bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cilofexor, a Selective Nonsteroidal Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist
Authors: Younis Islam R. , Hsueh Chia‐Hsiang , Nelson Cara , Billin Andrew N. , Yue Mun Sang , Xiao Deqing , Watkins Timothy R. , Othman Ahmed A.
Published: May 2023

Cilofexor is a nonsteroidal farnesoid X receptor agonist in clinical development for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This work characterized the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of cilofexor in participants with normal hepatic function or hepatic impairment (HI). Participants with stable mild, moderate, or severe HI (Child–Pugh [CP] A, B, or C, respectively, [n = 10/group]) and healthy matched controls with normal hepatic function received a single oral dose of cilofexor (30 mg for CP‐A or B; 10 mg for CP‐C) with a standardized meal. Overall, 56 participants received cilofexor and completed the study. Cilofexor area under the plasma concentration–time curve was 76%, 2.5‐fold, and 6.3‐fold higher in participants with mild, moderate, or severe HI, respectively, relative to the area under the plasma concentration–time curve in matched participants with normal hepatic function. Cilofexor unbound fraction was 38%, 2‐fold, and 3.16‐fold higher in participants with mild, moderate, and severe HI, respectively, relative to participants with normal hepatic function. Moderate correlations were identified between cilofexor exposure and CP score or laboratory tests components of CP score. Serum 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one and plasma fibroblast growth factor 19 were similar in participants with mild, moderate, or severe HI and participants with normal hepatic function. Cilofexor was generally well tolerated; all cilofexor‐related adverse events were mild in severity. Cilofexor can be administered to patients with mild HI without dose adjustment. Caution and dose modification are warranted when administering cilofexor to patients with moderate or severe HI.
Effects of S‐pindolol in mouse pancreatic and lung cancer cachexia models
Authors: Springer Jochen , Jové Queralt , de Lima Junior Edson Alves , Ladrón Natalia Álvarez , López‐Soriano Francisco Javier , Busquets Silvia , Argiles Josep M. , Marks Daniel L.
Published: May 2023

Background

It is known that S‐pindolol attenuates muscle loss in animal models of cancer cachexia and sarcopenia. In cancer cachexia, it also significantly reduced mortality and improved cardiac function, which is strongly compromised in cachectic animals.

Methods

Here, we tested 3 mg/kg/day of S‐pindolol in two murine cancer cachexia models: pancreatic cancer cachexia (KPC) and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC).

Results

Treatment of mice with 3 mg/kg/day of S‐pindolol in KPC or LLC cancer cachexia models significantly attenuated the loss of body weight, including lean mass and muscle weights, leading to improved grip strength compared with placebo‐treated mice. In the KPC model, treated mice lost less than half of the total weight lost by placebo (−0.9 ± 1.0 vs. −2.2 ± 1.4 g for S‐pindolol and placebo, respectively, P < 0.05) and around a third of the lean mass lost by tumour‐bearing controls (−0.4 ± 1.0 vs. −1.5 ± 1.5 g for S‐pindolol and placebo, respectively, P < 0.05), whereas loss of fat mass was similar. In the LLC model, the gastrocnemius weight was higher in sham (108 ± 16 mg) and S‐pindolol tumour‐bearing (94 ± 15 mg) mice than that in placebo (83 ± 12 mg), whereas the soleus weight was only significantly higher in the S‐pindolol‐treated group (7.9 ± 1.7 mg) than that in placebo (6.5 ± 0.9). Grip strength was significantly improved by S‐pindolol treatment (110.8 ± 16.2 vs. 93.9 ± 17.1 g for S‐pindolol and placebo, respectively). A higher grip strength was observed in all groups; whereas S‐pindolol‐treated mice improved by 32.7 ± 18.5 g, tumour‐bearing mice only show minimal improvements (7.3 ± 19.4 g, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

S‐pindolol is an important candidate for clinical development in the treatment of cancer cachexia that strongly attenuates loss of body weight and lean body mass. This was also seen in the weight of individual muscles and resulted in higher grip strength.
Theoretical insights into the effect of CO on the heterogeneous reduction of N2O on char
Authors: Yin Yanshan , Tao Jianhang , Deng Wenpeng , Wang Tao , Yang Rufan , Zhang Wei , Tian Hong , Chen Donglin
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The role of CO and adsorption sequence of CO and N2O in the adsorption and reduction of N2O on char was investigated based on density functional theory at the M06‐2X/6‐311G(d) theoretical level. This study lays a foundation for reaction mechanisms of the influence of CO on heterogeneous N2O reduction on char.

RESULTS

Zigzag and armchair models were used as char models. The first adsorption of CO increases the limiting‐step energy barrier of the reaction by 44.5 kJ⋅mol−1 compared with the first adsorption of N2O for zigzag char. However, the adsorption sequence does not have an effect for armchair char. The rate‐limiting steps of the overall reaction for zigzag and armchair char models occur in the stages of N2O adsorption and N2O reduction, respectively. The introduction of CO has little effect on the N2O adsorption stage but increases the energy barrier of the N2O reduction stage. During the reduction of N2O on coal char, zigzag char releases greater heat than armchair char; moreover, zigzag char has a much lower activation energy than armchair char.

