bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Menstrual cycle phase does not influence muscle protein synthesis or whole‐body myofibrillar proteolysis in response to resistance exercise
Authors: Colenso‐Semple Lauren M. , McKendry James , Lim Changhyun , Atherton Philip J. , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Smith K. , Phillips Stuart M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIt has been hypothesised that skeletal muscle protein turnover is affected by menstrual cycle phase with a more anabolic environment during the follicular vs. the luteal phase. We assessed the influence of menstrual cycle phase on muscle protein synthesis and myofibrillar protein breakdown in response to 6 days of controlled resistance exercise in young females during peak oestrogen and peak progesterone, using stable isotopes, unbiased metabolomics and muscle biopsies. We used comprehensive menstrual cycle phase‐detection methods, including cycle tracking, blood samples and urinary test kits, to classify menstrual phases. Participants (n = 12) completed two 6 day study phases in a randomised order: late follicular phase and mid‐luteal phase. Participants performed unilateral resistance exercise in each menstrual cycle phase, exercising the contralateral leg in each phase in a counterbalanced manner. Follicular phase myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) rates were 1.33 ± 0.27% d−1 in the control leg and 1.52 ± 0.27% d−1 in the exercise leg. Luteal phase MPS was 1.28 ± 0.27% d−1 in the control leg and 1.46 ± 0.25% d−1 in the exercise leg. We observed a significant effect of exercise (P < 0.001) but no effect of cycle phase or interaction. There was no significant effect of menstrual cycle phase on whole‐body myofibrillar protein breakdown (P = 0.24). Using unbiased metabolomics, we observed no notable phase‐specific changes in circulating blood metabolites associated with any particular menstrual cycle phase. Fluctuations in endogenous ovarian hormones influenced neither MPS, nor MPB in response to resistance exercise. Skeletal muscle is not more anabolically responsive to resistance exercise in a particular menstrual cycle phase.
imageKey points
It has been hypothesised that the follicular (peak oestrogen) vs. the luteal (peak progesterone) phase of the menstrual cycle is more advantageous for skeletal muscle anabolism in response to resistance exercise.
Using best practice methods to assess menstrual cycle status, we measured integrated (over 6 days) muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and myofibrillar protein breakdown (MPB) following resistance exercise in females (n = 12) in their follicular and luteal phases.
We observed the expected differences in oestrogen and progesterone concentrations that confirmed our participants’ menstrual cycle phase; however, there were no notable metabolic pathway differences, as measured using metabolomics, between cycle phases.
We observed that resistance exercise stimulated MPS, but there was no effect of menstrual cycle phase on either resting or exercise‐stimulated MPS or MPB.
Our data show no greater anabolic effect of resistance exercise in the follicular vs. the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Thermodynamic and Exergoeconomic Assessment of Environmentally-Benign Zeotropic Mixtures in Organic Rankine Cycle for Sustainable Power Generation
Authors: Kannaiyan Kumaran , Sharma Bhawandeep , Ye Chengzhi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In the context of the sustainable energy transition, the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is explored for energy conversion from renewable energy sources. The majority of ORC systems are explored with synthetic chemicals-based zeotropic mixtures as working fluids, which are detrimental to the environment. However, the choice of working fluids needs a holistic approach that considers not only maximizing the performance but also the cost-effectiveness, minimal environmental impact, and appropriate system sizing. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by performing a comprehensive energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic analysis of environmentally benign zeotropic mixtures with an emphasis on CO2 utilization and the influence of heat source temperatures. The application of the eco-friendly zeotropic mixture (DME-CO2) yielded significantly higher power (up to 50%), lower exergy destruction, and system compactness comparable to synthetic zeotropic mixtures for the conditions studied. The exergoeconomic analysis illustrated that maximization of power generation in conjunction with system compactness offers a cost-effective solution for harnessing renewable energy sources. The holistic approach employed in this study showcased that eco-friendly zeotropic mixtures can achieve cost parity with synthetic zeotropic mixtures while delivering comparable technical performance. The results also demonstrate that CO2 concentration is intricately linked to system performance, compactness, and cost and warrants further exploration of the optimal CO2 concentration.
Advanced Methods for Assessing Flow Physics of the TU Darmstadt Compressor Stage: Uncertainty Quantification of RANS Turbulence Modeling
Authors: Matha Marcel , Möller Felix M. , Bode Christoph , Morsbach Christian , Kügeler Edmund 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we quantify the turbulence modeling uncertainty for the transonic Technische Universität Darmstadt (TUDa) compressor. The present work applies the Eigenspace Perturbation Framework (EPF) as it is the only published physics-based framework capable of addressing the model-form uncertainty in turbulence closure modeling. To sample from the possible solution space and obtain the modeling uncertainty, we perform simulations perturbing the eigenvalues of the Reynolds stress tensor in addition to simulations using an unperturbed turbulence model. We show that the shape of the Reynolds stress tensor ellipsoid has significant impact on the evolution of turbulence, flow separation, vortex systems, shock-boundary layer interaction, and finally the overall performance of the compressor. We compare the estimated uncertainties with available measurements and transitional Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulations (DDES). This allows us to assess the confidence of the chosen turbulence model and to evaluate the sharpness and coverage of the resulting uncertainty bounds. Thus, the EPF is comprehensively validated and suggestions for its future applicability with respect to turbomachinery components are made.
