Making Sense of Scents

Could a whiff of wintergreen revive drowsy drivers? A research project at Dowling College on New York’s Long Island aims to answer that question.Clifford Bragdon,the professor heading the project,says that previous re-

The chromosome-level genome of double-petal phenotype jasmine provides insights into the biosynthesis of floral scent

Jasmine(Jasminum sambac Aiton)is a well-known cultivated plant species for its fragrant flowers used in the perfume industry and cosmetics.However,the genetic basis of its floral scent is largely unknown.In this study,using PacBio,Illumina,10×Genomics and highthroughput chromosome conformation capture(Hi-C)sequencing technologies,a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for J.sambac was obtained,exploiting a double-petal phenotype cultivar‘Shuangbanmoli’(JSSB).The results showed that the final assembled genome of JSSB is 580.33 Mb in size(contig N50=1.05 Mb;scaffold N50=45.07 Mb)with a total of 39618 predicted protein-coding genes.Our analyses revealed that the JSSB genome has undergone an ancient whole-genome duplication(WGD)event at 91.68 million years ago(Mya).It was estimated that J.sambac diverged from the lineage leading to Olea europaea and Osmanthus fragrans about 28.8 Mya.On the basis of a combination of genomic,transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses,a range of floral scent volatiles and genes were identified involved in the benzenoid/phenylpropanoid and terpenoid biosynthesis pathways.The results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of its fragrance biosynthesis in jasmine.

Floral characteristics and pollination ecology of Manglietia ventii(Magnoliaceae),a plant species with extremely small populations(PSESP)endemic to South Yunnan of China

Manglietia ventii is a highly endangered plant species endemic to Yunnan province in China, where there are only five known small populations. Despite abundant flowering there is very low fruit and seed set,and very few seedlings in natural populations, indicating problems with reproduction. The causes of low fecundity in M. ventii are not known, largely because of insufficient knowledge of the species pollination ecology and breeding system. We conducted observations and pollination experiments, and analyzed floral scents to understand the pollinatoreplant interactions and the role of floral scent in this relationship, as well as the species breeding system. Like the majority of Magnoliaceae, M. ventii has protogynous and nocturnal flowers that emit a strong fragrance over two consecutive evenings. There is a closing period(the pre-staminate stage) during the process of anthesis of a flower, and we characterize the key flowering process as an "open-close-reopen" flowering rhythm with five distinct floral stages observed throughout the floral period of this species: pre-pistillate, pistillate, pre-staminate, staminate,and post-staminate. Flowers are in the pistillate stage during the first night of anthesis and enter the staminate stage the next night. During anthesis, floral scent emission occurs in the pistillate and staminate stages. The effective pollinators were weevils(Sitophilus sp.) and beetles(Anomala sp.), while the role of Rove beetles(Aleochara sp.) and thrips(Thrips sp.) in pollination of M. ventii appears to be minor or absent. The major chemical compounds of the floral scents were Limonene, b-Pinene, a-Pinene, 1,8-Cineole, Methyl-2-methylbutyrate, p-Cymene, Methyl-3-methyl-2-butenoate and 2-Methoxy-2-methyl-3-buten, and the relative proportions of these compounds varied between the pistillate and staminate stages. Production of these chemicals coincided with flower visitation by weevils and beetles.The results of pollination experiments suggest that M. ventii is pollinator-dependent, and low seed set in natural populations is a result of insufficient pollen deposition. Thus, conservation of the species should focus on improving pollination service through the introduction of genetically variable individuals and increase in density of reproducing trees.

Reference Gene Selection for qRT-PCR Normalization in Iris germanica L.

Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)is an effective and widely used method to analyze expression patterns of target genes.Selection of stable reference genes is a prerequisite for accurate normalization of target gene expression by qRT-PCR.In Iris germanica L.,no studies have yet been published regarding the evaluation of potential reference genes.In this study,nine candidate reference genes were assessed at different flower developmental stages and in different tissues by four different algorithms(GeNorm,NormFinder,BestKeeper,and RefFinder).The results revealed that ACT11(Actin 11)and EF1α(Elongation factor 1 alpha)were the most stable reference genes in different tissues,whereas TUA(Tubulin alpha)and UBC9(Ubiquitin-protein ligase 9)were the most stable ones in different flower developmental stages.UBC9 and ACT11 were the most stable reference genes in all of the tested samples,while the SAMDC(S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase)showed the least stability.Finally,to validate the suitability of the selected reference genes,the relative expression level of IgTPS(beta-caryophyllene synthase)was assessed and highlighted the importance of suitable reference gene selection.This work constitutes the first systematic evaluation of potential reference genes in I.germanica and provides guidelines for future research on gene function and molecular mechanisms on I.germanica and related species.