CONCLUSION

In the simultaneous presence of CO and N2O, the char model prefers to adsorb N2O. The rate‐limiting step of the two char models are located in different reaction stages, and CO mainly affects the N2O reduction stage. The presence of CO hinders the reduction of N2O on the surface of both zigzag and armchair char models. A rise of temperature can promote the reduction of N2O by char. Zigzag char is superior to armchair char in both thermodynamics and kinetics. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Leukaemic cells expressing ETV6::FRK are sensitive to dasatinib in vivo
Authors: Mayumi Azusa , Imamura Toshihiko , Yoshida Hideki , Osone Shinya , Yasuda Takahiko , Iehara Tomoko
Published: May 2023

ETV6::Fyn‐related kinase (FRK), which is a Src family tyrosine‐kinase‐related fusion gene and firstly identified in our patient with paediatric high risk B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL), has no evidence of efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor in vivo. We performed functional analysis of ETV6::FRK to establish molecular targeting therapy and determined that dasatinib could abrogate proliferation activity of ETV6::FRK through the repression of FRK‐STAT3/STAT5 pathway in vitro and significantly extended the survival time of the xenografted mice in vivo (p < 0.01). Our data support the potential of dasatinib as a therapeutic option for patients with B‐ALL harboring FRK rearrangements.
Effect of tele‐COVID rounds and a tele‐stewardship intervention on antibiotic use in COVID‐19 patients admitted to 17 small community hospitals
Authors: May Stephanie Shealy , Veillette John J. , Webb Brandon J. , Stenehjem Edward A. , Throneberry Steven K. , Gelman Stephanie , Pirozzi Michael , Stanfield Valoree , Dustin Waters C. , Grisel Nancy A. , Vento Todd J.
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic stewardship interventions are urgently needed to reduce antibiotic overuse in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, particularly in small community hospitals (SCHs), who often lack access to infectious diseases (ID) and stewardship resources. We implemented multidisciplinary tele‐COVID rounds plus tele‐antibiotic stewardship surveillance in 17 SCHs to standardize COVID management and evaluate concurrent antibiotics for discontinuation. Antibiotic use was compared in the 4 months preintervention versus 10 months postintervention. Interrupted time‐series analysis demonstrated an immediate decrease in antibiotic use by 339 days of therapy/1000 COVID‐19 patient days (p < .001), and an estimated 5258 antibiotic days avoided during the postintervention period. Thirty‐day mortality was not significantly different, and a significant reduction in transfers was observed following the intervention (23.3% vs. 7.8%, p < .001). A novel tele‐ID and tele‐stewardship intervention significantly decreased antibiotic use and transfers among COVID‐19 patients at 17 SCHs, demonstrating that telehealth is a feasible way to provide ID expertise in community and rural settings.
Radially variant contrast measurement in virtual reality headsets using circular concentric ring patterns
Authors: Zhao Chumin , Beams Ryan , Badano Aldo
Published: May 2023

Image quality on virtual reality (VR) head‐mounted displays (HMDs) is radially variant on each eyepiece from the visual center (optical axis of the HMD) towards the periphery. The virtual image is blurred at the periphery of display field of view (FOV) resulting in contrast and resolution degradation. Conventional measurement methods adopted from flat‐panel display evaluation do not consider the spatially dependent image artifacts by additional optical components such as HMD lenses and thus may not be adequate to assess the VR image quality. We develop a new method using circular concentric ring patterns to measure the radially variant Michelson contrast on multiple VR HMDs. The results show that measured image contrast reduces towards the periphery of display FOV especially at high‐spatial frequencies. In addition, image quality on VR HMDs can be affected by the 3D position of the eye (or the camera) within the eyebox. Specifically, contrast is further degraded if the interpupillary distance (IPD) setting of the HMD does not match that of the user. It also varies with the entrance pupil location of the light‐measuring device. We propose an efficient method for image quality evaluation that can facilitate the regulatory evaluation of VR headsets.
A clock embedded intra‐panel interface with 1.96% data overhead for beyond 8K displays
Authors: Park Yong‐Yun , Jang Won‐Ho , Kim Kyong‐Ho , Ryu Kyungho , Lim Jung‐Pil , Kwon Yongil , Lim Hyun‐Wook , Lee Jae‐Youl
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a 6Gb/s receiver for 8K displays and beyond. In the proposed receiver, a novel channel coding with 1.96% overhead is presented to guarantee minimum run‐length in the clock embedded interface. It can also reduce bandwidth for effective data transmission compared to 9b/10b coding that requires 11.11% overhead. Furthermore, we present an on‐chip eye margin tester that can measure the internal timing margin of receiver with only 1% area overhead. The prototype ICs are implemented using 0.18‐μm HVCMOS process and evaluated in an 8K 65‐in. panel.
A Bibliometric Analysis for Low‐Intensity Ultrasound Study Over the Past Three Decades
Authors: Chang Huixian , Wang Qian , Liu Taotao , Chen Lei , Hong Jingshu , Liu Kaixi , Li Yitong , Yang Ning , Han Dengyang , Mi Xinning , Li Xiaoli , Guo Xiangyang , Li Yingwei , Li Zhengqian
Published: May 2023

