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Plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) play essential roles in various biological processes, including anther and pollen development, vegetative organ development, seed development and germination, and stress response, but the research progress varies greatly among Arabidopsis, rice and maize. Here, we presented a preliminary introduction and characterization of the whole 65 LTP genes in maize, and performed a phylogenetic tree and gene ontology analysis of the LTP family members in maize. We compared the research progresses of the reported LTP genes involved in male fertility and other biological processes in Arabidopsis and rice, and thus provided some implications for their maize orthologs, which will provide useful clues for the investigation of LTP transporters in maize. We predicted the functions of LTP genes based on bioinformatic analyses of their spatiotemporal expression patterns by using RNA-seq and qRT-PCR assays. Finally, we discussed the advances and challenges in substrate identification of plant LTPs, and presented the future research directions of LTPs in plants. This study provides a basic framework for functional research and the potential application of LTPs in multiple plants, especially for male sterility research and application in maize.

Maize tassel is the male reproductive organ which is located at the plant’s apex; both its morphological structure and fertility have a profound impact on maize grain yield. More than 40 functional genes regulating the complex tassel traits have been cloned up to now. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the whole process, from male inflorescence meristem initiation to tassel morphogenesis, are seldom discussed. Here, we summarize the male inflorescence developmental genes and construct a molecular regulatory network to further reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying tassel-trait formation in maize. Meanwhile, as one of the most frequently studied quantitative traits, hundreds of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and thousands of quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) related to tassel morphology have been identified so far. To reveal the genetic structure of tassel traits, we constructed a consensus physical map for tassel traits by summarizing the genetic studies conducted over the past 20 years, and identified 97 hotspot intervals (HSIs) that can be repeatedly mapped in different labs, which will be helpful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in improving maize yield as well as for providing theoretical guidance in the subsequent identification of the functional genes modulating tassel morphology. In addition, maize is one of the most successful crops in utilizing heterosis; mining of the genic male sterility (GMS) genes is crucial in developing biotechnology-based male-sterility (BMS) systems for seed production and hybrid breeding. In maize, more than 30 GMS genes have been isolated and characterized, and at least 15 GMS genes have been promptly validated by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis within the past two years. We thus summarize the maize GMS genes and further update the molecular regulatory networks underlying male fertility in maize. Taken together, the identified HSIs, genes and molecular mechanisms underlying tassel morphological structure and male fertility are useful for guiding the subsequent cloning of functional genes and for molecular design breeding in maize. Finally, the strategies concerning efficient and rapid isolation of genes controlling tassel morphological structure and male fertility and their application in maize molecular breeding are also discussed.

Grain yield is the most critical and complex quantitative trait in maize. Kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW), kernel thickness (KT) and hundred-kernel weight (HKW) associated with kernel size are essential components of yield-related traits in maize. With the extensive use of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses, thousands of QTLs and quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) have been discovered for controlling these traits. However, only some of them have been cloned and successfully utilized in breeding programs. In this study, we exhaustively collected reported genes, QTLs and QTNs associated with the four traits, performed cluster identification of QTLs and QTNs, then combined QTL and QTN clusters to detect consensus hotspot regions. In total, 31 hotspots were identified for kernel size-related traits. Their candidate genes were predicted to be related to well-known pathways regulating the kernel developmental process. The identified hotspots can be further explored for fine mapping and candidate gene validation. Finally, we provided a strategy for high yield and quality maize. This study will not only facilitate causal genes cloning, but also guide the breeding practice for maize.

Surfactin, which is composed of a β-hydroxy fatty acid chain and a peptide ring, has drawn considerable attention due to its potential applications in the biomedicine, bioremediation, and petroleum industries. However, the low yield of surfactin from wild strains still restricts its industrial applications. In this study, eight genes relevant to the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway were targeted to enhance surfactin production, and high surfactin-yielding strains with potential industrial applications were obtained. When ldeHA and acc were co-overexpressed, the surfactin yield of recombinant strains TDS8 and TPS8 increased to 1.55- and 1.19-fold of their parental strains, respectively, again proving that the conversion of acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) to malonyl-CoA is the rate-limiting step in fatty acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, changes in surfactin isoforms of recombinant strain TPS8 suggest that the fatty acid precursor synthesis pathway can be modified to improve the proportion of different isoforms. In addition, the deletion of lpdV, which is responsible for the conversion of α-ketoacyl-CoA precursors, resulted in a sharp decrease in surfactin production, further demonstrating the importance of branched-chain fatty acid biosynthesis in surfactin production. This work will facilitate the design and construction of more efficiently engineered strains for surfactin production and further extend industrial applications.