Musk secretion in muskrats(Ondatra zibethicus L.):association with lipid and cholesterol metabolism-related pathways

Male muskrats(Ondatra zibethicus L.)secrete musk from their scent glands during musk secretion season.Musk plays an important role as a communication pheromone during the breeding season.In this study,gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC–MS)was used to analyze the main components of musk.The GC–MS results after methyl esterification showed that 71.55%of the musk is composed of fatty acids.The other components of muskrat musk include cholesterol(9.31%)and other organics.Transcriptome comparison between musk secretion and non-secretion seasons showed significant changes in the scent glands for 53 genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and metabolism regulatory pathways,which include fatty acid biosynthesis,elongation,and metabolism;steroid biosynthesis;steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways.A reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed these detected changes.Overall,our results indicated that lipid synthesis and metabolism play important roles in musk compound synthesis by providing energy for musk production,and the produced musk provides a mechanism for male muskrats to communicate with females during the breeding season.

Advancement in Information Foraging Theory

This paper presents the advantages of information foraging theory matched with traditional information retrieval theory and user behavior analysis theory, a search content framework for information foraging theory is described, on a thor- ough review of the two research branches i.e. the basic concept of information foraging theory and the elementary mod- els of information foraging theory, an extended framework is proposed,. Several problems for future research are also identified through.

Gene cloning and expression analysis of limonene synthase in Syringa oblata and S.oblata var.alba

Syringa species are important ornamentals with strong floral scent,of which monoterpenes are the main component.In this study,a new monoterpene synthase gene,named SoLIM,was collected from the flowers of Syringa oblata and S.oblata var.alba using a homologous cloning method.The full-length cDNA of SoLIM was1746 bp and encoded 581 amino acids.Sequence analysis showed that SoLIM contained the DDxxD and RRx8 W motifs,which are two typical conserved monoterpene synthase motifs,and was thus classified as belonging to the Tpsb subfamily.Using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR,SoLIM was significantly expressed in the petals and pistils of S.oblata and S.oblata var.alba,respectively.SoLIM expression peaked earlier than the D-limonene emissions in the diurnal experiments,but occurred later when D-limonene had peaked during the flowering phase,indicating that differences in SoLIM gene expression and D-limonene emissions existed.The synthesis of floral scent is thus associated with diverse regulatory mechanisms that require further investigation.

Diversity Analysis in Selected Non-basmati Scented Rice Collection

Diversity analysis among 23 rice varieties including 16 non-basmati scented accessions, 5 basmati accessions and 2 non-scented accessions was performed by random amplified polymorphic DNA （RAPD） and inter-simple sequence repeat （ISSR） marker systems. The varieties analyzed by 11 RAPD and 8 ISSR primers yielded an average of 65% and 80% polymorphism, respectively. The average number of polymorphic bands generated per RAPD primer was 6 and per ISSR primer was 5.87. RAPD and ISSR data analysis individually could not segregate basmati and non-basmati scented rice accessions. However, the analysis using a combined data could group basmati and non-basmati scented rice accessions separately. The bands present specifically among three accessions of non-basmati scented rice were also identified. The study revealed a high genetic diversity among non-basmati scented rice accessions.

Endocrine status and scent attractiveness in male dwarf hamsters Phodopus sungorus injected with thymus-dependent and thymus-independent antigens

We studied the influences of immune activation by thymus-dependent(sheep red blood cells,SRBC)and independent(bacterial lipopolysaccharide,LPS)antigens on odor signals and endocrine status in dwarf hamsters.Administration of SRBS to mature males resulted in a drop of sexual scent attractiveness of soiled bedding collected during 5 days after injection.This effect was accompanied with a decline of fecal testosterone.Reduction of the male scent attractiveness after SRBC treatment had maximum manifestation in males of dwarf hamsters with low humoral immune response to this challenge.Contrary to the effects of SRBC,males injected with LPS showed an increase of scent attractiveness.Differences in the time that mature females spent sniffing olfactory stimuli(LPS vs control),correlated positively with differences in concentration of testosterone in feces collected from LPS and saline treated males.We discuss the adaptive meaning of the opposite olfactory effects,which induced by activation of the nonspecific innate immunity with LPS and by activation of specific acquired immunity with SRBC.

Animals Sense of Smell

Odors that induce psychological orbehavioral changes in the same species——fright in a catfish^2,sexual arousal in abull—are called pheromones^3.And nowheredo such odors have more profound aneffect than among the bees,wasps,ants,and termites^4:Pheromones are the chemicalmessages that these insects use to organizetheir complex societies.The queen honeybee preserves hermonarchy^5 by exuding^6 an odor thatnhibits worker bees from laying eggs

Composition and Development Prospects of Scented Rice

Containing higher aromatic composition,scented rice is better than ordinary rice varieties in taste and nutrition. Major composition of scented rice is 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline( 2-AP). Different scented rice varieties have different content of 2-AP. The content of 2-AP is not only influenced by genetic factors,but also closely connected with types and content of nutrition elements in soil,soil moisture management,environmental temperature,and storage. 2-AP synthesis and regulation are possibly connected with Proline and enzyme.

