During alcoholic fermentation Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolizes L-arginine to ornithine and urea. S. cerevisiae can metabolize urea through the action of urea amidolyase, encoded by the DUR1,2 gene; however, DUR1,2 is subject to nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) in the presence of high quality nitrogen sources during fermentation. Being cytotoxic at high concentrations, urea is exported into wine where it spontaneously reacts with ethanol, and forms the carcinogen ethyl carbamate (EC). Urea degrading yeast strains were created by integrating a linear cassette containing the DUR1,2 gene under the control of the S. cerevisiae PGK1 promoter and terminator signals into the URA3 locus of the Sake yeast strains K7 and K9. The ‘self-cloned’ strains K7EC- and K9EC- produced Sake wine with 68% less EC. The Sake strains K7EC- and K9EC- did not efficiently reduce EC in Chardonnay wine due to the evolutionary adaptation of said strains to the unique nutrients of rice mash; therefore, the functionality of engineered yeasts must be tested in their niche environments as to correctly characterize new strains. S. cerevisiae possesses an NCR controlled high affinity urea permease (DUR3). Urea importing yeast strains were created by integrating a linear cassette containing the DUR3 gene under the control of the PGK1 promoter and terminator signals into the TRP1 locus of the yeast strains K7 (Sake) and 522 (wine). In Chardonnay wine, the urea importing strains K7D3 and 522D3 reduced EC by 7% and 81%, respectively; reduction by these strains was equal to reduction by the urea degrading strains K7EC- and 522EC-. In Sake wine, the urea degrading strains K7EC- and 522EC- reduced EC by 87% and 84% respectively, while the urea importing strains K7D3 and 522D3 were significantly less capable of reducing EC (15% and 12% respectively). In Chardonnay and Sake wine, engineered strains that constitutively co-expressed DUR1,2 and DUR3 did not reduce EC more effectively than strains in which either gene was expressed solely. Uptake of 14C-urea under non-inducing conditions was enhanced in urea importing strains; parental strains failed to incorporate any 14C-urea thus confirming the functionality of the urea permease derived from the integrated DUR3 cassette.

During alcoholic fermentation Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolizes L-arginine to ornithine and urea. S. cerevisiae can metabolize urea through the action of urea amidolyase, encoded by the DUR1,2 gene; however, DUR1,2 is subject to nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) in the presence of high quality nitrogen sources during fermentation. Being cytotoxic at high concentrations, urea is exported into wine where it spontaneously reacts with ethanol, and forms the carcinogen ethyl carbamate (EC). Urea degrading yeast strains were created by integrating a linear cassette containing the DUR1,2 gene under the control of the S. cerevisiae PGK1 promoter and terminator signals into the URA3 locus of the Sake yeast strains K7 and K9. The ‘self-cloned’ strains K7EC- and K9EC- produced Sake wine with 68% less EC. The Sake strains K7EC- and K9EC- did not efficiently reduce EC in Chardonnay wine due to the evolutionary adaptation of said strains to the unique nutrients of rice mash; therefore, the functionality of engineered yeasts must be tested in their niche environments as to correctly characterize new strains. S. cerevisiae possesses an NCR controlled high affinity urea permease (DUR3). Urea importing yeast strains were created by integrating a linear cassette containing the DUR3 gene under the control of the PGK1 promoter and terminator signals into the TRP1 locus of the yeast strains K7 (Sake) and 522 (wine). In Chardonnay wine, the urea importing strains K7D3 and 522D3 reduced EC by 7% and 81%, respectively; reduction by these strains was equal to reduction by the urea degrading strains K7EC- and 522EC-. In Sake wine, the urea degrading strains K7EC- and 522EC- reduced EC by 87% and 84% respectively, while the urea importing strains K7D3 and 522D3 were significantly less capable of reducing EC (15% and 12% respectively). In Chardonnay and Sake wine, engineered strains that constitutively co-expressed DUR1,2 and DUR3 did not reduce EC more effectively than strains in which either gene was expressed solely. Uptake of 14C-urea under non-inducing conditions was enhanced in urea importing strains; parental strains failed to incorporate any 14C-urea thus confirming the functionality of the urea permease derived from the integrated DUR3 cassette.

Universiẗat, Diss., 2004--Münster (Westfalen).

