Aniline incorporated silica nanobubbles

We report the synthesis of stearate functionalized nanobubbles of SiO2 with a few aniline molecules inside, represented as C6H5NH2@SiO2@stearate, exhibiting fluorescence with red-shifted emission. Stearic acid functionalization allows the materials to be handled just as free molecules, for dissolution, precipitation, storage etc. The methodology adopted involves adsorption of aniline on the surface of gold nanoparticles with subsequent growth of a silica shell through monolayers, followed by the selective removal of the metal core either using sodium cyanide or by a new reaction involving halocarbons. The material is stable and can be stored for extended periods without loss of fluorescence. Spectroscopic and voltammetric properties of the system were studied in order to understand the interaction of aniline with the shell as well as the monolayer, whilst transmission electron microscopy has been used to study the silica shell

Evaluation of pesticides against the European red mite, apple rust mite, and two mite predators in 1976-1977

During the 1976-1977 season, extensive field screening programs were conducted to evaluate currently recommended and experimental acaricides against the European red mite. In addition, some trials were included against the apple rust mite, Aculus schlechtendali (Nalepa), in 1976

Oviposition and flight period of the currant shoot borer Lampronia capitella

The currant shoot borer, Lampronia capitella (Lep., Prodoxidae), is an important pest of currants, Ribes spp., in northern Europe. Oviposition was studied in cage experiments and the flight period was monitored in field studies using pheromone-baited traps. Blackcurrant, Ribes nigrum, was the host species in both studies. The total egg supply of females was on average 107 eggs and oviposition started 2-5 days after emergence. About 60% of the eggs were laid during the first day of the oviposition period. Eggs were laid in currant fruitlets, in batches comprising several, usually four to seven eggs. The flight period started shortly after the end of the flowering period of blackcurrant, and lasted for about 3 weeks

Status of sustainable strawberry production within Europe

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Softpest: a website on the usage of pesticides & biocontrol agents in soft fruits

The usage of plant protection products and biocontrol agents in soft fruit production has always been an important subject for the IOBC/WPRS Working Group "Integrated rotection of Fruit Crops" Study Group "Soft Fruits". The usage of pesticides and biological control methods varies considerably between countries and it is very difficult to get a good overview on the range of products that are applied or in development in soft fruits. In order to share and facilitate the flow of information, the Study Group "Soft Fruit" initiated a survey on the availability and usage of active ingredients and biocontrol agents in the different European countries in 2007. First, the most important pests and diseases in strawberry and raspberry production were identified. Then members of the different countries listed available products on the domestic market and indicated their usage in the field. So far 15 countries have contributed to the survey. The received data are accessible on the website http://www.any3.ch/IOBC/Softpest/index.htm

Amplification of Distant Estrogen Response Elements Deregulates Target Genes Associated with Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer

SummaryA causal role of gene amplification in tumorigenesis is well known, whereas amplification of DNA regulatory elements as an oncogenic driver remains unclear. In this study, we integrated next-generation sequencing approaches to map distant estrogen response elements (DEREs) that remotely control the transcription of target genes through chromatin proximity. Two densely mapped DERE regions located on chromosomes 17q23 and 20q13 were frequently amplified in estrogen receptor-α-positive luminal breast cancer. These aberrantly amplified DEREs deregulated target gene expression potentially linked to cancer development and tamoxifen resistance. Progressive accumulation of DERE copies was observed in normal breast progenitor cells chronically exposed to estrogenic chemicals. These findings may extend to other DNA regulatory elements, the amplification of which can profoundly alter target transcriptome during tumorigenesis