The chemical composition of the essential oils of the wild growing plants of Greek S. spinosa L., S. parnassica subsp. parnassica Heldr.& Sart ex Boiss., S. thymbra and S. montana were determined by GC and GC/MS analysis. The larvicidal activities of the essential oils were assayed against Culex pipiens biotype molestus. The analytical data indicated that various monoterpene hydrocarbons and ph...

This paper investigates the information content of bond and Credit Default Swap prices of financial institutions for the measurement of systemic risk in the financial sector, defined as the probability that several institutions default. Because CDS contracts involve counterparty risk, this is reflected in their price, the spread paid to a dealer to insure against default. Then, the set of sprea...

Long-chain polyisoprenoid alcohols built from several up to more than 100 isoprenoid units are common constituents of all living organisms. They were found mostly in plants, bacteria, yeasts and mammalian cells. In vitro hairy root culture of Coluria geoides was obtained from plants transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Growth was optimal at 0.75% (w/v) glucose and at 22 degrees C. Dry sam...

Flowering synchrony is essential for plant reproductive success, especially in the case of small-sized populations of self-incompatible species. Closely related to synchrony, flowering intensity influences pollinator attraction and pollinator movements. Thus, a high flowering intensity may increase pollinator attraction but, at the same time, may also increase the probability of geitonogamous p...

North Sinai deserts were surveyed for the predominant plant cover and for the culturable bacteria nesting their roots and shoots. Among 43 plant species reported, 13 are perennial (e.g. Fagonia spp., Pancratium spp.) and 30 annuals (e.g. Bromus spp., Erodium spp.). Eleven species possessed rhizo-sheath, e.g. Cyperus capitatus, Panicum turgidum and Trisetaria koelerioides. Microbiological analys...

Jepson Prairie in Solano County, an outstanding example of remnant California Central Valley vernal pool and grassland habitats, is threatened by invasive exotic species. This paper describes the results of a 200-acre late-spring prescribed fire conducted at Jepson Prairie in June of 1995 and aimed at reducing the cover of an extensive infestation of Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae). Bur...