1,2-Dioxines are a specific class of cyclic peroxide that are both prevalent in nature and important synthetic building blocks. To date, much of the chemistry involving 1,2-dioxines is concerned with cleavage of the weak peroxide bond, providing a convenient method for the incorporation of 1,4-oxygen functionality into molecules. Comparatively little attention has been directed towards transformations of the alkene unit contained within 1,2-dioxines, which is the focus of this thesis. The synthesis of a broad range of diversely functionalised 1,2-dioxines from commonly available starting materials is presented. Subsequently, the osmium catalysed dihydroxylation of 3,6-disubstituted 1,2-dioxines was investigated, furnishing novel peroxy diols in high yield and with excellent diastereoselectivity. The peroxy diols were then reduced, affording stereospecific tetraols and higher polyols, including the rare sugar allitol. In addition, homolytic ring-opening of the 1,2-dioxanes was examined, providing a new route to polyhydroxylated furanoses, highlighted by the synthesis of the natural keto-sugar psicose. Several 4-substituted 1,2-dioxines were also dihydroxylated, followed by reduction of the peroxide bond, providing a convenient route to branched erythritol derivatives, including the important plant sugar 2-C-methyl-erythritol. The cobalt catalysed ring-opening of the peroxy diols produced novel erythrose derivatives in high yield. In addition, the triphenylphosphine induced ring contraction of the peroxy diols is presented, which allowed for the synthesis of novel dihydroxylated tetrahydrofurans in excellent yield. Asymmetric dihydroxylation of the achiral 4-substituted 1,2-dioxines was explored, furnishing optically enriched peroxy diols with varying enantioselectivity depending on the substrate. The synthesis of novel alkyl and aryl branched erythrono-γ-lactones via oxidation of lactols derived from the acetonide protected peroxy diols is also documented. The utility of this sequence is illustrated by the preparation of potassium 2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-methylbutanoate, a leaf-closing substance of Leucaena leucocephalam. Additionally, γ-lactones were prepared from epoxy hydroxy ketones derived from epoxy-1,2-dioxanes, facilitated by a Baeyer-Villiger lactonisation protocol. The requirements and limitations of this procedure are discussed. The proposed and attempted synthesis of other lactones from 1,2-dioxines was also examined. Finally, several other general alkene transformations were investigated on 1,2- dioxines including: halo-hydrin formation, phenylselenyl chloride addition, aminohydroxylation, cyclopropanation, and aziridination, allowing for the preparation of several new classes of functionalised 1,2-dioxines. In summary, the work presented in this thesis establishes clear and efficient methodology towards several interesting and useful sugar-type core structures from modified 1,2-dioxines. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1313493 / Thesis (Ph.D) -- University of Adelaide, School of Chemistry and Physics, 2008

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Pennsylvania State University, 1968. / Includes bibliographical references.

Les investigations menées après attentat par les services de police technique et scientifique ont pour but d'identifier la composition de la charge explosive employée, mais la tâche peut se révéler particulièrement difficile d'un point de vue analytique. En effet, les résidus de charge explosive sont le plus souvent présents à l'état de traces dans des matrices variées et complexes, d'où la nécessité de disposer de protocoles analytiques performants et rapides. Ces travaux ont donc tout d'abord consisté à développer trois méthodes par électrophorèse capillaire pour l'analyse (i) d'anions inorganiques avec un électrolyte de forte force ionique à base de chromate, puis (ii) de cations inorganiques avec une capillaire modifié par une double couche et un électrolyte à base de guanidine, et enfin (iii) d'anions et de cations inorganiques simultanément qui sont spécifiques à l'analyse des résidus récoltés après explosion d'un mélange acide-aluminium. La seconde partie de ce travail a été dédiée à l'analyse par électrophorèse capillaire de carbohydrates, composés pouvant entrer dans la composition de charges explosives artisanales. Un électrolyte de séparation très alcalin, à base de soude, a permis de séparer, mais aussi de détecter les carbohydrates via une réaction photochimique se déroulant lors du passage des analytes dans la fenêtre du détecteur, l'espèce détectée étant selon nos hypothèses sous la forme de malonaldéhyde ou d'un composé voisin. Une séparation en moins de 20 min de neuf carbohydrates a été finalement optimisée à l'aide d'une approche multivariée et d'une analyse de désirabilité. Cette méthode a été validée et appliquée notamment à des analyses d'échantillons récoltés après une simulation d'attaque suicide. Enfin, le développement d'une méthode d'analyse de l'eau oxygénée, grâce à sa complexation avec les ions borate, a été réalisé. Ce composé entre dans la composition d'explosifs à base de peroxyde et son analyse ouvre des perspectives intéressantes pour l'analyse des explosifs à base de peroxydes par électrophorèse capillaire. Toutes les méthodes, ainsi développées, ont été validées et appliquées avec succès à des échantillons réels. L'électrophorèse capillaire apparaît alors comme une technique de grand intérêt, complémentaire de la chromatographie ionique ou de la chromatographie sur couche mince.

