A Rapid Total Synthesis of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride in Continuous Flow

Within a total residence time of 9 min, the sodium salt of ciprofloxacin was prepared from simple building blocks via a linear sequence of six chemical reactions in five flow reactors. Sequential offline acidifications and filtrations afforded ciprofloxacin and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. The overall yield of the eight-step sequence was 60 %. No separation of intermediates was required throughout the synthesis when a single acylation reaction was applied to remove the main byproduct, dimethylamine.

Self-Assembled Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Polyhedrons Inducing Volumetric Light Confinement

The ability to transform two-dimensional (2D) materials into a three-dimensional (3D) structure while preserving their unique inherent properties might offer great enticing opportunities in the development of diverse applications for next generation micro/nanodevices. Here, a self-assembly process is introduced for building free-standing 3D, micro/nanoscale, hollow, polyhedral structures configured with a few layers of graphene-based materials: graphene and graphene oxide. The 3D structures have been further modified with surface patterning, realized through the inclusion of metal patterns on their 3D surfaces. The 3D geometry leads to a nontrivial spatial distribution of strong electric fields (volumetric light confinement) induced by 3D plasmon hybridization on the surface of the graphene forming the 3D structures. Due to coupling in all directions, resulting in 3D plasmon hybridization, the 3D closed box graphene generates a highly confined electric field within as well as outside of the cubes. Moreover, since the uniform coupling reduces the decay of the field enhancement away from the surface, the confined electric field inside of the 3D structure shows two orders of magnitude higher than that of 2D graphene before transformation into the 3D structure. Therefore, these structures might be used for detection of target substances (not limited to only the graphene surfaces, but using the entire volume formed by the 3D graphene-based structure) in sensor applications.

One-Pot Synthesis of α-Branched N-Acylamines via Titanium-Mediated Condensation of Amides, Aldehydes, and Organometallics

A three-component, titanium-mediated synthesis of α-branched N-acylamines from commercial or readily accessible amides, aldehydes, and organometallic reagents is reported. The transformation proceeds under mild reaction conditions and tolerates a variety of functional groups (including nitrile, carbamate, olefin, basic amine, furan, and other sensitive heteroaromatics) to generate a large umbrella of α-branched N-acylamine products in high yields. The operationally practical procedure enables the use of this method in parallel chemical synthesis, a valuable feature that can facilitate the screening of bioactive molecules by medicinal chemists.

Plasma Triggered Grain Coalescence for Self-Assembly of 3D Nanostructures

Grain coalescence has been applied in many areas of nanofabrication technology, including modification of thin-film properties, nanowelding, and self-assembly of nanostructures. However, very few systematic studies of self-assembly using the grain coalescence, especially for three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures, exist at present. Here, we investigate the mechanism of plasma triggered grain coalescence to achieve the precise control of nanoscale phase and morphology of the grain coalescence induced by exothermic energy. Exothermic energy is generated through etching a silicon substrate via application of plasma. By tuning the plasma power and the flow rates of reactive gases, different etching rates and profiles can be achieved, resulting in various morphologies of grain coalescence. Balancing the isotropic/anisotropic substrate etching profile and the etching rate makes it possible to simultaneously release 2D nanostructures from the substrate and induce enough surface tension force, generated by grain coalescence, to form 3D nanostructures. Diverse morphologies of 3D nanostructures have been obtained by the grain coalescence, and a strategy to achieve self-assembly, resulting in desired 3D nanostructures, has been proposed and demonstrated.

Surfactant-assisted solvothermal synthesis of NiCo2O4 as an anode for lithium-ion batteries

The as-prepared NiCo₂O₄ nanoparticles through microemulsion-solvothermal growth and subsequent calcination in air exhibits excellent rate performance and cyclic stability.