Regulatory factors function by modulating a variety of cascade mechanisms in cells. RBM4 is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Cytoplasmic RBM4 interacts with Ago2 to regulate inflammatory responses by affecting mRNA decay and cap-dependent translation. However, it is unclear whether RBM4 functions in inflammation regulation by its splicing factor role. Here, the cell biology, gene expression profile and alternative splicing pattern of HeLa cells with RBM4 overexpression (RBM-OE) were compared with the control. The results showed that RBM4-OE inhibited proliferation. RBM4-OE extensively affects the transcriptional level of genes involved in cell surface receptor signalling pathway, inflammatory responses and the response to lipopolysaccharide. RBM4 broadly regulated the alternative splicing of hundreds of genes with functions of protein binding, helicase activity, DNA binding and transcription co-activator. RBM4-regulated splicing of these genes plays an important role in apoptotic process and gene transcription regulation. As an example, exon inclusion of TNIP1 mediated by RBM4 affects the expression of its targets in inflammatory pathways. These results indicated that RBM4 can mediate the inflammatory response via splicing regulation, which adds to the understanding of the critical role of RBM4 in cancer complicated by inflammation. In conclusion, this study indicated a mechanism in which the dysregulation of alternative splicing can influence cellular biology and lead to various immune-related diseases.

Tremella fuciformis is an important edible mushroom that has been widely cultivated and used as food and medicinal ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. In the past decades, many researchers have reported that T. fuciformis polysaccharides (TPS) possess various bioactivities, including anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, repairing brain memory impairment, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic. The structural characteristic of TPS has also been extensively investigated using advanced modern analytical technologies such as NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS and FT-IR to dissect the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the TPS biomacromolecule. This article reviews the recent progress in the extraction, purification, structural characterization and applications of TPS.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is upregulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to other breast cancer subtypes and normal tissues. Current Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors, such as niclosamide, target the pathway nonspecifically and exhibit poor pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics in vivo. Niclosamide targets other pathways, including mTOR, STAT3 and Notch. Novel benzimidazoles have been developed to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling with greater specificity. The compounds SRI33576 and SRI35889 were discovered to produce more cytotoxicity in TNBC cell lines than in noncancerous cells. The agents also downregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling mediators LRP6, cyclin D1, survivin and nuclear active β-catenin. In addition, SRI33576 did not affect mTOR, STAT3 and Notch signaling in TNBC and noncancerous cells. SRI35889 inhibited mTOR signaling less in noncancerous than in cancerous cells, while not affecting STAT3 and Notch pathways. Compounds SRI32529, SRI35357 and SRI35361 were not selectively cytotoxic against TNBC cell lines compared to MCF10A cells. While SRI32529 inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling, the compound also mitigated mTOR, STAT3 and Notch signaling. SRI33576 and SRI35889 were identified as cytotoxic and selective inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling with therapeutic potential to treat TNBC in vivo.

As a new social networking media, Micro-blog is recognized by more and more people gradually, the orientation analysis of Micro-blog short text messages has become a hotspot in the field of data mining. At present, the research of Micro-blog orientation analysis mainly concentrate in the text, without considering the impact of other emotional factors. By analyzing and studying Sina Micro-blog, this paper added new words and emoticons in the basis of traditional emotional dictionary to construct special Micro-blog dictionary. Meanwhile, it analyzed rhetoric and sentence to improve the effect of orientation analysis. The experimental results showed that the method in Micro-blog orientation analysis obtained better performance.

