Preparation and evaluation of attractive microspheres for control of Agrilus planipennis fairmaire.

Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire is an important wood boring pest of Fraxinus species in the family Oleaceae. Oxacyclotridecan-2-one is an attractant of A. planipennis. Traps with attractive lures can be used in mass trapping of insect pests, but the traps are a bit expensive and they must be set up and dismantled in the field. To develop an attract and kill method for A. planipennis, we enveloped oxacyclotridecan-2-one into sustained-released microspheres. The attractant microspheres were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. An orthogonal test L16(45) was used to optimize the five preparation factors: the quantities of polylactic acid (PLA), gelatin, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), attractant, and the rotational speed. The results showed that optimal conditions for preparation of microspheres were 2.5 g PLA, 0.5 g gelatin, 1.25 g PVA, 2 mL attractant and 600 r min-1 rotational speed. The encapsulation efficiency of the prepared microspheres was 95.22%, and the attractant loading rate was 15.61%. The release rate of attractant from prepared microspheres was about 26.74% on the first day, and then gradually entered a sustained-release stage for about 10 days that lasted for 17 days. Preliminary field control experiments showed that the prepared microspheres could attract and kill A. planipennis adults when sprayed together with insecticide.

Life history of aggression in Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) with extreme male-male combat.

Aggressive behaviour is common in animals and typically has lifetime consequences. As younger males have higher residual reproductive value than older males and lose more from injuries than older males do, the propensity for fighting tends to increase with age in many empirical reports and species. However, fighting patterns in those empirical reports cannot confirm the hypothesis that individuals cannot readily inflict injuries on their opponents. To address this shortcoming, a parasitoid wasp species, Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), was used as an experimental model to explore the characteristics of aggression from a life-history perspective; this wasp exhibits extreme fighting, resulting in contestants experiencing injury and death. Results showed that the energetic costs of fighting to injury significantly shortened life and caused the loss of most mating ability. Inconsistent with general predictions, the frequency and intensity of fighting in A. disparis significantly decreased with male age. Further study results showed significantly more young males were received by and successfully mated with virgin females, and most genes related to energy metabolism were downregulated in aged males. Our study provided supporting evidence that young A. disparis males show more aggression likely because of their resource holding potential and sexual attractiveness decline with age.

Sexual dimorphism and sex-biased gene expression in an egg parasitoid species, Anastatus disparis.

BACKGROUND: Differences in the expression of genes present in both sexes are assumed to contribute to sex differences including behavioural, physiological and morphological dimorphisms. For enriching our knowledge of gender differences in an important egg parasitoid wasp, Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), sex-biased differences in gene expression were investigated using Illumina-based transcriptomic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 15,812 resulting unigenes were annotated, and a large set of genes accounting for 50.09% of the total showed sex-biased expression and included 630 sex-specific genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses showed that the functional categories associated with sex-biased genes were mainly related to reproduction. In addition, the transcriptome data provided evidence that sex pheromones in A. disparis are produced by the female, and activity of Δ12-desaturases appear to have been replaced by Δ9-desaturases playing roles in sex pheromone production. The large set of sex-biased genes identified in this study provide a molecular background for sexually dimorphic traits such as flyability, longevity, and aggression in this species and suggests candidate venom proteins expressed only in females that could be used for biological control. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides comprehensive insight into sexually dimorphic traits of a parasitoid wasp and can inform future research into the molecular mechanisms underlying such traits and the application of parasitoids to the biological control of pest species.

Effect of Winning Experience on Aggression Involving Dangerous Fighting Behavior in Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae).

