The Ca^(2+)/CaN/ACC and cAMP/PKA/HK signal pathways are required for PBAN-mediated sex pheromone biosynthesis in Conogethes punctiferalis

Conogethes punctiferalis is a crop and fruit pest that has caused serious economic losses to agricultural production.This pest relies heavily on its sex pheromone to ensure sexual encounters and subsequent mating success.However,the molecular mechanism underlying sex pheromone biosynthesis in this species remains elusive.The present study investigated the detailed mechanism underlying PBAN-regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis in C.punctiferalis by transcriptome sequencing of the C.punctiferalis pheromone glands(PGs)and subsequent functional identification of the target genes.The results showed that female mating started from the first scotophase,and peaked at the second to fifth scotophases in accordance with the release of sex pheromones.PBAN regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis by employing Ca^(2+)and cAMP as secondary messengers,as demonstrated by RNA interference(RNAi),pharmacological inhibitors,and behavioral assays.Further investigation revealed that calcineurin(CaN)and acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC)were activated by PBAN/Ca^(2+)signaling,and the RNAimediated knockdown of CaN and ACC transcripts significantly reduced sex pheromone production,ultimately leading to a significantly reduced ability of females to attract males.Importantly,hexokinase(HK)was found to regulate sex pheromone biosynthesis in response to the PBAN/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway,as demonstrated by RNAi,enzyme activity,and pharmacological inhibitor assays.Furthermore,Far2 and Desaturase1 were found to participate in PBAN-regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis.Altogether,our findings revealed that PBAN regulates sex pheromone biosynthesis through the PBANR/Ca^(2+)/CaN/ACC and PBANR/cAMP/PKA/HK pathways in C.punctiferalis,which enriches our comprehension of the details of sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths.

Identification of Female Main Component Sex Pheromones of Orthaga achatina(Lepidoptera:Pyralidae) and Their Attractiveness to Moths

[Objective] The aim is to identify the composition of female sex pheromones of Orthaga achatina and to understand the differential attractiveness of these components to Orthaga achatina moths. [Method] The pheromone glands of female moths were extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy（GC-MS）; the chemical analysis was confirmed by electroantennogram（EAG） bioassays; a field trial was conducted to confirm the optimized blends. [Result] Z11-16：Ac could elicit the largest EAG responses in male moths at all the doses tested. EAG responses to plant volatiles and to the pheromone isomers of Z11-16：Ac were at a similar level and lower than the responses to Z11-16：Ac. In the field tests, it was demonstrated that synthetic Z11-16：Ac was significantly more attractive to male O. achatina moths, that its pheromone isomers, whether these were presented alone or in mixtures with Z11-16：Ac. [Conclusion]（Z）-11-hexadecenyl acetate（Z11-16：Ac） was identified as the main component of the sex pheromone and it was demonstrated that synthetic Z11-16：Ac was significantly more attractive to male O. achatina moths.

Control Effect and Cost Evaluation of Different Sex Pheromones and Trapping Lamps against Spodoptern litura,Helicoverpa assulta and Helicoverpa armigera in Tobacco

[ Objective] The aim was to study the control effect of different sex pheromones and trapping lamps against main pests in tobacco. [ Method] Control effect of sex pheromone of different matrix lures and Jiaduo trapping lamp against Spodoptern litura, Helicoverpa assulta and Helicoverpa armigera in tobacco in Teng- chong of Yunnan were determined and compared, and the control cast was evaluated. [Result] The use of insect sex pheromones and insecticidal light traps had certain effect against S. litura and H. armiger. The trapping effect of sex pheromone traps was better than that of Jiaduo trapping lamp, and the PVC matrix lure had better performance than rubber matrix lure, which had strongest capturing capacity, continuous control effect and significant effort against S. litura. The traps with different settled densities and hanging heights also had different trapping effect against S. litura and H. armiger, and the hanging height of 100 - 150 cm from ground was the best; as the cost was considered, the cast of the area with low density of traps was the lowest, which was reduced by over 44% than conventional chemical control area. [ Conclusion] It is safe and effective to use sex pheromone and insecticidal light traps to control S. litura and H. armigera, and it is a green environmental protection biological physical control technology, having extended application prospect in large area.

