Ethanol and (−)-α-Pinene: Attractant Kairomones for Some Large Wood-Boring Beetles in Southeastern USA

Ethanol and α-pinene were tested as attractants for large wood-boring pine beetles in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in 2002–2004. Multiple-funnel traps baited with (−)-α-pinene (released at about 2 g/d at 25–28°C) were attractive to the following Cerambycidae: Acanthocinus nodosus, A. obsoletus, Arhopalus rusticus nubilus, Asemum striatum, Monochamus titillator, Prionus pocularis, Xylotrechus integer, and X. sagittatus sagittatus. Buprestis lineata (Buprestidae), Alaus myops (Elateridae), and Hylobius pales and Pachylobius picivorus (Curculionidae) were also attracted to traps baited with (−)-α-pinene. In many locations, ethanol synergized attraction of the cerambycids Acanthocinus nodosus, A. obsoletus, Arhopalus r. nubilus, Monochamus titillator, and Xylotrechus s. sagittatus (but not Asemum striatum, Prionus pocularis, or Xylotrechus integer) to traps baited with (−)-α-pinene. Similarly, attraction of Alaus myops, Hylobius pales, and Pachylobius picivorus (but not Buprestis lineata) to traps baited with (−)-α-pinene was synergized by ethanol. These results provide support for the use of traps baited with ethanol and (−)-α-pinene to detect and monitor common large wood-boring beetles from the southeastern region of the USA at ports-of-entry in other countries, as well as forested areas in the USA.     

A Blend of Ethanol and (−)-α-Pinene were Highly Attractive to Native Siricid Woodwasps (Siricidae,Siricinae) Infesting Conifers of the Sierra Nevada and the Allegheny Mountains

Woodwasps in Sirex and related genera are well-represented in North American conifer forests, but the chemical ecology of native woodwasps is limited to a few studies demonstrating their attraction to volatile host tree compounds, primarily monoterpene hydrocarbons and monoterpene alcohols. Thus, we systematically investigated woodwasp-host chemical interactions in California’s Sierra Nevada and West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains. We first tested common conifer monoterpene hydrocarbons and found that (?)-α-pinene, (+)-3-carene, and (?)-β-pinene were the three most attractive compounds. Based on these results and those of earlier studies, we further tested three monoterpene hydrocarbons and four monoterpene alcohols along with ethanol in California: monoterpene hydrocarbons caught 72.3% of all woodwasps. Among monoterpene hydrocarbons, (+)-3-carene was the most attractive followed by (?)-β-pinene and (?)-α-pinene. Among alcohols, ethanol was the most attractive, catching 41.4% of woodwasps trapped. Subsequent tests were done with fewer selected compounds, including ethanol, 3-carene, and ethanol plus (?)-α-pinene in both Sierra Nevada and Allegheny Mountains. In both locations, ethanol plus (?)-α-pinene caught more woodwasps than other treatments. We discussed the implications of these results for understanding the chemical ecology of native woodwasps and invasive Sirex noctilio in North America. In California, 749 woodwasps were caught, representing five species: Sirex areolatus Cresson, Sirex behrensii Cresson, Sirex cyaneus Fabricius, Sirex longicauda Middlekauff, and Urocerus californicus Norton. In West Virginia 411 woodwasps were caught representing four species: Sirex edwardsii Brullé, Tremex columba Linnaeus, Sirex nigricornis F., and Urocerus cressoni Norton.     

