Chemical cross-linking of conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)

Hybrid films of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) were prepared with different molecular weights of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The cross-linking reaction between PEO and PEDOT:PSS was performed at high temperature and confirmed by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), contact angle measurement, and solid-state ¹H NMR. The effect of chemical reaction on the conductivity and morphology of these hybrid films was studied by using 4-point probe and atomic force microscope (AFM), respectively. As-spun PEO/PEDOT:PSS films have lower electric conductivity due to the addition of nonconductive PEO, and exhibits no molecular weight dependence on conductivity. After chemical cross-linking reaction at high temperature, only PEDOT:PSS films with lowest molecular weight PEO additives show enhanced conductivity with increasing reaction time. AFM result indicates that the heat-treated PEO/PEDOT:PSS hybrid films show grain-like morphology compared to ethylene glycol treated PEDOT:PSS films which shows continuous PEDOT domain. In the present work we demonstrate that the cross-linking reaction can be used to improve the wet stability of PEDOT:PSS nanofiber, showing good water resistance and excellent dimensional stability.     

(S)-(+)-Ipsdienol: Interspecific inhibition ofIps latidens (leconte) byIps pini (Say) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

In south-central British Columbia, the attraction ofIps latidens (LeConte) to its pheromone, ipsenol, was inhibited by (S)–(+)-ipsdienol, a pheromone forI. pini (Say). (R)-(–)–lpsdienol had no effect onI. latidens. (S)–(+)-lpsdienol probably plays a role in interspecific communication between the two species, facilitating reductions in interspecific competition for breeding material and/or interspecific mating interference.     

Plant allelochemicals and insect parasitoids effects of nicotine onCotesia congregata (say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) andHyposoter annulipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Parasitoids developing within tobacco hornworms or fall army-worms exhibit significant differences in development and survival depending on whether their hosts fed on nicotine-free or nicotine-containing diets. The effects of nicotine were more severe on the relatively less adapted parasitoid,H. annulipes than the specialist parasitoid,Cotesia congregata. Labeled alkaloid originally placed in herbivore diet was incorporated in several parasitoid tissues. These results suggest that interactions between plant allelochemicals and parasitoids should be considered in the development of theory on insect herbivory and plant defense.Scientific article No. A4408, Contrib. No. 7397 of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Entomology. Research supported by USDA. Competitive Grant No. 59-2241-1-1-749-0 and NSF grant BSR-84-00614.Mention of a commercial product does not constitute an endorsement.     

Ipsenol: an aggregation pheromone forIps latidens (Leconte) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Ipsenol was identified from the frass of male, but not female,Ips latidens from British Columbia, feeding in phloem tissue of lodgepole pine,Pinus contorta var.latifolia. The responses ofJ. latidens to sources of ips-enol andcis-verbenol were determined with multiple-funnel traps in stands of lodgepole pine in British Columbia. Ipsenol attracted both male and femaleI. latidens, verifying that it is a pheromone for this species. MaleI. latidens showed a slight preference for (S)-(–)-ipsenol.cis-Verbenol was not produced by beetles of either sex and, in contrast to an earlier report, both enantiomers inhibited attraction to ipsenol-baited traps. The predators,Enoclerus sphegeus andThanasimus undatulus (Cleridae), were attracted to traps baited withcis-verbenol and ipsenol.     

Sex pheromone of caddisflyHesperophylax occidentalis (Banks) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)

The main component of the sex pheromone of the caddisflyHesperophylax occidentalis (Banks) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) was identified as 6-methylnonan-3-one (enantiomeric composition has not yet been determined). Extracts of adult females elicited strong electroantennogram (EAG) responses from adult male antennae, but elicited significantly smaller EAG responses from adult female antennae. Extracts of adult males did not elicit appreciable EAG responses from antennae of either sex. Racemic 6-methylnonan-3-one was synthesized and elicited EAG responses from male antennae as strong as those obtained with female extracts. In field tests with baited sticky traps near lakes and streams, traps baited with synthetic racemic 6-methylnonan-3-one caught significantly more males than control traps. Female adults contained approximately 1 µg of 6-methylnonan-3-one per individual. Related ketones and alcohols of other chain lengths were also tentatively identified, being present in tiny amounts in female extracts. Extraction of different body parts showed that 6-methylnonan-3-one occurs only in a region near the intersegmental membrane between the fourth and fifth abdominal sternites of the female (no discrete glands were observed). Extracts of males did not contain 6-methylnonan-3-one, nor did pupae of either sex.     

