Modulating neuroinflammation and cognitive function in postoperative cognitive dysfunction via CCR5-GPCRs-Ras-MAPK pathway targeting with microglial EVs.

AIMS: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is prevalent among the elderly, characterized primarily by cognitive decline after surgery. This study aims to explore how extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from BV2 microglial cells, with and without the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), affect neuroinflammation, neuronal integrity, and cognitive function in a POCD mouse model. METHODS: We collected EVs from LPS-stimulated BV2 cells expressing CCR5 (EVsM1) and from BV2 cells with CCR5 knockdown (EVsM1-CCR5). These were administered to POCD-induced mice. Protein interactions between CCR5, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and Ras were analyzed using structure-based docking and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). We assessed the phosphorylation of p38 and Erk, the expression of synaptic proteins PSD95 and MAP2, and conducted Morris Water Maze tests to evaluate cognitive function. RESULTS: Structure-based docking and Co-IP confirmed interactions between CCR5, GPR, and Ras, suggesting a CCR5-GPCRs-Ras-MAPK pathway involvement in neuroinflammation. EVsM1 heightened neuroinflammation, reduced synaptic integrity, and impaired cognitive function in POCD mice. In contrast, EVsM1-CCR5 reduced neuroinflammatory markers, preserved synaptic proteins, enhanced dendritic spine structure, and improved cognitive outcomes. CONCLUSION: EVsM1 induced neuroinflammation via the CCR5-GPCRs-Ras-MAPK pathway, with EVsM1-CCR5 showing protective effects on POCD progression, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy for POCD management via targeted modification of microglial EVs.

Preoperative Contrast-Enhanced CT-Based Deep Learning Radiomics Model for Distinguishing Retroperitoneal Lipomas and Well­Differentiated Liposarcomas.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a preoperative contrast-enhanced CT (CECT)-based deep learning radiomics nomogram (DLRN) for predicting murine double minute 2 (MDM2) gene amplification as a means of distinguishing between retroperitoneal well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS) and lipomas. METHODS: This retrospective multi-center study included 167 patients (training/external test cohort, 104/63) with MDM2-positive WDLPS or MDM2-negative lipomas. Clinical data and CECT features were independently measured and analyzed by two radiologists. A clinico-radiological model, radiomics signature (RS), deep learning and radiomics signature (DLRS), and a DLRN incorporating radiomics and deep learning features were developed to differentiate between WDLPS and lipoma. The model utility was evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The DLRN showed good performance for distinguishing retroperitoneal lipomas and WDLPS in the training (AUC, 0.981; accuracy, 0.933) and external validation group (AUC, 0.861; accuracy, 0.810). The DeLong test revealed the DLRN was noticeably better than clinico-radiological and RS models (training: 0.981 vs. 0.890 vs. 0.751; validation: 0.861 vs. 0.724 vs. 0.700; both P < 0.05); however, no discernible difference in performance was seen between the DLRN and DLRS (training: 0.981 vs. 0.969; validation: 0.861 vs. 0.837; both P > 0.05). The calibration curve analysis and DCA demonstrated that the nomogram exhibited good calibration and offered substantial clinical advantages. CONCLUSION: The DLRN exhibited strong predictive capability in predicting WDLPS and retroperitoneal lipomas preoperatively, making it a promising imaging biomarker that can facilitate personalized management and precision medicine.

The heterogeneity of holistic processing profiles in developmental prosopagnosia: holistic processing is impaired but not absent.

Although it is generally assumed that face recognition relies on holistic processing, whether face recognition deficits observed in Developmental Prosopagnosics (DPs) can be explained by impaired holistic processing is currently under debate. The mixed findings from past studies could be the consequence of DP's heterogeneous deficit nature and the use of different measures of holistic processing-the inversion, part-whole, and composite tasks-which showed a poor association among each other. The present study aimed to gain further insight into the role of holistic processing in DPs. Groups of DPs and neurotypicals completed three tests measuring holistic face processing and non-face objects (i.e., Navon task). At a group level, DPs showed (1) diminished, but not absent, inversion and part-whole effects, (2) comparable magnitudes of the composite face effect and (3) global precedence effect in the Navon task. However, single-case analyses showed that these holistic processing deficits in DPs are heterogeneous.

