The Clicking Elateroidea from Chinese Mesozoic Deposits (Insecta, Coleoptera)

Recent molecular studies have suggested that the clicking beetle families Elateridae, Eucnemidae, Throscidae, and Cerophytidae evolved in the Jurassic and diversified in the Cretaceous. These studies paid little attention to fossils, using them only as dating tools. The identification of Elateridae fossils is challenging, as external synapomorphies are not known for this family. Elateridae can be identified only as something not belonging to the other related families, all of which have diagnostic synapomorphies. Most subfamilies and tribes of Elateridae do possess definite diagnostic characters, however, making their identification feasible. We checked the 28 Elateridae described from Chinese Mesozoic deposits. Twelve were Elateridae, seven were Eucnemidae, and one was a Throscidae. Three species could be Eucnemidae, but showed aberrant characters. Five species could not be placed and may not belong to Elateroidea at all. On the basis of these results we suggest that all previously described Elateridae fossils should be re-checked. They should be searched for synapomorphies defining Eucnemidae, Throscidae, and Cerophytidae. If such characters are not present, a click beetle type of fossil can be placed in Elateroidae incertae sedis. The Mesozoic Chinese Elateridae fossils all belong to clades that do not exist today, whereas the Mesozoic Eucnemidae subfamilies are extant ones. This may be the source of the disagreement between Elateridae fossil age and datings based on molecular studies. One new combination was made: Desmatus ponomarenkoi (Chang, Kiretjshuk & Ren, 2009) NEW COMBINATION (= Paradesmatus ponomarenkoi Chang, Kirejtshuk & Ren, 2009)

Subfamily Anischiinae (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae) in Early Cretaceous of Northeast China

Rheanischia new genus, type species Rheanischia brevicornis new species (Eucnemidae, Anischiinae) is described from the Lower Cretaceous of Liaoning, China. The presence of this species in early Cretaceous deposits provides new insight into the evolution of basal lignicolous Eucnemidae clades. Both Anischiinae and Palaeoxeninae species diversified in a world dominated by gymnosperms, before the main radiation of angiosperms. More than 95% of modern eucnemid larvae have a Palaeoxenus-type highly modified head structure, but contrary to the Palaeoxenus larva, they develop in angiosperm wood. Anischiinae utilize angiosperms as well, but their head capsule shows no such modifications. These facts prove that highly specialized morphological features do not offer definite proof of similar way of life in the distant past, nor should non-modified structures be taken as proof for another kind of substrate choice. Eucnemidae have invaded angiosperms with two quite different morphological adaptations. This fact may have implications for the evolution of all clicking elateroids

Subfamily Anischiinae (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae) in Early Cretaceous of Northeast China

Rheanischia new genus, type species Rheanischia brevicornis new species (Eucnemidae, Anischiinae) is described from the Lower Cretaceous of Liaoning, China. The presence of this species in early Cretaceous deposits provides new insight into the evolution of basal lignicolous Eucnemidae clades. Both Anischiinae and Palaeoxeninae species diversified in a world dominated by gymnosperms, before the main radiation of angiosperms. More than 95% of modern eucnemid larvae have a Palaeoxenus-type highly modified head structure, but contrary to the Palaeoxenus larva, they develop in angiosperm wood. Anischiinae utilize angiosperms as well, but their head capsule shows no such modifications. These facts prove that highly specialized morphological features do not offer definite proof of similar way of life in the distant past, nor should non-modified structures be taken as proof for another kind of substrate choice. Eucnemidae have invaded angiosperms with two quite different morphological adaptations. This fact may have implications for the evolution of all clicking elateroids

Temporal and spatial distributions of soil nutrients in Hani terraced paddy fields, Southwestern China

AbstractHani terraced paddy fields are one of the most important ways for agricultural products and greatly influence regional landscapes in mountainous areas of Southwestern China. However, the knowledge of soil nutrient conditions from Hani terraced paddy fields is limited. This paper investigates such soil nutrient parameters as organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total potassium (TK), available potassium (AK) of four sampling sites of paddy fields under special geographical environment and agricultural technology, and compares the differences of soil nutrients related to spatial patterns and temporal periods. Correlation analysis is performed to analyze the impact of environmental factors on soil nutrients, as well as the relationships between soil nutrient parameters and altitude, slope direction, gradient and distance from village. The results show that there were some differences separately in the content of soil nutrients such as OM, TN, TP, AP, TK and AK. The AK and AP levels are lower in the fallow period than that in the tillage period, only OM level in the fallow period is higher than that in the tillage period; TN, TK, TP levels are nearly similar in the tillage and the fallow period. Unlike great differences in two periods, soil nutrient content in the ridge of fields is identical basically with the content in the corresponding paddy fields. Correlation analysis shows that soil nutrients of AK, TP, TN and OM have distinctive negative correlations with distance from villages, while AP and TK display a slight fluctuation

Prompt-to-afterglow transition of optical emission in a long gamma-ray burst consistent with a fireball

