bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marine protected areas can be useful but are not a silver bullet for kelp conservation
Authors: Filbee‐Dexter Karen , Starko Samuel , Pessarrodona Albert , Wood Georgina , Norderhaug Kjell Magnus , Piñeiro‐Corbeira Cristina , Wernberg Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractKelp forests are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, but they are increasingly being degraded and lost due to a range of human‐related stressors, leading to recent calls for their improved management and conservation. One of the primary tools to conserve marine species and biodiversity is the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). International commitments to protect 30% of the world's ecosystems are gaining momentum, offering a promising avenue to secure kelp forests into the Anthropocene. However, a clear understanding of the efficacy of MPAs for conserving kelp forests in a changing ocean is lacking. In this perspective, we question whether strengthened global protection will create meaningful conservation outcomes for kelp forests. We explore the benefits of MPAs for kelp conservation under a suite of different stressors, focusing on empirical evidence from protected kelp forests. We show that MPAs can be effective against some drivers of kelp loss (e.g., overgrazing, kelp harvesting), particularly when they are maintained in the long‐term and enforced as no‐take areas. There is also some evidence that MPAs can reduce impacts of climate change through building resilience in multi‐stressor situations. However, MPAs also often fail to provide protection against ocean warming, marine heatwaves, coastal darkening, and pollution, which have emerged as dominant drivers of kelp forest loss globally. Although well‐enforced MPAs should remain an important tool to protect kelp forests, successful kelp conservation will require implementing an additional suite of management solutions that target these accelerating threats.
Korean Christian Missionaries in High‐Risk Countries: Interaction with International Religious Networks and Domestic Response
Authors: Jung Jihye 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhy do some Christian foreign mission groups dispatch missionaries to some culturally and politically risky states where they face personal risks and political entanglements? Using world polity theory, I argue that local religious groups’ motivations are driven by their involvement in international religious networks, which mobilize missionaries to go to places such as Muslim countries. Based on 30 semistructured interviews with South Korean missionaries and leaders of churches and mission organizations, I illuminate that globally shared discourse of unreached people encouraged missionaries to volunteer to go to high‐risk states. I also suggest that Korean religious actors did not passively accept the influence of the international discourse but also reconstructed the discourse. The study also highlights that a missionary's dual identity as a religious actor and another profession to get a visa in high‐risk countries is bound up with the state's surveillance and potential persecution.
Pseudohyperkalemia in myotonic dystrophy type 1: A case report
Authors: Hatano Taku , Uchida Toyoyoshi , Hayashi Hidemori , Hattori Nobutaka 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant familial muscular dystrophy caused by abnormal CTG repeat expansion in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The cardinal features of DM1 patients are muscular weakness, myotonia, and arrhythmia. DM1 patients with electrolyte imbalance caused by endocrinological alterations have also been reported. Herein, we report a female patient with DM1 and hyperkalemia, which fluctuated depending on the blood collection methods. We revealed that cold stimulation of red blood cells was associated with hyperkalemia, whereas blood examination immediately after collection showed normal potassium levels. She was, therefore, diagnosed with pseudohyperkalemia. Several previous reports have described DM1 patients with pseudohyperkalemia, similar to ours. Neurologists should be aware that some patients with DM1 may have pseudohyperkalemia. Thus, consider retesting with prompt measurement after blood collection to rule out pseudohyperkalemia when a patient shows hyperkalemia. If confirmed, evaluate for DM1 as a potential differential diagnosis.
Fertility Responses to the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Perspective of Reproductive Process
Authors: Fan Xinguang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has potential large‐scale impacts on population dynamics. Yet, recent theories and empirical analyses fall short of fully articulating the extent and nature of the pandemic's influence on birth rates at the aggregate level. This study advances the comprehension of fertility dynamics amid the pandemic by focusing on the reproductive process. The effects of the pandemic on conceptions and pregnancy terminations may exhibit considerable variability, which, in turn, could dictate the observed patterns in birth rates during the pandemic. Employing the data from the Performance Monitoring Action survey in Burkina Faso and Kenya, which includes information on conceptions, pregnancy terminations, and births, the research dissects the nuances of fertility behavior in response to the pandemic. Findings indicate an uptick in conception rates around six months following the onset of the pandemic in Kenya, while pregnancy terminations did not significantly shift in either country. Further, the data reveal a pronounced increase in conception rates among disadvantaged groups, whereas a downturn in pregnancy terminations was noted predominantly in urban areas during the early phase of the pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of considering the reproductive process when studying fertility responses to catastrophic events.
