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Despite the exceptional efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), further improvements can be made to bring their power conversion efficiencies (PCE) closer to the Shockley-Queisser limit, while the development of cost-effective strategies to produce high performance devices are needed for them to reach their full potential as an economical energy source. In this context, there is a need to improve existing charge transport layers (CTLs) or introduce new CTLs. In this contribution, we introduced a new polyelectrolyte (lithium poly(styrene sulfonate (PSS))) (Li:PSS) polyelectrolyte as an HTL in inverted PSCs, where Li + can act as a counter ion for the PSS backbone. The negative charge on the PSS backbone can stabilize the presence of p-type carriers and p-doping at the anode. Simple Li:PSS performed poorly due to poor surface coverage and voids existence in perovskite film as well as low conductivity. PEDOT:PSS was added to increase the conductivity to the simple Li:PSS solution before its use which also resulted in lower performance. However, when a bilayer of PEDOT:PSS and Li:PSS was employed, a significant improvement was observed relative to PEDOT:PSS due to high quality of perovskite film with large grain size and also a large energy barrier (φ e ) impeded back diffusion of electrons towards the anode. As a consequence, device employing PEDOT:PSS / Li:PSS bilayers gave the highest PCE of 18.64 %.

The introduction of structural defects in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), often achieved through the fractional use of defective linkers, is emerging as a means to refine the properties of existing MOFs. These linkers, missing coordination fragments, create unsaturated framework nodes that may alter the properties of the MOF. A property-targeted utilization of this approach demands an understanding of the structure of the defect-engineered MOF. We demonstrate that full-field X-ray absorption near-edge structure computed tomography can help to improve our understanding. This was demonstrated by visualizing the chemical heterogeneity found in defect-engineered HKUST-1 MOF crystals. A non-uniform incorporation and zonation of the defective linker was discovered, leading to the presence of clusters of a second coordination polymer within HKUST-1. The former is suggested to be responsible, in part, for altered MOF properties; thereby, advocating for a spatio-chemically resolved characterization of MOFs.

Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC) is a rare type of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a more aggressive clinical course and a worse outcome than other types of NSCLC. Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1), has been approved as the first‐line treatment for advanced NSCLC with robust PD‐L1 expression in at least 50% of tumour cells, without epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK) rearrangement. Here, we report the case of an 81‐year‐old man with multiple comorbidities who was diagnosed with PPC and showed a robust response to pembrolizumab followed by radiation therapy without adverse effects. In the absence of randomized clinical trials for PPCs, our case report demonstrates the potential application of pembrolizumab and radiation therapy for the treatment of PPCs., We report the case of an 81‐year‐old man with multiple comorbidities who was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC), a rare type of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a more aggressive clinical course and a worse outcome than other types of NSCLC. Our patient showed a robust response to pembrolizumab followed by radiation therapy without adverse effects. In the absence of randomized clinical trials for PPCs, our case report demonstrates the potential application of pembrolizumab and radiation therapy for the treatment of PPCs.

Sodium caseinate (SC) is not considered suitable for use as an emulsifier in organic processed food in the food industry because of the use of prohibited synthetic chemical substances during its production. Casein mixture preparation (CMP), one of the permissible substances specified in the regulations, was isolated from organic milk using citric acid and dibasic potassium phosphate for organic processed foods. RESULTS To compare CMP and SC, model emulsions stabilized with each substance were prepared at various concentrations and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. The emulsions' stability was determined using Turbiscan under various environmental stresses. The zeta potential of SC and CPM showed a high surface charge (≤ 30 mV) at all protein concentrations. Because the concentration of the protein preparation increased to 0.75% (w/v), the particle size of the CMP emulsion decreased with the surface load increased as much as that of SC. The CMP and SC emulsions were stable at neutral pH and room temperature. However, at acidic pH and high temperature, both emulsions were destabilized by creaming and flocculation and increased the creaming migration rates. CONCLUSION Overall, our data suggest the use of CMP as an emulsifier substitute for SC in organic processed foods. ? 2018 Society of Chemical Industry

