Highlights d Physcomitrella patens provides an early evolutionary snapshot of 11 KAI2-like proteins d A loop segment determines substrate specificity in Physcomitrella KAI2-like proteins d Distinct groups of proteins perceive (À)-5-deoxystrigol and the karrikin KAR 1 d Physcomitrella KAI2-like proteins cannot complement Arabidopsis kai2 or d14 mutants

A CH3OH–CH2Cl2 (1:1) extract (N025439) of the leaves and twigs of Cryptocarya laevigata furnished eight new compounds, 1–8. Based on extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data examination, the new δ-lactone derivatives 1–6 are monoterpene–polyketide hybrids containing a unique spiro[3.5]­nonenyl moiety. Their trivial names, cryptolaevilactones G–L, follow those of the related known meroterpenoids cryptolaevilactones A–F. Cryptolaevilactone L (6) contains 11,12-cis-oriented substituents, while the other cryptolaevilactones contain trans-oriented groups. The structure of the linear δ-lactone 7, cryptolaevilactone M, was characterized from various spectroscopic data analysis, and the absolute configuration was determined by total synthesis through stereoselective allylation and Grubbs olefin metathesis. Compound 8 was elucidated to be an ionone derivative with a 3,4-syn-diol functionality.

The optical property of fluorescent unit-conjugated aliphatic oxaboroles has been investigated. The oxaboroles provide good fluorescence quantum yields and selective recognition toward D-ribose and D-ribose containing molecules. The molecular recognition induced significant fluorescence quenching. The property of the boroles showed the possibility of the boron-based nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) sensor probe.