bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐balloon enteroscopy for managing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: Results from a tertiary medical center in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Bao‐Chung , Chen Peng‐Jen , Shih Yu‐Lueng , Huang Hsin‐Hung , Lin Xuan‐Huai , Lin Jung‐Chun , Tseng Yu‐Chen , Chen Chun‐Ting , Hsu Chin‐Hui , Chang Wei‐Kuo , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Huang Tien‐Yu
Published: October 2018

Backgrounds

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) accounts for approximately 5‐10% of all gastrointestinal bleeding events, and its detection and treatment remain challenging. We aimed to investigate the performance, diagnostic yield, and outcome of single‐balloon enteroscopy (SBE) for OGIB in Taiwan.

Patients and methods

The data for 81 OGIB patients who underwent SBE between September 2009 and February 2015 in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 81 OGIB patients underwent 132 SBE procedures. Anterograde and retrograde approaches were used for 52.3% and 47.7% of subjects, respectively. The overall diagnostic yield of SBE was 72.8%. The incidence of OGIB was higher in the proximal small intestine (the third and fourth parts of the duodenum and the jejunum) than in the distal small intestine (ileum) (58.3% vs. 36.6%), and the most common etiology was angiodysplasia (29.6%), followed by single ulcers (12.3%), and tumors (8.6%). Of the 59 patients with a positive finding on SBE, 26 (44.1%) patients with stigmata of hemorrhage underwent endoscopic hemostasis, including adrenaline injection, heater probe application, Argon plasma coagulation, and hemoclip placement. No hemorrhage, perforation, acute pancreatitis, or other serious complications occurred. OGIB recurred in 41.6% of patients in whom a source of OGIB was detected and 44.4% of patients with a negative finding after initial SBE. The rebleeding rate was higher in angiodysplasia than non‐angiodysplasia cases (55% vs. 32.1%, p = 0.113). After the SBE procedure, 57.6% of patients sustained no recurrent bleeding.

Conclusions

Although SBE is a safe and reliable method for managing OGIB, recurrent bleeding is difficult to treat, especially rebleeding in patients with angiodysplasia or negative findings. Future research should aim to identify the risk factors for recurrent bleeding, increase the accuracy of detection, and reach a consensus on managing OGIB.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
Jejunogastric intussusception presented with hematemesis: A case presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Ho Cheng‐Yu , Chang Chen‐Wang , Lee Fang , Tsai Chung‐Hsin , Lin Wei‐Chen , Chen Ming‐Jen , Chu Cheng‐Hsin
Published: October 2018

Jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) is a rare but life‐threatening complication of gastrectomy. It is a complication of previous surgery on the stomach, such as Billroth II gastrectomy, Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis, and gastrojejunostomy. Early diagnosis is important but difficult in acute JGI. Emergency surgical intervention is necessary in most cases and can prevent clinical deterioration. We report such a case that presented with hematemesis.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
Clinical characteristics of nonB nonC hepatocellular carcinoma compared to HBV‐ and HCV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Su Hsiu‐Mei , Huang Jen‐Chieh , Shin Jeng‐Shiann , Chao Che‐Len , Ho Shih‐Chi
Published: October 2018

Backgrounds

The incidence of nonB nonC hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC‐HCC) is increasing. The aim was to clarify the risk factors and the clinical features of NBNC‐HCC and compare the clinical characteristics in patients with NBNC‐HCC, B‐HCC (HBsAg positive) and C‐HCC (HCVAb positive).

Methods

554 patients with HCC were included: 253 with B‐HCC, 204 with C‐HCC and 97 with NBNC‐HCC (both HBsAg and HCVAb negative).

Results

Compared with the patients with B‐HCC, those with NBNC‐HCC were older (mean age 67 years, p < 0.001), more associated with alcohol drinking (p < 0.03), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.002), hypertension (p < 0.0001) and predominantly female (p = 0.16), but less associated with cirrhosis (p < 0.001) or elevated alphafetoprotein levels (p < 0.01). Compared with the patients with C‐HCC, those with NBNC‐HCC were less predominantly female (p < 0.04), more associated with smoking (p < 0.01), alcohol drinking (p < 0.008), body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (p < 0.02), less elevated aspartate aminotransaminase (p < 0.02), less elevated alanine aminotransaminase (p < 0.01) and less associated with liver cirrhosis (p < 0.02). C‐HCC had the most favorable 5‐year survival rate (23.8%), followed by NBNC‐HCC (21.3%) and B‐HCC (16.1%), however this was not statistically significant in multivariate analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between B‐HCC vs. C‐HCC, B‐HCC vs. NBNC‐HCC and C‐HCC vs. NBNC‐HCC in early (TNM I + II) and advanced (TNM III + IV) stages.