Recovery Strategies in Endurance Sports: A Survey in Coaches and Athletes
Authors: Li Shuting , Kempe Matthias , Lemmink Koen A.P.M. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study explored endurance athletes’ and coaches’ views on recovery strategies, focusing on their use across competition levels, perceived importance and effectiveness, and common barriers. Methods: Endurance athletes (26.6% international, 35.7% national, 28.7% regional, and 9.1% other levels; mean experience 10.04 [7.84] y, n = 143) and coaches (mean experience 17.45 [12.44] y, n = 20) completed an online survey on frequency of usage, perceived importance, effectiveness, and common barriers of 25 recovery strategies. Data were coded and analyzed thematically. A Fisher exact test (P < .05) was conducted on 5-point Likert-scale responses. Results: Predominant strategies among athletes were hydration, hot showers, and carbohydrate (mean scores 4.62 [0.60], 4.32 [0.82], and 4.17 [0.87]). Only antioxidants showed significant variation in use across levels (P = .033). Coaches favored warm-down/cooling (4.56 [0.62]), hydration (4.41 [0.80]), and extra protein (4.12 [0.70]). Both groups ranked hydration as most important and effective. Athletes ranked extra protein and warm-down/cooling second and third, while coaches considered extra sleep/naps, warm-down/cooling, and extra protein equally important. Barriers of both populations included insufficient time (14.41%), limited knowledge (13.72%), lack of resources (12.63%), and skepticism regarding benefits and effectiveness (12.63%). Conclusions: Athletes show no significant differences in recovery choices based on competitive level, except for antioxidants. Coaches and athletes have partially different views on effective recovery. Furthermore, a lack of time, as well as a lack of (shared) knowledge and education, hinders the effective implementation of recovery strategies for athletes.
Infrared Transmission Spectra of TiS3: Fundamental Absorption Edge, Phonons, and Excitons
Authors: Boldyrev K. N. , Mostovshchikova E. V. , Titov A. N. , Pokrovskii V. Ya. , Gorlova I. G. 
Published: December 2024

Transmission spectra of TiS3 single crystal whiskers in the infrared and optical bands have been studied at various light polarizations in the temperature range from room to liquid helium. The absolute absorption coefficients have been determined. Previously unknown phonon modes have been observed in the far infrared region. The study of the temperature dependence of the band gap width $${{\mathcal{E}}_{{\text{g}}}}$$ has shown that it increases by 50 meV under cooling from 300 to 5 K. The comparison of spectra measured at different polarization directions indicates that the optical gap is anisotropic. A 1.28-eV absorption peak has been detected below ~150 K and has been attributed to the excitation of excitons.
Mass casualty decontamination following a chemical incident: evaluating improvised and interim decontamination protocols in a controlled cross-over volunteer study
Authors: Davidson Louise , Southworth Felicity , Williams Natalie , James Thomas , Orchard Emily , Marczylo Tim , Collins Samuel , Amlôt Richard 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundOn-scene improvised and interim decontamination protocols in the Initial Operational Response to chemical incidents aim for rapid intervention to minimise injury before specialist capabilities arrive. This study examines the effectiveness of UK improvised and interim protocols conducted in sequence.MethodA simulant with methyl salicylate (MeS) in vegetable oil and a fluorophore was applied to participants’ shoulders, arms and legs. Participants either received no decontamination or used one of four decontamination protocols: improvised dry, improvised wet, improvised dry followed by interim or improvised wet followed by interim. Remaining simulant on the skin was quantified using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for MeS analysis and UV imaging for fluorophore detection. Additionally, urine samples were collected for 8 hours post application to analyse MeS levels.ResultsSignificantly less simulant was recovered from the skin post decontamination compared with no decontamination. There were no differences in the total simulant recovered across all decontamination conditions. However, significantly more simulant was recovered from the shoulder compared with the arm and leg. Variation in simulant recovery from different application areas was significantly higher in improvised-only conditions than in combined conditions. Decontamination did not affect the amount of MeS excreted in urine over 8 hours.ConclusionThis research supports current practice of starting decontamination as soon as possible after chemical exposure and highlights the importance of implementing interim decontamination following improvised decontamination.