Early diagnosis and outcome prediction of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy with color Doppler ultrasound

PURPOSE

To describe the ultrasound presentation of the brain and cerebral hemodynamics in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by comparison with control subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During June 2012 to April 2013, full term neonates who had clinical evidence of HIE were enrolled. Healthy newborns without HIE were used as a control group. Cerebral parenchyma, size of lateral ventricles and hemodynamic parameters of cerebral arteries were studied using two-dimensional duplex and color Doppler ultrasound. Neonates with moderate and severe HIE were followed-up with ultrasound for at least 3 months.

RESULTS

A total of 158 consecutive neonates (82 boys and 76 girls), including 54 with mild HIE, 60 with moderate HIE and 44 with severe HIE were included. One hundred and twenty healthy newborns were randomly selected as a control group. Abnormal ultrasound findings of brain parenchyma were found in 25/54 (46.3%) neonates with mild HIE whereas they were found in 58/60 (96.7%) neonates with moderate HIE and 44/44 (100%) neonates with severe HIE. Almost all neonates with severe HIE had decreased cerebral artery blood flow velocity and increased resistance index of cerebral arteries. Of the 104 neonates with moderate or severe HIE, follow-up ultrasound examination revealed cystic parenchymal lesions in 12/104 (11.5%), progressive ventricular dilatation and brain atrophy in 12/104 (11.5%), mild ventricular dilatation in 15/104 (14.4%) and leukoencephalomalacia in 2/104 (1.9%) neonates.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound features such as the size of lateral ventricles, altered brain parenchymal echogenicity and cerebral blood flow parameters are useful for the early diagnosis of HIE and help predict outcome.

In Situ Monitored Self-Assembly of Three-Dimensional Polyhedral Nanostructures

The self-assembly of 3D nanostructures is a promising technology for the fabrication of next generation nanodevices and the exploration of novel phenomena. However, the present techniques for assembly of 3D nanostructures are invisible and have to be done without physical contact, which bring great challenges in controlling the shapes with nanoscale precision. This situation leads to an extremely low yield of self-assembly, especially in 3D nanostructures built with metal and semiconductor materials. Here, an in situ self-assembly process using a focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy system has been demonstrated to realize 3D polyhedral nanostructures from 2D multiple pieces. An excited ion beam in the FIB microscopy system offers not only a visualization of the nanoscale self-assembly process but also the necessary energy for inducing the process. Because the beam energy that induces the self-assembly can be precisely adjusted while monitoring the status of the self-assembly, it is possible to control the self-assembly process with sub-10 nm scale precision, resulting in the realization of diverse 3D nanoarchitectures with a high yield. This approach will lead to state-of-the-art applications utilizing properties of 3D nanostructures in diverse fields.

Circularly polarized luminescence of AIE-active chiral O-BODIPYs induced via intramolecular energy transfer

Two AIE-active chiral BINOL-based O-BODIPY enantiomers (R/S-5) were synthesized and showed mirror-image red-color CPL induced via intramolecular energy transfer. The chiroptical properties of the molecules indicate that the chirality of electronic ground and excited states is stable and independent of aggregation.

Negative regulation of the p300-p53 interplay by DDX24

Numerous studies indicate that p300 acts as a key transcriptional cofactor in vivo, at least, in part, through modulating activities of p53 by acetylation. Nevertheless, the regulation of the p53-p300 interplay is not completely understood. Here, we have identified the DEAD box RNA helicase DDX24 as a novel regulator of the p300-p53 axis. We found that DDX24 interacts with p300, and this interaction leads to suppression of p300 mediated acetylation of p53. Notably, RNAi-mediated knockdown of endogenous DDX24 significantly increases the acetylation levels of endogenous p53 in human cancer cells and subsequently promotes p53-mediated activation of its transcriptional targets such as p21 and PUMA. In contrast, DDX24 expression inhibits the p300-p53 interaction and suppresses p300-mediated acetylation of p53. Moreover, DDX24 is overexpressed in human cancer cells and reduction of DDX24 protein levels by RNAi induces cell cycle arrest and senescence in a p53 dependent manner. These results reveal DDX24 as an important regulator of p300 and suggest that the modulation of the p53-p300 interplay by DDX24 is critical in controlling p53 activities in human cancer cells.