Conclusions

NBNC‐HCC patients have relation with drinking alcohol, having diabetes mellitus and a higher body mass index. There was no statistically significant difference in 5‐year survival among the three groups.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
A case of a large colonic lipoma resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection: A long‐term endoscopic observation
Authors: Lin Jung‐Chun , Chen Peng‐Jen , Shih Yu‐Lueng , Chang Yi‐Ming , Chang Wei‐Kuo , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan
Published: October 2018

Gastrointestinal (GI) lipomas are benign, slow‐growing subepithelial tumors, and are most commonly found in the colon. No intervention is needed for smaller or asymptomatic lipomas. Endoscopic removal or surgery is reserved for larger lesions. However, whether endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a suitable method for the treatment of a large submucosal lipoma of the colon has long been controversial. In addition, less is known regarding the long‐term prognosis of patients undergoing the ESD on large colonic lipomas. In this report, we present the case of a 67‐year‐old man who presented with abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a large colonic lipoma. Standard ESD was performed to remove the lipoma. During the follow‐up period of 7 years, no recurrence was observed. ESD is another option for the treatment of large colonic lipomas with an excellent long‐term prognosis.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
CYP2C19 polymorphism has no influence on rabeprazole‐based sequential therapy
Authors: Lin Tsung‐Jung , Lee Hsi‐Chang , Lin Chih‐Lin , Wang Chung‐Kwe , Chen Kuan‐Yang , Wu Deng‐Chyang
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of cytochrome P450 2C (CYP2C19) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) polymorphisms on the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication by using rabeprazole‐based sequential therapy.

Methods

From March 2013 to May 2014, total 87 H. pylori‐infected patients were recruited to receive a 10‐day of sequential therapy. We had excluded 4 patients from analysis because of incomplete compliance. We performed either follow‐up endoscopy or 13C‐urea test to assess the treatment response. CYP2C19 and IL‐1β genotypes were analyzed to investigate the impact on H. pylori eradication.

Results

On the whole, the eradication rate of H. pylori was 80.72% (67/83). The rates of H. pylori eradiation were 79.31% in extensive metabolizers (EM) and 81.48% in non‐EM according to the CYP2C19 genotypes. The rates of H. pylori eradiation were 80.00% in the normal acid secretion group and 81.03% in the low acid secretion group according to the IL‐1β genotypes. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, both genotypes of CYP2C19 and IL‐1β were not significantly independent factors of H. pylori eradication.

Conclusions

Both CYP2C19 and IL‐1β polymorphisms would not have influences on eradication rates of H. pylori by using sequential therapy.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
Muir‐Torre syndrome manifesting as sebaceous adenoma/adenocarcinoma and colonic adenocarcinoma – A case report
Authors: Tsai Yu‐Jou , Yuan Emily (Lan‐Ting) , Hsu Wen‐Hsin , Tsai Ching‐Yang , Lo Hoi‐Wan , Chou Shih‐Cheng , Tseng I‐Tsou , Chao Tung‐Bo , Sun Meng‐Shun
Published: October 2018

Muir‐Torre Syndrome (MTS) was first coined by Muir et al in 1967 and Torre in 1968. It is an autosomal‐dominant disorder characterized by combination of visceral disorder and sebaceous neoplasms. This syndrome is a subtype of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. In most cases, it arises from germline mutation encoding mismatch repair (MMR) proteins. We encountered a case of MTS and relevant literatures were reviewed.

Copyright © 2017, The Gastroenterological Society of Taiwan, The Digestive Endoscopy Society of Taiwan and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver.
Modulating Electronic Structures of Inorganic Nanomaterials for Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Du Xinchuan , Huang Jianwen , Zhang Junjun , Yan Yichao , Wu Chunyang , Hu Yin , Yan Chaoyi , Lei Tianyu , Chen Wei , Fan Cong , Xiong Jie
Published: October 2018

Electrocatalytic water splitting is one of the most promising sustainable energy conversion technologies, but is limited by the sluggish electrochemical reactions. Inorganic nanomaterials have been widely used as efficient catalysts for promoting the electrochemical kinetics. Several approaches to optimize the activities of these nanocatalysts have been developed. The electronic structures of the catalysts play a pivotal role in governing the activity and thus have been identified as an essential descriptor. However, the underlying working mechanisms related to the refined electronic structures remain elusive. To establish the structure–electronic‐behavior–activity relationship, a comprehensive overview of the developed strategies to regulate the electronic structures is presented, emphasizing the surface modification, strain, phase transition, and heterostructure. Current challenges to the fundamental understanding of electron behaviors in the nanocatalysts are fully discussed.
Specific Association of HLA–DRB1*03 With Anti–Carbamylated Protein Antibodies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Regueiro Cristina , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Luis , Triguero‐Martinez Ana , Nuño Laura , Castaño‐Nuñez Angel L. , Villalva Alejandro , Pérez‐Pampín Eva , Lopez‐Golan Yolanda , Abasolo Lydia , Ortiz Ana M. , Herranz Eva , Pascual‐Salcedo Dora , Martínez‐Feito Ana , Boveda María Dolores , Gomez‐Reino Juan J. , Martín Javier , Gonzalez‐Escribano María Francisca , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Benjamín , Balsa Alejandro , González‐Álvaro Isodoro , González Antonio
Published: October 2018

Objective

Recognition of a new type of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–specific autoantibody, the anti–carbamylated protein antibodies (anti‐CarP), has provided an opportunity to improve the management and understanding of RA. The current study was undertaken to assess the relationship between anti‐CarP antibodies and HLA–DRB1 alleles in RA.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 3 different collections, comprising a total of 1,126 RA patients. Serum reactivity against in vitro carbamylated fetal calf serum proteins was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. HLA–DRB1 alleles were determined using either hybridization techniques or imputation from HLA‐dense genotypes. Results of these analyses were combined in a meta‐analysis with data from 3 previously reported cohorts. The carrier frequencies of the common HLA–DRB1 alleles were compared between the antibody‐positive RA subgroups and the double‐negative subgroup of RA patients stratified by anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)/anti‐CarP antibody status, and also between the 4 RA patient strata and healthy controls.

