Abstract: The present invention provides new and structurally diverse compositions comprising compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## Wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are the same or different and are --CO--(CH.sub.2).sub.y --SH, --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --SH, --SO.sub.2 --(SH.sub.2).sub.t --SH,--SH,--(CH.sub.2).sub.q --COOH, and --(CH.sub.2).sub.v --CONR.sup.6 R.sup.7, provided at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is a sulfur containing moiety; n is 0 to about 10; i is 2 to about 5; j is 2 to about 5; y is 1 to about 5; z is 1 to about 6; t is 1 to about 5; q is 1 to about 5; v is 1 to about 5; R.sup.6 is H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, arylalkyl or alkoxyalkyl; R.sup.7 is H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, arylalkyl or alkoxyalkyl; and R.sup.7 can be polyamine when R.sup.6 is H.Methods for imaging using compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A catalyzed process is disclosed for producing a polyvalent metal C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 carboxylate having the formula M(CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.x COO.sup.--).sub.y, wherein M is the polyvalent metal cation that is manganese (Mn.sup.+2), cobalt (Co.sup.+2), or chromium (Cr.sup.+3), x is zero or 1 and y is an integer equal to the cationic charge of M. The polyvalent metal C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 carboxylate is prepared by admixing (i) a dry polyvalent metal compound that is an oxide, hydroxide or carbonate of Mn.sup.+2, Co.sup.+3 or Cr.sup.+3, (ii) an anhydrous C.sub.2 -C.sub.3 carboxylic acid, and (iii) a catalytic agent at a relative molar ratio of about 1:2-10:0.01-3 in the absence of an added solvent or other diluent to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is heated to complete the reaction, remove the produced water and about 80 percent of the unreacted carboxylic acid. The product in residual carboxylic acid is solidified, ground and the product is recovered.

Abstract: Novel salts are prepared wherein the cation of the salt is a divalent or trivalent cation which is an essential trace element comprising a 1:1 ratio of a complex ion formed between a trace mineral and methionine and any suitable anion, either inorganic or organic. The novel salts have the generic formula: ##STR1## Wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or ethyl, R.sub.2 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or methyl, M is a covalent or trivalent trace mineral cation, X is an anion and w is an integer to balance the anionic charge of X. These novel compounds are useful nutritional supplements, both for animals and humans, in that they provide a readily available source of a highly water soluble methionine which is an essential amino acid.

Abstract: There is provided a method for making a divalent or polyvalent organic anion-intercalated hydrotalcite-like materials by first reacting a magnesium-containing powder and a transition alumina powder in an aqueous suspension to form a meixnerite intermediate. This intermediate is then contacted with a dicarboxylate or polycarboxylate anion to form a hydrotalcite-like material. The latter is then separated from the suspension. Representative materials include an oxalate-, succinate- or terephthalate-intercalated hydrotalcite-like material.

Abstract: Dendritic derivatives of 3,5-bis(aminomethyl)benzene and aminomethyl benzene core groups are disclosed. In each derivative, termed an "amplifier" because the dendritic structure on each molecule terminates with multiple termini to each of which an "active group" can be attached, the desired effect of the active group per mole is amplified compared to conventional compounds having only one active group per molecule. Amplifier molecules can include a targeting group permitting the molecules to preferentially attach to a particular anatomical or physiological situs. Active groups are any of various pharmacologically or therapeutically active moieties, including moieties useful for magnetic-resonance contrast enhancement. The dendritic structures comprise linkers and branch groups covalently bonded to each other in any of various structural combinations. The amplifiers can be prepared as a solution or mixture with a physiologically compatible carrier for administration to a warm-blooded animal subject.

Abstract: An imaging contrast medium comprising a physiologically tolerable multinuclear complex (as defined in claim 1) is disclosed. The multinuclear complex contains at least two, but preferably three or more contrast enhancing atoms. For X-ray or ultrasound imaging techniques heavy metal atoms are used to enhance contrast, whereas in Magnetic Resonance Imaging paramagnetic metal atoms are contrast enhancing. Molybdenum and tungsten are preferred contrast enhancing atoms. The medium may also be used therapeutically.