A face recognition method on mobile terminals based on manifold learning was proposed. Firstly, the modified Snake model was set in order to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of facial feature point labeling. Then, the partial mapping method was carried out to map the face images to a subspace for further analysis. Finally, the nearest neighbor classifier was enhanced to show the recognition results. The experimental results indicate that the performance of this method is excellent. It is boasts a higher accuracy rate and bigger robustness than the ordinary methods.

Background and Objectives Spinal metastasis with epidural encroachment is regarded by several authors to be a contraindication to percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) because of the risk of increasing symptomatic leakage of cement. This analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PVP in patients with painful spinal metastasis and encroachment of epidural space. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to review 43 consecutive patients with spinal metastasis that underwent PVP, for a total of 69 affected levels. All patients had at least 1 level associated with epidural encroachment related to metastasis. Among these patients, 14 had signs of spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Pain intensity was scored on a visual-analog scale (VAS). The analgesic efficacy was defined as at least 50% improvement in pain score as compared with the pre-procedure baseline and post-procedure. Clinical improvement of neurological compressive symptoms was defined as a decrease in ASIA impairment scale from baseline of 1 point or more. Results The analgesic efficacy was achieved in 89.7% of survival patients at 1 month, 87.5% at 3 months, 86.9% at 6 months, and 84.6% at 1 year. Small amount cement leakages were detected in 69.6% of treated levels without clinical complications. No deterioration of spinal cord or cauda equina compression symptoms was observed after a PVP in any patients. The different grade of epidural encroachment of the lesions was not correlated with filling volume or extraosseous leakage (P > 0.05). The treated levels with epidural encroachment showed a statistically significant relationship to spinal-canal leakage (P

It is an innovative design method in physics that product layout design is abstracted into convex hull plus rubber band simulation layout mode by setting up the optimized model. Based on the physics model of Newtons Second Law, this paper analyzed collision detection methods during the process of realizing reasonable layout, and it is founded that real-time collision detection and collision response during movement, produced components within the given beat, appeared to be the key content of resolving digital model design. In this paper, Area Difference method was adopted to detect when the collision occurred during component movement and what kind of state the component tended to be in collision. At the same time, it also determined the interference degree, solved critical point pose for collision response as well as its generation time and related torque and force, which can confirm the components continued movement model of rotation and sliding. Meanwhile, it employed the Judgment Matrix method to analyze collision response so as to confirm the collision interference relationship and collision action state, movement possessing mode (rotation, sliding and retraction, etc.) within the remaining time after collision with given beat during the layout process. All these provided with a practical solution for digital design of optimized model based on convex hull plus rubber band simulation compact layout.

To illustrate the effect of treatment with cementoplasty in patients with painful bone metastases in the extraspinal region. A retrospective study was conducted to review 51 consecutive patients who underwent cementoplasty under CT or fluoroscopic guidance, a total of 65 lesions involving the ilium, ischium, pubis, acetabulum, humeral, femur and tibia. In 5 patients with a high risk of impending fracture in long bones based on Mirels’ scoring system, an innovative technique using a cement-filled catheter was applied. The clinical effects were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients were treated successfully with a satisfying resolution of painful symptoms at 3 months’ follow-up. Cement leakage was found in 8 lesions without any symptoms. VAS scores decreased from 8.19 ± 1.1 preoperatively to 4.94 ± 1.6 at 3 days, 3.41 ± 2.1 at 1 month and 3.02 ± 1.9 at 3 months postoperatively. There was a significant difference between the mean preoperative baseline score and the mean score at all of the postoperative follow-up points (P

Molecular dynamical (MD) simulations were performed to study the structure sensitivity of H2O adsorption on adsorption different Bi2WO6and grapheme-supported Bi2WO6surfaces. Results show that stronger interaction happens between H2O and Bi2WO6(001) than the interactions (between H2O and Bi2WO6(100) and between H2O and Bi2WO6(010)), and O atom of the surface acts as the active site for H2O adsorption. The adsorption modes and locations of H2O on G-Bi2WO6distinct with those on Bi2WO6surfaces. The maximum adsorption amount of H2O on graphene is under 333K and 373K, with the value of 12.0403×10-5mol/m2and 12.0538×10-5mol/m2. The maximum adsorption amount of H2O adsorption on Bi2WO6(100), G-Bi2WO6(100), and G-Bi2WO6(001) is under 303K, 303K, and 333K, with 6.4079×10-5mol/m2, 9.1096×10-5mol/m2, and 11.1917×10-5mol/m2, respectively. Meanwhile, the maximum adsorption amount of H2O adsorption on G-Bi2WO6(010) is under 353K and 373K, with the value of 10.0452×10-5mol/m2and 10.5417×10-5mol/m2. Results point out the optimal catalyst and the most appropriate pressure and temperature for H2O interacting to Bi2WO6and grapheme-supported Bi2WO6.

