The complete mitochondrial genome of Pycanum ochraceum Distant 1893 (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae).

In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Pycanum ochraceum was identified for the first time. The entire genome is 17,198 bp in length with 73.6% A + T content. It contains 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 1 noncoding control region (D-loop). Phylogenetic analysis showed that Tessaratomidae bugs are monophyletic. This study can provide essential DNA molecular data for further phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis for Heteroptera.

The first record of the monospecific genus Rhinopalpa (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from China.

BACKGROUND: The family Nymphalidae is the largest group of butterflies with high species richeness. Rhinopalpapolynice (Cramer, [1779]), a forest species, was discovered in the mid-stream of the Yuanjiang-Red River Valley of Yunnan Province for the first time, which represents the first record of the genus Rhinopalpa in China. NEW INFORMATION: The species R. polynice (Cramer, [1779]) is the first record of the genus Rhinopalpa from China. The specimen was collected in the mid-stream of the Yuanjiang-Red River Valley of Yunnan Province. The female genitalia are described for the first time.

Constructing an unprecedented {MnII38} matryoshka doll with a [Mn18(CO3)9] inorganic core and magnetocaloric effect.

An unprecedented inner [Mn18(CO3)9] inorganic core and [Mn20] metal-organic periphery compose a high-nuclearity homometallic single-valent {MnII38} molecular aggregate with a [Mn6] ⊂ [Mn12] ⊂ [Mn8] ⊂ [Mn12] matryoshka doll-like skeleton that displays a significant magnetocaloric effect (MCE).

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Endangered long-armed scarab Cheirotonus gestroi (Coleoptera: Euchiridae).

The long-armed scarab Cheirotonus gestroi is an endangered large insect in southwestern China and neighboring countries. Herein, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of C. gestroi. The 16,899 bp long circular genome consists of 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and a non-coding control region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. gestroi shared the closest evolutionary relationship with C. jansoni and that Scarabaeidae and Lucanidae were correctly identified within superfamily Scarabaeoidea. The complete mitogenome sequence will provide a basis for further phylogenetic studies and conservation genetics of the genus Cheirotonus.

Strong genetic differentiation among populations of Cheirotonus gestroi (Coleoptera: Euchiridae) in its native area sheds lights on species conservation.

The long-armed scarab (Cheirotonus gestroi) is an endangered large insect in southwestern China and neighboring countries; however, limited information is available regarding its population genetics, hindering conservation efforts. Therefore, we investigated the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of C. gestroi in southwestern China. Twenty-five haplotypes were obtained from 47 specimens across five populations. The Dawei Mountain (DWS) population differed from other populations by a high genetic distance. Population structure analysis generated three distinct clades, corresponding to Hengduan Mountains (HM), Ailao Mountains (AM), and Dawei Mountains (DM), and high-level genetic diversity was found in two HM populations. Collectively, the strong genetic differentiation among populations might be due to limited gene flow, geographical isolation, and habitat fragmentation. Therefore, while developing a conservation strategy, HM, AM, and DM groups should be defined as separate management units. Additionally, the DWS population should be given priority protection due to its uniqueness and low genetic diversity.

[Research Progress of Raman Spectroscopy on Dyestuff Identification of Ancient Relics and Artifacts].

As the birthplace of Silk Road, China has a long dyeing history. The valuable information about the production time, the source of dyeing material, dyeing process and preservation status were existed in organic dyestuff deriving from cultural relics and artifacts. However, because of the low contents, complex compositions and easily degraded of dyestuff, it is always a challenging task to identify the dyestuff in relics analyzing field. As a finger-print spectrum, Raman spectroscopy owns unique superiorities in dyestuff identification. Thus, the principle, characteristic, limitation, progress and development direction of micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS/µ-Raman), near infrared reflection and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (NIR-FT-Raman), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and resonance raman spectroscopy (RRS) have been introduced in this paper. Furthermore, the features of Raman spectra of gardenia, curcumin and other natural dyestuffs were classified by MRS technology, and then the fluorescence phenomena of purpurin excitated with different wavelength laser was compared and analyzed. At last, gray green silver colloidal particles were made as the base, then the colorant of madder was identified combining with thin layer chromatography (TLC) separation technology and SERS, the result showed that the surface enhancement effect of silver colloidal particles could significantly reduce fluorescence background of the Raman spectra. It is pointed out that Raman spectroscopy is a rapid and convenient molecular structure qualitative methodology, which has broad application prospect in dyestuff analysis of cultural relics and artifacts. We propose that the combination of multi-Raman spectroscopy, separation technology and long distance transmission technology are the development trends of Raman spectroscopy.

[Study of Paints and Drawing Techniques of Fine Brushwork Yunlong Ripples Painting in Qing Dynasty].

In order to study the paints and techniques of decorative patterns of dragon among clouds and water waves, the materials based on a Qing Dynasty meticulous painting were measured by three-dimensional video microscopy, Raman microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The results showed that the green clothes was firstly colored by Paris green, the decorative patterns of dragon among clouds and water waves were then painted by hematite, the edge was delineated by brass powder at last. The dark yellow area within the decorative patterns was presented due to the interaction of green and red paints. In addition, ultramarine blue was checked in the painting. According to the first synthesized time of ultramarine blue and Paris green, we can make sure the time limit of the painting finished.

[Raman microspectroscopic analysis of polychrome wooden artifact from the Astana tomb of the tang dynasty, Xinjiang, China].

The Turpan District is characterized by a typical dry climate, so that many organic relics have been well preserved. A piece of wooden artifact with 9 colors was unearthed from Astana graveyard which is rich in cultural connotations. In the present paper, Raman microscopy was employed for in-situ, nondestructive analysis of pigments that remained on this artifact, and many mineral pigments (gypsum, red lead, carbon black, haematite, atacamite) and vegetable dyes (gamboges and indigo) were identified. It is noteworthy that this is the earliest example that gamboges were used as yellow dye in China at present. The results show that the Gaochang people had mastered skills proficiently, including the preparation, deployment and usage of pigment. The investigation of pigments could provide a basis for the restoration and conservation of relies, and more evidence for pigments trade business and cultural exchanges.