The tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most harmful pests of solanaceous crops. Its larval morphological characteristics are similar, making the distinguishing between different larval instars difficult. Accurate identification of T. absoluta instars is necessary either for population outbreak forecasting, or developing successful control programs. Although a clustering algorithm can be used to determine the number of larval instars, little is known regarding the use of density-based ordering points to identify the clustering structure (OPTICS) and determine the number of larvae. In this study, larval instars of 240 T. absoluta individuals were determined by the density-based OPTICS clustering method, based on mandible width, and head capsule width and length. To verify the feasibility of the OPTICS clustering method, we compared it with the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) clustering algorithm, Gaussian mixture models, and k-means. Additionally, the instars determined by the clustering methods were verified using the Brooks–Dyar rule, Crosby rule, and linear regression model. The instars determined by the OPTICS clustering method were equal to those determined by the other types of clustering algorithms, and the instar results were consistent with the Brooks–Dyar rule, Crosby rule, frequency analysis, and logarithmic regression model. These results indicated that the OPTICS clustering method is robust for determining insect larva instar phase. Moreover, it was found that three morphological indices of T. absoluta can be used for determining instars of this pest in the field, which may provide important information for the management of T. absoluta populations.

Even though relations between Asia and Europe remained largely unexplored during most part of the period following the Second World War, the end of the Cold War has created con-ditions for better relations between the two. The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) provides the most important basis for cooperation between the two continents. China is taking keen interest in this regard by initiating steps towards deepening the Asia-Europe partnership, thanks to globalization. From a Chinese perspective, the cooperation promotes its own economic reforms programme. Asia-Europe cooperation also facilitates the security dialogue between ASEAN-EU and China. That the US at times becomes a factor in affecting China-EU relations is a matter of concern for both the sides. An important area of cooperation relates to the estab-lishment of a new multipolar international order.

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Background and Aim: To study the antitumor activity of 2-Methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (MNQ) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, in an attempt to fill the knowledge gap of anti-liver cancer with MNQ. Materials and Methods: Cell viability in the presence of MNQ was assessed by MTT and effect of MNQ on HepG2 cell cycle by flow cytometry. To analyze apoptosis and its molecular mechanisms, we used a combination of Hoechst 33342 staining, annexin V binding, Rhodamine 123 staining, Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blotting and confocal microscopy. On the other hand, in vivo tumor growth was measured by a xenograft tumor nude mice model. Finally, the hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes of tumor tissue. Results:The results indicate that MNQ induced apoptosis in HCC cell lines, as demonstrated by a significant increasing of mitochondrial membrane potential and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, MNQ significantly up-regulated BAD and down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic factors NF-κB and Bcl-2 at protein and transcription levels. Finally, in vivo studies revealed that MNQ significantly inhibited tumor growth. Conclusion: MNQ suppress the proliferation and induces apoptosis of HCC cells through mitochondrial and Rel/NF-κB signal pathways.