Functional pathology of neuroleptic-induced dystonia based on the striatal striosome-matrix dopamine system in humans
Authors: Goto Satoshi 
Published: December 2024

Neuroleptic-induced dystonia is a source of great concern in clinical practice because of its iatrogenic nature which can potentially lead to life-threatening conditions. Since all neuroleptics (antipsychotics) share the ability to block the dopamine D2-type receptors (D2Rs) that are highly enriched in the striatum, this drug-induced dystonia is thought to be caused by decreased striatal D2R activity. However, how associations of striatal D2R inactivation with dystonia are formed remains elusive.A growing body of evidence suggests that imbalanced activities between D1R-expressing medium spiny neurons and D2R-expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs and D2-MSNs) in the striatal striosome-matrix system underlie the pathophysiology of various basal ganglia disorders including dystonia. Given the specificity of the striatal dopamine D1system in ‘humans’, this article highlights the striatal striosome hypothesis in causing ‘repetitive’ and ‘stereotyped’ motor symptoms which are key clinical features of dystonia. It is suggested that exposure to neuroleptics may reduce striosomal D1-MSN activity and thereby cause dystonia symptoms. This may occur through an increase in the striatal cholinergic activity and the collateral inhibitory action of D2-MSNs onto neighbouring D1-MSNs within the striosome subfields. The article proposes a functional pathology of the striosome-matrix dopamine system for neuroleptic-induced acute dystonia or neuroleptic-withdrawal dystonia. A rationale for the effectiveness of dopaminergic or cholinergic pharmacotherapy is also provided for treating dystonias. This narrative review covers various aspects of the relevant field and provides a detailed discussion of the mechanisms of neuroleptic-induced dystonia.
COVID-19 risk by work-related factors: pooled analysis of individual linked data from 14 cohorts
Authors: Gittins Matthew , Wels Jacques , Rhodes Sarah , Demou Evangelia , Shaw Richard J , Hamilton Olivia K L , Zhu Jingmin , Wielgoszewska Bożena , Stevenson Anna , Badrick Ellena , Rhead Rebecca , Ploubidis George , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , van Tongeren Martie 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infection rates vary by occupation, but the association with work-related characteristics (such as home working, keyworker or furlough) are not fully understood and may depend on ascertainment approach. We assessed infection risks across work-related characteristics and compared findings using different ascertainment approaches.MethodsParticipants of 14 UK-based longitudinal cohort studies completed surveys before and during the COVID-19 pandemic about their health, work and behaviour. These data were linked to the National Health Service digital health records, including COVID-19 diagnostic testing, within the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC) research environment. Poisson regression modelled self-reported infection and diagnostic test confirmed infection within each cohort for work-related characteristics. Relative Risk (RR) were then combined using random effects meta-analysis.ResultsBetween March 2020 and March 2021, 74 757 individuals completed 167 302 surveys. Overall, 15 174 survey responses self-reported an infection, whereas 3053 had a linked positive test. Self-reported infection risk was greater in keyworkers versus not (RR=1.24 (95% CI 1.17, 1.31), among non-home working (1.08 (0.98, 1.19)) or some home working (1.06 (0.97, 1.17)) versus all home working. Part-time workers versus full time (0.94 (0.89, 0.99)) and furlough versus not (0.93 (0.88, 0.99)) had reduced risk. Results for the linked positive test outcome were comparable in direction but greater in magnitude, for example, a 1.85 (1.56, 2.20) in keyworkers.ConclusionThe UK LLC provides new opportunities for researchers to investigate risk factors, including occupational factors, for ill-health events in multiple largescale UK cohorts. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 illness appeared to be associated with work-related characteristics. Associations using linked diagnostic test data appeared stronger than self-reported infection status.
Clinical features, myocardial injury and systolic impairment in acute myocarditis
Authors: Shyam-Sundar Vijay , Slabaugh Greg , Mohiddin Saidi A , Petersen Steffen Erhard , Aung Nay 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveCardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is increasingly used in the diagnosis of myocarditis, with myocardial injury and systolic dysfunction playing key roles in the prognosis of this clinical setting. The clinical determinants of myocardial injury and systolic impairment in acute myocarditis are poorly defined. The aim of the current study is to assess the association of laboratory markers, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with acute myocarditis.MethodsWe completed a retrospective cohort study from a tertiary referral centre in London with CMR and acute myocarditis. Cases with cardiomyopathy were excluded. Missing data was imputed for selected clinical variables. We evaluated the association between peak troponin and LGE extent and LVEF. We adjusted the models for age, sex and time to CMR with a sensitivity analysis adjusting for body mass index and cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking.Results127 patients had abnormal T2-weighted imaging/mapping results with 118 (93%) presenting with chest pain and/or shortness of breath. Left ventricular LGE was identified in 118 (93%) patients and LVEF was 58±11%. The median time from the peak troponin to CMR was 1 day (IQR 0–6 days). The highest tertile of peak troponin was associated with more LGE (incident rate ratio 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.64) and a lower LVEF (coefficient −5.3%, 95% CI: −9.5% to −1.1%). Diabetes was also associated with more LGE (incident rate ratio 1.90, 95% CI: 1.37 to 2.61) and lower LVEF (coefficient −8.9%, 95% CI: −14.7% to −1.8%).ConclusionsPeak troponin is associated with more LGE and a lower LVEF even after accounting for demographics and comorbidities. Myocardial injury and systolic dysfunction play key roles in prognosis and future work incorporating clinical features into a risk prediction model may enable better risk stratification in acute myocarditis.