A study on tunable AIE (AIEE) of boron ketoiminate-based conjugated polymers for live cell imaging

In this study, four boron ketoiminate-based conjugated polymers P1–P4 are designed and synthesized via Suzuki polymerization.

Boron ketoiminate-based conjugated polymers with tunable AIE behaviours and their applications for cell imaging

A series of AIE-active D–A type conjugated polymers incorporating boron ketoiminate units were synthesized and applied for cell imaging.

Far-red/near-infrared fluorescent conjugated polymer nanoparticles with size-dependent chirality and cell imaging applications

We prepared a series of novel chiral far-red/near-infrared fluorescent CPNs with different nanoparticle sizes, which show size-dependent chirality and are successfully employed for cell imaging.

An integrated simulation and optimization approach for managing human health risks of atmospheric pollutants by coal-fired power plants

This research developed a simulation-aided nonlinear programming model (SNPM). This model incorporated the consideration of pollutant dispersion modeling, and the management of coal blending and the related human health risks within a general modeling framework In SNPM, the simulation effort (i.e., California puff [CALPUFF]) was used to forecast the fate of air pollutants for quantifying the health risk under various conditions, while the optimization studies were to identify the optimal coal blending strategies from a number of alternatives. To solve the model, a surrogate-based indirect search approach was proposed, where the support vector regression (SVR) was used to create a set of easy-to-use and rapid-response surrogates for identifying the function relationships between coal-blending operating conditions and health risks. Through replacing the CALPUFF and the corresponding hazard quotient equation with the surrogates, the computation efficiency could be improved. The developed SNPM was applied to minimize the human health risk associated with air pollutants discharged from Gaojing and Shijingshan power plants in the west of Beijing. Solution results indicated that it could be used for reducing the health risk of the public in the vicinity of the two power plants, identifying desired coal blending strategies for decision makers, and considering a proper balance between coal purchase cost and human health risk.

IMPLICATIONS

A simulation-aided nonlinear programming model (SNPM) is developed. It integrates the advantages of CALPUFF and nonlinear programming model. To solve the model, a surrogate-based indirect search approach based on the combination of support vector regression and genetic algorithm is proposed. SNPM is applied to reduce the health risk caused by air pollutants discharged from Gaojing and Shijingshan power plants in the west of Beijing. Solution results indicate that it is useful for generating coal blending schemes, reducing the health risk of the public, reflecting the trade-offbetween coal purchase cost and health risk.

Anti-TNF-α therapy for patients with sepsis: a systematic meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

In humans, the role of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy in severe sepsis and septic shock is debatable. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of anti-TNF-α therapies against placebo in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

METHODS

A structured literature search was undertaken to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock receiving anti-TNF-α therapy or placebo. A meta-analysis on relative risk (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was performed.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with a total of 8971 patients were included. When all forms of anti-TNF-α therapy were pooled together, there was a significant reduction of 28-day all-cause mortality with respect to placebo (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99; p = 0.04). Subgroup analysis showed that anti-TNF-α antibodies (monoclonal and polyclonal) reduced mortality (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81-0.99; p = 0.04). Monoclonal antibodies enhanced survival (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.82-1.00; p = 0.05), while polyclonal antibodies or receptor blockers did not enhance survival (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.39-1.28, p = 0.25; OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.78-1.17, p = 0.65). There was a trend towards better survival in patients with high levels of IL-6 (> 1000 pg/ml) and patients with shock if they were treated with anti-TNF-α therapy (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-1.00; OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.62-1.04). Publication bias and statistical heterogeneity (I(2)  < 50% and p > 0.1) were absent. Sensitivity analysis suggests that these results are highly stable.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that in patients with severe sepsis (before shock), immunotherapy with anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies reduces overall mortality. In patients with shock or high levels of IL-6 (> 1000 pg/ml), anti-TNF-α therapy may improve survival.

