Mellein, a Trail Pheromone Component of the Ant Lasius fuliginosus

3,4-Dihydro-8-hydroxy-3-methylisocoumarin (mellein) and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one are among the volatile constituents identified from the hindgut of the formicine ant Lasius (Dendrolasius) fuliginosus Mellein induces trail-following behavior in worker ants of this species and evokes electrophysiological responses from their antennae. The trail-following activity released by (R)-(–)-mellein is significantly higher than that elicited by its (S)-(+) antipode, or the racemic mixture. The above-mentioned pyranone is found also in the honeydew of aphids, the customary diet of this ant species. The pyranone also evokes some trail-following behavior, but its activity is far less pronounced than that of mellein. Apparently, extra pheromone components are present in the hindgut, since the activity of these two constituents, either individually or as a mixture, does not completely account for the total activity released by a hindgut extract containing similar amounts of these two compounds.     

Questions you always wanted (or should have wanted) to ask about workhardening

 By means of questions and answers, the major evidence regarding dislocation-based crystal plasticity is presented together with the present best stand of theoretical understanding. Received: 10 December 1997 / Accepted: 13 December 1997     

Problems with linking constructs from different domains: Commentary on Pistole's "adult attachment style and narcissistic vulnerability."

Comments on M. C. Pistole's (see record 1995-33117-001) article on adult attachment (AAT) style. Silverman questions Pistole's linkage of insecure AATs and narcissistic pathology and suggests that the lack of uniformity and consistency across AAT studies limits generalizations. Silverman also argues that Pistole conflates divergent theoretical views, thereby further obscuring the meanings of narcissism. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The application of electron spectroscopic imaging for quantification of the area fractions of calcium-containing precipitates in nervous tissue

Energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy has been applied to the quantification of area fractions of calcium-containing cytochemical reaction products in central nervous tissue and the retina of fish. The method of electron spectroscopic imaging using electrons with an energy loss of 250 eV produces images with a very high, structure-sensitive contrast. This is a suitable imaging condition for the reliable detection of reaction products and structural details in unstained ultrathin sections. The images were recorded with a sensitive TV camera and evaluated with the integrated digital image-analysis system of the Zeiss CEM 902 energy-filtering electron microscope. An empirical procedure was developed which objectively detects reaction products and calculates characteristic values, taking into account different staining intensities. This new and sensitive method enabled an assessment to be made of the influence of temperature and light adaptation on cytochemically detectable calcium in nervous tissue of fish. Higher amounts of calcium-containing reaction product were detected in synaptic clefts of the optic tectum in warm-adapted fish than in cold-adapted fish. In synaptic vesicles of photoreceptor cells in the fish retina, higher amounts of reaction product were found in dark-adapted fish than in light-adapted fish.     

Calculation, Measurement, and Control of Interface Strength in Composites

Strength and energy criteria for interface delamination are given for composite systems involving anisotropic fibers. The tensile strength of planar interfaces is measured with a modified laser spallation experiment involving a laser Doppler displacement interferometer. The technique for achieving desired interface properties is demonstrated on an Nb/Al₂O₃, interface. In the as-deposited state, the strength is determined to be 0.28 GPa. The interface strength is controlled with sputter-deposited Cr and Sb interlayers. The strength of Nb/Al₂O₃ interfaces varies from 0.28 to 0.35 GPa when the Cr layer thickness varies from 1 to 50 Å. The strength is reduced to 0.16 GPa with Sb thickness of 70 Å.     

活性炭—超滤组合工艺处理南方微污染原水的研究

研究了活性炭—超滤组合工艺对主要污染物的去除效果,以及超滤膜污染情况。组合工艺出水浊度一般为0.01~0.03 NTU,粒径大于2μm的颗粒数低于10个/mL。组合工艺对CODMn、UV254和TOC的去除率分别为47%、88%和60%,其中炭吸附起主要作用,分别占39%、86%和57%。总细菌数和异养菌平板计数(HPC)在炭吸附池出水中分别为1~1 300 CFU/mL和190~2 880 CFU/mL,而其在超滤出水中分别为0~5 CFU/mL和0~40 CFU/mL,这显著提高了微生物安全保障水平。浮游动物能穿透炭砂滤层,但超滤对浮游动物有非常好的截留效果,出水中偶有检出轮虫,最大为2.5个/100 L。超滤膜污染为由金属离子和有机物造成的综合性污染,金属离子包括Fe3+、Al3+等高价离子,以及Ca2+、Mg2+等二价离子;有机物主要为烷烃和芳香烃等。活性炭—超滤组合工艺非常适合于我国南方地区高温高湿气候,以及季节性有机污染和微生物污染的水质特征。     

Teamwork and Organizational Innovation: The Moderating Role of the HRM Context

Evidence is accumulating on the role of teams in shaping a variety of business outcomes, but our knowledge on the effect of teamwork on organizational innovation is still evolving. This study examines whether the extent to which two staff groups are organized in teams (production staff and management/administrative staff) affects organizational innovation and whether human resource management (HRM) systems, which can be of facilitating or constraining nature, enhance the teamwork/innovation relationships. Hypotheses were tested with lagged and longitudinal data derived from 18 to 45 organizations from the UK manufacturing sector. Results suggest that the more widespread the use of teamwork in organizations, the higher the level of organizational innovation. Furthermore, this effect depends, particularly for production teams, on the overall quality of the HRM systems that exist in their organizations. Teamwork/innovation relationships are further moderated (for management and administrative teams) by an HRM practice that provides teams with time for thoughtful reflection. Thus, HRM systems can be of more or less facilitating or constraining nature for teams in organizations.     

Formation and enhanced biocidal activity of water-dispersable organic nanoparticles

Water-insoluble organic compounds are often used in aqueous environments in various pharmaceutical and consumer products. To overcome insolubility, the particles are dispersed in a medium during product formation, but large particles that are formed may affect product performance and safety. Many techniques have been used to produce nanodispersions-dispersions with nanometre-scale dimensions-that have properties similar to solutions. However, making nanodispersions requires complex processing, and it is difficult to achieve stability over long periods. Here we report a generic method for producing organic nanoparticles with a combination of modified emulsion-templating and freeze-drying. The dry powder composites formed using this method are highly porous, stable and form nanodispersions upon simple addition of water. Aqueous nanodispersions of Triclosan (a commercial antimicrobial agent) produced with this approach show greater activity than organic/aqueous solutions of Triclosan.