Beautiful Old Age

It ought to be lovely to be oldto be full of the peace that comes of experienceand wrinkled ripe fulfilmentThe wrinkled smile of completeness that follows a lifelived undaunted and unsoured with accepted lies.11 people lived without accepting lies.they would ripen like apples and be scented like pippinsin their old age.

Smell and Sound

Once there was a stingy(小气的)baker.He was angry at a poor man who would standoutside the bakery(面包房)every day,savoring(品尝)the scent of baking bread.The bakerfelt that anyone who smelled his delicious products should have to pay for the privilege.So

含义丰富的wind

名词 wind 的字面意义比较单一,一般为“风”,但由此产生的引申意义却十分丰富,翻译要提高警惕,勤查词典,切勿望文生义。下面例子中的wind 都不译作“风”:1.All you arc doing is to beat the wind.你干的这些都是徒劳的。(tobeat the wind 意为“白费力气”)2.He was noted for his witty retorts,which usually hit his

英语的“气味”表达举隅

在英语中表示“气味”的词可按词性及其修饰词分为四大类。现归纳并举例如下:一、名词在名词中,表示既不香也不臭的“气味”的词有:smell、odour 等。odour与 smell 同义,但较 smell 更正式。表示“香味”的名词有:scent、perfume,fragrance、aroma。前三个词可以指“花香”,而 aroma 则指“浓烈的香味”。表示“臭味”的名词有:stink、stench(这两个词强调气味特别难闻,例如,肉、鱼等的“腐臭味”)、pong(本词为英国英语的非正式用语)。

Detection of Verticillium dahliae in Olive Groves Using Canine Detection Units

Verticillium wilt is one of the most significant agricultural diseases in the world, in view of the fact that not only does it affec olive groves but also a wide variety of fruit, vegetable and ornamental plants. Currently, the most efficient and economical method of control involves the use of plant species that are resistant to the disease. However, as there are few varieties of olive tree with this characteristic, early diagnosis and the replacement of affected trees are key strategies to combat the disease. The present research proposes the use of a canine unit that is specifically trained to detect Verticillium dahliae as an early detection method for the fungus in olive groves. For the odorous samples are produced in the laboratory from V. dahliae, it is calculated that the dog dis-plays a level of sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 95%, and an initial field assay shows that the sensitivity and specificity are constant when working with infected olive trees. In view of the fact that there is currently no curative treatment for this disease and the affected plants are completely lost, fast on-site detection provides significant advantages in terms of preventing the transmission of the disease. Moreover, it also enables focalized treatment to be provided on plots of land and plants and, in combination with the latest prevention methods, real-time detection of affected olive trees enables a reduction in the costs involved in vaccination, thereby contributing overall to a reduction in the financial losses caused by verticillium wilt.

将山野风情带回家

正正如不少人心中所怀的阁楼梦想,一间飘散着木质清香,能让你伴着鸟鸣醒来的山间小屋同样令人向往。在冬天,它意味着厚厚的羊绒毯,和炉火熊熊的壁炉;在夏天,它意味着冷冽的甘泉,和清新凉爽的空气。Dream about attic lays in many one’sheart,chalet with the scent of wood andthe sound of birds also makes people

无花果的开花之谜

无花果,顾名思义是不开花的,那它通过什么途径繁衍后代呢?其实,它是有花的,只不过花开得极其隐蔽,我们根本看不见。不过这不要紧,有一种天生专门为无花果树服务的小蜂,为它传播花粉,让它的后代生生不息。这是自然界里非常神奇的一对好搭档。在整个非洲的热带地区,随处可见西克莫无花果树的身影。在肯尼亚南部的河畔,无花果树生长茂盛。我们的故事将要讲述的是其中的一棵无花果树。故事中的这位非洲树后是一棵成熟的西克莫无花果树,她的生命之旅始于一百年前的一粒种子。

中美气味追踪犬的训练实战比较分析——2016美国工作犬战术运用技术培训班的启发

2016年12月1日至2日,由中国工作犬管理协会在武汉成功举办的2016美国工作犬战术运用技术培训班,特邀国际工作犬训练专家Jeffrey H.Schettler先生莅临,讲授了当前世界先进的追踪犬技术,尤其是美国的实战追踪犬技术,其中的重点＂Fear scent tracking＂和＂Unique scent tracking＂,对实战追踪犬技术的发展提供了极其宝贵的参考价值。

Zhe9248—a new scented rice line cames out in Zhejiang

This novel rice line is developed recently’by a research team led by Associate Prof QIU Baiqin, Crop Breeding and Cultivation Institute, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Zhe 9248 is of high resistance to blast, early mature and of higher yield. Being soft, smooth, and glossy, the cooked rice of "Zhe 9248" has excellent eating quality. The kernels of "Zhe 9248" are hardened to such a degree that they could be capa-