Long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which signify the end-life collapsing of very massive stars, are produced by extremely relativistic jets colliding into circumstellar medium. Huge energy is released both in the first few seconds, namely the internal dissipation phase that powers prompt emissions, and in the subsequent self-similar jet-deceleration phase that produces afterglows observed in broad-band electromagnetic spectrum. However, prompt optical emissions of GRBs have been rarely detected, seriously limiting our understanding of the transition between the two phases. Here we report detection of prompt optical emissions from a gamma-ray burst (i.e. GRB 201223A) using a dedicated telescope array with a high temporal resolution and a wide time coverage. The early phase coincident with prompt {\gamma}-ray emissions show a luminosity in great excess with respect to the extrapolation of {\gamma}-rays, while the later luminosity bump is consistent with onset of the afterglow. The clearly detected transition allows us to differentiate physical processes contributing to early optical emissions and to diagnose the composition of the jetComment: Authors' version of article published in Nature Astronomy, see their website for official versio

Identification of crucial modules and genes associated with backfat tissue development by WGCNA in Ningxiang pigs

Fat deposition is an economically important trait in pigs. Ningxiang pig, one of the four famous indigenous breeds in China, is characterized by high fat content. The underlying gene expression pattern in different developmental periods of backfat tissue remains unclear, and the purpose of this investigation is to explore the potential molecular regulators of backfat tissue development in Ningxiang pigs. Backfat tissue (three samples for each stage) was initially collected from different developmental stages (60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days after birth), and histological analysis and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were then conducted. Fragments per kilobase of transcript per million (FPKM) method was used to qualify gene expressions, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Furthermore, strongly co-expressed genes in modules, which were named by color, were clustered by Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on dynamic tree cutting algorithm. Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment were subsequently implemented, and hub genes were described in each module. Finally, QPCR analysis was employed to validate RNA-seq data. The results showed that adipocyte area increased and adipocyte number decreased with development of backfat tissue. A total of 1,024 DEGs were identified in five comparison groups (120 days vs. 60 days, 180 days vs. 120 days, 240 days vs. 180 days, 300 days vs. 240 days, and 360 days vs. 300 days). The turquoise, red, pink, paleturquoise, darkorange, and darkgreen module had the highest correlation coefficient with 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days developmental stage, while the tan, black and turquoise module had strong relationship with backfat thickness, adipocyte area, and adipocyte number, respectively. Thirteen hub genes (ACSL1, ACOX1, FN1, DCN, CHST13, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL6A3, COL5A1, COL14A1, OAZ3, DNM1, and SELP) were recognized. ACSL1 and ACOX1 might perform function in the early developmental stage of backfat tissue (60 days), and FN1, DCN, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL5A1, COL6A3, and COL14A1 have unignorable position in backfat tissue around 120 days developmental stage. Besides, hub genes SELP and DNM1 in modules significantly associated with backfat thickness and adipocyte area might be involved in the process of backfat tissue development. These findings contribute to understand the integrated mechanism underlying backfat tissue development and promote the progress of genetic improvement in Ningxiang pigs

Paralithomerus parallelus Chang, Zhang & Ren, 2008, sp. nov.

Paralithomerus parallelus sp. nov. (Figs. 11–15) Type specimen: Holotype. CNU-C-LB 2006872, an impression of elaterid with almost complete body, but most antennal segments absent, housed in Key Lab of Insect Evolution & Environmental Change, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China. Locality and horizon. Collected from 2 nd Bed of Yixian Formation in Huangbanjigou, near Chaomidian Village, Shangyuan County, Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, China; Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous. Etymology. Specific name derived from Latin “ parallelus ”, (meaning “parallel”), for the striae of the elytra that are parallel to each other. Diagnosis. This new species is distinguished from P. exquisitus by the following characters: (1) pronotum width shorter than length if the length is measured at the median line; (2) prosternal process quite short; (3) metepisternum narrow; (4) elytra with 9 distinct longitudinal striae, each stria nearly parallel to the sutural margin, the 3 rd and 4 th, 7 th and 8 th not united; and (5) apical ventrite 1.33 times longer than the previous one and broadly rounded apically. Description. Body subcylindrical, medium sized, with length 12.5 mm, width 4.5 mm, elytron length 7.8 mm; Elytra with nine nearly parallel longitudinal striae (Figs. 11, 13, 14). Head sub-triangular, convex; eyes oval, medium sized; mandibles incurved, bidentate at apex; labrum small, transverse (Fig. 11). Pronotum subtrapezoidal, 2.17 times as long as head, width 1.23 times wider than long; anterior margin arched inside, with short angles, lateral sides slightly arcuate in front of hind angles, basal margin bisinuate, with basal pleural furrow; disc slightly convex, with a mild median longitudinal depression; hind angles acute, produced posteriorly, with distinct short carina (Figs. 11, 12). Elytra wider than prothorax, 3.45 times as long as wide, with 9 distinct longitudinal striae, each stria nearly parallel to the sutural margin, apex of elytra slightly obtuse; epipleural rim normal (Figs. 13, 14). Ventral surface with chin piece normally arcuate; pronotosternal suture double, widely opened anteriorly; procoxal cavities quite small, rounded and separated, open behind; prosternal process short, wedge-shaped; Mesoventrite small, mesoventral cavity circular, mesepimeron subtriangular, mesocoxae open to mesepimeron. Metaventrite and mesoventrite separated by distinct suture, metaventrite relatively long and flat, with longitudinal suture; metepisternum narrow; metacoxal plates slender, obtusely long triangular, evenly narrowed laterally. Abdomen with 5 visible ventrites, narrowed from the base of fifth visible ventrite, apical ventrite 1.33 times longer than ventrite 4 and broadly rounded apically (Figs. 12, 15). Legs with procoxa rounded; mesocoxa circular, larger than procoxa, metacoxa transverse (Fig. 11). Remarks. Although most of the antennal segments are absent, the new species can be assigned to the new genus Paralithomerus based on the following characters: (1) head subtriangular, convex; (2) pronotosternal sutures double, open anteriorly; (3) mesocoxae open to mesepimeron; mesoventrite and metaventrite separated by distinct suture; and (4) metacoxal plates slender, obtusely long triangular, evenly narrowed laterally.Published as part of Chang, Huali, Zhang, Fan & Ren, Dong, 2008, A new genus and two new species of fossil Elaterids from the Yixian Formation of Western Liaoning, China (Coleoptera: Elateridae), pp. 54-62 in Zootaxa 1785 on pages 58-60, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18243

