An innovative predictive model for cervical cancer constructed around a gene profile associated with cholesterol metabolism.

Cholesterol metabolism is crucial for cell survival and cancer progression. The prognostic patterns of genes linked to cholesterol metabolism (CMAGs) in CESC, however, have received very little attention in research. From public databases, TCGA-CESC cohorts with mRNA expression patterns and the accompanying clinical information of patients were gathered. Consensus clustering was used to find the molecular subtype connected to cholesterol metabolism. In the TCGA-CESC cohort, a predictive risk model with 28 CMAGs was created using Lasso-Cox regression. The function enrichment analysis between groups with high-and low-risk were investigated by employing GO, KEGG, and GSVA software. The immune cell infiltration was analyzed using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and MCPCOUNTER methods. Finally, we select 7 genes in risk model for further multivariate Cox analysis, and ultimately a hub gene, CHIT1, was identified. Meanwhile, the function of CHIT1 was preliminarily verified in cell and mice tumor model. In conclusion, the abundance of the CHIT1 gene might be beneficial for forecasting the prognosis of CESC, demonstrating that cholesterol metabolism could be a promising treatment target for CESC.

Accurate ab initio based global adiabatic potential energy surfaces for the 13A'', 13A' and 21A' states of SiH2.

Three accurate global adiabatic potential energy surfaces for the 13A'', 13A' and 21A' states of SiH2 are constructed by fitting numerous ab initio energies calculated at the aug-cc-pV(Q+d)Z and aug-cc-pV(5+d)Z basis sets based on the multi-reference configuration interaction level with Davidson correction. It is worth noting that the potential energy surface of the 13A'' state is established for the first time. The topographic features of these novel potential energy surfaces are investigated in detail and are very consistent with those obtained in the available literature. Moreover, the integral cross-sections of the corresponding reaction are calculated for the first time using a quasi-classical trajectory method and time-dependent wave packet method, indicating that the 13A'' state makes a major contribution to the reaction of Si(3P) + H2(X1Σ+g) (v = 0, j = 0) → H(2S) + SiH(X2Π) at high collision energies. These new potential energy surfaces provide a reliable foundation for investigation of the dynamics and a component for constructing larger silicon-/hydrogen-containing systems.

An accurate many-body expansion potential energy surface for AlH2 (22A') and quantum dynamics in Al(3P) + H2 (v0 = 0-3, j0 = 0, 2, 4, 6) collisions.

An accurate potential energy surface is constructed for the excited state of AlH2 by fitting extensive ab initio points calculated at the multi-reference configuration interaction level based on aug-cc-pV(Q+d)Z and aug-cc-pV(5+d)Z basis sets. All the calculated energies are corrected via the many-body expansion method and extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. The various topographic features of the new potential energy surface are investigated to demonstrate the correct behavior of Al(3P) + H2(X1Σg+) and AlH(a3Π) + H(2S) dissociation limits. By employing the time-dependent wave packet approach, the integral scattering cross-sections obtained from the Coriolis coupling calculation and the centrifugal sudden approximation, respectively, are compared in detail and show that the former has a higher effect on the reaction. Moreover, the thermal rate constants for Al(3P) + H2 (v0 = 0-3, j0 = 0, 2, 4, 6) in the temperature range of 0-5000 K are calculated, thereby providing insights into the influence of ro-vibrational quantum numbers on the thermal rate constants.

An accurate many-body expansion potential energy surface for SiH2 (11 A') using a switching function formalism.

