Asymmetric Mannich-type reactions for the synthesis of aspartic acid derivatives from chiral N-tert-butanesulfinylimino esters

Addition of ketene acetals to sulfinimines derived from homochiral N-tert-butanesulfinamide using various Lewis acids furnishes derivatives of aspartic acid in diastereomeric ratios up to 97:3. Following an easy removal of the N-tert-butanesulfinyl chiral auxiliary, optical active beta-amino esters are obtained.     

Zwei neue Silicat-Chloride mit zweiwertigem Europium: LiEu3[SiO4]Cl3 und Li7Eu8[SiO4]4Cl7

Two New Silicate-Chlorides with Divalent Europium: LiEu₃[SiO₄]Cl₃ and Li₇Eu₈[SiO₄]₄Cl₇ LiEu₃[SiO₄]Cl₃ was prepared by reaction of LiCl with Eu₂SiO₄ and Li₇Eu₈[SiO₄]₄Cl₇ from Li with Eu₂O₃, SiO₂ and LiCl. The crystal structures of LiEu₃[SiO₄]Cl₃ (Pmna, a = 946.95(13); b = 699.52(8); c = 1 368.0(2) pm; Z = 4; R1 = 0.0325, R2_w = 0.0642) and Li₇Eu₈[SiO₄]₄Cl₇ (P2₁/c; a = 851.85(5); b = 948.62(7); c = 1 679.0(2) pm; β = 96.221(8)°; Z = 2; R1 = 0.0352, R2_w = 0.0744) were determined from four-circle diffractometer data. LiEu₃[SiO₄]Cl₃ contains [Li(SiO₄)₂] units and LiCl₆ octahedra while in Li₇Eu₈[SiO₄]₄Cl₇ larger ?lithosilicate”? groups are found. In both structures, the Eu²⁺ ions are coordinated mostly eightfold by O^2? and Cl^? ligands.     

Locked nucleic acid (LNA) recognition of RNA: NMR solution structures of LNA:RNA hybrids

Locked nucleic acids (LNAs) containing one or more 2'-O,4'-C-methylene-linked bicyclic ribonucleoside monomers possess a number of the prerequisites of an effective antisense oligonucleotide, e.g. unprecedented helical thermostability when hybridized with cognate RNA and DNA. To acquire a detailed understanding of the structural features of LNA giving rise to its remarkable properties, we have conducted structural studies by use of NMR spectroscopy and now report high-resolution structures of two LNA:RNA hybrids, the LNA strands being d(5'-CTGAT(L)ATGC-3') and d(5'-CT(L)GAT(L)AT(L)GC-3'), respectively, T(L) denoting a modified LNA monomer with a thymine base, along with the unmodified DNA:RNA hybrid. In the structures, the LNA nucleotides are positioned as to partake in base stacking and Watson-Crick base pairing, and with the inclusion of LNA nucleotides, we observe a progressive change in duplex geometry toward an A-like duplex structure. As such, with the inclusion of three LNA nucleotides, the hybrid adopts an almost canonical A-type duplex geometry, and thus it appears that the number of modifications has reached a saturation level with respect to structural changes, and that further incorporations would furnish only minute changes in the duplex structure. We attempt to rationalize the conformational steering induced by the LNA nucleotides by suggesting that the change in electronic density at the brim of the minor groove, introduced by the LNA modification, is causing an alteration of the pseudorotational profile of the 3'-flanking nucleotide, thus shifting this sugar equilibrium toward N-type conformation.     

Proteome Analysis of Aflibercept Intervention in Experimental Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Aflibercept is a frequently used inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the treatment of macular edema following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Retinal proteome changes following aflibercept intervention in CRVO remain largely unstudied. Studying proteomic changes of aflibercept intervention may generate a better understanding of mechanisms of action and uncover aspects related to the safety profile. In 10 Danish Landrace pigs, CRVO was induced in both eyes with an argon laser. Right eyes were treated with intravitreal aflibercept while left control eyes received isotonic saline water. Retinal samples were collected 15 days after induced CRVO. Proteomic analysis by tandem mass tag-based mass spectrometry identified a total of 21 proteins that were changed in content following aflibercept intervention. In retinas treated with aflibercept, high levels of aflibercept components were reached, including the VEGF receptor-1 and VEGF receptor-2 domains. Fold changes in the additional proteins ranged between 0.70 and 1.19. Aflibercept intervention resulted in a downregulation of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) (fold change = 0.84) and endoplasmin (fold change = 0.91). The changes were slight and could thereby not be confirmed with less precise immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Our data suggest that aflibercept had a narrow mechanism of action in the CRVO model. This may be an important observation in cases when macular edema secondary to CRVO is resistant to aflibercept intervention.     

Carbon K‐edge spectra of carbonate minerals

Carbon K‐edge X‐ray spectroscopy has been applied to the study of a wide range of organic samples, from polymers and coals to interstellar dust particles. Identification of carbonaceous materials within these samples is accomplished by the pattern of resonances in the 280–320 eV energy region. Carbonate minerals are often encountered in the study of natural samples, and have been identified by a distinctive resonance at 290.3 eV. Here C K‐edge and Ca L‐edge spectra from a range of carbonate minerals are presented. Although all carbonates exhibit a sharp 290 eV resonance, both the precise position of this resonance and the positions of other resonances vary among minerals. The relative strengths of the different carbonate resonances also vary with crystal orientation to the linearly polarized X‐ray beam. Intriguingly, several carbonate minerals also exhibit a strong 288.6 eV resonance, consistent with the position of a carbonyl resonance rather than carbonate. Calcite and aragonite, although indistinguishable spectrally at the C K‐edge, exhibited significantly different spectra at the Ca L‐edge. The distinctive spectral fingerprints of carbonates provide an identification tool, allowing for the examination of such processes as carbon sequestration in minerals, Mn substitution in marine calcium carbonates (dolomitization) and serpentinization of basalts.     

TETRATHIAFULVALENE S-OXIDE: A FATAL “DONOR IMPURITY” IN THE ORGANIC METAL TTF-TCNQ

Abstract

Tetrathiafulvalene S-oxide (TTF-ox) was first detected by mass spectrometry in samples of Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) which had been exposed to oxygen. Pure TTF-ox was prepared by peracid oxidation of TTF and isolated as a relativly stable solid. Physical data will be presented.     

Development of an automated dual‐mode supercritical fluid chromatography and reversed‐phase liquid chromatography mass‐directed purification system for small‐molecule drug discovery

We report the development of a dual‐mode mass‐directed supercritical fluid chromatography and reversed‐phase liquid chromatography purification system. The addition of a third pump allows for flexible mobile phase control between the two techniques, and enables operation of either chromatography mode within minutes by activation of a set of switching valves on a single system. Software control, fluidic pathways, interface to the mass spectrometer, and fraction collection have been modified for compatibility between both separation methods. The conditioning solvent and tuning parameters for the mass spectrometer were adjusted to achieve an ideal signal trace in either mode with good linearity (r² > 0.970) over a range of concentrations and minimal noise for accurate peak detection and isolation. The registration success rate is 90% and overall sample recovery for either technique is 80?90%. Combining two orthogonal separation and purification modes in one single system has improved the purification throughput of complex mixtures and has been a valuable, cost‐saving tool in our laboratory.