<p>In order to understand biological processes, to treat and diagnose diseases, find appropriate vaccines and to prevent the outbreak of epidemics, it is essential to obtain more knowledge about carbohydrate structures. This thesis deals with structure and conformation of carbohydrates, analysed by NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations.In the first two papers, the structures of O-antigen polysaccharides (PS) from two different <i>E. coli</i> bacteria were determined using NMR spectroscopy. The O-antigenic PS from <i>E. coli</i> O152 (paper I) consists of branched pentasaccharide repeating units, built up of three different carbohydrate residues and a phosphodiester, whilst the repeating unit of the O-antigen from <i>E. coli</i> O176 (paper II) is built up of a linear tetrasaccharide consisting of two different monosaccharides.</p><p>In papers III and IV, the conformational analysis of different disaccharides is described. Conformational analysis was performed using NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations (paper IV). In paper III four different glucobiosides were studied using coupling constants and Karplus-type relationships. By use of specific ¹³C isotopically labelled derivatives, additional coupling constants were obtained and the number of possible torsion angles was reduced by half. In paper IV, we examine the conformations of two disaccharides that are part of an epitope of malignant cells. From NOE and T-ROE experiments, short proton-proton distances around the glycosidic linkage were estimated. Furthermore, interpretation of the extracted coupling constants using Kaplus relationships gave the values of the torsion angles. As in paper III, isotopically labelled compounds were synthesised in order to enhance the sensitivity of the analysis. Finally, MD simulations were performed and the results were compared with results from NMR data.</p>

Diorhabda elongata elongata leaf beetles were released at two field locations in the upper Colorado River watershed of Texas in 2003 and 2004 for the biological control of invasive Tamarix, exotic trees deteriorating riparian ecosystems of western North America. Establishment and biological success were monitored using trees on transects from the release points. D. elongata elongata released at the Lake Thomas site in August 2003 successfully overwintered and were recovered in the spring 2004; however, beetles were not present after June 2004. The April 2004 release at Beals Creek led to establishment and survival during 2005 and 2006. Mean abundance increased from less than five insects per tree per 2 minute count in August 2004 to more than 40 insects per tree per 2 minute count in August 2006. By then the population was dispersed throughout an area of approximately 12 hectares and beetles were present on 100% of the 47 trees surveyed, 57% of which were at least 90% defoliated. To measure the impact of beetle defoliation on Tamarix, nonstructural carbohydrates (NCHOs) were measured in manipulative field cage experiments in Texas and natural experiments in Nevada. There was no significant difference in NCHOs between trees with versus trees without beetle herbivory in the cage experiment, although spring foliage regrowth was reduced by 35% in trees defoliated the previous fall. In Nevada, root crown tissue was sampled in 2005 and 2006 from trees that had experienced 0-4 years of defoliation. In 2005, NCHO concentrations differed between tree stands and ranged from 9.0 ± 0.8% (Mean ± SE) in non-defoliated trees to 3.2 ± 0.4%, 2.1 ± 0.4% and 2.3 ± 0.4% in trees defoliated for 1, 2 and 3 successive years, respectively. NCHO concentrations in 2006 were similar, ranging from 13.6 ± 0.9% in non-defoliated trees to 7.6 ± 0.8%, 2.3 ± 0.4%, 1.5 ± 0.3% and 1.7 ± 0.4% in trees defoliated for 1, 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively. The establishment, biological success and host impact of D. elongata leaf beetles suggest there is potential for biological control of Tamarix in the United States.