Uncovering the impact of alcohol on internal organs and reproductive health: Exploring TLR4/NF-kB and CYP2E1/ROS/Nrf2 pathways.

This review delves into the detrimental impact of alcohol consumption on internal organs and reproductive health, elucidating the underlying mechanisms involving the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) pathway and the Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)/reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways. The TLR4/NF-kB pathway, crucial for inflammatory and immune responses, triggers the production of pro-inflammatory agents and type-1 interferon, disrupting the balance between inflammatory and antioxidant responses when tissues are chronically exposed to alcohol. Alcohol-induced dysbiosis in gut microbes heightens gut wall permeability to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), leading to liver cell infection and subsequent inflammation. Concurrently, CYP2E1-mediated alcohol metabolism generates ROS, causing oxidative stress and damaging cells, lipids, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). To counteract this inflammatory imbalance, Nrf2 regulates gene expression, inhibiting inflammatory progression and promoting antioxidant responses. Excessive alcohol intake results in elevated liver enzymes (ADH, CYP2E1, and catalase), ROS, NADH, acetaldehyde, and acetate, leading to damage in vital organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs. Moreover, alcohol negatively affects reproductive health by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, causing infertility in both men and women. These findings underscore the profound health concerns associated with alcohol-induced damage, emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding the intricate interplay between immune responses and the multi-organ impacts of alcohol consumption.

Overlooked volcanic effect during transmission of antibiotic resistance genes induced by copper and zinc.

Adding heavy metals such as copper and zinc to animal feeds is common practice to promote growth, but meanwhile has side consequence of enhancing spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil. This presents a global challenge to food security and human health. We in this study investigated the transmission of typical ARGs, i. e. ß-lactamase genes (ß-RGs), in dairy farm environments where dietary Cu and Zn were present in a wide range of concentration. The ß-RGs were demonstrated to be highly prevalent across environmental media, with a relative abundance of 94.55%, dominated by mechanisms of antibiotic deactivation (93.75%) and cellular protection (6.25%). More importantly, we first found the transmission of ARGs to be highly dependent on the overlooked volcanic effect, i. e. low-concentration Cu (12-22 mg/kg) and Zn (45-80 mg/kg) acted as micronutrients necessary for microbial growth but facilitated ARGs transfer, whereas higher-concentration Cu (22-39 mg/kg) and Zn (80-153 mg/kg) became toxic to microbial communities and gene expression patterns. Notably, the specific microbial phyla Proteobacteria (2.28-82.94%), Bacteroidetes (0.02-56.48%) and Actinobacteria (1.62-12.92%) exhibited resistance at low concentration of Cu and Zn, which enhanced the transmission of ß-RGs. However, this process was inhibited at higher concentration due to inactivation of microbes by Cu and Zn. The increase in resistance was first observed in class Gammaproteobacteria (2.02-88.51%) and Alphaproteobacteria (0.68-10.1%) with increased Cu and Zn concentration. This resulted in heightened transfer of ARGs by tnpA-07 (80.35%) due to protection of thicker cell membrane by chelation with Cu and Zn. This study not only offers mechanistic insights into the volcanic effect of dietary metals on dissemination of ARGs, but also has important implications for safe management of agricultural settings.

Structural characterization and immune-enhancing effects of a novel polysaccharide extracted from Sargassum fusiforme.

To alleviate the adverse effects of chemotherapy and bolster immune function, a novel polysaccharide derived from Sargassum fusiforme named as SFP-αII. The structural composition of SFP-αII predominantly consisted of guluronic and mannuronic acids in a molar ratio of 33.8:66.2, with an average molecular weight of 16.5 kDa. Its structure was primarily characterized by →4)-α-GulA-(1 â†’ and →4)-ß-ManA-(1 â†’ linkages confirmed by FT-IR, methylation, and NMR analyses. The absence of a triple-helix structure was in SFP-αII was confirmed using circular dichroism and Congo red dye assays. The dimensions varied with lengths ranging from 20 nm up to 3 µm revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). SFP-αII has been found to enhance immunomodulatory activity in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice. This was evidenced by improvements in immune organ indices, cytokine levels, and the release of nitric oxide (NO). Specifically, SFP-αII mitigated immunosuppression by upregulating the secretion of IL-1ß (167.3 %) and TNF-α (227.1 %) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, compared with the CTX group in macrophages. Ultimately, SFP-αII may serve as a mechanism for immune enhancement through modulation of TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. This integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, leveraging SFP-αII as a potential functional food could be pivotal in alleviating immunosuppressive side effects in CTX treatment.