In the Zongzi manufacturing industry, the traditional Zongzi piecework way not only consumes huge manpower, but also has low efficiency, and prone to error. In this paper, Zongzi piecework system is designed, PLC is adopted as the control center, piecework subsystem and sampling subsystem are developed to implement Zongzi high-speed count and sampling control of multiple production lines in the same time. Practical application shows that the system can greatly improve the speed and precision of Zongzi piecework.

In the process of erotic image detection, a kind of beach images is often error detected. To solve this problem, a detection model of beach image is designed, which divides the image into two parts to detect: the blue sky in the upper portion and the beach in the lower part. At the same time, a beach naked body detection model is designed to deal with the beach images with naked body, in which OpenCV is used to detect face and naked body. The experimental results show that the proposed method can detect beach image accurately, effectively reduce the error rate of normal image.

To evaluate effects of vertebroplasty on restoration of vertebral body height and wedge angle and relief from pain in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures.A retrospective study of 156 patients (232 levels) who had undergone vertebroplasty was conducted. Treated vertebrae with cleft included 49 patients (49 levels) and that without cleft 107 patients (183 levels). Effects on restoration of vertebral body height and wedge angle, and pain scores between pre- and post-procedure were statistically analyzed by using a paired-sample t test, and Kruskal Wallis test.The height and wedge angle of the fractured vertebral body, and pain score, improved significantly after vertebroplasty. On a vertebra-by-vertebra analysis, the vertebral body height and wedge angle in the cleft group, were statistically significantly better post-procedure (P 0.01); in the non-cleft group, there was nosignificant improved (P 0.05). Pain relief was not statistically significant different between the two groups (P 0.05).Most patients experienced pain relief after vertebroplasty. After vertebroplasty, the height and wedge angle were significantly improved in the cleft group (p 0.01), with no significant improvement in the non-cleft group (p 0.05). Key Points • Vertebra with cleft is attributed to improvement of the spinal deformity • Vertebra without cleft was not associated with improvement of the spinal deformity • Vertebroplasty is an effective treatment strategy for osteoporotic compression fractures.

To compare the efficacy of percutaneous long bone cementoplasty (PLBC) with and without embedding a cement-filled catheter in the medullary canal (ECFC) for painful long bone metastases with impending fracture. A retrospective study was conducted in 36 consecutive patients undergoing PLBC and ECFC combination (n = 17, group A) or PLBC alone (n = 19, group B). All patients had a high risk of impending fracture in the long bone based on Mirels’ scoring system. Clinical effects were evaluated using both a pre- and a postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and Karnofsky performance scale (KPS). Overall pain relief rate with excellent (VAS 0–2) and good (VAS 2.5–4.5) results during follow-up was significantly higher in group A than in group B (88.2 % vs. 57.9 %, P

Objective * These authors contributed equally to this work. At present, they work at the Hezhou People’s Hospital, Hezhou, China. To retrospectively compare differences in the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors between the Chinese Jing and Mulao populations. Methods Subjects of Jing and Mulao ethnicities were surveyed using stratified randomized sampling. Demography, diet and lifestyle data were collected using standardized questionnaires. Several anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP) levels and serum lipid concentrations were obtained. Results Data from 915 Jing and 911 Mulao subjects aged ≥35 years were included. Diastolic BP levels and prevalence of hypertension were lower, but prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension was higher, in the Jing compared with the Mulao population. Prevalence of hypertension in the age 60–69 years, body mass index (BMI) > 24 kg/m2, and smoker subgroups was lower in the Jing compared with the Mulao populations. Prevalence of hypertension correlated with age, cigarette smoking, triglyceride level, waist circumference, sodium intake and total dietary fibre in the Jing population; hypertension prevalence also correlated with age, triglyceride level, BMI, total fat, sodium intake and total dietary fibre in the Mulao population (unconditional logistic regression analyses). Conclusions Prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors were different between the two ethnic minorities, which might result from the combined effects of differences in their geographic, dietary, lifestyle, and genetic backgrounds.

