Search

Transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions have emerged as powerful protocols to construct C-C bonds. However, the development of enantioselective C(sp3)-C(sp3) reductive coupling remains challenging. Herein, we report a highly regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective reductive homocoupling of allylic acetates through cooperative palladium and photoredox catalysis using diisopropylethylamine or Hantzsch ester as a homogeneous organic reductant. This straightforward protocol enables the stereoselective construction of C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds under mild reaction conditions. A series of C2-symmetrical chiral 1,5-dienes were easily prepared with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee), diastereoselectivities (up to >95:5 dr), and regioselectivities (up to >95:5 rr). The resultant chiral 1,5-dienes can be directly used as chiral ligands in asymmetric synthesis, and they can be also transformed into other valuable chiral ligands.

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful tool for the development of new and valuable chemical transformations under mild conditions. Visible-light promoted enantioselective radical transformations of imines and iminium intermediates provide new opportunities for the asymmetric synthesis of amines and the asymmetric β-functionalization of unsaturated carbonyl compounds. In this review, recent advances on the catalytic asymmetric radical functionalization of imines and iminium intermediates are summarized.1 Introduction2 Enantioselective Radical Functionalization of Imines2.1 Asymmetric Reduction2.2 Asymmetric Cyclization2.3 Asymmetric Addition2.4 Asymmetric Radical–Radical Coupling 3 Enantioselective Radical Functionalization of Iminium Ions3.1 Asymmetric Radical Alkylation3.2 Asymmetric Radical Acylation4 Conclusion

Spinal cord injury dramatically blocks information exchange between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The resulting fate of synapses in the motor cortex has not been well studied. To explore synaptic reorganization in the motor cortex after spinal cord injury, we established mouse models of T12 spinal cord hemi-section and then monitored the postsynaptic dendritic spines and presynaptic axonal boutons of pyramidal neurons in the hindlimb area of the motor cortex in vivo. Our results showed that spinal cord hemi-section led to the remodeling of dendritic spines bilaterally in the motor cortex and the main remodeling regions changed over time. It made previously stable spines unstable and eliminated spines more unlikely to be re-emerged. There was a significant increase in new spines in the contralateral motor cortex. However, the low survival rate of the new spines demonstrated that new spines were still fragile. Observation of presynaptic axonal boutons found no significant change. These results suggest the existence of synapse remodeling in motor cortex after spinal cord hemi-section and that spinal cord hemi-section affected postsynaptic dendritic spines rather than presynaptic axonal boutons. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China (approval No. 201504168S) on April 16, 2015.

We have developed an efficient method for the preparation of chiral fluorinated compounds by sequential organocatalyzed desymmetrization of 3-substituted glutaric anhydrides and photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylic fluorination. Chiral fluorides can be prepared in yields of up to 58% and with excellent enantioselectivities of up to 98% ee.

An enantioselective and branch-regioselective α-allylation of N-methyl anilines under dual palladium/photoredox catalysis is described. Readily available N-methyl anilines are used as formal “hard”...

Transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions have emerged as powerful protocols to construct C-C bonds. However, the development of enantioselective C(sp

Objective To better understand the immune status in the rats after heatstroke. Methods Adult male SD rats were randomized into 3 groups: control group (n=20), classic heatstroke group (CHS, n=60) and exertional heatstroke group (EHS, n=60). Flow cytometry was employed to detect the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in arterial blood and spleen as well as the apoptosis rate of Tregs in the spleen. To trace the dynamic changes on Treg cells, samples were collected at specific time points after heatstroke modeling (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours post heatstroke). Results The proportion of Tregs in artery blood and spleen in CHS group increased gradually with a percentage lower than those in control group at first 24 h but higher than those in control group after 24 h. Interestingly, the proportion of Tregs in artery blood and spleen in EHS group was gradually reduced over time. The Tregs in the artery blood slightly higher than that in control group at 0 h followed by less than that in control group afterward; while Tregs in the spleen were higher than that in control group within 12 h, followed by less than that in control group after 24 h. The proportion of apoptotic Tregs in the spleen in CHS group was gradual decline over time, in the first 12 h they were higher than that in control group but lower than that in control group after 24 h. On the contrary, the proportion of apoptotic Tregs in the spleen in EHS group was gradually increased over time and was higher than that in control group at all time points. Conclusions The proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood and spleen in CHS group showed a rising trend during the early period. This is consistent with the trend in the spleen Tregs apoptosis rate, indicated that immunosuppression may have appeared in the early onset of CHS rats. However, the proportion of Tregs in peripheral blood and spleen in EHS group showed a trend of gradual reduction which is consistent with the spleen Tregs apoptosis rate. The opposite phenotype detected from CHS and EHS rats may due to the excessive inflammatory reaction promoted the apoptosis of Tregs in EHS rats. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2019.10.02