Results

Meta‐analysis was conducted with 3,709 RA patients and 2,305 healthy control subjects. Results revealed a significant increase in frequency of HLA–DRB1*03 carriers in the ACPA−/anti‐CarP+ subgroup as compared to ACPA−/anti‐CarP− RA patients and healthy controls; this was consistently found across the 6 sample collections. This association of HLA–DRB1*03 with ACPA−/anti‐CarP+ RA was independent of the presence of the shared allele (SE) and any other confounders analyzed. No other allele was specifically associated with the ACPA−/anti‐CarP+ RA patient subgroup. In contrast, frequency of the SE was significantly increased in the ACPA+/anti‐CarP− and ACPA+/anti‐CarP+ RA patient subgroups, without a significant distinction between them. Furthermore, some alleles (including HLA–DRB1*03) were associated with protection from ACPA+ RA.

Conclusion

These findings indicate a specific association of HLA–DRB1*03 with ACPA−/anti‐CarP+ RA, suggesting that preferential presentation of carbamylated peptides could be a new mechanism underlying the contribution of HLA alleles to RA susceptibility.
Pharmacokinetic studies of soyalkaloid A from Portulaca oleracea L. using ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole–time of flight mass spectrometry and its antioxidant activity
Authors: Xiu Fen , Ying Zheming , Ying Xixiang , Yang Guanlin
Published: October 2018

Soyalkaloid A was isolated from Portulaca oleracea L. for the first time in our laboratory and then a rapid and sensitive ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole–time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–ESI–Q–TOF/MS) method with hesperidin as internal standard (IS) was developed and validated to investigate the pharmacokinetics of soyalkaloid A in rats after oral and intravenous administrations. The analysis was achieved on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 Column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 μm) by elution with acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid), at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The MS analysis was performed in the positive ion mode with monitored ion m/z 227.0814 [M + H]+ and 611.1971 [M + H]+ for soyalkaloid A and IS, respectively. The linear range was established over the concentration range 7.5–6000 ng/mL (r = 0.9951). The intra‐ and inter‐assay accuracy and precision were between −4.86‐4.49 and 1.93–9.66, respectively. The lower limits of detection and quantitation observed were 2.1 and 7.4 ng/mL, respectively. The rapid, sensitive and specific UHPLC–ESI–Q–TOF/MS method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of soyalkaloid A. Moreover, its antioxidant was studied via a 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl radical scavenging assay, the IC50 value being 20.73 ± 0.51 μM.
Structural and Mechanistic Insight into Terpene Synthases that Catalyze the Irregular Non‐Head‐to‐Tail Coupling of Prenyl Substrates
Authors: Kobayashi Masaya , Kuzuyama Tomohisa
Published: October 2018

Terpenoids have diverse structures and thus represent an important class of biologically active natural products. The structural diversity of terpenoids originates from the coupling of prenyl diphosphate substrates, such as isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate. These isoprenyl diphosphates undergo canonical and sequential “head‐to‐tail” coupling catalyzed by terpene synthases, followed by modifications such as cyclization, hydroxylation, and glycosylation. In recent years, several terpene synthases that catalyze irregular “non‐head‐to‐tail” couplings to afford branched terpenoids have been identified. This minireview describes structural and mechanistic insights into these unusual coupling reactions that provide a new strategy for the structural diversification of natural products.
Prospective, large‐scale multicenter trial for the use of drug‐coated balloons in coronary lesions: The DCB‐only All‐Comers Registry
Authors: Rosenberg Mark , Waliszewski Matthias , Chin Kenneth , Ahmad Wan Azman Wan , Caramanno Giuseppe , Milazzo Diego , Nuruddin Amin Ariff , Liew Houng Bang , Maskon Oteh , Aubry Pierre , Poyet Raphael , Frey Norbert
Published: October 2018

Objectives

This prospective, observational all‐comers registry assessed the safety and efficacy of a Drug Coated Balloon‐only strategy (DCB‐only) in patients with coronary lesions.

Background

Data regarding the performance of a DCB‐only approach, especially in patients with previously untreated de‐novo coronary artery disease (CAD), are still limited.

Methods

This study was conducted as an international, multicenter registry primarily enrolling patients with de‐novo CAD. However, it was also possible to include patients with in‐stent restenosis (ISR). The primary endpoint was the rate of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) after 9 months.