The first example of a direct aldehyde–ketone coupling using the secondary amine piperidine as base in the presence of MgI2 to generate high selectivity of anti-aldol products from unmodified ethyl ketones in high yield is reported. The coupling reactions were carried out in a one-pot reaction by mixing four reaction components at room temperature. In the case of unsymmetrical ketones, addition was made to the less hindered α-side.

An asymmetric synthesis of β-iodo-α-(hydroxyalkyl)acrylates has been developed involving conjugate addition of I− to menthyl propiolates to give β-iodo allenolate intermediates which undergo 1,2-addition to form β-iodo Baylis–Hillman products. Modest diastereoselectivities (37–58% de) and excellent yields (80–87%) were obtained when (1R,2S,5R)-(−)-menthol was used as a chiral auxiliary. The two diastereoisomers of the product were separated by silica gel chromatography to give diastereomerically pure products.

A three-component electrophilic reaction transforms olefins into imidazoline and diamine derivatives. Rhodium(II) heptafluorobutyrate dimer (2 mol %) was utilized as the catalyst and N,N-dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide (TsNCl2 ) and acetonitrile as the nitrogen sources. Modest to good yields (45-82 %) and high regio- and stereoselectivity were achieved.

To evaluate the effectiveness of vertebroplasty in symptomatic vertebral haemangiomas (VHs) with no neurological deficit, with or without features of aggressiveness in imaging studies. A retrospective study was conducted to review 31 consecutive patients with symptomatic VHs that underwent vertebroplasty procedures (13 males, 18 females; mean age, 57.5 years), for a total of 33 affected vertebral levels (range, T4–L5 levels). Pre procedure radiological examinations were reviewed. The presence of predominant soft tissue stroma on CT, low signals on T1W of MRI, epidural tissue, and cortical erosion are considered features of aggressiveness. The clinical effects were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and modified Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) at the pre and each postoperative follow-up time point (mean follow-up of 15.8 months). Symptomatic VHs with no signs of aggressiveness were observed in 26 lesions and those with signs of aggressiveness in 7 lesions. Vertebroplasty was successfully performed under fluoroscopic guidance with a unipedicular approach in 16 levels, a bipedicular approach in 17 levels. VAS scores and RDQ scores were significantly improved after vertebroplasty (P

A new method has been developed for the stereospecific synthesis of unusual ( Z )- β -branched Baylis-Hillman adducts with high Z E selectivity (>99 %) in modest to good yields. The process involves successful formation of anionic β-substituted [α-(alkoxycarbonyl)vinyl]aluminum intermediates and their coupling with aldehydes and ketones catalyzed by n -Bu 2 BOTf at −78 °C.

A new anionic addition process has been developed for the asymmetric synthesis of unusual Baylis-Hillman adducts, β,β-disubstituted α-(hydroxyalkyl)acrylates. The new process involves conjugate addition of R 2 CuLi to β-substituted α,β-acetylenic ester to give lithium (α-carbalkoxyvinyl)cuprate which was then subjected to the carbonyl addition to aldehyde promoted by Et 2 AlCl. Modest to good diastereoselectivity (50.0 – 87.7 % de) has been obtained by using (1R,2S,5R)-(−)-menthol as the chiral auxiliary (59.0 – 94.0 % yield). The absolute configuration was unambiguously assigned by transforming the product to methyl (R)-α-methoxyphenylacetate.