Aggressive behavior is widely observed in animal species for acquiring important resources and usually includes both dangerous and nondangerous fighting patterns. Only a few species show dangerous fighting patterns that are defined by fights ending with contestants being severely injured or killed. Prior experience, an important factor in many species, has been demonstrated to affect a contestant's subsequent fighting behavior. Few studies have focused on the effect of experience on aggression involving dangerous fighting patterns. Here, an egg parasitoid wasp, Anastatus disparis, which shows extreme and dangerous fighting behavior to acquire mating opportunities, was used as an experimental model. Our results showed that the fighting intensity of the winning males significantly decreased subsequent fighting behavior, which was inconsistent with general predictions. Transcriptomic analyses showed that many genes related to energy metabolism were downregulated in winners, and winners increased their fighting intensity after dietary supplementation. Our study suggested that fighting in A. disparis is a tremendous drain on energy. Thus, although males won at combat, significant reductions in available energy constrained the intensity of subsequent fights and influenced strategic decisions. In addition, winners might improve their fighting skills and abilities from previous contests, and their fighting intensity after dietary supplementation was significantly higher than that of males without any fighting experience. Generally, in A. disparis, although winners increased their fighting ability with previous experience, the available energy in winners was likely to be a crucial factor affecting the intensity and strategic decisions in subsequent fights.

Male-male lethal combat in the quasi-gregarious parasitoid Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae).

Most animals employ aggressive behaviours to acquire resources such as food, territory and mates. Although mating is important for males, which typically exhibit competitive behaviours to gain mating opportunities, they generally tend to avoid conflict escalation; while extreme combat also occurs in some species and results in death. In this study, male-male lethal combat behaviour in Anastatus disparis was examined (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) by investigating the characteristics of fighting and the factors that influence fighting intensity in this species. Male fight intensity in A. disparis increased with both competitor density and female presence, while it was not influenced by the relatedness among male competitors. By comparing the frequency of received attacks between injured and non-injured males, we found that the former were more vulnerable to attack. In contrast to death due to lethal attack, death that occurs as a result of A. disparis combat may be the cumulative effect of injuries sustained over repeated competitive encounters. Combined with the biological characters of A. disparis, we discuss potential factors contributing to the evolution of fatal conflict in this species.

[Comparison of respiratory diseases and symptoms among school-age children in areas with different levels of air pollution].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences of children's health in different area, and to confirm if the prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms among children are closely associated with the air pollution. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban area A and a suburban area B with different levels of air pollution in Beijing. Using a cluster sampling method, we recruited 4 564 children from 3 primary schools in urban A and 4 primary schools in suburban B. Respiratory symptoms were investigated using an international standardized questionnaire including characteristics of children, living conditions, respiratory diseases and symptoms and situation of parents. The concentrations of air pollutants for recent five years were obtained from Reports on the Quality of the Beijing Environment. SPSS 16.0 was used to analyze data. RESULTS: The prevalence of cough, persistent cough, phlegm, persistent phlegm, wheeze and asthma in A area were higher than those in B area [(62.2% vs. 59.9%), (6.3% vs. 3.1%), (42.4% vs. 37.4%),(3.6% vs. 2.4%),(13.3% vs. 9.9%)and(9.5% vs. 5.4%)]. Except for cough, cough with cold, cough without cold, the prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms in A area were significantly higher than those in B area (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed the prevalence of persistent cough, phlegm without cold, asthma in A area were significantly higher than those in B area (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Respiratory diseases and symptoms among school-age children were closely associated with the level of air pollution.

[Concentration level and characteristics of indoor particle matter ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter under extreme weather condition in Beijing winter in 2013].