Low‐intensity ultrasound (LI‐US) is a non‐invasive stimulation technique that has emerged in recent years and has been shown to have positive effects on neuromodulation, fracture healing, inflammation improvement, and metabolic regulation. This study reports the conclusions of a bibliometric analysis of LI‐US. Input data for the period between 1995 and 2022, including 7209 related articles in the field of LI‐US, were collected from the core library of the Web of Science (WOS) database. Using these data, a set of bibliometric indicators was obtained to gain knowledge on different aspects: global production, research areas, and sources analysis, contributions of countries and institutions, author analysis, citation analysis, and keyword analysis. This study combined the data analysis capabilities provided by the WOS database, making use of two bibliometric software tools: R software and VOS viewer to achieve analysis and data exploration visualization, and predicted the further development trends of LI‐US. It turns out that the United States and China are co‐leaders while Zhang ZG is the most significant author in LI‐US. In the future, the hot spots of LI‐US will continue to focus on parameter research, mechanism discussion, safety regulations, and neuromodulation applications.
Ultrasound Morphea Activity Scoring (US‐MAS): Modified US‐MAS
Authors: Wortsman Ximena , Vera‐Kellet Cristián
Published: May 2023

Morphea, an autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects the skin, can be supported by color Doppler ultrasound in its diagnosis and assessment of activity. To date, there are no reliable laboratory parameters to track activity, and ultrasound presents a higher axial spatial resolution than magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, which is critical for studying the superficial layers. The quality of the ultrasonographic assessment of activity in morphea depends on the standardization and features of the acquisition of the anatomical data. We propose a detailed ultrasound morphea activity scoring called modified US‐MAS (mUS‐MAS) that could allow us to systematically register the cutaneous abnormalities in the corporal regions and their subregions. The selection of the scanning sites will depend on the corporal regions of involvement and their adjacent segments. Through systematic and sequential ultrasound data analysis, we propose that this scoring system can better support description and activity tracking accuracy.
Invasive Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Sinusitis in an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Patient
Authors: Allen David Z. , Challapalli Sai D. , Erickson Samuel G. , Liu Jing , Chua Andy , Citardi Martin J.
Published: May 2023

A patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome presented with findings concerning for acute invasive fungal sinusitis, which is typically associated with Mucorales. However, debridement and pathological analysis revealed Cytomegalovirus, a pathology rarely encountered. Laryngoscope, 134:92–96, 2024
Small‐scale spatial variability of Technosol properties in a chronosequence of reclamation of dredged‐sediment landfills
Authors: Betancur‐Corredor Bibiana , Kamau Juliet Wanjiku , Perez‐Jimenez Juan Sebastian , Loaiza‐Usuga Juan Carlos , Cardona‐Gallo Santiago Alonso , Denich Manfred , Borgemeister Christian
Published: May 2023

Active reclamation is often necessary to ensure a transformation of mining waste into Technosols—“soils dominated or strongly influenced by human‐made material”—and restore its utility and environmental value. The objective of this study is to assess the spatial variation of the physicochemical properties relevant for reclamation and Technosol formation on dredged‐sediment landfills left by alluvial gold mining in a chronosequence of reclamation (0, 4, 8, and 12 years). We hypothesize a higher spatial dependency of most soil properties with increasing time of Technosol formation and an overall homogenization of the soil resulting from pedogenetic processes. Our results show early signs of Technosol pedogenesis with strong physicochemical changes after only few years of formation. We observed that older Technosols (>4 years) are more acidic, have less nutrient and organic matter content, higher exchangeable cations, and less signs of compaction than nonrevegetated landfills. The content of organic matter, phosphorus, and exchangeable cations show the highest spatial variability in Technosols of all ages. In older Technosols, most soil properties showed less spatial variability than in younger Technosols. A multivariate geostatistical approach allowed the delineation of zones with distinctive physicochemical properties within areas of the chronosequence. The results show that reclamation and Technosol formation lead to spatially dependent fragmentation processes reflected in more and smaller clustered zones in Technosols after 12 years of formation. From the perspective of reclamation management, understanding the spatial variability of highly heterogeneous Technosols where substantial changes can be observed within small distances can support the development of site‐specific reclamation strategies suitable to the characteristics of each field as well as the determination of its potential uses.
Contribution of vegetation restoration to carbon sequestration driven by ex‐situ poverty alleviation and relocation in ecologically fragile areas—Taking Guizhou, China, as a case
Authors: Zhu Meng , Zhou Zhongfa , Feng Qing , Wu Xiaopiao , Liu Rongping , Wu Guijie , Zheng Jiajia , Luo Wanlin
Published: May 2023

