Correlation of spectral-line intensity-ratio fluctuations of different elements.

Reasonably linear correlations have been obtained for spectral lines from different elements in an double-chamber hollow-cathode lamp when the spectral-line intensity-ratio fluctuations are plotted vs. the photon energies and ionization energies of these lines. When these fluctuations are plotted as a function of the upper level energies, no linear relation at all is obtained. The analyses were done by using a computerized image-dissector echelle-spectrometer system.

Structure-activity relationships between stimulus molecule and response of a pheromone receptor cell in turnip moth,Agrotis segetum : Modifications of the acetate group.

The response of an antennal receptor cell of the turnip moth,Agrotis segetum, was recorded during stimulation with a series of (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate analogs with structural variations of the acetate group. The investigated receptor cell is known to be highly selective to (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate. All parts of the acetate group were found to be of great importance for full biological activity. The results indicate very strict requirements on the shape of the polar functional group, as well as on its electron distribution for a successful interaction with the antennal receptor cell.

Determination of the vapor pressures of moth sex pheromone components by a gas chromatographic method.

The vapor pressures of decyl acetate, five decenyl acetate isomers, (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate have been determined at three to six temperatures in the interval 25-45 °C by a gas Chromatographic method suitable for accurate measurements of the low vapor pressures of moth sex pheromone components at biologically relevant temperatures. The vapor pressure values at 30.5 °C are 3.80 Pa for decyl acetate, 4.08-5.40 Pa for the decenyl acetate isomers, 0.562 Pa for (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, and 0.094 Pa for (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate. The vapor pressures of the decenyl acetates show a small but significant dependence on the double bond position. Four of the compounds in this study, 10∶Ac,Z5-10∶Ac,Z7-12∶Ac, andZ9-14∶Ac have recently been identified as sex pheromone components of the turnip moth,Agrotis segetum. Large differences between the mole percentages of the component as found in liquid extracts of female abdominal tips and the corresponding mole percentages in the vapor phase are predicted.

Sex pheromone components of the turnip moth,Agrotis segetum : Chemical identification, electrophysiological evaluation and behavioral activity.

Analysis of female abdominal tips ofAgrotis segetum by means of GC-MS showed the presence of 13 aliphatic acetates and alcohols. (Z)-7-Dodecenyl acetate was found to be the main component in the extracts at amounts of about 1 ng/female. (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-7-dodecenol were present to the extent of 49 and 19%, respectively, of the main component. Minor components could be identified as decyl acetate, (Z)-5-decenyl acetate, dodecyl acetate, (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate, a tetradecenyl acetate, hexadecyl acetate, a hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-decenol, and (Z)-9-tetradecenol. The presence and biological activity of decyl acetate, (Z)-5-decenyl acetate, and (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate in the extracts could be detected by GC-EAD. Tested by EAG (Z)-5-decenyl acetate evoked the highest response among pheromone candidates, followed by (E)-5-decenyl acetate and (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate. Single-cell recordings from 100 male antennal sensilla trichodea revealed receptorcells highly sensitive to (Z)-5-decenyl, (Z)-7-dodecenyl, (Z)-8-dodecenyl, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate as well as (Z)-5-decenol. The (Z)-5-decenyl, (Z)-7-dodecenyl, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate receptors were activated significantly also by female extracts. When tested in a tube olfactometer, a blend of decyl, (Z)-5-decenyl, (Z)-7-dodecenyl, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate evoked the same male response as did female glands.Tested in the field, this blend was more attractive than virgin females. Other authors previously reported many of the compounds identified in the present study. However, both quantitative and qualitative discrepancies exist among the various investigations, possibly due to the existence of geographical races.