Induced Maturation and Spawning by Sex Pheromones in Female Mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris)

Maturation of the 4th phase oocytes of mudskipper is induced in vitro by sexpheromones,the extract of ovary,testis and seminal vesicle,oxytocini and deoxycorticosterone(DOC).Maturation rates of oocytes are related to pheromones and their dosages.The single use ofprostaglandin E_1(PGE_1)is not effective in the induction oi maturation,but the combination ofPGE_1 with HCG promotes oocyte maturation rates.Maturation is induced by injections of the extractof the ovary at dosages of 0.01 cm^3/a fish,seminal vesicle extract at dosages of 0.1 cm^3/a fish,testis extract at dosage of 0.1 cm^3/a fish,or PGE_1 at dosage of 10μg/fish,respectively.Amongthem,seminal vesicle extract is the most effective in the induction of maturation.The artificialnests,with the extract of the ovary,testis or seminal vesicle inside,attract more heterosexualmudskippers than homosexual mudskippers to enter.Especially,the extract of seminal vesicle is themost effective in attracting females.Female mudskippers could be induced to spawn by the extractsof ovary,testis and seminal vesicle placed inside both the ceramic and sponge nests.More spawnedeggs and higher fertilization rates are observed in the ceramic nests than in the sponge ones.

Analysis of sex pheromone production and field trapping of the Asian corn borer(Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée)in Xinjiang,China

Identifying the sex pheromone systems of local pest populations facilitates their management,especially for moth species that show significant geographic variation in sex pheromone communication.We investigated the pheromone production and behavioral responses of the Asian corn borer(Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée;ACB)in Xinjiang,China.The ACB produces three compounds:(Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(Z12-14:Ac)and(E)-12-tetradecenyl acetate(E12-14:Ac)which are two sex pheromone compounds,and n-tetradecyl acetate(14:Ac)which has variable roles in mediating behavioral responses.The ratios of these three compounds produced in female gland are geographically distinct among different populations.Quantitative analysis of pheromone production showed that the proportions of Z12-14:Ac in the E/Z isomers(i.e.,Z and E12-14:Ac)and the proportions of 14:Ac in the ternary blend respectively averaged 60.46%(SD=5.26)and 25.00%(SD=7.37),with their probabilities normally or near-normally distributed.Trapping experiments in a cornfield indicated that deploying the E/Z isomers and the three compounds in rubber septa close to their gland ratios yielded the most captured males,while other ratios that deviated from the gland ratios showed reduced field captures.The ternary blend was significantly more attractive to males than the E/Z isomers in the field,indicating a functional role of 14:Ac as the third pheromone component used by the local population.Additionally,the dose-response test demonstrated that the application of the three compounds at dosages between 200 and 350μg attracted significantly more males compared to other dosages.Therefore,the characterization of this local ACB pheromone system provides additional information about its geographic variation and serves as a basis for optimizing the pheromone-mediated control of this pest in Xinjiang.

Development of a high-efficiency sex pheromone formula to control Euproctis pseudoconspersa