Paralithomerus Chang, Zhang & Ren, 2008, gen. nov.

Genus <i>Paralithomerus</i> gen. nov. <p> <b>Etymology</b>. Generic name derived from the combination of Latin prefix “ <i>para-</i> ” and “ <i>Lithomerus</i> ”, for the new genus has great similarities to <i>Lithomerus</i> Dolin (1980).</p> <p> <b>Type species</b>: <i>Paralithomerus exquisitus</i> <b>sp. nov</b>.</p> <p> <b>Species included</b>. <i>Paralithomerus exquisitus</i> sp. nov. and <i>Paralithomerus parallelus</i> sp. nov.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis</b>. The new genus differs from all other closely related genera within the same family by the following features: Metaventrite with transverse sutures, but prosternum without longitudinal furrows.</p> <p> <b>Remarks</b>. The new genus can be assigned to the family Elateridae based on the following characters: (1) head with an exposed labrum; (2) prothorax with extended angles on the posterior corners; (3) with prosternal process and mesoventral cavity; (4) metacoxal plates well developed; and (5) abdomen with five ventrites.</p> <p> The species of this new genus greatly resemble species of the genus <i>Lithomerus</i> (Dolin, 1980), but differ from the latter by the following characters: (1) head subtriangular, convex, with an exposed labrum; (2) antennae short, filiform; (3) basal margin of pronotum bisinuate, with basal pleural furrows; (4) hind angles of pronotum with distinct short carina; (5) prosternum without longitudinal furrows; and (6) metacoxal plates obtusely long triangular, slender, narrowed laterally.</p>Published as part of <i>Chang, Huali, Zhang, Fan & Ren, Dong, 2008, A new genus and two new species of fossil Elaterids from the Yixian Formation of Western Liaoning, China (Coleoptera: Elateridae), pp. 54-62 in Zootaxa 1785</i> on page 55, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/182430">10.5281/zenodo.182430</a&gt

Subfamily Palaeoxeninae from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of China (Coleoptera, Eucnemidae)

The eucnemid Palaeoxenus clavatus sp. nov. is described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Inner Mongolia, China. This is the second record of eucnemids from the Jiulongshan Formation and the first record of the subfamily Palaeoxeninae Muona from the Jurassic. This discovery confirms that all basal lignicolous Eucnemidae subfamilies, Schizophilinae, Pseudomeninae, Anischiinae and Palaeoxeninae, had evolved in the Jurassic before the angiosperm radiation. Palaeoxeninae being the sister-group of the clade (Melasinae, Eucneminae, Macraulacinae), the “Derived Eucnemidae”, DE for short, this new record proves that the DE clade originated in the Jurassic as well. On the basis of fossil evidence, the modern Eucnemidae diversity appears to be connected with the angiosperm radiation in Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene. However, this diversification was facilitated by the larval special adaptations for extraoral feeding inside gymnosperm wood, a feature already present in the Jurassic.Peer reviewe

Product Development Integration Techniques and System Based on CAx and Knowledge Management

Knowledge has become a key economic resource of enterprise and to become even only source of competitive advantage. With the structure of the product more and more complicated, function more and more incline to integration and compounding, modern product design is one base on knowledge. Knowledge-based integrated information system, to support knowledge management and technology innovation, is the development trends of information integration system. The integration information of computer aided technology (CAx) was analysed. A data structure of integration product model base on relation database was introduced. Knowledge-based integration system for product development was drawn out. It is a system base on product data management system and knowledge management system. This system framework used synthetically information technology and advanced manufacture technique, and realized product speedy and innovation design