Effect of steroid pulses in severe BK virus allograft nephropathy with extensive interstitial inflammation
Authors: Carrillo Julien , Del Bello Arnaud , Sallusto Federico , Delas Audrey , Colombat Magali , Mansuy Jean Michel , Izopet Jacques , Kamar Nassim , Belliere Julie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionAs there is no specific antiviral treatment currently available for BK polyomavirus associated nephropathy (BKVAN), its management relies on immunosuppression reduction in kidney transplant patients. Data on efficacy of steroid pulses in this indication are lacking.MethodsWe performed a retrospective monocenter study on 64 patients diagnosed with biopsy‐proven BKVAN. Patients within the “pulse group” (n = 37) received IV methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg 3 days consecutively. In the “low dose” steroid group (n = 27), patients were continued oral prednisone 5 mg daily.ResultsMean follow up was 78 months in the steroid pulse group and 56 months in the low dose group (p = 0.15). Mean eGFR values at diagnosis were comparable, as well as other demographic characteristics. Mean BK plasma viral load was higher in “pulse” than in “low dose” steroid group. Pulse group had higher inflammation and tubulitis (p < 0.05). Graft loss reached 57% in the “pulse” group versus 41% in the “low dose” group, p = 0.20. Rejection events were similar. No major adverse event was statistically associated with steroid pulse, including infections, cancer, and de novo diabetes.ConclusionNo significant differences were found in the evolution of both groups of patients, despite patients receiving “pulse” steroids were identified as the most severe sharing higher BK viral load and more frequent active lesions on histology.
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Radiation toxicity grading after chemoradiotherapy of canine urinary tract carcinomas: Comparing VRTOG to VRTOG_v2.0
Authors: Ahrens Carlotta , Beatrice Laura , Meier Valeria , Rohrer Bley Carla 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRadiation toxicities may be underestimated after treatment of transitional cell carcinoma in dogs' lower urinary tract. Assessing acute and late toxicities and differentiating them from progressive disease (PD) impacts further therapeutic approach. We retrospectively assessed dogs treated with definitive‐intent chemoradiotherapy (12 × 3.8 Gy, various first‐line chemotherapeutics). Local tumour control, radiation toxicities and survival were evaluated. We classified radiation toxicities according to the previously published radiation toxicity scheme “VRTOG” as well as the updated version, “VRTOG_v2.0”. Fourteen dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of bladder ± urethra (n = 8), +prostate (n = 3) or solely urethra (n = 3), were included. Median follow‐up was 298 days (range 185–1798 days), median overall survival 305 days (95%CI = 209;402) and 28.6% deaths were tumour‐progression‐related. Acute radiation toxicity was mild and self‐limiting with both classification systems: In VRTOG, 5 dogs showed grade 1, and 1 dog grade 2 toxicity. In VRTOG_v2.0, 2 dogs showed grade 1, 3 dogs grade 2, and 3 dogs grade 3 toxicity. Late toxicity was noted in 14.2% of dogs (2/14) with the VRTOG, both with grade 3 toxicity. With VRTOG_v2.0, a larger proportion of 42.9% of dogs (6/14) showed late toxicities: Four dogs grade 3 (persistent incontinence), 2 dogs grade 5 (urethral obstructions without PD resulting in euthanasia). At time of death, 5 dogs underwent further workup and only 3 were confirmed to have PD. With the updated VRTOG_v2.0 classification system, more dogs with probable late toxicity are registered, but it is ultimately difficult to distinguish these from disease progression as restaging remains to be the most robust determinant.