The tea tussock moth(Euproctis pseudoconspersa)is one of the most destructive chewing pests in tea plantations and causes a serious allergic reaction on the skin of tea plantation workers.The sex pheromone components of its Japanese population were first identified as 10,14-dimethylpentadecyl isobutyrate(10Me14Me-15:iBu)and 14-methylpentadecyl isobutyrate(14Me-15:iBu),with a stereogenic center.Only 10Me14Me-15:iBu has been identified in the Chinese E.pseudoconspersa population.However,field tests have shown that 10Me14Me-15:iBu cannot meet the demand of effective pest control in China.To develop a high-efficiency E.pseudoconspersa sex pheromone formula,electroantennogram(EAG)recordings of(S)-and(R)-enantiomers of 10Me14Me-15:iBu and 14Me-15:iBu were obtained in the present study.The results demonstrated that the EAG responses of male antennae to(R)-enantiomers were significantly higher than responses to the(S)-enantiomers,and 14Me-15:iBu also elicited EAG activity.Field tests showed that the catch numbers of male moths by(R)-enantiomers were significantly higher(P<0.05)than those of(S)-enantiomers.Addition of 14Me-15:iBu significantly increased the catch numbers of both the(S)-and(R)-enantiomers.The efficient pheromone formula containing 0.75 mg(R)-10Me14Me-15:iBu and 0.1 mg 14Me-15:iBu showed significantly higher attractiveness than commercial pheromone products.Our study demonstrated that(R)-10Me14Me-15:iBu was the major sex pheromone component of E.pseudoconspersa,and 14Me-15:iBu might be the minor sex pheromone component.Furthermore,a high-efficiency sex pheromone formula for E.pseudoconspersa control was defined in this study.

Synthesis of the Stereoisomers of the Sex Pheromones of the Southern Corn Rootworm

A simple and efficient asymmetric synthesis of the sex pheromone of the southern corn rootworm is discribed. The key step is the asymmetric Michael addition of enoylsultam with virtually complete asymmetric induction( e.e. %>99%)

Stereoselective Synthesis of the Pheromones of Ant Tetramorium Impurm and Leptogenys Diminuta

( 3R,4S )-4-Methyl-3-hexanol and ( 3R,4S )-4-methyl-3-heptanol, which are the pheromones of ant Tetramorium impurm and Leptogenys diminuta , were stereoselectively synthesized by six step sequence starting from N bornane 10,2 sultam separately, the two asymmetric carbon atoms of the target products were created by employing asymmetric syn aldolization of N acylbornane 10,2 sultam with propylaldehyde. The enantiomeric excess of the target products prepared by this route is over 92%.

Control Effects of Different Densities of Chemical Pheromones against Tobacco Cutworm Moth ( Spodoptera litura)

[ Objective ] The paper was to study the most suitable density of chemical pheromone to control Spodoptera litura in tobacco fields. [ Method ] Sixteen traps （ 4 lines x 4 rows） were placed according to the specifications of 25. 8 m ×25.8 m （ 15. 0 trap/hm2 ）, 31. 6 m× 31.6 m （ 10.0 trap/hm2 ） and 36.5 m × 36.5m （ 7.5 trap/hm2 ）. Meanwhile, a control area larger than 2 hm2 was set up with three repetitions. [ Result] Without consideration of impact of wind direc- tion, the amount of trapping moth increased with the increasing controlled area of single trap, but difference of trapping amount of moth was not significant under three different density treatments. Three placement densities could effectively control S. liture in tobacco fields, thereby reduce the use of pesticides and protect the natural enemies and reduce the control cost. [Conclusion] The suitable density of chemical pheromone traps to control S. litura was 31. 6 m x31. 6 m （10.0 trap/hm2 ）.

Pheromones in Human Urine: A Study

The present study was conducted to understand if pheromone or any similar substance was present in human semen and whether it could be recognized by smell. One hundred and fifty two subjects of either sex participated in this study. The study lasted for one month. They were to identify urine by smell. Daily first urine sample was submitted by five male and five female subjects for this study. Menstrual status of female subjects was recorded. Many distinguished the smell of urine of male from that of female. Interestingly male subjects recognized the smell of female urine of ovulation day. Reason may be pheromone. A woman may be releasing maximally pheromone on this day. This supports the theory of pheromone which attracts a man to a woman on her ovulation day.

Utilizing Colored Pheromones and Helping Ants for Wireless Mesh Networks Routing

Improving routing algorithm performance not only leads to appreciate the quality of data transmission, but also increases the speed of data transfer. In this paper we propose a hybrid method which is a combination of traffic classification by the help of colored pheromones and helping ants method in the intermediate nodes. This combination increases the convergence speed and decreases the delay and Jitter in the network. Also we compare the obtained results with two known routing algorithms that are based on the ant colony.

