ecological environment deteriorated. This study is based on the summary and analysis of research on land-use change and ecological environment effect of urban landscape in recent 20 years in China, and it aims at providing scientific bases and theoretical supports for the planning and construction of urban landscape, the sustainable land-use of city and the protection of ecological environment in China.

A new species of Triplophysa Rendahl （Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae） from Sichuan Province, China

Triplophysa yajiangensis sp. nov. is described from the upper and middle reaches of the Yalong River, Yangtze Basin, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province China. This new species can be distinguished from other congeneric species by the following characters： body surface smooth and scaleless; lateral line complete; caudal peduncle compressed and tapered slightly; lower jaw shovel-shaped; head shorter than caudal peduncle; dorsal-fin origin anterior to pelvic-fin origin and closer to tip of snout than to caudal-fin base, last unbranched ray hard; pelvic-fin reaches or exceeds anus; posterior chamber of gas bladder absent; intestine spiral type with 3-5 winding coils.

Similarity Analysis of Beetle Communities in Jiuzhaigou,Xiaozhaizigou, Caopo, Ma'anshan and Baihe Nature Reserves of Sichuan Province,China

In this study, beetle communities in Jiuzhaigou, Xiaozhaizigou, Caopo, Ma＇anshan and Baihe nature reserves of Sichuan Province were compared and analyzed. F index, G index and G-F index of beetle communities in five nature reserves were analyzed to calculate the similarity coefficient C between these five na- ture reserves. According to the results, beetle communities exhibited high dissimilarity between Jiuzhaigou and Xiaozhaizigou, Caopo and Jiuzhaigou, Caopo and Xiaozhaizigou, Ma＇anshan and Xiaozhaizigou, Ma＇anshan and Jiuzhaigou, Baihe and Xiaozhaizigou, Baihe and Caopo, Baihe and Ma＇anshan; beetle communities exhibited moderate dissimilarity between Ma＇anshan and Caopo, Baihe and Jiuzhaigou.

Distribution and Taxonomy of the Subtribe Lagriina (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Lagriini) in China

In this paper, the distribution and taxonomy of the subtribe Lagriina in different provinces and regions of China was summarized. According to related data, different species of the subtribe Lagriina mainly distribute in the south of China. To be specific, Yunnan Province owns the greatest number of species, followed by Fujian Province and Sichuan Province. This study laid the theoretical foundation for further investigation of the evolutionary process of the subtribe Lagriina in China.

A Newly Recorded Species of the Genus Exostira Borchmann (Tenebrionidae: Lagriinae) from China

The species Exostira bisbimaculata Pic,1935 was found in Hainan,China.The present paper provides the detailed redescription and illustrations.A key to the genus Exostira from China was provided in this study.Specimens are deposited in the China West Normal University.

Effects of Flowering Mode and Pollinator Sharing on Reproductive Success in Natural Hybrid of Two Epimedium(Berberidaceae)Species

Mediated by pollenflow,natural hybridization is deemed a crucial factor that propels speciation infloral plants.Despite the fact that the diversity of Epimedium species is concentrated mainly in Southwestern China,the poten-tial impact of interspecific pollination on natural hybridization has yet to be empirically scrutinized.To explore this,we studied theflowering period and the visitors offlowers in three frequently overlapping Epimedium species at Jinchengshan National Forest Park,located in Nanchong,Sichuan Province.Additionally,we performed a ser-ies of pollination experiments to examine breeding systems and hybrid compatibility.Morphologically,Epime-dium pubescens and Epimedium wushanense are clearly distinct and easily recognizable byflower morphology,while the putative hybrid is morphologically intermediate between them.Our observation revealed that E.pub-escens and E.wushanense had 15 days of overlapping anthesis.Both species are self-incompatible and require pol-linator services for successful reproduction.Although their pollinators differ in quantity and species,Lasioglossum sp.(Hymenoptera:Halictidae)visited all three species.Artificial pollination revealed no breeding barriers among the three species,and the resulting hybrid seeds exhibited fertility.The overlapping time offlowering,commonfloral visitors,and compatibility of hybrids may be important factors contributing to successful interspecific pol-lination and speciation for natural hybrid species of E.pubescens and E.wushanense.Consequently,the role of potential interspecific pollination is crucial for hybrid speciation and the evolutionary dynamics of Epimedium species.

