Silyliumylidene Ion Stabilized by Two σ-Donating Ni(0)- and Pd(0)-Fragments.

A silyliumylidene ion 2 stabilized by two σ-donating Ni(0)- and Pd(0)-fragments was successfully synthesized. Due to the σ-donation of M→Si interactions, 2 presents a pyramidalized cationic silicon center with a localized lone pair. The additional coordination of basic Pd(0) fragment to the mono-Ni(0)-stabilized silyliumylidene 1 results in a higher HOMO level and an unchanged HOMO-LUMO gap and thus, 2 remains highly reactive. Interestingly, the coordination mode at the Si center is closely related to the nature of M-ligands. Indeed, the donor/donor-stabilized silyliumylidene ion 2 has been transformed into a donor/acceptor-stabilized ion 13, featuring a trigonal planar Si center with a vacant orbital, just via a ligand exchange reaction from PCy3/NHC toward PMe3.

Niobium Complexes Supported by Chalcogen-Bridged [OEO]-Type Bis(phenolate) Ligands (E = S, Se): Synthesis, Characterization, and Phenylacetylene Polymerization.

Trichloro niobium(V) complexes 3 and 4 with the sulfur- or selenium-bridged [OEO]-type bis(phenolate) ligands (E = S, Se) were synthesized and fully characterized on the basis of their NMR spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallographic analysis. In the crystalline state of 4, the [OSeO]-core of the ligand was coordinated to the niobium center in a fac-fashion. The corresponding tribenzyl niobium(V) complexes 5 and 6 were also prepared by the reactions of 3 and 4 with 3 equivalents of PhCH2MgCl in toluene. The X-ray diffraction analysis of 6 revealed that the distorted six-coordinated niobium center incorporated in the [OSeO]-type ligand took a mer-fashion, and one benzyl ligand was coordinated to the niobium center by η2-fashion. Complexes 5 and 6 were tested for the phenylacetylene polymerization that produced poly(phenylacetylene)s (PPAs), oligomers, and triphenylbenzenes (TPBs) depending on the chalcogen atom in the [OEO]-type ligand.

Iminophosphonamido-Supported Plumbylenes and Plumbyliumylidenes: Synthesis and Properties.

A series of low-valent lead(II) species, i.e., plumbylenes and plumbyliumylidenes supported by an N,N'-di-tert-butyliminophosphonamide ligand, have been synthesized. Chloroplumbylene [Ph2P(NtBu)2PbCl] (1) was readily prepared by the reaction of the corresponding lithium iminophosphonamide and PbCl2 in THF. The substitution reaction of 1 with KN(SiMe3)2 in THF afforded the corresponding aminoplumbylene [Ph2P(NtBu)2PbN(SiMe3)2] (2) in the form of colorless crystals. The structures of these plumbylenes in the solid state and in solution were exhaustively characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. In the crystalline state, 1 adopts a nearly linear polymeric structure in the direction of the c axis via Pb-Cl bonds, with alternating four-membered PbN2P rings. The chloride-abstraction reaction of 1 using Na[B(C6F5)4] in fluorobenzene proceeded efficiently at ambient temperature to furnish plumbyliumylidene [Ph2P(NtBu)2Pb:]+ (3+), which was isolated as the air-sensitive yellow borate salt 3[B(C6F5)4]. Plumbyliumylidene 3[B(C6F5)4] acts as a Lewis acid catalyst for the hydroboration of benzophenone and benzaldehyde at catalyst loadings of as low as 0.1 mol % under ambient conditions. Furthermore, the details of the reaction mechanism are discussed on the basis of the results of DFT calculations.

Halogen-Exchange Reactions of Iminophosphonamido-Chlorosilylenes with Alkali Halides: Convenient Synthesis of Heavier Halosilylenes.

Halogen-substituted silylenes are an important building block for synthesizing silicon-based low-valent and multiple-bond species. However, the number of reports on heavier halosilylenes that contain bromine and iodine is still limited. Here, we present a convenient synthesis for bromo- and iodosilylenes supported by an iminophosphonamide ligand. The heavier halosilylenes [Ph2P(tBuN)2]SiX (2: X = Br, 3: X = I) were successfully synthesized via the halogen-exchange reaction of chlorosilylene 1 with alkali halides in THF. As a demonstration of the reactivity of 2 and 3, oxidative addition reactions of 2 and 3 with elemental selenium in C6D6 afforded the corresponding bromo- (5) or iodosilylene-selone (6) as colorless crystals. The molecular structures of 2, 3, 5, and 6 were fully characterized by spectroscopic means and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the effects of the halogen atom on the electronic state of halosilylenes 1-3 and halosilylene-selones 4-6 were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

An Iminophosphonamido-Chlorosilylene as a Strong σ-Donating NHSi Ligand: Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry.