A NEW APPROACH TO THE SYNTHESES OF THE PHEROMONES OF JAPANESE BEETLE AND BONTEBOK WITH(Z)-VINYL CUPRATES

The dl-form of the sex pheromone of Japanese b(?)tle and the trail pheromone of Bontebok were synthesised in high purity of (Z)-olefinic configuration. The key step of the syntheses of compounds (1) and (2) involved stereospecific addition of n-alkyl cuprates to acetylene followed by addition of vinyl cuprates to aldehyde (7) and 3-buten--2-one.

Pheromone Monitoring in the Granaries of Uzbekistan

The pheromonitoring of pest insects population was carried out in the granary conditions. The results of pheromonitoring let us detect the pest insect’s location at lowest abundance, while visual inspections are not effective, and to determine the data of effective location in granary, proportions traps and pheromone preparative dose. The aggregation pheromone of the synthetic analogue Sitophilus weevils had been carried out, according to the general procedure for preparation of aldol product. Especially for increasing attractiveness of pheromone traps, different types of food baits were tested. The results were observed with using of germinated wheat grains moisten by wheat germ oil. The corn oil was more attractive and effective for attractiveness of whole pest insects in granary. The wheat germ oil and burdock oil was preferred, as food bait, especially for weevils. The special perforated construction of the pheromone trap for pest insects usage has been developed and recommended for storage areas. In a condition of granary, successful testing of pheromone monitoring makes it possible to establish the timing and necessity of quantitative chemical treatments.

Synthesis, Characterization and Phytotoxicity Assessment of Intercalated Insect Pheromone, Lignoceric Acid-Zinc Layered Hydroxide Nanohybrid

A long chain insect pheromone for subterranean termites, LC (Lignoceric Acid), was intercalated into the inorganic interlayer, ZLH (Zinc Layered Hydroxide), resulting in the formation of a new nanohybrid, labelled as LCN (Lignocerate Nanohybrid). The formation of this inorganic-organic structure nanohybrid was synthesized by the co-precipitation method using ZnO (Zinc Oxide) as the starting material. The PXRD (Powder X-Ray Diffraction) results confirmed the intercalation process although the diffraction patterns of the resultant nanohybrid and the unbound pheromone were fairly similar but both have different basal spacings values. The FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) profiles and the chemical composition test supported the intercalation process with the percentage loading of LC into ZLH calculated to be 85%. The thermal stability of the free anion, LC was enhanced when it was transformed into LCN, increasing from 257 °C to 352 °C. The release of LC from the nanohybrid behaved in a sustained manner, governed by the pseudo-second order kinetic model with higher release of LC in sodium carbonate solution than the pH aqueous media. The synthesized nanohybrid was found to be safe for plant germination when the two seed types were successfully germinated in all the tested nanohybrid concentrations. However, the percentage seed germination and the radical seed length from the nanohybrid showed lower values compared to its counterpart anion, LC.

基于改进蚁群算法的机器人全局路径规划

针对传统蚁群算法存在初始信息素缺乏、收敛速度慢以及无法有效躲避障碍物等问题,文中提出了一种基于改进蚁群算法的全局路径规划。引入正态分布函数改进传统启发函数,提高了算法效率,缩短了算法收敛所需时间。自适应调整信息素挥发系数,限定信息素范围,避免过早收敛。对算法路径平滑处理,缩短路径长度,从而实现机器人的全局路径规划。仿真结果表明,在20×20环境下,文中算法平均迭代次数比传统蚁群算法减少了28代,收敛速度更快。平均拐点减少了33.3%,使路径更为平滑,克服了初始信息素缺乏,加快了收敛速度,减少了拐点数量,能够有效躲避环境中的障碍物,证明了该算法的可行性。

一种改进蚁群算法的路径规划研究

针对机器人在复杂环境中的路径规划问题,本文提出了一种改进蚁群算法的路径规划研究方法.首先,在启发函数中引入一种自适应调整的放大因子,以提高相邻节点的启发信息差异,使蚂蚁朝着最优路径的方向搜索;其次,采用一种奖惩机制对路径上的信息素进行更新,使算法的收敛速度得到有效的提高;然后,通过对信息素挥发因子进行动态调整,提高蚁群的搜索速度,使算法快速收敛.最后,在最优路径的基础上,采用拐点优化算法与分段B样条曲线相结合的方法来进行路径优化,有效的改善了路径的平滑性.仿真结果表明,所提的研究方法具有更好的收敛性和搜索能力,更符合机器人运动的实际要求.