Kyung-ok-ko KOK has been used for the treatment of central nervous system disorders such as amnesia, dementia, and cerebral ischemia. However, the effects of KOK on transient ischemic-induced neuronal damage are still unclear. We examined whether KOK improves functional recovery and has a neuroprotective effect on infarction volume after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion MCAO. KOK 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg was administered orally following reperfusion and twice per day for 14 days post-MCAO. Infarction volume was measured using 2% 2-3-5 triphenylterazolium TTC staining at 14 days post-MCAO and alteration in regional cerebral blood flow rCBF after KOK treatment was monitored. Functional improvement was evaluated using adhesive removal and treadmill tests at 1, 7, and 14 days post-MCAO. Also, apoptotic cell death was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase mediated d-UTP-biotin nick end TUNEL in the peri-infarction region. The protein level of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α TNF-α, interleukin-1α IL-1α, and interleukin-1β IL-1β was measured in the ischemic core, ischemic border zone, and contralateral hemisphere regions. The KOK-treated group showed both reduced infarction volume and behavior tests demonstrated a significant improvement as compared to the control. Also, in the KOK-treated group, rCBF was recovered to near normal levels. The apoptotic cells were significantly decreased as compared with the control group in the ischemic peri-infarction area. Furthermore, the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-1α was decreased. These results suggest that KOK may improve functional outcome by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-1α in neuronal injury such as ischemic stroke.

Some of the fascinating features of voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) in voltage-gated cation channels (VGCCs) are their modular nature and adaptability. Here we examined the VSD sensitivity of different VGCCs to 2 structurally related nontoxin gating modifiers, NH17 and NH29, which stabilize K(v)7.2 potassium channels in the closed and open states, respectively. The effects of NH17 and NH29 were examined in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) or K(v)7.2 channels, as well as in dorsal root ganglia neurons, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. NH17 and NH29 exert opposite effects on TRPV1 channels, operating, respectively, as an activator and a blocker of TRPV1 currents (EC50 and IC50 values ranging from 4 to 40 μM). Combined mutagenesis, electrophysiology, structural homology modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation indicate that both compounds target the VSDs of TRPV1 channels, which, like vanilloids, are involved in π-π stacking, H-bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. Reflecting their promiscuity, the drugs also affect the lone VSD proton channel mVSOP. Thus, the same gating modifier can promiscuously interact with different VGCCs, and subtle differences at the VSD-ligand interface will dictate whether the gating modifier stabilizes channels in either the closed or the open state.

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia and central obesity with insulin resistance as the source of pathogenesis. Although several different combinations of criteria have been used to define metabolic syndrome, a recently published consensus recommends the use of ethnic‐specific criteria, including waist circumference as an indicator of central obesity, triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol as indicators of dyslipidemia, and blood pressure greater than 130/85 mmHg. The definition of dysglycemia, and whether central obesity and insulin resistance are essential components remain controversial. Regardless of the definition, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in Western and Asian countries, particularly in developing areas undergoing rapid socioenvironmental changes. Numerous clinical trials have shown that metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus and all‐cause mortality. Therefore, metabolic syndrome might be useful as a practical tool to predict these two major metabolic disorders. Comprehensive management of risk factors is very important to the improvement of personal and public health. However, recent studies have focused on the role metabolic syndrome plays as a risk factor for CVD; its importance in the prediction of incident diabetes is frequently overlooked. In the present review, we summarize the known evidence supporting metabolic syndrome as a predictor for type 2 diabetes mellitus and CVD. Additionally, we suggest how metabolic syndrome might be useful in clinical practice, especially for the prediction of diabetes.

