bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review to assess the possibility of return of cerebral and cardiac activity after normothermic regional perfusion for donors after circulatory death
Authors: Shapey I M , Summers A , Augustine T , van Dellen D
Published: January 2019

Background

Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) is a novel technique that aids organ recovery from donors after circulatory death (DCDs). However, ethical concerns exist regarding the potential return of spontaneous cerebral and cardiac activity (ROSCCA). This study aimed to determine the likelihood of ROSCCA in NRP-DCDs of abdominal organs.

Methods

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) was identified as a comparator for NRP-DCDs and as a validation cohort. A systematic search identified all articles relating to NRP-DCDs and ECPR-OOHCA. Rates of ROSCCA and survival outcomes (ECPR-OOHCA only) were recorded and analysed according to the duration of no perfusion.

Results

In NRP-DCDs, 12 of 410 articles identified by database searching were eligible for inclusion. There were no instances of ROSCCA recorded among 493 donors. In ECPR-OOHCA, eight of 947 screened articles were eligible for inclusion (254 patients). Where the absence of perfusion exceeded 5 min in ECPR-OOHCA, there were no survivors with a favourable neurological outcome.

Conclusion

ROSCCA is unlikely following commencement of NRP and has not occurred to date. Strict observance of the 5-min interval following asystole provides satisfactory assurance that ROSCCA will not occur following NRP.
The pecs anesthetic blockade: A correlation between magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, reconstructed cross‐sectional anatomy and cross‐sectional histology
Authors: Versyck Barbara , Groen Gerbrand , van Geffen Geert‐Jan , Van Houwe Patrick , Bleys Ronald Law
Published: January 2019

The interfascial thoracic wall blockades Pecs I and Pecs II are increasingly applied in breast and axillary surgery. Despite the clear anatomical demarcations depicted at their introduction, the clinical outcome is more variable than would be expected based upon the described anatomy. In order to elucidate factors that explain this variability, we evaluated the spread of each injection—medial Pecs I, lateral Pecs I, the deep injection of the Pecs II—separately. A correlation of in vivo landmarks and ultrasound images with ex vivo ultrasound, reconstructed anatomical planes, histology and magnetic resonance imaging. The medial Pecs I, similar to the sagittal infraclavicular block positioning with needle position medial to the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery, reaches the medial and lateral pectoral nerves. The lateral Pecs I, below the lateral third of the clavicle at the level of the third rib with needle position lateral to the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery, additionally spreads to the axilla and reaches the intercostobrachial nerve. The deep Pecs II injection spreads to the lateral cutaneous part of the III–VI intercostal nerves and reaches the long thoracic nerve. The variability of the Pecs anesthetic blockades is driven by the selected Pecs I approach as only the lateral approach stains the intercostobrachial nerve. The pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery can serve as the landmark to differentiate the needle position of the medial and lateral Pecs I block. Clin. Anat. 32:421–429, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early history of transylvania medical college: The saga of a disputed autopsy precipitating a duel and grave robbing
Authors: Wright James R.
Published: January 2019

At the beginning of the 19th century, there were only five medical schools in America. The Medical Department of Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, was the first in the West; however, it had few students or faculty until it was restructured in 1815. In 1817–1818, three of its faculty members (Benjamin Dudley, Daniel Drake, and William Richardson) quickly developed a highly dysfunctional relationship. Dudley tried to have Richardson fired, with Drake blocking this. Drake then criticized Dudley's performance of a coroner's autopsy, resulting in both parties publishing derogatory comments about each other. Dudley then challenged Drake to a pistol duel but Drake, not believing in dueling, declined. Richardson, wanting to defend his friend's honor, accepted the challenge and was mortally wounded in August 1818. Dudley, a prominent surgeon, saved his life. Both Dudley and Richardson were important Kentuckian Freemasons and the brotherhood felt compelled to punish them for un‐Masonic behavior. Drake left and started his own medical school in Cincinnati in 1819, in direct completion with and destabilizing Transylvania's school. This saga is dissected in the context of the bizarre history of dueling as part of the Code of Honor by which gentlemen in the Old South often resolved their differences. The essay analyzes the autopsy dispute and reviews politics within the medical school, the University, and newer competing medical schools. Transylvania's medical school was recognized as one of the best in the US during the first half of the 1800s, but by 1859, it had permanently closed its doors. Clin. Anat. 32:489–500, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preservation of Denonvilliers' fascia for nerve‐sparing laparoscopic total mesorectal excision: A neuro‐histological study
Authors: Liu Jianpei , Huang Pinjie , Liang Qiong , Yang Xiaofeng , Zheng Zongheng , Wei Hongbo
Published: January 2019