Peripheral immunomodulation with ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates neuroinflammation-induced behavioral deficits in rats

Neuroinflammatory disturbances have been closely associated with depression and many other neuropsychiatric diseases. Although targeting neuroinflammatory mediators with centrally acting drugs has shown certain promise, its translation is faced with several challenges especially drug delivery and safety concerns. Here, we report that neuroinflammation-induced behavioral abnormality could be effectively attenuated with immunomodulatory agents that need not to gain brain penetration. In a rat model with intracerebral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, we validated that ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a well-established anti-inflammatory agent, was unable to produce a direct action in the brain. Interestingly, peripherally restricted Rg1 could effectively attenuate the weight loss, anorexic- and depressive-like behavior as well as neurochemical disturbances associated with central LPS challenge. Biochemical assay of neuroimmune mediators in the periphery revealed that Rg1 could mitigate the deregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and selectively blunt the increase in circulating interleukin-6 levels. Furthermore, these peripheral regulatory effects were accompanied by dampened microglial activation, mitigated expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and neurotoxic species in the central compartment. Taken together, our work suggested that targeting the peripheral immune system may serve as a novel therapeutic approach to neuroinflammation-induced neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, our findings provided the rationale for employing peripherally active agents like Rg1 to combat mental disturbances.

miR-30e reciprocally regulates the differentiation of adipocytes and osteoblasts by directly targeting low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6

Reciprocal relationship usually exists between osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis, with factors stimulating one of these processes at the same time inhibiting the other. In the present study, miR-30e was found to be involved in the reciprocal regulation of osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. Our data indicated that miR-30e was induced in primarily cultured mouse bone marrow stromal cell, mesenchymal cell line C3H10T1/2 and preadipocyte 3T3-L1 after adipogenic treatment. Conversely, it was reduced in mouse stromal line ST2 and preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 after osteogenic treatment. Enforced expression of miR-30e in 3T3-L1 significantly suppressed the growth of the cells and induced the preadipocytes to differentiate into mature adipocytes, along with increased expression of adipocyte-specific transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBPα) and C/EBPβ, and the marker gene aP2. In contrast, inhibition of the endogenous miR-30e enhanced the cell growth and repressed preadipocytes to differentiate. Conversely, supplementing miR-30e activity blocked, whereas knocking down miR-30e enforced the preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 to fully differentiate. Furthermore, miR-30e overexpression stimulated adipocyte formation and inhibited osteoblast differentiation from marrow stromal cells. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), one of the critical coreceptor for Wnts, was shown to be a direct target of miR-30e by using the luciferase assay. Knockdown of LRP6 in 3T3-L1 cells downregulated β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) transcriptional activity and dramatically potentiated the differentiation of the cells into mature adipocytes. Taken together, the present work suggests that the expression of miR-30e is indispensable for maintaining the balance of adipocytes and osteoblasts by targeting the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

A scenario-based modeling approach for emergency evacuation management and risk analysis under multiple uncertainties

Nuclear emergency evacuation is important to prevent radioactive harms by hazardous materials and to limit the accidents' consequences; however, uncertainties are involved in the components and processes of such a management system. In the study, an interval-parameter joint-probabilistic integer programming (IJIP) method is developed for emergency evacuation management under uncertainties. Optimization techniques of interval-parameter programming (IPP) and joint-probabilistic constrained (JPC) programming are incorporated into an integer linear programming framework, so that the approach can deal with uncertainties expressed as joint probability and interval values. The IJIP method can schedule the optimal routes to guarantee the maximum population evacuated away from the effected zone during a finite time. Furthermore, it can also facilitate post optimization analysis to enhance robustness in controlling system violation risk imposed on the joint-probabilistic constraints. The developed method has been applied to a case study of nuclear emergency management; meanwhile, a number of scenarios under different system conditions have been analyzed. It is indicated that the solutions are useful for evacuation management practices. The result of the IJIP method can not only help to raise the capability of disaster responses in a systematic manner, but also provide an insight into complex relationships among evacuation planning, resources utilizations, policy requirements and system risks.