On local stability threshold of del Pezzo surfaces
Authors: Etxabarri‐Alberdi Erroxe 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe complete the classification of local stability thresholds for smooth del Pezzo surfaces of degree 2. In particular, we show that this number is irrational if and only if there is a unique (‐1)‐curve passing through the point where we are computing the local invariant.
An Active Equalization Method for Cascade Utilization Lithium-Ion Battery Pack With Online Measurement of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Lujun , Zeng Xiankai , Chen Long , Lv Lu , Liao Li , Jiang Jiuchun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, a large number of lithium batteries have been produced, used, and then retired. The full utilization and safe use of the whole life cycle of the batteries have become a hot topic in the research field. Compared to brand-new batteries, retired power batteries exhibit significant inconsistency and safety risks, thus necessitating effective battery equalization and safety monitoring methods. In this article, an active equalization method for cascade utilization lithium battery pack with online measurement of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is proposed to actively equalize the retired battery pack and alleviate the inconsistency of the battery pack. Besides, the electrochemical impedance spectrum of the single battery is measured online without adding additional hardware circuits so as to realize real-time safety monitoring and solve the safety problem of the battery. Finally, in order to verify the feasibility of the active equalization and electrochemical impedance spectrum monitoring scheme designed in this article, a simulation model is built based on the matlab-Simulink platform. The simulation results show that the six batteries in the proposed scheme model complete the active equalization in about 710 s, 850 s, and 740 s, respectively, in the balance mode, charge mode, and discharge mode, and the electrochemical impedance spectrum in the frequency range of 1–20 KHz can be successfully measured.
Assessing Hydrogen–Ammonia Ratios to Achieve Rapid Kernel Inception in Spark-Ignition Engines
Authors: Yan Yuchao , Shang Tansu , Li Lingmin , Liu Zhentao , Liu Jinlong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the quest for decarbonizing internal combustion engines, ammonia (NH3) is recognized as a viable alternative fuel due to its zero-carbon emission profile, positioning it as a potential substitute for conventional petroleum fuels. However, the suboptimal combustion characteristics of ammonia pose challenges for its direct application in engines. The introduction of hydrogen (H2) as a combustion enhancer shows promise in improving ammonia viability for engine use. While previous studies have confirmed the benefits of hydrogen addition to ammonia for enhanced engine performance, comprehensive analysis of the precise ammonia-to-hydrogen ratio for optimal efficacy remains scarce. This research aims to bridge this gap by evaluating hydrogen–ammonia mixtures for achieving methane-equivalent laminar flame speeds under typical engine conditions, with a focus on the kernel inception process primarily driven by laminar flames. The findings indicate that a minimum of 20% hydrogen mixed with ammonia is necessary to facilitate rapid spark inception, although it does not reach the laminar flame speed of methane. Additionally, employing a high compression ratio and operating near stoichiometry could lower the required hydrogen–ammonia ratio. Considering the challenges in generating ample hydrogen with NH3 dissociators and the need for operational conditions like full-load and low-speed to lessen hydrogen demand, ammonia–hydrogen fuel blends are deemed most suitable for stationary engine applications in the near term.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of DV-B-120 as an inhibitor of dengue virus infection
Authors: Huang Yi-Jung , Cheng Tian-Lu , Wang Yen-Tseng , Chen Chien-Shu , Leu Yu-Ling , Chang Chih-Shiang , Ho Cheng-Han , Chao Shi-Wei , Li Chia-Tse , Chuang Chih-Hung 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Dengue fever, an infectious disease prevalent in subtropical and tropical regions, currently lacks effective small-molecule drugs as treatment. In this study, we used a fluorescence peptide cleavage assay to screen seven compounds to assess their inhibition of the dengue virus (DENV) NS2B-NS3 protease. DV-B-120 demonstrated superior inhibition of NS2B-NS3 protease activity and lower toxicity compared to ARDP0006. The selectivity index of DV-B-120 was higher than that of ARDP0006.