Urogenital complications due to pelvic autonomic nerve damage frequently occur following rectal surgery. We investigated whether total mesorectal excision (TME) with preservation of the Denonvilliers' fascia (DVF) can effectively prevent the removal of pelvic autonomic nerves through microscopy. Twenty consecutive male patients with mid‐low rectal cancer who received TME with preservation or resection of the Denonvilliers' fascia (P and R groups, respectively) were included. Serial transverse sections from surgical specimens were studied histologically. Nerve fibers at the surfaces of the mesorectum were counted. Clinical correlation between the amount of nerve fibers removed and post‐operative sexual function was analyzed. Nerve fibers closely localized to the DVF in the R group displaying rich erectile activity (positive anti‐nNOS immunostaining). At the anterior surface of the mesorectum, the mean numbers of nNOS‐positive nerve fibers per specimen in the P group were significantly lower than the R group (3.0 ± 1.8 vs. 5.0 ± 2.3, P < 0.05). Compared to the R group, patients in the P group had higher IIEF scores and better erectile function at 3 and 6 months post‐operatively. The DVF is a key risk zone for pelvic denervation during laparoscopic TME. Preservation of the DVF can prevent the removal of autonomic nerves and protect post‐operative erectile function. Clin. Anat. 32:439–445, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrasonography of the internal architecture of the superficial part of the masseter muscle in vivo
Authors: Lee Hyung‐Jin , Choi You‐Jin , Lee Kang‐Woo , Hu Kyung‐Seok , Kim Seong Taek , Kim Hee‐Jin
Published: January 2019

It is unclear whether the deep inferior tendon (DIT) is equally present in vivo, and little anatomical information is available regarding the existence and morphology of the DIT in healthy young subjects. The aim of this study was to characterize the DIT of the masseter muscle in healthy young subjects using ultrasonography and to compare the morphology of this tendon with previously reported data for healthy young subjects in order to provide the most‐effective injection methods for botulinum neurotoxin treatments of masseteric hypertrophy. This study investigated two fresh cadavers and 30 healthy subjects. Ultrasonography scanning in both longitudinal and transverse directions was applied to the masseter muscle. The DIT within the superficial part of the masseter was observed in both the fresh cadavers and the living subjects. The posterior region of the masseter muscle was compartmentalized (entirely covered) by the DIT in 26.7% of the specimens. The superficial part of the masseter muscle was divided by the DIT transversely and longitudinally into the superficial and deep muscle bellies in 35% and 38.3% of the specimens, respectively. The present findings suggest applying a DIT‐based injection technique under guidance by ultrasonography prior to treating masseteric hypertrophy. Clin. Anat. 32:446–452, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caryophyllene Sesquiterpenes from Pulicaria vulgarisGaertn.: Isolation, Structure Determination, Bioactivity and Structure−Activity Relationship
Authors: Zardi‐Bergaoui Afifa , Znati Mansour , Harzallah‐Skhiri Fethia , Jannet Hichem Ben
Published: January 2019

A new caryophyllene, named pulicaryenne A (1), along with four other known caryophyllene derivatives (2, 3, 4 and 5) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts of Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn. (Asteraceae). All compounds were isolated for the first time from this species. Compound 2 was identified as a new epimer of a known caryophyllene derivative isolated previously from P. dysenterica. Their structures were established by spectroscopic means including NMR analysis (1D‐ and 2D‐NMR) and ESI‐TOF‐MS. All compounds were evaluated for their anticholinesterase, antityrosinase and cytotoxic activities against two human cell lines (A549 and HeLa). Results showed that compound 5 exhibited the highest cytotoxic effect against A549 and anticholinesterase activity with IC50 values of 8.50±0.75 and 6.45±0.09 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, compound 5 showed also an interesting antityrosinase activity with percent inhibition value of 79.0±2.5 % at 50 μg/mL. The bioactivity and drug likeness scores of the isolated compounds 1–5 were calculated using Molinspiration software and discussed. These results may suggest that the five caryophyllene derivatives endowed with good biological properties, which could be used as bioactive alternatives in pharmaceutical preparations.
Synthesis‐Gas Absorption under Real Process Conditions: Thermodynamic Aspects
Authors: Stepacheva Antonina A. , Markova Mariia E. , Gavrilenko Alexandra V. , Sidorov Alexander I. , Matveeva Valentina G. , Sulman Mikhail G. , Sulman Esther M.
Published: January 2019

The solubility of synthesis gas was measured in the temperature range of 100–300 °C and pressure range of 1.0–5.0 MPa in polar (2‐propanol) and nonpolar (n‐dodecane) solvents. Thermodynamic parameters of the absorption, such as the Henry constant, absorption enthalpy, and apparent activation energy of absorption, were calculated on the basis of the obtained results. The phase equilibrium was calculated by using the Soave‐Redlich‐Kwong cubic equation of state, which could be used to predict the optimal process conditions for liquid‐phase Fischer‐Tropsch reactions in different solvents.
Selenium as Extra Binding Site for Sulfur Species in Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile Cathodes for High Capacity Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Jiang Mao , Wang Kangli , Gao Shu , Wang Ruxing , Han Jing , Yan Jie , Cheng Shijie , Jiang Kai
Published: January 2019