A series of new Baylis–Hillman adducts, β-monosubstituted and β,β-disubstituted N -( p -toluenesulfinyl)-α-(aminoalkyl)acrylates has been synthesized via asymmetric nucleophilic additions of (α-carbalkoxyvinyl)cuprates to chiral p -toluenesulfinimines. Modest to good yields (52.0–72.0%) and excellent diastereoselectivity (>90% de ) have been obtained. The Z / E selectivity was found to be effected by solvents or cosolvents.

Ytterbium(III) triflate has been found to catalyze anionic additions of functionalized lithium (α-carbalkoxyvinyl)cuprates to chiral p-toluenesulfinimines (thiooxime S-oxides) in a cosolvent system (Et2OCH2Cl2). This new system has made it possible to utilize those p-toluenesulfinimines of low solubility in Et2O as the electrophiles to react with anionic (α-carbalkoxyvinyl)cuprates for the asymmetric synthesis of the corresponding β-mono and β,β-disubstituted Baylis-Hillman adducts. Modest yields (51.0–64.4% yield) and good to excellent diastereoselectivities (> 90% de) were obtained.

A new method has been developed for the synthesis of achiral β,β-disubstituted and (Z)-β-monosubstituted Baylis-Hillman adducts with excellent Z/E stereospecificity in some cases. The process involves the conjugate additions of R2CuLi or RMgBr-CuBr-DMS to α,β-acetylenic esters and followed by additions of anionic α-(alkoxycarbonyl)vinyl]copper intermediates to aldehydes. The individual Z- and E- isomers of the resulting β-branched α-(hydroxylalkyl)acrylates can be separated by column chromatography in modest to excellent yield.

Some hindered chiral 1, 3-diketones were successfully synthesized from the reaction of (+)-3α-bromocamphor with acyl chlorides in the presence of samarium diiodide (SmI2) under mild reaction conditions in high yields.

A new mild procedure has been developed for the synthesis of cis β-bromostyrene analogs with complete Z/E selectivity and good to excellent yields (58.4 - 90.9%). The process involves carboxyl-halo-elimination of cinnamic acid dibromides by using triethylamine in N,N-dimethylformamide at room temperature. A one-pot procedure has also been described for the direct transformation of cinnamic acids to β-bromostyrenes.

TiCl4-Mediated Baylis–Hillman and aldol reactions were developed without the direct use of a Lewis base. These processes involve the conjugate addition of TiCl4 to α,β-unsaturated substrates followed by carbonyl coupling. Baylis–Hillman olefins were obtained when α,β-unsaturated ketones were employed as the substrates, whereas β-halogenated aldol products were generated with an α,β-unsaturated N-acyl benzoxalinone as the Michael-type acceptor.

An efficient deprotection of N - p -toluenesulfinyl group of β-branched Baylis–Hillman adducts has been developed by using Amberlite IR-120 (plus) ion-exchange resin in methanol solution at room temperature. Good to quantitative yields have been obtained for six examples. No racemization was detected under the mild conditions. This new method provides a simultaneous deprotection/purification, which has the great advantage over the solution phase deprotection technique of simplicity of work-up.

A highly stereoselective method for the synthesis of (E)-β-halogeno Baylis–Hillman adducts has been developed. The new method involves a tandem α-hydroxyalkylation/β-chlorination of α,β-acetylenic ketones by using TiCl4 as the chlorine source for α,β-conjugate addition, and concurrently as the Lewis acid promoter for the carbonyl addition. The new system tolerates a broad scope of reactants in which aliphatic and aromatic α-acetylenic ketones can be subjected to the conjugate addition. Both aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes can also be employed as electrophilic acceptors. Good yields (61–88%) and high E/Z stereoselectivity have been obtained for the nine examples which were examined, only in one case was E/Z selectivity of 17/1 observed and the two individual isomers are separable via flash column chromatography.

The asymmetric catalytic aldol reaction of silyl allenolates with aldehydes has been achieved by using N-C(3)F(7)CO oxazaborolidine as the catalyst. The fluoroacyl group of the catalyst was found to be crucial for control of enantioselectivity. The reaction provides the first enantioselective approach to beta-halo Baylis-Hillman-type adducts.