In vivo
assessments of the antiviral efficacy of DV-B-120 against DENV replication demonstrated delayed mortality of suckling mice treated with the compound, with 60–80% protection against life-threatening effects, compared to the outcomes of DENV-infected mice treated with saline. The lower clinical scores of DENV-infected mice treated with DV-B-120 indicated a reduction in acute–progressive illness symptoms, underscoring the potential therapeutic impact of DV-B-120. Investigations of DV-B-120's ability to restore the antiviral type I IFN response in the brain tissue of DENV-infected ICR suckling mice demonstrated its capacity to stimulate IFN and antiviral IFN-stimulated gene expression. DV-B-120 not only significantly delayed DENV-2-induced mortality and illness symptoms but also reduced viral numbers in the brain, ultimately restoring the innate antiviral response. These findings strongly suggest that DV-B-120 holds promise as a therapeutic agent against DENV infection and highlight its potential contribution in addressing the current lack of effective treatments for this infectious disease.

IMPORTANCE
The prevalence of dengue virus (DENV) infection in tropical and subtropical regions is escalating due to factors like climate change and mosquito vector expansion. With over 300 million annual infections and potentially fatal outcomes, the urgent need for effective treatments is evident. While the approved Dengvaxia vaccine has variable efficacy, there are currently no antiviral drugs for DENV. This study explores seven compounds targeting the NS2B-NS3 protease, a crucial protein in DENV replication. These compounds exhibit inhibitory effects on DENV-2 NS2B-NS3, holding promise for disrupting viral replication and preventing severe manifestations. However, further research, including animal testing, is imperative to assess therapeutic efficacy and potential toxicity. Developing safe and potent treatments for DENV infection is critical in addressing the rising global health threat posed by this virus.
White-opaque switching in
Candida albicans
: cell biology, regulation, and function
Authors: Soll David R. 
Published: March 2024

SUMMARY

Candida albicans
remains a major fungal pathogen colonizing humans and opportunistically invading tissue when conditions are predisposing. Part of the success of
C. albicans
was attributed to its capacity to form hyphae that facilitate tissue invasion. However, in 1987, a second developmental program was discovered, the “white-opaque transition,” a high-frequency reversible switching system that impacted most aspects of the physiology, cell architecture, virulence, and gene expression of
C. albicans
. For the 15 years following the discovery of white-opaque switching, its role in the biology of
C. albicans
remained elusive. Then in 2002, it was discovered that in order to mate,
C. albicans
had to switch from white to opaque, a unique step in a yeast mating program. In 2006, three laboratories simultaneously identified a putative master switch gene, which led to a major quest to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that regulate white-opaque switching. Here, the evolving discoveries related to this complicated phenotypic transition are reviewed in a quasi-chronological order not only to provide a historical perspective but also to highlight several unique characteristics of white-opaque switching, which are fascinating and may be important to the life history and virulence of this persistent pathogen. Many of these characteristics have not been fully investigated, in many cases, leaving intriguing questions unresolved. Some of these include the function of unique channeled pimples on the opaque cell wall, the capacity to form opaque cells in the absence of the master switch gene
WOR1
, the formation of separate “pathogenic” and “sexual” biofilms, and the possibility that a significant portion of natural strains colonizing the lower gastrointestinal tract may be in the opaque phase. This review addresses many of these characteristics with the intent of engendering interest in resolving questions that remain unanswered.
