Additional male mediterranean fruitfly (Ceratitis capitata wied.) Attractants from Angelica seed oil (Angelica archangelica L.)

Two sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, -copaene and -ylangene, were isolated from bioactive fractions of angelica seed oil and were shown by field bioassays to be attractive to the male Mediterranean fruit fly. Their relative attractiveness, compared with the(+)-and (–)--copaene enantiomers, are: (+)--copaene>angelica -copaene>angelica -ylangene>(–)--copaene. The enantiomer ratios for the two compounds are: -copaene, 61.4% (+), 38.6% (–); -ylangene, 91.9% (+), 8.1% (–).trans--Bergamotene was also isolated from the same fractions, but in sufficient quantity for bioassay [enantiomer ratio: 95.7% (+), 4.3% (–)].     

Catalytic properties of new Cu based catalysts containing Zr and/or V for methanol synthesis from a carbon dioxide and hydrogen mixture

Pure unsupported copper is a poor catalyst for CH₃OH synthesis from CO₂+H₂ when it is compared to Cu coprecipitated with Zr or Zr+V in which case its selectivity and yield in methanol are strongly enhanced. The two Zr and V components added to pure Cu are shown to be textural promoters towards zerovalent Cu which participate to the building of the active sites. Methanol formation on these catalysts is a structure insensitive reaction with respect to the metallic Cu dosed by N₂O surface decomposition.     

Effect of the naturally occurring salt ‘Kanwa’ as a fertilizer on the productivity ofStylosanthes in the subhumid zone of Nigeria

Soil nutrient deficiencies pose a serious limitation to higher crop and forage yields in the Nigerian subhumid zone. Some of the deficiencies may be alleviated by using as a fertilizer a salt mined locally called Kanwa which is traditionally used as a cattle lick. Yields ofStylosanthes hamata cv Verano andS. guianensis cv Cook seed and dry matter increased with Kanwa application at different locations. The effect of Kanwa was enhanced when phosphorus was adequately supplied. Improvements to soil physical properties were proportional to the yield of the legume. The implications of good quality fodder and improved soil conditions in Agro-pastoral Systems in the Nigerian SHZ are discussed.     

A miscibility study of ternary blends of polystyrene,tetramethylbisphenol-A polycarbonate,and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)

Phase behaviorof ternary blends of polystyrene (PS), tetramethylbisphenol-A polycarbonate (TMPC), and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) at two different temperatures (i.e., 210 and 300 °C, respectively) was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry. Miscibility of the ternary blends at either temperature was found restricted to limited compositions, in agreement with simulated spinodal curves based on published values of interaction parameters. The limited ability of PS, which is separately miscible with TMPC and PPO at 210 °C, to act as a common solvent for the immiscible TMPC/PPO pair at this temperature was explained in terms of the disparity in PS/TMPC and PS/PPO pair interactions (i.e., the 'X effect).     

Investigation of sex pheromone components of female asian corn borer,Ostrinia furnacalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Taiwan

(E)-12-Tetradecenyl acetate (E12–14OAc), (Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate (Z12–143nOAc), and tetradecanyl acetate (14OAc) were extracted and identified as major chemical components from female tips of the Asian corn borer,Ostrinia furnacalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Taiwan, with a combined wash ratio of 483715 and an individual female ratio of 453916. The average amount ofE12-,Z12–14OAc and 14OAc in each female gland was 6.6±4.6, 5.8±3.5, and 2.4±1.7 ng/female, respectively. The mixture of these three synthetic chemicals not only gave strong activities in male antennae but also could catch significantly more males than virgin females in field-trapping tests. The field test also showed no significant difference in trapping ability among the three-component Taiwan formulations, the two-component Taiwan formulation (Z12–14OAc andZ1214OAc, 5347), and the Japan formulation (Z12–14 OAc andE 12–14OAc, 3:2).     

Partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas

Partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas has been carried out over a number of transition metal catalysts under a range of conditions. It is found that the metals Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt, either supported on alumina or present in mixed metal oxide precursors, will bring the system to equilibrium. The yield of CO and H2 improves with increasing temperature in the range 650–1050 K, and decreases with increasing pressure between 1 and 20 atm. An excellent yield (92%) is obtained with a 421 N₂CH₄O₂ ratio at 1050 K and atmospheric pressure, with a space velocity of 4×10⁴ hour^–1.     