Vegetation restoration in ecologically fragile areas has a significant carbon sequestration (CS) effect. However, it is usually difficult to achieve quantitative assessment at the regional scale for this part of human activity intervention. The Chinese government's ex‐situ poverty alleviation and relocation (EPAR) project has relocated approximately 10 million people from areas with a fragile ecological environment to urban centralized resettlement, which is a typical case of weakened environmental intervention by human activities (Guizhou Province accounting for approximately 20% of the total relocated population in China). The CS model of vegetation photosynthesis and spatial analysis of geographic information were used to quantify the contribution of human activities to the natural restoration of vegetation CS, based on the data of net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation from 2000 to 2020. The results show that the implementation of the EPAR project acts as an external force to drive vegetation restoration and CS, which increases the slope of the carbon density change trend (from k = 30.9 to k = 57.41), resulting in an overall carbon density increase of 26.51 tCkm−2. The regional spatial analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between carbon density and relocation intensity in the 5‐year and 10‐year change were r = 0.976 (p < 0.01) and r = 0.949 (p < 0.05), respectively, indicating a significant positive correlation. Based on this, the CS contribution of vegetation in 84 districts in Guizhou Province that implemented EPAR projects was calculated, showing that 79 districts contributed positively, accounting for 94%. The average contribution of CS by vegetation restoration in each district was 0.0556 Tg, and offset CO2 emissions were 0.2059 Tg. The other five districts with a negative contribution to CS were distributed in regions with relatively stable ecosystems and mature forests. This shows that human intervention in the environment changes more significantly in fragile ecological areas.
Microbial functioning in Mediterranean forest soils: Does land use legacy matter?
Authors: Delcourt Ninon , Dupuy Nathalie , Rébufa Catherine , Abadie Juliet , Foli Lisa , Farnet‐Da Silva Anne‐Marie
Published: May 2023

Land use is known to be one of the major factors driving soil microbial and physico‐chemical properties. Understanding its long‐term effect remains a major challenge in assessing current soil functioning. Here, soil microbial and physico‐chemical properties of recent and very recent forests (forests developed in 1958 vs. after 1958) were compared with those of ancient forests (present in 1860 and 1958) to assess the effect of Land Use Legacy (LUL). LUL effects were further analysed depending on contrasting (i) climate conditions (sub‐humid vs. humid Mediterranean climates) and (ii) seasons (winter and summer), to examine whether LUL modified microbial responses to different spatio‐temporal climate conditions. Microbial indicators (lignocellulolytic activities, basal respiration, and microbial biomass) and physico‐chemical properties (C and N contents, mineralogical analyses, pH and conductivity) were assessed. A strong effect of past agricultural practice (terrace cultivation) was observed in soils from very recent forests: reduced microbial biomass and activities as well as number of Quercus pubescens stems together with increased phosphorous content and pH. Interestingly, LUL effect did not affect microbial and physico‐chemical responses to seasonal contrasts (winter vs. summer). Microbial response to LUL was not influenced by climate while climate modified LUL effects on some physico‐chemical properties (CaCO3, Corg, and K content). Moreover, soil recovered “pristine” physico‐chemical and microbial functional properties after at least 60 years of reforestation.
Broadband Four‐Wave Mixing Enhanced by Plasmonic Surface Lattice Resonance and Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance in an Azimuthally Chirped Grating
Authors: Chakraborty Abhik , Barman Parijat , Singh Ankit Kumar , Wu Xiaofei , Akimov Denis A. , Meyer‐Zedler Tobias , Nolte Stefan , Ronning Carsten , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen , Huang Jer‐Shing
Published: May 2023

Plasmonic enhancement of nonlinear light–matter interaction can be achieved via dedicated optimization of resonant plasmonic modes that are spectrally matched to the different wavelengths involved in the particular nonlinear optical process. Here, the generation and enhancement of broadband four‐wave mixing (FWM) are investigated in a plasmonic azimuthally chirped grating (ACG). The azimuthally varying grating periodicity in an ACG offers a well‐defined channel to mediate the near field and the far field over a broad range of wavelengths. However, the particular mechanism responsible for field enhancement in such a platform depends on the interplay between the effects manifested by both the groove geometry and the grating's periodicity. This work delineates the collective contribution of groove geometry‐dependent localized surface plasmon resonance and periodicity‐dependent plasmonic surface lattice resonance over a broad range of wavelengths to bring into effect the enhancement of broadband FWM in an ACG.
Role of ZnO/MWCNTs hybrids nanoparticles addition on the tribological behaviour of SN150 paraffinic mineral oil
Authors: Rahim K. Asraf , Saud Safaa N. , Wee Y. C.
Published: May 2023

