Abstract: An improved membrane separation system is provided, which comprises a plurality of discrete membrane separation units, each membrane separation unit:(a) comprising at least two membranes;(b) comprising inlet for process fluid and, optionally, outlet for process fluid; and(c) being located within a container for permeate, said container comprising a permeate outlet,and wherein the container is such as to enable the membrane separation units to be at least partially immersed in permeate.Also provided is a method of membrane separation utilizing such a system.

Abstract: This application relates to a process for preparing alkylhydrazines from an alkene and hydrazine with an acid catalyst. More particularly, it relates to a process for preparing t-butylhydrazine from hydrazine and isobutylene in aqueous acid.

Abstract: Members of a novel class of organic nitriles related to an indole alkoaloid of Dithyrea wislizenii (Cruciferae) have been discovered to be potent feeding inhibitors of the fall armyworm and European corn borer.

Abstract: 2,3 and 4-(2-cyano-2-arylethyl)pyridines of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl including dialkenyl, haloalkenyl, akynyl including alkynylalkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, halo(alkoxyalkyl), optionally substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl, phen(c.sub.2 -C.sub.4)alkenyl, phenoxyalkyl, a heterocyclic group selected from pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl and furyl or a heterocycloalkyl group wherein the heterocycle is pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolyl, tetrahydrofuryl, furyl, pyrazolyl or dioxalyl; and Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl group, are new compounds which are fungicidally active, particularly against phytopathogenic fungi.

Abstract: A multiple embedded nuclear polyhedrosis virus isolated from the celery looper, Syngrapha falcifera, was found to have broad insecticidal activity against lepidoptera species.

Abstract: The acetals, 2,3-dihydroxy-1,1,4,4-tetramethoxybutane, 3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran, and glyceraldehyde dimethylacetal, when applied to cotton fabric by conventional pad-dry-cure procedures using special combined acid catalysts, were found to crosslink cellulose hydroxy groups at a very rapid rate (e.g., 20 seconds at 160.degree. C.), thereby imparting improved wrinkle recovery in the range of that required for durable press finishing. Cotton fabrics treated with these acetals have the advantage of no formaldehyde release.

Abstract: A novel mixed bacterial culture isolated from soil by enrichment culture techniques produces a xanthanase enzyme complex which is stable to 65.degree. C. in the presence of salt. These properties render the heat-stable, salt-tolerant xanthanase useful for in situ degradation of xanthan gum in petroleum recovery fluids and other thickened industrial brines.

Abstract: Mutants blocked or altered in the production of the trichothecene mycotoxin T-2 have been selected following UV mutagenesis of Fusarium sporotrichioides NRRL 3299. One mutant, NRRL 18339, accumulates the rare trichothecenes and dideacetylaclonectrin and deacetylcalonectrin. The second mutant, NRRL 18340, accumulates trichodiene, the first intermediate on the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway. These compounds are useful toxins or toxic precursors for the production of or investigation of immunotoxins for cancer therapy.

Abstract: An improved shaking mechanism for small fruits is described. The shaker comprises panels of radially spaced flexible rods which are oscillated by a positive displacement, direct drive that gives more uniform acceleration and displacement along the length of the rods than do conventional inertia and cam-drive shakers. Shaker design is mechanically simple and reliable.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofuranoid acetogenins characteristic of the Annonaceae plant family have been found to have potent pesticidal and feeding deterrent activity against a diverse variety of pests such as mosquito larvae, spider mites, aphids, the Mexican bean beetle, striped cucumber beetle, blowfly larvae, and nematodes.

Abstract: Three naphthoquinones isolated from cultures of Fusarium solani were found to be effective antibiotics against gram-positive bacteria. Controlling the dissolved oxygen concentration in the fermentation medium between 0.7 and 2.0 ppm resulted in maximum yields of the naphthoquinones. 2,3-Dihydro-5,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-2-hydroxymethyl-3-(2-hydroxypropyl)-1, 4- naphtholenedione was the most effective antibiotic.