Batch to flow deoxygenation using visible light photoredox catalysis

Herein we report a one-pot deoxygenation protocol for primary and secondary alcohols developed via the combination of the Garegg-Samuelsson reaction, visible light-photoredox catalysis, and flow chemistry. This procedure is characterized by mild reaction conditions, easy-to-handle reactants and reagents, excellent functional group tolerance, and good yields.

Medicinal lavender modulates the enteric microbiota to protect against Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease, inclusive of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, consists of immunologically mediated disorders involving the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract. Lavender oil is a traditional medicine used to relieve many gastrointestinal disorders. The goal of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of the essential oil obtained from a novel lavender cultivar, Lavandula×intermedia cultivar Okanagan lavender (OLEO), in a mouse model of acute colitis caused by Citrobacter rodentium. In colitic mice, oral gavage with OLEO resulted in less severe disease, including decreased morbidity and mortality, reduced intestinal tissue damage, and decreased infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, with reduced levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-22, macrophage inflammatory protein-2α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. This was associated with increased levels of regulatory T cell populations compared with untreated colitic mice. Recently, we demonstrated that the composition of the enteric microbiota affects susceptibility to C. rodentium-induced colitis. Here, we found that oral administration of OLEO induced microbiota enriched with members of the phylum Firmicutes, including segmented filamentous bacteria, which are known to protect against the damaging effects of C. rodentium. Additionally, during infection, OLEO treatment promoted the maintenance of microbiota loads, with specific increases in Firmicutes bacteria and decreases in γ-Proteobacteria. We observed that Firmicutes bacteria were intimately associated with the apical region of the intestinal epithelial cells during infection, suggesting that their protective effect was through contact with the gut wall. Finally, we show that OLEO inhibited C. rodentium growth and adherence to Caco-2 cells, primarily through the activities of 1,8-cineole and borneol. These results indicate that while OLEO promoted Firmicutes populations, it also controlled pathogen load through antimicrobial activity. Overall, our results reveal that OLEO can protect against colitis through the microbial-immunity nexus and that a pharmacological agent, in this case OLEO, alters the normal enteric microbiota.

Medicinal lavender modulates the enteric microbiota to protect against Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease, inclusive of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, consists of immunologically mediated disorders involving the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract. Lavender oil is a traditional medicine used to relieve many gastrointestinal disorders. The goal of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of the essential oil obtained from a novel lavender cultivar, Lavandula×intermedia cultivar Okanagan lavender (OLEO), in a mouse model of acute colitis caused by Citrobacter rodentium. In colitic mice, oral gavage with OLEO resulted in less severe disease, including decreased morbidity and mortality, reduced intestinal tissue damage, and decreased infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, with reduced levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-22, macrophage inflammatory protein-2α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. This was associated with increased levels of regulatory T cell populations compared with untreated colitic mice. Recently, we demonstrated that the composition of the enteric microbiota affects susceptibility to C. rodentium-induced colitis. Here, we found that oral administration of OLEO induced microbiota enriched with members of the phylum Firmicutes, including segmented filamentous bacteria, which are known to protect against the damaging effects of C. rodentium. Additionally, during infection, OLEO treatment promoted the maintenance of microbiota loads, with specific increases in Firmicutes bacteria and decreases in γ-Proteobacteria. We observed that Firmicutes bacteria were intimately associated with the apical region of the intestinal epithelial cells during infection, suggesting that their protective effect was through contact with the gut wall. Finally, we show that OLEO inhibited C. rodentium growth and adherence to Caco-2 cells, primarily through the activities of 1,8-cineole and borneol. These results indicate that while OLEO promoted Firmicutes populations, it also controlled pathogen load through antimicrobial activity. Overall, our results reveal that OLEO can protect against colitis through the microbial-immunity nexus and that a pharmacological agent, in this case OLEO, alters the normal enteric microbiota.