An accurate many-body expansion potential energy surface for the ground state of SiH2 is reported. To warrant the correct behavior at the Si (1D) + H2 (X1Σ+g) dissociation channels involving silicon in the first excited Si (1D) and ground Si (3P) states, a switching function formalism has been utilized. A great deal of ab initio points based on aug-cc-pV(Q+d)Z and aug-cc-pV(5+d)Z basis sets are utilized at the multi-reference configuration interaction level using the full-valence-complete-active-space wave function as the reference. Subsequently the calculated energies are corrected via a many-body expansion method to extrapolate to the complete basis set limit. The topographic features of the novel many-body expansion global potential energy surface are studied in detail, showing a good agreement with the theoretical and experimental results in the literature. Moreover, the integral cross-section of the Si (1D) + H2 (X1Σ+g) → H (2S) + SiH (X2Π) reaction has been calculated using the time-dependent wave packet method, which provides support for the reliability of the title potential energy surface. This work can serve as the foundation for the study of Si (1D) + H2 (X1Σ+g) reaction kinetics, and for the construction of the larger multibody expansion potential energy surface of silicon/hydrogen containing systems.

Mechanical stress-caused chondrocyte dysfunction and cartilage injury can be attenuated by dioscin via activating sirtuin1/forkhead box O1.

Sirtuin1 (Sirt1)/forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) axis has been reported as a crucial regulator involved in chondral homeostasis of healthy or osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage. In our study, the aim is to investigate whether dioscin functions as an activator of Sirt1/FoxO1 to protect against mechanical stress-induced chondrocyte dysfunction in vitro and in vivo models. HERB and PubChem databases were implemented to predict dioscin-related gene targets. Cell and mouse models of OA were established to determine the pharmacological value of dioscin, a steroidal saponin. Cartilage loss in the knee joint was detected by Safranin O staining. Phosphorylation and nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of FoxO1 was observed in mechanical stress-stimulated chondrocyte and anterior cruciate ligament transection-induced cartilage injury. However, dioscin treatment repressed FoxO1 phosphorylation and cytoplasmic transfer and elevated Sirt1 protein expression. Dioscin treatment reversed mechanical stress-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of chondrocytes and improved cartilage degradation and bone loss in the epiphysis of the distal femur. Moreover, dioscin could maintain the normal phenotype of chondrocytes via mediating multiple gene expressions. Dioscin inhibited apoptosis and metabolic disorders in OA-like chondrocytes via maintaining the transcriptional activity of FoxO1 and enhancing Sirt1 expression. Dioscin might be a potential Sirt1 activator providing a novel therapeutic schedule for the treatment of OA.

Globally Accurate Potential Energy Surface for BH2+2(13A') Using the Switching Function Formalism.

A great number of ab initio energy points are calculated using the aug-cc-pV(Q,5)Z basis sets at the multireference configuration interaction level and extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. An exact three-dimensional potential energy surface of the ground-state BH2+ is obtained. A switching function is developed to model the transition of B+(3P) to B+(1S) to guarantee the reliable behavior at B+(3P) + H2(X1∑g+) and BH+(X2∑+) + H(2S) dissociation limits. The various topographic features of the new global potential energy surface are discussed in detail, showing a good agreement with the previous results from the theory. The quasi-classical trajectory method is utilized to calculate the integral cross sections of the B+(3P) + H2(X1∑g+) (v = 0, j = 0) → BH+(X2∑+) + H(2S) reaction, which can provide another support for reliability of the title potential energy surface.

Circular RNA CCDC66 Regulates Osteoarthritis Progression by Targeting miR-3622b-5p.

OBJECTIVE: CircCCDC66 is involved in cancer progression, but its role in osteoarthritis (OA) remains unknown. This study was carried out to explore the biological role of circCCDC66 in OA and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: The expression levels of miR-3622b-5p and circCCDC66 in OA cartilage tissues were detected by qRT-PCR. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and flow cytometry were used to detect the chondrocyte viability and apoptosis. The expression of chondrocyte inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) was measured by ELISA. The target genes of circCCDC66 and miR-3622b-5p were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay. The relationship between circCCDC66 and miR-3622b-5p was analyzed by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS: It was found that circCCDC66 expression in OA cartilage tissues was upregulated. CircCCDC66 overexpression inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of chondrocytes and increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels in chondrocytes. miR-3622b-5p was predicted to be a downstream target gene of circCCDC66, and circCCDC66 overexpression inhibited miR-3622b-5p expression in chondrocytes. Moreover, miR-3622b-5p expression was downregulated in OA cartilage tissues. miR-3622b-5p overexpression increased chondrocyte proliferation, inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis, and enhanced the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in chondrocytes. In addition, circCCDC66 overexpression enhanced SIRT3 expression in chondrocytes, while miR-3622b-5p overexpression inhibited SIRT3 expression in chondrocytes. CONCLUSION: CircCCDC66 promoted OA chondrocyte apoptosis by regulating the miR-3622b-5p/SIRT3 axis. CircCCDC66 may be a new therapeutic target of OA.