Kangaroo mother care improves cardiorespiratory physiology in preterm infants: an observational study
Authors: Sehgal Arvind , Yeomans Emma J , Nixon Gillian M 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether kangaroo mother care (KMC) in preterm infants on non-invasive respiratory support improves indices of cardiorespiratory wellbeing.Study designProspective quasi-experimental observational study.SettingTertiary perinatal neonatal unit.Patients50 very preterm infants being managed with nasal continuous positive airway pressure.InterventionsContinuous high-resolution preductal pulse-oximetry recordings using Masimo Radical-7 oximeter for 1 hour (incubator care) followed by 1 hour during KMC performed on the same day.Main outcome measuresMeasures of cardiorespiratory stability (dips in oxygen saturations (SpO2)) of ≥5% less than baseline, % time spent with oxygen saturations <90%, SpO2variability and heart rate fluctuation and incidence of bradycardias.ResultsThe gestational age and birth weight of the cohort were 28.4±2.1 weeks and 1137±301 g, respectively. Dips in SpO2of ≥5% less than baseline were significantly fewer with KMC, median (IQR) 24 (12 to 42) vs 13 (3 to 25), p=0.001. SpO2variability (Delta 12 s and 2 s), (1.24±0.6 vs 0.9±0.4, p=0.005 and 4.1±1.7 vs 2.8±1.2, p<0.0001) and rapid resaturation and desaturation indices were significantly lower during KMC, compared with incubator care. Percentage time spent in oxygen saturations <90% was less with KMC (7.5% vs 2.7%, p=0.04). Mean heart rate was comparable although fluctuations in heart rate (rise by >8 bpm) were lower with KMC (43±22 vs 33±20, p=0.03). Seven (14%) infants had bradycardias during incubator care and none during KMC, p=0.012.ConclusionsKMC improves cardiorespiratory stability in ventilated preterm infants. Regular KMC has the potential to improve clinical outcomes in this vulnerable cohort.
Algorithmic Aspects of Outer-Independent Double Roman Domination in Graphs
Authors: Sharma Amit , Reddy P. Venkata Subba , Arumugam S. , Kumar Jakkepalli Pavan 
Published: March 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be graph. For any function [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. The function [Formula: see text] is called an outer-independent double Roman dominating function (OIDRDF) if the following conditions are satisfied. (i) If [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] (ii) If [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] (iii) [Formula: see text] is independent. The outer-independent double Roman domination number of [Formula: see text] is defined by [Formula: see text] is an OIDRDF OF [Formula: see text]. We prove that the decision problem MOIDRDP, corresponding to [Formula: see text] is NP-complete for split graphs. We also show that it is linear time solvable for connected threshold graphs and bounded treewidth graphs. Finally, we show that the MOIDRDP and domination are not equivalent in computational complexity aspects.
COMPARISON OF POSTOPERATIVE QUALITY OF LIFE AND UTILITY VALUES FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY AND BIPOLAR HEMIARTHROPLASTY FOR OSTEONECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD
Authors: Kawagishi Masahiro , Kaku Nobuhiro , Tamura Yutaro , Hosoyama Tsuguaki , Tsumura Hiroshi 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The appropriate surgical procedure for Stage 3 osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate and compare postoperative quality of life (QOL) in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) for ONFH based on comprehensive and disease-specific scales using patient-directed questionnaires. Methods: We included 54 of 66 patients who underwent artificial joint replacement for ONFH more than 1 year ago at our hospital between April 2013 and September 2020. THA was performed for ONFH Stage 4 and BHA for Stage 3 or below. The mean postoperative observation period in the THA and BHA groups was 3.9 and 3.7 years, respectively. The Short-Form 6-Dimension measure was used to calculate utility values. Results: No significant differences in questionnaire results regarding disease-specific or comprehensive measures were observed after arthroplasty for ONFH between the THA and BHA groups. The utility values were 0.60 and 0.58 in the THA and BHA groups, respectively. Conclusion: The postoperative QOL was similar between patients who underwent THA for Stage 4 ONFH and BHA for Stage 3 ONFH. Therefore, THA or BHA can be performed on patients with ONFH after considering age, stage classification, and previous medical conditions.
On the structure of prime and semiprime rings with generalized skew derivations
Authors: Argaç Nurcan , De Filippis Vincenzo 
Published: March 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a ring of characteristic different from [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] fixed positive integers, [Formula: see text] a noncentral Lie ideal of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] a nonzero generalized skew derivation of [Formula: see text]. We prove the following results: (a) If [Formula: see text] is prime and there exists [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text] matrix ring over a field [Formula: see text]. (b) If [Formula: see text] is semiprime and [Formula: see text] then either [Formula: see text] centralizes a nonzero ideal of [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is a polynomial identity for [Formula: see text].