bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Residual force depression is not related to positive muscle fascicle work during submaximal voluntary dorsiflexion contractions in humans
Authors: Raiteri Brent James , Lauret Leon , Hahn Daniel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResidual force depression (rFD) following active muscle shortening is assumed to correlate most strongly with muscle work, but this has not been tested during voluntary contractions in humans. Using dynamometry, we compared steady‐state ankle joint torques (N = 16) following tibialis anterior (TA) muscle–tendon unit (MTU) lengthening and shortening to the time‐matched torque during submaximal voluntary fixed‐end dorsiflexion reference contractions (REF) at a matched MTU length and EMG amplitude. Ultrasound revealed significantly reduced (P < 0.001) TA fascicle shortening amplitudes during MTU lengthening without a preload over small and medium amplitudes, respectively, relative to REF. MTU lengthening with a preload over a large amplitude significantly (P < 0.001) increased fascicle shortening relative to REF, as well as stretch amplitudes relative to MTU lengthening without a preload (P = 0.001). Significant (P = 0.028) steady‐state fascicle force enhancement relative to REF was observed following MTU lengthening, and was similar among MTU lengthening‐hold conditions (3–5%). MTU shortening with and without a preload over small and large amplitudes significantly (P < 0.001) increased positive fascicle and MTU work relative to REF, but significant (P = 0.006) rFD was observed following MTU shortening with a preload (7–10%) only. rFD was linearly related to positive MTU work [rrm(47) = 0.48, P < 0.001], but not positive fascicle work [rrm(47) = 0.16, P = 0.277]. Our findings indicate that MTU lengthening without substantial fascicle stretch enhances steady‐state force output, which might arise from less shortening‐induced rFD. Our findings also indicate similar rFD following different amounts of positive fascicle/MTU work, which cautions against using work to predict rFD during submaximal voluntary contractions.
imageKey points
Accurately predicting muscle force is challenging because active muscle shortening depresses force output.
The residual force depression (rFD) that exists following active muscle shortening is commonly assumed to correlate strongly and positively with muscle work.
We found that tibialis anterior muscle fascicle work and muscle–tendon unit work did not accurately predict rFD during submaximal voluntary dorsiflexion contractions.
Fascicle shortening during fixed‐end reference contractions also potentially induced rFD of 3–5%, which was similar to the rFD following muscle–tendon unit shortening without a preload.
A higher number of active muscle fibres during shortening probably increased rFD, which suggests that motor unit recruitment during shortening might predict rFD.
Orexinergic neurons contribute to autonomic cardiovascular regulation for locomotor exercise
Authors: Narai Emi , Yoshimura Yuki , Honaga Takaho , Mizoguchi Hiroyuki , Yamanaka Akihiro , Hiyama Takeshi Y. , Watanabe Tatsuo , Koba Satoshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWhile the hypothalamic orexinergic nervous system is established as having a pivotal role in the long‐term regulation of various organismic functions, including wakefulness, metabolism and hypertensive states, whether this system contributes to the rapid autonomic cardiovascular regulation during physical activity remains elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the orexinergic nervous system in transmitting volitional motor signals, i.e. central command, to drive somatomotor and sympathetic cardiovascular responses. We first found that this system is activated by voluntary locomotor exercise as evidenced by an increased expression of Fos, a marker of neural activation, in the orexinergic neurons of Sprague–Dawley rats engaged in spontaneous wheel running. Next, using transgenic Orexin‐Cre rats for optogenetic manipulation of orexinergic neurons, we found that optogenetic excitation of orexinergic neurons caused sympathoexcitation on a subsecond timescale under anaesthesia. In freely moving conscious rats, this excitatory stimulation rapidly elicited exploration‐like behaviours, predominantly locomotor activity, along with pressor and tachycardiac responses. Meanwhile, optogenetic inhibition of orexinergic neurons during spontaneous wheel running immediately suppressed locomotor activities and blood pressure elevation without affecting basal cardiovascular homeostasis. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the essential role of the orexinergic nervous system in the central circuitry that transmits central command signals for locomotor exercise. This study not only offers insights into the brain circuit mechanisms precisely regulating autonomic cardiovascular systems during voluntary exercise but also likely contributes to our understanding of brain mechanisms underlying abnormal cardiovascular adjustments to exercise in pathological conditions, such as hypertension.
imageKey points
The hypothalamic orexinergic nervous system plays various roles in the long‐term regulation of autonomic and endocrine functions, as well as motivated behaviours.