A photoredox/amine-cocatalyzed enantioselective radical hydroacylation of enals with α-ketoacids is described. Acyl radicals generated from α-ketoacids act as the acylation reagent with the iminium ions. This strategy provides an efficient way to access synthetically challenging 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds in an enantioselective manner. The reactions of various enals with α-ketoacids show the generality and limitations of this method.

Selective autophagy mediates specific degradation of unwanted cytoplasmic components to maintain cellular homeostasis. The suppressor of gene silencing 3 (SGS3) and RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase 6 (RDR6)‐formed bodies (SGS3/RDR6 bodies) are essential for siRNA amplification in planta. However, whether autophagy receptors regulate selective turnover of SGS3/RDR6 bodies is unknown. By analyzing the transcriptomic response to virus infection in Arabidopsis, we identified a virus‐induced small peptide 1 (VISP1) composed of 71 amino acids, which harbor a ubiquitin‐interacting motif that mediates interaction with autophagy‐related protein 8. Overexpression of VISP1 induced selective autophagy and compromised antiviral immunity by inhibiting SGS3/RDR6‐dependent viral siRNA amplification, whereas visp1 mutants exhibited opposite effects. Biochemistry assays demonstrate that VISP1 interacted with SGS3 and mediated autophagic degradation of SGS3/RDR6 bodies. Further analyses revealed that overexpression of VISP1, mimicking the sgs3 mutant, impaired biogenesis of endogenous trans‐acting siRNAs and up‐regulated their targets. Collectively, we propose that VISP1 is a small peptide receptor functioning in the crosstalk between selective autophagy and RNA silencing.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to use magnetic resonance (MR) to explore the dynamic changes of the ischiofemoral space (IFS) under the triaxial motion of the hip joint and verify the clinical test mechanism for ischiofemoral impingement (IFI). METHODS: A prospective design was used to screen 37 patients with clinically confirmed IFI, which included a total of 67 lateral hips, and 39 healthy controls with a total of 69 lateral hips. A dynamic MR examination was performed in positions designed by a simulated IFI test (adduction, adduction with 30° external rotation, 30° internal rotation, supine with 30° flexion, and prone with 30° backward extension). The IFS (mm) and quadratus femoris space (QFS, mm) were measured in different positions. All the data were evaluated independently by three musculoskeletal radiologists. The differences between the two groups were compared using the two-tailed t-test. RESULTS: The IFS and QFS in the case group were smaller than those in the control group. The IFS and QFS were significantly reduced in the prone with backward extension and adduction with external rotation positions of the hip. The correlation coefficients of the IFI test and long-stride walking (LSW) test were –0.621 and –0.715 for IFS and –0.653 and –0.696 for QFS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the mechanism of the IFI-specific clinical examination (IFI and LSW tests) was verified by triaxial dynamic MR imaging of the hip joint, which provided a dynamic imaging basis for the clinical application of the IFI-specific impingement test. The IFI impingement test can be used as a specific clinical test for IFI screening.

