Abstract: Compositions are described comprising an amount of a toxicant comprising a compound of the formula HNR1R2, or a salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C6-cycloalkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C12-aryl group; wherein the amount of the toxicant is sufficient to control termites. Methods for controlling termites using such compositions are also described.

Abstract: An inexpensive, stereoselective synthesis for nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone, and their derivatives is disclosed utilizing ozonolysis. The starting materials used in the synthesis are inexpensive and the reactions are commercially feasible and amenable to scaling up. The principal starting material, (?)-?-Pinene, is on the GRAS list (generally recognized as safe).

Abstract: An inexpensive, stereoselective synthesis for nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone, and their derivatives is disclosed utilizing ozonolysis. The starting materials used in the synthesis are inexpensive and the reactions are commercially feasible and amenable to scaling up. The principal starting material, (?)-?-Pinene, is on the GRAS list (generally recognized as safe).

Abstract: Compositions are described comprising an amount of a toxicant comprising a compound of the formula HNR1R2, or a salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C6-cycloalkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C12-aryl group; wherein the amount of the toxicant is sufficient to control termites. Methods for controlling termites using such compositions are also described.

Abstract: Several derivatives of naphthalene, including 1?-acetonaphthone, 2?-acetonaphthone, 1-methoxynaphthalene, and 2-methoxynaphthalene, were discovered to be effective toxicants and repellents of termites, and resulted in significant reduction in termite feeding activity. For example, 2?-acetonaphthone was found to be an effective repellent and feeding deterrent of termites. Termites exposed to concentrations as low as 8 mg/kg sand exhibited a significant reduction in tunneling and feeding activity. Moreover, some of the dead termites had symptoms indicative of a failure to molt. At concentrations ?20 ?g/cm2, 2?-acetonaphthone was a strong repellent. Interestingly, at 160-fold lower concentration (0.125 ?g/cm2), 2?-acetonaphthone stimulated termite feeding activity. As a sand barrier, 2?-acetonaphthone significantly inhibited tunneling and feeding activity in concentrations from 8.33 to 35.0 mg/kg. Molting problems were also identified in termites exposed to 2?-acetonaphthone.

Abstract: Several derivatives of naphthalene, including 1?-acetonaphthone, 2?-acetpnaphthone, 1-methoxynaphthalene, and 2-methoxynaphthalene, were discovered to be effective toxicants and repellents of termites, and resulted in significant reduction in termite feeding activity. For example, 2?-acetonaphthone was found to be an effective repellent and feeding deterrent of termites. Termites exposed to concentrations as low as 8 mg/kg sand exhibited a significant reduction in tunneling and feeding activity. Moreover, some of the dead termites had symptoms indicative of a failure to molt. At concentrations ?20 ?g/cm2, 2?-acetonaphthone was a strong repellent. Interestingly, at 160-fold lower concentration (0.125 ?g/cm2), 2?-acetonaphthone stimulated termite feeding activity. As a sand barrier, 2?-acetonaphthone significantly inhibited tunneling and feeding activity in concentrations from 8.33 to 35.0 mg/kg. Molting problems were also identified in termites exposed to 2?-acetonaphthone.

Abstract: An inexpensive, stereoselective synthesis for nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone, and their derivatives is disclosed. The starting materials used in the synthesis are inexpensive. The principal starting material, (?)-?-Pinene, is on the GRAS list (generally recognized as safe).

Abstract: An inexpensive, stereoselective synthesis for nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone, and their derivatives is disclosed. The starting materials used in the synthesis are inexpensive. The principal starting material, (?)-?-Pinene, is on the GRAS list (generally recognized as safe).