Nanoparticle incorporation plays an active feature in heat transfer, ultimately enhancing the tribological process under boundary conditions of heat stress. Nanoparticles like zinc oxide (ZnO) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are well known to significantly affect the cooling and lubrication applications, resulting in improved heat transfer and kinematic viscosity. The present work investigates the tribological performance of ZnO/MWCNTs hybrids as lubricant additive in the paraffinic type of mineral base oil of Group I (SN150) engine oil. The chemical composition of the modified and unmodified oil was examined by an inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometer (ICP‐OES), energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A ring‐on‐disk tribotester was performed to investigate the tribological behaviour through the linear reciprocating mechanism alloy‐steel contacts. The worn steel alloy surfaces morphology and chemical compositions were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and 3D optical profilometer. Different ZnO/MWCNTs nanomaterial volumetric concentrations were examined in order to determine the most effective performance. According to the tribological results, ZnO/MWCNTs hybrid nanomaterials in the engine oil were found to have significantly higher friction temperature and antiwear capability than the base oil. A volumetric concentration of 3.00 wt% ZnO/MWCNTs nanomaterials to SN150 engine oil imparted excellent wear protection to the steel sample than the pure SN150 base oil. Based on the statistical analysis, the modified oil anti‐wear performance was enhanced by reducing the wear loss by 80.5% and friction temperature by 55.8°C compared with the oil base.
Characterisation of the galvanic protection of zinc flake coating by spectroelectrochemistry and industrial testing
Authors: Feldmann Florian , Mears Laura L. E. , Roth Marcel , Valtiner Markus
Published: May 2023

The properties of hot‐dip galvanised and electroplated zinc coatings on steel have been widely studied, but the corrosion mechanisms of zinc flake coatings have not yet been investigated in similar detail. Here, we investigate the protective effect of inorganic lamellar zinc coatings, comparing the metallic dissolution rates of different zinc, aluminium and alloyed flakes using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) flow cell. These experiments were carried out on both intact and predamaged coatings with different electrolytes. Data were also compared to accelerated laboratory corrosion tests and outdoor weathering results. The chloride concentration, and its effect on the passive oxide film, appears to be a key aspect moderating the dissolution rate and hence sacrificial zinc dissolution under various conditions. The complementary use of accelerated tests and ICP‐MS flow cell analysis provides new insights into both the influence of the corrosive environment and the impact of the zinc flake (alloy) used. Based on this approach, tailored coating solutions using zinc flake coatings can be developed.
Noncoercive problems for elastic bodies with thin elastic inclusions
Authors: Khludnev Alexander , Fankina Irina
Published: May 2023

The paper concerns boundary value problems for an elastic body with a thin elastic inclusion for a noncoercive case. The inclusion is assumed to be delaminated thus forming a crack between the inclusion and the surrounding elastic body. To provide a mutual nonpenetration between crack faces, we consider inequality type boundary conditions with unknown set of a contact. In the paper, a solution existence of the equilibrium problems is proved for the cases when one or two given points of the inclusion are fixed as well as and for the case without these restrictions.
Imaging a coated dielectric with various unknown buried objects inside
Authors: Qu Fenglong , Jia Ruixue , Cui Yanli
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we consider the inverse scattering problem of determining a penetrable coated inhomogeneous dielectric with different kinds of unknown buried objects inside. The variational approach is adapted to show the well‐posedness of the direct scattering problem. For the inverse problem, we intend to reconstruct the shape and location of the coated dielectric from measured far‐field data by developing a modified factorization method. In fact, we shall first prove that the classical factorization method is effective for the case when a Neumann boundary condition is imposed on the buried object. However, for the case when a Dirichlet boundary condition is imposed on the buried object, the classical factorization method is no longer valid due to the loss of the coercivity of the middle operator of the associated factorization of the far‐field operator. In this case, we are expected to develop a modified factorization method to overcome this difficulty. Finally, some numerical examples are carried out to confirm the validity of the developed algorithms.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid‐Enriched Phospholipids Alleviate Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Lewis Lung Carcinoma Mouse Model
Authors: Wu Zi‐Jian , Li Wen‐Hong , Yang Yu‐Hong , Zheng Yan , Zhou Meng‐Qing , Li Ying‐Chao , Li Hui , Wu Hao , Du Lei
Published: May 2023

Scope

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a critical feature of cancer‐associated cachexia (CAC) and it is responsible for poor quality of life and high mortality in cancer patients. The previous study demonstrates that eicosapentaenoic acid‐enriched phospholipids (EPA‐PL) prevent body weight loss in a mouse model of CAC. However, the role of EPA‐PL on cancer‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy remains unclear.

Methods and results

In the present study, a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mouse model is established, then the effect and underlying mechanism of EPA‐PL on skeletal muscle atrophy in LLC‐bearing mice are investigated. The results reveal that EPA‐PL treatment significantly attenuates skeletal muscle atrophy in LLC‐bearing mice, as evidenced by suppressing the reductions of skeletal muscle mass, myofiber cross‐sectional area, and grip strength. Besides, the study finds that EPA‐PL alleviated cancer‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy via balancing muscle protein degradation and synthesis, inhibiting type I oxidative muscle fibers atrophy, and promoting mitochondrial function. Furthermore, the results also indicate that EPA‐PL may counteract skeletal muscle atrophy in LLC mouse model via a sirtuin 1‐dependent mechanism.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence that EPA‐PL may be beneficial as a nutritional supplement for prevention and treatment of cancer‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy.
Whole‐brain mapping of neuronal activity evoked by maternal separation in neonatal mice: An association with ultrasound vocalization
Authors: Mai Lingling , Inada Hitoshi , Osumi Noriko
Published: May 2023