Sitodiplosis mosellana, a periodic but devastating wheat pest that escapes temperature extremes in summer and winter by undergoing obligatory diapause. To determine the roles of small heat shock proteins (sHsps) in diapause of S. mosellana, we characterized two sHsp genes, SmHsp17.4 and SmHsp20.3, from this species. Both SmHsps contained the conserved &alpha, crystallin domain and the carboxy-terminal I/VXI/V motif of the sHsp family. SmHsp17.4 had one intron while SmHsp20.3 had none. Quantitative PCR revealed that SmHsp17.4 expression decreased after diapause initiation, but substantially increased during transition to post-diapause quiescence. In contrast, SmHsp20.3 expression was not affected by entry of diapause, but was clearly up-regulated during summer and winter. Short-term more severe heat-stress (&ge, 35 &deg, C) of over-summering larvae or cold-stress (&le, &minus, 5 &deg, C) of over-wintering larvae could stimulate higher expression of both genes, and SmHsp17.4 was more responsive to cold stress while SmHsp20.3 was more sensitive to heat stress. Notably, transcription of SmHsp17.4, but not SmHsp20.3, in diapausing larvae was inducible by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Recombinant SmHsp17.4 and SmHsp20.3 proteins also displayed significant chaperone functionality. These findings suggest that both SmHsps play key roles in stress tolerance during diapause, and 20E-regulated SmHsp17.4 was also likely involved in diapause termination.

Juvenile hormone (JH), a growth regulator, inhibits ecdysteroid-induced metamorphosis and controls insect development and diapause. Methoprene-tolerant (Met) and Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) are two proteins involved in JH action. To gain some insight into their function in development of Sitodiplosis mosellana, an insect pest undergoing obligatory larval diapause at the mature 3rd instar stage, we cloned full-length complementary DNAs of Met and Kr-h1 from this species. SmMet encoded a putative protein, which contained three domains typical of the bHLH-PAS family and eight conserved amino acid residues important for JH binding. SmKr-h1 encoded a protein showing high sequence homology to its counterparts in other species, and contained all eight highly conserved Zn-finger motifs for DNA-binding. Expression patterns of SmMet and SmKr-h1 were developmentally regulated and JH III responsive as well. Their mRNA abundance increased as larvae entered early 3rd instar, pre-diapause and maintenance stages, and peaked during post-diapause quiescence, a pattern correlated with JH titers in this species. Different from reduced expression of SmMet, SmKr-h1 mRNA increased at mid-to-late period of post-diapause development. Topical application of JH III on diapausing larvae also induced the two genes in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of SmMet and SmKr-h1 clearly declined in the pre-pupal phase, and was significantly higher in female adults than male adults. These results suggest that JH-responsive SmMet and SmKr-h1 might play key roles in diapause induction and maintenance as well as in post-diapause quiescence and adult reproduction, whereas metamorphosis from larvae to pupae might be correlated with their reduced expression.

A unified strategy for intermolecular remote C(sp3)–H and C–C vinylation of O-acyl oximes with vinyl boronic acids has been achieved. This strategy is enabled by photoreductive generation of iminyl radicals from O-acyl oximes under irradiation by visible light. The translocated carbon-centered radicals, which are generated from the iminyl radicals through 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer or C–C cleavage, can be vinylated with vinyl boronic acids. This strategy opens up a new approach to remote functionalization via C(sp3)–H and C–C cleavage and provides an efficient and versatile solution to the synthesis of γ-vinylation of ketones and nitriles.

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies demonstrated that cysteinyl leukotrienes receptor 1 (CysLT(1)R) knockout, pharmacological blockade, or hippocampus knockdown produced beneficial effects against Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, whether CysLT(1)R upregulation has deleterious effects on AD remains elusive. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the changes in behaviors, hippocampal amyloidogenesis, and synapse plasticity after CysLT(1)R overexpression by microinfusion of the lentiviral vector, containing its coding sequence of mouse (LV-CysLT(1)R), into the bilateral dentate gyri (DG) of the hippocampus or CysLT(1)R activation by repeated systemic administration of its agonist YM-17690 (0.1 mg/kg, once a day, i.p., for 28 d). RESULTS: The behavior data showed that overexpression of CysLT(1)R in hippocampal DG or administration of YM-17690 deteriorated behavioral performance in Morris water maze (MWM), Y-maze tests, and novel object recognition (NOR) in young APP/PS1 mice. The further studies showed that these treatments significantly destroyed synaptic function, as evidenced by impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), decreased spine density, low number of synapses, and decreased postsynaptic protein (PSD95), and promoted the generation of amyloid β (Aβ) through increased expression of BACE1 and PS1 in the hippocampus of young APP/PS1 mice. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our results indicate that CysLT(1)R upregulation accelerates memory impairment in young APP/PS1 mice, which is associated with promoting synaptic dysfunction and amyloidogenesis in the hippocampus.