Abstract: Two derivatives of nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone and 1,10-dihydronootkatone, are surprisingly effective as repellents of termites and mosquitos. Tetrahydronootkatone and 1,10-dihydronootkatone were shown to effectively repel termites at concentrations as low as 2 ?g/ml and 12.5 ?g/ml, respectively. Tetrahydronootkatone was shown to repel mosquitos at a concentration of 5%. Tetrahydronootkatone is an effective repellent of termites either by itself or as an addition to other substrates, including mulches made from wood products or other cellulose-containing material. Tetrahydronootkatone or 1,10-dihydronootkatone can be used to protect construction wood from attack by Formosan subterranean termites, either alone or used in combination with other compounds known to repel termites. It is also believed that these compounds will prove effective in repelling ants, ticks, and cockroaches. These derivatives of nootkatone are non-toxic to humans and other mammals and environmentally safe.

Abstract: Extracts of vetiver oil were found to be significant repellents and toxicants of ants, ticks, and cockroaches. Nootkatone was shown to significantly decrease ant invasion and increase mortality in fire ants. Nootkatone is an effective repellent and toxicant of ants either by itself or as an addition to other substrates, including mulches made from vetiver grass roots, diatomaceous earth, alumina, silica, clays; building materials made from either aluminum or wood; and other suitable solid substances. Nootkatone was also a repellent and toxicant to ticks; and a repellent to cockroaches. Nootkatone is non-toxic to humans and other mammals and is environmentally safe. In addition, it is believed that other extracts of vetiver oil, specifically ?-cedrene, zizanol and bicyclovetivenol, will be effective against ants, ticks, and cockroaches.

Abstract: Two derivatives of nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone and 1,10-dihydronootkatone, are surprisingly effective as repellents of termites and mosquitos. Tetrahydronootkatone and 1,10-dihydronootkatone were shown to effectively repel termites at concentrations as low as 2 ?g/ml and 12.5 ?g/ml, respectively. Tetrahydronootkatone was shown to repel mosquitos at a concentration of 5%. Tetrahydronootkatone is an effective repellent of termites either by itself or as an addition to other substrates, including mulches made from wood products or other cellulose-containing material. Tetrahydronootkatone or 1,10-dihydronootkatone can be used to protect construction wood from attack by Formosan subterranean termites, either alone or used in combination with other compounds known to repel termites. It is also believed that these compounds will prove effective in repelling ants, ticks, and cockroaches. These derivatives of nootkatone are non-toxic to humans and other mammals and environmentally safe.

Abstract: Extracts of vetiver oil were found to significantly repel termites. In one extract, nootkatone was isolated and found to be a significant repellent and toxicant of termites. Nootkatone significantly decreased food consumption, decreased tunneling behavior, and increased mortality in termites. Nootkatone is an effective repellent and toxicant of termites either by itself or as an addition to other materials or substrates, including mulches made from vetiver grass roots or other wood products. Nootkatone can also be used to protect construction wood from attack by Formosan subterranean termites. Nootkatone as a repellent is non-toxic to humans and other mammals and is environmentally safe. In addition, ?-cedrene was found to be a weak termite repellent; and both zizanol and bicyclovetivenol were found to be repellents and toxicants of termites.

Abstract: Several derivatives of naphthalene, including 1?-acetonaphthone, 2?-acetpnaphthone, 1-methoxynaphthalene, and 2-methoxynaphthalene, were discovered to be effective toxicants and repellents of termites, and resulted in significant reduction in termite feeding activity. For example, 2?-acetonaphthone was found to be an effective repellent and feeding deterrent of termites. Termites exposed to concentrations as low as 8 mg/kg sand exhibited a significant reduction in tunneling and feeding activity. Moreover, some of the dead termites had symptoms indicative of a failure to molt. At concentrations ?20 ?g/cm2, 2?-acetonaphthone was a strong repellent. Interestingly, at 160-fold lower concentration (0.125 ?g/cm2), 2?-acetonaphthone stimulated termite feeding activity. As a sand barrier, 2?-acetonaphthone significantly inhibited tunneling and feeding activity in concentrations from 8.33 to 35.0 mg/kg. Molting problems were also identified in termites exposed to 2?-acetonaphthone.