17ß-Estradiol attenuates inflammation and tendon degeneration in a rat model of Achilles tendinitis.

INTRODUCTION: 17ß-Estradiol (E2) is an immune-regulatory agent with anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is still unknown whether E2 exerts pharmacological properties against Achilles tendinitis (AT). This study aims to investigate the effects of E2 on AT and its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The established model of Achilles tendinitis was intraperitoneally injected with E2 (10, 20, or 30 µg/kg/d). After 8 weeks, biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon were determined. Hydroxyproline content and tendon degeneration-related biomarkers were determined. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic-related biomarkers in tendon tissues were determined. Furthermore, western blotting was determined to detect the expressions of ER-α and the PI3K/Akt pathway in tendon tissues. RESULTS: E2 relieved AT-related symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. E2 ameliorated tendon degeneration by regulating tendon degeneration-related biomarkers (e.g. collagen types I and III, Decorin (DCN), and tenascin-C). Besides, treatment with E2 suppressed inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. Treatment with E2 also regulated cell apoptosis in tendon tissues. The underlying mechanism study revealed that treatment with E2 activated ER-α and upregulated the PI3K/Akt pathway. CONCLUSION: The regulatory effects of E2 on inflammation and tendon degeneration in a rat model of AT were associated with the ER-α and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Accurate High-Level Ab Initio-Based Global Potential Energy Surface and Quantum Dynamics Calculation for the First Excited State of CH2.

A full three-dimensional global potential energy surface (PES), covering the whole configuration space, is reported first for the title system by fitting high-level ab initio energies at the multireference configuration interaction level with the aug-cc-pV6Z basis set. In this work, the many-body expansion method is invoked to fit the innate character of the CH2+(12A″) PES. The topographical features are examined in detail based on the new global PES and in accordance with the other calculations from the ab initio energies, which show the correct behavior at the C+(2P) + H2(X1Σg+) and CH+(a3Π) + H(2S) dissociation limits. Using a time-dependent wave packet method, we provide insights into the dynamics behavior for reaction of C+(2P) + H2(X1Σg+) → CH+(a3Π) + H(2S). The integral cross sections and reaction probabilities increase monotonically in terms of the collision energy.

Prevalence and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety among hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in China.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than 5 million people around the world and killed more than 300,000 people; thus, it has become a global public health emergency. Our objective was to investigate the mental health of hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODS: The PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Trauma Exposure Scale, abbreviated version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and Demographic Questionnaire were used to examine posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, trauma exposure, resilience and perceived social support among 898 patients who were hospitalized after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in China. The data were analyzed with t tests, one-way ANOVA and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 13.2, 21.0 and 16.4%, respectively. Hospitalized patients who were more impacted by negative news reports, had greater exposure to traumatic experiences, and had lower levels of perceived social support reported higher PTSD, depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Effective professional mental health services should be designed to support the psychological wellbeing of hospitalized patients, especially those who have severe disease, are strongly affected by negative news and have high levels of exposure to trauma.