Permeable friction course design with consideration of hydroplaning risk
Authors: Chen Xiao , Wang Hao 
Published: December 2024

This study investigates safety performance of permeable friction courses (PFCs) in terms of hydroplaning. An analytical model was derived to calculate water depth on PFC under static rainfalls. A tire–water–pavement interaction model was used to predict hydroplaning speeds. The results show that water film depth increases from innermost to outermost traffic lanes. PFC can mitigate hydroplaning risk under 0.5 cm/h rain rate. At rain rate of 1 cm/h, the impact of horizontal hydraulic conductivity and PRF thickness on hydroplaning speed is less than 10%, but becomes negligible at higher rain rates. On the other hand, the flow slope of PFC significantly affects hydroplaning speed by over 50%, while this effect decreases as rain rate increases. The surface macrotexture of PFC shows less than 5% impact on hydroplaning speed at all rain rates. An analysis framework with design example is proposed to incorporate hydroplaning speed in decision-making of roadway design with PFC.
Prevalence of Gastroparesis and the Impact of Metformin in Diabetic Patients: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldali Jehad A. , Asseri Mushabbab K. , Almufarrij Haneen A. , Alromih Aroob M. , Alajlan Albandari M. , Alrashed Khawlah A. , ALghadeer Atheer I. , Almutawa Bushra I. , Alshalani Abdulrahman 
Published: December 2024

Background: The prevalence of gastroparesis in individuals with diabetes mellitus varies significantly across different studies. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of gastroparesis among diabetic patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and evaluating the association between metformin use and clinical manifestations of gastroparesis.Methods: This cross‐sectional study employed an online survey distributed via Google Forms, targeting patients at a diabetes clinic. The survey comprised three sections, including the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI). Eligible participants were those diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus and aged 18 or older.Results: The study included 385 participants, with the majority diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (55.6%) for over 10 years (59.5%). A significant proportion had poorly controlled blood glucose levels (56.6%) and were taking metformin (50.9%). Among gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, “stomach fullness” was reported most frequently (53.2%), whereas “vomiting” was reported least often (17.9%). GCSI scores did not differ significantly between type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients (p = 0.88). However, patients with diabetes durations of less than 3 years, those with durations of 5–7 years controlled blood glucose levels, and those on metformin exhibited higher GCSI scores (p = 0.20, p = 0.02, and p = 0.10, respectively).Conclusion: This study identified some commonalities as well as differences in the prevalence and symptomatology of gastroparesis among diabetic patients. We observed no significant variation in GCSI scores between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, higher GCSI scores were associated with shorter diabetes durations, controlled blood glucose levels, and metformin use. However, due to the small sample size and reliance on self‐reported data, one should interpret the study’s findings with caution.
Influence of layering variation with addition of bio-fillers on mechanical and thermal performances of hybrid polyester composites
Authors: Tripathy Chetana , Mohapatra Deepak Kumar , Deo Chitta Ranjan , Mishra Chandrakanta 
Published: December 2024

The extensive application of composites reinforced with synthetic or natural fibers and bio-fillers represents a recent advanced trend in research. This research seeks to assess the optimal ratio of wood dust (WD) and fish scale powder (FSP) for forming a hybrid filler mix to reinforce Palmyra Palm leaf stalk (P)/Glass (G) polyester laminate, aiming to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. The ideal ratio is identified by evaluating the mechanical properties of various weight fraction combinations of WD and FSP filler in polyester. The test results showed that the optimal filler hybridization ratio is 5 wt.% WD and 10 wt.% FSP. Hybrid laminates are then produced by combining equal layers of glass and palm leaf stalk fiber in different stacking configurations, incorporating an optimal mixture of hybrid fillers. The experimental findings revealed that, the inclusion of an optimal blend of WD and FSP filler results in improvements in mechanical properties, with a 51.93% increase in tensile strength, a 36.27% boost in flexural strength, a 20.48% rise in impact resistance, and a 10.08% enhancement in micro-hardness. Additionally, the findings revealed that the laminate with GPPG stacking order shows the highest mechanical properties compared to other stacking sequences. To further examine the thermal degradation and various failure mechanisms, Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and fractography study using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) are conducted.