Synthesis and properties of aromatic polyesters and brominated polyesters derived from α,α′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4(or 1,3)-diisopropylbenzene

The interfacial polycondensation technique was used for the preparation of polyarylates and brominated polyarylates. Polyarylates and brominated polyarylates were prepared by mixing a solution of diacid chloride such as terephthaloyl chloride, isophthaloyl chloride, or their mixture in dichloromethane with an aqueous alkaline solution of ,-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4(or 1,3)-diisopropylbenzene or ,-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dibromophenyl)-1,4(or 1,3)-diisopropylbenzene using triethylbenzylammonium chloride as the phase transfer agent. Moderate to high molecular weight polyarylates with _inh up to 1.27 dL/g were obtained, and most of them could be cast into tough and flexible films depending on the polymer composition. In general, polymers containing more 1,3-isomer or isophthaloyl chloride moieties gave transparent and flexible films and had lower glass transition temperatures and higher solubility. Although these polymers have two isopropylidene linkages in their repeating units, they still exhibit moderately high thermal stability and show no obvious weight loss before 400 °C. The introduction of bromine on the polymer backbone caused a decrease of inherent viscosity, crystallinity, and thermal stability of the polyarylates, while causing an increase in glass transition temperature and a great enhancement of fire retardancy.     

Electrosynthesis of 4,4′-dinitroazobenzene on PbO2 electrodes

Parameters which affect the electrosynthesis of 4,4-dinitroazobenzene from p-nitroaniline on platinum and PbO₂ electrodes were investigated and optimum conditions were determined. Maximum conversion efficiency for electrosynthesis was 95% with a pure -PbO₂ electrode. It was found that the electrocatalytic activity of a PbO₂ electrode depends upon its / ratio and its degree of crystallinity. The effects of the added base and water on the conversion efficiency were also elucidated.     

Model of Air Gasification of a Solid Fuel in a Filtration Regime

A twotemperature mathematical model of steady filtration combustion is proposed. The model takes into account the finite length of the reactor and the dependence of heat capacities of the phases on temperature and composition. The model describes the process of gasification of a solid fuel in a filtration regime. Calculation results for the gasification reaction of a carbon–nert component mixture are presented. The range of fractions of the fuel component is determined in which neither a purely normal nor a purely inverse wave is formed (an approach of a transitional wave is proposed for this interval). It is shown that the combustion temperature is finite within the entire interval of fractions of the fuel component.     

Response of the European elm bark beetle,Scolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), to isomers and components of its pheromone

Laboratory bioassays (two methods) and field tests demonstrated synergistic action of the three components [(–)-4-methyl-3-heptanol (I); (–)-2,4-dimethyl-5-ethyl-6,8-dioxabicylo[3.2.1]octane (-multistriatin) (II); and (–)--cubebene (III)] of the pheromone bouquet ofScolytus multistriatus. Individually and in pairs the components were slightly attractive; I+II was clearly the most active doublet. Indirect evidence indicates that only one of the four enantiomers of I is active. Of the , , and isomers of II, only the is active. With the addition of compound I, slightly attractive extract from mated females became nearly as active as extract from virgin females.     

Identification of Volatile Synomones, Induced by Nezara viridula Feeding and Oviposition on Bean spp., That Attract the Egg Parasitoid Trissolcus basalis

Bean plants (Vicia faba L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L.) damaged by feeding activity of Nezara viridula (L.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), and onto which an egg mass had been laid, produced volatiles that attracted the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Extracts of volatiles of broad bean and French bean plants induced by adults of N. viridula as a result of their feeding activity, oviposition activity, and feeding and oviposition activity combined were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and tested in Y-tube olfactometer bioassays as attractants for T. basalis females. In extracts from undamaged leguminous plants, green-leaf volatiles were absent or scarcely detected, and monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were present at trace levels. No significant differences were detected in the profiles of volatiles of undamaged plants, and undamaged plants on which bugs were allowed only to lay eggs. In contrast, feeding and oviposition by adults of N. viridula induced in both leguminous plants a significant increase in terpenoids such as linalool, (E)-beta-caryophyllene, (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene, and (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, which was induced only in French bean plants. Quantitative comparisons revealed increased levels of (E)-beta-caryophyllene in extracts from feeding-damaged plants with N. viridula egg masses compared to feeding-damaged plants without egg masses. In Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, T. basalis females were attracted by extracts of both leguminous plants only when N. viridula adults were allowed to feed and oviposit upon them. Fractionation of extracts of volatiles from broad bean plants with N. viridula feeding damage and egg masses yielded two fractions. but only the fraction containing (E)-beta-caryophyllene was attractive to the egg parasitoid. These findings indicate that N. viridula feeding and oviposition induce leguminous plants to produce blends of volatiles that are characterized by increased amounts of (E)-beta-caryophyllene, and these blends attract female T. basalis. The role of (E)-beta-caryophyllene as a potential synomone for T. basalis is discussed.     