Background/Aims Acute hepatic failure (AHF) is one of the most serious complications of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The aims of this study were to investigate risk factors of AHF after TACE and to establish a predictive model for AHF. Methods In the evaluation set, a total of 820 patients who underwent TACE as a first treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma were included. The demographic, laboratory, radiological and treatment-related factors were analysed to identify risk factors for AHF after TACE and a predictive model was established using the identified risk factors. In the validation set, a different cohort of 438 patients was included to validate the predictive model. Results The incidence of post-TACE AHF was 15.1% (124/820). Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of portal vein thrombosis, high aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, and log alpha-foetoprotein levels, and low albumin and sodium levels were independent risk factors. A mathematical model was established using these independent risk factors, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.773 (95% confidence interval, 0.726–0.820). The cut-off value of 9 had a sensitivity of 78.2%, a specificity of 72.3%, a positive likelihood ratio of 2.82, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.30, a positive predictive value of 28.9% and a negative predictive value of 95.8%. Conclusions The risk factors of post-TACE AHF were presence of portal vein thrombosis, high aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, and alpha-foetoprotein levels, and low serum albumin and sodium levels. A mathematical model to predict post-TACE AHF was established.

A series of heterocycle-linked constrained phenylbenzyl amides were found to be TRPV1 antagonists with promising in vivo profiles. In particular, one of the analogues containing a furan linker exhibited excellent TRPV1 antagonistic activity and in vivo analgesic efficacy. In addition, the binding modes of dibenzyl thiourea, benzylphenethyl amide, and furan-linked phenylbenzyl amide were examined by using the flexible docking study within the rTRPV1 homology model.

The 'diabetes epidemic' is an important health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease with gradual deterioration in glucose metabolism which causes multiple systemic complications. Therefore, early intervention in the prediabetic stage is a valuable approach to reduce diabetes development and related complications. Many clinical trials have suggested that lifestyle intervention, including moderate-intensity exercise and diet control, and pharmacologic intervention using metformin, α-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, anti-obesity drugs and incretin mimics, are effective in preventing diabetes development. However, an individualized approach with careful consideration of the patient's risk status and health economics is needed to perform a successful intervention programmes. In this review, we will summarize the known evidence on treatment- and cost-effectiveness of drug and lifestyle treatment. Additionally, we will propose a strategic approach algorithm that is applicable to clinical practice.