Results

A total of 1,025 patients with a mean age of 64.0 ± 11.2 years were enrolled. The majority of treated lesions were de‐novo (66.9%), followed by drug‐eluting‐stent ISR (DES‐ISR; 22.6%) and bare‐metal‐stent ISR (BMS‐ISR; 10.5%). The TLR rate was lower in the de‐novo group (2.3%) when compared to BMS‐ (2.9%) and DES‐ISR (5.8%) (P = 0.049). Regarding MACE, there was a trend toward fewer events in the de‐novo group (5.6%) than in the BMS‐ (7.8%) and DES‐ISR cohort (9.6%) (P = 0.131). Subgroup analyses revealed that lesion type (95% CI 1.127–6.587); P = 0.026) and additional stent implantation (95% CI 0.054–0.464; P = 0.001) were associated with higher TLR rates.

Conclusions

Our results show that DCB‐only angioplasty of de‐novo coronary lesions is associated with low MACE and TLR rates. Thus, DCBs appear to be an attractive alternative for the interventional, stentless treatment of suitable de‐novo coronary lesions.
Closure of mid‐bore venotomies with VASCADE VCD after right and left heart catheterization
Authors: Hmoud Hosam , Sturla Matteo , Delucia Louis , DeGregorio Lucius , DeGregorio Joseph
Published: October 2018

Objective

This single‐center, retrospective analysis investigated the clinical outcomes of a novel vascular closure device (VASCADE, Cardiva Medical, Santa Clara, CA) for closure of 7F femoral venotomies.

Background

The VASCADE closure device has been widely used to close arteriotomy sites following femoral procedures; however, little data have been published regarding the device's utility in closure of venotomy sites after procedures such as right‐heart catheterization.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of outcomes in 102 consecutive patients who underwent venous closure using the VASCADE device following diagnostic right and left‐heart catheterization between April 2016 to May 2018. Patients’ age, gender, valvular disease status, comorbidities, and periprocedural use of antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy were analyzed.

Results

Closure was successful in 99% (101/102) of patients with respect to achieving the primary outcome of rapid hemostasis in ≤3 min. There was one device failure requiring manual compression, with no further complications. There were no other related adverse events or complications through 30 days of follow‐up.

Conclusions

The VASCADE device achieved venous hemostasis in nearly all our patients. We believe devices for venous closure can aid in improving patient experience, safety, and efficiency during these procedures.
A New Insight into Active Cu2+ Species Properties in One‐Pot Synthesized Cu‐SSZ‐13 Catalysts for NOx Reduction by NH3
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Zhao Ru , Zhou Renxian
Published: October 2018

The Cu‐SSZ‐13 catalysts with different copper content are prepared by one‐pot method and changing the mole ratio of Cu‐tetraethylenepentamine/Al2O3. Cu‐SSZ‐13 catalyst with 3.25 wt.% Cu exhibits excellent catalytic activity (operation temperature window of 145–490 °C), adaptability to high GHSV (gas hourly space velocity) and hydrothermal stability in NH3‐SCR reaction. The results of XRD Rietveld refinement coupled with H2‐TPR and EPR show that three active Cu2+ species (Cu1, Cu2 and Cu3) locate in various sites in the CHA (chabazite) structure and play different action in NH3‐SCR reaction. Cu1 species situated close to an eight‐membered‐ring play a crucial role in the low temperature activity for its optimum reduction ability. While Cu3 species located in the center of the hexagonal prism are the most stable and its content basically remains unchanged after SO2 pretreatment, which contributes to the excellent SO2 resistance.
Enantioselective Benzylic Hydroxylation of Arylalkanes with H2O2 in Fluorinated Alcohols in the Presence of Chiral Mn Aminopyridine Complexes
Authors: Ottenbacher Roman V. , Talsi Evgenii P. , Rybalova Tatyana V. , Bryliakov Konstantin P.
Published: October 2018

A series of chiral bioinspired Mn‐aminopyridine complexes of the type [L*MnII(OTf)2] (where L* is 2,2′‐bipyrrolidine derived ligand, bearing trifluoroalkoxy and alkyl substituents) have been tested as catalysts in benzylic C−H hydroxylation of arylalkanes with H2O2 in fluorinated ethanols media. In 2,2,2‐trifuoroethanol, the yield of the target ethylbenzene oxidation product, chiral 1‐phenylethanol, reaches 45 %, which is much better than in the common solvent CH3CN (5‐6 %). The selectivity for 1‐phenylethanol formation increases in the following order: CH3CN<2‐fluoroethanol<2,2‐difluoroethanol<2,2,2‐trifuoroethanol, while 2,2‐difluoroethanol ensures the highest asymmetric induction in this series, affording chiral benzylic alcohols with up to 89 % ee. In trifluoroethanol, the observed primary kH/kD value of 2.3 has been measured for the oxidation of 1‐phenylethanol/α‐D‐1‐phenylethanol, which is similar to that in CH3CN (2.2). At the same time, depending on the solvent, CH3CN or 2,2,2‐trifuoroethanol, the oxidations of 1‐phenylethanol demonstrates drastically different linear free‐energy relationships; possible effect of the hydrogen‐bond donor (HBD) nature of CF3CH2OH is discussed in this context. Noticeably, it has been shown that by switching the absolute chirality ((S,S)− or (R,R)−) of the catalyst, the oxidation of complex substrate of natural origin, estrone acetate, can be diverted to predominant formation of either the tertiary C9‐alcohol or of the C6‐ketone, respectively.
Selective Targeting of the Zinc Finger Domain of HIV Nucleocapsid Protein NCp7 with Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Sheng Yaping , Cao Kaiming , Li Ji , Hou Zhuanghao , Yuan Siming , Huang Guangming , Liu Hongke , Liu Yangzhong
Published: October 2018

Nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7) is an attractive target for anti‐HIV drug development. Here we found that ruthenium complexes are reactive to NCp7 and various Ru‐agents exhibit significantly different reactivity. Interestingly, the zinc‐finger domains of NCp7 also demonstrate different affinity to Ru‐complexes; the C‐terminal domain is much more reactive than the N‐terminal domain. Each zinc‐finger domain of NCp7 binds up to three Ru‐motifs, and the ruthenium binding causes zinc‐ejection from NCp7 and disrupts the protein folding. Therefore, ruthenium complexes interfere with the DNA binding of NCp7 and interrupt the protein function. The different reactivity of Ru‐agents suggests a feasible strategy for improving the targeting of NCp7 by ligand design. This work provides an insight into the mechanism of ruthenium complex with NCp7, and suggests more potential application of ruthenium drugs.
Fast‐Charging and High Volumetric Capacity Anode Based on Co3O4/CuO@TiO2 Composites for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Nam‐youl , Lee Gibaek , Choi Jinsub
Published: October 2018

This paper presents an investigation of anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs), with a Co3O4/CuO coating, for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The coated TNAs are investigated using various analytical techniques, with the results clearly suggesting that the molar ratio of Co3O4/CuO in the TiO2 nanotubes substantially influences its battery performance. In particular, a cobalt/copper molar ratio of 2:1 on the TNAs (Co2Cu1@TNAs) features the best LIBs anode performance, exhibiting high reversible capacity and enhanced cycling stability. Noticeably, Co2Cu1@TNAs achieve excellent rate capability even after quite a high current density of 20.0 A g−1 (≈25 C, where C corresponds to complete discharge in 1 h) and superior volumetric reversible capacity of ≈3330 mA h−1 cm−3. This value is approximately seven times higher than those of a graphite‐based anode. This outstanding performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of Co2Cu1@TNAs: 1) the structural advantage of TNAs, with their large amount of free space to accommodate the large volume expansion during Li+ insertion/extraction and 2) the optimized ratio of Co3O4 and CuO in the composite for improved capacity. In addition, no binder or conductive agent is used, which is partly responsible for the overall improved volumetric capacity and electrochemical performance.
Synthesis of Bis(arylethynyl)pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles and Effect of Intramolecular Charge Transfer on Their Photophysical Behavior
Authors: Tasior Mariusz , Clermont Guillaume , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Jacquemin Denis , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: October 2018

3,6‐Bis(arylethynyl)pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles were synthesized through a two‐step procedure involving double direct alkynylation of the electron‐rich core followed by Sonogashira coupling. In comparison with the parent tetraarylo‐pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles and benzo‐fused pyrrolopyrroles, these new dyes showed moderately redshifted absorption. Almost all derivatives showed positive fluorescence solvatochromism and, for the first time, red‐emitting pyrrolopyrroles were obtained. Computational studies revealed that, in most cases, there is negligible change in the geometry between ground and excited states. Interestingly, there was a fundamental difference between pyrrolopyrroles possessing electron‐withdrawing substituents at positions 2 and 5 and their analogs lacking these substituents. The former dyes behaved like dipolar chromophores with the lowest excited state both one‐photon and two‐photon allowed, which corresponds to intramolecular charge transfer occurring along the branches perpendicular to the pyrrolopyrrole long axis. In compounds lacking electron‐withdrawing substituents at positions 2 and 5, intramolecular charge transfer took place along the long axis of pyrrolopyrrole and consequently the one‐photon transitions are not two‐photon allowed. Despite displaying quadrupolar core‐to‐peripheral intramolecular charge transfer, these derivatives showed two‐photon absorption cross sections in the NIR1 region comparable to tetraaryl‐pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles lacking π‐expansion (up to about 500 GM).
A model‐based flight qualities evaluation approach for civil aircraft
Authors: Zhong Lunlong , Qu Zhongjun , Mora‐Camino Félix
Published: October 2018

Evaluation of flight qualities plays an important role in the design of a civil aircraft. An appropriate level of flight qualities will be the key to achieve the airworthiness certification. With the objective to provide an overall view of flight qualities evaluation for a civil aircraft, a model‐based approach is proposed. Some terms related to flight qualities are defined formally, and the model‐based flight qualities evaluation approach under different situations is formed and proposed. Two working conditions of actuators are considered in the evaluation of flight qualities. When no actuator fails, linearization is adopted to build a linear flight dynamics model for analyzing the main parameter of flight qualities. When some actuators fail, a new off‐line approach for handling qualities evaluation, which employs a controller that generates appropriate commands for healthy actuators, is proposed. The design of the controller is following the idea of classical predictive control technique, and a recurrent linear quadratic programming problem is formulated to find the maximum remaining maneuverability while not avoiding any constraints. Taking the rotational maneuver as a study example, a test‐bed for handling qualities evaluation is built. The numerical simulation results show the feasibility of proposed evaluation approach.
Risk propagation model based on social life and credit activities multilayers fusion network
Authors: Su Wangshu , Ren Jinzheng
Published: October 2018