H(2)O(2) in CO(2): sustainable production and green reactions

Hydrogen peroxide is a "green" oxidant whose relatively high cost has prevented it from being applied to commodity chemical processing. Interestingly, those attributes of the current H(2)O(2) process that contribute to the high cost also contribute to its nonsustainable features. We have consequently explored the generation of hydrogen peroxide both by the AQ route and directly from hydrogen and oxygen using liquid CO(2) as the solvent, because CO(2) provides some unique advantages to H(2)O(2) synthesis.     

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)/poly(styrene-co-acrylamide) (PSAm) blends: miscibility and hydrogel properties

The blend miscibility of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly(styrene-co-acrylamide) (PSAm) was studied by DSC. A ‘miscible window’ was found in the range 47–57 mol% of acrylamide in blending PSAm with PHEMA (1:1 w/w) and was analysed by the mean-field theory. The water content and permeability coefficients of proteins were measured. The results show that the water content of the blends depends on the composition of PSAm and the blends, and the behaviour of blends swollen in water in Fickian type. However, the permeability of the solutes not only related to water content, but was also affected by phase behaviour. Controlled release of somatotropin from a cylindrical device coated with PHEMA/PSAm was achieved.     

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonic Acid) (PEDOT:PSS) Conductivity Enhancement through Addition of Imidazolium-Ionic Liquid Derivatives

Here, insignificant conductivity enhancement of PEDOT:PSS through adding different amounts of 2-methylimidazolium ionic liquids into PEDOT:PSS aqueous solutions is reported. Maximum conductivity was reached through 2-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (5 wt.%) addition. It seems that observed conductivity enhancement mainly results from the impact of ionic liquids on the electrical properties and conformational change of PEDOT chains, and through weakening of the electrostatic interactions between PEDOT and PSS. Also, better conductivity was achieved through weak interactions between PEDOT and the PSS chain, which changes the PEDOT conformation and further delocalizes the polarons, as well as changes the electron transport properties.     

Caffeine in copper(II) complexes: crystal and molecular structure of di(caffeine)tetrakis(naproxenato)dicopper(II)

The crystal and molecular structure of di(caffeine)tetrakis(naproxenato)- dicopper(II) was determined by direct method and Fourier techniques. The structure was refined by full-matrix least-squares methods to a weighted R factor of 0.0705. The compound is binuclear with square pyramidal geometry at each copper(II) centre. The two copper(II) atoms are bridged by four carboxylate groups, while the apical ligands are caffeine molecules. The Cu–Cu distance is 2.649(2) Å. The Cu atoms are displaced by 0.217 Å from the plane containing four oxygen atoms bonded to Cu towards the apical caffeine molecules. The structural data are compared with those found in similar [Cu₂(RCOO)₄(caf)₂] (caf = caffeine) complexes.     

A novel two-dimensional chiral coordination polymer: bis(S-(-)-lactate)zinc(II)

The synthesis and X-ray characterization of a novel chiral two-dimensional condensed metal–organic coordination polymer, bis(S-(-)-lactate)zinc(II) (1), are reported. Its crystal structure determination shows that a chiral cavity with approximate dimensions of 5.4×5.4 Ų is present. Crystallographic data for 1, C₆H₁₀O₆Zn, monoclinic P2₁, a=7.4440(15), b=7.4550(15), c=7.4550(15) Å, β=95.73(3)°, V=429.48(15) ų, R₁=0.0272, wR₂=0.0751.     

New polyaniline(PAni)-polyelectrolyte (PDDMAC) composites: Synthesis and applications

Conducting and electroactive polymer blends of polyaniline (PAni) with polyelectrolyte, poly(diallydimethylammoniumchloride) (PDDMAC) have been synthesized by an in situ polymerization method and the resulting composites have been characterized by FT-IR, UV–Vis, XRD, AFM and electrochemical techniques. The blends are conducting and electroactive with even lower loadings of PAni and can be cast as films. The conductivity of the cast films containing 0.04–1.5 wt% PAni ranged from 4.5 × 10⁻⁶ to 42 × 10⁻⁶ S/cm. Some of the composites are tested for their corrosion inhibition property for pure iron in 1 M HCl solutions and were found to be active inhibitors.     