We present a novel, rapid role of the orexinergic nervous system, revealing its significance as a crucial substrate in the brain circuit mechanisms that coordinate somatomotor and autonomic cardiovascular controls for locomotor exercise.
Our data demonstrate that orexinergic neurons relay volitional motor signals, playing a necessary and sufficient role in the autonomic cardiovascular regulation required for locomotor exercise in rats.
The findings contribute to our understanding of how the brain precisely regulates autonomic cardiovascular systems during voluntary exercise, providing insights into the central neural mechanisms that enhance physical performance moment‐by‐moment during exercise.
Gas Turbine's Role in Energy Transition
Authors: Gülen S. Can , Curtis Martin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Modern heavy duty industrial gas turbines in combined cycle configuration, with rated efficiencies (at ISO base load) above 60% net LHV, are expected to play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of utility scale electricity generation. Even without postcombustion capture (PCC), simply switching from coal-fired generation to natural gas-fired generation reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 60% (on a kg per MWh of generation basis). In simple cycle mode, with efficiencies above 40% net LHV and startup times around 20 min, 300–400+ MW gas turbines can easily serve as peakers to support variable renewable resources, i.e., wind and solar. In this paper, a close quantitative look is taken at the capabilities of gas turbines firing natural gas, hydrogen, or a blend thereof, both in simple and combined cycle configurations. Furthermore, using published data, first-principles calculations, and software simulations, it will be shown that the gas turbine constitutes an efficient and cost-effective technology, with and without carbon capture, as a key player in decarbonization of the electric power sector.
Novel Combustion Instability Diagnosis Method With Upstream Pulsation of Repetitive Laser-Induced Plasmas
Authors: Rubiella Clémence , Byun Hosung , Park Youchan , Do Hyungrok 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this experimental study, we are presenting the ability of laser-induced plasmas with successive pulsation to identify combustion instabilities (CI) of a premixed lab-scale combustor. An acoustic disturbance equivalent to a shockwave perturbation is generated in the main air supply line of a swirled injector prior to the fuel addition by focusing nanosecond laser pulses of 1.6 W average power at 10 Hz. The shockwaves are attenuated to be strong pressure waves when reaching the combustor and impact the pressure field for short periods. After plasma breakdowns, the system returns back to its original state after 4 ms once the added acoustic energy has been fully dissipated. Given a set geometry, it is observed that the laser-induced breakdown amplifies the characteristic frequency peaks of the combustor system when actuated in cold flow. Furthermore, when applied to reacting flows, the pulsating acoustic perturbations impact the pressure fluctuation in the combustor, e.g., reducing the amplitude of the primary characteristic frequency peak at certain conditions. The identification of the main instability modes thanks to the plasma shockwave provides proof of the potential use of this novel diagnosis strategy in various and complex combustion systems.
Nitrogen assimilation by
E. coli
in the mammalian intestine
Authors: Doranga Sudhir , Conway Tyrrell 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Nitrogen is an essential element for all living organisms, including
Escherichia coli
. Potential nitrogen sources are abundant in the intestine, but knowledge of those used specifically by
E. coli
to colonize remains limited. Here, we sought to determine the specific nitrogen sources used by
E. coli
to colonize the streptomycin-treated mouse intestine. We began by investigating whether nitrogen is limiting in the intestine. The NtrBC two-component system upregulates approximately 100 genes in response to nitrogen limitation. We showed that NtrBC is crucial for
E. coli
colonization, although most genes of the NtrBC regulon are not induced, which indicates that nitrogen is not limiting in the intestine. RNA-seq identified upregulated genes in colonized
E. coli
involved in transport and catabolism of seven amino acids, dipeptides and tripeptides, purines, pyrimidines, urea, and ethanolamine. Competitive colonization experiments revealed that L-serine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetylglucosamine, and di- and tripeptides serve as nitrogen sources for
E. coli
in the intestine. Furthermore, the colonization defect of a L-serine deaminase mutant was rescued by excess nitrogen in the drinking water but not by an excess of carbon and energy, demonstrating that L-serine serves primarily as a nitrogen source. Similar rescue experiments showed that N-acetylneuraminic acid serves as both a carbon and nitrogen source. To a minor extent, aspartate and ammonia also serve as nitrogen sources. Overall, these findings demonstrate that
E. coli
utilizes multiple nitrogen sources for successful colonization of the mouse intestine, the most important of which is L-serine.