Transition metal–ligand complex-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective aminohalogenation of cinnamic esters has been developed using p-TsNCl2 as the nitrogen and chlorine sources. Dichloro-(1,10-phenanthroline)-palladium (II) as the catalyst can be handled very conveniently due to its property of less hygroscopic as compared with other aminohalogenation catalysts. The reaction is suggested to proceed through the mechanism involving N-tosyl N-chloro aziridinium intermediate. Eight examples are presented with modest to good yields (56–82%) and excellent stereoselectivity (>10:1).

A series of novel planar chiral N,O-[2,2]paracyclophane ligands were synthesised and applied as catalysts in the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes. The results indicate that the planar chirality of [2,2]paracyclophane, not the central chirality of the oxazoline, is the dominant stereocontrolling element.

N-Chloro-N-sodium-sulfonamide was found to react with olefins in the presence of copper catalyst to give vicinal haloamine derivatives instead of aziridines. The resulting regio and stereochemistry indicates that this unexpected reaction could proceed through the formation of unprecedented N-chloro-N-copper-2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl aziridinium intermediates, which can increase the successful chance to render the asymmetric version of the aminohalogenation reaction. In addition, this finding provides a more convenient protocol by the use of solely pure NsNClNa for the aminohalogenation reaction as compared to the mixed nitrogen and chlorine sources consisting of NsNCl2 and NsNHNa as previously reported by us. Two new simple olefin substrates, trans-stilbene and styrene, were also found to be effective for this new reaction system.

A substoichiometric amount of titanium tetrachloride was found to be effective to promote and participate in the tandem α-hydroxyalkylation/β-chlorination of α,β-acetylenic ketones in the presence of (n-Bu)4NI. This method provides the concise synthesis of (E)-β-halo Baylis–Hillman adducts. No β-iodo products were detected when using this combination of halogen sources. The reaction process involves 1,4-addition of chloro anion released from TiCl4 onto α,β-acetylenic ketones to give TiCl3–allenolate intermediates followed by the titanium Lewis acid-promoted carbonyl addition. Modest to good yields (53–77%) and excellent E/Z stereoselectivity (>95%) have been obtained for 10 examples.

A three-component electrophilic reaction transforms olefins into imidazoline and diamine derivatives. Rhodium(II) heptafluorobutyrate dimer (2 mol %) was utilized as the catalyst and N,N-dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide (TsNCl2 ) and acetonitrile as the nitrogen sources. Modest to good yields (45-82 %) and high regio- and stereoselectivity were achieved.

Highly stereoselective synthesis of (E)-β-bromo Baylis-Hillman ketones has been achieved using a three-component X–C/C–C formation reaction. The synthesis involves the Michael-type addition of TiBr4 to α,β-acetylenic ketones without using any bases and carbonyl coupling with aldehydes. Modest yields (50–65%) and complete E/Z geometric selectivity have been realized for 10 examples.

The FeCl(3)-PPh(3) complex was found to effectively catalyze the electrophilic diamination reaction of electron-deficient alkenes. Improvements on yields and stereoselectivity have been achieved for both alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic esters and ketones. Under the new catalytic system, alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic esters were found to be superior to their ketone counterparts, which is opposite to the previous (C(3)F(7)CO(2))(2)Rh](2)-catalyzed diamination. The reaction employs readily available N,N-dichloro-p-toluenesulfonamide (TsNCl(2)) and acetonitrile as the nitrogen sources and is very easy to perform at room temperature without the special protection of inert gases. The resulting diamino products belong to imidazolidine analogue and can further strengthen the importance of the new reaction. Modest to good yields (52-84%) and high regio- and stereoselectivity have been achieved for 10 examples.

The Baylis-Hillman-type reaction of alpha,Beta-ethyl thioacrylate with aldehydes has been achieved using diethylaluminium iodide as the promoter without the direct use of any Lewis bases. The reaction provides an effective access to various alpha-methylene-Beta-hydroxy thioesters.