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are naturally produced during common cooking processes for meats and fish. HCAs are metabolized by various enzymes, including cytochromes P450, N-acetyl transferases, and sulfotransferases, and their bioactivated metabolites are considered to bind to DNA or protein to show carcinogenic effects. More than 20 HCAs have been identified, of which 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) is classified as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' to develop cancers in breast, colon and prostate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate human exposure levels of PhIP and to understand the role of genetic polymorphisms of enzymes on PhIP metabolism. Urine samples were collected from subjects (n = 100) before 3-day meat-restricted diets. Subjects consumed grilled chicken, and their blood and urine were collected before and after the administration of the chickens to investigate genetic polymorphisms and PhIP levels. The mean PhIP levels were 4.22 ± 0.12, 0.61 ± 0.19 and 22.64 ± 1.00 pg ml(-1) in urine under normal conditions and before and after chicken administration, respectively. Among 21 Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, NATs and UGTs investigated in this study, genotypic groups of CYP1A1/T6235C (MSP I) and CYP1A2/-2467delT showed significant differences in PhIP excretion (P < 0.05). These results suggest that genetic polymorphisms might affect PhIP metabolism, which could improve understanding of populations subject to PhIP-derived health risk.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding butylscopolammonium bromide (BB) to morphine and ketorolac in the treatment of acute renal colic in the ED. Methods: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial of i.v. triple therapy (morphine, ketorolac and BB) versus double therapy (morphine and ketorolac) in adult ED patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute renal colic and a pain rating greater than five on a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS was recorded at time 0, 20 and 40 min. Patients received rescue morphine at 20 or 40 min according to the protocol if needed. We compared pain reduction and the need for rescue analgesia at 4 min between two groups. Results: Eighty-nine patients were randomized over a 13 month period. A total of 46 (51.7%) patients received BB in addition to morphine and ketorolac. The mean difference in change in pain score in the triple therapy group and double therapy group was 7.1 cm (95% CI 6.4–7.8) and 5.9 cm (95% CI 5.1–6.7), respectively (P= 0.024). Rescue morphine was required by 7/46 (15.2% [95% CI 4.4–20.6]) patients in the triple therapy group and 14/43 (32.6% [95% CI 18.0–47.1]) in the double therapy group (OR 0.37 [95% CI 0.133–1.038]). Conclusions: Although the addition of BB to morphine and ketorolac appeared to show a statistically significant reduction in pain compared with morphine and ketorolac alone, a reduction of 1.2 cm on VAS is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Summary Objective To investigate the prevalence and identify the phenotype of individuals suspected to be metabolically obese but normal weight (MONW). Design and subjects Eight thousand nine hundred and eighty-seven nondiabetic subjects aged over 40 years were selected from the Chungju Metabolic disease Cohort study performed in 2003–2006 in Korea. Those within the highest quartile in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) with a normal body mass index (BMI) between 18·5 and 23 kg/m2 were classified as MONW. Measurements Data on anthropometry, lipid profiles and HOMA-IR values were analysed. Results The prevalence of MONW was 14·2% for men and 12·9% for women amongst normal-weight subjects. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that total cholesterol (TC) levels over 5·17 mm (odds ratio, OR = 1·481; 95% confidence intervals, CI 1·086–2·021), triglyceride (TG) levels over 1·69 mm (OR = 1·507; 95% CI 1·093–2·077) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels lower than 1·03 mm (OR = 1·580; 95% CI 1·053–2·371) independently had higher odds of diagnosing MONW amongst men. For women, a BMI over 21·5 kg/m2 (OR = 1·405; 95% CI 1·034–1·909), TC levels over 5·17 mm (OR = 1·524; 95% CI 1·112–2·090) and TG levels over 1·69 mm (OR = 1·799; 95% CI 1·302–2·487) were independently associated with a diagnosis of MONW. Conclusions More than 10% of normal-weight subjects were classed as MONW in this cohort. Identification of these subjects based on lipid profiles could aid in the early detection of a high risk group of developing cardiometabolic diseases.

The derivatives of [{η5-Ph4C4COC(O)Ph}Ru(CO)2Cl] were synthesized to investigate the substituent effect of the ruthenium complexes on the racemization and the chemoenzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of secondary alcohols, in which the phenyl rings are substituted with several different groups. Derivatives with electron-donating substituents showed better activities than those with electron-deficient ones, both in the racemization and in the DKR. The ruthenium complex, [{η5-Ar4C4COC(O)Ar}Ru(CO)2Cl] (Ar=4-methoxyphenyl), showed an activity about 14 times higher than that of [{η5-Ph4C4COC(O)Ph}Ru(CO)2Cl] in the racemization of 1-phenylethanol.

Dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) is an attractive process for the transformation of racemic mixtures into optically active compounds. For successful DKR, efficient racemization is required while the kinetic resolution is proceeding. This Micro-review mainly summarizes the recent developments in the DKR of alcohols and amines, based on metal-catalyzed racemization and enzymatic acylation in a single reaction vessel. Related reactions involving precursors of alcohols and amines such as ketones, enol acetates and ketoximes are also described. Reaction conditions are arranged according to racemization catalysts, and substrates employed in the DKR are tabulated. Suggested mechanisms for metal-catalyzed racemizations are also summarized.