OBJECTIVE: To study the concentration level and characteristics of indoor particle matter ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) under extreme weather condition. METHODS: During the period of haze in January 2013 and the fireworks and firecracker setting off in the Spring Festival of February 2013, three monitoring sites located indoor and outdoor were respectively selected by Beijing CDC, considering the vertical and horizontal distance, windows tightness and human activity indoor. PM2.5 samples were collected by filters and measured by laboratory weight method. At the same time, the meteorological data was also collected. RESULTS: The median (quartiles) of overall concentration level of indoor PM2.5 was 87.76 µg/m(3) (52.05-174.48 µg/m(3)) and was lower than that of outdoor PM2.5 (128.79 µg/m(3), 95.14-221.88 µg/m(3); Z = -4.13, P < 0.01). The concentration of three indoor monitoring sites was different (χ(2) = 23.09, P < 0.01). The PM2.5 concentrations of monitoring point B in poor sealing window was the highest (94.05 µg/m(3); 63.46-189.17 µg/m(3)) and point C in sealed and less human activity, which was the lowest (77.89 µg/m(3), 51.19-144.40 µg/m(3)). The concentration level of indoor PM2.5 in the haze period (273.22 µg/m(3), 223.44-308.47 µg/m(3)) was higher than the overall concentration level of indoor PM2.5 (Z = -5.20, P < 0.01). The concentration level of indoor PM2.5 in the fireworks and firecracker period (167.90 µg/m(3), 129.15-187.90 µg/m(3)) was higher than that in the Spring Festival period (7 days, 72.76 µg/m(3), 36.97-145.30 µg/m(3), Z = -2.34, P < 0.05) and the overall concentration level of indoor PM2.5 (Z = -1.98, P < 0.05); however, it was lower than the concentration level of indoor PM2.5 in the haze period (Z = -3.43, P < 0.01). The I/O ratio (indoor concentration/outdoor concentration) was all less than 1.00 except 4, which was between 1.00-1.09. The mean I/O ratio in monitoring site B, monitoring site A and monitoring site C was 0.69 ± 0.21, 0.64 ± 0.23 and 0.58 ± 0.18, respectively, show significant bias (F = 22.85, P < 0.01). During the period of haze, the fireworks and firecracker and fine weather (when ambient PM2.5 concentration was lower than the standard value of 75 µg/m(3)), the mean I/O ratio was 0.87 ± 0.14, 0.68 ± 0.08 and 0.51 ± 0.18, respectively, showing significant bias (F = 29.88, P < 0.05). Under conditions of snow and high wind speed ( ≥ 3.4 m/s), PM2.5 concentration decreased to the valley point. The valley value of I/O ratio only occurred after several days of high windy weather. Moreover, the PM2.5 concentration level of indoor air showed a delayed 1-2 days after the haze weakened or disappeared. CONCLUSION: Mass concentration of indoor PM2.5 increased significantly with increases of outdoor concentration. Haze and setting off fireworks/firecracker could lead to a serious decline of indoor air quality (IAQ), and the improvement of IAQ was lagging behind the outdoor changes.

Monoterpenes from larval frass of two Cerambycids as chemical cues for a parasitoid, Dastarcus helophoroides.

Anopiophora glabripennis (Motsch.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a destructive woodborer, attacking many species of deciduous hardwood trees. Apriona swainsoni (Hope) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a woodborer of Sophora japonica L. (Angiospermae: Fabaceae). Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) is an important natural enemy of both Cerambycid species in China. Kairomones for two populations of D. helophoroides that parasitize A. glabripennis and A. swainsoni respectively were studied. Based on identification and quantification of volatiles from larval frass produced by A. glabripennis and A. swainsoni, monoterpenes were selected to test their kairomonal activity to both populations of D. helophoroides adults using a Y-tube olfactometer. The results indicated that (S)-(-)-limonene served as a kairomone for the population of D. helophoroides parasitized A. glabripennis. α-pinene, (IR)-(+)-αpinene and (+)-ß-pinene were attractive to the population of D. helophoroides parasitized A. swainsoni. The results provide information about the co-evolution of D. helophoroides, its host, and host-food trees.

[Relation between soil nutrient of artificially cultivated area and rhizome quality of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relation between the quality of the Herb-Paris and their cultivation of soil nutritional status. METHODS: The soil nutrient status (0 - 30 cm) of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, artificially cultivated areas were determined in 2009 and their rhizome qualities harvested in 2010 were evaluated respectively. Determination of 0 - 30cm depth soil ingredients status with soil conventional five nutritional analysis method of 29 artificial cultivation area, 9 Prefectures of Yunnan Province. RESULTS: Soil nutrient has effect on quality of Herb-Paris medicinal ingredients. CONCLUSION: The multiple linear stepwise regression analysis reveals that among a certain range, the steroidal saponin VII content is positively correlated with the content of soil organic matter and pH. Steroidal saponin H content is positively correlated with the content of soil organic matter, available P and pH. Steroidal saponin I is positively correlated with the content of available K, but negatively correlated with the content of available Herb-Paris, and steroidal saponin II is positively correlated with the content of soil organic matter and available K.