o-Quinone methides generated at high temperature under organocatalysis from commonly used o-hydroxystyrenes undergo enantioselective cyclization with dimedone-derived enaminones, to form biologically important tetrahydroxanthenes in high yields and good enantioselectivities (up to 88% yield, 95:5 er). The reaction proceeds in chlorobenzene in the presence of a chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) at 110 °C. The reaction scope with regard to various ring-substituted o-hydro­xy­styrenes and various N-aryl-substituted enaminones was investigated. In addition, this reaction also provided an efficient method for constructing chiral tetrahydroxanthene scaffolds.

Personal exposure to PM2.5 associated with heavy metals were investigated at and around the same road by cycling, walking, taxi and bus in Tianjin, China. One trip on each mode was undertaken during 4 h of both morning and evening peak hours. Results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare mean concentrations of PM2.5 and each metal measured by four modes, the enrichment level of heavy metals in four modes and the carcinogenic, non-carcinogenic risk and probabilistic estimation of health risks of metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb). Arithmetic means of PM2.5 personal exposure were 323.66, 313.37, 214.84 and 160.71 μg/m3 for cycling, walking, bus and taxi, which resulted from the difference of source (vehicle exhaust and road dust) of exposure to PM2.5. Na has the highest concentration, followed by Al, Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cu and Cr. The higher Na concentrations were observed in Tianjin in light of its major sea salt influence. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn in four modes followed different orders, while other metals have no significant difference between four modes. Enrichment factors of metals in PM2.5 showed that some metals are enriched, ranging from contaminated to extremely contaminated, for example, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Na and Cr. Others are barely enriched such as Ca, K, Mg and Fe. It illustrated the former is mainly effected by anthropogenic activates and the source of latter comes from crust. From the results of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of metals, the intake of metals with inhalation for 4 h by four modes did not pose a significant potential chronic-toxic risk and was an acceptable or tolerable risk at present. But uncertainty analysis of health risks showed there were 4.05 and 6.87% probability that make carcinogenic risk values to exceed 10−4 when male choose walking/cycling to work. Commuters’ rush hour exposures were significantly influenced by mode of transport. We suggest that future work should focus on further research between heavy metals in PM2.5 exposure and its specific epidemiology effects.

The first [4+3] cycloaddition of ortho-hydroxybenzyl alcohols has been established by making use of N,N′-cyclic azomethine imines as suitable 1,3-dipoles under Bronsted acid catalysis. By using this strategy, biologically important seven-membered heterocyclic scaffolds have been constructed in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities (up to 92% yield, most >95 : 5 dr).

Reasonable adoption of nitrogen fertilizers is significant in increasing wheat production, improving wheat quality, and environmental protection. This research applies the multiple statistical analysis technique to extract sensitive spectral bands and establish a spectrum monitoring model in determining accumulation nitrogen deficit. The major bands of the spectrum monitoring model in different nitrogen models are 440 and 610 nm. The higher value of the coefficient of the determination in estimating the model indicates lower root mean squared error and relative error. Therefore, appropriate nitrogen fertilization can be achieved by observing the winter wheat spectrum before the flowering stage.

Chemodivergent [5+2] cyclization and hydroxysulfenylation reactions of ortho-mercaptobenzyl alcohols with 3-alkyl-2-vinylindoles and styrenes were established in the presence of Brønsted acid, which provide efficient methods for constructing benzoxathiepine scaffolds and synthesizing β-hydroxy sulfides in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities.

