Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for forming at least partially saturated cyclic and heterocyclic borylated hydrocarbons, as well as related compounds, which can be precursor compounds in the synthesis of any of a variety of pharmaceutical or medicinal compounds with a desired structure and/or stereochemistry for drug synthesis or drug candidate evaluation. The methods generally include reduction of an unsaturated cyclic or heterocyclic borylated hydrocarbon having a boron-containing substituent at an sp2-carbon, where such reduction converts the sp2-carbon to an sp3-carbon at the point of attachment of the boron-containing substituent. The methods can exhibit a selectivity for syn-addition during reduction, which can provide stereospecific products, such as when the unsaturated cyclic or heterocyclic reactant is multiply substituted with boron groups and/or other functional groups.

Abstract: A pusher device for dispensing merchandise is disclosed. The device includes an elongate plastic track having a floor on which a row of articles are positioned for movement therealong, a pusher connected to the track for movement therealong and having a front side for engagement with the rearmost article on the track, and a spring for urging the pusher toward the front end of the track to forwardly move all the articles on the track. The spring is a gradient force, self-coiling spring arranged to exert forwardly directed force on the rear side of the pusher. The force on the pusher gradually reduces as the leading articles on the track successively are removed from the track, and thereby articles on the track are prevented from being subject to excessive force. What is also disclosed is a pusher device including an elongate track, a pusher movably connected to the track, and a self-coiling spring for urging the pusher forward of the track.