Abstract: Compositions comprisinga) a functional liquid or an internal combustion engine fuel andb) at least one compound of the general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is --(CH.sub.2 --X).sub.n R, where X=--S-- or --O--, n=0 or 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, a phenyl group which is substituted by at least one C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl group, a phenyl-C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group or a phenyl-C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group which is substituted by at least one C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, or R.sub.1 is an alkyl group of 1 to 18 carbon atoms which is substituted by at least one OH group, or R.sub.1 is a ##STR2## group in which the alkyl moiety contains 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and are --H or, independently of R.sub.1, have the same meanings as R.sub.1, and M is B, Al, Fe, Cr, Sb or Bi, or M is a group M'--R' or a group M'--OR", where M' is Ti, Zr or Sn, and R' and R" is C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl or R' is ##STR3## wherein M' is defined above, and R.sub.1 ', R.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of the formula ##STR1## chelated with a paramagnetic metal ion wherein Z1 and Z2 each represent the atoms necessary to complete a monocyclic or polycyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system, said Z1 and Z2 independently optionally substituted with R.sup.6 and R.sup.7, respectively;R.sup.l, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently carboxyalkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.2), --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --C(.dbd.O)--NH--R.sup.8, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --C(.dbd.O)--O--R.sup.8R.sup.5 is carboxyalkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.2);R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are independently hydrogen, benzyl, or benzyloxy, said benzyl or benzyloxy optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of amino, isocyanato (--N.dbd.C.dbd.O), isothiocyanato (--N.dbd.C.dbd.S), --NH--C(.dbd.O)--X or --NH--C(.dbd.S)--X;R.sup.8 is alkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.20), --(CH.sub.2).sub.m --Ar, or polyhydroxyalkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: The invention provides molybdenum-containing complexes prepared by reacting a carboxylic acid or metal salt thereof, an amine and a source of cationic molybdenum, wherein the ratio of the number of equivalents of acid groups to the number of moles of molybdenum (eq:mol) is in the range from 1:10 to 10:1, and the ratio of the number of equivalents of acid groups to the number of moles of amine (eq:mol) is in the range from 20:1 to 1:10; a process for their preparation; lubricating oil compositions containing them; and their use as friction-reducing additives.

Abstract: Electrochromic coating solutions are prepared by reacting a transition metal with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid. The resulting transition metal-peroxy acid product is esterified by reacting with lower carbon alcohols to produce a peroxyester-transition metal derivative. This derivative in solution in lower carbon alcohols provides a working solution into which a substrate having a conductive surface is preferable dipped and removed at a rate sufficient to give a coating of a desired thickness over the conductive surface. Spray or spin coating can be used to apply the coating to the conductive surface of the substrate. The coating is then dried and is externally fired in an oven to complete the necessary reactions to yield an electrochromic oxide coating having exceptional electrochromic properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are amplifier molecules: various organic compounds having branched structures terminating with amine groups to which pharmacologically active groups can be chemically attached. A number of MRI contrast-enhancing agents were synthesized, each comprising plural active groups, such as stable nitroxides and complexes of trivalent metal cations. Such syntheses were successfully performed using a number of amplifiers having different branched structures, demonstrating the general utility of the pertinent chemistry in the synthesis of amplifiers having any of a wide variety of pharmacologically active groups. Amplifiers were also synthesized having linkers terminating with chemically reactive groups such as isothiocyanates, which render the amplifier bifunctional: attachable to polymers, biomacromolecules, or other biocompatible entity possessing multiple reactive sites such as terminal amines.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for enhancing .sup.19 F magnetic resonance imaging which utilize trifluoromethyl derivatives of iodinated X-ray contrast media. Typical magnetic resonance contrast media within the scope of the present invention include bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene derivatives, tris(trifluoromethyl)benzene derivatives, tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)benzene derivatives, and other related trifluoromethylated benzene derivatives.

Abstract: Novel magnetic resonance imaging agents comprise complexes of paramagnetic ions with hydrazide derivatives of polyaminocarboxylic acid chelating agents. The complexes are represented by the formula of: ##STR1## wherein A is --CHR.sup.2 --CHR.sup.3 -- or ##STR2## M.sup.+Z is a paramagnetic ion of an element with an atomic number of 21-29, 42-44 58-70, and a valence, Z, of +2 or +3; R.sup.1 groups may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of --O.sup.- and ##STR3## The R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 groups are as defined in the disclosure. These novel imaging agents are characterized by excellent NMR image-contrasting properties and by high solubilities in physiological solutions. A novel method of performing an NMR diagnostic procedure involves administering to a warm-blooded animal an effective amount of a complex as described above and then exposing the warm-blooded animal to an NMR imaging procedure, thereby imaging at least a portion of the body of the warm-blooded animal.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R is alkyl having up to 4 carbon atoms, n has an average value of at least 9, X is a radical of the formula --C(.dbd.O)--(NH--SO.sub.2).sub.m -- in which m is 0 or 1 and, if m is 1, the carhonyl group may be bonded to the oxygen atom or to the nitrogen atom, and each of the radicals A.sub.1, A.sub.2 and A.sub.3, independently of the others, is hydrogen or an acyl radical, and salts of salt-forming compounds of formula I, as well as metal complexes of compounds of formula I, in which A.sub.1, A.sub.2 and A.sub.3 are hydrogen can be used as metal chelators and as auxiliaries in diagnosis.