Due to their high theoretical energy density, lithium sulfur (Li−S) batteries are promising candidates for next generation energy storage systems. Unfortunately, polysulfide dissolution in ether‐based electrolytes is still a major problem of Li−S batteries. Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) can be used as electrode material in carbonate‐based electrolytes to avoid large‐scale dissolution of polysulfides. But SPAN composites usually suffer from low sulfur content (<50 wt %) and low capacity, limiting their practical application. Here, we synthesize a novel Se doped SPAN (SeSPAN) composite by one‐step thermal treatment. Se atoms are uniformly distributed in the SeSPAN composite and serve as binding sites for S species, increasing the sulfur content up to about 60 wt %, higher than previously reported results. In addition, the Se doping itself is contributing to an increased capacity. The discharge/charge mechanism of the SeSPAN composite is investigate by Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicating the existence of Se−S bonds and good electrochemical reversibility. Thus, the SeSPAN cathode delivers an excellent initial specific capacity of 1044 mA h g−1 (calculated for the mass of the whole composite) and a high coulombic efficiency of almost 100 %. Compared with conventional SPAN composites, our SeSPAN material shows a great improvement on the capacity and cycle life and provides a new way to build high capacity SPAN composites.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Aryl Methoxymethyl Ethers
Authors: de Kruijff Goswinus H. M. , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2019

Methoxymethyl protected phenols are accessible by our safe, reagent‐ and reagent waste‐free anodic decarboxylation protocol. High current efficiencies and good functional group tolerance makes this methodology a useful tool for the preparation of these valuable and protected phenol building blocks.
Biocatalytic Strategies towards [4+2] Cycloadditions
Authors: Lichman Benjamin R. , O'Connor Sarah E. , Kries Hajo
Published: January 2019

Long sought after [4+2] cyclases have sprouted up in numerous biosynthetic pathways in recent years, raising hopes for biocatalytic solutions to cycloaddition catalysis, an important problem in chemical synthesis. In a few cases, detailed pictures of the inner workings of these catalysts have emerged, but intense efforts to gain deeper understanding are underway by means of crystallography and computational modelling. This Minireview aims to shed light on the catalytic strategies that this highly diverse family of enzymes employs to accelerate and direct the course of [4+2] cycloadditions with reference to small‐molecule catalysts and designer enzymes. These catalytic strategies include oxidative or reductive triggers and lid‐like movements of enzyme domains. A precise understanding of natural cycloaddition catalysts will be instrumental for customizing them for various synthetic applications.
Collective Synthesis of Schilancidilactones A, B and Schilancitrilactones A, B, C, 20‐epi‐Schilancitrilactone A
Authors: Wang Hengtao , Wang Liang , Li Yihang , Zhang Xiunan , Tang Pingping
Published: January 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Schisandraceae triterpenoids are novel natural products that contain highly fused ring systems bearing multiple chiral centers surrounding. Some of them exhibit promising bioactivities, such as antitumor, anti‐HIV, etc. In this article, we describe our efforts to the collective total synthesis of schilancidilactones A, B, schilancitrilactones A, B, C, and 20‐epi‐schilancitrilactone A from common precursors. An intramolecular radical cyclization, late‐stage halogenation and AIBN‐mediated or Ni‐catalyzed intermolecular radical cross coupling reaction were employed as the key steps.
Structure–Activity and Structure–Toxicity Relationships of Peptoid‐Based Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors with Dual‐Stage Antiplasmodial Activity
Authors: Mackwitz Marcel K. W. , Hesping Eva , Antonova‐Koch Yevgeniya , Diedrich Daniela , Woldearegai Tamirat Gebru , Skinner‐Adams Tina , Clarke Mary , Schöler Andrea , Limbach Laura , Kurz Thomas , Winzeler Elizabeth A. , Held Jana , Andrews Katherine T. , Hansen Finn K.
Published: January 2019

Novel malaria intervention strategies are of great importance, given the development of drug resistance in malaria‐endemic countries. In this regard, histone deacetylases (HDACs) have emerged as new and promising malaria drug targets. In this work, we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 20 novel HDAC inhibitors with antiplasmodial activity. Based on a previously discovered peptoid‐based hit compound, we modified all regions of the peptoid scaffold by using a one‐pot multicomponent pathway and submonomer routes to gain a deeper understanding of the structure–activity and structure–toxicity relationships. Most compounds displayed potent activity against asexual blood‐stage P. falciparum parasites, with IC50 values in the range of 0.0052–0.25 μm and promising selectivity over mammalian cells (SIPf3D7/HepG2: 170–1483). In addition, several compounds showed encouraging sub‐micromolar activity against P. berghei exo‐erythrocytic forms (PbEEF). Our study led to the discovery of the hit compound N‐(2‐(benzylamino)‐2‐oxoethyl)‐N‐(4‐(hydroxycarbamoyl)benzyl)‐4‐isopropylbenzamide (2 h) as a potent and parasite‐specific dual‐stage antiplasmodial HDAC inhibitor (IC50 Pf3D7=0.0052 μm, IC50 PbEEF=0.016 μm).
Enhanced semantic similarity measure based on two‐level retrieval model
Authors: Ben Djemaa Raoudha , Nabli Hajer , Amous Ben Amor Ikram
Published: January 2019