The N-heterocyclic silylene (NHSi) [Ph2 P(t BuN)2 ]SiCl (1), supported by an iminophosphonamide ligand, was obtained from the dehydrochlorination of [Ph2 P(t BuN)2 ]SiHCl2 (2) with LiN(SiMe3 )2 . NHSi 1 contains an extremely high-energy HOMO level and consequently displays unique coordination behavior toward RhI complexes. When 1 was treated with 1/4 of an equivalent of [RhCl(cod)]2 (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene), the 14-electron Y-shaped bis(chlorosilylene) RhI complex 5 was obtained as dark purple crystals. The reaction of 1 with 1/6 of an equivalent of [RhCl(cod)]2 yielded the cationic tris(silylene)-RhI complex [6]+ ⋅Cl- as red crystals, wherein a two-coordinated silylene ligand engages in a Si=Rh double bond. A structural analysis of 5 and [6]+ ⋅Cl- revealed that the central rhodium atoms adopt trigonal and square-planar coordination geometries, respectively, with considerably shortened Si-Rh bonds [5: 2.1605(5) Å; [6]+ : 2.133(1) Å].

Strained and Reactive Donor/Acceptor-Supported Metallasilanone.

A novel stable donor/acceptor-supported MnI -metallasilanone 3 was synthesized. The intramolecular silanone-MnI interaction induces a highly strained three-membered cyclic structure, leading to an exceptionally high reactivity of 3 as a donor/acceptor complex of silanone. Indeed, metallasilanone 3 readily reacts with various small molecules such as H2 or ethylene gas in mild conditions.

Synthesis of a Stable N-Hetero-RhI -Metallacyclic Silanone.

A novel N-hetero-RhI -metallacyclic silanone 2 has been synthesized. The silanone 2, showing an extremely large dimerization energy (ΔG=+86.2 kcal mol-1 ), displays considerable stability and persists in solution up to 60 °C. Above 120 °C, an intramolecular Csp3 -H insertion occurs slowly over a period of two weeks leading to the bicyclic silanol 5. The exceptional stability of 2, related to the unusual electronic and steric effects of RhI -substituent, should allow for a more profound study and understanding of these new species. Furthermore, the metallacyclic silanone 2 presents two reactive centers (Si=O and Rh), which can be involved depending upon the nature of reagents. Of particular interest, the reaction with H2 starts with the hydrogenation of RhI center leading to the corresponding RhIII -dihydride complex 7 and it undergoes a cis/trans-isomerization via a particular mechanism, demonstrating that addition-elimination processes can also happen for silanones just like for their carbon analogues!

A Stable N-Hetero-Rh-Metallacyclic Silylene.

A cyclic (amino)metal-substituted dicoordinated silylene derivative has been synthesized and fully characterized. Of particular interest is that the N-hetero-RhI -metallacyclic silylene exhibits a distorted tetrahedral geometry around the rhodium atom and a considerably shortened Si-Rh bond (2.138 Å) compared to classical Si-Rh single bonds (ca. 2.30-2.35 Å). A theoretical investigation reveals that the geometrical deviation around the rhodium center from the classical square-planar to a tetrahedral geometry increases the π-donating and σ-accepting character of the rhodium atom, thereby efficiently stabilizing the silylene moiety.

Donor-Stabilized Silylene/Phosphine-Supported Carbon(0) Center with High Electron Density.

An isolable donor-stabilized silavinylidene phosphorane was synthesized. This molecule, which can also be regarded as a new carbon(0) complex featuring a phosphine and a donor-stabilized silylene ligand, presents a central carbon atom with a remarkably high electron density (-1.82). Furthermore, the experimental electron-density study of this compound demonstrates the delocalization of the σ-lone pair at the central carbon atom toward the silicon center, a feature which is remarkably different from electronic situation of other bent-allene-type molecules. This result clearly demonstrates the powerful electron-donating ability of donor-stabilized silylene ligands, as well as their excellent electron-acceptor properties.

Highly Isospecific Polymerization of Silyl-Protected ω-Alkenols Using an [OSSO]-Type Bis(phenolato) Dichloro Zirconium(IV) Precatalyst.

The coordination polymerization of silyl-protected ω-alkenols such as ω-alken-α-oxytriisopropylsilanes 1 provides poly(ω-alkenyl-α-oxytriisopropylsilalne)s with a highly isospecific microstructure ([mmmm] > 95%) when a combination of [OSSO]-type bis(phenolato) dichloro zirconium(IV) complex 2 and dried methylaluminoxane is used as the precatalyst and activator, respectively. The resulting siloxy-substituted polymers could be efficiently transformed into the corresponding functionalized polyolefins, which contained up to 90% acetyl groups and ≈7% hydroxy groups in the terminal side chains.