Chemical defense of giant springtailTetrodontophora bielanensis (Waga) (Insecta: Collembola)

The giant springtail,Tetrodontophora bielanensis (Waga), is characterized by integumental openings (pseudocells) from which small droplets of a sticky defensive fluid are secreted after molestation. The secretion originates initially from secretory cells below the pseudocellae; subsequent irritations result in release of hemolymph, which was identified by both chemical and microscopical methods as well as by scanning electron microscopy. Bioassays with topically treated ground beetlesNebria brevicollis showed that the pseudocellular fluid evokes a total disorientation and cleansing behavior of the beetle. The main constituents were identified as the following pyridopyrazines: 2,3-dimethoxpyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine (1), 3-isopropyl-2-methoxypyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine (2), and 2-methoxy-4H-pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine-3-one (3). These alkaloids are mainly present in the pseudocellar fluids of female and male springtails but are absent in their food or feces. Minor amounts are found in the hemolymph of adults, while larvae contain traces of2 only. All compounds were synthesized and tested for activity. In natural concentrations, the synthetic alkaloids elicited the same effects from the ground beetles as the pseudocellar fluid.     

Multichemical defense of plant bugHotea gambiae (westwood) (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae)

Chemical defense in larvae of the plant bugHotea gambiae has been investigated. Results of analyses (GC, GC-MS) on the secretions from the three dorsally situated larval abdominal defense (scent) glands are reported. The secretion from the first abdominal gland consists of a mixture of C₁₀ and C₁₅ isoprenoids: (C₁₀) -pinene, -pinene, limonene, -phellandrene; (C₁₅) -caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, -humulene, and (the major component) humulene epoxide II. The secretions from the second and third abdominal glands are similar mixtures consisting of (E)-2-decenal, (E)-4-oxohex-2-enal, andn-tridecane together with lesser amounts of (E)-2-hexenal,n-dodecane, and other materials. Isoprenoid defense is now known from four species of plant bugs (Heteroptera) associated with Malvaceae.     

Synthesis and structural determination of the stable dinuclear carbonyl-phosphite rhodium(0) complex: (CO)2(P(O-o-tBuPh)3)Rh-Rh(P(O-o-tBuPh)3)(CO)3

[Rh(μ-OMe)(COD)]₂ reacts with tris-ortho-tert-butylphenylphosphite in the presence of carbon monoxide to provide the first example of a stable dinuclear carbonyl-phosphite rhodium(0) complex with a metal–metal bond distance of 2.73(1) Å. The geometry at the metals is different: square planar and distorted trigonal bipyramid. The crystallographic data indicate that two of the carbonyl ligands are semi-bridged between the two rhodium atoms.     

(Z)6, (E)8-Heneicosadien-11-One: Synergistic Sex Pheromone Component of Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Three candidate sex pheromone components, (Z)6,(Z)9-, (Z)6,(E)8-, and (Z)6,(E)9-heneicosadien-11-one (Z6Z9, Z6E8, and Z6E9) were identified in pheromone gland extracts of female Douglas-fir tussock moths (DFTM), Orgyia pseudotsugata (McDunnough). Their occurrence in subnanogram quantities in extracts and structural conversion during analytical procedures and bioassays complicated chemical identifications. Complete identification required comparative analyses of stereoselectively synthesized and female-produced dienones by coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and coupled GC–mass spectrometry (MS). Determination of the pheromone component was contingent upon an experimental design that minimized structural rearrangement of dienones before and during the field test. In a 40-min field experiment, acetonitrile solutions of each of the above dienones were carried on Dry Ice to traps and were syringed onto cotton release devices below trap lids. In combination with the previously known sex pheromone component of DFTM, (Z)6-heneicosen-11-one (Z6), Z6E8 was the only synergistic dienone and the mixture was highly attractive. Because Z6 by itself attracts seven species of tussock moths (two sympatric with DFTM), a blend of Z6 and Z6E8 may impart specificity to DFTM pheromone communication. In commercial lures, this binary blend may facilitate species-specific, sensitive monitoring and efficacious control by mating disruption of this important forest defoliator.     