Chitooligosaccharides are composed of linear β-(1→4)-linked 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranose (GlcNAc) and/or 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranose (GlcN). They are of interest due to their remarkable biological properties including antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal and elicitor activities. They can be obtained from the aminoglucan chitosan by chemical or enzymatic degradation which obviously affords rather heterogenous mixtures. On the other hand, chemical synthesis provides pure compounds with defined sequences of GlcNAc and GlcN monomers. The synthesis of homo- and hetero-chitobioses and hetero-chitotetraoses is described in this thesis. Dimethylmaleoyl and phthaloyl groups were used for protection of the amines. The donor was activated as the trichloroacetimidate in order to form the β-linkages. Glycosylation in the presence of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, followed by N- and O-deprotection furnished chitobioses and chitotetraoses in good yields. / Chitooligosacchride bestehen aus linear β-(1→4)-verknüpften 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranose (GlcNAc) and/or 2-amino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranose (GlcN) Einheiten. Sie beanspruchen aufgrund ihrer bemerkenswerten biologischen Eigenschaften – u.a. antibakterielle, antitumor, antimykotische und Elicitor Aktivität - grosses Interesse. Sie sind durch chemischen oder enzymatischen Abbau von Chitosan zugänglich, wobei diese Methoden unausweichlich zu komplexen, sehr heterogenen Mischungen von Chiooligosacchariden führen. Chemische Synthesen von Chitooligosacchariden mit definierter Sequenz von GlcNAc und GlcN Einheiten sind daher von erheblichem Interesse. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden Synthesen von partiell acetylierten Chitobiosen und –tetraosen beschrieben. Die Aminogruppen wurden als N-Dimethylmaleoyl- bzw. Phthaloylimide geschützt. Die Donoren wurden als Trichloacetimidate aktiviert, wobei aufgrund von Nachbargruppeneffekten ausschliesslich die β-Glycoside entstehen. Die Trimethylsilyltrifluoromethansulfonat-promovierte Glycosidierung geeigneter Akzeptoren lieferte schliesslich die Chitobiosen und die Chitotetraosen in guten Ausbeuten.

In order to understand biological processes, to treat and diagnose diseases, find appropriate vaccines and to prevent the outbreak of epidemics, it is essential to obtain more knowledge about carbohydrate structures. This thesis deals with structure and conformation of carbohydrates, analysed by NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations.In the first two papers, the structures of O-antigen polysaccharides (PS) from two different E. coli bacteria were determined using NMR spectroscopy. The O-antigenic PS from E. coli O152 (paper I) consists of branched pentasaccharide repeating units, built up of three different carbohydrate residues and a phosphodiester, whilst the repeating unit of the O-antigen from E. coli O176 (paper II) is built up of a linear tetrasaccharide consisting of two different monosaccharides. In papers III and IV, the conformational analysis of different disaccharides is described. Conformational analysis was performed using NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations (paper IV). In paper III four different glucobiosides were studied using coupling constants and Karplus-type relationships. By use of specific 13C isotopically labelled derivatives, additional coupling constants were obtained and the number of possible torsion angles was reduced by half. In paper IV, we examine the conformations of two disaccharides that are part of an epitope of malignant cells. From NOE and T-ROE experiments, short proton-proton distances around the glycosidic linkage were estimated. Furthermore, interpretation of the extracted coupling constants using Kaplus relationships gave the values of the torsion angles. As in paper III, isotopically labelled compounds were synthesised in order to enhance the sensitivity of the analysis. Finally, MD simulations were performed and the results were compared with results from NMR data.

Carbohydrates play important roles in biological processes. Their function is closely related to their conformation. In this thesis, conformational studies of carbohydrates by NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics computer simulations are described. The first two papers discuss the anomalous solubility of β-cyclodextrin compared to other cyclodextrins. Time correlation functions revealed flexibility in all cyclodextrins. Molecular dynamics computer simulations showed that the glycosidic linkages were rather rigid and the flexibility was suggested to be macrocyclic. From spatial distribution functions β-cyclodextrin was found to have greater ability to order the surrounding water than the other cyclodextrins. Paper III deals with some of the difficulties of conformational studies. In Paper IV, a new method, Additative Potential Maximum Entropy, APME, is applied to a disaccharide. Conformational distribution functions are derived from NOEs, J-couplings and residual dipolar couplings and calculated from computer simulations. All distribution functions were found to be in good agreement. In papers V and VI oligosaccharides from human milk are studied. Residual dipolar coupling, J-couplings and cross relaxation rates were measured by NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics computer simulations were carried out. Both oligosaccharides showed high flexibility for the β-D-GlcpNAc-(1→3)-β-D-Galp linkage.