New species, new records and common species of Pluteussect.Celluloderma from northern China.

Wood-rotting fungi are organisms that can decompose wood substrates and extract nutrients from them to support their growth. They play a crucial role in the material cycle of forest ecosystems. The genus Pluteus plays a significant role in wood decomposition. In this study, the morphology and molecular systematics of the sect. Celluloderma of the genus Pluteus were carried out. Pluteusbrunneodiscus was identified as a new species, along with the discovery of two new records, P.cystidiosus and P.chrysophlebius, and a common species, P.romellii. Pluteusbrunneodiscus is characterized by the brown center of the pileus that transitions to white towards the margins, with the surface cracking to form irregular granules. It is typically found in Populus forests growing on decomposing twigs or wood chips. Line drawings, color photographs, and phylogenetic analyses of related species within the genus Pluteus accompany the descriptions of these four species. The analyses are based on ITS + TEF1-α sequence data. Finally, a key for the twenty species within the sect. Celluloderma of the genus Pluteus, which has been documented in China, is provided.

Theoretical insights into the mechanism underlying aflatoxin B1 transformation by the BsCotA-methyl syringate system.

Global concern exists regarding the contamination of food and animal feed with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which poses a threat to the health of both humans and animals. Previously, we found that a laccase from Bacillus subtilis (BsCotA) effectively detoxified AFB1 in a reaction mediated by methyl syringate (MS), although the underlying mechanism has not been determined. Therefore, our primary objective of this study was to explore the detoxification mechanism employed by BsCotA. First, the enzyme and mediator dependence of AFB1 transformation were studied using the BsCotA-MS system, which revealed the importance of MS radical formation during the oxidation process. Aflatoxin Q1 (AFQ1) resulting from the direct oxidation of AFB1 by BsCotA, was identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results of UPLC-MS/MS and density functional theory calculations indicated that the products included AFQ1, AFB1-, and AFD1-MS-coupled products in the BsCotA-MS system. The toxicity evaluations revealed that the substances derived from the transformation of AFB1 through the BsCotA-MS mechanism exhibited markedly reduced toxicity compared to AFB1. Finally, we proposed a set of different AFB1-transformation pathways generated by the BsCotA-MS system based on the identified products. These findings greatly enhance the understanding of the AFB1-transformation mechanism of the laccase-mediator system.

Clinical variables and genetic variants associated with perioperative anaphylaxis in Chinese Han population: A pilot study.

Background: Perioperative anaphylaxis (POA) can lead to severe consequences. Identifying clinical risk factors and genetic loci associated with POA through pre-prescription screening may help reduce its incidence. Methods: Using univariate regression and covariate-adjusted multivariate regression, we retrospectively analyzed the association between clinical characteristics and POA in 72 POA patients and 72 non-POA individuals. The discovery study of whole-exome association relied on whole-exome sequencing of 73 POA cases and 1339 healthy individuals. A replication study involving an independent set of 16 POA cases and 1339 healthy individuals confirmed this association. The accurate typing of human leucocyte antigen through exome sequencing (ATHLATES) algorithm and the whole-exome sequencing data were used for genotyping the human leucocyte antigen G (HLA-G) of 73 POA patients. The HLA-G of 16 POA cases and 122 non-POA patients were genotyped through Sanger sequencing. We used Fisher's exact probability method to compare the allele and carrier frequencies between POA patients and healthy individuals or non-POA patients. A Pc (P/Bonferroni correction coefficient) < 0.05 represents statistical significance. Results: Regression analysis identified female sex, an unconfirmed food allergy label, and a history of prior surgery as clinical variables associated with POA. The whole-exome association discovery study identified a strong signal in the major histocompatibility complex region on chromosome 6, with the rs1130356 being the most significant locus (P = 1.5E-10, OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.4-4.9). The replication study verified the association between the rs1130356-T allele and POA cases (P = 1.0E-6, OR = 6.3, 95% CI = 3.1-12.7). Compared with non-POA patients, HLA-G∗01:01 (Pc = 2.4E-4, OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.6-3.6) was significantly enriched, while HLA-G∗01:04 (Pc = 1.2E-6, OR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.2-0.5) was lessened in POA patients. Conclusion: Our study suggested an association between POA and the risk factors of female sex, an unconfirmed food allergy label, and prior surgery. HLA-G, located in the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region, may act as a surrogate genetic marker for POA. This suggests a causal relationship between this specific genomic region and POA. Our findings shed light on the contribution of human exome genetic variants to the susceptibility to POA.