Expanding the chemical diversity of spirooxindoles via alkylative pyridine dearomatization

A mild and practical synthesis of spirooxindole [1,3]oxazino derivatives from N-substituted isatins and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with pyridine derivatives is reported. The reactions provided good to excellent yields. Further exploration of the molecular diversity of these compounds is demonstrated through Diels–Alder reactions.

Synthesis of symmetric anhydrides using visible light-mediated photoredox catalysis

A new approach to anhydride formation is reported via activation of C-O bonds by the Vilsmeier-Haack reagent formed by Ru(bpy)(3)Cl(2) and CBr(4) in DMF. Various aryl and alkyl carboxylic acids are converted to the corresponding anhydrides in excellent yields.

Friedel-Crafts amidoalkylation via thermolysis and oxidative photocatalysis

Friedel-Crafts amidoalkylation was achieved by oxidation of dialkylamides using persulfate (S(2)O(8)(2-)) in the presence of the visible light catalyst, Ru(bpy)(3)Cl(2), at room temperature, via a reactive N-acyliminium intermediate. Alternatively, mild heating of the dialkylamides and persulfate afforded a metal and Lewis acid-free Friedel-Crafts amidoalkylation. Alcohols and electron-rich arenes served as effective nucleophiles, forming new C-O or C-C bonds. In general, photocatalysis provided higher yields and better selectivities.

Islet-enriched gene expression and glucose-induced insulin secretion in human and mouse islets

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Our understanding of the transcription factors that control the development and function of rodent islet beta cells is advancing rapidly, yet less is known of the role they play in similar processes in human islets.

METHODS

To characterise the abundance and regulation of key proteins involved in glucose-regulated insulin secretion in human islets, we examined the expression of MAFA, MAFB, GLUT2 (also known as SLC2A2), βGK (also known as GCK) and PDX1 in isolated, highly purified human islets with an intact insulin secretory pattern. We also assessed these features in islets from two different mouse strains (C57BL/6J and FVB).

RESULTS

Compared with mouse islets, human islets secreted more insulin at baseline glucose (5.6 mmol/l), but less upon stimulation with high glucose (16.7 mmol/l) or high glucose plus 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine. Human islets had relatively more MAFB than PDX1 mRNA, while mouse islets had relatively more Pdx1 than Mafb mRNA. However, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologue (MAF) B protein was found in human islet alpha and beta cells. This is unusual as this regulator is only produced in islet alpha cells in adult mice. The expression of insulin, MAFA, βGK and PDX1 was not glucose-regulated in human islets with an intact insulin secretory pattern.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our results suggest that human islets have a distinctive distribution and function of key regulators of the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion pathway, emphasising the urgent need to understand the processes that regulate human islet beta cell function.

A two-stage support-vector-regression optimization model for municipal solid waste management - a case study of Beijing, China

In this study, a two-stage support-vector-regression optimization model (TSOM) is developed for the planning of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in the urban districts of Beijing, China. It represents a new effort to enhance the analysis accuracy in optimizing the MSW management system through coupling the support-vector-regression (SVR) model with an interval-parameter mixed integer linear programming (IMILP). The developed TSOM can not only predict the city's future waste generation amount, but also reflect dynamic, interactive, and uncertain characteristics of the MSW management system. Four kernel functions such as linear kernel, polynomial kernel, radial basis function, and multi-layer perception kernel are chosen based on three quantitative simulation performance criteria [i.e. prediction accuracy (PA), fitting accuracy (FA) and over all accuracy (OA)]. The SVR with polynomial kernel has accurate prediction performance for MSW generation rate, with all of the three quantitative simulation performance criteria being over 96%. Two cases are considered based on different waste management policies. The results are valuable for supporting the adjustment of the existing waste-allocation patterns to raise the city's waste diversion rate, as well as the capacity planning of waste management system to satisfy the city's increasing waste treatment/disposal demands.