Preference for palatable and energy-dense foods may be a risk factor for body weight gain and has both genetic and environmental components. Once obesity develops in an individual, weight loss is difficult to achieve. Indeed, obesity is often characterized by repeated attempts to reduce the overconsumption of energy-dense foods, followed by food craving and relapse to overconsumption. Relapse and loss of control over intake are observed also in drug addicts, and it has been shown that obesity and drug addiction not only share behavioural features but also neural circuitry, e.g. the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. In this thesis, we sought to investigate the mechanisms related to food preferences and craving using animal models previously used in addiction research. The risk of gaining weight may implicate behavioural traits and emotional states. We showed in rats that a risk-taking behavioural profile was associated both with increased preference for a high-fat (HF) diet and with increased motivational response to a palatable high-sucrose (HS) diet. Hypothalamic urocortin 2 expression was associated with the preference for the HF diet. We also tested the hypothesis that consumption of HS and HF diets separately or provided simultaneously (HFHS) affect anxiety-like behaviour and locomotion. Furthermore, we showed that withdrawal from HFHS food affects diet-induced obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR) animals differently. OP animals had increased motivation (craving) for HS food pellets as measured by the operant self-administration technique during withdrawal. Dopamine receptor expression in the striatum differed between OP and OR animals both at access to HFHS and during withdrawal. This strongly implicates dopaminergic signaling in the OP phenotype. In humans, food preferences may be monitored using questionnaires. We analyzed food preference data from parents of preschool children, and identified an inverse association of parental preference for high-fat high-protein food and overweight in children. In conclusion, we have employed animal models previously used in the addiction field to identify molecular mechanisms related both to food preference and vulnerability to obesity, and to food craving associated with withdrawal from palatable food. These findings add to our current understanding of obesity.

A deeper understanding of the diversity of carbohydrates and the many applications of oligo- and polysaccharides found in nature are of high interest. Many of the processes involving carbohydrates affect our everyday life. This thesis is based on six papers all contributing to an extended perspective of carbohydrate property and functionality. An introduction to carbohydrate chemistry together with a presentation of selected carbohydrate synthesis and analysis methods introduces the reader to the research field. The first paper is an NMR spectroscopy reinvestigation of the structures of the O-antigens from the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Shigella dysenteriae type 3 and Escherichia coli O124. The repeating units were concluded to be built of identical branched pentasaccharides now with the correct anomeric configurations. Paper II is a structural investigation of the O-antigen from the LPS of E. coli O74 which is built of branched tetrasaccharide repeating units including the uncommon monosaccharide d-Fuc3NAc. Paper III is a conformational study of a rhamnose derivative, using NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The benzoyl ester group positioned at C4 prefers an “eclipsed” conformation in the crystal as well as in solution. The use of site-specifically 13C-labeled compounds in conformational studies is discussed in Papers IV and V. The disaccharide α-L-Rhap-(1→2)-α-L-Rhap-OMe was synthesized together with two 13C-isotopologues and studied with NMR spectroscopy to give seven J-couplings related to torsion angles φ and ψ. The trisaccharide α-L-Rhap-(1→2)[α-L-Rhap-(1→3)]-α-L-Rhap-OMe was synthesized with 13C-labeling at two positions which presented a solution to a problem of overlapping signals in the 1H NMR spectrum. The site-specific labeling also facilitated the measurement of two 3JCC and two 2JCH coupling constants. Finally, chapter 6 gives a short introduction to glycosynthase chemistry and discusses the synthesis of α-glycosyl fluorides. A novel cyclic heptasaccharide was synthesized from α-laminariheptaosyl fluoride using a mutant of the enzyme laminarase 16A and subsequently analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. / At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 4: Manuscript. Paper 5: Manuscript.