Leaf phenotypic variation of endangered plant Tetracentron sinense Oliv.and influence of geographical and climatic factors

To analyze the degree and pattern of phenotypic variation in leaves of Tetracentron sinense Oliv from the perspective of genetic and environmental adaptation and thus contribute to effective evidence-based conservation and management strategies for germplasm resources,we measured 17 morphological and epidermal micromorphological leaf traits from 24 natural populations of T.sinense.Nested analysis of variance,multiple comparison,principal component analysis(PCA),cluster analysis,and correlation analysis were used to explore phenotypic leaf variation among and within populations and potential correlations with geographic and environmental factors.There were significant differences in 17 leaf phenotypic traits among and within populations.The mean phenotypic differentiation coefficient of the 17 traits was 56.34%,and the variation among populations(36.4%)was greater than that within populations(27.2%).The coefficient of variation(CV)of each trait ranged from 4.6 to 23.8%,and the mean was 11.8%.Phenotypic variation of leaves was related to environmental factors such as average annual sunshine hours,average July temperature,and average annual rainfall.The variation changed along gradients of longitude,latitude,and altitude.The PCA clustered the 24 natural populations into four groups.Our study suggests that phenotypic variation in T.sinense occurred primarily among populations,with moderate levels of phenotypic differentiation among populations and low levels of phenotypic variation within populations.The plant’s poor adaptability to the environment is likely an important contributor to its endangerment.Accordingly,conservation strategies are proposed to protect and manage the natural populations of T.sinense.

Structure elucidation,immunomodulatory activity,antitumor activity and its molecular mechanism of a novel polysaccharide from Boletus reticulatus Schaeff

A new water-soluble heteropolysaccharide with a molecular weight of 15 k Da was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Boletus reticulatus Schaeff.Structural characterization results revealed that B.reticulatus Schaeff polysaccharide(BRS-X)had a backbone of 1,6-linkedα-D-galactose and 1,2,6-linkedα-D-galactose which branches were mainly composed of a terminal 4-linkedβ-D-glucose and the ratio of D-galactose and D-glucose was 5:1.Bioactivity assays indicated that BRS-X displayed a strong proliferative activity in T cells and B cells and promoted the secretion of immunoglobulin G(Ig G),Ig E,Ig D and Ig M.In addition,BRS-X could facilitate the proliferation and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells and could significantly inhibit the growth of tumors in S180-bearing mice.The results of transcriptome sequencing analysis illustrated that total 46 genes enriched in MAPK and total 34 genes enriched in PI3 K/Akt signaling pathways in BRS-X group.The protein VEGF and VEGFR expression were significantly reduced under the treatment with BRS-X.These findings provide a scientific basis for the edible and medicinal value of BRS-X.

Effects of Methionine on the Immune Function in Animals

Nutrition and immunity are the hot topics in animal’s production, and the effects of methionine on the immunity are already confirmed as the deep research on the nutrition of amino acid and immune function. However, the relationship of the methionine and immunity has not been elucidated clearly, this review aims to clarify the effects of methionine on immune function in the aspects of growth and development immune organs, the histological structure of the immune organs, non-specific immunity, humoral immunity, cellular immunity and cytokines, and to provide foundations for further studies on the relationship between methionine and immune function.

Sexual Dimorphism in the Hindlimb Muscles of the Asiatic Toad(Bufo gargarizans)in Relation to Male Reproductive Success

In many anurans, the forelimb muscles of males are used to grasp females and are often heavier than those of females despite the larger female body size. Such sexual dimorphism in forelimb musculature is thought to result from sexual selection. In addition, the hindlimbs of frogs and toads play an important role in the reproductive process as amplectant males can expel rivals with robust hindlimbs through kicking. In this study, the sexual dimorphism in dry mass for six hindlimb muscles of the Asiatic toad （Bufo gargarizans） was investigated. The results showed that, when controlled for body size, the hindlimb muscle mass of males significantly exceeded that of females for every muscle. The hindlimb muscle mass of amplectant males was also significantly larger than that of non-amplectant males. These results suggested that if strong hindlimb muscles could improve mating success of males, sexual selection would promote the evolution of dimorphism in this character.

Compositional Shifts in Ammonia-Oxidizing Microorganism Communities of Eight Geographically Different Paddy Soils —Biogeographical Distribution of Ammonia-Oxidizing Microorganisms

Soil nitrification is mediated by ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB), which occupy different specialized ecological niches. However, little is known about the diversification of AOA and AOB communities in a large geographical scale. Here, eight paddy soils collected from different geographic regions in China were selected to investigate the spatial distribution of AOA and AOB, and their potential nitrification activity (PNA). The result showed that the abundance of AOA was predominant over AOB, indicating that the rice fields favor the growth of AOA. PNA highly varied from 0.43 to 3.57 μg NOX-N·g·dry·soil·h-1, and was positively related with soil NH3 content, the abundance of AOA community, and negatively related with the diversity of AOB community (P amoA genes revealed remarkable differences in the compositions of AOA and AOB community. Phylogenetic analyses of amoA genes showed that Nitrosospiracluster-3-like and Nitrosomonas cluster 7-like AOB extensively dominated the AOB communities, and 54d9-like AOA within the soil group 1.1b predominated in AOA communities in paddy soils. Redundancy analysis suggested that the spatial variations of AOA community structure were influenced by soil TN content (P < 0.01), while no significant correlation between AOB community structure and soil properties was found. Findings highlight that ammonia oxidizers exhibit spatial variations in complex paddy fields due to the joint influence of soil variables associated with N availability.