Health-related quality of life of COVID-19 patients after discharge: A multicenter follow-up study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of COVID-19 patients after discharge and its predicting factors. BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has caused a worldwide pandemic and led a huge impact on the health of human and daily life. It has been demonstrated that physical and psychological conditions of hospitalised COVID-19 patients are impaired, but the studies focus on physical and psychological conditions of COVID-19 patients after discharge from hospital are rare. DESIGN: A multicentre follow-up study. METHODS: This was a multicentre follow-up study of COVID-19 patients who had discharged from six designated hospitals. Physical symptoms and HRQoL were surveyed at first follow-up (the third month after discharge). The latest multiple laboratory findings were collected through medical examination records. This study was performed and reported in accordance with STROBE checklist. RESULTS: Three hundred eleven patients (57.6%) were reported with one or more physical symptoms. The scores of HRQoL of COVID-19 patients at third month after discharge, except for the dimension of general health, were significantly lower than Chinese population norm (p < .001). Results of logistic regression showed that female (odds ratio (OR): 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-3.06), older age (≥60 years) (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.33-4.47) and the physical symptom after discharge (OR: 40.15, 95% CI: 9.68-166.49) were risk factors for poor physical component summary; the physical symptom after discharge (OR: 6.68, 95% CI: 4.21-10.59) was a risk factor for poor mental component summary. CONCLUSIONS: Health-related quality of life of discharged COVID-19 patients did not come back to normal at third month after discharge and affected by age, sex and the physical symptom after discharge. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare workers should pay more attention to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of discharged COVID-19 patients. Long-term follow-up on COVID-19 patients after discharge is needed to determine the long-term impact of COVID-19.

The double-edged sword effect of macrophage targeting delivery system in different macrophage subsets related diseases.

BACKGROUND: Monocyte/macrophage-targeting delivery systems (MTDSs) have been focused upon as an emerging routine for delivering drugs to treat various macrophage-related diseases. However, the ability of MTDSs to distinguish different macrophage-related diseases and their impact on macrophage function and disease progression have not been systematically revealed, which is important for actively targeted therapeutic or diagnostic strategies. RESULTS: Herein, we used dextran-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (DEX-PS) to demonstrate that modification of nanoparticles by dextran can specifically enhance their recognition by M2 macrophages in vitro, but it is obstructed by monocytes in peripheral blood according to in vivo assays. DEX-PS not only targeted and became distributed in tumors, an M2 macrophage-related disease, but was also highly distributed in an M1 macrophage-related disease, namely acute peritonitis. Thus, DEX-PS acts as a double-edged sword in these two different diseases by reeducating macrophages to a pro-inflammatory phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that MTDSs, even those designed based on differential expression of receptors on specific macrophage subtypes, lack the ability to distinguish different macrophage subtype-related diseases in vivo. In addition to the potential impact of these carrier materials on macrophage function, studies of MTDSs should pay greater attention to the distribution of nanoparticles in non-target macrophage-infiltrated disease sites and their impact on disease processes.

Association between admission hypothermia and outcomes in very low birth weight infants in China: a multicentre prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study was to evaluate the association between admission hypothermia and neonatal outcomes in very low-birth weight (VLBW) infants in multiple neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in China. METHODS: Since January 1, 2018, a neonatal homogeneous cooperative research platform-Shandong Neonatal Network (SNN) has been established. The platform collects clinical data in a prospective manner on preterm infants with birth weights (BWs) < 1500 g and gestational ages (GAs) < 34 weeks born in 28 NICUs in Shandong Province. These infants were divided into normothermia, mild or moderate/severe hypothermia groups according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classifications of hypothermia. Associations between outcomes and hypothermia were tested in a bivariate analysis, followed by a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1247 VLBW infants were included in this analysis, of which 1100 infants (88.2%) were included in the hypothermia group, 554 infants (44.4%) in the mild hypothermia group and 546 infants (43.8%) in the moderate/severe hypothermia group. Small for gestational age (SGA), caesarean section, a low Apgar score at 5 min and intubation in the delivery room (DR) were related to admission hypothermia (AH). Mortality was the lowest when their admission temperature was 36.5 ~ 37.5 °C, and after adjustment for maternal and infant characteristics, mortality was significantly associated with AH. Compared with infants with normothermia (36.5 ~ 37.5 °C), the adjusted ORs of all deaths increased to 4.148 (95% CI 1.505-11.437) and 1.806 (95% CI 0.651-5.009) for infants with moderate/severe hypothermia and mild hypothermia, respectively. AH was also associated with a high likelihood of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS). CONCLUSIONS: AH is still very high in VLBW infants in NICUs in China. SGA, caesarean section, a low Apgar score at 5 min and intubation in the DR were associated with increased odds of hypothermia. Moderate/severe hypothermia was associated with mortality and poor outcomes, such as RDS, IVH, LOS.