IMPORTANCE

While much is known about the carbon and energy sources that are used by
E. coli
to colonize the mammalian intestine, very little is known about the sources of nitrogen. Interrogation of colonized
E. coli
by RNA-seq revealed that nitrogen is not limiting, indicating an abundance of nitrogen sources in the intestine. Pathways for assimilation of nitrogen from several amino acids, dipeptides and tripeptides, purines, pyrimidines, urea, and ethanolamine were induced in mice. Competitive colonization assays confirmed that mutants lacking catabolic pathways for L-serine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetylglucosamine, and di- and tripeptides had colonization defects. Rescue experiments in mice showed that L-serine serves primarily as a nitrogen source, whereas N-acetylneuraminic acid provides both carbon and nitrogen. Of the many nitrogen assimilation mutants tested, the largest colonization defect was for an L-serine deaminase mutant, which demonstrates L-serine is the most important nitrogen source for colonized
E. coli
.
Genetic landscape and prognosis of conjunctival melanoma in Chinese patients
Authors: Shi Hanhan , Tian Hao , Zhu Tianyu , Chen Jie , Jia Shichong , Zong Chunyan , Liao Qili , Ruan Jing , Ge Shengfang , Rao Yamin , Dong Mei , Jia Renbing , Li Yimin , Xu Shiqiong , Fan Xianqun 
Published: February 2024