A new Asian version of the CFMT: The Cambridge Face Memory Test - Chinese Malaysian (CFMT-MY).

The Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT) is one of the most important measures of individual differences in face recognition and for the diagnosis of prosopagnosia. Having two different CFMT versions using a different set of faces seems to improve the reliability of the evaluation. However, at the present time, there is only one Asian version of the test. In this study, we present the Cambridge Face Memory Test - Chinese Malaysian (CFMT-MY), a novel Asian CFMT using Chinese Malaysian faces. In Experiment 1, Chinese Malaysian participants (N = 134) completed two versions of the Asian CFMT and one object recognition test. The CFMT-MY showed a normal distribution, high internal reliability, high consistency and presented convergent and divergent validity. Additionally, in contrast to the original Asian CFMT, the CFMT-MY showed an increasing level of difficulties across stages. In Experiment 2, Caucasian participants (N = 135) completed the two versions of the Asian CFMT and the original Caucasian CFMT. Results showed that the CFMT-MY exhibited the other-race effect. Overall, the CFMT-MY seems to be suitable for the diagnosis of face recognition difficulties and could be used as a measure of face recognition ability by researchers who wish to examine face-related research questions such as individual differences or the other-race effect.

Epidemiology and clinical outcome of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and metabolic dysfunction / 临床肝胆病杂志

Chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection is a worldwide public health issue and a leading cause of liver fibrosis， liver cirrhosis， liver failure， and primary liver cancer in China. The incidence rate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） is gradually increasing with the improvement in the living standards of people and the changes in dietary structure. Population-based studies have found that HBV infection can influence the development of NAFLD， but the mechanism remains unknown. Hepatic steatosis can also influence the expression of HBV serum pathogenic indicators， and its combination with NAFLD and other metabolic dysfunction diseases can increase the risk of liver fibrosis， liver cirrhosis， and liver cancer. Chronic HBV infection is closely associated with metabolic dysfunction， and more studies are needed in the future to better understand related mechanisms， so as to provide a theoretical foundation for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Effect of respiratory training based on core stability training on feedforward control in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of respiratory training based on core stability training on feedforward control in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). MethodsA total of 60 patients with CNLBP in Jiaxing Second Hospital from January, 2022 to March, 2023 were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and experimental group (n = 30). Both groups received health education, physical factor therapy and core stability training, while the experimental group received respiratory training in addition, for four weeks. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association low back pain (JOA) score and Oswestry Dysfunction Index (ODI) were compared between two groups before and after treatment, while surface electromyography was used to detect the root mean square (RMS) and integrated electromyography (iEMG) of transversus abdominis, multifidus and triceps (movement muscles), and the activation sequence and relative activation time of transversus abdominis, multifidus and triceps were calculated. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of VAS, JOA and ODI improved significantly in both groups (|t| > 8.515, P < 0.001), and the scores were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.089, P < 0.05). RMS and iEMG of transversus abdominis and multifidus improved significantly after treatment in both groups (|t| > 18.831, P < 0.001), and were significantly better in the experimental group (|t| > 3.481, P < 0.05). The transversus abdominis and multifidus in both groups were activated before the movement muscles, and the relative activation time of transversus abdominis and multifidus increased in negative (|t| > 48.115, P < 0.001), the experimental group being better (|t| > 3.229, P < 0.05). ConclusionCombination of core stability training and respiratory training is beneficial in reducing the pain of patients with CNLBP, reducing the lumbar dysfunction, improving the order of muscle activation, and strengthening feedforward control.