Abstract: Novel hydrophobicized double-layer hydroxide compounds, processes for their production by reaction of double-layer hydroxides with aliphatic mono- and/or dicarboxylic acids, and their uses as alkoxylation catalysts for compounds containing active H atoms or for fatty acid esters.The hydrophobicized double-layer hydroxide compounds correspond to formula (I)(M(II).sub.1-x M(III).sub.x (OH).sub.2)A.sub.a B.sub.b * z H.sub.2 O (I)in whichM(II) is a divalent metal cation selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, cobalt, copper, cadmium, nickel and manganese;M(III) is a trivalent metal cation selected from the group consisting of aluminum, iron, chromium, manganese, bismuth and cerium;A is an equivalent of a monoanion of an aliphatic C.sub.2-34 monocarboxylic acid or an equivalent of a dianion of an aliphatic C.sub.

Abstract: Tungsten carboxylate compounds useful for coating interdigitated electrodes used in hydrogen sulfide gas sensors are disclosed. A method of coating electrodes with the compounds using a precise solution casting technique such as spin-coating or casting, dip-casting or spray-casting techniques is also described. Electrodes which are solution coated with the compounds may be used to fabricate superior quality chemiresistor sensors for use in hydrogen sulfide gas sensing devices by heating the carboxylates above 350.degree. C. to decompose certain carboxylates to WO.sub.3 and others to sodium tungstate.

Abstract: Substantially pure 1:1 L-form transition metal methionine complex salts are formed. The preferred transition metals are zinc, chromium, manganese and iron. Salts are formed by reaction with pure L-form methionine. As a result, dosages for supplementation can by way of example be one-half the amount used in raecemic mixtures of salts.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for selective access to tumor regions (or other regions of abnormal endothelial properties). This capability provides powerful contrast-enhancement agents for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. A polyatomic complex which includes intramolecular ferromagnetic coupling between metal atoms is associated with a polymer or microsphere carrier matrix which will bind to endothelial determinants. A solution containing this carrier complex is injected into a human (or other) body to be imaged. The carrier complex will preferentially extravasate at locations where the blood vessel walls have increased porosity or microvascular surface changes, and especially at tumor sites. Thus, the changes in relaxation time induced by the presence of the carrier complex will provide a high-gain marker for magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The disclosure is of the use of chrome humate derivatives to reduce the viscosity of and/or to prevent fluid loss in water-based drilling fluids. The composition is much more effective as a drilling mud thinner, and as a fluid loss control agent than the commercially available ferrochrome lignosulfonate, chrome lignite or humate compositions.

Abstract: There is provided an improved method for preparing compounds of the formula Mo.sub.4 S.sub.4 L.sub.6 comprising:heating a solution of a compound having the formula MoL.sub.4, wherein L is a 1,1-dithioacid ligand, at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the Mo.sub.4 S.sub.4 L.sub.6 compound. Preferably, the MoL.sub.4 compound is dissolved in an organic solvent and the solution is heated at temperatures above 25.degree. C., up to the boiling point of the solvent and, more preferably, at temperatures in the range of from about 50.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is predicated on the discovery that Mo(III) containing compounds will react with salts of a 1,1-dithioacid to form Mo.sub.4 S.sub.4 L.sub.6. Accordingly, there is provided a method for preparing compounds of the formula Mo.sub.4 S.sub.4 L.sub.6 wherein L is a 1,1-dithioacid ligand comprising:contacting a Mo(III) containing compound with the salt of a 1,1-dithioacid at temperatures and for a time sufficient to form the Mo.sub.4 S.sub.4 L.sub.6 compound. Preferably, the Mo(III) containing compound is dissolved in an organic solvent and the solution is heated at temperatures above about 25.degree. C. up to the boiling point of the solvent and, preferably, at temperatures in the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for preparing compounds of the formula Mo.sub.4 S.sub.4 L.sub.6 comprising:contacting a compound having the formula Mo.sub.2 S.sub.4 L.sub.2, wherein L is a 1,1-dithioacid ligand, with a reducing agent having a reduction potential sufficient to reduce Mo(V) to lower oxidation states, especially to Mo(III) and Mo(IV), at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the Mo.sub.4 S.sub.4 L.sub.6 compound. Preferably, the Mo.sub.2 S.sub.4 L.sub.2 compound is dissolved in an organic solvent along with the reducing agent and the solution is heated at temperatures above 25.degree. C., up to the boiling point of the solvent and, more preferably, at temperatures in the range of from about 50.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: New compounds having utility for enhancing the activity of antifolates are disclosed of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is selected from hydrogen ##STR2## and R" ; R' is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted and unsubstituted aryl, and substituted and unsubstituted heterocyclic aryl; R" is selected from ##STR3## and R'S; M is selected from OR and secondary amine; and R is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, acyloxymethyl, substituted and unsubstituted aryl, substituted and unsubstituted heterocyclic aryl, amino cation and metal cation.