With the rapid spread of services in the Cloud computing environment, it is difficult for users to find the right service. Therefore, the necessity of a search engine with semantic focused crawler becomes a fundamental requirement. However, the huge size and varied functionalities of Cloud services on the Web, together with the lack of standardized and coherent description of services available, have a great effect for crawlers in order to provide effective Cloud services. To solve these issues, we propose a Cloud service discovery crawler that employs a two‐level semantic similarity measure based on both TF‐IDF and LDA models. Moreover, in order to automatically discover and categorize Cloud services, we present a Cloud Service Ontology (CSOnt) that contains a set of concepts defining Cloud service categories. Experimental results show that the proposed method enhances the performance of the focused crawlers and presents an efficient way to parse the Web and collect Web pages relevant to Cloud services.
Conjugated Carbon Nitride as an Emerging Luminescent Material: Quantum Dots, Thin Films and Their Applications in Imaging, Sensing, Optoelectronic Devices and Photoelectrochemistry
Authors: Xu Jingsan , Shalom Menny
Published: January 2019

Over the past few years, graphitic/polymeric carbon nitride (CN) has attracted widespread attention due to its interesting electronic properties, which have been exploited in various applications, including, for example, in photo‐ and electrocatalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, CO2 reduction and water splitting. Its unique and tunable optical, chemical, and catalytic properties, alongside its low price and remarkably high stability to oxidation and harsh chemical environments, make it a very attractive material for optoelectronic devices as well as imaging and sensing‐related applications. In this Minireview, we will focus on the optical and photophysical properties of CN films and quantum dots and their potential applications in sensors, LEDs, solar cells and other photoelectronic devices. The synthetic approaches which determine the final chemical and photophysical properties of the CN materials are thoroughly elaborated.
“Students can change a school”: Understanding the role of youth leadership in building a school culture of peace
Authors: Duckworth Cheryl , Albano Tom , Munroe Darby , Garver Mike
Published: January 2019

What is the impact of youth interfaith dialogues on students and school communities? What role does the inclusion of opportunities for youth leadership in the “program design play? We implemented a series of such dialogues, which then led to youth‐designed and implemented peace projects at their school sites. Using qualitative and quantitative assessments, this article adds to the literature on critical peace education, offering useful insights for both practitioners and researchers.
Fetal and Infant Influences on Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)
Authors: Law C.M.
Published: January 2019

The 'thrifty phenotype' hypothesis states that impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) are the result of adaptation to undernutrition in the fetal and infant environment. In adapting the fetus and infant have to be nutritionally 'thrifty'. If poor nutrition continues throughout life these adaptations are not detrimental. However, if adult nutrition is better, the ability of the pancreas to maintain homeostasis is exceeded, with resulting diabetes. The hypothesis has been tested by a series of longitudinal studies which relate early growth with IGT and NIDDM in adult life. The studies show that babies who are small at birth or during infancy have increased rates of IGT and NIDDM. These relations are independent of social class and are seen at all levels of current body mass. More detailed anthropometric measurements at birth show that the baby at risk of glucose intolerance is characterized by disproportionate fetal growth, particularly relative thinness. Direct measurements have shown that this is a function of insulin resistance rather than deficiency. Reduced fetal growth is also associated with higher levels of plasma glucose in children. The aetiology of IGT and NIDDM may lie in undernutrition in utero or during infancy. This has major implications for their prevention.
Advancing Ethics and Policy for Healthy‐Volunteer Research through a Model‐Organism Framework
Authors: Fisher Jill A. , Walker Rebecca L.
Published: January 2019

Nonhuman animal research and phase I healthy‐volunteer clinical trials are both critical components of testing the safety of investigational drugs as part of the development of new pharmaceuticals. In addition, these types of research share important structural features, as both take place in confinement and both use subjects that are dissimilar to the target population. By mobilizing a model‐organism framework for phase I trials, we employ concepts and mechanisms typical to animal research to query gaps in the human subjects ethics and policy framework. By bringing these two research worlds together, we aim to illustrate how the model‐organism framework can enhance healthy volunteers’ welfare during trials, improve research oversight, and more critically assess the science value of current phase I trials.
Odor biosensor system based on image lock‐in measurement for odorant discrimination
Authors: Sukekawa Yuji , Nakamoto Takamichi
Published: January 2019

There has been so far few odor sensors with an array of the biosensor elements. However, an odor sensor constructed in this fashion is expected to have high performance in terms of the ability to discriminate between odorants. In this study, a parallel lock‐in measurement circuit was developed to acquire the fluorescent image of the cells even under an ambient light. Since that circuit can extract only the responses of the cells from the fluorescent image, its output represents a specific pattern corresponding to the odorant. Therefore, principal component analysis was applied to that output in order to confirm the availability of the odorant discrimination by using a fluorescent image. It was found that the output pattern from the developed circuit included information enough to discriminate between at least two types of odorants.
Control of identification area of structured identifier by set theory and connection techniques for modularized facility management functions
Authors: Amano Koji , Nishiyama Hiroyasu , Koizumi Minoru , Shimizu Katsuto , Sasaki Wataru , Tano Shunichi
Published: January 2019