A novel morphological classification for the femoral notch based on MRI: a simple and effective assessment method for the femoral notch.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a novel morphological classification method for notches, which may provide new evidence for notchplasty based on the three-dimensional (3D) features of notches and the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred individuals in total were included in our study, including 150 patients with ACL ruptures (75 males and 75 females) and 150 age- and gender-matched individuals without ACL ruptures. The notches were divided into four types according to the notch widths at the notch inlet, outlet, and ACL attachment based on the preoperative MRI, the notch volume was calculated, and the risk of ACL injury was compared. The surgical records were reviewed and whether these cases performed notchplasty were collected. RESULTS: The inlet-and-outlet stenosis notch type was associated with smaller notch volume (P = 0.007) and a higher risk of ACL injury (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in morphological distribution between males and females. The rate of notchplasty in inlet-and-outlet stenosis type was higher than the others. CONCLUSIONS: The new morphological classification method efficiently reflected the association of the notch shape with the 3D notch volume and the risk of ACL injury. The knees with the inlet-and-outlet stenosis notch type and smaller notch volume tended to have a higher risk of ACL injury. Level of evidence Level III, case-control study.

The correlation between common 2D femoral notch parameters and 3D notch volume: a retrospective MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Although the stenotic femoral intercondylar notch was associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, the parameters for notch assessment were numerous. The present study aimed to compare the 2-dimensional (2D) femoral notch parameters, including the notch width (NW) and notch width index (NWI), with the 3-dimensional (3D) notch volume based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine appropriate femoral parameters for ACL injuries. METHODS: Two hundred forty individuals were included in this study, including 120 patients with ACL ruptures and 120 age- and gender-matched individuals without ACL ruptures. The NWs and NWIs were measured at four sites (the popliteal groove, the notch inlet and outlet, and the ACL attachment), and the notch volumes were calculated. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the 2D and 3D parameters were calculated. A multivariate analysis of the ACL injuries was conducted with these parameters and the demographic data. RESULTS: The associations of the NW and NWI with the notch volume at each of the four locations of the femoral notch were poor in the subgroup analysis, with the exception of the NW in the male ACL-intact group (R = 0.307, 0.256, 0.404 and 0.387 at the popliteal groove, notch inlet and outlet, and ACL attachment, respectively). The multivariate analysis revealed that the notch volume (OR = 0.679, P < 0.001) and the NW at the popliteal groove (OR = 0.844, P = 0.004), notch inlet (OR = 0.720, P < 0.001) and ACL attachment (OR = 0.871, P = 0.028) were predictable parameters to the risk of ACL injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The correlations between the 2D parameters and the 3D volumes were weak. The notch volume and the NW at the popliteal groove, notch inlet and ACL attachment were useful parameters for predicting the risk of ACL injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Comparation and evaluation of the accuracy of the sulcus localization method to establish the medial patellofemoral ligament femoral tunnel: a cadaveric and clinical study.