Highly regio- and enantioselective allylic alkylation has been achieved enabled by the merger of photoredox and palladium catalysis. In this dual catalytic process, alkyl radicals generated from 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines act as the coupling partners of the π-allyl palladium complexes. The generality of this method has been illustrated through the reaction of a variety of allyl esters with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines. This mechanistically novel strategy expands the scope of the traditional Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation reaction and serves as its alternative and potential complement.

Tamoxifen (TAM) is the most common nonsteroidal antiestrogen agent, which has been widely used in the prevention of recurrence of estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer in patients. It is metabolized by cytochrome P450 oxidases to its active metabolite (4-hydroxytamoxifen, 4-OH-TAM) and endoxifen (EDF), which played a critical role in the therapy. 4-OH-TAM and EDF have 30- to 100-fold more potency than TAM in the suppression of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell proliferation. CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, as the key drug-metabolizing enzymes in those metabolic actions, are known to have several alleles. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 will influence the plasma concentrations of active TAM metabolites and clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients treated with TAM. The genetic polymorphisms of drug transporters, involved in the disposition of active TAM metabolites, also have the potential to influence the plasma concentrations of active TAM metabolites and clinical outcome for the treatment of breast cancer. In this review, we summarized the association of the genetic polymorphisms in the metabolic enzymes and transporters involved in the metabolism and disposition of TAM with the metabolite concentration, efficacy and adverse effects of TAM, which provides a fundamental reference for further pharmacogenomic study and clinical use of TAM.

Ajuga multiflora Bunge cells contain β-ecdysterone (β-EC) that regulates the molting process of insect larvae. In this study, different conditions of culture have been studied to optimize the production of β-EC. A. multiflora Bunge growth fitted the curve of logistic equation with one growth cycle of 17 days. The electric conductivity of medium had a negative correlation with not only the weight of dry cell but also the β-EC accumulation, and thus, could be used for monitoring the peak of both cell growth and β-EC accumulation. The pH value of the culture medium varied from 4.67 to 5.84 and reached the maximum at the end of the culture (on the 17th day). The relation of cell growth and nutrient consumption in A. multiflora Bunge cell suspension culture was distinctly correlated. Continuous subculture caused a reduction in β-EC synthesis; passages 7-15, the β-EC content declined (p

A catalytic chemo-, E/Z-, and enantioselective cyclization of o-hydroxybenzyl alcohols with dimedone-derived enaminones has been established, which not only realized a chemoselective C1,2 cyclization of enaminones but also achieved the catalytic asymmetric construction of the biologically important tetrahydroxanthene framework with high E/Z- and enantioselectivities (all >95:5 E/Z, up to 98% yield, 97:3 er). This approach not only represents the first catalytic asymmetric C1,2 cyclization of enaminones with o-hydroxybenzyl alcohols but also provides an efficient strategy for constructing oxygenous heterocyclic frameworks with optical purity.

To better characterize the resistance development and therefore establish effective pest management strategies, this study was undertaken to investigate the inheritance mode and biochemical mechanisms of malathion resistance in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), which is one of the most notorious pests in the world. After 22 generations of selection with malathion, the malathion-resistant (MR) strain of B. dorsalis developed a 34-fold resistance compared with a laboratory susceptible strain [malathion-susceptible (MS)]. Bioassay results showed that there was no significant difference between the LD50 values of malathion against the progenies from both reciprocal crosses (F(1)-SR and F(1)-RS). The degree of dominance values (D) was calculated as 0.39 and 0.32 for F(1)-RS and F(1)-SR, respectively. The logarithm dosage-probit mortality lines of the F(2) generation and progeny from the backcross showed no clear plateaus of mortality across a range of doses. In addition, Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences between the mortality data and the theoretical expectations. The realized heritability (h(2)) value was 0.16 in the laboratory-selected resistant strain of B. dorsalis. Enzymatic activities identified significant changes of carboxylesterases, cytochrome P450 (general oxidases), and glutathione S-transferases in MR compared with the MS strain of B. dorsalis. Taken together, this study revealed for the first time that malathion resistance in B. dorsalis follows an autosomal, incompletely dominant, and polygenic mode of inheritance and is closely associated with significantly elevated activities of three major detoxification enzymes.