AimsConjunctival melanoma (CoM) is a rare but highly lethal ocular melanoma and there is limited understanding of its genetic background. To update the genetic landscape of CoM, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed.MethodsAmong 30 patients who were diagnosed and treated at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 2018 to January 2023, WES was performed on 16 patients, while targeted NGS was conducted on 14 patients. Samples were analysed to identify the mutated genes, and the potential predictive factors for progression-free survival were evaluated. Furthermore, the expression of the mutated gene was detected and validated in a 30-patient cohort by immunofluorescence.ResultsMutations were verified in classic genes, such asBRAF(n=9),NRAS(n=5) andNF1(n=6). MutatedFAT4andBRAFwere associated with an increased risk for the progression of CoM. Moreover, decreased expression of FAT4 was detected in CoM patients with a worse prognosis.ConclusionsThe molecular landscape of CoM in Chinese patients was updated with new findings. A relatively high frequency of mutatedFAT4was determined in Chinese CoM patients, and decreased expression of FAT4 was found in patients with worse prognoses. In addition, bothBRAFmutations andFAT4mutations could serve as predictive factors for CoM patients.
High S100A9 level predicts poor survival, and the S100A9 inhibitor paquinimod is a candidate for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Miura Shinichiro , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Namba Masashi , Yamaguchi Kakuhiro , Sakamoto Shinjiro , Horimasu Yasushi , Masuda Takeshi , Miyamoto Shintaro , Nakashima Taku , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Fujitaka Kazunori , Hamada Hironobu , Hattori Noboru 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundS100A9 is a damage-associated molecular pattern protein that may play an important role in the inflammatory response and fibrotic processes. Paquinimod is an immunomodulatory compound that prevents S100A9 activity. Its safety and pharmacokinetics have been confirmed in human clinical trials. In this study, we investigated the effects of paquinimod in preventing the development of lung fibrosis in vivo and examined the prognostic values of circulatory and lung S100A9 levels in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).MethodsThe expression and localisation of S100A9 and the preventive effect of S100A9 inhibition on fibrosis development were investigated in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In this retrospective cohort study, the S100A9 levels in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 76 and 55 patients with IPF, respectively, were examined for associations with patient survival.ResultsS100A9 expression was increased in the mouse lungs, especially in the inflammatory cells and fibrotic interstitium, after bleomycin administration. Treatment with paquinimod ameliorated fibrotic pathological changes and significantly reduced hydroxyproline content in the lung tissues of mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, we found that paquinimod reduced the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils in BALF and suppressed endothelial–mesenchymal transition in vivo. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox hazard proportion analyses revealed that high levels of S100A9 in the serum and BALF were significantly associated with poor prognoses in patients with IPF (Kaplan-Meier curve analysis: p=0.037 (serum) and 0.019 (BALF); multivariate Cox hazard proportion analysis: HR=3.88, 95% CI=1.06 to 14.21, p=0.041 (serum); HR=2.73, 95% CI=1.05 to 7.10, p=0.039 (BALF)).ConclusionsThe present results indicate that increased S100A9 expression is associated with IPF progression and that the S100A9 inhibitor paquinimod is a potential treatment for IPF.
RE.GA.IN.: the Real-world Gastritis Initiative–updating the updates
Authors: Rugge Massimo , Genta Robert M , Malfertheiner Peter , Dinis-Ribeiro Mario , El-Serag Hashem , Graham David Y , Kuipers Ernst J , Leung Wai Keung , Park Jin Young , Rokkas Theodore , Schulz Christian , El-Omar Emad M 
Published: February 2024

At the end of the last century, a far-sighted ‘working party’ held in Sydney, Australia addressed the clinicopathological issues related to gastric inflammatory diseases. A few years later, an international conference held in Houston, Texas, USA critically updated the seminal Sydney classification. In line with these initiatives, Kyoto Global Consensus Report, flanked by the Maastricht-Florence conferences, added new clinical evidence to the gastritis clinicopathological puzzle.The most relevant topics related to the gastric inflammatory diseases have been addressed by the Real-world Gastritis Initiative (RE.GA.IN.), from disease definitions to the clinical diagnosis and prognosis. This paper reports the conclusions of the RE.GA.IN. consensus process, which culminated in Venice in November 2022 after more than 8 months of intense global scientific deliberations. A forum of gastritis scholars from five continents participated in the multidisciplinary RE.GA.IN. consensus. After lively debates on the most controversial aspects of the gastritis spectrum, the RE.GA.IN. Faculty amalgamated complementary knowledge to distil patient-centred, evidence-based statements to assist health professionals in their real-world clinical practice. The sections of this report focus on: the epidemiology of gastritis;Helicobacter pylorias dominant aetiology of environmental gastritis and as the most important determinant of the gastric oncogenetic field; the evolving knowledge on gastric autoimmunity; the clinicopathological relevance of gastric microbiota; the new diagnostic horizons of endoscopy; and the clinical priority of histologically reporting gastritis in terms of staging. The ultimate goal of RE.GA.IN. was and remains the promotion of further improvement in the clinical management of patients with gastritis.
Incidence and determinants of seizures in multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Pozzilli Valeria , Haggiag Shalom , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Capone Fioravante , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Tortorella Carla , Gasperini Claudio , Prosperini Luca 
Published: February 2024

Background
Seizures are reported to be more prevalent in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with the general population. Existing data predominantly originate from population-based studies, which introduce variability in methodologies and are vulnerable to selection and reporting biases.

