A generalization of Ryser's theorem on term rank

In his work on classes of (0, 1)-matrices with given row and column sum vectors, Herbert Ryser proved that the maximum term rank possible in a normalized class, ρ, can be realized by a matrix having ρ (independent) 1's in positions (1, ρ), (2, ρ − 1), … , (ρ, 1). We study the positions occupied by sets of t ρ independent 1's.     

Multilayered Dermal Subcompartments for Modeling Chemical Absorption

Abstract

Dermal penetration of chemicals and drugs is of concern to both toxicologists and pharmacologists. Environmental professionals try to limit exposure to chemicals using protective clothing and gloves or barrier creams to trap chemicals. Drug developers try to enhance penetration of chemicals through the skin for medical purposes. Both can use predictive biologically-based mathematical models to assist in understanding the processes involved. These models are especially useful when they are based on physiological and biochemical parameters which can be measured in the laboratory. Appropriately validated models based on conservation of mass, diffusion and chemical transport by flow can be predictive of human exposures. In this paper we develop two new physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) skin models to predict blood concentrations of dibromomethane in rats after skin-only vapor exposures. These new models improve the predictions of the blood concentrations especially at the beginning of the exposures. Sensitivity analysis shows that the permeability constants followed by partition coefficients have the most impact on blood concentration predictions. With proper validation the new models could be used to improve species, dose, and duration extrapolations of chemical or drug penetration. They could also be used to investigate and predict concentrations of drugs or chemicals in the skin.     

A catalytic, asymmetric formal synthesis of (+)-hamigeran B

A concise asymmetric, formal synthesis of (+)-hamigeran B is reported. A Pd-catalyzed, decarboxylative allylic alkylation, employing a trifluoromethylated derivative of t-BuPHOX, is utilized as the enantioselective step to form the critical quaternary carbon center in excellent yield and enantioselectivity. The product is converted in three steps to a late-stage intermediate previously used in the synthesis of hamigeran B.     

Review: Veratrum californicum Alkaloids

Veratrum spp. grow throughout the world and are especially prevalent in high mountain meadows of North America. All parts of Veratrum plants have been used for the treatment of ailments including injuries, hypertension, and rheumatic pain since as far back as the 1600s. Of the 17–45 Veratrum spp., Veratrum californicum alkaloids have been proven to possess favorable medicinal properties associated with inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) pathway signaling. Aberrant Hh signaling leads to proliferation of over 20 cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, prostate and colon among others. Six of the most well-studied V. californicum alkaloids are cyclopamine (1), veratramine (2), isorubijervine (3), muldamine (4), cycloposine (5), and veratrosine (6). Recent inspection of the ethanolic extract from V. californicum root and rhizome via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry has detected up to five additional alkaloids that are proposed to be verazine (7), etioline (8), tetrahydrojervine (9), dihydrojervine (10), 22-keto-26-aminocholesterol (11). For each alkaloid identified or proposed in V. californicum, this review surveys literature precedents for extraction methods, isolation, identification, characterization and bioactivity to guide natural product drug discovery associated with this medicinal plant.     

Heteroatom directed β-lithiation of a vinyl ether

Oxygen directed β-deprotonation of a vinyl ether leads to $\text{Z}$ substituted enol ethers. The stereoselective elaboration to a naturally occuring $\text{threo}$ 1,3-diol is described.     

Asymmetric Morita-Baylis-Hillman reactions catalyzed by chiral Brønsted acids

Chiral BINOL-derived Br?nsted acids catalyze the enantioselective asymmetric Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction of cyclohexenone with aldehydes. The asymmetric MBH reaction requires 2-20 mol % of the chiral Br?nsted acid 2e or 2f and triethylphosphine as the nucleophilic promoter. The reaction products are obtained in good yields (39-88%) and high enantioselectivities (67-96% ee). The Br?nsted-acid-catalyzed reaction is the first example of a highly enantioselective asymmetric MBH reaction of cyclohexenone with aldehydes.     

Rapid synthesis of an electron-deficient t-BuPHOX ligand: cross-coupling of aryl bromides with secondary phosphine oxides

Herein an efficient and direct copper-catalyzed coupling of oxazoline-containing aryl bromides with electron-deficient secondary phosphine oxides is reported. The resulting tertiary phosphine oxides can be reduced to prepare a range of PHOX ligands. The presented strategy is a useful alternative to known methods for constructing PHOX derivatives.