Chemical identification and behavioral characterization of male wing pheromone ofEphestia elutella (Pyralidae)

Behavioral and chemical evidence is presented for the identity of the male wing pheromone ofEphestia elutella (Hübner) and the role of this pheromone in courtship success is evaluated. Males with the forewing removed experienced a mating success rate less than half of that of either intact males or males that had only the wing gland area remaining of their forewings. GC-MS analysis and microchemical reactions indicated the presence of (E)-phytol and a series of saturated -lactones in a methylene chloride extract of the wings. Using an assay of female courtship behavioral response, (E)-phytol was found to evoke an intermediate level of response in females when presented alone, while the complete array of insect-derived -lactones produced no significant response. The combination of either -decalactone or -undecalactone with (E)-phytol in a 12 ratio, however, elicited a female response equivalent to that produced by the unfractionated wing extract.     

Host Attractants for Red Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus: Identification, Electrophysiological Activity, and Laboratory Bioassay

A steam distillate from the freshly cut young bark of coconut palm Cocos nucifera was analyzed by gas chromatography, combined gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-MS to detect host attractants for the curculionid weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, one of the major coconut pests in Sri Lanka. A twin FID peak consisting of a minor and a major component was shown to possess electrophysiological (EAG) activity. The minor peak was identified as -nonanoic lactone 1, while the major peak was identified as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxystyrene 2. In an EAG assay the synthetic racemic nonanoic lactone 1 did not elicit a considerable response in the antenna of R. ferrugineus, whereas the laboratory synthesized 2 showed activity. In a laboratory bioassay using a Y-type olfactometer, synthetic 1 and 2 elicited moderate attractant properties to R. ferrugineus, whereas a 1:1 mixture of the compounds showed increased attraction over that of the individual compounds.     

Transport of phosphorus forms and of nitrate through a clay soil under grass and cereal production

Many nutrients are lost from soil to water viatile drains. However, there are very few reliable studies of such phosphorus(P)losses under Swedish agriculture practices, especially in connection tofertiliser and slurry applications and related to nutrient balances. Tile drainlosses were measured from nine experimental plots in south-west Sweden; fourplots were measured for 7 years and five plots for 2–3 years. Cereals,mainly spring barley (Hordeum vulgare, L.) and oats(Avena sativa, L.), were grown in six plots, while oneplotwas cultivated with grass, timothy (Phleum pratense L.)andmeadow fescue (Festuca pratensis, L.), one with lucerne(Medicago sativa, L.) and meadow fescue (F.pratensis, L.), and the last one was a set-aside withgrass (Lolium perenne, L. and Trifoliumrepens, L.) that was neither fertilised nor used for crop removal.Attention was paid to the forms in which P was transported to water since thishas important ecological implications. Average losses of particulate P (PP)fromthe set-aside land was significantly lower than from the cerealproduction, but the average losses of soluble reactive P (SRP) and dissolvednonreactive P (DUP) were the same. Average loss of PP from the grass ley during 3years (0.09 kg per ha^–1 y^–1) wassignificantly less than the losses from cereal production. Total P loss of 0.3kg per ha^–1 y^–1 was equal to the averagelossfrom the Swedish monitoring network of observation fields. Compared to theaverage nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N) leaching, which was 7 kg perha^–1 y^–1 from cereals, the NO₃-Nleaching was very low from the plots with lucerne-grass and set-aside.After applying and directly ploughing in 80 kg ha^–1 ofsuperphosphate for cereal production in November 1998, 0.6–1.8 kgSRP ha^–1 y^–1 was lost through the drain tiles.Surface application of cattle slurry in spring 1999 to the grass ley alsoresulted in a very pronounced increased base level of SRP. This paper documentsthe importance of applying slurry during dry conditions and of placingfertiliser into the soil according to crop requirements in the time perspectiveof one year.     

Isolation and identification of cotton synomones mediating searching behavior by parasitoidCampoletis sonorensis

In laboratory bioassays, the parasitoidCampoletis sonorensis was attracted to the following sesquiterpenes isolated from cotton essential oil: -humulene, -bisabolene, -caryophyllene oxide, spathulenol, -bisabolol, and a new, naturally occurring bisabolene-related alcohol, (2-p-tolyl-6-methylhept-5-en-2-ol) which we name gossonorol. This is the first report of spathulenol in cotton. -Caryophyllene, a major component of cotton, was not attractive to the parasitoids. The response of the parasitoids to these compounds and the possibility of augmenting parasitoid activity in the field by manipulating plant secondary metabolites is discussed.Synomone: A chemical produced or acquired by an organism that benefits both the emitting and receiving organisms (Nordlund and Lewis, 1976).     