Neonatal mice emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) when separated from their mothers. Since the USVs attract their mothers' attention and trigger maternal retrieval, they are considered to serve as social signals for communication. We have modeled paternal aging effects on the vocal communication of offspring in mice. However, little is known about the neural basis underlying neonatal USV production. To identify responsible brain regions driving the vocal behavior, we comprehensively mapped the neuronal activity associated with USV production in the entire brain of mice at postnatal day 6 (P6). Using an expression of immediate‐early genec‐Fosas a neuronal activity marker, correlations between the numbers of USVs and c‐Fos positive neurons were analyzed. We identified 23 candidate brain regions associated with USV production in the mice at P6. Our study would be a first step toward comprehensively understanding the neuronal mechanisms that regulate and develop vocal behaviors in neonatal mice.
Binding Modes of Xanthine‐Derived Selective Allosteric Site Inhibitors of MTHFD2
Authors: Jha Vibhu , Eriksson Leif A.
Published: May 2023

Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD2) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in 1 C metabolism that is upregulated in various cancer cells, but absent in normal proliferating cells. Xanthine derivatives are the first selective inhibitors of MTHFD2 which bind to its allosteric site. Xanthine derivatives (including the co‐crystallized inhibitors) were herein interrogated by molecular/induced‐fit docking, MM‐GBSA binding free energy calculations and molecular dynamics simulations in both MTHFD2 and MTHFD1 (a close homolog expressed in healthy cells). The gained insights from our in silico protocol allowed us to study binding mode, key protein‐ligand interactions and dynamic movement of the allosteric inhibitors, correlating with their experimental binding affinities, biological activities and selectivity for MTHFD2. The reported conformational changes with MTHFD2 upon binding of xanthine derivatives were furthermore evaluated and confirmed by RMSF analyses of the MD simulation trajectories. The results reported herein are expected to benefit in the rational design of selective MTHFD2 allosteric inhibitors.
Performance management system in developing countries: A case study in Jordan
Authors: Mahmoud Mo'men Hani , Othman Rosly
Published: May 2023

The performance management system (PMS) is critical to the success of any organisation, and this article investigates the PMS of the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) in Jordan, which is one of the largest public entities in the country. The article identifies various problems that are faced by GAM, such as HRM and staff, management behaviour, and performance management, which significantly affect GAM's performance. Additionally, the article discusses the process of goal and indicator setting and development of the PMS of GAM. The article adopts a phenomenological approach and a qualitative case study methodology to collect primary data from 15 purposeful semi‐structured interviews with GAM's experts. Thematic analysis is used as the data analysis technique to identify the PMS activities and address problems and difficulties in GAM's performance. The findings highlight eight major activities of GAM's PMS, which include performance sourcing, targeting, development, setting and responsibility, gauging, information, results, and alignment. These activities need to be managed properly if GAM wanted to meet its performance targets. Hence, the article presents a set of recommendations to improve GAM's PMS and overcome the identified difficulties, such as improving HRM practices and staff role, enhancing management behaviour, and establishing a performance management culture. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the PMS of GAM and highlights the importance of an effective PMS to achieve organisational success.
Reactivity of bis(2‐chloroprop‐2‐enyl)sulfide in the system hydrazine hydrate/alkali: A quantum chemical insight
Authors: Teplyashin Nikita V. , Bobkov Alexander S. , Korchevin Nikolai A. , Rozentsveig Igor B. , Vitkovskaya Nadezhda M.
Published: May 2023

The reactivity of bis(2‐chloroprop‐2‐enyl)sulfide in the system hydrazine hydrate/alkali has been studied using quantum‐chemical methods. The B2PLYP‐D2//B3LYP approach shows a good agreement between the relative values of activation barriers compared to high‐precision CBS//Q‐B3. The correction for the entropy change during the transition from the gas phase to the binary solvent hydrazine hydrate is calculated. The IEF PCM model was parameterized for hydrazine hydrate solvent. The studied reaction routes includes (i) a competition between migration of the C=C bond and dehydrochlorination of bis(2‐chloroprop‐2‐enyl)sulfide; (ii) 1,3‐prototropic rearrangements of bis (allenyl)sulfide resulting from a dehydrochlorination; (iii) the possible substitution of sulfur and chlorine atoms with hydrazine. The probable formation of the thiiranium and thiirenium cations formation in the above has also been evaluated.
Effects of solvents on excited‐state proton transfer behaviors and photophysical properties of 3NTF
Authors: Lin Guikun , Xie Wenbin , Xiao Yao , Peng Shiyi , Song Yao‐Dong , Wang Qian‐Ting
Published: May 2023