Abstract: Directed to a new molybdenum carboxylic compound and the use thereof as a corrosion inhibitor of steel and other metals particularly in cooling water.

Abstract: New compounds having utility for enhancing the activity of antifolates are disclosed of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is selected from hydrogen ##STR2## and R"--; R' is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted and unsubstituted aryl, and substituted and unsubstituted heterocyclic aryl; R" is selected from ##STR3## and R'S; M is selected from OR and secondary amine; and R is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, acyloxymethyl, substituted and unsubstituted aryl, substituted and unsubstituted heterocyclic aryl, amino cation and metal cation.

Abstract: New molbdenum complexes prepared by reacting (a) a fatty oil, (b) diethanolamine and (c) a molybdenum source are described. The molybdenum complexes impart antifriction and antiwear properties to lubricating compositions and decrease fuel consumption in internal combustion engine using same.

Abstract: Broadly stated, the present invention encompasses tetranuclear sulfide-bridged complexes of Cr(III) having bridging organo-carboxylate ligands. Indeed, in one embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a novel composition of matter having a complex cation of the general formula Cr.sub.4 S(RCO.sub.2).sub.8 (L).sub.4.sup.2+, wherein R represents alkyl groups having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, L represents a ligand or ligands containing a donor atom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur. In the complex of the present invention, the four Cr(III) atoms are bound to a central tetrahedral sulfur atom. The chromium atoms also are octahedrally coordinated with bridging carboxylates and the ligand molecule. Also, the bridging carboxylates, RCO.sub.2 of the above formula, are the same or different carboxylates.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydrocarbon-soluble transition metal salts of organic carboxylic acids having improved properties wherein the transition metal is one capable of having a multiplicity of oxidation states is described. The process comprises the steps of (a) providing at least one transition metal compound wherein the transition metal is at one of its higher positive oxidation states, (b) treating said transition metal compound with at least one inorganic reducing agent forming an intermediate containing the transition metal in a lower positive oxidation state, and (c) reacting said intermediate with at least one organic carboxylic acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms to form the transition metal salt of said carboxylic acid. The transition metal salts prepared in accordance with the process of the invention are useful in a variety of applications including resins, inks, paints, lubricants and fuels.

Abstract: Mixtures of a metal salt of formula ##STR1## and a metal salt of formula ##STR2## in which formulae (1) and (2) Me is a metal ion of valency n,n is 2, 3 or 4, andeach of the rings A and B independently of the other is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or an .alpha.

Abstract: Ethylene Diamine Hydroxy Phenylacetic Acid (EDHPA) type chelators strongly bind paramagnetic metal ions to provide excellent contrast agents for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The magnetic dipole generated by unpaired electrons within the paramagnetic (PM) atom, causes a local reduction in the bulk magnetic field of the MR system. The resulting shortening of the T1 (spin lattice) relaxation time in the hydrogen protons within the area of interest, causes an intense "free induction signal" and a corresponding modulation in the collected scanning data. The tissue of organ of interest appears on the MR display as a high intensity of white area. Background tissue is displayed as darker or lower intensity greys. Each member chelator EDHPA' of the EDHPA family of chelators, is a phenolic analog of EDTA, with variations in the para position radical (PR) of the phenol ring.

Abstract: Mixtures of a metal salt of formula ##STR1## and a metal salt of formula ##STR2## in which formulae (1) and (2) Me is a metal ion of valency n,n is 2, 3 or 4, andeach of the rings A and B independently of the other is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or an .alpha.

