No abstract

The discovery of sulfoxaflor [N-[methyloxido[1-[6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]ethyl]-λ(4)-sulfanylidene] cyanamide] resulted from an investigation of the sulfoximine functional group as a novel bioactive scaffold for insecticidal activity and a subsequent extensive structure-activity relationship study. Sulfoxaflor, the first product from this new class (the sulfoximines) of insect control agents, exhibits broad-spectrum efficacy against many sap-feeding insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, hoppers, and Lygus, with levels of activity that are comparable to those of other classes of insecticides targeting sap-feeding insects, including the neonicotinoids. However, no cross-resistance has been observed between sulfoxaflor and neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, apparently the result of differences in susceptibility to oxidative metabolism. Available data are consistent with sulfoxaflor acting via the insect nicotinic receptor in a complex manner. These observations reflect the unique structure of the sulfoximines compared with neonicotinoids.

The novel chemistry of sulfoxaflor, its unique biological spectrum of activity and its lack of cross-resistance highlight the potential of sulfoxaflor as an important new tool for the control of sap-feeding insect pests.

Recent observations of the disorder−order transition for colloidal hard spheres under microgravity revealed dendritic crystallites roughly 1−2 mm in size for samples in the coexistence region of the phase diagram. Order of magnitude estimates rationalize the absence of large or dendritic crystals under normal gravity and their stability to annealing in microgravity. A linear stability analysis of the Ackerson and Schätzel model for crystallization of hard spheres establishes the domain of instability for diffusion-limited growth at small supersaturations. The relationship between hard sphere and molecular crystal growth is established and exploited to relate the predicted linear instability to the well-developed dendrites observed.

No abstract

The 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy picolinic acid moiety of UK-2A can be replaced by a variety of o-hydroxy-substituted arylcarboxylic acids that retain strong activity against Z. tritici and other agriculturally relevant fungi. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

SummarySmart adaptive materials are an important class of materials which can be used in space deployable structures, morphing wings, and structural air vehicle components where remote actuation can improve fuel efficiency. Adaptive materials can undergo deformation when exposed to external stimuli such as electric fields, thermal gradients, radiation (IR, UV, etc.), chemical and electrochemical actuation, and magnetic field. Large strain, controlled and repetitive actuation are important characteristics of smart adaptive materials. Polymer nanocomposites can be tailored as shape memory polymers and actuators.Magnetic actuation of polymer nanocomposites using a range of iron, iron cobalt, and iron manganese nanoparticles is presented. The iron-based nanoparticles were synthesized using the soft template (1) and Sun's (2) methods. The nanoparticles shape and size were examined using TEM. The crystalline structure and domain size were evaluated using WAXS. Surface modifications of the nanoparticles were performed to improve dispersion, and were characterized with IR and TGA. TPU nanocomposites exhibited actuation for~2wt% nanoparticle loading in an applied magnetic field. Large deformation and fast recovery were www.nasa.gov 20 observed. These nanocomposites represent a promising potential for new generation of smart materials.

Alumina and aluminosilicate aerogels offer potential for use at temperatures above 700°C, where silica aerogels begin to sinter. Stability of alumina and aluminosilicate pore structures at high temperatures is governed by the starting aerogel structure, which, in turn is controlled by the synthesis route. Structure, morphology, and crystallization behavior are compared for aerogels synthesized from AlCl 3 and propylene oxide with those synthesized from a variety of boehmite precursors. The aerogels possessing a crystalline boehmite structure in the as-synthesized condition retained mesoporous structures to temperatures of 1200°C, while the AlCl 3 -derived aerogels, although exhibiting higher as-synthesized surface areas, crystallized and densified at 980-1005°C.