This paper is to propose an information management technique, which is easy to understand by humans and easy to utile analysis program, in order to manage complicated machines and facilities. To manage the facilities, we show a modeling that partly defines the structure of the facilities by set theory, further defines the requirements for joining the subset of structured identifiers on consistency. In verification of the proposal and programming method, we show how to control the amount of information of structured identifier as uniquely identifier. As a result, we show our proposal is useful to address real problems in management software.
Transformation of mature mouse B cells into malignant plasma cells in vitro via introduction of defined genetic elements
Authors: Högstrand Kari , Lindvall Jessica M. , Sundblad Anne , Grandien Alf
Published: January 2019

An experimental system where defined alterations in gene function or gene expression levels in primary B cells would result in the development of transformed plasma cells in vitro would be useful in order to facilitate studies of the underlying molecular mechanisms of plasma cell malignancies. Here, such a system is described in which primary murine B cells rapidly become transformed into surface CD138+, IgM−/low, CD19− IgM‐secreting plasma cells as a result of expression of the transcription factors IRF4 and MYC together with simultaneous expression of BMI1, mutated p53 or silencing of p19Arf, and suppression of intrinsic apoptosis through expression of BCLXL. Analysis of gene expression patterns revealed that this combination of transforming genes resulted in expression of a number of genes previously associated with terminally differentiated B cells (plasma cells) and myeloma cells, whereas many genes associated with mature B cells and B‐cell lymphomas were not expressed. Upon transplantation, the transformed cells preferentially localized to the bone marrow, presenting features of a plasma cell malignancy of the IgM isotype. The present findings may also be applicable in the development of novel methods for production of monoclonal antibodies.
Self‐punishment promotes reconciliation with third parties by addressing the symbolic implications of wrongdoing
Authors: de Vel‐Palumbo Melissa , Wenzel Michael , Woodyatt Lydia
Published: January 2019

Self‐punishment is a highly costly—and potentially harmful—way transgressors can respond to a wrongdoing. In this research, we propose that people might punish themselves in part because it has a communicative social function. Three studies using hypothetical vignettes showed that self‐punishment facilitates reconciliation with third party observers by addressing the symbolic implications of wrongdoing. Specifically, self‐punishment establishes a moral value consensus and/or diminishes offender status/power, and through this, increases third party perceptions of justice and transgressor remorse, and the third party's willingness to reconcile. This effect was robust to manipulations designed to make third parties question the sincerity of the self‐punisher's intention. Self‐punishment thus serves a beneficial interpersonal function by repairing social bonds between transgressors and their peers.
How positive and negative contact experiences relate to identification and acculturation of persons with a migration background: Differentiating between majority, minority, and religious group identity
Authors: Sixtus Frederick , Wesche Jenny S. , Tsantila Katerina , Kerschreiter Rudolf
Published: January 2019

Badea, Jetten, Iyer, and Er‐Rafiy proposed a model that specifies immigrants’ experienced rejection by majority and minority groups and social identification with these groups as predictors of their acculturation attitudes. The present research tested an extended version of this model by assessing (i) both positive and negative contact experiences with majority and minority groups, (ii) social identification with these groups and religious groups, and (iii) acculturation attitudes. We surveyed individuals with Greek (N = 186) and Turkish (N = 138) migration background living in Germany. The proposed model yielded a good fit with the empirical data and showed that positive and negative contact with majority and minority groups predicted minority members’ acculturation attitudes, mediated via identification with the majority, minority, and religious group. Our findings support the extended model and contribute to a broader understanding of contact–identification–acculturation links in the context of migration.
Computer‐based boiler efficiency improvement
Authors: Said Samah M. , Hamouda Asmaa S. , Mahmaoud Hamada , Abd‐Elwahab Said
Published: January 2019

This article was concerned with calculating efficiency of boilers which are the most important types of performance measurements in a steam system. A Java program was developed for this calculation, and a steam boiler available in the Egyptian Salts and Minerals Company (EMISAL) in Fayoum governorate—Egypt was selected as a case study; as it has different types of boilers with different capacities. The mathematical model developed here is based on direct and indirect methods for boiler efficiency calculation. The program can provide detailed flow and thermodynamic characteristics of the boiler components and steam tables for different types of steam. It is expected to be useful for predicting the characteristics and the performance of any steam boiler. It also can be used to calculate the input and used heat in the boiler. The findings model showed high accuracy in calculating boiler and combustion efficiencies (100%), the percentage of boiler combustion products (99%) and losses from the boiler (99%). The calculations take less than 1 min compared with other commercial softwares on the market, as Aspen Plus and ASCEND for the chemical process industry and more specialized software like GateCycle and GASCAN+ for gas turbines. This specialized software focuses on the steam boiler under any condition, so it is more accurate and can simplify the experimental procedure for any steam boiler, save time and costs in the experiment. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Statistics and spectra of turbulence under different roughness in the near‐neutral atmospheric surface layer
Authors: Li Xuebo , Bo Tianli
Published: January 2019