A legislação brasileira estabelece o limite de 150 µg/L para os teores de carbamato de etila (CE ou uretana) em aguardentes. O presente trabalho indica que os teores de carbamato de etila em aguardentes podem ser reduzidos em até 92% do teor original após as aguardentes serem submetidas a uma nova destilação. Para amostras de aguardente recém destiladas (coletadas in loco) foi possível constatar que o CE também se forma após a destilação, e que a formação completa-se após 10 dias. A luz difusa não influenciou, quer na constante de velocidade quer na concentração de CE final. Esta, entretanto demonstrou-se dependente da temperatura. Observou-se que a reação ocorre com kobs de (6,4 ± 0,5) x 10-6 /s, a 25°C e pH 4,5, sendo este valor independente da origem da aguardente e da radiação luminosa. Os parâmetros de ativação para esta reação foram ΔH‡ 34 kcal/mol, ΔS‡ - 69 cal/K e ΔG‡ 54 kcal/mol. Foi possível estimar que o teor de uretana formado no interior do destilador foi inferior a 60% do CE total. Estudos com aguardente nas quais foi adicionado KOCN, indicaram que ocorre a formação de uretana com kobs (8,60 ± 0,4) x 10-5 /s, a 25°C, pH 4,5, com ΔH‡ 20,6 kcal/mol, ΔS‡ - 96,1 cal/K e ΔG‡ 48,7 kcal/mol. Esta reação não foi influenciada pela radiação luminosa (250 a 500 nm), bem como pelo teor alcoólico da aguardente (0,29 a 15,7 mol/L). O rendimento no teor de CE aumentou em função do teor alcoólico do meio, atingindo um valor máximo a 60% v/v. Cálculos quânticos sugeriram que o HNCO é a molécula reativa. Os resultados experimentais colhidos até o momento sugerem a existência de uma reação paralela consumindo parte do HNCO e, portanto limitando kobs e a relação [CE]teórico / [CE]experimental. A adição de NaCN à aguardente também conduz a formação de uretana, mas com constante de velocidade inferior a observada para o KOCN. / Brazilian law establishes the limit of 150 µg/L for ethyl carbamate (EC, urethane) contents in sugar cane spirits. The present work indicates that the levels of ethyl carbamate in spirits may be reduced up to 92% of the original content after undergoing a new distillation. It was observed that EC is also formed after distillation in recent distillated samples collected in loco and that the EC formation is completed after 10 days. The light did not influence either the rate constant or the final EC concentration. However, the rate constant proved to be temperature dependent. It was observed that the reaction occurs with kobs (6.4 ± 0.5) x 10-6 /s at 25°C and pH 4.5, which value is independent of the spirits origin and light radiation. The activation parameters for this reaction were ΔH‡ 34 kcal/mol, ΔS‡ - 69 cal/K and ΔG‡ 54 kcal/mol. It was estimated that the concentration of urethane formed inside the distiller was less than 60% of total EC. Studies adding KOCN in sugar cane spirits indicated that the formation of urethane occurs with kobs (8.60 ± 0.4) x 10-5 /s at 25°C, pH 4.5, with ΔH‡ 20.6 kcal/mol, ΔS‡ - 96.1 cal/K and ΔG‡ 48.7 kcal/mol. This reaction was not influenced by light radiation (250 to 500 nm), as well as the alcohol content of spirits (0.29 to 15.7 mol/L). The yield on EC content increased according to the alcohol content of the medium; reaching a maximum value of 60% v/v. Quantum calculations have suggested that HNCO is the reactive molecule. The experimental results collected so far suggest the existence of a parallel reaction which consumes part of HNCO and therefore limits kobs and the relationship [CE]theorical / [EC]experimental. The addition of NaCN to sugar cane spirits also leads to urethane formation, although with lower rate constant compared to the one observed for KOCN.