hSRBC is a putative tumor suppressor located at 11p15.4, at which frequent genomic loss has been observed in several human malignancies. To explore the candidacy of hSRBC as a suppressor of gastric tumorigenesis, we analyzed the expression and mutation status of hSRBC in gastric tissues and cell lines. hSRBC transcript was expressed in all normal and benign tumor tissues examined, but undetectable or very low in 73% (11/15) cancer cell lines and 41% (46/111) primary tumors. Loss or reduction of hSRBC expression was tumor-specific and correlated with stage and grade of tumors. While allelic loss or somatic mutations of the gene were infrequent, its expression was restored in tumor cells by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment and aberrant hypermethylation of 23 CpG sites in the promoter region showed a tight association with altered expression. Transient or stable expression of hSRBC led to a G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of tumor cells, and strongly suppresses colony forming ability and xenograft tumor growth. In addition, hSRBC elevated apoptotic sensitivity of tumor cells to genotoxic agents, such as 5-FU, etoposide and ultraviolet. Interestingly, hSRBC increased the protein stability of p53 and expression of p53 target genes, such as p21Waf1, PUMA and NOXA, while hSRBC-mediated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were abolished by blockade of p53 function. Our findings suggest that hSRBC is a novel tumor suppressor whose epigenetic inactivation contributes to the malignant progression of gastric tumors, in part, through attenuated p53 response to stresses. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) chip set consisting of a power amplifier, a driver amplifier, and a frequency doubler has been developed for automotive radar systems at 77 GHz. The chip set was fabricated using a 0.15 µm gate-length InGaAs/InAlAs/GaAs metamorphic high electron mobility transistor (mHEMT) process based on a 4-inch substrate. The power amplifier demonstrated a measured small signal gain of over 20 dB from 76 to 77 GHz with 15.5 dBm output power. The chip size is 2 mm × 2 mm. The driver amplifier exhibited a gain of 23 dB over a 76 to 77 GHz band with an output power of 13 dBm. The chip size is 2.1 mm × 2 mm. The frequency doubler achieved an output power of –6 dBm at 76.5 GHz with a conversion gain of –16 dB for an input power of 10 dBm and a 38.25 GHz input frequency. The chip size is 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm. This MMIC chip set is suitable for the 77 GHz automotive radar systems and related applications in a Wband.

Lactobacillus probiotic strains are proving to be abundant sources of bioactive components, including antiinflammatory components. Lifree was made of fruits fermented by Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuterrii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study was designed to test these compounds in cell assays measuring epithelial barrier function and proliferation in the first instance. Cell proliferation was measured in mouse fibroblasts cells (3T3NIH) and rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6), and tight junction activity in the kidney epithelial cell line (MDCK). Tight junction permeability was assessed by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) across confluent monolayers, following the addition of Lifree with or without a challenge with EGTA. Lifree promoted tight junction formation and recovery following loss of TER from challenge with EGTA. On the other hand, Lifree did not stimulate cell growth in either 3T3NIH and IEC-6 cells. Lifree stimulates tight junction maintenance and formation, suggesting it may have potential antiinflammatory properties.

Vertically stacked van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have been suggested as a robust platform for studying interfacial phenomena and related electric/optoelectronic devices. While the interlayer Coulomb interaction mediated by the vdW coupling has been extensively studied for carrier recombination processes in a diode transport, its correlation with the interlayer tunneling transport has not been elucidated. Here, a contrast is reported between tunneling and drift photocurrents tailored by the interlayer coupling strength in MoSe2 /MoS2 hetero-bilayers (HBs). The interfacial coupling modulated by thermal annealing is identified by the interlayer phonon coupling in Raman spectra and the emerging interlayer exciton peak in photoluminescence spectra. In strongly coupled HBs, positive photocurrents are observed owing to the inelastic band-to-band tunneling assisted by interlayer excitons that prevail over exciton recombinations. By contrast, weakly coupled HBs exhibit a negative photovoltaic diode behavior, manifested as a drift current without interlayer excitonic emissions. This study sheds light on tailoring the tunneling transport for numerous optoelectronic HB devices.

A catalyst system was developed for the highly regio- and stereoselective hydrostannation of a range of alkynes with tributylstannane under mild conditions. The active catalytic species was generated from a stable diruthenium complex by illuminating household fluorescent light (30 W) at room temperature.

