Heterometallic d8–d10 Coupling of Rh(I) and M(0) (M=Pd,Pt) in a Sandwich Framework of π-Conjugated Ligands

A heterometallic M−M′ bond formation is a key to construct atomically precise bimetallic clusters and materials. However, it is sometimes not straightforward to construct a heterometallic M−M′ bond through conventional methods including redox condensation. Here, we found that a sandwich framework of π-conjugated unsaturated hydrocarbon ligands provides a unique coordination environment that facilitates unusual coupling of d⁸ Rh^I and d¹⁰ M⁰ (M=Pd, Pt). The molecular orbital analysis showed that the electron-accepting ability of the sandwich framework through back-donation allows the formation of a dσ-type Rh−Pd bond in a (d–d)¹⁸ electron system.     

Regioselective Alkylation of Thiazolylsulfonamides: Direct and Efficient Synthesis of 3‐Alkylthiazolidene Derivatives

Various N‐3‐alkylated thiazolidenesulfonamide derivatives were efficiently prepared by the direct endo‐selective alkylation of thiazolylsulfonamides. The effects of different bases and solvents were investigated, and the NaH–THF combination was found to be the most effective at conferring high yields and endo‐selectivity.     

The electronic band structure analysis of OLED device by means of in situ LEIPS and UPS combined with GCIB

Low-energy inverse photoelectron spectroscopy (LEIPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) incorporated into the multitechnique XPS system were used to probe the ionization potential and the electron affinity of organic materials, respectively. By utilizing gas cluster ion beam (GCIB), in situ analyses and depth profiling of LEIPS and UPS were also demonstrated. The band structures of the 10-nm-thick buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) thin film on Au (100 nm)/indium tin oxide (100 nm)/glass substrate were successfully evaluated in depth direction.     

Effects of Roxadustat on Erythropoietin Production in the Rat Body

Anemia is a major complication of chronic renal failure. To treat this anemia, prolylhydroxylase domain enzyme (PHD) inhibitors as well as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been used. Although PHD inhibitors rapidly stimulate erythropoietin (Epo) production, the precise sites of Epo production following the administration of these drugs have not been identified. We developed a novel method for the detection of the Epo protein that employs deglycosylation-coupled Western blotting. With protein deglycosylation, tissue Epo contents can be quantified over an extremely wide range. Using this method, we examined the effects of the PHD inhibitor, Roxadustat (ROX), and severe hypoxia on Epo production in various tissues in rats. We observed that ROX increased Epo mRNA expression in both the kidneys and liver. However, Epo protein was detected in the kidneys but not in the liver. Epo protein was also detected in the salivary glands, spleen, epididymis and ovaries. However, both PHD inhibitors (ROX) and severe hypoxia increased the Epo protein abundance only in the kidneys. These data show that, while Epo is produced in many tissues, PHD inhibitors as well as severe hypoxia regulate Epo production only in the kidneys.     

Memory effect in CuAsSe glasses containing small amounts of Au

The Cu, As and Se contents of Au-containing CuAsSe glasses significantly affected both the resistivity in the memory state and the time required to reach the memory state, whereas the Au content affects only the latter. The main crystalline species formed in these glasses was a CuAsSe compound, and its formation was enhanced by the addition of Au. The role of Au in the memory effect was discussed on the basis of crystallization behavior of glasses.