Asymmetric synthesis of L-carbidopa based on a highly enantioselective α-amination.

A stereoselective synthesis of L-carbidopa in seven steps and 50% overall yield from commercial compounds is described. The key step involves a highly enantioselective α-amination reaction of an acyclic β-ketoester with di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate induced by europium and (R,R)-diphenyl-pybox.

Partial nitrification of sludge reject water by means of aerobic granulation.

Granular sludge formation was performed in a laboratory scale Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) fed with supernatant of anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge. This effluent was concentrated progressively in order to enhance biomass capacity without inhibiting it. During the first part of the study, ammonium nitrogen was converted to nitrate, so conventional nitrification took place.

Highly enantioselective electrophilic amination and michael addition of cyclic beta-ketoesters induced by lanthanides and (S,S)-ip-pybox: the mechanism.

High enantioselection is obtained in Michael additions of cyclic beta-ketoesters in the presence of lanthanium triflates and (S,S)-ip-pybox. Intermediates based on simultaneous coordination of the lanthanide to both (S,S)-ip-box and beta-ketoester (in keto and enolate forms) are detected by means of ESI mass spectrometry and NMR experiments, and a possible mechanism is proposed through theoretical calculations.

Telemetry as a new concept in long term monitoring of SIDS-risk infant.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the most frequent cause of infant death within the period of 2 to 12 months in western countries. It has been found that a suit similar to that worn by the astronauts during the execution of experiments on the Spacelab Mission D-2 is a very simple and useful means to carry the sensors required to monitor vital signs of babies at risk. A small baby-suit has been developed with the same technology used for the Spacelab Mission.