The paper reports the generation of a carbon-center radical (R • ) from an alkyl iodide (R-I) via a halogen bonding catalysis using pyridine N-oxide (PO) catalysts. The use of this catalysis in organocatalyzed living radical polymerization was systematically studied over a series of substituted POs. A more electron-donating substitute led to a higher catalytic activity, as experimentally observed and theoretically supported by DFT (density functional theory) calcuation. Notably, the polymerization was induced and controlled not only by thermal heating but also photo irradiation. The polymerization was compatible with several functional monomers and afforded block copolymers.

We report the use of nickel catalysts for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of hydrazones and other ketimines with formic acid. Strongly donating bisphosphines must be used to support the catalysts. As in enzymatic catalysis, attractive weak interactions may be important for stereochemical control by the nickel/binapine catalyst.

ST36 acupuncture pretreatment significantly attenuated sepsis-induced kidney, but not liver, injury in rats, whereas ST36 acupuncture performed after sepsis induction had no protective effects against sepsis-induced organ injuries.

The field of asymmetric (transfer) hydrogenation of prochiral olefins has been dominated by noble metal catalysts based on rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium. Herein we report that a simple nickel catalyst is highly active in the transfer hydrogenation using formic acid. Chiral α- and β-amino acid derivatives were obtained in good to excellent enantioselectivity. The key toward success was the use of the strongly donating and sterically demanding bisphosphine Binapine.

Acupuncture stimulation of ST-36 may be effective as a prophylaxis measure against sepsis. However, results from this study do not support the use of acupuncture for the treatment of sepsis.