BACKGROUND: In anatomic medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, malpositioning of the MPFL femoral tunnel is common. A palpable sulcus reportedly exists at the anatomic femoral attachment of the MPFL. The present study aimed to investigate the accuracy of the sulcus localization method to establish the MPFL femoral tunnel. METHODS: A cadaveric study was first done on 12 knees to evaluate the accuracy of the sulcus localization method to establish the entry points of the MPFL femoral tunnel in comparison with the midpoint and fluoroscopic localization methods. The center of the native MPFL femoral attachment was served as the reference in the cadaveric study. A clinical study was then performed to further evaluate the accuracy of the sulcus localization method in 53 patients (60 knees). Schöttle's point was served as the reference in the clinical study. Femoral tunnel placement was defined as accurate when it was less than 5 mm from Schöttle's point. In both the cadaveric and clinical studies, MPFL femoral tunnel placement was assessed on postoperative reconstructed three-dimensional computed tomography images. In the cadaveric study, the accuracy of different localization methods was compared using analysis of variance. RESULTS: In the cadaveric study, the mean distances from the native MPFL attachment to the femoral tunnel entry point were 4.2 ± 1.0 mm (range 2.4-5.6 mm), 4.4 ± 1.4 mm (range 1.8-6.6 mm) and 2.9 ± 0.8 mm (range 1.9-4.4 mm) using the midpoint, fluoroscopic, and sulcus localization methods, respectively; this distance significantly differed between the midpoint and sulcus localization methods, and between the fluoroscopic and sulcus localization methods (p ≤ .05). While there were no significant differences between the midpoint and fluoroscopic localization methods (n.s.). In the clinical study, the mean distance between the femoral tunnel and Schöttle's point was 3.5 ± 1.5 mm (range 0.4-6.1 mm), with accurate tunnel placement achieved in 49 of 60 cases (82%). CONCLUSION: The sulcus localization method can accurately guide MPFL femoral tunnel placement. This method might be useful for orthopedic surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Assessment of relationship between three dimensional femoral notch volume and anterior cruciate ligament injury in Chinese Han adults: a retrospective MRI study.

PURPOSE: The studies of the relationship between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and notch size were in 2-D parameters in Han Chinese, the largest nation in the world, while few studies referred to the 3-D notch volume. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in notch volume between individuals with and without ACL injuries and the optimal criterion value for abnormal notch volume and its sensitivity in predicting the risk of ACL injuries. METHODS: Two hundred eighty individuals were included in this study, including 140 patients with non-contact sports ACL injuries only and 140 age- and gender-matched individuals without ACL injuries. Both groups underwent pre-operative knee MRI examinations and femoral notches were traced manually on 2-D MRI images, then 3-D notch volume was calculated. RESULTS: The notch volume was extremely smaller in the ACL-injured group than that in the control group (5.94 ± 1.35 versus 6.86 ± 1.61 cm3, P < 0.001). The notch volume below 6.99 cm3 in males and 5.63 cm3 in females meant being prone to ACL injuries. Females tend to have smaller notch volume than males (5.53 ± 0.93 versus 7.28 ± 1.55 cm3, P < 0.001). The notch volume was in moderate correlation with the body height and weight and in weak correlation with the BMI but in no correlation with the age. CONCLUSIONS: In Chinese Han adults, the notch volume was significantly smaller in the ACL-injured individuals than in the ACL-intact ones, it was smaller in females than the males and it was correlated with the body height, weight and the BMI. Level of evidence Level III, case-control study.

Catalytic Asymmetric Construction of Halogenated Stereogenic Carbon Centers by Direct Vinylogous Mannich-Type Reaction.

A catalytic asymmetric vinylogous Mannich-type reaction of γ-halo-α,ß-unsaturated N-acylpyrazoles and N-Boc-aldimines was disclosed, which afforded an array of halogenated (F-, Cl-, and Br-) allylic stereogenic carbon centers in high yields with good to high regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivities. The brominated product served as a suitable electrophile for common SN2 nucleophilic substitution and copper-mediated SN2' allylic alkylation with metal reagents. The utility of present methodology was demonstrated by the asymmetric synthesis of a common intermediate toward the synthesis of two chiral 2,3-disubstituted piperidine pharmaceuticals.

Caching Joint Shortcut Routing to Improve Quality of Service for Information-Centric Networking.