Abstract: A treated decomposable compound of molybdenum, which has been prepared by the catalytic dehydrogenation of a decomposable compound of molybdenum wherein the molybdenum has a valence state greater than zero or by the treating of the decomposable compound of molybdenum with a reducing agent, is mixed with a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream. The hydrocarbon-containing feed stream containing such treated decomposable compound of molybdenum is then contacted with a catalyst composition comprising a support selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica and silica alumina and a promoter comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIB, Group VIIB, and Group VIII of the Periodic Table to reduce the concentration of metals, sulfur, nitrogen, Ramsbottom carbon residue and/or heavies contained in the hydrocarbon-containing feed stream.

Abstract: The present invention represents compositions for the fixing of pentavalent arsenic, e.g., arsenates and arsenic acid, generally spread in the soil. The fixation is so carried out that the arsenic cannot be further spread, not even after an eventual further increase in soil acidity. The compositions comprise metal salts of iron, aluminum or chromium with a weak acid, preferably iron or aluminum acetate, which are spread on the soil containing the arsenic compounds.

Abstract: Described are novel bimetallic complexes particularly useful as homogeneous catalysts for the metathesis of alkynes and metathesizable functionally substituted alkynes, and methods for the preparation of such complexes. The complexes are formed from (i) a Group VI-B metal compound having (a) quadruple metal to metal bonds between a pair of Group VI-B metal atoms at least one of which has an atomic number above 24, and (b) four monovalent anions with a k.sub.A greater than 10.sup.-14, and (ii) a Group III-A phenoxide, a Group III-A alkoxide or a Group IV-B metal alkoxide. Displacement of two of the anions appears to occur during formation of the complex. Usually the complexes can be produced very easily and quickly. All that is required is to establish intimate contact between components (i) and (ii), preferably in an innocuous liquid organic solvent. Addition of a small amount of a nitrile gives a faster and cleaner reaction. In some cases use of slightly elevated temperatures is desirable.

Abstract: The invention relates to metal salicylates of the formula ##STR1## wherein Me is a metal ion of valency n,n is 2, 3 or 4, andeach of the rings A and B independently of the other is unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or an .alpha.-methylbenzyl radical.The metal salicylates are particularly suitable developers for the color former in pressure-sensitive or heat-sensitive recording materials.

Abstract: Novel dye salts of anionic dyes of the general formula I ##STR1## where F is a radical of an anionic dye, n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, and B.sup.1 and B.sup.2 independently of one another are each unsubstituted or substituted branched alkyl or alkyl-substituted cycloalkyl having a total of 10 to 36 carbon atoms, are very useful for dyeing solvents, printing inks or polymeric film-forming materials.

Abstract: A sulfate-free clear green solution of chromium(III) propionate is prepared by mixing aqueous propionic acid containing up to 55 weight percent propionic acid with a chromium(VI) oxidant, such as a dichromate or chromate, and a sulfur-containing reductant, such as a bisulfite, which on reacting yields two phases: a lower sulfate-containing phase for discard or recycle and an upper phase solution of sulfate-free clear green propionate-sequestered chromium(III), the latter phase being stabilized with additional acid. The upper phase solution is useful for crosslinking polymeric viscosifiers such as partially hydrolyzed acrylamide-based polymers and the like in permeability contrast corrections in enhanced oil recovery operations.

Abstract: A process for preparing clear green chromium(III) propionate solutions which comprises admixing such as propionic acid with water, a chromium(VI) source such as dichromate, adding thereto a nitrite, such as sodium nitrite, to reduce the chromium(VI) to chromium(III), in the presence of excess acid, preferably propionic acid, optionally combined with additional acid such as muriatic acid, to produce a stable solution useful with polymers, such as partially hydrolyzed acrylamide-based polymers, in permeability contrast correction procedures for high permeability streaks in oil field treatments.

Abstract: A process for preparing transition metal salt compositions of organic carboxylic acids having improved properties wherein the transition metal is one capable of having a multiplicity of oxidation states is described. The process comprises the steps of (a) providing at least one transition metal compound wherein the transition metal is at one of its higher positive oxidation states, (b) treating said transition metal compound with at least one reducing agent forming an intermediate containing the transition metal in a lower positive oxidation state, (c) reacting said intermediate with at least one organic carboxylic acid to form the transition metal salt of said carboxylic acid, and (d) mixing said transition metal salt formed in step (c) with (i) at least one antioxidant, or (ii) at least one additional metal salt wherein the additional metal is more electronegative than the transition metal, or (iii) mixtures of (i) and (ii).

Abstract: Metal oxycarboxylates are made by reacting a metal, a carboxylic acid, and hydrogen peroxide in aqueous reaction mixture. The metal oxycarboxylate is precipitated and removed from the reaction mixture in high yield and with high purity. The compound is effective in supplying the metal to plants, animals and humans.