Master of Science / Department of Biology / Brett K. Sandercock / Monitoring programs indicate that numerous shorebird populations are subject to on-going declines. The U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan lists twenty-seven shorebird species as species of high concern and seven as highly imperiled, including the Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis). One hypothesis for ongoing population declines is exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants. The purpose of this project was to characterize plasma cholinesterases (ChEs) of migratory shorebirds and address potential exposure to organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate (CB) pesticides. Consumption or contact with these pesticides can cause mortality and a variety of sub-lethal effects. Buff-breasted Sandpipers and other upland shorebirds are particularly likely to encounter agrochemicals due to their habitat use at the non-breeding grounds. I sampled migratory shorebirds over three seasons, during north- and southbound migration in 2006 and 2007 in Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska and during the non-breeding season in 2007 in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. I collected blood samples and footwashings from reference sites, where OP and CB pesticides were not used, and agricultural sites, where these two insecticides were recommended for control of crop pests. I assessed several variables known to affect plasma ChE activity including body size, date of capture, time of capture, condition, sex, and region. Small-bodied species had higher levels of ChE activity in plasma than large-bodied species. Plasma ChE activities varied with date of capture in 3 of 5 species sampled in North America. Sex differences were significant in 1 of 4 species tested. Plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was higher among White-rumped Sandpipers sampled in North America but there was no difference between regions among Buff-breasted Sandpipers. Time of capture and individual condition did not affect plasma ChE activity. Estimates of exposure to ChE inhibitors were addressed in five species. Plasma AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities of Buff-breasted Sandpipers were lower at agricultural sites in South America but BChE activity was higher at agricultural sites in North America. There were no differences between sites in four other species tested. A meta-analysis across all species indicated that in 4 of 6 comparisons habitat type had a negative effect on AChE activity consistent with exposure to ChE inhibitors but there was a regional positive effect of agricultural habitat on BChE activity in North America. Comparison of body mass between sites suggested that use of habitats with potential pesticide application did not affect mass gain. Project results suggest that 1 of 5 shorebird species tested was exposed to ChE-inhibiting pesticides at the non-breeding grounds and future monitoring is necessary to assess potential effects at the population level. This study highlights the importance of complete sampling and addressing variability in plasma ChEs before making estimates of exposure to OP and CB pesticides. It provides the first estimates of migratory shorebird exposure to OP and CB pesticides, a potential conservation issue. Future research should include continued monitoring of Buff-breasted Sandpiper ChE levels and habitat use. Other sources of anthropogenic declines such as habitat loss and illegal hunting should be investigated for species that did not show evidence of exposure.

During alcoholic fermentation Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolizes L-arginine to ornithine and urea. S. cerevisiae can metabolize urea through the action of urea amidolyase, encoded by the DUR1,2 gene; however, DUR1,2 is subject to nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) in the presence of high quality nitrogen sources during fermentation. Being cytotoxic at high concentrations, urea is exported into wine where it spontaneously reacts with ethanol, and forms the carcinogen ethyl carbamate (EC). Urea degrading yeast strains were created by integrating a linear cassette containing the DUR1,2 gene under the control of the S. cerevisiae PGK1 promoter and terminator signals into the URA3 locus of the Sake yeast strains K7 and K9. The ‘self-cloned’ strains K7EC- and K9EC- produced Sake wine with 68% less EC. The Sake strains K7EC- and K9EC- did not efficiently reduce EC in Chardonnay wine due to the evolutionary adaptation of said strains to the unique nutrients of rice mash; therefore, the functionality of engineered yeasts must be tested in their niche environments as to correctly characterize new strains. S. cerevisiae possesses an NCR controlled high affinity urea permease (DUR3). Urea importing yeast strains were created by integrating a linear cassette containing the DUR3 gene under the control of the PGK1 promoter and terminator signals into the TRP1 locus of the yeast strains K7 (Sake) and 522 (wine). In Chardonnay wine, the urea importing strains K7D3 and 522D3 reduced EC by 7% and 81%, respectively; reduction by these strains was equal to reduction by the urea degrading strains K7EC- and 522EC-. In Sake wine, the urea degrading strains K7EC- and 522EC- reduced EC by 87% and 84% respectively, while the urea importing strains K7D3 and 522D3 were significantly less capable of reducing EC (15% and 12% respectively). In Chardonnay and Sake wine, engineered strains that constitutively co-expressed DUR1,2 and DUR3 did not reduce EC more effectively than strains in which either gene was expressed solely. Uptake of 14C-urea under non-inducing conditions was enhanced in urea importing strains; parental strains failed to incorporate any 14C-urea thus confirming the functionality of the urea permease derived from the integrated DUR3 cassette. / Medicine, Faculty of / Medical Genetics, Department of / Graduate