Hundreds of thousands of ubiquitous sensing (US) devices have provided an enormous number of data for Information-Centric Networking (ICN), which is an emerging network architecture that has the potential to solve a great variety of issues faced by the traditional network. A Caching Joint Shortcut Routing (CJSR) scheme is proposed in this paper to improve the Quality of service (QoS) for ICN. The CJSR scheme mainly has two innovations which are different from other in-network caching schemes: (1) Two routing shortcuts are set up to reduce the length of routing paths. Because of some inconvenient transmission processes, the routing paths of previous schemes are prolonged, and users can only request data from Data Centers (DCs) until the data have been uploaded from Data Producers (DPs) to DCs. Hence, the first kind of shortcut is built from DPs to users directly. This shortcut could release the burden of whole network and reduce delay. Moreover, in the second shortcut routing method, a Content Router (CR) which could yield shorter length of uploading routing path from DPs to DCs is chosen, and then data packets are uploaded through this chosen CR. In this method, the uploading path shares some segments with the pre-caching path, thus the overall length of routing paths is reduced. (2) The second innovation of the CJSR scheme is that a cooperative pre-caching mechanism is proposed so that QoS could have a further increase. Besides being used in downloading routing, the pre-caching mechanism can also be used when data packets are uploaded towards DCs. Combining uploading and downloading pre-caching, the cooperative pre-caching mechanism exhibits high performance in different situations. Furthermore, to address the scarcity of storage size, an algorithm that could make use of storage from idle CRs is proposed. After comparing the proposed scheme with five existing schemes via simulations, experiments results reveal that the CJSR scheme could reduce the total number of processed interest packets by 54.8%, enhance the cache hits of each CR and reduce the number of total hop counts by 51.6% and cut down the length of routing path for users to obtain their interested data by 28.6⁻85.7% compared with the traditional NDN scheme. Moreover, the length of uploading routing path could be decreased by 8.3⁻33.3%.

An Energy Conserving and Transmission Radius Adaptive Scheme to Optimize Performance of Energy Harvesting Sensor Networks.

In energy harvesting wireless sensor networks (EHWSNs), the energy tension of the network can be relieved by obtaining the energy from the surrounding environment, but the cost on hardware cannot be ignored. Therefore, how to minimize the cost of energy harvesting hardware to reduce the network deployment cost, and further optimize the network performance, is still a challenging issue in EHWSNs. In this paper, an energy conserving and transmission radius adaptive (ECTRA) scheme is proposed to reduce the cost and optimize the performance of solar-based EHWSNs. There are two main innovations of the ECTRA scheme. Firstly, an energy conserving approach is proposed to conserve energy and avoid outage for the nodes in hotspots, which are the bottleneck of the whole network. The novelty of this scheme is adaptively rotating the transmission radius. In this way, the nodes with maximum energy consumption are rotated, balancing energy consumption between nodes and reducing the maximum energy consumption in the network. Therefore, the battery storage capacity of nodes and the cost on hardware. Secondly, the ECTRA scheme selects a larger transmission radius for rotation when the node can absorb enough energy from the surroundings. The advantages of using this method are: (a) reducing the energy consumption of nodes in near-sink areas, thereby reducing the maximum energy consumption and allowing the node of the hotspot area to conserve energy, in order to prevent the node from outage. Hence, the network deployment costs can be further reduced; (b) reducing the network delay. When a larger transmission radius is used to transmit data in the network, fewer hops are needed by data packet to the sink. After the theoretical analyses, the results show the following advantages compared with traditional method. Firstly, the ECTRA scheme can effectively reduce deployment costs by 29.58% without effecting the network performance as shown in experiment analysis; Secondly, the ECTRA scheme can effectively reduce network data transmission delay by 44⁻71%; Thirdly, the ECTRA scheme shows a better balance in energy consumption and the maximum energy consumption is reduced by 27.89%; And lastly, the energy utilization rate is effectively improved by 30.09⁻55.48%.