Methods
This meta-analysis aims to assess the incidence of seizures in patients participating in randomised clinical trials and to identify potential contributing factors. Data were extracted from 60 articles published from 1993 to 2022. The pooled effect size, representing the incidence rate of seizure events, was estimated using a random-effect model. Metaregression was employed to explore factors influencing the pooled effect size.

Results
The meta-analysis included data from 53 535 patients and 120 seizure events in a median follow-up of 2 years. The pooled incidence rate of seizures was 68.0 per 100 000 patient-years, significantly higher than the general population rate of 34.6. Generalised tonic-clonic seizures were the most common type reported, although there was a high risk of misclassification for focal seizures with secondary generalisation. Disease progression, longer disease duration, higher disability levels and lower brain volume were associated with a higher incidence of seizures. Particularly, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulators exhibited a 2.45-fold increased risk of seizures compared with placebo or comparators, with a risk difference of 20.5 events per 100 000 patient-years.

Conclusions
Patients with MS face a nearly twofold higher seizure risk compared with the general population. This risk appears to be associated not only with disease burden but also with S1PR modulators. Our findings underscore epilepsy as a significant comorbidity in MS and emphasise the necessity for further research into its triggers, preventive measures and treatment strategies.
Gaussian quantum steering in multi-event horizon spacetime
Authors: Wu Shu-Min , Li Jin-Xuan , Fan Xiao-Wei , Li Wen-Mei , Huang Xiao-Li , Zeng Hao-Sheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe study Gaussian quantum steering in the Schwarzschild–de Sitter (SdS) spacetime that is endowed with both a black hole event horizon (BEH) and a cosmological event horizon (CEH), giving rise to two different Hawking temperatures. It is shown that the Hawking effect of the black hole always reduces the quantum steering, but the Hawking effect of the expanding universe does not always play the same role. For the first time, we find that the Hawking effect can improve quantum steering. We also find that the observer who locates in the BEH has stronger steerability than the observer who locates in CEH. Further, we study the steering asymmetry, and the conditions for two-way, one-way and no-way steering in the SdS spacetime. Finally, we study the Gaussian quantum steering in the scenario of effective equilibrium temperature. We show that quantum steering reduces monotonically with the effective temperature but now increases monotonically with the Hawking temperature of the black hole, which banishes the belief that the Hawking effect can only destroy quantum steering.
SOME RESULTS ON BOX DIMENSION ESTIMATION OF FRACTAL CONTINUOUS FUNCTIONS
Authors: YANG HUAI , REN LULU , ZHENG QIAN 
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we explore upper box dimension of continuous functions on [Formula: see text] and their Riemann–Liouville fractional integral. Firstly, by comparing function limits, we prove that the upper box dimension of the Riemann–Liouville fractional order integral image of a continuous function will not exceed [Formula: see text], the result similar to [Y. S. Liang and W. Y. Su, Fractal dimensions of fractional integral of continuous functions, Acta Math. Appl. Sin. E 32 (2016) 1494–1508]. Secondly, we prove that upper box dimension of multiple algebraic sums of continuous functions does not exceed the largest box dimension among them, backing up our conclusion with an appropriate example. Finally, we draw the same conclusions for the product of multiple continuous functions.
On the solutions of some Lebesgue–Ramanujan–Nagell type equations
Authors: Mutlu Elif Kızıldere , Soydan Gökhan 
Published: February 2024

Denote by [Formula: see text] the class number of the imaginary quadratic field [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] prime. It is well known that [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text]. Recently, all the solutions of the Diophantine equation [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] were given by Chakraborty et al. in [Complete solutions of certain Lebesgue–Ramanujan–Nagell type equations, Publ. Math. Debrecen 97(3–4) (2020) 339–352]. In this paper, we study the Diophantine equation [Formula: see text] in unknown integers [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. To do this, we use the known results from the modularity of Galois representations associated with Frey–Hellegoaurch elliptic curves, the symplectic method and elementary methods of classical algebraic number theory. The aim of this paper is to extend the above results of Chakraborty et al.