Synthesis and Biological Characterization of (Z)-9-Heptadecenoic and (Z)-6-Methyl-9-Heptadecenoic Acids: Fatty Acids with Antibiotic Activity Produced by Pseudozyma flocculosa

Difficulties in isolating and purifying antibiotic fatty acids from culture filtrates of Pseudozyma flocculosa, a biocontrol agent against powdery mildew, have been limiting factors in studying the properties and understanding the mode of action of the biocontrol agent. We report a new protocol for synthesizing (Z)-9-heptadecenoic and for the first time synthesis of (Z)-6-methyl-9-heptadecenoic acids, two antibiotic fatty acids produced by P. flocculosa. This allowed reproducible and quantifiable means of assaying biological activity of the molecules. In these bioassays, both molecules exhibited antifungal activity corresponding to their expected potency. These new developments should facilitate further studies aimed at deciphering the ecological properties of P. flocculosa.     

Small Angle Neutron Scattering in P+-Doped Porous Silicon

On the surface of single crystal silicon wafers, porous layers can be formed by electrochemical etching and their structural properties are determined by the doping type and concentration of the substrate. In p⁺-type doped, (1 0 0) oriented wafers the porous structure consists of tube-like voids and column-like remains of the silicon matrix, all perpendicular with respect to the wafer surface. In small angle neutron scattering experiments the micrometer long and nanometer diameter elongated scattering elements, i.e., tubes and columns can be well represented and approximated by cylindrical form factors. In an earlier experiment the diameter and scattering length distribution of the cylindrical scattering elements were measured in a p⁺-type (1 0 0) oriented porous silicon wafer [G. Kádár, G. Káli, Cs. Dücsõ, and E.B. Vázsonyi, Physica B 234–236, 1014 (1997)] and the tube diameters were seen to vary in the range from about 10 to 24 nm. In this paper the continuing small angle neutron scattering study of porous silicon layers will be presented. The evaluation conditions and method for the measured neutron intensity distributions will be discussed. The pore diameter distribution data calculated from the neutron scattering intensity curves are collected and compared in various samples of (1 0 0) oriented p⁺-doped wafers prepared with different porosity and different layer depth. The structural results and data obtained by small angle neutron scattering experiments may help in understanding the practically useful chemical, electronic and other properties of porous silicon.     

Near-Field Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy in Porous Silicon

First results of an Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy in the Near Field (NFEELS) mode of n⁺ porous silicon are described here. Sequences of EELS spectra in the low loss energy range (0–30 eV) were recorded, using a scanning transmission electron microscope, as the e-beam was scanned across a nano-hole surrounded by Si platelets. This technique is shown to be very sensitive to spectral and spatial changes in the electromagnetic field distribution outside the surface of nanoparticles, governed by their local nature and shape.     

High-Temperature Electrical Properties in the ThO2-Rich Region of ThO2-RE2O3 Systems

In the present study the n -type electronic conduction in terms of the parameter p e, and the phase relations in several ThO₂-RE2O₃ systems were examined. Large fluorite solid solution regions exist at elevated temperatures. It was demonstrated that RE₂O₃-doped thoria compositions feature lower parameters p e, and higher chemical stability than the conventional stabilized ZrO2 electrolytes. The results are given in terms of the characteristic parameter p e, in the temperature range from 1000° to 1600°C. The experimental investigations were made using a new thermodynamic measuring system.