Accurate knowledge of the contacts between surface roughness and the resultant wind speed are important for climatic models, wind power meteorology, agriculture and erosion hazards especially on sand saltation in arid and semi‐arid environments, where vegetation cover is scarce. In this study, synchronous measurements of three‐dimensional wind speed below 5 m are carried out in three different surface roughness conditions in Minqin, China, and the difference in the turbulence statistics and the structure of the very large‐scale motions (VLSMs) were revealed. The results show that the slope of the mean wind profile (MVP), the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and Reynolds stress increase with the surface roughness. The roughness seems to suppress the ejection events and the surface roughness will not only weaken the energy of the VLSMs, but also reduce the scale values of VLSMs near the wall. These influences may cause some changes regarding the dust transportation in streamwise and vertical directions during the sand and dust storm (SDS). That is, the decrease of the mean velocity near the ground will reduce the dust transportation in the streamwise direction and influence of the roughness on the ejection and sweep events will change the dust transportation in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the increase of roughness will weaken the scale and energy of VLSMs, which will lead to the decrease of the capacity of dust transportation. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of domestic cooking on rice protein digestibility
Authors: Liu Kunlun , Zheng Jiabao , Chen Fusheng
Published: January 2019

The effects of washing, soaking, and common domestic cooking methods (normal cooking, high‐pressure cooking, and microwave cooking) on protein content, in vitro protein digestibility, and amino acid composition of japonica and indica rice were investigated. All processes in rice domestic cooking did not affect protein content. However, the gastric and gastrointestinal protein digestibilities decreased significantly after cooking. Protein solubility methods were used to observe the formation of disulfide bonds and hydrophobicity interactions after cooking. Disulfide bonds and hydrophobicity interactions were formed during cooking, and the cooking‐induced disulfide bond cross‐linking decreased the protein digestibility observably. Moreover, the solubility of 13 kDa prolamin subunit sharply decreased after cooking due to intramolecular disulfide bond cross‐linking. Therefore, cooking‐induced formation of intramolecular disulfide linkages might stabilize and strengthen the structure of protein body‐I, which exhibited strong resistance to proteases, particularly pepsin. Cooking had limited effect on amino acids.
Tumor mutational burden standardization initiatives: Recommendations for consistent tumor mutational burden assessment in clinical samples to guide immunotherapy treatment decisions
Authors: Stenzinger Albrecht , Allen Jeffrey D. , Maas Jörg , Stewart Mark D. , Merino Diana M. , Wempe Madison M. , Dietel Manfred
Published: January 2019

Characterization of tumors utilizing next‐generation sequencing methods, including assessment of the number of somatic mutations (tumor mutational burden [TMB]), is currently at the forefront of the field of personalized medicine. Recent clinical studies have associated high TMB with improved patient response rates and survival benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors; hence, TMB is emerging as a biomarker of response for these immunotherapy agents. However, variability in current methods for TMB estimation and reporting is evident, demonstrating a need for standardization and harmonization of TMB assessment methodology across assays and centers. Two uniquely placed organizations, Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) and the Quality Assurance Initiative Pathology (QuIP), have collaborated to coordinate efforts for international multistakeholder initiatives to address this need. Friends and QuIP, who have partnered with several academic centers, pharmaceutical organizations, and diagnostic companies, have adopted complementary, multidisciplinary approaches toward the goal of proposing evidence‐based recommendations for achieving consistent TMB estimation and reporting in clinical samples across assays and centers. Many factors influence TMB assessment, including preanalytical factors, choice of assay, and methods of reporting. Preliminary analyses highlight the importance of targeted gene panel size and composition, and bioinformatic parameters for reliable TMB estimation. Herein, Friends and QuIP propose recommendations toward consistent TMB estimation and reporting methods in clinical samples across assays and centers. These recommendations should be followed to minimize variability in TMB estimation and reporting, which will ensure reliable and reproducible identification of patients who are likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Late Miocene increase in sediment accommodation rates in the southern North Sea Basin
Authors: Jef Deckers , Louwye Stephen
Published: January 2019

Boreholes provided with biostratigraphic data indicate major changes in the Miocene sediment accommodation rates in the northern Campine Block, located in the southern North Sea Basin. Low sediment accommodation rates took place during the early to middle Miocene and abruptly increased into the late Miocene. Two processes likely explain these observations. First, the long‐time (±10 Myr) slow sedimentation of fine sands with a high—in part authigenic—glauconite content (of up to almost 50%) suggests that the southern North Sea area was sediment starved during the early to middle Miocene. Sediment starvation ended with the start of the late Miocene when the area became covered by west‐prograding clinoform sets of coarser sands with mainly reworked glauconite as part of the proto‐Rhine system. The latter sands filled the accommodation space that was left after early to middle Miocene sediment starvation. Second, accelerated subsidence during the late Miocene created additional accommodation space to be filled compared with the early to middle Miocene. A mechanism that explains well the regional accelerated subsidence is lithospheric folding or buckling. The timing and geometry of accelerated rates of subsidence in the southern North Sea area are indeed consistent with deformation that was thought to have been related to lithospheric folding in areas further south (in the direction of the Alps) under NW‐Alpine compression.
Brain network dynamics in schizophrenia: Reduced dynamism of the default mode network
Authors: Kottaram Akhil , Johnston Leigh A. , Cocchi Luca , Ganella Eleni P. , Everall Ian , Pantelis Christos , Kotagiri Ramamohanarao , Zalesky Andrew
Published: January 2019