An efficient separation of eleven nonprotein amino acids (NPAAs) and three protein amino acids containing aromatic moieties was achieved by capillary electrophoresis without derivatization. The fourteen amino acids were well separated with a 100 mM sodium phosphate run buffer (pH 2.0) using a 57 cm fused-silica capillary (50 microm ID, 50 cm effective length) at 20 degrees C. With an electric field of 351 V/cm, the time needed for the separation was less than 20 min. Under optimum conditions, excellent linear responses were obtained in the concentration range of 5-100 microM, with the linear correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9785 or greater. The relative standard deviations of the migration times and the corrected peak areas were found to be 1.5-3.9% and 8.0-11.5%, respectively. In order to improve the limit of detection (LOD), simple stacking and large volume stacking using an EOF pump (LVSEP) methods were used. Improved LODs were about 300 nM in stacking and below 15 nM for five small NPAAs in LVSEP.

Fully passivated low noise AlGaAs/ InGaAs/GaAs pseudomorphic (PM) HEMT with wide head T-shaped gates were fabricated by dose split electron beam lithography (DSL). The dimensions of gate head and footprint were optimized by controlling the splitted pattern size, dose, and spaces of each pattern. We obtained stable T-shaped gate of 0.15 m gate length with 1.35 m-wide head. The maximum extrinsic transconductance was 560 mS/mm. The minimum noise figure measured at 18 GHz at VdsD 2 Va ndIdsD 17 mA was 0.41 dB with associated gain of 8.19 dB. At 12 GHz, the minimum noise figure and an associated gain were 0.26 and 10.25 dB, respectively. These noise figures are the lowest values ever reported for GaAs-based HEMTs. These results are attributed to the extremely low gate resistance of wide head T-shaped gate having a ratio of the head to footprint dimensions larger than 9.

It was reported previously that dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans from Forsythia viridissima fruits, which are traditional medicines for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, have antiinflammatory effects. In this study, the effects on the immediate-phase response (IAR) and late-phase response (LAR) following aerosolized-ovalbumin challenge in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea-pigs were evaluated by measuring the specific airway resistance (sRaw), recruitment of leukocytes and chemical mediators in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) as well as a histopathological survey. Arctiin and matairesinol at 12.5 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) decreased sRaw by 51.83% and 43.15% in IAR and by 47.41% and 35.43% in LAR, respectively, whereas arctigenin at 25 mg/kg was significantly active, compared with the controls. Furthermore, arctiin and arctigenin dose-dependently inhibited histamine, and the activities of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) in BALF, respectively, whereas matairesinol inhibited EPO and PLA₂ at 12.5 mg/kg and histamine at 50 mg/kg, in addition, they moderately improved the infiltration of eosinophils, compared with controls. Dexamethasone, cromolyn and salbutamol significantly inhibited sRaw in both IAR and LAR, and the recruitment of leukocytes and chemical mediators, whereas salbutamol did not alter chemical mediators, in BALF. These results indicate the three lignans have antiasthmatic effects which were less active than those of the reference drugs.

Dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) is an attractive process for the transformation of racemic mixtures into optically active compounds. For successful DKR, efficient racemization is required while the kinetic resolution is proceeding. This Micro-review mainly summarizes the recent developments in the DKR of alcohols and amines, based on metal-catalyzed racemization and enzymatic acylation in a single reaction vessel. Related reactions involving precursors of alcohols and amines such as ketones, enol acetates and ketoximes are also described. Reaction conditions are arranged according to racemization catalysts, and substrates employed in the DKR are tabulated. Suggested mechanisms for metal-catalyzed racemizations are also summarized.

3-(Trimethylstannyl)-5-bromo-2-pyrone underwent facile Stille coupling reactions with aryl halides to produce various 3-substituted 5-bromo-2-pyrones. The resulting 3-aryl-2-pyrone derivatives underwent both normal and inverse electron demand D-A cycloadditions depending on the type of the dienophiles being reacted.

3,5-Dibromo-2-pyrone underwent facile palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions with various primary and secondary alkyl and aryl amines to furnish a variety of the previously unknown 3-arylamino- and 3-alkylamino-5-bromo-2-pyrones with good to excellent regioselectivity and chemical yields.