Using dilatometry in the reversible addition fragmentation transfer polymerization of N-(S)-(−)-α-methylbenzyl methacryloylamine

Optically active polymers were prepared using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) of N-(S)-α-methylbenzylmethacryloylamine (N-(S)-α-MBMA), a functional optically active monomer. RAFT polymerizations were carried out at 70 °C in ethanol using AIBN as a thermal initiator and benzyl or (1-phenyl)ethyl dithiobenzoate (BDB and PEDB, respectively) as the RAFT agents. The kinetic study was performed by dilatometry. Plots of conversion vs time indicated that the polymerizations followed first order kinetics. ¹H NMR, IR, and UV–vis spectrophotometric studies confirmed the presence of thiocarbonylthio moieties (−SCS-) in the polymer chains. The molecular weight distributions (MWDs) were moderately narrow with polydispersity indices between 1.3 and 1.6, which indicated that the control of the reaction was not completely achievement using BDB or PEDB as RAFT agents. The optical activity [α]_D²⁵ measurements of synthesized polymers by RAFT did not show a noticeably linear increase dependence with respect to molecular weight, as was previously reported for another controlled free radical polymerization (CRP) system.     

Effect of Racemic and (+)- and (−)-Gossypol on the Survival and Development of Helicoverpa zea Larvae

Gossypol is a sesquiterpene that occurs naturally in seed and other parts of the cotton plant. Because of restricted rotation around the binaphthyl bond, it occurs naturally as enantiomeric mixtures with (+)-gossypol to (−)-gossypol ratios that vary between 97:3 and 31:69. Commercial cotton varieties (Gossypium hirsutum) normally exhibit an approximate 3:2 ratio. (+)-Gossypol is significantly less toxic than (−)-gossypol to nonruminant animals; thus, cottonseed containing high levels of (+)-gossypol might be safely fed to nonruminants. Gossypol, however, is an important component in the cotton plant's defense against insect herbivores, but it is not known how cotton plants that exhibit high levels of (+)-gossypol in the foliage might be affected by insect herbivory. To address this question, 1-d-old Helicoverpa zea larvae were fed diets with 0.16, 0.20, and 0.24% racemic, (+)-, and (−)-gossypol. Larval pupal weights, days-to-pupation, and survival were adversely affected by all gossypol diets compared with the control diet. Statistical differences were determined by comparing the compounds among themselves at the three levels and between the three compounds at the same level. When the compounds were compared among themselves, no large differences were observed in pupal weights or in days-to-pupation among any of the diets. Among the three compounds, at the 0.16% level, the diet containing racemic gossypol was the most effective at reducing survival. At the 0.20 and 0.24% levels of racemic (+)- and (−)-gossypol, survival was not statistically different. The overall results indicate that (+)-gossypol is as inhibitory to H. zea larvae as racemic or (−)-gossypol, and thus, cotton plants containing predominantly the (+)-enantiomer in foliage may maintain significant defense against insect herbivory.     

Discrepancy Between Antennal and Behavioral Responses for Enantiomers of α-Pinene: Electrophysiology and Behavior of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera)

The ability of adult cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), to distinguish and respond to enantiomers of alpha-pinene was investigated with electrophysiological and behavioral methods. Electroantennogram recordings using mixtures of the enantiomers at saturating dose levels, and single unit electrophysiology, indicated that the two forms were detected by the same receptor neurons. The relative size of the electroantennogram response was higher for the (-) compared to the (+) form, indicating greater affinity for the (-) form at the level of the dendrites. Behavioral assays investigated the ability of moths to discriminate between, and respond to the (+) and (-) forms of alpha-pinene. Moths with no odor conditioning showed an innate preference for (+)-alpha-pinene. This preference displayed by naive moths was not significantly different from the preferences of moths conditioned on (+)-alpha-pinene. However, we found a significant difference in preference between moths conditioned on the (-) enantiomer compared to naive moths and moths conditioned on (+)-alpha-pinene, showing that learning plays an important role in the behavioral response. Moths are less able to distinguish between enantiomers of alpha-pinene than different odors (e.g., phenylacetaldehyde versus (-)-alpha-pinene) in learning experiments. The relevance of receptor discrimination of enantiomers and learning ability of the moths in host plant choice is discussed.     