Abstract: Extracts of vetiver oil were found to be significant repellents and toxicants of ants, ticks, and cockroaches. Nootkatone was shown to significantly decrease ant invasion and increase mortality in fire ants. Nootkatone is an effective repellent and toxicant of ants either by itself or as an addition to other substrates, including mulches made from vetiver grass roots, diatomaceous earth, alumina, silica, clays; building materials made from either aluminum or wood; and other suitable solid substances. Nootkatone was also a repellent and toxicant to ticks; and a repellent to cockroaches. Nootkatone is non-toxic to humans and other mammals and is environmentally safe. In addition, it is believed that other extracts of vetiver oil, specifically &agr;-cedrene, zizanol and bicyclovetivenol, will be effective against ants, ticks, and cockroaches.

Abstract: Two derivatives of nootkatone, tetrahydronootkatone and 1,10-dihydronootkatone, are surprisingly effective as repellents of termites and mosquitos. Tetrahydronootkatone and 1,10-dihydronootkatone were shown to effectively repel termites at concentrations as low as 2 &mgr;g/ml and 12.5 &mgr;g/ml, respectively. Tetrahydronootkatone was shown to repel mosquitos at a concentration of 5%. Tetrahydronootkatone is an effective repellent of termites either by itself or as an addition to other substrates, including mulches made from wood products or other cellulose-containing material. Tetrahydronootkatone or 1,10-dihydronootkatone can be used to protect construction wood from attack by Formosan subterranean termites, either alone or used in combination with other compounds known to repel termites. It is also believed that these compounds will prove effective in repelling ants, ticks, and cockroaches. These derivatives of nootkatone are non-toxic to humans and other mammals and environmentally safe.

Abstract: Extracts of vetiver oil were found to be significant repellents and toxicants of ants, ticks, and cockroaches. Nootkatone was shown to significantly decrease ant invasion and increase mortality in fire ants. Nootkatone is an effective repellent and toxicant of ants either by itself or as an addition to other substrates, including mulches made from vetiver grass roots, diatomaceous earth, alumina, silica, clays; building materials made from either aluminum or wood; and other suitable solid substances. Nootkatone was also a repellent and toxicant to ticks; and a repellent to cockroaches. Nootkatone is non-toxic to humans and other mammals and is environmentally safe. In addition, it is believed that other extracts of vetiver oil, specifically &agr;-cedrene, zizanol and bicyclovetivenol, will be effective against ants, ticks, and cockroaches.

Abstract: Significant concentrations of naphthalene were detected in carton nests of Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, collected from Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana. This is the first report of naphthalene being associated with termites or any other insects. Naphthalene and other compounds associated with termite carton nests may be used to increase termite bait acceptance. New attractant molecules include 2-phenoxyethanol. New feeding stimulants include ergosterol. A list of volatile compounds associated with termite nests is presented, compounds that may be used to detect termite nests.

Abstract: Catalytically inactive murein binding enzyme diagnostic reagents and methods and kits for detecting eubacteria and fungus in biological samples.

Abstract: Murein binding polypeptide and antibiotic diagnostic reagents, methods and kits for detecting eubacteria and fungus in biological samples.

Abstract: A 134 kDa, calcium-independent, chitin-binding lectin called chitovibrin is secreted by marine bacteria of the genus Vibnio. The secretion of chitovibrin is inducible by chitin or chitin-oligomers. Chitovibrin shows no apparent enzymatic activity, but has a strong affinity for chitin and for chito-oligomers dp9 and larger. The protein has an isoelectric pH of 3.6, shows thermal tolerance, binds chitin with an optimum at pH 6 and is active in 0-4 M NaCl. Chitovibrin is useful as a stain for fungi and other chitin-containing organisms. Chitovibrin may be used to detect the presence of chitin, particularly in diagnosing fungal infections in humans, animals, and plant materials. Fungal infections are a particular problem in immunocompromised hosts such as AIDS patients and bone marrow transplant patients, because they can cause opportunistic infections. The chitovibrin diagnostic method allows the convenient, broad spectrum diagnosis of fungal infections in tissue samples or in body fluids.