The financial activities contribute the most important part to the current society, since they deliver key qualitative asset transformation works in terms of maturity, liquidity, and volume. Usually, we evaluate the level of development of a country by measuring the perfection of financial market. Meanwhile, the economy is driven by the flourishing SME (small and micro enterprise), which makes the Microfinance become an important driver currently. The rapid expansion of Microfinance industry increases the fragility and instability of the whole society as the internal defects and economic environment; this paper proposes a propagation model based on a multilayer network, to seek the effective and practical solution to promote a sustainable and healthy path for Microfinance industry. The study simulates a system crisis caused by bankruptcy of Microfinance organization. In addition, we run the model with the real financial data, and therefore, a risk control scheme is designed based on the systematic risk evaluation, we demonstrate that the risk propagation model can help understand the mechanism of risk propagation within the system, and we provide preventive measures and offer support for policy making.
Exploration of power consumption monitoring based on Internet of things
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Xin , Huang Zhenzhen
Published: October 2018

To solve the problem that the general power consumption monitoring system only realizes the total amount statistics of energy consumption information, but there is no statistical analysis of energy consumption in items and classification as well as energy saving control, a solution scheme to the power consumption monitoring and energy saving management system based on the Internet of things technology was proposed. Based on the research on the Internet of things architecture and combined with the actual functional requirements of the project, the four‐level architecture of the Internet of things was designed. The database technology was used to achieve an expert system for enterprise energy saving control based on relational model. Finally, according to the actual project, the engineering application of the system was introduced. The research showed that the system proposed could effectively monitor the power consumption of enterprises and analyze and manage energy consumption. To sum up, the power consumption can be well monitored by applying Internet of things.
System dynamics model for high‐speed railway operation safety supervision system based on evolutionary game theory
Authors: Li Kehong , Zhang Yadong , Guo Jin , Ge Xiaocheng , Su Yuebin
Published: October 2018

In view of the entrusted transportation management model of High‐Speed Railways (HSR) in China, some questions have been exposed during its operation (eg, the supervision and inspection power of HSR company is not fully implemented, the poor management of safety investments, and no incentive and restraint mechanism). Through the analysis of the current situation of the HSR safety supervision system, a system dynamics (SD) model that is composed of an HSR company, the State Railway Administration (SRA) and the commissioned Railways Bureau (RB) have been established based on evolutionary game theory. The behavioral characteristics and the steady state of the decision‐making of all parties involved in the system are proved by the combination of evolutionary game theory and a system dynamics simulation. The results show that, under the clear incentive and restraint mechanism assumptions, the safety supervision and inspection rate of the system has been effectively improved and the supervision power of HSR company has been implemented.
Acquisition of transgenic salt‐tolerant upland rice based on genetic algorithm and its resistance
Authors: Sun Yina , Zhu Fanhe , Dai Weimin
Published: October 2018

Genetic algorithm is a search algorithm with “survival + detection” iterative process. Genetic algorithm is applied to study the gene optimization of rice yield increase to achieve the effect of increasing yield. The eco‐agricultural industrialization in China is still in its infancy, which requires technological innovation and institutional innovation of large‐scale eco‐economic optimization. This paper is devoted to the design of “three type” industrialization technology system of ecological agriculture resource saving, environment clean type, economic security type, and so on, and the construction of the new model of pollution abatement and recycling; the application of the transgenic technology is the development direction of advanced breeding technology, and it is the 4 investments of reducing pesticide, fertilizer, irrigation water, and labor force and the major technical countermeasures to promote the comparative benefit of grain. Super Hybrid Rice is a very good material for the transgenic technology, and the application of the transgenic technology is beneficial for super hybrid Rice to realize super High‐yield potential in large‐scale industrialized planting.
Comparative study of PLS path algorithm in water utilization rate of sponge city
Authors: Zhang Weipeng , Xu Ying , Wu Chanti
Published: October 2018

It is of great significance to evaluate the water utilization rate with the promotion of sponge city work. For the water resources utilization in pilot cities of 10 sponge cities in China, an evaluation index system that can reflect the water utilization rate has been set up, and a comparative analysis method for water utilization rate in sponge cities of the Partial Least Squares path model has been proposed. An evaluation model of water utilization rate based on Partial Least Squares path model has been established. The results show that the water utilization rate in sponge cities is a comprehensive reflection of water resources self level, the relationship between water resources and the environment, the relationship between water resources and economy, and the relationship between water resources and society, and its path coefficients are 0.420, 0.270, 0.239, and 0.190 in turn. The cities in the comprehensive ranking of the water resources utilization rate are Wuhan, Ningbo, Xiamen, Nanning, Jinan, Zhenjiang, Pingxiang, Baicheng, Jiaxing, and Suining, successively, and there are great differences in the water utilization rate between sponge cities.
Electrochemical Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Functionalization: Electricity as Clean Surrogates of Chemical Oxidants
Authors: Chen Jianbin , Lv Shide , Tian Siyu
Published: October 2018