Role of Pt in the Activity and Stability of PtNi/CeO2–Al2O3 Catalysts in Ethanol Steam Reforming for H2 Production

Hydrogen production from ethanol reforming was investigated on bimetallic PtNi catalysts supported on CeO₂/Al₂O₃. Pt content was varied from 0.5 to 2.5 %. Physico-chemical characterization of the as-prepared and H₂-reduced catalysts by TPR, XRD and XPS showed that Pt phase interacted with the Ni and Ce species present at the surface of the catalysts. This interaction leads to an enhancement of the reducibility of both Ni and Ce species. Loadings of Pt higher than 1.0 wt% improved the activity and stability of the Ni/CeO₂–Al₂O₃ catalyst in ethanol steam reforming, in terms of lower formation of coke, C₂ secondary products and a constant production of CO₂ and H₂. The amount and type of carbon deposited on the catalyst was analyzed by TG–TPO while the changes in crystalline phases after reaction were studied by XRD. It was found that for Pt contents higher than 1 wt% in the catalysts, a better contact between Pt and Ce species is achieved. This Pt–Ce interaction facilitates the dispersion of small particles of Pt and thereby improves the reducibility of both Ce and Ni components at low temperatures. In this type of catalysts, the cooperative effect between Pt⁰, Ni⁰ and reduced Ce phases leads to an improvement in the stability of the catalysts: Ni provides activity in C–C bond breakage, Pt particles enhance the hydrogenation of coke precursors (C_xH_y) formed in the reaction, and Ce increases the availability of oxygen at the surface and thereby further enhances the gasification of carbon precursors.     

Measurement of Temperature and Concentration of OH Radicals in Combustion of Hydrogen and Ethanol by the Laser‐Induced Fluorescence Technique

Diffusion combustion of ethanol and hydrogen and homogeneous combustion of hydrogen–oxygen mixtures are studied by the laserinduced fluorescence technique in the linear regime and with signal saturation. Data on the flame temperature and OH concentration are obtained. The burning temperature of 3090 K for a stoichiometric O₂–H₂ mixture is in agreement with the known value. It is shown that the maximum concentrations of radicals in the hydrogen–air and stoichiometric hydrogen–oxygen flames are close to each other (4.4· 10¹⁶ cm^-3).     

Membrane distillation and pervaporation for ethanol removal: are we comparing in the right way?

A new glance on the comparison between membrane distillation (MD) and pervaporation is performed. There is a difficulty in this comparison, mainly due to different hydrodynamic conditions reported in the literature. Pervaporation and MD are similar although the comparison between these two processes can be tricky. In that way, how can we make a proper comparison between results of these two processes? This study proposes a reasonable comparison between MD and pervaporation for ethanol–water separation. Two very distinct regions of results in terms of selectivity and flux are presented. Feed temperature and composition and concentration polarization effects were also investigated.     

25CN-NBOH: A Selective Agonist for in vitro and in vivo Investigations of the Serotonin 2A Receptor

4-(2-((2-hydroxybenzyl)amino)ethyl)-2,5-dimethoxybenzonitrile (25CN-NBOH) was first reported as a potent and selective serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT_2AR) agonist in 2014, and it has since found extensive use as a pharmacological tool in a variety of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies. 25CN-NBOH is readily available from a synthetic perspective using standard chemical transformations, and displays favorable physiochemical properties in terms of stability and solubility. Due to its superior selectivity for 5-HT_2AR, 25CN-NBOH has been used to investigate the effects of selective 5-HT_2AR activation in vivo, and has thus become an important pharmacological tool for the exploration of 5-HT_2AR signaling in a range of animal models. In the present review, we outline the discovery of 25CN-NBOH, its pharmacological profile and major findings from studies where it has been used.     