In this work, we systematically investigate the effects of solvent on the mechanism of excited‐state proton transfer and photophysical properties of 3NTF using density functional and time‐dependent density functional. The geometry of 3NTF (normal structure and isomer structure) was optimized. Based on the optimized geometry, the parameters related to hydrogen bond indicate that the hydrogen bond is strengthened in the S1 state. Further, reduced density gradient functions provide a more intuitive proof of the excited hydrogen bond strengthening mechanism. The analysis of frontier molecular orbitals shows that the charge density of the S0 and S1 states has changed significantly, which is the driving force for proton transfer in the excited state. The infrared vibrational spectra show that the hydrogen bond strength decreases with the increase of solvent polarity. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of the molecules are very sensitive to the solvent polarity. Through the analysis of the potential energy curves, it is concluded that the decrease of solvent polarity will promote the occurrence of the excited state proton transfer process.
Phenylboronic acid‐functionalized glycogens as dynamic nano‐frameworks for conjugation and activation of carbonic anhydrase
Authors: Zhang Difei , Wang Ziyan , Gu Jieyu , Zhang Yan , Chen Jinghua
Published: May 2023

Biocatalysis is playing an increasingly important role for chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, owing to its high efficiency, selectivity and environment‐friendliness. However, it remains challenging to improve the catalytic activity of enzymes since the most frequently used strategies are costly and time‐consuming. In the current study, a new type of glycogen‐based dynamic nano‐frameworks is prepared as additives for the direct activation of carbonic anhydrase (bovine erythrocytes [bCA]). The boronic acid functionalization of the branched glycogen structures can provide NB coordination with bCA, leading to the conjugation and stabilization of the target enzyme. As a result, the glycogen with a 10% substitution degree (Gly‐PBA10) showed a higher activation effect for bCA than that of glycogen with a 20% substitution degree (Gly‐PBA20). Furthermore, the mechanism for interactions between the dynamic frameworks and bCA has been studied through combined techniques of dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry. The results suggested different protein binding modes and stabilization abilities for the protein secondary structures from these two types of functionalized dynamic frameworks. This study provided new insights into the protein‐polymer interactions that can be beneficial for various biochemical applications.
Operational readiness: Good practices for process plant start‐up to avoid process safety accidents
Authors: de Santana Celiane Pereira
Published: May 2023

The start‐up of a process plant is subject to deviations that can become initiating causes of process safety events. Even a process plant that has been in operation for a long time and has not undergone any significant changes is subject to risks during the start‐up procedure. The objective of this work is to share good practices related to the start‐up of process plants that were implemented at Cargill's Biodiesel production plant in Três Lagoas, Brazil in order to avoid Process Safety accidents.
Insecticide resistance monitoring of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and its mechanism to chlorantraniliprole
Authors: Sun Yu , Liu Si‐Tong , Ling Yan , Wang Li , Ni Huan , Guo Di , Dong Bei‐Bei , Huang Qian , Long Li‐Ping , Zhang Shuai , Wu Shun‐Fan , Gao Cong‐Fen
Published: May 2023

Background

The rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée), has become an increasingly occurring pest in Asia in recent years. Chemical control remains the most efficient and primary tool for controlling this pest. In this study, we report the resistance status of C. medinalis in China to multiple insecticides including chlorantraniliprole and the main resistance mechanism.

Results

Significant variations among field populations of C. medinalis in their resistance to 10 insecticides were observed during 2019–2022. Most of the tested field populations have developed low‐to‐moderate levels of resistance to abamectin (RR = 2.4–22.2), emamectin benzoate (RR = 1.9–40.3) and spinetoram (RR = 4.2–24.8). Some field populations have developed low resistance to chlorpyrifos (RR = 0.9–6.8). Indoxacarb, metaflumizone, methoxenozide and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) potency against all tested populations remained similar. For diamides, significantly higher levels of resistance to chlorantraniliprole (RR = 64.9–113.7) were observed in 2022, whereas all tested field populations in 2019–2021 exhibited susceptible or moderate resistance level to chlorantraniliprole (RR = 1.3–22.1). Cross‐resistance between chlorantraniliprole and tetraniliprole was significant. Analysis of ryanodine receptor (RyR) mutations showed that mutation of I4712M was present in resistant populations of C. medinalis with different levels of chlorantraniliprole resistance and was the main mechanism conferring diamide resistance. Mutation of Y4621D also was detected in one tested population. Resistance management strategies for the control of C. medinalis are discussed.

Conclusion

C. medinalis has developed high level of resistance to chlorantraniliprole. RyR mutations were deemed as the mechanism. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tanshinone IIA ameliorates experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in cardiomyocytes via SIRT1
Authors: Wu Shun , Lu Dingchun , Gajendran Babu , Hu Qilan , Zhang Jian , Wang Shengquan , Han Minzhen , Xu Yini , Shen Xiangchun
Published: May 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common complication in patients with diabetes, and ultimately leads to heart failure. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induced by abnormal glycolipid metabolism is a critical factor that affects the occurrence and development of DCM. Additionally, the upregulation/activation of silent information regulation 2 homolog‐1 (SIRT1) has been shown to protect against DCM. Tanshinone II A (Tan IIA), the main active component of Salviae miltiorrhizae radix et rhizome (a valuable Chinese medicine), has protective effects against cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, its role and mechanisms in diabetes‐induced cardiac dysfunction remain unclear. Therefore, we explored whether Tan IIA alleviates ERS‐mediated DCM via SIRT1 and elucidated the underlying mechanism. The results suggested that Tan IIA alleviated the pathological changes in the hearts of diabetic mice, ameliorated the cytopathological morphology of cardiomyocytes, reduced the cell death rate, and inhibited the expression of ERS‐related proteins and mRNA. The SIRT1 agonist inhibited the activities of glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Furthermore, the opposite results under the SIRT1 inhibitor. SIRT1 knockdown was induced by siRNA‐SIRT1 transfection, and the degree of GRP78 acetylation was increased. Cumulatively, Tan IIA ameliorated DCM by inhibiting ERS and upregulating SIRT1 expression.
Utilising N‐glutaryl chitosan‐based film with butterfly pea flower anthocyanin as a freshness indicator of chicken breast
Authors: Anugrah Daru Seto Bagus , Delarosa Graciela , Wangker Pricylia , Pramitasari Rianita , Subali Dionysius
Published: May 2023