The first catalytic asymmetric inverse-electron-demand (IED) oxa-Diels–Alder reaction of ortho-quinone methides, generated in situ from ortho-hydroxybenzyl alcohols, has been established. By selecting 3-methyl-2-vinylindoles as a class of competent dienophiles, this approach provides an efficient strategy to construct an enantioenriched chroman framework with three adjacent stereogenic centers in high yields and excellent stereoselectivities (up to 99 % yield, >95:5 d.r., 99.5:0.5 e.r.). The utilization of ortho-hydroxybenzyl alcohols as precursors of dienes and 3-methyl-2-vinylindoles as dienophiles, as well as the hydrogen-bonding activation mode of the substrates met the challenges of a catalytic asymmetric IED oxa-Diels–Alder reaction.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening disease characterized clinically by central nervous system dysfunction and severe hyperthermia (core temperature rises to higher than 40℃). The unchecked rise of body core temperature overwhelms intrinsic or extrinsic heat generation mechanism, thus overwhelms homoeostatic thermoregulation. Hyperthermia causes cellular and organ dysfunction with progressive exacerbation resulting in multi-organ failure and death. Rapid cooling to reduce core temperature as quickly as possible is the primary and most effective treatment, as it has been shown that the major determinant of outcome in heatstroke is the degree and duration of hyperthermia. If suppression of body temperature is delayed, the fatality rate will be elevated. Several cooling methods are available, including physical cooling by conduction, convection and evaporation with ice/cold water immersion, internal cooling by invasive methods such as hemofiltration, intravascular cooling, cold water gastric and rectal lavage, and cooling with drugs. It is crucial to formulate a scientific and reasonable strategy for the subsequent treatment in accordance with the patient's physical condition, the condition of cooling equipment, and the manipulator's proficiency in cooling methods and equipment usage. This article reviews the domestic and international advances in study of rapid and efficient cooling measures for heat stroke. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2014.10.17

Objective To explore the early changes in liver function and their prognostic value in patients with exertional heat stroke (EHS). Methods The clinical data of sixty-nine patients with EHS admitted to 10 military hospitals from 2005 to 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them 57 survived and 12 died. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) in the first 10 days after the onset of heat stroke were detected. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the prognostic value of the worst value of various parameters in patients with EHS. Results Serum aminotransferase reached the peak 3 to 4 days after onset of EHS, and then it began to decline, and serum bilirubin reached the peak 5 to 8 days after the onset, and then it began to decline slowly. The relevant liver function indicators in death group were higher than those in survival group at corresponding days. Early onset of serum transaminases and bilirubin was found to have a high prognostic value, and the total area under the ROC curves of ALT for death judgment was 0.833±0.064, with the best diagnostic point as 3016.5U/L. The total area under the ROC curves of AST for death judgment was 0.798±0.073, and the best diagnostic point was 4745U/L. The total area under the ROC curves of TBIL for death judgment was 0.810±0.067, and the best diagnostic point was 123.9μmol/L. The total area under the ROC curves of DBIL for death judgment was 0.836±0.063, and the best diagnostic point was 87.42μmol/L. Conclusions The changes in liver function at early stage of EHS onset show certain regularity. The worst value of relevant liver function indicators has a high predictive value for the severity of the ailment and its prognosis, and the findings remind us to pay more attention to the risk of death when the value of liver function test reaches or higher than the best diagnostic level. DOI: 10.11855/j.issn.0577-7402.2014.10.16

In order to enhance the contrast of the fused image and reduce the loss of fine details in the process of image fusion, a novel fusion algorithm of infrared and visible images is proposed. First of all, regions of interest (RoIs) are detected in two original images by using saliency map. Then, nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) on both the infrared image and the visible image is performed to get a low-frequency sub-band and a certain amount of high-frequency sub-bands. Subsequently, the coefficients of all sub-bands are classified into four categories based on the result of RoI detection: the region of interest in the low-frequency sub-band (LSRoI), the region of interest in the high-frequency sub-band (HSRoI), the region of non-interest in the low-frequency sub-band (LSNRoI) and the region of non-interest in the high-frequency sub-band (HSNRoI). Fusion rules are customized for each kind of coefficients and fused image is achieved by performing the inverse NSCT to the fused coefficients. Experimental results show that the fusion scheme proposed in this paper achieves better effect than the other fusion algorithms both in visual effect and quantitative metrics.