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H activation has attracted much attention from the organic synthetic community because it obviates the need to prefunctionalize substrates. However, superstoichiometric chemical oxidants, such as copper‐ or silver‐based metal oxidants, benzoquinones, organic peroxides, K2S2O8, hypervalent iodine, and O2, are required for most of the reactions. Thus, the development of environmentally benign and user‐friendly C−H bond activation protocols, in the absence of chemical oxidants, are urgently desired. The inherent advantages and unique characteristics of organic electrosynthesis make fill this gap. Herein, recent progress in this area (until the end of September 2018) is summarized for different transition metals to highlight the potential sustainability of electro‐organic chemistry.
How to quantify animal activity from radio‐frequency identification (RFID) recordings
Authors: Iserbyt Arne , Griffioen Maaike , Borremans Benny , Eens Marcel , Müller Wendt
Published: October 2018

Automated animal monitoring via radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology allows efficient and extensive data sampling of individual activity levels and is therefore commonly used for ecological research. However, processing RFID data is still a largely unresolved problem, which potentially leads to inaccurate estimates for behavioral activity. One of the major challenges during data processing is to isolate independent behavioral actions from a set of superfluous, nonindependent detections. As a case study, individual blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) were simultaneously monitored during reproduction with both video recordings and RFID technology. We demonstrated how RFID data can be processed based on the time spent in‐ and outside a nest box. We then validated the number and timing of nest visits obtained from the processed RFID dataset by calibration against video recordings. The video observations revealed a limited overlap between the time spent in‐ and outside the nest box, with the least overlap at 23 s for both sexes. We then isolated exact arrival times from redundant RFID registrations by erasing all successive registrations within 23 s after the preceding registration. After aligning the processed RFID data with the corresponding video recordings, we observed a high accuracy in three behavioral estimates of parental care (individual nest visit rates, within‐pair alternation and synchronization of nest visits). We provide a clear guideline for future studies that aim to implement RFID technology in their research. We argue that our suggested RFID data processing procedure improves the precision of behavioral estimates, despite some inevitable drawbacks inherent to the technology. Our method is useful, not only for other cavity breeding birds, but for a wide range of (in)vertebrate species that are large enough to be fitted with a tag and that regularly pass near or through a fixed antenna.
Porphyromonas gingivalis triggers NLRP3‐mediated inflammasome activation in macrophages in a bacterial gingipains‐independent manner
Authors: Okano Tokuju , Ashida Hiroshi , Suzuki Shiho , Shoji Mikio , Nakayama Koji , Suzuki Toshihiko
Published: October 2018

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram‐negative anaerobic bacterium that has been considered to be one of the bacteria associated with progression of human periodontitis. Subgingival biofilms formed by bacteria, including P. gingivalis, induce chronic inflammation, and activation of inflammasome in the gingival tissue. However, the mechanisms of P. gingivalis‐triggering inflammasome activation and the role of bacteria–host interactions are controversial. In this study, we investigated the potential of P. gingivalis for triggering inflammasome activation in human cells and mouse models. We demonstrated that secreted or released factors from bacteria are involved in triggering NLR family, pyrin‐domain containing 3 protein (NLRP3) inflammasome in a gingipain‐independent manner. Our data indicated that released active caspase‐1 and mature IL‐1β are eliminated by proteolytic activity of secreted gingipains. These results elucidate the molecular bases for the mechanisms underlying P. gingivalis‐triggered inflammasome activation.
Separation‐free single‐base extension assay with fluorescence resonance energy transfer for rapid and convenient determination of DNA methylation status at specific cytosine and guanine dinucleotide sites
Authors: Fujita Keisuke , Hashimoto Masahiko
Published: October 2018

A separation‐free single‐base extension (SBE) assay utilizing fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was developed for rapid and convenient interrogation of DNA methylation status at specific cytosine and guanine dinucleotide sites. In this assay, the SBE was performed in a tube using an allele‐specific oligonucleotide primer (i.e., extension primer) labeled with Cy3 as a FRET donor fluorophore at the 5′‐end, a nucleotide terminator (dideoxynucleotide triphosphate) labeled with Cy5 as a FRET acceptor, a PCR amplicon derived from bisulfite‐converted genomic DNA, and a DNA polymerase. A single base‐extended primer (i.e., SBE product) that was 5′‐Cy3‐ and 3′‐Cy5‐tagged was formed by incorporation of the Cy5‐labeled terminator into the 3′‐end of the extension primer, but only if the terminator added was complementary to the target nucleotide. The resulting SBE product brought the Cy3 donor and the Cy5 acceptor into close proximity. Illumination of the Cy3 donor resulted in successful FRET and excitation of the Cy5 acceptor, generating fluorescence emission from the acceptor. The capacity of the developed assay to discriminate as low as 10% methylation from a mixture of methylated and unmethylated DNA was demonstrated at multiple cytosine and guanine dinucleotide sites.
Unravelling the role and mechanism of adipokine and gastrointestinal signals in animal models in the nonhomeostatic control of energy homeostasis: Implications for binge eating disorder
Authors: Novelle Marta G. , Diéguez Carlos
Published: October 2018