Sodium bisulfite improves rhizome yield and quality in Paris polyphylla.

Rhizomes of the perennial herb Paris polyphylla have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Agricultural production of the rhizomes requires 7-10 years, which is too long to meet the demand of the medicinal industry. Therefore, studies on improving the yield of the herb and shortening the culturing period are imperative. The present work aimed to investigate the effect of sodium bisulfite (NaHSO (3)) on rhizome yield and quality, as well as some related metabolic features of P. polyphylla. The rhizome yield was improved by NaHSO (3) treatment in long-term experiments conducted during 2006 and 2007, with 2 mM NaHSO (3) giving the highest yield. HPLC analysis revealed that NaHSO (3) treatment increased the total saponin content (49 %), including three pennogenin glycosides and two diosgenin glycosides. In a short-term experiment, NaHSO (3) treatment resulted in an enhanced net photosynthetic rate (Pn) for about 4 days without significant changes in the chlorophyll or carotenoid content. The total soluble sugars and sucrose contents in the leaves also significantly increased after 2 mM NaHSO (3) treatment, whereas the starch content changed only slightly. The activities of the enzymes involved in ammonium assimilation (glutamine synthetase [GS] and glutamate dehydrogenase [GDH]) were not significantly influenced. In a long-term experiment, chlorophylls and carotenoids were not significantly affected, and neither was the starch content in leaves, but the total soluble sugars and sucrose contents in leaves increased significantly. The NaHSO (3) treatment significantly increased GS and GDH activities. These results indicate that NaHSO (3) treatment improved the rhizome yield in P. polyphylla, not only through enhancement of Pn but also by improving carbohydrate accumulation and ammonium assimilation. The increased saponin content after NaHSO (3) treatment was indicative of high rhizome quality.

[Tritrophic system of tree-trunkborer-insect natural enemy association].

Trunkborers, mainly bark beetles and cerambycids, are the important insect pests of forests, which can cause serious damage to forest ecosystem. Taking bark beetle and long-horned beetle as the examples, this paper summarized the research progress on the tritrophic system of tree-trunkborer-insect natural enemy association, with the past ten years research results on semiochemicals release source, active compounds identification, and release dynamics of volatiles introduced. The chemical signals selection of natural enemies and their visual function in finding hosts or preys, as well as whether there were other biological active compounds beyond this tritrophic system, which could influence the natural enemy's behaviors, were also discussed.

[Study on determination of 24 elements in drinking water-related products by soaking experiment with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry].

OBJECTIVE: To establish an analytical method for determining 24 metals in drinking water-related products by soaking experiment. METHODS: Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to determine 24 metals in drinking water-related products by soaking experiment with using Sc, Ge, Y, In, Tb and Bi as an internal standard. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient r value, recovery rate, relative standard deviation was 0.999 - 0.9999, 83 % - 125 % and 0.32% - 8.8% (except Zn 11.2%). The working curve of Sn was prepared with soaking water. The matrix is noninterference. The results showed close agreement with the reference values in standard reference materials. CONCLUSION: It indicates that the method is simple, rapid, sensitive and accurate, which can meet the demand for 24 elements analysis in drinking water-related products by soaking experiment.

[Primary research on indoor air concentration of particulate matter in residential house and its relationship with ambient pollution level].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the indoor air concentration of particulate matter in residential house and its relationship with ambient pollution level. METHODS: Indoor and outdoor air level of PM2.5 and PM10 were monitored in 10 residential houses in downtown area. RESULTS: In the non-heating period, the indoor air level of PM2.5 and PM10 were 27.0 - 272.9 microg/m3 and 42.9 - 309.6 microg/m3, respectively. In the heating period, PM2.5 and PM10 were 20.7 - 251.4 microg/m3 and 34.0 - 283.9 microg/m3, respectively. There were good correlation between the indoor air concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10. The relationships between the indoor and outdoor air concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10, however, were not clear. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that there were serious indoor air pollution of particulate matter in residential house. Further research will be needed to clarify the characteristics of indoor air particulate matter pollution and its influence on resident.