Structure,Function and Mechanism of N-Glycan Processing Enzymes: endo-α-1,2-Mannanase and endo-α-1,2-Mannosidase

While most glycosidases that act on N-linked glycans remove a single sugar residue at a time, endo-α-1,2-mannosidases and endo-α-1,2-mannanases of glycoside hydrolase family GH99 cut within a chain and remove two or more sugar residues. They are stereochemically retaining enzymes that use an enzymatic mechanism involving an epoxide intermediate. Human endo-α-1,2-mannosidase (MANEA) trims glucosylated mannose residues; the endomannosidase pathway provides a glucosidase-independent pathway for glycoprotein maturation. Cell-active MANEA inhibitors alter N-glycan processing and reduce infectivity of dengue virus, demonstrating that MANEA has potential as a host-directed antiviral target. Sequence-related enzymes from gut Bacteroides spp. exhibit endo-α-1,2-mannosidase activity and are a fruitful test bed for structure-guided inhibitor development. The genes encoding the Bacteroides spp. enzymes sit within polysaccharide utilization loci and are preferential endo-α-1,2-mannanases.     

Highly stereoselective epoxidation of (−)-α-pinene over chiral transition metal (salen) complexes occluded in zeolitic hosts

Various transition metal complexes of seven different salen ligands have been incorporated in specially modified zeolitic host materials. The thus immobilized sterically demanding complexes have been tested in the diastereoselective epoxidation of (–)--pinene in the liquid phase in an autoclave at room temperature and elevated pressure using O₂ as oxidant. In most cases conversions of 100% could be achieved. Best results so far – 100% conversion, 96% epoxide chemoselectivity and 91% diastereomeric excess – have been obtained in the presence of the entrapped [(R,R)-(N,N)-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamino]cobalt(II) = Co(salen-5) complex. Computer simulations were done in order to prove that the reaction can take place inside the pore system, i.e., (–)--pinene is able to diffuse through the microporous entrances of the carrier material.     

Thermo-responsive block copolymer micelle-supported (S)-α,α-diphenylprolinol trimethylsilyl ether for asymmetric Michael addition of nitroalkenes and aldehydes in water

An amphiphilic block copolymer PNIPAM₅₃-b-(PS₃₀-co-P4AMS₁₀) was facilely prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The immobilization of (S)-α,α-diphenylprolinol trimethylsilyl ether onto the block copolymers was then performed through using copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC), and the generating amphiphilic diblock copolymer supported chiral catalyst PNIPAM₅₃-b-(PS₃₀-co-P4AMS₁₀)/proTMS was self-assembled into micelles with regular diameters about 50 nm in aqueous solution. The micellar catalyst was further used for the asymmetric Michael reaction between propanal and trans-β-nitrostyrene in water. Using only 1 mol% micellar catalyst, the corresponding Michael addition products could be obtained in good yields and high enantioselectivities as well as good diastereoselectivities. In addition, this micellar catalyst could be reused at least for four times. Moreover, the micellar catalyst could be applied for the asymmetric addition reaction of 4-chlorocinnamyl aldehyde and nitromethane, and thus constructing the baclofen pharmaceutical intermediate.     

Electronic Metal–Support Interactions and the Production of Hydrogen Through the Water-Gas Shift Reaction and Ethanol Steam Reforming: Fundamental Studies with Well-Defined Model Catalysts

The electronic properties of Ni and Pt nanoparticles deposited on CeO₂(111) have been examined using core and valence photoemission. The results of valence photoemission point to a new type of metal–support interaction which produces large electronic perturbations for small Ni and Pt particles in contact with ceria. The Ni/CeO₂(111) and Pt/CeO₂(111) systems exhibited a density of metal d states near the Fermi level that was much smaller than that expected for bulk metallic Ni or Pt. The electronic perturbations induced by ceria on Ni made this metal a very poor catalyst for CO methanation, but transformed Ni into an excellent catalyst for the production of hydrogen through the water-gas shift and the steam reforming of ethanol. Furthermore, the large electronic perturbations seen for small Pt particles in contact with ceria significantly enhanced the ability of the admetal to adsorb and dissociate water made it a highly active catalyst for the water-gas shift. The behaviour seen for the Ni/CeO₂(111) and Pt/CeO₂(111) systems illustrates the positive effects derived from electronic metal–support interactions and points to a promising approach for improving or optimizing the performance of metal/oxide catalysts.     