3'-Carboxymethyl-3'-deoxyadenosine derivatives were prepared from 2'-O-TBDMS-3'-deoxy-3'-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl]adenosine (1) via simple and efficient procedures. Conversion of 1 to 5'-azido-2'-O-TBDMS-3', 5'-dideoxy -3'-[(ethoxycarbonyl) methyl] adenosine (4) was accomplished via a novel one-pot method employing 5'-activation (TosCl) followed by efficient nucleophilic displacement with tetramethylguanidinium azide. Compound 4 was converted to a 5'-[(N-methylcarbamoyl)amino] derivative (5) via one-pot reduction/acylation employing H2/Pd-C followed by treatment with p-nitrophenyl N-methylcarbamate. The latter step of this two-step process required an efficient source of p-nitrophenyl N-methylcarbamate, thus a highly efficient new method for preparing p-nitrophenyl N-alkylcarbamate was developed. N6-phenylcarbamoyl groups were introduced by treatment with phenylisocyanate, and an efficient new method for lactonization of 2'-O-TBDMS-3'-deoxy-3'-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl]adenosines to give corresponding 2', 3'-lactones was also developed. Target compounds were evaluated for anti-HIV and anti-HIV integrase activities, but were not active at the concentrations tested.

No description available.

Depuis que l’industrie chimique vise à rejeter de moins en moins de gaz à effet de serre, cette dernière cherche à revaloriser les différents gaz à effet de serre tel que le dioxyde de carbone. Une des techniques est de combiner le dioxyde de carbone avec de l’ammoniac pour synthétiser l’urée qui pourrait par la suite être utilisé soit directement ou soit comme intermédiaire, pour la synthèse catalytique du diméthyle carbonate (DMC). Le DMC est à la base de plusieurs applications industrielles telles que la synthèse des polymères (les polycarbonates), les réactions de trans-estérification menant à d’autres carbonates comme le diphénylcarbonate et comme agent de méthylation ou d’alkylation. Plusieurs articles provenant de la littérature scientifique rapportent que le DMC peut être utilisé comme additif oxygéné dans les carburants tels l’essence [1]. Le but de ce projet est de déterminer la viabilité industrielle de la production de DMC par la méthylation de l’urée en premier lieu en méthyle carbamate puis en DMC. La première étape de ce projet reposera donc dans un premier temps sur la confirmation des résultats rapportés au sein de la littérature ouverte pour par la suite faire une étude de l’impact des différents types de catalyseurs et des conditions expérimentales sur le rendement de la réaction. Une fois que le montage batch sera optimisé, ce dernier sera modifié pour opérer en continu. Cette modification a pour but d’augmenter le rendement et la sélectivité pour éventuellement de l’adapter industriellement. Selon la littérature, les rendements anticipés pour la réaction batch sont d’environ 30 % [2] et pour un système en continu de plus de 50 %.

Aqueous amine solutions loaded with CO2 were degraded in stainless steel sealed containers in forced convection ovens. Amine loss and degradation products were measured as a function of time by cation chromatography (IC), HPLC, and IC/mass spectrometry. A full kinetic model was developed for 15-40 wt% MEA (monoethanolamine) with 0.2 – 0.5 mol CO2/mol MEA at 100°C to 150°C. Experiments using amines blended with MEA demonstrate that oxazolidone formation is the rate-limiting step in the carbamate polymerization pathway. With 30 wt% MEA at 0.4 mol CO2/mol MEA and 120°C for 16 weeks there is a 29% loss of MEA with 13% as hydroxyethylimidazolidone (HEIA), 9% as hydroxyethylethylenediamine (HEEDA), 4% as the cyclic urea of the MEA trimer, 1-[2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl]-2-imidazolidone, 3% as the MEA trimer, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)diethylenetriamine, and less than 1% as larger polymeric products. In the isothermal experiments, thermal degradation was slightly more than first order with amine concentration and first order with CO2 concentration with an activation energy of 33 kcal/mol. In a modeled isobaric system, the amount of thermal degradation increased with stripper pressure, but decreased with an increase in amine concentration and CO2 concentration due to a reduction in reboiler temperature from the changing partial pressure of CO2. Three-fourths of thermal degradation in the stripper occurred in the reboiler due to the elevated temperature and long residence time which offset the decrease in CO2 concentration compared to the packing. The amount of degradation for other amines tested starting with the least degraded include; cyclic amines with no side chains < long chain alkanolamines < alkanolamines with steric hindrance < tertiary amines < MEA < straight chain di- and triamines. Piperazine and morpholine had no measurable thermal degradation under the conditions of this experiment and were the most resistant to thermal degradation. Diethyelenetriamine and HEEDA had the largest amount of degradation with over 90% loss at 135°C for 8 weeks. / text