Exosome-Transmitted miR-224-5p Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation via Targeting ULK2 in p53-Dependent Manner / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of exosomal miR-224-5p in colorectal cancer (CRC).@*METHODS@#The miR-224-5p expression in CRC patient tissues and cell-derived exosomes was measured by laser capture microdissection and qRT-PCR, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the target gene of miR-224-5p. The protein expressions of p53 and unc-51 like kinase 2 (ULK2) in CRC cells were detected by western blot. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 and EdU assay.@*RESULTS@#The miR-224-5p expression was upregulated in CRC tissues and increased progressively with the rise of CRC stage. CRC cells secreted extracellular miR-224-5p mainly in an exosome-dependent manner, and then miR-224-5p could be transferred to surrounding tumor cells to regulate cell proliferation in the form of autocrine or paracrine. Moreover, ULK2 was characterized as a direct target of miR-224-5p and was downregulated in CRC tissues. Interestingly, ULK2 inhibited CRC cell proliferation in a p53-dependent manner. Furthermore, exosome-derived miR-224-5p partially reversed the proliferation regulation of ULK2 on CRC cells.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings demonstrate that exosome-transmitted miR-224-5p promotes p53-dependent cell proliferation by targeting ULK2 in CRC, which may offer promising targets for CRC prevention and therapy.

Study on the correlation between the active components of Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma screened by high-throughput sequencing and the regulation of lncRNA-mRNA in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:Study on the correlation between the active components of Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma screened by high-throughput sequencing and the regulation of lncRNA-mRNA in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.Methods:A549 cells were cultured, and the IC 50 dose of cryptotanshinone and tanshinone ⅡA was confirmed according to the cell proliferation experiment. A549 cells were randomly divided into blank control group, cryptotanshinone group, and tanshinone IIA group using a random number table method. After 24 hours of intervention, the cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. High-throughput sequencing technique was used to detect the expressions of lncRNA and mRNA in A549 cells in intervention group and non-intervention group. By analyzing the expression profiles of differential genes related to cryptotanshinone and tanshinone ⅡA, the obtained differential genes were analyzed by GO and KEGG. Results:The cell cycle results showed that the proportion of G0/G1 phase cells in cryptotanshinone and Tanshinone ⅡA was increased ( P<0.01), the proportion of S phase cells was decreased ( P<0.01), and the proportion of G2/M phase cells in cryptotanshinone was decreased ( P<0.01). The results of high-throughput screening showed that cryptotanshinone could up-regulate 4 698 lncRNA, down-regulate 1 557 lncRNA, up-regulate 4 810 mRNA and down-regulate 5 644 mRNA. Tanshinone ⅡA could up-regulate 1 348 lncRNA, down-regulate 1 299 lncRNA, up-regulate 4646 mRNA and down-regulate 4 741 mRNA. The function and pathway enrichment analysis of differential lncRNA and mRNA showed that the differentially expressed genes of cryptotanshinone and tanshinone ⅡA were mainly related to cell cycle, autophagy, AMPK signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway and EGFR signaling pathway. GAS5 may be one of the targets for the inhibitory effects of cryptotanshinone and tanshinone ⅡA. Conclusion:Cryptotanshinone and tanshinone ⅡA have certain inhibitory effects on A549 cells, and there are differentially expressed genes of lncRNA-mRNA, which are closely related to cell cycle and signal pathway.

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Neolentinus in northern China.

Neolentinus is a significant genus, belonging to Gloeophyllaceae, with important economic and ecological values, which are parasites on decaying wood of broad-leaf or coniferous trees, and will cause brown rot. However, the taxonomic study is lagging behind to other groups of macrofungi, especially in China. In view of this, we conducted morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies on this genus. We have discovered new types of cheilocystidia and with extremely long lamellae in Neolentinus, and, thus proposed it as a new species-Neolentinus longifolius. At the same time, we clarified the distribution of Neolentinus cyathiformis in China and provided a detailed description. Moreover, we also described two common species, viz. Neolentinus lepideus and Neolentinus adhaerens. All the species are described based on the Chinese collections. The key to the reported species of Neolentinus from China is provided. And the phylogeny of Neolentinus from China is reconstructed based on DNA sequences of multiple loci including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, the large subunit nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef-1α). In addition, full morphological descriptions, illustrations, color photographs, taxonomic notes, and all the available sequences of Neolentinus species are provided.