Macromol. Rapid Commun. 12/2016.

Back Cover: Highly isospecific polymerization of silyl-protected ω-alkenols, using a combination of [OSSO]-type bis(phenolato) dichloro zirconium(IV) complex and dMAO as the precatalyst and the activator, respectively, is established. This method represents the first example for a stereoselective polymerization of polar functional α-olefins ([mmmm] > 95%). Subsequently, the obtained terminal siloxy-substituted isotactic polymer could be readily transformed by a macromolecular desilylation/acetylation reaction sequence to afford the corresponding terminal acetyl-enriched polymer. Further details can be found in the article by Y. Saito, N. Nakata,* and A. Ishii* on page 969.

Enantio- and Stereoselective Cyclopolymerization of Hexa-1,5-diene Catalyzed by Zirconium Complexes Possessing Optically Active Bis(phenolato) Ligands.

Enantio- and stereoselective cyclopolymerization of hexa-1,5-diene was achieved by enantiomerically pure dichloro zirconium(IV) pre-catalysts 2 possessing chiral [OSSO]-type bis(phenolate) ligands (-)-1 and (+)-1 in combination with dried methylaluminoxane (dMAO) as an activator. The corresponding activities were recorded with quite high values up to 1,960 g mmol(2)-1 h-1 , which are extremely larger than those of the related complexes. The microstructure analysis for the PMCPs furnished by pre-catalysts (Λ,S,S)-2 and (Δ,R,R)-2 showed good isotacticity factors (α = 75-78%) and relatively high proportions of trans-cyclopentane rings (σ = 14-21%). These enantiomeric PMCPs exhibited large specific optical rotations ([α]D = +28 to +32° from (Λ,S,S)-2, -26 to -34° from (Δ,R,R)-2).

Red and Near-Infrared Photoluminescence of D-π-A-Type Compounds Based on a 1,4-Diaryl-1-thio-1,3-butadiene Conjugated System in a Dibenzobarrelene Skeleton.

1,4-Diaryl-1-thio-1,3-butadiene derivatives having a π-donor dimethylamino group and several π-acceptor substituents at both terminals of the conjugated system were synthesized by intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition of 1-thio-enynes and subsequent chemical transformations. They displayed largely red-shifted absorption and emission spectra in solution, the powder state, and in polymer films. The derivatives with a 2,2-dicyanoethenyl group as the π-acceptor exhibited inverted solvatochromism in both optical absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies.

Five cases of axillary lymph node metastatic breast cancer on contrast-enhanced sonography.

This study was performed to determine the importance of contrast-enhanced sonography for axillary lymph node metastatic breast cancer. Contrast-enhanced sonographic findings in 5 patients with breast cancer and axillary lymph node metastasis are discussed, and imaging-pathologic correlations are also presented in 3 cases. In all 5 cases, lymph nodes showed a perfusion defect in the late phase. Rapid arterial enhancement and wash-out were observed in 2 cases in which we performed second injections. Contrast-enhanced sonography may be effective for identifying metastatic lesions in lymph nodes, especially in the early stages.

Optimization of Region of Interest Drawing for Quantitative Analysis: Differentiation Between Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions on Contrast-Enhanced Sonography.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of quantitative analysis of benign and malignant breast lesions using contrast-enhanced sonography. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced sonography using the perflubutane-based contrast agent Sonazoid (Daiichi Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan) was performed in 94 pathologically proven palpable breast mass lesions, which could be depicted with B-mode sonography. Quantitative analyses using the time-intensity curve on contrast-enhanced sonography were performed in 5 region of interest (ROI) types (manually traced ROI and circular ROIs of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm in diameter). The peak signal intensity, initial slope, time to peak, positive enhancement integral, and wash-out ratio were investigated in each ROI. RESULTS: There were significant differences between benign and malignant lesions in the time to peak (P < .05), initial slope (P < .001), and positive enhancement integral (P < .05) for the manual ROI. Significant differences were found between benign and malignant lesions in the time to peak (P < .05) for the 5-mm ROI; the time to peak (P < .05) and initial slope (P< .05) for the 10-mm ROI; absolute values of the peak signal intensity (P< .05), time to peak (P< .01), and initial slope (P< .005) for the 15-mm ROI; and the time to peak (P < .05) and initial slope (P < .05) for the 20-mm ROI. There were no statistically significant differences in any wash-out ratio values for the 5 ROI types. CONCLUSIONS: Kinetic analysis using contrast-enhanced sonography is useful for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions.

Synthesis of 4-chalcogeno-1-aza-1,3-butadiene derivatives by intramolecular cyano-Diels-Alder reaction and borane-coordination-induced fluorescence enhancement.