α- and γ-tocotrienols are metabolized to carboxyethyl-hydroxychroman derivatives and excreted in human urine

Limited information is available regarding metabolism of vitamin E forms, especially the tocotrienols. Carboxyethyl-hydroxychromans (α-and γ-CEHC) are human urinary metabolites of α- and γ-tocopherols, respectively. To evaluate whether tocotrienols are also metabolized and excreted as urinary CEHC, urine was monitored following tocotrienol supplementation. Complete (24 h) urine collections were obtained for 2 d prior to (baseline), the day of, and 2 d after human subjects (n=6) ingested tocotrienol supplements. The subjects consumed 125 mg γ-tocotrienyl acetate the first week, then the next week 500 mg; then 125 mg α-tocotrienyl acetate was administered the third week, followed by 500 mg the fourth week. Urinary α- and γ-CEHC were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Urinary γ-CEHC levels rose about four- to sixfold in response to the two doses of γ-tocotrienol and then returned to baseline the following day. Significant (P<0.0001) increases in urinary α-CEHC were observed only following ingestion of 500 mg α-tocotrienyl acetate. Typically, 1–2% of α-tocotrienyl acetates or 4–6% of γ-tocotrienyl acetates were recovered as their respective urinary CEHC metabolites. A γ-CEHC excretion time course showed an increase in urinary γ-CEHC at 6 h and a peak at 9 h following ingestion of 125 mg γ-tocotrienyl acetate. In summary, tocotrienols, like tocopherols, are metabolized to CEHC; however, the quantities excreted in human urine are small in relation to dose size.     

Effects of cholestyramine on hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and serum 7α-hydroxycholesterol in the hamster

Cholestyramine increases activities of hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and serum levels of 7α-hydroxycholesterol. To examine if serum 7α-hydroxycholesterol levels parallel with enzyme activity, 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 10% of cholestyramine was administered to female golden Syrian hamsters for 28 d in the dose-dependent study, and 2% cholestyramine for 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d in the time-dependent study. In the dose-dependent study, hepatic and serum cholesterol levels were significantly decreased dose-dependently when more than 0.5% of cholestyramine was fed for 28 d. Cholestyramine increased the cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity in a dose-dependent manner, while the serum 7α-hydroxycholesterol level was essentially unchanged. No correlation was found between the serum level and the hepatic enzyme activity. In the time-dependent study, hepatic and serum cholesterol levels markedly decreased when 2% cholestyramine was fed for longer than 3 d. The serum triglyceride level increased significantly for the first 7 d and then decreased. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity increased significantly as early as day 1, reached maximum activity level on day 7, and then kept the significantly high values until day 28. The serum 7α-hydroxycholesterol level significantly increased for the first 7 d and decreased to the pretreatment level thereafter. 7α-Hydroxycholesterol levels significantly correlated with serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. We conclude that the serum 7α-hydroxycholesterol level does not always reflect the activity of hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, when cholesterol metabolism is severely disturbed by cholestyramine.     

α-Dioxygenases (α-DOXs): Promising Biocatalysts for the Environmentally Friendly Production of Aroma Compounds

Fatty aldehydes (FALs) can be derived from fatty acids (FAs) and related compounds and are frequently used as flavors and fragrances. Although chemical methods have been conventionally used, their selective biotechnological production aiming at more efficient and eco-friendly synthetic routes is in demand. α-Dioxygenases (α-DOXs) are heme-dependent oxidative enzymes biologically involved in the initial step of plant FA α-oxidation during which molecular oxygen is incorporated into the C_α-position of a FA (C_n) to generate the intermediate FA hydroperoxide, which is subsequently converted into the shortened corresponding FAL (C_n-1). α-DOXs are promising biocatalysts for the flavor and fragrance industries, they do not require NAD(P)H as cofactors or redox partner proteins, and they have a broad substrate scope. Here, we highlight recent advances in the biocatalytic utilization of α-DOXs with emphasis on newly discovered cyanobacterial α-DOXs as well as analytical methods to measure α-DOX activity in vitro and in vivo.