遗传-蚁群算法在高性能计算任务调度中的应用

针对目前高性能计算任务调度策略利用率低、负载不均衡等问题,设计一种基于遗传-蚁群算法的高性能计算任务调度算法(GA-ACO)。GA-ACO分为两个阶段,第一阶段通过遗传算法缩小空间快速搜索到优秀解,紧接着将其转化为蚁群算法的初始信息素;第二阶段提出一种基于蚁群信息素的全局更新策略对收敛速度做出优化。实验分析表明,与蚁群算法和遗传算法相比,该算法缩短了任务完成时间,降低了节点负载率。

基于改进蚁群算法的移动机器人路径规划

针对传统蚁群算法在移动机器人路径规划中存在搜索盲目性、收敛速度慢及路径转折点多等问题,提出了一种基于改进蚁群算法的移动机器人路径规划算法。首先,利用跳点搜索(Jump Point Search,JPS)算法不均匀分配初始信息素,降低蚁群前期盲目搜索的概率;然后,引入切比雪夫距离加权因子和转弯代价改进启发函数,提高算法的收敛速度、全局路径寻优能力和搜索路径的平滑程度;最后,提出一种新的信息素更新策略,引入自适应奖惩因子,自适应调整迭代前、后期的信息素奖惩因子,保证了算法全局最优收敛。实验仿真结果表明,在不同地图环境下,与现有文献结果对比,该算法可以有效地缩短路径搜索的迭代次数和最优路径长度,并提高路径的平滑程度。

水生甲壳动物性外激素研究现状与发展方向

性外激素参与水生甲壳动物交配前识别与配偶选择。了解水生甲壳动物性外激素的化学特性对于解析其繁殖过程中化学通讯机理至关重要。对于蜕壳交配的物种而言,分析其交配和蜕壳阶段分泌的化学物质将有助于解读水生甲壳动物性外激素的演化。水生甲壳动物性外激素分为距离性外激素和接触性外激素两种,前者为水溶性的化合物;后者不溶于水,存在于甲壳动物体表。近年来,尿苷-5’-三磷酸,尿苷-5’-二磷酸和N-乙酰基-氨基-1,5-葡糖胺被认为是十足目甲壳动物距离性外激素的主要组分,而接触性外激素则由亲脂性碳氢化合物组成。近年来关于甲壳动物性外激素化学特性研究取得了长足发展,但仍存在需要突破的瓶颈。文章梳理了水生甲壳动物性外激素研究进展及未来研究方向,以期为研究水生甲壳动物性外激素提供参考。

高剂量性信息素环境对草地贪夜蛾求偶和交配行为的影响

本文在风洞中模拟形成高浓度性信息素Z7-12:Ac、Z9-14:Ac和Z11-16:Ac环境,研究草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda(Smith)的求偶和交配行为,为进一步开发交配干扰技术提供技术参数和依据。研究结果表明,在高剂量性信息素环境下,草地贪夜蛾雄蛾的暗期活动时间延后,而雌蛾的活动节律则没有变化,雌雄蛾之间产生了活动节律的时间差。同时,雌雄交配率和交配持续时间显著下降,交配日龄则显著延迟2 d。由于交配日龄延迟,产卵量及其孵化率也相应降低。性信息素喷射时间间隔对草地贪夜蛾性信息素释放滴度有显著影响,当间隔时间为5、10、20 min时,雌蛾释放的性信息素滴度显著下降,以5 min为最低。因此,高剂量性信息素环境不仅影响雄蛾对性信息素的定向,对雌雄蛾间化学通讯和交配也有显著影响。