4-Thio-1-aza-1,3-butadiene derivatives 3 incorporating a rigid dibenzobarrelene skeleton were synthesized by the intramolecular cyano-Diels-Alder reaction of 9-anthryl cyanoethenyl sulfides 6. The thermal reaction of 6 afforded an equilibrium mixture of 3 and 6, but the cyclization was effectively promoted by the addition of BF3·Et2O or B(C6F5)3 to yield imine-borane adducts 8 and 9. The imine-borane adducts emit intense blue fluorescence both in solution and in the crystalline state. This is in stark contrast to free imines 3, which are weakly fluorescent. Selenium analogue 4 and N-oxide 12 of 3a were synthesized, along with their B(C6F5)3 adducts.

Syntheses of Iminophosphomamido Chlorogermylenes and Their Complexation with a Rhodium(I) Complex.

Three-coordinated chlorogermylenes of the type [Ph2 P(RN)2 ]GeCl (3: R=t Bu; 4: R=Dip=2,6-i Pr2 C6 H3 ), which bear an N,N-substituted iminophosphonamide ligand, were synthesized. The coordination behavior of 3 and 4 toward rhodium(I) complex was investigated. When 3 was treated with 1/2 of an equivalent of [RhCl(cod)]2 (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene), the corresponding chlorogermylene-Rh(I) complex 5 was obtained as orange crystals. In contrast, the reaction of 4 with a half equivalent of [RhCl(cod)]2 under a CO atmosphere resulted in the formation of a five-membered germarhodacycle 7. Compounds 3, 4, 5, and 7 were characterized using NMR spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 5 can be employed as a catalyst for the hydrosilylation and hydroboration reactions of diphenylacetylene, thus demonstrating the utility of germylene ligands comparable to those of NHCs in the major transition metal catalytic processes.

Using artificial intelligence and promoter-level transcriptome analysis to identify a biomarker as a possible prognostic predictor of cardiac complications in male patients with Fabry disease.

Fabry disease is the most frequently occurring form of lysosomal disease in Japan, and is characterized by a wide variety of conditions. Primarily, the three major types of concerns associated with Fabry disease observed during adulthood that must be prevented are central nervous system, renal, and cardiac complications. Cardiac complications, such as cardiomyopathy, cardiac muscle fibrosis, and severe arrhythmia, are the most common mortality causes in patients with Fabry disease. To predict cardiac complications of Fabry disease, we extracted RNA from the venous blood of patients for cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE), performed likelihood ratio tests for each RNA expression dataset obtained from individuals with and without cardiac complications, and analyzed the correlation between cardiac functional factors observed using magnetic resonance imaging data extracted using artificial intelligence algorithms and RNA expression. Our findings showed that CHN1 expression was significantly higher in male Fabry disease patients with cardiac complications and that it could be associated with many cardiac functional factors. CHN1 encodes a GTPase-activating protein, chimerin 1, which is specific to the GTP-binding protein Rac (involved in oxidative stress generation and the promotion of myocardial fibrosis). Thus, CHN1 is a potential predictive biomarker of cardiac complications in Fabry disease; however, further studies are required to confirm this observation.

A case of focal nodular hyperplasia with a new characteristic finding on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using Levovist.

We used contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Levovist, a microbubble contrast agent, to diagnose a case of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). A new characteristic finding of heartbeat-synchronized centrifugal enhancement was discovered. We call this enhancement pattern the "sonographic fireworks sign." It is expected to be useful for diagnosing FNH, especially when the lesions are small and it is difficult to depict a spoke-wheel pattern.

Ensemble Learning of Multiple Models Using Deep Learning for Multiclass Classification of Ultrasound Images of Hepatic Masses.

Ultrasound (US) is often used to diagnose liver masses. Ensemble learning has recently been commonly used for image classification, but its detailed methods are not fully optimized. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness and comparison of some ensemble learning and ensemble pruning techniques using multiple convolutional neural network (CNN) trained models for image classification of liver masses in US images. Dataset of the US images were classified into four categories: benign liver tumor (BLT) 6320 images, liver cyst (LCY) 2320 images, metastatic liver cancer (MLC) 9720 images, primary liver cancer (PLC) 7840 images. In this study, 250 test images were randomly selected for each class, for a total of 1000 images, and the remaining images were used as the training. 16 different CNNs were used for training and testing ultrasound images. The ensemble learning used soft voting (SV), weighted average voting (WAV), weighted hard voting (WHV) and stacking (ST). All four types of ensemble learning (SV, ST, WAV, and WHV) showed higher values of accuracy than the single CNN. All four types also showed significantly higher deep learning (DL) performance than ResNeXt101 alone. For image classification of liver masses using US images, ensemble learning improved the performance of DL over a single CNN.