Stereospecific antennal response by red turpentine beetle,Dendroctonus valens to chiral monoterpenes from ponderosa pine resin

The antennal response ofDendroctonus valens to host monoterpenes from the resin of ponderosa pine was studied using the electroantennogram (EAG) technique. Male and female beetles were given a single dose of each of 11 different monoterpenes. Response amplitude to the different compounds did not vary between sexes and was generally well correlated with results from field attraction studies. Response to (S)-(–)--pinene was greatest. The relative amplitude of the responses to the (R)-(+) and (S)-(–) enantiomers of a-pinene, however, were reversed from their relative attractiveness in the field. A dose-response study was conducted for the (R)-(+) and (S) -(–) enantiomers of a-pinene, plus a reciprocal differential saturation test with successive doses of first one enantiomer of-pinene and then the other. Comparison of EAG traces suggests different receptors for the two stereoisomers of-pinene. Differential saturation curves suggest that while one set of receptors may respond to both enantiomers, some receptors respond only to the (S)-(–) enantiomer.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitex agnus-castus</Emphasis> is a Preferred Host Plant for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyalesthes obsoletus</Emphasis>

Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret (Homoptera: Cixiidae) is a polyphagous planthopper that transmits stolbur phytoplasma (a causative agent of yellows disease) to various weeds, members of the Solanaceae, and wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) in Europe and the Middle East. Planthoppers were collected by hand vacuuming eight native plant species. Vitex agnus-castus L., a shrub in the Verbenaceae, hosted the largest number of H. obsoletus, although Olea europaea L. also served as a host for adults. Using a Y-olfactometer, we compared the planthoppers relative preference for V. agnus-castus, Convolvulus arvensis, and V. vinifera. V. agnus-castus was more attractive to both male and female H. obsoletus than the other plants. H. obsoletus antennal response was stronger to volatiles collected from V. agnus-castus than from Cabernet Sauvignon variety of V. vinifera. To determine if V. agnus-castus would serve as a reservoir for the pathogen, H. obsoletus were collected from leaf and stem samples of native V. agnus-castus, and were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of phytoplasma DNA. While 14% and 25% (2003 and 2004, respectively) of the insects tested positive for phytoplasma DNA, none of the plant samples tested positive. To determine if V. agnus-castus could serve as a host plant for the development of the planthopper, we placed emergence cages beneath field shrubs and enclosed wild-caught H. obsoletus in a cage with a potted young shrub. We found adult H. obsoletus in the emergence cases and planthopper nymphs in the soil of the potted plant. We concluded that V. agnus-castus is attractive to H. obsoletus, which seems to be refractory to phytoplasma infections and warrants further testing as a trap plant near vineyards.     

Crystal Orientation Dependence of Macropore Formation in n-Si With Backside-Illumination in HF-Electrolyte

The formation of macropores on anodically biased n-type silicon with backside-illumination was investigated as a function of crystal orientation and bias voltage. Specimens were cut from bulk crystals with various orientations from {100} to {111}, polished and subjected to anodic etching in HF. The resulting pores were investigated on cleaved samples by SEM. All pores were found to grow in either a 100 direction or a 113 direction, depending on the misorientation angle. This finding applies also to the branching of a single pore. The results can be understood if the valence for the dissolution reaction is approximately 2.6 in 100 and approximately 4 in the 113 direction, and if all other directions are not allowed for the growth of pores in Si.     

Porous Properties of γ-Alumina/Potassium Aluminosilicate Gel Composites Prepared by Selective Leaching and Precipitation Method

Composites of mesoporous -alumina and potassium aluminosilicate (KAS) gel were prepared by selective leaching of calcined kaolinite using KOH solution followed by neutralization of the solution at pH 5.5 with nitric acid. The porous properties of the composites were characterized by N₂ gas adsorption and their microtextures were observed by electron microscope. The resultant composites have specific surface areas of about 290 m²/g, pore sizes of about 1.85 nm in radius and pore volumes of about 0.5 ml/g. The porous properties of the composites are compared with those of -alumina and KAS gel.     

Silyl Triflate-Initiated Ring-Opening Polymerizations of Cyclosiloxanes

Polymer yields between 70 and 85% form in ring-opening polymerizations of trimeric cyclosiloxanes initiated with trimethylsilyl triflate in the presence of a selective scavenger for protic acids, 2,6-di-t-butylpyridine. Examples include the polymerization of 1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-tris(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)cyclotrisiloxane (F₃) and hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D₃). Siloxane bond redistribution is essentially absent and data are presented establishing a nonterminating polymerization giving an average of roughly one trimethylsilyl group per chain. The present observations contrast with other work that suggests that the presence of free triflic acid is required for initiation with trimethylsilyl triflate.