Central and peripheral signals regulating energy homeostasis interact tightly with neuronal pathways to modulate the hedonic component of food intake. Dysregulation of these interactions could explain the development of binge eating disorder (BED) and/or obesity and the increasing incidence of food addiction. In this review, we have highlighted the crucial role of peripheral hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, among others, in these nonhomeostatic pathways. We have also emphasised the relevance of central cannabinoid pathway and lateral hypothalamus, with orexin and melanin‐concentrating hormone neurons, as the critical hub controlling motivation and reward. Throughout the manuscript, we have focused on mechanisms learned from animal models of BED/food addiction in order to understand how these peripheral signals can modulate the motivation to eat. Understanding these mechanisms could help us to develop new treatment options for BED and/or obesity.
Multistage tectono‐magmatic evolution of the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc, south Ardestan, Iran: Insights from zircon geochronology and geochemistry
Authors: Babazadeh Shahrouz , Ghorbani Mohammad Reza , Cottle John M. , Bröcker Michael
Published: October 2018

Combining high‐spatial resolution geochronology and geochemistry of zircon provides constraints on the geodynamic evolution of the Zagros orogen. This study underlines the significance of hitherto unknown magmatic/geological events in the central Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc (UDMA) of Iran at ca. 35–22 and 10 Ma. Recently reported U–Pb zircon ages of 25–24 Ma for the granodioritic rocks from the south Ardestan area were interpreted to constrain the crystallization age. Newly determined U–Pb zircon ages of ca. 35 to 22 Ma from south Ardestan gabbroic to granitic rocks and related dikes indicate that the melt evolution continued from the Oligocene into Early Miocene time. In addition, a ca. 10 Ma U–Pb age for the zircons from a south Ardestan diorite provides evidence for a so far unknown, igneous episode. Representing the youngest magmatic stage recognized in the central part of the UDMA, the 10 Ma age is interpreted to document magmatic activity related to the Arabia–Eurasia collision, as recognized elsewhere in the Zagros orogen. South Ardestan zircons with geochemical signatures indicating continental affinity likely recrystallized in the course of a major event (asthenospheric mantle melt formation) that has affected crustal rocks. The significant lower LREEs of these zircons compared to hydrothermal zircons, moderate Th/U (>0.4), and high (Sm/La)N (>10) ratios associated with low [La] (<1 ppm) suggest that these crystals have an igneous origin and are not related to hydrothermal or metamorphic processes. These findings bear important implications for the geodynamic evolution of the Zagros orogen and support a model suggesting that magmatic activity still affected the UDMA in Late Miocene time.
Neural correlates of time distortion in a preaction period
Authors: Iwasaki Miho , Noguchi Yasuki , Kakigi Ryusuke
Published: October 2018

An intention to move distorts the perception of time. For example, a visual stimulus presented during the preparation of manual movements is perceived longer than actual. Although neural mechanisms underlying this action‐induced time distortion have been unclear, here we propose a new model in which the distortion is caused by a sensory–motor interaction mediated by alpha rhythm. It is generally known that viewing a stimulus induces a reduction in amplitude of occipital 10‐Hz wave (“alpha‐blocking”). Preparing manual movements are also known to reduce alpha power in the motor cortex (“mu‐suppression”). When human participants prepared movements while viewing a stimulus, we found that those two types of classical alpha suppression interacted in the third (time‐processing) region in the brain, inducing a prominent decrease in alpha power in the supplementary motor cortex (SMA). Interestingly, this alpha suppression in the SMA occurred in an asymmetric manner (such that troughs of alpha rhythm was more strongly suppressed than peaks), which can produce a gradual increase (slow shift of baseline) in neural activity. Since the neural processing in the SMA encodes a subjective time length for a sensory event, the increased activity in this region (by the asymmetric alpha suppression) would cause an overestimation of elapsed time, resulting in the action‐induced time distortion. Those results showed a unique role of alpha wave enabling communications across distant (visual, motor, and time‐processing) regions in the brain and further suggested a new type of sensory–motor interaction based on neural desynchronization (rather than synchronization).
Down‐regulation of TROP‐2 Predicts Poor Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Sin Sarah T. K. , Li Yan , Liu Ming , Yuan Yun‐Fei , Ma Stephanie , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: October 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancer types worldwide, especially in Asian countries. Genetic alterations, including hyperactivation of oncogenes and loss of expression of tumor suppressor genes, greatly contribute to the initiation and progression of HCC. Here we report that down‐regulation of trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP‐2) was frequently detected in HCC. Transcriptome sequencing of non‐tumor and HCC patient samples revealed down‐regulation of TROP‐2 in tumor tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed nearly undetectable levels of TROP‐2 in HCC tissues but distinct and strong staining of TROP‐2 in adjacent non‐tumor tissues. The frequent down‐regulation of TROP‐2 expression was further confirmed in an in‐house cohort of 205 pairs of HCC patient samples and in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Furthermore, the down‐regulation of TROP‐2 was associated with poor overall survival of HCC patients, severe adjacent organ invasion, and poor differentiation of HCC. Using bisulfite genomic sequencing and methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analyses, we show that higher levels of promoter methylation were detected in the DNA samples of HCC tissues (low TROP‐2 expression) than that of the non‐tumor tissues (high TROP‐2 expression). Conclusion: Taken together, our data suggest that promoter hypermethylation contributes to the frequent down‐regulation of TROP‐2 in HCC, and that TROP‐2 down‐regulation predicts poor prognosis of HCC patients.