Personal exposure to PM

The BNPA-catalyzed reaction of 2-mercaptobenzyl alcohols (II) with 2-vinylindoles (I) leads to benzoxathiepines (III), whilst reactions with indene (IV) and alkenes (VI) under similar conditions give rise to corresponding β-hydroxy sulfides.

The gene PFKFB3 encodes for inducible 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase, a glycolysis-regulatory enzyme that protects against diet-induced intestine inflammation. However, it is unclear how nutrient overload regulates PFKFB3 expression and inflammatory responses in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). In the present study, primary IECs were isolated from small intestine of C57BL/6J mice fed a low-fat diet (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Additionally, CMT-93 cells, a cell line for IECs, were cultured in low glucose (LG, 5.5 mmol/L) or high glucose (HG, 27.5 mmol/L) medium and treated with palmitate (50 μmol/L) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) for 24 hr. These cells were analyzed for PFKFB3 and inflammatory markers. Compared with LFD, HFD feeding decreased IEC PFKFB3 expression and increased IEC proinflammatory responses. In CMT-93 cells, HG significantly increased PFKFB3 expression and proinflammatory responses compared with LG. Interestingly, palmitate decreased PFKFB3 expression and increased proinflammatory responses compared with BSA, regardless of glucose concentrations. Furthermore, HG significantly increased PFKFB3 promoter transcription activity compared with LG. Upon PFKFB3 overexpression, proinflammatory responses in CMT-93 cells were decreased. Taken together, these results indicate that in IECs glucose stimulates PFKFB3 expression and palmitate contributes to increased proinflammatory responses. Therefore, PFKFB3 regulates IEC inflammatory status in response to macronutrients.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the most important indexes to reflect the soil fertility, and soil moisture is a main factor to limit the application of hyperspectral technology in monitoring soil attributes. To study the effect of soil moisture on the accuracy for monitoring SOM with hyperspectral remote sensing and monitor the SOM quickly and accurately, SOM, soil water content (SWC) and soil spectrum for 151 natural soil samples in winter wheat field were measured and the soil samples were classified with the method of traditional classification of SWC and Normalized Difference Soil Moisture Index (NSMI) based on the hyperspectral technology. Moreover, the relationship among SWC, SOM and NSMI were analyzed. The results showed that the accuracy of spectral monitor for SOM among the classifications were significantly different, its accuracy was higher than the soils (5%-25%) which was not classified. It indicated that the soil moisture affected the accuracy for monitoring the SOM with hyperspectral technology and the study proved that the most beneficent soil water content for monitoring the SOM was less 10% and higher 20%. On the other hand, the four models for monitoring the SOM by the hyperspectral were constructed by the classification of NSMI, and its accuracy was higher than the classification of SWC. The models for monitoring the SOM by the classification of NSMI were calibrated with the validation parameters of R², RMSE and RPD, and it showed that the four models were available and reliable to quickly and conveniently monitor the SOM by heperspectral. However, the different classifiable ways for soil samples mentioned in the study were naturally similar as all soil samples were classified again with another way. Namely, there may be another optimal classifiable way or method to overcome and eliminate the SWC effect on the accuracy for monitoring SOM. The study will provide some theoretical technology to monitor the SWC and SOM by remote sensing.

A catalytic chemo-, E/Z-, and enantioselective cyclization of o-hydroxybenzyl alcohols with dimedone-derived enaminones has been established, which not only realized a chemoselective C1,2 cyclization of enaminones but also achieved the catalytic asymmetric construction of the biologically important tetrahydroxanthene framework with high E/Z- and enantioselectivities (all >95:5 E/Z, up to 98% yield, 97:3 er). This approach not only represents the first catalytic asymmetric C1,2 cyclization of enaminones with o-hydroxybenzyl alcohols but also provides an efficient strategy for constructing oxygenous heterocyclic frameworks with optical purity.