A new species and new records of Hymenopellis and Xerula (Agaricales, Physalacriaceae) from China.

Hymenopellis is the genus that exhibits the highest number of species within the Xerula/Oudemansiella complex. Numerous species of Hymenopellis demonstrate edibility, and some of these species have been domesticated and cultivated. During an extensive survey carried out in Henan and Jilin Provinces, China, a substantial quantity of Hymenopellis specimens was gathered as a component of the macrofungal resource inventory. Based on the findings of morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies, a new species, Hymenopellis biyangensis, has been identified. A new record species, Hymenopellis altissima, has been discovered in China. Additionally, two new record species, Hymenopellis raphanipes and Xerula strigosa, have been found in Henan Province. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit ribosomal (nrLSU) were used to establish a phylogeny for species identification. Detailed descriptions, field habitat maps and line drawings of these species are presented. The discussion focuses on the relationships between newly discovered species and other related taxa. Additionally, this study provides and a key to the documented species of Hymenopellis and Xerula found in China.

The search for a maximum of the D-π-A paradigm for second order nonlinear optical molecular materials.

Push-pull π-conjugated molecules are one of the paradigms of second order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials and have been extensively explored. However, high-performance second order NLO materials with an optimum electron donor (D), π-bridge (π) and acceptor (A) under this paradigm are still the most sought-after. In the present work, D-π-A molecules with optimal D, π and A combination for strong second order NLO properties are proposed based on molecular orbital theories. The optimal D-π-A push-pull molecule achieves an unprecedentedly strong NLO response under the D-π-A paradigm, i.e., the static first hyperpolarizability reaches -453.92 × 10-30 esu per heavy atom using azulene as part of the π-bridge and acceptor to synergistically reinforce the strength of the acceptor. The protocols of D-π-A NLO molecule design through frontier molecular orbital matching of D, π and A with optimal combination of electron donating and accepting strengths shed light on future molecular NLO materials exploration. The simulated two-dimensional second order spectra provide useful information (e.g., sum frequency generation) on the applications of those D-π-A push-pull molecules in nonlinear optics.

Holistic and featural processing's link to face recognition varies by individual and task.

While it is generally accepted that holistic processing facilitates face recognition, recent studies suggest that poor recognition might also arise from imprecise perception of local features in the face. This study aimed to examine to what extent holistic and featural processing relates to individual differences in face recognition ability (FRA), during face learning (Experiment 1) and face recognition (Experiment 2). Participants performed two tasks: (1) The "Cambridge Face Memory Test-Chinese" which measured participants' FRAs, and (2) an "old/new recognition memory test" encompassing whole faces (preserving holistic and featural processing) and faces revealed through a dynamic aperture (impairing holistic processing but preserving featural processing). Our results showed that participants recognised faces more accurately in conditions when holistic information was preserved, than when it is impaired. We also show that the better use of holistic processing during face learning and face recognition was associated with better FRAs. However, enhanced featural processing during recognition, but not during learning, was related to better FRAs. Together, our findings demonstrate that good face recognition depends on distinct roles played by holistic and featural processing at different stages of face recognition.

COAP-Pd Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Azlactones with MBH Carbonates: Access to Unnatural α-Quaternary Stereogenic Glutamic Acid Derivatives.

A palladium-catalyzed regioselective and asymmetric allylic alkylation of azlactones with MBH carbonates has been developed with chiral oxalamide-phosphine ligands. The corresponding reaction afforded a range of optically active γ-arylidenyl glutamic acid derivatives bearing an α-chiral quaternary stereocenter in good yields with excellent linear regio- and high enantioselectivity. This protocol furnishes an alternative approach for the construction of enantio-enriched unnatural α-amino acid derivatives.