Aldosterone decreases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo in mice and in murine islets

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Aldosterone concentrations increase in obesity and predict the onset of diabetes. We investigated the effects of aldosterone on glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

We assessed insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in aldosterone synthase-deficient (As [also known as Cyp11b2](-/-)) and wild-type mice using euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic and hyperglycaemic clamps, respectively. We also conducted studies during high sodium intake to normalise renin activity and potassium concentration in As (-/-) mice. We subsequently assessed the effect of aldosterone on insulin secretion in vitro in the presence or absence of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in isolated C57BL/6J islets and in the MIN6 beta cell line.

RESULTS

Fasting glucose concentrations were reduced in As (-/-) mice compared with wild-type. During hyperglycaemic clamps, insulin and C-peptide concentrations increased to a greater extent in As (-/-) than in wild-type mice. This was not attributable to differences in potassium or angiotensin II, as glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was enhanced in As (-/-) mice even during high sodium intake. There was no difference in insulin sensitivity between As (-/-) and wild-type mice in euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp studies. In islet and MIN6 beta cell studies, aldosterone inhibited glucose- and isobutylmethylxanthine-stimulated insulin secretion, an effect that was not blocked by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism, but was prevented by the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

We demonstrated that aldosterone deficiency or excess modulates insulin secretion in vivo and in vitro via reactive oxygen species and in a manner that is independent of mineralocorticoid receptors. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of glucose intolerance in conditions of relative aldosterone excess.

Research on the filtering algorithm in speed and position detection of maglev trains

This paper introduces in brief the traction system of a permanent magnet electrodynamic suspension (EDS) train. The synchronous traction mode based on long stators and track cable is described. A speed and position detection system is recommended. It is installed on board and is used as the feedback end. Restricted by the maglev train's structure, the permanent magnet electrodynamic suspension (EDS) train uses the non-contact method to detect its position. Because of the shake and the track joints, the position signal sent by the position sensor is always aberrant and noisy. To solve this problem, a linear discrete track-differentiator filtering algorithm is proposed. The filtering characters of the track-differentiator (TD) and track-differentiator group are analyzed. The four series of TD are used in the signal processing unit. The result shows that the track-differentiator could have a good effect and make the traction system run normally.

Colonic microbiota alters host susceptibility to infectious colitis by modulating inflammation, redox status, and ion transporter gene expression

Individuals vary in their resistance to enteric infections. The role of the intestinal microbiota in altering susceptibility to enteric infection is relatively unknown. Previous studies have identified that C3H/HeOuJ mice suffer 100% mortality during Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis, whereas C57BL/6 mice recover from infection. The basis for their differences in susceptibility is unclear and has been mainly attributed to differences in host genetics. This study investigated the role of the intestinal microbiota in altering susceptibility to C. rodentium-induced colitis. When the feces of C57BL/6 mice were gavaged into antibiotic treated C3H/HeOuJ mice, the C57BL/6 microflora led to a complete reversal in mortality patterns where 100% of the C3H/HeOuJ mice survived infection. This protection corresponded with reduced colonic pathology and less systemic pathogen load and was associated with increased inflammatory and redox responses with reduced epithelial cell death. C3H/HeOuJ mice are normally susceptible to infection-induced dehydration due to defective expression of colonic ion transporters such as Dra, CA IV, and CA I; expression of these genes was normalized when C3H/HeOuJ mice were colonized with the C57BL/6 microflora. Together, these data reveal that the colonic microbiota play a critical role in protecting against intestinal infection by inducing proinflammatory and prooxidant responses that control pathogen load as well as ion transporter gene expression previously shown to prevent fatal dehydration. Protection of mice from lethal colitis was associated with higher levels of bacteria from Bacteroidetes. This study reveals that the microbiota is sufficient to overcome inherent genetic susceptibility patterns in C3H/HeOuJ mice that cause mortality during C. rodentium infection.