Complex human behavior emerges from dynamic patterns of neural activity that transiently synchronize between distributed brain networks. This study aims to model the dynamics of neural activity in individuals with schizophrenia and to investigate whether the attributes of these dynamics associate with the disorder's behavioral and cognitive deficits. A hidden Markov model (HMM) was inferred from resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data that was temporally concatenated across individuals with schizophrenia (n = 41) and healthy comparison individuals (n = 41). Under the HMM, fluctuations in fMRI activity within 14 canonical resting‐state networks were described using a repertoire of 12 brain states. The proportion of time spent in each state and the mean length of visits to each state were compared between groups, and canonical correlation analysis was used to test for associations between these state descriptors and symptom severity. Individuals with schizophrenia activated default mode and executive networks for a significantly shorter proportion of the 8‐min acquisition than healthy comparison individuals. While the default mode was activated less frequently in schizophrenia, the duration of each activation was on average 4–5 s longer than the comparison group. Severity of positive symptoms was associated with a longer proportion of time spent in states characterized by inactive default mode and executive networks, together with heightened activity in sensory networks. Furthermore, classifiers trained on the state descriptors predicted individual diagnostic status with an accuracy of 76–85%.
Gray matter volume covariance networks associated with dual‐task cost during walking‐while‐talking
Authors: Tripathi Susmit , Verghese Joe , Blumen Helena M.
Published: January 2019

We studied gray matter volume covariance networks associated with normal pace walking (NPW) speed and dual‐task costs (DTCs) during walking‐while‐talking (WWT)—a mobility stress test that involves walking while reciting alternate letters of the alphabet. Using a multivariate covariance‐based analytic approach, we identified gray matter networks associated with NPW speed (mean 102.1 cm/s ±22.5 cm/s) and DTC (percent difference in gait speed between NPW and WWT, mean 25.9% ± 18.8%) in 139 older adults without dementia (M = 75.3 ± 6.1 years). The gray matter network associated with NPW was primarily composed of supplementary motor area, precuneus cortex, and the middle frontal gyrus. Greater expression of this NPW network was associated with better processing speed (trail‐making test A [r = −0.30, p = 0.005]) and executive function (trail‐making test B − A [r = −0.43, p < 0.0001]). The gray matter network associated with DTC was primarily composed of medial prefrontal, cingulate, and thalamic regions. Greater expression of this DTC network was associated with better episodic memory performance on the free and cued selective reminding test (r = 0.30, p = 0.007). These results suggest that NPW speed and DTC are supported by different networks, and are associated with different cognitive domains.
Direct Inhibition of Hepatitis B e Antigen by Core Protein Allosteric Modulator
Authors: Yan Zhipeng , Wu Daitze , Hu Hui , Zeng Jing , Yu Xin , Xu Zhiheng , Zhou Zheng , Zhou Xue , Yang Guang , Young John A.T. , Gao Lu
Published: January 2019

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is an important immunomodulator for promoting host immune tolerance during chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. In patients with CHB, HBeAg loss and seroconversion represent partial immune control of CHB infection and are regarded as valuable endpoints. However, the current approved treatments have only a limited efficacy in achieving HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive patients. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein has been recognized as an attractive antiviral target, and two classes of core protein allosteric modulator (CpAM) have been discovered: the phenylpropenamides (PPAs) and the heteroaryldihydropyrimidines (HAPs). However, their differentiation and potential therapeutic benefit beyond HBV DNA inhibition remain to be seen. Here, we show that in contrast to PPA series compound AT‐130, a HAP CpAM, HAP_R01, reduced HBeAg levels in multiple in vitro and in vivo HBV experimental models. Mechanistically, we found that HAP_R01 treatment caused the misassembly of capsids formed by purified HBeAg in vitro. In addition, HAP_R01 directly reduces HBeAg levels by inducing intracellular precore protein misassembly and aggregation. Using a HAP_R01‐resistant mutant, we found that HAP_R01‐mediated HBeAg and core protein reductions were mediated through the same mechanism. Furthermore, HAP_R01 treatment substantially reduced serum HBeAg levels in an HBV mouse model. Conclusion: Unlike PPA series compound AT‐130, HAP_R01 not only inhibits HBV DNA levels but also directly reduces HBeAg through induction of its misassembly. HAP_R01, as well as other similar CpAMs, has the potential to achieve higher anti‐HBeAg seroconversion rates than currently approved therapies for patients with CHB. Our findings also provide guidance for dose selection when designing clinical trials with molecules from HAP series.
Identification of Polycystic Kidney Disease 1 Like 1 Gene Variants in Children With Biliary Atresia Splenic Malformation Syndrome
Authors: Berauer John‐Paul , Mezina Anya I. , Okou David T. , Sabo Aniko , Muzny Donna M. , Gibbs Richard A. , Hegde Madhuri R. , Chopra Pankaj , Cutler David J. , Perlmutter David H. , Bull Laura N. , Thompson Richard J. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Spinner Nancy B. , Rajagopalan Ramakrishnan , Guthery Stephen L. , Moore Barry , Yandell Mark , Harpavat Sanjiv , Magee John C. , Kamath Binita M. , Molleston Jean P. , Bezerra Jorge A. , Murray Karen F. , Alonso Estella M. , Rosenthal Philip , Squires Robert H. , Wang Kasper S. , Finegold Milton J. , Russo Pierre , Sherker Averell H. , Sokol Ronald J. , Karpen Saul J. ,   for the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN)
Published: January 2019

Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common cause of end‐stage liver disease in children and the primary indication for pediatric liver transplantation, yet underlying etiologies remain unknown. Approximately 10% of infants affected by BA exhibit various laterality defects (heterotaxy) including splenic abnormalities and complex cardiac malformations—a distinctive subgroup commonly referred to as the biliary atresia splenic malformation (BASM) syndrome. We hypothesized that genetic factors linking laterality features with the etiopathogenesis of BA in BASM patients could be identified through whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of an affected cohort. DNA specimens from 67 BASM subjects, including 58 patient–parent trios, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases–supported Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN) underwent WES. Candidate gene variants derived from a prespecified set of 2,016 genes associated with ciliary dysgenesis and/or dysfunction or cholestasis were prioritized according to pathogenicity, population frequency, and mode of inheritance. Five BASM subjects harbored rare and potentially deleterious biallelic variants in polycystic kidney disease 1 like 1 (PKD1L1), a gene associated with ciliary calcium signaling and embryonic laterality determination in fish, mice, and humans. Heterozygous PKD1L1 variants were found in 3 additional subjects. Immunohistochemical analysis of liver from the one BASM subject available revealed decreased PKD1L1 expression in bile duct epithelium when compared to normal livers and livers affected by other noncholestatic diseases. Conclusion: WES identified biallelic and heterozygous PKD1L1 variants of interest in 8 BASM subjects from the ChiLDReN data set; the dual roles for PKD1L1 in laterality determination and ciliary function suggest that PKD1L1 is a biologically plausible, cholangiocyte‐expressed candidate gene for the BASM syndrome.
The role of shape and specificity in young children's object substitution
Authors: Burns‐Nader Sherwood , Scofield Jason , Jones Caroline
Published: January 2019

Children often substitute one object for another during play. They may substitute a stick for a sword or a box for a car, often favouring substitutes that are shaped like the needed object. The current study looked at the roles of shape and specificity, the degree to which a possible substitute resembles something else, in children's object substitutions. We asked whether children would favour generic, similarly shaped substitutes (those with low specificity) over specific ones and whether generic objects would elicit a great variety of potential substitutes than their specific counterparts. Three‐, 4‐, and 5‐year‐olds (N = 66) saw objects that varied by shape (round versus rectangular) and by specificity (generic versus specific) and were asked to help a story character find a series of objects. Children were also given an object and asked to generate a list of possible things for which the object could be substituted. Overall, children, especially 5‐year‐olds, strongly favoured the generic, same‐shaped substitutes over other objects and regularly used them for multiple substitutions. Children did not generate a longer list of potential substitutes when given a generic object. Findings suggest that children may pass over specific objects in favour generic ones when making object substitutions during play.

Highlights

Researchers examined the roles of shape and specificity in young children's choice of object substitutions.

Children were asked to help a story character find four objects using four substitutes that varied in shape and specificity.

Children used generic shapes to be used as multiple needed objects more than those designed to look like something specific.
Characteristics and prognostic significance of profiling the peripheral blood T‐cell receptor repertoire in patients with advanced lung cancer
Authors: Liu Yang‐Yang , Yang Qi‐Fan , Yang Jing‐Song , Cao Ru‐Bo , Liang Jin‐Yan , Liu Yu‐Ting , Zeng Yu‐Lan , Chen Si , Xia Xue‐Feng , Zhang Kai , Liu Li
Published: January 2019

Lung cancer is one of the greatest threats to human health, and is initially detected and attacked by the immune system through tumor‐reactive T cells. The aim of this study was to determine the basic characteristics and clinical significance of the peripheral blood T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in patients with advanced lung cancer. To comprehensively profile the TCR repertoire, high‐throughput sequencing was used to identify hypervariable rearrangements of complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) of the TCR β chain in peripheral blood samples from 64 advanced lung cancer patients and 31 healthy controls. We found that the TCR repertoire differed substantially between lung cancer patients and healthy controls in terms of CDR3 clonotype, diversity, V/J segment usage, and sequence. Specifically, baseline diversity correlated with several clinical characteristics, and high diversity reflected a better immune status. Dynamic detection of the TCR repertoire during anticancer treatment was useful for prognosis. Both increased diversity and high overlap rate between the pre‐ and post‐treatment TCR repertoires indicated clinical benefit. Combination of the diversity and overlap rate was used to categorize patients into immune improved or immune worsened groups and demonstrated enhanced prognostic significance. In conclusion, TCR repertoire analysis served as a useful indicator of disease development and prognosis in advanced lung cancer and may be utilized to direct future immunotherapy.