β-Phellandrene: kairomone for pine engraver,Ips pini (Say) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

The responses ofIps pini (Scolytidae) to multiple-funnel traps baited with the pheromone, ipsdienol, and various monoterpenes were determined in stands of lodgepole pine in southern and central British Columbia.Ips pini was attracted to both ipsdienol and -phellandrene, demonstrating that -phellandrene is a kairomone for this species.Lasconotus complex (Colydiidae) and aCorticeus sp. (Tenebrionidae) were attracted to both ipsdienol and -phellandrene. TheCorticeus sp. exhibited a synergistic response to the combination of ipsdienol and -phellandrene; the responses of the other two species to the combination were additive. The predators,Thanasimus undatulus, Enoclerus sphegeus, andE. lecontei (Cleridae), were attracted to ipsdienol-baited traps, whileMonochamus clamator (Cerambycidae) andDendroctonus ponderosae (Scolytidae) were attracted to -phellandrene. Attraction of all eight species increased with increasing release rates of ipsdienol and/or -phellandrene.     

Ag(I)(Et(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2)]NO(3): An Antimitochondrial Silver Complex

The silver(I) complex [Ag(eppe)(2)]NO(3) (eppe = Et(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) is shown by X-ray crystallography to be tetrahedral with Ag - PEt(2) and Ag - P Ph(2) bond lengths of 2.482 and 2.518 A, respectively. The complex is selectively antimitochondrial and inhibits the growth of a number of yeast strains in non-fermentable media at concentrations as low as 2.5 muMu and induces the mitochondrial mutation petite The effect is largely reversed by the presence of aspirin. The complex is shown to be stable in the cell culture media and in the presence of glutathione, but readily reacts with disulfides of oxidized glutathione and serum albumin. Surprisingly, neither [Au(eppe)(2)]Cl nor [Au(eppe)(2)]Cl (dppe = Ph(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) showed any mitochondrial selectivity in the same screening protocol.     

绿色合成纤维--聚乳酸纤维

面对席卷全球的绿色浪潮，一种绿色的合成纤维——聚乳酸纤维，在纤维行业中越来越多被人们所重视。本文在介绍聚乳酸纤维的结构的基础上，详细地总结了聚乳酸纤维的包括物理性能、降解性能和安全性能在内的各种性能，具体地讨论了聚乳酸纤维的合成和纺丝过程，指出聚乳酸纤维具有广阔的应用前景和深远的生态意义，但当前的关键问题是降低合成聚乳酸树脂的成本。     

Thermally stable hybrid polyarylidene(azomethine-ether)s polymers (PAAP): an ultrasensitive arsenic(III) sensor approach

A new category of thermally stable hybrid polyarylidene(azomethine-ether)s and copolyarylidene(azomethine-ether)s (PAAP) based on diarylidenecycloalkanones has been synthesized using solution polycondensation method. For potential cationic sensor development, a thin layer of PAAP onto a flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE, surface area: 0.0316 cm²) was prepared with conducting nafion (5%) coating agent to fabricate a sensitive and selective arsenic (III) [As³⁺] ion in short response time in neutral buffer system. The fabricated cationic sensor was measured the analytical performances such as higher sensitivity, linear dynamic range, detection limit, reproducibility, and long-term stability towards As³⁺ ions. The sensitivity and detection limit were calculated as 2.714 μAμM^?1cm^?2 and 6.8 ± 0.1 nM (SNR of 3; 3N/S) respectively from the calibration curve. This novel approach can be initiated a well-organized route of an efficient development of heavy selective arsenic sensor for hazardous pollutants in biological, environmental, and health care fields. Real sample analysis for various environmental sample was performed with PAAP-modified-GCE.     

Multichemical defense of plant bugHotea gambiae (Westwood) (Heteroptera: Scutelleridae): (E)-2-hexenol from abdominal gland in adults

The occurrence inHotea gambia adults of a sexual dimorphism in the divided dorsal abdominal scent gland (dg 1)is reported. Counts made of ducted secretory units indicate that female dg 1 regresses at the end of larval development, unlike male dg 1 which undergoes no regression. Other dorsal abdominal scent glands (dg 2, dg 3) which function in the larvae cease to function during the imaginai moult. From gas chromatographic, mass spectrometric and [¹H]NMR data, the identity of the secretion from male adult dg 1 was established as virtually pure (E)-2-hexenol (a 100-mg mature male adult contains 0.5–1 l of secretion). 2-Hexenol was also found in the reduced female adult dg 1. In the sexually monomorphic metathoracic scent gland, (E)-2-alkenals (C₆, C₈) and (E)-4-oxohex-2-enal, together with monoterpenes (-pinene, limonene) but not 2-hexenol, were identified. The vapor of (E)-2-hexenol is repellent to both sexes ofHotea adults and toxic to blowfly (Calliphora) eggs.