Diversification of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms in seven geographically different paddy soils in Sichuan

The diversification of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) communities and their potential nitrification activity (PNA) on a large scale have not been well documented. In this work, seven paddy soils from different geographic regions in Sichuan, P. R. China were selected to determine the spatial distribution of the activities, abundances and community compositions of AOB and AOA. PNA varied greatly among paddy soils, and was positively correlated with soil pH (P< 0.05). The abundance of AOA was 81.1 to 1 670.0 times more than that of AOB, which indicates paddy soil environments favor the growth of AOA. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprints of amoA genes exhibited distinct spatial differences in AOA compositions rather than in AOB compositions. Sequencing analysis revealed that acidic soils were dominated by AOA within marine group 1.1 a-associated lineage, whereas the soil group 1.1b lineage AOA predominated in neutral and alkaline soils. Both nitrosopira cluster 3-like and Nitrosomonas cluster 7-like AOB dominated the AOB communities in the paddy soils. Redundancy analysis suggested that soil NH4^+-N content was the most significant driver determining the AOB community structure, while no significant correlation between AOA community structure and soil properties was found. The findings highlight that the activity and composition of ammonia oxidizers exhibit spatial variations in complex paddy fields due to the joint influence of soil variables associated with pH and N availability.

Using endocarp-remains of seeds of wild apricot Prunus armeniaca to identify rodent seed predators

Some rodent-dispersed seeds have a hard seed-coat(e.g.woody endocarp).Specific scrapes or dental marks on the hard seed-coat left by rodents when they eat these seeds can be used to identify seed predators.In this study we measured the morphological traits of endocarp-remains of seeds of wild apricot Prunus armeniaca used by Chinese white-bellied rats Niviventor confucianus and Korean field mice Apodemus peninsulae.We established their Fisher's linear discriminant functions to separate endocarp-remains between the two predators.A total of 90.0% of the endocarp-remains left by Korean field mice and 88.0% of those left by Chinese white-bellied rats were correctly classified.The overall percentage of correct classification was 89.0%.One hundred and sixty endocarp-remains of unknown what species predated them were classified using the functions.The method may allow more reliable quantitative studies of the effects of Chinese white-bellied rats and Korean field mice on seed consumption and dispersal of wild apricot and this study might be used for reference in other studies of seed predators identification on hard seeds.

Chromosomal Location of the Genes Associated with Photosynthesis of Lophopyrum elongatum (Host) A.Lve in Chinese Spring Background

Researches on the relationship between photosynthesis and wheat yield have equally attracted the attention of both domestic and overseas scholars. No report has existed so far on the study of the effects of exogenous chromosomes on photosynthesis using the substitution series as materials. In this research, Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Spring-Lophopyrum elongatum （Host） A.Loeve disomic substitution series were used as materials and flag leaves as the measuring position. And the CI-310 Portable Photosynthesis System made by CID Co. in USA was used to measure the net rate of photosynthesis of flag leaves in different developing stages and also to correlate photosynthesis with yield. Results showed that, out of the whole developing stages, at the anthesis stage the line of DS2Ee （2A） had the highest photosynthetic rate, therefore it could be used in improving process of the character of kernel number. The flag leaves of DS4Ee （4A, 4B, 4D） lines demonstrated certain high net photosynthetic rate from heading to grain filling stage, so it is valuable in the researh of promoting the yield index like 1 000-grain weight through improvement of the photosynthetic rate at grain filling stage.

Global view on virus infection in non-human primates and implications for public health and wildlife conservation

Viruses can be transmitted from animals to humans(and vice versa)and across animal species.As such,host-virus interactions and transmission have attracted considerable attention.Non-human primates(NHPs),our closest evolutionary relatives,are susceptible to human viruses and certain pathogens are known to circulate between humans and NHPs.Here,we generated global statistics on virus infections in NHPs(VI-NHPs)based on a literature search and public data mining.In total,140 NHP species from 12 families are reported to be infected by 186 DNA and RNA virus species,68.8%of which are also found in humans,indicating high potential for crossing species boundaries.

Research on the Feeding Habits and Food Range of Periplaneta fuligiosa

[ Objective] This study aimed to investigate the feeding habits and food range of Periplanetafuligiosa. [ Method] Common insects, foods, daily necessities, plants and fruits were used to feed P. fuligiosa ; one food or item was put into the culture bottle each time in a small amount, to observe the feeding habits of P. fuligiosa. Foods or items uneaten after three days were excluded from its food range. Subsequently, P. fuligiosa was fed with random combinations of two or more foods according to the food range, to observe and record the feeding order. [Result] P. fuligiosa has a relatively wide food range, which dislikes dead bodies of hard-shelled insects such as Cyrtotrachelus longimanus and Popillia quadriguttata. P. fuligiosa is an omnivorous insect but tends to be carnivorous. [ Conclusion] This study provided the basis for the cultivation, prevention and control of P. fuligiosa.