Macrophage phagocytosis activates NADPH oxidase, an electron transport system in the plasma membrane. This study examined the feasibility of utilizing electrons transferred through the plasma membrane via NADPH oxidase to run a biofuel cell. THP-1 human monocytic cells were chemically stimulated to differentiate into macrophages. Further they were activated to induce a phagocytic response. During differentiation, cells became adherent to a plain gold electrode which was used as anode in a two-compartment fuel cell system. The current production in the fuel cell always corresponded to the NADPH oxidase activity, which was evaluated by the amount of superoxide anion produced upon stimulation in combination with the expression levels of the different NADPH oxidase subunits in cells. Moreover, our results of different inhibitory tests let us conclude that (i) the current observed in the fuel cell originates from NADPH oxidase in activated macrophages and (ii) there are multiple electron transport pathways from the cells to the electrode. One pathway involves superoxide anions produced upon stimulation, additional not yet identified electron transport occurs independently of superoxide anions.This type of novel biofuel cell driven by living human cells may eventually develop into a battery replacement for small medical devices.

The family of T-cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecules (TIMs) has an important role in immune regulation. TIM-3 is a transmembrane protein preferentially expressed on terminally differentiated Th1 cells and plays a role in T-helper (Th)-1-mediated autoimmune disease. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired organ-specific autoimmune disease with a polarization of Th1. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the -1516G>T, -574T>G, 4259G>T single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the TIM-3 gene contribute to the genetic susceptibility to ITP. Genotyping of TIM-3 -1516G>T, -574T>G, and 4259G>T was performed in 187 patients with ITP and 123 healthy individuals by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. No significant differences existed in genotype and allele distributions between the patients with ITP and the controls in all three sites. There was strong linkage disequilibrium (LD; r2 = 0.633) between -574T>G and 4259G>T, whereas -1516G>T was not in LD with -574T>G (r2 = 0.007) or with 4259G>T (r2 = 0.002). The -1516G>T, -574T>G, and 4259G>T of TIM-3 gene polymorphisms might not play an important role as a genetic risk factor in the pathophysiology of ITP.

The cross compatible wild relatives of crops have furnished valuable genes for crop improvement. Understanding the genetics of these wild species may enhance their further use in breeding. In this study, sequence variation of the nuclear Lhs1 gene was used to investigate the population genetic structure and gene flow of Oryza rufipogon and O. nivara, two wild species most closely related to O. sativa. The two species diverge markedly in life history and mating system, with O. rufipogon being perennial and outcrossing and O. nivara being annual and predominantly inbreeding. Based on sequence data from 105 plants representing 11 wild populations covering the entire geographic range of these wild species, we detected significantly higher nucleotide variation in O. rufipogon than in O. nivara at both the population and species levels. At the population level the diversity in O. rufipogon (Hd = 0.712; theta (sil) = 0.0017) is 2-3 folds higher than that in O. nivara (Hd = 0.306; theta (sil) = 0.0005). AMOVA partitioning indicated that genetic differentiation among O. nivara populations (78.2%) was much higher than that among O. rufipogon populations (52.3%). The different level of genetic diversity and contrasting population genetic structure between O. rufipogon and O. nivara might be explained by their distinct life histories and mating systems. Our simulation using IM models demonstrated significant gene flow from O. nivara to O. rufipogon, indicating a directional introgression from the annual and selfing species into the perennial and outcrossing species. The ongoing introgression has played an important role in shaping current patterns of genetic diversity of these two wild species.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of Chinese adults with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Methods: The Chinese (mainland) version of Medical Outcome Study SF-36 form (SF-36) Health Survey was used to measure health-related QoL of 236 adults with ITP in a cross-sectional study. Results: Comparison of SF-36 subscores of patients with ITP with healthy individuals revealed the reduction of QoL in all of the eight SF-36 dimensions. The difference on statistical significance presented in six of eight dimensions of SF-36 including physical functioning (PF), role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health perception (GH), social functioning (SF), and role limitations due to emotional problems (RE) between the patients with ITP and the normal population (P

Three New isoflavans, manuifolin G, H and K were isolated from roots of Maackia tenuifolia . Their structures were established as (3 R )-5′-(1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl)-8-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-7-2′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavan, (3 R )-6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-7,2′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavan and (3 R )-5′-(1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl)-7,2′,4′-trihydroxyisoflavan by spectroscopic methods.