A novel indicator film was produced with N‐glutaryl chitosan (ChGA) as a matrix and butterfly pea flower anthocyanin (BPA) as a dye. The synthesis of ChGA was achieved by the reaction of chitosan (Ch) and glutaric anhydride (GA), which resulted in the structural alteration of Ch, with carboxylic groups being present in ChGA. The ChGA–BPA film demonstrated higher sensitivity to changes in pH, a more compact structure, and more hydrophilic properties compared with Ch‐BPA film. The ChGA–BPA film demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as an enhanced biodegradable property. Further characterisation showed ChGA–BPA film possessed ultraviolet visible (UV–Vis) light barrier properties and was non‐toxic to cells. Lastly, when tested as packaging, the films underwent a visible colour changes from blue to yellowish‐green as chicken breast was stored at various temperatures, which correlated with an increase in nitrogen compounds, indicating the potential of this film as a smart packaging solution to monitor the freshness of chicken breast.
On a new one‐dimensional k$$ \boldsymbol{k} $$–ε$$ \boldsymbol{\varepsilon} $$ turbulence closure for building‐induced drag
Authors: Zonato Andrea , Martilli Alberto , Santiago Jose Luis , Zardi Dino , Giovannini Lorenzo
Published: May 2023

Various urban canopy parameterizations (UCPs) have been developed in the last two decades to take into account the modifications induced by buildings on mean flow and turbulent fields in mesoscale meteorological models, the typical spatial resolution of which cannot resolve urban structures explicitly. In particular, several multilayer UCPs have been proposed, successfully reproducing wind‐flow characteristics in the urban environment. However, they often rely on length scales for the calculation of the eddy viscosity and the dissipation rate, which need to be tuned for various urban configurations. The main objective of this work is to address this shortcoming, by developing a new one‐dimensional turbulence closure that takes building‐induced turbulence into account independently of turbulence length scales. This model directly solves not only the equation for turbulent kinetic energy but also the equation for its dissipation rate (– model). Similar closure schemes have been successfully adopted for vegetated canopies, but their applicability to urban canopies is still unknown. The performance of the new – model, with additional sources and sinks for wind speed, turbulent kinetic energy, and dissipation rate, is tested by means of single‐column simulations in idealized urban areas, using different building packing densities. Results are in good agreement with spatially averaged building‐resolving CFD simulations. In particular, vertical profiles of mean and turbulent variables show better results with respect to simulations using turbulence closures adopting a parameterization of turbulence length scales. The best improvements are obtained for wind speed, reducing errors to half the typical values for standard UCP for high packing densities, and for the dissipation rate. Furthermore, besides the enhancement in the reproduction of the mean flow for urban areas, the proposed turbulence closure does not need additional tuning of coefficients depending on the packing density, resulting in a more general and efficient scheme.
The effective use of anchor observations in variational bias correction in the presence of model bias
Authors: Francis Devon J. , Fowler Alison M. , Lawless Amos S. , Eyre John , Migliorini Stefano
Published: May 2023

In numerical weather prediction, satellite radiance observations have a significant impact on forecast skill. However, radiance observations must usually be bias‐corrected for the satellite data to have a positive impact. Many operational centres use variational bias correction (VarBC) to correct the observation biases, but VarBC assumes that there is no model bias within the system. As model biases are often non‐negligible, unbiased observations (anchor observations) are known to play an important role in VarBC to reduce the contamination of model bias. However, more work is needed to understand what properties the network of anchor observations needs to have to reduce most contamination of model bias. We derive analytical expressions to show the sensitivity of the bias correction to the anchor observations and the expected value of the error in the analysed bias‐correction coefficients. We find that the precision and location of the anchor observations are important in reducing the contamination of model bias in the estimate of observation bias. Anchor observations work best at reducing the effect of model bias when they observe the same state variables as the bias‐corrected observations. When this is not the case, strong background‐error correlations become more important, as they allow more information about the model bias to be passed from the anchor observations to the bias‐corrected observations. The model bias observed by both the biased and anchor observations must be similar, otherwise the anchor observations cannot reduce the contamination of model bias in the observation‐bias correction. These results show that, in operational systems, regions with sparse anchor observations could be more susceptible to model biases within the radiance observation‐bias corrections. We demonstrate these results in a series of idealised numerical experiments that use the Lorenz 96 model as a simplified model of the atmosphere.